Sleep!?!?!

Cole slept for 7 straight hours last night. Whoo Hoo! I was not sure that was going to happen. I thought I had him on some what of a schedule, but apparently it was not strict enough for him. Then I figured he just liked to eat more than sleep. I questioned everything! Apparently that is what you do as a parent, right? Question everything you do and wonder if it is the right thing? When we first came home I was feeding every 3 hours, then she (Dr.) told me he could and should go longer. So I was letting him tell me throughout the day when he was hungry, which would be from 2 1/2 to 4 hours usually. He did not nap hardly, just cat naps. He never napped longer than 30 mins. I wondered how do people get anything accomplished? or have any type of life with a newborn? I was reading books and they said that newborns will sleep around 16-20 hours a day. I thought "who's? not mine". So I started keeping up with his sleep and he was only sleeping about 8 hrs total ALL day (broken up). I thought what happened to newborns sleeping 16-20 hours a day? I kept saying well at least he isn't screaming his head off all night. Well, then that started! I write all this to say I think I was depriving my child of sleep! He needed consistency and a schedule. He needed that reassuring that his needs were going to be met I guess. I had a friend remind me about baby wise. I have heard pros and cons and I wasn't sure about the whole letting him cry forever, especially since he is so young. The first day I did it I was scared he was going to cry and scream and I didn't know how long I could let him to that, but he didn't. He went right down and fell asleep. I also was not sure how long he should or would nap? What was realistic for my cat napper? So I just followed his cues. The first day of the schedule he woke up, I fed him and he had only been awake for about 25-30 mins after I fed him and he started yawning. I thought "already?" Do I need to lay him down for his first nap? was that enough "waketime"? So I did. I told myself I was going to be consistent; nap in his bed with a fan on and wrapping him in the same blanket. It worked!! His first nap he fell right asleep and slept for 2 1/2 hrs. The rest of the day went as smooth. Then I was worried he was not going to sleep at all that night, but he did! The first night he slept 4 hrs straight, night two was 5 hrs and night three was 7 hours!! Crossing my fingers he continues :)
The schedule is the whole theory of making sure he knows days and nights and knows that he is going to get fed. You as the mom decide his schedule (somewhat I say-I mean I was following his cues). 
So far his naps get a little shorter throughout the day. His waketime is usually at least 30 mins and like I said I watch him. If he starts yawning I go ahead and put him down. That is how I figured out how long of a nap he needed. This has been his schedule and nap lengths...I have even had to wake him up to feed him during the day. I thought "how mean to wake a sleeping baby?" but apparently Cole needs to get full during the day in order to sleep at night. He needs to know that his momma is going to feed him and not let her baby go hungry! hehehehe...Well, it is working for us so we will continue to do it. The book worked great for us. I would recommend anyone to try it. So far as a mom I have realized that you (being a mom), need to do what you need to do to be the best mommy to your child and that is going to look different for different people/babies. So whatever works for you and your baby-good for you! This is what is working for Cole and I...
7 am-ish:First nap is usually 2 hrs
10 am-ish:Second nap is 1 1/2 hrs
1 pm-ish:Third nap is 1 1/2 hrs
4 pm-ish:Fourth nap is 45 mins
7 pm-ish:Fifth nap is 30 mins
10 pm: Feed and Lay straight down for bed
Here is a picture of his scratched face-sad. I do cut his nails, but I swear they grow over-night.  Made me feel like a bad mommy already.

1 month old!

Hard to believe! Cole has been with us for a month. We have all survived! hehehe... He is just great! We are loving every minute of him. He is so funny with his noises and facial expressions. This was a big month. Cole met Paw Paw Wilb from Arkansas, we had Easter, and Mother's day. He is getting so big and loves to eat!! more than sleep for sure :) At his last appointment, 2 week 5 day, he was 9lbs 12 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. I have not measured him but I weight myself, then held Cole. It was 12 lbs exactly. Not sure how accurate that is, but I know he is getting bigger. Dr. Mishu said he would be about 5 lbs heavier or more at next appointment (his 2 month on June 13). Looks like he is on track. Right now I am still trying to figure out how to do much of anything. We are just taking it day by day right now. I cannot imagine if I had to go back to work at 6 weeks. I am so lucky that I have 4 months to figure it out before going back to work in August. Hopefully things will get a little easier or at least I will feel better with it and we can make more trips out to see people and maybe even try church! New adventures to come for sure.

