Nathan's Birth Story

He's here!! We have a new baby! Little Nathan Daniel joined our family on September 14th at 12:33 AM. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz and was 20" long. And he has red hair. We have a redhead! He's sooooo cute.

It's funny to think I'm posting his birth story on my due date. Heh. No due date baby this time around! I'm definitely not complaining about him coming 6 days early ;)

The birth story itself may be TMI. If you're like me and like to read all the gory details of giving birth, read on. If not...well, just scroll to the pictures ;)

I started losing bits of plug 3 days before I went into labor. I had a few contractions here and there, but nothing consistent or painful. I woke up around 6 AM on the 13th with timeable contractions. Most of them were pretty mild, but they definitely built in intensity as the morning wore on. We knew we'd be going in that day.

Our baby's name changed on us during labor. We planned on naming him Benjamin Luke, but it was very clear to us that his name is Nathan Daniel. It was a special spiritual experience for our family; one that I'm not willing to post all over the internet. I haven't even fully explained it to some family members yet. Not that I think they'd be rude about it or anything, just...it's kind of hard to explain and I'm not sure how accepting they'd be. If that makes sense. Most of my family doesn't have the same beliefs as we do.

The name change totally surprised us. Neither are names we would have chosen on our own. Not that they're bad names; we just had reasons not to use them. We have a brother-in-law named Nathan and a nephew named Nason. And...I almost married a Daniel who turned out to be a major loser. So, yeah, not exactly names on our list!

But when it's that clear that that's his name, who are we to argue?

The night before I went into labor, we discovered that our babysitters would only be available during the evening/night. Understandable, since they're both in school, but it was definitely stressful to look for a day babysitter while in labor! Thankfully, our awesome friends Ben and Vicki were able to watch Emma and Hyrum for us until Tori and Adam could come over.

We finally got to the hospital around 1 PM and I was miserable! Oh how I hate contractions. They didn't even put me through triage; they just put me in a regular labor and delivery room since it was my 3rd and I was so unbearably uncomfortable.

Ha, they don't know how long my labors are. But that's ok; the sooner I get in, the sooner I can get my epidural ;)

I was 4.5 cm dilated when they checked me. I got my epidural around 3:30 and life was good! Kudos to the women who do it without. I...am a wimp. I don't like pain. I like drugs that take the pain away. I have really long labors, so drugs are a very good option for me. Sure, it might be faster if I didn't get an epidural, but I'm not willing to find out. I don't think that it would in my case. I'm exhausted by the end enough as it is.

I was thrilled to find out that my doctor was the one on call at the time. I'm not really a fan of the other OB at their office. He's rubbed me the wrong way every time I've met with him.

I got stuck at 7 cm for a loooong time. I always get stuck somewhere! So annoying. I experienced a bit of karma with this one; my son decided to float back up - just like I did to my mom when she was in labor with me. Little stinker. Things sped up after I changed positions (I tried to nap a little before) and used the bed pan (I warned you ;)). I quickly went to a 9 after that.

But then I got stuck at 9! Aaagh! He did not want to move back down! It seemed to take forever. It's funny; every time the nurse mentioned trying pitocin, my body decided to behave and have some mega contractions. LOL, she even brought in a pitocin drip and purposefully left it there (but not hooked up) since the threat alone seemed to work.

Even so, we had to do some less-than-pleasant things to help me dilate the rest of the way. Like attempt pushing while being checked. Can I say ouch?! Even with an epidural, that is just awful!

That alone exhausted me. By the time I was finally dilated enough to push for real, I was sooo worn out and ready to be done. I had a bit of an emotional meltdown. "I can't do this, I just want him out, I just want to be done" crying kind of thing.

Thankfully, the nurse said I only had to push for 30 minutes and if that didn't get him out, we'd get my doctor in and try the vacuum. Phew! Well, 30 minutes of misery later, we got my OB in and tried to push for a few contractions before he pulled out the vacuum.

By that point, I had nothing left. I was sooooo exhausted. Although technically I only pushed for 30 minutes, I really pushed a ton more because of all that time we tried to help me dilate. But my OB told me I still needed to push with the vacuum and that he had a limited number of pulls. He didn't tell me how many until after (probably a good thing - sometimes ignorance is bliss).

