October 6th, 2022 at 1:10am, our world changed forever. Charlotte “Charlie” Elizabeth was born and so were two new (and already exhausted) parents.
It is interesting to me that we only ever talk about how a baby was born, not the fact that at the same time a mother and father are born. Our world was rocked in the best way possible.
Anyways, back to Charlie’s story… I kept a journal to her the entire pregnancy, and it is fun to look back on and read so I wanted to share with you all.
Baby Bug- oh how I can’t wait to meet you! I have waiting a long time for you. You have another little baby watching over you in heaven putting his or her little hands on you to help you grow. You were conceived the same month he or she would have made their appearance. It’s no coincidence to your timing and while I am scared and over joyed at the same time, you are already so incredibly loved by both me and your dad! Baby Bug, we can’t wait to meet you in October and watch you grow into the person you are going to be.
Week 3 – I couldn’t wait any longer. Sunday January 23rd the first positive appeared! Well, the home pregnancy test was a little unclear but I swear I could see the very faint pink line. The 24th, the line became more clear and by the 25th, there was no debating it! That home test was as positive as positive can be! Excited and nervous, I gave Tyler a little gift announcing the news and he skipped and jumped around the room like he had won the lottery! Best day ever!
Week 4 – my boobs hurt, my anxiety is high but my excitement is even higher. The fatigue sets in but completely manageable. By the end of the week I’m feeling worn down but overall happy and ready to see my little one in a few weeks. First doctors appointment is booked for around the 8week mark. It’s getting real!
Week 5 – hello nausea and fatigue. My mom figured out I was carrying you when I passed up alcohol but honestly I’m so excited for her to know. Can’t keep this big of a secret from my bestie. Also, conveniently, we will be seeing the entire fam… both sides… this week. I wonder if we will be able to hide it?! ….. I did it! I kept it a secret! But damn it’s getting harder and harder. The nausea and fatigue are kicking my butt!!!
Week 6 – OMG nausea and fatigue! Baby bug I think you are killing me from the inside but I still love you more than anyone in the entire world. You may be the size of a blueberry but to me you’re already my baby! Also, I think all of our family is very suspicious that you may be cooking inside me! Pretty sure I won’t be able to hide you much longer!
Week 7 – off to a rough start! Not totally convinced there aren’t a couple baby bugs in my belly. For being only the size of a raspberry, you are mighty! Your dad, is a saint. My cravings, nausea (vomiting), and fatigue are through the roof and he is taking care of me every step of the way. I am lucky to have him as my partner and you to have him as your daddy! I didn’t even get out of bed for an entire day this week… but don’t worry, your big brother, ash, is making sure I’m snuggled at all times. I’m still in love with you and so happy you’re in there and growing but boy oh boy this is a challenge! And in other big news, a couple days shy of 8 weeks, the meadley crew all know you exist. While visiting with the fam, and Brooks (our nephew) needed his diaper changed Tyler dropped the bomb that he needed practice changing a diaper. To say the family is over the moon is an understatement.
Week 8 – this week started with a stomach bug and has made mommy super nervous.. I am having some cramping but feeling reassured that we have our first prenatal doctors appointment Friday. Let’s be real… Friday can’t come soon enough to get you checked out! Can’t wait to “meet” you little one! …meeting you for the first time was amazing! Your little heart beating 176bpm. Mommy and daddy are in love with you!!
Week 9 – baby bug! I love you but you are kicking my booty! Morning sickness or should I say all day sickness is rough and still in full swing. Thankfully my doctor finally prescribed be something 🙌. This week we visited your uncle Gerald and celebrated your grandma Patti’s birthday. Everyone is excited to meet you! Oh and I have looked at you a couple times at work. You’re moving like crazy and your heart beat is strong! You’ve been ranging 171-179bpm.
Week 10 – well the news is out to many friends and family members! I love seeing your little heart beating while I’m at work. I’m starting to feel a little better but still every day is different. We had our first solo weekend, no dad around. Your brother, Ash Man, took over the role of man of the house and taking care of us.
Week 11 – this week started out with a little scare when I woke up to a lot of blood but baby bug but your heart looked strong and all your little limbs wiggling on the ultrasound certainly relieved our fears. I’ve had to take it easy and rest rest rest… your puppy brother is great company for this part! Puppy brother is even loving the pregnancy pillow. Even if I did only take pictures of the dog and no bump pictures.
Week 12 – Little bug, your heart is beating at 167bpm and you’re using mommy’s insides as a trampoline. Mommy is a little less nauseated and a whole lot more hungry! Family and friends are starting to find out about you and everyone is excited! Everyone thinks you’re a boy but I’m convinced you’re a baby girl. Can’t wait to find out soon!
Week 13 – welcome to the second trimester! And I’m still puking! Love you little one! We find out what sex you are this week! Saturday can’t come soon enough! ….you’re a girl! Baby girl!! I knew it!! The zits on my face and the nonstop nausea gave it away! I’m so excited to meet you Charlotte “Charlie” Elizabeth Meadley.
