The Story. As Promised

I figure I should probably write this all down before I start forgetting things.

The morning of July 7, 2009 started out normally. I woke up un-rested, still very pregnant, round, and swollen. But. . . there was a little love in the air. For 9 years ago, on this very date, I had married the love of my life. My mom had arrived in town the previous day to await the arrival of the little one, and Aunt Natali was on her way shortly. Jake finally rearranged his schedule to accompany me to my Doctor's appointment, and we were planning on grabbing a little Anniversary lunch while out. We got to the Clinic at 11:30, and they uncharacteristically whisked me back to the Ultrasound room. (I usually have to wait forever.) It was the same Tech. that had done all of my previous ultrasounds, so, we were getting to know each other quite well. I knew immediately that something was just a little off. She seemed a little jittery, and nervous. Then, she told me that my fluid was getting pretty low, and the placenta was looking old. We were then whisked away to another room to wait for the Dr. She came in, and said "So, let's have a baby today!" That was great with me, I had waited long enough, and was just wishing I had thought to bring my bag with me. Within minutes, we walked to the hospital, and were admitted to Room 2349, where I spent the next hours in labor, and recovery.

While they got me prepped, and ready, Jake ran home to get our overnight necessities. They started my IV and Pitocin drip about 1:30 p.m. I was dilated to a 4-5 by 5:00 p.m., and was tired of the pain, so I asked for the epidural. After that kicked in, I felt good, and was ready to wait out the process. This wasn't the case. The baby had other ideas. With contractions coming fast, his heart rate kept dipping with each one, sometimes not rising good enough to recover in between. They gave me an Oxygen mask, and had me moving to different sides, on my hands and knees, sitting straight up in bed, all over, trying to find a position which made his heart rate stabilize. This was when I fainted, which was not fun, and kind of scared the nurses. I had failed to inform them that this is sometimes how my body reacts to stress. When the Dr. checked me again at 8:00 pm I was already at a 9, and she told me we would have this baby within the hour. Once again, this wasn't the case. I was stuck at a 9 for 2 hours, and the stubborn boy would not put his head down into the birth canal. His heart rate was still very unstable, and this is when the Dr. started threatening C-Section. I said so many silent little prayers, not wanting to have a surgery. As I was pleading with my baby to come down, I finally felt the pressure, and he engaged his head, and I was ready to push. I started pushing around 9:45 pm. This was exhausting, once again,because his heart rate dipped really low with each contraction, and push, and they made me push in all kinds of different positions. He was stuck at one point, and she really wanted to start prepping for surgery, but, she gave me one more try, and I pushed with all of my might. He finally arrived at 10:59 p.m. He was a little blue, and she didn't let Jake cut the cord, because they wanted to get him breathing quickly. I was relieved to hear that first cry, and while she sewed me up, I thanked the Lord for sending me angels. I was so tired, and after I had mustered all my strength, I felt a helping hand push the final way, and welcome my little miracle into the world. What a wonderful Anniversary gift.

More Baby Tristan

Wow. . . . it has been a crazy time since this cute boy came into our household. Baby #3 has definitely done a number on my body, and mind. I have had a very rough time recovering from him. Thank goodness for my mom, who has been here for 12 days already. He is a very good baby compared to my other 2. He gets fussy in the evenings, but, he never screams a lot, and is easier to soothe. My other kids have had kind of a rough time adjusting, especially Rohne, but, they will come around. It hasn't helped that Mommy has been down and out too. My mother-in-law has taken them on outings, which has helped immensely. We took Tristan to his 10 day check-up yesterday, and he has already gained almost a pound from his birth weight. He surely likes to eat. Almost like clockwork, every 2 & 1/2 hours. Sometimes he goes 3 at night, but, that's only happened a couple times. He's still a little mixed up, I guess.
My mom swears that he smiles sometimes.

Sorry, I didn't have the energy to edit. We are now a family of 5! Crazy. . .

He's Finally Here!

We are very proud and relieved to introduce you to the newest member of our family: Tristan Joshua. After a too long pregnancy, and hard labor and delivery, he finally made his appearance last night at 11:00 p.m. He was 8 pounds 9 oz. and 20 inches long.
Very sleepy today.

What a proud Daddy.

Full story to come later.

In the Hospital

Yay! I'm finally being induced today. What a stubborn, stubborn baby. Didn't want to have to do this, but, he's just not coming out on his own. She just broke my water. . . Let's hope there's progress soon. Stay tuned for pictures of our new bundle.

Beating the Heat

Whenever Taylee sees the sun shining, and it's summer, she wants to go swimming. She loves the water, and has always been our little mermaid. Lessons have really helped with both of the kids' confidence in the water. Rohne has gone under a couple of times, and because I am not stuffing this body into a swimming suit, and although I am not right there by him, he has recovered well, and dunks his whole head under now. Let's hope we can keep swimming when the baby gets here. It's a great way to cool down, and feels so good soaking my swollen feet.

We love to go to Beach Parks, and this one on Mercer Island is one of our favorites, because there's never very many people. You know me, I love a deserted park!! I've been getting so annoyed at all the crowds, especially with school being out. Older kids are mean!

This is a little kiddy pool that we go swimming at with the cousins now and then. They live right next door to it, and, let us take advantage of it sometimes too.

I thought the kids looked kind of tan in this picture. They are always slathered in sunscreen, but, I guess some sun always gets through. Tay already has the cutest tan line on her bum from her swimming suit.

It's good that they have each other to play with, because we don't hang out with many other peoople. They're too afraid that I'm big, pregnant, and grouchy. Which is VERY true!

In Case You were Wondering. . .

I am now a week overdue, from my 2nd due date, and no baby in sight. I am convinced I WILL be pregnant forever, because they will not induce over the Holiday weekend. I do not even see the Dr. again until next Tuesday, and THEN she will set an inducement date. I am crying every minute I am pregnant now. This is NOT fun!