Lyla's Birth Story

Unlike most people, we were able to actually plan when our daughter's grand entrance into this world would be.  Knowing that we would check in Tuesday night at midnight, we had a set plan that kicked off Sunday afternoon with the arrival of my parents. Being the amazing parents that they are, they used that time to clean house and give Jeff and I our time together. Since Monday was the 4th of July, me and Jeff decided to have one last special date just us before making the big transition into parenthood. As many of you know, this was so important to me to have this time with him and it couldn't have been more perfect! 

We decided to go see a movie since it was raining. 

We had a great meal at Outback Steakhouse (Jeff cleaned his plate) 

Then we took in the fireworks for the 4th. (so happy the rain cleared up)

On the way home I got pretty emotional about everything and so we decided not to head straight home. Instead we went and parked down by the lake and just talked and prayed together.  I had such a peace about everything when the night ended. I love my husband so much!

Tuesday was mainly spent resting and getting a few last minute things together. Once Jeff got home from work, my nerves really kicked in. We decided to head out for one last meal since rumor has it you can't eat anything while in labor. Unfortunately, there isn't an IHOP (I really could have gone for some pancakes) or a denny's (again, I had pancakes on the brain) where we live, so we hit up AppleBees at 10 Tuesday night. I really didn't think I would be able to stomach anything (besides those pancakes of course) but I really surprised myself and shared a sampler appetizer with Jeff, AND got a fried chicken salad with a side of loaded mashed potatoes. (I was trying to store up for the big event) It was so nice to unwind a bit before actually heading to the hospital. 

Once we got there, we started unloading the car...seriously looked like we were moving in for good. 

Once we got there, the process started immediately. They had me use a bath scrub just in case a C section was in our future and started the IV. I must admit that I am a BIG baby when it comes to getting stuck with a needle. It is strange because I can take a shot with the best of the them, but try and draw blood or stick an IV in and I literally get all light headed. As they were putting the IV in, I remember thinking "seriously, I am about to pass out, and the labor part hasn't even started yet" Mind you, at this point, Jeff is literally fanning me down and has a cold compress on my forehead. Looking back, it is kinda funny, but that IV was so not funny then. I barely slept that night because of said IV. 

Once all of that was settled down, they started the cytotec tablets that would soften my cervix. (we ended up doing two rounds of this) They woke me up around 5:30 to start the second round and I was awake for the rest of the day. At this point I was having mild contractions and the nurses seemed really pleased with my progress. Around 10, they came in to check on us and discovered that Lyla was very, very low and I was dilated to 4cm. I am certain that if they had waited another few minutes, my water would have broke on it's own, but they decided to go ahead and break it themselves (such a weird feeling by the way!) and start the pitocin. At this point, my doctor informed me that it was about to get serious and that if I wanted an epidural, now was the time to let them know because it takes a little while to get it. (umm...yes, I want one!) From that point on, she was not kidding when she said things were about to speed up. Contractions hit pretty hard almost right away. I was so thankful for my amazing husband who stood by my side the ENTIRE time and let me squeeze the ever loving stew out of his hands. (He had to switch them up a bit) My mom was also in the delivery room with us and encouraged me the whole way through it. I must document that I did not say one mean thing to Jeff through the whole thing. (I asked him if he was disappointed because I think he thought he'd be reliving the movie "The Exorcist". There was one point, however, that he kept telling me, "You're doing okay, you're doing okay" and I asked him to please tell me I was doing great or wonderful, terrific even...okay wasn't working for me.) But that's about as violent as it got. 

The contractions stayed strong for about an hour an a half and they ended up taking me off the pitocin because I was contracting on my own- Such an answered prayer because I really wanted my body to be able to respond to this induction as naturally as possible. Finally,  the epidural arrived. I was so relieved to see the anesthesiologist. The actual epidural wasn't bad, other than the fact that I was still having horrible contractions while they were trying to do the procedure. Once all was said and done though, I was feeling good....

...So good that my dad and Elaine got to come in and see us before the real show started. 

