Thankful

I am so thankful for all the loving people in our lives. Our friends, Scott's coworkers, neighbors and family have showered us with support. We have meals being brought to us for weeks, which is SO appreciated. The meals allow me to enjoy our evenings, holding Faith Ann and playing with the boys. Scott and I have great evenings with yummy food, easy clean up and lots of time with our kids! We also have enough diapers to last us for months, along with many gifts that have showered Faith Ann!

We are literally living outside these days. Everyday, we bring out all the toys and the boys play for hours. Faith Ann loves the breeze and usually takes a great nap while we wait for daddy to get home. Then on the weekends, Scott is usually washing the cars or doing something outside which means that the whole family tags along! Our neighbors joke about how much time we spend outside! Faith Ann looked so beautiful in my Feltman Brother dress this past Sunday, so we had an impromtu photo session after church. I was taking pictures with my phone, and my neighbor ran over with his fancy camera to take pictures for us. Such wonderful people we are surrounded with!

We are feeling thankful! Especially thankful for our healthy sweet Faith Ann. She has graced our family and added so much love, joy, and memories! She has really grounded us too. We are home more than we have ever been...just simply spending time together. We aren't taking on as many commitments as we accommodate to our "new normal," which has been really refreshing and wonderful!! No doubt, we are out and about often too. We will also be busier as summer activities hit, but for now we are enjoying this transition period! Of course, I am SO thankful for my sweet boys. Hunter and Trent have taken on this change like champs! They have fallen into their "roles" as big brothers so perfectly. The unconditional love they have for Faith Ann is admirable!

8 Years Ago

Hard to believe that 8 years ago today, my mom passed away. Although that is a long time ago, I feel her more than ever! Having Faith Ann has made my mom's presence even stronger. So much of Faith Ann is based on my mom! Faith Ann's life is already full of stories and memories based around mom...her name, many items in her room (which I will post later), her baby book, her clothes!! I found that box in God's perfect timing. The box labeled "for Brandi's daughter" came into my life at the perfect time! It was full of my old Feltman Brother dresses along with other treasures. I put a dress on Faith Ann today in memory of mom...she looks adorable!

Years ago, I found mom's favorite nightgown while going through her clothes. I saved it, not knowing what I would do with it. That soft pink nightgown brought back many memories, I can still see mom in it!! I decided to make Faith Ann's baby book out of that nightgown. I used the fabric, buttons and lace from the gown to wrap her baby book! I LOVE the way it turned out. It is such a keepsake and will be a wonderful story for Faith Ann to always remember. Her nursery is full of items that were my moms, and I can't wait to finish her room and post pictures! I will tell the stories of each memorable item so Faith Ann will appreciate the love that has gone into her room!

You see, this is why I feel my mom more than ever. Her memory and presence is overflowing my heart as I love on Faith Ann. Mom and I were soul mates...we have been connected on a much deeper level from day one. My heart is so full!! Full of the feelings, memories and love I have for mom- and full of hope, excitement and unconditional love for my own daughter! We miss you mom...but Faith Ann is bringing your name, memory and legacy back to the forefront of everyone's mind. I have no doubt that you have already hugged Faith Ann. She brought me peace, just like your "Faith coin" brought you peace!! Faith Ann is my peace and comfort! I now understand the depth of a love for a daughter, and it has only made me love my mom more!

And by the way...Faith Ann's 2 week appointment was great! She is already a pound over her birth weight!! She is still sleeping wonderful at night, she gives us about 5-6 hour stretch! Her peaceful aura lightens my heart daily. She is so beautiful and special. She is starting to stay awake for longer chunks of time during the day. The boys and I love reading and singing to her while her eyes are open. Hunter is obsessed with her- obsessed! He sits on the couch for hours and just holds his sweet sister! Faith Ann, we love you. And today, I love and honor my mom's memory as I hug you!! May you always hold my mom's memory close to your heart!

One Week

It's been a little over one week with our sweet little girl. She is so tiny and perfect. Seriously, she is this piece of peaceful Heaven! I know we are still in that "sleepy phase," but I am enjoying this phase very much. She snuggles and cuddles...ahh, the best! She curls up on our chest and I can hear her breathing heavy as a sign of pure contentment, precious! She stretches and arches her back when she wakes, this is when you can see how skinny her tiny legs are!!

