Babies and Holidays

So my laptop somehow got a virus on it and so we're out of commission right now. It's a shame because I can't download any pictures and my husband just got me an awesome new camera for Christmas.

The holidays were joyful. Our family and friends were so generous with us and I can't thank them all enough. I feel bad because we didn't do very much for them this year since we just bought a house and had a baby. We usually do something for a family in need and go easy on our family. This year we sponsored coats for a family through the Lion's Club D is a member of. But Christmas was a lot of fun because P totally gets the whole presents thing now. He had so much fun unwrapping them and going "Cool, Awesome!" And he had a funny laugh that sounds a lot like the way he makes a horse sound. It was precious. Baby C of course was totally excited too. You just couldn't tell what with his snoring and all.

P has been a perfect big brother and covers C with kisses and hugs. Sometimes too much, but at least we haven't had any jealousy issues. P likes to get bottles and hold C while he plays. (Meaning mommy holds C on P's lap while P plays.) P also likes to cover C with blankets. He's wonderful.

After three different blood tests, we finally have confirmed that C does have Hemophilia B or Christmas Disease. I'm just relieved that we're done with poking my newborn with needles. Hemophilia is where the blood is low or missing a protein called factor that helps it clot. C is low on Factor 9. If he gets hurt he'll need to get an injection of factor 9 to help him stop bleeding.

We have an education class on Jan 7 up at the Toledo Hemophilia Center. They'll help us recognize bleeds and let us know what to do and help us work with our hospital so there's always factor available if C should need it. We're also working with C's pediatrician so she can be a liaison for us with the local hospital.

This will be an interesting journey and I'm wondering if there are any other moms out there in the blogging world that have babies with Hemophilia. The plus side of all this is that since it's a genetic thing, I have my parents to ask questions to since they went through it all with my brother.

Other than that, C is getting really big. His ped says he has big hands and was impressed with his weight gain. C isn't much for regular feedings, but I don't time them or anything. He's eating and gaining weight and is healthy. He does have terrible gas and keeps me awake with his grunting.

This has been a wonderful year. New house, new car and our new little Baby C. We've truly been given everything and we are so, so grateful.

Oh Boys

Well first of all, welcome to this great world C.M. Brooks! He is truly a miracle. And so is me getting some pictures up this quickly because I also just got Halloween, etc off my camera too.

Here's our details:
I knew something was up on Wednesday and thought, "Today is the day we go in." So after dinner we decorated our tree and I felt a couple of things, called the good doc who said to come on in to check us out!

So we did and I was pretty sure we were staying. I came in and was 5cm dilated and two hours later when Dr. S came in to check me I was 8cm dilated. Wow that was fast! So D and I mostly just chilled and talked and enjoyed the hospital's semi-cable. I was having contractions that started out pretty irregular and didn't hurt at all. I was stuck on 8cm for a good 3 hours and the contractions started to get pretty powerful in that they no longer are just in one place, but spread over the whole belly. So I considered sucking it up and waiting, but I remembered how my body didn't want to go from 9-10cm last time so I thought, "Screw it! This hurts and it doesn't have to so drug me up Dr. Man!"

The drug doc came and needed a little convincing to give me an epidural. My platelets were down all the way to 103 and lower than 100 and they won't do it. Plus I was so far dilated. Anyway, he did. And I bet every woman loves him. I could feel a little spot where my contractions were still happening and he felt bad and asked if I wanted him to up my meds, but I said no since I like feeling what's going on. I just wanted to take the edge off. He def did not get that and said, "You're certainly one of a kind. I know I'd want more drugs."

So it was good that I did because I was able to relax and C's head shot down a couple of stations and I went to a 9, but still could not get to a 10. My last baby the doc made me push past that, which caused pushing to be 3.5hrs but Dr. S said, "I know you don't want Pitocin, but it could help get to that last cm." And I agreed, b/c really I just didn't want to be started on Pit. I figured if I needed it to start, then he wasn't ready yet. Anyway, a little Pit and we were at an easy 10 and I could really feel the contractions which was fantastic b/c it didn't neccessarily hurt. The good doc came in and less than 15min later we very easily pushed out our little boy! He was born at 6:46am Dec 3 and weighed in at 7lbs 5oz and is 20inches.
The nurses were wonderful and it was the easiest most relaxing experience and I felt SO good!




He and P look an awful lot alike, thank goodness since P is beautiful. C's hair seems to be lighter and is very fuzzy. It's almost crimped and he has really golden fuzzy shoulders. His eyes look like they'll be the same color as P's too. Two beautiful boys! We shot out of the hospital pretty fast, but C didn't lose any weight and I felt really good and was walking around. It feels good to be home and even more wonderful to be with P again. I missed him to tears. I'm happy to not be pregnant and to be able to hug my husband without two feet between us.

