Amelia's Birth Story

I am not quite sure why it has taken me so long to get Amelia's birth story written, yet here I am one year to the day later, finally telling her story.  This is gonna be a long one, so settle in and here we go!

If you couldn't tell by my last letter to Amelia, I was pretty convinced I would go over my due date and she would never come out and play.  Throughout my pregnancy, I never experienced Braxton Hick's or anything remotely resembling labor (not even during my hospital stay after the car accident when the monitor clearly showed me contracting!) so I wasn't prepared at all for what to expect the pain to feel like.  I clearly remember being OVER the pregnancy and uncomfortable to boot.

Saturday, February 22nd- My sister-in-law, Ashley, and her boys were in town for the week to celebrate her youngest, Noah's, first birthday.  Being under-prepared as always (just during pregnancy, usually I'm on the ball!),  Saturday rolled around and we still hadn't purchased Noah's gift for his party that evening.  Since becoming pregnant, we usually started our weekends off pretty lazy with me sleeping in and Brandon messing around on the computer for a while; this Saturday was no different.  I finally rolled out of bed around 11, still exhausted, and decided to jump in the shower and start the day. After I finished, I threw on my robe and headed to the couch (again, pregnancy exhaustion).

I remember sitting down and feeling some fluid leak on to my robe and I honestly thought I had wet myself a bit.  Totally crazy as I had just gone to the bathroom and hadn't experienced anything like this during the previous 9 months, but hey, the end was near and I probably peed my pants.  I text Ashley around 11:30am asking her if anything like this has happened to her and she assured me that it was completely normal.  After heading to the bathroom again, doing the pregnancy wiggle to empty my bladder completely, I threw on some clean clothes and headed to the basement to see when Brandon wanted to leave for the store.

Once in the basement, I had just sat down when I felt a bit of fluid leak again.  More than a little annoyed with my stupid bladder, I headed back upstairs and decided maybe I should call the doctor to see if this really was normal.  I dialed the on-call nurse line around 12:00pm and she encouraged me to put on a pad, walk around for 2 hours and call her back if I experienced any more leaking.  She explained that this was all normal and to relax.  In the movies, when the pregnant chicks water breaks, there's a gush of fluid everywhere and she knows what it is.  It never crossed my mind that I had a "slow leak" and was in the beginning stages of labor.

I did as the nurse instructed and messed around the house, did a few loads of laundry and started getting antsy that we would be late for Noah's party.  Around 1:30pm, with no more signs fluid leaks, I suggested Brandon and I head in to town to shop for the birthday boy.  It was a quick drive to the store and I still hadn't said anything to the hubs about my pants wetting episodes.  Stepping out of the car, I felt another gush of fluid in my nether regions and fessed up to Brandon about what was happening.  He also assured me that I was probably peeing myself and everything was fine, but I decided to call the nurse line again with these updates.

After a brief conversation, the nurse advised me to come in to be checked for amniotic fluid leakage.  She didn't make it sound like a big deal but it meant we would miss most of Noah's party.  We headed to the birthday party to drop off our gift and on the way, I made Brandon drive through Arby's as I was starving and knew we would miss the food at dinner.  Brandon isn't a huge Arby's fan, so he held out until we got to Louisville and stopped at Subway.

We finally made it to Brandon's parents house for the party around 3:00pm.  I dreaded telling his family that we had to leave because I may or may not be peeing my pants as a grown woman.  Brandon and I were more than a little bummed that we wouldn't get to hang around and play with our nephews, but his sister was completely understanding and hopeful that I was in labor.  Mike, Brandon's dad, convinced us (Okay, convinced Brandon. Let's face it, I was pretty sure this wasn't pee by this point!) that we needed to take this seriously and head home to grab our hospital stuff just in case.  By the time we went home, grabbed our stuff, let the dogs out and made it to the hospital, it was already 5:00pm.

