Lilly Rose {one week old}

It's been a busy, wonderful, surreal, tiring, learning, sweet, memorable & fantastic week! Once I have time to sit and think I will share Lilly's birth story, I'd like to document here so I don't forget.

Here's just a couple pictures of our new pride and joy, Lilly Rose, on her Birth day: 12.23.11

"You won't be pregnant on Friday" {said my doctor!}

Baby Update:

Due to high blood pressure at my routine appointment this past Thursday, they sent me home to do another 24 hour urine test. Once my 24 hours were up, they told me to go to labor & delivery so they could run lab test and monitor me again for a few hours. So, Billy and I spent another Friday night in the hospital. We're becoming pros! :)

Three hours later Dr. Boyd walked through the door and I knew it wasn't good news. My labs came back with an even higher protein count than the previous times. Anything over 300 is concerning and tonight mine was 450. Lilly checked out fine and I was told once again that I have a happy baby in there. :) So thankful she's doing well. Doctor said that since I'm definitely a case of preeclampsia the practice induces at 37 weeks. This coming Wednesday I'll be 37 weeks. He asked if I still had a Monday appointment, I told him I did and I had one on Friday too. That was when he said, "Oh, you won't be pregnant on Friday." Ahhhh! My heart dropped and I looked over at Billy. We both began to shake a little (blaming it on the cold room). However, I know and Billy knows, our adrenaline kicked in and we were all nerves. I was so desperately trying to concentrate and comprehend everything coming out of the doctor's mouth but all I could think of is "is this for real?" They'll come up with a plan Monday but Dr. Boyd will suggest that we go in Tuesday night or Wednesday morning to get the ball rolling. His plan would be to get us home by Saturday (hopefully Friday) but definitely before Christmas. Since he's out of the office next week and we'll see another one of my doctors these are just his suggestions but he said no matter what we're having a baby next week.

I just cannot believe our time is here. I really thought I had another week or two left before they would suggest inducing. We are SO excited and nervous and every other feeling I'm sure a couple shares when they're about to become first time parents.  I'm supposed to remain on bed rest until next week but on the drive home after calling my parents it hit me... Lilly does not have a Christmas outfit! Oh no! We weren't expecting a Christmas baby so I'm sooo not prepared with the first Christmas outfit, ornament, stocking, gifts, etc. Luckily I have my momma who told me not to worry about her Christmas outfit when I called back. And I'm guessing Miss Lilly Rose will not know nor care whether she has a stocking at a couple days old. I guess I'll just concentrate on finding the ornament in the next few days, that's something we must have so she can treasure it. I have mine and love it to this day. :)

Another appointment {35.7 weeks}

Today I had another doctors appointment to check on both mine & Miss Lilly's status. We both passed with good grades. ;) Lilly's NST test went well & Doc said it looks like I have a happy baby in there. My BP was really good and no trace of protein either so the doctor was pleased. She said bed rest was doing the trick & continue to rest.

I'm thrilled alls well & Lilly Rose is just fine but I am more than ready to have her soon, very soon! She's dropped thus making it more painful to do much. Just a lot of pressure but nothing I cannot handle. I'm just ready to meet her. :)

Today on the way home I picked up a new pair of shoes for sweet baby girl, are they not the cutest things ever? She's beginning to have quite the little shoe collection already. :) Like mother, like daughter.

Anniversary {how we celebrated}

Have I ever told you how thoughtful my sweet husband is? Well he is! Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary. So, this past weekend Billy booked a lovely room downtown with a view. I was so surprised to find out we'd be staying at the Baptist Hospital "Inn". Yep, we had a surprise visit to Labor & Delivery. Okay, so Billy didn't book the room but he did indeed stay by my side the entire time (except for a chick-fil-a run down stairs) and for that I'm so thankful! This past Friday I woke up to a phone call telling me my test results from last week were not good and we needed to head to L&D and be prepared to stay for at least 24 hours. After I freaked out a little (thank you hormones), took a shower, and called my mom crying we headed to the hospital. One of the many reasons I love my husband is he stays calm no matter the situation AND he knows just what to do to make me laugh hysterically even if I'm upset or crying. It's a gift. ;) 

