And then there was Gabe

What a weekend it was! I sit here typing and can hardly believe that we are the parents of three boys! I am already so in love with Gabe; I couldn't picture our family without him.

Friday morning began early for us.  It was the morning of our scheduled cesarean. I was so restless the whole night before.  I'm not sure I could have slept no matter how much I wanted to.  Needless to say, when our alarm went off at 3:30 am it was quite early.  Andrew loaded the car and off to Springfield we went.  Poor, Andrew.  I think my nerves were starting to kick in because I wanted to talk and he was  just  trying to stay awake to drive us there.

We got checked-in and all set up in our room.  Our nurses that prepared us were wonderful.  The morning felt calm. You are to arrive two hours before your section which gave Andrew and I a lot of time to chat and just talk about Gabe's arrival.  I was nervous a bit because I don't like to have a lot of time to wait around, especially for something like surgery but the time passed quickly and before I knew it I was being wheeled away.

Last pregnancy shot

I can't say enough how grateful I am for the people that were in the room with us.  My doctor is fantastic and had a partnering doctor with her, who I adored immediately.  My nurse anesthetists were  both so sweet and kind.  There was just truly a sense of calm and peace in the room. I did get teary-eyed after my spinal but Andrew came in and the reality that our guy was going to be here set it.

There is nothing like hearing your baby's first cry.  And Gabe, cry you did! Your cry was so loud and strong and it continued the entire time they cleaned you up.  It didn't stop until you were put in your daddy's arm and sat next to me.  You were so beautiful.  I couldn't decide who you looked like; you were already your own person.  I couldn't believe how small you were, such a peanut compared to your brothers.  Andrew and I both, along with the nurses, commented on how long your fingers were.  You were perfect.  Fearfully and wonderfully made indeed, sweet boy!

6 pounds 12.5 ounces. 20 inches long

Perfection 

Back in our room, as I was holding Gabe and Andrew and I were talking I couldn't get over how beautiful he was.  What I loved about this experience was the baby stayed with me the whole time. During my past sections, the baby was always taken away to be cleaned and bathed. He was in the OR getting cleaned up and had his bath right in the recovery room so I could see.  I loved that so much! 

We had a bit of scare during recovery.  I began to lose some blood (now we know it was more than "some").  Yet, the nurses and doctor never made me feel concerned.  I thank God so much for those women who were so calm and reassuring.  I passed the Gabe to Andrew, who sat down and never showed it if we was scared or nervous.  Fortunately, they got the bleeding to stop pretty quickly.  There was a discussion of a transfusion, but we left without having to get one! 

All day I was poked and checked and Gabe was perfect.  Snuggling us, sleeping, nursing like a champ! Andrew and I spent most of that day trying to decide who he looked like, pulling up pictures of Beau and Hudson, looking through the ones we had taken.  We decided Gabe is definitely a mix of our boys while being 100% himself.  Completely handsome. We called our boys and sent them pictures.  They were so excited and couldn't wait to meet him.  We spent the other part of our day discussing what kind of sushi we were going to order that night.  {Yes--we ordered in sushi less than 12 hours post-op and our whole ordeal. I felt I deserved it.  And it was fantastic!}

We were moved to the room that became our home for the rest of the weekend just as Andrew's grandparents and parents arrived.  By this time I was starting to feel tired.  They stayed and chatted for awhile, held our sweet boy but then headed home after an hour or so.  

My dad came by later that evening as well. He was so excited to meet Gabe.  One thing I love about my dad is that he wears his emotions.  No shame.  He is such a strong man of God.  He asked about the delivery and our day.  I still was having nurses come in to take my blood (checking my hemoglobin and platelets since my earlier loss).  I had to get a new IV.  At one point during all of this, I saw my dad, holding his newest grandson, head bent in prayer as the nurses were starting my IV. I thought, "I hope Andrew and I can raise our boys to have faith like that." 

End of day 1.  Exhausted but so grateful.

Gabe was up lots during the first night.  I think he finally fell into a deep sleep around 3:30.  The next morning came early but this mama was so excited because they were finally letting me shower! Andrew commented about three times that the shower was a miracle.  I seriously came out a new woman.  Even after only a few hours of sleep in over 24 hours.  We were beyond excited because our bigs were coming that day! I could not wait to have our whole family together.  

