Leilah Faith is here!

We woke up about 4 am in the morning. All the bags were packed. Syniah was sleeping and we were waiting for Nana to come and take over so we could go to the hospital. I had so many emotions running though my head. I was excited that we would meet out baby, scared of the surgery, sad that Niah would have to grow up a little faster taking on her new role as a big sister, anxious to see what Leilah would look like, nervous for the recovery, depressed that I would be away from Niah for 3 days, and most of all in disbelief that this was really happening..............We we having another baby!

 Syniah woke up right before we left. I got to cuddle her a bit and kiss her. I got to reassure her that I will see her later and let her know that she will meet Leilah today. Nana got to the apartment and I went over all the last minute details. Showing her where everything was in Niah's luggage and going over Niah's outfit that she would wear to meet her new sister in. I kissed them both then Dada and I were on our way to St. Joseph hospital to have Leilah! I teared up a little. I had never been away from Syniah and I didn't want her thinking I abandoned her. She is just so small still and I know she is smart but can't understand everything that is going on. She had no idea how her life would change in a matter of hours. How she went from the center of our world to having to share it. We drove into the parking garage and it brought back all the memories from just 19 months ago. We were just there 19 months ago. Who would have known we would be back so soon. We walked through the halls and knew exactly where to go. Checked in and I was already shaking. It's as if I was really cold but really just nerves. i put on my gown. I continued to shake. My stomach had been tightening up all morning and as I was hooked up to the fetal monitor the nurse told me I was having contraction. I had no idea because I never knew what a contraction felt like since Niah was a planned Cesarean as well.   My IV was put in and then we just waited for Dr. Bewhile watching Full House (same thing we did when we were waiting for Dr. Be the day Niah was born).........................

The nurse came and told me it was time. I kissed Ervin and walked me out to the surgery room. I started shaking. Tears started coming down my eyes. I was scared. I sat on the operating table bare back with my gown open. Seamed like forever until the anesthesiologist came in. He explained everything and I started crying but also started feeling really sick. He gave me the spinal. As I was told to lay back I started gagging and felt so dizzy. Ervin came in and all the nurses and Doctor Be walked in. It was time........................

It all felt so familiar............I had been there before. In that same room. Same Doctor. Same shaky feeling. As they were cutting me open tears rolled down my face. Ervin explained to me everything that was going on. They pulled her out and it was as if they pulled out Syniah's identical twin. 8:57am

                       LEILAH                                  

 SYNIAH

7lbs 9oz  20inch long

Niah's comes to see Leilah for the first time it's official she is a BIG SISTER

I was afraid of how she would react. Would she feel replaced? Would she like her? 

I shouldn't have been. She was perfect with her. A little shy but curious.

She held her and she touched her eyes, and her nose, her mouth and her hair.

First kiss to Baby Sister

Niah's first time holding Leilah

Our sweet Leilah Faith

It's funny thinking back at how I thought I wouldn't love her enough.

Instead of not having enough love to go around, she made my heart even bigger,
stretched it right out and found a little nook in there that was all her own.
There was more than enough love to go around.

I learned that from Leilah.

SHE IS COMING SOON..............

ANYDAY NOW............................

2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EXCHANGE

This year The Pinedo's hosted the 2ND annual baby gift exchange in their new house. They made Yummy Posole and the babies played. This year they all kind of had a love hate relationship for each other. One minute they were playing and the next minute somebody was taking someones toy away or pushing. It wasn't as easy getting them to pose for pictures and be as happy and giggly as last year. Regardless it was a fun time and Niah got some great gifts. It's so nice to share these kind of memories with close friends. It's so fun to watch our kids grow up together. Niah is such a lucky girl to have so many people love her. I thank God everyday for the tight knit friends I have. They are more than friends but our family.

Lily, Lil Anthony, and NIah opening their presents.

The Gang....And Niah is not too happy to have to share..... It was harder this year to get the Monkeys to smile and look at the camera.

The girl and our babies. All there girls 1 years old and Lil Anthony just turned 2! Leilah in my belly (Her Scheduled c-section date is Jan 2... A few more days!"

36 WEEKS!!

36 WEEKS TODAY! LEILAH WILL BE HERE IN EXACTLY 18 DAYS. SO NERVOUS BUT SO EXCITED! SHE IS POPPING OUT OF MY SKIN MORE AND MORE EVERYDAY. TODAY WE HAD A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT AND HEARD HER HEARTBEAT. SYNIAH LOVES HER "YEAHYA" THAT'S HOW SHE SAYS HER NAME :) I AM DEFINITELY STARTING TO NEST NOW. TRYING TO GET EVERYTHING READY FOR LEILAH TO COME HOME. LOTS TO DO WHEN YO HAVE A 1 1/2 YEAR OLD WHO WANTS YOUR FULL ATTENTION. IN 18 DAYS I WILL HAVE TWO GIRLS, TWO DAUGHTERS. I AM SO BLESSED, BUT GOD PREPARE MY HEART AND GIVE ME ENOUGH LOVE AND PATIENCE FOR BOTH OF THEM :)

18 MORE DAYS!

18 More days until Leilah is here! Niah is getting ready for her as well as the rest of us. She talks to my belly and kisses it. She calls her "yea-yah." Niah has no idea what she is in store for but definitely loves to look at all of Leilah's baby things as we get the place ready for her arrival. We had a doctors appointment and as usual Niah was there to hear her sister's heartbeat. So amazing to know that Niah will be a big sister. I never knew why she was born such a loving and nurturing baby. She has this motherly instinct that you don't find in most 1 1/2 year olds. She plays with her babies and always makes sure they are covered and warm. She holds them gently and rocks them while saying "shhh..." God knew she would be a big sister and prepared her heart for it from birth. She is going to be a little jealous. That is normal, but I think she is going to have more than enough love for her sister. I just can't wait to see it. 18 more days!