The Princess has arrived

Well, having a newborn does consume 99.9% of a mommy's time. I'm finally making time now (while nursing, eating my breakfast, & downing coffee)...to write about the miracle that happened 3 weeks ago...1-30-12!! Brynlee's birth story!!

Monday morning I woke up feeling great, but thought I could be leaking fluid. I called my Dr & of course they said to come right in...I got ready, was taking my time talking on the phone to my dear friend, Karen Bailey, and told her it's probably nothing, but I'll call you back after my appt. Dr. Umholtz (my OB), did a test to check if I was leaking any amniotic fluid, and sure enough-I was!!!!! So, I'm thinking no big deal-WRONG! Dr. said you are having your baby today! I was excited, shocked, scared all at the same time. I was only 35 weeks, 5 days along, so still a little early. It was kind of funny how calm I became. I walked over to labor and delivery, texted and called family/friends, and go into my gown. It felt like 5 minutes and my Mom and Gabby were there ready to cheer me on! Kyle was driving back to McKinney from work in dallas to get my bags and hurry back to the hospital. I had no idea if she would come quickly or not. The nurses started pitocin and things started progressing. I was only 1 1/2 cm dilated and it was noon. After more family arriving, new amazing nurses changing shifts, it was about 5-5:30 p.m. I was dilated to about a 5 by now and ready. Poppy, Gabby, Grancy, Kyle, shaun were making me laugh and I was having fun...along with some pain medicine kicking in! I got my epidural soon after and my OB came in and said "I'm going to grab dinner and be back to deliver your baby." She also said "as soon as I leave you'll be ready to push." Sure enough, she left, I went from a 6 to a 10 in 30 minutes! Brynlee was about to be born, but we had to wait for my OB to fight traffic to get back-lol! Finally at 7:12 p.m. I pushed 2 times and Brynlee Elizabeth Houser was born! She was/is perfect-healthy, no problems, she let out a healthy cry, had great color, and was a tiny 5 pounds, 3 oz...19 1/4 long! She was a long, skinny minnie!
We had a wonderful stay at the hospital-we snagged a suite...seriously could rival the Four seasons...had a kitchen, sitting area for family, my bedroom was huge, and Kyle had his own tempurpedic bed! This was the way to bring a baby into the world!
I kept Brynlee with us most of the first night, and by the second night sent her to the nursery..Mama had to get some sleep!

We had the best care-all the nurses came to visit after their shifts, and Kyle and
I even made a sweet friend, Jody, who we are keeping up with on Facebook. We went home Wednesday morning and came home to a super-clean house, fresh flowers, the pack-n-play put together...all from our amazing Nanny, Misit! She is a blessing!

Since it's been 3 weeks, I can honestly say having Brynlee completes our family in every way-although I am tired from lack of sleep, I am the happiest I have ever been post-baby! She is a joy-even at 2 a.m. and is hilarious-she is a grunter-and not just when she's going potty! She grunts all.the.time!! It makes me smile all day long! She is a great eater-nursing great, and is over 7 pounds now! She got down to 4 pounds, 14 oz after birth, so she's done a great job getting weight up! I also have bounced back nicely-back in pre-baby jeans..about 8 pounds to go! YAY! I can't wait to go shopping with Brynlee!!

I'll post lots of pics later, but wanted to write about God's miracle of life in Brynlee! The boys are also amazing big brothers-helpers-especially Bryce! He also has been asking women-Misti, Kim..."are you still breastfeeding?" Hilarious!!!
XOXO,
Lindz

My caretakers

I have had the sweetest boys taking the best care of me while I'm on bedrest! First, my Husband, of course-who is doing all the "mommy" duties-cooking, bathing kids, putting baby things together, etc... My two precious boys also are helping. Every morning Bryce wakes up, opens Jackson's door and they come in my room, greet me with kisses, cuddles, and both boys wrap me up in their blankets. Bryce has his cars blanket he puts over me, and Jackson gives me ALL 4 of his blankets plus 2 lovies, and his paci! It's hilarious and so sweet. We have cuddle time, then Misti, our amazing Nanny, comes in to get them for breakfast. Bryce also asks me everyday at least 2-3 times "let us know if you need anything, Mama." He also fills my water up-usually without me even asking. He talks to my belly and Brynlee goes crazy! Jackson kisses my belly, and just says "baby". I have to say I could get used to this treatment, but I know it will end soon...Ms. Brynlee will be here soon!

