7 weeks.

7 weeks!!

Another week gone by in the blink of an eye.

We had a great week (except the weekend was a little bumpy...).

Our week included lots of errands, lots of cuddles, visiting Mom-Mom's work and more!!

On to the big things from this week...

I decided to try the sling I got free in the mail from a website doing a promotion. I tried the Baby Bjourn when Layla was about 2 1/2 weeks and she wasn't having it -- I'm going to try it again soon but the baby sling worked well! I couldn't exactly figure out where to her head..?? I am thinking about getting the Moby Wrap or something else - we'll see. 

I decided this past week to start on a bedtime routine and schedule -- I'm reading a book ("Sleeping Through the Night") and it suggests starting at 6 weeks. Obviously she is very young and a true schedule will be hard to achieve, but I thought I'd give it a shot! We had amazing success!! I feed her around 7 PM  -- keep her awake (she LOVES the bouncy seat we borrowed from my sister in law and she doesn't fall asleep in it so this is a great place for her to relax...). Around 8:15, I feed her again in the glider (a bedtime snack, if you will..haha), sing her a lullaby (usually "Lullaby" by Billy Joel or "You are my Sunshine"), put her in her sleep sack (we gave up on the swaddle because she loves to have her hands free) and put her in the Pack N Play (AWAKE.. apparently it's key to have them fall asleep on their own rather then rock her to sleep). I try to have her in the Pack N Play by 8:30 - and it's working! She is usually sound asleep by 8:45/9:00...it's great and I hope it sticks!!

I also am introducing the crib to her - she had her first nap in it and did great!! I will try a nap a day in there for a while and after Florida, I will try to have her sleep in there. We used the video monitor and it was awesome to be able to see and hear her. 

On Saturday, Layla & I got dressed and went to dinner with Rachel & Shari (and Shari's dear friend Audrey) -- as soon as we got to the restaurant, Layla woke up and became fussy (very uncharacteristic..) -- within minutes she was crying and soon after she was screaming. I took her out of the car seat, walked around the restaurant, tried the pacifier - nothing worked. I decided to pack up and leave dinner (despite REALLY wanting some quality time with the girls...) - Layla screamed the first 20 minutes of the car ride (also really strange - she loves the car). I ended up going the wrong way on the highway and my night out became a disaster. We got home, I quickly ate dinner, fed Layla and put her to bed.. by 10 PM I realized the reason Layla was crying.

...her first cold. 

AWFUL! Congestion, coughing and clearly not feeling well... she was so tired but her congestion was so bad, she kept waking up because she couldn't breathe! I pulled her into bed and we had one painful night of sleep. Yesterday was a lot of cuddles, sneezing, coughing and a little bit of napping. Josh is really good at sucking out the boogies with the bulb. I feel SO bad for Layla.. I called the doctor yesterday and they suggested I go to the emergency room (really...!??!) - after talking it over with Josh, my mom and sister (a pediatric nurse practitioner), we decided the ER was a little extreme and we'd see how she does. She seemed to get better throughout the day and the congestion returned again last night. A long bedtime routine but she fell asleep around 10 and slept all night (in her pink Fisher Price sleeper so her head was inclined a little) -- OY! 

Today, I spoke to the doctor again who suggested saline drops, etc.. she is eating, has no fever and is overall okay. 

I, on the other hand, HATE to see her sick and I've cried more then she has (haha).

I want to thank my best friend, Rachel.. Saturday, she surprised me and came over later that night knowing I was upset about leaving dinner. Sometimes we need our best friend to tell us it's going to be okay and we're doing a good job. Sometimes, we just need a shoulder to cry on. Thank you Ray - I LOVE YOU <3

So that's that.

I'm down 28.2 pounds - 24.4 more to go!! 

2 more weeks until our first trip to Florida.

5 more weeks of maternity leave. (I wish I didn't have to go back.. I'm terrified to return to work and leave her!)

Friday is Josh's 29th birthday - we're so very excited to celebrate our favorite man!! Layla is going to my sister's house for a play date with Abbey & Max while Josh and I go to dinner... it will officially be the longest we are away from her. We're going to Butcher & Singer and I'm so excited to have some "adult time" - haha :) 

.... of course this blog is all over the place but I thank you for all reading along. It's been an amazing, scary, unbelievable and unforgettable 7 weeks and I can't wait to see what else is in store. I will say, no matter what, being a mother is the best thing I've ever done. 

