Barrett David

I think my mind has finally processed the fact that he is here! And we are so in love with him already! It feels like he was just meant to fit right into our family.

To recap: On Wednesday nght (July 20th) at about 11:15 I was laying in bed and David and I were marvelling at how much Barrett was moving and kicking. David even commented, "He is trying to get out of there!" After a few minutes of feeling these huge kicks and thumps, we both tried to fall asleep. David was there within 60 seconds...I on the other hand was overwhelmed with the little man's movements and was laying there resting. Suddenly I felt like I wet my pants! I had gone to the bathroom twice in the 20 minutes before bed, so I knew that was unlikely. However, there is something about your water breaking where you just don't believe it unless it is like a flood. And this was not. So, I calmly went to the bathroom and while walking in there got a contraction. I called to David, "I think my water just broke...maybe...kinda...yeah I think it did." He sat up in bed and calmly said, "That is not the way to wake a guy up!" After calling and speaking with the on call doctor we decided it was time to get ready to go to the hospital. I realized I had not washed my hair that day, so I hopped into the shower (getting some more contractions, but nothing too painful), scrubbed up, blow dried my hair, packed my bags with slightly shaky hands (I could tell that this was really it!) and got going. We woke Hadley up and David carried her to the car. After depositing Hadley and Foxy at Grema and Grumps house the contractions really kicked up a notch from all the walking and David decided we should speed right along to the hospital. We even turned on our hazard lights and spoke to the police officer directing traffic during the road construction outside the hospital. I was holding my breath and definitely hurting at that point. But the contractions were super irregular, lasting about a minute and coming every 3 to 5 minutes.

We checked in...and I really had NO doubt my water was broken when we walked around in to the check in desk! I was just hoping I didn't appear to others as though my water was broken (ie wet pants!). We went straight back and got into a gown and sat down and voila! The contractions instantly slowed just by me sitting and relaxing. This is a catch 22 because you want to progress and not be in labor forever....but the break from the pain was SO nice! The nurse, Beth, was so sweet, and tells me I am 2 cm...Darn. I want to have a drug-free labor, but 2 cm means I have a LONG way to go! She listens to Barrett's heart rate and notes that it is decelerating during the contractions so I get onto my side and wait through a few more contractions. Once she is satisfied that he is doing ok, I request to get up and start walking the halls. With my labor for Hadley I was in bed the entire time and no one even asked me what I wanted to do to help with the pain. Let me tell you...walking makes you contract more often, but it helps with pain too. We would creep along at a snail's pace and then when a contraction hit, I would stop and hold the railing along the wall and sway back and forth (like Beth recommended) while David rubbed my back and encouraged me. He tried to make jokes and keep me upbeat, but phew, I was already struggling with the pain! After 30 minutes of walking (probably about 2:30am) I am only 3 cm. Hearing that makes me want to quit...and you can't technically quit labor...so it makes me start asking about an epidural. The nurse seems to think I'll progress quickly once I get to 4 cm and also throws in something about the epidural taking at least an hour (!) because you have to get an entire bag of fluids through the IV before you are able to get the epidural. So...if I have to wait an hour, I might be almost 10 cm anyways...according to her. Part of me wants the medications, but if I have to wait an hour to get relief, forget it. And the stubborn part of me thinks, "I did this with Hadley without drugs, so I should/can do it again!" So, we walk some more. After another 30 minutes I am getting so hot and clammy and getting little waves of nausea. Beth recommends we come back to the room and see how baby is doing and check how much I have progressed. I am about 7 cm and his head is dropping down a ton...ouch. She sees more decelerations on the monitor with each contraction, but decides its because I am progressing so quickly that he is not getting any time to recover between contractions and he is dropping down so quickly. So, she wants me on the monitor, but I cannot handle the pain laying on my back. I really wish I could continue walking. This was so much more intense than what I recall from Hadley's delivery. I stand in the room, kind of leaning my arms forward on the bed...and to be honest...at this point...I am freaking out a little. The pain is beyond words during the contractions. It truly makes you think you will pass out...you want to! But then you get this little heavenly break! I remember asking God to help me many times during those contractions.

