The boys

We had our first full day without daddy or anyone else home to help out. Ryder is loving his little brother. He loves to pat his head and touch his feet. I can't wait till Wyatt can reciprocate the love. I feel they will be the best of friends.

I am trying to keep Moo shoo entertained with time outdoors and activities. He is such a busy body.

My little ham. He has many faces.

Wyatt's usual spot these days.

Ryder loves his mower.

Wyatt us plumping up quick!

One Week

We survived our first week of newborn bootcamp. Yikes!! It is hard work. I would never take the experience back, but I would defintely like to get a little more sleep real soon.

Wyatt is already gaining weight. He gained 10 ounces in 2 days last week between doctor visits. He already has his 2 week appointment next Friday.

I need to take some more pictures of him. He keeps getting cuter.

Ryder loves him and is real gentle with him so far. Of course Ryder just happened to get a bad cold the weekend that Wyatt was born. So we have been battling that on top of the usual newborn duties.

Kevin is back to regular hours at work starting tomorrow. SO Ryder will be going to the sitters at least 1 to 2 days to give me a little time with the baby.

I think tomorrow I will make a pyramid out of Wyatt's 20 dirty diapers in a day.

Sometimes I change a dirty diaper just to hear him make another poop right after. Oh and this happens during the day or at 2am when I am in a zombie state.

This kid loves to eat and poop non-stop, but I love him anyway.

5 years!!

Today is our 5 year anniversary.

We won't be doing much to celebrate since we just had a new baby 6 days ago.

What better gift could we give to each other?

I love you Kevin!!

Maybe we can go to Hawaii on our 10 year.

September 17th

Wyatt's birth story

5:00am- alarm goes off, but I layed there in bed trying to get motivation to get up until 5:30.

5:30am- I start to get ready and literaly throw things in the bag for the hospital.

6:20am- we leave the house a little late and head to the hospital, stopping to get some good old McD's on the way.

7:15am- we arrive at the hospital (arguing where to park in the garage).

7:30-we arrive on the new Labor & Delivery floor and meet our nurse Mary.

(this picture is awful, our camera was not working right)

8:00am-8:30- The IV goes in and it hurt more this time. Of course I let Mary know and she loosened it a bit.

8:45am-the hospital determines this the "onset of my labor," my water bag was broke, and the nurse started me on a 6 of pitocin.

11:00am-I was dilated to 5cm and feeling the contractions pretty good.

11:30am- epidural, requested a epi-light, but they kinda laughed.

12:30pm-I felt very severe pain despite the epi-d. I was dilated to a 8cm. The anastesiologist provided more drugs in my epi-d. She felt there was a pocket in my spinal fluid that did not get the epi.

1:30 pm- I was feeling good on my drugs and dilated to a 10cm.

We had to wait for doc to come deliver Wyatt because she was down the hall delivery another baby or 2.

1:55pm approx- I began pushing with contractions. After 2 rounds of pushing Wyatt arrived by 2:04pm. I was in disbelief at how quick and easy it was despite my legs were numb and useless.

Wyatt looked healthy and beautiful right away.

We are beyond blessed for such a quick, healthy and easy delivery. It has reduced the pains of recovery as well. It seems like things are so medical with the births these days, but all I want is a safe and healthy deliveries.

Wyatt Alexander

Wyatt is here!! We were discharged from the hospital Sunday afternoon. We are trying hard to get adjusted on just a few minutes of sleep the first night home. Ryder is adjusting pretty well, but Grandma and Grandpa Bowman have been here entertaining him. So we will see how the next couple days go until Grandpa Thurston can come. I am doing very well for the most part, but sleep deprived.

If you want to check out Wyatt's professional mini-shoot pics at the hospital go to

www.bellababyphotography.com

Login is: 0917wyattthurston

More pics to come!

A big thank you to my parents for coming to help out!

Not sure what we would do without them.

Love you guys!

The Final Day 13!!

Baby T2 was born on September 17th!!!!

He arrived at 2:04pm

Weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces

Height 21 inches

Healthy and thriving

We finally named him

Wyatt Alexander Thurston

As soon as we get home I will download pics and share our wonderful birth story.

We are enjoying these precious moments at this time.

