2 Weeks

Wow, I cannot believe it has been 2 weeks!  We are adjusting well to our new addition...well, except for Rocky.  He is scared of the little guy.  He will come up and sniff for a second and then runs off.  I know they will be best of friends once Brody gets a little bit older, it is just going to take some time.  We go to the doctor on Friday for Brody's check-up so I will have all the stats then.  We did go to the hospital today to get some lab work done, his PKU test.  I went all by myself and I thought I was going to get teary, but I surprised myself and didn't.  I think it is because Brody did so well.  He screamed right after the prick and then whimpered a little.  I am so proud of my baby boy, taking it like a champ!

A Life Saver

Could this be the greatest invention?  It seems to be working wonders here in this household!  Last week, we had 2 long nights of no sleep, thanks to our sweet baby boy!  Gabe did some research and got the idea to invest in a sleep positioner.  We went to Babies R US that day and bought one, pictured below.  I think it is the best $30 we have spent in a while.  Everytime we put him down in the cradle to sleep at night, not a peep!  Before the positioner, he would be completely asleep in your arms and the second he went flat on the cradle matress, he began to cry.  I am getting more sleep thanks to this wonderful invention!

1 Week Old

Time flies when you are having fun.  I cannot believe it has already been a week.  We are all doing good, I'm extremely tired and feel completely worthless!  Brody sleeps non-stop except when it is time to go to bed.  I think he does this on purpose :)  Gabe has been amazing and so helpful.  I knew he was going to be all things wonderful, but each day he surprises me more and more by his willingness to help, the love he shows for Brody, and how well he takes care of us.  I think I have changed maybe 3 diapers total, he changes them all!  He bathes Brody too!  I am going to be lost and not know how to do anything when he goes back to work.  

Brody is the best snuggle bunny in the world!!!!  It is the most calming thing to have him sleep on your chest.  Instantly makes me want to sleep and nap!  We sure are enjoying him and have loved all the visitors we have already had, and hope more come.  He is cute in the pics but cuter in person!

Baby Brody is here!

What a whirlwind of a week it has been since Sunday.  So let's start at the beginning.  I basically cried all day Sunday since I was extremely nervous of what was to come, "the unknown!"  We check-in promptly at 5 pm.  They were expecting me!  I changed my clothes, got into a beautiful hospital gown, and get hooked up to some monitors...fun stuff. 

I was to be given something called cervidil that night to help soften my cervix (sorry if this is TMI) and begin a petocin drip in the AM to begin my labor (induce).  After about 2 hours of receiving the cervidil I begin feeling really strong cramping in my lower abdomen, this medicine is not to induce labor.  Gabe says I have a high pain tolerance, I am not so sure, anywho...this pain was getting more and more uncomfortable, putting me into tears.  Finally we decided to call a nurse and I was given nubane, which works instantly!  I could hardly feel the pain and was drowsy before she finished inserting it to my IV.  That worked for about 20 minutes!!!  Next thing I knew, an anesthesiologist was called into give me my epidural since I was in active labor...no petocin will be needed.  This is all about 10-11 pm Sunday.  None of this was to happen until the next morning.  We decided it was best to call the family out to McKinney, especially since one of the nurses said I would have a baby by 3 am!  (That by the way, didn't happen).Everyone shows up around midnight and no dilating progress.  We are up pretty much all night.  I dosed here and there, along with my mom.  Not sure if anyone else slept too much.  The next morning, I had made some progress but not much...still having regular contractions that I cannot feel (thank goodness!).  I was laying on my right side the whole time.  Every time they went to move me to the left side, Brody's heartbeat would drastically drop, which made me so nervous.  Early-morning it was decided to go ahead and put some monitors inside and on the baby's head to see how strong the contractions really are.  At this point we are really talking C-section delivery...which I am becoming more ok with.  My doctor had a scheduled surgery at another hospital that morning and she was heading back to deliver Brody shortly after.  Another doctor from the practice I go to came in to check my progress.  She gave me the best news ever, that I had dilated and we were going to have this baby the way I wanted to and shortly!  Dr. Chin, my fabulous doctor who I cannot say enough wonderful things about, comes in and we are ready to go. 

The L&D nurses had me already for when Dr. Chin walked in.  I began pushing around 10:30 am and Baby Brody entered this world at 11:09.  Gabe and my mom were so encouraging and helpful the whole time, I am so glad they were there to help me along the way, 15 hours of labor and 35 minutes of pushing.  Brody weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds 1.8 ounces and measured 20.5 inches.  He was a good sized baby.  

Gabe and I couldn't be happier and more thrilled with this little guy.  We are still adjusting to our new life and everyday we get more and more attached to the miracle that he is.  Here are a few pictures, there will definitely be more to come.

A big day!

We are about to head out the door and make our way to Brody's birthplace (aka: Medical Center of McKinney). Today has been filled with many emotions thanks to the all so wonderful preggo hormones. One last day of having a big 'ol belly, peeing every hour, and sore feet. Gabe and I were talking last night about it seems so long ago that we found out we were pregnant and we can't believe the day is finally here. I know our lives are about to change in the best possible way, so how can I be so terrified?  We are so anxious to meet this little miracle. Next time you see us, we will be parents!  How crazy is that????

