Our First Baby

Christmas 2009, by Shannon Stoler

2010-01-07T20:57:00.001-05:00

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

baby alert!

2009-01-31T20:38:00.001-05:00

i am so glad that andy took this picture. there is one similar of me on my parents bed at this age.

Dedication

2009-01-27T21:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is my attempt to catch up.

Anna Campbell was dedicated at Mount Hermon Baptist Church on January 18, 2009. We had a luncheon after the service at my parents, Nana and Grandaddy's.

YUMMY!

2009-01-20T20:41:00.000-05:00

I love to eat now. It has been a little over a month since I started eating solids. This looks like applesauce all over my face. Towel, anyone?

Jan 14

2009-01-14T20:33:00.001-05:00

I am ready for the big snow, if we ever get one. This is the outfit I wore for my 6 month pictures. My Mama was so nuts about this outfit from the Children's Place that she and my Aunt Molly had to go all over Ohio (well it seemed like it) to find boots to match. Guess what, my Mama found my boots right here in Virginia.

Bath time, January 12, 2009

2009-01-12T20:13:00.001-05:00

She loves bath time, although these pictures show her non-thrilled side. She was really tired. I am surprised we got as many pictures as we did.

One of my favorites.

2009-01-03T20:46:00.001-05:00

I had just nursed Anna Campbell and she had fallen asleep this way. We were in Ohio at the time. It is as if she is saying her night time prayers....now I lay me down to sleep.

Maw Maw was rocking Anna Campbell to sleep. How sweet!

Christmas in Ohio

2009-01-02T20:29:00.001-05:00

We had to put the babies in the sink at Grandma's house. Who does not have a baby picture in the kichen sink, well these two have pictures at Maw Maw Carolyn's house. Brendan is on the left and Anna Campbell is on the right. The same seating arrangement is for the other pictures when they are wearing the same Santa's helper jammies. (January 1--sink, January 2)

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T23:26:00.002-05:00

We always get together to share a fantastic meal with our family. This year was no exception. Wine(s), baked brie, crab dip the famous Sterner salad, Prime Rib, asparagus, and homemade NY style cheesecake! And much more!

2008-12-24T17:20:00.001-05:00

There is a new tradition! We love making Christmas cookies with Cameryn and Adam (that is when we are in Danville for Christmas). This year we were able to had one more set of helping hands. Anna Campbell loved looking on as we were making our cookies. She did have quite a good nap in while we were icing the cookies, but none the less she was a great onlooker!

She loves her new bear from Aunt Melanie and Aunt Frances. Many thanks to our family babysitters to take care of our precious angel. How blessed are we :)

Here Come's Santa Claus

2008-12-22T00:09:00.001-05:00

It's a tradition at Mama and Daddy's church to carol for Santa to come and visit the children after the Christmas play. This was not Anna Campbell's first visit to see Santa. Thanks, Santa!

2008-12-14T23:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks Auntie Alyssa and Uncle Chad for the cute outfit...yes, I can still wear it in December! My Mommy dresses me in this GAP dress quite a bit. I think I look cute in purple. My Mommy and Daddy love kissing my cheeks, maybe that is why my cheeks are always red. Love, Anna Campbell

2008-12-13T23:08:00.001-05:00

Anna Campbell has been sticking out her tongue for several weeks now. I think it is adorable, but it does get annoying for pictures! The pictures we ended up ordering from Alan Dalton was the pose with her tongue sticking out...it was so cute!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-13T22:53:00.002-05:00

WAZZUUUP! Anna Campbell is finally sitting up on her own, as of today December 13th! She is just 2 days shy of 6 months.

I love this picture of the "four" of us. I think we took about 100 pictures. We wanted Saidey to be included on our Christmas card this year, but if you all remember we added just the one of the three of us. We were not as pleased with the pictures we had with Saidey as without.

Visit with Santa

2008-12-07T00:19:00.001-05:00

We visited Santa today at the mall. We thought she would be afraid, but she wasn't. Santa is a pro at this job. Seems that he was a little tired from all the children's lists that he was checking twice to make sure they were nice in 2008.

Brendan's Dedication

2008-11-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

Brendan Andrew Henderson was dedicated on November 30, 2008. What a sweetie boy! We were already in Ohio for Thanksgiving. Molly and Matt planned the event for that Sunday.

Thanksgiving tradition continues....

2008-11-30T22:48:00.000-05:00

The Stoler family always goes bowling! Enjoy the pictures!

Christmas Tree shopping

2008-11-30T22:34:00.002-05:00

When we are in Ohio for Thanksgiving, we always enjoy shopping for trees. This year, Molly decided to try a new Christmas Tree farm. Well, it was not nearly as abundant and did not have nearly the tree selection that the farm close to home (Ashalnd Ohio). So, Saturday morning we went back to the farm we normally pick and cut trees at and we found our tree--yes, do think of the Griswalds! Matt and Molly even don the dickies...We really want you guys to have another Nog and Dickies party so we can attend :)

We traveled back to Danville with our tree in the back bed of Andy's pickup truck. It traveled well. And, we will do it again in 2010. In 2009, we will find a real tree around Danville at a local market because you cannot pick your own tree and cut it down like in can in Ohio.