Although he didn't say it, I know Brandon really thought I was peeing my pants because he didn't bring any of our stuff inside with us except his iPad.  The hospital was quiet and we were lead right back into a birthing room.  The nurse explained that we wouldn't get checked in until they were sure I was in active labor and instructed me to put on a gown.  I hadn't felt any more fluid leakage since 2:00pm and was starting to lose hope that it was amniotic fluid and not urine.  As soon as I laid on the bed, another huge gush of fluid (the biggest yet!) came and the nurse knew immediately that my water had in fact broke!  It was a completely validating and I loved telling Brandon, "See!  I didn't wet myself!  Go get our stuff!"

Because I didn't know exactly how long I had been leaking and I was only dilated 3cm, they put me on Petocin and had me start walking the halls.  I am terrified of needles, but I don't remember getting the IV and I didn't pass out from it, which is a huge plus.  Looking back, I was totally under-prepared in the shoe department (mental note for next time!).  Poor Brandon had on uncomfortable dress shoes and I just had slippers.  I still give him grief because he made his discomfort known to everyone (he didn't want to walk with me!) when I was the one about to give birth!

My contractions weren't strong, long or causing me discomfort, so the nurses upped my Petocin pretty frequently.  Being completely naive, I thought they would continue being a piece of cake and didn't know what all the fuss was about.  We walked miles around the hospital, or so it felt like, before the waves of massive pain hit me.  I remember it was almost 10pm when I literally couldn't take it anymore.  I felt like I was being stabbed in the gut, over and over, and I couldn't breathe.  At my last check, I was only at 4cm and couldn't possibly see how I would make it to 10cm.  When the next contraction hit, I crumpled in a ball on the floor (not an exaggeration) and begged for my epidural.  Yup... I was that lady.  Drugs, gimme all the drugs!  Thank you modern medicine!

Brandon found the nurse (I think?) and she called the anesthesiologist.  He finally made it in the room about 11pm... Seriously, the longest hour of my life!  I don't remember much about the procedure other than him insisting I be still every time a contraction hit and wanting to turn around and throat punch him.  He finally got the line placed, except it didn't take...  I could still feel everything!  What the crap?!  In the classes, they never said anything about an epidural NOT taking and I was panicking

Sunday, February 23- Thankfully, after a second attempt, the line was placed correctly and they started my drip.  I don't remember exactly how everything came about, but I could still feel my contractions and move my legs, so they ended up calling the anesthesiologist back shortly after midnight.  Over the course of the next hour, he upped the dosage on my epidural until I couldn't feel the contractions anymore but never fully lost feeling in my legs.  It was explained that I metabolize whatever medications they use faster than average but I didn't pay much attention as the relief from the contractions was like heaven.  By this point, it was after 1:00 am and I was exhausted.  In the back of my mind, I was super excited that Amelia held off and would be born on 2-23, our 6 month wedding anniversary!  Yup, I'm also one of those ladies who got pregnant out of wedlock!

By 2:00 am, I was dilated to 9.5 cm and the nurse explained it would probably be time to push soon.  Apparently there was the smallest piece of my cervix still covering and she couldn't get it to move, so she called in another nurse to assist her.  Did I mention that I had the greatest bunch of nurses ever?!  I seriously cannot imagine how my birthing process would have gone without them.  Kuddo's to those ladies for putting this first time mom at ease!  Anyways, this "miracle" nurse came in was able to get me to a full 10 cm and instructed me to do a practice push on my next contraction.   My first attempt at "pushing" was comical at best (this is also normal? yes?) and the miracle nurse literally had to SHOW me (complete with grunting and red face) how to push correctly.  See what I mean?  I had amazing nurses!

They aren't kidding when they say your body knows when it is time to push.  Everything clicked after that first practice push, and with my next contraction, there was so much pressure down below that I thought Amelia was just going to fall out!  One more push after that and I was instructed to STOP and they had to call my doctor as Amelia's head was right there!  This was at 2:30 am and I think about 5 minutes passed before I told the nurses that I literally could not stop from pushing again.  Both nurses agreed that it was okay to push a little to keep her head in position but not to give it my all.  How do you tell a woman in active labor NOT to push?  Somehow, I managed and my doctor was there by 2:45am.

