Back to Work

Today was my first day back at work and Hailey's first day of school. Okay, so she's actually not in the preschool section yet, but I know she will be all too soon. She's growing so quickly already!

I was pretty worried about how we both would do today. She's not always a happy girl and I was afraid she would scream all day. Then there's her big crybaby momma - having a baby really changes a person. I now understand why my mom would tear up over the silliest little things when it came to us kids. I even cry over songs on the radio, there's several out right now about little girls growing up and I just bawl like a baby while I drive down the road (pathetic I know)

Anyways, we survived. I think we both did pretty well. I only cried a few tears after dropping her off and the ladies at daycare said she was very good today. Enough writing for now, I gotta hold my sweet girl!

Be Mine

Hailey's first Valentine's day!

Since it was Hailey's first holiday, I wanted to make it special. Besides, it was a chance try out my creative mom skills. We decided to make Valentines and have her deliver them. We had Valentine cards made using her picture and baked heart shaped cookies.

We had several stops to make so we started Friday night. We got her dressed in her heart outfit and set out to spread Valentine hugs. Saturday was a little rough. Hailey had a tummy ache and was tired from being out all day. Considering she's only a month old, I probably tried to overdo it, but isn't that what moms are supposed to do?? Overall, we had a good time and I think everyone really enjoyed getting their special valentine.

One Month Old!!!

One Month Old 2/10/2009

Our baby girl is a month old already! The time has really gone by fast.

I really don't know what to write about. It seems like we've been so busy, but then again I really haven't done that much at all! I've started her scrapbook, but only got a few pages done, closets still need organized, and there's always baby clothes and bottles to wash.

We spend most days at home just relaxing, however mommy gets very little rest most days - she keeps me so busy! Things are calming down a bit now. It seems like little by little she is becoming more aware of things and likes to spend time just staring at anything that happens to catch her eye - fans, lamps, windows....

Perhaps most surprising is how strong she is! From day one she's been really curious and eager to check out her surroundings. She now holds her head up for quite a bit while on her tummy. It's so cute, you can tell she tries so hard! Check out the video below.

Hailey is also developing her facial expressions - she has this one I call her "old man look" when she squints her eyes and sucks her lip in, usually right before she starts to cry. She is also very good at pouting! Boy, we're gonna be in trouble when she gets older!

Yesterday we went to visit daycare again. They were all eager to meet Hailey! I'm getting a little sad about having to go back to work in two weeks - I just now feel like we're getting used to each other. For now, I'm just trying to make the most of every minute I have left!

Here's some of my favorite pics from the past couple weeks...

17 days

20 days

Hailey & Charley Bear

Hailey & Daddy

Hailey & Mommy

Surviving Week Two

When they talk about the "terrible twos" I didn't know they meant 2 weeks! The past week was quite challenging and we are all quite exhausted!

Hailey spent several days last week screaming her head off. Nothing I did seemed to help - I felt like a bad mom, but sometimes all I could do was let her yell. And let me tell ya, the girl has some healthy lungs! Not fun when momma has a horrible headache.

We did have our first shopping trip on Wednesday. That was alot of fun. It felt so strange to be pushing a stroller through the mall, something about it makes you feel really old. While on our little adventure, Hailey lost her belly button. It was so gross, I almost freaked! I'm so glad that nasty thing is gone, but it was a little sad cause that was what connected her to me.

This morning was her 2 week checkup. The doctor said she looks good, almost back up to her birth weight. I asked about her being so fussy and acting like she was hungry all the time - come to find out, I'm not feeding her enough! My poor baby -her momma is starving her! I would be fussy too if I wasn't getting fed.

I know it just takes some time for all of us to adjust, but hopefully week three will be a little better!

Talking with Daddy

Shopping!

Today was our first Hailey and momma shopping trip!

We started the day by going to daddy's work to show her off. Then we went and picked up my mom - I really wanted an extra body around in case things got out of hand. I could just see myself having a meltdown in the mall parking lot because I couldn't figure out the stroller!

We bought a baby book, went to Toys R Us, had lunch, and then went to find some scrapbooking supplies. This time I really do intend to actually put stuff in a book! I know if I don't start now, it will never get done - kinda like the wedding and honeymoon stuff from 3 years ago that's still in a box in the closet. So that's my goal for the remainder of my maternity leave. Get organized and start Hailey's scrapbook.

