On our own!

Well, Norm officially went back to work this morning! Scary! Me and the little one are all alone here at home! Of course...elvis and annie are here to help, but I don't see them changing any dirty diapers anytime soon. I weighed her on our scale last night, and if it's calculating right, she weighs 9 lbs 4 oz now! That's exciting, and good to know she is gaining even more. She looks chubbier to me anyway....now she'll start fitting into all those cute clothes! Norm and I were both nervous about last night, with him going back to work, I knew he needed some good sleep and Ellorah obliged. She didn't really want to go back to sleep in her bed after her 1:30 a.m. feeding, so we slept a little in the recliner, and she slept until 5:50 a.m.! Woo-hoo! Very exciting. Hopefully she'll keep it up, and will get in a good sleeping groove by the time I have to go back to work too! Speaking of, we officially enrolled her in daycare the other day, so she has a spot saved all to herself when the time comes. I'm wondering how it will all fall into place, which I know it will, but just mind boggling to think about it all at once. I'm just going to take one day at a time! Oh, and we've been doing a little "tummy time" too! She's already holding her head up and kicking her little legs trying to crawl....will still have some time before that starts, thankfully! I can't believe she's already 3 weeks and 3 days old. The time has flown by.

-Mistie

the crazy neighbors

Well, I must say, things have gone well the past couple days, Ellorah seems to have finally figured out that it's "night night time" when it's dark outside..instead of being wide awake! She actually slept a good bit last night in between feedings, instead of being bright eyed. Norm got her for the 7 a.m. feeding and let me snooze, however, I awoke to the lovely sound of a jackhammer. Yes, a jackhammer, at 9 a.m. this morning. It seems our next door neighbors have decided to do some demolition, and it just so happens that our bedroom directly faces their back yard, where the lovely work is taking place. So, not very soothing for sleeping....and it's still going on. Egads. I'm going to have to send norm over to investigate. NeeNee and Papaw Shotwell came for a visit yesterday and had some quality time with miss Ellorah. I think they enjoyed their visit and so did she. We're trying to keep her more awake during the day, so she'll sleep better at night, and our cunning plan seems to be working. We'll see how it goes tonight.

Little Miss Model

Well, things have been going pretty good the last few days. Ellorah and I both had our 2 week check ups on Friday, and passed with flying colors.

Ellorah now weighs 8 lbs. 2 oz!

The doctor was very pleased with her weight gain. Made me feel good to know she is gaining well. My dr. visit went good also, I'm free to drive and take a nice hot bath again! yay! Showers are good, but nothing like a nice hot bath in the winter time. She also told me I need to get out of the house each day, and do 2 things per week just for myself...no baby. So, I'm gonna try to do that, and get a sense of normal back.

I drove myself to target and costco and home depot yesterday, and also to the scrapbooking store...Linda R. would be proud! I'm going to try and work on the baby book Ellorah's Aunt Kellie made for her. Speaking of, the little miss had her first "professional" photo shoot today, at Snowden studios. We got some great photos...and have posted them below...we also uploaded them to costco's website and had prints made...that is a pretty handy website, and the photos are cheap too! We printed about 134 pics, all different sizes and it was only $29! I spent that just in printer cartridges for my photo printer! It's very easy to do, and you can get all sorts of stuff, not just prints...but calendars, photo books, coffee mugs, cards, etc etc etc..pretty cool!

We had a visit yesterday and today from Nanny and Pepaw Snowden, and she got some good spoiling. Nanny even gave her a nice sponge bath, which she enjoyed. She really likes getting her hair washed too, which is odd to me, I thought she would be scared of that part, but she seemed to really enjoy it. Nothing like a good head massage I guess.

We also got out and went for a walk in the sunshine, elvis and annie got to go too, which I'm sure they appreciated...they've been cooped up for so long like the rest of us. Well, I will get off here for now, have a quick dinner...and I think I hear another nice hot bath calling my name! -Mistie

Ellorah's Photo Shoot

Things are going well!

