Vance: 1 month old

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My sweet baby boy is a month old already! Man, he has changed so much in the last month.

I think by the third baby you realize how quickly the days pass by, so I have tried my hardest to soak up the snuggles while I can.  I am taking a full 12 week leave, but that will come to an end before I know it!!  (anybody know of any part-time or work-from-home NP jobs around?? haha!!!)

Vance is such a sweet and a good baby.  Poor fella, he has had a busy first month!  When he was 2 weeks old, big brother and sister started the school year so that week was so chaotic.  They brought home some nasty school germs which resulted in runny noses and Vance's first virus and rash at 3 weeks old...

We really didn't have much of a schedule or routine.  It was purely survival mode.  I focused more on trying to keep NK and G on a schedule/bedtime routine due to school and Vance just rode it out like a champ. I also forgot how many growth spurts babies have that first month!  Holy cow!  It seemed about the time he got predictable, we would hit a growth spurt and start cluster feeding/fussiness.   Now that the big kids are settling into the school year, Vance and I are working on a little schedule.  

The kids have only been late to school once because we overslept!!  (I consider that doing great with a newborn in the house!!)

Right now, he wakes up about 5-6 am to nurse.  We move to the living room and when he is done I put him in his swing for a nap.  While he is sleeping, I start the coffee pot (thank God for coffee!!) and start breakfast/making lunches.  Grant and Norah Kate wake up between 6:30-6:45.  Vance usually sleeps until 8-9.  Of course, the first few weeks, it was wake up, eat and fall right back asleep.  There were also several mornings where he was waking up hungry during the same time I was trying to get G and NK ready which made for some eventful/stressful mornings.

We go through that routine of being awake for 30 minutes to an hour then sleeping for about 2 hours.  He is eating every 3-3.5 hours during the day.  I pretty well feed him on demand... so some days (afternoons especially) he cluster feeds a little more and will eat more frequency.

 He is pretty alert in the afternoons, but is usually content swinging or laying on the floor. I try to start our bedtime routine at 8pm with a bath. Vance usually falls asleep around 9-9:30 and wakes up around 12:30-1 and sometimes again at 3:00-4.  Last night, when he woke up at 4, I gave him his paci and he went back to sleep until 5:30 which was helpful,  I appreciated the extra hour of sleep!!  He is not sleeping through the night yet.  Goodness, I will just be grateful when he is consistently only waking up once.  For now, night time wake ups are not very predictable, so that makes it hard not knowing what to expect.  I keep telling myself this season is short-lived and there will be more restful nights soon.

Vance sleeps in the Rock N Play cradle next to the bed.  However, he loves snuggling with Mama and I am pretty sure he would be content in our bed (seriously, how do they know??? I am still working on getting Grant and NK out of my bed....)

I am not pushing any crying-it-out or "self soothing" methods right now.  Sometimes Vance needs to be rocked to sleep, but there are other nights (like last night for instance) where he will put himself to sleep. 

At his 1 month check up, he weighed 10lb 10oz and was 21 1/2 inches long!

I am assuming he is taking around 4 oz or so, because that is how much I pump.  I need to do better about giving him a bottle.  I think I have only given him 3 bottles since he has been born.  He makes these gulping sounds when he nurses so it sounds like I have starved or deprived him.

Vance loves: his swing, laying on a pallet on the floor, tummy time, snuggling on Mama's chest, laying with his arms over his head, nursie and his paci.

Vance dislikes: a dirty diaper, getting hot  (he really is a pretty chill baby and goes with the flow for so much!!)

This month we have: tried to survive and figure out our new normal, started a new school year,played musical sleeping arrangements from the couch, bed, NKs bed, Grants bed, etc., went on our first vacation to Steinhatchee, got a cold/virus/rash, went to church, ran lots of errands with Mama (as the 3rd baby, you don't really get the luxury of being home bound the first month when there are two other kids that have to be tended to), sold tobacco in Douglas with Daddy, went to a birthday party for a cousin and sang Baby Shark about 18803243 times and learned to smile and coo.

His eyes are still blue, and they are pretty bright, so I feel like that will stay blue.

He is in size 3 month clothes and wearing size 1 diapers. (he only stayed in newborn diapers and clothes for like 2-3 weeks...)  He is growing like a weed and proving to be a chunk like his big siblings.

Speaking of siblings, Grant and Norah Kate are absolutely crazy about him.  They do not think he is supposed to cry or fuss at all.  Norah Kate loves helping me change his diapers.  They are such big helpers. I try to keep them involved by asking them to help with little things like grab something from the diaper bag or give him his paci etc.  They also fight over who gets to hold him next.   

Vance,  

You are such a special baby.  As soon as you got here, it felt like you were supposed to be here the whole time.  You are loved by so many people.  You are such a content baby.  We only had one rough week and that was when you were sick with your little cold and trying to hit a growth spurt at the same time.  I love that you love me so much and I love watching your brother and sister love you too.  I am enjoying our special time together so much, even though I wish time would slow down just a little.  Thank you for being such a laid back, go-with-the-flow baby.

Mama loves you a bushel and a a peck!! 

Baby T's Labor and Delivery Story

Monday, July 23 was a busy day!!  We started off the morning with a wellcheck for Grant and Norah Kate.  After that, we went and they had a dentist appointment.  I think I had most of my 10,000 steps in by lunchtime!!  My mama, sister, Grant and NK went and ate lunch at Longhorn's.  I had very little appetite at this point.  My sister took the kiddos back to the house and Mama and I went to my check up.

