To see and order professional photos, go here
http://holst-photography.com/Portraits/Maddox-Dale-Neas

Forgot to add...

7 pounds 5 ounces 20.5 inches long!

The story of his birth

Everyone has a birth story- here is Maddox's...

I was scheduled to be induced at 4:30am Tuesday August 24. However, I went into labor at 10:30pm Monday August 23. We went to the hospital and got checked in at midnight. Between midnight and 5am, Michael's Mom and my parents came to the hospital and I labored until I was ready for the epidural. After that, the labor continued, but I didn't feel it! :) The baby began to show signs of stress, so they stopped my labor and tried to reposition him and me to see what the problem was. The baby was doing ok at this point, so they restarted the labor, and the same problems came up again. At about 8am, the doctor was called in, and after a few exams, he let us know that the baby was going to be born by C-section... now. Maddox was born at 9:12am perfectly healthy! He required a little extra suctioning and cleaning, but he had no problems at all!

He's Here!

Maddox Dale Neas was born August 24, 2010 at 9:12am by C-section. He is perfectly healthy and very happy! He looks more like Mom right now, but acts just like Dad- cool as a cucumber!

We will post the story of his birth along with many photos in the next few days.

Hello all! We went to the doctor this morning. I am 1cm dilated still, so we are going to wait a bit and see how things go. The doctor thought we would have made more progress in a week, but it's all an estimation! We go back next Monday, and if things are favorable, we are scheduled to induce Tuesday. If we need more time, we will just take more time. They only induce on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is all assuming that the baby doesn't come before then. I don't have any idea, but I'm certainly looking forward to it either way!!

Everything is getting more difficult, so my last day of work is tomorrow. I am taking a few vacation days before the baby comes to relax and get things in order.

Here's a photo after a long day of work. My below-the-belly maternity pants no longer go where they are supposed to go because the baby is bearing down so low. It's not as cute for work, but very exciting to see progress!

We went to the doctor this morning. All is well- my blood pressure is great, I haven't gained weight in 5 weeks, and the baby's heart rate is 142. I am about 60% effaced and almost 1cm dilated. We go back Tuesday morning, and we will likely be able to plan on checking into the hospital at the end of next week ~20th. That will probably make my last day of work Tuesday August 17. This is all assuming the baby doesn't come on its own before then.

Last weekend we got SO MUCH DONE! (with the immeasurable help of my parents) Things are about as ready as they are going to be- once I pack my hospital bag! :) This house is ready for a baby, and so are we!

A few more nursery photos that I promised. The curtain is white- remember the walls have a slight blue tint. The current bedding is farm animals- SO CUTE!! Our other set is green and cream mod circles, and we have quite a few changes of sheets. :)

We are just about ready for this precious child!

36.5 weeks along.

I am looking forward to being able to breathe, but otherwise things are going great! With the chiropractic treatment twice each week, I am not having any pain and only minor discomfort. I am even sleeping better than I did before I was pregnant! I wake up early to use the restroom, but my sleep is more eventful.

The doc said that the progress is right on track. Baby's heart rate is 143- still in the same range it has been. He/She is a mover and shaker! We go back in a week.

We also met our Pediatrician. I really like the office!

Only a few weeks left! We have gathered everything we need for the baby, and a whole bunch of great stuff that we love! Everyone has been beyond generous with their love, prayers, and gifts. We are thankful to God for all of you!

It has been soooo hot, and I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable. The chiropractor has made is possible for me to be pain-free for days at a time! The discomfort is simply from carrying and growing a baby. It is truly a joy and I am so grateful for the job! But it's still work- all you ladies know!

Now we are on to the last projects and trying to squeeze in some Summer fun! Michael and my Dad spent an afternoon organizing the garage, and it's amazing! Everything is on hooks and shelves and in its place. :) We have a few larger cleaning projects to tackle and a few small projects that never seem to get done- thank goodness for our helpers coming this weekend!

