Megan’s Birth Story Part 2

Once I was settled into the labor and delivery room, I was offered an epidural. Of Course this was something that I wanted, unfortunately I had to get a liter of fluid in before they could place it, and this took an hour. That in addition to the hour it took for the anesthesiologist, with 5 plus tries, to get the epidural in, made for the most painful 2 hours of my labor.  But once that medicine started flowing I was finally able to relax and rest for the work that was yet come.

At 1pm, 12 hours into labor, it was time to start pushing. I was so glad to have my Mom and Mike both there to help me. I don’t think that any of us realized how hard of work it would be for them, but as always I knew I could count on them. Unfortunately during the next 2 hours I began to have symptoms of infection and severe shaking. This means that my memories of the events are limited, but from what Mike and Mom told me I pushed for 2 hours before getting to meet my precious baby girl. Megan Janell Stormes was born at 3pm, She was completely alert, but didn’t cry when she was born, and weighed in at 7 pounds 3 ounces. Since we had been told at our 28 week ultrasound that Megan was already 7 pounds, we were planning for a large baby. I can still remember the Dr’s first words when Megan was born, she said “Kate, she’s so small”. Even though I don’t remember it Megan was placed on my belly, I kissed her, and told her how much I Loved her before Mike cut the cord and she was whisked away to be checked over.

Though this day was an extreme amount of work and rather scary, it was the best day of my life. I never knew that I could love someone so completely and so instantly. Megan has enriched our lives in ways I never imagined and I can’t wait to see what adventures her future will bring us.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!!!

24 Hours

Last year on this day as I laid down for a 3pm nap I had no idea that the next 24 hours would change my life forever.

After a morning of breakfast out with Mike and my Mom and a trip to the mall, that left me finally feeling “ready” for the baby, I did what any 8.5 month pregnant women does on a Sunday afternoon, tried to rest as comfortably as possible. We were having dinner at my Mom’s that night and all through the meal I just didn’t feel well, even the smell of the garlic toast made me feel sick. Following the short drive home we decided to watch 500 Days of Summer, figuring with the work week coming up we wouldn’t  have time to get to it, little did we know. Heading to bed early, I complained of a stomach ache, and worried aloud to Mike that I had to work 20 minutes from home the next day and “what if I went into labor.” Apparently that was something that I shouldn’t have worried about.

At 1:30am I woke up, as I did many times a night, to go to the bathroom. I still had a “stomach ache”, but it was worse then the night before. I laid awake in bed for the next 2 hours thinking that I just didn’t feel well and with the pain getting worse. Finally at 3:30am I woke up Mike and calmly told him that I thought I was in labor. He was not very happy that I waited so long, but I told him I thought at least one of us should get some sleep. Another trip to the bathroom and I was fairly sure that my water started leaking, but being the stubborn nurse I am, I refused to go to the hospital because my Dr. wouldn’t be on until 8am. At some point in the next 3 hours of laboring by the light of the Christmas tree, I called my Mom who was going to come to the hospital with us. By 6:30 my contractions were 5 minutes apart so Mike called Labor and Delivery and they told him I had to come in. All the way there I told Mike and my Mom that I couldn’t really be in labor and that I just knew they would check me and send me home. Again, little did I know.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the nurse checked me and said that I was 5 almost 6 cm dilated and that my water had definitely broke. We were going to meet our, who wasn’t due for another 2 weeks, in the next 24 hours. Our Jan 2010 baby was going to be a Dec 2009 arrival.

More of Megan’s birth story to come tomorrow…

Santa Claus

Today we took Megan to see Santa. She was such a trooper, she napped in the car, woke up when we got to the mall, and smiled at everyone as we ventured through the crowds to see the big guy. Then came the big event…

she actually did GREAT!! This was the second photo that they  took and she was looking right at the camera. Santa’s Elves were determined to try and get her to smile, so they kept shooting. Unfortunately, once Megan looked at Santa and realized that Momma, Daddy, and Gram were a little ways away, things started to go downhill fast and she began to cry. Thankfully we were able to get this shot and she was fine once Momma picked her up.

Overall, it was a very successful visit to the North Pole (Madison) and Megan liked Santa. To keep up the spirit of the Holiday weekend we are going tomorrow to have a family photo taken at the same place we did last year, the only difference will be the baby in my lap and not my belly. I can’t wait!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I am so grateful for my little family of 3, with a side of Gram. Most of all, I am Thankful for my Little Turkey.