Hailey was so good today - she didn't cry once! I will say that its hard work to get yourself and a baby ready to go somewhere and then lug a car seat around all day. We're both worn out, but I'm sure we'll get the hang of it. I can't wait til she's a little older, she will be a great shopping buddy!

The First Week

We survived the first week! Hailey is happy and healthy, the dog hasn't gone totally nuts, and I still have my hair!

We got Hailey home and settled before introducing her to our dog Oliver. We were not quite sure how that was going go - Oliver has been our baby for the past 3 years. I when I say baby, I mean it! He is so spoiled, he doesn't realize he's a dog! Oliver did surprisingly well. He was curious more than anything and just wanted to stiff everything, his tail was wagging 100 miles an hour. So far he seems to really like her, he always has to know where the baby is and is quick to let me know every time she makes a peep.

Oliver sees Hailey for the first time

Protective Big Brother

The first couple nights at home were pretty bad. We were so worn out, and she just would not sleep. Its amazing what little sleep the body actually needs to function. Sure, you feel like crap, but somehow you just keep going.

3 days old

So far, the postpartum blues haven't been too bad. I am a little more emotional now and seem to cry easily, but it doesn't usually last more than a couple minutes and then I'm fine and ready to continue my day - dang hormones! I am kinda curious to see what happens in a few weeks once they start leveling off. I really think I'm nicer now than before I was pregnant, I hope it stays that way!


Wednesday was a busy day. Hailey had her newborn checkup that morning. She weighs 7lbs 9-1/2oz. She lost about 1/2 pound which they say is pretty normal. While they were checking her, she messed right there on the exam table, I was so embarrassed! But the nurse assured me that it happens all the time. Wednesday afternoon, Katie brought her little boy Tatum over to play. It was so cute! He is only 6 weeks older than Hailey, it was amazing to see how much they change in just a few short weeks. Hailey got to stay with my parents for a couple hours that evening while Kevin and I went to buy more baby stuff. Yes, its never ending! I was a little worried to leave her, but it was nice to get out of the house. We ended up talking about her the whole time, of course!


The past couple days have been better. She is sleeping longer, so we are at least getting a few straight hours of sleep. We're finally starting to get the hang of this whole parenthood thing. The first couple days we were so careful, now we just plop her down change her diaper and not worry so much. Still working on the bath though, she absolutely hates it! I've also learned to do many things one handed - so if you ever see a misspelled word or a stray symbol mixed in my blog, its probably cause I'm typing one handed at 3 in the morning!

Chillin after a bath

I'm hoping next week is a little warmer so I can get her out and show her off a little. I can't believe our angel is already a week old! Its both exciting and sad to know they grow so fast.

5 days old

Hailey's Arrival

After all the delay and disappointment on Friday, we got up at 4:30am Saturday to head to the hospital. This time they actually had a room for me and my paperwork was ready to go. They said I was lucky to have even got in Saturday because it was so busy, something about a full moon and the changing weather (don't know how superstitious ya'll are - but there were 13 babies born Saturday!)

They took us back to my labor room, told me to put on my hospital gown and got down to business - by the end of the day, I was gonna have a baby! Surprisingly I wasn't nervous. I figured I would have been a nervous wreck! I've never been in the hospital or had any type of major medical procedure -not even a broken bone.

Overall, my labor went well. They started my pitocin about 7:30 and then broke my water a little after noon (talk about one of the most disgusting feelings ever!) At first I felt pretty good and even had the nurse turn up the dosage to increase my contractions, but a couple hours later it caught up to me. It hurt so bad and there was nothing I could do but ball up and cry. I know that was hard for Kevin to see, but he was by my side the whole time. After the epidural, I was feeling pretty good. I probably could have slept most of the time if it weren't for the nurses running in and out. So, now the wait begins.....

My progress was pretty slow, but atleast I wasn't in much pain. The worst was that my legs were so numb, Kevin had to move them for me. Finally about 7:00 that night things started happening. Little by little time was getting closer.

All of a sudden, I was sick to my stomach. The nurses said that meant it was time. Next thing I knew, they were telling me to push. I'm not sure how long it really took, but it seemed like maybe 10 minutes.

Hailey Brooke was born at 9:18pm. She was 8lbs 3oz and 21 3/4 inches long. I will never forget seeing and hearing my baby girl for the first time. What an awesome and rewarding experience! I really felt so proud of myself! I'm also proud of Kevin for being so strong through it all. I know that he saw things that he never imagined and doesn't care about seeing again, but he was a trooper and so supportive. I'm so lucky to have such a loving husband! He's gonna be a great daddy!