6 weeks - woah baby!!

uhhhhh.

I wrote an entire entry this morning and just came back and accidentally erased the entire thing. 

:(

We had a great week.

I think the main reason is because our girl is becoming a great sleeper! (Knock on wood!)

While in Atlantic City, we had her sleep in the Pack'N'Play.. she did fantastic and we decided to bring that to our room and see how she did every night in it - total success. I guess the swing, Fisher Price seat and bassinet weren't the best thing for her! She likes to have a lot of space to sprawl out (and break out of her swaddle - we call her Houdini) -- so far, so good! She is going anywhere from 2-4 hours in between feedings and going right back to sleep (within a few minutes of eating) -- we actually went FIVE hours the other night and I nearly screamed when I realized she could actually go 5 hours in between feedings! (I also checked on her breathing about 90569 times in one hour). 

This past weekend, Josh's parents came into town - we had an amazing weekend with them. We have been trying to Facetime or Skype with them everyday but there's nothing like seeing her in person! Josh's dad hadn't seen her since the hospital so it was awesome for him to see her!! 

Our weekend included a lot of kisses and cuddles from Grandma and Grandpa for Layla, some amazing meals, lots of errands, LOTS of naps and sleeping in for Josh & I thanks to our guests (we are well on our way to catching up on sleep, haha!), our first date since the baby was born (movies to see "Horrible Bosses" -- so funny!), and lots of relaxing. 

While on our date, it was the first time I was away from Layla for a feeding - I had pumped 4 bottles ahead of time (2 ounces in each bottle) -- she did amazing!! Josh's mom gave her the first bottle followed by her pacifier - she was still fussy so she gave her a second bottle and that did the trick! I am now feeling more and more confident about leaving her for longer then 2 hours. Next Friday is Josh's birthday so we're going for a yummy dinner downtown. My darling sister, Kim, is watching the baby and I'm happy to know she'll do great!! 

I am trying to set up a schedule for Layla - more and more, she's getting into a routine.

We wake up around 8 AM (she comes into bed with us around 4AM-5AM.. I'm trying not to do this anymore but it's so much easier then hearing her cry. I think after 5 AM she does not want to be alone!)

She is awake until 11 AM (ish), although today she has not napped yet and it is almost 3 PM!

She usually takes another nap late afternoon (3 PM) ish.

Bedtime between 8PM-PM.

I'll get better at this schedule once I truly figure out what she likes. Everything I read says how important it is to set up a routine. Babies like routine and so does this mama!!

I am doing well - I'm still on the weight loss track and hoping to get back to pre-pregnancy weight by October 1st. I started working out on our elliptical this weekend - it was SO hard but I know it'll get easier. 

I am getting really excited for Laura's trip to see us in less then 3 weeks...

3 weeks from today we're FLORIDA bound!!

Lots of amazing things being planned as well (Sarasota in October, Florida in November including a vacation with Josh's whole family to Key Largo) - we are so lucky and blessed to have this amazing daughter and be able to show her the world!! 

She finally just fell asleep..time to balance the checkbook, pay some bills and squeeze in a nap!!

xo

Courtney

5 weeks!

My gorgeous girl, full of smiles.

A quick entry because Layla is in a fabulous mood and I want to soak up every minute with her. :)

...we had a great week. Everything is a bit of a blur but the biggest highlight that sticks out is peanut's first vacation! We traveled all the way to Ventnor and Atlantic City, New Jersey... after an intense packing session (is 20 diapers and 6 outfits for a one month enough for 24 hours..?!) and the decision to bring the pack&play, we ventured out. Layla loves the beach - amazing. She slept like a rock! I guess the warm air, sun and waves were enough to relax her into a deep, deep sleep. She usually eats every 2 hours (almost to the minute) and she went almost 3 1/2 hours that day! Later that night, Josh, myself & Layla treated ourselves to dinner at a yummy steakhouse and stayed over at Harrahs. Josh was able to gamble a bit while Layla and I went to bed early...she did fantastic!! Turns out the Pack&Play is her favorite place to sleep and is now in our bedroom replacing the Fisher Price sleeper, bassinet and swing -- haha. We came home from the shore on Saturday and relaxed the day away, sans a trip to Target and TGIFridays for dinner.

