Cade: 1 Month

Cade is 1-month-old!  Time is flying by.  Each minute is very well cherished.

At Cade's last appointment, he weighed in at 9 pounds 3 ounces.  He's got to be close to 10 pounds by now.  He also grew a couple inches since birth, now at 22 inches long.  Percentile-wise…he is right on track.

Cade loves to chat!  He gets so excited when he hears his own voice.  I am pretty sure he is starting to recognize voices and faces.

Since we got him, he has been a good sleeper. Let's hope it stays that way!  He'll get his last feeding around 11 p.m. and sleep for 4-5 hours straight.  After a middle-of-the-night snack, he will wake back up around 3 hours later.  Almost to only 1 overnight feeding!

Sleeping in our room until next week.

He sleeps in a swaddle and likes to be wrapped super tight. He also enjoys laying on his side. Especially snuggled up close to you.

Still in newborn diapers.  About to run out, so I will probably just put him in 1's.  Also wearing newborn sized clothing.

We use noise when he sleeps and he uses a paci to calm himself to sleep during the day.

So far, Cade seems to be an easier baby than Lyric.  Is it because I've done this before or do we have a more calm and relaxed baby?  We will soon see as all his habits begin to develop.

Looking forward to watching this little man grow.  Wishing time would slow down already.

So thankful for Jasmyn and her incredible talent in capturing such precious moments of Cade.  She took all individual pictures of Cade on my kitchen floor!  She's not only an amazing photographer, but a baby whisperer.   Visit "Photography by Jasmyn Marie" or follow her @jasmynmarie. 

Welcome Cade!

SET UP: With a previous Cesarean, Bryan and I decided that we would go for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean).  Many doctors and hospitals will not allow for this procedure due to high risk.  After extensive research, we still wanted to try. Doctor Lewis (and our hospital) would allow for the attempt.  Yay!

40 Weeks on Due Date: No Baby

40 Weeks, 5 Days: Contractions through the middle of the night.  This could be it.  No Baby.

40 Weeks, 6 Days: Wake up with contractions.  Feel it out.  No Baby.

41 Weeks: Wake up Sunday morning at 5 a.m. with 6 out of 10 pain level contractions.  Let’s see how this day goes.  Contractions continue throughout the morning and afternoon 10-15 minutes apart.  (The kind of contractions that you have to stop talking through but are still manageable.)  Around dinner time, contractions start to become more intense and closer together.  As close as 4-5 minutes.  Could this really be it? 

SIDE NOTE: My Cesarean had been scheduled for the following morning on September 1, Labor Day, at noon.  

If this was really, really the start of labor, I had a chance to deliver naturally.  And with contractions this intense and close together...this was it for sure.

The night continued and my contractions spread apart.  They kept me up all night due to high pain level, but left me hopeless since they were not progressing.  Looked like there was no way out of the Cesarean.  We got to the hospital a little earlier than what our procedure was scheduled for just to see if we had a chance to avoid surgery based on what the nurses and doctors said.  

My first evaluation: 3 centimeters dilated, 80 % effaced.  Phew!  What a relief.  (The week prior, I wasn’t even a 1 and there was no signs of my cervix being ready for a baby.)

They would continue to check me every couple hours for progression.  Our goal: a centimeter an hour.  The contractions still weren’t close enough together for an epidural.  When finding out I was moving along slower than they’d like, we decided to break my water.  

SIDE NOTE: Breaking my water was a terrifying (and I mean terrifying) thought considering that once my water broke with my previous pregnancy, it left me in deathly pain.

11 a.m.  A doctor came in to break my water.  Nice guy, extremely painful procedure.  But at least it was one step closer to having our baby.  Contractions became slightly more intense and a minute or two closer...but NOTHING that I expected.  I thought I would be in serious pain every 2-3 minutes.  It was more like every 6-7 minutes. 

