She's HERE!

So I am WAY behind... but most of you have already heard the good news. Anna Claire Williams made her way into the world rather unexpectedly on Monday the 22nd after a routine doctor's appt showed on ultrasound that my fluid had dropped below the borderline and AC's heartrate was quite high over 200 BM. I didn't even have time to go home - they sent me straight to the hospital! I checked in at 11 AM and she was born at 2:15 PM weighing in at 6 lbs, 10 oz. and was 18 inches long. Everything went smoothly with delivery. She is gorgeous and has a full head of dark hair. We have enjoyed her so much and can now understand what parents mean when they say you just can't prepare yourself for how much you will love your kids!

I did have to have a c-section so I am recovering and having to rely on Brad to do a lot of the grunt work. I have done quite well... it is just difficult getting around. Brad is wonderful! Even better news about Anna Claire came after her delivery. She is the picture of health! All of the worrying seemed to have been for not, but that is fine by us! Her left foot does turn in a bit, but that is normal for newborns and is often caused due to position. Apparently she was a bit crowded, but she is perfect! The pediatrician said it would work itself out with time. She did develop a touch of jaundice before we left the hospital, so we went back to the doctor on Friday for bloodwork. Most likely we will return to the doc this week to make sure she doesn't need a little light therapy.

Thanks to all for the thoughts, prayers, notes, cards, emails, meals and gifts. We have had so many visitors and been shown an outpouring of love by our families and friends. Anna Claire is already so loved and her parents are SO proud (AND tired! this gal is a night owl!)

Check out some photos below! More to follow very soon!

Doctor's Orders...

At our appointment this past Wednesday they did yet another ultrasound to check my amniotic fluid level. It is still low/borderline, so the doctor ordered me to go on maternity leave about a week and a half earlier than I anticipated. She also ordered me on flexible bed rest. This means she wants me home as much as possible and down with my feet up most of the day. She did not give me terrible restrictions, so I can still get things done around here and run the occasstional errand or even go out to dinner if I am up to it. She suggested that I spend most of my day watching TV and movies... which is hard for me! So far though it hasn't been so bad. I have just slowed down a bit. My blood pressure and everything is great, so she saw no reason to move our scheduled date up at this point. She did ask us to come back Friday/yesterdady for an NST (non stress test.) They hooked us up to a fetal monitor and tested Anna Claire to see how she reacted to stimulus. The test results were "beautiful" so she shows no signs of distress at this point. I guess they worry as the fluid gets below a certain level that the baby may go into distress. We will now visit the doctor twice a week until delivery to check the fluid via ultrasound one day and then have the NST on the other. Next week we go on Monday and Friday. Since we are technically considered full term at this point, the moment my fluid were to drop below the line OR AC showed even remote distress, they would go on and deliver us. The goal (at least for Dr. Mitchell) is to make it to October 6th or as close as possible. My goal is to make it to the end of September - ha! So - it could be VERY soon... just about two weeks MAX. Hard to believe we will be meeting her so soon, but we are READY!

I am feeling ok really all things considered. I am increasingly uncomfortable, but that is to be expected. I have actually been sleeping better the past week. The baby is favoring my right side and seems to be in a tucked position. I wish she would spread out a bit! My right side and ribs are really taking a beating. :-) We are ready for her arrival... car seat and all as of yesterday. Brad will have it installed by our friend and fireman this weekend. I also placed a final pre-delivery order online last night - so I feel prepared. Today my outing will be to pick up some pj's for the hospital. Tonight we are going to Danville to visit with Mom and Ray. Poppy (aka Ray) is recovering from shoulder surgery so we want to check on him and enjoy some time with them before the baby arrives. I can relax and be waited on there as easily as I can here - ha! I am working on getting THE BAG packed over the weekend as I feel like D-DAY is fast approaching. The nursery is ready and all baby things have been assembled. We just need her now! I will try to post some pictures tomorrow of all of the newest items and of my HUGE belly.

I will be home resting - so feel free to call or visit! Will update again after our Monday appointment.

Hanging in there!

It has been a while since my last update. The past couple of weeks have been a bit challenging, but we are feeling so much better about things after a couple of ultrasounds and plenty of research. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers... calls, notes and emails.

My next doctor's appointment is tomorrow - with Dr. Mitchell. I will let you all know how it goes. They will check my fluid level again sometime next week. As of now - I have just been ordered to slow down and to stay off my feet as much as possible. As of now - we are scheduled to deliver the morning of October 6th. 28 days and counting... that is, unless I go into labor before then! I am still trucking along, but physically things are becoming quite challening. Everyone warned that the last month is uncomfortable. They were right! I honestly cannot find a comfortable position sitting, standing or laying! Sleeping at night is quite frustrating, but I know this will all be worth it soon! We are just about ready for Anna Claire's arrival after another massive trip to Babies R Us over the weekend. A few more must-have items to pick up over the next couple of weeks and then we are ready! The nursery is done and I think I have washed everything... some things twice - ha! Just counting down the days until we get to meet Anna Claire!

Congrats Drew and Ashley!

After a longer than anticipated wait... Drew and Ashley welcomed Jack Owen Hammond to the world last Tuesday. Everyone is doing well! Mom and Ray have enjoyed their visit and hated to leave... I go to Cincy this evening to pick them up at the airport and can't wait to hear more. Jack was a good sized fella... 10 lbs, 3 oz. and close to 23 inches long, I believe. We are so happy for them and can't wait to meet the new Hammond addition. xoxo