First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Jade Marie Stevens in a baby carriage!

The morning of our induction.

 

An angel sent from heaven.

Family photo!

Smiles.

She loves Daddy

Yawns.

The week before labour was GREAT! The anticipation of Jade's arrival was climaxing. The day before induction they checked and informed us that I was 3 cm dilated, 90% effaced, at 0 station and ready to go for the next morning! The night before our induction date we went out to eat together, enjoyed one another's company, took a stroll around the block and then attempted to go to bed EARLY. Alex slept like a baby, while I on the other hand didn't sleep a wink. I couldn't even get a ten minute nap in...I was so nervous. They told us to call the hospital at 5:30 AM to ask when that day would be best to come in. I called anxiously at 5:30, only to find out that they were really busy and would call me back later that day. So we waited and waited until 11 AM to hear back from them. We quickly grabbed our things and headed to the hospital! It took forever to check in at the hospital and finally we were in our hospital room at noon. My doctor came in around 1 PM and broke my water. Contractions started almost immediately. Not fun stuff. My doctor then told me to just let him know when I wanted my epidural. My only regret from this day was not asking for my epidural sooner. My curiosity got the best of me. after an hour and a half of contractions, I asked for the big needle. The anesthesiologist came 15 minutes later. He made a pen mark for where he was going to stick the numbing needle. I honestly thought that hurt more than the needle. He must have been really good at his job because it was practically painless. My epidural started kicking in 15 minutes later. My body was numb and I didn't even feel pregnant. This allowed me the BEST NAP I have had in 9 months. After my hour nap my doctor came in and checked me, only to announce that he could see the head, I was 10 cm dilated and ready to push. The feeling was surreal. Alex and I said a little prayer....only in Rexburg would doctors and nurses respect that. haha. And after 20 minutes of pushing.....Jade Marie Stevens blessed our lives. We didn't even know there was a vacancy in our lives until she arrived. She came out at 6:18 PM weighing 5 lbs. 13 oz. She was 18 inches long and SO ADORABLE. We could not be more pleased with our labour experience...5 hours of labour? I will take it! 

Since her birth we have just been ooing and awing over every little thing she does. We just cant get enough of her! I can't believe I am a Mommy and have the most beautiful daughter ever! Alex is probably the best Dad. He is so attentive and a complete natural. Our little family is really starting and my happiness grows more and more each day!

Some people wanted to know how we came about naming our baby girl Jade. Jade was originally one of our middle name choices. When discussing at the hospital about using the middle name Jade, Alex thought that name needed an upgrade from middle name to first name. Once he decided this, the name just stuck and we were sure...our little girl is a complete Jade. Her middle name comes from my Grandma, Marie Hill and Jade's Aunt Natasha Marie! :) We love her name and continue to come up with all sorts of nicknames like J, DeeDee and Jadey. 

Now since being back at home, it's back to the real world of school, work, night time feedings and watching our Jade grow!

She is so small that nothing I have completely fits her. She is forced to wear onesies that drown her. 

She doesn't quite have a normal cry...we like to call it her squeal. We love our little pig!

We were so happy to hear that Jared was coming to visit this weekend! He came bearing gifts! TOO many! He is so sweet! Jade loves her Uncle Jared. 

Jared got a little obssessed with taking pictures of her....

Jade got snuggles and nap time in with Uncle Jared.

We were soooo spoiled! Baby toms, flowers, a pyrex dish AND a visit from Jared!!!

People have been SO kind and generous to us this week! We have had meals and treats brought over every night since she has been born! People have come to visit, spoiling her with gifts and snuggles!

We have family coming to meet her for the next couple weeks and we are so excited to share her with them!

We just love our Jade Marie! <3

Last pregnancy post for at least a couple years! 4 more days!

Life updates:

Alex and I went to Idaho Falls this week for an internship interview for Alex and then to do some errands. I FINALLY got my name legally changed to Stevens on my social security card! So nice to finally get that off my to do list. PLUS it feels so great to be a Stevens officially ha. Alex's interview went well but we are more hoping for a Utah internship! 

Alex left to Utah yesterday for more internship interviews. I am so sad he had to leave just days before our induction date but it's got to be done. We are excited to see the opportunities and adventures ahead next semester. I am ultra paranoid of him travelling without me, I just couldn't help but get a travelling check up on our car before he left. I had to make sure our car was good and ready to go! I am so sad without him but I have been able to get a lot done in the mean time. I have deep cleaned the entire apartment, organized our storage room to perfection, got ahead in my school work and started redoing my cookbook and adding recipes. Let's just hope that I stay pregnant while he is gone. I can't wait for him to get back tonight!!!

