2 Weeks Old!

Jack is now 2 weeks old and we've taken over 1,000 pictures already! Scott thinks the poor little guy has flash burn! ;-) We are absolutely head over heels in love with this little man and feel so amazingly blessed that he is a part of our lives. We often find ourselves staring at him with amazement asking ourselves if he is really ours. He is just so perfect and too sweet that he can't possibly be ours... ;-) He is definitely a special gift from God and has filled our hearts and our home with tons of LOVE!!!

Here are few pics of our handsome little guy!!

Jack's First Christmas

It was a busy but fun holiday week for us! Of course we started off our week with the best Christmas present ever - little Jack being born on December 17th ;-) Christmas Eve we went to my parents for the day and went to Grandma Elsie's for Christmas Eve dinner where we got to meet cousins Clarissa and Jacob for the first time. Christmas Day was spent with Great Grandma Jackelen at Glenhaven. We all had lunch and Great Grandma Jackelen also sang Jack his Happy Birthday Song (see attached for the clip...so special!). Later that evening, Grandpa and Grandma Miller stopped in and brought supper. Grandma & Grandpa Jackelen, Auntie Kayla, and Adam, Anna, and Liam also stopped by. We also got a surpise visit by Santa Claus! My Dad dressed up for the occassion ;-). We had all of Scott's family over on the 26th for family Christmas party and Jack got in some great snuggle time with his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Our last party was held on January 3rd with my side of the family. Jack's first few weeks of being in our world has been nothing but "Party, Party, Party!" haha...he did pretty well, but it has been nice to have a few quiet days this week to just relax! ;-)

Introducing...Jack Daniel Miller

Our baby boy has finally arrived!! Little did we know that Jack was holding out for my birthday to make his debut! What an amazing birthday gift he was!! How special to be able to share our birthdays together for life! Scott is happy that he only has to remember one date! ;-) We love our sweet little boy to pieces and have been counting our blessings everyday.........because right now we have a MILLION of them!!!

Jack Daniel Miller
Born Friday, December 17th @ 10:32 p.m.
7 pounds 10 ounces, 20.5 inches

A Baby Story

It's 7:45 a.m. on Friday, December 17th and Scott and I are sitting in the waiting room waiting for our nurse to call us in. Finally we get checked in and I get hooked up on the monitor to see how my contractions are doing. They had dwindled off since the night before and in a 30 minute period, I only had one. Bummer...the gel wore off and I was going to have to get another dose.

When Dr. Hildebrandt came in, he started talking about what his plan was for me next week. He said he'd bring me in on Tuesday for an induction that would be more powerful than the gel. He said we'd try the gel again today and see what happens, but most likely it will dwindle off and he'd see me next Tuesday. I was so disappointed that he was going to make me wait another 4 days. He gave me the gel treatment and hooked me up to the monitors for an hour.

Contractions started immediately and were pretty intense. Dr. was going to send us home after our appointment, but then said we better stay around the Stillwater area because by that point, he changed his game plan and thought that he'd probably see us back that afternoon. When the doctor left the room I told Scott that I wasn't going to leave the hospital feeling like this. I could tell the contractions were much more fierce than they were the night before and there was no way I was going to be able to just hang out in Stillwater for the afternoon waiting for things to keep progressing. So, we decided to grab some lunch at the hospital's cafeteria. That didn't work out so well because my contractions were getting so close and hurt so bad that I couldn't even think about eating food.

As we left the cafeteria, I started getting another contraction in the hallway and had to sit down and do my breathing techniques to get through it. A nurse seen me in the hallway and asked if I needed a wheelchair...I told her I was having contractions and she said I better get up to the birthing center. So, she brought us a wheelchair and Scott wheeled me up there...this was about 11:00 a.m.

The nurses got me a room and had me change into a gown and one of the first things they asked me was what kind of pain medication I wanted. Jokingly, I told them I wanted an epidural. Little did I know that they would actually give it to me that soon! Sweet! About an hour later, the anesthesiologist came in and gave me the epidural. While he was doing the procedure on me, I had a contraction, and he told me that would be the last one I'd feel! I totally didn't believe him, but I laid back down and the nurse told me I was having a huge contraction....I couldn't believe it because I didn't feel a thing! WOW...this was like heaven!! Amazing!!