Well, I feel like we're starting to get in a groove now, we had a visit with the lactation consultant on Monday, and she was a great help! Ellorah has realized the joys of getting her meals "off the tap". So, that's a big relief. She still is getting the true hang of it, but things have greatly improved the last few days. She had her first bath also, so that was another hurdle we had to get across. The next is Norm returning to work, which is scary! Hopefully all will go well. Our friend, James Gross came for a visit last night...I'm posting his pic with Ellorah. Norm has had some interesting run-ins with poopy diapers as of late, he thinks he is Ellorah's walking poop target. : ) Mommy has been lucky, she has, so far, been spared this right of passage. Oh, and Ellorah had her first visit to Target yesterday! Had to go out and get some baby things, so we bundled her up and closed her up in her carseat and stroller and out we went. It was nice to get out and about, I hadn't been out of the house since we got home from the hospital...so I was getting a little cabin fever. Well, that's all for now, gonna go try and get some rest. Until next time, -mistie

Diapers

Well, as we all know diapers are part of having a baby. I have never changed a diaper before until little Ellorah was born. I am know expert in the diaper changing area, but I am getting better. I have been subject to being a human diaper, that is I have been urinated on and pooped on already. The good thing is her diaper's aren't really that bad right now. Everything I have heard they get a lot worse as the Baby gets bigger....so much to look forward to.

Someone sent me this video a long time ago and I thought it was funny so I figured I would share it with you.

Enjoy.

Mistie's New Tattoo

I wanted to share this photo with you guys, and see what you think of Mistie's new tattoo. John Glass, Mistie's personal tattoo artist was able to get this inked while she was recovering from her C-Section. I think it is very fitting.

Ellorah is doing great. For someone who can't walk, talk, or feed herself, she sure does run the show. Mistie and I got a full 3.5 hours sleep block last night. I had emailed a friend from work, and he said that the sleep deprivation is the worst part, but he would gladly trade little fingers and toes for a 13 year old who needs a new wardrobe every 6months and never smiles. I am sure those days are coming, so I guess sleep is really overrated.

We are working on getting some more photos posted. Stay tuned.

Lazy Day

As Mistie posted earlier we went to the Doctor's office to have Ellorah check out. Her being back to her birthing weight is a big relief. As new parents, it is nice to have a little acknowledgement that we are doing the right thing and she is getting enough to eat.

We dressed her today in a Monkey Outfit that Lisa and Alisha Kensing bought her.
Ninny and Papaw (Mistie's Mom & Dad) left today. They had been staying with for a couple of days. Fern (Mistie's Mom) really was a big help. I think she cleaned some places in the house that had never been cleaned before. Plus she was a laundry machine, everytime I turned around she was folding more laundry. I still do not know where it all came from.

After Fern and Jody left, Mistie and I took the much need opportunity for a nap. I was planning on just holding little Ellorah for a short time, but once my head touched the couch, I was out like a light.

First Pediatrician Appt

Well! Today we wanted to take Ellorah in for her first dr. appt...should have been at 2 weeks, but we were a little worried with how the feeding is going,so we went today, when she is officially 1 week old. Well..she is already back up to birth weight 7lbs, 14 oz. just a week later! The dr. said she is doing great, and we needn't worry about that. (we still will, I'm sure). We did some photos earlier, so we'll try and post them later!

Chicken Pot Pie -- mmmmm Gooood

What is sleep? Ellorah is doing great, and so is her Mom. We are on a 3 hour feeding schedule which sounds pretty good, but we have not mastered it yet. While Ellorah wants to eat every 3 hours, it takes a full hour to feed. So, we are sleeping in 2 hour increments. The other problem is that we (New Parents) are jumping up out of bed for any noise that the baby makes. This prevents any sound sleep.
Lee and Leah came by today with some of the best Chicken Pot Pie that I have ever tasted. It even came with a heart on top. I am thinking Lee needs to make a Chicken Pot Pie Ice Cream now.
I have uploaded the same photos that I posted yesterday up to Google's web site, so everyone can see them.

1.10.07 Photos Update

It has been brought to my attention, that some can not see the photo's. Click on the photo below to see the photos.

