Picture's of Aleana's Birth, Placement and first 6 weeks.

Aleana's Birth

Aleana was born on Oct 2 at 7:55 am she weighed 9 lbs. 12 oz.  If I have the chance to be in the delivery room again I will take a picture of the clock and the scale with the baby on it. It was a crazy delivery so I did not take any pictures until we were down in the NICU. 

She was not on a feeding tub that is to help get the air out of her tummy

  Aleana's due date was September 24th so she was born 8 days late.  We were anxiously waiting for her to join our family.  I was feeling really bad for Jesica who had gone to the hospital 3 times thinking she was going to be induced, first time she got her membranes striped and was sent home. The second time they did an ultra sound saw that Aleana was healthy and over 8lbs then sent her home.  Then finally on October 1st the doctor striped her membranes again and gave her a slip so that she could call in the next day to schedule a time to be induced, if she did not go into labor that night.  We went over that night to go take her ice cream and see how she was doing.  We went home and just after we climbed into bed we get this call from Jeremy that she is at the hospital and they have started to induce her. We knew that Aleana probably would not be born until morning but we were too excited to sleep and wanted to be there just in case she came early.

Curt tried to sleep in a hard chair with his head on the desk and I tried to sleep in the rocking chair.  It was kind of a long night.  It was cool to be in the room and hear everything the nurses were doing to Jesica, giving her the epidural, checking her progress, giving her medicine, upping the Pitocin to help her dilate faster. 

Around 7:30 in the morning they started prepping her to deliver Aleana. The doctor came in and she started to push, but Aleana was too big.  They had Jeremy Jesica’s boyfriend and a nurse help push on her legs. Then Jeremy started to get light headed and had to step out of the room. Another nurse jumped in and pushed on her legs and with the help of suction they got her head out, but her shoulders were stuck.  Two more nurses jumped in and started pushing on her stomach to try to get Aleana out.  Nothing seemed to be working they were just putting stress on Aleana so the Doctor had a nurse call for another Doctor so they could take her in for a C-section.  They said they were going to push Aleana back in and take Jesica for an Emergency C-section and this got our her adrenalin going because she was scared to have a C-section and she pushed as hard as she could and the doctor was able to get Aleana out.  It was scary to see the doctor twisting and pulling on Aleana to get her out.  When they got her out the doctor quickly cut the umbilical cord (Jesica had asked me to but with the stress I figured that whatever was best for Aleana needed to happen) and handed her up to a team of nurses and a specialist who were ready to help Aleana get her breathing going. It seemed like an eternity in the moment because Aleana's life was on the line, but it was really only about 20 minutes.  I guess it really got to Curt as well because he had to step into the bathroom and take a deep breath and splash some water on his face once he realized everything was ok with Aleana.  I am so glad we were in the hospital and Aleana and Jesica were able to get the medical attention necessary.  A respiratory specialist happened to be up from Ogden that day and came into help which helped me feel more comfortable. 

They put an oxygen mask on her to pump oxygen into her lungs.  There was a team that had an IV ready just in case but she was doing well enough that they did not need to use it.  I went up and held her little finger while they were giving her the oxygen. Here hands were so little but her finger nails were really long. It was nice to finally be able to touch her and be there with her from the beginning.   While I was over there the specialist talked to me and told me about the mask and how it is not too serious but that most babies don’t need it.  He said Aleana needed it to help get her lungs going.  He said that they would leave her on oxygen to make sure her lungs were strong and then she would be fine on her own.  He also checked in with us to make sure everything was going well while we were in the NICU.

They measured her and weighed her really quickly and then they told us they were going to be taking her down to the NICU.  I wanted to go with her any ways but I remembered that when we had our hospital meeting that Jesica said that she wanted us to go down to the NICU with her if she needed to go there.  So Curt and I went down with her.  They kept the oxygen on her for a couple more hours just to make sure she was breathing well and they kept her in there to be monitored until about 7:00 or 8:00 that night. Shortly after we got down their some nurses came in to take an x-ray of Aleana’s chest to make sure the doctor did not break her collar bone while trying to get her out, they say it is not uncommon for a doctor to break a collar bone when delivering a large baby.  Aleana’s x-ray looked just fine, no broken bones.  

The on call Dr., Doctor Bell came in to check out and monitor Aleana during her stay at the hospital.  We were so impressed by him and knew that he understood Aleana’s situation from the start so we decided to use him as our Pediatrician and we have been happy with that decision.  They had to do blood sugar test every day to make sure she was not diabetic but the test always came back good.   Dr. Bell always made sure we knew how things were going and gave us good tips on how to take care of Aleana.

