Lady Violet Aurora

On the morning of Wednesday November 4th, a contraction woke me from my sleep, slightly more intense than my regular Braxton Hicks that I get early on in my pregnancies. I took note that it was a stronger contraction, but what I really took note of was the fact that they kept coming every few minutes. Sometimes they returned every five minutes, but some were much longer intervals maybe around fifteen minutes. Jon was a little nervous to take the Frontrunner clear up to Ogden for work, as it's an hour and a half train ride. However I felt so calm that if this baby was coming, he had some time. Jon had one more assignment he was hoping to complete for one of his judges, so I encouraged him to go to work but keep his phone close. ;) 

By 10:15 or so, the contractions were still coming frequently. Sometimes during the longer breaks, I was this close to jumping on the elliptical and getting some exercise in. Then a contraction would come as a reminder that maybe today was not a good day for working out. So just in case it was the real deal, I began organizing everything for my hospital leave. In between contractions, I gave myself and Amberly a bath, got us both ready for the day, finished packing my hospital bag, reminded my Mom where all of Amberly's jammies and clothes were, put the monitor in my parents' room, and tidied up the house. It was awesome and I felt so calm this time around! 

By 11:45 I had a couple contractions that took some concentrating to get through, and while talking with Jon on the phone, I had another more powerful one. We were deciding whether or not he should catch the 12:07 train to come home but that contraction was his deciding factor! He told me to please take it easy so he could get to me before anything too crazy happened. After all, he had an hour and a half train ride ahead of him!

Amberly and I ate a little lunch, and then my Mom and I decided to watch The Young Victoria. I did have to breathe through some of the more intense contractions but who doesn't feel calm watching The Young Victoria? I kept asking my mom if she thought this was real labor and she kept saying yes because this was how all her labors went. We both thought the baby would come late that night. 

By the time Jonathan arrived home I had been timing the contractions on my phone and only then did I realize how quickly we should probably get to the hospital! They were going on for over an hour, anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes apart and getting closer and stronger. So Jon and my dad gave me a blessing, Jon ate a quick lunch (I had to remind him to choke something down so he didn't starve like last time), we finished packing any last minute items, and even got Amberly all situated for my Dad to give her a nap. It really was very calm. 

We called Mama Ditto on the way and told her this was probably the real deal. In between contractions, I really was so happy and just fine. Being 38 plus weeks, I felt more than ready for this baby to come this time. I had to remind myself over and over I WAS NOT late going past 37 weeks which is really funny. I was just so uncomfortable the last few weeks, her head dropped low like Amberly's did and I was getting very little sleep.

They checked me in the triage room about 3:15 (the room that determines whether or not you stay) and holy smokes I was a 3, almost a 4 dilated! (wonderful news) and because it was my second baby, I'd been having contractions all day, and lost my mucous plug right before we left for the hospital (very gross term ha ha) they admitted me! That made us pretty happy! I had to take a few breaks on our way to the actual labor and delivery room because of the stronger contractions. Jon would rub my lower back and just let me work through them. I really was fine, I kind of wanted to go a little longer without the epidural but they said my doctor was on his way to break my water, which would really intensify the contractions. And this was my window because the anesthesiologist had a C-section scheduled in the next little while. It's still not a totally obvious decision for me whether or not to get that epidural...but it was so pleasant and so wonderful with Amberly. Furthermore, I'm totally afraid of what contractions would feel like unmedicated, with your water broken, at a 7 or 8 dilated. So we said a quick prayer and told our nurse to bring in the druggies. ;) 

When we first walked into the labor and delivery room and saw the little baby bed and the scale to weigh her, I just cried. That's when it hit me we were about to meet this little family member, this little person with such a strong spirit who has been so anxious to come since last January when I felt her prompting me. 

Doctor Terry broke my water after I got the epidural (a bit more pressure this time getting those meds in my back...yikes! But so worth it I'm sure) and gave me a tiny dose of pitocin which I think is why this labor FLEW by. A few minutes later, Baby's heart rate started dropping just a bit so my doc came to check me. I asked him if I should be worried and he said it could very well mean that I had progressed quite a bit. Low and Behold...I was an 8. An 8! It felt like I'd been in that room for 30 minutes (I don't know how long we were there, getting the epidural etc.) I went from a 3 to an 8?? My doctor was pretty surprised, so he just stayed in the room to chat and joke with us. He checked me maybe five minutes after, and I was a 9! Then they got everything ready for "Show Time" as Jon and I call it and started going over instructions for pushing. Soon enough I was a 10 and ready to go. I never pushed my button for more epidural, so I felt the pushing significantly more than I did with Amberly. A bit painful, but enough adrenaline can get you through anything! I have never wanted to be too numb to not feel in control at that point so I was grateful for that. I definitely felt her head, her shoulder, and her little body. Both times I have used the mirror, and both times I have had my baby out within fifteen minutes. After four contractions, we had a sweet little girl in our arms and I was in tears. 

