Happy "Birth"day, Addison Brooke!

We would like to introduce you to our newest little princess, Addison Brooke. All of us are so in love with her.

She was born this morning, February 15, 2010, at 8:36 a.m. weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces. She is 19 inches long.

Delivery went very smoothly. Many prayers were answered. Addison has been doing wonderful and we think she is just perfect (of course).

Big sister, Audrey, has done really well with her and seems to be smitten with her. She even did well with seeing mommy in the hospital bed. I couldn't have asked for it to go any better.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Now you can enjoy a few more photos ('cause I know that is what you were dying for anyway:))

Addison Brooke:

Our "family of 4"

One proud Daddy!


I promise more photos are to come when I can get up and around more.

38 Weeks

Well, we are on the countdown now. I have been nesting and trying to get everything prepared. As well as trying to spend as much time with Audrey as I can. Not only is she going to have to adjust, but I can tell this will be a huge adjustment for me too. I'm having a hard time figuring out how I am going to love another child as much as I do her. She is truely the light of our lives.

I have been so blessed that this pregnancy has been a fairly easy one. I, of course, am to the miserable stage now where it is difficult to get comfortable and sleep. Swelling continues in my feet and hands, but not enough to be a concern...just enough to be a bother :).

Audrey seems to be getting excited- as excited as possible with the limited understanding as to what is about to happen. I have been talking to her and trying to prepare her for what is to come. Fortunately, Grammy and Granddaddy will be up here to take care of Audrey while Corey and I are at the hosptial, so I have no doubt that she will receive TONS of spoiling.

My c-section is scheduled for the early morning, Monday, February 15. I would really appreciate all your prayers. I am quite nervous and anxious about the procedure.

36 Weeks

34 Weeks

We have now reached 34 weeks. Although it seems like forever that I have been pregnant, the end seems to be quickly approaching. Especially since I have a "to-do" list a mile long.

Apparently I can kiss sleep good-bye. It is hard to get comfortable and the nights that I can get comfortable, insomnia hits me and I can't sleep. And for the record...there is NOTHING good on TV at 3am. (sigh) I guess I am just getting prepared for the "all nighters" I'll be pulling really soon. Although some days I am not comfortable or feeling my best, at least I can say that I am not miserable all the time just yet. I know it is coming. Of course, if I am on my feet alot during the day, I regret it by mid afternoon.

At my last appointment Addison's heart rate was 158. My doctor declared that we would probably have another very active little girl. As long as she is healthy, I'll take active. Audrey already keeps us on our toes and wears us out...so I figure at least we are prepared for an active one :) haha.

We have set Addison's official "birth" day. (and I use the word "official" loosely) I am scheduled for another c-section on February 15...so not a Valentines Day baby, and not on my brother's birthday (the 16th). She will have a day all her own...and that is assuming that she doesn't have a different time frame in mind. If I do go into labor before February 15, then she will still be delivered via c-section as planned...just on a different day :) I am hoping and praying that she will hold out until the 15th because that would make the logistics of having help with Audrey much easier.

So please keep us in your prayers as this time quickly approaches. I am going through many emotions and worries right now as the time draws near. It helps to know that I have many prayer warriors out there.

And now for a little info on Miss Addison (according to websites):

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is around 18 inches long. Her fat layers- that regulate her body temperature once she is born- are filling her out making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.

Addison's 4-D Ultrasound

We went today for Addison's 4-D ultrasound. I am always so amazed at what you can see with those things.

Here are a couple of pics we got of her. She wanted to be a little difficult and hide at times, but we managed to get a peek.

I think she is going to look a lot like her big sister. So for kicks and giggles, I did a comparison....What do you think?????

30 weeks

(Note: Sorry this post is a little delayed...I am now 31 weeks---but, you get the picture :))

I am now 30 weeks along. Addison is moving up a storm and looks to be running out of room in there ;) I am still feeling pretty good, getting a little more tired each day though. However, no time for that with Christmas around the corner and still so much to do to prepare for Miss Addison.

