Dear Shipley Lucille Moormeier...

TODAY, December 20th, 2012,  marks your 1 month of life. Where did these last 4 weeks go? They have been full of pure JOY. It seems like only a few minutes ago I held you for the first time, but it also seems like a life time ago....because I could never imagine my life with out you.

I've been meaning to write you for the past month...to tell you about the day you came into this world (YOUR STORY), but I could never break away from you long enough to type you this letter until now...I want to hold you every second of every day. For the rest of my days...November 20th, 2012 will forever be the most memorable, amazing, and love filled day of my existence. Your dad and I have been waiting for you for a long time. For the past 6.5 years of our marriage-we've dreamed of the day we would meet you. It took us a little longer than planned to have you...so by the time your due date was close...we were counting the hours until your birthday.

We went into the hospital on November 18th (39.1 weeks)  to be induced due to a medication I took during pregnancy for blood clots (lovenox). We had to time everything right with the delivery. We were excited, nervous, and giddy with the thought of meeting you so very soon. I was induced with cervadil and then pitocin. Things started slow. Your mimi and aunties Kelly and Ashley were there to support your dad and I. We were all having a great time...laughing...anticipating your debut. We walked the halls, I bounced on the birthing ball, and they snuck me some bites of cookies. :) By the afternoon of the 19th...I was no longer having fun. Labor became intense, painful; I was nauseous and it was hard for me to focus on anything but the end to it all. You stayed strong the whole way through..your steady heartbeat during labor was music to my ears.

I wanted a natural delivery so that I could experience it all and be involved in every moment of your birth. I made it to 8 cm dilated without any pain medication when my cervix became swollen from my body pushing before it was time. Your head was very low..both you and I were ready for you to come out...but my cervix was not. My dr. encouraged me to get a epidural for medical reasons so my body could rest and then we could try to push when I was complete. We all wanted to avoid a csection. I rested once the epidural was in, but it did not stay in. Somehow during my pushing it came out...and slowly but surely the pain rolled back in. I pushed for 2.5 hours with little progress...I was determined to push you out. I tried numerous pushing positions and your dad was such an awesome birthing partner. BUT....we needed some more assistance to get you out. Dr. S said he felt it was time to introduce the vacuum. Your dad and I were very scared. But Dr. Stewart and my wonderful labor nurse Carrie reassured me and eased my worry. I prayed over and over again in my head that you would come out strong and healthy and that the vacuum wouldn't hurt your strong and precious, innocent head.

With the use of the vacuum and some more pushing you emerged into this world at 4:19AM. Your first cries were so beautiful. I could tell that you have a gentle and sweet nature to your spirit. Your APGARS were 8,9. Your sweet body was placed against mine and we did skin to skin like I dreamed of so many times. I instantly loved all 7 lbs and 1 ounce and 20 inches of your little being. I feel like my heart doubled in size just for you. Your dad couldn't even talk he was so overwhelmed with love for you. I'd never seen such happiness in his eyes until those first moments he spent staring at you! Everyone in the room was cheering with tears, laughter, and joy. It was a feeling and beauty one can never imagine until they experience it. Your grand debut was breath taking!

My labor was not as I imagined. It was longer, harder, and full of obstacles I didn't anticipate. I left many of the less glamorous details out of this story (you can ask me when you're older). BUT we were blessed with an amazing support team, nurses, and a wise Dr who helped us through those long 30 hours from start to finish. I look back on that experience like it was magical...all the hard work paid off. I would do it all over again a 1000 times to have you! GOD answered our prayers and gave us OUR perfect baby!

We had a wonderful stay on the post partum unit (where I work) and we were spoiled by my marvelous co-workers. We made it home the night before Thanksgiving and we were able to give thanks with our family for our new life...YOU.

So SHIPLEY LUCILLE...this is your story. I can't wait to see how it unfolds month after month...year after year. Your sweet and gentle spirit makes me smile every day so far my girl!

Love Always,

Your devoted MOM

37 weeks and 3 days

It is funny to me that the last 9 months of my life has been measured in weeks and days. I remember this past spring when I could not wait to reach the 12 week milestone...then 20 weeks...now I've hit term at 37 weeks and we are sooooo ready to meet our baby girl.

