Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tooter Bug is 1 Month Old
Man, it seems like just yesterday I woke up at 2:00 am to discover that my water had broke. I cannot believe how much my angel has changed since the very first moment I laid my eyes on him. Not a moment passes that I do not thank God for Holden and cherish every moment that I get to spend with him. I am really enjoying my time with him, we have bonded in such a way as a family that I cannot explain it. I'm so very thankful for the 3 weeks that Chuck stayed home with us. This was a very important time for father and son; and now, I continue to be amazed at how much love one man can have for such a small little tooter. Chuck is an amazing daddy, Holden or H2 as Chuck has started to call him, loves him very much.
It's hard to imagine that just a few short weeks ago we brought Holden home. How he started out sleeping in the pack n play, within arms reach of us and has moved into sleeping in his nursery. Although he is not always going to sleep as easily as he did those first few weeks I would not trade one second of having him sleep on my chest until he wonders into blissful sweet dreams. He is still eating really well and is so alert during the day now. He reacts to certain noises and sights and he is always bright eyes when daddy gets home.
Bath time is always interesting. We started giving him a bath at night with the bedtime bath, we've found that it helps calm him and assist us in getting him to sleep. BUT, not until we have the screaming match when we first set him in his tub. Man, that little toot has some lungs. It only takes a few minutes for him to calm down, but you would think we were beating him the way he screams at first.
And walks, man, he loves going anywhere in the car seat. For a ride in the car or for a walk in the stroller. We've been going almost every day since the weather is so nice. I love getting out of the house too. Fresh air does us both well.
Well, I've got to go be a mommy now. Tooter does not stay asleep for long during the day anymore. Need to attend to him now.
I'll end with this, I never knew a love like this. I never knew how much it hurt to think about me not being with him or not being able to care or provide for him. My heart is so full when I am near him and I think about him all the time. I am so very blessed to be his mommy and I pray that he grows up knowing how much he is loved and adored. Mommy loves you baby boy, you are my angel baby.
Here are a few pics to share:
It's hard to imagine that just a few short weeks ago we brought Holden home. How he started out sleeping in the pack n play, within arms reach of us and has moved into sleeping in his nursery. Although he is not always going to sleep as easily as he did those first few weeks I would not trade one second of having him sleep on my chest until he wonders into blissful sweet dreams. He is still eating really well and is so alert during the day now. He reacts to certain noises and sights and he is always bright eyes when daddy gets home.
Bath time is always interesting. We started giving him a bath at night with the bedtime bath, we've found that it helps calm him and assist us in getting him to sleep. BUT, not until we have the screaming match when we first set him in his tub. Man, that little toot has some lungs. It only takes a few minutes for him to calm down, but you would think we were beating him the way he screams at first.
And walks, man, he loves going anywhere in the car seat. For a ride in the car or for a walk in the stroller. We've been going almost every day since the weather is so nice. I love getting out of the house too. Fresh air does us both well.
Well, I've got to go be a mommy now. Tooter does not stay asleep for long during the day anymore. Need to attend to him now.
I'll end with this, I never knew a love like this. I never knew how much it hurt to think about me not being with him or not being able to care or provide for him. My heart is so full when I am near him and I think about him all the time. I am so very blessed to be his mommy and I pray that he grows up knowing how much he is loved and adored. Mommy loves you baby boy, you are my angel baby.
Here are a few pics to share:
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
We sure miss Daddy
Chuck went back to work this week, so it has been just Holden and I. I kinda enjoy it just being us, but miss Chuck too. Last night when I was feeding Holden and Chuck came home, Holden woke up and started looking around. He could hear Chuck's voice talking to Zeus when he came home. It was really neat to see how he recognizes voices. Here's a video of them talking when he got home.
