Ivy's first Christmas

We had a WONDERFUL holiday this year! In fact, probably the best one ever.  I think it had a lot to do with this little cutie...

We spent Christmas Eve at the farm with the Moretons.  That was Ivy's first road trip and she did great.  She slept the whole way up and most of the day actually.  Even Brinkley was worn out from all the prefestivities that she passed out before we opened presents.

However, both were wide awake when it came time to actually open presents.  Ivy was one blessed little girl.

On Christmas morning we started our first family tradition with Santa Clause.  I will forever cherish that moment when Dayne came walking down the stairs with our baby girl to see all that Santa had left.

 Santa even came to see Finn dog.  He was super excited about his new bones, toys, and treats!!

Obviously she was so excited about Santa that she slept right through it.

Dayno had a very good Christmas!

 Oh, and did I mention that I got a new camera from my wonderful hubby?  Oh yes!  A Canon EOS Rebel T3i to be exact.  I LOVE IT!!!  I can't wait to take numerous pictures of our little sunflower!

 We went to my parents for the day on Christmas day.  Dayne is enjoying their new recliner.

 This was mom's Christmas tree.  I thought it turned out so pretty!!  Granny would be proud.

 Dayne had to try out the new camera.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!  I know it will be one we will never forget.  We wish you all a Happy New Year and a healthy 2012.  We can't wait to make numerous new memories!!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Just a few

Just wanted to share a few pictures and brag on my precious baby....

 Our first trip out of the house...we went to visit Nana & Granddaddy!

 Our babies are sleeping soundly!

All dolled up in my new ruffle rig!

May we introduce......

Ivy Kate Moreton

Born on 12/8/2011 at 7:57 p.m. weighing 7lbs 8oz and 21.5 inches long

It took a while for her to make her debut, but after 13 hours of labor we were PROUD parents!  We checked in at midnight on Wednesday night, and Dr. Torres broke my water at 7:20 a.m. on 12/8/11.  The morning seemed to drag on as they would continue to come in and check my progress only to find that I was creeping along down the dilation road.  I was starting to get very nervous that I was not going to progress in time and that I would have to have a C-Section to deliver her.  When they checked me around 2:00 I seemed to be speeding up the process.  Finally at my last check around 6:45 p.m. I was ready to start pushing...YAY!!!  I pushed for almost an hour only to find out that her little (or not so little) head was stuck on my pelvic bone and would not come down on it's own.  After a little help from the vacuum, here she came and two pushes later I heard the most beautiful sound I've ever heard and will never forget.  

Dayne was AWESOME!!  I couldn't have asked for a better coach.  He never left my side all day long, and kept me calm the whole way through my pushing.  He is one very proud poppa.  

It's taken a while to get my blog updated, I've been a little preoccupied loving all over my sweet little sunflower as you can imagine.  I plan to get it all updated today though so keep looking for more updates.  I have PLENTY of pictures to show off.  

Dayne and I just want to thank everyone again for all of the thoughtful comments, thoughts, prayers, phone calls and visits we've received during these last few weeks.  We are beyond blessed, and can't even remember what life was like before Ivy Kate arrived.

The time has come!!

Miss Ivy will be making her debut today! We are so excited and extremely anxious to meet our little angel! Please keep us in your prayers. More updates to come...

Playing the waiting game

Well we had another successful doctor's appointment on Monday.  I'm still only dilated to a 1, but I've started to efface which is a good sign.  My measurements are right where they need to be, she was very active with a strong heartbeat, and she's in position.  So now....we wait.  We go back next Monday to check for more progress.  

We did go ahead and let Dr. Torres make an appointment for possible inducing on Tuesday, Dec. 6, but we will make our final decision on that when we go in on Monday.  At the time I was really excited, but the more I think about it, I think I would just like for her to come when she's ready.  I'm a firm believer in letting nature take it course.  I just feel that I have had too good of a pregnancy to put anyone or anything in jeopardy at this point in the game.  If I can wait another week, then what is another 3 or 4 days, right?  In the mean time, I'll be doing lots of walking and praying. : )  

We are so overly anxious to meet our little angel!  We talk to her every night before we go to bed, and I love waking up to her kickboxing routines in the mornings.  I catch Dayne watching me like a ticking time bomb, and he is constantly checking in on me to see where I'm at and how his girls are getting along.  I LOVE that he is such a concerned daddy.  Seeing how excited he has been through this whole process has made it all worth every little ache and pain.  

Stay close.....any day now!!!

Getting closer....

We've rounded 3rd base, and we're in the home stretch.  Tomorrow marks 38 weeks and boy is this momma ready!!!  We have another appointment first thing in the morning and I'm praying hard for some progress.  I've got the house clean, the bags are packed and loaded in the car, car seat is loaded, all we need now is a BABY!  I go to bed every night wondering if I'll be woken up with any surprises, and I wake up every morning wondering if today will be the day.  Stay tuned...I'll hopefully have an update tomorrow.

Beyond Beautiful!

Ivy and I were blessed with another beautiful baby shower this past Sunday.  The shower was hosted by 4 of my beautiful friends, Kelly McGruder, Krista Keller, Jayme Copher and Bre Welch and was given at Georgie Yerton's home (Kelly's mother).  Ivy was showered with so many precious gifts once again, and I was so honored to get to visit with so many of my favorite people.  

Momma B with her 4 beautiful hostesses.  From left: Krista Keller, Jayme Copher, me, Kelly McGruder, Bre Welch

Nana (my mom) and I

Geet (Dayne's mom) and I

Socializing with my guests while snacking on all the delicious food!!

Talking with Britney and Janelle.  Obviously the conversation was very interesting. :o)

Opening a few gifts

Jessica Phan on the left and her mother, Mai, on the right.  Mai and my mom work together and I can remember when we will all waiting for Jessica to be born!!  Just had a senior moment.

Jenna was right on with her guestimation of how big my belly was!

But then Katie beat her as her ribbon came together perfectly.

Emily wasn't far off either.  She's due 2 weeks before me and is expecting a sweet baby boy!

Mai was a little over in her guess, but it was all in good humor.

The 4 preggos all due within 4 weeks of each other.  From left: Meagan Matlock, Ashley Beasley, me, Emily Borum

All my gorgeous gals!  Thanks so much for coming!!!

Everything was absolutely beautiful and definitely more than we deserved!

Momma is exhausted and overwhelmed with all of the stuff to find a home for.  

Thank you again, ladies, for such an incredibly beautiful shower.  And thank you to everyone that took time out of their busy schedules to come by and visit. Ivy and I are so lucky to have each of you in our lives.  We absolutely cannot wait for our little sunflower to make her debut.  She is already loved by so many!!