Birth Story

Monday, April 12, 2010 I took Kylee to a Connect The Tots playdate at Christina's house. I started having contractions just before we headed to playdate. Although they were painful, they weren't very long and had come on pretty suddenly. So, I didn't think they were "the real thing". Luckily, the other ladies at the playdate and my mom (via texts) talked me into going to the hospital to at least get my fluid checked (it was borderline low the Friday before). I got to the hospital just before 2pm. By the time they checked me, I was 4cm dilated. By the time the doctor got there to break my water, I was completely thinned out and dilated to a 8, and by the time she was done I was completely dilated and ready to go. She didn't think I had time for an epidural, but thankfully she rushed the anesthesiologist in for me. He worked quickly and gave me an extra large, mixed dose of the epidural meds, which worked like a charm. Four pushes later at 5:58pm (about 12 hours before I was scheduled to be induced), Makenna Noelani Puccino was born. She weighed only 6 lbs 2 oz (over a pound smaller than predicted). Her daddy, grandma, and Auntie Vickie were there for the birth.

Introducing Makenna Noelani Puccino

6 lbs, 2 oz 19 inches long; born April 12,2010 at 5:58pm

The Nursery

I'm so excited about the nursery! It isn't quite done yet, but I just couldn't wait to post a few pictures.

The Mural

Vickie is awesome! When I showed her Makenna's bedding, she came up with the idea of doing a vinyl mural to match. She and her sister custom designed the mural. Then Vickie ordered, paid for it, and installed it in Makenna's room for me! The mural is 4 feet high and spans the entire length of the nursery wall (10 1/2 feet). It is definitely the highlight of the room!

Blessed!

Last night Kylee and I met my mom, sister, Aunt Patty, Stacey, and Tamara at Aunt Patty's house. I thought we were meeting there to look at Stacey's wedding pictures. Instead, they surprised me with pizza, cupcakes, balloons, and baby gifts! It was such a sweet and unexpected surprise (and a great way to celebrate the 37 week/full term mark)! Kylee got a lift and flap board book from grandma. Makenna got a tummy time activity toy, a tulle headband, and a jittery pal (carseat toy) from grandma; a pack of newborn onesies from Stacey; diapers, wipes, and 2 newborn outfits from Tamara; gowns, hats, burp cloths, and socks from Aunt Patty; and a zippered sleeper, 0-3m outfit, 2 pairs of socks, pacifiers, monkey pacifier holder, sea turtle constellation night light, and a gorilla activity toy from Aunt Michelle.

Even though this is our 2nd baby, we've gotten quite a few gifts from family and friends. For baby book purposes, here's what else Makenna has gotten from......
Davis family: By Your Side bouncer seat
Alycia Woosely: several adorable Carter's outfits, newborn hand-me downs, bottles, & formula
Tara Martin & family: butterfly swing, wall shelf, hooded towels, bibs, baby doll, headband
Auntie Vickie: custom wall mural
Aunt Patty & Uncle Mike: 6 piece bedding set
Aunt Michelle: several Carter's outfits and onesies, super soft changing/play time mat
Grandma: crib/changing table combo unit, bassinet, valance, stuffed animals, Itzbeen timer, bottles, swaddle blanket, womb sounds bear, zippered sleepers, numerous outfits, and more


We are so spoiled/blessed!

Making Room for Baby

Thanks to the help of family and friends, the nursery is finally underway. Last Saturday Robert, Shad (Ethan's daddy), and Jerry (Robert's army buddy) cleared all of the old furniture and junk out of the room, got the baby stuff out of the attic, and put together the crib. This past Saturday my mom and Aunt Patty painted the room lilac and the baseboards white. Luckily Kylee took a nap Sunday. So, I was able to order the rocker and a few other nursery items and rearrange my bedroom to make room for the bassinet. I'm very excited about the progress we've made but am getting increasingly overwhelmed by everything there is still to do (buy and hang the curtains, clean the carpets, wash the bedding, put together the mobile, bookcase, and rocker, buy and install the shelves, etc, etc.....) I also still need to clean out the car, install the carseat, pack our bags, and buy the newborn essentials (diapers, butt paste, socks, etc). I only have about 4 1/2 weeks left until my due date. Hopefully I will get everything done before she arrives.

***UPDATE*** Last Friday we got a surprise visit from Uncle Mike and his power tools. He came over and put together the glider and bookcase for me! Sunday my mom came back over and touched up the paint. Yesterday Vickie and Robert put up the mural Vickie had made. Vickie also put up the flower decal for me. Today my mom hung the butterfly ceiling mobile. I still need to hang the valances and shades (hopefully those will come in soon), find and hang a shelf, put up the name decal, and clean carpets.

Ultrasound #4 (29 weeks, 4 days)

This morning I had another level 2/3D ultrasound. It's amazing how much detail they can see with ultrasounds now! The doctor even showed us the valves & chambers of Makenna's heart and the lobes of her brain. Everything still looks great, and she is growing well. She weighs an estimated 2 lbs 13 ounces so far and measured exactly one week behind her due date, mostly due to height (she is shorter than she is skinny). The sonographer said she has a perfectly round head, a cute little nose, and pretty full lips. She tried to get some good 3D pics for us, but Makenna insisted on keeping her cheek nuzzled into my tummy and one hand up in front of her face. Stubborn already! :) This was my last ultrasound. Next time I see her, she will be in my arms. Just a little over 10 weeks to go!