Ellie's 1st Christmas and New Years

Friday December 25th, 2015

Ellie's first Christmas! 

I know she's not going to remember her first Christmas but I will and I had planned to take pictures all day. But that was an epic fail because both Caleb and I were  sick with colds and just didn't remember. I did get a few pictures and at least we got some as a family of three. 

Since we all were feeling better by New Year's Eve we defiantly partied. Especially since it was Caleb and I's one year wedding anniversary! Getting to bring in the New Year with my little family was just so fun and I'm so excited for what this year will bring. And no, we are not planning on having another little baby. I can't even tell you how many people ask me that! Like I want to enjoy every milestone Ellie goes through and just give her 100% of my attention. 

So here's some pictures of our Christmas and New Year's Eve

Christmas Eve at Ellie's great Grammy's house 

Christmas Day

The big kids playing with toys at my parents

Someone is a little goober

Selfie with mommy 

Family selfie

Ellie trying out her new activity gym

New Year's Eve

And milk drunk by 10 pm. She knew how to party!

I can't believe the holidays came and went just like that. But having a child makes the holidays seem more magical. 

I can't wait for next year! 

💕

2 Months

Some one is super happy and excited to be 2 months old!

(Mismatched socks...because if you've ever washed baby socks. You'd understand)

Our little turkey. Celebrated her first Thanksgiving 

With her cousin who is just three weeks younger than her. They are seriously adorable. 

Getting in the Christmas spirit in her reindeer jammies 

"Helping" mommy with Christmas gifts

She just adores her daddy

These past two months have been filled with so much love and joy. And of course have flown by. It's weird because two months have gone by so fast but at the same time it doesn't seem like that long at all. 

I'm just amazed every day with this little girl. She may be only two months but she definitely is a baby who likes to be on the go. Our daily routine consists of at least one outing. I've been to Target so much recently, and have spent way to much money because um how am I supposed to avoid her clothes? As long as we go out she is really content and will take a nice long nap when we get home. Makes us both happy. I definitely have the cutest shopping buddy! 

Exactly two months ago today, after 28 hours of the worst pain I have ever experienced. This little princess arrived into the world and changed my life. I will never forget that day or everything I went through. But I'd do it all again for her. Being her mommy is the greatest blessing. 

2 months old

December 16th, 2015

Weight: 9-9.5 pounds. She's such a little girl. But she's defiantly getting some chunk and has the cutest little rolls. 

Height: 21 3/4 in

Eye Color: Blue! Over the past month they have been getting more blue and everyone keeps saying they'll be blue. And the doctor who delivered her said she's going to have blue eyes! Neither Caleb or I have blue eyes but they do run in both our families. 

Hair Color: Light brown/blonde 

Diaper Size: Size 1!

Clothes Size: Some of her newborn clothes still fit but others are to small. But she's fitting into more of her 0-3 months

Sleep: During the day maybe 2 hours. But if we go somewhere she takes a longer nap. She loves car rides. Night time...she hasn't gotten on any schedule yet. 

Eating: Every 2-3 hours during the day. At night she can sometimes go for four hours. But she's constantly growing still so I don't expect her to have any routine yet. She eats when she's hungry. Even if it might have been an hour ago. 

Likes: Bathtime is her favorite! Also car rides and going places. She is mesmerized by the Christmas tree. She just loves looking all around. She just smiles so much when she's talked to. Also she has mastered the squeal. It's pretty adorable. Loves to sleep on mine or Caleb's chest and be all snuggled.
Dislikes: Hates going to sleep. She will fight it so much. Seriously little girl, you're going to adore sleep one day...

Lately she has been throwing a royal fit when she gets dressed.
Milestones: She ALMOST rolled over! She just couldn't quite get those legs to move. But I think soon she'll be. She's really starting to focus on objects and tries to reach for them. She's so active already and just seems so curious about the world around her.
Firsts: I started work, so this is the first time she's been away from me. I don't know who is more upset, me or her? I'm so grateful that I only have to work part time so I don't have to be away from her to long. She also calmed down and fell asleep on her daddy for the first time. Usually she only wants me to so I'm glad she is learning that she can be comforted by her daddy. Ellie also celebrated her first Thanksgiving. She ate and slept like most people do on Thanksgiving 😉
Personality: She is such a sweetheart! I can't wait to see how her personality develops. 

