7 months? Who me? No way man!

Christmas is around the corner and so is our trip home for Mackenzie's first Christmas. Family and friends will be blown away with the how much Mackenzie has grown. Not only is she saying "momma, dada, nana and mom", she is saying "hey". She talks all the time and her latest thing is to crawl to me when I get home and say momma and smile at me. It gets my heart all the time. She is growing into her own personality and developing too fast. She is crawling all over the place and is now standing up while holding on to something. She can also go from the crawling position to a sitting position and just wants to go!! I can't keep up with her. One minute she is in front of me and the next she is across the room getting into something. She has this attraction to the dog bowls and so it is always a battle to keep her away from them. She is beginning to understand the word "no" and does not like it. If I say it, she will look at me and either pout, or slam her hand down. I try so hard not to laugh, but how can I be so serious with an almost 7 month old baby?
Not only is she crawling and standing, but she now has her two top front teeth!!! I was loving her little gummy top smile, but now she has these two little, well big, white teeth coming which means new foods to try!! She had a rough few days when the teeth were coming in, but she like the trooper she is, took it and is back to her crazy self. Her new foods consist of waffles, chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, and carrots, which really aren't her favorite, anything squash, bananas, avocados and well anything she can get her fingers on. She has also started taking a bottle from time to time which will help with our road trip to Canada. She does really good with car rides, but we are hoping that we knock out a few extra hours with out having to stop. Crossing my fingers and hoping it goes well!!
They say kids grow up in a matter of the blink of an eye, and I can honestly say, that is so true. I miss my little baby that once was, that is now a crawling machine!!!

Love mom

6 months passed, 6 months till a year!!

I cannot believe that we are already half way through the first year of having Mackenzie here in our lives!! It is absolutely crazy to think that in just a little under six months, we will be celebrating her first birthday. By then she is going to be super mobile and making mommy and daddy chase her everywhere she can go. Right now she is learning to crawl and it is the absolute, most amazing thing I get to witness. She gets up on all fours and rocks and then extends her legs behind her and tries to move forward. A face plant will happen and she will look up at me with a huge smile on her face, almost like she knows what is going on. "Mommy, are you worried? Soon this will be me going all over the room while you chase me."Every single day I am more and more amazed at how much she is growing and how beautiful she keeps getting. I tear up at the thought that my little girl one day wont be so little and will not need her mommy like she needs me now. I love when I walk into a room after not seeing her for a bit and she looks up at me and smiles and holds her arms out for me to come hold her close. I love how she says ma-ma-ma-ma while she is smiling up at me or chewing on her toys. Oh her toys, she cannot get enough of all of them and especially when it comes to getting them out of her toy box. She loves going and taking all her toys out and playing with the little box that holds them all. It is more entertaining then the doggy that sings songs to her. However, not as entertaining as the pieces of her play mat that come off and she must chew on.
We are now with 3 bottom teeth, with some more coming in. Boy oh boy do they hurt when she is biting you. When she does bite you, she looks up at you and smiles, how the heck can I be annoyed. That smile gets me every time. Man, I am in trouble. We had her six month pictures back In October and she did amazing and all she did was smile. They are absolutely melting and I cannot wait until her nine month photos and how she will do and look. Her hair is growing, she is growing and she keeps wowing us each and every day. All the restless sleeps and nights make every minute with her worth it and I would never change it for a single thing. She is our rock, heart and everything. We have to be the two luckiest people in the world to have such an amazing daughter like Mackenzie!!! I will do anything for that little girl. She had me at "congratulations, you're pregnant!!!"

My 5 month monkey!!

