Our little pumpkin

With Halloween quickly approaching, our little family decided to get into the festive spirit and carve pumpkins. Also included in the pictures are from Avery's first trip down to the pier. It was a beautiful afternoon and a great day to take a stroll. The pier pictures are from two Sundays ago.

As usual, Avery slept through this big first event. We've had lots of first events for our little one. This past weekend, besides our fun carving of pumpkins, we also had our first trip to Florida to Pensacola and our first trip to a restaurant. Avery enjoys any type of trip that includes a car ride, which is a blessing since we hope to take many more trips including one to Auburn in a few weeks.

Since our first post of Avery's big arrival. I'll fill you in on the past two weeks events.

Sunday, October 12 (technically the day before the week started):

Around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning I started experiencing my first real contractions. They were painful, but not miserable and only occurred every 10 to 12 minutes. Nathan and I had a nice morning and waited until around 2 p.m. to go into the hospital. When we got to the maternity ward, we were put in a monitoring room for observation. We were told that while, "Yes, I was in labor," it wasn't strong or imminent enough to admit me into the hospital and I still hadn't dilated any further than the 2 centimeters I was before. The nurse said to go try and take a walk or eat spicy foods (not just an Old Wive's tale) and she wouldn't be surprised to see us back here tonight. We began timing contractions and met Nathan's family in Malbis at the Eastern Shore Center. We had a nice walk around, ate a Mexican restaurant and walked some more around the new Bass Pro Shop. The contractions began to occur ever 6 minutes. The hospital had said to try and not come back once they were every 5 minutes apart, but the contractions began to become excruciatingly painful. Around 10:45 p.m. we went back to the hospital where I was hoping they would tell me I was at least 3 cms dilated and had progressed in labor enough to be admitted. Either they felt sorry for us for coming back, we were the only people in labor, or they figured they would see us soon enough around 5 a.m. for our scheduled induction on Monday morning, that they went ahead and admitted us. The two extremely nice nurses debated whether to go ahead and induce or to wait until the following morning and letting us relax and sleep tonight. Unfortunately they chose the latter and decided to give me and Ambien to "try" and sleep for a few hours before morning came. Sleep was about the last thing Nathan and I were able to accomplish. The contractions did not diminish and only got stronger. They began in my abdomen and moved to my back.

Monday, October 13:

Around 3 a.m. my water broke on its own. The nurses tried to give me some pain medication called Nubain in the I.V. hoping it would relax me some before starting the Epidural. It did absolutely nothing, to which they kept giving me doses of it (3 to be exact) waiting for the anesthesiologist to arrive at the hospital. We began an induction at 5 a.m. and I was finally administered the Epidural around 5:30 a.m., wishing it had come a lot sooner. After the Epidural, everything went smoothly. The last time the nurse had checked I was only at 4 cms. When Dr. Nelson came in at 8:30 a.m. I was 9 centimeters dilated and we expected a baby anytime. And, at 10:01 a.m. little Miss Avery McKenzie Payne made her arrival known to the world. And boy, does she have a healthy pair of lungs that she likes to exercise.

The day was a blur of visitors, warm wishes, and amazement of the miracle of life God blessed us with. The 3 doses of Nubain the staff gave me left me feeling a little loopy, and because of the many visitors towards the end of the day more people than Nathan had had a chance to hold our little girl. After everyone was sent home for the evening, Nathan and I had a chance to spend some time as a family with our addition.

Wednesday, October 15 (Going Home):

The morning began early and we couldn't wait to bring Avery home. Nathan and I were both a bit exhausted, but it was a good exhaustion. We made it back to our house around 11 a.m.

Other days:

Nathan had the opportunity to spend the rest of the week with us. New daddy Nathan has been a perfect supporting person through this all. He's helped changed diapers, take care of new mommy and make sure Avery knows what a wonderful daddy he is.