He has started to sleep in his crib now. With Chuck going back to work, we wanted to get in a routine of feeding and sleeping in the nursery. So we moved the glider and changer into the nursery this weekend. Everything is going well so far. Holden has tummy trouble at night, so we've been giving him Gripe Water and after my 9:30/10 pm feeding he really fights going to sleep. Poor guy, I know he just needs to toot. But to help, I just rock him, sing to him and then when I can tell he is just soooo sleepy, I'll lay with him on my chest on the sofa for a bit, just until he falls asleep. Not really a habit I want to start, but I know it makes his tummy feel better and I just don't feel comfortable laying him in his crib on his tummy. So, laying on my chest for a little bit is OK.
We had a really nice weekend and Valentine's Day. Chuck bought me the baby shoes with Holden's name and birth date engraved for my charm bracelet and last night we exchanged cards. One from husband/wife and one from Holden. It's nice to get cards for mommy and daddy. This is definitely a valentine's I wont forget, I got the best gift of all....my Holden.
It was also Holden's 3 week birthday. He wasn't really into taking photos yesterday. Must have been all the poses we made him do on Sunday for his newborn pics. But, nonetheless, eat your hearts out ladies.
We also went for our first walk this weekend. It was so nice out, I wanted to take full advantage of the sunshine. Holden really enjoyed it. Of course, he really enjoys anything involving him being in the car seat. Such a good rider.
Every day I get to spend with my little tooter bug is such a blessed day. I cannot believe that he is already 3 weeks old. He has changed so much since the day he was born. But he is still the light of my life and I love him so much.
He has started to sleep in his crib now. With Chuck going back to work, we wanted to get in a routine of feeding and sleeping in the nursery. So we moved the glider and changer into the nursery this weekend. Everything is going well so far. Holden has tummy trouble at night, so we've been giving him Gripe Water and after my 9:30/10 pm feeding he really fights going to sleep. Poor guy, I know he just needs to toot. But to help, I just rock him, sing to him and then when I can tell he is just soooo sleepy, I'll lay with him on my chest on the sofa for a bit, just until he falls asleep. Not really a habit I want to start, but I know it makes his tummy feel better and I just don't feel comfortable laying him in his crib on his tummy. So, laying on my chest for a little bit is OK.
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| Holden napping in his crib. |
We had a really nice weekend and Valentine's Day. Chuck bought me the baby shoes with Holden's name and birth date engraved for my charm bracelet and last night we exchanged cards. One from husband/wife and one from Holden. It's nice to get cards for mommy and daddy. This is definitely a valentine's I wont forget, I got the best gift of all....my Holden.
It was also Holden's 3 week birthday. He wasn't really into taking photos yesterday. Must have been all the poses we made him do on Sunday for his newborn pics. But, nonetheless, eat your hearts out ladies.
Every day I get to spend with my little tooter bug is such a blessed day. I cannot believe that he is already 3 weeks old. He has changed so much since the day he was born. But he is still the light of my life and I love him so much.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Week 2
The end of week 1 was fun and the start of week 2 was definitely learning experience for me. We had a really nice weekend. Got out on Saturday for a few hours and enjoyed some time out of the house after several days of being snowed in. On Sunday we joined friends at Shawn and Brenda's for the Super Bowl. It was nice to see everyone and hang out. Holden did really well. We took his bouncer, so we really didn't interrupt his schedule that we've established too much. He looked super cute too! He wore his "Daddy's Rookie of the Year outfit," so of course daddy was happy.
Sunday night is when the learning process started. I had noticed before we had left Shawn and B's that my left breast felt really sore, not the typical soreness, but pretty painful. I didn't think much of it though. When we got home, Holden was a little off schedule. He normally eats around 8:30-9 and then goes down for his first round of sleeping and I hit the sack too. But instead, we fed again when we got home and he was up for a little while, so it wasn't until almost midnight that I got into bed. But as I was feeding and rocking him I started to feel really awful. My neck and shoulders were stiffening up, my head hurt and I got the body chills so bad that I could barely stand up to put Holden in bed. When I got in bed, I was shaking so bad that it woke Chuck up. I told him then that I had the chills the night before as well, but just thought it was because I was cold. The chills were do bad Sunday night that my body physical ached and was sore. When I woke up at around 3 to feed Holden again, my muscle felt as though I had done a strenuous workout or something. I still felt really bad. So when we got up Monday morning, I felt as though I had the flu. I've never had the flu and I had gotten a flu shot a few months ago while I was pregnant at the recommendation of my OBG. I was really scared that if I had the flu that Holden could get sick, which terrified me like no other. I had calls into my OBG, the pediatrician and my regular doctor, trying to figure out what I should do.
