Merry Christmas!

It's been awhile and I'm sure there are lots of things I could update so we'll see what I remember to add here.

On Thursday, the 17th, Matt, Madelyn and I loaded up the car and headed to Michigan for Christmas. It's a 12 hour trip so we stopped that night at one of my best friends house in Indianapolis. We arrived at 3:30 that afternoon, so much sooner than we thought! Mady did great and was able to have some fun playing with Rebekah's two boys, Luke and Jackson (Jackson is a couple weeks younger than Mady). It was so nice to take a break and get to spend some time together with her since I don't see her very often. It was a rough night for Mady but we made it through and hit the road around 8 that morning to get ot my parents house.

Friday night was the Treece party (for my mom's side of the family) and Saturday was spent getting ready for the Mouw party (dad's family). Sunday we spent the day with Matt's family and Madelyn got more toys than she will ever know what to do with! She had quite the pile! Later that evening, we went to see our former neighbors and spend time with them and their little one (Clayton was born 9/11) We had such a great time with them! I didn't want to leave but it was late and we had some things to do the next day and they had to get to work.

Monday was relaxing and we went to see my cousin Austin's school Christmas program. Tuesday I got to go to Olive Garden with my best friend, Sam! We had a wonderful time with our usual "soup, salad and breadsticks" lunch. Mady even behaved well! Wednesday I went to Panera Bread with Melanie and then we watched "The Blind Side." What a great movie! It was nice to get out and spend some time with her since next year she is going overseas to be a missionary. That evening we had another Christmas party at my uncle's house. Mom and dad were nice enough to take Mady home so Matt and I could go out with a bunch of friends from high school. We had no idea there would be that many people there but it was nice to see all of them since we are all over the place now.

Christmas eve was spent playing cards at Matt's grandparents house and then going to a Christmas eve service at their church. After the service, per our tradition, Matt and I opened our gifts to each other. He got me the game, "Settlersof Catan" which I am addicted to now, thanks to Joel and Katie! Christmas morning we celebrated with my parents and I"m sure they enjoyed watching Mady open her presents, although she enjoyed the paper more than anything else. We had a great time teaching them how to play "settlers" and just relaxing at home.

Saturday afternoon we headed back to Georgia and stopped once again at Rebekah's house. Twice in 10 days was great! We made it back here yesterday around 4:30pm and celebrated Christmas with the family here before Jon had to go back to Memphis today.

That about sums up our trip I suppose. This is my last week as a stay at home mom since I start my new job next Monday. I'm excited but a little sad too that I won't get to spend the days with my baby but I know it's necessary right now. Anyway, I suppose that's all..... Oh, and Happy 1st Birthday to Dylan James!!! Rejoicing and celebrating his special day in the arms of Jesus! (http://www.fromgummybeartosweetbaby.blogspot.com/)

Madelyn opening her presents on Christmas morning.... she liked the paper the best!

Her first time in the snow! I had her all wrapped up and we went to watch Grandpa use the snow blower!

Christmas time

We are in full swing with the Christmas season and I'm loving it! We have our tree up, decorations around the basement and all but 1 Christmas present bought! I'm getting so excited for next week though. We leave Thursday to go to Michigan for Christmas and I can't wait! We leave Thursday morning and plan on staying at my friend Rebekah's house that night. We stayed with her on our way to Georgia with my dad and this time, hopefully, we'll get there a little earlier in the day (we didn't arrive until 11:45 pm when we moved!) and the babies can play and Rebekah and I can catch up a little. Madelyn didn't get to meet Luke last time and we only saw Jackson for a few minutes in the morning before we left. It will be great to see them all again! We'll finish our trip on Friday, the 18th. Hopefully we won't run into too much trouble with snow, since there's a huge storm this week.

