I’ve been so excited to share Lilly’s sweet and oh so beautiful nursery with you! In true second baby fashion Lilly’s room has been a work in progress for several months! Time has flown by the second time around and my mom and I had so much fun together making this room come to life! I knew I wanted soft pinks, buffalo check, rattan, and bows. I got the first piece of inspiration for her curtains from the Atlanta Holiday home before I was even pregnant and the rest of the room was designed around that! I absolutely love how the curtains turned out! Isn’t mom so talented!

She designed and hand made her drapes, bumper, dust ruffle, and pillow. My mother-in-law painted a beautiful swan oil for over her crib and I’m in love with how they turned out! My dad hand made a wooden frame for the paining!

I had a beautiful baby shower thrown for our sweet girl and we received so many gifts! Our nursery wouldn’t have been possible without all of the love and support from our family and friends.  

Jolie Paints

I worked with Jolie Paints to help refresh some old pieces of furniture we had for the nursery! I got to pick from their wide variety of water-based, non-toxic paints. I feel in love with the Palace White and choose that one. I couldn’t believe that one can of paint and one can of wax covered a side table, a corner bookshelf, and touched up a full-size dresser! The paint goes a long way and the best part about it is that you can paint right there in the same room without any toxic fumes! Mom and I had the best time seeing these old pieces come to life with a little Jolie TLC.

If there is a space in your home you are looking to transform I can’t recommend Jolie Paints enough! Shop here to get started today!

There are so many stories that made up this room that I love sharing with Lilly. There have been so many sweet memories already made here!

If there’s something you want a link for send me a DM! I always love chatting with y’all.  

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Nursery & Decor

Transportation

Bath Time

Baby Essentials

Inspired, Maryashley

The post Lilly’s Nursery Reveal appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Happy birthday to the most patient, supportive, and loving husband and father! We’re so lucky to call you ours! 

I had so much fun creating my first iMovie and sharing some of my favorite memories of you from the past 3 months!

We sure hooked a keeper!

We love you!

xoxo, Maryashley, Brooks, and Lilly

Birthday Video!

The post Happy Birthday, Michael! appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Shop What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos

I wanted to share what to wear during newborn photos!

We did newborn photos with Lilly Ryann when she was 7 days old and still really sleepy. I remember doing Brooks’ newborn photos when he was 13 days old and he was so awake it made it more challenging! If you have the choice, I recommend doing photos early.

It’s hard to believe that our sweet Lilly Ryann is here and has completed our family of four! Brooks’ is absolutely in love with his baby sister as he refers to her as “baby Lilly”. He is always giving her hugs, kisses, pounding fists, and practicing tummy time with her. We couldn’t have asked for a better transition going from 1 to 2. We feel so truly blessed! To all of you mamas out there it’s SO MUCH easier going from 1 to 2 than 0 to 1, I promise you!

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Photography by – Irina Chepko

The post What to Wear for Newborn Family Photos appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

After having baby number two, I wanted to update this post and give you a list of what you truly only need to take to the hospital!

With each baby, we stayed in the hospital for two nights, so if you know you will be staying longer, just double the outfits.

With COVID-19 still around we weren’t able to have any visitors and mom is not allowed to leave the room! Dad can come and go, but can only go outside the hospital property once. With that being said I highly recommend packing your own water bottles, since you can’t come and go to the water/ice machine anymore.

We also did Uber Eats for lunches and dinners, so if you’re local and delivering at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia here are our favorites! Flower Child for lunch and The One Sushi for dinner!

So there you have it, everything you need to pack for for mom, dad, and baby!

What’s in my Hospital Bag

For Mom

• Paperwork from OBGYN
• Labor and Delivery gown
• Insurance Card and ID
• A cardboard envelope to safely store the hand and foot prints and any other memorabilia.
  • The prints are done right on stickers at the hospital, so you do not need to bring your baby book page(s).
• Snacks (oatmeal for breakfast / your favorite snacks / and order Uber Eats for lunch and dinner)
  • The nurse staff will bring you hot water in a cup so you can mix your own oatmeal. I would eat about 3 of these a day. You are absolutely starving after delivery and during the first few days of breastfeeding and oatmeal is a wonderful and easy solution!
• Yeti + water bottles + fresh sliced lemons
  • You are not able to leave the room, so if you want water you have to ask a nurse. I recommend bringing a large pack of water bottles so you can have water whenever you want.
• Your own ‘diapers’ I prefer these over the ones they provide you in the hospital!! Again, the hospital will provide mom everything she needs, I just prefer these!!
• Your own pillow (2 pack for $5!)
• My Breast Friend – Nursing Pillow
• 2 pair of your favorite PJs
• 2 Nursing Bras
• Nursing pads
• 1 Nursing Tank
• Toiletries (toothbrush, face wash, moisturizer, and deodorant)
• Makeup bag
• Curling wand
• Moms on Call
• 12 ft iPhone charger
• Extension cord
• Going home outfit + shoes

