Here Comes Santa Claus

It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it is 80 degrees outside but I managed to put up a few decorations. Between Pat's busy work schedule and the Carolina/Clemson game our traditional tree trimming dropped to the bottom of the list. Last week, after having our tree up for 5 days, I finally put my mind to it and added the ornaments....all by myself. Well not all by myself, I always have my girls - all three of them!!

Lily's first ornament and my first ornament!

I just realized she weighed 7lbs 8oz at her  2 week checkup - my birth weight!

Pat's Aunt Jeannie hosts "Pictures with Santa" at Stier Supply every year. I was so excited to be able to take Lily to meet Jolly ol' Saint Nick without the worry of crowds or germs!

She was perfectly happy then I decided I wanted some pictures without the hat...

 ...thus the classic crying picture!

"Hey, who are you?"

I am surprised I haven't spent all of my time taking pictures of her but I have done a few "photo shoots" to make up for my lack of day-to-day pictures. I could completely bombard you but I will refrain and just pick a few!

She is always scowling...just like her mom!

I can't believe she is 3 weeks old already! I spent 4 1/2 months wishing the days away and now I am trying to figure out how to make them longer. I look forward to every day with my sweet Lily but I am especially excited for our first Christmas together!

Lily Grace

I am going to try my best to spare you every little detail as I summarize what has happened in our lives over the last week but I am warning you this is going to be lengthy.

It all started Tuesday, November 19. I left my doctors appointment a little disappointed there hadn't been any change from the week before. "...1cm, completely effaced and the baby is low. I'd say you could go at any time." Christie (my mother-in-law) was leaving town in two days and we both hoped she would meet the baby before her departure so I went shopping after my appointment in hopes of getting things moving. For over a week I had been suffering lower back pain because the baby was in the posterior position so lots of walking would get extremely uncomfortable but I tried to keep moving. My midwife told me if I had more than 6 contractions in an hour to call so after 4 hours of contractions 3-5 minutes apart Pat and I were on our way to the hospital at 7:30am on Wednesday. I was familiar with 'Medical Assessment Center' in labor and delivery because I spent a day there 10 weeks prior when our little one tried to make an early debut. Just like 10 weeks earlier I was NOT admitted, I couldn't believe it! After all of those hours I was only 1 1/2 centimeters. Christie met us at the hospital and when they said they were sending me home she said exactly what I was thinking, "...but what about the pain?!" They gave me a shot of Demerol and by the time I was dressed and wheeled out I could hardly walk. I slept and slept and slept. I vaguely remember grimacing through contractions for the remainder of the day and feeling Pat massage my back as I breathed through them at different times in the night.

Wednesday morning, the last picture taken of me pregnant!

 Notice the pups in the window :)

By Thursday the back pain was constant and the contractions were not stopping. I repeatedly prayed for them to go away or that my water would break. At 3:30 pm my mom showed up and pulled me out of bed. After delivering 4 children naturally she is familiar with how the process works. First of all I got on all fours on the yoga mat and she rubbed my back as I swayed back and forth. She would have me hang from her shoulders during contractions to help me relax. We utilized the yoga ball in many different ways and went for a walk to see if it influenced the contractions (the hanging from her shoulders move probably has the neighbors thinking we are crazy). We continued this for hours. Pat came home from work and my mom left around 8:00. By this time the contractions were getting much stronger and closer together. I put Pat in charge of timing them as I swayed, walked and bounced through each one (and for any of you that might need to know, they have an app for documenting contractions!). At 11:00pm I decided I couldn't take it anymore, I was ready to go. Pat, who had been sleeping in between contractions, asked if I was sure "because we didn't want to be sent home again." Needless to say, that comment did not go over well with me and before long we were in the car and headed back to the hospital.

I didn't call the after hours number, I just walked in hospital, through labor and delivery to the Medical Assessment Center desk and told them I was in labor. They put me in one of those rooms I was all too familiar with and checked me....3 1/2 cm, thank goodness! Before this process I thought a women's pain was strictly related to how dilated she was but I guess if the baby isn't in the correct position the contractions don't influence the cervix as they are meant to and therefore cause 'back labor' (aka the worst thing EVER!). Getting to the point...all of my prayers were coming true. I was being admitted and an epidural was in my future. I cannot praise the hospital enough, the staff was the best and everything happened so quickly. Soon I was snoozing like I hadn't in days.

