The Adventures of Team Powers

10 Months Old!

2009-06-16T18:38:00.001-07:00

Dearest Leilani,

You are officially 10 months old and are such a FUN baby! You are pulling yourself up to standing and are "cruising" along tables! You are loved by all and have been on so many trips and are always a good baby on the plan. You father and I have take a MILLION pictures of you but you are so yummy! You have started to eat regular table food even though you dont have ANY teeth yet! You love to feed yourself and are fun to watch eating as well!

We even got a new camera to take better pictures of you and make sure we document every second of your life! Obviously we love you so much and are blessed to have you in our lives.

Hugs and Kisses,
Alana

Our Little Model

2009-04-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Leilani had some pictures taken by Julia Greer (who also took her newborn pictures). She is a total ham and loves being in front of the camera!

http://www.juliagreerphotography.com/slideshow/powers7.html

These are just a few samples!! Enjoy!

HAPPY 7 MONTH BIRTHDAY!!

2009-03-17T17:49:00.001-07:00

Dearest Leilani,

You are officially 7 months old as of yesterday! You are around 17 pounds and as cute as ever! You are starting to crawl, and sitting up with no problem. You sleep for over 12 hours a night and are loving food! The latest solid, if you can call it that, are green beans. The cats love you and you LOVE them! You started taking baths in the regular tub rather than the sink and are havin fun splashing around. We are going to Miami next week for a visit with your Grammie Audrey! She is so excited to see you and you also get to meet your cousins Ari and Jessia, and mommy's cousin Arlene and Aunt Carole (also your Aunt). We love you so very much and you are the best baby EVER!!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Happy 6 Month Birthday

2009-02-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Sweet Bean,

Today you are 6 months old! You are rolling over from your belly to your back and have ALMOST rolled from your back to your belly (you're about 1/2 way there)! You are such a happy baby. Everyone who sees you comments on how you are always in a good mood. You are now eating solid foods and you are getting better and better at chewing and getting used to the spoon. Also, you can almost sit up on your own, this is so exciting! You are seriously LOVING the cats. You try and lunge at them when they pass by you and your squeal in delight when you touch them or look at them. Nittany will only let you look at him, but the Baby Kitty lets you pet her alot, even though you always come back with chunks of fur in your hand. This is something we will have to work on. We celebrated your 1st valentine's day by going to dinner. It was a fun time and of course you were loved and gushed at by everyone who saw you. You are such an awesome baby and we love being your parents. We love you more than words can express!

Love your mommy and daddy.

In My Daughters Eyes...

2009-02-12T13:37:00.001-08:00

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though she'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
she made me
For I'll be there
In my daughter's eyes

I loved this and it made me cry, so I am posting it.

Leilani tries cereal...

2009-02-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

It was a momentous event in the Powers household today. Leilani tried rice cereal!! She kind of liked it...I think it was so fun for Chris and I to just watch her faces after each bite! Here are some pictures:

Can see this as Chris and Leilani...

2009-01-24T06:51:00.001-08:00

Love this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A2Ap3DyvLg

5 Months Old Already!!!

2009-01-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Dearest Beaner Butts Leilani,

You are 5 months old as of 6:19am this morning. You are truly a joy to be around. Our neighbor Mimi calls you an "angel baby". Sometimes I think you are going to skip crawling and go straight to walking!! Daddy has made all the arragements to be a stay-at-home daddy to you. You sleep through the night which is so nice. December Grandma Irene got to spend the whole time with you, with Grandpa Russ and Uncle Matt joining us before the holidays. Now that it's January, Grammie Audrey has been here and is loving spending time with you. I am a little freaked about it, but more excited than anything! You are "talking" alot which is fun to listen to and you love it when we sing to you and you like to sing along as well! We love you more than anything in the world!! We have some fun trips coming up this year, Miami, DC, North Dakota and of course New York for Thanksgiving! Your daddy and I really need to start calling you by your name, otherwise, you may grow-up thinking your name is Bean, Beanie or Bear. KISSES!!

Love,

Mommy (Daddy and the Kitties - Nittany and Fat Baby Kitty)

A Slight Bit Obesessed...

2009-01-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

With all things 'Twilight'! I have read all 4 books in 5 days and am going to see the movie on Saturday with Chris. I have also read her official draft for midnight Sun and all of our "outtakes" from the website. I highly recommend these books if you like fantasy or any kind of love story. Here is the traile for the movie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBvOhfL4mYw

As most of you know I am a Harry Potter nut, so this is just a new saga of books I could really sink my teeth into. I am already going to re-read them! Good times! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-26T11:33:00.000-08:00

So this past week was Leilani's first Hannukah and Christmas. Needless to say we were more excited about it than she was. We went to Christmas Eve services at 8pm and even though Leilani usually goes to bed around 7:30pm, she did well and we had a good time. On Christmas morning, I made the Ultimate Sticky Buns and they were yummy!! This will be a new family Christmas tradition...YAY! Chris got a great Mountain Bike for Christmas (from me) and I got a new 42" Plasma for our bedroom (from him). We love having his parents and brother here. They have made life easier and are, of course, totally in love with Leilani. Here are some pictures of her during the past week.

Dear Leilani - 4 months

2008-12-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Dearest Leilani,

You are 4 months old now and have been for a week! We took you to your 4 month check up and you weigh 14 lbs, and are 24 inches long! Basically, you have gained almost 3 pounds (3 ounces short) and grew an inch! You are in all the right "percentiles" and are just a happy loving baby! Your doctor, Dr. Nevius, doesnt think you need to start on any kind of solid food for a least another month, if not 2 months. we might try you on rice cereal at 5.5 months, but really there is no rush.

Your Grandma Irene has been staying with you ALL month (December) and loves you SO much. She even calls you "Grandma's Girl". Grandpa Russ and Uncle Matt come down this past Saturday to spend the holidays with us.

As this is both your first Hanukkah and Christmas, I am so overjoyed. I dont think you care much, but hey, next year you will.

You are seriously the easiest baby we (your daddy and I) are SO in love with you and know how lucky we are to be your parents. You have been rolling over more frequently, found your thumb, and LAUGH out loud...this is so cute!

You are truly the joy in my life. I have a motto that "everything happens for a reason", this is very true as you are My Reason, Our Reason. Everything we have done, every one we have met, every choice we have made has brought us to be your parents, your mommy and daddy. We love you so much.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy and of course, the Kitties, Nittany and Fat Baby Kitty

What a Difference a Year Makes...

2008-12-10T06:38:00.001-08:00

So at this exact time last year I was at our Reproductive Endocrinologist's office getting blood work done to see if I was pregnant. At 12:15pm that afternoon a year ago I got the call that STILL brings tears to my eyes:
Phone: Ring
Me: Hello
Nurse: Hi Alana, I am calling from Dr. Toledo's office
Me: okay
Nurse: Well...YOU'RE PREGNANT!
Me: Are you kidding?
Nurse: No, I dont joke about things like this.
Me: Are you serious?
Nurse: Yes (laughing)
Me: OH MY GOD! So I am, what 4 weeks along
Nurse: Yes, 4 weeks and we'll have you come in every other day for more bloodwork and we have scheduled your first ultrasound for January due to holidays.
Me: Wow...okay. Thank you!
Nurse: have a good day. Good bye.
Me: Bye

I sat on the floor of my office, shocked, for a good 10 minutes before I could grasp what was actually happening. Then I had to think about how I was going to tell Chirs. I was going to make him a dinner full of baby veggies and the like or put a bun in the oven, or all kinds of things. So all I had to do was run out to the grocery store and target and get everything done, but I had a 2pm conference call with my boss. No worries, I would still have time. Wouldnt you know it, Chris came home early that day, so I had NO time to plan ANYTHING! Instead I ended up giving him a Penn State Onesie that said "Powers" on the back (which he thought meant we were only having 1 baby and it was a boy)...hahahaha I have it on video and it something I will cherish forever, even though he cursed ALOT!

The greatest part was this was the day after Chris' 28th birthday. I really wanted to take a pregnancy test on his birthday, because that would have been an awesome gift, but I also didnt want to ruin his day with a negative pregnancy test. In the end, I am happy I waited for the actual blood test so I wouldnt be 2nd guessing myself or the test. Now exactly a year later, we have our amazing little girl who will be 4 months old on the 16th of this month (wow 6 days from now)! She is truly our little miracle and our reason, our purpose for everything. We are truly blessed. What a difference a year makes!!

What Religion is Your Bra??

2008-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Too funny not to share:

A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy's and shyly walked up
to the woman behind the counter and said, 'I'd like to buy a bra for my wife.'
'What type of bra?' asked the clerk.
'Type?' inquires the man, 'There's more than one type?'

'Look around,' said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every
shape, size, color and material imaginable.

'Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four
types of bras to choose.'
Relieved, the man asked about the types.

The saleslady replied:
'There are the
Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types.
Which one would you prefer?'

Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them.

The Saleslady responded, 'It is all really quite simple... '

The Catholic type supports the masses.
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen, The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright, and The Baptist makes mountains out of molehills.

Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used to define bra sizes? If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!

(A} Almost boobs...
{B} Barely there.
{C} Can't complain!
{D} Dang!
{DD} Double dang!
{E} Enormous!
{F} Fake.
{G} Get a reduction.
{H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!

Oh! And don't forget the German bra....Holtzemfromfloppen

Our Birth Plan...

2008-12-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

Well, with so many people I know trying to or becoming pregnant, I thought I would post the Birth Plan from Leilani's arrival. This was an integral part of having everything happen the way we wanted. Please feel free to use it, use part of it or use nothing of it:

Birth Plan for Alana and Chris Powers
To my Health Care Providers: Thank you for taking the time to work with us and our birth plan. We are planning a natural unmedicated water birth. These are our preferences; however we are open and flexible to any medical intervention that may become necessary in the case of a medical emergency.
Environment: I would like for people entering the room to speak softly and close the door behind them. I would like for people entering the room to quietly announce who they are so that I am aware of who is in the room. Please let me know before you touch me or start any procedure. Please make sure to approach me from the front only and not from behind. I may get startled if I can not see someone before they touch me. I would also like the light dimmed.
IV & Nutrition: I prefer to have no IV or heparin lock.
Induction: Natural methods first (nipple stimulation, walking, etc.) to try and avoid Pitocin and amniotomy.
Pain Relief: I am aware of my pain control options; please don't mention them to me.
Please do not ask me to rate my pain for you.
Monitoring: I prefer the baby to be monitored intermittently with the portable EFM.
Second Stage Labor: As long as the baby and I are healthy, I prefer to have no time limits on pushing. I would like to push in whatever position feels right, and prefer to push spontaneously, not directed. Please no counting while pushing I prefer to have the lights dimmed for delivery or, if it is daylight, to access only natural light. No episiotomy unless the baby is in distress and needs to be born quickly.
After The Baby Is Born: I would like my baby placed immediately on my abdomen following the birth, skin to skin with a warm blanket over it. Please do not separate me and my baby for routine procedures (weighing, measuring, newborn exam and bath) until after my baby has successfully breastfed on both breasts. Please do these procedures with me as much as possible. I would like my husband to give our baby her first bath in the nursery with me present.
Third Stage Labor: Please wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before it is clamped. Please allow my husband to cut the umbilical cord. Natural delivery of the placenta with me pushing. I would like to delay routine Pitocin after the placenta.
Newborn Procedures: If the baby has any problems, I would like my husband to be present with the baby at all times, if possible. I would like to have routine newborn procedures delayed until bonding and breastfeeding have occurred. I would like all newborn routine procedures to be performed in my presence. I would like eye ointment, Vitamin K shot, PKU/Newborn Screening testing or immunizations delayed as long as possible for bonding. We would like to give our baby its first bath in the nursery. My baby is to be exclusively breastfed on demand, do not offer my baby formula, pacifier, and artificial nipple or sugar water without my consent. If my baby's health is in jeopardy, I would like: To be transported with my baby if possible. My husband to go with the baby. To breastfeed or express my milk for my baby.
My Hospital Stay: I prefer to have my husband stay with me.
Cesarean Delivery: If a C-Section is not an emergency, please give us time alone to think about it before asking for our written consent. My husband is to be present at all times during the c-section. Ideally, I would like to remain conscious during the procedure. I would like to have contact with the baby as soon as it is possible in the delivery room. I prefer to have a hand free to touch the baby. If possible, please discuss anesthesia options with me. I prefer a low transverse incision on my abdomen and uterus. Double layer sutures on the uterus.

