Audrey's first photo shoot

We had a photographer come out and shoot Audrey's newborn photos. Stephanie Johnson did a great job! She worked so well with Audrey, who was so good during the entire thing. Here's a sneak peek from Stephanie's blog:

Audrey is 1 week old!

We survived the first week...HOORAY! It seems like every day gets a little better and we're all adjusting very well. This whole week has been a blur. We took Audrey grocery shopping last night and I couldn't help but think, "Wow, 1 week ago today we didn't have her!" She is amazing in every way and we love her so much.

2008 was a great year. It couldn't be ending any better either! I'm looking forward to 2009 and enjoying our new family. Happy New Year to all!

Jaundice-schmaundice!

Audrey has another bili ruben check up today. Hopefully her levels have gone down enough to get her off the bili blanket. That thing is a pain in the butt! I love that it's helping her, but it's so hard being restricted to a 2 foot hose in our living room. I'm actually looking forward to taking her off it for our outing tomorrow. She can wear a pretty little outfit and be free for a couple hours!

She's had so many visitors... I have tons of pictures to post! Wish us luck...hopefully we get some reassuring news.

****UPDATE****
The doctor called with great news...no more bili blanket! Audrey's levels are down and she now free to roam about the house. Hooray!!

She'll always be our little glow worm :)

Our little glow worm...

Audrey has to be on the bili blanket until her bili ruben levels come down...she's such a tropper! It sucks having her attached to it all day and night, but we're working through it!

Baby Burns is here!!

And it's a GIRL!!

I posted a short birth story & a picture on our web page

I'll post a more detailed story and TONS of pictures when I get a chance!

She is a living dream...Chris and I are so proud! Audrey is a true blessing.

Still no baby!

Quick update: I'm still having very irregular contractions. We took a nice long walk today around town. Still losing my MP. Waiting around is so very hard, but I'm getting things done and relaxing when I need to. Today has been especially nice b/c Chris was home. So we wait and we wait...

Stripping membranes: a form of torture

So we had our 38w appointment yesterday and Dr K asked if I wanted my membranes stripped. I knew from the research I had done that it would hurt. It was the worst pain I have ever felt! I can't even describe it except to say that it felt like he was digging a hole to China. It lasted only a minute and when he was done he showed me the results: the Bloody Show. I thought Chris was going to throw up, lol. Actually he was great and asked some good questions. I'm 2 cm dilated (but I felt like 20 when I left!) and 50% effaced. He thinks there's a good chance we'll have this baby soon. He wants to see me back on Tuesday to check for progress. He advised us to go walk around and then have sex. I've had really bad cramps (front and back, menstrual-like) AND I've been having contractions. The contractions are still far apart and not too intense. I lost gobs of my MP in the shower this morning, which I'm hoping is a good sign!

Today is Christopher's birthday. I plan on staying busy today in hopes of bringing on labor soon. Maybe we'll have 2 birthdays to celebrate, lol.

Elf Yourself!

My brother Craig sent me this hilarious video...It cracks me up every time!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We're almost ready!

It's crazy to think that BB could be here any day. I was having Braxton Hicks like crazy last night. They are definitely becoming more uncomfortable. We need to put the car seat bases in and that's about it! Today I set up the Angel Care monitor in the bassinet. I also cleaned out my car to see how the Stokke would fit...it doesn't! Well, at least not in the trunk. The chassis will have to go behind my seat while the seat has to go in the trunk. I have 2 days of school this week which gives me the time I need to get last minute things done there (and train my sub.)

We keep talking about the different things we could do to bring on labor, but I know tht BB will come when he or she is ready. I'm not even convinced that stripping my membranes will work.

Here's what I found:
By running an examining finger around the inside of your cervix, he can separate the amniotic sac from where it's stuck there. Theoretically, this will allow the bridging molecules that stick the membranes to the inside rim of the cervix to break--all at a molecular level, mind you--and so be released and then converted into prostaglandins, which are powerful stimulants of labor. It is however not a form of induction but more a form of stimulation of labor.

