The first three weeks...

*So, this is a very condensed version of what has gone on the first three weeks- and only what I can remember!*

The Tuesday we were home we had to go to the doctor to check his weight, and just an overall check. Well, she did not like his jaundice look and all his levels (they were flirting the high line at the hospital) so we ended up at Newton getting blood work. IT WAS NOT FUN! He was tiny, irritable and had to get his foot pricked again! So, they thought he would have to do lights but the bili levels were ok so all was well with that. Then, a day or so later he started almost making this animal sound like honking when he cried or got upset. It was so weird and freaked us out. I have never heard this before. So, like freaked out parents we called the dr- she said it was more than likely congestion and we needed to do saline nasal drops in each nostril before each feeding. For us, I guess it moisturizes but for babies, some reason it makes them sneeze- almost instantly. So they sneeze out the boogers/ goo. It worked pretty good and we are still having to do it- he sounds horrible at times. A few days later after that, I guess is really when he started having horrible gas issues. I know every baby has gas issues but there is a point I guess that it becomes excessive. That is where we were at... Let me back and fill in the feeding part...

This may be TMI so don't read this part if you don't want to know the feeding/ booby part. I will begin by mentioning last time with logan, I tried to breastfeed, but it was extremely painful. I know now that it is not the type of pain they say you will get used to if you just keep doing it. Also, logan was horrible at latching- they said it could be because he was gestationally early or just how he was. Either way- it did not work out with him. I tried pumping and basically had no supply and stopped pumping and such at probably 1/2 to1 week. Now, as soon as Liam came out, he was ready. he had an awesome latch- perfect. I tried and it was great- at first. By the end of the first day at the hospital with a perfect latch, my boobs were bloody and bruised. I began getting very frustrated at that point. I wanted it to work SO bad this time. The bad part about the nursing aspect is they don't send around the lactation specialist until the second day- which is fine and dandy- they really couldn't do anything but I wanted to make sure we were doing every thing possible right so that it would work. So, by end of day one, going in to day two, it was very apparent that it was not going to work- plus knowing what all went on with Logan, I just knew. I then began to have a breakdown.. I felt completely incompetent and like I could not provide for my child. I just wanted to do it - especially since I would be able to this time since I will be staying home- and just wanted it to work. We decided that I could try pumping and feeding him that- it is the same thing just an extra (annoying) step. So that is what I did. William  would feed Liam while I pumped so that it would cut some time and we could both get back to sleep. Well, that was all fine and dandy until two things 1) I looked forward a few days and William was going back to work and the realization hit that I would be doing everything now (feeding, then pumping, Logan, etc.) which I had been doing while he was working his other jobs but it would be different for the 24hr fire shift- especially at night. and 2) my migraines were coming back full- force and they will not let you take any meds if you are breastfeeding. Between the fact that with pumping you are basically pumping and feeding 24/7 and you can't really go anywhere because you have to be back to pump and needing to get back on my meds- it was just the best decision (plus I was making a good amount of milk, but still having to give formula too because it was just not enough to keep up with what he was needing). So that is where we are at- we were doing full formula since probably 2ish weeks...

So, we went to the doctor regarding the gas issue- really I just called them to ask if it was ok to switch to sensitive formula (I don't know why I called because we never asked with Logan, we just switched to what we thought) but I didn't know if sensitive would be the next best step, etc. so that is why I was asking. They were like well, he is gaining well and not throwing up 1/2 his food so we want to keep him on what he is on right now. I should have questioned it then, but I was at the doctor with both of them on my own, I was irritated and for whatever reason, I just did not think to question it. He is spitting up and such even like 30 min to an hour and a half after he eats but it is not that much - which is what I told them. So at that appointment they put him on zantac and said give it 3-4 days. So after day 4 I called them and said we need to change the formula- they were like oh no it takes a good 7-10 days to see the effects. I was like oh good glad you said 3-4. That brings us to today- day 10 which is why we are going to the dr. First, I really don't understand why they put him on zantac, which I shall be of a semi-sane mind to ask today. Second, we are switching formula whether they say ok or not. You can feel the gas in his stomach if you put your hand on him, he is passing a ton of gas, now he is constipated, passing 1 pellet at a time and will wimper and scream then pass a lot of gas so you know that is what is making him hurt. So we will see what they say. Also at the first gas appointment, they started us on eye drops for his goopy eyes (clogged tear ducts). We are out of drops now and they have gotten some better but still goopy- they did a culture last time to make sure they are not infected and it came back negative so that is good! We are just praying for some good results and answers. It is very frustrating, upsetting and tiring to be up with a screaming, fussing baby 24/7 with 30 minute breaks every now and then when he falls asleep. Hopefully this will get better soon because we hate seeing him in pain and not being able to do anything about it.

