Top of the charts

With Jeff making it just in time from Texas, the three of us headed off to Aubrey's two-week doctor's appointment. She is still a very healthly baby. She currently weighs 9 lb, 8 oz (75th-95th percentile), is 22 3/4 inches long (>95th percentile) and her head measures 14 1/2 inches (75th percentile). So, she's growing extremely well and seems to be a tall little girl. Daddy is now hoping she takes after Mommy and is left-handed so he can groom her to be a left-handed setter. :) (originally posted on Babysites)

Memorial Day weekend in Orion

What a weekend! With Jeff off to Austin for a few days, Aubrey and I hit the roads back to Orion. Aubrey traveled extremely well only waking up 10 minutes before reaching Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was short lived though as she was back to sleep 2 minutes before getting there. I swear I checked the mirror to look at her at least 1,000 times on the way to make sure she was okay.

Once we got there, it was one thing after another. It wasn't long before the visitors starting coming in. I wish I could say everyone was happy to see me, but it was definitely Aubrey they were interested in. Friday night we had dinner at my parents with Bruce, Debbie and Jenny Schultz as well as my sisters, Deanna and Denise, and brother, Aaron and their families. Aubrey didn't mind whose arms she was in and must have felt extremely comfortable as she continued to sleep while being passed around.

Saturday was another busy day as we headed up to the church for a joint baby shower with Lissy and her baby-to-be due in July. We had a great turnout with relatives in from Wisconsin and Indiana, as well as many locally, and Aubrey received a lot of lovely gifts. She got so many cute clothes, I might have to play dress up with her just so she can wear them all at least once! Thanks to everyone who attended and for all of the great presents!

After the shower, we then headed to visit Great Grandma Harkey. After a recent fall and hip surgery, she is now in a rehabilitation facility working to get better. I'm not sure who was more excited...Aubrey or Grandma...but they hit it off. Grandma loved holding her and she smiled the whole time. Aubrey, of course, slept which means she was just as happy.

Sunday we went to East Moline to a family picnic at Mary and Ray Rangel's house. There were a lot more relatives there and once again, Aubrey managed to make her way into everyone's arms. She is such a great baby though and didn't fuss one bit. After the picnic, we went to watch Kyle play baseball. It was Aubrey's first athletic event with many, many more to come in her future. Even though Kyle's team didn't win, Aubrey stayed awake through the entire game. She must really enjoy sports! (At least...that's what Mommy and Daddy are hoping for...)

After a couple of more relaxing days at home...and lots of help from Grandma and Grandpa...Aubrey and I headed back home. We needed one more night at home to get settled in before Daddy made it back from Nationals. We had such a great time in Orion and are so thankful for all of the love we felt from everyone. Thanks for helping me out and giving me some much needed rest and relaxation!

Finally on Wednesday...Jeff returned from Austin. We were both so happy to have him back home. We missed him immensely even though we were able to send him lots of pictures and talk to him on the phone each day. It's good to be back together with him again! (originally posted on Babysites)

Two weeks old

Sorry for the delay in providing you an update on Aubrey. She's been keeping us extremely busy so far but we're not complaining one bit! Every day is definitely a challenge but the joy that she brings to our life definitely outweighs it all. This week was Jeff's first week back to work. Aubrey and I were sad to see him leave but we knew that the time would come. Even though we've had many sleepless nights lately, somehow she manages to spend the days wide awake and eating a lot! It's hard to believe she can eat so much! :) She has her next checkup on Wednesday and we're anxious to see how much she weighs now. I wouldn't be surprised if she's gained a pound already. This weekend ahead looks to be a fun one! Jeff is heading to Austin for Nationals for a few days, so Aubrey and I are going back to Orion. I'm so excited for her to meet all of her cousins, aunts and uncles and to see Grandma and Grandpa again. From what I hear, they are just as excited to see her, too! While we are at home we will be going to a baby shower for her and Alissa's baby to be, visit great grandma and grandpa, going to a picnic and possibly to one of Kyle's baseball games. It'll be a busy weekend but I'm sure we will do just fine. We are definitely going to miss her daddy though! Lastly, I want to thank Jeff for everything that he has done for me. Even though he isn't able to help with the feedings, he is there to help me with everything else. The first week at home I joked that I was a slave to Aubrey and he was a slave to me. He didn't bat an eye when I asked him to get me more water, food, etc. The support he provides shows that we are a team and we are so happy to going through this time together. I'm sure Aubrey can already tell how much her daddy and I love her! (originally posted on Babysites)

