4 Months

It's hard believe that Kamdyn will be 4 months on Tuesday. She is growing so fast! Lately, she has definitely grown a little personality:) She is so much fun! The past couple weeks she has discovered her voice and LOVES to talk. This past weekend we stayed at my aunt's house and she was telling my mom a story. Kamdyn thought it would be fun to talk louder during Jean's conversation. She was trying to keep up!

We had a great holiday season as we celebrated Kamdyn's First Christmas. The holidays are so much more fun with a little one:) She made bank on gifts this year and will be set for about 3 yrs;) We went to Troy's parent's house on Christmas Eve and celebrated with Sonya's side. It's a tradition to go to Christmas Eve service with the whole family. Then we were able to be home on Christmas day which was wonderful. We want that to be our family tradition every year so Santa can come and open gifts as a family. My mom, Justin, aunt Jean, and counsin Dan came for lunch and spent the day with us. It was nice to lounge and enjoy the day. On New Year's Eve we went to Ankeny and stayed at my aunt's house. My cousins, mom, aunt, Troy and I played games all night. It was a fun night!

I got about a week and a half off from school that was much needed. It was great spending so much time with Kamdyn and hard to take her back to daycare and return to school. During break, she had the opportunity to have her pictures take again. Steph messaged me that she got new props for babies and wanted to try them out on Kamdyn and of course I agreed:) She was such a trooper and I think deep down she loves getting her picture taken. AND I know she loves wearing headbands and hats.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and we wish you the best in 2011!

Kamdyn Michelle

Wow! Have 3 months already gone by since the last post!? I am happy to announce the birth of our little angel, Kamdyn Michelle. She is 2 and half months already. Time has flown by. Let's rewind a little back to September 10th:) We were scheduled to be induced Friday morning at 8:00. Well we got the call the night before that the floor was almost full and only a few beds were left. She said that if someone came in during the night, they would get my room and to call in the AM to see if they had room. So at 6:00 I called and sure enough, all the rooms were full! She said to call back around 11:00 because they were discharging 8 people that day. They called me around then and said to be up there by 12:30. By the time I got up there, my room was taken again by a lady that came in and the head was coming out....ok I'll give her the room :) So we were put in a triage room for awhile. I got in a room around 2:00 and started getting pitocin about 3:30. I was only about 1 cm dialated and stayed that way for many hrs. I started having bad contractions and felt awful. So i got an epidural and it was heavenly! Thank goodness for that! I ended up getting sick to my stomach but overall, the labor wasn't bad at all. I was about 3-4 cm around 9:00. The nurse told us usually people only increase a centimeter an hr. So I told Troy he should go back to the hotel and get some rest because at this rate it would be tomorrow morning. So he did and I fell asleep. I woke up to the nurse saying she needed to check me because the baby's heartrate was dropping everytime I had a contraction. Ummm let's just say I was at a 9! She said, "you better call your husband and tell him to get here ASAP!" Troy made it and I was pushing. I pushed for only about an hr then the Dr. came in and I pushed about 3 times and she was out. He put her on my chest and I was instantly in love! She is our miracle baby:) They weighed and did her measurements. She was 8 lb 9.6 oz and was 20 and half inches long. She was perfect! We were so happy. There are no words to describe how Troy and I feel about her. We can't imagien what our lives were like before her.

We were in the hospital until Monday morning. The nurses and staff were amazing! We were sad to leave them but excited to finally go home. It was great to get to use all the things we received from showers and I couldn't wait to play dress up with her:) After getting home in the next few days we realized she was developing jaundice. Her level was 18 and probably should have been admitted into the hospital but the dr knew us and knew we would take care of it. She was put on a billy blanket-NOT fun! She was hooked up to a machine for a week and everyday had to take her in to have her blood drawn. I think that was worse on Troy and I. We went in on the last day and waited for the results. The dr said we could take the blanket back...I don't think I have returned anything so fast in my life! It was such a blessing to be done with that and having Kamdyn healthy.

