Mckell's first tub

We gave Mckell her first bath and she loved it! I think we will be giving her lots of baths because it woke her right up. We'll be using it as a way to keep her up so that maybe she'll at night... hopefully

Going home from the hospital and more pictures

Leaving the hospital.. She didn't like getting into her carseat, but she calmed down.

We're home! We're living in a duplex in Provo.

Flowers on the left are from my sweet sister-in-law Taryn and my dad and the roses are from Courtland congratulating me on being a new mommy!

We have her sleeping in our room in a pack n' play for now just to keep her close. I don't know when I'll put her in her crib in her own room..

First day home, the sleepless night showing in my appearance! haha

So Courtland has to be the cutest daddy ever. He is already teaching Mckell how to count, add, say the alphabet, and is reading her books. She's going to be a little smarty pants if he keeps this up!

Having Mckell home with us is so much better than the hospital. Wow! How life changes- so much fun... even the sleeping all day and staying awake all night. We're trying to figure out how to switch her schedule around!

Introducing our baby girl!

Our baby girl Mckell Riley Astill did FINALLY arrive Tuesday night 09.15.09 at 7:54 pm. She weighed 6lbs 15oz and measured 20 inches long.

Monday I went into the doctor for my visit and the plan was to induce me later that night but I still wasn't dilated so my doctor decided it would be best if we waited. He said if I hadn't gone into labor on my on by Saturday or Sunday he'd induce me then. I went home feeling extremely disappointed to say the least. But by about 6pm, I started feeling some unpleasant pain, not sure what it was. By 8pm, I decided they were contractions and were about 30 minutes apart. But Courtland didn't believe me, thought I was just faking because I wanted to go to the hospital in hopes they'd just keep me since I was past my due date. The contractions just kept getting worse and closer together and after hitting Courtland every 5 or so minutes from 2am to 4am, he finally decided we could go in. They hooked me up to the monitor, and watched me for an hour to see if I'd progress any (I was dilated to a 2). But after an hour, there was no more dilation so they sent me back home. I thought I was going to die- my favorite part was they said to go home and sleep! How the crap do you sleep when you're dying from contractions every 4 minutes! But we went on our way and got back home at 6am. I got in the tub to see if that'd help at all with the pain. Then my doctor called at 7am saying he told them to keep me at the hospital and was happy they sent me home and to go into his office right now and he'd check me and stretch me to get me going quicker. I was dilated to a 3 1/2 at his office and he said to go back to the hospital either right then but for sure by 9am. So we went back home, I died for another hour or so while Courtland took some quizes for school and headed back to the hospital at 9am. We got all checked back in and at 11am, I was finally relieved! I got my iv and epidural which is by far the best thing ever! No more pain! The rest of the day went slow, and by 7pm I was fully dilated and complete and began pushing. My doctor got there about 15 minutes before she came and had to do in his words, "a pretty bad episiodomy." But I didn't really feel much so it was ok by me, I just wanted her out. And here she is!!!!

I still can't believe she is finally here- what a miracle! It's weird because she doesn't look a thing like I'd pictured she would. I thought she'd have peach fuzz for hair and be super chunky like I was. We aren't sure where the dark hair came from- both Courtland and I had blonde hair- if I had any at all. But because she looked so different than I imagined, none of our names seemed to fit her. I was liking Ashley Nicole and Courtland was still liking Brinley Nicole... but neither of us really loved the other, so we decided to start thinking of new names. The funny thing is for the past couple weeks I've been telling people our favorite names but saying that knowing me we'd probably name her something completely different that we hadn't thought of and it'd probably be like the nurse's name or something. Well my friends, that is exactley what happened! I must know myself pretty well. We picked Riley for her middle name after her papa because I think she looks just like him (can't see me in her at all). Riley is Courtland's middle name and his dad's name. And Mckell we both just liked and thought it fit her which by coincidence was our labor and delivery nurse's name! Go figure! But she is here and well and we're all doing great!

40 weeks and my latest obsession..

From start to beginning... 9 months of pregnancy!

15 weeks

22 weeks

30 weeks

40 weeks and 23lbs later!

My latest obsession and way of trying to stay busy is bow making... I've gone bow crazy! I think I have enough for her to wear a different one everyday forever.. haha

Last date of single married life!

For our last night of single married life... that is if this baby ever comes... We went bowling and got pizza and ice cream. It was weird thinking that from now on we wouldn't be able to just do whatever, whenever. We have to now be responsible and all our decisions will be based on what's best for the baby and our family! Weird!

That's right- I won both games... which never happens! Guess this baby is good luck!

The name debate...

I already know we won't decide on a name for sure for sure until she FINALLY arrives and we see her to make sure the name fits.... but we do have some ideas and I'd love to hear your feedback!

In no particular order:

Brinley Nicole Astill

Olivia Ann Astill

Megan Riley Astill

Megan Jane Astill

Cami Ann Astill

Lilly Ann Astill

Ava Nicole Astill

The first three names are our favorites I think.  I just put in middle names as I typed.  I haven't decided if it's weird to use my name as her middle name yet or not but I like it as a middle name.  Ann is my sweet mother's name.  And Riley is Courtland's dad's name and Courtland's middle name.  I think it's kinda turned to a girl name and think it would be so so cute to use for our girls middle name but I'm having a hard time convincing Courtland.  He says it's a boys name only and you can't name a girl after her dad.  I really liked Olivia and Ava until I found how popular they are.  Courtland's favorite names are Brinley and Cami but I think he likes those names because they were hot girls that went to his high school. haha  Anyway, our baby might not have a name for awhile even after she is born.  Courtland and I are horrible at making decisions... and knowing me, I'll probably come up with some completely random name at the hospital- like the nurse's name or something!  What is your favorite?

The past month or so... Sorry I haven't had internet!

Well it has been way too long since I've updated, not my fault.  We haven't had internet.  The comcast man came today though so I can now enter back into the blogging and internet world! haha  As for an update on my current pregnancy condition... We went to the doctor on Tuesday and I've thinned but no dilation.  The doctor says since this is my first pregnancy and I measure a little small (I don't know how, I feel huge!  And look it- I know, I can see the pictures and my reflection in the mirror! haha) that he won't induce me early.  So my wishes of having her on the 6th because that's my sweet grandpa Rabe's birthday and then on Wednesday because then her birthday would have been 09.09.09- didn't come true sadly.  And I'm not holding my breath, I think I'm being taught patience.  However, my doctor said if I haven't gone into labor on my own by my appointment on Monday then he'll induce me that night.  So baby Astill will for sure arrive sometime late Monday or early Tuesday- if not on her own time.  Patience, patience, patience..... SO ready to be DONE!

Lucy's first time being in heat and Courtland insisting I somehow keep a diaper on her.  He didn't know female dogs go through the whole "time of the month" thing too.  Any suggestions on what other people do to keep from messes?

Courtland's first day of the Master of Accountancy program at BYU.  He's trying out riding his bike to school- such a cute hubby!

39 weeks- just keep getting bigger and bigger.  I don't think I can stretch anymore!

38 weeks prego... And notice the ribbon in my hair- Courtland LOVES when girls where ribbons in their hair. He got this one off a present and tied it on me insisting I wear it. Good thing we're having a girl so he can put ribbons on her everyday!

36 weeks along and feeling it! Not my best shot..