Kolton's Birth Story

December 12th, 2015 was the long awaited day to welcome our surprise baby-baby #3! A few weeks back it was decided that I would be induced because of the gestational diabetes and I decided that if induction was how things were going to go that I wanted my doctor to be delivering the baby. That is why, I was induced on a Saturday and it seems crazy to people that inductions can happen on a Saturday; but they can when your doctor is on call! I am also grateful that I went ahead with induction, because about two weeks before delivery day I really started to struggle with fear and anxiety over delivering another baby. Now, I admit that I always get nervous, because lets be real-delivering a baby is no walk in the park…it is one of the most painful experiences of my life yet amazing experiences that I have done twice before. But, this time the fear was a new feeling that I was experiencing-I didn’t like it, this wasn’t my typical self. I spoke with my doctor about it at my last appointment before induction and I cried about it with my husband. I just kept praying that when 9 a.m came on Saturday that I could put the fear aside and put my game face on.

Saturday came and I actually woke up feeling rested! I enjoyed a light breakfast and just focused on keeping myself busy after a mini meltdown with my husband. I was able to keep my composure pretty well until it was time to say goodbye to my boys. I just couldn't get over the fact that the next time I saw them I would be holding baby #3 in my arms.
I was thankful that as soon as I arrived to my hospital room that the nurses were quick to get me settled in and ready for the day before my doctor came to see where we were at. I had only been 1/2 a fingertip dilated for that two weeks prior and my doctor wanted me to be at a 2 so he could simply break my water. I was hopeful. Unfortunately, while yes I had progressed more it was very slight-I was almost a fingertip. This was not how we wanted to start the day. My doctor gave me 50 grams of cytotec in an effort to get things moving and get baby to descend with contractions. After receiving the cytotec I had to stay in bed for 30 minutes to have baby monitored and then the walking began. We lapped the labor and delivery floor a gazillion times-or so it felt. At 2:40 my doctor decided to check me and I was barely at a 2 and baby was still high. My doctor decided to go ahead and break my water as he left his fingers inside me to make sure the cord didn’t drop first. I had a lot of fluid, just like I did with Justus-I filled 5 chug bags and gushed through to my mattress and with that came instant back labor. Oh what joy that was! Thankfully, I had the use of the whirlpool and was allowed to labor in there-a new experience for me I had never been allowed to do that with my other two boys. I could feel the contractions getting stronger; but the use of the tub took the edge off. I just knew I was progressing.

At 6:30 my nurse took me out of the tub to monitor baby for a bit and check my progression…Joseph and I were pretty sure that I had to at least be dilated to a 6 because that is when I usually start to really feel the contractions. My doctor checked me and I was only at a 4 and 80% thinned. I immediately vocalized how ridiculous this was and was unsure of how I was going to handle the 6 centimeters I had to go…it really felt like I was in hard labor already. I asked to get back into the tub after a few minutes of monitoring because the contractions were feeling intense. My nurse Beth, told me no that with how the contractions were going that she thought it could be soon and told me that things could be drastically different in a matter of 30 minutes. That annoyed me because I couldn’t see how that would be possible. At a few minutes before 7 my doctor came in, without being called and said it appeared it was delivery time. Um, really? I couldn’t believe it. But, then I had to push! Apparently, my doctor is a doctor for a reason-he knows more than me! Ha!

At 7:00 I started pushing and at 7:10 Kolton Miles made his debut into our world! This was the best job I have done with pushing a baby out, I always stink at that; but my doctor was awesome and encouraged me between pushes with awesome instructions that I could follow. I felt proud of my “pushing job” and with popped blood vessels I just look at them as marks of being a good pusher! This was also the first baby I didn’t have any tears with, but I assumed it was because he was SO tiny. I couldn’t get over how tiny he was-he looked smaller than Justus was at birth. I asked for them to weigh him because I couldn’t wait to see how tiny he would weigh…was I in for a surprise when I discovered he was my fattest baby and shortest baby weighing in at 8 lbs 5 oz and measuring 20 inches long. We still can't believe his size!

