Smile in in the sunshine

YaYa and Papou are coming!

YaYa and Papou is Grandma and Grandpa in Greek. Straty's parents are on there way to meet their little Amelia! Amelia is dressed in pink with orange flowers and poka dots! She's napping now, awaiting their arrival. She's been up and alert all day! The book says week 3 is a growing spurt. I don't know if she's growing in size, but she sure is growing in attitude as well as her vocal cords! She's eating more these past few days too, which is wonderful! She's such a good baby girl. I still stare at her and smother her in kisses. Today she was calm laying on her changing table while I took a million pictures of her. She reached out her right hand and touched my nose! Tears filled my eyes as we gazed at each other. She gave a cute little smirk and my heart dropped. I'm so in love!!!!

God is so GOOD! Straty had mentioned in an email to some of you that we sold our Palm Desert House. It's a bitter sweet sale. We had almost 15 years of parties, relaxing and total fun. If everything turns out good, escrow closes on February 20th. We'll be out those last two weekends! Stop in and sit on the patio one last time, if you're in the area:) Our bring a sleeping bag! Like Straty said it's the ending to an Era. We had many wonderful memories. Now with Amelia, we'll make more in our Vintage trailer Goldie!!! When I was a kid, our trips were camping. Places like Lake of the Woods, Lake Michigan and Estes Park Colorado. Those were some of my finest childhood memories. Straty, Amelia and I will have many adventures. Oh, don't forget Hazel May, Miller Lite and Indi! Indi is getting very old though, but he's a trooper. Lots of fun....

I hear some grunting...I better go see what Miss Piggy is doing:) XOXOXXO

Her stats...

11 days old, weighing in at 8.12 pounds, standing tall at 21 1/4", and carrying a brilliant brain in a 15" head! She's the one and only...Greek-German, with light brown reddish hair, blue eyes (for now:)) light olive skin, and the longest arms and legs, she's a cutie folks....with it looks like an outie belly button....(she lost her cord cap yesterday).........Miss Amelia Marie!!!! Doc says she's passed her first milestone...her nutrition test. Doc also confirmed she has a clogged tear duct, which could take a month or a year to get rid of. No more meds, just massaging the area.

As for mommy, she's still hiding in her cave waiting for results:) Once again a lab rat, trying every trick to increase the milk supply. I'm sticking with what the specialist said and Dr. May's greatest advise...PRAY!!! I was told once again, my only job right now is to feed and care for little missy and myself. I'm trying to relax, really I am...it's really, really hard. I know I'm putting too much pressure on myself. Straty is so supportive! Poor guy...I'm sure I drive him crazy, one minute I'm good and the next I'm crying. What the crap! It will all pass, I know.

Uh-oh, I'm hearing growling in the car seat. She's picking up some tricks from the hounds! We just came home from the doctor. She's hungry, of course!

Happy Birthday Nelson and Vinnie... the big 40!!!!!!!! XOXOXOXO

GO PATS.

One week later...

It's been over a week since our little Amelia has entered the world. I was holding her yesterday at 5:13pm, exactly one week, looking down onto her face and tears of Joy rolled down my face. I can't believe she's ours. I can't believe we have a baby girl. I praised the Lord over and over. She has been such a good baby girl. She sleeps a lot, even through feedings, and pretty on track with eating. Mom is here for a couple days, and it's been wonderful. I thought I had things organized before Amelia moved in, but of course with a little one, always be open to change. We re-organized the nursery and organized other parts of the house.

We did have to make an unexpected trip to the doctor today. Amelia woke up with gunk in her eye. Doc says she has symptoms of a small case of pink eye or a clogged eye duct. Either way, she's medicated and taking it like a champ. She weighs 8 pounds 10 ounces now! YEAH!!!! Go feedings!!!! That BTW was a bit challenging over the weekend, but we're doing very well, me, the girls and Amelia:)

Amelia is anxious to meet her YiaYa and PaPoo Hadjiyannis (hopefully I spelled it right) who arrive January 30th! She also can't wait to cheer on her team...GO PATRIOTS!!!!

