Friday, November 13, 2009

Half a year!




Look at those cute little Teeth
You love eating big girl foods!

Cheerleader for Halloween!


Always on the go, you will be crawling soon!


First time sitting in grocery cart!


My precious little Emily, today you are 6 months old! Can you believe it? Your Mommy and Daddy sure can't! You have made us smile every day for the past 6 months and we can not get over how much we love you! Would you like to know some of the exciting things you have been up to??

*We took you to the Dr. on Monday and you are 18 lbs. 8 oz and are 27 inches long! Your Dr. was very impressed at how much you have grown and said you were a very happy and healthy little girl! Maybe you will be a basketball player??

*You are now wearing 9 month clothes! Some are even 12 months!! You are such a long baby, everyone always comments on that.:)

*You are now wearing a size 3 diaper.

*You eat a lot all day long!! About 4-5 bottles a day plus eating yummy solids two times a day. So far you have tried and LOVED: sweet potatoes, bananas, applesauce and pears....things you have tried and did NOT love: Avocados and Sweet Peas....you make very silly faces and start spitting out anything GREEN!!! Oh well, we will just have to keep working on those veggies! You also enjoy your fruit mixed with Baby Oatmeal. We began offering you water in your very own sippy cup! You get SOO excited when we show you the cup, and you reach for it and drink out of it all by yourself, what a big girl you are!

*You got your first two teeth! They came in at about the same time, and you weren't too happy about it at first, but now you love smiling and showing off your brand new pearly whites. We began brushing your two little teeth and you love sucking on your toothbrush:)

*You are on the verge of both crawling and sitting up by yourself. For the most part you can support yourself when you sit up, but you are still a little wobbly, practice makes perfect sweetie!

*You are always on the move, not much of a cuddle bug this days...:) You roll all over the floor, mostly off of your blanket, you always talk to your kitties, Chloe and Tucker, and enjoy talking, screaming and laughing a lot!!:)

*Another activity that you enjoy is your jumper! We hang it in the door way so when we cook dinner or are cleaning up we can watch you! You jump non stop for about half an hour!! It is one of your favorite things to do right now.

*You are starting to change your sleeping patterns, and we think it is because you are growing so much right now. You still sleep about 10-11 hours a night but sometimes you wake up and are hungry. You also do not like going to bed at night without falling asleep on your mommy or daddy first. You have learned that neither one of us enjoy listening to you cry in bed, so we usually go back in and get you to comfort you till you fall asleep.

How could we not fall more in love with you every day Emily Jean?! You are a precious gift to us and we have so much fun getting to know you more and more.

We think you are the sweetest girl and we love you to the moon and back Emily!!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Always


A dear friend of mine gave me the Plumb cd for one of my Baby showers. The day I found out I was pregnant I babysat for her little boy, Jaden, and as I rocked him to sleep this song was playing. Then when we were at the hospital we brought this CD and I got to rock my little girl to sleep listening to this same song. So to all my mommy and mommy to be friends, you MUST get the Plumb CD, at most Christian bookstores....it is amazing!! Here are the lyrics to one of my favorites.


Always

Out of nowhere
You came
From a little dust
And a little rain
And when I looked down at
Your face
It showed to me
The truth and grace

I will always try to keep you very safe

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I won't always
Be this strong
And I won't always
Be the one
To kiss the bruise
Or heal the scrapes
To wipe the tear drops
From your face
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

But I will always love you more each day

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I will always love you more each day
I will always try to keep you safe

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I will always
I will always ... love you

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

5 months and growing


Our little pumpkin


What a big girl!


