Diaper Experiment!

I am not advertising for these companies, I just wanted to blog about the difference in diapers. It is truly amazing, from one extreme to the other. Here are our favorites and the WORST diapers ever! (In my opinion, of course.)
We started off in the hospital with Pampers Swaddlers Size 1. I loved them, of course, it was our first diaper experience.
They are good for newborns because typically newborns have small amounts of poop and don't overfill these diapers. They are the SOFTEST and sweetest against the skin diapers for newborns, these diapers feel the best of any of the diapers for newborns, which makes them my next to top favorite.
My first favorite is Huggies Gentle Care. Now, I have to admit these are not as SOFT as the Pampers Swaddlers, but they just hold up better and don't leak!!! The pampers had a couple blow outs. Overall, I like these Huggies the best. They also come with the cord curve cut out for size N and 1.
The WORST diaper so far is LUVS. They are AWFUL!!! Not only are they made out of this hard, scratchy plastic that STICKS to the babies skin, they blow out. They do not hold up at all. I pretty much hate these diapers and will never buy them again. It's basically like wrapping your baby up in plastic wrap after using the other two mentioned above. Sorry Luvs, We tried!
There are more diapers we are trying out and I will keep you posted as we get through with them!

Update on My Family

Kimberly (Kim) is still in desperate need of prayer for the loss of Montana. This is not getting easier for her, in fact, I'm sure she feels it is only getting harder with time right now. Today marks one month since the passing of Montana. Please continue to get on your knees for Kim's healing. Kim also has a 6 year old daughter Chloe who needs our prayers as well. Chloe is struggling to deal with the loss of her brother, whoms she loves dearly, and with her mommy so sad as well. Please pray for this precious child to be protected through all of this tragedy in her life.
Here is a couple photos of Kim & Chloe with baby Kaden the first week we were home, a hard week for Kim. In the photo Chloe is singing twinkle, twinkle, little star to baby Kaden...so sweet!!!




This last picture is of Chloe holding Montana when he was born October 4, 2007, she LOVES her baby brother! I think this picture looks so similar to the pics of her holding Kaden.

Tonya and Vicki have both made it back to Mesa, Arizona now and are home. They are both in the process of recovering physically, a long road to go I fear, so pray for their strength and healing and relief from pain physically. Tonya buried her husband, L.R., and Brian's memorial service has been post-poned at this time until around the time of his birthday in May. I know that it is not easy being back home for Tonya and Vicki at this time, as they learn to live their everyday lives without L.R. and Brain in them. Very difficult! Please stay on your knees in prayer for their hearts to heal and the wonderful memories to comfort them right now. I can't EVEN imagine.

Thank you all for your many kind words and prayers for my family, we have felt them all. Love to you all!

Acts 5 Study

I read Acts 5 a couple weeks before Kaden arrived and studied about the many lessons to be learned from the early followers of Christ. It was such a neat reminder to me that I have decided to do a small review again today on my reflections from reading Acts 5.
I made a short list of things I can apply to my life (or my church life) from the early followers of Christ. Here goes:
-Honesty in the church.
-We should be attracted to the church because we are believers seeking other believers for a support base, not because of programs or facilities.
-Faith in God doesn't mean that troubles disappear; it makes troubles appear less frightening because it puts them in the right perspective. (This keeps coming back to me over and over with the recent tragedies in my family)
-Don't expect everyone to react favorably when you share something as dynamic as your faith in Christ. Some will be jealous, afraid, or threatened. Expect some negative reactions, and remember that you must be more concerned about serving God than about the reactions of people. (See Acts 5:29)
-Persecution is a BLESSING! We know Jesus suffered, so praise God that he allows you to be persecuted like our Lord. If you are mocked or persecuted for your faith, it isn't because your doing something wrong, but because God has counted you "worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." (Acts 5:41)
-Here is a great scripture to go along with this study: "When we are convinced of the truth of Christs' resurrection and have experienced the presence and power of his Holy Spirit, we can have confidence to speak out for Christ." (Luke 6:22)