Everyday is a wonderful blessing! XOXOXXO

Back to Work

Well, the week was great spending a lot of time holding and rocking Amelia. Jenny has been amazing in the feeding department our little stinker has taken to it pretty quickly. We have found our favorite positionon the coach with her on my legs rocking back and forth. She's a sweetie

Daddy's Thoughts

I was lucky to be a part of this amazing experience that has blessed our lives. I have seen how our family and friends are excited for us and support us more than I could have ever imagined. My role in this incredible event was nothing compared to what my beautiful wife had to endure.

Thank goodness the baby has her good looks and my height because if it was inversed we would have had a short goofy looking baby instead of the long legged beauty. I will be suprised if the hair and eyes stay red and blue being that I used to have blond hair now it's brown, actually I used to have hair period.

I can't wait for everyone ot personally meet Amelia and i'm sure she'll have some kind of sarcastic movement or punny emotion that will make you laugh or shake your head. She is a hegenbart-hadjiyannis.

I can't wait to share the future with you all and hope we will have as much fun then as we are now.

Love Straty

Beautiful Auntie Sarah...

The three of us are sitting at the dining room table having breakfast. I started reading your lovely letter and the waterworks flowed. Straty took over to read and you got him too! I'm happy to know I'm not the only emotional one in this household. Amelia is just like her daddy, always trying to lighten the moode, as we sit in tears...she blows a hole in her panties. We both look at each other and laugh. I tell Straty he's got that one:) Thank you sis! This was absolutely beautiful. Love you so very much.

Firsts today are sponge bath, doctor's appointment and SHOPPING!!! XOXXOXO

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I want to thank you all who have traveled with me the past 41 weeks on this amazing journey! For me being able to tell it from the heart. For the support phone calls and emails and for allowing us to share this time in our lives with you. In some way to me it feels like this is the end, but I know it's not. It's just the beginning of something wonderful and miraculous.

The delivery of our "Rose Bud" per Grandma, was incredible!!! I was surrounded by the most incredible support team ever! I think at first the nurses were nervous of the "crew" being in there, but in the end, they were very happy, and asked for them to come back and help others! I was very lucky to have mom and dad, Krista and Sarah, and the most incredible husband at my side...oh, and the best photographer:) You may think, my that's a lot of people, I thought so at first, but it was perfect! God knew exactly what he was doing! We went in at 7am and unpacked. They hooked me up to the monitoring devices, which I disliked very much. Those tight belly straps!!!! I was able to walk about. I was getting nervous about the induction part. I had hoped I would have started naturally. The cool thing was my water broke ten minutes prior to Dr. May coming in and breaking it for me! I was so thrilled! That was an answer to prayer. The contractions came on like quickly and then faded. They kicked in the pitocin to keep things consistent. I was 4/5cm when they hooked my up. They gave me the epidural as well, and within probably an hour we jumped up to 8/9cm by I think it was noonish. The family was across the street having lunch. We all couldn't believe how quickly things progressed. In no time I was fully dialated and it was time to call Jenny, the photographer. At 2:30pm the crew was ready and I started to push. You could tell the nurse was still nervous about the forbidden word, "C-Section." It was obvious in her body language and on her face that she really thought C-section was my only option and hated it when she had to say the four letter word..."PUSH." Straty stepped up to coach. Cleansing breathe, then three hard ten second pushes. Baby Hadj's heart rate dropped twice, so they hooked me up to oxygen. Mom was in charge of removing the mask during pushes and provided ice chips and cold towels. I was certain my pillow was on fire. I kept telling mom it was really hot in there. Straty had the brilliant idea of putting the towels in the frig first to cool them down faster. Sister Sarah ran the towel swapping as well as the blog. The nurse had to attend another patient, which then sister Krista came in to hold a leg. Dad made sure video was set and I'm sure was praying hard in the window seal. Jenny was about snapping this amazing team effort. Krista and Sarah would change off. It was soooooo cool, because at first it was Straty, mom and the nurse counting "one, two, three..." When Dr. May came in and said he was 95% certain Baby Hadj was coming vaginally, the energy shifted. Praise the Lord!!!! The whole room was counting..."ONE, TWO THREE..." You could tell the nurse was releaved as well! At 5:13pm Amelia Marie popped her head out. She was stuck for a couple hours in the canal, which gave her the biggest cone head and a ring around head. The ring to me looked like a halo. A true gift from heaven. God was there the whole time! He worked through every person in that room. Dr. May was incredible and so calm. Mom stayed both nights with us in the hospital. Straty is sick with a cold. It worked perfectly, since mom is my nursing coach. She'd check diapers, I'd feed, then she'd put Amelia to sleep. If Grandma had her way she'd do that every day:)

