Happy 2 weeks...

Proud grandmother... MAE-MAE! Stealing Kisses!!
York in front of the beautiful flowers Jana sent him.

York is now 2 weeks old... time is flying by! Mom and Ashton have returned to their lives in Montgomery and Auburn and I am already missing them. It was so nice having them here. We became incredibly spoiled... Mom had breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the table each day, Ashton keep the house clean, and they both took great care of me and York. Wesley was able to have uninterrupted sleep each night so he would be fresh for work and I was able to catch a couple of z's here and there. So tonight will be our first night without the ladies! Wesley is IN FOR IT! He hasn't had the privilege of waking to a crying little one, stinky diaper, or 2 AM feeding. He is about to have a WAKE UP call... literally!
York will have his first doctors appointment with the pediatrician this Friday at 8:30 AM. I am excited to see how much he has grown. He continues to eat like a little pig and burps like a grown man. It is hilarious to hear such a loud noise from such a little person! He is really alert and loves to check everything out. He makes the cutest faces and I am completely OBSESSED with every little thing he does. I could stare at him for hours! ((moms... you know exactly what I mean!)) I think I have recorded his entire first 2 weeks of life in either pictures or video! I have officially become the "Picture Nazi". I want to be able to remember this special time and always be reminded of what a miracle he truly is.
Happy New Year!!

Bringing Baby Home...

Trying out his swing...

First Car Ride...

War EAGLE Baby!

It's such a hard life...

He loves the boppy!

We were able to bring York home on Saturday December 27th! He has been home for 4 days and it has been amazing... Each time I look at that sweet babies face I fall in love! He is up to 5 pounds and growing like a weed! Thanks to the NICU he is on a great schedule! He eats every 4 hours and is taking 2 ounces! He is absolutely perfect and I thank God each day for our little blessing. Thanks again for the many prayers!

Merry Christmas from York...

So close...

Little York is doing really well... but still not home! He is eating like a little pig (YAY) and breathing fine on his own. Everyone in the NICU is amazed at how developed his lungs are... most babies born at 34 weeks have difficulty breathing on their own. We are so lucky that wasn't York's case. The only obstacle that we face is waiting for little man to maintain his body temperature on his own. Last night after his bath he couldn't seem to keep temperature at 98 degrees. But the good news is that he was able to maintain a good temperature throughout that day... So as he accumulates more fat it will be easier to maintain his temperature. He has lost down to 4 lbs 5 ounces and is holding steady there. He has been eating between 40-50 cc's so he should begin gaining weight soon. We are still hoping and praying to have him home by Christmas. The doc said that he must maintain his temperature for a full 48 hours and then he will be released! Thanks again all of you prayer warriors! It's working!

Early Christmas Present...

Friday: December 12, 2008

I came home from lunch with mom and Rafe and began having some back pain. I decided to lay down for awhile and assumed I had overdone it for the day. When Wes came home the pain had gotten worse but tolerable. I attributed it to Braxton-Hicks Contractions (practice for the big day) and attempted to get some sleep.

Saturday: December 13, 2008

Wes and I spent the day hanging around the house because I was still having low back pain. As the day progressed my pain remained constant. I called my mom and sister for advice... they both felt that it was completely normal and they would let up soon. These contractions were my bodies way of preparing for York's arrival. As long as the contractions were not getting any worse and creating a pattern we were in practice mode.

Sunday: December 14, 2008

We were unable to go to church because I had begun to experience lower abdominal pain along with the back pain. The contractions at this point still had no pattern and they were somewhat bearable. I had a regular doctor's appointment scheduled for Monday morning and felt that I didn't need to run to the emergency room on the weekend for a false alarm. Ashton came up to visit and take me to the doctor the next day.

