Monday, June 20, 2005


Molly and Mom. Posted by Hello

Hanging with Mom. Posted by Hello

Apres bath...still having fun. Posted by Hello

Bathtime fun. Posted by Hello

Molly's first bath. Posted by Hello

Molly getting weighed at her one week check up. Posted by Hello

Molly...six days old. Posted by Hello

Tuesday, June 14, 2005


Miss Molly. Posted by Hello

Molly heading home. Posted by Hello

Molly and Daddy hanging out. Posted by Hello

Molly and her Uncle Claude. Posted by Hello

Oooooohhh, I love milk... Posted by Hello

Molly and Grandma. Posted by Hello

Kisses from Daddy. Posted by Hello

Snug as a bug in a rug. Posted by Hello

Mommy, Daddy and Molly's first picture together. Posted by Hello

Molly Susan getting weighed soon after she was born. Posted by Hello

Molly Susan makes her debut...

Well here it is June 14th and I am finally getting around to updating this site with the most amazing news I have ever had the pleasure of sharing...Molly Susan Crocker was born at 2:32 pm (atlantic time) on Thursday, June 9th. She weighed 8 lbs. 12 ozs. and was 20.5 inches long. She is the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world and Daddy and I love her to bits.

Here is a rundown on what took place...
On Monday (June 6th), Jeff and I went to Halifax and stayed with our friends Tracey and Andrew. We spent most of Tuesday running errands and that evening I started to have alot of discomfort and pressure. Through the night I was having consistent pains that were about a half an hour apart and I was very excited that something could be happening. On Wednesday things subsided a bit and while I was still having lots of pressure and discomfort, things were very irregular....much to my disappointment. On Wednesday evening, my doctor called to tell me to go to the IWK the next morning instead of coming to see her at her office. I was to see an OB and have a consult on a possible induction. So Thursday morning we made our way to the IWK and I met with Dr. Parrish (an awesome doctor by the way). She did an exam and told me that I was only 1-2 cms dilated. I couldn't believe it...after all that pain and I was only that far along. She also told me that the baby was very big (her guess was over 9 lbs.). She then proceeded to say that she could start things along with the gel (helps cervix to dilate) and that we could start that on Friday and into Monday/Tuesday of next week and then if that didn't work we could go to the drip. I was so disappointed and she could tell. She then suggested that I consider a c-section because of the baby's size. While I wasn't totally against having a c-section, being faced with the decision freaked me out. At this point though, I was freaked out by having the baby naturally because of it being so big!!! So...after thinking it over and speaking with my family doctor, I made the decision to have a c-section. This decision was made at about noon and the surgery was scheduled for 2:00 pm that afternoon. It was the weirdest feeling knowing that in about 2 hours I would have my baby and be a mommy.

So at about 1 pm, Jeff and I went to the birthing unit to prepare for surgery. I was very excited, nervous and scared all at the same time. The actual surgery went very smoothly and when they told us we had a baby girl, I almost died of shock. I was so convinced it was a boy!!! So once again, Jeff was right. I may never live this one down!!

I must say that the moment I saw Molly and looked into her eyes was the most amazing moment of my entire life. She was so cute and so perfect and knowing that I was her Mommy made me so proud. I could possibly be the happiest person alive.

We spent the next couple of days at the IWK and had lots of visitors. Grandma spent the whole time with us (she arrived at 4 pm on Thursday). It was so nice to have her there and watch her get to know Molly. We headed for home on Sunday afternoon and since then have been spending lots of time getting to know each other and doing lots of snuggling and cuddling. She is only five days old and I can't even imagine her not being in our lives...it seems like she has been here forever.

I will post some pictures and check back again soon with updates.
Bye for now,
Alayne, Jeff and Molly

Sunday, June 05, 2005

Pssstttt....Baby Crocker, you seem to be missing your birthday...

Well, here I sit on the day I have had etched in my head since last Fall...the almighty due date of June 5th. Baby Crocker is still in the Fort Knox cocoon and is making no signs of departure whatsoever. I guess I should take it as a compliment that things are nice and comfy in there.

