3 months just flew by!

Hi everybody!

I posted some new pictures for Christmas time in her picture gallery. It’s been a while since I updated this. Life has been semi-hectic since Ryleigh has came into our lives. Doctors appointments, and the insanity of Christmas shopping!!!

As of her last checkup in December, she weighs 15.3lbs, and she is 26 inches long. She’s going to be a tall girl, just like her mom.

I’m glad our friends and family still check into the site. I am doing my best to keep up with it all. So, just bear with me, sometimes I need a little kick in the bum to get started!

Merry Christmas, from Ryleigh (mom and dad too) :)


by: mommy on: Dec • 17 • 2008
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She is here!!!

Ryleigh Judith Johnston

September 2nd, 2008 at 2:17am

Weighing 7lbs, 13oz.

Measuring 21 inches long.

On September 1st, Chuck and I went to the hospital for me to be induced. So, I got the gel injection, and I waited until 10am and I was told to go home and wait for it to start working. Around 2:30pm, it started working and the regular contractions were between 3-6 minutes apart. So, we got to the hospital and they broke my water, and sent me up to the birthing suite floor. So this was about 3:30 and the contractions started getting worse and worse. So, Chuck went down to the car (and I could see where he was parked from my hospital room.) and then the fire alarm went off… DOH! So, as I was going through the intense stuff, so I started crying because of the alarm, and I could see him and I wanted him to be there with me. So that lasted 20 minutes. During that 20 minutes, my friend Chad and his wife had a baby. So, then Chuck got upstairs and I told him I needed some drugs. I ended up getting a nice shot in the butt (but worth it) and I kinda relaxed for a little bit. Watched tv, called a few people.. The contractions weren’t hurting but I had to breathe through them. I had to tell Adrienne and Chuck’s mom to “hold a sec..” lol. So, about 6:00, they gave me the oxytocin, and I got another pain shot at 7, because I figured it was going to be pretty intense. So, I relaxed again for a bit…. After that, I got the epidural at 8:00 and relaxed a little bit more, Chuck and I rested and I continued to contract. At around 10:00, I started feeling pain even with the epidural, so they ended up cranking it to the max and between 10 and 12, she was decending into my pelvis. I kept visualizing leaving the hospital down the street, and I used the hand rails as a steering wheel (LOL)…. so that got me through it. I felt like I was in a trance, maybe because I was so doped up. lol. So, I got some sleep finally between 12:00 and 2:00am, and they woke me up to check me. They said don’t move. I just poked her head with my finger. And it was just like an index finger. Not getting in there like the owned it or anything. So, at 2:17am, on September 2nd.. Ryleigh came out a screamin’! I had 10 pushes, and she came out. I looked at Chuck and I said… “That’s it? She’s out?” while I was giving birth.. I was watching tv. LOL Mad TV was on, and it kinda kept my mind occupied too. She was well worth the pain, and I don’t even remember it really. I just remember how happy I was when she came out. I didn’t feel a thing, and I didn’t scream when she came out… I have 2nd degree tearring, but that’s okay I guess. My doctor stitched me up and said “There, now everything looks pretty again!” LMAO. Gotta love Dr Jana and her Gyne humour. The one nurse that we had was absolutely amazing! I wish I had her my entire stay, but she worked in the L&D floor only. She would come in and shoot the shit with me and stuff. She bathed Ryleigh and dressed her up in a cute outfit that I brought. Then she would take her for a walk out into the hallways and let me have some rest.

My first words to her were…. “your grandma & great-grandpa would be so proud of you right now…” and she sat there and looked at me… and gave faces…. grinned a lot. Chuck said to her.. “Yeah you’re a keeper!” because she is absolutely so cute!