I quickly dilated to 7 cm and around 3pm the nurse came in and told us that I was "complete" and it was time to start pushing. It took a little while for the doctor to get there because she was delivering another baby at a neighboring hospital. They put me on oxygen in the meantime and Jeff alerted our parents-who had literally spent the entire night in the waiting room sleeping on the floor and in the chairs. (They are such troopers)

Once the doctor arrived, they geared up and the pushing began. I did not realize how hard this actually was. The movies make it seem so glamorous and of course, I was thinking since I had the epidural that the hard part was over. This pushing business was no easy task and I truly admire those who stay in this stage for hours. I pushed for about 30 mins before Lyla made her grand entrance into this world at 4:11pm on July 6, 2011. 

**(hats off to my mom for taking these priceless pictures for us) 

Lyla Rae Graves weighed 6 lbs 10 oz and is absolutely perfect. I could not believe how beautiful and alert she was. People are so right when they tell you that you forget all of the pregnancy/labor pains the moment you hold that precious gift from God. 

We are so in love...

...and are looking forward to starting life as a family of 4 now (you know we have to include Diggs):) 

It's JULY!

Wow, I have been waiting for this month for 9 long months. In the back of my mind, I was always so sure that Lyla would make her appearance in June, but that was definitely wishful thinking and no longer an option since today is July 1. We went to the doctor this past Monday for our weekly check up. We decided to go ahead and put the bags in the car (and by bags, I mean 3 bags, a laptop, video camera and tri pod, and boppy) because we were SO sure that all of our walking in this incredible heat had helped us make progress. Unfortunately, when we got to the doctor, she informed us that I am still at the same spot we were 3 weeks ago. Knowing that, she gave us two options: We could either wait on Lyla to come on her own (which could still be 3 more weeks and looking at our situation, we could very well still have to induce) OR we could pick a date next week and go ahead and do this thing. We had NO clue what  to do and so we made the decision that we felt like was best for us. Since we live so far away from our parents, I cannot tell you how extremely important it is to have our families here and knowing when she will arrive makes that more possible. So, after literally crying and hugging in room #2, we decided to schedule Miss Lyla's birth for next Wednesday July 6. We will go in on Tuesday the 5th to start the induction and just hang on from there. Monday night was very emotional for me because we KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that next week, we will have a daughter. We had one week to get our stuff together, get the house together and spend these last precious days together. Even as I am writing this, I cannot believe that the week  is almost over. Jeff and I have dated each other every night this week and are planning on at least one more special date Monday night for the 4th. That will be our last night before we become parents and that is so important to me to have that time with him. 

Some new emotions that have taken over me have to do with our dog Diggs. I can only imagine how it will be when we have our second child, and I begin having these feelings about Lyla, but for now, Diggs IS our baby and I know that he is sensing change.  I want so badly for him to know that we still love him and WILL still love him because he is definitely experiencing some emotions!

Lots and lots of presents! hmmm...what can I get into??

Found something!!!

Can you see me mom?

Hmmm...what's this? 

Maybe now they'll notice me!

Trying to escape all this baby talk!

Anything to get attention! Diggs, we still love you so much and I just know you and Lyla are going to be best friends:)

38 weeks

Size of baby: Not a 100% sure, but about 2 weeks ago the doctor said that Lyla was about 6 lbs. She is definitely going to be a bigger baby:)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: No longer disclosing this information-haha. But the doctor seems pretty satisfied with the amount that I have gained and it is still in the healthy rage, so there ya go:)

Maternity Clothes: Yes, but I refuse to buy any more clothes, so I am at the point where I am wearing the same thing almost everyday, which even that doesn't really fit me. You can usually catch me in a light summer dress because they are so comfortable and I don't have to worry about the elastic band around the waist!

