The Start of a New Year

It's tough to believe that Kingsley will be two months old next week. Every day brings new experiences. She smiles and seems to recognize our voices.

2010 brought a big change for Ben. Ben is no longer working at the farm. He started working for Cory Molyneux at his business. It's a big change and Ben is really enjoying himself. Between his transition we were able to make a day trip to St. Augustine. Unfortunately, the weather was blistery cold, but we were still able to enjoy the day out of town.

My mother, Mary Lou Baglia, was in town for a nice visit. Grandma spoiled Kingsley and loved giving her a bath each day. Grandma also babysat one night so that Ben and I could enjoy a date night out. We loved having Grandma and look forward to her next visit. It won't be soon enough.

Kingsley and I are keeping busy. Each Tuesday afternoon we attend a postpartum luncheon at the hospital. It's nice to talk to other moms and hear what's working/not working in other homes. Other days we enjoy hour long walks around the neighborhood or errand running. I've enjoyed this time with her so much.

A Long Overdue Update

The last two posts were made just following the arrival of Kingsley. Now that we're in the swing of things, I thought it was time to get back to the blog. I plan to update weekly.

The holidays were a whirlwind. We enjoyed so many visitors. My Dad (Dave Baglia) & his wife Carol came up for a brief visit, then Buddy, Brynn & Kyndal Wallace. Shannon Drawbaugh made a day trip up and so did Bob, Fran and Jim Baglia. We had wonderful friends, like Megan Molyneux, Elsbeth Russell and Jill Andreu bring us dinner. We loved having everyone visit and the dinners were a nice break to our busy days.

We spent Christmas with the Tompkins at Rod & Rhonda's house. The house was full and we captured some nice photos of Kingsley with her cousins and her great-grandmother, Carriebell Tompkins.

Settling In & Visitors

We are settling into a routine at home. So far Kingsley has been a great sleeper and eater. Per the doctor's orders, Mom wakes Kingsley at night to feed. However, we won't have to do that once the doc gives the green light at her next check up. They want to see her at her original birth weight before letting her sleep as long as she wants at night. At her last visit she was down 6 oz from birth to 9 lbs 3 oz. She's still quite a meatball!

We've had a couple visitors: Jill Andreu brought Mom and Dad dinner (Big Thank You!) and Mitten and Kathy Swartzwelder stopped in for lunch on their way to Tallahassee. Grandma Bev Tompkins drops in every couple of days to see her granddaughter and Grandpa Dave & Grandma Carol Baglia will be coming into town later this week.

We have been so blessed with wonderful friends and family who call for updates and are anxious to visit.

Kingsley Anne Makes Her Arrival - Friday, December 4th

2:30 am: My water breaks. Ben and I try to time the contractions but they are coming so irregularly that we decide it's best to call the hospital. Labor and delivery instructs us to come in.

5:00 am: We throw the last minute essentials into our bags and head to the hospital. We arrive at North FL Regional Medical Center at 5:00 am and learn that I am at 10 cm and in the throws of labor. No time for an epidural.

6:00 am: Doctors expect delivery very soon, it's a whirlwind in the room as the nurses get me prepped and ready for delivery. I push for 2 hours but Kingsley is content where she is and wants just a little more time on the inside. The doctors think I'm tiring, want to give me a rest, and think it's OK to receive an epidural. Ben calls the Grandmas and they make their way to the hospital.

8:00 am: I rest for two hours after receiving my epidural.

10:00 am: Doctors think it's time to start pushing again.

11:50 am: Kingsley Anne Tompkins is born weighing 9 lbs 9 ozs and is 22 inches long. She has some light brown hair and is just beautiful.

See pictures from Facebook here.

See pictures from the hospital here. Select By Family - Birthday is 12/4/2009 - Mother's Last Name: Tompkins - Family's City: Newberry - State: FL - Password: 23141284075655

Diaper Stockpile

Yesterday I visited the doctor and I am still at 3 cm and holding. OK Kingsley, Mommy and Daddy are ready for you. Could you please join us on the outside?

Ben and I started buying diapers and wipes almost weekly after we found out we were expecting. We've created quite a diaper stockpile. These stacks are three and four rows deep. I'm curious to see how often we have to buy diapers and how quickly she grows out of the sizes.

See pictures of Kingsley's room at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=45087&id=1266227423&l=9b1c629d88

3 Centimeters & Waiting

Yesterday I visited the doctor and learned that I'm 3 cm (out of 10). That's a good sign but anything can happen. I could go into labor tonight or sit at 3 cm for another week. In case I don't go into labor, I have an appointment scheduled next Tuesday, December 1st and another on the 4th.

Bags are packed, car seat is installed and we're just waiting. More to come... soon I hope.

Whew! What a weekend!

Wow! What a weekend we had.

Friday night we attended the annual Tompkins Family Bonfire. Weather was cool and the fire was warm. We had a great time with friends and family.

Saturday we attended the UF vs FIU game. A special thanks to our friends Brian & Elsbeth Russell for the Champion Clubs seats. Picture: Elsbeth & I enjoy free ice cream comes at half time.

Sunday was the big event! Ben was able to watch the Tampa Bay Bucs warm up from the sidelines before he and three friends led the Bucs onto the field and out of the tunnel. What an experience!

Dear Ms. Kingsley - Thank you for staying put. You are now welcome to make your entrance whenever you are ready.