A Taste of Home

We've had a busy weekend - we headed north for the weekend. When I say north, I'm talking about north Florida & south Alabama, nothing crazy y'all.

I was delightfully surprised with Caroline's first trip. She was wonderful! She slept almost the entire car ride. We stopped twice to feed her and change her and those were the only times she woke up. What did we learn? Mommy is free to travel because baby doesn't mind! #yayus

Another wonderful surprise? My prayers were answered and bright and early on our first morning in town, Caroline & I headed to Mississippi to visit & meet Uncle Matt! Words could not explain how thankful I was that everything worked out. I'm so glad they were able to meet and spend a little time together before he flew out for his next orders. #militarylife My heart is smiling about their connection. He was so good with her.

Before this trip Caroline knew very few people, she knew her parents and she knew her grandparents... now our little baby knows 60+ people! Haha, that little girl is so loved. It's so wonderful. She met her Aunts, her Uncle, some of her Great Grandparents, her 2nd cousins, some of her Great Aunts & Great Uncles, even some of her Great Great Aunts. It was so wonderful to see everyone gather for our sweet Caroline.

 

She was passed around and cooed at and loved on all weekend. I can't even count how many pictures were taken of her of the 4 day span. She got to go to her cousin Karleigh's 2nd birthday party while we were in Niceville and she had a photo shoot while we were in Brewton. We stayed busy :)

She's going to grow up around such wonderful people and she will learn so much from them. We're blessed to know such great people and call them family & friends.

The trips always seem to never be long enough. There is so much to cram into such a short amount of time, so much to catch up on. I think we're all ready to move a little closer so the distant isn't so great. (Next year will be here before we know it!)

I really enjoyed seeing everyone! It was so nice to see some of my friends while I was there. & this mommy even got out for a couple hours one of the nights (I was nervous but Caroline was in good hands- not to say that I didn't check in on her half way through my outing #couldnthelpit)

Currently I'm working on getting back in the swing of things. Starting back our routine at home. It's been a little difficult these last few days, between doctor's appointments and then Caroline & I catching a cold it's probably going to take another day or two. Luckily, the cold hasn't affected her too much, you can hear the congestion but she is still being her playful self and still eating so she's doing ok. We'll kick it soon :)

Try Something New

I'm starting something new today: Smoothies & Yoga.

Today's smoothie is filled with Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries and Strawberries.

I've been hunting the internet for good and healthy smoothie recipes and I think I have found a few worth trying. I love fruit, all kinds so I don't have a problem there, but I don't eat greens such as spinach. BUT I am now. They have "sneaky green" smoothies and they seem pretty legit. They're smoothies that cover up the taste of spinach and kale, etc. but allow you to still get the nutrients that they provide. Worth a shot!

Smoothies: It's what's for breakfast.

Smoothies: It's what's for lunch.

That's the plan! Hopefully I'll find that I really like a couple of the recipes (I don't think that'll be too much of an issue). It'll just take trying multiple kinds, which is fine by me.

I'm also about to dive into yoga. Beginners of course. Our SmartTV has all kinds of videos for me to watch so I'll be learning a new type of exercise. I'm excited for it, I've never really been into it before but Yoga is all the rage these days, so we'll give it a shot- It's good for the soul :)

I think it's very important for people to step outside of their usual routine and try new things regularly. It allows you to continue to grow as a person and it gives you new experiences and knowledge. Just my opinion. Whether it is as simple as trying a new food or drink or a new exercise- whatever it may be- try something new today!

"You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you."

                                                                     -Barbara Shar

You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.

Barbara Sher

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/new_things.html#l1K19hTixlWgFD59.99

You can learn new things at any time in your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.

Barbara Sher

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/new_things.html#l1K19hTixlWgFD59.99

One Month Of A New Kind Of Love

Caroline Ann is 1 Month Old today!

