The Behrends Family

Introducing

2011-11-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Walter James Behrends
September 13, 2011
7 lbs. 4.7 ounces
22 inches

The name:

Once again we had a difficult time deciding on a name before actually seeing this little guy. To be honest we went in to the hospital with out a real list of names to pick from. Everything we liked someone else hated. We had a feeling it would come to us when we saw him.
Immediately after being handed my perfect, nameless baby the doctor asked me what we were going to name him. After hearing that we were still working on it he gave us a deadline of 24 hours. After that he got to name him. It took only a minute. Jon and I looked at each other and we knew, he needed a strong name, a "manly name." What better than to name this baby after the strongest men in my life. My dad and grandfather. As soon as Jon said it my doctor looked at me and told me he loved it. It felt right, it fit.

Walter James meeting Great Grandpa James Watkins

It's been a while

2011-11-05T21:24:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I updated this page. In case you didn't hear, this is what we have been up to:
Full update coming soon!!

Aruba

2010-08-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Easter

2010-04-16T20:39:00.001-07:00

Spring Break

2010-04-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

This Spring Break was extra special because not only did I have an entire week off, but Jon did too. We were able to spend several days at home enjoying our little family. Campbell was also able to spend time with her Great Grandparents. I am certain that she has the best Great Grandparents on Earth. She adores them, and oh boy do they adore her. This time was even more fun than the last visit because Campbell is completely over her separation anxiety. In fact she loves attention from anyone and everyone.

Thanks to Great Grandma's suggestion, Jon and I were even able to sneak out one night and have a little date night! Campbell loves the boat. I think swimming lessons are next on the list of things to do. Maybe then I will be able to relax a little as she explores the boat.

The grandparents have really out done themselves with the newest gift: (don't worry I was just testing it out! There are plenty of pictures of Campbell in the wagon, in fact we have to hide it from her or she would try to sleep in it!)

We were even lucky enough to have a little nice weather while we were home. Campbell loves being outside. She doesn't even care if it is raining.

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

Big girl

2010-02-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

I don't know when it happened, but our baby turned into a big girl. I am still in denial. It is becoming harder to call her baby Campbell, especially when she wakes up yelling "want mom." While we both really miss the baby stage we are loving our toddler. She has a perfect little sense of humor, a vivid imagination, and a pretty even temperament (most of the time). Her new tricks include; insisting on using the toilet, picking out her own outfits, playing dress up with her dolls, and wanting to do everything her self!

Our little Valentine

2010-02-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas

2010-02-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

I finally had a chance to download our Christmas pictures. Campbell really enjoyed Christmas with her Great Grandparents. I think she expects presents everyday now.

Great Grandma and Grandpa bought Campbell the best present; her first bike! Then they decided to show Jon what Christmas Eve was really like for parents and had him put it together.

Campbell loves her bike

Everyone got to spend quality time with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma

Campbell even introduced herself to Santa

Catch up

2010-01-26T19:01:00.001-08:00

I really can't believe I have fallen this behind on updating this site. So many things have happened in the last few months! Here are a few of the highlights:

1. Our baby turned one. Who knows where the time went, I really can't remember what life was like without her (although I am sure it involved a lot more sleep) She had a great birthday party with all her friends, both grandmas, and Halloween costumes!

2. Football/Cheerleading season was very long this year. In fact we ended one game short of the championship game. It was so cold and rainy at the end of the season that Jon called in several favors from his mom and friends to play with Campbell while he went to the game. I think our little cheerleader preferred cheering on her team from home.

3. Campbell went trick or treating for the first time. She wasn't really sure what to do. It was a good thing Gracie was there to lead the way.

4. We took advantage of the last few days of sunshine

5. Campbell spent quality time with family.

Remembering

2009-09-29T19:54:00.001-07:00

I knew that today was going to be hard, and could very easily have been a really bad day. Today means that we have been without my dad for a year. I have dreaded every part of this day for a while now.