The first over-night was hell. She wouldn’t latch on properly, and she was getting a bit jaundice… Didn’t sleep properly, or anything. So, we had to put her in a light blanket (called a billy blanket), and I ended up pumping my mom-juice and fomula feeding so she would drop some atomic bombs to get rid of it. So, now that she has feed a bunch of times, she is latching onto me pretty well. I still want to pump because Chuck really likes feeding her and stuff. Chuck has been absolutely amazing. He was there through the entire ordeal. I think I love him more now, than I ever have in my entire life. He rubbed my neck while I was pushing, and telling me how great I was doing. I missed him a lot when he was gone over-night. :( Me and Ryleigh would have talks. Yesterday morning she smiled at me when I told her she was cute! LOL But maybe it was gas pains. :)

My only complaints were some of the nurses were REALLY condescending. They would assume that you knew everything and then when you didn’t they would say stuff like “Well, do you not have ANY experience with children?” NO, this is a learning thing for me too. I said to one I was an only child and everyone was older than me. Then, one nurse said to Chuck “Do you know how to change a diaper?” he said “Yeah” because he had changed two of Ryleigh’s already. So, then the nurse said “Oh no you don’t…” like why’d you ask? I know that all moms go through the same. Kathy told me that some nurses like their job and others are there to get paid. It’s sad, because it’s true. But, now that I’m home.. I’m comfortable. I got to see my two fur babies, and they have been taking to Ryleigh a little bit at a time. They like to sit on the floor near her, but every day they get a bit more comfortable. They have taken to her pretty well. Lennon likes to sit in the basket underneath her chair, or a few feet away from her. Abbey will go right up to her, and smell her head then walk away. Just checking in, you know? Yesterday, Chuck was sitting on the floor with her, and Lennon came up and rubbed his head against Ryleigh’s. SUPER ADORABLE! Right now, Miss Ryleigh is sleeping while Chuck and I are on the computer. Lennon is closely guarding her. Everything seems to be going really well. I’m so glad that she’s here!!!


by: mommy on: Sep • 06 • 2008
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Tomorrow is the day!

I woke up this morning, and I realized… Holy crap, tomorrow we’re having the baby!!!! Not that I’m in shock, just that the day had finally arrived for the most part. Chuck and I are just taking it easy today (Sunday) getting rested up for tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital for 8am. Who knows how long it’ll take for the pitocin to take affect, and when I’ll have the baby. Chuck said “So you’re going in at 8, so  you’ll have the baby at 9 and be home by 10, right?” As if it were that easy! Although, it’s pretty optimistic of him to think that way. It might be until the next day that I have her. A few friends of mine said that it took them at least 15 hours for stuff to happen. But, who knows how far along I am right now. Maybe just a little pitocin might get things started on my own - which is what I want. I don’t know, I’m so new to all of this stuff, everyday is another adventure. I’m sure I’ll be saying that for the rest of my life with her.

I seen the cutest little girl at the grocery store this morning. Her name was Stevie! She was in her little sleeper outfit with her mom, and the little girl ran down the diaper aisle and her mom called out her name. I thought, hey, no little girl is ever called Stevie anymore. I was expecting a little boy to come out of the aisle, not a little girl. So cute! Not that we’re going to change her name or anything! We’re sticking to what we’re naming her. It’s her name now.

Finally got some maternity benefits stuff sorted out - thank GOD! Dealing with service canada is such a pain in the ass. Hopefully the last call I ever make to them about a problem is last Friday. I’m getting them to re-evaluate my claim, so maybe I can get a bit more money bi-weekly. Dreading paying the tax on it, but oh well. It doesn’t make sense why I’m getting less than the maximum allowance. I researched everything I need to get for R once she’s born. Registration of her birth, birth certificate, sin card, health card. 25 bones to register her birth (in Oshawa, thankfully it’s not in Toronto. It’s 30) and another 25 for her birth certificate. I LOVE the Government! Chuck suggested that we go to Lindsay and have her, the registration might be cheaper, but I doubt it. Anyway, I should go clean up the place here. Probably the last day I’ll ever have a clean house again. It’s best for us to do it today, incase everyone comes over on Tuesday or Wednesday to see her. Anyway, hopefully we’ll have some good news either Tuesday or Wednesday! :)


by: mommy on: Aug • 31 • 2008
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August 27th appointment

