Sutton smiles!!!!

I can't even believe it...on Sutton's One Month Birthday (December 27th) he flashed a sweet little smile!

And again for the family Christmas gathering...

I'd even still be hesitant because it just seems so early at just 4 weeks, 2 days (at least compared to Brookston's 5.5 weeks and Kaisley's 8 weeks), but he's done it every day since that first gummy grin!

Christmas post below!

Christmas summary in mostly pictures

Christmas Eve...

Brookston and Kaisley in their new Christmas PJ's

Getting a picture of the 3 of them was not exactly easy!

Papa reading "The Night Before Christmas"

Christmas Morning...

Opening stockings

Sutton seeing one of his gifts

Kaisley on her new ride!

Kaisley LOVED all of her baby doll stuff!

Both kids playing in the kitchen!

Broookston and Daddy singing in the new microphone!

Brookston & Mommy taking pictures of each other

Sutton after a long morning, taking a nap on Papa!

Family Christmas...

The cousins ready to open presents

Brookston with one of his presents

Kaisley with one of her presents

Sutton snoozing away through the chaos!

Opening presents from Grandpa!

Brookston and his cousin, Sully!

Grandpa, Piper, and Kaisley

The annual Christmas group picture

Sutton and Santa

Last week I took Sutton & Kaisley to see Santa while Brookston was at school. Kaisley was only interested in waving, and getting a candy cane. I was ok with that, since it allowed Sutton to get his first picture taken with just him and Santa!

Today I took all 3 kids to see Santa! At first Brookston was resistant and I worried my plan would be a bust. I quickly realized that he just needed to "play" first! Too many cars, trucks, shooting ranges, and fishing games that needed to be visited. Then he was easily convinced to sit with Santa and give him the wish list...so Kaisley super super eagerly followed. She was actually almost worried and whining when Santa didn't pick her up immediately!

After a kiddo was on each of Santas legs, I was a bit worried when Santa offered out his hands to hold Sutton between the kids...I was hesitant to back away from the picture! Eeek, please hold him tight Santa!!

I love how both Kaisley and Brookston are very actively holding Sutton though...like they've done this holding a baby, while posing for a picture before!

Professional Pictures - 2 weeks

Pictures taken at 2 weeks, 2 days

Post below was just added yesterday with lots more pictures...just so you don't miss it! :)

Early December Pictures

Brookston and Kaisley LOVE their pillow pets!!! One of Richard's sweet coworkers bought these for them...I'd say they are a BIG hit, ya think?

Sutton's lips and cheeks are just SO kissable!

And yes, he's in a pink chair...what can I say, it happens with #3! Sorry buddy, but I promise you will NOT wear any pink clothes!

Daddy and his baby boy

I love when Brookston and Kaisley hold Sutton together!

I thought these little "scoop me up" footed PJ's were just fun! Brookston especially liked them because they have tractors and diggers all over them!

Sutton's first Christmas party!

Kaisley on duty as big sister!

Sutton wrapped like a burrito after bath

(The spiked hair is when it's at it's cleanest!)

Baby yoga maybe?

Sutton's Birth Novel

Just an FYI: This was 5 pages on my word document...so read if you have time! :)

I woke up at 1:00am on Saturday, November 27th and to put it out there, I felt a small gush and headed to the bathroom. Unfortunately when I looked down, I saw blood. At a recent birth group meeting I remember discussing the fact that any amount of blood more than spotting is NOT normal. My heart sank a little bit as I felt my dream natural delivery quickly going out the window. I tried to rationalize that it was not that much; maybe it was a onetime thing. I feared as soon as I called the doctor’s office I’d be met by a surgical team and wheeled off to the OR for a c-section. Fear and a bit of panic crossed my mind.

Just after that, I had my first contraction. My mind raced a little more with the what if’s, the why’s and so on. I decided just for fun, I’d pull out my iphone and I started my “baby’s coming” contraction app…yes, after my first contraction I started timing them! J That contraction lasted maybe 45 seconds. At this time, Richard was still awake, after just seeing Nevada and Boise State football game. His first words to me as I came out of the bathroom were, “You have to see this replay! Nevada just beat Boise State!” I replied, “ummm, no, I’m having a contraction…and I’m bleeding!”

Five minutes later I felt another little gush of blood, followed by another contraction. Then again, gush of blood, another contraction. With my measly little 3 contractions, we were looking at approximately 5 minutes apart, lasting 45-50 seconds. The blood made me REALLY nervous, but I decided I needed to call the doctor because the “not normal” part kept going through my mind. My plan of staying home as long as possible was out the window...and I called the office number.

