First "Bath"

On Thursday, May 3, I gave Kodee her first "bath." The girls were so excited to watch, but of course, like my other kiddos, she didn't like it at first.

She only calmed down when I started to wash and scrub her tiny head. She's definitely all girl and loves her hair to be played with.

I quickly got her dressed cause she was shivering. I decided to take a few pics of her...

...And the girls just had to get in the pics with her. They are so camera-happy!

Hospital Stay

My adrenaline must have still been going the first night, because no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get to sleep. I finally sent Kodee to the nursery and was able to sleep for about 2 hours.
On Monday, April 30, I was awoken at 715am to get my vital signs. About 10 min. later, Kodee was brought in from the nursery to eat. Then about an hour later, Dr. Hall came in to see if I wanted to be released. I said, "No way! I'm going to milk this as long as possible!" About 15 min. after he left, Dr. Owen (the kiddos pediatrician) came in to check Kodee's vitals.

Everything looked great. Her collar bone and head looked normal especially after having the forceps and vacuumed used. Dr. Owen had said, 2 weeks earlier, one of his patient's collar bone had broken from the forceps. I was relieved to know everything looked fine with Kodee.
Davis Hospital gives you a special spouse lunch or dinner. So J came up at lunch time and we enjoyed Philly Steak sandwiches, fries, and Strawberry Cheesecake...mmm!

I spent the rest of the day enjoying my quiet, one-on-time with Kodee. After I'd feed her, all I had to do was sit her up and she'd burp herself. When she was awake, she would look wide-eyed at everything around her. We even took a nap together, which of course I just loved being able to snuggle with her. But one of my favorite things was just watching her sleep. I could stare at her all day!

I slept much better the 2nd night. When I woke up, Tuesday, May 1, they brought Kodee in from the nursery. Of course, I just stared at her. Each morning I get to see her, is like getting a present all over again. I just can't get enough of her. After breakfast, I got my things packed and ready to go...because it was time to head back into reality and leave the pampered services of the nurses.
Before I left, they had their photography staff come and do a little photo session. I was able to get a very sweet book of all the pics they took. I am so excited to get it!
J and Kenna came to pick me up about 11am. Before we left, we took a few more pics of Kodee while we waited for Dr. Hall to release me.

It was finally time; as we got our plants, belongings, and baby Kodee, I looked into my empty room. I have to admit how sad I became...I even cried. I looked at the empty cart against the wall which Kodee was sleeping in. I don't know why I get so sentimental, but I was sad to leave the serenity of the room that was my home for the past 2 days. On the other hand, I was excited to go home with our new, beautiful daughter.

J and the kiddos were so kind to make us a surprise as we pulled up at home.

Kenna even wanted to be a "mom" and take her baby on a car ride, just like Kodee. Safety first!

I wasn't sure how the kiddos would react to having a new baby in the home. But surprisingly, there hasn't been any bad feelings. The girls are in total bliss having a real baby in the house and Rhett has loved being a big brother. I feel super lucky and very blessed to have such wonderful miracles in my life!

WELCOME LITTLE ANGEL!!!



NAME: Kodee Reyn Merrill
DATE: April 29, 2012
TIME: 637 am
WEIGHT: 6 lbs. 3 oz.
LENGTH: 19 inches
PLACE: Davis Hospital and Medical Center

Happy Birthday!!!

What a week we've had so far. We were supposed to be induced for our pregnancy on Fri. May 4th, but Kodee had other plans.
On Saturday, the 28th, I cleaned most the day because I was still trying to get ready for the induction. I cramped and contracted most the day. I kept complaining I was in pain and Ry proceeded to dress up like me and said, "I'll keep you company!"


