Introducing our precious baby

BOY!!!!!!!!!!!

Anthony III

Born on June 5, 2009 @ 9:20 a.m.

9lbs. 2oz.
20 inches

We headed to the hospital Friday morning (4 days past due) for our scheduled induction. Here I am right before I changed into my hospital gown as big as can be at 40-1/2 weeks.

After getting all set & hooked up to my IV, the nurse started my pitocin drip at 5:50a.m. I was already 3 cm dilated & 70% effaced, so we were off to a good start. An hour later at 6:50 my doctor came in to break my water. Another hour went by & I was already 6cm & 90% effaced. 9:05... 10 cm! By 9:10 I started pushing & 10 minutes later we were welcoming our sweet baby boy into the world. It wasn't quite as easy as it sounds.
Our little one was such a big boy that this was definitely the most intense pushing I have had to endure of all my deliveries. My doctor kept saying the baby wasn't happy & I really needed to hurry to get him out. His heart rate was dropping which was really scaring me but caused my adrenalin to get going at the same time. Once his huge head came out, Dr. Irvin told me the cord was wrapped around his neck so I had to get him out with the next push. I immediately started crying & pushing at the same time. I had to get him out NOW! His shoulders ended up getting stuck so Dr. Irvin had to help twist a little to get him out. His cry was the absolute sweetest sound I have ever heard. Thank God for a happy & health baby! She held him up & the cord was right between his legs. It was the screams from mine & Anthony's moms that first gave it away that we had a baby boy. How exciting!
Everyone kept saying how big he was & as soon as they took him to the scale I knew why.... 9pounds 2ounces!!!!! I can't believe I was able to push out a baby that big. Dr. Irvin said absolutely no more going past my due date for any other babies. In fact she said she'll most likely induce me at 39 weeks next time.

So we had been trying to think of names to call our little man other than "Anthony the 3rd," which is quite the mouthful. "Little Anthony" didn't really fit because, well, he's just not that little. We had thought about Trey for a long time as well, but we have a really good buddy named Trey & that's who we automatically think of when we say that name. So, we finally decided on Tripp. It's short & sweet & fits his personality well. He does get called Baby Anthony quite a bit as well. I tend to call him Anthony when I'm talking to him & Tripp when I'm talking about him to someone else. Isabella still calls him "my baby" as she did the entire time I was pregnant. She keeps telling me how happy she is that "her baby" is finally here. Mackenzie just calls him "baby." I'm sure over time he'll gain a few more names & become the boy with many names, as most people in the Guajardo family have multiple nicknames.

Tripp & Daddy

Relaxing on his first day at home.

We got home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon & spent the rest of the short day we had left relaxing from our long weekend away from home. Monday we were planning on spending our first day together at home as a family of 5. Little did we know that there were other plans waiting for us. About 8:30 in the morning Tripp threw up a rather large puddle of blood. We immediately called the doctor to set up an appointment to take him in. His Dr. ended up calling us back a few minutes later & told us we needed to go ahead & take him into Dell Children's Hospital for testing. So, my dad came to the rescue to watch the girls & Anthony, Mom, Tripp & I were off to the hospital in Austin. The staff there is completely amazing. We were treated so wonderfully while we were there & everything seemed to go by so fast. Tripp started off with x-rays of his tummy. Then, they pumped his stomach & took a stool sample. They also had me pump some milk to make sure the problem didn't lie elsewhere. During this whole process the ER doctor asked me not to nurse him until we could figure out the problem. After all the tests had been done & most had come back normal the Dr. told me that I could go ahead & start feeding him. (Poor thing had gone most of the morning without eating.) She was waiting for the results of one last test to come back & she really wanted to postpone admitting him to a room for as long as possible so that he wouldn't be exposed to any other germs in the hospital. As soon as I started nursing him, we figured out the problem. I was dripping blood from my breast & that is the majority of what he was getting rather than my milk. Poor baby! This is what the Dr. had thought originally except that when I pumped milk there was no blood at all. It was only when he nursed because of the bad grip he was getting. Thankfully, Tripp ended up being just fine. I had to give my body a break for a couple of days & strictly pump in order to feed him. I am completely healed now & we are both feeling much better. Sorry for the late post, the first week at home was a little different than we expected.