I got my call back and yes, they wanted me to come in. I knew that. I called Ann, my doula, she agreed, the bleeding I described it sounded like going in was a good idea. Again, I was scared...why was I bleeding? I sort of knew why in the back of my mind…this wasn’t just cervical bleeding, this was my placenta. I was excited that labor was starting, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up for natural birth.

We got all of our stuff together, told my mom we were leaving (she had been here for 2 weeks already), and off we went. I remember from Kaisley’s labor that being in the car and contracting was terrible. But I also remember a friend telling me that she turned around in the seat and hugged the back. So that’s just what I did…much better way to deal with contractions in the car. Granted, not quite safe, but hey, I was in labor. Oh, and here too, now about 1:30am, the small stop light outside of our neighborhood was just optional, right?

I got to the hospital and the security guy at the door asked what we were here for. I said having a baby. He said are you being induced? Hahaha, that made me laugh, since 1:30am is such a popular time for arrival for induction. No, just not having a contraction RIGHT now, but I’m in labor. He asked if I wanted a wheel chair and I said I’d rather not! I was glad he asked. For Kaisley they “made” me get in the wheel chair and well, that’s just not fun when you’re having a contraction.

My only complaint about the whole day is when I got there, even though I called the OB Express number, I had to wait in this little room, standing there, as she got my paperwork and bracelets. Maybe it was because we only live like 8 minutes from the hospital and we made the call on the way, so they just didn’t have time to gather everything? I don’t know. I was hoping to bypass the assessment center, but that was also when my plan was to labor at home as long as possible and come in with lots of progress, maybe even pushing. I NEVER thought I’d be calling in and going in after just 3 contractions. But, back to the bleeding, it was the right thing to do.

I got to an assessment room and they hooked me up to some monitors. I mentioned my bleeding and being GBS positive (I wanted my antibiotics ASAP since Kaisley contracted GBS last time and I never received my antibiotics). I quickly told the assessment center nurse that I had a “safe place”, something I know they have to ask you before they “allow” your husband to come back with you. She didn’t seem very interested in my desire to get my husband back to me ASAP. I flat out asked, what else do you need to know so he can come back here. She didn’t seem happy with me, nor was I happy with her.

Richard came back to meet me and must have realized some of my frustration because he rocked…he went out to the nurses and told them that I have a birth plan that I had worked on with my doctor and it was very important to me. At this point we never saw that first nurse again and 2 new nurses must have been assigned! YEAH HUBBY! J This part, I did not know until days later, I was so proud of Richard to stick up for me! As prepared as I was, I was NOT prepared to butt heads with anyone. Major props for Richard stepping in at this point…this was just the first small piece of him supporting my natural birth!

At 2:15 I walk myself upstairs, again saying no thank you to the wheel chair. Walking was MUCH better, so I was able to stop and be in a more desired position during a contraction. The nurse made a comment or two about how amazing it was for me to be walking myself up to L&D. It was sweet, I liked the encouragement, but honestly, a wheel chair sounded miserable! We get admitted upstairs to labor and delivery at 5cm. Ann met us up there, the room was ready and our nurse Hayden greeted us. I got set up on the wireless & water proof monitors, which were fairly new, so it was a little bit of a learning process for my nurse. But, she was very patient and gave me space during my contractions.

At 2:30 my first bag of penicillin was hung, which made me very happy! J We were on the way to defending GBS!

Currently we had the on call doctor. I don’t remember her name, but she’s not too significant other than she wasn’t in a hurry to rush me off to a c-section. I am VERY VERY grateful for this. Mom & baby looked beautiful on monitors, so at this point, bleeding was not an emergency. HUGE HUGE RELIEF! I think the fact that I was in active labor helped. My body was obviously working to get baby out. The on call doctor did require that I was continuously monitored, but I was prepared for this since I was a VBAC. It was not something I planned to fight, since I knew they had the wireless and waterproof ones, so they wouldn’t be in my way too much. And anyway, even though I was a VBAC, my doctor was very relaxed on the “continuous” part of the monitoring. I expressed some of my goals and desires for my natural birth and while on call doc seemed “okay” with them, she wasn’t super supportive like MY doctor. But whatever, I had my husband and my doula and I was ready to rock this birth! It helped quite a bit that just a couple days earlier my doula and I had discussed delivery without MY OB (since he had an out of town emergency just the day before). So, I remembered the conversation with my doula about how we’d be just fine, even if someone else delivered me. Still, I was a little eager to find out when MY doctor was going to be called to come in, since I knew Saturday was actually his on call day…nice!

