Seriously?!?!

I can remember as a child that there were 2 months out of the year that were always the most stressful in the household. It was like "that time of month" for a woman, but it was "that month" for my dad and his tolerance towards the family's spending and finances. During those times, majority of the bills were due (like the car insurance hitting twice a year) and it never failed that something unexpected would happen adding to the already tight budget. The vacuum would die and we would need to buy a new one, the car would require a new belt, things of this nature.
Anyhow, as all adults will attest to, this is just life. And life is happening to the Hein Family!
Of course, we just recently had Brooklyn and this is an obvious add to the finances. But about 3 weeks ago, the upstairs A/C kept malfunctioning, so this cost us. My laptop had crashed in the beginning of the year and we had Aaron's, so we gave my computer to my parents, who had a friend fix it so they could keep it. Well, of course, we have only Aaron's remaining and it too crashed about a week ago. "Oh brother!" A new computer too, hopefully not, but it looks like it's headed that way. And this morning.....the Honda wouldn't start. "Are you kidding me!!" The battery is shot, so we will be buying a new one tomorrow.
I guess as the saying goes: "When it rains, it pours."
But at the end of the day, we stare into the beautiful blue eyes of our daughter and how can anything get us down :)

A Tiresome Pair

Daddy had class this morning from 8:30-12:30 and Brooklyn was up every three hours last night(slightly abnormal for her). So needless to say, the two of them were fairly tired this afternoon. Brooklyn was awake doing "play time and tummy time" with Mommy for a good portion of the morning and Kensley came to visit for a bit as well. Kensley bought Brooklyn her Giraffe Halloween Costume....super cute, thanks Kens!!!
It has been pretty lax around here and we are enjoying that. With the Flu spreading throughout the family and community, we have tried to stay clear of life outside the house.

Here's the adorable napping couple!

Checkup

Brooklyn went for her first "official" checkup with the pediatrician on Monday. She is a growing girl! She is up to 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is now 20.5 inches long. Her head circumference is 13cm. Her development is right on target and she is "doing fabulous" according to the doctor. After her appointment, we had to head back to the hospital to have her second PKU test done.
She will go back to the doctor in 2 weeks for her second HepB shot and then again when she is 2 months old for several more vaccinations.
She is becoming more and more a daddy's girl every evening (as he holds her non-stop and talks to her)! I swear she looks like him, but he begs to differ :)

Nana de Wolfe's 55th Birthday

Yesterday was my mom's(Nana de Wolfe) 55th birthday! Brooklyn and I brought her some lunch at work and of course, Nana was in heaven with Brooklyn already! Later that night, my mom and I went to dinner while Daddy took care of Brooklyn. We went to The Keg, a nice steakhouse, where we shared a shrimp appetizer and great conversation. Mom had prime rib and a fabulous glass of Cabernet! I had sirloin and lemonade!! It was nice to get out and we had a wonderful time. Saturday, Nana is coming over to babysit while Daddy and Mommy get some time together....date night, YEAH!!
My mom is officially retiring from the YMCA to take care of Brooklyn full time on October 15th....she is more than ready! Her retirement party is scheduled for October 7th.

Here's a glimpse of the spoiled granddaughter with her Nana.....oh boy!

Outdoors

Brooklyn and I went for a jog yesterday. Well, I jogged a mile and walked a mile with her off and on napping in the jogging stroller. The weather here has been pretty drab; raining nonstop from last Thursday until Monday and then off and on since then....YUCK. However, it is a bit cooler and obviously cloudy, making it easier for Brooklyn to be outside. For me, it was nice to get out. It seems like its been ages since I have tied on my running shoes and hit the pavement. It has just been too hot, then school started and then bed rest.
I would really love to go and workout at the YMCA, but Brooklyn (Mommy or Daddy) are definitely not ready for the germ-filled nursery!! We are still managing though. Daddy has decided to do his running in the early morning (5:00am) so he does not miss out on time with his girls in the evening when he gets home from work. That has been fabulous! But, poor Daddy.....he starts to hold Brooklyn for just a few minutes around dinner time and sure enough, she begins rooting around. She has found his neck, arm, and shirts. Everything but Mommy!!!

