The Allen Family: February 2010

So, this week was eventful one; full of wonderful celebrations and challenges. I started back to work on Tuesday and my sweet 5th grade students threw me a surprise baby shower. It was a lovely way to distract from the fact that I was missing my baby so much! I realized just how lucky I am to return to a job that I love, since working is a must at this time in our lives. As much as I love my job-I daily long for my precious hunny-bunny and am counting down the days to spring break, when we get to spend two more glorious weeks staring at each other and cherishing a laid back schedule. Speaking of schedules, this week was crazy! Thankfully, I made it to school on time everyday-but it wasn’t without its challenges! Pumping during breaks, rushing home for late afternoon feedings, and to top it all off, I GOT SICK!! It’s amazing how germy a classroom can be. I literally walk in the classroom after a break, and ZING, I’ve got a full-blown cold. Thank God for cough drops, Kleenex with lotion, and recess breaks!

This week also welcomed little Ellie’s 2 month birthday! Yes, I am enjoying the phase of life, where you celebrate each and every new day, week, month! I want to soak up every moment of her first year-as many have warned of how quickly the time flies by. She has already changed so much, and I can see her becoming more and more interactive each day. I am amazed at how much joy mommyhood has brought me, and yet, I know God must delight watching us live out parenthood in our own lives. For then we finally have the chance to grasp a glimpse of his joy in being our Father. This week Ellianah started cooing and singing up a storm! She loves to lie on her changing table and gaze out the window. She will literally sit there and talk (coo) for a good fifteen minutes without a care in the world. She takes after her chatterbox mommy I suppose.

My sweet husband, Jon is another topic I’ve been meaning to address. My fabulous husband of six and a half years is the most amazing father, friend and husband! I am amazed at his tenacity and commitment to his career! He is currently completing his third year of residency, and year two of his Orthopaedic Residency program at Loma Linda University Medical Center. This year is the most grueling year of his 5 year program, and with only 4 months and 7 days to go (but who’s counting) – he is still able to laugh, go on family walks to the dog park, help with the groceries, and remind me to let him bond and comfort our baby when she’s wailing in his arms. (Mr. Incredible theme music inserted here). He averages 80 hours a week, and I really don’t know how he physically does it! I’ve been a working mom for 4 short days, and I feel completely defeated – yet I look at this amazing man who gets up everyday at dawn, and returns at dusk, and he JUST KEEPS GOING. It’s in these moments I realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing reminder of how little I have to complain about. In the meantime, I think I’ll dust off the ol’ pom-poms and cheer him to the finish line!

Bless you all! Until next time…

We're back! I originally set up this blog as a way to get a jump start on something I knew I desired to do once I was a mom, (blogging) but wouldn't have time to set up once my little punkin' was here. So, now that she's here, I want to start blogging as regularly as I can to keep friends and family updated on the crazy life of the Allens. So, to start things off, here is my labor and delivery story for those who wanted details. Forgive me for being fairly blunt at times throughout the story-but I didn't want to forget the little details that make each pregnancy such a memorable and unique experience.

-OUR STORY-

I thought it would be wise to jot down the events that transpired that day that my sweet baby girl entered the world…well, actually, the TWO days that you spent entering the world! J

It all started on December 7^th when Daddy and I were going to my last doctor’s appointment. We arrived ready for a routine check-up, but to our surprise, our FANTASTIC OB Doctor, Dr. Balli, told me that I was at potential risk for Preeclampsia - and was being sent to the hospital for observation. “WHAT!!” I said aloud. After a completely normal pregnancy, I was not expecting this. I thought you were coming early! But, we went home a few hours later, and I stayed off my feet until it was time for you to arrive.

Your DUE DATE, (Friday, December 11^th), came and went and I was barely experiencing contractions. I remember thinking-“Whoa, this labor stuff isn’t that bad”. Well, that was because I wasn’t in labor, not even close. Your daddy and I decided that we should be induced since you were already 40 weeks, and we were fearful of you getting even bigger! The night before we went to the hospital, I remember praying all night because I couldn’t sleep - I was so nervous. I wanted everything to go smoothly-and with as little pain and complication as possible.

So, on Monday, December 14^th (my 30^th birthday), we journeyed to Loma Linda University Medical Center (where your Daddy was completing his residency) at 6:30am. I was placed in a room and set up to be induced by 7:00am. Daddy and I prayed in the car ride to the hospital that God would give us a healthy baby girl, would keep me safe, and if possible-would provide a smooth and fast labor and delivery. Dr. Balli checked me and said I was barely 1cm dilated, and not effaced at all. So much for “fast” labor. J So, I was put on medication that helped my cervix dilate and efface over the next 8 hours. But, you gave us a little scare when they first started the medication. All of the sudden, your heart rate was dropping, so the nurses rushed in and gave me a shot to help stabilize your heart rate. I had no idea-but Daddy knew the signs of trouble, and was worried for both of us! Thankfully-everything was fine.

