16 months old

Dear Bria,

On Father's Day you turned 16 months old. You are now a full blown toddler, walking around and exploring the world.

I wish I could put into words how crazy it is to watch you grow up, you are turning into a little girl and it's hard to believe that you're not my baby anymore. Although, if it's okay with you, you'll always and forever be my little baby girl.

You are incredibly smart and love talking. You say lots of words and say them well, I'm able to understand most of what you are saying. Although sometimes you start talking jibberish and even though I can't understand you it's adorable and I love it, especially when you hold the phone up and do it. You understand a lot of what we say so we figure it's time for you to start cleaning up your own toys ;) It's fun to sing songs with you because you sing along and do hand motions, you love showing us all your body parts as we ask, and you enjoy making animal noises. Your cat impression is by far the funniest thing ever and it's a top request from everyone, it sounds like a dying cat-you are hysterical little girl.

I look into your blue eyes and can't believe you belong to me, you are precious and wonderful and I just love you so much it hurts. But it's worth the pain because I cannot and will not imagine my life with you. You have brought complete and utter joy to me, I need you as much as you need me. I thank God everyday that he blessed me with you. You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to your Dad and me.

You love making people happy and laugh, and you're very good at it. You have many adorable faces and are so animated, it's so much fun to spend the whole day with you. I'm so grateful we get to spend our days together, they are such a treasure to me.

I have grown and learned a lot since you entered our lives, I am so grateful to you for teaching me unending love, unending joy, and patience. I'm suppose to be the one teaching you things but I learn from you everyday.

I want to take these moments and put them in a jar, I don't want these days to go so fast. I want you to always hug me tight when I ask you too. I want you to always hold my hand when you need help. I want you to always say mommy with such enthusiasm and love. I want you to always find comfort in my kisses and hugs. I want you to always come to me for cuddles throughout the day. Most of all, I want you to know that I love you more and more every second of the day.

You are so important to me Bria, always remember that.

I love you so much Bria Michelle, you are my whole world,

Mom

7 months

Dear Bria,

You just turned 7 months old last week. Wow, it's hard to believe you are already that old. This has been the best, the hardest, the most fun, incredibly exhausting, wonderful, frustrating, and by far the most amazing 7 months of my life. I've never been happier and I truly mean that. I don't know what I would do without you, you are my best little buddy and I love being with you.

Thanks to your hard-working Daddy I get to stay home with you and it has been the best experience of my life. It is definitely challenging and demanding, more so than I ever could have imagined, but at the end of the day I am always elated that I get to be with you all day. It is the best feeling watching you learn and grow. I love making you smile and laugh, it's what I live for now.

You are such a happy little baby and everybody thinks so. You love to lay on your back and wave your arms and legs all over. Your favorite game is peek-a-boo with a blanket and we play that each night with Dad, I'm pretty sure it's your favorite part of the day, I know it's my favorite part and your Dad's too. You are sitting so well now and you'll play happily with your toys for awhile, until you get bored and then you want me to hold you.

Right now you prefer me, but fortunately you'll still let other people hold you. You smile at everyone and they can't help but smile back, you've got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. Plus you have a little bottom tooth now so your smile got even cuter!

You are very tickelish and it's adorable. I'll tickle your thighs, tummy, armpits, and neck and you'll laugh and laugh until you can hardly breath.

You love when I sing to you or read you books. You get all excited when I start reading and you'll babble and try to touch the book and then of course eat it.

Everything goes in your mouth these days. Your favorites include our cell phones, the remote controls, and anything that is hanging around our necks.

You are a petite little thing, except for your thighs, they are rolly and adorable. Your feet are still newborn size! They are the cutest little things ever. Your eyes sparkle like diamonds, your hair is very very blonde, and your belly is just as kissable as ever.

Bria, I love you so much I can barely stand it. You bring more happiness into my life than I ever thought was possible. Your Dad and I are just in awe of you and love you to the moon and back. We are so proud of you and will always be here for you. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives, we love you so much Bria, never forget that.

