Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Photos


My last pregnancy photo, taken the day before Nathan was born. 

2:15am Tuesday morning, heading to the birth center


1st look at my baby


1st time I ever got to hold a baby right away--they gave me the option this time to have him cleaned off on my chest and have skin-to-skin contact right away.  It was awesome.  He was very alert and even lifted his head when I talked to him.  He definitely knows my voice!!

Dad's 1st hold. Nathan is still very alert!

Yes, he has hair!

Brian enjoying one of the perks of the birth center--free cable!  :)

Home Sweet Home!

Due to the H1N1 mess this year, children were not allowed in the birth center.  It was horrible to be there so long without being able to see my other kids!!  They stayed with my parents and had a good time, though.  Here they are watching Nathan's 1st bottle at home.  They were very excited to meet him, to be home and have their parents back!!

Awww...missed Mommy.  :) 

Grandma Barb got the kids some Big Brother/Sister shirts.  Aren't they cute?? 

Nathan after the pee/poop disaster that the kids thoroughly enjoyed watching.  :)  Aren't his sneaker booties too cute?  They make his feet look even bigger, though!

The Story

You can skip this post...just my recording of the birth.

It is just funny how wonderful things worked out as far as timing goes.  On Monday (day before Nathan was born), Brian had accidentally set garbage out, had taken my pregnancy photo, had zipped up our toiletries in preparation for my dr. appt the next day (there was hope that I would be sent over to the hospital) and he had wanted to take the kids' suitcase over to my parents' house but I resisted.  We did take the kids over Monday night for an overnight stay because they have ESPN and we wanted to watch the Bears on Monday Night Football.  So we stayed at my parents' house until 11ish, got home and slept 3 hours before the fun began. 

I got up for my usual trip to the potty and literally just thought that I really wish my water would have broken at home just to have that experience of going by myself (last 2 deliveries were inductions).  I stood up and felt the weirdest thing.  My water breaking was not what I thought it would be.  It was more of a trickle and I was left wondering if I was tired enough to have had an accident or if this was it.  So I yelled at Brian (which I was free to do since the kids were gone!) and we decided this was it!!  So we grabbed our stuff and headed out.

We got to the birth center, which is locked at that time so I got to call in and do the check in and etc.  I was having zero contractions so I was pretty fine at this point!!  I went through the hour long process of answering questions, being monitored and having the test run before they admitted me at 3:30.  I got to the "fun" part of walking the halls.  I actually didn't mind because it was so quiet without lots of people watching you.  :)  Anyway, we waked until 5am and I was having contractions every 5 minutes or so.  They hooked me up to monitors to check on the contractions and the baby and then checked my cervix.  I had dilated 0.5cm further, making me at 4cm.  That's it.  How depressing.  So the nurse asked my opinion, which I didn't have one, and then went to ask the doctor's opinion on starting pitocin.  They decided to go for it.  So between 6-6:30am, they gave me what one nurse called a "whiff" of pitocin.

At first, the contractions didn't hurt any worse and it was at this point that they asked me if I wanted an epidural.  Here's where I forgot Samuel's birth.  They did the same thing when I was in labor with Samuel and I was going to pass but my wise hubby told me to get it before it was too late.  That ended up being great advice as I went from 4-9cm in a half hour.  I forgot all of that and passed on the epidural.  Suddenly, I felt like I was being ripped in half and was dying.  Seriously.  They checked me and I was only 5cm so I hadn't progressed much but I was ready for that epidural.  Of course, they had to call the backup anesthesiologist because after I passed on the epidural a bit ago, that one left for the other hospital to assist in a c-section.  I thought I would die.  I never had such labor pain with the other kids--probably because I always got my epidural in plenty of time!  They got my epidural in about a half hour later and checked me and guess what?  I was 9cm.  The epidural took away some of the stomach pain but it was pretty much too late for me.

Very shortly after, I was ready to push and everyone assembled.  Here's where it gets funny.  I would push and the doctor would give the nurses these disbelieving looks.  She started telling me that this baby looked to be BIG and she wasn't sure this was going to work out.  Brian can vouch for me--the doctor's face was hilarious.  I was getting upset because I did not want a c-section on my last baby!!  So, the doctor decided to make me take a 15 minute intermission while she did a c-section.  I had the "pleasure" of laying there with contractions and the urge to push for that long without being allowed to push.  That was a good time.  The doctor was hoping the baby would continue to come down and I would be able to push him out.  She clearly didn't have much faith by her facial expressions.  But by the time she came back, that baby was just about crowning.  He was born about 3 hours after that "whiff" of pitocin so it all happened very quickly.

