Update and Pictures

Oh my, where to begin? First of all, my sincere apologies for being absent right now. We’re in the midst of trying to find a routine and balance, and quite frankly, I feel like we’re swimming upstream. Argh!!

Hudson is doing wonderfully!! I’m not sure how it happened but we were blessed with another easy baby. He’s eating every three hours and spends the rest of the time sleeping or just looking around, taking in his surroundings. He rarely cries and instead uses little grunts to let us know that he’s either hungry or wet; we’ve taken to calling him “squeaker” because of it. Breast-feeding is going very well; the engorgement stage has passed and we're on an excellent feeding schedule. We took him to the doctor yesterday and they confirmed that he has thrush, so is currently on antibiotics. Our poor, little man… He is growing like a weed, and already weighs over 8 pounds. *Sigh* I’m trying to stop time so I can savor these newborn moments.

Devyn seems to be adjusting as well as she can; she loves her baby brother and we constantly have to remind her to be “gentle” and/or “soft”. I’m really not sure how these babies survive their siblings, but by God’s grace, they do. While Devyn is in love with the new baby, she has decided that she hates me, however. We’ve had a couple of instances where she just screams at me for no apparent reason. Talk about feeling like mother-of-the-year! And our great bedtime routine?! She has yet to sleep through the night since we came home and our nerves are a bit frayed. Is this typical 2-year-old behavior? Is she trying to adjust to the changes? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Jon returns to work on Monday, leaving me home with the two kids alone. Do I feel ready? No. Am I scared? YES. Baby blues has struck again, and while not as bad this time around, I’m still prone to anxiety, fears, and mood swings. One moment I’m reveling in my two beautiful children, feeling blessed beyond comprehension, and the next I’m in tears as I try to juggle very different needs. I also want to sit and study Hudson’s every facial expression, every breath, like I did when Devyn was a baby but I find that Devyn needs more quality time with me right now. So those bonding moments with Hudson have to wait until nap and bed time. I feel like Hudson is getting gypped but I’m sure as long as his tummy is full and his bottom is dry, he’ll survive. All in all, we’re doing okay, just trying to adjust to our changing world.

iWon What?!

Last week I came home to a package waiting for me. I hadn’t ordered anything, so I just figured it was a gift from a well-meaning family or friend. I opened the first box and sitting inside was a brand-new, still packaged shiny, black iPod. I looked confusingly at Jon and asked if he knew anything about this. He shook his head no, and we tried to unravel the mystery.

The return address was no help; it was some shipping company. There was no invoice or notecard or giftcard attached. Could it be from a cousin who works as an Apple representative? After some calls to family members, it was clear that wasn’t the answer either. I was perplexed; I knew that I couldn’t keep this gift (very-wanted gift) without knowing who or why. Jon finally noticed a phone number listed below the return address and I gave them a call.

After explaining my dilemma, I was informed that the iPod was indeed mine to keep. I was shocked as the representative went on to explain that Kroger stores had been holding a sweepstakes and every time I used my value card at the store, I was entered into the sweepstakes and I won an iPod!! Me, the girl that never wins anything!! And the funny thing is, I rarely, if ever, shop at a Kroger store; I’ll pick up an item or two but that’s it. Maybe I should have run out and bought a lottery ticket that same day…

On Angel's Wings

It was the hardest funeral I’ve ever attended; the kind of funeral no one ever wants to attend, that of a 17-month-old baby. On Monday night, some mutual friends of ours were working on their ranch, feeding the cattle. Each parent thought the other had the baby boy, when the dad backed up his truck and ran over his son. Upon hearing the news on Tuesday, both Jon and I were reduced to tears as we thought of the horror they must be going through, and having a days-old son in our arms didn’t help matters. “What are God’s plans concerning this?” my husband wondered. I didn’t have an answer, sometimes God’s ways are not our ways, and we may never know what God’s plans are in taking baby Wyatt so young.

The funeral was yesterday; the church was packed, there was an open casket (call me cowardly but I couldn’t view him), and the receiving line went out the door. All in all, it was a beautiful ceremony. The pastors touched on every human emotion that the family and friends were experiencing; from anger to disbelief to sorrow and grief. The pastor tried answering the saddened statement of “it wasn’t supposed to be this way” the best he could, but again, God’s ways just aren’t our ways.