Thank you crew! Amelia and I couldn't have done it without you!!!!

We checked out of Club Med. I had to pretend we were going somewhere then a hospital that morning. The night before, I begged Straty to call the Doctor and tell him we weren't coming. I had changed my mind. Of course that wasn't going to happen. We came home and I panicked. It was the lack of pain killers, hunger and holy cow, now what do we do? Mom and Dad went in to survival mode. Mom unpacked us and started cleaning up things, while dad went in search of drugs and food:}

Straty you are incredible. Your support throughout this adventure has been fabulous. I say that in a sincere way. My heart has never felt as full. You're everything I need and more. You're going to be the most amazing daddy to our Amelia.

Thank you all for coming to visit Amelia, for the cards, emails, gifts and flowers. We are completely surrounded with love and support.

XOXOXOX

Somebody pinch me...

I think I'm dreaming...could it be, this little bundle of love laying on my chest right now is mine? Straty and I have fallen head over hills in love. I can't believe 41 weeks and 4 days of counting was over on Monday. It hit me yesterday in a good way and of course sad way. What I'm about to say, I know all mommies have felt. The joy of loving your baby and getting to know her, but also the sadness and the emptiness inside your body. I keep expecting that LONG leg knee me in my right hip. Or the rumbling in my tummy when she had hick-ups. Rubbing my belly isn't the same. It used to be hard and full of life. Now, it's a bowl of jelly:) Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy to have met our little daughter, it's just those lovely hormones everyone talks about! I was watching Straty today as he sat on the nursery floor surrounded by dogs, that were sound asleep, while I was nursing in the rocker. He was reading to me from one of our baby books. My heart was pounding and eyes filled with tears. It was our family all together. I started crying watching Straty in the kitchen and then again while holding his baby girl. Emotionally, I'm a mess. I've fallen in love with our daughter and her daddy in a new bonding way. It's so amazing! I know many explained this emotion to me, but I know had no idea. Now I get it.

Amelia is sleeping soundly on my chest. She lifts her head every once and awhile. It's almost time for a feeding, which is going very well, praise God!!!! We're going to her first dr's appointment tomorrow.

I'd love to type more, but sleep calls! XOXOXOX

So this is what my mommy's face looks like!

Still me...Auntie Sarah

Hello!

So everyone is at home! Mommy, Daddy and Amelia (a (short a)-ma-lee-a are home. The dogs have been introduced, the nursery is no longer just a project, but the room for a precious treasure. The rocking chair provides comfort and purpose as mommy feeds baby. The monitor now remains on and little coos and whimperings may be heard. The clothes are washed and now pink and purple onesies adorn the closet. Life has changed in the Hadj home. It has always been a place where family and friends have gathered. Jenny and Straty have nourished us, entertained us, sheltered us, and welcomed us in to their cozy home. But when I walked in today something was different. I was still greeted by 3 eager dogs, the yummy smell of candles still filled the air, Valentines hearts were hung to symbolize another holiday that is approaching. So many things were the same, yet something was different.

This home now held a different meaning. My mind began to envision all the celebrations to come. A home that has already held so many rituals and traditions will now be the place of so many firsts. Amelia's first Valentine's Day, Amelia's first Easter, Jenny's first Mother's Day, Straty's first Father's Day. Soon it will be a place where her birthdays are celebrated, her steps are taken and her words spoken,
i am in awe of the beauty of the moments shared and completely inspired by the moments to come.