Pregnancy updates:

Here are my last pregnancy pictures! This picture was taken today at only 4 days from our induction date on March 5th! I can't wait to have my body back!

This week at my doctor's appointment they did another non-stress test and everything looked great on baby girl's part. They are starting some procedures on Monday night to ensure I am ready for induction on Tuesday morning! Only 4 days until the birthday of baby girl!

This week I sewed some outfits for fun! One is for a gift and the other is for keeps :)

Alex and I went shopping and got a cute coming home outfit for the baby. 

I went and visited a friend and her newborn. I can't even believe how in love i was with him. I can't wait for my own! 

Alex and I continue to go on nightly walks and all the while I have constant contractions. I hope my body is getting closer and closer to LABOUR!

My Mom finished sewing our baby's blessing gown this week. She took apart her wedding dress that she sewed herself 30 years ago to make the blessing gown. It is BEAUTIFUL! She is so talented and thoughtful. This gift means the world to me! 

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers this coming week! Next post will consist of baby pictures GALORE!

SINGLE DIGITS!! 9 DAYS!

It's almost March right?, so let me be the first to wish you all a Happy St. Patty's Day!

This last week is gone and that's the way we like it around here. I love getting closer and closer to when baby arrives!

This week we celebrated President's Day by relaxing and eating patriotic meals. haha. I couldn't help myself. In Canada, President's Day is "Family Day". Everyone gets a long weekend and almost everyone gets together with family to spend time with one another. I was missing my family oh so bad on family day. Can't believe they will be here in just 13 days!

Alex has been busy with school, work, futsal and hockey. This week his team won 2nd place in Hockey! A friend of ours on his team almost lost her hand to get them to 2nd place, so I think they deserved it!

Alex was a big boy and got his whooping cough shot!

I tried a new recipe that was a hit with the husband! Here is the link for Pineapple Chicken Stirfry:

New recipe!

Alex and I both got haircuts. My haircut experience was not pleasant...to say the least. I suppose I should have planned my schedule out better and gotten my haircut when I WASN'T 38 weeks pregnant.   I couldn't breathe, I was starving, and could not get comfortable. I ended up stopping her after she washed my hair and leaving with wet hair. Let's just say that almost everything I do lately requires some sort of interesting story. Joys of pregnancy.

I had TWO appointments this week, both with ultrasounds. The first ultrasound told us that my fluid was even lower. Still a little ways to go before they take her out because of it. I also found out that I am dilated 1-2 CM! This was exciting for Alex and I because our doctor said if I was at all dilated that he would schedule an induction date for March 5th! So now we have a date unless she comes earlier which i find unlikely. You know what this all means? 9 days left!!!!! Yep, single digits today!

The second ultrasound told us she was in the 28th percentile, 5 pounds and 11 ounces. I hope she grows a lot in these next 9 days! Today i thought i would help out with that by indulging in a donut! Oops, sometimes I like to forget I have gestational diabetes. haha.

Her non stress test went perfectly as usual! She is one active baby!

This week we were wrapping up our last errand and projects before baby arrives. We got the car topped up on oil, car seat installed, bassinet up, and we deep cleaned the bath.

We have family visiting us for practically a  month after she is born! We can't wait to see everyone and to celebrate our first child's birth!

Next week I will for sure post my LAST PREGNANCY PICTURE EVER! I find it crazy that I am even saying that.

As for today, I am just sitting back and enjoying my last days with my husband ALL to myself, smiling about the future and enjoying my last kicks from the inside!

Valentines :) and only 16 more days possibly?!?

This past week has been so great! Last week's activities:

Alex had a futsal game that I was able to go to! They won and it was so fun!

Went to the dentist this week...I guess puking for 8 months straight gives you two cavities. Had to revisit the dentist at the end of the week to get them filled :(

Alex spent all day Saturday working for his friend's Dad, moving and cleaning out an office. I spent the day putting together a baby swing and finishing up dreadful homework.

