BABY ZOE'S BIG DEBUTE, FEB 14, 2011 8:57PM

On Friday Feb. 11th, mommy felt the need to clean up her classroom and straighten everything as if there was going to be a substitute for the next week. I had this feeling all day, like I am going to have you "Baby Zoe" early, but not sure and wanted to be ready! I did not leave until 6pm that day and had everything set for just incase!

On Sunday Feb. 13th, mommy decided to clean the entire house (ok, well most of it). It was really strange and I could not stop! All weekend I had signs of labor but kept canceling them out because of this being my first time and not wanting false alarms.

On Feb. 14th, 5am ish, Baby Zoe decided to break my water. After I called a few people to check if this really could be it or if it is a false alarm; mommy was told to go Methodist Hospital! Before we headed to this hospital, daddy was sent to work so that 1.) Daddy could relax and set up for his sub 2.) Mommy could do her hair and put make up on and prepare any last minute items! Then we were on our way!
Below is a picture after Daddy found out, we are for sure in labor and my water did in fact break!
Daddy and I realized we have no pictures of him kissing you in my tummy, so here is our first and last picture before your arrival!

We love you so much and were so excited and anxious that you were on your way!!!!

Daddy wanted a picture of your heart beat! You can also see my blood pressure and my own heart beat, which was pretty high compared to my norm. I was pretty anxious and excited... so many things to think about and worry about on what is to come in this whole day in labor!

Mommy was put on pitocin to be induced because of her water breaking. I held on as long as I could but by 4:00pm (5 hours later), I ended up getting an epidural. Mommy has a fear of needles, so I got all worked up for the IV, which had to be done twice which made it even worse. So imagine how my reaction was with the whole process of a larger needle inserted into my back! Yep, it was a teary experience! I had the best support people there, between daddy and my awesome nurse Danielle to comfort me and keep me some what grounded.

So here is a picture of mommy, not quite as smiley as before, but still extremely excited to meet you!

Here is a picture of your daddy and I a little before you were born! Daddy was this best coach, support, hubby, friend, and soon to be daddy the entire time! Mommy needed oxygen quite a few times during the day because you kept playing games with us and your heart beat! Mommy also needed oxygen because I had side affects from all the medication and was a little anxious also. This picture was taken like 3-5 minutes before you were born!

Mommy started pushing at 8:20 to move you into position, you worked your way down by like 8:40.  Then we waited for Dr. Washington, lots of things went on at this time! There were like 2-3 more nursing staff in there ready for your arrival and prepping all needed thigns... At maybe 8:45 Dr. Washington was in there and telling me to push to get you on your way out!  It was like 3 pushes and you were out. You were delivered at 8:57 PM. "Baby Zoe Grace Menchey" 6 pounds and 15 ounces, 20.5 inches long!
What a beautiful baby girl! Mommy could not believe that such a wonderful gift from above came from me! I was still so worried about you that I kept checking if you were breathing and if everything was ok! Here is our first family picture!!!!

They cleaned my baby girl up and placed you in my arms! It was love at first sight! I have been dreaming of this moment for so long! I love you so much! Mommy will try to be the best mommy ever! I love you so much already and I just met you! Mommy will be here for you always and forever!

Here you are on your first full day!

Here is day 2 in your take home outfit! Our little Monkey!

Mommy is ready to bring you home! Daddy is getting the car! Baby Zoe, is watching mommy and her every move! You could not wait to meet you three brothers (doggies) and your new home!

Here is another picture for your 1st day, you were half a day old! The picture people came in to take pictures and we totally gave in to the whole experience! We have so many pictures to show you when you get older!

Here is day 3! Daddy loves holding you! You are definetly daddy's little girl!

Day 4, in the most adorable outfit ever!

Day 5! You sleep in the cutest positions! Sometimes we just sit and watch you! It's so amazing that you came from us! We love you and our so excited that you are ours!

Day 6, cutie pie having tummy time in the cutest position ever!

Day 7, all snuggled in her bouncer.

Day 8, picture day! We took you to get some really adorable pictures! We have so much to share with the world! You are so adorable! I have no idea how we ever made it this far without you!