Gender: It's definitely a GIRL! LYLA RAE GRAVES:)  

Movement: Lyla has always been an active baby and I know that I will for sure miss those feelings of her moving around in there. Last night, however, she really out did herself. She has never been a big mover at night, but last night she would not let up. I have never in the whole pregnancy felt her move as much as she did last night. I do not know what she was doing in there, but I am telling myself that maybe she is wiggling her way down to the birth canal:) The doctor told us on Monday that we are at a -1 (0 is station and 4 is her completely out) So, she has definitely dropped, and I can definitely tell. If you ever wonder why a pregnant girl waddles, especially toward the end, this is the exact reason!!! I feel like she could "fall" out at any moment-even though I know that's not possible. 

Sleep: The past few nights have been a tad better, but lately I have been suffering from horrible acid reflux at night. I have changed up my diet a bit, and that has helped some. I still sleep with a million pillows and my saving grace-the heating pad. I haven't had to take tylenol for my back lately (knock on wood) Could be because she is a little lower and giving my upper back a break. 

What I miss: Mainly miss just being comfortable. This summer heat is hard to bear, but luckily I wont have to endure it much longer. I keep the house around 60 degrees because even inside I am blazing-poor jeff has to sleep with a heating blanket at night because he is so cold. haha. Not too much longer babe!

  

Cravings:Fruit has been a constant throughout this pregnancy. I also love cereal (cereal of the week has been lucky charms) I usually make a run to Hardee's to get curly fries and a sweet tea at least once or twice a week, and I will confess to a small meltdown when I wanted Arby's and Jeff couldn't go pick it up for me last week because he had to make it back to work for an appointment (Arby's is about 30 mins away). But, we went this week and finally got me a roast beef sandwich-it was yum yum good!

Symptoms: HOT FLASHES, acne, swollen feet

Best Moment This Week:  Going to the doctor and having her tell us that we are one step closer to having Lyla here and that my body is doing everything that it should. I am so thankful for that-Right now, we are praying that when I DO go into labor it is so unbelievably obvious so that we can officially let both sets of our parents know and they can start their own journeys here to be with us. 

God is so good!

ps. Jeff is so sure that she will come this weekend. He is actually scaring me at his premonitions. He is even installing the car seat today (which we have put off doing because we use the exterra weekly for storage for Quail Run Ministry, so the seats are always left down) But, he so desperately wants her to come this weekend and really believes that she will...we shall see:) I have been having some contractions this morning, but nothing consistent yet.

Emotions, Feelings, Melt Downs.....yes, I am pregnant!

This pregnancy has definitely been filled with many emotions and thankfully my wonderful husband has seen me through every one of them. Last night, a whole new emotion hit me! Last week, I was still stuck at the 1cm mark and the doctor recommended that we try a few things to help little Lyla along. One of those things was walking. So, Jeff and I have been trying to get out at night (because goodness knows, it is waaay too hot to walk during the day-especially in this body). We came in and I immediately got back to  working on our thank you cards (yes, they are coming-sorry friends for the delay) I sent a text to a my sister letting her know that we had a doctor's appointment today and that we had just come in from strolling around the block trying to speed this process up-AND THAT'S WHEN THE MELT DOWN BEGAN!

For the past few weeks, I have thought of nothing more than getting this baby here. I am uncomfortable in the heat, I am tired of this body, and I am just down right ready to meet my little girl! However, last night, it really hit me that WE ARE ABOUT TO HAVE A LITTLE GIRL! I called Jeff into the bedroom (he was washing dishes-a lot of dishes-we don't have a dish washer, so we have to hand wash them and they can very quickly pile up!-Since he was helping me out, it made the melt down even worse. )I just sobbed and sobbed to him that it wouldn't be just US anymore and how I didn't want things to change between us. I know that I am such a lucky girl to have found such an amazing husband and I don't want one bit of what we have to change. It just really hit me that while we are patiently waiting on Miss Lyla, I really need to soak up this last bit of Just Jeff time. We go back to the doctor today and I still hope that we are progressing along, but for now, I am just going to enjoy every second I have with the most wonderful husband in the world:)

Almost Full Term

This Friday, I will be 37 weeks pregnant carrying out sweet little Lyla. I have had so many emotions these past few weeks as the time is definitely getting closer. Will I be a good mom? Are we really ready for this? Will this pregnancy EVER end? ha.

