Family Photo Sessions

While my parents were in town, we had a couple of impromptu photo sessions...

Our little princess

Sleepy parents!

The proud grandparents

3 generations

Happy 2 Week Birthday Charlie Sue!

Today Charlotte is 2 weeks old! These past 2 weeks have been exhausting but wonderful.  Here are some pics of the birthday girl...

Firsts

There have been a lot of firsts in the last 2 weeks!

First bath

First Doctor's Appointment
At her first visit, Charlotte was in the 9th percentile for weight; 54th percentile for length and 45th for head. She is long and lean!

First Shopping Trip
We went to Babies R Us and Dick's Sports

We look forward to many more "firsts" with Charlotte!

She's Here!

Hi all! As you know, we welcomed Charlotte Sue into the world 10 days early on June 15, 2010. We have felt a love for her that we never knew was possible and are so excited about this new chapter in our lives!

The Birth Story

I, for one, love to hear a birth story so for those of you interested, here is ours. I woke up at 4:30 am on Tuesday, June 15 for my morning visit to the bathroom. All was normal and I went back to bed. An hour later at exactly 5:30 am I woke up again but this time due to a different feeling. I felt as though I was 'leaking' (sorry if this is TMI) and once again went to the restroom. This was different though and I called out for Jason. He was standing there as my water completely broke. I immediately started shaking as I realized this was for real and I was about to have a baby! I called the doctor and they confirmed that I should go to the hospital. We both showered and hit the road! Of course on our way to the hospital we had to make a pit stop by Dunkin Donuts so Jason could get his extra large coffee :)

We got to the hospital at around 7 am. I waddled in and we were admitted. We had to hang out in a temporary room for several hours as the hospital was full! They said it was due to the barometric pressure and a lot of women were in labor. Go figure! When I was admitted I was 3-4 centimeters dilated and they confirmed that my water did indeed break.

I was moved to the delivery room at around 10:30 am. My doctor came and visited and he decided to start me on Pitocin because I was not having contractions. I knew I was going to get an epidural but at this time I was not in any pain so decided to wait. That all changed once they started Pitocin! I made it a good hour before the tears came and I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I got the epidural around 1 pm and after that, we waited. During this time both my parents and Jason's mom arrived from Atlanta. Around 7 pm they checked me again and I was 10 centimeters and fully effaced. We asked when the pushing started and they said now! I pushed for about an hour and at 8:04 Charlotte was born. It was wonderful to have Jason and both grandmothers there to welcome her into the world! It was a moment I will never forget.

Charlotte's Stats
Born June 15, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Weight: 6 lbs 2 ounces
Length: 19 inches

Waiting patiently. This is before the pain started :)

Mommy and Charlotte meet for the first time

The proud parents and grandmothers

Our first family photo :)

Charlotte getting checked out. She is perfect!

Going home!

37.5 Week Update

Not much to report unfortunately. I went to the doctor yesterday and I am still only about 1-2 centimeters dilated. I asked my doctor if she could predict when Charlotte might make her debut but of course she couldn't. She did say that seeing as where I am already, my due date "should" be pretty accurate. I am just enjoying these last days as a family of 4 and relaxing as much as I can :) I have asked Charlotte to let me watch the new season of True Blood this Sunday...I cannot wait!

It Takes a Village...

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In our case, it takes a village to decorate a nursery. We had so many people help us get Charlotte's room together. So, thanks to everybody involved! We couldn't have done it without you.

• Marmie (Nat's mom) for buying the furniture in the ATL because they had the best deal
• Grandpa Mike (Jason's dad) for picking up the furniture, storing it, bringing it up to the GSO and then helping us assemble it
• Granddaddy (Nat's dad) for helping Jason paint the nursery pale pink and redoing the shelving in her closet
• Ron (from work) for helping Jason sand out all the imperfections in the wall and on the ceiling
• Alison (from work) for the beautiful painting of the stripes on the wall...they made the room!
• Chip (Alison's husband) for installing the chair rail

And you thought I was kidding! We are so lucky to have the best family and friends.

 And, here I am at 37 weeks...getting bigger by the day!

36.5 Week Update

Hi all! Hope everyone had a nice, long weekend! Quick update of my doctor's appoitment this morning. Charlotte looked great on the ultrasound. They approximate her weight right now to be a little over 6 lbs and she is now in the 48th percentile. I am also dialated 1-2 centimenters already...eeek.

We got the new carpet installed yesterday and it looks wonderful. The rest of this week and this weekend will be spent getting everything back into place and putting the finishing touches on her room. We also need to pack our bags and get our car seat and pack and play assembled. Plus, I am finally going to see Sex and the City with the girls. Charlotte has to see the movie that has her namesake in it!

Not sure if you can tell but this picture is of her face...check out those chipmunk cheeks! I can't wait to kiss them :)