Karcie's Arrival

My water broke on Friday morning, May 27th at 6:15am.  Kamdyn spent the night with Georgia the previous night (as our good fortune would have it) because I went to the Dinner Theater at Fort Gordon with my dear friends, Suzanne and Denise.  We joked that night during dinner and during the play that it would be funny if I went into labor while we were there.  Little did we know that Miss Karcie Laine was preparing to make her way into the world a few hours laters!

Since Kamdyn wasn't here Richard and I were able to take our time getting ready....taking showers, packing last minute things, checking my list several times, etc.  He joked because I even took the time to put on make-up! 

We arrived at the hospital around 7:30 where they prepared me for what was to come.  A lot of other babies decided to be born on the same day.  There was one nurse for two patients.  They had to put me in a L&D room that they didn't use very often.  I didn't even have a window which is why I couldn't text anyone back throughout the entire process.  We had little to no service at all.

This time I got my epidural PRIOR to the pitocin.  Last time, it was the reverse.  I got the feeling that they were trying to slow things down with me because so many other patients were delivering around the same time.  I dilated to 8 cm and seemed to stop.  Things went a little crazy when my blood pressure dropped to next to nothing.  I literally felt as if I was losing consciousness.  Karcie's heart rate dropped, too, which caused lots of mayhem for a few minutes.  Doctors and nurses were running all around me turning me on my side.  Giving me medicine in my IV.  All I could do was lay there.  I couldn't even speak.  I was so lethargic.  Luckily, they were able to get things back in order.  They checked me again and I was 10 cm!  YAY!!

I literally pushed 4 times and Baby Karcie was here!  It was so easy!  As soon as she arrived the doctor said, "This is a miracle baby!"  He held up the umbilical cord to reveal a complete tight knot in the cord.  His words exactly were that "this could have been disastrous!"  We have no idea how long the cord had been that way, but Karcie was in potential danger of not being able to receive blood, nutrients, etc.  I prefer not to think about any of that now that she is here and healthy.  When he announced that, all I could do was cry!  My baby was safe and healthy!  Thank you, God, for taking such good care of her!

She was born at 2:56 PM. She weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 19.75 inches long.

My last pregnant photo prior to entering the hospital.....one day shy of 39 weeks!

Waiting in the triage. 

I had to comfort Richard.  He is TERRIFIED of hospitals!

I got to see Kamdyn before Karcie arrived.  I had to wear oxygen after Karcie's heart rate dropped throughout the rest of my labor.

Smiling from ear to ear seconds after Karcie arrived!  We are so blessed!

Dr. Bahr with our "miracle" baby!

I got to spend an hour with Karcie before they took her to the nursery.  We really enjoyed this time.  They whisked Kamdyn away as soon as she was born....I guess because she was three weeks early.

Proud and relaxed Daddy!

Big Sister meeting her Baby Sister!  She was so excited!

Daddy with his two girls!

Nanny with her newest Granddaughter.

Georgia sat with Kamdyn at the hospital a couple of hours waiting on Karcie.  Georgia is AWESOME!!  Karcie is so lucky to have Georgia and will soon be just as spoiled by Georgia as Kamdyn is!!

Taking Karcie to the nursery.  Kamdyn got to ring the bell to let the entire hospital know that her Baby Sister had been born!

Ruthie and Karcie later that evening.

Uncle Matthew, Holly, and Vera - they were all wearing yellow!  PRECIOUS!

Ms. Suzanne came to visit!

Sonya, my principal and dear friend, came to visit.

Jacob brought Kamdyn some pink flowers and said, "Congratulations on your new baby sister!"  SO stinking sweet!

My two girls the next morning!  My sleepy eyes!

Daddy with a fashionable Karcie!

Aunt Holly and Karcie

Mama Lucy and Karcie

Aunt Kathy and Karcie

Miss Maggie and Karcie

Aunt Kathy with her sweeties!

Granddaddy Larry with Kamdyn and Karcie

38 1/2 Weeks!

Truthfully, I never thought that I would make it this long given Kamdyn's early arrival.  Karcie is taking her own sweet time getting here.  I went back to the doctor again yesterday for my one week appointment.  He said that I was basically the same as last week....4cm.  BOO!

I was kind of expecting for him to say that he would induce me by the end of this week if I didn't go on my own.  No Such LUCK!  Instead, we have scheduled an induction for June 1st, which is next Wednesday, if the little stinker doesn't arrive on her own.  Dr. Bahr seems to think that she will get here before then.  I have my doubts!

I must admit how ready I am to have her here with us!  The more time that she spends in my tummy is the less time that I get to spend with her before I go back to work in August, but I do want her healthy!  I am trying to be patient, it's just not one of my virtues!   

37 Week Update

I just got back from my 37 week appointment!  I was told that I am 4cm and 50% effaced.  Doctor said we are ready to have this baby.....now if only my water would break or contractions would start.  I prefer my water breaking like last time, but will take whatever I can get!  Today would be a great birthday for Karcie because she would share it with Ruthie!! 

For now, I am off to do some Jazzercise and walk up and down our stairs to get this labor progressing!
 
Please keep us in your prayers!   I am so ready, but I want Karcie to be ready, too! 