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For Dad

• His own pillow (2 pack for $5!)
• Twin sheet set (under $10!)
• Toiletries (toothbrush and deodorant)
• 2 comfy outfits
  • Zippered hoodie and sweat pants for skin to skin time and sleep.
• 3 pair of boxers
• Baseball cap
• Yeti
• Book
• Bluetooth speaker for music
  • We never had time for tv with either baby, but had music going whole time
• Going home outfit and shoes

Shop for Dad

For Baby

• Diaper Bag to pack things in

• Hatch baby sound machine
• 1 hospital bassinet photo outfit
  • blanket for base of bassinet, onesie, hat or bow, and name sign

• Hat
• Pair of socks
• Lovie
• Pacifier if staying longer than 48 hours
• Going home outfit
  • In 2 different sizes
• Car seat brought into the hospital once we are moved to post room
• Car seat base installed

Shop for Baby

You can view my original post HERE that I published before Brooks was born. 

Please reach out to me HERE if you have any questions! I wish you and your family all the best and enjoy it all!

“Today is not forever.” – Louis Auchincloss

Photos by the talented – Irina Chepko

Inspired, Maryashley

The post What’s in My Hospital Bag – Round 2! appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Thank you so much to my mom, sister, and Kathy for making my baby shower for Lilly and I so special! It was everything I had envisioned and more. Every detail was perfect and the people that came made it even more special. Even in a pandemic my home was full of my most favorite people!

Lilly and I were spoiled and received so many items from our Babylist registry. Some of our favorites were: Still Novel poster, engraved silver cake knife, books, lovies, monogrammed girly clothes and diaper covers, bibs, swaddles, blankets, new monitor, UGG booties, wooden monogram for nursery, engraved silver cup, bathing suites, sun hats, and sunglasses. You’re already loved by so many, sweet girl.

It was defiantly a weekend I will never forget.

The Details

My dress, shoes, bow, and earrings:

Custom Cake and Sugar Cookies – Made by my talented sister, Amanda! The attention to detail and absolute perfection blows me away. Not only are her sugar cookies and cakes beautiful, they are also incredibly delicious!! She even individually wrapped some of the cookies, making for the perfect party favor!

Lunch – Chicken salad and pimento cheese from Chicken Salad Chick. Everything else from my favorite, Trader Joes.

Balloon Arch – Made by my talented sister! I’ve linked everything you need to make one yourself.

Overall Design and Table Linens – My talented mom, Lisa Whitaker!

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We can’t wait for you to arrive and complete our family, sweet baby Lilly!

Inspired, Maryashley 

The post Lilly Ryann’s Baby Shower appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

We were on vacation in Naples, FL. and since we got the news from our doctor earlier than expected that our baby was healthy and all of our repeat ultrasounds and bloodwork came back normal, we had our neighbors go inside our house grab Brooks’ big brother outfit, and the gender reveal golf ball we bought!

I wanted to stick with the golf theme for our gender reveal, since it was Masters weekend when I told Michael we were pregnant and surprised him with a Masters caddy onesie.

I sent them the gender results and had them mail us our goodies for the big reveal. We have the absolute best neighbors and friends! We received the package and immediately got ready! We went outside of Michael’s parents’ home in Naples, FL. right there on the golf course. That’s where we found out…

It’s a Girl!

I knew it all along! I had a strong feeling about both of our kiddos. I knew Brooks was a boy and this was a girl! We FaceTimed with my family and went out to dinner right on the beach to celebrate! It was a wonderful day and we feel so truly blessed.

As you can tell we are over the moon excited for baby girl’s arrival in December!

