2 month old Stella babe

This is the face I get to see every morning and after every nap...

I just had to brag :)

I can't believe she is two and a half months old already! Time is absolutely flying and we are just trying to soak up every second with her!

Some things I want to remember about her first two months of life:
-She is pretty much sleeping through the night! HALLELUJAH! I don't know how we got so lucky to have such a good sleeper, but I am beyond grateful for this!
-Even though she sleeps great at night, she doesn't really take naps during the day. She takes a few 15-20 minute naps here and there, but that's about the most we can get out of her. (But I would choose the sleeping through the night over taking good naps any day!)
-This girl hates....and I mean HATES....tummy time. She always has. She absolutely screams her head off any time she is on her tummy. So when her pediatrician told us that tummy time is overrated, I was pretty happy.
-She is one happy girl...it doesn't take much to get her to smile. She was pretty fussy from about weeks 6-9, but is starting to grow out of it and we love how happy she is! She is even starting to giggle once in a while!
-She loves the T.V. Call me a bad parent, but anytime she is fussy, all you have to do is put her in front of the T.V. and it calms her down. I know I know, they say no T.V. when they are this young, but hey - we do what works!
-She LOVES bathtime...she could sit in there for hours if we would let her.

-She is in the 50% for height and weight, and 90% for head circumference! She is just smart :)

Stella is an absolute angel! I really don't know how we ever lived without her!

Newborn Stella

Posting these pictures is obviously long overdue....but better late than never, right? Stella was just a week old when these photos were taken. And she hardly even looks like the same baby anymore!

I think these photos pretty much speak for themselves. Each one of them takes my breath away. I absolutely adore this little princess!

I have been terrible about keeping up on this blog. But these are our memories, our family journal, and I am determined to be better about it! Like I said before - better late than never I guess! I will post some more updated photos soon - she has grown so much!

Introducing...

Our little girl FINALLY arrived on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 1:46 pm, weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 20.5 inches long. And when I say "finally", I mean FINALLY! I was due on the 20th, and those 4 days I went overdue were the longest of my life!! But she made it and is absolutely perfect in every way.

I was scheduled to be induced on the night of the 25th. I was dreading being induced. Everyone I've talked to who has been induced said it was not that bad or even that they loved it, but for some reason the thought of it was just not sitting well with me! So were absolutely thrilled that she decided to come on her own!

So here is the story... (Its a long one, so be prepared to read A LOT!)

The previous Thursday was my last appointment with Dr. Thackeray. I was dilated to a 2 at that point and was 60% effaced. I had been progressing pretty slowly so far, so he decided to strip my membranes to hopefully get things going. He told me that if stripping my membranes were to do anything, it would happen within a day or two. The next two days came and went...and nothing. I was having a few strong contractions but nothing regular at all. So you could say I was a little disappointed! By the end of my due date, I kind of had a meltdown. I cried and cried to Josh, saying that I was supposed to have a baby by this point! He is a trooper for putting up with me!

Over the weekend I continued to have some strong contractions, still nothing regular. Then on Monday night they started coming HARD. At about 10:30 that night, they were coming every 20-25 minutes. They were painful! I was wishing so bad that I could just go to the hospital at that point, but I knew they weren't close enough so I had to stick it out for a while. Needless to say, that was a LONG night. I was in and out of bed all night. I remember finally being able to fall asleep at one point, but was awoken 10 minutes later by another contraction. That's the only sleep I got. My poor husband only got maybe an hour of sleep.

Finally around 3 am, they started coming every 10 minutes, then every 7, then every 5. I was talking to Josh, saying how I wasn't really sure that I was even in labor and how bad I didn't want to go to the hospital just to be sent home. But he finally convinced me. So we grabbed our bags, packed a few last minute things, and headed out the door.

We arrived at the hospital at about 3:50 am. They took me into triage and starting monitoring contractions. The nurse checked my cervix and I was dilated to a 5! YES! Josh and I basically jumped up and down. The nurse then said "You're having a baby today!" Holy cow...we are having a baby TODAY!

I was moved to my room and got the epidural. That shot in my back was sent from the heavens!! I was finally able to relax!!! Josh and I sort of just hung out for a while. We tried to get some sleep but I think we were both just too excited and anxious!

(On a side note, I keep seeing pictures of women who just had babies, and they look like nothing had even happened to them. Be prepared, labor wasn't as nice to me as it was to them, so my pictures are definitely not so stunning!)

The nurse checked my cervix again around 8:00. I was still dilated to a 5. So Dr. Thackeray came in at 8:30 and broke my water. I cannot tell you how much Josh and I have absolutely loved having him as our doctor!

Two hours later, the nurse came in to check me again. She said, "wow...you're really progressing fast." She continued to check and then finally said, "you're dilated to about a 9." WHAT?! A 9?! Holy cow...that was fast! She then said "We need her head to drop a little farther, but you should be ready to push in about an hour." Josh and I looked at each other, and I know we were both just thinking "This is it!"

Sure enough, I started pushing at about 11:45. Things were going really smoothly....she was making her way down, slowly but surely.