Andrew looks like a new man after his large coffee!

My grandparents were our first visitors on Saturday.  It was nice to chat with them, sip my Starbucks and revel in the company of our new boy.  Late morning, Andrew went to meet my mom and help her bring the boys up.  I don't think I have ever had my heart more full than when they walked in.  Their faces were so sweet; lit up.  They walked over so quiet and careful and just patted and kissed on Gabe.

We ended up having them eat lunch in our room.  They got to open their brother presents "from Gabe" and were so excited.  They kept trying to share with Gabe and we kept having to explain that he was too little.    

Our visitors continued after they left.  Gabe's Aunt Jaci came by with Andrew's mom.  They stayed for a bit but then it was the napping hours.  We took full advantage of that quiet time and the three of us took a little siesta.  

That evening two of my closest friends came by.  I can not begin to tell you how hard I was laughing during our visit.  When you have friends who love you like family and love your kids like their own, it is such a blessing.  Andrew got to sit in our mommy convo and it was no holds bar.  We were all laughing so hard {no easy task with that incision} but it was so good for my heart.  

We woke up Sunday after a really good night.  Gabe seemed to be getting better at sleeping longer stretches {at least for one night} and I felt really good.  We were hopeful that we were going to get to go home Sunday even though my levels were still low.  Our morning passed quickly with our final visitors, my brother, Zach, and his family. My nephews were so sweet.  Emmett really just wanted to check the room out but Graham had to have his peeks at "baby Gabe."  I really am so thankful for all the people that came to love on us and our new little guy.  

Early afternoon we got the news that I was being discharged.  Sweet Gabe was discharged earlier that morning, just waiting on his mama! We had all our stuff ready to go and our nurse, who we had with us each day since we moved rooms, had our paperwork ready, knowing how much we wanted to get home.  She was such a doll! 

Coming home never felt so good! The boys were waiting with my mom outside with balloons and signs they had made.  They had baked a cake and set the table for Gabe's homecoming! The first ten minutes home were utter chaos as Gabe wanted to eat, Beau wanted to hold him and Hudson was just so excited, he kept throwing a balloon! I was peed on, cried on and a tad overwhelmed.  But it quieted down and felt completely normal.  

I still can't believe we are an official family of FIVE! My heart is so full it could bust.  I am so beyond thankful to have our sweet little Gabe here.  More pictures to come for another {less lengthy} post! 

What's in my hospital bag?

Being that we spent all of July away, I just got around to packing  my hospital bag.  And to be honest, even though this going to be our third delivery, I kind of forgot what to take! Ha!

I do know I way over-packed for my first and scaled it WAY back this time.  So, in no particular order, here are MY hospital bag essentials. If you are someone who went into labor or doesn't have a scheduled section, you may want to take something to pass the time or your list could be different all together.  These are just  my personal picks.

{O N E}
Comfy clothes.  I have had two c-sections so will be having one this go round.  Anything with a tighter band is not my friend.  It lays across the incision and is terribly uncomfortable and painful.  My friends gifted me with some really loose and comfy PJ capris and a tee.  I tossed in some comfy (and cute) PJ shorts, extra tees and tanks, my robe, and some really big underwear.  I usually buy some non-sexy, cheap underwear to toss because, well, you've just had a major surgery and you just won't want those things around. I also recommend bringing a robe and a going home outfit for yourself.

{ T W O}
Toiletries.  Nothing was more amazing (and again, a little painful) than my shower hospital.  But I loved every 4 minutes that I could bare it last time. (Seriously, I kid. I have never thought cesarean recovery was all that bad. Just my personal experience.) I like having my bad ready so I bought a travel size of all the toiletries I would need, disposable razors, extra loofah, shower shoes, etc.  It just makes things easier and if I want to pitch it, that is one less thing to take home. (You have flowers and gifts and oh, that new baby to cart home anyway!) I also take my make-up.  I do.  Don't care.  ***Make sure of your toiletries you include lotion and chap stick.  Hospitals tend to be very dry.***

{T H R E E}
Camera and charger.  You aren't allowed to video during a section but we {Andrew} sure do flash away the pictures as soon as our guys arrive.  I love to relive those moments through the photos taken and to capture shots those first few days we are in the hospital.  So definitely pack it.  Nurses are also amazing at snapping your first shots with your new addition.