Our First Full Day

On Monday, Daddy had to return to work (he was pretty bummed) and had class from 6:00-10:00pm. It was just Brooklyn and I all day. Although, Nana de Wolfe came over to make us some dinner! Yum!
We had a very productive day! The morning began around 7:30 with a feeding. (Luckily, we had a very easy night...Brooklyn slept from 11:30pm until 3:30am, feed, and then woke up again at 7:30am.)
Then it was back to usual for Mommy and her OCD habits. I swept the floors, vacuumed, did the laundry, and made the beds while Brooklyn napped throughout the morning in between feedings. I was able to work on her baby book, get a few school things squared away on the computer, and even WORKED OUT!! Well, kind of. I did a 20 minute pilates class from On-Demand on the TV. It was pretty difficult for a postpartum gal, but refreshing.
We even got to clipping Brooklyn's fingernails for the first time. Nerve racking! I've got the hang of it though and no unwanted accidents took place, thank goodness.
Overall, it was a really good day. And I am coming to realize that Brooklyn's "fussy time" is in the late evening. It only lasts about 30 minutes of her being a squirmy-worm and crying off and on, but certainly nothing unbearable. And it's all good, she is very low maintenance the remainder of the day and through the night. We even had the same sleep pattern last night too....Mommy can definitely handle having only one late/early morning feeding :)

Daddy D's

Daddy Does Dirty Diapers
Aaron is by far the most helpful and supportive daddy when it comes to Brooklyn and all her needs and mine. He knows that he can't really help with late night feedings, so he makes every effort to take care of things in other ways. He helps get us both situated for feedings during the daytime, changes diapers (where I deemed the term "Daddy D's"), watches her when I need to shower and do other things, gets her dressed, naps with her, and the list goes on and on....he is awesome!!
Anyhow, on to the hilariousness of Daddy D's: While at the pediatrician's office the other day, we had to strip her down to weigh her, so Aaron changed her poopy diaper and apparently she was not finished yet and squirted out some more poop as he was wiping her!! This same situation happened again while at the house and there was so much momentum behind this "blow" that it actually hit the arm of the couch!
Ok, so Aaron's new philosophy is to wait a few minutes (making sure she is completely finished) before changing her diaper after she poops. Good plan, right.....wrong! Today he waited and while he was changing her, she peed. Oh yes!! Luckily she is not a little boy because Daddy would have been shot in the chest :)
Instead- a soaked onsie and changing area, wet legs on Brooklyn, and several wipes used.

Doctor's Visits

Brooklyn went for a follow-up appointment on Monday at the hospital (pediatrician's office was closed for Labor Day) and was weighed again and her jandiced levels were retested. She was a bit high on the initial testing, so more blood work was ran and thankfully she was cleared! She had lost an ounce since leaving the hospital on Saturday: 5 lbs, 13 oz. We visited the pediatrician's office today for another weigh-in and check-up. Brooklyn is now weighing 6 lbs, 3 oz (almost to birth weight) and is in great health. She is a feeding machine and we are still working through some of her late night awakenings. Otherwise, she is on a good schedule and a great baby! She is not very fussy at all and loves to be held.
Her daddy and I are in heaven with all the time the three of us get to spend together! She is quite entertaining with her various noises and faces.....and her "wing span" is astonishing. She is definitely showing some volleyball player potential.

We are settled in!

Daddy, Mommy and Brooklyn are home safely and settled into their own atmosphere. Everyone is doing well and we had dinner with Nana, Papa, Aunt Tonya, Uncle Nate, and Cousin Charlie. Pam and Kelli Sanders came to visit us today with goodies!
We are so relieved to be home and in our own beds tonight!!! :)

Going home

Brooklyn, Mommy and Aaron are headed home. 52 hours visiting the hospital is quite enough!
Nana will be there to greet us. Chip Hein, the dog, will continue his visit to Papa's house until Sunday. He will return as second banana.

She's Here!

Brooklyn made her first appearance into this world at 4:54pm on September 3, 2009. After 7 hours of labor, 15 minutes of pushing, she was out and being wiped down. She has blonde hair, very long fingers and toes, and a button nose. She has been feeding very well and Mommy Hein is in good health. Brooklyn ran a fever shortly after being admitted to the nursery (Mommy did too momentarily) and therefore our stay at the hospital has been slightly extended to 48 hours. As of right now, she has been checked out by the pediatrician and in great condition, they just need to monitor her white blood cell count. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Aaron and I are now blessed with our first bundle of joy!!

