Phebe Eloise

On May 20th I was big and pregnant.  My body was starting to hurt whether I stood, sat down, laid down...I was just getting miserable.  I was ready to have the baby!  I had been praying every single day that God would help me to have the baby -- SOON.  I was so ready.

I had my weekly doctor's appointment scheduled for the next day, but I was going to call and ask if there were any cancellations because I just wanted to go in, have my doctor strip my membranes, and pray it would do something for me.  I had been dilated to 4 cm and my cervix was open and ready for weeks -- just no Phebe.

I just finished taking a shower when my phone rang.  The nurse asked if I could come in that afternoon instead of waiting till the next day.  YES!  My mom and sister came with me to the appointment.  My doctor swept my membranes (there were only 2 that she swiped...hardly anything was holding Phebe up anymore at that point) and then talked to me for a little bit.  She was even shocked I was still pregnant at that point.

She did tell me, though, that she was leaving for the weekend and wouldn't be back till Tuesday.  If I wanted her to deliver the baby before she left, I would have to schedule an induction for the next morning at 6:00 a.m.  I was so disappointed.  This whole pregnancy I prayed and asked God to allow me to go into labor on my own.  I had never experienced it and I really wanted to know what it felt like since this would be my last pregnancy.  I went ahead and scheduled my induction and felt discouraged.

After my appointment we went to Walmart to get some last minute items.  While walking around I did feel like my insides were going to fall out of my body, but no contractions quite yet.  We went home and had dinner with the whole family.  Around 8:30 p.m. I started feeling some contractions.  Nothing consistent, just here and there.  I decided to go on another walk hoping to cause more, but as soon as we went walking I felt like things stopped.  I was pretty irritable at that point.  I was not going to get what I wanted.  I felt like giving up.

I ended up going to bed.  I figured I might as well try and rest some before waking up so early.  Paul knew how discouraged I was, so he decided to help me take my mind off of it...by telling me fish stories.  See, the whole time my family visited the guys went fishing every single night!  They had so much fun and had plenty of stories to tell.  It actually did help me feel a little better.

Around 2:00 a.m. I woke up because of a hard contraction.  I laid there for a little bit and ended up feeling another strong one.  I got up and went to the bathroom and tried to figure out if it was just a fluky thing...or if this was the real deal.  I went back to bed and laid there for about 30-45 minutes before I woke Paul up and said, "I think this is it."

Paul got up and woke up my parents.  I slowly got out of bed in between contractions and went to sit on the exercise ball.  It didn't take long before my contractions were 1-2 minutes apart and my dad said, "And why are we not at the hospital yet?"

Getting in the car and driving to the hospital was pretty unpleasant for me.  I was very thankful we lived at the bottom of the hill and the hospital was only a couple blocks away!  Before I knew it we were in the room and I was getting hooked up.

I don't remember what time my water actually broke, but I felt the gush and immediately wanted to cry happy tears!  In the midst of pain I remember thanking God over and over for answering my request.  It may seem silly to others, but I wanted this so bad.

I only felt gushes of water here and there with contractions.  I figured Phebe must have been cutting off the water somehow because I didn't feel the huge ocean-like gush that I was used to when they would break my water with the others.

This labor was different than my other labors.  Because I was induced with the other ones I was used to the Pitocin contractions -- extreme and on top of each other.  Going into labor naturally is so opposite of that.  There were some breaks in between contractions that I actually dozed off until the next one hit.  Because the contractions were not on top of each other like I was used to, I just knew I would be in labor all day and I did not want that.  I never wanted drugs with any of my other labors, but this time I remember telling my mom and Paul both that I needed them.  I wasn't joking.  Get me the drugs.  My mom had to tell me more than once that it was too late -- I was dilated to 8 and Phebe was coming!  I didn't comprehend what she was saying because I wasn't having as many contractions...

It wasn't long before my favorite nurse came in to do the final check and my doctor was behind her.  They knew Phebe was cutting off the rest of the water, so my doctor finished breaking the sack with her fancy little hook and I immediately felt my body start to push.  I didn't know what was going on, but I pushed 3-4 times and here came beautiful, sweet Phebe and the rest of my water following behind helping to push her out.

Phebe Eloise was born at 7:45 a.m.  She weighed 8 lbs and was 20 1/2 inches long.

I can't help but tear up when I think of the story all over again.  Giving birth is one of the most amazing things I have every experienced -- and the fact that I was able to do it on my own without being induced...I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I feel.  I will always be thankful for the Lord answering my prayer.  

