3 Weeks

Really? Madelyn has been here for 3 weeks already? Maybe it just feels like one big day due to the sleep deprivation...

My hair is so fluffy when I get out of the bath!

Jess boxing Jim on the Wii at Thanksgiving.

Okay, since we last posted - Happy Thanksgiving! Hopefully everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with friends, family, and great food! We spent Maddy's first Thanksgiving with some great friends - a group of 10 of us at Clint and Alicia's house (the couple Shaye and I went to Italy with). We had all the fixings and the best dessert - 6 pies and Grandma's pumpkin ice cream to share between us! Madelyn also got her first real look at television. The boys were watching a movie (in the dark) and I went to check on Maddy to see her completely "zoned out" on the big screen! Even the flash from the camera couldn't phase her!

Movie time!

Wow - must have been some good entertainment.

Before we started our afternoon with friends, we made a trip to Bury St. Edmunds to register Madelyn and get her British birth certificate. The first of many steps to get her officially registered in both countries....

Official UK Resident!

Friday was spent getting out of the house (it took till 1:00 p.m.) and walking around the Christmas Market in Bury. We enjoyed checking out some crafts and of course bought ourselves some honey roasted nuts and candies! We got rained on, but liked it all the same.

Madelyn didn't like bundling up.

Saturday we took the opportunity of some nicer weather and took Madelyn to her first castle! It was also Aunt Jessie's first castle ruin (she's been to the Queen's castle before) and they both seemed to enjoy themselves. Maddy slept and Jess took lots of pictures! We also took some time out for a great meal at the local pub (another first for Maddy) and stopped by the coast to take a peak at the North Sea.

Castle Rising Castle

Time for a sister pose!

Shaye and Maddy taking the tour.

Madelyn and Jess at the Pub.

Jess on the beach - North Sea.

The rest of the weekend was nice and relaxing. Jess helped put up the Christmas decorations and we spent the evening eating junk food and watching football. Madelyn absolutely LOVES the Christmas tree and spent a large part of the day gazing up at the lights. Monday was errand day and Maddy was snug in her car seat while we ran from base to base getting a few "essentials."

I close now with a video of Ms. Madelyn taking her favorite vitamins. She makes a lot of the same noises she makes when she eats, although the facial expressions are reserved especially for the vitamins! It's a little long, but hopefully you'll enjoy some more live footage.

All our love,

S, J, M, and D.

My Doctor Visit

This is when I'm "milk drunk"

Nice and full and fighting to stay awake!

Today I got to meet a really nice doctor. She told me that I now weigh 7 pounds 11 ounces ... almost a pound more than my birth weight! I am now 20.5 inches long (1 inch longer) and they measured my head, 34.5 cm (2.5 cm bigger than birth). Apparently this is all good news and I am doing very well.

Mommy just Loves this face too much and is always trying to catch it on camera!

Mommy also got to ask the doctor lots of questions...


She told the doctor that I am really noisy when I eat and called me a piggy... they said I'm normal. :)


She asked about my belly button (part of my cord hasn't come off yet)... they told her to try drying it out with alcohol, but that it looks good and just needs to heal some more.


She also asked about my breathing because she thinks I breathe too fast... this is normal too.


I think she just worries WAY too much!


Auntie was really good and only asked to see where I plot on the growth chart... 25% for weight and head, 50% for height.


Oh, they also gave me the first of my Hep B shots today. It hurt a little, but I was brave and the nice man gave me a pink Hello Kitty band-aide! What really hurt was the mean man in the lab. They had to take blood from my heal and he wasn't very good... it took 20 minutes and I screamed through the Whole thing. Daddy tried to comfort me, but he wasn't getting poked with the needle!

This is me after my long day (the hat was made by one of my Auntie's friends)

After all that, I slept for a solid 3 1/2 hours uninterrupted. Mommy says she got lots of errands done during that time. After we got home, I ate and passed out again - this is when Auntie and Mommy decided to finish some arts and crafts. Auntie taped my fingers together and they smashed my hand in ink and put my hand print on a picture. As you can see, I didn't care and Daddy said it looks cute!

Speaking of crafts, the other night they decided to get my footprint. This did not go nearly as well as the hand and I screamed during the process. The ink was MUCH more slimy and I was not sleeping during it. I was allowed to recover in the bath though and I really enjoy having my hair washed.

I think the past weekend, okay day, was really busy and am ready for bed tonight (well, Mommy hopes I sleep well) The doctor also told her I was normal at night too!


We'll see what tomorrow brings...

