Saturday, December 31, 2011
Finger Stuck In A Puzzle
I just watched Michael, playing with a cardboard puzzle piece, start shaking his hand up and down furiously. On closer inspection, I find that Michael's thumb is stuck in one of the holes! He stops every now and then to look at it, but then begins shaking his hand up and down again. At only 9 months old tomorrow, he is the most adorable little thing in the world!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
7 1/2 Old Michael, 3+ Year Old Jakob
JAKOB:
Says, "Mmmm Hmmm!" accompanied with an exaggerated head nod and tightly-closed eyes instead of saying "Okay" now.
Has the book Oh My Baby Bear! memorized almost.
Says, "Bwekus" for breakfast.
Loves his horse still (the pink, broken-handled unicorn he got from Gma and Gpa Mecham) and uses it as a weapon when watching his favorite action packed shows. In fact, he starts into a real fit if he doesn't have his horse before those shows begin!
Can read letters capitalized and lower cased. Not quite ready for forming words yet.
Wrestles with Michael! He grabs him around the neck and under his arms or across the belly and rolls him back so Michael is resting on him. They just laugh and laugh... until Michael gets sick of it and starts crying.
Says, "SHHHhhhhh!!" to Michael if Michael is crying. Then when I get him in trouble for being a bossy pants, he runs over to Michael, gives him a big kiss and says "it's okay!"
Is learning how to dress and undress himself.
MICHAEL:
Growls! Yes, it is true! He gets a gutty, throaty, almost possessed sounding growl! It is the most adorable thing in the world. We have it on film. Yesterday, he was growling like that at Bruiser, the Fausett dog, and had Bruiser hiding. Watch out world, our little bear is out!
Scoots around. Almost like a crawl, but instead of staying on his fours, he gets there and then does the worm forward instead. Adorable.
Is starting to speak! I have been saying Ma Ma and Da Da to him from the beginning, but this month he started watching my mouth really intently and then started imitating me! Instead of saying mama or dada though, he ended up just opening and shutting his mouth without any sound at all. I got that on camera as well! So cute. But after a week of that he did start saying both. Dada is the preferred word. He also says "Hi duh!" Hi there!
Michael is a little tank. Not sure what he weighs, but he is still just as plump as pudding. He eats like Jakob did with some regular mama's milk and then solid food 2-3 times a day.
Is a LIGHT sleeper. That kid wakes up if the floor squeaks. Needless to say, he has graduated from the pack n play in our room to the crib in his and Jake's room. One problem is he's still a light sleeper! So we've graduated Jake to the spare room.
Is curious. He loves exploring toys and other things on the floor. Jakey hardly ever made messes, and now Michael can't keep out of them! I love them both.
Still has no teeth.
Kisses mom when I'm on the floor where he's crawling with a big, wet, open mouth!
Laughs a lot when I hold him in the air and kiss is chunky belly. Moments like that bring me so much joy.
Still has the most pathetic little cry, accompanied by the most pathetic little frownie face... puppy dog face.
Claps his hands together. It's so cute! He does it when anyone else does it and when I say the word clap.
Summary: My kids are happy and healthy, and I'm pleased as punch almost 99.9% of my awesome days... P.S. that .1% belongs to the diaper changing.
Says, "Mmmm Hmmm!" accompanied with an exaggerated head nod and tightly-closed eyes instead of saying "Okay" now.
Has the book Oh My Baby Bear! memorized almost.
Says, "Bwekus" for breakfast.
Loves his horse still (the pink, broken-handled unicorn he got from Gma and Gpa Mecham) and uses it as a weapon when watching his favorite action packed shows. In fact, he starts into a real fit if he doesn't have his horse before those shows begin!
Can read letters capitalized and lower cased. Not quite ready for forming words yet.
Wrestles with Michael! He grabs him around the neck and under his arms or across the belly and rolls him back so Michael is resting on him. They just laugh and laugh... until Michael gets sick of it and starts crying.
Says, "SHHHhhhhh!!" to Michael if Michael is crying. Then when I get him in trouble for being a bossy pants, he runs over to Michael, gives him a big kiss and says "it's okay!"
Is learning how to dress and undress himself.
MICHAEL:
Growls! Yes, it is true! He gets a gutty, throaty, almost possessed sounding growl! It is the most adorable thing in the world. We have it on film. Yesterday, he was growling like that at Bruiser, the Fausett dog, and had Bruiser hiding. Watch out world, our little bear is out!
Scoots around. Almost like a crawl, but instead of staying on his fours, he gets there and then does the worm forward instead. Adorable.
Is starting to speak! I have been saying Ma Ma and Da Da to him from the beginning, but this month he started watching my mouth really intently and then started imitating me! Instead of saying mama or dada though, he ended up just opening and shutting his mouth without any sound at all. I got that on camera as well! So cute. But after a week of that he did start saying both. Dada is the preferred word. He also says "Hi duh!" Hi there!
Michael is a little tank. Not sure what he weighs, but he is still just as plump as pudding. He eats like Jakob did with some regular mama's milk and then solid food 2-3 times a day.
Is a LIGHT sleeper. That kid wakes up if the floor squeaks. Needless to say, he has graduated from the pack n play in our room to the crib in his and Jake's room. One problem is he's still a light sleeper! So we've graduated Jake to the spare room.
Is curious. He loves exploring toys and other things on the floor. Jakey hardly ever made messes, and now Michael can't keep out of them! I love them both.
Still has no teeth.
Kisses mom when I'm on the floor where he's crawling with a big, wet, open mouth!
Laughs a lot when I hold him in the air and kiss is chunky belly. Moments like that bring me so much joy.
Still has the most pathetic little cry, accompanied by the most pathetic little frownie face... puppy dog face.
Claps his hands together. It's so cute! He does it when anyone else does it and when I say the word clap.
Summary: My kids are happy and healthy, and I'm pleased as punch almost 99.9% of my awesome days... P.S. that .1% belongs to the diaper changing.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Michael's Shadow
Michael and I decided to hang out with Jakey in his room for a bit, like we always do. I put Michael on the bed and was watching Jakob play for a while. When I turned back to look at Michael, I found him staring at the wall next to him. The wall was only a few inches from him. I wondered what had caught his attention and discovered it was his own shadow! His big head and cute little pokey-baby ears were so fascinating, nothing could break his attention. He reached his chubby little hand out several times to try and man-handle that little shadow, and as simple as it may sound to others, it was the most adorable thing in the world to me.
Michael screams with delight. He laughs when I catch my breath in surprise and say, "Ma, ma, ma!" His favorite chew toys are his right foot and then his left foot. The little boy is starting to roll! I put him on the bed in a barricade of pillows & came back to find he had escaped! Rolled right over the top of them. Now I can't trust that boy on an open bed. Here we go! He sticks his tongue out when you lift him up over your head and coos into a giggle when coming down. His cry still just breaks my heart. Even when he's in pain it's never a full blown scream. More of a questioning whimper... how could you do this to me?
