Pre-registering @ The Hospital and Tours

This evening Jeff and I decided to pre-register at the hospital that we will be delivering Aylin at. This way when show up at the hospital all we have to do is check in at the front desk and they already have all of our information. Saves a little time on the front end when you've got a frazzled mommy & daddy to be shooting through the front doors of the hospital! :) 

As well while we were there we toured the Maternity and Nursery area. I was very impressed with the facilities. Very nice large relaxed labor and delivery rooms. They showed us the monitors that they would use on my tummy to monitor contractions and Aylin's heartbeat. She also showed us how the bed worked and "comes apart" so that you have a mostly normal bed until it comes time for pushing, at which time the bottom portion comes away and underneith there are stirrups. Also a very nice bathroom and shower in the room. There is also a TV and DVD player in the room (although the nurse said don't count on the DVD player to work...)

The recovery room is a bit smaller and not quite as homey, but still very nice. The nurse said that the bed is a much more comfortable bed. There is a larger TV in the recovery room, and also a bathroom and shower in the room.

Then for the Nursery. The nurse explained to us how there would be a warmer unit in the delivery room and showed us how it works, and what all they do with the baby in the room. Then once the baby is moved to the nursery she remains in the same warmer unit and she explained what procedures they follow with the baby there. While we were touring there was a precious little baby boy in the nursery. Seeing the little guy in there just kind of brought everything into focus for me. 

I feel a lot better now knowing what we're going into as far as the hospital goes. Anyone who knows me well, knows that I like to have a plan or at least know what I am going into. I feel that at least for now I know as much as I can and am as prepared as I can be for the BIG DAY! I'm sure that there are plenty of things that I haven't thought about, or things that I have NO idea how they will effect me. But I'll save those worries for another day. For now, I am feeling very at ease with the situation, and what we are walking into. We are both very excited, and I for one am anxious to meet our little baby girl.

Aylin's Arrival: Labor/Delivery/Hospital/Home

A quick update on what our plans are for labor/delivery/hospital/home once Aylin decides it’s time to make her grand entrance!

We have made plans for labor and delivery, however all family & friends are welcome at the hospital after delivery and after I’ve had a little recuperation time for myself. Then, after we get home from the hospital, we really feel like it's best if we have help (getting groceries, cleaning house, playing with the dogs, etc.) for just a couple of hours a day that first week. We don’t plan to have guests overnight.

Call ahead before you come so we can try to keep traffic to a minimum. That way if someone is already here, or on their way we can plan on another day. We’d like to have “visiting hours” done by dinner time. That way we can have time to settle the house down, and try as much as possible to get Aylin on a regular schedule. This will make the transition once I have to go back to work, *Hopefully*, a little easier if we’ve got her on a good schedule.

We’re very excited, and looking forward to her arrival! We’re sure you all are too!

Quick Update

So I am down to weekly doctor appointments these days as the arrival of Aylin nears. And I ask my doctor "At what point over the next month or so will I be far enough along that if I were to naturally go in to labor, would the hospital let me proceed without trying to stop my labor and send me home"? My doctor's response... "Yesterday"! I was a little shocked there. But due to the fact that I am in my 9th month, and based off of our ultrasound almost 3 weeks ago now they are confident that all would be well if I were to go in to labor. So here's to hoping that she decides to come early and not late. I know, I know... I've been told a hundred times that usually one's first child never comes on time let alone early... But a girl can hope right? 

She is definitely growing. She's been exceptionally active today, and has nested mostly on my left side. Probably because I've taken the opportunity for a few cat naps today and usually lay on my left side. In either case, she's found that while balled up on my left side she can squirm and kick the backs on my ribs and other internal mommy parts and make mommy squirm. But she usually does well with a firm hand to the side of my belly re-directing her more towards the center of mommy's tummy. 

At this point I'm at the most fun stage of pregnancy of all... I cry at the drop of a hat... happy, sad, mad, or even just mentioning crying gets me misty eyed! I've got a great case of cankles, sore - aching - and sometimes down right unbarably painful hips, and last but not least the ever fun acid reflux. But it's all worth it to see this little girl from the outside just squirming around in my belly, and knowing one day soon we will get to meet her. God has truly blessed us, and I cannot wait to meet this precious baby girl of ours. 

Welcome to the Melton Family Blog

Jeff and I decided that since we have a large number of friends and family that we would like to keep updated on the developments in our new little family, that the best way would be with a blog. So with that in mind: Welcome! Our intent is to keep everyone updated with the goings on as we prepare for the arrival of Aylin Marie (Yes! We finally decided on a name!)

With every passing day we get closer and closer to finishing the nursery. We have all of our main furniture (Crib, Dresser/Changing table, Rocking Chair, etc). Now the difficult part is how to fit it all in the nursery and somehow not make ourselves crazy in the process! We've now got a plan in mind that *should* work well. We just have to find the energy and motivation to carry out that plan, which at present will be another day's work. Because as much as the nesting mother (-= would like to get it all done... I know there's only so much time and energy in a day that can be spent on such things. However we do still have plenty of time... or so we think!

Below are the latest ultrasound pictures, as well as some pictures of the crib and dresser. Once we get closer to completing the nursery I will post more. Also I have included the latest shot of me and my 34 weeks pregnant belly. Enjoy!

Above & Below: Aylins face

Above: Side view of her face, with her arm up to her face.

Below: Right arm, and left hand in front of her face.

Above: Right arm and left hand in front of her face.

Below: Foot

Dresser/Changing table.

Crib