Sunday, we went to my dear friend Jaime's house for another day of fun in the sun! We went swimming and it was fantastic - Layla went in the pool for about 4.9 seconds. I became an insane person and didn't let her stay in because the sun was beating down and I got nervous she would get burnt - plus she cried because the water was cold. So instead, she took a long snooze in the warm weather while we all swam :) 

Today was doctor's appointment day. Layla did amazing, per usual :) She has gained a lot since her last appointment and is now up to 8 pounds, 14 ounces!! I'm so proud. I was going to ask the doctor about supplementing with formula but I've decided I'm not ready to do that yet - plus when I told the doctor I breastfeed exclusively, he seemed so happy and proud - right now, it's the best thing for us. I may begin supplementing when I return to work but I think I'll continue the way we are now -- I need to thank all the AMAZING women who have contacted me with their thoughts and wisdom about breastfeeding versus formula. You have all been so sweet and supportive. I feel like I'm in a very important, amazing club - the Mama club!! Anyway - Layla had her second Hepatitis B shot today :( She cried for a few seconds but quickly stopped and is doing perfect now. She is 75-90% for height and 50% for weight. The doctor called her "tall and thin" - wahoo!!

I also had my follow-up doctor's appointment. He said everything looks great and gave me the go-ahead to start exercising!! YES YES YES!! I'm now down 26.8 pounds and ready to get rid of the rest!! 

... so that's that. My mom has off all week so I plan on spending lots of time with her.. and Josh's parents come to town this weekend, so we're VERY excited to spend some quality time with them! 

Things are good - I'm trying not to think about returning to work (it breaks my heart thinking about leaving her) and I'm really getting the hang of this mama thing. 

Have a great week everyone!

xo

Courtney

(p.s. we still need a nanny for Wednesdays from 7AM-3PM - if you, or anyone you know, is looking to make some extra cash and hang with one fabulous little lady, let me know!)

1 month.

Our girl is 1 month old today!

Our love.

An intense conversation.

1 month stats:

Weight: 7 pounds, 11 ounces (going to the doctor on Friday - can't wait to see how big she is getting!)
Height: 21 inches (hopefully she's getting taller!)
Eating: Exclusively breastfeeding every 2 hours, sometimes stretching to 3 or 4 hours (if we're lucky!)
Clothes: Newborn. 0-3 month is too big (although the pink onezie we used today was 0-3 month)
Diaper: Newborn

Dear Layla,

I cannot believe one whole month has gone by. It seems like yesterday we were heading to the hospital for our scheduled Cesarean Section!

You are an amazing newborn. You are alert, happy, serious, curious and wise all at the same time. From your first hours after being born, we knew you were a gem. You took to breastfeeding immediately and rarely cried in the hospital. You pooped and peed like a champ! You were content with anyone holding you and you still are today.

You get the hiccups daily, sometimes multiple times a day - this is not shocking because you had the hiccups all the time when you were in my belly! You love the car seat and the car - it calms you down. You still love Bob Marley more then any other music - you were the same way when I was pregnant with you. You kicked me non-stop whenever Bob Marley is on, and now when we play it - your eyes light up.

You love the pacifier - it soothes you when you're fussy (not very often).

A couple of days ago, you started crying from 7PM-10PM (ish) - we're hoping you're not colic. It breaks our heart when you scream and we can't soothe you. The only thing that calms you down is nursing. Daddy gets so sad when you cry like that and mommy cries right along with you.

You are staying awake longer and longer throughout the day - your best time is in the morning around 9AM - you eat and you're ready to play! We started your activity gym yesterday (a play mat) and you seemed to like it, although tummy time wasn't exactly your favorite.

You HATE the bath - the only part you like is the end when I pour warm water all over your head and little body to get the bubbles off. I started using Johnson & Johnson's calming baby bath and lotion - you are getting better and crying less with each bath!

You are fast becoming my favorite partner in crime - we run errands together, shop all the time and spend our afternoons napping on the sofa.

Last week, you started smiling at us. It's the best thing in the entire world.

We love you, Little Layla. You are the perfect addition to our family and we can't wait to watch you grow up into a beautiful girl, although we'd love if time could slow down - just a little bit.

Love always,
Your Mama

My first kiss. Now I give you about 10,000 a day.

Our first Family Picture.

Your first sponge bath. You hated it.

I put a different headband on you everyday.

Father's Day - your first bottle! You drank this in literally 12 seconds.

Delicious!

4th of July

"Mama, enough kisses!"

Family! You really loved this, haha.

Play time! 

I love your little feeties.

You were watching yourself in the mirror.

Best hair ever!

