Newborn Pictures.

Pictures by Ashley Huish Photography.

Kennadi's Birth Story.

*Warning: this post is a bit long and full of detail. Sorry! I am writing this down more for my sake then to share my story.  My blog is being used as both my journal and a way for family/friends to stay updated on the Richards household.

I went to my 39 week doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, September 4th. I was dilated to 3 cm and was 80% effaced. I was feeling super discouraged since I hadn’t made much progress since my appointment the week before. The doctor decided to strip my membranes to maybe help things along. I wasn’t feeling too optimistic since she told me that there is only a 20% chance of it actually putting me into labor plus there was only a 48 hour window. After walking for miles plus hours of canning fruit with my mom and grandma nothing was happening. I was getting even more discouraged. And then it finally happened….

Wednesday night I dragged Austin on another one of our long, nightly walks. While we were walking I was starting to feel a lot of stomach tightening and cramping. I just kinda assumed it was from being so pregnant and so out of shape. As soon as we got home, around 9 pm, the contractions started. They were around 8 minutes apart and not painful so I decided I would try to sleep. That didn’t work out. I couldn’t sleep a wink as the contractions were getting closer together and more painful. Finally around 4 am I was in pain! The contractions were coming about every 5 minutes. I wasn’t sure if it was actually contractions though. My doctor told me I would know if I was in labor because I wouldn’t be able to walk or talk through my contractions. Well, in my case the only way I could get through a contraction was to walk through them. I didn’t want to go clear to the hospital and be sent home.  I was so sleep deprived and in so much pain though I decided to wake Austin up so we could head to the hospital anyway. I figured if it wasn’t real labor they probably had some strong pain meds or sleeping pills they could give me.

We arrived at the hospital about a quarter to six. I slipped into the fashionable hospital gown and my doctor came in to check me. I was dilated to 5 cm and having very strong and regular contractions so I was admitted! The first thing I asked for was an epidural. Once the epidural was in place I was in heaven and the whole labor thing was easy (except for the no eating anything but flavored ice chips. I was starving!).

At first I was progressing outrageously fast. The doctor came and broke my water which was supposed to make it go even faster. Unfortunately once I hit 8 cm I stalled. It took me forever to get past 8 cm and even longer to get past 9 cm. I thought I was never going to be dilated enough to push a baby out of me!  It didn’t help that the epidural was starting to wear off and causing excruciating pain too.  I finally got fully dilated and was ready to push. After a LONG hour of pushing Kennadi Lauren Richards finally entered the world. She was born at 5:37 pm on Thursday, September 6^th.

After she was born it was all a blur. Kennadi was placed on my belly as she let out her first cry. I watched as Austin cut her cord. I gazed on as the nurse weighed and measured her. I might have panicked when they called a respiratory therapist in to check her breathing patterns. As all of this was going on I didn’t even notice the doctor giving me 15 pretty intense stitches. After Kennadi was all washed off and taken care of, I got to do some skin-to-skin with her. It seemed far too short though as Kennadi had to eventually make her way to the nursery.

Kennadi was whisked away to the nursery around 6:30 pm. I didn’t see her again until around 10. That could have possibly been one of the longest couple of hours of my life. Kennadi had to receive some doses of antibiotics (through an IV in her head, poor baby!) as a precaution because I had a fever during labor. It was so hard not knowing what was going on with my new baby and not being able to snuggle with her. It was also pretty disappointing that so much family came down to see Kennadi but didn’t have the opportunity to really see her or hold her. After finally being able to snuggle with Kennadi, attempting to feed her, and adjusting to life as a new mom I was starting to feel the impact of a very physically demanding and emotionally draining day. Around midnight I sent Kennadi to the nursery so I could sleep (after all I hadn’t slept for 40+ hours). As I drifted off to sleep I soon realized that my life would never be the same, I probably would never catch up on that missed sleep, and for once in my lifetime I was ok with that.

Kennadi Lauren Richards.

Meet baby Kennadi.

Born September 6th at 5:37 pm

Weighing 7 lbs 6 oz. and 19.5 inches long.

More posts to come but right now I am too busy snuggling my new baby girl.

Brigham City Temple.

Austin and I ventured up north one weekend to check out the new Brigham City Temple before it was dedicated. The temple is absolutely breathtaking. The details and craftsmanship that went into the temple is incredible. Because I grew up in Tremonton, I feel very fortunate to have such a beautiful icon so close to my hometown. Here are some snapshots from the day… 

First Day of School.

The new school year has officially begun and I have a feeling it may be a hectic semester. With a new baby, Austin squeezing in more work hours, and many night classes I am praying I at least see my husband once in a while. I am really fortunate to have planned my schedule in a way that I can still stay at home with the baby, take online classes, and still be on track to graduate by April. Horray!

Of course no school year is complete without the cheesy first day of school pictures, backpack and all.

Baby Shower.

I have been overwhelmed with all the love and support everyone has shown me and the babe. I was fortunate enough to have three baby showers thrown for me. My mom decided to throw me a shower up in Tremonton for all my friends up there. My mom is quite the host and went beyond anything i expected or anticipated.

 Next, my lovely co-workers threw me a shower. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to document the event. The shower was fabulous though filled with lots of cute baby clothes and Cafe Rio. Finally, I had another shower down in Spanish Fork for all my Utah Valley friends and family. My bestie Markel and my Aunt Lorie were the masterminds behind this shower. I  felt spoiled rotten with all the gifts I received. Poor Kennadi is going to be brainwashed early with all the BYU and Utah Jazz gear I acquired throughout the showers. 

Thanks to all the family and friends who came and supported us! It really means a lot to have so many generous and supportive people in my life.

Pregnancy.

Backaches.  Swollen feet.  Emotional train wreck.  Lack of sleep.  Zero energy.  Cravings.  Endless potty trips.

Growing a baby is hard work!

In all reality though, I can't complain too much. I have had a super easy pregnancy. Austin always teases me and says I am healthier now that I am pregnant then I was before. I never had to suffer through any morning sickness. I never had any food aversions. I never was super uncomfortable until recently. Now I just can't wait to get this little girl out of me!

I am officially 34 weeks pregnant. At my last doctors appointment I was measuring 37-38 weeks though. This means that this baby is going to be chubby, going to make her arrival early, or is just positioned super awkward. My next appointment I will more than likely get an ultrasound and see what the status is. Honestly, I wouldn't be one bit disappointed if she had to make her arrival a week or two early. Just not too early though, I have procrastinated and still have a lot of baby shopping and nursery decorating to do!

Here are some pics of the babe at our 20 week ultrasound...