Awake

I'm sure the day will come when I wish my daughter would sleep during the day.  But right now, she seems to sleep ALL DAY LONG!  Yesterday, Aunt Leah came over to visit with Annelise.  She was awake the whole time.  So, here are some pictures of her with eyes wide open.  It doesn't happen often.

Baby Update

Annelise is growing, growing, growing!  Yesterday, she discovered her hands and learned how to hold her pacifier in her mouth, all on her own.  Now, if she could only learn to grab it and stick it in during the night. 

We also received a wonderful gift in the mail today.  Friends from California sent a "seaside" outfit for Annelise to wear.  It's absolutely adorable!  She's going to look beautiful in it.  Thanks Jacqui, Mali, Toni and Tim!

Lastly, thanks to all of you for your advice on nursing.  I think I ate something yesterday that might have made Annelise a little tempermental.  In fact, I know I did.  I ate a big bowl of chips and salsa - not thinking it would affect my milk supply.  How stupid!  Anne was awake most of the night with a tummy ache and even threw up.  I felt like such a bad mom.  But, I will chalk it up to experience and learn from it.  Today, we're eating super healthy and drinking lots of water to see if we can flush out the bad milk and bring in the good.  Sorry, Anne.  Mommy will learn soon enough!

Back to Work - Back to Reality

After a wonderful week at home as family, Matt had to go back to work today.  Daddy was a little sad to leave us this morning.  Thus, reality sets in.  I think we were all ready for a change - or at least looked forward to getting back into a routine.  Although, this is definitely nothing like the routine we had before.  

To add to the change, Annelise hasn't been sleeping or eating as well the last few days.  And last night, we tried really hard to let daddy get some sleep.  I'm not sure it worked.  She has started eating less each time she nurses.  She does about 5 minutes on each side and is done.  Which means she wants to eat more often.  Help!  Any suggestions from you moms that have gone before me?  I've tried stripping her down to her diaper to wake her up, burping her in between breasts, changing sides more frequently so she doesn't get bored fast.  Nothing seems to help.  I would love any suggestions you have!

She Changes Everyday

Eyes Wide Open

First, let me say that Annelise SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT last night!  I had to wake her up at 2am and 6am for her feeding.  Otherwise, she was out like a light.  Mommy and daddy were very grateful for a full night's rest!

Secondly, being a parent is amazing!  I love to watch how much Annelise has grown in just one week's time.  I can't believe how much she changes day in and day out.  Every morning I wake up to a new facial expression or sound.  I'm taking as many pictures as I can, because I want to remember these days forever!  

So, here's another picture from today.  Grandma bought Annelise some very cute clothes yesterday and we loved this outfit.  It's very yummy!

Our Story

I've been tagged by cousin Pam to tell our story - so here goes...

Matt and I are 6.5 years apart in age.  It surprises most people, until they hear how we met.  After a year at community college, I transferred as a sophomore to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  I was a fresh faced barely 19 year old.  Matt also transferred to Moody a year earlier, but made the decision to attend Bible college later in life.  He was 23.  We met in a sort of by accident - although we know God purposed it.  One of my floor mates was trying to "set me up" with a guy that lived on Matt's floor.  It turned out that neither of us was interested in the other, but as a group, we had a great time out together.  That was my first experience hanging out with Matthew. Throughout that first semester, Matt and I spent a lot of time together by hanging out in small groups.  During that time, I never suspected that Matt was interested in me - and I hadn't event considered him an option.  So, I was doing anything but trying to impress him.  We laugh because generally when we would hang out, I would wear a hat, no make-up, sweats - pretty much anything that I was comfortable in.  I figured I wasn't looking for a relationship with this guy, so why impress him.  Later, I found out that Matt thought I was just so comfortable around him, that it didn't matter whether or not I impressed him with my looks.  He was even more attracted to me because of this!  To make a long story a little shorter, after hanging out together in groups, I started to get weird signals from Matt - and I found myself returning those signals.  Flirting or focusing our attention more on one another than the group, I realized that maybe this guy was interested in me - and I in him.  One awkward night, Matt asked me to go for a walk - alone.  We had never spent time together alone.  My ignorance quickly subsided and I realized what this "walk" meant.  I was nervous beyond belief.  As we walked, he began to tell me how he felt about me, that he would like to date me.  And I also expressed my interest in dating him.  After that night in February 2002, things moved quickly.  We dated for about 4 weeks and I found myself becoming very attached to him emotionally.  Having been in these kind of relationships before, I gave Matt and ultimatum.  We need to determine whether or not we're in this relationship for the long haul - and if not, then we need to end it.  I was getting smarter with my heart and wanted to guard against giving it to someone that wasn't going to be my husband.  Matt wisely took our spring break as just that - a break to determine whether or not we should continue our relationship.  After much prayer, seeking wise counsel and examining his own heart, Matt decided that he wanted to continue in the relationship.  Though he failed to tell me for 4 days after we returned from break!  It was killing me to know.  He asked me to go for a walk that week and I was again nervous beyond belief, not knowing what his answer would be.  He took me to the top of an apartment building in Chicago, overlooking the city and told me he wanted to date me exclusively and pursue a long-term relationship.  I was thrilled!  Then, I hit him with another request - he had to call my dad and ask his permission to pursue this relationship.  He did (which spoke volumes to me and my family).  We were engaged a year and a half later and have been married for 3.5 years now.  As I sit here, with my week-old daughter on my lap, and my husband sipping coffee beside me, I can't help but thank God for the unique ways he brings us together to fulfill his plan.  I have said before that God's choice for me was so much better than I could have chosen for myself.  He has provided a husband for me that loves the Lord first, his family second and is compassionate towards others.  We have a heart for ministry and want to see many come to know the Lord personally.  