I must say, I'm having a great week so far. It all started on Saturday. Matt, Mady and I went to our friends, Joel and Katie's house to visit with another friend we went to high school with. He was interviewing for a residency program here in Atlanta. Anyway, we played the game, Settlers, and I won!!!! Joel and Katie introduced us to the game and I'm addicted. Sunday, we went to church and then back to Joel and Katie's for the day again. We had a blast. Plus, that morning, I won tickets to the Atlanta Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker." We're going next Wednesday before we leave for Michigan. Monday, I wasn't feeling too well but I took Madelyn to the mall to see Santa and she did great! We got some great photos that I'll post later. Our Christmas cards are made and ready to be mailed out this week. Then, to top it off, I got a job today!!!!! I'm going to be working at the Cobb County Health Department with a childrens program. I interviewed last Tuesday and was told I would hear one way or the other by the end of this week. My mother in law goes to church with another RN at the health department and she told my mother in law that they really liked me and I would be getting a phone call either yesturday or today. Well, I got it today!!! They needed another reference and when they got two more, she called me back (about 20-30 minutes after the first phone call) and offered me the job. I am so excited! I dont' start until January 4th, so there aren't any issues about me going home for Christmas and it gives me more time to get ready to leave Madelyn again. She's going to be with "Nonnie," Matt's step mom and I know she'll be well taken care of, but I know I'm still going to miss her. I think that's why God didn't have me get a job until now. He knew I wanted to be home with Madelyn and I have been so blessed to have been home with her everyday since mid-September. Now, I feel like I am able to go to work and not be so anxious to get back to her.

Well, that's about it!

Surprise!

There have been many things in the last two weeks here. The most important one is that on Friday, November 20, Matt took me out for a "pre-birthday date." I know I should have been suspicious but I just went along with it and did whatever. We went to Chick-fil-A (YUM!) and once we ordered our food, we went to get a seat and low and behold!!! My parents were sitting in the booth!!!!! They drove down from Grand Rapids to surprise me for my birthday! I was so excited I started crying. I had seen my mom a couple weeks before but I hadn't seen Dad since we moved here two months ago. He immediately took Madelyn out of her car seat and played with her throughout dinner. Saturday, the five of us went to the Georgia aquarium and then walked around downtown for a little bit. (notice we're all wearing "Michigan" stuff - that was the day of the Michigan vs Ohio State game. Matt was recording it so we could go the aquarium. Even Madelyn had on her cute Michigan onsie!)


Dad playing with his granddaughter while waiting to get into the aquarium. He was so excited to see Madelyn!


Sunday we went to church and then out to dinner for my birthday (this was my actual birthday). We had dinner at Sweet tomatoes, a salad, pasta and soup buffet. My parents went, along with Matt's dad, step mom, siblings and our good friend, Joel. We went back to the house for cake and ice cream and sat around and played games for a little bit. Unfortunately they had to leave the next morning since dad had to work on Tuesday.

Thursday was Thanksgiving, Madelyn's first. We had a delicious dinner, followed by lots of yummy desserts and turkey induced comas. My inlaws and Matt and I decided we wanted to go shopping today, Black Friday. We went to one store at Midnight (After being up all day) and it sucked!!! I felt like I was with a herd of cattle being shoved in to the stalls. Anyway, we got home around 1:30 am and then I went to bed with Mady. Matt stayed up all night and went to Target at 4, ready for the doors to open at 5am. We really wanted to get a digital camera, since ours got broken at my cousin Racheal's house when I was up north for her wedding. We succeded! He got the camera and then went to Home Depot to get a pre-lit Christmas tree. Now, if you know me at all, I am NOT a fan of having a fake tree. As a kid, my mom would put up her fake tree in the living room and I would make them go get a real one and put it in the basement to put my ornaments on it. So for me to get a fake tree was a huge deal. Matt and I thought that since we would be in Michigan for a week over Christmas, it would be better to get a fake tree this year and plus we don't know where we will be for next year (a new house, new apartment?). So, today we put the tree up and tomorrow I will finish decorating the tree and puttin gup other decorations to get our "apartment" to look like home and cozy and ready for Christmas!
The next two pictures were taken at my cousin's wedding while I was up from Georgia.