Alex got out of his flu shot for another week. Apparently Alex is less than manly when it comes to needles. I have yet to witness this. The doctor suggested Alex get the flu shot before the baby arrives. Alex had to make an appointment for this coming week because the clinic was out of flu shots...he dodged the bullet for another week i guess. haha.

Valentine's Day! This year I told Alex I would take care of the activities of V day, to show him the ropes for next year. I guess I should have known that my husband was more romantic and thoughtful than the average. We went to supper at Wingers and on the way home he made a detour. He parked the car and said we needed to get stuff from the trunk. When I opened it, glowing pink balloons were everywhere and underneath it all was a rose, two glasses and a diet-caffeine free coke! haha. (For those of you who don't know, I have been living off of that for 9 months haha). My husband knows me all too well!  

Once we got home it was time for the part that I planned. I thought we would have a lazy evening watching a movie and eating, with the excuse of the holiday. I brought our bed into the living room and made a fort! Brought me back to my childhood ha. That afternoon I made V day muddy buddies to snack on during our movie date. You seriously CAN'T go wrong with Muddy Buddies right? I topped the night off with a very loooooooong love note to my hubs. 

I happened to have receipt paper, so i made this note....interesting.

Baby updates:

Her cute tiny foot :)

 I just realized the other day that when our first child finally arrives, I will still be twenty years old for another couple weeks. Yes...still under age in the states. Am I ready for this? AH! 

At my ultrasound this week, they told me my fluid was slightly lower but again...still fine with their constant weekly monitoring.

Baby was yawning and wiggling about.

An official blessing day for our girl is Sunday, March 24th! This is the only day that really worked, so whether she is 3, 2 or 1 week old...this is the day. If you are wanting to come, message Alex or I and we will get you specific times and addresses. All are welcome!

Strep B test came back negative...fewf.

Today I am packing Alex, baby and I's hospital bag for a smooth transition from home to the hospital. I can't believe we only have 16 days maybe....WOW!

Alex has been encouraging me to do squats and take walks...i can't help but to think it is just a Doctor's way of buying time and helping pregnant women pass time until the final day of labor.

Hope everyone had a great week and Valentine's Day!

love is in the air at almost 36 weeks!

Weekly rant:

With the season of love comes rushing thoughts to my mind. I walk down the grocery isles and ultra sappy Valentines decor crowd every shelf. I think about all the different extravagant ideas I could pull on Alex this year for our first married "love" day. I take a stroll on campus and overhear giddy girls, anticipating their next romance. Then my mind turns to the word it's self. Love. What is love? Is it heart shaped chocolates, a bouquet of daisies, and a card that says, "be mine"? No. Love is everywhere, not just in February. There are so many other forms of love that should be celebrated this Valentines Day too!

1. The love of a extended family. Months pass but memories are made at every gathering without doubt.

2. The love of siblings. My siblings and recent adopted siblings are all wonderful examples to me of love. They exude love to me, their spouses and all who encounter them.

3. The love of a best friend. You love them and they love you through each other's faults and weaknesses.

4. The love of daughter to her parents. My appreciation for my parents on both sides can't even be expressed fully.

5. The love between husband and wife. "Happiness in marriage and parenthood can exceed a thousand times any other happiness." -James E. Faust

6. The love of an old elderly couple who has been together through thick and thin. My grandparents are all great examples of eternal marriages and love.

 
7. The love of a grandparent for their grandchildren. Often shown through spoiling but really seen through time spent making memories.

8. The love of a mother for her child. I love this little girl in my belly so much already! Elder Ballard says. “A mother’s nurturing love arouses in children, from their earliest days on earth, an awakening of the memories of love and goodness they experienced in their pre-mortal existence,” he declares.  “Because our mothers love us, we learn, or more accurately remember, that God also loves us.”

9. The love of a father and his child. I see this love in Alex as he is always willing and ready to serve me and his daughter in my belly!

10. The love of a leader for those he serves. We thank thee oh God for a prophet!

11. The love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, when He gave His life so that we might live and return to our Heavenly Father.

12. But most importantly...The love of a Father in Heaven, who gave His Only Begotten Son. 

I love...love.

Life Updates:

With our new microwave, I have started to play with all the possibilities. This week we made PEACH COBBLER IN A MUG! It was actually great!

Here is the recipe:

Peach Cobbler in a Mug

1 Tbl. butter (I use Smart Balance)
2 Tbl. brown sugar, not packed
2 Tbl. flour
2 Tbl. milk
1/8 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1 peach, peeled and sliced

Cook in microwave for 2 minutes. Add ice cream! ENJOY!

