HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICHOLAS!

Happy Belated Birthday Nicholas!

Yesterday was Nick's Golden Birthday. (He turned 31 on the 31st.) I just wanted to let him know that I hope he had the best birthday ever. I was trying to get a post done last night, but we are now on Ave's schedule and it was close to impossible to do so.

 I am so grateful to have you in my life Nick. My life has never been better. From the moment I saw you, I knew my life would never be the same. I have never felt so much love from one person and never knew I could some one just as much.

You are the breath of fresh air I had been searching for for so many years. Thank you for being so absolutely wonderful, supportive, loving and just plain amazing. I can't wait to see all the adventures we as a family will now experience. 

I love you Nick. Happy 31st!

Love Always and Forever,

Britt

More Pictures of our Little Avery

Here are some more pictures of our wonderful baby.

We took three different cameras, so I am sure you will get an overload of her. Here are just a few of our new family.

Our little family. (Poor Avery had jaundice, hence the yellowish color)

I can't get enough of her!

Avery has her daddy wrapped around his finger already!

My little Love Bug.

Such an Angel!

Our Little Angel

Hi All!!

So our little angel Avery Lynn is here! She came five days early (Praise the Lord!) and was born March 28, 2009. I know Nick pretty much summed up the eventful day, but I thought I would go into further detail.

On Friday, I was having contractions all day. They were about 10 to 20 minutes apart while I was at work. Then, when I got home they got closer together, approximately 7 to 10 minutes apart. I knew something was up, so I took a shower and did my hair just in case. We finally fell asleep around 11 PM. 

At 12:30 AM, I woke up to sharp intense pain. I quickly grabbed my phone to start timing them. They were 4 minutes apart. I timed four different contractions and finally decided to wake up Nick. That was a chore! It took about 10 minutes for him to wake up. :) He jumped in the shower while I finished putting my bag together and had a little pow wow with dogs

We got to the hospital and got all checked in and settled at about 1:30 AM. I was dilated to a 4 and 90% effaced. My contractions were about 3 minutes apart now. And they were PAINFUL. BUT....they only lasted 30 seconds each. They were so strong that my entire body would clench. After about 2 1/2 hours, I decided it was time for an epidural. Let me tell you, it was a breeze!!! All the horror stories about epi's are SO wrong in my book. It didn't even hurt and within 15 minutes, my pain was gone. 

I gradually dilated to a 10 by about 9 AM. My water broke on its own by 6 AM. At 10 AM, the doctor decided to let me rest and the big PUSH was to begin at 11 AM. Well, at 11....it all began. They thought I would be a mom by noon. At 1 PM, I was so tired and was starting to get a little frustrated. The pushing did not hurt at all!! The delivery itself was not bad. No horror story here!

At 1:10, my doctor decided it was time to use the vacuum to get Avery out. Her head was crowning, but she just wasn't coming. I also had to get an episiotomy which was equivalent to a 2nd degree tear. That is the only time I cried. After getting the "cut" I could feel alot more room. Ave's head finally came out, but they wanted me to wait until my next contraction to get the rest of the body out. There was a THREE minute pause between that contraction. Holy Shnikey's, that was painful, but after the contraction....Avery was here. 

It was such a wonderful experience. 

I could not have done it without Nick. It was only us in the room, listening to Dave Matthews and cracking jokes while time passed. I have a new found respect and admiration for Nick. 

Nick,

Thank you for giving me the best gift in the world. Avery is perfect and I could not imagine life without you or her. Seriously, what did we do without her?

You are the best thing to have happened to me. I am truly the luckiest human being in this world to be graced with your presence. You are amazing and I can't help fall in love with you more and more, deeper and deeper every single moment of the day.

Thank you for giving me a piece of heaven. I love you with all of my heart and more. You ARE my true love, my soul mate, my best friend, my joking partner in crime, my fiance, my big monkey boy and my baby daddy!

Love you always, forever and more!

