Sunday, January 29, 2012

He's Here!! The Details...

Our baby boy is here and absolutely perfect in every way.  He came via c-section on January 25th at 12:55 pm.  He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces, and was 20 inches long.  I was so excited on the morning of the 25th.  Surprisingly, I actually did get a pretty restful night's sleep.  I always imagined what that morning would be like....getting ready, putting on makeup, checking bags....knowing we were leaving to go have a baby.  That morning was so surreal.  I was just so excited, but scared, too.  We left our house at 9:00.  All during the drive, I kept feeling Pearce move inside me.  I just wanted to hurry up and get to the hospital and get hooked up to the monitors.  Even though we were on our way to the hospital and I felt him moving, I STILL had doubts about actually having him.  I was still scared of something going wrong.  We parked, got our bags and headed up to Labor and Delivery.  They got us checked in and into a room very quickly.  I changed into a gown and the nurse came in to hook me up to monitors.  One was to monitor baby's heartbeat, the other was to monitor any contractions I might be having.  As soon as she put the monitor on for Pearce's heartbeat, I totally relaxed.  It was so strong.  It was just me and Chris in the room and we just talked and waited.  We had to be there by 10:00, but surgery wasn't scheduled until 12:30.  Time actually went by pretty quickly.  We knew our family got to the hospital around 11:00 and they were just waiting in the waiting room.  Around 12:00, my nurse came in and gave me the hair net and Chris his scrubs to change into.  Then a little bit later, she said we were ready!  We all walked down the hall then she told Chris to sit in  a chair that was outside the OR and that she would come and get him in a few minutes.  I just looked back at Chris and said, "Bye."  I got into the OR and they had me sit on the bed and then they started cleaning off my back to do the spinal.  I wasn't really nervous until now.  The anesthesiologist gave me a shot of numbing medicine first then said he was going to place the spinal in.....well, it hurt!  Then he gave me some more numbing medicine and I didn't feel a thing after that except a warm wash of tingles going up my feet and legs and stomach.  They laid me down and started doing all kinds of things around me.  I started shaking.  I don't know if it was from the OR being cold or me being scared...probably a little of both.  Then they put the drape in front of me and my OB came in and said he was ready to start.  I told the anesthesiologist that I could feel them putting something on my belly and was that o.k.  She could tell I was nervous about the actual incision, so she got a pin and showed me that I could feel it pricking my shoulder, then she moved it down my chest and to my stomach and when she got to my stomach I couldn't feel anything.  It was then that another nurse brought Chris and then I started crying.  I knew the c-section was starting and I was just praying we would get a healthy baby.  Chris held my hand and kept rubbing it and talking to me.  A nurse said we were close to seeing him and got Chris' camera so she could take a picture when he first came out.  The only time the procedure was uncomfortable was when they had to press on my stomach to get his head out.  "Press" makes it seem light....I could not breathe and felt like all of the blood vessels in my head were going to pop.  Finally they got his head out and the then lifted him up and we heard him cry!  I started crying immediately.  They took him to clean him off and he just cried and cried and I loved it!!!  They brought him to me and I could not believe he was an actual baby AND he was soooo cute, too!  The initial exam said he was great and Chris and the nurses left to walk Pearce to the nursery.  He also got to stop at the waiting room to show all of our family!!  They sewed me up and then took me to recovery.  I waited for what seemed like an eternity for the nurses to bring Chris and Pearce back to me, but it really wasn't very long.  Finally I got to see Pearce and OH. MY. GOODNESS....I could not believe how beautiful he was.  The nurses said he was perfectly healthy.  I couldn't believe Chris and I created something so perfect.  I was so afraid of my body not doing what it was supposed to do for 9 months and here is this perfectly beautiful baby boy in my arms.  I could not believe my body grew him and kept him safe!!  I got to feed him his first bottle and it was just the most amazing time.  It was better than I ever imagined.  Below is picture OVERLOAD!!!  I am just so thankful for our little miracle.  All I wanted was a healthy baby and I got WAY more than that.  He is the most laid back, sweetest little thing ever.  So far, he hardly ever cries.

My baby boy.

Papa meeting Pearce for the first time.

Mama is in Heaven


Ashley couldn't come until Thursday...here she is seeing Pearce for the first time.   



Auntie Ash spent the night with us Thursday night and we had the best time.  She is in LOVE! 

Mimi and Pops are smitten!

He already has G.G. wrapped around his little finger!

Pearce's first visitor....Lindsay.  She loved and loved on him.   


Of course we had to bring his Razorback hat to the hospital for him!!

Who doesn't love a baby's bottom? 

Another visitor...Elizabeth Lazar 

Christie is currently cooking either a little buddy or a girlfriend for Pearce.  We'll find out soon!! 

Nandini and Andy and their two boys Abhi and Jeet.   