I cannot believe that my little monkey is 5 months old! 5! So much has been going on the last month with her and who she is becoming. It feels like just yesterday she would sleep in my arms because she was too small to do anything and now she is wanting to role the world. Today, it is all about standing and sitting, laying on her belly and reaching out of for her toys. She is trying so hard to be independent, yet she needs her mommy and daddy to help her along the way. Soon before I know it, she will be crawling away from me and crying when she needs me.
We took Mackenzie on her first road trip to Canada to meet her family, and she did. They all love her and she loves them. She did amazing with the car rides to and from Canada. While we were there, she decided that it was time to cut not one tooth, but two. Yep, two teeth within a day of each other. She really needs to slow down on her growing up because her mommy and her daddy are not ready for her to grow up, so fast. My mother came down to NC for a 10 day visit and her and Mackenzie got to know one another and it was a beautiful time. I am so glad that they got to spend time together. We are trying to teach her how to sit up by herself and how to crawl. Whenever she is on her tummy you can see that she wants to move forward, but does not have the idea of what she is to do, so we are showing her. It is the best sight to see because she is laying on her tummy, getting her legs underneath her, but scooting backwards, rather then moving forward. We will get her there eventually, but I am in no rush to do so. I want to enjoy her little cute self before I have to watch her crawl away from me and eventually not need me as much as she has the last 5 months!!
Mackenzie took her first dip in the pool and loved it. I believe she is going to be a water baby which I am delighted about because I want her to know that the water is your friend, not your enemy.
My little monkey, slow down, mommy just wants to keep on holding to you for as long as I can!!

I love you, Mommy

My 4 month little monkey :)

Well, we are now 4 months old and so much is going on with my little girl. We have mastered the rolling from back to tummy like we were born to do it. It is so much fun to watch Mackenzie hit this huge milestone because it leads to crawling. That is another fun milestone we are going to hit soon as once she is on her tummy, she lifts up like a push up and then tries to get her legs underneath her tummy as if she were going to crawl. She also tries to push up on her arms once her legs are underneath her, but that is a no go as she just falls and then cries in frustration. Noises!! Oh boy those noises that come out of that little girls mouth is just crazy. I remember when it was just coos and a's, but now it is much more then that. Mackenzie is actually trying to have a conversation with you, and there are times that actual words such as MA-MA and DA-DA make it out of her mouth, but she has no idea she is saying them to us. Daddy taught her to scream a while back and then that disappeared. Well, it is back and at full force. There is nothing like hearing your baby screaming while she is chilling on her change table getting changed. She has the hugest smile on her face, fingers in her mouth all the while screaming her head off. She loves to do this while we are out at a restaurant, because as if her cuteness isn't even, she needs to be screaming too. I love her morning noises while she is laying next to us after an early morning feeding and we have an hour to get up. Her and I will have a nice conversation, with me having no idea what she is saying, while she thinks I do and cant stop talking!! It is a beautiful sound.
Solids have been introduced into Mackenzie's morning routine and it is something very interesting. We started with sweet potatoes and at first we thought she didn't like them, but by the third day, she was loving them. The same went with bananas and I hoping that it will continue with the other foods we are going to be giving her.
We are taking Mackenzie to Canada to meet her family in 5 days and I cannot wait. She has a lot of family to meet and I know they are all going to love her and she is going to love them. This is also going to be her first drive to Canada, and I am not sure how I am feeling about the drive, but I know that the only way is to do it. If all goes well, then we will be driving to Canada for christmas, otherwise it will be flights!!!

Is it too late to ask my little girl to put the breaks on and stop growing up too fast because this first time mommy isn't ready yet!!!

3 Months Old!!!

OMG I cannot believe that exactly 3 months ago today, my little girl came into this big and beautiful world! Every time I look at her innocent, sweet little face, I remember the day she was born and how fast time is flying by. All I want to do is slow down time and just enjoy what I have right now with her. Last week she laughed for the first time while I was saying hi to her. The week before she was rolling over on to her side, and almost on her tummy. Now she screams because that is what her daddy taught her. So many new things are happening and I cannot keep up and just wish she wouldn't grow up so fast. She finally grew out of her 0-3 months clothes and is now wearing 3 months clothes. Soon she will be wearing size 2 diapers and before we know it, going to high school. They say that you need to take everything in and enjoy every last second of your infant because before you know it, they don't "need" you anymore, or want you to drop them off a block away from the school. And you know what, they are right. I feel like if I turn my back for one second, I am going to miss something huge. When ever something big does happen, I have to try my best to get it on video so that everyone can see it, especially Brian. I hate it when he doesn't get to have the same joy as I do when Mackenzie does something new for the first time. When he does get to share a moment with her, a tear always fills my eyes because I get to see my husband and daughter having such a bonding moment that only the two of them can have. I love watching him with her and how they interact with one another. Sometimes I get jealous of the bond they are creating because I know it is very different from what Mackenzie and I have, but hey, that's a part of parenting right? I really hope that this next month goes by slowly so that I can really enjoy all the new milestones and not miss a beat. This little girl is no longer momma's newborn, but an infant!! Oh my!

