Daddy's Girl

These two kinda love eachother. 

 

Room 457

The labor and delivery room was so nice and spacious that after a day of being in there, coming to our postpartum recovery room was a little bit of a let down. It was cramped, dark, and a lot less inviting. But I soon came to love that room. It was in that room that we spent our first moments as a little family. It was in that room that Broc and I looked at our little girl in amazement of how gorgeous she was. It was in that room that we gave her the name Norah Mae Hafen. That room was the beginning of the rest of our lives and I actually hated leaving. I wanted to stay in that secluded tight space and keep Norah sheltered from the world for as long as I possibly could. I will always be grateful for the time we spent in that cramped, dark and uninviting space. It was a little bit of heaven.

Norah's Birth Story

Friday night (11/09/12) Broc and I made bets as to when the hospital would call us in to start induction. Our doctor told us that they could call as early as 5:30 a.m.

Broc’s guess: 7:30 a.m.

My guess: 8:15 a.m.

Actual call: 5:39 a.m. – they don’t mess around

Broc jumped up and took the fastest shower I think I have ever seen him take (seriously I don’t know what he usually does in there, he takes the longest showers). I packed the rest of my things for the hospital while talking to myself “you’re going to have a baby today. Breathe. Today is the day. Breathe.” I think it was too early for my little pep talk to actually sink in because it still didn’t seem real by this point.

The drive to the hospital was a memory I will never forget. The streets were empty while the city of St. George slept. I don’t remember what was said between Broc and I, I just remember holding hands, knowing our life was about to change. Unfortunately that drive only lasted what seemed like 30 sec. before we arrived at the labor and delivery unit at the hospital. When we got there, the nurses seemed so excited to see us and it helped that one of them was a girl we knew from high school. It didn’t take them long to show us our room and hand me a gown. Before I knew it, Brianne our nurse was writing “Happy Birthday Baby Girl” on the white board across the room. That is when it started to become real. 

I got hooked up to an IV and Pitocin around 7:00 a.m. and started filling out birth certificate paperwork. Baby girl didn’t have a name yet, so we skipped that part. Unfortunately when they checked my dilation, they told me I was at a 2. They made sure to warn us that it was going to be a long day. Travis and Jilynne came at about 8:30 to see how we were doing. I have the best mother and father-in law out there. They told us that it was sprinkling outside and had officially turned to autumn. What a perfect day for a baby to be born, on one of my favorite kind of days. I was secretly a little jealous I couldn’t go out and feel the crisp air. The in-laws had to run somewhere and shortly after, around 9:00 my mom and sisters came. Ashley had driven down from Provo the night before to make it here for the big day. I was so glad to see them. My mom kept saying “I can’t believe my baby is having a baby!”, I couldn’t believe it either. 

My doctor was running a 5K that morning so another doctor came in to break my water around 10:50 a.m. I was a little bit nervous when the nurse handed him what looked like a crochet hook as long as a chop stick. After fudging around for a bit he pulled the hook out only to find that there was no hook on the end. He got it second time around. I think that breaking my water was my least favorite part of the day. Not because it hurt, but because it felt like I was peeing my pants for an hour afterward. Gross. They also said that there was some meconium in the water and that in fear of the baby swallowing some, the NICU nurses would be in the room when I delivered. They said this is a common thing when babies are over due. Meanwhile Broc sat by my side the entire time, and my mom on the couch while we watched Everybody loves Raymond. My contractions were starting to pick up by this time, a new sensation because I had never felt a contraction, besides mild Braxton Hicks my entire pregnancy. Katie and her husband CJ were going to drive down from Provo that day but the roads were too snowy so we facetimed on the Ipad. It was almost as good as having her there. 

I remember the little looks Broc would give me throughout the day. There aren’t words to describe them. He was just a sweetheart never leaving my side. At 2:00 my dad, Ashley, Taylor and Michael came to visit. Michael had just played in his soccer game and told us he scored two goals for the baby. What a great brother. My dad seemed at a loss for words when he saw me on that delivery bed. I don’t think anyone really comprehended until that day that a little angel would be joining our family. 