Instead of spending the day being sad I decided that it should be a day to celebrate the time we had with a great man and to provide good memories for Campbell. This is what my dad would want. Newport quickly came to mind as my dad had lived there, and I had visited there with him several times.

Jon and I both took the day off and Campbell's friend Gracie and her mom joined us for a Newport aquarium trip. The girls had a great time and I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend this day with family and friends.

All good things must come to an end...

2009-09-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

With school starting two weeks ago our summer is officially over. Campbell has settled in nicely at daycare. I must admit my heart breaks a little when she reaches out for the daycare person then waves bye to me.

Each day that goes by Jon and I find ourselves asking where our tiny baby went. Campbell is looking and acting more like a toddler everyday. Our baby now talks, walks, expresses her opinion (sometimes loudly), shows affection, makes decisions (like climbing out the dog door) and is working on getting her first tooth! It still surprises me when she laughs at the dog then calls it by its name. Her other words include; mom, dad, hi, daisy, duck, dance, and no. She has also said "Hi dad" and "Thank You."

Campbell spent one of her last days of vacation helping me set up my classroom:

Campbell's best friend. Judging by the way these two play now, Gracie's mom and I are going to have our hands full!

Here are some 11 month old pictures:

Sailing!?!

2009-08-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

That's right, Campbell can add sailing to the list of things she has done before turning 1! To be honest I am a little concerned about the precedent we are setting for this baby. I'm not sure we are going to be able to keep up this kind of excitement in her life for very long! Soon we will run out of things to do.

Great Grandpa even let her drive the boat. I'm pretty sure I have not even driven his car, hmm, maybe Campbell has a better driving record

Uncle Ron teaching everyone how to sail safely.

Jon came home with all his fingers thanks to Ron!

Summer

2009-08-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a few highlights of our summer:

Campbell had a pool party with some of her friends:

We spent 2 weeks at the farm:

Campbell learned to stand and is determined to walk

Campbell made a new friend and spent quality time with grandma

I was able to relax and read while grandma played with Campbell!

Has it really been 9 months?

2009-07-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

4th of July, Birthday, Surf Contests....

2009-07-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Campbell had a great 4th of July, she really loves a party and as always was the last baby standing! Here is what she looked like before the party:
And after:
Campbell has also added crawling everywhere to her bag of tricks. She is now determined to walk, unfortunately she has yet to develop any sort of balance or sense of gravity. I'm afraid Campbell is a daredevil. She will attempt to climb over anything, pull herself up to stand using anything within reach, (including the dog), really likes to be thrown into the air, swung around, and even be upside down. Our little adrenaline junkie keeps us on our toes. I am certain that this is some sort of payback as both Jon and I have pretty dangerous hobbies. I can only imagine what she will be like when she is walking.
This may be one of the last pictures I have of Campbell where she doesn't have a bump or bruise on her face!

This past month Jon had two of his favorite events, his birthday and a surf contest.

Campbell fit right into the surfing scene. She didn't even seem to mind the howling winds on the beach that day.

Picture Overload!

2009-06-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some quick updates of what we have been up to (in pictures of course!)

Campbell decided to surprise her great grandpa with a visit on his birthday, it was such a quick trip that I didn't get too many pictures, and some how great grandma and grandpa managed to avoid the camera.

A couple of big things happened on our quick trip. First, Jon was able to go out with my grandpa on his sail boat. I can only hope that I will be sailing on my 80Th birthday!

Campbell also learned how to wave. In fact, her first wave was to her great grandma!

Recently we flew to North Carolina for my friend Leah's wedding.

We expected this to be a long and exhausting trip, but we had no idea just how long it would be. The night before we left Campbell had a little fever. We figured she was teething, gave her some Tylenol and went to sleep. To make a very long story short she became progressively worse. Against our better judgement we boarded the plane and flew overnight.

