Stouder Kids Picture Updates

Hi all! Justin and I took some time yesterday to update the pictures on Hayden and Ellery's page. There are pictures of Ellery's birth from our perspective, Pappy and Mimi's and Gram and Pop-Pop's. There are also a couple of pictures taken in the weeks before Ellery's birth under February 2009.

We hope you enjoy taking a look and would love to hear your comments!

Things are still going well at home. Ellery feeds about every 3-4 hours, even during the night. We moved her into her bed and she's been doing really well. She was more awake yesterday and got to spend some eye-opening time with Daddy finally! Hayden is a huge helper and is very gentle with Ellery. He's being such a big boy, and we are so impressed by him.

Hayden has had a cold since Ellery was born, so we've been trying to ensure Lil' Sis doesn't catch it. Both Justin and I are starting to feel a little bit of it... Please pray for Ellery to maintain her health. We would be devastated if she got sick!!!!

Hope all is well! Come by and see us if you're able!

Back to work..

After a week home, I'm back at work. Leaving Kelli and Ellery at home was terribly difficult. I would be more worried if I didn't know that God is in control, and that Kelli is an extremely strong, faith-filled woman. It makes me wonder how some manage.

The second time around is much easier. Don't get me wrong, bringing home a newborn is a very difficult task. It will test you in many different and unique ways. This time around our faith is stronger and we have experience. We are also more fully locked into our church community, and have close family members nearby.

Thank-you Hayden for taking the bumps and bruises for Ellery. You are doing a wonderful job son, so much better than we expected. This type of behavior, exceeding expectations, has become a Hayden standard that will continue throughout your life.

Weight Gain!

We have weight gain! Took Ellery to the doctor on Monday and her weight was the same as when she left the hospital. I'm sure it had gone down more and was on the rise, but they have to see gain, so we went back this morning. Between Monday and today, she gained 4 oz. and they like to see about 1/2 oz. a day! So we have a good eater! She now weighs 7 lbs 12 oz....back to birth weight!

Ellery seems to have put herself on a schedule for now. She finally woke up on her own to eat last night at about 3 1/2 hour intervals. PRAISE GOD! She is such a good baby. She eats and goes right back to sleep. We've had her in our room in a Moses basket so that I can wake her easier, and we might try her out in her own room tonight. I remember with Hayden we couldn't stand him in our room because he was a restless sleeper. Ellery doesn't budge.

Hayden has been doing wonderful with the adjustment. He sings to Ellery and will keep me company when I'm "stuck" in her room. He never wants to go anywhere without her. And he's been behaving so well for Justin and I. He is potty-trained, and showed significant strides with that the week before she was born. What a big boy! He decided long ago that Baby Sister needed his diapers...... His independence has been very nice, and he is just so helpful.

We are so blessed.............

Pictures

Thought you might want to see some more pictures!!!


We're still doing pretty well, just trying to get into a routine. We've been grateful that Pappy and Mimi can be here to spend time with Hayden while we're occupied elsewhere.


Ellery is eating well, and sleeping decently, too. Speaking of sleep, I'm going to try and get a nap!

We're Home!

Thought I'd update everyone on our status! The birth was so fast and so easy (besides the epidural incident)... Looking back, my labor was less than 2.5 hours, so I can't complain at all! Ellery is so beautiful and so perfect. She is a great eater, and, so far, a great sleeper.

Since we had Ellery so early in the day Thursday, we asked the doctors and nurses if we could leave Friday. My doctor had no issues, and Ellery's doctor was GREAT and complied since he has seen us in action with Hayden. Ellery is healthy in every way, so we ended up "checking out" around 3p yesterday. I practically ran out of the hospital, I was so anxious to get home and get Hayden home.

Our first night home was good! She is a good sleeper, and preferred that over eating. I don't mind that through the night at all. Hayden slept through the night and is enjoying is Pappy and Mimi today!!

We'll try and get more pictures up soon, but I thought you might want to know where we are!

Thanks for the prayers, well-wishes and phone calls!

Ellery's 1st Hour

Ellery is feeding well and is now quietly taking in her new surroundings. The calls to the family and friends have been made, and we will soon move to the overnight room.

Thank-you all for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. This has been an amazing experience. Thank-you Lord for watching over us, for giving us this beautiful gift.

Ellery Marie Stouder is here!