The pediatrician office called me first, the nurse I spoke with said that if I had the flu that I needed to immediately stop feeding Holden and pump and dump and supplement with bottle feeding in the meantime. This crushed me. I was not ready for this. I had pumped a little the first week to help get milk production, but only had a few ounces, I knew that wouldn't be enough and I definitely wasn't ready to introduce a bottle and formula. I was so upset and crying. It's one thing to be told that your baby needs to put on more weight so to help with that you need to supplement with formula, but its another when a mother feels that its their fault. So amidst my tears, my sweet husband kept encouraging me to stay strong, that he and Holden both needed me to be strong and that everything would be OK. He again suggested that I call his sister.
Man, I'm so glad I did. Stephanie, my sister in law, is a L&D nurse, but more importantly is a breastfeeding mommy of 2 as well. When I spoke with her, both her and her nurse friend said they would keep feeding b/c their are antibodies in breast milk which should keep anything from getting to the baby. Secondly, she asked if by chance either of my breast was sore unlike normal. And yes, my left one began hurting around the same time that I got all these flu like symptoms. I had been running over 100 degree temp too. So, her diagnoses was mastitis and suggested that I call me OBG back and advise that I had fever and that I thought I had the infection.
So, after a follow up call and discussion with by OBG, he called in a prescription of antibiotics for me. AND my pediatrician apparently refers all messages and charts for calls that nurses return. Dr. Kim discovered that the nurse that returned my call had advised me incorrectly and she immediately called me and advised that I was NOT to pump and dump, that the most important thing for me to do when I am ill is to continue to breastfeed as this is what will keep Holden from getting ill and will also help me get better quickly. I'm very grateful for all the wonderful support I have around me, especially my husband he kept me calm when I was so upset, my momma who kept checking in with me and doing some research and asking others about my symptoms, my mother in law who tracked down Stephanie for me since I couldn't get her on her cell and of course Stephanie who gave me the best mommy to mommy advice.
I spent the rest of Monday napping with Holden, trying to keep my fever under wraps and applying heat to the chest. By Tuesday morning, I was back to about 90%. My fever had broke and had not returned and some of the pain was gone from my chest. Still work on that, but at least I feel human again. Man, that was a tough day, at least I know what to expect if it occurs again.
Tuesday turned out to be an AMAZING day. We had tooters 2 weeks check up and all went wonderfully. He weighs 7 lbs and is 20". No more signs of jaundice and he was a trooper for his second newborn screening. Such great news to know that mommy is doing something right, my sweet boy is getting plenty of milk and nutrients from me. We then had lunch in Addison as a family and went and saw Pop at his job site in Addison. My dad hasn't seen Holden since the day he was born, so it was nice to hang out with him for a few hours. Plus, the sun was shining and Holden needs some vitamin D!
Holden has been staying awake more during the day, which makes his evening feedings really easy. So we figured it was time to break out the play mat. Daddy spent this morning putting it together and Holden spent about 15 minutes laying there staring at the side of it. He'll get the hang of it soon enough.
Hope every stays safe today in this second week of crazy Texas winter weather. Holden has seen more snow in his short 2 weeks here than most people have their entire lives.
Love everyone!