It was so fast and so smooth. My mom didn't even have time to chill with me in Labor and Delivery. She took Amberly to my sister-in-law, and thought she had a few hours still before the baby would be born. In fact my mom assumed they took her to the wrong door in Labor and Delivery because she was told to wait outside with the nurse exclaiming "We're having a baby in here!" As my mom puts it, she heard laughter and then suddenly a baby was crying. :)

Have you ever seen "What to Expect When You're Expecting"? Jon and my little sis joke with me that I'm like the lady who sneezes and then her baby comes out. 

Jon figures we were at the hospital only 2 and a half hours or so before Baby Violet was born. We were surprised, as was my doctor who has advised me to come in much sooner for our third baby! 

 Violet Aurora Ditto

7 lbs 1 oz

21.5 inches

5:49 PM

Proud Daddy. He sure takes good care of his three gals. 

Morning snuggles the next day. 

Jon and I love the hospital stay. I know not everyone feels this way, but I am able to relax so much more at the hospital than at home! No chores, no tidying up to do. My only job is to snuggle and bond with my newborn and my husband. We call it the "Babymoon" and it's just the best.

Baby Violet looks like her big sister, only the lighter version with less hair. Her skin tone is much lighter, her eyes have potential to be hazel or blue rather than brown, we'll see. She is a cherub and we adore all her baby snuggles. She weighed 7 lbs 1 oz and was 21.5 inches long. She has chunkier cheeks than Amberly did and came packed with a squishy double chin. Those extra few days in Mama's body made a big difference! 

 Coming home!

We all know it was no coincidence that we brought Violet home to my family on November 6th, exactly one year from the day my brother Seth passed away. It seems this baby is a gift from heaven, and a very specific reminder that God is aware of us always, during both times of sorrow and of joy. My brother's girlfriend, Britney, held Violet for over an hour that day, a special healing balm for her soul during a difficult time. 

Amberly has done overall well with the big change, as long as she gets her personal Mommy and Daddy time each day. As Jon says, Amberly loves her new baby "85% of the time." :) It is a big change and we know she's feeling it. We're certainly in transition mode in our home and there have been extra tantrums thrown by this little toddler.

Behind the Name: I feel like this little Violet's spirit has been with me for a long time. It seems she was even around when I first brought Amberly home, because out of nowhere during the first few weeks of Amberly's life I almost accidentally called her Violet numerous times. I asked Jon if he liked the name and we never forgot it. Then when I felt a little girl telling me she was ready to come last January, I reminded Jon about Violet. We really discussed SO many names for the past nine months, and nothing else seemed right. She's just our Lady Violet. We love it. And Aurora means dawn, light or sunrise. We considered that as a first name for awhile but thought it would be better as a middle name. It's so rich and let's be honest, she is another little princess. "Hail to the princess Aurora!!!"

I kind of just look at both of these girls in awe. I will never cease to be amazed that my body can produce these little people, and I am so grateful. We adore our girls!

Baby Vivacious at 36 weeks

My Dear Baby Girl,

You are such a little wiggle worm! Seriously, your Daddy has the opportunity to feel your cartwheels every day and it is so much fun. Sometimes I just watch my belly move in awe as you dance and flip and jump around in there. Are you ultra enthusiastic about life? Are you going to keep me on my toes? Maybe the calmer temperament of your older sister can rub off on you...;)

We are over 36 weeks now and your Daddy and I cannot wait to meet you and see your little face! Everything is pretty much ready for your arrival. The extra crib is set up, your car seat and clothes and diapers are just waiting, and our arms are anxious to hold you and snuggle you!

36 weeks pic

 Flashback to 31 weeks

Your sister loves you so much already! We are really looking forward to the first moment you meet each other. 

We are so curious to see when you decide to come, and what this labor will be like. Amberly came right when I hit 37 weeks, but I'll be 37 weeks this Saturday and you don't seem quite ready yet. 

A few funny quirks about this pregnancy: I crave chocolate! So bad. I finally have succumbed to the temptation - just a half a cup of chocolate chips satisfy the craving. Yesterday and today, I even put a handful in my green smoothie to grind up! I just laugh at myself and tell myself I'll be more disciplined post baby.

I can only sleep with the assistance of three extra pillows. One for my back, one between my legs, and one for this ever growing baby bump. I wake up every two to three hours and my goodness is this body tired but it is what it is.

Today was the first day I really struggled to get through one of my kickboxing DVDs. I must have looked hilarious. Well, I made it to 36.5 weeks! I think my body only wants lower impact exercise from here on out. 

Baby Girl,

You are so loved by so many. Your Daddy says he can "feel the veil thinning" and I love that; I cannot stop thinking about it. I have been busy and stressed and rather anxious at times but your father is so soothing and so good at remembering the eternal picture. We are such lucky girls to have him in our lives!

22 Months

My sweet and sassy Amberly Girl,

Your baby sister will be here before we know it and I need to document your newest and latest, not to forget the very cutest, things that you do. 