Watch it here!

iMovie by Michael Fisher

Music by Brett Young  

Gender Reveal Golf Ball

Sharing the gender old wives tales:

• Chinese Calendar – Boy
• Heart Rate > 140 – Girl
• Morning Sickness – Girl
• Cravings – Boy (I’ve had no specific cravings at all (so nauseous), but if I had to choose it would be salty)
• Not Breaking Out – Boy
• Moodiness – Girl (extremely emotional)
• Dream – Girl (dreamt it was a boy, which means girl)

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Inspired, Maryashley

The post Gender Reveal – It’s a Girl appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

When I was planning our maternity session, I knew I wanted it to include our whole family! With Brooks just turning two I wanted it to capture him as a toddler and as an excited big brother. We landed on shooting at Piedmont Park and it was an unseasonably hot October day, but oh so beautiful and sunny!

We’re so excited to complete our family and meet our sweet baby girl, Lilly Ryann, in just a few short months!

The Details

 Maternity Dress and Earrings:

Photography: Irina Chepko

Location: Piedmont Park in Atlanta, GA.

Shop Similar Looks Here

Inspired, Maryashley

The post Our Maternity and Family Photo Session appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Things that helped me during my pregnancy:

• Diclegis
• Breathe Right nasal strips
• Pepcid (first thing in the morning and before dinner)
• Warm epsom salt baths
• Humidifier
• Pillow for in between your legs
• Arm brace at night for carpel tunnel  
• Chiropractic care

11/20 – 4/9 Got pregnant on our 4th full period cycle.

4/8 Started to experience period like cramps. Thought I was going to start my period. Couldn’t sleep at all and was up all night wondering if I was pregnant or not. If I had a pregnancy test at home I would have taken one! I didn’t say anything to Michael because I wanted to surprise him!!

4/9 9am Positive pregnancy test!!! I swung by Julie’s house after dropping Brooks off a daycare to take a pregnancy test. Around 11:30am I started spotting. I called the OBGYN and talked to the nurse on duty. She said since I’m about to leave town to just monitor the bleeding and if it continues to come in for bloodwork on Monday. Luckily it went away after about an hour, but I was so worried.

We were headed to Charlotte for the weekend later that afternoon, so I called my mom and told her I was pregnant and wanted to surprise Michael! I asked her if she would make a Masters caddie onesie and wrap it! She absolutely nailed it!

Around 6pm we arrived in Charlotte and I got to surprise Michael!!!

How I Surprised Michael

We both agreed on when we would start trying for baby #2, but when it’s actually going to happen you never know. I didn’t keep him in the know each month because I really wanted this one to be a surprise!

I was scheming ways to surprise him and the week leading up to Masters weekend I just had a feeling I was pregnant.

We headed to Charlotte for the weekend, so before we left that Friday I took a test. I was right! I called my mom and said, I’m pregnant! Here’s how I need your help! I wanted to do something around the Masters since that’s how Michael likes to think we came up with the name Brooks I knew exactly what I wanted. I asked if she could embroider a onesie to look like the Masters caddy outfits. She nailed it (like she always does!)

Crazy enough it was also the week Michael started his new job. I said when we get into town we will all sit down and catch up like we normally do and I want you to hand Michael a congratulations gift for starting his new job so he’s thrown off. It worked! Michael slowly opened the gift, put the two and two together and tears of joy started flowing! It was truly so special! My mom hadn’t told anyone, so my dad got to be surprised in that moment as well!

4/12 Increasing appetite, weakness, exhaustion, slight nausea, and some cramping. Boobs were sore when I breastfed Brooks.

4/21 My slight nausea became intense all-day nausea. (spoiler alert: lasted the whole rest of my pregnancy!)

4/23 had my first appointment to confirm the pregnancy with my Dr.! It was a 2-hr. appointment. He did a vaginal swab for infection. Took all my labs 6 tubes of blood. Practice doesn’t standardly provide ultrasound this early at first appointment, but he wanted to since I had bleeding during implantation. Baby was 5 weeks 6 days heartbeat was about 105. A little blood spot was found, but Dr. wasn’t worried and told me not to be either.

Scheduled my next appointment (5/18) for an ultrasound and Panorama, which is a blood test for trisomy disorders and gender.

4/24 Slept in and napped when brooks napped. Extremely nauseous and tired. Breasts are becoming less sore when breastfeeding brooks

4/25 Started to feel extremely nauseous around 3pm. At 5pm started throwing up and threw up everything I had inside me. Felt a little better after that but still extremely nauseous. Ate saltines and ginger ale.

Dr. prescribed me Diclegious and I took that twice a day.

