Happy Birthday Whitney Ann!

Happy Birthday, Whitney!  Today, Aaron and I welcomed our first baby girl to this world at 7:51 am. Whitney Ann Pennington was born, January 23, 2013 at 7:51 am.  She weighed 8lbs and was 19 inches long. This is by far the most amazing miracle that has ever joined our family.  Aaron and I feel truly blessed to have such a health baby girl.

We delivered at Shawnee Mission Medical Center via a c-section.  Dr. Amy Giedt was my obstetrician who performed the surgery.  The night before Whitney's big debut, Aaron and I could barely sleep.  Well, I couldn't for sure.  My pregnancy had been such a wonderful experience.  I could not believe that in only a few short hours, I would be meeting this person who had resided inside my tummy for nearly 10 months.  On her birthday, Whitney was 37 weeks and 5 days gestation.  Due to previous surgeries, it was important for me to not go into a natural labor with contractions.  Therefore, we moved forward with a c-section.  I am not sure if I was more anxious about meeting her for the first time, or the procedure to get there.  Either way, I had never been so excited in my life.

At 5:30 am we arrived at the hospital.  We were checked in, IVs hooked up and patiently waiting for the procedure to begin.  My mom, dad, and sister could not stop texting.  All of our families were so excited.  One reason for the increased anticipation was due to the fact that Aaron and I did not find out the gender in advance, nor did we share any of our names with our family or friends.  I would highly recommend that everyone wait to find out the gender of their children until their birthday.  It is truly the most amazing present you will ever receive.

After an hour or so of receiving fluids and drawing some labs, I was taken to the operating room separately from Aaron.  In the room, I had a spinal epidural put in, which quickly numbed my body from the chest down.  It was the most bizarre feeling to not be able to control my legs and feet.  The medical team layed me down on the table, and brought Aaron into the room all dressed up in his surgical attire.  Shortly thereafter, the procedure began, and I felt some tugging and pulling, but that was it.  The Anesthesiologist stood right by my head and continued to make me as comfortable as possible.  Thank you!

Right before baby Whitney was born, Dr. Giedt asked me, if I had any final guess as to the gender of our baby.  Aaron guessed a girl, and so did I.  The entire pregnancy I really did not know what we were having.  I felt like I bounced between boy and girl.  However, at that very moment a sensation took over and I just knew we were having a girl.  As Dr. Giedt pulled our daughter out, I felt a sudden relief of pressure and soon heard her cry for the first time.  I was overcome with emotion and began crying myself.  I could not believe that after all this time of trying to conceive, our trials and tribulations including a few set backs, had finally led to this most amazing moment.  All the heartache and sadness that we endured over the last 3 years was completely worth it, now that we were able to see and hold our baby girl.  I was officially a mother and no one could ever take that away from me.  I have never felt such joy in my life and knew that Aaron felt exactly the same way.

The nursing team quickly cleaned up baby Whitney, while I was being put back together.  Aaron stayed with Whitney and video taped all that was being done so I could see our baby girl.  Aaron brought her swaddled to my head and for the first time I was able to kiss my baby girl.  She was the most beautiful, perfect, person I had ever seen.  It was love at first sight. 

We were later moved to recovery where we began to text the family to share our good news.  We texted my mom and told her that she had to come to the hospital to find out the gender and the name.  We of course told her that baby and I were healthy and doing well.  I am not sure how fast she drove, but she got to the hospital in record time to share in all the exciting news. 

Grandpa & Grammy Dix

Aunt Amy

Grandpa & Grandma Pennington

The rest of the day, I pretty much layed in the hospital bed, since my legs and feet were still numb and enjoyed cuddling, holding, looking at Whitney.  We had immediate family join us in the hospital to meet her too.  Aaron's parents Gary and Brenda even drove up from Meade to meet their new granddaughter. 

Whitney, Mommy & Daddy

January 23rd will always be one of the most special days in our lives.  Happy Birthday, Whitney!  Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know.

XOXOXOXOXO!!!!

Baby Pennington - Weeky by Week!

I thought it would be fun to share the week by week progression of Baby P.  I have had the most amazing pregnancy and been so blessed with good health.  I cannot wait to meet my bundle of joy.  It is so crazy to see how my body has progressed over the last 10 months.  I am so in love with the baby inside of me that I have not even met.  Thank you lord for giving me the opportunity to be a mother.  I am truly blessed!

Baby P Nursery - Finished!

Well, Baby P's nursery is all set for his/her arrival.  I am sure we will continue to add more flair and necessities, as we learn the gender of our newborn.  I think the room looks great!  It is nice to have the babies room, plus a play room all in one!  I can't wait to spend many hours with my little one in this room!