In spite of labor taking forever, there were no issues. I felt silly for being so fearful and I was also grateful for a successful delivery. However, about 11 that night the nurse decided it was a good time to give Kolton his first bath and his first mohawk! Holli (the nurse) and I were laughing at how even only being a few hours old he could already pass for a baby with an attitude. She laid him on the bassinet and was getting ready to dress him when he suddenly started to roll over. I would like to say it was because I birthed an advanced baby; but it was because his body stiffened up and he stopped breathing. She called for help and I took myself out of the room. He struggled to breath for 5 minutes and once it was under control they took him to the nursery for observation and to run labs and tests to see if they could find the root cause of the episode. They could find nothing, chest x-rays looked perfect…the initial blood work came back fine. The pediatrician was baffled. The following morning when my doctor arrived for his rounds he was surprised to see us sitting in the nursery with our baby hooked up to monitors. He went over the labor and delivery notes and looked over it all to see if he missed something; but once again it was a “textbook” birth. At the 24 hour mark some blood cultures came back positive for some sort of skin contamination; but the pediatrician reordered that test because he didn’t believe it. However, until the results were received we had to put Kolton on antibiotics and he was unable to be released. Those results came back negative and on Tuesday we were able to be released from the hospital! Kolton hasn’t had any episodes since and no signs of problems since, it continues to remain an unexplained mystery. Or just maybe it was God working?

10 on Tuesday

1. I really am back to blogging; but I have slacked in disappointment because my watermark program is giving me issues.
I love to use photos on my blog, so trying to figure out that little bug.
2. The last couple of weeks have been super busy and it has been hard keeping up with everything.
3. Found out that we will be meeting Kolton on 12-12-15, unless he decides to make his appearance sooner. Though, I am not counting on that as my boys don't believe in being early.
4. Slowly getting my Thanksgiving dinner menu planned for my little family.
5. Klayton had his first earache last Friday and I discovered those come fast and suddenly. So grateful for an excellent hospital and walk-in clinic! Awesome doctors and nurses!
6. On Friday evening, Klayton came to me in my room and said, "Mom, thanks for taking care of me today to get me better-you did a good job!" I may or may not have teared up a little bit. Those moments make up for hard days.
7. Since learning that Kolton will be here in basically 5 weeks, I am in major nesting mode. I can't wait to tackle the boys room tomorrow. Yes, I realize it will only stay clean for about 5 minutes.
8. I am so grateful for my husband. He works hard and does his best to provide for our family. I know he would prefer not to work a secular job; but he does to provide for his family.
9. Last week I received a phone call that Klayton won a prize from the fall festival that the local police station hosted. I was SO excited and decided to walk there with the boys after the receptionist stated it was only a couple of blocks away. About 1/2 way on our walk, I realized it was more than 2 blocks and checked my phone GPS. The station was 1.2 miles from our apartment. We decided to keep walking-after all we were just SO excited! When we arrived I learned that BOTH boys had actually won a prize. And the prize Justus won was quite large...lets just say I am sure we looked like quite a sight walking home. Two boys, a pregnant woman pushing an umbrella stroller and me trying to balance a big box on top of the stroller as we walked home. The whole journey from start to finish lasted about 2 hours...we were exhausted.
10. Well, Tuesday is almost over. I hope your day was well and that you all have a great rest of the week.

Baby #3 Reveal and Brotherly Dismay

It's another boy-Kolton Miles.

I am NEVER good at predicting baby gender...even my own baby's gender. With Klayton I thought girl up until about two weeks prior to the ultra sound telling us, boy. With Justus, I thought girl because my pregnancy was so different than it was with Klayton. When we left after finding out it was another boy, I felt so guilty. BUT, this time my gut instinct knew. I did waver once..at 11 weeks the heart rate was 172 and I thought maybe a girl. Then I went in for a dating ultrasound and the heart beat was lower and my instincts were back to boy and never strayed again.
Klayton, really wanted a sister this time. He told everyone he was getting a sister and I would tell him that it might be a boy. He would then speak to my belly:

"Baby are you a girl or boy?
He would then proceed to put his ear to my belly and "listen" for a moment.
You are STILL a girl! Ok!"
He would smile at me and run off to continue doing whatever it is boys do.

Since I was so convinced that it was another boy, Joseph and I began to have more conversations with him to prepare him for the gender reveal if my instincts were indeed correct.
The week prior to the ultrasound he informed me daily,

"Mom, I only like Justus and girl babies!"
or
"Mom, if its a boy I won't like it."

"Mom, if its a boy I will be mad/sad."

Then the kicker came the night before the ultrasound during our nightly prayer time.

Jesus, if its a boy baby please change it to a girl before morning."

