Raising a Kid(s): January 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Here's Sadie!

Here is little peek into Sadie's arrival that Omar put together.

Allie Major took the photos, and Rachel Billingsly shot the video AND sang the soundtrack!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Isn't she pretty!!!!

We're home now and I'm starting to feel a bit better. The no sleeping thing is not so fun. Luckily...it's worth it!!!

Introducing Sadie Renee Al-Rikabi!!!!

She's here!!! Sadie Renee was born Friday morning, January 23, 2009, at 12:28AM. She weighed a wopping 7lbs 15oz and was 20.5in long! She received a well-child check-up from the pediatrician and is starting to figure out this whole feeding thing. I'm hoping the doctor will be in very soon so we can be discharged and made our way home. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed for the very precious few hours we get now. I'll try to post some more pictures soon (one's where she's not quite so fresh and swollen.)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Heartbeat

Listening to Sadie's heart while we wait to see her face:

We're gonna have a baby today!!!

We're here at the hospital and ready to go. As you can see, I am all hooked up with Pitocin and fluids. The contractions do not hurt much right now and I plan to get my epidural as soon as they do. Allie (my sister) is taking a nap on the couch, Omar is playing on the computer, Allie (best friend) is keeping me company, granny is watching tv, and Virginia is out getting a snack. I was still 2cm this morning when I went for my doctor appointment, but Sadie is looking good. Otherwise, there is not much to report! We'll try to post a blog with pictures as soon as we can once she is here. Wish us luck!!!!!!!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Thursday is a go!

We just went for my doctor appointment and everything is pretty much the same. I'm still 2cm dilated, 80% effaced, and almost -1 station. I think I'll start walking more to help move things along. My doctor informed us that I was 'bumped' from the scheduled plan to break my water on Thursday. So the doctor concocted a plan for me to come in at 8:30am for a check-up Thursday morning. At that time they'll fib and insist that I am having contractions or that my water is leaking...then she'll send me down to the hospital to actually induce. I'm pretty excited that I won't have to be there at 5:30am. Otherwise, all is well here in Fayetteville!!! We'll be sure to keep you updated with any changes!!!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Yep...Still Pregnant....

Just wanted to let you know that Sadie is still in the oven. We'll have another appointment on Monday to check my progress. My sister comes in tonight, so I'm pretty excited about that. We were also able to change my best friend Allie Major's flight so she is now coming in on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Now she'll be here for the whole shebang on Thursday (barring an early appearance by Sadie)!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Still Pregnant!

Ok...we visited with the doctor again today for a regular check-up. After waiting for an hour, we finally saw our favorite obstetrician, Dr. Seale. She told us that I am still 2cm dilated and at a -2 station. I have continued to efface more and am now 75-80%. I told her that, ideally, Sadie would wait to come till January 22nd when Allie Major gets here. She then proceeded to tell me that she will be 'on call' that day and would happily break my water so she could deliver!!! Crazy!!!!!!! Soooo...if Sadie does not come sooner, we'll have her on January 22nd!!! Wow!

Here are a few photos of Omar goofing off while we were waiting. Yes...I know he is special...

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Pretty...

38 weeks

Isn't Sadie's nursery pretty? It's so pink...I know...but why not? And there many special touches to the room. First of all, Omar and I bought very little of it! Our family and friends have graciously gifted us with (or let borrow) most of it. Mom & Frank and Omar's family bought the furniture (which is even prettier in person). Tiffani Walt handed down her pink toile bedding, which I love. Next to the window in the first picture is a coat rack and blanket chest that had when I was little. The second picture is taken from the entryway, looking into the room. You can see a wood rocking horse with an ottoman in front of it. The horse will soon be replaced by the ottoman's matching chair (they sent us the ottoman without the chair...annoying I know. Omar spent many long hours on the phone sorting it all out...thank you Omar). Anyhow...my dad made the rocking horse for me as a little girl and recently remade the entire base and replaced the hair!

I'm still trying to decide what to put over the changing table. Any ideas? I thought about making a collage of white frames with B/W pictures. Dad will also put crown moulding in the room when he comes to see Sadie. I can't wait.

Finally, I'm 38 weeks with child today. Seriously? That means I have just two weeks left...IF she keeps cooking that long. I go to the doctor on Monday afternoon...I'll be sure to post after that about my progress. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we get ready for her arrival. Omar has a lot going on at work and elsewhere, so he could use some extra well wishes.

Thank you for all your support...and sorry about the rambling blog.

Monday, January 5, 2009

She's a coming...well...not yet...

We went to the doctor today for another weekly check up. Remember that last week, I was 1.5cm dilated and 50% effaced (thinning of the cervix). As of this afternoon, I've progressed to 2cm dilation and 70% effacement. Sadie is also at a -2 station (decent into the pelvis; -5 is a floating baby, 0 station is said to be engaged in the pelvis, and +5 is crowning). The doctor thinks I'll still be pregnant next week, but recommended that Omar reschedule his gum graft this Thursday just in case she comes early. I'm a bit nervous that Sadie will come before Allie (sister) and Allie (best friend) get here, but I think Sadie is in charge here. We'll keep you up-to-date here on the blog, if not by phone or text!

Omar thinks my belly looks HUGE. Thanks Omar.

Putting the swing together.

The finished product.

I also put the the stroller together.

And all the clothes away. This is most of the clothes for just 0-3 months (Thanks Allie Major!!!)

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Christmas Part II

I'm finally posting some pictures from Christmas day (not that my family checks our blog anyway...bad family, bad). Omar began our morning with some scripture and placed the baby Jesus in his manger. As you can see, the wise men are still far off (on the right side of the mantle), as they didn't get there for the birth.