Mom, Madelyn and I waiting in the nursery for the ceremony to startMom put Mady in the leaves in her back yard for some cute pictures. I did not add the fake leaves so she wouldn't eat the dirty ones.... they were just for added color :)

What a cutie!!!!! I'm not biased at all :)

new milestones

It's been an interesting few days for us, that's for sure. Last Wednesday, Madelyn and I flew to Grand Rapids so I could be in a wedding that Saturday. She did great on the plane! Everyone thought she was so cute and loved to talk to people. She slept for a good portion of the first flight, from Atlanta to Milwaukee, then slept the entire way from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids, even if it is only a 20 minute flight :) Wednesday evening we had dinner with Matt's family and then I saw some friends from church. Thursday was another travel day, going to Indiana for the wedding, but not before stopping at the outlet mall! Mom bought a cute dress for Mady to wear to the wedding that actually matched us! We arrived at my aunt's house and just relaxed for a little bit before I headed out with Racheal and the girls for the "bachelorette party" dinner. Unfortunately, Mady wouldn't take a bottle from my mom so she battled with her until I got home. Friday consisted of decorating the church and Mady not sleeping ALL day!!!! She got up at 7 am and didn't go to bed until about 10 pm! Only a 1 hour nap in between, when we went back to the house to get ready for the rehearsal! Poor kid! Poor mom for having to watch her again and she still wouldn't take a bottle! Anyway, the wedding was Saturday and I must say, I'm glad it's all over! No more drama! We headed home and noticed..... Mady got her first tooth!!!!!! One broke through on the bottom and a second one is well on it's way! She did great traveling back to Georgia yesterday! She went in her exersaucer last night too and loved it. The downside is that she's too short and can't touch the bottom! Oh well....

Well, I guess that's it. I will have to post pics later since my camera broke and I have to wait for my mom to email them!

quick update

Just wanted to show a few pictures. My little girl is growing up so fast. Next Wednesday, her and I will be flying to Michigan to see our family and I am in my cousin's wedding. It should be a good time to see family and catch up with a few friends.My sweet baby girl. We went shopping for the day and she did so well in her car seat. She's so cute!


She likes to sit and help daddy work! It's nice having him work from home!



She likes to play on the floor with her toys... generally she is in a happy mood too!

time sure flies

One year ago today, I found out my dream of being a mommy was going to come true. I think I took about 7 pregnancy tests over the weekend to be sure (I took the first one, which was positive, went to the dr. and he said it was negative.... took some more over the next couple days, they were positive and then went back to the dr and it was a BIG positive!!!) I can't believe my precious baby girl is 3 1/2 months old already. She's getting so big. She rolled over (from back to tummy) for the first time on 10/09/09 and has also been starting to eat cereal for the last 3 nights before bed. Then just this morning, she went from back to tummy to back again, all in the same direction! She's too cute (will post pics once I find my camera cord!)

We seem to be settling in here. It's been 3 weeks now since we arrived and started unpacking. I will say I miss home and my friends and family, especially in the fall. I LOVE fall in Michigan. All the pretty colors on the trees, going to apple orchards and going on hay rides, picking apples and drinking apple cider. Yeah, I miss it (but I like Georgia too - had 70+ degrees last week) I am very excited to go back to Michigan in a few weeks. I fly out on Nov. 4 and come back on the 9th, so a nice little vacation for me and Madelyn. It will be nice to see some friends, as well as a lot of my family.

