One Month

Dear Haley,

Happy one month, little girl! This month has seemed to go by so fast. You already have grown so much since we brought you home from the hospital! You have big beautiful eyes. They seem to be a dark blue with brown in the middle. I would love if you ended up with big hazel eyes, but really, you will be beautiful no matter what. You have had kind of a rough month to start out in. For your first month you have had two colds, both have been from Kinley. Don't worry, she gave it to Daddy and I also. Hopefully you will be on the mend soon.

Some things we have learned about you in the last month:

-You love to be held and snuggled. I have joked with  your dad that I'm pretty sure Heavenly Father sent you to me to help me with my issue of body space. Your goal in life is to be held 24 hours a day, and you seem to be somewhat succeeding despite my best efforts. I am, however, also soaking it all in because I know you will only be so little for so long.

-Your favorite place to sleep is in someone's arms (see above) . Unless you are being held, your naps usually aren't terribly long. But when you do decide to take a good rest, you sleep long and hard. It takes a little while to wake you, which we are not use to, since big sister was a light sleeper  when she was your age. Between the two, though, I like you and your deep sleep better. =)

-You HATE the car with a total passion. Unless you are in a deep sleep you scream and cry the entire time that you are in the car. Dad and I are working to rectify that and are trying to get you as use to the car as we can.

-You love looking at the world around you and you love watching your big sister, Kinley. Kinley loves you so much, also.

-You are over 7 lbs now and 20 inches long.

We love you so much Haley girl. Our hearts have grown since you have joined our family! Can't wait for what's in store next month!

Love, Mom

Haley's Birth Story

On Monday, August 8, 2016 Matt and I went into the hospital to be induced so we could meet our little girl.(Mom was getting impatient) Things were a little slow off the block at first. At 2:30 P.M. things started to get rolling. They started my antibiotics (I test positive for Group B Strep) then at about 4:30 P.M. they started me on Pitocin to get my contractions started. The contractions were manageable , but I was also noticing an increase in intensity as time went on. At 5:45 P.M. my OB came in and broke my water. After that everything really sped up.

Most people probably don't know this, but this time I really wanted to try to labor and deliver naturally. My experience with an epidural for Kinley's delivery wasn't a favorite experience of mine (that's a whole other story) so that's why I wanted a natural birth.

After my water broke my contractions came hard and fast, though I still felt like I was managing them alright. At this point also, Matt started really coaching and helping me through each one and he was absolutely fantastic! I really couldn't have gotten as far as I did without him. At 6:15 my nurse decided to move me up a level on the pitocin. I was really reluctant because my contractions felt very close together and started to get a lot more painful, but I agreed to let her move me up. Soon after that I was in an immense amount of pain. The contractions felt almost constant and I was starting to lose my focus and threw all my pain management techniques out the window. At 7:15 P.M. I had had enough. I couldn't endure the pain anymore and I asked (more like begged) for an epidural. The anesthesiologist came pretty quickly and he was amazing! He worked quickly and was kind and reassuring during all that happened next...

While I was getting my epidural, my nurse was going through a shift change. My new nurse came in during kind of a hectic moment. So, in the midst of all that was going on she forgot to check my progress and decided to give me some pain medication through my IV to give me a little relief while we were waiting for the epidural to be put in. The pain medication she gave me was only supposed to be used if I was dilated to a 6 or less. After that it's not good for the baby and it can cause their heart rate to decrease.

Well... I was further than a 6. Haley's heart tones started to slow down just as my epidural was finished. Soon, it seemed like tons of nurses were in our room; I was forced to wear an oxygen mask so that Haley could get more oxygen and I was told to immediately lay down on my left side. At that point they finally checked me and lo and behold I was already at a 10! My Dr. and nurses quickly helped me up and told me to push right then and there. I was told I only pushed through 2 contractions and then at 7:49 P.M. Miss Haley Elizabeth was born. She was perfectly fine. No major harm had been done from the pain meds. When I heard her first cry I was completely overwhelmed with joy that my little girl was finally here. Life now is a little different, but I wouldn't change a thing. We are so in love with both Haley and Kinley!

Haley's Birth Story

On Monday, August 8, 2016 Matt and I went into the hospital to be induced so we could meet our little girl.(Mom was getting impatient) Things were a little slow off the block at first. At 2:30 P.M. things started to get rolling. They started my antibiotics (I test positive for Group B Strep) then at about 4:30 P.M. they started me on Pitocin to get my contractions started. The contractions were manageable , but I was also noticing an increase in intensity as time went on. At 5:45 P.M. my OB came in and broke my water. After that everything really sped up.

Most people probably don't know this, but this time I really wanted to try to labor and deliver naturally. My experience with an epidural for Kinley's delivery wasn't a favorite experience of mine (that's a whole other story) so that's why I wanted a natural birth.

