Eight Days!

 This morning my sweet little baby is 8 days old.

I cannot believe I have been a mommy that long already.

It breaks my heart that "mommy" mode hasn't really sunk in yet since our little one is still in the NICU.

I expected to be up with a crying baby throughout the night and feeding him every few hours. Changing dirty diapers and wiping up baby throw-up. Smelling his sweet new baby smell, kissing and cuddling him whenever I want.

 All of the things that new mom's and especially FIRST time moms are supposed to enjoy.

I know that time will come and everyone keeps telling me to enjoy this time and take advantage of the sleep and rest while he is being "babysat" in the NICU. 

I hate that. 

I want to babysit my own kid gosh darn it. 

How am I supposed to "enjoy" sitting around feeling helpless while someone else is raising my baby the first week of his life?

So far I have done pretty well emotionally during this whole NICU experience. I would have never imagined the birth of our first born would turn out this way but, I have such strong faith that the Lord has a plan and that little Hunter is getting the help he needs to make sure he is ready for this world, that I don't worry too much.

I do however, wish so badly every hour of every day that he will come home soon.

Today was hard as we learned that getting your hopes up about discharge when your baby is in the NICU is setting yourself up for disappointment. 

We received news at our 10am feeding that the doctor was so impressed with Hunter's feeding improvements that he could possible be discharged tonight! His feeding tube was removed (well, he pulled it out and they didn't replace it) and he continued to eat everything he was supposed to, so the doctor said that at the 4pm feeding he would make a decision.

Hunter had his car seat and hearing test and passed both! We came in and watched the baby CPR video and went over a few other discharge procedures. 

It was so exciting to think that our little guy was finally on his way home. 

At 4pm, I went in for the feeding.

Hunter latched right away and got 24ml form the first side. A new record for he and I. I burped him and switched him to the other side. After a few minutes of trying to latch he finally did and right away his oxygen level dropped. The nurse came in to watch and after a few minutes of lower oxygen levels while he was trying to eat he had two BRADY'S back to back. (A Brady is when a baby's heartbeat drops below 80). The nurse suggested we stop feeding and give him a break. By the time we got to feeding him the bottle we had already been at it for an hour and little Hunter was so exhausted. 

The nurse explained that since my milk is coming in a lot more, Hunter may be struggling with the "suck, breathe, swallow" and that is why his oxygen levels and heart beat dropped. He was probably working to hard and going faster then he could keep up with.

I left the hospital feeling a little helpless. How am I supposed to feed my baby if it's too much for his little body? I knew right away this would be reported to the doctor and knew he would be staying longer.

At  7pm this evening we got the call that little Hunter needed a twelve hour break from breast feeding. 

The only responsibility I have as a mother and it's yanked from me for the next half day!

(my helplessness levels jumped through the roof at this point)

Tomorrow morning we will try to start breast feeding again and his levels will be managed. If he can handle everything he could be discharged Sunday but we aren't getting our hopes up this time. 

The nurse explained that the doctor wanted to see how he does and see if he just needed to slow down a bit.

If he still has problems with oxygen levels tomorrow we may still be discharged on Sunday but little Hunter would be on an oxygen tank. Blah.

I really have tried to stay positive and I really am grateful for the nurses who look over him and watch for the signs that he still needs some help, but I am so ready for my baby to come home! 

I guess we have to stay strong and realize it is better he gets taken care of now then bring him home and then we have a problem. That would break my heart to have to rush him back to the hospital or call 911. I would be devastated. 

Keep the prayers coming everyone. They continue to work and soon enough the prayers will bring him home! 

 Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. 

Good News or Bad News First???

I can never remember what people prefer to hear first.

I personally prefer to hear the good news first and not hear the bad at all.

(Usually this isn't an option though)

The Good News:

 Baby Hunter received a DISCHARGE PLAN today. 

The doctor met with us this morning saying everything looks great (including the heart issue completely gone) and that as soon as he starts eating we can take him home! We kind of already figured that was what needed to happen, but the doctor said that if baby Hunter can eat for 24 hours without the feeding tube and gain weight he can be discharged. 

Hooray!!! 