Pam - Thanks for tagging me to tell this story.  Its a great reminder of God's sovereignty in our lives!  

A few more...

Update

We left the hospital yesterday at one to come home with our little girl.  It's so strange how you can enter a place a family of two and leave as a family of three.  When we got home, I think I was a little ambitious and decided to get on the computer, cook dinner, put things away...before long, I was on a downward spiral.  Around 6pm I kind of lost it - physically, emotionally, and mentally. The exhaustion was a little more than I could handle.  But, God granted us a few hours of sleep last night (and I mean a few).  They were just what we needed to get through another day at home.  Annelise is doing so well!  She's breast feeding like a champ - which any mom out there knows can be such a frustrating time the first few days home.  She didn't sleep much last night, but dad and I are happy to have enjoyed a much needed nap today.  The weather here in Michigan in blizzard-like, so its been nice to be inside a warm house together.  We're spending lots of time snuggling our little one.  I've been told you can't spoil a newborn - although I intend to try.  Keep praying for health of Annelise - and for my quick recovery.  Each day is exponentially better than the one before.  I'm sure you'll be seeing many new pictures/videos soon!

More Baby!

Our Precious Little One

Annelise is doing great - and mommy is feeling much better after a good night's rest, hot shower and food!  

Annelise Louise Neal

She's Here!!!

Yeah! (this is dad by the way...)

Rah and I are the new proud parents of a gorgeous (looks like daddy) baby girl. Annelise Louise Neal, 6 lbs. 13 oz. 20 inches.  Rachael had some complications and had to deliver by C-Section. Baby is healthy, mom is recovering well and will update you blogger-dudes when she's up for it. I am a new dad and I love it! There's nothin' like holding your own child! Photos to come...

Another Update

It's 5:30 pm - I've been on the pitocin for 8 hours and things are progressing quite well (according to the nurse).  My contractions are steady and more frequent, though not too painful yet.  At 6 pm they are going to put an internal contraction monitor in to get a better picture of how I'm progressing.  Some of you probably think I'm crazy for blogging, but its not really that bad right now, so I figured to beat the boredom and keep my eye off the monitor, I'll update you all on the progress.  We're so happy to be indoors tonight - as we watch the snow fall outside and hear how bitter cold it is.  Stay warm!

Update

We're at the hospital.  The doctor broke my water at 7:30 am - nothing really happened.  So, in a few minutes they are going to give me pitocin to see if that will speed things up.  Once they do that, I'm confined to bed or rocking chair.  Matt and I already did about 100 laps around the birthing floor.  We'll keep you posted!