The one thing on the on call doctor told me was that I couldn’t labor in the tub like I wanted to. She said it was because she wanted the monitors on me. I was very proud of myself when I “stood up to her” and asked, is it because you want to have me monitored or because of the bleeding? She said she wanted me continuously monitored. I said, well, what about the fact that they are waterproof monitors? Because the monitors were so new, she had no idea they were waterproof! Hahaha! She said as long as I was monitored she was okay with the water…however, when the nurse looked up the bleeding and being in the water, it was contraindicated. So, no tub labor for me after all. DARN! This was a bit disappointing as I was really looking forward to the relief that I heard water could bring. But honestly, I never thought too much about this again, until after labor.

The next few hours (maybe 3am til 6:30am) were spent with very controlled contractions. At least in my opinion. I felt like I was coping wonderfully. I spent some time walking, swaying, leaning on Richard, lying in bed on my side (since I had only an hour and a half of sleep), on the ball, basically just switching things up every handful of contractions. Thanks to my support group for suggesting constant change to get baby moving around and down as much as possible, at least that was the thought process. The time seemed to pass decently fast and I felt like I was handling things wonderfully.

I was very dependent on Richard and looked for him every time I felt a contraction coming on. If I was standing, I was holding on to him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. If I was somewhere that I couldn’t hold him (like sitting on the ball, squatting, leaning over the side of the bed, leaning on the wall), he was right there next to me telling me how awesome I was doing and encouraging me, over and over again.

A few memorable moments were when we had the whole room swaying, to keep me swaying and keep my hips open. Then probably my favorite was when Richard didn’t know that I could juggle so I took it upon myself to use the 3 massage balls to try it out. According to pictures, this was around 5:30am. I didn’t do so great at the juggling, but hey, I WAS in labor and I was working on no sleep!

Some time notes from Richard and my doula. Around 5am, I was 6-7cm. Dr. Dickerson arrived to the hospital around 5:20 and I was very relieved to know my doctor was there. I felt very at ease knowing that he WOULD deliver me! Around 5:45, I started doing some squats to get baby to descend. Around 6am, everyone noticed a change in my pattern; I was around 8 or 9cm. At 6:10 I received my second dose of penicillin! Again, I was very relieved; I couldn’t believe I actually made it to receive a second dose! By 6:22, the dose was in. This one was pushed faster and it was only half the amount of the first dose. At 6:20 I was sitting on the ball between contractions and squatting on the side of the bed for contractions. Around 6:40 Dr. Dickerson came to check on me, I was at 9cm. At 7am there was a shift change and we asked for our nurse friend, Gayden. She was actually at the hospital and we thought it would be nice to have another person in the room who would really work with us towards our goal of a natural delivery. At this point I was maybe 9.5cm, I was said to still have a lip. There was the slight urge to push and I was told to go with it with little pushes if I felt the need. But at this point, I still had a lip and baby had not yet descended. My water was still intact and I was joking that I would deliver him in the bag of waters. However, it was a bit frustrating to know that things were progressing so slowly, even during transition. Well, maybe it’s not fair to say it was “so slow”, but I went from 5-10cm with Kaisley in 30 minutes. Now, his head just wasn’t putting any pressure on my cervix. Richard and I discussed if we should ask to have my water broken. I did NOT want my water broken artificially, but at the same time, here I am 9.5cm and the bag was still intact, with little to no progress. I asked my doctor what he thought and it seemed like it was a good idea to rupture, which I consented! So at 7:25, Dr ruptured my membranes.

So, the urge to push came sometime between 7 and 7:30 and the whole pushing phase gets a little fuzzy. I know my water was broken at 7:25 and things of course intensified, like I knew they would. But the entire pushing phase was extremely, extremely intense.

I’d say for the last 2.5 to 3 hours of labor my eyes were closed, only opening if I was changing position or looking for Richard. Having my eyes closed was a big part of my focus and coping. I was able to block everyone and everything out, unless it was someone or something I wanted in, like encouragement! My support team was amazing. They had me moving, moving, moving. I don’t think I stayed in one position for more than 5-8 contractions in a row and they were encouraging me to switch to something else. We swayed, squatted (bed, ball, floor, you name it), rolled on the ball, leaned on the wall, hugged and squatted with Richard’s support (which seemed to be my favorite and I know everyone else could tell that.) My doula even came up with some new positions that impressed everyone in the room! While the entire pushing phase seemed to last FOREVER (well, can you blame me, it was 2-3 hours long), at the same time, I have no idea what we did during that time! I know I requested the epidural at least 4 times! But each time, everyone knew I was just starting to lose my control and they needed to help me refocus! I know having our friend as our nurse was very helpful! She worked just as hard as everyone else to get me through this. There were times I request IV meds or the epidural, but instead of running out of the room to go get it, she knew that this meant I needed more support. Instead of running to get me drugs, everyone stepped it up a notch, they helped me to refocus my breathing, gather my concentration, and they brought me away from the panic and got me back under control. I could feel myself about to panic a few times, I did panic a few times, but it was fairly short, because THAT is when I felt the amazing support from everyone. They didn’t let my panic get out of control, but brought be back to where I was before that moment.

