Baby Sophia

9 months of waiting seems like an eternity when you're at the starting line looking out.  There is so much to consider and dream about when there is a baby on the way, but the only thing for certain is that life is going to be changed forever.  There's no denying that on January 30, at 4:56pm our family was forever changed by the birth of a beautiful little girl named, Sophia Lynn Ausborn.

Last Tuesday, Lindsey had her final OB appointment.  It was there that her doctor decided that it was time for delivery.  Since Lindsey had dealt with some high blood pressure, he felt a cesarean was the safest route for delivery for both mom and baby.  Linds was obviously excited to have the end officially in sight, but she had her reservations as well.  The unknown of the surgery was certainly a concern, but she also was a little disappointed about having to "choose" the baby's birthday.  You always imagine going into labor on your own and hope for that unknown element of excitement, so she was a little sad to be missing out on that.  However, I tried to assure her that despite the fact that they were scheduling her birth it didn't mean Sophia wasn't going to be born on the exact day God had intended for her to be born on.  In fact, as someone who had scheduled both of her children's deliveries only to have them not arrive on the scheduled day, I assured her that we have very little control over such matters even though we think we do.  Babies come when they are supposed to come!  **Side-note, Sophia DID come on HER decided day.  As Lindsey was getting up on the OR table her water broke!  January 30, 2014 was meant to be her day!!!**

Fast forward to the day of delivery.  That morning Mom brought Lindsey and Cody to the hospital--I happened to pass them getting loaded into the car as I was dropping Max off for school.  I made sure to give them a proper send-off by laying obnoxiously on the car horn :)  Lindsey's face confirmed that she appreciated it!  After Max's school ended, I took the kids to the sitter and headed to Kettering.  Mom and I met for lunch at First Watch to get something on our stomachs before the mayhem began.  We sat and talked about how neither of us could believe the day had finally come and that Lindsey was going to be a mother.  Holy smokes, thinking of your little sister becoming a mother is just weird.  But, I know she'll be a wonderful mom.  She has such a way with kids--in fact I'd say sometimes she's a baby whisperer.  Hopefully her skills cross over well into parenthood, and hopefully Sophia is easier on her than she was on our mom!

Mom and I arrived at the hospital about 3 hours prior to go-time.  When we got there, Linds was in triage, all hooked up to her IV and the monitors, just waiting for her time to come.  She was pretty calm and relaxed.  If she was nervous, she was hiding it well.  Cody was a little nervous, but excited too.  They were definitely ready for their little girl to be here with them.  I snapped a few pics when I got there to help remember the time leading up to the birth.

Lindsey was telling me to stop taking pictures while she fixed her hair--diva.

Lindsey's favorite.  IV.

The official hospital band...

Sophia's vitals looking good!

Proud auntie-to-be with her little sister!!

Shortly after these pics, Mom and I stepped out for a while so Cody's mom, Susan, could spend some time with Linds and Cody.  We basically went out to the lobby and stood watch of the elevators so we knew the second Dr. Weprin (who coincidentally, also is the doctor who delivered me, Linds, and Jacob) arrived.  We waited for about an hour and a half for him but the second we saw him step out of the elevator our energy surged to a new level!  We texted Lindsey the good news and went back to the triage area because we knew now that the big man was in the house, it was time to get the party rolling.  

And get rolling we did.  Shortly after Weprin's arrival, Lindsey was adorned with her surgical attire, got the last minute details in line and was escorted back to the OR.  Go Time.

So pretty in the blue scrub cap :)

Linds and Mom

Off and running!!

Once Lindsey was whisked away, Mom and Cody got garbed up in surgical scrubs so they could be granted access to the OR to watch the birth.  They looked so professional ;)

Mom about to be a Nana to 3 grand babies!

Soon to be Daddy!

The dream team...

And just like that, they were off too.

After Mom and Cody left, I went to the main lobby to meet and wait with Susan.  We decided we needed to be closer, so we found a few chairs in the hallway of L&D and decided to wait there.  It was just steps away from the OR...so we felt at the very least, a little closer to the action.  We nervously chatted while we awaited the news.  Mom was to text me a pic immediately after Sophie's arrival.  It was probably about 3 or 4 after 5pm when I started thinking it should be any time now.  I've been in enough cesarean surgeries to know how long they take to get the baby out.  It wasn't a minute or two later that I got the first adorable little picture of my niece!!  She had arrived!  Susan and I huddled around our phones as pictures from Mom and Cody started to pour in. We both sniffled back tears of joy and swooned over how beautiful she was.  She was just perfect.

Sophia Lynn: 6lb 13.5oz  20 1/2"  Born at 4:56pm

Dr. Weprin holding Sophia--how cool that almost exactly 27 years ago he held her Mommy the same way!

The official footprint 

That's one proud Daddy!

The new family--they say a picture is worth a thousand words.  I agree!

Nana meeting Sophia for the first time.

