Christmas has come and gone!!!

Izzie's first Christmas passed by so quickly! It seems like everyday this past week was filled with activities starting at the very minute we woke up. Oh well, it was still great. It's just nice to pause every once in awhile and take a minute to do nothing but stare at our precious little girl. It seems like everything really does pass by so quickly. The thought of it almost brings tears to my eyes. Before we know it, she will be crawling, walking, and talking!!! Oh goodness.

Well, we got to spend a lot of time with our families. We saw Nina, Grandaddy, Grandma, Poppy, and of course Uncle Eric, Rylee, Auntie Tori, Aunt B, and Aunt Hannah. Izzie didn't undeerstand what was going on and slept through most of the festivities. We did take a few pictures as proof she was there. ;)

Oh! Almost forgot. Izzie saw the doctor for her 2 month check-up and shots. She was in the 97th percentile for everything. She weighed 14lbs 5oz and 26.5 inches long. She's such a big, healthy, beautiful girl!!! We've been blessed.

Getting Ready for Christmas!

Todd and I are busy getting ready for Christmas with Izzie! We are so excited. Of course, most parents would be excited. The family is preparing for a bunch of "firsts" with Miss Izzie. We have so many traditions to start. She has now decorated her first Christmas tree that holds her first ornament. She has her first stocking that I'm hoping to get monogrammed as soon as I have a few spare minutes. We are trying to record a few moments with our camera and camcorder. It's hard catching everything.

We also decided that I was going to do the shopping for Izzie and Todd was going to open with Izzie. That way the shopping isn't totally pointless. Izzie is too young to get excited about all the wrapped presents with pretty bows, so that's what we have designated daddy to do! It's daddy's job to get excited about her presents. Of course, mommy and daddy won't know what Santa brings her, so we will both be excited about that ;).

More importantly, Todd and I are trying to still keep the reason for the season first among everything else going on.

If you all could keep us in your prayers as well. I know there are people out there more deserving of them. However, I just went back to work last week and I am still trying to conquer all the sadness that enters my heart when I leave my baby at home. I know we are so blessed to have so many family members helping us. We don't even have to leave her in daycare or with a stranger. It is still very hard for us.

Here is a couple pictures. Enjoy! Christmas cards will be in the mail soon!

With Much Love,
The Kirklands

Miss Izzie's First Thanksgiving!

Izzie's Great Grandfather... So Precious

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful our first Thanksgiving was with Izzie. Many of you know, that my father had a bit of a scare at the beginning of the week. We weren't sure if he was going to be able to come home from the hospital to be with us at Thanksgiving. After having one stent placed and lots of prayers, he made it just in time for dinner.

We had a few family members come to South Carolina to meet Izzie for the first time. It's amazing getting to watch your grandparents, uncle, and cousins see and hold your daughter. My grandmother had already visited us once, but she was still just as excited as the first time. My grandpa was absolutely in love. I think pretty much everyone was. I probably only held my daughter for a couple of minutes during the days they were here. I could not beg them to hand her over to me. My grandpa held Izzie like a pro and sang songs like "Jesus Loves Me" to her. It melted my heart. My Uncle Billy stole her the next night. She slept on his big teddy bear chest for the longest time. I could go on and on, but I won't bore you all. It's just amazing how many sweet, sweet memories can be made in just a couple days. Here are a few of many precious pictures. Enjoy!


Nina and Izzie

Random Moments of the Past Month

Izzie is One Month Old!!!

Our little Miss Priss is one month old. It's unbelievable. I feel like it was just yesterday that we were on the way to the hospital to have our daughter. I'm sure Todd feels the same way. She's getting so big. Izzie is now holding her head up. It scares me to death. We will be holding her up to burp and she'll just lift her head off our shoulder and stare at us. She likes using her arms to push up off our chest. It's amazing. Izzie is also starting to coo and smile. However, she normally only smiles after a nice good meal except when her Nina is around. Nina knows how to make her smile without eating- haha. I guess it is just that special touch a grandmother has.

I'm going to put up a few pictures of her that were taken yesterday. I got this great idea from a friend. I'm going to take pictures of her every month sitting in the same chair with the same bear. It's a good way to see how much our little one is growing.

So far, Todd and I have agreed that Izzie has her mommy's personality, lips, and hands. Izzie has her daddy's feet, toes, ears, and she is probably going to have brown eyes (even though we still can't really tell). It's so fun trying to sort it out and guess though!

Izzie's First Halloween!

Izzie is a little too young in my opinion to be going around the neighborhood or to the church's "Trunk-or-Treat," but we did have a little bit of fun. We got Izzie dressed up in her little ghost costume and custom made bow (designed by her mommy haha) and went to the shop/Custom Framer to see Nina and Grandaddy. After stopping by there, we went to Grandma and Poppy's house. Grandma wasn't home, but Poppy was more than happy to see our little ghost.