Day 9, Daddy went back to work, so you were wearing an out fit that said, "Daddy's Sweetie!"

Dear Baby Zoe,

So far everything has been so wonderful and we look forward to each and everyday! May you keep growing strong and healthy! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Keep making cute sounds and sleeping in the cutest positions ever!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy- the proudest parents ever!

And by the way- I gained 27 pounds in pregnancy! And after almost 11 days post-pregnancy, I have lost 19 pounds and need 8 more to be at my pre-pregnancy weight! Wow, I guess drinking all that water, training for and completing a half marathon, and having morning sickness for 24 weeks, helped! I guess also not giving in to so many cravings and having so many food aversions managed me also! I am not in a hurry to lose the weight or even to get back in shape! I will just try to eat healthier and drink lots of water for the next few weeks before I start training again!

What a wonderful experience!

I loved every single moment of pregnancy and would do it all over again! Just later, I want to enjoy every single moment now with our new baby girl! We can talk about more babies, later... way later! lol

Love,

Happiest mommy ever!

Starting 40th week of pregnancy!

Baby Zoe,
Tomorrow is Valentines Day, so I took a picture of your very first Valentines! A really nice student that I teach got you the cute litte girl doll and decorated the bag for you as well! The cute little elephant is from your Grandma Rhonda. You also have a Valentine from your great-Grandma J. Moore on it's way as well! Everyone wants to show you how much they love you and are ready for you to be here!
Happy Heart Day Baby girl! May you learn that each and every day is a chance for you to express your care and love for the people around you! Valentines Day is a cute Holiday where we will get to spoil you with all the hearts and notes just like all the other 365 days in the year! Just remember everyday is a great day to share your love!!!
We love you and are waiting here for you! Be strong, stay healthy, and be happy Baby girl!

Here below is a picture of your new dresser that daddy has been dreaming about getting for your room! We found the perfect spot for it and now you are set until you grow almost taller than mommy!
As it gets closer to our baby girls arrival, I start thinking about this whole journey of pregnancy to date!

Baby Zoe,
Mommy and Daddy have been wanting you for what seems like forever! We were blessed in May with you in my tummy! It has been a journey to get you there but so worth it! Everyday we prayed and had dreams of having you and now we are a few days away from meeting you, the baby of our dreams! Here are a few things that took place with me while preggy with you so far!

In the First Trimester:

• I told Daddy about you by sending him a picture of a cute onesie! He was so excited and happy that it brought him to tears of joy!
• I did not crave any food what so ever! In fact, mommy spent most of her time nauseous and throwing up!
• I could not smell, see, or eat any milk, meat, or veggie products! I only ate toast for breakfast, rices/beans, and pasta for lunch.
• I took you to Arlington/Dallas area for a teacher workshop and Austin to see Laura!
• I was not able to feed the doggies because the food stinks!
• I did not like going into HEB or Walmart because it smelt gross to me!
• I did not run because I wanted to make sure you would be ok!
• I gained like 5 pounds and actually thought I was showing, but the pictures proved me wrong:-)

Second Trimester:

• I started teaching the new school year and was having really bad morning sickness still:-(
• I enjoyed eating Limon Lays Chips with Louisiana Hot Sauce, Cakester Oreos, regular Oreos, Hot Cheetos and Queso, Ginger Ale, Peppermint Gum, Belly Pops for morning sickness, decaf coffee, and bean/potatoe burritos.
• I could not feed the dogs, going into HEB, or Walmart!
• I was able to eat oatmeal for breakfast around 18 weeks preggy!
• I craved Cherry Coke and Cherry Dr. Pepper, but waited until Halloween to have a soda! (It was so awesome!)
• I still could not eat any meat products, but slowly was able to eat some veggies and fruits.
• I ran and walked with you in my tummy everywhere and anytime I got a chance!
• We took you to Chicago to see the Marathon, good friends, and Amy Stielstra (my 6th/7th grade teacher) from a long long time ago!