After he was born, the doctor said he was big but I really couldn't tell.  He looked like a baby.  But they weighed him later and I could NOT believe he was 8lbs, 7oz.  Then they measured him and I, again, was so surprised to find out his length--our babies usually aren't that long.  No wonder I was so sore these last few weeks!!  His feet didn't even fit on the rectangles they have for footprints.  His hands are good sized, too!  They had to go through a couple hats to find one big enough for him.  Ha!  They also took away his size N diapers and brought size 1.  It was hilarious.  I know people have bigger babies but Samuel had been my biggest at 7 lbs.  It wasn't the easiest labor/delivery but it wasn't the hardest so I can't complain.  I am glad to be done with that part and have him here!!  He is so incredibly sweet.  I will definitely treasure these early days when he's so little (he really isn't a giant baby to me!) and sleepy.  :)

The kids were not able to visit--which was really upsetting for me but I knew ahead of time.  They have been home and pretty wound up about everything.  I hope they have time to adjust before school starts back up in a few days.  It should be an interesting time!!

My {big} Baby Boy!


Nathan Blake Kreger
12/29/09 @ 9:37AM
8lbs. 7oz.
21.75 inches

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Final Christmas Celebration

We had our last party on Saturday to celebrate Christmas this year.  My Grandma was able to join us this year but my sister-in-law had to miss because of a stomach bug.  The kids (again) had a blast and weren't too upset about going home since they knew they would be able to actually get all their new toys out!  It was another fun family time!!  :)




See how big my baby is getting?  :)

A little bit of help from Samuel.  Samuel (again) gave up on present opening and wanted to open them later--that way he could do it all at once and not as many people were watching, I think!  :)

*Today we are enjoying the after-effects of so much holiday fun.  Kids are tired and cranky.  Everyone has plenty of stuff to play with or do to keep them occupied but there have been fights, of course.  The Tag reader and books have been a big hit for the twins and I think they are really fun.  Samuel think it's funny/scary that his Tag Junior says his name.  Ha!  Right now, Brian is helping the kids play the new Wii game and I should be starting to restore some order to this house.  I am looking forward to another week of vacation!*

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Last Night

Every now and then, Hunter wakes in the night with "leg pain" and comes and gets us all upset.  Well, last night was the night for that.  Brian was up around 3 times with him before I said that maybe they should just sleep on the couches.  I thought it might make Hunter feel better to have Dad nearby and that way I could sleep!  It sounds bad but if I wake up too much, I get horrible insomnia--just a perk of these last weeks of pregnancy, I guess.  Anyway, finally around 3am, Brian tried moving to the couch with Hunter but by then Samuel was up talking and Hunter wanted his stuffed animal and etc...so Brian ended up sleeping in the boys' room on the floor.  Talk about uncomfortable and COLD!  But it worked because Hunter slept the rest of the night. 

This morning, I was up with Lily when I heard Samuel's usual morning yell for "Mama!"--he can get out of bed by himself but why??  I went in even though Brian was in there and everyone was awake.  I said good morning, grabbed Samuel and left the room.  Brian said, "How do your legs feel, Hunter?" and Hunter responded, "Good.  It must be because Mom came in the room.".  Ha!  I LOVE IT!  Brian was not amused and disagreed with Hunter's conclusion but I think it's the funniest thing I have ever heard.  :)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas!


Hunter was the 1st one up, like he is every morning, but he waited pretty patiently for his siblings.  I ended up helping Samuel wake up around 7:30 because I was getting impatient!!  :)


It's always exciting to open presents!  Everything they get is just what they wanted--it's so funny.  Samuel wasn't into it at first but he soon got the hang of it!
 
One of Hunter's favorite gifts--he loves to dress up and he is already planning on this as his next Halloween costume.  :)


Lily with her new baby--she really needed a new one!  She doesn't get too much opportunity to play babies since she has brothers but she did talk the boys into being "Dad" for awhile today.  :) 
 
Samuel loved chasing after his siblings with his power tools.  I think one of his favorite gifts, though, was the cutest "Baby Bambi" I found for him.  Hunter did make a comment about Daddy eating it but Samuel just loved on it throughout the day.  So cute!

We had a great day!  Brian and I breathed a sigh of relief that I didn't have this baby over the actual holiday.  I took it pretty easy yesterday and today to try to help that out.  After tomorrow's celebration with my side of the family, we are back to hoping this baby comes anytime!!  :)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Celebration #1

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with the Kregers.  How quickly time flies--it feels like we just had Thanksgiving!!  The kids had tons of fun playing with cousins and opening presents.  During the opening of gifts, however, Samuel grew weary of taking turns and decided to go play in the toy room instead.  :)  It was a great start to the Christmas holiday!!

 




*This is Samuel today.  He told us last night he wanted to play with "Wonder Pet paint" and "Diego play-doh" (2 presents he got yesterday) and that's exactly what he did this morning.  He didn't even want breakfast!*

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Last night, Brian and I were watching baby gymnastics in my stomach.  Samuel came out (yes, he should have been in bed) and as soon as he started talking, the baby really moved around more.  I told Samuel that I think the baby likes him so he started poking at my stomach and talking.  I said, "Tell the baby to come out!".  Samuel said, "Baby say no.".  I think he must be right!  :)

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Program


Tonight was Hunter and Lily's rescheduled Christmas program. Getting up in front of people to sing and do actions is not high on Hunter's priority list.  Still, he stood/sat when told and didn't act up (didn't sing, either!) so it was a success.  Lily did a great job singing and dancing up there.  It was fun to see them both in their 1st real program.  :)