Jakey is my little sweet-heart. He likes nursery, helping me cook breakfast and lunch, watching Super Why, sugar on his branflakes, wrestling with Michael (naughty!), Toy Story 2 & 3, saying the prayer, playing with "cun-gins", saying "okay", and, best of all, snuggling with mommy right before bed. I have a little routine snuggle session with Jakob where I begin by asking if he knows where Jesus lives; to which he answers, "Okay!" Then we take ourselves on a little adventure... up past the fan, through the ceiling, through the roof, up into the trees and into the sky where the birds fly, past the sun, and the moon, and the stars... WAY up there! Then if we pray really, really hard... Jesus will come back down past the stars, the moon, and the sun... etc... past the fan... and be right here with you!
Jake positively loves this little poem we invented, and especially having one on one time. I admit, sometimes I get a little choked up thinking about how quickly my baby is growing. How one day, I'm going to look back on these days and wish I could just pick up my little boys and snuggle into them and have them love me back the way I love them. My greatest wish is that my babies will grow into my best pals, then my best friends, then... well, then I suppose I could just die and not think a thing of it, cause all my wishes will have come true! Besides, who wants to get really old any way?
Michael screams with delight. He laughs when I catch my breath in surprise and say, "Ma, ma, ma!" His favorite chew toys are his right foot and then his left foot. The little boy is starting to roll! I put him on the bed in a barricade of pillows & came back to find he had escaped! Rolled right over the top of them. Now I can't trust that boy on an open bed. Here we go! He sticks his tongue out when you lift him up over your head and coos into a giggle when coming down. His cry still just breaks my heart. Even when he's in pain it's never a full blown scream. More of a questioning whimper... how could you do this to me?
Jakey is my little sweet-heart. He likes nursery, helping me cook breakfast and lunch, watching Super Why, sugar on his branflakes, wrestling with Michael (naughty!), Toy Story 2 & 3, saying the prayer, playing with "cun-gins", saying "okay", and, best of all, snuggling with mommy right before bed. I have a little routine snuggle session with Jakob where I begin by asking if he knows where Jesus lives; to which he answers, "Okay!" Then we take ourselves on a little adventure... up past the fan, through the ceiling, through the roof, up into the trees and into the sky where the birds fly, past the sun, and the moon, and the stars... WAY up there! Then if we pray really, really hard... Jesus will come back down past the stars, the moon, and the sun... etc... past the fan... and be right here with you!
Jake positively loves this little poem we invented, and especially having one on one time. I admit, sometimes I get a little choked up thinking about how quickly my baby is growing. How one day, I'm going to look back on these days and wish I could just pick up my little boys and snuggle into them and have them love me back the way I love them. My greatest wish is that my babies will grow into my best pals, then my best friends, then... well, then I suppose I could just die and not think a thing of it, cause all my wishes will have come true! Besides, who wants to get really old any way?
4 Month Michael, 3 Year Jakob
Michael's Stats and Progress:
Height: 75th% at 24 1/4 inches
Weight: 79th% 15 lbs 6 ounces
Head: 90th% (17 in?)
Michael does so many things! He...
Rolls from front to back
Focuses on toys and tries reaching for them
Holds his head up well when on his tummy
Still enthusiastically yells "HI!" when being played with
Sings along
Cries in sympathy. **Okay, story time. Michael was as happy as a clown, cooing and playing with me, when in the other room Jakob starts crying out in distress. I looked at Michael's face and his happy wide-mouthed grin had turn into the most down-turned, sad-looking, puppy-dog, pouty-lipped expression I had ever seen. He began whimpering and wouldn't stop till Jake had. It about broke my heart it was so sweet and pathetic! Funny thing, Jakey does the same thing! Brenna started crying in pain while I was watching her one day, and while tending to her I glanced at Jakob and he had the same deeply turned mouth corners and was beginning to cry. I think it's safe to assume my boys are compassionate little things.**
Wakes up only once in the night. Beginning bed at around 9 pm and waking at 3 am, then again at 7am. Not bad!
His thighs are bigger around than Baylee's (who is 18 months old now)
Social baby! Happy when played with
JAKOB:
Jakob will be having a doctor's appointment soon and I'll post his stats then. But, happy news!! He went to nursery without a problem! Secret ingredient? NO mommy. I had Darin's brother, Dustin, ride with my family to church and escort Jakey to nursery, and guess what! No problems at all. Miracle? Yes. Yes, indeed.
Jakey says "SICK!" after kissing me, asks when "cuhgins" are coming over to play, prays to Heavenly Father (Dear Foder, Gaku, a Micho, a name, Jesus Chwist, Amen.), gets frustrated when playing blocks sometimes (just when they tip over), eats all by himself now, and gives Michael kisses.
I LOVE my boys.
Oh, ha. Jake just said, "What da GOSH! Fo, Five, Fo! A Congins? A Bwenna, a Kaywee?"
Height: 75th% at 24 1/4 inches
Weight: 79th% 15 lbs 6 ounces
Head: 90th% (17 in?)
Michael does so many things! He...
Rolls from front to back
Focuses on toys and tries reaching for them
Holds his head up well when on his tummy
Still enthusiastically yells "HI!" when being played with
Sings along
Cries in sympathy. **Okay, story time. Michael was as happy as a clown, cooing and playing with me, when in the other room Jakob starts crying out in distress. I looked at Michael's face and his happy wide-mouthed grin had turn into the most down-turned, sad-looking, puppy-dog, pouty-lipped expression I had ever seen. He began whimpering and wouldn't stop till Jake had. It about broke my heart it was so sweet and pathetic! Funny thing, Jakey does the same thing! Brenna started crying in pain while I was watching her one day, and while tending to her I glanced at Jakob and he had the same deeply turned mouth corners and was beginning to cry. I think it's safe to assume my boys are compassionate little things.**
Wakes up only once in the night. Beginning bed at around 9 pm and waking at 3 am, then again at 7am. Not bad!
His thighs are bigger around than Baylee's (who is 18 months old now)
Social baby! Happy when played with
JAKOB:
Jakob will be having a doctor's appointment soon and I'll post his stats then. But, happy news!! He went to nursery without a problem! Secret ingredient? NO mommy. I had Darin's brother, Dustin, ride with my family to church and escort Jakey to nursery, and guess what! No problems at all. Miracle? Yes. Yes, indeed.
Jakey says "SICK!" after kissing me, asks when "cuhgins" are coming over to play, prays to Heavenly Father (Dear Foder, Gaku, a Micho, a name, Jesus Chwist, Amen.), gets frustrated when playing blocks sometimes (just when they tip over), eats all by himself now, and gives Michael kisses.
I LOVE my boys.
Oh, ha. Jake just said, "What da GOSH! Fo, Five, Fo! A Congins? A Bwenna, a Kaywee?"
3 Month Michael
Michael is 3 months old already! I call him my angel baby because he is just the most sweet, cuddly, chunky, mild-tempered, patient, happy, smily little thing I've ever seen.