10 Things I Wish I Knew About Postpartum

So during my pregnancy each week I read a few different apps as to what was going on. And I read a few books. Things that prepared me for each week. Also I read a lot about labor and delivery. 

What I didn't read a lot about was recovering. And what would happen after the baby is born. There is a lot out there about this topic. But I just didn't feel like it was that necessary. I'm such a naive first time mom, huh? If you're a first time mom-to-be I highly suggest you research about what happens to your body after the baby is here. And especially if you're having a hospital birth, it's a good idea to have an idea of what they do after your baby is born. 

Every recovery is different, just like every birth is different. Some have an easy time and some have a hard time. Since I had a pretty hard labor and delivery, my recovery hasn't been a breeze either. So here a few things that happened to me afterwards that I was so clueless about. 

1. Body Shakes- Lucky for me, my whole body shook the moment I got admitted to the hospital. But that has always been my way of showing nerves for some reason. What I didn't know is that it would become uncontrollable and hurt. And get worse right after the baby is born. It's your body's way of dealing with all the hormones. My entire body was so sore for a week after. 

2. Swollen Legs- My whole pregnancy I didn't deal with being swollen. Well apparently if you're pumped full of fluids during labor your legs will swell so much. And they'll also feel like 20 lbs each. My doctor kindly told me that it'll go away in three weeks. THREE WEEKS?! I was terrified l. Thankfully after just a week they're back to normal. 

3. Dignity- Yup, you'll lose that and not feel ashamed. There was a lot of things that I used to care about that went out the window after I had Ellie. I basically was useless the first few days and could barely bathe or dress myself. Caleb was the biggest help and never once refused..no matter what I asked of him. 

4. Bleeding- Okay, I knew that I would bleed a lot. But what I didn't know is that while in the hospital nurses would press on my stomach and push out blood every so often....as if I wasn't tired of pain already. They have to make sure your uterus is going back down and it's not like they press to hard, but after going through labor and delivery. It's not a nice feeling. I didn't want anyone touching me after I gave birth...so it was just miserable. And they aren't kidding when they say you'll be wearing a diaper. But after putting in healing tuks pads and pain reliving spray, I had not a single care about what I was wearing, at the time. 

5. Aches and pains- After delivery I experienced the worst body aches. And they didn't go away until the second week. I literally felt like my whole body was beaten up. I actually looked like it because I bruise so easily and I had a lot of IVs in both arms so I had so many bruises. And if you have back labor, or something happens to your back during labor. Be prepared for it to hurt really bad afterwards. I see a chiropractor and I highly suggest going to one after you give birth to set your spine back into place. 

6. Cramps and contractions- I don't think I knew about this. When I got home from the hospital I started having the worst cramps I have felt. Thankfully I know quite a few people who have given birth that reassured me that they're normal and it's just everything contracting into place. But I seriously thought I was about to have another baby....(yes, I'm pretty dramatic) 

7. Breastfeeding- This is probably a whole other post within itself. But I never knew how hard breastfeeding was. And I'm talking about the pain. I think I have forgotten all about the birth pain because every time I fed Ellie I just cringe because it hurts so bad. I was told the first few weeks are the worst so I just did everything I could to distract myself...."conceal...don't feel...."

8. Emotional Mess- While I was pregnant, I actually didn't have crazy mood swings. Of course I could be moody here and there but not the "typical" pregnancy mood swings you hear of. The week after I had Ellie...I cried. A lot. Anything would put me in tears. Most of the time it was just looking at her. Poor Caleb would ask me what's wrong and I would say I have no clue. We would end up laughing about it because I was warned that I would be flooded with emotions. Of course I thought that I would be in the clear since I handled pregnancy emotions well. Nope. I wasn't. And I still will cry over things. Mainly unknown. 

9. Exhaustion- Not only are you trying to recover...but you have a little life that you have to care for. Most newborns have their days and nights mixed up, so you can kiss a goodnight's sleep goodbye for a long time. I have never felt so tired but yet I still find energy to take care of her. It's a weird feeling. But I certainly long for a night's sleep without interruptions. And sleeping when the baby sleeps? Uhhh yeah that's not possible when I know have things to do like clean, laundry, make food, shower, and  etc. Even though I should rest more because I can't recover unless I'm rested. 

