Playing Catch Up with Nora

Where has the time gone! It's VBS week here at church and I can't figure out where the last year of my life has gone!?!?! Being pregnant is like going on some whacked out ride at a supernatural theme park where you get on totally normal and get off a complete wreck! (Thanks mom for the mini makeover, I needed it)

I've been back at work for two weeks now and that is going really well. I've handled it alot better than I thought I would. It helps that Nora is staying home with grandmothers and relatives until August. It makes me feel better for some reason to know she is at home with people who love her. Her Mother's Day Out program doesn't start until August 11, so basically we have house guests ALL summer watching her. At least we are lucky enough to have family that loves us and has agreed to come up and stay with her.

Those first 8 weeks I was home with her were perplexing. The days flew by but the weeks seemed like months. Who knows! I guess because I didn't sleep the first two months! It's amazing what you can persevere when you love someone so much. Nora was not and is not a sleeper! She hates sleeping, loves eating and isn't afraid to tell you what she thinks. I think she cried the first three weeks straight. We finally starting supplementing at 3 weeks with formula and she's smoothed out quite a bit because of that. I felt so much better when her doctor told me that God invented formula and it was ok to give it to her. So we are still nursing, pumping and supplementing and she's one happy little girl.

The second month started out better but quickly turned south with a cold! A COLD? My sweet baby has a cold? What have I done wrong? It was kind of terrible, we had to sleep her in a incline, use saline spray and a suction and use a humidifier for a week and a half. After she got over her cold she decided she wanted to eat every two hours. EVERY TWO HOURS. Are you kidding me! Back to no sleep!

Luckily she is sleeping longer at night 6-7 hours! HALLELUJAH, but she does still eat every two during the day! She is so much fun these days. She loves to laugh and smile and I even get a chuckle out of her occasionally (usually after she eats). She loves to talk to us and has even said Momma (of course by complete accident, and who cares! She still said it). Our favorite game is, "How are you doing, Nora"? to which she replies, "I'm good"....which is Ah goo...for all you haters. But when she says, ah goo it totally comes out "I'm good" and it's the cutest. She even told me, "You good" after I changed her diaper one day.

She's a feisty one that's for sure! She hates going to sleep and I usually have to rock her to sleep and sing in her ear. Her current favorites are "I love You Lord", "Sanctuary" and "Goin' up a Yonder". She also loves the SHUSH sound in her ear. Of course if rocking doesn't work nursing usually does. Ask me if I'm worried about rocking her and nursing her to sleep...NO...that sweet child couldn't be loved more and I'll stop when I want to.

She loves to swing and nap, she also loves to sit in her bouncy seat and watch tv...Oh MY! What are we going to do!?!? Her daddy has her watching hockey games and she loves the Backyardagins too. Her pink bear keeps her company in the crib and plays music to entertain her. She will on occasion lay in her crib and watch her mobile but it's not enough to convince her to go to sleep on her own, so it doesn't get used too much.

I just can't get enough of her...I don't even want to let other people hold her (even though I do). I could just stare at her all day and kiss that sweet head a million times. Thank you Lord I skipped that birth control for a week. Thank you Lord again.

Newborn Pictures

We had Nora's newborn pictures made when she was 2 weeks old at Heather Bookout Studios here in Huntsville.

It was a wonderful experience and I think she and her staff did a wonderful job. It's a really fun atmosphere but very professional and I'm happy to support such a wonderful photographer who also gives back to the community.

We've already ordered the pictures, $CHA CHING$, and I can't wait to get them back and get them hung on the walls.

We go back for her 6 month and 12 month pictures also!

Welcome Nora Ella Hardy

Nora Ella Hardy
March 26, 2009
7:36 am
7 lbs 3 oz 19"

We had a scheduled c-section for that Thursday morning which ended up being a little more than this anxious lady bargained for. I don't know if I would have handled, "OH NO! I'm in labor get me to the hospital" better but it was very hard for me knowing I was going to bed and I had to wake up at 4 am to go to the hospital to have a baby. But we made it despite a torrential downpour on the way to the hospital and being about 20 minutes late.