When I say she came in like a warm summer breeze, I'm not joking.  She was all smiles and light humor and catching up with the nurses on the nights events.  I was literally in shock by her nonchalant demeanor as she put on her gear and it felt like I was watching this all happen from above.  Mid-sentence, she claps her hands and said "it's go time!"  Brandon's response was "Seriously?" And I think she relied "Yup, it's not like in the movies!" while laughing.  Also... I had the best doctor ever!

With the next contraction she told me to push with all I've got as I would get to meet our baby soon!  I pushed and all I remember is my doctor shouting "STOP PUSHING!" as Amelia's arm popped out from below.  Yes... my crazy daughter had to throw us for a loop and try to come out arm first.  As I panicked internally, the doctor managed to do some fancy handwork and got Amelia positioned to come out correctly all in a matter of a minute!  I was told to push again with the next contraction... and Amelia Grace Koch was born at 2:57 am on February 23, 2014.  Her warm, squishy body was placed immediately on my chest and it was wonder, awe, amazement and pure joy all wrapped into one!

I'm not sure how long she had skin-to-skin contact before the nurses took her away to wipe her down and get her measurements.  I think I barked at Brandon to grab the camera because we actually have pictures of this happening!  She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and was 20 inches long.  I also remember asking if she had 10 fingers and 10 toes because that's what they do in the movies and I thought the doctor would just tell me that.  Amelia was perfect, healthy and very alert.

I'll be honest when I say I had no set birth plan.  I knew I wanted drugs and I knew I wanted my baby, however that would happen was in God's hands.  There isn't a single thing that I would change about how that day played out or how Amelia entered this crazy world.  Looking back a year later, my life really began when hers did!

Baby A Letter: February 17, 2014

This is the very last letter I wrote to Amelia before she was born.  I am so grateful that I decided to document this journey for her (and myself!).  Looking back on these has been so wonderful and I hope to do this for all my future babies!  I cannot believe a year has gone by and Amelia will be ONE in SIX DAYS!! Maybe I will finally get around to writing her birth story.

Pregnancy Week: 37 (and 6 days!)

Oh little miss Amelia,

How your mommy has been a slacker!  We are finally down to the home stretch!  Less than 19 days (HOPEFULLY) until I get to hold you in my arms, stare at your little eye lashes, count your fingers and toes… all the wonderful things I have dreamed about for the past nine months you have made my body your home.  And yet, as we near the end, I am suddenly finding myself not ready for you to be here…

Having your first child is terrifying!  I didn’t think I would be one of those proverbial first time moms, and here I am...  My whole life I have spent praying I would get to be someone’s mommy some day and convinced myself that I would absolutely rock at it.  Everything I ever wanted my mom to be, I would be.  And everything she did wrong, I would not repeat.  Now, the thought of being responsible for another life, molding and shaping your morals and values, making sure you are always taken care of… YIKES!  Let’s put on the breaks!!!

I am only telling you all this so that in the future, when you are getting ready to have your own children, every emotion you experience, I have experienced too.  I am sure that all of my doubts and fears will go out the window as soon as I see you, but I want you to know that all of this is completely normal.  This is just as much a record for me as it is for you.  I love you so much already my heart could burst.  And yet, at the same time, I don’t want you to leave me because I don’t want to fail you.  There are so many emotions and feelings that I cannot even begin to put in to words… so I will just have to trust that I can help you sort out your own feelings on being pregnant when the time comes!