2 Months Already

Wow, where does time fly? Oh I know where, here at home with my little girl who is now 2 months old. Every day that I look at her and see her growing, it reminds me of how much I have to look forward to. At 2 months Mackenzie is already trying to scoot that little butt of hers across the room while lying on her back. Before I know it she will be crawling and I will be chasing after her. She is also talking up, well what you would consider talking. She holds a conversation with either Brian or I for a few good minutes and always has an answer. I can sit and listen to her coos all day long, actually I do lol. She is also starting to enjoy her bumbo, which is a cute little seat that allows babies to sit in them when they can hold their heads up. I put her in it for a few days and she just sits and watches what ever it is I am doing. Before Brian and I know it, she is going to be out growing a lot of her things like her car seat, her swing and her clothes!! Oh I am not ready for her to grow up so much. Soon her teeth are going to be coming in and that is going to be a very interesting time!! Mackenzie also got some shots and that was a freak moment because she cried for the two shots and then was as happy as can be. I cannot wait for her next shots at 4 months when she is a bit more vocal!!! Does anyone have a time machine so that I can slow time down or go back to the day when my baby was born? My days are going too quickly!!! Mackenzie, you are the reason I get up every morning and look forward to going to bed as I get to see you grow each day!!

Love Mommy

OMG almost 2 Months already?

I cannot believe that we are coming up on 2 months next week. Boy, does time fly. My little girl is growing up way to fast for my liking. Every day she is becoming her own and it makes me realize that one day soon she will be crawling, talking and then walking. Before I know it, she will be driving :s I am absolutely loving motherhood to the fullest. It is true that you never knew a love until you have a baby. The love I have for her is so grand. I just want to hold her, shield her and comfort her all the time. I want to show her the world and how she can be what ever it is her heart desires. When she is sleeping all I can do is just watch her and wish I knew what it was she is giggling about. When she looks up at me with those big beautiful eyes, I want to know what she is thinking of me. I have so many questions for her, yet a while until I can get any answers from her. Mackenzie has taught me a lot about myself and what it means to be a mom. She has taught me that I have to be patient. I cannot rush things anymore because everything moves with Mackenzie. I have to remember that everything in life happens for a reason when they do. She has taught me that love is so much more than just a hug and a kiss. It is a smile, a word, a movement, a time of day, a story, a you and me moment. It is everything!! She has taught me that I will do everything I can to give her all that I can. I absolutely would never give up my new life that I have. It is right where I want it to be, with the people I want to be with! My husband Brian, my two awesome dogs Zippy and Mango, and my beautiful baby girl Mackenzie. My life is for them and nothing more!! They are the reason I am who I am today :) 

One Month, oh my..

Well, my little girl is one month old, can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday that I was in labor and meeting her for the first time. Now we are celebrating that fact that she is a month old. This past month I have learned a lot about babies, myself and my relationship with my husband. He is absolutely wonderful with not only Mackenzie, but with me. He understands what it is I have to do for her and how much time it takes. He never rushes me and is always there when I need him the most. We are both figuring out her schedule and trying to work with her, rather than against her. Every day I get to see her grow into the beautiful little baby that she is. Her smiles when she has gas, or is sleeping, her little noises when she is sad or happy, the way she looks up at me when I am talking to her or calling her name. I love her smells after her baths and the way she cuddles up to me when she is sleepy. I just absolutely love her!! My world  is now filled with such love and joy that you only feel when you hold your baby for the first time! Those little fingers that grasp your big finger make every thing seem so much better, especially when you are having a bad day.
I cannot wait to watch her grow, but I don't want it to be too fast as I am loving each milestone that she makes, but at her slow, steady pace.
So to Mackenzie I say, little girl, stay true to yourself and never let anything or anyone tell you otherwise. Life is full of surprises, good times and and, and what you make of life will be yours forever!!

Mommy loves you!

Reaching our third week!!