I couldn't find any good stats about how often it brings on labor. To be honest, at that point it won't really matter. I'll be done with work, which means no more suffering 10 hours a day! I'll still be up and walking around, but at least I can do so at my own comfort level (and I don't have to hide the pain!)

As uncomfortable as these last weeks will be/have been, I really love being pregnant. This is the best thing I've ever done. Chris is so excited! I'm so grateful for him. We're getting closer and closer to meeting this little angel we've created. I can't wait!

The Waiting Game

No induction for us! Baby Burns is measuring at about 7 lbs and looks great. He or she has started to descend (I knew it!) but I'm still only 1 cm, 30 % effaced. I told him how miserable I've been the past week and he suggested stripping my membranes at the next visit. I couldn't help but blurt out "Can we do that today?" lol. Physically, I am so ready. Emotionally, I'd love another few weeks of being pregnant. I just have to get through school for a few days next week. My appointment is Thursday. I see lots of baths and heating pads in my future! Now I'm off to Google everything I can about membrane stripping.

Drop it like it's hot...

Yeah, I think the baby has dropped. I FEEL like he or she has dropped. Lots of pressure down below, my back and hips hurt....it's a major effort to get up and walk. Who knows, I could just be having a growing pains kind of day (similar to a couple weeks ago.) We'll see what tomorrow brings. Chris said this would be a difficult week for me, and so far he is right...

Full Moon=Baby?

I just noticed that this Friday, 12/12, there will be a full moon. Supposedly lots of babies are born on full moons. We'll take it :)

BIG UPDATES!

We made it to 36 weeks! I had my first internal today. As soon as Dr K measured my belly, he said, "Wow!" Apparently I'm measuring big...which means the baby is probably going to be big! So next Friday we're going to have an ultrasound so he can get exact measurements. We might be looking at an induction! Chris and I are very happy about that. I'm very anxious to see how it goes next week, and see how soon we get to meet Baby Burns!! Turns out I'm also 1 cm dilated and my cervix has started to thin. I was hoping for some progress, so I was very pleased to hear that. The internal itself was definitely uncomfortable. Dr K said, "Can you feel that? I'm touching your baby's head!" Oh, I felt it alright! I was relieved to hear that the baby was head down though. So, all in all, great appointment!

We had our first childbirth class last night. It was very informational- we learned about the stages of labor, contractions, breathing techniques, and my personal favorite- massage techniques! Next week we'll learn more about c-sections, inductions (how appropriate!) and take a tour of L&D. I can't wait! We also have a breast feeding class and a Home with Baby class next week, so we will be very busy!

I got a much-needed pedicure earlier this week. It was so nice to sit in the massage chair and have my swollen feet and legs rubbed down! I could have cared less about my actual toe nails, but I did get them painted pink & blue in honor of Jaudrey's arrival:



Look at how huge my feet are! They hurt a lot, but it's totally worth it. Wish us luck, that we can keep BB in there until Friday. After that, I don't care when he/she comes!

So thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm writing this after a long day full of eating and spending time with family. I'm so thankful for my family, especially Chris. I'm especially thankful for the baby we're about to be blessed with! Today I am 35 weeks, and that means there's only 35 days left until my due date....YIKES!

At my appointment Tuesday, the doctor quickly measured my belly and told me that the internals would start next week. Although I just know it's going to be as uncomfortable as hell, I'm very anxious to see what the baby's position is, and if anything is going on down there.

It's going to be an exciting week. I'm going to decorate the Christmas tree this weekend. I have my appointment on Friday and we have our first childbirth class on Thursday. And Christopher's sister is finding out the sex of her baby on Monday!! I call boy :) His brother turns 21 on Monday as well. I can't believe it's going to be December already! I'm SO FREAKING HAPPY that November didn't drag on forever like October did.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Infant CPR

We took Infant & Child CPR on Saturday at the hospital. I'm so glad we did! It gives us great peace of mind that if something were to happen we could be proactive in saving our child's life (or any child!) We had a great instructor and got lots of practice. It was fun taking a class with Chris. 3 more to go!