Our first Thankgiving!

2008-11-30T21:50:00.000-05:00

Our first family Thanksgiving was in Ohio. As most of you know, we rotate Christmas and Thanksgiving between Virginia and Ohio. We started this as soon as we were engaged. Because the rival schools play each other that weekend of thanksgiving or before, we decided that ths shcool of choice who was home would be the state we would spend thanksgiving. For instance, when Ohio State is playing Michigan at home in Columbus, Virginia is always playing Virginia Tech away. So, in this case we would be in Ohio for Thanksgiving so we would enjoy the festivities of the game and Thanksgiving. Then when UVA plays Tech in Charlottesville, we are always in Virginia for Thanksgiving and we can enjoy our season tickets and go to the game...Go Hoos! Go Buckeyes!

Visit with Grammy

2008-11-25T23:35:00.000-05:00

We had a great visit from Grammy this week. We went shopping at the Gingerbread House. We toured Daddy's new Airside building, had lunch, cooked dinner for everyone. Here are just a few pictures to share from the week.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2008-11-18T22:01:00.003-05:00

Today is Andy's birthday, Nov 18th! He turned 32 today. Earlier Anna Campbell and I went to Greensboro to pick Grammy up from the airport. She flew in from Orlando. Grammy will be here a few days and then off to D.C. to visit with Aunt Pam, Laura, Jason and Campbell "Belle".

We entertained the entire family for dinner tonight. What a work out. I cooked chicken casserole, known to the inventor as Spazagna--so good! And I cooked shrimp casserole--a Paula Deen creation that has soon became a new love. D and Elizabeth Ware introduced this dish to us when we had Anna Campbell. They shared it with us for dinner. What a treat both casseroles are (matter of fact, the Spazagna was a new baby dinner dish as well). I made a from scratch strawberry cake and pecan pie, two of Andy's favorites--YUMMY! He also loves the butter tastin' biscuit by Pillsbury. Needless to say we were not on a diet, although we did have the famous Sterner salad-does this count as nurtritious? NAAAHHHH!

As far as I could tell, Andy loved his new hedge trimmers we gave him. Mama and Daddy gave him a leaf blower. These are two things he desperately wanted--sounds like my idea of a good birthday present being a new stove/cook top and a garbage disposal! HA!
Pictures to follow :)

1st Halloween

2008-11-07T15:22:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am a slacker blogger...but I do try! I finally have the pictures from Halloween. Anna Campbell, aka Minnie Mouse, had a great trick or treat night. Around 5:30 Leslie, Steve and Tanner came to our house and Shae, Cameryn and Adam soon followed. We wanted to get pictures with all the kids. We stayed home until 7:15 so we could give out candy then we went trick or treating.

2008-11-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Andy, Anna Campbell and myself went to Aunt Frances' house, she was dressed as a witch. Mama and Daddy met us there. Even Nana dressed up for Halloween. She dressed as a sorceror--that is what I think anyway! Then we drove to Melanie and Lewis's house. We were greeted at the door with theater size candy bars---WHOA! No wonder they have about 100 trick or treaters! The candy selection was better than a 7-11. Before heading home to tuck Minnie Mouse in for the night, we went to MaMa and PaPa's house. We did not get any pictures there because Minnie Mouse was snuggled in her car seat just about snoozing.

PaPa's 87th Birthday: November 5, 1921

2008-11-06T23:35:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we all celebrated my PaPa's 87th birthday. Born November 5, 1921 in South Carolina as Howard Marion Campbell. Can you believe he wanted to eat Mexican food? He loves the cheese dip and just plain tacos. YUMMY! We had no complaints; El Vallarta is our favorite.

PaPa is still trying to keep himself busy. He likes to piddle around his junk yard, although he would never call it junk. Tractors are still his second love; he and my MaMa have been married for 62 years! PaPa has great stories. He loves telling Andy about his WWII days and when he used to travel near Schanootesville, IL. Did I spell that correctly? The reason he likes to tell Andy that story is because it is near Ohio and he traveled through Ohio to get home to VA from IL.

PaPa and MaMa just love seeing little Miss Anna Campbell. We took her by their home for Halloween so they could see the real Minnie Mouse in person.

Take a look at our pictures! More to come soon!

A Sunday Stroll

2008-11-02T22:42:00.001-05:00

We decided to enjoy the 75 degree weather November had to offer. After church we packed up and headed to Hyco. Andy and I wanted to take one last spin in the Malibu before having it winterized. Charles and Andy have plans to take the boat to where we bought it to have it winterized later this month. Off we go! Saidey really enjoyed herself. You can see the cold water bath did not affect her too much. She is all smiles as little sis looks up from her car seat. Can you believe it is 67 degrees in the water and November? Our neighbors were out skiing today. Kam had on a wet suit but our newest neighbor, Frank, wore just his swim trunks! ICY!!!

I am scared

2008-10-24T23:42:00.005-04:00

These precious days are passing so quickly. I cannot get enough of little miss Anna. I absolutely adore her. I am so in love, with not only the man of my dreams, but our sweet baby girl. How can a mother not love her child? This is sad to admit, but I am adicted to her, in a good way. No, I don't hold her 20 of 24 hours. But I do cuddle, blow bubbles, laugh with her, tickle her, read to her, play, get to her eye level, wrap her in my snuggli so she can see at my eye level...I love her.