Love to you all,

Maddy (Mommy, Daddy, and Daisy)

2 Weeks

"Auntie caught my smile"

Wow, Madelyn has already been with us for 2 weeks. I do believe the 12 weeks I have off is going to fly by and before I know it, she will be walking and talking! We go to the doctor tomorrow for our check-up and I will post more then, but wanted to get a few pics up today for all of those dedicated fans waiting to see more pictures ;-)

"My new blanket made by Great Grandma O. "

Jessica joined us on Saturday for a two week visit. Maddy handled her first trip to the airport rather well - although we were a bit late and Auntie was starting to worry. To our defense, she landed early and Customs took 2 hours for mom in June - apparently Jess flew through it in minutes. We also found Auntie to be sick with a nasty cold. She has amused us with her hand washing, hand sanitizer, and blue mask (see photo). Guess it is good to have an Aunt in the medical field when she's sick and visiting an infant.

"Guess we needed a nap"

Today, we went to Shaye's shop for a potluck. It was a small gathering, but nice to catch up with everyone and they all enjoyed some "Maddy time". We spent most of the weekend recovering from sleepless nights and Jess being jet-lagged, but hopefully will do something exciting for a least a couple of the days that she is here.

Aside from getting the house ready for Jess, a few visits and dinners from friends, the rest of the week was pretty quiet. I am learning to deal with a lack of sleep and Shaye is getting along at work with his inspection going really well for him last week.

We have discovered that Madelyn loves her hands up by her face!

We believe she may be saying, "woe is me" or "what are they doing now?"

I personally feel it shows her dramatic side :-)

That is all for now, will give you more tomorrow after our check-up. Guess how much I will weigh!!

All our love,

Jody, Shaye, Madelyn, and Daisy

1 Week Old

I'm going to try to follow my dear friend Sarah's lead and update the blog at least once a week for all those interested. What better day to start than on Madelyn's 1 week bday ;)


Events of our first week at home:

Friday we went to a doctor's appointment. As soon as we got there, Maddy decided it was time to eat and I got to test my skills at nursing in public. I think we both handled it rather well! :) The nurse we saw is confident that the jaundice seems to be under control. She said that with as well as Maddy is eating and the diapers we are getting, it will take care of itself. We also found out that Madelyn weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces - almost 3 ounces more than when we left the hospital Wednesday - the nurse was quite impressed. Guess it will be interesting to see what she weighs at the 2 week appointment.

Even my Newborn clothes are still big on me!

Maddy and Daisy went for their first walk together on Friday since the weather was so nice. Okay, neither one of them really seemed to know or care, but we documented it anyway! Shaye got to try out our new carrier and Madelyn slept through the entire thing. May be one of few outdoor experiences she gets for a while as winter seems to be descending on us faster than usual lately.

Saturday we went to base for the bazaar they were having. We spent about an hour and Maddy had lots of onlookers (the spouse's club that I belong to put the bazaar on). By Saturday evening, I decided that I have been a bit too active and need to take it a bit easier for a while.

Daddy fixed my hair... that should explain the face!

Today, Maddy made a trip to work to finish up some reports for upcoming IEP's that I was working on. I had asked Madelyn to come anytime after Monday (the 10th) because I was confident that all the paperwork would have been done that day - but - she had her own agenda and I'm sure no one at work minded holding her while I finished up!

Aside from the sleep schedule, Madelyn seems to be taking to the world rather well. She is eating well and Shaye and I have gotten to experience several of our first diaper "incidents" in the last couple of days :) Maddy has shown us the ways of projectile poo, and peeing on cue when the diaper comes off. We are learning though!! I have also found myself calling Maddy my little mouse - she makes a lot of really cute noises and "squeaks", especially when she sleeps ;)

This is one of mommy's favorite faces!

Well, the rest of the week is on reserve for some R & R. The long nights and erratic sleep schedule is finally catching up with me. Madelyn and I are going to take it easy around the house and get ready for Aunt Jessie's visit this Saturday.

I'm closing with a video of Madelyn and a typical "awake"moment for her. May not be very exciting at this point, but I figured the Grandma's would enjoy any 'live' feed they could get!

Until next time - all our love,
Jody, Shaye, Madelyn, and Daisy

Madelyn Ray

Wow, where to start... photos - I know you all want photos. Of course I couldn't just choose a couple :)

Who do you think she looks like?

We say a little of mom (nose, grandpa says mom's ears), and mostly dad.

Daddy is very proud and so in love :)

Thanks Aunt Jessie for giving everyone the details. We made it home late yesterday (Wed evening at about 7). Madelyn is a bit jaundice and they wanted to make sure it didn't progress through the day before we were allowed to leave. She has a wellness check on Friday and then again in 2 weeks (Nov. 25th - her due date:) just to see that she is eating and growing and getting along well in the world.

I got flowers that morning to celebrate my birthday- what a great husband!

Family photo: Hard to find one I was willing to post.

It's impossible to look good in a hospital!

