Zoe at 4 weeks

Its been a eventful 4 weeks. Gas is running rapid. I've learn the art of dodging pee and poop. And I am currently matering the art of baby massage and laying the baby down without waking her. Ahhhhh, the good life. She is absolutely beautiful and it's hard to tear myself a way from her. Even when she's pooping her pants. She's a joy to be around and I'm so blessed. That's why it's going to be hell on me because I've decided to go back to work. For the Saturdays of June and The first one in July, I am going to be in school getting my personal trainer certification. I finally found a classroom program that is compatible with my schedule. Then, I have to do a 30 hour internship. Which should be no problem since my trainer, who will eventually be my boss, is already on board! :). I thank god for my hubby and mom because without them, this would not be possible. Zoe is such a big part of my life. But, I have come to the realization that she can't BE my life. I love you, Zoe Nicole! :)

38 Weeks: Zoe Nicole Ampy

On March 25th, 2012, Derrick and I were at my mother's house when I felt a pain I had never felt.  I thought it was a contraction.  I did my breathing and went about our evening.  That night, sleeping was uncomfortable, but in this last month, every night sleeping was uncomfortable.  March 26th came around and the contractions were more frequent.  At first, I thought it was just Braxton Hicks Contractions.  But, then around noonish, I called Derrick and told him that I think these were real contractions.  I had my contraction counter on my ipad and my iphone so I started keeping record of the contractions.  I had also lost my mucus plug so I was a bit on edge.  By that night, my contractions were 10 minutes apart.   I called the OB and she said I could come on in. I convinced Derrick to take me to the hospital.  I did my hair, put on my jewelry, got dressed, and off we went.  Of course, we get to triage and they decide to check me to see how far dilated I was (which is a pretty painful procedure...she didn't even buy me dinner first--(thanks DSA).  My cervix was barely open and they sent me home.  March 27th rolls around and the contractions are stronger.  At 4 pm, I called Derrick to tell him my contractions were 4 minutes apart.  He said, he will be home by 5.  The OB told us that the contractions had to be consistently 4 minutes or less apart before they would admit me.  We called her around 5:30 pm and I told her that I wanted to come to the hospital.  Derrick took the phone to talk to her.  So, Derrick told me that we were going to wait until the contractions were more consistant.  I took a bath.  And while it did help soothe me for a little bit, the contractions were still pretty consistant.  So, by 8 pm, I'm screaming my head off!  Derrick finally says, let's go to the hospital.  My contractions at this time were definitely less than 4 minutes.  I felt so much pressure in my undercarriage!  Every couple of minutes, the contractions were coming.  I was in so much pain.  I put on a shirt and some workout pants.  Nothing was underneath.  My hair was everywhere.  When we got to the hospital.  I was really in pain.  They let me through security and the ER staff rushed me up to the Birthing Center.  When she checked me this time, I was 4 cm dilated.  I wanted DRUGS!!!!!  I could barely stand up.  My contractions were coming about every 2 minutes!!!!  I wanted my epidural!  SCREW NATURAL BIRTH!  I wanted my epidural!!! (especially since I knew that it wouldn't effect the baby).  By the time I got into my birthing room, the contractions were coming back to back.  The pain was serious.  I was so happy and thankful when I finally received the epidural.  I didn't move an inch.  And, I was still having contractions at the time.  When it finally kicked in, I was cool.  I asked how long would it be because I could have used a nap.  But they checked me and told me that I was 8 cm dilated.  Less than an hour later, I was pushing.  Mom came in just in time to see the top of my little girl's head.  Derrick was awesome.  He was a great coach.  He held my foot.  He kept me positive.  And, he told me what I needed to hear.  I love that man!!!  :)  At 11:38 pm...

Zoe Nicole Ampy was born.  One of the happiest days of my life.  I never knew I could love two people so much.  I love her Dad, but seeing her and him together, just made me love them so much more.  When I first saw her face, I was in total shock.  She's my baby!  MY BABY!  :)  She's so beautiful.  She's smart.  And, very spoiled already.  Between Derrick and I, and her grandparents, this child is going to be spoiled rotten.  I can't wait to watch her grow and change.  She's already trying to roll over.  She's smiling and cooing even though she's not "supposed" to be able to do either for weeks.  She's my lil peapod...who is growing a little bit each day.  Especially if she keeps eating the way she does!!!  :)

Every day, there is some moment that makes me realize that I am responsible for a little human being.  For instance, she pooped on me.  And, while the exploding poop landed on my hand, instead of getting grossed out and getting physically ill like I probably would have done prior to Zoe, I just cleaned it up and finished cleaning her up.  Afterwards, I just held her near me while we both fell asleep :)  When she spits up on me, no problem, clean her up, wipe it up, and go about our day.  The changes in me have been significant.  I just can't believe that the arrival of one little person has changed my life so completely.  And, I love it!  I love every little thing about her.  I love the look on my hubby's face when he comes in the room and she looks at him.  Its like he's melting inside.  I love seeing them together.  I love just holding her.  Smelling her.  Looking into her big brown eyes (that she got from her Daddy).  There is nothing like being a Mommy.

What really got me is that this year, I will be able to celebrate Mother's Day.  I'm a Mom!!!!  I'm just in a state of disbelief...not really, but it just blows my mind.  Its not like I would make a big deal out of Mother's Day, but its just the thought of one day hearing my little girl call me Mommy...it just makes me tear up thinking about it.

I waited on having a child because I wanted to be a responsible mom.  In my 20s, I still felt like a kid.  And, while I'm now 33, it wasn't until this past year when I felt like I was old enough and responsible enough to have a child.  I think that was probably the smartest decision Derrick and I ever made.  Now, while Zoe has changed our lives completely, the transition isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  We have the help of our parents.  Derrick pitches in like a champ.  Dirty diaper, crying baby, bottle feeding, no problem...that's his baby.  We need to go out, no problem...Grammy Beverly will gladly stay with Zoe.  Grandpa flew 30 plus hours from China to spend some time with his granddaughter.  Grandma Pill will be here in a week or so to help me with the baby.  Honestly, my family has been awesome.

I'm totally blessed.  Zoe is such a sweet and loving baby...spoiled, but sweet and loving.  I couldn't have asked for a better peapod :)