Growing

So today has been 10 weeks since Preston was born! I cannot believe 10 weeks ago we were spending our first few hours with our son. To update from his birth until now I will start kind of slow, a lot has gone on since then.

Well we left the hospital on Monday morning, November 1. When he was born he weighed in at 7 lb and 6 oz. Monday morning when they took him to the nursery at midnight they weighed him, and he weighed 7 lbs and 1 oz. That Thursday Preston had his first doctor's appointment. They weighed him and he only weighed 7 lbs. Since I am nursing his pediatrician was a little concerned he might not be eating enough, or getting enough to eat so we were asked to come back on Sunday. Little did Drew nor I know, that if you go to a pediatrician on the weekends there is an extra charge, so just for Preston to be weighed it would have cost 100 big ones... NO THANK YOU. So we went back that next Monday. He was a whole week old, and two days :), and he weighed in at a whopping 7 lbs 7 oz!! No more concerns for this little guy about his weight.

On November 22, we went and saw a specialist for his manhood. At the hospital, the hospitalist was concerned that his "pee hole" (so the specialist called it), was not right, so she sent us to a specialist. Which from MANY nurses we were told that this was a blessing, because that doctor doesn't do a good job at making it pretty. Well we were on our way to the specialist and I was a NERVOUS wreck. By this time Preston is now 3 weeks old, and he weighed in there at a big ol' 9 lbs!! Drew helped me hold it all together, but I couldn't go in and watch him go through that. Drew went in and stood beside him the whole time! The doctor said Preston did a great job, and Drew said the funniest thing was when they gave him a dum dum to help release endorphins Preston was going crazy trying to suck on it (: Everything went smoothly at this doctor's appointment and Preston really didn't seem to be in too much discomfort.

Throughout his first few weeks we had a good many visitors. Our parents both came and stayed with us to help out. His Grandmere came and stayed the Sunday after he was born until the next Sunday. His Mimi was not far behind and came that next Thursday and then his Popi came and stayed Friday night. These weeks were hard on me, because of how Preston came out. He came out "sunny-side up", which just means he came with his head stretched out and faced up, rather than tucked and faced down. This put a lot of pressure on my back and tail bone. He actually scratched his head on my tail bone. So with that, I had a SEVERELY bruised tail bone, hard to sit down and get up. Preston also had his Aunt Jessica and Kurt come visit for a weekend, as well as Rachael and Erik come for a weekend. I am going to try to get his scrapbook updated with ALL of his visitors, even everyone from the hospital and at our house. I tried to get a picture of everyone who held him then.

Well Thanksgiving came around and it was a VERY tough decision on what to do. We were just going to have family (mom and dads) up at our house; we had a doctor tell us to not travel at all until 6 weeks or 2 months, but we really didn't want to do that. So anyhow that didn't work out and we had to figure something else out. Every year we rotate families for Thanksgiving holidays, but usually always see both just not on Thanksgiving. This year was a little different, we went to Drew's parents house Wednesday night for dinner and then down to my parents for Thanksgiving (it was their year for us to be down there). Both dinners were delicious and it was kind of nice to go to sleep in our bed that night. We usually do our Christmas shopping the day after and get EVERYONE'S, but seeming how I have been out on leave, we got most done prior to this day, so we slept in for the first time in a LOT of years. I kind of missed getting up and fighting the rush, but believe you me, I was up just not shopping (:

Well anyhow, his next doctor visit would be December 3, but this was not a scheduled one. Drew had come down with a cold and was trying to get over it. Preston had now seemed to have caught his cough and sneezing, so I took him in to just check. He had put on a little more weight (pictures will come), and the doc said he was alright, sounded good, but keep a close eye on his temperature.

So now at 6 weeks (Dec 12) Preston smiled his first smile!! OMG was it the most amazing thing in the world!!! He had been smiling while he slept but just like little grins, just wait until I get that picture here.. it was the BEST!!

December 14, was his one month and it was GREAT! Preston now weighed 10 lbs and 14 oz!!! Everything checked out great and we would be back January 14 for his shots :( I had talked to one friend about shots, her son is a few weeks older than Preston, and she mentioned to give him tylenol.. well Doc says no, so we'll see how that goes (it's coming up).