the big move

We've made it! Matt, Mady, my dad and myself all arrived here in Acworth, Georgia (near Atlanta) around 7:30 Friday night. Mady did so well!!! We left Hudsonville (me in a blurry of tears) around 6:30 Thursday night and stayed with one of my best friend's in Indianapolis that night. We didn't get there until almost midnight and then went to bed. We were up and ready to hit the road around 8 am, but first I got to meet Rebekah's sweet new baby boy, Jackson. He was born two weeks after Madelyn. He's adorable!!! I held him for a few minutes and snuggled with him before getting in the car and making the rest of our trip. We were so thankful that God protected us that evening as there have been some crazy things going on in her neighborhood lately (just ask me if you want to know). Our truck was safe and sound in the Miejer parking lot around the corner too!!! We didn't unload much on Friday, just ate dinner and hung around for a little bit before going to bed. Saturday was a busy day with unloading the truck, finding a place to put all the boxes and still making it to church that night. Mady went into the nursery, her first time ever! She did pretty well until the workers had to come get me since she was hungry. Sunday came and I will admit it was the hardest day yet. I'm tearing up even as I think about it. I had to say goodbye to my dad and watch him leave for the airport. I know I am probably the worst daughter ever for not going with him to the airport but I just couldn't do it. I thought saying goodbye in our driveway to my mom was bad enough and I just couldn't go through it again with my dad. So we said goodbye in the house and I cried as he pulled out of the driveway.
Once he left, I fed Mady and went back to bed for a little bit. The rest of the day was spent unpacking boxes and just vegging out. By Monday, the basement looked like a little piece of home, with pictures hung up, our clothes put away and Mady sleeping in her crib.
I'm still applying for jobs, but right now I am enjoying the time with Mady, as she is already growing up so fast. God has truely blessed us with a beautiful little girl.
Matt will start working next Monday for his dad. They were ever so sweet to give us this week to relax and unpack and get things settled and attempt to get our bearings. He is also workign with the marching band that two of his brothers are in. His dad spoke with the band director and he wanted to met Matt so before the rehearsal on Monday, Matt went and talked with the band director and when he didn't get home until almost 7, I knew it was a good sign. He went back to rehearsal yesterday and will also go the rest of this week. I think he's in it for the rest of the season, and will most likely work with them again next year if possible.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of our family, taken a week before we moved. Once I find the camera and camera cord, I'll post pictures of our place here.

bittersweet feelings

Yesterday we had a "going away" party/open house at my parents place. We had quite a few people come to see us before the big move and we really enjoyed getting to see everyone. I only cried once, when Nicole was leaving. Otherwise, things went really well. Some things were said to my mom that were quite hurtful and not expected but she got through it and we had a good day.

Today and the rest of the week is packing overhaul! We have a lot to pack up and only a few days to do it. The big rental truck comes on Wednesday and then have to load up! One of our friends offered to come help us with that so hopefully we can get everything loaded before dad gets out of work on Thursday and we head out. The plan is to load up, leave Thursday around 4:30pm and stop in Indianapolis at my friend Rebekah's house. I can't wait to see her!!!!!! I haven't seen her since my baby shower in May and we've both had babies since then! Friday we will finish the trip and arrive in Acworth, Georgia! (if you need my new address, please let me know). So if I'm not on here or a little bit, please know I'm not ignoring you but just really busy!!!!

All for now!

changes

Madelyn is officially two months old today!!! I can't believe it's gone that fast! She had her two month check up today and all is well. She is now 11 lbs, 6 oz and 22 inches long! What a great baby! That's the 75th percentile in both height and weight. Doctor says she looks good and is nice and healthy.
Her poor leg after getting three shots (two in the left leg and 1 in the right)

This is the only way she would calm down for us after getting home from the doctor. Poor peanut. She did so well!


In other news, I might as well come out and say it.... we're moving to Georgia. Matt was offered a job at his dad's company and accepted the position. We leave at the end of September, so about 4 weeks left! We're very excited about moving, but also very sad. We're excited for a new start in a new city and to be out on our own (in a little bit... first we're living with his dad and step mom) but it's hard to move away from family. All of my family, except my mom's mom, lives here for the most part. Matt's mom's side of the family is mostly here too. We told them about the move yesterday and Saturday and for the most part, they took it well. I understand it's going to be hard to see us leave and it's sad, but please trust me, it's just as hard if not harder on us. We understand what we're doing and realize that we're taking Madelyn away from a lot of her family but we truly feel this is God's will for us. We have spent the last 3 months praying about this and talking about this and feel this is where we are being lead at this time. It's so hard on us, because of Mady but also because most of our friends are here. My best friend since 7th grade is here and I hated having to tell her that we're leaving. I basically broke down in bed last night at the realization of all that was happening. We made the decision about a week ago and then things have been moving so fast I didn't really have time to think about it until after everyones comments last night. I'm leaving some of my best friends, all of my family, our beautiful new house, our wonderful church, a great job and town I grew up in for what? A chance to make a new life, that's what. Matt has a great opportunity to work for his dad, actually just having a job since March, and do something that he likes and is good at. We can be a part of his siblings lives (his brothers are both in marching band in high school) and getting to spend time with his family that we don't get to see that often. This is so hard but we are so excited for this new beginning and please know we are only a 2 hour plane ride, or 12 hour car ride away. We would love visitors and of course we will be back a lot to visit a place I will always call home.