Not long after Phebe was born people realized just how tired they were so one by one they left to go back to bed.  Paul and I crashed as well and slept for hours.  My other babies were not able to meet their new sister as soon as she was born because there was a ban at the hospital and no one under the age of 18 was allowed in the maternity section.  After everyone got some rest, though, we did sneak out of the maternity ward and down the hall so our little ones could say hello.  Thanks to my favorite nurse who will remain unnamed. :-)

Phebe is now 12 days old and is still adored by all.  She is the easiest baby...  She gets mauled all the time by her siblings showering her with sloppy, wet kisses and big, bear hugs.  She doesn't mind. :-)  She is so beautiful...  I look forward to the day when she is older and she wears matching outfits with Zoe -- but until that day comes, I will enjoy each and everyday I have left with a newborn in the house.  It's bittersweet to think about her being our last baby!

Easter

We don't take family pictures very often - and I haven't been taking pictures of my growing belly at all - so I thought I would share this picture that was taken yesterday at church.  At this point in my pregnancy I would rather not see myself, but I love seeing my kids dressed so snazzy in their Easter Sunday best!  Even my handsome husband looks extra handsome, doesn't he?

We had a great service in the morning, a potluck dinner with ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, German potatoes, green beans, mac-n-cheese, biscuits, and tons of different desserts!  I have a feeling I'm forgetting some things that were there - but you get the idea.  It was delicious!  After such a filling meal I could tell all the adults were ready for a Sunday afternoon nap, but the kids were very anxious to go outside and hunt for some eggs.

I love watching kids hunt for Easter eggs!  They get so excited running around with their cute little baskets.  I think this may have been Titus' first year hunting.  He picked up one egg and realized he could open it - and that there was candy inside so he sat himself down and enjoyed the treats in his one egg.  He couldn't care less about filling his basket with anything else.  It was too cute!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter with family and friends!  I am so thankful for a day to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ!  So, so thankful!

Four under 4

This May Paul and I will be having our fourth child before our oldest child turns 4 years old.  Does this stress us out?  Not really.  Does it stress other people out?  Apparently yes. 

Last year before our youngest son turned 1 we got the surprise of a positive pregnancy test.  It took us over a month before we made it public mostly (for me) so I could enjoy the thought of having another baby without hearing the comments. 

It wasn't long after people found out before we were hearing that we were being talked about:

"How is Grace going to manage?"

"Poor Grace...how is she going to function with four babies?"

"How's the 'birth control' working for you?"

We live in a day and age where I feel like children are not seen as a blessing from God but rather a punishment from Him.  That's not the case at all. 

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3 

When Paul and I were newlyweds we had our life all planned out and we thought our plan would make us happy.  The opposite of nearly everything we had on our list happened.  

We ended up having not one, but two kids while Paul was in college.  Studying was a lot of fun in our house!  
We outgrew our apartment and bought our first house -- which we have outgrown again.  

We thought we were taking a break to enjoy our two kids...that didn't happen.  

Every year we promise to buy a dishwasher and every year something comes up -- this year it was a broken arm.  

Money is tight when birthdays come along so we decorate using construction paper, balloons, and tissue paper.  Thank you Pinterest!  

Paul and I were planning a romantic trip to Cancun for our anniversary this year...I got pregnant. So we will be enjoying our anniversary at home with steaks and mushrooms by candlelight. Or maybe a pizza. 

Every night I go into my son's room and reassure him that the shadows are not monsters and that Jesus is the ultimate superhero.  Sometimes I have to reassure him a few times before he calms down and goes back to sleep.

The kids wake up early demanding cereal, gum, candy, or SuperWhy every morning before I am even out of bed.  Or have had my coffee.

My husband runs out of clothes every single week.

Even though our life hasn't gone according to plan, Paul and I could not be happier!  Zoe, Max, and Titus give us pure joy.  Sometimes we sit in the car while all three are dancing to the music and we get overwhelmed...we have such beautiful, happy, healthy children.  Wow.  It's amazing.

Things don't work out the way we want them to and life is stressful, but at the end of the day...it's all about family.  Cake Boss knows what he's talking about! 

This lifestyle may not be for you, and if you couldn't handle it, then thank God He hasn't given you more than you can handle.  I know it is not for everyone.  But don't feel sorry for me.  Be happy with me while I bask in the blessings that God has given me!

Oh, and by the way...baby #4 is a girl!

On the mend

This weekend was probably one of the worst weekends of our lives.  Not trying to be dramatic.  But it was miserable!

All we did was lay on the couch and watch Netflix all day.  We got through 4 seasons of The Office!  And oldie but a goodie.

By Monday night I ended up crying because I was so tired and felt so cooped up I just didn't know what to do with myself.  Thankfully we were able to get out of the house for a couple of hours and that helped so much!