I'm a big believer in the motto that "one can never be too prepared". Well I think God is  about to teach me a big lesson with having a baby. AS much as I try to prepare for everything she might need, every scenario that could unfold.....I don't think I will ever be ready for this amazing miracle about to enter our lives. I am learning flexibility already and that things won't always be perfect.  But Im starting to feel okay with the unknown...the excitement that we get to parent an innocent little being. What will her personality be like? What will she look like? What will her cry sound like? How will our lives change?

I'm often asked, "Did your pregnancy feel like it went fast?" Sometimes I answer that yes it flew by  and then other days I think back on it and it feels much longer than 9 months. So much has happened...I feel like I've grown and changed into a mother and Pete a father. I've grown a baby for heavens sakes... Can all this really happen in just 9 months?

Pete has been such a trooper the last nine months; especially the last month as my nesting has soared to a whole new height. We've deep cleaned every corner of the house, we steam cleaned the carpets, we've organized and rearranged and then did it all again, we've put many baby items together, stocked the cupboards, cleaned the cars, took a baby moon, attended our birthing class, and read birthing books. Tomorrow I'm having our air and dryer vents cleaned. HA. There always seems to be just one more thing that needs to be done before "she comes".

BUT my heart is becoming more and more content as each day passes. I feel a peace...Ready or not....our arms are open to hold little Shipley Lucille. As my friend Mel told me the other day, "Maggie-I really don't think you will care if your oven is clean when you get home from the hospital with your sweet baby!" Good advice!

My pregnancy has shown me in more ways that one what an awesome GOD we have! I cannot even imagine how I will feel after I lay eyes on her. The development and growth of a baby is ASTONISHING when experienced first hand...God's protection over mom and baby is OUTSTANDING... and the wave of love I feel in my heart is CAPTIVATING. (Can anyone tell that I'm super sentimental and emotional right now?)

In conclusion. . .pregnancy has been an amazing journey...one I hope I will get to experience again in my life time. BUT I'm ready for the next chapter. My heart skips a beat just thinking about my daughter. Lastly, we are so thankful for our families, friends, coworkers, and the day to day people we interact with  that have supported us, encouraged us, and gave us advice for pregnancy and parenthood. For example, the man at the pharmacy told me yesterday I'm in for a "magical" experience having a little girl! :) It has been wonderful having loved ones to share in our JOY!

So let the count down continue...It is less than or equal to 1 week and 4 days till we will meet S.L.M.! Prayers are appreciated for a safe delivery. I will write again with the news of BIRTH! :)

Family Bonding in Cannon Beach!

What a day! the three of us (Pete, Nellie, and I) or should I say the four of us (Shipley too) made a spontaneous day trip to Cannon Beach. Only one hour west of our home in Beaverton. . .it was quite easy to wake-up and say let's go! It was a beautiful day-90 degrees here in Portland and 70 degrees on the coast...perfect for a beach walk. Nellie loved chasing Pete in the sand and dodging the waves. I enjoyed a nice leisurely walk as I watched my ankles swell up. :) We made a stop at Bruce's Candy Kitchen for some of our favorite salt water taffy and then headed to the Wayfarer Restaurant for the world's best clam chowder. We were there about 3.5 hours before heading home so Pete could catch the end of the Seahawk's game. :)

It was a lovely outing that left us both smiling. We realized over dinner last night that our weekends before baby are very limited and our time with just the two of us is far and few between. I am 30 weeks and 1 day today...less than 10 weeks to go. We are more than thrilled to welcome Shipley into our lives-but we realize a special phase of our life is ending and a new one will be starting. We cherished the freedom of today...the good conversation...the laughter....and the relaxation of one of our favorite spots (the Oregon Coast). Today was one of those days we will look back on in 20 years with fondness!

Reflecting over left over dessert

As I sit here nibbling on a piece of leftover red velvet dessert from yesterday's lunch at The Cheesecake Factory with two of my favorite people... I feel very content and relaxed. My mom and grandma came to stay with us for the past four days. This is the ultimate treat for me!