Soon afterwards Dr. Hildebrandt came and visited me. He told me he was planning on me having this baby today so he'd be born on my birthday...all the nurses agreed! So, that was our game plan the rest of the day...to keep things going so he's born before midnight! A few hours went by and my contractions started to slow down...the gel was wearing off again. Luckily, I was dilated to 3 at that time, so they could give me pitosin to get things rolling faster. It was a slow process, but during this time, I was so relaxed that I took a nap, watched TV, and even had my family in the room for a bit, all the while I was having hard contractions that I didn't even feel!

Things really started to kick into gear after 8:00 p.m. and each time they checked me they said they could feel the baby's head! At this point things were definitely looking good for Jack being born before midnight! By about 9:50 p.m., the nurse said I was dilated enough to start pushing. This was a really exciting moment!! Scott and I both looked at each other and said "are you ready for this?!?" Here we go! The first push we could already see baby's head, and by the third push he was already crowning. I had to stay in that position until the doctor came. The nurse told me that if I didn't have the epidural that staying in that position would have hurt really bad.

About 5 minutes later, Dr. Hildebrandt showed up and I pushed a few more times and out came his head...another push and there he was!! It was amazing...they put him on my chest and Scott cut the umbilical cord. Jack didn't even cry at all...he just had his eyes wide open and stared at me and Scott. It was an amazing moment I'll never forget it!

Congratulations to Jesse & Lacey Buhr!!!!

IT'S A GIRL!

Congrats to Jesse & Lacey Buhr on the new addition to their family!!

Clarissa Mae Buhr
Born December 15th @ 3:19 a.m.
8 lbs. 5 oz. 21 in.

Two down, one to go!! ;-) C'mon Jack...it's your turn now!! ;-)

41 Weeks, 3 days Appointment

Well, not much progress made today. Still haven't dilated. Doc gave me another dose of gel and monitored my contractions. We are scheduled to go in again tomorrow for more gel at 8:45 a.m. Doctor said usually by the third dose patients start seeing some action...so we are crossing our fingers!! We also scheduled two appointments for Friday to get two more doses of gel if we don't see any progress. But hopefully we won't need the two other appointments on Friday. Scott and I think the earliest things will start happening is probably Thursday night. We are both thinking that Jack is just holding off until my b-day on Friday! Which would be sooo awesome! I would love it if that happened...how special!!!

As of today, the doc said worst case scenario is if nothing happens Friday or over the weekend, he will admit me to the hospital on Tuesday for a more intense induction that requires me to be monitored. He said a c-section will be our last resort but he won't let me go any farther than 42.5 weeks (which would be next Wed the 22nd). UGH...seems so long away....hopefully I won't need to worry about any of that!

So far tonight I've been recording my contractions....They have been ranging from 20 minutes to 7 minutes apart. So we are all over the board! The last few I've had are starting to get a little more uncomfortable, but not really painful at all.

We are praying for some progress tomorrow ;-)

41 Week Appointment

Today I had my 41 week appointment. I haven't dilated yet, but am about 90% effaced. The doctor induced me with Gel and hooked me up to the monitors to watch my contractions and Jack's heartbeat. I had a few contractions, but they weren't painful at all and were not consistent. So, he sent us home and is having us come back tomorrow for another dose of Gel at 10:45 a.m. He may give me 2 doses of gel if time allows. We will probably do this the next two days until I begin to dilate. This is all we can do at this point to help things progress. Before he is able to break my water or give me patosin to help speed things up, my cervix needs to be dilated, and that is the part I'm missing. If I don't end up dilating at all with the gel, we will schedule a c-section for early next week!

So far tonight, I'm still feeling great - I've started having more consistent contractions that have been about 10-15 minutes apart, but they don't hurt at all....my stomach just gets really hard and tight for about a minute and then it goes away. This has to be the start of something!

My mom and I were talking and she said this is the same exact situation she was in with me 28 years ago!! My mom's due date with me was around December 5th and I was not born until December 17th, so I could be on the same exact schedule! Jack just might be waiting a few more days to give me one of the most amazing birthday presents ever!

I'll keep you posted on tomorrow's appointment!