Shortly after arriving we decided Campbell needed to see a doctor. Jon was a trouper and took her to an urgent care clinic so I could still participate in the pre wedding activities. She came back with a diagnosis of double ear infections! After a few doses of antibiotics, a couple of really long naps, and some tears of guilt from myself, Campbell started to feel better. Jon should get an award for being such a good dad. Since I was involved in wedding things he had to take care of the sick baby.

Campbell slept through the ceremony but was not about to miss the party afterwards!

Since I am off for the summer, (and am fortunate enough to have a job to return to), there will be a lot of this in our future:

Playdate and Mother's day

2009-05-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

Campbell is just recovering from her first ear infection. I am pretty sure this ear infection is trying to ruin my life. It has taken my sweet, calm, good sleeping baby, and replaced her with a crabby, tired baby who wants to be held all night. During the day she is still my perfect little Campbell. I am pretty sure that before the doctor looked at her ear she thought we were crazy as Campbell was squealing and giggling in her office.

Campbell had a play date right before she got sick. I never thought I would be a mom who would go to play dates. I was even hesitant to go to this one because Campbell was starting to act like she didn't feel well. It did not take me long to figure out that these play dates are definitely for the moms. I had such a good time, oh and Campbell seemed to enjoy herself too. I think when she is able to really crawl (which will happen any second, she is currently scooting backwards around the house), she will have more fun.

Someone had the brilliant idea to line up the babies on a couch, they had other plans.
I also had the perfect first Mother's day, but really who wouldn't when you wake up to this:

Fun in the sun

2009-04-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Is it Summer yet??

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Campbell had her 6th month check up on Friday. Here are the stats:

17.4 pounds! (79th percentile)

26.5 inches (63rd percentile)

If she keeps growing at this rate she wont be a cheerleader, she is going to be a football player!

Update...

2009-04-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since everyone has had a Campbell update so I'll give a quick run down of her latest and greatest events.

March was a busy month for the Behrends family. You would think with a week off for Spring Break we would have been relaxing. Instead Campbell packed her bags and was off on another trip.

Before spring break Campbell had a visit from aunt Erin. I can only imagine the fun these two will have when Campbell is old enough for Erin to tell her stories about how Jon and I met.

Campbell and I flew to my mom's for the first part of Spring Break. While there Campbell met her uncle Nate and aunt Michelle. I am pretty sure everyone is hoping Nate will catch the baby fever...I know Campbell would love a cousin! I didn't bring my camera, I will post pictures from the farm when I find the disc I brought home.

Jon picked us up at the Portland airport and we drove to see the great grandparents in Washington. Once again Campbell proved to be the best traveling baby around.

Campbell was able to spend some quality time with her great grandparents, and Nate and Michelle who also met us there.

I think Campbell wore her uncle Nate out!

During this trip we decided it was nice enough outside for Campbell to take her first trip to her great grandpa's boat.

While we were there Campbell received an early Easter present from her great grandparents. She has already spent a lot of time, and made a lot of messes in this chair!

Campbell goes vertical!!

2009-02-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

Campbell sat on her own, played with her toys, then promptly fell over... all on my watch! I guess I was so excited I forgot it was my job to make sure she didn't face plant. Oh and don't worry, there was an audience there to make note of my new mom mistake. It just happened that Campbell's grandma, Aunt Cheryle, and Nathan were all over just in time to witness Campbell's new trick. But, it gets better, Jon captured the entire scene with the camera.

Sitting for the first time:

I picked her up too fast for Jon to catch a picture of her face first on the floor:

Campbell seems to be a very forgiving baby. She quickly recovered and continued playing. If you look really close you can see the red mark on her forehead!

Campbell also got to meet her aunt Cheryle. She sure does love meeting new people, especially family members!

This past month has been a busy one. Campbell has started to enjoy a little solid food. I'm not in too big of a hurry for her to be eating "big kid" food. So far she really likes sweet potatoes, but is not too sure about avocado.