Moving on, they admitted me to watch my blood pressure and do another urinalysis as well as monitor Lilly. It was my first hospital stay and I must say we came home late Saturday afternoon with a new appreciation for our bed! I've been wanting to get a new mattress set and possibly go to a King size but I'm thinking my comfy Queen is just perfect right now. Perspective has set in. ha!  The test results from the hospital checked out okay but not good enough to stop monitoring me or Lilly. I have a mild case of preeclampsia. They've put me on bed rest and will see me twice a week. I had another appointment today and saw sweet Lillly moving around in there. Everything seems fine for now, I'll take that! We'll go again on Friday for another check up.

Lilly's toes :)

Lilly's face with her hand in front of it again - every single time.

The news I was most excited and nervous hearing was the fact we won't go to term, they'll induce by 39 weeks if not before. It all depends on my status each appointment. Yikes! We're going to have baby!!! Lilly Rose could come any time in the next few weeks, I'm secretly hoping we could shoot for December 30th. Nothing special about that date except for it's after Christmas and before the first of the year. They asked if I wanted a Birthday baby (January 5th) but I'm not too sure I want to do that if I have the option. I have pros and cons on that to weigh out on sharing a birthday...even though it would be special (and the best gift ever).

So, in celebration of our 3rd wedding Anniversary we spent our anniversary weekend in the hospital (very romantic), I'm on bed rest and Billy is closing at work tonight. Very exciting. However, as usual Billy always has something up his sleeve and came home last night with my favorite plant (Hydrangea), a gift, and a card that made me cry. It was that beautiful, I balled. Okay, the card was really sweet but maybe the hormones made me ball over it?? ;) We enjoyed take-out and relaxing...just the two of us (well, and Oliver) which is a precious commodity in these last weeks.

I'm so thankful for Billy and couldn't be any more blessed with the perfect man for me. We're super thrilled over the fact of meeting our little girl soon and I know the next few weeks, bed rest or not, are going to be special.

Good News {and some bad}

Yesterday at my routine doctors appointment they told me I had high blood pressure and the nurse looked concerned. This obviously made me concerned but more so because I've always been told I had great blood pressure, not once has it been high at any appointment. Ever. They had me sit in the waiting room and tried taking it again, it was the same. Once I saw the DR she told me they wanted to run some test this week and give me an ultrasound. They're testing for preeclampsia. Okay, now I'm worried! The doctor said she wanted to test me, do blood work Wednesday and see her again Thursday.

In the meantime, I'm going to try not to worry and just pray that everything is fine. All of this lead to an immediate unexpected ultrasound to check on Lilly who was doing wonderfully! The good news, Lilly Rose has HAIR! :) That was great news because the last appointment they told me she didn't. I'm not sure why this bothered me but it did. I couldn't help but think about all of this hair on my head and my child doesn't have hair!? I know that's not important, especially in the scheme of things but it did make me smile. Most importantly, Lilly is doing great and is just fine in there - she was stubborn and wouldn't move her hand from her head to get a decent picture but that's okay. Hearing the tech say, "oh yeah, she's fine and doing great in there" was all I needed to hear. Hopefully everything checks out fine on Thursday and Lilly continues to do well. Seeing her again made me so thankful. She's my little miracle and I'm so in love already. Billy & I cannot wait to hold her. About 6 more weeks!!!

Lilly Rose 33 weeks, 5 days

She looks like she has my cheeks & lips

and her daddy's shape face (chin).
Oh, I cannot wait to see her! :)

Thankful {almost Thanksgiving!}

I have so many things to be thankful for. Today, I'm thankful for our 33 week old growing baby, Lilly Rose. Seven weeks to go!!! I'm celebrating with a pedi because I'm in desperate 'need' and spending the day with my love. :) Looking forward to tomorrow & having Thanksgiving with family.