Tuesday was Paul's first day back to work.  Since Paul had to work I figured I should work around the house too.  I got a couple loads of laundry done, I washed the mountainous load of dishes in the sink, I made sure the living room was picked up, and I made a nice dinner for the family.

It was so nice to sit at the table with our little family and enjoy feeling human again.  We even had a little devotion after we finished eating and were still sitting around the table -- something I want to continue doing with our little ones.  And my husband.

Something exciting is happening today!  In Zoe's words, we are going to see a picture of the baby in Mommy's tummy!  She is very excited while the boys are obviously clueless.  Our doctor will write down the gender on a piece of paper and we will have a gender revealing party sometime next week once everyone is feeling well!  I can't wait!

It's crazy to think that in 4 months another sweet little baby will be with us.  I am just ready to get the labor part over...

Oh, and make sure you vote for what you think we're having in the top right corner!

In case you were wondering...

In case you were wondering what happened to me...I have been busy.  Just when I think it can't get any busier, I get a BIG surprise!

Paul and I are expecting our 4th little bundle of joy May 23, 2014!  At first I didn't know what to think.  We had talked about being done or at least waiting another couple years before talking about another baby...but we all know God has other plans!

Zoe is old enough that she kind of knows what is going on.  She knows there is a baby in Mommy's tummy, she hopes it's a sister baby, and she wants it here NOW!  Maybe we shouldn't have told her so soon...

There are some days when I feel pretty sick, and then other days, like today, where I feel perfectly fine.  I'm thankful that God is having mercy on me since life can't slow down whenever I'm feeling crummy.  PB&J sandwiches still need to be made, little bottoms still need to be wiped, and the laundry hasn't figured out how to wash, dry, and fold itself!

Introducing... (finally)

 

Titus Colin was born October 26th at around 1:20 p.m.  He was 7 lbs 10 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.  We all are very, very happy he is finally here!

 

He is such a good baby.  He fusses only when there's something bothering him; dirty diaper, hungry, he needs to burp.  He is such a little snuggler!  He'll snuggle up and just sleep on your chest and he has the cutest little boy coos you've ever  heard.

 

Zoe and Max absolutely adore their new brother.  Zoe fell in love with Titus right away, but it took Max a couple weeks to even realize there was a third kid around.  Ha!  Thankfully he is very loving and will give Titus kisses and rub his head.

 

Speaking of his head...

 

Did you notice the hair?!

 

We all were very surprised to see all of that hair -- and how dark it is!  It still blows me away whenever I see it and I can't help but chuckle.  There always has to be an odd one in the family. ;)

 

It seems like so much has happened in the past three weeks.  I don't even know where to start!

 

Titus was born.  Duh. =)

 

While my family was here they helped me potty train Zoe.  She is doing AMAZING!  I am so proud of her!  She wears panties all day while we're home except for when she's asleep.  We are slowly having less and less accidents.  Maybe 1-2 a day.  She is really getting the hang of it.  She cracks me up, though, cause whenever she goes in the toilet she immediately says, "I'm so proud of you Mom!"  Silly girl.

 

Max can pretty much walk.  He just chooses not to.  I have no idea why!  He would rather crawl around and keep getting his clothes and the top of his socks dirty than walk like a big boy, even though he is encouraged by everyone -- especially Zoe.  Oh well.  The light bulb will come on one day and he'll walk all the time and I'll wish he wasn't so mobile. =)

 

I quit my job!  I am now a full-time mother and I LOVE it.  Working even a part-time job was absolutely impossible with three babies under the age of 3.  It was kind of stressful making the decision to quit, but I'm thankful God made a way for me to quit and we still be ok financially.  It feels good to worry only about my husband, my kids, our home, the laundry, cooking, etc.  I now have time to enjoy each of my children and not have stress and feel frazzled 24/7.

 

Life. Is. Good.  That's all I can say.  I feel so incredibly wonderful and I'm so, so thankful for the blessings that God showers on my family and I.  I'm probably the biggest nerd ever, but it makes me giddy writing up chore lists, daily schedules, menu planning, etc. because it means I'm more involved in my family!  I can do crafts and enjoy spontaneous outings because I'm a free woman doing what God wants me to do -- love my children.  I thank Him daily for this opportunity.

 

Until next time....

(Who know when that will be?! Ha!)

 

=)

Source: itworksforbobbi.com via Grace on Pinterest

Not a whole lot going on around here right now.  I am now 29 weeks 1 day pregnant.  I cannot believe that this little guy is due in 76 days.  Seems unreal!  We will have three babies under the age of three before we know it!