Not too much longer, I started feeling pressure suddenly and forcefully and I was at 9 cm! What?! From 4 to 9 in no time! I would say I was shocked, but with the intensity of the pain, I felt as though I had earned every centimeter of progress!! This was about 3:45am, I think. My poor mom was rushing to the hospital at this point and the OB had arrived just in time, too! They made me lay down now and I was still so completely scared. You would think I had never had a baby before...but in that moment you want someone to tell you how long the pain will last, how many times you have to push, etc... I just wanted to know it would end soon! Once Dr. Maydew was ready I asked if I was supposed to push now. She said, "If you feel like it" What?! Come on! You all are supposed to tell me what to do! I am freaking out! But, then I realize they are telling me to wait and listen to my body. And with the next contraction I WAS pushing, almost involuntarily. They told me to really push and when I did push with all my might...I thought "He won't fit!" He felt huge! Truth be told, I pushed with every ounce of my being as they said, "He's almost out! One more big push" because all I wanted was for this big-headed baby to be out! And in those 2 HUGE long pushes, less than 5 minutes, HE WAS OUT! It was instant relief from any pain...not just because he was out...but because I could look down and see this little sweet face that I had waited for for so long to see! Right as his head came out the nurse told me to look (my eyes were closed most of the time in labor and delivery!). And I am so thankful because when I looked, it was incredible! Just like this little version of Hadley staring right at me and I melted! That image will forever be etched in my mind. I did it! I pushed him out and he looks like OUR baby! He looks healthy and "normal" and PERFECT! So, basically 5 hours from nothing to he's here!! That's my kind of labor! And, by the way, I had a pedicure that day and told them to massage the spot on my foot that is a trigger point for contractions (up until that point the pedicurist was avoiding that area). But this day, per my request, the guy worked on that spot (back of the heel) for a looong time...so maybe that did the trick!??


My water broke! Off to the hospital!

WOW! I cannot believe that he is really here!

Being comforted by Daddy

Happiness, gratitude, relief, joy!

Snuggling with Mommy

Meeting Grema

Big SISTER Hadley!! So excited!!

Bama and Papa

Grumps

Uncle Brian

Tenna

Aunt Michelle

Poppy

Uncle Darren

BABY BUMP PHOTO SHOOT

I am ever so happy to look at these pictures! Here we are...we've made it to week 35! Baby boy is growing and wiggling and hiccuping and I am feeling better than ever! I can say without any hesitation that the 3rd trimester has been the best by FAR! I feel good, my back hurts less (strange?), I have more energy, my skin is not broken out and I am finally not vomitting! Yay! I am praying this little boy stays inside until week 37 or later, but not past 40 (like his sister!). My sister in law did this family photo shoot for us and here are some of my favorites!! They are beautiful and I will treasure them forever!! Thanks Amanda! (Poplar Branch Photography) Sorry to those of you that will be traumatized forever by seeing my belly- don't scroll down to the end shots! (Brian and Uncle Kevin!) :)

Updates!

Hadley Turned 4!
Hadley's 4th birthday was this 4/4! She decided this year she wanted an Easter themed birthday...no princesses, not ballet- Easter! So, we had family over and had an Easter brunch style meal (ham, deviled eggs, fruit, quiche, etc...) and an Easter egg hunt (in the rain!). It was a great day! At 4 years old there is pretty much NOTHING she cannot do. It pains me to say this, but there is no baby, no toddler left in her...just little girl! She is the best child I could ever imagine-truly! She is empathetic, caring, sweet, obedient, a good sleeper, a (mostly) good eater, and then some! She amazes us and entertains us daily. David and I are truly in awe of the dynamic and intelligent little blessing that is Hadley! And no, I don't expect everyone to be as enthralled with her as we are...but we're her parents!





