INTRODUCING CALEB BENJAMIN

INTRODUCING CALEB BENJAMIN

JULY 2, 2008

6:23 A.M.

8 lbs 3 oz.

21 inches long

He's finally here and we are now a happy family of 4!

The Birth Story!

At about 10:00 pm on July 1st I started having some stronger contractions but nothing consistent. The contractions were anywhere from 6-15 minutes apart lasting anywhere from 45-60 seconds. At about 10:45 I went to bed. I woke from a deep sleep with some painful contractions at 12:15 am. I then stood up and it felt like my water could have broken, but I wasn’t sure. The contractions kept coming about every 6-7 minutes lasting about 30-45 seconds. I finally called the hospital around 12:30 and told the nurse I wasn’t sure if I was in labor or not. The nurse said she would have the doctor call me and we could then decide if I should come in or not. Dr. Springer called me within 5 minutes and I told him I wasn’t sure if my water broke and about the contractions. He felt I should come in and be checked and that it was very possible I was in active labor.

Ross called his parents to come over so they could stay with Isaac while we went to the hospital. While I waited for them Ross loaded the car. By the time Ross’ parents got to our house the contractions were very strong and exactly 3 minutes apart. We then drove to the hospital which took about 15 minutes. I was pretty sure this was the real thing by the time we got to the hospital. We got there around 1:15 and the nurses hooked me up to the monitors so they could monitor contractions and the baby’s heart rate. Dr. Springer came in about 1:30 and checked me. I had only dilated to 4 which was only 1 centimeter more than 2 days ago, but the Dr. said I was not leaving the hospital without a baby. The doctor estimated that the baby would be ready around 7:30 or 8:00 am. The doctor left me in the room and went and slept in the next room. He asked the nurses to wake him around 4:30 so he could check me again.

At about 3:00 or so they started administering iv and then shortly after the epidural. It took a very long time to get the epidural in and they aren’t sure why it wouldn’t stay in. But once it was in I felt immediate relief from the contractions. Doctor came back in and checked me and I was soon dilated to 9. He then broke my water and kept checking me. It wasn’t long and the doctor told us it was time to have a baby. I pushed for approximately 1 ½ hours. It was a long tiring process but oh so worth it. They got the vacuum out because I was having trouble getting Caleb’s head out but I pushed one more time and his head came through all by itself so the vacuum wasn’t needed. Doctor Springer told me he had lots of hair. I then pushed a few more times and the doctor announced “they were right it’s a boy”. Caleb Benjamin was born at 6:23 am. Ross got to cut the cord and they cleaned the baby up and brought him to me. It was amazing. The doctor told me he for sure was not a 10 lb baby like Ross which I was grateful for. After both Ross and I had time to spend with Caleb, they took him to the nursery to weigh and measure him. Caleb was 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21 inches long. He did not look that big, he’s skinny and long like Ross and beautiful.

All in all the labor and delivery went good. It was not as bad as I had expected and went fairly quickly. I even had my own doctor deliver the baby which I was even more grateful for. The doctor and staff were all wonderful in helping manage the pain and pushing. Ross was great and by my side the whole time. I did tear quite a bit so had to be stitched up but it was all worth it!!!!

39 week update

First off I didn't think I'd actually still be pregnant at 39 weeks but here I am. I had a check up today and I've made a little bit of progress. I am now 3 cm dilated and the baby's head has dropped even more so it's all looking great. My due date is Monday July 7th and if the baby has not made his arrival by then we will be looking at inducing on July 8th. My doctor is very confident that I am a good candidate for being induced so I am happy about that. My doctor really thinks the induction process won't be too bad at all. Of course I would rather the baby come on his own, which still could happen but if it doesn't I am ready to be induced and to have this little one.
So at the most I should only have 8 more days of being pregnant!!!!! Baby boy will soon make his arrival!!!!

38 week update

Today I went in for my 38 week checkup. I saw my own doctor this time. He measured me and I am still measuring ahead but not quite as far as I was. The heartbeat was perfect at 160. He checked for dilation and I am still 2 cm dilated. He was not sure if the cervix had changed much because the other doctor did not write that down last week. But he thinks my body is definitely ready to deliver. It's all up to baby now. I asked what to expect if the baby is not here by July 7th. He indicated that I would come in on my due date for a check up and then we would pick a date to be induced. I asked about my chances for a hard delivery and/or C Section with being induced and he doesn't think I will have any problems because I will be far enough along and I have already started dilating. He is hoping baby will come before then though. He said I could go another 2 weeks like this but in most cases it doesn't take 2 weeks to go into active labor. So now it's just more waiting. I guess I can look on the bright side knowing that the baby will definitely be here in less than 3 weeks.

