Blake's Birth Story

I am very lucky to have had a pretty "easy" pregnancy. I had no morning sickness, no cravings,only gained 20lbs and all in all it was great. I did have a little stint for about a month with "si instability" which is some of the worst pain ever, but I made it through and it went away!

So Ill start with my 2 week appts. Nothing was going anywhere! I was not progressing and baby wasn't coming out! I had a rather interesting reason for getting an induction date,fact was the practice I was in was closing ,if they let me go the usual week over your due date for first time mom's, I technically wouldn't have had a primary doctor and it could have been bad news,so they decided at my 38 week appt to schedule my induction. Dr.M told me she would go get me the first available date they had, fact was I was just ready for the next step,baby(or so I thought)! She walked in and told me " I know your going to think I did this on purpose but I swear I didn't",she handed me that pink paper and what was my date? May 20th of course,my due date, I sort of just glared at her and she just laughed at me!





So I had one more office visit the 19th and convinced her to at least let me come in in at 8 AM instead of 8 PM, I was thrilled! But I now know I should have just kept the evening appt. With cervidil it has to be in place for 12 hrs,so they do it at night so you can sleep while it works!So I arrived at 7:45 am on May 20th. I got cervidil around 10am and they warned me that I could have up to 2 rounds of this before anything happened. I was less than thrilled with this news. But luckily at around 10 pm things started happening! I was having contractions I couldn't feel thankfully but they were clear on the monitor. I had a doc come in and check me and he said since things were progressing,contractions and I was now at 2 cm! He also decide to hold off on the pitocin and his thought was that things should progress, boy was he wrong! I'm going to be completely honest I don't remember alot of the times and although some of you who know me might think I have my medical chart sitting in front of me I don't! So probably 1-2 hrs later they came back in to check me again. Let me just say that that is the worst part of child birth,or what little of it I went through, now I'm medically savy to a degree but holy cow I didn't realize where my cervix was! And that was just awful to be checked when your irritated,cranky and tired anyway! But the labor pains were increasing and they said I could have an epidural! This would have been a wonderful thing had it worked! NO my epidural didn't work I was still feeling contractions in my stomach but felt nothing under my belly. The nurse apparently didn't believe me and did the pinch test multiple times and kept asking "are you sure you feel this?" I refrained myself from slapping her and calmly answered yes. The new anesthesiologist came on shift and tried to move the epidural up. 3 more times. The last tap was a wet tap which is bad news ,it means they hit the spinal column and you run a 50/50 shot for spinal headaches which I have heard are awful! Thank the Lord I didn't get this! So then the decision was made to give me nubain and hope that I would progress naturally. I was at 4. For the next I don't know how long I stayed at 4. The nubain at least let me sleep and took away the pain. Finally I started to run a slight fever and my cervix was swelling,this meant c-section. I was totally on board! I have had back surgery so I was a littler worried the pushing wouldn't work so well any way but was constantly reassured it shouldn't matter,but at this point I didn't care! The anesthesiologist did come back and ask me if I wanted a spinal, I was very adamant up to this point that even if I had to have a section I wanted to watch! I know alot of people think that's gross but being in the medical field I wanted to see it all! But with the epidurals not working I didn't want to risk it so I told him no cause I was sure general anesthesia worked just fine! Blake was born at 4:14 am on 5/22/2010 he weighed 8lbs 5oz and was 21 inches long! Yes you read that right I was in stinking labor for 2 days!!!!! But my story of course cant end there because that would be too simple. The next morning they pulled my IV and drew a CBC(complete blood count). All was hunky dorey until my day nurse walked in with an IV pump? I was like" what are you doing with that I don't have an IV any more?" She says" Your getting one and a blood transfusion,you had a critical Hemoglobin." This is where I broke down. I had had enough! I cried. After the transfusion I felt much better, and the next day we went home!!

Alot of people say its worth it and I think Id have to agree. Although I think people who choose natural labor are a little crazy! I am very happy to have gone through my experiences,and makes my little man a little more special!

