Putting it all in perspective...

Let's take a look at Rayne's Progress
At birth:

One month old:

Two months old:

The Month of June...

At the beginning of June, Rayne was two months old. It's been so much fun to watch her personality emerge. She has THE SWEETEST disposition. Not much bothers this precious little one. She smiles a LOT, and cries very little.





We started the month with a routine visit to the pediatrician. She weighed 10 lbs. 8 oz. and was 22 and 3/4 inches long. She has made great progress in her growth, reaching the 50th percentile in both her weight and her height. She also had her first round of immunizations this month. They didn't bother her too much. She slept a little bit more than usual, and asked for some "attention from a distance" but other than that, she did just fine.



June kept us very busy - the month flew by. It was Luke's last opportunity to take "parental leave" from work, so he took advantage of that as much as possible. We enjoyed spending a lot of time together as a family.

Rayne and I went to two baby showers this month - and she was an angel at both of them! We are looking forward to meeting her little playmates within the next month or so!!

One Sunday afternoon, the three of us headed up to Mt. Lemmon to get some fresh summer air. It was SO enjoyable to get "away" and be together!



We celebrated Father's Day - a VERY special day for Daddy and Rayne. It's so awesome to see Luke as a father. He makes a great dad!! We celebrated with Luke's family a little bit early. I forgot my camera that day, but Luke's mom got some great pictures. When I get copies of them, I'll be sure to post them!
On Father's Day, Rayne and I treated Luke to a special dinner at Flemming's Steakhouse. Afterward, we enjoyed spending the day loving on dad. . .









The following week, Rayne took her first plane ride!





We took a trip to visit Grandpa and Grandma Congdon. It was so much fun to spend a few days with them. We don't get to see them very often, so it's always extra special when we have some time to be together.







Rayne also met her great-grandma Congdon (who will be 100 years old in October). That was VERY special. Photos and video captured the memory to share with her when she is older.





A few other milestones have included:
Sleeping a full night (from 9:30pm until 7am). I still have to wake her up in the morning to feed her
Discovering that she has two hands and feet. It's fun to watch her discover more things every day
"Talking" a lot more. She has a lot to say. She also LOVES to sing. I'll sing a song and she makes noises as if she's "singing" along. It's just too cute!
Her first REAL giggle came while we were visiting Grandpa and Grandma Congdon

I can't believe she's been with us for three months now!

Seven Weeks Already?!

What a great treasure I have in Rayne. She is SO good for me. I know God is helping her to be extra easy on me while Luke is away so much. She just goes with the flow. Whether we stay home and hang out on the couch together or whether I have to take her several places in one day, she is always so good. I am truly blessed.
She has begun sleeping 8 hours at night. She goes to bed right after I feed her at 9pm and sleeps until 5am or so. I'm so happy with that schedule. I don't mind getting up at 5am - and I usually just put her back to bed and begin my day with some quiet time. Even if she doesn't go right back to sleep, she is great about resting in her crib.
Speaking of cribs...she made the transition to her crib from her pack-n-play quite easily. I was very happy. One night when Luke was home, we decided to go cold turkey. We decided to put her in her crib, and if she cried we would just comfort her in her crib, but not give in to taking her out. We only had to go in her room twice before she was fast asleep. I avoided putting her in her pack-n-play for the next few days, just to be on the safe side. She has gone to sleep in her crib with no issue ever since.
To supplement the missed nighttime meal, she is starting to eat more during the day. I can't believe how big she is getting already. . .seven weeks tomorrow. Time is FLYING by - and I'm sure it will only go faster the bigger she gets.
Just this past week, Rayne has figured out the concept of holding something in her hand. While she still isn't very proactive about grabbing for things, she will definitely hold on tight if something is placed in her little hand.
She has also settled on a favorite blanket. She has a small blanket with silk on one side and leopard print fleece material on the other. She holds onto that like nobody's business. It's really cute to watch her comfort herself with it.
My biggest joy to date, however, is the big smile I see on her face when our eyes meet. She definitely knows who mommy and daddy are, and she lets us know it. We'll be hanging out and she'll be looking at everything around us. Then, for just a brief moment, she'll look into my eyes, the whole world will stop, and she will grin from ear to ear.

Happy First Mother's Day...

I am so blessed. . .

Three's Company...