Someone told me today that it is not that hard going back to work. She has had two children, most recently a boy on July 18th. She went back to work after 10 weeks. Honestly, is she trying to convince herself of something, or is she trying to protect me by telling me this? I am scared...

I am not scared to leave her with the sitter (my cousin Melanie--I know she will be well taken care of and loved just as I would love on her), but I am scared of what I will miss. Will I be the one with her when she takes her first step, what about her first word? Why do we now live in a society that requires two incomes--heck, my husband has two incomes, so with me that makes three! Pray, that is something I have taken for granted and taken out of the equation these days--BAD! I know that God has the best and only plan. Am I listening?

4 months old!! October 15, 2008

2008-10-17T00:29:00.000-04:00

Anna Campbell is 4 months old now. She weighs 13.07 pounds and is 25 inches long. She did better with her shots today than at her 2 month visit.

Johnny Jumper!

2008-10-13T21:00:00.002-04:00

We tried out the Johnny Jumper today! Just how we imagined it; she did not know what to do! She looked scared. I am sure after a few days she will get the hang of it.

Anna Campbell has been sleeping in her crib at night for about 2 weeks now. So far, so good. I cannot believe how fast she is growing. We have our 4 month doctor's visit in two days, Wednesday Oct 15. I am going to guess that she weighs 14 pounds. We'll see :)

UVA Game, October 11, 2008

2008-10-12T10:48:00.000-04:00

We had a mini reunion on Friday and Saturday at the UVA game. Mama, Daddy, Andy, Anna Campbell and myself traveled to Charlottesville on Friday, the 10th of October, to visit with friends from college.
Alyssa and Chad Burkhardt and Paula Chirhart flew in from NYC. We all went out to dinner to a college favorite, the Biltmore. We had their famous cheese fries and most of us ate salads--yummy! Instead of going out that evening for drinks-we are now party poopers-, the Sterner/Stoler crew headed back to the hotel. I hate to admit this, but I am more worn out now than ever, and Anna is not even mobile yet!
When we arried to the Marriott, we detoured by the indoor pool to discover how warm it was. It registered 90 degrees. I had a bathing suit for Anna Campbell so we all went swimming. Granted, not for very long as it was late and we had to get an early start for tailgating on Saturday.

On Saturday we met up with Alyssa, Chad, Paula, Tiffany and Seamus Campion, Lauren and Mason Baron, and Kelly Duncan--all girl friends from Tri-Sig (Alyssa, Tiffany, Paula), first year hallmate E-school and friend for life (Lauren) and E-school friend (Kelly). Everyone met up at Mama and Daddy's parking spot around 9 am. Then later we traveled to Rosalie's (Tri-Sig) parking spot and we met up with other Tri-Sig sisters, Adrienne and Ashley. We had a great time, but time was short because kickoff was at noon!

First big bath, October 8th

2008-10-09T00:08:00.002-04:00

Anna Campbell loved the big tub bath. Mommy and Daddy joined in on the fun==this is PG, I promise! She seemed so relaxed. Anna Campbell has loved the water since day one, but this is a new concept to her.

WAAAYYYY Behind!

2008-10-01T21:26:00.003-04:00

Okay, Okay, Okay, so I am a little behind on my blogging. Enough already! I never knew how little I would get done while I was home full time with Anna Campbell. I cannot imagine what our home will look like, or how it will operate once I start back to work in January! We'll see!! Just maybe there is a housemaid in my future:)

So, for all you that check regularly (and ask for more info) I have decided to work backward. I am going to give you the latest info and work back to July 4th (my last up to date post). I have learned that what really takes so long is converting my pictures to usable size files and then putting the slide show together. My promise to you all is that I will try to do better, and I will have to do this after she is asleep!

Today, Wednesday October 1! WOW, where has time gone? It is scary. We have not decided or really even contacted babysitters for Anna Campbell. WE would love to have someone come into our home, but the person we contacted that used to do that has not increased her hours to almost full time at a local department store. My Aunt Frances and cousin Melanie have a great daycare, and our plan is to call them. We are looking for something "small." I want someone to read to Anna, I want someone to hold her and I don't want a T.V. to be the babysitter.

Nursing has been frustrating for me for the past week or more. This past Thursday, September 18th, Andy's grandma B passed away. We left for Ohio that day and her funeral was Saturday. Anna Campbell did well her first long trip to Ohio (the longest trip so far). I do believe that this trip threw us both off. She would nurse for only 2-5 minutes on one side and then have nothing to do with me. I had my pump so I would pump to keep my milk up and also to relieve myself--who would have thought this feeling of fullness (engorgement) would be so uncomfortable? Her naps and sleeping were off, too. She slept some in her pack'n'play but she slept with us for a good part of the night. I think she felt more safe and comfortable; this was a new place for her. Never would I have thought an infant would pick up on changes in their environment, but I believe it now.

