Stella Is Here!!!

Stella Corinne Rutledge
October 25, 2012
9:30 PM
7lbs 3oz and 20 inches

One week early and Stella is finally here! Although it has been a long few days, Jeff, Stella and I are all doing well. Late Wednesday evening, I started feeling contractions. I waited until about 4:00 AM to wake Jeff up and we headed to the hospital. When we arrived at the hospital at 5:30 AM, I was about 2-3cm and then by the time I was admitted and receiving the epidural, I was 6cm. The nurses told us that this was a good sign that things were moving quickly and the baby may be born by noon. Well, after the epidural, things slowed down quite significantly. Finally, around 8:30 PM things started moving along and by 9:30 PM Stella had arrived!

Stella has had an exciting first few days. Late Thursday night we realized that she was having a little trouble breathing and there were a few instances where she choked on some of the mucous in her stomach. On Friday morning, her pediatrician recommended that she go to the NICU for additional monitoring. Four days later and unfortunately she is still there. She is doing much much better, but the doctors were nervous to send her home during the storm, in case there were issues during here first few days at home. The doctors and nurses in the NICU have been wonderful, letting us come in and out several times a day. Hopefully, if the storm calms down by tomorrow, Stella will be coming home!!!

Below are a few pictures from her first few days:

Stella getting here stats and cleaned up.  Her favorite cousin Lynn was there to help!

Proud Mom and Dad

  

 

  

   

Peacefully sleeping

Visiting with Stella in the NICU

Stella's bassinet in the NICU. One of the nice nurses made her  a sign with her name and a volunteer  gave her a blanket

Zach patiently waiting with the baby blankets for his little sister to get home!

38 Weeks...

Jeff and I just returned from our 38 week appointment. The visit was uneventful so there is no exciting news to report! I definitely feel like I have been experiencing some signs of labor this week, but the doctor didn't seem convinced. Here's a snapshot of how I am feeling this week:

Weeks: 38

Baby is the size of a: Pumpkin

Total weight gain: 36-38lbs

Stretch marks: Minimal
Sleep: Limited sleep these days. Frequent trips to the bathroom has left little room for a good nights sleep

What I miss most this week: A good nights sleep
Movement: A lot of moving around. I think she is running out of room!
Food cravings: Honey Nut Cheerios in Almond Milk has been my meal of choice the last few nights I have woken up starving.  
Labor Signs: My back hurts and some cramping... does that mean she is coming?
This Weeks Symptoms: Horrific hearburn!!
Belly Button in or out? Stuck in the middle
Wedding rings on or off? Still off (even though I did shove them on for a wedding last weekend. Bad idea)!
Mood: Still upbeat, but getting more and more nervous/excited as the days go on!
Looking forward to: Meeting Baby R!

This weekend is a busy weekend! Tonight we are going out to dinner for my grandmas 94th birthday! Tomorrow a 1st Birthday Party and a Wedding and then work all day on Sunday. If all that doesn't bring on the baby, I don't know what will! 

Stay tuned!

Three Weeks and Counting....

Well, my due date is officially three weeks from today (November 1st)! Yesterday, Jeff and I went to my 37 week appointment, and the doctor guessed that the baby weighs about 6lbs 13oz and will come in about two weeks. I am not quite sure what facts her guesses are based on, but we will see how accurate she is! Here is a little snapshot of how I am feeling:

Weeks: 37

Baby is the size of a: Wintermelon (whatever that is)!

Total weight gain: 33-35 lbs.

Stretch marks: Minimal
Sleep: Not great. The nights have proven to be a bit uncomfortable!

What I miss most this week: My beautiful shoes! 
Movement: A lot of moving around- especially after I eat! 
Food cravings: Sadly no! For the last 9 months I have wanted to crave something fun and crazy, but no luck yet. 
Labor Signs: Not that I am aware of!
This Weeks Symptoms: The worst symptoms this week have been the swelling of my hands and feet. I officially feel like I have man hands, and my feet look like they have been inflated by a bicycle pump. I am sure my husband must find me very attractive! I am also a little bit tired, but if this is the worst of it...I'll take it!
Belly Button in or out? Stuck in the middle. The scars from my belly button ring have made that whole area a scary sight. 
Wedding rings on or off? Off- for almost two weeks now :(
Mood: I would like to think I have been relatively good, but you'll have to ask Jeff! 
Looking forward to: Baby R's arrival (of course), but also being able to sleep on my stomach, have a glass of wine, and wear my shoes again... to name a few!

We are in the final stages of finishing the nursery. Everything is just about done, although I am still on the hunt for an area rug and some sheers for the windows. I also need to narrow in on some wall decor. More pictures soon to follow, but below are a few sneak peaks. We finally ordered a rocking chair from Pottery Barn Kids, but it is not scheduled to arrive for another 4-6 weeks. That is what I get for waiting until the last minute! But look how cute she is... I can't wait for her to arrive (and yes, she is a she)!

The bedding... Thank you Aunt Linda!

This was an old antique dresser that we found that Jeff sanded and painted. Good as new!

Our hospital bags (Jeff, the baby and mine) are just about packed and ready to go! I have been frantically google searching and checking other new-mom's blog posts on what to pack in a hospital bag, and I think I have finally compiled a list with everything I need (or so I think). I also have to pack Zach a little bag since he will be staying at Jo-Nana's for a few days. 

Be sure to check back over the next few weeks for updates on Baby R's arrival!