10. Your body- It's hard to describe. But you will not feel like you even know your body. Which makes sense because you just went through so many changes in a matter of hours. And the feeling of "normal" won't return for weeks but it slowly comes back. 

In the end of it all. You will feel the most deep indescribable love for someone. And everything that you're feeling kind of just goes away. You're putting someone else's needs before your own and I think that's why it's easy to forget all the pain that we just went through. And even though I had a really hard labor and delivery, it was all worth it for my daughter. I would go through it all again, just for her.

I Wasn't Prepared For....

When you're pregnant you get told a lot of advice, stories, dos, and don'ts. Many people will tell you about their pregnancy and tell you to prepare for certain stages. Like prepare to completely break down when your shirts become belly shirts and your jeans don't go past your hips. Or to prepare for the crazy cravings that hit and you make your husband run to the store after a long day at work. You read all the books, articles, and download a hundred different pregnancy apps all to prepare you for what's ahead. 

I was prepared for every stage of pregnancy. 

Then the closer you get to your due date you'll start to prepare for labor. You'll decorate the nursery, plan baby's coming home outfit, and pack your hospital bag. You'll prepare for labor and delivery by taking a childbirth class and reading articles online. Or you'll watch birth videos on YouTube. 

I was prepared (as much as I could be) to give birth. 

But what I wasn't prepared for was for everything that happens after pregnancy. 

I wasn't prepared to feel such a deep love for someone I didn't even know. Or to shed so many tears. I wasn't prepared to fall even more in love with my husband by watching him turn into a father. Or to cry just by watching him take a million pictures because he just can't get enough of his little girl. I wasn't prepared to feel such a strong sense of being a mama bear. I do everything in my willpower to protect my baby and to keep her safe. 

I wasn't prepared for all the happy dances my husband and I would do over her little burps and for everytime there's a poopy diaper. Or saying bless you everytime we hear a little sneeze. I wasn't prepared for all of the lack of sleep but in those quiet hours of the night are times I cherish because I know one day will come when I won't be awoken and needed at night. 

I wasn't prepared to put someone else's needs before mine so much that I'll forget to eat but it doesn't matter as long as she is happy and taken care of. 

I wasn't prepared to feel a even more deeper connection with my husband as we both learn how to be parents and to figure things out together. Or that my love only grows stronger for him as he gently kisses her forehead everytime he holds her. 

I wasn't prepared to have to hold myself together watching someone prick her foot and squeeze blood out of it to check her jaundice levels every week. But I had to be strong for her because I knew she needed her momma for comfort. 

I wasn't prepared for all the struggles breastfeeding would bring. All the pain I knew. But I wasn't prepared for her to develop breastfeeding jaundice and to be losing weight, and having a doctor basically tell me I'm a horrible mom because it just seemed like she wasn't getting enough to eat. I was told to supplement countless times. Something in me just didn't feel right about formula and I knew breastmilk is the best thing for her.  So I didn't give up. And now her jaundice is almost gone and she's gaining weight. Newborn diapers are a thing of the past and she's now in 0-3 months clothes. 

I wasn't prepared for little eyes to look up at me and smile making my heart just explode. And to shed even more tears seeing her grow up right before my eyes. Or to just stare at her in awe of just how beautiful she is. 

I wasn't prepared for what motherhood would bring. Of course I have wanted to be a mom, probably my whole life. But there aren't any books or apps that prepare you for motherhood. It's just something you learn along the way.

God gave me his greatest gift, and I will always feel incredibly blessed that he chose me to be her mom. And I promise to my daughter that I'll be the best mom to her. 

❤️

One Month

One month! 

How do I have a one month old already?! Time has been flying...didn't I say that a lot when I was pregnant? 

Being a mom is one of the most exhausting, frustrating, and hardest jobs. But it's even more amazing, rewarding, and most joyous. My daughter brings so much joy to my life. Having a baby is such a blessing. It's such an incredible feeling looking down at her and knowing that just 10 months ago she was no bigger than a poppyseed and now she's here in my arms. 