By this point we had been there long enough to go through our first shift of nurses. Shortly after I got a new nurse, Brittney, I asked when I could have my epidural. The contractions were getting to the point that I could hardly keep my eyes open during them and Broc’s poor hand was probably loosing circulation from me squeezing it so hard. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Thomas came in around 2:30. He calmed the whole room down with his chill, nonchalant behavior. I was most nervous about getting an epidural. While looking for a place to put the needle, his composed comments started turning into worried ones. He said my vertebras were unusually close together for my height and that he was having a hard time putting the needle in. He got it in and I laid down anticipating the relief of my pain. It never left. I started to feel numb in my toes and from about my knees down, but nowhere else. At this point, Broc’s grandma and aunts had arrived and I felt bad to have them see my whimpering during contractions because the epidural surely did not work. Broc called the nurse in, who called Dr. Thomas back in. He re-stuck the needle but Broc said he had to stick it close to 7 times and push with all the force of his body to get it in. Good thing I wasn’t watching. Relief finally came and it felt oh too good. But it didn’t last long… 

Travis, Jilynne had come back and my mom had been there all day. It was fun to sit and chat with our parents. We don’t get a lot of time to do that. Unfortunately by around 6:00 I was back to feeling everything. I was terrified that there was nothing else that they could do to fix the epidural. There was no way I could have this baby natural. No way. Dr. Thomas came back and decided to stick the needle much higher, warning me that I would be numb from my chest down. By this point, I liked the sound of that. He also told me that he was having the pharmacy prepare a stronger dose of medicine for me. Shortly after, it was smooth sailing. I felt great, and huge as an elephant. 

We had made it to another round of nurses. This time our nurse’s name was Erin. It was meant to be. She was so great and really made us feel so at home. At 7:15 they checked and I was dilated to a 5! Woo hoo! Most people dilate to a 5 on their own at home! This baby did not want to come, that is for sure. The baby’s heart rate had dropped at this point and they were a bit concerned. Fortunately she’s a fighter and shortly after, she was right back on track. Meanwhile, we were keeping our minds preoccupied while watching Family Feud on the game show channel. I always wanted to be on that show, and after watching it for 2 hours in the hospital room, I would definitely want my mother in law Jilynne on my team.  

At 9:00 I was dilated to a 6+ but my temperature had spiked. Erin told me that if my temperature did not go down in the next hour, the baby would have to be taken to the NICU for 24 hours after she was born for blood tests and to keep a close eye on her. I was holding back tears. Something inside of me knew that she was fine, a healthy baby. I did not like the thought of her being taken away. Broc didn’t either and started wetting towels to bring my fever down. I asked Broc for a blessing, but no one had any oil. Fortunately, they keep oil for blessings in then NICU and one of the nurses was sweet enough to run up there and get some. I loved that I lived in a town and was delivering in a hospital where they keep consecrated oil for blessing the sick. Broc offered me a beautiful blessing. He struggled to hold his tears back, something that doesn’t happen often. I knew then that he was going to be an amazing dad. He already loved his daughter so much. 

When the nurse came back at 10:00 she was happy to see that my temperature had dropped back to normal. I was elated and so thankful for the power of the Priesthood that my husband holds. She followed with the good news that I was dilated to a 9!  It wasn’t until 12:15 that I started pushing. All along I had said that I just wanted Broc in the room when I delivered, but when it came down to it, I couldn’t imagine my mom not being there. When the nurses asked if I wanted anyone else in the room, Broc said “do you want your mom?” and from behind the curtain I heard Broc’s mom Jilynne yell, “let her in!”. When my mom came around the curtain, she had tears in her eyes, so excited to witness a miracle (of course I made her stand behind my head). 

 Trying to push a baby out is a funny thing when you are numb from the chest down. The nurses told me to breathe in and then hold my breath and push for ten seconds at a time. Some of my favorite memories of Broc will be during these moments. He was amazing, holding my left leg and saying things like “you got it babe!” and “PUSH!! You are doing amazing”. I could tell how excited he was for our lives to change for the better and how proud he was of me, sometimes a girl needs a little reminder of that from the men in her life. When the nurse said “I see a full head of hair!” I had a sigh of relief. I knew I would love my baby girl no matter what, I just knew it would be such a bonus if she had cute hair. She invited Broc to look and for a second he declined in fear of passing out. When he finally decided to look, his face lit up. All he could say now was “OH MY GOSH! She is so close!!” After about 45 minutes of pushing, Doctor Clark came in and took over, when he started getting his robe and gloves on, I knew it wouldn’t be too much longer. He too was so encouraging and kept telling me how great I was doing. Broc had to keep giving me sips of water in between pushes because it is dang tiring! 

 After another 45 minutes, at 1:29 a.m. Dr. Clark put a beautiful baby girl on my chest. I could hardly organize my thoughts at this point, a miracle had just occurred and a new little spirit was born. The room was spinning and the only thing I could concentrate on was her little hand holding my finger while my husband kissed my forehead. 