Monday: December 15 2008

Ashton and I headed to my 8:10AM doctors appointment. (By the way... the ONLY appointment that Wesley has missed because of work.) I explained the weekend to my doctor and she decided to examine me... I was admitted by 8:30AM to Labor and Delivery. I was 2 and 1/2 centimeters and 80% effaced! I was completely shocked... I thought you were supposed to KNOW when you were in labor. These contractions weren't that bad... It has only been 34 weeks... he isn't ready! I was in total shock and panic. The doctor began administering a drug called Brethine to stop the contractions. I was hooked up to an IV and began the hydration process. After 6 bags of fluid and 5 shots of Brethine the contractions were only getting worse.

Tuesday: December 16, 2008

I went from 3 to 4 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. The Brethine was obviously not working. They decided to give me Procardia to relax the uterine walls. The doctor said that this would be our last effort to stop labor. My accumulation of fluid at this point was out of control. I must have gain 20 pounds in fluid.. I was a BLOWING UP!

Wednesday: December 17, 2008

The doctor felt that I had become preeclampsic. ((Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period and affects both the mother and the unborn baby. Affecting at least 5-8% of all pregnancies, it is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. Swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in vision are important symptoms; however, some women with rapidly advancing disease report few symptoms.)) Test confirmed her suspicions. At this point, we had to make the decision to induce labor. They administered a drug to help me continue labor at a much greater pace. If we did not induce both the baby and I would be in danger. So all of this work and energy put into preventing labor took a sudden 180! We were going to have a baby... SOON! Everything was happening so fast...

After 6 hours of active labor, an epidural, and 30 minutes of pushing we had our little miracle! Wesley York Harless was born at 4:51pm, weighing 4 lbs 11 ounces, 19 inches long! He was then taken to the NICU for testing and observation. I have never seen Wes Harless so excited and so proud. We were all relieved when he scored a 8 on his APGAR test. ((that is really great for a premature baby) He came into this world at 34 weeks and 3 days and his such a little fighter! The NICU nurses said that his biggest obstacle would be learning to breathe and eat simultaneously.

York is doing fabulous! He is eating well, breathing fine on his own, and has been put into his own crib in the NICU. He is working on maintaining his body temperature on his own. If his passes this test we will be able to bring our miracle home on Monday! I can't imagine a better Christmas Present!

Wes and I appreciate all of you thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. It is only by the grace of God and your many prayers that our little man is doing so well! You all are absolutely amazing and we are so lucky to have such wonderful support.

A special thank you to my wonderful mother, incredible sister, and one of a kind HUSBAND. They have been so exhausted and have found strength and energy at their weakest. I love each one of you so much and can not express my gratitude for your endless love and continued care.

It's Beginning to look alot like Christmas...

We added a stocking this year... even though York hasn't arrived yet!
Wesley and I found the COLDEST day of the year so far to put up lights!! Burr!

We got the tree up... haven't wrapped any presents yet!

I even added some Holiday Cheer to the mailbox!The finished product!

Finally... all of the decorations are up and the Harless Household is beginning to feel like Christmas! I enjoy waking each morning to the smell of our REAL tree, the sound of The Lamb Family Christmas CD, and looking at all of the wonderful ornaments we were given on our first Christmas! We are excited to spend our last Christmas together as a couple! We hope to make it to the Zoo Light Safari that begins next Friday and spend the holidays with friends and family. I guess we will look forward to next year with a toddler pulling lights off the tree, trying to eat ornaments, torturing Shug, and who knows what else!! Merry Christmas everyone and I hope your Holiday shopping and family traditions are coming together nicely!

Pregnancy Week 33...

It is December 1st...WOW! We will have our little man here NEXT month! It is hard to believe... 9 months (actuallY 10 months) seems like a really long time to be pregnant and believe me... when you are sick the first 5, it is! But you really need those months to get used to the idea that you are about to bring another being into this world...That every decision you make from here on out affects another life...To discuss and decide on all of the things you and your other half deem important to teach your little miracle. To realize that your role in life will soon change. You immediately begin thinking of all of the things you would like to teach him (How to pray, How to love, How to share, How to treat others, etc), places you would like to take him (Disney World, Chicago Aquarium, Auburn Football games, Dad's land, Mom's pool), and so much more! List of parental requirements: Affection without sentiment, authority without cruelty, discipline without aggression, humor without ridicule, sacrifice without obilgation, companionship without possessiveness. This was a quote out of one of my many books and I feel it is a perfect summary of the way we should attempt parenting... I thought I would share!