Lord, please bless the Hadj home and all who dwell in it. May it be filled with love, laughter and happiness. Keep everyone healthy and growing strong in health and in You, dear Lord. Thank you for a beautiful blessing that reminds us how amazing your works are and how intricately you have design your children. May we love well and forever embrace the gifts you have given us. Amen!

Following are some photos from Jenny McMasters, the photographer that was present with us on Amelia's birthday. She just wanted us to be able to share a few of her favorites with you! Enjoy!

Paparazzi. I'm already famous.

Peek a boo, we see you!

Daddy Coaching baby in to the world

It's a........

Many more photos

I have sent an e-mail from snapfish so you may view more photos!

You may also try to cut and paste this link!

file:///private/var/tmp/folders.502/TemporaryItems/fcctemp/Attach0%202.html

As of this morning, everyone is still well!

Amelia was moved to the nursury just so she could get warm!

Grandma stayed with Jenny last night and they managed to get some sleep!

The ETA of going home is tomorrow (Wednesday around 11:00am)!

I think I am signing off! Hopefull the next blogs you get will be from the proud parents!

We will keep trying to get new pictures to you!

love,

Auntie Sarah

It's a.......

Straty and Jenny would like you meet Amelia Marie Hadjiyannis. Born at 5:13pm and weighing in at a healthy 8.6 and measuring out at 21 inches. This may go down once her head shapes up:) Her hair is strawberry!

Mom is doing great. Both are healthy. Jenny is holding her now!

We will post or e-mail pictures soon!

still pushing

Doc was here. Said everything looks good. The head made it through the narrowest part of the canal, so Doc is 95% sure no C-section will be necessary. Made is through one hour, perhaps one more to go. She is at -2. Not sure what that means, but some of you moms may find that information helpful:).

Both mom and dad are still doing well!

Pushing

Jen is now pushing! Straty is holding her leg and doing an AMAZING coaching job and great counting. Grandma is holding her head! Not sure how long it will be!

Fully Dilated

Holly Smokes we are going to start pushing in 30 minutes and it can take up to 1-2 hours. We should know what baby hadj is going to look like real soon!!!

To view photos of Jen from morning until now follow this link...

Copy address and paste it in your browswer.


http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=wvf1pm7.87acc11r&x=0&y=-imbbow


THe nurse did mention to us just now that she doesn't think there's much hair on Baby Hadj.

Well the photographer has been called and we're just waiting. Dad is taking a picture every 10 seconds. Even mom has been taking photos.

Already a new update.

Nurse just said almost complete. Any second now she will be fully dilated! Wow!

A bit of an update...

Well, this is Sarah. I am working on some photos right now, but having technical difficulties. Stay tuned:)

Around 10:00am Jen was at 4cm. Currently Jen is at 9 cm. That means once we hit 10cm labor truly begins! She is resting pretty peacefully. She had an epideral around 11am and is enjoying the tingling sensation:) Mom, Dad, Krista and I are in the room just relaxing and waiting. Contractions are strong, but everything is moving along.

Sorry, nothing too exciting report! The best news is both Jen and Straty are doing well. Straty is at Jen's side and we are all in a bit of shock that this actually happening! In as little as a few hours baby Hadj may be here!

A quote I just heard Jen say.."There's ants all over me."

On that note, I'll let you know when pushing begins!

Take care and keep baby and mommy in your prayers!

Auntie Sarah

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I've changed my mind!

I've changed my mind...I think Baby Hadj is very happy where he/she is at. There's no need to go to the hospital. No need to spend hours breathing and whatever monkey business to be done...RIGHT? Ok, ok, I know it's time. I can hear Grandma C now, "When fear came a knock'n, FAITH answered." I guess it's time to get this party started! Bags are packed! That's about it. It's 5:47am and Straty and Miller are still snuggling in bed. Hazel knows something is up. She's been like glue. We had mommy and baby girl time this morning.