Well we are going to be reaching our third week with Mackenzie and it has been nothing but bitter sweet. She is an amazing baby and loves to sleep, which her daddy and I love!! We are sleeping from 11 or 12 to 4 or 5!! I couldn't ask for anything more right now because she is allowing us to sleep. However, we have  run into an issue with her and not going to the bathroom. A few days ago she stopped going and it has broken my heart because when she is in pain, so am I. The past two days have been trying to get her to go and watching her cry in pain, and there is nothing we can do for her. I hate it when I see babies so small in so much pain and need relief, but yet there is nothing as a mother we can do, but give them comfort, which at times, is all they really need.
Mackenzie is growing in so many ways and I cannot believe how much she is changing. Her facial features are maturing and her movements are as well. Tummy time is allowing her to lift her head from side to side to allow her to explore what is around her. When she is sitting in your arms, she will look at you with her big, beautiful eyes and just stare into yours. Her nosies let you know what she wants and new ones are beginning to come through. She loves bath time as she sits there and splashes away with her feet. She loves lying on her boppy and looking around and doing her exercises. Everyday is so new and fun to watch her and how much she grows. I am absolutely in love with her and this new life and will never ever trade it for anything else!! Everyday I looked forward to the new beginnings and journeys that Mackenzie takes us on!!

Week one was so amazing!

Well we have survived week one and let me tell you, it was full of new things. We have experienced what no sleep feels like, a baby needing you for everything and a mommy who is on demand for milk! I have to say that I love my new life. I love her little toes and fingers and cries. I love when she looks at me and those big eyes of her tell me everything in so little noises. I love when she falls asleep on my chest or in my arms. I love when she sleeps and these little noises come from her crib and they make me fall in love with her even more. There are times that I sit and cry because I am just so happy with my new life and how I now have to make decisions that are not only going to affect myself, but my daughter as well! WOW, daughter! It is such a funny word, but it has so many meanings. I am her protector, her life support, her shelter, her shoulder to cry on, her lap to fall asleep in! I am hers! No matter the little amount of sleep I get, the amount of dirty diapers I have to change, the amount of hour she spends feeding in my arms, I always have a sense of joy and completeness! Mackenzie truly is a blessing in disguise. We had lost 2 pregnancies before her and they were heart breaking, so when we found out we were pregnant with her and things were moving along, we knew that this was our baby and our time!
Everyday is a challenge, but it is the challenge of life and one that I am so happy to be a part of! Being a parent is the absolute most amazing gift in life! I am so happy that it is my life and I get to share it with a wonderful husband and beautiful baby!!!

LIttle Miss Mackenzie has arrived!!

Just when I thought I had a few more days before the arrival of our baby girl, everything happened and it happened fast. It was a nice warm Saturday and we were out with friends having coffee. I had been contracting since the night before but they weren't anything to think of. Well, while we were out, the contractions started to get a bit more intense and that is when I realized if it is going to happen, it is tonight. We got home and I took a shower and made the call to my doctor. I was told to go to labor and delivery to see if something was going to happen. We got to the hospital at around 8:20pm and I was checked out. Dr.Goldman came in and did a test to make sure that my water had not broken yet, however, there was a small rupture so he had to decide what he wanted to do. At 10pm we were told that we were going to have a baby. We got checked into our room and settled in. Dr. Goldman came in and broke my water and about 5 minutes later, my contractions started to pick up. They were easy to get through and so I took this time to get into the tub to see if they would ease off a bit. Boy was I wrong. I think I was in there for a good 20 minters before I felt like I had to get out because I was slowing needing to push. I got out of the tub and paced the room back forth, allowing my body to start the transition into active labor. I remember at some point getting annoyed with Brian and our Nurse Darla, whom by the way was the best ever!! They were telling me to breath deep and slowly and relax and I just wanted to tell them to do this instead of me. Well, before I knew it, I had to push and there was nothing stoping me from doing it. I told Darla this and she checked me and sure enough it was time!! The room quickly filled with nurses and Dr. Goldman and things were under way. I tried not to push right away as I wanted my body to do the work naturally and it did. Soon the contractions were so close together and the end was very near. I laid there on my bed watching everything happen around me, yet had this sense of fear that I was not prepared for what was about to happen. As I was pushing Mackenzie out, something in my body told me there was a problem, but I didn't think anything of it. Mackenzie's head came out and for some reason I decided to touch it, suddenly life was right there!! I gave another push and was told to stop. I did not know why, but stopped and waited and then pushed the rest of her out. Once she was out, the room was in sort of panic and somewhat quiet. I had no idea what was going on and told to focus, so I did. I looked over at Brian to see if I could tell by his face what was happening, but I couldn't read it. Soon after, I heard someone call for the NICU nurse and that is when my heart stopped. I wanted to know what was going on, but no one would answer me. Dr. Goldman told me to focus on the final part of labor and then all would be good. So I focused and after a few stitches, more pain, I was able to get my answers. Mackenzie's cord was wrapped around her neck not once, but twice and it was so tight that it had turned her purple. She was delivered and then wished to the little station in the room where they worked ever so hard to get her to breath and cry. Sure enough she did a little. I was able to hold her for a few seconds and then had to hand her back to the nurses. I was heart broken at this point because all I wanted to do after all I did, was hold my baby and look into her eyes and fill up with love.
I eventually got my wish and she was all mine. I cuddled her for as long as I could, and it was time to start the bonding. Our first night, or should I say morning, was long, tiring, but completely worth every minute. There isn't anything I would take back, there isn't anything I would change, I love Mackenzie just the way she is!! She is my pride and joy, my sun to my shine, the love of my life!!