While these pictures were being taken and sent to us, Dad and Chris showed up at the hospital.  They joined the waiting party and we shared the pictures with them and the details we knew at the time.  Waiting is always more fun with more people!

It wasn't long before we saw a little cradle and a gurney being rolled out of the OR doors.  Here they came!  Smiles from ear to ear and just overflowing with pride and joy.  We all got our first glimpses of Sophia and Lindsey appeared to be doing well--majorly drugged up, but doing well none-the-less.  She was hooked up in the recovery area and we got to take turns going in to visit with her and the baby.

Mom and Cody coming from OR

Cody giving his spin on things.  I think his exact words may have been pretty close to: "I can't believe she's here.  I just loved her so much as soon as I saw her."  *go ahead, take a second to get a tissue and dry your eyes*

Cody and the new Grandma Susan!

Lindsey, Susan, & Sophia

Lindsey's recovery bay.

Papa Mike watching the nurses examine his newest grand-daughter

Lindsey and Sophie!

Just look at that beautiful face!!  Scrunchy and adorable!

She has the most beautiful head of hair!

My brood arrived shortly after Lindsey was moved to recovery.  Max had been so excited about the idea of a new cousin.  He couldn't wait for "Fia" to arrive and to finally get to meet her.

They were a little shy at first glance....

I'm not sure what Max was expecting, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't it...ha!

He finally at least touched her hand....oh Max :)

He was much happier sitting in the lobby with Nana playing games on the IPad.

Mine and Sophie's first picture--of MANY to come!

Mom and I got Lindsey and Cody's room set-up before they came over. We also brought in some balloons, a few gifts, and some cookies to welcome them to their first home as a new family!  

Kettering has some really nice rooms for new moms!  

Sophie's first address

A new Boppy Pillow, burp cloths, and onsies.  

Some of the wall art.

Lindsey & Sophie's  medical team

Balloons from Aunt Erin, Uncle Brian, and Max & Maggie!

"Welcome Sophia"--Cheryl & Co. Cookies for Mom and Dad!

Max reaching his limit for the evening.

And finally, a few pictures of the new family together and some random shots from the days spent in the hospital.  

Cody, Lindsey, & Sophie

A happy Mama with her new baby--not much can beat that feeling!

Nana with her THREE grands!

Just Cute.  That is all.

The original pouty lip.

Studious.  

I mean seriously, can you get ANY cuter?  No.  The answer is no.

It's only fitting that a baby in this family has an adequate supply of Disney attire & accessories.

Uncle Cole came to meet his adorable niece

I think he approves <3

She didn't take long to win over Uncle Jacob, either!  

Brian loving his new "Uncle" status!

Giving Grandma Susan an earful already....

Great Aunt Heidi and Great Uncle Mark visiting Sophia!

Big cousin Max finally warmed up to the idea of holding her--ok no, he didn't do it willingly.  We bribed him with cheesecake.  

Napping with Daddy

Snuggles with Mommy

She is in no way lacking in love...

Yep, I'm a proud Auntie!

And, lastly, going home!!

This is the same little snow coat Lindsey was brought home from the hospital in 27 years ago.

Cutest Little Lion(ess)!

And the end of a chapter comes as a new one begins--homeward bound!

Welcome to the family, little Sophie.  

We ALL love you!

   SO VERY MUCH!!!

                                                

No Mo' Snow!!!

We've had just about our fill of winter weather--and it's not even February!  Although I do like the fact that Brian gets lots of time at home with us, I am sick of driving through elements and having my nose hairs immediately freeze upon walking outside.  Enough already.  If I see one more facebook post about the next projected winter storm that's just around the bend, I'm going to go crazy.  Like, running head-first into walls, cross-eyed, foaming-at-the-mouth crazy.  The kids haven't even been able to go sledding it's been so cold.  What's the point of snow if you can't even play in it as a kid?  Grrr, no mo snow!

Anyways, thanks to the crappy weather we've had lots of time indoors together--whether we like it or not!  I've given up trying to keep the house clean every second of the day.  The kids are enjoying the more lax environment and to be honest, it's not so bad.  They play well together and when they're finished, they help me with pick-up.

We got out for a bit yesterday and went to my mom's for a little while so Brian could work on some stuff at home in peace.  It was nice to get out and Jacob enjoyed several hours of video game playing with Uncle Jacob.

Nana's dogs love Maggie--they even stand guard while she naps.

Such a beauty upon waking! 

One not so terrible side-effect of being snowed in is that we've tried several new recipes.  They've all been Pinterest inspired with a few of our own tweakings, but it's been fun to try some new things!

The makings of buffalo chicken wraps--they were awesome!!  

Here's a link to the recipe I found on Pinterest for this wrap.

This was a fabulous and quick smoothie we ALL loved.  Diet 7-UP, strawberries, banana, and ice....blend and enjoy!

Maggie approved!

Max and Daddy enjoyed theirs, too.