In other news… We have started our weekly doctor’s appointments to check on mommy progress.  The first check, I was 2-3 cm dilated, 75% effaced and you were at station -1.  I was convinced this meant you would come soon and maybe I would have the Valentine’s baby that Papa wants so badly.  And then the second check came, and mommy thought, “PROGRESS!” but alas, there was none.  So… now we wait; your mommy is convinced that she will now go past her due date and never meet you!  Papa is so bummed you weren’t a Valentine’s Day baby, but it’s alright with me that you don’t have to share your special day with a holiday!

Your nursery is almost complete!  Aunt JoAnn painted your amazing initial tree a few weekends back and things are finally coming together.  Mommy and daddy built your crib on a lazy Sunday afternoon and put all your bedding where it belongs.  The giant, most comfortable chair on the face of the plant that mommy just had to have was finally delivered and has made its home in the corner of your room.  It is HUGE and takes up way too much space, but I love it and that is all that matters.  All of your clothes are washed, organized and stored according to size. Tonight, mommy will hopefully figure out your cloth diaper situation and tomorrow we pick up all the hand-me-down’s from Erin and Luke!  Now, if we get the car seat installed, we are officially “READY” for you to come home!!! If only I thought you would cooperate.

No new cravings or anything fun to report.  I do get the occasional bout of acid reflux from eating spicy food or drinking way too many fluids before bed, but for the most part, this pregnancy thing has been super easy.  Yes, my right side does hurt from you ALWAYS pushing against it.  And yes, I am tired of going to the bathroom 5 times a night and still feeling like my bladder is full.  But, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat to get you at the end of all this!

The waiting game has begun little one… T-minus 15 DAYS until your due date!  Please don’t wait that long to come!  As much as I know I have no control over when you are ready, I just want to hold you and love on you already!

Love you more than you will ever know,

Your mommy

All About Amelia - 11 months

Holy moly... this is my LAST monthly update!!!  This time next month, we will have a ONE YEAR OLD!  Where has the time gone?  It feels like we just brought Amelia home from the hospital yesterday.  I can honestly say this has been the BEST,  yet toughest, year of my life.  Life really does pass by in the blink of an eye, but thank heaven for little girls!

1-23-15

  

Roughly 22 lbs and 29 inches

Sleeping Habits: Hallelujah!!! AMELIA IS SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! You guys... it has been absolutely phenomenal getting 8 hours of sleep in a row again.  I feel like a new woman, a better parent and wife!  It's amazing what consecutive hours of sleep will do for ya.  Bedtime routine has stayed the same and Amelia is usually down for 11 hours before her morning feed.  Occasionally she will go back to sleep for another hour which is even more awesome!  We still (usually) get two naps a day from her but they always vary in length.

 

Passed out at Grandpa and Grandma Masilko's

Eating Habits: Three solid meals a day, plus snacks, and breastfeeding about 4 times a day, depending on mama's work schedule.  Amelia especially loves fruit, olives, veggie straws and water!

 

Loving food at the Neuvirth's

New Foods Amelia Tried: We are still having fun incorporating dairy into our diets!  This month, Amelia and I enjoyed quiche, cheesecake, Masilko veggie dip, mac n' cheese, taco soup and chilli with cheese.  She also tried bacon and pork and dumplings which were HUGE hits!  Introducing new foods is so much fun!

Yup... loving dairy!

New Discoveries/Developments/Accomplishments: Amelia cut her top left tooth on Christmas Eve which helps explain her crankiness.  She has mastered waving bye-bye and clapping when she excited or playing patty-cake.  Her feet have also become quite an obsession which is funny because she never really paid attention to them when she was younger.  In other HUGE news, Amelia took her first solo steps on 1-6-15.  It was a series of about 6 steps to reach mama, but every day she gets a little more adventurous and I will be surprised if she isn't fully walking by her first birthday!