Baby K's Name and Nursery

Most of you already know that Baby K's name will officially be Karcie Laine.  Although it was not at the top of Richard's list, it was at the top of mine.  Karcie means love, boldness, and hope.  I know that our little sweetie will possess each of these attributes.    I love unique names just as Kamdyn's name is unique.  Here are some photos of her nursery.  All we need is our precious little girl!  34 weeks and counting......FAST!!  If Karcie follows in big sister's footsteps, contractions should start in about 2 weeks and delivery to be within 3 weeks!  We can't wait to meet you Karcie Laine!  Thank you again, Anna Susan Boykin for the beautiful letters!  They are perfect and just as I imagined.  Check out her website by clicking here!  She is awesome!

I accidentally turned her hamper around the wrong way after we hung her letters over her crib.  Oops!

30 Weeks

Yesterday was my 30 week mark!! Woo! Hoo!  This pregnancy has really gone quickly!  I really do not have any major complaints except for an occasional ache and pain.  My hips have been particularly stubborn here lately.  Depending on which side I am sleeping, my hip will fall asleep.  The next morning they tend to ache for a few hours until I get up and moving.  I find myself to be REALLY exhausted by 9:00 PM!  It's hard enough when I'm not pregnant to chase 20 four year olds all day at work and then chase around another one when I get home!  Being pregnant adds a whole other dimension to keeping up with these kids!  :)

I am right on target for weight gain....not too little, not too much.  I have gained right at 15 lbs. thus far.  I know that I have at least 4-5 more pounds to gain to accommodate for Baby K who is only about 3 lbs. right now.  She is approximately 15-16 inches long from head to toe!  She is a moving machine as of lately!  I am starting to be able to tell which body parts are taking frequent jabs at my belly. 

If she arrives early like her big sister, I only have 6-7 weeks to go!  I can hardly wait!!

Kamdyn attempted to take a few pics.  Unfortunately, she is still learning how to hold the camera straight. :)  I look like I am leaning over!

Daddy had to help out and Kamdyn had to be in the picture!

Finally we got one where I was actually straight and without Kamdyn.

Baby Shower

I must start this post by saying I LOVE MY SCHOOL and all of the wonderful people that I work with.  I am so blessed to be a part of the LFH Family.

With that being said, my co-workers graciously threw a shower for me.  And even though I didn't need a whole lot since we are having a second girl, they showered me like it was my first!  I was blown away by their generosity!

The Shower was after school and we had it in the Art Room.  They transformed the room into a precious pink baby room!

Table centerpieces and decor. You will see these runners again at Kamdyn's party!  :)

Centerpiece on food table!  PRECIOUS!

Delicious!

Food Table - each grade level volunteered to bring a dish.  Everything was so yummy and was displayed so nicely!

My special chair!

Beautiful flowers out of several yards of my co-workers.

Love my sweet girl!

The gifts......I was blessed with lots of gift cards and such nice gifts!

Mrs. Bailey, (Jacob's Mom, my principal, and my friend) giving Kamdyn some love.  Kamdyn is reading a book, of course!

Mrs. Bailey said such nice things about me and my family.  You know I teared up because I cry over everything sweet!  And, I feel so much gratitude toward Sonya for bringing me to this fabulous school!

She blessed the food and blessed Baby K by praying for a healthy baby and a good sleeper!  :)

Kamdyn helped open gifts!

Having fun at the baby shower even though the gifts weren't for her!  She is going to be such a caring and kind BIG SISTER!  She already is!

Good News!

I passed the glucose test and the orange drink wasn't so yucky after all.  It kind of tasted like a bottle of REALLY sugary TANG!  YAY for me!  No modified diets for this pregnant girl!

Sneak Peak

Against my husband's wishes (so please don't ask him) I purchased, with the help of Nanny, new baby bedding for Baby K's nursery.  I was actually looking online to accessorize Kamdyn's old bedding and found something that I just couldn't live without.  Besides, I wanted Baby K to have her own room. She's already going to be sporting a lot of hand-me-downs from Kamdyn so I thought she at least deserved a room of her own that she didn't have to share with her big sister.

Anyway, I asked my very talented friend/co-worker to work her artistic magic to create letters to go over the crib for Baby K's room.  She willing offered to do them for a baby gift for me!  She is AWESOME!!  I sent her with a piece of the nursery fabric and just like that.......she created a work of art that is P-R-E-C-I-O-U-S!!

She brought the letter K to share with me today.  She, of course, knows the name because she has all of the letters.  I am waiting for her to finish the letters so I can hang them and post a picture of the name over the crib.  Even though the reveal of her name is not that big of a deal or surprise, I just want to wait to share Anna Susan's work and Baby K's name all at once!  Stay tuned.....

24 Weeks

 

 

 

24 Weeks with Baby K in 2011

Kamdyn wanted to jump in for the 24 week photo

2006 pregnant with Kamdyn - not exactly sure how many weeks, but close to what I am now....I am wearing the same pink maternity shirt! 

I have been feeling really good here lately.  I actually did my first Zumba class this past Wednesday at 24 weeks pregnant and loved it!!  It is going to be my new exercise routine while I am pregnant.  They have it right after school in our school gym which means it is super convenient.  Baby K's name still hasn't been 100% decided upon, but I have my name picked out and I lovingly refer to her at that precious name.  I have a feeling she will end up being named what I have chosen.  Stay tuned.......I got back to the doctor this Thursday for a check-up.  I am sure my next visit will include the wonderful glucose test.  I hope this doctor is as merciful as my last doctor and allows me to eat a KING size Snickers rather than drink that nasty stuff!