Holy Trip from HELL!!!

2008-12-01T17:37:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it's one of the few times (and I mean FEW) where most of my family gets together. This year was particularly special because we had Ms. Leiani with us. This was a little nerve-wracking because it was also her first plane ride. All I can say is she did wonderfully and even slept from during take-off and landing.
Anyway, seeing family was great and we get ready to leave for our 12noon flight from Islip to Atlanta with a layover in Philly. We arrive to the airport at 1015am or so, check in and security is a breeze, so far so good. Blah, our flight is delayed an hour, no biggie, we'll still make our connection. We get to Philly and run to our gate (the Philly airport is spread out and we had to get to a different terminal from where we landed) only to find that our flight was delayed an hour...okay no big deal, we grab a bite and feed the Bean. Uh oh...out of Nowhere the flight is cancelled due to weather both out of Philly and into Atlanta. GREAT! Luckily a gate person, named Ruth, booked us on the next flight to Atlanta leaving at 415pm...yikes have to run, which gate...oh no F27..we just came from F (where in C). Oh no wait, we dont have to run, the 415pm flight was delayed until 615pm. Well we'll walk then and relax. We get there, sit, chill, feed the baby again and uh oh, flight delayed until 741pm. GREAT! Oh well...we'll make it work. Nope, wrong again. Flight cancelled...seriously? Seriously! We run to get onto line at customer service and after waiting another 30 minutes, are told we have two choices, take an 845pm to Charlotte, NC and flight to Atlanta the next day or stay in Philly until Tuesday and fly out then. No brainer, get the flight to NC, have no bags, get a comp hotel (you get what you pay for), total flea bag hotel, put the baby to bed and its lights out by 1am. Up again at 7am, finally get on a flight and are landed in ATL by 3pm. Get our bags, get Chris' mom, which is great, get the car and get OUT OF THERE!! Finally get home and am happy to get to relax! In the end I am just Thankful we are home.

Speaking of being thankful, this past November 25th marks the anniversary of Leilani's conception. I know because it was done in a dish in a lab...very sexy. I am just so Thankful for her. She made me a mom, made Chris and I a family and just did so many wonderful things for our lives. Needless to say everything prior to her arrival was just the "little stuff" and I cant believe I ever got so upset and worked up about nothing. She is our purpose. We work to provide for her, we live to be with her and watch her grow. She is our true meaning in life. I am so thankful and thankful for family.

For Joslyn or any Parents-to-be

2008-11-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

So there is NO better advice, than advice from a NEW MOM! I mean things change so quickly that advice from a mom with a 1 year old is out-dated, nevermind the advice the older folks give...that being said, here is the advice I have to give that I wish someone would have given me:

Dear Joslyn,

CONGRATS on becoming pregnant. PREGNANCY IS GROSS! Amazing, yes, but FREAKIN' GROSS! From your breasts getting bigger, to your pants no longer fitting, your ankles swelling, mucus plugs, mucus in general that is NOT in your nose, to the actual labor and delivery. Pregnancy is beautiful because babies are amazing, but in actuality, it's GROSS!

Everyone will be offering you advice, just smile and nod and do what you want to do anyway. It's your baby. They had their chance.

Have some wine...AFTER you have the baby even if you are nursing. If your baby doesnt like what it does to your milk he/she will let you know. Leilani doesnt mind when I indulge in a glass of wine or two. She does mind if I indulge in Soy Milk...go figure.

If your spouse isnt supportive now, they are not going to be once the baby is here. Chris is an amazing husband, was a fantastic coach during labor and is an incredible father. But I do know women who thought their husbands would change after the baby was born, this is not so. They will love their child, YES, but they will still be their idiot-selves to you and not understand what you are going through.

With a newborn, you HAVE to be there, especially if you are nursing. So if someone offers to help say: YES, bring food that can be frozen and then come and watch the baby when they are 2-3months old.

Germs are good. If someone isnt sick and they havent been touching anything gross, it's okay to hold a baby (maybe not BRAND new), without washing their hands. If you disinfect EVERYTHING your baby is going to get majorly ill at the smallest thing. Not a good thing.

Dont get a video monitor. This is a personal choice, but if I had one I would be staring at it ALL the time and never sleep! Get the Fisher Price Sight and Sound monitor. Awesome.

Have the baby in your room for the first 2 months or so. Then straight to the crib! This is mainly a selfish reason, but I was breast-feeding (still am) and didnt want to have to walk down the hall to feed her. I said in your room, not in your bed. If you are co-bedding, that's one thing, but if not, have a bassinett in the room, so baby has their own space in your room. If your baby is not sleeping through the night like Leilani was (5-6 hrs/night from day 1, not sleeps from 8pm-7am!) it may be because of you, so move them sooner into the crib in another room. I say this because if you wake up and move every time your little one makes a TINY move, your sheets and blanket move, make noise, wake your baby up and then you tend to them. It's a whole vicious cycle with your sheets being the culprit...go figure!

FREEZE meals ahead of time. Everyone is SO excited you had a baby, YAY. They come over bring stuff and then as suddenly as it started, it stops and nobody calls you anymore. You are no longer the center of the universe. Your young, single, unattached friends stop calling because you obviously cant go out anymore, your married with children friends stop calling because, HELL, they have kids too and thats their main priority and you are all alone, feeding a baby every 2 hrs and nothing to eat. Freeze meals, you'll thank me.

BABIES EAT...ALOT. Now, when I say alot, I dont mean ounces, I mean frequently...every 2 hours at first. Leilani when we first brought her home would nurse for 30 minutes. Sometimes this included a burping session in the middle (which would push it to 40 minutes). Add a diaper change and more burping and your up to an hour. Then you have an hour to do what you want to do...IF AND ONLY IF you can get them to relax in a swing, bouncy chair, someone elses arms, etc...then it's back to feeding. It's NOT 2 hrs from the time the last feeding ended...NOPE..it's 2 hrs from when then the last feeding began! Remember that.

Showers..take them, enjoy them, but learn to master the 5 minute shower as well. Leilani had a certain nack for only falling asleep on someone, having to be on that person for 15 minutes while in a deep sleep before you can put her down. Because it took her 30 minutes to fall asleep in the first place after feeding, you now only have 15 mins to do whatever you want to do. Throw a load of laundry in, go and pee, run the shower, jump in and BAM...baby crying. They are fine. Just hurry it up because no mother can stand a screaming baby, especially her own.

PAMPERS SWADDLERS SENSITIVE: Greatest diapers EVER! They actually have a line that shows whether the baby is wet or not. Leilani can sit in her poop ALL day, if she gets wet, forget it, the world is coming to an end. This is also nice because you dont have to stick your hands in the diaper to see if it's wet or not!

Changing diapers is gross, get over it. You become a freakin' NASCAR driver of diaper changes and it becomes almost painful to watch a novice to do it. I almost want to jump out of my skin and do it myself...but then I realize, Gossip Girl is on and now I can watch it from my comfy couch rather than get up to change a poopy diaper.

OH! After you deliver you bleed for weeks! It's normal, get absorbant maxi-pads and go on about your business.

Dont forget you are also a wife. Being a new mom is exhausting. Staying at home and doing nothing but watching a baby will have you in bed faster than it did when you were pregnant, but your husband is also there...so once in awhile tend to his...ya know...needs.

You cant stock up on sleep. I HATED when people told me "sleep now...you wont be sleeping for the next 18 yrs." I was exhausted at the end of my pregnancy and I was tired when we first brought her home...I wish sleep was like an ING savings account...I'd have so much, I could stay awake for days and still have tons left over..but alas, this is not so.

Washing stuff is overrated. People LOVE buying everything in newborn and 0-3 month size because, well, compared to everything else is cute and so little. Leilani is in 3-6 month stuff now, and hey, it's still cute and little. Anyway, I washed EVERYTHING that was newborn and then 0-3 months and ended up realizing: Newborn is UP TO 8 POUNDS! If you have a big baby, you can just throw that stuff away (well keep it for #2, but you get what I am saying, right?). The 0-3 month stuff people get you is what THEY LIKE...not what YOU LIKE..so we got a lot of dresses....I LOVED them...but I quickly realized that they were SO annoying. This is because when you pick your baby up under the arms, the whole dress goes up to and your baby is essentially naked again...ONESIES AND PANTS! Thats they way to go.

If its not in your face you wont use it. I have 5 drawers in her nursery, I only know whats in 2 of them because that is where I keep her socks/hats and then PJ's. I missed out on SO many clothes because I just didnt look. I saw what was in front of me and thats what she wore...case closed. Her closet is a God-Send (thank you Chris). Most of clothes, including onesies that werent basic white, where hung up, in front of me. Easy to see, easy to locate and easy to grab.

Forget Dreft...it's over priced. Get All Free and Clear. No perfume, no dyes...good to go.

Wash your clothes in the same detergent. Leilani broke out because of the Tide we were using. It was obvious once we were told because it was only where her little head would touch our clothing. So now we wash everything in ALL Free and Clear. It is also nice if we ever have to wash something of hers with our loads, its no big deal.

Get a lingerie bag for her socks. Those little socks are so darn cute...but so darn little. They can and will be lost so easily. Get in the habit of putting the socks in the lingerie bag before you do the baby laundry and it makes life alot easier in the end.

You will get peed on...deal with it. You will get pooped on...deal with it. Plus it's your child, so its almost funny.

But stuff on sale.