Later that afternoon, Nina and Grandaddy came over to help us answer the door and watch the Gamecocks sadly get beat. Grandma also got a chance to stop by and take a peak at Miss Izzie before it was time to get in her pajamas.

Here are a couple pictures from our day. Enjoy :)

Very Late! But Isabelle Is Here! A little TMI

I'm so sorry this is very late, but on a happy note Miss Izzie is here! We ended up being induced on October 8, 2009, at 6:00am. Todd and I got to the hospital bright and early. I got little sleep the night before. It kind of felt like Christmas Eve, but the present was going to be a lot bigger and sweeter! We woke up a few minutes before 5:00 that morning. Of course, I knew there was going to be lots of pictures so I made sure I at least had some makeup on. It had not hit me yet that I was going to be doing a lot of hard work that day and all that makeup was going to be washed away. We arrived at the hospital and went up to the second floor's labor and delivery unit. A nurse immediately greeted us and said, "You must be Cassie, Todd, and the baby is Isabelle Grace." It was nice knowing that we were expected and had such a nice smiley face to greet us (even that early in the morning). She walked us to our "suite." It was a pretty nice, big, clean room. I had to change into all the hospital attire (only a gown), answered what seemed to be about a hundred questions, and signed a whole bunch of forms. The doctor came in at 7:30 to break my water. I was already contracting on my own, so the doctor agreed to wait on the pitocin (a drug that starts and speeds up contractions). Unfortunately, the doctor wanted my contractions to be a lot stronger, so the pitocin was started around 8:3o. I wanted to be a "big girl" and wait on the epidural as long as possible. I eventually was in tears with pain. Thank goodness had my mom and Todd there to talk some sense into me. They told me I was no less of a "big girl" for not wanting to be in pain. I'm so glad they talked me into getting the epidural when I did, because right after I got it the nurse told me I was already 8 centimeters dilated (which basically would have been too late for any pain interventions like the epi). Shortly after the nurse checked me at 8, I told her I felt some pressure. She came back and I was fully dilated. I wasn't ready to push yet though! The doctor wanted me to "labor down" or basically let my body do most of the work and get Izzie lower. I rested for about an hour. We started pushing at about 2:30 with the nurses. Everything was good, but every time I pushed Izzie would come down but then move back up. She wouldn't stay down. The nurses told me that Dr. Jones would talk to me about using a vacuum to help her and me. Well, once I heard this I knew I didn't want that to happen. It's just not the best thing for the baby or me. Dr. Jones shortly after came in and told me that she knew I could do it. She gave me a good pep talk and about 3-4 pushes later Izzie greeted the world. It took about an hour of hard work and pushing total. She was born at 3:24pm weighing in at 8lbs 7.2oz and 20.5 inches long!! Dr. Jones swore the baby only weighed 8lbs in her cheeks. She insisted the whole last couple weeks of my pregnancy, Izzie would only be 7lbs. I kept telling her that Izzie would be over 8!

We stayed two days in the hospital per doctor's order. I only got about an hour of sleep the first night, but was so infatuated with my little girl it didn't matter. The sleep deprivation definitely started hitting me the next day. By Saturday, Todd and I were both happy to be going home with Izzie.

Izzie is now 3 weeks old today! Each day gets a little better in regards to learning how to be a parent. We don't get a lot of sleep, but it's all worth it! Izzie eats like a champ and weighed 9lbs and 6oz at her two week doctor's check-up. She's a very healthy little girl.

Have to go for now. I will hopefully have time to post more about our parenting journeys later! Izzie is calling me for some supper, haha.

38+ weeks!!!

I have forgotten to update this little blog for Isabelle and family! So sorry. Here is a quick run down of what has been going on. At around 34 weeks, we found out at the doctor's office that I was already a centimeter dilated and 50% effaced. Todd and I were really amazed that we were seeing "progress" in that way. Ok, Todd was not amazed, because he really did not know what that meant. He was excited once I told him though. :) The doctor informed us that at this point in our pregnancy nothing would be done to stop baby Izzie from saying hello to the world. Our next visit was a couple days before 36 weeks. At this appointment, the doctor checked me out again. We were 2 centimeters and 70% effaced! Once again, I was amazed. Most first time moms supposedly do not progress this easily or early. Dr. Jones thought I only had maybe two weeks at the most before meeting our daughter. Our 37 week appointment rolled around. Todd was out of town, so my mom went with me. The doctor checked me out again. I was a little disappointed when she told me I was still 2cm and only 80% effaced this time. However, the doctor agreed that if I did not have Isabelle by my next appointment we could schedule an induction. I was happy to know there was little "light at the end of the tunnel."