It was very surreal and has the minutes inched closer to 7:20 am I got more and more anxious and even thought about bolting once. Brannan was there for me, stoic and calm, all an act I'm sure but together we managed. Well, I managed until they made him wait outside while they gave me the spinal. I really almost lost it. Really. It was close. Thank the Lord I had a wonderful wonderful wonderful nurse who talked me through it. I was better immediately once Brannan got into the OR and I was numb.

Then a whooping 6 minutes after Brannan got into the OR she was here! WOW! That was fast! What's everyone complaining about childbirth for? HAHA! I will never deny that I didn't want a c-section but I have to say, it worked out just fine. I was worried about missing out on childbirth but now that she's here, she's the only thing that matters.

Brannan was video taping and doing a below average job but who can blame him for forgetting he was filming...he was very excited. I did get to see her butt coming out then the floor then a close up of her ear then the floor then her in the crib then some more floor and then I got to see when we first met. Ahhh. I remember just starring at her in complete disbelief and thinking...she doesn't look anything like me. Insert laugh here. That's the only thing I thought. My child looks just like Brannan. Then they stole her away from me and my husband was gone and I had to wait in recovery ALONE for THREE HOURS. My worst fears realized, that was another huge reason I didn't want a c-section! The recovery room! I'm very needy, I do not want to be alone at a time like that and no I didn't sleep - all those other women were sawing zzzz's but I couldn't shut an eye until I saw that baby again.

Finally they found us a room and I got to see my sweet husband. He told me all about her and told me about her bath - he was so proud and excited and I fell in love with him all over again. I thought I loved my husband but it turns out I've never loved liked I loved that day. To see my husband holding our baby was more than my little heart could stand so it had to grow bigger and bigger to hold it all in.

We stayed in the hospital for three nights and went home on Sunday morning. We had lots of visitors and family and it was such a happy time. I thoroughly enjoyed our hospital stay. I'm not afraid of a little attention and I soaked it up all weekend.

Nora Ella's Nursery

It is nearly complete, it is only lacking some butterflies hanging in the corner (which is on hold until we get some fishing line) and the lamp my daddy had made for me that should be ready this week! I'm now thinking I need a rug...but that will have to wait until I have time to shop again! Which could be this summer!!!

Bed Rest...It's a Good Thing.

Sleeping until 9 o'clock, eating butterfly shapped pancakes on the patio, not having to clean up right away, priceless. Thank you Dr. Aguayo for my bed rest.

Overnight Guests

We've been in our new home for 4 and half months now and while we have welcomed our parents as sleepover guests we had our first non-relative guests this past weekend. Rob, Luci & Will Davis came up from Birmingham to spend some time with us before Nora Ella arrives next week.

I've been on MODIFIED bed rest (basically meaning I don't have to go to work) since last Wednesday but I did spend last Friday running errands getting a few things for the house, i.e. a mirror for the bathroom that we've needed desperately and some things for our bathroom we just gave a cosmetic makeover to. So after my LONG day of running errands (in the rain) we met the Davis' at the VBC for a hockey game.

Hockey Game. I'm a good 9 1/2 months pregnant and Will is 8 months and yet Brannan thought a hockey game was a good idea...honestly do they think? It wasn't too bad except I hadn't eaten lunch that day and had to settle for stadium chicken fingers. Luci & I did end up leaving a little bit early with Will and the guys showed up at the house as soon as it was over.

It was a late night for all of us because we refused to go to bed because that would have interrupted our chat time. I was very pleased that we could offer up our Bumbo to Will when he needed to eat his snack, I guess that officially makes us a part of the parent club. Not only did we have a Bumbo but a cradle for him to use as well. It was really a nice visit and we loved spending time with Will. We aren't your typical "baby" people so it was nice to reassured that we can handle this.

Sneak Peek!

We've been working hard on Nora Ella's nursery! It's not finished yet, there are ALOT of small details to complete but I thought I would share with you a sneak peek.

Here is a picture of her new bumper pad & her sweet little lamb. My step mother-in-law is making all the bedding and drapery panels (thank goodness...I'm emotionally too unstable to sew for her). So far the bumper pad is all that is finished, but we should be getting the rest soon!