I realized then that I had known this little girl all along, she was always a part of our family. She was gorgeous. Life had been good to Broc and I, but it had suddenly gotten so much better. 

40.

It is hard to wrap up my emotions at this point.

I have officially reached my due date and I am still pregnant.

That is definitely not something I wanted to have happen.

Every day that goes by seems like an eternity.

For a while, I'll admit, I wanted her to come because I was just done with being pregnant. I was uncomfortable, fat and sick of being winded after walking up a flight of stairs.

Now, I want her to come for all of those reasons, 

but the excitement of finally meeting our little angel is almost overbearing at times. 

I cannot wait to see her face, hear her cute cry, touch those little feet that my ribs have gotten so well acquainted with. I cannot wait to hold her in my arms and not in my stomach. I can't wait to see her tiny nose that I fell in love with in our ultrasound. And I cannot wait to see Broc's face when he sees his daughter. 

Broc doesn't express too much excitement for things, but to see how anxious he is for her to come is perfectly endearing. I can already see the hold she has on his heart. I can't even count how many times throughout the day that he says things like "think baby thoughts" and "how is your stomach? Anything? Anything that could even resemble a contraction??". He whispers to my stomach quite often too telling her that her time is officially up. 

At least we know for sure that by this time next week, she will be with us. The doctor will induce me 11/10 if she doesn't come by then. Ready or not, she is coming. And we could not be more excited!

39.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

 

This week I was excited to go to the doctor and have him tell me how dilated I was. 

When he told me I was barely at a 1, first I wanted to scream and then I just wanted to lay on that table and cry. I almost felt a sense of shame like he had expected me to be further along. 

At least I expected it.

Needless to say, I became determined.

Broc and I have become a couple of walking fools. We have walked so much that I am embarrassed to say that I am actually getting shin splints in my right leg. 

I rather like taking walks with my husband, 

I think I will have to continue it even after the baby is here. 

However, after a long walk, I go home feeling like I have been riding a horse for days, 

you all know the saddle walk I am talking about. 

So, I have another appointment on Tuesday.

And I dang well be further along.

It is crazy how impatient you get these last few weeks of pregnancy.

I am ashamed to say that I am already a kind of impatient girl so this is killing me.

I keep finding myself thinking things like 

"will this be the last time I buy a carton of milk before she comes?"

or "is this the last time I will have to change the toilet paper roll before she is here?"

We are just DYING to meet this little lady.

One of my favorite parts about this week is seeing Broc so anxious and excited for her to come.

I just know he will be the best dad.

He already loves her so much.

We both do.

Come on sweet little one.

"Will this be the last blog post before she comes?"

38.

As much as I hate to admit it, 

I have become a waddler!

I think it might have a little something to do with walking up and down the stairs for half and hour, followed by jumping on the trampoline trying to get this baby ready to come.

What can I say? We are a little excited to meet her already!

 

Yesterday Broc and I went on a little day date to main street.

We got sodas at Judds, cupcakes at 25 main and just strolled hand in hand for the afternoon.

It was a perfect way to spend one of our last days before we become a family of three.

Afterwards, we went to my parents house to carve pumpkins with the family. 

 

My dad got really in to the pumpkin decorating this year. 

He had way too much fun with his pumpkin covered in warts. 

Michael had to substitute with mr. potato-like pieces after he accidentally-on purpose cut holes out of every side of his pumpkin. 

Broc and I carved the skeleton and my 13 year old brother mitch did the awesome witch!

Not pictured, Lexi and Brynlee's awesome polka-dot spiral pumpkin.

(my camera died before I could get a shot of it, but it was great)

Come on home.

You can come any day my dear, we are ready.

37.

FULL TERM BABY!

This week has been a little more, shall we say uncomfortable for this mama.

It is like all of a sudden this baby girl is twice the size she was last week and my stomach is just not accommodating her comfortably. 

So sweetheart, I invite you ever so kindly to come out and grace us with your presence.

Like any day will do.

Your mama and dad are so excited that we can hardly stand it.

Quite literally 

 (for me)

A little husband brag time now. 

Broc has become quite the handy man these days.

 This week he tackled some pluming issues we had been having in our kitchen.

What a guy.

And here is a sneak peek at our family room since the re-model

36.