Our weekends have definitely changed since having Campbell. As someone who used to hate staying at home on Friday and Saturday night, and wanted to be on the go all the time, I am really surprised at how much I love staying at home. There is never a dull moment around our house!

Basketball season has come to an end. I think Campbell is going to miss cheerleading practice and the games.
Here is Campbell with some of my favorite ladies!!

Happy Valentines day!!

2009-02-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Campbell turned four months this week which meant she had her four month check up. She is turning into a pretty chubby baby. She weighed in at 14.7 pounds, that is the 76% percentile! She is also 24 and half inches tall, (65% percentile). She is growing so fast she is about to exceed the weight limit on her bassinet. That means she has to start sleeping in her crib, in her own room. I am not sure I am ready for that. Everyday she seems to gain a little more independence. While it is really exciting to watch her start to make decisions, a part of me is really sad that our baby is growing up so fast. She has even started to insist on holding her own bottle.

The doctor also gave us the go ahead to try some solid foods. Judging by how things have been going I am sure Campbell is really going to enjoy food. Before Campbell was sick she was the best sleeping baby in town. When she was sick she would wake up often throughout the night. This has continued even though she is feeling better. We talked to the doctor about this and she urged us to not encourage bad habits, and let her learn to put her self back to sleep (as long as nothing is wrong.) Fortunately Jon didn't sell me out because I have been picking her up right away and letting her sleep in our bed after she wakes up! I am sure a time will come when I will really want her to sleep in her own bed all night, but for right now I am choosing to ignore the doctor's advice, hopefully I don't regret this decision! But really, who could say no to this cute little face!

Baby's First Cold

2009-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

Campbell has a cold, and it's a whopper! That's right, another milestone. It started out as a runny nose, then a cough, then a fever. Friday night I checked her temperature.. 102!! Jon wasn't home yet so I called my mom to ask what to do, fought off the urge to rush her to the emergency room, and gave her some Tylenol. Within 30 minutes it had gone down. The next morning we woke to a screaming baby. This never happens, Campbell always wakes up happy. Her fever had returned and did not respond to Tylenol.

Jon called her doctor who was familiar with this cold since I had already called about it earlier in the week. They gave us an appointment at 2:45, (it was 9:00)!! We spent most of the day holding her and trying to get her to eat. We both knew something was wrong, our happy smiley baby was miserable.

The doctor looked at Campbell for a few minutes and told us we needed to take her to the emergency room. My eyes filled with tears as she listed the tests she would need; a chest x-ray, her blood drawn, an antibiotic shot, a breathing treatment, and possibly a urine sample.

After spending the day at the hospital we were sent home with a pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics, and an inhaler. Fortunately her oxygen levels were ok so they did not have to admit her. We both took a sick day on Monday so we could stay home with her. She still has a runny nose but her cough is gone.

It took a while but our happy baby is back!

We have a roller!!

2009-01-26T21:02:00.000-08:00

It's official, Campbell can roll over. She rolled from her tummy to her back. I was so excited, but that quickly turned to fear when I realized she will soon be able to move around alone!! I don't think I am ready for her to be crawling around the house. We have a lot of baby proofing to do before that can happen. I think I will enjoy my stationary baby for the next few weeks.

This weekend Jon rediscovered how great the baby carrier is. It is amazing how much he can accomplish with Campbell in tow.

Campbell also spent time with her uncle Nathan this weekend. I am sure these two are going to be great friends.

Busy Baby..

2009-01-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

Campbell has turned into the busiest baby! This weekend she attended her first birthday party, spent time with grandma, and learned how to blow raspberries. It took her a while to decide on the perfect party dress to wear to her friend Kathleen's 30th birthday. She finally decided on this one:

She also spent some quality time with grandma. I know grandma is looking forward to the day I am ready to call in a babysitter!

It appears to be unanimous that Campbell looks like Jon. This is the run-down of what happens when someone meets Campbell, "she is so cute!! She looks just like Jon". He can enjoy it now, but just wait till the curly hair comes out, then we will see who she looks like!