Indulge once in a while

Have date night

Dont be afraid to ask for help

It's okay to cry

Your baby is NOT THAT CUTE...when they first come out...HA! There, I finally said it. It may be the most beautiful thing YOU'VE ever seen, but not the rest of the world. They get cuter like a week later. Newborns all look funny and squished...but wouldnt you if you spent 10 months (YES 10) confined in a tight space, curled up in a ball, and then, became the size of a watermelon and had to squeeze through someone the size of a grapefruit...common!

Take lots of pictures...post a few. This is advice I need to follow. Nobody loves or wants to see as many pictures of your baby as you do. But that moment will only happen once. They change minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. Everything is precious. Even that one night they decide they want to cry for no reason, wont go to sleep you are exhausted and you have to pace the halls. It is then you realize you wouldnt do that for anyone else. Not even your spouse. This is your baby.

Every stage is wonderful. When Leilani was born, I thought: What could be better than this. Well now she is laughing, smiling, cooing and just being funny and I often think: what could get better than this...it's always better in a new and different way. It goes by quickly, so just live in the moment and dont look forward. Because if you are too busy looking forward you will miss whats going on right then and there. You are actually watching someone learn to smile, learn to control their hands..HECK, even find their hands. It's all awesome.

I will be putting together a present for you. I call it THE ESSENTIALS. it is everything you need and nothing you registered for. Just trust me.

Go out. Have a social baby.

Finally, you will have doubts. You will make mistakes. In the end you will figure out YOUR baby. They are all different and amazing. You will cry because you love him/her so much. You will cry when they are in pain. You will cry when they smile because you have never seen anything so pure and beautiful. Give thanks every day and love every day. Parenthood. There is nothing like it.

3 months old!

2008-11-17T18:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Leilani,

You are now officially 3 months old and have been since yesterday. You are growing so well and eating 5-7 ounces per feeding. I have gone back to work and miss you terribly during the day, but daddy took off a whole week to spend with you and now your Grammy Audrey is here until Thanksgiving!

We have you on a 3 hour schedule which is nice because its very predictable and we can tell almost exactly what you need and when. If you get off of schedule it tends to set us all back and you take forever to fall asleep, so obviously, like most babies, you like routine. What are the new things that you can do? You smile a lot more, laugh here and there, are becoming more and more attentive to things for longer stretches of time and LOVE your Baby Einstein DVD (I need to get more). You are total joy in our lives and we are blessed to have you. More and more people are saying you look like me, even with your bright blue eyes, but I think you are a wonderful mix of both your daddy and I.

You like having conversations with people and have a very pleasant demeanor when around people. You love social situations and seeing, hearing, and doing new things! This is a plus, as daddy and I like to go out. The weather is getting colder, but that just means cuter sweaters and pants for you! I think I am going to try your new Ugg boots from Lindsay soon! We love you and are so proud of you!

Love,

Mommy (and Daddy and of course the kitties, Nittany and Fat Baby Kitty)

Going Back to Work...She Laughs!

2008-11-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow will be my first day back to work in 12 weeks...YES 12 weeks. I've had 3 months to hang out and chill with our beanie and it has been nothing short of amazing. I find myself a mix of emotions - I am a bit excited to go back to work, shower on a regular basis, speak to adults daily and the like, but then again, I dont want to miss a thing when it comes to Leilani. I love seeing her wake up, fall asleep, eat, play, discover, learn, smile and as of today LAUGH!!

That's right, she laughed today for the FIRST time!! She was sitting in her bouncy chair, looking at her stuffed friends and just LAUGHED. I looked at Chris after I let out a gasp and said "did you hear that?" He did. WOW...it was wonderful to hear, just music to my ears! These are things I dont want to miss while at work. it makes me said to realize I will only be home (most days) to be with her for 3 or 4 hours of her being awake, but I will make the most of it and of course weekends. We are very lucky to have family taking care of her until February 1st. Thank goodness for that!

In a perfect world, I could work a part-time job and still make the same amount of money...HAHAHHA...oh well. I do take comfort in the fact that what I am doing helps my family grow and be and do what we would like to do. Good thing I love my job, right?

My Little Model in Overalls

2008-11-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

I really love these two pictures of Leilani in her first pair of overalls!!!

Halloweenie with the Beanie

2008-11-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Leilani's first Halloween and our first Halloween as parents. She was dressed as a Lady Bug or as the stitching on the bottom of the feet said: Love Bug. We had a great time at our neighbor's halloween party and then came home with time to give out candy and put her to sleep. She was the hit of the party and everyone loved her and couldnt believe how good she was being!! We were very proud!

IN LOVE...

2008-11-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

With the bouncy seat!! So, I thought I had a bouncy seat and Leilani hated it, therefore it doesnt get used. I must say it's a cool seat that has a plug for your iPod so you can play more than just those annoying songs that come on the chair and let your child listen to real music! Anyway, our friend Jenny came over with her son Nicholas Mateo (he is SO cute, 5.5 months old), and I told her my issues with Leilani not really napping anywhere other than on me and she suggested a bouncy seat. I told her I had one, and showed it to her and she said "no you need to try a really bouncy seat." Hmmmm...okay, so I put it on my list of erands to run on Saturday. Anyway, we go for the Fisher-Price Hoppy Days Bouncer: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3160407&clickid=body_rv_txt

and she LOVES it, well at least today she does. So she is napping in it and I am typing! YAY! Of course as soon as I wrote that she woke up...however with a little bouncing action, she is back to sleep!! Anyway, just wanted to say that!

Dear Leilani,

2008-10-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

You are officially 2 months old as of this past Thursday (October 16th). Today you are 9 weeks old and 1 day! You can hold your head up with amazing control. Given the right circumstances you can roll-over, but you need help to have your arms in the right place. You are cooing, and "talking" all the time and are just super cute. My favorite part of all your development this far is that you are smiling! You had your 2nd round of vaccines on Thursday (the 1st round was at your Hepatitis B vaccine). This time you had your 2nd round of Hepatitis B, Polio, Pneumococcal Disease, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis, Hib (all shots - 5 of them) and 1 oral vaccine for Rotavirus. You cried alot and it almost made me cry, but you calmed down as soon as it was over (you are my little trooper).

You weigh 11 pounds and 3 ounces and are 23 inches long (this is a gain of 2 pounds and 3 ounces and a growth of 1.5 inches from your 1 month check-up). You are a very popular baby, your Aunt Sherry and Uncle Charlie came to visit you last weekend and your Aunt Danielle and Grandpa(ish) Tim were here this past weekend. Plus, your Uncle Matt is coming next weekend!!!

Your daddy and I love you SO much! Oh and you are finally sleeping through the night from 9ish to 7amish...YEA! KISSES!

Love,

Mommy (Daddy and the Kitties too!)

Smiles from the Mini Bean

2008-10-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Enjoy like we have!

So In Love

2008-10-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

Twinkle, twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are? Up above the world so high, mommy used to pray for you until she'd cry. Twinkle, twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are?

Well...it finally happened!

2008-10-10T10:29:00.000-07:00

I realize that Leilani is light, and has blue eyes and really light brown hair, well really a strawberry blonde sometimes, but she is MY baby. She looks just like me when she is asleep and has that unmistakable Blakey frown. Not to mention, I am not really dark to begin with and my mom is about as white as you can get. BUT while at the bank the other day, the manager looked at Leilani, looked at me and then said, in the way people do when they think they already know the answer: "Is that your baby?" To which I responded "Yes, she is." The bank manager quickly took the look of disbelief off of her face and said, "Oh, she is SO cute." Obviously I know she is cute, I mean DUH, have you looked at Chris and I, we are pretty good looking, so of course our child would be adorable, but enough about that. I thanked the bank manager for her compliment and went on about my business!

I guess my point is...WOW...what balls that lady had to ask that. On my way out of bowling last week, a lady who was hanging outside of the alley, yelled "THAT IS A FARI SKINNED BABY!" I just kept walking and didnt even acknowledge this statement. But I wanted to yell: SO WHAT and YOU SHOULD SEE HER FATHER! Blah..some people! I mean seriously.

Leilani is her own person and I think she is pefectly beautiful they way she is!

As a New Parent...

2008-10-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

As I new parent I have learned many things. For example, when I was 36 weeks pregnant, Jessie and her son, Liam, came down to visit and asked us to put a nightlight in the hallway so she could see at night to get to the bathroom. For some reason I could NOT sleep with that small light there. Well, now I sleep with 2 nightlights on so I can see in the middle of the night to change and/or feed Leilani.

My body does this uncanny thing were it can rock itself while I am sleeping. This means that if Leilani fusses in her sleep my arm, on its own, will reach up and rock her bassinett until she falls asleep again. I also bounce non-stop to calm her without even realizing it.

I also can go a much longer time without eating than before as Leilani comes first and if she's hungry, than OH WELL for me! Right now she is sleeping on me and I love it! Being a mommy is fantastic!

Nanny or Day Care?

2008-10-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed, as we dont have to think about daycare or a nanny until February as our wonderful parents are coming in "shifts" until Feb 1st. However, I am a planner and like to have my ducks in a row...so Chris and I signed up for www.care.com and are looking into nanny's. So which is better?? I guess we'll have to look at both options and work from there. Anyone have any suggestions?

Ninja Cat...too funny

2008-10-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

HAHAHAAHAA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muLIPWjks_M

She Smiled...I Cried...

2008-09-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been very eventful. Chris and I took Leilani to the High Museum of Art to view the Civil Rights display. It was important to me to reflect on these people, times and events, because without them, I would have never been born and hence she wouldn't have been born (and we couldn't have that, now could we!). Some of the photos were extremely disturbing to me, but others where very inspirational.
Afterwards we got some lunch and headed to a friends house to watch football. She was perfect until she got too hot, so we had to leave. Oh well...

For the rest of the afternoon we hung out and after playing with her, making funny faces and noises (mostly Chris), she SMILED and it was MAGICAL! I cried...hahaha...yes, I am a big corn-ball, but it just melted my heart. Who knew one gummy smile could light up my life so much...well needless to say, now I am trying to make her smile all the time!

She is growing so quickly and we are enjoying every minute of it. I think she is officially out if her newborn clothes. But we have enough 0-3 months to last a lifetime!

Freakin' DVR...

2008-09-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

I double checked and everything...but no...Grey's Anatomy didnt record. Needless to say..I am pissed!

Social Butterfly and Cradle Cap

2008-09-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Soooo..its official, Leilani loves to be around people and noise. Last night we had some people over to watch football and just hang out and our little girl was very happy to go to sleep around 9pm (sweet)...until she realized nobody was in the room with her anymore (I left to hang out and just brought the monitor with me), anyway, after several attempts to get her to go back to sleep, I brought her downstairs and she passed out in front of everyone and didnt wake up again until 4am!

We finally got rid of her "cradle cap". For anyone who doesnt know Cradle Cap is this breakout of sorts on her forehead due to the oils from her hair coming down and not being washed. Well, as a newborn, I didnt want to bathe her ALL the time, so now we just have to wash her hair everyday, but its all gone and it's nice to see our baby's face all nice and clear again.