Our little buddy resting with Daddy @ Dell Children's

Happy to be home at last! You can see the little drop of milk coming from his mouth. He must have a happy tummy.;)

Look at our big boy!

Change of Plans

So, I know this is super late but today has been a crazy busy day. We have had a change of plans & I am going in at 5am to be induced on Friday rather than Monday. I realize most of you probably won't be reading this until after the baby arrives but we'll be sure to let you know of our wonderful new arrival as soon as possible. I think I am too busy at the moment to even be nervous. I am really excited, although I still don't think the reality has hit me yet. Please say a prayer for us if you can that things will go smoothly. We cannot wait to introduce our newest little miracle to the world!!!! Love & Hugs to all! Alice, Anthony, Isabella & Mackenzie....

the much anticipated 40 WEEK!!!!!!!! update

Still no baby yet! I guess this little one is deciding to follow after big sister, Mackenzie, & hang around a bit longer than expected. How is it that the more kids I have the longer I stay pregnant each time? I thought they were supposed to come sooner every time. Oh well! I think in my case they don't come sooner, just faster.
I asked for this baby to be patient for me to make it to at least my due date & now I suppose it's the baby's turn to ask for my patience. I had my appointment today & am still only 2cm. There hasn't been any change from last week. My doctor doesn't want me to go past 41 weeks though, so we have set an induction date for next Monday, the 8th at 5am. That is of course, if the baby doesn't decide to come before then. I love my doctor & she is great enough to follow my wishes of trying to go into labor on my own, but there does come a point where one does need to see an end in sight. I think I'm there.
I also asked Dr. Irvin today what she thought of the baby's weight at this point since that seems to be a question I get asked quite a bit lately. She really doesn't think the baby will be too much bigger than either of the girls. Isabella was 7lbs.8oz & Mackenzie was 8lbs. even. So, I think we'll stay pretty close to that. Only time will tell.
It is very exciting to know that we will definitely have a new little bundle by this time next week, if not sooner. I am looking forward to seeing the girls' reaction to their new sibling. It's amazing how much they already love the baby without even meeting him/her yet. I think Isabella may be more anxious than any of us. (By the way, she changed her vote today to a girl.... for the entire 9 months I've been pregnant she has said we're having a boy to anyone that has asked her... or me, for that matter & then all of a sudden when Dr. Irvin asked her today, she said "girl." Anthony & I both looked at each other shocked. I'll have to check with her tomorrow to see if she switched back or not. )
We'll be sure to post a new update on Monday unless anything happens before then. Thank you so much for keeping us in your prayers! Love & Hugs to all!

Mid-Week Update

So, I had my appointment today at 39 weeks & 2 days. I have only increased to 2 cm & 60% effaced. At this point I'm thinking our baby is being very cooperative & going to let me make it to both graduations this weekend before showing up.:) Dr. Irvin also informed me that she is not on call this weekend, so I'd really like to try to hang in there until at least Monday (my due date) before the baby arrives. If I don't have the baby before Monday, then Dr. Irvin wants to set an "end date" so I'm not still hanging on past 41 weeks.
At this point I am completely 50/50 as to my thoughts on the sex of the baby. I have no gut feeling either way as to whether or not we're having a boy or a girl. I am always wrong anyway, so what's the point in guessing now. My guess for the date is June 3rd & I have a feeling this baby will be bigger than both the girls... around 8-1/2 lbs. Anthony's guess was for today (missed that one) & he's thinking GIRL, 7lbs. 3oz. Isabella has said BOY from the very beginning. She just told me that she thinks the baby is going to be here in 5 days... that would be Monday, my due date.
Any guesses? I'd love to know what everyone is thinking at this point. I'm going to go ahead & add a picture, because I know every one's curious. I am absolutely HUGE at this point & don't really think it's possible for my belly to stretch anymore than it already has. Sorry for my sleepy eyes... guess the exhaustion is starting to show.

