Monday, September 26, 2011

Introducing...

Penelope Ann Smith

Born September 25, 2011 at 5:10pm

8Lbs, 4oz. 20 inches

Friday, September 23, 2011

Due date come... and gone

Here I am on my due date:
Obviously I was not in the hospital having a baby. But I was not counting on that happening, so I wasn't too disappointed. I think Penny really wants to come out and doesn't know how. She is always beating away on my cervix and my pelvis, but I did not have even 1 contraction until Wednesday (my due date) after the doctor stretched my cervix. That did seem to help get things going, I started having weak contractions sporadically, but in the evening they became more regular and stronger. I thought Thursday might be the day, as I had contractions all night Wednesday night. But when I woke up Thursday morning they were gone. Apparently I'm just a night person, because the same thing happened yesterday: I had a few here and there throughout the day and then they started coming stronger and more frequently at night. And then, again, nothing this morning.

I had another doctor's appointment today, I was hoping she would say I was starting to dilate, but I was not counting on it. I was dilated to a ONE- so she stretched me a little more and stripped my membranes. Since then I have been having more contractions, and I'm really hoping they continue because If she's not here Monday then I will be induced.

By the way- has anyone looked at my counter? For some reason, on my due date it said "0 days", and then it started counting up!


Why I am glad I am having a girl:
Talk about timing.

Everyone has been giving me their labor tips: "When I had my baby I held my breath, and turned around 3 times while rubbing my belly- and that night I went into labor! Try it, it works!" I don't know about all these home remedies, but the one that seems to work best is walking, so I am off to (hopefully) walk this baby out!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Dog vs. Cat

I love this! I think you will enjoy it even if you're not an animal person.

Entries in a dog's journal:

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!

9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!

9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!

10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!

11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!

12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!

1:00 PM - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!

1:30 PM - ooooooo. bath. bummer.

4:00 PM - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!

5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!

5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!



Entries in a cat's journal:

DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.

DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.

DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time, however, it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid? My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait; it is only a matter of time......

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Baby Showers

I was blessed to have FOUR baby showers, and we were blessed with lots of wonderful gifts!

The first one was thrown by my sister, Melissa, and my mom. Check out the refreshments!
We played a game called "Are these things for baby?" Everyone had to guess what the mystery white powder was in each bag. Here is my aunt Jayne and cousins Jamie and Jaycee playing.
My aunt Lisa made us this beautiful hooded towel, I had to model it.
And Melissa made this awesome banner that I love. Now it sits above Penny's bassinet.

The second shower was thrown by the Fishers (family in our ward that we have adopted ourselves into). We played more fun, goofy games :) This one was called (I think) Piddle in the Pot. Everyone had to put a balloon in their shirt and then carry a quarter between their knees and drop it into a cup. It's funny how much some of these girls actually look like they are pregnant- sorry Rachel.
Alisa was probably the best at this game- maybe because she just gave birth to twins 3 months ago.
The second game was Pass the pacifier- we had to pass a pacifier from person to person using straws in our mouths- much harder than it looks. Here are a few of my mia maids playing, it was so fun to have them there.
This super cute dress was crocheted for us by a sweet lady in our ward who we love, Sister Fitches. The picture doesn't do it justice, you need to come see it.
We have such talented family and friends- this diaper bag and ball was made by Leslie, and filled with all sorts of great stuff by her and her mother.
Probably the highlight of the shower: I opened up one present to find a blank card. Turns out the Fishers were so busy getting ready for the shower they accidentally put the card in their gift without signing it.
And then they did the same thing with the group gift- love you, Fishers!

The next shower was a surprise and boy was I surprised! I had been suspecting that my work was planning a surprise but I didn't think they were going to do it AT work in the middle of the day and I really wasn't expecting it on that particular day, even though I should have because everyone was showing up when they weren't even working for random reasons.
It was a yummy lunch shower and it was very fun!

The last shower was thrown by mother-in-law Nancy at Scott's Grandma's house. I thought this was the cutest thing:



SO cute- Godzilla hitchhiking to Tokyo- compliments of Allie.

Uncle Greg saved Scott- they were the only 2 men there. I wish I had a picture of Greg when he first walked in, he was carrying a bunch of girly baby presents and a purse.
We are so thankful to everyone! We had lots of fun and we appreciate the gifts so much!

Now her bed is made, the drawers and closets are stocked, the car seat is in the car and the hospital bags are packed. And since I officially started maternity leave today, I am actually feeling ready for this! Bring it on!