Mommy and Emily


Playing games with Daddy


Petting Tucker



Emily and Great Grannie Malone



Our little girl is now 5 months old, and what a little sweetie she is becoming. She has always been a sweetie, don't get me wrong. But she has a very calm, very sensitive and loving personality. She is extremely ticklish!! Her feet...her ribs, her neck, her armpits! One of our favorite things to do is lay on the floor and tickle her and she just laughs and laughs!
Emily loves watching Tucker and Chloe play, she always smiles when she sees them and now likes to pet them very softly and talk to them. It is so adorable. Sometimes she tries to put them in her mouth...but we try to stop that before it happens:) She has gotten into a good routine, and we are working on establishing an earlier bedtime for her. She loves staying up LATE and sometimes is too stimulated in the evening and stays up fairly late with me. We have tried to stay with an evening routine and are seeing some positive results so far.
We took Emily to Lattin's Cider Mill to pick out her pumpkin for Halloween! She got to visit all the goats, ducks, turkeys, cows, chickens and pigs! We had a great time walking her around and seeing everything through her eyes. Todd and I have enjoyed many weekends with the three of us at home. Todd has gotten to spend a lot of time with her during the weekend, and I got to do some Scrapbooking and baking!
Emily has also had her first taste of solid foods! Sweet Potatoes, Rice Cereal, and today she had a little bit of banana mashed up in her Rice Cereal, she eats all that I give her and seems to really enjoy it. We decided it was a good time to introduce these solid foods because she was constantly wanting more from her bottle and never seemed completely satisfied. We will feed her solid foods once a day for a few weeks, and then begin feeding her solid foods twice a day. The foods that we can introduce at her age are Sweet Potatoes, Bananas and Avocados...also Rice Cereal.
Some other exciting family news, we were able to be at the engagement of Craig (my brother) and his new fiance Sarah! It was a fun time for the family to all be together.
Emily also was able to spend a whole week with her Great Grannie Malone, we had a great time visiting, shopping and spending some special time with her!
Next month Emily will have her 6 month pictures taken by Tessa with Joyful Moments Photography, we bought her an adorable dress and are so excited! So many people have commented on her pictures and say she should be a baby model:) I think she could be, but I'm no stage mom:)

Thursday, September 17, 2009

4 Months


4 Months old


Almost crawling!



Long Beach 2009

Emily's 4 month stats:

16 lbs.
25 3/4 inches long

My baby is growing so fast! She has started scooting across the floor...talking all the time...laughing all the time...smiling and enjoying grabbing everything in sight and putting it directly in her mouth! Oh how I have enjoyed these past 4 months, being able to watch my little girl grow, develop her adorable personality and make my heart melt every single day. We had a great time at Long Beach, Emily loved being on the windy shores of the Pacific Ocean. Emily is now wearing 6-9 month clothes!! WOW!! We are excited for Fall and the Holidays that are quickly approaching! Looking forward to creating our family traditions with Emily and spending some quality time with one another.

As for us moving back to Puyallup, that is still in the works. Looking to renting out our condo after the first of the year and still looking for that perfect home for our little family. I can't wait to be closer to everything and everyone!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Good Morning!

It's 4am and I roll over to listen to the Baby Monitor on my night stand. I can hear playful coos and cries, as i throw my legs over the edge of the bed and mutter to myself Can't-somebody-teach-this-kid-to-sleep-in-what-do-I-have-to-do-to-get-some-sleep-around-here-sheesh---" I crack open the door and see...

that smile.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Sweet baby smell

I often spend my days planning what I will be doing in the next several hours, days, weeks months. Coordinating schedules with friends, family, outings with Todd and Emily. I found myself never really just sitting and taking in the moment, because I was never really forced too. I am always going, and trust me having a baby has not slowed me down a bit - Emily is my little shopper and traveler, wherever I go, she comes along with me. Because of this she has learned to love her car seat and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat in any given location.
This past week and weekend I have had a cold/virus turned to pink eye/strep throat that has slowed me down. I think it has been a blessing in disguise because I have really had time to enjoy my home, my husband and my Emily. God has given my soul such REST, I used to feel overly tired and now I am feeling my body being re-charged.
We gave Emily a bath tonight, her smiles and coos never get old. She loves splashing the water with her feet and hands, she doesn't realize she is making the water splash, but whatever she is doing, she knows she likes it! After I dried her and her hair we sat in the rocking chair and read our stories. She slowly drifted off to sleep with her sweet-smelling head resting on my shoulder, I found myself breathing her in with a new found thankfulness. I never thought I could find so much joy in putting my baby to bed.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Adventures with a 2 month old


Baby Shower with WWU gals

Emily with her Great Grannie and Grandpa


At Grandparent's 50th Anniversary Party


Our little travel baby! Happy to be in Vegas!


