More Pics

We went for the heel prick yesterday and just as we thought her count did go up. We have to go back to the hospital today for another round to make sure the number is staying steady or heading down. My milk came in with full force yesterday so I am sure her numbers will steadily decrease. Last night she slept in her bed a few hours so we are heading in the right direction but 10:00-2:00 still was awful. Oh well it will get better! These additional pics came from my mom's camera.

Welcome to the World

World meet Natalie


Natalie meet Mamaw


Nanna's first time holding Natalie


Uncle T was to the rescue and brought us some much needed McDonald's when Natalie was 9 hours old!


Daddy's girls


The new Gilbreath clan


Your girls miss you Pawpaw- can't wait until you come home!


Mamaw's girls


Auntie A


sleepy little girl


Daddy's sweet angel #2


Sleepy daddy


Natalie coming home


The most precious picture ever.

Natalie Kate Gilbreath was born on 3/9/08.

On Saturday night Clint and I went to play cards next door with Chris and Aileen. After about an hour or so of playing I went to the bathroom thinking "something isn't right." But, I shrugged it off only to be back in the bathroom 10 minutes later still thinking "something isn't right." I called Clint into the bathroom to confer and Melanie came with us and proceeded to tell me "Peepee goes in the potty not your panties mommy" Gee, thanks...but even she could tell "something isn't right." I went home, changed and came back. I called my parents to tell them to be on alert and then a huge gush of water occurred and I realized that my water had in fact broken. So Clint and I quickly put all of our stuff in the car, told Melanie goodbye (the plan all along was for her to stay with Chris and Aileen) and started the trek to Dekalb. We called the doctor on the way and she said she would meet us there. So, my parents and Clint's mom all met us at the hospital and I began the getting checking in process. I was only have mild contractions like what I had been having for a week or so. We all decided to change where we were sitting and when I stood up an even bigger gush of water occurred, soaking my clothes and creating a puddle in the floor. I was then taken back to triage and the whole process began. My water officially broke at 8:00 pm Saturday night and I was checked around 9:00 pm at Dekalb and I was 4 cm and 80% effaced with regular contractions. They completed their paperwork and then started me on a fluid IV and Pitocin. Well, Pitocin doesn't mess around. I was about 5-6 cm when they got the IV really going (around 10:30). By midnight I was 7 cm and NOT comfortable at all. I had various people (Brian, Dawn, Donna, and my parents) in an out from 9:00-12:00 but then I declared no visitors because I was in quite a bit of pain. When the nurse checked me at 12:00 and said I was at 7 cm I already felt the pushing pressure. She alerted the doctor. By 12:15 I was at 10 cm and the baby was most definitely coming out. The doctor was not in there yet (hmmmm, didn't this happen with Melanie) so the nurse was calling for back up to help her catch the baby. They had me on my side again telling me not to push (just like with Melanie) but when a baby is coming out it doesn't' matter if you want to push or not- it will happen. So, for 2 contractions I felt it coming out but I was trying not to push (quite unsuccessfully) and the doctor finally came in and on the first contraction with her in the room the baby came out. Let me just say this time was MUCH MORE painful than with Melanie. For whatever reason Melanie was a completely pain free birth. Yes, uncomfortable but not painful. Natalie, well, she was a different story. Not too pleasant to say the least. I was absolutely shocked to find out that I delivered another girl. I knew for a fact that I was carrying a boy...how wrong I was. Then I realized I delivered Melanie's skinny twin. They look soooooo much alike but Natalie is much more slender. Thank goodness she came to the world 2 weeks early- she weighed 7 lb 12.5 oz and was 19.5 inches long. She took right to breastfeeding and has been a pro. She eats almost every 2 hours with no problems- wahoo! Her middle name "Kate" came from Clint's grandmother "Katherine," my mom "Cathy," and Clint's mom's middle name is "Kay" so we thought Kate included all of our family quite well.

So far little miss Natalie has been an angel. She cried all of about 10 minutes total in the hospital. Melanie loved seeing her but was a bit silly. She talked in baby talk and just kind of grazed Natalie's skin with her fingers but wouldn't really touch her. But, since we have been home she seemed much more engaged with Natalie. We came home Monday at lunch time. After many guests we enjoyed our time alone with our family. However, as sweet and calm as Natalie has been she woke up from 10:00-2:00 last night raring to go. She was awake every night from about 10:00-12:00 when she was in my so I guess this is no different. Clint and I took shifts holding her- my shift involved nursing for the entire shift- she couldn't get enough. She slept in her bed for 0 minutes last night. Lovely! But today she is taking her nap in her bed which is quite nice.