Thinking about how amazing everyone was in the room really makes me feel blessed. There is no way I could have delivered naturally without everyone there! I know it was hard on them too. Richard told me that there were points where he wanted to give up. And that our doula was the reason he kept going! So she wasn’t just there for me, she was there for him! Richard told me there was a time where he felt like he was going to break. Here I was in pain, asking for drugs, he knew how to “help” me, but he also knew I’d regret it in the end if we all “gave in”. I’m so grateful that EVERYONE supported me in this and THEY stayed strong when it got tough.

And I can only begin to describe how amazing the support from my doctor was. From day one of pregnancy, he’s known my desire to naturally VBAC. He’s been on board with everything, every step of the way. He was so amazing to let me do things my way that he worked around me! There was one time that Richard later told me about when I was squatting on the side of the bed, but facing Richard and Dr. Dickerson was on the floor, his head actually resting on Richard’s shoe, with a flashlight and mirror! He tried to bother me as little as possible and let me go on with what I felt the need to do! It’s amazing to me how much he tried to stay out of the way and let me birth my baby!

I remember my last 3 pushing positions the best. The 3rd to last I was squatting off the side of the bed and I was “making progress”. I wasn’t sure if I should believe it or not. I had the mirror and “I” couldn’t see progress!!!! I was glad to see that my doctor thought things were looking good, but I didn’t feel any different and I was just downright exhausted. The 2nd to last position was with the back of the bed all the way up. I was kneeling facing the back and sort of hugging the bed. In this position I seemed to be making some progress for real…FINALLY! Or were they just saying this to encourage me? I wasn’t sure. This must have been around 9:25 because I apparently requested the epidural again (oy!) to only hear shortly afterwards some super excitement in the voices of everyone. I remember Richard telling me to that he could see progress in my BACK! Like he could see my pelvis spreading and his head descending! The intensity of everyone’s encouragement picked up 10 fold. I didn’t physically feel different, but the way everyone was getting SO excited and really bumping up the support, I knew they weren’t kidding, something REALLY was happening. I think this was when I was told that they were actually SEEING some of his head when I pushed. Thank GOD, this was something I needed, this WAS going to happen!

I can’t remember why, but it was suggested that I lay on my side to push. Maybe partially due to my severe exhaustion, maybe so I could open my pelvis in a relaxed way. And again, in this position the excitement of the room again increased 10 fold. I knew he was getting close just based on everyone’s reaction. I was so excited and relieved, but the pushing was the most intense thing I have ever experienced. Finally his head started crowing, but 2-3 times as the contraction went away, the crowing stopped. Then for 3-4 more contractions, he crowned and stayed, a little more and stayed. I remember during the contractions during crowning there was no way to ignore the urge to push. But when that urge went away, I felt so helpless and my patience was gone! Everyone said I could push anyway, but I couldn’t, I needed that contraction…so it was a HUGE relief to feel a contraction again with only maybe a 10-15 second break because I NEEDED to push! Here, contractions one on top of each other were very welcomed! Major encouragement surrounded me and they let just me and my body do the work!

Finally at 9:57am, I pushed my baby boy out and he was lifted on to MY CHEST FOR ME TO HOLD! Something I have never had before, a baby delivered onto my chest! He was here and he was on me, first! We had some blankets to keep us warm and my doctor patiently waited for his umbilical cord to stop pulsing and Richard was able to cut the cord, another first! I was exhausted, but I did it. He was here and on me! I held him for a little while, tried nursing, but he had no interest, yet!

Shortly after I delivered the placenta, along with a huge blood clot. If I remember correctly it was probably 6-8 inches in diameter. And thus the reason for my bleeding. I asked to see the placenta, something just interesting to me and Dr. Dickerson pointed out how unique it was to have the umbilical cord attached so far over on the side like it was! He said it causes no problems, unless it was over just a little bit more, it was just rare! Hmmm! Interesting!

Shortly after this, I was curious, let’s weigh my little baby boy! 8 lbs 8.3 oz and 21 inches long. Time to take a shower and get back to my big boy! J

Hello World! I'm Sutton!

Introducing...

Sutton Graham Hall

Saturday, November 27, 2010

9:57am

8 lbs. 8.3 oz

21 inches

Sweet Sutton

He's showing us his eyes a lot!

He's upset that LSU lost on his birthday!

Our family of FIVE!!!