There are a few extra added rules to this discharge plan such as each feeding, every three hours, has to be a minimum of 38ml and once the 24 hours is up then he may still be observed for another 24 hours. Doctor would guess that we could be out Monday morning if little Hunter cooperates. I think baby Hunter has other ideas.

We got this news at 10am this morning and since then, all 3 feedings (and maybe 4 if he is staying strong for his 7pm feeding) have been OVER his 38ml minimum. 

We are so proud of our little guy! He is really getting the hang of eating so quickly and we are praying like mad that he is able to keep up the stamina from here on out to at least get what is required for discharge.

We also met with an OT this morning, Annie, and she was able to give Kevin and I both some AWESOME tips to making sure baby Hunter is eating right! Annie was able to teach me some great tips on breast feeding and was able to teach Kevin the right way to bottle feed. Kevin did awesome and after my lesson this morning, Hunter was able to get 24ml from me total. That is the most he has gotten and I am sure that is his way of saying "we are gonna prove this doctor wrong and get me outta here before Monday!"

GO HUNTER!! 

 

The Bad News:

Glammy left today to go home to Sacramento.

 

Talk about a rough night for mommy! I cried like a baby to my sweet husband when I got home from the 4 o'clock feeding. I guess it just hit me that tomorrow I will be HOME ALONE for the first time since baby was born. It kind of freaked me out a little. 

Husband at work, no baby and now no mom. Yikes.

It has been so wonderful to have my mom here and I can't even imagine what this last week would have been like without her. She has 100% kept me sane and calm during probably the hardest week of my life. I am so grateful that she was able to come and be with me. It is definitely not the week we had planned for little Hunter's arrival, but I can say that I needed her much more with him being in the NICU then if he had just come home.

Mom you are an angel. Thank you so much for dropping everything to come and be with the three of us. We are so lucky to have you. We appreciate everything you did this week to help us. From getting groceries and cooking, to helping around the house, to driving me to the hospital (since apparently I make my own lanes on the road when I am taking certain medications) and most importantly for your emotional support and love as our little guy has been in the NICU.

I am so glad my mom was able to go with me to the 4pm feedings. I just know baby Hunter loved to let Glammy hold him and cuddle him. She did have the most luck with bottle feeding. Hopefully we can keep up the pace without her here!

We miss you already Glammy. Come back soon so we can have some real fun!

Thanks again for the prayers everyone. We have absolutely felt an overwhelming comfort and hand from the Lord in this whole experience. 

We truly are so blessed to be little Hunter's parents and cannot wait to bring him home.... SOON!

Baby Hunter Update

Thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends for all of your prayers on behalf of baby Hunter! 

They are working! Keep em coming! 

Baby Hunter is 5 days old tonight and is still in the NICU.

Apparently he likes it there and thinks all the nurses are really cute, so why the heck would he want to come home right?

Baby Hunter has made awesome improvements just in the last twenty four hours on his eating.

My last post, I explained that Hunter had been on IV's to control his blood sugar levels and that the doctor wanted me to try and start breast feeding. I also explained how excited I was when I was able to give him 4ml by breast feeding. Little did I know 4ml was NOTHING when the guy is being fed 50ml a feeding (every 3 hours).

I quickly realized little Hunter had a LONG ways to go before we would be able to get his feedings to where they needed to be. 

Over the last three days we have met with the wonderful lactation specialist, Kitty, and she has been so helpful in solving our breast feeding problems. Baby Hunter LOVES to sleep and this has been one of our biggest problems. Hunter thinks that when Mom comes to feed that it means its time to cuddle and relax, not eat. 

We were finally able to figure out some ways to make him not so "comfortable" during feeding time to keep him awake and interested. 

With tips from Kitty and motivation from our amazing nurses, we have finally been able to get Hunter to eat at least half of his feedings by breast/bottle.  It is such a wonderful feeling to know that in just three short days (even though it feels like a hundered years) Hunter has gained much more strength and energy to be able to eat when we feed him. 

Today we hit the BIGGEST marker yet in his eating adventures. At his 4pm feeding, baby Hunter was able to get all 50ml from the breast/bottle. NO FEEDING TUBE! With Grandma Shelley's amazing touch, he was able to finish off the whole bottle after he "tired" of breast feeding.

What a wonderful feeling to know that our little guy TOTALLY has it in him to be eating on his own and know that we are well on our way to taking him home.