The Hospital Stay

After I delivered Liam, I was just in awe- and a little jealous that William was over there with him and I could not see him- I was so impatient waiting on them to let me have him. They finally let me have him and it was amazing. I don't quite remember the time frame of everything, but we went to the new room (the one you are in until you leave) and my mom and dad came and brought Logan- who, at first did not even want to look at him- it was very upsetting. Then, William's dad, sister and brother in law came. It was great to see everyone and a little overwhelming especially while we were trying to talk with Logan and get him to adjust some. My mom and dad brought Logan back the next day as well, so that was good. Other than that, we just hung out and we could not put him down. It was very hard for me to rest or sleep so we did put him in the nursery at night because he kept gagging and doing this thing like he could not breathe so I was scared to death to go to sleep. It did feel pretty good to sleep a little bit. I was clear to go home Sunday and we thought we were good to go but they wanted to keep Liam until Monday because of his bili levels. So, we finally got out of there Monday afternoon. I was so ready to go! We finally got home and my mom brought Logan home and it was so good to have everyone home. It took a good little bit to get in a routine and get Logan used to Liam.

We're having a baby!

So, at 37ish weeks, I went to the doctor (I think on a Thursday) and my blood pressure was still pretty high and not coming down. I had been feeling horrible for a little bit. They decided to go ahead and induce on Saturday (I would technically be 38 weeks) and admit me to the hospital Friday. they would start a cervical softner Friday night and induce with pitocin Saturday morning. I have to say I actually liked going in the night before- it was a little less stressful- we got the dogs and Logan all situated and we were able to get to Northside and just kindof unwind and be together. I got no sleep that night- I tossed and turned because my hips hurt and of course every time I turned, the monitor would loose the baby so they would have to come in and adjust. It was not only irritating for me,but probably irritating for the nurse as well. So, Saturday morning rolled around and they began inducing. I started at 2cm and I figured it would go pretty fast seeing as last time I came in at 3cm, they started at 6am and I delivered at 130pm. So, I had been scared that I would not get the epidural in time so that was on my mind. If you have never had pitocin, it amplifies the contractions like crazy. All regular contractions I have ever had have been fine- but the contractions on pitocin begin to really hurt by the time you start to get around 4/5cm. So, I had told the nurses that I was concerned I would not get it in time, etc. So they said I could get the IV meds for pain- got that and it did nothing. I waited maybe another 30 minutes and was like, I want the epidural now. So, they got on that and I am glad they did! I was able to rest for probably an hour or two then it was time! They started getting the room ready (there was a nurse teaching another nurse so they were spending much more time in the room, going over stuff, etc.). At that point where they began getting the room ready, it just hit me, it became so real. I started getting a little anxious then I was like no- I am not going to do this and then I literally just started praying. Just prayed the entire time (I was just so dreading that it would end up hurting and being as bad as Logan's delivery). So, I just gave it to God, tried to enjoy the process and soak up everything and it was amazing! I literally pushed maybe 3-4 times and the entire delivery lasted under 7 minutes! I say that not to brag or boast,but to just show how awesome God is! The doctor massaged and helped out a lot down there so that I did not tear or anything! It was amazing. I remember them putting Liam on my chest and just looking at William and we both just started tearing up and crying. He was prayed for so much and for God to entrust us with Him is unbelievable.

