Leah Hope has arrived!

Our wait is over and our prayers were answered! On Sunday, October 25 at 1:50AM, Leah Hope Coleman entered this world and melted our hearts immediately! But before I show you the many photos of our first week home, let me back up and chronicle (for posterity) the events of the days leading up to the big event.
I had LOTS of contractions for weeks before the big day. I was up more mornings than I care to remember, counting contractions and trying to decide if it was time to load up the van. The contractions ALWAYS hit harder at night (I know I drove my husband who was desperately trying to catch some zzz's crazy for a few weeks). This false labor hurt just as badly as the real thing at times, but the contractions never regulated enough to merit a drive to the hospital.

I tried to keep my spirits up by keeping busy, running Sarah to preschool, pee wee sports league, etc. As you can see below, there was a lot to keep my spirits up during this time.

Sarah and her friend, Liam, have developed a love affair on the soccer field. Chris said they basically do this every week during pee wee sports.



If they were 16, I am sure Daddy would be rushing into this photo trying to pull these two apart!

More hugs while the coach "coaches" the preschoolers.

I love this photo, check out the tongue. Sarah always does this when she is concentrating. I think we have a Michael Jordan!

The Saturday morning before I delivered, Daddy took Sarah to her final pee wee league event. She was so proud to take home this medal! This is the last moment of normalcy before our world was forever changed by little Leah!

I spent a great part of the day cleaning out closets. I once read that a very high percentage of women describe a burst of unexpected energy and a cleaning spurt within 12 hours of delivery. I have now done this very thing with both of my pregnancies, so I think this "wives tale" is fact!

At about 5:30, we decided to get ready and grab something out to eat. I asked to go to Lexington, mostly because my instincts told me that I needed to stay near the hospital. We decided on the Olive Garden. Sarah was not so enthused to go with us and asked if she could stay with her grandparents down the street. They were happy to keep her and we were on our way. About half way to the Olive Garden, I began having contractions. Keep in mind, this was nothing new; I had been contracting for weeks. However, these were TWO minutes apart from the get go! As we got closer to our destination, I changed my mind and asked for fast food, and by the time we reached Chick fil a, I told him to pass "go" and head straight for Central Baptist! I checked in and waited for OVER AN HOUR to be checked by a nurse (they were extremely busy on this night). By the time I was seen, I was pacing the floor having contractions under two minutes apart. I called my neighbor Penny (a labor and delivery nurse who works at CB) and I had a nurse within minutes. She said I was 4 centimeters dilated but my water had not broken...Seconds later, it broke (I think thanks to her thorough exam...Ouch!). This is when we knew it was the real deal. We were going nowhere. My only regret was that I did not say a proper goodbye to Sarah. I had no idea the night would turn out in this way.

Penny came over to help me with labor even though Saturday was her day off (she is a Godsend). She was there to help me deliver Sarah as well. So I had two nurses and one who stayed with me round the clock! I felt like a real VIP that night. Mom and Dad rushed up (driving to Lexington in 2 hours and 10 minutes only to be stopped dead by post football game traffic). They still made it in time.

I was in EXTREME PAIN within an hour of my exam. Not only were the contractions off the charts, I was poked no less than 5 times by three nurses trying to start an IV of fluid and pitocin. I am still not recovered from one of these attempts. My veins roll, what can I say? For those of you who know me well, getting an IV is more frightening than childbirth and now you know why. Needles are not my friend. Once the pitocin kicked in, I progressed very quickly. I delivered Leah in 7 hours from the first contraction! It was really a non event after the epidural. Mom, Dad, Penny, Chris, and I shot the breeze into the night until I told Penny I felt like I needed to push. 10 pushes later, Leah Hope was here!

Our little beauty arrives!

It was sooooo much easier than the first 26 hour delivery! I felt great and walked to the bathroom with almost no help just afterward! It was a very long night. We were not left alone to get sleep until 6:00am on Sunday morning! I think we slept under two hours that night.

She is soooo strong! Her ability to latch on and nurse was painfully strong even moments after birth. This has not changed in the past week. I knew even in the womb of her strength. At times it felt like she was going to push her way out on her own!

First bath. Leah looks exhausted.

The next day, JoAnn, Charles and Amy came to meet the newest Coleman!

Aunt Amy...Do you think Leah will call her "my Amy" as well?

Papaw Coleman meets his granddaughter.

Look at all this hair. I had heartburn from the moment I found out I was pregnant. I guess the old wives tale is true here as well!

Mommy and baby bonding.

Uncle JB snuck in for a visit. He has not missed a birth yet within the immediate family!

I think she looks like Chris, what do you think?

On the day we were released, we dressed her in a beautiful gown given to Leah by "aunt" Brandy. Mom and Dad came by to see if we needed help. She looks so proud!