 

Now, in order for Hunter to come home he has to be off of the feeding tube for at least 24 hours and gain weight.

Tonight when we went to feed him again, he only took 30ml from the breast/bottle and had to be fed the rest throught the tube. BLAH! Just when we think that we are taking HUGE leaps forward, we take a big hop back.

Like I have said before, our wonderful nurses have been so encouraging throughout the whole time Hunter has been in the NICU and our nurse tonight reassured us that 30ml was still AMAZING and that he is still well on his way to going home. We are constantly reminded also that our little guy is still working on developing some of these skills that are developed in the last few weeks of pregnancy. She reminded us that he is still supposed to be inside all cooped up and not using these sucking and eating muscles yet. She said to be patient and it will come. (Also that its's better to keep him here now and get him all set then take him home and have to bring him back when things get worse)

We have been so blessed that our little guy is doing so well. The first couple of days were really scary as we realized our first baby experience was not going to be that magical moment we had been planing for the last 9 months.

Hunter really is making great progress and we know that we will be able to bring him home in no time.

With the eating thing well on its way the doctors have also reassured us that all of Hunter's other vital signs are working well. His breathing and blood sugar are both under control. 

The doctors had also been monitoring a small irregular heart beat that was noticed in the first day. Two different tests were run to see what was wrong and after being reviewed it was found that it was not a structural problem but an electrical problem (specifically his heart was sending out an extra/early little beat every 6th or 7th beat). The doctor said it is not effecting him now but may need to be monitored throughout his life. We were told lots of babies are born with some irregular heartbeat and that most (as far as electrical heart problems) can be fixed over time, with medicine or with a pacemaker later in life.

We were so grateful for this news!

Kevin was able to give baby Hunter a bath tonight. He did awesome and Hunter looked so great. It has been so much better without all of the IV's sticking out of his head. One of our favorite things is to get to see his awesome RED hair.

It has also been so amazing to see him go from the big scary bulky NICU bed to the smaller less scary Nursery bed. A sure sign he is doing better.

Everyday gets a little better for our little guy. We are so grateful that he is healthy and is quickly developing the skills he needs to grow and thrive.

We continue to be amazed at the love and support we have received from all of you and wish we could thank each and every one of you personally. 

Thank you for your prayers and love for us and our little guy and our new family.

Hopefully the next post will be a baby homecoming! 

Baby Eats!

This morning baby Hunter started eating! 

So far, he has been on an IV that has been keeping his blood sugar levels up since his levels were SO low right after birth. 

Yesterday, Dr. Fransworth the pediatrician that was assigned to us, came in to update Kevin and I about everything they were monitoring on little Hunter. He told us that is vital signs all remain good and he is breathing great and his blood sugars were level steady (because of the IV). He said that he wanted me to start trying to breast feed. Thus far we hadn't been trying because Hunter wasn't showing any signs of being interested in eating and the first time we tried it was so overwhelming for both mommy and baby. 

Right after he was born and it was discovered that his sugars were very low the nurses brought Hunter into me to try to get me to feed. Of course I had never breast fed a baby before so I was expecting/hoping to take it a little slow and get some direction. Instead, the nurses literally forced the baby on me and forced my boobs in his face. When he wasn't showing a desire they started poking him and doing all sorts of things that were irritating him and making me anxious. After just a few minutes they decided it wasn't working and rushed him away. 

I was left feeling helpless and scared. 

When the doctor told us he was put on the IV for the blood sugar levels I was relieved that it would be controlled but still felt like I wasn't able to do one of my fist jobs as a mommy.

Last night I was finally rescued from my feelings of helplessness to be able to feed my baby. The AMAZING nurse Jenn in the NICU called and invited us down before bed to go over what the doctor had planned.

She explained that the doctor wanted me to try and feed Hunter 3-4 times a day. She said that the nurses score the baby throughout the day and so far Hunter had really shown no signs of wanting to eat. The scale is from 1-4. 1- Being alert and anxious and looking for food. 4- Showing NO interest at all. Hunter had been a 3 since he was born. I explained how overwhelmed I felt trying to feed him at first and she said that we did not have to force it. 