I went to the Dr. yesterday and things are still the same-PTL! So, after next week's visit, I will get my last shot, and my OB will decrease my medication. She said she will let me do lighter activity too. I'm just taking it day-by-day and know everyday Brynlee cooks is a blessing! Kyle has our bags packed, the carseat ready, the stroller ready, and Brynlee's room is complete. The last thing to do is put the pack-n-play together.

Last week was an emotional week-my Dad suffered a minor Ischemic stroke, but is doing great now and recovering at a rehab/physical therapy facility. He sounds good, too. I am praying he has total healing and is better so he can hold Brynlee, and play with the boys soon.

I will update soon with nursery pics, but here is one from this morning of Bryce-he got to wear PJ's to school today-they pretended they were "snowed in" at school and had hot chocolate! He is so funny-he said "Mama, i got 2 cups-it was so good, especially the marshmallows"!!! Love that boy! We also signed
Jackson up for preschool this week-I cannot believe he will be starting it next year!




XO,
Lindz

Gorgeous

I am doing good today-Dr appointment went well yesterday-Brynlee is a petite little thing-weighing 4.4 pounds at 33 weeks along, and looks great. There was NO change-Thank you JESUS, so I am continuing bedrest and we are praying for 3-4 more weeks!

Today I got the new Spring 2012 Stella & Dot samples in the mail-seriously the MOST gorgeous line yet! If you need to revamp your wardrobe, this is a simple way to do it-dress up an outfit with pieces from this line! Go to www.stelladot.com/LindseyHouser and let me know what your favorite pieces are-I love them all! I wish I could host a party, but I will wait until after Brynlee is born and settled! I can't wait to dress her up-jewels and all!






Have a blessed week!
XOXO,
Lindz

Not too bad

Well, we made it to 33 weeks...praying for 3-4 more! I go to Dr. tomorrow for a sonogram and checkup so we will see how things are looking then!

Since I've been resting, I've been spoiled-my sweet Hubby, family, friends have made sure every meal is taken care of, and the boys are too. My sweet neighbor, Allison brought me some goodies the other day, including a great book I started reading by Mary Beth Chapman-"Choosing to SEE". I can't wait to read it. Allison brought me my new favorite treat: Coke Zero-cherry flavor-yum :)


Bryce also is my little helper. He fills my water up when it's empty, and the other day he brought me this plate with a snack for me and Brynlee-he is just precious!


I also needed my hair done-BADLY! My awesome hair-dresser, Monty, actually came to my house and did my hair. This isn't a great pic, but she did a great job and was so sweet to come to me!


Every morning the boys come into bed with me and cuddle-it is the best way to start the day. This picture is after our cuddling they were sharing Bryce's Itouch playing so nice together.


Last night Kyle found Jackson sleeping like this on his floor! He is too funny. Our Nanny also informed me this morning that Jackson likes to pick out his own shirts now-he is a mess-2 years old and knows what he likes! He prefers regular shirts vs button-downs! LOL!



Here is a 33 week picture! Getting closer....


I can't wait to see this special lady Friday! Jan, my BFF, is flying in for my baby shower on Saturday. here is her precious family!


So, bed rest isn't too bad, and I realize how blessed I am!
Have a great week!
XOXO
Lindz

Our Princess's Room

Today my Sweet, loving, hard-working, "Mr. Mom" Husband put some finishing touches on Brynlee's room. All that we are waiting on is the curtains and it will be complete..oh, and Brynlee, of course! Hopefully she's waiting until Feb to make her royal entrance!


Kyle measuring so the chandelier's look perfect!