The weather is slowly starting to change.  It doesn't seem as hot anymore.  Don't get me wrong, it's still plenty warm.. just not 100 degrees.  With the weather changing I'm getting a LITTLE excited about starting "school" with Zoe.  We will start the first Monday in September.  I bought a preschool book and new crayons for her.  It'll be great!

Maximus is going to be one next month!  I cannot believe my little guy is turning one.  I still don't know what theme his party will be.  I don't know if I'm ready to go all out on a party again!  Just kidding.  Of course I will make his day special. ♥

I feel like I'm just rambling.  Have a wonderful week!



This and that.

Source: bigicetees.com via Grace on Pinterest

We were able to get a sneak peek at our third beautiful little baby.  By looking at his profile we wonder if he will look like Max -- with Zoe's forehead.  We will know for sure soon!  Watching him move and kick on the screen made my heart yearn to hold him and give him snuggles!  Since Zoe has a nickname for Max (Bubba) we asked what the baby's name was.  She has been calling him Bobo.  Paul doesn't care for the nickname, but I think it's adorable!  We'll see if it sticks after he's born.

I look at the pictures I took of Zoe and Max yesterday (above) and I just melt!  I am so thankful God has blessed Paul and I with two amazing children so far.  I could not have asked for a better life!

Source: adammclane.com via Grace on Pinterest

Source: thehappyhousewife.com via Grace on Pinterest

I almost forgot to tell you about some changes in our house!  Since Zoe is now 2 I decided it's time for some chores.  Some may think she is way too young and I'm not being fair, but I want to raise Zoe and Max to be responsible kids (and adults!).  Also, Zoe LOVES doing her chores!  We go through the house together and follow our chore chart and make a game out of it.  She gets so excited when I congratulate her for being able to check things off the list.  By making it a game she does not begrudge having to put away her toys or help with the laundry.  She loves being a helper.  It takes a lot of patience on my part, but I know that one day she will be able to do it on her own and I'll miss the days when she needed my help.  I'm sappy sentimental like that.

What kind of chores do your kids have?

P.S. Thank you to everyone who commented about Zoe's birthday party!  You all are great! =)  I'm glad so many enjoyed my pictures!  Wish you could have been there!

Prepare to be bombarded...

...with PICTURES!

I know I have been a total slacker when it comes to my blog.  I got in this mindset where I didn't have enough time to do anything and I just ran around like a chicken with my head cut off.  I was too frazzled to enjoy the life God had given me.  I would go to bed and have a hard time sleeping because my mind would race with what all had to be done the next day.

One day I was just sick of not having fun with my life.  So I changed my attitude.  Obviously I couldn't get rid of all of my responsibilities (not that I would want to!), but I could get rid of the hectic feeling I had towards it.

Recently I have been waking up at 7:30 every morning.  In the beginning it was hard because I had allowed myself to get used to sleeping in because I'm always so tired.  Before I even get out of bed I read my Bible and devotions.  Immediately that puts me in a better mood.  I have realized I am more feisty and can get into trouble when I skip my reading.  Haha!

By 8:00 I do a Pilates workout and then I take a shower.  Or "shake a tower" as my family would say.  Reading my Bible and doing a workout first thing in the morning gives me energy that I didn't even realize I had!

The house is still not in excellent condition, but it is a work in progress.  I had let a lot of things slip because I've always been too tired to work around the house.  I put together a chore chart that is helping me get things organized, and I hope that one day soon I will be on top of everything thanks to my list!  I'm slowly getting there and that motivates me.

I work while the babies take a nap during the day or when they are sleeping at night.  This does sometimes mean late nights for me, but I don't really have a choice right now.  Thankfully I don't have a huge work load compared to others in the company.  I know I cannot do more than I am now.

Last weekend a friend and I bought material and made maternity dresses.  This was my first time EVER sewing anything (other than quilting many, many years ago) and it was a fun experience!  I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I wanted to pull my hair out, but I did it.. and I'm so proud!  I would love to make another one soon!  I think I would enjoy sewing more.

This past week Max hasn't been feeling well (which is why there aren't a whole lot of pictures of him this week).  I don't know if it was teething or a virus, but I can tell he is not going to be fun to hang around when under the weather.  He does not handle sickness as well as Zoe.  Poor guy.  Thankfully he is back to his normal, happy self!

Zoe had a birthday on July 25th.  She is now a 2-year-old.  Paul and I cannot believe we have a toddler.  Her party will be this Saturday.  It is Elmo themed -- of course.  I plan on decorating and planning fun games.  I can't wait to see her face!

