Oh the sweetness...

As Don and I decided Dalayni would be our last baby, I have tried especially hard to savor every moment of her as well as with Makena and Brooklyn.  Not that I didn't before, but it is hard to believe I won't feel a baby move inside me again, greet another precious bundle, 2:00am feedings (oh wait, still doing that), picking out another name for a tiny person that is my complete responsibility. We are so truly blessed by our healthy girls. I love to hear their giggles and see their eyes light up when Daddy walks in the door. They adore him...however, they still want Mommy when Daddy makes them behave. It is just the opposite when he isn't here. Brooklyn usually asks for Daddy at least once a day.
B: "Daddy at?"
Me: "Daddy is at work."
B: "Working?"
Me: "yes"
B: "Want him!"

I am blessed to call them mine. I will never know why God decided to bless me far more than I deserve with such a wonderful man and three of the greatest girls.

Just a few things on each of the girls:

Makena: She is growing so fast. She retains anything she sees and a lot she hears. She is very observant and puts things together very quickly. After telling her I was writing a note to a friend because she was sad. She asked why my friend was sad. I told Makena her baby went to be with God (she knows this phrase because we have told her about Grandpa Don). She went on to ask why the baby died (a term a didn't use) and when could he come back to see his momma. She gets more than she should at 4 years old. God made her special. She will see things others won't. She will learn quickly by mimicking others because she watches so closely. She can write her name, knows her address, write most of her letters and numbers, and can count to 100 if you transition the 10s for her. She loves ballet and did very well this year. She is my princess. She loves to dress up and read princess stories. She makes up songs but doesn't usually sing them loud enough for anyone to hear, but sometimes I manage to listen closely enough to get a line or two. She can recite her memory verse at church every month usually after the first week. She loves both of her sisters very much. She is a helper to me with both of them. Love my big girl!!

Brooklyn: Energizer bunny. She giggles and she runs. She loves her Daddy. She has tummy trouble and eczema and it makes her grumpy, but we are working through those issues. She loves loves loves purses and bags. We were in Dillard's and found a nice purse she didn't want to give back after she got it on her shoulder. She did of course because 2 year olds don't get $100 purses but she did get a free purse from the nice lady at the make-up counter. She is passionate about life...usually abundantly happy or very loud sad/mad. She loves to sing and do any motions she knows or dance. She loves music. She has picked up on ballet from her big sister. She loves to make both of her sisters laugh as well as her mommy and daddy. Have I mentioned she has her Daddy's hair (what I have seen in pics)? It is so pretty and full of body and there seems to be more and more every day. She has never been a cuddler but just before Dalayni arrived, she wanted to rock at night and there have been a few nights the only way we could get her to sleep was laying on top of us. It was almost like she felt like she missed out and decided this cuddling business isn't too bad. :) Love my little giggler.

Dalayni: Oh the giggles that come out of my sweet baby. Her sisters keep her giggling a lot of the time. The big open mouth smile and big blue eyes will fill her heart. She is starting to try her luck at the army crawl. She is a rollie pollie sweetie. Her little hands grab anything she can reach. The feel of her sweet hand wrapped around your finger is amazing. She has the softest baby skin that can melt the hard parts of the day away. She has just started to cuddle. She nuzzles her little nose in my neck and grabs hold. Her soft silky hair on my cheek is the most amazing feeling. I put her to sleep today standing and singing to her and it was the sweetest feeling. Most of the time she falls asleep nursing or wiggles until I lay her down in her bed. It is special to a mom to be able to comfort a child and she gave me that blessing today. She loves her toes, which she just found a few days ago. Love my little Dalayni!!

Things to Remember

Just a few funny and sweet things to remember as we have started a new chapter in our journey.

Makena's prayer tonight: Dear God, thank you for our family. Help Brooklyn to go poop (she has had tummy trouble). Help Riggins not get his feet muddy. Thank you for God, Jesus and Grandpa Don.

Watching old reruns of friends while recovering from a c-section not the best idea. You might end up screaming at your husband to turn it off because your incision hurts so bad.

My precious big girls wanted to hold thei baby sister. As Brooklyn would say "hold it, hold it".

Makena's sweet voice singing. She makes up her own songs which usually have hand motions too. She also sings to Dalayni.

Sister Time

The girls came to see baby Dalayni in the hospital each day. It took Brooklyn a bit to warm up but before too long she wanted her time to "hold it" too. Brooklyn continues to want to hold her but she wants her to be up on her shoulder. Makena was hands on from the start.

