Our 1st week at home + a couple days

Kevin took this picture of Nate's corner in our room. Makes me giggle because he's never even been in his "real" room yet. Right now, he's with us in our room.

Love this picture of him on the scale!!

This was his first bottle. And he fed himself!

Better picture of Sarah and Whitney :)

Just home from the hospital and checking out his new home.

We are using the snuggle nest. Best invention ever. The first night we didn't use it. We used a crib in our room. I think it was too much space for him. Going from the small plastic sleeping cradles at the hospital... So the next morning we busted this out for his naps and I'm so glad we did. For the first week he slept between us at night and on kev's side of the bed during the day.

Last night was the first night that he didn't sleep next to us. We put the snuggle surround in the crib and he did great! I had a moment where I didn't want him that far away, across the room?! :) What am I going to do when he starts sleeping upstairs? :) Dont have to worry about that now.

He did great sleeping in his crib. Kevin and I got some sleep too. But I did spend a few extra minutes staring at the monitor. :)

2nd ride in the car was with Mama and Daddy to Dr. F's office to remove my staples. Handled it like a champ.. We both did. :)

They were really impressed with how well I am healing. Had some nausea so they ordered an abdominal sonogram to check for gall stones. It actually gave me piece of mind. I had it 1 week after I gave birth. She said everything looked good. All organs were back where they were supposed to be and my uterus was almost back to normal size. No gall stones. :)

I mustache you a question... How cute am I??

Sleeping like a baby.

3rd car ride ever.. His own dr's visit. Our pediatrician is Dr. Moayyad and I love him. We went on Wednesday, day 6 of Nate's life. When he went home from the hospital he weighed 6lbs 1oz. At the dr's office he was 6lbs 5 oz. yay!!! We go again this Thursday and I'm praying he's back up to his birth weight. Anyway, Dr. Moayyad answered all our questions while he checked Nate out. So patient and extremely knowledgeable. He said Nate looked great and we were doing a great job.

I called his office previously to ask a question. His skin is so red and I asked if that was an indicator of a fever. She said no. To look for a fussiness, won't eat, won't sleep. she said to kiss his forehead if it felt hot on your lips to take his temp. Not to trust your hands. His Dr's office wants me to kiss my baby?? My kind of place! :)

It's hard to see in this photo but they stretched him out and marked his height. 20in. I know that's how long he is but seeing it on the paper was unbelievable. He's so scrunchy. But on the paper he looks really long. :)

Our two sons:

He actually smiles a lot. This was right after eating. So content.

Auntie P and Uncle Josh came over for a brief visit. Kristen finds the cutest baby clothes and is spoiling Nate already. And us! She and Josh brought us dinner of homemade stuffed shells. Delicious!

We've had a few people being us dinner, it's been wonderful! Katie, Justin and Rachel, Ember, my parents, Kevin's Mom. We are so grateful to you guys!!

Ember brought Luka over last Saturday. Luka is just so precious and he tried out some of Nate's toys. Can't wait to watch these guys grow up together.

And it was time for Nate's first bath at home. I put it off because it made me nervous. His umbilical cord can't get wet... Any way. It was so much easier than I thought it'd be. Kevin held him when I needed him to be off the table while I used a wash cloth. He didn't even cry that much. So sweet!!

Praying for his meal:

Nate had his first play date with the Heldt's and Womack's yesterday! What a great way to spend Memorial Day. Great friends and food + my angel sleeping away :). Thanks to the Heldt's for having us over! It was great to catch up! Julianne had Brooks the day before Nate was born. So it was wonderful to ask her questions. Our friend Sarah was also there. That girl is a wealth of knowledge! Love them all!!! Thanks again!

Maybe you'd call it more of a sleep date. :) Whitney and Payton played away while Brooks and Nate got some much needed shut eye.

When we got back my cousin Josh stopped by to meet Nate. Josh lives in Garland so it was the first time he'd made it over here. Nate loves his Uncle Jash! :)

Our son is so smart. Already using sign language. We love you too, Nate. Seems like such an understatement!! More than words can say. Guess well just have to show you every day.