{F O U R}
Abdominal binder.  I did not know I was going to have a section with Hudson.  We actually labored for about 18 hours before his section.  Before he was born I had been reading up on abdominal binders, or belly bands, for women after birth to help their uterus get back to normal quicker, to relieve pressure as your body reshapes, etc.  It sounded amazing.  Well, one c-section later, I thought my purchase was a waste.  I asked my doctor at the time about using it (one day post-op) and he saw no problem.  That little wrap became my best friend.  I feel like it was even more beneficial since I had c-section.  It gave my back support, put pressure on the incision in the right way (like holding a pillow to your stomach but constant) and helped the incision area not be pulled as my body was "reshaping" (we'll just word it like that so it doesn't sound so gross). I used it again after Beau and am definitely using it after G arrives. I bought the Belly Bandit.  It is ok.  There are other ones out there that have better reviews.  Many hospitals also provide them upon request and can bill your insurance company.  Just ask and shop around.

{F I V E}
Items for baby.  This is where I completely OVER-PACKED with Hudson.  The hospital gives you diapers, wipes, ointments (if your little guy needs any). Really anything and everything the baby needs.  Use it! You are going to get billed for it anyway! No need to pack a ton of your own.  The only items I pack for baby now are some onesies, outfits, blankets and his lovie.  There is just no need for tons of extras and again, you seriously feel like you are leaving with a ton more than you came with anyway so no need to add to that feeling.

{S I X}
Proof of insurance and ID.  You probably already have this in your purse but I put mine in my handy little wallet, zipper pouch, whatever you want to call it because again, I do not want to haul my purse, hospital bag and pregnant belly in nor do I want to haul all that plus new baby out.  No thanks. I'll keep it simple.

{S E V E N}
Big brother gifts.  Our boys will be receiving a gift from G for them being his big brothers.  I don't care what anyone says this whole adding a new kid to the mix has got to be hard.  And although a sibling should be gift enough, we have gifts for our boys.  It isn't anything too extravagant but something that they will enjoy and can play with as our house transitions. Hudson actually can tell you what he got in the hospital from Beau. We never really even talked about it.  He just remembers. So I take that as a sign that it helped.

{E I G H T}
Last but not least, PILLOWS! Body pillow, pillow from your bed, Boppy, whatever you desire! I can not stand not having pillows and since I basically sleep on my back almost upright after my sections, having some extra comfort from home is the only item I deem necessary in regards to the hauling of extra stuff!

{N I N E}
Have hubby pack a bag.  This time around we are an hour from our hospital so Andrew can't just run home and grab a shower or a change of clothes as easily.  He will probably want some of that (and a pillow) for himself.  See how this stuff accumulates?? Less is more!!

Other mamas, what am I forgetting? Anything essential? What did you take in your bag that was a MUST? I'd love to hear!

Being A Boy Mom

As our delivery date is quickly approaching, I can't help but seem to reflect on being a boy mom.  Some days Andrew gets home from work and in the chaos of playing outside, the boys running around, or me trying to get dinner going, I ask, "Seriously. How are we going to handle another boy?"

I always knew I wanted to be a mother.  It was a desire in my heart that dates back the furthest.  Mothering was instinctual when it came to my babies and my little brother.  Growing up with two brothers, being in a family with both genders, I naturally assumed I would always have my own little family mixed with some boys and girls.

I can remember the weeks leading up to our 20 week ultrasound.  I was focused on the baby being healthy first, but I also was trying to get some inkling as to what the gender would be.  The pregnancy didn't feel different, and although most gender test results revealed girl, I kept telling Andrew that I thought boy.  Not because of mother's intuition, but because, if I'm being honest, I didn't want to get my hopes up.  I sound terrible, right? Ungrateful even.  But that wasn't it.  I just knew that Andrew and I were to a point in life where we wondered if this was going to be our last pregnancy and I didn't want to think girl and find out it was a boy and be slightly disappointed.

