The many faces of Lyla Jane

Lyla Jane Ireland was born at 10:17 am on Monday, November 21st. She weighed 10lbs9oz, was 22 inches long, and is perfect. My mom says babies have 100 faces, these are some of hers...






































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41 weeks.

From our room at the childbirth center...


...the last belly shot. You joined us the next morning, in all your magical amazingness. I'll sit down and write out your birth story, and tell you about your first week one of these days. For now I'm too busy falling in love...




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Just like her momma...

You gave us a false start yesterday apple blossom, just one day shy of 41 weeks. My whole side of the family came rushing up here just in case...turns out you were just practicing (my doctor MADE me go in, for the record). We got to do a test run for the real thing though, and I got a pair of hospital socks! My favorite! Your momma looks pretty good in that gown, huh? Your uncles said you were just taking after me...trying to make your arrival last as long as possible, just as I do with my birthday. Oh yes, apple fritter, November is going to be one long party when you get here. Can't wait. Oh, and it looks like you took after our procrastination tendencies also...oops!

xoxo, if we don't see you today, we'll see you soon...

Speechless.

Hi squishy face!


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40 weeks...

Dearest Apple Bottom,

Your buddy Panda is pretty antsy, whining, running around, bringing me toys...I think she wants to play, didn't get enough exercise today. I've got to be honest though hunny bun, I left all my energy in bed today. When I finally rolled out of bed, and by rolled I mean it literally, rolled very slowly out of bed today I knew the moment my foot hit the floor that I had picked the wrong side. I woke up cranky, I woke up sweaty, I woke up sleepy. I was really proud of myself for making it through our 40 week anniversary without shedding a tear! I'd heard that it's a tough milestone to get through, you spend all 40 weeks just telling yourself that babies come when they want to, I knew that you'd show up when you needed to and I wasn't going to get my expectations up for you coming early...but then! Everyone kept putting in their bets for you coming early, even the doctors, and so we went along with it. I think it happens to a lot of new moms to be, and by the time that big magic "DUE DATE" comes around and you little apple fritters show no sign of showing up...well it can be pretty deflating. It's just we want to meet you so bad, we want to hold you, and smell you, and see what color hair you have! And well, I was proud, because yesterday was that day and I was fine! Relaxed and happy, and just glad to have you be so content in your little nest that is my body. Also, I was feeling really good. I think I must've been delusional, because I woke up today with all the emotions of a deflated 40 weeks pregnant mom to be...sigh. Your poor daddy. Your poor Panda. But then!!! But then...after a day of complaining and weeping and general feeling sorry for myselfness...your dad and I got to do something we've been wanting to do for a long time. We got to tour the childbirth center where you will be born! WHAT?!?!?! I know! The story goes like this, we should've done this tour a million years ago but they didn't have any tours until TODAY. The DAY AFTER YOUR DUE DATE. So we've been all, that's dumb, guess we won't make that, because you know, she'll be born and all...AND THEN, you decided you were just fine in there and you didn't show up so we got to do the tour. And it was awesome, and your daddy and I had a good time (is that strange?) we had questions answered, we got to get comfortable with the space, and most importantly we realized how prepared we actually are. We feel really good and really confident that when you do decide to come and play that we're going to be a-ok! And you know what? It took you not showing up when EVERYONE thought you were going to to let us get to that confident spot. So thank you, AGAIN, for teaching us this lesson...it's a good thing your here to teach us all these things so that when you get here we can teach them to you.

We love you baby girl, see you...whenever!

xoxo,

mommy

This is what 39 weeks looks like...

You are going to be a full grown baby by the time you join us aren't you? If you are going to be that big then can you make me a promise? Will you promise to not grow up too fast afterwards...I hear you babies grow up too fast anyways, if you start off all grown up I don't know what I'll do.

We went to the beach, we've gone shopping, we're playing cards, we're watching football, we're meeting friends to watch football, we are sleeping in, we are taking naps, we're cleaning and cleaning, and baking and baking...today we are going to a cheese festival, and maybe more shopping...the weather has turned, it's wet and cold so the shopping is just to get our walks in...mostly baby girl, we are just patiently waiting for you.

xoxo,

the mommas and the poppas and the pandas

Baby who? Baby-que!

Oh Baby! Did I ever mention we had TWO baby parties? Oh I did, and I promised to post pictures like a million years ago? Did I also tell you that I am a big fat procrastinator? Oh, I mentioned that too? Well, then the fact I am FINALLY posting these pictures two days before your due date shouldn't come as a surprise. You know what I wish would come as a surprise? YOU! Since dad and I are just hanging around waiting for you to come play with us I thought I'd go through some old pics, and I found these great photos from the Baby-Que your Aunty Austy, Uncle Hooty, and Uncle Greggy threw for you, and our friends. Meemaw helped a whole bunch too...in fact, that awesome cake up there was decorated by her.

Tante Heidi and Zia Claire came early and helped hang streamers and balloons, and whaddya know! These two sneaky girls managed to avoid having their pictures taken. This is pretty normal, these women are very important in your life, in my life, and we have very few recorded proof of this. Don't worry, you will know them so well you won't need photos you'll have the real thing.

Aunty Austy put a lot of work into this piece of art, that your dad then demolished. And out sprang candy! Your first pinata, and it's totally creepy and totally the hit of the party. Hit, get it?

Fun!

More fun!

I've told you over and over again baby girl, how funny your family is, but this trivia game they put together really proves it. I can't wait for you to meet everyone, and I especially can't wait to hear you laugh at your uncles for the first time. I know it will happen often...