Every day Avery is more alert, and every night is a gamble on how much, or less, sleep we'll get. Some days she is very alert and we think she'll sleep and she doesn't; some days she sleeps all day and I think she'll be awake most of the night, and she surprises us!

We didn't like to see him go and were so happy to have him back with us this last weekend (October 24-26). We'll be even more happy to see him this Halloween weekend!

She's Here

Our little girl has arrived and she is the most precious thing ever created!

We're home from the hospital and both mommy and baby are in great health. Last night was the first night to have Avery in our room, and to sum up the evening, Mommy and Daddy are both worn out.

We have so many pictures already to go through that it will take us a few days to organize them. In the meantime, here are a few cute ones that we'll post until we can get enough sleep to allow our minds to organize a creative and fun posting:

Waiting, waiting, waiting

Well, we are waiting, waiting, waiting on little miss Avery's arrival. Our little one's official due date isn't for another 2 days (Saturday, October 11), but I've been 2 centimeters dilated for almost 2 weeks now and still nothing. I wake up in the mornings and wonder if today is the day. And while I've loved having enough time to complete most everything I wanted to complete, everything is just waiting and ready for her to use. She's been very courteous in these last few months. Courteous enough to let her daddy take the LSAT and his midterms. And perhaps she knows Nathan is planning on getting here tomorrow, and once she knows her daddy is here she'll grace us with her presence.

Either way, come Monday (the scheduled induction date) our little one will be here and we are ECSTATIC!

Two Centimeters

It's been too long, and I have many updates. I probably should have posted a few separate posts, and I'd been meaning to for a while, but here they are all lumped together into one (after each section I did include a line). Hope you enjoy. The next post may be after our little one has arrived.

I'll start with a few pictures, since I've been such a slacker. These were all taken two days ago (September 30) at 38 weeks and 2 days pregnant.





Hmm, where to begin now?

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Updates

We don't have too much longer until Avery arrives. I've been visiting the doctor once a week for the past few weeks and each time the doctor checks to see if I progressed any. So far, nothing. Until yesterday. Yesterday, I found out I was already 2 centimeters dilated. It isn't a lot (but it is exciting) and Avery could hold still not arrive until October 11, 12 or 13 (the 13 is the scheduled induction date beginning at 5 a.m.) and I pray that she does not come yet . Not because we don't want her to be here, but because it is a guarantee starting the night of October 10 that Nathan would be here with me from the beginning of labor and it is convenient for his family to be here as well. However, now that I am dilated she could come any day now. I should try and stay off my feet more and relax, but I keep thinking of all the things I should be doing and how I'd like to get most of them complete so I can devote all my attention to Avery. We would like her to wait until at least after October 4 (so keep us in your prayers) as that is the day Nathan is taking the LSAT. I've been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing too painful.

For the past three weeks I haven't gained any more weight. But, my tummy is still growing. Believe me, I have the love marks Avery is leaving with me to show for it.

Here are a couple of my attempts at being creative in Avery's room:

A memory board

Her little lamp

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Shower Explosion

Two nights ago we had our FIFTH and final shower. Nathan and I have been blessed to have great support from our friends and family. And I have never felt more humbled by everyone who is so willing to give to us. I'll never be able to go to another wedding or baby shower without thinking back on how everyone got together to do this for us. It seems silly now to think that 8 months ago I was worried that we wouldn't have anything for Avery and now we've gotten all of that and more. God has blessed us beyond belief.

