Carly's 2 Week Check-up

Carly had her two week checkup yesterday. It was a little late (she was 3 weeks and 4 days) because our doctor was on vacation. Let me just start by saying that we LOVE Dr. Halsell. A friend recommended her and we are so HAPPY with her. She kisses on Carly and tells me how beautiful she is. It is so sweet. Carly loves the mirror in the doctor's office. When we went when she was five days old- she just stared at it. She did this again yesterday. She would look at herself and smile. Until the nurse pricked her heel :( I thought my Mom and I both were going to cry. She was so upset. It just broke my heart. Her little heel bled and bled until bedtime last night. Poor thing!

Her stats:

5 Days:

6 pounds 12 ounces

19 3/4 inches long

2 weeks:

7 pounds 14.5 ounces (25th percentile)

20 3/4 inches long (50th percentile)

Head circumference 37.5 (75th percentile)

Some pics from her 5 day old checkup

Pics from her 2 week checkup:

Carly's Photos

Carly had her pictures made when she was six days old. I know I may be a bit biased, but I think they are truly the cutest pictures ever made! Here is the link to check them out!

http://ksimon.photobiz.com/cart/

Click on "Carly"

Enter your email address and the password sweetbaby and enjoy!

Carly's Birth Story Part 2

So once we were in the observation room things began to move quickly. They hooked me up to the monitors and to everyones surprise I was having major contractions! Ha! I didn't even know it. I think by this point my adrenaline was so high and I was used to being uncomfortable so it did not phase me.

When they began to put in my IV- David began to really get anxious. He was shaking and I began to panic- he may not make it through this!

They then made everyone leave and asked me a million questions. The anesthesiologist assistant came in and started her thing. They checked my blood sugars and everything was looking great! Next the anesthesiologist came in and explained everything to me. They asked David to leave the room and began to insert my epidural. Let me say this was the thing I worried about the most, but it was not bad at all. My IV hurt worse than the epidural! As they were doing this Dr. Wagman came in and checked on me. She asked the other nurses/doctors if it were okay for my Mom to come back with us and they said yes! I sent David to go and get her and she was so excited. Then they wheeled me back to the operating room and told Mom and David to get dressed in their scrubs.

The next part was a blur. They called out names and instruments, briefed the room on my information,etc. The baby nurses came over and told me that Carly was not going to have to go to the NICU for tests after all. My test results from the Endocrinologist had come back perfect. Then they started. I remembered from all the baby shows I watched that it does not take long to get the baby out- and began to worry when David and Mom were still MIA! My doctor sent someone out to find them and luckily they made it just in time. Minutes later my beautiful baby girl made her debut at 12:13pm. She barely whimpered- more like purred. I asked if she was okay- and they told me yes. My doctor came around the curtain and told me that choosing to go ahead with the c-section was a blessing because Carly's cord was wrapped tightly around her neck.

On all the baby shows I have watched to prepare myself for this day- there is that beautiful moment where they put the baby on the mothers chest after it is delivered or if it is a c-section- they lift it up for mom to see then take it away to suction. I have cried countless tears watching these beautiful moments on television. In reality, for me, there was no such moment. She was born, they took her to the side for suction, etc. Twenty five minutes later, after hearing Mom & David and all of the nurses ooh and ahh over her- I had enough! I looked over at the nurse and said can someone at least show me a picture!

And finally my Mom brought over my sweet baby girl to meet me!

Luckily, we both checked out fine after the surgery and we are now Insulin free! Our hospital stay was brief- they released me early- because I did so well. I really lucked out- we had the best nurses ever! I could have stayed for days if it weren't for the food and the fact that I missed my dog :) My Mom came home with us for the first five days and David's mom came by and helped during the day. I don't know what I would have done without their help.

Looking back over the last ten months I realize how blessed and lucky we are. Despite the complications we encountered, we now have a healthy and happy baby girl. I really enjoyed being pregnant- even with the horrible heartburn insulin shots, sugar free diet, etc. The feeling of her inside me and the miracle of it all is truly amazing.

Our sweet Carly- you are the greatest gift from God. You amaze me every single day. I look at you and everything is right in my world. I can never ever ever tell you how much your Mommy loves you. You are my SUNSHINE!

Carly's Birth Story Part 1

38 weeks pregnant- headed to the hospital

On Wednesday June 30th, I went to see the Perinatal doctor for the very last time. While I was there he decided that it was Baby time! He wanted me to deliver by the end of the week. He does not like his diabetic patients to go over 38 weeks and I was 38 weeks that very day. So my Mom and I headed downstairs to see Dr. Wagman. Our original plan was to do the C-section a week later at 39 weeks. This was my last day of summer school and I was really looking forward to a few days off to rest and prepare for Carly. So it took me by surprise when Dr. Wagman agreed- Friday, July 2nd was going to be Carly's birthday.

I got in the car and immediately called David. He was so excited and could not wait to hang up and call his boss and ask to take a half day off. The original plan was to have the c-section at 2:30. David wanted to work half a day and meet me at the hospital. But, fifteen minutes later, the nurse called my cell phone and said they changed the time to 11:30! I had to call David back, who had to call his boss back, etc. But we finally had a plan.

Thursday was a blur. My Mom ran me all over town finishing up last minute errands and buying last minute supplies. I did enjoy a pedicure and manicure as well as seeing the movie Eclipse before heading home. Once home- my nerves must have kicked in. I began cleaning like a mad woman. I'm talking bleaching floors, vacuuming couches, etc. Then I made some bows to take to the hospital as well as a onesie I had been meaning to "bling." Finally at about 1:00 am I decided to pack our bags. I had my checklist and checked it several times to make sure I had everything. Now all I could do was sleep. I think at this point reality was setting in. This was the last night David, Jackson and I would climb into bed together and simply fall asleep. It made me a little sad because for the last six years- this has been my life- my family- and everything was about to change.

The next morning we were supposed to be at the hospital at 9:30. Let's just say we were not in a hurry. I was dragging my feet for sure. We took one last photo of the three of us.

We drove to my parents house to drop off Jackson and then headed to the hospital. Once we got there- David began taking pictures like crazy! Finally, I had to threaten him- put the camera up or else! We checked into the hospital and were put into observation 2. My Granny went to wait in the waiting room for other guests to arrive, my Mom went to eat breakfast and get coffee, and David and I went to get ready to have a baby!

Carly is Here!

Born July 2nd

12:13 pm

7 pounds 6 ounces

19 3/4 inches long

More to come soon! Trying to write her birth story while it is fresh in my mind!