Today, Anna Campbell nursed pretty well. I thought that something was really wrong this morning when Anna Campbell woke at 8 am (after waking once already at 5 am) and she did not want to nurse. It was not until 9 am that she was interested in eating. Normally, even if she eats a little during her "dream feed" at 5 am, she would chow down at her normal wake time between 7:30 and 8:00 am. Anyone there with suggestions? Her naps are crazy too. She will normally wake herself about 45-50 minutes into her naps. She is still doing this (I will blog more about this later). She slept for 2 hours in her car seat today while I ran errands. After I got home around 10:45, she slept another hour in her seat. She normally stirs and wakes once she is still in the seat. She is taking 4 naps (9:30 am, 12:30, 4:00, 6:30-7 ish). The last one is a small nap normally and the morning tends to be the longest. Hopefully we can get her to sleep a little longer. I just don't think she is getting the rest she needs during the day. She goes to bed after 9 and is down until 4-5 am and then to finally wake after 7:30. Her nights are GREAT!!!

Okay, enough for now! Love to you all :)

P.S. If any of you have a Web Camera and want to set up a date night, let us know!

4th of July

2008-07-08T13:02:00.001-04:00

Wow! Time is flying by so quickly. Anna Campbell has grown so much in the first few weeks. Of course there are pictures to view.

For the 4th, Carolyn -aka- MawMaw, and Uncle Bill, came to visit. We had a nice time at the lake on the new boat dock. As most of you know, I love the 4th of July. Anna Campbell wore several outfits that had been given to her. One with the American Girl logo was from Nana. She wore a bib that said "Baby's first 4th" from MawMaw, and the butterfly outfit with the open back was from Shae. She was so darn cute dressed in her holiday attire. Andy and I love the summer dress too (it is brightly colored).

We have learned that Anna Campbell loves to be held upright. This seems to be the magic position to soothe her. Nana and MawMaw were both sad to learn this because they like to cradle their grandbabies! She will let you cradle her, but only if she is ready to sleep. If her tummy hurts, then she prefers to be upright!

Mom and Dad are resting as much as we can. She is still getting up twice in the night for full feedings. We expect this to remain for a few more weeks and then she will start slowing down to more like once a night.

Week 1

2008-06-30T23:21:00.005-04:00

Anna Campbell has had so many visitors. Between the hospital visitors and family and friends that have visited at our home, we have been very busy-and tired! At her 1 week old visit (Monday, June 23-her due date), Dr. Hungarland measured her weight at a whopping 6 pounds even! She is still 19 1/4 inches long. Anna's hospital discharge weight was 5 pounds 10 ounces, 2 ounces less than her birth weight. We called the lactation consultant, Marianna, to tell her of Anna Campbell's progress. She was extremely pleased with her weight gain in just one week, as was Dr. Hungarland. She is still a little jaundice so we are still spending about 20 minutes outside in the morning and having her sit near the windows while inside. But overall, it looks like we are doing well.

Anna Campbell is nursing about every 2- 2.5 hours. Andy is doing all the housework and chores. It has been very nice to have home cooked meals by Carolyn, Mama, Shae, and friends. We did make it out to Kristen's bridal luncheon on day 6. Take a look at a few pictures. One is with her great-grandparents, Campbell's-her namesake, and then pix taken around the house, of her feet, and of course at her first doctor's visit.

Andy's Announcement

2008-06-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

This is a short video of Andy announcing the big news after delivery.

Labor and Delivery

2008-06-24T17:44:00.009-04:00

Contractions started at 8:40 Sunday morning, Father's Day June 15, 2008. We went to Sunday School but skipped church after my contractions became more regular at 5 minutes apart. I really wanted pancakes so we went to IHOP for brunch. Our last meal as one was blueberry pancakes and apple juice! On the way to IHOP I called Dr. Broach and he advised us to hang out as long as we could before calling him back. He wanted the contractions to be more painful, and stay as regular before calling him within the next 3 hours. This was around 11:20 a.m. After realizing things must be progressing, due to increase duration and pain, I called my parents, my sister, my best friend Stephanie White, and Andy called his mom and sisters. We needed just a few things for the hospital, so we headed to Wal-mart, where I thought my water broke, but it didn't.

Andy and I got home around 2:00 from Wal-Mart and IHOP. I decided to labor a bit on my birthing ball while he packed our bags into the truck. My parents came over in the mean time. Andy and Mama took turns rubbing my back while I was contracting. Andy and I left for the hospital around 3:30 when my contractions where stronger and 3 minutes apart. I paged Dr. Broach before leaving.

My nurse Pamela Cornell RN, checked my cervix and I was 5 cm dilated when I entered the hospital around 4:00 p.m. I told her of my wish to not have an epidural. She helped me into the whirlpool tub where I progressed to 6 cm and then she helped me onto the birthing ball. Andy was wonderful the entire time. He rubbed my back and stood with me during every contraction. It was nice to lean into him while he rubbed my back. Andy is the best husband, and now Daddy. At 7 cm, Dr. Broach broke my water and I opted for the Stadol--a pain medicine by shot. Dr. Broach and Pamela told me it would keep the edge off my contractions and it did! I fell asleep, but Andy told me I kept my labor breathing during my contractions. I woke asking if I were having contractions and they said yes, that I had been doing my breathing exercises during the contractions all the while I was in la-la land. None the less, my new L&D nurse Amanda Jones RN(shift changed) checked me and I was 9.5 cm at 8:40. Almost ready to push.