As the day progressed, Daddy, Nana Bev and Auntie Shannon were my labor coaches and helped me get through contractions throughout the day. Around 6pm that evening, I decided it was time to get an epidural. The contractions were getting stronger, and I didn’t want to miss my opportunity. I was SCARED to death of that needle! But, I did great, and the anesthesiologist was awesome. Daddy was a great support! Once I was no longer able to feel the bulk of the pain, the nurses turned up the Pitocin to get things to accelerate more quickly. Dr. Balli came in to check me, and at 8:00pm that evening, I was still just barely at 3-4cm, but I WAS effaced and making progress! At that point, I knew you and I would not be sharing a birthday. But now you have your own day to celebrate! J

As the evening progressed, so did my labor. There were a few moments when I would start to sleep, and you too would relax-resulting in your heart rate dropping. Fearful of your heart rate dropping again, I decided not to sleep from that moment on until you were out! The nurses decided it was in your best interest to keep a close eye on your little heart, so they attached a small heart monitor to your scalp, while you were inside of me still! I continued to be checked throughout the night, and you were taking your sweet little time getting ready. You were definitely worth the wait though! Around 8:00am, Tuesday, December 15^th, I was really starting to feel the contractions-even with the epidural. Daddy said I was so tired, that I would start breathing “hee hee hee-hoo, hee hee hee-hoo” through my contractions while drifting in and out of consciousness. Dr. Balli was thrilled with my progress, but unfortunately had to leave the hospital to go work in his clinic. I was bummed because I really wanted Dr. Balli to deliver you.

Finally around 11:30am, I was nearing 10cm dilation, and the nurses began prepping me to PUSH YOU OUT! The time had finally come, and even though I was still very afraid-I was SO excited to meet you and enjoy you! Not to mention, I was done being afraid and fearful of every little thing! Around noon, I started pushing, and after a strenuous 2½ hours, I wasn’t getting very far! At this point, the OB doctor I was assigned explained that standard protocol was that a patient could push for 3 hours, and then it was time to have a C-section. Of course, C-section was the one thing I DID NOT want, and after being in labor for 30 hours, and 2½ hours of pushing – this was the news I did not want to hear.

As I started to cry in frustration and exhaustion, in walks Dr. Balli. Our Superhero to save the day! He was done working at his clinic, and after having worked 30 hours - had returned to the hospital to check on us! I was overjoyed! I knew Dr. Balli would help us complete this journey (without a C-section). I was exhausted, but Dr. Balli explained that he felt I could still deliver you with a little help. So, after a little prayer and a lot of hope, Daddy and I okayed the use of suction to get things moving. Dr. Balli applied a little suction cup to your scalp, and after 20 minutes of gold-medal pushing (if I do say so myself), you were on your way! Of course, I needed an episiotomy, and thankfully your Daddy knew the best type to have for swift healing – but it was worth every pain, every push, every moment to finally have you within reach!

“I see the head”, cried Nana Bev. That was all I needed to hear. I started pushing like crazy, and within a couple of minutes – YOU WERE HERE! Finally, at 3:54pm, Tuesday, December 15^th, 2009 – our sweet little princess-Ellianah “My God has answered” Rose Allen had arrived, weighing in at 7lbs. 11oz. and 20.5” long. (Of course, you were 7lbs. 12oz. once we got to the recovery unit, so Daddy likes to claim that weight instead). J Daddy clipped your umbilical cord and got to cuddle you while they weighed and measured you. (He got to hold you first too!)

After the nurses cleaned you up, they brought you over to me, and I got to hold you skin to skin for the first time! You were so tiny and peaceful and beautiful! It was like you knew immediately that I was your mommy! I have never been more proud and overjoyed in my life! You immediately started looking for “food”, a telltale sign you were definitely an Allen baby! :)

We were so excited to hear your precious little cry and to see your FULL head of blond hair! I knew that all of those months of heartburn (supposedly linked to hair growth) would pay off! You were just perfect, with the most piercing blue eyes, long fingers and toes, sweet tiny ears, and a perfect suction-cup hickey on the top of your head! Sorry Lovey! We both had a few bumps and bruises from the journey-but we made it, and Daddy and I are so excited to get to know you and love you and grow you up in the ways of the Lord who gave you to us – God’s most perfect and precious gift!

*Here are some of the scripture verses the Lord has given me throughout my pregnancy that I have prayed over you! We love you Ellie Rose! -Mommy & Daddy

Psalm 139:13-18 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Isaiah 49:1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth He has made mention of my name.

Galatians 1:15 But when He had set me apart before I was born...and had called me through His grace.

Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.