The first shower we had was a guys and girls shower given by two of my good friends from church Lizzy and Jenn at their fantastic townhouse. That was back in July. The next shower was given by my best friend Kitty and her mom (who has been like a second mom to me) at their gorgeous Lake Martin home. It was for all of my Auburn friends and I couldn't believe the turn out and who all made it. It was so sweet for everyone to attend. That shower was also in July. Fast forward to September 6 when my mom and I traveled to Hartselle where Nathan's mom's friends hosted another great shower (all of my showers were fantastic) and I was able to meet more women who knew Nathan (even his eighth grade teacher). Next two weekends ago, my best friend from sixth grade hosted a shower at her new home along with my mom for my friends who still live in Fairhope and my family from my dad's side. Nathan's mom drove down from Hartselle, which was so sweet and was great to visit with her, and his grandmother from Saraland came to meet my family. And two nights ago, my mom's good friends hosted a shower for the women from our neighborhood, my mom's boock club and my brother's baseball friend's moms. This past one was a diapers and wipes shower and we'll be stocked up for months.

picture from the shower at Kitty's

picture of the adorable cake from the shower in Fairhope (we've used the same lady to make my birthday cakes since I was 15 years old, she'll also be making our wedding cake). Yummy!

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Pregnancy Pictures

The good news is, Avery didn't arrive before I had the chance to take pregnancy pictures. I wanted to remember as much as I could about being pregnant, and since a picture is worth 1,000 words, what better way then to take pictures while being pregnant. And while I would have loved to have them taken with Nathan, he just wasn't able to get down here when we could. But, I already have family pictures in mind for the spring that include the beach, and it will mean much more to have them in those. I'd love his handsome face to be in some of our pictures.

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We have a DATE

Nathan and I officially picked a wedding date. JANUARY 3rd. However, we are doing it a bit different. We wanted to be married before the three of us were together and I can't wait to officially be Nathan's wife, but planning a January 3rd wedding at this point meant we were going to have to do it small. It isn't that we don't want all of our friends and family there and witnessing the blessed and most memorable event, but we just don't have the time or energy to get all the preparations done before this day (did I mention my dad is one of 10 kids and inviting all of his family makes for a big family and we can't forget how many Auburn friends Nathan and I both have). January 3rd will be a very small ceremony, but we will be having a big celebration/reception in April. Nathan is worried that our friends won't want to come to just a "party." But I hope they will. And it will be a great chance for everyone to catch up. It'll probably be in Gulf Shores, so we hope to see you there!!

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Fingers crossed it is a girl...

Everyone has an opinion on the way I'm carrying and how much weight I've gained and what must determine the sex of the baby. Well, we are hoping they got it right when they said girl. Either that, or the poor boy would be in an identity crisis for about a year.

Week 34

How is it that I've only had time to post once a week? The weeks seem to be flying by too fast for my liking, and whenever I can find the pause button in my crazy schedule I feel as though I could get a lot more completed.

Starting my 34 week of pregnancy has been great. I've actually started to get a little more energy back (I've been low on iron this entire pregnancy, which unfortunately decreases my amount of energy and I have found it difficult to complete the simplest tasks). However, I feel like my to-do list is ever growing ,and once I cross one thing off of the list I end up adding at least two more things that must be finished.

This past weekend my mom and I traveled to Auburn for Avery's first in utero football game. Avery must have thoroughly enjoyed herself, because she kicked for the majority of the game. I have to wonder what all the many sounds sound like to someone that small and not yet in the world. My senses are always a little overloaded during a football game, so she must have been having a field day! I've included a few pictures, even a picture of the bump after the game.

Speaking of Avery's kicking during the game, kicking is the most wonderful part of my pregnancy. Not only does it reassure me that she's all right, but I absolutely love feeling her move around. Lately, she's been having the hiccups and it is so funny to feel her patterned movements

During the weekend I got to see my wonderful fiance, since it had been 3 weeks since I saw him last. The visit with Nathan was much needed. Because of Gustav, we had to cut our visit shorter than we would have liked and my mom and I went back to Fairhope late Sunday afternoon. Although I would have enjoyed being in Auburn longer and getting the chance to visit with more friends (I'm limited in the amount of times I'll get to go back to Auburn), my mom and I got a lot done in Avery's room on my mom's day off. We're still trying to find places for everything, but it is coming together beautifully and I can't wait to share the pictures.

One, Two, Three, Push

So, we aren't quite at that point yet, but we are getting ready for Avery's arrival and the pushing is just something to look forward to.

