This is what Aimee does when she gets mad at me. The video quality is a little dark, but hopefully you will get the gist of it.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Jack Ryan Brassfield
aby Jack Ryan Brassfield made his debut into the world yesterday, August 10th at 9:59am. He was 7 lbs, 13 oz, and 21 inches long. Fair amount of hair (which I am sure he will lose), chubby cheeks (not as chubby as Aimee's were), and a very sweet disposition.I went in for my induction at 7 am yesterday. Even though I would have liked Jack to come earlier, it was kind of nice going in knowing that I would be having a baby that
day. After lots of checking in the nurse got me
started on pitocin. That was probably around 8... maybe a little later. The first dosage she started me on wasn't bad. My contractions were coming a little stronger - but no big deal. She asked me earlier if I wanted an epidural. I told her probably - but I wanted to wait a little bit because with Aimee, the epidural slowed my labor down a lot.
Big mistake this time around!
My doctor came in not long after I started the pitocin to break my water. I think I was only dilated to a 3 when he did that. Almost immediately I was being slammed with crazy bad contractions. It felt like a hot band of pain wrapped around my lower abdomen and back and on the tops of my thighs. I was caught a little off guard, that's for sure. I told Greg - get me the epidural!!! The anesthesiologist took a loooong time getting to me. I was starting to feel pressure... like pushing pressure by the time he arrived. I didn't think I would be able to sit still while he gave me the epidural. He asked my nurse, "How far along is she?" My nurse told him that the last time they checked I was at a 3. He says, "I don't think she's at a 3 any more."
Nope.
After he got the epidural in, they told me that it could take up to 20 minutes for it to be effective this far into labor. They checked me and I was at an 8. The pressure was getting worse with each contraction. I told my nurse, she checked me again and I was fully dilated, his head was there. It was go time!
Wait, I thought! But I can still feel my legs! I can still feel everything!
By the time the doctor and rest of the staff were assembled my legs felt tingly and heavier - my contractions still hurt like you know what, but they didn't last as long.
Seriously, before I knew it - I was pushing that baby out. I think on the 3rd push his head was out. One more and the shoulders were out. I could totally feel it and the pushing wasn't so bad. It felt good to push when I was having those painful contractions. So weird. This experience was nothing like my experience with Aimee. With Aimee I had no idea when to push... hardly felt any pressure... and it was a lot less painful!
If I ever have to be induced again, I will remember to get an epidural before my doctor brakes my water.
I think natural labor is something you have to be mentally prepared for and I really wasn't. Although I will say that it was a lot easier to push the baby out, especially since I could feel an urge to push!
And even though those contractions hurt like nothing I've ever felt before - I am grateful that I was able to be induced and that it went super fast.
When I got to hold baby boy, I knew his name was Jack. Greg said that he had the same impression when he saw him too. As soon as I said hello, I could tell he knew my voice. It was the sweetest thing. He knows his daddy's voice too. It's amazing.
I love his little squeaks and squaks! His little gremlin grunts... his bright and alert eyes... I'm so excited baby Jack is part of our family, I love our little baby!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Still counting my blessings
I know I mentioned in my last post that I didn't feel too overwhelmed with everything going on - that didn't last long. I became overwhelmed rather quickly when Greg's doctor told him that he wouldn't (rather shouldn't) be able to make the 3-4 day drive from here to Florida. Apparently sitting too long with a blood clot is sort of dangerous!
It was the straw the broke the camel's back... BUT those feelings of discouragement didn't last long. Greg and I have amazing parents. We really do. When I called my mom and explained our latest dilemma, she said that she'd try to fly out to Utah and drive our car to Florida for us! Greg's parents even volunteered to make a road trip out of it - if my mom couldn't come. But come she did - for a day and a half!! She couldn't stay any longer, unfortunately - and I was rrrreally hoping that I'd have the baby while she was here, but baby had other plans.
So I'm counting my blessings again. The car is on its way! We kind of made my brother volunteer to make the drive with my mom - he was going to go out to Florida anyway, for a friend's wedding - but by plane of course. I guess we owe him one :)
Anyway - car is on its way. Our stuff is all packed up and on its way too! Now I'm just kind of waiting for the baby to show up.
