So, we pull into the hospital, contractions every 4 minutes, 8:30ish and after about 30 minutes the contractions began to get more intense...really really intense.  Kristen fought through and did so well.  I couldn't be more proud of her. Kristen was a champ as they continued to pick up in intensity and as the time grew closer we called in the big guns. 

The Dr. came in toting his bag of magic and began to describe the epidural process.  He was awesome and made an instant connection with Kristen and I, right before he plunged a 2 inch needle into the area adjacent to her spinal chord.  "Here comes the bee sting."  He stated. 

"That's nothing compared to contractions"  Kristen replied. (mind you she endured 3 contractions while he was prepared to insert the epidural.)

Now it was time to check and see how far along Kristen was...Oh my, ready to go and not even able to feel the effects of the meds!!  The Dr. came in and said let nature take its course and give her some time, so we waited.  The epidural had set in and "Contractions" was once again just a word and not a declaration of unparalleled pain. Time passed and Kristen's mom was here and the nurses asked if Kristen was ready to push.  Kristen tried and with amazing success Sloan's entry into the world began.  A few very painful (yes painful, epidural took away the contractions...but the rest was for her to feel) a few pushes later our daughter was born.

 

In that instant, our family of three became 4.  What an amazing feeling.  I was now the proud father of a daughter, and a son.  She was amazing.  8 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 inches long.  She was awake, loud, and curious about the world around her.  Having a second child was different, but no less amazing and special.  I fell in love with my wife and my life all over again. 

We never would have guessed she would have dark hair...and decided to style it like daddy.  She was beautiful.  Troy and Papa were very patient and it was all worth the wait!

Wow.  What a experience.  Now it is time to soak it all in and spend some amazing time with Sloan and Kristen in the Hospital.

A Lesson in Patience

     So, it's Thursday.  On Monday, I'll be 40 weeks and my due date will have arrived.  Every morning I wake up and think, make the bed, put on real clothes, keep the house clean, put on makeup and do hair, because today just may be the day!!  Every night I go to bed, I actually hope that nothing happens.  I would feel so bad calling on a friend to come over in the middle of the night to stay with Asher as Brent and I are off for the hospital.  Also, I just find the idea of having contractions during the beauty of the day much more appealing.    

     Bags are packed and on the dining room table, a small list is compiled of last minute items to grab such as cell chargers, pillows, Brent's razor, etc.  The baby carrier is in Brent's car ready to bring baby Sloan home.  Asher's embroidered, "Dr. Asher" scrubs are out so that he can wear them when he sees his baby sister for the first time.  Cameras are charged and cleared ready to be filled with photos and video never to be forgotten.  Monday, I had my 39 week appointment and was told by the Dr., that things were happening and he didn't think I'd make it another week.  Tuesday, I dusted the house, washed clothes, and had an old friend visit with a precious outfit for Sloan.  Wednesday, we had Toddler time at the library, lunch out with friends for a dear friend's birthday, I vacuumed, and ended the night at Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey.  This is a class being offered by our church and while Brent makes the money, I pay the bills, and thought it would be beneficial.  Although, last night was about Insurance and I'm just lost.  (Ok, sorry for my ADD moment.)  Today, I started the day thinking, "Oh, what a beautiful day to have a baby!"  I spent the morning giving Asher my quality time, on the floor, playing with his toys.  I then pulled him around the neighborhood in his wagon before ending at the playground where a neighbor stopped by and shared parts of his train with Asher.  It was then time to head home for lunch.  Well, while walking, we passed a little girl and her babysitter having lunch on a little table in her driveway.  While passing by, I spotted CHEETOS!  Ok, yes, they've always been good but for some reason today, I knew I had to have some.  Fortunately, I'm quite a food hoarder and I knew there were some in the top of our pantry, I was just hoping they had been tightly sealed because it had been a while.    So, we headed home, spread a blanket out on our front porch, and had a picnic.  Although Asher normally drinks water, I let him indulge in a Capri Sun Roaring Water because he had kept his pull up dry all day!  Asher, not being a fan of peanut butter, had a ham and cheese sandwich, grapes, and cheetos.  I had an all natural peanut butter (Smuckers is the best) with strawberry fig preserves (made by my grandmother) sandwich, grapes, cheetos, and milk?  Yes, milk.  For some reason, it just went perfectly.  Wow, this blog is really showing my ADD side but basically, I'm saying I've stayed active and I'm ready to welcome little Sloan whenever she's ready.