We had another doctor's appointment this Monday and I am still only dilated 1cm. (I say "only" but I am really grateful that my body has already started preparing for her to come-several friends I have talked to went right up until they delivered never even dilating) While her due date is still about 3 weeks away, we are just so anxious for her to get here. Aside from the obvious of just wanting to feel good again, I am simply ready to meet my daughter. So many mommies have told me that they miss being pregnant-just the amazing blessing of feeling their baby move and having them actually be a part of you! So, for now, I am really trying to embrace these last few weeks that I have with her in my belly.

Jeff has been gone to children's camp this week-summer is always a crazy time for youth ministers! Every time he is away, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have him by my side through this whole thing. He is so good to me and Lyla. My heart aches for girls who don't have a supportive man to guide them during this time. I couldn't imagine doing one bit of this without him. It is funny, because he has already started nesting a little bit and he is very anxious to have her room ready-which it is-but he wants batteries in everything and everything in a place. It's cute watching him get ready for the most important roles of his life-besides being a husband. I am so thankful that he returns today-he will not have to leave again until after Lyla is born:)

We had another beautiful shower this past Sunday that our church family gave us and the amount of gifts and love for this little girl was unreal!!!! We are so thankful for everyone who has loved on us, given to us and prayed for us during this amazing time.

ps. I also want to note that Diggs tore the head off of the diaper cake the second we brought it home. Someone is having some feelings.....ha!

A little note to my daughter:
Lyla,
What an amazing journey this has already been with you. I can already tell that you have quite a personality. You already are a very active child. The doctors have told us that your heart rate is high and it is hard to get pictures of you, because you are constantly moving around in there. I guess that is no surprise seeing who your parents are. (I hope you don't think we are too crazy!) I do want you to know that we love you so much already! We have been praying for you since the day we found out you were going to be ours. One of your favorite things right now is sticking your booty in your mommy's ribs(or anywhere else for that matter) You are also a fan of strawberries and sweet tea. Anytime I eat or drink one of those two, you do a jig in there. :) So many people love you already and most importantly Jesus loves you!!! We are so ready for your arrival!!!!  See you soon:)
Love,
Mommy

A year and a half later....

About a year and a half ago, my best friend Lindsey left her amazing life in Georgia to surrender to the call of missions in Tanzania, Africa. She and her husband, Nathan, hadn't been there more than a year when they found out that they were expecting a precious little girl! Lindsey had Zoe (which means life) in January of this year.

Lindsey and I have been best friends since 7th grade. We never went to the same high school or even the same college, but we still remained the closest of friends. I cannot possibly explain how much I have missed her DAILY but even more than that, how proud of her I am for being obedient to God's calling for her life. She has literally left behind EVERYTHING to spread the word! While they still have another year and a half to serve, they were allowed a 3 week vacation back to the states and I got to see her yesterday! (I also got to meet her precious daughter for the first time!)

We went to Target since we don't have a target here in Quitman and obviously she doesn't have one in Africa. Since it was a super target, I took the opportunity to grab a starbucks...

                                                                Zoe needed one too:)


We (our friend Adrienne and her beautiful daughter was with us as well)  all did some serious damage in Target! I could hardly shop because I just couldn't put Zoe down! I fell in love immediately!

Once we spent our life savings at Target, we headed over to Panera (Lindsey actually picked...I didn't argue! I am ALWAYS craving Panera!) We were all doing ok emotionally until Lindsey pulled out gifts for Adrienne's daughter Cambell and Lyla. She had picked out some beautiful sweet clothes for both girls and had also brought stuffed animal monkeys back from Africa. (my camera died soon after, so once the other girls post pics, I will also post pics of this precious gift!) Needless to say, I couldn't keep it together any longer. We all started BALLING! I mean, this was quite a scene. A lady sitting near us overheard and offered to take pictures for us.

