Charming Charlie

This last week has been a complete blur. I couldn't tell you my Tuesday from my Wednesday. Some days have been harder than others but we're surviving. Most importantly Charlotte is surviving- more like thriving actually! She has successfully made it onto breathing without help, and even pooped twice on her own yesterday. Her next milestones are maintaining her own body temperature and gaining some weight, which can't be too far off with the determination this little girl seems to have.

I've learned some things this week too. I think the most important being- don't take anything for granted. I'll never get a first pregnancy again, and I spent much of the time finding things to complain about. Now, I'd give anything to still be pregnant (don't get me wrong I'm savoring every moment I have with my sweet miracle baby). Also, after almost 23 years of hearing "just wait til you're a mom....." I FINALLY get what it's all about. I know what that means now! Being a mom is the best and most terrifying thing ever. But I wouldn't trade it for the world! 

Although things with this pregnancy did not go at all as planned, I am beyond grateful for the outcome.

I think its no secret that my sweet baby girl gets cuter everyday (if that's even possible)!

Miracle Baby

Let me start out by saying it took me a long time to figure out what I should title this entry.. Unprepared, unexpected, underestimated, most terrifying experience of my life!... These are just several of the words that went through my mind when I think about how to describe Thursday June 21, 2012- the day we met (very briefly for me anyway) our beautiful little girl. We welcomed Charlotte (TBD) Olson into the world at 6:44pm via c-section. Weighing in at 2 lbs 10 oz this strong little one came out breathing all on her own- some would say that in itself is a miracle. Although it wouldn't last too long, I knew from that moment she's a fighter, and she's gunna make it. 


I guess I should back up a bit and explain how it all happened... Thursday afternoon I went in for a 30 week ultrasound to make sure this little girl was growing on schedule.. Jared and I both admitted to having not so great feelings the week leading up to the appointment, I hadn't felt her move much and was worried something was off. That morning as I got ready I laughed to myself 'what if I had to have the baby today? Haha, no way I don't even have diapers.' Unfortunately that's only the beginning if how unprepared I am... And in just a few short hours (it literally felt like minutes) I was being rushed across the street to St Marys to be hooked up to monitors and IVs. Little Charlie's growth was, well, just that. Little. My doctor had hoped to keep her in for as long as possible to ensure the best development for her lungs she could get by steroid shots. Unfortunately I got only one shot before it was decided we couldn't wait another day and I was almost immediately taken to the OR. They wasted no time drugging me up and before I knew it the neonatologist was showing me my first (much too quick) glimpse of our sweet baby. And that's the last I'd see of her for 11 of the longest hours of my life.. Ideally I was to go back to my recovery room and rest up as much as I could (hows one hour of sleep in 30 hours?-I'd say pretty good considering the circumstances..) while Charlie went to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to be poked and prodded and worked up. I sent Jared frequently for reports and picture updates of how our little one was progressing. All was good. Even the doctors agreed she's making great steps. Such a strong, brave, courageous little girl we have on our hands... How did I get so lucky? If I'd not have gone into my doctor appointment we might be singing a very different tune tonight--to say the least. The fear, the tears, the worry and upset- I'd have to say so far it's worth it all. She's a beauty for sure and not only that but she's a trooper. Jared and I joked we should make her middle name be 'Norris' so we can call her 'Chuck Norris' cuz nothing can take this little sweetie down. 


Being born ten weeks early puts her up for many risks and challenges to overcome, but I'm confident that she can do it. I've felt the love and prayers of all those around us and that night she was born there's no denying the spirit that poured all around me. I WE love that little girl so much after knowing her just a short time. So there you have it, she's a miracle in every way and even though we've got a long, terrifying road ahead we're already so blessed to have this little slice of heaven in our lives!

Birthday Blunders

Jared had his 24th Birthday yesterday! I've come to realize though with each year that passes, birthdays become just another day of the week.. I couldn't refused to let this day go by unnoticed though and spent the majority of it crafting up some homemade decor, a sweet little cupcake for two recipe and wrapping my heart out (not really, he only got two gifts- which I'm pretty sure positive were no surprise to him).  I was sneaky enough to get one surprise by him--although this, I would later find out, was a major FAIL too. (Perhaps I am just not good at Birthday Surprises....) Jared's recent favorite dish comes from Chili's- and it's all he's been talking about- well, not really, but it comes up pretty often. I ordered it to go and picked it up shortly before he was to arrive home, along with a RedBox (another fail... redbox let me down for the first time ever not having the movie that I wanted). But I know what you're all wondering, how I could fail at getting Jared's favorite meal? Well, come to find out- after he'd practically (probably) force fed himself dinner- he had not one but TWO lunches. 

Not to worry though, the night ended with an unexpected stop at Yogurt Beach (I know, more food right?) and a happy (full) Birthday Boy.