Michael doesn't cry. Honestly, he's been poked in the eye a couple of times, had his soft skin broken by his nails that seem to grow like weeds (healthy boy!), been hungry and tired, warm and stinky, yet the only things that ever really bring that child to crying are extremes in either being hungry, tired or stinky. He doesn't wail though! He just kind of begins wimpering, starts sucking on his fits making the most adorable little smacking sounds in the process, and starts kicking his legs and moving his head side to side. But he only rarely gets very upset. Usually it means he has a bubble, and when he has a bubble it's party time for Darin and I! It's one of our favorite things to do, trying to get gas out of that kid, cause it's so dang easy! And when it starts coming, it's loud and proud. I suppose that's information only a mother would love.
Michael is laughing. I like to smother him with kisses right under his chin or in the midsection area, and I can feel him tighten up then burst into a couple small chuckles. Positively adorable.
This kid is HEALTHY. He nurses, and I calculated he gets around 4 ounces every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. He's got around 5 or so rolls rippling down the belly, and those thighs! I've got handfuls of 'em. His double chin is as jolly as ever, and I've already clipped his finger nails 2 or 3 times. Perhaps that's why he is such a wonderful sleeper.
Michael isn't particular when it comes to naps. He could fall asleep while running errands, in the shopping cart, on the couch, in his carrier, pretty much anywhere there is decent air circulation and relative quiet.
Michael sings. I've tried catching it on film, but I haven't quite got the feel captured, so I'll explain. I often sing to him because it gets him smiling right off the bat. Then as I'm going along he'll start cooing and moving his mouth making those adorable little baby sounds and continue singing along in this way until I finish. How I cherish those times! He has always had a remarkable attention span, following me with his eyes all around the room and especially when I'm playing with him.
Unlike Jakob, Michael shows interest in toys. I put him in his baby bouncer and he'll kick and swing his arms frantically trying to grab those dangley colors. I think I have a playful little chatter-box on my hands!
I predict Michael will be an affectionate child. He loves being held and sits quite contently when I am holding him. But my most favorite thing of all is the way he rests his hands whenever I'm nursing him. Unlike his usually tight fist, Michael's hands will open up and relax when I'm feeding him and he'll rest it on my hand or arm or wherever is most convenient. But he does it in such a sweet, almost affectionate way, it gives me the impression he's trying to communicate a tender feeling when doing so. At least I will forever think of it that way.
One quick memory. Yesterday, Darin and Jakob were playing around near the couch Michael was propped up on. At one point, Jakob threw something that somehow managed to hit Michael square in the eye. It must have hurt because, uncharacteristically, Michael let out a wail. You should have seen the look on Jakob's face. I have never seen a more sorry look on a child's face in my life. His mouth was completely drawn down and his bottom lip was puckered and quivering. His eyes were wide and his brow drawn up in absolute concern and sadness. He did all he could, heaving and sputtering, to keep the lump in his throat from surfacing.
I thought to myself, wow. I am so grateful. Heavenly Father blessed me with a truly compassionate child. I honestly think he was concerned for Michael not for himself. He obviously was looking at Darin and I to see our reaction to what was done, but he would look at Michael with true remorse, and it just nearly broke my heart. I told him it was alright, to go give his brother a kiss. But as long as Michael was crying, Jake was just on the brink of it.
What a wonderful example Jakob will provide my sweet little Michael. How I just adore these two little angels I get to call mine. How I try to savor and cherish every moment spent with them. I know how fleeting these years are, and I loathe the day I'll find myself surrounded by nice things, perhaps some saved money, and all kinds of free time. What a full heart my simple living provides me. So much joy in so small a space! I don't blog often enough, but I can't seem to justify spending one moment away from my little family.
I thank my God, life could not be better for me.
Michael doesn't cry. Honestly, he's been poked in the eye a couple of times, had his soft skin broken by his nails that seem to grow like weeds (healthy boy!), been hungry and tired, warm and stinky, yet the only things that ever really bring that child to crying are extremes in either being hungry, tired or stinky. He doesn't wail though! He just kind of begins wimpering, starts sucking on his fits making the most adorable little smacking sounds in the process, and starts kicking his legs and moving his head side to side. But he only rarely gets very upset. Usually it means he has a bubble, and when he has a bubble it's party time for Darin and I! It's one of our favorite things to do, trying to get gas out of that kid, cause it's so dang easy! And when it starts coming, it's loud and proud. I suppose that's information only a mother would love.
Michael is laughing. I like to smother him with kisses right under his chin or in the midsection area, and I can feel him tighten up then burst into a couple small chuckles. Positively adorable.
This kid is HEALTHY. He nurses, and I calculated he gets around 4 ounces every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. He's got around 5 or so rolls rippling down the belly, and those thighs! I've got handfuls of 'em. His double chin is as jolly as ever, and I've already clipped his finger nails 2 or 3 times. Perhaps that's why he is such a wonderful sleeper.
Michael isn't particular when it comes to naps. He could fall asleep while running errands, in the shopping cart, on the couch, in his carrier, pretty much anywhere there is decent air circulation and relative quiet.
Michael sings. I've tried catching it on film, but I haven't quite got the feel captured, so I'll explain. I often sing to him because it gets him smiling right off the bat. Then as I'm going along he'll start cooing and moving his mouth making those adorable little baby sounds and continue singing along in this way until I finish. How I cherish those times! He has always had a remarkable attention span, following me with his eyes all around the room and especially when I'm playing with him.
Unlike Jakob, Michael shows interest in toys. I put him in his baby bouncer and he'll kick and swing his arms frantically trying to grab those dangley colors. I think I have a playful little chatter-box on my hands!
I predict Michael will be an affectionate child. He loves being held and sits quite contently when I am holding him. But my most favorite thing of all is the way he rests his hands whenever I'm nursing him. Unlike his usually tight fist, Michael's hands will open up and relax when I'm feeding him and he'll rest it on my hand or arm or wherever is most convenient. But he does it in such a sweet, almost affectionate way, it gives me the impression he's trying to communicate a tender feeling when doing so. At least I will forever think of it that way.
One quick memory. Yesterday, Darin and Jakob were playing around near the couch Michael was propped up on. At one point, Jakob threw something that somehow managed to hit Michael square in the eye. It must have hurt because, uncharacteristically, Michael let out a wail. You should have seen the look on Jakob's face. I have never seen a more sorry look on a child's face in my life. His mouth was completely drawn down and his bottom lip was puckered and quivering. His eyes were wide and his brow drawn up in absolute concern and sadness. He did all he could, heaving and sputtering, to keep the lump in his throat from surfacing.
I thought to myself, wow. I am so grateful. Heavenly Father blessed me with a truly compassionate child. I honestly think he was concerned for Michael not for himself. He obviously was looking at Darin and I to see our reaction to what was done, but he would look at Michael with true remorse, and it just nearly broke my heart. I told him it was alright, to go give his brother a kiss. But as long as Michael was crying, Jake was just on the brink of it.
What a wonderful example Jakob will provide my sweet little Michael. How I just adore these two little angels I get to call mine. How I try to savor and cherish every moment spent with them. I know how fleeting these years are, and I loathe the day I'll find myself surrounded by nice things, perhaps some saved money, and all kinds of free time. What a full heart my simple living provides me. So much joy in so small a space! I don't blog often enough, but I can't seem to justify spending one moment away from my little family.