Week 14 – baby girl, you still have your mama nauseated and now second guessing your name but here we are, still ecstatic to meet you! Now if only you’d let your mama sleep! That would be nice! Mama is tired…and starting to show! But every time I touch my belly all I can do is smile! Love you baby bug!
Week 15 – Charlotte “Charlie” Elizabeth Meadley. You are so loved. This week your lolli and mommy went shopping for nursery furniture and the Easter bunny brought you an Easter basket! We cannot wait to meet you little one! Oh and thanks for laying off on a little bit of the nausea for your mama! I greatly appreciate you!
Week 16 – YOU MOVED! Well mama felt you move for the first time! Little flutters in my belly! I cried, your dad laughed, and your Lolli was over the moon excited! Glad you liked the cinnamon roll I was eating! We also celebrated one of your friends. Baby girl littley is due just a couple months before you. Mommy and Jaclyn cannot wait to have the two of you together for play dates!
Week 17 – mommy only vomited ONE time and has the energy to get out for nearly daily walks!! This is big time! My appetite is increasing and your activity at bedtime is increasing dramatically. Sleeping is becoming more difficult and mommy is looking more and more pregnant.
Week 18 – it’s officially official! You’re a girl and your name is Charlotte “Charlie” Elizabeth Meadley. We caved and gave into telling our family your name this week. We are so super excited! You looked great on the ultrasound and mom is feeling good. All in all a good week! Happy Mothers Day to me!
Week 19 – mom has had some ups and downs this week. Unfortunately not feeling nearly as well as I had in the previous week and even vomited a couples times. My hips and back are so sore. You’re moving all about as I try to sleep at night. The big event of the week is you did your first 5k. We walked with your uncle Alex and he kept our pace brisk to say the least!
Week 20 – half way!! You gave me a little scare and showed me what I have to look forward to with contractions. Yikes! 😬 You also met (and your mama met) a bunch more Meadley’s this week and had your first lake weekend of the summer. Mama tried her best to take it easy as last weeks 5k really took it out of her and she struggled with some more nausea and vomiting but even through all that, she is so thankful to have you in her belly!!
Week 21 – holy heat! Mama has gotten some lake time and boy oh boy she’s dying! You’re rolling and kicking in mommy’s tummy and daddy even felt you move once! Can’t wait to meet you sweet girl!
Week 22 – mommy is large and in charge! You tried helping “walk out” your soon to be bestie (baby littley) and are kicking mommy like crazy every time she lays down. Mommy’s nausea and vomiting are slowing down but unfortunately still around and the exhaustion is back again. Thankfully ash man is always available to snuggle! Fingers crossed for a better week 23!
Week 23 – mom finally broke down and bought maternity clothes. She officially looks preggo and has gained 12lbs. Sleep… well that’s not happening but atleast she has an appetite for all the carbs! 😂 you’re moving around a lot at night but play shy every time your dad tries to feel your kicks.
Week 24 – a busy week and a quick trip to the lake. Mommy felt surprisingly good this week! You’re kicking a good bit and mommy loves feeling all your wiggles! Happy Father’s Day to all the pops and an even more so happy Father’s Day to your daddio! I know he’s excited to meet you little one!
Week 25 – happy 31st bday mommy! Baby girl you had your first beach trip and we managed to only get a little burnt! Can’t wait for you to be on a mommy daughter trip with your Lolli and me next year! You’re kicking and moving like crazy and I love it! Can’t wait to meet you in a short 14ish weeks!! Also we finally made the first steps towards giving you a nursery! Ekk it’s getting very real!
Week 26 – another busy and nearly great week! Mom is tired and feeling very large and in charge but this week you took your first flight to Michigan to see where daddy spent his summers as a child. We enjoyed the slightly cooler weather and plenty of good food and time with daddy’s side of the family. On the negative this week, we did get the news that mommy has gestational diabetes. We will have lots of learning to do this week but mom is doing everything she can to take the best care of you that she can! One more week till the final trimester! Getting closer to meeting you little one!!
Week 27 – now that mama has her blood sugar under control, we are doing much better! You’re kicking like crazy and Daddy loves to make you kick even more by rubbing my belly. We can’t wait to meet you little one!
Week 28 – welcome to the 3rd trimester! We are in the final countdown! More go go go for your mom and dad. Finally putting some thought into your nursery and your first round of diapers came in! It’s getting very real!
Week 29 – girl! Mommy feels giant! Funny thing is the weight gain has slowed down with our gestational diabetes diagnosis but the belly is really out there! You are kicking and moving all around and although its a strange feeling, I love it! Otherwise mommy is exhausted but so ready to meet you! PS we started on your nursery this week! Daddy helped a lot and I think it might have gotten him even more excited too!
Week 30 – 10 more weeks to go!! Getting very very real! We are so excited and ready to meet you!!! You are a wiggle worm and Mom’s getting pretty uncomfortable but happy you’re comfortable inside me! Your dad has now figured out how to get you to kick me and finds it to be the most hilarious thing ever. He even goes all (gentle) ninja on you. I love seeing the two of y’all bond.