A Day at Point Defiance Park



We can not believe that August is already here! We have had a very eventful summer, full of lots of "firsts" for our little Emily. We took Emily on her very first flight, as we traveled to my Grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary/family reunion. Emily was a wonderful traveler, and got lots of compliments on what a good baby she was. I was very proud and thankful to have such an easy going baby while on the road:) We spent a lot of time relaxing with family, and Emily's Pappy and Grammie were able to watch her while Todd and I explored St. George and all the wonderful things it had to offer! Todd's parents were also able to make it to the party and we got to spend a full day of shopping and driving through town with them. Emily loved riding in the golf cart, and being carried in the front pack by Pappy.
Emily has found her hands and will not keep them out of her mouth!! She tracks them with her eyes and follows them all the way into her mouth, I have tried to take out her hands and replace them with a pacifier but she just spits it out and puts her hand right in. She rarely takes a pacifier, and I am fine with that! One less thing to have to wean her from. She also is more interested in books...any books with bright colors and sparkly objects! Sometimes while she is sitting up in her boppy I will prop a book up next to her and she LOVES looking at the pictures!
Emily and I also attended a Baby Shower in her honor, hosted by my friends from Western Washington University! It makes me so happy to have so many friends who love Emily, lots of Aunties to love!
We are planning a day trip to Cannon Beach, and a weekend trip to Long Beach with my parents over Labor Day weekend. It's been a fun summer, but I am also looking forward to all the fun festivities that Fall brings!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Two Months


Emily and her new Pony "Weston Ryder"

Playing in the sprinkler on the 4th


Ocean Shores

Beach Babe

Our little Emily has turned 2 months old! Some of her milestones in the last 2 months are:

*She has her Seahorse we named "Bubbles", it puts her to sleep every night and calms her down when she starts crying.
*Emily has been smiling since she was about 5 weeks old, but it seems to be much more often and intentional these days. If you start talking to her and smiling at her, she will smile back!
*She tracks her mommy and daddy with her eyes when we walk around the room. She loves us:)
*She had her first holiday, 4th of July, spent with her Grandma and Grandpa Stone and two of her Great Grandmas, it was very hot, but Daddy helped her cool off in the sprinkler.
*Emily's Grammie bought a new Pony that Emily will one day get to ride:)
*Emily LOVES her baths, she does not cry or make any sound at all, she just sits there with a very relaxed expression on her face.
*Emily had her 2 month check up and weighs 13 lbs. 2 oz and measures at 24 inches long! She is in the 95% for her height and weight, and her Dr. said she is PERFECT:)

We also took Emily to Ocean Shores for a day trip and walked her down to the water!:) We are loving being parents to such a sweet baby girl. In the next two weeks we will be flying to St. George Utah for my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary and Malone family reunion. I can't wait for Emily to meet all her relatives! Todd and I have enjoyed spending most of our time with our families and one another, we are hoping to plan a trip to the beach with Grammy and Pappy Malone, so Emily can experience her first family tradition!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Happy Days


Daddy and Daughter on Father's Day


Todd's Graduation Day


Meeting "GG"

I am now the proud wife of a Masters graduate! Todd had his Graduation from Keller Grad school this past weekend, it was a great time. We celebrated by going out to dinner at The Harmon and having a party in honor of Todd the next day, however it seemed more like a party for baby Emily. She was the star of the party! That little girl got passed from one person to the next, and let me tell you I was one stressed out Mommy! It made me realize that she is still so tiny and fragile! My motherly instinct has kicked into high gear!
Emily also got to meet her Great Grandma Barb (GG) who is here visiting from California. Todd and I are also celebrating our two year wedding anniversary on Monday! Hard to believe it has been that long since our wedding day. It has been a very eventful 2 years:)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