I thank my God, life could not be better for me.
Michael's Baby Blessing
Michael was blessed by his dad on Sunday, June 5th, 2011. It was beautiful. The testimony meeting following was beautiful as well. Many of Michael's family members bore testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for my Savior!
We had a lovely little luncheon at the park afterward. I was happy for all the support our families offered. It was so fun spending the weekend with my mom. We had lots of fun shopping and errands to run. Not to mention an AWESOME birthday party hosted by my insanely creative sister, Sarah. It was so amazing! I hope she posts pictures of all the creative deserts she and her daughters made. It was Ammon and Brenna Mae's birthday mixed into one celebration. We had a BLAST! Jakob loved having cake for dinner.
Happy Birthday to Carissa too, who's 20th birthday came on the 4th! Guh. My baby sisters are growing into adults. Horrid! I want them to stay babies forever. Just like I want mine to stay with me forever.
Life is good. Hard times are surely ahead, but I know in Whom I trust, and I'm so grateful I have my family to do it with.
Good afternoon, everyone!
We had a lovely little luncheon at the park afterward. I was happy for all the support our families offered. It was so fun spending the weekend with my mom. We had lots of fun shopping and errands to run. Not to mention an AWESOME birthday party hosted by my insanely creative sister, Sarah. It was so amazing! I hope she posts pictures of all the creative deserts she and her daughters made. It was Ammon and Brenna Mae's birthday mixed into one celebration. We had a BLAST! Jakob loved having cake for dinner.
Happy Birthday to Carissa too, who's 20th birthday came on the 4th! Guh. My baby sisters are growing into adults. Horrid! I want them to stay babies forever. Just like I want mine to stay with me forever.
Life is good. Hard times are surely ahead, but I know in Whom I trust, and I'm so grateful I have my family to do it with.
Good afternoon, everyone!
About Michael
Man, I didn't publish a bunch of posts... welp... here's one of them!
How I just adore this little boy. Where do I even start?
Michael is a very mellow baby. He only cries or fusses for his basic needs: diaper change, food, or sleep. From the day he was born, I noticed he's a very engaging boy. What I mean is when I'm looking at him, he's lookin' right back at me. Almost like he's trying to have a conversation with me with his eyes.
He was so small at first. I just couldn't get over what a tiny little thing he was! His cry, oh that cry!! It would break my heart instead of cause irritation. In fact, to this day, I don't think I've ever felt inconvenienced by Michael's crying. I have it on video.
At his 3 day appointment, Michael weighed 6 lbs 13 oz. He was a very good sport about the exam and hardly fussed. Then the nurses had to poke his little heal to get the blood for his PKU. I will never forget this moment. It describes perfectly the kind of baby Michael is.
I had him tight in my arms, facing me so his little foot was pointing towards the nurse. She poked his foot & he immediately let out a pathetic wail. He didn't stop wailing until I nursed him, but the thing was, he did not squirm or wiggle one bit. It felt like he was bravely enduring it somehow! Like he knew it was necessary and wasn't going to fight it, but obviously it still hurt him so he cried out! He is so easily consoled by being held & loved, it's like he already has faith in it.
If Michael is crying, he will almost always stop if you sit in front of him and start talking to him. Is this a sign of being social? Not sure! But I sure do love it. He'll be HUNGRY even, and I'll just sit in front of him and play with him & he will immediately stop. All this within his first few days of life.
At his two week appointment, Michael weighed 8 lbs 1 oz. He even started getting rolls! Just what I love! So content so happy all the time. I remember being in pain from a clogged duct at this appointment, said clogged duct ended up being another story in and of itself. No shot! All was well and healthy with him.
The days I spent in the hospital the following week were the most difficult of my life. Away from my baby, missing even moments from both Jake and Michael really were the kickers for the misery I experienced while in the hospital. My stay lasted three days, then wound care lasted upwards of three weeks. HORRIBLE thing to deal with when all I want to do is be with my babies. Horrible.
Michael first smiled a REAL, non-coincidental smile at about 5 weeks, which seems remarkably early to me! Since that first smile, it's been hard for me to get any sleep at all, because whenever I wake in the night to feed him, I end up playing, trying to charm him into smiling that irresistible smile for me. It takes my whole night up. What's funny about that is it's all voluntary! He is a very good sleeper! He slept as long as five hours in a row within the first six weeks! Granted the five hours was a one time thing, but still, he'll do a good 3 or sometimes 4 hour period at night more often than not.
So about the same time he first smiled, Michael began talking too. Seriously. I would often coo a "Hi, Michael!" and to utter astonishment Michael would coo back "Ahhheey!" Are you kidding me! Darin, come listen to this, did he just say hi or am I going crazy? I was doing this all the time. If he wasn't saying "Hi" to me, he was cooing while simultaneously shrugging his shoulders at me, as though he was telling me something. Okay, this is not a lie... I PULLED A FACIAL MUSCLE one night while playing with Michael. You know, the muscle you use while grinning ear to ear... yeah, that one. Wow! I had no idea that was even possible! Michael has me smiling that big, that long, every single night with his adorable little smiles.
This may sound weird, but I really love it when Michael gets gas too. Ha! It's because of this... though he sometimes cries in discomfort, he more often than not just squirms like he's uncomfortable & that's when I come in and save the day! Haha, it's hilarious, really! I'll push his legs up towards his chin & he'll let out a good 3-5 second long toot! I'll do it over and over & get the same results too! I just laugh and laugh and laugh! Honestly, I spend so much time playing with Michael because of things like that, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Some things that get me just staring or watching my cute baby... well, Michael is quite the little chunk! So when he falls asleep he's often got that cute little double-chin thing going on.
He also sucks on his lip sometimes. I've even got it on camera!
When he sleeps, he often has his tongue sticking half out... I have a million pics of that too. :)
Michael had his 2 month appointment just last week. 11.3 lbs and 23 inches long. Wow! he was in the 75th percentile for his head, weight and length. He's growing well despite his lingering traces of jaundice. Yesss....
So he got all his 2 month immunizations as well. It honestly, truly broke my heart. He was smiling at me. The doctor even commented on how intently he held my gaze, just staring at his mommy. So, there he was smiling at me. When out of nowhere he gets surprised with FIVE horrid needles in the thighs. I know his pain scream very well now. I hear it in my nightmares. Even while trying to nurse him afterward, he was inconsolable.
Hours later when he was awake again, he was just wailing in pain. The slightest movement, yawn, sneeze, head gesture would send him into fresh hysterics. Thank heavens for Tylenol & Motrin!! I alternated him on those every four-six hours for the next 2 1/2 days. So we survived! My heart will have lingering damage for the rest of my life. There's nothing more heartbreaking than watching a helpless little soul who trusts you being subject to pain while you stand by and allow it. I shed a tear or two.
Now, Michael's favorite things are food and attention. My sweetheart baby just LOVES any face to entertain him. He is such a happy baby. Seeing my two boys together brings more happiness than words can express. I love that Jakob shows no signs of jealousy or insecurity at all. I think they'll be good buddies all their lives. I hope so. :)
How I just adore this little boy. Where do I even start?
