Kyli's NICU stay

Everything takes a lot longer to get done once a newborn is in your arms. We learned that from day one! Here are some photos from Kyli's stay at the NICU.

Kyli is home!

We are overjoyed and grateful to bring our little girl home today! Now the real fun begins. ;-)

She's here!

My beautiful daughter who I am so proud of is here! She's a fighter like no other. The moment she arrived, she melted our hearts and we love her beyond measure.
Visit: http://www.carepages.com/carepages/KyliEggleston
to hear more about her recovery.

Wishing and Waiting...

Still here. And waiting. Here I thought our little girl would be early. Ha! I guess our little girl has a mind of her own and has decided to come on her own time and NO ONE’S going to rush her. I hope this isn’t an indication of what her personality is going to be like when she’s born. Although I'm 38 weeks this week, it says alot about my personality- I tend to be impatient AND stubborn. Not a good combination- just ask Keith. He knows all about it. ;-)
We went to our appointment earlier today. My belly has dropped a bit, but I'm not dialated at all. I thought for sure I would be, given the pelvic pressure I've been feeling lately. It’s definitely starting to feel like the end is near. My stomach is so heavy and it’s starting to become REALLY difficult to get around…even just walking makes me incredibly tired and winded. Not to mention having to get up multiple times during the night to go to the bathroom. I literally have to roll myself out of bed and roll back on. Sigh. The heat wave we've been experiencing doesn't help, since it results in me retaining water (extra weight gain) and swollen ankles. I'm also expereincing carpel tunnel in my joints and hands. So my 31 year old body, feels at least 60. Well, at least its what it feels like. The anxiety and fear is definitely building. It’s hard to describe. I feel both excited and scared. I can’t wait to meet my little girl, but scared at what I have to go through to meet her. Sigh.

Baby Shower

A few weeks ago, my friends threw me a baby shower to celebrate the arrival of our little girl. I really had a great time and felt immessly blessed to be surrounded by people who drove miles and made sacrifices in their daily schedules to be present for me. It really touched my heart. Every little detail that went into the planning, the time and effort my girlfriends made to make me feel loved and cared for made me really happy. I think the best treat of all, was seeing all my girlfriends in one place at one time. Its rare that something like that happens because we all get so busy. Thank you ladies for making this mamma really happy!

Cute visitors

A few weeks ago, Keith's cousin, Ali- came by with our all time favorite fruit- blueberries! She also brought her posse with her, her adorable little girl, Noelle Rae and her dog, Izzy. Dash loved all the attention from little Noelle and Izzy. I think I saw him pout when they left that afternoon.

Week 32- Home Stretch!

I can’t believe we’re already in the home stretch -- 7 weeks to go! We’re still preparing for baby’s arrival. There are quite a few things that still need to be done, including setting up the baby’s room, selecting a physician, GIVING HER A NAME, etc. We also just started our baby prep classes. We have Lamaze classes every tuesday night for the month of June and are taking classes on nursing, how to get the baby to sleep, etc.

I’m excited to have our baby with us, but have to admit it’s still a little scary to think we’ll be parents and our lives are going to drastically change. I guess what makes it scary is that we don’t know what to expect! (this pregnancy thing is still a bit surreal). I think about our God, the amazing Creator. He has fearfully and wonderfully made this little baby and he has allowed me to carry her in my sinful and broken body. I am so humbled by that.

I get a little more uncomfortable each day and good sleep seems to be quickly escaping me. The baby’s jabs are getting stronger and my breathing gets more difficult. I get really warm while sleeping and toss and turn several times at night, clutching my body pillow for comfort.


As excited as I am for our baby’s arrival, I can’t help but to think of the things I’ll be able to regain or do once she is born. As I was tossing and turning one night, taking the usual one hour to fall asleep, I listed in my head the top things I want to do once the baby is born.

