Ellen's Birth Story

The last four weeks have been such an amazing blessing.  The days have been filled with joy beyond all measure and also challenges to test our strength.  We have learned you can't earn your parent title without a little work.  :)  We love watching every precious move Ellen makes and our nights are filled with little sleep but endless cuddles. 

Now that Ellen has started to have more predictable patterns I have a little time to update my blog and share lots of pictures from the day Ellen was born.  I want to have a place where I can someday show Ellen how many people have loved her since the moment she entered the world. 


On March 1, 2014 I was extremely pregnant and wishing everyday to meet my precious baby.  I was recovering from an eight day cold that had made my last week of pregnancy very uncomfortable.  My Mom and Dad were in town.  Dad was back from California for the week.  We had been praying that baby girl would arrive before his flight left on March 2nd.  As the weekend approached it became clear he would probably miss the blessed event.  Or so we thought....


On Saturday (March 1st) I was feeling better and wanted to get out and walk as much as possible.  So Mom and I went on a shop until baby drops trip.  :)  We shopped for most of the day and had a relaxing Panera lunch by the fireplace.  It was a wonderful day and I even picked up a couple cute extra outfits incase baby girl was smaller then I had thought.  Little did I know this would be my last few hours pregnant.

This little purple outfit we took Ellen home in was a find on our shopping trip. 

That night Drew and I went to bed like always.  I collapsed after our long shopping day and I had no indication as to what was about to take place.  At 11:50pm I woke up to a strange sensation.  It didn't take me too long to realize that my water had just broke!  I woke up Drew and we called the hospital and they said it was time for me to come.  The weather was bitter cold and on our way to the hospital light snowflakes were falling.  It was a perfect night to start our parenthood journey.

This is a picture of me as we are leaving for the hospital that night!  I look a little scared.  :)

Once we arrived at the hospital it didn't take long for the nurses to confirm that my water had broken and it was time to get me checked in.  We were the only patients on the birthing side of the unit so we got rock star treatment.  Even though my water had broken I was only dilated 1cm.  With Mom and Dad in a hotel room in town we decided not to call anyone until more was happening.  We figured we all didn't need to lose sleep.  All night Drew and I walked the halls to try to get my body to start labor on its own.  However, even with all my hard work nothing was happening when the sun came up.  So at 6am they began medicine to start my contractions. 


After the medicine was started we began calling and waking up all of our family with the good news that baby girl was going to be born.  I was making no progress so we encouraged everyone to take their time coming to the hospital.  My contractions started around 7am (the medicine most certainly worked). 


At around 9-10am (I'm slightly fuzzy on the time) all of the family began arriving.  It was perfect timing because I was in lots of pain and in need of distractions!  We had lots of laughs and tears together anticipating baby girls arrival.  I can't explain how full my heart was at that moment.  We were surrounded by all those we love most!  It made our experience so special.  We have one amazing family!  For the record my Mom was with us but she was busy taking pictures.  :)

Nothing like photos between contractions.  :)  The hospital robe is not attractive but I love the memory of our family being with us at the hospital. 

The rest of the day was very uneventful.  The family came in and out and spent lots of time in the waiting room.  Drew and I tried to get rest but I was so uncomfortable I got little sleep.  By the afternoon I still had not made any progress but my contractions were very intense.  I finally got an epidural and got relief for a short time.  My epidural did not work in one spot.  The doctor tried to get me more comfortable but the pain did not leave. 

By 8:15pm I had still made no progress and my epidural was not completely working.  I was still only dilated 2cm.  The plan was for me to have my epidural removed and replaced.  Just before doctor came to replace it the nurse checked and I was 10cm dilated and baby was coming in minutes.  From that moment on things happened very quickly.

Ellen Elizabeth Henning was born at 9:10pm.  She weighed 6lbs 14oz and was 20 inches long.  Right after she was delivered she was put on my chest.  During the next hour she was with me and was able to nurse right away.  She was absolutely perfect! 

After such a long labor I was so happy watching Drew cuddle and love on her during the next couple of hours.  All the family was able to come in and meet her.  We were able to share her name and celebrate her arrival into the world! 

Ellen is an amazing gift from God.  We are truly blessed to be her parents and we can't wait to watch her grow and change over the years.  Below are pictures from the greatest day of our life.  We will treasure these memories forever!  We love you sweet Ellen!

My first moments with Ellen.

Our new little family.

I love this one!  It captures all the emotions.  :)  Marcia and my Mom were both able to be with us in the room for delivery.

Ellen's fan club waiting outside the door for her arrival. 

One proud Dad!

It was so special that my Dad was able to be there for Ellen's arrival!  Answer to prayer indeed!

February Cooking Club

Last night our cooking club got together for February.  It will be a night I will always hold near and dear in my heart because the girls put together the most thoughtful baby celebration for me.  They made me promise not to write them thank you notes for the wonderful night.  So instead I'm going to write my thank you here. 

The girls put so much time and love into this celebration.  There were tons of handmade yummy desserts.

Adorable decorations!

Tons of gifts to bless and spoil baby girl.

And they even had a craft station where we made headbands for baby girl to wear. 

My most treasured moment of the night was sitting around the kitchen table hearing my dear friends give wonderful advice for this next chapter in my life.  It is advice I will carry with me always. 