3 months!

2009-01-11T20:10:00.001-08:00

For her 3 month birthday Campbell decided to share her laugh with us. She has been giggling and kind of chuckling for a while, but today she did a full belly laugh. Campbell had a busy week last week. She spends time with Jon in the morning, goes to daycare around noon, and I pick her up at 4. Then we head to cheerleading practice. This week Campbell also went to her first basketball game. I spent most of my time laughing at her trying to follow the game with her newly acquired head holding skills.

Campbell seems to be enjoying daycare and is very interested in the girls at cheerleading practice, (I am sure she is taking notes for later).

Here are her 3 month pictures we took today:

Mommy goes to work...baby goes to daycare

2009-01-04T21:14:00.002-08:00

Campbell starts daycare tomorrow, well if I don't change my mind again. We had a last minute daycare change today. I saw a few things I didn't like at our first daycareand after several "second opinions" I came to the conclusion that I was not overacting about the lady dropping Campbell's pacifier on the floor then promptly returning it to the baby's mouth, without washing it!! While I was able to fight back the urge to shake the lady, grab my baby back, and run out the door, I could not let Campbell stay there!

After Jon talked me out of quiting my job, I started the daycare search again. We ended up finding someone we both felt comfortable with. Jon decided that Campbell should go to daycare with instructions so he helped her write a letter to the new daycare lady:

Campbell Nicole Behrends

Things that make me happy
I like my puppet, his name is Fluppy. He barks when you press the heart on his chest. I like the star that lights up, I will stare at it until I get tired. I like things that make noise. Mommy and Daddy sent Rueben with me, he is a giraffe that lights up and talks to me. I will play on the play mat until I get tired. You will know I am tired when I get fussy. I would like to be fed and rocked to sleep when I am finished playing. I love to sleep in my car seat, or swing, that Daddy should have brought to your house. If you have time, I love to cuddle when I am sleeping. Holding me until I fall asleep is a must.

Things that make me sad
I absolutely hate being in a dirty diaper. If I am fussy and won’t stop crying, try changing my diaper. I don’t like it when I have a rumble in my tummy. I take a bottle no problem and will usually fall asleep after I have eaten. I need to be burped right after I finish my lunch. If you remove the empty bottle from my mouth and immediately replace it with a pacifier, I won’t make a sound.

Things that make Mommy sad
If my pacifier hits the ground, please do not stick it back in my mouth until it has been washed off. Mommy would appreciate it if no one kissed me on the mouth. She is has this thing about germs. I think it comes from working with kids all day.

Things that make Daddy sad
Daddy is super laid back and figures that you know more about kids than he does. Please prove him right!!

Thank you very much for welcoming me into your home. I will try to be good. Most days I am pure joy. Occasionally I have an off day, please forgive me. And please forgive Mommy & Daddy if this list grows over time. They are still learning what makes me happy and sad.

Can’t wait to get to know you,

Campbell Behrends

I am sure the daycare lady will appreciate a baby that comes with directions!

Since I have been out of work so long Campbell decided to help me brush up on my skills. She even let me start teaching her to read:

12 Weeks!!

2009-01-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

12 weeks means a couple of things in the Behrends household. First, it means that Campbell is growing up fast and we have been parents for 12 weeks!! It seems like just a couple of days ago we were left alone and terrified in a hospital room staring at this tiny human that we didn't even know!

12 weeks also means that I am going back to work. While I have mixed feelings about this I am looking forward to a little adult interaction.

In preparation of me going back to work Campbell has been nice enough to start sleeping through the night! She has been doing this for about 3 weeks, but I have been afraid to mention it thinking she may change her mind if I brag about it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this continues.

Christmas...and a road trip

2009-01-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

Campbell's first Christmas started out with a road trip to her great grandparent's house in Bremerton. Since the weather had been so bad we waited until that morning to make the decision if it was safe to drive.

