Malachi's Birth Story

It all started Monday, January 14th, I had a drs. appointment at 11:30. The dr checked me and said right before he checked me, "You probably have not progressed past the 4 you were at last week but lets check." He checked me and made a face and said with a surprise tone, "You have progressed to a 6+." A little shocked and relieved at the same time since I had not felt a single contraction. The dr. tried to get me to go to the hospital right then but I said I would really like to wait and see what happens plus I had an interview to get my minister credentials that afternoon I didn't want to miss. He then informed that at any point I wanted to go to the hospital they would check me in and any kind of contraction head to the hospital.

The car ride home Matthew was beginning to get nervous about the progress I made and the possibility of him delivering the baby because we did not make in time to the hospital. We headed back to the camp and everyone we told became very nervous for me. After the interview and we were just sitting in my office Matthew kept bringing up the hospital and I said ok lets go. We went home and I finished packing my bag, organized a few things and we headed to go through a drive through to get something to eat then headed to get checked in at the hospital. The nurse hooked me up to the fetal heart monitor and the contraction monitor and said, "you act like you do not even feel those contractions." I then told her I had no idea I was having contractions. She then told me I was in active labor with contractions 2 mins or less apart about 1 min long contractions. Shortly after that the dr came in and checked me and told me I was now an 8+ and was very glad I came in. At 3:30 he broke my water and said it should go quickly. He came in and checked me at about 4:30 and I was a 10 but the baby was still at a station -2 so he thought since I was not feeling contractions we would wait and see if we could get the baby to drop. I agreed at that time to go on pitocin to get stronger contractions to see if I could feel the contractions and it would help the baby drop. About a half hour later he decided he would see if I could push the baby down. So about 5:00 we started pushing. For 2 1/2 hours I pushed, pushed with no aide at all, Pushed with the help of a vacuum, pushed with the dr. trying to help, and the baby was coming down but would go right back up. Finally the dr. said I needed to rest and recommended a c-section. He said a second baby will usually come out with out any pushing with a vacuum and there is something that it is keeping the baby from coming down. My initial reaction was immediate tears of the fear of a c-section and asked the dr. if I could think about. He told me I could wait and see if the baby would come down further and talk it over. At this time I started getting contractions I could feel.

An hour went by and during that time I as well as Matthew got a peace about the c-section if the baby did not drop. I am so thankful for a good dr. that tried his hardest to give me a natural birth and that was very compassionate, who checked me several times to see if the baby had dropped down, even checked me in the operating room before doing the spinal tap just to make sure. There was no change so we proceeded with a spinal tap, again God had his hand on me and gave me an extremely attentive and compassionate anesthesiologist. Matthew was able to come in the room and hold my hand during the whole procedure which took from the time the spinal tap went in to the time they were done was 30 mins. As soon as the Dr. and the assisting Dr. saw Malachi they both said there was no way he would have come through the birth canal based on his side. The second I heard his cry, I began to cry tears of relief that this wonderful gift from God had made it safely. The instant they sat him next to me on the table he stopped crying and just laid next to me and then they took him away so they could clean him off and he began crying again.

Malachi was 7 lbs 8 oz, 19 3/4 inches tall, and a head circumference of 13 3/4. So he was not even a huge baby but he was 2 lbs bigger than Niah. We are absolutely in love with our little man and try to take advantage of every day with him because we know time is short.
Niah Loves him

I know this is a long post but before I end I want to say how thankful I am for such a caring husband I have. He has been by my side and supported me through the hospital stay, recovery, and even my emotional post pregnancy break down day. I can't imagine going through life with anyone else.

2013 Resolution and Worldly Things

I am a little late for posting a 2013 resolution and this really is not a complete resolution. In my defense I started writing this before 2012 was up. I am constantly seeking God for my family and how to be a good mom and raising a child in this world and this is a goal and a resolution that I have for not only this year but a lifetime. Read this and understand I make no judgments and this is my opinion only. I do not believe that anyone has to believe the same way I do.

