Waste of Time

Today was our Education Class for C's Hemophilia. It was about an hour and a half away from where we live and we made arrangements for P to spend the night with Grandma so we wouldn't have to get up so early. Well, yesterday, the Hemophilia Center called so make sure we were still coming in around 11ish for the class and see the doctor about 1ish to 1:30ish. First, that really irritated me, because I made specific appointments for 10:30am and 12:30pm. I was still feeling less than impressed because of how we drove all the way up there last time for something we could have done closer to home. But D arranged to have our class at 11:30a and to see the doctor right after so there wouldn't be any time in between. That was fine. A little more sleep, a little less hurry.

So we get there right on time expecting some sort of "education". I was thinking maybe a video or something. We were there an hour. The first part was them giving me papers to sign for me to be treated if I need it, but I just rolled my eyes and gave it back to them because I don't have Hemophilia. Then they joustled more papers around making sure they had everything. Then C had a major, biggest of his whole little life blow-out. That took 20 minutes to take care of. Then another 10 minutes of "Oh my goodness he's so alert what an adorable little boy." Then I thought it would be our "education" part. Basically the nurse shoved some books at us and let us know that she was there for us if we needed anything and had a 5 minute explanation of Hemophilia and how it works. The doctor called and asked if she had to meet with us. The nurse said, "Well, yes, they really want to meet you." (Which we never said.) So then the Doctor said she could see us at 2. Well, it had started snowing and I wasn't waiting around another hour and a half to maybe see a doctor who didn't want to see us in the first place. So we left.

And I was SO irritated. When the Hemophilia Center called to make an appointment for the education class I was very specific and said that I didn't want to waste my time again and that if it was something I could do at home I would. They were so adamant about how important it was that we go there and it was so necessary. So of course I made the appointment (that they didn't keep right) and convinced my husband it wouldn't be another waste of our time (which it was) so he'd take off work and go with us.

I didn't learn anything that I hadn't already learned from my first google search. They could have mailed those books to me. Really, I'm just mad because I drove for 3 and a half hours today for nothing. NOTHING. Then they said the doctor will want to see C every 3 months just look him over. No way. Don't get me wrong, the people there are sweet, likeable, but the operation in and of itself was unprofessional and I don't like to drive so much for something unnecessary.

We have been less than impressed with the Hemophilia Center from the first time they called. They're really weird sometimes. Like the nurse asked if C had bled a lot when he got his shots in the hospital and I said "no". And she goes, "Oh, well that worries me even more" so I said, "But isn't that a good thing?" and she just responded with an, "well, yeah..." Anyway, we're going to check out the Hemophilia centers in Columbus because they're only an extra 20 minutes away. Has anyone dealt with them before? I want the best care for my baby. I want to be able to know how to take care of him. I'm going to have to learn how to give him shots and how to recognize a bleed, etc etc and so far, these people have just played with us. They didn't go over any of that, which I figured would be the "education". So if anyone knows of somewhere else in Ohio we can go to I'll be much relieved. Ridiculous.

Already He's 1 month

So far we've survived an entire month of having two babies. C, for the most part, is the easiest little guy. He's pretty quiet like I knew he would be, except at night when his gas seems to get the best of him. It's really sad. Being terrified of SIDS, I even have let him sleep a couple hours here and there on his stomach, it's that bad. I leave the fan on which I read decreases his SIDS risk by 70%. I don't know how much stock I put into all of that, but it does make me feel better. The terrible gas is probably because he eats a TON. He's gained 2lbs since birth and his doctor was pretty surprised. P was pretty smallish, so maybe this one will be one of those chunky babies with the thigh and wrist rolls. I especially love wrist rolls.

Everyone said that having two would be so hard. It hasn't been. I'll let you know once the little one gets mobile. P is just as rambunctious as ever of course, but has taken to sleeping in our bed at night. Not that we really encourage it, but we're so exhausted that P sneaks in when we're dead asleep and we don't notice him until much later. It has made for a few funny surprises. We're going to have to figure out a system for hearing him as he gets up so we can direct him right back to his bed. Maybe a bell around the neck.

I'm really grateful for D. On our days off and at nights, he lets me slack off while he goes in full force with P. Right now he's giving P a bath while I play around on my computer. I really love hearing them laugh. I don't even feel guilty for letting him take over everything when he's here because I do all the getting up at night.

Right now, C can lift his head pretty easily and turn it to all different sides. He also moves his arms and legs a lot and when we swaddle him, we have to leave an arm out or he gets really upset. He really seems to love his womb freedom. He looks a lot different than when he was fresh too. His eyes are open wide and bright and he's gained a lot of cheek chub. His eyes haven't settled on color yet, but I'm sure they'll be brown. Just maybe not as dark chocolate as his brother. Milk chocolate? He's satisfied for hours at a time during the night, so I think I'm going to have to have him make the big move to his crib upstairs. It's my favorite room and it makes me sad that it's not being used except as clothing storage. Where, C seems to have outgrown all his NB clothes.

I'm a little sad that he's grown so fast, but I'm really looking forward to him being able to do stuff. This is totally different from P. I just loved every single stage he was in and never wanted him to go backwards or forwards. Maybe I'm just more looking forward to them doing brother stuff together. (Already they have some matching clothes.)

Thursday is our date at the Hemophilia Center. I'm looking forward to going that way because I want to get a couple of sweaters from stores they have there that we don't have here. I still have a few pounds to go until I'm back to my normal weight. Having a baby right before Christmas did not fit in well with my game plan and it feels weird to not be comfortable with how I look. I'm sure things will get to where they're going now that all the Christmas treats are out of my house. Mostly though, I'm thrilled to have my boys and I feel much happier now that C is here, and I was never sad before. Everything is exactly where it should be and there's not better feeling than that.

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!