One Month


My baby girl


Cuddle Time


One Month Old
Today Emily is one month old! Can't believe 4 weeks have already gone by. Todd and I have learned plenty with our little love bug at home with us. We have learned that we can survive on very little sleep, we LOVED sleep and sleeping in on the weekends. That has changed, however Emily is currently sleeping 5-6 straight hours through the night, WOW! What a blessing that has been for me, while during the week I'm the one who gets up with Emily during the night, since Todd has to get up early for work. Another thing we have learned is that we know our daughter better than anyone else ever will. We know how she likes to sleep at night, different positions she likes to be held, how she loves to stretch out and watch her horsey, and how she loves being a naked baby at night before we put her in her P.J.'s for bed. We learned that just like during pregnancy, people still give unsolicited advice, and to take it with a grain of salt. :)
Emily has been smiling more and more every day, you can tell her eyes are really trying to focus on certain things. She has also been making lots of new noises, coos and cries are changing day by day. She still has not had a big full out crying episode ( still waiting for that one). I've enjoyed spending my days with my little girl, I can already tell a strong bond is being created and she sure does love her mommy:) It is a great feeling when she immediately stops crying when I pick her up and rock her. She also likes it when I sing to her.
Emily's Great Grandma Stone will be here next week from California, and we look forward to spending some time with her. Great family memories will be made this summer!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Eat, Poop, Repeat


First stroller ride


Awake and Alert



Daddy's Girl


We have had our little Emily with us for almost 2 weeks now! Although the days seem to blur into one another, there have been some special moments that have really stood out. Emily went to the Dr. for the first time and is now up to 8lbs 7 1/2 oz!!! She loves her food!:) We go again for her two week check up on Friday. We have gone on several family outings to Target, Wal-Mart we visited Grammie and Pappy in Graham, and took Emily to see the animals at Northwest Trek (she slept the whole time).
Emily had her first bath, and afterwards we wrapped her up in a cute personalized towel that Auntie Katie got her and Emily peed all over the towel and me!:) Emily is very alert when she is awake, and is really working on lifting her head up, it amazes me how strong she is already!! Her hair has these amazing golden/red highlights that I LOVE! And her baby blues are as bright as ever! Everyone comments on the color of her skin, it is a perfect rosey, healthy pink! She loves her horse that plays "Farmer in the Dell" Grammie Malone got it for her, anytime I sing to her or she hears music she stops crying and begins looking all around.
The cats are adjusting very well to Emily being in the house, they keep each other entertained, and the crying does not bother them at all. They are very curious about Emily and enjoy smelling her cute little head (while Mommy and Daddy are present). Todd goes back to work on Thursday and then my job as a stay at home mom begins. I'm looking forward to getting into more of a routine and enjoying many summer outings with our little family! Next weekend Todd and I are taking Emily to meet her Great Grandpa Hamllik in Washougal!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Emily Jean's Birth Story



Emily Jean Stone
Born @ 4:34am
May 13, 2009
8 lbs. 1 oz. 21 inches long!!

Emily was born a week before her due date! I had a feeling that she would be early but I had no idea what I would be in for when I woke up on Tuesday morning....:) I woke up to some light bleeding and called the Dr., the nurse said that my cervix was probably dilating and to record any contractions and be prepared for my water to break. I was excited because my friend Emily was going to be coming over to spend the day with me, and I knew that if anything happened I would not be alone! Emily and I spent the day together and even went to McDonalds for lunch (something I rarely do)! Emily left around 4:15, Todd was going to be home in about an hour and I had only felt some very light contractions, in fact I didn't really know they were even contractions. At 4:35 I had my first major contraction, it completely took my breath away, and then I KNEW I was for sure having contractions. I started timing them and got in the tub, they were about 5 minutes apart but only lasting about 15-30 seconds. However they were get a lot stronger as time progressed. I called Todd and told him he needed to get home ASAP! He was home in about 30 minutes and by that time I knew we needed to get to the hospital. We called first and told them about my contractions and they advised that I come in and be checked.
5:30pm- We got to the hospital and I was 1 cm and 80% effaced, my mom arrived at 6:15 (we pretty much knew I would be having Emily sometime in the next 24 hours) The nurse said that I should walk around the hospital to try to make some more progress, and if no progress was made I would be sent home to labor there and return later. I was so angry!! There was no way they would send me home, I was in PAIN and needed to be at the hospital! So we slowly began walking around the hospital, stopping about every 2 minutes for my very strong contractions...my Mom walked behind us taking pictures and updating the family, after about 45 minutes the nurse checked to see if I had made any progress...NOTHING! I began crying and said there is no way I am going home, she said they could give me a shot of morphine that would help me to relax and rest during contractions, I agreed and was never more happy to take a shot in the butt:)
7:30 pm-We drove home from the hospital, my mom came with us. I labored at home on our couch until 10:30pm, my contractions were really close together and over a minute long,we decided it was time to head back to the hospital.
11:30pm -Finally checked back into the hospital and was checked, 3cm and 90% effaced, I was then moved into the Labor and Delivery room, I was given my IV and filled out lots of paper work and told them I wanted my Epidural ASAP!
12:00am - I got my epidural, after about 45 minutes of attempting to place it in my back!!
12:50am - Epidural is done and I was feeling much better, but still felt the contractions, basically all the epidural did for me was take the edge off. Todd ran to the car to get our bags.
1:27am - Dilated to an 8!!
2:15am - 9+ cent. I began to push about 20 minutes later, as I started feeling more of the pressure and urge to push.
2:45am - I started pushing...I expected it to be like on tv, about 10 pushes or so and the baby is out...no way...I pushed for what seemed like FOREVER, and even though I had the epidural, I still felt A LOT of pressure and pain. As I began to make more progress pushing the labor and delivery nurse commented on all the hair she could see on Emily's head, I got to feel her hair, and that motivated me to get her out!! I used the 'pull on a towel' method, it worked great for me, I basically reached forward and pulled on a cloth that was tied to a bar in front of me, it helped me to use all my body to push.
3:55am - Emily began to crown and they were all still commenting on her hair!
4:34 am- Emily was born! I could feel her head come out, and once they got out the first shoulder I could feel her whole little body just shoot right out! It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment to know that I had been the one doing all the work to bring our little girl into the world. The placed her directly on my chest and I finally got to touch my baby:) Todd and I were so happy and relieved to see her! After many tears and smiles we were finally a family of 3:)