WISH US LUCK!  :)

Exhausted!

I am totally beat.  This has been such a busy week and just got home from open house!  yea, fun times for being a teacher!  Half way through it, I realized I had forgotten to change my shoes... oops!  I was still sporting my tennies!  haha.  Oh well, hopefully, if any one noticed, they gave me a break since I am "overdue!"  :)

To give everyone the latest, I am feeling great (except for complete and utter exhaustion after teaching all day) and Baby Brody is still cooking in my extra large, super-sized belly.  I am not really having contractions and if what I feel are contractions, they are not regular or consistant by any means.  The hardest part about my day is figuring out what I can wear since I my tummy has outgrown almost all of my maternity shirts and I do not want to buy anything more for a few more days!  I am hoping for one last weekend of rest before my life is forever dedicated to this little man that is about to enter this wonderful world we have waiting for him.

Love to you all, I am going to rest.

Last Doctor Appt

We had our last doctor appointment today before we meet our little guy.  He is due tomorrow, but seems to be extremely comfortable in my belly.  Me...not so comfy!  My belly gets very heavy at the end of the day.  My back and feet are taking the brunt of it.  I only worked a half day and I am still exhausted and completely worthless.  I told Gabe I would clean out the trunk of my car this afternoon with my extra time, and I probably took out 5 little items.  You should see my trunk! I still have stuff in there from when we moved out of our house in October!  I forgot what my trunk looks like when it is clean, seriously. It is time to move things out so I can fit the stroller in there, not to mention better gas mileage!  :)

I know mine and Gabe's families are becoming more and more anxious to meet Baby Brody, as we are too, but he is on his own schedule and will come when he is done cookin'.  If he continues to be stubborn and then he will be here on Monday, the 16th.  I cannot get over all of the emotions I am feeling.  Not only am I nervous about the delivery, but now I am beginning to think about what happens after he enters the world.  Will I feel a connection with him?  Will I want to hold him?  I hope I am not giving myself post-partum even before he comes.

Update

Brody and I are still hanging in there.  He seems to be mighty comfy.  I am really seeing a difference in my belly "dropping" so I believe he is starting to get in position.  It could be any time.  I just have super sore feet at the end of everyday.  I am looking forward to relaxing this weekend!  My next appointment is Monday afternoon.

We went to go see mommy Brooke and baby Gavin last night.  What a cute little guy!  He was so sweet and sleepy.  It was perfect since it was

 all of our really good friends there at the hospital.  I am in awe of how well Brooke did and how she is already reacting to motherhood.  Gavin is lucky to have such a wonderful mommy.  We kept passing the little one around like a hot potato.  Here is a picture of daddy Stephen and the new addition to the Long family.

Our house is coming along great.  We stopped by it last night to see progress and we have water!  How exciting!  Here is the latest pic:

Baby News

Looks like my friend Brooke will be having little Gavin sometime tonight or early in the morning!  We went to see her and she is doing great!  Can't feel a thing!!  :)

I will head back out to see her and the little guy tomorrow after work!  Send them happy thoughts for a pleasant birth!

No New News

Nothing to report from the doctor.  Baby Brody is very comfy where he is and isn't ready to come out.  Not to say that he isn't coming for a long time, but my doctor is fully expecting for me to be induced in 2 weeks.  I am fastly approaching the 30 pound mark, which is not what I wanted, but my doctor assures me I am all baby.  I'm not so convinced.  I took a belly shot yesterday and I am too embarrassed to post since I feel like a huge cow.  I cannot believe I will be a mom in less than 2 weeks!  CRAZY!

Mooyah

My step-brother just opened a Mooyah Burgers in Little Elm, TX.  If you are ever in the area, or know people that do, I know he would love a recommendation.  We just got word that his opening day (today) was the biggest in Mooyah history!  We ate there last night.  It was my first time to have it and it was delicious.  If his success continues, he plans to open a couple more in McKinney! 

2587 FM 423, Suite 404

Little Elm, TX 75086

(Hwy 423 and Eldorado Blvd.)

11am - 10pm,  7 days a week

We are ready...

We are ready, at home anyway.... I am the furthest thing from being ready at school.  I would be absolutely mortified if a sub had to walk into my classroom tomorrow.  Cleaning up and organizing my classroom is a priority this week!  I cannot believe TAKS is finally here!  I am so nervous for my kiddos.  They have been working very hard and hope they will all perform well!

Our mattress came in late last week and were finally able to finish setting up Baby Brody's sleeping quarters.  My dear MIL gave us the bedding for one of my showers.

  

I am a little late, but here is a picture from last weekend and Bella's 3rd birthday party.  She is too cute and very much on the go.  

And the latest pics of our house taken yesterday.  I cannot believe we have a roof.  We were able to walk through all the framing and go upstairs.  I am excited to see what comes next.

(this is our framed kitchen)

We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon, we shall see if Baby Brody is making any progress yet.  A close friend, Brooke, is due March 6th so we are expecting her delivery here any time!  I am so excited to meet little Gavin.  It should be fun to have 2 little ones so close in age.

Until next time, hope everyone had a great weekend!