We came up with a plan that instead of me just coming down whenever to see if he wanted to eat, she would CALL me when Hunter woke up and had his eyes open and was more alert and in the mean time I would continue to pump so we could get him the food through a feeding tube if he wasn't ready to nurse. 

I instantly felt good about this plan because I just knew little Hunter would come around and let us know when he was ready. And that is JUST what happened.

At 2am this morning I woke up to pump and as soon as I got everything hooked up, Jenn called and said Hunter was awake and to come on down. 

Kevin was asleep so I walked myself down to the NICU trying to motivate myself that baby and I could do this!

When I arrived little Hunter had his eyes wide open, was sucking on his pacifier and looked right over at me when he heard my voice! I instantly was hopeful. 

Jenn was so amazing and I was so glad that she took the time to help me get this little guy going (Unfortunately the lactation specialist isn't in on the weekend, but I think Jenn was awesome). I was able to take my time and try different positions until I and baby were both comfortable. Hunter eventually latched to BOTH sides. I was ecstatic. Not a ton of sucking once he latched and Jenn reassured me that it could take a few attempts for him to figure out the WHOLE process. She reminded me when he gets hungry enough let us know and will eat. 

It was such a good feeling to not only help my son start eating like he should, but also just finally to HOLD him and be with him. 

Since Hunter didn't actually get any food the first time he did have to be fed through the tube. 

Feeding Tube sounds so scary, especially in a little baby. You just imagine this HUGE uncomfortable nasty thing taken up his lung space. Luckily, the tube is actually a tiny little thing they put in his stomach through his nose and it just extends out a little over his shoulder. 

This morning we got a call from his new nurse, Nancy, that he was awake again and that we should come try to feed him. Kevin went with me this time and having the confidence from the last feeding I was so excited to see how he did. 

It was awesome! Hunter latched right away to the first side. I had actually just pumped so we weren't thinking he would get anything but Nancy got out the scale so we could see afterwards. He stayed on the first side sucking a lot more then the previous feeding and so it was really cool to see him really trying. We switched sides and it was like he had been doing this all a long. Nancy weighed him again right after he ate and based on the scale she said that he got 4ml during that feeding! Success! 

It was such a great feeling. Both Kevin and I were comforted to know our little guy is strong and is gonna start getting better real soon. 

This morning we are waiting for the doctor to update us on all of the tests that were done on his heart. The tests were sent to a specialist at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake so we have had to wait for her to review them. Waiting is the worst part, however we are so hopeful and at peace, especially since his successful feedings this morning.

Thank you for all of the continued prayers on behalf of our little Hunter. He still looks so good and we just know the Lord is watching out for him and hopefully soon we can take him home! 

Introducing...

Hunter Edward Ford

5 lbs 12oz. 18 inches long.

Born June 22nd, 2012 at 1:33am

My heart is overflowing with emotion right now as I write my first post about our little boy who has made it this earth. 

Little Hunter was born yesterday morning and it has been an incredible/scary/emotional/(insert any other feeling you want)

 24 hours since his arrival.

I would love to blog about the whole birth story, however my heart is taking me down a completely different writing path. 

First, an update.

Little Hunter was born at 36 weeks and 6 days and doctors consider this a Late PreTerm baby. 

Because of his 1 day prior to full term arrival, two NICU nurses were in the room to clean him off and check his vitals. His initial APGAR score was an 8/9. Awesome! But after a few minutes of monitoring, little Hunter started to show signs of some breathing issues (we were told he was having to breath quicker than normal). The nurses and doctor explained this was a common thing in premature babies, especially little boys. He was taken right away (well, after I got to hold him for maybe 12 seconds) down to the NICU for some closer observations. At about 7 am he was brought back to my room where I was able to hold him for a few minutes until the nurses wanted to try and see if he would eat. After several minutes of trying to stimulate the baby's mouth it was clear he had no desire to eat. 

After Hunter was taken back to the nursery (he wasn't actually admitted to NICU right after he was born) his blood sugar levels became dangerously low. At noon yesterday Hunter was officially admitted into the NICU. It was HOURS before we heard anything and when one issue would go away, it seemed another would appear. First it was his breathing, then it was his low blood sugar, then they heard a small heart murmur, then there was a hole in his lung lining and some spitting up.

