One Month

Our sweet Hadley is a month old already. I can't believe it! Time goes by so fast.

This past month has been interesting to say the least. But oh so fun. Having a sweet baby in the house is such a beautiful thing- it definitely brings in such a sweet spirit.

I've wanted to blog something about her almost every day, but trying to find the time is impossible. Now she is asleep in daddy's arms, so I decided to finally do this.

We were blessed with such a good baby. Seriously! She is always so happy and so content. But lets back track to the beginning, when we brought her home.

The first night was a nightmare. I did not sleep for one minute. We bought Hadley a bassinet to go next to our bed, and that was a huge mistake! Hadley hates lying on her back. All night long she was gagging and throwing up. And as a new mom, that was the scariest thing of my life. So instead of sleeping, I just stared at her all night. With the lights on. HAHA. Sorry Shawn. But he didn't sleep either. And no one told us babies make noises all night either. So every little thing she did, we googled. of course. haha!

My mom was and is the biggest help and blessing. She didnt leave my side for almost 2 weeks. She would come over and clean my house, watch Hadley so I could sleep, make me food. One night she even stayed at my house til 3 am so I could go snuggle Shawn and sleep for a little bit until Hadley needed to eat and then I let her go home.

I don't know what I would do without my mom.



We then decided the bassinet was a no-go. My best friend has a bed that is slightly elevated and vibrates so we bought that and it has changed everything. Hadley has a minor case of Reflux and so she needs to be elevated while she sleeps- that would explain the gagging and spitting up.

The first couple weeks were such a learning experience of course. I slowly learned Hadleys cries, her grunts, what makes her happy, what makes her mad. It has been so much fun getting to know her more. But at the same time, I feel like I've known her my whole life.

Shawn went back to work a few days after we had her, and it was so hard on him. Poor guy missed her so much. But as soon as he came home, she was in his arms. Hadley LOVES her dad. The second she hears his voice, her eyes go right to him.

I can't believe how much she has grown. In a matter of 4 weeks, she has gained almost 3 and a half pounds. And it's totally all in her cheeks.

We love her more than words can describe. We always find ourselves staring at her and saying "I can't believe you are here". I love being a mom. Shawn loves being a dad. Our lives have changed forever. People always would say "Get ready, they are easier in than out" or "Are you sure you're ready? things will never be the same" and here is what I have to say:

I can't imagine my life without her. I can't believe we have gone this long without her. She has brought Shawn and I closer and more in love. She HAS changed our lives forever. but it's not a bad thing. Sure, it's not just me and him anymore and some days all I want is a date night with my husband, or a good nights sleep, or to lay in bed all day and do nothing. But then she smiles at me and everything changes, I look at her cute little face while she is sleeping and I smile. and I realize- things aren't that much different. We still watch Netflix and order take out like we used to- we now just do it with her. We still go out-and luckily have the best parents in the world that love watching her. We still do the things we want to do, we just do them with her. She's my little best friend, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

-you have been to three doctor appointments already. the first one was to check your jaundice and you were perfectly fine and they also told us you weighed 5lbs 9oz. The second appointment was your 2 week appointment and you weighed 6lbs 15oz. and this last drs appointment was to get you on medicine for your reflux and you weigh 8lbs 4oz! Packing on the pounds. Dr says we make a great team. haha.
-you love bath time
-you love your daddy's voice
-you love being in your swing, but usually if you're already asleep because you love being held. You hate being put down
-you hate getting dressed and getting your diaper changed but once it's all done, you are completely fine
-you hate being burped
-you love your hands especially by your face
-you grunt all the time which makes me think that once you find your voice, we won't get your to be quiet haha
-you love cuddling with mom in the morning. Every morning around 6 or 7 am, we cuddle for a couple hours and it's the best
-you love to eat. clearly miss 8 pounder in a month.
-you hate your car seat, but once you are in the car you are fine (most of the time)
-you always have the hiccups
-and you always sneeze. me and daddy love it.
-dad laughs at you every time you burp. mainly because we can't believe such a loud noise can come out of someone so tiny
-you have the prettiest skin and get compliments on it all the time
-every time we have gone to the doctor, people just ooo and awww over you. I think you're pretty cute too baby girl.
-you are starting to get a little attitude. If someone is holding you, you'll let them know if you need to change positions by letting out the biggest grunt.
-you take a bottle like a champ which is so nice if I can't be with you.
-still only wear new borns clothes and diapers. You may weigh 8 pounds but you're still a tiny thing and 0-3m clothes drown you.

 Can you believe these two are 5 weeks apart? haha. Hazel and Hadley- little baby besties.

 This is your Grandpa Vaughns favorite picture of you. A little cougarette in the making :)

This picture means everything to me. This lady right here has been a best friend of mine my whole life. My beautiful Aunt Anissa and I have been close since I was born. Only being 10 years a part, she was and is more of my sister than my aunt. She had twin babies in October of last year and when we found out I was pregnant, Anissa and I couldn't believe that we were going to have babies so close together- now going to be best friends. Watch out Anissa, Lillee and Hadley are going to give us quite some headaches, but I can't wait.

Hadley Jeanne Larkin

Birth Story

What an incredible day. I can't believe she is finally here. She is currently in her swing, sound asleep as I finally had time to sit down and write her story. This day seems like a dream to me; I can't believe I am lucky enough to be this little girls mom. She is my world. Here is our story.