There was a tie in the trivia game! Between three teams, which meant a tie breaker! A game we invented called Find the Belly Button! A plate full of whipped cream and a hidden raisin. A little thing you should know, that I may not have mentioned. Your aunty Jane and uncle Hooty are both VERY competitive. We had an adult easter egg hunt one year and these two, well, they were very good at finding those eggs. Sports super stars! So this game meant a lot to them...but you'll notice there is a third competitor, Mr. Berryman (you went camping with him!) and well he won! Woohoo!

Everyone taking the trivia game very seriously.

Omg, and did I mention the amazing gifts everyone gave you? Toys, and bathtime fun, and the coolest clothes EVER. With this group you will never be without a high style wardrobe, that is for sure.

So here is the deal baby girl, this little party consisted mostly of our friends. Boys and girls, moms and dads, girlfriends, boyfriends, old friends, new friends. Some friends we hadn't seen in a lot time, some friends we just made in the last year. It was just so amazing to have everyone in one place, a lot of laughter, and hugs, and while most of them live at least an hour away the importance of their friendship is stronger than any distance. We had to say goodbye to an old friend who was moving across the country that next week, and we got to spend some lovely happy times with another friend whose mom sadly ended up losing her battle against cancer a few days later, and we got to reconnect with an old friend who ended up eloping just a couple weeks later...all in all, it was more than just a baby party it was a celebration of friendship and love. And baby girl, we have you to thank for that. So thanks, and also, hurry up and come meet all these people face to face ok? Ok!

so many x's and o's my little cameo...see you soon?

momma and poppa

Are we there yet?

Oh hi baby girl!

You must be pretty comfy in there...39 weeks and you're still snug as a bug. Although things are happening, a few practice waves, a massive discomfort, mood swings, nesting urges...all good signs that you WILL eventually come out to play. I mean, of course you will, can't stay in there forever...right???

I had a pretty rough day today honeycrisp, you are bearing down something fierce on my pelvic bone, and just the simple act of walking was very difficult and painful. We're hoping this means you are getting into launch position, but it was awfully rough on me and my emotions. I was a big pile of crabby today...ask your dad, it wasn't fun. But he was amazing, he heated up our heater rice bag thing for my back and made me lunch...see, I'm really easy, all I need is some comfort and some food! He really does know how to calm me down and put me in a better mood. You'll see, he'll do the same for you ten fold when you need it. He's a nurturer, which is a good thing to find in a partner. I hope you'll find the same. If you are anything like me you'll need someone who has a kind touch and a lot of patience, it will help you grow. If you are anything like him, well, then you will be an amazing person. Wait, not that I'm not also amazing, ha! If your nothing like either of us than that is pretty rad also. That's what family is about huh? A bunch of funny bananas all hanging out on the same tree. Who knows what kind of family you are going to get stuck with...we can just hope we have a lot of fun and a lot of love. And with our gang those things are guaranteed.

Speaking of your dad, he just had his last shift for awhile. So it's just us and Panda hanging out waiting for you to join us. We are trying to relax and take in the ability to sleep whenever we please (we hear you'll have full control over our sleeping schedule when you arrive, already a bossy little scorpio huh?). It's hard to relax when you are waiting on the most important visitor EVER. We've done a lot of cleaning, and re-cleaning, and discussing the future, and cleaning, and sitting, and waiting, and...well, we are just really excited. And we can't wait to meet you.

You know who else can't wait to meet you? EVERYONE. We get calls and texts and emails and facebook messages DAILY asking if you've arrived yet. The anticipation is killing everyone, and you're not even due for another week! You know who else is acting funny waiting for you to show up? Panda! She is being very protective of me, attached at my hip. She either knows I need the extra love right now, and wants to make sure you arrive safe and sound...or she knows I'll be a little preoccupied once you get here and wants to get her lovin' in before that. Either way, it's pretty funny. Your dad is a little jealous to be honest! You guys will be best buds, once she get's over being second fiddle around here.

I know your room right now is probably pretty comfortable, if not a little cramped, but your room out here is ready for you whenever you please...we'd love for you to see it.

Exploding with love, and we'll see you soon ringo no hana...

xoxo

mom and dad.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

Happy Halloween my little pumpkin face! (gotta change the produce for the holiday!)


38 weeks baby girl, you could show up at any moment. We've waited so long it seems surreal that you are actually going to be here soon, in our arms, completing our family. Wow. This picture was taken the night of your dads big work Halloween party he threw in honor of being off probation. I thought I'd record for prosperity how creepy a pregnant zombie looks. A note for the baby book: zombies are HUGE this year. Very popular in television, movies, life...they say it's because the economy is bad. But they said that about vampires five years ago...another popular thing is to blame the economy for everything!

Anyways! You will soon see how important this Halloween thing is to me! My absolute favorite holiday, and now I'll have an even bigger reason to adore this time of year...you!


Great Grandma came and stayed with us for a few days! We went and visited daddy at work.


We went to my favorite fall place EVER! An apple orchard! Look baby girl, that's you amongst all the other apples. An apple party!


Woah! My roundness totally won the big and round contest at the pumpkin patch this year!


Panda wanted to say hi!



Uncle greggy came and stayed while great grandma was here! We ate, a lot, of really great food. I hope you like Japanese food as much as we do, because you've got a great resource in your great grandma!


She'll be back again after your born...she is very excited for her 8th!!!!! Great grandkid. crazy!

Apples and pumpkins and costumes and family and you! I love this time of year!! Eeeeeee!!!

Love you so much apple pie! We'll see you soon!

Xoxo


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Ready, set...

Ok, not quite go, but so close baby apple girl! This is us at 36 weeks. Hold on a little longer, but not too much longer, k?


Oh, and look honeycrisp! It's your baby bedroom! Close enough for you to come home to. Still a few things left to do, but nothing too important. Oh! We can't wait to see your little wiggle bottom wiggling out here and not just in my belly!

We love you tsugaru, any day now!

Xoxo

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