For months I have been worried that my water was going to break and at 4:00am on Friday it did, with a little help from my midwife. Who would have thought?! My mom arrived around 6:30am with less sleep than me and ready for a baby! Around 9:00 the nurse came in and helped me turn on my right side and after a few moments I told my mom I felt a pinch, sort of a burn. Again, after delivering babies all natural she knew that a burning sensation is felt as the baby descends. I waited a few minutes and it didn't get better so I called for my nurse. She decided to check me and said the head was "right there". She had me push a little to see how close and immediately said, " STOP, there is the head!" I yelled to wake the sleeping Daddy-to-be and at 9:20 the midwife came in. In a matter of 10 minutes I pushed 4 times, through 2 contractions then heard the midwife say, "Get your baby!"

At 9:30am on November 22 I reached down, put my hands under a tiny pair of arms and pulled a life to my chest. I tugged on the umbilical cord and heard Pat say, "Its a girl!" All of those months of waiting, all of the prayers, all of the sacrifice and she was finally here and perfectly healthy! I loved watching as Pat snapped pictures and the sound of text messages coming and going was thrilling. We are so in love!

This is what I woke up to our first morning together!

The first 24 hours of her life she was called 'Baby'. Pat knew she was a boy so he hadn't entertained any of my girl names and I have always known if I were to have a girl I would need to meet her before I would be able to pick a fitting name. By Saturday afternoon we knew she was going to be Lily Grace Stier. Her Papa Jon solidified our decision when he arrived with a beautiful arrangement of lilies.

I am amazed at Gods design! The way our bodies work; mine with hers and hers with mine. He planned everything perfectly and, for us, everything has gone perfectly! I am aware that she is only a week old so things can and will change but she is such a good baby! I think she is taking a break after all of those months of challenging me. She is a great eater which makes her a great sleeper. Pat said the other day, "So some people have babies that cry all the time?" I responded with a huge YES! and reminded him that she was young and things can change quickly...I don't want to jinks us!

Her first doctors appointment was Monday, she was 3 days old, and it was so reassuring to hear the pediatrician rave about how good she was doing. She was up to 6lbs 12oz, after being 6lbs 10oz when the left the hospital on Sunday. I am going to take advantage of being able to brag about her while it lasts...he said she was where he would expect to see a baby twice her age (which seems funny when you think that is only a week old:)). Pat paid me a compliment by saying I was a good mother but honestly it is all her. She eats, sleeps and potties by the book. I feel so blessed that I haven't had to worry about her nutritional needs.

Daddy, daughter time!

Me and the babies.

Sisters!

Play date with cousin Denver.

There is only one thing better than staring at her sweet face and that is watching Pat as he interacts with her. The smile he gets on his face is one I have never seen before. I think we both appreciate one another a little more for sharing our perfect blessing, Lily. There is no more fear, no what if...life is good!

It's A.......

GIRL!!

Lily Grace Stier arrived Friday morning at 9:30, weighing a perfectly healthy 6lbs. 15oz. We have spent the last few days falling in love with her. When we get settled in and I have time to wrap my brain around the events of the last few days I will fill everyone in on the details but for now we are enjoying every second of our new life as a family.

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.

Samuel 1:27

Livin' Life

I have finally resumed my normal life...kinda. I still do quite a bit of resting but I am enjoying doing things I haven't done in months. I have gone on lunch dates, driven myself to a doctors appointment, even gone shopping but the best part is I have been able to clean my house. I have done my own laundry, swept the floors, made the bed and done a little cooking. I have pretty much been down for the count since we moved in so I have taken time to get reacquainted with the rooms in my house. I am slowly learning where things are and getting organized.

A couple months ago I sent in our response card for a friends wedding, marking that '2' would be in attendance. I was hopeful if the baby came early all would be well and we would have a nice night out. In the back of my mind I was also thinking if I were still pregnant I would be 37 weeks and we would be ready to celebrate. Well what do you know, last night we celebrated the nuptials of Mary and Russ! I hardly knew how to act in a social setting. Everything was beautiful and I was like a kid in a candy store with all of the food. I think I had two of everything!