Someone's getting BIG

Places Amelia Traveled: We were super busy this month with the Holiday's!  We had Christmas Eve at GG's for the Koch's and Great Aunt Cheri's for the Engelmann's.  Christmas day we spent the morning at home, afternoon at Mimi and Papa's and evening at Grandpa and Grandma E's. We also had the opportunity to spend a few days/nights at Mater Filius, which we really enjoyed.  A road trip to West Point was also involved for our celebration with Amelia's Great Grandpa and Grandma Neuvirth.  She LOVED getting spoiled by them and eating at her Great Grandma N's home cooking!  The weather was also phenomenal this month and we headed to the zoo and Chic-Fil-A for a play date!

 Fascinated with the aquarium at the zoo

Playing in Norfolk

Special Events or Holidays: First Christmas and New Years!  Christmas details above... New Years Eve we spent with Brandon's cousins and friends and Amelia had a sleepover at Grandpa and Grandma Englmann's house!  Amelia actually got to have sleepovers at ALL her grandparents houses this month!  One over night on a Saturday at Mimi and Papa's and one over night with her Masilko cousin's in Norfolk at Grandma and Grandpa Masilko's.  She is so well loved!

Getting good at opening presents

New Friends: We had a few MOPS meetings this month where Amelia made new friends.  She also enjoyed playing with little Zion during our stay at Mater Filius.  Our zoo play date was with Wilder and Isla and Chic-Fil-A was with Harper!  She also got to play with her Masilko cousin's towards the end of December.  So many friends, so little time!

Play date "hugs"

New Baby Babble: "Hey-oh" for hello, "ba-bah" for bye-bye, "utt" for uh-oh.  Amelia is getting SO great at imitating everyone.  She also loves waving bye-bye and is attempting to blow kisses while face timing family.  My favorite thing she picked up on this month is holding her hand up to her ear like a phone while we are using our phones.  It is ADORABLE!

Big brown eyes babbling away on her phone

Likes/Dislikes: Thankfully, Amelia is back to loving her bath again!  So glad the unhappiness while bathing was just a phase and we have our happy baby back!  We also made the switch to a convertible car seat this month and Amelia loves being more upright in the car!  Grandpa Keith is still watching Amelia 3 days a week while I work and she absolutely loves her time with him.  Most evenings when I pick her up, she hardly cares I am there!

Bath Time reading

Parents Update:  Brandon schedule is staying pretty busy and consistent, but he was able to take off early a few days to spend more time with Amelia and give my dad a break.  They always have the best adventures together and I love watching their relationship grow!  I am still busy working 3-4 days a week until the new gal officially takes the reins in March.  We still aren't sure where we will be financially at the end of all this (tax season and all) and don't know if I need to find something permanent part or full time.  Only time will tell, but we all know my heart lies at home with my baby girl!  In other news, with grandparents so willing to spend time with Amelia, Brandon and I have been taking full advantage and getting together with friends or having date nights as much as possible.  It's so awesome to fall in love with your best friend!!!  My love for that man gets deeper every single day, especially since he has become a father.  I sincerely hope this continues for infinity!

 Snuggles with Daddy

Zoo day with mama

Baby A Letter: January 19, 2014

Reading this letter makes me sick to my stomach.  This was the absolute worst thing I have ever experienced and I still can't wrap my head around the accident.  I am so thankful that God and uncle Gary kept Amelia and I safe... God is so good!

Pregnancy Week: 33

Baby Amelia Grace,

It has been a long time since mommy has written!  I am not nearly as dedicated to this as I thought I would be; hopefully, this isn’t a sign of what is to come with my goals of writing to you.  Things have been absolutely crazy as of late and I haven’t made this a priority as I know that I should.  Where to begin?

Mommy decided to roll her car with you still inside of me on the morning of December 27, 2013.  It was the scariest moment of my life and I was so worried that I harmed you!  Not the easiest phone call to make to your daddy, might I add.  We were on our way to my Uncle Gary’s funeral and mommy had her cruise control set going way too fast around a curve.  Although the temperature outside seemed extremely warm for December, the road was still slick and mommy lost control when a deer ran out in front of her.