Mackenzie Correia Drepaul was born April 22nd, 2012 at 12:33am weighing 8 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long!

Hello due date, goodbye due date!!

Well my due date has come and gone and I am still pregnant!!! I was really sad when I went to bed Monday night knowing that I can still be pregnant until 42 weeks. I decided that it was time to take action and make a plan with the doctor. He swept my membranes in hopes that with in 48 hours I would go into labor. If that doesn't work, then we would make an appointment at the hospital to get induced so that I don't go past 41 weeks because of all the pain I am having. The membrane sweep hurt so bad, but it was something I really wanted to try. He did call me back in the afternoon telling me that I will be admitted at the hospital Sunday at 7am! It is really exciting to know that I have an end coming and that no matter what happens this week, I get to meet my little girl!! I am so excited and cannot wait, but there is a bit of anxiety and worry. I feel that I am not going to stick to my guns with my plan and have what I want because I will be in a lot of pain. I am scared of being a new mom and feeling that I won't be doing anything right! All just in my head, right? Let's hope so!!! I know we are going to be great parents and know that everything is going to work out the way we want it too!!! My little girl will be in my arms before I know it!

5 days!!!!

Well I have 5 days left to my due date and there is nothing happening!! I am only 2cm dilated and it is killing me! I wish that my body would just get into gear and have this baby girl because the amount of pain I am in physically is breaking me. My emotions are all over the place and I find it hard to talk to people, especially those who are having their babies before me, but are due after me! I had a huge break down yesterday and did not want to do anything, see anyone, or talk to anyone. I do not want to go past 40 weeks, but I know that I am going to because, well that is life. It has never been easy for me, so why would this be easy for me? This little girl deserves to be in my arms, all warm and snuggled, not in my belly!! She doesn't know what she is missing!! I guess it is time to get back to walking!

Still waiting for my baby!

Well, I have 13 days left of this pregnancy and let me tell you, I have never been more ready. I am in so much pain with cramps and contractions it is getting hard to focus on the things that I need to get done. I left my appointment today with some sadness because I am so ready to meet my little girl. I want to hold her and swaddle her, lay with her and just watch her fall asleep. This last month has been so trying and I am doing all that I can to stay positive and focus on what is to come, not what hasn't come yet!! My biggest fear is going over my due date, and I do not know how I am going to handle it. Everyone tells me to enjoy this time as I won't get it back, but to be honest, this is a time I can't even enjoy in the slightest bit! The one good thing that has come of this is that I get to get ahead in my studies and clean the house as much as I can so that Mackenzie can come home when she is ready, to a nice and clean house!!!

Mackenzie, mommy is very ready to meet your sweet little face, so please come and show it!!!

So close!!

Wow, today we went for our appointment for Mackenzie and was told I start my once a week appointments. This is so exciting because it means we are getting closer to her arrival! I am absolutely and completely ready for her to be here. We have everything all ready and prepared for her, we just need her now. It feels like so much stress has been lifted off my shoulders, but the anxiety of waiting for her is still there, but that is ok. I am at piece with all the changes that are about to take place in my life and ready to be a mom. I cannot wait for the baby smells, good and bad, the sounds and cuddles that will come with Mackenzie! I am ready to give up a lot of the things in my life to help her life grow.