Wednesday at the library

Today on the playground

     I'm also saying that I've realized there are some things we just need to enjoy and not take for granted. If Sloan had come Tuesday, it would be amazing, and I'd have my daughter, but think of the little things that would not have occurred.  God, has a plan and God has things happen in His time.  Asher has been the most amazing little boy today.  So sweet, making good choices, and letting me love on him.  This morning, he came across a small insect near the windowsill of our kitchen.  Our conversation went like this (I actually wrote it down)...Asher: "Mom, mom, look, bug."  "It's not moving."  Me: "Oh, well, it might be dead?"  Asher: "Put batteries in it!"  
     I guess I am continually amazed by the things that we take out of God's control.  A while ago the doctor mentioned that once I got to 39 weeks we'd start talking about an induction.  Well, sure enough, on Monday the doctor asked if I'd like to come in the next morning and either schedule the induction or actually go ahead and have it.  I wasn't paying much attention because I knew Brent and I agreed that wasn't our choice.  Would it be convenient to have one?  Absolutely.  Would it be exciting?  Of course!  Would I be selecting Sloan's birthday and taking timing out of God's control?  Unfortunately.  I understand there are times that they are needed and if I get to 41 weeks or more, that may be our choice. My mom actually went a week over with me and I was 8 lbs. 6 oz. but she ended up going into labor naturally without the help of drugs.  Oh, and believe me, Sloan's size is surely on my mind and every day that goes by I'm thinking..."there's one more ounce!"  I'm just working on letting go.  Every night during our prayers with Asher, Brent and I both mention patience and God's timing.  So, that's just something that's been on my mind.  Please keep us in your prayers and I'll surely keep you updated!  For now, I'm going to enjoy giving Asher my undivided attention.

It's ALMOST that time.....(Continued it seems)

 
 Well, well, well, 39 weeks tomorrow!  Little Ms. Sloan continues to stay cozy and comfy where she is.  I'm currently sitting in a rocking chair on my front porch while Brent mows and Asher naps.  Don't worry, I first asked if he minded if I updated the blog before getting lazy in the shade while he does manual labor, so I'm not a horrible wife.  Actually, internally, I want to get in the house and clean and straighten but I kept running through so many thoughts that I just had to share first.  After sharing, yes, I will be inside making the house look great because I don't know when things are going to happen and I want to come home to a clean house with my new little bundle.
     I know things are definitely changing and becoming tighter, slower, warmer, and achier, but still no stretch marks.  They could still be so much worse than they are.  I could have 6 or 8 in there and I think about those moms often.  Don't worry, I have things pretty easy it seems, and honestly, people who see me can't believe I'm as far along as I am.  To me, I just can't imagine being any larger than I already am.  Today at church I was telling Brent how warm my hands were.  I seem to ALWAYS have cold hands.  Not now obviously, and I even mentioned how they could now be used as heating pads.  Well, Brent jumped at this and had me warm his lower back during the service.  : )  I needed his help or assistance to stand and when it came time to sit I pretty much let myself collapse back into my seat.  All of this has taught me how much I take for granted when I'm not 30 lbs. heavier.  I can't wait to sleep more than 2 hours without a bathroom break, run to the phone without worrying about running to the bathroom first, get the massive U pillow out of my bed and make room for my hubby (we both realized that we slept better if he sleeps in the downstairs guest bedroom and he's been there for the past week or so), lay on my belly, lose the back pain, put away the Zantac and Tums, and just be quick on my feet again.  Now, let me mention, these things are so minor when you think of the AMAZING thing that God has created our bodies to do.  Through me, He is creating new life, a new soul, a person who will impact the world.  And, he can do all of this in just 9 months, 6 of which aren't even uncomfortable for the most part.  So, are these things slightly bothersome? Yes.  Am I still amazed by God's work and natural plan?  Always.  And yes, I would do it all over in a heartbeat.
     My current fear and prayer request is the delivery.  Knowing that it will come any day, at any time, at any place and I would love to have another all natural delivery.  I pray for Sloan to be healthy.  I'm not even worried about the lack of sleep this time because I know what's coming.  How will I find a way to love her and be as attentive as I was to Asher when he was born and could have my undivided attention?  These are the things on my mind.
     I'm actually looking forward to the hospital stay.  If you know me, you know I love food.  I love the "room service" way of doing things.  With Asher, I'd have laptop in my lap before dialing down to the kitchen.  On my laptop, I had typed all the random goodness that I wanted delivered so that I wouldn't leave anything out.  Actually, Brent documented this with a video.  : )

I actually attempted to share, but it doesn't look like it's going to work.  I may try again later.