While we waited for a contraction to use the vacuum, I prayed with everything I had. I had no strength of my own left to give; I needed help. I prayed as hard as I could.

He came out with only one pull.

I did end up needing an episiotomy (again - 3rd time's the charm!) and then tore a little beyond that. 2nd degree again, just like with Hyrum. Still, it's better than the 4th degree I had with Emma. I wonder what it'd be like to not need stitches after...

Afterwards, my doctor said he was amazed by the strength I found at the end. I told him it was because I prayed for it; it totally wasn't me at all.

We were all astonished that baby Nathan had red hair. My OB is a redhead, so of course he thought it was awesome. We love his hair! My grandpa (Dad's dad) had red hair, as did one of John's great uncles (I think?). So it's not impossible...just a bit unexpected.

We thought we'd get another blonde or a baby with John's really dark brown hair. But nope, not this little guy! He likes to surprise us. Like by changing his name during labor...or by coming a week early...or by being a boy...or by this pregnancy happening when it did...yeah, he definitely keeps us on our toes already!

He had a hard time learning to latch at first, but a very astute nurse noticed that the poor little guy was tongue-tied. Once we got that taken care of, he learned to adjust and can now latch better. He's still a little lazy about opening his mouth enough, but we're getting there. Good thing I have as much nursing experience as I do!

Now we're all home and adjusting well. I recover amazingly well so I constantly have to remind myself not to overdo it. I've done too much a few times already anyway. Like walk to my favorite craft store...with stops at the consignment store and the grocery store on the way...with 3 kids...yeah, that's a LONG walk. Don't worry; my mom was with me so it's not like I went by myself with 3 kids. Sooo not ready to do that! We had John pick us up after so we wouldn't have to walk home :)

Emma and Hyrum just adore him. Emma keeps saying, "he's so cute! I love him." Hyrum says "baby" all the time and tries to give him toys. He helped me burp him today, too. They both love to hug and kiss and hold him. They also love to help with diaper changes. Such sweet, loving, good older siblings!

My mom is here to help and it's been SO helpful. I'd be lying if I didn't say we've had our disagreements...anyone who knows our relationship would know that we can't spend that much time together without some sort of issue popping up. But she holds the baby, changes him, cooks, cleans, etc. After being so spoiled, it will be tough to adjust to not having her here when she leaves!

And now, for the part you've all been waiting for: pictures!!!


Just after birth


Brothers ♥ Hyrum kissing baby Nathan ♥


LOL, Emma looks annoyed, but she loves the baby and was rocking him. Tori's comment on Facebook was the best: Emma's like, "I know how to hold a baby."






Aaaaaaw ♥




Snuggled up with Grandma


"No more pictures, Mom!"






The big kids all dressed up for church; obviously I stayed home with the baby!


And this is why we walked to the craft store; to get supplies to make this cute name sign for Nathan.


All 3 name signs together ♥ It's on a built-in shelf in their room.


Grandma hard at work ;)


Yay, he likes the swing!!

And that's our sweet little baby ♥ We just adore him. He's so cuddly and sweet. He's sooo cute! Everyone loves him ♥

My 3rd 3rd Trimester

I should probably post a pregnancy update while I'm still pregnant, yes? It's weird to think this is my 3rd 3rd trimester. And no, it's certainly no more fun than it was the other 2 times.

But at least with this one I don't have to deal with carpal tunnel, swelling, or unknown gallbladder issues. Definitely an improvement from last time! My wrist only hurts if I spend too much time at the computer; but it would do that anyway. I'm still rocking the wedding ring at 37 weeks. And I no longer have a gallbladder ;)

But I have plenty of other discomforts. Oh yeah. Heartburn. Oh how I hate heartburn. And the waking up every 2 hours to use the bathroom. Yeah, that can go away now, thanks. Granted, I'll be up every 2 hours to nurse soon, but at least I'll be able to fall asleep again.

I have a huge belly that makes it hard to do things like brush my teeth or drive. I can't reach the sink without pushing on my tummy. At least I get out of dish duty this way! Driving is a challenge. I'm really short, so I have to be pretty close to the pedals. Which...doesn't work so great with a big fat belly pushing into the steering wheel. Thankfully, John usually drives when we go places anyway. It's when I'm going out on my own that I have to deal with it.