The pediatrician office called me first, the nurse I spoke with said that if I had the flu that I needed to immediately stop feeding Holden and pump and dump and supplement with bottle feeding in the meantime. This crushed me. I was not ready for this. I had pumped a little the first week to help get milk production, but only had a few ounces, I knew that wouldn't be enough and I definitely wasn't ready to introduce a bottle and formula. I was so upset and crying. It's one thing to be told that your baby needs to put on more weight so to help with that you need to supplement with formula, but its another when a mother feels that its their fault. So amidst my tears, my sweet husband kept encouraging me to stay strong, that he and Holden both needed me to be strong and that everything would be OK. He again suggested that I call his sister.
Man, I'm so glad I did. Stephanie, my sister in law, is a L&D nurse, but more importantly is a breastfeeding mommy of 2 as well. When I spoke with her, both her and her nurse friend said they would keep feeding b/c their are antibodies in breast milk which should keep anything from getting to the baby. Secondly, she asked if by chance either of my breast was sore unlike normal. And yes, my left one began hurting around the same time that I got all these flu like symptoms. I had been running over 100 degree temp too. So, her diagnoses was mastitis and suggested that I call me OBG back and advise that I had fever and that I thought I had the infection.
So, after a follow up call and discussion with by OBG, he called in a prescription of antibiotics for me. AND my pediatrician apparently refers all messages and charts for calls that nurses return. Dr. Kim discovered that the nurse that returned my call had advised me incorrectly and she immediately called me and advised that I was NOT to pump and dump, that the most important thing for me to do when I am ill is to continue to breastfeed as this is what will keep Holden from getting ill and will also help me get better quickly. I'm very grateful for all the wonderful support I have around me, especially my husband he kept me calm when I was so upset, my momma who kept checking in with me and doing some research and asking others about my symptoms, my mother in law who tracked down Stephanie for me since I couldn't get her on her cell and of course Stephanie who gave me the best mommy to mommy advice.
I spent the rest of Monday napping with Holden, trying to keep my fever under wraps and applying heat to the chest. By Tuesday morning, I was back to about 90%. My fever had broke and had not returned and some of the pain was gone from my chest. Still work on that, but at least I feel human again. Man, that was a tough day, at least I know what to expect if it occurs again.
2 WEEK STATS
Tuesday turned out to be an AMAZING day. We had tooters 2 weeks check up and all went wonderfully. He weighs 7 lbs and is 20". No more signs of jaundice and he was a trooper for his second newborn screening. Such great news to know that mommy is doing something right, my sweet boy is getting plenty of milk and nutrients from me. We then had lunch in Addison as a family and went and saw Pop at his job site in Addison. My dad hasn't seen Holden since the day he was born, so it was nice to hang out with him for a few hours. Plus, the sun was shining and Holden needs some vitamin D!
Holden has been staying awake more during the day, which makes his evening feedings really easy. So we figured it was time to break out the play mat. Daddy spent this morning putting it together and Holden spent about 15 minutes laying there staring at the side of it. He'll get the hang of it soon enough.
Love everyone!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Snow Days.....Cabin Fever.....And a non-sleeping baby boy
Well, last night was interesting. Holden decided he wanted to see how long he could keep his eyes open. Seriously, he was awake from 9 PM - 3 AM! And wanted to cluster feed. Not that I'm complaining about him wanting to eat, but man, that's a long time for me and Holden to be awake. I would try to lay him down after each feeding and every time I would get him down, within 10 minutes he was fussy again. So at 3:00, I decided that maybe he needed some snuggle time. So after nursing him again, I slept on the sofa with him in my arms. He slept until almost 8:00 this morning.
Today, we've tried to keep him up a little while after nursing, hoping it will help make him more sleepy at night. Here is a video of daddy doing his best attempt to keep him awake.
We didn't get out today, just stayed in and snuggled. The zuppy enjoyed the snow though.
Today, we've tried to keep him up a little while after nursing, hoping it will help make him more sleepy at night. Here is a video of daddy doing his best attempt to keep him awake.
We didn't get out today, just stayed in and snuggled. The zuppy enjoyed the snow though.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Mommy, such a wonderful name to me
A Newborn's Conversation with God
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me here in Heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you and you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven but voices from earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, "You will simply call her, Mommy."