The crib is in the room and the bed is made- the cradle is also in. I will post some nursery photos this week- I plan to have it completed in a few days. I put up the curtain this morning and I am making a Babies R Us run today. Then I just want to relax and wait for the angel to arrive!

We go to the doc Tuesday morning, then we go to a meet and greet with the Pediatrician. We will work with them so that she can be present for the birth and examine the baby from day 1. The hospital will provide a Pediatrician, but then they must transfer records. We would like it if the same person sees the baby from the beginning. We will let you know how it all goes, and get a few more photos up!

The doc appointment was fine as usual. My blood pressure is great, and the baby's heart rate is 147. The baby is still not turning, but we have a little bit of time for that. I may have to do some cat/cow stretches. They did not do the exam that they planned on doing because I had to wait so long, so we don't know about any progress. I go back August 4, and they will definitely check then!

This weekend we will have our crib, so I'll put up some photos once it is put together. I will also post some baby shower photos. So excited!!

Thanks to the chiropractor, I have had very little pain for a week now! The treatment is working so well!!

The doctor appointment went well. My iron levels have actually improved since they first took my blood, so that's good! The baby's heart rate was 145- still good. My blood pressure is fine as well. I am having TERRIBLE pain in my hips, though, which has led me to a chiropractor. Since I have an old tailbone injury, there is some concern that natural delivery could cause further injury. We cannot x-ray, so the chiropractor is working on rotating my pelvis to its natural position and engaging the muscles that hook to my hips- none of these are currently in the right place! As he works the area, my pain level improves, and leads us to believe that we will be able to deliver the baby normally. Yay!! He/she is still not head-down, but we have time. Once my pelvis is aligned, the baby should fit just fine. Until then, he/she is just bumping around!!

The next doc appointment is week after next, and they will start examining things a lot closer each time (if you know what I mean!). I'm glad they warned me!

We have a loooong list of house projects to try to complete before the baby comes. It's so hard to get anything done on the weekends! We just keep making plans and the day is gone before we know it! During the week we are both tired after work (myself more and more every day) and we have other activities keeping us busy. I am actually looking forward to being "stuck" at home each and every day and evening. The dogs will love it too!! I am adding some cute photos of them here- they're part of the family too!!

33.5 weeks.

Here are a few photos of the nursery. We also have a huge entertainment center in there for books and toys, as well as a twin bed. My sewing cabinet is also in there. We don't have the crib yet, and everything will stay as long as it fits. The sewing cabinet can move to the guest room across the hall if necessary.

The walls are VERY light blue- almost white. I hope you can see the color in the photos. The crib is either yellow or white, and the curtains will be yellow gingham. Should be very soothing and nice. We have a few bedding sets, and they are just light colors, so everything matches fine.

Doctor appt in the morning- will let you all know how it goes, and I promise to post a photo!

31 weeks

My, has it been hot! I am very grateful for the sun and pop-up showers- even this heat is better than winter!

This week has been good. I'm tired by the end of most days, but I feel like this is to be expected. The doc appointment went well. They take my weight, urine, and blood pressure- all normal and good. The baby's heart rate is 138 (it was at that particular moment), which is still very good. We will go back July 6. Our appointments are every 2 weeks now for a few times, and then we are at weekly appointments. Due date is approaching fast!

We have been working to get things in order in the baby's room. I will post some photos of me and the room later this week. The room isn't completed or anything, but it's getting cute!

In the mean time, I will stay cool and take it easy.

30 weeks

We had a doctor appointment today- the usual. The heart rate is 139, so that's good. Everything is measuring normal as far as they can tell. No ultrasound this time. We go back in 2 weeks- July 6.

I had my first baby shower last weekend. Boy, did we get spoiled!! Everyone gave amazing and super practical gifts! Some Moms-to-be may hope for the cutesy stuff, but I dream of practical goodies! Thank you all so much for helping to prepare our home!!

My Mom made the dress I wore, and she made another one I will wear to my next shower in July. She's just too much!! It's so great to have a few cotton dresses to wear in this heat! Fortunately, I am very cold natured, so the heat isn't getting to me any more than normal. But 99 degrees is HOT HOT HOT, pregnant or not!