Daddy & Sutton

Mommy & Sutton

Big Brother Brookston being sweet

Big Sister Kaisley ALWAYS wants to hold "baby Suttit"

Mike the Tiger Playing - SO COOL!!!!

We went to visit Mike the Tiger after dropping Brookston off at school today. I've heard there was a guy that was buddy buddy with Mike and would come around every day at 9am to play with him. I can't believe we've never gone at this time. Turns out this guy used to go by every day, but he told us he is no longer able to go daily. So, I guess we were lucky to be there on a day he came to play.

This first video is a little over a minute. It was their first interaction of the day and we weren't sure if this guy was the one Mike played with. VERY COOL to see Mike really playing with this one guy in particular...he certainly doesn't play like this with just anyone...



These next 2 videos are just 15-20 seconds long...of the good parts....






Okay seriously...was that not just awesome?!?!?!?

First 2010 Santa Visit

I say this is their FIRST 2010 Santa visit, because I'm sure we'll be back!

Nana took the kids to visit Santa while Richard and I went to the LSU football game! Both kids did soooo much better this year. Brookston was slightly motivated though because he's really understanding the whole Santa thing. So, when he started getting a little nervous, Nana reminded him that he was going to tell Santa about the cars, trucks, and helicopters he wanted (I'm sure that will change by Dec. 25th), and after that he was ready for Santa's lap!

They did 2 pictures since Kaisley wasn't smiling in the first...2nd didn't go much better, but hey, she wasn't crying either!

Here is last year's post about Santa pictures:

http://geauxhalls.blogspot.com/2009/11/nothing-says-happy-thanksgiving-like.html

Baby #3 Journal

November 23rd
39 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
A good 4cm today. I didn't ask about effacement, I know it doesn't REALLY matter. Although he did say he was about -1 station. Which seemed great to me since Brookston was only ever at -3, same with Kaisley. But I remember in labor I was -1 at one point with Kaisley. So I take all of this as a sign of my body being more willing to birth a baby! :)
Richard was able to come to my appointment, so we got to talk a bit, which was always fun!
I'm now teasing that maybe we've got a perfectionist child that wants to be born on his estimated due date! Or, will he tease mommy and stay even longer!?!? Gestationally I've long past when I delivered Kaisley. However gestationally, tomorrow is when Brookston was born! So, come Thursday, Thanksgiving, it will be the longest I've been pregnant!

November 16th
38 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
This week was "a good 3.5cm, maybe 4cm and 80%". Followed by, I'll just call it 3.5cm! Regardless, things are happening, slowly...just waiting for this little guy to decide on his actual birthday! Ever since finding out I was pregnant I said November 19th, which is Friday. I guess we'll see how close I get! Also on November 21st, Sunday, there's a full moon!
Just waiting!!! Come on out when you're ready sweet boy...we're excited to meet you!

November 9th
37 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
This week I moved to "a good 3cm, maybe 3.5cm and 70%". I was sort of thinking the "maybe 3.5" was being nice so I wasn't discouraged with no progress. But, I don't feel discouraged. Shoot, I'm 37 weeks and 3cm and 70%!! Plus, I wouldn't expect a whole lot of action until I'm ACTUALLY in labor! So, I can only expect any non labor progress is minor!
I'm not at the point of, "get him out already!!!", but I am eager to meet him! Plus, I'm excited to see how the whole experience plays out. Like, where I am when labor hits, what time of the day, if Richard will be around or if I'll be calling him home from work (gosh I hope it's the real thing if that happens!). Then things like, will my doctor make it in time? Will labor go very quick again? Will my water break at home? Out? Hospital? Will I have a long pushing phase again? I'm just very excited for our labor and delivery experience, really praying that this is the birth I've been dreaming about!!!

November 2nd
36 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
This week my stats are 3cm and 60% effaced. Doctor commented that I wasn't too thin, so I was a little surprised to hear 60%! Looking back, I was 3cm and 70% the appointment before having Kaisley...so, I'm happy! :) Granted, I know every pregnancy is different and I can maintain these stats now for weeks, but it's exciting to know I'm 3cm down and only 7 to go! He can stay put for a little longer though considering I still have a week til full term and 9 days til my parents arrive!
Unfortunately I'm Group B Strep positive again. Normally this is no big deal. During labor they give you antibiotics every 4 hours and wala, all goes smoothly. Unfortunately with Kaisley's fast labor and poorly placed IV (my wrist during a natural labor!!), I never even received a full first dose and she contracted GBS. This landed her with a week long NICU stay. The thought of another baby in the NICU makes me sick to my stomach! So, please say a prayer that I can get the full amount of antibiotics this time and our little guy can stay healthy and come home with mommy!