I went for my 38 week check up 1:30. My OB told me the week before she would strip my membranes if I wanted at my next check up.  Because Baby T was measuring so big (keep in mind Baby T was measuring 7lb 4 oz 4 weeks prior!!) and I was having so many contractions, I was really ready to get this show on the road.  I also did not want to have to be induced and I wanted Baby T to come in the next week or so because 1. ) I had already started maternity leave and 2.) the kids start school Aug 6!

She stripped my membranes and told me to go walk.  We also discussed doing another ultrasound, but at this point I felt like Baby T was healthy, but big and I didn't want to know how big if I was going to have to push him/her out!  haha!!  So I decided against and ultrasound.

Let me just say this about the membrane stripping.... it was not comfortable.  The things we do for childbirth... I just sucked it up and told myself if it would get things going it was worth it!!  I will also say, membrane stripping is not going to put you in labor if things are not "ready."  Kind of like walking!  If things are starting, it definitely helps.

We left my appointment at 2:00pm and Mama and I went to the mall to walk (it was the coolest place we could think of).  I am sure people thought we were crazy.  I would go to one end of the mall and do squats.  At first, I just felt crampy and generally uncomfortable I think from my pelvic exam more than anything.  After about 30-45 minutes of power-walking and squatting, I started to feel that "tightening sensation."  It gradually grew into pressure.  I waited a little bit before I started to time them because I didn't want to jinx anything!!

Once I realized these were contractions, I did rub a little Clary Sage on the pressure points above my ankles to hopefully keep things going.  By 3:00, contractions were 5-7 minutes apart and more pressure/tightening than anything uncomfortable.  We kept walking until 4:00 which ended up being about 2 1/2 miles (at this point I was at about 4 1/2 miles for the day!!).  We left and got a smoothie.  It was funny, because we were in line at Smoothie King and it was taking FOREVER.  I got out of the car and started walking around the car because I didn't want my contractions to stop!!  We left Smoothie King and went to my friend, Erica's, house.  (Erica is  my nurse at work, and we were just days apart in a due date!!  We found out we were pregnant within a week of each other, went into preterm labor within days of each other and had our babies within days of each other!!  Talk about cycle sisters...)  Erica had a yoga ball at her house, so I went and sat/rocked/bounced on the yoga ball for about 30 minutes.

My OB wanted to see me back at 4:30-5 to recheck me.  I was "good 4cm" and about 80% effaced.  She stripped my membranes again, which was much more tolerable to second time.  She felt certain she would see me at the hospital around midnight ;)

Immediately after the second exam, my contractions picked up to about 3-4 minutes apart and were much more "crampy" and uncomfortable.  Good!  These were "working contraction."

Mama and I went home and I walked some more and bounced/rocked on my yoga ball.  I continued to do squats.  The contractions were definitely coming on strong and regular.  I know it sounds crazy, but it was such a welcomed feeling!!  After being in prodromal labor for 4 weeks, I was so ready to meet my sweet baby!!  I was feeling more pressure with each contraction.  I tried to focus on the "pressure" rather than any kind of pain.
My mother in law came over and Matt got home probably around 7.  I continued to do some chores around the house.

I focused on deep breathing and imagined my cervix opening up.  It was kind of a running joke regarding cervical dilation.  The night before, I found a chart on Pinterest comparing cervical dilation to different foods.  My goal was cookie, which was about 5 cm, then a donut which was 8 cm and a bagel which was 10cm!  (Don't judge, I had to keep finding light and humor in the situation!  I honestly think it helped).

Mama and I walked the driveway at about 9:00pm.  We still had a small amount of daylight left.  At this point, my contractions were 2 minutes apart, lasting about 45-60 seconds.  My pain was still very much bareable, but I was getting a little nervous about getting to the hospital in time.  I did not want to wait around too late and deliver in the car!

I went in and got a bath and the bathtub felt SO good!!  I soaked in the tub for about 30 minutes and was still having good, strong contractions. 

After the bath, I did a few last minute things around the house and loved on the kids before they went with my sister in law.  I have to admit, I got really anxious there for a few minutes.  I cried when the kids left.  Grant got in ants and was all out of sorts about leaving.  He cried.  I cried.  When I lost my "zen" the contractions definitely got more painful and I could feel myself losing control a little bit, this also made the car ride very uncomfortable.  I prayed and listened to music on the way to the hospital.  I also rubbed some Serenity on my wrists to help me find my zen again.  By the time we made it to the hospital, I felt very calm and relaxed.

I went to OB triage at about 11pm and was still having contractions 3-4 minutes apart.  I was 4-5 cm!!  yay for progress!!

They went ahead and admitted me.  The nurses wanted to monitor me for at least an hour to make sure the baby's heart rate was ok.  I was perfectly ok with this, but I have to say, I could tell my contractions were not working as much when I was confined to the bed...  They were coming on regular though and Baby T looked fantastic.

When my hour was up (and believe me, I was watching the clock), they unhooked me and let me up to do my thing.  My nurses were amazingly supportive.  I told them I wanted minimal interventions.  They did a saline lock IV (for emergency purposes, just in case.) and wanted to monitor the baby every few hours for at least 30 minutes.