Not to mention the hormones. Oh boy. I've been crazy grumpy irritable psycho mom this whole time. Sleep deprivation makes it worse. Which, of course, happens frequently. I fly off the handle about the dumbest things. It's ridiculous. I'm trying to be patient...but it's so hard! Some days are better than others. And other days...well, let's not go there. I think my family will be very happy once these hormones are gone!

My son likes to push his butt or feet out. It hurts! Like his siblings, he prefers the right side. I'm mean; when he stretches out, I push him back in. If you're running out of room in there, you're welcome to come out...just sayin' ;)

But what I hate the most is ligament spreading. OH do I hate it! It hurts!! Getting up is so painful. Rolling over, walking, any type of position change - regardless of how small - hurts. I'm sore all the time. I'm so ready to be done with this!

Well...mostly. I have a big fat to do list that needs completing before he can make his appearance. Like finish Hyrum's baby book, clean my bedroom to make room for the pack n play, clean the car seat cover (it was in storage), finish updating my recipe book, give John and Hyrum haircuts, and get the blog up-to-date. That's not even close to everything. But I'm almost to the halfway point on Hyrum's baby book, I made significant progress on the bedroom project, I plan to give the boys their haircuts tomorrow evening, and, as you can see, I'm working on the blog updates now.

There will always be more to do than I can reasonably accomplish. As long as I get the high priority things done, we'll be set. And if not...we'll survive. All new babies really need are clothes to wear, food to eat, diapers, snuggles, and a place to sleep. Aside from the diapers, I've got everything I really need. All the same, I'd like to get more stuff done before he comes!

Health-wise, I'm doing great. I'm measuring perfectly, have awesome blood pressure, baby is right on track, etc. I've gained 22 lbs so far. So if I gain a pound a week like I'm "supposed" to, we're looking at around 25 lbs total. I gained 20 with Emma and 17 with Hyrum, but I also weighed less when I got pregnant this time around.

All in all, despite the many discomforts, everything is going great. We're so excited to meet our little boy!

Upcoming Birthday and Baby Needs

Wow, did I really not post anything in July? It was a super crazy month, full of tons of fun family activities and more. I'll have to post about that soon.

But first...my birthday is coming up. And not just any birthday. My 30th birthday. It's less than 2 weeks away (15th)...and I have no idea what I'm doing. I think I know what I want for it gift-wise, but that's about it.

I'm pretty sure I want this necklace. But I also really like this one, this one, and this one.

Honestly, I'd love to have all of them...but that's not very realistic. At least not for my budget! But which one do I want most? Which one would you get?

I also want this book.

Another good gift option would be the only Sims 2 stuff pack I don't have yet, Kitchen and Bath stuff.

So, if you're interested in getting me a gift, any of those options are good ;) Or there's always cold hard cash. That's always useful. Feel free to check out my Amazon wishlist for ideas ;) Just keep in mind that a good chunk of what's listed there is for the kids. I don't want the dress up, Legos, or cars and trains stuff for myself ;) Well, maybe the Legos... Books or movies are always good.

Now, how to celebrate my birthday? Cake, obviously. I'm going to order a yummy cake from my favorite grocery store bakery. I'm thinking white cake with raspberry filling and whipped frosting. But what to do for the party itself? My birthday lands on a Monday. John will be working all day now that he started his internship. He'll get home around 5:30 or so. During the day, it'll be just me and the kids.

Originally, I wanted to go to Olive Garden for dinner that night. I still do. But...we can't afford it :( Maybe we could go to the new water park? They have some specials on Monday evenings. Maybe get pizza? Or make my own special birthday dinner (which is what I usually do because no one else knows how to make my favorite meals the way I like them)? Or go somewhere cheaper for dinner?

Oh I don't know. I want my birthday to be something special this year. After all, you only turn 30 once. There are so many family birthdays in the 2 months preceding mine that my birthday tends to get glossed over. Seriously, there are 16 family birthdays in the 2 months before mine. 16!! So by the time my birthday comes around, everyone is all birthday-ed out. That, and most of the family lives 800 miles away...

