Introducing Lucas Harrison

Lucas Harrison Kooiker
January 24, 2013
6:18 PM
7 lbs 15 oz
21 1/2 inches

  Birth Announcement!

 Welcome to the world Lucas!

 Mommy holding Lucas....at last you're here!

 I think he's happy to be here!

 So glad Grandma got to be here for your birth!

 Meeting Grandpa!

 I think he's a keeper Mom!

Proud Daddy and big brothers!

Grandma Kooiker came to visit!

Aunt Gina and cousin Caden

A little uncertain just yet...

Okay I think I like him!

I've been waiting for you F O R E V E R!

I love you little brother!

Warm and snuggly!

Adorable Lucas!

Snoozing away...look at those long skinny fingers!

The Birth Story...welcoming Lucas!

Ross and I were supposed to be at the hospital at 6:45 am to check in.  As typical Kooiker fashion we arrived almost 15 minutes late.  We got checked in and were in the room by 7:10.  The doctor on call was supposed to come visit with me right away but she ended up having to deliver a baby in the next room so she didn't come to my room until about 9:30 or so.  The doctor was really  nice and I really liked her a lot.  She told me for induction she had 3 recommendations.  I knew how each one worked but wasn't sure which way to go.  She recommended having my water broke to start since this was my second baby and since I was already dilated to 3 cm.  So at 9:45 my water was broken.  I had already been contracting when I got there but they weren't real painful.  I started to feel the contractions a little more after my water was broken but they weren't very close together and not super painful.  The doctor came in around 12:30 and checked me again.  I was dilated to 5 cm so she wanted to wait and see if I kept on progressing.  At 3:30 she came back and I was dilated to 6 cm.  My contractions were still pretty far apart but they were getting quite intense so I asked for my epidural.  Then they started the pitocin after I received my epidural so I didn't feel anything after I got my epidural which was really  nice.  Around 5:30 I started to feel some pressure so the nurse checked me and I was dilated to 9 cm.  It went pretty fast after that.  I started pushing at 6:05 and Lucas Harrison was born at 6:18 pm.  I only had to push for 13 minutes which was amazing to me because with Caleb I pushed for an hour and a half.  My Mom was able to watch Lucas being born and I think she enjoyed the experience  I was glad to have her and Ross there with me as we welcomed Lucas.  This 9-10 lb baby everyone expected only ended up weighing 7 lbs 15 oz.  He was smaller than Caleb!  He was 21.5 inches long so I think his length is what made everyone thing he was so big.  I had another 2nd degree tear but I didn't care.  Lucas was here, he was beautiful and I finally felt like my family was complete.  We love you Lucas!

38 week check up and growth ultrasound!

Today was a fun day with my parents.  Ross needed to do some work so Grandma Kooiker picked the boys up from school and watched them.  My parents and I headed to Sioux Falls a little early and did some shopping.  Then I had my ultrasound and my check up with my OB. 

At 35 weeks (just 3 weeks ago) baby was 6 lbs 15 oz.  Today at 38 weeks 1 day baby is 8 lbs 12 oz.  Of course there is no way to know how accurate the ultrasound is.  It could be off a pound in either direction.  Lets hope if it's off that baby is less than 8 lbs and not nearing 10 LOL.  Baby was quite a stinker yet again and had his feet in front of his face the entire time so no good pictures at all.  The ultrasound tech showed us all the white around his head and said it's hair, so he won't be bald that's for sure.

I then met with my OB doctor.  She said baby is measuring big and it was her recommendation to induce at 39 weeks.  I felt confident with that because instead of just 1 cm like I was a week ago, I'm now dilated to 3 cm.  I'm hoping/praying induction wouldn't be quite so bad.  The doctor said the nurse would call me with a date for induction.  I was super happy when we left knowing that in a week we will have a baby!

Not too long after my doctor's appointment the nurse called.  I am now scheduled Thursday, January 24th at 7 am.  I can't wait to meet this little guy.  There is still a chance I could go into labor on my own before then, but at least I know that we'll get to meet him by Thursday at least.

Everything is pretty much ready other then a few minor things.  I'm getting the boys care and schedules coordinated with Grandparents and we should be all set for Baby Boy #3!

37 week update/Birthday

Today was my 33rd birthday so we made a family event to Sioux Falls.  The boys, Ross and I went to Sioux Falls so I could go to my check up at the clinic.  Everything looked good.  Still hard to believe I'm 37 weeks.  My blood pressure was a little elevated but not bad.  I saw the PA instead of my own doctor this time but the appointment went well.  I only gained 1 lb this time so I was happy about that.  She checked me and I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced so that means things are starting to happen.  I hope I don't have to be induced but I guess I will know more after my appointment and ultrasound next week.  We know this baby boy is going to be a big guy so I guess they want to find out exactly how big we're talking!  With the gestational diabetes they aren't too surprised.

After my appointment Isaac had a check up at the Children's Hospital and he's doing so good that we don't need to go back for another 6 months.  His 12 week play therapy session really helped a lot and he's changed so much this past year.

After Isaac's appointment we all went to Texas Roadhouse and had a good meal there.  The boys didn't eat too much but they were pretty good overall.  It was a good birthday and I enjoyed spending it with my family.