So how has Ellie been?! I decided to continue updates but not of me anymore. I'll be doing monthly updates of her! She's constantly growing and I wanted a way to document(and remember) things. So here's her one month update! 

1 Month

Weight: 7 lbs 8 oz is what she weighed at the doctors. 

Height: 21 3/4 in

Eye Color: Blue gray. But I know they'll change 

Hair Color: Light brown

Diaper Size: Newborn but even those can be a little big depending on the brand. I love the honest company diapers but they seem to run big. 

Clothes Size: Newborn still. I've had to buy more because most of the outfits are 0-3 months and she swims in them still. 

Sleep: Oh little girl, she will sleep amazing if me or her daddy is holding her. But as soon as we put her down she wakes up. We have a little bassinet in our room to keep her close and she just doesn't like it. So far she will sleep 2 hours in it. Hopefully here soon she gets used to it because I'd love longer sleep stretches. 

Eating: Every 2-3 hours during the day. At night she can sometimes go for four hours but that's still rare. She has days where she will want to eat every single hour. You'd think she would be 10lbs with how much she eats. 

Likes: Eating. She would probably just eat constantly if I let her. She loves music, when she fusses we will put music on and she'll get quiet to listen. Loves bathtime. Loves to lay in daddy's lap when he's playing video games. Sleeping cuddled up in a warm blanket close to us, it's my favorite too! Nothing like having a cuddly warm baby. She loves car rides and target trips. 
Dislikes: Getting her diaper changed. Hates it. And being naked in general. Also she hates to be moved if she's comfortable. And really throws a fit if mommy is taking to long to feed her. 
Milestones: She's already holding her head up so much. I've gotten a few smiles and one or two coos. Of course it could be gas. But I'll take it! 
Firsts: She had her first bath in her tub at 2 weeks old. It was hard at first because her daddy has to hold her since she's so little. First target trip when she was just a week old. We took her on her first walk last week since the weather here was unusually warm. She lasted about 5 minutes. 
Personality: Even for being a month old. She already has a tiny personality. But I know it's only going to grow and I'm so excited to see her develop one. 

❤️

I got the outline from this gorgeous momma' blog: http://lauraplusco.blogspot.com/2015/10/emma-1-month.html?m=1

Definitely check out her blog. Her little girl is so adorable!

Birth Story

Introducing Ellexia Skye Cheek

Born October 16th at 11:18 P.M 

7lbs 6.5 Oz

20.5 in long

Pure Perfection

As I sit here type this, I look over and see this girl's sweet face. The long awaited arrival of our little princess came to an end Friday evening on October 16th. All of the pain, sickness, and discomfort melted away when I met her for the first time. 

My entire pregnancy I planned on the most natural birth as possible. No drugs, no interventions, and especially I didn't want to be induced.  Well as a first time mom I was told things won't go as planned. So here's Ellie's birth story. I'll try to be as detailed as possible but I have already forgotten a lot. 

So I knew my due date was coming up and each week at the doctors there wasn't much progress as in my cervix wasn't dilating even though I would get steady contractions. But they would go away. Her head was low and I was thinning out but that all only means so much. So when I hit 40 weeks I knew that the possibility of me being induced was growing. So once 40 weeks came and went. We had the option for me to be induced after 41 weeks. After feeling miserable and just ready to have her I decided that we would see how she's doing and go from there. 

On Wednesday October 14th, I had an NST scheduled. Which is just a non stress test to make sure the baby is doing okay. She passed with flying colors. Then we headed to get an ultrasound, we had one the week before to check her fluid levels and they were great. If they were the same then I would be okay waiting longer. Well I noticed right away that it was significantly lower. And they were. So that right there made me decide that getting induced was the best thing and that I just needed to be okay with not going into labor on my own. 

