My Very First Mother's Day

Well, it was the first Mother's Day when I was actually a mother (technically I was pregnant last Mother's Day but I didn't know it yet) and I must say I quite enjoyed it (minus the gloomy, wet weather). Scott got me an Ann Taylor Loft & iTunes gift card. And Alice got me Mario Kart for Wii and a cute little outfit for her. Scott's family even got me a gift card to Megaplex Theaters. It was sad that I couldn't see my mom because she was out of town, but otherwise it was great. I took some last-minute pictures at the end of the day because I forgot earlier!

the girl that made it all possible

"Mommy's Pretty Girl"

Alice's new outfit (don't mind the slobber)

Alice Lately

Some of Alice's favorites lately:

*unfortunately, watching TV

*taking baths (sometimes it's the only thing that can calm her down)

*playing with her "lamby"

*crying & "talking"
*eating, eating, eating

*getting her diaper changed(it never fails to make her smile)

*sleeping in her swing (unfortunately she likes her swing better than her crib)
*watching her hands and grabbing her feet
*pulling hair
*giggling when her daddy tickles her
*arching her back & scooting (she almost scooted right off of her swing the other day)

And now for the dislikes:
*sleeping (she has gotten a lot better since she got her PICC line out, though)
*tummy time (Want her to scream? Just put her on her tummy.)
*getting dressed
*getting boogies suctioned out of her nose
*lately, her binky
*wearing headbands (I still put them on her, though)
*getting in her carseat

Alice's Big Day

Yesterday, Alice was blessed by her dad. He gave a beautiful blessing and everything was perfect. It was so nice to see her in a pretty dress and no PICC line.

Her dress was a bit big, but you couldn't really tell.

We had to wake her up to go to the church, but she didn't seem to mind.

After being passed around from relative to relative though, she was a little grumpy.

She certainly loves her daddy.

And her mommy too.

And boy, do we love her!

We had a nice lunch afterward at my parents' house. Thanks to all who helped out. We feel so blessed to have such supportive friends and family. And we are so incredibly grateful to have a healthy, happy baby.

Goodbye, Mr. PICC line!

What does antibiotics every 6 hours for 6 weeks make?

a VERY tired mommy and baby

Luckily, Alice's CT scan came back completely normal and so we finally said goodbye to her friend, Mr. PICC line. And she finally got to have a real bath!

a little scared at first...

a little better...

quite satisfied!

Our Beautiful Girl

zonked out

getting sleepy

back when she had hair...

a little lost in her carrier

Alice in her crib

look at those long legs!

Alice's 1st day of going to church

she can feed herself

getting kind of chubby there

the naked smile (and double chin)

she loves her mommy

one happy girl

going to the doctor

cozy in Aunt Al's outfit

Our Little Nightmare

On February 22 at about 12:30 am, I took Alice into PCMC with a fever of almost 102 (Scott had a group project the next morning, so he stayed home to sleep). After taking urine and blood samples from my sweet 20-day-old baby (and finding them normal), they did a spinal tap. Thinking that she probably just had a virus, I was shocked to hear that she had meningitis. We were admitted that night (or morning, rather) and didn't leave until about a week later. Let me tell you, it wasn't fun.

They spent the entire week taking blood samples, growing cultures, pumping Alice full of several antibiotics, and performing more tests than I care to remember. The doctors were completely baffled as they later found out that she had bacterial meningitis caused by a staph infection and an abscess on her cerebellum. They discussed possible surgery to drain the abscess on her brain- including taking out a piece of her skull (they assured me it would grow back). Hearing all of this and much more scared us to death! The pediatrician told us that in 30 years, she had never seen such an infection in a 20-day-old.

Luckily, after a week of pure hell and 4 weeks of receiving antibiotics every 6 hours through her PICC line, Alice's abscess is completely gone. Her meninges are still inflamed, but things are looking up. The doctors don't envision any long-term effects. I am really hoping to be done with the PICC line next week, as it is seriously messing with both mine and Alice's sleep schedule. There were so many people praying for our little Alice and we were so grateful for that. I would also like to note that I am thankful for priesthood blessings and a husband who is ready and willing to administer them.

Alice sleeping peacefully

my sweet mom holding Alice (both sets of grandparents went above and beyond holding Alice for hours while I slept, bringing meals to us, and giving us our greatest support)

mommy & Alice

my poor baby hooked to electrodes, an IV, monitors, and with stickers on her cheeks to hold the oxygen mask in place

Our New Arrival

On February 2nd, I went to the doctor and was once again disappointed that I had not progressed at all. Almost in tears, I left the doctor only to wait for the next day to finally be induced. To pass the time, I went to my sister's house for dinner, cute nieces, and treats. On the way there, I got a call from my doctor telling me that she had been begging the hospital staff to squeeze me in for an induction that night and that there was a small chance that I would receive a call to come in. I was hopeful, but cautious. I had all but given up when at 8:13 pm, I got the call! I rushed home to get my bag and my husband and we were there by 9:15 pm. Here I am before we left:


I don't want to bore everyone with all of the details, but here are a few of the highs:

*Having an 8 hour labor
*The epidural not hurting as much as I imagined it would
*Getting a nice sleeping pill to help me pass the time
*Pushing only three times!
*Having the most beautiful, healthy baby imaginable

And now for the lows:

*Almost needing a c-section due to Alice's plummeting heart rate with each contraction
*Having to wear an oxygen mask
*The epidural not working on my left side at the beginning
*Having to spend an hour and a half getting stitched up afterwards
*Having an evil nurse that made me cry

Here I am ready to go

And now here's Alice Ann Hewitson, born February 3, 2011 at 6:20 am. She was a whopping 5 pounds 7 ounces and 17 1/2 inches long. We adore her!