8 weeks

My sweet little girl is now 8 weeks old! Next Tuesday we go for her 2 month check up and shots... not looking forward to that!

I had my post partum check up on Tuesday and all went well. My doctor said I was completely healed up from delivery, to the point where she couldn't even tell I had a baby!!! Plus, I've lost 31 of the 37 pounds I gained during the pregnancy. I'd like to lose more but I am very happy with that so far.

Matt's been teaching a band camp in Jackson this week so it's been just me and the peanut. She's been really good, plus we've been hanging out at my parents house so they've been a big help too.

This week is the fair and hopefully when Matt gets home, we can go. It's a tradition. We have to go to the fair sometime in the week that it's here. We walk through the animal barns, look at the rides, play some games and walk around enjoying the food and at night, the demolition derby! Can't wait!

Here are a few pictures from Madelyn's newborn photo shoot when she was 2 weeks old.She was crying on her changing table as I was changing her diaper and the photographer decided to keep shooting anyway - very cute, I think!


One of my favorites. She fell asleep as soon as Matt came and held her. I love this picture.
I love the color of this picture! She's wrapped in a blanket her Great-Great Aunt Joy made. Such a sweet baby and look at those blue eyes!!!!This was in our back yard. It was FREEZING cold in the middle of July!!! Oh well. We snuggled her up in her blanket and took a few outside shots. I love it!

time flie

Mady is 7 weeks old already! It's crazy! She has her two week check up on the 1st of September so we'll see how big she is then!

Lately she hasn't been sleeping during the day for Matt unless she's sleeping on him, on her tummy. So today, we're going to try to put her on her tummy for nap time while I'm at work and see how that goes.

I'll update more later, but I gotta nurse her before work!

6 weeks old!

My little peanut was 6 weeks old on Wednesday, which meant I went back to work on Monday. I wish I didn't have to go to work but since Matt still doesn't have a job, I need to work. It was hard, even though I only worked a half day. I snuggled with her all morning and then left at 12:45pm to get to work by 1. I cried the whole way there!!! Of course she was fine at home with Matt but this was the first time I had to leave her for this long! I got home around 5:15 and held her for most of the night! I worked every day this week and it's gotten easier, knowing she's being well taken care of .

Today is Matt's grandparents 50th Anniversary party. It's an open house from 2-6 and of course we will be there. My concern is that everyone is going to want to pass her around. Madelyn doesn't like to be passed from person to person and gets fussy when that happens. Matt said for me to just hold her then and tell people they can't hold her because she will get fussy but then people get mad at me and think I'm this uptight mom and rude. Oh well. We'll see how it goes I guess.

Sunday, Madelyn is getting dedicated at church. No, she's not being baptized but we're standing up in church and dedicating to raising her the way God would have us raise her and teach her and raise her in church. We're pretty excited because we really like our church and of course we want the support of our church family as we look to God to help us raise this wonderful, precious gift he's given us.

that's all for now. She's waking up and will want to eat soon. Then it's off to Costco to meet my mom for a little bit, before getting ready for the open house this afternoon.

Georgia Peaches

This past Sunday, Matt's dad, stepmom, brothers and sister made the 12 + hour trek from Georgia to visit with us and meet Madelyn. We had a blast! Matt's youngest brother is 5 months old, exactly 4 months older than Madelyn. It was great meeting him for the first time too!