Now, taking it to the Lord-that is some serious business!

My ultrasound took forever-a student did it-which I don't mind-USUALLY! I have had students in the past; but when you are impatiently and anxiously waiting to see who baby is...well, just, ugh. Finally, after about 40 minutes of her looking around and not even peeking at where "the goods" were the regular technician came in and our little baby #3 was quick to reveal my instincts were indeed correct! Another boy.

We went to the ultrasound as a family and as we left we kept an eye on Klayton to see how he was reacting. He seemed fine. So, maybe he didn't realize it was a boy and we would take him to McDonalds to gently break the news! You can never go wrong with "Donalds" as he calls it. But, as I organized my stuff in the waiting room we realized he did hear and he was not happy. Klayton did not want to tell anybody that he was having another brother. Later that afternoon, Joseph told him that we need to be thankful for another brother to help protect mommy and that we needed to say, thank you Jesus.

Klayton's reply,
"I will not say thank you Jesus for a boy."

Joseph and I decided not to rebuke him for his feelings and for expressing them. We knew he was honestly disappointed; but we also knew that in time he would come around. We didn't want to make it worse and I knew not to let the comments bother me. We just remained excited and continued to show Klayton we were thankful and excited for another boy. Within a day we could see that he was coming around as he liked to tell people the baby's name-Kolton Miles.

I truly am excited that I have the label "boy mom"! I was not disappointed to discover ANOTHER BOY. I let everyone else be disappointed for me! Haha! I am excited that God has seen fit to let me attempt to raise a few good men for Him and to guide their lives to serve Him and please Him.

Most of the time when people learn its another boy-they say, "maybe next time you will get your girl!" I know they are well intended; but I don't need a next time to try and get what I want. God wants me to have 3 BOYS and thats what I want! The other day though someone asked me what this baby is and I shared that its another boy and her reply was, "wow, what a blessing you GET to have ALL boys-you are blessed!"

Blessed. I am definitely blessed.

I think...

I'M BACK!
Who has missed hearing about these cuties?

I really do enjoy blogging...really I do! Life has been crazy busy and I am making an effort to come back and update my life in blog land. I will be back dating some posts in the weeks ahead. I have 3 monthly updates to do on Justus-seriously, he is already suffering from the 2nd child syndrome. Not as many blog updates, pictures...I think we took a picture of absolutely everything with Klayton-first diaper change...okay-not everything; but Justus is probably going to think that someday.
But, I am back and I hope you have stuck around to share in our life!

Bowling

Klayton has been asking to go bowling for what seems like ages! Tonight he FINALLY went to the "alley"!

Of course we asked for bumpers!

It may of been more for the benefit of his parents and grandparents...we will never know though!

He loved watching for the balls to be shot back from the lane! He also figured out that its not a good idea to cross "the line" on the lane because lots of slips and falls will ensue.

Overall, one game of bowling was just enough for him, yet leaves him wanting to go back!

Christmas Day With No Tears

If you read my previous post you know that our first Christmas Eve with Justus was filled with lots of tears! Apparently, he just needed to sleep on it and process it all because he woke up Christmas morning in such a happy spirit! Yay!

We just spent the morning as a family! We read the Christmas story, enjoyed a yummy breakfast and opening more presents.

In the afternoon we went to my parents for an italian dinner and more presents!

And the time I was anticipating most, giving my parents their gift! I made it, with my dad's help! Haha! He didn't know when he was the sawing the board that it was for him; but well he figured it out when we brought it in! He said, "looks like you brought me that board again!"

So, thankful for the Christmas season; but ultimately we are thankful for the Reason for the Season-Jesus! Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Tears of Christmas Eve

We came home from a Christmas Eve Party at some friends where we had stuffed ourselves full of yummy Mexican food! Made our birthday cake, enjoyed a yummy snack of muffins and cappuccino! Followed with the Christmas story and opening of our Christmas stockings! I was so excited to enjoy this first Christmas with Justus and as you will soon learn...he didn't share the sentiment.
The boys haven't learned to yet enjoy the Christmas story...

I think we all know what Klayton has his mind on they have their minds on!

FINALLY, to the gifts and we are SO excited to watch Justus open his first present!

And, he didn't get the memo to be excited. I was bummed at first; but then I realized I will one day look back with a smile and laugh as I remind him of his first Christmas.

Klayton, on the other hand dove right into the spirit of opening gifts!

