3 Weeks

Ashland

Ashland was a huge blessing for our family. The ratio was two adults to one kid, which made a perfect transition period for our family. Adalynn was still adjusting to nursing, Kyla was adjusting to having a sister and less mommy time, Rachel was recovering from the delivery as well as mastitis, and Jason was enjoying the extra help with the new level of care his family required. Three woman can get quite emotional. :) Sorry Jason, there are more of these moments to come.

Here are some pictures that highlighted the trip. I could dedicate a whole post to some of these pictures, but it would take me another whole week to catch up on the blog.

Bath Time

Kyla loved taking a bath in Emmy's jetted tub. The bubbles multiplied and Kyla dressed herself in them.

Our trip to Costco...the sunglasses didn't come off our whole time in the store.

Nana Great is in a bowling league. Kyla got her first shot at bowling and loved it. Bumpers were used and occasionally a ramp that she got to roll the ball down.

Mom Time! Much needed as the hormones and emotions of becoming a family of four began.

Helping Papi out on the tractor. It has taken Kyla two years to warm up to this tractor, and she took a ride with Papi for the first time. She LOVES it now!

The photo op didn't last too long as Kyla was Adalynn was hungry. Once again, Kyla loves her sunglasses. Thus, we have multiple pairs.

Feeding the fish, or as Kyla calls them "firsh". Kyla would get so excited to feed the fish. My dad caught the moment on camera and it reminds me of when I was Kyla's age sitting with my great grandmother Rachel. She was an amazing, hard working woman, reminding me of my Nana.

Meeting the Greats

One of our main reasons of taking our trip down to Ashland, was to introduce Adalynn to her great-grandparents. We are very blessed to have two sets of greats still with us on Rachel's side, both live in Ashland.

Adalynn with Nana Great and Papa Great

Adalynn with Grandma and Grandpa Cline

(Grandpa usually doesn't hold his grandkids, but he asked to hold Adalynn. What a special moment)

Awaiting the Arrival

The two days leading up to Adalynn's arrival was full of waiting, and filling our schedules with as much activity as to distract us from wondering when she would come. As I cleaned, cleaned, and re-cleaned, Jason was busy keeping Kyla busy.

Jason surprised me with a clean car. Kyla loved to help and I caught some pictures of their progress. Kyla's little spot was rinsed off about ten times as she didn't want to wash the other parts of the car. Yes, we put her in play clothes, and I didn't do her hair that day. Ha!

We went to the pool. I decided to not partake in swimming, but rather let Jason swim with Kyla. Kyla loved the shark slide and keeps asking to go back. Which we will, many times!

After swimming it was definately nap time. I took advantage of nap time with Kyla, as I knew it would be one of the few last times we would be able to take the opportunity of taking a nap together. This picture is so special to me! I am so glad I took the time to cuddle with Kyla!

The evening brought the belly pictures. Kyla loved to talk to "baby sister". Once again, it was a crazy hair moment as I didn't do her hair yet again.

The following morning was Sunday, and as the day started early at 6:15 am when Kyla woke up, so did the contractions begin. I should clarify that these contractions only last 45 minutes and once I got up to make waffles for breakfast they stopped.

Jason decided to stay home from church just in case they continued, however after an hour of nothing it was clear to us that I wasn't in labor and it was a good time to mow the lawn, play outside with Kyla, and take uninterrupted 30 minute shower. I finished my hair and got ready for the day. As I walked down the hall to get Kyla a snack, my first "true" contraction hit and I knew it was going somewhere (10:30 am). About a half hour later Jason popped his head in the door to let me know he was done mowing, as I snapped back at him "finally". When he came inside I started timing the contractions and within 45 minutes the timing, my contractions went from being ten minutes apart to five minutes apart.

At 3:35 I checked into the hospital and found out I was 5 1/2 cm dilated. I then was given antibiotics (for Group B Strep) and the Epidural came shortly after around 4:30. The Epidural was great, as it took away the edge, yet I was able to have mobility in my legs and feel the wave of contractions. At 5:30 I was 8 cm and at 6:30 I was given the go ahead to push.

On Sunday, March 7 @ 6:51 p.m. Adalynn Joy was born. The great wait was over and our content little girl had now joined our family!

Still here and transitioning...

We just got back this last weekend from spending an amazing week down in Ashland, OR with Rachel's parents. We had a great time visiting family, introducing Adalynn to her great grandparents, getting spoiled with a ration of two adults to one child, and learning how to care for a 2 1/2 year old and an infant at the same time. We have lots we want to add to the blog from the last two weeks. Although I (Rachel) have the goal of having the blog updated by the end of this week, I remain flexible and know that I may not completely get caught up. :)

Welcome Adalynn Joy!

Adalynn Joy Van Winkle was born on Sunday March 7th at 6:51 p.m. She weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce and was 21 inches long. She has brought a lot of joy to the family and has been a great baby so far. Welcome to our family Adalynn, we love you already!

One week later, still the same

So, I went in for my OB appointment yesterday and I am still the same! Ugh! However, in the midst of this waiting, I rest assured knowing that in the next two weeks I will have this little girl in my arms. Here is to hoping this is the last OB post before the announcement of our newest addition.