She's here! The birth went blazing fast. 11:28 am, 7lbs 12ozs, 19 1/2 inches.
Kelli and Ellery are doing great! Thank-you all for your prayers and well wishes.

Status Update - 11:13am

10cm
Showtime

The entourage has arrived. Warmer has been placed. Camera is on and live. Might be a while before I post again.

Status Update - 10:50am

Kelli's cracking jokes and ready to take a snooze. Nurses are saying we could be ready for prime time as early as 11:30am. Dilated to 8cm already.

Kelli asked for this to go fast, so with regards to that honey, you got what you asked for. She just commented about how great she feels. I didn't tell her that she is in the middle of a contraction. She can't feel a thing. :)

Got the praise music going in the background, this is awesome.

Status Update - 10:41am

New epidural line successfully placed. Pain dissipating fast! Back on track.

I'm getting hungry, but I don't dare state that out loud for fear of serious post-baby repurcussions.

Status Update - 10:33am

Replacing the epidural. No pain relief right now. Somewhat tense atmosphere currently.

Status Update - 9:54am

Epidural has been placed. Kelli's got her finger on the trigger. Too bad they limit doses to every 10 minutes. Pop-op and Grandma have arrived.

Status Update - 9:04am

Water has been broken, Kelli is dilated to 4cm. We are moving forward with the epidural. If we are going to get one anyway, why wait? BRING ON THE DRUGS!!!

It is time...

We are in the hospital, all plugged in and ready to go. Kelli is feeling great. I'll try to keep this updated as much as possible, alas, my duties are needed elsewhere. Who am I kidding? I've got the easy job. :)

No news...

...is, well, no news. I'm sure you all know since we haven't posted anything that we're still waiting. If the doctor hadn't said we'd probably not be induced, I'd probably be a lot less anxious. Only 36 hours to go to prove her right!

I've had a lot of contractions, but they don't seem to get stronger. Maybe by the time I get to the hospital, I'll be halfway dilated. Wouldn't that be nice?!

Hayden's health is wonderful, so thank you for your prayers. Next up, pray for Justin. He seemed to get the cold that Hayden had. And, if you want, pray for me...I don't want any of it. ;-)

2/5 Dr Appt Update

The doctor appointment went well today, although there was an hour delay getting seen. That seems to be how all of these last appointments have been going. At any rate, I am dilated another centimeter to more than a 3 now! I am still 80% effaced which hasn't changed for several weeks. I have been having A LOT of contractions, but with my effacement not changing, Dr. Martin doesn't think they are full-on labor contractions.

We scheduled an induction for next Thursday, 2/12. However, Dr. Martin was pretty confident in stating that she doesn't think we'll go that long! So, per the last blog posting, place your bets!! I will tell you that I am going to do some speed-walking. What other suggestions do you have for getting this thing moving along? I won't do castor oil, and eggplant doesn't sound good. Sarah told me pineapple today which I haven't heard before....I like pineapple and it does sound good.

In the meantime, please pray for Hayden's health. He got a cold over the weekend, and I want so badly for him to be healthy. I really want to ensure that he can come to the hospital and be part of that whole experience when his sister is born.... Maybe I'll hold off on the speed-walking until the cough goes away. ;-)

Placing Bets

Everyone is making predictions on when Lil' Sis is going to make her grand appearance. Here's what I have so far:

Marissa - Friday the 6th
Justin - Tues the 10th
Mom - Wed the 11th

What is more fun to pass the time than to see what everyone else thinks?! You're chances are better than playing the lottery.....granted, there is no prize for winning here. I just merely want to see your thoughts and really just want everyone to get in the habit of posting on here.

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW!

Nursery Update

OK, so what does a pregnant girl do when she's 39 weeks and counting? She decides she's not pleased with the nursery and wakes up in the middle of the night to think about painting a mural. The following day, she decides to pursue this dream and get over the intimidation of it all...and voila! I LOVE THE NURSERY NOW!

Take a look at these super sweet pics.... This was my day yesterday, and what a difference it made!

Justin thinks I'm begging for labor to start, which is not correct. But I did have a lot of contractions in the night from my hardworking day. Now, I just need to decide what to paint in Hayden's room..... ;-)

A lot of people are asking how I'm feeling, and I'll tell you....I feel really good! I remember being super uncomfortable for the last month with Hayden and it hasn't been the case this time around. I do have my moments if I don't take it easy enough, but I am trying to enjoy every minute of this pregnancy and every minute with just the three of us.