After my water broke my contractions came hard and fast, though I still felt like I was managing them alright. At this point also, Matt started really coaching and helping me through each one and he was absolutely fantastic! I really couldn't have gotten as far as I did without him. At 6:15 my nurse decided to move me up a level on the pitocin. I was really reluctant because my contractions felt very close together and started to get a lot more painful, but I agreed to let her move me up. Soon after that I was in an immense amount of pain. The contractions felt almost constant and I was starting to lose my focus and threw all my pain management techniques out the window. At 7:15 P.M. I had had enough. I couldn't endure the pain anymore and I asked (more like begged) for an epidural. The anesthesiologist came pretty quickly and he was amazing! He worked quickly and was kind and reassuring during all that happened next...

While I was getting my epidural, my nurse was going through a shift change. My new nurse came in during kind of a hectic moment. So, in the midst of all that was going on she forgot to check my progress and decided to give me some pain medication through my IV to give me a little relief while we were waiting for the epidural to be put in. The pain medication she gave me was only supposed to be used if I was dilated to a 6 or less. After that it's not good for the baby and it can cause their heart rate to decrease.

Well... I was further than a 6. Haley's heart tones started to slow down just as my epidural was finished. Soon, it seemed like tons of nurses were in our room; I was forced to wear an oxygen mask so that Haley could get more oxygen and I was told to immediately lay down on my left side. At that point they finally checked me and lo and behold I was already at a 10! My Dr. and nurses quickly helped me up and told me to push right then and there. I was told I only pushed through 2 contractions and then at 7:49 P.M. Miss Haley Elizabeth was born. She was perfectly fine. No major harm had been done from the pain meds. When I heard her first cry I was completely overwhelmed with joy that my little girl was finally here. Life now is a little different, but I wouldn't change a thing. We are so in love with both Haley and Kinley!

Kinley is 2!!

Dear Kinley,

Happy happy birthday my lovely little two-year-old! Two years of having you around have been so wonderful! Your personality shines through more and more each day and we love it! You crack us up all the time with your funny faces and expressions, the famous ogre walk (oh yeah, can't wait to tell you about that one when you are older) and just hearing your laugh. Your laugh is so contagious! It  is definitely Dad and I's most favorite sound by far. You are so happy-go-lucky and easy going... most of the time. Don't think we haven't gotten lucky enough to skip your "terrific" two's  stage. You are definitely testing the boundaries more and more, but I just keep reminding myself that it means you are learning and growing and that always makes for a happy Mamma.

Now for the stats: You currently weigh 25 lbs and you are 33 inches tall. Still petite as always. You not only have a long torso, but long legs as well. Currently you wear size 24 months, but are getting into some 2T's for your tops, but you are still holding strong with 18 month bottoms. (it's the fact that you are long and lean) Mom heard a theory a long time ago that if you take the height of your two-year-old and double it, that is how tall you will grow to be. We'll see how accurate that theory turns out to be, but as of right now you are projected to be 5'6". Dad and I were pretty surprised when we learned that. Even though it's average height I am not very tall, so we figured you'd stay on the shorter side like your mamma. We are anxious to see if it will hold true or not.

Other things you enjoy are being outside. You, my dear girl, would live outside if we let you. It is the highlight of all your days. You can't wait to put your sandals on and start exploring. You still love collecting rocks, but you are starting to branch out to flowers now too. Speaking of sandals... you LOVE shoes, especially your "fancy" shoes (church shoes). I think the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning, besides look for Daddy, is to put on your fancy shoes. It is so cute, but I think we might be in trouble later if this passion continues later in life. You are learning new words all the time. Most recently you started saying: thank you, doggie, blessy (bless you), all done, and want some. You coloring and you are such a good helper around the house! You throw some of your diapers in the trash, put your toys away, and put your bottles in the sink. We love your helpfulness!

Kinley is 18 months!

Miss Kinley is now 18 months old! Time has sure flown! She is getting bigger and her personality is shining more and more each day. Since the last update she:

-Started walking at 15 1/2 months
                     (Mommy and Daddy were beyond ready when she finally started walking, but also a little grateful for the extra time that she got to be "our baby".)

-Uses forks and spoons pretty well, but still needs help every now and then

-Loves broccoli, sweet potatoes and corn which = one happy mamma

-Is  a pro at bath time. She both LOVES being in the bath, but is also does not like to soak too long

- Still sleeps through the night as always and is still on two naps a day

-Loves running outside and she has become quite the geologist! She loves rocks!

-Had her first trick-or-treating experience this year
                      (she was a little taken a back with all the costumes, but she warmed up eventually)

-Had her first beach experience  2 weeks ago with Mimi and Grandpa Nunes and was in heaven 
                        (she is her mother's daughter, for sure)

-Loves swings and slides

-Still babbling. No real words yet besides mamma and dada every now and then
                        (although I'm pretty sure she said "baby" the other day)

-Has been on a total of 5 trips via airplane this year, with one more to go!
              (She is honestly really good considering the lack of space she has and the extra mobility she has gained, but each trip is getting a little harder than the last.)

