Wednesday, December 21, 2011

2 month pictures

Emma had a fever yesterday and all last night until this morning.  I was worried this morning because she had a snotty nose/throat and sounded congested... hoping it gets better.  Seems like her fever has finally reduced--so hopefully that means the rest of the stuff will go away as well... I know a lot of people are looking forward to meeting her this weekend!  You can just see it in her eyes and her cry that she feels yucky, my poor love buggy!!  She has slept a ton today!  I think I will go get a humidifier when Daddy gets home and run that tonight just in case! 

Here are her 2 month pictures!!



Tuesday, December 20, 2011

2 months

Emma had her 2 month appointment this morning.  She currently weighs 13 lbs. 14 oz., is 23 3/4 inches long, and has a 40 cm head circumference.
She received 4 immunizations (3 injections and 1 oral).  I gave Emma some Tylenol this morning to prevent a fever and then she will get a dose again before going to sleep.  She won't see the doctor again until her 3 month check up.
Emma just started giving me some smiles in response to funny faces I have been giving her!  She follows us as we talk and looks for areas where she hears noises.  Also, she has been sleeping through the night recently; going to sleep around 11 and not waking up until about 4.
Emma is about to have her first Christmas.  We will celebrate here at the house with my Dad and brother Friday.  Then, Saturday morning we will leave for Natchitoches, LA until Monday.
I will post pictures and her 2 month picture shortly.

XOXO 

Milestone Chart

Child's Age
Mastered Skills (most kids can do)

Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)

Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
1 monthLifts head when lying on tummy
Responds to sound
Stares at faces
Follows objects briefly with eyes
Vocalizes: oohs and aahs
Can see black-and-white patterns
Smiles, laughs
Holds head at 45-degree angle
2 monthsVocalizes: gurgles and coos
Follows objects across field of vision
Notices his hands
Holds head up for short periods
Smiles, laughs
Holds head at 45-degree angle
Makes smoother movements
Holds head steady
Can bear weight on legs
Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup)
3 monthsRecognizes your face and scent
Holds head steady
Visually tracks moving objects
Squeals, gurgles, coos
Blows bubbles
Recognizes your voice
Does mini-pushup
Rolls over, from tummy to back
Turns toward loud sounds
Can bring hands together, bats at toys
4 monthsSmiles, laughs
Can bear weight on legs
Coos when you talk to him
Can grasp a toy
Rolls over, from tummy to back
Imitates sounds: "baba," "dada"
Cuts first tooth
May be ready for solid foods
5 monthsDistinguishes between bold colors
Plays with his hands and feet
Recognizes own name
Turns toward new sounds
Rolls over in both directions
Sits momentarily without support
Mouths objects
Separation anxiety may begin
6 monthsTurns toward sounds and voices
Imitates sounds
Rolls over in both directions
Is ready for solid foods
Sits without support
Mouths objects
Passes objects from hand to hand
Lunges forward or starts crawling
Jabbers or combines syllables
Drags objects toward himself

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Emma 0-1 month










6 weeks old!

My how time moves so quickly!  It seems like Bo and I were just in Italy having just found out we were pregnant, and now here she is!  Pregnancy seemed to move quick except the last few painful months, hehe.
Emma is growing so quickly.  She has such a strong neck and has been holding her head up at tummy time pretty well, often pushing herself up on her arms.   She is really beginning to focus our faces, pictures, and objects close by.  Recently, she became fascinated with the mirror while we change her diaper.  She spends a lot of the time grunting haha, and crying when she gets hungry or wants to be held.  She loves to lay on our chests the most.  I can't wait for her first "real" smile and laugh. 
Emma has her 6 week old appointment tomorrow.  She will be measured (weight, length, and head circumference) and receive half of her immunizations.  Just two weeks ago I took her in for a diaper rash that seemed painful.  At that appointment she was already 9lbs 15oz!   I wonder how much she weighs now?  11lbs or 12lbs?!?!  She is becoming such a chunky monkey, and I have no complaints about that-it's ADORABLE!
Grandma and Grandpa are coming over this Saturday to babysit! And, Grandpa's birthday is Friday!  Bo and I are attending the UH football game, GO COOGS!  This will be our first outing together without Emma... I know it's going to be hard to leave and I'll probably be dealing with separation anxiety as soon as I close the car door, but I know she is in good hands.  Grandma knows what she is doing having been with Emma every chance we get, many Wednesday's and many weekends.  Saturday will be a great day for us all :)
I am going to be posting pictures and an update about tomorrow's appointment, check back!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Updates!!