This is a POWERFUL challenge for us as Christians to teach and proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Christ even when we face obstacles. (Such as persecution for our belief) Thank goodness though we aren't persecuted the way the early followers of Christ were, we are persecuted with words and actions that can be as painful as physical wounds. Isn't it hard to tell someone about Jesus sometimes? I know I fear SCARING people away, or making them upset, so a lot of times I just let them know that I am praying for their struggle and that I love them very much. Then, in time I share my belief and reliance on Christ through tough situations.

Here's a prayer:

Lord,
I am not sure I could have rejoiced as the apostles did after they were persecuted and then asked not to speak again in the name of Jesus. It challenges me that they were rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for your name. Not only did they rejoice, they courageously continued to proclaim your name daily in the temple courts and from house to house. They could not be stopped. This gives me courage to teach and proclaim the good news that Jesus is the Christ even when I face obstacles. I want my lips to praise you as long as I live. Amen.

Breastfeeding issues...

That's right issues! I am adamant about breastfeeding my baby, and that I have done now for one month on Monday. I have thought until this week that Kaden was getting plenty to eat, and the only issues were with me. (Soreness that is so intense I scream and kick when he latches on, I literally feel like he is sucking on clear blisters the whole time he nurses and it hurts so bad that sometimes I don't even want to nurse him, even though I do!, engorgement that has me pumping and feeding, and clogged milk duct problems already.) In the last few days Kaden's insistence to eat has gotten worse, he's hungry every two hours and doesn't seem to ever get full or satisfied. So, after battling with myself about feeling like a horrible mother if I supplement formula to see if that helps him feel fuller or not, and a great deal of research, I have started giving little Mr. PIG a bottle! I have given him 2 ozs. of formula eat morning and night for two days, it seems to really help him and he'll sleep for 4 hours after eating on the breast and having a 2oz. bottle. So, I feel like he is not getting enough milk from me, he's not necessarily a pig. I am still at this point breastfeeding the same as normal, and just adding the two bottles per day, however, I am thinking of giving him more formula and starting the process of weaning him from breast milk. I know, I know, those of you who have had "WONDERFUL" experiences breastfeeding are SCREAMING right now, but it has been the HARDEST thing I have ever done. It is extremely painful and not getting better after a month and Kaden isn't getting enough on top of that. I feel like I honestly gave this my all, I gave him a full month of breast milk, which is more than most moms these days even attempt, and I don't understand why I feel So guilty about thinking of not breastfeeding anymore. I know I will feel better, in return helping me get better adjusted to motherhood and back to everyday life.
OMG! You should have seen the kid SUCK DOWN that first formula bottle. 2 ozs. in less than 3 minutes, he gulped it, literally! I felt so bad, like he was STARVING! The problem with introducing a bottle also is that he doesn't have to suck to get the milk out like the breast and now he is becoming even lazier about breast feeding. This issue is up for discussion, so fire away breast feeding mommies!!!

***I have had people comment on my using Lanolin for my nipples to make breastfeeding less painful. I've used it EVRY time I have feed since day 1, like 12 times a day, my nipples are not dry, cracked or anything like that and they still hurt, like BLISTERS!!! So, thanks for the advice, but I am doing that already!

Also, Kaden has been having a hard time breathing, especially at night. He sounds like he has drainage that causes him to choke/gag/attempt to cough. Only tonight has it escalated to the point of him throwing up after breast feeding from getting choked. It scared me! It scares me! I don't know if it is drainage/allergy issues or what??? Does anyone have any help with this? And, of course tomorrow is Saturday so I can't call the doctor.

We miss Daddy!