J had a guy who got sick so he ended up being at work an extra 4 hours to make-up his work. By the time he finally got home, it was late. He hurried off to bed because he had to get up 5 hours later for inventory. I couldn't sleep, so I stayed up playing games on J's phone. About midnight, I kept getting pains about every 20 min. At first I'd be like, "Man my period is going to start." And then quickly realize, "Duh, I'm pregnant." This went on till about 2am. I was getting so restless, I decided to head to bed. I laid there about 10 min, and the pains only got worse. So I thought maybe if I take a shower I'll feel better...that only made it worse. When I got out, it was 330am and J was about to get up for work. I went and woke him up and said, "Sorry honey. I tried to hold off till your inventory was done, but I think I'm in labor and we need to go to the hospital." He just looked at me like I was kidding. When he realized I wasn't, he hurried around to get things packed. Since we thought we still had 6 days, we had nothing ready to go. While he was doing that, I figured I'd blow dry my hair. I called Kathleen to come over and watch the girls so they wouldn't have to be woken up. We had Rhett come with us because he wanted to be there.
We left for the hospital at 415am. As we were driving, I hadn't gotten a contraction for awhile. I thought, "Oh great! I am going to get there and look paranoid. After waking everyone up, I'll be sent right back home." But just as we got to the hospital, I had a huge contraction. I knew then we were delivering that day.
Since it was only 445am, the front doors weren't open. So we went thru the ER and walked up to Labor and Delivery. It was so quiet, that when we walked up to the nurse's station, we scared them. They asked if we had checked in with ER but I never saw anyone down there. But I needed to get registered, so J went back down to do that while I got checked into my room.
They had me lay down and start an IV and Penicillin. I told them I wanted an epidural and she said she needed to check me first. I was already a 7! My water hadn't broke, which I think is how Kodee stayed in so long. And I'm very grateful because I would not have wanted to deliver at home. I didn't think they would let me have an epi, but 10 min later, the anesthesiologist came in. I was numb and comfy by 520am!


The morning seemed to rush by quickly because Dr. Hall came in at 615am to check me again and I was a 10! He said I could start pushing. Usually, it's an easy thing for me. But I must have been in a weird position, because it hurt so bad to push...like my ribs were digging into my lungs. After 10 min, Dr. Hall said she was stuck. I thought, "Wow! I really don't want to deliver a 12 lb. baby." But thankfully it wasn't because she was big. Because I had labored so fast, she didn't have time to properly come down the birth canal all the way. Dr. Hall grabbed the forceps and vacuum to help her out. Kodee finally arrived at 637am. I was waiting for them to put her on my chest so we could see her, cut her cord, and take some pics. But they whisked her away to the machine....she wasn't breathing. It really scared me. But a few min later, I heard her sweet little cry...music to my ears!


I quickly turned my attention back to Dr. Hall who was trying to stitch me up. I always have an episiotomy, but because she was stuck, I had to be cut even more; which meant more stitches. I just wanted him to be done. My body started to twitch and shake. I felt like I was losing it. Dr. Hall kept assuring me he was almost done. But I just wanted to move and I couldn't. I guess I got Restless Leg Syndrome and it was driving me crazy. I wasn't breathing normal and my blood pressure and pulse dropped dangerously low. They quickly called the anesthesiologist back in and she gave me some Versed in my IV. It knocked me right out. When I came to 15 min later, they had given me oxygen which raised my BP and pulse and Dr. Hall had stitched me up. I looked around as if nothing had happened and everyone just smiled at me. Also while I was out, they had taken Kodee to the nursery to stabilize her breathing and give her a bath.
While we waited to be moved, J called into work to make sure inventory was going smoothly...it wasn't. I told him to go in and work it out or he'd stress about it all day. Besides, Rhett was with me and he was great company. We got into my post-natal room and I finally got to meet my sweet little baby. She was perfect in every way...with lots and lots of hair! J was still at work, so me and Rhett just enjoyed little Kodee...and he had lots of fun playing on J's phone.



J finally made it back to the hospital, rushed in, and quickly took Kodee. He couldn't get enough of her...Daddys and daughters sure have a special bond. She even had her first poopy diaper, and as tradition, J changed it!