Monday we all went to my parents cottage in Newaygo, about an hour north from our house. It was a little cloudy at first but then turned out to be a beautiful day. We went on the jet skis (yes, we. I went on them too, even though I probably shouldn't have), went tubing, tried to wake board and roasted marshmallows. Caleb and Michael took turns driving the pontoon boat at night and went swimming in the middle of the lake.

Tuesday we took some photos out on my parents deck and then wandered through the mall before saying goodbye. They had to head back to Georgia that afternoon but we all had a great time!

Here are a few photos from the week!My beautiful baby girl! She was sleeping on my lap when my mom took this photo :)


The grandpas! My dad is holding Madelyn and Stephen is holding his son, Zeke.


Stephen and Sharleen with all the kids! Matt, Michael, Caleb, Sarah, Zeke and Madelyn!


The first time they saw Madelyn and the first time I met Zeke!
On the boat during a beautiful sunset!

4 weeks

Yesterday was the four week mark since Madelyn was born. I can't believe how fast time goes! She's such a good baby, other than yesterday! She wanted to eat every hour in the morning, which made for a very tired mommy since it started at 6 am. But then in the afternoon she went back to her 3-4 hour naps between feedings and I was very happy!!!

In honor of my friend Rebekah, who now has two little ones and posted about a "tired mommy moment," here is mine - the first of many I'm sure!

I did some laundry yesterday in between seeing my best friend and taking care of Mady. I threw it in the dryer and thought nothing of it. Well, my wonderful husband brought it out of the dryer and up to the living room so I could fold it all. He proceeds to ask me if I was confused as to what kind of diapers we use. That comment alone made me confused so I looked up at him and there was a diaper (disposable, with a wipe!) laying on the top of the laundry pile!!! Somehow a diaper got in our hamper or Mady's hamper or something and went into the washer and dryer! No, I didn't notice it when I put the clothes from the washer in to dry, otherwise I wouldn't have let it go in the dryer. Well, of course I now worry that the washer/dryer was ruined but Matt went and cleaned them out and they still work... How do I know, you may ask, since I did laundry yesterday??? WELL..... my precious little girl decided to have a MONSTER blow out this morning as I was nursing her! It went through her diaper, sleeper and onto my boppy pillow!!! I'm so thankful the pillow itself is washable!!!

I went out to the gym today for the first time since I had Madelyn. Man, am I out of shape!!! I've lost 22 pounds, and have 14 more to lose but I'm hoping to get into better shape than I was before. I know I'm not supposed to work out until after my 6 week check up but I'm getting too frustrated sitting here and not attempting to work it off. So for now, I will take it slow and see how things go!

Below is a picture from our trip to North Carolina. 5 generations are shown (me, Madelyn, my great grandma Blair, my mom and my grandma Lemonds).

finally home

Madelyn and I made it home!!! We arrived last night around 9pm, after a long day in the car. She did great!!!! What a good baby I have!

We left at 6am on Tuesday morning and arrived at 9 that night. Wednesday consisted of relaxing around the house and taking the "5 generations" picture, which was the main reason for going there. Thursday we went shopping, where this little baby pooped through her clothes! Unfortunately, I didn't have another onsie in the diaper bag so she went in just her diaper on the way home! She had her fussy moments that day, in which every other woman in the house decided to "diagnose" her and tell me what to do for her. I ended up pretty frustrated and had to call Matt to calm down a little. Friday morning we left at 6am and she did great the whole way home!

I must say, one of the highlights, for me anyway, was getting to eat at Chick-Fil-A! Since we don't have those here, mom promised that we could go there if Madelyn and I went on the trip. We ate there Tuesday night for dinner and also at the mall on Thursday. YUM!

