Madelyn with Mommy & Daddy (11 mths)

Madelyn and Daddy



Madelyn and Mommy

Update, Finally

I realize it has been quite some time since we updated our blog. What can I say? Being a mommy takes up most of my time. However, while Madelyn is peacefully sleeping, I will do my best to catch you up on her first two months of life.

First, Cody and I made the decision for me to be a full time mommy, and stay at home with Madelyn. While it has taken some getting used to and means we will be making a few sacrifices, it has been such a blessing.

Madelyn is such a joy! She is absolutely gorgeous. A sweet brown hair, bright blue eyed little girl which who currently has learned to express the joyous girl that she is. She is in love with her mommy and daddy, and is showing her love and admiration through beautiful, dimpled smiles! (I wish I could share a picture of one, however instead of smiling at the camera, she studies it with an intense look on her face.) It is so much fun to watch as she has started recognizing family members. And now to add big smiles, conversation (cooing, of course) and what seems to be the beginning of her giggles... it's amazing!

We are learning a lot about Madelyn as her personality has begun to shine. She has a sweet demeanor and seems to love most anyone she meets. Including her pediatrician!! At her last visit she just smiled and talked as Dr. Perez examined her.

She is a happy baby most of the time unless she is in need of something you aren't taking care of fast enough, but even then she tends to give warnings before getting upset. She is very good at expressing her dislike with things, such as her car seat! (She obviously doesn't understand what her Nani does for a living) We are desperately hoping the crying in the car (unless mommy or daddy are sitting beside her holding her hand) is a phase that will soon be over.

She is very strong, holding her head up, turning to look at the television when Baby Einstein is on, kicking her long legs, and reaching for things. She is already beginning to mimick faces trying to move her lips and tongue the way we do. What can we say? She is brilliant!

At her last doctor's appointment on November 10, Madelyn was 23 inches long, and 10 pounds 12 ounces. By now she is most likely well over 11 pounds and it wouldn't surprise us if she has grown past 23 inches long as well. She is in the 90th percentile for both height and weight, proving she will definitely be getting her height from her daddy! As if the long arms and legs weren't already telling.

WHO MADELYN LOOKS LIKE



Most people think she looks just like mommy. In fact, Nani says it is like she "has her baby Allyson again."

However you can see Cody in a lot of her facial features. The shape of her eyes are similar to Cody's and she has his dimpled chin.

The expressive eye brows, come mostly from her mommy but we won't forget to mention the expressions that are very much her daddy! The shape of her lips and even her dimples when she smiles are just like mommy! Daddy agrees and tells everyone that she is "beautiful like her mommy."

Her gorgeous blue eyes come from her grandfathers (Pop and Paw paw). Her daddy loves them now, but knows it means trouble in the future.

As mentioned earlier she has very long arms and legs, and though she weighs almost 11 pounds has a very slender figure like her daddy. He is hoping that means she will be tall enough to play basketball and also too tall to have a boyfriend. (Keep wishing daddy!)



Well that is all I have time for right now...Madelyn will be waking up soon and I have a few things to do around the house.

We hope to update more often! :) Thanks for your patience!

Waiting...

We are literally "waiting" on sweet Madelyn to arrive. I officially have 30 days to go, however according to my body and the doctor's appointment on Tuesday, she might come earlier.

We had our last (every other week) appointment on Tuesday. We now go to see Dr. Kirkham every week until Madelyn's arrival. We found out as everyone suspected that she is making herself known in size and weight! :) He didn't officially guess the weight she was at, but when he measured me, I measured at 40 cm instead of 35 cm. I am completing week 35 and your measurements are supposed to be match or be similar to how far along you are. Not with our sweet girl! :) Dr. Kirkham, was quite surprised and thought he might have even caught me in the middle of a contraction. He also let us know that I am already 25 percent effaced and Madelyn is definitely dropping down. I have also had a few Braxton Hicks contractions at this point, so my body is already preparing for her arrival.

So, if she hasn't already made her big appearance... in two weeks, we will be doing a sonogram just to see how big she is and decide if we are going to induce.

