Max's Birth Story

 Waiting for Max was one of the most faith-building experiences I've ever had. Everyday since the 7th I would wake up wondering if "this was the day." I'd get contractions off and on, but they'd disappear when I went to bed. I just wanted him here so badly! I'm grateful for the peaceful feeling I'd get knowing that everything was going to be ok. And it was. 

After waiting over a week after my due date, I went into the doctor for yet another check-up. Knowing that my doctor had set up an induction date, I felt this was my last chance for any progress I'd be making on my own. I prayed for a change, and was pleasantly surprised when I was 1.5 more centimeters dialated! Hooray! My body was doing something! I had been 2 centimeters and 50% effaced for a month! I felt good going in for an induction knowing my body was starting to progress further.

We checked into the hospital at 7:30 and my doctor came in to break my water around 8:00. We waited about an hour before starting a low dose of pitocin. I started feeling contractions very frequently (like 3 minutes apart). Benj helped me keep my mind off things by playing a game of Small World. 

The nurse came in around noon and was concerned that the baby's heartbeat had dropped. It was determined that my contractions were coming too rapidly and baby wasn't getting enough time to recover in between. They stopped the pitocin altogether and put some medicine in my IV to raise both mine and the baby's blood pressure. That seemed to do the trick and his heartbeat came back up. 

 

 I was dialated to a 5.5 at this point and got my epidural. Let me tell you my epidural was awesome~ I didn't feel the pain of the contractions, but was able to move my legs. I heard the yells of a poor girl next door going through a natural birth while I slept and relaxed as I progressed. I felt a little guilty! I truly applaud you women who go through a natural birth, but I am grateful for epidurals!

About 1:30 I had progressed to an 8.5 - 3 centimeters in an hour without pitocin! At 2:30 I was a 9.5 and my doctor was once again concerned for the baby's heartrate. We started pushing knowing that we needed to get Max out. After about 2 rounds of pushing and little help from the vacuum, Maxwell Dean was born!

 His umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, causing his heartrate to drop. Once he was out he didn't cry right away. He had some gunk in his throat so once that was suctioned he let his voice be heard.Once I heard those cries, I cried too.

I got to hold him for a few minutes before they weighed and measured him. 9 lbs 12 oz and 23 1/2 inches! My biggest baby! The nursery nurse said she had never seen a baby so long. They were doing the APGAR test and Dr. Hurst said he should get 2 extra points - 1 for being able to walk and 1 for being able to beat up all the other babies in the nursery.

 Although big, he was still so small to me. The nurse handed him to me and the first thing I thought was, "Who is this little person?" I studied his little face, expecting to see some resemblance to his siblings. But he has his own little features. Tiny, perfect little features.

Benj, Max and I were able to have some alone time for about an hour. Max latched on like a champ. It was a very special time spent with the newest member of our family.

 Bonding time with Daddy.

 Right before his first bath, which he hated.

 Later that night, we introduced Max to a couple very special people. Doesn't Logan look thrilled? He actually was really excited about meeting his new baby brother. Norah kept saying, "baby dute (baby cute)". They each gave him a kiss without being prompted. It made my heart soar to be with all 3 of my babies.

 We also introduced him to his grandparents. Max gets his middle name from his Grandpa Croft.

 The next day (Friday) was spent cherishing some time alone with our little guy. He is a healthy boy, which I'm so thankful.

Saturday morning - ready to go home! I love this picture of Benj and Max.

Caught a smile.

All dressed ready to go.

This picture shows just how long he is.

Still looks so small in his carseat.

More updates and photos to come!

Come and Gone

The last 5 days have not been the easiest for me. Watching my due date pass on Saturday, I've been hopeful every day that our baby will make his entrance. I read somewhere that 50% of pregnancies go over their due date, so I shouldn't be that worried or surprised.

On Saturday night and Sunday morning I was experiencing pretty regular contractions. My parents were in Utah and planning to stay with us already, so I thought it must be really good timing! The contractions dwindled as Sunday went on and I knew I wasn't really in labor. Every night since, like clock work, I get some strong, regular contractions. But when I go to bed they go away.

On Tuesday night I waited about an hour and half before telling Benj that I had been having pretty good contractions. I decided it was time to go to the hospital. We got there and got hooked up to the contraction and heart beat monitors. The charge nurse checked my cervix after an hour and reported no progress. She also told me that the contractions were irregular and that I wasn't really in labor. I saved my tears until we were headed home in the car. I was so disappointed.