So, we’ve got some exciting news! Last weeks appointment was pretty unproductive. There was no change in my cervix, but they booked me for a non-stress test for the 25th and tomorrow the 28th. The non-stress test on the 25th was good. She was very active, and moving around like she should be. They sent me home within the hour. So, today, we had Dr Jana’s appointment, and she stripped my membranes, and told me I am 2cm dilated, and 75% effaced. My blood pressure was 130/80, and R’s BPM was 150. My feet are still the size of watermelons (as my cousin Pat would say)… But, still…. This is wonderful news finally. She told me that I could go either today, or tomorrow, or anytime really. She booked an induction for September 1st. Labour day, HAR, HAR. I told the receptionist that, when she told me. She was like “OH YA” because, she had booked me as the 5th induction for Monday. They also warned me that it’ll be hella busy on the weekend there. Again, I made the labour day joke. Maybe that’s why they call it that? So, maybe finally my next post will be that she’s here. :) Let’s hope! Chuck is sooo excited about this. Although he says “I’ll believe it when I see it” because we’ve been waiting around for this to happen for awhile. But, I told him to go to bed, get a good night/day’s sleep so he can be rested for when and if she decides to show up today. Tomorrow is his last night on nights. Keep your fingers crossed!:)


by: mommy on: Aug • 27 • 2008
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More pictures up!

Hey Everyone!

We finally got R’s room put together for the most part. I posted some pictures in the gallery. The pictures are different than the ones I emailed out earlier yesterday. These ones were more clear, and did the paint job justice. The other ones made the paint look pinkish. Not the case, it’s very much purple.

No news yet, still waiting around for something to happen. I see our Baby Doc on Wednesday (the 20th) Maybe she can do me a favour and break my water. :) With all the running around I’ve done in the last two days, I’m surprised no more cramping has occurred. R’s grandma and I went to Walmart to get a few extra needed things, and this walmart is HUGE. Well, I had a few aches and pains, but nothing that I had the last time (the previous Monday). Then yesterday I did housework, and cleaned up the baby’s room a little bit too. Still, a little here and there. But I guess every little bit counts.

Next week marks 4 years since me and Chuck have been together as a couple. On the 21st, to be exact. :) I look back at myself 4 years ago, and then compare it to what I’m like now. It’s a whole other person, with different goals. I’m someone’s wife!? I’m about to become someone’s Mommy?! I couldn’t ask for a better life, to be honest. I am completely, 110% happy with my life, first time in such a long time.


by: mommy on: Aug • 17 • 2008
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August 11th appointment!

Hi All!

I just woke up from what felt like a 4 hour nap, after the day I’ve had I need it.

So, I went to my 38th week appointment, where the doctor had stated I was 1 cm dilated, and 50% effaced!!!! So, that means that it’s all imminent now.

I measured 37cm’s fundal height, and my blood pressure was 118/76. R’s was 131BPM.

My doctor joked with me and said that my nailpolish on my toes matched my shirt - she said that all the people in Labour and Delivery would be so impressed. It wasn’t intentional, but thanks Doc! My doctor seemed very excited. She told me the days she’d be at the hospital, and said “Now, you just have to go either Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and I’ll be able to deliver her!”

After the internal exam, she told me I’d experience some bleeding. Oh, yeah, I definitely experienced that after a bumpy bus ride home.  I was walking from the bus stop to my place, and I thought I was going to drop down to the ground. Just had a huge pain. It felt like the worst tummy ache, combined with the worst period cramps I’ve ever experienced. But, I haven’t had that in awhile. I’ve just been having pains that felt like Lil’ R was playing punching bag with my ovaries.

So, that’s where we’re at now. :) Hopefully my next entry will be that I’m going to the hospital, or her arrival! (Let’s hope it’s the latter, and not the former!))

Cutest thing: Chuck was rubbing my belly yesterday, telling Lil’ R that he wanted to meet her soon! I think she listened to Dad. :)

Oh, I forgot. There’s paint in R’s room now! We have purple walls, everyone!

Keep ya’ll updated!


by: mommy on: Aug • 11 • 2008
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It’s way past my bedtime!