Well I can officially call myself 8 months pregnant. That seems pretty monumental if you ask me and I have been waiting for something monumental for a while now. This week I have definitely started feeling 8 months pregnant. I have had a pretty amazing and smooth sailing pregnancy thus far but this week I have found myself complaining an awful lot about my discomfort. I feel pretty pathetic when I have to have Broc hoist me off the couch every night. 

Best thing about this week: My Dad is THE BEST and got me a prenatal massage. It was heavenly. So heavenly that I accidentally bought two more massages from the masseuse after we were through. She was doing some reflexology on my feet and told me where you rub to go into labor. I told her that I wouldn't be mad at all if she worked on that section, but she wouldn't. ha

Worst thing about this week: I have had some major pain on the top right portion of my stomach. Like weird, ripping, feels like I have a 3rd degree burn kind of pain. I have read up about it and the only thing that explains it is muscles being separated. So for the past few nights I have slept with an ice pack. It is pretty painful and feels like someone is stabbing me with a needle! Not the best sensation.

Today I got most of the nursery organized. Her clothes are all hung and folded and just waiting for her little body to fill them. I honestly cannot believe she will be here so soon. 

Life could not get any better and we could not be any more excited!

35.

1. What name did you and your spouse call your baby before you knew the gender?

Sadly, we called it "It".

2. When did "Oh-my-gosh-we're-having-a-baby" really sink it?

For me, when I saw the crib in the baby room. For Broc, "when she is actually born".

3. When you think of yourself as a mom, what's the first thing to come to mind?

To be honest, the first thing I thought of is getting the kids ready for school every day. They will look so darn cute!

4. Is your nursery complete? What's the theme and what do you have left to complete?

Nope! I still need to organize all the clothes and get them put away. I also need a shelf! And a way to organize all her bows and headbands! 

5. List 5 qualities you hope your baby will possess: 

Sweet, friendly, happy, SLEEPY, and beautiful.

6. What's your ideal labor experience?

Painless. But beyond that, I want to enjoy and remember every second of it. 

7. List 5 things that have changed in your relationship with your spouse since you've been pregnant: 

It's hard to make a list of something like this. Our relationship has changed in a lot of ways. In some ways, we're a lot closer than before. Words can't describe how awesome it is to know there is a little human being in my belly that is half him and half me. It's neat to look at him and think of him as a father- the father of OUR baby. I don't think anything can bring two people together more than a little miracle like that. 

8. List 5 things you think will change once your baby arrives: 

Sleep. Sanity. Free time. Priorities. Money.

9. Where do you think you'll be when you go into labor? Why?

I have nightmares that my water will break at work. Since I have requested my maternity leave to start the day before my due date, it is possible. :/

10. Have you been talking to your baby? Playing music?

Yes, we talk to her all the time. Everyone does. My mom, my sister Lexi, Keegan and Broc especially. 

11. In what ways do you hope your baby is like your spouse?

In almost every way. I hope she is selfless and thoughtful. I hope she is polite and respectful. I hope she is funny and charming and a hard worker. All qualities I love about Broc. 

12. In what ways do you hope your baby is like you?

I hope that she is proud of who she is and she doesn't feel the need to hide/change herself or her values to fit in with others. I hope she's creative and passionate. I hope she realizes the importance of family.

13. How long will you wait for the next baby?

Broc says BAM BAM BAM. Pop them out. But I think that I will want to wait so that they are just about 2 years apart. 

14. What kind of grandparents do you think your baby will have? 

The best. That is the only answer. I honestly cannot think of two better women to be her gmas than mine and Broc's moms. They are both the sweetest women I have ever met and both love her so much already. My dad will be the crazy funny gpa and Broc's dad will be the lovable teddy bear gpa. This baby is so lucky! 

15. Who will be with you during labor? Who will visit you in the hospital during your recovery? 

Broc better be there! And I want all the visitors I can get! We have tons of family so I don't think we will ever be bored. 

16. How much will you tell your baby (child, teenager) about your past? Why/why not?

I want to be an open book for my kids. I believe we all learn from our past and those are experiences we should share, especially with our children. 

17. Do you have any hopes for your child's activities? (Sports, academics, school preference, activities, etc)

I want my children to be involved and exposed to anything they show an interest in. Even if that means I have to sit through years of baseball games (not the biggest baseball fan). I want them to try new things, different things. And school will always be a huge priority. I look forward to late night science fair projects. 