Dr. Appointment Update - 40 Weeks 2 days

It's 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday morning and I can't sleep!! So, I figured I'd get on the computer and fill you all in on my appointment yesterday. It went well, except that I haven't really progressed any! Doc says I'm continuing to soften and thin, but no dilating. I thought he'd be able to strip my membranes today, but he couldn't even do that because I haven't dilated. Bummer!

If nothing happens between now and my next appointment, I will go in next Tuesday morning to be induced with prostaglandin gel. He said to come to the appointment with my bags packed! So, we should for sure have Jack in our arms by next week - I'm thinking December 15th will be his birth date....but who knows, he might end up being my birthday present on the 17th, or his Grandma Dellene's birthday present on the 18th! Hopefully we get to meet him next week at some point!

Oh...and here's a scary thought - Doc said yesterday that he now thinks Jack's about 8 pounds!! ahhh!! That scares the crap out of me. He said it was just a guess, and that it could just seem that way due to water fluctuation. My belly measured the same as last week - 38 centimeters, so who knows! I liked it better last week when he estimated 6 pounds!

Scott's last day of work is today (he doesn't go back until January 3rd), so it will be nice to have the next few days to ourselves as it won't be just the two of us for too much longer! I am also so happy that he'll be able to be home with Jack and I those first few weeks after he's born...that will be so wonderful.

I hope to share more exciting news soon! Stay tuned! ;-)

40 Weeks!

My Bump at 40 Weeks

How far along? 40 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I've gained about 27 pounds

Maternity clothes? I've been off of work for two weeks now, so my attire has been PJ pants and long sleeved knits since I've just been sitting at home. Although, yesterday I broke out my skinny jeans and high heels when Scott took me out to eat and to a movie! I love dressing up!!

Sleep: Sleeping has been the most uncomfortable experience these past few weeks. It's so hard to turn from side to side with my big belly....it's hard work!! Not to mention having to get up to go to the bathroom a couple times a night too! It also doesn't help that Chloe wants to be right smack in the middle of me and Scott...so there's not a whole lot of room! haha!

Best moment: I've really enjoyed these past two weeks being off of work. I just needed this time to myself to get mentally prepared. The house is now clean, organized, ready for Christmas, and ready for Jack! I've also enjoyed this time off so I could finish reading my books on what to expect when Jack is born. My mind is now at ease and I don't feel as stressed as I did when I was working. These past two weeks were well needed and I feel so much more prepared!! Thank you God for giving me this time to myself!

Movement: Jack's moves have slowed down, but he still loves to dance when he has the energy!

Food cravings: None

Morning sickness: I've been lucky - none at all!!

Mood Changes: Just nerves and anxiety.

Aches & Pains: I've had weird cramps and pains down below, but it's all due to my body getting ready for Jack's departure. ;-)

Belly Button in or out? I'm pretty sure the turkey is done...my belly button totally sticks out!

Stretch Marks? I am happy to report - no stretch marks!!! Yay! Cocoa Butter had to have been the trick!

What I miss: I admit I will be missing my baby bump. I ordered the Belly Bandit which is supposed to help your hips and belly get back into shape quickly after birth. So I'm planning to use that, but it is kinda sad that I'll no longer have a bump. I know I will miss it!!

What I am looking forward to: There is so much to look forward to! I cannot wait till the day I get to see my baby boy for the first time and hold him in my arms. I will probably cry! He's our little gift from God. I can't wait for the many days ahead where I can sit and hold him all day long in the warmth while its so cold outside. We won't even have to leave the house! I will just stare at him all day long and will be so amazed that I grew him inside of me! It's going to be an amazing experience! I can't wait!!

39 Week Dr. Appointment

Our appointment went good this afternoon....looks like Jack wants to stay inside another week or at least through the weekend. My cervix has continued to soften and thin, but I haven't dilated yet. My belly measured 38 centimeters, and Jack's heartbeat was around 130 bpm. The doc thinks Jack is about 6 pounds right now and said he'd probably be about 7 pounds by the time he's born.

I am feeling pretty good - been having cramps and a backache the past few days - the doc says that is a good thing and completely normal. I've also been having contractions (whether they are braxton hicks or the real thing, we don't really know), but I've been experiencing them about two times in an hour. The doc also says this is also good thing! So, overall, things are progressing, but at a slow pace - hopefully I'll have more progress by next week's appointment!