Happy 1 Week Old
I can't believe it has already been a week. As I was feeding him early Monday morning, all I could think about was what had just happened the week before. I never knew a love like this. I cannot put into words how I feel about my angel boy. My little boo bear or tooter bug. I close my eyes and all I see his him. And more and more I understand the love my mother feels for my brother and I. I am so thankful to have him and am even more thankful for my amazing husband. Seeing him as a daddy melts my heart. I love him more now than I ever knew I could. You are my best friend and sole mate Charles Martin, and you are now the father of our child. I love you both so much, my boys.
Bringing home baby and the first week
We brought Holden home on Wednesday, Jan. 26th. I was so nervous in the car. I cried of course. But all was well and we made it home safely.
He slept when we got home. The first few nights were a little rough, but we quickly got in a routine. He eats every 3-3.5 hours, so I'm getting a few hours of sleep between feedings. He is such a good baby too. He sleeps in his pack n play at night, with the exception of the early morning feeding. Daddy says he gets "fussy" and crawls into bed with us around 7:30 each morning. I'm OK with that though. Good cuddle time with mommy and daddy. During the day, he sleeps in his bouncer or we hold him. But we try to limit that to when he is feeding or awake.
We discovered after the first night, which resulted in him sleeping with us, that the pack n play could not be in our room. The only place for it was at the foot of our bed, which happens to be underneath our ceiling fan. So we moved it out into the living room, outside our room. Not too far away. We also put me maternity pillow all wrapped up on the mattress. He slept so good in the bouncer that we thought if we made a more cozy bed in the pack n play that would help. It did!
Oh, and Zeus. Well, he was very curious the first few days. When Holden would cry, Zeus would cock his head to the side and his ears would raise. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. Then he went through a stage in which he didn't want anything to do with Chuck or I. He would go in our bedroom and lay on the bed all alone, when we were all out in the living room. Now, any time we're holding Holden, Zeus feels as though he needs to be right up there too, so he's normally not far from where Holden is.
We had our first outing on Friday, we went to see Dr. Kim our pediatrician. Everything went well. His jaundice count was 8.6 when we left the hospital on Wednesday, it had gone up to 12.6 by Friday, so she wanted to check him again on Saturday. The level she didn't want it to get to was 13.7, and thankfully, it was 13.2. So we're good there. His weight hadn't changed since bringing him home, he was 5.12 lbs and 19.5", we think the hospital didn't stretch him out as much, or maybe he did actually grow an inch. Either way, we're thankful that he is healthy. We have been trying to get him as much sunlight was possible. Hard to do know with these freezing temperatures, but we took advantage of the sunlight this past weekend.
I had to post this one too, he is just so cute, kicking back and hanging with daddy.
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| All dressed up and ready to go home |
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| So little in his car seat |
We discovered after the first night, which resulted in him sleeping with us, that the pack n play could not be in our room. The only place for it was at the foot of our bed, which happens to be underneath our ceiling fan. So we moved it out into the living room, outside our room. Not too far away. We also put me maternity pillow all wrapped up on the mattress. He slept so good in the bouncer that we thought if we made a more cozy bed in the pack n play that would help. It did!
Oh, and Zeus. Well, he was very curious the first few days. When Holden would cry, Zeus would cock his head to the side and his ears would raise. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. Then he went through a stage in which he didn't want anything to do with Chuck or I. He would go in our bedroom and lay on the bed all alone, when we were all out in the living room. Now, any time we're holding Holden, Zeus feels as though he needs to be right up there too, so he's normally not far from where Holden is.
The most important position I will ever have......Mommy
Well, I guess I need to catch everyone up. Holden James decided that Feb. 12th was not a good date for him to arrive, instead he thought, let's see how Mommy and Daddy react if I arrive 3 weeks early! So, very much like his mommy, always ahead of the game, that's just what he did.