Anyway, its time for her to eat and she is making that well known (I swear she has gotten louder) to the neighborhood!

Growing Like a...

2008-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

weed...well, more like a flower. I took her to her 1 month doctor's appointment and she is 9 pounds on the dot and is now 21.5 inches. As a reminder, she was born at 7lbs 4oz and left the hopsital at 6 lbs 14 oz and 19.5 inches long, so she has basically gained 2 pounds and grown 2 inches.

I was thinking about the fact that we never call Leilani by her name. We call her "little beans" "beanie butts" "little butts", and a few other things, but never Leilani...hmmm...I guess we'll see.

Anyway, life here is fantastic...

Leilani's birth announcement

2008-09-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Chris and I ordered Leilani's birth announcement! I am so excited to get them and finally send them out as I have had the envelopes addressed for AGES!! Leilani is sleeping on my lap right now, so I think I'll take a nap too...anyway, keep a look out for the announcement in a the next few weeks (they need to be delivered and we need to get stamps.

Things I Couldn't Live Without

2008-09-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

I really dont even know who reads this, but if any of you are expecting, or have had a baby, here a few things that I think deserve great amounts of praise:
1. The MIRACLE BLANKET - Leilani loves to be swaddled and the miracle blanket makes it so she doesnt get her little hands out (she used to have seriously long finger nails and would scratch her little face), plus her hands wakes her up, so the miracle blanket helps out with that

2. Pampers Swaddlers - I love love love these diapers. During our hospital stay they used these diapers that had a line in the middle that showed whether or not the diaper was wet, I got very used to them, but the pampers we have been buying (regular swaddlers), dont have the line, I just recently found that Pampers Swaddles SENSITIVE have the line. So I will now be buying those!!

3. Boppy Newborn Lounger - This is a new find for me. Leilani HATES being on her back for any reason, especially to sleep. Anyway, when we swaddle her and put her in the lounger, she is out for hours! So now, these is where and how she sleeps at night and it is heaven to have 5-6 hours of straight sleep!!

4. Canon SD750 - I love taking pictures of our sweet bean and this camera is small, light and easy to use!

5. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump - very easy to use and effective. I get 5 ounces in no time!!

6. Boppy Pillow - makes breast feeding a breeze...enough said!

7. Night Lights - its nice to not have to stumble around in the dark to feed, change, or re-dress Leilani, so we keep 2 night lights plugged in at all time.

Thats about it...hugs and kisses from our house to yours!

The Sweet Bean is a total HAM!

2008-09-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

As we all know, Chris and I are not shy when it comes to getting our picture taken. In fact, there are plenty of pictures taken by us, of us. Anyway, we had our newborn photography session with Julia Greer (see link below to the slide show) and she was AMAZING and got some pictures that I swear, it's a miracle she caughts. Anyway, our baby, the little bean, Leilani, is a big ham. She makes these faces that are so cute and I have to share a few of them with you...she obviously takes after Chris and I and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

GREATEST LINK EVER!!

2008-09-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Turn on your speakers and be prepared to be WOWed!

http://www.juliagreerphotography.com/slideshow/powers.html

I look a little heavy, but hey, I just had a baby the week before!

Hiccups

2008-09-05T08:46:00.001-07:00

too cute

Leilani Update

2008-09-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

So it's been almost 3 weeks since the birth of Leilani, 19 days to be exact. I think we have settled in nicely and are enjoying being a family.

I am not sure if that link will work, but it's a cute video of Chris and Leilani! We have been getting out of the house more often, which is nice and sleeping for longer stretches of time, also very nice! Please feel free to stop by, bring food, and give some love to the newest edition of our family!

Leilani has arrived...

2008-08-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

So I was due August 17th and needless to say I was getting very antsy...after walking for about 2 hours (2 one hour walks), eating spicy good, squating, a warm bath, and some sexy time with the husband, I went into labor at 10:30pm. At first I had no idea if this was the real deal or not, but Chris starting timing the contractions and tried to have me explain what I was feeling (which I did a terrible job of). Anyway, they were coming at 5 minutes apart from the beginning, so we woke up my mom and headed to the hospital. I barely remember the ride, but was happy there wasnt any traffic. We arrived to the hospital at around midnight. I was still in good spirits and they put me into an "observation" room to see if I was really in labor. The monitor indicated that I was and after being checked was told I was 5 centimeters and 90% effaced. SWEET. We went to the room and got settled in. The next few hours are a blur. I know that labor for me, became VERY INTENSE very QUICKLY. I really wanted a water birth, but as luck would have it, on a full moon, all those rooms were taken. So I labored in the tub and in the room and tried to find a spot where I would be comfortable. I know at one point I was screaming that I needed help and "I dont know what to do"...it was just so much and then nothing. Around 4:45ish, I was in the tub and was checked, my midwife said I was between 7-8 centimeters and asked if I wanted her to break my water. I said, YES! She broke my bag, nice clear water, and I went immediatly to 8 centimeters. By 5:15 I felt tons of pressure and wanted to push and was checked and was complete! YAY...But man, I was tired, I had hit the "zone" and just needed the baby out. Chris says I would push and then pass out. All I know is my thighs were cramping up and I actually thought to myself: If my legs didnt hurt, this wouldnt be half bad!! My contractions no longer hurt and I was just pushing. I pushed so hard I broke a few blood vessels in my eyes (nothing too bad). Anyway, right around 6:17, my midwife said: With this next contraction, you are having this baby, nobody is going to say anything but me and you are only going to listen to me. She continued to say that I was going to push but a very controlled push and then pant. So I repeated to myself: Push then pant, push then pant. My contraction began, and I was doing exactly as she wanted me too but out of nowhere...BAM the baby was born. Chris says you could see an inch or two of her head and then she FLEW out, literally, in the air and landed on the bed. Turns out, my midwive was trying to strech the area around the baby's head and she moved her hand to switch positions and the baby flew out..from 1-2 inches of head to a full baby in 1/2 second. WOW! I tore, didnt feel it at all! I was so overcome with emotion and love. I commented "I cant believe an actual human being just came out of me!". My mom cried, Chris was ecstatic and I was just elated. They put our little Leilani right on my chest and she began feeding right away. The cord was cut my husband. The midwife delivered my placenta, which also felt great, and then stiched me out (I still didnt feel anything, even when she gave me some litocaine shots to numb the area). She had a little cone head and smushed nose, but I dont know any baby that comes out looking good...heck would you after going through that?

So here are the Stats:

Leilani Elizabeth
8/16/08
6:19am
7lbs 4 oz
19.5 inches long.

After the whole thing, Chris brought my stuff to our post pardum room and a nurse came in to take me to the room and I almost passed out. I guess I lost a lot more blood than I thought. She broke out the smelling salts, and I was instructed to get a nurse every time I went to the bathroom. Recovery has been pretty easy and I have had a lot of help. Chris took the week off of work and its been great. Totally amazing experience and I highly recommend doing it if you can!

How are you feeling?

Alana

4 cm and waiting...

2008-08-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sooo...yesterday morning I thought my water broke! YAY!! Why you ask, well my pants were wet and the couch was wet too! So I stood up awaiting the big "GUSH" and it never came. So I said to myself: Self, the baby's head is probably just blocking the flow of water as she is so far down. Oh well, I will wait until the contractions start." They never started, so I go on my merry way to my appointment in Dahlonega, GA (about an hour from our house). Anyway, I get a call from my good friend Jessie and tell her about the whole water breaking incident and she says: CALL YOUR DOCTOR! Okay okay, I call and they say: Can you come in right now? I said: No and that I would be in later that afternoon. My appointment goes well, people cant believe I am due in 3 days, etc..yadda yadda...Now I head to the doctors office and because of their lack of communication, I end up at the wrong office (my midwife was at the office I NEVER go to). Anyway, I end up being squeezed in to see Dr. Barett. He is SO nice. He comes in, I tell him my little story and he "checks" me. He tells me I am a "good" 4 centimeters and 80% effaced. Then he says he thinks I would no longer be pregnant within 48 hrs and at ANY sign of labor to go straight to the hospital...so here we are, 24 hours later and waiting...I am contracting, so hot sauce, a long walk, hot bath, and some other things and we'll see what happens...

Cutest Kitten Ever...

2008-08-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

Well not EVER because Nittany and the Fat Baby Kitty were SO super cute...but this kitten gives them a run for their money...that's for sure...check it out (in the middle of the page): http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2008/week30/index.html

Pregnancy is GROSS...

2008-08-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

SO seriously...EW! Pregnancy is so gross. For the most part it's been easy and pleasant (for me anyway). Gaining only 16 pounds (lost a pound from last week), and not having any traditional ailments, I consider myself lucky. However, for the past 4 days or so, I just want Leilani OUT! With snot-like mucus coming out of a place other than my nose and then loosing my actual mucus plug (it was the size of a mouse and looked like jumbled up bloody snot), this whole thing is just NASTY! Not to mention, this is JUST the tip of the ice berg!!

At last check I was 3 cm dialated, 80% effaced and the baby was very low and locked in my pelvis. I have had several "real" contractions at night, but they always go away...so we'll see!

Oh Alarm Clock...How I LOATHE you!

2008-07-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

I feel like every time I find the most comfortable spot to sleep, my alarm clock goes off! Making matters worse, when I try to find the spot again after hitting snooze, it eludes me! Then I get molded into another spot, fall asleep and BAM 9 minutes have passed and the alarm goes off and all I hear is: You just keep on using me, until you use me up! While I love that song, I am SO not in the mood to actually WAKE up...let alone GET up...so I hit snooze again, try and refind my "spot", cant, find another, and the whole cycle begins again! Blah...I just need more sleep!

The Cats Know Something is UP!

2008-07-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on my couch working like crazy and both of our cats wont leave me alone. The Fat Baby Kitty is sitting right next to me with her hand, well paw, on my and gets very upset if I move (because then she has to move, but is always touching me). Nittany is sitting next to my head looking out the window, but he NEVER spends time with me during the day. Not to mention the two of them joined Chris and I in bed last night, which is usually something only Nittany does. Oh well, its cute.

So what a weekend we had! We had our 2nd shower, this one being held in our house and hosted by the lovely and talented Terry Abromitis and I have to say, it was awesome!! The food was fantastic and we even had a Baby Bottle Beer Chug and the winner got movie tickets. How cool is that? We got alot of great stuff and a ton of diapers and wipes, which I know we will be using!!! Plus we had some out of town guests which is always nice. Jessie and her 10 week old son Liam came down from Wed-Monday and it was an EYE opener in dealing with a newborn! I do hope Jessie and James move down here as it would be nice to have one of my oldest friends near me! Lauren and her boyfriend, Brian, arrived on Friday night and it was so good to see them. They are so cute together and I hope they get engaged and married soon! Then, MY buddy Dave Kaye came on Saturday afternoon. Chris likes to THINK Dave is more his friend than mine, but that is so not true. I mean I have known Dave since my freshman year of college! Cant beat that with a stick!