2 weeks 4 days

Ok, I really had intentions of updating weekly, Ha! As you can see that did not happen. We are settling in. It is crazy the schedule you are on, if you even call it that! I am trying to breastfeed. Are you kidding me? I have realized that some women are milk factories and some are not. Some have to work much harder at it. I would not be a milk factory. Everyone keeps saying that it will get easier. I figure it has to or there is no way women would do this, especially for a year or more. I was told that it is typically harder for first time moms, especially if you have a c-section. Apparently since you did not have your kiddo go through the birth canal your body was not triggered that you had him, therefore telling your body to make milk. Cole left the hospital a little jaundice, barely though, but to get rid of it we had to give him 2 oz of formula after every other feeding. Well, my body was producing tbl spoons then he gets this gush of 2 oz. It turned into formula at ever feeding because he would get so mad and be sucking on his hands and screaming. It was like where is the fountain that had all the fast flowing milk? We went to the doctor and his jaundice was gone, he had gained 8 oz in 3 days (doctor said she wants him to gain an ounce a day), and she helped me with breast feeding too. It did seem to get better, but I am still having to supplement. I do not feel that I will ever make enough to satisfy my big, aggressive boy (what they called him at the hospital :) but I am going to do what I can for now. Like a friend (one who completely believes in breastfeeding, had NO problems, and breastfeed all 4 of her kids for a year) of mine said "When you only accomplish nursing and caring for him today, you did what you were called to do. For most people it's not easy to nurse, so don't be discouraged, and each day you do it is so good for him, so be proud of yourself. Don't think it comes easy for everyone." So that is what I am doing, one day at a time. Everyday I am able to give him breast milk is one more day of the best nutrition. If that day ends tomorrow, I did my best for as long as I could.
His sleeping is hit or miss. He started off pretty good, about 4+ hr stretches, then it was every 2 hrs. I thought maybe a growth spurt? Who knows? last night was a 3 hr stretch, fed, then a 4 hr stretch. So I guess I cannot complain with that.
I had a doctors appointment this week and checked out great. The doctor said I am healing quickly and looking good. So that was good to hear. I go back in a month for my 6 week check up.
Cole is so funny and has so many expressions (I know you cannot imagine that from our kid-Hahaha). Casey and I just sit and watch him and laugh. We are having the best time with him. Casey went back to work this week. I had to send pics and videos during the day to him, since I think he had some Cole withdrawals :) My mom was with me this past week. That was nice to hang out and get a few things done. This week is just Cole and I. I know it will be fine. Looking forward to new adventures :)
A few pics from the last 10 days...

Laying with daddy

Big stretch!

My 1st Easter-April 24, 2011

Just hanging out! with my tongue out :)

New outfit from Paw Paw Wilb (Casey's dad)

Cole is HERE!

Our family of 3! :)

and he is absolutely perfect! He was born Wednesday morning at 7:19am. He was 8lbs 7oz and 19 1/2 inches long. It was the most amazing experience. We are in bliss with this amazing little guy. He did not want to come so we did have to do a c-section. That was really crazy. We go in on Wednesday morning at 5:00am, do some paperwork and then go back to a room. That is where I met nurse Bonnie, who was so great. They prepped me and got me ready for surgery. Casey was with me and before they wheeled me off I was able to see my mom, dad and brothers. I got to the OR at 6:45 am and there were about 10 people in there. Everything was happening so quick. They gave me my spinal tap to numb me and we were off. They brought Casey in all suited up and it was game time. If you have not had a c-section it is very weird. You cannot see anything they are doing, but you feel all the pressure and right before he came I had two nurses basically jumping on my chest. Then Dr. Macey lifted him over the curtain and said "hi mom and dad" as he was holding Cole up to us. I just started crying. It was so overwhelming! and truly an amazing experience. I could not believe that was him, my little man. The one who had given me so much heartburn and made me so big. He was here and perfect and everything was wonderful.
I had to go to recovery for a few hours after I was put back together. I got sick a few times from the anesthesia, but I also think from them pushing on my belly/uterus. I know that did not help. They would check me about every 10-15 mins and push on my uterus. I cannot remember why now, but it was sensitive and uncomfortable. After I left recovery I went to my room, very drowsy. They had given me finagrin for the nausea, which makes you very tired. I could barely hold my eyes open. My whole family was there and Casey's brother Lincoln and wife Pam. They all came in to tell me how beautiful he was and congratulate us. We were at the hospital til Saturday and now we are home. We are adjusting to our life of three and just enjoying this blessing that God has blessed us with.

Justin and Lisa came to see you!

Thank you to all of you who have been on this journey with us. I know that we have this little guy because of all your prayers, love and support for us. Thank you just doesn't seem like enough. I cannot wait for you to all meet him. He is just the best thing ever! :)

Pure sweetness-your a miracle

Right out of oven-waiting to get checked

Getting checked and hair washed

Worn out after being checked out

JuJu came from Alabama

Hello everyone :) 1 day old

Cole is coming....Wednesday!