Everything was ready to go. We had the nursery completed, the car seat base had been installed in the car, Holden's bag was packed and my stuff was neatly organized on the dresser, just waiting to be put into a suitcase. We only had one last thing on the checklist, the hospital tour. All Chuck could say was, "All I need to know is where the emergency room is." Which my response to this was, "No, that's not where we go. We go somewhere else, just wait and see what they tell us." Little did I know.
Let's back up just a bit. My weekend started with us joining Jearold and Cari at the Ft. Worth stock show. It was a long day. I had already gone to the gym and worked out and was having lunch with Matilda when Chuck called and said he would be done with work early. So I headed home and got ready for our day out. There was a lot of walking involved, and a LOT of sitting and resting on my part. Every time the boys needed a drink, I would walk ahead and find me a nice and cozy place to rest and would wait until they caught up. I think all that walking set things in motion. Then Sunday, after church, Chelsea and Kim treated me to brunch at Breadwinner's, followed by pedicures. A much more relaxing day following my marathon walk at the stock show the day before. We ended Sunday completing our hospital tour. We saw the L&D room, the nursery, the room you recover in, etc, etc.
That brings us to 1:45 AM on Monday, Jan. 24th. I awoke to needing to go to the bathroom. When I stood up, I felt a little wetness. Unusual I thought to myself, headed to the bathroom where after I know I was finished with my business that I could still hear a trickle. I went back into the bedroom and woke Chuck up, "Honey.......honey.......I think my water broke." Chuck, "Are you sure you didn't just pee on yourself?" "I don't think so." "Well, what do you want to do?" " I don't know, let me google it."
I know, google, really? But, hear me out. I've heard that your mucus plug can come out and your water really hasn't broken. So, I google the difference and everything says if your water breaks, it will be clear and have a sweet smell and you need to go to the hospital. That was helpful....Not really. So, I called the doctor and while I was waiting for him to call me back, standing in the middle of the kitchen, it was like a water balloon fell from between my legs. Yup, I think my water broke. And who better to investigate, our dog, Zeus. Talking to the doctor, he said to head to the hospital and he would check in with me later. They would confirm if my water broke.
So, we packed up our stuff, loaded up the car and headed to Plano Presby. We arrived around 2:45 and got settled in L&D. The nurse confirmed that my water had broke, I was dilated at 2 CM and 60% around 3:30 AM. We tried to get some sleep, because we weren't sure how long how day was going to be, but of course, between my up and down a million times to use the restroom and the nagging mild contractions, there was no way I was sleeping. We called our parents around 6:00 to let them know we were at the hospital. Dad and Brenda headed down after they dropped Paige at school, Chuck's mom said she would head up around 11 when Pop got home and traffic died down and my Mom needed to get on up there, as she was going to be there during L&D.
The nurses switched shifts at 7:00, so when my new nurse came in I was so excited. She was the BOMB! Here it was 7:30 am, I'd been up since 1:45 and in walks this bright lady in bright pink scrub pants, a bright flower top and the biggest smile on her face. I thank God for her, as she made everything so easy and stress free. When she checked me at 7:30 I had dilated to 6 cm and 80%. Around the same time, Dr. Levy called to check on me. He ordered pitocin to get my contractions regular. So, epidural, YES PLEASE. I'll admit. It hurt. But I wont dwell on that. I got it, it took a bit, I had Chuck and my nurse Nancy there holding me. And it was done. Moving on. Mom arrived and the Pitocin started and Dr. Levy was there to check things out. THEN.........oxygen on, head nurse called in to help, me not knowing what's going on, but not concerned until Dr. Levy returns because as he walked passed the nurses station he noticed the monitor on Holden went off. Head nurse asking if I'm allergic to anything, inserting something into my arm, my tearing up, telling mom to get Chuck back in there. He had gone to move the car around from ER (know remember up there I said how Chuck only needed to know where the ER was, and me saying, no, that's not where we go. Well, when you go into labor between 11-5, yup, ya go to the ER). Anyway, apparently the way my body reacted to the pitocin was to go into one very long contraction, which caused Holden's heart rate to drop. The shot they gave me stopped the pitocin and contraction, they had inserted a monitor internally to check Holden's vitals and all was back on track within a few minutes. They waited 15-20 minutes and then slowly started the pitocin again. Increasing it every 10-15 minutes. During all this, I somehow felt a sense of calmness, that everything was going to be OK. The nurses were amazing in reacting quickly, but not alarming me. Chuck was ordered not to the leave the room again, unless he had a phone at all times.