Our next appointment is in two days. Isabelle is not here yet, so we will see what the doctor says on Wednesday. Our bags are packed! We are so anxious. Our house and Isabelle's room has been prepared for weeks. Todd and I hope to meet our little girl in the next seven days (of course give or take a few). Please keep us in your prayers that all goes smoothly!

Doctor's Appointment Today!

Well, everything is looking so much better for Isabelle and us. Today we had a doctor's appointment. She is measuring right on schedule now. Amazingly, I have only gained 3lbs in the past four weeks. I had a target weight that I did not want to cross with this pregnancy. It looks like I might meet that goal! Isabelle's heart rate was in the 150's which is perfect. The doctor felt my belly and showed us where she was lying. Todd got so excited and asked the doctor if he could get closer to see what she was doing :). Isabelle is now head down and her big hiney is up near my ribs. I had a few embarrassing questions for her and she answered them all saying I was completely normal. We go back in two weeks then we move to once a week appointments. We are so close to the finish line. We are so excited to meet our little girl! I can't wait to see who's nose, lips, eyes, etc. etc. etc. ... she has!

Next weekend is my baby shower! Isabelle and I get to see (well she gets to hear haha) her great grandma and great aunt! Not to mention a bunch of friends from school and other family members.

We also have a maternity photo shoot next week. I hope it goes good. I see so many beautiful maternity photos around!!! I'm sure it will be great.

That's about all for now. :)

-Cassie and Izzie

32 weeks pregnant and almost ready!!

Well, yesterday was our 32 week mark. We are so excited and ready for these last few weeks to pass by quickly. Todd and I could not be any more ready to meet our daughter.

I had an unexpected appointment this past Thursday morning. I called the doctor's office on Tuesday to find out if they had my glucose test results yet. They did.. somehow they just forgot to call me. I don't know how they "forgot," especially since I had failed. Anyways, I looked over that and just told them I needed to get in as soon as possible for my three hour glucose test. They definitely agreed. It took awhile for them to call me back, but I ended up getting an appointment for Thursday. I went into their office at 8am (on my day off :( ....). I got to leave at about 11:30. I called their office Friday afternoon for my results and they told me I had passed! Yay!

I have another appointment with them this coming Thursday, too. I can't wait to hear her heartbeat and get my belly measured. Last time, I was measuring a week big.

Anyways, besides those few things, not much has been going on. It seems like time passes a lot slower when you get closer to the finishline. Isabelle Grace's room is about 95% complete. I will post a picture I have.

31 weeks! Sorry for the late update.

I know I was supposed to update sooner, but have been so busy with work and getting things ready for Izzie. We had an appointment on our third anniversary. It was a really good visit. We got to see Izzie in 4D. Her poor little faced was a little smooshed up against the wall of my tummy, but it was still nice to get a glimpse of her beautiful little face. We got really good news, too. NO MORE placenta previa, so as long as Isabelle is doing good and turns her head down we can have a vaginal delivery. She weighed 2lbs and 10oz on this appointment, so she has to be over 3lbs by now. We are so excited and can't wait for her to make an appearance (even though we still have at least 7 weeks left). My blood pressure is also under control.

We just feel so relieved that things are normal at least for the moment. :)

Todd and I are busy getting the house in order and working. My baby shower is also on August 30th at the Country Club. I'm excited to see a whole bunch of our family and friends then. I will be adding a picture to this post later on!

28 weeks and 1 day!

This week has been very eventful for our family. I started work as a RN at PH Richland. It's been very exciting. Amazingly, I've made it through everyday and have felt fine the whole time. The floor I'm working on seems to be filled with nice coworkers which I'm very grateful for.

As for Isabelle, she has been "misbehaving" everyday. Kicking her mom really good and changing positions what seems to be every hour. I have to admit, I honestly love feeling my little girl move. It's amazing that you can actually feel her little body on the outside now and chase her around.

July 22nd is our three year wedding anniversary. We are going to hopefully receive the best present we could ask for. We have an appointment that afternoon and will hopefully be able to see Izzie in 4D. I'm counting down the hours till that appointment!

We'll update you again then!

27 Big Weeks Pregnant!

Today, we are 27 weeks pregnant. There hasn't been a lot going on. We just got back from spending the fourth of July with Nina and Granddaddy Kirkland, Uncle Eric, and cousin Rylee. It was a lot of fun. Rylee liked seeing Izzie "dance." Eric had a funky ring tone on his cell. Every time it would ring (which was a lot) Rylee and I would dance to it. I would put my hands on Izzie and do some silly move. Rylee and Nina even got to feel Izzie kick one night! Nina, of course, went crazy and was always telling Rylee to be gentle with my belly. She's already over protective and Isabelle isn't even here yet.

This past Friday, I started my job as a RN at Palmetto Health. Todd and I were not sure if they were going to let me work or not. However, after lots of prayer, I got a call telling me I was allowed to go to the hospital's orientation.