Well, Miss Madelyn is waking up and it's time for a bath and then time to eat. I'll post pictures later once I get them from my mom.

mini-vacay

Well, I'm pretty much packed for the little trip we're taking. The laundry is almost finished and then I can finish packing my bag and Mady's bag. Then I am taking a bunch of our stuff to my mom's tonight so the car can get packed tonight. We leave at 6am tomorrow morning and I'm just praying that she does well in the car. The plan is to stop every couple hours, not just to feed her but so she can get out of her car seat and just move around a little bit. We're hoping to find an outlet mall on the way there so we can not only get out of the car a little bit but find something super cute for my friend who just had baby boy #2 - Jackson is here!!!! I wish Indianapolis was on the way to North Carolina but it's not. I wanna meet this little guy and introduce them to Madelyn but that will have to wait I guess.
Matt and I are going out tonight for the first time by ourselves since Madelyn was born. Our 2 year wedding anniversary is tomorrow but since I am going to North Carolina in the morning, we're going out to dinner to Logan's and then to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert! I love Cold Stone - we went almost every night on our honeymoon in Hawaii (we got a ton of coupons for "Buy one get one" from a store we went to). So fun! Hopefully Madelyn will be good tonight while Matt's mom is here. We won't be gone long but even just a little time out together will be nice. Can't wait!

2 week dr. appt

Well, Madelyn had her two week well child check up today at the doctors. After taking her onsie off to weigh her, she screamed the whole time! She now weighs 9 lbs, 2 oz, and is 21 inches long! The dr. said she's in the 75th percentile for both height and weight so we have a healthy little girl! Other than the crying, she did great! The doctor actually said he was impressed with how we were handling her crying. A lot of new parents get pretty frustrated with continuous crying like that but since we knew she wasn't hungry (I fed her just before the appt), we changed her diaper and then basically just concluded she was fussy. He said we were doing well and knew we were good with her. He also told us that between now and her two month check up (the next time she has to be seen) we should go out just the two of us, "even if it's just for a walk, an ice cream cone or staying at home, the best thing you can give her is a good marriage." We'll see when this happens....
I also took her to see the people I work with. They all loved her! The doctors followed me down the hall to see her, my manager loved her and the nurses all wanted to hold her. It was nice seeing them all again and it will be nice to work again but sad at the same time since I don't want to leave her this soon! I go back in 3 1/2 weeks! She'll be fine staying at home with Matt but I still will miss her and miss being with her all day. If only I could be a stay at home mom.....

Little vacation

This weekend, the three of us went to my parents cottage for a few days. We went after church on Sunday and came home last night. Mady did great! Monday night, she ate at 8:45pm and didn't wake up again to eat until 4:30! Then she went back to sleep until 9 am! She was so good! She slept most of the day and even went on her first boat ride this weekend! Mom and dad have a pontoon boat so Sunday night we bundled her up and took her out. It was a little cold but thanks to my friend, Rebekah, she has a nice, warm fleece blanket that kept her nice and toasty.
Monday night, I went to change her diaper at 5am, and of course, as I was moving the dirty one, she peed on my mom's couch!
The one time I didn't use the changing pad, she peed.... good thing it was on the slip cover (which is washable) and then Mom used her Resolve fabric cleaner and it's all good now.
The dog even got used to Madelyn. At first, she kept sniffing her and wanting to be really close to her but then she got used to her and didn't mind when she cried.Matt and I with Madelyn all bundled up on the boat :)

Tuesday, the 21st, mom and I are taking Madelyn to North Carolina for a couple days. My great grandma lives there and mom wants a "5 generation" picture - my great grandma, my grandma, mom, me and Mady. It's going to be a quick trip - leave Tuesday, be there Wednesday and Thursday and come home Friday. This means no time with Matt on our anniversary (which is Tuesday, the 21st). He doesn't seem to mind but that's another thing and I won't go there :)
Anyway, I guess that's all for now.

8 days old

Today Madelyn is 8 days old. I can't believe it's been just over a week since she was born! Time has gone so fast and I know it's only going to go faster too! Today we tried tummy time and she seemed to like it for the most part. Matt was on the floor next to her, talking to her and playing with her. She did great!