Thankful

So while I wait for the rest of my family to get here and the food to finish, I think it's appropriate to take a couple minutes and jot down a FEW of the many things I have to be grateful for:
1. My husband. It's wonderful to know that I'm loved everyday. That he wants to be with me. He does so much for me especially now that I'm so close to B Day. But honestly, he'd do it anyway. Plus, he's dang hot.
2. My son. Everyday I keep a journal of the best things that happened to me that day. And everyday, at least 4 of the 5 have my baby boy in them. He's such sunshine. He's made me so much better. I can't believe this is my life!
3. New baby. The Lord has really blessed me to be able to take care of one of His very special children. While it's scary to think about how my normal everyday will change drastically, there's no better way to do it.
4. Church. Because of the gospel of my church, I know I've made the decisions I have that have made my life so Blessed. Not only do I get such a blessed life now, but knowing I have my family forever is amazing. it makes me want to work harder and be better just so I can be worthy of them.
5. Our home. D's job has certainly come with it's challenges. It's been one of our most trying years financially. But during our most trying year, the Lord has blessed us with a gorgeous new home. We really can't complain! I get to be here everyday with the people I love most!
6. Extended Family. I don't have any complaints about my in-laws. While family always comes with drama, I still get to enjoy my family. My parents and in-laws and everyone I'm related to are so generous. We have been so well taken care of an so loved. Thank you!

Because this pregnancy rules my life...

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I really felt a lot better. Blogger is so nice for venting and getting support. And you all really make me laugh so hard.

Yesterday was our 38 week appointment, although I won't officially be 38 weeks until Sunday (scheduling conflicts I suppose). We are about 3cm dilated!, 75% effaced and C's head is still at a -1. So I'm up one cm and 15% more effaced. Awesome! I'm really hoping that C keeps this up. I'd really love to go in a little bit early as long as he's healthy, but what woman doesn't say that? For me, it will probably happen somewhere on Thanksgiving between turkey and pie. And all I have to say is that I'm still eating my pie. But I won't complain!

D and I have put ours and P's bags in the car along with the carseat. So even if we aren't at home when I go into labor we have everything we need. We'll just call whichever set of parents doesn't have work the next day to take my precious little boy overnight and in we'll go! It's so nice to be prepared. We also have M&M's stapled to our birth plan to give to the nurses so I'm sure that will encourage a few to read it. Or else.

I've been scrapbooking a ton and am almost halfway through P's 2nd year. I really need a lot more paper, but I'm not in too big of a hurry. Now that new baby is all prepared for, I have to shift my focus on to Thanksgiving as we're having 18 people over. I'm so excited for a full house! And for the food! My grandma and mom will probably do most of the cooking and I'm only doing the easy stuff like Turkey and cranberry sauce. I'm trying to think of cheap ways to decorate the tables.

Well, blah blah blah, I'm rambling on again. I think I'm in huge need for a nap so I might go lay down and get some uninterrupted book time with this new book I'm reading, City of Glass. I love the Mortal Instrument series.

What the crap!?

Eugh- (insert disgusted grunting noise here). What is it about a pregnant woman that makes people forget the rules of social etiquette and make them feel free to make whatever comment about her body they want? It's unreal.

This last month of pregnancy is rough. Not because I get up like an old man or that I hear my hip pop at night trying to roll over- but because I look dang good for 37 weeks and every cashier at every register I come across feels the need to make a comment about my size. Tactlessly, nonetheless.

I hate the phrase, "You like you're ready to pop." HATE IT. I'm used to those moron comments by now. But last night, some fool in the baby section at Wal-Mart went way too far.

Fool- "Geez, are you alright."
Me- Excuse me?
Fool- When are you due?
Me- 2-3 weeks.
Fool- Wow, my daughter is due in a month and she isn't anywhere near as big as you are.
Me- Wow, people are just so polite everywhere.
Fool's Wife- See, you've offended her.
Fool- I didn't mean to offend her.
Me- (giving a nasty look)- It's not EVER ok to make a comment about someone's size.
Fool- Well, she's tiny everywhere else just like you are-----

This is the part where I just turned and walked off and didn't bother letting him finish.