Doctor Lewis came in around 2 p.m. to check in on me.  I was now at 5 centimeters. She thought everything was progressing normally and not to worry.  When I asked her about when to get the epidural, she replied, “When you start having pain.”  Ummm, okay...I wish I would have known that sooner!  In fear of the epidural slowing things down, she thought the opposite would happen.  Her guess would be that the epidural would allow my body to stop fighting the contractions and relax a bit.  

2:30 p.m.: Got the epidural.  Felt it effects within minutes and began to enjoy not being in pain.  My family came back in the room the check on me when they started to notice my contractions coming in HUGE every 3 minutes or so.  I didn’t feel a thing!  Yay!  Finally we were getting closer to Baby coming.  And without Cesarean.  

When Doctor Lewis came back to check me a few hours later, I had only progressed to 6 centimeters, which disappointed everybody.  She said I still had nothing to worry about because other signs of labor were showing up.  She ordered the nurses to turn me from side to side every 30 minutes in order to move Baby’s head down the birth canal.  

8 p.m.: As the night continued, my contractions slowed down a bit.  Another disappointing sigh.  And I was staying at a 6.  Siiiiigh.  My nurse spoke to Doctor Lewis who said she wasn’t liking the situation.  Since my water had been broke for several hours, I was now risking infection.  I was ordered an antibiotic for that.  Then, Doctor Lewis suggested we start a small amount of Pitocin to get my contractions closer together.  If this didn’t work, a Cesarean was going to happen.  I felt like I was running out of time.  

SIDE NOTE: Pitocin is not recommended for VBACs because it could increase the chance for the uterus to rupture.  Doctor Lewis really doesn’t like having to use it, but thought maybe just a small bump could speed things up.

My family came back in the room and I suggested we pray immediately to reach that 10 centimeters.  

Please Lord.  You have gotten us to this point and we have been anticipating this all day.  We got past our scheduled Cesarean.  Please don't end the story on an operating table.  

After we all prayed, the boys went downstairs for a bit to figure out where we were putting Lyric for the night. (It had been a long day for her. No nap.  Lots of snacks.  Lots of waiting around.)  Demi and James went to grab some food.  Mom and Cary stayed in the room to keep me company.

8:30 p.m.: My nurse came back in with my antibiotic and Pitocin.  She also came in with another nurse.  “I am going to have this nurse check you to see where you’re at.  I have told her nothing ahead of time.”  The new nurse checked me and replied, 

“The head is right here.  Your cervix is completely clear.  You ready to have a baby?!!!”

30 minutes from a 6 to a 10…I was shocked!  Mom and Cary couldn’t believe the news and called the boys back up because we were having a baby…like NOW!  “Get my husband back up here!”  

The emotional news had me shaking.  Literally.  My entire body was shaking immensely because I was so excited.  Bryan joined me and began gearing up for the delivery. Hospital staff got the room ready. Doctor Lewis got there pretty quickly.  And suddenly it was time.  Bryan and I were going to have a baby.

Within 3 contractions and about 3 pushes per contraction, Baby entered the world.  Doctor Lewis placed Baby on my belly and the first thing I did was look at Baby’s face to see if they were breathing.  Then, my eyes shot down to see who this baby was.  BOY!  

9:19 p.m.

7 pounds 1 oz

20 inches long

Welcome to the world Cade.

God sure did push us to the very end.  He required trust and truly made us earn it.  We had to trust hundreds of time over and over again.  From the moments of anticipation when the baby was full term at 37 weeks.  To the last hours of Labor Day…41 weeks and 1 day. 

Cade is here and he is perfect.  My “stubborn” child gave us a wonderful trust story.  Thank you God for teaching us to never give up on You.  

Baby Boyd 2: 41 Weeks

41 Weeks.  Really?!  This week has been emotionally and physically draining.  The waiting game has worn me down.  Good news: Baby is definitely on its way...but when?

Last Monday, Doctor said I hadn't progressed much.  "Barely dilated."  The next day, I went to an ultrasound to check on Baby.  All is great!  They estimated Baby to be 7 pounds, 14 ounces at that point.  Therefore, we are probably going to have an 8 pounder.  Went back to the ultrasound Friday, and Baby still looked good. Smooshed, but good.