Nandini can't wait to babysit!! 

I taught Marie's son in First Grade!  I wasn't sure if she was working while we were there and was so happy to see her walk in our room! 

Little Lyla loved baby Pearce!  She and her mommy brought me some yummy breakfast tacos and other snacks! 


Erin took some really cute "Going Home" pics of Pearce!! 

Pops saying goodbye :( 

This was Pearce's going home outfit.  He looked SOOOO cute!! 

Mimi and Pops with their baby holding HIS baby! 

Ready to go home! 


As soon as we got home, we had our first outfit change :) 

Mama and baby taking naps...hey, I thought I was supposed to be the one taking a nap! 

More visitors!  Chris' boss and his family came to see us Saturday night.  Alex and Corrina loved holding Pearce! 

I will do monthly photo sessions to document Pearce's first year.  My friend, Casey, got him these cute stickers.  Here he is in his Brand New sticker :) 

I'll do the monthly photos in his glider with is Peek-A-Boo bear.  Look how tiny he looks!! 


Mama can't keep from loving on Pearce 


So far, we've only been home two days!  I feel like we have adjusted quite well to having Pearce.  Chris and I said we did not want to have any expectations about anything.  We were just going to learn as we go.  Pearce is making it easy on us because he has been so laid back and calm and sweet!  I have loved watching Chris with Pearce.  I knew he would instantly fall in love, but the guy is complete mush when he holds Pearce or does anything for him :)  He's been changing diapers, running to the store, making us dinner, helping with Pearce....just doing everything he possibly can for us!  I have been lucky to not have a lot of pain with my c-section, either!  I really was feeling pretty good the day after and each day have felt better and better.  I am just so thankful for the WHOLE experience...easy pregnancy, c-section went as planned, I recovered well, and most importantly, I have a healthy, happy, beautiful, sweet, PERFECT in every way, baby of my dreams.  Thank you God!!




Friday, January 20, 2012

Dear Pearce...

Dear Pearce,
         In just a few days you will be welcomed into the world.  You have so many people who love you and have been praying for your safe arrival and are just so excited to finally meet you.  But, my love, no one is more  excited or anxious for your arrival than me, your mommy.  I have longed to be a mommy for so long and now you are going to make my dream come true.  I try to imagine who you will look like, how big you'll be, what your cry will sound like for the first time, what you'll feel like when I hold you, but I honestly just can't.  You have been a hope and a prayer for such a long time, it's just hard for me to imagine. I am looking forward to just holding you and looking at every precious part of you.  I want to kiss your sweet baby cheeks.  I want to rock you and sing to you.  I'm looking forward to taking you on walks in your stroller and showing you off to everyone I know.  Your daddy and I will try our hardest to be the best parents we can be to you.  I know we will make some mistakes, but one thing that is absolutely for sure is that you will be loved and cherished for the miracle you are.  Mommy and daddy are all ready for you.  If you would like to come before the 25th, that is fine with us!  If you are all snug inside of me, that's o.k. too....I've waited a LONG time for you...I can wait a few more days.  I love you, my sweet baby boy.

Love,
Mommy    

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

38 weeks!





 Pregnancy Highlights
How Far Along: 38 weeks, 4 days
Size of baby: He's about 6 1/2- 7 pounds and between 18-20 inches.   
Weight gain: I have gained a total of 35 pounds so far.  At my last doctor's appt., my nurse said I actually lost a pound which is common at the end.  
Maternity Clothes: Nothing but maternity clothes although there are just a few outfits left that fit right and are comfortable now.
Gender: BOY! Pearce Matthew
Movement: I feel more jabs and pointy parts.  I feel him down really low.  What's weird is to feel him low AND up by my ribs.  I feel his heel all the time in the left part of my stomach.
Sleep:  Sooooo much better now that I'm on maternity leave.  I still have to get up several times a night to go to the bathroom, but I know I can sleep in if I want to.   
Symptoms:  TONS of Braxton Hicks contractions.  I feel more pressure down low.  I've noticed that if I sit too long, my joints are VERY sore when I get up.  Right now, the old lady hose are not helping as much with my feet swelling.   
Cravings: Not craving anything specific now.  Last night I did really want to go to Dairy Queen...I NEVER go to Dairy Queen.  I just saw a commercial and the ice cream looked so good.  I didn't go though.
What I miss: Nothing! I am just so ready to hold my baby in my arms!
Best moment this week:  Going to the doctor to hear his heart beat.  I also made a new friend and went out to lunch with her on Tuesday.  She happened to find my blog and then realized we were both in Austin.  Then we found out we both live in Cedar Park just minutes from each other.  She's having a boy just a month later than me AND she knows one of the 2nd grade teachers at my school!  Talk about a small world!!   Hey Elizabeth!  We're going to have so much fun with our babies!!  
What I am looking forward to: January 25th...or if he decides to come earlier, I would be just fine with that!
How's that scar looking?  Horrible, but oh well.
Belly Button: F-L-A-T :)
We crossed off the last "to do" item off our list this week.  We are totally ready for Pearce to come.  I've been trying to straighten the house each day to keep it nice and clean in case he decides to come early or just so that I don't have to do a lot before the c-section on Wednesday. One week.  One week (or it still could be less) until Chris and I become parents.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!! 