All of Emily's tests went great, she passed everything with flying colors, she was so calm and barely cried when she got her shots and her bath! We stayed in the hospital for two nights, with no sleep at all! I was beginning to feel physically ill from lack of sleep.
We brought Emily home on Friday and have loved every minute of being her parents:) Everything has changed and we are so grateful for what God has given to us!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Waiting


Todd putting the stroller together

37 weeks 3 days

Today I am 37 weeks 3 days pregnant, it could really be any day now! I went to my OB appointment on Tuesday and my Dr. checked to see if I had made any progress and she told me I am dilated half a centimeter. Not much, BUT it is something! I realize that I could stay at half a centimeter for weeks..but I also know that my body has physically started the first steps toward labor, and that is very exciting! I have gotten plenty done around the house, and Emily's room is completely finished. We purchased her travel system and even have the car seat installed and ready to go in the back of our car:) Yesterday we met with a Pediatrician at Olympia Pediatrics and we really felt comfortable with her. So we decided that we will use her as Emily's Pediatrician. She has two young boys herself, and answered all of our questions and then some! Todd really felt comfortable with her too which is important! This coming week I have another appointment where they will check again to see if any more progress has been made.
Tucker and Chloe have been getting a long great, I even caught them snuggling on the couch while sleeping....:) This week I plan on getting a pedicure and I have a hair appointment, I think it is important for me to still feel good about myself even though my size is expanding EVERY day! Todd is building shelves for our garage as we speak, a project that he has wanted to complete for awhile, I'm glad he got to do that today:)
My friends have been WONDERFUL! So many have offered to come out and visit, Katie Jo even took the day off of work to spend the afternoon with me. And this coming week I will have several visitors as well!
18 days until our due date!!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Safe & Sound