Being the least crafty and artsy person there every was.....they help me put my ideas into action. They also sew, iron, and do lots of other things I'm not really gifted at.  We got so much done in the baby's room! It was rewarding and fun. They also cook, clean, organize, and tell me ways to better my kitchen. :) My grandma made one of her delicious casseroles, her famous french toast, and traditional pot roast and mashed potatoes last night. Baby and I got fattened up a bit. ;) Pete also truly enjoyed the home cooking!

In addition, they gave me some motherly advice I needed to hear.  "Rest up, drink more fluids, and relax....everything will be ready when Shipley comes!" The more pregnant I get-I need to remember that I can't keep going the same speed I always do. My mom and my grandma helped enforce this. I just wish they could move in until the baby is born. I love having the helpers and the time with them! Nellie sure enjoys their company too.

I am blessed with two wonderful women and role models in my life. Their tips, tricks, ideas, expertise, and advice makes me a better woman myself and prepares me for motherhood! Which by the way, I am growing more excited for every single moment of every single day.

Mmm the last bite is always the best! :)

little footprints, pink filling....many BLESSINGS

Little moments...little footprints.. like this with my niece Elle Grey completely made my summer. Hearing her little voice say, "maggie com here" as she would grab my hand ....was priceless. She would also point at my tummy and say baby or baby "shippy". My heart melted a thousand times just being around her. The last day she sang a song about me, "maggie, maggie, maggie, maggie, maggie, maggie.". I almost cried with joy!

Being with my family for a week at Solana beach was pretty rewarding. It is amazing how fast a week can go by, but how many memorable moments can be packed into that week. I cherish every single one.

We also got to reconnect with dear friends, celebrate my friend Mel's baby shower, and my sweet friend's also threw me a baby shower. It was an exciting week. Last but not least, we revealed the gender of baby moormeier. The filling was pink...Shipley Lucille Moormeier. We are proud parents of a little girl. :)

Beaming with happiness

We've already been home for a week and the routine of life rolls on...but thinking back on the many blessings of this past month keeps me smiling. 

Life is not always full of sunshine, love, and surprises. We all experience highs and lows. But life is beautiful in the good and the bad. I think finding this beauty and holding on to it is key. This month I have felt the beauty of life in so many ways..I'm holding on tight! :)

Growing mom and growing baby :)

Week 4-at our celebratory dinner

Week 8

Week 15

Week 18 and 3 days

For those of you who have been asking about my belly growth...here is a little preview. I added a few of my weekly progress pics. :) I'm 19 full weeks tomorrow! woohoo. We find out the gender of little baby mo on monday! We are so excited and we are doing a gender reveal party next Thursday in San Diego (more details to come). Almost to the half way mark and doing well. Resting up this weekend at home! Starting to feel little baby kicks and loving it! :)

I miss you so much Grandpa!

5 years ago today. . .My grandpa left this world. I said goodbye to an amazing grandpa, a role model, a wisdom giver, a friend, and someone who could always could make me smile and brighten my mood. I said goodbye but he is always in my heart. I think of him often...wondering what he would think about things or what his advice would be.

My grandpa was a huge part of my childhood and really shaped who I am today. He always encouraged me to be a nurse (as he loved math and science) and he is one of the big reasons that dream came true for me.

Things aren't the same without you grandpa, but we will never stop remembering you! Your brave spirit and your passion to be with Jesus truly touched me. I love you and am thinking of you more than ever today!

One of his favorite songs...a great memory I have singing with him...

---

1. What a friend we have in Jesus, 
 all our sins and griefs to bear! 
 What a privilege to carry 
 everything to God in prayer! 
 O what peace we often forfeit,
 O what needless pain we bear, 
 all because we do not carry 
 everything to God in prayer. 

2. Have we trials and temptations? 
 Is there trouble anywhere? 
 We should never be discouraged; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Can we find a friend so faithful 
 who will all our sorrows share? 
 Jesus knows our every weakness; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, 
 cumbered with a load of care? 
 Precious Savior, still our refuge; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 
 Take it to the Lord in prayer! 
 In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 
 thou wilt find a solace there.