Kevin went back to work this morning. He went in for football last week. But this is our first morning without him. We are doing ok. We got into such a great routine that I can't wait for summer when well all be together! :) My mother-in-law is going to come over in the afternoon so I can take a nap. I am so grateful for her and my parent's help. They have been essential in this transition.

Please continue to pray for us! Nate technically turned 38 weeks yesterday. We are doing great! So in love with our little bundle of JOY!

God is Big Enough.

5-16-2013 One of the best days of my life...

I woke up in no pain. I started to get ready for work was stopped in my tracks a few times by what I can only describe as minor gas pains. My uterus was tight. As I've never had a baby before, never been Iabor, I had no idea if that's what I was feeling. Since it only happened twice while I was getting ready, I decided to go into work. We had 8th grade awards that night so I wore my dress and even dress shoes.

When I got to work I noticed the pain was happening more frequently. By the middle of 2nd period I decided to start keeping track. I thought I was doing a great job of hiding it, but one of my more observant students asked me if I was ok. I assured her I was.

During my conference, I went to my friend, Vonda's classroom. Vonda and I teach the same subjects except I also have speech and athletics. We spend a lot of time together. I told her what was going on and she said maybe it was Nate dropping. I was still carrying him really high. I thought that made total sense.

We ate lunch at 11:30 and that is when the "timer" started. Every time I got up I was having a "contraction" Counted 6 in an hour. Vonda said to me, "Maybe you are in labor". So I texted Kevin and he told me to call our Dr and see what they think.

I called and very unsurely told her I thought I was having contractions. That they were accompanied with minor pain and I had 6 in the last hour. She said it sounded like labor and to go to the hospital to get checked out. Kevin and I knew how many days of "paid vacation" I had left and its not a lot. So I asked her if I could wait until 3pm. She said no. ;)

So I went to my principal and told her what was going on. She asked if I needed a ride. I said I did. Vonda had my advisory class and agreed to watch my 5th period and my principal got my 6th and 7th periods covered.

Had a student run to my classroom to get my purse. I left my other bag because I was convinced this was all precautionary and I'd be back for awards that night. I called Kevin. He didn't answer. Left him a message that I was headed to the hospital.

Ok, so Kev had been on edge the past week. We don't normally talk on the phone during the day so anytime I called him he'd always answer in a panic. On the Tuesday before, with the suggestion of one of my students we came up with a code word. My student suggested "peaches". We thought that was hilarious.

So if I texted him peaches... It was go time.

So since my phone call went unanswered, I texted him... "Headed to the hospital, peaches."

Still nothing.

By this point I was in the car headed to the hospital. So I decided to text his two best friends at school hoping he was with one of them. Completely forgetting that Linden's wife, Julianne, had just given birth to their angel, Brooks, the day before.

Well, it's a good thing I did, because Linden called Brian, who was with Kevin. Brian hadn't seen the text yet but felt his phone ringing and answered. Turned out they were in the school cafeteria for an event and it was really loud. Brian told Kevin to check his phone and Kev was out the door calling me as he ran to his truck. Can't even say how much I appreciate Kevin's great friends!!

So I got to the hospital at 12:30pm. My principal waited in the waiting room until Kevin got there. I filled out some paper work. They walked me to the triage bed and then to the bathroom. I left a urine sample. Changed into the hospital gown and heard Kevin's voice on the other side of the door. A calm set over me. Thank God for him.

I got into the bed and they hooked me up to the machines. I had one small contraction right away and it didn't even hurt. Not a good sign. They checked and I wasn't dialated at all. Not even 1 centimeter. My blood pressure was good. My feet were swollen, but that's normal. They said they would monitor me for about an hour and if nothing changed that they'd send me home.

I looked at Kev and said, "You haven't called anyone, have you? Because I'm here for gas pains and that's embarrassing." He said he hadn't and we both had a little giggle.