Megan wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving:

Our Thanksgiving was a wonderfully relaxing day that included our traditional Macy’s Parade, putting up the Christmas tree, and of course lots of overeating! Today was not only Megan’s 1st Thanksgiving, but also her 1st time having turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green been casserole. Thankfully the only thing she did not like was the sweet potatoes, must get that from her Daddy.

We are looking forward to long weekend spent as a family and a special visit to the big guy in the red suit, FINGERS CROSSED!!

Happy Halloween

 

Happy Halloween from our

Little Ladybug!!

Walking and Talking

I can’t believe that my baby girl will be 10 months old soon. She is doing so many new things everyday. Here is a video of her walking and “talking”, though she hasn’t sad any words yet, she definitely communicates in her own little way.

Something to work on:

 

Birthday Boy

Our wonderful nephew Cohen is turning 2 today. He recently came to visit us and we had a party for him at that time. Here is the Birthday Boy:

 

We LOVE you Cohen and feel so blessed to me your Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin. Happy 2nd Birthday Buddy!!

Less Words Wednesday

WELCOME FALL!!

Long Time No Blog

I know that it has been a long time since I have updated this blog, but as you will see from the following videos, we have a baby who is on the move and very smart. She gets into EVERYTHING and is keeping Momma hopping!!

Megan learned this “trick” on Labor Day, now she waves at EVERYTHING!!

Here is baby girl doing her new favorite activity, sorry Gram, but you had to be in the shot. Enjoy.

She’s Moving Fast!!

At 7.5 months old Megan is on the moving fast. She is even pulling herself up on things and standing. Better not blink or she’ll be on her way to college.

Less Words Wednesday

Today the CD with Megan’s 6 month photo shoot should arrive. I CAN’T WAIT!! Thought I would share a few  more from the Captured Memories Blog, go check them out.

Half a year old already

My little Megan girl, I can’t believe that you are 6 months old already. You are developing such a personality and make us laugh on a daily basis.

What you’ve been up to lately:

-you weigh almost 15 pounds (double your birth weight)

-wear size 2 diapers and mostly 9 month clothes, though some 6 month things still fit

-you sit up all by yourself and LOVE to sit on the floor and watch Sesame Street (sometimes the same episode over and over)

-you love Sesame Street so much that the half birthday party we recently had for you had that theme

-we had a Great time and you thought that your cupcake was really fun (not much went into your mouth, but a lot was on your face)

-your favorite toy is anything that makes noise, sometimes you have 3 music toys playing at once

-you have been spending lots of time with Momma and Gram this month since Daddy has been traveling to NJ for work, you Love girls sleepover night

-you are a great eater, fruits are you favorite, but anything will do

-you have 2 teeth on the bottom and like to bite things (not biting Momma would be much appreciated)

 

-creeping is a new skill, but at this time you only go backwards
(spinning on your tummy is still your favorite mode of  transportation)

-sleeping is going much better, you go to bed well, and usually only get up once a night, now if we can just work on napping

-one of Gram’s favorite things is that your hair is getting much thicker and looks like it may have some curl??

Daddy, Gram, and I LOVE you more everyday. We are so blessed to have you in our lives and can’t imagine what we did before you were here. We can’t wait to see what the next days and months bring.

We LOVE you to the Moon and Back, baby girl!!

Momma

6 Month Photo Shoot

My friend Jen in Holland takes FABULOUS pictures and while in MI for the 4th she Captured Miss Megan and our little family. Here are some of my favorites:

I can’t wait to see them all, how will I ever choose.

Less Word Wednesday

What a way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. Megan has very expensive taste, crab legs anyone?

Happy Father’s Day

I would like to wish a Happy 1st Father’s Day to my wonderful husband Mike. I feel so blessed that he is Megan’s Daddy and know that she feels so Loved by this wonderful man.

Showing her Love for Daddy

Some of the Surprises that Megan and our family had for Daddy

Daddy’s BIG surprise was an ice cream cake with a picture of his Little Princess.