Day 12

Today I worked from home after having lots of pains and aches. Still my body has pretty regular and intense braxton hicks. I called Kevin today at work and asked him to come home a little early after having contractions. However they did not find a rhythm to call the doctor about. So that leaves us a little less than 12 hours before we check in at the hospital at 7am for our induction.

My parents have arrived and we are set to go. My body and baby are ready! So excited, but anxious too. I will miss my little Moo shoo porks for a few days.

Day 11

I had my 39 week check-up today. I am still between 2cm-3cm dilated. He did not even mention how effaced or anything else.

My vitals were all good and he anticipated I would still go before my due date on Monday. Well that leaves me 5 days!

Needless to say...after much thought and discussion with me husband, family and doctor we scheduled a tentative induction date for Friday the 17th. I worked today and had more pains and aches through the day. It further confirmed to me that there are less pros to delaying the inevitable.

I do feel a little guilty and selfish about scheduling the date at our convenience. However he still has till Friday at 7am to come without out help.

Tonight I am feelings lots of cramps and braxtons so ya never know...

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Day 10

I had my usual Tuesday off with my little guy. We enjoyed some time outdoors and shared some McDonalds for breakfast.

I experienced even more pelvic pressure and pain today when I stood up or walked. I never thought the baby could get burrowed any lower, but I think he has. SO that continues to slow my stride.

WE have our weekly check-up tomorrow. Kevin and I are debating on a tentative induction date in case the baby does not come soon. Kevin's new branch opens next Thursday and he really wants to be there. It is also our 5 year anniversary that day.

So if we are gonna induce we are leaning towards earlier than later to avoid some other exciting dates. Not to mention I am as ready as I can get. There are many loose ends and things to complete with the house, but they are not getting done at my turtle pace anyway.

So tomorrow we hope to have a decision made after talking with our doc.

Day 9

What a busy day it has been, but it flew right by. The baby has been active in my belly. He was quiet the last couple of days.

Tonight I have been experiencing some increased Braxton hicks with some what may be gas cramps. I am trying to stay active regardless. I won't bother calling the doctor to consult until I am in pain or experience major contractions.

IN the meantime I nest and watch Kevin obsess about the new football season upon us. What will I do when my boys grow old and only talk of sports with their daddy. I am so outnumbered here. I may have to try for that girl someday. Good thing I have amazing girlfriends to fill that void.

Day 8

I am over halfway through my 15 day countdown!! By this time in 1 week I hope to have a little baby in my arms. Either on his terms or mine.

Today I had difficulty mustering up the energy to get things done. SO I relaxed a lot. Nothing new to report with the baby action. I plan to work tomorrow. I take one day at a time at this point.

I am very grateful for such beautiful weather. I hope it continues.

Day 7

Just another day....

Ryder & I went with one of my great friends and her 2 little boys to a 2 year old birthday party for our friend Amanda's daughter.

We drove over an hour there to a place called Kidstown. It was awesome. There were themed rooms for all the activities and a number of wonderful toys. It was great to see all my friends and their children. By the time we arrived home I was exhausted.

It was nice to keep busy and distracted with great friends.

I am starting to think that I may have to get induced. I just don't see this little guy coming on his own anymore. We will see...

Day 6

Today has been a long one. I was home all day with my little buddy. I love spending time with him, but all day pregnant can be rough. He is into everything these days.

I need to start taking pictures of him. He is full of spunk and charm.

Today I experienced a lot of contractions, but nothing that continued to get severe enough to call the doctor. My back was different along with some other symptoms. I thought this may be pre-labor symptoms, but who knows. I am tired with little spurts of energy in between. I use those spurts for housework and personal hygeine. I could have another week to wait this out. Tomorrow would be a 9/11 birthday.

I will try to have patience.

Day 5

I made it through another week of work! It was a busy one. It helps me to stay busy and distracted from the wait.

I don't have much for an update. I was tired today with lots of pelvic pressure. I am not sure this baby can get any lower! I go to the bathroom constantly. I continue to have lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. Just waiting for them to get regular and painful.

Bring it on!

IN the meantime I resume life as normal chasing my precious fiesty tot.