At my last appointment I asked my OB how big he thought the baby was. He told me, "Oh we'll have you get an ultrasound this week to check that." I was a little surprised. My OB with Aimee didn't have me do that. I left his office without scheduling it - I totally forgot. I did get my induction scheduled. Tuesday, 7 am! I called the office later and asked if I really needed to get the ultrasound. Honestly, I just didn't want to pay for another one and I figured I'd be seeing baby boy soon enough. Well, they told me that I needed to.
Ok, whatever.
On Thursday I went in for one. I mean, it was neat to see him again, even though he wouldn't look at us! His little face was buried in the crook of him arm. I think he was sleeping.
The size estimation: 7 lbs, 15 oz. SO I'm really glad I'm getting induced a week early. He'd probably be a 9 lb baby if he went up to my due date!
The tech also measured my fluid levels - they were on the high side, so I had to get a non-stress test. I had no idea what that was. And in case you don't know either - they have you go to the hospital, sit on a bed for 30 min or more with 2 monitors strapped across your belly to measure baby's heart rate and your contractions. I passed (well - baby boy passed) the test with flying colors! His heart rate is good and strong, as well as his activity level. Actually, I was almost hoping they'd see some sort of need to induce me that day, but no such luck. I get the feeling this guy is totally content to chill out in my belly until Tuesday.
It's weird to think we're finally here - at this point. The baby. The move. Law school.
Greg got the doctor's ok to fly to Florida, he just needs to get up and walk around every hour or so. We have his flight scheduled for Saturday. Then he's gone until September 3rd. I don't like to think about him leaving so soon. It's going to be hard with him not here. I'm fortunate to have tons of family here to help... but it won't be the same. I know Greg isn't looking forward to not being around the new baby (or Aimee) for so long either. Thank goodness for Skype!!!
Check back on Tuesday - hopefully the next post we make will be to announce baby boy's arrival!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Blood clots, relo-cubes, and raspberries
What kind of post is this?? Well, you'll see...
Our moving pods, "relo-cubes" technically come on Monday. I feel like I am 90% ready for them. I suppose I should finish something while Greg puts Aimee to bed. But I've got 2 1/2 days left to wrap up packing! And I really don't think baby boy will come this weekend. Even though I'm starting to have an occasional contraction that makes my lower back hurt. With Aimee, I only felt them in my lower back. Maybe that's a sign we're getting closer?!
I have a lot to be grateful for. As always. But especially these last few months. The other day we took Greg in to see his orthopedic surgeon to check up on his leg. It started swelling again and was looking a bit purple. Greg's mom noticed more than I did, so I'm glad she raised the alarm. The doctor told us to expect swelling - even for a few months. The back of Greg's calf and knee were getting sore again and the swelling had gone down, only to go back up again. That worried the doctor. He ordered an ultrasound. We took Aimee home (had her with us), then went back to the hospital. After lots of scanning, picture taking, live video sent to the radiologist, and a phone call to the doctor - we were told there was a blood clot in Greg's leg. I never did think to ask how big it was. But it was a little above the knee, so they sent us over to the ER right away.
You can't do that to a 9 month pregnant lady! I felt fine dealing with all of this until we had to go to the ER. Umm... yeah, blood clots are kind of serious. We were in and out of there pretty fast (thankfully). Greg has to give himself shots twice a day for 10 days and he started taking some blood thinners. Not sure how long he'll have to be on those - a few months at least. Craziness.
When it rains, it pours I guess. I think I should be more stressed out than I am. I mean, I don't feel super stressed. Greg might be able to tell you otherwise... but maybe it's just not hitting me yet?
Greg's knee surgery, now the blood clots, TONS of hospital bills - and more to come after the delivery... I have to pack up most of our stuff (except what I think I'll need for the baby, me, and Aimee for the next few weeks - but not so much that I can't take it all on an airplane). I'm going to have a baby by August 10th/11th for sure... my husband will be driving across the country without me in 2 weeks, and I'm leaving the place I've called home for the last 4 years in just another month... not to mention getting settled and situated in a new place with a new baby and a 2 year old.
Yeah. Lots going on.
