Nora Belle

has arrived!!!!

Birthday- Saturday, May 22nd at 10:53 am (Ella was born at 10:50)

5 lbs, 10 ounces

18.5 inches

more details to come...

Nora Poll and If You're Not Busy on Sunday...

I decided to poll you all as to when you think Miss Nora will make her debut. Scroll down a bit. The poll is under my floating fetus widget (I'm gonna miss that little guy) on the right hand side of the blog.

Also, I wanted to inform/invite/remind anyone who happens to be sitting around on Sunday (or in my case, everyday)that the Anchored By Hope Radio Show airs every Sunday at 5 pm Eastern Time. You can listen to the show and join the live web chat here. Carly from Names in The Sand was a guest on the first show two weeks ago. Last week, they talked about all of those dreaded "firsts" after a loss. I've cried during both shows. Katy and Kristie (the hosts) do a great job. It is also just fun to chat with several of the bloggers. Look forward to seeing some of you in the chat room on Sunday!

Ready

Since October 7th, not a day has gone by where I haven't worried that she's died. I am nearly 35 weeks pregnant and I still look for blood everytime I go to the bathroom. Why hasn't she kicked in a few hours? Why won't she respond to my pokes? Is she kicking too much (as was the case yesterday- where she was averaging 40 kicks in one hour... Yes, this warranted a late night trip to L&D)? Add in the frequent contractions and cramping that began at week 14 (last night's monitoring showed contractions every 7 minutes)... I could not fully anticipate nor could I ever put into the words the anxiety I've experienced these past eight and a half months. So with that, I'm going to make a bold statement...

I AM READY!

No, I don't mean that my house is in order and ready for baby. Because it's not and won't ever be since I've been on bedrest for God knows how long and the fact that we're moving here shortly. What I mean is, I AM READY FOR HER TO BE BORN! Yes, I know that's a strong statement to make at just 34 weeks, 4 days. And, I know that might warrant a hundred comments on the dangers of preterm births. But, there is not one blog I follow where a healthy baby died because it was born premature at nearly 35 weeks. But, give me a pen and paper and I can write the names of fifty women who's baby's died in their womb at 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 40+ weeks for unexplained reasons. If you do know of such a blog or have a strong opinion about what I'm saying here, do me a solid and refrain from sharing it with me. I already have enough to worry about. I want her out. Not because I'm uncomfortable or feel done with bedrest or this pregnancy. I want her out because I feel like my body is sucky and is going to be the demise of her.

My stitch is due to come out in 11 days (36 weeks). If I make it to that point, you will see me doing laps around my neighborhood trying to force her out. In fact, I'm typing up her eviction notice as we speak.

Now that I've publicly made this declaration, watch... this little booger is going to stay put til 40+ weeks. Just arrive alive little one, that' all I ask.

Someone Came Before You

Lisette, Sami's mom sent this beautiful book for Nora. I just love it and find it so appropriate. I look forward to reading this book to Nora and telling her all about her sister. Husband and I are still grieving for Ella. Preparing for Nora is a reminder of all the things we didn't get to do for her. Yet, we love and adore our Nora so much and hope she realizes what her life means to us. I really wanted to share the words of the book here.

Someone Came Before You

There was once a mommy and daddy who loved each other very much.

They loved to ride their bikes and dance and watch TV and even do chores together.

But they knew something was missing.

They knew what was missing wasn't a cat or a dog or a bird or a hamster. They knew it wasn't a new car or a new TV.

They knew they wanted to share their life with someone very special.

They wanted a baby that would grow into a little person who would also love to ride bikes and dance and even do chores with them.

They were so excited when they realized this special person was on the way.

They heard their baby and felt their baby and watched their baby grow. This was to be a very special baby.

And the mommy would sit in the rocker and sing to her baby, "baby, I'm waiting for you. Praying for you. Dreaming of you. And when another day is through I'll still be waiting for you."

They loved their special baby very much.

But things didn't go as planned. Their very special baby died.

The mommy and daddy missed their special baby very much. They cried and cried and were sad a whole lot.

And the mommy sang as she sat in the rocker, "baby, we remember you. Think of you. Pray for you. And when another day is through, we'll still remember you."

Nothing would make them happy.

And so their hearts grew very small. Nothing could get in. Nothing seemed to matter. They didn't want to ride their bikes or dance or even do their chores. They just wanted their baby.

Even thought the special baby died, the baby kept loving the mommy and daddy and tried to make them happy again.

Their special baby was very patient. And the special baby would sing, "mommy, I remember you. Think of you. Pray for you. And when another day is through I still remember you."

Finally after what seemed like much work on the special baby's part, the mommy and daddy's hearts were stretched big enough to let in more love.

And now there was room enough for another special baby to come into their hearts...and that special baby is YOU.

We still think of that special baby that came before you. We hang the baby's ornament on the tree next to yours.

And we have a little box that we pull out from time to time that holds memories of that special baby.

And sometimes we light a candle for the baby and thank the baby for stretching our hearts to make room for you.