4/30 and 5/1 Had a few good days, felt a little better, and got out and about.

5/2 Back to being extremely tired and nauseous.

5/6 Had my first call with my assigned Cigna nurse through our companies Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies program.

5/18 9-weeks. OBGYN appointment with Dr. Ultrasound, Panorama blood test, and meeting with my Dr. I have an anterior placenta. Normal just the placement of my placenta.

My Dr. came in and told me that the ultrasound had detected nuchal edema in the first trimester may identify fetuses at increased risk for chromosomal defects. Ultrasound failed the NT test. I was by myself at the appointment since COVID they didn’t allow any visitors. My heart sank and I started crying. I called Michael right away. It was hard for both of us to grasp especially after seeing the strong heartbeat and baby bean on the ultrasound just minutes prior.

They are having the genetic counselor call me to schedule and appointment week of June 1^st after the Panorama results come in. We have to wait and see if this corrects itself. It’s hard we’re emotional. Still nauseous and exhausted.

5/19 scheduled my Georgia Perinatal appointment for 6/3 at 1pm with Dr. Tiegen. Perinatologist / Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists are Obstetrician-Gynecologists who undergo an additional three years of specialized training in the assessment and management of high-risk pregnancies. Physicians who practice Maternal-Fetal Medicine are also known as Perinatologists.

5/18 – 5/24 Extremely emotional, emotional/sick to my stomach, morning sickness, and couldn’t stop worrying about the baby.

5/24 My Dr. called me 3 times and finally left me a voicemail saying he has no bad news!! I called him back and talked to him late that afternoon and we received the best news! My blood tests came back negative/low risk!!!! He still wants me to see the Perinatologist on 6/3 at 1pm for the additional confirmation, but Michael and I are overjoyed!

Gender Reveal!

5/27 Gender reveal! We were on vacation in Naples, FL. And since we got the news earlier than expected that baby girl was healthy, we had our neighbors go inside our house grab Brooks’ big brother outfit, and the gender reveal golf ball we bought. They had it all mailed it to us! We have the best neighbors and friends! We received the package and immediately got ready! We went outside of Michael’s parents Naples home on the golf course and found out…

IT’S A GIRL!

I knew it! I had a strong feeling about both of the kiddos. I knew Brooks was a boy and this was a girl! We FaceTimed with our families and then went out to dinner to celebrate! It was a great day and we feel so truly blessed. We can’t wait to meet you sweet girl!

6/3 11-weeks. My first Perinatologist appointment. An hour before the appointment they called and said they are now allowing a support person to come to appointments, so Michael got to be there! We met with a genetic counselor first. Then had a 2D ultrasound with a technician. Following that the Dr. came in and did his own ultrasound. We immediately got the best news ever! He didn’t see anything alarming! Strong heartbeat and growing perfectly! I honestly felt a ton of bricks were lifted! I just melted into the ultrasound table in such relief!!

Since the original diagnosis the Perinatologist team wanted to do the rest of my ultrasounds. I booked my 20-week anatomy scan with the team and at the same time she will have an echocardiogram (just standard procedure) that comes with this original diagnosis, but said it’s nothing to worry about at all!

We’re over the moon!

6/7 Got a cold. Took Tylenol when needed and drank 2 EmergencC a day, drank Echonasea tea w honey and went to bed early. Body aches, tickle in my throat. Felt better on 6/13.

6/9 My morning sickness became even worse in the late afternoons and evenings. Still have full all-day nausea.

6/14 Since I had Gestational Diabetes with my first pregnancy. Read about my Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis here . I had a 12-week glucose tolerance test. It was a 3-hour test L I was starving, queasy, and had a headache, but they gave me a room to myself so I got to lay down. The dr. said I looked great and overall had a good appointment. My left arm is already bruised.

7/25 I felt the baby move for the first time! We’re in Seaside, FL on vacation with my family.
7/26 Announced her first name, Lilly!
7/28 Michael and I both felt the baby for the first time and saw her kick outside of my belly!

8/3 20-week appointment with my Dr. I’ve gained 14 lbs so far and baby and I look great. I’m 20 weeks and 4 days.

9/17 27-weeks pregnant and took off my engagement ring. Left the bands on.

9/29 28-week Dr’s appointment. tdap vaccination and flu shot, got to listen to baby’s heartbeat on the doppler and had the 1-hour glucose tolerance test. Went to bed with full body aches from the 2 shots. Took Tylenol and didn’t sleep that well.