I love how we all have girls (well, I almost have my girl!) and that we are all one stage above each other. Cambell is a little over a year old, Zoe is about 6 months and then there's pregnant me! It is so awesome to see God recreating a new generation of best friends:) Lyla went crazy yesterday and I just know it was because she sensed her besties near. :) At one point I was holding Zoe and Lyla kept kicking me. I think she wanted so desperately to come out and play!

Anyways, yesterday was an amazing blessing and I am so thankful God gave me the strength to drive 2 hours away to meet these girls for the day. I wouldn't have traded a second of it for anything in the world. Lindsey does have to go back in a week and a half and will finish out this term and will get to come home next Thanksgiving. Please join me in prayer for her and her family as it will be difficult for her to have to leave again. She is so selfless and such an amazing woman of God. I am more than blessed to call her my best friend!

35 weeks!!

It's funny. Everyone told me that the beginning stages of pregnancy would fly by, but the end would drag on miserably. For me, it has been quite the opposite. I cannot believe that we are only 5 weeks (or so) away from meeting OUR DAUGHTER! I am officially out of school for the summer and am trying to concentrate on getting the house ready for sweet Lyla's arrival. It is so nice to be home! Last week, cabin fever set in a little bit, so I am trying to stay busy helping out with things at the church and hanging out with friends -It could be a while once Lyla gets here before I am able to do these things again. We have our next appointment on Monday and I am hoping to get a good update (which they have all been good updates so far-so hopefully it will continue to stay that way!)  Here's an update on the pregnancy at 35 weeks:

Size of baby: As of our last appointment she was about 4 lbs. I was 10 lbs 11oz and Jeff was around 5 lbs, so we shall see who she favors on the weight side of things-I am hoping her daddy wins that one. Delivering a 10 lb baby does NOT sound appealing to me. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Too much...haha. Let's just say I am 5 lbs less than my husband's weight...:(

Maternity Clothes: Yes, but I refuse to buy any more clothes, so I am at the point where I am wearing the same thing almost everyday. Oh well!

Gender: It's definitely a GIRL! She already has more shoes and clothes than I do....:)  

Movement: Oh goodness...She moves all the time. People have asked me if I can figure out her personality yet  and I can tell you two things just based on the way she moves: 1. Baby girl is very very active. It doesn't matter if it is morning or night-she moves all the time. I do not feel her kicking as much anymore, but the rolling around is constant. 2. Girlfriend is stubborn. She has definitely turned already and very much likes to stick her fanny in my ribs. Just last night, I felt like her little tush was coming through my stomach and I hollered for Jeff and he tried to talk her into moving so She "wouldn't hurt mommy anymore." Did she listen? No. The fanny in my ribs thing usually happens several times a day. I get a kick thinking she is going to take after her mama in the hips and backside area! Sorry, Lyla! (baby got back) haha.

Sleep: Some nights I will sleep great (well not pre-pregnancy great, but great for 35 weeks) other nights, I DREAD the night time. My usual routine is taking 3-4 tylenol for the back pain (yes, it's that bad), falling asleep with the heating pad on (which I usually turn off on my first bathroom trip of the night) and getting up 2-3 times to use the bathroom. I sleep with 3 pillows under my head, two little pillows under my belly and one behind my back. 

What I miss: Being able to go places. I have been having a hard time with missing out on things because I can't travel or I can't do the activity. My best friend Lindsey is home in the states for 3 weeks-can't travel to go see her. My brother in law is getting married this weekend -can't travel to Texas to see them. It's hard to sit back and miss out, but I have to keep reminding myself that I have to do what's best for Lyla.  I also couldn't go to the river last weekend with Jeff and friends from church because I couldn't walk the mile to the river or get in a boat.

  

Cravings:Fruit has been a constant throughout this pregnancy. I also love cereal (apple jacks mainly), any breakfast food really,  :) I also constantly want things I can't get here in Mississippi. Starbucks, Panera, Zaxbys, you get the idea....

Symptoms: Hot flashes, acne, swollen feet, exhaustion

Best Moment This Week:  Finishing up her nursery and feeling like "ok, we could actually bring her home now" :)

Lyla Rae, we love you so much and are so ready to meet you!!!