Day 4

Partly it seems like time is flying by and at times not moving quick enough. I know there are a lot of sleepless nights, pain and hard work ahead, but I am ready to take that on to get my body somewhat back to normal. I don't mean it in a vain way, but to be more comfortable.

I went to my mid 38 week appointment this morning. It was uneventful in my opinion. They check your blood pressure, urine, weight, babies heart rate, measurement, and then the internal. All the above were good!

I am still at the same dilation as last week and 60% effaced. Even though this does not determine when you will go into labor, I hoped for more progression. The doctor said he still feels I will go a week early on my own. He said I am ready, but need good contractions or my water to be broke.

We talked about induction once I am 39 weeks. So basically I could choose the date after next Monday. I go back and forth on this and hope the baby makes this decision for me. If we do go for induction I will opt for later in the week.

I am hoping he decides to break free this coming weekend. In the meantime I wait patiently. Oh and he basically said there is little he can do for my nasty friends since they will worsen with labor. So they are waiting with me.

Day3

Today we had beautiful weather! So Ryder, Sonny, Chubs and I all spent the morning outdoors. I kept myself distracted with work calls and paperwork with household duties.

My energy level goes in spurts. It seems like I have a lot more toward the end of the day. I napped today during Ryders nap. I am having more Braxton Hicks today. My pain has been more tolerable today, but annoying.

I am also annoyed that not everyone in my household is nesting with me.

Tomorrow morning I head to the doctor for my weekly check-up. I am ready for the Grand Finale already.

Day 2

We had a low-key day today. I had some minor relief from my new unwanted friends. I am doing every home remedy possible to expedite healing and avoid medical interventions. 1 trip to the hospital will be enough for me this month.

Kevin & I are anxiously awaiting our new arrival. We talk about potential names and our game plan each day in case it happens.

I continue to have Braxton Hicks on a regular basis. I feel the baby bearing down low in my pelvis. He is also keeping fairly active as usual. The thought of meeting him soon justifies any pain and suffering in the meantime.

In then end all we need is a healthy momma and baby.

Day 1 of 15

I am gonna countdown the last approx. 15 days of this pregnancy.

Just a warning...it is not all positive and happy. It is the truth & reality of what I am going through day to day for my own account. If you don't' like it don't read it.

That said....

My pregnancy has been relatively easy and enjoyable until the past week.

I am in incredible pain with a couple unwelcome friends down below called Hemorrhoids.

I had them after I gave birth to Ryder, but not prior.

They creeped in over the past week most likely due to heavy pressure and lots of BM's.

I am uncomfortable sitting, standing, laying down, moving etc...

I paged the doctor last night and she called in a script for topical medication.

No one has the med and the earliest to get it is Tuesday unless we drive to a pharmacy in Des Plaines. If we drive that far I am gonna drive to the hospital to give birth.

The doctor said it may be thrombosed and need a surgeon to look at it in ER if the pain does not go away.

Thrombosed is a name for clotted veins. Based on the pics and info. I have read at least 1 or both are thrombosed. I am trying to wait it out to avoid 2 hospital visits, but it is hard to be in this kind of pain. I read today that the pain is second to only childbirth and kidney stone pains. I believe it! I told the doc last night I would probably not even know if I am in labor because I am in pain from these little devils.

In the meatime I am doing all the home remedies and treatments I can get from a local Walgreens.

I am in full nesting mode and have a hard time sitting still despite this set-back. I have been doing laundry and cleaning off and on all day.

I hope these little buggers will miraculously disappear or I go into labor very soon.

Thank God for the beautiful weather and my wonderful little guy that keep me smiling.

38 Weeks

I went to my appointment last week at 37 weeks +2 days.

My male doctor gave me similar stats from the past week.

Still dilated between 2cm-3cm

50% effaced

Cervix soft

Baby's head down and far down the cannal.

Blood pressure 122/80.

Weight gain was a 1lb.

Seems like my weight gain has paused so that is +.

Not sure of other stats since it went by so quick.

We talked of hospital protocols with pain management and induction.

He expects me to go into labor on my own around 1 week early so hoping that induction is not necessary.

So if his calculations are close, I have 1 week to hold out.

They will not schedule an induction until 39 weeks.

I planned to give a daily update the last 20 days, but it is already the 5th.

SO I guess I can shoot for a 15 day countdown.