Time stood still as the Suzuki first veered sideways and then proceeded to roll down the hill and into a ravine.  We had amazing guardian angels watching over us, baby girl.  So many things could have gone wrong, but, miraculously did not. 

• The passenger seat floor mat flew up and landed on top of the driver side window.  This prevented all the glass from cutting mommy as the window shattered upon impact of the roll over.
• Even though it was the end of December, there was no snow on the ground and the temperature was actually really nice (probably mid-40’s).
• There were so many trees that we could have hit as we rolled down the hill, but we managed to miss them all. 
• The airbags never deployed which would have caused more damage to us both. 
• Unlike most pregnant women, mommy was a nut about wearing her seat belt and had done research on how to properly place the belt to lessen impact on you in the event of an accident.
• The car landed on the driver side which meant that mommy wasn’t suspended by her seat belt and she could easily maneuver into a more comfortable position while we waited for help.
• Somehow, mommy’s cell phone landed right within reach to call for help.  We were hidden by trees and brush in the ravine and cars could not see us from the road.  Mommy’s open purse also fell right next to her without any of its contents being spilled.

Because I rolled the Suzuki, we were not given our hospital preference and had to be taken to the trauma center, UNMC.  Mommy was able to call daddy from the squad and have him meet us there (even though he was already all the way to the Gretna exit on his way to us!).  The ride to the hospital was the worst half hour of my life.  You decided to be stubborn and did not want to move for me no matter what tricks I tried and the EMTs did not have the proper equipment to detect your heartbeat.  I spent the whole ride convinced that I had lost you before I even got the chance to hold you.

Thankfully, once in the ER, the doctors found your heartbeat right away.  We were admitted overnight to the OB floor as mommy had irritated her uterus and was having contractions every two to seven minutes.  Mommy sent daddy back to work after everything calmed down end eventually Grandpa Keith, who met us in the ER as well, left too.  Grandma Jamie and Grandpa Doug arrived once we were admitted to OB and didn’t leave our side for several hours (Grandma Jamie would only agree to leave once daddy was back for good).  Daddy got off of work around 5:00 and mommy sent him home to take care of the dogs before he returned to stay the night.  Throughout the day and night, we had several visitors.  Corie, Andy and baby Jacob visited us for about an hour and Corie even did mom’s nails to help her relax.  Maggie and baby Carter, Makayla, Grandpa Keith (came back!) and Grandma Carole, Aunt Cheri and Cousin Jill… they all stopped in to check on us.  Everyone was so worried that you would make your debut into the world at 31 weeks!!! Once again, God and our guardian angels were on our side… we were able to check out of the hospital the next morning and spent all weekend lounging around with daddy at the house.

The best thing to come out of the whole ordeal (other than you continuing to “cook”) was mommy’s BRAND NEW SUV!!!  Daddy wanted mommy to have the safest and best vehicle around to keep you and I safe, so he purchased us a top-of-the-line Dodge Durango.  This was mommy’s dream car and she never thought she would own one.  Of course, mommy cried she was so overcome with happiness and knowing that you would be safe in the car with her!  You really do have the best daddy ever.

We finally purchased a crib and dresser for your room about two weeks ago.  Granted, they are both still in boxes in your room, at least they are there and we are getting closer to being ready for your arrival!  Your baby shower is next Sunday, so hopefully we get lots of things checked off your nursery list and mommy can start pulling things together.  Aunt JoAnn, Grandma Jaime and Great-grandma Carole are coming down in two weeks to paint and help tie in all the different elements in your room.  Mommy is SO excited to finally get things done and feel like we are prepared for you to come into our lives!!!

I think that is enough excitement for now… until my next letter!

Love you more than you will ever know,

Mommy

Baby A Letter: December 24, 2013

How did I have time to write a letter to you on Christmas eve?!  I am SO excited for your first Christmas tomorrow, Amelia!  I hope you love everything we (and Santa!) got you.  You really do complete our lives!