-Saw our nations capital in September

-Loves brushing her teeth and is getting better about "clean up"

We sure love our sweet girl! Nothing has brought Matt and I more joy than raising our amazing daughter! There really is nothing better!

Recap of Summer

I have been so bad about keeping up! I had a post all ready to go about all the things we did in July, and then I got side tracked with Kinley and promised myself I would go back to it. Well now it is September and I'm just now getting back to it... Oh well,


Instead of breaking down every month in a separate post (because I only have so much time before Kinley wakes up from her nap) I want to give a quick recap of our summer.

~JULY~

First thing we did in July was make a trip down to see Andrew for the 4th. He was in San Antonio for some military training, so we thought a road trip was in order. It was a MUCH longer road trip than expected because of all the road construction, but eventually we made it and had such a great time walking the River Walk and getting a feel of what living on a military base was like. Although we didn't get to see any fireworks, it was a great way to spend the 4th! So glad for our spontaneous trips!

July's theme turned out to be weddings. Kinley and I made a trip back to Utah to see one of my closest friends get married. It was the first time I was able to attend a wedding in an LDS Temple that wasn't my own. It was such a sweet feeling and I am so grateful that I was able to be there for Ashlee's special day. My heart was so full that day. Not only was I able to see Ashlee get married, but I had the greatest time catching up with old friends and family. My heart was full the entire trip. It was hands down, the best trip of the year, if not one of the best trips of my lifetime. I wish I could have stayed longer and seen more friends and family. It made me even more homesick for Utah (which is a statement that 3 years ago, I NEVER thought I would say)

I also got to attend an old co-worker's wedding at the end of July as well. It was so great catching up with old friends and really, my first friends here in Texas. If it weren't for that job and those awesome people I got to work with, I think I would have curled up in a hole and wished all of my Texas days away. We laughed and danced the night away! I needed a good dance party, I think. Thanks again to Lindsey for letting me "crash her wedding" ;-)

At the same time, Matt took Kinley with him back to Utah to see his cousin get married. I'm so glad Matt got to take Kinley so I could have a little break from motherhood and that he was able to spend some special time with her. I wish I could have been there to see Matt's cousin and his adorable wife get married, but I'm glad Matt and Kins were able to go and represent this Glenn clan. Though the break was nice and much needed, I couldn't wait for the two of them to get back!

(Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to share here, because I lost them all when I had to replace my phone.. =( I didn't realize that until I was trying to find all my photo's from July... )

this is the only photo I have from our trip to Utah..

~August~
Because July was so travel filled we took a bit of a break and stuck around here for awhile. Nothing too crazy happened in August. Lots of walks and pool time with Kinley and of course weekends spend with Matt running errands and catching up on life. I was able to get a job with a local rec center as a sub for Aqua classes. While I'm not fully on their books, I feel like this is a great way to "get my feet wet" (get it?!). I am hoping to start taking another class regularly so I can certify in that and hopefully get more sub jobs coming my way, or better yet, a permanent job with them. Our big highlight of August was... KINLEY STARTED WALKING!! At 15 1/2 months old she took her first steps! Instead of being sad at this big milestone and another testament that my baby is growing up, I  celebrated and for her and for me. I was ready to have her start walking at this point. and it has been so much fun and opened up more doors for us to play! I'm so happy and proud of my big girl!!

 

~September~
I know September isn't over yet, but we just got back from our very first family vacation to Washington D.C.. We spent 4 days there and it was a blast! We did LOTS of walking and subway riding. Kinley did great for all of it. This was my 2nd time seeing our nation's capital and Matt's first. It was fun showing him different things that my tour did way back in middle school and also seeing a couple new things. Our days included: visiting and touring the Capital Building, walking to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, the Holocaust Museum, the Aerospace, Natural History and one of the Art Gallery Smithsonian's, and taking a cruise to Mt. Vernon and touring George Washington's house and grounds. It was a great trip and the perfect amount of time when having a little one with you! The weather was beautiful, and while we were planning on seeing some fall colors, D.C.'s landscape wasn't quite there yet, but we didn't mind too much.

outside the capital

cool fountain

at the Washington Monument

taking a break and playing on  the grass

on our way to the Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Smithsonian Castle

This bush with it's random white leaves

Fountain outside Smithsonian

Family Selfiie

Outside Natrual History Smithsonian

Mt. Vernon... getting some updates

view of Potomac from Mt. Vernon back porch

Back side of Mt. Vernon



Trail leading down to the wharf

That's it for now. Currently I am looking forward to some cooler fall weather. My boots and sweaters are calling my name, but I can't quite get them out yet with 90+ forecasts this week... my wish will continue, I guess.