Love,

Mom

3 Months

Dear Bria,

You just turned 3 months old yesterday. It feels like I was just sitting down to write you the letter when you were in my belly. Now you're here and my heart is full.

You have beautiful blue eyes, just like I thought. You came out with a head full of dark hair and I was just thrilled. It's starting to lighten up which is adorable, although the last dark patch on the back of your head makes me realize you've lost almost all your newborn hair. You have long fingers so we think you may be a piano player :) You have your daddies feet and your mommies nose. It also appears you got your mom's big belly and we love to give it kisses.

Your smile makes my day. I'm not even kidding. After I got my wisdom tooth out and was in pain, I came home and when I saw you smile at me I couldn't help but grin, even though it hurt. You were worth it. You just make my whole world brighter.

I love watching you with your Dad, it is the sweetest thing. He loves making you laugh and smile and can't believe how big you are getting. He was worried your chunky thighs were too big, but I assured him that is just not possible, the chunkier the better. You will sit and talk to his "mobile hand" as he calls it. I told him to enjoy this time that you'll be entertained with him moving his hand above your head. He gives you lots of kisses everyday. You have also pooped on him twice and that is hysterical. Oh, and you peed on him which is pretty impressive for a girl to do. Kudos my beautiful baby.

At first everyone said you were the spitting image of me, but now they see both your dad and I in you. All I know is you are beautiful. I love when you lay your head on my shoulder and let me cuddle with you, it is the best feeling in the world. I love to touch your soft hands and feet, they are the cutest things ever. I absolutely love when you smile, especially when you stick your little tongue out and squint your eyes, it's the biggest smile. And your laugh, oh my goodness it's so precious. It starts out with you tipping your head back and saying "oh" and then turns into a full on squeaky laugh, I can't tell you how much I love hearing your laugh. And oh how you love to talk! Your voice is so angelic and adorable that I could listen to you talk all day. You take a big breath and then just talk and talk. I just love it.

I have to admit, part of me misses you in my belly. I loved feeling you move around in there, but it's nothing compared to holding you in my arms and kissing you all over.

Bria, I love you so much. Always remember that. I wish I could shield you from this world sometimes, I'm not going to lie, it's a cruel world out there. I want nothing more than to keep away all the bad things, but I know that's not possible. Just know that your Dad and I are ALWAYS here for you, we are your biggest cheerleaders. We believe in you and love you to the moon and back. You will forever be our beautiful Bria.

I love you Bria.

Love, Mom

A Close

This blog has served it's purpose and since the journey of pregnancy is over, so is the blog. However, I'm not going to delete it, I absolutely love this blog. I am so glad that I did this and now have it to look back on and show Bria when she's older. I highly recommend a pregnancy blog to those out there, it is a wonderful way to jot down the details.
I thought about doing monthly letters to Bria on this blog, but I think I may just do monthly updates on the other blog. Who knows, I tend to change my mind a lot :)
Anyway, thanks for reading and thanks for all the suggestions and congratulations-they are much appreciated!

A few more tid bits

So of course after I posted the birth story I thought of a few other details that I don't want to forget. I blame my lack of detail on my little sleep.
1. The blood was apparently normal and just a result of dilating. The nurses kept saying it was a very good sign- I believed them and went about laboring.
2. Tina broke my water when I was 7 cm.
3. Bria was grunting a lot when she came out instead of crying. They kept using the little blue sucker on her but a few hours later she spit up some fluid in her bassinet so they decided to pump her stomach. They put a little tube down her throat, pumped some saline down there, and then pulled it all out. It did help but man I didn't like watching her gag, it broke my heart.

Okay, I feel better now. I think that is all the details, although I may think of more at the 3 am feeding.

Now that Bria is here, her journey in the womb is over which means this blog has served it's purpose. I still may do monthly updates on here, but for the most part I'm going to go back to the Holcombs Hideaway blog. I'm so glad I have this journal though, I don't want to forget what an amazing journey it was to bring little Bria into this world.