We had our first doctor appt today and it went very well. Natalie's hands and feet keep turning purple but the dr. assures us this is normal and nothing to worry about. She is down to 7 lb 4 oz and looks so skinny to me. But my milk is so close to being in so I think her weight will go up soon. She is jaundiced which the dr in hospital thought she was heading in the direction so we went back to the hospital today for a heel prick and we will find out the results shortly.

All in all everything is wonderful and we could not be more pleased with how the whole process took place. Natalie is wonderfully happy and such a gift. We know the whole process was watched by both of our grandmothers who would have loved to meet Miss Natalie.

A Hard Week

My grandmother (my dad's mom) passed away this week. She had fought a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease and eventually breathing just became too difficult. My dad was able to be with her before she passed. I feel a little guilty that I was not able to be there or make it to the funeral but I did not want to be traveling to Chattanooga this close to having the baby. Thankfully the baby held off and did not come this past week and make my parents feel torn as to where they should be because my grandfather needed them in Chattanooga with him. I know she will be looking over me during the birth of this new baby- I just wish she could have met him or her before she passed. Thank you to everyone who has offered such sweet thoughts and prayers this past week. My family and I really appreciate it.

We're getting close!!!!

I went to the doctor today. I 1st off weighed a whopping 4 pounds more than 1 1/2 weeks ago- Holy Cow!!! I thought my weight was suppose to slow down...not so much :) Anyway- I am 3 cm dialated, 50% effaced and at -2 stations (0 means the baby is at your pelvic bone and + stations = baby coming out). So, the doctor said as soon as I start having regular contractions come on in to the hospital the game has started. WAHOOOOOOO!!! Not too much longer now. (However I was 4 cm and 80% effaced for 1 1/2 weeks with Melanie). I am sooooo excited.

On a Melanie note- she got her hair cut at a real salon this weekend. I took her where I go. The man, Mr. Sam, has been cutting my hair since I was 4 years old! He is now continuing with the next generation. She was super good. I feel like it looks better than all of the kids cut places too so she is going back there from now on. Enjoy the pics.

Melanie-The Model

Mom and Dad took Melanie to the park on Friday. My mom had her posing in happy and sad faces. The pictures are oh so funny!!!

By the way...with the new baby- for some reason the back pain went away right after I made the last post- so no complaints on that end. WAHOOO!!! But, I started having period like cramps along with my contractions last night...is the baby coming soon? Who knows but I am excited!

Not too much going on...

I went to the doctor last Friday. My stagnant weight is no longer stagnant. I guess I just went through a couple of weeks of not really growing but I am growing in full force again- lovely. Everything looks great. The doctor said I was not dilated anymore and she wasn't even convinced I was 1-2. Lovely. Lately my biggest pregnancy complaint is my back. With Melanie I had some minor back pains- not anything I enjoyed but not anything I couldn't live with. I don't know if it is because I am carrying this one differently but my back KILLS!!!! I have resorted to wearing tennis shoes most of my life which if you know me pretty good know this is not my norm. They don't seem to be helping. I try my hardest to not pick up anyone at work and pick up Melanie minimally. But, by the end of the day being upright and walking is about the hardest thing I can do. I just want to lay down and take all weight off my back. I asked Clint if he can just walk behind me holding the baby up for me. But, I guess in the grand scheme of things if this is the worst thing going on I can grin and bear it and be glad the baby is getting a chance to get big and healthy! Clint's dad had to go out of town for work and it was so weird- he said "I hope everything goes well with the delivery." That made me realize how soon the delivery actually is. (His dad is gone for spring training so he probably will not be back before I have the baby.) But, other than my back the pregnancy is moving along very well. Contractions are minimal. They are mostly only the kind I can feel if my hand is on my stomach. I will get about 3-5 a day that stop me from walking and I just wait them out but all in all that problem did not continue as the doctors told me it would- thank goodness! The baby is still moving some-though not as much. Feeling the baby move is my favorite part of pregnancy. Now when it moves it is quite the deliberate action because the baby is so big. You can see as well as feel all of the movements. Melanie is super obsessed with the baby right now. She has always talked to the baby and kissed my stomach but now she is constantly lifting up my shirt, sticking her finger in my belly button (or the hernia that is sticking out of what use to be a cute belly button) and singing/talking the baby. Every morning she asks "Is the baby coming today?" At night when she says her prayers she likes to know what Clint and I are thankful for and she will say what she is thankful for and for about a month now she also wants to know what the baby is thankful for (I normally incorporate something about what I ate that day or if I got the chance to rest- that). It is really cute. But all in all everyone is doing well and not much has changed. The nursery and the car seats are ready...just waiting on the big day!