Pregnancy Week: 30

Amelia,

It has been almost three weeks since my last letter!  Momma feels like such a slacker, but we have been extremely busy with work and the holidays.  Our hectic schedules have also kept us from preparing for your arrival.  You still have no furniture in your room or anything on your baby registry.  Even though Christmas is tomorrow, I am hoping that I can drag your dad out this weekend to start making some big purchases at Nebraska Furniture Mart to tackle something off of my list for you.

Let’s see where to pick back up… Mommy had your 27.5 week ultrasound finally and Corie went with as daddy was out of town for work.  You are quite the active little girl as the ultrasound technician never got a clear photo of you!  You wouldn’t keep your hands out of your face or mouth.  Little stinker already, I can tell!  My right side pain wasn’t my rib cage like I had originally thought; apparently my uterus has started pushing on my ureter and has caused fluid to backup into my right kidney.  This is causing some intense pain at times, but as long as there is no infection, there isn’t anything to do for the pain unless I undergo surgery to have stints put in (which isn’t an option in my book!).  Also, your growth looked great and they are no longer concerned because you were already weighing in at two pounds, nine ounces!  For the record, that is bigger than most babies at 27.5 weeks.

We have doctor’s appointments every two weeks now that we hit our third trimester.  At your last appointment, mommy was almost 29 weeks along and you were already measuring 31 weeks!  Apparently you are going to be one big little girl!  Hopefully, this also means you are going to be healthy and give momma all the baby chub her heart desires.  Our next appointment isn’t until New Years Eve, which is hard to believe because that is exactly one week from today!  2013 has been a crazy, eventful, life changing year and we can’t wait for 2014 to finally meet you and see what other amazing things God has in store for the Koch family!

Grandma Jamie and Grandpa Doug gave you your first Christmas present and stocking over the weekend.  Mommy can’t wait to put you in the headbands and snuggle you in your new blanket.  I am anxiously awaiting your arrival, if you didn’t already pick up on that.  I am sure that Mimi and Papa will also have gifts waiting for you on Christmas morning.  You aren’t even born yet and are already spoiled rotten!!!

Until next time little miss,

Love you to the moon and back,

Momma

All About Amelia - 10 Months

12-23-14

  
I would estimate 22 lbs and 28.5 inches

Sleeping Habits: We still aren't sure what sleep looks like around here.  Our bedtime routine is still the same and we almost always have Amelia in her crib by 8pm after story time.  Amelia was teething majorly this month and cut her first top tooth!  She started feeding twice a night again and mommy is exhausted from her constant waking throughout the night!  We usually can get two naps a day from her, but they always vary in length.

 

What nap time looks like at mama's work!

 

A very rare car seat nap

Eating Habits: Three solid meals a day, plus snacks, and breastfeeding about 5 times a day, depending on mama's work schedule.

 

Do I have something on my face?! 

Feed ME!!!

New Foods Amelia Tried: All things dairy have been wonderful!  Amelia now loves yogurt and Cheetos Cheese Popcorn Puffs.  She also got to try stuffing, turkey and ham for Thanksgiving, but still isn't a fan of mashed potatoes.  We also introduced a variety of store-bought squeeze pouches while she has enjoyed and polishes off in a few seconds!

 

Thanksgiving food goodness

New Discoveries/Developments/Accomplishments: Bath time now involves lots of splashing with her wash cloth which is very fun to watch!  Amelia stood for the first time 100% on her own on 12*13*14 for about 15 seconds.  We will see how long it takes for her to start walking alone!  She almost immediately falls to the ground when she realizes she is standing alone.  She also cut her very first top tooth on 12*13*14.  You can see that what a very big day for her and probably helps explain the major lack of sleep happening!