Last year, my birthday was a total bust. It was a Sunday, we all had colds, and I still had to direct the choir number at church. Lame. So I want this year to be FUN. I did at least get to have a yummy dinner (homemade lasagna)...but I made it myself. The cake, an ice cream cake from the grocery bakery, was a disappointment last year, too. So, this year needs to be NOT lame. It's bad enough that I'll be huge and uncomfortable on my birthday (34 weeks 6 days). I really want a good birthday this year. But I don't know what I want to do for it yet! Gah! And of course I have to figure that out before I can make it awesome.

John keeps asking me what I want to do, and I hate having to tell him I don't know. Everything I can think of costs money we don't have. This time of year is the hardest financially for us - especially this year with John's unpaid internship. Financial aid and such will come in soon ish, but not until 2 weeks or so after my birthday.

Switching gears a bit here...

We're getting closer to having 3 kids. Crazy! I'm now 33 weeks along. Can you believe that in just 7 weeks (or less) we'll have another baby? It'd be awesome if he decided to be a due date baby like his older siblings. I'd laugh hysterically if that happens. But I certainly wouldn't complain if he decided to be a week or 2 early...;)

We have most of what we need for him. The biggest thing we needed was a van and we got that back in March. We got the dresser for free and got it all fixed up and stained. I washed all the newborn and 0-3 month clothes immediately after we put the dresser in the kids' room. We just got a replacement swing for the one Emma broke. It's a travel swing, similar to the one we used to have. I got it used for a great price. All it needs is batteries.

There are a few more things I'd like to have but don't necessarily need. They'd be very useful, but I could live without them. I still want them, though ;)

First, I would really like a new diaper bag. I didn't buy one at all last time around. I mostly used the free one from the hospital. It worked ok, but I'd really like something that zips closed and has more pockets. Trenna gave me a Mary Kay bag and it's nice, but it's too big for everyday use. We use it as our church bag. I'm thinking about this bag. I originally picked out the black and avocado, but now I'm thinking about the black and turquoise as well. I think I'm currently leaning more towards the turquoise. What do you think?

I'd also like to get a few new outfits. I have found a few "new" secondhand items, but I'd like him to have at least a few brand new things. I'd particularly like to get him some of those cute appliqued tie onesies. I'm not good at sewing type projects, so I'd have to commission/buy those.

I'd also like a new pouch sling. I had one for Emma, but it was pink and black. Very girly. And I was bigger than I thought I'd be postpartum so it was kind of too snug. I lent it out to a family member, but I'm not sure if she realized it was an on-loan kind of thing...oh well. I'm too fat for it and having a boy anyway.

Other than that, all I need is to stock up on diapers and wipes. Oh, and maybe a few more hooded bath towels. Maybe a couple more cute blankets? I have a lot of stuff already. The benefit of already having one of each ;)

So if anyone is in the mood to get birthday or baby gifts for me...that's what I'd like!

It's Another...

BOY!!!

Once again, we were so sure it'd be a girl...and he very clearly isn't. He had no qualms about letting us see his boyness.

Oh no. He was flaunting it. Guess he didn't want to be named Cinderella ;)

Emma's response to the news was epic:
"No I don't want it to be a boy. I want it to be a girl! Change it!!"

I cracked up laughing. It was either that or cry because...I felt the same way.

I really really really wanted another girl. Still do. I can't say I'm not disappointed. And I feel horribly guilty about wishing this baby wasn't a boy.

I'm trying to focus on the positives. It'll be good for Hyrum to have a little brother, someone to wrestle and get muddy with while being stuck with Mom all day. Emma and I will be that much closer and have the mother-daughter bond I've always wanted. And someday we will have another girl. Hopefully the next baby because I don't know how many boys in a row I can handle. I'm not even sure I can handle 2 yet.

Just when I think I've accepted the fact, something smacks me right in the face to tell me I haven't completely embraced the truth that I'm having another boy. Someone posting that they're having a girl. Seeing all those cute baby girl clothes at the store. Friends cuddling their newborn daughters. Pulling up my ultrasound pictures to prepare this post. Which is why it's taken me 3 weeks to announce it on my blog.