Update

So I thought I'd do a quick update on all our "stuff" going on as well!

First off Blake monster's birthday countdown is on! He will be 1 in 21 days! I cant believe it and of course cannot wait for his party! Almost all of our family will be traveling here to help us celebrate! Im doing a race theme as I think I have mentioned and I cant wait to post all about it and all the pictures from it when it happens. He started walking a few weeks ago and has been on the move ever since. Hes still probably the happiest kid in town and dosent know a stranger!

Weve been visiting the park recently cause he loves to go,the weather is getting nicer and frankly it wears the kid out and makes my life a little easier! I'l leave you with some adorable pics of him at the park!

Randy is doing well also, he is working at a recycling place, but we recently got an answer to prayer that his driving record is going to be looking quite a bit better here in the next couple of days and hopefully this will open the doors to other oppertunities! It was truly an answer to prayer that this happended. We are also still searching for a house but we have some wonderful people helping us and just continue to pray that God opens doors for us in this situation as well! Im waiting for word on accecptance to the surg tech program,but I do according to the director have a complete application so that is a relif! Thats pretty much all thats new with us here!

Until next week...

Long's

One word is enough to describe this wonderful place,delicious,enough said! If your a native to Indianapolis you have undoubtedly heard of this magical place! Well Randy,Blake and I headed there on Saturday. We stood in a line out the door for about a half an hour,but it was definitely worth the wait. We have had the regular cake donuts once or twice at church which of course my wonderful husband doesn't remember but there is nothing like a trip there yourself! We ordered one of everything I feel like and shared them all in the car on the way home! It was a wonderful Saturday morning outing for us and we had a great time!

Randy & Blake waiting in line.

So in keeping to my word here is my weekly post! We had an exciting weekend in Chicago with family! We went for my nephew Caleb's 2ND Birthday! I cant believe hes 2 already and I just remember that last year I was pregnant with Blake for his birthday! My sister Amanda is the craftiest person on the planet and the party was a total hit! Everything coordinates and looks amazing when she puts her touch on it! His theme was buses ,and the colors were turquoise and red! It was amazing and we had a great time, it did snow though which is crazy cause last year we were sitting outside enjoying the sun for his party! Ill end this section with a pic of my handsome little guy at the party!

Blake also started to walk last week! He is getting so big I cant stand it! I was sweeping and like all little boys who love the dirt ,he kept trying to get in my piles,so I finally took him to the back door stood him there and told him to watch the birds. Next thing I know he has walked right back over to the mud room,dropped to the floor and is at it again! I couldn't believe it! He loves it too , he waves his little hands ,I'm guessing somehow he thinks this helps with balance, and just takes off! I know I'm in for it now,and am looking forward to all the adventures ahead.

This month has been prayer and fasting month at our church. Randy and I have been really behaving ourselves and praying for God to work in our lives. We recently received a notice that our landlords want to move back in our house and unfortunately that means were out! At first all I did was cry, what are we going to do now is all that came to my mind. But I know the Lord doesn't give you more than you can handle so we have given the situation completely to Him. We are taking this as a possible sign that the Lord wants us somewhere else and are just praying that He will show us His will! So if you would please pray for this with us!

Blake's Birthday Planning is in full swing! My sister designed the invites and I cant wait to share them! But I want to send them out first so no one gets jealous that they saw them here first(all of my 3 followers!) But I am super excited for this, I am making the final purchases I need next week ,since we get 3 checks in April I get to splurge! We are having it at a park here in town ,and have I mentioned already how excited I am!!

Easter is also this Sunday and it is also our church anniversary Sunday! It should be a great day in the Lords house! Ive heard some controversy on the fact that Easter should be spent with family but I have to say for people like us I'm thrilled to be having a full day of events to keep us entertained because it makes me miss being with my family a little less plus I get to pretend I m part of one big happy family,my church family! I love Easter and have been strategically planning the boys Easter baskets for a while now, just a few more purchases and I should be finshed!

So I think that's all that's going on in my neck of the woods!

Until next week. . .

