Ellie Claire Smith's Debut

November, 16 2015 was such a special day. It was the day that our beautiful baby Ellie Claire Smith was born.

 

Ellie was born eight days after her due date. The doctors were shocked she hadn’t come by her due date, especially since I had been dialted to a four for two weeks. I ended up being induced on Monday, November 16.

Monday morning eventually came and I was extremely nervous, anxious and excited. I did not know when the hospital was going to call, so all we could do was wait. It was the longest morning of my life! 12:30 p.m. the hospital call finally came. 

Overcome with emotion Kody and I raced to the hospital. I was admitted at 1:00 p.m. The nurse immediately had me change in my hospital gown and injected me with the IV.

Shortly after, the doctor came in and broke my water. Talk about a crazy experience! Who knew that much fluid could be my body?!

The contractions immediately kicked in, as the pitocin was given. 

The anesthesiologist came and injected the epidural. Talk about heaven sent! Props to the moms who can deliver naturally, I am just not one of you. The epidural is what I needed to enjoy the remaining phases of Ellie’s delivery.

Our nurse came into our room at 4:30 p.m. and I was dilated to a ten. She immediately called the doctor.

The doctor arrived just in time (he barely had time to put on his scrubs). The nurses had Kody hold one leg and another nurse hold the other.Three pushing sessions later Ellie arrived. The first thing the nurses said was,"Look at all that hair!"

Ellie was born at 4:50 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz., was 20 inches long and had long dark locks! 

As they gave me my baby girl for the first time I was overcome with pure love and happiness. Love and happiness I had never felt before. My love grew for my husband and grew a place for our sweet little girl.

I can not explain the feeling of seeing my baby for the first time. It was the neatest experience Kody and I have ever been through. All we could do is cry tears of joy.

The nurses and doctor could not believe that this was my first baby. They were blown away with how smooth and fast the labor went. Kody, Ellie and I were extremely blessed.

November 16, 2015 was truly the best day of our lives. We are so thankful to be parents to this beautiful baby girl.

 

 

 

Favorite Maternity Looks

I am so thankful that I am pregnant now rather than 15-20 years ago. It is crazy to talk to friends and family members who say they had to wear “moo moos” or “tents” for nine months.

Luckily, today it is trendy to have a bump. There are so many cute and affordable maternity options.

Here are a few of my favorite maternity looks. 

(41 weeks pregnant)

(41 weeks pregnant)

Sweater:Express (Similar)  Maternity Tights: H&M Boots: Express (Similar)

I was anti-maternity wear for as long as possible. I would go to the maternity section, look at the jeans with the stretchy band and get freaked out! Thankfully, I had a mother who forced me to try on maternity clothes. I am SO glad she did! It made a world of a difference. There is no need to be uncomfortable. Your body is changing in so many ways, why wear clothes that are not made to fit it?? I don’t know why it took me so long to understand this. Please learn from my mistake.

The Jessica Simpson line at Motherhood was my favorite maternity line. Her clothes are cute, comfy and affordable.

(38 weeks pregnant)

(38 weeks pregnant)

Striped T-Shirt: Motherhood Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans: Motherhood

If you are looking to save money and buy clothes that you can wear post pregnancy I would suggest buying dresses. I was pregnant during the summer, so I was able to wear summer dresses. I bought them one size bigger. I seriously wore them everyday during the summer. They were comfy, light, as well as inexpensive! I bought my dresses from Old Navy each for under $20. (You can use this concept during the winter months as well. Just throw on some tights, boots and a cardigan.)

Pregnancy can be a time where money is tight. Let’s be honest, babies are not cheap! But do not go nine months feeling ugly and uncomfortable. You can feel and look good for a low cost. So buy a few maternity outfits, it will make the world of a difference.

(25 weeks pregnant)

(25 weeks pregnant)

Pink Striped Quarter Length Tee: Motherhood Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans: Motherhood

(33 weeks pregnant) Yes, me and my beautiful older sister were pregnant at the same time and only two weeks apart!

(33 weeks pregnant) Yes, me and my beautiful older sister were pregnant at the same time and only two weeks apart!

Baby Announcement

Kody and I found out that I was expecting our first child due November 9, 2015. 

When we found out the big news, I was finishing up my bachelors degree at Dixie State and had just received my dream job as a marketing assistant, for a software company. With this new position I was going to have the opportunity to travel the United States, and attend conferences selling our companies product. I was so excited and ready for this new chapter in my life. Little did I know there was a new chapter beginning, just not the one I expected. 

The week before I started this job, my two high school friends and I decided to be spontaneous and take a girls trip to Disneyland for spring break. 

During our trip, pregnancy seemed to keep popping up in our conversations, and I vividly (as do they) remember saying that women have to know when they are pregnant, they have to feel different, it couldn't be that big of a surprise! Boy was I wrong! 

We started our drive home and I felt extremely nauseous, like nothing I had ever felt before. I kept telling myself that it was from the 6 hour drive and that it would pass. It never did.. I then began to panic as pregnancy took over my thoughts. 

Kody was away working for the week, so I was at home by myself. I decided to take a pregnancy test to clear my mind. ++++++ Yes, it took SIX pregnancy tests for me to finally believe I was pregnant!! 

I honestly did not know what to think. I had so many emotions rushing through my body all I could do was cry! I immediately called Kody sobbing and told him the news. He was beyond excited and rushed home.

When he arrived I showed him the tests and cried on his shoulder. Don't get me wrong I was happy and excited but scared and confused all at the same time. Here I had just received my dream job and was planning on working for a solid year, and then to suddenly find out I was expecting a child!? My mind was blown. 

After a good nights rest I started my job the next day. I was ready to take on the challenge of starting a new job, finishing school all while being pregnant.

I set up an ultrasound appointment that week to find out how far along I was. 

We found out that I was 7 weeks pregnant. After seeing her tiny little heart beat I became thrilled and overcome with pure happiness and excitement.

Looking back I have to laugh at my first reaction to finding out. Really, 6 pregnancy tests!? 

Kody and I have been so blessed to have this little angel enter our family. It's truly been an amazing journey and we can't imagine our lives without her!

 I traded what I thought was my dream to an actual dream, being a mom. I couldn't be happier! 

Outfit Details: 

Paisley Dress: Forever 21 (Similar)   Shoes: Nordstrom  Bracelet: TIFFANY & CO.

Shirt: Nordstrom Tie:  Nordstrom (Similar) Pants: Banana Republic