This was delish.  A marinated chicken breast (cooked perfectly on the Foreman grill) with baked asparagus and grape tomatoes cooked with balsamic vinegar & topped with fresh mozzarella cheese.  A store bought bread twist on the side!!

Hopefully for the sake of all of our sanity, the madness that is this never ending winter will let up soon!

Max and Mom--he doesn't always look constipated when he smiles.

Mags and Mom.

We're losing it!

My littles <3

We absolutely do not condone "duck-lip" selfies....this is what we call "funny face"!

Waiting on Sophia

Today, I took my little sister, Lindsey to her 39 week OB appointment.  We are all very anxiously awaiting any pending signs that the little one may be soon arriving.  We have had 2 previous trips to L&D due to Linds having high BP.  These trips have resulted in her being put on full bed rest.  The bed rest seemed to do the trick--he swelling and BP have been much improved--however I can't say the same for her sanity.  I can only imagine the thrill of being confined to the couch, bed, house all day every day.  No thanks!  Anyways, today I took her to her appointment due to her car being in the shop. Well, long story short, we ended up being sent to L&D again because her BP had gone up again and she had diminished reflexes.  How exciting--a third trip to L&D!!  Perhaps the 3rd time is the charm, and unlike previous visits, this time she was full term--come on baby!

I got Lindsey to the hospital and waited in the waiting room since I had my kiddos with me--L&D triage is no place for my little eager explorers.  Soon after we arrived and I bought some time with the kids by getting them snacks from the gift shop, Brian arrived to take over kid-patrol.  So, I went back to see Linds and keep her company since I was the only one there still.  Much to my delight, this is what I saw upon arrival.....

CONTRACTIONS.  And not just contractions.....REGULAR contractions!!  This was new for Lindsey so it was really exciting and ignited a new flame of hope and expectation.  Her BP was going up too, so in my head--signs were pointing towards a potential delivery!  

Shortly after this picture, the nurse checked Lindsey's "progress" which was unchanged since she'd been checked earlier at the doctor's office.  This is no surprise--for whatever reason, our family is notorious for stubborn cervixes that do NOT open for nobody!  So, the RN sent Linds on a walk...see if it changed things.

Look at her go--she was determined to create progress!!  She's going so fast she's a blur :)  She'd KILL me if she saw this!

Soon after walking commenced, Mom and our Aunt Heidi arrived.  Everyone was all excited and abuzz because our hopes had been raised with the elevating BP and regular contractions (yes, we know elevated BP isn't desirable, but it is now safe for baby to be born, and the elevated bp might have been the ticket to a birthday bash).  After a half hour of strolling, she was rechecked, no progress :(  But again--stubborn cervixes.  

At this point the doctor (the same who delivered my two and Heidi's two) began leaning towards sending Lindsey back home...BAH!  I guess his 40 years of experience gives him a little bit more insight than the rest of us.  He agreed because she was contracting still to watch her for another hour or so.  Not much changed in regards to contractions or BP.  They gave her meds to slow down contractions and had her drink lots of water.  The contractions slowed down a little and the intensity of them lessened, so it was home for Lindsey.  

There is a light at the end of the tunnel though!  Linds went back to the doctor this morning and they scheduled her for delivery on Tuesday!  4 days till Sophia!!  That's something we call all smile about!!

TROUBLE

When it comes to my kids, Max & Maggie, I know I have my hands full.  I never imagined the energy that would be required of me upon having a second child.  Maggie has sent my world into a whirlwind.  She is a feisty little sneak and does EVERYTHING her big brother does (and big brother knows this...).  Oh the trouble these two conjure up.  There's really never a dull moment.  At the end of each day when they are both in bed and I can sigh a breath of relief, I just can't help but laugh as I think back on the mayhem that was my day.  I know one day I'll miss their antics and non-stop bickering.  But in the mean time, I'm fastening my sanity seatbelt as tightly as I can because I can only imagine how this dynamic-duo will evolve over the next few years--Lord have mercy.  

I can only guess the number of times Max has been told not to climb on the back of the couch--probably close to a few hundred.  And why?  Because, if Maggie sees him do it......

This started out as a fight.  The box was Max's ship--and in his opinion had room for only ONE crew member (himself).  Clearly his little sister was set-out to disprove that.  They decided it was more fun with two crammed in.

A RARE quiet moment.  Sitting on their couches, eating popcorn, and watching Despicable Me (Thank you, Steve Carell, for entertaining my children so).

I wouldn't have a problem with this if they actually serenaded me with piano music.  Piano is one of my favorite instruments to listen to.  Their creative works are nothing close to "music to my ears"....yikes.

Notice Maggie's positioning--AWAY from Max.  This may seem like a sweet snapshot of siblings playing nicely, but that wasn't the case.  Max was an un-welcomed presence in Maggie's opinion--if you had only heard the screeching....oh, the screeching.  

As the picture would suggest, they're fighting. 

Max thought it would be funny to both be in Maggie's bed...for the sake of a cute picture, I agreed.  Picture = not so cute.