Michael is a very mellow baby. He only cries or fusses for his basic needs: diaper change, food, or sleep. From the day he was born, I noticed he's a very engaging boy. What I mean is when I'm looking at him, he's lookin' right back at me. Almost like he's trying to have a conversation with me with his eyes.
He was so small at first. I just couldn't get over what a tiny little thing he was! His cry, oh that cry!! It would break my heart instead of cause irritation. In fact, to this day, I don't think I've ever felt inconvenienced by Michael's crying. I have it on video.
At his 3 day appointment, Michael weighed 6 lbs 13 oz. He was a very good sport about the exam and hardly fussed. Then the nurses had to poke his little heal to get the blood for his PKU. I will never forget this moment. It describes perfectly the kind of baby Michael is.
I had him tight in my arms, facing me so his little foot was pointing towards the nurse. She poked his foot & he immediately let out a pathetic wail. He didn't stop wailing until I nursed him, but the thing was, he did not squirm or wiggle one bit. It felt like he was bravely enduring it somehow! Like he knew it was necessary and wasn't going to fight it, but obviously it still hurt him so he cried out! He is so easily consoled by being held & loved, it's like he already has faith in it.
If Michael is crying, he will almost always stop if you sit in front of him and start talking to him. Is this a sign of being social? Not sure! But I sure do love it. He'll be HUNGRY even, and I'll just sit in front of him and play with him & he will immediately stop. All this within his first few days of life.
At his two week appointment, Michael weighed 8 lbs 1 oz. He even started getting rolls! Just what I love! So content so happy all the time. I remember being in pain from a clogged duct at this appointment, said clogged duct ended up being another story in and of itself. No shot! All was well and healthy with him.
The days I spent in the hospital the following week were the most difficult of my life. Away from my baby, missing even moments from both Jake and Michael really were the kickers for the misery I experienced while in the hospital. My stay lasted three days, then wound care lasted upwards of three weeks. HORRIBLE thing to deal with when all I want to do is be with my babies. Horrible.
Michael first smiled a REAL, non-coincidental smile at about 5 weeks, which seems remarkably early to me! Since that first smile, it's been hard for me to get any sleep at all, because whenever I wake in the night to feed him, I end up playing, trying to charm him into smiling that irresistible smile for me. It takes my whole night up. What's funny about that is it's all voluntary! He is a very good sleeper! He slept as long as five hours in a row within the first six weeks! Granted the five hours was a one time thing, but still, he'll do a good 3 or sometimes 4 hour period at night more often than not.
So about the same time he first smiled, Michael began talking too. Seriously. I would often coo a "Hi, Michael!" and to utter astonishment Michael would coo back "Ahhheey!" Are you kidding me! Darin, come listen to this, did he just say hi or am I going crazy? I was doing this all the time. If he wasn't saying "Hi" to me, he was cooing while simultaneously shrugging his shoulders at me, as though he was telling me something. Okay, this is not a lie... I PULLED A FACIAL MUSCLE one night while playing with Michael. You know, the muscle you use while grinning ear to ear... yeah, that one. Wow! I had no idea that was even possible! Michael has me smiling that big, that long, every single night with his adorable little smiles.
This may sound weird, but I really love it when Michael gets gas too. Ha! It's because of this... though he sometimes cries in discomfort, he more often than not just squirms like he's uncomfortable & that's when I come in and save the day! Haha, it's hilarious, really! I'll push his legs up towards his chin & he'll let out a good 3-5 second long toot! I'll do it over and over & get the same results too! I just laugh and laugh and laugh! Honestly, I spend so much time playing with Michael because of things like that, and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Some things that get me just staring or watching my cute baby... well, Michael is quite the little chunk! So when he falls asleep he's often got that cute little double-chin thing going on.
He also sucks on his lip sometimes. I've even got it on camera!
When he sleeps, he often has his tongue sticking half out... I have a million pics of that too. :)
Michael had his 2 month appointment just last week. 11.3 lbs and 23 inches long. Wow! he was in the 75th percentile for his head, weight and length. He's growing well despite his lingering traces of jaundice. Yesss....
So he got all his 2 month immunizations as well. It honestly, truly broke my heart. He was smiling at me. The doctor even commented on how intently he held my gaze, just staring at his mommy. So, there he was smiling at me. When out of nowhere he gets surprised with FIVE horrid needles in the thighs. I know his pain scream very well now. I hear it in my nightmares. Even while trying to nurse him afterward, he was inconsolable.
Hours later when he was awake again, he was just wailing in pain. The slightest movement, yawn, sneeze, head gesture would send him into fresh hysterics. Thank heavens for Tylenol & Motrin!! I alternated him on those every four-six hours for the next 2 1/2 days. So we survived! My heart will have lingering damage for the rest of my life. There's nothing more heartbreaking than watching a helpless little soul who trusts you being subject to pain while you stand by and allow it. I shed a tear or two.
Now, Michael's favorite things are food and attention. My sweetheart baby just LOVES any face to entertain him. He is such a happy baby. Seeing my two boys together brings more happiness than words can express. I love that Jakob shows no signs of jealousy or insecurity at all. I think they'll be good buddies all their lives. I hope so. :)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
About Jakey: 2 1/2 Years
Jakob says and does the most adorable things! Here are a few:
PHRASES:
"O weeeeeeeeee Gosh!" (Oh my gosh!)
"You si-wee-us?" (You serious?)
"Bwess you!" (He'll say it to Michael when he sneezes.)
"You hogwee?" (You hungry?- usually the upward, questioning inflection of his voice is extremely exaggerated)
"Dat's gwoss!" (Usually he'll say that when I'm nursing! His tone is very matter-of-fact, statement like. Haha)
"Look at dat!"
"Gayk goo." (Thank you)
"You waycom" (You're welcome)
"Oh noo!" (Oh no!- this one is especially cute... he purses his lips together in a pucker pose and drags out the
"O" sound while tilting his head back, exaggerating his cry)
"I've you" (I love you)
"Guh night." (Good night)
"Meeko!" (Michael)
"You okay?" (He'll often ask this over and over and over until getting a response of "I'm okay" back)
"You si-wee!" (You silly!)
"Oh no! What you do it?"
"Where's mote? Where'd it go?"
"Want CREbles!" (I want the Incredibles!- his favorite show. When Dash jumps up and yells wahoo!- Jake does it with him. So adorable.)
"Bye! See-a-soon!" (Personal favorite. He says the last part so fast, it's all meshed into one word.)
ACTIONS:
Jake kicks his legs out back and forth when excited.
He gives kisses to Michael whenever he sees him.
He loves the trampoline & will yell "Weee!" over and over while jumping.
Jake is so tech savvy. It makes me nervous and proud all at the same time! He has a little TV in his room and when he gets time out I unplug the VCR from the TV so he can't turn it on himself (which he knows how to turn on his own DVD and switch shows when he wants to watch something different). Well, I put him in time-out and next thing I know, Jake had re-wired the dang TV himself and had inserted a new show and was happily watching it! What the... really! I swear I never taught him how to do it. Can't wait to see where this kid's interests will lie.