This morning when I woke up, I sang happy birthday in the hopes that baby would realize he/she was missing a party, but all I got were a few kicks and if I am not mistaken...baby went back to sleep. A real up and coming comedian...

Yesterday I cleaned the fridge. Not just a quick little wipe down...a full-fledged dismantling and scrub session. And then I vacuumed (for what seems like the fifth time this week). My freaking house looks like something out of a real estate commercial. Even the cat has started wiping his paws when he comes in from outside.

Our trip to Halifax has been postponed until tomorrow (Monday). Jeff tried to make me think he had some important projects to take care of, but I know he is just stalling. I suppose I can't blame him. The spin doctor that I am, I tried to make him think of our trip as a vacation and a time for us to spend time together alone before the baby comes. I don't think he bought it...I must be losing my touch. It will be nice to be closer to the hospital and not have to drive 3.5 hours while in labor in that bumpy Jeep. It will also be nice to spend some time with Tracey and her family instead of the quick visits we have had lately. My goal is for Tracey and I to indulge in a pedicure/manicure while the boys take care of the children. Fingers (and toes) crossed.

So that's all for now. In celebration of this being Baby Crocker's due date, I have taken a few pictures of my robust midsection (which can be seen below). It still seems to be getting bigger and is hard as a freaking rock. I believe I have said this before...can an abdomen actually bust? Feels like we are pushing the limit these days...not to mention that Baby Crocker is undoubtedly packing the weight on by the minute!!!

Chow for now...
Alayne

40 weeks and counting...


Good old due date shot...taken June 5th - a 40 whopping weeks pregnant. Posted by Hello

View from above...


I figured I would share my view of the mammoth belly - taken June 5th. And yes, I do have feet...they are just not visible. Posted by Hello

Friday, June 03, 2005

Velcro baby stuck in Fort Knox...

My trip to Halifax yesterday was uneventful and short lived. :-( The plan was to stay in Halifax until the baby arrived if there was any progress, but alas...nothing.

The baby's heartbeat was 136 bpm and I was still measuring 41 weeks (I was 39 weeks and four days). I gained 2.5 lbs. in a week, which the doctor figured was fluid (whatever). I have given up tallying the weight as it doesn't seem to stop packing on. I figure I am somewhere around 38 lbs. At this point, that is the least of my worries. So my doctor did an internal exam and reported there was no change from last week. NO CHANGE!!!! Nothing, nadda, zip. My cervix is tighter than Fort Knox. I mean come on, throw me a bone...give me a centimeter, give me something!!!

My doctor also commented that I had a pretty good sized baby in there. So being the sucker for punishment I asked her what she thought. She replied 8.5 lbs. Ouch. I told her it better come out soon because if it kept growing, a man-made hole would certainly need to be dug. She also predicted it was a boy, which I have been thinking all along. I can't wait to find out. Jeff is convinced it is a girl. We'll see who is right.

So back home I came and the plan is to go back to Halifax on Sunday and wait there. Jeff finishes fishing tomorrow and that will do wonders for my nerves. I certainly hope something takes place soon because both Jeff and I will go crazy waiting in Halifax. I have another appointment next Thursday at 10:45 am and if nothing has taken place by then, my doctor is going to get me in for an induction (perhaps Friday, perhaps not).

So that's all for now. I am feeling crappy today and while I get hopeful that this may mean something is taking place, I am thoroughly convinced I won't meet my baby for another week. Ugh. I must now go and pray to the labor gods.
Chow...
Alayne

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Still ticking...

I am in full blown waiting mode now, as can be detected from my frequent posts here. I have added another belly shot below...perhaps some memories are not worth recording!!!

So my car cleaning adventures came to an abrupt stop yesterday. Shortly after going outside I tripped and fell on the gravel driveway. :-( You can just imagine how graceful a sight that was. I immediately went into panic mode and thought for sure I hurt the baby. After sitting on the couch for awhile (crying my eyes out) and making calls to some trusty sources, I pulled myself together. The baby was moving lots (probably wondering what the hell was going on) and I didn't have any cramping or bleeding....all good signs. So other than my cuts and scrapes, I just have to heal my bruised and embarrassed ego. Today I do feel as though I was hit by a transfer truck and more bruises are appearing. Won't I be the pretty sight on the delivery table?!?!?