My friends have told me how differently strangers treat you when you are pregnant and it's true! I wasn't "showing" before I was put on bed rest and with the exception of doctors appointments I haven't been in public so I was surprised by how accommodating  people were, especially Pat. He made sure I had a chair to sit in, ran to every food station for me, rubbed my back when he noticed me squirming and even went back to the car to get my flats when my feet couldn't take the heels anymore. Strangers wanted to know if I needed a drink or a seat, and they graciously brought me cake without even asking! And of course, the endless question, "When are you due?" I can't imagine months of that but it felt great to repeatedly answer, "3 weeks!!"

As excited as I am to meet this little one I wouldn't mind a few more weeks of livin' life as a pregnant women, but I can now say without fear...it could be any day!!

Happy Halloween!

For the first time I think Maggie was happy to have Molly around to spare her the embarrassment of wearing the one-size-too-small pumpkin sweater. Molly on the other hand seemed very excited to sport her festive attire. I hope your Halloween was as happy as ours!!

Oh, BTW Baby Stier and I are still going strong...almost 36 weeks!!

Celebration Time!

We made it to 32 weeks!!

Saturday we met the goal that was set all those weeks ago...77 days ago to be exact. Now that we are here I can honestly say that the time has seemed to fly by. With every passing week the weight on my shoulders lightens and I breathe a little easier. Although, I am getting greedy for a few more weeks. That has been the pattern, first it was 28 weeks then 32 now I am shooting for 34 weeks (which will probably turn into 36 and so on). My goal is to able to bring our bundle of joy home with us!

Since we are technically out of the woods I am more comfortable talking about the situation. For those of you that aren't on the weekly update circuit and are interested, here is the a synopsis...
The original problem was found in my 21 week ultrasound, my cervix was "funneling". In essence I had started to efface and dilate. The average cervical length of a pregnant women, depending on gestation, is 3-4cm; mine was measuring 2.3cm. By the time I made it in the see the specialist 2 weeks later I was measuring 1.7cm. My midwife explained that many women are also having preterm labor contractions and don't know it. I told her I had been experiencing some tightening in my lower abdomen which after talking to friends I diagnosed as Braxton Hicks contractions. I learned that in addition to those some of what I thought was the baby moving were contractions as well. The combination of short cervix and contractions before 28 weeks is especially dangerous because the baby is so small that contractions alone can cause delivery, not to mention the host of other problems due to the lack of development. All-in-all they said the situation could be managed but was far from ideal. Many people ask how I do it; lay around all day everyday. It's really not that hard when there is a little life counting on you!

I have continued to have weekly checks with the cervical specialist and have managed to maintain a length of 1.0-1.3cm with meds and strict bed rest. This week I had a growth scan, we were pleased to hear that our little one weighs 4lbs 5oz! Because I am almost 90% effaced the doctor has warned me that my water could break at any moment so I received a steroid shot to help mature the babies lungs, just in case. He also added, "No one would have guessed you would have made it this far." I am so blessed to have my Mom who has been here for me every minute. Pat is out of town all week so she has stepped in to fill his shoes and then some. I am certain none of this would be possible without her. She serves me meals (on a platter, literally), tends to the dogs, makes sure I'm comfortable, cleans the house, runs me back and forth to all of my appointments and the list goes on. We would be lost without her!

It took my body some time to adjust to bed rest, everything ached! After about a month I had it down; how to lay, when to flip and where to position the pillows then....I started growing! Now-a-days my expanding waistline makes getting comfortable even more challenging and sleeping - HA! Between the midnight meds, potty breaks, heartburn and contractions I feel like my preparation for baby is getting a good head start! Now I just have to figure out where I am going to find the strength and energy to care for this little one. It will be a slow process but I am looking forward to being able to get up anytime I want and hopefully my left leg (the one I broke) will return to normal size quickly. Pat pointed out that it is probably best I can't go anywhere because between the big belly and different size legs he isn't dying to run around town with me (kidding of course:))!

Bed rest hasn't been a complete drag. I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to spend every second of my days with my sweet pups!