You love your Papa so much - you can't wait until he comes home everyday from work! Neither  can I :) 

4 weeks on the 4th of July!

Family. This is what I woke up to this morning.

4 weeks old today. 

Where is time going...???

We had a great week. Highlights including...

*Visiting Mom-Mom Rose & Mom-Mom Millie. It was so great and I hope to visit them as often as possible - Layla's so very lucky to have 4 great-grandparents in her life.

*Going out to eat and OFTEN. Josh & I really need to learn how to cook more, ha ha. Layla does amazing at restaurants. Often sleeps and otherwise relaxes. 

*Lunch and shopping with Aunt Rachel Luber - she had a breakdown by the end of lunch but it's her mama's own fault for not timing it out better -- I almost had to  nurse her in the car but she made it all the way home without too much of an issue! Aunt Ray also bought Layla her first bikini - too cute for words. 

*Cheesecake Factory, twice.

*Josh's flag football game - he was INCREDIBLE! 

*Shari's 4th of July bbq, yummy cheeseburgers!

A big highlight includes Layla's baby naming yesterday at our house. It was a HUGE success. I was so nervous to have a big group of people over but we had the perfect amount - about 30 people. We invited double but due to the holiday weekend, several couldn't come. We had Ben & Irvs deli trays delivered, Mom-Mom Andi made pasta salad and we had a HUGE Hesh's chocolate chip cake for dessert. An intense amount of food but delicious!! The Rabbi, Jessica, was wonderful - the ceremony was so thoughtful and beautiful. I'm so glad we did it and it will be a wonderful memory for us. Layla's Hebrew name is "Lyla Channa", named for my Great Aunt Anna (Mom-Mom Rose's sister) and Josh's great-grandmother, Caroline (on his Mom's side). We will be having a second baby naming in Florida on August 13th and I can't wait!

Breastfeeding -- I have to admit. It's hard. It's really, really hard. A lot of pain, a lot of time and an overall huge commitment. I'm trying to stay strong and push through. Often, I wonder if I should supplement with formula at night to keep my sanity. I debate myself on this often. I am not a fan of the breast pump although I'm trying to get used to it. I don't know what I'm going to do when I return to work - I'm actually dreading this and think about it often. I am going to read about the possibility of supplementing with formula versus freezing breast milk. I am really, really conflicted. 

Pacifier -- The best invention known to mankind. Layla is seriously in love with her Soothies and it's an immediate relief for her. Last night, she couldn't calm down from 4AM-6AM. If it wasn't for the pacifier, I think I would have cried for 2 hours straight.

Nanny - We need a nanny for Wednesdays starting the end of August. I'm seriously worried about this and need to figure out a solution as soon as possible. 

Doctor's appointment - Layla's next appointment is on Friday. I love going to see how much she weighs!

Me - I'm doing well. I have my moments but overall I'm feeling more and more confident. I'm healing well and the bulk of my pain is gone (I haven't used any pain medication in over a week). My scar is red and ugly but Josh says it's beautiful. He's amazing. I'm down exactly 24 pounds -- 28.6 more to go!! I can't wait until I'm allowed to work out again... the elliptical is calling my name!! I hate my soft body and I'm ready to rid my closet of anything maternity!! I have my follow-up appointment on July 11th.  I barely sleep and sometimes I forget to eat. I need to remember to brush my teeth and make sure my boobs aren't hanging out of my shirt when we have guests over. I forget everything and I sometimes wonder if I have pants on but... She's so perfect. She's so worth it. I just can't get enough of her face!!!

...so that's our week via a new mama's mind. She'll be 1 month in 2 days and I'm speechless. I'll write again on Wednesday, as I try to remember everything from our 1st month as a family of 3. Plus 2 furballs. 

xoxo

4 weeks and cuter everyday!!

3 weeks old!

Sporting a Beatles onezie thanks to Aunt Danielle & an adorable white headband thanks to Mom-Mom Andi!

When I think about this blog and what I want to do with it - I always come back to the same point. I want a place to write down the memories, the everyday happenings of my peanut. 

Goal # 1? Post a picture of her every week, the same way I did my belly. I know I'm two weeks late but I will post pictures for weeks 1 and 2 at a later time.

Goal # 2? Updates from any doctor's appointments, etc. 

Goal # 3? Updates from any big adventures we went on, etc. 

And obviously write about anything that seems fun and interesting along the way... milestones and such. 

So. Goal # 1, accomplished! 