Oh by the way- this baby better NOT come on 2/29. Leap Year is about the worst birthday I can imagine. I am a little nervous with this family and holidays....

The Funny Things 2 Year Olds Say

So Melanie says the funniest things these days and though some of them are probably not very good and I have to put her in time out or give her a lecture they are still SO FUNNY!
1- She is obsessed with saying "Oh my God." Hmmmm, I can only blame myself. I am completely the one who says this in our house. So, needless to say I am watching myself and we say alot of "Oh my gosh" now and Melanie now knows that we talk about God when we say prayers not in her little saying. So, the priss pot that she is now says "Oh my God. God made me." As if this rights the wrong.
2- She says "Dopey." I don't know where she got it but she calls everything dopey. So I try to explain this is a dwarf on Snow White but she has never seen Snow White so basically I am trying to ignore it.
3- She constantly is asking me "What's the big idea?" Yet again I have no idea where she got this one but she enjoys saying it.
4- So, as you all know I am pale and pregnant. Also, for those of you with experience being pregnant you realize your veins get much more prominent- especially on your chest. After we got out of the shower the other day I was getting Melanie dressed and I did not have a shirt on. She looked at my chest and pointed at it and said, "Mommy who colored on those?" I guess she thought someone took a blue marker all over my boobs. Lovely.
5- She thinks if you are only wearing underwear you are naked. Yesterday at my parents she asked my mom where Pops was. My mom explained that he was still asleep. Melanie asked "Is he naked?" Mom took her upstairs and Melanie say my dad's chest and she said "Pops are you naked or something?" She also says this to Clint if he only has on his underwear upstairs she'll laugh and say, "Daddy you naked."

She is still obsessed with singing songs and does it all day long and car rides are NEVER quiet! It is constant conversations even if I am not paying too much attention.

So life is fun but oh so funny these days. She went for her 2 year old appointment and got an A+. She weighs 28 lbs (65th percentile) and was 35.75 inches tall (86th percentile). Our big girl. She only cried when they looked in her ear and gave her a Hep A shot. Otherwise she was really good- even for the finger prick. She was very interested in the nurse drawing blood.

Dinner, Library and Doctor

We went out for my mom's birthday last Sunday and it was delicious. We all ate far too much food. We took pictures b/c it is not often that we all get dressed up.

Also, Clint, Melanie, and I went to story time at the library on Wednesday. We listened to a story, had a little sing along time and then completed arts and crafts. I left the arts and crafts to Clint (we are both so crafty....). Melanie enjoyed it!

Then, on Friday I had my regularly scheduled dr. appt. I am still 1-2 cm and 50% effaced so no change there. My contractions are coming less frequently sometimes just a couple per hour so that is much more managable. The contractions for the most part are not painful at all- just uncomfortable. Some are so minor I wouldn't know I was having them if my hand wasn't on my stomach feeling it get hard. I go back to work on Tuesday so hopefully the kiddos won't wear me out. Clint and I took our cue and went ahead and put the carseat in the car and packed Melanie's bag. Mom and I went ahead and bought a "going home" outfit for the baby. We found a boy outfit and a girl outfit. I feel for all of you out there with baby boys- they are MUCH harder to shop for. So many of the things were dorky or a little too feminie for our taste. So, we are not messing around and we will be prepared if this little one decides to come early.

34 weeks and Contracting

Yes, you read it right. Last night I started to have some pains in my upper right abdomen and when I rested they went away. Today at work they started again and I tried to just rub them out. But, after chasing the kids down the hall they started to hurt much worse and I got light headed and hot. I had my parapro take the kids and I called the dr office and went and took my temp. Well, I didn't have a temp but I felt terrible so I had the secretary call my dad to come pick me up. We proceeded to go to the dr. office but they had me hold off and wait for the nurse to talk to the dr and then call me with a plan of action. Well, the plan of action was to head up to triage at the hospital to get checked. All this time I felt uncomfortable but no contractions or anything. So, Clint and I were driving up to the hospital and I thought hmmmm, kind of felt a tightening. As we were waiting on triage the tighting started to come and go. So we tried to start timing again and, yet again, like Melanie the contractions were coming very quickly- so quickly that we thought there was no way we were timing correctly. Well, as soon as they got me hooked up they realized I was for sure contracting and often. However, I was/am only 1-2 cm dialated and 50% effaced. The contractions occur every 1-3 minutes. They can slow them down to every 4 mintues with meds- but whoop de doo. Big difference. I stayed at the hospital all day/evening and was finally discharged with no baby and constant contractions. AHHHHHH!!!!!! This is going to be a long 6 weeks if I can't stop the contractions. They feel like period cramps that tighten up my whole belly last a minute or so and go away. So, it is just uncomfortable, not painful but still- yuck! I am going back to the dr on Friday to see if I have dialated anymore and to see if the contractions have slowed down/stopped- lets hope so. They hope to stop the labor until 36 weeks but are not going to do anything invasive to stop since I am 34 weeks 2 days. They did a pretty detailed ultrasound showing that they baby weighs 5 pounds so I am not too too worried if it comes soon. But, that is my latest drama!

