Happy New Year!!

On behalf of all of us here, we want to wish you all a very happy new year! Marley is sleeping, while Sonja and I are watching Dick Clark's show.

The binky says it all

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First doctors appointment

We are at the first doctors appointment, and Marley is "off the charts" in height. Her new measurements are 8.8 lbs and 22 3/4 inches. She is in the 95% in height. We got a tall one!

Let's go Cowboys!!!

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Merry Christmas!

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Mommy with babies

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Of course, one is a big fuzzy one!

Updates to regular website!

For the first time in about a month, I have updated Marly's regular website.  The address to that one is http://web.mac.com/carricks  Thank you all again!

We are home!

The ride home was fun. Very little fussing from baby Marley, and even less from mommy! Marley is asleep in her bassinet and looks very comfortable. She has met both Amber and Winky and that went very well. So far so good!

Heading home

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Our final checkups have been completed, and both mommy and Marley are in tip top shape. They are releasing us today, and we are getting ready to go. Of course, as predicted, Marley seems to like awful weather conditions for everything. Bad rain storm when we came into the hospital, and now a big ice storm is sweeping the area. Pam is on her way to our house to prepare all that are there of our plans for some alone time. It will all work out and everyone will be happy. See you all soon!

Marley's photo shoot

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Here's a preview of her big photo shoot

Sonja's baby picture

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Daddy and Marley

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Marley Meets the Myers Family

Devon was so proud and excited to meet his new cousin! He is taking the job of big cousin seriously. He wants to be a good role model for her and is excited to teach her new things when she gets older. When I asked him if he wanted to hold her, he said "That is a big responsibility Mom, her neck is very fragile. I would like to wait until she is more stable". Smart kid! Uncle Steven, who is not drunk! (but looks it), stayed up late Saturday night waiting for news of Marley’s arrival. She really liked being in her mama water bed and did not want to come out! I was given the honor and privilege to be part of the labor team, so I met Marley 15 minutes after she was born. I was able to spend Sunday afternoon and early evening with my baby sister and her beautiful daughter. I was so proud of my baby sister and her husband, they have already proven to be superb parents. Love Aunt Pam

Happy baby, take 2

Something happened last time. Let's try again.

Happy baby!

Day one down

Marley has been an absolute angel today. Sleeping a lot and having fun. We had a lot of visitors, and expect a few more tonight. Everyone has been great and enjoyed their baby time. We look forward to seeing those that haven't been able to make it yet.

First night with baby

Everything went very well. Took to the breast like a champ. She slept through the night, and had to get awoken at 6:30 for a feeding. She went right back to sleep after. Excellent baby. I have now changed my first and second diapers.

Mommy and Marley

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Marley Addison is here!

After a long delay, Marley Addison is finally here. She was born at 11:29, weighing 8 lbs 11 ounces, and measuring at 20 inches. Mommy is resting, and so is baby. I will post pictures when I get back to her.

C-section here we come

On our way to the operating room for the c-section. Marley Addison didn't want to come willingly.

Update

Though not much has changed. Still 7cm, and very uncomfortable. Doctor is doing another monitor to determine contraction intensity. Depending on the results of that, and some other measurements, we may be looking at a C-section.

7cm!

Taking the final turn to the home stretch. Only 3 cm left! Baby is just a few hours away!

4 pm checkup

5cm dilated! Halfway there! Just around the corner now!

Doctor arrives!

Though still the same. Now 3cm dilated. We are told that after 4 it goes much more quickly. She should be back around 4 for another checkup.

Not much has changed

Almost 1 o'clock, not much is new. The doctor has been in surgeries all morning, so she hasn't been in for a checkup. Hopefully soon, though contractions aren't an issue any longer.

Update

Epidural is in, and mommy is sleeping. Big contractions going on, but no discomfort. Whoever developed this procedure is a genius.

Big changes

A lot has happened in the last 45 minutes. Water has broken, in labor and delivery, but still hours away. We are waiting for the IV bag to empty before the epidural can be used. Probably 5 minutes from now. Stay tuned!

Change of plans

They have just notified us that her next exam will now be done at 11. Hopefully this will show some progression and allow us to move to labor and delivery. Until then, Saturday morning tv sucks!