Sunday afternoon

Well today after our naps Isaac and I decided to go sit outside for a while and I took a few pictures. It was a bit breezy and that always makes his clogged tear duct run but I have a few good pictures. Nevermind the peaches all over his collar. I tried to get a picture of him by some of our pretty flowers but he was more interested in figuring out what was between his toes and wouldn't look at the camera. Oh well, maybe next time.

8 month update

I can't believe Isaac is 8 months already. Where has the time gone. Very soon little man will be a big brother and that's even harder yet to believe. In the past few weeks he's really changed a lot. He is now rolling both directions all over the living room, he turns himself around, he scoots backwards. He sits by himself with the occasional tip backwards. He is babbling more and more. He is now starting to say "ba ba" and "ma ma" on a regular basis. He loves playing on the floor with his toys, especially his farm and drum set as they make the most noise. He is sleeping about 10- 10 1/2 hours at night which is wonderful. We think he might be starting to get his 2 bottom front teeth but they haven't popped through yet. He'll be crawling very soon though we are pretty sure of that. I took a few pictures the other day, enjoy!

BATH TIME!!!

Daddy gave Isaac a bath last night and had fun trying to spike his hair. I thought it was a cute picture. We also got a couple pictures of Isaac asleep in his stroller. I've been walking every single night trying to get this baby to come and tonight Isaac fell asleep. I don't know how he could sleep with as bumpy of a ride as it was but he did. Today we're going to the Heritage Days parade and to walk around. Hopefully I get some other good pictures. It will be Isaac's 1st parade!!!

Getting closer to delivery!

But not close enough for Mommy!!!!! Last night I started having some intense menstrual type cramping and I soon figured it was contractions. I had them all night long. I honestly did not get 1 consecutive hour of sleep. I timed them when I could and they ranged from 5 to 15 minutes apart with each one lasting over a minute. They weren't strong enough so I never called the hospital. Well I still felt icky this morning at 7:30 after I was awoken by a bird flying over my head this morning (that's a whole another story). Anyway I called the doctor and he thought I should come into the clinic and see if labor was beginning. I did not see my normal doctor but another one I've seen a couple times. He measured me and did the heart rate as usual. I am still measuring ahead and heart rate was perfect at 155. He then checked for dilation (did I say how uncomfortable this is). Anyway he said I am now 2 centimeters dilated. 2 weeks ago I was completely closed so this was an improvement. He then decided to see if I was contracting and how the baby was handling it. So he sent me down to the hospital to be monitored. I was monitored about a half hour and I was indeed having contractions about every 6 to 7 minutes and baby was perfectly fine. The doctor said the contractions were not strong enough to keep me there so he sent me on my way. He said if my water breaks or if the contractions become a lot more intense or even if I'm not sure, to come back and they will hook me up again. I really wanted a baby today but I really want a baby before next week. I'm ready and I think he is too. I just hope I'm not stuck at this position for days to come!!!!! If you are reading this please say a few extra prayers that baby boy makes his appearance very soon!!!!

37 weeks!

Well today marks 37 weeks according to the doctor. Hopefully only 3 weeks or less to go!!!! These last couple weeks have been tough and if I have to go a full 3 more weeks I know it's going to feel like a lifetime. I am just hoping and praying I don't go past my due date. I want to eliminate the need for induction at all costs.
Today I started having a lot of cramping which was pretty consistent for a while but it did stop. I'm hoping this means baby is getting closer to his birth date!!!! I know I've heard of women having braxton hicks and/or menstrual type cramps for weeks prior to birth but I sure hope and pray it doesn't mean more waiting. If my due date is right I would be 39 weeks today instead of 37, so it's all in Gods hands now!!!!!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!