Right now, she pretty much eats and sleeps. She is eating like a champ. Breastfeeding is going smoothly and my body seems to have jumped right back into that mode. I am very grateful for this! We all know a full baby is a happy baby, and a happy baby makes adjusting to 3 kids a little easier!! Today is my first day alone with my sweet babies. Scott went back to work today. In a way, our days are smoother when Scott is at work. No doubt, our days are more fun with daddy- but, we function more like a 'well oiled machine' when daddy is at work.Faith Ann eats about every 3 hours during the day. She only eats for about 10-15 minutes...so I try to time lunch, snack, or a TV show during her feedings in order to occupy the boys. Regardless, being trapped in one spot for 15 minutes is going to be a challenge. Hunter needed me to wipe his bottom while Faith Ann was eating, and Trent was trying to open the refrigerator to get his water!! We will get into a system, but that has been the biggest adjustment for me so far.

Her sleeping is amazing! My boys were good sleepers, but Faith Ann is a rockstar. I am hesitant to write this because I know how fast things can change! For now, I feed her around 10:30pm and she sleeps soundly all the way until 3:45ish! She has given us 3 nights of going from 10:30pm-5:00am! Wow! She sleeps in a snuggle cradle thing by our bed that my brother let us use. It is amazing, she loves it!  Even though she is a great sleeper, I still wake often to look at her, wondering how such a tiny thing can sleep so long.

The cradle is lightweight and we move it around during the day. She also uses the mamma-roo, and likes to be propped on her tummy on the boppy pillow. We spend SO much time outside, so we leave the lamb swing in the garage so it is easy for me to pull out while the boys play. We do this everyday..the boys playing in the driveway while Faith Ann swings away. I have also used the sling thing that she is attached to my chest- this gives me free hands and keeps her close to me. So far, she doesn't prefer one thing over another, but she is a happy camper regardless of where she is. Of course, she LOVES to be held and on our chest. Scott and I just can't put her down after we put the boys to sleep...that is her time to be spoiled!

I have her 2 week appointment on Wednesday. Last week, the doctor said she was doing great and she was already back at her birth weight. She was slightly jaundice, not enough to cause concern but he said "a little sun won't hurt." Well, she has had lots of sun!! Faith Ann has lived outside with her brothers, and the neighbors love to see our family filling the street with adventure! I have noticed a little mark making its presence on her inner upper arm. Not sure if it's a birthmark or what? I will ask the doctor. We have been out and about a lot. Running errands with all 3 definitely takes more time. Loading them in the car, messing with the stroller, etc!! But, we are already on the go, and I know we will get quicker at loading up in no time!

Her room is slowly coming together, and her wardrobe is filling up quickly! Having a girl has been so much fun, and I know the fun will only continue. Most of all, a healthy baby is our biggest blessing. Oh my, I thank God daily for our healthy children!! She is so wonderful and beautiful! We are really loving this time in our lives!

Happy Mothers Day

What a gift I got this year! A baby girl for Mothers Day!! My first morning home was on Mothers Day, and I loved my first morning with our 3 kids. Scott and the boys made me breakfast, and they each got me a card. We ate a long breakfast in our pajamas admiring Faith Ann. The boys read books to her and showed her all their toys. They are such sweet brothers. Trent gives her lots of kisses and likes touching her head. Hunter just watches her!! He keeps his eyes on her with a smile on his face.

Then we spent the rest of the day adjusting to our new life. We played outside, took turns holding the baby, and just spent time together. Happy Mothers Day. I am one happy mommy! As our days get busier, they are also getting back to the basics. We aren't running around, we are simply spending our time at home as we find our new normal! I love it!!

In memory of Mothers Day...here is a reminder of the story behind your name. Why Faith Ann? This is the coin that my mom held throughout her sickness. She said that her 'Faith coin' gave her peace and comfort with Gods greater plan. She squeezed this coin in prayer during cat-scans and doctor appointments. She decided that regardless of the outcome, she was "Keeping the Faith." Ann was moms middle name. I told mom that I would name my daughter Faith Ann in honor of her strength, courage and trust in The Lord. So, Faith Ann...you and your name mean the world to me! Faith Ann was inspired by the most wonderful mother.

Headed Home

We headed home after 2 nights in the hospital. So, we loaded our stuff and tried to time it in order to surprise the boys by picking them up from a birthday party with their sister in the car! We had the perfect going home outfit for Faith Ann...the shirt that I wore home from the hospital in 1983! I found it while helping dad move- in a box with mom's handwriting "for Brandi's daughter." There are some treasures in that box that I am so excited to be able to use!! My mom stashed away items from my childhood...God knew that one day I would find the box and continue to make my mom part of my daughters life! So special!

Call me crazy, but I drove myself home from the hospital. My car was already there, so we loaded up Faith Ann, and I headed to the birthday party to surprise the boys. However, I was a couple minutes late- they already left the party. I was so frustrated! But, God had a better plan for our family of 5. We had the perfect homecoming for Faith Ann.