 

 

 

 

 

60 Years and Counting - Happy Anniversary Grandpa and Grandma Ward

Over the holidays, we had the chance to celebrate my Grandparents 60th wedding anniversary.  The actual date is not until February 22nd, but we had all of my mom's siblings and cousins in Kansas City for the holidays, baby showers, etc.; therefore, we decided to add in a celebratory dinner to honor 60 years of marriage. 

It is amazing to look back at all that has come about, because one man and one woman fell in love.  Through the years times were not always easy, but their love remained steadfast and they didn't waiver in their commitment to each other.  My grandparents raised 3 children, enjoyed 7 grandchildren, and now have 5 great grandchildren, with the sixth one on the way (Baby P.)  It is crazy to think how my life and my future children's lives may not have even existed, if it was not for them. 

 Grandma (Beverly) & Mom (Paula)

 

Uncle Mike & Grandpa (Bill)

 

Thank you Grandpa Bill and Grandma Beverly Ward for loving each other.  Thank you for raising strong, independent and successful children.  Thank you for loving me as your granddaughter.  If it was not for you, I would not be here, nor would I have the opportunity to continue to grow our family tree another generation.

Patsy, Grandpa, Mike, Grandma, Mom

I love you!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  This year, Aaron and I celebrated Christmas with my family in Olathe, KS.  I always love being able to stay in Kansas City over the holidays and wake up Christmas morning at our house.  Even if it is just Aaron and I, it feels magical.  It is such a great feeling to build our own traditions, especially as we prepare for Baby P.  Due to me being in the 3rd trimester, Aaron and I were restricted from any long trips.  I definitely did not want to go into any type of labor in Western Kansas.  No offense to the Penningtons, but there are not many options for labor and delivery units out in Aaron's hometown.  More specifically, there are none!

Pennington Christmas Tree

 

33 Weeks and 4 Days

 

This Christmas we enjoyed a nice and relaxing day. Unfortunately, Aaron and I were both battling a sinus infection, so we were pretty much worthless throughout the day.  Thank goodness for my Mom and Dad pampering us.  My parents, sister, Aaron and I started the morning with the traditional breakfast casserole. If you haven't had this made by my mom or me, then you should definitely put in a request. It is a fabulous treat. Every Christmas growing up I remember getting excited to eat this casserole. There is only one Christmas when we did not get to enjoy the casserole. That was the year that the casserole dish exploded on top of the oven. That story would require a whole other blog, so I will not go into how that happened here. As we enjoyed our brunch, we exchanged gifts and celebrated just being together. 

 

Aaron & Emily & Baby P.

 

 Amy, Dad, Mom, Aaron, Emily & Baby P. 

 

Of course Christmas would not be Christmas without a feast cooked by my Mom. Since we all went our separate ways for Thanksgiving, we opted for a traditional turkey dinner. It was absolutely amazing. We had all of the fixings too! Stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, hot rolls, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, you name it. All I can say is thank goodness I was wearing maternity pants. They do have their perks with the ever expandable wasteline.

 Christmas Dinner...YUMMY!

2012 was such a great year, and we are so excited to look into 2013, when we get to welcome our newest family member, Baby P.  Next Christmas, will undoubtedly be much different.  By then Baby P. will almost be 1 year old.  Oh how fun it will be to create new Christmas traditions and memories with him/her. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Maternity Photos

Aaron and I had a great time today taking some maternity photos at Moments & Memories.  We wanted a way to capture our pregnancy and love for each other, prior to Baby P's arrival.  The last time we had professional photographs was our wedding day.  It was so fun to celebrate our next milestone as a couple with some amazing pictures.

In just a few short weeks, it will no longer just be Aaron and me.  This scares me a little bit, but also excites me beyond belief.  Aaron and I love each other very much and look forward to sharing our lives with Baby P.  I know that as long as Aaron and I stick together and continue to put each other first, our love for each other will continue to strengthen and we will be able to take on anything.  I am so lucky to have Aaron in my life.

Let the Nesting Begin!

Aaron and I have been patiently waiting, but the time has come to clean-up the baby's room, or rather clean-out, as well as, patch and re-paint.  We (mostly Aaron) spent the weekend, patching, painting, etc.  Now the room is all set for the furniture to arrive.  I can't wait to see how it all looks in the room.  The bedding came in a few weeks ago and looks absolutely amazing.  The room is starting to finally feel like a nursery!

Now, many of you know that we are not finding out the gender of Baby P.  This makes it even more exciting.  While Aaron was wrapping up painting, I went to get a mani and pedi.  Every pregnant mama to be needs this type of rest and relaxation.  Well, I had my first prediction wagered from "Ha" my technician.  She looked at my belly and said..."It's a girl!".  We'll see if she is right.  What do you think?