Isaac is ours forever!!!! Of course we never had any doubts, but Iowa law says the baby has to live with you for 180 days before finalization can take place. We wanted to do this prior to the baby being born so it could be "all about Isaac" and it was. Isaac still isn't feeling like himself quite yet and I think he might be going through a little bit of separation anxiety, but he did quite well. The Hearing itself only lasted about 15 minutes. Our Attorney (the attorney I work for) did our case and asked us a few questions. The Judge asked us a few questions and that was that. Isaac even got very vocal towards the end and the Judge said Isaac was agreeing to the adoption too!!!! Isaac wore his special t shirt for the day too. Afterwards we went out for pizza with my parents and Ross' parents and they brought a cake from Hy-Vee with his picture on it. It was a great day. Here are some pictures. Sorry but I had to edit the shirt Isaac was wearing to protect our last name.

Sick Boy !

Monday after my doctor appointment I went and picked Isaac up from daycare. They told me he had some drainage from his left ear. That night he acted perfectly fine, no fever, not fussy, etc. Tuesday I took him to daycare and about 2:00 they called to say he was running a fever of 102.3. So I picked him up and brought him home. It was a long afternoon and night. Isaac was up about every 2 hours. I finally brought him to bed with us at 2:00. At 3:30 I was so stiff and sore so I left Isaac in bed with Ross and slept on the couch. Not a whole lot better.

Wednesday I took Isaac to the doctor and it was a different doctor who has never seen him before. She prescribed him some amoxicillan. Not sure if it will work or not since it didn't the last time he had it. Isaac's Grandma watched him because he couldn't go to daycare with a fever. He just didn't feel good all day long. The night went better and he was up a few times but not nearly as much as the night before. I'm hoping he's on the mend.

35 week update

According to my ultrasound, I am 35 weeks today, but I'm still saying 37 weeks. I saw a different doctor today because mine was out. I am measuring at 37 weeks. Hmmm, ironic??? The doctor checked for dilation and I am not dilated at all. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. The only thing I wasn't real happy about is that if I go into labor soon, they would try and stop labor because 35 weeks is too early, but if I was 37 weeks it would be okay to have the baby. I guess it doesn't matter if I think I really am 37 weeks and am measuring at 37 weeks. I'm just hoping I don't even have to worry about that. With my luck baby will be late and will even surpass the July 7th due date. Other than that things are good with baby. Head is down and where it should be and the doctor doesn't think he'll change position now.

Isaac's adoption finalization hearing is set for Monday and we will be very happy to get that taken care of. We're getting a special cake for him and had a special t shirt made just for the special day.

Take some time to smell the flowers...

Isaac enjoyed smelling the flowers outside. I caught a cute picture of him and Daddy. It was sunny so I couldn't even see them so the angle is off but it's still cute!!!



Isaac also got his 1st ride on the 4 wheeler and he giggled and laughed the whole time. I can't wait until I can take Isaac for a ride after the baby is here.

Family Photos

Today we all ended up wearing blue so we figured it was a good day for pictures so we had Ross' Mom come over and take some pictures of us sitting on the bench Ross made me for Valentine's Day. Isaac's blue eyes really show up with his blue shirt. Sam really wanted in the pictures too as well as our Mama kitty Lucy. This is about as good as it gets when I'm nearing 8 months pregnant!!! Enjoy!

Few pictures

Last weekend my brother, sister in law and niece Norah were home for the weekend. Isaac and I went to my parents so we could see them. We didn't see a whole lot of them but Norah sure has grown up. She is so cute and loves her cousin who she refers to as "Ike".

Today was nice out temperature wise but it was so windy we weren't able to get outside for a stroller ride or a swing ride. I got a couple cute pictures of Isaac in his highchair with his hat on. He thought it was pretty funny putting that big hat on his head. I can't believe he'll be 7 months next week.

Do large babies run in your family?

Yep that's what the chiropractor asked me yesterday. She was quite shocked that I am only 31 weeks. She says I look more like 33 or 34 weeks. She's not the first person to think that either. So far the doctor is keeping my due date at July 7th because that's what the first ultrasound said. I'm just really hoping the baby comes before July 7th. So I'm either further along then the doctor thinks or I'm carrying a large baby, or both!! Either way I'm getting closer to delivery. I'm getting very anxious to meet this little one. We have everything ready for baby. Basically the only thing we need is an infant car seat.
Isaac has no idea what is happening, boy will he be surprised to have to share everything! Isaac is doing great though! He's 6 1/2 months and growing like crazy. He's been sleeping through the night for over a month. He sleeps from about 9 pm to 7 am. This past week he started giving up some of his naps during the day and he's not taking his formula very well at daycare. I'm really beginning to wonder if there is a tooth ready to come through.