The ceremony ended with a letter that Wyatt might have penned to his parents from heaven; talking about how happy he was up there, playing with tractors and trying to rope angels. “It’s ok,” the letter said, “St. Peter said the angels don’t mind being roped.” The letter continued amidst the crying and soft laughter, describing the beauty of heaven and getting the opportunity to spend time with his best friend, Jesus. The letter then said, “Mom and Dad, please don’t think my guardian angel failed me that night. In truth, my angel carried me directly from this earth into Jesus’ arms.”

Wyatt Michael (September 17, 2005 – February 19, 2007): We may never understand why you were taken so young, but may you rest in peace and have a heck of a time roping those angels!

Sibling Slideshow

Just further proof that Devyn Paige is adjusting well to her little brother. We laid him on the floor yesterday and Devyn instantaneously got on the floor with him; anxious to smother him with adoring kisses.

I can't see the slideshow, is it just me? Can someone tell me what I need to do to fix this error? In the mean time, you can click here to view it in another window.

We're Home

Yes, we’re home. There are so many things and topics I want to write on but writing them in your head (at the 3:00am feeding) and actually getting to a computer to post them are two different matters. I already can tell my time is going to be limited during these next few weeks as we fall into a routine. Right now, Jon is handling both children like a pro and that has allowed me a few minutes online.

First of all, thank you ALL for your prayers! I know that was the driving force behind a fast, and pretty perfect, delivery. Last Wednesday we had our ultrasound and it showed that Hudson was weighing about 8 lbs, 6 ozs (which was quite frankly terrifying this 5 foot, 3 inch woman) and my induction had been set for Saturday morning. When I barely slept that night, I found myself begging God for mercy; I was just ready to be done. Contractions started about 2:00 and 2:30pm and lo and behold, Mr. Hudson was born a mere five and a half hours later, with only 3 pushes and no tears or episiotomy. I promise a more lengthy birth story at another time.

Everything seems to be going very well. Devyn has adjusted so easily, far beyond my greatest dreams. She loves her little brother and is such a great helper. Check out these beautiful photos below.

I’m going to end with what is fast becoming a favorite story to tell; one that left me feeling completely inept at mothering a little boy but hilarious all the same. I was changing one of Hudson’s first poopy diapers; Devyn was holding one of his hands by his head and Jon was holding the other hand. I had Hudson’s legs lifted, so they wouldn’t drag into the poop, thus making a bigger mess. All of sudden, everyone in the room started gasping and laughing. I looked up to find Hudson peeing all over his face; in his eyes, in his mouth, and in his hair. He even managed to spray both Devyn and Jon! In my panic, I picked him up to soothe him, as he was crying by now, but completely forgot about the poop-covered bottom. Needless to say, I was completely mortified, overwhelmed, and imept; nurses had to come help me clean up my bedding; and Hudson was given an impromptu bath in the sink. I’m sure this is just one story of many to come…

More details and pictures!

After weeks of false labor and some slow progression, Jenn finally went into labor around 2:00pm yesterday. The contractions were strong, and after admission to the hospital at five centimeters, Hudson made his entrance a mere 4-5 hours later. She barely had time to get her epidural before Hudson was making his way out!

Here's the official rundown of his stats for those who may have missed them:
Time born: 7:47pm
Date born: February 15th, 2007
Weight: 7 pounds, 9 ounces
Height: 20 inches long

"So you're the little man I've been so anxious to meet!
Welcome my sweet baby boy, you were worth the wait!"

"I'm a big sister, I think I'll call him "mine"!"

When I visited the hospital today, Jenn told me that at one point today, after Devyn had already meet her new baby brother, she came back from lunch and Hudson wasn't in the room. She proceeded to look frantically for the bassinet and then started crying. It sounds like she's already in love!

Daddy's pride, his two precious little ones!

Even while testing his lungs with a wide open mouth, those beautiful lips just don't go away! I'm putting my claim down for match making with my Chloe early!

Isn't he beautiful!

After four daughters, finally, a GRANDson!
Jenn will be home from the hospital, probably by tomorrow afternoon, so feel free to contact her at her home email or make posts to this site for her to read.
Happily,
Friend Sarah

Hudson Jonathan is Here!