But then after about an hour of pushing, I started to get SO HOT, sweaty, and really nauseated. A few minutes later, I realized I was in a LOT of pain. I kept pushing my epidural button to get some more medicine, and it was not doing a THING. So many people had told me how easy labor and delivery was with an epidural. I just remember thinking, "this should not be this hard." I had cold washcloths on my face and Josh and the nurses were fanning me between pushes. They called the anesthesiologist and he came in and gave me a stronger dose. Still...nothing. At that point, her head was almost out. But it would just not come out! She was stuck. Dr. Thackeray said I could keep trying, but I would probably tear. So if I wanted, he could do an episiotomy. I was just ready for her to be out, so I told him to just do it! Before he did, he tested to see if I could feel anything by poking just a little bit. Sure enough, I could feel everything! My epidural was not doing a dang thing! We later found out that my epidural tube had somehow been pulled out of my back somewhere along the way. Next time, I will be making sure they check that thing every five minutes haha! Anyway, then he had to numb me a few times, and finally he did a small episiotomy. With one push, her head was finally out! I was suddenly so emotional. Partly because I was so excited to have her here, and partly because I was just relieved to have it over with! Josh and I cried together and were just so happy to finally meet our little girl. By that point, I didn't even care that my epidural tube had come out. I completely forgot about how I felt physically. She was here, and she was healthy. That was all that mattered.

Our plan was to record the delivery from above my head. But I needed Josh during those last few pushes, so he stayed by my side instead of recording. Luckily, he was able to record right after she came out and when they put her on my chest. I still get emotional when I watch it!

She is by far the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!! They put her on my chest and she immediately grabbed my hand...

I seriously never knew I could love such a tiny little person so much, and so quickly!! She was a surprise in our lives, but we needed her. More than she needed us. She is our world now, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

The poor thing was pretty swollen since her head was stuck for so long :(

Dr. Thackeray guessed her weight right on...the perfect size!

I love those tiny toes.

Again, we are so thankful for Dr. Thackeray! He was so supportive throughout the entire delivery, and was so patient with me when I'm sure I was freaking out because I was in so much pain. I would recommend him to anyone...he is wonderful and we are excited to have him deliver our future babies. Do we look tired? Because we were! It had been a long night and long day, but she was totally worth it!

Her hands are always by her head. She refuses to let me swaddle her with her arms by her side. Its okay though, I think its pretty adorable :)

Meeting big sister Maddi for the first time. We are so proud of how good Maddi is with her. She is always so concerned when Stella cries, and always wants to kiss her little head. Sometimes she gets away with it when we aren't looking!We love you Stella babe!! We are so blessed to have you in our family. You bring such joy and light into our home. So glad you're ours!

Ward Shower

It is a complete understatement when I say that I grew up in the most supportive ward there is! And now Josh and I are blessed to be able to live here again.

My wonderful friend from the ward, Dawn, threw me an amazing baby shower on December 1st. Dawn and I taught in primary together, were on the girls' camp committee together for two years, and I worked for her for the past year. She is such an incredible woman and I look up to her and love her so much!! (And of course...I don't have a picture with her. How dumb.)

She put together a delicious hot chocolate bar (one of my favorite things!) with all of the fixin's you could possibly dream of, along with hot cider from Kim and sweet breads from Michelle and Brayli.

I mean seriously....is that not the most amazing thing ever?! It was such a perfect night and they all put so much work into making it that way for me and everyone who came.

Let me say again how supportive this ward is.... Seriously, look at all those presents! And that was just at the beginning before I started opening them. This shower was an open house, so people were coming in and out. I literally never stopped opening presents.

Thanks to all of the wonderful people who came to this shower, Stella's closet is now stocked full of clothes, shoes, hats, and bows!! I really don't know if she will ever wear the same outfit twice!

And of course my sister had to get Stella this adorable outfit. Her auntie definitely does love her, and she loves her auntie just as much!

Here are some women from the ward. Kim on the very left helped throw this shower with Dawn.

Lynette and Heather (the two on the left) have lived across the street for somewhere around 17 years. They are like a mother and sister to me! Brayli and Michelle (the two on the right) also helped. Brayli and I have been friends since we were 5. I love her to pieces!

I really can't believe how blessed we were at this shower. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed that night at all of the love the people in this neighborhood showed to our family. I appreciate all of you so much and could not be more grateful!

Friend Shower

First of all, I know this post is almost two months overdue!! But I seriously need to get caught up before it gets even more overdue and before I get way too busy. Better late than never right?

On November 19th, my long-time friend Courtney threw me such a wonderful baby shower! Courtney and I have been good friends since middle school and she has always been such a great friend!! She did such a great job with all the food and decorating.

Stella got some great gifts at this shower! My friend Allyssa made this adorable bib. I wish I even had a clue how to do this. Its so cute!

My great friends Jayna and Aubree gave us this adorable hooded towel, personalized just for baby Stella! They also gave us a book and some bathtime things!
She was also spoiled with tons of clothes, bibs, burpers, toys, lotions and body washes, and so much more!!