Bria's Birth Story

Bria Michelle Holcomb entered this world on February 20th at 4:37 am, her due date. She weighed in at 7 pounds 4 oz and was 19 inches of perfection. Here is how she entered this world:

At my 39 week appointment I had still made no progress- no dilation at all. I was bummed, but focused on the fact that Bria was healthy and doing well.

Tuesday and Wednesday (17th and 18th) brought at least a little change as I lost parts of my mucous plug. I didn't get too excited though since labor could still be a week away. Wednesday I started having some mild contractions, but nothing that was timeable. Again, I didn't let myself get excited since some women have contractions for weeks before they deliver. Thursday morning between 4 and 6 am I had timeable contractions that were like bad menstrual cramps, but they dwindled off and I went back to sleep.

That day I did a few things around the house and then went to my mom's to put more songs on my Ipod and help watch Kailey and Porter (my niece and nephew). At about 2 pm while I was watching Shrek with the kids I started getting timeable contractions, they would be anywhere from 8 minutes to 15 minutes and were uncomfortable. I went home and watched some tv until Brian got home. It was the first time that week that he got to come home at a decent hour, he had been working such long hours and was exhausted. So at 7 pm I sent him to bed just in case this was labor and then I went for a walk. The contractions were getting more painful but I still thought it was going to be a long time before things got going, in fact I thought I'd be going to my doctor's appointment the next morning at 10:30 am and all I could think was that I hoped I was dilated enough for them to strip my membranes!

I came back from my walk and laid on the couch while timing my contractions. They were now 5 minutes apart and were getting really hard to deal with. I tried laying down, standing up, swaying, but they were getting pretty bad. At about 9:30 pm I was lying on the couch and felt what I thought was wetting my pants. I couldn't believe it, I had made it 9 months with no bladder accidents and now I wet my pants. I waddled to the bathroom only to find blood, lots of blood and it was still coming. This freaked me out. I mean they tell you your water can break, but they don't talk about blood coming out. So I called my mom who said it was probably fine but I should call Jaime to ask if she remembers blood and then call the doctor. She said it definitely sounded like I was in labor with how much pain I was in. I called Jaime who said to get to the hospital, we both were thinking it could be the placenta tearing away. Leave it to us to think the worst!

So I waddled upstairs and woke Brian up by telling him it was time to go to the hospital. He was adorable, trying to finish packing the hospital bag half awake. We got the car loaded and dropped MJ off with my Mom then continued to the hospital. The bumps and turns were so painful, I kept telling Brian to stop but he didn't, probably a good thing.

We got to the hospital about 10:30 pm and they checked me, I was 3 cm dilated! I was so happy that this really was labor because holy cow the contractions were coming fast and were painful. They monitored me and Bria for 1/2 hour and then I labored in the jacuzzi tub which was awesome. Brian rubbed my arms while I sat with the jets on my lower back, it made contractions so much more manageable. The contractions started getting so close together though that I barely had a break in between and I had to focus all my energy on relaxing. I pictured my cervix opening and Bria moving down. I also focused on the parts of my body that didn't hurt, so I would tell myself that my lips didn't hurt, my nose didn't hurt, etc. It actually helped and I remained surprisingly calm during contractions.

They checked me again around midnight and I was at 4 cm so things were continuing to progress, thank goodness. This is when I ordered the epidural because the contractions were getting very painful and so close together that I was struggling. Brian was doing a wonderful job keeping me relaxed and helping me through it all.

I believe this was around the time that my favorite midwife came in-Tina Gain. She is the sweetest woman and so incredible, I was ecstatic that she was on call.