I tried to rotate my laboring positions.  I would walk for about 15-30 minutes, then rock on the yoga ball.  I found the ball to be SO helpful in labor.  I would do figure 8's and hip circles on the ball.  I would also get on my knee and lay over the ball.  This position felt like it worked a lot!! I would feel A LOT of pressure with contractions in this position. It got to a point where I could no longer walk or talk through contractions.  I focused on deep breathing.

My mantra was "you can do anything for a minute."  I also kept focusing on "pressure, not pain."
It was a long night of walking and rotating labor positions.  I tried to change positions/activity every 30 minutes or so.  I was able to catch a few cat naps between contractions at around 4:30.  When they checked me at 4:30 I was 5cm.  I was a little discouraged because there was small progress in so many hours.  The nurse said the head was much lower, so that was a good thing.

At 6:30, they wanted me back on the monitor for a bit.  I did NOT like being hooked up to the monitor or being confined to bed.  The contractions hurt worse and I could not get comfortable.  Just the pressure of the straps on my belly were bothersome.  But, I did want to make sure Baby T was safe...  At this point I was 6cm.  Slow progress, but progress.  My water still had not broken.

At around 7, I was able to get off the monitor and move around a bit.  My contractions were quit uncomfortable, but not unbearable.  At 7:30 my OB came and did a check.  I was still 6cm, but my water broke!  At first, it felt better having some of that pressure relieved.  I will be honest, I was a little scared because I remember how much those contractions intensify once the water is broken.
After my water broke, things picked up quickly.  They wanted me on the monitor for a bit just to make sure Baby T tolerated losing his cushion.  After about 30-45 minutes, I started feeling A LOT of pressure with my contractions...  up until this point I was still laughing and joking between contractions.  Now, I needed things very quite.  Between and during contractions.  I found myself getting the most relief from low-pitched sighs during contractions.  I used the time between contractions to focus and pray and imagine my cervix opening up.  I was definitely "in the zone."  Some contractions I tolerated better than others.

By 8:15 I was in a lot of pain and feeling SO MUCH PRESSURE with each contraction.  My contractions were lasting well over 90 seconds each and were coming one on top of each other (hello, Transition) .  I was also very nauseated and felt like I was losing control.  They checked me again and I was still a 6.  At this point, I was exhausted and felt very defeated.  I had been awake for over 24 hours...I had reached my breaking point.  I asked for the epidural.  I remember thinking, if I was going to be stuck at a 6 for hours more, I could not stand the pressure with those contractions...  I was crying and praying and kept saying " I can't do this! "

They went ahead and started my fluid bolus and called for the epidural.  Now, in my mind, I knew it would take an hour for the bolus to come in and then we would have to wait on anesthesia.  I think, somewhere deep in the back of my mind, I knew there would never really be time for an epidural.

I got up and went to the bathroom (under strict instructions to "not to push, I don't want to go fishing for babies today!!" haha!!)  I relieved some pressure off my bladder and got back to the bed.  Let me just say, this position change was the BEST thing I could have done.

At 8:45 I was a 7, but could stretch to an 8.  I caught my second wind.  I knew I was going to be able to do this WITHOUT the epidural.  (which is good thing because I don't even know if much of my fluid bolus had gone in!!).

I really think it was God that told me to get in this position, but at the time it gave me tremendous relief!

I changed positions and got on my knees with the head of the bed up and kind of layed over the back of the hospital bed.  I was having to pant through the contractions at this point because the pressure and urge to push through the contractions were so intense.  Honestly, this was the hardest part for me.  The urge was SO SO strong, but I knew I would damage and prolong things if I pushed too soon.
By 9am, I was a 9 and was involuntarily pushing with contractions.  There was no more controlling that urge.  I was trying to pant and blow to keep from pushing, but my body was still starting to push on its own.  My nurse called my OB to tell her it was time.

Dr. Price made it at 9:16 and I was complete.  I wasn't sure at this point if I could push (which is funny, because all I wanted up to this point was to be able to push!!) .  I remember being fearful.  I was thinking, "Oh Crap, I don't have my epidural.  How bad will it hurt?" "I cant do this."  "What if I tear?" "What if I can't push him out?'

Once I started to really push though, I realized it did feel better to push.  There was sooooo much pressure.  I told myself to push past the pressure and pain and I would meet my sweet baby soon.  I also could not control the noises coming out of my mouth.  It's crazy that carnal instinct that takes over.  I was like a grunting cave woman.  It really was crazy.  I think I did let out a high-pitched scream once during the "ring of fire."  I remember saying "it burns, it burns!"

Someone brought in a mirror which helped encourage me a ton!  (I swear, these nurses were ON IT!  They were all moving so quickly.  They were amazing.)  I remember my nurse Carol coaching me through each push and telling me when to push slow (during the burn) so I would not tear.  I remember hearing the nurse Jen (who I think has been in on every one of my deliveries as well as the deliveries of my neices and nephews) encouraging me with each push and telling me to keep going.  I felt like I focused mostly on Carol, Jen and Dr. Price's voice.

It felt like I pushed FOREVER, but it was only 15 minutes and Mama said it was like 6 good pushes.  I think it felt so long because every push took every bit of my energy and focus.
I started pushing at 9:16 and our sweet BABY BOY was born at 9:31.

Such a memorable moment!!  I was so surprised that he was a BOY!! 