At our ultrasound, it was a family affair.  Andrew was there and we took the boys since we live further from family and our appointment was mid-day.  When they announced boy and began talking about how he was measuring and assuring us he was healthy and on track, I felt relief.  And I felt a bit of panic--THREE boys three and under?? And then I felt a bit of sadness.  No proms.  No wedding dress shopping.  No sidekick to go get a pedicure with. My mind kept replaying that saying: "A daughter is a daughter for life. A son is a son until he gets a wife." {Who wrote that diatribe up anyway??} I wondered, as if my boys were leaving the nest any day, if they would get married and get wrapped up in a family other than our own; if my future daughter-in-laws would love me and see me as a companion and not just the mother-in-law.

Well time has passed and God has used his Holy Spirit, His word, and some sweet truths spoken from dear friends, to reveal to my heart how lucky I am to be a boy mom.

I may not ever have that companionship with a daughter to do girly things with, but I get the honor of teaching my boys about the girly things, so they are sensitive and attentive to their one day wives.

Being a boy mom may mean football practices and sweaty pads over dance recitals and ribbons, but I get to encourage them to use their strength that God has placed in them in ways to serve Him on and off the field.

Being a boy mom means that I am the first female my boys will love. That I am the model who shows them what being a wife is; what being a mother is; what being a woman after God's heart looks like.  They will look to me for that without even knowing it.  The responsibility of that task is overwhelming, yet God has thought to give me three boys to show that to.  Humbling doesn't begin to describe.

Being a boy mom means that as their mother, I get to have those sensitive conversations that help them understand that female mind given my perspective.  I get to help shape my boys into men that see women as God created them to be; not as the world idolizes, sexualizes and promotes them to be. I will be the one who has the conversations about clothes and make-up with my boys so they can recognize true beauty, inner beauty in a world that bombards them a focus on outer.

I have the great task to pray for their future wives, my future daughters.  To pray that God keeps her safe and pure.  To pray that God molds her into a woman that will fit perfectly with my son, that they will compliment one another and lift each other up. To pray that I will be another mother to her and that our relationship will be blessed.

I have the responsibility, my husband and I, to teach our boys to be strong without apology; to be men of integrity and faith; to be servants; to be dreamers.  I have the responsibility to teach our boys that there are some things that men do better {just as there are some things women do better} and to be proud of those things.

As a friend pointed out, our country, our world, is in desperate need for men of God. Men after God's own heart.  And God trusted three of them to Andrew and me.

There are perks of being a boy mom I never really noticed until this past summer as Hudson is really becoming my big boy.

I always get all the flowers.  I get the first kisses and their hugs.  They are gentler with me than with their dad.  I won't have to have the birds and the bees talk with any of my boys (same gender parent does that one).  I get to eat my meals out in peace {kind of} because it is Andrew that takes our Hudson to the restroom.  I don't have to worry about explaining why a crop top or booty shorts are inappropriate.  {PTL boy clothes are easier..at least right now} They come to me when they are sad and I can make it better.  They can express why they are sad versus having to many emotions to articulate {their mama totes that quality}.  On a long car trip if someone really has to go, we have the option of just pulling over for a quick stop {no rest area needed}.

So maybe I won't get to watch my daughter try on a wedding dress.  {Or maybe this baby isn't the end of babies for us.} But my prayer is I grow my boys into men who choose women who will allow me to be present.  My prayer is that I partner with God for this task.  And that I always thank Him for the blessing it is to be a boy mom.

credit TEP

credit TEP

Weekend Recap

This weekend just flew by! It was another busy one but such a goodie.  I am loving all the fun activities we have had together these past few weekends.  We are definitely trying to soak up as much time as a family of four as possible before August.  And our guys are at such fun ages.  I mean, yes, Beau still is in diapers but they both know the routine of leaving, can eat a snack on their own in the car.  They are just over all more independent and excitable which makes outings much more fun!

Saturday was a long day that started early.  Our nephews were turning 3 and 1 and were having their birthday party.  It is a bit of a drive so we left right after breakfast.  Being the wonder mom that I am, I totally forgot to put in a couple of drinks for the boys.  So we made a pit stop half way there to refuel {aka get drinks and some snacks} Our boys do really well in the car but if they start to get hangry, it goes downhill pretty quickly.