Gilbreath Look-alike Meter

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Random Things

To start with I am just going to give Shelby some props. Though she can be a bad dog at times- she will still go through the trash cans for wipes, napkins, etc. she has so much patience with Melanie. The other night Melanie set up "school" with all of her babies leaning up against Shelby. Shelby didn't move- just let the whole game take place. I tried to get a picture of it but then Shelby moved. So though I know that these are not great pics of Shelby or Melanie is shows how patient they both are.

Also, we went to a Valentines party at our friend Caroline's house this weekend. It was so cute. It was a bunch of 3 1/2 year olds from Caroline's class and Melanie. They played dress up, decorated cookies, made Valentines cards and just played. All in all Melanie was able to keep up with the big girls pretty well. The only thing I noticed was how well the big girls played together. They had elaborate play themes and worked so well together where as Melanie was content to have her elaborate theme in the corner by herself. Also, yet again I know Melanie is not the most photogenic- AT ALL but the pics are still cute.

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY MAMAW!!!! We are going for a fabulous dinner at Maggiano's tongiht....I didn't invite Melanie so it should be relaxing and delicious- yummmm!

Apparently I'm "It"

I have been tagged by Rachel to tell you 7 interesting things about myself...so here goes:
1- I married my high school sweetheart (Clint and I started dating when he was 15 and I was 16- I drove on our first date and he forgot his wallet- Heehee)
2- My family has a thing for holidays: My dad's bday is Christmas, my bday is Halloween, my mom and grandma have the same bday, We found out I was preggers with Melanie on Mother's Day and she was born on Friday the 13th, this baby is due on Easter which is also Clint's mom birthday
3- I was a cheerleader for MANY years- I started in elementary school and cheered my way through highschool- my Jr Year our Competition team won State- WAHOO!
4- I roomed with my HS best friend all through college and we are still best friends- see to all of you people who thought that was a crazy idea
5- My first job was at Chick-fil-A with a good friend, Kelly Fuller, and I met a future boyfriend there. He even cooked me dinner at his mom's house one night for a date- maybe I should have stayed with him for his cooking- J/K- poor Clint is thinking maybe he should have found a girl that likes to cook
6- I am an only child and love it- I even thought about having Melanie be an only child but obviously changed my mind
7- I am double jointed in my knees and elbows
Okay...I am suppose to "tag" people to complete this on their blog so....
Randi Boykin
Elizabeth Gulley
Mary Evelyn Anderson
And that is all I know of people who actually update their blogs regularly so I am only "tagging" 3 people :)

Also, Clint and I went to our childbirth refresher course on Saturday. We are ready for this baby!!!!! I am really going to try and have this baby without drugs like Melanie. Hopefully I will be able to. Also, I really don't want to be induced unless I have to so it looks like if I start to dialate early again I will be back living in Lilburn for a while to be closer to the hospital- that should make for some interesting blogs! I am sooooo ready for this baby. It moves a lot and they are STRONG movements so it makes change my position often. I also have a lot of extra energy right now. So, I joined a gym and have been going for a week. I love being back at the gym. Melanie is wonderful there and loves the playroom with the other kids (not quite like when she was a baby...check back to some original blogs). Hopefully this will help me get back into shape soon after having the baby :)

Melanie funny story:
I was getting Melanie ready to go the other day and she likes to take 4 million things with her. I told her no she could only pick 2 things and she proceeded to pitch a fit on the floor and say no all of them and I reiterated no, 2. Then the phone rang and I was talking and Melanie interrupted me to say look mom, 2 things. She had stuffed everything into 2 baby backpacks so she technically had 2 things but they were full! So, I gave in and let her take her "2 things" because I thought she was pretty smart.