October 26th
35 weeks, 1 day - Ultrasound and Doctor's Appointment
For some reason I was a wee bit nervous about the ultrasound today. We had no reason for concern to check on baby via ultrasound, so I knew at 35 weeks this was more of a "just to be sure" type thing. And this is where you can get caught with "big baby" or "low fluid" and so on. But anyway, it was great! Fluid looks great, I think average measurement only put him at 35 weeks and 5 or 6 days, and he's measuring 5 pounds, 15 ounces. Which I'm fully aware could be way off, but if it's correct, it sounds good to me! Kaisley's ultrasound was only 5 days later from this in her pregnancy and she was already estimated at 6 pounds, 13 ounces...so, almost a pound less, just 5 days earlier sounded excellent!



For my appointment I had the swab for Group B Strep...nervous for these results since I was positive for Kaisley and my quick labor she got it at birth, thus giving her a week long NICU stay! :( Then he asked if I wanted to be checked and I figured, you're down there, so why not! My curiosity is too strong to say no! Haha! Figuring I'd be nothing and a hair bummed (although can one really be bummed to not be dilated at 35 weeks?? I mean, I'm only 35 weeks!!!) But, to my surprise he said stretchy (what's that mean!?!?!?) and 2.5cm dilated! WHAT!?!?! Again, FULLY aware this could mean nothing, but it's cool to know my body is already preparing to have a baby! YAY!!!!

October 12th
33 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
Today the main goal was to go over my birth plan. I was pretty confident that my doctor would okay everything I was desiring, especially since 2 awesome friend's (with my doc) shared their birth plans with me and I knew he was okay with what they were asking. So, we went over everything and he said it looked great! Then of course all else looked good, blood pressure, weight, no protein in urine, heartrate, fundal measurement...all good! Two more weeks and I'll be getting an ultrasound of this little man! :)
I followed up my appointment by meeting with a patient rep for the hospital. If you desire a natural birth and/or to use their birth tub, they ask that you meet with this woman. It was very simple and quick, maybe 5 or so minutes. But, she wants a signed copy of my birth plan and to see what my plans are. And since I plan to use their tub, she also likes to have an idea of who is due when, so they can be a little prepared or at least know who wants one when it comes time that they arrive in labor!! :) So, we're good to go as far as that's concerned!

September 28th
31 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
Today was the first day I really had to wait for my doctor. I think it was about an hour...but he was in a delivery...so hey, that will be me one day. And really, an hour is NOT bad!
Great appointment overall. I had some pretty easy questions, like about stopping baby aspirin, starting Evening Primrose Oil, when baby takes final position, a few birth plan related questions since we'll be going over it for the next appointment. He requested "extra time" for my next appointment so we can go over my goals for this birth! :) Looking forward to that discussion!

September 17th
29 weeks, 4 days - First Chiropractor Appointment
Wow, I'm so excited! I've thought for a long time that I may have had a malpositioned baby issue with both Brookston and Kaisley, thus the 2+ hours of pushing with babies that did not want to rotate down, or really decend for that matter. And that maybe I had some hip misalignments that caused their malpositioning. After today's visit, I think I might be right. Apparently I have a super tight piriformis on the right side. And some of the movements that I did I could tell the difference from left and right sides of my body. This muscle links the sacrum/pelvis/hip/femur basically all together. So in labor, sounds like this super tight muscle would make it very difficult for my pelvis to open up like a typical laboring woman. The hope is, after some visits to the chiro, tons of stretching and ice, and some lifestyle changes (like how I sit, carry the kids, carry my purse, stand, and so on)...I can get my hips in line and then stay there...at least for delivery! :)

September 14th
29 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
My doctor just impresses me each visit. Today, I was coming out of the bathroom after my urine sample (which is immediately after checking in at the front desk) and the nurse was ready for me. As I rounded the corner towards my patient room, my doctor was already standing at the door, ready. Oh, and I was 5 minutes early! So, my doc just hung out, waiting for the nurse to finish her thing, then started to ask me about when Richard and I got married, how it was that we ended up in Louisiana since we met in North Carolina, then about Richard's job, and how my life has changed pre kids and post kids. Then, on to the appointment. As always, it was a good chat, very positive and even though I'm gaining weight like it's my job (gulp!!!), he was very positive, especially since he said my blood work was quite impressive!
So, I was there about 25 minutes, and with the doctor seriously the entire time!! Half social, half baby related!