We had a doctors appointment this morning and my amniotic fluid level has gone back down to 18! That is perfect...what a relief! York is weighing 4 pounds and 3 ounces now...Dr. Hancock thinks he will be between 7 and 8 pounds at birth! We go back on the 15th for our LAST 2 week visit... THEN we will go once a week until he arrives!

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving and I am enjoying being at home! I have been able to begin and almost complete our Christmas shopping, decorating the house/tree, and managing to cook dinner nightly!! I think Wes is in heaven! I am trying to enjoy each day as it comes because I do not want to wish away this amazing time... although I can not wait until I do not feel a little foot in my rib cage daily! What an amazing gift to be apart of one of God's greatest miracles! We are so very lucky and so incredibly blessed!

Latest 4 D ultrasound...

Blowing a kiss!

He is getting bigger each day... 4 pounds!

Look at that sweet face... Enjoy!

Some of my favorites...

The "mothership" diaper bag!! It is absolutely HUGE... and perfect!
This is the painting that my grandmother, Goggie, did for York's room. She is so talented... we are lucky to have a piece of her work in his room.

The sweet girls who gave the shower in Montgomery.

(missing: Goggie, Mom, and Aunt Bee)

Thanks ladies... it was wonderful!

The sweet boots Aunt Panda gave York! Aren't they precious!

Week 31...

We are beginning week 31 today and inching closer to meeting this little miracle! Wesley and I had a doctors appointment this morning... apparently I have a little more amniotic fluid than normal. There are many reasons that can cause the rise in fluid. As far as the baby is concerned, he looks great! All of his organs are functioning properly and he is a whopping 4 pounds. So the concern shifts towards me... High blood pressure, diabetes, etc are all causes of elevated amniotic fluid levels. Dr. Hancock says that sometimes women just have more fluid and there is no explanation why. She is not concerned at this point... she would like for us to continue to come in bi weekly to monitor both York and I. I feel confident that everything is fine and we are just taking the necessary precautions. We will keep you posted and hopefully little York wont make his appearance until January!

On a lighter note.... THE MONTGOMERY BABY SHOWER!!!!
I had such a great time and York received so many great gifts! It was so nice to see all of my friends and family... you forget how much you miss everyone until you spend a little time with them! Thanks to everyone who came! I will say the most unique gift York got came from Mandy... They are the cutest pair of authentic brown leather cowboy boots! I didn't even have to look at the card to know that they came from Panda! I think they are Wesley's favorite too! We have so many wonderful friends and family! Thanks for all of the wonderful gifts and making this such a special time for us.

Spoiled Rotten?...

I don't know where to put this stuff...

Every drawer FULL!

Shug thinks these are all HIS toys!

These are all of the items on the ground that will NOT fit into the closet! We have had only 1 shower and we have officially run out of space! This little boy is so blessed! Thanks again to everyone for their sweet gifts! Yall are the best!

Week 29... Birmingham Baby Shower!!

We had the Birmingham Baby shower this past Sunday and it was great! We had a fabulous turn out and we received so many wonderful gifts! Wes and I are so lucky to have such great friends and family that do so much for us. When Wesley came to help gather all of the gifts after the shower he was scared that we wouldn't have enough space in the car, but we were able to squeeze it all in...although we couldn't see out of the back! It looks like Christmas in York's room with all of the toys, clothes, and other items scattered around the place. We put together the stroller, mobile, and other baby contraptions and stood back and looked at how incredibly spoiled this little one will be! One shower and the room is FULL... we are going to have to get a baby addition to accommodate all of York's things! Thanks to everyone who joined us Sunday and were able to share this special time in our lives! We are looking forward to November 16th for the Montgomery shower!! I can't wait to see all of my relatives and friends down there!