Thursday October 15th was the evening we headed to the hospital to start the induction process. I was so emotional that tears were flowing before we left. Mainly because we were going to be meeting our daughter the next day. But also because I'm terrified of the hospital. I should be considered "flight risk" because I'd do anything to get out of there. No joke. But this occasion would bring our bundle of joy and that's what I focused on. At the hospital as soon as we arrived they admitted us to our room. And I got hooked up to the lovely monitors. Earlier that day I was starting to have contractions but they weren't strong or regular. So the doctor came in and gave me cervidal....I'm not sure how to spell it...anyways that was horrible. It felt like Velcro being shoved up me. Not pleasant. After awhile my contractions were starting to get stronger. Around 12 they were back to back but I wasn't dilating. It was going to be a long night as I was in a lot of pain. I told Caleb that I needed something because I was just to uncomfortable and I needed sleep. I didn't want an epidural so soon so my only option was pain meds through my IV. Not what I wanted at all. But I needed sleep. So after I got the medicine I had a terrible reaction to it. I started to freak out because I felt so weird and sick. That stuff made me have some weird dreams. It lasted for about three hours and I got maybe an hour sleep. Yes it took my pain away but it had some horrible side effects. 

Friday October 16th. After a rough night I knew things were going to get harder. But nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to go through. 

At about 7am my doctor came in to check me. I was only a half centimeter dilated. I felt really bummed and angry. So she was able to make me a full centimeter because my cervix was completely thinned out. And she broke my water. So things were going to progress from here. I was given a low dose of pitocin to help steady contractions so my body could dilate. About an hour or so later I was having terrible contractions in my back. They definitely were consistent and the only thing that helped was Caleb putting pressure on my back. This only worked for so long. I knew that I would get an epidural at some point but the nurse said I needed to decide soon because the anesthesiologist was already on the floor administrating them and I'd be third. So after talking it over with Caleb I decided to get one. And once again help me rest because I was so exhausted already. I was more scared of the epidural because of hearing stories but it honestly wasn't bad at all. The doctor was amazing and I may have felt a few pinches. But after it was in I felt so much better and could finally rest. Well after about an hour the pain returned, but much stronger. They increased the maximum dosage of the epidural but it wasn't helping. I was indeed having back labor. Which is way more intense and painful than regular labor. Now I'll be honest after this point things are a bit blurry. For awhile Caleb was coaching me through and got a cold damp cloth that I had over my eyes from that point on. After awhile my dad came and I had my dad on one side talking me through and Caleb on the other helping me breathe through them. This whole pregnancy I thought I didn't want anyone in the room while I was laboring. But I was in such a focused state of mind that I really didn't care what was happening around me. In the room was my mom, dad, Caleb, and my niece Alissa. All of them helped and supported me through each and every second. Around 5 or 6 pm I was about 7 centimeters dilated and the doctor told everyone that I should be ready to push by 8! Everyone was so happy because we were getting closer and closer. I was happy but I knew the contractions were about to get stronger and stronger. But having the best support I made it through. Side note: I was extremely nauseous because of the pain but my body wouldn't throw up so I dealt with horrible hiccups after each contraction. Is that even a thing?! Around 8:15 pm I was fully dilated and ready to push! I was so relieved. Once the room cleared out it was just Caleb and I because I knew that's how I wanted things. And he was such an amazing support the whole time. Well after a few pushes I was so numb that I just couldn't feel anything...which made it impossible to push. So they turned off the epidural. After this I only remember a few things. But I literally couldn't push. I was so weak and exhausted that I kept telling Caleb I couldn't do it. Of course he told me I could but I was just so tired. I looked at Caleb and we both knew that the possibility of a c-section was becoming more real because I didn't have anything left in me. After pushing for 2 and half hours or so my doctor finally came in and said we are having this baby, now. Around the same time Caleb sent out a text to his mom who was in the waiting room along with the rest of our family and close friends asking them all to pray for me to have strength since I was feeling so done. I later found out they all formed a circle, held hands and prayed. A few moments later I felt a burst of energy soar through my body and I was determined to bring my daughter into this world. 30 minutes later we welcomed the most beautiful & perfect baby girl into the world. It was such an amazing moment finally having her placed in my arms. I cried, her daddy cried. We were so in love and happy to have her in our arms.
After some skin to skin time, they cleaned her up a little and Caleb sent out to tell everyone the news. Well my family being who they are happened to ask the nurses an update since it was getting later and later and they announced that she was here...of course they all cheered and couldn't wait to come back. Before Caleb could go get them they were all heading down the hallway. The moment everyone laid eyes on her there wasn't a dry eye. 
The rest of the night after our visitors left, I spent the entire night just holding her. I couldn't sleep. I didn't want to sleep. How could you sleep when you just met your baby for the first time? 
I had a hard labor. Which led to pushing for 3 hours. And an even harder recovery. Was it the labor and delivery I pictured? Not at all. I wanted a drug free labor but with being induced, it was much harder on my body so I had to get an epidural. Even though it didn't work. I also didn't know what to expect. No one could have prepared for labor and delivery. Not even someone's most horrible labor story. But looking at my daughter, all of the pain was worth it. She's the most precious little girl and I couldn't thank God enough for blessing Caleb and I with her. Without God, Caleb, family, and friends. I couldn't have made it through. Everyone who was praying for us, just know how thankful I am for you. I know as the months pass I'll forget most of how everything felt. But I'll never forget how strong Caleb was through everything, and the love and support I felt by him and everyone else. 