First off, lets just talk about how great it was to be induced. The night before was so perfect as Shawn and I went on a date and spent the night cuddled up on the couch, anxious for what was about to come. I mean, we were about to become freakin' parents! Of course our minds were going a million miles per hour but we were also very excited. The nerves didn't hit until the next morning. 

We got to the hospital at 6:30 am and took the elevator up to Labor & Delivery. I couldn't believe what was happening. I kept looking at Shawn and laughing. We then went into the front office as the lady put in my information and then showed me to my room. 

I changed into my hospital gown (with the help of Shawn because I could NOT figure it out) and then sat on the bed. This was all so surreal to me because prior to this, I did not think I was going to have her 2 weeks early. But lucky for us, my doctor was going out of town and decided to induce me. Thank GOODNESS. 

Then I met my AMAZING nurse, Sandy. I mean, the sweetest lady in the world. Funny too, she was my best friends nurse. HA. Then she hooked me up to everything. Ps. No one told me that the IV hurt like crazy. Seriously, she did it in my hand and I almost passed out because it hurt so bad. Once she was all done hooking me up to everything, it was just Shawn and I alone in the room. 

It was a sweet moment to be with Shawn alone that morning as we talked about what was going to happen that day. I mean, we were about to be parents. 

My doctor, Dr. Boheen, arrived at the hospital around 8:30 to break my water. By the way, if any of you need an AMAZING doctor, I HIGHLY recommend her. She is the sweetest lady and so smart. I wouldn't trust anyone else. Seriously, I absolutely love her. 

Anyway.

She broke my water (weird) and then it was waiting time. She checked me, and I was only dilated to a 2. Time went by, and the contractions become more and more intense. 

Then my mom showed up and hung out! 

I have so much freakin' respect for the women that go natural. Contractions hurt SO BAD. I thought I could tough it out a little longer, and my nurse put me on some medicine to ease the pain before the epidural. That did nothing. So they gave me my epidural which was NOTHING! People make it such a bigger deal than it needs to be. I mean its good, it prepared me for the worst I guess.. but that was nothing. The IV hurt a zillion times worse. 

Time went on, and the numbing sank in. I remember just laughing so hard because I could not move my legs. I pumped way too much medicine though because it got to the point where I couldn't even move my toes and it gave me anxiety. It drove me NUTS. 

Time went on and on and on. Nurses kept popping in to check my dilation, and I was at a 3 for a long long time. The nurses made me lay on my side for a half hour, and then switch sides. That went on for quite a while. 

I also remember just being starving. 

the ice was great though. Good thing that was a huge addiction during pregnancy. 

Around 4:00pm I finally hit a 5. That was such a relief. But still a ways to go. 

We kept waiting and soon enough I hit an 8. But the bad news was, my epidural was dying down. I guess I pressed the button too much. hahaha. So they called for some more medicine and pumped more into me.

 Within the hour, I was a 9 1/2. 

WHAT!! 

I remember just looking at Shawn with the look of "Oh crap".  My nurse looked at me with a huge smile and said "She is coming, I'm calling your doctor". 

I have the most incredible husband. As soon as my doctor arrived, Shawn was right by my side, holding my hand through it all. It was such a beautiful and special moment between Shawn and I. 

February 26, 2015 9:18pm, Hadley Jeanne Larkin came into this world and changed our life. The veil is so thin as I held her in my arms for the first time. It was if I have known her forever and loved her forever. Everything about her is perfect. 

They took her away from me to weigh her and clean her but I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Shawn grabbed me and kissed me with the best kiss I have ever gotten from him as tears ran down his face. I'm not kidding when I say this was the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced. The love that filled that room was from the heavens. I honestly truly believe that the veil is so thin at this moment in time and the room was filled with angels welcoming her into this world. 

Once they gave her back to me, I couldn't believe that something so perfect and special was in my arms. I couldn't take my eyes off of her as I kept saying over and over "I love you so much". 

But the one thing that was hands down more special than me holding her, was watching Shawn become a daddy. As he took her into his arms, my heart melted. As he kissed her forehead, my heart was out of my chest. The moment he saw her, he fell in love. 

My family then came into the room and met Hadley for the first time. It was incredible how much support I had. So many family members there ready to welcome little Haddy. 

After everyone left, Shawn went to the nursery with her and the nurses and they transferred me to my other room. It felt like an eternity waiting there for Shawn and Hadley to come back into the room. He kept sending me pictures of her, and I was in heaven. He brought her back to me and she smelt so good and looked so beautiful. I am in love. 

The next two days in the hospital were heaven as Shawn and I hung out with friends and family and our sweet little angel. It's fair to say that we are obsessed with her. 

I had such an amazing experience. The hospital I delivered at was incredible. I even got a facial while I was there! Heaven!! Shawn and I also got a candle light dinner while Hadley spent some time in the nursery.

On our last day in the hospital, Hadley spent some time in the nursery (and when I say some time, I mean like 45 minutes because we cant stand being away from her) while I showered (HEAVEN!) and got ready to go home. Shawn loaded up the car and we were ready to go.

Welcome Home
Haddy Bug.
We love you SO much.