39 Week Baby News

Today marks one short week until baby is due. If this baby is like Isabella, I won't make it through the week. If this baby follows after Mackenzie, we'll be pushing into much later next week. Either way, I'm getting really close. I had to give an update today since my due date is only a week away. However, since today is Memorial Day I didn't have an appointment. Last Monday at my appointment I was still just 1cm dilated. My visit this week is scheduled for Wednesday, so by then we'll be able to see how much progress I've made. I have actually been having contractions off & on throughout the weekend, but nothing major enough to make us rush to the hospital just yet. I would love to be able to wait until the end of the weekend because Anthony's brother & my niece are both graduating this weekend. I know everything is in God's hands, so we'll be happy regardless. We would love every one's prayers for a healthy delivery & baby. Thanks so much for all of the thoughts & prayers along our journey.
***Just a little side note... Kristi, I'm so sorry I had to miss your shower this weekend. I knew if I didn't go nothing would end up happening, but at the same time I couldn't get the thought out of my head of having this baby on the side of 35 in the back of my car. Sure would have made for a good news story though. I missed all my girls this weekend & hope it is not too long before I get to see you all again. Love you all to pieces!!!!!! xoxoxoxo

Mother's Day & Baby News

I just wanted to say a belated, but very "Happy Mother's Day" to all the moms & mommies-to-be out there. It is such a wonderful day dedicated to making the moms in our lives feel special. Anthony & I made our moms really cute coffee mugs for their special day. On Janie's mug we put pictures of all the grandkids inside hearts & the top said "Grandma's Loves," which is what she calls all of them. We took this picture with my mom after church to put on her mug with the saying, "Peace, Love & Nana." (I don't think we could have fit all 17 of mom's grandkids on one mug.) They both turned out really cute. Plus it was a great chance to get a good pic with my mom & the girls. After church, I pretty much got to relax the rest of the day which was nice after our long walk on Saturday. Anthony wanted to send me out shopping for a day by myself, but staying home to relax was really what I needed more than anything.

I know every one's anxious for the baby news. I had my 37 week appointment on Monday. WOW! It is really hard to believe our next baby is only 3 weeks away... CRAZY! The appointment went great. Dr Irvin was on vacation this week so her nurse Kimberly checked me. She could feel the babies head right away. I am just 1 cm dilated & 40% effaced. To me, this doesn't mean much. I was at 1 cm for 2-3 weeks with both the girls so it looks as if things are moving along right on schedule. Although, I can definitely tell the baby has dropped. I told Anthony that I have been feeling like a duck lately having to waddle around everywhere. I'm feeling pretty silly. I wanted to add this picture in it's full version because it shows off my basketball belly much more.... & NO, I am NOT having twins!!!!!!

We Did It!!!

"Team Mary Alice" in front of the capitol

Today was a very successful day. We participated in the March of Dimes, March for Babies. It was a 3.2 mile walk around downtown Austin. Luckily, it didn't send me into labor. We'll see on Monday at my appointment if it did have any effect on my progression though. We were accompanied by many family members which made the day so much more enjoyable. It was rather humid out, but the clouds helped protect us from the extreme heat of the sun. Everyone had a blast & we are all already talking about the walk for next year.

Thanks so much for everyone who helped out along the way. I am very proud of the outcome we achieved. Even more so, we had a great time doing it.

Luke & Adam

Amy & Cian

Aodhan just hanging out

Claire passed out by the end of the walk

Anthony & I made shirts for our team members for the walk. We were really pleased with how they turned out. We all had "TEAM MARY ALICE" on the front & the backs said, "in memory of our very own guardian angel" with angel wings & Mary Alice's birthday below. Mine & Anthony's were a little different. We added a heart over our right shoulders saying, "I love my angel daughter" and Isabella & Mackenzie both had a heart on theirs saying, "I love my angel sister."

You won't see pictures like this much longer. This family of four will very soon be a Party of 5!!!

Last cry for help!