Well, everything is progressing nicely. We are finally going to be getting R’s room painted, and put together. I can’t wait! Adrienne (my bestfriend) offered to come over and help a bit with some stuff that I might need done. So, she might come and help me move my things off my desk here, and let the boys (Marty and Chuck) do the manual labour. *grin*

I was at my Dad’s for the last few days, and last night I had the most weirdest experience. I was in extreme pain, and I was groaning and walking around trying to make it feel better. I had pain underneath my legs, up my back, around my sides. I had more braxton hicks contractions in a row than I could count - it felt like one big one! I was thinking, “Oh god, this is it, this is it! I’m in Bobcaygeon, and everything is in Whitby!!!” But, I ended up just using the washroom, popping some tums, and tried to relax and get some sleep. It worked, but I woke up again around 6:00am and just slept on the couch sitting up-right.  I felt better, but the BH contractions still kept coming.

Right now, they aren’t so bad. I’m dreading sharing a bed with Chuck, because I was so used to sleeping in the middle of the bed at my Dad’s place. I strategically placed all my pillows (yeah, all 7 of them) how I need them, and hopefully I can get a half-decent sleep tonight. My friends on facebook are all asking me how I’m doing, because I hadn’t been online for a few days, while at my Dad’s. They all assumed I popped!

Hmmm, so, I see the baby doctor on August 6th, and then again on August 11th. Maybe on the 6th, they’ll decide to induce me, so I can have an 8-8-8 baby. Hmmm? I honestly think R will be a really long, tall baby. She likes to stick her bum out. I hope this isn’t a surprise for things to come!?

I’ve also registered another .com to access this site - I will reveal that when she arrives, and we officially tell everyone her name. It’ll be her first and middle name.com :) That’s all I’ll say. If you know it already, it will work! Anyway, I’m beat. Time to go to bed. For once, R isn’t kicking around at this time of night, surprising!


by: mommy on: Jul • 30 • 2008
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July 24th 2008 appointment -

32 days left? That’s it? Well, I’m close to be giving little R her 30 day eviction notice, soon! :)

So, Chuck and I went to the baby doctor today. I told her about the menstrual-like cramping I was having and she said that is pre-term labour! Also, I mentioned that I was having a bit of nausea associated with it, when I’d have these cramps. She said that I’ll probably be nauseated during labour too. I guess that’s payback for not having any morning sickness, eh? But, she checked and I’m not effaced, or dilated, and I should be okay by the time she gets back from her holidays next week. My next appointment is August 11th. I have to wait for the office to call me back about my next weeks appointment; it’s with another doctor so who knows when it’ll be! My blood pressure was 114/76, and R’s heart rate was 136. Also, the Dr. said that her head is engaged! So, she’s in the right position. Now we wait!

I went to visit a friend of mine, Cindy that I worked with at UPS store. She has a 3 year-old daughter. She gave us a lot of Jayde’s baby clothes! We filled up 6 reusable grocery bags full!!! I am so very thankful! We got an extra crib bumper, extra sheets, a baby monitor, a pack-and-play crib (Great for going to Grandpa’s, eh Dad? ;) ) which can be transformed into a bassinet for when we come over! Chuck’s mom is washing all of the clothes. We just need an extra dresser for all the clothes we just got! I’ve got clothes for her until she’s at least 2-3! Anyway, my supper is ready. I just wanted to update you all on what’s happening with me and Lil’ R. Currently, she’s twisting around and poking her little boney elbows into my gut. THANKS KID! :)


by: mommy on: Jul • 24 • 2008
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July 7th 2008 appointment -

On July 7th, was me and Chuck’s first wedding anniversary. Also, we went to see our Baby doctor. Everything is going great with the little one. My fundal height is 36cm’s, which is 3cm’s more than June. The baby’s heart rate was 146, and mine was 112/73. The baby’s head is down, which we knew.

Yesterday, the baby was doing the bum-shuffle over to the middle of my belly. I think her bum is directly in the middle, and she’s getting ready to drop soon!

Won’t be long now!! I’ve got 11 more days left to work, and then I am off for an entire 13 months - yes, 13! I am undecided whether or not to go back early, but that will be my decision when I know what’s going on, and develop a routine for her.

I can’t wait to tell everyone what her name is! :)


by: mommy on: Jul • 10 • 2008
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We’ve got a name!

I don’t know if I should post the name just yet!

It starts with an R. :)


by: mommy on: Jun • 30 • 2008
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