When he came out, and I saw that he was a HE and saw the look on Matt's face... I quickly forgot every bit of pain that it took to get him here. I immediately started crying and laughing!  I remember saying, "I was SOOOO wrong the whole time!  I thought it was a girl!!"   That endorphin rush is AMAZING.  He pinked up quickly and almost immediately started to suck on his hands and root.  I could not nurse him right away because I was having some bleeding issues and was quite uncomfortable again while they were trying to get things under control (this part was not fun, because in my mind, the painful part was over.  Fundal massage is not a fun experience).  Once they were done and I was able to relax a little bit, he latched on like a champ!  I also knew that nursing him would help with those uterine contractions which would also help with bleeding.

I also had everyone laughing because once we found out Baby T was a boy, I told Matt (I mean, we are talking MINUTES after delivery) that we get to try again for another girl!!  Matt had told me this whole pregnancy, that if Baby T was a girl we were D-O-N-E.  Everyone that knows me, knows I have not been in agreement with that.

I was shaking from head to toe, I guess from the adrenaline/hormone rush.  I was so so proud of my new son and of myself!!  I had the natural delivery I wanted!
I wish I could say I did it peacefully and calmly, without asking for the epidural, without screaming or grunting.  I have to say though, the body is amazing.  I felt like I had very little control over myself during the transition and pushing phase.  Although, everyone else said I appeared very calm during the pushing phase.  Dr Price even thought I had my epidural!!  I am really grateful now that there was no time for it and I didn't get it!!
It took us over 24 hours to come up with a name for our sweet boy.

Vance Ellis Thompson
7/24/2018
0931 AM
8lb 4oz
20" long

My "birth plan" all along was to go into labor on my own without being induced.  I also wanted to take a good shot at "natural child birth."  I had been doing a lot of reading and research for months about natural child birth.  I had a board on Pinterest with tips, essential oils, birth positions, inspiring blogs and vlogs.  I had read Ina May Gaskin's book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.  I feel like this book was so empowering!!  It was full of positive birth stories.  It really made me feel like if all these other women gave birth with minimal interventions and no pain medication/epidurals then so could I.
I also had such a supportive team!  Dr. Price is phenomenal.  She is the best OB/GYN around in my opinion.  She told me more than one she would deliver my baby however I wanted.  She also assured me more than once that she would do whatever it took to keep us both healthy and safe.  I also could not have asked for better nurses at the hospital.  The Lord truly answered my prayers with my team!  My sister, sister in law, mama, mother-in-law and husband were also wonderful that night/day.  They were silent when I needed silence, prayed when I needed prayer, held me up, rubbed my back, walked with me... whatever I needed.  I could not have done it without every single person involved.  Most importantly, I could not have done it without the Lord.

I prayed very specifically the entire pregnancy regarding my goals.  I think this goes to show that the Lord listens and hears our prayers.

I am honestly not sure what inspired me to do a natural birth.  I had an epidural with the other two and never really considered any other option.  I know my epidural with Grant bottomed out my blood pressure and made his heart rate drop, so that did have me a little nervous regarding the epidural this time around.  I think I also just wanted that experience.  To say that I had at least one of my children without any intervention.  However, at the end of the day, my goal was to have a SAFE delivery with a HEALTHY baby.

I will try to do a blog post soon going into more detail about what I did to prepare for my natural delivery.

So far, we are all adjusting very well to being home.  It is like Vance was supposed to be here the whole time.  He is such a good baby.  He is nursing every 3-4 hours.  (He was nursing every 2 hours until my milk came in).  He is content where ever, swing, cradle, nap nanny, being held.  We have done lots of skin to skin and snuggling.  He rarely cries.

We had a minor set back on our first day home, as I woke up with a stomach virus.  (who does that even happen to?!).  Fortunately, it was a 12-hour bug and I recovered quickly.

We were down to 8lbs on our weight check, but I feel confident we are getting back/past our birth weight quickly.  He also looked a little jaundiced, but his bilirubin came back normal. 

I truly think I am the happiest I have ever been.  I love my little family so much and am enjoying this special time in our life. We appreciate everyone's prayers during this season of our life!!

XOKT

He was so alert from the beginning!

Latched right on like a champ.

I don't think I have ever seen this man here more proud!

Meeting Baby Brother for the first time!  They changed into their PJs like they were gonna have a sleep over at the hospital!!  Haha!!

Third Trimester: Baby T

Through the majority of my third trimester, I continued to have a wonderful pregnancy.  I really felt so good.  I had some low back pain, but kept a weekly appointment with the chiropractor to get me through.  I highly recommend chiropractic care during your pregnancy.  It helps keep your spine aligned and keeps baby in a good position for delivery.  Not to mention, the pain relief it provides!!
I also sat on a exercise/yoga ball in between patients instead of an office chair.  This helped my low back and hips a HUGE amount as well.  I got a kick out of how many people (patients included) wanted to try out my new "chair".  I will honestly probably continue to use this once I go back, just to help my low back and hips.

  

28 weeks

I passed my glucose test (with flying colors!!) and got my Rhogam shot (I am O negative) and Tdap vaccine.

When we had an ultrasound at our 30 week appointment on May 31, 2018, Baby T was measuring 3 weeks ahead of schedule!  He/she was a chunk already!!  This made me extremely anxious, because at this rate this baby could be 9-10 pounds by 40 weeks!!  For someone planning a vaginal delivery--- nerve wrecking!!  I passed my glucose test, so I couldn't understand why Baby T was measuring so big.  I guess I am a little girl that has big babies!!