Hey friends! I am getting really excited. Our walk for the March of Dimes, March for Babies is tomorrow morning. Anthony & I are planning on finishing up our shirts for our team tonight. Less than 24 hours away and I am a mere $5 away from reaching my goal. I know several of you said that you would like to help out if you can. No better time than now. It's really easy. Just click on the link on the right side of my page & you can donate online if you'd like.
Also, anyone that's in the area & would like to join us for the walk, feel free. It starts at 9:30 at Auditorium Shores & the walk is a little over 3 miles. (Let's hope this doesn't send me in to labor!) There will be tons of activities for the kids to participate in afterwards as well, so feel free to bring the whole family. Be sure to give us a call if you decide to come out so that we can look for you.
Thanks so much to everyone for your support. This is something that I am extremely proud to be a part of & will continue to look forward to every year. We will forever remember our sweet angel & are overjoyed to be walking in her honor. We love you, Mary Alice!
Love & Hugs to all!!!

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter this year with all the kiddos. This day was really all about them. The morning started off pretty stormy on our way to church, but by the time mass had ended the weather could not have been more beautiful!

The Easter Bunny paid us a visit while we were away at church. He was extra nice this year!

the girls checking out their treasures

Once the rest of the family came over & the weather cleared up, it was pretty much outside time the rest of the day. First off, the cascarones (confetti eggs.) SO MUCH FUN!

Kenzie & Bella teaming up on Jamal

Show us your baskets. Time for the hunt!

After a long day of fun the kids decided it was time for a little R&R!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I just wanted to take a quick minute to thank everyone for helping me raise money for the March of Dimes, March for Babies walk I am participating in on May 9th. It is exactly one month from today & I am only a mere $5 away from reaching my $500 goal. I never really even expected that I would reach this goal, but it was more of a dream. It would not have been possible without all of your help. Thanks so much.
We are so excited to participate in the walk. Anthony & I are coming up with a t-shirt design for everyone who will be walking with us. I already have the girls' shirts ready & they're super cute. Anyone that is interested in walking with us, be sure to let us know. The walk is May 9th in Austin. Obviously our family follows the saying, "the more, the merrier!" So, everyone is welcome.
Anthony hadn't even had the chance to make his own page for the walk yet & I am already so close to reaching my goal that I am directing everyone to his personal page now. His is http://www.marchforbabies.org/maryalicemarch
So, if you were planning on donating still & haven't had the chance you can always donate there so we can help Anthony reach his goal.
Thanks again everyone! You are really making a difference in so many lives. This is helping all the babies-to-be that otherwise may have never had a chance to survive.
Love & Hugs to all!!!!

Isabella's Farm Party

Last weekend we celebrated Isabella's 3rd birthday with a little farm party. Whenever Anthony's mom had asked her, about a month ago, what she would like for her birthday this year, her response was... a donkey, a horse, a cow & a pig. Knowing we weren't planning on making a move to a ranch anytime in the near future, we decided to bring the animals to us. It was a really big hit with all the kids. There was a little pony for the kids to ride around on & also a petting zoo complete with a baby calf, goats, bunny rabbits, and a few baby chicks. They all really seemed to enjoy it. Isabella has already asked when her animal friends will be coming back.

She really loved the baby chicks

& Mackenzie loved the pony!

The sweet baby calf enjoying a nap.

The goat kids helping us with our yard work.

The animals were a big success & all the kids seemed to be sad when it was time for them to leave, but once they did it allowed us to get to the "usual" party events...

Blowing out the candles on her barn cake,

& lost in the sea of presents!

Thanks to all our friends & family who were able to make it. Isabella had a wonderful birthday this year & we are all so appreciative of everything you all do for us.

We love you Isabella... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!!!

Please join me in supporting March of Dimes March for Babies‏

Dear family & friends,
This September will mark 5 years since we lost our sweet angel, Mary Alice, to my premature delivery. It is hard to believe that it has been that long, when it feels like just yesterday that Anthony & I received the news that our precious baby would not survive my delivery. Nothing in our lives has compared to the tragedy that we went through at that time. As with most trying times do, this only brought us closer together & closer to Christ. Since then, we have been blessed with two beautiful daughters & are expecting our next baby at the beginning of June. God is good!
We are always looking for ways to be able to help other mothers & families in any way that we can. If there is anything that we can do to prevent at least one other family from going through what we had to, we're more than willing to help. This is the least we can do. I am very excited to be a part of March for Babies. We are participating in the walk to honor our baby angel, Mary Alice. I am posting this blog to ask for your help. Please support my participation by making a donation or even joining my team.My personal web page address is...
http://www.marchforbabies.org/marchformaryalice
The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Thank you all so very much for just taking the time to look over our page. It means the world to us. We know our sweet angel is looking down with joy on what we are doing to try to help others. God Bless You all!
Love & Hugs,
Alice, Anthony, Isabella & Mackenzie