I can tell you as a first time mom it is the MOST overwhelming feeling to not know what is going on with your little baby. Its incredible to me how just 27 short hours ago I gave birth to this tiny little thing and how I have only been able to see/hold him for maybe 3 hours total. 

The nurses at this hospital have been AMAZING and that has really put to ease a lot of my worries. When I say "not knowing whats going on" it is mostly in reference to which issue is the worst at the moment. 

Hunter stayed in the NICU and will remain there for at least a few days. His breathing is being monitored and he is connected to an IV that is keeping his blood sugars normal. The blood sugar medication IV is in his head and it is just the most awful thing to look at. Apparently he was moving his arms too much and blocking the flow of the medication so they had to move the IV to his head. He still hasn't shown a strong enough desire to eat yet so the IV is the only thing getting the little guy what he needs. 

The heart is still being monitored as well because of the irregular heart beat. An EKG was done on him last night and a cardiologist should be in sometime today to check that over. 

The lung lining is also being watched and doctors say that can go away on it's own, however they may need to poke a hole in his side and drain out the air if it doesn't. HOW AWFUL right? 

I finally braved up and went on my own to have some mommy and me time as dad is passed out on his little bed in our post partum room. I am so in love with my little baby. I can hardly believe that it has been just one day (probably feels like so long because he has been in the NICU) since I brought this amazing, strong little spirit to earth. 

I always knew he was gonna come on his own time and my heart is so full today (even more mommy tears) as I ponder the tender mercies of the Lord and little Hunter's incredible arrival THIS weekend. 

For anyone who doesn't know, today, June 23rd, marks the second anniversary of my brother's death. I can still hardly believe that for two years my little brother has been on the other side watching down on us. Our family has been so blessed over the last two years as we have faced this world without our brother and son by our side. 

For anyone else who doesn't know either, my sweet brothers name was Hunter.

When Kevin and I met, just 3 short months after my brother had passed, he had no idea that one the names he wanted to name a son (someday) was a name that I held very dear to my heart. 

When Kevin and I found out we were expecting our first child we both immediately felt if it was a boy his name should be Hunter. I struggled with this a bit at first, wondering how it would make others feel (especially my parents and my sisters), but continued to feel inspiration and reassurance that this new little baby was going and needed to be a Hunter. 

When we discovered our baby was indeed going to be a boy, I was instantly overcome with a new emotion and love for this little person who was coming to earth. I imagined my brother up in heaven teaching little Hunter all sorts of shenanigans and all the tricks to really getting under my skin. I imagined him also teaching him and reminding him how to love everyone despite their differences or medical conditions. I imagined him teaching him how to be a true gentleman and how to be that guy who could make ANYONE laugh. 

Over these last few days, in preparing for today, the anniversary of his death and thinking baby Hunter could come any day, I have really been touched to know that big Hunter and little Hunter were saying their temporary goodbye's as little Hunter made his way to earth. 

A small part of me always felt that baby Hunter would arrive close to this anniversary day and now that he is here and how his first 24 hours have just been such a struggle, I start to wonder what he and Uncle Hunter were up to.

I am so blessed to have a son. I HAVE A SON. Still such an incredible thing to say and I am still getting used to it. I am so blessed that my son has been given a name, a strong and powerful name to honor.

I am so grateful that the timing of little Hunter has really put a smile on all of our faces, especially as we pass another year since our brother has been gone. 

I am hopeful that everything will be OK with little Hunter. I hope that he can continue to get his strength and when he is ready, we can take him home. 

I am so grateful for my incredible mom who jumped on a plane within an hour of me calling her to be here for me. She missed the labor (a bitter subject, don't mention the name SOUTHWEST around her anytime soon)  but she is here and I am defiantly going to need her (probably more than before) because of little Hunter's problems. 

I am grateful for all of our friends and family and all of your kind words and thoughts through text, calls and Facebook regarding our babies arrival. Thank you. 

AND of course. 

I am so INCREDIBLY thankful for my sweet husband. For the father of little Hunter. For his incredible love for me and our son. For his strength and calmness and ability to wrap me in his arms as I cry or worry about our little baby. For his worthiness to be a priesthood holder and to give our son a blessing to help him along through these first days of life. 