Mariners Game


Our new kitten, Tucker




36 weeks 2 days pregnant

I can't wait until Emily is at home, safe and sound with us!! These last couple weeks seem to be dragging on! I had my last day at ECS, it was really bittersweet, but I have been keeping extremely busy at home. My Grannie came out to my family Baby Shower and we picked out fabric for some curtains she made for Emily's nursery. I also got to see my cousins and their little guy Forrest, and my Aunt! The family baby shower was so much fun, and I enjoyed getting to visit with everyone:) The next day the family, plus members that were visiting, took the Sounder to Safeco Field to the Mariners game, I insisted on walking up the stairs verses taking the elevator and we walked a ways from the train the field, and the next day my feet were HUGE! I've decided that I don't need to be so stubborn next time:)
We brought our little guy Tucker home, him and Chloe play and run around the house all day! He is the perfect addition to the family, Todd said he already loves him:) hehe. I have been feeling pretty good, I love this weather and wish I could enjoy it a little more! I'm so glad I won't be pregnant through the summer, it kills me to have to take it easy right now. My blood pressure is still normal, weight gain is on track and Emily's head is still down. YAY! In the last couple days I think she has dropped, I've gotten a lot of comments from strangers who say, " wow you must be due any day!" "Your baby has really dropped!", I really think she has, and I have a feeling she will come sometime in the next 2 weeks. Preferably towards the end of that time, but I don't think she will last in there till the 20th.
The nursery is nearly complete, we just need to hang the beautiful curtains Grannie Malone made, and then I will take a picture of the completed nursery!:) Tomorrow we are going to Babies R Us to get our travel system, and we will then install the car seat! WEIRD! On Tuesday I have a OB appointment where they will check to see if I have dialted at all, I don't really think that I have, but you never know.
Todd is also finished with his school! Yay! He gave his final presentation on Monday, and said it is a HUGE relief for him to be DONE!:) His graduation will be in June, so Emily will be able to cheer for her Daddy in the audience:) We are extremely excited for these next few weeks of WAITING...:) Keep us in your prayers!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

6 weeks left!



Today marks week 34! 6 weeks until Emily is here! Several of the ladies at my work think that she is going to come early, based on how large I am:) THANKS A LOT!:) We had a Dr. visit last week and Emily's head is down, and she has stayed there this whole week, so that is good, hopefully she stays put like that. We go to the Dr. again next week and then after that I will be going once a week! WOW! We had our last birthing class and got to tour Labor and Delivery at St. Pete's and it really helped us to visualize how things will go on the day of delivery. We were very impressed at the high security they have there, and their rooms are huge with flat screen tv's, and there is wireless SO I know my Dad will be happy about that, and will probably be giving a play by play on his Facebook or Twitter. :)
I had another Baby Shower this weekend with all my girlfriends and it was a blast! Emily is so special to have so many loving Aunties:) I began washing and organizing all of her clothes, and Todd put up shelves in the nursery so I was able to decorate a little. I also started packing my hospital bags, which is something that seemed forever away not too long ago.
As for how I am feeling....meh...could be worse, could be better. Todd pointed out that I have that pregnant woman "waddle", my appetite has decreased because there is absolutely no room for food in my belly, and I started to swell a little. I think it was because of those few hot days we had, I was up and doing laundry and moving baby things all around the room.
My last day of work is a week from today, yahoo! Then my Grannie is coming into town and will be helping me do some baby things, plus she will be at the Family Baby Shower on the 18th!
I also failed to mention that we are adding a new little guy to our family, Tucker Stone is a kitten that was born in my Mom's barn...we could not resist once we got our hands on the little guy. Chloe really needs a playmate, she is a very high maintenance cat. And we think that Tucker will be the perfect fit...yes we know what we are getting ourselves into...new kitten, new baby...life is good and it will all work out:)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Busy Busy Busy



As I walked (waddled) through the grocery store the other evening after work...waited in line and bought a gallon of ice cream and hot fudge, I realized....I am the epitome of a woman who is 8 months pregnant. All my aches and pains seem to be magnified times 10, I am currently waking up every hour at night to go pee, and I am now getting "sympathy looks" from complete strangers. But I wouldn't want to trade places with anyone in the world right now. :)

Todd and I have been extremely busy, and have something planned pretty much every weekend in April! My how the time has flown by!! This past weekend we took our "Babymoon" (a pre-baby honeymoon) and traveled to Spokane for my dear friend Beth's wedding. Although the drive was much longer, due to my constant bathroom breaks, we had such a RELAXING time. The wedding was beautiful and we enjoyed spending time just the two of us away from our 'reality'. The picture above is of us at the wedding that was held in the Davenport Hotel.

This week has been extremely busy due to the auction at school which is tomorrow! Once that is over I will be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief, and will only have 2 weeks left of work!! Today the school through us a Baby Shower, and we were overwhelmed by how gracious everyone was! We had registered for a white dresser for Emily's room and were shocked to walk in the staff room to see the dresser filled with even more gifts, and below that was a mountain of gifts!!! I feel so lucky to have the love and support from the ECS staff, and will miss all of them a lot!