Baby Updated Photos

We made it through the night

Hi all, sorry we haven't posted in a bit, we've been a bit busy, as I'm sure you can imagine. ; ) Things are going well, Ellorah is really a great baby, she only woke up a few times during the night, and slept pretty well...we've been struggling with the breastfeeding though, so we've been having to pump a lot and give it to her through the bottle...I think if we can get through the next 24 hours it will be better...I could not do this without my wonderful husband. I knew Norm would be a wonderful daddy, but who knew he'd be such a great nurse. He must get that from his mom. She raised him right. He is just a godsend, and I just love him more and more each day. And, seeing him with his little girl is just unbelievable. He is so patient and kind, with both of us...last night I started crying at dinner because he made really good garlic toast. haha...Crazy hormones. My sis stayed with us last night too, and that helped A LOT! We're still not up for visitors just yet, but hopefully within the next few days we will be getting used to everything. Gotta make some calls right now for some appts...so will try to post again soon. Will get some new pics up too. Until then, thanks to everyone for their support. We love you.

-Mistie

Ellorah's First Pro Photos

Click on this link to access Ellorah's first Baby Pro Photos.

Ellorah's Hospital Photos

The Password is our last name.

Going Home Tomorrow

Well, it appears that our stay at the lovely Presby of Plano is coming to an end. They are sending us home tomorrow. It is pretty scary thinking that they will let us leave the hospital with the baby and only after having a few days of training.

Mistie is recovering well, but I am worried that she is going to have a difficult time being at home. Homes just aren't set up like hospitals. I think I am going to have to get a chair for the shower like they have here. If I get the chair, I would also put a TV in the bathroom, so I can sit in the shower having hot water pour out of the spout while watching "The Office". That would be great but, probably a bit weird if friends come over to watch TV with me.

Mistie was telling me the other day that she heard a baby crying outside our room, and sure enough it was the nurse bringing Ellorah from the nursery. She is becoming quite the Mom. Mistie hates needles, or any thing to do with giving blood, but now she can feed the baby and have blood taken at the same time. I think I will be buying Mistie a cape soon to go along with her Super Mom Powers.

I had my first skin-to-skin experience with Ellorah today. She slept on my chest while I tried to rest. That was the greatest experience ever. I could have stayed that way for a long, long time. There is something about having your baby resting peacefully right on top of your heart. I know she melted my heart.

Well it is time to get some sleep. I know the feeding will come soon enough. I will try and get some photos up tomorrow afternoon.

Home tomorrow! Posted by Devon

Well looks like the new family will be heading home tomorrow! I remember when we took our son home for the first time from the hospital.....we kinda looked around and said..."well what do we do now?". I know they will do just fine! It's a little scary at first but everything falls into place. I know Mistie and Norm will be wonderful parents. That is already evident in what I have seen so far! Also, they have all their family and friends that are here for them to help out anyway possible! -Aunt Devon

Happy Birthday Elvis!

Well, today it is Elvis Presely's birthday. If you know anything about me, I am a fan of the King of Rock n Roll.
Speaking of the King, I know you will want to hear this. During the morning feeding time, after Ellorah fed, she looked up at me and curled her lip, like Elvis did. I thought I was seeing things, but Aunt Devon said she saw the same thing while she was up here on her lunch break.

Pictures of the Princess

Here are some photos of our little princess. Just click on the picture below to see them all.

Ellorah Ohana

Ellorah's Update

After a great night sleep, things have been extremely busy. I have slept under some not so comfortable situations, but last night has to be the worst. I got the fold out from Hell, it appears to the naked eye as a fairly comfortable couch, but once you make it into a bed, magically the bed becomes the best torture couch in Plano. I should have known something, when the nurse said "Good Night" and giggled.
Today went by fast, I kept trying to get around to typing a quick update, but that never seemed to materialize until now. If you are wanting to come by, shoot us a quick email and I will let you know where to park / room number.

Ellorah Ohana

It's a Girl!
Ellorah Ohana came into this world at 10:52pm January 5, 2007, and made her Dad the proudest Dad in the whole world!
It wasn't an easy labor, but I guess there are none of those. Mistie is the toughest woman I know; even tougher than John Wayne.
The Doctor had induced the Labor at around noon by giving her Pitocin, a couple hours later she broke her bag of waters. Everything was rolling, contractions where on schedule.... 10 hours later after no pain medication and staying for 2 hours dialated at 9cm, the Doctor suggested a C-Section because it was very unsual for someone to stay at 9cm for so long. A few minutes later, we discovered Ellorah wanted to go out the birth canal sideways, which only lodged her nose into Mistie's left hip.
Mistie and the Baby are doing great, and both are so Beautiful. Many have said that once you see your child, there is nothing like it in the world. I have to agree. Love is a beautiful thing.

