Some sweet moments to share.

Kailey says to Ella while she is being nursed all while gently stroking her head
- 'I love you baby, you are so special'.

First time Kailey watched me feed her.
-'The baby is eating mommy?' 'Why the baby biting her?' 'What happened to your boobies Mommy'

First time holding her at home.
-'The baby wont bite my boobies will she?'

In the hospital.
-'Here mommy have a hug to feel better'
-'Here mommy, I help you feel better - putting a piece of Kleenex over my IV'
-'You got a sore tummy?'

*literally my heart was broken not being around my girl for that long. She felt it big time the 2nd night while she stared into my eyes full of tears begging to stay in the Hospital with me. Not sure if it would have been better to leave her home, but she did handle things very well until that good-bye. Nothing like rocking your world though to see that look of desperation. Soooo glad to be home. She has been so amazing and wanting to help with everything and anything Ella related. Love it.

**why the section?
-really wanted to try to have a natural labor, but it was not in the cards again. I went in for my routine check up and told him that I was feeling 'off' & having some tightening and he sent me to the third floor for a non-stress test and the monitor showed that I was having contractions every 5 minutes although I was not feeling them really - other than tightening. He checked and I was not dilated at all and there was no progress and with 5 minutes apart there should have been. There is a risk of hemorrhage at the scar location from the last one and he really did not feel comfortable jump starting things medicinally (it likely wouldn't have worked anyway given my past with Kailey, in fact I was worse off this time). So off to the OR for a 3pm section. Once he was in there he was so relieved we went this way seeing as I had an scar tissue issue at the incision point from the previous section and it would have been a distinct possibility that contracting any greater than I was would have punched through the scar given what he saw. Thank you for looking out for me up there!!! I know you were and I thank you cause missing any part of these two angels lives is not an option. With that - my tubes are tied and I will enjoy my 2 blessings to the fullest.

Little Ella (who I assumed was a boy) was born and sporting a sweet head of dark hair and K-bears chin. I was laughing I was so excited when I saw her. This section went so much smoother this time and I got to come home earlier than last time...thank God considering there were times where I didn't see a nurse for hours...I mean many many hours. I am in pain, of course, but I am in good spirits and love the nursing experience so far. She has a quick little temper on her - gets that from Jack (tee hee), but all in all she is really getting the hang of feeding. Not functioning on much sleep, but I am still on a 'high' from it all so I am hanging in there. Thanks to MOM and JACK {{{{hugs}}}, could not do this without them. CLOTHES!!!!! This gal is hooked up thanks to big sis.

Welcome Baby Ella Lynn Ruggiero

Born December 29th at 3:13pm via c-section.

Weight: 7 lbs.

Height: 19.5"

Kailey is an amazing big sister already!! Love watching her interact. Funnies to come later.

Party Animal

Merry Christmas.

I just wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas seeing as I will not have Internet access until after the 29th of December. I will miss all of you this year while we are waiting patiently for the arrival of our newest. ;-) We are settled nicely into our new house and I cannot believe what a distraction it has been for me. Now that things are under control I am feeling HUGE, SORE and TIRED and ready for the baby to come. Funny how that works hey?! Kailey is anxious about getting 'her baby' for Christmas. Everything we have (not many things since we have no clue as to girl or boy) is washed, diapers and such are bought and Christmas shopping is almost complete and it does feel better to know that we are somewhat prepared for this new ones arrival. I cannot believe how far in advance I was prepared for Kailey arrival...this time - not so much. My last day of work is coming to a close and I have very mixed emotions. Even though I work only 4 hours/day, it was 4 hours that I could rely on for having an uninterrupted pee and coffee break as well as adult conversation (for the most part...hahaha). I do not mean for that to sound selfish at all, but it is so hard to find that balance especially when you have been in the field for over 11 years. It just feels funny is all. Kailey will still being going to see Miss Kim for a bit in January as I am worried about her being away from her routine cold turkey and she really likes going to play with the other kids. I feel so emotional - I remember this happening last time I went on Mat. leave too. The time is here, I am really having another baby!!!! I AM HAVING ANOTHER BABY...GULP! Duh, like my reflection in the mirror every morning doesn't say it all, but holy smokes. hahaha.

36 weeks.

Been out of touch lately due to no phone/internet or TV at the new place, but all in all, this was a good thing as we are pretty well all done with the move - even pictures hanging. While I adore technology, it really can be a time sucker. :-) Our phone and internet should be up today with Bell installing Thursday. Our new dishwasher should be delivered today as well. I will be sure to post pictures and a movie/tour of our new digs. I am so happy with the new place...I love it totally. I love everything about it. Kailey is overjoyed and it took her zero time to adjust to the new place. She slept like a log the first night and had a ball helping set up her playroom downstairs. There is so much more space for her to roam around and do her 'menastics/gymnastics'.

Had another Dr. Appointment yesterday morning and all is still well. I have not gained any weight again and he is ok with that so far anyway. I am still barfing in the mornings I get the odd day off from that, but I am kind of used to it now. Only happens in the mornings and there is no warning. On an up side...my heartburn is nowhere near as bad as it was before and that means that the baby is on his/her way down. I am carrying lower now for sure and I resemble a beach ball with legs. Everything is out front. The heart rate of baby was 145 bmp, my blood pressure was 120/85 and the bump measures 36 weeks exactly. I cannot believe how text book this pregnancy is and I am happy for it. After Kailey's pregnancy and the miscarriage I think I am due. I just hope my plan for natural child birth goes according to plan.

Getting closer.

Dr. appt went well. Today was the GBS test - google it if you want to know what that involves...it is a lovely little test. Baby is moving down and measuring 35 weeks. Heart rate is 160ish and I am down three pounds, likely due to the fact that I have been getting sick periodically in the mornings. I am now on the weekly schedule for appointments. I cannot believe how fast this is going this time. I have all my appointments booked until after the due date. Sleeping is challenging some night and other nights I sleep solid the entire night.

I am finding moving is soooooo frustrating since I have had to take a back seat and anyone who knows me knows that this is next to impossible for me. I want so bad to be in the thick of painting, packing and moving, but I really have to talk to myself about not over doing it. Painting is complete now and I am in total love with the new place. Kailey is thrilled to have the space, has taken ownership of my jacuzzi tub in the ensuite and loves her 'Hannah Montana' room. The colors are sooooo not what I would have chosen, but she is thrilled beyond words and that is what it is about. Uhaul was picked up this am and Jack is busy clearing the shed, garage and deck before we get another dump of snow. We have the uhaul this week and the moving company comes a week from today to pick up everything that we couldn't take ourselves. All new appliances - stainless...yahoooo, should be delivered tomorrow along with the laundry set that was supposed to be delivered last week....grrrrrr. I will post a video tour and pictures as soon as I have some time and charged batteries. ;-)

34 week picture.

Yup, I think it is safe to say that I am pregnant...haha.