Today I had my 33-week doctor's appointment (everything is healthy with her and right on track) and my second childbirth class. It is really hard to believe that in a few weeks our little girl will be arriving. I've tried to imagine it several times, and it still doesn't seem completely real. Weird that my appearance has definitely changed and her kicking has increased, but still the fact that we will be holding her in a few weeks is so surreal. It is such a wonderful feeling and I cannot wait (sappy, but so true)!!

The childbirth class is very interesting. A lot has changed since my mom, my coach until Nathan can fill in, gave birth and the knowledge feels empowering. I'd much rather know exactly what to expect than to have no idea at all. The nurse said that in the past doctors used to let their patients go until 2 weeks after their due date before they induced the mother. Now, doctors may induce a week early or only a week after. Like I said, she'll be here in a few short weeks! I'm also trying to be prepared for her to come early. Our teacher explained that moms tend to go into labor with the storms and changes in barometric pressure, and I'm keeping an open mind just in case.

Avery's room is slowly starting to come together. The walls are painted, and my dad just finished putting up crown molding. All that is left now is to prime and paint the crown molding and put the furniture in its place. I love putting her room together, and I am a little sad that she'll have no memory of it. But, it is fun!

I'm having a hard time being away from Nathan, but will see him next week. I hate picking things out for Avery without him, but he'll enjoy it with her once she's arrived.

Hiatus

It's been entirely too long since I last posted, and I can't even attempt to find a good enough excuse. Now that classes are finished for the summer I have finally found time to get in some updates:

I'm back in Fairhope.

It's official, as of last Saturday I am officially living with my parents again (I'll be an only child for a couple of months for the first time since I was 3...should be interesting). Nathan, with the help of my mom, dad and brother who ventured to Auburn (without an U-haul, which is a completely different blog post and took a few more hours then necessary), was fantastic with helping me out. We, or they, successfully moved a bed, box spring, desk, two bookcases, dresser and nightstand along with too-many clothes and various objects I have acquired, and somehow managed all of this to fit into my tiny car, Nathan's car and my brother's truck. Let's just say no one could see outside of the back of the car they were driving. As of right now, all of this stuff is taking over our house.

Avery has a room. Or sort of.

Several years ago we added on to our house, and my old bedroom will be Avery's for the two months that she will live here. For the past two years the room has been my dad's office/guest bedroom, and so I am patiently, or a little impatiently, waiting for all of the furniture to be moved out before I paint the room (it is still a light pink that I'd had since I was 6 years old...I know, I know, Avery's a girl and she might like pink, but I am going to paint it a neutral color so it can go back to being an office when we move out). I'm excited to start decorating.

I will begin my 32 week of pregnancy TOMORROW (Pictures to follow).

I can't believe how fast time is flying by. Nathan and I cannot wait to greet her (he says the day she arrives his first words to her will be, "It's Your Birthday"--I'm a little nervous, that however funny this will be, it may traumatize our daughter).

I'll start class too.

I'll be starting class on Monday like everyone else in Auburn, although mine is slightly different...child birthing class. I can't wait. I wish Nathan could be here, but it's practically impossible for him. I've tried to convince him to take a friend and go in Auburn. We'll see if he really does...

Funny things Avery's been doing:

We've had our first few fights. I roll over on my side, she kicks, moves around and tries to get comfortable, until I finally relent and roll over (disciplining is already in her favor). I told our doctor what she does. He asked if he thought she was telling me "hi," of if she was angry. I think she just does not like it one bit, but it is humorous to watch her move.

Since Nathan is gone and he can't talk to her everyday like he used to, I put my phone on speaker phone and put it on my tummy so he can say "hello." Almost every time, she kicks right beneath his voice. She's already a daddy's girl.

I'm also still not used to people asking me if I am pregnant, or when I am due. I usually have to ask them to repeat themselves to make sure they are really asking about that and I am not just imagining it!