7lbs 14oz, 19inches
I will post more, once we get some rest.

Hanging Tough

So far so good. Mistie is hanging in there great. The contractions are in full force and about every minute, maybe a bit sooner.

The nurse is going to check her again about 6:30pm and we will see how far along she is. The last check at 4:00pm she was 4cm.

this is mistie

Well, we're here, it's about 10 til 2 and dr. webster came and checked me and broke my water about 30 minutes ago..so the show is officially on the road. 3cm dilated, 75% effaced. Contractions are coming regularly, but still bearable. We'll see how it goes! I had to endure 4 needle sticks b/c my veins didn't want to cooperate, but that's okay. All for baby girl! We'll post again as soon as we can!

-norm and mistie

Just now......

via email, Norm says: "They started the pitocin, took blood, and everything is good."

- Devon

Update from Devon

Ok, I'm updating for Norm and Mistie. I checked with them a little while ago. They are all checked in at the hospital. Mistie is hooked up to the baby monitor and they are getting ready to start her IV! I will add more soon as I know anything else! -Devon

Dr. Visit

Just got done with the scheduled Dr. Visit. She said the fluid level was a little low, so today is baby day!! I have put devon into action with "commence operation baby snowden"...so she will call everyone on the call list with updates as they happen. We just stopped home to pick up our bags, and are heading back to the hospital. We're going to need to be induced, which isn't exactly what I had planned, but we want a healthy baby most of all, so that's what's going to have to happen! : ) Hopefully it will go quickly and she'll be here soon. We'll update everyone as soon as we can, keep us in your thoughts and we'll talk to you soon!!

-Norm and Mistie

Well, still nothing exciting to report. Just got back to work from lunch, did have a nice contraction at lunch...another one while standing...which is kinda weird, all the others have been while I was laying down or sitting...so maybe that's a good sign!!?? I had something spicy for lunch, per Marcella's recommendation, so we'll see what happens. I'm anxious for my dr. appt. in the morning! : )

-mistie

Still waiting!

Well, still no baby, and mom said dad told her we'd be calling them around 3 a.m. last night...didn't happen though. I think I was up at that time though to go to the bathroom!! : ) Just had one contraction this morning, while putting on my makeup...for work...still going to work. Getting tired though, yesterday I had to come home and lay down a bit, but I'm still feeling good. Hopefully the dr. visit tomorrow will go well and we'll have some more info. My appt. is at 8:45, so probably won't have a morning post, but I will post info as soon as I can.

Baby Due-Date Poll

I put together a little poll for everyone. Go ahead take the guess of when Baby Snowden will arrive in this world.

When do you think Baby Snowden will arrive?
	January 4th
	January 5th
	January 6th
	January 7th
	January 8th
	January 9th
	January 10th
Free polls from Pollhost.com

How to Leave a Comment

There has been a couple of questions recently asked regarding adding comments to the web site. Yes, comments are appreciated, and highly encouraged.

Steps to leave a comment:
1. first click on comments
2. type in a comment
3. select anonymous
4. press "Publish Your Comment"

Don't feel bad, it took me quite a while to figure out how to post a comment too.

pic test

Thought I would try to post a pic on here, better get that figured out, as I'm sure we'll be posting more pics soon!!
This is an old belly shot, from about a month ago I think...

Still waiting

Hi all, still no baby yet...had a few contractions this morning, but nothing major...I'm heading off to work, so will keep you posted if anything new develops throughout the day. Today is cousin Jay's bday, so I'm sure he would enjoy her being born on his bday...and Grandpa Snowden thinks today would be a great day as well. We'll see!

Baby Snowden D-Day

D-Day has come and gone for Baby Snowden. Unless she comes within the next two hours, she will not be arriving on her due date.

We have received many phone calls from family and friends, all wanting to know when she will arrive.

We will continue to post information and updates here, so check back often. It's an exciting time, and we're happy to share with all of you. Mistie's next dr. appt. is friday, so we hope to have some more info then, if not a baby by then!