Life at the Perry household is getting back to "normal." We are getting into a wonderful routine - enjoying some awake and play time, and loving a lot of sleepy time. Luke went back to work this week. It was an adjustment for all of us, but we survived.
Another big milestone of this week was the Pediatrician telling us that we could start having Rayne sleep longer through the night. Our previous schedule had us feeding her every four hours (with us usually waking her up in the middle of the night), but now we are letting her wake on her own through the night, if she gets hungry. It's been a fairly easy transition. Six hours has been her longest stretch so far, but I'm sure she will lengthen that out.
At her one month well baby check up, Rayne weighed 8 lbs. and was 21 inches long!! I will admit that I couldn't believe that she really weighed 8 lbs., so when we got home, I got out our scale and weighed her for myself. Sure enough - 8 lbs!
Luke loves tickling Rayne's toes, and although she doesn't break out in laughter (YET), she smiles and kicks her feet. Luke also enjoys holding Rayne on his lap as he works on his music collection. She enjoys music so much - even Ozzy Osbourne. (We try to balance it all out by playing "spa music" for Rayne as she drifts off to sleep...) Rayne also is loving kisses. She bats her eyelashes and anxiously awaits the next kiss.
While Luke is working, I'm trying to help Rayne make the transition from sleeping in her pack-n-play in our room to sleeping in her crib in her room. She doesn't mind taking naps in her room, but nighttime is a different story. Soon, though, soon.

One Month Old...

Three Weeks Old. . .

Growin' Up is Hard to Do...

"Letting God do with our baby girl WHATEVER He wants to do. It's the easiest thing in the world to do. . .and the hardest thing in the world to do." I spoke those words to my husband as we drove home from the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at 3:00am. The car seat in the backseat was empty. Our baby girl, just four days old, was laying in a tiny crib at the hospital. All I wanted to do was hold her and protect her from the feirce world, but that's not what God was asking me to do. He was asking me to let go. . .WHAT?! She's only four days old. I shouldn't have to do that ALREADY!!! He wanted me to place her gently into His loving arms, and step back and watch. I think he also wanted me to realize that as I was stepping back, I, too, was falling into His arms. He wouldn't drop me just so He could hold my baby. He wanted me to see that He was completely able to hold both of us at the same time.
Letting God do with her whatever He wanted to was the hardest thing because we have no idea what that might be. At the same time, it's the easiest thing because God is God. He is our Loving God. He would not be mean. He would only do what is best. And Luke and I both believe that with all our hearts.
We had brought Rayne home for the first time earlier that same day. As the evening progressed, Rayne seemed to be enjoying life at our house. She was eating, she was sleeping, she seemed so content. I, however, was deeply bothered - ok, downright scared - that she had not had a wet or dirty diaper since our arrival at the house at noon. By 9pm, I was beside myself. I was holding her, and crying. I didn't know what to do. Luke decided that for all our peace of mind, a call to the pediatrician would be best. The nurse on call advised that we take her to the nearest ER.
To make a long story short, we were sent to the hospital with an Intensive Care Unit for children, and she was admitted to be treated for dehydration. She spent just a little over a day in the Unit attached to an IV that re-hydrated her tiny body. Looking back now, through rested eyes, it definitely wasn't the worst thing that could have happened. However, at the time, it was all I could take. . .and it was what I needed to realize that this tiny life that God has entrusted to us, isn't really ours at all. She belongs to Him. Luke said it like this, "What a huge compliment that God would ask US to parent this precious life." Wow. After realizing this, we both prayed and commited her to Him. I think that we all can SAY that we want God to have total freedom to use our children as He purposes, but when I sat next to my husband and actually prayed those words outloud, there was no turning back.
It's been two weeks, and Rayne is doing just fine. . .so are dad and mom. We are grateful for life and health. We are even more grateful for a loving God that holds us tight.

HAPPY EASTER

Rayne's first outing (other than to the doctor) was on Easter Sunday...and it was a big day! We went to church and then headed to Grandpa and Grandma Perry's house for Easter dinner.


The church was decorated SO beautifully for springtime! Truly a reminder of the New Life we experience each Easter


Here is one of our celebrations of "new life" this Easter!


A family photo to remember the special day. Our outfits were color coordinated on purpose.

Pictures Pictures, Pictures

Pictures from March 31-April 3

SHE'S HERE!!!!

ANNOUNCING...

RAYNE ELLE PERRY

March 31, 2009 5:33 PM

Weight: 6 lbs. 6 oz.

Length: 18.5 inches

Today is the Day!!!!