Pregnancy Updates
So...we were falsely informed (see below post) that the hematoma had shrunk....when it was truly the exact same size! The specialist measured it (as opposed to our regular OB with a lower resolution ultrasound) and was sad to report it was still there, still big, and still not reabsorbing! Darn! I have had 2 episodes of increased contractions in the last month, but my body is showing no other signs of impending labor. (TMI alert- they can run a test called a fetal fibronectin test and if positive, it indicates possible labor within 2 weeks. This is a swab test sent to a lab. They also measure your cervix length via ultrasound to see if it is thinning/shortening and mine is not-phew!). So, all appears stable for now. Our little one had 2 other concerning ultrasound findings, one in the brain and one in the heart...but we are told these can be anatomically normal findings in some children. In others, they are indicators of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Downs or Trisomy 18. Our blood work and other measurements indicate an EXTREMELY low Downs and Trisomy 18 risk, so we are praying hard that God will continue to protect this little one. He is definitely a strong kicker and at about 25 weeks he is measuring 1 pound 12 oz. So, we are right on track. I am finding it hard to sit around now that my energy level is increasing and the weather is improving. Contractions put me in my place when I over do it, though! I am thankful for every day this little boy stays inside...and maybe Murphys Law will come into play and I'll go a week overdue like I did with Hadley! Ha!

16 week Ultrasound

So....a few exciting things!
The top picture...confirmation of the gender! I cannot believe they could be accurate from a 12 week ultrasound, but they were right! A little boy it is!

Second, the hematoma is now 1/2 the size it was before! And my placenta is still looking great. The ultrasound tech seems to think that my placenta might even reattach some if the hematoma totally resolves! Yea! The OB will review my scans and we'll find out if I can start doing some more normal activities. I'll be paranoid though.

Baby was measuring 6 days ahead in size and was wiggling all around. I love ultrasounds. I thought Hadley would be really into watching since it was the first time we brought her, but nope. I think its to abstract for her to get what she is watching because she was not all that interested!

THings are coming right along. I am STILL getting sick some days and I am definitely getting a belly. I think I'm already up about 7-8 pounds. So...I'm well on my way to the 30 I gained with Hadley. As long as I don't go over that I'll be proud of myself.

Hadley and David went skiing this weekend with some my Aunt and Uncle and their little boy. I wished I could have gone, but the slopes are not a place for a preggo woman! It was Hadley's first time on skiis and I truly thought it would be a disaster. She isn't the most coordinated yet! But she did great from the reports David sent. He had a blast watching her learn and take a ski lesson. She's SO big looking in this picture!

Week 15

So, this was the week I was waiting for! With my pregnancy with Hadley I had a pivotal week at week 15. It was like the nausea was turned off and my energy was turned on! With this pregnancy...hmmmm...not quite the same! So far I'm still pretty fatigued and still getting sick! Blah! Its better though! And to top it off I've caught a cold so I may actually feel more normal once I get over that! I sure am getting good at the whole resting and relaxing thing! Its been such a blessing that Hadley is old enough to go potty by herself and to play somewhat independently during this time. We've also been blessed by tons of family and friend assistance during this time! Thanks to all of you!

My belly has definitely popped out! At least in my opinion! I know some people claim I don't reall look that pregnant...but to me it feels huge...especially after a big dinner! I am in maternity clothing completely now- no more getting by with safety pinning my dress pants and rubber banding my jeans. And I love the world of maternity pants. No zippers, no belts, no buttons, no pinching waistbands! Ahh! relaxing and letting the belly just hang out! I think I am actually already up about 7 pounds now! Actually that's more than I should be up so let's all hope that trend doesn't continue at such a rapid pace!

I am praying that the hematoma is smaller/gone at my next appointment. The cramping and bleeding finally stopped this last weekend after about 6 weeks! So, I will be SO thankful when there is some improvement there!

Hadley is continuing to talk to the baby through my "microphone"- my bellybutton! She has also accepted that this is a baby boy and not a baby girl as she desired. No real complaints about it all from her. She just seems so loving and excited already! She wants a name and a nursery so badly already! I'll try to be better at posting more regularly! Now, I'm off to figure out an easy dinner!

