First, before I go into all the delivery details...I have to give a HUGE Thank You to our friend Linda who took care of Buddy for almost two weeks while we were waiting to go into delivery and after. She took him on long walks, and sent pictures to us on our phones so we could see him having a good time. I missed him so much while I was home alone waiting to go into contractions. Two weeks is too long and we're so glad he's back with us now.

So, the whole labor experience didn't go down exactly as planned. I was a week late from the ETA and had gone into my regularly scheduled doctors exam on Monday 2/22. After they did some external tests on the baby and her condition the doctor had some concerns about my blood pressure being slightly elevated. We were sent back home but were told to call the hospital that night to see if it was time to come in...and it was.

We brought our hospital bag not knowing for sure if this was going to be it, or if we were going to be coming back home after they checked me.
Here's our bag, and the bassinet:




My blood pressure wasn't going down, and I was dilated enough for them to admit me so we settled in for the night.

The next day was spent waiting, and inducing. The pain was unbearable and I held out as long as I could before having to take on the epidural. That was really scary too...but it really does help. I am smiling again after getting it and could relax for a little bit



Later on into the night, they brought us Popsicles ... I wasn't supposed to have anything other than something water based and Bob had one just for fun...it helped relax me a little bit too. Buddy's picture was my focal point ... I looked at it during the pain, but then it made me sad because I missed him so much so I couldn't look at him after a while. It gets too intense to look at anything after a while anyways...and I was so exhausted by midnight that my eyes were closed the rest of the time so it didn't matter.



The contractions came on around 11pm on 2/23 and the pushing began around 12:30am 2/24...finally ending at 3:18am when Kayla Rose was born



The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck twice I heard so Bob wasn't able to cut the cord...they had to get it away from her quickly...so he held her finger...so sweet.







The next day, we had a lot of visitors...as well as a huge snow storm! 2 feet all at once! It was so nice to see everyone; to receive flowers and balloons and lots of love.



Proud and SO happy...grandma Anna and bobs sister Lillian were the first to visit and they couldn't wait to see her. She was in special care for a few days because of an infection that was passed from me to her as she was delivered...I needed monitoring because of it too...we're both completely fine now. Anna has been so excited about the baby and i was so glad she finally got to meet her.



My mom brought a cake to give the nurses which was really really sweet. I had told her how amazing they all were to me so this was a fun way to thank them. It's so nice to see her name on something too!









We stayed in the hospital until Friday morning the 26th and drove home in lots of snow! Our neighbors greeted us outside and helped get a path through the snowbank in the driveway to the door...so sweet! We had a rough night ...never went to sleep and went right to the pediatrician the next morning to have her checked out. Each day gets a little better...but there is nothing like when your baby looks at you as if they're really looking at you ... she is SO beautiful and I love her more and more every day.

































We are incredibly blessed to have a baby...she is the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. Thank you so much to everyone who has shared in our excitement and joy throughout our pregnancy, and now that she has finally arrived. We are SO lucky to have your love and support and we look forward to sharing our stories about her as she grows. Love Bob and Sue

Spent some time taking pictures of my belly while we have some extra days of waiting ahead of us. We are at 40 weeks at this point, and have passed our due date. At first I was hopeful to make it to 40 weeks and now that we have, we're just as hopeful to see her....c'mon baby! :)

My amazing friend Sue hosted and threw a shower/get together for Bob and I along with our friends to celebrate the baby to be and our last get together as a single couple. We all met up for dinner first, and then headed to Sue's home for games, cake, and festivities.

We are SO lucky to have such incredible friends by our sides as we look forward to becoming parents. Their excitement and encouragement has meant the world to Bob and I on this journey and I will never ever forget their support and companionship.
Thanks guys!
:)

Here's some pictures: (you can click on them to make them bigger)











Jim, Susan, and peekaboo Kristina



Me and Sue!



Me and Kristina



Me and Susan



Amazing basket that Susan put together of crochet'ed farm animals and blanket!



Susan's basket had washcloth figures in it too!



Our first piece of black clothing from who else but Jim :)



Soccer outfit and booties for Bob!



haha, skull sandals





We played some baby trivia games, and everyone got to win a fun prize...these are the favors



Time to cut the cake...mmmm!



Group Shot:
Kristina/Ben, Matt/Heidi, Jim/Susan, Tracy/(Mike who couldn't be there because he was at a doggie training weekend with Luna; so cute!), Me/Bob, Sue/Kevin.

My friends Heather and Linda went to dinner but couldn't come to the house so they're not in the shot, but they were a very special part of the celebration for me.



THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who has been celebrating with us these past 9 months...we can't wait for you to meet our little girl!

Bob and I stayed home this year for the New Year's celebration...I think that's the first time I've ever been home to watch the ball drop...since High School? It was weird...but relaxing. This whole baby thing is definitely making me more maternal.

We celebrated Ariana's 8th Birthday the first week of January too...I can't believe she's eight! Then Anna came home from Arizona to host a family baby shower for Bob and I.
We are so incredibly lucky...wow.
Thank you Anna!
Here's some pictures: (you can click on them to make them bigger)







































I had to wash all the clothes, blankets, towels, etc. as well before putting everything away in the dresser...so our living room was taken over by baby laundry. Everything is so tiny!





I was able to meet up for another photographers get together too...next time I see my friends we'll have a baby! Thanks for all the encouragement guys!



A few days later, one last luncheon with Heather, Linda, and Rachel. You guys are SO supportive and I can't thank you enough for your excitement and friendship. :)



Miguel is back in Rochester! He moved to Atlanta years ago, and just recently needed a change and came back. We got together and it was like no time had passed. So great to see you again!



Bob and I have also been going to birthing classes together to learn about the process, the breathing, labor...etc. We got a tour of the hospital rooms too which are a lot nicer than I would have expected. Very comforting. I went swimming a few times too which felt great and continue to walk Buddy twice a day trying to get out and stay active a little bit at least. I miss doing more than that though.

We didn't end up going home for the holidays this year because the trip we made for the shower was so close and we thought it would be best to stay put to keep the pregnancy safe. So...we spent Christmas Eve with Bob's sister and her family and visited locally. Low key and relaxing. The kids, Ariana and Dan Dan are growing up so quick...they're so lucky to have each other, and we're so lucky to have them in our lives...the holidays are so much more fun with their smiles and laughter.





A few days later, mom and Peter came out to visit and to take care of any last minute baby stuff before they come back for the delivery. We celebrated their Anniversary dinner together where I had champagne and strawberries waiting for them at the table and enjoyed an incredible meal.



While they were here, we decided that we would need a bassinet in our bedroom for the first month or two before moving the baby to the crib, so they treated that to us as well. Thank you! Bob spent that evening putting it together... so cute.





I took mom to get a pedicure as part of her gift too which was really relaxing and fun. I couldn't believe she'd never had one done before!



We also took in a lot of movies...and they stayed 2 extra days to be able to see 'Avatar' in 3D at the Imax...it was always sold out when we were ready to go. We got a pizza at the theater and brought it inside for dinner...I love this picture:



Here's a few pictures of our breakfast table. It's so nice to entertain and have family over who enjoy it.





Mom and Peter in front of our tree with a few more little things we picked up for baby while they were here:



The next time we see each other we'll be at the hospital greeting our newest little member to the family! :)

I got to visit with my friend Sue and her son Nolan over the break too. I can't believe he's almost 4...time flies!



And here's our Christmas card:



Looking forward to 2010!