     Just today, I told Brent how I look at it as a little vacation that I'm looking forward to.  Time away to stare, hold, and nurse my little baby girl without a care to washing clothes, cleaning house, or having to go anywhere.  Asher will be in the care of my mom, his Nah Nah, and there's no better place for him.  So, as this new life changing event approaches, I'm still savoring my little family of 3.  We made a homemade pizza after church and that'll probably be the last one made without little Sloan sitting in a carrier on the island watching our actions.  I have the perfect routine and schedule with Asher that works like a dream, and I'm about to start from scratch.  Basically, God is good.  God is good in all things.  God is good now, God is good through changes, and God will guide us through this new adventure and life changing event.  Thank God!  : )

The very soon to be...Big Brother

It's ALMOST that time!!!

So, it's March 29...I'm due April 11.  Asher would have been born on March 21, the day I turned 37 weeks.  I'm now 38 weeks and counting.  Yep, she's gaining one half to one ounce EVERY DAY!  I think of how crazy this time is.  The life of my little family of 3 is going to change drastically and I have to admit, thinking that I can say "the kids" while referring to my own family rocks my little world and makes me feel old.  It's so hard to fathom that I'm going to love little Sloan with the same passion and intensity that I love Asher.  So much of my time now is focused on buying, preparing, and planning.  Honestly, it's quite frightening knowing that having Asher is already like having my heart so vulnerable but now it will be doubly so.  I can't wait to see if she looks like Asher?  Will she have the same beautiful beach blonde hair?  Will she be under 8 lbs.?  Yikes- I'm already thinking not.  This baby girl can stretch so far across my abdomen that I feel she's got to be long, I was.  I was also 8 lbs. 6 oz.  Let's just say, I can't wait to hold her in my arms and have my child content in my arms again.  Asher will cuddle, just not for long.  : ) 

On to my little nesting project from yesterday... Asher has a little fabric square that we keep in the car and call his "lulla bug."  I'm not sure he's necessarily attached but it's just habit that it stays in the car and goes into his lap for car rides.  He leaves it there and I believe it gives an element of coziness along with texture.  Asher's was from Bunnies by the Bay.   I have yet to find one that I liked for Sloan.  So, after having a sewing machine for 2 1/2 years or so, I learned to thread it.  I first had 2 dear friends assist while I made a pillowcase dress.  I got so excited I went out and bought fabric for 2 more dresses.  I also bought materials to make Sloan her own "lulla bug."  Yesterday, I actually sat down and pulled out the machine and gave project 2 a try.  I'm quite pleased....  

My 2 fabrics and ribbon choices



I pulled out the scrap booking tools, which probably haven't been used since college, to cut the fabric.  I saw this done in a tutorial.

I'm sharing all of this because, yes, I am quite impressed with myself.  I'm much more of a "sayer" than a "doer."  And this, I actually did!  Look out etsy!

So, Sloan now has her own little lap buddy for car trips!

4-D Ultrasound

So, Asher was delivered at Lexington Medical Center because I was still teaching and had my own insurance.  Sloan; however, will be delivered at Tuomey Medical Center because I now stay home and will be delivering under Brent's insurance.  With Asher, they automatically scanned 4-D while doing my normal ultrasounds and we received free copies from his ultrasounds.  Because I was glucose intolerant, which basically means not bad enough to be labeled as gestational diabetes but still having some glucose issues, they gave me an extra ultrasound at 34 weeks.  Here are a few of our little Asher...

Asher sleeping away and sucking on his left arm while having his right arm up by his head...



They then buzzed my belly trying to get some movement.  Here you can see he opened his eyes.

And apparently, he wasn't in the mood for company as he threw up his hand as if to say, "leave me alone."

This one just shows how he was a little cramped in there...

     Well, this time around I was not labeled as glucose intolerant, so I was not going to get that extra ultrasound, they did not do any 4-D scans or pictures, and honestly Brent and I wanted them.  : )  Not only that, but at my 20 week appointment when we found out it was a girl, we were told in a slightly different way.  They did the ultrasound but never showed us the sex.  She actually handed me the towel to begin wiping off my belly and I was very confused.  I said, "Oh, we wanted to know the sex."  She said smiling, "Well, you've got to work for it."  She then gave me small wrapped box to open.  Inside, there was a small pink bear key chain.  Well, as exciting as that was, I was a little bummed that we never got to truly see for ourselves.  She did give me a picture that had the arrow pointing to certain parts saying, "It's a girl!" 