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

Megan in the Jungle

Well, I finally figured out how to post video, thanks to Auntie Leslie. Coincidentally, on the same day that Miss Megan decided to sit herself up in her bouncy seat. Enjoy:

***Be sure to mute the music before playing***

Family Friday

Last night was Mike’s company picnic, it was a great time, and Megan was the hit of the party. She was such a good girl, not crying at all, and flashing her brightest smile at everyone she met. Here are a few photos of the big event:

Daddy and daughter in the tent for dinner

Our happy little family

Thankful Thursday

I am so Thankful to have these 3 people in my life. Without them I would have no one to help my through the tough times and help my enjoy the fun times. I Thank God for them Everyday!!!

What are you Thankful for?

Less Word Wednesday

My baby girl is learning to sit up, she is getting to be such a big girl!!

Look at me Momma!!!

Pretty in Pink

Here is our little princess in a pretty pink dress from her Grandma and Grandpa Stormes. Thanks Guys!!

It’s a Wonderful Life!!

Tummy and Tush

The key to a good nights sleep at the Stormes house seems to be tummy and tush time for Megan.

Ever since Megan has been able to roll onto her tummy and put her tush up in the air we have been having 1 feeding nights. Momma and Daddy never knew they could Love such a funny sleeping position, but always knew they LOVED the little sleeper more then sleep itself.

5 Months Old

Baby girl, how can it be that you are 5 months old already. You are making so many advances and changing so each day, we wish you could stay our baby girl forever, but time continues to fly by.

What you’ve been up to lately:

-Eating rice cereal and just started applesauce

-You still wear size 1-2 diapers, but they are getting a little snug around the legs

-You weigh about 13lbs and are wearing mostly 6 month clothes. You are starting to fill them out more

-Playing with you paci is one of your favorite past times and you love taking it in and out of your mouth while biting on it

-You started taking baths in the Big Girl tub and really like to play and splash, but not rinse off

-Still no teeth, but you are chewing on anything and everything, so it won’t be long now

-Our whole family Loves hanging out on our new patio and the other day you touched the grass for the first time

-Nights are still pretty hard since you get up at least twice, anytime you want to sleep longer, you just go ahead

-You are very interested in your feet and have started putting them in your mouth after pulling off your socks. At least you will always have that skill to fall back on.

Your Grandpa Vanden Berg would have called these your “Sexy tube socks”.

Though we are sad to see another month come and gone, we can’t wait to see what “tricks” you will come up with next month. One of these days Momma is going to learn to add videos to this blog and then everyone can see you antics. Love you to the Moon and Back Baby Girl!!

Momma and Daddy

Ready, Set, Move…

At only 5.5 months my little girl is getting ready to move. Currently her modes of transportation are rolling, creeping (backward), and turning on her tummy like a break dancer.

Here is where she found herself after a combination of these 3 moves:

 

Unfortunately Momma can only sit and watch her move right now. Following a back strain on Tuesday, I am confined to sitting and icing  and  am forbidden  to pick up my baby girl. Until I get better I will just have to be content with watching from my chair, taking photo’s, and having her sit on my lap while looking Oh So CUTE!!

I know, it’s a hard life.

Coming soon, a 5 month and Lake Geneva Rainy day trip post.

Celebrating Parents

I was doubly blessed this Mother's Day. Not only was it my 1st of many Mother's Days with this little cutie, but it was the 1st one in a long time that my Mom lived close enough so I could see her on the actual day. Everyone who know me knows how close I am to my Mom and having her there to celebrate a day that I had been waiting for for a long time was truly amazing.

Here is a 3 generation photo!!

I look ahead to the upcoming Father's Day with mixed emotions. Since losing my Dad a few years back I have not celebrated this day, as it was too painful. This year I look forward to celebrating what a wonderful Daddy Mike is to our little girl. However, looking at those Father's Day cards and gifts will always bring a twinge of sadness. I hope and pray that they celebrate Dads every day in Heaven. Miss you Dad!!

Patio Play Time

This summer we decided to put a patio on the back of our house. Each afternoon I make it a goal to take Megan out there for 15 minutes or so to enjoy the weather and get her used to the sun. Here are a few photos from the past few days:

Posing with Daddy. Such a Daddy’s Girl!

Or our we Momma’s Baby

The truth be told, Megan’s Gram’s girl!! Gram just doesn’t like her picture taken.