I'm excited! It's getting close!

Quick Update!

I had a shower Sunday and another this afternoon and while I have much to tell you and lots of pictures to share...I had to share this first!

We are the proud new owners of a travel system! WOO HOO! All my co-workers pitched in and bought it for us. To say the least I was overwhelmed, and a few tears were shed, I just never in a million years thought anyone expect our parents would get it for us. I actually just assumed we would end up buying it.

Blessings!

Nora Ella's First Baby Shower

Well I think I've finally recovered from this past weekend. Traveling is not so much fun these days what with having to sleep in a strange bed and all the driving. But it was indeed a wonderful weekend even though it was jam packed and flew by!

First let me say thank you to all my sweet friends who threw us the shower. It seems like just yesterday I was unwrapping blenders, bed sheets and china and I know a little over a year is short turn around for shower hosting, so thank you!

Susan Moll (our ring leader), Shanon (my big sis), Susan Stabler (guest who traveled the furthest), Anita (injured but still contributed behind the scenes) and Kristin (the hostess with the most-ess) turned Susan's house into a baby shower machine. Everything looked so lovely from the balloons on the mailbox to the wreath on the door and the table and flowers everywhere. We were treated with brownie sundaes and toppings galore and I really don't think I've been to a yummier shower.

We skipped the games and I don't think anyone noticed. I almost didn't notice. I guess they remembered how competitive I am when it comes to winning shower games and they didn't want to go there just in case I lost. It turned out to be a good thing because we couldn't waste any time with all the presents I had to open. I bet we went steady on the present opening for about an hour and 15 minutes.

It was very overwhelming and hot. HA! I was burning up and made Susan kick her ceiling fan into high gear. We had around 30 guests and many people who couldn't make it sent gifts so there was paper and bows and bags OH MY flying everywhere.

To recap on the gifts: I got some stuff off my registry including our play yard, diaper champ, tummy time toy, exersaucer, capri stroller, mobile, mattress, bouncer, bath tub, booster seat, boppy & monitor! And if that wasn't enough! We got so many lovely handmade gifts like bibs, burp cloths, towels, blankets, & onesies. Of course we got some adorable outfits and practical items as well. Brannan's step mother is very talented and made us a gaggle of gifts including a smocked gown with matching bonnet and booties as well as a blanket, two stuffed dolls, a taggy blanket and a sweet little crocheted cape and booties!

There is nothing like a shower to make you realize how much people love you and your family. I really can't describe how thankful I am to everyone who has been so supportive and loving to us during this time. I know that Nora coming into our world was very unexpected but I wouldn't change this time in our lives for anything. I love Nora Ella and Brannan more than I thought my heart was capable of loving anyone.

It was a wonderful, wonderful day and I've included some pictures!

My 29th Birthday

Where to begin?

Let's start with 29 sounds alot older than 28. I'm not obsessed with age by any means but I'm just saying, it really does sound much older. When I was 16 I worked at dry cleaners in Birmingham and there was this really hot guy that always came in to get is dry cleaning. He was 25. I thought he was so mature and I would have given my right arm to have been 18 (not that he would have dated an 18 year old - but you know what I mean). So I think about Mr. Scott Black (yes I remember his name) and I think, I am now 4 years older than he was then. That, more than anything makes me feel old.

I don't think it helps that I'm pregnant and I can't roll over, bend over, get out of bed, stand up or climb stairs without totally exhausting myself. I know this is a temporary situation but add it to a birthday and it makes me feel really old.

I really do love my birthday. I never work on my birthday, it is a rule of mine I've kept my entire adult life and I don't mind burning a vacation day at all. I actually found it very natural not to be at work yesterday, oh well, I better not get use to that. I've been under the weather for about a week and a half so I don't have my normal energy level but I still had a great birthday. It was quiet, which is fine since my life will never be quiet again in...oh...about three months. My parents came up on Sunday and we went to lunch and did some light shopping. Then my mother and I made dinner Sunday night and I made a chocolate covered cherry bundt cake that was really delicious (thanks old lady at church for the recipe). My mom and dad gave me some perfume that was well received since I've been hinting around for SOMEONE to buy me perfume for about 6 months.