This means she is almost here! I can hardly believe it. Literally, at any moment, she could decide she is ready and Cody and I will be holding her in our arms! So, either by induction or on her own, we will be holding her in about two or three weeks. :)

We are mostly prepared for her. We have a few things to finalize in her room, but otherwise her nursery is practically ready! I will post pictures in the next few days! Our friends, family and church family have blessed us with many wonderful, helpful things to prepare for her! We can't express enough thanks to them!

We'll keep you posted! :)

Madelyn's Crib

So, this past weekend Cody and I registered for baby stuff for sweet little Madelyn(with the much needed help of my mom)! We also, thanks to Cody's parents, got Madelyn's crib! Which we are so excited about! Cody originally thought his dad could help build the crib, but decided once we got home that he wanted to be the one to put together his daughter's crib! So, with Madelyn's Pop and Nanna (Cody's parents), Aunt Krissy (Cody's sister), Pawpaw and Nani (my parents) and mommy ALL watching, Cody put together his daugthers crib!

So here are some fun pictures!

This is Cody as he started putting the crib together:









Then as the grandparents joined in: (as much as Cody would allow)







Finally, a proud daddy and a beautiful crib:








Mommy and Madelyn next to the crib:

Cravings

Well one of the number one questions asked is whether or not I have had any crazy cravings. Well crazy or disgusting cravings no... however, my husband will tell you cravings in general, yes!

My cravings tend to be momentary cravings... for example, about a month ago Cody and I were standing in line at HEB and there was an advertisement for a Sonic Cherry Limeade. Cody asked me, "what are you staring at?" To which I replied, the picture of the yummy cherry limeade! Of course, he thought it was hilarious that I was staring at a picture of a cherry limeade, but let me say their advertising worked on this pregnant lady. We made a stop on the way home!

Then there are cravings where something just sounds really good like Italian food or Mexican food, etc.

A more common craving of mine has been peanut M&M's. I LOVE peanut M&M's! I always have, but recently they are the snack of choice. And of course, another story about Cody's teasing me about my cravings...

We met some friends of ours at Barnes & Noble for coffee (or a strawberry & cream shake for me) and I told Cody, "hey look, they have M&M Monopoly isn't that funny?" To which my sweet husband replied, "Where? I don't see that? I think you are just seeing M&M's everywhere!"

Ah.... you gotta love him!

Other cravings have been phases... such as Eggo Waffles, Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Egg Rolls, Chocolate Shakes, etc. None of which by the way are at all good for me - luckily, I have indulged myself carefully not adding too much weight.

Her name is...

After quite a bit of thinking and much conversation... we have decided on a name. Actually, we decided on a name a while back but wanted to be sure before letting everyone know.

Madelyn Capri McDonald

("Mady" for short)

Madelyn was suggested over dinner by my father shortly after we found out we were pregnant and then later came back to Cody and I and stuck! It just felt right!

Capri was suggested by my sister, Leslie, in an email she sent to me in February. She wrote about a song that she was listening to, and had heard many times before but made her think of me as she was listening to it. She became a little teary-eyed and sent me the link suggesting the possibility of the name if it was a girl. I of course was also teary-eyed after hearing it (not hard when your pregnant) and passed the song along to Cody who loved the lyrics and the name.

A few weeks later, way before we found out we were having a girl, a friend of ours, Allie Christie was telling me that we were having a girl and she knew the name. I laughed and then asked her the name, and she began to tell me about a song she heard and that I had to hear it. Well, of course, I guessed the song and told her about my sister sending me the song and suggesting the name. Allie was so excited and said "It's gonna be a girl and you have to name her Capri, it's God's way of telling you!"

So, after much conversation and time for Cody to ponder the name. We decided on Madelyn Capri.

Cody has really wanted to make sure every decision we make regarding the baby is thought out and planned - not spur of the moment! Which I love and appreciate! (Most of the time) .

If you are interested in hearing the song, it is called Capri by Colbie Caillat.

Week 24

Yesterday we went to our 6 month doctor's appointment.