After we had been down for about a half hour Jeremy brought Jesica down in a wheel chair to come see Aleana. She was only able to touch her, none of us where able to hold her.  Curt and I stayed with her most of the day and took pictures of her and with her.  We touched her skin which was all dry and flaky from being overdue and held her sweet little hand.  The nurse told us to head out to get some lunch because Jesica wanted to come down and hold Aleana and be alone with her. She told us when we got back we could give Aleana her first feeding. So Jesica got to hold her first and be alone with her for a little bit.  

When we got back Jesica had left and they were getting a bottle ready for Aleana.  I feed Aleana her first feeding which actually was kind of awkward.  The nurse had her in seated position and she was facing out so I could not really see her face.  Aleana must have been starving because she just started sucking like crazy to the point that she forgot to breath and started to turn blue.  The nurse came over and had me pull the bottle out so she could take a breath and turned her so I could see her better.  She told us to make sure to stop and give her time to breathe and burp while eating.  I was very nervous about feeding her and often just holding her because her oxygen would start to beep and I would think something was wrong but she was always fine. She was a great eater and every time she finished a bottle the nurses were surprised by how much she had eaten, but she was a big baby and overdue so she was ready to eat.  She looked huge in the NICU beds because they were usually used for tiny little preemies.  Also while we were there a couple of nurses came in to get Aleana’s hand and foot cast for Jesica.  Aleana was not a fan. They also gave her a little sponge bath and got her in a shirt since they did not do that before bringing her down to the NICU. 

Aleana's first feeding and my first time holding her. 

Curt's first time holding Aleana 

Jeremy's Mom "Grandma Qualls"

Debbie's first time holding Aleana

 Debbie was so excited to hear that Aleana was born and kept asking when she could come up.  As soon as we told her it was ok she headed right up.  She was the first family member to hold Aleana and I think she was pleased about that.  Most of the day Debbie hung out with us in the NICU room as we took turns holding Aleana and taking pictures of her.  While in the NICU Jeremey’s mom Cindy or Grandma Qualls came in and had a turn holding Aleana.  It is nice to see how much support she is giving Jesica though all this and how involved she has been.

My parents, Allen, and Kathy came up to see her and took us out to dinner. It was kind of weird knowing I had a baby in the hospital but I was able to come and go as I pleased, most moms are strapped to their beds. I guess also it did not feel completely real yet that we had a little girl and almost felt like we were just visiting someone else’s baby in the hospital.

We were not sure when Aleana was going to be released form the NICU so they figured that they would just see her through the window.  As we were heading to dinner I went to check and they said they were getting ready to release her.  When we got up back Aleana was in Jesica’s room and she let us come in and join her.  She even let everyone have a chance to hold Aleana.  I think Jesica loved seeing how much support we had and how many people loved Aleana, even though this was only a fraction of our support.  I got to see my Mom and Dad hold their first little granddaughter.  Also Allen and Kathy have been so supportive of us and it was neat to have them there in the hospital with us. My mom was so excited to meet Jesica that she went up to her and asked if she could give her a hug before my family left.  I think Jesica really appreciated the hug because this was hard for her even though she knew it was right.

We stayed in a hospital room just down the hall from Jesica.  We did not realize that Jescia had sent Aleana to the nurse until later that night so she spent most of the night in the nursery, but it was nice to get some sleep.  I got to sleep in the recovery bed just like any other momJ.  Jesica woke up early and had them bring Aleana into her room so I am glad we did not have her in our room all night.  We wanted to make sure Jesica get the time with her she needed and wanted. 

 

Wednesday Oct 3, 2012

First thing in the morning Charity (Jesica’s caseworker) came in so that we could sign papers.  Jesica wanted to sign them as soon as she could so that nothing would happen even though placement at LDS Family Services would not happen until the next day.  I think by now she was sure we would not change our minds and we were sure she would not change her mind. Nonetheless it was nice to have all the paper work behind us and have Aleana be our little girl.  I think at that point it became more real that Aleana was ours. Before that it kind of felt like we were just visiting Jesica and her baby in the hospital but after signing Aleana became ours!  

A little while later Jessie Bolter came in to visit since she works in the budge clinic, luckily we had Aleana in the room with us while Jesica was napping. It was fun to have her come visit.  

At first we wanted to make sure Jesica was getting her time so we did not bug her to much while she had Aleana but then the nurse told us that Jesica wanted us to come in and spend time with her and Aleana. Later that day when my Mom and Debbie came back up we spent a lot of the time in the room with Jesica.  The nurses who had done the hand and foot cast had given them to Jesica and she was excited to show them to us. I think that was a nice thing that hospital did for her.