On Monday (my actual birthday) we had our 4D ultrasound appointment for Miss Nora Ella (and yes she is still a girl, whew). It was wonderful, she slept through the whole thing because I had her drugged up on decongestant medicine (doctor prescribed, don't worry) but she did move a little here and there and I must say she is the cutest baby in the entire world. Easy. Sorry other moms. Here are some pictures for proof:






My parents headed home after the ultrasound and lunch and I spent the afternoon looking at her pictures over and over again. I love her so much. I can't wait for her to get here. Even if that means staying up all night and changing diapers. I just love her beyond my own comprehension.

Brannan and I were going to go out to dinner last night but neither us felt up to it so we ordered Chinese takeout (which was delicious) and watched a movie. My sweet husband bought me a figurine of a mother and baby (which I loved) and I got the prettiest card from him. The best present was that he finally cleaned the garage out so I could park inside last night since this is about to be the coldest week in like 10 years in Huntsville.

It was a wonderful birthday.

Finally a New Post!

I took a major hiatus over the holidays. But I'm going to try and get back into the swing of things.

Let's see. In a nutshell. We went home for Christmas and it was wonderful. I really miss being in Birmingham and it was just so nice to be with Mom & Dad again. I got home on Christmas Eve and baked some goodies before heading to my Aunt Martha's for the evening. We also went to the 11 pm service at Asbury UMC, if we do the late service next year I'll be sure to squeeze a nap in first...it was a little tough during the message to stay concentrated.

Christmas morning Brannan and I were with my mom and dad and we had a great morning. Brannan and I bought a camcorder for ourselves as our Christmas present and we waited until Christmas morning to bust it out. I also got him a new body for his gas powered remote control truck and a gift card to Gander Mountain. However, I was trumped. Even though we weren't suppose to get each other much more he surprised me with a pair of diamond earrings. I was genuinely shocked and cried uncontrollably (hormones), it was just such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do, I love him.

Then we headed over to Brannan's Dad's house followed by his Mom's house and had a nice afternoon visiting with the family. Brannan left for Arkansas the day after Christmas freeing me up to do my own thing (always good). I picked out my fabrics for the nursery, did a little shopping with mom, Shanon & Susan, had lunch one day with my cousins and aunts, registerd for some more stuff for Nora, and managed to eat lunch at Edgars twice in one week (perfection).

We came home for a few days for New Year's because Brannan had to work and we made it over to Mark & Leslie's for a New Year's party among friends. Then we headed BACK home to Birmingham for a party on Friday night with my best friends from High School. It was a great night. Everyone and their others were there, a rare gathering that never happens. They surprised Brannan and I with our highchair. So great of them to do that for us and we really appreciated it and their friendship.

It was a wonderful vacation and I hate that I'm back at work and with a cold to top it off! But life goes on and everyday can't be Christmas.

I Elfed Myself

Yeah! Too Much Fun! Please notice that Brannan and I invited our boyfriend & girlfriend to join us in this Holiday Special!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The Best-Worst Week Ever

This has been a hard week for me. It’s also been a wonderful week. A contradiction? Isn’t everything in life. How is it that after we get everything we ever wanted in life, we become sad because we get the false sense that we are done accomplishing things. I don’t think we are really ever done accomplishing anything but sometimes it seems as though that chapter is closed and now I have to move on. Well maybe I don’t want to move on. What was I doing a year ago today, well let’s see. A year ago today I had just come in from the ski slopes in Vail, Colorado, and yes it was as idyllic as you are right now imagining. My new husband and I were tired but filled with spirit and excitement and alas love. We readied ourselves for dinner and we both looked really lovely, well not him, he looked handsome, I looked lovely. Our valet brought the car around and snow was falling heavy from the night’s sky. It was more beautiful than I had ever imagined, nothing like the Alabama frost that occasionally graced the top of our cars. As we hurried off to diner, living someone else’s life and hopeing no one noticed, it seemed like the dream would never end.