Campbell and I had some time our hands before we left while Jon shoveled the two feet of snow off our roof. I decided she should pose for some Christmas morning pictures:

We only drove though a little snow and Campbell slept through her entire first road trip. (Both ways!)Campbell had fun playing with her great grandma, and was able to meet her great aunt Mary, great uncle Ron, and great uncle Mike.

Great grandma even offered to babysit while Jon and I ran to the mall. This was the first time we have gone somewhere without the baby. I couldn't help but feel as if I was forgetting something as we raced around the mall. We came home to see Campbell sleeping peacefully as if she had forgotten all about us.

Campbell was on her best behavior, and I am sure she is looking forward to going back! I think one of her favorite things was the view from the living room.

Snowed in!!

2008-12-24T17:50:00.001-08:00

Each time I think it can't snow anymore we get another couple of inches! Campbell and I have spent a lot of time watching the snow fall from the warm couch. Unfortunately Jon has been commuting to Portland. He stayed home a couple of days when the roads were really bad, and even stayed in Portland one night. I never thought I would say it, but I am ready for the rain to come back!

On his days off Jon has been busy clearing a path for the dogs and shoveling snow!

We have almost 2 feet of snow!! Our little town usually shuts down when we get a mere inch of snow! This storm has created chaos! Even our mail has not come all week! We are attempting to make it to my grandparents near Seattle for Christmas tomorrow, hopefully the weather cooperates.

Even with all the snow Campbell was able to attend her first wedding last weekend. We came prepared with bottles, diapers, and quick feet to head for the door in case Campbell objected. Once again our anxiety was unfounded as she proved just how perfect she is. The bride didn't even seem to mind that Campbell decided to wear white!

Campbell goes to the farm...

2008-12-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

Campbell and I made her first of many trips to the farm to visit my mom. Campbell turned out to be a great traveler. I on the other hand, could not seem to get us on the right plane. We still have not figured out how I managed to watch our plane board and take off with out us! I am sure I was too caught up in playing with the baby.

Campbell was unfazed as I scrambled to find another flight and raced to the other end of the airport. It seems people are very understanding and helpful when you are carrying a hungry baby, pushing a stroller and on the verge of tears. They even let me on the plane first and carried my things! Campbell was fed and asleep before the plane took off. She did not even know she was on a plane.

While the weather was too cold for Campbell to officially meet any cows or horses she was able to spend some quality time with her Grandma, Grandpa Mike, and Aunt Nicole.

While at the farm Campbell turned into a marathon sleeper. I suspect my mom is the baby whisperer. Campbell was taking 4-5 hour naps during the day, and sleeping through the night. My mom also taught me a little trick of putting a blanket over the car seat and then putting the baby in it. This turned out to be life changing!! Campbell was very content to hang out in this new seat. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy holding my baby, but sometimes you just have to put the baby down!!

My mom had found our old saddle that we used on our pony, Lady, when we were little. I was determined to get a picture of Campbell on it. Campbell seemed to disagree with my plan, I'm pretty sure she is waiting for the pony to be underneath it.

Our trip was extended because of snow in Portland. Campbell was unimpressed by her first snow storm. We arrived home to icy roads and snow everywhere. At least one member of our family is enjoying the snow:

Here is a picture of what our back yard looks like:

Victory.....sort of

2008-12-05T20:20:00.001-08:00

This is the closest I have come to capturing the cutest smile ever:

Campbell had a check up this week, and her two month shots. At 7 weeks she weighed 10 pounds 14 ounces. We can definitely tell she has gained weight. Campbell is finally filling out her clothes, in fact she has earned the nick name belly. I think she kind of looks like a frog.

She handled her shots like a champ, I am sure that she recovered faster than I did. Fortunately Jon was able to be there because I could hardly stand to be in the same room. Here is a picture before:

and after:

She slept most of the day, which really threw our sleeping schedule off. We are still working on fixing that!