When I started pushing, Amanda helped get me in various positions to help with my contractions and pushing. I hung over a bar and squatted, I hung over the back of the bed on my knees. But, suddenly they could not get a good read on the baby's heart beat. The long time delivery nurse, Wilhamenia, came in and advised me to get on my back to deliver while they put the fetal monitor on me.

Dr. Broach checked me at this time (I had been pushing for 45 minutes--they told me the baby's head was so low that I would easily push this baby out with 5 pushes). Dr. Broach checked me and realize that the baby was presenting head first, but face up. Babies are supposed to be born face down toward the floor. Only 5% of babies are born face up. This is what is called back labor (because the baby's head and spine are resting on Mama's spine). It is very painful. I did not realize I was having back labor (even though I did not have the epidural) until I started pushing. I kept screaming that my back hurt. It wasn't until Dr. Broach checked me after the nurses had their suspicions that it was confirmed.

About 1.5 hours into pushing, Dr. Broach asked me how I was and I told him I was tired. He said he would help out with the vacuum. He put the vacuum on the baby's head (more like the frontal since she was face first) and I pushed one sequence. It did not work that push, so he changed to a different vacuum and moved the suction further on her head. With that last push I had her out. It was such a relief. Unfortunately, her head was bruised and you may be able to see from the pictures that her nose is bruised. Her nose was positioned near my pubic bone and this is what was cause her to not come down the birth canal without the help of the vacuum.

Enjoy the pictures!! There are lots! If you put your cursor over the pictures it will show you the captions.

She is here!!

2008-06-16T15:42:00.001-04:00

Anna Campbell Stoler
Father's Day, June 15th 2008.
5 pounds 12 ounces
19 1/4" long
11:12 p.m.
Dr. William Broach
Danville, Va
Danville Regional Medical Center

She was born vaginally and with the help of a vacuum. You can see the mark the vacuum left on her head. Dr. Broach says the bruising should go away in just a few days. The other picture is of her first breastfeeding. We gave it a shot about 20 minutes after delivery. It was a cakewalk for Anna Campbell!

The May 24th Baby Shower

2008-06-10T23:37:00.002-04:00

We had a great turn out for our family and friends shower. There are lots of pictures here to enjoy. Carolyn, Matt and Molly (with Brendan 4 weeks old) made the trip down from Ohio. Stephanie and Peyton made the trip from Pennsylvania, and Megan (my cousin) made the trip from Maine. Don't ask my how Megan escaped all the pictures! She was there! I have to find a picture of her for this slide.
Love to all!

Announcing we are Pregnant October 13, 2008 (I think?)

2008-06-10T23:12:00.002-04:00

This is the first time this video has been shared with friends on our blog. Actually, I forgot that I had it saved to my computer. We decided to tall Carolyn and Andy's family first. We were at the Ohio State vs. Penn State football game at State College, Pa.

38 weeks and counting! June 8, 2008

2008-06-08T23:01:00.001-04:00

We enjoyed the pool. Can you believe that it is June 8th and the water temperature is like bath water? We guessed the pool temp to be around 88 degrees. The fact that Mama is in the pool should tell you just how warm it really is. The days have been so hot here that the water just soared in temperature. The baby likes the sun and pool as much as I do. Andy and I did not go swimming until close to 5:00 though because it was just too hot for me to be outside on Sunday. It was 100 degrees!

33 weeks: May 5, 2008

2008-05-27T23:13:00.001-04:00

I know I am posting these pictures a little late. We have been very busy getting ready for little one. I am 33 weeks here and wearing my birthday present from Chad and Alyssa. I have received so many compliments on this shirt and color; thank you Alyssa and Chad!! These were taken on May 5, 2008.

Jacob and Kristen's "Jack and Jill" shower

2008-05-10T23:17:00.002-04:00

Andy and I hosted the Jack and Jill shower for Jacob and Kristen. Their wedding is planned for June 28th, 2008. We invited several friends and family to the cookout. Hotdogs and Hamburgers was the theme, with all the southern fixings! We even had a cake made to look like presents. A good time was had by all.

The Basement is finished!!

2008-05-08T23:03:00.000-04:00

Finally! Our basement project is finished. Now we can move on to the nursery.

Just Can't Wait to be King

2008-05-05T23:10:00.000-04:00

Tap class explosion! Dance # 2 of 3 for Cameryn for the 2008 recital.

Be Our Guest

2008-05-05T22:52:00.003-04:00

Be Our Guest...ballet dance from Cameryn's recital.

Cameryn's dance recital May 1-3, 2008

2008-05-05T22:33:00.004-04:00

Cameryn had three dances she performed this year. The first was jazz to "Foot Loose" the second was tap to "Just Can't Wait to be King" and the third was ballet to "Be Our Guest." There was a movie theme to Meredith Gravely's Dance Recital this year. I have to say, it was one of the best! Here are a few pictures and movie clips. Enjoy!

Foot Loose, Dance Recital 2008

2008-05-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

Here is a video of Cameryn's first dance of the evening, Foot Loose.