Leilani Update: Her head is fully engaged in my pelvis and I am 50% effaced/thinned out. So really she can come at any time. I have gained a total of 17 pounds...YIKES! However, I am happy to say it's all belly and boobs. My midwife, based on Leilani's head size and body position, thinks that she is a "good" 5 pounds. I was SO happy to hear this as I have been telling Leilani that she is allowed to be between 6 and 7 pounds and arrive any time after August 2nd and 11th (preferably the 8th)!! I have been having some contractions but nothing that I can time or to write home about.

Anyway, I am off to get some lunch!

34 weeks...

2008-07-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

So it's official: I am ready to meet our little bean. It's not that I am uncomfortable or am ready for the pregnancy to be over. In fact, it's the total opposite. I am comfortable, feel great and can only complain about not being about to sleep on my stomach (my favorite way to sleep). We were at a BBQ this weekend for the 4th and most people thought I was 6 months pregnant and were shocked when I told them I was in my 8th month! I have gained 13 pounds and just need to be sure to not be on my feet for TOO long or the swelling takes ahold of my ankles and feet (it goes away once I put them up). However, I am SO EXCITED to see how big she is going to be (hopefully on the smaller side) and what she looks like. Alot of people can have a pretty good idea of what their child will look like, but I have NO idea. I mean even something as simple as skin tone is a COMPLETE mystery. Technically she will be 1/4 African-American BUT that can manifest itself in many ways...so I guess we'll see. In other news, Chris and I put together Leilani's swing and bouncer (I need to figure out the swing, the bouncer is awesome and will play music through an iPod, so no boring tunes for this little one. We organized the nursery and are getting more and more done around the house in anticipation of her arrival. We will be doing "Baby Laundry" after our shower in 2 weeks and then put everything away etc...Work is going well and is helping to keep my mind off of the baby and her arrival (which is good, because I need to be distracted). My last flight is this week (Wednesday-Thursday) to Memphis. Honestly I am most excited to meet her and see Chris with her. Awesome!

WHOA!

2008-06-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

So my life has officially become consumed with work and baby. The nursery is almost completely done (after a quick change of bedding and adding pictures, still need more). My company has some seriously awesome things happening which means more work, yet more money for me if everything happens that way I am envisioning it. Leilani is more active than ever and make sure I know if she is not happy with that way I am sleeping. She is due in about 10 weeks, although I think she'll be here in the next 8-9 weeks! Chris looked at me last and just said "WHOA" like he just realized I was pregnant! Needless to say this did not make me feel thin and beautiful! But it was still funny. Anyway, I better start working so I dont start rambling as Pregnancy Brain is in FULL EFFECT!

Nursery is almost done..

2008-05-22T09:55:00.001-07:00

So I am PSYCHED to say that Leilani's room is almost 100% done. We just need to hang her crib quilt, and perhaps one more frame. Also, her bedding has changed since these pictures and I will take pics once its totally done, but here you go:

Leilani Update..

2008-05-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

So it's official: Leilani Elizabeth is ONE stubborn little girl. We went to have an ultrasound yesterday and while she gave a great view of her heart and was being very active, she would NOT move her head to get a good picture or view of her face. I mean, for 40 minutes the tech tried, the doc came in and tried..nothing!! But oh well, it will be more of a surprise when she is actually here as to what she looks like. I am not sure when our next ultrasound is, but I hope it's soon. I know our last 4 week OB appointment is in early June then it's every 2 weeks. She is currently 1 pound and 13 ounces and looks great. Like I said she is extremely active and Chris and i both get a kick out of watching my belly move as she moves around in there. We try and read to her every night which she enjoys and it immediatly calms her down before going to bed. Her nursery is 98% done and Chris has done a wonderful job with everything! I have gained 6 or 7 pounds total depending on which doctors office I am in, but looking rounder, yet still not totally pregnant if I am in street or work clothes. I feel great though sometimes moody (although I was like that before I was pregnant). We officially have 99 days to go and one more week until we are in our 3rd trimester...YAY!!

RIP Little Butts

2008-05-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

I received a text message late in the afternoon last week that said "Do you mind if I bring home a baby bird?" Of course, I said "sure, why not." So Little Butts became a member of our family. This little mocking bird fell out of its nest and was being attacked by the Bennett Design shop cat, Cow-Kitty, when Chris saved it. He saved a life and was thoughtful enough to bring it home and try and nurse it back to health to release into our backyard. All I know is this bird was SOOOOO cute and it's little cheep-cheeping was enough to make anyone's heart melt. I got to watch as Chris paternal instincts kicked in and he fed Little Butts (I named it - being that we have a Big Fat Butts and Medium Butts aka the baby kitty and Nittany) with his finger with food he made himself that he researched on the internet. He even made it a little nest out of tupperware and paper towels!! Serioulsy adorable. Anyway, we went to bed and prayed for the best as we knew that for the most part, baby birds that had sustained this much trauma didnt make it through the night. I awoke at 7am and saw Little Butts nest in the sink and knew that Little Butts was no more. I am happy to say that the little bird's last night on earth was a happy one! Rest In Peace Little Butts.

Random Crying Episode

2008-04-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

For some reason I keep thinking that something is going to go wrong with this pregnancy b/c it is going sooo smoothly. Anyway, as the weeks have gone by and I can feel her kick and move on a more regular basis, I still haven't TRULY allowed myself to believe this is real and actually connect and commune with my baby. Anyway, Alicia Keys was performing No One on the Today Show and Leilani kicked and moved and I just started BAWLING and rubbing my ever growing belly and FINALLY...FINALLY felt the connection that I have been holding myself back from. This was an amazing experience and I am feeling so wonderful right now. Man, what a morning!

Lookin' Good and Feeling' Fine

2008-04-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Well we are officially 23 weeks pregnant and I am feeling GREAT! I have been working and travelling ALOT which leads to foot pain and total EXHAUSTION! Other than that I am doing well. Chris is doing well too (at least I hope so) and is dealing with my MINOR (read Medium to Major) mood swings and rudeness (my new nickname is Little Miss Know It All). We went to Home Depot today and got some materials for the baby's closet. So now we just need a few more items, paint a few things and organize her closet, hang some items and the nursery will be done!!!

Good times and I must say I am having a blast watching it all come together!! The next few weekends are going to be busy with homeowners meetings, kickball, our annual Cinco De Mayo party and of course a doctor's appointment here and there.

Oh and her name is officially: Leilani Elizabeth (it's promounced LAY-LA-NEE). Hope to see everyone soon!!

OH MY GOD! IT'S A GIRL!!!

2008-03-13T16:24:00.001-07:00

So here I am thinking that we are having a boy. NO DOUBT, having a boy. Well that is not the case! Chris and I went to our scheduled ultrasound at 8am this morning and we told the tech right away that we wanted to know the gender. She then told us that it was still "early" and she may not be able to see it. Well after a few minutes of looking at our MIRACLE, I just know it’s a girl, plus I saw her parts and trust me it was missing the ding-a-ling. So I just shouted out "I think it’s a girl!" To which the tech said "I think you’re right!" Chris didnt see anything but was PSYCHED because he was right the whole time, making me totally wrong. After watching our little one for a few minutes longer, it hit me like a ton of bricks...HOLY CRAP WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!!!! Do you even know what that means??? A freakin’ girl! They are SO cute, so sweet and wonderful, up until about 13 years of age..then BAM..they become something else...I should know, I was one! God help me now! When I told my sister it was a girl she said "thats great, you know girls are payback for what you did to your mom!" DANG IT! Well I might as well enjoy it until my little girl turns on me...hahaha...but I know it will get better after a few years, or at least when she goes to college, but GOD HELP ME! Oh and lets not even talk about boys and sex...okay, I am about to have a heart attack...all I know is birth control and the sex talk are coming early and often. To those of you with boys, be mindful, we have a shotgun and shovel, STAY AWAY!! Hahaha! With that..I sign off and take many MANY deep breaths!

Whoa...first baby dream

2008-03-07T06:41:00.001-08:00

So I had this weird dream last night about our baby! Finally! I dreamt that I was in labor at at a hospital ready to push and neither Chris nor my mom where in the room. The good part was I wasnt under any medication and was totally pain free (One can dream right). Anyway, the doctor said push and I said NO because my loved ones were missing. However, I started pushing anyway, and not 2 minutes later I gave birth to a baby boy who I named Griffin. Then I started crying...I even woke up crying...how weird is that??

Madame Zaritska predicts my birth experience!

2008-03-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience.

What she senses for you
The day you deliver, outside will be sunny. Your baby will arrive in the evening.

After a labor lasting approximately 7 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and will be 18-1/2 inches long. This child will have green eyes and a little patch of brown hair.

But there is more. While I would love to visit with you more, I have other clients waiting. Why don't you visit the message boards and talk to other expectant mothers? I'm sure you will find you have much to share, and, too, to learn.

I guess we'll see if she is right about the girl part next week!!

Update from Pregnancy Central

2008-02-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

Good Evening and HAPPY FRIDAY! We are 15 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Oddly enough I feel like I am still loosing weight, but starting to look pregnant if you looks close enough (you can see pictures on myspace or facebook). My sister says "You look so cute, but you are going to be gaining like crazy soon." To which I reply "Thanks ALOT!" I still cannot believe that I am actually pregnant and that in 5.5 months we'll have a beautiful newborn. WOW...I mean 4 more weeks and we are 1/2 through the pregnancy. I so in shock, so I have Chris use our fetal doppler to find the heartbeat to make sure its still there. He is AMAZING at finding it and I LOVE hearing it!
Currently I am always tired and I dont know if it's because I have been working like crazy or if its due to the pregnancy, but either way, I am sooooo exhausted! I havent had any cravings to date, but my skin is super itchy. But then again it could just be the weather and not the pregnancy. MY BOOBS ARE HUGE! It's crazy! I know I had big boobs to begin with, but good LORD! Moreover, the end is nowhere in site...I think maybe I should look into doing pregnancy porn with all of the new growth going on. Then again, I dont want to know what I look like doing it...hahaha...
Oh in about 2 weeks we will find out if we are having a little boy or a little girl. Funny enough, I almost want to wait and have it be a surprise, but I know Chris wants to find out, so we'll see.
Anyway, for those for those of you in the NYC area, our shower is on June 14th in Westhampton and for those in ATL, I think our shower will be in July 5th or 12th at our house.
I guess that's about it. Call, email or send a letter and never hesitate to visit!

Love,
Alana, Chris, and Baby Powers

Telling the News - Videos

2008-02-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, they are taking forever to load..if you want to see them, I have loaded them on snapfish and can send you the link!

xoxoxoxox

Alana

FINALLY...We Are PREGNANT!!!!