Emma had her 2 week appointment today.  She is 7lbs 15oz, 21 inches long, and has a 35cm head circumference.  She is in the 75th percentile for her age.  She feeds every 2-3 hours eating about 3-4 ounces at a time.  She sleeps most of the day and has been waking up with an uncomfortable tummy for a few hours a night, which we are hoping some Mylicon drops help break up those gas bubbles to make her more comfortable from here on out.  Her next appointment will be when she is 6 weeks old, December 2nd, and then she will have monthly check up after that.  Emma is so sweet and loveable!!!!

Also, Emma had her newborn photo session yesterday and I am excited to leave the "sneak peek" link here for you to enjoy a few sample pictures:
http://kerrimathisphotography.com/blog/?p=1403

Monday, October 24, 2011

She is here!

Our beautiful daughter arrived into the world on October 21, 2011 at 7:40pm weighing 7lbs and 9oz and 19 inches long.

We were discharged from the hospital yesterday around 4pm and were told to come back this morning for a Bilirubin test to check her levels (related to Jaundice).  We got back home and received a phone call from the pediatrician saying her levels were higher than when they were checked yesterday; therefore we have to alternate between formula and breast milk.  Also, we need to keep her in direct sunlight for 15-20 minutes 3 times a day.  We go back tomorrow to have her levels checked again.  Wednesday we will be back at the doctor to have a followup appointment after being released from the hospital. 

So far, it has been very busy and difficult to get in a routine and settled, but hopefully that will happen very soon.  I am so glad Bo was able to take off this week and stay home with Emma and I while we recuperate and learn/establish a routine and Emma's patterns!!!!  I look forward to every minute we are able to spend together bonding with our daughter and each other.  She is the sweetest thing and I don't know how I could live without her.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Almost 38 weeks....

Okay!  Almost done cooking this little girl in my belly.  Right now I am 3 centimeters and 80% effaced (meaning my cervix has softened/thinned almost to the max).  My next doctor appointment is scheduled for October 25 (Tuesday) at 3:50. 
Hoping for labor to begin soon :)  Maybe the next posting will be pictures of baby Emma!!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Doctor appointment update

This mornings doctor appointment revealed that I am 3 centimeters dialated!  The doctor said that she would be surprised if I made it another week.  If I do, my next appointment is next Wednesday, October 19th at 3:30.  Since I had another episode last Thursday of contractions, she told me that if I feel something similar that stays consistent every 5 minutes to call the after hours number and head to labor and delivery at the hospital (or if I obviously lose the mucus plug or my water breaks of course). 

Tomorrow my team is throwing me a baby shower :)  I was supposed to be going to my friends baby shower this Saturday, but since it is halfway to Austin I was told to stay near the house/Houston instead.  Also, there is another baby shower for me that MIL friends are throwing for me on Sunday as well... let's see if Emma wants me to enjoy that or not :) 

I will update very soon!! Good-Night!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

36 weeks and counting!

Closer to Delivery Day now!! 
I learned that Emma has "beautiful" anatomy and is fully developed and looking great.  Perfect heart, lungs, kidney, liver, spine, brain, etc... even that she has some big ole feet like her mama (they are a little over 3 inches).  Also, Emma has quite a bit of hair growing!  She is weighing 6lbs 10oz at the moment.  She is running quite big for the amount of weeks pregnant (80th percentile). 
Another piece of news--I am already 1-2 centimeters dialated!  Which makes me very happy and quite nervous all at the same time.  She could be, more then likely, gracing us with her presence in just a few short weeks.   

Things on my TO DO LIST:
Finish and finalize maternity lesson plans for work (YUCK--biggest 'cause of stress)
Pack a labor/delivery bag
Purchase a bassinet
Purchase a car seat
Get the house cleaned
Wash Emma's clothes we have so far
Attend my weekly doctor appointments from here on out!!!! 