Daddy had to go back to work and we MISS him greatly!
Here's Daddy and Kaden before bed. This is Daddy job, after we nurse, Kaden goes to Daddy each night until he falls asleep, then I take him to bed. Daddy has the magic touch for putting the boy to sleep!
We love and miss you Daddy! Hurry home!
Here's Kaden at two weeks in one of Mommy's favorite onesies! (It just has a teddy bear on it, but I think it is so sweet!)
Mommy & Kaden

Kaden's Many Firsts...

Just a swingin'!!!
We started walking four days ago. Each evening, Kaden & I take the stroller out down the street for a country stroll. This is actually the highlight of my day (sad, I know) as this is my only outing daily. It feels so good to get outside!!! Kaden LOVES the stroller rides, he sleeps the whole time! The first two days I bundled him up WAY to much. I put a beanie on his head and a jacket with a hood, mittens, socks and blankets. I think I am for some reason thinking that if I layer him up I am somehow protecting him, but it turns out to be toooooo warm outside for all the bundling. I swear, the first two days he could have survived a snow storm with the layers. I think he was probably so hot he had no choice but to sleep the whole time. (poor little dude.) Today it was at least 75 outside and no wind when we walked. I didn't put a hat on him, and I ended up taking the blanket off him. He still slept! But, boy does Mommy enjoy the fresh air and walk. Here he is the first day all bundled up....

Lance & I thought this was hilarious! When we finished our walk this is what K looked like! Poor thing, his beanie hat keep going over his eyes, he didn't mind though, because he was sleeping regardless... And, this is the ROCK STAR Beanie from his Daddy, of course... Also, the aggie pac is becoming a regular!

This is K and I from the daddy cam...

The second days walk wear: (Still too bundled up!)
This is his horse-y hat!

Then, K had his first playtime on his caterpillar mat! He LOVED it!!!
More playtime and Mommy's Little Man suit...
This is Kaden checking himself out in the mirror during his first REAL bath after the belly button came off! Isn't he a ham? And, did I mention how he LOVES his bath time???

K's first teddy bear from his daddy!

Just to put it all into perspective... Kaden is so SMALL in comparison to this big world! Here he is in the floor with Piper and I...

Three Weeks Old!

Here I am this morning at three weeks old!!! Aren't I cute?

Wow, where does the time go when your nursing and changing diapers 24/7? Today, at 4:20 p.m. little Kaden will be 3 weeks old! We are definitely getting more adjusted to him. But, we still have some MAJOR tweaking to do with our sleeping patterns. At this point, we are adjusting our lives around his schedule. Which pretty well consist of minimal sleep from 11p.m. to 6:30 a.m. I usually get a good nap from about 10a.m.-1 p.m. and Lance watches Kaden then. He is starting to stay awake a lot more during the day, but still not enough to make him sleep at night better.He is SO good anytime the grandmothers are here. He'll just sleep or be the BEST baby for them. Then, he SCREAMS at me when they leave. Grandmothers just have the touch, or he just likes to TEST me. We try everything to make him happy and go to sleep. From swinging to rocking to dancing to singing to crying ourselves (not really, but I have thought about it a few times.)We are enjoying this little man each and every moment. He is staying awake more for us and watching us and smiling...we love his faces he makes and the sounds he makes!Little Mr. Kaden lost his belly button on Saturday and got to have his first real bath that night. He LOVED being submerged in the tub!!! He was the best boy!!! Right now he is laying beside me on the bed playing...kicking his legs, screaming (the good happy screams, I think he likes to hear his voice), and moving those arms like crazy! He is beautiful! I just sit and look at him and smile, and occasionally he smiles back! :) Oh yes, I almost forgot, he is liking that aggie paci more and more each day.