I am pretty sure I almost had a panic attack after the ultrasound.  I just prayed to the Lord to give me faith in Him and a peace of mind regarding the delivery.  I allowed myself to be anxious about it that day, but after that we were going to move past it.  It worked, because after that I felt more confident about my ability to birth a 9lb baby.  Afterall, I had a HEALTHY baby, it was just a BIG baby!

30 weeks, Baby T measuring 33 weeks!

We went to the beach (Cape San Blas, my favorite), June 7-10.  I am so glad we went when we did, because I don't think I would have been able to go later on! The waves felt amazing.  I felt like a beached whale floating out there in the waves.  Grant and Norah Kate had a blast.  The rode waves until their little hearts content.  We all got sun-kissed and made a ton of memories!  I was one of those pregnant mama's rocking my bikini.

I kept saying Baby T was going to come here with a sun tan!

I spent the weekend of June 23 in "nesting mode."  After a lot of pushing from my Mama to get things ready (she was nervous because her third baby came 6 weeks early...) I got down (or rather, my Mama got down) the baby clothes (both boy and girl!!) from the attic.  I washed up both boy and girl newborn stuff so it would be ready to go.  I also got down the swing, nap nanny, and got the car seat washed up.  My sweet sister in law let me borrow her infant car seat.  I just really hated to pay for another infant seat when they are only in that car seat for 5-6 months before its easier just to be them in a bigger rear facing seat.

I had another scheduled visit on June 28, my 34 week visit.  I hadn't really felt well all week.  I just couldn't get comfortable.  My back hurt, I felt nauseous and I was not sleeping good.  I attributed it to the heat because it was just some kind of hot.... (I told myself I would NEVER have another summer pregnancy!!!!) Before I went to bed I had an upset stomach and some abdominal cramping.  I woke up that morning and was feeling that familiar tightening sensation in my abdomen.  However, unlike my Braxton Hicks (which I had this ENTIRE pregnancy!!) they were a little more crampy feeling in my lower abdomen and would radiate down the tops of my thighs.  I began timing them at about 4 am and they were 3-5 minutes apart lasting about a minute each... they were not increasing in frequency or intensity, so I rested and waited until my appointment that day.



I got an ultrasound during my appointment and Baby T was measuring 7lbs 4 oz at 34 weeks!!  He/she was measuring in the 99th percentile for everything.  My OB checked me and I was already starting to dilate (1cm).  She put me on the monitor and sure enough I was having contractions 3-4 minutes apart.  Because Baby T was still too early to come, I got a steroid shot and was told to go home and take it easy.  I was not a candidate for anything to try to slow down the contractions because I run a low blood pressure anyways, and the medicine they use is a blood pressure medicine.
When I got home, my contractions intensified to the point that I really considered going to the hospital.  I told myself if they did not ease up within an hour I would go get checked again.  Fortunately, they eased off (I found out the next day that sometimes the steroid shot can make you contract a little more) and I was able to rest.  i woke up the next morning (Friday morning) still experiencing contractions, so I went back to get checked.  My cervix had not changed, thank God.  By the time I got to my appointment, my contractions had eased off and were infrequent and irregular.  I got my second steroid shot and was still told to 'rest.'  I was never placed on strict bed rest.  My OB also told me that I may still end up delivering early.  Our prayer was that Baby T would stay put for 2 more weeks.

34 weeks, you can tell Baby T has "dropped" some.

When I went the following Monday, July 2, I had dilated to 2cm , 50% effaced. I was 35 weeks and she told me I could go back to work ( I had taken a long weekend off) but was to see a lighter load of patients.  I had some scheduled days off over the next two weeks anyway, so my weeks were shorter as well.

36 weeks

I started going for weekly appointments at this point.  I continued to have contractions off and on through the remainder of my pregnancy.  They were particular worse in the middle of the night and in the early morning.  Almost nightly I would wake up to contractions 4-6 minutes apart for several hours, then they would taper off.  Talk about stressful!!  Laying there, trying to determine if it was "real labor" or not!  This went on for weeks!

On Monday July 9 I was 3cm, 70% effaced (36 weeks).  Then on Monday July 16, I was a "loose 3cm", 70 % effaced (37 weeks).  She also said my bag of waters felt thin and fragile like they could break any minute.  Each visit, my cervix was slowly changing.

37 weeks

I felt like every day from this point was a waiting game!!  I really wasn't sleeping well and was still having contractions off and on throughout the day/night, but nothing would ever intensify.    I also felt like Baby T was really a week ahead anyways because he/she measured big the whole time and I had a VERY early positive pregnancy test.

Once we hit 37 weeks, I was walking a lot, squatting  and bouncing on my yoga ball.  It was Operation Bring on Baby!  I also started taking Evening Primrose Oil at 37 weeks.  I took 1000mg every night before bed.  I started my maternity leave Monday, July 16.  I ate pineapple almost daily and tried spicy foods.  I think I did every trick in the book to try to bring on Baby T!!  The saying "baby will come when it is ready" is very true.  It took baby T 4 weeks to get fully ready to come!

38 weeks (last 'bump' pic before Baby T came!)

Blog Return: Baby #3

It has been so long since I have blogged (like 2 years!!!).  I have thought about updating so many times over the last couple of years, but it seems there has always been something else take precedence. (ya know, laundry, dishes, mowing the grass, helping with homework etc.)