Here is a few pictures of Ellie's first few days <3 

Thursday night-The calm before the storm! 

 When in labor...you freeze out your husband..

Ellexia being held by her pappap for the first time

 Auntie Alissa holding her for the first time

 With her daddy <3

Her daddy got to change her first diaper..which happened to be the first diaper he ever changed.

 My sweet little girl

My little family.
My heart is so full and I can't imagine my life any different

<3 

40 Weeks!

Today is my due date!! It's such a beautiful day too! 
40 weeks!
And guess what....no baby yet! 
Which I had a feeling she wouldn't come before her due date. At every appointment she has always measured exactly on time, and once she was a week behind. 
But with that said...I'm beyond ready for her to move out and make her appearance! Since last Wednesday I've been really uncomfortable and pretty miserable. I have defiantly been soaking in these last few days with her in my belly. But at this point all I want is her here on the outside. It's kind of hard to enjoy things when I just am feeling pretty crappy. 

I'm taking these days to make sure we are prepared for our little one. I realized after I got out of the hospital last week that we still had things we needed to do and buy. So thankfully as of today, we are officially done and there isn't anything left to do except to wait. Which has been driving me crazy. I know I'm suppose to rest but I find myself cleaning and organizing(well reorganizing) almost anything I can. Or I go out shopping because the thought of sitting at home I just can't deal with. I've seen a lot of Target these past few weeks...and Target has gotten a lot of my money...
You'd think for feeling crappy I wouldn't want to do anything...well that's the funny thing about pregnancy. NOTHING makes sense at all. 

How far along? 40 Weeks

Total weight gain: 27+ but at my appointment I couldn't see the scale past my belly and I forgot to look. 

Maternity clothes? I have a few maternity shirts I love. If I wear jeans I usually just use a belly band. But mainly I live in leggings and yoga pants. Because it's all about the comfort now. 

Stretch marks? None! I'm crossing my fingers that I just may be lucky enough to not get any! 

Sleep: Horrible...I'm so uncomfortable and get all achy that it makes sleeping impossible. 

Best moment of this week: Hmmm...it FINALLY stopped raining on Sunday. It's my due date and knowing that we will meet our girl soon is just exciting! 

Miss anything? Where do I even begin?! Within the past week I've gotten even more uncomfortable and tired. Which I didn't think was possible. But of course I was proven wrong ;) 

Movement: Yes! She has developed a habit of being pretty calm throughout the day. But at night she goes crazy. Thank goodness all of these months of no sleep have prepared me to possibly have a little night owl. 

Food cravings: None. I find myself extremely hungry. But food just isn't appealing to me. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really 

Gender: A little princess! 

Labor signs: Braxton hicks contractions, and I also have been getting painful ones which could be actual contractions. I'm not dilating, but things are thinned out down there and her head is really low. Any day now! 

Symptoms:  Pressure. Headaches. Back aches. Hip aches. Body aches. Exhaustion. Isn't it lovely?! 

Belly button in or out? It seems to be out/flat

Wedding rings on or off? Off...I have a different ring that I'll wear out. Oh how I can't wait to wear my rings again! 

Happy or moody most of the time: I've found myself to be pretty on edge lately. I have zero tolerance for, well just life in general right now. But I'm SO happy and excited that it's now down to just days until we FINALLY meet our baby girl! 

Looking forward to: To meeting this little girl! Seriously little lady, you can come like now ^_^ 

<3