Weekends are always exciting because Pat is home! I can't attend football games but he does his best to bring the atmosphere to me, a TV and recliner set up in the garage!

Simple things like tagging along while he runs errands is a huge highlight for me. I bring a pillow and recline my seat while I wait in the car. Last weekend on an outing to Lowes I noticed Pat standing at the door motioning for me to come inside. I started in at my usual snails pace and I see him coming out on one of those motorized carts! We only went down a few isles but it felt great to be out.

My prayers have turned from tearful, to hopeful, to thankful. I was, and am, determined to make as far as possible and I cannot say thank you enough to all of you that have remembered me in your prayers. The last few months have taught me a lesson in patience. I have always been a get-it-done type of girl and the fact that my house isn't perfect and I haven't been able to shop for anything baby/maternity related would normally have me in a tizzy but I'm fine with it (again, thanks to my Mom!). What's a perfectly decorated nursery without a perfectly healthy baby to go in it anyway?!

...but we glory in our tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
and patience, experience; and experience hope

Romans 5:3-4

Oh She Could Sing

I find blogging to be therapeutic. I often draft posts just to get my thoughts out. Those posts rarely make the blog but I feel better after writing them. This post has been on the drafting board for quite some time. With a few additions and revisions I decided this was the appropriate time to publish a post close to my heart.

Everyone knows I am a family girl. That is one reason I love that I married into such a large family, the more the merrier. One of the most influential people in my life is my Grandma. Her name is Ava and she is the most amazing women I have ever known. When she passed 10 years ago I remember crying at the thought of her not knowing the man I was going to marry.

 When Pat and I started dating in 2004, he used to joke that no one could say the "G" word in front of me...Grandma. Believe it or not the man I married has a lot in common with her. He has the most amazing sense of humor, everything is funny. She was just like that! If she baked a pie and dropped it on the floor when taking it out of the oven...it was funny. If she went to the store to buy bread and returned home to realize she forgot it....that was funny. EVERYTHING was funny. Whenever something doesn't go according to plan and start to get worked up Pat tries to calm me, "Melissa, what would your Grandma do?" I don't take after her in that department but I'm working on it!

My Mom recently told me the only punishment that worked for my brother was "...you won't be able to go to Grama's." That was the worst! She loved children and had a special way with them. She wasn't "Grama" to just me and my cousins, she was known as "Grama Ava" to many. She had the sweetest voice, when rocked and sang to a baby the fussing would soon fade. When we were little and weren't feeling well she would get out her tape recorder and sing with us. If she wasn't singing she was humming but not in annoying way, it was soothing, that's how you knew where she was in the house - follow the hum.

Months ago I received a package in the mail that turned out to be one of my most prized possessions. I had old tapes of my Grandmother singing restored and converted to a CD. I couldn't wait for Pat to get home from work, I was so excited for his reaction! I made him listen to it the second he walked in the door. It was just as I had hoped, he loved it! I felt like by hearing her sing he could tell how special she was. We often play the CD when we get into bed at night and just like when I was little that soft voice puts me to sleep.

I can't help but think about how excited she would be that I am expecting - how excited I would be to tell her. I am a much, MUCH better person because of her. She shared something special with the ones she loved, something everyone should have an opportunity to feel. I strive to be more like her everyday. When the time comes and I sit to rock my baby her voice will play in the background and when I find myself in those hard times of motherhood I know that voice will bring me peace and patience.


Oh she could sing!

He's Here!

Monday night I was honored with a visit from my newest nephew, Denver! Before he was born I asked my doctor about making the trip to see him (even though I knew the answer) and was denied so I was ecstatic when I found out they were coming to town. I can't believe he is one week old already! He is the sweetest, most handsome little fellow!!

Mommy and Daddy seem to have settled into their new roles quickly. Ryan is a proud and doting Dad and Haley a calm, attentive, loving Mom while staying true to her laid back personality. It was such a pleasure to have them here. I hate the thought of our next visit being weeks away but that is overshadowed by my excitement of Denver's first meeting with his little cousin! BFF in the making!!