Our next appointment is not until, July 22, which happens to be our three year anniversary. We will get to see Isabelle on another ultrasound. Todd and I could not ask for a better present.

24 Week Appt. Update

Today, Todd and I went to our 24 week appointment at Carolina Women's Physicians. I must say they are the best doctors in the world. I am a little bias of course. I switched from Lexington Women's Care in Irmo at 8 weeks due to some issues I had with the staff and doctor. Carolina Women's Physicians is right next to Lexington Hospital. There are four women physicians in the practice. They are all friendly and super sweet. It's nice to know that one of these four wonderful doctors is going to be delivering Isabelle.

Anyways, we arrived about ten minutes early like normal. I didn't expect anything out of the ordinary on this visit especially since at 20 weeks we learned I had complete placenta previa. I figured I had my fair share of not so great news. Well, I was wrong. My blood pressure was 150/90!!! I knew it was high immediately after the nurse started letting the air pressure out of the cuff. I could feel my pulse beating through my arm and caught the numbers. My blood pressure had been normal until now. The doctor then came in and said that I also had protein in my urine (another sign of possible preeclampsia). Great! The doctor said my belly measurements were normal for where I was. She then tried to find Isabelle's heartbeat. In the process, she looked over at Todd asking if he had felt her yet. Todd looked at her like she was joking, because he started feeling Isabelle move around 20 weeks. He told her he had and that even last night we were watching my belly jump as she danced across the inside. She looked at Todd like she did not believe it. Right at that moment, Isabelle gave her a good kick to the hand. It was priceless seeing the doctor's face! After all that, the doctor gave me a few minutes to relax and then led me to the lab. I needed labs drawn for antibodies since I'm rh negative. She also told the nurse to draw preeclampsia labs if my blood pressure had not gone down yet. I thank the good Lord that my blood pressure had dropped just enough that I did not need another tube of blood drawn.

On a lighter note, we left the doctor's office to get some lunch. When we got home my mom was there with two of my sisters straightening up my house a bit. I'm so thankful that I have them. My mom and I then decided to go swim and layout by the pool. It was nice being able to relax for a little while. :)

Just the Beginning...

I decided to start this blog, so family and friends can keep track of everything that is happening a little easier! :) For those of you that don't know us, here is a little bit of background on The Kirkland's:

Todd and I had our first date on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 2004. It's really unbelievable that we ended up together, because we are complete opposites in almost every way. Todd is a very mild mannered gentleman. I, on the other hand, tend to be very opinionated and outspoken. The only things we really had in common was an extreme love for our families and our eating habits! People who know us will know what I mean when I say "eating habits."

Almost exactly a year later, right before Thanksgiving, Todd asked me to be his wife. I couldn't have been happier. I did not have a clue what was going on. He picked out the ring with his oldest brother. He even asked my dad and mom for permission. I was tickled to death knowing he made it a point to ask my mom as well. I also knew he was serious for several reasons. We both have very strong Christian families that don't believe in divorce. We were raised that marriage is not just a "fad" or something to do when you are bored. Marriage is not meant for quitters or those that are quick to give up. It takes two dedicated people, who love each other through thick and thin. Todd and I definitely understand the thick and thin. I'm sure we will understand the meaning of it even more in the years to come.

On July 22, 2006, Todd and I walked down the aisle in front of all our family and friends (even those in Heaven). My grandfather performed the ceremony. With Todd's dad and brother standing by his side, my dad walked me down the aisle. Most people wonder why I did not have my dad marry us. Well! If you know my dad, then you would know that there was no way he would ever be able to make it through the whole ceremony without breaking down in tears. It was hard enough for him to give me away.

About a year later, August 2007, Todd and I went on vacation with his family to Disney World. I love Disney World! It's the "most magical place on Earth." Well, for us it was definitely magical. Two weeks after we got home I found out that I was pregnant on Todd's birthday. It was a crazy moment in our lives. Without going into extreme details, we definitely thought there was NO possible way that I could be pregnant. We were in shock. Todd and I had talked about having children, but were planning on waiting until I got out of nursing school. After a few tears on my part and unbelievable support from my husband, I calmed down. It's truly incredible how my husband is optimistic about everything. About two weeks later, I woke up very early in the morning. It was pitch black in our house and outside. It had been storming and the power was out. On top of all the ugliness that day held, we lost our baby. I think the most frustrating part, besides the fact we lost the baby, was that over that past two weeks we had adjusted to the fact that it was "inevitable" that we were going to be parents.

On a happier note, this February, we found out that we were expecting again! This time we had actually decided to try. Honestly, I don't think two people could me more ready for a baby. We are so excited and are counting down the weeks until she arrives. Yes, it's a GIRL! Her name is Isabelle Grace Kirkland. We plan on calling her Izzie.

So, that's a little peak of what has happened so far. There's a lot more to come! Stay tuned.

-Cassie & Izzie