Labor:

It was a surprise to find myself having a baby on my birthday, but what a great present! Really don' t know how it could be topped. With my waters breaking at 6 a.m., the nurses were making bets as to whether she would actually be born on my bday... no one expected 9 hours! They all thought late that night - early the next morning for a first time mommy, but Maddy had her own agenda. I was VERY surprised at how fast the day went and kept saying to the nurse - is it normal for so much pressure? They kept putting it off because there was "no way" I was ready to push... I think she may have even come a good 30-60 minutes earlier had someone thought I new what I was talking about. To there defense, I was giving some good IV drugs and was a little "high" :) Unfortunately, the epidural was only done just prior to "it's time to push" and that took hold more after she was out than during.

New to the world!

They are checking my palate. Speechie mommy was pleased daddy got this photo!

It was WAY colder here than on that warming table!

Now what?

Shaye was AMAZING (not that I expected anything else), but he was also very tired ;)

Aside from being sore, I am doing well. So far, I think it is true that you really do heal fast - the body really is amazing! I have to say that it is really a novelty eating and not being nauseous - I forgot what that was like!

Daisy: I think they're going to do just fine!

Daisy seems to be taking to Madelyn. She is very curious about her- sniffing at her every chance she gets and trying to give kisses, but Shaye and I are strongly discouraging this and she is minding. She spent last night following us in and out of Maddy's room and even checked on her a few times herself!

This shirt really says it all!

This hat was made for me by one of my mommy's teacher friends.

Home:

We had a somewhat rough first night. Madelyn seems to do best when being held and sleeps little otherwise (10-15 minute intervals). We are somewhat dismayed because she slept well in the bassinet at the hospital. We finally took the swing upstairs and could get a good hour of rest with her in that. We've since wondered if we need more noise at night- it wasn't exactly quiet in the hospital and she is resting well today with the tv on in the background. Trial after trial - we will conquer this eventually! Aside from the day and night sleep confusion, she is eating well and we really couldn't be more blessed!

Mommy loves playing dress-up - I'm not quite sure I agree with it!

Well, I think that is about it for now. I hope all of you are well and you enjoy our photos. We will be doing our best to post lots and lots until she is able to personally meet you all!

Time for home!

Chillin' in my bouncy chair - rockin' my hat, gangsta style :)

All our love,

Jody, Shaye, Madelyn, and Daisy

Baby M

Well it is official "baby M" has joined the world and will forever share a birthday with her mommy! This is Jessica posting for Jody and Shaye as you may have guessed they are a little busy!

After taking time around the house to do a few things--like update the blog-- it was off to the hospital. 8 hours later "baby M" decided to enter the world! Baby and mom are both doing well. Jody's labor went really well for a first time mom even though she probably would have liked more anesthesia (by the time they got the epidural in and working it was time to push).

Name: Madelyn Ray Melton
Weight: 6 lbs 14 oz
Length: 19.5 inches
When: Monday, November 10, 2008 at 3:06 PM (England time)

They will be in the hospital until Wednesday and then settling in to a routine at home (I wonder what Daisy will think)!! They thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and well wishes and can't wait for you to meet Madelyn. They will post pictures and update the blog as soon as they can!

SURPRISE!

Well, here we are, 6:30 a.m. and I'm pretty sure my waters broke! Happy Birthday to me, baby has decided she wants to join the fun! We are on our way to the OB ward for confirmation. I'm not having active contractions, but if they confirm the membranes have for sure ruptured than I'm sure they'll get the contractions going and we'll be meeing Baby M. a lot sooner than we all imagined!

We will keep you upadated....

Oh, it is Novmeber 10th here - not sure why the blog posts as the 9th! :)

1 down... 9 to go!

What does this mean.... NOTHING!

Here's the baby news for those interested: (may be more than some of you want to know, but it is the easiest way to update all those that do want to know :)

The baby appt. on Friday went really well. All continues to be good... blood pressure, heart beat, baby is in "go" position, and now we just wait! They did say that I'm dilated 1 cm, but this could continue for weeks. We go back on the 17th if she hasn't arrived by then (that will be 39 weeks). All I have to add is that I'm definitely ready when she is! I can't really sleep anymore and my back is a wreck, but I think I am carrying myself funny now that I've gotten so much bigger. I really want her to be healthy and ready in her own time though - so we wait. :) Oh, I did test positive with the Group B test they did... this really doesn't mean too much (lots of women are carriers), but I will be given antibiotics when I do go into labor to prevent any possible infections to me or baby.


I also finally got to speak to anesthesiology. They say that my back surgeries really aren't an issue to keep me from getting an epidural if I want one, and that they will attempt it. The only problem may be that there is too much scar tissue to allow the catheter to go in (the way they give you the medicine). If it doesn't work, there are other options, but we won't know until that day SO... we'll see.