Back In the Day

Pat's parents recently attempted to organize years of their childrens lives that had taken over the upstairs of their house. Everything was sorted into boxes and given to the appropriate child. Judging from the abundance of space in Pat's box he wasn't the type to keep any of his projects, actually I don't think he was the type to do any of his projects. It had more love letters and baseball cards than school work but I loved going through it.

Starting with my personal favorite, a snippet from his fifth grade interview:

 .....When he grows up he wants to become a history teacher. He wants that career because he makes good grades in that subject. "My best subject is social studies." Pat said proudly.

 For a guy his age he has already thought of marriage. Pat is not ready for it. Pat clearly explains his answer, " I haven't found the right women yet." He likes girls who are blond, blue-eyed and thin. He has had plenty of girlfriends but he still wants one now.

....This young, generous, handsome, talented young man, as he would describe himself, that has had all these happenings in his life has only one thing to say, "hasta lavesta baby!"

Fifth grade, really?! Well, I might not have blue eyes and at 7 months pregnant I'm not thin but at least I have blond hair!

Up next, a copy of our school newspaper. No, Pat did not write for the paper, he was on the cover.

The local news station had a segment each week known as Rick Henrys Double Dog Dare. Pat's sophomore year he challenged the local sportscaster to a lawn mower race. They raced around the school grounds during one of our lunch periods. If I remember correctly everyone was excused for lunch early so they could watch. I remember walking outside, peering over the crowd of people and returning inside. I wasn't going to spend my lunch break outside, in the rain watching some guy ride a stupid lawn mower! Anyway, he won and that became one of his claims to fame.

The beginning of every school year students were given an agenda. It was our handbook, calendar, assignment pad and hall pass.

This was Pat's from his senior year. With the exception of a few pages that had been doodled on by girls the assignment portion of his agenda was EMPTY! The only pages that were almost completely full were the ones in the back, his hall pass! I have to say, it seemed like every time I was in the hallways during class I ran into him....

I also noticed the first page had been scribbled on...wait that isn't scribbling those are initials JS and CS (his parents don't read this blog or I probably wouldn't be sharing this part), Jon Stier and Christie Stier! Honestly I can't believe he was still practicing by his senior year, I would think he had it down by then.

I am sure my parents are reading this thanking their lucky stars I didn't date this boy in high school! When we did start dating 5 years later I learned that Pat is a sentimental person. He pulled out his "memory box" on one of my first trips to visit him. It was packed with ticket stubs, wristbands, every note he ever received, post cards, and pictures. I was surprised when I pull out an envelope of pictures - pictures of me! They were taken in 1999 on a disposable camera with our best friends. I remember taking them but I never knew he got them developed and I would have never guessed he kept them! :)

Ahh the memories!

Missing out?... Not really

When I broke my foot I spent a lot of time thinking about all of the things I was missing out on and everything I could be doing.  As week 6 with the cast approached I started planning things I would do when I could walk. We had been doing a really good job of keeping things tight around here. My job doesn't pay for maternity leave so we knew we would need to plan for the three months I would be off.  My due date is around the holidays (which I get paid for) so I was saving my vacation to use at the beginning of December in hopes of only going a week that month without pay BUT I had to use all of my time for my foot - Boo!

Now, the point of all of this is... Regardless of the money I decided to apply for an invitation to see Mumford and Sons in Simpsonville, SC and received one! Everyone says it is important to do things before the baby comes and we were close to buying tickets for their tour in the northeast earlier this year so I decided I would go for it. Well what do you know, the concert is tomorrow and we aren't going. I don't want to lie and say I'm not disappointed but I don't feel like I am missing out. Unlike when I broke my foot, I don't have any problems sitting around all day because in the end it will all be worth it, more than worth it!

We have been listening to M&S around the house and even stumbled across a live concert on Etv the other night! Taking the words from a few songs by our favorite band...

But I will hold on hope...

And I'll find strength in pain

Cause I know my weakness, know my voice,

And I'll believe in grace and choice

Let me learn from where I have been,

Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn....

....for I was told by Jesus all is well

So all must be well

You are not alone in this...

We will stand and hold your hand

"Where have you been?"

I have heard that a lot lately. I managed to throw out 4 posts in a few weeks hoping to make up for my absence. My broken foot has put a damper on our summer so in my defense I haven't had a lot to blog about.