Seeing as we are expecting baby #3, it made me sad to think about not blogging monthly updates with this next baby.  I figured I would go ahead and start back, even if it's just temporary.

I found out on Nov 19 that I was pregnant.  We had been "trying" for a couple of months, but with two kids that STILL sleep in our bed I figured it would take some time.  I woke up that morning with extreme breast tenderness.  It was only cycle day 20 for me, so I really didn't think it was possible to have a positive test that early.  I had some old tests on hand so I took one about mid morning.  I honestly did not even think it would be positive, but low and behold there was a faint line. 
I will I could say I told Matt in some kind of cute, creative or romantic way, but I just called him back to the bathroom (it was on a Sunday so he was home).  "Hey babe, come here!!"
He came back to the bathroom and I said, "what does that look like to you?"
"It looks like a positive."
Me: "there is no way, I am not due for my period for another 8 or 10 days??"
Matt: "oh, well, that's a positive"
(I was still in denial.  Excited.  But in denial for such an early positive.)
We decided to go to Walmart later that day and get a "digital" test.  Words that say Pregnant or Not Pregnant.  haha!  Even though I have my Master's in nursing and practice medicine every day, for something like this I still wanted SIMPLE and fool proof!

I didn't take the digital test until the next morning or even 2 days later (I can't remember now, isn't that awful?)  And sure enough after 30 seconds or so, the words PREGNANT popped up on the test.  I sent Matt a SnapChat, but he didn't check his Snap all day, so I finally called him when I got off work.  I was so excited all day.  I couldn't believe we were going to have another baby!!
I called my OBGYN that morning and they told me to come in later in the week for a pregnancy confirmation u/s.  I was suprised to be seen so early, because my previous pregnancies (which were with a different OBGYN) I had to wait until 8-9 weeks to be seen for an ultrasound.
It has been so much fun to watch this pregnancy grow via ultrasound.

My very first ultrasound showed  nothing but a gestational sac, which was expected for the timeline of my pregnancy.

I went back about two weeks later and there was a heartbeat!!  What a sweet, sweet sound.
My third check up was Jan 11.  I got to see a 4D glimpse of baby T and it ohmygoodness at the growth!!  At this point, Baby T had arms and legs, tiny ears and was very "human" appearing.  I was only 10 weeks. 

It made me sad to think about the people that have had miscarriages or even chose to have an abortion, because even so early at 10 weeks this baby was a BABY!
Let me just say too that I have measured a week "early" every ultrasound too.
I  decided before this pregnancy that if we were to get pregnant again, I would want the gender to be a suprise for this one.  Matt wants/wanted to find out, but he is going along with it for my sake.  I told him before the 20 week anatomy scan, that he could find out but there were some conditions:  He could not tell anybody, not even his mama, daddy or siblings.  Anybody that knows Matt and his family knows how close they are, they work closely together and all talk on the phone multiple times throughout the day... so I knew this would be difficult.  Matt didn't really say or act like this would be possible for him, so here we are (almost) week 24 still not knowing the gender-- either one of us.

How has Mama felt?

I will be honest, the first 10-12 weeks were roughhhhh.  I was very nauseated.  I didn't throw up (only once), but I would have these waves of nausea hit that made me wish I could throw up.  I learned to suck on hard, sour candy, nibble on crackers or high protein snacks and sip gatorade/gingerale throughout the day to keep the nausea at bay.  Smells were the worst.  My senses were very, very sensitive.  I normally love Christmas time and all the cooking, baking and candle scents but almost everything turned my nose or stomach.  Pork was the worst!  We usually get a ton of Boston Butt around the Holidays, but it nauseated me so bad.  I also had a coffee aversion ( so so sad because I LOVE coffee!!!) I couldn't stand the smell of it.

 I lost a few pounds at first, but I think it's because I craved fruits / veggies and anything fatty/greasy (or good for that matter) made me nauseated.
I was also veryyyyy tired.  I mean, 10-12 hours of sleep at night and wake up still feeling exhausted with awful brain fog.  I thought maybe it was the time change and the hustle/bustle of the Holiday season that made it worse this pregnancy.  It could also be that I am four years older, working full time and chasing two other kids....
Luckily by week 12 my fatigue and nausea were much improved.  I began having headaches daily.  Those were annoying, but I started taking magnesium and that helped a ton!

By week 16 I felt amazing and still do, thank the Lord, even now!  I have some back pain, hip pain, sciatic nerve pain, reflux and varicose veins... but in the grand scheme of things I really feel great.  I am one of those people though that "love" being pregnant.  I have also kept my anxiety down during this pregnancy.  I am focused on keeping a very "zen" pregnancy this time in hopes this will be a content baby.  I am learning to pick my battles and let go of a lot.  I still have my moments, because I am wired as a very strong Type A personality.

I started feeling Baby T move around 16 weeks and strong movements around week 18.  I also started to show earlier with this one.  By 10 weeks, regular jeans were snug and not comfy. Thank goodness of leggings, jeggings and dresses!!  I was rocking maternity pants EARLY this go around!!!  (I mean, why wouldn't you?! These things are amazing....)  I have gained 14 pounds so far at 23 weeks.

