Welcome to the world Addison!

Addison Cynthia Chan has made her debut into the world. She was born on December 30th, 2009 at 9:11 pm. She weighed six pounds and twelve ounces and was 18.75 inches long. We are so happy she is ours and is finally here!

I was induced on December 30th around noon. Everything from that point went according to plan. I had an epidural (thank goodness) at around five and by 9:00 pm, our little girl was ready to make her appearance!

It was so wonderful to have my sisters and my dear hubby in the delivery room with me as Addison entered the world. With both my sisters there to share the moment, I truly felt my mom's presence with us on her grand daughters birthday.

Thank you all for your prayers, love and support. We are so very blessed and are so happy to have a new addition to our family. She truly completes Kevin and I and we could not be more thrilled.

The Nursery - Complete!

Here is the finished product of Addison's nursery. It is finally complete! The letters were made by my friend Courtney. She is so talented and we absolutely love them! Now all we need is our sweet baby girl and we will be a complete family! Enjoy the photos.

Kevin at 7 months Gretchen at 7 months
Who will she look like?

36 Weeks

Today we had our 36 week checkup. Addison had a strong heartbeat between 130-140. She has the hiccups several times a day and still moves like a crazy person even though there really isn't any space left in there.

I also had my first internal (who hoo!) today. I wasn't expecting to be dilated because I still have four weeks to go, however, my OB informed me that Addison's head was extremely low and I was 2 cm. dilated and 65% effaced! She told Kevin and I that most likely she will not make her appearance this week (thank goodness b.c we are not ready!) however, anytime after next week is fair game. Anyway, she is measuring at 6.5-7 pounds and everything else looks great! I couldn't have asked for a better checkup.

Please pray that Addison and I can continue to stay healthy throughout the rest of our pregnancy. Also pray for a healthy delivery and baby. Thanks to you all who have continued to have our expanding family in your thoughts and prayers. They have certainly been working and for that we are truly greatful.

Things being pregnant has taught me...

I stole this post from my sorority sister Megan who just had her first baby girl last month. I thought it was so cute and funny I had to create my own list. Also, for those of you who are pregnant or have been pregnant, I encourage you to jot down your thoughts on pregnancy as well. Enjoy!

1. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER google any symptom you may have. This is something that I had to learn the hard way.

2. You learn the true meaning of family.

3. I never thought I would have a chocolate milkshake for breakfast.

4. I didn't know that bra sizes beyond the letter F existed. Now I do.

5. A 3D ultrasound is hands down a must have. Amazing!

6. Putting on Ugg boots qualifies as an intense workout.

7. Feeling your baby move is the most amazing experience you'll have ever have. It doesn't matter where, or what hour of the night she is kicking me. I have loved it every time!

8. The word emotional has taken on new meaning in the Chan household.

9. Date night, or any night for that matter = movies at home, board games and football.

10. My love for Kevin has become stronger than ever. He is going to be the best daddy!

11. Don't look at the scale when they weigh you at the doctors office. It will never be a pretty picture!

12. The word irritable takes on a new meaning.

13. The saying that you will never sleep again once you have kids is a myth, you stop sleeping about three months before then.

14. Comfortable is a word that I have removed from my vocabulary.

15. I get up to pee so many times during the night that I should take up permanent residence in the bathroom.

16. Women who say they love being pregnant are full of malarkey!

17. I have never felt so happy, scared, nervous, thrilled than I do right now. I can't to meet our little girl and be her mommy!

Christmas Traditions

This is our living room that still, after a year and a half of living here, does not have any furniture.

Please disregard the baby stuff in the corner.

Well it has been a while since I have posted anything. Life has been a little nutty with the Thanksgiving and such. Kevin's family is in Texas for the Holiday and since I am not allowed to travel anymore, Kevin and I celebrated Turkey Day here in Columbus with my mom's family. It was a nice, relaxing day with great food and good company. I am so very thankful for my wonderful family.

As for my pregnancy, nothing too exciting is happening. I am 34 weeks and feeling more and more uncomfortable each day. Sleeping is becoming quite a challenge and so is walking up and down the stairs without running out of breath. January 9th cannot come sooner!! Kevin and I have started to play "name that body part." Yesterday we saw her sweet foot come out of my tummy and sometimes she hikes her little bum in the air and just stays in that position. It's really funny and amazing to watch all at the same time! I am glad she is moving and groovin' around in there and hope she is more comfortable than I am!

Today we decided to start a Chan family tradition that we can continue when Addison arrives. We put up our tree and hung all the ornaments. This is something my family did every year after Thanksgiving. We listened to Christmas music and talked about the significance of each ornament we hung. I loved doing this as a child and hope that when Addison is old enough to remember, she will enjoy this tradition as much as I did. With that being said, I usually go all out with Christmas decorations, however because we will be very close to having a child around Christmas this year, we decided to keep it simple. We will have enough to keep us busy this holiday season. So I leave you now with pictures of our tree and also a question. With Addison arriving within weeks we want to start some unique Holiday traditions with her. What special traditions do you have with your loved ones?

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Couples Shower

This past weekend we had another shower for our sweet girl. This shower was held by all my mom's best friends. It was so nice to be around people who had influenced my mother's life so much. These women were such strong pillars of strength in my mom's life and now have taken on that role in mine and my sisters. We are so very blessed! Thank you Wendy, Jane, Tina, Robin, Ellen, and Lana. You have been so wonderful to my family and I can't begin to thank you enough for our shower. What a wonderful time!

Kevin and I were completely overwhelmed by the love and gifts that everyone brought for Addison. I guess trying not to spoil her is not working out so much and she is not even here yet!!

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was inviting and the people were so loving! Thank you everyone who came to celebrate the soon-to-be arrival of our little girl.

My sisters & I

Alyssa, myself (the marshmallow), and Kelly

The spread

The amazing hostesses

Feeling her kick!