18. In what ways do you hope you'll parent like your parents did? In what ways do you hope you aren't like them? 

As a child I always complained about little things my parents would do, but in hindsight, I love the way that I was raised. My parents taught me good principals by way of habit (I wrote in my journal every sunday for my whole life). I always felt loved and was told how important I was to them. I guess the only thing I would do differently, is let my children learn more from their mistakes. I didn't have a whole lot of leeway to make my own decisions as a youngster, maybe that is a contributing factor to why I am so indecisive! ha 

19. Which childhood memory do you hope your child will have (similar to one you fondly remember)? 

I hope that we have a big family. I also hope to make family time a priority. I think the relationships I have with my family are the deepest and most important to me in my life. I want to take lots of family vacations. Those were always my most fondest memories. 

20. And finally, Be annoying! What "advice" do you want newly pregnant women to know?

You get much much bigger than you could have every thought at the beginning. Don't be afraid of maternity clothes. Document the whole process. Take pictures and write down your feelings. Enjoy every second. Even the crappy ones, yes there will be times when your ribs feel broken, like mine right now. But it is the coolest and most surreal experience I have ever had!

Showered with love.

Yesterday I was showered more than I have the ability to express gratitude for. 

My mom, sisters, and Becky Arnold planned the sweetest baby shower for me and the turn out was amazing.  I am overwhelmed with the generosity of those who came and celebrated with us.
A big thank you to all of you who came and those of you who helped with food (my awesome aunts).

This baby girl got spoiled!

34.

This morning Broc and I were talking and as he was holding my tummy, his exact words were 

"She is so close but so far!"

Cheesy or not, that is exactly how I have been feeling this week. It is crazy the kind of bond you develop with an unborn child. 

I know her sleeping schedule, 

I know her strength,

 I know her foot in my rib

 but mostly, I feel like I kind of know her little spirit. 

These next six weeks will probably be the longest of my life.

33

I feel like this week I have turned into a balloon.
People have been joking with me since the beginning asking if I can still see my feet.
Well... guess what? It happened. I was in the shower and I looked down and my feet were gone.
Down to 7 weeks left. Holy smokes. 

How far along?  33 weeks. 1 day.
Total weight gain/loss?  21 lbs.
Maternity clothes?  Yes!
Stretch marks? None, thank goodness. 
Sleep?  I finally stole a body pillow from my parents house. Best decision I ever made.
Best moment last week? My doctors appointment and registering for my shower!
Movement?  I literally have a bruise on the upper part of my right rib from her midnight aerobic exercise.  
Food cravings?  WATER! And any kind of juice. Which is not good given the fact that I already have to pee like twice as much as before.
Labor signs? None.
Belly button in/out? Pretty flat. Pretty funny looking.
What I miss: Being comfortable.
What I am looking forward to: Going to bed tonight.
Milestones: Loosing sight of my feet. Still weirded out by it!

Okay, check out my handsome husband on our way to my friend Sami's wedding yesterday.

I hope this baby girl gets his good looks! 

32.

Here we are.

32 weeks and counting. 

How far along: 32 Weeks. Holy cow this is coming up quick!
How big is baby:  According to my pregnancy app, she is just about 16.7 inches long and close to 4 lbs!
Total weight gain:  Not sure, I don't own a scale.
Maternity clothes: Yes! I am a believer, although I still try to fit into my old stuff.
Sleep:  Broc and I are looking in to getting a king size bed asap. There is just not enough room for him, me and my 5 pillows.
Best moment of the week:  Buying the cutest bassinet ever!
Food cravings:  Orange Juice!
Movement:  I think she is doing zumba in my stomach sometimes. She is crazy.
What I’m looking forward to:  My dr. appointment tomorrow!
What I miss:  Having a pain free back.

We cannot wait to meet our little missy. 

I have had some seriously vivid dreams about her lately 

and wake up so disappointed that she is not here yet.

This week I have wanted nothing more than to sit down 100% of the time.

The only problem is, if I sit down, my back feels like there is a knife lodged just right of my spine. 

The only remedy is to stand.

So I am standing over the computer right now writing this post.

I told Broc that he is going to be pregnant with the next one.

He kindly agreed he would see what he could do about that.

Even though my body feels like it is falling apart, there is nothing like waking up in the wee hours of the morning to your baby girl reminding you that she is there.

TWO. MORE. MONTHS.

September 3rd. 

Yes, it is Labor day, 

which is great!

But more importantly, 

2 months until the official due date of our little lady!

And if you were wondering, I won the first game of bowling.

We won't mention that is because Broc was teaching himself how to throw a spin ball and got a gutter every time. 

But when he throws it straight! He gets a dang strike every time!

We tied the second game with a whopping 83!

Happy Labor Day!