Good morning

A little earlier than expected, but no new news. She isn't any more dilated than she was last night, but the baby is more effaced (sp?). Things are progressing, but a little more slowly than expected. Next checkup is around 8:30.

Nighty night

No action for the rest of the night. They gave Sonja something for the pain, and to help her sleep. Check back around 8:30, unless you hear back from me. Goodnight, all.

Making progress

Meds have been administered, and we are on the right track. There is an off chance that it could happen faster, but they will inspect again around 8:30 am. Unless something happens in the meantime, there won't be a lot of updates. I'll text first if something big goes down.

8:30 and all is well

Still no meds, though. It wouldn't be so bad if they would bring the clear liquid tray. She is getting very hungry, but unable to eat anything.

Still waiting...

The meds are here, but not administered yet. Sonja is doing very well. We are expecting the long haul. The doctor felt the baby, and put a guess of the size. Low 8 lbs is what she is thinking. We think it will be higher. Go big, or go home.

Now we wait again

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We're here, now just waiting for the meds. Everyone is so nice so far. All is well.

We're going in!

We got the call, getting ready to head to the hospital. Nervous and excited. Come on baby!

Patiently waiting..

We are sitting around, waiting for the hospital to call and give us final instructions. Hopefully, we won't be bumped. As soon as we know anything, we will let everyone know.

Tomorrow it is

So, we finally got the call. Tomorrow is the day. We are going to the hospital tomorrow afternoon to start the process. Be prepared for a long road, though. We were warned that I could take as long as 30 hours or so.

The time is ticking down...

I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for all of the help and support that we have gotten. We love you all, and appreciate it greatly.

Final Stretch

We have come to the final stretch of this pregnancy.  There shall be no winner on the baby's birthday pool.  The doctors have decided that they will definitely induce this week.  That means that by Sunday night, we will have a baby.  They were saying that it could be as early as tonight, but since the schedular has yet to call, then that seems unlikely.  As always, check back often for updates.  The end is in sight!

passing the time

So I've had some visitors the past couple of days....that really helps the time pass. Thank you to those who have visited! I can't wait to find out what the Dr has to say tomorrow. My guess is that she'll be here by Friday. Wishful thinking, right?!

Last Woman Standing

So Amy is the last person with a chance on the due date. While her pick of the 23rd seems unlikely, you do never know. Hell, the Eagles have a chance to make the playoffs!

The doctor's appointment is scheduled for 2 pm tomorrow. I'll let everyone know what they say and what their plan is regarding inducing. Keep your fingers crossed.

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Final 3

With Saturday passing, and still no baby, I am out of the running as well. That leaves Potay and Carl, both win today, and Amy with the 23. Neither of these dates seems like it will work. Unless something major happens soon, today is more than likely out. I also have a feeling that they won't let her go that far past her due date. Either way, as always, I'll let you know.

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Changes To Baby's Room

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Good News, Bad News

First, the good news. The non-stress test went very well. You could actually see the contractions, and she reacted well to all stimuli. Sonja has dialated 1/2 inch, and she is 80% thinned.

Now the bad news. She does not have an ideal cervix for inducement. We have an appointment for next Wednesday. There is a decent chance that we can go earlier, but not holding our breath.

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Doctor Appointment

First, let me point out that Poppy is now out of the running for the baby's birthdate. I am sure he will quickly point out how I am out of both fantasy football leagues as well.

Now on to more important issues. Tonight is the last scheduled doctors appointment with a non-stress test. If things go as we want, the end is near. Unfortunately, it may not be. All I know is that if we have to schedule another appointment for next week, mommy will not be happy. I will keep you all up to date as it comes.

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Waiting....

Still waiting for baby....typical girl! She's probably having a bad hair day:)
As I wait for this baby to be born I think back when we waiting anxiously for each pregnancy test to come back....then finally it happened...we got pregnant! It seems like just yesterday. Here we are finding ourselves waiting once again...doesn't this kid know her mother is impatient!
Guess this is part of natures way to prepare you for parenthood, right?!

Can't Wait to Meet you!

Dear little neice,

I am so excited about your arrival. Your mommy is the reason I was born, to take care of her, she gave me purpose. I think your mommy might understand me better once you arrive. You are the most loved little girl. We all can't wait to meet you and get to know you.

Love your Aunt Mammie

False Alarm

In case anyone saw the prior post, and has been hanging out for an update, it appears to have been a false alarm. Good night, everyone.