With the concern of a strawberry allergy, I stopped eating them for a week. All my symptoms went away. Then I started eating them again- no symptoms yet. I think it may have been something else. Yay! I love strawberries!

Michael has been wonderful as the belly grows! I drop everything I touch, and he is so sweet to pick it all up. He also carries around anything that weighs more than my purse. Somehow he manages to watch all his soccer games on DVR- he deserves some tv time!!

I will post another photo at 32 weeks. The baby is growing so fast at this point!

30 weeks. Looks like I ate a watermelon!

Changed up the background- so pretty! I hope you all like it.

It has come to my attention that this blog is checked frequently, and updates would be appreciated. Here you go!

This weekend I worked a little too hard. I will take it nice and easy this week- I promise!! The baby seems to be as happy as ever. I feel (and see!) good strong kicks and rolling elbows and such. He/She also gets hiccups almost every day. So cute! It's so fun to have little reminders that he/she is already a little person! I think I can tell the difference between when he/she is awake and dreaming, too. This one is going to be a leg-twitcher like Dad!! Strawberries also bring on strong kicking. I wonder what that means...

My first baby shower is this coming weekend. I am so excited to see everyone! It will also be so fun to put baby stuff in the baby room. We will add some cute photos to the site and facebook. We went through ALL of our childhood stuff and pulled out the books and stuffed animals that we want out for the baby. It was really funny to go through all that stuff!!

I'll update later this week and add a photo. :)

29 weeks. The pattern makes it hard to tell how things are progressing. I will add another photo next week.

Test Results

Glucose Tolerance Test results were good. I don't have to go back for any additional testing.

Next doc appt is June 22. I have no idea what they will do- probably just the usual.

28 weeks- Last Trimester

Went to the doc 6/2. The heart rate is 148- still strong. We are seeing (and mom feels!) lots of elbows and feet. We don't have the results yet of the glucose tolerance screening. If it's high, mom has to do a longer glucose screening test and may possibly have gestational diabetes. So far things seem good. Photos from the last few weeks are coming soon!

24 weeks

Baby still growin.

April 18- 21 weeks

Belly Photo

Last vid

Heartbeat then thumbsucking

More Moving Pictures

Excuse me...I wanna stretch my legs out...it's getting cramped...


The feet

Some mobile photos

Yes, this is the baby hitting itself in the face...then mom laughing is the wiggles...then the baby plots it's next move...


General wiggling

More Photos

Legs (the knees are in the middle ;);)


Tadpole or perhaps a mermaid/merman:

4/6/2010

We had the 20 week ultrasound and the baby now has an anatomy. It is also much like a boxer, so I think it will give Rocky a run for best boxer ever....if it will stop hitting itself in the face ;)

Head and arm:


That little alien inside the big alien's mouth...you remember


Das feet with 5 toes...I was really hoping for 10 total toes but we'll take what we can get


1 foot/leg...we'll call him/her hopper


skeleton...blow this up and you got yourself a halloween decoration

3/10/2010

We got to hear the baby's heart beat this time and it was 141 bpm. Everything still looks good.

2/13/2010

The creature is sprouting arms and legs and apparently doesn't like being poked with the probe. Sort of starting to look like a hampster now. Baby still growing and doing well. Pictures added from the visit too.

The doctors asked us if she was having any issues. I was nice this time ;)

The due date has been pushed back to August 28th now.

1/8/2010

First Ultrasound: The little booger is still in there and growing away. They confirmed that the baby is about 7 weeks at this point. I think that I was able to tell what it will be: it will either be a bat or a sucker fish but you can decide for yourself.

Sucker Fish:


Bat in a cave:

1/7/2010

Initial Checkup: Completed - Baby is healthy and growing. Predicted due date is August 25th. Initial blood tests are being run and physical exam is complete. eww and ow

12/28/2010

Tuesday December 28, 2010: Positive pregnancy test :0 The peasants rejoice!! ;)