December 22 is my last day at work. I am quitting to be a full time mommy. I am thrilled about it, but will miss the friends that I have made there over the years. I am looking forward to spending lots of time with my family. It will be quite an adjustment, though.


Our baby's growth (according to an Internet site):
Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face.

28 weeks

I had my doctor’s appointment today. All seems to be progressing well. The heart rate was 155 which is where it has been for the last few visits. Addison seems to be growing quite well. (I’m sure all the Thanksgiving turkey, dressing and veggies helped with that). I can’t believe that I am into my 3rd trimester.

Since Corey was on shift today, I didn’t have anyone to watch Audrey so she had to come with me and endure 2.5 hours in the doctor’s office. She is a trooper though when she has to do that. Of course the nurses are just smitten with her and love to play with her, so that makes things easier.

That being said, I had to have some routine blood work drawn today. Audrey had asked me if I had to get a “shot” so I told her yes. When the nurse was preparing the needle and such, Audrey told me she was going to hold my hand. Then she looks at me and said “Mommy it be alright”, “it won’t be too bad”. All the nurses around stopped what they were doing and everyone said a collaborative “Awwwww” and then everyone started giggling. It was so precious. Miss Priss has such a kind heart. It just made my day that she was taking care of me.
Then to top it all off, after seeing the doctor we were all about to leave the exam room and Audrey tells my doctor “Thank you for taking care of Mommy”. I thought Dr. Emig was going to cry. I almost did too. I had to give her a big hug and kiss for that one.

24 Weeks

Baby Addison and I have made it to 24 weeks. She is moving around a bit more now and those kicks are getting stronger. She really loves to act up when I lay down in bed.

I went to the doctor for my check-up. My BP looked good. However, I failed my 1 hour glucose screening, which is not surprising since I had gestational diabetes with Audrey. Now I have to go back and endure the 3-hour test. I'm still holding out hope that I might can pass that one. On top of that, after checking my blood, they found that I am anemic. Which explains why I have been so.stinking.tired lately. I just chalked it up to being pregnant, working and chasing a 2-year old around...but apparently it was something more. So now I begin on iron supplements and hope it takes care of the problem and that I don't have issues with the iron pill.



Audrey is beginning to get used to the idea of getting a baby sister. She talks about it often. I'm not sure how much she really understands, but I'm glad she seems excited. I have been going through her old clothes and washing them to prepare for Addison. Audrey has "helped" me with this task and tells me repeatedly that these are Addison's clothes. She looked at me the other night and said "Mommy, these are so cute! Addison, is going to love them!" That just made my heart swell.

You know I couldn't leave out my princess. She hasn't been feeling very well this week, but did pose for a picture with me. I had to get a little snuggling in.

22 weeks...and shame on me!!!!!!!

I am now 22 weeks. On the "downhill slide", as I try to remind myself. For some reason this pregnancy has seemed sooooo loooonnnnggg! I'm sure toward the end and say otherwise.

Other than being exhausted all.the.time, I am doing okay. Miss Addison Brooke is beginning to kick and move up a storm. Her most active time is late evening when I finally sit on the couch to rest. She also kicks around a lot when I have Audrey sitting on my lap.

Here is what the websites are saying:

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her body and the deep wrinkles on her skin, which she'll sport until she adds a padding of fat to fill them in.

And my photo at 22 weeks:

We have tried to start preparing Audrey for the arrival of her baby sister. She talks about a baby sister, but I am not sure how much she really comprehends. I have a couple of picture books that we read to her which talks about a new sibling being born. Audrey seems to take that in pretty well. Audrey is such a smart child, but I am not quite sure how much to try to explain. I'm trying to let her take the lead most of the time.

Any suggestions or ideas on handling that would be greatly appreciated!!!

Now on to the 'shame on me'... I totally forgot to post ultrasound pictures of Addison. Of course that is not the only thing I have forgotten recently. They aren't kidding when they say you get 'pregnancy brain'. At least I am using that as my excuse.

So... here is a little glimpse of our sweetie-

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

GIRL!!!!

That's right. Another little princess will be joining our family. Her name will be Addison Brooke.

The ultrasound showed that all looks great. Get this...even my placenta is in the "right" place!!!! Yay, God!!! I've given lots of prayer to that specifically. With Audrey I had placenta previa, so the doctor was fairly certain that I would have the same with this one. Praise the Lord, that looks okay.

I am now 20 weeks along and there is no doubt I am pregnant. Miss Addison is beginning to move around much more now. I'm not quite what I would describe as uncomfortable yet, but I am noticing that everyday tasks are becoming more difficult.

According to the websites, she is about the size of a cantaloupe. Kind of strange to think about that. At the ultrasound, Addison weighed approximately 13 ounces.

From Babycenter.com:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel . (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.) He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system.

Audrey seems excited about having a baby sister. She called most of my family to tell them the good news. She was so cute saying "I'm gonna have a baby sister". I'm not sure how much of it she understands, but I know she will be a wonderful big sister.

My next appointment I will have to do the glucose tolerance test to check for gestational diabetes (which I had when I was pregnant with Audrey). I am praying that this time I will not have to worry about that.

Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement! It is greatly appreciated.

Excited, Anxious, Nervous...

That about sums up my feelings right now. Our big "20 week" ultrasound is scheduled for Monday. I can't wait. I am excited in hopes that we will find out the gender and that all is well. Nervous is an understatement. They will be checking for possible problems that I had during my pregnancy with Audrey. I would greatly appreciate your prayers on that day.

By the way, the poll on my blog is closed and it looks like "boy" squeaked by with a win. Here at work and among my friends it is about a 50/50 vote. I have no idea- one day I am convinced it is a girl and the next I would bet it is a boy. I am going to be surprised and extremely happy either way, as long as it is healthy.

Stay tuned! I will post as soon as I find out something. Please keep praying :)

18 weeks

Yes, the belly is growing! I'm so glad to be feeling better. My appetite is back! (that is putting it mildly:) ) We are counting down the days until Oct. 5 when we have our next ultrasound. Hopefully, the baby will cooperate and we can find out the gender and I'm praying that all looks good with me and baby. Please keep us in your prayers, I am very nervous about it.

Now, for a little information on the baby:

Baby's now the size of a sweet potato!
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

And of course, my little Princess- who insists that she join in on the picture taking. She is growing up so fast!

16 Weeks

I received a great report at the doctor today for my routine 16 weeks check-up. I had gained one pound (woohoo!) so the doctor was pleased since I had been losing weight up to this point. Now that the "all day" sickness is gone I can actually look at food without turning green.

The heart rate was 163 and you could hear the baby kicking and moving the entire time she was trying to get a reading. I haven't really felt any movement yet, but the doctor assures me it will be soon. My blood pressure was great too. Praise the Lord.

I go back on Oct. 5 for the "big" ultrasound and we will pray that he/she is just perfect and that he/she will cooperate so we will know if the baby is a he or a she :). Your prayers are appreciated. I am so blessed to have so many prayer warriors.


Here is some info on the baby's development that I get each week from a website update:

Watch what you say...tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean she can now pick up your voice. A few more minuscule changes: Eyebrows, lashes, and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming.
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

I beg to differ...I feel like this baby is quite bigger than an avocado (*sigh*).

This is me with my little lovebug before I went to my appointment:


I could just squeeze her to pieces!

And...my little ham cheezin' it up for the camera:

14 Weeks

I am a couple of days late posting this, but I am now 14 weeks into my pregnancy. Praise the Lord most of the "all day" sickness is gone and I seem to be getting a little more of my energy back.

So far I am doing better and haven't had any more problems. I am praying that things will continue to stay that way.

We don't know the gender yet. We should find that out in about 6 more weeks.


Our little one is definitely showing some now. Most of my regular pants are just tight enough to be a pain, so I figured what the heck, and busted out some of the maternity pants. Those are really helpful when I eat too much :)!

This is what one of the websites says about the baby's growth:

Baby's now the size of a lemon!Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine, and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys, and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over her body for warmth.

And, you know I couldn't leave you without a picture of my little love bug. She just amazes us every day.