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For My Late Night Fans...

Contractions may or may not have started. It's a little early to tell, but I will keep you posted.

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My Darling Daughter

When will she grace us with her presence? I'd love to know that answer! I'm so ready to meet her!!
I want to thank her Daddy for doing this blog...it's such a wonderful thing and he's a great writer (I think he may get that talent from Scoop)....Mommy...not so much!

Anyway, no signs of labor yet today...will keep you posted:)

And then there were 5...

With today passing without the arrival of Baby Carrick, we are now left with 5 competitors.  Aunt Mildred, Grandmom, and Steven all had picked the 7th.  That leaves Poppy with the 10th, yours truly with the 13th, Potay and Carl both with the 15th, and Amy taking the very unpopular (in Sonja's eyes) 23rd.  If this baby holds on until then, we will have one very miserable mommy.  Don't worry, betters... the field is still wide open for the weight game.

Ready To Give Birth!

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Today's Update

Last night was not a good one for mommy Carrick. Between the pressure pains and the baby using her as a speed bag, she was not doing so well. Unfortunately, still no contractions. Unless something drastic happens soon, it looks like Pat and Sonja would be out of the running for the baby's date.

I'd also like to welcome both Amy and Carl to the site as contributors. They both responded to my open invitation. They have the ability to write blogs, or simply comment without having to have it approved. Again, let me know if you would like the same.

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Non-stress test 3

First, the good news. As predicted, the baby passed the test beautifully. The bad news, for Sonja at least, was there were no contractions today at all, and definitely not while hooked to the monitor.

As for the baby pool. Barb (Dec 1) and Pam (Dec 2) are both out of the running for the date. Sonja and Pat have taken the 5th, but unless things change drastically, the smart money is on the 13th. Wait, that's what I picked!

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Contractions?

So Sonja may have begun contractions last night. There were new pains, but they only happened twice hours apart. We have a doctor's appointment tonight, so we should know more then. This is also the third non-stress test for the baby, but I am sure she will pass this just as easily as she has passed the prior two.

On a side note, at some point today I will be sending out a test text message. I have tried to setup a distribution list so I don't have to select each name while the baby is coming. Unfortunately, I am not able to do that without sending out a text. Don't worry, you will definitely know the difference when the real one happens.

Baby Pool

So we have passed our first date guessed for the baby pool. Sorry Barb. It isn't too late to get involved. If you have a guess for either the date or weight of the baby, feel free to email it to me. Surprisingly there is no money involved, but bragging rights are just as good. Also, I believe I mentioned it before, but in case I didn't, here goes. All are invited to be writers for this site, to share with everyone your thoughts or feelings. If anyone would like to participate, feel free to email me and I can get you set up.

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Transportation

As I am riding the train tonight, anxious to get home to my wife, I can't help but think what a nightmare it will be when I am on the train while she is in labor. I can always speed up when driving to shave some time, but Patco won't adjust their schedule or speed up the train that day. The only part that will be good is that it will give me an opportunity to post the information to this blog for my one faithful reader. Oh, did I forget to mention that all of the updates will be on this site. There will be an initial text sent out that she has began labor, but all updates that follow will be posted here. It is going to be much easier for us, and that is the point of the whole thing. Taking a cue from Obama, those that read this site will be the first to know the baby's name as well.

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Non Stress Test Number 2

We are at the doctor for non stress test number 2. Once again the baby passed with flying colors. Now that Thanksgiving is over, there is really nothing coming up that we are hoping the baby waits for before coming. My money is still on the 13th, though.

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The Baby Has Dropped!

So the baby has officially dropped, so we are getting closer. It's just a matter of time now. Stay tuned for more updates. Based on the reactions, I am sure you are all on the edge of your seats.

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Week 37!

We are now in week 37, and Sonja continue to be more and more uncomfortable. Walking, sitting, and even laying prove to be a chore. We are past the point where they would stop delivery, so she can come any day now!

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Updates

We had a stress test for the baby last night, and she passed with flying colors. Everything looks great and progressing nicely. Thank you to everyone for all of your support.

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Ultrasound

The ultrasound went well as usual. Baby is practice breathing and moving plenty. Estimated weight at this point is 6 lbs 14 ounces. Big pumper baby here we come!

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