February Family

We should be called the Februaries perhaps? Lance celebrated his 40th birthday on February 4th, two days after Kaden's birthday of February 2nd. And now, some 20 days after giving birth to my first baby, I am turning the big 3-0 on February 22nd. We definitely claim the month of February in our families.
Is it possible that I am now in my 30's??? Wow, isn't there supposed to be some sort of automatic GROWN UP feeling that comes with turning 30? Aren't you supposed to feel different? (Not just tired and exhausted from having a new baby) I mean, I'm not in my 20's anymore. I'm officially an adult! I feel like it will just all start going by really fast from here on out. Before I know it, I'll hit 35 then 40, then 45, then 50, and maybe even then I'll be questioning whether or not I feel any older or different at those stages of my life? I just had such an agenda for my life in my 20's. I wanted to accomplish so many more things in my 20's. Not that I'm not darn proud of the things I have accomplished, my baby, my husband, my job, my degree, my family, etc. I just had a PERSONAL to do list to make by 30, this list is very selfish and self indulging, so perhaps I'll just keep working on it for 35! Can you blame a girl for having personal goals?
For example: You all know that I wore braces from April 2006 until April 2008. My goal after braces was to get my front teeth fixed with porcelain veneers or crowns. I have had 7 root canals and lots of build-ups/fillings in my front teeth that have left them very discolored over the years. I want pretty white, straight teeth, I always have. So, that is why I did orthodontics. Now, I have the straight part, just not the WHITE part. The problem is porcelain is about $1K per tooth. This being the reason this goal has not been met yet. But, I just KNEW I'd have beautiful teeth by my 30th birthday! Oh Well!
Also, I planned to be at least the size I was pre-pregnancy for my 30th birthday. However, I didn't calculate very well with the pregnancy. HELLO, I know I can not loose that much weight that fast! I have lost 27 pounds in 20 days though! Only 28 more pounds to go until pre-pregnancy weight.
Those are just two of my personal goals I will be working on this year...but, for now I'm just going to be grateful for a healthy body and a beautiful baby boy!
Happy 30th Birthday to me!!!

Must haves of mommy-hood!

****This is an added item to the list I posted here earlier...Clothes pins, the wooden ones! You can buy a huge bag at Wal-Mart REALLY cheap. I use them to hang pants and hats and beanies and accessories on regular baby hangers. If you've looked at baby hangers you know that they TOTALLY rip you off charging over $2.00 for two hangers with clips made on them. You can just get plain hangers and use clothes pins to make your own a lot cheaper!!! *****



There are a couple things that I want to make sure and tell my friends about to have their first babies to make sure and get. First, the boppy pillow!!! It is TRULY your best friend, and you should go all out and buy your favorite cover for it because you will be spending endless hours nursing using that thing! The boppy is wonderful! ***A note to that though, you MUST have a great plush glider rocker for the boppy pillow to completely help you out!***
Another thing, buy a note card spiral notepad. (At Wal-Mart) In this book, I use one side per day of each notecard and I have it divided into sections. If you are nursing they are: Left (side) / Right (side) / Wet / Dirty
They will start you off in the hospital writing this in on a piece of paper each time you feed, for how long, how well they did eating, each time you change a wet or dirty diaper and what it looked like. I honestly could not remember what the heck I have done from one minute to the next if it wasn't for this book.
I also bought a small digital clock (battery operated and very small) that I can carry around with my notecard notebook, so I know exactly what time I nurse and change Kaden.
Also, I had went ahead and filled my diaper basket by the changing table up with newborn diapers a few days before we went to have Kaden. Little did we know before opening the new packages of newborn diapers, Kaden would never wear newborn diapers! So, Crystal, I hope you have a little baby so we can give you some diapers we already opened. They are in a Wal-Mart bag waiting on someone with a little baby to be born! I hope these things help you future new mommies to be...

Pictures of our boy!