But I feel really blessed. I know the Lord has been guiding and directing us. He's blessed us with amazing family members and support. I know we'll get through it all - somehow!!
Really, I meant to start this post to jot down some of the things that Aimee does lately - before I forget. She's changing so fast!
Lately, because of my large baby belly I make the more-than-occasional grunt or sharp intake of breath. ANYTIME I do that within earshot of Aimee she asks, "Mommy what happened? What happened mom?" And if I don't give her a satisfactory answer, she asks again - but uses this growly monster voice! It's so random!
Also, when I'm frustrated with her (which happens frequently these days) and tell her not to do this or that, she looks at me, makes "claws" with her hands and growls at me! "Raaarrrww!!" What the heck?! Makes me wonder if that's all she hears when I scold her.
There is lots of "Doo-do-do-doo-Doooora" watching at our house too. We DVR the show. Probably a bad idea. She knows if you have the remote "shmote" you can turn Doooora on. And if I won't turn it on - she begs Poppy to! "Come on Poppy, come here" as she pulls him by the hand to the TV. "Where's the shmote, Poppy? I watch-ah Doora!"
She's already not doing this as much, but it's so sweet when she does. If she's in a cuddly mood sometimes she will take your face into her hands and say, "Oh, I love you soooo much!" It's one of my favorite! I think she learned to say it like that from Nanny.
She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When she's excited, she'll let you know! I love when she squeals/screams with joy! With just as much energy, she'll let you know when she's angry. Tantrums are a normal occurrence these days. They are explosive, but usually short lived. And this girl can pout. My father in law told me that he feels sorry for me when she's a teenager. Don't I know it!
Eating raspberries we picked from the yard. She stuck her whole face in the bowl... like a dog. That's my girl!
Our moving pods, "relo-cubes" technically come on Monday. I feel like I am 90% ready for them. I suppose I should finish something while Greg puts Aimee to bed. But I've got 2 1/2 days left to wrap up packing! And I really don't think baby boy will come this weekend. Even though I'm starting to have an occasional contraction that makes my lower back hurt. With Aimee, I only felt them in my lower back. Maybe that's a sign we're getting closer?!
I have a lot to be grateful for. As always. But especially these last few months. The other day we took Greg in to see his orthopedic surgeon to check up on his leg. It started swelling again and was looking a bit purple. Greg's mom noticed more than I did, so I'm glad she raised the alarm. The doctor told us to expect swelling - even for a few months. The back of Greg's calf and knee were getting sore again and the swelling had gone down, only to go back up again. That worried the doctor. He ordered an ultrasound. We took Aimee home (had her with us), then went back to the hospital. After lots of scanning, picture taking, live video sent to the radiologist, and a phone call to the doctor - we were told there was a blood clot in Greg's leg. I never did think to ask how big it was. But it was a little above the knee, so they sent us over to the ER right away.
You can't do that to a 9 month pregnant lady! I felt fine dealing with all of this until we had to go to the ER. Umm... yeah, blood clots are kind of serious. We were in and out of there pretty fast (thankfully). Greg has to give himself shots twice a day for 10 days and he started taking some blood thinners. Not sure how long he'll have to be on those - a few months at least. Craziness.
When it rains, it pours I guess. I think I should be more stressed out than I am. I mean, I don't feel super stressed. Greg might be able to tell you otherwise... but maybe it's just not hitting me yet?
Greg's knee surgery, now the blood clots, TONS of hospital bills - and more to come after the delivery... I have to pack up most of our stuff (except what I think I'll need for the baby, me, and Aimee for the next few weeks - but not so much that I can't take it all on an airplane). I'm going to have a baby by August 10th/11th for sure... my husband will be driving across the country without me in 2 weeks, and I'm leaving the place I've called home for the last 4 years in just another month... not to mention getting settled and situated in a new place with a new baby and a 2 year old.
Yeah. Lots going on.
But I feel really blessed. I know the Lord has been guiding and directing us. He's blessed us with amazing family members and support. I know we'll get through it all - somehow!!
Really, I meant to start this post to jot down some of the things that Aimee does lately - before I forget. She's changing so fast!