The anesthesiologist finally arrived at 1 am and I was so happy. She had me sit on the edge of the bed with my feet up on a chair and a pillow on my lap-it was the worst position ever. Meanwhile she decided to do her prep work with me in that position and I was dying. I had to remain somewhat still through contractions and that seemed like an impossible task. I just kept reminding myself that relief was on the way. She placed a big plastic thing over my back and then did the numbing shot. The nurse couldn't believe I didn't flinch with the shot, but compared to the contractions that shot was a hug. The epidural did not hurt at all and I could not wait to feel the effects of it. The anesthesiologist removed the big plastic thing on my back and couldn't believe how much I was sweating, what did she expect?! She had made me sit in the worst position ever for 45 minutes while I had the most painful contractions ever, of course I was sweating! Anyway, about 5 minutes later my contractions started getting less painful and soon I was in epidural heaven. I was all smiles after that and so excited that soon we were going to be meeting our little girl. The nurses kept telling me to get rest and I looked at them like they were crazy, how was I suppose to sleep when I knew that soon we were going to be welcoming Bria into this world.

At 2 am they put the catheter in and checked me again and I was at 7 cm! Wow, things were progressing fast and I was relieved that the epidural didn't slow things down. Bria was at 0 station and I was 100% effaced. I continued to enjoy the epidural and talked with Brian, his mom, my mom, and my sisters. We were all so excited and couldn't believe how fast it was progressing, especially for my first.

At 3:47 am I started feeling contractions on my right side in my lower back and in the front a little. So the nurse decided to check me and what do you know, there was no cervix left! It was go time and I was ecstatic. I pushed 3 times during a contraction and then would rest for a bit. The pushing was exhausting but it didn't really hurt since I was still so numb from the epidural. Brian counted to 10 for me each time which really helped. I kept asking the nurse if I was pushing correctly because it just felt like I was holding my breath. She said I was doing a good job and soon everyone else started to see progress. It motivated me so much to hear my little cheerleaders rooting me on and saying I was doing a good job. I loved having my mom's and sisters there, they were such a huge support. Around 4:20 am the nurse told me to not push too hard until the doctor came because Bria's head was right there. My last push before Tina showed up Bria's head stayed right where it was instead of going back up. Tina walked in, got ready and had me push, Bria's head popped right out with her right hand up by her ear! The cord was wrapped around her neck twice which scared the crap out of me, but it wasn't causing her distress during the contractions or pushing so it must not have been wrapped around her very tight-thank goodness. As soon as Tina removed the cord from her neck she had me give a little push and the rest of her came shooting out. They put her on my chest and I was in pure heaven, I couldn't believe she was finally there. Brian and I were in awe of this perfect little girl.
Brian got to cut the cord and he was actually suppose to help catch little Bria but she came out too quickly. He did help give her the first bath and changed her first diaper. When they handed him Bria all bundled up after her bath I couldn't help but cry and neither could he, it was an amazing moment.
We just looked at her and looked at each other-our little girl was finally here.






The placenta came out pretty easily and when it came out I felt so much weight come out, it felt awesome. As far as recovery goes it was better than I expected. I had a small 1st degree tear that she put 2 little stitches in, I was very grateful for that. The only time I really needed assistance was my first trip to the bathroom. I sure did fill up that cup they leave in the toilet, I think they had 3 bags of IV pumped into me so I was full of fluid. I was going to the bathroom every hour and still filling it up, the nurses were impressed. I really was surprised at how good I felt physically, don't get me wrong, I kept up on the pain meds. Breastfeeding makes your uterus contract and that felt like labor sometimes! But all and all it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I really think it was due to the fact I walked so much in the last 8 weeks, I will have to do that with the next baby :)
I feel so good about the whole labor and delivery experience, I think back on it so fondly. It was such an exciting time and I handled the pain way better than I thought I was going to. Brian said I made it look easy, but I assured him it was FAR from easy. But totally worth it.

I'm a mommy!

Well, little Miss Bria decided to be punctual just like her parents and we are thrilled to death. We are so in love with this little girl, she is the most beautiful little baby in the world (not bias at all, hehe). 

I am going to start working on her birth story and hopefully will post that soon. The labor and delivery went better than I could've imagined. It went pretty quick and my favorite mid-wife delivered her which was a huge blessing. Also, I love epidurals :)

We got home on Sunday and are just enjoying family time, I am so grateful Brian was able to take 2 weeks off. We are bonding and just spending time as a family which is wonderful. We have dinners planned for the next year I think, seriously, our families are amazing. They call to check on us everyday and bring us meals, but don't impose. They are wonderful and we love them so much.