Weekend in TN

This past weekend Randy,Blake Copper and I all loaded up the car and headed to TN to visit. We had a great trip! We drove thought the night Thursday and got there at about 5:30AM,and of course it was off to bed for us all! We got up pretty early,well pretty early if you drove all through the night,and we headed over to Randy's grandfathers house,we pretty much just hung out for the day and enjoyed the beautiful weather! Essie and the boys came to visit and hung out with us too. We went across the street and fed the horses corn and Essies boys loved it! Essie not so much,so it was Auntie Stevi to the rescue! We said our goodbyes and headed back to my moms for some BBQ for dinner!

Blake Loved the BBQ!

And Copper and Gus loved cleaning him up when he was done!

Randy headed out early Saturday morning to go fishing with his grandfather. Me, my mom and Blake headed out shortly after to shop and visit with the animals at one of the local garden centers. We caught up with old friends from FL to,and I got to see how huge her darling boys have gotten! Saturday evening we got to have a special Sushi dinner! This by far was my favorite part of the trip. Blake even liked it(a boy after my heart)! Mom and I headed out after dinner for a few more stores,while the boys and grandma headed back to the house for some NASCAR.

Sunday was a beautiful day as well full of sunshine! We went to Temple Baptist Church in the AM and got to hear Dr.Raymond Barber preach! It was surely amazing! Randy wanted to wet the line a bit more before heading home so we took him to his grandfathers house and then bummed around a little at a few stores. We then said our goodbyes to Great Grandpa Dugan and Great Grandma Shirley ,headed back to moms to pack and eat some of Randy and Grandpas catch from Saturday!

All in all it was a great trip and we cant wait to visit again in July!

Is it April already?

I cant believe it is already April! Is this year flying by for anyone else?!?! My little man will be 11months old on the 22nd and I can hardly stand it! I am making a commitment to anyone who reads,but more to myself to try and post on here once a week! I will try my best,I really have no other excuse than laziness!

So whats new for us is not a whole lot! We are patiently awaiting the warm weather and making final plans for all our summer trips! And of course planning one special little mans first Birthday Party! I cant wait! I'm still working hard as normal,but enjoying my job much more lately,I am happy to report. Randy isn't working right now and is playing Mr.Mom @ home with Blake! They both love it and I hope it will pay off for their bond as the little monster grows!

Speaking of the little monster he is just that! He is trying so very hard to walk and is really getting tired of crawling! It so funny to see him try so hard! He gets bumps and bruises because of his determination,but gets back up and keeps right on trucking! He has re-discovered shaking his head "no",but i feel like he really knows what it means now,he will even do it when hes doing things he knows we would tell him no for such as throwing the dog food from his highchair! He is making the "t" sound like when I show him something with Hello Kitty on it he goes " t,t,t" its pretty cute and could be just my imagination but who knows!

Were planning a trip to TN next weekend to visit my mom and grandma. We are going to see the Easter Bunny,and take pictures with baby lambs chicks and Bunny's! We are going to eat sushi and visit with Great Grandpa & Grandma Dugan as well. So hopefully that will be my next post!

Until next week...

Update. . .

So Ive been a bad blogger,just plain lazy at work catching up on my TV shows and not been in the mood to sit on here.So after much encouraging from people(um hum Ashley!)I am updating you on January, so here goes!



We have had a pretty good month, Randy and My birthdays were both this month,and the same weekend we received a surprise visit from a FL friend,so randy and I got a night out for dinner while Blake stayed with Aunt Michelle! We also took Blake sledding with Aunt Michelle and the girls she was nannying for,he had a blast but it was really cold and we didn't stay long. We both got new shoes for our birthdays and Randy's are still sitting in the box cause he doesn't want to get them dirty! He swears hes not pulling them out till spring!



Blake has also began pulling up on things and walking behind his walker toy. He doesn't have any direction when he does this but is just so ready to go its hilarious! I know hes going to be walking so soon and our lives will never be the same! No more teeth yet and we have discovered the "b" sound and everything is "bababababab"! I love him!