Turned out beautiful!!


The "B" hanging over her changing table-from Grancy!


"Brynlee" plaque over her crib! This is so beautiful in person, but I was trying to take pics from the floor-Dr's orders!


The bedding-looks so pretty-just need Kyle to move the mattress up when she gets here so the bedskirt hangs better :)


The "B" rug and part of the amazing ottoman-it is the most comfortable thing-seriously, I will have no problem if I have to sleep there some nights!


I'll post more pics after the curtains are hung and after the baby shower when I can put everything away! Can't wait!

XOXO,
Lindz

NYE

Happy New Years Eve!!

I am at home taking a break from watching Lifetime movies-actually some good ones on tonight! My family is at my MIL's house for a party, but I decided to stay home and rest-best for me and baby girl. My brother's band, Sleeperstar, will be on TV son-they are performing on the BIG D NYE again! So proud of Shaun!

2011 was a great year! I am so thankful for all of God's blessings and I can't wait to welcome our baby girl into the world in the New Year! We have new neighbors which I know God hand-picked to live next to us-they are a new Family of 5: mom, dad, boy-5-Bryce's age, and twin baby girls-5 weeks old! Allison, the mama, is so strong and had to leave one of her newborn babies in the nicu in another city while she moved with the other baby to Mckinney. All are home and healthy now, and she is a great-Godly encouragement for me while I am on bedrest. She brought me some girly goodies the other day-nursing pads, hoodie towels, and BOWS! I am going to love putting Brynlee in bows!

I am hoping this week to get Brynlee's room completed. Everything is here, just needs to be put up-bedding, pics, etc.. curtains will be here this week too-found them at Target-soooo excited! I will post pics of nursery soon.

Tuesday I have another check-up, so please pray for no change so we can get to at least 36 weeks before delivery! 4 more to go....praying for 6, but we will take 4! :)

Anyhow, I hope you have a wonderful, safe, blessed 2012!

Bedrest Shmedrest

So, I'm on day 4 of bedrest-ughhhhh! I am going a little stir-crazy, but today I actually had Kyle take me to get my nails done-they were scary long. I feel better having that done, and I've been getting pampered by my sweet Husband and our Nanny. Seriously, she made me the yummiest breakfast casserole today, and is making homeade tortilla soup for dinner! So, aside from being antsy, I am doing great. I can't wait for tonight-Kyle and I are having a wrapping party! I have about 5 gifts left to wrap, and Kyle says he has to wrap mine. :)

I have tons of pics from the past couple weeks: we started a new Family tradition by going to the Gaylord Texan and seeing Shrek on ICE. The kids loved it!






Jackson going down the ICE slide!!

Bryce at dinner after ICE!






Bryce also had his Christmas program and he played a Shepard-so cute. We took the boys to see Santa (which was the trip from HE...double hockey sticks)...I was able to sit on a scooter, but poor Kyle had to run after Jackson for 2 hours! Bryce was good and even made a friend in line-named Bryce! I helped give Bryce's Christmas party at school. We made angel ornaments, had a book exchange, and played Christmas Bingo.










Boys loving/tickling each other!


We are gearing up for a busy Christmas weekend. We will be going to Kyle's grandparents house on the 24th am for brunch and gifts. Then, we will celebrate my Dad's B-day at our house with my family, and cousin's family, in-laws. Christmas Day we will wake-up with the kids, rather they will wake us up, and open gifts. Then, my parents will come over later in the day. My brother spends the night at our house Christmas Eve and this year will be Santas Elf-helper since I can't do much! We love this tradition, and the kids love having their Uncle here. We will celebrate the Houser Christmas on the 27th after my Sis-Hollie and her family arrive from Iowa. I can't tell you how excited we are to spend time with them. It's been way too long. Please pray my Dr. appt is ok that morning. I go see my OB at 8 am, and we have our Christmas at 9:30 am. Pray for NO change in anything so Brynlee can keep cooking & i can go to our family's party. I hope you and your family have a great, blessed Christmas!