Doctor and colleagues do not suggest that I go past 41 weeks.  Baby's risk of complications goes up and considering I have a C section scar, they are worried about rupture.  So, we scheduled a Cesarean for Monday at noon (September 1: Labor Day…ironic right?).  Praying that God would allow my body to deliver safely on its own...but trusting that if we reach operation time, there is a good reason.

Baby Boyd 2: 40 Weeks I'm DUE!

Well, we've officially made it.  I'm due.  Where's the baby?!

At the beginning of the week, I found out that Doctor Lewis would be out of town until Monday (which is now today).  (She was running a marathon in Iceland…of course.  Ha!)  So maybe this was the reason for Baby holding on so long in there.  I've been praying specifically the past 2 weeks that my doctor would be there.  Looks like God had a reason for us going to term.  He's really good at knowing that kind of stuff.

Doctor said Baby dropped and I am slightly dilated.  She scheduled me an ultrasound for tomorrow just to make sure Baby is okay in there.  Praying that Baby comes on its own, because if not…I will have to schedule a C-section, which would devastate me.

Baby’s progress: 40 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy:  18 pounds.  Lost one, probably due to muscle loss.

Food cravings: Food hasn't been much of interest again.  Maybe because Baby Boyd takes up all of my stomach space.  My Mom told me to make a cake to get Baby out, so I've saved this task for this point in time.  Angel food cake for an angel baby. :)  The early release of the pumpkin spice latte is tomorrow!  Baby may have been waiting for this as well. 

Symptoms of pregnancy: A few more big contractions here and there...

Working out: Ran a few days this week with walking days in between.  Had my last (hopefully last) big run on Friday.  This baby is going to be used to bouncing for sure.  

Maternity clothes?: I still refuse.  I apologize for always having the same outfits on.  

Mood: Still anxious, but really trying to stay positive.  Soaking in all the kicks from Baby and last moments of pregnancy.  It still amazes me how God makes this all work.  

Sleep: Every couple nights gets worse. C'mon Baby!

Movement: As Baby grows so do the massive spins and powerful kicks.  

Stretch marks?: No

Wedding ring on? Yes 

Looking forward to: Meeting our baby this* week!  *Emphasis on this…AGAIN.  

Baby Boyd 2: 39 Weeks

I've never been this pregnant before!  I thought all my babies are supposed to come at 38 weeks??  It's kind of driving me crazy.  Four family members or friends had their babies this week…really getting anxious now.

Baby Boyd is about 20 inches long and weighs over 7 pounds…the size of a mini watermelon.

Baby’s progress: 39 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy:   19 pounds (based on doctor's visit last week)

Food cravings: I have been enjoying Wheat Thins!  This is a cracker I would never buy, but I am taking advantage of the time I have left.  Fruit and cereal are must haves throughout the day.  

Symptoms of pregnancy: No big changes for the past couple weeks.  Contractions here and there…yadda, yadda, yadda.  I'm ready for some big changes!  

Working out: I've had a great running week!  Added some speed and distance.  Whatever it takes to get this baby going!  Also did stairs twice on Saturday: Up and down 20-30 times at a time.  I may look ridiculous running outside and climbing the stairs…but it doesn't bother me.  :) And apparently, it doesn't affect the baby coming sooner.  Do I need to sign up for a half marathon or what?!

Maternity clothes?: I'm really ready for regular clothes again.  I feel like I have 3 things to wear for the week.

Mood: Anxious…let's go baby!

Sleep: Not too restful.  Bathroom breaks and a bit of insomnia make for some non relaxing nights.  

Movement: All the time

Stretch marks?: No

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: I went back to work.  It was great to see the kiddos!  Bryan and I had our "last date night" (we've said that 2 times now) which included yummy Mexican food.  Spicy food also does not do the trick.   