 That evening Steven, Damaris and the kids came up to see Aleana, It was fun to have them come up and see a baby of our in the hospital since we have seen two of their kids in the hospital.  We wheeled Aleana out for Steven and the kids to see her but Damaris came back and held her.  As the Kjars were leaving Jeremy and Brooke where coming in to see Aleana.  It was fun to see Brooke with Aleana although I think she was jealous of Aleana being on her Moms lap and I eventually had to take Aleana so that Brooke did not sit or climb on her.  Brooke was calling her baby leana, which I thought was so cute and Brooke was very fascinated with Aleana and even wanted to try and hold her.  It was Cute to see Aleana with her half-sister and birthmom, it made for some keep sake picturesJ. 

We went to Fire House for lunch while my mom and sister were there.  While we were gone Cindy came in and spent some time with Aleana and Jesica and took some nice pictures on her camera.  We left our camera with Jesica so we got some cute ones too.   

That evening when Jesica was ready to go to bed we had them bring Aleana into our room so we could spend some more time with her.  We had her stay in our room through most of the night until her last feeding so that Jesica could get her in the morning and spend some more time with her before placement.  It was kind of fun to be sitting in the recovery bed with Aleana in her little bed beside me, it made me feel like I had been in the hospital to have a baby although I am glad I did not have to go through the pain J.  We took turns holding her and working on our letters for Jesica that we were going to put in her gift basket. I love holding my little baby girl.

It was kind of weird trying to sleep in a room with a baby I felt like I was being bad by not keeping an eye on her all the time,  I hope this feeling wears off because I won’t get any sleep.  I think I slept better then Curt because he was even more paranoid then I was.  Although we did have to wake up in the night to feed her and I know that is not going to go away anytime soon. 

Thursday October 4^th

 We woke up and packed up our stuff up so that we could head home to finish up Jesica’s gift basket before meeting up for placement.  Dr. Bell came in one more time to see us and give us some more info about Aleana and to tell us to set up an appointment with him next week.  Before leaving we went in to give Jesica some clothes for Aleana and the car seat so they could bring Aleana over to LDS Family services for placement.  Jesica was all by herself just snuggling with Aleana; it was sweet to see how much she truly loves Aleana. 

When we got home we finished, printed off our letters to Jesica, and put them in a red 3 ringed binder (since red is Jesica’s favorite color). Also in the binder were some letters we had family members write to her. We wanted Jesica to have a place to put other keep sakes and memories of Aleana.  We also put a Digital photo frame, Dr. Pepper (favorite soda), and Recess Peanut butter cups (favorite treat).  We plan to give her jump drives full of movies and pictures to display on the frame and to have as digital copies.  We also plan to send her pictures every couple of week or so to keep her updated on Aleana.  We hope to also see Jesica in person every so often to keep in touch with her and let her see Aleana.  We hope that Jesica enjoys the gifts and sees the thought we put into the items we chose.     

Around 10:00 we headed over to LDS Family Services to be officially placed with our sweet little baby girl.  We were so excited to become parents.  When we got there Jesica, Jeremey and the case workers were there waiting for us.  Jesica was holding Aleana and held her through most of the visit.

            I don’t remember much of what was said, but I know the spirit was strong in the room during our visit.  Charity and another caseworker Amber talked with us and expressed the joy they felt for us and the love they have for adoption since both of them have adopted children.    Curt, Jescia and I each had an opportunity to talk and none of us could express our feelings without crying. We are all so grateful for the blessing Aleana has been in our lives and we all love her so much.  Curt and I both had a hard time expressing our gratitude for Jesica and what she has done for us that we could not do ourselves. I remember one thing Jesica said that I want to always remember.  She said that placing Aleana with us was the one thing that she been most sure of in her entire life and she sees that Aleana has helped her change her life for the better. I am glad to know that Jesica knows that Aleana is meant to be in our family. I hope this will also help Aleana in the future to understand what her Mom did for her. After we talked we took pictures that I will always cherish.  Jesica had to pass Aleana to me after pictures because it was getting too hard for her to hold Aleana. I just can’t imagine what Jesica is going through. We gave Jesica hugs good bye and told Jeremy bye as well.  I hope we see them again soon. It feels a little weird but also wonderful to have Aleana be ours.

            We talked to Charity for a little while before taking Aleana home.  She shared with us how this has been hard for Jesica, but that this has helped her life change for the better and that she will be better off.  She also told us how LDS family services will continue to help her with schooling and finding a job.  Charity gave us some advice about contacting Jesica and keeping our promises we made to her.  We had charity take a few pictures of us and then we put Aleana into the car seat and put her into our car for the first time. 