August 31st
27 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
Today was a regular appointment along with the gestational diabetes screening. Well, I already found out I passed, yay! And the appointment was great. My doctor always spends so much time with me, so I had a list of questions that he took good time to answer and talk with me. As usual, I left feeling like a million bucks.
After my appointment my doula also came over to our house and we spent almost 2 hours talking about birthing babies...so you know I loved that!
I'm now on to appointments every 2 weeks. I actually didn't expect that quite so soon, but that will give me some good time to ask all of the pending questions I'm sure I will be coming up with. Plus, I need to actually get a birth plan in order this time...doctor's suggestion, so I know I'm not being silly! :)

August 5th
23 weeks, 3 days - Daddy feels baby boy kick
FINALLY! Daddy was able to feel our baby boy kick! It's been a long time coming for this pregnancy! Since the placenta is in the front this time, feeling movement has been a lot more minimal so far. However I have been feeling movement on the outside for a couple of weeks, it's just a matter of timing. Baby boy seems to be MOST active around 3ish maybe. And the ideal time for Daddy to feel is bed time. So, it wasn't until 23 weeks that he finally got to feel baby boy move! YAY!

August 3rd
23 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment and Ultrasound
We did a repeat ultrasound today since our little guy was hiding his face last time. This time, he decided to hide again, but eventually came out to show us his nasal bone and lip, which both looked good! Yeah! I was told that he's estimated at 1 pound, 6 ounces(which would be 58th percentile)...so that's nice to hear! Although we know to take that for what it's worth...an estimate! His heartrate was in the low 150's.
Then, I met with my doc. It was a GREAT appointment. One of those that I didn't realize how much we had talked and I had to litterally RUN out of there so I wasn't late picking up Brookston from school! But anyway, we got to talk a lot. I only had a couple of questions, but it was just one of those days that a question or two lead to a few other things to discuss and I felt like a million bucks after leaving today. He's just so supportive, encouraging, and positive. A couple things that he said that I loved: Vaginal birth is always his goal and he works really hard for every woman to have that. And every woman is different, so we really just need to listen to you and your body during labor! It's amazing how much a doctor like him can do for confidence. Oh, and I was measuring right at 23 weeks (by fundal height). I was actually a bit shocked to hear that as I feel like I'm so high...but, I guess it's normal! :) Yes, even with #3 I'm still questioning if I'm "normal"!

July 6th
19 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment and Ultrasound
First we had our "20 week" ultrasound. It was a great ultrasound with a mostly cooperative little BOY!!!! Granted we didn't find out he was a boy right away, but when the tech went to look, he was showing us easily! YAY! We are really excited that baby #3 is a boy!
We saw a great heart, brain, stomach, kidneys, liver, lungs, arms, legs...the only thing they couldn't see was the baby's face. So we need to go back next month to get a peek at the lip and nose! I'm TOTALLY okay with that, becasue it means another little peak as my sweet little guy!
I believe we found out the placenta is anterior (in the front), which is probably why this one doesn't feel as active as Brookston or Kaisley. I do feel movement and I even felt it early, but here at 19 weeks, I don't feel like he's just partying in there like the others. Chances are he is, but the placenta is blocking a little of that!
Heart rate today was 157bpm.
Baby was measuring 11 ounces.
Then we met with my doctor. Again, a great meeting, although today I didn't have too many questions. It was pretty standard with a couple questions. Richard was able to come with us, which was nice since he can't come all of the time!

June 8th
15 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
Today's appointment was great. Baby seems to be doing well with a heartbeat of 160bpm today. My blood pressure was great and weight gain is normal! And Kaisley even behaved herself as she sat next to me in her stroller! ;) It helps that they are quick with wait time. I think I waited approximately 6 minutes in the waiting room and another 3 in the exam room. And my OB even apologized for the wait...ummm, sure, no problem! Compared to the 2 hours I waited for the doc I saw with Brookston, I will not even BEGIN to complain about a 9 minute wait! LOL!
I had a great chat with my OB today (have I mentioned that I love him???), including getting the number for a student doula that we had talked about in the previous appointment. I had a doula with Kaisley's delivery and I'd LOVE one again, but, well, they aren't cheap! So, since students are still in training, most do not charge!! True, they do not have as much experience (oh, except the fact that she's a labor and delivery nurse!!!!), but to have someone supporting me and backing my desires will be great. Hopefully I'll be in touch with her soon! I'm looking forward to meeting her, talking about my goals, and seeing if we click like I did with my last doula!

June 7th
15 weeks - Felt movement!
Both today and yesterday I felt some baby movement!! Yesterday I was using my doppler and heard a swooshing sound, associated with movement and then at that same time felt a little something. I stopped the doppler to just lay still and felt it more, and more, and more. Again today, around the same time in the evening I was sitting still and felt that same feeling. Yup, it's the little one saying hi! I felt both Brookston & Kaisley at about 15 1/2 weeks, so this little one is just a couple days sooner! :) I can't wait to feel more!