 

Trying to walk to daddy

Places Amelia Traveled: We headed to Great Grandma and Grandpa Neuvirths for our first annual cookie bake.  Grandma Jamie and Jordyn, Aunt JoAnn and cousin Megan all stopped over to bake and enjoy the fun with us!  Masilko Christmas in Norfolk also happened this month and we had a blast spending the weekend with family!  A visit to Santa at Bass Pro Shop was also a must!  We waited in line for THREE hours just to make sure Amelia got to meet Santa for her first Christmas.

 

Busy Baking

She LOVED Santa, surprisingly!

Special Events or Holidays: First Thanksgiving!!!  and First Christmas celebration!  We love family time!

Thanksgiving 2014

New Friends: This month involved time with both Amelia's Kennedy cousins and her Masilko cousins!  It is so hard not seeing family whenever we want, so we really try and make the most of our time together with them.  We also went to a few MOPS meetings and had a dinner date with Jake, Corie and Erin at Red Robin.

 

Future Husband

New Baby Babble:  "go, go, go" and "peas" for please on occasion.  Amelia usually whispers/mouths the words, but we know what she means.  She also spends a good chunk of time reading her books to us!  Her favorite pastime is grabbing all the books off of her shelf, surrounding herself with a decent pile and babbling while turning all the pages.  It is ADORABLE!

Reading Time

Likes/Dislikes: Amelia got her first baby for Christmas and loves her "baby alive."  However, she does NOT want her baby to have her bottle in it's mouth and will rip it out the second you put it in!  Bathtime has become a bit of a struggle lately and she will occasionally cry the second we put her in the tub until we take her out.  Not sure where it is coming from, but I hope it is just a phase!

 

Before she started hating bath time

Parents Update:  Brandon was able to take some time off for the holidays, so it was nice having him around more and getting to really enjoy time as a family.  I am busy working at least 3 days a week, sometimes 4, all completely dependent on my dad's work schedule.  Did I mention that Amelia has the world's BEST grandparents?!  We are so fortunate that they always want to spend time with her and it gives Brandon and I a much needed break!  Working wasn't so bad at first because I was able to bring in Amelia when we didn't have a sitter.  Unfortunately, that only lasted through December.  It sounds like I will only be working through January, so we will have to see if I am able to continue staying at home or if I need to find something permanent.  It was wonderful 8 months at home with Amelia and I am dreading the thought of not being there for all her firsts!

 

With Daddy before we saw Santa

 Headed to work with mama

Baby A Letter: December 4, 2013

Wow... It's December already!  I feel like time is flying by and reading these letters proves just how true that is!  Oh Amelia... I love you so!

Pregnancy week: 27

Third Trimester Baby Amelia,

Well… we officially hit our third trimester together yesterday!!!  This means we are in the home stretch and mommy and daddy probably need to kick it into high gear.  Although we have no furniture for your room, no car seat or stroller, or diapers to put you in, we have plenty of clothes which is really that matters to a baby girl.  Right?  Or maybe not…

Last week was Thanksgiving and it was wonderful!  Mommy has been craving Thanksgiving food for weeks and hitting three Thanksgivings in one day took care of that.  I went to West Point to see Grandma Jamie’s family for a bit, over to GiGi Harriet’s for another meal, and finally hit up Aunt Bev’s to see Grandpa Keith and family.  It was a lot to take on in one day; mommy was exhausted and very full, but it was well worth the travel.

This week has been mommy’s worst week in terms of discomfort.  Something is happening near my right side/rib cage and it is making me very uncomfortable during the day and makes sleeping at night more difficult.  You are still kicking pretty low for it to be you kicking me in my ribs.  I think my rib cage may finally be expanding and hopefully at our doctor’s appointment on Friday, we can confirm it is that and nothing more.  Also on Friday is another ultrasound!  Usually, the last ultrasound is at the 20 week appointment, but we need to make sure you are growing properly since mommy had subchorionic hematomas.  I can’t wait to see you again!

Daddy is out of town for work this week, so things are pretty quiet on the home front.  Nothing else new to report, so until next week Amelia!

I love you so much!

Momma