Keaton meets her big brother!

Our wonderful friends and Jensen's parents for a few days, Beth & Adam brought Jensen by to meet his little sister on Monday night. He was definitely intrigued by the sight of a baby, but we don't think he understands that this baby is his and will be coming to stay at his house! He cruised around the room and pointed to Keaton a few times, but otherwise was pretty indifferent to her. We LOVED seeing him! It's been a hard few days without him...we miss his cute little face and the funny little things he says. But he's been having a GREAT time with Beth, Adam and Addy and we're so appreciative they've been able to help us out so much! We're forever in debt!

Keaton is just perfect! We'll be leaving the hospital as soon as we receive the go ahead...we're packed and ready to go. We'll be home in time to get settled for Christmas and look forward to have our complete family together for this special holiday! We appreciate all the well wishes and look forward to introducing Miss Keaton to you all in the coming days and weeks. Wishing everyone a very happy and safe holiday!

Keaton Holly Gerda
December 20, 2010 at 5:15am
8lbs. 12 oz. - 21 inches

Welcome Keaton Holly Gerda

We welcomed Keaton into the world yesterday morning, 12.20.10 at 5:15 am. Mom is doing great after a very successful VBAC!

It all started with consistent contractions around 9:30 pm on Sunday night. Judging by her labor with Jensen, we figured we had plenty of time to get ready and maybe get a little rest before heading to the hospital. The contractions were noticeable, but not overwhelming and Monica was going to try and catch a nap before we headed to the hospital...Keaton had other plans!
Within the hour the contractions became debilitating and we had to scurry to gather our things, our dog Bailey, and get our neighbor and friend Beth on the phone to come sleep at our house with Jensen for the night.

The ride to the hospital was straight out of a movie. Monica was having intense contractions about 2 minutes apart, and I was speeding through red lights. On the way, I had to stop for gas because we were almost out, and we had to drop Bailey off with a family member (Andy) at a Costco parking lot.

We got to the hospital and checked in at 12:15 am Monday morning. The mid-wife came in to check on Monica right away to find that she was already fully dilated!!!! It was time to push!! We could not believe that within 3 hours of the onset of labor we were about to start pushing Keaton out! And maybe too late for the epidural.

The pain that Monica endured through each and every contraction was unbelievable. I don't understand how people continue to have children in places where epidurals are not an option. I can't fathom why women who have that option deny it!! Luckily, Monica was able to get the relief she needed and we were able to rest for a while before she started to push.

The experience of a traditional birth was amazing. We were not able to experience this with Jensen because of the emergency c-section. It was truly a life changing event to witness. Cara was there with me to help Monica get through the toughest moments, and I could not have done it without her knowledge and support.

Following an hour and a half of pushing, Keaton came out and my world changed all over again. A dad and his little girl...I'm excited we've started the journey.

Keaton's room

Pink has been added to the nursery and we are "officially" ready for Keaton's arrival!

The cornice board made by myself, my mom and Jamie.
Joe and I enjoyed some QT together as we hung it last night and put the finishing touch on Keaton's room!

I painted the letters for Keaton's room!

This is the wall above the changing table

Hanging with Jensen!

We enjoyed a fun night with Jensen! In fact, we're eating up all the time we have with him right now! He's at such a fun age (although I've enjoyed every age for a different reason)....He's able to communicate with us more now and everyday is a new discovery! In the picture above, we were playing Patty Cake and he was full of giggles! Before this activity, Jensen was mesmerized with my continuously growing belly and what is now my "outie" belly button!

It never fails that "Bailey" is one of Jensen's first words every morning! Bailey is constantly receiving hugs, kisses and cuddles:)

36 weeks pregnant!

We're almost there! 36 weeks down and 4 to go! I had my 36 week appt today with a midwife. I really enjoyed meeting with her. I've decided to have a midwife present during my labor and delivery. The midwife I met with today told me they have a 99% success rate with vbacs since they tend to be more patient and don't resort immediately to a c-section. Due to the vbac, a dr. will always be immediately available, but it will be nice to have the additional support of a midwife.
My measurements are right on and my weight continues to mirror where I was with Jensen. I don't have any swelling, but do have quite a bit of activity. I think she's getting a little restless in there! Her movement today caused a lot of contractions....not painful labor contractions, just a lot of tightening.
We have most of the major things completed on our checklist. We are still working on our emergency action plan for both Jensen and Bailey, need to pack our bags and get out some of the baby items from the attic. Other than that, we're just enjoying the time with our little man and each other until Keaton decides to arrive! I have one more thing to finish in Keaton's room and then will post pictures.

A family wedding

Joe's cousin, Jason got married on Sunday. It was a pretty outdoor wedding with a reception following at The Trolley Barn. We had a nice visit with the family!

Jensen loved feeding daddy!

Jensen update

Thanksgiving 2010

Once again, I've been bad about getting some recent pictures on the blog. It seems as though the last month has flown by because we've been so busy! Joe's football season went three weeks into the post-season as they made the third round of state playoffs! Go Hawks! They had a great year! We're very proud of them...and selfishly looking forward to having dad around a little more, especially with Keaton's arrival about 4 weeks away.

We had plans to travel to NY by way of Charlotte for Thanksgiving. Those plans changed when Hillgrove continued through the post-season. Instead, J-pa joined us at the Masterson's for a great Thanksgiving meal. And Grandma Swanee (who is turning to "Nana" by Jensen) came down for a visit the day after Thanksgiving and stayed through the weekend.

Jensen turned 20 months on November 17th. He's a busy little thing! He's obsessed with his ABC's and loves talking about them, looking at them, saying them, etc. His favorite letter is O and he looks for O's everywhere! His favorite TV show is Super Why and he often walks downstairs saying, "Why! Why!" He's adjusted to his new room and is enjoying reading his Big Brother book every night before bed. We don't think he understands that mommy's big belly means a baby is coming, but he says "brother" and "sister" and is very intrigued when he sees other babies!

Playing with the shapes

Happy Thanksgiving

Jensen laying with mommy on the couch! Probably watching Why!