Birth story to 1 week old

     My birth story is pretty uneventful, and that thrills me :) I had such a wonderful experience delivering Austin. The anticipation leading up to the C-section was intense, but I was surprisingly calm about it. My mom got here last Monday night/Tuesday morning around 1:30 a.m. I couldn't really sleep that well, so we hung out for a little bit, and then we went to sleep. The next morning I was calm and excited. Adam and I took off for the hospital around 10:00, and we waited until they called us back to the pre-op room around 11:00. When we got back to the pre-op room, they had the baby stuff all set up, and I got ready to be wheeled back to the OR. The doctor came in around 12:00, and we were off! I have to say, I hate the epidural. Especially because I wasn't in pain before I got it. It hurts, but only for a few seconds, so it wasn't all that bad ;) Once everything was administered, I waited for my hubs to come back! I didn't feel nauseous at all, and I was just chillin. Adam and I were chattin, and we smelled burning skin. I asked the Doc if he started, and he started laughing, and said, "yes, did you not want me to?" At 12:25 p.m., our sweet Austin came out pink and screaming. He is absolutely perfect. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz, and was 20 inches long. Adam walked him back into the post-op room, and I waited as they sewed me up. Longest 30 minutes of my life. I wanted that baby! Once I got to post-op, they immediately put Austin on my chest for some skin-to-skin. He wiggled down and then started to nurse. Amazing. He stayed there for a good hour before they took more vitals and rinsed him off. Then, we were wheeled into our post-partum room. Austin nursed, pooped 6 times, and nursed some more. I had minimal bleeding, and everything was great. Mom and Connor came up to visit not long after, and he was less than thrilled. He was sweet, but didn't really want much to do with his baby brother. I think seeing me with an IV scared him. The next morning, they removed the IV, and I was able to stand up and walk to the bathroom. I was so surprised that the pain was minimal. I remember after Connor, I thought I was going to die when I had to stand up for the first time, but I know that was due to the trauma my body went through. Our hospital stay was very brief. We were only there for 2 days, and they let me go home. My doctor came in on Wednesday and asked me when I wanted to leave. I had no complications, and Austin had no complications. He didn't leave my side except when the nurse took him to take vitals a couple of times. Other than that, he basically stayed on my chest breastfeeding and snuggling. I can't even tell you how amazing it feels to have a full term, healthy baby and a great recovery. I just want to say to the mommas who had a difficult first pregnancy and delivery.. It doesn't mean your second pregnancy and delivery is doomed. I trusted my OB, I trusted my body, and I trust God. Anyway, Wednesday night, my OB came in to circumcise Austin, and we left Thursday afternoon!! It was insane. I stayed 11 days in the hospital with Connor, and I was home after 2 days in the hospital with Austin.

    The first couple of days home were an adjustment. As soon as I got home, Connor reached up for me to hold him. Obviously I couldn't, and we both cried, but my husband distracted him and has been incredible throughout it all. Every time Connor saw me nursing the first couple of days he would cry, and he wanted nothing to do with me or "baby." Friday morning, I boohooed thinking Connor hated me, and I just felt extreme guilt. I know that everyone goes through a transition period, but it is really hard. Well, Adam took him to Chuck E Cheese and kept him occupied the next morning. That afternoon when we got home, Connor was much better. He gave me hugs and kisses and he even laid down with me and Austin. I was snuggling both of my boys, and I was in heaven. Connor came around really quickly, and now he is amazing with his baby brother, whom he now calls "Austin" :). He brings me his pacifier, blankies, and kisses and rubs Austin's head. He is an awesome big brother, and I am so blessed. Connor even helped us give Austin his very first bath. It was really special. I cannot imagine not having my boys. All 3 of them! My husband is absolutely amazing. He was there by my side, and yet he was there for Connor. He has been so patient and loving, and I am a lucky lady.

   As for Austin's first week, he has been such an angel. I am just waiting for it to end. Haha. I know that sounds awful, but I am convinced it won't last. Breastfeeding is going wonderfully. He latched from the moment he was laid on my chest, and he has been great ever since. He has been sleeping, eating, and pooping around the clock. At night, he has been sleeping in 5 hr stretches before waking up to eat/poop. I'm so confused! I actually freaked out b/c I tried to wake him to eat and he just would NOT latch. He wanted nothing to do with my boob, and I finally gave up and he fell asleep. I let him sleep, and sure enough, he woke me up when he was ready. I've only pumped one time because in all honesty, I don't want to bottle feed if I don't have to. I have an adorable nursing cover that looks like a wrap, and I'm not shy about breastfeeding this time around at all. With Connor, I was really shy about it, so it was stressful trying to pump before leaving the house, etc. I do plan on pumping to keep up my supply though. I have an electric pump, but a good friend let me borrow her manual pump, and I really like that.  Austin's first doctor appointment was Friday morning. Mom went with me while Adam took Con to chuck e cheese. Austin left the hospital weighing 7 lbs 12.5 oz & Friday he weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. My milk came in Thursday/Friday, so I'm hoping he has gained back what he lost by this Friday at his next appointment. He eats 10-12 times/day, even with his long stretches at night. The rest of the weekend we just soaked in the sweet new baby, and I dreaded Monday morning when Mom had to leave. She was such a huge help, and it is SO hard saying goodbye. Connor calls her "Nia" instead of Nana, and she loves it. They really bonded, and of course she hated saying bye to Austin. But, we settled in as a family of 4, and life is so good. Here are a few pics of my sweet boy!

Austin James Hill

39 weeks.

   Tomorrow is the big day. I wasn't going to post until Austin arrived, but I figured I would write about the anticipation I feel. The flood of emotions I feel right now are excited, nervous, scared, calm, happy, and relieved. Mostly, I have a sense of peace about it. Of course, in the back of my mind I think about last time, but I'm definitely not focusing on the negative. I'm not thinking about the recovery and the guilt I feel leaving Connor. Instead, I'm thinking about the fact that tomorrow we will become a family of 4 after a healthy pregnancy. I'm thinking about Connor gaining a baby brother, and while he might not be ecstatic about it at first, I know he is going to love his brother. I read that a sibling is the best thing you can give your child, and I do believe that. I have the best times with my sisters, and I know my boys are going to have a blast. I cannot wait for that. I am focusing on the fact that this time, I hope I automatically get skin to skin contact and can breastfeed within an hour of delivery. Right now, I am sitting here watching Austin wiggle around in my tummy, and it is so strange to know that tomorrow he will be in my arms instead. I am SO excited! I wonder what he will look like, how big he is going to be, and I can't wait to see my husband love on his new son.

   I thought that the night before my C-section I would be freaking out, but like I said, I feel really calm about it. God is in control, and that is a really peaceful feeling :) And let's be honest, I'm ready to NOT be pregnant anymore. While I really enjoy feeling him move around, these last few weeks have been rough. From back pain, to exhaustion, to just being gigantic.. I'm done. He's done cooking, and it's time he gets in my arms :) I will post pics on here and facebook as soon as I am settled with my little family!! Prayers are greatly appreciated. Love to you all!

38 weeks!!

         Oh my gosh. I honestly cannot believe I am making this post. 38 weeks!! This is my last "pregnant" post. Next post will be the introduction of my sweet boy! Today's doctors appointment was highly anticipated, and I was super nervous. I guess because it was my last appointment, and if I made it through today I could breathe a huge sigh of relief. I can't really explain the feeling I have, making it this far in my pregnancy after having a premature baby and complications in my previous pregnancy. I am sure I have momma friends who can relate though. I've done my best to enjoy this pregnancy, but I can't say that I haven't been brought to my knees on many different occasions. I know that God has his hand on me, and I am going to continue to praise him and pray for a healthy, uncomplicated delivery next week. As far as how I'm feeling. Whew... so this is what 38 weeks feels like? :) I'm having a hard time complaining though! I mean, yeah, I have the aches/pains, constant trips to the bathroom, feeling like a whale, but I haven't been swelling and I'm so thrilled to have carried Austin this long! We are ready for him! I just have a few last minute things to do this week, my momma comes next Monday night, and Tuesday at 12 noon is my C-section!! Look for pics next week :)

How far along: 38 weeks

How big is baby: My Doc is guessing around 8 lbs 5 oz.

Total weight gain: Enough. :) but I'm happy with it which says a lot.

Maternity clothes: I'm down to a couple of dresses, but we only have a week left!

Sleep/Dreams: I haven't been sleeping well due to getting up every hour to pee.

Best moment of the week: Doctor's appointment today. Everything is going well still.. 38 weeks!!! Such a huge milestone.
  

Worst moment of week: I'm just uncomfortable.

Food cravings: Anything. I want to eat everything!

Aversions: Nothing really. I've been eating everything in sight.

Symptoms: Peeing every 5 minutes, back pain, exhaustion, being huge.

Movement: yep.

Have you Started to Show? Beluga whale

Gender: Boy :)

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks and cramping.

Belly Button In or Out: flat.

Wedding Rings On or Off: On!

What I’m looking forward to: 1 week until my Austin makes his debut!

What I miss: I wouldn't mind a beer. :)

37 weeks. FULL TERM!

     A huge milestone for me. Austin is FULL TERM! I am so relieved that we have made it this far, and now to just get to 39 weeks! 15 days. Keep the prayers coming. My major goal at first was just to get further a long than I was when I had Connor. Once we passed that point, I wanted full term. At this point, I am just so happy that Austin has had 10 extra days to develop and grow than Connor did. My doctor's appointment went great today, and my doctor said that everything looks great. He measured my fundal height and said, "Thank God for C-sections, right?" meaning, Austin is big. Haha. For the record, I'd rather have a vaginal delivery, but I am doing what is safest for both me and Austin given the circumstances. (And, it's really difficult finding a doctor who allows VBACs). Anyway, my bp was still 120/80, and everything is going well. I have ONE appointment left next Monday, then, the next week I will have my sweet baby boy. This past weekend I installed the car seat. I have to say it is strange to see 2 car seats in the SUV. Today, Connor sat in the car and said, "babbbby!" I want to think he truly understand what is going on, but I don't think he does. He knows mommy is having a baby, but I don't think he gets it. He will soon enough though. Of course I worry about Connor, but I know he will adjust just fine, and he is going to be an awesome big brother :) I still feel good. Some days are better than others. If I do too much one day, the next day I pay for it with backaches and muscle pains. For the most part, though, I still feel good. I am just being really positive about it all, I guess, because I am desperate to make it to 39 weeks. Your perspective changes when you have had a baby in the NICU. The longer Austin cooks, the less chance of him being separated from me. I want skin to skin, breastfeeding, and my baby in my arms right away. So, please continue to pray for us!

It was cold Sunday at the park... I am running out of warm weather clothes ;)

How far along: 37 weeks

How big is baby: My doctor measured my fundal height today and then said, "Thank God for c-sections, huh?" haha. (No, I'd rather have a vaginal, but that should answer this question).

Total weight gain: Enough.

Maternity clothes: I pretty much stay in pjs unless we go somewhere. Then, I throw on a maxi dress.

Stretch Marks: Not yet. I'm waiting...

Sleep/Dreams: I've been waking up at like 5 a.m. and not able to go back to sleep. :(

Best moment of the week: Doctor's appointment today! It feels SO good to be FULL TERM!
 

Worst moment of week: Watching my arms jiggle in the mirror.

Food cravings: still craving that mint chocolate chip ice cream. Ugh.

Aversions: Nothing really. I've been eating everything in sight.

Symptoms: Peeing every 5 minutes, back pain, exhaustion, being huge.

Movement: yep.

Have you Started to Show? Beluga whale

Gender: Boy :)

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks and cramping.

Belly Button In or Out: flat.

Wedding Rings On or Off: On.

What I’m looking forward to: 15 days!!

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly.

36 week survey I stole from a friend:)

How far along: 36 weeks 2 days

 

How big is baby: According to doctor, "Big." Technically he should be around 19 1/2 inches and over 6 lbs... gaining an ounce a day. Hey, me too!

Total weight gain: Don't worry about it. Less than I gained/weighed when I delivered Connor at 35 weeks, so that is good, right??

Maternity clothes: I wear whatever fits, which isn't a whole lot these days.

Stretch Marks: Not yet. I'm waiting...

Sleep/Dreams: Still having weird dreams/sex dreams (I'm just gonna come out and say it b/c I know every pregnant woman does), but I haven't been sleeping too great these past few nights. That makes me incredibly worthless during the day. My poor toddler!

Best moment of the week: Doctor's appointment. Hearing the heartbeat & knowing I have a healthy baby boy.

 Worst moment of week: Watching my arms jiggle in the mirror.

 

Food cravings: still craving that mint chocolate chip ice cream. Ugh.

Aversions: Nothing really. I've been eating everything in sight.

Symptoms: Peeing every 5 minutes, back pain, exhaustion, being huge.

Movement: yep.

Have you Started to Show? uhm. Is this a joke? I am a house.

Gender: Boy :)

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks and cramping.

Belly Button In or Out: flat.

Wedding Rings On or Off: Still have them on & the are still loose.

What I’m looking forward to: 19 days from now! :)

What I miss: I want a pina colada.