We went last week for my anatomy scan.  I was 22 weeks, measuring 23 weeks.  Everything was PERFECT.  THANK YOU LORD!!!  I tell people all the time, its hard working in the medical field. While most people are looking for fingers and toes, I am looking to make sure there are four chambers to the heart (equal and symetrical in size), 3 vessels to the umbilical cord, adequate movement, spinal cord intact, intestines on the inside etc.  It was also hard to look for all of this stuff WITHOUT finding out the gender.  My ultrasound tech is the sweetest and she was great about not lingering between the babies legs too long and anytime it went that direction I looked away.  I honestly could not tell you today if we are having a BOY or a GIRL.  (This is so exciting for me!!!)
 
I am so thankful for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.  I am so thankful that the Lord has intrusted me (again) to raise a warrior for Him.  I am very excited about this journey and I continue to pray for the Lord to guide me to be a mother in a way that He sees fit, continue to bless this pregnancy and this baby.  I have been praying very specific prayers this go around for this baby and this pregnancy.  As a Christian, I admit prayer is my weakness... often getting wrapped up in day to day doings andI "forget" to pray--- or at least pray like I should.  I have been trying really hard this time to pray fervently for this baby and pregnancy, as well as for my family.
I am so glad to be blogging again and can't wait to continue to update through out this pregnancy!!
XO
Katie

20 weeks

22 weeks

Sweet sneak peak of Baby T- 22 week anatomy scan

A comparison of my three babies: Grant on the left, Norah Kate top right and Baby T bottom right. They favor soooo much already!!

Norah Kate Lately

April 2016

What's next??

NK: mama, do I go to kindergarten next year?

Me: no, you start pre-k.

NK: and then I go to kindergarten?

Me: yep, you'll go to prek then kindergarten.

NK: and then I am done?

Me: nope. Then you go to first, second, third, etc.

NK: so, I will go to prek then kindergarten then first grade then I will be done right?

Me: no baby, you go to prek, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd etc, middle school, then high school, then college. Like mommy did.

NK: {sigh of exasperation}. That's a lot. I think I will just go to prek.

my baby

NK: mama, can Mileynhold my baby?

Me: yes, you need to share your toys at school.

NK: no, I mean MY baby?

Me: you mean Grant?

NK: yes.

Me: oh, he's your baby??

NK: yeah.

Future Dental hygienist 

Here is the setting:

NK is getting her teeth cleaned for the first time. She lets them do everything during the cleaning.

When she is all done she turns to the dental hygienist and says, "ok, your turn!! Let me do your teeth!"

Said dental hygienist: um, I need to see your credentials first! 😂😂😂😂

Grant: 2 years old

Now that Brown Boy is two I feel like I officially have a toddler and a preschooler!!! When did this happen?  I know I say this every blog post, but it seems like yesterday I was carrying him in my baby k'tan and toting NK on the other hip.

Grant is definitely growing!! He is still in diapers and I am in no rush to potty train. He is in size 4 diapers, 18 month pants (due to length!!) and 2t shirts. He wears a size 6 (WIDE) shoe.  He sleeps through the night : most of the time : in our bed (duh!).  He still has his "bur"'(aka paci) but is using it less and less. He can have it in the car and at nap/bedtime. He isn't allowed to take it outside, to school, or inside stores etc. I let him have it in the evenings before bed when he is fussy. My goal is to have it gone in a few months!

He loves all things boy. Tractors, trucks, balls, blocks. He has several stuffed animals and he usually carries at least one of them to school each day. Right now our favorites are a webkinz kitty cat, tiger, and Nick off of Zootopia.  He loves paw patrol. We watch it every morning on the way to school.  We also have a matchbox car (TowMater and Lightening McQueen being our favorites) at any given time. He wears his John Deere hat backwards.

He had his 2 year check up and weighed 26 pounds.  

Grant is starting to talk more and more. He learns new words every day. We are working in our colors. He knows all of his body parts and animal noises.  In the last few weeks he has started putting more words together to make small sentences. (Mamas phone. Bad kitty. Go outside. Daddy's truck etc.)

He still cries a lot when I leave him, at daycare, but NK is still clingy too. I don't know when or if they will grow out of that but that's ok. 

He still sticks his hand down my shirt when he is sleepy or nervous.  When he gives kisses or hugs he squeezes your face or neck tight. (It is the best little feeling ever.)

We had a cowboy birthday party for him and it turned out so cute!!

Grant, 

These last two years have been awesome with you a part of them!! You are all boy ( and a mamas boy!) and I love that.  You are smart and watch everything Sister does.  You have this way of scrunching your nose up and showing all your teeth and it melts my heart everytime.   You are my Turkey, Brown Boy, Bubba.  I am soaking up every moment of watching you grow up big!!  You don't have to do it quite so fast though!!  

I love you a Bushel and a peck!

Mama

Norah Kate Lately

Last weekend was quite eventful.

We spent Saturday evening at my Mother-in-laws house. The kids were super hyped up (you know how they can get at the grandparents house.) and were jumping on the bed.  We had told them both to quit jumping before someone got hurt. Norah Kate is at that stage where we climb and jump on to and off of everything. G being the little brother and copy cat he is tries to do the same stuff.  Well, after the 173946738 time of telling her to get off the bed Matt pulled her by both arms (not any kind of crazy or unusual way) and got her off the bed.  Norah Kate started screaming crying and wouldn't move her arm.

I did the usual parental things, but when your mama is a nurse/nurse practitioner you kinda tough it out unless you are bleeding ( a lot ) or not breathing.  I put ice on it and rocked her and tried to asses for any fractures.  My first thought was a nursemaid elbow (pulled elbow), but I have never corrected one myself and she was screaming every time I touched her arm.