38 Weeks Pregnant

Yow! If you feel a sort of lightening bolt running up and down your legs (and in your crotch), don’t freak out. At 38 weeks, baby’s probably sitting pretty low in your pelvis, which means he’s bumping into all kinds of nerves down there -- including some pretty sensitive ones you might not know you had. Be on the lookout for signs of labor, including contractions that come on stronger, at more regular intervals, and the “bloody show.” It could happen any day now -- or it might not be for a few weeks. Until then, try to relax.

Your baby's the size of a pumpkin!

Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.

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your baby at 38 weeks

• She may have about an inch or so of hair already.
• She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.

pregnancy symptoms at 38 weeks

• "Lightning crotch." As baby bumps against nerves in your pelvis, you might feel shooting sensations down your legs and even inside your vagina.
• You're probably still having Braxton Hicks contractions, difficulty sleeping, vaginal discharge, an itchy belly and swollen feet and ankles.
• You might have had a slightly bloody, mucus discharge, known as bloody show. This is a sign labor is coming.
• You might also have some diarrhea, which could also mean baby is coming soon.

We're almost there!

37 Weeks Pregnant

Get excited. At 37 weeks, your baby has reached full term. That means he’s developed his most crucial functions. Of course, he’ll get even healthier and stronger over the next few weeks, so don’t get too impatient. Around week 37, many moms-to-be find themselves organizing cupboards and scrubbing their floors. That’s the nesting instinct kicking in as your body senses baby will be here shortly. It also might be your brain’s way of making sure you’re prepared for just about anything, so you can feel like you have an extra edge on this whole new parent thing.

Your baby's the size of a winter melon!

Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

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your baby at 37 weeks

• He's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.
• He's getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for his first diaper.

pregnancy symptoms at 37 weeks

• The urge to "nest." this instinct might make you want to clean house in preparation for baby.
• Heartburn, since baby continues to put pressure on your digestive system.
• Spotting. But call your doctor if it's heavy bleeding.
• Stretch marks -- sorry, but new ones might appear each week from here on out.
• Increased pressure on your abdomen (and greater urge to pee!), since baby may have dropped.
• Trouble sleeping. Be sure you're getting plenty of exercise during the day, drinking lots of water and limiting your caffeine intake.

We are excited to be at 37 weeks! This pregnancy has flown by- up until now. I know I am getting impatient, but I am trying very hard not to be. Last Monday, at 36 weeks, I had my doctor appointment- went in to work late and left from the doctor to go home. I was cramping and contracting so badly and was in so much pain. Well, I was about 2 cm and 50% thinned at that point. We really thought something was going to happen around Tuesday night when my contractions were 5-7 minutes apart for several hours. But, they began slowing down and eventually stopped. From that point forward, I have just been in pain. I have a lot of cramping in my lower back, contractions off and on (just can't get them below every 5 minutes) and the feeling I had when I had my bad bladder infection- all in addition to the crazy pain down there. So, needless to say, I did not go to work at all last week- the pain and such was just crazy. I knew I could not drive 1 - 1 1/2 hours one way twice each day and work 10 1/2 hours sitting up (the pain is a little better if I can lay back). On another note, this past week (besides the pain) has been amazing, just being able to be home with Logan. I know this is the last little bit that we will have just us and I am so thankful and blessed to have this time with him!

So, we had our 37 week appointment today- blood pressure was high but not extreme, so they are just watching it. Also, still at a 2cm and 50%. They wanted to do some blood work and will send my urine off for culture, so we will see if that amounts to anything. He has moved further down over the past week- his head is VERY low and when he was checking me, he barely got started and felt his head (I know- gross). Other than that, I honestly am not like "ugh I just don't want to be pregnant anymore" it is more like "I just wish this pain would ease up some". So, we will see what God has planned. I had planned on working up through the end of August (or until I delivered), but apparently God had other plans. It is pretty much impossible for me to work my usual 13 hour day schedule right now and at first, though I did not want to be at work, I was a little bummed. Mostly because I am not getting paid, but also because I was just so conflicted on what to do- but I know this was the right decision (both for me and for Liam). The GREAT news is that Liam is looking / sounding good and everything seems to be going well with him! Also, in the grand scheme of things, I do know that if nothing else is going on and I don't start contracting, they will induce around 39 weeks- so at the LONGEST, he should be here in about 2 weeks! Which right this second, feels like forever, but I know that it will go by super fast! Lately, I've just been thinking about all my friends that have just had babies or are pregnant, waiting to see their babies- I know EVERYONE is miserable and pray that they can find some relief and have happy, safe, easy deliveries!