Sleepless in Seattle

We are so excited to say that we have finally made the final steps in getting our new business up & running. Some of you know that we have been chasing this dream for quite some time. The business story will have to be an entirely different post all together. Making a long story short, Georgetown Fanatics is our newest baby. We will be doing screen printing for athletic wear, everyday t's, holiday apparel, the list goes on...
Back to the post at hand, we made a trip to Seattle last week for the training for our new machinery. The girls started the trip off sick, which didn't make for very pleasant plane rides. Other than that part, it was a wonderful trip.

Bella on her first plane ride ever...

Kenzie knocked out from her meds... poor baby! However, this was much better than the screaming fit that preceded the nap...:(

Apparently, we were told we brought the Texas sun with us because it did not rain a single drop the entire week we were there, Monday thru Saturday. Seattle is a beautiful city with the water, gigantic evergreens & gorgeous mountains. If we wouldn't get so homesick we would definitely consider a move there. The scenery is simply amazing.

This was the view from in between 2 streets of the little neighborhood where we stayed in Kirkland, WA. Can you imagine this in your backyard!?! BEAUTIFUL!!!
We took Aunt Rosie with us for the trip so that we could have the girls tag along for the journey. Anthony & I had training all day Tuesday thru Thursday which left us with Friday wide open for all the touristy stuff. We started the day off with a "ride the ducks" tour. It was so much fun for the kids. The driver was super goofy & we got to see an entire overview of Seattle in 90 minutes by land & sea. Pretty cool!

Daddy & Kenzie on the truck/boat

Mommy & Bella
Space Needle in daylight

Duckie Lips

view from our boat ride of the "Sleepless in Seattle" house... sorry, I can't point out exactly which one it was
Mt. Rainier

Pike's Market

After the ducks, we headed to Pike's Place Market. My one big request for the trip. Too bad we're not huge fans of seafood, because they had the most amazing looking fish on display you could ever imagine. My favorite... the, what seemed like, mile long highway of fresh fruits & vegetables.... mmmmm! Pike's is also the proud owner of the very first Starbucks ever!
So, you may be wondering where the "sleepless" part comes into play. With all the excitement from our training class & getting our new business going I think Anthony & I totalled, maybe 3 hours on average of sleep each night. We kept having all sorts of dreams/thoughts of what we will get to do. Honestly, ever since we've been home the dreams haven't stopped. Some of our best ideas have been coming to us in the wee hours of the night. We are really excited to share with everyone our new journey. In the meantime, while we're getting things really going, you can check out our website: http://www.georgetownfanatics.com/

It is just a parked page for now but will hopefully be up & running really soon. We'll be sure to post again once things really start to take off.

Another little man in the Flan Fam

After much anticipation all week long, we were all very proud to welcome our newest little nephew into the world yesterday, Aodhan Patrick Flanagan. Amy had already been in the hospital two times earlier in the week expecting the arrival of their newest cutie, was actually due yesterday, but scheduled for a c-section this morning, Monday. I guess Aodhan (Irish spelling for Aiden) knew the day he was supposed to arrive & was determined to stick to it. Amy went to the hospital pretty early Sunday morning. Starting off with great progression and then after several hours at 5cm, she didn't move on from there; same as with Cian. So, the doctor decided it was time for a c-section. We're so proud of you Amy & know you worked so hard. I'm happy to say baby & mommy are doing wonderfully.

Only some of the kiddos waiting for their newest cousin

It's a BOY!!!

The proud new parents yet again... he's so handsome!

Cian checking out his little bro

Jamie & Aodhan, once again this little man has his daddy's genes