After about an hour the poor girl was still carrying on with her arm. We would get her calmed down, then every time we went to move it she would holler.  Needless to say, we decided it was time to go to the ER.  Poor Matt, he felt terrible and so guilty.  I kept telling him that it was going to be alright and if it's what I thought it is, it's a quick fix.  Accidents happen.

NK fell asleep on the way to the ER, and so we were thinking maybe she wasn't hurt that bad after all and maybe she was just over-tired.  Because, yes, that is a thing and anyone with kids knows that when they are overtired a papercut or mosquito bite will have you thinking their leg is falling off.  We started hitting potholes in the pavement in the road to the hospital and sweet girl started whimpering on her sleep..... So nope, keep on going to the ER.

The ER was super efficient that night. I have been seeing a ton of Flu at the office, so I just knew we were gonna be there for ever.  We registered and then got pulled practically straight back to triage.  Everyone had to look at and move her arm and she would scream. I knew they had to do it, but it hurt my heart every time.

After triage they came and got us for X-ray. The X-ray techs were amazing, but the experience itself was terrible.  They had to position her arm for the X-ray and NK was screaming.  It hurt so bad she was shivering and her teeth were chattering. I felt so helpless. The sweet X-ray tech would wait until I had NK somewhat distracted before repositioning for another image. They were really quick about it, but BabyGirl screaming had my nerves shot.  We were both crying.

It was the craziest thing---- after X-ray, NK said, " Mama I want to stand up." Which was a first, because she wanted me to hold her since she first hurt her arm.  They offered to let her see her pictures which NK thought was the coolest thing ever. ("mama! I have never seen my bones before!!!")

They put us in a  hallway stretcher because there were no beds. NK was like a different child. She was laughing and smiling and low-and-behold!!! Moving her arm. (Praise God!!)

The ER doc came around not even 5 minutes later and wanted to see her arm. NK is doing fist-punches by this point. Haha!! 

He said she had nursemaid elbow and it most likely corrected itself when they were positioning her for xray.  She was good to go and released! The whole visit was less than an hour.

NK has been fine ever since!!

Georgia Aquarium

This past weekend we took a trip to Atlanta for the night and went to the Georgia Aquarium.

It was a big deal, because Matt was able to go with us.  With him farming, family trips are few and far between.  I savored every moment!!  The kids also enjoyed spending time with him.

The weather was supposed be yucky though!  It was flooding at home that morning, so it was about lunch time before we left.

We had a hailstorm along Forsyth, and that was scary.  The kids napped most of the way.

We checked in to our hotel (the Ritz!!) at about 4.  We let the kids run and play (yeah, we probably won't be allowed back....) and it started snow flurries outside.  NK was SO excited to see the snow.  We went for a walk downtown around 5.

Downtown Atlanta is a little scary.  The tall buildings are so neat, but there is homeless people that will come up and ask you for money.

We ate at the HardRock because it was right next to our hotel.  My sister met us for supper which was great because we don't get to see her very often now since she is living up there.  We were in a corner table and the kids were able to dance.  They loved the restaurant.  It was my sister's birthday and they sang happy birthday to her and Norah Kate.  NK's face was priceless!

G was dancing all over the place and was being quite the entertainer.

The next morning we got up to more snow!  We packed up and went and had breakfast at Waffle House.  (I know right, we go to Atlanta and eat at Waffle House?)  However, with the cold weather it was super yummy!!

In Atlanta, you have to park in public parking places (pay to park) and then walk to your destination.  Or at least that is how it is downtown.

Every where we went people talk about how cute G and NK are.  It never fails either, that my children are putting on some kind of entertainment for people.

Due to the weather, the aquarium didn't open until 11.  We got there right when it opened (again, parked and walked in the snow and freezing wind!!).  The kids were layered up with long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and then heavy jackets.  With a blanket!

I also learned that Matt is not a cold-weather man.  It was a wimp.  haha!!  I was prepared though with gloves, toboggan and heavy coat.

The kids LOVED the aquarium.  It wasn't very crowded at first, so that was nice.  We watched the dolphin show and then walked through the different tanks.  They have a tropical fish tank, a freshwater fish tank, a cold weather fish tank, and then a BIG fish tank with sharks, sting rays, etc.  They also had fish in with the sharks and I wondered why the sharks didn't eat the other fish?

It got super crowded, so we left without seeing a few of the activities.  The kids were also tired and hungry.  Overall, I would say it was a success.  On our way out we stopped in the gift shop.  They each had $10 to pick out a toy.  Grant and NK both got a sea otter.

We ate lunch at Johnny Rockets right by the aquarium.  It was SO good.  It was like an old-fashioned burger/shake dine-in.  We had a juke-box at the table.  My hamburger was yummy...or maybe I was just starving.  We also all shared a vanilla milk-shake.  I really think eating there was one of my favorite parts!

We walked back to the car and was trying to decide if we were going to go somewhere else and stay another night or just head back home.  While Matt and I were weighing "pros and cons," we looked back and the kids were sound asleep!  We decided just to drive on back home.

I know this trip may not sound like anything special, but I want to remember it forever.  Matt works so hard and we rarely get to spend weekends away with just our little family.  It was so nice.  The kids were also so well-behaved.  (which they usually are anyways).

NK can't wait to go back!