On behalf of Jon and Jenn,

I'm happy to announce that Hudson Jonathan entered the world at 7:45pm on February 15th. He weighed in at 7 pounds 9 ounces, but I haven't recieved the length report yet. Here are some preliminary pictures from Jenn's camera phone, I'll be posting more this evening, so check back. Mom and baby are doing well at the hospital. They think he looks a lot like Devyn, but has his own look too. Check out those full lips! They say he takes after Aunt Christine in that department. Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!
Friend Sarah

Sold!

Does anyone remember this post? No sooner had I posted that entry when we discovered that we didn’t want to work with that builder after all. Both the builder and the real estate agent seemed to feel a little too sure of themselves. When asked about possible incentives and/or discounts, the realtor’s exact words were, “If they can find a better deal somewhere else, then they should take it.” So that’s exactly what we did; Jon and I decided we really didn’t want to invest such a large amount of money with someone who was taking our business for granted. So, we trudged on, looking at other builders in the same neighborhood.

After much consideration, discussion, and spirited talks (read: some fighting), Jon and I have finally made a decision on a builder, lot, and floor plan. I’ve attached a picture of the floor plan below. The house is approximately 2300 square feet, with 1160 square feet of it finished. The house will have three bedrooms, two baths, a three-car garage (at Jon’s insistence), and a gas fireplace. The only downside is that the laundry room is downstairs but we’re excited to have so much extra room to grow and build. This home is in a wonderful neighborhood and we’re so excited!

On Monday night, we actually signed a contract with the builder and wrote a check for our earnest money. (I don’t think I’ve ever written such a large check in my life!) Our realtor, and friend, Jeremy, went through each document with us, one-by-one, explaining what each said and/or meant. I think I was a little cross-eyed by the time we finished reviewing everything. So, as planned, we have a contract on a house that should be ready for move-in by early-July to mid-August and we have a street address; here’s a hint, it’s a very hard to pronounce flower.

Living with my parents, while not ideal, has been a huge blessing and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to get out-of-debt before taking such a big step in buying a house.

Baby Update

Ok, everyone, here’s the latest on Mr. Hudson’s hopefully-soon-to-be-arrival.

At my appointment yesterday, Dr. Susie finally stripped my membranes, something she refused to do at last week’s appointment. Yow-za! I never had that done with Devyn, so I wasn’t at all prepared for this procedure. However, as you can see, I’m still not in labor. Hudson HAS moved further down into my pelvic area, creating even more pain and pressure. I’m really not sure how much farther he can move down without falling out completely! I’m still approximately 4cm dilated, 70% effaced, and probably at a 0 station. I’m just NOT going into active labor, despite repeated attempts at walking, spicy foods (Mexican, wings, and Vietnamese), raspberry tea, peppermint oil massages, pedicures, etc.

At this point, Dr. Susie is sending me in for an ultrasound tomorrow morning to measure Hudson and make sure he’s actually as big as I know he is. Once that can be confirmed and if he still hasn’t arrived on his own (excuse me while I enjoy a quiet chuckle), then the doctor is going to get me on the schedule for an induction for Thursday or Friday.

I’m really not worried and feel a complete calm about the situation. For those that read Devyn’s birth story, you know that I’ve been through the induction-thing before; I’m just not waiting the full 10 days after the due date again. I can’t. While I never went into active labor with Devyn; I also didn’t have to deal with inconsistent contractions, dilation, or the pain or pressure I’m currently dealing with Hudson. I’m just ready…

So as of right now, that’s the plan. Please stay tuned for updates from my dear friend, Sarah, who has graciously offered to update my site while we’re in the hospital.

Devyn Moments

Moving on from baby stuff for a bit… [I have another doctor appointment this afternoon so I’m sure I’ll have a much better update tomorrow.]

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I think I may have the most modest daughter in the world and I’m praying that it stays that way!

Currently, Devyn is extremely confused about what to call her belly. She knows where her belly-button is but still refers to her belly as “baby”. I’m sure my pregnancy has something to do with the mix-up.

However, she absolutely hates having her “baby” showing! Any time her shirt is pulled up, or has been caught on a zipper or coat and her belly is showing, she’ll cry, “baby” and start pulling her shirt back down. It makes her quite distraught!

