First Doctor Visit

So our first family trip out was to Eva's doctor checkup. All went great and wanted to share the experience with all of you. First of all, I am so thankful that Eva LOVES her car seat. She just goes right to sleep in it and made us feel so good about taking her anywhere. 

So we felt very parental at the doctor. I had all these forms that I had to fill out for her and realized she is really our responsibility now. But then we just acted like tourists taking pictures of the whole thing :-) I am sure we werent the first new parents to do this. After seeing the pics I am sure glad we did.

All checked out great with her. After a night of being worried I was feeding her enough, it was super encouraging to see that she's now 6 lbs 4 oz. Thats a 12 oz weight gain in 3 days! (Jon thinks she needs to start doing crunches- hehe) All of her vitals were perfect and she's a wonderfully healthy baby. What more could I ask for. She's healthy, beautiful and growing. We are so blessed!

Going Home - Monday, October 27

After such a wonderful experience at Willow Creek, we were ready for our experience to be at home. So we left the hospital with Eva in tow around 1 pm Monday. Here we go into the next chapter of our lives.

Daddy and Mommy taking Eva home

All bundled up and ready to go home

Jon patiently waiting for the doctor's to make their rounds so we could go home.

Paperwork coming with us for her baby book

Her bag all packed...

... and was welcomed by Molly & Gabby. They did go great with her. What a blessing (and a relief).

Of course she wore her little Razorback socks at home the first day.

The little angel was so small even this tiny outfit was too big but oh so cute. I couldnt stand not keeping her in it all day.

Dad is the best diaper changer/swaddler ever. I laughed though when I found out why she doesn't cry when he does it. I have to admit, those toes are pretty kissable!

So we're here enjoying every second together. Its really been an indescribable feeling of joy and responsibility. I cant even begin to imagine our life now without Eva around. She is the perfect addition to our family and just such a sweet little baby. Jon and I just sit and stare at her all the time. She's a perfect mix of the two of us that its fun to watch her change and grow. 

Would love to see everyone anytime. Until then, we'll keep this updated the best I can. 

Love,

Amanda, Jon & Eva

Sweet Pictures

My sweet family! We could see their feet under the door on the other side. I was told that when one of the nurses opened the door that someone fell in. That made me laugh :-) because I have now been on both sides of this door :-) 

I love these moments that Brooke captured. Mimi and Aunt Beth are already loving Eva here!

And my ultimate favorite... there is no better picture to capture how I felt at that moment than this does. Eva has just light up my life like nothing else. Its amazing how much love I have for her already and to know that its only going to grow is even better!

Lots of Love

The one thing Eva Beth is not short on is love. Sunday we were surrounded by family and friends all wanting to love on this little sweetheart. To be honest, I cant blame them. Would you just look at this face. :-)

Aunt Lauren is so proud!

We were so happy that Grandpa Mac drove up from Little Rock to meet his 5th granddaughter!

Laurie was in town for the Hog game so I was so excited she was able to stop by on her way back to Hot Springs. 

And after flying home from Arizona, Ammie made it to the hospital Sunday morning and hasnt left our side since! Thanks Ammie! This is a special time we'll all always remember.

The best part was that Jon wouldnt put her down for a second. If no one else had her, Eva could be found in Daddy's arms. Not much has changed since then.

Heidi has been such an encouragement and "big sister" through this whole pregnancy. I was so happy to have her with me Saturday morning and then again Sunday when she brought the girls back to meet Eva.

Caroline was all grins the whole time she was with us!

Momma and Eva taking some time to be together. In all the craziness, our time was limited but special. 

Proof that Jon and I did our best to get to everyone as soon as we could :-) Thank goodness for wireless at Willow Creek.

Ammie and JJ witnessing Jon changing Eva's first diaper. So cute and he did great. Jon is now the master swaddler even!

The Big Day

Saturday, October 25 began early and ended late but fortunately ended with the most beautiful little angel in my arms. Dr. Emily Hinton was our doctor this weekend and was fantastic. She began the petocin at 7:30, I got my epideral around 8:30 and it was game time. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how smooth that all went. Its always worse than you think its going to be and at this point Jon and I were so excited that they could have done anything and we'd be fine. We were already surrounded by loved ones by 10 am.
So now that I was "ready to go" we just had to let my body do its thing. This unfortunately took a while. I was moving along but VERY slowly. Lots of people came and went all day which was a wonderful distraction and great to see how loved we all three are. By 2 pm though, I had only gotten to 2 cm and 60% effaced so we were getting concerned I may not be able to do this without a c-section. Fortunately, through lots of prayer, increased petocin and patience, I quickly progressed to a 4.5 by 7 pm. The best part was that this was when I decided to sit up because I'd been laying down all down and was going stir crazy. However it cut off my block for an hour!! Jon and I labored through this and we finally got the pain meds to kick back in. This must have done something because by 9:30 pm I was now at a 9. The awesome nurse stayed with me and encouraged me to a 10!! It was time to go. 
So after an hour of pushing with the help of the worlds best coaching team (Jon, Allyn and Lauren) and the best nurses and doctor I could have asked for - our dream became a reality. 