Then it was resting time. Epidural had kicked in and I could feel no pain. Dad and Brenda arrived. I figured I had some time before anything else would take place, so they went to get something to eat and Chuck joined them while mom and I just hung out. Well, that wasn't really what Holden wanted. Chuck had enough time to get one biscuit and gravy eaten before mom was calling saying that nurse Nancy was ready for me to start pushing. So, that brings us to about 10:45. Mom, Chuck and nurse Nancy helped me for about 20-30 minutes with pushing before Dr. Levy arrived. Then the rest is history. Holden was born and placed on my chest at 11:37 AM on Jan. 24th. Weighing 6.1 lbs and 18.5". He was perfect. An absolute angel and blessing that I will love and cherish forever. He is my special gift from God.
Of course, the red hair threw us. But then, the more we thought about it, it made sense. My dad has auburn in his mustache and my brother Bo, although he is a cotton top, complete white hair on his head, arms and leg, his beard is strawberry blonde. Holden's hair has turned more to a strawberry blonde and I think it will continue to lighten up a bit as the weeks pass.
The rest of the day was spent getting to know our little guy. He met his grandparents, aunts and friends. We came home on Wednesday, Jan. 26th. I was a ball of nerves the entire ride home.
Holden had his first bath Monday afternoon, I cried, because he was just not happy at all. And I was so sore and tired, that I had to lay there and just watch him cry. It was so hard. I wanted to wrap him up and cuddle him.
Finally, there was just some Mommy and Daddy time.
Holden; mommy and daddy prayed for you every day. Asking God to please bless us with a child. And once we knew you were there, we prayed for you to be healthy. Now we thank God for you and ask that He lead us to be Godly parents, to watch over and protect you each and every day. We love you so much baby boy, you are truly a blessing to us.
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy
My Birth Story.....
Everything was ready to go. We had the nursery completed, the car seat base had been installed in the car, Holden's bag was packed and my stuff was neatly organized on the dresser, just waiting to be put into a suitcase. We only had one last thing on the checklist, the hospital tour. All Chuck could say was, "All I need to know is where the emergency room is." Which my response to this was, "No, that's not where we go. We go somewhere else, just wait and see what they tell us." Little did I know.
Let's back up just a bit. My weekend started with us joining Jearold and Cari at the Ft. Worth stock show. It was a long day. I had already gone to the gym and worked out and was having lunch with Matilda when Chuck called and said he would be done with work early. So I headed home and got ready for our day out. There was a lot of walking involved, and a LOT of sitting and resting on my part. Every time the boys needed a drink, I would walk ahead and find me a nice and cozy place to rest and would wait until they caught up. I think all that walking set things in motion. Then Sunday, after church, Chelsea and Kim treated me to brunch at Breadwinner's, followed by pedicures. A much more relaxing day following my marathon walk at the stock show the day before. We ended Sunday completing our hospital tour. We saw the L&D room, the nursery, the room you recover in, etc, etc.
That brings us to 1:45 AM on Monday, Jan. 24th. I awoke to needing to go to the bathroom. When I stood up, I felt a little wetness. Unusual I thought to myself, headed to the bathroom where after I know I was finished with my business that I could still hear a trickle. I went back into the bedroom and woke Chuck up, "Honey.......honey.......I think my water broke." Chuck, "Are you sure you didn't just pee on yourself?" "I don't think so." "Well, what do you want to do?" " I don't know, let me google it."