I live and see around me everyday how satan is constantly trying to destroy families and create broken people. At the grocery store the heavily intoxicated man that is yelling at his wife to by my alcohol or the buying and selling of drugs with all of a family's money and a child's needs are not met. The instances could go on and on but it surrounds us. Through my teenage years alcohol and drugs use to make me extremely nervous and scared. As I entered a Christian School, I was introduced to a whole new concept of there is nothing wrong with social drinking. The theory was based on the passages of the Bible saying following the rules of the land, not to get drunk, and not to let anyone else stumble. I thought about this concept and thought well I could accept that and not necessarily do that but believe that it was ok.

As time has passed,and more experiences, motherhood, and just looking at the world. I can honestly say I can not accept that concept. I can not accept that or believe dabbling in any kind of worldly pleasure. I believe that satan wants us to think that way so that he can get away in our lives, get in our families lives, and eventually do what he does best and destroy. Like I said that this is my opinion and this is how I am choosing to live but as for my family, I am not going to allow satan even the slightest chance of using the things of this world to destroy. I walk into a church and see hurting kids every week due to the affects of worldly things being entered into their families. Broken families, broken kids, broken parents, broken homes they do not just happen but the enemy finds away in to break and this year especially I am taking special time to pray against the enemy and his schemes to pray for not only my family but families in generally. Broken homes did not use to be normal and it seems it is more and more normal.

2 weeks and counting

I have two weeks till my due date but if this baby is anything like Niah it will not be ready to come out until it is forced. I am hoping that is not the case and I am starting off better since I am 1 cm dialated. The baby has yet to drop and the dr.'s only response is you are the medical term of, "Not ripe." I am ready for this baby anytime after the 15th.

That is ok with me because I have few things to finish up which include:

1. Finishing up the last preparations for the nursery. My mom is going to KC to find me a changing table/dresser this weekend. Still need a light fixture and a little work to finish the bedding.

2. I have 2 weeks of meals already prepared and in the freezer and all you have to do is pop it in the oven and I am going to do one more week of meals.

3. Finish up some things at work with the New year including tax things.

4. An important meeting and interview at work on the 14th.

5. Finishing a few cleaning jobs at the house, as well as continuing to get rid of stuff. I feel like with one less closet and one more person we need to keep less. I have sold bags and bags of clothes, jewelry, and things and have thrown out and given aways tons of toys and things we don't use.

6. Finishing spending as much time with my little girl before she has sibling.


My wonderful husband (he never reads my blog so I am saying this because I mean it) put a second shelf in the baby's room and a dimmer I asked him to do, as well as refinishing a dresser for Niah's room all this week. He as well took care of Niah for 3 hours one day when I was sick with a stomach bug and even made her breakfast and lunch.

I have been so blessed and thankful by people that have been calling me and asking what I need for baby. I also haven been finishing up the last minute purchases for baby and house.

Trying to not be anxious so I try to not think about how close it is until I get to hold this baby in my arms. That I have carried, thought about, and already bonded with over the last 9 months.

How life will change with 2 kids

Now that Christmas is over, it is all baby prep and spoil Niah. I have less than 3 1/2 weeks till my due date and plan to utilize every bit of time I have. I usually leave my Christmas decorations up till after the New Year but I have alot of things going in the next few weeks I used Niah's nap time to take them down today. I am one of those people that plan every detail and like to do it myself. I hate other people cleaning, organizing, or any other thing to my house, it actually stresses me out. Thankfully, my husband knows that and he has his jobs and I have mine and knows when I need help I will ask but until then he just lets me run with my almost obessive compulsive disorder. I think it is because my husband is very similar and when he works on projects he likes to work on them alone so understands my need of doing things myself.

Now, for my sweet girl, I have planned a mommy and Niah activity everyday until baby comes for just Niah and Mommy. I also have some Mommy, Daddy, and Niah activities planned. I want her to soak up her last bit of only child she has. I plan to have Niah very involved with baby after he comes and have lots of Niah and mommy activities planned for at the house while baby is sleeping. I really do not think that Niah is going to have a jealousy issue at all with the new baby but I want her to feel confident that her Mommy still has plenty of time for her. The hardest thing I think will be for Mommy and Niah, is that it will be Niah's first time sleeping away from home. Thankfully I will only be in the hospital 1 night (24 hours) and thankfully Niah's cousin, Kyah will be here for a distraction but it is still nerve racking and hard to think about.

While getting ready for baby I have come to several realizations with having 2 kids.

1. Traveling for the next 3 years will become almost obsolete. (I guess you save for those 3 years to start traveling with a bang). Probably limited to day trips and possibly an over night here and there but I am pretty sure for the sanity of everyone in the house it will be light traveling.

2. The everyday errands will not come with lots of extra luggage. I will now have to carry all of Niah's supplies as well as a newborn supplies, good news no bottle or feeding supplies.

3. That it is a good thing I am a planner and I can plan a day out well to make time for everyone and everything in the day.

4. That our car will be completely full with just our family; 2 car seats, diaper bag, mommy, and daddy. (It is a good thing we do not drive that often.)

5. That I am so glad that we never co-sleep with Niah and will not with this baby because it makes for a much better sleepers.

Now I am off to get things done. Started washing all newborn clothes, cleaning and organizing nursery, making list of essentials still need (the boring things like diapers), Installing car seat, and finishing up last purchases and details for Nursery.

Less than 3 1/2 weeks till I have this baby.

Here is a picture of the new baby from a few weeks ago at our ultrasound. Best ultrasound picture we have gotten between both babies, my babies always hide in my placenta

Here is my sweet girl!!

35 Weeks

This pregnancy has flown by and I am almost 35 weeks, less than 6 weeks to due date. I may have not had the time to blog and post every detail of this pregnancy like I did with Niah but this pregnancy was just as special to me as Niah's. I may of had to jot notes down in my planner and down on paper to later put inside the baby book but I have all of the note and details of the pregnancy so I will not forget. This baby already has a place in my heart.

I realize that coming home from the hospital will go a little different since this one is the second but I am ecstatic for that day. I have already began to think of little things to make it special for Niah and baby. I plan to let Niah be the first to hold the baby and take pictures with the baby at the hospital. I am also going to take on potty training Niah shortly after we come home with baby so that it will be Niah's big girl activity to focus on.

The anticipation of this baby is growing as the day comes near. I have absolutely adored every stage Niah has gone through and I am so excited to go through them with this baby and cherish every moment. I pray and think about this baby just as much as I pray and think about Niah and if you do not know me it is an over abundance (which I do not think is possible but I have been told). This baby has such a special place in my heart and I can not wait for the arrival.

This last week, I found a crib for just the right price and now Niah will not have to give up her crib. I am almost completely done with the bumper and now to start on a diaper stacker and the crib skirt. We hung the curtains, got the rug in, and got several adorable accessories from baby's Aunt Mary in Thailand to go in the room. I have been searching endlessly for the perfect pieces here and there. Despite the ugly boy clothes that stores have available I have been able to find, modify, and fix several adorable outfits for baby.

Crib with Bumper and you can see the carpet a little bit

This week I had an ultrasound and we are 100% sure it is a boy. Baby boy is just like Niah measuring big as far at uterine growth but actually only in the 38% for weight so a little below average 4% more than was at this ultrasound Niah. Thankfully that will put me with in a good spot since the doctor is pretty sure I can only deliver a baby pound over Niah. Baby has a small head, another blessing and answer to prayer because it could not be much bigger than Niah. Dr. says as of right now everything is on track for a normal delivery!! I got moved from biweekly appts to weekly appts. Baby will be here before I know it!!