Third Trimester:

• I walked and ran the Rock n Roll San Antonio 1/2 marathon with you! Daddy ran the half also and beat us with his best time so far! Grandma Rhonda finished the half with us that day faster than before also!
• I ate meat for the first time without getting sick on Thanksgiving and have not stopped since!
• I finally got to eat more fruits and veggies without getting sick! Finally got to eat cereal and milk for breakfast! No more toast or oatmeal needed! Lunch everyday has been lean cuisines of all kinds!
• I could finally cook meat without getting as sick!
• I stopped eating Cakester Oeros and chips, but started wanting a lot of ice, Rootbeer, Blizzards, Cherry Limeades, chocolate marshmallows, and all ice cream more often!
• We took you to Waco to see your cousin Brianna and Aunt Nichole!
• We got to see you in 3D/4D!
• We set up, painted, and finished your nursery!
• So far I have gained a total of 26 pounds!

Take your time sweet heart! Mommy and Daddy love you and know we will see you soon!
Happy Heart Day!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

A Newborn's Conversation with God

As I start my 39th week, I start to get more emotional on the idea that our baby girl is soon to come! I worry about if everything is going ok with her development and health! I pray she is strong, healthy, and happy in my tummy each and everyday! All in all, I love her so very much! And am so excited to soon get this privilege of "PARENTHOOD!" It means the world to Joey and I!

Here is a document I came across from a church handout! Every mother and soon to be mother should read it! It is very touching and makes me cry every time!

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know their language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if Iam to leave you now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."


I love you Baby Zoe! Mommy and Daddy!

My feet are ready for Baby Zoe's Debute!

Today a friend treated me to a Spa visit for a 1 hour pedicure! It was so awesome and relaxing! When they asked me what color do I want... I paused for a while because I never really treat myself to a pedi! Then I turned to Elaine and said, "Which color do I want to see mid-air in stir-ups deliverying Baby Zoe!" It actually made everyone laugh! After what seemed like a lifetime decision, I went with a purple!

Needless to say, my feet are ready for labor... but is the rest of my body????

Baby Zoe,

Mommy got her toes colored just for you today! It helped get some of the stress off of me from work and to relax a little! I am so excited and can not wait for you to be in my arms! Take your time sweetie and come on your terms, when you are ready! In the meantime, mommy and daddy are getting everything together for you! I hope you love your room and all of the cool gadgets people bought for you to use! I love you so much and pray you stay strong, healthy, and happy in my tummy!

We will see you soon baby girl!

Love Mommy

37 Weeks down, Starting 38th week

Baby Zoe could come anytime in the next few weeks... I secretly hope two, Joey secretly hopes more! She is not due until Feb 20th! So maybe we have time to run around and get the last few items we need! At our doctor appointment Thursday, Baby has a strong heart beat of 141bpm! Below is a front view picture of my growing belly! So far I have gained 23 to 25 pounds, depending on when being weighed and what I am wearing! lol! This pictures makes me look so huge compared to the side view one!

Below is a picture from the side! I guess I am just huge looking... or maybe I just feel huge! I guess it doesn't really matter! As long as baby Zoe is healthy and has room in there:-)

I have been so busy at school that I have not had anytime to get myself together! I am a very proactive person, now all of the sudden the tables have turned and I am so behind! I have learned that being pregnant actually makes you tired when you are on your feet all day trying to impact lives and change our future leaders! I have learned that teaching is still easy for me when pregnant, but that the other additonal duties play a toll on me!

I have seen myself in the last two weeks go from happy pregnant teacher all around, to happy teacher in the classroom but stressed teacher outside the classroom with other things! This has been the hardest part for me... not being able to keep my chin up and positive outlook! Well I am almost there and will do my best these last few weeks! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! My students have my 100% and I may have to sacrifice in other added job duties... but my kiddos have me!

Oh, now back to the baby!!!!

I have washed all her immediate needed clothing and blankets! I have organized all of her clothes by size and arranged her room items! Zerique gave us another wonderful gift from her baby girl Zaelynn! A bouncer! Thank you so much!