New Years Wedding in WV

So the weekend after our trip to FL,we decided to travel 400 miles to WV for Brandon and Kelly's New Years Day wedding. Brandon is a long time friend of Randy's from FL,he was also a groomsman in our wedding so off to WV we went. We were both off on Friday,so we left at about 9am.We got there about 4:30 pm,and the festivities began around 7pm. We met the wedding party at the hotel for the rehearsal dinner, then afterwards we partied in the restaurant lounge with all the FL guests! It was a great way to ring in the new year! Blake was partying with one of the bridesmaids in her hotel room, so that was nice for mommy and daddy. Randy had a little too much fun! But we were up bright and early Saturday morning with little man and we headed out to the WV mall! What an interesting place! The wedding was at 4:30 and it was beautiful, Kelly looked wonderful and was absolutely glowing, I don't know if it was the wedding day bliss, or those two little baby's growing inside,yes I said 2!!
The reception was beautiful as well and I was very glad to have such a well behaved little boy,2 other little ones there had to leave within a half hour of the starting of the reception. We ended Saturday early,about 10:30 and met Brandon,Kelly,and Ava for breakfast at cracker barrel. We had a nice visit and are looking forward to going back!
Overall, West Virginia is a beautiful state very mountainous and this time of year like many northern states is ugly and dead in the winter. We hope to go back in the spring/summer for a baby shower!

12/17/2010

WE HAVE A TOOTH!!!!
Finally, I swear this kid has been teething since he was 3 months old! He is a great teether though. He isn't very fussy just drooley and doesn't like to sleep! So we were all sitting in bed and Blake like normal wanted to chew on my finger,so i put it in his mouth and quickly pulled it back out and said ouch! Those new little teeth are so sharp! So now we have the 2 bottom teefers popping through! And just this week the sleep pattern has changed again and I have a completely different child, whom I am ready to give away most nights! I'm hoping these teeth come in faster! Because this mommy is tired and needs some sleep!

Blakes Florida Christmas

We went to FL for a whole week! I so needed a vacation,and Randy did as well! The flights went extremely well,much to my surprise, Blake slept most of the flights which actually made traveling much easier. But let me tell you it is a chore to fly with an infant! I never realized how much "stuff" we needed! We flew into Orlando and got to spend some time with Jill and the kids,and GG(grandma)! It was so nice to spend time with all of them it had been a little while since we had seen all of them. We even got some alone time to finish Christmas shopping and Auntie Jill got some grandma practice time with Blake man. We headed down to Ft.Myers on Sunday evening. It was a drive but we made it and spent the rest of the trip except Christmas eve there. Randy's parents were very excited to get to see Blake,and I think Randy even felt a little jealous! We got to spend time with all our Florida family and friends. Randy got to fish,and eat his catch and it was overall a great trip. Blake was once again ,big surprise I know,spoiled by everyone! He opened a ginormous pile of gifts from the Ribeiro family and Auntie Racheal& Uncle Jason on Christmas eve, and woke up Christmas day at Oma & Opa's to do it all again! We didn't want to come home to the freezing cold and left the sunshine behind! It was overall a great trip and we cant wait to go back!

Blake's #2 First Christmas

So My spoiled little man got #2 First Christmas with Grammy. My mom came to visit us 12/10/10. We had a great time and wore ourselves out with some hardcore shopping! She of course spoiled Blake for Christmas and strangely she spoiled Randy as well. I will admit I felt a twinge of jealousy seeing Randy's pile of presents compared to mine!
Blake loved opening presets again of course. This time he was a little more interested in what was inside. Mom got him,among lots of other things,a little people nativity set, this was my favorite gift and I cant wait till I can use these little people to tell him the Christmas story! He also got a toddler sled which I cant wait to use,daddy got a sled to but not mommy they are trying to keep me off them or something like Id get hurt(if you have any idea of my history, its probably better I stay away from the sleds)! My mom stayed until Tuesday and was very sad to have to leave,as we were sad to see her go!