Stay tuned!

Love,
Monica

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The turkey's not done yet!! Still cooking!

When I ask myself what I'm thankful for this year, of course one of the first things that pop in my head is my sweet little JACK! My pregnancy with Jack has been a breeze so far with no major discomforts...but of course I don't want to speak too soon because it's not completely over yet!! Jack appears to be as healthy as can be - and that is a huge blessing in itself! We thank God everyday for that and consider ourselves lucky! We are patiently awaiting his arrival which could be any day now!! But we'll let him keep cooking until he's ready! ;-)

I am also very thankful for my supportive, loving husband who has been putting up with me these past 9 months - helping with house chores, lifting heavy things for me, changing my toenail polish, putting my socks on because I can't bend over, heating up my oatmeal in the mornings, attending all my Dr. appointments with me (even though the doc makes fun of him for that!! Haha!) and the list could go on and on. I know he will be an amazing Dad to Jack and will certainly make this a team effort! I asked him the other day if he was nervous or scared at all....he said "nah...I'm ready for it!" I'm so thankful for Scott's calm, easy going, confident nature because it helps relieve my worries and nerves! I think we counter balance each other so nicely!!

My last two appointments have went very well. As of last week, I have not dilated yet, but my cervix is continuing to soften. I haven't had any real different feelings since my 37 week appointment, so the doctor didn't check me this last Tuesday at my 38 week appointment. He said he'd check me at my 39 week appointment, which is scheduled for next Tuesday. Doc also said no traveling for Thanksgiving and to stay put close to home just in case something were to happen...so, Scott and I are missing out on Thanksgiving at Wausau at Kari & Nevin's. Instead, we are going to go to my mom and dad's for Thanksgiving supper tonight.

It's hard to believe that my due date is a little over a week away! I will keep you posted on my 39 week appointment next Tuesday!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe travels!

xoxo,
Monica

Congratulations to Greg & Katrina Chovan!

IT'S A BOY!
Congrats to Greg, Katrina, Jenna and Jill on the new addition to their family!!

Jacob (not sure what his middle name is)
Born Monday, November 22nd
8 lbs. 8 oz.
21.5 in. long

****************

One down, two to go!! Who will be next? Lacey or Monica?

Baby Shower!

Last Sunday, my fabulous sisters-in-law, Kari and Katrina, threw me and baby Jack a lovely baby shower! It was a "rubber ducky" theme and it turned out so cute! Check out the cake below!! They are so creative. The shower was wonderful and we received many great gifts! I think we are now pretty well set for Baby Jack to enter the world!!

A special thanks to Katrina for opening up her home for the shower ;-)

Me with the Hosts, Katrina and Kari

The super cute cake!

Snap Shots from the Shower

(Click to view larger)

All the Pregos!!

Alessiah, Lacey, Me, Katrina, Kari, and Krista

Maternity Photo Shoot

We had our Maternity Photo Shoot done by Photos by Lissa a few weeks ago....I posted a sneak peek a few days afterwards for you all to view. The pics are now all finished.....Here are a few of my faves!

To see all of them follow these steps:
1. www.photosbylissa.com
2. Click "Website"
3. Click Client Viewing
4. Enter Password: monica

36 Week Photo Shoot

My mom and sister Gina came over last night and we took a few pictures....enjoy!

36 Week Dr. Appt.

I had my 36 week Dr. Appointment this afternoon and all looked good! Jack was very active during our appointment and showed off his moves to the nurse while she was listening to his heartbeat! She told us he was quite an active little boy - and that was a very good thing!! His heartbeat was skipping all over from 120 to 140 bpm...so, she just averaged it out at 130 bpm. My belly measured 34 centimeters.

The doc told me my cervix has softened and I am making good progress. He said with most women their cervix is still hard at this point, so I'm ahead of the game. He said I should plan on being pregnant another 2 weeks for sure...from that point it is up in the air, but I could go a week or so early.

My next appointment is next Tuesday...stay tuned!! ;-)

P.S. Thanks everyone for voting on middle names! It's helping us make a decision!!

Tid Bits from Jack's Room

Here are a few things you will find in Jack's Room!

His cute little jeans

Rocking Chair with Mr. Elephant

A few piggy banks and a picture of himself

His trendy pacifiers

A drawer full of onsies

A closet full of clothes!

Another Cute Chloe Moment...

Look where I found Chloe tonight!! I started packing a suitcase for the hospital...the suitcase is in Jack's room....I found her all curled up laying in it! I think this means she wants to come with to the hospital when it's time...hahaha!

The Story of Baby Jesus' Birth

With Jack's due date being so close to Christmas, I often think about the birth of Jesus and what a magical time of year it is. Christmas will be extra special for us this year....what a beautiful time of year to welcome our first newborn son!

The Story of Baby Jesus' Birth

Mary was a young lady who loved God very much. Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter, he worked with wood to build things. Joseph loved God very much too. God choose Mary and Joseph to be very special parents to a baby that would be our Lord and Saviour, the King of all Kings.

God sent the Angel Gabriel to tell Mary the special news. The Angel said "Greetings, you are highly favored! The Lord is with you." The Angel could tell that Mary was troubled. "Mary, Do not be afraid," Gabriel said, "I bring you Good News. God has chosen you to be the Mother to the Son of God, and you shall name him "Jesus". Mary was surprised, and asked "How can that be? I am not married yet." The Angel said "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." Mary replied, "I love God with all my heart. I will do whatever he asks."

Mary went to stay with her cousin, Elizabeth, who was also pregnant with child. When Joseph found out that Mary was with child he was concerned because he knew that the child was not his. Joseph and Mary had not married yet. As Joseph was considering what to do, an Angel appeared to him in his dream.

The Angel said "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

The emperor of the country, Caesar Augustus, ordered everyone to go to their family's hometown to be listed for tax records. Joseph was from the family of David. So he and Mary had to go to the city of Bethlehem. Mary rode on a donkey, and Joseph walked along at her side. The trip was very hard, especially for Mary, because she was about to have her baby. When they arrived at Bethlehem it was very crowded, and they could not find any place to sleep. All the rooms at the Inn's were full.

Joseph went from Inn to Inn searching for a place for his tired wife to sleep. But there was no place to be found. Finally a kind Inn Keeper saw that Mary was great with child, and having compassion for the couple he told Joseph that they could stay in the Stable, with his animals. Joseph thanked the Inn Keeper and took Mary and the donkey to the Stable. That night Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus in the Stable. There was no bed for baby Jesus, so his mother wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

Chloe found a New Bed!

The other night I was about to head to bed and was looking for Chloe...Looked all over, and found her sleeping in Jack's room on his Little Lamb Infant Seat! I couldn't help myself but laugh but I tried to keep quiet and ran and got the camera and snapped a picture! Too cute not to share!!!

Update - 34 Week Dr. Appointment

My 34 week Dr. Appointment was on last Tuesday and it went very well. Jack's heartbeat was around 135 bpm, and my belly measured about 33 centimeters. Dr. Hildebrandt told me that I was right on track and that if I can make it another week and a half I will be good to go! It's crazy to think that I could have Jack in my arms that soon already! Most likely it won't be that soon, but it's crazy to think that it could happen! My next appointment is on Tuesday, November 9. Dr. is going to check me at that point to see if I've made any progress.

I have also noticed over the weekend that Jack has dropped!! I can finally eat and feel comfortable again...and I'm feeling a lot of pressure "down there" along with an occasional tingly shooting pain feeling. Things are definitely progressing, but I will know more at my Dr. Appointment next Tuesday! I will try and post a picture of my belly too....I feel like I look like an alien! LOL!

At home I've been doing a lot of cleaning and decorating (that is an understatement!)....this whole nesting thing has certainly gotten the best of me! I don't know what it is, but I just feel like I need the house looking perfect! We hung up some empty picture frames on our staircase wall...it looks really neat and professional!! I can't wait to fill them up with pictures of my sweet little boy!

I only have 12 days left of work, so it's been crazy trying to organize my projects and start handing things off to the person who is going to take over my projects while I'm out. I'm definitely looking forward to my time off though...hopefully I'll get our Christmas tree up and the rest of my Christmas shopping done before Jack decides to enter the world!

Lots to look forward too in the next few weeks!! Stay tuned! ;-)

My Maternity Photo Shoot

Here's a sneak peek at a few of the photos we had taken at our Maternity Photo Shoot. More to come!!