His favorite shows are The Incredibles and Ice Age. He really likes Tangled too.
Jake loves roughing around with his dad. They are good buds.
Jake still gets nervous at the idea of Darin or I leaving him, sometimes hysterical. But he is doing better in nursery!
He is a sweetheart. When I act hurt or say "ouch", Jake is very concerned and will ask if I'm okay until I tell him I am. He also says, "Night! I've you. Rest. Morning!" when I tell him goodnight. He's telling me "Goodnight! I love you! Have a nice rest. See you in the morning!"
I love little Jake. His smile and laugh, that gutty, grunty, male-sounding laugh.. melt my heart every time. I just have to blog about these little things, cause I know he's gonna grow before my eyes and I really just don't want to miss a thing!
PHRASES:
"O weeeeeeeeee Gosh!" (Oh my gosh!)
"You si-wee-us?" (You serious?)
"Bwess you!" (He'll say it to Michael when he sneezes.)
"You hogwee?" (You hungry?- usually the upward, questioning inflection of his voice is extremely exaggerated)
"Dat's gwoss!" (Usually he'll say that when I'm nursing! His tone is very matter-of-fact, statement like. Haha)
"Look at dat!"
"Gayk goo." (Thank you)
"You waycom" (You're welcome)
"Oh noo!" (Oh no!- this one is especially cute... he purses his lips together in a pucker pose and drags out the
"O" sound while tilting his head back, exaggerating his cry)
"I've you" (I love you)
"Guh night." (Good night)
"Meeko!" (Michael)
"You okay?" (He'll often ask this over and over and over until getting a response of "I'm okay" back)
"You si-wee!" (You silly!)
"Oh no! What you do it?"
"Where's mote? Where'd it go?"
"Want CREbles!" (I want the Incredibles!- his favorite show. When Dash jumps up and yells wahoo!- Jake does it with him. So adorable.)
"Bye! See-a-soon!" (Personal favorite. He says the last part so fast, it's all meshed into one word.)
ACTIONS:
Jake kicks his legs out back and forth when excited.
He gives kisses to Michael whenever he sees him.
He loves the trampoline & will yell "Weee!" over and over while jumping.
Jake is so tech savvy. It makes me nervous and proud all at the same time! He has a little TV in his room and when he gets time out I unplug the VCR from the TV so he can't turn it on himself (which he knows how to turn on his own DVD and switch shows when he wants to watch something different). Well, I put him in time-out and next thing I know, Jake had re-wired the dang TV himself and had inserted a new show and was happily watching it! What the... really! I swear I never taught him how to do it. Can't wait to see where this kid's interests will lie.
His favorite shows are The Incredibles and Ice Age. He really likes Tangled too.
Jake loves roughing around with his dad. They are good buds.
Jake still gets nervous at the idea of Darin or I leaving him, sometimes hysterical. But he is doing better in nursery!
He is a sweetheart. When I act hurt or say "ouch", Jake is very concerned and will ask if I'm okay until I tell him I am. He also says, "Night! I've you. Rest. Morning!" when I tell him goodnight. He's telling me "Goodnight! I love you! Have a nice rest. See you in the morning!"
I love little Jake. His smile and laugh, that gutty, grunty, male-sounding laugh.. melt my heart every time. I just have to blog about these little things, cause I know he's gonna grow before my eyes and I really just don't want to miss a thing!
April 1, 2011 (Plus Pictures)
This post is being published late. It was written on April 6, 2011
I want to remember every detail of this very sweet week, the week of May 25- April 1, 2011.
Well, a couple weeks ago, we found out at my 37 week appointment that I had the Group B Strep, which is a very dangerous, even fatal, disease that certain women carry without knowing. It doesn't hurt women, only the babies. I tested positive, meaning if I went into labor without the proper antibiotics and delivered, the baby could become very, very ill. Because of this, my OB, Kathy, decided we needed to schedule an induction.
I couldn't have been more thrilled! I called my mom first thing. Perhaps by knowing the very day I'd deliver, she could make arrangements to actually be there! It was too good to be true. A girl always needs her mommy in times like these.
I held my breath, waiting to hear what she was going to do... she said she was going to find a way to be there! Yay! I can't even tell how happy that news alone made me.
So long story short, arrangements were made for her to come out the morning of March 31st (my mom's boss gave her the entire day/weekend off because she ended up helping them out on a night that was nothing less than insane for them! I can't believe the things nurses have to do), the scheduled day of induction (39 weeks to the day). How excited all of my Utah sisters and I were! Not only were we all going to be together for this special occasion, it was going to be happening on Angela's birthday! Too good to be true.
Darin and I were so excited for her to come, we had a small shopping spree at Ross and prettied up the spare room so she could feel a little more comfortable. I truly love that room now that the empty wall has a mirror, clock and small shelf filling it, and the splotchy carpet is covered by a tan, shag rug. Simple, yet SO improved.
After that, I went through the six boxes of 0-6 month boy clothes Sarah has sporadically been bringing over. Holy COW! SO many clothes! It was impossible zeroing down the ones that eventually became the chosen first-day apparel. They ended up being newborn size, pajama-style.
The next morning, the anticipated morning of the 31st, I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned! The house felt awesome. Poor Jakob ended up watching a few movies so I could get it done! Watching him play while thinking of the new one to come filled me with that thrill that kinda makes you breathe deep and sigh without realizing it. I was so happy! Around noon, Darin had come home, bringing my mom, from the airport, with him! I have such a beautiful mom and there was no face I'd rather have seen a few hours before going in to another life changing night! She had all kinds of gifts for little Jake, she can't help but spoil her grand-babies! Angela soon followed so we all went to lunch to celebrate her birthday. Then Sarah came over so we could give presents. Angela's been having the same problem my mom usually has, SPOILING mine and Sarah's kids, so Sarah and I got her something a little special this year. A sewing machine!
After that, Darin and I took a small nap while mom watched all the kids. Then 7:30 pm rolled around and suddenly it was time to go! With our bags packed, we headed for the hospital.
We were supposed to be admitted at 8, but the said they were slammed so come back at 9. So Darin and I had a quiet hour to roam the hospital, pray, and talk about our blessings and discuss names (we were teetering between Seth Jay and Michael Darin). P.S. Darin's full name is Darin Jay Fausett.
Finally, 9 o'clock came and they took us to the room where our sweet, sweet little baby would be born. How, uh, surprised/apprehensive we were when we discovered that the room they took us to was the same room we'd had a false alarm in when Jakob was born! That false alarm was horrible! We did our best to not let superstition take over.
