Ivy Rose

Lets begin with my pregnancy with you. It was no walk in the park and was full of some pretty dark times for me. Around the 5month mark i started having some pain in my hip pelvis area. As the weeks went by that pain became worse. very worse. I went to the Dr. and they gave me pain pills that really didnt do any good so i went back to the Dr and broke into tears as they had me step up onto the scale. Lifting my legs just a little was becoming excruciating.  The Dr. guessed that I may have SPD. Basically my body was producing to much of the hormone elastin which meant that my pelvis region felt like it was all dislocated and there was really nothing that could be done but grin and bare it.

The Dr. recommended me to a chiropractor who had done some research on SPD and was able to help me manage my pain a bit. I couldnt drive and could barely step up stairs. Everyday became a challenge and it was getting to the point where laying in bed was the only thing I could do. Dr. Will, the chiropractor had me buy a girdle belt that helped push my hip bones in and made things a little easier. Boy was that thing uncomfy and it made me look oh so freakin hot!

As my pregnancy progressed we had to put a bed on the main floor for me to sleep in as going upstairs had become impossible. I cried a lot in frustration. I couldnt lift anything and was having trouble keeping up with Leia during the day. Your grandmother was coming out during the week to help me with house work and caring for your sister. I wasnt driving at all anymore and I just wanted the pregnancy to be over with.

I was still able to get out and about a bit with a lot of help from your Dad. I had many dear friends bring us meals. So I had a lot of help which I wasnt to keen on as I wanted to be doing these things myself.  I was very appreciative for their kindness though. Visits with Dr. Will were my life saver as after seeing him I was able to get around better for a few days and even able to climb up stairs to lay in my own bed. Hot baths became my best friend although getting out of the bath tub was a sight to see as i couldnt lift my legs over the edge.

One of these bath tub moments would be when we decided on your name. With your sister we went back and forth a lot before we finally decided on her name. With you we hadnt really talked a lot about what we were planning to name you. While laying in the bath the name Ivy Rose just popped in my head. I hollered for your daddy and ran the name by him. he liked it instantly. So thats what we decided to name you. Actually I think you may have named yourself. the name fits you perfectly.

Towards the end of my pregnancy we were headed to a BBQ at your Great Uncle jims and Great Aunt Julies house when your sister started to tumble down the stairs. I slammed down onto my knees to try and catch her and the pain I felt took my breath away and I instantly started to cry. Your poor Daddy didnt know who to help first me or Leia. He grabbed Leia and then ran to me. After that tumble everything seemed to improve immediately. Your Daddy used to always say

  if the pain came back he would just push me down the stairs. I actually liked that idea! Seriously over night my pain level went from a 9 to about a 3. Something I could handle. I became happy and began to enjoy my pregnancy.

My dear friend, Liz, threw me a nice intimate baby shower. (the first picture is from that shower) I was able to enjoy it as my pain was better. I received, or you received many cute outfits. Some bottle and a few other things. I received some wonderful memories.

Your due date was June 14th but about week before that I started having contractions. Nothing regular or to bad though. So I just figured they were braxton hicks. On the 9th I had them off and on all day, again nothing regular. But they sure did hurt and at one point I thought maybe I should have your Daddy take me to the hospital. I held off and went on with my  day. Early in the morning of the 10th I woke up around midnight hurting and contractions were coming every 10 minutes. Around 2 I went and woke your Dad up in Leias room. (He was sleeping on her floor because sleeping with me meant he didnt sleep. I tossed and turned and blankets were a silly idea) I told him it was time, I think, so maybe we should get ready to go to the hospital. We called the Dr and she said to come to the hospital. So we woke your sister up and loaded into the car. We had to do a quick stop by your dads work so he could grab a box of things that needed to be moved to the new office. By the time he came down from his office my contractions were 5 minutes apart.

We dropped your sister off at Grandmoms, to which leia was a bit confused because she thought she would be going to the hospital with us. We got to the hospital and were put in a room to wait. My contractions were quite painful and I wanted my epidural but they told me I had to wait for surgery to get it. Your dad kept saying "This is SOOOO cool!!" I really wanted to just slap him. I didnt see anything cool about my pain. FINALLY around 7ish they came to take me to the operating room. I was beyond nervous. Everything was so different from when I had your sister.

They got my epidural started, strapped me down, brought your dad in and tried to start surgery. I could feel them pinching me and squealed at them so they gave me a drug called twilight and thats all they wrote...I dont remember anything else.

The rolled me back to the room where my sister was waiting and holding you. You were covered in goo but were just so precious and cute to me with your red hair. I couldnt stop looking at you and your big cheeks. My heart just swelled and I never wanted to let you go. You slept with me every night I was in the hospital even the night that they had to dope me up good because they had manged to bruise my ribs while taking you out and I coudnt breath well or move well. but still I had you stay. You were simply breath taking and i was overcome with pure love for you and forgot about all the pain the pregnancy had caused. It was worth every second and i would gladly do it again for you.

We spent 3 nights and 4 days in the hospital and had many family and friends come to visit. Your daddy and I both thought you looked a lot like your Uncle Ben. Your sister was so excited to meet you and you surprised her with a magnet paper doll kit. She wanted to help take care of you from the first day. She was so happy to be your big sister.

then we came home. This year with you has brought me so much joy, and a few days of utter frustration. your name fits you perfectly. You love to climb, like and Ivy and your temper is nothing short of stabbing you finger with the thorn from a rose. But your beauty surpasses any rose i have ever seen. I can't wait to watch you grow and see the person you will become. I am so happy you are my little girl which rather you like it or not you will ALWAYS be my little girl no matter how old you are. thank you for being such a blessing to me.

For your first birthday we had rice and beans from Chipotle. Your favorite!

Your sister and I made you a cake while you were taking your nap. Chocolate with butter cream frosting and my best efforts of making ivy and roses...

You approved and thank God we took your clothes off!

Your sister and I played hide and seek for 45 minutes. You joined in but I am the master at hiding!

Thank you for all the joy you have brought into my life. thank you for the MANY sleepless nights. Thank you for the laughs you have brought to all of our faces. Most of all thank you for me being my daughter, my love, and my joy.

Happy First Birthday my love!