I have also uncovered a phenomenon, which is new to me but may not be new to the rest of the world. I like to call it "due date jealousy." You see, a number of people I know are pregnant and due within a month of me. My friend Sheri in Ottawa had her baby, Mina, on May 16th. This is OK, she was due on May 15th. Then today I find out my friend Anick in Ottawa just had her little girl Sienna. She was due two weeks after me!!! Also, Jeff's niece Kristen, who is due on June 12th is in the hospital having her baby as we speak. You know that feeling you get when someone cuts the line you have been waiting hours in?!?! I have it - big time!!! Actually it is not so bad, I am very happy and excited for all the new mommies and babies!!! Baby Crocker is just being courteous and polite. :-)

Well that is all for today. The sun is finally shining here, so I will now venture outside (slowly and carefully) and enjoy the day. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and I am considering staying in Halifax until the baby arrives. If that is the case my next posting will be about the baby. If not, I will check back in.
Wish me luck...
Alayne

Big old bare belly shot...


Well it's almost over, so I guess it is time to bare the old belly for a picture. Considering my belly is a sacred area, this is pretty risque for me. This was taken today, June 1st, and I am 39 weeks and three days pregnant. Posted by Hello

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

It's Tuesday, May 31st today and there are only five days left till my due date (which I have come to realize is just a freaking date and means absolutely nothing). Today was supposed to be the last day of the lobster fishing season, but it was extended until Saturday, June 4th. Oh joy. So now I am hoping the baby comes late. Which really bites cause I want to meet the baby now. That plus I am running out of nesting projects. I have promised myself that I will not pull the stove out and scrub underneath it. Today I am going to clean the inside of the Jeep. It smells from the winter and I just think that Baby Crocker's first ride should be more pleasant. OK, I admit...I am insane.

I had a prenatal appointment last Thursday (the 26th) and I was 38 weeks and 4 days. Oddly enough I was measuring 44 weeks. Even my doctor said "oh my" when she did the measurement. Could a pregnant woman actually bust? Let's hope we don't find out. The baby's heartbeat was 136 bpm. She did an exam to see how things were progressing and I was 20% effaced (cervix thinning) but there wasn't any dilation (opening). Nothing is sacred anymore...I can now speak freely about my girlie parts and feel a sense of pride about my cervical accomplishments. Pregnancy is just plain bizarre.

So...after that took place I went along my merry way, only to be faced with cramping and bleeding. High carumba...could it be? Was the big debut near? Nope, no such luck. We stayed overnight in Halifax and went back to my doctor the next day only to find out that there was a bit more effacement but still no dilation. On a positive note, my measurement was back down to 41 weeks. Baby Crocker was sticking its butt out the day before. The heartbeat was 152 bpm (a little excited perhaps). So...back home we came. My doctor said I should see how I felt over the weekend and perhaps think about staying in Halifax this week. I did think about that briefly but then decided that it would drive me bonkers to wait around up there, so I am staying put. I have an appointment on Thursday morning so we'll see what happens then and make a plan from there.

That's all for now. I plan on capturing another belly shot sometime this week. I will post it once I do. I will have to check to see if I have a wide angle lens attachment...ha ha.
Bye for now,
Alayne and Baby Crocker (aka...Pookie, Mammoth, Velcro...)

Sunday, May 22, 2005

The countdown is on...

Well, here it is May 22nd and I am 38 weeks pregnant...only two more weeks to go. I am so excited to meet this little one, I feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas - times one kazillion!!!

I have had two appointments since my last update. The first was on May 10th and while I was very tempted to load up on sugar to make sure the baby would be awake, I decided against it. Interestingly enough, the heartrate was 140 bpm. No sugar intervention needed. I was measuring 39 weeks, even though I was only at 36. My doctor did a test for Group B Strep...I'll get the results in a week or two and if I am positive I will need to have an IV during delivery. Hopefully that won't happen.