The basement project

2008-04-24T22:15:00.002-04:00

The nursery is not finished, actually we really have not started! The basement has to be complete before we can move the existing furniture out. I have included before pictures of the basement. When it is finished (hopefully by next week) I will include pictures of the after. Andy and I are so excited. Enjoy the pictures, nothing smashing, but I promise the after will be a turn around! We are adding a bathroom, bedroom and extra living area.

Molly and Matt had a baby boy!!

2008-04-22T22:20:00.000-04:00

Molly, Andy's sister, had a baby boy on Sunday morning. As you know, Molly and Matt decided not to find out the sex of their baby, like us. They welcomed Brendan Andrew Henderson at 4:49 a.m. on April 20, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs 5 oz. Molly did beautifully and delivered with no epidural. Brendan is nursing well.

Andy and I are visiting Ohio this weekend. It happens to be my last week to travel, so I am taking advantage of the opportunity to see the newest member of our family. I have attached a few pictures!!

As for us....My 31-32 week visit was great! The baby's heart rate was 135 and the fundus height measured 31 cm. So, I am right on target.

30.5 weeks

2008-04-17T22:59:00.004-04:00

I had a really long day today, and really I had a long week. On Monday I had a flat tire, after 5-6 hours of car trouble/tire changing/new tires, I finally arrived home after 7:30. Today was hectic with a lunch at an office with a speaker and then I had an exhibit at the local hospital! I am tired! While at the hospital, I checked to see if any new babies were in the nursery. There were two! Just born and so cute. Andy snapped a few photos of me when I arrived home tonight. These were taken on our deck. I think I look bigger in these pictures than I am. It is nice to hear compliments from nurses and physicians.

Week 30

2008-04-16T22:11:00.004-04:00

We are chugging along! As I am typing, the baby is kicking me as if he/she wants to get out! I have been able to feel hard spots on various areas of my tummy. Is it the head, or the butt? I don't know. I will keep you updated with pictures soon. We are in the middl of our 30th week. Hard to believe we are counting down the weeks in the single digits :)

Clearwater Beach, Florida

2008-03-27T23:54:00.002-04:00

There is not much to say. We all love the beach. Carolyn was not as excited as we were to head to the beach, but boy once she got there it was hard to get mama Carolyn to leave! After the beach, we ate dinner at Shells. It was fantastic!

Wednesday, You will find us by the pool

2008-03-26T20:45:00.000-04:00

The girls found a nice sand box near the large pool at our resort. It was so nice to relax and just enjoy ourselves. It was fun to hear a compliment from a couple about my preggo belly. Boy was I nervous being in a boy short biknini by the pool. I gained confidence after the nice compliment, but then was deflated when a lady told me that there was a risk of loosing amniotic fluid because of direct exposure to the sun. Well, I still have not found proof of this statement. But, it was nice of her to express her concern in a genuine and sincere manner...

The boys joined us a little later after they got spanked in basketball by a group of 14 year olds. There was a 3 on 3 tournament at the resort. Hey, I am atleast proud of Andy, Mark and Matt for actually playing!

Visit with Grammy

2008-03-25T23:47:00.000-04:00

We had a nice visit with Grammy. Andy and I drove to Clermont from Kissimmee, only 25 minutes, to have dinner with Grammy. We had a nice visit, and of course it was too short! Look how beautiful the sun is over Lake Minnehaha....right outside Grammy's windows. She has the best views.

Spring Break Part Deux

2008-03-25T23:45:00.000-04:00

Tuesday: We went to Winter Haven, FL, to see the Cleveland Indians beat the New York Yankees, go Tribe! Although it was chilly (60's) we still managed to get too much sun on our backs!

Sea World Adventures

2008-03-24T22:43:00.003-04:00

Today, Monday March 24th, we went to Sea World.

We are playing a game of bowling on the Wii. So, I will not type much. Check out the pictures.

Easter in Florida

2008-03-23T22:26:00.006-04:00

We are in Celebration, Florida, this week. This year we decided to celebrate Easter and spring break with Andy's family. His mom-Carolyn, sisters-Stephanie and Molly, brothers-in-law---Mark and Matt, and nieces--Karson and Peyton.

We left Danville Saturday, March 22 at 7:15. Molly, who is pregnant, Matt and Carolyn, Andy and myself traveled to Florida in Andy's truck. We stopped frequently to stretch and for breaks. After 11 hours, we made it! We crashed for the first 5-6hours, and by noon we were by the pool. Karson and Peyton went to the Mystic Dunes Resort (where we are staying) Easter Egg hunt this morning. Over 2000 eggs were hidden for all the children staying at the resort!

Poolside was where we spent most of our time after the morning nap. Stephanie, Mark, Karson, Peyton, Molly, Matt, Andy and myself all enjoyed a relaxing afternoon reading and lounging. After tanning and playing in the pool, we showered and headed to a seafood restuarant to celebrate Easter and Stephanie's birthday (today, March 23).

Karson and Carolyn had a first experience at dinner. Carolyn has a hard time eating seafood without some sort of reaction, but tonight she tried a few things with no ill effects.

Karson was easily convinced to try crab legs, calamari and mahi mahi. What a trooper; she liked them all!