Isaac's adoption finalization is underway. If all goes as planned we will have our court hearing on June 9th and he'll officially become Isaac Avery. We're hoping to have a small gathering to celebrate his adoption within a week or so after the hearing. Don't want to wait too long because baby #2 will be here soon.

Nice sunny day

Today it reached the 70's so Ross and I decided to take a short walk around the farm and get out for a while. We hung up Isaac's Little Tike swing on the clothes line pole for now until we find a permanent location. Isaac loved the swing. Then we walked around a bit and Ross and Isaac sat in the tractor for a while. Isaac seemed to enjoy it and was fascinated by the steering wheel.

Isaac/pregnancy update

Yesterday I took Isaac back to the doctor. He's had a cold for over a week and he can't seem to shake the cough and congestion. This is what he had back in January and February. His chest really rattles and he wakes up at night coughing. The doctor let me listen to his chest. It sounded like a little squeaky mouse in there and the doctor said that indicates wheezing. He said Isaac is too young for them to be able to tell, but he could be developing asthma. If he continues to get this cough and congestion every few months, they will want us to do nebulizer breathing treatments on him at home. So he put Isaac back on zythromax for 5 days and prednisone for 10 days. I hope he gets better and I don't need to take him back again. Poor guy.

I hit the 30 week mark yesterday which is pretty cool. That means only 10 weeks until my due date. I am hoping I either deliver before July 7th or on July 7th. While I had Isaac at the doctor I had the doctor check the heart beat and everything because I hadn't felt the baby move in about 10 hours unless he did it in the night and I never felt it. The heart beat was at 157 right where it should be. He told me to go home and have some sugar or orange juice and the baby should start moving again. Well that did the trick, within about 10 minutes baby boy was moving all over the place. I think I'm just to the point where every little thing makes me a little paranoid. I guess that's the Mommy in me. We're getting closer now!!!!!

Great Grandma W

Sunday we went over to Ross' Grandma and Grandpa's house to celebrate Ross' Grandma's birthday. We had a good meal and good time with family. Lots of kids there. We tried to get a picture of all the Great Grandchildren together. Isaac and Drew are the youngest. Drew is about 9 weeks younger than Isaac but they are close to the same weight. Isaac is "chubby" and Drew is just "long". They are cute though aren't they?

Happy Half Birthday Isaac!

Today Isaac is 6 months old. Yesterday I was going to get his 6 month pictures taken but he woke up with a bad cold so I decided to try and rig something up myself and get his pictures taken when he's 9 months. I think some of them turned out okay. Even though he's not feeling the best, he sure is a happy baby. Wednesday will mark 180 days since Isaac has been in our home with us. We will be able to start the adoption finalization process. Hopefully we'll get a court date within a month or so. Here's our beautiful boy!!!!

Isaac's 6 month update/28 week update

Well both Isaac and I had check ups today. Isaac measured in at 16 lbs 10 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches long. What a growing boy he is!!! No wonder he was too long for all of his sleepers. Ha!!!! Isaac started sweet potatoes last weekend and he absolutely loves them. I think we'll keep him on them a couple more days and then try squash or carrots. Isaac is also officially rolling over as of this past weekend. Now everytime we lay him on his back and we come back, he's on his tummy. What a silly boy!!! Isaac has been having some diarehea off and on for a couple weeks but the doctor said just to watch it for now. Not sure if he is getting teeth or what his deal is.

I am 28 weeks today but measured in at 29 weeks so I am hoping this little bugger will come a week early. I had my glucose test today which came back negative so I do not have diabetes, thankfully. My iron levels were normal too which is a good thing. He is a little concerned about the pelvic pain and wants to make sure there's nothing wrong so I have another ultrasound tomorrow. I will be anxious for that and it will be nice to confirm once again that he is indeed a boy!!!

Look what Isaac is doing

Isaac is learning to roll over. He started this on Wednesday and gets so close. He just has to figure out how to get his other arm out from under him. He gave up on the tummy to back rolling and seems to like back to tummy better. It's amazing how much he has grown this past month. He's been wearing blanket sleepers to bed. I went up to get a thin sleeper for him the other night as his room is getting warmer but would you believe he is too big for all of the 3-6 month sleepers??? So I guess we need to shop for some more bigger sleepers.

Here are some pictures in his cute Tony Stewart outfit from Grandma and Grandpa B.