Cody's mom, Carrie, hadn't had a chance to go with us yet or to hear the baby's heartbeat so she went with us! It is always so neat to hear our little girl's heartbeat and now as she is getting bigger it is so much more evident and strong. She has always had a quick heartbeat, but she was moving so much yesterday that Dr. Kirkham said her heart rate was jumping up every once in a while due to her activity. She is quite the mover!

It could be good or bad that she is so active - good because that means she will love playing sports with her daddy, or bad because that probably means she will also be an active baby. Though, she may need to be to keep up with Cody and I.

Her movements are getting so strong now that you can watch my stomach move and shift as she does! It is pretty funny! Cody will kiss my stomach or talk to my belly until she kicks him - which she does. She is still very responsive to Cody's voice. Daddy's little girl!

Surprising on this doctor visit was my realization of how soon she will be in our arms. Dr. Kirkham began discussing child birth classes, hospital tours, and then reminded me that in two visits (I go every month) I will be at 32 weeks! It is crazy to think we are nearly three months away from meeting our sweet baby!

Time has gotten away from us with our busy schedules and it is all coming faster than I thought it would! But I am so excited!

Cody loves talking about her - what she will do, who she will look like, protecting her and mentions her often in his sermons or lessons which is so wonderful to hear.

Well as requested there are a few belly photos below. These pictures were taken on Saturday, before Cody and I went to a beach wedding (the reason for the hat).

First Mommy's Day

Sunday was my first mother's day! It is crazy that I was actually celebrating a mother's day that included me... as a mother!

My husband surprised me a few days early with my mother's day present. He got me a body pillow to help me sleep comfortably on my side! I was so excited! He is such a good gift giver - he never ceases to amaze me with the thoughtfulness he puts into gifts for me! It is a very nice down, 230 thread count pillow. I have enjoyed it!

Sunday morning at church the youth celebrated the mother's by cooking pancakes. So, Cody's mom, grandmother and my mom and I all enjoyed being treated to breakfast. My sweet husband even remembered to get me peanut butter for my pancackes! Each mom recieved a carnation and then my dad, who was preaching that Sunday handed out roses to the special mother's in the congregation. (Not that they all weren't special.) So, the oldest mother attending, the mother with the most kids, the newest mother (that was me!), the most generations present (Cody's family got that one), etc.

And as another special treat, and this may sound silly... Cody sat next to me on Sunday morning during church! Normally he is running around doing his pastoral duties, running media or sound board, etc. But he surprised me and sat with me! Yay!It was so nice to stand next to him during worship!

Then my family ate lunch with Cody's family after church! Such fun! I look forward to the mothers day celebrations to come with my little girl in my arms!

Sonogram

Baby Girl

It's a girl!

On the right hand side of the picture is her sweet face - and the left side is her very healthy belly.

We are all very excited! She's the first grand-daughter of both Cody and I's parents (first grandchild for Cody's parents)! She will be the first great-grand-daughter on Cody's side of the family, and the first great-grand-daughter in a couple of years on my side of the family. Needless to say she will be spoiled.

Cody has already decided he needs to by a shot gun to keep the boys away. That is actually one of the first things he said after we found out. He wants to have one to be cleaning when the boys come over. He is going to be a great and protective daddy, who will be wrapped around his little girls finger.

The whole experience was amazing! To see this little baby growing inside of me and to know its going to grow up to be a sweet little girl was overwhelming. As soon as she said little girl, Cody grabbed my hand and we both just smiled and stared at the screen.

She has long legs and long arms which is no surprise because of her daddy! Cody has decided he is going to teach her about all sports, and that she can play basketball, surfing, golf, soccer and of course video games! "Whatever she wants to do!"

We are elated and anxious to meet our sweet baby girl! The due date is September 20!

We will try to get the video posted soon! :)

Pitter Patter of Little Feet

We had another doctor's appointment yesterday! This one was exciting! I was sure they were only going to do a check-up but we got a surprise! We got to listen to our little one's heartbeat again! What a sweet and joyful sound! The baby's heartbeat sounds healthy and fast. Dr. Kirkham said I was right on schedule as far as growth and I only gained one pound! Which is great! (Last month when I went I had gained four!) When they told me I had only gained a pound Cody and I looked at my belly agreeing that with the growing size of my tummy it was amazing that I hadn't gained anymore weight. I have to admit when they were weighing me, I closed my eyes so I wouldn't see.

