The most precious gift of all.....

Well, a lot has happened since I last updated. Let me start from the beginning.......
So, on Monday, the 30th, we went to the family "cookout" and to visit Levette's parents before going to the hospital at 3pm for the monitoring. When we get to the hospital, the registration people have no clue what I am there for and no clue what I am talking about when I give them the sheet that the nurse gave me. After about 45 minutes of confusion, they get me in the room and get me hooked up. All looks good with the baby and with me. But I am still not dilated. SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE!!! So, they call Dr. Stephen and he says to cancel my induction for Tuesday and send me home. The End.
Talk about FURIOUS!! I had no clue why, That was all they said. So, as I was leaving the hospital, I was calling his office, which I knew was closed because of the holiday. But he was on call (I thought) and I wanted some answers.
So, 2 HOURS later, I get a call from a different doctor, that was on call. Of course, he had no idea what was going on, so he had to call my Dr, and call me back, another hour later. FINALLY at like 8pm or so, I found out why my induction was cancelled. I was still non inducible. There was nothing they could do for me to make me go into labor. But I was under the impression that if I still couldn't be induced, that he would go ahead with the c section.
Tuesday morning I called the office back to find out what we were going to do now. He said he didn't want to see me back until Thursday. Seriously, Thursday???? I was livid at this point. Miserable. I had started having contractions again. I am sure from the stress. The contractions went throughout the day. I cried, a lot.
Levette got home from work and cooked a late dinner. That's when the contractions started coming about 5 minutes apart. Of course, I didn't want to go to the hospital. I knew they would send me home again. So, I waited...... and waited...... and waited....... I finally called the Dr at 11pm. He said go to the hospital.
So, I did...... They hooked me up to the monitors for a while. When the contractions started getting closer together, they finally moved me to an actual room.
My poor mom couldn't handle being in there with me because when I would have a contraction we would lose the baby's heartbeat. So, she stayed in the waiting room with Nana. Dad stayed by my side. He kept the rag wet and cold for me and gave me ice and rubbed my belly when I had a contraction. Levette was there too, but because we didn't know what was going to happen, I told him to sleep in case he had to go to work.
I went through 10 hours of contractions that got down to a minute apart. I did this with no pain meds. Around 6am, I finally gave in and asked for drugs. Which, made me cooky, of course.
The Dr came in around 7. I still hadn't dilated............ UG!!!! They still couldn't do anything. He ordered an ultrasound and said he would send word with the nurses on what we would do (he was headed to surgery).
So, they came in and did an ultrasound. That was all I saw of anybody for another 2 1/2 hours. I was cranky. That is an understatement. I was tired, hungry, had to pee, miserable and in pain. I lost it. Literally. I went off on the nurses. They ran and got Dr Stephen. He came barging into the room and sent everyone out. And we "exchanged words". lol. He informed me that Zoey was now measuring 8 pounds and 15 ounces. I wanted her OUT!!! He said we could wait until I went into labor (apparently that wasn't happening) or we could do a c section. (uh duh). I said C SECTION NOW. I think he was trying to scare me out of it because he started talking about infections and scars and healing...... Again, I said C SECTION NOW. So, he said, OK, we can schedule it for Thursday or Friday. Guess what I said lol. That's right...... C SECTION NOW! He finally agreed and said the only time open was at 5pm. FINE! That is today.
So, he gave me more drugs so I could sleep and sent my family home. He told them it would be between 3 and 4, so they could go home and shower and nap.
I woke up around 1 when the nurse came in to prep me for surgery. She said the surgery had been moved to 2. So, Levette went to smoke and I called my mom and told them. They were already on their way to pick up Nana and get Levette some food. So, that was fine. They would be there in plenty of time.
But the nurse walked in all in a rush and said they changed the time again and it was NOW! AHHHH. Levette wasn't even in the room. I called him panicking and told him to hurry because they were ready for me. He called my parents and told them to hurry. Levette got back to my room as they were about to wheel me out. They gave him a gown and told him they would be right back for him. I think my parents got there just as they came back to get him.
Anyways. So, The spinal block was NO BIGGIE! And neither was the surgery. My beautiful baby girl was born on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 2:04pm.