I feel guilty for being disappointed. I don't want my poor unborn son to think his own mother didn't want him. I don't want him to read my journal entries about how I wanted a girl and was sad that it was a boy instead. I never want him to feel like I don't want him. I do want him.

And once he's here I'll know that we needed another boy, that he was meant to come to our family now, that everything is as it should be.

John and Emma are both more accepting than I am. Emma keeps telling me how she's going to help change his diaper, feed him (good luck with that...), bathe him, dress him...she's so sweet about it. She's such a great big sister already and I love how much she wants to help me take care of her new brother.

As for our new little guy, he's doing great. He's perfectly on track for his due date. Wouldn't it be funny if he joined his siblings in the due date birthday club? I wouldn't be surprised, actually. I'm kind of expecting it. But of course, he'll come when he's ready.

He measured in the 57-59th percentile for his gestational age. A little on the big side, but hopefully he won't take after his big brother on birth weight. I don't really want to push out an almost 10 pound baby again thanks. I'm trying to eat healthier to prevent that. I think being due right after Christmas last time didn't help...what with all the yummy holiday treats everyone kept bringing us. I'm aiming for the 7 pound range this time :)

The best part, however, was that after they did the regular ultrasound with all the measuring and gender identifying and such, they switched to 3D!! We got to see our little guy in 3D!



Isn't he adorable? He kept his face snuggled against the placenta, so we couldn't get a great shot of him. He wiggles around a lot, so that kind of surprised me.

We're making progress on getting all the things ready we need for this little boy. We have the van now. We already have a car seat (it's good till 2013 - did you know car seats expire? I'm planning a big post on car seat safety in the nearish future). We have baby boy clothes, though most of them are hand-me-downs or consignment finds since I never got a baby shower with Hyrum. We have blankets.

We inherited a dresser from my grandparents, which we're in the process of fixing up - all it needs now is the clear protective coat for the stain. I'll post more about that project later, too. We have a bed for him. Poor kid will be in a pink Pack N Play for the first 7 months. Hey, it's what we've got and we don't have room or money for another crib or to switch Hyrum up to a big boy bed. We're moving next April anyway (when he'll be 7 months old). So those transitions will happen then.

Honestly, we already have most everything we'd need. I'd like a few more cute outfits for him, but the only thing we really need is another swing. You know, since Emma broke it last summer...

And of course diapers and wipes. Those are always needed. I think I want to at least test out cloth...we'll see how that adventure goes. I'm lazy and am so sick of poop, but I know that will save us a ton of money so I'm willing to at least try it. Especially since I have friends who've offered to make some diapers for me to test out. I'll pay for them, of course, but it's a ton cheaper than vendor cloth diapers. So...we'll see.

As for names...we don't know yet. We have a few names bouncing around in our minds, but neither of us are sure if they're right for this baby. It took us forever to pick Hyrum's name, whereas with Emma we had her name picked out by 11 weeks. We'll see what this little guy wants to be named. Suggestions are welcome :)

1st OB Appointment

I had my first check up last week. I've been meaning to write about it since, but, well, life got crazy. More on that soon.

As for my appointment, everything looks great. I went in expecting to get a pap, internal ultrasound, and bloodwork. The nurses totally made my day when they told me I didn't need a pap till my post-partum check up :D Since I've never had an abnormal one, it's every 2 years. And after I turn 30 (in August! Eep!), it'll be every 3 years. Yay for less paps for me! And the lab guy comes to pick up the bloodwork at the time I was still talking to my dr, so I didn't have to be poked, either. They'll just do it next time.

It was soooo cute to see my tiny baby on the ultrasound ♥ Baby is measuring 4 days ahead of my LMP, so they moved my due date up 4 days! Sweet! I'm now due September 20th.

Isn't my baby so cute?


LOL, at one point, baby gave us a perfect legs/butt view - too bad it's too early to tell! I still really think it's a girl. Emma is very adamant that it's a girl and that her name is Cinderella :D

Wouldn't it be hilarious if I had another due date baby? I wouldn't be surprised, but I'd seriously laugh hysterically.