Anyway, hopefully these pictures will tie you over until I can get the birth story up. We feel truly blessed and love our little one so much.

In her little swing for the first time:

In her bouncy seat that she loves, look at those big eyes!

Heading home!

Holcomb, family of 3 :)

Just one day old and simply precious

Bria's Debut

Who would of thought 1 week after Lindsey's last appointment with no progress that Bria would make her debut:) (0-60 in 1 wk?;) Lindsey started having contractions Thursday, went to the hospital that night, did an absolutely amazing job throughout the labor, and delivered lil Bria at 4:37am Friday morning...her exact due date:)  She was 7lbs.4oz, and I believe 19inches long.  She is undeniably beautiful and I'm so excited for the brand new mom and dad!!  Your guys are already amazing parents, and I love you all so much!  So proud of you Lu...love, aunt jenny  P.S. Lindsey will of course post more, but I just wanted everyone to know that baby holcomb is here safe and sound and they are all doing great!

Without further ado, the new proud parents:

She has gorgeous blue eyes and big lips:)
Future Beaver Cheerleader:)  Beanie courtesy of Good Sam Hospital

39w 5d

Still pregnant in case you were wondering. I continue to go on walks everyday and hope that helps things move along. 

I went to the fire station today and had a demo on how to install the car seat correctly so now Bria will be safe. They didn't like my seat protector so she took that off and then installed it in the center, which I originally had wanted it behind the passenger. I think when I show Brian tonight I'm going to put the seat protector under it, I don't see it as a safety hazard, do you? She said they like to install them in the center because of the side impact/air bags. 

So let's revisit my little list:

1. Install car seat-Done
2. Pack hospital bag-In progress (probably will be until we actually leave for the hospital)
3. Buy and hang curtains-Done
4. Hang 3 fabric pieces above crib-Done
5. Organize kitchen
6. Organize guest bedroom

It's looking pretty good, the only thing I really have left to do is clean and organize. We are completely ready for this little girl to come!

I wanted to jot down a few songs that I really like listening to right now, although they tend to make me a bit weepy.  Of course they are all country because country singers love to bring out your emotions. But honestly, you can't tell me these lyrics don't make you well up:

He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all nite
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It won't be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in there bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she won't even know you're gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It won't be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the isle
And he'll raise her vale
But right now she's up and cry'n
And the truth is that he dont mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows

It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long

Whew, puts tears in my eyes every time. It's by Darius Rucker and I'm already mentally putting a video together to give to Brian for Father's Day in the future.
A few other songs that get me all emotional:
You're Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins
I Saw God Today by George Strait

Good stuff. 

My first few days off work have been great, I've stayed busy but also relaxed a bit. I've gone grocery shopping, done laundry, had a pedicure, went to the bank, installed the car seat, and took a few naps. It's a little unsettling which I wasn't expecting, I think because I pictured little Bria here :) 

Well I better get to organizing and cleaning...right after lunch :)

39w 3d

Final Nursery pictures:

So we got a curtain rod, hung the curtains, hung the 3 fabric pieces above the crib, and picked up the rocker from Brian's mom. The nursery is officially complete, now we just need little Bria to make her debut! 

The white bassinet in front of the window will be moved to our room for the first few weeks of Bria's life, then we'll move her to the crib. In place of the bassinet I want to find a little wooden toy chest/bench, I think that would go perfect right there. 

I am really happy with how the nursery turned out and just love sitting in there day dreaming about rocking my little girl and dressing her up in the many adorable outfits hanging in the closet. 

Belly pictures:

Here is what a 39 week pregnant Lindsey looks like: tired and ready to pop

Oh Bria, please come out!

I was thinking my belly hadn't grown that much in the last 3 weeks or so, but looking at these pictures makes me realize how wrong I was. That is a very large belly. I am praying my cervix will get it's act together and start dilating so Bria can come out, she is really cramped in there.