Kaden's First Doctor Visit

Like I said, I have some serious catching up to do. Kaden's first well check was last Friday with his pediatrician. He was 11 days old at that visit. He weighed 9 pounds, 22 inches long, and his head measured 14 inches. She said he's a perfectly healthy boy! Which we already knew, or thought! (And, praise the Lord he is a big healthy boy!)
The only issue we have had at all is his right eye has a clogged tear duct. So, I get to use a warm wet wash cloth several times a day to massage the tear duct and clean the goop out of his little eye. It's still doing it this morning, 1 week later. Maybe it will clear up soon.
We also took Kaden last Wed. to the hospital for his PKU screening test. I think it is RETARDED that they have newborns come to the hospital lab for testing at 1 week old when there are people with God only knows what waiting for lab services as well. We kept him covered in his carrier the whole time from the car and back. The only time he got uncovered was in the lab room to get his test. Things like that DRIVE me crazy!
I also go to my doctor today at 1:30 for a check up on my battle wounds. I definitely feel better, I think I am healing at last, and hope everything is looking good today.
Kaden goes back to the doctor on April 3rd for his 2nd well check and his shots! I feel like that is FOREVER away. We really wanted to wait to get him out until his shots. But, that's a LONG time to stay at home! I go back to work before then too!

It's been really hard for me because we have a family dinner every Wednesday night at my Granny's house. My Mom, brothers and their families, and cousin's families all meet at Granny's on Wed. after work and have dinner and socialize. It's the only time we all get together. With everything happening in my family with the death of Montana and me having Kaden they have not gotten together in over 3 weeks. Well, they finally all got back together this Wed. And I wanted to go so bad! But, I'm just afraid one of the kids will give Kaden a bug and make him sick.
How does everyone else feel about getting babies out? I mean, we aren't talking about going to Wal-Mart, just to Granny's house. But, there are lots of people at Granny's house!
I got to get out for about an hour on Wed. It was just long enough for me to drive to the chiropractor, get adjusted which I needed BADLY, and drive home. Lance kept Kaden for the first time by himself while I was gone. Kaden slept the whole time! Ha!
Okay, to close this blog I'll leave this picture of Kaden and his Daddy! This is how they spend a lot of time. His Daddy LOVES for him to sleep on him!

Kaden in the mornings

Have I mentioned to any of you how much we love this littlest red head?

How can I not be in love waking up to this bundle of joy each morning? He is just precious!!!

I swear he gets cuter every day!!!

Start em Early

This post is especially for my best friend, Hilary! She bought Kaden this paci! This is the only one he will take. Imagine that? Gig 'em Aggies!!!

I originally did not intend to use a pacifier at all. In our hospital birthing plan I made sure that the nursery knew he was not to be given one or any kind of bottle unless medically necessary. It was all working perfectly until his 3rd or 4th night of life. My mom was staying with us, and I had gotten up at some point in the middle of the wee morning hours and taken Kaden to her. Me being exhausted and hurting, and Kaden being fussy and not wanting to go back to sleep after nursing. I went to lay down in my bed after handing Kaden off to mom. When I returned in an hour to check on them, they were both SOUND asleep. Only I was horrified to see that ATM pacifier in his mouth! I screamed, "Mom!" She honestly had no idea I didn't want to give him a paci. She got up after I'd layed back down and dug in his closet drawers until she found a paci! It worked perfectly for her.
He honestly doesn't use it though very often, he doesn't seem to like it so much. He wants the real deal! Like I said in earlier posts, he likes to nurse all the time. Anyway, I wanted Miss Hilary to see and know that he uses the aggie paci when he does use one! :) (Sorry, Hilary, he never got to wear the aggie booties, his feet were to big!)

Baby Visitors and gifts...

We have received a lot of gifts from the hospital and since arriving at home. Here are a few of the sweet things we received! This is a stuffed horse dressed up like a cowboy with a 'It's A Boy!' ballon. This is from Jill & family!


Kimberly sent us this beautiful plant from Montana's service in his memory.



My Dad (Granddaddy Nolan) made this rocking horse for Kaden! Thank you Granddaddy!



C.T. & Sharon made him this great gift basket full of goodies! Thanks guys!