I think we are pretty much set! Thank you so much Zerique for practically clothing our baby girl for the first 6 months and for the swing and bouncer!!! You made it so easy for us to make a list of other items we could use!!! Thank you to everyone that has helped us with your wonderful gifts as well for Baby Zoe! WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH CARING AND THOUGHTFUL PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES!

I feel good saying we just need a few things off our registry to be 100%. Here is my reminder list of things I need to go buy in the next two weeks or right after Baby Zoe is home:

-car seat head rest

-humidifier

-baby bath (or wash pod/tummy tub maybe)

-pumping necessities (pads, storage bags)

-car seat base (for hubbys car)

-a few pamper diapers (just incase huggies don't work)

-garage door opener (like 4 weeks after birth)

-dresser (can be later)

I am so excited! I don't want to rush things but can not wait to hold our baby girl!

Baby ZOE,

You are so very special to mommy and daddy! Stay in my tummy as long as you need! Keep growing strong and healthy for your big debute! We are here and ready to meet you and be here for you! We love you so much already and can not wait!!!

Love, Mommy and Daddy!

Starting 36th week with a Bang!

Awesome Baby Shower Jan. 16th- Hosted by Elaine and Brad Smelly Diaper Game was a hit! Baby Bingo Game was a really big hit, everyone was so engaged and competitive! lol Thank you for all of Baby Zoe's Gifts!!!! We are very thankful and most appreciative! We are blessed to have such thoughtful friends! Following are a few we got some pictures of! Homemade/sewn blanket from Mrs. Musick! It is so soft and beautiful! This one is coming with us to the hospital for Baby Zoe!

Painted picture by Glenda Harper! Thank you so much, it goes perfect with our nursery and is already hangingin in the room! We love it!

Very cute and tasteful cake! Very awesome colors! This what greeted us at the door as we walked in! It was a diaper wreathe! Cute idea and thoughtful!

Elaine thought of decorations that were more like take home decorations to be used for Baby Zoe. So everythign hanging on their stair case, chandler, door, and even fire place was items that can be used by or for Baby Zoe! Wow, it was such a sight to see! We were overwhelmed with how thoughtful and creative this was... and for us! Who would have thought? It was really awesome and we appreciate it so much! Did you notice the glass cylinders on the fire place also??? Those are filled as well! Thank you two so much for your thoughfulness and caring hearts! Words can not express how grateful we are to have you two as our friends and how much we thank you for all that you have done! THANK YOU!

Starting WEEK 36 with my hubby at my side at the baby shower! It was a very exciting day! From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank everyone who attended and all of your thoughtful and caring gifts for Baby Zoe! This baby, is the baby we have hoped and prayed for! This baby, is the baby we have dreamed about! This baby, is the baby that is loved by so many and will continue to be loved by so many more once she steps her little feet into this world! Baby ZOE, Mommy loves you from the bottom of her heart! She is patiently waiting for you to make your grand entrance into this world! Daddy is preparing everything for you so that you can be as comfortable as possible when you make this debute! He loves you from the bottom of his heart and is so excited that you will soon be on your way as well! Hold on, keep strong and healthy! Mommy and Daddy will be here when you are ready! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Thoughtful Gift

Baby Zoe,

You are so loved by so many already! This wonderful gift was on our door step for you this week! I love tigger and winnie the pooh themed things! Your whole bedroom is set up with this theme! This cute Pooh and blanket will fit right in! I know you will love it! It is so thoughtful that your Aunt Nichole and Counsin Brianna mailed it just for you!

We went to the doctor yesterday for our 2 week check up! You are doing awesome with a strong heartbeat of 141 bpm! You are moving your head even more closer and closer to you exit into this wonderful world! lol! You love to push your head all over my bladder and what feels like the area near my pelvic bones! You also enjoy putting your little butt up into the air causing my tummy to look lopside and cute!

Sometimes daddy kisses my tummy and makes a noise with his mouth and you move so fast! It feels so funny in my tummy! It's amazing how I can feel your every move! It is such a joy and I can not wait until I get to hold you in my arms!!!!

I love you so much and so does this world all around!

Stay healthy, strong, and happy! Mommy and Daddy will be right here waiting for when you are ready for your big debute!

Love, Mommy!