At 10:57 pm, weighing only 5 lbs, 15 oz, Eva Beth Whittaker was in our arms and completed our little family. 

Jon and I feel so incredibly blessed to have everyone praying for us over these last few years. To get to this day was worth it all and praise the Lord for being with us through the pregnancy, the labor and now as her parents.  We had the ones we love dearly with us and feel so thankful for the outpour of love and support. 

My Aunt Beth and Kate holding her for the first time. I think Eva Beth loves her namesake as much as we do.

The worlds best coaches!

Jon and I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been there for us and who are already the best support system we could ask for. I tell everyone that labor was the hardest most wonderful thing I have ever done. There's no way you cant hold your little baby and not realize this is what it's all about - this is what I was meant to do. I can not wait to continue to share her life with you all.

Love, 

Amanda, Jon & Eva

The Night Before...

How this little princess came into the world is the most incredible story I had to finally sit down and share with you all.

Friday morning, Oct 24th was my regular 39 week appt with Dr. Duke. All was going well. I had made the progress that they wanted and we were discussing inducing labor Monday when Jon got back from 1st stage of Q School. Then he decided to go ahead and check via ultrasound how big she was going to be to make sure she was ready to come. It was then that he looked at me and asked when Jon would be home. I knew Jon was planning on splitting up the drive from Houston so I said by noon Saturday. Knowing this he said ok, then lets go ahead and have this baby Saturday. Holy Cow! My mind was racing, my heart was pounding with excitement and anxiety. Since her amniotic fluids were low, the doctor didn't want to wait until Monday so here we go.

I left the clinic and made a million calls but first went into the office to finish things up, say my goodbyes and close that door for 3 months. I then realized I needed to get a pedicure/manicure so after that was taken care of, ran by the bank, grabbed lunch - I came home to have some quiet time, make more calls (which means I never really got any quiet time) and loaded the car to be back at the hospital by 5 pm.

The best part was when Jon called. Keep in mind this whole time Jon was playing his final round at 1st stage in Houston so he had no idea this was happening. I got to talk to him at about 2:45. Found out he did in fact he played GREAT and made it through! He asked how my appointment went and thats when I told him it went GREAT too. he joked and said "what are you having a baby?" and i responded with an "actually, yes, I have to be at the hospital at 5."

So that was that. Jon drove straight home that night. I checked in to begin the process that night. My sweet sister drove up to keep me company, Mom came up to visit with us and so did Jess! We had a blast laughing and talking and keeping me relaxed. Jon made it in town around midnight to relieve Lauren. Hooray! Eva Beth was really on her way now!

Hoping, Waiting, Wishing

Another Friday appointment, another Friday update... however no real new news to report which is actually a blessing for now. Jon left to go to Houston for 1st stage of Q school today so leaving with the doctor saying she's a couple weeks away was ok by us. Deep down I was hoping for more progress but still at 1 cm and 0% effaced so we have a ways to go. Health - wise, Eva and I are perfectly text book so praise the Lord there. Now we just get to walk alot and patiently wait. Wait on Dad to come home, wait on Eva to progress some more and wait on the big day. Our bags are packed, the car seat is ready and everything is washed, installed and assembled. This next week will be full of anticipation and excitement but mostly the girls here are wishing Jon a great week to put him one step closer to a great end to the golf year!

As I type this I am sincerely overwhelmed with how amazing this year has turned out. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful & supportive family, have this beautiful miracle of a new baby to look forward to meeting very soon, a group of friends who have brought so much joy (and friends for Eva) in our lives, a job that- for all it puts me through- I love. But most of all, I have a husband who couldn't be a sweeter, more loving and devoted man and now father. I am thrilled we have spent the last 9 years together and look forward to a million more as we begin this new chapter in our lives. Life is pretty good from where I sit.

Until next week I'll keep hoping, waiting and wishing.