Thank you again everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Keep the prayers coming and we will try to keep everyone updated as soon as we know something new. (It's a lot of waiting though we have discovered)

Welcome to the World Baby Hunter.

We miss you Hunter Blackstone. Everyday we think of you and cannot wait until we are all together again.

These are a few...

of My Favorite Things.  

Today as I sat around my house waiting for this discomfort and pain to go away I tried to focus on all of the positive and amazing things in my life. 

Just here in my home, I have so many things to be grateful for and things that make me smile.

 ||1. Colorful Clock. I got this clock during my Carriage Cove days. I fell in love with it during a shopping adventure to Rod Works while my mom was in town and is by far the COOLEST clock ever. ||2. Ergo baby. Our Ergo Baby finally came in the mail a few weeks ago and I cannot wait to tote little H around in it (Especially during our first family trip this Fall) ||3. Sewing Machine/Cricket. I love doing crafts and all though I have not mastered either the sewing machine or the cricket, I cannot wait to ACTUALLY make all of the fun things I have pinned on my Pinterest account. ||4. Kitchen Aid. Everyone knows how much I love to cook and bake, so it's no surprise this Kitchen tool is one of my favorites! ||5. Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper. My addiction. ||6. BareEscentuals. The most amazing make-up out there (in my opinion). Even on some of my roughest days (like when I stay in my bath robe until 5pm), just a little face powder, mascara and lip gloss make me feel beautiful. ||7. Over sized Bags. I'm a typical girly girl and I love love big bags! This new Nicole bag will escort me and my "needs" to the hospital when baby decides to make his debut. ||8. Owl. So silly, but this if my favorite garage sale find. $.50. It sits on my hallway table and its cute vintage little design is just adorable to me. ||9. His Side of The Bed. He always leaves before me and somehow is usually in before I am, but when I see his empty side it's just a reminder of the incredible man I get to crawl into bed with each night. (Sorry ladies, no pictures of him during our pillow talk). ||10. Baby's Going Home Outfit. Finally chose which outfit I want to bring Little H home in. He got so many cute things and I just wanted him to look handsome and be comfortable. I didn't wanna bring him home in PJ's either so this cute little baby Gap outfit is perfect. ||11. The Mr. This guy makes me smile everyday. Isn't he hot? This picture is from our Honeymoon in Cabo. I am so blessed to have him and he definitely makes me smile everyday. He has also been so, SO patient with his crazy hormonal wife this last nine months. Husband of the year award for sure!

Doctors Appointment tomorrow morning and I am tempted to go to sleep NOW so I can hopefully get more details on when Our Little may be planning his big arrival.

Happy Wednesday Readers.

Happy Father's Day.

For the last twenty four and a half years I have been blessed to be this man's little girl. 

Yes, even to this day I am still his little girl.

I am so grateful for my father and for his unconditional love throughout my life. He has been an incredible example to me as I have grown and been my knight in shinning armor during some of the toughest times in my life. It amazes me how he has worked so hard to provide for our family for so long and never complains (as long as he gets to work on his bus and watch NASCAR on an occasional Sunday).

Thank you dad for everything you have done and continue to do for me. For the love you have shown including the tough love when I needed to hear it. Thank you for so many memories you have allowed our family to make. Thank you for your smile, your silly personality, your crazy curly hair (which I am so lucky to have inherited), your loud voice, your beautiful voice (which again, so lucky I inherited). For your strong testimony and faith in the Lord and your courage and strength when things are tough. 

You are the hardest working man I have ever met and I admire everything you do.

I was not surprised to hear recently that the worlds best dad's make the world's greatest Grandpa's. I know this will be true in your case and I cannot wait to see your relationship with little H and all your grandchildren blossom as you are about to gain this new title. 

I love you daddy. 

This year I am also so grateful for an "almost" father in my life. I feel so blessed to have Kevin as the father of my children. He has been an incredible example and provider for me in the last 15 months of marriage that I just know he will be an amazing dad. 

I just love to see him talk to my belly and smile real big when he feels our son move. 

You are my best friend Kevin and I am so grateful our son and future children will be blessed to have such an incredible man as their father. 

I love you.

I hope you all take a moment to tell that special father figure in your life how much you appreciate them and love them. 

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dad's out there.