I know, google, really? But, hear me out. I've heard that your mucus plug can come out and your water really hasn't broken. So, I google the difference and everything says if your water breaks, it will be clear and have a sweet smell and you need to go to the hospital. That was helpful....Not really. So, I called the doctor and while I was waiting for him to call me back, standing in the middle of the kitchen, it was like a water balloon fell from between my legs. Yup, I think my water broke. And who better to investigate, our dog, Zeus. Talking to the doctor, he said to head to the hospital and he would check in with me later. They would confirm if my water broke.
So, we packed up our stuff, loaded up the car and headed to Plano Presby. We arrived around 2:45 and got settled in L&D. The nurse confirmed that my water had broke, I was dilated at 2 CM and 60% around 3:30 AM. We tried to get some sleep, because we weren't sure how long how day was going to be, but of course, between my up and down a million times to use the restroom and the nagging mild contractions, there was no way I was sleeping. We called our parents around 6:00 to let them know we were at the hospital. Dad and Brenda headed down after they dropped Paige at school, Chuck's mom said she would head up around 11 when Pop got home and traffic died down and my Mom needed to get on up there, as she was going to be there during L&D.
The nurses switched shifts at 7:00, so when my new nurse came in I was so excited. She was the BOMB! Here it was 7:30 am, I'd been up since 1:45 and in walks this bright lady in bright pink scrub pants, a bright flower top and the biggest smile on her face. I thank God for her, as she made everything so easy and stress free. When she checked me at 7:30 I had dilated to 6 cm and 80%. Around the same time, Dr. Levy called to check on me. He ordered pitocin to get my contractions regular. So, epidural, YES PLEASE. I'll admit. It hurt. But I wont dwell on that. I got it, it took a bit, I had Chuck and my nurse Nancy there holding me. And it was done. Moving on. Mom arrived and the Pitocin started and Dr. Levy was there to check things out. THEN.........oxygen on, head nurse called in to help, me not knowing what's going on, but not concerned until Dr. Levy returns because as he walked passed the nurses station he noticed the monitor on Holden went off. Head nurse asking if I'm allergic to anything, inserting something into my arm, my tearing up, telling mom to get Chuck back in there. He had gone to move the car around from ER (know remember up there I said how Chuck only needed to know where the ER was, and me saying, no, that's not where we go. Well, when you go into labor between 11-5, yup, ya go to the ER). Anyway, apparently the way my body reacted to the pitocin was to go into one very long contraction, which caused Holden's heart rate to drop. The shot they gave me stopped the pitocin and contraction, they had inserted a monitor internally to check Holden's vitals and all was back on track within a few minutes. They waited 15-20 minutes and then slowly started the pitocin again. Increasing it every 10-15 minutes. During all this, I somehow felt a sense of calmness, that everything was going to be OK. The nurses were amazing in reacting quickly, but not alarming me. Chuck was ordered not to the leave the room again, unless he had a phone at all times.
Then it was resting time. Epidural had kicked in and I could feel no pain. Dad and Brenda arrived. I figured I had some time before anything else would take place, so they went to get something to eat and Chuck joined them while mom and I just hung out. Well, that wasn't really what Holden wanted. Chuck had enough time to get one biscuit and gravy eaten before mom was calling saying that nurse Nancy was ready for me to start pushing. So, that brings us to about 10:45. Mom, Chuck and nurse Nancy helped me for about 20-30 minutes with pushing before Dr. Levy arrived. Then the rest is history. Holden was born and placed on my chest at 11:37 AM on Jan. 24th. Weighing 6.1 lbs and 18.5". He was perfect. An absolute angel and blessing that I will love and cherish forever. He is my special gift from God.
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| Holden and Uncle Bo |
The rest of the day was spent getting to know our little guy. He met his grandparents, aunts and friends. We came home on Wednesday, Jan. 26th. I was a ball of nerves the entire ride home.
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| Holden and Chuck's mom, Obbie |
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| My Dad, Pop |
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| Uncle Bo and Pop |
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| Grammy, G-Pa and Holden |
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| Daddy, Mommy and Obbie |
Finally, there was just some Mommy and Daddy time.
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy
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