I know there are so many more updates and things I have forgot to mention, so I am going to try to keep updating as I go through.. just writing down things I remember. But for now, little man is asleep and the big guy too... I will take the hint and get some rest myself (:

Tomorrow is a big day, it's his first day to church!!! I will take picture of COURSE! (:

New Life

So I have been extremely slack. As you can tell 12 weeks has now turned to he's here!!!

I am going to try to fill in as many details as I can.. sooo here's the story.. sit back and grab a glass of milk with some cookies (:

I was due November 13, 2010, but was planning on being induced on the 11. I had a certain doctor I wanted to deliver Preston, and that was when she would be at the hospital. So that was a deal for me. I went for my 38 week appointment on October 28, 2010 and everything was fine and good to go. I was 2 cm dilated and like 70% effaced. I still had two weeks and was just ecstatic for them to come and go.

Friday, the next day, I was bleeding some, so obviously was a little concerned. I called the doctor to see if I needed to come in and get checked, well NO call back. I told Drew that day, I would not call the doctor if I was in labor at the house, we would just go since they don't seem to call back anyhow. Well that Friday Drew and I went out with our friends here in Rock Hill to a nice dinner at Maggiono's. On the way home I had some strong pains, but thought nothing of it. I was at school late, doing a lot of this and that so I just figured that it was just because I was doing too much. I had talked to my friend and mentor (: Nicole about the pains, and she kept telling me they were contractions but nah I didn't think so. Nicole was going to drive me to our Fall Festival at school the next day, but low and behold I woke up with those same drab pains. I called her to let her know what was going on, and possibly would be driving myself once I got a hold of a doctor. Like I said she is my mentor, so she knew I was in labor. I called the doctor like I was told; they are supposed to call you back... no return call. My pains were about 5 minutes apart...took a shower, tried to fold some clothes, walked around downstairs, yeah none of these things are working. Drew called the nurse line back 30 minutes later and told her we hadn't heard from the doctor and that my pains were getting stronger. At this point I looked at Drew and told him I didn't care we were leaving. The phone RINGS - but they were all upstairs and we missed the call... Drew called back and the nurse told us it was the doc, but he was in surgery. I made the decision we were heading to the hospital. Everything was pretty good, other than the pains and it brought the meanness out of me. I was good, except for when the pains would come and I would pound my fist on the door frame or counter top; Drew didn't like that too much, and told me to stop a few times. The last time he told me, I just told him to "shuuut up" (: That was fun (:

Let me interject... I wanted to have a natural birth... that was before all these pains.. :/

So we were on our way to the hospital. Drew called our families to let them know they may need to get ready to make a trip to Rock Hill. We got to the hospital and Drew made it to the counter before me and told the nurses that "We think my wife is in labor." "Where is she?"

Here I come waddling around the corner and threw my purse on the counter (I was having a contraction). "I am sorry, I am having a contraction I think."

The nurses looked at me and said "Yep, take her to trias 1" (that is the set up room). One nurse took me back and was pointing out where the bathroom was to change, I was already undressed at this point (when you are in that much pain, NOTHING matters but to get checked in). I laid on the bed and just prayed I would be checked and the pain would be gone in a few seconds...yeah well it was about 5 hours later that the pain would be gone.

The labor and delivery nurse Leah came in and asked questions and updated the computer with information. She checked me, I was now 4-5 cm dilated and 2-3 minutes apart in contractions!! She looked at Drew and said we are going to have a baby today! Drew called his and my parents to tell them to head to the hospital. One of the questions that Leah asked was if I was planning on having an epidural... through my whole pregnancy I did not want to have any drugs, but when all that pain hit, I was a BABY! (: So bring on the needle!

Once we were all set to go I went to my delivery room. The anesthesiologist would soon be in the room. I got to a point where I was comfortable and was doing good breathing, and the doc came in, but left quickly to tend to a patient he just came from because something was going on... another 10 minutes I had to wait to get some pain relief.