Saturday, January 7, 2012

37 weeks and impromptu photo shoot :)


*Charlotte must be thinking, "That is one big tummy!"
Pregnancy Highlights
How Far Along: 37 weeks in the pic
Size of baby: He's continuing to gain about an ounce a day.  He's about 6 1/2- 7 pounds and between 18-20 inches.   
Weight gain: I go to the doctor today, so we'll see!
Maternity Clothes: Nothing but maternity clothes although there are just a few outfits left that fit right and are comfortable now. 
Gender: BOY! Pearce Matthew
Movement: I feel more jabs and pointy parts.  I feel him down really low.  What's weird is to feel him low AND up by my ribs.  I feel his heel all the time in the left part of my stomach.
Sleep:  Still hit and miss.  I continue to be sooo sleepy during the day.  I just have to make it through this week of school, and then I can finally take it easy. 
Symptoms:  TONS of Braxton Hicks contractions.  I feel more pressure down low.  I've noticed that if I sit too long, my joints are VERY sore when I get up.  Right now, the old lady hose are not helping as much with my feet swelling.   
Cravings: Lately it's been Whataburger!
What I miss: Nothing!  Wellll...actually that's not true.  When Ash was here this past weekend, she wanted to use her Christmas money to get new clothes.  She got so many cute things and I found myself wishing I could be buying the same things.  But then I quickly shook that thought out of my head and told myself I would gladly wear the small amount of maternity clothes that actually fit and are comfortable for the next couple of weeks.  I will then work hard to get back to my pre-pregnancy body and then go shopping....Mom, will you take me????  :-)
Best moment this week:  Just reaching 37 weeks and knowing that if Pearce decides to come early, he would be just fine!! 
What I am looking forward to: Friday...MATERNITY LEAVE begins!!
How's that scar looking? It's gonna be a doozy at the end. It feels really hard...I just don't see how it can stretch more than it has already. But, I don't care!
Belly Button: F-L-A-T :)

**No stretch marks yet!!**

Ash took my 37 week pictures, but she decided we needed to do a mini maternity photo shoot :)  It was fun...I'm glad I have these now.  





One excited Mommy-to-be! 

My weekend with Ash and Baby Charlotte


This weekend was Cotton Bowl weekend, so Chris went to Dallas to hang with the guys on Thursday night.  Ash and Charlotte came to Austin to hang with me.  They stayed Thursday through Sunday and we had the best time!  My kids were so excited to see Ashley walk into the classroom on Friday!    


The kids LOVED Charlotte.  They wanted to play with her and love on her.  Here she is playing with two of my sweet little girls


Apparently, Charlotte thought my room needed a little cleaning.

Ash read a book to my kids.  She used to teach 2nd grade.  She definitely has not lost her touch.

Charlotte enjoyed listening to the story too :)



Friday night we came home to cheer on the Hogs!!  Before the game started, I asked Charlotte if she would like me to paint her nails.  What do you think her answer was?

We got busy getting beautiful.  She was so still.



In the middle of me painting her nails, she just leaned over and gave me a kiss!  What a sweet girl!!!

Are these not the cutest little feet ever?  Thank goodness the Hogs won!!  That game (actually just about every Razorback game) nearly gave me a heart attack!  We did great though, and I was so happy all of the guys were at the game and left in good moods!!!

Saturday morning, we got up and got dressed and headed out to do some shopping.  Ash and Charlotte looked so cute, so we had a little photo shoot.  I think Charlotte's hair looks so cute in doggie ears!
 

Pretty girl!

What a doll!!




We spent so much time doing our photo shoot, that by the time we got in the car to leave we were hungry and headed to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch!  I just can't get enough of this little cutie!!

We did some shopping and then came home to do some more little chores around the house and just hang out.  Ash helped me install the car seat (what?!), she helped me figure out the baby monitor (OMG!), we looked at baby announcements (for real???), and picked out songs for the slideshow my librarian/photographer will use when she does Pearce's newborn photos (WOW).  I just can't believe we are so close now!!  I remember at the beginning of my pregnancy, I had many fears, but one main fear was going into pre-term labor.  I am SO incredibly thankful that I've now made it to 37 weeks.  Although we have a c-section scheduled for the 25th, Pearce can safely come any time between now and then.  I just can't believe my dreams will come true any day now.  ANY DAY NOW!!!!!