First appointment

We went to Aubrey's first doctor's appointment this morning. Everything is great and she is very healthy. She gained 4 oz since leaving the hospital and is halfway back to her birth weight. Aubrey likes to eat, which Mommy is fully aware of. (originally posted on Babysites)

Baby is born!

(posted by Jeff on Babysites) ~ Aubrey didn't want to wait until her 7:15 am induction appointment to be born. Kristy's water broke last night around 11:15 pm. We hustled to the hospital. Kristy was feeling quite a bit of pain from the contractions so she opted for the epidural shortly after arrival. She was already dilated to 5cm at the time so it wasn't long before it was time to push. Aubrey Morgan Sandberg was born at 4:08am. She was 8lbs, 4oz and 21 inches long. Mom and baby are both doing well. Kristy did an amazing job pushing and keeping her composure throughout the whole process. I am truly amazed at her strength and sacrifice. She is the love of my life!

(posted by Kristy) ~ Here is additional information from my perspective ~ The night before Aubrey was born, I was so excited, nervous, worried, etc. It's hard to imagine you could feel so many emotions at once. My parents were in town and we went out for dinner at Giordano's Pizza for what I called my "last" meal. After we got home from dinner, we relaxed and watch the Bulls playoff game. Then it was time for bed. About 10:30pm, I went up and started to get ready (brushed teeth, washed face, etc). I went to the bathroom and stood up. Immediately, I felt I had to go again. This continued on several times, even to the point where I feel I "wet" myself a little. Finally, I asked Jeff to go and get my "What to expect" book and my Mom. At this point, we were pretty sure my water had broken and I went to lay in bed to see if I had any contractions. Sure enough, as soon as I was horizontal, the first contraction came. It was go-time!

We immediately loaded up the car and headed up. I was admitted to the hospital around 12am. I had full intentions of trying to go as long as I could without any pain medication. Apparently I'm not as tough as I thought as I only lasted halfway through the admission questions before requesting an epidural. :) Before I knew it, in came the anesthesiologist. The nurse offered to be my support person and told Jeff he could step out as he nearly passed out once he saw the needle! I instantly felt relief and it was now time to wait. Being I was already dilated 6cm and 90% effaced, we knew it wouldn't be long. Around 3am. we started pushing. The time flew by! For about 45 minutes I pushed. It took a bit to figure out how to do it properly (not through my face). Once I developed my "modified" grip and started receiving coaching from Jeff, it became somewhat easier. (Unbeknownst to him, he was given a leg to hold). Finally, our little girl was born. Jeff was there to see the full head of hair before she was completely out and we both waited to hear "It's a girl!". I instantly started crying, Jeff wasn't sure where to look, the new baby or at me to make sure I was okay. But, our little baby was here! Jeff did extremely well. Going in, he wasn't even sure he'd be able to be in the room without fainting, let alone take an active role in the birth. I love him to pieces and am so happy we brought our little girl in as a team!

Week 41 checkup

Well...it's been another week... The good news is there will be a baby tomorrow! I am scheduled to be induced at 7:15am. There is a chance that I will have to deliver ceserean due to the baby having a big head and me having a small pelvis but I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to deliver a healthy baby! I'm still to 5cm dialated and the baby's heartbeat sounds good. We look forward to what tomorrow will bring! (originally posted on Babysites)