-Brittany 

Well good morning everyone! Normally Brittany writes our blog and does so in a way that excites everyone to find out what Britt and Nick are up to now. So keeping up with her talented writing, I will try not to disappoint and fall short of her greatness. Already knowing that I have after what I experienced yesterday with the most amazing woman ever! For those of you I have not been able to text or contact our little bundle of joy finally decided that it was time to come and not make us wait any longer. Yes people you guessed it, Avery Lynn Holt, is here.

Momma and Avery are doing great. Britt is a little bit sore after two and a half hours of pushing. Avery wasn't too sure if she wanted to come out and with every three pushes Britt would give, and she pushed hard, Avery would not drop. So after two hours and fifteen minutes, Dr. Blackette decided that it was time to use what I like to call, "The Sucker". A few more pushes and guess what people, our lives have been changed for ever. Dad over struck with happiness and joy shed a few tears after seeing what a beautiful little miracle that Brittany and I had created. Britt, likes to get pretty descriptive during her blog sessions, me not so much. I know I am missing some of the juicy details you girls like to hear about. So, after Avery detaches herself from her left boob I will have her tell her version with no details missed.

So now for the specifics. Yes, she is the cutest baby ever. And I am not just saying that. Avery Lynn Holt came into this world weighing a whopping 8.1 pounds and measuring in at 20.5 inches at 1:20 p.m. March 28, 2009. She hasn't been here even a day and we already don't know how we lived without her.

Brittany,

I just want to let you know how proud I am of you. Yesterday when you were delivering our Avery you did it flawlessly. You were so brave and so strong that being there to wittiness and help the little bit I could, you have now made me fall even more in love with you than I thought ever imaginable. This experience has brought be so much closer to you than I could ever imagine. And, you quite honestly are the strongest woman I have ever met. Thank you so much for giving to me you and our little miracle Avery. I look forward to being there every step of the way and to do what ever I can do to make everything happen in this world for you and Avery. You are the most amazing partner, lover, soul mate, fiance, and soon to be wife a man could ask for. Not to mention you will be the best mother that Avery could wish for. I can't wait to watch her grow, not to fast, and to watch you grow with her. Thank you again for this and I want you to know that non matter what I will be there for you loving you more than ever!

I love you,

Your partner in crime - your baby daddy - nick

No Baby Yet!

Just wanted to report......................

No Baby Yet!

Son of A!

The contractions have slowed a bit. They are 10 minutes apart now. So, she is showing her stubborn side that she gets from her dad. ;)

I decided to work today so I am not just sitting around waiting. I will let you all know if anything changes. Cross your fingers!

39 Weeks Oh My!

Well, I had my doctors appointment today. I was anxious all day for it. 

When I got weighed it showed I had lost 5 pounds. How? I have NO idea. But, I am not going to ask. ;) I have had contractions the past few days. But this morning they were getting closer and more consistent. While I was waiting in the lobby, I was starting to get them again. AND my back was KILLING me! They took me back to my room and when the doctor came in, she could tell I was in pain. She could feel my back having spasms and said I was starting back labor. I was having contractions with her in the room and I had her feel my tummy so I knew I wasn't hallucinating.

When she checked me she stated she couldn't believe how low Avery was sitting. She said I was dilated to almost a 3 and 90% effaced. Sweet! She said Ave is sitting in a great position and I was ready to have this baby. The doc told me to schedule another appointment for next week, but she didn't think I would make it past the weekend. AND, she is the doctor on call this weekend. Even Better!

While I was getting dressed, I was getting stronger contractions again. I went into the hall and told my doctor. She said "WEll, it looks like I may see you tonight.". She gave me a doctors note to go home for the day, but I decided to work it. I also got a prescription for Lortab for my back. 

So, now it is a waiting game. I am so nervous, scared, excited....I am just feeling a whole lot of emotions right now. I am SO done being pregnant, but I am SO nervous for the delivery. I am not too nervous to be a mom. I have always wanted to be one. But seriously? Time is here!

I am making sure I spend some quality time with Nick and the pupper dogs. It may be the last night before we become a family of FIVE!!

Stay Tuned!

And the doctor says.................

No baby yet! Darn!

My cute doctor took a look at my swollen legs and feet and kept saying "You're SO close! Hang in there!". My blood pressure was a wee bit high today. (Could three days of Mexican food do that?)