-Eat sushi. Tons of sushi.
-Eat cold cut lunch meats, especially from Capri Deli, a local italian deli in town. (the best sandwiches in town-really)http://www.caprideli.com/
-Sleep on my back- all night long and stay in that position.
-Lie on my stomach to rest, read, write, watch TV, etc.
-Hug my husband without my belly getting squished
-Be able to close the kitchen window above the sink, and to be able to reach around the kitchen counter to retrieve an object without my belly being squished
-Put on my shoes without sitting down
-Be done with my daily prenatal horse pill vitamins
-Be able to carry heavy objects without assistance
-Wear a fitted shirt (though it may take awhile for me to get back to those!)

10 years ago

Tomorrow is a special day for me and Keith. It will mark the 10 year anniversary of when we first met. We met back in May 15th, 1999, when I went for a ride-a-long with him while he was at work. Talk about a chance meeting! Two minutes before I met him, there was another opportunity where I could have rode with another person, thus leaving little to no room for me to meet my future husband. Now looking back, its hard to imagine a chance meeting that which I had no control over, or anyone for that matter, brought us to where we are today. It was all out of our hands. Wierd how some things which seems so by "chance" results in something that is meant to be. Today, 10 years later, I'm 28 weeks pregnant with our baby, happily married and very content. When we first met, I was a broken person, young, carefree, confused and innocent. Now, I'm a healthier person (mentally, spiritually, and personally) with much more room to grow into what God wants me to be. (Just look at how God has stretched my belly to make room for our little ladybug!)I am still in shock that this is my life!
Day after day, being married to Keith confirms that I have chosen the right man. A man who is just, patience, kind and has a strong, solid sense of character. A man who loves good and shuns evil. A man who will tell me when I have done wrong and still loves me. A man who I trust with all my heart and whom I will entrust my daughter with her life. I like and perfer him to anyone on this earth. As I watch him struggle to wake up at 4:30am in the morning to go to work, I am in awe and in appreciation on how he has sacrificed for me to be able to stay at home to take care of my health, our home and our unborn baby girl-AND even when he's exhausted, exherts stored energy to help out around the house too. ;-)In the midst of the chaos of our life, he even takes the time to handle the aftermath of my father-in-law's affairs after his passing 10 months ago.
After 10 years of our "chance" meeting, and as we come close to becoming actual "parents" (God help us!) Keith is my source of strength and encouragement that we will do everything in our power to raise this little ladybug in the best way we know possible. Keith is not perfect, but he is the perfect person that God has chosen for me. Just like the Brad Paisley song- "I thought I loved you ... then".

Getting bigger...

Week 26!!

Symptoms:

Nesting: Still feeling the need to clean. Can’t stand dirty dishes, or dirty floors. They must be cleaned right away.

Ligament pains: If I'm sitting down for a long period of time, getting up is hard and painful. Its like your stomach crushing your uterus.

Restless sleep: Maybe this is nature’s way of training me for the lack of sleep I’m about to suffer through, but I haven’t had a single good night’s sleep lately. Most of it is because I was told not to sleep on my back and try to sleep on my left side for better circulation. So I’ll wake up numerous times at night with a sore shoulder or neck from sleeping on my side. Sigh.

Next week: Our 27th week ultrasound! I can't wait to get another glimpse of our baby girl.

David and Pam's wedding

We had the honor of witnessing two very good friends getting married last month. It was so much fun trying to squeeze into a dress I "tried" to fit into. Ladies out there who have been through this know what I'm talking about... and for those of you who haven't yet, you'll know soon enough. Even my doctor noticed me finally wearing maternity clothes even said "So I see you've graduated into maternity clothes". Congrats to me, I've graduated! Now what? ;-)

Natalie: Ask and you shall receive!

Natalie, this one's for you! Now its your turn. ;-)
Ladybug (that's her new nickname) is growing very well. Maybe a bit too well. People are starting to stare at me when I'm walking down the street, especially men. At times I just want to glare back and ask them if they want to ask me anything. I know, I always stir up trouble. ;-)
Ive gained 25lbs. so far! Can you believe it? I even asked the nurse to weigh me again just to be sure. She laughed at me, needless to say I'm not the only pregnant woman that has asked her to recheck the weight scale. We go in for another ultrasound in two weeks, I just can't wait to see her again. Every 10 weeks is a very long time not to see my little girl. ;-)
Last night Keith and I felt an odd movement in my belly. It wasn't a kick this time, more like an elbow moving across my belly. Very wierd, yet life changing as its a constant reminder of what a miracle God has given us. I'm honored to be her mommy.