The party was really cute. My sister-in-law always makes the boys cakes. She had little Mike and Suly smash cakes that were really sweet. There were quite a few kids there.  They played outside and inside.  Then had cake.  It was really sweet.  My boys love time with their cousins. {And yes.  You see no pictures.  I have not a one from the weekend.  Shame}

After the party it was lunch time so my mom joined us for lunch.  My boys, AGAIN, sat on the same side of the booth.  Acted like total crazies.  Not the crazies that you stare at in a restaurant praying they are almost done.  Just little goofy things.  They seriously had us in stitches.

We are on the hunt for a newer car for Andrew.  His Jeep is paid off but we want something a little more family friendly so we stopped and looked at a car he had been researching on our way home.  I HATE car shopping.  I don't think there is anything worse.  

By the time we got home it was after 5.  So this mama did what any mama would do and sent Andrew out for pizza while I bathed the boys.  Then they had a little pizza picnic and watched Nut Job.  It was cute. 

Sunday wasn't eventful.  We had church and then came home for lunch.  It started storming so the boys had to play inside.  I love how well they play together {most of the time}.  I can't wait to watch their friendships grow as they get older.  

Andrew and I finally decided that we should probably get started on this nursery thing.  Ha! I am really OCD and type A and had nurseries for either gender picked out so we could jump right in after the gender was revealed with Hudson and Beau.  I don't know what is going on with me and #3 but I just have not been on it.  I did find some inspiration (via Pinterest) so Sunday I started hunting down the items I wanted and making  my list.  I can't wait to get it all done and post up some pictures.  

Oh--and we may have decided on a name.  Large emphasis on the may there. 

While the boys napped I did laundry and cleaning while Andrew did some outside work.  The boys played outside after nap.  For dinner we grilled out and ate outside.  

Nothing special or out of the ordinary spectacular.  But I sat back and surveyed my little family, I was overwhelmed with how blessed and grateful I felt.  Just listening to Beau and his phrases and hearing Hudson's giggle.  The simplest things in life are often the ones I cherish the most.  

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too! On to June! :) 

Tutus or Tackling gear?

That's right! No ties--if it's a boy he better get his tackling gear! One- because we love football in this house. And two--with two older brothers, he's going to need the padding!

I am 17 weeks along so we have three  more weeks (I think) until we get to find out if baby #3 will be a girl or boy.  I have an appointment next week (18 weeks) but they will not do  my ultrasound until 20 weeks.  And yes, I already asked. :)

So to pass the time, I talked Andrew into doing those old gender reveal wives tales you read about.  I thought it would be fun to see if they all pointed to the same gender or if they were scattered.  And to look back and see which ones were accurate.  We didn't do these with the other two so we don't have anything to go off.

Let's get started shall we!

First, we looked up the Chinese Calendar.  You put in your due date and your birthday and they use those dates according to the Chinese Calendar.  My due date is August 27 and my birthday is this month.  So when plugging that in, it revealed: GIRL

You can see our Chinese "due date and age" as the dark pink square.

Next, we took a little quiz that asked questions. This quiz was predominately GIRL although I question some of the accuracy on some of the questions.  I'll explain.

Questions 1,8,9,13,14--all body questions. I know I almost halfway but I don't really have a bump and I would hope my face hasn't drastically changed yet.  I don't remember that happening until the end of my pregnancy. So I took those with a grain of salt.

Question 2- I have only heard the baby's HB twice.  It is always higher towards the beginning of a pregnancy. Both boys were higher until about 20 weeks.  I can't remember if they were as high as #3 or not.

Question 7, 12-- I think that is silly because my husband's ONE brother has two daughters. And of course Andrew hasn't gained weight. He eats what I eat! ;)

The next few tests have a urine component.  Don't be a  baby and get all grossed out.  It's science people!! :)

Drano Test
I saw a couple of different ideas on this test.  It was advised to do after the four month mark.  (We are a few days past so I think it totally counts.) One specified liquid, another crystal form.  I've never seen crystalized Drano so we did the liquid.  One test claimed color change (girl= green; boy= blue).  Another claimed if it became a darker brown, then boy. No color change, then girl.

