Firsts

Haley continues to grow like a weed - she's already 5 weeks old! The little lady has had a plethora of visitors, which means Mom and Dad have had lots of much appreciated help.

We've enjoyed the nice weather and have taken Haley to a variety of spots though the KC area. She visited the Overland Park Arboretum and Deanna Rose Farmstead all in one weekend. Although she slept though both visits, we think she really enjoyed the outdoors :O) We discovered that she's quite a shopper too. Target, Sam's Club and Oak Park Mall have all been graced with Haley's presence as well. I've found that no matter where we go people comment on Haley's cuteness...not that I'm biased, but I couldn't agree more!

I took Haley to get some newborn pictures taken. Things started off well, but quickly went south...she became very angry (see picture). We managed to snap a few cute photos, although a bit Glamour Shot-esqe.

Uncle Ryan, Aunt Paige and Cousin Charlie paid a visit to Casa Schweigel. Charlie is such a big boy - he's sitting up and eating baby food! I keep telling him that he needs to teach Haley his tricks, but he didn't seem particularly interested in anything other than eating and making lots of noise.

Karl and I enjoyed our first date night sans baby last weekend. We enjoyed an uninterrupted and delicious dinner at Taste, but we quickly missed Haley. Karl and I are totally smitten with our little girl. We can't imagine our lives without her.

The Business of Being Born

Haley is one week old today! Karl and I are settling in to parenthood...with lots of diapers, feedings and sleepless nights (and days). And more love for our little girl than we ever could have imagined.

A few pictures from the 7 days...fresh from the oven to today. (Headband is compliments of cousin Meagan)

She's Here!

Karl and I are happy to announce the arrival of our daughter, Haley Lynn Schweigel. She arrived on Wednesday, August 5th at 12:29 pm. Haley weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and is 19 inches long. She's gorgeous and healthy with a head of dark hair and chubby cheeks.

We want to thank each and everyone of our family members and friends. Karl, Haley and I have been overwhelmed with your love and support.

Here She Comes!

We've hit week 39 and as of tomorrow our little girl will no longer be compared to fruits or veggies. Our c-section is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and we couldn't be more excited. I'm dying to know what Haley looks like and if she really does have hair (the ultrasound tech thinks she might, but I'm skeptical).

Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is the size of a mini watermelon. I believe it...it looks like I swallowed a mini watermelon. Check out that belly! It's encroaching my desk space.






Pictures of Haley will be posted. We can't wait for everyone to meet her!

Life Can Be Suprising

Life in the Schweigel/Manies household has been a whirlwind the last few weeks. We have to give a shout out to The Big Man Upstairs because he has blessed us beyond words.

A few weeks ago Karl was given the unfortunate news of an immediate lay off from PKD...it was unexpected to say the least. However, Karl hit the ground running and two days later landed a job. I am SO very proud of him for taking this in stride and with such a positive attitude. He started his new job this Monday and seems to be settling in nicely.

As of yesterday, we have a full-term baby! This means Haley could arrive safely on the scene at any time. In fact, we know she'll be in our arms two weeks from today! Apparently, Haley is too comfy in her current breech position to turn herself around. So, we're scheduled for a c-section on August 5th. It's simultaneously amazing and terrifying to know her birthday...definitely more on the amazing side. Karl and I can't believe we'll be holding our girl in 15 days.

At 37 weeks she should measure 19 inches from heel to head (about as long as a stalk of Swiss Chard) and weigh approximately 6 1/2 lbs. However, we know from our last ultrasound that Haley may be topping the charts at just over 7 lbs...I've started referring to her as the Butterball Baby.

Less Than A Month

We've hit 36 weeks, which means Haley will be considered full-term as of next Tuesday. Where have the last 8 months gone?! Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is the size of a Crenshaw Melon (never heard of this) - she should be weighing almost 6 pounds and is approximately 18 1/2 inches long.

I had the first of my weekly doctor's appointments on Monday and Dr. Newby wasn't able to tell if Haley had flipped head down, so she ordered a sonogram. As it turns out the little stinker is in what they call a Frank Breech position...she's tucked in there like a yogi.

We also discovered that Haley is a bit of a chunk for her age - she's weighing in at approximately 6 lbs 12 oz. If she were to gain the approximate 1/2 lb per week, we could be looking at a BIG girl. The most surprisingly finding was that Haley has some hair...who would have thought? I have been convinced this entire time that she would be a baldy.

Last Saturday I was treated to the most amazing baby shower EVER! Aunt Cyndi (aka Mabel Stewart, Martha's much more friendly and non-convict cousin) and Meg hostessed a family baby shower for Haley and me. The ladies made the day so incredibly special and memorable - everything from the food to the decorations were fantastic. Haley certainly was showered with gifts and Meg is determined to make Haley a girly girl. There is the sweetest tutu hanging in the nursery - I can't wait to see Haley in it! I'll post pics from the party soon!

You've Got To Be Kidding?!

We are down to 5 weeks until Haley is on the scene...that is unbelievable to Karl and me. We think we're ready (is anyone really ready for their 1st kid?) and continue to watch the days fly by.

Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is weighing in at 5 1/4 lbs and is approximately 18 inches long. She is comparable to the heft of a honeydew melon. (Side note: where in the world do you find a 5 lb honeydew melon? Not in any grocery stores around Olathe.)

Weekly doctor appointments start next week. Dr. Newby thinks Haley has flipped around, but will be able to give me a more definitive answer at next week's appointment. Fingers are crossed that Babycakes is head down.