Lance's friend, James, brought Kaden this sweet teddy bear at the hospital!!!

Our Valentine's Day!

I know this is late, I have a lot of catching up to do. But, I wanted to tell you all that my boys were so good to me for Valentine's Day. Kaden says, 'Thank you Daddy for the help!'
Kaden & Lance got me pink roses and the sweetest cards! Here's a picture!


Kaden also received his first Valentine's Day wish and card from his Meemaw & Peepaw Winkler, it actually arrived in the mail before he did! Here's his first Valentine card! Thank you Meemaw and Peepaw! How Sweet!


His Daddy spoils him already! He brought him home this HUGE teddy bear for Valentine's Day. He also brought me the stuffed dog, it says 'I love you this much!' He is a sweetie!



I have to say my husband is the BEST!!! I love you honey!

Ten things about being a new Mommy...

I do apologize for my extended blog vacation. I think you all know why, I'm a first time mom! Holy crap, I've never been so busy in my entire life. It's definitely a change for me, because I have NO time for me, which includes this hobby of blogging, it's all about Kaden now.
1. All I do in nurse. All Kaden does is eat. If he is near me, he thinks he should nurse, not play or let me have any fun time with him. At this point he only wants me to nurse. PLEASE other moms tell me this will get better. He will go to his grandmothers and daddy and be perfectly happy for them, but with me he screams if I'm not feeding him! He likes to eat, definitely my child!
2. We got to skip newborn diapers all together. He started out in a size one at the hospital. We couldn't believe we had a baby that big, and that he couldn't wear newborn diapers. So, we got to return all the newborn diapers for size 1's. And, boy have we used the diapers. It is UNBELIEVABLE the amount of diapers we have used in 2 weeks. We are on our 5th or 6th package, and one was a MEGA JUMBO bag! We'll be buying diapers soon! The good news is he can wear newborn clothes! (but probably not for long, because he is SO LONG, already 22 inches!)
3. Our electric bill will definitely be higher now. Kaden likes the LIGHTS ON! We sleep with the lights on now. Just for him. If we turn the lights off at night, his eyes come WIDE open. He only sleeps in the LIGHT! Which explains my next problem....
4. Will I ever sleep again? I mean really? He sleeps in 2-3-4 hour cycles. He LOVES to sleep all day long and keep me awake all night. I have tried to keep him awake during the day, but have you ever tried keeping a sleepy newborn awake during the day? So, I have been functioning on udder exhaustion. He is the best baby when other come during the day and he'll just sleep and look at them. Then, when it's just us he cries and fusses and only wants me like I said earlier to nurse. I do realize that this is my soul duty right now, to nurse and care for Kaden, but does anyone know how it feels to get to do nothing but nurse, change diapers and hold baby? I feel like a milk cow with the milk cow blues! (That's for you, Rochelle!!! LOL! I honestly HEARD that song play on the radio last night WHILE nursing!!!) I know it will get better, but I'm tired of everyone telling me it will get better.
5. I get to do NOTHING else. I have been in my Pajamas since returning home from the hospital 2 weeks ago. My hair does not get brushed, I am wearing my glasses, and I am lucky if I get a shower or get my teeth brushed each day. So, for those of you begging me to call you, please understand I'd like to squeeze in some sleep if I have any extra time and a bath. I have not talked on the phone, been out of the house, or blogged! I have not cleaned, cooked, or helped do any laundry. I do not have time to do anything!!! So, please bear with me while I adjust.
6. Batteries! We should buy stock in Duracell or Energizer Companies. Every piece of baby equipment takes batteries, LARGE batteries, expensive batteries, and LOTS of batteries. Thank God for them though, because Kaden LOVES his swing that plays music and vibrates with swinging. He also loves his beds (both crib and pack in play bassinet) that vibrate, play music and have a light. He likes the bouncy chair that plays music and vibrates as well.
7. The baby sleeping wedge has been PERFECT for Kaden. I started using it immediately when we got home from the hospital. It keeps him perfectly positioned on his back or side and the wedges do not let him roll. So, he is secure while sleeping.
8. Dogs? Piper? Sadie? Remember us? Poor dogs!