May 11th
11 weeks, 1 day - Doctor's Appointment
Heard that sweet beating heart for the first time at the doctor's office, 172bpm. But, of course I had just heard it an hour and a half earlier at home, ;) that way I wouldn't be as nervous if he didn't find it right away, but he did!
Can I tell you how much I LOVE my OB? He is AMAZING! I was able to go to the appointment with no kids, since Grandpa Bob babysat for me. So, I was able to do some good talking with him! He is so wonderful! We talked about being baby #3, being another VBAC, and wanting to be natural til the end (not 90 minutes into the pushing phase because I was scared by the clock). We talked about baby positioning and posibilities before and during labor. Hey, gotta start thinking about this now! He's totally on board with a VBAC, a natural birth and the biggy for me, he will let me push until I get the baby out, not for "2 hours" because that's a typical "time limit". Having such an amazing provider, I'm already so excited about this birth!

May 2nd
9 weeks, 6 days - Annoucements!
We annouced to friends and family at the end of Brookston's birthday party. Followed by annoucing it through emails, facebook and blog!

Week of April 26th
We shared the news with the siblings we could get in person!

April 25th
8 weeks, 6 days - Heartbeat on doppler & telling parents
Tonight I tried the doppler again (not really thinking much would happen) and within seconds I found that beautiful sound. Whoa, no way!!!!! That was too easy! No doubt in my mind this time though and I heard it for over a minute. So I counted a little over 160bpm! Wow, I'm not even 9 weeks! YAY! So, we did a video chat with Nana and Papa to share our news!

April 23rd
8 weeks, 4 days
The shirts I ordered for the kids arrived early! A FULL WEEK early! I have a doppler sitting in my bed side table just waiting for me. But being that the shirts weren't due to arrive until 9 1/2 weeks and that was our "annoucement", I wasn't tempted. Now, with the shirts in hand, I'm tempted. I admit, I pulled out the doppler, only for 3 or 4 minutes, but I think I heard a few beats! Hmmm, not sure, that's probably crazy to think I heard it!

April 16th
7 weeks, 4 days - 2nd ultrasound
Heartrate: It was there and that's all I remember!!!!!
Measuring: 7 weeks, 4 days by one measurement and 7 weeks, 5 days...exactly where I thought I should have been at this point. Also, in just 7 days time, that's 11-12 days of growth. However, it really made me think the tech just had trouble getting the measurement last week! Thank God!



April 9th
6 weeks, 4 days - First ultrasound
Heartrate: 135bpm
Measuring: 6 weeks, 0 days. I was NOT happy about this. We're not talking measuring 4 days behind because "every woman's cycle is different". If you want to use that as an excuse, I should be 7 weeks, 5 days today. But for ME, I should be 6w4d-6w6d and measuring this far behind has not proved to end well for me in the past. Luckily my new OB (yes, I've changed AGAIN), did not want me going for 4 weeks not feeling confident, so I go back next week.
Pro: Great heartrate and the tech kept mentioning when she was measuring that she was having trouble seeing where the baby ended because it was right up against the wall...this seemed to be KEY! Possible tech error!?!?
Con: At 6 weeks, babies don't vary much. Being 4-6 days off at 6 weeks is kind of a lot. We're not taking genetics into account like we would when the baby is 20-30 weeks and some babies are just bigger/smaller!

March 27th
4 weeks, 5 days - Off to Mexico
Our plans won't really change other than the 3-4 alocholic drinks I may have had over the course of the week will now be non alcoholic...but, no big deal! Also, all of the activities we're planning will not be a problem, with a bean so small and snuggled nice and safe in there, there will be no problems with what we have in our plans! YAY! Luckily little one, going to Mexico already! And yay for a week full of fun to distract me from one of the hardest weeks of waiting!


March 23rd
4 weeks, 1 day
I decided to not do blood work this time. In 5 pregnancies this is the first time I've not done blood work. I hope I don't regret it!


March 22nd
4 weeks - Positive Pregnancy Test
I was celebrating my birthday tonight with my friends and I needed to know if I was having drinks with or without alcohol...without it is!!!! Luckily I don't think anyone suspected my non alocholic daquari since I made it to the resaurant and had a little chat with the bartender first!

Here's the proof:

So the first test I took (okay, first 2 tests), I really struggled...was that a line? Was I making it up? Being this light, that was a little annoying, it's not like I'm testing 5 days early! ARG...I need a better test. So after lunch, I headed to the store to get a "real" test. Never again will I test with the dollar store cheapies!Oh, here we go! Now THIS line came up within seconds! Thank you! WAHOO!!!