Sophia Grace Dow

Sophia is here!!! We are so excited to finally have her officially here with us. She is of course just perfect in every way. For those that didn't get the stats on her here they are:

Born: 7/28/08
Time: 1:10 pm
Weight: 6 pounds 10 ounces
Height: 19.25 inches

She has dark hair right now and bright blue eyes. Hopefully she will keep her blue eyes like Faith did. I didn't think the delivery could get any easier than Faith's, but I was wrong. I was in labor with Faith 6.5 hours and pushed for 45 of those minutes before she arrived. I had an epidural with her after I was 5 cent. dilated. With Sophia, they broke my water at 7:15, but I was given the epidural almost immediately after, so I only felt a very few contractions at all. I labored longer, but I only pushed on one contraction. Yes people, just once!!! It was crazy. Here is the short story... Dr. Tadvick had been pulled from a c-section because another lady was delivering. My nurse came to check me and said well you are ready too, so I will tell him to come as soon as he is finished with the lady delivering. She just told me to NOT push. Well not long after she left I had to really focus on NOT pushing and I was beginning to think Stacy was going to have to catch the baby. She came back a few minutes later and I told her it was really hard not to push and I think Sophia is coming anyway. She checked me and Sophia was already crowning. She ran out and a few seconds later Dr. Tadvick came in panting, threw on the jacket he has to wear and I pushed on the next contraction and she was there. That was how fast it went. I have had more pain with the "contractions" that come with breastfeeding than I did during any part of the labor. It was nice I must say!! Anyway, that is the story of her arrival and now for the best part... the pictures.



This is about 3 hours later and Faith's first time to visit. We decided to have her come with all the girls because I was afraid she would freak out seeing me with tubes coming from everywhere. I am glad we did cuz she did great.


So far so good, right now she isn't jealous. She just walks around saying mommy, daddy, baby sister over and over.

Right after the birth. The dr. is still there with me.

At home sleeping.

On the way home. She is so tiny. Much smaller than Faith.

Daddy and Sophia sleeping at the hospital.

Faith was confused at first cuz someone would say Sophia and she would look at my stomach.

That's it for now. More to come!!!

Tomorrow's the BIG DAY...

Well we are trying to get everything in order and set up for Sophia to arrive tomorrow. It is very different when you know when everything is going to happen. We are able to pay last minute bills, get all the equipment put together and set up, wash clothes, check and recheck what we have packed for the hospital, etc. I haven't decided if I like the idea of being induced. I am one that prefers for it to just happen, but there are definitely advantages to knowing. Luckily, I have been distracted lately. My brother's family is going to stay at our house while we are at the hospital because their new house isn't finished and they have been staying in different places the past few weeks. So cleaning and making sure things are put away have kept me busy. AND Faith decided to throw me a curve ball last night. I am not sure if it is a growth spurt or just knowing something is changing and that causing her stress, but she decided to wake up last night at 12:30 (which I had not even gone to sleep yet) and stay awake until 5:45, yes 5:45 in the morning. ALL NIGHT!!! So I basically pulled an all-nighter, which I could handly much better in college than now. I finally went to sleep about 6am. That was not fun, and I am hoping tonight will be back to normal. I would like a little strength and sleep before delivering a baby!!! So those things have kept my mind off what tomorrow will bring.

People keep asking me how I feel and if I am ready... Well I am a bit nervous about just not knowing how being induced works. I have been told by many in the past that being induced hurts worse and lasts longer, so I am nervous about that. Faith's delivery was very easy and fast especially for a first child, so I guess I will be able to compare the two and make a wise decision with the next one. As far as if I am ready, well yes and no. I am so excited to finally meet this little one and see what she looks like and all that comes with that, which many of you know about. I am not ready and worried about having two babies. I have several friends that have had their kids close together (Shannon, Meredith, Michelle) and I may be coming to you for support when I feel like I am going crazy (hope you don't mind). But I am ready to not be pregnant anymore. I loved being pregnant with both kids and I have had a very easy pregnancy with both, but at the end I was ready to be done with both as well. I want to thank those of you who have been and will be praying for use tomorrow and I will send out the message when she officially arrives and of course get pics up as soon as possible. I know that is what you all want anyway!!! I am the same way!!!

Fun Times and Great Memories

Here is a game I copied from Victoria:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot-- or just from blogland-- anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Doctor visit

I had another appointment today and it was more of the same. Last time I was dilated to a 1 and this time I was a 2. At this rate I have 8 more weeks till Sophia comes!!!! Luckily that is not how it works. The doctor freaked me out though. While he was measuring me, he asked how big Faith was at birth. She was only 7.13 which I thought was a good size. Well he quickly asked his next question which was, "so would you want to be induced?" Which made my next question, "uh, oh, how big is this baby going to be???" Of course, they don't really know, so he didn't really answer me. He looked at his schedule and asked me if Monday sounded good. SO I am a little worried now that Sophia may be a chunk when she arrives. I love chunky babies, but can't we wait till after the delivery?? Anyway, we have a date now for sure. If she decides to be stubborn and not set things in motion herself, then I will be induced on Monday. I am so glad to at least have a final date. The doctor kind of acted like he thought she would come before Monday. He even said he was on call this weekend, so we could have the baby then too. So I guess the waiting game continues. I really prefer to go into labor on my own. Everyone tells me it is easier and usually faster, but he said it wouldn't be bad being induced since I've already had one and her delivery was so fast for a first child. I will be nervous Sunday night for sure, so I would love prayers for the induction if it comes to that (and that Sophia isn't gigantic - ha ha!!).