Miss anything from life before baby?: There's so many things.  I am trying to stay positive and remind myself that I will never be a Mommy to one again and that this life now is more mellow than it will be soon.
Looking forward to: Meeting our baby this* week!  *Emphasis on THIS.

Baby Boyd 2: 38 Weeks

Baby Boyd, when do you plan to join us?  I only got to 38 weeks and 2 days with Lyric...so I should be having the baby today. Really don't think this baby is coming right now. But hopefully sooner than my due date!  It's been a week with spicy foods, a massage, and longer runs. Still nothin'.  

Baby’s progress: 38 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy:  19 pounds (This is the most I gained with Lyric…my body been at this number for 3 weeks now.)

Food cravings: I have had a brownie box in my pantry for months.  Demi and James came over last night and baked them perfectly.  I had a couple...

Symptoms of pregnancy: I have continued to have some mild cramping and contractions, but they are all random and sporadic.  No big changes since last week, which kind of bums me out.  I am getting anxious to meet this little one!

Working out: Back at it!  I have ran an average of 1 mile everyday followed by a 1 mile walk to finish up the workout.  Feeling really good actually.  By the end of the run everything is really tight in my abdomen.  One day, I got a laugh from a biker when she passed by me. Wonder why??? 

Maternity clothes?: Continuing to search for stretchy clothing in the closet. 

Mood: Anxious

Sleep: It's getting more difficult.  Bathroom breaks and a bit of insomnia make for some non relaxing nights.  

Movement: Continuing to be crazy in there!

Stretch marks?: No

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: The moments with my family have been great.  Enjoying the time we still have as a family of 3.  

Miss anything from life before baby?: My freedom!  There are so many food/drink restrictions.  Plus, my body is getting pretty worn out from carrying such a load.
Looking forward to: A lot of babies this week!  I believe I will meet 3 new little humans of friends that are due.  (One of them is my nephew!) Could we possibly add one to the count?  Baby Boyd…this may be a good week since all your little friends are joining us!

Baby Boyd 2: 37 Weeks

Baby Boyd is over 6 pounds and 19 inches or so long.  These numbers sound like a baby that is done to me!  With only a few weeks (or days!) left, Baby is making its finishing touches while Mommy, Daddy, and Lyric wait in anticipation.

Baby’s progress: 37 weeks

Total weight gain for Mommy:  Still at 19 pounds

Food cravings: Food has not been of interest to me this past week.  Haven't been hungry, but for Baby's sake I eat as often as I can.  

Symptoms of pregnancy: This week has been the start of some definite changes!  Woke up one morning with cramping, which really scared me since Bryan was out of town for a few days. Contractions are beginning to be mildly painful (still random).  I have to sway when I am standing because it feels like I may pass out.  Not quite feeling myself for sure.  This makes me excited though, because several symptoms of my last pregnancy compare to now at this point in time.  Baby is coming!

Working out: My first week off.  Since Bryan was leaving for the weekend, I didn't want to jump start my body into labor.  I made it through the weekend, so I may start some modified workouts again.  We'll see…this is my last chance to take advantage of  "I can't because I am pregnant." :)

Maternity clothes?: Just the 3 tanks that I have.  My current wardrobe selection has dwindled down…anything extra stretchy is a thumbs up.  

Mood: Excited!

Sleep: Not going so good.  I am getting up about every hour and a half now to go to the bathroom.  Probably doesn't help with all the water I drink, but I know that's super important for Baby and me.  It is also extremely difficult to get comfortable.    Can't lay on my back anymore. 

Movement: Constant

Stretch marks?: No

Wedding ring on? Yes

Best moment of the week: I had my last moments of alone time over the weekend while Lyric played with CeCe and Pops.  Tried to take advantage of relaxing, but with all these physical changes happening, it makes me anxious and excited that Baby is on its way!

Miss anything from life before baby?: Can I just have a glass of wine already??? :)  (I stole this from my last blog at 37 weeks.  Seems to match my current feelings.)
Looking forward to: Meeting one of the most important people in my life. (I also stole this line.  It's the perfect answer.)