Little Ave is sitting at a stage -1. I am still dilated to a 2. BUT, I am now effaced 75%. Sweet, I AM making progress. Slowly, but surely. I just need those darn contractions to be more consistant to keep me moving forward.

I am now restricted on traveling. She said no more Salt Lake trips. She said she didn't feel comfortable having me travel and to stay put in the valley. I knew it was coming. Plus, the thought of having a baby in Sardine Canyon is not appealing.

Other than that, the babies heart beat sounded awesome. She said I could go into labor any day now, but I should make it another week. I told her I would see her before my next scheduled appointment. ;-)

38 Weeks. Where is the baby?

Nick being funny!

38 Weeks = Brittany wants to be done. Now. Please.

Here is a recap of what has happened in the last week:

Saturday: I went to Emily's baby shower thrown by Leigh and Lauren. I was able to catch up with some old Alpha Chi's that I have not seen in a bajillion years. It was soooo much fun. We had dinner at Paradise Cafe then dessert at Red Mango. Yummy! Nick was so nice and took Tyler car shopping. 5 hours and a few gray hairs later, Tyler bought a new Toyota Scion. Thank you Nick for spending so much time with him and helping him!

Sunday: Celebrated Nick's Birthday and combined Tyler's (my brother's) going away party at Little America for their AH-MAZING brunch buffet. Please...if you have not tried it, you must! My brother Tyler is moving to Oklahoma April 3rd for Air Traffic Control school. We are so proud of him!

Monday and Tuesday: Nothing much happened here. Enjoyed the nice 60 degree weather by walking the dogs. Nick and I met yet another bulldog owner who lives down the street from us. He has a four year old male bulldog named Bronx. Our other bully friend is a 6 month old named Georgie!

We were hoping Avery was going to make her grand debut on St. Patty's Day. I was hoping and praying, but I guess the nickname "Shameus", ask Nick, scared her to stay longer in the womb. Thanks babe! ;)

Wednesday: We had our fourth and final birthing class at the hospital. I was actually sad that they were ending. We learned so many valuable things there! Plus, it was fun to be able to see Emily and Matt every week! I secretly think the nurse/teacher Alecia will miss Nick for his "funny" outbursts.

Thursday/Today: Again, not much. Still no baby! Avery, seriously.....Momma is ready! I came home for lunch and took my shoes off. I knew I was in trouble when they were throbbing and took my socks off to examine. Sure enough they were swollen beyond belief. I said screw it, and wore flip flops back to work. Sorry guys. (My feet are currently soaking in Epsom Salt to see if it helps.) I was told my maternity leave was not approved by corporate unless I was put on disablility. I still am a bit confused on that one. My insurance also informed me I am under review for having a pre existing condition and am fighting to have them not drop me. These are things I never thought would happen to me in a million years. I informed my work I was going back part-time only, and since then, sh*$ has hit the roof.  One day at a time. Right?

I have my 38 week appointment tomorrow morning. I hope I have made more progress. I can't wait to hold onto this little girl and show her what a great life she has ahead of her. Plus, I am so tired of being uncomfortable. Every inch of my body now aches. I know the end result will be so worth it, but for now, I.AM.TIRED.

I will update you on my appointment tomorrow. Cross your fingers! Maybe she will come overnight and share my brother Houston's birthday and the first day of spring. Hurray for spring finally getting here!!

PS: Houston, Happy Birthday tomorrow!! I can't believe you are going to be 13! Wowser! Nick and I are so dang proud of you and wish we could be there this Sunday to celebrate. We miss you so much and can't wait to see you again. SOON! We love you buddy!

Thank you again Smash for always coming and hanging out. Wuv U!

Thank you Smash-A-Roo!

We just wanted Smash to know how much we appreciate her! She watched the dogs this past weekend while Nick and I went to Salt Lake. She has done this once before, and it helps us SO much!!

We are so lucky to have you up here in Logan with us. We have so much fun with you. You are such a wonderful sister, friend, auntie and babysitter.

We love you Smash! Thank you for everything!