Lets hope I am in real labor two months from now.

counting down.

Well it is hard to believe we are almost at 31 weeks.

The more unbelievable part is that our baby girl will be here in just two short months.

I'll tell you what, I have thoroughly enjoyed being pregnant. 

There is something so magical and miraculous about having a heavenly spirit growing inside of you.  

But... I am about to the point that I want to officially meet this little girl!

And I don't think I am the only one who is getting a little anxious. 

Today, the 2 year old little boy I babysit said to me 

"Awe baby! (points to my belly) Just open it!"

I am starting to feel uncomfortable like... um... 

100% of the time. 

Putting shoes on has turned into a heavy breathing task and I have never wanted something so much as I have wanted this pillow!

 

Doesn't it look just magical? Yes, pregnancy is starting to take it's affect on my brain.

Come on November 3rd.

I want to cuddle my baby girl up.

A baby post.

Sweet baby Hafen is sure making herself known in the world.

She is quite the active little missy.

How far along?  29 weeks
Total weight gain/loss?  15 lbs.
Maternity clothes?  Just bought my first pair of maternity pants this week. Boy oh boy they are so much better than rubber banding my button.
Stretch marks? None, thank goodness.
Sleep? I only get a good nights sleep in my own bed with a pillow in between my legs.
Best moment last week? Watching my stomach ripple when we lay in bed at night.
Movement?  Oh yeah. Lots of kicking to my rib. Broc sometimes whispers to her to calm down because it's bedtime.
Food cravings? Water. I am ALWAYS thirsty!
Gender? One sweet girl
Labor signs? None
Belly button in/out? My innie is definitely getting more shallow. 
What I miss: Having a my whole closet of clothes to choose from.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing my daughter. I dream about it almost every night!

week 26.

This sweet baby girl is surely stealing our heart as the days go by.

I could lay in bed all day long and watch little baby parts try to 

punch their way outside of my stomach. 

In fact that is mine and her fathers favorite thing to do on Sunday mornings.

It's only taken 26 weeks and we are already proud parents. 

Adjusting.

Thankfully, I have never been one who has had to count calories or watch my weight. I have been raised healthy and active and I guess you could say I have been blessed with a good metabolism. I mean look at my mom, if that post 7 baby body is genetic then I will be one happy girl. So when my body started changing, I had a hard time adjusting to it. I don't like feeling winded when I walk up stairs, I didn't love that my back muscles felt like they were getting buried under a layer of flab, and I didn't like not being able to do crunches at night before I got into bed. I use to love wearing clothes that hugged my body in all the right places instead of hiding under baggy blouses and sweatpants. Even though the doctor had only told me I had gained 2 lbs. in the first 16 weeks, I felt like I had put on 20 with the way I was feeling. If you have had children, you probably know the feelings I am describing. I still try to stay in shape and keep my body strong, but this changing body seems inevitable, and that discouraged me.

And then I remember my baby girl who is growing inside of me. And I suddenly feel like I would gladly put on 200 lbs to get her here if I had to (thank goodness my doctor only told me to gain 20-25 lbs). I suddenly remember that being a mother was the one thing I wanted to be when I grew up, not a fitness model or an Olympian. I remember that my body was meant to bring children to this world, mine and Broc's children. I remember that darling profile I saw in a black and white image that will soon be here with us.

Now I love the mornings that I wake up with a stiff back because I made sure to sleep on my left side the entire night. I love my little baby bump because with each day it gets bigger, I know my little girl is getting bigger too. I love swallowing pills the size of almonds and getting up at 4 a.m. to pee. I am getting use to my new body and I am loving it.

 

But I can't say I'm not excited for when I get to have my old one back. :)

p.s. we are almost half way there!!!

????

 

It was June 6th 2012, a day we had looked forward to since the day we found out we were expecting. Everyone had their guesses, 

most of them guessed girl. 

Everyone asked what I was wanting and to be honest, 

my only response was a that I just wanted a healthy baby

but secretly I was leaning toward a little girl... and so was Broc.

9:00 a.m. couldn't come soon enough 

and we invited the Grandparents-to-be to join us in some of the most exciting news of our lives.

The woman that did the ultrasound must had done hundreds, because even when I was convinced the first couple images were just the waffle I had eaten for breakfast, 

she reassured me that they were baby parts. 

It wasn't until I saw that sweet baby's hands curled around its' precious face that I had an unbelievable and overwhelming feeling that she was ours. 

Yes, I said she.

She is our daughter.

And she is loved.

How can you not already fall in love with that face!