She's a kicker!

This will be my 22nd week... and she's a kicker! She is constantly moving and making waves in my belly. She loves to remind me that she's inside of me, especially at 3am in the morning. This little girl has no concept of time! Will this be any indication on how often she will keep me up at night? ;-)
So far, I've been doing well. I've been told to eat well, rest well and pray often. I plan to keep this as my motto as I am close to my third trimester. Yet, there's still so much to be done! I've been a bit overwhelmed in trying to get things done before we get our floors redone (scheduled for next week) and spending time with my sister and niece who is staying with me this week. I've noticed that I've become a bit obsessive about cleaning, getting rid of stuff and making sure our house is germ-free. I think God intended for a newborn not to walk/crawl during his/her first few months, so it allows parents time to ease up on their germaphobe behaviors. I suppose I have some time to work on this. ;-)

Its a girl!

Keith and I went in for our 19th week ultrasound and the doctor revealed to us that we're having a girl! The ultrasound checked for abnormalities, making sure the little lady has all her ribs and fingers intact. Everything looked good, including the baby's heart and level of fluid. Praise God! We are so thankful that everything checked out well.I could have watched my baby girl all day on the screen. She was really active, moving around and even playing with her fingers! It was amazing to see her so active and alive. Another thing the doctor mentioned was that she was so hungry! Her stomach was completely empty that morning. It didn't help that I was nauseous that morning and didn't eat a complete meal for breakfast. Regardless, We are very excited and thankful for a healthy baby!

And baby makes three

Its been taking me a while to post on this blog. For those of you who know, Keith and I are expecting a baby this summer. The past three months has been filled with ambivalent, fear, excitement, new experiences, anxiety, hopes and dreams as we have gradually accepted the reality of becoming parents and having a human being rely on us for everything. So hence, my hesitation to announce my pregnancy and our new life change. Also, I'm working on "waiting for the other shoe to drop" mentality, as this news, at times was too good to be true. Somebody pinch me!
I'm now in my 17th week and starting to show. I've got as Keith would call it a "little kangaroo pooch". ;-)
At times I can't wait to meet my little bean sprout and hold my baby in my arms, yet also dread the days of sleepless nights. Regardless, this year is sure to be an interesting and an eventful one!
Sorry for the delayed post. I hope to continue to post more often from now on, since I've got a lot going on inside of me! ;-)

My niece, Sydney

I just love the expression on her face. Oh yeah, and that little round belly!

Super (under) dog

Its not much, but Keith and I made a Halloween costume for Dash. Its really not a costume, but just a cape. We really had a fun time making it. Unfortunently we didn't have time to parade him that night to show off his new costume. Maybe next year, or the next time it rains. ;-)

Wiggle Waggle Walk

Our family (minus our pet bird, Mango) participated in Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA's 8th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walk for the Animals on Oct 11th. More than 2,000 walkers and their beloved pooches took part, helping raise more than $237,000 for the animals at the Pasadena Humane Society. Thank you to those who supported us with your generous donations to help find new and loving homes for the thousands of animals Pasadena Humane Society takes in each year.

Halloween 2006

What will I be this year? Keith and I got into the spirit of Halloween and even made Dash a costume. Its not much, but it was fun making it together. There isn't much that makes me happier these days than to spend quality time with Keith and Dash. ;-)

Dash and Friends!

We have been making an effort to get Dash more socialized with other dogs and different people over the last few months. And boy, has he been busy. He's been to several different dog parks, has had numerous play dates with dogs 3x his size, had his first encounter with a cat (and no one got scratched!), been swung around by adults who adore him and had his first photo ops with a little one. Caden, my cousin, gravitated to Dash immediately, and the feeling was mutual from our little pup! We were pleased that Dash didn't react negatively to Caden's pinches and pulling of his ears. We're so proud of his calm temperment. Of course, having Caden hold a dog biscuit didn't hurt either. Stay tuned for more photos of him and his new friends.