First photo with both grandparents. The soothie is as big as her head!


Papaw McReynolds and Leah ...it looks like love at first sight!

We left the hospital and drove straight to Sarah's preschool to let her meet her sister for the first time. Central Baptist decided to prohibit children under 18 from visiting the maternity wards due to the swine flu epidemic just days before I delivered. She was over the moon to meet Leah!

Sarah passed the time during our hospital stay preparing the house for a true first "birthday party". She ran straight to her baby brag book when we got home to show Leah her baby photos from four years back. Aren't the minds of children interesting?

Sarah holds sissy for the first time.

Best friends forever (I hope) :)

She has really grown protective over the baby in the past weeks. She must see her as soon as she returns from any other location or event. She kisses her daily and tells her she loves her. Both of our girls are truly blessings.

Sarah and Amy went over to Brandy's while I was in the hospital and created a delicious birthday cake for Leah. Sarah insisted on putting roller skate decorations on top. Again, what goes through the minds of 3 1/2 year olds?

This sign almost made me weep. Sarah created the most beautiful welcome home banner for her sister.

My first photo with "the girls".

Our first family photo as a foursome.

Let's dig in! The party begins!

Sarah insisted on a birthday hat for the birthday girl.

The next few days were exhausting, but we are plugging along.

Doesn't she look like a little Chris? I did not see much of a resemblence between Sarah and either of us. I can truly say I see one with Leah.

First bath at home. She does not like the bath part, but she loooves to have her hair brushed!

All done and hungry again. (no surprise). This one has the appetite of an offensive lineman!

Sarah just loves to play the role of big sister!

A few days after we made it home, it was Halloween! I had to show our little beauty dressed as Snow White.

I can't believe how "girlie" Sarah has become. She seems so grown up!

We are blessed beyond measure! For our family, friends, and church family in the area, thanks for all the prayers, visits, gifts, and meals... We love you all and can't wait to share more in the future.

Now if I could only figure out how to get a two week old to sleep through the night.....

Bye for now!

It's Pumpkin Patch Time!

Hey everyone,
I will make this a pretty brief post. First, I will address the pregnancy that never ends! I have had contractions on and off for a week now, but nothing is organized enough to merit a trip to the hospital :(. We have been trying to stay out and about to keep my mind off the fact that I am gigantic and uncomfortable of late. One such trip is displayed for you below. Every year, we thoroughly enjoy our trips to the local orchards and pumpkin patches during October. I was determined that this year would be no different. I met Julie, Brent and the kiddos for a fun trip to Boyd's Orchard in Versailles recently. Here are some of the highlights.

Sarah is infinitely more confident on this slide this year. They grow up so fast! Thank goodness Brent was there to climb this monstrosity and place Sarah safely on the sack!

Maura having a blast as well.

Peek a boo! Is that a sheep I see?

One of the animal attractions this year. Unfortunately, Sarah is growing less impressed with goats each year. Fortunately, I get to discover the awesomeness of farm animals all over again with baby #2!

Sarah and Maura "posing" for the camera. This is as good as it gets when trying to get a decent photo out of two three year olds!

Sarah loved the hay pyramid. I love this photo. Pure joy! Check out the Allens above, they were much more adventurous on this day.

Climbing down.

Here is the newest attraction. Sarah talked about this pirate ship for days after we left. She pretended to be a pirate with a little boy she met here. They have a little table in the underbelly of the ship. They plotted their next adventure there and came out to act it out. Arrrrg!

I love Fall in Kentucky!

PS... When this baby decides to exit my five star "womb" accommodations (ha!). I will be sure to post here and on Facebook. Stay tuned....

School Days, Parties, Pregnancy, and the Buddy Walk (Whew!)

Hello again,
I am yet again creating a gigantic post of the many events of the past month. I am sorry not to be able to devote more time to each event, but a three year old + an eight and a half month pregnancy = exhaustion. I will begin with the first day of school at one of Sarah's preschools. I volunteered on this day and was able to get some "behind the scenes" photos of the goings on in class. Unfortunately, due to road construction, we were too late to get a first day of school photo of just Sarah at school, so these will have to do.

During discovery class, students learned about their various body parts.

During free play, Maura spotted a sliding toy that kept her attention throughout the rest of the class.

Sarah spent most of her time building castles.

This was Sarah's favorite class...PLAYGROUND!

Maura and her friends chose the more stationary playground activity of playing in the sand.

The kids had a great time in Bible class. I was so pleased to see Sarah raise her hand to answer a question. We have been working on the idea of taking turns talking and having the teacher call on you. I am proud of my girl for listening to me (at least this once) :)

I know this is a scary photo, but it does capture the busy natures of these two three year olds.

At the end of school, we walked Sarah and Maura out front to take a first day of school photo. It was a bit distracting with all of the cars whizzing by, but we managed a pretty good photo.



On Saturday, Sarah geared up for class number 2 of her pee wee league sports class. Chris takes her (it is their special daddy/daughter time). He said she did a great job of listening to directions here as well. I must admit, I thought this class would not go well for Sarah, but she surprises me on a daily basis. She is now a sports fan. She even sat down to watch football with Daddy this weekend!

This day was the kickball introduction.

Chris said Sarah did a good job of kicking and running bases.

This turned out to be a pretty busy weekend. We were invited to not one, but two birthday parties in one weekend! Sarah was ecstatic to attend Caden's pirate party. She even hand drew and painted his birthday card.

Brandy had her best school teacher voice poised to direct the kids in the party games. Ashley was the pirate mascot for the party.

Although you can't see it so well, this was the hit of the party. Brandy created an outdoor scavenger hunt for pirate treasure. The kids were following her like little duckies. Too fun!

The highlight of Caden's night seemed to be the presents. Look at his cool new bike and helmet!

Brandy has become very proficient at cake decoration. Check out the pirate ship and pirates!

Here is the small boat as well.

Now for party number 2. We went from pirates to princesses! Although Sarah loves Caden so much, I think she was a little more in her element with the pink tiaras and the princess games and food. She is such a girl!

Many of the attendees got really dressed up for the party. I did not let Sarah wear her Snow White costume, because she is wearing it as her Halloween costume and we need to keep it in one piece!

Emma was the birthday girl and boy, did she rack up on toys and clothes!

Sarah had a blast trying to pop open the princess pinata.

Our next photo might be shocking for those of you who have not seen me in person lately. No, this is not a photo of a beached whale, this is me in my 8 and 1/2 month glory. I hate taking pregnancy photos of myself (which is why you see so few on this blog), but I know baby #2 will want to see these in the coming years. At least I am smiling, right?

Side view

Front view. This baby can't stay in much longer...can it?

Sarah got into the photo taking fun as well. Check out Daddy's spiky hair. He must not have been pleased with the look, because he got it cut pretty short the next day.

Now for the last event of the past month, the Buddy Walk. We are privileged to have a beautiful cousin Ava, who happens to have Downs Syndrome. Each year, the family walks in the Buddy Walk on Keeneland's campus to raise money to support those who have DS and need financial help. We absolutely love to help support this good work and Sarah has a blast each year, so we have made this an annual event.

Although I didn't go this year (walking long distances is out of my ability at this point). Chris, Aunt Amy, and Sarah went to represent Michael's side of the family. Amy is technically not related to Ava, but was more than happy to join in the fun. I really wish I could have attended.

I can't believe Sarah agreed to ride in the stroller during the walk. Usually she balks at the very mention of it. But I think since she saw cousin Ava doing the same, she was a little more willing.

Here is Ava's parade, over 50 strong!

Ava and Sarah sharing some "cousin time"

Isn't she cute? I am sure she was so happy to have her family and friends surrounding her.

After the walk, let the games begin! There are slides, bouncy castles, music, and food. Four of Sarah's favorite things!

The highlight of Sarah's day (I am sure of this), was chicken dancing with her daddy.
Michelle (Ava's mom) sent us an e-mail stating that Ava's parade raised over $2,000 for the cause. There were more participants this year than ever. This is awesome! I just wanted to add a couple of paragraphs from Michelle's e-mail to the blog, to encourage any of you who would like to get involved in this great day to see the results of the effort.

Michelle writes:
"In just the last 3 months, there have been about 10 babies(maybe more!) born in Central KY with Down syndrome. We are able to provide new families with a tote bag full of educational, medical and inspirational information and books. We follow-up with phone calls, emails and visits. This past year, we have been able to provide assistance to many DSACK families in crisis. Some examples include several infants having heart surgery,a family involved in a serious car accident, a mother of 2 young children (one with DS) undergoing chemotherapy and the death of 2 precious, much-loved babies. DSACK has a fund for these situations and is able to provide catered meals, gift cards, cash, hotel rooms, memorial gifts, etc., depending on what the individual situation calls for. We have also been able to expand our programs and now have monthly educational meetings for new parents (child care included),and monthly social groups for elementary aged children with Ds and teens/young adults with Ds. We have a fabulous bimonthly newsletter, scholarships for camps and conferences, quarterly social events for our entire DSACK community (which is named for Central Ky.but reaches all the way to Pike Co.), and a lending library. We reach out to educate the community about Down syndrome (specifically, medical professionals, educational professionals and school-age students). We currently have 3 graduate students working on their disability practicums with us. We have established a strategic plan, revised our bylaws and established roles and responsibilities for board members. We are a non-profit 501C3 organization with no paid staff. Most of the board officers volunteer atleast 20 hours/week to DSACK……..usually even more than that. All donations go to support the above programs, as well as some I have likely left out. We would love to have our own space, and that is something we will look at in the future. We will be able to offer so much more to DSACK families and the community when we have a space!! "

If anyone is interested in joining us next year, please let me know!

Now, the drums are rolling, the fat lady is beginning to sing, we are officially on "Baby Watch" 2009. I will keep you posted. Please keep our family in your prayers.

Bye!

The Good, The Bad, and the Downright Ugly

Hello gang,
I know it has been some time since my last post, but I promise, I have a very good reason. I know that most of my posts chronicle the happy happenings of the Coleman clan, but I feel that to accurately create a record of our lives for me to keep, I need to include the good, the bad, and the downright ugly as well. I can honestly say that this has been the most difficult two weeks in my 33 years on planet earth so far! I am now 33 going on 34 weeks pregnant and have spent no less than 5 days at the doctors office in the last 10! It all started two weeks ago with chest pain, Headache, and a 101 plus degree fever that lasted for 4 days. The doctor put me on tamiflu and zithromax just to cover all bases, even though my flu test came back negative. My fever broke, but the chest problems have persisted for over two weeks. I am coughing so much even now that I have developed pleurisy! I am currently on a steroid that will hopefully relieve my swelling in my chest (which will help me breathe) and also resolve the RASH I have developed in the past few days on my chest and limbs (can you believe this????). Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the most traumatic event of the two week period, so hold on....

Sarah and I had a car accident last Wednesday here within a mile of our home. We are physically fine (thank you God). Our new van was heavily damaged and is in the shop for a few weeks getting repaired. My OB insisted that I spend some time on baby monitors at the hospital, and I am glad she did because it set my mind at ease in terms of the health of the baby. Can you believe all of this can happen in a two week period? I am praying for a reprieve from the coughing so that I can have just a precious few weeks to physically and mentally prepare myself, my home, and my family for the arrival of the newest Coleman!

I guess it would now be a good time to back up and look at the healthy days which I am entitling "The Good".
Sarah and I have had lots of fun getting together this year with good friends and neighbors and having some of the best play dates so far (I guess 3 is the magic number when it comes to the right age to truly play with other kids). Here are the "three amigos hanging out on Sarah's mini-trampoline. Haven't they grown?
We have also enjoyed being able to go out with "family" (sort of). Brandy, Caden, and Cohen are honorary members of my family, since Brandy's sister Ashley is now my sister-in-law. Sarah is Caden crazy right now. I hear his name every day! When she is not with him, she wants to be near. When she is near him, she doesn't want to leave. Won't it be interesting to see if she still considers him so "swoon worthy" as they get older?

Here is the love struck look Sarah gets when getting to sit next to her beloved Caden to eat lunch.

We have also been spending more time in the backyard this summer. Daddy got a "fire pit" for a Christmas gift last year. We have enjoyed many nights of smores and family fun in the backyard thanks to this gift. Thank you Charles and JoAnn!

We were also able to spend the last couple of our summer weeks visiting the library for story and song time. She really enjoyed herself as you can see.

From this point on, my life got much more difficult. My beloved husband has definitely been my rock in the past two weeks, playing nurse, house cleaner, as well as soccer dad. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. He gave me Saturday morning to rest and took Sarah to her first Pee Wee League practice. She is taking classes through the YMCA. She is learning the basics of kickball, soccer, tee ball, and flag football. The class is so large that she is also learning how to wait and stand in lines (I guess this skill will come in handy in life as well).

Here she is waiting for the games to begin!

Line up and wait everyone!

This weeks lesson is flag football. Does she have the Coleman skill? Check out the video below....



She made her Dad so proud! You can hear him yelping on the video. What a move!

She really enjoyed herself. I am so glad! I really worried she would be a "girly girl" only. Chris won't have a chance at a son (based upon my last ultrasound). At least we know he has one girl who shares his love of the game!

We are also blessed to have wonderful neighbors who love us and help us during our times of need. Shelley gave me a few minutes to work in the house while she and Sarah sat outside playing with her IPhone. Sarah adores Shelley. Penny even went to Kroger to drop off one of my many prescriptions to give me more time to just "be" at home. God has truly blessed us with great neighbors.

Sarah definitely had a rough spell during my feverish period. She has since come back to be the wonderful caring daughter I know and love. We have spent more time at home in the last two weeks, thanks to my energy levels. She has found ways to pass the time. Here is one of my favorite. She looooves Taylor Swift. I have the joy of listening to her croon alongside Taylor on a weekly basis. I have more video to post, but will save this for another day. The countdown to baby Coleman continues! Stay tuned...