So, naturally, what with hormones and my general precious feelings, I was upset. My good husband goes, "Well, he wasn't trying to be malicious.But if I were there I would have called him a dumbA-"

And I had to think about it. I'm sure these people aren't trying to be mean. BUT, I know that they know better because no one will make comments about me if my husband is there. That's because instinctively, they know better. If I have someone there to "protect me", so to speak, no one dares. They keep their mouths shut and their comments to themselves. Obviously, if you're afraid of suffering consequences for what you're about to say, maybe you shouldn't say it.

So you know what, maybe I'm tired of being nice all the time. SO to the old tactless fool in Wal-Mart: I'm more than 9 months pregnant. I'm still wearing size 2 regular people jeans. You can suck it.

Now, as a disclaimer, not everyone is awful even though I kind of want to stay hidden for the next month. A woman at church today told me she could tell I was having a boy because of how beautiful my skin is and that I just look so pretty. It was really sweet and I really needed it. And sometimes there's humor to it all. Last night my 2 year old niece was pointing at my belly and wanted to know if she could play with the ball. I only wish it were that easy. Love her!

Caution: Mommy content Ahead

Yesterday was our 37 week appointment although I'm not officially 37 weeks until Sunday. It was fantastic! (Other than waiting an hour+ b/c one of the doctors got caught up in surgery.)

So...

We are 2cm dilated (twice as much as we ever were with P), 60% effaced, very soft and the baby is stationed at a -1, so the doctor could feel his head.

Yay! I'm so excited! Roughly, that means that C could be here anytime from next week to next month. BUT, when he does decide to come, he'll just "pop right out" were the docs terms.

It made me think of that episode of the old Ellen Show where this girl told Ellen she had "birthing hips so a baby would just shoot out of her" and Ellen said, "Well, I better watch out so I don't poke someone's eye out."

We also gave the doc our birthplan:

Labor-

1. DO NOT give me any injections, shots, medicines, etc; without my express permission.
2. I DO NOT want Pitocin or any other medication to speed the labor along. A Heparin Lock is ok, but I don’t want an IV unless I become dehydrated. I would like Cole’s birth to be as natural and pharmaceutically unenhanced as possible.
3. Please help others respect my privacy. During vaginal exams and pushing, refrain from allowing others into the room until I am finished.
4. You have our permission to give our family any updates. Family is to be in the waiting room during pushing.

Afterbirth-Mommy
1. DO NOT give me any injections, shots, medicines, etc; without my express permission. (While this may seem redundant, there actually was a nurse last time who gave me a medication I would have refused and she did so without talking to me or asking permission or even letting me know what she was doing. We will respect your job. Please respect us.)
2. After Baby is born, we will want to get cleaned up as soon as possible so our family can visit and we can rest.
3. If we are resting, do not wake us up to ask about or perform any checks or procedures or to fill out paperwork. Please wait until we are awake.
4. Daddy wants to assist as much as possible in the birth, cutting the cord, bringing the baby out, etc.

AfterBirth- Baby

1. I want to hold baby as soon as possible.
2. Baby may have Hemophilia and will need to be tested before circumcision.
3. Baby's pediatricians are Dr. Beck and/or Dr. Savage.
4. We brought our own clothes for Baby to wear (identical to yours for convenience) because last time the hospital clothes gave our son a bad rash.
5. DO NOT give our son any injections, shots, medicines, etc; without consulting either one of us. This may be frustrating as things happen fast after the birth, but we want to know what is happening with him at all times. All of his exams are to be done in our presence.
6. Baby is to stay in our room and not the nursery.
7. I plan on breastfeeding/pumping for my son.


So the Doc loved it and said we were well prepared and that I wasn't rude at all, which was my biggest concern, although I plan on attaching candy to the birth plan we'll pass out to the nurses. I love Dr. Schutz. He apologized about having to do a Cervical Exam when I was expecting to see Dr. Perkins (who's female). So I go, "Well, I do prefer her small lady hands." Then he told me he only wears a 6.5 glove and has the smallest hands of everyone. He's really funny. He also compared having a baby the second time around to blowing up a balloon after it had already been blown up. Good comparison. Makes lots of sense.


Anyway, all of our bags are packed and ready to be put in the trunk when D gets home. The carseat is washed and ready and everything else is in place. If my water were to break right now I'd only be worried about the dishes in the sink- which I need to get to by the way. Of course, C will probably be late, and that's ok too, I'm just so happy that we're progressing!