Is it July yet?

Surprise! Our blog is not forever lost and forgotten! I have just been lost in the land of morning sickness and fatigue...thanks to a certain baby!

There is no denying the digital!

Our 8 week ultrasound

Our 11 week ultrasound...and before you all start guessing...the doctor did tell us he was "fairly certain" it was a...BOY!
We feel so completely blessed to have this chance to add to our family. Hadley was a very easy pregnancy and we took it for granted. The road to baby #2 has been significantly more challenging and painful. We are choosing to trust God every day with this little baby! In my 11th week of pregnancy I was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma. What the heck is that! Well if you look at the ultrasound, in the lower right there is a black crescent shaped space...and that, my friends, should NOT be there! That is a blood clot that is partially between my placenta and uterus. The placenta should be firmly attached and, as you can see, part of ours is separating away thanks to the hematoma. What does that mean to mommy and baby? For now, it means I will bleed (not fun and very scary) and that my activity level is restricted (no lifting, no brisk walks, etc). The hope is it reabsorbs or bleeds out. IF (please God, no) it remains past 20 weeks, then there is a risk for preterm labor or growth problems for the baby. David and I are trying to be so thankful for every day of pregnancy and every great ultrasound, especially. The baby is happy and healthy and measuring right on target. My prayer is by the time we get ultrasound #2, the hematoma will be significantly smaller. I am in week 14 now.

So, another baby in the house! We have been so spoiled having a 3 and 3/4 year old! She can feed herself, brush her teeth, sleeps great, potty trained, etc...so nows a great time to start over! Haha! I am SO excited to see Hadley be a big sister. She is super nurtering...even to the dog. "Foxy, don't be scared, honey baby. Its just the vacuum. Shhh shhh shhh, its okay." She has some crazy maternal instincts already. She truly wanted a GIRL and we heard about that baby girl non-stop. "Mommy, the new baby can wear my baby clothes, right? And the new baby can even share my hair bows." We asked one night at dinner how she would feel if we told her the baby was a boy and her swift reply, "I would just be frustrated with you, Mommy." Ouch! So we had to explain that God chose to give us the baby and He chose if it was a girl or boy because He knew what our family would need. I was nervous that then she would tell us she was frustrated with God, but so far, so good. We talk about her baby brother now and she still tells us she thinks its maybe a girl, but with time I know she'll accept it! And when the baby comes out...its just a sweet baby to her. It'll be a while before he is playing with "boy toys like robots and dinosaurs," as Hadley says!
Oh yeah...and we are due July 29th! Too bad its not July yet! Gotta long way to go!

Pumpkin Carving and *TINK*

Grema and Grumps came over to carve pumpkins. Grumps made a "scary" pumpkin so Hadley drew a nice face on a piece of paper and taped it to the pumpkin! Ha! Anyways, it was a great night!




Cousin Catherine and Hadley at the Fall Festival!

OCTOBER UPATES

Hillridge Farms in Youngsville, NC. We went with Hadley's Great Grandma and her cousin!





I've been terrible at blogging! I can blame my iphone! Now that I have a phone that has internet access, I never get on my desk top! So...I keep up with facebook and email on my phone, but have been so bad about blogging. My apologies to those of you who check this and are irritated that it hasn't been updated in 2 months!

Hadley is, as always, growing like a weed! We had a great Halloween and she was Tinkerbell. This year she cared SO much more about Trick or Treating and ran door to door with our neighbors kids...they have quads+1 so she was just one of the pack and she had a blast! We are trying to limit the candy, but she definitely has my sweet tooth! She is doing great with her preschool on Tue and Thur half days and tells me, "I miss my school" on the days off. She is coloring a ton and always wants to work on a craft. She will gather leaves and sticks and acorns and come inside to glue them on paper. She is a little Martha Stewart!

SETEMBER UPDATES

Off we go to my TEN year high school reunion! Ah! I felt OLD!


My mom's birthday celebration!