A year later. My husband asked me the other night if I ever thought a year ago that we would be in a new home and expecting our first child at that same time a year later. No. I never thought any of those things. I had spent my life planning for that one day - that one week, and I had never bothered to think past what would happen on December 6th when we got home from our honeymoon. I didn’t really know how to be a wife, how would I have known. I had seen movies and TV shows with wives and of course I had my own mother to look up to, but I had never planned past the honeymoon. I think I did an okay job at first and it only took me two times to master Martha Stewart’s Meatloaf 101. I was doing really well. I began to plan meals for my husband and I to enjoy, I balanced our finances, I planned things for us to do together as a couple and I even packed my husbands things for him when we went out of town. I had seven good months under my belt when I discovered I was pregnant. Seven? That’s all? That’s all. That’s all I was going to get, seven months to become a wife. Well, now what? “Now you have nine months to figure out how you’re going to be a mother”, I said to myself. That seemed fair - two more months than the wife thing.

I stressed at first, and then again the next month, and then the next and so on. As people close to me and people I barely new assured me that I would be a wonderful mother, I wasn’t sure. I know I will love my child, and I already do, check. Ok, so I’ve come that far, I love her. Now what, what do I do with her? What will I teach her? How will I discipline her? How will I provide for her? All valid questions. Ok, so the plan is to just go with the flow and let God be in control. I’m good with that plan, that let’s me relax, something I’m not good at.

So that brings me back to this week. I have reminiscing all week about this same week from last year. What a magical week this will always be. So how come every time I think about our wedding or our honeymoon I cry? I think I’m just sad this year is over, not that I had planned anything past that first week but at least I had this whole year as a cushion. Yesterday was December 4th, last year the fourth was on a Tuesday, and last year we went snow mobile riding through the Rocky Mountains. Yesterday, December 4, 2008, we did not go for a snow mobile ride, yesterday we went to register for our baby. A let down? No, not necessarily. A disappointment? No I wouldn’t say that either. A reality check? Yes, definitely a realty check.

So I guess now we grow up. That sounds funny being 29 & 34 respectively. Weren’t we suppose to already be grown up? Maybe that’s why I’m sad. The honeymoon is over, the baby is on the way and it’s time to grow up. But just last week I sat in my father’s lap with my arm around his neck holding on tight for a goodnight hug. What happens now? Am I in my father’s lap with Nora in mine? How is that going to work? Do I just get shoved to the side, another mother doing dishes in the kitchen - I don’t know if I’m ok with that. Maybe that’s why there have been so many tears, maybe I was just getting use to being a wife, maybe that’s as grown up as I wanted to be for now. Or maybe it’s because I know deep down that if this year went by so quickly our daughter’s first year will go by fast and then the next and the next and all of the sudden she’ll be grown.



So I guess that chapter in our lives is closed. The honeymoon is over, as they say. I said before that I felt like I had come to a stand still because I had accomplished everything in life I had planned. I married the love of my life. That’s a good accomplishment I think. But I’m still standing here, so that must not be all that God has planned for me. I’m glad God is one step ahead because I’m not creative enough to come up with a whole lifetime of things to do. It’s a Friday night and writing you this is all I can think of to do.

Am I still sad? No, now I’m just scared. Being scared is kind of like being sad I guess, it does produce the same action. Crying. But no I’m not sad just scared of facing this new year and all its unknowns. I’m happy too, isn’t there somewhere that says, “Tears of Joy”. I think there is. Maybe that’s what these tears are, tears of joy. Maybe I’m crying tears of joy because my life is now better than I could have ever planned. Everyone is making plans for New Years, but I think we’ll just stay in. According to my calendar our New Year started last Monday, on our anniversary. It was a good year.

I’m not looking for any words of wisdom or advice from people who have been married five, ten or thirty years. I think we’ll just figure this out on our own. I know reliable sources to seek sound advice from when we need it. And I know we will. I just wanted you to know why I’m crying the next time you see me. The death of a honeymoon the fear of an unborn child and the joy from life, all in one year, realized, all in one week.