My best friend REAGAN came to visit me this week! It was great girl time and catching up. I miss that girl always.

Alex had a hockey game this week! I got to watch him finally. I love watching my man play some good old Canadian sports.

At the doctors this week I got a non stress test done. Doctor said that the results were textbook good :) We have another ultrasound and non stress test tomorrow! Alex is coming to this one! yay!

Our doctor said that he doesn't see the need to keep her in until 40 weeks and plans on taking her out on the 5th of March! Only 23 more days until we get to meet her :)

I made this bow countdown for when the doctor "claims" he is taking her out! 23 days!

Almost 35 weeks!

This week has felt so LOOOOONG! I have been waiting all week for Jared to get here and studying for my first lab test.

Pregnancy Updates:

My hips feel as though they are being ripped apart. The baby is SO low and nestling obnoxiously in my hips. 

I have been having just about a million braxton hicks for several weeks now. 

At the last ultrasound, they informed me that our baby is now in the 30th percentile...so she is getting a little fatter! Yay! I love chubby babies.

My fluid has maintained and the placenta is still functioning but they continue to keep a close eye on her.

My dear mother cut up her wedding dress this week to make baby girl her very own blessing gown! She isn't quite finished yet but it is looking absolutely beautiful. And it means the world to me, that she would make the sacrifice of cutting up her wedding dress, that she originally designed and sewed herself, I might add. I seriously couldn't be more excited about this special gift!

I have finally completed a lot of things on my "nesting to-do list"! This week I reupholstered our baby's changing pad, made pillows to match her quilt, found a dresser cheaper than I originally budgeted for (Woo hoo), and finished my hair bow holder made out of an old oatmeal canister! I feel just a smidgen more ready for baby to arrive. 

Sorry for a million pictures of the same things haha.

They also performed a non stress test after my ultrasound this week. This test monitors the baby's heart rate and movement for about a half hour. The test results were great according to my OBGYN. This test usually tells them that the baby is good for another week in the womb. I guess I will be doing one of these lovely tests every week until she is born! Which leads me to my next point....

The doctor ALMOST promised me that they would be taking her out at 39 weeks. My goal at my next appointment is to get him to commit to that by scheduling an induction date. 

Because she is looking a little better, the cancelled my second ultrasound last week. I was sad that I wouldn't see her twice in one week but happy that they were confident enough to cancel it all together.

Life Updates:

This week I biffed it majorly on the ice. In attempt to not land on my stomach, I landed straight on my hip bone. Poor Alex has had to hear me complain about the pain ever since. 

Monday it DUMPED snow here in Rexburg. After dropping Alex off at work, I found myself getting stuck at every stop sign. HOW embarrassing.

Alex's grandparents were kind enough to give us an old microwave they had kicking around. I can't believe we went almost a year without one! I have been nuking EVERYTHING this week. As i type, I have a hot rice bag by my side :)

Alex has a 12 credit class this semester called IBC. It is where groups of students make up a business and try and sell it here on campus. Alex's group finally decided on their product! The oldest building on campus (Spory) burnt down several years ago. After rebuilding it, the school decided to keep the brick and rock from the old building, but never had a use for it. Alex's group decided to make a plague for all the alumni of BYUI out of this monumental rock. It would be a part of BYUI, that the students could take away as a souvenir. I think it's a clever and unique idea. I am excited to see how it all turns out in the weeks to come. 

My old roommates who are wonderful to say the least, offered to bring Alex and I supper AND dessert this week! I was so stressed about my first lab test and was so stoked to not have to worry about making dinner. They came over with delicious food and stayed to catch up! It was a big blessing in my week. I have such great friends!

Alex used his massage gift certificate I gave him for his birthday. I still can't believe it was his first professional massage! That kid has been missing out. He obviously hasn't been in as many car accidents as I have that result in FREE massages. haha. 

To end off this week...JARED VISTED! He came bearing gifts of soft BAMBOO swaddles. I have never felt something so soft. I love that boy! This weekend has been a blast with him around. I hope he comes back soon...perhaps in 4 weeks, when our baby could be making her first appearance!

This next week, I plan on doing school work, going to doctor's appointments, relaxing, possibly watching the two day Bachelor, and enjoying one of the last weeks I have my husband all to myself :)