Anxiety Sets In

HELP!  I was so excited after my doctor's appointment yesterday, but now I'm really nervous!  I slept horrible last night, upset stomach (probably nerves) and my mind was racing.  Did I make the right decision to have her induce me tomorrow morning?  I think the reality of knowing when your baby is going to be born is worse than thinking it could happen at any moment.  All you lady friends out there...I could use some encouragement!  Whether I'm ready or not, I'm going to be a mom tomorrow!

Only Two Days!!

39 weeks!

Here's the latest on the baby...

I went to the doctor again today.  She gave me a real good strip of the membranes today - I guess you could say she finished what she started last week!  So, labor could be just around the corner.  But, in case not, she has scheduled me to be induced on Friday morning at 7am!  Very exciting!  Even though I'm still a week from my due date, I'm 2cm dilated and my cervix is soft.  So the doctor feels like if she breaks my water, I'll go into labor.  I can't believe its two days away!  Matt and I are quickly making preparations for the inevitable birth of our baby girl this weekend.  Be praying for us.

Birthday Boy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW!  

Today, Matt turned the big "3-2"!  He enjoyed a morning of sleeping in, going to the late service at church, a birthday burger at Red Robin, shopping with his birthday gifts cards, taking a long nap, and now watching football while I make him brownies.  The only thing missing?  His baby girl arriving on the big day!  Nope, we still haven't had the baby - and I'm beginning to think its not going to happen anytime soon.  But, thats ok.  I was reminded today that a week and a half isn't that far off - and these are the last days Matt and I will have as a childless couple together.  So, we're enjoying every minute of it.

To my husband...I love you for who you are, who God is forming you to be, and for the leader you are in our home.  Other than my salvation, you are the greatest gift from God I have ever received and I can't wait for you to be a father.  I love you!

No Such Luck

Update:  The doctor called me at 6:30pm to check in.  She told me if it would make me feel better, I could go to the hospital to get checked out - to make sure I wasn't in real labor.  So, we went.  They hooked me up to a bunch of monitors, checked my cervix and sent me home with two sleeping pills and no hope.  Bummer.  

Labor?

For those of you checking my blog more frequently these days, I think I'm in labor.  I came home from work today at 2:30 with some inconsistent contractions.  I decided to go for a long walk to see if that would help move things along.  Boy did it!  There were a couple of times within a block that I had to stop they were so strong.  But, now I'm at home and things seem to be slowing down the more relaxed I get.  We'll keep you posted!

38 Weeks and Counting

I had my 38 week check-up yesterday.  I'm still dilated to 2cm - so no progress there.  But, during the middle of the exam (without warning) the doctor decided to strip my membranes.  HOLY COW does that hurt!  She said she wanted to get the process moving a little faster.  She also decided to stretch out my cervix a little bit while she was in there.  (Sorry men, if you're reading this, I should have warned you long ago.)  Needless to say, I was just a little sore after my appointment - and I had a baby shower to go to right afterwards.  Yuck!  I rewarded myself last night with a Tylenol PM (yes, the doctor said it was ok) and enjoyed the best night's rest I've had in weeks.  I feel pretty good today - but unfortunately don't have any signs of labor.  

Oh and we got the last two items we really needed for the baby - a stroller and a high chair!  Thanks to all the ladies at HRM for your thoughtfulness.

What I Should Be

You Should Be a Manager

You're very organized, motivated, and methodical. Fair and objective, you can see all sides of a conflict. You are a good mediator. You are task oriented. You do well with deadlines and schedules. And while you can be a task master at times, you're good at managing people and listening to their input. You do best when you: - Must have attention to detail - Are in charge of people You would also be a good accountant or personal assistant.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

Preggo Update

I'm officially 37 weeks - considered full-term - and have begun to see my doctor each week. Last week's visit was less than exciting. No dilation, no effacement, just same old, same old. So, I went into my exam today, expecting to be disappointed again. It's never a comfortable thing to be examined by an OB/GYN, but all of you women out there that have given birth can testify that at this stage of pregnancy, you'll willingly - and even excitedly - bare all to find out how soon this baby is planning to arrive. I'm happy to say that my examination today revealed that I am almost 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced! While I know I could stay at this place for a while, its exciting to know that my body is beginning to prepare for the birth of this child. I came home tonight and decided to pack my bag for the hospital, just in case. Matt seemed excited - but anxious at the news. I think its starting to hit him that fatherhood is very close at hand. We'll keep you posted!