The hospital was slammed that night, so they didn't actually get the antibiotics that needed 4 hours to take effect in the system into my IV until 10:20 pm. This meant that I was going to be having an April Fool's Baby! They, therefore, wouldn't be starting the pitosin until around 1:00 am to make sure the antibiotic had time to run it's course. And so the waiting began. We watched Psych. Hilarious! Still, the time seemed to be creeping by. When 1:00 rolled around, the nurse began the pitosin. Not long after, this same nurse came in to deliver me some bad news. The anesthesiologist had refused to administer the epidural. What!?! Oh, man. Here we go again. So, the drama began. The nurse spent the next little while trying to get a hold of Kathy, then the anesthesiologist, then Kathy, back and forth, trying to figure out what needed to be done to get me that heaven sent epidural. In the meantime, the nurse took it upon herself to shut down the pitosin. Not cool. I was progressing so nicely! The contractions were coming close together and quite intensely. We'd have to start again from square one. Later. Finally, around 3:30 or so, the nurse gave me my options. I could either go natural or go home. The anesthesiologist would not do it, nor would any other anesthesiologist thereafter without a consult with a hematologist; despite the fact that I'd had an epidural before with my blood disorder, no problem. The blessing I'd had from Hal Wilcox earlier in the week was my anchor in this moment. I knew everything was going to be okay. So with a leap of faith, I decided we'd go natural.
Kathy came at 4:30 and broke my water. Active labor began. This is the labor that begins making a person question who they are and what in the devil they were thinking! Painful. But, thankfully this time I was ready for it and kept my mind busy through the contractions by doing some math. I hate math; doesn't come natural for me, so it was the way to go.
Shift change! New nurses, new staff... new anesthesiologists... no, no. I wasn't going to let my mind go there! It's too much teasing to even consider that kind of hope. The new nurse, Melissa, and her intern buddy, we'll call her Lily, came and introduced themselves. I loved them instantly! They were so sweet and made me feel really good. I told them about the situation with the anesthesiologist and made it clear that I was not interested in hearing about an epidural unless they had someone who was going to do it, without question. NO teasing.
Around 6:45 am, I'd endured a couple hours of some seriously intense pain, when bursting through the door came my angelic nurse to deliver me nothing less than a gift from heaven! Dr. Patel. An Indian anesthesiologist who looked at my case and said without hesitation that he would do it! He'd seen a million von Willebrand's patients, and did not worry one bit.
Words can't describe my elation! I wanted to cry with joy! By this time, Sarah had come and was there to witness the epidural. She said watching it made her, an experienced nurse, sick. A nasty old needle prick, and two contractions in the bowed-over catlike position later, and the epidural had been administered. I wanted to kiss this cute man!! I was so happy! Suddenly, the day was too perfect. Too good to be true. They checked me and I was at a 7, this was around 7:15 am.
At 7:45 am, they checked me again, and I was at a 9 1/2. Because the epidural was well mixed, I could still feel contractions, even a little pain and I knew this baby was ready to go! At 8: 15 they checked me again and I was at a 10. Still no Kathy though, so we waited.
The nurses got everything ready and soon enough Kathy was there. I pushed a round total of three times. One ten second push and two five second pushes and my sweet, darling, adorable little Michael Jay was born! They plopped him on my tummy the minute he came out and he was hollerin' like there was no tomorrow. It was the most adorable, pathetic, sweet sounding cry I've ever heard in my life. He was still goopy though, so I immediately had them clean him up before cuddling and cooing with my sweet new baby.
I can't describe the feelings I had. I have never been so happy, having my little family grow. Second babies are so much easier since I don't feel nervous I'm going to kill it somehow! I was able to enjoy those moments instead of worry about them.
Michael Jay Fausett. Born on April 1, 2011, weighing 7.2 lbs, and 19 inches long. The things I remember loving most about Michael when he was immediately born are so many I don't know how to list them all. I just stared at him. He was tiny to me! His eyes, large and slanted, and nose, rounded and slightly upturned, resembled his mommies, and that's always fun. His cry... it was sweet and soft! He lost his voice after the nurses took him away, but he was easily calmed by being held and nursed.
This time around, they had me supplement feeding. The technique was such that he was able to still nurse while doing so! Quite genius if you ask me. The benefit, he was a good, contented sleeper from day one. I don't remember this luxury with Jake, poor thing. I know I was stressed out, worrying I would somehow hurt my new little man, so I don't think I produced well for Jakob for at least a week or maybe even two! As a result, he fussed between meals, and I had no idea supplementing was an option. I thought it would destroy my supply. The blessing of the second baby, right?
We went home a day and a half after being admitted, and I felt awesome! Honestly, April 1 brought me the greatest happiness I've ever known. I can't stop thinking of my merciful Lord making all these things possible in my life. It's a miracle, the blessing of children being born to my sweet little family, and I thank Him every day of my life for it.
I want to remember every detail of this very sweet week, the week of May 25- April 1, 2011.
Well, a couple weeks ago, we found out at my 37 week appointment that I had the Group B Strep, which is a very dangerous, even fatal, disease that certain women carry without knowing. It doesn't hurt women, only the babies. I tested positive, meaning if I went into labor without the proper antibiotics and delivered, the baby could become very, very ill. Because of this, my OB, Kathy, decided we needed to schedule an induction.
I couldn't have been more thrilled! I called my mom first thing. Perhaps by knowing the very day I'd deliver, she could make arrangements to actually be there! It was too good to be true. A girl always needs her mommy in times like these.
I held my breath, waiting to hear what she was going to do... she said she was going to find a way to be there! Yay! I can't even tell how happy that news alone made me.
So long story short, arrangements were made for her to come out the morning of March 31st (my mom's boss gave her the entire day/weekend off because she ended up helping them out on a night that was nothing less than insane for them! I can't believe the things nurses have to do), the scheduled day of induction (39 weeks to the day). How excited all of my Utah sisters and I were! Not only were we all going to be together for this special occasion, it was going to be happening on Angela's birthday! Too good to be true.
Darin and I were so excited for her to come, we had a small shopping spree at Ross and prettied up the spare room so she could feel a little more comfortable. I truly love that room now that the empty wall has a mirror, clock and small shelf filling it, and the splotchy carpet is covered by a tan, shag rug. Simple, yet SO improved.
After that, I went through the six boxes of 0-6 month boy clothes Sarah has sporadically been bringing over. Holy COW! SO many clothes! It was impossible zeroing down the ones that eventually became the chosen first-day apparel. They ended up being newborn size, pajama-style.
The next morning, the anticipated morning of the 31st, I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned! The house felt awesome. Poor Jakob ended up watching a few movies so I could get it done! Watching him play while thinking of the new one to come filled me with that thrill that kinda makes you breathe deep and sigh without realizing it. I was so happy! Around noon, Darin had come home, bringing my mom, from the airport, with him! I have such a beautiful mom and there was no face I'd rather have seen a few hours before going in to another life changing night! She had all kinds of gifts for little Jake, she can't help but spoil her grand-babies! Angela soon followed so we all went to lunch to celebrate her birthday. Then Sarah came over so we could give presents. Angela's been having the same problem my mom usually has, SPOILING mine and Sarah's kids, so Sarah and I got her something a little special this year. A sewing machine!
After that, Darin and I took a small nap while mom watched all the kids. Then 7:30 pm rolled around and suddenly it was time to go! With our bags packed, we headed for the hospital.
We were supposed to be admitted at 8, but the said they were slammed so come back at 9. So Darin and I had a quiet hour to roam the hospital, pray, and talk about our blessings and discuss names (we were teetering between Seth Jay and Michael Darin). P.S. Darin's full name is Darin Jay Fausett.