In other news... things are going well here, and are busy.


Shaye and I celebrated two official years of matrimonial bliss this past Tuesday (+ the 5 unofficial years we put up with each other :). We took some time for just the two of us... went to dinner in a fancy pub in a nearby town. It was nice to have a quiet "date night" for ourselves!

Testing out the timer on our new camera for

Our Anniversary photo:

I have since decided pregnant women should not wear horizontal stripes!

We have a few "little" things to do (Shaye keeps insisting the car seat installation will not take him long!) and I have been VERY busy at work, trying to get everything in order for the sub that will be taking my place. We have a GREAT paperwork program that they decided to "fix" this year and they successfully really screwed it up, so we do a lot by hand! And with parent-teacher conferences this week and next, it is keeping me on my toes.


In a side note, as a little prayer request: We also had some bad news...one of our very loved teachers passed away this week. He had been struggling with illness off and on for the past couple of years, but was too young (still has a daughter in high school) and was adored greatly by the kids in his class. They seem to be handling it pretty well, but it was a shock to all. We are keeping all of his family and friends in our thoughts through this difficult time.


We hope that all of you are doing well and love you all. Until next time...

36 weeks and 5 days ;)

Wow, lots to show/ report today. All you who think I don' t post enough, get ready!

Warwick Castle

First: Last weekend we took an outing to Warwick Castle a couple hours west of here. The trip was based on a request from our dear friend Alicia who was celebrating her 28th birthday! We ended up having to take a couple cars to accommodate the 9 of us and the lead car got us a bit lost (due to a slight mis-calculation by their navigation device). It actually took us about 5 hours to get there, but was all quite entertaining and simply made for a more exciting day!! Warwick was a lot of fun, loads of Halloween activities going on, and is one of the more "touristy" of the castles around here. I have to say I was quite the trooper, but my legs definitely protested that they are not quite use to all this extra weight after I climbed 500+ stairs.

View of the town from the top of the castle... fall is so beautiful!

View of the castle grounds from the top of one tower.

Shaye making new friends :)

Us - at the top of one of the towers.

Most of the group (Me, Teresa, Roman, Alicia (the bday girl), Clint, Erica

Not pictured: Shaye (behind the camera), Scott (Erica's hubby), and Sophia (their 2-year-old)

Second: All our baby stuff arrived on Tuesday and Shaye gradually took to putting it all together (one project a night) and slowly but surely the nursery has formed. He had the assistance /supervision? from a friend (Clint) one night. I have to say that although the nursery is a bit more compact than I thought it would be, I'm rather impressed with how it has all come together. We also completed the assembly of all the fun "downstairs stuff" like the swing, bouncy seat, high chair... I took to the laundry and managed to get all the bedding, blankets, towels, and up to 3 month clothes ready for our little bundle.

Still keeping his cool (too bad I didn't get the camera out for the crib assembly!)

One of Clint helping ;)

Finally... a Nursery is born!

Third: We went to a party for Halloween and had a great night of food and friends. They all even went through a haunted house (I opted to wait outside) that was set up on base and had a good time. The hosts of the party even dressed up for the occasion - Lucy and a big Baby ;) We talked about painting my belly, but that is as far as our costume adventure took us this year.

Todd entertaining Jim (the big baby).

Apparently, this is the only picture we managed of Lucy (Annalisa)!

Although a bit blurry, Sophia was quite cute as Minnie!

We also intended to celebrate Guy Fawkes night here in England. It got rained out... well, they still had some celebration, but we stayed in due to the excessive rainfall last night. I thought it would be fun to mention to let you in on a bit of English history. They have a huge bonfire, fireworks, and food to celebrate/ remember a night (Nov. 5, 1605) when a group of men (one Guy Fawkes) tried to blow up Parliament and King James I with 36 barrels of gunpowder. We went last year and had a great time. They rhyme that is chanted and heard around this time is as follows:

Remember, remember the fifth of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot,

We see no reason,

Why gunpowder treason,

Should ever be forgot!

Finally: For those that care and much to Aunt Jessica's dismay, I wanted to report that baby has dropped! I guess they were taking bets on me last week at work with this prediction :) But I know that she has dropped lower because her kicks/movement has moved down and I can no longer see my belly button! It's true, where once it was poking out the center of my belly, it has moved to the downward slope and I have lost all sight of it! I've enclosed yet another picture for you viewing pleasure. I have a baby appointment on Friday and will update then as to what they say... hopefully, there will be some sort of a prediction if she is coming early (I think she will).

I leave you now, after all this reading, with a promise to try to update more often to keep these posts short and sweet. But hopefully you have enjoyed another glimpse into our eventful days here in England!

Love to you all... until next time!