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.

38 Weeks

I went into my OB appointment yesterday and learned that I have had no progress over this last week. Normal, but I wanted to hear that I was farther along. All in all, there is a timing for her grand entrence and I will just focus on enjoy these last few nights of sleep, playing with just Kyla, and my naps during the day. :)

Here are some prayer requests as we approach the big day:

* Baby Girl Drops...Kyla was floating and took a LONG time to drop down and engage the pelvis. We would love for this little girl to engage the pelvis earlier in labor, even before labor begins. :)

* I am Strep B positive which means that I need to have a dose of antibiotics before delivery. I was not with Kyla, but my main concern is having an allergic reaction to the antibiotics given. I have had allergic reactions to numerous antibiotics which results in hives spreading over my body. I would REALLY like this to not be the case for postpartum recovery! :)

* Kyla has been sick and still carries with her a little cough. We would like her to be well so that she can visit her little sister in the hospital.

37 Weeks!

I am so excited to be near the end, yet as every woman who has had a child knows, the end can seem to make the lists longer and the nesting instinct stronger. At my OB appointment on Monday I learned I was 1.5 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Although I could be like this for weeks, I now feel like the to do list has become even longer and it creates even more anxiety when I cannot sleep at night. Any guesses on when she might come? Grandma Cline says she is coming on the 28th of February. I sure hope she is right because that would be a little over a week early.

Love of a Father

Dear Kyla,

This month of February is known as the "Love Month". I am so glad that you have your Daddy's love to show you how the man in your life should love and treat you when you get older. Watching you and daddy swing at the park made me so thankful for his love for you. He shows you God's love everyday, and in this I am praying that you will have a man who cherishes and loves you with a selfless love just like Daddy's!