Me at 35 weeks

The Nursery

Our lives have slowed down just enough for me to start focusing on a nursery for this little one. With Niah, we had a snow storm and and got snowed in and I was able to do lots of preparation for her in that week.

Here is my inspiration picture for the nursery. It will not be the same but I am using the theme and colors and going from there.

Luckily, the room is already painted so I do not have to worry about that. I have the material for the bedding and started making the bedding this week, I am almost done with the bumper.

I searched and searched for the perfect rug at the perfect price. I found a wonderful cyber Monday deal and got the rug for $50 for a 5x8. I believe it was a pretty good deal considering it was originally $300 and every rug I found was $300 or more. It almost matches the picture exactly

Matthew likes this light fixture. It is a little out of our price range so I have been trying to find one close to that and redo it to look similar. I have found a few on amazon.

I currently am looking at ordering a giant giraffe stuffed animal to go in the room as a decor item. The one in the picture is a Doug and Melissa product and ran close to $60 and I found one similar to that one just shorter for $20 with S&H. I purchased panel curtains and now since I am not allowed to use a drill on the wall, I am waiting for the husband to hang my rod. My guess is this weekend it will be done.

In Niah's room we have a maternity picture with the scripture "The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name" so I am wanting to do something similar in this room. This poor baby is going to get Niah's changing table and crib. Eventually I will move the crib back in Niah's room because it turns into a daybed and a full size bed. I plan on having the baby sleep in a bassinet in our room for the first 4 months and then do the transition of Niah to a toddler bed. My mom found Niah a beautiful antique dresser that I was going to refinish but my husband wanted to strip the paint and since I could not be around the paint stripper he willingly took on the project.

It is coming along as I find the exact right items for the room, slowly but surely. I found some adorable safari animal statues I am going to put on a shelf for $3 a piece and thankfully they were a neutral. I love basic neutral colors (my entire house is covered in it)

I also got a starting supply of preemie and newborn clothes. I do not think this baby will be early but the dr. does not think the baby will be over 6lbs and I am praying for the sake of recovery and my body it is not over 6 lbs (he is pretty sure I could not naturally deliver a baby bigger than Niah, it was pretty risky with her). I was unprepared for Niah and did not have anything to fit her so I already took the plunge and got some preemie outfits.

Right now the room is in shreds but I am excited for the end result.

Niah's 1st ER visit

Sunday, we went to church and then went to lunch and Niah was playing before we left. She started to climb these stairs as we were leaving and right before I picked her up she started crying. Matthew assumed she was upset because she wanted to play and not get in the car. I never put her in the car seat crying so I was holding her trying to calm her down and the car was anxious to leave. I said, "I think something is wrong she never cries like this." I reluctantly put her in the car seat and we started to pull away. Mary was sitting in the back and said I think something is wrong with her hand she will not grab my hand. Matthew pulled over at the gas station and I got her out. He tried to get her to lift her arm or grip with it, and she would do nothing. Matthew ran into the gas station bought some ice cream and tried to get her to hold the ice cream and she was not moving that hand. We knew something was wrong when she was not going for the ice cream!!

It was such a scary moment to know she never fell and was not sure what was wrong. I sat in the back with her as we headed to the ER and fed her ice cream and as long as she sat completely still she would not cry. I will admit I shed a few tears on the way to the ER, my baby was hurt! The ER was wonderful got us in quickly and the doctor came quickly looked at her arm and moved it. With in 1 minute of the dr. being in the room he said she had nursemaid's elbow and put it back in place. Relief rushed over me as I saw that Niah with in 5 minutes started moving her arm. With in 10 minutes or less she was back to her self.

We were so thankful for a good quick ER and Dr. That the Dr. was the same Dr. that sewed my foot up and we really like him and was thankful he knew what he was doing and did it quickly.

Here is my sweet girl

The adrenaline was high in both Matthew and I that day. We are so thankful how God has protected our little girl and that has been the only Er visit we have gone to.