Goal # 2 - We had her second doctor's appointment on Friday. She did fabulous once again! I had the doctor check our her belly button. After it fell off, it continued to bleed a bit which resulted in my first phone call to the pediatrician (verdict? totally normal). She weighed a whopping 7 pounds, 11 ounces for an 8 OUNCE GAIN! Turns out eating every 2-3 hours really helps in the weight gain department ;) I am so proud of her. 

Goal # 3 - We've been everywhere! After reaching the point in my recovery where I was allowed to drive again, I hopped in my Nissan Rogue and never looked back. 

On Monday, we visited Josh at work and had lunch.

On Tuesday, I did a massive tour of Northeast Philadelphia visiting friends and family.

On Wednesday, my mama and my oldest niece, Ava, came over for the day which was fabulous. I was able to go to Target and my mama did some cleaning for me. We had a few visitors that day and night so it was really fun!

On Thursday, we went to Layla's first weekly dinner at my parent's house - she did great! We had yummy Israeli food and I chowed down on some hummus. 

On Friday, two of my best friends came over to spend the afternoon with Layla & I ...it was great to gossip and chat with them. Later that night, we went to Las Margaritas for yummy Mexican!

On Saturday, we went bridesmaid dress shopping for Rachel's October wedding - Layla did  so good and slept the whole time, allowing me to try on the dress! (Which, by the way, are beautiful...and Vera Wang!)

On Sunday, we had a surprise visit to the emergency room due to an adverse reaction to a medication Josh took -- thank God everything is fine and he is feeling much better. 

And that's just a few things Layla did this week...She is so easy and wonderful to go out with. I didn't know how I'd be as a mother but ultimately, I'm not afraid to expose her to new places and things. I don't let people touch her and she's always in her car seat but I think it's important she isn't kept indoors for too long. 

(On a personal note, I've now lost over 23 pounds and I don't plan on the weight loss stopping!! I can't wait to start using our new elliptical)

So that's that.

Layla, Josh & I are learning everyday -- her schedule is forever changing. She mostly eats every 2 hours (although last night it was every 3- 3 1/2 hours!). She sleeps a lot but is staying awake for longer periods throughout the day. She doesn't cry very much and it's always for a reason (for example, a massive poopy diaper or hunger). We've realized how much she loves her pacifier - it now seems cruel not to give it to her. She gets it only when she cant seem to calm down but they really seem to sooth her soul, so to speak. And the only ones I use are called "Soothies" - they're great for newborns! I'm still surprised that she's using a Paci but ...like everyone told me...

"Everything you plan and everything you think you'll do as a parent will be thrown out the window!"

Isn't that the truth...

She is sleeping beautifully in her swing and has been for about a week. We use the bassinet rarely.

Breastfeeding is going well - I'm far from a professional but I'm getting better everyday. My boobs still hurt and it's HARD work but worth it in the end :)

I'm still sad and worried sometimes..I'm still crying in the shower every so often but overall feeling MUCH better and calmer about it all. I'm almost healed from the C-Section but still feel pain from time to time. 

I'm learning and looking forward to the coming days... Layla's one fabulous little lady and this is the adventure of a lifetime. 

2 weeks down, a lifetime to go....

2nd Bath...clean and gorgeous!

As I write this, I'm laying in bed using Josh's laptop and quietly trying to squeeze 10 million things in before my pumpkin wakes up. She's snuggled herself into the perfect sleeping position and I can't help but stare in awe.

It's been a quick and interesting and fabulous and hard and exciting 2 weeks, to say the least.

Layla is changing every single day. Every time I think we're in a routine, she decides to shake things up. Prior to Layla, I was the ULTIMATE planner.. I always knew what was happening and when it was happening. And now, just like that...all my planning is literally thrown out the window and I'm forced to go with the flow. It's a good lesson, I suppose.

Layla is doing incredible. I may be biased but she is the most beautiful newborn I've ever seen.

She is breastfeeding like a champ, eating every 2-3 hours. It still hurts quite a bit but I'm pushing through and plan on nursing her as long as possible. With my sister's help, we put together my breast pump on Sunday. I was able to pump about an ounce and Josh gave her a bottle Sunday night - she did amazing! She literally took the bottle down in about 45 seconds and I had to nurse her afterwards. It was very cool and exciting (and no "nipple confusion" occurred, success!) I plan on pumping enough to freeze a stash and also have bottles ready so Josh can give her one bottle daily.. this allows me some time to sleep and allows them to bond. I just have to figure out how much she needs to in the bottle so gets full.