They had to use forceps to get her out, so she had an ugly bruise on her cheek for a few days. But that went away. She was 8lbs and 5oz and 20" long. (a little off form 8, 15)
We had so many visitors. I was out of it for a while, so I don't even know half of who came!! But thank you to everyone that did.
We got to come home on Saturday.

Zoey has forever changed my life. She is my precious miracle. She is such a good baby too. And perfect. I know that I am a little biased. But she really is perfect. She looks just like her daddy. She has beautiful skin and eyes. She is so soft. She rarely cries, unless she is naked or getting her diaper changed. She eats A LOT though. lol. She is already at 4 ounces.
She smiled right after she was born. Kevin was the first one she smiled at. I know, I know, its gas.... That's what we thought too. But no, she really does smile. A lot. And she can even hold her head up. She also pushes herself up when she is up on your shoulder. She is so smart.
We had her checkup on Monday. Everything was good. She had only lost 2 ounces.
We did have a scare on Monday night and ended up at Children's Hospital. Turned out to be ACID REFLUX! Who knew!!
Levette went back to work on Wednesday. He wasn't happy. And was so ready to get home. I had my staples taken out on Wednesday too. They said everything looked great! Wahoo.
It is so hard to believe that I already have a 1 week old!! Time is flying already. I have cried from being so overwhelmed, happy, sad, scared.
When she couldn't catch her breathe the other night, I thought the worst. I was so scared that I had waited for her for so long and I was going to lose her. But thankfully, everything was OK. Its hard to explain how someone can change your life within seconds. Someone you never knew. She is my world now. I cant see life without her. I know it is going to go by so fast. All I can do is enjoy every moment that I have with her.
Levette has taken to being a daddy so well. He changes diapers with ease. And he feeds her and changes her. He loves on her constantly. She is going to hate kisses because of him! Maybe that is his plan.
I have fallen even more in love with Levette after seeing him with Zoey. Those two are my life. I am so blessed. God has given me so much. Being a mom is the greatest feeling in the whole world. I wouldn't trade anything for it. The pain, misery, weight gain, lack of sleep, all of it, was completely worth it when I heard my daughter come into this world.
So, we have come to the end of this journey. 39 1/2 weeks of pregnancy. A new journey has begun. Raising my daughter to be all that she can be. Its not going to be easy. Its not always going to be fun. But I am ready. With the help of my husband, our family and friends, the church and God, we will raise her to the best of our abilities. God has great plans for her. I just cant wait to uncover what those plans are.
Thank you so much for reading the blog and following us on this long road. I think I may continue blogging. I will post the new blog once I make the decision.
May God Bless you all!!!!! Thank you all so much for your love and prayers and support.
Love always,
Levette, Kayla and Zoey Reed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The time has come.....

Thank you Jesus! I went to the Dr today :) My child is so stubborn!!!!!!!!! She moved up even further! I am now at -3 station! I am still not dilated. And only 30% effaced. Dr Stephen deemed me as "non inducible". lol. He said no matter what he gave me, I would not dilate or go into labor.
So, because she is so big, he doesn't want to wait much longer. Monday at 3, I go into the hospital for monitoring. He will induce, well, attempt to induce me on Tuesday morning. He thinks that I will not be able to have her, but he wants me to try. If it is taking too long or either of us are distressed, he is going to do a c-section. So, sometime on Tuesday, we WILL HAVE A BABY!!!!!
Thank God. So, I get to enjoy Memorial Day with the family and then have my beautiful baby girl on Tuesday. I am so excited. I have lots to finish up before Monday. But at least I know I have until then. Unless little miss stubborn decides to come on her on before then. Thankfully Dr S is on call though. So, at least if that happens, he will still be the one delivering her.
This has been an incredible journey for us. I am so glad that all of you have been along with us, following us and enjoying it with us. We are so blessed. God has been so good to us and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to finally be a mommy!! Please continue to pray for us. I know a lot of changes are coming. Its exciting and scary all at the same time. I am a nervous wreck! But Levette is so calm and collected about it!
I will post everything once I get out of the hospital. So, it will probably be next Friday or Saturday before I post all of the details and the pics. Unless my mom or sister can figure out how to post!!
Love you guys lots!!! Talk to you next week!!!!!
Oh, here are the maternity pics that we took last week. :)

38 weeks and GOOD NEWS!

I know I haven't updated in a couple of weeks. Last week the Dr put me on complete bedrest. No more working, no walking, nothing...... So my last day at work was last Monday. I had a feeling that it was, so I got everything done that I could, even though I was hurting very badly and wanted to go home.
So, when I went last Tuesday, my blood pressure was up, so therefore, bedrest. He also said that I was +3 Station. Which I later learned that it meant she was in position with her head down in the canal 3 cm. +5 is crowing. So wahoo!! She finally got in place!!
And I had to go back on Thursday. My bp was better on Thursday. He said to continue the bedrest. But since I had been laying down for 2 days, she has moved back up and I was a floating 0. Which means, she was still in position but had moved back up the canal. Stubborn girl!!
So..... we did nothing all weekend. I had cabin fever. I was stressed and tired of being inside. So yesterday I get the bright idea to get out the slip 'n slide!! Oh yes. :) Me, Karrie and Levette had a blast. No worries, I didn't slip or slide. I just got wet and enjoyed not being hot!
I had to go back to the Dr today, and mom told on me! I got in trouble!! The nurse found her heartbeat right away and it was 161. Usually it takes a few tries, but not today. And my bp was fabulous. The problem? I had protein in my urine. Which, could mean pre-eclampsia. So, he ordered an ultrasound right away and "tests" to make sure her heart was good, she was breathing good and moving. The US was great. She is perfect. She is weighing approximately 8lbs and 7oz. I have to go back Wednesday, and the Dr will probably schedule and induction or c-section. So, we will probably have Zoey by the end of this week!!! Its so exciting! And scary!
I will update again on Wednesday! I have so much to do before the end of the week!!! Lots of love!!

37 1/2 weeks (tomorrow)

I know I am a little behind on my updates and I am so sorry!! I went to the Dr last Tuesday (36 1/2 weeks) and I measure in at 44 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, she was still not in position and I was still not dilated. Her heart was 179bpm and was found up high and to the left. The Dr wasn't happy that her heart was so fast, so he retook it. He found it down low and to the left and it was 151(ish)bpm. Kind of odd to me, but he didn't think anything of it.......
A lot went on last week and I was under a lot of stress due to Levette's dad going into the hospital and Nan's husband having a heart attack and being put in the hospital. Plus we had Dad's 50th birthday party Saturday. The contractions started pretty badly Thursday night. I was headed to work on Friday when we got the phone call about James (Nan's husband). Since my parents were driving me to work, I told them just to turn around and I called in. I couldn't stay home alone, with no car (not that I am able to drive too well right now!), so I had to go up to the hospital with everyone else. And what do ya know, I start having HORRIBLE contractions. They kept on, so I called the Dr. Of course, they have no pattern and go any where from 5 minutes to 20 minutes apart. :( But i had them ALL DAY!
On Saturday the contractions were few and far between but the ones I had hurt very badly. But my nesting kicked in and I cleaned all Saturday afternoon and evening (resting a lot in between). I didn't make it to church Sunday because I cant stay out of the bathroom. So, I clean some more. I felt great last night.
But this morning I woke up feeling like crap. My back and ribs are killing me and I cant get a good deep breathe. I am so uncomfortable sitting at my desk. I want to lay down. But that wont be happening any time soon.
I go to the Dr in the morning. He has got to do something!! I cant take any more. And there is NO WAY i can make it to my due date. He is out of his ever loving mind!!
So, please say lots of prayers for me. I am stretched to my limit.

36 weeks

Sorry it has been a few weeks since I last posted. I am cut down to 3 days a week and I have to cram 5 days worth of work into those days. I went to the dr on Tuesday. I am measuring 40 weeks!!! But, still not dilated. And she is still breech. No fun. Hopefully, there will be some change soon and she will come on out!!
The office baby shower was today. So sweet. We really need absolutely nothing now!
Mother's Day is this Sunday. I think I will handle it a lot better than I did last year. I was so depressed last Mother's Day. :( All I wanted was to be a mommy. And now I am finally getting the opportunity. I am so excited, even if I am not "technically" a mom yet.
I have been taking it easy. But last night, I began nesting. I feel like I cant stop......... I just wanna clean, clean, clean. But I have to stop after about 15 minutes or so and rest for a couple of minutes because I start hurting or the contractions get too hard.
Other than that, nothing has been going on.
OH!!! Jeanette found out today that she is having a GIRL!!!! So exciting! Bridgette Diane Waters will be here in September. A BFF for Zoey. We are super excited. Zo did a dance when we found out ;)
I guess that is all I have to update on........ Until next time.........................

34 weeks.

So, we had to go to the hospital on Saturday night. The contractions started out at 15 minutes apart and got down to 6 minutes with in a hour and a half. We were there for about 3 hours. But, I wasnt dilated. So, false labor :) Gotta love it. But mom and Levette and Melanie thought that it was best if I go, just in case Zoey was in distress or anything.
Needless to say, Levette and I are very tired today. We were up most of the night last night, because I was sick :( I plan to go home and relax!!!
Thankfully I am off tomorrow (loving these "bedrest days"). I honestly plan to stay in the recliner for most of the day.
The office is giving me a baby shower next Friday. Hopefully Zo will stay put until after then!! lol. If not, she will just make an appearance.
Well, I don't have hardly anything else to say. Just wanted to update what happened over the weekend.
I hope that everyone had a very BLESSED EASTER!! I know that I did. Love to all and talk to you soon!!

33 1/2 weeks

So........ Over the weekend I had some contractions. About 30 minutes apart for about 7 hours. No biggie. But the back pain.................. UG!!!! The back pain continued through the whole weekend, so I called the dr on Monday. Bedrest for 2 days, do not return to work until Wednesday. BOO!!!
So, to the bed (well recliner) I went . And in all honesty, stayed there for the most part. Took some naps, read some books, watched some movies.
Tuesday I had to go to the dr for my blood pressure check. My blood pressure was down!!! 120/60!!! Dr Stephen was very excited and decided that the bedrest was the answer, so he cut my work week down to 3 days a week.
Some surprising news was that I had lost 3 pounds in a week (very surprising considering the amount of Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs I had been eating!!!) and I was all of a sudden measuring 2 weeks ahead! So, I am measuring at 35 instead of 33. So, even though I was only there for a blood pressure check, I had to have a full exam.
At this time I was not dilated at all. But he said that could change at any moment. So, Zoey is not going to be waiting until June!!
We are kind of hoping that May 14th is the day. :) Mike's birthday (Levette's dad) is the 12th, my dad's is the 13th. And my "grandparents" from Georgia will be here that weekend, so they would get to be here for her birth. My Pops had a stroke about a year ago and isn't able to travel much anymore. His birthday is the 15th. So, it would be cool for her to come then.
We are very excited about it. The time is getting nearer. :) I cant wait to post that SHE IS HERE!!!! Keep us in your prayers!!! Lots of love to everyone!

33 weeks tomorrow

Seriously? 33 weeks tomorrow? Only 7 weeks left? I can hardly believe it!!! I am sorry that I didn't blog earlier this week. It completely slipped my mind.
So, the baby shower was Saturday. It was fabulous. There were sooooo many people there. And we got everything that we needed and then some! Zoey isn't going to want for anything for a long time! Everything was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Jeanette and I went that morning for massages. It was terrific. I recommend everyone to get one, especially pregnant women!! So relaxing!!!
It was good to see some people that I haven't seen in a while. A few of my school kids came and that made me super happy!
It took mom's and Karrie's cars and dad's truck to get everything to my house. No exaggerating! Our living room was packed! Levette walked into the house and didn't know what to say, except, where am I supposed to sit! lol.
It took me 2 days to sort through it all, read all of the cards and organize where everything needed to go. I was worn out!!!!!!!!
Tuesday was my checkup. Everything was good, except for my blood pressure. :( It was up just a little bit, so he told me to continue to monitor it, and to come back in a week.
So, when I checked it on Wednesday and Thursday, it was still slightly up. He said he wasn't worried too much because I had no other signs or symptoms of preeclampsia. So, so far, so good. Just continue to keep me and Zoey in your prayers.
It is so hard to believe that she will be here in 7 weeks or less. It just doesn't seem real! I keep feeling her move in my belly and it still amazes me. Our little miracle will be in our arms before we know it. Something that we never thought would ever happen. I thought that I would never get to experience a baby inside of me, growing and thriving. I knew that some way, some how, I would be a mom. Just not like this. God still performs miracles and do not ever let anyone tell you any differently. He does everything on HIS TIME!!!! That is all there is to it. Zoey has been special from day 1 and I will tell her that every single day. God has special plans for her, for our family. And I can not wait to find out what those plans are. :) God is so good and I am so grateful. Life couldn't be any better for me right now. I am so blessed. I have this beautiful baby on the way, a loving and caring husband that is so good to me, a family that is supportive and always there, friends that will drop everything and come when I need them, and a church that prays for me and is there for me. There is a song that says count your blessings, name them one by one. Take the time to do that right now. You may be in a rough time in your life, but it could be worse. Right down all of your blessings. I guarantee there are way more of those than anything else. And thank God for all of those blessings. Because at anytime, anything can change. We are never promised a tomorrow. Tell everyone that you love them and you are thankful that they are a part of your life. Live each day to the fullest. Yeah, you will have bad days, but at least you have that day!!!!
Love to all!!! I will update after my appointment next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