      This past Friday, Brent and I decided to make an appointment in Columbia at a place called Wee See Imaging just so we'd have that extra ultrasound and some pictures to share with Sloan one day.  We were able to see that it was a girl with our own eyes and now have a DVD and CD of photos.  Overall, the pictures are not quite as clear as Asher's and she had some difficulty getting Sloan to cooperate and move her hands away from her face but it's still very cool to know what's going on inside.  Apparently, Sloan's face is right behind the  placenta so she had to have me on my side to get a better angle.  Here is a small clip showing our baby girl.  Towards the end, you can actually see her open her eye an give a small smile. 

Looks like Sloan may be a thumb sucker or at least she is here...

Just a sweet picture...

Here, it looks like she's covering her ears and her eyebrows are clearly scrunched.

I asked if we'd be able to tell how much hair Sloan had and she said let's check.  She said usually you can see little white spots that represent hair but Sloan has distinct little lines.  This one shows that our little girl will have a head full of hair like her brother did at birth. 



Just look at all of that light blonde hair!!  The nurses all commented on it.  : )  They say it's very rare to have a blonde newborn much less, one with so much blonde hair!  Oh, I can't wait for this moment again.  There's nothing quite like it.

I'll end with one of my favorites of Sloan.  Here she's looking truly like a girl with her hand delicately folded under her face and making pouty lips, which I'm sure she'll try to use to get her way. 

So, if things go like they did with Asher, who came 3 weeks early, it's possible I'll have some actual photos of Sloan next month!  She's due April 11.  We'll just have to wait and see!  



Glorious Sleep, Glorious Morning

     So, I've been thinking.  I love sleep.  I especially love to wake up when my body tells me to or when I hear my sweet Asher talking in his crib.  This time comes between 8-9 am.  I am so blessed that this has become my "norm."  I know my little world will be rocked in a few months when Sloan joins us and she does not know how glorious it is to sleep AT NIGHT. 

     I'm not a napper.  Actually, I'm not even a fan.  I have many requirements (hee hee) that must be met in order for me to fall asleep....comfy clothes, a cool dark room, a heavy cozy blanket, etc.  I'm also a fan of making the bed first thing in the morning and it's just not worth messing it all up again just for me to be awake groggy and sometimes grumpy after a nap.  : )  Yes, with a new baby and Asher, I have a feeling my views may change and the bed may go unmade so that it can be revisited later in the day and I'm preparing myself for this.  

     So yes, there will be changes with a newborn but I also realized that this may be the only time in my life where things are slow paced in the morning.  Soon, I'll be looking for a preschool for Asher and they usually begin at 9.  An alarm will have to be set for this.  After preschool, then there's real school.  Goodness gracious, an early alarm will certainly have to be set for that.  This will continue for the next 12 years!  Actually, longer than that since Sloan will then be in school and if we have a 3rd, then even longer.  I will be the mom that celebrates school breaks, celebrates snow days, celebrates summer.

     I guess I'm just thinking out loud.  I was just a little overwhelmed when I realized how quickly life changes and the potential of life to get crazy before we even realize it.  I thank God that I consider myself blessed to have this time.  And I thank Brent for setting his alarm, being quiet as he gets ready, and not resenting me as he struggles out the door while the house stays quiet and still.  For now, I'm going to enjoy my slow mornings, lack of scheduled A.M. activities, and the quality time with my little man that I would not trade for anything. 

Good Morning Sweet Buddy

Always eager to help with breakfast...

A quality breakfast.  I actually have Brent to thank for this one.

Brent captured this sweet moment from the balcony.  Asher enjoying his morning milk, watching his favorite morning show- Mickey Mouse, and giving some love to his baby sister.

Very Moved...

This Sunday at church, just as every Sunday at our church, I was so moved.  The songs always move me to tears and just bring this emotion over me that I can't control.  I don't really understand it.  I think pregnancy may have something to do with it but I'm always so overwhelmed.  So thankful, so grateful, and so ashamed of the little work I'm doing to spread God's glory.  Brent and I are so careful to bring our Bibles to church with us but do they get that same use Monday-Saturday?  No.  I think during the service of how I'm going to get home and blog my heart out about the message...but I get home, get busy, and misplace my notes.  So, for now, I'm just going to leave you with this video.  Please listen carefully to the words and listen to the end.  It's my favorite part.  I hope it gets across some of what I'm feeling....

First, scroll to the bottom of my page to pause the music.

The Stand by Hillsong United