My next appt is April 1st. Hyrum has his 15 month check up that day, too. Since my OB office and the pediatrician office work together, the receptionist at my OB was able to look up what time Hyrum's check up is so we could have them back to back. So totally awesome. They're conveniently next door to each other, too. Love it.

I'm doing lots of updating today, so don't miss out on all my new posts!

We're going to need a bigger vehicle...

...because we can't safely fit 3 car seats into the back of our Corolla...

We'd LOVE to get something like this:


It's WAY out of our price range, but a girl can dream, right? Realistically, we'll probably get an older, used van, but still safe and reliable.

But yes, we're having another baby! Baby #3 is due late September. I'll be 9 weeks along on Saturday.

This...was and wasn't a surprise. It was in the fact that we weren't officially planning to try until May. But at the same time, it wasn't.

Back in December, John asked me when I wanted to try for another baby. He said he was thinking January. At the time, I felt ok with that. And then I had the distinct impression that we'd get pregnant with a little girl in January.

But then, as January approached, I...panicked. Totally freaked out about the idea of having 3 kids, about having to buy a van with zero money, about the fact that I'm still nursing Hyrum and wanted a break between nursing and pregnancy, about fitting another baby into our tiny 2 bedroom apartment, about my ability to be a good mother to another child...I pretty much let my fears and apprehension get the best of me.

And so I decided I wanted to wait...

Obviously Heavenly Father had something else in mind. I don't fully comprehend His timing with this, but I know everything will work out. Somehow. I'm trying not to let myself doubt and fear. It's challenging, though.

Especially about the whole no money thing. At least we have clothing for either gender and we already have pretty much all the baby gear we need. We only need a bigger car...which, of course, isn't exactly a small purchase.

Emma insists that it's a girl and that her name is Cinderella. Hahaha, no. We do think it's a girl, but there is no way I'm naming my child Cinderella.

Although...we also thought Hyrum would be a girl...and he very clearly isn't. So we'll see. Either way, we've got all the clothing and blankets etc.

Thankfully, I haven't been nearly as sick this time. With my first 2, I had awful awful "morning" sickness. I threw up so much. I even made a chart with Emma...I know, nerdy beyond the extreme. With Hyrum, I had to be on zofran up till 30 weeks. Miracle drug, seriously. Loved it. But it's not cheap.

But this time? Hardly anything. I feel a little nauseous now and then, but it's NOTHING compared to what I dealt with before. I haven't thrown up at all. I've had some issues the other direction, which is annoying for sure, but I'd rather deal with that than throwing up. When I do feel a little sick, I eat something and lay down until I feel better. I almost threw up yesterday, but only because Hyrum choked on a Cheez-it and threw up on me.

I really think the main reason I'm not as sick this time is because I no longer have a gallbladder. I am 100% convinced that is why it's much better this time. The whole zofran till 30 weeks last time was mostly because my gallbladder was failing and we didn't know it. We were oblivious until I wound up in the ER last March and had surgery within an hour of my bloodwork coming back...

I have to eat like ALL the time. It's irritating. And of course, I can only eat whatever my body dictates at that time. Which of course means 3 AM cravings for white cheddar Cheez-its...when we didn't have any. Or Sunday night cravings for strawberry ice cream. Torture, I tell you. Torture.

I hope the whole eating all the time will improve when Hyrum fully weans. He's currently down to 2 nursings a day (morning and bedtime). I plan to cut the morning one out soon. I hope weaning will improve my non-existent energy levels as well.

I've been beyond exhausted. My poor house is a total disaster. I haven't had the energy to clean for...um...too long. I don't even want to know. It's seriously disgusting. If anyone is interested in doing a service project...

No really, I mean it. I have no shame in accepting cleaning help. Just sayin...

I have my first appointment on March 1st. It's not going to be a fun one, though. Pap, internal ultrasound, bloodwork...yuck. I am excited to see the baby and hear the heartbeat, but internals are not exactly pleasant. It'll be good.

And I'm hungry again. Time to find something I can stomach eating. It's amazing I haven't gained any weight with how frequently I have to eat. And the foods I can stand aren't exactly the healthiest of choices.

Haha, and Hyrum just found the Cheez-its. Um, no. Don't want him to choke on them again. Time for food!