We decided this test was a wash.  Our test did not result in a blue or green color change.  Nor did it really become darker.  So I guess we  could assume girl based on one idea of the test but it was too inconclusive for these scientists. 

Red Cabbage Test
This test was one Andrew was very skeptical of.  The directions stated to chop of some red cabbage and put it in a pan.  Then you were to pour boiling water over the cabbage so it was covered (submerged) and let it set for 10 minutes.  Drain the liquid from the cabbage into the glass. You had a very blue liquid for the test.

The next step was to combine equal parts urine and cabbage liquid.  If the mixture turned red or pink, then boy; violet in color, then girl.  

Here is our result:

Result= GIRL

Baking Soda Test
In this test you were supposed to put two tablespoons of baking soda in a glass and then add your urine. (How many have stopped reading because of the word urine? Sorry!) If the mixture was flat, then girl. If the mixture fizzled (think soda or carbonation), then boy.

Our result= GIRL

Here is a picture I found of a test where the parents knew what they were having and were just trying to see if these tests worked.  Here is their boy result.  See the difference??

Via chooseyourbabygendernaturally.blogspot.com

Ring Test
Andrew and I were both skeptics of this test because I mean really, how does this even work? This is the one I was most familiar with because I have heard about this test the most.  You tie a ring on a string and hold it over your stomach (or wrist).  If the ring begins to swing back and forth, boy. If it moves in a circle, girl.

This test BLEW our minds!!! It literally was still over my belly and then started to make a HUGE circular motion.  Like no doubt about it.  We tried it over my wrist, SAME thing.  We even tried it over Andrew's belly and wrist.  Nothing, nada, zilch!

Our result= GIRL

Number Test

The Mayans believed you could determine the baby's sex by looking at the mother's age of conception and the year it was when you conceived. It both were even or both were odd, the result was a girl.  If it was one even/one odd- the result was boy.    I was 26 when we got pregnant with #3 due in 2013 BOY.  Let's see if it worked with Hudson and Beau: 

Hudson- conceived 23 yrs old in 2010 BOY  

Beau- conceived 24 yrs old in 2012 GIRL  

Mayans are 50/50.  #3 will be the tie breaker for this test predictor. 

So, given our data, we have reason to believe that this baby could be a GIRL!! 

We aren't going out and buying any pink yet, because well, let's be honest, at this time God is the only one that really knows.  

With even more love....

Days before Christmas, Andrew and I got the biggest surprise of our lives!

Let me back up a bit.  I love being a mama.  I've wanted babies of my own since I could walk.  I seriously have loved mothering my whole life.  I had dreamt of the day I would meet someone who would share my desire to have a family. The burden of motherhood is great; trying to raise these little people in a way that honors God; to encourage their gifts; not to spoil them but to bless and teach them.  But the blessing of this gift? Oh the blessing is beyond words.

You can ask almost anyone.  I was barely stitched up and into my hospital room after having Beau when I started talking about missing being pregnant and how I know we will have more.  I was telling Andrew I just know our family is only becoming more complete but we aren't done yet.  Yes, I was on pain meds from my c-section. Ahem.

In November, right around the time Beau turned one, I came down with a bad case of "I want another baby". This happened right after Hudson turned one too--hence Beau being born about 10 months later. ;) Andrew, seeing this case take over once again, sat me down to have a very logical discussion.  More kids- definitely. Right now- no way!  We talked about the pros of putting off adding to our family and we both agreed- honestly!- that we were going to wait at least another year before trying to expand our brood.  We had valid reasons and were both really content to wait.  We even talked about having the next two close.  I told you I wanted big and I like even numbers. It's a thing. 

Ok--back to days before Christmas.  Well, days before Christmas, while packing to go home and going over my checklist of things to add, I realized things were a little *off*. Ahem Less than two minutes later, and I was on the phone with my best friend asking how this could be possible? (Spare me, I already know but I was in shock) And--side note, that best friend was not my hubby but my a close girl friend.  Our lives are so parallel sometimes that it only makes sense to be part of each other's lives! 

So although Andrew and I had much different plans for our future and the timing of our brood expanding, God once again reminded us HIS timing is always perfect and HIS plans always the best.

So this Valentine's Day our family is sending you all some love from our growing brood.

Arriving August 2014. :)