I rushed home before the boys pulled up. Scott and I sat on the front porch holding Faith Ann. The boys got out of the car and RAN to us to welcome their sister. It was a simple moment, but so wonderful. My friend captured the moment, and I will cherish the pictures forever. It was so heartwarming to see Hunter running towards us with a huge smile. Trent running behind him with his arms open. I will forever remember that moment...pure joy!

Her first day home was low key. We unpacked and let the boys just admire her and ask a million questions. We went on a neighborhood stroll to try out our new creation!! I am a big walker, so I invented a way to walk with all 3 kids and 2 dogs. I had the idea and Scott made it work!! We attached a bike trailer behind the double stroller. It is attached by a pivoting device that allows the trailer to turn with the stroller! It works perfectly, and I'm sure everyone in the neighborhood will think I've lost my mind! Haha, whatever...I love my walks!! Our first family walk was a success- the invention works like a charm! It is very easy to push, way easier than a triple stroller!

 Faith Ann is a great eater with a strong latch, very strong- ouch! She is a fast and powerful eater, but her eyes are bigger than her appetite! She fills up pretty quickly- leaving me uncomfortable at times. However, the pay off is huge...full belly means good sleeping! She eats about every 3 hours during the day. Then the past couple nights she has eaten around 11:00pm, then wakes around 3:30 or 4:00, then wakes again around 7:00 to start the day. I know how fast things can change, so I am enjoying this phase right now! As of day 4- she is very laid back. The word that comes to mind is "peaceful." She has a peaceful demeanor, which warms my heart because mom's "Faith coin" provided her with peace during her sickness! That is why mom felt so strongly about the word 'Faith'...it gave her peace! I can feel my mom more than ever with Faith Ann in my arms! Welcome HOME Faith Ann. You are welcomed with endless love. 

 

Welcome Faith Ann

Faith Ann Monteverde

May 8th 

10:53am

5.15oz~19in

It's a GIRL! We welcomed our daughter 4 days ago, and we are loving every second as a family of 5! Starting Wednesday May 7th, I started feeling my body in labor mode. I had cramps, no appetite, contractions. I carried out my normal day at a slower pace- knowing labor was around the corner. Sure enough, at 3am the contractions established a pattern. I let it go for a while and woke up Scott to tell him that "today is the day!"

I finally drove myself to the hospital around 7am because I wanted Scott to get the boys situated when they woke up. I got hooked up to monitor around 8am, and they confirmed I was in labor at 5cm and leaking amniotic fluid with contractions 2 min apart. Scott got to hospital around 8:30. My dear friend, Kristina, watched the boys and took Hunter to school. The doctor came in around 9:00 to break my water- since it was leaking, they decided to fully break it to proceed with labor.

The anesthesiologist came in and said, "I am about to be tied up for a couple hours in c-sections, so you may want to get an epidural now." I was hesitant because I felt like I was just getting setteled! He assured me that it was a good idea to grab him while he was available. So, I got my epidural around 9:45. I am so thankful that I took his advice...phew!!

The nurse checked me around 10:15ish, she said that I was 6cm. She was leaving to go pump since she just had a baby. She told me she would be back in about 40 minutes to check again. Well, the second she left...BAM, pressure! Hard pressure, like bowling balls were banging and twisting in my hips. I HAD to push that second!! Scott called the nurse right back in, she reluctently checked me since she just did. To her shock...I progressed from 6cm to 10 cm in just TWELVE minutes! WHAT??

That's when the scrambling started. She pushed a button and demanded all available nurses ASAP. She said, "I need all nurses- we are delivering this baby, no time for the doctor!" The nurses rushed in, telling me to keep my legs together until they got stuff situated. Amazingly, my doctor came barging in- placed my legs in the stirrups. She only had time to put on gloves, but I am SO glad she was there for delivery!

I pushed for 2 contractions. There was not that movie moment where the doctor holds up the baby and calmly says "It's a girl!" No, my doctor literally tossed the baby on my belly and had to get focused on catching my placenta (gross!) So, all the nurses were chanting, "what is it- what is it?" One of the nurses scrambled to open the legs and started running in place and screaming "It's a GIRL!!" All the nurses were cheering, Scott got teary eyed, and I was in a bit of shock!

I have to admit, it took me about 24 hours to really accept that I have a daughter. Obviously I was excited, but it just took me some time to wrap my mind around it. I was SO close to my mom, that having a daughter was like a rush of so many emotions. It took me some time to filter the emotions, but as the hours passed, I grew more and more ecstatic! Now, I can't hardly stand it...she is the perfect puzzle piece to our family!!

The hospital stay was pretty low key. We had some visitors, but we had a lot of alone time with Faith Ann. That quiet bonding time was so cherished! It started our life together in such a special way. James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above." Amen to that! Welcome to the world Faith Ann!