...if not sooner, but I highly doubt it. It looks as though he is going to have to be taken from his home hahahaha I still have not done anything, as far as dilation or effacement. Nothing! Zero! Are you kidding me?
 Dr. Macey really believes that it will be a c-section. He says that he has had a few women in the same situation as me and they all turn into c-sections. After talking to a lot of people, I have probably had a dozen or more tell me that they were not doing anything and after being induced they ended up having to do a c-section. Apparently you can only have pitocin for so long and if your body is not moving in that direction already it is just really hard to get your body where it needs to be. So in the end you are completely exhausted and you have gone through a long labor only to have to do a c-section. I have just prayed that whatever happens is what is meant to be and I am good with that. At first I was a little bummed that I would not get to experience a vaginal birth, but then I just thought about it and realized that I did not know if I would ever experience this at all. I am just grateful and blessed to have this little guy and be here in this moment right now, no mater how he comes into it. We are just ready to meet him and have him apart of our lives, healthy and happy.
So at the appointment Dr. Macey checked me and nothing, then he went to listen to his heart and Cole went crazy! :) My whole belly was shaking and you could just see movements everywhere. Dr. Macey's eyes got big and he laughed a little. Then he put the  monitor on and it started beeping. I said what is what? he said " Oh, that is just him screaming get me out of here!" He said I think he wants out, but he doesn't know what to do to get out. His heart rate was the highest it has been, 175. I think he was mad and had gotten all worked up :)
Dr. Macey looked at my chart, told me to get dressed and he would be right back.When he came back he asked if believed in superstition? I said no, why? he said the stars must be aligning correctly because my flight has been put back, so lets have this baby Wednesday. I said seriously? he said yeah, why not? Be here at 5am and we will do this. I said what does superstition have to do with this? he said Wednesday is the 13th; I said my dad was born on the 13th so we are good. I still was not sure if he was kidding or not, but apparently not. He came in with the paper work and said it was a done deal, so do not be late.
So that is what we know. We know that we are to be at Baptist hospital on Wednesday morning at 5am and I guess we will see from there. It is all so crazy to think about, but very exciting. We will post as soon as we can to let you know when he is here and how everything went. Please pray that everything goes smooth and that this little boy arrives healthy. It has been a long time coming-waiting on this little man and now the time is here. It is really just hard to believe. We are SO excited!!!

Surprise!

So the people that I work with had a surprise shower for me on Friday. I was surprised for sure. I did not look cute at all. It was a Friday, I could not find anything to wear, I was running late, so I told myself you will be doing paper work and in a meeting...who cares what you look like? So I threw my hair up in a messy bun, no make-up and decided it would do. I also had on jeans and a dress/shirt. It was to cool for the leggings and sandals, so I switched to jeans and boots, kind of a weird combination, but like I said I was not going really going to see anyone today, WRONG!
We were in our afternoon meeting and we got called downstairs to discuss something, but really it was to go into the room where they had set up a shower for me! They made it a book theme, which was so cute! Krista was in charge of it and it was so cute. All the Instructional Facilitators helped, and really did too much! I enjoyed every minute of it though. Krista had invited my mom and brothers to the shower too! We had a really great turn out and Cole got lots of books (53 books-a whole big basket full) and goodies. Here are some pics Craig took at the shower...

Me with the presents

Table decorations

The cute cake

The basket of all the books for Cole

Swollen and not moving

Oh goodness am I swollen. I cannot imagine women who go through July and August in Tennessee. How in the world do you do it? I do not even recognize my feet.

Are you kidding me? Total cankles (is that how you spell it? is it actually a word?) Anyways, I think you see what I mean. I had a few people who see me regularly tell me that I looked like I had dropped and I had a lot of pressure the past few days so I thought for sure he had done something, but no! Dr. Macey does not think this guy is coming on his own. He actually went ahead and scheduled a c-section for Monday, April 18th if something does not happen before then. He has scheduled the c-section because he is so big and I am not progressing at all, which with that combination does not make for a good induction and 9  out of 10 times when they do induce someone like me, it turns into a c-section he says. I guess we will see? I am trying to coax him out. I think Casey actually likes the idea of the scheduled c-section. A guy he works with, his wife had two scheduled c-sections and he has convinced Casey that is the way to go. Plus Casey likes the idea of not having to wonder if this is it, the drama and the waiting that comes along with a vaginal unscheduled birth. I am not sure how I feel? except I just want him to be healthy, which Casey wants too, don't get me wrong, but the scheduled c-section sounds like a better option he thinks. So I am just trusting that whatever happens is what is meant to be. I go back next Tuesday, April 5 for the 3rd of my weekly visits. Guess we will see what is going on with him then. It really is hard to believe that no matter what happens, in 17 days (at the latest) our little guy will be here! How exciting!!