Before I met your daddy, I had a vivid dream about my daughter who had dark hair and was extremely intelligent. Undoubtedly it was you, and that was when I first began to fall in love. :)

Exploring the rocks and beach at Canyon Ferry Lake, outside Helena Montana where Grandpa Ditto grew up

You make me laugh every day and you sincerely impress me every day. You love to be tidy and to organize things, especially your beloved books. You adore puzzles which has made nursery one of your new favorite places. You thrive in a structured, quiet place where you can contently explore new shapes and things. You seem to grasp spatial concepts very well and I envision you becoming some kind of engineer in your college years. You are very very bright!

I wish Daddy had taken a picture of the day you arranged all of his garments so tidily around your Pack n Play...Meanwhile I find little arrangements such as these around the house and it brings a huge smile to my face.

The library is your nirvana so I try to take you weekly or at least every other week during the summer. Whenever you're missing at home, I know that you are most likely in your room, quietly exploring your newest books we rented from the library. It's adorable.

More and more, you are becoming my little buddy and I am obsessed with this! You like to do the first few minutes of my exercises with me, and when I am not feeling super energetic and need a little break, I'll ask you "Want to watch our dancing show?" 

It's pretty fun for me that you're quite taken with So You Think You Can Dance! You love to sit in your "big girl seat" in the theater room right next to me and you are content to clap your hands and watch for a few minutes. Of course, you can only sit for so long until you have to get up and begin twirling yourself. (I totally get it!)

And so, you truly are becoming Mama's buddy, or as I often call you,

My Little Bestie. 

CHEESE!

End of summer snuggles at the pool. I could never ever possibly get enough Amberly snuggles!

Life still isn't perfect, of course. With your new developments come new challenges. I think our biggest challenge has been nap time ever since we had to take your pacifier away at 18 months. Your teeth look amazingly better and there is no longer a gap forming from the binky, but you have a hard time calming down for your midday nap. It tends to be a Mommy/Daughter battle most days. Even if I just leave you in your crib, you associate that with play time and you will not fall asleep on your own. I have tried for up to two or more hours and if you have decided you are NOT falling asleep, it's just not happening that day. It's pretty tricky, little one! Daddy and I feel like your naps are still so important. I'll keep trying but the bigger my belly gets, the less fight I have in me. So on the days you don't nap, you're in bed by 7:15 or 7:30. ;) At least you rock and sleep 10 - 12 hours each night.

Every now and then we have success, so I send a victorious picture to Daddy.

You have the funniest little personality. You seem so nonchalant about things in public, but when you're at home in your comfort zone your expressions, your babbles, your happy vibrant little self comes out. You weren't too thrilled about the pirate treasure hunt we did at the Ditto Reunion, but we still had fun. I think you were particularly concerned as to why everyone was yelling at each other in pirate voices...

Mommy and Daddy adore family time with just the three of us (soon to be four!) and we had some standstill moments on the lake in Canyon Ferry. Loved it.

Daddy is the only one I would trust to take you on a canoe ride this young! He takes such good care of his girls, I just love that guy.

The most common question strangers ask about you is (after they've raved about how darling and beautiful you are) "How do you get her hair to curl like that?"

It's all natural, baby! I admit, I'm obsessed.

The best is right after I give you a bath, how your curls really do fall so perfectly! 

Some things about life really are perfection, like your Shirley Temple curls. :)

You are loving nursery every Sunday! It took a  few months but they won you over once they pulled out the puzzles and this horsey.

Your love for your baby dolls is so intense, I can't help but feel hopeful for the upcoming transition ahead with your baby sister coming home. I often find you in your room taking care of Baby Jane. Oh your precious Baby Jane, now dirty with black toes and black fingers. She goes everywhere with us including the grocery store. 

Amberly and Aliya at the Mecham Reunion

4th of July Pagoda Firework tradition!

Last night and this morning you had some solid bonding time with your Nanna Ditto. You are so loved by all who know you, Amberly Faith.

This Daddy of yours is completely smitten of course and always will be. Your favorite game to play with Daddy is Hide and Go Seek, hands down. You also love when he throws you and tickles you.

Oops...sometimes we play dress up. I'm only a tad bit excited to put you in dance class next year!

Favorite Foods: French Toast, Chicken, Greek Yogurt, Watermelon, Corn on the Cob, Pears, Bananas, Quinoa, Daddy's Fluffy Pancakes (German Pancakes), Cheeseburgers, Carrots, Green Smoothies, ice cream

A few of your cutest words: "Purple"  "Baby" "EEAase!" (Please) "Cebo" (Cello) 

"Huh-II" (Hi) "Wah" (water) "Buh Buh" (Bubbles) "Bahbie" (Barbie) "Bah!" (Ball)

Favorite Books: "I'm a Big Sister"  "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"  "Calm Down, Little Monkey"  "Love you Forever"  "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More"   "Giraffes Can't Dance"  "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Other Nursery Rhymes"   "Princess Sophia"   "Bea at Ballet"   "Brown Bear Brown Bear What do You See" "Ten Little Bluebirds"  but the list could really go on for days!

And in case life gets crazy between now and your second birthday, just know that you are my little universe and I would do anything for you. Thank you for coming to earth and letting me be your Mama. It is truly the best job I have ever had and nothing has brought me deeper joy. 

We love you, Amberly Faith!

Love, Your Mama