Two Weeks

Avery hit the two-week mark this week. She is actually closer to three weeks, but as I haven't had much time to write, this post is coming a little late. I feel like Avery changes everyday. It makes me a little sad because I know that my cuddly little newborn will only want to cuddle with her mom for so long. She is quickly developing a personality of her own. It is so much fun to watch her change and grow!

Since Avery was born, our lives have changed dramatically. Most of the changes have been incredible, but a few are not so great. Our lack of sleep is one of the most difficult things to get used to. Luckily, Luke and I have developed a decent sleep system. I get up with Avery throughout the night and Luke takes the morning shift to give me a couple hours of sleep. My biggest complaint is that, no matter what, I have to get up every two to three hours to either feed Avery or pump. If I don't do this, things are terribly uncomfortable for me. On that note, I keep telling Luke that I feel like a cow. My sole purpose in life right now seems to be supplying milk. It's very odd.

Luke had to go back to work this week. It was a rough transition as Avery and I missed Luke a lot. He had to go to Oklahoma and was gone Monday through Thursday. Fortunately, my mom came to help out. It definitely made things easier, but the reality of Luke's job is that he travels A LOT and I won't always have my mom here to help. Avery and I are just going to have to get used to being on our own during the week. Oh, well! At least we both have jobs. I know a lot of people are not so fortunate right now.

We had our first little scare this week. Avery developed thrush. I feel so bad for her. The doctor said it is incredibly itchy and painful for her. I can't imagine! I know it is painful for me so it must be a lot worse for her. We hope the medicine kicks in quickly. On a positive note, as of Thursday, Avery weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz. She is doing such a good job gaining weight.

If you look closely, you can see the thrush.

Avery's Newborn Pictures

The following is a link to Avery's newborn pictures. Enjoy!

One Week

Avery is one week old today. I can't believe how quickly time is passing. We had her first doctor's appointment yesterday and she is doing really well. She now weighs 6 lbs, 7 oz and is 19.75" tall. She is in the 10th-25th percentile for weight, 50th percentile for height and her head is in the 50th percentile. The pediatrician was very pleased with her weight gain. She is a big eater!

Today, we took Avery to get her newborn pictures taken. She was such a good girl. I think we were able to get a lot of good pictures of her.

Luke and I fall more in love with our little girl each day. The feeling is incredible! I never thought I could love someone as much as I love Avery. It seems there is nothing she can do wrong. Although I am completely sleep deprived, I cherish every second I get to spend with her. I even enjoy the late night/early morning feedings.

Our Little One

Avery Isabella Musselman

June 30, 2009 at 5:25 pm

6 lbs, 19.5"

We're Having A Baby!

Luke and I went to the doctor today for an ultrasound and progress check. Unfortunately, I have not made any progress and the ultrasound shows that baby girl's growth has slowed down or stopped completely. As a result, Dr. Jones decided to proceed with inducing me. It looks like baby girl is just under 7 lbs and is in the 39th percentile for size at just over full term. She looked so cute on the ultrasound! We can't wait to meet her!

Luke and I got to the hospital a couple hours ago. The first part of the induction will happen tonight as the nurse will insert a special gel into my cervix. The idea is that it will help to dialate and soften my cervix. Tomorrow morning, Dr. Jones will come in and attempt to break my water. After that, I will start on a pitosin IV and we will hopefully have a baby by dinnertime on the 30th!

A couple hours before leaving for the hospital.

The beginning of the induction. Notice the smile.

40 Week Appointment

I had my 40-week appointment. It was rather depressing. Other than baby girl dropping a little, I have not progressed at all. My doctor said that he is almost 100 percent certain that baby girl will not make her appearance before her due date. Luke and I go back to the doctor next Monday for an ultrasound and to check my progress. Dr. Jones said that we will discuss my options after he sees the results of the ultrasound. He is tentatively scheduling an induction for Monday or Tuesday evening, but said that Luke and I can change the date or hold off if we want after we find out my progress.

So, the waiting game continues...

39 Week Doctor Notes

I had my 39 week doctor appointment last Monday. It was rather uneventful. I am 60-75 percent effaced, but not dialated at all. My contractions have actually slowed down in the past week or two. I am beginning to think baby girl is just too comfortable!

Friday was my last day of work for at least three months. I can't wait to be able to spend a few months with our little one. Other than some nerve pain, I feel pretty good. Actually, I think I have been lucky with my pregnancy.

Luke has kept his travel close to home for the past couple weeks. It is really nice to have him home most nights. I will be a little sad when he has to return to his regular travel schedule.

Tomorrow is my 40 week appointment. Hopefully my doctor will be able to give us a better idea as to when he thinks baby girl will arrive.

37 Weeks and Baby Musselman's Nursery

The past couple weeks have been rather slow at the Musselman household. We have tried to spend a lot of time relaxing and enjoying each other's company before our little one makes her big debut! I am currently 37 weeks pregnant so baby girl could theoretically arrive any time. On Monday, I had my weekly doctor's appointment and am not dialated at all. This is a good thing because my doctor will be out of town next week. He said he expects to see me still pregnant the following week. Other than extreme exhaustion and aches and pains from the extra weight on my belly, I feel pretty good.

Luke and I finally finished setting up baby Musselman's nursery. My dad and Luke painted it back in January and we have been slowly putting the rest of the nursery together. We are pleased with the results and hope baby girl enjoys her new room.

Our one-year anniversary is this weekend. I can't believe how quickly the past year has gone by. I am so happy to have Luke as my husband. I couldn't ask for a more kind, caring and supportive husband.

36 Weeks.

37 Weeks. I think the pregnant bikini scared a lot of people!