Everyday seems to amaze us. She is growing like crazy and does something new everyday. Kamdyn is already fitting into 6 month clothes because she is so long. She is smiling and cooing like crazy. There is nothing better than going to get her out of her crib each morning and her seeing me. She smiles like crazy! It melts my heart. She is such a great baby! We have been very fortunate to find such wonderful daycare. Megan has also has 3 little girls and they are so adorable. Each morning they can't wait to take the carseat cover off to see if she is awake. If she is, they all scream! It's so funny! The transition back to work was not easy. I cried for many days. It is such a blessing for us knowing she is being cared for such a loving family.

Troy and I are doing great! During this time, I had the dreaded birthday of turning 30! It was tough but I made it! It helped having Kamdyn here to help us celebrate:) My mom came to babysit and Troy and I got our first date night. We went out for supper and then came home. It was hard to be away from her.

Kamdyn celebrated her first Thanksgiving with a fun filled day. We went to Pella to my brother's house to celebrate with my family for lunch. Then for supper we went to Troy's parents. It was great spending the day with our loving families. Kamdyn experienced her first Black Friday! I had to break her in early:) My mom, her and I went to Des Moines and got a lot done. We had a great day! Now we are anxiously awaiting Christmas. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. God is wonderful and we couldn't be happier. She is growing each day and love to see what new things she is going to do each day. From our family to yours, we hope for a wonderful holiday with your family and friends.

Love, Troy, Lacie and Kamdyn

Week 38

The countdown begins.......we are at week 38. Time is going very fast right now! I go the to dr weekly and this week's appointment went very well. The heartrate wouldn't stay at one number...imagine that :) It was anywhere from 130-140. I am not dialated at all yet either so hopefully by this coming week, we see some progress there. I feel that the baby has dropped and is permanently sitting on my bladder. We are so excited and anxious to meet our new addition to our family!

I have been back to school for 2 weeks. The kids started last Tuesday. Every night I am exhausted!!! Troy has been wonderful and made supper every night for me. I try to lay low and keep my feet up at night so I don't get swollen. So far, I haven't gotten too swollen throughout the day. The air conditioning was not working in my room for a few days last week so that was not fun at all. My students have been wonderful and very helpful! They are so curious about the baby and are dying to know what it is. I told them last week that I was going to the dr and the next morning one of my girls said, "where's your baby? I want to see your baby." She doesn't quite understand that when the baby arrives I won't be at school for many weeks. I've been prepping them that I will be gone for awhile and that their schedule will still remain the same. I don't want their structure to change much at all because they rely on that.

The past couple weekends we have layed low so that has been very helpful. This weekend we went to the Marshalltown football game. It was beautiful weather! Then Saturday we didn't do much of anything. Today we went to a couple's wedding shower for friends of ours, James and Allie. They get married in October and I am her personal attendant. I am very honored and can't wait for their special day. I have to say that Troy and I were the official bags game champions! We brought home the title. I pulled through and had to carry Troy :) We had a great time.

I hope everyone has a great week and I will update after my dr appt this week. I pray for good news!

Week 36

4 more weeks, hopefully........although I wouldn't mind going a couple weeks early :) I need at least a week or 2 of school to set routines and expectations and then I will feel more comfortable. Teachers are back to school tomorrow :( What a fast summer! It went WAY too fast. I've been in my classroom here and there getting things ready just incase I go early. I'm excited to meet my new class. Starting school gets me even more excited to meet our new little one because I know it could be anytime. I had a dr appt today and now continue to go every week. He did an exam and said that the head is down, which is great news. The dr. also said, the head is very low, which is even greater news :) He said it is probably sitting on my bladder and I totally agree because I feel like I'm going to the bathroom all the time. The heartrate was at 126 today. I had a morning appt so she wanted to make sure that it wasn't my heartrate because it wasn't as active. She pushed my stomach around-not comfortable at all- and woke the baby up. Then it shot up to 150 which it should have. After that, she wanted to make sure it went back down and it did right to 126. She was impressed because it did exactly what she wanted it to. This appt was very real for me and helped me realize that this could be any day! He told me since we live about 45 mins away I need to make sure that I call when contractions are every 7 mins for an hr. While your pregnant you constantly think ahead of when your in labor and the baby arrives but this was very real. It made me so excited!