10 minutes later the machine took my blood pressure again and it shot up 20 points. I have not had a problem with my blood pressure the whole pregnancy. There was 1 day where it was elevated. But it went back down within 5 minutes of resting on one side. Because of this one time, I was wary of pre-eclampsia. I've had traces of protein in my urine through out my pregnancy and would see spots every now and then. But the major indicators, blood pressure and head aches, had not been a problem.

10 minutes later and it shot up another 20 points. 183 over 84.

10 minutes later... 203 over 100.

It was about this time that the nurse came in and checked my legs. She said you are probably not going home today with blood pressure that high.

Minutes later she came back in. Said that I have protein in my urine, extremely swollen legs and asked me if I was seeing spots, I was. She said, "Ok, I talked to Dr. Froeschke and he said we are going to admit you and do a C-section. You are going to have a baby today."

Huh?

Kev looked at me and said, " Can I call your parents now?"

Yes please.

It was 1:45pm and everything started happening very quickly. They wheeled me to the elevator and Kevin had to stop and check in with security. I asked if we could wait and the nurse politely told me no. Told Kev what room we were headed to and to meet us there.

There were 5 nurses waiting for me when I was wheeled in the room. Kev said when he walked in they were swarmed around me. I remember just being in disbelief. Was this really happening? Kev hadn't gotten a hold of my Mom yet and ended up having to call the school to get a message to her.

The nurses were prepping me for surgery and one said that there was one person a head of me and then we'd head that way. They took my blood pressure again and it was 160 over 85. FYI, my arm is still bruised from the cuff. The higher your blood pressure, the tighter the cuff constricts... Blah.

Anyway, one of the nurses said they were bumping me above everyone. Kevin kept trying to get a hold of people while they worked on me. Time went by so fast. Next thing I knew we were headed to the OR. They kept Kev in the hallway while the got me numb and relaxed. He had to stick me 3 different times in my spine to find the right place. I had a moment once I laid down that I was nauseous and then I had trouble breathing. But they adjusted the medication and in no time I couldn't feel anything.

They brought Kevin in and he took my hand. Here we go. Dr. Froeschke worked fast and at 3:19pm our angel was born. They had to get out the vacuum because he was still so high. He was 36 weeks and 5 days old st birth. Any baby born before 37 weeks is considered a premie. NICU was there in case he needed to go. Nate was labeled a "late term premie".

They took him to the warming station. He wasn't crying. They said this was typical with C-section babies because they are in shock. They go from happy warm wombs to what the heck???

After about 45 seconds we heard that sweet sound. He was crying and I started balling. I am a Mom.

Nathaniel James Lawther was born on May 16th at 3:19pm. He was 6lbs 11oz and 20 inches long.

As they called out his weight, Dr. Froeschke said, " What? Not even 7lbs?" :) We had talked every visit about how big this baby would be at full term. He was always measuring so big and a head of schedule. God knew why. God was going to bring him early and he needed to be fully developed. And he was.

No need for the NICU. They did put him in a bright orange hat to signal that he is a premie.

They gave him to Kevin and he brought him to me. Most beautiful thing I've ever seen. He had a suck blister on his left thumb for sucking it in the womb. After way too short a time they needed to take him to the Nursery. Kev went with them and got to show him off to all who were in the waiting room. They finished working on me and wheeled me back to labor and delivery. They immediately started me on a magnesium drip and placed me on "seizure watch" for 24 hours.

Our bundle of JOY!

Nate and his G-Daddy!!

Nate and the man who saved both our lives... Best Doctor in the world.. Dr. Froeschke.

Proud Daddy!!!

My family and friends that are family are amazing. I am so glad they were at the hospital and able to meet our son!! I don't remember much more of that day. The magnesium drip made me feel like I had the flu. I remember holding him for the first time. I remember they brought him in to eat and then took him back to the nursery at night. I was so dizzy. I stayed in labor and delivery over night so they could monitor me. They brought in a hospital bed for Kevin. The most amazing group of nurses and care givers. I highly recommend MCA of Arlington Women's Center.