I am a private person when it comes to personal matters, even the happy kind. I figured as time went on I would update with pictures that would give away our big news but that's beginning to look unlikely so I'm just going to throw it out there....I'm pregnant!

That means we got Molly in early March, our offer on the house was excepted a few weeks later and by closing we discovered we were expecting! Two weeks after we moved in to our new home I broke my foot and two weeks before I was relieved of my boot (X-rays looked good, yay!) I was put on bed rest. Whew! Did you get all of that? 

"To blog or not to blog," I asked myself. I know that most people don't want to read something that is going to leave them feeling bad and I cannot STAND the thought of people feeling sorry for me but many of you already know that we are expecting so I decided to come out with it. After all, the whole purpose of Stier Clear is to let everyone know what's going on in our lives. 

At our 20 week appointment the baby looked perfect! Pat and I excitedly watched as they scanned every inch of our little one, leaving the ultrasound thanking God for our healthy baby. A few minutes later the doctor came in and delivered the bad news - bed rest. Long story short, I am now 25 weeks and my battle with preterm labor continues. Everyday is a celebration and every week brings relief.

I am counting my blessings and spending all of my time keeping this little guy/girl comfy! This whole process took longer than expected but I consider us lucky that it happened after just a year. I enjoyed the first 5 months of pregnancy, feeling fabulous and carefree. We have so much to be thankful for with the support of our family and friends making the top of the list! Thank you so much for all of your calls, texts, visits, thoughts and most of all prayers....keep 'em coming!!

For the Mommy-to-be

For months now we have been thinking about how we were going to celebrate the upcoming birth of baby Denver. It didn't take long to decide that the only appropriate theme would be candy. Haley has always been a lover of fruity, chewy confections and since Denver came into the picture her sweet tooth has been in overdrive.

I enjoy any excuse to celebrate and throwing a party in honor of a very deserving friend makes it all the better! Before we went into party mode we enjoyed a relaxing Friday night of girl talk to make the celebration complete.

The shower was perfect! "Haley's Sweet Shoppe"

Surprise cake!!

                                                  

The excitement is mounting as we count down the days. Haley, you are going to be an amazing Mom. I will be here for you whenever you need me. I might not be equipped with personal experience but my arms, ears and heart are always open. Tell Ashley she might have a run for her money when it comes to the title of Favorite Aunt :) I plan to love, spoil and be around my newest nephew as much as possible.  I love you!!

Molly, Molly, Molly

AKA Stinker, PeePee/Poopy Pants, Goofball and Crazy. The once small, almost perfect puppy is now taller than Maggie and nowhere close to perfection but boy do we love her. She is constant entertainment!

 

 When we moved she went from a slightly timid, potty trained puppy to a 50% potty trained, loud, energetic teenager. We have finally established that no matter how much extra space we have in the house, we go to the bathroom OUTSIDE! We are still working on the excited dribble when someone enters the house but it is slowly getting better.

Then:

 

Now: 

Quiz: Who's Who???

Answer: Molly is on the left, Maggie on the right

From a distance Maggie and Molly still look like twins but there is no comparison in the face. We said from the beginning that Molly had more of a square muzzle and as she grows her under bite is becoming more pronounced.

After some research I am confident that she is a hound/boxer mix. When reading about the boxer breed I found the following:

"They pass gas, give wet kisses, jump up to greet you and snore too. Boxers are a very friendly and affectionate breed! They are referred to as an “in-your-face” breed. They are “shadows,” often following you from room to room...They crawl in your lap, jump up on you and love to give sloppy wet kisses."

Check, check, check that's Molly alright (minus the slobbering). And she is extremely vocal. I love it and hate it at the same time. When she lays down on the floor in front of me and makes Chewbacca like noises I can't help but laugh. On the other hand when she sees something outside or she is outside and decides she wants to come in her insistent, high-pitched barking drives me up the wall!

Maggie isn't a big fan of the barking either! 

 

For every one person she meets that likes her, there are 2 that don't but hey, you can't win over everybody. Her sad puppy dog eyes, bubbly personality and willingness to cuddle with me all-the-time beats out any of her flaws. After only 5 months she has found her place in our hearts. We can't imagine life without her!