Caden meets her Aunt and Uncles

Aunt Laura was introduced to Caden at the hospital a little after she was born. YAY!! Connor has a cousin!

Uncles Mark and Matthew came to our house and each held their niece Caden. They both thought she was so cute!! (I have to agree, but I am a little biased)

Caden's First 4th of July

At only 5 days old, Caden was able to "experience" her first 4th of July. However, she slept through most of it. Even though we didn't shoot off any fireworks, she still looked festive in the first dress she has ever worn.


Caden was also introduced to her cousin Connor for the first time. He was so sweet to her! Caden kept holding on to his finger and he thought that was the funniest thing.

Happy Birthday Caden!

My how babies have a mind of their own, even before they enter this world. My actual due date was June 24. After that had come and gone, my doctor decided it was best to induce me on June 29. However, Caden had other plans.

I actually started having contractions at 4:00am on Sunday June 28 and the contractions continued all day on Sunday. I didn't really think much about them because they weren't on any certain interval. Plus, since I had already passed my due date, I had talked myself into believing that I was going to have to be induced, that natural labor wasn't going to happen on its own. However, I will say that these contractions were much stronger than the ones I had experienced in the past month and a half.

Sunday night, I wasn't able to get any sleep because the contractions kept getting stronger and the intervals started getting shorter. But, I didn't want to head to the hospital quite yet because I felt more comfortable at home. At about 5:00am, I decided I couldn't stand it any longer. I started getting ready to head to the hospital and Jon and I actually left an hour earlier than we originally planned for the scheduled induction.

I have to say, the car ride to the hospital was the longest car ride ever! The contractions kept getting stronger and stronger, and my denial that I was actually in labor faded. I wanted Jon to be able to get himself some breakfast and coffee before we got to the hospital because I knew it was going to be a long day. I didn't realize that active labor could start so quickly. As soon as we stopped at the window to get his coffee at Starbuck's, the pain level skyrocketed and the contractions felt like they were happening one on top of the other. I'm sure the guy at the to-go window must have thought I was dying.

By the time we arrived at the hospital, and made it to the labor and delivery floor, the nurses ushered us directly to the room. They got me set up in the room very quickly and checked to see the progress I had made. I was already dialated to 5 cm! I couldn't believe it. They ordered an epidural right away, and within 10 min it was inserted and starting to work its magic. Finally, I was a happy camper.


The labor progressed fairly quickly. An hour after the epidural was started, I was at 6.5 cm. The rest of the day is kind of a blur to me. The next thing I know is the nurse wanted me to start pushing. What?! already! After three long hours of pushing, Caden finally joined us at 5:35 pm weighing 7 lbs 2.6 oz and measuring 20 in long.

Mommy meets her little girl for the first time.

Proud Daddy with his little girl.

This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done before, but it was all completely worth it!!! Holding my baby girl in my arms for the first time after wondering all these months what she was going to look like, is a moment I will cherish the rest of my life. I have never been more proud. I could not have done it without the coaching and praising of my wonderful husband. Jonathan, you were so encouraging on this day, our daughter's birthday! You helped me to find strength inside me that I didn't realize I had, but that you knew was in me. I love you! Our baby girl is finally here with us!

What a Great Day

Today, Ashley and I were very fortunate at our Dr's Appointment. Like many people, a doctor's visit has a flexible tone that wavers between glee or gloom. Today, we found out that Caden is doing really good, growing really well, and it was the first time the doctor saw a baby push so hard that the mom's belly became as deformed as Ashley's. As we were leaving, the doctor asked if we had any immediate plans because the office just got a new Sonogram machince that features 4D Scans. So the doctor offered a free scan! Because its a new machine, the doctors had to learn what the abilities of the machine are before they start offering the scans to patients. So, Ashley volunteered her belly. The last sonogram didn't go well, so this was the first time that Ashley has seen Caden since the 8th week sonogram. Caden has grown just a little sense then. Throughout the scan, the doctor shifted back and forth from a normal sonagram to the 4D viewing and it was so amazing to see her. Ashley and I can't be happier.

A Few More...

We decided to have our maternity pictures taken at Chandor Gardens in Weatherford. My boss, Brandon from Perry Aslyn Portrait Design, was gracious enough to take time out of his Sunday off and photograph our growing family.
We love these gardens for more than just their beauty. This is actually where Jonathan and I had our wedding reception almost three years ago. Being there brought back wonderful memories!

Maternity Pics!

23 Weeks!!!

Well today we have hit 23 Weeks! Even though this weeks has been a little more crazy than usual Ashley and Caden are growing very nicely. Caden is getting strong day by day and now it seems is on the same sleeping pattern as Ashley. Just from my side of things, if you haven't been able to tell this is Jon, it is the coolest thing for little Caden to react to my voice or a little poke on her belly. I have to admit that it is fun to poke Ashley's belly and then to feel Caden kick back. Things are going well and this weekend we are planning to do a major make over to our home to get things ready. Here are the most recent Sonogram photos. I am totally amazed by science and God!