              

Going Home!

When we got home we took a few pictures of her in our house then Curt showed her around the house; where her room is, where she will sleep, get her diaper changed etc.  It was so cute to watch Curt with Aleana he is going to be a great Dad! The rest of the day we snuggled with her, fed her and got things ready for her first night at home. Curt got some cute pictures of me snuggling with her and I got to some cute picture of Curt feeding her and Aleana in her bouncer that Curt had just put together for her. Our friends Ben and Alyssa Owen were in town so they stopped by to see her.  Alyssa held her but Ben was a little nervous. They were he first visitors since she had been home. The whole day was focused on Aleana and I bet it will be that way for a long time:)  

Friday October 5th

My sister loves being an Aunt, she was the first to come see her at the hospital and one of the first to come see her when we got home.  She lives in Logan as well so she comes over to hold Aleana as often as possible.  It is nice to have a babysitter so close.

Curt's parents came up to visit, they love their newest Granddaughter (even if she did throw up on Grandma:).

Our friends the Boulters brought dinner and ate it with us.

It was a fun way to have someone bring dinner over.

I think they would enjoy having a little girl in their family.

Saturday October 6th

My brother Allen and sister in law Kathy came over and watched conference with us but I forgot to get pictures of them holding Aleana.  I am so excited that we found out my sister in law is pregnant because Aleana will have a cousin close to her age.

Sunday October 7th

My Family came up to visit Aleana and watch conference

 Dad with Aleana, I love that she is smiling at Grandpa

 My brother Brian

My family with Aleana  

Tuesday October 9th

Big yawn!

My Cute little Teddy Bear

My mom came up to help out and of course hold Aleana

Thursday October 11 

Our wonderful friends the Dutsons, just missing Jacob.

Cute little Emma, Curt loves playing with her. 

Curt's Birthday

 Saturday October 13th

His best present, he would have been happy if he did not get any thing else

But I had to get him a little something

 His parents and two of his sister came up for Curt's birthday.

 We went to Chuck -A- Rama for dinner.

Smile!

Tiff and Julee

Monday October 15th

First Pumpkin Walk

We went to the Logan pumpkin walk with a few of our friends from Aggie Village.

The pumpkin walk is where different groups put together displays made out of pumpkins.

the theme this year was "Let the Games Begin" our Families Supporting Adoption group did the game of life.

Our cute little colorful bear

My battery died before I could get one with me in the picture or of our groups display. We had fun even though it was cold and rainy. 

Tuesday October 16th

My friend Sable came to take pictures.  I took a few more with her name after she left.

 

 I will share her new born pictures with you when I get them from my friend.

Saturday October 20th

Curt taking a nap with Aleana after a long morning of trying to find Bambi's

 Dad with his Dad and Sister Tiff.   

Friday October 26th

 First time meeting Aunt Maegan

Cute picture!

Maegan thought she was good luck because she went hunting with them the next day and Tiff got her first deer.  I went with Curt later that night and all we saw was doe's and turkeys. I guess I am not to lucky :)  

Sunday October 28th

First trip to church

While at grandmas we took Aleana to sacrament and she slept the whole time, what a good girl!



Don't believe the look on her face, she really does like church :)

 

Posing for the picture

Last week we took her to Church and she slept through most of church, just woke up during Sunday school to eat.

This last week she was up most of the time, had a blow out during sacrament meeting, ate during Sunday school and slept during relief society.  I don't know how much longer we will be lucky enough to  have her sleep at church.  Although it is starting into cold and flu season so we may only take her to sacrament for the next few months.  

 Tuesday October 6th

I love her full face smiles, she is such a happy little girl

She loves her mobile, it is great so that I can make bottles and get ready for the day while she just chills in her crib.

She is a good little sleeper, although her favorite time to be up is 8 to midnight.  We are trying to work on that:).  I am getting more sleep at night but still enjoy my morning nap.

Saturday November 10th

 Taking a Saturday afternoon nap with dad

 My mom came up to visit and watched Aleana Friday Night while we went to see 7 Brides for 7 Brothers with our friends the Kjars. I don't know who had more fun us or my mom :).  She stayed the night and hung out on Saturday.  Thanks for letting us go on a real date.

 Talking to Grandma. This little girl is going to be a talker, she will fit right in.

 Smiling at Grandma

Ryan and Lisa this last picture is for you, we thought she looked a lot like Maryanna in this picture. She really does belong to this family and we love her so much.