A Brunch {celebrating Lilly Rose}

Months ago a sweet family friend, Ms. Sandra, told me she wanted to throw me a baby shower. I must admit in that moment I was excited because she has always done things over-the-top and just beautiful. Even steak dinners at her house with the singles group years ago were always over and beyond what a typical dinner would be. She's someone you'd want to throw a party and have an invite to. :) It was so thoughtful of her to host a shower for me. I cannot even remember when I met Ms. Sandra, I've always known her and her family. Her son and I grew up together and when I go to their home, I feel like I'm at my own house.

We enjoyed a beautiful brunch with all of my favorite lady friends in attendance (well, most of them...some couldn't make it due to prior engagements). We had a great crowd there to celebrate Miss Lilly Rose. There were "Lillie's" and "Roses" everywhere, beautiful china, tea cookies and lots of yummy brunch foods to enjoy. I was a little occupied visiting with my guest that I didn't get but a few pictures on my phone before anyone arrived... not doing good on capturing the memories these days but I at least have a few to document the day.

 Her beautiful table setting

 The stroller arrived! A gift from some of my New York family.

I should have gotten a picture of the fireplace after everyone had arrived to show all the goodies for Lilly.

Lillie's and Roses

Mom & I after the brunch was over. Not the best picture BUT it's all I have. Don't you just love the swollen and exhausted look? You should see my feet! ;) I do hope it's normal to start swelling so badly at 32 weeks. I drive these days with my shoes off, It's that uncomfortable. I'm thinking a pedi and flip flops are in my very near future. Seeing that the high is 80 degrees today, Thanksgiving week, I can get away with that living in Florida.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'm so excited to see family and enjoy turkey and dressing with loved ones. We'll have Jordan home for the holidays the first time in about 7 years, we are definitely excited about having his family join us for all the turkey fun.

Lilly Rose {31 weeks}

We saw our little girl and she was just as pretty as we imagined. ;) In all honesty we weren't sure what we were looking at half the time during the ultrasound. The tech explained each picture to us but those 2D ultrasounds are just complicated. The technology with the 3D is SO much better...but our doctor doesn't offer 3D unless you want to pay the upgraded price of $200, no thank you.  So, needless to say it was still so sweet to see Lilly even though half the time we weren't sure which part we were OOoooing and Awwwwing over. Ha! We did get a good glimpse of her face, profile and feet. Her little arms were hiding and didn't get a good shot of those nor her hands in the print out pictures.

Lilly measured on target in all her measurements and weighs in at 3lbs 12oz. Doctor said she was perfect and healthy and we are on track. According to my baby app we have 59 days to go!!  

Maternity Shoot {capturing the bump}

This past weekend Billy and I met up with Sarah to get a few pictures for our Christmas card as well to document this phase in life, my growing belly and pregnancy in the third trimester. I was hesitant to do this shoot, after all anyone who has carried a child knows that you feel least beautiful and attractive in the third trimester! However, I knew we’d regret not getting any belly pictures if I had backed out. The only thing missing was our boy, Oliver. We weren’t able to bring him with us and figured it was best to leave him out of the maternity shoot. I’ll have to add him to the Christmas card in some other creative way. Here’s a few of our favorites that Sarah captured for us…

Oh how we can't wait to meet you, Miss Lilly Rose!

Lilly Rose {30 weeks}

To say I'm growing each day is an understatement, I mean check out this bump...

Comparing it to 25 weeks, I'm growing and so is Lilly. This past week she has been moving so much, especially each morning and night. According to my sources we have about 70 more days to go...10 weeks! 10 weeks!! Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait!

Lilly is about the size of a cabbage right now weighing between 2.5-3lbs and about 15.7 inches long. Next week, Billy & I get to see her again and are very excited. It's been a long 11.5 weeks since we've gotten a glimpse of her. We are definitely looking forward to the ultra sound!

For now, we'll continue to get the room ready. We picked up the dresser today and it's lovely. The nursery is slowly coming together!! :)

I. MISS. SLEEP. {and a nursery update}

I'm swollen and tired!