2008-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

As I am sure all of you know: WE ARE PREGNANT!!! We are currently about to start our 2nd trimester and I am feeling really good. I have lost 10lbs since getting pregnant, primarily due to eating better and eating less in general. I only had one real bought of morning sickness and almost feel like this pregnancy is too good to be true. We are obviously over the moon and cannot wait to see if we are having a little boy Powers or a little girl Powers. Chris is on Team Pink and I am on Team Blue. We will know in 4 weeks or so. Telling Chris was great and so was telling our parents...I have video and will be sure to post them in another post! Just FYI Chris curses alot, he was quite shocked as was I. Anyway, see a picture of baby Powers to the left and a video with the baby's heartbeat. Love to everyone and thank you to all of your support! Love, Alana, Chris and Baby Powers

Poor Figaro

2007-11-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

So at 5:00 am this morning my poor cat Figaro took a turn for the worst and past away. It is believed she had died from kidney disease but we do not know for sure. She didn't suffer which was good. She had been slowing down over the last few weeks and we all had hopes that she might bounce back but the powers that be had other plans for her.

For those who don't know she was my first true pet. I was 12 years old and working for free at the local animal shelter in San Antonio Texas. My father wasn't about having pets so when a litter of kittens came to the shelter while he was on business my brother and I took advantage and adopted Friskey (my bro's cat) and Figaro. She was sweet as can be from day one. She loved people.

I am now 2 weeks from turning 28 and this unfortunate event has taken place. Even though I had to leave her with my parents in VA because she probably couldn't have made the move the relationship I had with her will never be replaced. I've known that cat and she had know me for longer than any friendship I have today. 16 years is along time and I can't even remember how many life changes I've had since 12. Sorry for preaching the bad news I just felt her life should be reconized and remembered even if you didn't know her.

Chris

Our Furbabies...

2007-11-21T10:49:00.001-08:00

I am working from home today and my cats are SO adorable. They are both sitting right next to me, cuddling each other and being so loveable. Both Nittany and the Baby Kitty wont leave me alone, but its just so nice to be loved by such a cute little being. Just had to post a note.

My New Chanel's...

2007-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

So we went to the store to look at the other Chanel's and tried on EVERY pair...whew, it was exhausting! I ended up walking out with the same pair Chris got me and wore them for about 2 minutes and they were leaving marks in my face. So we went BACK to the store and I got the pair that were my 2nd favorite. All I have to say is I look like Money, I smell like money, even DRESS like MONEY!! They are sooooo awesome. Christmas came early this year...cant wait to see what Hanukkah and Kwanza have in store!

OMG! Chris is the BEST!!

2007-11-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

So I called Chris yesterday afternoon, just to say Hello, and he tells me that he is buying my Christmas gift right then. He goes on to ask me if I want it right away, and I say no, and he says YES, so I agree. He gets home at around 5pm and hands me this oblong package, which I thought: JEWELRY!! Nope, even better, a BRAND NEW PAIR OF CHANEL Sunglasses, which I KNOW cost more than any pair of sunglasses should! But I love love love them!!
There is one issue, they dont seem to fit my face properly, so we will be going back to the store in a week or so and see if there is something else I like, which will be hard because I LOVE these soooo much (good job Chris). Anyhoo...Just wanted to give a shout out to a man who KNOWS how to please his woman, in more ways than one!!!

Lady bugs cont.

2007-11-14T11:04:00.001-08:00

She had forgot to mention that when she said alot what it meant was at least 200 or more. It is insane but in my research I found that they like light colored houses and houses that get alot of the setting sun in southern states. This describes our house to a T since we just got all those trees taken out. But I would rather believe there is so many of them because we need all the extra help we can to get pregnant. If thats the case the more ladybugs the better. For those who don't know Ladybugs don't eat plants or clothes but other small bugs like aphids and mites so they aren't really a pest.

Goodness that's alot of Ladybugs!!!

2007-11-13T04:57:00.000-08:00

So our house has become a haven for none other than LADYBUGS. These cute little beetles are ALL over our house. They especially like my office because of the sunlight that it gets. Apparently, they are hibernating! Unbelieveable...they are everywhere...but then again, they are just ladybugs!! However, now they fly around the lights and it was kind of creepy to see how many of them where actually in the house.

Chris looked up how to get rid of them and the site said not to scare them because they will leave little yellow spots on the wall...the yellow is BLOOD that they emit when they are scared and it has an odor to ward of preditors...ew! SOoooo...now we are left with the choice to either leave them alone, or get a shop vaccum and put them back outside...but wouldnt they just come back??

On the flip side, old wives tales tell that Ladybugs are a sign of good luck and fertility! Oddly enough we didnt have ANY ladybugs last year, so maybe this is a good sign...who knows...I will take whatever help we can get!

The sequel to the poem below...

2007-11-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Read the other one first...

Casey's Revenge
by Grantland Rice ©

Published: The Speaker (06-1907)

There were saddened hearts in Mudville for a week or even more;
There were muttered oaths and curses- every fan in town was sore.
"Just think," said one, "how soft it looked with Casey at the bat,
And then to think he'd go and spring a bush league trick like that!"

All his past fame was forgotten- he was now a hopeless "shine."
They called him "Strike-Out Casey," from the mayor down the line;
And as he came to bat each day his bosom heaved a sigh,
While a look of hopeless fury shone in mighty Casey's eye.

He pondered in the days gone by that he had been their king,
That when he strolled up to the plate they made the welkin ring;
But now his nerve had vanished, for when he heard them hoot
He "fanned" or "popped out" daily, like some minor league recruit.

He soon began to sulk and loaf, his batting eye went lame;
No home runs on the score card now were chalked against his name;
The fans without exception gave the manager no peace,
For one and all kept clamoring for Casey's quick release.

The Mudville squad began to slump, the team was in the air;
Their playing went from bad to worse - nobody seemed to care.
"Back to the woods with Casey!" was the cry from Rooters' Row.
"Get some one who can hit the ball, and let that big dub go!"

The lane is long, some one has said, that never turns again,
And Fate, though fickle, often gives another chance to men;
And Casey smiled; his rugged face no longer wore a frown-
The pitcher who had started all the trouble came to town.

All Mudville had assembled - ten thousand fans had come
To see the twirler who had put big Casey on the bum;
And when he stepped into the box, the multitude went wild;
He doffed his cap in proud disdain, but Casey only smiled.

"Play ball!" the umpire's voice rang out, and then the game began.
But in that throng of thousands there was not a single fan
Who thought that Mudville had a chance, and with the setting sun
Their hopes sank low- the rival team was leading "four to one."

The last half of the ninth came round, with no change in the score;
But when the first man up hit safe, the crowd began to roar;
The din increased, the echo of ten thousand shouts was heard
When the pitcher hit the second and gave "four balls" to the third.

Three men on base - nobody out - three runs to tie the game!
A triple meant the highest niche in Mudville's hall of fame;
But here the rally ended and the gloom was deep as night,
When the fourth one "fouled to catcher" and the fifth "flew out to right."

A dismal groan in chorus came; a scowl was on each face
When Casey walked up, bat in hand, and slowly took his place;
His bloodshot eyes in fury gleamed, his teeth were clenched in hate;
He gave his cap a vicious hook and pounded on the plate.

But fame is fleeting as the wind and glory fades away;
There were no wild and woolly cheers, no glad acclaim this day;
They hissed and groaned and hooted as they clamored: "Strike him out!"
But Casey gave no outward sign that he had heard this shout.

The pitcher smiled and cut one loose - across the plate it sped;
Another hiss, another groan. "Strike one!" the umpire said.
Zip! Like a shot the second curve broke just below the knee.
"Strike two!" the umpire roared aloud; but Casey made no plea.

No roasting for the umpire now - his was an easy lot;
But here the pitcher whirled again- was that a rifle shot?
A whack, a crack, and out through the space the leather pellet flew,
A blot against the distant sky, a speck against the blue.

Above the fence in center field in rapid whirling flight
The sphere sailed on - the blot grew dim and then was lost to sight.
Ten thousand hats were thrown in air, ten thousand threw a fit,
But no one ever found the ball that mighty Casey hit.

O, somewhere in this favored land dark clouds may hide the sun,
And somewhere bands no longer play and children have no fun!
And somewhere over blighted lives there hangs a heavy pall,
But Mudville hearts are happy now, for Casey hit the ball.

Love this poem!!

2007-11-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

When I was going to Camp Pok-o-MacCready, every year during the talent show, this counselor would recite this poem and every time is was awesome:

Casey at the Bat
by Ernest Lawrence Thayer ©

Published: The Examiner (06-03-1888)

The Outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Casey could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with Casey at the bat.

But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despis-ed, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."

"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered fraud;
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.

The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.

"Phin"

I hope you enjoyed it!

Almost 28, but really 14...

2007-11-06T06:48:00.000-08:00

So, my husband, my wonderful husband, bought a CUSTOM long board and was sitting on pins and needles until it finally arrived. I must admit, the thing looks pretty cool, but as soon as he took it out, he was threatening to ride the damn thing in my house...and ALL OF A SUDDEN, I sounded like a stereotypical mother: "NOT IN THE HOUSE" was yelled a few times!

So he boards outside for all of 10 minutes and comes back looking winded and tired...must be some good exercise. I told him NOT to ride on it until we get him a helmet (he does not listen). So finally, we go to Ambush Wake Skate and Snow, where I get 2 new pairs of wicked awesome sunglasses and Chris gets a nice helmet and skateboard shoes! Now he is good to go.

Yes, I have made sure his life insurance policy is up to date...God help us!

Longboard first day

2007-10-31T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ok so I go and test this thing out in front of our house. Not bad I tell myself, this thing is smooth. So I get up the nerve to skate down a hill down the street. Boy did I get ahead of myself. I was probably only going about 5 mph but it felt like doing 80 mph in a car through a residential area.

Lessons learned:

1. Just because you read about how to do it on About.com doesn't mean your going to an expert the first time out.

2. When you get older the thought of " holy shit I'm I might fall off this skateboard" runs through your mind much more than "man I look so cool on this thing"

Longboard

2007-10-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

I just purchased a longboard. For those who don't know what that is it's basically a long skateboard made for cruising the streets or carving down hills like a snowboard. It came last night and I am excited to test it out. I know Alana must think I am completely nuts to even use this thing. I think I am too but it should be great for exercise. But here's to Alana for excepting the fact she married a nut instead being an ass like most wifes when their husbands want to do something off the wall. We can't all be sane.

We are going to be FAMOUS!!!

2007-10-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

And when I say famous, I mean, all over the internet people...THIS IS HUGE!!! Okay, well now that I totally hyped it up, it's not that big of a deal. But Chris and I are going to be the featured couple on http://www.thenest.com this upcoming week (Monday October 29th). Anyway, I am excited and thought I would pass that along to you!

Let us know what you think of the article!

Best Birthday Ever

2007-10-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Soooo....after a crushing blow with the negative pregnancy result, I wiped my tears away with Chris' help and prepared for a wonderful birthday held at SUTRA Lounge in downtown Atlanta. The day started with getting my hair done with a new style and color...whooo...then got changed and off to Sutra Lounge.