Arrival of Princess #3

Thursday, March 7, 2013 started out on only a few hours sleep. When I got up, I was relieved that we had made it to 40 weeks and to our chosen day. Two of our three girls were going to be born on their due date. I was having some contractions but certainly not full blown labor, just strong braxton hicks contractions. Grammie had come to visit for a few days prior to help take some of the work off me and to help get us to Thursday with no surprises. Granny B and Pawpaw arrived the night before so they could keep the girls during our big day and following weekend.

Granny B, Pawpaw, and I took Makena to school at 9:00am. Makena had her big sister shirt and was excited that she would get to see her baby sister after school. We came back to the house and loaded hospital supplies and then Don and I were on our way to the hospitial. Since pre-op was commpleted the day before, we reported to the third floor of Las Colinas Medical at 10:00am.

Within the hour I was in my hospital gown and hooked up to monitors and IV. The nurse (it was a busy day so there was actually 3 or 4 nurses in pre-op) noticed my contractions were getting stronger and pretty close together, so she notified Dr. Ramos that she might want to go to the operating room early. Mom and Dad came in with Brooklyn before we were taken to the OR. Then Ron and Jeanette came in and said a prayer with us. I got a little emotional at this point. I was so excited to see my baby girl but still a little anxious about the procedure.  During our time in pre-op, Don and I finally decided on a name for our precious baby girl. Dr. Ramos and Dr. Taylor (anesthesiologist) came in to chat before we went down. Before too long we were rolling down the hall.

 

 

I walked into the operating room and Don waited in the hall until they got me ready. I noticed the clock read 11:57am. They got my spinal block in place and we were ready to see our baby.

Daddy waiting to go into the OR.

 

At 12:28pm, our healthy precious 7 pound 8.6 ouce 19 inch long little girl was born. Her name...drum roll please....Dalayni Reagan Carroll. 

Mommy took this picture of Daddy and his little Dalayni.

At 12:58, I was moved to recovery and they brought Dalayni in to nurse and spend time with Mommy and Daddy.

Mommy and Dalayni in recovery having some skin to skin time. She nursed like a champ!

 

Daddy posted our news to facebook before he went to tell the grandparents Dalayni was here. Oh the world of instant connections. I believe Grammie saw the post before Daddy made it down the hall. Here Dalayni is about 1.5 hours old (pics taken by Grammie).

3.5 hours old

Big sisters meeting Dalayni for the first time about 6pm. Brooklyn would not sit on the bed with me. So no family pics possible.

Sweet hugs from her biggest sister Makena.

 

About her specially chosen day. March 7th is a special day for many reasons. It marks the day two special men were born. Dalayni shares Grandpa Don and Great Uncle Bobby's birthday. Dalayni's name was also chosen to carry on the DRC legacy. She shares her initials with Daddy (Don Roger Carroll, Jr), Grandpa Don (Don Roger Carroll, Sr), Great Grandpa Carroll (Darwin Redwine Carroll), and Papa Doc (Doctor Redwine Carroll). 

Goodnight Moon with Grammie

The oldest grand kids went with Grammie and moms to see Goodnight Moon on Saturday at the Dallas Children's Theatre. We had a great time having lunch at Cici's, the play, and ice cream afterwards. Garrett woke up in time to see the three bears so he shared lots if scary bear sounds with us. Makena liked the singing and now really likes the book. I have to say though that the ride in Grammie's van may have been the highlight full of many giggles with cousin Caleb.

Only 10 Days

How time flies from 80 to 10 days left! I am sure all my want to get dones won't but I am sure all my need to get done are pretty much done.  My biggest girl is excited about her baby sister coming and my soon to be big girl still loves to give my tummy kisses and talk to her baby sister. Brooklyn still flashes her belly when asks where her baby is, which her big sister usually joins in on the giggling fun.

Emotions are all over the board these days. I am overjoyed as I think about holding my newest baby girl. I am a little scared when I think about the process of getting her here. I am hopeful when I think about the God who takes care of me regardless of my plan. I am overwhelmed when I think about 3 girls under 4 years old, but my heart over runs with blessings. The plan that this is my last pregnancy is very bitter-sweet. Sweet as I think of getting my body a little more back in order. Bitter as I think I will never carry a baby in my tummy again.  I am enjoying all the kicks and squirms...and no crying now, but I also look forward to the first cry, feeling those sweet little toes and fingers, and touching those squishy cheeks. It keeps me thinking about who she will look like and what her voice will sound like. What color will her hair be? Will she have hair? What color will her eyes be?