Okay, enough mushy stuff. Soon my room filled with family and friends all waiting to see the new arrival. It was a little overwhelming at first, but I'm thankful to be surrounded by so many loving people. Things finally settled down about 2:30am and it was time to end our stressful and joyous 22 hour day.

We spent Sunday and Monday in the hospital, and I think that was worse than the labor and delivery itself. I was really sore and sooooo tired! The hospital beds are the most uncomfortable things ever and I just wanted to come home! We passed the time by visiting with more family and friends - Hailey is quite popular already!

We finally made it home late Monday afternoon and couldn't have been happier. Now begins the first few crazy days at home, but I'll save that for a later posting.

It's Gonna Be A Long Day!

Well, It's Friday January 9th 2009 --Hailey's Due Date!

My Last Big Belly Pic





We're just sitting waiting for the hospital to call, so might as well update the blog to help pass some time.



This week was very busy! On Tuesday we had a baby shower at Kevin's work. The girls he works with wanted to surprise him so they snuck me into the party. It was so much fun and we got a ton of much needed clothes, diapers, and a baby gym!

Kevin was surprised!

Maggie made a diaper cake!

Wednesday was my last checkup with Dr. M, Hailey is ready to go so they scheduled us to go in at 7 Friday morning. We have been so excited. I think I've slept a total of 6-7 hours in the past couple days. (Guess I better be getting used to that!)



So that brings us to now, I got up before 5 this morning, got ready and tried to keep my nerves calm. We arrived at the hosptial at 7 this morning, only to be told there were no rooms available for us! They sent us back home and told us they would call later. I was so upset! Now I get to go through all the nervous jitters all over again. I'm hoping they call soon..... I can't wait to see my little girl!

Our First Post!

Welcome to our blog! We plan to use this as a way to keep everyone updated on the latest baby news. Hailey should be here any day now, so what a great time to start journaling her life!

We found out we were having a baby on May 8th, 2008 - just in time for Mother's Day. I remember the flood of emotions as I stood there staring at that test, first the excitement, then disbelief, fear, and excitement once again. We had been planning a baby for awhile and couldn't have been more thirlled!

Our first appointment was May 27th. That three week wait seemed like an eternity! They did an ultrasound and there it was a tiny flickering blob, looked nothing like a baby yet, but it was still the cutest thing I had ever seen!

Baby Johnson's first pic

June 24th, 2008

11 weeks 2 days and growing like a weed!

August 20th was the big ultrasound! Baby Johnson is a girl! I'm so happy. I was really hoping for a sweet little girl, but was having really strong boy vibes. I just couldn't hardly believe it.

We spent the next several months looking for baby stuff, finding a pediatrican, choosing a daycare and all those important decisions that drive us crazy. I mean these are decisions that are going to affect a life besides just my own! I already worry about the little life growing inside me and feel the need to protect her from all the bad and worrysome things of the world. How am I supposed to protect my little girl from the mean kids on the playground, the horrors of the junior high years, and heaven forbid- the boys! I know, I know--all that stuff is years from now, but the mother lion in me is already starting to show!

I have had a really easy pregnancy, never really had any morning sickness to complain about and overall no major mood swings. I have had a couple blue days when I just felt like crying for no reason, but no crazy, psycho, preggo chick days. Kevin thinks I've actually been nicer since I've been pregnant. Better watch out, he might just want to keep me pregnant all the time. Hey maybe that's why those Duggar people have 18 kids.... I also haven't gained too much weight. I'm just all belly. I've been compared to "an egg on stilts" and "pregnant barbie" I can see the egg one, but barbie??? I wish!!!

A couple preggo pics!

The month of November was filled with baby showers! The first one was with Kevin's family at his Aunt Cathy's house. Some friends and my work buddies from my old job were there. It was fun and I got some beautiful handmade blankets.

Next, was a surprise baby shower at work. I had gone to lunch and when I returned I was showered with gifts and cake from my co-workers. Its so nice to work with such great people!

Then it was time for a baby shower given by my aunts. Again, I got many nice things and can't wait for Hailey to use them. I really appreciate all the hard work and time that everyone spent on making the arrival of our little one so special!

The months have really flown by. We spent the holidays with family and friends and have been trying to savor these last few weeks as just husband and wife. I'm sad to know that it will never again be just the two of us, but then overcome by the excitement of being mommy and daddy! The bags are packed and ready to go, we can't wait for our little Hailey Brooke to arrive!!!