 

 

It's so hard to believe that time has flown by this quickly. It really doesn't seem like it has been that long since I had her! #timeflies

 

 

Fun facts about Caroline:

• 7.5+ pounds (7 lbs & 14 oz to be exact) 
• 20 inches long
• currently has grayish-blue eyes
• full head of brown hair
• loves laying on her daddy's chest
• sleeps in the bed between mommy & daddy
• started rolling from tummy to back at 2 weeks old
• loves going on car rides
• love love loves her paci's
• smiles in her dreams
• sticks out her tongue on a regular basis
• loves being held
• goes into a "sleep coma" with the "womb sound" playing on the phone
• finds Ace extremely interesting
• loves bath time
• is very observant of her surroundings

 

It has been a true blessing to have this little bean in our life. Such a game changer. I'm looking forward to everything that is ahead of us. I'm loving watching her grow and discover herself.

 

Mommyhood is the best gift I have ever been given :)

 

Today, we started off with Sunday Funday family brunch at Dexter's in Lake Mary. We did a little shopping and followed that with the "photo shoot." After that we took a long walk, by the park and around the neighborhood so Ace & Caroline could have some outside time in the fresh air. Now we're finishing up this Sunday with Daytona 500 #heckyesnascar and a tornado warning.. Currently I'm watching hail bounce off our neighbors house- golf ball size. Bless us, our bathrooms have windows... You can find us in the hallway.

 

 

 

 



New All Around

So many new things: New Baby, New Routine, New Car, New Love.

Life is going good here in the Turner household. Joseph is back in the swing of things at work - I am developing a daily routine for Caroline & me - Ace is adjusted to life with a baby.

Before Caroline, I imagined my days now being much different. I imagined a hectic day with crying and fussing, a lot of soothing and figuring out what to do. I pictured changing diapers every 30 minutes and huge messes around every corner, not to mention baby stuff everywhere! Now, after having Caroline here, we have every right to continue using the phrase 'sweet Caroline.' We have been truly blessed with an easy baby. She has made adjusting extremely uncomplicated.

With the nonexistent schedule she is on and her predictability, I can take semi-long showers, I can eat my meals slowly, and I can do an entire workout without having to break to sooth my baby girl. This is not at all how I expected life to be. (she is setting us up, the next child is going to be hell on wheels, I just know it.)

Joseph and I have taken on the parenting life quite well. I feel as through Caroline we have grown even stronger as a married couple. I know how much I loved him before and I couldn't imagine there being a way to increase the love I had for him, but having Caroline has created a way. We have grown together and grown stronger than I thought possible. It's a love that I have great difficulty trying to explain. In the simplest form, I couldn't be happier with our relationship and our new family.

Speaking of new... let's talk about another new addition- like my new car. I am happy to say we have gotten me a new car after about 3 months of research. I had a lot of 'must haves' for the vehicle we were going to be purchasing and let me just say, this car exceeds them. I am truly blessed that my hubby got me exactly what I wanted and more. I am blessed that we are able to have the luxury of two vehicles right after having a newborn baby. Thank you! Completely in love with my GMC Acadia. This momma didn't want a mini van but had to have the 3 rows of seats and storage room for all the trips coming up. With a newborn and a dog and lots of luggage and things to take around with us (aka stroller, pack n play, etc) we needed all the space. So happy! Now I've got to name her, or him, I haven't decided- isn't that what you do when you get a new car?.

Caroline turns one month old on the 23rd! My how the time flies. It's kind of hard to believe that it has already been that long! I'm going to do a one month photo shoot (I've been gathering props.) Look forward to seeing them!

Aren't they the cutest?

Family Addition

*** I'm back! ***

We have been blessed.

God has blessed our family with a beautiful baby girl. Caroline is here and is 3 weeks old as of today (gosh, I can't believe it's already been 3 weeks).

Coming into this world on January 23rd, 2014 at 7 pounds and 2 ounces, 19 1/2 inches long, this little girl has changed our world. She entered with a head full of dark brown hair and gray eyes. In the light, they look blue- so our hypothesis is that when her eyes are done developing, she will have her daddy's eyes, pretty & blue.

