almost three week mark

Sofia is now two weeks old and five days old. It's amazing how her features have begun to change and her personality has started to come out. She has definitely inherited the "Mata" cheeks...which I LOVE! It's funny, each day Nick and I laugh at one of her new facial expressions or a new sound she comes up with.

Nick has really taken to his "daddy" role. He is becoming a pro at holding her, feeding her and changing those diapers.






This is one of my favorite pictures. This is what they do best!
























Sofie is still a big fan of sleeping.















Sofie celebrated her first Easter over her Nonnie and Nonno's house.
And as you can see in the picture below, they really enjoy spoiling her with gifts.

Becoming a mother has been an interesting journey so far. I am enjoying it but, must admit it has taken some getting use to.

I am EXTREMELY tired but can't wait to get up and hold her in the middle of the night.

My body is trying to get back to some what of a normal shape. My "normal" closthes don't fit but my "prego" clothes are too big! And don't even get me started on my hormones! They are nowhere near balanced! Poor Nick, he is trying to keep up with me as much as he can.

I know this stage will pass but in the meantime, all I can do is look into Sofia's eyes and thank God for her! I worked so hard and each smile I see on her face is a blessing!

She is Wonderful!

Sofie is a week and five days old today and adjusting wonderfully. She has got into some sort of a routine...well, mainly one of eating, sleeping, peeing more eating and more sleeping and pooping.

Bringing her home was such a joy and a bit nerve wrecking. Nick and I, like all parents do...drove about 20 miles under the speed limit coming home from the hospital. When we finally made it home we were welcomed by family anxious to kiss her and hug her.

Nick and I met them with hand sanitizer.

Once everyone left I found myself staring at her in amazement. I was PROUD at what we had created and what we have to look forward to in the future. All these images popped into my head. All of her "first". First step, first day of school, first cooking lesson...I just got a huge smile on my face.

Nick really enjoys feeding her. He loves to watch all the little faces she makes. It really makes my heart happy to see him hold her and love her so much.

I am so grateful to have had Sofie's Nina and cousin come and help out with getting settled in. She gave me support and advice and it felt good coming from a mother with some wisdom to me...a newbie.

Alicia is great with kids. She was able to remind me of all those home remedies that Mama Chana used on the newborn babies and showed me the things Mama Chana showed her when she was taking care of her newborn.

Trinity (a.k.a. Puddin') got to meet her cousin. These two are gonna be the way Alicia and I was growing up. Puddin' in going to me Sofie's little protector. She was already looking out for her. I have a feeling she is going to have a lot of people looking over her.

Here is Sofie and her Auntie Kalani. It's so cute, Kalani loves her so much.

SOFIE MADE IT!!!

Well, after a much anticipated arrival, she made it! Sofie really put me through a work out. After a good three and half hours of pushing and about 19 hours of "labor" I was thrilled when she finally made it to my arms.

Sofia Addison Allen-

born March 5, 2008 11:17 am

8 lbs. 1 oz

20" long and cute as can be!

Words cannot describe the feeling of giving birth. I had all of these emotions rushing through my body...and then the final pay off! I worked so hard and being able to get over the pain and see this warm little body was amazing!

Here is Sofia getting her very first sponge bath.

Here is daddy and his little pumpkin.

While in the hospital, Sofia developed a case of Jaundice. She was taken to the nursery and put under UV lights and Nick and I were only allowed in every three hours for her feeding.

In this picture you can see that her complexion turned very yellowish. The two dots on the side of here head are velcro and were used to hold in place protective eye glasses. While she was under the lights.

Nick loved getting the chance to sit and feed her, even if it was just for half an hour.

After three days in the hospital, Nick and I were able to take our little baby girl home.

Here is Sofia coming home!

Leap year day and still no baby!

Well, the 29 has come and is about to go...and yet, still no Sofie. Nick and I really wanted her to make her appearance today but she has other plans.

I'm just taking it day by day. I've finally finished work and officially begun the whole "maternity leave". I'm pretty proud of myself for hanging in there for so long. So far, I'm feeling okay. I've had some pains here and there but still nothing to get too excited about. I'm just waiting for that contraction that will send me into alert mode and begin to time them. Either that or experiencing my water breaking. Either one...will be a welcoming sign that Sofie is on her way!

Today, it was so incredibly cute...Nick told be how excited he was to meet her and how much he already loves her and yet has never even met her. My heart melted when he told me that. I know he is going to be a wonderful Daddy!


Well, we'll keep everyone posted with any new developments. let me know if you would like to be put on the "phone tree". When the time does come Nick is planning on sending out a text with all her info (weight, length and pics).


Keep us in your prayers.

The Allen's.

WATERMELON!!!

Okay, I made to week 39 of my pregnancy! This picture illustrates just how big Sofia might be. Believe me...the way I feel today, this picture hits the target!

Doctors say once you've reached "full term", baby is likely to thrive after birth. Sofia may be spending these last weeks preparing for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. I've been reading about what we can expect from our snuggle bug...

Here are some neat facts about these last few days...

~Meconium, which we'll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines.

~During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in her life.

~Sofia now has the muscles that enable her to suck and to swallow amniotic fluid.

As of my last doctors appointment last week I was 1 1/2 almost 2 cm dialated (the goal is 10) and she was effaced to stage +2 (goal being +5). So we are making some progress. I have another appointment tomorrow and we are hoping she has moved further along. Nick and I have decided to let Sofia determine when she wants to come. We're not going to try and push things...so it could be within the next five days or longer.

We appreciate everyones prayers and loving thoughts. We ask that you continue to pray for us during this time.


We'll keep you posted.

The Allens.

Sofia's New Home

This is a very special entry for the Allens. Nick and I have taken another HUGE step in our lives and will very shortly be homeowners! We found the perfect house for our soon-to-be perfect little girl.

The house we are in the process of buying in located just around the corner from her Nonni and Nonno. It's a cute 3 bedroom, two bath single family home with a fabulous kitchen for mommy.

I fell in love with this kitchen from the beginning. I love the lighting and the cabinets!

I can't wait until I can teach Sofia all about cooking... we'll roll pie dough, make pasta, roll out our cookies...and of course...

make Daddy's Gluten free stuff!

Here is a picture of our bathroom.

I'm not sure how I feel about the glass block window.

Here is a picture of the main living room wall. Nick thinks it would be cool for Sofie to have a Hot Wheels track curving the wall...I think it's Nick that wants the track!

Our view from our back yard. Superstition Mountain.

This is the main entry way leading into the family area and the kitchen. On the right, Sofie's room










Nick and I are looking forward to raising our little girl here and creating lasting memories. We can't wait until we bring her home and begin our new life...Mommy and Daddy!

Here is Daddy...our protector!

Bjorn for the Allens

HOLY SMOKES...19 days left before Sofia is due! It seems like it was just yesterday that we were introducing this blog and announcing our big news. Well, we are hoping she comes a little early. I have been experiencing some early labor but nothing to go to the hospital over. I've been having back aches and minor contractions but trying ever so hard to be a trooper.

My feet have taken on a new shape...ROUND! I've never experienced swelling like this. It looks as if I've sprained an ankel. I'm just hoping they return back to the way they were.

Today Nick and I make a purchase...we picked up what we think is an essential in the new parents "bag of tricks". The Bjorn baby carrier. Alicia turned us onto to this carrier and Nick has been keen on the idea of having hands free while holding Sofia.

I'm just excited he wants to wear it!


Here I am with our mock Sofia...


It's really comfortable and Nick and I know that this will be a great thing to have. Bella was a bit skeptical at first...but we think she's coming around...