She is sleeping wonderfully (ish)... basically, nighttime she sleeps well and gets up every 2-3 hours to eat. Sometimes it takes a bit to get her back to sleep but she's getting the hang of it. She's also basically sleeping in the bassinet my sister in law lent me all night long. At first, we had her sleeping in the fisher price sleeper and she hated it which resulted in her sleeping on me all night long. I happen to LOVE having her sleep on me but I don't want it to become a habit. (She still sleeps on me every morning and we nap together everyday..how can I resist??)

We introduced the pacifier to her.. she LOVES it but I don't want it to become an everyday occurrence so I'm only using it when she can't calm down (not very often).

She's pooping and peeing what seems to be every 28 seconds and loves the wipe warmer!

She's still wearing newborn clothes, some of which are giant on her.. It's too cute.

We had her first doctor's appointment last week - she did amazing. I LOVE her pediatrician and the office was so nice. It's a brand new building so everything is nice and clean. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces. We go to the doctor again on Friday to make sure she's gaining enough weight.

This morning, Josh noticed her belly button is hanging on by a thread, literally. It's crazy! I'm excited for it to really fall off so we can give her a real bath.

Yesterday was the first day I was allowed to drive -- our first official trip was to visit Josh's work. It was great! She slept the entire time :) Afterwards, the 3 went to Fridays for our first family meal out together. It was so fun! Last week she went to Red Lion diner TWICE and to Las Margaritas once... I was nervous to take her out but the pediatrician assured me that it was okay. She did great.

Sunday was Father's Day - we had a beautiful day together although I feel bad that I didn't get a chance to buy Josh anything - I plan on going this week ;) It was also the day Josh's mom left to go back to Florida.. it was really, really sad. She was a huge help in the first 2 weeks of Layla's life. She helped with everything from house chores to babysitting so Josh & I could sneak out for an hour. It was so incredible to have her here and I don't think I would have survived without her! We can't wait to have Josh's parents visit again in July!!

AND that's about it... this hodge podge of a blog entry is exactly how my life is right now. My heart is so full with love for my darling girl. I'm learning everyday how to be a good mama. Sometimes, when I feel like I'm doing everything wrong and I can't figure it out and I sit in the shower crying -- I remind myself that I'm new at this and Layla will understand.

I promise a real update soon, one that isn't impossible to read and isn't all over the place. I'll leave you with a picture of my sleepyface.

Morning Snooze!

*Layla Jules England*

(A quick entry while she naps...)

On June 6, 2011 at 9:13 AM weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches long - our perfect, amazing, incredible, gorgeous and insanely wonderful daughter was born. The C-Section was a great experience (I'll write more about that later this week) and we couldn't have asked for a better newborn.

Breastfeeding is going really well - she sleeps, eats and poops like a champ and we're slowly getting into a routine.

I can't remember life before her.

Josh has been the ultimate father and husband - I can't say it enough. I'm so lucky and proud to be married to him. He's completely in love with Layla and is so gentle and sweet with her. He has helped me recover from surgery and is willing to do anything and everything to make sure I'm happy and comfortable. We make a great team -- he is in charge of diapers and I'm in charge of feeding! ;)

We are so humbled by all the love and support we've received this past week - between the phone calls, texts, gifts, facebook messages, and visits -- we've realized just how lucky we are to be surrounded by family and friends.

Today we had our newborn pictures taken with Erin McCombie, a photographer I found on www.thebump.com -- she was so awesome. We took some family shots (I pray I don't look like a whale - I'm currently down about 15 pounds but I have a lot more to go!) but tons of Layla by herself. She looked so sweet - my mom said it reminded her of Anne Geddes! Erin came to our house and we shot everything in her nursery which was so easy and wonderful. I was able to nurse her and it was a relaxing way to take newborn pictures. I have a feeling I'm going to end up printing all of them!!

We have her first doctor appointment tomorrow and I'm excited to see how she is doing - plus she hasn't left the house since we came home from the hospital. It will be good for us both! (I've been lucky enough to venture out to Babies R Us, Dicks and CVS! - thanks Grandma Lisa for babysitting!)

I'll leave you with some pictures from my IPhone - I plan on uploading the pictures from my camera sometime tomorrow -- it's just so hard to do anything but stare at her face!

39 weeks pregnant and ready to POP! About to head to the hospital...