They are adjusting SLOWLY to the baby in the house. Poor Sadie feels overly neglected and just lays and stares at me while I hold/feed Kaden. She ignores Kaden though, I think she thinks if she ignores him, he will go away? Piper seems to love the baby, she comes running to check and see what is wrong anytime Kaden cries. She smells him and tries to lick him, however, she IGNORES me now. She was so mad at me the whole first week we were home that she would step back a step when I would try to pet her. She is getting better though. Lance goes out in the back yard and plays with them each day. So, they aren't that neglected, they just think they are because they are not getting all my attention anymore.
9. I could not have survived this first two weeks without my sweet husband Lance and my mom. My mom stayed with us the first four nights we were home from the hospital. She cooked us a big country breakfast and great dinner every night. Talk about getting spoiled! It was so nice having mom here because she just knew what to do and I didn't have to ask her. Kaden LOVES his Nana, and is SO good for her. He got to go sleep in bed with her almost every night that first week because he would wake up crying and not stop for me even after being fed again. I'd take him to his Nana and he'd go right to sleep, go figure! I cried when mom left us! Like a baby!
Lance & Mom have worked really hard to keep me good meals cooked, the house clean, the laundry done, and help me with Kaden. I can not imagine how SINGLE moms can do these things without any help. I certainly could not have managed with all the pain of my body healing and the soreness of breast feeding and the sleeplessness on top of that. Thank you my sweet family for helping me! I love you both!
10. I'm tired. Have I mentioned that already? My battle wounds are still healing up-SLOWLY from delivery. My breasts are still engorging (Lovely, I know) and extremely sore and painful. I feel like it's never going to get better. My back ACHES! I am sleep deprived and need a nap/sleep! And, i seem to have lost all appetite the last several days and feel nausea a lot, maybe from antibiotics. But, it is rare for me to not want to eat after the last few months of food being my life! Hopefully, that will get better soon!
I am SO thankful for this little bundle of joy, don't get me wrong by all my complaints! Kaden has brought more joy and love into my heart than I ever dreamed possible. He is a DOLL! I love him and can not EVEN imagine my life without him in it now. I just sit and look at him and tell him how cute he is, and kiss him, and hold him, and FEED him!!!

First Week With Kaden Angus Mabe!