Her day of birth was one of the best days of my life. I remember it all so clearly. (Labor story coming in the near future.) It's true what they say.. You know no love like the love for your child.

She's everything I could've hoped for and so much more. She's absolutely gorgeous and has such a personality already. Her facial expressions and the way she grips on to my fingers melts my heart. The way she falls asleep on her daddy's chest and the way she looks at Ace, touch my heart like nothing I've ever felt before.

I have been blessed with the gift of motherhood. This little girl is changing the way I look at things and think about things. Who would have thought something so small could make such a large difference? I had been told, obviously, but experiencing it first hand makes you really understand what was meant.

That book that was my life before Caroline has been written, it's finished. This is a whole new book, not just a new chapter. I feel like real life has started and I'm so excited for everything we get to venture into.

I have a wonderful husband, who has done nothing but amaze me more and more everyday. I couldn't have handmade & created a better father to raise children with. He is spectacular with Caroline and teaches me things everyday. You see, when entering into parenthood, I was the one with little to no experience. I was never around children, let alone babies, while growing up. I had never changed a diaper before Caroline and hadn't even held a baby for longer than probably 10 minutes. Joseph on the other hand is the oldest of all his cousins, meaning he was baby sat and helped out all throughout his life. So thankful for my husband.

Another thing I am thankful for is all the help we have received from our family. Our parents came down for the birth of their Granddaughter. It was nice having everyone at the hospital with us. It helped to take my mind off of the discomfort I was in and it also allowed for us to sleep a little bit. And Caroline got to mingle with some of the most important people in her life so early after her arrival. Thank you to the Turner's, Robb's & Perry's.

After the birth, my mom was down here for a week after (which was a huge help!). I don't know what I would have done without her there with me. The cooking and cleaning and errands she helped me with were just what I needed. She helped me get acclimated with our new addition without falling behind on the rest of my responsibilities. Thank you, mom.

Adjusting to this new lifestyle has been fairly easy (who would've ever thought that). Dealing with my recovery has probably been the worst part of it. It time that will change though. (3 weeks down, "3" to go!)

Caroline had jaundice in the very beginning. We had to go back to the pediatrics unit of the hospital after we got home to stay 24 hours with her under "the light." Poor thing. She wasn't eating enough and she wasn't using the bathroom which equals a super fussy baby. Luckily, our little trooper kicked it quickly and seems to be back on the right track. Her color is fantastic, she is eating and disposing just like she should be (which equals two very happy parents). No more fussiness :)

I am so pleased with the happy, extremely easy baby that we have. She is so good. She sleeps the majority of the night even (as long as she is laying in the bed between Joseph & me). Which is completely fine with me, as long as she sleeps. Right after bringing her home, Caroline's schedule was a little backwards. She wanted to sleep all day and be awake all night.. which is not good for my working husband and for a recovering, exhausted new mommy. We're much more pleased now that we have fixed that. Like I said, she is super easy. And so good. We have taken her on errands during the day and had her in meetings with us that have lasted 2-3 hours at a time and she has been quiet and super adorable the whole time. I'm so in love with this child.

Let me brag on my other child for a minute. I am so impressed and proud of our four legged child, Ace. He has become a different dog since bringing Caroline home. He was very curious about her from the beginning. At first, if Caroline would cry, Ace would run into the other room or to Joseph or me. Now, when she cries or squirms with sounds, Ace runs to her and checks on her. He's so sweet to her. He checks on her and lays with her during tummy time. He is constantly watching her. While Caroline swings, he is right there next to it, basically the whole time. I couldn't be a more proud of my boy. He's such a good big bro already. I look forward to watching them together as she grows.

Since I'm getting back in the swing of things and working on developing a routine, I expect to be writing a little more on this blog. Like I said, I expect..... so I'll try my best!

A Letter To My Love Bug

Written November 15th, 2013.

Dear Caroline,

The day we found out we were having you, before we knew you were you, I knew that there was so much excitement that was getting ready to take place. We were thrilled and nervous at the thought of being new parents but we knew we had so much to look forward to.