While listening to the heartbeat we kept hearing this little noise. Dr. Kirkham said "Do you hear that? That is the sound of your baby kicking!" Isn't that awesome!? It was so neat to hear our baby moving around and "exercising" as Cody says. In fact, Cody told Dr. Kirkham "the baby's still in there working on his sit-ups and push-ups!" Dr. Kirkham agreed that we had an active child. The baby was definitely making its presence known because it kept kicking the entire time we were listening to the heartbeat! Such fun!

Cody is SO much fun to watch during all of this, his excitement and love is wonderful! When Dr. Kirkham said the baby was kicking this huge smile and proud daddy look came over his face!

Within the next few weeks Dr. Kirkham said I should begin feeling the baby move. I can feel flutters or bubbles every once in a while right now, but no definite movement! I can't wait for that first moment and I hope that Cody is around to enjoy it with me!

Weekend Adventure!

This past weekend Cody and I celebrated my birthday and Christmas! (No, he isn't celebrating late!) For Christmas he got us tickets to see Phantom of the Opera at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio (for this past weekend) and for my birthday he made us reservations at a Bed and Breakfast for the weekend. It was wonderful, I highly recommend it (www.brackenridgehouse.com) It is located in the historical district of San Antonio which is absolutely beautiful and only a short walk or trolley ride to the River Walk.

The Brackenridge House:


The room we stayed in:


Friday night we ate at Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse (yum!) and the went to see the Phantom of the Opera - which was wonderful! It is so wonderful to have a husband who enjoys theatre as much as I do!

Saturday we rode a trolley to the river walk and walked along the river and then to the River center mall, plus we walked through a lot of the historical buildings in that area. They have a lot of great art and history! Needless to say, I was exhausted! So, of course that called for a nap before our trip to the Alamo Drafthouse. If you haven't ever been before, you should go! It is really neat! (They also have one in Austin.) It's a movie theatre, but they serve you dinner (or whatever you order from the menu) during the movie! It's great! Cody and I always get milkshakes and chocolate chip cookies! The cookies are made fresh when you order them!

Anyway, so our little one got a lot of great food and ejoyed its first performance at the Majestic. We kept talking about how we can't wait to take our little one to the theatre someday!

The pregnancy is going great! I am a week away from my second trimester. We see the doctor for a check-up on Wednesday, though I don't think we will get any pictures this time around. I am waiting for him to say I gained too much weight after our lovely weekend, but that is okay! It was worth it!

I will post Thursday to update you on the doctor visit!

Growing belly!

My belly is growing.

My belly has begun really sticking out over the last week or two. It is kind of amazing how it happens! One day you can barely tell, the next day you can sort of tell and then a few days later you are thinking, "when did this happen?" Cody is loving it! You can really tell when I wear my t-shirts, so usually around the house Cody is rubbing my tummy. I am just hoping to get past the "is she fat or is she pregnant stage?" (ha, ha) People look at my tummy but are afraid to ask or mention it!

No, really it is very exciting! And reassuring that I am indeed still pregnant because otherwise, I would wonder if it was true since I have had no sickness or other symptoms. I guess the sudden love for naps and the inability to stay awake when I lay down on the couch could be reassurance too!

We go to a baby checkup on March 12 just to make sure we are progressing on schedule! We won't be able to find out the sex of the baby until late April, early May (at my 20 week appointment, I am almost 12 weeks along right now). I am not sure we will be able to have another sonogram until then...

Otherwise, things are as normal. Cody is still preaching every Sunday, leading the youth group and attending seminary full time. I am still working full time and taking classes. Maybe that is why I am tired?! We are busy, but we are enjoying it!

We are looking forward to the months ahead!

My wonderful husband!