This coming weekend we are celebrating my Mom (grammie) and Brother (Uncle Craig) birthdays! I'm planning on making homemade lasagna and Todd and I will spend the day with them out in Graham.

We just got our new Video Camera to document Emily's childhood:) We are super excited to start using it on our little love bug!! Todd only has a few more weeks of school left, and we have one more birthing class left! WOW! Hard to believe our baby girl will be here before we know it!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

31 weeks!


Todd and I started our Birthing classes at St. Pete's hospital in Olympia where I will be birthing Emily. So far we have gone to two classes and have already learned a lot! Our teacher is great and makes everything very fun:) Last night we learned different massage and breathing techniques (my favorite class so far). We have met another couple in the class who we hit it off with, they are having a little boy and her due date is May 22 (2 days after me). We have began the hunt for a Pediatrician, and I will probably set up interviews with those that have been recommended once I am finished with work. I now know why God put it on my heart to take the last month off of work, I have a ton to catch up on at home, plus I really have been having a hard time getting around and feeling comfortable throughout the day. My job is currently pretty stressful as the Family Auction is next Friday!! We have some wonderful parent volunteers, but I will be so relieved when it is all finished. Next week is my Baby shower at work! I can't wait to begin to gather all of our things off our Baby Registry.
We had our Dr. appointment yesterday, Emily's heartbeat was in the 140's (great!) and my blood pressure and everything looks normal. I passed my Glucose test (yay!) and will now be visiting the Dr. every 2 weeks!! That really means it is getting closer! I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions, mostly when I am more active or start to get stressed and busy, and have had major hot flashes (oye). Other than those normal symptoms I have really been feeling great. Todd has been a huge help and support. He talks to Emily and night and she responds by sticking her little rear out, causing my stomach to go lopsided:)
We are definitly VERY excited and anxios as we begin to think about packing our hospital bags, and getting the final touches complete in the nursery! Won't be too long now!!

Monday, March 2, 2009

May feels so much closer now...


Now that we are in the month of March, May does not seem that far away! Only 11 weeks left before Emily Jean makes her entrance into the world, and changes our lives forever! Todd started his Capstone class for his MBA tonight, this is his last class!!! He also started his new position today, and said that it kept him very busy, but a good busy. God has really blessed us with this promotion, we just can not believe how perfect all the timing has been throughout our entire marriage. We start our Birthing Class on Wednesday, and are really looking forward to learning the ropes of Labor...I still go back and forth about whether or not I want to use medication. I think after the class I will have a better idea of what will be best for us.
I currently have a prediction that Emily is going to be a very active baby, she moves all day long...and usually after work and through dinner is pretty still...but then once I sit down to snuggle in for the night she begins moving like crazy. She makes my stomach bulge out and then shake all over, I have no clue what she is doing in there. Sleep has been a struggle, but somehow I manage to make it through the work day with enough energy to spare to make dinner:) I have no sympathy for anyone else at work who complains of being tired or sore....ummm..hello...I have a 3 lb baby inside me who using my body as a punching bag all day...no sympathy for you..SORRY!:)
Strangers definitely take an interest in pregnant women. I have so many people stare at my belly, ask me when I am due, if it's a boy or a girl, one lady even let me go ahead of her in the line for the bathroom! :) I really don't mind it, or the comments of how big I am, or if I am carrying twins. I'm taking it all in with a positive attitude:)
Here are some of my recent food cravings:
Strawberries
Red Licorice
Mexican food, anything Mexican
Bananas with Hot Fudge
Any Cheese

The picture above is of me at 28 and a half weeks!! WOW!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Yay 3rd Trimester!