 

Over the months and through the doctors appointments, every week we got closer and closer.

 

When we found out you were a little girl, our hearts filled with even more joy. People had always asked us if we thought we were having a boy or a girl. Mommy knew. In my dreams I saw pink plus signs and had dreams of a little girl in my life in the future. It was you.

 

We were warmed with the thought of a little girl as our first child. You already had your name.. Caroline Ann.

 

When you started kicking is when I started feeling my connection with you. Not just the little taps, but the larger movements you made that could be seen across my belly. I felt closer to you when I felt like you could actually understand and hear me when I would talk to you. The joy I felt when you would play. You would tap/kick when Ace would lay his head on you and you would wiggle a whole bunch when we would shine the flashlight on mommy's stomach. It was incredible to watch.

 

I've enjoyed and always looked forward to seeing you in our ultrasounds. You were always a delight to watch. You were always moving. Whether you were reaching with your hands and playing with your feet or if you were bouncing you legs, my eyes were glued to the monitor. You were adorable, even just in a black and white screen.

 

My favorite ultrasound was when I was 27 weeks pregnant with you, just under 7 months. Laying there watching you playing with your feet, I remember the screen being flipped to a different angle and I could see your face. I saw your beautiful lips and I could see you blink. You stopped your bouncing and you gave a big yawn right in front of the camera. It was the sweetest thing I had seen so far. I won't lie, I cried. Watching you move your lips and slowly work on falling asleep was precious. I enjoyed every second.

 

Ever since finding out about you, I've longed for January to come as soon as possible. I'm so ready to meet you and to find out who you are and who you look like. I have so many curiosities about you. Who will you take after? Who or what will your personality reflect? Will you really recognize our voices? I have so many hopes for you little one.

 

I hope you have your father's eyes and my dark features.

 

I hope you find smiling as contagious as your father and I do and I hope you laugh all the time.

 

I already know you are strong because of the things you've gone through, but I hope you always recognize your strength.

 

I hope you believe and have endless faith.

 

I hope you're never afraid to follow what you know is right.

 

I hope you find your place in this world that has been made especially for you.

 

I hope you're never afraid to go after your dreams.

 

I hope you always know how much we already love you and how our love will grow for you every day.

 

I hope family means as much to you as it does to us.

 

I can't wait to meet you, to hold you in my arms and have you look at me. I can't wait for all the adventures we will go through together. I love you now and I'll love you no matter what for the rest of your life. I hope you always know that.

Until we meet,
Your loving mommy. 

38 weeks & it's time!

We made it!

38 weeks is the final chapter in this book of My First Pregnancy. 

It's almost hard to believe that it's coming to an end for us but I am more than ready to meet our princess, Caroline Ann! 

We start the induction process tomorrow (Tuesday the 21st) and hopefully she will be here no later than Wednesday afternoon if everything goes as planned! 

There is going to be no more baby in my belly! Now she will be in my arms!

So many things to look forward to, they are countless. I've been doing last minute preparations (aka inventing new tasks to complete).

My mom got in town today, as well as Joseph's parents and my dad will be here tomorrow! Couldn't be more excited for everyone to be here to greet our little one. 

 

My last day as a free woman from the hospital, not going to lie, I have been feeling a tad spoiled. My wonderful husband started my day off with making breakfast and then taking me to get a manicure and pedicure. Then he took me to my favorite lunch spot, Panera Bread. Following my doctors appointment, we went and looked at my future potential mommy-mobile. Way excited for that PS! It was a wonderful day. Then we came home to my mom making us dinner and some much needed R&R. 

Ace has been getting more lovings than usually lately, and trust me, this dog is spoiled with lovin' already. Poor guy probably doesn't realize that is whole world is about to change. Hopefully he will come to see that it has changed in a good way and he loves her just as much on the outside as he did while he was on the inside. :)

 

 

I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to sleep tonight with all the things I'm looking forward to in the next few days. It might be a little tough. 