Best $5 ever spent and quite possibly one of the best gifts! A Ninja set for my little Ninja!

And Justus still has not found the excitement...

Even with tears that big brother didn't even notice, we all enjoyed our first Christmas Eve as a family of 4!

And, on a side note its good that we had a helper with opening of the presents!

What would I do without my tearful baby and little helper?
Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus

I love Christmas for SO many reasons; but the ultimate reason we want to teach our boys to love Christmas is for the celebration of Jesus! So, 3 years running we have continued our tradition of making a birthday cake for Jesus! Happy Birthday Jesus!

"Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday dear Jesus,

Happy Birthday to You!"

Klayton's 4th Birthday

I love birthdays and I LOVE celebrating Klayton's birthday! I think this birthday has been the most fun we have had so far...there is a strong possibility that I say that every year! However, this year it was fun to wake up and drop Klayton off at school with juice boxes and treats! He came home to his birthday lunch, homemade pizza-chosen by him! But, before lunch was the best part of the day for the birthday boy-presents!
It was hilarious, Klayton came home from school and went right to his presents! He didn't wait for me to get my camera and just started opening his presents!

Thankfully, I managed to sneak a few pictures. I really wish I would have snapped one of him opening his fishing pole! Klayton has been fascinated with fishing the last few months and every time we go to Wal-Mart or the local K-Mart we are summoned down the fishing aisle to check out a Cars fishing pole. We are also told, the he WILL buy it with his coins! My Grandma sent some birthday money for us to shop for Klayton with and we used some of the money for the pole! Best present ever-yep, even better than what Joseph and I had chosen for him!
Later that night we had a small birthday party with my family!

We did the obligatory singing of, Happy Birthday! And in the middle of the song the tears came and we had to stop singing to the birthday boy! Klayton then decided that he was not interested in blowing out his birthday candle and Pops had to blow out, not once; but 4 times!

Since Pops was successful, Klayton did manage a quick blow of the candle as well! I was thankful just so I could get a cute picture!

The cake was yummy and time with the cousin was fun!

Overall, it was a great day that left us looking forward to the BIG party day on Saturday! And, a little party memory from the evening; my mom made Klayton a camouflage afghan. She spent A LOT of time on that afghan and that was not appreciated by my Klayton. He opened the gift and promptly said, "I don't want it" and gave it to my mom! We are hoping the other gift she has for him on Saturday will be better received!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

A couple weeks ago we were driving home and saw a cute pumpkin patch getting ready to open for the season! I was instantly excited and anxious to make time to take Klayton-I was sure he would have fun! I was not disappointed...it was more than just pumpkins-it was an afternoon of fun and games!
At the pumpkin patch you were able to choose to pick your own pumpkin from the patch or get one that had already been picked. It wasn't a hard decision, especially for Klayton as he ran over, grabbed a wagon and off to the patch he went!

We had decided that each of the boys would get a pumpkin and we quickly discovered that picking out pumpkins is a difficult; but fun task!

This pumpkin looks acceptable for Justus and thankfully Klayton is willing to "let" Dad be the one to cut it from the patch!I should confess here...that the original pumpkin chosen for Justus never made it home. A certain big brother dropped it and therefore it became damaged goods...

Now we have to find the perfect pumpkin for Klayton!

Maybe this one?

Nope, it was only good for a picture and the search must continue!

And, finally the perfect pumpkin! Daddy gets to help cut it from the patch once again!

When we had started our search we had told Klayton if he could pick up the pumpkin we could get it and as you can see he knew how to handle it and loaded it in his wagon!

Off to our next adventure!

Like obligatory pictures!

And can I just say that getting pictures taken of TWO boys is TWICE the work now?! Ha! Apparently, my little guys were looking at a different camera?

I was really impressed with all the extra activities the pumpkin patch had like, pumpkin ring toss! And no Klayton does not realize that those rings are actually hula hoops!

Bean Bag Toss!

Pumpkin bowling!

Corn shucking!

A corn kernel sensory bin!

The cutest scarecrow EVER!

We also enjoyed a hayride; but no pictures to prove that we ALL enjoyed-and yes that includes Justus. He, however, wasn't too thrilled with the bumps on the path!

We spent two hours at the patch, left with two pumpkins, a bag of popcorn and a caramel apple-all for $10! Not to shabby if you ask me and it was money well spent...in fact Klayton keeps asking to go back for more pumpkins!