Our Delivery Story

My Father-in-law feeding me ice chips during delivery!
My wonderful nurse and doctor!
Our excitement started last Monday, February 2, 2009! We woke at 4 a.m., very nervous, anxious, and excited about the delivery process and the arrival of our baby boy. We arrived the hospital around 5:30 a.m. where they were waiting for my arrival. There were NO BABIES in the nursery, and I was their only patient that morning! CRAZY! So, they did all the routine questioning and TRIED to put an IV in. The poor sweet nurse, she tried in my right hand and hit a valve, and CONTINUED to try to poke and prod on my hand until I couldn't take it any longer and literally wanted to slap her to stop. After a few minutes she gave up, thank GOD! By that point it was almost time for a shift change at 7 a.m. so she waited for the next nurse to get my IV started. The new nurse came in about 7:30 for my new IV in the other hand, and had no problems, but it was still painful. At that point they only started me on fluids. We waited for the doctor to come around. About 8:30 he came in and examined me. 90% effaced, station 1, still closed though. So, they inserted a pill that in some people helps the dilation process start. It did nothing for me, I layed there with no results or changes until the doctor came around at noon. He checked me again, no change. They then broke my water at 12:30. That is all it took to get the party started, by 2 p.m. I was begging for my epidural. Thank God for modern medicine. I can not imagine doing that natural. WoW! So, after the epidural about 2:30, my pains pretty well stopped. My epidural took affect on the left side and not the right, so they had me lay on my right side for about half an hour. The baby didn't like this position and his heart rate started dropping. The next thing I know they are turning me and re positioning me like crazy to try to help the baby and his heart rate. It scared Lance and I both because when they checked me at 2:30p.m., I was only at 3 cm. At about 3:30 another nurse came in to help my nurse re position me, she asked my nurse if she had checked me lately, my nurse said no. They checked me and I was at a 7. They rolled me over on my right side and checked me again 2 minutes later and said I was a 9. The next thing I knew they were hurrying around preparing the room for delivery. In a matter of minutes I was pushing. I pushed just a few minutes when my doctor came in to check on things. He said I would be pushing a while and said he was going back to the office. That scared me because I KNEW this baby was coming out. I guess he changed his mind on going back to the office because in less than 5 more minutes of pushing, my nurse told me to stop because she did not want to deliver this baby. At that time the doctor walked in and in just a few minutes we had a B-I-G boy! Delivery was honestly easy and not bad at all like I expected. It was very doable -AFTER- the epidural. And, considering I was only in active labor from 12:30 to 4:20 p.m. it wasn't so bad!
Kaden Angus Mabe was born at 4:20 p.m., I had requested him to be placed directly onto my chest, and to breastfeed immediately, so he didn't get weighed until about an hour later after birth. He weighed 9 pounds and 3 ounces! He was 21 inches long, and his head was 13 1/2 !!!
I had wanted to avoid an episiotomy if possible, and unfortunately ended up tearing into the flesh to one side, it is VERY painful, and I wish I would have never mentioned to the doctor the I didn't want an episiotomy! It would have been far better to be cut that way than the way I ended up torn. My stitched tore open on Friday afternoon and now I am having to deal with healing up an open flesh wound, which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy!
I give LOTS of credit and love to my nurse, she was AWESOME!!! And, she did all the work, the doctor literally arrives to catch the baby. And, to sew up the mess. Nurses are much like teachers, they do all the work and get no credit for it! Except the make considerably better salaries than teachers. I am thankful for a good staff and doctor though.
Immediately after delivery, they brought in a dinner tray and a Coca-Cola. If you know me at all you know that I do not and can not drink Coca-Cola. The caffeine in one Cola will make me shake and have accelerated heart rate, so I try to stay away from Caffeine all together. But, let me tell you, my nurse stuck a straw in the Coke can and stuck it in my mouth. That was the BEST drink I have ever had in my life!!! I'll never forget that Coke!
Our baby boy came out with light RED hair and blue eyes. He is just precious! He knew exactly what to do, and has nursed perfectly since birth. I am so thankful for this because I certainly didn't know what to do. He has been a trooper, and doesn't seem to notice or mind that I am in a considerable amount of pain still with the open flesh wound and breast engorgement, plus a yeast infection in one of my breasts. FUN! Pain in two places at once, plus the cramping that comes with breast feeding and the blisters. But, let me tell you I wouldn't trade the pain for anything, because I have the BEST reward for all of the pain. It's just funny to me that the actual delivery went so smooth and easy and the pain is afterwards...
It has been really hard to get a routine established with Kaden because of lots of visitors during the daytime. I have been unable to nap/sleep when he does which makes nights REALLY hard when your tired and hurting. My gift of knowledge for any expecting moms, don't have visitors the whole first week. FOR REAL!!! I'm still exhausted, and the doctor said yesterday that it will take approximately 10 more days for my battle wounds to heal. I am looking forward to being pain free!
Kaden has been such a blessing from God in my life, and I just sit and look at him, hold him, love on him, and thank Jesus for him each day. I truly know what motherhood is all about now. You worry about them from day 1. But, they bring so much joy! We are so thankful for a healthy baby and an easy delivery. Thank you all for your many well wishes, gifts, and prayers. We love you all! The Mabe's