Sneak Peek

Look at my beautiful baby girl!!!


She is so precious. Really, I can't even put into words how beautiful she is. But Melissa did a great job of capturing it during Lily Ann's newborn photo shoot. I'll be sharing many more of these amazing photographs soon... but first I have lots of work (school, house, work, etc.) to get done along with taking care of this beautiful girl.

The rest of our stay at the hospital....

Her first bath...
And daddy proudly showing her off...
The first diaper change. I didn't change a diaper until about day 3. Good daddy!
Getting ready to put on her very first outfit (you know, besides the little hospital shirts)...Playing dress-up with my beautiful baby girl...
And more dress-up...

(American and Colombian Flag Onesie. Love it!)

The happy family...
With lots of visitors...
Including her future husband and in-laws...This one is for the save the dates....

Now time to go home....

Stay tuned for more photos.... including her unbelievable newborn photographs!

Lily Ann's BIRTHday!

Hi, my name is Ashley and I am a MOTHER!

I've taken a blogging break to enjoy my first week at home with my baby girl. But now I am ready to get back to blogging and share all of the wonderful moments and photos I have of Lily Ann. But first..... the birth story:

Lucas and I arrived at the hospital at about 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4th. We were shown to our room and I was given my beautiful hospital gown to dawn for the birth.


I was excited and thrilled.... ready to have our baby! But my stomach started churning as I put on the gown and got into bed. It was all really happening! I went from excited to anxious to scared. But my nerves were put to ease since I figured I had until later that evening when the real action would start taking place. And then the doctor came in....

She examined me and told us I was already dilated 5 cm and to be ready to have this baby before noon. BEFORE NOON? I definitely wasn't ready! I had already mentally prepared for an evening birth. Thankfully, Lucas was there to settle my nerves and reassure me that I was indeed ready for this moment. They broke my water, gave me the epidural, and started the pitocin. Apparently I didn't really need it. The nurse later told me that they can go up to 30 on the pitocin level and they stopped me at 2. 2! This girl was coming... scheduled or not!



Nurses were in and out, adjusting cords and monitors, and getting the room prepared for delivery. By 11:00 a.m., I was fully dilated and began 'laboring down'. The doctor later arrived and I pushed for about 15 or 20 minutes..... and beautiful Lily Ann was born.

first glimpse

Delivery was easy and - thanks to Lucas - even fun! He put on the medical gloves to be ready 'in case the doctor didn't arrive in time'; he counted to ten in Spanish and English, forward and backward; he smiled and laughed and held my head and hand. Along with Lucas, my mom and best friend were in the room to experience Lily's birth and give me support.


My grandparents and Uncle Rookie came in soon after to see the new arrival. Dad was stuck out of town and unable to make it to the hospital so soon. But he came later that evening to visit.

Lily Ann
Thursday, February 4th
12:59 p.m.
7 lb. 8 oz.
20"

Thank you all for your kind words and support! We have been enjoying our time with Lily Ann and taking lots of pictures. So get ready for a parade of baby photos!

Welcome to the World, Lily Ann!

Thursday, February 4th
12:59 p.m.
7 lb. 8 oz.

Week 39

Dear Lily Ann,

I am writing to you on the night before I become a mother. Thank you for giving me the gift I have dreamed of my entire life: motherhood. I have dreamed of being your mother since I was a little girl playing with my Cabbage Patch dolls. I didn't know what roads would lead me here or that I would ever meet a man as incredible as your father. But I knew one day there would be you. This road has been an amazing journey. Now I stand one day away from meeting you and already know that you are more beautiful, joyful, and perfect than I could have ever imagined. Motherhood will be be the most awesome, terrifying, thrilling, rewarding thing I have ever done.

The last few days have been marked with weird pains in my lower abdomen, back pain ALL over, and very limited sleep. Given how perfect my pregnancy has gone thus far, I'll take a few days of discomfort in preparation for your arrival.

Your dad and I celebrated our anniversary by having dinner (Mexican.. yumm!) and talking about you almost the entire time. We are so excited to meet you! I keep imagining how different things will be once you are here, imagining what you will look like and what your cries will sound like, imagine myself holding you and taking care of you every day. I can't wait to see your beautiful face!

We will see you tomorrow... and no doubt fall in love!

We Love You,

Mommy

3 Years of Wedded Bliss

... and the best is yet to come.

Don't Mind Me....

Just getting all of the important last minute preparations out of the way...

(Sorry... forgot to snap an after and I've got bed head right now!)

Monday: Last Work Meeting and Hair Appointment
Tuesday: Manicure and Pedicure
Wednesday: 3rd Anniversary
Thursday: My Daughter's BIRTHday!

(Although, I did feel some really weird pains last night and woke up about every hour.... so I'm just hoping we make it to Thursday!)