J took Rhett and they left to pick up the girls from Kathleen's, eat lunch, and come back later to visit. While they were gone, I thought I was strong enough to get up and walk around. I went to my bag to get my slippers and I fell down...guess my epi hadn't wore off completely. I lay there for a few minutes thinking to myself how dumb I felt and room service just happened to come then. He asked me, "What are you doing? Are you ok?" He quickly put my food down and helped me up. I decided to spend the rest of the afternoon in bed!
I just love hospitals; the smell, the room service, and just having that alone time. But I think, mostly, I love being able to have that quiet time with the new baby. It was so relaxing to just sit and watch Kodee sleep and make her cute little noises.
When J got back with the kiddos, it was a full house. Along with them, Mom and Dad came, my sweet neighbors Bonnie and Annie Checketts, my good friend Kerri Shelton, and my awesome sister, Dawn. Though it was crazy, and the quietness quickly left, I loved having everyone visit. The girls loved meeting their sweet baby sister and they were all so cute how they doted over Kodee. At one time, Rhett even went up to her and started to stroke her head and sing a song. When he was done, he said, "That's Kodee's lullaby!"





It was a very long and draining day. I think I went about 28 hours or so without sleep. But when I look into that sweet face, I can't help but know that it's all worth it. I count my lucky stars for this sweet miracle to join our family. Talk about Love at First Sight!

38 Weeks

Today was my 38 week appointment. Another week down and only one more to go. It's making me a bit sad, but as my sis said..."There's nothing better than holding your little one." And yes she's right and we are soo excited to meet her.
Dr. Hall is out of the office for the rest of the week so the only appointment time I could get in was 245pm. After Ry got out of school, we made lunch and headed to do a couple errands before my appointment. First, was Home Depot to buy a locking door knob to lock out sneaky fingers from the treats in our storage. Second, was Target to get milk bags, nursing pads, and nursing cream. I noticed the other day that I had none of the above and with only a week left, it's important to have them on hand.
We got to the clinic just in time. I had a talk with the girls about no drama, no fighting, no screaming, no crying, etc. We sat down and they really listened to what I said. They were very well-behaved. We were called back in 5 min. The nurse took my weight...no change. Then time for my blood pressure...134/70. Still a little high, but Dr. Hall was still not worried. Then for my urine test...only a trace of protein. Everything was looking great.
After we waited about 15 min. Dr. Hall came in to our room. He measured my belly and checked Kodee's heartbeat. All perfect! Then he felt around my pelvic region and yes she is still resting low...and I feel it everytime I move! Then he asked if I wanted to be checked to see how dilated I was. I said No, cause I figured I am going in to be induced next week so it doesn't matter to me how far I am dilated right now. Also, I needed to get home before Rhett got home from school.
He next called the hospital to schedule my induction again. Apparently when he checked my chart, he had the notes of me being induced next Fri. But when he double-checked with the hospital, it wasn't in their system. So now I am officially scheduled, twice, LOL!
After we were done, I asked to get a pic with him and the girls. I noticed with all the kiddos births, I never once took a pic of the wonderful Dr. Hall who had delivered all them. He was more than happy to take both girls in his arms and pose for a quick pic. I swear I have the most patient Dr. He even asked if I could please send him a copy. Not many Doctors act like they have all the time in the world to make you feel as though you are their only patient. Well Dr. Hall does and I am so lucky and happy he's my Dr.
I go back in one week for my final check-up...yep the final one!!! Man, the first of my pregnancy seemed to drag a bit, but these past few months have flown by FAST! It's amazing it's all coming to an end, but we are anxiously looking forward to be able to hold her in our arms and love her. Also we are excited to see which of the girls she'll look like and if she'll have lots of hair like they did...

Us girls with the best Dr. around...38 Weeks Along

37 Weeks

Today was my appointment, already. I was glad to be seen because I have been in some pain the past couple of days and I wanted to see if I had progressed at all.
Yesterday me and J decided to do a big de-clutter...well really I decided to do it and J offered to help me! We got rid of 3 garbage bags full of stuff. J said he loves my nesting because surprisingly I'm not that sentimental with the "stuff." I have been able to throw a ton away. But by the end of the day, I could barely move; Kodee felt sooo heavy and my back really hurt. I tossed and turned all night, never being able to find a comfortable spot.
This morning when Ry got out of school, I picked her up and us girls went to my appointment. We checked in and waited in the waiting room. While we waited, the girls sat on each side of the big fish tank. When Kenna got out of her chair, Ry thought she needed to hurry and get in her chair. Of course that caused a big screaming match until Ry knocked Kenna headfirst into the corner of the fish tank. Then it became a crying match, with Kenna getting the worst of it. She had blood dripping down her eye! I hurried and got my first aid kit out of my purse and bandaged her up. Ry of course kept crying about the little scratch she had on her hand. Sheesh! Talk about drama!
Thankfully the nurse came right then and took us back, as she laughed about our commotion. A day in the life of little girls I guess. I am pretty used to it. She took my weight...I lost 1 pound. Then she took my blood pressure...120/86. It came down a bit but still a little elevated. Then I took a urine test...still only a trace of protein. So good news all around.
We waited in the room for Dr. Hall to come in. The girls were a little drama, but for the most part ok. When he finally came in, he had asked how I was feeling. It took me a min. to climb on to the table to lay down. He listened to Kodee's heartbeat and it sounded perfect. Then he measured my belly and he said, "Wow, she's dropped! Have you noticed?" I said, "Oh yeah. The past 2 days." I knew I wasn't being too whiny and there was a reason I could barely move. Made perfect sense to me.
So then he asked if I am partial to being induced. I just chuckled and said, "Of course. Are you kidding?" I always thought in the beginning with this being our last pregnancy, I'd want to carry her as long as possible...even if she was weeks late. Now, I am all about having her come as soon as possible.
Dr. Hall said my due date was May 12. So he said, "How about if we induce you on the 10th?" I said, "How about earlier?" He said, "The 7th?" I said, "Can we go earlier?" He said, "The 5th?" I said, "I don't want a Cinco de Mayo baby. Can I go on the 4th?" He said, "Sure thing!" Man I love my Dr. and I love I won the bargaining!!! My Group B culture test from last week came back positive so I will be on antibiotics for that. He called up the hospital right away and scheduled me for Friday, May 4th at 715am. I am all set up. I do go back in for another appointment in 1 week, but he did say with her dropping already it can be anytime from now until then.
On my way home, I was super excited that I have a date all set for her birth. But then I got a bit sad realizing that's only 2 weeks away! It's surreal to think she'll be here that soon. I have a lot to do...her crib, clothes, diapers. I haven't got anything ready for her to come. This pregnancy really flied and I sometimes wish I could go back a few months and have more time feeling her hiccups and kicking and rolling around. It's definitely bittersweet but on the other hand, we are all excited to meet her and wonder who she'll look like.

36 Weeks

Yesterday was my 36 week appointment. I know I say this every week, but I really can't believe how fast these weeks are going.
Since J was at work and Rhett and Ry were in school, it was just me and Kenna. When we got to the office, we had to wait about 7 min to check in. While we waited, Kenna just stood right next to my leg the whole time. She didn't cry, whine, or try to run around. I was so impressed.
As soon as I got checked in, we sat down just to be called right back. I didn't mind though, after the long wait from last week. She took my weight...I stayed the same. Then came my blood pressure...136/84. Then I had to give a urine sample.
We went back to the room and waited for Dr. Hall to come in. When he came in, he first checked Kodee's heartbeat. Just before he was about to put the monitor on my stomach, Kodee kicked so hard. It scared both of us. He said, "Wow, she is really feisty." I just thought, "Yep, that's my girl!" And her heartbeat of course was steady and strong!
Since I am 36 weeks, it was also time to do a culture test for the B-Strepp. As he took my culture, he checked to see if I was dilated. I am a little bit, but not yet a 1. So everything looks great and progressing nicely. Despite the contractions I've had the past week, it looks like she's nice and comfy waiting inside a little longer.
He checked my urine test and the level of protein has dropped to just a trace, though my blood pressure elevated a bit more again this week. He said he's not at all worried about it. He said I'm healthy and we'll keep an eye on it. I just have to take it easy which is mostly what I do because I am getting to that point where sitting, sleeping, standing, etc is uncomfortable. But of course, the discomfort is all worth it. Guess we'll see how things go next week at my appt. which I know will fastly approach before I know it!

During the Easter Egg Hunt...Almost 36 Weeks Along