I am in search of the perfect Christmas outfit. I know she will only wear it a few minutes, and probably spit up...or worse on it. Some day this baby will forgive me for playing dress up. Lucky for me she seems to be pretty patient!

Bath Time

2008-11-30T22:43:00.000-08:00

It didn't take Campbell very long to figure out that she loves bath time. Jon is certain this means she will be a surfer one day. I think the jury is still out on that one... maybe if the ocean water is as warm as her bath water.

Campbell is also starting to enjoy her toys. She has been really active and alert. Her new favorite game is sticking her tongue out. She has also been smiling a lot. I have been stalking her with the camera trying to catch of a picture of her new "tricks", but she seems to be winning that game. This is the best I could do so far.

Sleep...

2008-11-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

I get asked a lot about how we are all sleeping. The first month was a little rough. Campbell refused to sleep unless someone was holding her. So for a while we slept like this:

And like this:

Out of desperation I even had her sleep in the bed with me. Finally I decided to give the bassinet next to our bed one last try. I swaddled her up as tight as I could, got her to fall asleep, and crossed my fingers when I put her down. I woke up 5 hours later in a panic not remembering where the baby was. We had a break through!! Most nights Campbell is asleep by 8 and wakes up about every 4-5 hours. We do have the occasional night where she does not want to sleep, but for the most part she sticks to this schedule. Here is a picture of what she looked like that morning. She had completely busted out of my swaddling job, but I still felt like celebrating our accomplishment.

Campbell's First Visitors

2008-11-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Campbell's first visitors

Better Late Than Never!!

2008-11-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

After weeks of promising to post a website where people can stay updated on Baby Campbell I finally found a little time to start one.

I'll give a quick recap of what our lives have been like these past couple of months. I promise to include plenty of pictures.

The pregnancy

Except for the last two weeks my pregnancy was pretty uneventful. I began having strong, regular contractions at about two and a half weeks from my due date. They were time able, but not strong enough to push me into full blown labor.

After several disappointing trips to the doctor and one trip to labor and delivery when I was sure it was time, my doctor agreed to induce me on October 10th.

This picture was taken at 31 weeks

The Birth Story

We checked into the hospital around 10 am on Friday, October 10th. The labor and delivery department was full so we waited about an hour before they started the pitocin (the labor inducing drug). I spent most of the day pretty comfortable. My mom and sister arrived that afternoon and were able to give Jon a little break.

We were very fortunate that our good friend Allie who happens to be a labor and delivery nurse in the same hospital was able to be with us throughout the entire process.

It was so nice to have Allie there to explain things and keep us company, especially because we skipped the birthing class. At one point the baby didn't agree with the position I was in and her heartbeat dropped. In one swift motion Allie was out of her chair and had flipped me over. Jon and I still didn't realize what was going on when the nurses came in. She even went from labor coach to photographer. Our experience would not have been the same without Allie there, and I know we would not have any pictures as neither one of us was thinking about taking pictures.

My doctor came in around 4 and hinted that this may not be the day. I still could not imagine that I would go another day without having this baby. In my mind they give you the medicine and you have a baby, I did not realize it was such a process. At 9 the doctor called my room and we decided to continue the pitocin until midnight. When the nurse came in at 11:30 I agreed that this was not the night and begged for food since I had not eaten all day.

After a sleepless night of listening to everyone in the hospital have a baby except me we started the process again.

My doctor came in around 8 and announced that this was the day (I knew I loved this man). He broke my water which really caused things to get moving. Almost instantly my contractions went from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful. Around 1, after snapping at Jon once, and crawling on the floor I decided it was time for the epidural. I quickly returned to my normal, happy self.

By 5 it was time to start pushing. I am sure that Campbell was waiting on a couple of things before making her big debut; a name, (we worked on this all day), and her great grandparents to arrive. With the Oregon State football game in the background distracting both me and the doctor, Campbell was born at 7:26 pm on October 11th.

After some bonding time Jon quickly went to the waiting room that was full of anxious grandparents and great grand parents.