And lately, I’ve taken to lying around our house with my belly showing, just to get the constricting shirts off and letting it breathe! However, it really bothers Devyn and she’ll come over to pull my shirt back down!! It cracks us up!

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We have also come to the realization that our daughter loves to pray; over everything. It brings such a different meaning to having “faith like a child”, doesn’t it?! It doesn’t matter when, where, or why, the minute Devyn says “pray”, we pray. On our way to church yesterday, Devyn was jabbering away in the backseat when Devyn said, “I wanna pway.”

“Okay, munchkin, what should we pray about?”

“Daddy!” So we proceeded to thank God for giving Devyn a wonderful daddy; one who likes to play with her, read to her, and one who takes good care of us. With a delighted “Amen!” we were finished. Two minutes later, we heard her say again, “I wanna pway.” By that time we were pulling into the church parking lot, so we thanked God for a safe trip to church.

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I’m somehow feeling hopeful that Devyn will adjust to siblinghood with no problem. She keeps running over to rub my belly and say “hi” to Hudson. But the best moment came on Saturday morning when we were getting ready to run out for errands. As Jon was putting her in the car seat, Devyn in her sing-song voice says, “Baby… where are you?!”

I don’t know, munchkin, but Mommy would like to know when too!

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*Sigh* Do you think I can bottle these moments and save them forever?!

3 Hours Later...

Around 9:00 last night, I commented to Jon and my sister that I was in intense pain; not really contractions (although there were some of those too) but just intense pain and pressure in the pubic bone area. At 10:00, I went to bed, determined to fall asleep. Every movement, every bump hurt immensely; I even had a horrible time getting into bed.

At 11:30, I was awakened with the pain worsened, crying out as I turned over in bed. By 12:30, I had called the nurses station on the Women’s Center floor of the hospital, and was being checked out. I really didn’t think I was in labor, but the pain was just too bad. By 2:30, after learning I’d only gained an additional ½ cm in diameter, had moved from 50% to 70% effaced, had moved from -2 to -1 head position, but no change in the two hours I was there, I was sent home.

It really is okay; even as I walked the halls of the hospital with Jon, I was praying that my attitude would remain positive. That even if I didn’t have Hudson by the end of the day, surely I would have him at least by the end of next week. Sooo… three hours later, I was sent home and I’m actually feeling all right with the decision.

I’m going to go hop into a hot bath now; that should help this sore, sore mama.

Blessed

When it’s 5:00 in the morning and you know it’s a futile effort to try to go back to sleep, sometimes you just have to listen to the inner voice that’s telling you to get up, grab the hubby’s iPod, and listen to worship music.

Blessed be your name;
In the land that is plentiful,
Where your streams of abundance flow;
Blessed be your name.

God, I’m listening. I know I need an attitude check; I’m doing my best to wait patiently and calmly for your plans. I know that you feel my pain but in turn, I also know that I need to start reflecting on this new life and how to best mother this little guy.

Blessed be your name;
When I’m found in the desert place,
Though I’m walking through the wilderness;
Blessed be your name.

God, it feels like I’ve been pregnant forever, everything in my body aches. However, thank you for giving me this incredible moment in time. Thank you for blessing my body with life; thank you for each moment that he continues to grow safe and sound within my body.

Every blessing you pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

God, you are an amazing Father. You know every hair on Hudson’s body; you know the number of his days; you love my son more than I can possibly fathom. Thank you for entrusting this small, dear soul to my care. I ask for continued patience and strength to see this pregnancy through to the end. Thank you, dear Abba, for this incredible gift of life!

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name!

The Waiting Game

And the waiting game continues. Nope, no new baby to grace our family… yet! The contractions are still continuing and were pretty strong last night; two of the contractions actually brought me to my knees. But as soon as I started timing them, they stopped. Se la vie!

I have a doctor appointment late this afternoon and my doctor promised that she’d strip my membranes (where the amniotic sac is separated from the uterine wall) at this appointment. My fingers are crossed that this will be the final "push" I need to be sent into active labor. Better yet, I would LOVE to hear Dr. Susie say, “You know what? You’ve been patient for two weeks now, stuck at 4cm, let’s go ahead and admit you to the hospital!” A girl can dream, right?!

In the mean time, Devyn can definitely sense that something is happening. She is usually a very happy-go-lucky toddler, but seems to have developed a new aspect to her personality. We’re not sure if we’re being introduced to the “terrible” twos or if she’s aware that her world is about to change. We’re trying to work through some of the tantrum issues but are not always successful. I really hope that she’ll adjust quickly to being a big sister and having a baby in the house. We did get her a present from “Hudson” in the form of Berenstain Bear books and hopefully, that will help smooth the transition from only child to siblinghood.

So, nope, no news to share on this end; continued prayers for my attitude and my husband’s sanity would be greatly appreciated. In the mean time, my friend from Amy, Oh My, is having a c-section this morning (in fact, it’s probably already happened) and could use your prayers for a healthy baby and speedy recovery.

Weekend Recap

It is officially time to issue Hudson an eviction notice! Do you hear me, son? It’s time to vacate the uterus! We had a pretty laid-back weekend, most of which was spent trying to induce labor. We’ve tried everything from spicy food (it just gave me indigestion) to long walks in stores to raspberry tea; all to no avail. If anyone has any other ideas, please feel free to forward them on. I’m willing to try ANYTHING, with the exception of castor oil. For some reason, that stuff just scares me a little. Regardless, I seem to be stuck at 4cm dilated and strong contractions, but no active labor in sight.

Saturday morning dawned bright and early. I headed out the door for a pedicure appointment (a Christmas gift from my parents), in the hopes that a good foot massage would help labor along. So, even though the pedicure didn’t help things in that area, it was wonderful to sit for an hour and feel pampered. Plus I have really pretty toes for the doctor and nurses to look at when I do eventually have this child.

Jon and Devyn then met me for lunch where Jon and I decided that we have the most adorable little girl in the world. We love her gregarious attitude; her ability to have an adult conversation with nonsical words; and her ability to love everything and everyone in sight. She is truly a precious gift! We then went to Target where we proceeded to walk around the store for two hours. We often take these little field trips to stores like Walmart, Target, Pier One, etc. and play our make-believe game of furnishing our house. It’s the next-best thing to actually being able to buy the items. We then went home and shared a family nap.

That afternoon, I met my sisters, Mom, aunt, cousin, and Grandma at the movie theater to see “Because I Said So” with Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore. Now bear in mind, we thought this was going to be a really cute movie about a mother and her three daughters; we were NOT prepared for the insane amounts of sexual innuendo in this movie. Quite frankly, the movie would have been A LOT better without any of the sexual-stuff. My poor, poor cousin; I just don’t think anything could have prepared her for the movie. The eight of us then chose a wonderful Mexican restaurant for dinner; where I gorged myself on hot salsa and green chili, again, in the hopes to start active labor. Nope!

And then yesterday was spent napping, playing with Devyn, or watching the Super Bowl game. It’s so much more fun to watch the Super Bowl game when there is no vested interest (i.e, our team wasn’t playing, therefore, it wasn’t stressful) and you can enjoy the game for what it is. I’ll confess to having a hard day yesterday with my attitude and the fact that my body was just refusing to go into labor. There were no meltdowns, just a definitive attitude with everyone. *Sigh* For those family and friends who had to put up with it yesterday, my sincere apologies. Today, while I’m still sad to not be in labor, I’m more resolved to let it go and hopefully that will reflect in my attitude with others.

Jon, as usual, was an incredible support to me this past weekend. He graciously watched Devyn during my pedicure and my date night with Mom and the sisters on Saturday; not one complaint out of him. (Secretly, I think he enjoyed the time alone with his daughter and I know that Devyn probably LOVED the special one-on-one time.) And then yesterday, he was the only one who was able to calm me. There’s something about leaning against the chest of the man I love, who loves me in return, that restores my sense of balance and “rightness” in the world.

Well, that was our weekend in a nutshell. Still no baby news to share but hopefully (Lord-willing) that will happen soon…

Pregnant Belly Comparison

I thought it might be fun to include a pregnant belly comparison. On the left is a photo of myself when I'm 36 weeks pregnant with Devyn; and on the right is a photo of myself 38 weeks pregnant with Hudson. Although there's a good two-week difference, I still can't get over how much bigger my belly is with Hudson!! Oh yeah, and somehow within the span of 6 days, I have managed to gain another four pounds! Good grief!!