The past couple weeks have gotten a little tougher. My wedding ring fits only if the temperature has dropped and it's nice and cool. My ankles disappear depending on what kind of dinner I have AND I get up 4-5 times a night to empty my bladder... for the love...I miss sleep! I'm not going to turn this into a complain session (well not totally) but I just have to put it out there that I. AM. TIRED. I'm sure the sleepless nights once Lilly Rose is here won't be as bad when I have her to cuddle (fingers crossed this is the truth and if not mommies please don't tell me otherwise, not right now anyway). But, until then...this is not what I thought my last couple months being childless would be like. Maybe I should find a room to go nap in while I'm at work, that may solve some of the sleepy issue. :) 

In other news, the nursery is coming along nicely. Billy painted and did a wonderful job. We ordered the dresser and I cannot wait to get it in, it's beautiful! Mom sewed the curtains and crib skirt this past weekend. I'll post a sneak peak pix below. I'm looking forward to putting all the pieces together and seeing my vision come to life. :)

Kriner Family Shower {celebrating Lilly Rose}

This past weekend Billy & I headed to Folkston for our Kriner family baby shower. Aunt Rosie & Uncle Ken hosted the celebration for our Lilly Rose. As always, they were the perfect host and everything was beautiful. Aunt Rosie had so many lovely little details and the dessert table was gorgeous (and yummy too!). It was good to catch up with family and visit with everyone. We feel so blessed for all the love they showed us in giving to our sweet baby girl.

28.5 weeks

The Kriner Girls

Beautiful Miss Sarah Kate

 Lilly Rose Shower Details - love!

 How cute are these?

Gifts

 Aunt Rosie with the twins & their Uncle Trey

 Silly Pops ("Papa")

 My big helper, Carlo - love this kid to pieces!

You've Got Mail {always brightens my day}

A few days ago I was having a rough morning. It was just one of those days and nothing seemed to be going good. At all. Until... I came home from my appointments and found this on my doorstep.

It was Lilly's glider for the nursery! It was a definite pick-me-up. Mail always brightens my day! Obviously I couldn't carry it into the house myself so I had to wait for Billy to get off work for the big reveal...

I was very excited because I wanted to see the glider in person before officially confirming the nursery paint color. We've decided to paint the nursery yellow with the dark cranberry red, shades of green, yellow, white and damask being used throughout the room. Here's just a brief idea of my vision...

These items were also on my doorstep that same afternoon! These packages knew just the moment to arrive at the Bird residence. ;)

Damask stencil for Lilly's Nursery, very excited about this! We won't be using this color of course. I'm thinking a pearlized paint or white on the yellow wall.

And, A Christmas outfit for next year...Lilly HAD to have it. :)

Birthday Celebration {33 years young}

Today is a very special day, it's Billy's Birthday! We've had a "Birthday Boy Weekend" and now "Birthday Boy Week" so there's been quite a bit of celebrating in our house. This morning we woke up bright and early to give Billy his gifts. Bright and early only because I have to work today (& because a certain someone is still a kid at heart and was very excited). :)  Actually, I think Oliver was more excited...he knew it was a different kind of morning with the festivities and was so happy dancing around the living room, no seriously! Here's just a few pictures from our early morning.

I'm looking forward to celebrating more with my Birthday guy this afternoon. Happy 33rd Birthday, Baby!

We love you,

Brooke, Lilly Rose & Oliver

PS: Today is 3 months out from my due date! January is just around the corner...

Lilly's new bed {crib building}

About a month ago when the crib arrived Billy and I were excited about putting it together to see how it would look. Since Mom and Dad ordered it online, I wasn’t exactly sure (except from the online pictures) what we were really getting. One Sunday afternoon Billy and I put Lilly’s new crib together! Well, Billy put it together and I helped hold up the pieces. :) It’s not exactly a “chili pepper red” as the description described but more of a dark cranberry, it’s really beautiful. I’m looking forward to decorating her nursery using the crib color as a ‘pop color’ throughout the room.

 Already one proud daddy! :-)

And I am verrrrrry excited to say that we are under the 100 day mark according to our baby app. We have about 97 days to go before we meet Miss Lilly Rose. I remember feeling good when we hit under the 200 day mark and this feels even better. :)