The next day I was feeling much better. No seizures, no more magnesium drip and I got to eat. :) They moved me up stairs a little later in the day. Nate had lots of visitors... He is so loved already.

Luka and Nate's first photo...tada!

Proud Daddies! Their little boys are one day apart. Kev, Linden, Nate and Brooks... Kick'em Colts! The tradition continues...

I was having trouble breast feeding so they taught me how to pump and feed Nate with a spoon. Crazy!! Not needed now as he can take a bottle just fine, but if you ever have to feed your newborn with a spoon, I can help! :)

It's now Saturday and we have one more day in the hospital. I'm so glad because I wasn't ready to go home. Some of my out of town family was in town that weekend!!! They came by and got to meet Nate!

Nate and his SUPER cousin Zanna!! So glad the Dallas Demarest clan could come see us!!

My miracle

Sarah and Whitney. Whitney is going to be a big sister in October!

Nate and his Glammye!!

Nate and his Grandma:

They came to our room and took his newborn photos on our hospital bed. So convenient and she got some great shots. I will post them soon.

Aunt Jessi, this one's for you. :) He's inherited my excellent toe moving skills. :)

We went home on Sunday May 19th. Kev's Dad's birthday and my Gparents wedding anniversary. We could feel them around us blessing us and keeping us safe.

Thanks so much to Kristen and Josh for taking care of Murphy while we were in the hospital. It was a load off our minds to know that he was taken care of by people he loves! They brought Murph over after we got home and settled in. It was very smooth and Murph is adjusting well.

As for us... We are adjusting too. Thanks for all the prayers! We feel them. Love you all!

Let's Rewind

So last time I posted I was 30 weeks. And now... I'm a Mom. So much has happened in these last 7 weeks that I don't really know where to start.

Around 33 weeks we went to Stork Vision and got to see our angel in 3D.

Couldn't believe how beautiful he is. Couldn't wait to meet him. I didn't have to wait too much longer.

The day before I made it to 35 weeks, I lost my Gma. That is an entire post all in itself. And I will do that later. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her... But after this past week I can honestly say I know she is watching out for me. I wish she was here to hold my son. It's all she talked about when we were together and she'd put her hands on my belly. But if she can't be here, if I don't have a choice, I'm so grateful she's in heaven with Gpa and keeping her family safe on a much greater scale.

Needless to say that next week was pretty hard. Everyone was so worried I would go into labor early but I didn't. I was able to work some and even held it together long enough to speak at her funeral.

That takes us to 36 weeks. Mother's Day. We went to church. The same church we'd just celebrated my Gma's life in 2 days earlier. It was a wonderful service. The Way Band brought me to tears with the song I Can Only Imagine. I could feel Grandma around us.

During the next week, Kev and I spent our time getting things ready for Nate upstairs and down. We had gone to babies r us and buy buy baby to spend our giftcards and got pretty much all we thought we could ever need. We safe so grateful to everyone who came to our showers or sent us a gift. We weren't ready for Nate, but we were getting there.

On Monday night we went to our infant care class. Learned how to sponge bathe a doll. But it really was informative and I'm so glad we went. Especially because 48 hours later...

Wednesday night, May 15th. Our last night as a family of three. We found ourselves in the closet. Mother nature brought us a tornado and we were so lucky that it passed right over us and didn't touch down.

I started having Braxton hicks that Wednesday night. There we were in the closet and we both said to my belly, not tonight, Nate. :) they were very infrequent but were accompanied with the slightest amount of pain. Wasn't happening enough to even consider going to the hospital. Went to sleep and was able to sleep just fine.

Woke up on May 16th. Got ready for work and went to school. Little did I know, my world was about to completely change. Talk about a whirl wind.

