Exactly one year ago I found myself in the bathroom (I know stick with me here..) I found myself there staring at a little white stick. I had done this quite a few times before, but this morning seemed different I just knew it. While I'm staring, my husband knocks and comes in thinking I'm just getting ready as usual until he sees me...staring...at that little white stick. We now find ourselves both staring. And Waiting. For what seems like an eternity. And then the word appears...
PREGNANT
When one is both trying to get pregnant and almost a week late it shouldn't come as a surprise and yet if you were in that bathroom you probably would have seen a look of shock on our faces. And with the words "now what," our journey began.
Just a few days before I had found myself at a good Friday service. I was sitting in front of a cross with tears streaming down my face. Begging. Telling God that more than anything I just wanted to be a mom. Little did I know, he had already answered my cry before it left my lips.
One year later. Tonight. I snuggled the little girl that God answered my cry with. I rocked her extra long, gave her extra kisses, and tucked her in extra tight. Being a mom is hard and utterly exhausting (I seriously don't even remember what a full night's sleep feels like). But being Nora's mommy is the best thing that has every happened to me. I didn't know it was possible to love a human being so much. But for one year now, my love for that little girl has just grown stronger every day.
I love you Miss Nora Kay and I thank God for you every day!
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Monday, December 21, 2015
Dear Nora, Here's your story...
Friday December 11th...your due date arrived. Daddy and I went to an ultrasound to check on you. We found out that it was looking like you would be a big baby and mommy had too much fluid so we were told I would be induced that night. My hands wouldn't stop shaking. The day finally was here. I knew that before long I would meet you. Obviously I knew this day would come, but now that it was here I suddenly felt unprepared.
At 6:00pm we checked into the room where you would enter the world. After what felt like millions of questions we finally got the process started at 8:20. It did't take long. At 8:40 I started to feel contractions. Unfortunately the contractions took off like crazy and mommy couldn't catch a breath so we stopped that medicine. In order to try to get a little sleep the kind nurses gave me morphine and some sleepy pills. Sweet relief. Although I still couldn't sleep, I was at least relaxed.
In the morning it was decided that we would try that same medicine again. Just like before, it sent mommy over the edge with contractions that had no break so the medicine was stopped but the contractions did not. Finally around lunch time mommy's favorite word was said...EPIDURAL. The anesthesiologist was the nicest guy mommy has every met besides your daddy. Quickly the pain was gone and pitocin was started. You must have really liked your cozy home inside me because you really didn't want to come.
Around dinner time mommy was finally at 5cm...progress! Daddy decided this would be a good time to go grab some dinner and snacks. Shortly after daddy left mommy was at 6cm. Over half way there! An hour later I started to feel a little funny and called in the nurse. She checked again and said it was time to call the doctor and I should calmly call daddy and make sure he comes back to the hospital asap. Luckily daddy was parking the car and walked in the door just in time.
At 9:48pm you made your arrival. All 8 lbs and 1 oz of you. You came out screaming and searching for food. Daddy cut your cord and then mommy snuggled you in close, amazed that you were ours.
Today you are 8 days old. When you are sleeping across the room...I miss you. When you sneeze I think you are the cutest thing ever. When you get the hiccups I feel bad because your whole body shakes. When you keep me up all night I look at you and realize I can't even be upset because you are so dang adorable. I love you so much pumpkin and am so lucky to be called your mama. Your story is beautiful because it's yours and only yours!
At 6:00pm we checked into the room where you would enter the world. After what felt like millions of questions we finally got the process started at 8:20. It did't take long. At 8:40 I started to feel contractions. Unfortunately the contractions took off like crazy and mommy couldn't catch a breath so we stopped that medicine. In order to try to get a little sleep the kind nurses gave me morphine and some sleepy pills. Sweet relief. Although I still couldn't sleep, I was at least relaxed.
In the morning it was decided that we would try that same medicine again. Just like before, it sent mommy over the edge with contractions that had no break so the medicine was stopped but the contractions did not. Finally around lunch time mommy's favorite word was said...EPIDURAL. The anesthesiologist was the nicest guy mommy has every met besides your daddy. Quickly the pain was gone and pitocin was started. You must have really liked your cozy home inside me because you really didn't want to come.
Around dinner time mommy was finally at 5cm...progress! Daddy decided this would be a good time to go grab some dinner and snacks. Shortly after daddy left mommy was at 6cm. Over half way there! An hour later I started to feel a little funny and called in the nurse. She checked again and said it was time to call the doctor and I should calmly call daddy and make sure he comes back to the hospital asap. Luckily daddy was parking the car and walked in the door just in time.
At 9:48pm you made your arrival. All 8 lbs and 1 oz of you. You came out screaming and searching for food. Daddy cut your cord and then mommy snuggled you in close, amazed that you were ours.
Today you are 8 days old. When you are sleeping across the room...I miss you. When you sneeze I think you are the cutest thing ever. When you get the hiccups I feel bad because your whole body shakes. When you keep me up all night I look at you and realize I can't even be upset because you are so dang adorable. I love you so much pumpkin and am so lucky to be called your mama. Your story is beautiful because it's yours and only yours!
Friday, December 11, 2015
My 40 Week note...
Dear Sweetheart,
You have officially been with me for 40 weeks now. I asked your daddy the other night how you would instantly know I was your mama upon arriving and he quickly reminded me that if you've lived inside of me for this long, you should know. I know you'll instantly know your daddy's voice too. He was telling you the other morning that your mama was done and you needed to come out and then you immediately kicked his hand...guess you were telling him no.
I want to meet you and hold you in my arms so badly. I heard about another mama though that lost her baby after a month because he was born too early. I'm trying to remind myself there is a reason you want to still be tucked up inside. I also think about how much easier it is to keep you safe inside me than it will be once you enter this world. And if you're anything like your mama, you know it's much warmer in there than this crazy place with "Minnesota winters" we're making you live in.
Today Daddy and I get to see you inside me again just to make sure you're still okay. It reminds me of the first time we got to see you moving all around and found out that you were a sweet little girl. From that moment you already had yourself wrapped around daddy's finger. I am excited to see if we will be able to tell who you might look like when you come!
So basically baby girl we really want you here but we also want you to be safe and healthy. We are all so excited to meet you and hold you and give you an excessive amount of kisses! I think I know 17 third graders that are dying to see you too! Feel free to come the second you are ready!
Love you baby girl!
Your Mama
You have officially been with me for 40 weeks now. I asked your daddy the other night how you would instantly know I was your mama upon arriving and he quickly reminded me that if you've lived inside of me for this long, you should know. I know you'll instantly know your daddy's voice too. He was telling you the other morning that your mama was done and you needed to come out and then you immediately kicked his hand...guess you were telling him no.
I want to meet you and hold you in my arms so badly. I heard about another mama though that lost her baby after a month because he was born too early. I'm trying to remind myself there is a reason you want to still be tucked up inside. I also think about how much easier it is to keep you safe inside me than it will be once you enter this world. And if you're anything like your mama, you know it's much warmer in there than this crazy place with "Minnesota winters" we're making you live in.
Today Daddy and I get to see you inside me again just to make sure you're still okay. It reminds me of the first time we got to see you moving all around and found out that you were a sweet little girl. From that moment you already had yourself wrapped around daddy's finger. I am excited to see if we will be able to tell who you might look like when you come!
So basically baby girl we really want you here but we also want you to be safe and healthy. We are all so excited to meet you and hold you and give you an excessive amount of kisses! I think I know 17 third graders that are dying to see you too! Feel free to come the second you are ready!
Love you baby girl!
Your Mama
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Another Letter
Dear Little Girl,
I had a few thoughts lately and since they leave me quickly I thought I'd write it down now since I probably won't remember to tell you later.
1. I've been reading "For the Love" by Jen Hatmaker. Don't worry I'll read it again once you're here and I need a few reminders. I just read her chapter to her kids and I want you to know....when your teacher calls I will believe that what you did was wrong because 1. You will be the product of a teacher and 2. Your dad punched a kid in Kindergarten so basically sweetheart you're doomed and we are sorry.
2. You have been currently kicking me when the bass guitar turns it up during church. Your mom and dad love music so we're all for this, but if you want to learn to play the bass when you grow up we may send you to "Uncle" Ross's house.
3. We tell people we haven't decided on a name and for your dad's sake I tell him the same, but deep in my heart I have already named you. Call it mama's instinct or whatever you may but either way I know it's right. Your dad said the name and I fell in love. We want a name that will set you up for greatness....although God has already done that....and we believe this name would do just that.
4. I'm getting a little impatient for you to be here....although feel free to keep cooking and building up those lungs.
I love you so much little girl and I really really can't wait to meet you!
Love,
Mama
P.S. I'm a snuggler so I get the whole want-to-be-close-to-you thing....but if you could kindly stay out of my ribs I would appreciate it.
P.P.S. As many people and students have now commented, your mama is getting pretty big and you have seriously popped my belly button. So, here are a few memory pics. Oh and please give your mama a break. The day after these pictures are taken will actually be 25 weeks, but I've just been so tired it has been hard to remember to take the picture.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
A Letter to the Little
Dear Little One,
Yesterday we saw you. You WOULD NOT sit still. Kicking and flipping and waving your arms all around...quite the show you put on. It was the most incredible sight I have ever seen. I have been so worried that you wouldn't be okay. Every time the doctor said each part of you that was perfectly healthy my heart skipped a beat. I could have watched you on that screen all day long! Your dad and I will not have all the answers and we will not have a clue what to do with you when we get you home, but we will love you no matter what. You are the answer to many prayers and many tears that were shed while waiting for you. We already love you so very much sweet baby!
Love,
Your mama
Yesterday we saw you. You WOULD NOT sit still. Kicking and flipping and waving your arms all around...quite the show you put on. It was the most incredible sight I have ever seen. I have been so worried that you wouldn't be okay. Every time the doctor said each part of you that was perfectly healthy my heart skipped a beat. I could have watched you on that screen all day long! Your dad and I will not have all the answers and we will not have a clue what to do with you when we get you home, but we will love you no matter what. You are the answer to many prayers and many tears that were shed while waiting for you. We already love you so very much sweet baby!
Love,
Your mama
Sunday, June 21, 2015
The Happiest Place on Earth
I find pictures tell our week so much better! Hope you're not overloaded!!!
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| Our ship from afar...can't miss those smoke stacks! |
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| This was in the building before getting on the ship....we let Mickey know it was the baby's first pic with him! |
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| This is the entrance onto the ship |
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| First view when walking onto the boat. |
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| This is where you walk in...your family's name is announced ex "Welcome Sullivan Family" and then the people on the sides clapped and cheered....for EVERY single family. The Disney employees were no joke! |
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| The bathroom was separated into two rooms. They were tiny but I will miss the clean towels replaced every time I picked one up. |
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| This was our veranda and I spent every moment I could here... |
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| Example A |
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| Disney has their own movie theater on the ship and can play movies as soon as they come out. So, Friday at 12:01am...we were here watching "Inside Out" |
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| This theatre was where we saw shows each night before our dinner. |
These are a few other random boat pictures
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| There were shuffle boards all over the decks...some pretty intense games were played...oh and see those chairs in the background?...I almost tried to take one off the boat...best things ever! |
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| Ship deck at night all lit up |
And now onto the food...I unfortunately do not have pics of everything I ate because once the food got there my mind blanked out and my taste buds took over. But, I have enough so you get the idea. Each night we went to a different restaurant. Each had its own theme. You had two waiters (a drink and meal waiter). Upon sitting down your "display" plate was taken and your napkin placed on your lap for you! As soon as you took your last bite, that plate and any used or not needed dish was whisked away. You got an appetizer, salad or soup, main entree, and dessert....oh just in case you wish you had more of what you just ate or didn't like it or wanted to try two things they would bring you more. Prepare yourself....the food was not for the weak in stomach capacity.
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| My first dessert! It was a chocolate mousse type thing |
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| Prime Rib, the first night at Enchanted Gardens |
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| "Bedtime Kisses" Basically chocolate fudgy amazingness and an apricot jelly square |
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| Since we slept in we went to the buffet for breakfast...I couldn't stop getting food! |
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| My favorite thing...creme brulee at the Royal Palace |
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| Breakfast buffet again...that bowl is filled with cream of wheat...Oh.My.Goodness. I just about died. |
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| Our third day lunch was on Disney's private island and they set up lunch here. That whole bar where the lady is standing is filled with every type of fruit you could think of |
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| Every night you also got 1 or 2 different types of breads and some type of special spread to go with it. |
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| This was actually Patricks...a coconut creme thing |
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| A chocolate soaked in goodness cake with raspberry filling inside |
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| One night was pirate night and after the show at 11:30 they had a buffet of desserts....this is ONE case out of probably 20 |
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| See that beautiful bowl on the right? It's filled with butter pecan ice cream...I only ended up eating that because it just about did me in...AMAZING |
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| This was our final night and was probably my favorite! |
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| This is what it looked like when we first walked in...you'll see how it changed. |
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| These screens were everywhere and were all different. The fish moved all around and even put on a little show. |
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| This was a pastry filled with a truffle flavored cheese and basically melted in your mouth |
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| It looked prettier before I put my spoon in but this was a cheesy potato soup...seriously could not stop eating this. |
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| Crusted pork chop in a crazy good sauce on top of a tomato risotto |
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| Crush came by and had coversations with different people around the room...I seriously want to know where the secret guy was stashed! |
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| White chocolate fudge cheesecake...yes I just said that |
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| My father-in-law went for the other dessert I was looking at...a cookies and cream sundae...of course with homemade ice cream |
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| Our waiters kept us in the restaurant late into the night with their crazy puzzles usually only using crayons...The last night I finally got one and could not contain my excitement. |
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| Our drink waiter (Ora) is on the left and our meal waiter (Ean) was on the right. This was our last dinner and I didn't want it to end. |
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| This magician did two small shows and one large show. He was on America's got Talent last year and won the show Phenomenon. During the large show...drum roll please...He levitated me!!! I'm still working on getting the picture they took during the show |
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| After the show I was levitated in |
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| Beach day on Disney's private island Castaway Cay |
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| Pirate Night! |
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| Pirate night show at the top deck |
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| This was a very short but hilarious baby crawling race. |
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| Mama was giving her baby "the look" after getting out of the road |
Did you seriously get to the bottom? Give yourself a pat on the back and I hope you weren't too bored! This week was sure filled with memories and I cannot say enough how amazing the cruise was. Now back to reality...piles of laundry here I come!
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