saturday

We've had some good quality time with lots of family coming to spend some time with us and Leah. Here is our 4 generation picture on the Okkema side with my dad and Grandma. Too cute!!

There are a few special people in Leah's life that love frogs. I couldn't resist when I saw this little outfit in a store many months ago.

We've sure been busy the past couple of days!! Leah had her first doctor appt and her Billi-rueben count went from a 6 to a 11 - they prescribed some maxin' and relaxin' in the sunshine. Too bad her sunglasses don't fit yet!!

Home sweet home!

Good morning all of you Leah fans!! I am reading all of the posts from Rick and just smilimg. Isn't he wonderful?!
We were able to go home from the hospital about 1:30 yesterday - we passed our inspections and tests with flying colors - (pink, right?)
I just wanted to say thank you for all of the prayers and encouragement - I don't think it would have gone as well without them! We are so overwhelmed by all of the people that love and support us. I am turning into a sappy mommy!!
We appreciate all of the visits, cards, gifts, and calls! You are all a wonderful support system - The VB family is SO blessed!

We look forward to sharing our precious Leah with you as she grows.


Pictures to follow when I can type with more than one hand.

12 hours old

good morning, everything is going well, no problems at all, here are a couple more pics for ya.

leah mae is here

she was born at 9:15pm, 19" long, and 6 pounds 15 ounces, she is beautifull and has best cry i ever heard. hear are some pics.

docktor predicts one more hour

the pitocin is cranked up, she is now dialated to 8, she went from 6 to 8 in one hour. looking good.

still waiting

dialated to 6 now

not yet

all the way thinned out, dialated to 5 centimeters, yeah i know lets get the show on the road, lets do this yo.

no baby yet

it is 11:55pm, contractions are 3-5 min apart, getting stronger, i will keep you updated yo. (no screamers at this time)

all systems go

rdaddy hear, its 8:45 am and robins water is broken, she is having small contractions, dialated to 3, we have a screamer next door, and things are going well, rickisha will be hear soon.

98 years young

Today, Rick's Grandma Hazel Alderink found peace in heaven after 98 1/2 years here on Earth. She had been dealing with a few health issues and is finally free from physical restrictions. A lot of the family including Rick were there when she passed on and they are all thankful that the struggle is over. We don't know how the next week will play out with me on bedrest and then being induced and a funeral, but it will all work out the way it should. Please keep Rick and his family in your prayers as they say their final goodbyes to a wonderful woman.

3 more days!

Just a little update on Shevb....we had a follow up doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon at which we discussed test results and had another blood pressure check. My blood pressure was quite elevated again and the protein levels in my urine were elevated again. I have un-officially been diagnosed with Pre-eclampsia, but I am not too severe yet. The doctor sent us back to the hospital for a couple hours to monitor the baby and my blood pressure as well as sent some more blood work out. They decided that I was allowed to leave again since my blood pressure went back down after resting but we did schedule an induction for Tuesday morning. That is the official 39 (safe) date to induce labor. YEAH! So, they sent me home to stay on bedrest until Tuesday morning when we go back in for the final time to meet the baby (unless she decides she doesn't want to wait for her birthday presents and comes earlier)! Stay tuned!!

Bedrest Blues

Today was our 38 week doctor's appointment.....as most of you know I have been dealing with severe swelling in my feet the past couple of weeks. That has not been a major concern to the doctor because my blood pressure was staying within my normal range. That wasn't the case this morning, unfortunately. I felt unusually jittery all morning and just thought it was anticipation of hearing of any changes and getting a hint of when the baby might be coming....it was due to the fact that my blood pressure was 146/96. For those who don't know, that's quite high, and very high based on my normal range.
Jimmy decided to send me over to the hospital to be monitored and tested for Pre-eclampsia. He quickly did another internal exam - and I was delighted to hear that I am now dialated to a "good" 2 and 70% effaced. So I drove the whole block over to the hospital and walked in not knowing if the next time I walked out, I would have a baby in my arms!! After 2 1/2 hours of monitoring and blood work, they decided to release me but to strict bedrest. I am now confined to my house, laying on my left side at LEAST until my doctor's appointment on Friday afternoon. I wasn't ready for that news, but Jimmy knows best. I am thankfully allowed to get up to go to the bathroom and take a shower. I will be the cleanest girl on the block! Sooo, if anyone feels like coming to hang out at the VB house, I'll be here!!!!!

No change

Hi All, just an update on our doctor's appointment yesterday. I'm still retaining water like a champ, but blood pressure is still good. There was a trace of protein in my urine, but the nurse said it was nothing to be worried about at this point. The baby's heart rate was 125 bpm - Jimmy said she was having quiet time in there. And there was not really much of a change on effacement or dilation. :( Too bad. I know it could all change in an instant though, so here's hoping!

pure sweetness!

Thanks to our good friends Tracy, Katy and Rain, we now have the bouncy seat and swing ready for use! Carl was a great help as you can see -he fits right in. :)

Tonight, we put the finishing touches on Shevb's room! We put the butterflies into flight.

Laura had a party where you could purchase vinyl wall sayings (etc) and all of us sappy ladies fell in love with this saying since there is kind of a butterfly theme in the nursery. I had some trouble in the beginning putting this up above the crib, but thanks to a wonderful consultant and good advice, I was able to get it put on the wall without TOO much hasslement (and I didn't wreck it!!). I just LOVE it!

CAKE

How terrible is this picture? 9 months pregnant, indulging in the greatest cupcake known to mankind. Thank you Holly and Corey Kragt for ordering these little pieces of heaven!! There was even frosting on the INSIDE. Now that is what I call a quality cupcake!!

36 Weeks and All is Well

Hello Shevb fans - I wanted to post an update on how our doctors appointment went yesterday. We've been getting very concerned about my feet and how swollen and purple they've become, but according to the doctor, this week has been horrible for all the patients at the office. Everyone is coming in with swollen feet - I guess that's what happens when you're pregnant in August.
I also got to experience my first internal exam. I was a little shocked when they said that they were doing that, but it does make sense! I am happy to report that her head is nice and low, I am 50% efaced (how the heck do you spell that?) and I am dialated to almost a 1. YAY!!!
This is obviously not an indication of when Shevb will be making her debute, but according to the doctor "conditions are favorable". I was pretty encouraged to hear that there is progress being made, and I don't even know it!! That's a good girl! :)