Wow. I can not believe that in just a few hours, I'm going to be a mom. I've been waiting for this day for a VERY long time. It's all kind of surreal in some ways, and in other ways, it feels like this is the way it's always been meant to be.
My mom has been here for a few weeks helping me get ready to embark on mommyhood and my dad arrived yesterday to share in the special occasion.
I wasn't allowed to eat anything after 8:30am, so I got up at 7:30 and made breakfast for everyone. We had pancakes, eggs and bacon. Yum. It was so much fun to do.
Luke's family arrived at the house around 11am - and the waiting began. We looked at the 4-D pictures of Rayne and talked about what we thought she might look like...hair or no hair, brown eyes or blue, how much would she weigh. Luke has been overly excited and pumping himself full of coffee. We've moved from the couch to the porch, to the couch to the porch, to the bedroom to make sure we have everything packed, to the porch....let's just say, we haven't been exactly lethargic :)
Our moms and Candy had us do a mini-photo session...the last preggo pics...



And now, we are just waiting. We leave home at 2pm. The next time I post, I'll be a MOMMY!!!! and the love of my life will be a DADDY!!! What an adventure I can't wait to start..

When are you due. . .AND WHERE ARE THOSE BELLY PICS!

I have to laugh...I'm over 34 weeks pregnant, and I am just now starting to get questions about my pregnancy.
Up until about 3 weeks ago, I didn't even really wear maternity clothes. I thought I looked somewhat pregnant, but I guess if you didn't know me, you'd probably wonder if I just carried my weight oddly around my stomach area.
Oh, I had a few maternity shirts that I wore occasionally. . .on the days when I really, desperately wanted to look pregnant, but they were, in no way, necessary. None of my pants were maternity pants...just a few sizes bigger than what I would prefer if I wasn't pregnant.
Finally, in week 31 my little girl finally decided to push my belly out far enough to the point where maternity clothes are the only way to go. And now, just three weeks later, she seems like she's pretty much outta room in there. You can easily see pretty much every movement she makes :) It makes me laugh out loud sometimes.
I'm still not EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I sleep well, I don't have too many aches and pains, and I still have my wedding rings on (no swelling for me...). So, I am very grateful. I think my hubby would laugh if he read that statement...but he gets the brunt of my complaints. And I admit I do it mostly because I can. I expect his sympathetic back rubs and couch-side service :)
So, I was out and about running errands today and every single place I went asked me when I was due. I chuckled that FINALLY people are noticing that I don't look this way normally :)
And, for those of you (Becky...Shelley...) who have been holding a SMALL grudge toward me because you haven't seen my pregnant belly, I was going to post a 34 week picture at the end of this post. So, I turned on my camera....and it is once again broken. I'm sorry that there will be no picture tonight, but I PROMISE I will do my best to get one posted before the picture I post of me holding my baby on the outside :)

A Special Look

On Wednesday, we had the special opportunity to see Rayne through 3D/4D Imaging. We had a 30 min. session in which we spent time looking at her facial features and how she was situated inside me. She seemed to be most interested in taking a mid morning nap while we were looking at her, but she did move around some. It made us even more anxious to see her in person. We are already in love.
Only a few more weeks, and we'll be able to hold her. In some ways, it feels like we've been waiting forever for her to get here, and in other ways, it feels like this time has flown by. Either way, I'm so ready to have her here. Yes, I'm aware of the fussy times, the sleepless nights, and the sometimes helpless feelings parents get when there seems to be no way to satisfy the baby. But, I am MORE aware of the times of holding her close, watching her grow and learn and the feeling of accomplishment parents feel as their children come into the world.
God has already blessed us so richly, and I pray that He will keep her safe and healthy until her arrival in a few weeks.

Registering...

The daunting task of registering has been (mostly) completed. . .

You can find the link here. It was quite the task, but the loving father of my child was up for it! It's at least a start. I'm sure I'll add more things before the big day. We spent over three hours there looking, talking, deciding, etc. It's fun, but who knew you had to have SO MUCH STUFF!! Now I'm wondering where to put it all :)
It has made me even MORE anxious to get her here. Now that I'm in my 31st week, things are moving right along with her development!!! Yipee!!! I can't wait to meet her for the first time.

Getting Ready for Baby!

Having so many days at home by myself is getting me very antsy to finish the nursery - and then have a baby to rock to sleep in there!!! Yesterday, I started out by clearing out the large closet in the nursery. Up until yesterday, it had been crafting storage. Overwhelmed at first, I have put off this chore for quite a while. Yesterday, though, I found a new home for almost all of my things (and even in a more convenient place!!). Now, I have to find a new home for the storage boxes that have been hiding under the guest bed. Fortunately, there are only two or three, so it shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Another ongoing project in our house has been my hubby's new office space. With him working so much, I thought it important for him to have a spot all his own. Of course, he'll have to share the spot for a few weeks right after the baby is born, but I don't think he'll be wanting to spend tons of time holed up in there anyway :)
I have picked out this nursery theme:

It's going to go so well with the rest of our home - and I'm very excited about it! We are fortunate to already have all the needed furniture - except for a crib and a rocking chair, and I'm hoping to purchase those soon. My dad is making our existing dresser into a changing table, so that will be nice, too.