Downtown Disney is where we decided to spend the evening hours. Enjoy a few pictures of our day. I will try to update daily if time allows.

Nursery fabric

2008-03-18T21:29:00.004-04:00

These are the fabrics we will be using in the nursery. We would love to incorporate brown somehow. Anyone have suggestions? Please email me!

26 weeks starts March 17

2008-03-16T15:24:00.003-04:00

Just a few pictures at our 26th week mark. These pictures were taken today after church, March 16.

Mike, Lisa and Carter

2008-03-16T15:11:00.002-04:00

Andy and I drove to Greensboro on Wednesday night to visit friends. Mike and Lisa moved back to Canada in 2006, their home country. Lisa gave birth on June 19, 2007 to Carter. He is such a cutie! Look at his bright blue eyes! Andy coached with Mike at BY High School in Yanceyville, NC in 2004. These guys have swung clubs together many times and we have had a great friendship with Mike and Lisa since.

We had a nice dinner at Tripps and enjoyed our short visit together. Lisa welcomed us with a book as a gift. The "Baby Whisperer" is a well known book and highly read, as I have recently learned, by new parents. I cannot wait to dive in this coming week on our way to Florida for vacation. Thanks Mike, Lisa and Carter for squeezing us in on your tight schedule while visiting friends in the NC/VA area!

Watch this Video of the baby kicking me

2008-03-10T00:42:00.008-04:00

You can actually see the little kick come straight through the belly. The clip is of the remote control on my belly. My breathing moves it up and down, but the baby is actually making it rock back and forth. You can see this happening 3 times during this one minute clip. Amazing that at 25 weeks you can see this little thing, less than 1.25 lbs and 12 inches long, kick the remote control! I should point out that this all took place at 12:30 a.m., when this little one is most active! Good night!

Nieces and nephew update

2008-03-10T00:15:00.003-04:00

Peyton turned 4 on February 18th. She sounds so mature now on the phone. It is hard to disguinsh Peyton or Karson, 7, on the phone. Karson is an avid, well above her grade level, reader. She is almost finished with the Spiderwick Chronicles series. Andy and I gave her the first book for Christmas and she has checked the other books out on her own at the library. What a smart girl!! Cameryn is getting ready for the annual dance recital. The year she is taking 3 classes. Ballet, Tap and Jazz. She loves Tap! I cannot wait for the recital the first week of May, and neither can Shae for all the running around she does. Adam tried out for the 8-10 year old county baseball team and he made it! Way to go! Seems we may have another ball player in the family. Andy and I recently found out from Adam that he was awarded the Young Author's Award for 2nd grade at Kentuck Elementary School. He was so excited and proud to tell about his accomplishment and award. Adam will be recognized at the end of school with the medal or trophy.

Kick, tap, bang, "I'm rolling over now"

2008-03-10T00:11:00.002-04:00

For the longest time I could not wait to feel the baby move. Now I can feel it kick and change positions. What a wonderful feeling. It is the most amazing and fantastic feeling than can ever be explained. I am even at the point where I can see my belly jump with all the swift movements. Seems that this little one loves to get going as soon as I want to relax or fall to sleep. According to my reading and our doctors, that is because the baby is soothed when I am moving around and active and as soon as I stop, the baby wakes or at least I can feel the movements while I am relaxed. Guess this could be one reason why newborns have their days and nights mixed up. Oh well, I am enjoying every minute of it!

21 week pictures

2008-03-09T23:54:00.006-04:00

Here are a few pictures Andy took in our bathroom. We were going out with the entire Sterner clan to Lonestar for dinner. These were taken on Feburary 9. I swear looking at the pictures now, I think I look huge. Although until recently (the last two weeks) very few have noticed my "baby bump." Of course, my family and closest friends notice but I mean strangers or people I see while working.

Andy feels the baby kick for the first time!

2008-02-27T19:24:00.003-05:00

After dinner I sat down on the couch and I felt the baby moving all around. The kicks have been stronger and stronger. Andy has yet to feel the movement until tonight. So, let it be known that on February 27, Andy felt the baby move! He said, "Was that it?" He asked with a schoolboy look and giddy-ish framed question. "Yes" I said with as much excitement!

Friday night with Cameryn and Adam

2008-02-22T21:43:00.004-05:00

Shae is in Florida and Charles is working. There's always excitement when Cameryn and Adam are around. Saidey becomes a different dog! She feeds off Adam's energy, and she is more calm around Cameryn and likes to snuggle at her feet. As most of you know, Cameryn is a laid back 9 year old who loves to dance. She is in 3 classes at a local dance studio. Adam, on the other hand, is wide open 7 year old who loves to ride 4-wheelers and get dirty.

While Cameryn was at ballet and jazz class, tap is on Thursday night, Adam and I had a date to El Vallarta; a favorite Mexican joint we frequent at least 3 times a month. Before the little one in the oven, I would enjoy a margarita or two over the years there. Tonight, Adam and I shared a cheese dip and ate every chip in the basket! We also enjoyed quesadillas and chalupas with rice. Yum!

Charles brought Cameryn to our house after dance and now we are watching a movie, Bewitched!

Andy is at Jacob's basketball game. I just got word that DRHS lost by a few points, unfortunately. The road ends here for the guys.