Oh, the ping pong ball catheter, did not come out on its own. I'll have the pleasures of them removing that this morning. Joy oh joy. Like I told mom yesterday, I can't get a apx. 9 pound baby to come, do they honestly think the catheter is going to just "fall out?"

Well, I better sign off and get ready for our guest of honor. Auntie Krista or Auntie Sarah will be in touch.

SOE: 7am hospital, apx. 8am Doc breaks water...labor hopefully begins...Baby Hadj arrives around dinner time, latest bedtime.
XOXOXXOO HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY HADJ.....

Wrong just wrong...things should come out, not in!

Well we got in first thing this morning. Doc was very pleased to see I was at 2cm. The insertion of the catheter was not pleasant! Straty held my hand and helped with breathing. Baby Hadj is pinching a nerve or organ on my lower left side of my back, which had me up walking up and down the stairs and pacing from 1am to 4:30am this morning. Straty is making Chicken Soup for the both of us today. We both are going to take it easy. Doc says lots of rest and water today. There goes that to do list! There's still a chance of going into labor today/tonight, God willing. Off to rest up!

The Calm Before the Storm...

I'm sitting at our dining room table. It's 10pm and Straty is in bed. The dogs have found their spots on the couches. Baby Hadj is moving about in the belly. My elbow just felt a knee or foot as I type. I just had a wonderful day with mom and dad. We ran errands and ate:)- It was a great day to keep my mind off of Monday. I think I preferred not knowing when my water would break vs. knowing it will be broken at 8am Monday morning. Like mom said, your adrilione (sp) starts pumping when labor takes place naturally. All your instincts kick in and your mind takes over emotions. Kinda like the last 10 minutes before opening the doors and allowing the bride to walk down the isle. You have a huge check list...groom...check....cake....check...minister...check and so on. When you know what's about to hit you, you tighten up, squint your eyes awaiting whatever may come may come your way. You have too much time, almost feeling like eternity, and panic because you feel you're missing something, but not sure what it is. You could go over the list a million times and something wouldn't be right. Tonight feels like the peace before the storm. Remember that feeling when you were a child anticipating Santa Clause? You wanted to stay up all night to actually see his face, but was drawn to your bed because you thought the faster you went to bed the faster you'd wake up to Christmas morning. Well, I'm sitting here wondering...do I hike up and down the stairs till I'm tired, maybe clean up the major mess in the guest room, or should I repack the suitcase? OR should I grab my three furry friends and hit the hay hoping Santa will come early? Obviously the Lord knows what's best. Maybe we're supposed to go in Monday because that's what is best for Baby Hadj. Maybe it's safer because we need monitoring? Who knows...wait...I know I can't wait to hold our little Hadj. To touch those cute little chubby checks. To see if there's hair and what color. To count every toe and every finger a million times. To tell Baby Hadj I love him/her. Oh and to watch Daddy Hadj embrace his baby for the first time. How his heart is going to melt. How proud he will feel. For us to touch a miracle from heaven and to be honored to raise one of God's children. Praise you Lord for you are Magnificent.

Step one complete!

Straty and I went to visit the nurse this morning in the labor and delivery. We've got all of our questions answered and ready for Monday. Baby Hadj should be here by bed time. They've never seen a first timer deliver prior to lunch, earliest would be dinner. I'm still hoping our stubborn little one may have the control freak gene and is planning a surprise arrival over the weekend. Who knows...I'm having those lovely back pains and contractions this morning. It's all good for preparations of labor. Sunday we go in and have the balloon installed, which will help dialate me to 3. So we wait, and wait with anticipation and wonder. Oh thanks babe for the lovely turkey photo! XOXOXOX Jenn.

This was Jenny at thanksgiving (sticking out her belly-i think baby hadj is going to be a turkey) so now over a month and a half later you have to imagine how uncomfortable she must feel. I've been wanting to go down to the hospital and say get this kid out of her already. I have also put on some sympathy lbs and i'm uncomfortable i can't imagine what she is feeling like.