9/30 Gestational Diabetes diagnosis. Results from LabCorp came in and I have Gestational Diabetes again with my second pregnancy. I refused the 3-hour glucose retest and told them I’d proceed with the full diagnosis and treatment plan that I did with my first pregnancy.

10/15 31-weeks pregnant. Dr’s appointment. Reviewed blood sugars. Told me to keep another 2-week log and watch morning fasting levels. My morning fasting levels were the only levels that were off. If they were consistently high call and they will get me in with Georgia Perinatal.

Put me on a small dose of Metformin before bed for overnight fasting. They plan to take the baby at 39 weeks (December 10th) if I don’t go into labor before then.

11/7 Carpel tunnel started. I also had this with my first pregnancy.

11/9 33-weeks. 1^st Non-Stress Test appointment for Lilly and she did amazing! I have a NST scheduled every week until delivery.

11/15 Started going to chiropractor 2x a week. Wish I’d started sooner!

11/20 Experiencing consistant lightening sensations down my legs.

11/24 25 lbs gained. More and more lightning sensations down my legs and feeling lots of pressure. Feeling a painful sensation and having continued pressure.

11/30 OBGYN appointment with my Dr. and told him about my lightning pains and pressure. I told him I didn’t want to be checked, but he insisted on checking me. I’m 50% effaced and 1 to 2 cm’s dilated.

12/3 Perinatal appointment went well and baby looked great!

12/7 Last OBGYN appointment. Measuring 3cm dilated and Dr. Gave me paperwork to come in on 12/12 for a scheduled induction. Praying we make it!

12/8 My mom gets into town for babies’ arrival!

12/9 Lost my mucus plug.

12/10 My last Perinatologist appointment. It went well and baby and I look great. Her heartbeat was 157 and she still has plenty of fluid. She weighed 7 lbs. 15oz.

Sharing some of my favorite bump picture memories below!

Lilly Ryann Fisher – Birth Story here!

And that’s a wrap! You complete us, Lilly Ryann Fisher!

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Inspired,

Maryashley

The post My Pregnancy with Lilly Ryann appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Well things look a little different today than they did when Brooks came into the world so as it got closer to Lilly’s due date, I became more and more anxious! I really wanted a good experience and with the nurse shortages (thanks COVID…) I was starting to worry. I also really wanted to have my Dr. deliver Lilly! Like they say, you can’t predict when and how they will come into the world!

November 15th Started going to chiropractor 2x week.

November 20th Started feeling regular lightning sensations down my legs.

November 24th 25lbs gained. Feeling more and more lightning sensations down my legs and lots of pressure.

November 30th OBGYN appointment and was 50% effaced and 1 – 2cm’s dilated.

December 3rd Perinatoligist appointment went well and baby looks great!

December 7th My last OBGYN appointment. Measuring 3cm dilated and Dr. gave me paperwork to come into the hospital on December 12th for a scheduled induction. He’s on call 12/12 so praying Lilly comes then!!!

December 8th My mom came into town to be with us until after Christmas and my dad drove back and forth for three weekends in a row.

December 9th I lost my mucus plug.

December 10th Had my last Perinatologist appointment. Baby and I looked great. Her heartbeat was 157 and she had plenty of fluid. They measured her and she is weighing 7lbs 15oz. They say they can be off by 1 lb either way…

Since my Dr drew up paperwork for December 12^th, I knew that December 10^th was going to be my last day of work. So, I put my away message on and enjoyed the weekend with family, one more date night, and decorating the house for Christmas! This was also the last weekend with Brooks still being the only child.

I made it to Sunday, December 12^th, when my Dr. was on call! I really really didn’t think I was going to make it, but I’m so glad I did! I’m 29 weeks and 1 day today.

Here it goes!

As directed by my Dr. I called the charge nurse station at Northside Hospital at 5:30 AM on December 12^th to see if they had space for me to come in for my ‘scheduled’ induction. My Dr. told me that he has me on the list for an induction, but it wasn’t up to him what time they would have me come in. They didn’t have an available room, but asked me to call back at 8am. I called back at 8am and they still didn’t have any rooms available. I was getting anxious, but decided to round up my family and head out to brunch to keep myself busy. I at least wanted to have a good meal in my belly in case they called me to come in! We decided to take two cars in case they called me while I was out and we had to head there. We loaded up the cars with our things we were taking to the hospital and got in the car to head to Upbeet. We were driving out of the neighborhood and I noticed I had missed a call from the Hospital. I called them back and they told me to be there by 2:30pm.

I was SO RELIEVED and so excited to have my Dr. deliver baby Lilly!

I rode with my mom and Brooks and mom had said, “I think we have a sleeping baby.” I pushed myself up to turn and look back to see and felt a huge gush. I said oh shoot I peed myself. My mom looked at me and asked if I was sure my water didn’t break? I said, “No way!” However, I had just gone to the bathroom before leaving and this did feel different!

We got to Upbeet and I ordered a smoothie bowl and iced chai lattee and ordered the Guac it Out to eat at the hospital.

I was halfway through my bowl and had increasing pressure and went to the bathroom. When I got there there was another gush, but this time it was blood. I said to myself, “Holy cow, I’m in labor!” Another one of my kiddos coming on her own terms!

I calmy walked back to our table and said ok, we have to go to the hospital now! Michael and I got in the car after saying “see you soon” to Brooks and my parents. I called the hospital and they said they would get a room ready and to call my Dr. I called the Dr’s office and the nurse said she would let my Dr. know I was in labor and on my way in. He called me back within mins and said, “Way to go buddy! You did it! You’re going to have a baby today!” I was so excited and oh so relieved!

We made it to the hospital and I had intese pressure, but my contractions weren’t unbearable and were still 10mins apart.

As soon as we pulled up to the hospital, I tried to get out of the car myself but couldn’t! The contractions started to get more intense and closer together.

We checked into Northside Hospital at 12:30pm and were in our Labor & Delivery room by 12:45pm.  My contractions were still about 10mins apart, but growing closer together and getting more intense.

Around 1pm our nurse, Hope, came in and introduced herself to us and got things started. She said I talked to your Dr. and he said we need to get your IV in before we start any paperwork, etc. We all knew it was going to go fast and with Brooks the IV was the worst part of our whole experience. Brooks’s birth story linked here.

By 1:24 pm, my IV was in and Hope drew the blood vials to test and administered a bag of fluids. At this time, my contractions were 2-3 mins apart and I couldn’t wait for that epidural.

1:35 pm – My Dr. came in for the first visit! I was so relieved to see him! Things already were going much faster and smoother than with Brooks!

2:10 pm – Epidural in (contractions 2-3 minutes apart). I have to say, I felt every bit of this epidural and it was the worst pain of my life. I wish I’d asked to be given a pain medication before it was put in! If you’re going into labor soon keep this in mind!

2:18 pm – I had my blood sugar taken. Since I had Gestational Diabetes again with this pregnancy they had to do this. My sugars were at 98, which was perfect.

2:25 pm – Catheter in.

2:50 pm – My blood pressure dropped so they gave me Phenylephrine to help increase my blood pressure. I was extremely nauseous, shaking uncontrollably, and freezing! The nurse brought me the only 2 heated blankets left and Michael laid both of our coats on top of me. I was so uncomfortable.

2:57 pm – My BP was still low at 88/43 so they gave me a second dose of Phenylephrine to help increase my blood pressure.

3:30 pm – After all of that, my contractions started to slow down to about 10mins apart. They say contractions can slow down once you have an epidural. They administered a small dose of pitocin.

4:00 pm – I was uncomfortable so the nuse flipped me to my other side since I was completely numb.

4:35 pm – I was fully dilated! The nurse told me to relax and she was going to call the Dr. He was 15mins away so I really tried to stay calm.

4:50 pm – My Dr. arrived and got suited up. It was so calm and was just the nurse, my Dr., Michael and me! Completely different than with Brooks. The light was low and my Dr. just said when you feel the next contraction lets start pushing.

5:02 pm – In 2 pushes and 7 mins, Miss Lilly Ryann Fisher was born at 5:02pm.

Joyfully Welcoming

Lilly Ryann Fisher

Born December, 12th 2021 at 5:02pm

8 pounds | 5 ounces | 19 3/4 inches

Apagar Score was an 8/9 on her first test. She’s already getting A’s. Lilly’s face was bruised because she came down really fast, but has the most perfect round head and features!  

We thought we would just be in the hospital one night, but Lilly saw the Peditrician in the morning and they want us to stay another night so Lilly could be watched for jaundice and a heart murmur. They just want to make sure it resolved by the next morning.