Lately, because of my large baby belly I make the more-than-occasional grunt or sharp intake of breath. ANYTIME I do that within earshot of Aimee she asks, "Mommy what happened? What happened mom?" And if I don't give her a satisfactory answer, she asks again - but uses this growly monster voice! It's so random!
Also, when I'm frustrated with her (which happens frequently these days) and tell her not to do this or that, she looks at me, makes "claws" with her hands and growls at me! "Raaarrrww!!" What the heck?! Makes me wonder if that's all she hears when I scold her.
There is lots of "Doo-do-do-doo-Doooora" watching at our house too. We DVR the show. Probably a bad idea. She knows if you have the remote "shmote" you can turn Doooora on. And if I won't turn it on - she begs Poppy to! "Come on Poppy, come here" as she pulls him by the hand to the TV. "Where's the shmote, Poppy? I watch-ah Doora!"
She's already not doing this as much, but it's so sweet when she does. If she's in a cuddly mood sometimes she will take your face into her hands and say, "Oh, I love you soooo much!" It's one of my favorite! I think she learned to say it like that from Nanny.
She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When she's excited, she'll let you know! I love when she squeals/screams with joy! With just as much energy, she'll let you know when she's angry. Tantrums are a normal occurrence these days. They are explosive, but usually short lived. And this girl can pout. My father in law told me that he feels sorry for me when she's a teenager. Don't I know it!
Eating raspberries we picked from the yard. She stuck her whole face in the bowl... like a dog. That's my girl!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Happy Birthday Greg!
Happy birthday love! So while in Provo, we've taken advantage of Tucano's birthday club promo - for a few years now. Buy one meal, get one free! Endless tasty meats and buffet for under $8/person (if you go during lunch) and something like $12/person if you go for dinner. Not too shabby!!
(Aimee at 6 weeks)
(At one)
And 2!
Aimee arguing with Greg about her middle name being "Jean". Greg was saying something like, "Is your name Aimee Jean?"
"No! I NOT Jean!"
Haha.
The arguing didn't last long. Aimee wanted to be held and Greg was making this goofy face with his glasses. Aimee thought it was hilarious.
I love my babies!
Oh and PS!! Congratulations Laura to baby girl number 2 this morning!!! I have like, zero details other than she's 8 lbs, 9 oz. Uncle Greggie is excited to share a birthday with you!!
Tucanos throughout the years...
(Aimee at 6 weeks)
(At one)
And 2!And some more pictures from our outing:
Aimee arguing with Greg about her middle name being "Jean". Greg was saying something like, "Is your name Aimee Jean?"
"No! I NOT Jean!"
Haha.
The arguing didn't last long. Aimee wanted to be held and Greg was making this goofy face with his glasses. Aimee thought it was hilarious.
I love my babies!
Oh and PS!! Congratulations Laura to baby girl number 2 this morning!!! I have like, zero details other than she's 8 lbs, 9 oz. Uncle Greggie is excited to share a birthday with you!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Infirmary
On June 30th Greg went in for his ACL (repairment) surgery. We dropped Aimee off at Greg's cousin's house. (And I just want to say right now, Rebecca, Geoff, THANK YOU so so so much for watching Aimee all day!)
Anyway, we were asked to be there by 8 am. We were actually early, so go us. But then we spent most of the time waiting... and waiting and waiting. Who knew that waiting could be so utterly exhausting??
Greg got to have his leg shaved (the leg-shaver lady was really nice and funny) and an IV put in... and that's pretty much all that happened until around 10. They took Greg back to get a nerve block in his leg and I got to go with him for this part. Then we waited some more. Greg started to doze and I don't know if it was because I was already tired, not to mention pregnant, or a combo of both - but I cried. Yes, and I totally couldn't help it. A nurse came in and brought me a box of tissues and chatted with me for a minute, I think to help me feel better. It wasn't like I was scared that the surgery was going to go wrong or anything...
Anyway, they told me it was time to say goodbye. I gave Greg a kiss and off he went.
Then more waiting.
And waiting.
Greg probably went back into surgery around 10:30. The doctor told me that the surgery should only take about an hour. So after about 2 hours of waiting for them to wheel Greg into the recovery room - I got antsy. I finally asked a nurse what the hold up was. She went to check and it turns out that my husband has a very low tolerance for pain. Either that or the surgery is super painful. Probably both.
They said that he wasn't handling the pain well. They gave him morphine and had to wait to see how he'd react. Apparently that wasn't enough because they gave him 2 percocet (sp?) and had to wait some more. They ended up bringing him back into the recovery room around 1pm anyway. Poor, poor, Greg. He was miserable. And really out of it. I gave him sips of sprite, tried to make his leg comfortable... there isn't a whole lot you can do.
More waiting...
Oh, they gave him a shot of demoral (sp?) too! I thought, there's no way we're going to make it into the house, he's SOOO doped up!
In the midst of all this Greg told me, "Thank you. I love you so much."
And then there was some more tears on my part... I was on a roll.
After chatting with the doctor (who said everything went super well), and filling Greg's prescriptions, we finally got the OK to go home!
When we were all home and settled, I think I cried a little more. I was so exhausted. I don't know the last time I've felt so drained in my life. The day took its toll. Aimee was pretty wiped out too. She didn't nap that day - but that only meant a nice and early bedtime for everyone.
Greg is doing pretty well now. He's had 1 round of physical therapy, which didn't kill him. I was surprised. Everyone had us braced for the worst. He's getting more mobile everyday. Which is a good thing, because it won't be long before it's his turn to take care of me.
Here are some pictures the day after surgery. Aimee was Greg's little buddy. She would cuddle right up next to him. In this one, she put herself down for a nap :)
Another shot... you can see the brace we call "ro-bo" leg.
Anyway, we were asked to be there by 8 am. We were actually early, so go us. But then we spent most of the time waiting... and waiting and waiting. Who knew that waiting could be so utterly exhausting??
Greg got to have his leg shaved (the leg-shaver lady was really nice and funny) and an IV put in... and that's pretty much all that happened until around 10. They took Greg back to get a nerve block in his leg and I got to go with him for this part. Then we waited some more. Greg started to doze and I don't know if it was because I was already tired, not to mention pregnant, or a combo of both - but I cried. Yes, and I totally couldn't help it. A nurse came in and brought me a box of tissues and chatted with me for a minute, I think to help me feel better. It wasn't like I was scared that the surgery was going to go wrong or anything...
Anyway, they told me it was time to say goodbye. I gave Greg a kiss and off he went.
Then more waiting.
And waiting.
Greg probably went back into surgery around 10:30. The doctor told me that the surgery should only take about an hour. So after about 2 hours of waiting for them to wheel Greg into the recovery room - I got antsy. I finally asked a nurse what the hold up was. She went to check and it turns out that my husband has a very low tolerance for pain. Either that or the surgery is super painful. Probably both.
They said that he wasn't handling the pain well. They gave him morphine and had to wait to see how he'd react. Apparently that wasn't enough because they gave him 2 percocet (sp?) and had to wait some more. They ended up bringing him back into the recovery room around 1pm anyway. Poor, poor, Greg. He was miserable. And really out of it. I gave him sips of sprite, tried to make his leg comfortable... there isn't a whole lot you can do.
More waiting...
Oh, they gave him a shot of demoral (sp?) too! I thought, there's no way we're going to make it into the house, he's SOOO doped up!
In the midst of all this Greg told me, "Thank you. I love you so much."
And then there was some more tears on my part... I was on a roll.
After chatting with the doctor (who said everything went super well), and filling Greg's prescriptions, we finally got the OK to go home!
When we were all home and settled, I think I cried a little more. I was so exhausted. I don't know the last time I've felt so drained in my life. The day took its toll. Aimee was pretty wiped out too. She didn't nap that day - but that only meant a nice and early bedtime for everyone.
Greg is doing pretty well now. He's had 1 round of physical therapy, which didn't kill him. I was surprised. Everyone had us braced for the worst. He's getting more mobile everyday. Which is a good thing, because it won't be long before it's his turn to take care of me.
Here are some pictures the day after surgery. Aimee was Greg's little buddy. She would cuddle right up next to him. In this one, she put herself down for a nap :)
Another shot... you can see the brace we call "ro-bo" leg.
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