Coming out of the Cave

Well, I've decided to peak my head out of the cave today. I think after Mondays doctor appointment, I just wanted to go somewhere and hide. I did. I've been at home the past two days hanging out with my sisters. Sarah came down Tuesday and we took a very long lunch break to San Clemente. We ate pizza!!!!!! We walked around the old surf town. I LOVE Del Mar Street with the boutique shops and antique stores. We came home watched a movie and relaxed. Krista came down yesterday. We did some work for dad, made gourmet pasta dinners, ran to BR for some TLC. I got the new chocolate covered strawberry sundae, which was the most over priced item!!! $7 for a sundae! Holy smokes though it was yummy. We probably could have made them. We had gift certificates, thanks to our FUN FILES! We watched a movie too. It's so cute when Straty goes to make a fire, Miller stands right behind him. Miller loves the fireplace going. He lays in front of it, all nice and cozy.

Tomorrow I go to figure out what Sunday and Monday is all about, then Carolyn and I are off to get mani and pedis! After Saturdays dance, my toes aren't presentable for delivery:) Mom and I were talking yesterday about the events. She'd ask what does the Sunday do? My answer, I think it's this....She'd then ask about Monday and if they need to be there...I'd respond with an "I'm not sure. I think my water is broken and then we can walk around the mall across the street, until it's time" My answers were either...I'm not sure or I think it's because.....Anyway we realized it would be best to get answers. I have a list for tomorrow! Doctors know best, and since they know my body the best, I better listen to them:) I guess Monday is the big day, unless Baby Hadj changes his/her mind and comes earlier. So, the gang better get ready! I'd still love for Baby Hadj to arrive w/o all the bells and whistles:) Either way, I'm praying for what's best for Baby Hadj! Happy Birthday Aunt Connie, Jesus (close friend to the family), Ernie (our Europe Dad) and Adam A. (old HS friend).

My party planning failed!!!

So the date was set, the location picked, guests invited, bags were packed, even the f&b were close by...where's the guest of honor? My question exactly! My party failed:( Thank goodness all we've paid for is the deposit:) So the party is postponed...to when you ask, well if Baby Hadj does not make his/her grande entrance by Monday, January 14th, then we go in at 7am for induction. Actually the SOE is Friday at 9am I see a labor nurse to go over induction, Sunday I go to the hospital for the cervix balloon (I forgot the real name) BTW....I hate balloons!!!! Then...Monday 7am for the induction. Doc is hoping we deliver by 6pm on Monday. He'll be in a different office Tuesday, but back on call that night. If I'm in labor that long, God help me! Dr. May really is holding off on induction until we have to. He's hoping mother nature will do her thing. He's concerned because Baby Hadj isn't petite, and is not certain he/she will fit into the birth canal. No word of C-section. It sounds like they want me to try labor and then emergency c-section. Doc is being very honest and hopeful. Baby Hadj hasn't moved at all! Stubborn baby! Like father like baby...The nurse who did the ultra sound confirmed the weight being 8.11 pounds (+/- 3 ounces), estimated 20" long and STUBBORN. We had to keep our eyes closed a little bit longer because she was having trouble getting a good look at the sex of Baby Hadj. No we don't know:) Then she tried getting a photo with Baby Hadj's mouth open, and instead Baby Hadj stuck its tongue out at us!!! Straty said Baby Hadj has the Hegenbart nose. It was cute! We even saw Baby Hadj's eye moving and looking towards the probe. He/She was wondering what in the world was poking at the bubble. It was strange having the ultra sound. We're used to seeing Baby Hadj's whole body in one screen, not today! We saw the head, then the spine, then the femur, then a foot.....The body part I thought I kept feeling wasn't the foot, but actually a knee! The nurse also said my muscles in the tummy were very tight, and that's not always a good thing. Drugs will be on the menu:) Doctor still says because of my tummy and pelvis muscles being so tight, I'll need drugs to relax me. Lets hope those muscles stay that way after pregnancy.