With only 10 days (or less) to go, I feel good but am a little slower each day. A nap is usually on my agenda, which some days I get and others we just fight through. Blood pressure has been great and not too much dialation up to this point. We go back to the doctor on Thursday for our final appointment before we go in on March 7th for our scheduled c-section.

Memories of today: Makena and I played catch with balloons after she got dressed in her Rapunzel dress and ballet shoes and had ballet class. She counted to 42 today only with the help of me transitioning from 29 to 30 and 39 to 40. Brooklyn walking around the house with her backpack on and holding her balloon, but of course there were no pants on and her hair flopping in her face. Also the giggly no pants girl running around "the circle" after dinner while Daddy prodded with "Where's Brooklyn".  Baby girl (no name decided yet) a few rolls and kicks, but no major contractions. We had a few of those last week after a trip to the aquarium with the girls.

Big Girls

Moments to remember. Last Thursday (February 7) was a big day for both girls. Brooklyn went pee pee in the potty for the first time. After many opportunities of sitting on the potty, she finally actually put something in it.

Makena learned how to add two numbers using her fingers to count them. It was fun to watch her learn how to put them together.

80 Days: Cherishing Everyday

My blog told me today that there are 80 days to go in this pregnancy. 80 days really?!? Yes this is already less than the 90 day plans we used to put together at work. What?!? I really have tried to take this pregnancy in a day at a time, but the days fly by faster than I can keep up. Relatively speaking this pregnancy has been pretty easy.  My body definitely shows signs that 35 is not the same as 25, wait I wouldn't really now what 25 feels like being pregnant. However, I have enjoyed the little flutters, along with the kicks and jabs that are well underway. I have continued to go to bootcamp 3 days a week and I think it has helped with energy. The 3rd trimester has brought some pretty severe energy loss, but I am still encouraged that I can do most of the exercises at bootcamp. We'll see how much longer I can keep going.

We are very excited that our third baby girl will be here soon.  We are hoping for a March 7th birthday but ultimately just want her to get here safe and healthy. It is hard to imagine what she will look like. Makena looks so much like me (minus the big blue eyes) and Brooklyn like her daddy, it is hard to think what this little one will look like or act like.  Last Thursday, she yawned the moment Dr. Ramos put the doppler on my belly. It was so cute and slow. She may have an 11am nap aready in her schedule.  Well I need to get in bed so I can get up for bootcamp. Praying for my baby's health and well being. Love you baby girl.

Stop talking

Makena was trying to pick out a dress to wear to dinner tonight and I guess I was nagging her (she is very particular about what she wears) because she told me to "stop talking". She wasn't looking at me so I wasn't sure what I had heard so I asked her what she said. She kinda looked back with her hand in the air and said "stop talking". She looked Luke it was stressing her out. I have to say I almost busted out laughing. I thought a 13 year old had moved into my 3 year old body. Seems as though we are going to have some lovely encounters in our future. Different method of parenting coming up. Love my big girl!!

Happily Ever After and I love you

Last Wednesday after bible study at the McCown's, I was putting Makena to bed and after we finished our prayer she informed me that she was going to marry Trevor and they were going to live happily ever after. Oh my sweet princess!

Brooklyn is just starting to really say more words (there is a lot of grunts and points in our world). She also love to give big hugs and smacking kisses. I was hugging her yesterday and getting lots of kisses and I was saying "I love you" over and over in between kisses and Brooklyn responded with "I u oo" with the same inflection I was using. Totally melts a momma's heart.

Trip to Granny B and Pawpaw's House

The girls and I met mom at the 281 cut off on I20 last Thursday to start their trip with Granny B and Pawpaw. They are scheduled to stay a week in Rising Star. So far Brooklyn has caught a cold and Makena is working her magic to get what she wants. Evidently, dinner on Saturday night in Cross Plains consisted of a few bites of pizza and a package of sour cream, which Pawpaw said put her to sleep. Guess that full tummy made her sleepy. Then they stopped by the store, Granny picked up some pudding and Makena proclaimed "I had a Great dinner.". She knows the drill. :) miss my girls but I know they are having a great time.

Helpers

My girls are turning in to quite the little helpers. Yes Brooklyn climbed up there and then big sis thought it looked fun. Don't worry this is not a reoccurring play place but it was pretty cute!

Last Day of Butterfly School

Today marked the last day for Makena at Butterfly School. She didn't seem to understand that it was her last day but I am sure she will miss it a lot...especially all the special time with her BFF, McKenna Fariss. Those girls totally crack me up. They chatter up a storm. I can't count the number of times Makena would put on a skirt or dress and say something like "I can't wait to show McKenna Fariss my dress or McKenna Fariss is going to love my dress." They have quite opposite personalities but such great friends. What a blessing!!