Lilly was checked again and didn’t have jaundice (which I learned can be common with mamas with O+ blood type, which I have). The Peditrician wanted her to get an echocardiogram while in the hospital just to be sure the heart murmur wasn’t serious. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon on December 14th that we received her results and everything came back normal. Phew! We finally got the ok to go home!! We were already packed and ready to go but it took several hours to get our paperwork to go home.

At 5pm, we were home in time to welcome Brooks home from school with our newest family addition!!

Maci and Brooks got to meet baby Lilly and we celebrated with a pancake dinner!

Here’s a peek into Lilly’s first 48 hours!

Birth Story and first 48 hour Video HERE!

We’re so incredibly blessed!

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Inspired,
Maryashley

The post Lilly Ryann Fisher – Birth Story appeared first on Simply Maryashley.

Take us back! Over New Years we started planning our annual Mother-Daughters trip. We love warm weather and mom wanted to go somewhere our grandmother loved. Mom threw out Marco Island and we’d never been before. Grandma would visit with my grandfather for his company’s conventions and loved it. We booked our trip and it was nice having something to look forward to over the winter months.

Now that we have our own families it’s so nice getting that one on one time with our mom! We have the same taste in what we like to do, so it’s easy to travel together. We laughed so hard, explored, relaxed, ate lots of fresh seafood, enjoyed every second of our time together, and I even survived the stomach bug!

Since it was our first time on the Island I did my research and put together our travel guide. I’m sharing all the deets on where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate on Marco Island.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and had incredible service. I highly recommend staying here for your next family vacation!

What to Do

Enjoy the beach, pools, and hot tubs at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.

Book a massage at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and spend the day enjoying the amenities. With any spa service, you have access to all amenities from open to close and you can come and go as you wish. After our massages we enjoyed the outdoor adult only pool and mineral tub. We ordered lunch from the spa’s menu and relaxed. Before we headed to the beach for the rest of the day, we enjoyed the indoor hot tub, plunge pool and eucalyptus steam room. Our therapists recommended we sit in the hot tub and then do 3 seconds in the cold plunge pool. We did that three times and it felt so good. Amanda and I held hands the whole time and laughed, but it really did feel good when we got back in the hot tub. We showered and headed to the beach for the rest of the day.

Book a professional guided Marco Island Shelling and Dolphin Boat Tour. I was looking forward to this, but I woke up with the stomach bug (that Brooks had a couple of days prior. Michael and Maci even caught it). My mom and sister went ahead (I insisted) and they had a great time. They brought back 3 whole buckets of shells!

Shelling – Tigertail Beach and Sand dollar Spit. Get there early in the morning and bring your own bucket!

Where to Eat

Doreen’s Cup of Joe – A must for breakfast or brunch!!! They don’t take reservations like most places on the island. If it wasn’t so crowded I’d go every morning. They have something for everyone and their fresh squeezed Florida oranges make for the perfect mimosa!

Quinn’s on the Beach – They serve lunch and dinner right on the beach and have a fun fire dancer show at sunset. Fresh fish and their piña coladas are amazing. If you’re staying at the resort they have a cart that comes around all day and you can order food and drinks from while laying out on the beach! Talk about full service!!

Snook Inn– Waterfront tables and live music with great food! Order their Ahi Tuna Nachos to start! Open for lunch and dinner.

Island Gypsie – Located on the Isles of Capri this waterfront family owned spot is known for their fresh shrimp, onion rings, and carrot cake!

The Oyster Society – Walking distance from the resort this spot was amazing. Lots of outside seating and live music! Fun cocktails and fresh seafood and sushi!

On the list for next time!

DaVinci’s Ristorante – The Oyster Society and Snook Inn’s sister restaurant. We heard this spot was great if you’re looking for authentic Italian food!

The Little Bar – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood. A local favorite!

Stans – Recommended if you’re looking for a good time. Know for their Sunday funday.

CJ’s on the Bay – Waterfront dining with fun drinks and entertainment.

Joey’s – for a casual pizza and pasta.

Transportation

Uber – I recommend using Uber during your stay on Marco Island, but be aware there aren’t many drivers on the island. Plan ahead and build in time to wait. We asked one of our drivers if he would be available to take us to the airport the next morning and he did, which was amazing!

Marco Island Bike Rentals – You can rent bikes and have them delivered right to the resort.

Some of the restaurants and shops are also walking distance to the resort.

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Do you have a special mother-daughter tradition?

Inspired, Maryashley 

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