When we got to SUTRA the place was virtually empty, but who cares, right? A few of my friends were there and we started the drinking! By the time I looked up from my drink the place was starting to get crowded. Lucky for us, Neera had gotten us the VIP booth and we were officially part of the elite crowd! Anyway, after a few shots and more drinks and tons of dancing, I was TRASHED (it didnt help that I hadnt drank in about 3 months, so my tolerance was terrible). Anyhoo...we stayed until 2am and Chris drove my drunk ass home.

We were literally 2 MINUTES from our house, when some MORON girl rear-ended our BRAND NEW CAR and EVEN WORSE...SHE WOKE ME UP!!! Anyway, insurance information was exchanged and it'll be taken care of this week. We got home, and I made it upstairs somehow and passed out...only to wake up the next morning to a million Birthday calls (so sweet...and yes, I am that popular!)...By the time I actually rolled out of bed and Chris nursed me back to health, it was dinner time!!!

Chris brought me to a wonderful place called NAN Fine Thai Dining. It was awesome and the service was wonderful. All and all it was a Perfect birthday. Not to mention, Chris got me a brand new KICK ASS Canon Elph camera! Is he the best or what?? Jealous...yes...I know, I would be too!

Plus I got to see my mom and she got me a kitchen gadget called The Magic Bullet...which is really more for Chris than for me, because he does the cooking...but at least I will be eating it...

YEA...I am 27th and feeling awesome!!!

Because I love Chris Powers

2007-10-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

I like to express myself with music and here are lyrics to a song I think works perfectly for how I feel about Chris:

How can I tell you that I love you, I love you
But I cant think of right words to say
I long to tell you that Im always thinking of you
Im always thinking of you, but my words
Just blow away, just blow away
It always ends up to one thing, honey
And I cant think of right words to say
Wherever I am girl, Im always walking with you
Im always walking with you, but I look and youre not there
Whoever Im with, Im always, always talking to you
Im always talking to you, and Im sad that
You cant hear, sad that you cant hear
It always ends up to one thing, honey,
When I look and youre not there
I need to know you, need to feel my arms around you
Feel my arms around you, like a sea around a shore
And -- each night and day I pray, in hope
That I might find you, in hope that I might
Find you, because hearts can do no more
It always ends up to one thing honey, still I kneel upon the floor
How can I tell you that I love you, I love you
But I cant think of right words to say
I long to tell you that Im always thinking of you
Im always thinking of you....
It always ends up to one thing honey
And I cant think of right words to say

How Can I Tell You by Cat Stevens

Cover by Cat Power

I know I am corny...but I am embrace my corny-ness and run wild with it!!

No Babies for us...

2007-10-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

So I got a call at 11:55am and thought for sure it was good news because she was calling so early...well it was bad news...so no babies for Chris and I this cycle. The good news is, we are strong and so in love and will move forward with our next cycle. I am not sure when that will all start, but it looks like as soon as Aunt Flow arrives I will start Birth Control pills again for 2-3 weeks, then the injections around day 21, soooo if I do my math correctly, we will be doing another egg retrieval around the end of November...so now we may not be able to go to NYC for Thanksgiving, which means I cant attend my fathers funeral...all for a good reason though, right??

Anyway, obviously we are crushed, but we have to look on the bright-side and move forward and hope for the best! Thank you for all of your prayer and well wishes!

OMG! OMG! OMG!

2007-10-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I am trying so hard NOT to freak out but OMG OMG OMG...we find out tomorrow....OMG!! I am freaking out and feeling pretty good. I don't want to over-hype myself up....good grief, I feel like I am going to throw up! Thank goodness I have Chris who will be able to calm my nerves and my crazy emotions!!

No frozen embabies for us...

2007-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well..it is a good thing we did a 3 day transfer because none of the other embryo's made it to 5 days!! Oh well...we'll know more in a few days!

IMPLANT...PLEASE IMPLANT

2007-10-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Soooo...we got a call on Saturday morning that of course, I missed because my phones were on silent..anyway, the nurse said that Dr. Toledo wanted to do our transfer the next day, Sunday morning at 9:45am. WHOA!! Well cool...right...then I started to freak out, but by mid-day I almost forgot about it as I was too busy going to lunch with Jenny, Veronica and Chris. Going shopping (and leaving empty handed..boo) and finally watching Willow, 300 and MallRats...I love lazy Saturday's...So Sunday morning came and we got ready and headed to the doctor's office.

We got there...and there was NOBODY there! Chris started knocking on doors and nobody answered. We were about to go back downstairs to the main office when we saw a couple leave the office, so we knew SOMEONE was there...right? Not 2 minutes later, an ultrasound tech came and got us. Her name was Portia!

We were brought back to the room, I was told to undress (a custom I am used to)...and she did this awesome ultrasound and Chris got to watch on a flat screen TV! She showed us my uterus and the lining and everything else...then she said "Let's see if the embryo's are up on the screen." There they were...and I started crying! hahaha...2 beautiful 8-cell organisms that will soon turn into 1 or 2 babies...or that's the plan anyway. So Dr. Toledo came in and was super excited about the whole thing, explained the procedure and then started. We watched the flat screen as the cathiter went in, and saw 2 tiny flashes as the embryo's were put in and then as the catheter was taken out. I had to sit with my feet up for only 5 minutes and we were good to go. Of course, Chris was squeezing my hand the whole time and I cried again.

Even more good news: We thought we only had 2 embryo's left to freeze, but we have 3. One that we thought was not going to start growing, started splitting a little late but its growing...so we will know if we have 3 embryos to freeze on Wednesday. Keep those fingers crossed...

GO EMBRYOS GO!!!

2007-09-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

So we had our egg retrieval yesterday and that went off without any issues and I was told that they had gotten 14 eggs...WHOA MAMA!! So it was back home to recoup...lots of sleep as that anestesia was NO joke...
I received a call this morning that of the 14 eggs that were retrieved, 7 of them were mature and were fertilized using ICSI (one sperm injected directly into 1 egg). As of today at 1pm, 5 of those are growing...YEA!!!! So we will know soon when out embryo tranfer will be...can't wait and fingers are still crossed!!!

WHOA..that's a lot of EGGS!!

2007-09-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

What a big and exciting morning it was for us. We went into the surgery center at 8am and were asked to fill out a pile of paperwork (mostly just signatures, etc..). At about 8:20am, Chris was called back to give his...well..um..."contribution". At about 8:45am, I was called back to get changed and prepped. I have to tell you, the gown and head-dress I was asked to wear was quite...fashonable...hahhaa...They then brought Chris back to go over post-operative procedure. I was told to drink tons of water, take my pain pills and eat a high protein diet. Anyhoo...at 9:40am (10 mins after our 9:30am appt), I was brought back by my nurse and said good-bye to Chris. That was sad but I was sooo excited.

Surgery began, I felt high as a kite, and then I was out...hahaha. Next thing I knew I was in recovery being told that at last count, I had 13 eggs retrieved!! How cool is that. Then the doctor who did the surgery came back and said there were actually 14!! WHOOOO...anyway, I was only in recovery for 10 mins or so, and then we were headed home.

We are both VERY excited because 14 eggs is awesome. They fertilize them today and will call us tomorrow by 1pm to see how many are growing and will call us every day until the embryo transfer. This transfer will take place either on Sunday or Tuesday. We are hoping for Tuesday, because that would be a 5-day transfer, our 3 year anniversary and a great day to get pregnant!! Not to mention, today is the 27th, Lindsay's birthday, so its good Karma all the way around!! Then our pregnancy test will be on my birthday...GOOD TIMES and FINGERS CROSSED.

In Case you were wondering about IVF...

2007-09-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

In Vitro Fertilization
The Embryology Laboratory at the Strong Fertility Center is a state-of-the-art facility accredited by the NYS Department of Health. We offer a wide variety of laboratory techniques to help patients achieve success with assisted reproduction. These include in vitro fertilization with standard insemination, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Assisted Hatching (AHA), embryo cryopreservation, blastocyst culture, TESE and MESA for male factor, and embryo biopsy for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Following are step-by-step descriptions of the IVF procedures.

Step 1: Control Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH)
COH is done using different protocols. The most common one is a long GnRH-Agonist (Lupron) protocol where the secretion of gonadotropin hormones is suppressed in order to prevent premature ovulation. Once optimal suppression is achieved, the next step is the recruitment of multiple follicles by daily injections of gonadotropins. Ultrasound imaging and hormone assessments are used to monitor follicular development. When the lead follicles have reached the appropriate size, the final maturation of eggs is done by HCG administration. Egg retrieval is scheduled 34-36 hours after HCG injection.

(Below scheduled for Thursday September 27, 2007 - Lindsay's Birthday)
Step 2: Egg Retrieval
Egg retrieval is performed in a surgical suite under intravenous sedation. Ovarian follicles are aspirated using a needle guided by trans-vaginal ultrasonography. Follicular fluids are scanned by the embryologist to locate all available eggs. The eggs are placed in a special media and cultured in an incubator until insemination.

Step 3: Fertilization and Embryo Culture
If sperm parameters are normal, approximately 50,000 to 100,000 motile sperm are transferred to the dish containing the eggs. This is called standard insemination.

WE ARE DOING ICSI - The ICSI technique is utilized to fertilize mature eggs if sperm parameters are abnormal. This procedure is performed under a high-powered microscope. The embryologist picks up a single spermatozoa using a fine glass micro needle and injects it directly into the egg cytoplasm. ICSI increases the chance that fertilization will occur if the semen sample has a low sperm count and/or motility, poor morphology or poor progression. If there are no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm may be obtained via a surgical procedure. ICSI is always used to achieve fertilization if the sperm is surgically retrieved.

A normally fertilized egg is called a zygote. Two pronuclei are seen in the center. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure where a single spermatozoa, as shown by an arrow, is in the process of being injected into a mature egg's cytoplasm.

Fertilization is assessed 16-18 hours after insemination or ICSI. The fertilized eggs are called zygotes and are cultured in a specially formulated culture medium that supports their growth. They will be assessed on the second and third day after retrieval. If sufficient numbers of embryos exhibit good growth and development, they may be selected to grow to the blastocyst stage in a specially designed culture medium. Blastocyst culture has several advantages. Embryos at this stage have a higher potential for implantation, therefore fewer embryos can be transferred on day 5 to reduce the chance of multiple pregnancies. Low numbers of embryos and poor embryo quality reduce the chances for good blastocyst development. A day 3 embryo transfer is recommended for cycles with low numbers and/or poor quality.