Some friends of Cody and I's just had their first baby in early February. It has been fun watching them rejoice in their pregnancy and now falling in love with their baby girl. My friend told me, "You will fall so much more in love with each other by having a baby..." I have to say this has already begun. My husband has been amazing in taking care of me. He has taken over cleaning the house, doing laundry, etc. while I am sleeping on the couch or just too tired to move (which is often lately). And he has done so without complaining and without me asking. He is constantly moving things for me or getting me something to eat or drink, asking me if I am feeling okay, etc. He has taken me on dates just because...

for instance last night we went to see the movie Juno after work (we loved it!) just because he felt like taking me out. Afterward he even treated me to Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream and danced with me to a song they were playing while they made our ice cream! I am so blessed! We are getting more and more excited as my belly has begun to grow. I will walk by and he will start smiling and then make me come over so he can rub or kiss my belly. We are thrilled about our baby and look forward to all the fun memories ahead.

In baby news, I am feeling great! I had a few days last two weeks in which I felt pretty sick, but I am 100 percent positive it was due to the antibiotic I was taking because as soon as I completed the antibiotic I felt good again. I am working toward week eleven... it seems like the weeks go slow, but at the same time it seems like we just found out we were pregnant!

I plan on posting belly pictures and the sonogram picture soon I promise. Please continue with your prayers for our little one - they are appreciated!

A little scare, A big blessing!

Valentine's Day turned out to be an eventful day in the life of our growing family. My day began with awful back pain, and then after lunch on that Thursday (at work) I began spotting. This happened about 1:00 p.m. (ish). Cody luckily was here all day on Thursday for classes, so I called my doctor immediately to make an appointment to come in that day and then called my mom. The appointment was at 4:15 p.m. but I went ahead with Cody to my parents house to lay down until the appointment. I can't tell you the nervousness and fear that Cody and I felt, but we prayed together and remained calm. I had decided I wasn't going to panic until there was need, also, I knew that if the baby was experiencing trauma I didn't need me to get upset either. So I remained calm!

My doctor had been out of town for his birthday, so the plan was to see another doctor in his practice. I told the nurse, "I don't care who, just let me see someone today." Luckily however, Dr. Kirkham, my doctor, ended up being able to see me that day. Dr. Kirkham, confirmed that there was blood in my urine, however the physical exam showed no signs of anything bad happening with the baby. Which was great to hear! Also, he ordered a sonogram in order to check the baby - which while we still weren't sure of the situation, it was very exciting that we would be seeing our baby for the first time. It turned out to be a huge blessing! It was insane to see our baby! Cody held my hand and stared at the screen with huge eyes! The nurse was showing us what everything was and pointed out the heart, which we could see beating! That was so reassuring that everything was okay! Cody asked the nurse "are we able to hear the heartbeat?", so she turned it up and we heard our baby's heart beat for the first time as well! Which was great! Cody squeezed my hand really tight and smiled really big. She didn't leave it on for long, and continued taking pictures of our baby... Cody asked her again, "Could we hear the heartbeat again!?" And she turned it on for a little while! It was so precious!

The doctor's report turned out that the baby was right on schedule, eight weeks and six days along and developing perfectly. He concluded that sometimes bleeding can happen and is quite normal in early stages of pregnancy, and that it didn't seem that we needed to worry about a miscarriage, most likely it was the beginnings of a bladder infection. So he put me on a mild antibiotic. I am still spotting very lightly but it has gotten better as I have taken my antibiotic which reassures me that it was my body and not the baby having difficulties. I am trying to take it as easy as possible, as much as my schedule allows. I am learning that I am having to "opt out" of a few things in order to keep me in good health, and from being completely exhausted. Cody has been sweet in taking care of me. The antibiotic seems to make me nauseaated which is normal for me, so I am fighting to get through this week... but our baby is healthy, so I can endure a little sickness. Luckily I haven't been down and out sick yet, and pray that it stays that way.

So, things seem to be going well. I am a little bit past nine weeks and my clothes and belly are definitely starting to reflect that. We appreciate your love and support and ask for your continued prayers!