*Oh, and both kids were happy to have new clothes to wear.  Lily said her dress was "almost too fabulous".*

Sunday, December 13, 2009

My Sunday Morning



These pictures are from last night.  How quickly things change!  Last night, the kids were having a good time watching Christmas cartoons and staying up later than usual.  Brian was worn out from hunting and I was worn out from all the cleaning/organizing my Mom and I did around the house.  Then, at 4am, Brian and I wake up to the sound of throwing up.  My response: lay there.  Brian's response: mutter "oh great, that's just what we need." and actually get up!  :)  Poor Lily has been throwing up ever since--I've lost count.  So here I sit on Sunday with my sick child.  Brian is hunting again (he took care of Lily from 4-9am so I can't complain!) and the boys are at my parents' house for Michelle's birthday lunch.  I thought I might be productive in between trips to the bathroom with Lily but I am feeling tired so nothing's getting accomplished.  I just hope no one else gets this stomach bug and that Lily feels better quickly!

*Side note:  Brian was saying good-bye to the kids and I told them that Daddy was going to look for deer.  Samuel said, "But Daddy eats ducks!".  I have no idea where that came from--Brian is not a big fan of the bird but it was cute!  And, last night when Brian came home, Hunter asked him if he got any deer and Brian said no so Hunter gave him a big hug and said he was sorry.  :)*

Friday, December 11, 2009

Cookie Time


*Note to my parents: You can click on the collage and see bigger pictures!*
Time for the annual Christmas cookies!  I actually thought ahead this year and knew we had to fit it in around Brian's deer season.  I think I forget that every other year.  Plus, I didn't want to have the baby before we fit this in!  It went okay but I wish I had known that the sprinkles we got did NOT have shakers.  They were just open containers.  I didn't think fast enough to dump them in a bowl or anything so the boys just dumped theirs out on one cookie and tried to scatter them.  The kitchen was a nightmare and I had to leave the room.  :)  Otherwise, the kids did really well rolling dough and cutting shapes out and it's just a fun tradition each year!!

Here's a picture of Samuel's face when we told him he could NOT have another cookie:

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Blizzard

We had a real, honest blizzard today and we were all home once again.  However, I had an OB appointment scheduled and I was not going to miss it for anything!!  My Dad picked me up and took me and the wait was great--a very empty office!  The check out lady told me she liked seeing all the "hard core pregnant women" come through and that everyone else was cancelling.  :)  I was glad I went because I found out I am 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced.  Yea!!  It's hard to say what it means for sure because I stayed at 3 cm with the twins for a month or so and yet I never did dilate before they induced me with Samuel.  I am happy for progress, though, because I am feeling more and more ready!!  And, one of my friends that was pregnant with me delivered yesterday so that puts me in the mood!  I wish I had pictures of the blizzard but I don't.  I know that Brian spent a lot of time outside today and it was hard on him because he has been trying to recover from a procedure!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Healthy and Not-so-healthy

I really do enjoy trying new things and cooking for myself and my family.  My kids don't eat much of anything--extremely picky--but I don't cook to suit their tastes.  Otherwise, we'd be eating McD's for life.  Anyway, I recently made 2 things I thought were excellent. 

The 1st was an Amish Sugar Cream Pie.  I don't know why it sounded so good but I had to make it and I loved it.  The kids didn't even care for this--that's how picky they are. 

The 2nd recipe I tried was way healthier: Chicken, Mushroom, & Brown Rice Bake with Leeks.  Again, I read this and just had to make it.  I loved it and so did Brian.  I will definitely be making it again.  This was my first time using leeks but it was fun to try something new.  Yummy!!

Snow Day!







Today is the 1st day of an expected snowstorm.  I wasn't really looking forward to it like I usually am because life is too busy for blizzards!!  Today isn't bad, though, because Hunter and Lily don't have school and Brian decided to stay home.  This morning was pretty calm and it's supposed to just get worse so Brian took the kids outside.  Hunter and Lily just love it.  Samuel has enjoyed the small amount we have gotten (he eats it) but wasn't sure today being out in the cold so long.  I am hoping they got it out of their system because I am not going back out there!!  I am just hoping the roads aren't too bad tomorrow because I am supposed to have my doctor appointment and I really want to get there!! 

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Pride


Look at the pride in Samuel's face!  Today was a day that started too early and I was exhausted and had plenty of aches and pains so I didn't plan on doing anything (which is why Samuel is in his pajamas!).  At the last minute, I got out this craft I had planned.  We made A for Alligator (wish I could credit the site but I can't remember where I got the idea).  It didn't go as I imagined--Samuel had no desire to color and he wanted to use ALL the eyes!!--but it was a lot of fun to see his excitement and he proudly showed his siblings and Daddy.
*I really need to get pics of Hunter and Lily on here--feeling bad about all the posts on 1 out of 3 kids!!  I will share that both Hunter and Lily have a tooth hanging on by a thread and neither is wanting to pull it.  They are semi-competitive about who loses it first but neither are willing to see their own blood to make it happen.  :)  I do remember when they got these bottom teeth and it was the exact same day so maybe they will lose them the same day, too.*