First picture

6-4, 19

Brooklyn is 6 lbs., 4 oz., 19 in (48.25 cm). Great for her!
Erin is doing fine.

She is here!

Brooklyn emerged at 4:58 PM CDT! I am in the waiting room, so I have no particulars yet.
More to follow.

At Hospital

I arrived at the hospital, only to be kicked out of the room. Everything happens in the patient room, unlike "back in the day."
Brooklyn's heart rate is 154.

Erin is an 8

Erin is now dilated to 8 cm (over 3 inches).
Time for me to head to the hospital!

Oxygen

The nurses are giving Erin oxygen to get Brooklyn moving. I think they will switch to helium so she can fly out (and E can entertain by talking funny).

More dilation

Aaron reports the nurse saying Erin is 4-5 cm dilated. That's almost 2 inches American.

Catheter

Erin is dilated 3-4 cm (approx. 1.6 inches) and is getting a catheter installed, the contents of which will be archived for posterity.

epidural anesthesia administered

Erin has had the epidural anesthesia administered. She had been in a lot of pain. She has a high threshold, so it must be BAD!

Contractions

The contractions are 2-3 minutes apart. No expansions yet (I mean dilation).

Water broken

Dr. McCullough broke Erin's water. The Popsicle did its job!

It's Started!

Erin has received Oxytocin. After that, she got a Popsicle!
I am not sure about the Oxytocin, but a Popsicle sounds good.

Arrival at the hospital

I am Erin's Dad, and I am posting for Erin today.
A&E have arrived at the hospital. They are checked in at the labor and delivery room. Prep for induction is to begin around 7 a.m. CDT.
More posts later.

Last Night before Brooklyn

We decided to treat Brooklyn's grandparents to dinner tonight at the Cheesecake Factory (my request!) We had a wonderful visit and laughed quite a bit at Gampa Hein and Papa de Wolfe.....oh boy!
Aaron and I are beyond ready and ecstatic about the arrival of Brooklyn tomorrow. We hope to try and get a decent night's sleep, however, aware that we probably won't. Thank you to everyone and all your thoughts and prayers. Please continue them as tomorrow only marks the very beginning of the greatest adventure we will experience!

Here's the last photos of preggo Mommy Hein. 19 lbs heavier and swollen ankles!!

The Long Awaited Completion

My incredible husband has reached the finish line of the worst project I ever got him involved in. Tonight marked the completion of the staircase reconstruction! The framework is done and there is only caulking and touch-up paint left. I asked for him to have it finished by Brooklyn's arrival and he did not let me down.
My husband, the hero!
Anyone who knows anything about this project can tell you.....this was LONG awaited by me and LONG dreaded by Aaron.
But we both have to admit, it looks amazing and sooooo much better than the solid wall!!

The "Before" (this was when we first purchased the house)


The "After"

Final Baby Shower

Today, my work threw us a baby shower and it was super cute! My mom made the cupcakes, there were nuts and mints with a delicious punch(Paula Dean recipe)! It was in the library of our school and almost every teacher was there....all eyes on me, that made for a very red face. It was great and we got tons of money in gift cards and some really awesome gifts. My First Grade Team did a wonderful job of hosting and we are "decked out" with stuff. We really have been very blessed with every one's generosity. We haven't had to buy any items out of our own pockets: WOW!
Thank you Sallye Moore friends!!
And unfortunately, I forgot the camera in my purse, so no pics from this one :(

Last Dr Appointment

Brooklyn and I went for our last "within-the-womb" dr appointment today. Everything went great. Dr. McCullough said that I will be a mommy for sure on Thursday; he will not deliver me on the 4th (not sure whether that's a good thing or not), but to expect the labor to take a while.....she will likely be born in the evening. I am just shy of 1 cm dilated and she is right where she needs to be. They strapped me to the monitor for a little over 20 mins, where I got to listen to her heartbeat and I had to press a button every time she moved. I had about 3 minor contractions while I was in there. It was quite relaxing, I must say, because it was a small room with only one lamp on (dim lighting) and they left me in there for long stretches at a time to just enjoy the rhythmic sound of our little one.
I was a little disappointed Aaron was not there to experience it as well, but it was an early morning appointment and with the baby shower this afternoon, he was already leaving work early. Besides, Brooklyn will be in our arms in less than 36 hours and that will be far more exciting.
Daddy, Mommy and Brooklyn.....we are sooooo pumped!