Tummy trouble

What I thought was a one time throw up mess in the car turned into a two day tummy bug. As we enter the garage at home on Wednesday after a wonderful morning at the library and duck pond Makena says "Mommy, my tummy hurts." before I know it there is vomit spewing from her. After getting her cleaned up and both the girls down for a nap I discovered Makena had eaten part of her Chapstick and therefore assuming our sickness would be short lived. After her nap, it started full force. Needless to say after a couple of days she now seems back to normal. Thankfully!!

Where has the time gone?!?!?

Five months, really?? I guess we have been a little busy and blogging was put on hold. So I am going to try to get caught up and keep up a little better going forward. So many events have happened over the last few months...Butterfly School, Ladies Class, Aggie Football, Coppell Football, Holloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 1st Birthday, and Valentine's to name a few! Whew!!

This is a preview to Valentine's Day and very representative of our little ones these days. Brooklyn is a busy little bee and Makena is still my little mother hen. I absolutely love the laughter that I hear on a daily basis with my girls.

Brooklyn's 1st Birthday

Yummy yummy goodness! From the tips of my fingers to the tip of my nose.

Here is a  piture of our set up.

 Mom, Why don't we eat this much more often??

 Three of Mommy's Monday night girls: Katie Jenny, and Dana

Jack and Daddy

Jason and Cora

Peek-a-Boo

"Mommy I am all done with my nap." Brooklyn was on her knees wondering who was coming to get her today. It is amazing the difference just a week will make. She is going from sitting to hands and knees and then back to sitting. She can crawl in a circle but hasn't decided she wants to go anywhere too far away just yet. I bet in another week things will be different.

Makena's First Day of Pre-School

Makena is attending Butterfly School at Riverside Church of Christ this year. She was so excited about her school supplies and even more so about her cute little backpack and lunch box. Here Daddy is helping her get her backpack on. She quickly decided it was too heavy.

Isn't she the cutest!??! She seems like such a big girl for two years old.

We arrived at school at first a little cautious as she heard the crying inside the room. However, we managed to "sort" her backpack items (lunch, sippy cup, folder) at the door and then hang up her backpack inside. I gave her a kiss and she imediately saw the magnetic blocks then I was no longer "needed".

She had a great first week. She didn't potty at all on Tuesday, but didn't have any accidents. She also didn't nap but she napped when she got home. On Thursday she conquered the potty and naptime. Go Makena!! I have mixed feeling about my little girl being gone but know it will be good for her to socialize for extended periods of time.

Dreams by Makena

It seems Makena has begun to have dreams and actually be able to remember them. Yesterday she woke up in a panic that she needed her toenails and fingernails painted. This morning she woke up saying "Can't find Grannie B" over and over. I asked her if she had a dream and she said "Yes, can't find Grannie B". She was certain Grannie was here and that she was missing. I asked her later if she was playing hide-n-seek with Grannie B and she said yes. Not sure if Makena even knows what hide-n-seek is but evidently Grannie B was really good at it.

Brooklyn - 7 Months

My sweet Brooklyn Kennedy is 7 months old. She weighs about 15.5 pounds and is healthy.

Sleep: She is doing pretty good now. She usually goes down between 8 and 9pm and stays down until 5am or so. She eats then and goes back down until around 8am.

Mobility: Brooklyn is learning the inch worm. She rocks back and forth on her knees but doesn't go too far unless she is rolling. Just a couple of days after turning 7 months old she decided to pull-up from sitting to standing in her crib. Her crib has now been lowered. She can sit up very well but can't get there from laying down just yet.

Eating: She nurses 6-7 times a day and is now taking solid food twice a day. She doesn't really love just any food yet but seems to like green more than orange colored foods. She has had avocado, banana, brown rice, apple sauce, peas, carrots, squash, sweet potato, pears, green beans, and peaches.

Sister time: She loves her big sister almost as much as her big sister loves her. Brooklyn loves to see Makena's big smile every morning. Most mornings Makena wants to "go see sister" which means she wants to go sit in her crib with her and make her laugh. Such sweet giggles!! Makena is starting to take things away from her so we are having to manage that.

Church: Brooklyn has spent the last month or so in the nursery on Sunday mornings. She seems to like it a lot.

Favorites: Pink bunny blanket, lamb noise maker, bug toy

Teeth: 1 bottom (the very first one!!)