I wish I had a picture of all of the girls together, but I don't because once again, I'm terrible with taking pictures!!! But at least I got pictures of most of the girls who came.

Allyssa (who is pregnant and due in May with little boy Finn) and Brooke

Courtney (who threw this amazing shower!), Whitney (who is also pregnant, but none of us knew yet at this shower! So excited for her!), and Ashley

Nikki (who has now had her beautiful baby girl Rilee-she and Stella will be the best of friends!), Aubree, and Jayna

Heidi (who helped bring food and punch to this shower - delicious! Thanks Heidi!)

And of course my mom and sister who have been to ALL of my showers and have been so supportive!

My friend Ali also came, but had to leave early before I could get a picture.

Courtney and Heidi -thank you so much for all of your hard work you put into making this shower so special. And thank you to everyone who came - Stella was totally spoiled! I really do have the best friends in the WHOLE world and can't thank them all enough for being so supportive! I love you all!

23 Years

I had a birthday. And luckily, I have a wonderful husband who made it so memorable.
(Let me apologize ahead of time for having so few pictures of my day. I am horrible with taking photos - something I really need to work on!)

My day actually started the night before when I was able to see Breaking Dawn at midnight! It was so much fun and such a great way to start off my birthday. Honestly, it was kind of hard being 7 months pregnant and staying up until 3:00 in the morning - but well worth it!

Then, when I got home, Josh had balloons waiting for me. Isn't he adorable?

The next morning I woke up to this...

And this...

A few of my favorite treats. Yes, that card says "Mommy" on it. So weird to think that someone is going to be calling me that soon! Josh wrote me such a sweet note from both him and Stella. He really is the most thoughtful, romantic guy!

See that little present in the middle of that pile? Well, inside was this picture...

Yep! I got a pair of these bad boys. He gave me the picture because they were being shipped and hadn't arrived yet. I got them a few days later and wear them ALL THE TIME. He even picked them out himself - perfect size and all. I was impressed to say the least!

Later that day, my mom treated me to a massage. I told my mom all I wanted was a maternity massage. Of the course the massage was incredible, but to be honest, I really just wanted to be able to lie on my stomach for a while. I was never really even a stomach sleeper, but being deprived of it while being pregnant has been SO hard for some reason. I guess its the whole "wanting something you can't have" thing. So being able to lie on my stomach for almost an hour was such a treat! My mom also gave me a new set of scriptures with my Madsen name on them (about time I got a set of these right?) and a gift card to my favorite store.

Later that night, Scott and Kerri had us over for dinner and to celebrate with the family. It was such a wonderful night and I always enjoy Kerri's delicious cooking!

22 was a great year. The most exciting event was finding out I was pregnant with our little girl! But I know 23 is going to bring so many great things, including the arrival of our little one, and I seriously can't wait to see what's in store!

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday. I was completely spoiled by my family. Josh went out of his way all day to make sure my day was perfect. But being able to just relax with him all day was honestly the best gift of all. He is such a thoughtful and sweet man and I feel so lucky that he is all mine! I love him so much! How could I not? I mean seriously...just look at him!! ;)

Madsen/Cox Family Shower

A few weeks ago, Kerri and Heidi threw me such a wonderful shower in Manti at Grandma Cox's house. The Madsen and Cox families are truly some of the most supportive people I know! Almost everyone in the family was there and I couldn't be more grateful! Here are a few photos of the fun evening.

A few pictures of Kerri's decor. That woman sure does know how to throw a party!

And some of the gifts we received.

A swing (which I am SOOO excited about!)

A bathtub

My mom gave me this beautiful blessing dress. I know you can't see it well here, but it is seriously the most precious thing I have ever seen! I will be sure to post more detailed pictures on Stella's blessing day.

Along with this dress, she also gave me the shoes, tights, and accessories to go along with it. (I'll be honest...I helped pick out the dress, so it wasn't a huge surprise!) But my mom did surprise me with a beautiful blanket for Stella to use on her blessing day. One of my mom's best friends has a daughter who was studying abroad in Bethlehem. She brought home a blanket from Bethlehem. I wish I had a picture of it, but it is truly something we will cherish.

Josh's sweet grandma made us this quilt. She is not in the greatest of health, but still puts so much work into making a quilt for every new baby that comes into the family. She is truly amazing!! And this of course is another gift we will always treasure!

Those were only a few of the gifts we received. We were also completely spoiled with blankets, toys, a baby monitor, books, a play mat, bath time goods, and lots of cute clothes! We really got so much stuff that it would take A LOT of photos to show it all :)

The Greenwell girls who made the road trip down with me just for my shower!

And the Madsen ladies who put together this whole party! They are incredible!

Ps...isn't baby Josie so sweet? She is three months old now...and Stella is sure lucky to have a cousin so close to her age! I know they are going to be the best of friends.

Josh and I really appreciate everyone who showed their love to us and baby Stella. I feel so blessed to have married into such a wonderful, supportive family! And thank you so much mom Madsen and Heidi for putting so much effort into such a wonderful shower. I love you both more than you know!!