July 29th Update

Hello everyone! First, we want to thank everyone for there supportive calls, comments, cards and congratulations! It has already been two weeks since precious Elliana has joined our family. We really couldn't be luckier. I guess that is what everyone says but really with the smooth pregnancy, quick labor and healthy baby what else can it be other than luck!

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions:

Is she sleeping through the night: NO! She is feeding every 2-3 hours. We are on a routine and just waiting for the nights she pushes her feeding schedule to every 4 or 5 hours. We are ready for that extra hour of sleep. Ryan has been a GREAT help. The nights he is off he takes the "late shift" so I can try to get a little extra ZZZZ's.

Am I nursing: YES. Things are going well. I did have to visit a lactation consultant last week. She put us on the right track and it isn't as painful anymore. I am producing LOTS of milk with some to spare after each feeding. I am pumping some so Ryan can bottle feed her a couple times a day. She is doing great. My goal is to continue nursing through my maternity leave. Once I return back to work I will try to pump, but my personal goal was to at least nurse for 3 months.

How is her weight: GREAT. She was born at 6 pounds 10 ounces. Four days later at the pediatrician appt. she had only lost 2 ounces. I weighed her last Friday (four days ago) and she is already at 7 pounds 3 ounces.

What is the correct way to pronounce her name: Elliana (EL-lee-on-a). The "EL" sounds just like you are saying the letter "L."

How is Ryan doing changing diapers: WONDERFUL! He has found his calling in life! HAHA. Ryan was made to be a dad. Elliana is already a little mini me of Ryan. I love just watching him stare at her.

How am I doing: I am doing really well. I think I'm experiencing all the typical first time mother issues. Such as being overly concerned with every little thing. The first week...I really didn't anticipate the EXTREME hormonal changes your body goes through. I am not much of a "cryer" and I found my self sobbing for no reason at the drop of a dime. It was kind of funny because both Ryan and myself were like...WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG? Haha. Physically I feel good. Slowly, loosing the pounds. I just hope things with Elliana stay on this track and she continues being healthy and developing good.

I hope I answered some of the questions. If there are more let me know.
Again, love you all and we will keep updating the blog with pictures. Chat soon!

More Pictures

My Slideshow 7/22/08

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I'm having some isssues with putting slide shows on the blog.

Please click the link above for more pictures.

~ Thanks ~

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Elliana's First Photo's

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Elliana Is Finallly Here

Elliana Marie Morris was born on July 11, 2008 at 2:58am. She was a healthy 6lbs 10oz and measured in at a lengthy 20in.

After our doctors appointment on July 10th we went in for an immediate induction, due to low amniotic fluid. Here is a quick recap of how our evening went.

• 7:30p - arrived at the hospital and were checked in
• 9:00p - Angela was 3cm dilated and started to receive the pitocin (which helps induce the labor)
• 12:30a - Angela was 6cm dilated and received an epidural
• 1:45a - Angela was 10cm dilated and started to push Elliana out
• 2:58a - After only 6 hours of labor the most precious baby ever was born!!!

Elliana and Angela are both in perfect health and at home recovering.

We also would like to congratulate Jason Morris for winning the baby pool. For being the best uncle Elliana could ever ask for and making the closest guess, he will be awarded with a bill to pay for Elliana's future college education. Thanks Uncle Jason!!!

Thanks again to everyone for your calls and congratulations. We look forward to seeing you all in the near future and having everyone of you involved in the growing up of our wonderful daughter.

~ Ryan, Angela and Elliana

July 3rd Appointment...

Drum roll please...............THERE is no change...ha ha. I am still a loose 2 cm dilated and about 60% or so thinned. The doctor said Elliana is really low and ready to come out. My obsessive walking did its job. All we can hope for is that my body starts having more intense contractions to get me 100% thinned and get me to start dilating more. Now it is up to my body and when it wants to stop being lazy and get this show on the road.

There was one update. My blood pressure is slowly starting to creep up. Which the doctor said if VERY normal since I am almost full term and with the blistering 115 degree heat. My feet are still swollen daily. If I haven't had the baby by my next appt (July 10th) and my blood pressure is still on the up, they will most likely schedule me for an induction with in a few days. No matter what next week I will start on fetal monitoring and additional testing since I will be full term They want to make sure the baby is still comfy in my belly and has enough nutrients to continue growing.

Buddee, buddee, buddee...that's all for now folks!!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Independence day. To everyone on Ryan's side of the family have a fabulous time celebrating the farms' anniversary. Wish we could be there to PARTY with you all.