Below will take place either Sunday September 30th or Tuesday October 2nd (our 3 yr dating anniversary).
Step 4: Embryo Transfer
Embryos are transferred on day 3 when they are at the cleavage stage (6-8 cells) or on day 5 when they have reached the blastocyst stage. Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that does not require any anesthesia. Embryos are loaded in a soft catheter and are placed in the uterine cavity through the cervix.

http://www.stronghealth.com/services/fertility/IVF/index.cfm

EGG RETRIEVAL SCHEDULED

2007-09-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Soooo....the next phase is FINALLY in sight. I trigger tonight (and then NO more needles in my belly...well not given by me anyway), go in for a physical and history exam with my doctor in the morning, then bright and early on Thursday morning we get these babies (or potential babies rather) removed and fertilized!! From there, for each mature egg, one sperm will be injected into it. Then they call on Friday and tell me how many are maturing, and again on Saturday. If we do a 3 day transfer then it'll be scheduled for Sunday morning, if a 5-day transfer, then Tuesday Morning (our 3 year dating anniversary) they will be transfered. Anyway, I am just so damn excited and hopeful that we will be pregnant by my birthday (October 14th). So keep your fingers crossed and we, of course, will keep you posted!!!

What a Woman

2007-09-25T03:31:00.001-07:00

So Alana has been poking her self with needles every day. I know I couldn't do that and even if it was for life and death purposes I would probably ask the Dr. how long would I live if I didn't. A man can never understand a women's want, need, or drive to have children. I know a lot of women haven't gotten to that point but whether your 25 or 45 the urge will come. It will swallow up your life and you will make it your priority. I have seen people go over board with this problem. The biggest effect on the women's life is usually the relationship. The guys wants and needs are thrown to the side in the quest for motherhood. We basically become sperm dispensers in most cases. I would like to thank Alana for not being one of those typical girls. I will say it is a hard especially as a man who will never get a maturnal drive but she has made this process awesome. Trust me I want a child and it is not a one way street but if not for her patience and dealing with my normal crap through these hard times we would have never made it.

Chris

Holy Follicles Batman!!!

2007-09-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Soooo...I went to the doc this morning and we had an ultrasound. My normal nurses weren't there, so I had a new one, whose name I have totally forgotten. Anyhoo, she looked at my Ultrasound pictures and results and exclaimed "Holy Cow girl, you have 11 follicles that are already maturing." to which I replied: "Is that good?" She said that they usually see those kinds of results on Cycle Day (CD) 6 or 7 and we are only on CD 4, so I am ahead of the curve, which means I still need to go in every morning to make sure I don't hyper-stimulate and our Egg Retrieval (ER) might be pushed up a few days (rather than CD 10) it might be closer to CD 7 or 8. So thats cool too!!

To be honest I thought we would have MUCH more, because on Monday I was told I have 41 follicles on my right ovary and 39 on the left...so we'll see what's cooking tomorrow morning and every morning there after until our Egg Retrieval!

Chris has been a trooper and was with me during all of this and is actually getting to know what things on the ultrasound are without the tech having to tell us. We are just soooo excited for this cycle and I am very hopeful that it will take and we will get a BFP (Big Freakin' Positive) on (or around) my birthday...pretty cool, huh??

Poor Poor Xterra

2007-09-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13522962@N08/?saved=1

I just wanted to let you know that I should have died this afternoon. The state trooper said it was a miracle that the tracker trailer next to me was able to stop before rolling right over me. I literally hydroplaned into the guard rail on the driver’s side which put me into a spin right across 2 lanes and into the divider between east-bound and west-bound traffic. My wheels where so high on the divider that everyone was surprised I didn’t go right over (which would have meant death due to a bevy of semi’s on the road going 80mph), then I spun around again hit the same divider head on about 20 feet down the road and broke it and then flipped onto my passenger side which left me dangling. Thank goodness for some friendly people who pulled my windshield out so I could get out! And honestly, I am very shaken up but almost fine.

Anyway, life is short...live it to the fullest!!

IVF Schedule...getting really excited

2007-09-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been on Lupron for 2 weeks (14 full days) and finally was visited by Aunt Flow this morning. Chris and I went to the doctor to have an ultrasound as well as bloodwork. Our ultrasound revealed 29 follicles on the left and 30 follicles on the right...whooo..of course not all of those will get to be full eggs, but how cool is that!!! Anyway, I was told to start Bravelle to mature the eggs tomorrow morning.
That was until I got a call saying the my estrogen level was too high to start the Bravelle...sooooo now we have to Thursday to go back to the doctors office and get more bloodwork and HOPEFULLY start bravelle on Friday. If all goes according to plan, my Egg Retreival will be around the 22nd or 23rd with the Egg Transfer being on the 27th ot 28th. But we wont know for sure for another few days (6 days after taking the bravelle I go in for monitoring everyday)...
Anyway, so thats what's going on with us and the baby making front. The cool part is, we would know if we were successful right around my birthday (October 14th in case you didnt know, so we will be celebrating the night of the 13th)! Pretty neat birthday present, huh!!! I hope I get my wish!
Other than that, everything is good.

Best Husband EVER!!

2007-09-07T05:28:00.000-07:00

So last night Chris and I are about to go to bed and or conversation goes something like this:

A: I love you
C: I love you too
A: How much do you love me?
C: More than anything in the world. I realized that I would be okay with dying if I knew I would be reincarnated and be able to find you again!
A: (crying...with tears and everything), that is SO sweet

Chris is seriously the best guy that I know, I guess its a good thing I married him. We have been going through alot lately and when I found out I had to have surgery, here is the email he sent to me:
Subject: How Much I Love You

Alana,

I love you more than anything else in the world. I can never honestly know what you are going through right now. You are sacrificing you body and emotions for us while I have to sit here helpless. No matter how involved I get I can do nothing to help change the outcomes we've had these past terrible months. All I can hope is that I am providing you with the physical and emotional support you need and deserve. You never have to apologize for what ever reason. Nothing is your fault and the disappointment we share is not in you or myself but of the hope we had in a positive outcome. We are in a situation were we cannot financially and more importantly Emotionally afford to be pessimistic about the result we are trying to obtain. All we can do is hope for the best and shoot for the stars and in the end know that we have each other talk to , to hold, to cry with, vent to and love. I will always be here for you and It makes me proud that you accept that and allow yourself to be so vulnerable with me. Its an honor to except you for all that you are and that even in my lowest moments you may have a discouraging look on your face but the love in your eyes in unmistakable. This is a step in our lives that someone or something is requiring us to muddle through and we will conquer it triumphantly together. This journey will only get harder but we will become stronger and love each other harder with every tribulation. I love you Alana. Even after 3 years and all that we have done together every time I see you after us being apart for any amount of time you still give me the same chills as if it was the first time I saw you after the first night we spent apart.

With all my Love and Infinite Devotion,

Chris

Isnt he the best!! Its okay to be a little jealous, I would be if I werent me! Just thought I would share as I am feeling particularly mushy today!

Ah Life

2007-09-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well were do I begin. No matter how terrible things seem to be going recently with the fertility crap, Alana and I have pushed through it. Yes as she claims the mood swings have been getting worse everyday she has been taking the Lupron. Yeah for me!!!! But as fast as they come they are gone and she is pleasant for 80% of the day. I look at other couples and when they are in a pinch the weakness in their relationship really shows. As for Alana and I, well, we must be some bad ass mofos because we just keep on going like its just another day. As a man I won't be girly about it but I feel bad for other guys. I would rather shoot myself in the foot than deal with any typical girl out there in the world. Alana is the best

LOVE THESE LINKS!!

2007-09-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTU2He2BIc0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9TMTMMDd2U

TOOOOO FUNNY!!!

Fat and Frumpy

2007-09-03T13:45:00.001-07:00

Why oh why do I feel so fat and frumpy...hmmm..maybe because I have to wake up every morning at 5am and inject myself in the stomach with a drug called Lupron!! This drug, although helping us get pregnant, makes me tired, VERY moody, and FAT! Nice! But all in all its for the greatest blessing this world has to offer, a baby. Anyhoo...I am planning on starting yoga classes at our local YMCA and working from there...hopefully by this time next month, we will have a positive pregnancy test...

HOLY MEDICATIONS BATMAN!!

2007-08-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

GOOD GRIEF!! I just got this HUGE box of my medications for this IVF cycle. The good news: Insurance covered all of it and I just had to pay a $110 copay. The bad news: Starting tomorrow morning, I need to start injecting myself in the belly and will become moody (even more so) and bloated with many many eggs. So this box arrives to my house at around 10am this morning and I had to immediatly refridgerate some things. Then I took out my "sharps" container and all of my needles and felt like a very sick person. Then as I was reading my instructions I couldn't remember when I was supposed to take my 1st medication (meaning once a day or twice a day)! Oy Vey!! So I called Chris and he said with NO hesitation: Its twice a day...being that I KNOW Chris, I called my doctor and its only once a day! Good thing I asked, right! So starting tomorrow, I am officially on IVF drugs...wish us luck!

IVF: Here we come

2007-08-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we have had a CRAZY week. Starting last Friday morning, my aunt died. Then on Friday afternoon, I find out I have to have surgery because of polyps in my uterus. This freaked me out because I thought it would delay our IVF cycle, plus I had to wait until Monday to schedule this surgery. Saturday we had dinner with some friends of our and found out they were pregnant! Good for them, but add to that, that the food was TERRIBLE and it made for a rough evening. We finally get home and watch a movie, and find that our refrigerator is broken and no longer cooling. Great, now we have to get a new fridge after already spending $25,000 on IVF! So Sunday morning we wake up, go to Home Depot and get a nice new fridge, which, by the way, cannot be delivered until Thursday. NUTS! Then we have a couple we know come over for a BBQ that afternoon. After about 20 minutes of chatting, they let it slip that they are pregnant too...BLAH...the hits just keep on coming. So Sunday comes to a close and Chris is beginning to feel very frustrated about the whole pregnancy thing. I assured him our time would come and we would probably end up with twins!

Monday comes and surgery is scheduled for Thursday at 6am. However, I need to go in for a pre-op on Wednesday. Blah...Pre-Op comes and goes, we sign some papers, whatever, get my blood pressure taken, breath sounds are listened to as well as my heart, we are cleared for surgery. Thursday morning arrives all too quickly and we wait in the waiting room (arrive at 5:30am). We sign more papers and I am brought back to a very cold room. I am greeted by a nice, overly-upbeat nurse who gives me my IV and makes dumb jokes. Chris is finally brought back and he looks VERY nervous, I am too tired to be nervous. The anesthesiologist comes in, makes more dumb jokes and leaves. My doctor comes in, tells us about his car problems, and then makes ANOTHER dumb joke...goodness, lets get this shit over with already!! Then another nurse comes back and takes me to the OR...well not before I give Chris 3 kisses. I am put on a table, Oxygen mask is given to me, I feel tingly and then nothing. All I remember is feeling like I am in bed and sleeping comfortably.

Waking up was much better that I anticipated and I come out almost fully awake and ready to go. Chris said he was only in the waiting room for 20 minutes!! Then we go home and I sleep from 8am until 2pm...nice!! So I am 1 day Post-Op and am feeling pretty good. I cant say that I will be playing paintball on Sunday with Chris, but at least I can go to the movies or something.

We had an "injection teaching" today and man am I confused. However, our meds will be ordered on Monday and delivered on Tuesday for use on Wednesday. We are very excited and are positive this cycle will work.

So anyone who has been though IVF...say a prayer for us and share your experiences!!