Nervous, anxious, excited!

LJE - 5 minutes old! 

My heart.

Sleepy and elated.

Seriously. I know I'm biased but she has the most beautiful face I've ever seen.

3 AM -- ready to eat. This is my favorite picture so far. She looks like Buddha.

Ready to go home!!!!

First bath!!!

Sneak peek of her newborn photos <3

p.s. HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM-MOM MILLIE!!! 89 YEARS YOUNG AND FABULOUS AS EVER!!!!!!

Last blog with an inside baby...

Dearest Layla Jules,

Here we are. Less then 24 hours until we get to kiss your sweet face and hold you in our arms. The past 39 weeks have been an incredible journey. Despite feeling a little sick and a little sleepy, I've loved every second of pregnancy. I'll never forget the 2 positive lines on the pregnancy test (we jumped up and down on the bed), the first time we saw you on the ultrasound, the first time we heard your heartbeat (by far, the best sound in the world), the first time I felt you move or the first time I realized I'm going to have a daughter. You are so very loved and always will be. I'll miss you in my belly but we are ready to finally see your face!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW <3

Love,

Mama

.......

HIYA :)

I'm blogging a day early because at 6:30 AM tomorrow, we'll be leaving for the hospital. They were able to move up my C-Section time from 3 PM to 8:45 AM which is FABULOUS (no more fasting for an entire day!) - today we are relaxing. Josh's parents are coming into town from Florida this afternoon and tonight we're having dinner along with my parents. It should be a great way to celebrate our "last night". I'm trying to tie up loose ends (balancing the checkbook, doing laundry, cleaning) because i know the next week will be a little insane. 

I'm nervous for tomorrow but weirdly calm about it too -- I trust that everything will go okay. I hope the C-Section is uneventful and goes smooth. I pray that Layla is healthy and happy and lovely. I wonder if breastfeeding will come naturally or if I'll have to work at it? I wonder if I'll react weird to the pain medications? I wonder if Josh will pass out when he has to cut the cord? (hahaha - just kidding). I have a million thoughts zooming through my head but I'm trying to just GO.WITH.IT. All my planning, all my preparations will most likely fly out the window the minute she's in my arms.

Thank you to everyone that has read my blog each and every week -- it has been so much fun to document this crazy journey and look back to see how big my belly has gotten!! I hope to continue with this after she is born - it's a fun way to keep track and remember all the little moments that will go way too fast. 

For all the amazing people that have said they are going to visit in the upcoming weeks - we can't wait for you to meet our girl! Please be aware I'll probably look really ugly and may be a bit sleepy but it doesn't mean I'm not excited to see you. Please also be aware I'm going to ask you to wash your hands about 903 times and if you're sick, I won't let you within 15 feet of her.  Seriously though, we can't wait for Layla to meet all the fabulous people that we share our lives with. 

With love - 

Court <3

LAST  BELLY PICTURE!!!!! :) 

•How far along?: 39 weeks tomorrow.     

•How big is baby?: At my last doctor's appointment, she felt the baby was between 6 1/2 and 7 pounds. We shall see!! (I had a dream the other night she was 10 pounds, 4 ounces - I was really sad because she didn't fit into her newborn outfits, hahaha). 

•Weight gain: OFFICIAL WEIGHT GAIN -- 52.6 pounds. I should have gained between 25-35 pounds. So basically, I'm double where I should be. Luckily we are ordering the elliptical this week!! ;) Best push present ever! 

•Maternity clothes?: I will packing away my maternity clothes ASAP - except my yoga pants. I think those will remain a staple in my closet for years to come - too comfortable!! ;)

.•Sleep?:  Hoping and praying to get some much needed sleep in the hospital this week! lol

•Food cravings?: This whole pregnancy has been one huge Dairy Queen festival. I think I alone have kept them in business the past 9 months.

•Gender?: Girl - hopefully. Otherwise, we have a lot of returns to make. ;) 

•Stretch marks?: I MADE IT STRETCH MARK FREE!!!!! 

•Movement?: I feel bad for her - I think she ran out of room in there!! She moves a lot but I think she'll be happy to stretch out her little piggies and fingers!

•Labor signs?: Pressure, pressure, pressure. Random contractions (I think??) but nothing otherwise. It would be really funny if I went into labor today.  

Belly button in or out?: Half in, half out. 

•What I miss: NOTHING!! I'm SO ready to meet my bee. 

•Milestone: We made it. <3