(Below is a picture of Cody on the phone with his dad right after we got the sonogram! Look how excited he is!) Also, we will post our baby's first picture soon!

Exhaustion Takes Over

Maybe I spoke to soon...

while I haven't been "sick" with morning sickness... exhaustion and "achyness" hit me hard Sunday night. My sweet husband was introduced to this with me waking up crying on Sunday night, because I was emotional and tired, but couldn't sleep. Along with this came a feeling of "sick" though I can't quite say it was nausea ... my body was overwhelmed. Of course, as sweet as my husband is, he rolled over and rubbed my back or held me as I woke up throughout the night - he is so good to me! I woke up Monday morning only to feel like I had been run over. I couldn't move I was so tired and achy, I felt "sick" and therefore, called in to work. Today I am back at work still feeling very foggy and sleepy but praying myself through the day.

Cody got me out of the house last night "for fresh air", so we went to dinner with my parents and then went window shopping for cribs. Cody is a window shopper... we will go on dates looking at the things we can not afford or would never really pay a lot for but we definitely appreciate them. When we finally decide to buy something, Cody likes to shop around for some time to find the best. Especially when it comes to this baby. So we are looking for cribs... We found a few we liked but Cody wants to make sure we get the best possible crib for the best possible price.

It is still kind of surreal shopping for the baby. Like we are playing house or something... but I am assured by many who have experienced this before me, that it will become real soon enough! My body is definitely trying to convince me lately.

Well, I appreciate your comments and your sharing our journey. We love you all!

Seven Weeks Tomorrow... Cravings have begun!

We are almost seven weeks along, and not much new to report! I still have no sickness! I love that! I tell everyone this baby is treating his/her mommy well! They say if I can get through week ten without sickness, I am probably in the clear! I have gotten a few cravings lately but nothing weird. For example, egg rolls has been my big craving.

Cody is great with everything, including the cravings. We went to a restaurant one of our good friends is working at and he remembered that I had been craving egg rolls and ordered them for me! Who knew something so simple, like ordering me egg rolls would be such a big deal! :) He is so good to me and this baby!

We are getting more and more excited everyday!! We go to the doctor next on February 19, to hear the heartbeat! That is going to be so amazing!

Thanks for all your prayers! We look forward to sharing the months ahead with you!

Baby Getting Settled

So, I have been feeling sharp or sudden pains or pressure over the last few days. They aren't constant, only brief... At first, of course they alarmed me, however the books and my mom say it is just the baby getting comfortable, and not to be alarmed. Of course, it is too early for me to actually "feel" the baby, but I can definitely feel my body adusting! I must say, it seems as if this baby is like me in the fact that it moves a lot before it gets comfortable. I couldn't get comfortable to sleep last night and Cody laughed at how much I had to move before I was actually settled. It made me think of our little one, getting settled inside of me! Crazy!

Baby Mac - First Doctor's Appointment

So, Cody and I went to our first Dr.'s visit yesterday. They confirmed what we already knew, that yes, I am pregnant! But to hear them tell me, made a huge difference to me mentally. I don't feel like it could be pretend at all anymore. :)

The expected due date that they are giving us is September 21! Which seems so far away and yet so close all at the same time. Cody and I are getting more and more excited each day. Cody has been great since we found out, still being his wonderful self and picking on me as he always has, but taking care of me, making sure I take my vitamins, "don't run", "you need your sleep", wanting to find out as much information about whats happening as possible. It is really very sweet!

Cody is certain, as most first time daddy's are, that it is a strong boy. He jokes about how strong he already is and talks about what a great athlete the baby will be. It has been fun to hear all the scenarios he is dreaming up for this little baby. Cody would be just as happy with a little girl, because of course "she will be a strong athlete too."

So far I haven't had any morning sickness or nausea, which has been great. Dr. Kirkham, my doctor, says it is a really good sign that I am already five weeks along with no nausea or anything. Let's hope it stays that way! The only symptom I am having is a strong sense of smell which Dr. Kirkham said is normal for this period of pregnancy.

Otherwise, life is normal. Well, we will post more later...

We love you all and appreciate all your prayers,

Allyson