9 months

Ah, 36 weeks pregnant. Really though, I'm doing great. NO swelling at all, which has been my greatest relief since I was like a memory foam mattress with P. I can still wear my wedding rings and I feel really good with way more energy than I had a couple months ago.
We went to our 36 week checkup and I am 1cm dilated. So there's something! I'm excited that my body seems to know that not only is is supposed to help my baby grow, but also get him OUT.
I've been a crazy shopping woman lately and have nearly everything bought. I couldn't find any nursing pillows at Wal-Mart? but I never actually used the thing for nursing anyway. I also need to buy a little baby tub, but I'm thinking that with one tub being old and the other being super deep, I'll just clean up little C in the sink.
I STILL need to make a decision on a futon. Why is it so hard? Apparently, D is planning on it going in his office when I'm done with breastfeeding so he's going for a totally different style than I was thinking. That man really needs to let me inside his head sometimes so I know what's going on.
I also need to pack our bags, but that's a no big. We are having a GIANT Thanksgiving this year, so D has some stuff to do around the house and he can start by removing the vole that fell into our basement and sadly passed away. I'm about to make him a list. Geez.
The whole world seems to have the flu or some sort of virus and thus far P and I are clear. Can't speak too soon of course.
Anyway, so there's our life in a nutshell. Baby-waiting, futon-shopping, husband-nagging life that it be!

The Nicest Thing

This has been one crazy week and before I hunt down batteries for my camera to download pictures, I wanted to tell everyone about one of the nicest things anyone has done for me.

My sister on D's side decided to surprise me and throw me a diaper party/baby shower! I was not expecting anything like this at all - especially since I just had P 2 years ago and she has a little boy and we share things. (Which is amazing by the way.)

She really went way out of her way. She booked us at the Rose Gate Cottage Inn which is a cute little b&b that I've been in love with forever. It's very Victorian and lush and the china they had for us to eat on was beyond beautiful. Anyway, if just the location wasn't enough, she bought a ton of decorations and planned all these games and activities and made the most awesome food. No kidding, it was incredible. She just put a special little touch in everything- like she put her own cloves and spices in the apple cider and it smelled and tasted great.

We didn't play any of the games because literally nearly every person I know has either the flu or had to work or both. The games she had planned were cool though. She put different baby foods in diapers and we were going to guess what they were. And of course it looked really realistic. So we decorated little onesies for my baby and chatted and watched her son eat cake (which was hilarious). He had cake everywhere and was so SO excited. Of course his mommy got food all over her jacket, but that is the mark of motherhood. Speaking of cake, she said she knew that I'd want a hottie picture and she had this one of me that I had airbrushed and playd with every touch up tool in picnik with put in the middle of it. I could only dream of being that tan (sigh) It was really a funny touch:

Everyone brought me diapers and little odds and ends that just saved me a fortune at the store. I was just thinking about all of that too. We have the big stuff already, but this baby is due in 5 weeks and I didn't have diapers or baby soap.

Mostly, I just felt so honored that someone would do this for me. I've never had a surprise party before. I really felt like it was about me and that this was a special day for me. And for her to go to such great lengths and spend so much money on making me feel that is literally one of the nicest things that anyone has ever done for me. I am so grateful to have her as a friend and so blessed to have her as family. What a wonderful day!

What-Matters-Most

This is a good little video:

What-Matters-Most

Shared via AddThis

Nice to have a reminder because I feel like I really take advantage of my husband, especially lately. I always count on him to be the one who is calm and level headed. He's the one who is supposed to make ME feel better when I'm in a bad mood (which has been happening a lot lately).

If you have a minute and a half, watch that video. I always like to have a little perspective.

Holy cow I'm 8 months pregnant!

Happy 32 weeks to me and C! We had our doctor's appointment and his heart beat is super strong and super fast which probably means he's no where near ready to come since the heart usually slows down the closer they are to coming. That's good since we have 8 weeks left. My fundal height is 29 cm which seems low, but my doctor said no need to worry about anything yet. I've gained 4lbs making my grand total 21 since starting my doctor's visits.

Eight months seems like I'm so far along, but having 8 weeks left seems so far away. I still feel really good and really healthy although I'm starting to feel big. That could be because I'm tired since P has gotten up really early the last couple of days.

C is not much of a kicker at all. P used to kick at the doctors all the time and he'd wake both my husband and myself up at nights with all his movement. C just rolls and rolls. Last night we were watching 30 Rock (love that show) and I got a weird bump off to the side of my stomach. I felt it and figured it must be a knee. Then C must have gotten uncomfortable because I could see his knee go up and roll all the way to the other side. Now that I'm over that whole Aliens vs Predators scene, I love watching him move around. I guess pregnancy isn't that bad.

Finished Nursery!

So we finally finished C's Nursery (except for a futon). Here are some pics:

BEFORE:



















AFTER: