2 of my Favorite Blogs

And I have never met either of them. You will be blessed by their blogs:

Kelly's Korner

and

Bring The Rain.

Head on over and check them both out...Especially today because I LOVED both of their posts from today!!!

Oh great... One More Thing I am Saving For...

OMG-Look how cute these are!!!! Ahhhhh.... HAVE TO HAVE THESE A.S.A.P!!!!!!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things.....Part 3 of 4

Here are a few more items that we have received as gifts that I am just loving:

1. Angel Care Monitor: I know that my mom and my grandma and generations before me survived perfectly without this luxury item, but I am very thankful that we have this item:This was a very special gift from a very special friend. She has an amazing story as does her sister. Bethany walked in on her nephew during his nap last December and found him not breathing. To make a long story short, he ended up passing away as a baby in July. You can read an amazing testimony on Lydia's blog.

Because of her story, she is passionate about this baby item. It detects movement and sound. It can detect if the baby stops breathing and then a little alarm goes off. We have already used it and absolutely love it and it gives us such a peace at night. I have not worried for one second since we have brought her home. That is highly because of the Lord and some baby items that help give me a peace.

2. Video Monitor: We actually registered for a cheaper, simple video monitor, and we received it as a gift, but it did not work in our house. Adelyn's room is too far away from our room so it did not pick up the signal. So, I had to go back to Babies-R-Us and exchange it for one with a greater distance so it would work. We got this one:

and I am in love with it. It has PERFECT quality and is a color screen which is not a big deal, it is just crazy how clear everything is. This just helps us in knowing we can look at her at any time and know she is safe!

3. Medela Breast Pump: Once again, I am sure I am repeating myself, but two things: #1. There are a ton of amazing breast pumps. There is not a right one and a wrong one. When I was reading that girl's blog about what to register for, I saw the word "Medela" a million times. So, I registered for it and several families at our church went in on it together and purchased it for us. I can not compare it with another breastpump as this is the only one I have ever used, but I am IN LOVE with it. It is the EASIEST thing ever. It does not hurt. It is SOOOO FAST! Also #2, I would rather purchase one incredible breastpump and use it for every single child that I have because the quality is amazing and it is a great item, then buy a cheap product and have to replace it at each child's birth. I hope I am not trying to justify it when I say that I think it is cheaper in the long run to just buy one great item instead of having to purchase several cheap items because it keeps on breaking. Anyone with me on this?

4. Lamaze toys: I had NEVER heard about these toys, but my friend was telling me about them and they are incredible for helping your child developmentally. These toys have an entire philosophy as to why their toys are the way they are. You can read about it here. These are really for Adelyn when she gets older, but we have some now so when we have play date at our house the other babies can play with them! How fun!
5. Bumbo: I forgot to register for one of these, but someone gave one to us as a gift, so it worked out perfectly. Adelyn is too tiny to use it now, but all my neices used it a million times. Almost every parent I have talked to LOVES these things.

Okay, there are my 5 items for today! I will be wrapping it up tomorrow. I really hope this helps anyone pregnant or thinking about it!!

So I have a hilarious story...

I promise not every post will be about babies but for right now it is... I will write more on lots of other things!!!

But I have a funny story I have to share with you. It might be one of those "you-had-to-be-there" moments, but I will try to make it funny in writing:

We had some professional pictures taken and the photographer asked Colby was his daughter's name was he said, "Adelyn" and the photographer said "okay Madeline, look up here, look at the camera..."

I was like "uhh sir, her name is not Madeline, it's Adelyn."

And Colby said "it's okay, Madeline will work."

WHAT???????

Madeline will work??? Umm, NO, Madeline will NOT work. Her name is NOT Madeline. It is Adelyn.

Is that not hilarious... He just didn't want to make the man feel bad about calling her the wrong name. Oh, Colby, please call her Adelyn.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things.....Part 2 of 4

Okay, here are 5 more items I have found highly valuable and I think are great to register for!!!

6. Chicco Travel System.... This sweet thing came from parents!!! It came with the car seat and stroller and is AMAZING!! There are so many different brands that are incredible. I just heard amazing things about Chicco and volunteer in the church nursery and constantly saw Chicco and talked to moms about it. It is worth every penny.

Here is my theory: we are "planning" on having a large family so I just want to buy a really amazing item ONE time and use it for ALL our kids. I tried to get more neutral colored items so it can be used for a boy or a girl. I got the green color so for Adelyn it can be pink and green and then if we have a boy it can be green and brown or whatever other boy color. 7. Chicco High-Chair- Uncle Brett bought sweet Adelyn this high chair! What a HUGE blessing. Adelyn can not use it yet but Troy and Lex have found some great use for it! Once again, we decided to register for a neutral color so we can use it for years and years and years with boys or girls... You might see us on TLC in a few years because of how many kids we will have!! haha I am kind of kidding, kind of not!
8. Boppy- This is amazing for several different reasons:

1. Baby can sleep in it or hang out in it.

2. Amazing for nursing. I wrap it around my stomach (it makes me feel like I am going swimming and wearing a floatie/floaty). And it helps hold her and makes it easy for me.

3. I have a ton of kids and neices/nephew that come over and it helps the children get to hold the baby and be safe!
9. Bouncy Seat---Adelyn loves this. It vibrates and plays music and has little toys that hang on it. This is awesome because it is small and very easily portable. I move this all over the house wherever I am at. I put it in the bathroom and take a shower and get ready. I put it in the kitchen while I am making lunch/dinner. I put it in another room where I am working. It will be great for vacations!!
10. Nursing Tank Top: I did not register for this, but I bought it. Colby's cousin, Lizzie, is the one that told me about it. It is amazing (As is everything I am blogging about). It has little clips at the very top of the tank that simply detach and you fold down to nurse. It covers your whole stomach and your other boob (can you write boob on a blog? don't be offended, please). It is SO modest and amazing. And it has a built in bra, so you don't really have to wear one. It is sooo comfy and sooo cheap. I wear mine ALL THE TIME!

Okay, that is all for today! I hope you are enjoying what I LOVE and find very valuable... I am sure other people have great advice and will tell you other stuff, so just listen to everyone and do what is the best FOR YOU!!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things.....Part 1 of 4

I have been asked frequently, "how did you know what to register for?" And the truth is, I did not have a clue. If you have ever walked into Babies-R-Us, it can be quite overwhelming. You want to register for a bottle and there are like 15 different brands. Seriously? Why? How do you choose?

Well, I was reading one girls blog that I have no idea who she is and she really helped me. She posted a blog saying she did not want to read books or search the internet for what to register for. She wanted to hear from "real-life moms" to tell her what is the most important thing to have and invest your money in, and what is the biggest waste of money. There were over 300 comments. So one day (don't judge me for doing this), I printed off all 300 comments and read through all of them. I then proceeded to make an excel spreadsheet with 3 different columns: 1. Items I have to register for. 2. Items that are a big waste of money. 3. Items I need to do research on and evaluate and see if I want to register for them.

This helped me in a huge way. For instance, I would say 75% of the comments mentioned Dr. Browns bottles (not that they are the very best and you have to have them and if you don't you are a bad mom...but they just mentioned them a lot). Also, when it came to pacifiers, I saw the word NUK a lot...so I wrote that down....

Now, I would like to share all that I learned and pass it along to my pregnant friends so that this might help you when it comes to registering.....These are simply suggestions and items that have already proved valuable. Other moms, please comment and put your input and must-haves and waste of money items. This will help my pregnant friends!!

I will post items for a couple of days so I don't have one GINORMOUS post.... Is that even how you spell ginormous!?! who knows... Okay on to baby items:

1. Pack-n-Play with Bassinet and changing table.... Wow, this makes sleeping rather enjoyable. We have this right next to our bed in our room. She sleeps in the bassinet at night and the changing pad is right there. So I am laying in bed, pick her up in the middle of the night to eat, change her diaper and put her back to sleep all within inches of me... It is GLORIOUS!! They have different brands and styles. Find what matches your decor or style and budget and register for one! And keep in mind you will have it through a lot of different ages.....Oh yeah, the bassinet has a light on it, music, and it vibrates... Adelyn LOVES going to sleep in here!2. A Swing. Swings have come a long way in the past couple of years. We actually registered for a cheaper, different swing and one of my sweet friend's mom surprised me one day and took me to Babies-R-Us and said she wanted to buy our swing. I showed her the one I registered, but as a well-advanced mommy, she said I had to have this one! lol. It is unreal!! It can swing from left to right or from back to front. There are different sounds or music to choose from. There is a rotating thing above her with toys on it. Adelyn LOVES being in her swing! Thank you Shelby and Michelle!

3. A Sling. I actually had no desire to get a sling, until I went to my friends house. She asked if I had a sling and I said no and she thought that was weird. She loved hers and showed it to me and showed me how it works and then I fell in love. I had a coupon and gift card to Babies-R-Us and went and bought it that next day! Adelyn LOVES this. And I love it. I actually miss being pregnant, so it kind of reminds me of that. lol. And she curls up in it just like she was in the womb. And I can clean the whole house and do things with my hands because I am not holding her.
4. Two Different Burts Bees Products: Mama Bee Belly Butter and Therapeutic Bath Crystals.
OH MY WORD!!! Ladies----PAMPER YOURSELF!!! I got these two items as a gift and I think it is the BEST gift and the WORST gift. IT is the best because I am obsessed with it. It is the WORST because now I have to stay stocked up and buy it continually because I am in love with it so much.

I put on the Belly Butter at least once a day. It is smooth, and not sticky and smells good. I would say the majority of those "anti-stretch mark creams" are disgusting. I think they smell nasty, feel nasty on your body etc..... This lotion is AMAZING!! I did not get any stretch marks and I am sure its not only because of the lotion (eating patterns, work-out regimens, genetics, metabolism all play a part), but I think this lotion definitely helped in not getting any.

The Therapeutic Bath Crystals are INCREDIBLE!! You put 1 tablespoon in your bath with you and it makes it SMELL AMAZING and you come out feeling like silk. It soothes and refreshes your tired, achy body. Oh my goodness I want to go take a bath right now just thinking about it!
5. A Nursing Cover: I got this from a sweet friend, Whitney. It has already proven much needed, unless you're okay with letting it all hang out. We have had a ton of visitors...When boys are over I am always in my room with the door shut. If it is just girls, I feel comfortable just sitting on the couch watching a movie or talking and just use it for modesty purposes. (I tend to fall asleep while I am nursing, so sorry I am sleeping in the pic, lol). It comes in handy if you happen to be out and about and have to take care of business. I think it is safe to say that while you are the mall, no one wants to see it, so keep it hidden!
Okay, there are my first 5 items for the day. I will do 5 more tomorrow and each day until I am done talking about some INCREDIBLE items that I recommend registering for! Hope this helps you a little bit. Please know, that you do not HAVE to have these items to be a better parent....They just help make things easier! Other mommys, please tell me some of your favorite must haves!!!

3 Things I Am Saving For...

Okay, I have a few things that I have found that I LOVE and must have!!!! I have started a secret "Cash Stash" envelope where I will be saving until I reach the amount it costs. Please check out these amazing things:
The above picture is called Beaba Baby Cook from Williams-Sonoma. It is a must have!!! I plan on making all of Adelyn's baby food homemade. I have read about it and heard some amazing stories. And in the long run, you save SOOOOO much money!!!! The baby cook is a compact countertop appliance and multitasks as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits, meat and fish in less than 15 minutes, preserving their vitamins and flavors, then purees or blends them to your desired consistency. Is that not AMAZING!! Oh I can not wait to have this in my kitchen!!

Next is this:

I was at No Regrets in Casady Square today and saw this and HAD to have it! (I really don't need it until Adelyn is in pre-k.....but you can never purchase something too early, right? It is called "Introducing School Years" by momAgenda. My sister-in-law has their planner and LOVES it. I would love their planner too, but its kind of expensive. I am a huge "journaler" and "scrapbooker" so this is precious to me. And my mom had something very similar for me when I was a little girl, so that is special too! Can not wait to have this!

Okay, this might be lame, but let's get honest. I need some fresh lo-lights/hi-lights/something. It has been WAY TOO long since I have put any color in my hair. There is something about fresh color that makes a girl feel good. amen? I go to Salan Envy (Shout out to Sarah Thompson, best hair stylist in the world). And I am going to save up then make an appointment. Can not wait!!
What is one thing you are saving for?? Can't wait to hear from you!

I Don't Have It All Together

Let's get honest about one thing: I do NOT have it all together. I am FAR (VERY FAR) from it. However, in these last 9 days I have been asked one question over and over and over again, "How are you doing it?"

These past 9 days have been the best days of my entire life. And honestly, they have been EXTREMELY easy, but I don't think it has anything to do with me and what I am doing. Some babies are just easy. I was talking to my sister-in-law and she said her first was real easy but #2 was a nightmare (sorry Gracie :)) I keep on saying that Adelyn has set some really high standards for my future babies because of how easy she is.

I mean really, it is not possible for a 24 year old to know what she's doing as a first time mom. All you "older" ladies reading my blog can testify to that I am sure. How much more do you know now then when you had your first baby? I have SO much to learn. I will look back and think "what was I thinking?" However, there are a few things I want to share that I think have helped me in this process and I recommend doing. It is not "the answer" to have a great baby and pregnancy and labor and delivery, but I think it has definitely helped.

In no specific order, here are some random thoughts I have had regarding mommyhood.:

1. I listened. I LOVE hearing from other other moms. I love hearing their stories. What their pregnancy was like. What their L&D was like. What their baby was like. I have heard great stories. I have heard not so great stories. I have heard stories that scared my butt off I did not ever want to have a baby. I heard them all. And there is not a "right" story or a "wrong" story, it is just "our" story. They are all different and that's the beauty of it. It just kind of helped me prepare.

2. I read. Oh girl, did I read. My friends make fun of me because I love reading blogs. And usually they are not my friends blogs. They are girls in other states that I have no idea who they are or how I found them, but I love them. And I love the Library. I know, I'm crazy. I can't tell you how many times I went to the library and checked out pregnancy books, labor and delivery books, etc. I just wanted to read anything and everything and different view points and different articles etc.

3. I thought realisticly and journaled about things. For instance, one day while I was still pregnant, I sat at my kitchen table with God and my journal and got real. I journaled my thoughts, worries, concerns, etc. I journaled about getting real about my post-baby body. I knew I would not have my pre-baby body back, and that's okay. I knew I was going to look pregnant for a few weeks or months, and thats okay. I knew I would have to wait to get back to the gym and take it easy. I knew it was going to be hard work, but so worth.

I journaled about nursing. I have never nursed in my life, like I have a clue what I am doing. This is one area where I heard the most horror stories. I journaled about how it was going to be hard. I might crack, bleed, etc, and that is normal and fine. I heard about being engorged and being in pain. I journaled about persevering and not giving up when it was really hard. The very first time I nursed was when she was like 30 minutes old and she did not want anything to do with it. She did not latch on at all. I tried like 4 times and she did not want to do it. My nurse recommended a nipple shield and I had heard about it and had no problem trying it. I used it and she immediately latched on and everything went perfect. I loved the nipple shield and planned on using it forever because it worked so good. Well, one day I was out running errands and we stopped by a friends house and I needed to nurse but I forget my nipple shield at home. I started freaking out. I was like "oh my gosh she is not going to be able to nurse and I have to feed her right now, ahh what do I do." Well I just put her up on it and she immediately latched on and I have never used the nipple shield once since then. Nursing has actually been a breeze.

As far as soreness and crackedness goes, I have never had an issue (yet) and I might give credit to one thing. I got the Lansinoh Lanolin as a shower present while I was pregnant and I started putting it on while I was pregnant. I put it on the morning and the evening every day until I had her and now I use it every time I am done nursing. I don't know if that's a reason, but it's worth trying.

4. I stayed physically active. I think this is a HUGE thing and a reason I am the way that I am. I worked out consistently the entire 40 weeks I was pregnant. I was at the gym running on the treadmill the week I had Adelyn. My speed and distance definitely decreased in a huge way, but I was staying active. I went swimming like 2 times a week (and I floated in the water because my belly was so big--another story for another time). I would life weights. I would walk around my neighborhood.

People looked at me like I was a crazy person when they saw my belly running. Don't worry, I had a million conversations with my doctor about this. She said, "Amanda, your body will tell you what you can do. If you can't run, your body will tell you. Listen to your body."

As far as post-partum healing and recovery, I am pretty much fully healed. I don't need to wear pads anymore (sorry if there are men reading this, just being honest). I have been running 2 times already (with doctors approval). I have more energy that I have ever had in my life. I am happier than ever. My body is smaller then before I got pregnant (thanks to nursing--I am sure it will be coming back, no worries). If you are pregnant or thinking about being pregnant, by biggest advice is to stay active. There were days Colby had to drag me to the gym, I did not want to be there, but oh it felt so good to leave. I mean really, have you ever left the gym thinking "ugh, why did I just do that?" No. It is so hard to get there, but feels so good when you leave.

5. I prayed. a lot. And so did a lot of family and friends. If you read Becca's blog, you saw how she commited the entire month of March to pray for me. Huge blessing. I can not do this without relying on God. I have to trust Him and give my worries and concerns to Him. He has given me a peace about all things. I have placed Adelyn in His hands and trusting what He is going to do with her life.

Oh girls, every day is a new learning experience. If you are a mom, will you please leave a comment with mommy advice. I love learning new things! I need all the help I can get!

Introducing my new obsession...(and it's not my daughter)

My daughter is definitely my first obsession, but I have a new one.

It is an incredible woman that is a new christian artist. You have got to check her out. I have not stopped listening to her new album. It is on my i-tunes at ALL times. I can not listen to her songs without raising my hands in the air and worshiping God. She is unbelievable. I kind of want to be friends with her. If anyone knows her could you introduce me? Thanks.

Her name is Kari Jobe. You have got to watch this. You will fall in love. promise.

(here is the link in case it does not work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaK7MfqIWCE)

Adelyn's First Pediatrician Appointment

Today (Tuesday) was Adelyn's first pediatrician appointment. My amazing sister-in-law referred me to the BEST pediatrician in town: Dr. Simmons at Mercy Santa Fe. Turns out, he was Aunt Becca's pediatrician when she was a baby. Crazy, huh? I was kind of nervous about finding a pediatrician that I liked and that would be great for Adelyn. Well, no need for me to worry any longer. We are in great hands!

Her stats today at 8 days old were:
weight: 7 lbs (20%)
height: 20 inches (54%)
head circumference: 14 (55%)

Arriving the pediatricians office:

Adelyn with Dr. Simmons. She did so great the entire appointment.

1 Week Old Today!

Adelyn is one week old today. Our sweet friends Amy and Aaron came over and brought us the best homemade meal with homemade apple pie for dessert (the best apple pie ever by the way).

We celebrated Addie's birthday with Birthday Pie! She was real happy!

As you can tell from how many posts I have posted, we have had the BEST WEEK EVER! It has been the best week of my life. Being a mommy is everything to me. I love everything! I am so blessed and excited for each new season. I have not stopped smiling since she was born.

Never let it end, God. Never let it end.

Adelyn's First Play Date

What a fun day today! Me and a group of girls met and had all our babies play together. It was SO much fun. It was great to just talk to other moms about everything that comes with being a mommy. Sure does help me feel "normal."

Here is Adelyn with her friends: Blakely, Tristan, Canon, and FinleyAll the mommies with their babies!!! Sweet, sweet baby!

Adelyn's First Day at Church

Today was Adelyn's first day at church and she was AMAZING.

From 9:30-10:30, I normally teach a Sunday School class for JR and SR girls called "College Bound on Solid Ground." I still taught it today, we just passed little Adelyn around. Don't worry, I brought plenty of hand sanitizer. :) She was so great! I fed her in the middle of the group and had a friend take over while I was gone.

Then from 10:45-11:45, we went to the actual service of church. Since she was well fed she was content and quiet the whole time....with 2 exceptions: she tooted SO LOUD two times. And one of the toots was in the middle of the prayer when it was silent. Colby and I did laugh a little bit. I think God was smiling!

All the songs we sang were all about the faithfulness of God and how perfect and incredible He is. I could not help but cry out of pure thankfulness. Then I got mad that I was crying because I thought everyone was thinking I was having a hard time with postpartum stuff. But really I was just praising the perfect God that created Adelyn and brought her to this world. He made every detail on her body. He created and formed her. He is so perfect and worthy to be praised.

Here is our group:Adelyn with her first bible. It is pink and green paisley that matches her room! :)

I LOVE this picture. Adelyn is laying on my friends lap and just put her arms in the air. I think she was totally worshiping God right with mommy and daddy. It was so precious! I had to sneak out my phone and take a picture!

"You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
-Psalm 139

God's Plan. My Story.

Today, Saturday March 21st, was my "official" due date. My sweet little angel came 5 days early on Monday March 16th. I was definitely not expecting her to come early, but think the timing could not have been in any better. Since I have been home and having visitors, I have had a lot of questions. I thought, today seems like a great day to recap everything that happened on that wonderful, long Monday. I will do it FAQ style and even incorporate some pictures (in no particular order)!

(disclaimer: I will not be graphic, but I will be open about my story and all that comes with labor and delivery. This might be a long post.)

This was God's plan. It is now my story:

1. How did you know it was time to go to the hospital?
I have a story that goes along with this question. All day on Sunday, Colby kept on telling me that he didn't think that he was going to be able to sleep because he is nervous about my water breaking in the middle of the night and not feeling like he was awake and ready and alert to take care of everything.

I went to bed around 10:00ish on Sunday night. Colby stayed awake taking care of things around the house, reading, playing video games etc. At 1:00AM I rolled over and saw that Colby had still not come to bed. I had no idea what he was doing or why he was still awake. Literally, within seconds, our bedroom door opens and it's Colby. At the exact same time as the door opens, my water breaks. It was obvious and there was no way to mistake it for anything else.

I tell Colby my water breaks, and in his mind he thinks once your water breaks, you have 15 minutes until the baby comes out. (ha! I wish!) So he starts running around the house, no, more like sprinting around the house putting everything in the car and finalizing things. While he is sprinting around the house, I am in the bathroom washing my face, putting on mascara, etc. This is how our conversation went:

Colby: "are you seriously putting on make-up when your water just broke? Don't we need to run to the hospital and have this baby?"

Amanda: "Do you know how many pictures will be taken during this time? And we have a good 15 hours or so until we have this baby."

Needless to say, I was in no hurry and Colby was sweet as can be packing everything in the car. At about 1:20AM we get in the car and head over to the hospital.

Here I am as I just entered the hospital. (yes I am kind of disappointed that I went to bed with wet hair and didn't fix it. LOL. just sayin')2. Did you get an epidural?
Look at this picture and you answer that question:

What woman smiles the entire labor and delivery without an epidural? Amen? Yes, I did get an epidural. This was a huge concern for me. I was scared, nervous, not wanting to look at the size of the needle many moms told me all about. I think it was the first time during labor and delivery that I shed a fear tears simply out of fear of getting it. Colby came and prayed over me before I got it and it was NOT A BIG DEAL. I am pretty sure the IV of fluid may have hurt more. not kidding. The epidural was nothing. It was the BEST thing that was ever invented. I will have it at all of my kids.

I was admitted to my hospital room at 1:30AM. I got the epidural at 10:00AM. (8.5 hours without an epidural). Honestly, my contractions were not that bad for those 8.5 hours without an epidural. They started me on pitocin around 7:00AM. There were a few contractions that took my breath away, but nothing that brought me to tears.

3. Were you seriously updating your facebook while you were in labor?
haha, YES! I was feeling GREAT! I was just on my i-phone, which was so handy and so easy. I was in the hospital for 18 hours and pretty bored, so updating facebook gave me something to do. Plus, it was so much easier than trying to answer a million text messages and phone calls. One status change and everyone knows. Technology is amazing!

This picture shows me just taking care of business. And yes, I am sucking on a lolipop. It was hard not being able to eat for 18 hours. Do you know who I am? I eat a lot on a very consistent basis (every hour or so, lol). So, I had ice chips and lolipops the whole 18 hours. It was GREAT!
4. What is her birth story? How long were you pushing, what happened, how did it feel, etc?
All morning and afternoon on Monday, I kept on hearing the word "c-section." My doctor was saying it. My nurse was saying it. I had visitors comment about it, etc.

Basically, there were 2 things: #1. My doctor did not think my body was big enough to deliver what they were estimating a 6.5 lb baby. #2. They did not think my body could go into active labor, according to the clock and how long I was dilated to a 1 and not progressing.

The plan from the beginning was to get an epidural and have a vaginal birth. No c-section. I had no desire to have a c-section. Hearing those words all day scared me.

I handed this worry and concern to the Lord and He took care of everything. I started to dilate faster, getting to a 6 pretty quick. An hour later I was at an 8. An hour after that I was at a 10.

I could not believe I got to a 10. It took FOREVER, but it was a huge concern that they thought wouldn't happen.

Once I was at a 10, they started prepping the room and getting things ready.....It was time to push!

Okay, so in 2007 I ran the OKC Memorial Marathon. 26.2 miles. It was intense. It was extremely hard. I thought "hey, I ran a marathon, I can deliver this baby."

Whoa dang, I think I was mislead.

HARDEST THING EVER!.....OF MY LIFE.....

I started pushing around 6:15PM or so and delivered her at 7:24PM. About an hour of intense pushing that felt like years.

There were a couple of scary parts while I was pushing:
#1. There was one moment when I saw the doctor look at the baby's heart rate monitor with a concern face and then ask the nurse, "where's baby, what happened to baby?" and I heard no heart beat that I had heard all day. I think I started freaking out. They put an oxygen mask on me and then we could hear her loud and clear. It was a brief second that I was so scared.

#2. There came a point in my pushing that my doctor knew that I could not get her out alone (Which she pretty much knew all along as she kept on saying she didn't think my body could deliver this child.)

She told me the next three things they were going to do: they were going to use a vaccuum and try to suction her out. If that doesn't work, they are going to use forceps. And if that doesn't work I needed to be prepared to be rolled out fast for an emergency c-section.

This is when I started crying.

And because I was crying, it was really hard to push. I kept on trying to pull myself together, but I knew I had a limited amount of time. I started praying and quoting scripture. The scripture that I kept on quoting over and over was "the joy of the Lord is my strength." The Lord was giving me such joy just knowing I was getting ready to hold my first child, my sweet daughter. Because of this joy, I also knew He could and would give me the strength to push harder and do this thing.

Attempt #1. Vaccuum- failed. I was pushing as hard as I could, but it just didn't work. Now, it was time to push and try with the forceps. I knew that if they did not get her out with forceps, then I was being rolled out.

This was my last chance. Good pushes, Amanda, good pushes. You can do it.

Within minutes, I heard my sweet little daughter crying and the doctors all rushing around taking care of everything. My immediate reaction was to throw my hands up in the air and PRAISE GOD! I left them up in the air for a while. May He be so hugely glorified in all of this. I think I said "THANK YOU" about one trillion times. I could not have been more thankful!!!!!!!!!!!

Delivering a child: BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So hard. So so so hard. But oh, so worth it!

Here is a picture of my sweet neice, Ebbie, waiting to see if she could hear her cousin, Adelyn. Little did I know that all my friends and family were right outside my door and the majority of them told me that had there ear up to the door the whole time listening..... Uhhhh, do you know the noises you make when you are pushing.... Awkward. I am sure I was grunting and screaming and crying. Oh well, it all comes with it!

5. How much did she weigh? How long was she? What color hair, eyes?
Adelyn Ryan Taylor weighed exactly 7.0 lbs even and was 20 inches long. She was born with a full head of brown hair and her eyes are kind of brown but might be changing.... The other day they looked blue to me. I think they wil be brown or blue!

6. Were you able to communicate with Becca during this time?
Becca Gantz is my absolute very best friend in the entire world. She was a maid of honor in my wedding. She is everything to me. We have been there for each other for EVERYTHING. She is a missionary in Mexico and booked her flight for my due date, knowing she might come early.

I sent her a facebook message telling her I was the hospital. She called me and we talked. One of the other missionaries gave her her phone all day and Becca gave me the number. We were able to communicate frequently. My friend Sara took over once I started pushing and delivered her and everything. Becca wrote a sweet, sweet blog about baby Adelyn and what her expierence was like being in Mexico. Read it here.

Here I am on the phone talking to Becca. Praise the Lord once again for technology. Even being countries a part, I feel as though Becca was a part of her birth as if she was in the room with me.