Matt's still in the process of looking for a job. It's been 3 1/2 months now since he lost his job with Deloitte and so far, nothing has turned up. He's applied for a ton, 40+ jobs now. But, I'm taking it as a blessing in disguise as he has been such a big help with Mady and helping me since we've been home. I am a very independent person and it's hard for me to let other people do things for me. However, after having a baby, I am realizing it's okay to let people help me, especially since I'm still in pain and sometimes not feeling very well.

Anyway, Matt's dad is coming for a visit from Georgia this weekend. It will be nice for him to meet Madelyn and spend time with Matt too. Then it's off to the cottage for a few days to rest and relax and visit with some family!

Madelyn's birth

Well, since I have a few minutes I thought I would write about her birth, in case anyone is still reading this and wants to know.
I was induced at 3am on Tuesday, June 30. I went in to the hospital and they hooked up the pitocin and started the IV's around 4am. At 7:30 am, my doctor came in and checked me and I was still 3-4 cm. My contractions finally started at that time and then I just layed in bed and waited. Around 9:30-10:00, one of the residents came in and broke my water and checked me again - still 3-4 cm. Matt and I just hung out in our room, playing cards for awhile until the contractions got stronger. Around 11, I decided to get some pain medicine so the nurse gave me some stadol, and IV med. It made me a little dizzy and really hot so I decided to try to sleep before it wore off. My best friend, Sam, came to the hospital after her class and just hung out with Matt and I. Then, at 2:30pm, I decided enough was enough and got the epidural. That made everything better, at least for awhile. My mom and dad and grandma came to see us around 4 that afternoon and just hung out.
At 5:30, my nurse checked me and I was 5-6 cm! Yay for change! I was getting nervous that I would have to have a c-section since I hadn't made any progress throughout the day. My nurse was excited about that too (she was the nurse that trained me for my job there - she was awesome!) Then at 6 pm, the resident came back in to insert an IUPC (intrauterine pressure catheter) to get an accurate meaurement of my contractions. I was 6 cm for sure at that time, but my contractions were barely anything, which is why it took so long to dilate.
7pm rolled around and that meant shift change. I had the same nurse that night that I had when I was admitted and she was great! Mom and dad and grandma left to get dinner and Matt's mom came to sit with us. The nurse kept having me change positions to see if that would help and at some point, she checked me and I was 7-8cm. I was still getting the pitocin and of course the contractions still weren't that strong. However, around 9pm, I was feeling the contractions more and having a lot of pain. I pressed the button for the epidural and after 10 minutes, I had to press it again. I told my nurse and she called anesthesia to come give me some extra medicine. When the anesthesia nurse came in, she realized that my epidural had become disconnected so that's why I was in pain! She fixed that and then at 10:30, I was 10 cm! My doctor wanted to wait another hour just to let the baby get lower so at 11:50pm, I started pushing. I pushed for 50 minutes and at 12:40 am, on Wednesday July 1, Madelyn Grace Douglass was born! She weighed in at 8lbs, 11 oz and 19 inches long. It was the most painful thing I have ever felt but she was so worth it! Matt was the most amazing dad ever. He held my hand as we waited for things to happen, he gave me ice chips when I was pushing, and he constantly was giving me kisses and telling me how good I was doing. I don't think I would have been able to get through it without him.
I had some bleeding issues so Madelyn was taken to the scale and weighed and given her shots. Matt was with her as I wasbeing worked on. I think that hurt more than the delivery. The dr. had to get the bleeding to slow down and eventually it did, after about another 20 minutes or so.
Once I was cleaned up, parents were allowed back in the room and I have never seen someone so happy as my dad was that night. He could only stay a few minutes since he had to get to work at 6 that morning but he was excited. My mom and Matt's mom stayed a little longer and then left around 2am. Matt and I spent time alone with our new baby and I was able to feed her and then get something to eat my self. We moved to the post partum room around 3am and both fell asleep right away.
The next couple days were busy with visitors and learning about our new daughter but I wouldn't trade any of it. We had an amazing experience and now have a beautiful daughter!