Each of these women have greatly impacted my life.  They have shown me what it means to be a women of God.  We have shared laughter and tears.  Moments of joy and of sorrow.  It is amazing how God brought us all together!

So my dear cooking club girls...... thank you for your friendship, love, support and of course yummy recipes!  God's love truly shines through each one of you.  I'm lucky to be have you in my life. 

Baby Girl Nursery

Since finding out about baby girl I have been having so much fun preparing the nursery for her arrival.  From buying furniture to picking out small décor details I have LOVED every minute.  Now with her arrival a month away the nursery is set and ready.  The only thing missing is baby girl. 

Back in September we started the process by moving out all of the furniture in the bedroom.  The nursery had previously been a guest bedroom.  So sorry for anyone visiting us in the future.  It's only couches and blowup mattresses here.  :)  Drew and I both felt strongly about not painting the room.  It will be easy to change out décor in the future. 

Then came time for furniture shopping.  We bought our crib from Walmart.  I know what you all are thinking.  Annie HATES Walmart and you are totally correct.  However, I love a good deal even more.  Plus I had it shipped to store and sent my hubby to pick it up.  :)  Then we moved our big recliner from the basement up into the room.  I wasn't sure about it at first but all of my Mommy friends assured me I wouldn't regret a comfortable recliner in the nursery.  The last furniture piece I found was a small dresser that was in my parent's basement.  I painted it white with pink accents and her furniture was done. 

Here are a few pictures of her nursery. 

The pink flower picture on the wall belonged to my Grandma Ellen.  I have been saving it in hopes of hanging it in a little girls nursery someday.  :)  I love having a piece of her in the nursery.

I received so many thoughtful gifts for baby girl.  The bird cage stores advice cards that my friends and family filled out for me.  I love having them stored right in the nursery for me to read anytime.

Being a teacher I have MANY books for baby girl.  I'm not sure I will always store them on the shelf but for now it is nice for them to have a home that's not in the basement getting dusty. 

I was so excited about this picture frame find from Hobby Lobby.  It has a picture of Drew and I with our Moms.  I will add one of baby girl and I at some point. 

I still need to buy a changing pad so I guess I can't say the nursery is 100% done.  :)

This little girl will be one well dressed gal.  I'm afraid I may need to take up my outfits a notch to keep up.  Our friends and family were so generous!

I loved finding these bins to store her clothes we won't need for a time.  Plus I will have a place to put the ones she grows out of eventually. 

The storage bins are great for all her gear.  I like that they look organized but I can just throw everything in the bins. 

I know her nursery will change and evolve once she arrives and everything will no longer be in a perfect place.  However, it has been so fun getting her nursery ready!  Now we just wait for her to arrive!  One month to go!!!

Reeder Baby Shower

On Sunday I had SO much fun getting together with all of my Reeder friends!  Denise put together a wonderful shower to celebrate baby girl.  I was so lucky to work with such amazing people.  I miss Reeder dearly!  It was such a treat to get together and catch up.  Denise is an amazing party planner! 

We were SO spoiled with thoughtful gifts! 

All the wonderful treats!

This lady made me feel SO loved!  THANKS Denise!

Crazy kindergarten teachers!

My only regret is that I had so much fun chatting with everyone that I didn't get many pictures.  It was too much fun to stop and take pictures.  :)  It was such a fun afternoon and I miss all of these ladies so much!  Reeder is one amazing place!

Omaha Baby Shower

This past weekend we were spoiled again with a baby shower hosted by my sisters in Omaha.  The shower was at Chelsey's home and it was such a special morning. 

My sisters worked so hard and made me feel so special.  We had great food and I have had so much fun reading all the advice cards my friends and family filled out during the shower.  I will treasure them always.  My sisters know me well!  We missed my sister Jackie very much but she was there is spirit.  She was not able to come back from Portland for the shower. 

So many cute decorations!

All the yummy food!

Everyone signed this little onesie.  I love looking at it hanging in her closet!  She is one loved little girl.

This was my baby announcement.  My sisters had cute framed pictures of me as a baby all over.  It was such a personal touch!

Yummy cake pops made by my Mom!

We had lots of fun girl time!

Rita with her crew!  It was so fun to have Alex's family at the shower.

All of my wonderful journey group girlfriends!

My dear college friend Katie that came all the way from Iowa!

These girls have spoiled me like crazy!  They have come to two baby showers.  I can't wait to add another little girl to our crew of kiddos! 

It was a wonderful morning with friends and family.  I don't think one little girl could be more loved!  We are blessed beyond words!!!

Gothenburg Baby Shower

A few weeks ago my amazing Mom put together a beautiful baby shower for me back in Gothenburg.  We loaded up the car and headed out to Gothenburg for the weekend.  It was such a special time because I got to spend extra time with my sisters.  Rita came in from Colorado Springs and Chelsey came from Omaha.  It also worked out because we were able to see Dad before he headed out to California with the bees later that week. 

It was such a cute babee shower!  My Grandma Nana and her dear friend Helen came all the way for Denver to celebrate with us.  It was held at our downtown library and it so much fun.  We had great food, fun games and again baby girl was spoiled! 

I loved being able to see so many special Gothenburg friends that have prayed for our family over the years.  Gothenburg truly is one special place! 

 

It was a beautiful shower and we had so much fun!  The weekend got even better because we all got to cheer on our Broncos to a win in the playoffs together as a family!  It was one very special weekend!