Finally, 9 o'clock came and they took us to the room where our sweet, sweet little baby would be born. How, uh, surprised/apprehensive we were when we discovered that the room they took us to was the same room we'd had a false alarm in when Jakob was born! That false alarm was horrible! We did our best to not let superstition take over.
The hospital was slammed that night, so they didn't actually get the antibiotics that needed 4 hours to take effect in the system into my IV until 10:20 pm. This meant that I was going to be having an April Fool's Baby! They, therefore, wouldn't be starting the pitosin until around 1:00 am to make sure the antibiotic had time to run it's course. And so the waiting began. We watched Psych. Hilarious! Still, the time seemed to be creeping by. When 1:00 rolled around, the nurse began the pitosin. Not long after, this same nurse came in to deliver me some bad news. The anesthesiologist had refused to administer the epidural. What!?! Oh, man. Here we go again. So, the drama began. The nurse spent the next little while trying to get a hold of Kathy, then the anesthesiologist, then Kathy, back and forth, trying to figure out what needed to be done to get me that heaven sent epidural. In the meantime, the nurse took it upon herself to shut down the pitosin. Not cool. I was progressing so nicely! The contractions were coming close together and quite intensely. We'd have to start again from square one. Later. Finally, around 3:30 or so, the nurse gave me my options. I could either go natural or go home. The anesthesiologist would not do it, nor would any other anesthesiologist thereafter without a consult with a hematologist; despite the fact that I'd had an epidural before with my blood disorder, no problem. The blessing I'd had from Hal Wilcox earlier in the week was my anchor in this moment. I knew everything was going to be okay. So with a leap of faith, I decided we'd go natural.
Kathy came at 4:30 and broke my water. Active labor began. This is the labor that begins making a person question who they are and what in the devil they were thinking! Painful. But, thankfully this time I was ready for it and kept my mind busy through the contractions by doing some math. I hate math; doesn't come natural for me, so it was the way to go.
Shift change! New nurses, new staff... new anesthesiologists... no, no. I wasn't going to let my mind go there! It's too much teasing to even consider that kind of hope. The new nurse, Melissa, and her intern buddy, we'll call her Lily, came and introduced themselves. I loved them instantly! They were so sweet and made me feel really good. I told them about the situation with the anesthesiologist and made it clear that I was not interested in hearing about an epidural unless they had someone who was going to do it, without question. NO teasing.
Around 6:45 am, I'd endured a couple hours of some seriously intense pain, when bursting through the door came my angelic nurse to deliver me nothing less than a gift from heaven! Dr. Patel. An Indian anesthesiologist who looked at my case and said without hesitation that he would do it! He'd seen a million von Willebrand's patients, and did not worry one bit.
Words can't describe my elation! I wanted to cry with joy! By this time, Sarah had come and was there to witness the epidural. She said watching it made her, an experienced nurse, sick. A nasty old needle prick, and two contractions in the bowed-over catlike position later, and the epidural had been administered. I wanted to kiss this cute man!! I was so happy! Suddenly, the day was too perfect. Too good to be true. They checked me and I was at a 7, this was around 7:15 am.
At 7:45 am, they checked me again, and I was at a 9 1/2. Because the epidural was well mixed, I could still feel contractions, even a little pain and I knew this baby was ready to go! At 8: 15 they checked me again and I was at a 10. Still no Kathy though, so we waited.
The nurses got everything ready and soon enough Kathy was there. I pushed a round total of three times. One ten second push and two five second pushes and my sweet, darling, adorable little Michael Jay was born! They plopped him on my tummy the minute he came out and he was hollerin' like there was no tomorrow. It was the most adorable, pathetic, sweet sounding cry I've ever heard in my life. He was still goopy though, so I immediately had them clean him up before cuddling and cooing with my sweet new baby.
I can't describe the feelings I had. I have never been so happy, having my little family grow. Second babies are so much easier since I don't feel nervous I'm going to kill it somehow! I was able to enjoy those moments instead of worry about them.
Michael Jay Fausett. Born on April 1, 2011, weighing 7.2 lbs, and 19 inches long. The things I remember loving most about Michael when he was immediately born are so many I don't know how to list them all. I just stared at him. He was tiny to me! His eyes, large and slanted, and nose, rounded and slightly upturned, resembled his mommies, and that's always fun. His cry... it was sweet and soft! He lost his voice after the nurses took him away, but he was easily calmed by being held and nursed.
This time around, they had me supplement feeding. The technique was such that he was able to still nurse while doing so! Quite genius if you ask me. The benefit, he was a good, contented sleeper from day one. I don't remember this luxury with Jake, poor thing. I know I was stressed out, worrying I would somehow hurt my new little man, so I don't think I produced well for Jakob for at least a week or maybe even two! As a result, he fussed between meals, and I had no idea supplementing was an option. I thought it would destroy my supply. The blessing of the second baby, right?
We went home a day and a half after being admitted, and I felt awesome! Honestly, April 1 brought me the greatest happiness I've ever known. I can't stop thinking of my merciful Lord making all these things possible in my life. It's a miracle, the blessing of children being born to my sweet little family, and I thank Him every day of my life for it.
Just after giving birth.
A bit fresher!
Car ride home
First week
Looks so much like Jakob!
I never want to forget how tiny he was.
Look how big my hand is compared to my baby!
His intent gaze.
Calm as ever.
(Picture below): My three men, Jakob, Darin, and Michael.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
GOING PRIVATE
Please leave your email if you're interested! I'm giving it a week from April 7th. Thanks.
Friday, March 18, 2011
A New Hobby
I'm seriously considering taking up quilting as a new hobby. One problem... I've never done it before! I think it's such a useful skill! I love looking at other people's work and decided I want in. So, if anyone has any advice on where on earth I should start, I'm all ears!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
My Little Place
We live in a little 3 bed, 2 bath apartment. There isn't a ton of storage space, & it's easy for messes to form it seems. We don't own the newest things & our wardrobes don't include the latest fashions. But I'll tell you what... I couldn't feel more rich.
My little family has food to eat and a roof over our heads; we have the luxuries of hygiene products and transportation at our disposal; Darin is employed & insured; when I have my little baby in a couple weeks, we have a hospital down the road ready to welcome us (only a mother could truly appreciate what that all entails!); I have family within walking distance in case of emergencies & friends in the ward ready to fill in if necessary; we are all healthy & happy.
Watching the unrest in the world, whether it be from wars or natural disaster, makes my heart heavy for those who can't say the same. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father today. Have a great day, everyone. :)
My little family has food to eat and a roof over our heads; we have the luxuries of hygiene products and transportation at our disposal; Darin is employed & insured; when I have my little baby in a couple weeks, we have a hospital down the road ready to welcome us (only a mother could truly appreciate what that all entails!); I have family within walking distance in case of emergencies & friends in the ward ready to fill in if necessary; we are all healthy & happy.
Watching the unrest in the world, whether it be from wars or natural disaster, makes my heart heavy for those who can't say the same. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father today. Have a great day, everyone. :)
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