I am tired and ready to meet our baby. Although I've loved hearing about everyone else's experiences and what to do's, I'm selfish and ready for my own. There's nothing, nothing at all, that is going to make Baby Hadj come out, except for prayer. It's all in God's plan. What's that saying..."If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plan."

Hazel May is very motherly right now. She's so sad when we leave. When we come home it's like we've been gone for years. She jumps about until I sit down and allow her to love up on me. She throws herself onto my upper body and flings her head onto my face, so we're check to check. Then she places her head on the belly, as if she's checking up on Baby Hadj, listening to make sure all is good. All of the dogs have been so wonderful!

Oh and since our little one isn't so little, all those clean and cute clothes hanging in the closet...well that's where they will most likely stay:( I'm hoping Baby Hadj will be able to fit into some! So, word to the wise, buy clothing for 6 months or higher when shopping for newborns. You never know how ripe they'll be. I totally didn't think about that. I didn't even know there were weight limits on the tags. I thought Newborn meant any size as long as it was a newborn wearing it:) Auntie Sarah came up with the idea of buying a bunch of onesies and creating our own designs. I already know mine. Picture.... Miller's head on the front and around his face will read...."Have you had (or hugged) your Miller Lite today?"

So in a long winded way, there you have it. All dressed up and no party! If and when we go into labor, Auntie Sarah will be taking over. Hopefully she can download some photos. We are having Jenny McMasters come to the hospital either during labor or at least when we leave to take hospital photos. Of course it all depends on Baby Hadj. You know what....I'm not even going to plan anything else. I'm throwing in the towel on this one. I think I'll move on to a different party! XOXOXOXO

Awaiting Doctor's Appointment...

Well it's Monday. Today I have an ultrasound at 1pm and dr's appointment at 2:15pm. Straty and I will find out if our little peanut is really a watermelon and if the birth canal is safe for travel. Me? I'm a little nervous and anxious. I've done all the walking, squatting, stairs, cleaning and organizing. There's still more to be done, but I know it won't bring Baby Hadj here. The cough is still frustrating and painful, but manageable. We had a relaxing weekend with rain, fireplace and three snuggle bugs. Like doc said, prayer is the key. He's right...no matter what, the Lord knows what's best for me and Baby Hadj and will be with us. I'll update you later...

"I've got it....yes....I've got it!!"

Those of you who have watched my favorite movie "Under The Tuscan Sun," you'd understand the title..."I've got it...yes...I've got it!" If not, you should watch it!!!! It's a quote from the movie:) I've still got my girl, my creature. Even 9 months pregnant it felt absolutely wonderful dancing and twirling around the pole!!!! I was with the most beautiful creatures tonight. Watching them slide, sliver, crawl, glide and fly across the room was breathe taking. I soooooooo needed our Staff class tonight, and missed the S girls terribly. I love you all!!!!! I was hesitant because I'm feeling like a big blob. To inhale and exhale, to move slow and let my mind stray from the anxiety of motherhood and labor...was so freeing. Poor Baby Hadj though. I think he/she is still spinning. If I don't go into labor tonight, then I don't know what will help:) No worries, for the first 7 months, Baby Hadj grew up to me speaking in a deep slow voice and listening to Nine Inch Nails, Rap, and even Marilyn Manson. Of course don't forget country:) Ah I'm on a high and very happy. I can't wait to get back to teaching. S Factor should be every woman's playground!!!!

Hopefully Baby Hadj comes soon! Grandma has finished her payroll, we made it through Grandpa's important meeting, Christmas is down and Valentine's Day is up....I've learned more than I need to from cousin Kim on Sitz baths:)...Dad, which I'm sure Auntie Krista will back... is now saying it has to be before Thursday, because the Patriots play next weekend! My oh my the schedules!!!! I'm ready, boy oh boy am I ready!!!!

Happy Sabbath. XOXOX

Jenn's body vs. Baby Hadj's body....