I think the next thing to plan once she is here is her arrival party with our friends. We did not have a baby shower, but I would love to have all my friends over for a big party to celebrate her arrival. Showing her off will be my number one thing once she is here because I just know she will be my pride and joy. I think Brian is ready for her arrival as I am driving him nuts with all my whining about the pain I am in.

Come on Mackenzie, Mommy and Daddy are ready!!!

Getting close...

Wow, I just realized that I have 4 weeks until Mackenzie is born. I am so happy that we have everything needed and done before her big debut!! There are little things to work out like whom is going to watch the dogs while I am in the hospital and getting the last minute things into my overnight bag for the hospital!!

I think that I am starting to get into panic mode along with some anxiety. My life is going to change big time and I have to learn everything on my own for the first time. When you are around babies that are not yours, you seem at ease and if anything goes wrong, you just hand the baby to the parents. You cannot do that when the baby belongs to you, you have to figure out what cry is for what and how to keep them happy. I am very excited though to create this special bond that only a mother and father can create with their child. I am anxious to meet my little girl after having her growing inside of me for 35 weeks and feeling all of her kicks and movements. Speaking of kicks and movements, the more she is growing, the more they are hurting. There are times that I cannot breath or move because they can be so deadly and you just want to push her down, but know that she has no where to go. Gosh, I cannot wait for kicks and movements to be right in front of me in my arms!!!

Feeling so blessed!!!!

Baby shopping!!!

No one tells you how much stuff you need to get when you have your first baby. Every day I am finding something new that I forgot to add to my list. Gosh, when will it stop? Never they say, and so I must give in. Not only do you need a crib, mattress, crib set, crib sheets, change table, changing pad and covers, mobile, diaper this, diaper that, cream this, shampoo that. Ugh what else did I miss? The best part though about doing the shopping for my baby, is having the fun doing it. Looking at what I would love to have, what I will get, and what I might need never gets old. Coming home with a new outfit for my baby makes me giddy because I will get to see her in it one day! I am telling you, this child is going to be spoiled and it will be all my fault. It will stop though when either her closet can't fit all the clothes in it, or she starts to catch on and asks for everything :) The best part about baby shopping, is not having to buy anything and getting it from friends and family members! I love receiving all the items and know that Mackenzie will cherish them for as long as she can! When ever I walk into her room, I look at all the blessing she has and cannot wait to give her more!! Woah is me they say!

My 8 months of, well....

Well, I am in my 8th month of being pregnant and I can honestly say, I cannot wait until it is over. I have been in more pain then ever in my life as my back is mad, my legs hurt and my tummy is ever so expanding. I burp more than the average man and I am pretty sure I can out fart anyone (gross I know, but I can't help it since there is a baby pushing things around). I visit the bathroom more and go through toilet paper like a cat playing with it. I have gotten and still have almost every symptom that accompanies your ever growing body, from nausea to swollen feet. I don't sleep anymore and I am alway tired by 2pm. Anyone that has been pregnant is probably going "yep, I remember this and so glad it is all over with.". However, they are probably asking "Sherrie, what about all the positives about being pregnant?" Oh there are so many of them that I love that part of being pregnant. I love the doctor visits as I get to hear the beautiful noise of the heart beat. I love all the kicks, rolls and pushing Mackenzie does to remind me that she is there. I love rubbing my belly and the belly rubs I get from Brian. I look down every day and get reminded that soon I will be holding this precious bundle of joy. Looking at her smiles, her little toes and fingers. Giving her baths, soothing her cries, and rocking her to sleep. There is nothing more beautiful then having the opportunity to give a life, one which will be mine to care for!!

Why I am here

There reason I am writing this blog is because many friends and family cannot physically be here with me during this amazing time. I want to share my experiences with everyone, post pictures of my journey and show everyone that I can do this (one baby step at a time)!!

After 2 miscarriages, I got discouraged from wanting to try to have a baby because the heart break of a loss is so much on a person. However, when I found out that we were pregnant, I held my breath until I saw her beating heart for the first time at my 8 week appointment. From that moment on, I knew that my life was going to be complete!

I hope that everyone can enjoy this as much I have been. I cannot wait to share all the milestones we complete, and the amazing life that is about to take place!