31 1/2 weeks

I have been having lots of mixed emotions lately. Last night we were at mom's looking at the travel system and it hit me that in just a few short weeks, there will be a baby in that seat. I wanted to cry!
I  have waited for this moment in my life for so long, but I am so scared!! I am scared of delivery. I am scared of raising her! I know that it is just a moment by moment thing with kids. But what if one thing that I do wrong now, messes with her entire future! I know that I need to just relax and let each day come and go. But for someone like me that likes to me in control, its so hard!!!
Levette and I were raised so differently. Some things we have a hard time agreeing on. He was the baby of 5, came late in his parents' lives, so he kind of got to do what he wanted, when he wanted. He says that I was way too sheltered and spoiled..... One thing we do agree on for the most part though is discipline. Zoey will get spankings (not beatings) and I DARE someone to say something to me about it. Because if she is acting crazy in public, she's gonna get a whoopin' in public!
I don't want my child to be one of those that when we are coming over or are out somewhere, people are like oh, gah, Zoey is going to be there. I know a few of those kids! lol. And then there are the kids like Peyton and Brystal (our niece and nephew) who I have never seen act up in public or even at my house. You tell them once to do something, and they do it (or don't depending on the case).
I know that I am a spoiled brat. I have (almost) always gotten my way. A perk of being the oldest ;) And I know that I got away with a lot. But a lot was also expected of me. I may have been a pain in the butt, but I did graduate high in my class,with honors, was in clubs, blah blah blah. When I set out to do something, I did it all the way. I want Zo to be like that too. But not have my attitude!!! Trust me, I know I have a bad attitude and a smart mouth! lol.
I want her to have Levette's confidence. He is so sure of himself. And he gets along with everyone. Although he isn't a sociable person. But he carries himself in a way that everyone respects him and likes him.
I know that we can only do the best we can and just ask God to lead us and guide us. We have to put our trust in Him. I know that she will be loved regardless.
I have been so sad lately about my grandfather not being here. I know he is watching us and I am sure he is pleased with our lives, but it would be so great if he were here. He would love having Landen and Issac and Zoey around. I know that he would be riding them around on the lawn mower just like he did with us! I can hear his voice sometimes, if I stop and really think about him. Telling his crazy jokes and trying to convince us that our arms were connected to our mouths. lol. I know that his great grand kids would have loved him just as much as we did. He was a great man.
I go back to the Dr on Tuesday of next week. I am going every 3 weeks now. I am sure that everything is still great. I am doing good for the most part. Just going to the bathroom a lot more. And of course waddling around so uncomfortably. I am hoping for a big burst of energy so that I can get my house cleaned!!
Just 8 1/2 more weeks til my beautiful baby girl will be here...........
Lots of love, Kayla and Zoey!

30 weeks (and a half)

So, I went for my 3 hour glucose test yesterday. I PASSED!!!! Wahoo! It made me soooo sick though. I was told to go home, eat and go directly to bed. I am not 100% today, but I definitely feel better than yesterday. :)
Mom and I go tomorrow to meet with a pediatrician. We shall see how that goes.
The shower is next weekend and I am super stoked about it!!! I cant wait to see everyone. A few of my kids from Green Valley are supposed to come. It will be good to see people that I don't get to see often enough.
I have a few pictures from a shoot I did a couple of weeks ago. I was 29 weeks when these were taken. Enjoy!