30 weeks

This was a great week for me. It was exhausting, but being able to rest on Friday was wonderful. Kevin had to go scout in Odessa at the last minute so he hopped a plane Thursday morning and it was my first 24 hours without him this pregnant. Nate and I did Ok. And I was super busy, had to work a track meet... Ahhh the joys of being a coach & a coach's wife. :)

We had a track meet at Martin this past week. Kevin and I met on that field, in the end zone closest to school. My best friend introduced us when I was visiting the school, when I was still at Oakridge. 2 years later, on that same day, Kevin took me back to that field and gave me a promise ring. He promised to ask me to marry him someday... 14 years later... I got to show my son this place that changed my life.

Coach Wilkins was my Coach when I was at Martin. I was a football manager, in charge of the equipment, and he was the Coach in charge of us... Among all his other football duties. He now coaches at Boles and I get to see him every now and then. He's such a sweet man and I learned so much from him.

Kev had to stay overnight in Odessa because there wasn't a returning flight Thursday night after the game. His flight got in early Friday afternoon and he was home for about 2 hours before he had to walk out the door for the varsity soccer game. I slept the majority of Friday. I think that's why I feel good now.

I am 30 weeks today. I was not feeling good this morning. Exhausted, nauseous, heartburn and restless legs. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to church. I'm bummed. We were going to go to the contemporary service at New World UMC and rock out to The Way Band while our friend's little ones danced around. But I'm glad I stayed home because I feel great right now. I was able to go to lunch with my family and feel somewhat rested for the week.

I am so grateful for today and all it means. God is Big Enough and Jesus' love knows no bounds. My Mom just told me that a dear family friend passed away this week. She was a great person. She was a breast cancer survivor. She died from complications from Alzheimer's. I'm so glad she's in heaven where she is no longer in pain and her spirit is free.

Hope your Easter is full of God's love and Joy! 10 weeks to go until we get to meet our own angel.

He can't get here fast enough!

27 weeks?? Or 29?

Last night, Kevin and I finally got our son's name up on the wall! I love it so much!!!

That's right... It starts with a N!!

I'm so grateful to my hubby for doing this!! Who knew applying basically a big sticker to the wall could be so stressful.

Drum roll, please!!! our son's name is Nathaniel James! We plan to call him Nate, and we do... But I also refer to him as Nathaniel. His name means "A Gift From God"... Couldn't be more perfect.

We went to the dr today! It was a wonderful morning because we got to see Nate on the sonogram. He's so beautiful. We got to see his brain! So cool!! As they checked the rest of the organs she said he is for sure a boy. :) Everything looked really good. We still had difficulty seeing the heart because my navel was casting a shadow right over his heart. Dr. Froeschke made us an appointment for a high tech sono on April 8th. Supposed to be really clear and they will make a DVD of the sono for you. Very excited about this!! :)

He is measuring at 29 weeks. The sonogram machine says our estimated due date is May 24th. But when we talked to our doctor, we are keeping the original due date of June 9th because that was the base of estimation back in September. He says that we will have to just see when Nate decides to enter this world.

He said if he continues to grow at this rate and gets to be 9lbs or so that we need to prepare ourselves for a C-section. He is already 3lbs and 1 ounce. My Dad and brother were both about 10 lbs when they were born. I was 7 lbs 13oz and Kev was over 8 pounds. So I am 100% ok with a C-section of a 9lb baby. :) I would rather deliver normally, but I trust my doctor and god's plan and will go with it.

Here is his profile:

This photo makes me giggle. He's looking at us and covering his face with his hands. You can see his open lips and his nose. ;) we were able to watch him open and close his mouth. I want a sonogram machine in my house... I'd never leave!!!

And this is his face... Once again looking right at us. Can't get enough!

Also good news today, my BP was 102 over 70. Thrilled with that. Guess Spring Break agrees with me. :)

Did my glucose today and we will get the results in a day or two. Pretty much all I eat are sweets right now so I am praying we get the all clear.

Other than that things are good around here. :) Counting the days until we meet our son, Baby Nate!