Well hello there, it's week 40 and no sign of Baby Hadj. I went to the doctor yesterday and he was a little concerned Baby Hadj hadn't moved. I'm still 1 cm and 85% effaced. Baby Hadj's head has not lowered into the pelvic structure. That raises a red flag as to why????? It's my body vs. Baby Hadj's body sums it up. Either Baby Hadj is larger than he/she is leading us to be or my body is pushing back Baby Hadj. Huh? My pubic muscles are pretty strong and not allowing Baby Hadj to drop into the pelvic structure. I think those muscles are call Psoas Muscles. I could be wrong. I was looking on the internet for them. So it's either one of those reasons why our little one hasn't moved into position. We're going to have an ultra sound Monday at 1pm and see the doctor afterwards. The ultra sound will determine the size of Baby Hadj.

Another small bummer is Doc told me due to these muscles being so strong, they will not relax on their own. Meaning my wish to have a natural birth may not be the best for me and Baby Hadj. He's going to stay hopeful and make that call during delivery, but is afraid I'll put all my efforts into labor, that when it's time to push, I won't have the energy and we'll have to do a c-section. I do appreciate his honesty. Especially when I asked what I could do to kick start labor. His honest answer was pray. "That's all you can do now, is pray."

If my body doesn't go into natural labor no later than January 15th, then they'll have to induce me. Doc prefers not to, as well as I. That's the latest and safest date.

So that's it! We'll no more Monday or go into labor before then. Either way stay tuned....

It's no fun being sick on top of it all. I guess the Lord knows what's best. Being sick as made me relax a lot more than I was doing. The coughing isn't fun for the throat or the bladder:) Poor Baby Hadj, everytime there's a big one he/she moves about, like "what was that?" I've set up camp downstairs on the couch. Trying to keep Straty from getting sick. Last night was wonderful with the rain, fire and the dogs. We slept on the couch snug and bugs on a log. XOXOXO Jenn.

Keep me Strong Lord

Hello there! We'll Baby Hadj is still resting well in the belly! Lots of movement today, along with a consistent pattern of contractions that came every 7-8 minutes. No fears no labor is here, just a nasty cold with a lovely sore throat and a nose bleed or two. The weather is just awful. It's hot and sunny by day and bone chilling at night, topped off with a five day forecast of rain. Is it normal to feel like your heart is floating? I think it's the nerves, the wait, the what ifs, the what do I do's and the holy cow...a baby? not a puppy? We've all come a long way!!!! Thank you thank you for coming along on this journey! Who knows...the next time you read this Auntie Sarah may be introducing you to Baby Hadj!!! XOXOXOX Jenn.

Happy 2008!!!! 39 Weeks....January 5th is almost here!

Happy New Years! Baby Hadj wasn't the first Baby of 2008. I think that talk from Grandma did that! She has asked Baby Hadj to wait until after the 5th, worse case the 3rd. She has payroll at work to do. If Baby Hadj came any sooner, no-one would get paid at JT&C. It's all about Grandma!!! Baby Hadj must be very comfy and in no hurry to get started on life in the big world. I don't blame him/her. Mommy and Daddy though, are very anxious for the big day. You should have seen us the other night. I started contractions and told Straty we should "timing" them, just in case....He had to put the battery in his stop watch. Once he mastered that task, he was ready... set... go...!!!! I was upstairs working and he was downstairs watching TV. Once a contract started, I'd yell down to Straty..."Babe one started....Babe....one started" Straty would yell up "What?" I said. "One started," I said. "I can't hear you," Straty would shout out. "Forget it...it's gone," I'd say. It was very comical. We decided we'd figure it out once it really happened, like when I couldn't speak, that would be an obvious "time to call the doctor."

Straty opened up some of the baby stuff, like his Jeep Stroller. He LOVES that thing, with the MP3 speakers. I think he's nesting. He put together baby stuff, his new exercise bike and then spent last night organizing the garage. I was so excited about cleaning the garage. I'm so sick of clutter and old stuff.

Cheers to 2008! This year is my year...The year of the RAT! May your year be filled with FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE! To good health and lots of happiness!!