I'll send updates as I learn more information!  Take care xoxo

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Maternity Pictures

Here are some "web versions" of the final pictures!!!

Family-Please let me know what photos you would like to have, and be checking the mail soon for a picture or two!  XOXO



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Maternity Photos Gallery UP!!

Hello!
I would like to invite you to view pictures Allison Neelley - Maternity at http://www.kerrimathisphotography.com/. They are located at http://www.kerrimathisphotography.com/photocart.
When you go to the website, click the Access Gallery link and enter in the access code below:
Email is allisonb1981@yahoo.com
Password is december20
Access code: allison

After you do that, you will be able to view these pictures.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

33 weeks and counting...

We had a slight scare Friday evening... started feeling contractions for about an hour and a half.  Called my doctor and was told to stay off my feet for the night, lay on my left side and drink lots of water (had a hard day at work=on my feet much of the day and lots of walking, maybe a little dehydrated; swollen feet)... Contractions decided to settle down and a warm bath helped relax me.  I have a doctor appointment this Wednesday for my two week check up.

How your baby's growing:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

How your life's changing:

As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course.
You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Maternity Photoshoot "Sneak Peek"

Here is a link to a few photos that were posted on the blog from my photographer!!  I can't wait to see the rest...Enjoy :) 
http://kerrimathisphotography.com/blog/?p=1324

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

32 weeks and counting... (58 days to go)

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Baby, fetus at 32 weeks - BabyCenter
Bo and I had out maternity photo shoot last night.  We were able to capture some amazing pictures with the sun setting (which gave the pictures a beautiful glare).  My photographer is going to send me a "sneak peek" link to the gallery today or tomorrow.  Then it takes roughly 2 weeks to edit the 5 (or more) pictures I choose.  After that I will receive a file containing the images for me save forever and print as much as I like... :)  Family you will be receiving pictures in the mail!!  I will post a few on this blog as well for you to enjoy!  Be looking for an update soon.

XOXO Allison

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Latest Update 9/7/11

Home from my doctor appointment!
My new expected due date is November 5th!!  BUT, that could change again because I am scheduled for an ultrasound to get a more precise length and weight of baby Emma October 5th at 2:00, then afterwards to view results and discuss at 4:00 with my doctor.  All is looking good: weight, measurements, and urine. 
My next appointment (2 week checkup is September 21st)... then 2 weeks later for the ultrasound and followup!! 
I have a cold and my doctor prescribed me some medication that hopefully starts kicking in soon... kinda hard to breath with a nice big belly and clogged nostrils, hehe :)

Maternity photo shoot is Monday... so excited to get some nice pictures taken while I am pregnant!!  I'll post them as soon as they land in my hands... happy Wednesday everyone and enjoy your weekend.  Will post later after I learn more following these next few appointments XOXO

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

31 weeks and counting...

Seems like delivery is right around the corner when the weeks left are listed, but then I realize I still have almost 2 months left!
I have an appointment tomorrow at 3:50 after work to see how things are looking.  I am going to ask my doctor to go a head and schedule the ultrasound she said I could get so we can see how big she actually is and if she is beginning to drop her head for delivery.  I will have another appointment towards the end of the month too.  I am going to get Bo to start showing up to these last few appointments so he knows how close we are getting and what to expect.
Bo seems to think he will be able to attend his friends bachelor party October 22nd weekend in Alabama, but what Daddy doesn't understand is I am considered full term a week before that-haha!!  My anxiety is he is too far away to even get home in time if I did go into labor, why chance that?  I would die!!  The doctor already advised he doesn't attend... but since he hasn't been at my appointments it probably doesn't seem all that "real" to him.  Anyways, anything could happen so I just don't want him to plan something that might not happen.  The closer we get to the date the more information we will know about Emma and her arrival :)
On another note, our weekends are pretty full these days-almost until the time she is due.
Sept 11th Sunday(Texans Opening Day Game)
September 17th Saturday (Daddy's 30th Bday Party)
September 24th Saturday (My Babyshower with friends)
October 1st Saturday (Life with Newborn class)
October 8th Saturday (Couples shower for Jamie and Brent)
October 15th Saturday (Babyshower for Shelley)
October 16th Sunday (Babyshower for me with MIL friends)
October 22nd Saturday (Weekend Daddy thinks he is going to Bachelor Party??)
October 27th Thursday (My 30th Bday)
Nov 5th Saturday (last weekend before expected due date!!)
WHEW!!  I have a feeling the next month is going to fly by and that makes me excited and nervous at the same time!
I'll post more after the doctor appointment tomorrow!

