Sisters

The bond is already starting! Ella has shown absolutely no hostility to Alexis thus far (just to us)! She is enthralled with kissing her on the forehead and giving her hugs and kisses all of the time!

Touchdown!

Yes, ladies and gents - this little girl is already saying 'Touchdown'! Ella did the exact same thing. Still makes us laugh to this day!

Just Alexis

I've been taking some pictures of just Alexis, trying to capture that little baby in her before she grows up too quickly!

The shirt in the first few pictures was the first purchase by Charles for his little girl #2. It says Little Sister in silver rhinestones. Really cute!!!

Coming home

We were discharged on Sunday, November 15th. Since Ella couldn't come to the hospital due to H1N1 policies, she had to wait to meet her new sister. Ella was absolutely fascinated with Alexis and asked no less than 15 times on Sunday to hold her.

We arrived home and had a flurry of visitors. Grandma & Grandpa Hohensee, Grandma & Grandpa Anliker, Josh, Heather & Paige. So glad to see everyone! Then after the above left, Clark and Cindy came over to meet little Alexis for the first time.

The dogs reacted well upon the arrival of Alexis. I was a little concerned with Penny since she likes to destroy things and needs lots of attention, BUT, we have had no issues thus far. In fact, when we go into check or attend to Alexis in the middle of the night, Penny comes along. She tends to lay on my feet - yes, actually on my feet!

Visitors

Because of the H1N1 flu virus concern, visitors in the hospital are being significantly limited. Only those over 18 can visit and then only 2 people at a time. So our visitors were slim, but that's ok because we were so glad to see all of them!

Grandma & Grandpa Hohensee

Grandma & Grandpa Anliker

Jeff & Nikki Essink

Rachel Buntenbach

Brian & Sarah Hohensee

Alexis Sophia Anliker

Alexis Sophia Anliker was born on Friday, November 13, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20" long. She is such a precious bundle of joy and is so beautiful!

Our labor and delivery nurse, Debbie was an absolute God-send!

Getting closer

Wow, this pregnancy was an eventful one! Four ultrasounds, presence of protein, low lying placenta and lack of growth in a number of weeks, the pregnancy came to an end during week 41. At my week 40 appt (11/9 - Monday), the doctor decided to induce me. I was thinking it was going to be in the next few days. They called me later at work to confirm that the first available induction date was Friday, November 13th. Apparently there is a little baby boom going on, so Mercy was full. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed that it couldn't be done sooner in the week - mainly because Charles would not have to take PTO for any days that I was in the hospital, so trying our best to capitalize on that, I was hoping for a mid-week induction.

Friday morning -

• Called to check in at 6:30. Post partum beds are all full - call back at 8:00.
• Called to check in at 8:00. Post partum beds still full - call back at 9:30.
• Called to check in at 9:30. Post partum beds still full. May have to push induction to next week, need to call back at 12:00.
• Called to check in at 12:00. Go ahead and come into the hospital.

Arrived at the hospital around 1:00. After checking in and answering medical history problems, IVs were inserted about 2:15 - after 3 tries by 3 different nurses. 2:15- dialated to 2 CM. One half of my left hand was black and blue from their attempts. Pitocin and antibiotics were started at 2:15. Dr. Sieman came in and broke my water at 3:15 as he was running back and forth between Mercy and Methodist to deliver 7 babies. At 4:45, dialated to 5 CM. At 5:22, our newest addition arrived!


Week 39













Week 40





























Week 41