Week 31 – baby moon week! Mom and dad snuck away for one final weekend as a party of two! We made our way to highlands nc and enjoyed some cooler weather, pretty waterfalls, good food, and some time to just slow down and relax! Yep, afternoon naps all the way! You wiggled like a crazy person the entire mountain drive and kicked me nonstop with the extra carbs I was feeding you. Mom and dad came back rested and happy and even more eager than ever to meet you! See you in about 8-9weeks!
Week 32 – a good week for mom and baby! Although you wouldn’t cooperate for our ultrasound, you’re moving all around and giving me lots of little jabs. Aside from being a little uncomfortable and having a hard time sleeping, mom is feeling decent. We put in a little work on your nursery with Lolli and pops (they are so ready to spoil you!) over the weekend and mom managed to squeeze in a couple extra naps. See you in about 7-8ish weeks little one!
Week 33 – mom is tired. Work is getting harder and just keeping up is becoming exhausting. We did host a little engagement party for your uncle Gerald. Great to have a little social event and force us to clean up our house. Aka prep for your arrival! We can’t wait to meet you in 6-7ish weeks!
Week 34 – holy guacamole! 6more weeks till your big arrival! Home stretch! Your Aunt Haley and Lolli threw you the most beautiful and thoughtful baby shower this week and mama feels almost ready for your arrival!
Week 35 – mama is struggling! Baby girl you have dropped low and mom is having lots of Braxton hicks contractions. Your little brother and mom are enjoying snacks and snuggles together on a very regular basis. Mom and dad also took their last trip to Lexington prior to your arrival for a great weekend on the lake with family. We can’t wait to add you to the meadley party!! Your cousin Brooks is ready to teach you all the ropes of boating and being over the top cute! Final 5 weeks little one!!
Week 36 – nursery is complete and the house looks ready to welcome a baby! Your Lolli and pops came over and put in the final touches! Mom is feeling quite large and struggling with swelling and Braxton hicks contractions. Even had to leave grocery shopping they got too intense this week. Maybe you’re getting close?! Can’t wait to meet you!! Also, your aunt alexie came to town. She made you the sweetest quilt and brought you your first bit of black dog apperal. So cute and mommy’s heart is so happy getting to see an old friend!
Week 37 – mommy is ready to meet you! Well so is daddy but mommy is really ready to have you out of her belly! You’re measuring right on track and being a little wiggle worm. Mom and dad also got out for a little date night and ash man is hanging close! Maybe your grand entrance is getting close!!
Week 38 – hello! Earth to Charlotte! Time to make your debut! Moms trying all the tricks and you give me moments of contractions but no signs of labor yet! Pretty pretty please come into this world soon!! We had one more lake weekend with the Leach crew… played pregnancy games!! 😂 and we celebrated the marriage of your aunt Becky to Brad! Also you belly bumped with maybe your one day boyfriend! Aunt Emily is due with baby boy number 2 this January! Just a few months behind you! Can’t wait for you two to grow up together! Finally, mom worked what she hopes to be her last week prior to your arrival! Hurry up little one! We are ready for you!
39 weeks – and you are still cooking! Baby girl, you seem mighty cozy and I’m not so sure how I feel about it! You even made mom work another full week! Mom is bouncing and walking, eating spicy foods, and trying all the tricks but you seem uber cozy in there and are showing no signs of evacuation! Hurricane Ian is even on the way… maybe a big storm will kick you out?! Atmospheric change!? Hopeful for anything! We can’t wait to meet you!! …nope! No show for another week! As Lolli said, you work on your own time, just like her! Haha partners in crime already!
Week 40 – what?! How are you not already in my arms?! Hello and goodbye due date! Lots of walking and bouncing and still nada! Mom even went to work on your due date! We are scheduled for induction 40wks and 1day! Can’t wait to meet you!!
October 4th – induction day! Mom was anxious all day and paced around doing errands, having one last large Diet Coke, and cleaning up the house. Dad was a saint and tried to keep me calm all day. At 5:30pm we reported to the hospital and by 6pm induction had started. Labor progressed nicely through the night. Contractions and slow dilation. Around noon on the 5th, the doctor broke my water and Pitocin was started. Unfortunately even with consistent and strong contractions I was unable to rest enough to fully dilate and labor stalled for about 7-8hrs at 7cm dilated. I honestly thought I was going to die from pain at this time. Your dad is a saint. I was not a nice person during that time. Around 7ish pm I opted for an epidural. That was magic and you stayed looking great on the monitor with all the contractions. Something mom was very worried about. Between 11&midnight I was fully dilated and pushing started! Your dad was amazing during the delivery and helped every step of the way. He was basically an extra nurse and even cut the cord. We welcomed you to the world on October 6th at 1:10am. You did give us a little respiratory scare at delivery followed by a blood sugar drop a few hours after birth but you quickly recovered with some fast acting nurses. Although labor and delivery was a long process mom and dad are beyond happy to have welcomed you into this world. We love you baby girl!
Eat Train Love 365 