XOXO

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

29 weeks and counting...

Physically: feet are killing me (especially teaching all day), Emma is pushing on my hernia causing some extreme pain near my belly button, getting harder to get comfy at night, starting to swell... such joys of pregnancy :)
Emotionally: lets just say I finally went a day without sobbing like a little baby today!!  Hormones and stress at school took a toll on me this week... but feeling much better now that it's the 4th day of school!
Mentally:  Sooo much to do and not enough hours in the day!!
Overall: Done being pregnant--ready for Emma to be here!
Next appointment is September 7th!!




Friday, August 12, 2011

27 weeks and counting...

Good afternoon everyone, 
I have a lot of information going on here this week!
I am feeling pretty well except for lack of energy and in need of daily naps... but that will be no more next week when I go back to work!

This is the last week of my second trimester, which means next week, at 28 weeks, I will enter my 3rd and FINAL trimester!!!


I am gestational diabetes free!!  But, I have an appointment after work on August 22nd to receive my RhoGam shot. I have Rh-negative blood (A-). I received the RhoGam shot during and after my last pregnancy with Caiden, so I should be completely fine. For those of you who don't know what this RhoGam means and have been asking questions, here is a link to check out http://www.babycenter.com/0_blood-test-for-rh-status-and-antibody-screen_1480.bc?page=1

I had my 3D/4D ultrasound done last week. According to the measurements at that appointment, they believe I am due around November 7th. I tried very hard to get the DVD video linked to this blog, but it doesn't want to post :( I will post some pictures on the blog after this post. It was unreal seeing Emma's on TV screens all over the room. She spent most of the time trying to suck on her toes. Her legs were folded right across her chest and her hands were resting on both sides of her head. She yawned a few times as well. We can't wait to meet her!!!!


Bo and I are scheduled for a maternity photo shoot September 12th!!! This is the link to my photographer
http://www.kerrimathisphotography.com/index2.php?v=v1. Click on "Portfolio" at the bottom of the page and it will take you to a photo album to view.

I cannot wait!! I am very exited to get some nice pictures done of Bo and I with Emma in my belly. Shortly after Emma arrives my photographer will come back out when she is about 10 days old to get some newborn pictures :)

Lastly, Bo and I are registered for a Life With Baby class at Women's Hospital on October 1st from 9-2. Bo and I (mostly Bo, hehe) will learn about the newborn appearance and characteristics, hospital nursery routines, diapering and bathing, newborn illness and when to call the dr., safety basics, basic infant feeding- both breast and bottle, infant sleep states, newborn communication and temperament and coping with crying.  Bo really wants to learn about coping with crying (actually how to prevent Emma from crying)!! 


Well, that is it for now.  Hope everyone is doing great :)

Allison





Monday, August 1, 2011

Life at 26 weeks...

Emma has a daycare she will be attending now!!  Put down the deposit today and am so relieved that they had an opening for her :)  It is in between Bo's work and mine which will work out nicely for us.

Also on the agenda this week is my doctor appointment for all the pregnancy testing on Friday morning.  I will go ahead and register at the hospital after the appointment is over with and pay the first part of the delivery bill. 

Afterwards, Bo and I have an appointment to get our 3D/4D ultrasound done around 1:30.  One of my students gave me a gift certificate at the end of the school year to get this done-so sweet!!

That is about it!!  We will be checking on the delivery of the crib soon so that we can get her room finished up as well.  Getting all of this done before school starts up again...

By the end of this month I will start seeing the doctor every two weeks... I hope the next few months fly by--We are ready to meet our daughter <3 <3

26 weeks and counting...

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.