While we are waiting on him to come back, when we got to my delivery room I had one request...MY doctor. On Thursday Drew had asked what happens if the baby comes before the 11, is there any way we can still have you as our doctor who delivers him... the only way would be if she worked in Rock Hill or it was a weekend and no home football game!! So we got settled and Drew asked the Nurse to call Dr. Hilton... they looked at us crazy because Dr. Taylor was on call and there.. Drew assured them that she would expect the phone call. Sure enough, she would be soon on her way also!! (:

Well now the doctor is back with the needle, and boy was I scared. Let me assure you ladies, they numb the spot first so I did not even feel the big needle go in!! Everything was set up and ready to go, Leah checked me again and I was fully dilated and ready to push when I was ready. This was around 12:00, noon. We arrived at the hospital at 8, got the epidural at 10, and was pushing at noon. Leah was great and was helping me out wonderfully. Dr. Hilton had arrived, but usually the nurse gets everything going until the Doctor needs to come in. Later I found out that I was not progressing while I was pushing so she went to get Dr. Hilton. While all this was going on, I started swelling pretty badly, I was already a little swollen before we started. I told Dr. Hilton at one point that I couldn't do it anymore.. I was tired and exhausted. She looked at Drew and told him there was still a good hour left. Since Preston's heart rate and vitals were amazing she said she would try the vacuum (she doesn't like to use it), but if there was not more progress we would have to go do a Cesarean (she knew I did NOT want this). BEST DOCTOR in the WORLD! In three pulls with that, and a short 45 min to and hour later....tada!!!

I won't lie, that was the HARDEST thing I have ever had to do. two hours later though our BEAUTIFUL baby boy was born! Preston arrived at 2:19 PM on October 30, 2010.

Music to my heart!

If you cannot tell what that is... it is a sign of parenthood!!

Yes, Drew and I are expecting our first child! We are now 12 weeks pregnant, well I am :), but we are both so thrilled and excited. We tried to get in touch with everyone about the news, but here it is!! Just last Tuesday we got to hear the beautiful sound of our baby's heart beat! 180bpm!! Fast little beat, and make complete sense why I am so freaking tired these days!!

I will keep everyone posted and updated as the weeks pass. We are looking for a healthy, hearty little one, but we will let you know in 8 weeks just what we are having (:

Jamaica

Drew and I recently have returned from Jamaica!!! I will post pictures once I figure out how to work this thing :)

So we flew out Friday morning and had the WHOLE day to spend by the pool and RELAX!! Little did we think, you can get incredibly sun burned in an hour under and umbrella and in the pool... woops. The resort was sooo nice!! There were few things that could have made it better, but hey it was only open for a few weeks prior, so we'll deal. We took an excursion on Saturday to Dunns River Fall and Dolphin Cove. Coolest thing ever!! If you ever go, you need to go there!! We got to interact and touch the dolphins which was soo cool. Drew and I directly got to interact with the dolphin, Misty, by throwing her ring and Drew caught it. Sunday and Monday we just laid around by the pool. It was nice! We met a really nice couple that we shared many laughs, memories, and dinners with (Drew, a few drinks). I got to make a kite with some locals by the pool, but chose not to fly it.. (: Still pretty cool. Tuesday we had to pack up and leave around 11; since the shops were closed on Monday we did our shopping at the airport. Oh well. But that's ok. We had a blast!!!! I will post some pictures when I understand what to do so I can share our adventure!! A few more days of spring break, and then back to the real world :(

That's all for now!!

Figuring things out

So I really don't understand how to use this, but I'll learn. Just wanted to leave a little post. I had my fourth out of six class for grad school. I only have 8 more classes and I will have my masters!! AWESOME!


Drew and I have one more Friday before we are in Jamaica!! I am pretty excited to sit and relax and sunbathe for a few days. Kind of nervous about the flight, but once that is over, I will be good for 5 days until the flight home :) I cannot wait though, this is much needed!!!


I am going to learn how to use this and do better, sorry for the picture, don't know how to fix (:

March 18, 2010

My sister talked me into creating this blog. I am interested how often I keep it up. I do like to vent a lot, so maybe this will be good!

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I have been completly exhausted for the past few days, and then have my school work on top of everything. I enjoy getting my masters and the information I am learning from it, however doing a full time job, 15 seven year olds for 8 hours is a J-O-B, job... and then typing papers, reading books, articles, etc... T-O-U-G-H! Oh well, it will pay off if the stupid state would appreicate teachers... we'll see! (:

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This has been my first blog post! Pretty pumped to get it started and in touch with so many who are on it. Signing off for today!