35 weeks and no more breech!

35 Weeks Pregnant

Growing, growing, growing. Yup, baby and you. You’ve reached 35 weeks, and your uterus has grown about 1,000 times its original size, a number that might sound exaggerated to everyone else -- but to you it probably feels more like a million. You can expect to gain about a half-pound a week before birth, and baby’s beefing up, too. At 35 weeks, some moms-to-be feel like they have a ton of stuff left to do before baby’s arrival. Others can barely wait for baby to make his debut. Either way, try not to stress. Baby will show up when he’s ready, and he won’t care if you haven’t checked every little detail off your list.

Your baby's the size of a coconut!

He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.

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your baby at 35 weeks

• Now, his hearing is fully developed, and he responds best to high-pitched noises.
• If it's a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.

 pregnancy symptoms at 35 weeks 

• Frequent urge to pee. Yup, your bladder's getting pressed by baby.
• Constipation -- make sure to get plenty of fiber.
• A continuation of all those aches and pains -- and maybe even a few new ones.
• An increase in the amount of contractions you're having.

We went to the doctor today for our 35 week visit and ultrasound! Liam has flipped! We are so very thankful that he decided to flip! They cancelled the C-Section and said while possible, it is HIGHLY unlikely that he would flip back to a breech position. Which is good- I really don't know that he could flip back if he wanted to- he is SO far down there and ready. There was no way that we could get a picture because he was so far down- just saw the head, heart, fluid, etc. So, I am 35 weeks 3 days so at this point if I went into labor they probably would not stop it- they especially will not stop it after Saturday when I will be 36 weeks. He is measuring 5 lbs 9oz and projected to be about 7lbs. Hopefully he will be that size and I will have a better time delivering... don't know- we will see. Even though I am in a bit of pain and cannot sleep and it is hard (and getting even more difficult) to go to work, I still hope I can get through August or most of August before he decides to come. Oh well, we will see- only God knows! He is a million percent more active than Logan was, so it will be interesting to see how he is on the outside! We are so grateful and praise God for this little miracle and entrusting us with His blessing!

Getting ready!

We (and by we, I would say about 99% me) have been getting everything ready for Liam to come - well, as ready as you can get! My bags are packed, everything is washed, car seat ready (but William does not want me to put it in until 36 weeks in case I get in an accident - because apparently if there is an empty car seat, the firefighters will go searching for a baby), every thing set up, etc. I am so excited and at the same time, cannot imagine it. I cannot imagine life with another baby (just like I could not imagine life with Logan) but we are so excited for this new chapter that God has graced us with. In trying to get ready, I made a basket for Logan and William for the hospital (and since I know William does not read this so I can tell you what is in it). Logan has several activities that he can do, a hat, and some snacks. William has monster drinks, red bull, and Gatorade. I feel like I have so much packed that we are basically moving in to the hospital. Oh well, I don't care because last time, I really did not bring anything. This time, I am bringing the boppy to maybe help with breastfeeding, clothes for his little newborn pics, etc. I also made the boys shirts to wear at the hospital. They match, yes and William is NOT a fan, but I figure they will only wear them once or twice so he will be fine. I think they are cute and want Logan to feel extra special!

I love how they turned out. I ordered the iron-on ties from Etsy and found the white shirt for Logan at target and it was 50% off! It is harder than you think to find a plain white shirt!

Then, had this onesie from Logan and there is a stain on it (even after bleaching) and I figured it is kinda hard to see and he will only wear it a few times, so free is good! 

