Quick Hello

Whitlee is doing well. I'm having so much fun. I can't wait until she is smiling at me. We see plastics next week. I am anxious about that. I know that it will be time for her first surgery soon. Take care. -Ashlee

Office visit

Whitlee's two week visit was today. She is up to 7lbs 1oz. The pediatrician is very pleased. She is eating so well. We hope she continues to do so. We are going for pictures soon. I can't wait. -Ashlee

At Home

Were back at home. She has transitioned so well. Also, she is sleeping and eating well. She does have a lot of gas. She takes in quite a bit of air with feedings. I love to sit and hold/rock her. She likes for me to sing to her "You are my sunshine". I sang that to her while I was pregnant.
We want to say Thanks Again for every ones thoughts and prayers. The physicians have admitted that they weren't correct in her diagnosis. Even though they felt convinced of the type of cleft she had. We like to believe that all of the prayers helped our beautiful daughter with her transition before her exit from the womb. PRAISE the LORD!

I have attached a short pic/video slide. It is accompanied with music. Sit back and enjoy! -Ashlee

SHE'S HERE

YEAH!!!!!Born today at 12:30PM. Weight:6lbs 14oz Length: 19,1/4inches. She has a head full of brown hair. I'm relieved to know that that heartburn went to good cause. Haha! The cleft is not a Tessier #4 cleft as initially diagnosed. It is Left Unilateral Total Cleft lip and Palate. We all know that God was on our side. We are blessed beyond belief! We are so Thankful for all of you! Stay tuned for Pictures:~)
-Ashlee

Waiting

Today has been a nice day. I'm trying to enjoy this great weather while it last and while I have time. Whitlee still remains where she is most comfortable. It appears as if she has ignored my every plea and demand to remove herself from her cozy living space. I have prepared her for Thursday. I explained to her that I will be 42weeks gestation on the 15th. This means she will be forced out of hiding. I'm not sure she quite understands. It's alright, she will soon! Haha! (Laughing)

I am getting very excited about her arrival, more so than before. What a blessing for us! I can't wait for our incredible journey to start the next chapter. All of the challenges will be tough; however, we will remain strong. With GOD by our sides we can do anything.

I always try to remember this: When GOD removes something with one hand, he replaces with the other.

I have attached a video of pics, with music, if anyone would like to view. WARNING: To the squeamish, belly shots included!

-Ashlee

Ultra Sound Today

Our ultrasound went well. They were checking the amount of fluid available, cord condition, and fetal movement. The babies get a score of ?/8. Whitlee scored an 8/8, which is the best possible. We are o.k. to wait until 42weeks. Unless she decides to make an exit, she will be delivered on Thursday Nov.15th. I have been having contractions; however, they are irregular.

This picture was taken today. Whitlee has some large cheeks. It appears as if she is trying to store food for the winter! Haha! Even the U/S tech thinks she has rather large cheeks. Right NOW her estimated birth weight is 7lbs.15oz. This is give or take 15%. That could be a difference of (+/-)18oz. We will see soon! Everyone take care!

-Ashlee :~)

Another office visit

There wasn't much change today. Waiting for this labor to start on it's own can be a bit frustrating. He wanted me to be induced today or tomorrow. I made him aware that I wasn't prepared for that. I wanted to wait until next week. I really want to at least get over the 41week mark, since this is typical of first time pregnancies. I pray I will labor soon. I wanted her to have her own God given birthday. In reality, I know this will not matter years from know.

I have to have an U/S on Thursday the 8th. This is to make sure that there is adequate fluid around her. Also, we need to make sure she looks alright. We will be able to get an estimate on her size. If I choose to induce next Thursday, the 15th, I will be required to have another office visit on Tuesday. I would then need to be placed on the monitor to check her heart rate.
Yes, this is a lot to take in. I feel very torn at this point. As everyone knows Whitlee will have an extended hospital stay. I didn't want her to have to spend Thanksgiving at Vandy. This is why it is so difficult for me to decide.

After my visit (U/S) on Thursday I will make a post. Hopefully at this time I will know an induction date. I know all that I can do is pray on it. I just give it to the Lord and try not to worry about the things I cannot control.
-To WHITLEE: PLEASE make an exit soon. Love: MOM
(smiling)

-Ashlee

THANKS!

To our family, if you purchased a book, Thanks. It was on the Best Seller list on the BLURB site. We appreciate it. We are so blessed to have each and every one of you! -Ashlee

Autumn Fun

I had so much fun today! I played at mom's house with Rainey, Kaden, Shelley Brooke, Andrea, and mom. This was the first time for Rainey and Kaden to play in leaves. They laughed and ran all around in the yard. Later that night I went to Shebie's house. I jumped on the trampoline with the kids. Well, they bounced me. "I would never jump on a trampoline to try to induce labor! YEAH RIGHT!" I was so tired when I came home. I know the kids were exhausted.

I go to the doctor again next week. I'll make a post after the visit. I'll soon be 41 weeks. I know this is typical of a first time pregnancy. I'm patiently waiting! Everyone take care! -Ashlee

It's going!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still hanging in here. Well, Whitlee is still hanging in here (literally) Haha! I had a few pains yesterday. I have also noticed some other physical changes.
I just wanted to let everyone know that were fine. We are so excited. We got the pack-n-play together to see how it works. I'm excited because it has the bassinet in it and the changing table. I won't have to go up-stairs all of the time. Everybody take care. -Ashlee