I started having Braxton Hicks contractions last week and my stomach gets rock hard. Troy strongly suggested that I get my bag packed. I think he was getting nervous:) So I got my bag and the baby's bag packed and put everything we need inside the crib so it will be very easy for Troy to get us loaded in the car because I'm sure my mind will be elsewhere. I put the car seat in the car already so that's one less thing to remember. I packed a boy and girl outfit....ok outfits:) After the baby is born, a photographer comes in the room and takes professional pictures for you. So I wanted to be prepared:) This is the reason for the baby bag and my bag separate. I first had them in one bag but I just didn't have enough room :) We are set now!

I am very happy to say that we have officially found a daycare provider. This has been very stressful. We thought we had this all figured out back in February but things changed and we had to search. I called about 4 different people and had no luck. Then I happen to ask a lady that lives in Conrad if she would be willing to do it because she stays home with her 3 girls. She graciously said yes. We were so relieved! Troy and I are very glad too that we will not have to travel to Marshalltown each day with the baby in the winter. There are so many positives about this decision. We are very blessed!

Below are some pictures of the nursery. I am happy to say it is done! Some of the pictures didn't turn out as well but you can get an idea of how it looks. I have really enjoyed decorating:)

The past few weeks have been VERY hot! So I've tried to lay low and stay in the AC as much as possible. This week has been so much better! We did make a trip to the State Fair on Saturday. It was very hot and humid. We lasted a few hrs. I can't believe how much the heat effects me now. Usually I have no problems but I was miserable. Troy was a trooper and always made sure I was feeling ok. He could tell I was getting too hot, so we left. I got my cheesecurds so the mission was accomplished :) Well better get my things ready for school. It's a school night! Have a great week!

Week 34 and Baby Shower

6 more weeks.............I am to the point where I am ready to have this baby :) I know, I've got to hold out a few more weeks at least. It is very difficult to get around, bend over, get off the couch, and most importantly roll out of bed a bazillion times each night. Luckily, I have not been swollen and I am very thankful for this. I had a dr appt last week and the past 4 or 5 times, the heartbeat has been at 145. This time it dropped to 135. It made me nervous but he said that we want the heartbeat to do this because it will begin to lower and be closer to mine as it is delivered. So we are getting closer :) :) I also told him that I am feeling more pressure and feeling like the baby might be dropping. He checked my tests to make sure that everything was ok and it's looking good. I go again this week so I can't wait to see what the heartbeat is. Oh and I'm ready to throw the scale out the window at the dr office! I hate that thing!

This weekend my aunt Cheryl and cousin Jill threw a shower for Baby Moore and I back home. Baby Moore is soooooooooo spoiled already! As you can see from the picture below, my car was full! I am very thankful that so many friends and family were able to make it. It was nice to visit with everyone. Below is a picture with Cheryl and Jill and then another picture of Cheryl, Jill, my mom, and I. I had a great time and we are very blessed!

Today I finally broke down and went to school for a long period of time. I was there for about 5 hrs and the air conditioner was NOT turned on. I was soaked by the time I left but I got a lot done! It's amazing what you can get done when nobody is there. I still have a lot to do and brought a lot home to do, but I feel that I made a lot of progress. Only 2 more weeks of summer vacation:( I hope you all have a great week!