We had a doctors appoitment on Monday and everything looks good. We listened to the heartbeat and signed up for childbirth classes. This will be comical I am sure... so stay tuned to find out what happens when Wesley and I go to our first class! Love you all!

Week 28...

In front of the hotel....
At Hugo Frogs... a great local seafood place.

Sitting in Millennium Park

Enjoying the beautiful scenery, buildings, and sculptures.

In front of the BEAN... Notice the reflection of the clouds and buildings... beautiful!

The nurse called with the results of my tests! My blood sugar level was 53... which means my sugar levels are VERY low. So I am on the opposite end of the Diabetes spectrum. I have always had hypoglycemia and that plays a role in my numbers. The Doc suggested that I eat 6 small means throughout the day to prevent crashes in my sugar levels. I went to Publix last night and stocked up on healthy snacks and fruit! My iron level was 36.1 which means I will NOT need an iron supplement! YAY! Overall the test results were positive and we are moving right along toward the finish line. My next visit is Monday, November 3rd!

We are back from CHICAGO!! We had an absolute blast! We went to the John Hancock building, ate at the Signature room on the 94th floor, did an architectural boat tour, millennium park, grant park, Chicago Zoo, Trump Building, Sears Tower, Navy Pier several art galleries, 100's of shops -Barneys, Tiffany & Co., etc., did a huggies commercial, and had a bite to eat EVERYWHRE in the city. I think I have gained 10 pounds... not due to pregnancy!

Yes... I did say that I did a Huggies Commercial! They had a huge van set up and we made our way over to see if they were giving out coupons for diapers... (we have become very thrifty) To our surprise they were filming a huggies commercial highlighting the 30 years they have been in buisness. They were interviewing moms and soon to be moms... They asked me if I would like to participate and of course I couldn't pass it up!

It is nice to be home and back to a normal schedule especially for little Shug... we had to board him and it broke my heart! I hate leaving him... he gets so spoiled going to Auburn, the beach, and Montgomery with us! He is really a good pup and travels well... he would have loved Chicago! If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Windy City ... I encourage you to go!

Week 27...

We are in beginning the 3rd trimester!! I went to the doctor yesterday for routine blood work. They are testing for gestational diabetes and iron levels. Dr. Hancock said that most people pass the diabetes testing and FAIL the iron tests. So I will find out later this week if we will need an iron supplement. My blood pressure was 100/59... The doc said, "at this point in all pregnancies blood sugar levels are the highest and blood pressure is the lowest." Little one is still measuring 1 week early and is getting bigger each day! York weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He is sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers... as he did in the ultrasound.

We are gearing up for upcoming Baby Showers and I am so excited... I can't wait to see all of our family and continue to stock up on baby essentials for the arrival! We are having 2 showers one in Birmingham and one in Montgomery to make it convenient for both sides of the family and friends. All of the hostesses have been so sweet and I feel so blessed to have family and friends that go to so much trouble to make things so special for us! It is a wonderful time in our lives and I can't wait to share it with everyone!

We are leaving for Chicago on Thursday and I can not wait. We originally planning to take a trip between Thanksgiving and Christmas but doctors orders prevent me from traveling after 30 weeks... which is rapidly approaching! So we decided to take a VACATION earlier. Wes wanted to go south to a beach somewhere ... I on the other hand could not fathom the idea of me and York in a BIKINI!!!! So I suggested somewhere cold where I will be most comfortable and lots of site seeing (walking). Since I have gained 23 pounds...I am always looking for an excuse to exercise. Wesley has been to Chicago several times and is excited about showing me around!

Other than counting down the days til our lives will change forever... I think for baby Shug that change will affect him the most! We are trying to wean him out of our bed. Our nightly routine is as follows: dinner, 2-3 miles in the neighborhood, several games of fetch, and TV time. When we are ready to turn in for the night... Wesley takes Shug to his room, where he howls and barks every hour on the hour until about 3 AM! It is lovely... Between Wesley's snoring and Shug's cries I am getting tons of sleep. I think it is God preparing me for the upcoming sleepless nights!

Baby Yorks 4D Pictures... AMAZING!