Also, we went to build-a-bear. Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I told William I wanted to take Logan to build-a-bear so that he could make Liam a bear. Logan has Teddy, which was mine and I thought it would be nice for Liam to have something extra special too! So, Logan and I went - we stopped on the way to a friend's baby shower and he LOVED it! Out of all the bears he chose the bunny. I tried to say, Hey, what about this bear- he's cute... No- I like the bunny. Ok, so we went with the bunny. Then, when I asked him what he wanted to make for Liam he said (in a very "duh- mom" type voice) umm, a bunny- we need matching bunnies. Well, ok. So, he made two bunnies- one for him and one for Liam. It was fun and when we went to name them, he (with NO input from me) named his bunny "Iron Man Bunny" and named Liam's "Bunny Rabbit". There was actually an iron man outfit that I wanted to get but could NOT bring myself to spend $15 on a silly outfit. So, maybe next time we can get the outfit. It was so fun and I am so thankful that God allowed us to spend that time together.

We also did the merry-go-round at the Mall of GA. Being pregnant and on that thing was not a good idea! I thought I was going to pass out or something... but he had fun and that is all that matters!

We had to wait in line for a bit- I kept asking him to make sure he wanted the bunny...

Stepping on the trigger to fill the bunnies

And, giving the bunnies their first bath! 

I am so in love with this little miracle God has blessed us with. I cannot imagine loving him more or another baby as much, but I know I will... 

34 weeks!

34 Weeks Pregnant

Watch what you say! Your curious baby is listening in to your conversations at 34 weeks -- and might enjoy a lullaby or two -- so go ahead and sing to him. Some say that baby will recognize songs mom sings while he’s in the womb, and may even be more easily soothed by them if he’s used to them once he’s on the “outside.” At week 34, you might breathe a little easier, since baby may descend lower into your pelvis and give your lungs some space. (Ahh!) Of course, some babies don’t do this until the day they’re born, so we’re not making any guarantees. The pitfall of this descent, of course, is even more pressure on your bladder, so be prepared to make even more trips to the ladies room over the coming weeks.

Your baby's the size of a butternut squash!

At less than two months to go, he weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.

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your baby at 34 weeks

• He's recognizing and reacting to simple songs, if you're singing them. (If you're not, start! He may find them soothing after birth.)
• He's also urinating about a pint a day.

 pregnancy symptoms at 34 weeks 

• Blurry vision, created by a combination of hormones, fluid buildup and lack of sleep.
• Fatigue. Now, if only you could sleep at night!
• Constipation and hemorrhoids. Make sure you're getting plenty of fiber.
• Swollen ankles and feet. Put up those feet, mama-to-be!
• As baby prepares for her arrival, you might feel pressure down lower in your pelvis, and even more frequent peeing.

Well, we are getting closer! I had to end up going to the doctor today... it all started Friday night/ Saturday morning. I woke up out of a dead sleep (yea you know you were asleep for 5 out of the 10 minutes you get between running to the bathroom all night) to me throwing up and gasping for air. It was an incredibly horrible feeling and scared William and I pretty good. It took me a while to get my breath and swallow the vomit. After that point, my throat was burning and I cannot stop coughing. I am still coughing and loosing my voice. Well, Sunday comes along and we go to Alabama to see his grandparents and I did not feel Liam moving at all most of the day. Toward the afternoon, I felt him just a little bit- not too worried, but a little concerned. So, I called the doctor this morning, first thing and told them everything that was going on (all that plus contracting and cramping very hard and somewhat frequent). They wanted me to come in and put me on the monitor for a bit to make sure. All was good with Liam and I was having about 2-3 contractions in 25 minutes. Puts me right at the limit of 6 per hour. He was not too concerned and started feeling my belly. He thinks Liam may have turned and wants me to come back in a week to do an ultrasound to see if he is in fact head down. Which, after researching a little bit, I am beginning to think that maybe me getting sick was him moving/ turning. From what I read, them flipping can cause MAJOR reflux/ heartburn, vomiting and pain. So, maybe that is what happened. I am super excited for an ultrasound next week so we can see if he is in fact head down (which, I know he can always flip back, but still). SO until then, we are just chugging along!