Bags are packed. Mom is here. Car seat is loaded up. Caroline's clothes are ironed. Ace will be bathed in the AM and this mommy is sitting on go! Ready, ready, ready........let's go!


How far along? 38 weeks! Induction week!
Total weight gain/loss: FINE, almost 60 lbs.
Stretch Marks?  No more since last week.
Sleep: Off and on all throughout the night, but I can sleep in later than I used to be able to.
Best moment(s) this week: Finding out we were being induced & that this was the final week before meeting our daughter!
Miss anything?: Not anymore. This is the end.
Movement: Constantly. It's like she doesn't sleep.
Food cravings: Chocolate and Chicken Fingers. not together.

Labor Signs: Contractions & swelling.

Belly Button in or out? Innie!! I win! I went the entire pregnancy with an innie :)

What I am looking forward to: Meeting my baby girl this week and being able to hold her in my arms finally!

Weekly Wisdom: Everything good is worth the wait!

 

Hospital Fun

What a lovely day it was outside today, for those who got to enjoy the fresh Orlando air. I, however, observed the blueskies  through a window from the comfort of a hospital bed at "The Baby Place."

Yep, today was the day I got to spend in the hospital for a 24 hour observation.

 As boring as this has been, it does have its perks. The only down sides I can fuss about are NOT having Netflix for entertainment and NOT being able to cuddle up with my Ace. (Sleeping tonight all alone is going to be rough.. These last few days on bed rest he has been extra sweet to me).

Like I said, there are a couple perks. The room service is fantastic. As of now I have experienced a lunch and a dinner. Who would've thought I wouldn't have any complaints about my hospital means. They were good though. We will see about breakfast tomorrow! 

I feel so lucky to have had Joseph by my side during this. Even though I tried to talk him into going to work and convincing him that I would be ok by myself, he insisted on being there for me. Blessed to have such a handsome goofy sweet husband who doesn't take no for an answer. (mushy moment over.)

 

Another perk is the fact that by doing this, I get to figure out exactly when I will be able to meet our little girl. Whether it will be sooner rather than later or if ill have to wait just a tad longer.. At least I can anticipate even more her arrival. 

To pass the time, I'm consuming myself with a little bit of blogging, a little bit more of Candy Crush and working on convincing my husband to play dominos with me. 

Oh, what's the update on the hospital stay? Caroline doesn't like the baby monitor. Anytime her heart beat is found, my stomach does the wave and loud pops start happening on the machine....which is her moving away from it. Let's just say the nurses wore her out and she gave up after 30 minutes of being chased by the contraption, then had to be recorded for 25 minutes which left us hooked to the machine for way longer than we had to be. Silly girl. We will see if she keeps that act up when they track her again before bed tonight. My blood pressure seems to have been regulated since being admitted. It's lowered a great deal but still on the "high side." We are doing good though!

Joseph finally lost all his lives in Candy Crush so this is my opportunity and I'm taking it. Wish me luck, I want to play dominos! 

This Could Be It

We could be at the end of this journey.

We could have finally reached our end goal.

Are you as ready as we are?

Despite the circumstances, I could not be more thrilled at the possibility of meeting our baby girl, Caroline, this week!!

We are 37 weeks pregnant! "Full Term" depending on who you ask.

 

Last week I mentioned a possible 'bump' in the road. My doctor thinks I could have developed preeclampsia or toxemia. Neither have been confirmed. Tests have been done though. My blood work is normal, my weight gain has been regulated, the only things still remaining are that I have extremely high blood pressure, my swelling has increased and my blood circulation has decreased.

We did an ultrasound to check on Caroline & she is still doing wonderful. Moving around a ton- so she doesn't seem to be affected at all. Praise Jesus. I've been going to the doctor twice a week to check up on my blood pressure and I do so again on Monday.

Monday could be the game changer. If my blood pressure remains the same as it has then I will be admitted into the hospital for a 24 hour observation, followed by an induction on Tuesday.