My next appointment was on May 17th and my doctor talked to Jeff and I about labor and delivery. She indicated that if I lasted till my due date of June 5th that she would schedule an induction that following week. Hopefully Baby Crocker will try and bolt before that has to happen! Jeff told my doctor that June 2nd would be perfect for him and she replied that she would see what she could do. As if anyone of us has any control over these things. I am just hoping that baby waits till June 1st because that's when Daddy is all done fishing. Might be a little hairy if things happen before then.

At my May 17th appointment the baby's heartrate was 136 bpm...a number that has appeared a few times before. I was still measuring 39 weeks so perhaps things are evening out.

Well, that's all the news from this end. I think a person starts nesting around this time, but since I have been nesting for the last 20 years, I am not really sure what to look for. I have been quite neurotic about paying bills as soon as they arrive and washing clothes as soon as there is a load, so maybe that's nesting - who knows.

Pretty soon I will be posting pictures of baby...
Alayne

It keeps growing and growing...


Taken on May 22nd - 38 weeks pregnant, two more weeks to go. Posted by Hello

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Cute poem I found...

Message from baby...
Although you cannot see me, I’m growing by leaps and bounds,
I can’t wait to make my appearance and all my social rounds.
Mommy’s doing good, did you know I can sense her smile?
I can’t wait to lie in her arms and gaze at her for a while.
I’m so excited to see my daddy, he talks to me each night.
With his head on mommy’s belly, it surely is a sweet sight.
My heart is beating strongly and it seems I have fingers too,
I understand these will come in handy for fingerpaint and glue.
Mommy, I know you cannot hold me or give me a kiss goodnight,
But you feel me move inside you and should know that I’m all right.
So until my big arrival, you have very much to do…
Paint my room, get clothes and toys and plenty of those diaper things too.
I’m just going to finish growing, so I will make you proud.
Till then I'm your little angel, just hanging out on heavens cloud.

Another update on Baby Crocker...

Well today is May 5th, only one month away from the big due date of June 5th!

I am actually not that nervous and am all prepared...so my schedule pretty much consists of taking it easy and waiting for baby to arrive. I am starting to feel quite huge and my belly keeps knocking into everything. The scale says I am currently packing about 27 lbs. extra at this point. Still within reason but scary nonetheless. I have came to the conclusion that I will need to have my legs waxed by a professional. I know things are amazon-like down there, but I just can't seem to reach them without fear of cutting a major vein and bleeding to death. Oh the joys. Perhaps a pedicure will be in order as well. Bright red toes has to do wonders for a pregnant woman's spirit. Let's hope.

Baby Crocker took a long time to get its first hiccups, but has been pretty consistent since then. Usually about two times a day. Now that he/she is head down, this makes for quite a sensation in my lower abdomen. The baby has also taken to playing the chopsticks on my ribs with its feet.

I had another prenatal appointment on Tuesday (May 3rd). After the scare last time, I was a bit nervous. Knowing that I hadn't ate before my last appointment and that the baby was also sleeping, I decided to do things differently this time. Just before my appointment I had a chai latte, a chocolate dipped shortbread and a fruit smoothie. While I was in the waiting room the baby started doing the sugar dance and my belly was quite funny to watch. When my doctor put the doppler on my belly there was no mistaking the heartbeat. It was a whopping 152 bpm. The highest it has ever been. Giddy up...it sounded like a galloping horse. Again, I sincerely believe that Baby Crocker will pay me back for all these schenanigans. I am self-professed neurotic, what can I say?

I think that is all for now. I will check back in with another update soon.
Alayne

Big bad belly shot...


Taken on May 5th - 35 weeks and 4 days. Posted by Hello

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

A few more of Baby Crocker's things...


Baby Crocker has a new shelf to hold diapers, creams, lotions, etc. A few more knick knacks have also been added, including a mirror for Baby Crocker to smile and make faces at. Posted by Hello

Baby Crocker's crib has arrived...


Baby Crocker's crib is all set up and is as cute as a button!!! Posted by Hello

Monday, May 02, 2005

Baby Crocker's first bed.


This is Baby Crocker's first bed, which will be in Mommy and Daddy's room. It's called a Moses Basket. Posted by Hello