34 weeks

My belly hurts!! I really don't think the baby has dropped, but man I am feeling some pressure. I feel like I'm carrying a bowling ball right in front of me. The top of my stomach feels bruised and I noticed my first pregnancy stripes today (aka stretch marks)!! Two very tiny red lines at the top of my belly...they almost look like 2 little red scratches, maybe 1/2 an inch long. Today was especially fun b/c my maternity pants bunched up BELOW my belly, and the shirt I wore today kept riding up.

I feel so heavy, it's definitely harder to get around. I feel like an old lady if I get up from sitting too long. However, I have 6 more weeks!! And I hope Baby Burns stays put the entire time. I can get through this knowing that BB is safe and secure in my belly, growing and growing....moving and moving. I always feel him/her on my right side, but today there was a lot of action on both sides. Maybe the baby is turning? I have no clue, but I absolutely love it when he/she moves. I'm really going to miss that feeling.

**UPDATE** No stretch marks...they really were tiny scratches. Oh well, I'm sure they'll pop up any day now! And apparently I was just having a "growing pains" kind of day. Not as much pressure or aching anymore. Phew!

32 week appointment

I'm closer to 33 weeks (Thursday) but I had a regular appointment today. Dr. K said this has been the perfect pregnancy...great weight gain, blood pressure, etc. I see him again in 2 weeks and then every week after that! He asked if we were signed up for a childbirth class (we are!). We're taking a few classes: Infant CPR at the end of this month, Childbirth (2 weeks), Breast feeding, and Home with Baby (all in early December).

I still have a few things to put away and organize in the nursery (and we still have 1 more shower!) I'm going to start packing my suitcase and the baby bag for the hospital. I want to see what they recommend bringing (I assume we'll get a list at the childbirth class.) We probably won't need anything for the baby now that I think about it...just a coming home outfit. We did get our car seat! It's so cute. I need to get an extra base so that I have one and Chris has one. We also have to install them before it's time to go!

Only 25 school days to go! By the end of the day my feet are swollen, my body aches, and I'm ready to go home! I adore my kids though and I'm going to miss seeing them everyday. I'm sure I won't have too much time to dwell on that once Jaudrey is here :)

Oh, and I totally peed a little when I sneezed today. I was completely mortified, but at least it was in the privacy of my own home. Gotta love it!

Baby loves Dad!

Chris went to the VT game Thursday night and didn't get home until about 3:30 in the morning. Of course I was up every few hours and at no time did Baby Burns move (must be nice to sleep 15 hours a day!) So, Chris gets home and climbs into bed, putting his hand on my belly. Sure enough BB starts rolling around and kicking! It was so funny. I don't know if the baby heard Chris's voice or what, but I thought it was so cool that he/she woke up right when Chris came home.

I can't wait to see him holding our baby. He's going to be the greatest dad.

Our Shower!

We had a huge shower at our house yesterday. It was awesome! I'm so glad it was a family-friendly shower. Our favorite part was seeing everyone together. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. Chris and Dave fried the turkey, which smelled amazing. My sister Kelly decorated and organized games. My good friend Dove made the delicious cake. The grandmas brought tons of food. It started at 1:00, but we didn't start opening gifts until 2:30! The kids that were there were SO funny. They kept asking for the bows and ribbons to add to their collection. They would "oooh" and "ahhhh" over the gifts. So cute. The last guests left around 7:00 and we were exhausted! It truly was an amazing day and we are so thankful for our wonderful family and friends. Only 2 months until Baby Burns arrives!!

I'm adding lots of pictures to our website! Click here to see.







31 weeks!

Sheesh.

October is going by so slow. Longest month ever.