Wrapping up baby preparations...

Saturday marked 35 weeks into pregnancy and since I was born early and babies are known to come whenever THEY are ready, Kev and I decided to make sure we had the basics ready for GO TIME!

We spent the ENTIRE afternoon on Saturday running around Utah county collecting any baby needs we could think of. Kevin actually counted and we ended up stopping by SIXTEEN stores on Saturday (of course we couldn't get everything we needed or wanted to get at just ONE store).

We were able to get just about everything we thought we might need (as first time parents) for our little one's arrival. We were also able to get some MOMMY needs and pack our hospital bag.

Kevin did an AMAZING job assembling the car seat and stroller, the swing/bouncer and rock 'n play for our bedroom. It's very crazy to see the car seat installed in the car ready to go. A daily reminder that in a short few weeks there will be a third person in the car with us everywhere we go!

The Car Seat and Stroller.

This is Kevin's "Im a man, I don't need instructons" face.

The two-in-one Swing/Bouncer (solved ALL of our worries about a swing or a bouncer!)

Its a swing....

Now it's a bouncer!

The Pack 'n Play next to our bed.

We both realize that there will be lots of things we haven't thought of and things we need MORE of once baby is actually home with us, however we both feel we are pretty prepared for a first time mommy and daddy. Guess we'll have to see how we do when he arrives!

Final touches to the nursery were made this weekend also. We have all the furniture in place, clothes in the closet, changing table stocked and adorable room decor hung on the walls. It looks just like I imagined and I cannot wait to bring baby home and introduce him to his room, because lets be honest, it will probably be the only time in his life he has his OWN room.

I have a few projects planned to keep my mind off waiting for this baby to arrive over the next few weeks.

I am hoping to make a car seat canopy that has an extra added feature (stand by for my big reveal once I complete it. I am hoping it will be my first BIG "only a mother would think of that" invention).

Kevin and I also will be working on refinishing and re-upholterying the rocking chair in the nursery.

This is not just any other rocking chair and so we are especially excited to give it a little make-over so it fits perfectly in baby's nursery.

This rocking chair is the same chair my mother used with all five of her children. It is such a special experience for me to be able to rock my baby in the same chair my mother rocked me in 25 years ago. Obviously this chair needs a little TLC (totally loving the three different fabrics) so I can't wait to add my own touch and see it all finished.

I also need to make a cover for the changing pad. The changing pad is not a noraml size (I know, I've checked everywhere for a cover with the same dimensions) and so I will have to make something to cover this baby up. Hopefully I'll find a good fabric that matches the colors and is machine washable of course!

It's so exciting to think our little could be here literally any day. It has been crazy to watch friends have babies and see some babies come five weeks early and some babies come five days late! Just reassures me that this baby is definitely gonna come when HE wants and I just have to be patient (not my strongest skill).

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend.

Can you believe it's JUNE?

The Ford's are having a baby this summer!

 What fun things are you and your families doing? We'd love to hear.

The Graduate.

High School Graduate Mckenna Darby Goold - Classs of Twenty-Twelve.

This past weekend Kevin and I made the long 10 hour car journey to my home town to celebrate my sister McKenna's High School graduation. I am still in shock that one of "the babies" is moving on to her adult life and at the same time I am so excited for her. Miss McKenna has such an incredible spirit and personality that I am anxious to see what the next chapter of her life holds! I just know she will do amazing things in the years to come.

We also had such a great time as we partied (literally parties EVERY NIGHT) with the whole family and tons of friends.

It is always a blast going home and this weekend was a great last little getaway before our little joins us NEXT Month! I cannot believe that he could be here literally at any time.

Anyways, short post tonight cause I have a bout a MILLION photos to post from the weekend adventures.

Enjoy readers <3

On our way to California!

Photos of the Amazing eats we had (And always enjoy) when going home! 

Pretty Decorations.

The Graduation Girl.

Graduation Day! Congrats Del Campo Class of 2012.

Getting Ready for Grad Nite... In Disneyland. So jealous.

My Husband spoiling me the last night we were in town with a long awaited pregnancy craving for Leatherby's ice-cream with carmel. Too bad it made me sick :(

My 34 Week Photo!

A few  other random photo's taken over the weekend: