So The Story Goes...

This post is a little overdue, but I figured better late than never!!! The newest addition to our family arrived July 15th. We decided to name her Keslee Ann Kay she weighed in at 5 lbs 8 oz and 18.5 inches. I'm so happy things went so smoothly. The weeks prior had been intense at times and we are so grateful I was able to keep her in as long as I did.

That morning, Jared dropped me and Ryah off at my parents so my mom could "babysit" us while he was at work. Before leaving, he told me whatever you do, don't have her today. He had a job he had to have finished that day so it was not a "good" day for him. Around 9:30 a.m., my contractions became more intense, so I figured I would call the doc and get checked. Lucky for me, they had an opening later on that morning. My mom, Ryah, and I headed to the doc and sure enough I was in active labor. We headed over to labor and delivery and I had Keslee around 6:12 p.m. I told Jared he must have ginxed the situation :) Everything was going great until we came home Friday. That evening I was holding her and I looked down and she was ghostly white with a blue mouth and blue lips. I became panicked and handed her to Jared which she came to after a couple seconds; however, as we got ready for bed I was so nervous to fall asleep so I called the doctor to see what I should do. The doctor said to head back to the hospital, so we were back into the hospital until Sunday while tests were being ran on Keslee. She did show signs of some reflux where her food sticks in her esophagus, but the doctor's aren't for certain that is what's causing her "blue" spells since she does it when she's in the middle of sleeping, not close to eating. Her EKG came back showing left ventricle hypertrophy which could be related to the stress she was under while I was in labor for so long. Her heart ultrasound showed an opening in the top of her heart which wasn't there before, but it is still uncertain what's causing the spells. At night I put her on a monitor, but take her off during the day since I can keep an eye on her. Luckily, she's only had one other "blue" spell this past week and if her monitor goes off, everything checks out good when I check on her...we are so grateful for that and hope this is something she will grow out of. She is such a good baby and has brought such a sweet spirit into our home. We feel so blessed to have her.

Missy Ry Ry hanging out waiting for her new sis.

Keslee in comparison to a newborn diaper.

I know I look lovely, but it's one of the only decent pics of Kes and I after her birth...I forgot how tired you get after delivery.

Home At Last!!! These two already have dad wrapped around their fingers. Ryah has been pretty good with Keslee. She just gets frustrated Keslee doesn't respond when she says "Hi" or says her name "Eeee." It's amazing how much love you have for these little ones. They bring us so much happiness and joy... :) We can't imagine life without them.

On a side note, thanks so much to family and friends who have been a huge support system while I've been down the past month and a half. We couldn't have done it without you!!!

Happy First Birthday to Ry...

Happy 1st Birthday to Missy Ry Ry last Tuesday!!! I can't believe she is already one. Our family's were troopers and came up to the hospital so I could participate in the celebration. The party was definitely different then how I envisioned spending Ryah's first birthday...then again, she didn't know any different. We had pizza for everyone and did cupcakes instead of a cake. The hospital offered us their educational room so we could have a bigger place to meet than my room. Also, the nurses were so excited they planned a scavenger hunt on the fourth floor for the younger kids who would be coming. I was extremely grateful they were so accommodating.

Ryah spent the first part of her day at Lagoon with Grandma. We got season passes this year, but most of my summer is shot so she'll be going a lot with Grandma and Dad.

Ryah brushing her teeth so she can go to Lagoon.

She loved every minute of it!!!

I didn't think I would be able to see Ry until her party that evening, but my mom surprised me and brought her up after they went to Lagoon. I was so excited to see her. Thanks mom!!!

I think birthdays are important and making sure the kids know it is their special day, but I am not one to go all out and buy them everything, call me cruel, but I would rather spend the money taking them to do something out of the ordinary on their day as opposed to buying them things that will be obsolete within the next few days because they found interest in something else.

This is one toy Ry absolutely loves. Jared's family went in and got her a Power Wheels 4 wheeler. She loves to press the button and run into everything, it's so cute. She loves to ride in the rhino with Jared, so we knew she'd love that present.

The rest of the time, Ryah wanted the balloons and didn't care about opening any other presents. We got her a little pool and some educational games/toys. Jared was a trooper and did all the shopping without input.

Ryah devouring her cupcake. She loved the frosting, but wanted nothing to do with the cake part.

Thanks to everyone who came and supported Ryah!!! She loves being with people especially the little kids. Also, thanks to my mom and Tay for making the cupcakes and spending time with Ry at Lagoon!!! Jared put in an actual request and requested rainbow chip cupcakes which require being homemade so I couldn't make it easy on everyone and order from the bakery. We couldn't have made things possible without the support of our family.

Here's an update on my little situation. I was finally able to come home last Friday after begging my doctor and being read the right act as to what I can and can't do. She wanted to keep me another week, but I promised her I'd be good. Can I just tell you how much more comfortable it is to be home than up in the hospital; 18 days was way too long. I basically am not supposed to do anything, but lay down. I have to put my blinders on everyday because I think of all the stuff I should be doing. I have one awesome husband who has been doing everything...working, cooking, cleaning, laundry, catering to both mine and Ryah's needs, making sure I get my midnight and 4 a.m. med fix, etc, and hasn't complained once. I am so grateful for him and his support through all of this. I never imagined I would have been in this situation. As for the progress of everything, I'm basically the same. Thin a little more and dilate a little more, but the baby is still in which is most important. I contract continually and it is extremely uncomfortable, but when I take my meds it slows down for an hour or two, then starts right back up about 1 1/2 before my next "fix." The doctor's are extremely impressed with the way the baby has grown. Due to all the steroids they have pumped in me, she is almost measuring a week ahead of where she should be. I was glad to hear that news yesterday. As a result, the doc promised me I wouldn't have to be tortured and put back on the mag again...at least with this pregnancy. I do have two more weeks of bed rest, unless I have her before then.

Even though this has been a difficult time and true test of my self discipline, it has also been a blessing in disguise. I am so grateful for our family and friends and their willingness to help in any way they can, even if it's stopping by for a visit to give me someone to talk to, bringing fresh garden vegetables (yes, I have a weakness, but don't have a garden...makes sense, I know), etc. Jared and I have had some neat experiences as well and being able to depend on each other has brought us that much closer.

Thanks for all the outpouring of love and support!!!