I made it!
Today I had my 27 week appointment and had my glucose test, which was not bad AT ALL! I drank an orange sugar drink in 5 minutes, then went on to my appointment, heard Emily's strong heart beat (158-160), got measured and weighed, I am measuring at 29 weeks (2 weeks ahead) BUT my Dr. told me because of my body type and position of my placenta that is just fine. After my quick check up I went back over to the lab to wait to get my blood drawn. Then I was done! YAHOO! My next check up is March 17th and at that appointment I will be 31 weeks, can you believe it?!
Emily moves a lot throughout the entire day...and night...:) I don't mind it all. I don't think there is really much more to update, I have been feeling great, just a little more tired than normal. Life is good in the Stone home:)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Little bit of this...little bit of that

I feel like I am ALMOST to the home stretch of the pregnancy. I am almost in my 26th week, and in about 2 weeks I will be in the 3rd Trimester. Hard to believe! I am definitely feeling it these days. Acid reflux has begun to kick in, I have never experienced it before, so initially had no clue what the burning sensation I had been feeling in my throat has been. Emily's movements have been getting much stronger and more often. Some mornings I wake up and my stomach is actually sore. It is pretty amazing watching the movement from the outside, usually every morning she pushes out, making my stomach bulge, almost as if she is saying "Good Morning Mommy!"
Todd and I were in the grocery store this past week and my shoe came untied....I could not bend over to tie my shoe, so bless his heart he bent down and tied it for me.:) I love having strangers ask when I am due, or if we know if it's a boy or a girl.
I have my first Baby Shower next month! AND my last day of work will officially be April 15th. I am so excited to have a month to prepare and CLEAN and organize everything that is BABY! Todd and I also signed up for our Birthing classes at St. Peter's hospital. We start March 5th, and will have 4 classes, also included is an additional class on Infant Safety and CPR which will be VERY good for us to take.
I think that is all of the updates for now! My big comfy bed is awaiting me!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Holy Leg Cramp

I can't believe that this week I will be starting my 6th month of pregnancy with our little Emily. On Tuesday I will have my 24 week check up with my Doctor. Todd has done a great job on painting the nursery, it turned out just how we wanted it too:) We got new crib, and ordered our bedding and are beginning to set everything up, and DECORATE!:) My favorite part :) Hard to believe in that in 16 weeks the finishing touch of our little girl will be added to the room!
I have been feeling really well! I am beginning to get a little uncomfortable, as my stomach has really been growing! And sleep has really been an issue, I wake up 4-5 times a night to go to the bathroom, and then sleep very lightly in between. I know God is preparing me for those late nights, and every time I get up and stumble to the bathroom, I remind myself that this is a blessing:) Another late night occurrence has been leg cramps! I have tried eating a banana in the day to keep them away, but they still come, and they are HORRIBLE!!! I used to get them when I was little, but I forgot how much they hurt! I wake poor Todd up every time I get one so he can massage it out for me, (poor guy).
Emily is still moving a lot throughout the day, and I have seen her make my stomach move several times. Pretty cool!! It is funny the different comments that I have gotten on my appearance, some people have commented on how big my tummy is, others say I still look really small. :) Everyone is different, and probably relates it to how they looked when they were pregnant. All I know is we are all healthy and happy and ready for our little girl to get here!

Friday, January 9, 2009

21 weeks and kicking

I have always wondered what it would be like to feel a baby move inside of you...well I have recently realized that it feels like...something moving inside of you! WEIRD! Emily has been very active in the past 2 weeks, and has seemed to develop a routine of when she decides to stretch her little arms and legs. Usually right after I eat lunch, and around dinner time is when I begin to feel rolls, turns, hiccups and kicks. She especially moves anytime after I eat fruit or drink orange juice. Todd was able to feel her kicking on Sunday evening! It was pretty exciting for him! We have her room completely painted and this weekend are putting the white chair rail up in the room. I can't wait to move everything back in there and begin organizing and decorating. :)
My work/church is throwing me a baby shower on March 24! And friends are blessing me with more showers! I can not wait:)
Sleep is one thing I can not get enough of and I am thankful that I have been able to sleep through the night better. I usually go to bed at 10pm and wake up around 8:30, I definitely get a full nights sleep! We recently got some wonderful news with Todd's job, he got a much deserved raise! It could not have come at a better time and we feel very very blessed, as we know there are many people who are getting laid off and can not find any work at this time.
Work is getting busier for me, but I have learned to leave it all at work when I leave.:) Auction planning time is beginning and this year I won't be playing as active a roll as I did last year. Since I will be leaving the school in April right before the Visions auction, I won't be around as much. I think this is a blessing in disguise...:) shhhhh!!!
I will be posting pictures of the nursery once it is complete! Can't wait!