7. When did you get to come home:
Colby and I got to leave the hospital at 12:30 on Wednesday March 18. We have loved being home and I am sure will have lots more to blog about all that is going on at our house. Colby is the BEST DAD EVER!

us arriving home:

8. Who does everyone think Adelyn looks like? Colby or you?
Well, when Colby held her right after she was born, he kept on saying "she is all Wolz (my maiden name). Adelyn is all Wolz. There is not a hint of Taylor in her. Is she even my child?" lol.

He also said she looked Asian which I am not sure how two caucasian people make an Asian child, but Colby apparently thought it was possible. (She had a pretty rough welcome to this world and her eyes were REALLY squinty. She was kind of blue too, which I guess is normal, but it seemed like something was wrong. But she was healthy as can be.)

At midnight, the nurse went and gave Adelyn a bath and when she brought her back she already looked so much different to me.

I could not really tell who she looked like or what features she had from us....UNTIL I saw this picture:

My sweet daughter is my sweet husband with bows on. NOT KIDDING. Colby's baby picture is on the left. My baby picture is in the middle. She looks identical to the picture, which is fine by me, because I thought Colby was a really cute baby!

Okay, I am pretty sure if you just read this, it took you like 5 hours. Sorry for taking up your morning. LOL. Please comment if you read this! I would LOVE to hear from you! And so would Adelyn! :) Also, if there are any other questions you have, please ask. I would love to do a follow-up post with more questions and answers.

That is our story. We believe it was God's perfect plan. We are so thankful to be a part of what God is doing. We are so thankful He entrusted us to be Adelyn's parents. This is a huge role to live and we have SOOOO MUCH to learn, but how awesome we get to do it together.

Thank you God. That is all I can say. Thank you.

God's Perfect Timing

I am just in awe that I am sitting at home with my new daughter who is now 4 days old. I can NOT stop thinking of just how much God was involved in this whole pregnancy and labor and delivery and everything. I want to journal all of this to remember God's goodness and simply praise Him for working out EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. God, may you be glorified continuously!

My due date is actually tomorrow, March 21. These past few weeks there were definitely a lot of moments when I just sat wondering and thinking when she was going to come. My doctor said she did not want me to go over my due date because she did not think my body would be able to deliver her if she got any bigger. We talked about maybe being induced, but we were just waiting.

I also had a few "final to-do lists" of things that had to get done before she came, such as: call her pediatrician to finalize things, install the car seat, pack bags, organize final things, etc. I finished everything on the list on Friday of last week. Then I was officially "ready" (as if you can ever be
fully ready to have a baby).

Bags packed and ready to go:

Then on Saturday, Colby and I had our "last date-night" just in case she was planning on coming soon. We went to Red Rock and got a perfect table on the patio overlooking the lake. We had such an enjoyable dinner just the two of us. This is the last picture of us by ourselves with no daughter. I am 39 weeks pregnant.
Then we came home and played one of our favorite games: Scrabble. Colby usually beats me. This game was a close one the entire way through. Then I spelled Queen (Q on a triple letter, and E on a double word got me 56 points. I am not bragging or anything. Ha!). Needless to say, I won this game. Colby was kind of mad at it. We had a lot of fun!

Then, Sunday came. The day before I had her (which I had no idea she was coming so soon). I wanted her to come. We went to church that morning. Everyone was asking me when I was going to have her, since I have a lot of control over that, ha! I really, really wanted to have her soon but I was just trusting the Lord and his timing over this. We came home frmo church and Colby and I took the longest Sunday afternoon naps ever!!! This is rare. God was definitely preparing us because he knew we were not sleeping that same night.

We woke up and some friends asked us to go to Lake Hefner and play frisbee, play catch, eat at Louie's etc. It was gorgeous on Sunday afternoon. We went and had so much fun. I did not just play catch, I ran around catching the ball, interspersing jumping jacks and squats and being crazy. I was mostly joking about how I wanted to go into labor and maybe if I am active it would help. I have no idea if that is something that helped, or it just happened, but it's part of the memories.

Then we went to Louie's to eat and I got tortilla soup which was kind of spicy. Word on the street says that if you eat something spicy, it helps you go into labor. There are like a million things people told me to help "start labor" , but I think God had it all in control whether I did jumping jacks or ate spicy food or what.

During dinner I spilled my entire water cup all over my lap. Conveniently, I joked and said "my water just broke," as it clearly look like I had. (that was an ironic statement, because hours later, that is what happened).

After dinner we just came home and I watched a movie in bed with my feet up and fell asleep at around 9:30pm.

The rest is to be continued.... It is all a part of God's story and His perfect plan. Glad I got to be a part of it!