Baby Stuff

Shower:
My class at church threw me a baby shower yesterday. It was so fun and super sweet. Everything was pink and black, which I love!!! The decorations, cake, EVERYTHING was so cute. I had a great time. Being Sophia is girl number 2, there isn't that much I really needed, but I did get the important things: my double stroller (what I think I needed most) and the car seat. I got a ton of cute clothes and other odds and ends. I am so grateful for all the work my hostesses did to give me that special time. So, Alison Camp, Allison Connor, Stephanie Cranfill, Julie Evans, Shana Fry, April Miller, April Patteson, Whitney Mascarro, Rachel Perkins, Meredith Powell, and Ashley Pyle - You guys are the BEST and Sweetest!!! Thanks girls!!!

I was so thankful for everyone that took time out of their day to come, but I must admit I was most surprised when my college roomie walked in. I had no idea Brooke was coming and I am pretty sure I screamed a little bit when I saw here. She also brought her sweet baby girl, Audrey, which I had seen since she was tiny, so that was great to see how much she has grown. Anyway, that was the best gift she could have given me!!! Thank you so much Brooke for traveling... with a baby... just for a few hours... for me. You are so the best!!!!! I love you tons.

Here is the invitation. Very cute!!!!



Doctor Visit:
I had a doctor's appt. today and I was hoping for some signs in the right directions (if you know what I mean). It wasn't to bad. I have dilated to a 1, which I, of course, hoped for more, but anything is better than nothing. My doctor felt her head, so that is good news that she is head down. He said labor can start anytime, tomorrow or another week. Shockingly, we are hoping for another week because Stacy leaves tomorrow morning at 7 am for a conference. He will be gone till Friday, so my thought is that is when Sophia will come, while he is gone!!! I guess we will see, but any prayers you are willing to shout out for me, please pray she waits till Stacy is back or at least for some extra strength on my part. I am one of the overly modest people, so I will not let anyone, including my mom, in the room with me (except Stacy of course). SO if he is not here, I will be on my own... scary!!! Anyway, that is the update. I will keep you posted as best I can.

2-in-1

1. Ok I used to hate those kid leashes (that is what we call them), but I have come full circle. We actually bought one, even though I thought it was a waste of money. I was determined not to use it. Before we broke down and bought it, we were working on teaching Faith to walk by the basket at the store. I was determinded to be able to go to the grocery store by myself with two kids. (With a carrier and Faith in the basket, I would probably only have room for milk.) Anyway, we have been working on this a few months now. I never tried it without Stacy (he's the chaser), until she had regularly stayed by us on many, many occasions. I guess that is how kids like to trick you. Story: She had done so well for a long time that I finally decided to try to let her walk at Target for a quick trip in. Well I am sure the security quards got a great laugh of a 37 month pregnant woman chasing her child down the isles. Luckily she didn't get to far. First reaction was fear that she would get away, then I was mad she tried to run off, then I was glad I got her and she was safe, then I felt dumb for expecting her to always stay right by me just cuz she had for so long... Lot's of emotions all at once. So we bought the kid leash. It is a monkey backpack and she loves it. She wears it around the house all the time. I feel much safer and less stressed when I am out by myself with her and she can still let her have her NEEDED independence... I can't express how independent this child is and she has very little fear (including strangers - she talks to everyone). I still feel weird having it on her because it just looks so much like taking a dog for a walk, but I've decided I would rather her be safe.

2. I am about to shock many of my friends, but I have a great book for any readers out there. YES, I actually read now. I know, I know... it is a big shock. If anyone is interested you have to read "Redeeming Love". It is based on the story of Hosea, so it is about a man marrying a prostitute and all they go through. It is a christian author, so no worries about details you don't want to read. It is clean. Anyway, so far it is my favorite book. I just started a new one called "Dandelion Dust" about adoption, so we will see if it is as good. Anyway, if you have read either of these let me know what you thought. But seriously, most of you know I am not a reader, but I was so hooked on "Redeeming Love", I looked forward to going to bed to read, so just try it.

Lily's 4th birthday party and swimming

These pictures are out of order, but we had tons of fun celebrating Lily's 4th birthday party. She is getting so big and we love her so much. She got lots for fun toys and Faith loved playing on the jump house and slide. I am always surprised by Faith when we go to different events. All the kids were several years older then her, yet she just jumped right in there and started playing with everyone. It shows that she is not shy (unless she is tired). I don't know who she gets that from because I was very shy as a child and Stacy was too. I guess she takes that from my brother who will talk to any and everyone.

The next day we also got to have fun swimming while everyone else worked on moving my brother out of their house. Faith and her cousins play together so well and always love being together. We are so lucky to live so close to them. They are all like sisters. Here are a few pictures to show the fun stuff we did.


Papa draging the girls around on the mat. So simple, so fun!!


She loves swimming!!!

All the girls being silly as always.

Playing in the other pool and trying to splash me (notice the huge belly).

Faith watching Cooper sing, and she was next.

The whole gang. Faith always has to be in front?!?

Cheese...

Pizza mouth.

Her favorite part!!!!