Like I said, despite the circumstances, I am extremely ready. I've been tired and achy. I've had headaches and felt dizzy. I am sleep deprived (even though I've been on bed rest since Wednesday).

Side Note: Bed rest takes away the fun of being lazy in bed and on the couch. There have been days where I would have loved nothing more than to be chained to the couch with Netflix all day... Bed Rest robs you of that & fills you with endless amounts of boredom and anxiousness. Being told you HAVE to stay in one spot & only get up if you HAVE to is just awful.

 

Ace has definitely enjoyed the mandatory best rest though.

 

 

I'm excited...to meet her that is. And now it seems so much closer. Fingers crossed that we both stay healthy and that nothing is really wrong but then still LET HER OUT ALREADY. Mommy & Daddy are ready!

 

While on my bed rest I cheated a little bit and finished packing mine & Caroline's hospital bags. Joseph hooked up the car seat in the car and basically we are just sitting on go now. Can you believe it?!

 

I even finished my "New Daddy's Survival Kit" for Joseph. He hasn't gotten it yet, but since he doesn't read my blog I can tell you all about it. I found the idea on Pinterest & loved it. It's just a little something to let him know how appreciated he is and to let him know that even though it's me that is in labor, he is a very important part of this process and I am aware of it. It's filled with some of his favorite snacks and then little things that will "help him" in his new daddy-hood. (I kind of want a few more things in it, THANKS for messing that up for me Bed Rest). Hopefully he likes it :) If anything, it'll give him something to preoccupy himself in our hours at the hospital.

 

 

I'll try my best to keep everyone updated but I do see these next few weeks becoming maybe just a tad bit busier than previous weeks. If we are blessed with Caroline this week- then I'll be back soon. Or maybe I'll have TONS of time in the hospital and lots of medicine during my induction and I'll be pain free and will blog away on my phone....I can dream- we will see!

 

Something to make you laugh? Leave it to my husband- he is extremely good for things like that. Always keeping me laughing and smiling. Yard work was taking a little longer than expected Saturday morning. I walk outside to make sure things were going smoothly (luckily I walked out front instead of out back, otherwise I could've been surprised with an arrow flying in my direction). Yep, Joseph pulled out his bow and target and was practicing. The looks he was getting from our neighbors were priceless. He opened the gate on the side of our house, had the target up against the fence in the backyard and was standing in the front yard. Leave it to Joseph to try and turn Central Florida into South Alabama. Needless to say, I took pictures & video and got a few good laughs. ALL WHILE ON BED REST. (oops, shhh).  

 

And look: My poor baby, Ace, was so freaked out during a huge thunderstorm we were having. So glad he found a safe haven with his daddy. Such a sweet boy. They're so precious together, even if Joseph acts like he hates it.  

I love this little family of mine. Today is three, maybe this week will make four in our house!

How far along? Full term.... 37 weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: See last weeks comment on this subject.
Stretch Marks?  No more since last week. Lotion is still my best friend.
Sleep: I stay up late so I can sleep in as late as possible. When I say stay up late, I can make it until 11 haha which allows me to 'sleep in' until 9-9:30! wooooohoo.
Best moment(s) this week: Sleeping in Saturday morning and getting woken up to a cup of coffee (exactly the way I like it) and breakfast in bed. So blessed.
Miss anything?: Feeling in my legs & not being exhausted all the time.
Movement: Lots of poking in my ribs. & "alien rolls" over my belly.
Food cravings: I think I've had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day for the last week. For lunch, snacks and sometimes dinner. Peanut butta baby.

Labor Signs: Contractions & swelling.

Belly Button in or out? Innie!! We could make it this whole pregnancy with an innie!

What I am looking forward to: Finding out what the next step is on Monday -- the possibility of meeting my little girl this week!

Weekly Wisdom: Make sure to take maternity pictures sooner rather than later. I waited too long and didn't end up getting to do professional ones. Luckily I have weekly belly photos and other random ones throughout. Delivery time sneaks up on you and can be unexpected -- get things done while you can!