Week 37 Doctor's Appointment

*** UPDATE ***

I just got back from my 37 week doctor's appointment. I am now dilated to a 2 and have effaced some more. Although, she wouldn't confirm just how much. SO....I am making progress. YAY!!!

She felt my belly to feel Avery's position. Her little feet were poking out of my right side. You could not only feel it, but see it too! Dr. Blackett said I was going to have a long skinny baby.

When she was getting ready to leave the room, she said "I think you'll make it atleast one more week." I said ok and proceeded to get dressed. While dressing, I was like "Wait.....what does that mean?" I tracked the doctor down in the hallway and asked her what she meant. She said she thought it was safe to say I wouldn't go into labor until next week. I am still a bit confused, but I am taking it as if little Avery is coming a little early. Hhhhmmmmm.........

Oh, I also tested positive for Group B Strep. So, once I go into labor, I have to be put on anti-biotics so the baby does not get it. I read about it and it doesn't sound pleasant if the baby does in fact get it. A little scary, but I know my doctor will do the best she can to protect me and my baby.

37 Weeks. Woo Hoo!

As of today, I am now 37 weeks along. Oh Boy! 

We had an ultrasound today to see how big Lil' Avery was measuring. I was measuring big a couple of weeks ago and my Fetal Fotos showed she was measuring ahead as well. So, we did the ultrasound to double check.

Well, she is a healthy 6 pounds 12 ounces already! They said she should not gain more than a pound and a half at most. She should really only gain one pound more. Yay for not having a ten pound baby! Her length was measuring at 38 weeks and 4 days and her tummy was measuring at 36 weeks and 2 days. They said this is average. They did NOT change my due date. They said I was right on target. DANG!!

We had our 3rd parenting class last night. The nurse teaching the class brought a 35 pound "pregnancy suit". She made Nick wear it for almost 40 minutes since he was being a wise guy. My best friends husband, Matt, was giving him so much crap, the nurse made him wear it while we took our tour of the hospital. It was priceless. I didn't get a picture for blackmail.

The hospital is SO nice! It made it that much more real and got us excited. We saw two newborn babies! One was in the NICU and its chin was quivering while it was crying. It was tender!!

I have my 37 week appointment tomorrow to see how I have progressed. To say the least, I FEEL like I have progressed some more. I will update the blog tomorrow and let y'all know what the doc says. I did wake up in the middle of the night with a wet tank top. (If you know what I mean. So not prepared for that!)

 

We are headed to Salt Lake for the last time tomorrow night. I have another class until 8:30 and then we will be driving down. On Saturday, my best friend Emily is having a baby shower thrown by Leigh and Lauren. Then on Sunday, we are having breakfast brunch at Little America to celebrate Nick's upcoming 31st birthday! Whoa babe! That year went WAY TOO fast!

I'm off to watch Grey's Anatomy and E.R. with Nick and Smash. Have a great night and I will update on my doctor's appointment tomorrow.

Good Old Logan......

Good Old Logan! Never one to disappoint.

Son of a!

This is was what we had by noon.

When we woke up this morning, we woke to a mounding eight inches of snow! We went on a nice walk with the dogs yesterday and all of the snow was almost gone. Who knew mother nature wanted to punish us some more. We just measured the snow when we got home from work and it measured 14 inches! Uhm, hello! Where is Spring?

The only good thing, the puppers love it!

36 Weeks and Counting

Yay! I finally hit 36 weeks yesterday. I have been looking forward to the doctors appointment I had today to see if I have progressed any. My weight luckily stayed on track. For a while there, I was jumping up in numbers way too fast. Atleast for my comfort. 

The doctor said I was dilated to a 1 and I was effaced 25%. For those who do not know what this may mean, think of a lifesaver. The whole in the center of the lifesaver is about how much of an opening I have for the baby to come out of. (Uhm...ouch!) Except, you should be able to stick your finger in the middle. So let's say a gummi lifesaver. Too much information? Sorry. I have a ways to go but hey, atleast I am progressing.

