Baby Mason 3 weeks old!

Watching Mason grow over the last few weeks has been such an amazing experience. It really changes our whole family or I should say makes our family whole. He had his first trip to Grandma and Grandpa's house the other night for spaghetti dinner. Let's just say we are not used to eating dinner while a baby is crying, but we will definitely be becoming accustomed to that noise in the coming months. We can't wait for his little cousin to join him. By the time Ami get's it down, it will be her turn to guide me. She is doing such a wonderful job and enjoying her days at home with Mason (even when they don't include a shower or breakfast!). He is such a strong little guy and already holds his head by himself. Sounds crazy, but he has already rolled half way over. Yay Mason...can't wait to hold and snuggle you again! Your auntie and uncle love you!

24 weeks=6 months

I can hardly believe we are only 4 months away from our due date! The time has gone by so fast. I can't wait to meet the little man moving around inside of me. I look forward to every move he makes. Unfortunately, at this 6 month period I am starting to experience a bit of discomfort. I have been battling indigestion at night, but worst of all...itchy skin! My whole body itches so bad. Some days are better/worse than others. Last night was probably one of the worst. I scratched my feet so hard that they stung when I took a shower. I go to the doctor on Tuesday so hopefully he can offer me something to make it better. I have been doing research on the internet (mistake), which says it is normal due to increased estrogen, but it also says there is a rare liver condition that could occur. Since I do have a history of liver malfunction, I am a bit concerned. Now comes the hardest part...practice what you preach. If you itch it, it is only going to make it worse. So, my goal today is NO ITCHING!

We are starting to prepare for our little guy and have started purchasing the nursery essentials. Thanks to his Grandma & Grandpa Mahoney and Grandma & Grandpa Lambert, he has a new crib and dresser awaiting assembly. We also bought the nursery bedding and a few other things to hang on the walls. I can hardly wait to start putting it all together. In other words...I can hardly wait to watch Matt put it all together! Stay tuned!

Happy Birthday Mason!

Mason Anthony Padilla was born Friday, January 7th at 1:58 a.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. He is a beautiful baby boy with tons on black hair. I am the proudest auntie in the world. It was so amazing to meet him when he was only minutes old. Thank you Ami and Tony for letting me be a part of your birth experience. I have to say, my sister is one strong woman. Not only during her pregnancy did she hardly ever complain, but during labor she never shed a tear. After witnessing her labor I have to admit, I am a little scared, but I know it will subside.

Mason was one week overdue, but was very ready to join the world. Ami was admitted to the hospital Thursday evening to be induced. Once checked in, her doctor believed she would not deliver until the following day. She was only dilated to a 1 and having minor contractions, which she could not yet feel. Well, that situation quickly changed. Once she had received the pill to begin inducing labor she was placed on oxygen. Reason being, the babies heart rate was deceling. The extra oxygen would make sure the baby received what he needed. Ten o'clock p.m., Ami was snug as a bug and preparing to sleep the night away. Tony had been delivered a cot so he too could stay with her.

Eleven o'clock p.m., "Ashley...Ami's water broke! Tony called and he said it is time for us to come to the hospital. See you there." (Mom) I sprang from the couch ran into our bedroom and woke Matt up. I quickly gathered my clothes, brushed my teeth, packed some snacks, and ran out the door. When I entered the labor and delivery room, Ami lay there with her whole body quivering. Now this was scary. I had never seen someone shake so bad, especially Ami (woman of steel). The nurse assured us this was normal and would go away once she received her ITN. Contractions were 1 minute apart, but were increased to 2 minutes apart once they gave have her some medicine to slow the contractions. She was only dilated to a 3 at this point and not yet ready to deliver. The babies HR continued to decel and mom's contractions began coupling. After trying several positions and the ITN beginning to where off, the decision was made to do a cesarean.

Shortly after, baby Mason arrived. Tony and Ami did a wonderful job and I am very proud of how strong they have been. They are going to be wonderful parents. Matt and I have so much to look forward to!

20 Weeks

Well, we are half way there. I can hardy believe how fast the time has gone by. I have been very fortunate to have such a great pregnancy. I really only have minor complaints. The best part about being 20 weeks is, I feel our baby boy move all of the time. It is really the best feeling ever! I would have never imagined it would feel this way. He is a pretty active guy. We went to see the perinatologist this week along with our doctor and they both agreed the baby is developing prefectly. He weighs about 12 ou. and is expected to arrive somewhere around May 18th. Lately, I have felt like I am growing and the only thing that feels comfortable is flannel pijamas. Thankfully, both my mom and Carol read my mind for Christmas gifts this year. I'm sure Matt loves coming home to his "ol' lady" and her flannel pijamas.