Happily Announcing the Birth of our Daughter:

Westminster/ Young Life Shower

Tuesday March 10, 2009
Once again, Colby and I are blown away by the generosity, hospitality, and thoughtfulness of our church family and friends with Young Life. 3 amazing women and their families helped host a perfect shower that blessed us beyond what we could have ever imagined. Let's just say it was completely humbling. I think Colby and I can say in agreement that we totally do not deserve anything of this. And we also will both say in agreement that we hope we can continually give to others the way we have been given to. Thank you to everyone who came and made this day so special for us.

Colby and I with the hostesses:

Of course I had to take a picture of the food. The cookies were so cute and so yummy!!

Some of the guests. THANK YOU!

Me with the cute Huffty girls. Love these girls!

Colby usually has Young Life Club on Tuesday nights. They decided to just incorporate both: a baby shower with Young Life Club complete with a skit, games, and a talk. Here is a picture of the game where the "mommies had to feed the babies." Colby and I did participate in the game as well, but we lost. The entire night was so much fun!

I can not say sa

Surprises and Blessings

Today, I was totally blown away by three extremely sweet surprises and huge blessings (and they just happen to be the cutest things you've ever seen). I am SO THANKFUL!!!My friend Amy from BSF surprised me with the cutest blanket I think I have ever seen. It is brown on one side and pink on the other side with a satin pink and brown polka-dot ribbon. She has Adelyn's name embroidered on it! It is beyond perfect! And it is the softest thing I have ever felt. I am sure it will be favorite in the Taylor house.

When I got home from bible study I checked the mail and had this little package in there. My sweet friend Kelly sent two embroidered burb cloths that say "Lil Miss March" and "Future Beauty Queen." SO CUTE! Kelly, that was so thoughtful and so sweet! Totally did not have to do that! I can't wait to use them!

I also got to enjoy some much needed girl time with my friend Taylor this afternoon and we went to a cute little baby boutique and she bought little Adelyn a very thoughtful gift! Little Trumpette baby ballerina socks and cute little clips. I can not wait for her to wear them! My little stylin' daughter! Thanks friend!

I am just living in a season of thankfulness. Colby and I have talked about how we do not deserve any of this, and are blown away by our family, friends and church family. Everyone know how thankful we are for you in our lives!

Esther Bible Study

What a joy the past 9 weeks have been. In January, I opened up my home to join some incredible women to participate in Beth Moore's newest bible study: Esther. To say it has been powerful would be an understatement. I can not even begin to write all that God did in all of our lives individually.

It is incredible to see prayer requests turn to praises.
It is incredible to see broken lives made whole.
It is incredible to see doubt turned to belief.
It is incredible to see lives turned around, which happens to be one of the main themes in the book of Esther.

To every girl that joined me in this study,

Thank you for being authentic. Thank you for opening up. Thank you for listening to me, flaws and all. Thank you for consistently showing Christ's unconditional love to every sister in the room. Thank you for not judging. Thank you for not gossiping. Thank you for praying over each weeks prayer requests. Thank you for joining us in praising God for answering those prayer requests. Thank you for being vulnerable even when it was hard and you were scared. Thank you for coming each week. Thank you for each being in charge of snacks for a week (Adelyn thanks you too, they were great- my pregnancy weight gain proves it :) ) Thank you for being open for God to teach you, change you, mold you into looking more like Him.

I do not have adequate words to tell you all how much you have blessed me. Tears come to my eyes thinking of this group and how we have all been there for each other. I can not believe the 9 weeks is already over. Guess it's time to start thinking about the next study, with a new member: Adelyn. :)

Love you girls! Here are our crazy pictures:

Trying to be crazy....maybe just awkward...

Thank you Lord for what you did through this study and for what you did in each of our lives.

Sweet Baby Shower For Adelyn

Sunday March 1, 2009

I have some incredible friends! I was totally blessed by all they did to throw the MOST PERFECT shower for baby Adelyn. It could not have been any better! It was beyond perfect! From the invitations, to the cake and food, the game, the hostess gift, etc.....PERFECT! Girls, you know I can not thank you enough! I can't wait for Adelyn to meet all of her "aunts"! ha! She will have a lot!

Here are just a few pictures:

My sweet husband and I.
(Can I take a moment and brag on my husband? I could go on and on and I will try to make it brief. I can not tell you how much he has done for me to absolutely bless me and make me feel well taken care of. He is so consistent in providing perfect warm bubble baths. He puts my towels in the dryer and tells me to tell him when I am ready to get out so I will have warm towels. That is my husband, just going the extra mile! He is always quick to offer back rubs, foot rubs, etc. He will most likely make me delete this if he knows I wrote it.....but he deserves a little braggin' on! Colby, I am beyond thankful for you!!)Me with all the hostesses:
Jessica, Lauren, Me, Sara, Elizabeth, Erin

All the guests enjoying themselves!

Cutest Embroidered Onesie!

The cake...

I have organized all of her stuff. I still need to wash the majority of her outfits. They still have tags on them. Just a few last minute things to do and get and we will be ready. Oh wait, can you ever be officially ready to have a newborn? Not sure.... We will try to be ready! We are getting excited!!