Baby Avery is sitting at a level -2. So....she has a ways to drop still. My doctor said she could feel Avery's head, so she is facing the correct way. Woo Hoo!! When she felt the top of her head, Ave kicked so hard my doctor could see. It made us laugh. I also had a Group B Strep Test done today. To say the least, it wasn't my most favorite appointment. 

We had our second parenting class on Wednesday. We were able to watch a REALLY graphic movie. It made me a little uncomfortable, while it made Nick giddy like a school girl. He is going to be such a wonderful coach. He will know how to take my mind off of things and make me laugh. Plus, he has a thick skin. (Well, I hope he does. He needs to be prepared for just about anything!) 

Other than that, nothing too exciting has happened this week. I took Monday off because I was physically, mentally and emotionally tired. I actually slept 14 hours straight. I obviously needed the rest. I also have already washed all of the clothing Ave got from the shower. We set up her swing and pack n' play. We are SO ready to have this baby.

We are staying in Logan this weekend to rest. It may be one of the last weekends we get to do that. I may talk Nick into cleaning the carpets. I know, I know...it sounds like so much fun.

Anywho, that's all for now. Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

The Pooper Scoopers AND Nicholas too!

I haven't blogged about the kiddo's in awhile, so I thought I would dedicate a little space to them.

They are definitely naughty at times, but I wouldn't trade them in the world for anything. I am a little nervous to see how they will be around Avery. BUT, every time they go into her nursery, it seems as though they get calm and lay next to me while I am rocking in the glider. Gracie seems to think the rugs are hers. 

They still think the sheet rock and baseboards are a free for all, so they are in their kennels again. I keep telling them only four more weeks and they can have some freedom. We are planning on putting Gracie back into training when Ave is six weeks old. We'll see how that goes.

Other than that, they have been their rambunctious selves. We love you Monte Poo and Gracie Lu!

Grace trying to play the innocent part.

Monte takes after his dad. They LOVE Simpson's!

Also, Nick was nominated for Branch Manager of the year. He has a big awards ceremony tomorrow night at Little America. Unfortunately, I cannot make it. I can't get it off work. So, babe.....Good Luck! I am so proud of you!

Avery's Baby Shower

Last Saturday, my mom and Nick's mom Vickie threw me a wonderful baby shower. My sis' Smash helped too! My mom hasn't forwarded me the pictures yet, but I do have a few.

We invited 36 people and I think 27 came. We had the shower at our house in Salt Lake. It was a tight fit, but it was so fun to have everyone under one roof. I had to introduce everyone and it made me so nervous. I hate being under pressure.

Avery definitely got SPOILED ROTTEN! She received so many adorable outfits, blankets, toys, burp cloths (I still don't understand why......she's going to be the first baby to NOT throw up! ;)), gift cards and so much more! We are definitely set to go!

Thank you everyone that came. It meant so much to have everyone there! I can't wait for Avers to get here and meet what wonderful people we have supporting us in our life.

The puppers looking at all the stuff lil' Avery got at the shower.

Erika (due in June), Emily (due in May) and me (due in April)

Nick had a few surprises waiting for me. After the shower, Nick and Erika's husband Sean made reservations for us at Happy Sumo. (My fave!!) Erika, Emily and I were able to enjoy real sushi together. It was fabulous!!

The next morning,  we had gift certificates to the breakfast buffet at Little America. Em had to go home the night before, so my sister joined us. It was delicious. We showed up at 9:30 AM not knowing it didn't open until 10 AM. Imagine seeing two prego's waiting anxiously to get in to the buffet area. Funny, I'm sure! Breakfast was AMAZING. We couldn't stay long because the boys made a spa appointment for us at Sanctuary at The Gateway. We got much needed pedicures. I haven't been able to reach them in a few weeks and they were tattered. While we were having a pampered weekend, the boys headed out to Wendover. I've heard it was a fun and interesting trip. ;)

All the boys that headed out to Wendover for some "fun".

THANK YOU BOYS FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!!!

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We also wanted to congratulate Aubrey and Seth on welcoming their little princess Kennedy Katherine Shaner. She was born at 1:27 pm on March 2, 2009. She was 6 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches long. She sure is a beautiful baby!!