Week 32

Sorry, it's been awhile! We are currently at week 32 and boy am I feeling it. I officially had to take my wedding ring off this week:( My arms have also been going numb especially at night. My dr said that there is more and more pressure in my wrists on a nerve and that is why this is happening. He assured me this is very normal. During my appt, he asked if I was drinking milk, taking my vitamin and also eating bananas. Negative on the bananas! I need to force myself to eat them to see if it gets better. He also recommended getting arm splints to wear at night and what a difference it makes! I don't wake up numb in the middle of the night anymore. I feel my tummy getting bigger and bigger. It is getting harder to get up, or should I say roll out of bed a bazzilion times during the night. I am still going to the dr every 2 weeks so I go again next week.

The baby room is also coming together! The first picture shows the new shelf I got from IKEA last week, with the turquoise tubs. We are still trying to get everything hung so I will include pictures later when the room is complete. Allie, my lifesaver, came to help put up the circles on the wall. She is wonderful and I am so thankful she has experience with these because I don't have the patience :) I love how they turned out! We put them on the one wall above the crib, as seen in the picture. More pictures to come.......

We have begun Lamaze classes and are in our 3rd week. This is definitely a learning experience for us both. First of all, I have to say our class is fill with a bunch of ladies that think they are the 1st person to ever have a baby and moan around like they are dying. The funny thing is, they are due around the same time as me. Troy said to me last night, "I am so glad you aren't like that and you aren't emotional at all like they say pregnant women are." I had to laugh, I said, "just wait until school starts thats when the emotions will probably start." I thought that was sweet of him to say. Makes me feel better! Last night we learned about the different drugs you can take and the epidural procedure....YIKES! Although, I have to say the needle is much smaller than what people have told me. She also showed how they break the water....that was interesting as well! Next week, we get a tour of the birthing floor. I am pretty excited about this to see exactly where we will be. This class has been very helpful!

This past week I spent the week taking a class in Minneapolis with other Marshalltown teachers. It was a great class and I am so glad I went. We also got some major shopping done in the evenings! We hit up IKEA! I love this store and could spend many hours in there. We also went to Mall of America and Medford Outlet. I found some good buys and it was well worth the trip :) During this week, Troy was also gone on a fishing trip to northern Minnesota. He had a great time and enjoyed the fishing.

I've starting going back to school little by little....I know too early! That's how I feel too but I have so much to do for the beginning of the year and having a sub soon after school begins. I'm hoping I can get a couple weeks in to "train" the kids and get routines in place. This year there is going to be a lot of changes in curriculum and schedules district wide so it will be a learning experience for us all. I need to get organized.

I can't believe July is almost over:( I hope everyone has a great week and weekend!

Week 30

Week 30 already! The past weeks have flown by and I can't believe our little one could possibly make an appearance in 10 weeks or less! As you can see my stomach is growing which is good. We were able to pick up our baby furniture and I already tore into the boxes. The changer and dresser came put together so I was dying to see what it looked like together. Our goal tomorrow is to put the baby bed together. The room is coming together. We've also come up with a boy and girl name that we both love. We won't be sharing those until Baby Moore is born :)

I am now going to dr appointments every 2 weeks so I had an appointment last week. Everything looked good with the baby. The nurse does the same routine everytime.....weigh me, blood pressure, and then listen for the heartbeat. As soon as she put the heartbeat monitor on my stomach the baby kicked it/her! She jumped back because it startled her. It was hilarious and I couldn't stop laughing. Baby Moore already has a mind of it's own :) When I met with my doctor, he told me that my hemoglobin level is low and I now take an iron supplement. I can handle that! The baby still continues to suck all my energy and need naps often. Thank goodness it's summer!

This weekend is the 4th of July holiday. We have decided to stay home this whole weekend and I am loving it! This is a busy weekend for Troy at work and he still has to work. Every year since we met, we've been gone for the 4th, so it's been nice to stay home this year. I can't believe how fast this summer is going. I've been busy with taking classes and I have one more in a couple weeks. Then I will be done with those for the summer. I have also been enjoying waterwalking at the pool and spending time outside. Troy has been busy with work and has been preparing for his big fishing trip coming up. We have been keeping busy! I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!