Over half way

2008-02-16T12:40:00.002-05:00

February 5 marked our half way point for our pregnancy. So many changes have happened in the last few days. I can feel the baby move pretty much everyday. My appetite has definitely increased, as suggested by Dr. Newell my last visit in January. I have also noticed my sense of protectiveness kicking in gear; it is as if I mentally think I have a baby already born. For example, I hate to admit this, but I am a little more cautious on the roads now, I am more aware of my surroundings when walking, shopping, etc.

On Saturday, February 9, we met our Sunday School class for dinner at our preacher's house. Since we all are around the same age or older and most have children, it was nice to hear the mom's agree with what I am experiencing and they concur that they had the same "motherly" feeling before the birth. The dads on the otherhand, agreed that they noticed their wives belly grow, but reality sank in when the baby was loaded into the car seat for the first ride home. Anyone agree with all this? Am I just weird to start being protective of my belly, of myself on the roads, and more cautious running into the grocery store?

Today, Saturday, February 16, Andy and I are traveling to Charlottesville for the night. We have tickets to see the Blue Man Group performing at John Paul Jones Arena. I bought the tickets for Andy's birthday (November 18). This will be the baby's second concert/event. The first was the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Columbus, OH, on December 27 at 3:00 p.m.

About 19 weeks

2008-02-10T21:32:00.003-05:00

Several of you have asked for more belly pictures. Here ya go! Andy took these late one night when I was about 19 weeks along (Jan 20th or so). I have learned that first thing in the morning my belly looks smaller and as the day progresses, my belly bloats! I did not know this was the case (I have not read this anywhere), but according to other preggos, the belly does swell as the day progresses.

Just as a side note, I love being pregnant. I have only been sick once, and I don't think this happened because I was pregnant, I think it was because I was running around crazy. As for the tiredness, it finally passed around 16-17 weeks.

20 week ultrasound: February 1, 2008

2008-02-10T21:12:00.003-05:00

February 1st was the date of our 2nd ultrasound; this was the anatomy ultrasound that is normally done between 18 and 22 weeks. According to Connie, the sonographer, everything measured perfectly. She has been doing fetal/maternal ultrasounds for over 20 years. Because of her experience, she was an absolute pleasure.

We told her our wishes of keeping the baby's sex a surprise and she agreed that there was no better way to welcome a baby into the world with the pure excitement of not knowing. Connie said our baby must have known that his/her parent's did not want to know because he/she was shy throughout the entire one hour plus ultrasound.

I have attached pictures of this ultrasound. Please know that if Connie, with 20years of experience, tells us that what you will see in these pictures are the baby's cord, feet, stomach, etc., that we will not believe you if you think it is a boy or girl after you see the pictures. With that being said, enjoy the pictures!

2008-01-21T13:57:00.001-05:00

Enjoy a few pictures from our home during the Christmas holiday. There are two shots to show my belly. One where you cannot tell, and the other you could see a few changes about the time where my jeans were getting tight close to Dec 25 (14 weeks). And there is another picture of Andy and myself beside Charles' pool table wearing my new t-shirt from Alyssa. It reads "Pregnant is the new sexy."

The first weeks

2008-01-16T22:36:00.000-05:00

I took a home pregnancy test on October 16, 2007. It was positive within about 10 seconds, even though the instructions say to wait 3 minutes. I was giggling with excitement! I remember jumping in the shower, not running to Andy yet-he was still sleeping, to think of a way I was going to tell him he was soon to be a Daddy! Well, I jumped out before I could turn on the water. As I ran out of the bathroom, he met me face to face. Showing him the positive result was a wonderful feeling that I will never forget. We were nervous, shocked, and excited beyond words.

Our first ultrasound was at 9 weeks. Ob/Gyn Associates of Danville are our physicians and they performed the first ultrasound on November 20, 2007. Take a look at this alien looking being. Of course, Andy asked Dr. Ensminger to take another "swoop" around to see if there were twins. The answer was a resounding "no" for two; we are only expecting one Stoler baby. One thing's for sure, our due date was confirmed for June 23, 2008. Just in time for school to let out for Andy. What a wonderful summer ahead; we are blessed.

With our news, we were the 4th of pregnancies. Molly and Matt, Andy's sister and husband, are expecting their first May 11, 2008. Friends, Stephanie and Aaron White are due with baby girl # 2 on May 26, 2008. Other friends, Amy and Thomas Cullen are expecting May 31, 2008. Like Molly and Matt, and Amy and Thomas, Andy and I are not finding out the sex of the baby.

No time like the present

2008-01-16T21:55:00.000-05:00

This is my first blog ever! My cousin, Amanda, turned me on to this idea about a year or more ago. From afar I was able to "watch" her son Sam and newly 1 year old, Arlo, grow! Her family resided in Washington state and recently moved to Michigan. So, like my cousin, I wanted to create this space for Andy and I to share our lives and latest joy with our friends and family, whether near or far.

There is no time like the present! I am now 17 weeks pregnant with our first baby and we could not think of a better reason to start a blog. After visiting many blogs the past few years, I always thought it would be nice to share a moment and pictures of our newlywed life. Now, that it is about to change. And we are progressing quickly into our parenting years!