Nora Kay Detling arrives Aug. 22, 2008

My doctor surprised us at our Wednesday appointment saying that my blood pressure was still too high and thought it was best to induce labor a week and a half early . Daniel was also induced and so I expected something similar to that experience. With Daniel they started inducing me at around 4 in the afternoon and he was born at 7:30 the next morning - no problems. This time was different. They sent us to the hospital Wednesday afternoon and tried everything to get labor going with nothing working. They tried Cervidil once (a 12 hour process), pitocin a few times, Cytotec twice (each four hour processes)... you get the picture....nothing was working! For a while they were saying they might end up sending us home (after more than 24 hours of trying everything). I was very frustrated and tired! Finally they tried a balloon procedure that helped open my cervix enough to get my body going - which actually worked! Once my body got started it went super fast. I'm so glad she's finally here. We think she was just holding out because she wanted to be born on Shannon's birthday. We couldn't have planned that! Shannon thinks she was a great birthday present! She was definitely worth all the work to get her here.

At the hospital, anxious to begin ...

18 hours later, still no baby ... forced to find random ways to entertain ourselves

24 hours later ... still no baby


36 hours later something finally worked and Nora arrives (6 lbs. 5 oz., 18.5 inches long) after only two pushes ... thank goodness!




Dr. Goldpin, Nora, and Dad

Only a few minutes old with Mom

What a sweet little face!

The birthday boy and girl (Nora was born on Shannon's birthday!)

Who is this guy holding me?

Big brother Daniel and Mommy

Daniel is so good with her, he says "That's my baby sister. She's so cute and tiny!"

Daniel was so excited to give Nora her very own pink "doedee" (blanket) and "blah blah blah blah" (pacifier)

He likes to look at all her fingers and toes "They are SO tiny", he says.

He learned a new word. He says, "Baby Sister is fragile. Be careful!"

Playing with Daniel

Here are some random pictures of Daniel this week. What a funny kid.

Daniel with a girls swim diaper on his head.

One day Daniel and I played animal doctor. We got out his doctor kit and he examined all of his stuffed animals. He put bandages on them, put them in their sick beds and brought them their play food for lunch.

I love this face he's making.

Checking out the lobster.

Putting them in their sick beds at the hospital.

Now it's dogs turn.

A Weekend With Grandma

My mom was able to find a good airfare this weekend and so she came for a short visit. It was so much fun to have her here. Daniel was in heaven and was sad to see her go. We're looking forward to seeing her again shortly after the baby is born.

Fun at the park

Reading Books with Grandma

Mom made new bumper pads for the bassinet while she was here. Daniel was her helper.

Ice Cream!

Yummm

Reading Bedtime Stories

Mommy and Daniel

Baby Girl's Close-Up

We had our 36 week ultrasound today. Shannon worked from home today so that he could come. We took Daniel with us - and I'm glad we did - he seemed to really enjoy it. It was fun to see pictures of her again and they even did some 3-D images of her face. I don't know where she got those lips! They said she is measuring a little small about 5 1/2 lbs. so they want to do another ultrasound in two more weeks (if I haven't gone into labor by then) - just to check that she is growing. Otherwise - everything looks good. Not too much longer. The countdown begins!

Stamford Nature Center

Our days start early around here. Shannon is up by 5:30 am to get ready for work and catches the 6:30 train. I either get up when Shannon gets up or at the latest - when Daniel wakes up which is usually by 6:30. So, by 9 am we have already had a long and involved morning. It's extra long when Daniel is having a rough morning...like this morning. By 9am I knew we both needed to get out of the house! Luckily it's Wednesday and sheer inspiration hit and I realized that for Stamford residents it's a free day at the Stamford Nature Center. Perfect. Daniel loves animals. I think we might have to do this next Wednesday as well. There was no one there that early and the weather was still pleasant. Just what we both needed.

Daniel and the cows: It was great because all of the animals were having their breakfast - so they were all out and up close.

What a cutie.

Eating his breakfast

Say cheese

He loved climbing all of the fences to see the animals.

Is that not the biggest pig you've ever seen? The picture doesn't even do it justice.

I love this one. Daniel wanted to have his picture taken with the duck so bad. Doesn't he look so happy?

Ohio and Kentucky

On the way back from California we stopped in Ohio and Kentucky for a Jensen Family Reunion with all of my immediate family. We crammed so much into that trip! Daniel had a blast with all of his cousins and he especially loved having his daddy around 24/7. Unfortunately, because of our camera problems I only have a few pictures to show for it - so I'm patiently waiting for my family to send me the pictures they took (hint, hint family) during the trip.

Daniel and his cousin Annie

We flew out of Dayton, OH and they have a huge National Air Force Museum there with three huge hangers full of airplanes. It was really cool. We didn't have much time - so I'd love to go back.

Daniel the pilot

California

We were able to visit Shannon's family in California a few weeks ago. We had a great time. We visited with Rob and Teneil and their three boys (shannon's brother and his family) in Sacramento and were also able to see his Aunt JoAnne, his Aunt Adriene and his Grandma. Unfortunately, we lost almost all of the pictures from our camera. These are some pictures that Shannon's aunt took. I'm glad we at least have these!

We went into San Francisco one day. This is at the Japanese gardens in Golden Gate Park.

Shannon and Daniel climbing the bridge.

At the top!

Bryant, Rob (Shannon's brother), Shannon

Bryant

Ethan

Jonah

The Golden Gate Bridge: The last time we made it out to CA for a visit was after we got married - so it's been five years! Too long...

Brothers and the Golden Gate Bridge

Growing Up

Goodbye, pacifier and hello big boy bed! We have finally said goodbye to Daniel's pacifier(s) - which he calls his "blah-blah-blah." He was very attached to his pacifier and so I was nervous about finally getting rid of them but my friend Hillary inspired me. He's done really well. He still asks for it a lot - but I try to distract him with other things. So far, so good.
This weekend we also moved Daniel into a big boy bed! The first night we put him to bed he didn't want to stay in the bed and kept getting out. But ever since then hasn't had any problems! Every time I say it's time for bed or a nap he says.."In my big boy bed?!" I can't believe my little guy is so grown up!

Helping daddy put the bed together.

It's not my favorite bed, but it was cheap and it has drawers underneath. Daniel seems to like it.

Do you think he's excited?!

Trying to get him to sit still for a picture - not much luck.

Reading books.