Today I had a doctor's appointment. I was hoping for progress but preparing myself to be the same. Sure enough, I'm still at 2 cm and 50% effaced. There has been no change in the last 3 weeks. The plan is to go back on Monday the 16th and have an ultrasound. The doctor wants to make sure that there is enough fluid around the baby and to perform a stress test. If there is still no progress, he'll schedule an induction for later in the week.

However, there are good things coming out of this:

First, I have enjoyed and needed my mom with me this week. She has been so helpful and supportive. The kids are getting all the love and attention they need, and I'm not running myself ragged.

Second, I know that I'm healthy and the baby is healthy. I'm thankful to feel his kicks and I know that waiting is the right thing right now. In fact, when we first calculated his due date, we thought it was the 15th. Maybe that's the date he is shooting for as well.

Third, I have felt love and reassurance from my Heavenly Father. I believe baby boy will arrive safe and healthy. My faith and patience are being tested, and I continue to receive peace in my heart that all will be well.

Anyway, that's the update right now. We'll see when baby decides to make his debut.

Nursery Reveal and the Waiting Game

 The bags are packed, the pantry stocked, clothes are washed, and the nursery is done. We're ready for you baby!

I had a fun time making a little nursery for baby boy. Benj and I painted the herringbone wall over the course of a few nights after the kiddos were asleep. I love the way it turned out.

I also made the little mobile above the crib. The little hanging basket holds burp cloths and swaddling blankets. The bow and arrow is from Benj's older brother.

 Its been fun to put out all of Logan's baby clothes and bedding. I'm excited to be able to use them again!

The room is small and cozy. I can't wait to rock my sweet baby boy each night.

By the way, today is our official due date! Crazy!

Stinger

 Last night our family went on a little outing to Farmington Pond. One, to get out of the house and two, to walk and see if we could make any progress on this baby coming!

We had a great time enjoying the pleasant weather and feeding some of the ducks. When we were headed up to our car, we must've disturbed some wasps. 

I heard Benj shout and he had been stung on the tricep. We hurried to the top where Logan was already waiting. He suddenly shouted and grabbed his eye. He had the wasp in his hand and Benj threw it to the ground. It had already did its damage and had stung him right on the corner of his eye. 

We tried to get him to calm down as we loaded the car, wanting to get home as quickly as possible. Once driving, I heard a buzz by my ear and I quickly shook my head. Sure enough, a wasp was in the car. I felt a sting on my neck and I screamed to stop the car and hurried and opened my door. Benj got out too and the wasp flew out. Both kids started crying and I was about to cry too! 

We finally made it home and gave Logan some pain meds. He slept well and this is what he looked like this morning:

 

 He said, "My eye feels better Mom!". He has been in a pleasant mood all day, so I'm glad he's not in pain or itching. Poor guy.

One thing is for sure, we will never go up that same path at Farmington Pond.

First Day

 Logan did it! His first day of preschool!

He was so excited to wear his backpack that he kept it on for an hour before we even had to leave. This year he is attending Magic Moments Preschool with Miss Lesli. 

When I dropped him off he got his picture taken and made a "train" with the other students. They choo-choo'ed their way into the classroom and he waved to me and he passed by. When I asked what he learned about when he was done, he told me "blue horses and trains". It's hard to get details from a 4-year-old.

Later that night we had a back-to-school dinner. We reminded Logan to be kind and to believe in himself. Fitting because he learned about the train that says, "I think I can."

I think he'll have a great year! Good luck Logan!

Zoo Outing

I wanted to take Logan and Norah on a few outings before the baby arrives. We hadn't made it to the zoo this year, so we decided to go last week. A lot of it is under construction and it was pretty warm, but we had a good time.

They had a Lego display this summer. Logan especially loved the polar bear. 

Our favorite animal this time was the sea lions. We loved watching them glide and swim by the window. 

I also loved how the grizzly bear was cooling off in his own little pool. 

No trip to the zoo is complete until we ride the carousel.

Norah loved it and kept saying "wheee" over and over. She was beside herself when we had to get off. She ran all the way around the fence crying trying to find her way back on.

I'm glad we got to go! I'm excited for the new exhibit (African Safari) which should be open next year. 

Yay for the zoo!