In addition to getting the nursery ready, I am contemplating making and freezing some food that we can use for dinner shortly after Rayne is born. My mom will be staying with us for quite a few weeks, and I think it would be nice to have some basics made and frozen in advance so no one has to spend large amounts of time cooking. We'll see if I actually get that done.

I'm also working on a "secret" project that can't be shared on here right now. . .but it's going to be good :) I'm very excited about it!
I can't believe I'm coming down home stretch! Only about 10 weeks left and she'll be here!

The Year of our Rayne!!!

Well, I suppose it's time for an update. I can not believe I have made it to my third trimester and soon Rayne will be in my arms instead of in my belly! Being patient is H-A-R-D!!!!!
To recap the past few weeks in the life of a pregnant momma. . .
Glucose Tolerance Testing: In most normal pregnancies sometime between the 24th and 28th weeks, you have a test to determine if you have developed gestational diabetes. It's no big deal, really, except that I've heard that the taste of the solution you have to ingest is less than desirable. Being allergic to Red Dye #40 does make things interesting sometimes. I was given the doctor's order to go and have my testing done. No big deal. I am VERY low risk for gestational diabetes, according to my doctor. Wanting the clinic to be prepared, I called ahead and let them know that I was allergic to Red Dye #40 and would have to be sure that the solution I took didn't contain it. "No problem", she said. They had Fruit Punch and Orange flavors available. So, they would be sure to have orange available and I should be fine. "Good", I thought. So I arrived the next day at the clinic prepared to drink the sugary solution and sit for an hour while my body adjusted to the extreme amount of sugar in my system. The clinician brought in the bottle, and I just thought I'd look to be sure. Yup. Red Dye #40 printed right on the label. Hmmm. Now what? Kindly, he called around to other clinics, but no one had the Lemon-Lime flavor available. Apparently, they no longer make it. Now what? Being the week of Christmas, my doctor's office was scantily staffed, and no one there really knew what I should do. No biggie EXCEPT that I was in my 27th week by this point and in my 28th week I had to get a shot that was dependent on the results of the blood work that would be collected during this testing. To make a long story short, I had to do the "fasting-one-hour glucose test." Now, all of you know EXACTLY what that means, huh? Well, the doctor's office expected me to. So I used deductive reasoning and didn't eat anything after 8pm the night before I was to get the test done. Turns out, I could have eaten up til midnight, but I guess better safe than have to do this all over again. So, I went back to the clinic, they took my blood. I went home and ate. Then, I returned to the clinic to have my blood taken again. Good. That's done. Right? Wrong. The next day, the clinic called. They didn't fill the order properly. More blood must be taken. BUT, it didn't matter that I had already eaten breakfast. . .ok. . .This being New Year's week, once again the office was closed for four days. How do I get my results before going on Monday morning to get my shot? Who knows. But, in the end it all worked out and I was able to get my shot. . .Another story!
Rhogam injections for mommas who have have Negative blood types and are married to a man with a positive blood type: In your 28th week of pregnancy, you receive a shot to protect you from producing dangerous antibodies against your own blood. No big deal, right? In theory. I show up at the "office" I was told to go to, and it's more like triage for the hospital. Wondering if I'm in the right place, I approach the front desk. She asks for my name and slaps a hospital band on my wrist! What is going on?! She passes me a paper and asks for my compliance that "the doctor will treat me in the best way according to his or her judgement after assesing my condition." Condition?! (I don't think any of this would have been nearly as traumatic if I hadn't been by myself. But, my dear husband has been working like crazy in order to allow my to stay home. I'm so grateful for him!) So, after a brief wait in the waiting area, I'm lead down a hallway lined with patients receiving chemo treatments and the like. You know, IV's where they can't really drive themselves afterward...eek. No one told me 1. I'd be here a while or 2. Someone would need to drive me home. Another long story short, turns out I was in the wrong section. The nurse led me down the other hallway - that looked more like an emergency room. I was the only one there. The nurse took my vitals - most of which were slightly elevated due to the confusing and slight trauma. I got my shot, they gave me some Apple Juice, and I went home. Whew!
Birthing Classes: We have begun our birthing classes. Interesting. It's going to be good.
Now, I'm a week and a half into trimester number 3. Still, I am having no real adverse effects of pregnancy, but I am getting more tired again.
Only about 11 weeks to go!! I'm getting SO excited!