Paul is doing well with his promotion at work.  I am so proud of him and everything he does for us!  He is such a hard worker!  Even his attitude has changed.  He feels like he's slowly getting somewhere in life.  I'm glad he's happy.  When Daddy is happy, Mom is happy.  When Mom is happy, everyone is happy. =)

Oh, I almost forgot!  Something else that happened this past week.  Paul was able to get in contact with a lady that was selling maternity jeans that looked in good condition.  We were expecting to pay $10 for two pairs.  When the lady came to drop the jeans off at Paul's work, she had a box FULL of maternity shirts and jeans.  She said that if they fit me to let her know because she has another box she would give us too.  And get this -- it didn't cost us a penny.  I cannot tell you how thankful I am for this because I have struggled so much in this pregnancy because I hardly have any clothes that fit.  Now I have a plethora!  Thank you Jesus!

Anyways.. that's our news.  God is good, life is good, it's all good!

I can't see my feet.

First of all, I want to thank the Lord for providing a maternity belt for me!  My mother-in-law was able to find one at our local Salvation Army for $4.  Wanna know how much it was origionally?  $69.  No joke.  Thank you, Jesus, for helping me out!  This is my first day being able to wear it and it has helped my body so much.  It's not 100% relief, but close enough!  I am so thankful.

I feel like I have finally "popped out" in this pregnancy -- there's no wondering if I just turned into a fatso or if I'm pregnant again. =)  I happened to look down at myself and couldn't help but take a picture.  I still can't believe I will have three babies in three years.  Am I crazy?!  Perhaps.  But I am so, so happy with my babies.

Lately I have been watching Zoe and Max play with each other and it makes me so excited for what the future holds.  They love each other so much.  It's so beautiful to watch!  I can't wait to see how they will be with the baby.  Zoe absolutely loves babies.  When we go to story time she ends up playing with the babies instead of listening to the librarian.  She is too cute.  And Max loves to kiss everything and everyone in sight!  Man I love these babies!

It's getting harder folks..

I'm a little nervous that I'm only 19 weeks along in this pregnancy and I'm already complaining about my aching feet, back, etc.  How in the world am I going to feel by the time the baby is due?  Oh wait.. I remember.. I felt that last year..

Paul and I took the kids and had a picnic at the park today.  It was so nice and relaxing to just sit and talk over watermelon and sweet tea.  While sitting there we got to talking about our bodies, and I of course made some jokes about my blubbery-always-pregnant-self.  He asked me a serious question, though:

"Do you regret having babies so soon in our marriage?"

Paul knows that lately I have been struggling with my image because all I see is a body that has been used multiple times to give birth.  A body that isn't as young as it used to be.  A body that has been stretched to the max -- and isn't finished being stretched either!

I thought about his question, and I honestly said, "NO."

It wasn't our plan to have kids right away.  We were content to wait until after Paul graduated before starting a family.  When we found out we were pregnant three years ago we were happy about the surprise!  Everyone knows that didn't end very well.  I had a miscarriage that left us both feeling empty and broken.  We talked about it and knew that we wanted to try again.  Even though it was a change of plans, we couldn't help it.  We needed to redeem ourselves!

We had our beautiful baby girl.  She was perfect.  She helped Paul and I heal so much!  By the time we were home from the hospital, Paul was already planning for a second baby and I was too!

After having Max we were ready for a little break.  We wanted to have more, but I felt like my body needed a rest after having two babies in two years.  As soon as I felt I was ready, I was working out and doing my best to get my body back into shape.  By the time summer came around, I wanted to feel good about myself and work on a tan!

Well...God had another change of plans -- again.  And as you all know, baby #3 will be here at the end of October. =)

I wouldn't change my life for anything now.  Not even for a good looking body!  I may have my days where I feel like a vessel for babies and that's it, but deep down inside I know it is worth it.

One day Paul and I will be done having babies.  When that happens I will have my chance to work on my body and get back into shape.  Until that day comes, I will do my best to try and remember to enjoy every little moment with my children.

Just think, if I would have had my way, I would have never met Zoe, Max, or my new son that will be here soon.  That sounds like a nightmare to me.

Oh! I forgot!



17 weeks 2 days



When I was pregnant with Zoe I made sure to take a picture once a week so people could see my progress.  When I was pregnant with Max I think I took a picture maybe once a month.  This is the first belly picture I have taken of baby #3!  Poor kid.  I really do love you, sweetheart!

So here I am sporting an old t-shirt of my husband's that I kind of claimed. =D  In my defense, it's a cleaning day around here so I'm not worried about what I'm wearing or how I look.  I'm not a slob all the time! =)

I haven't weighed myself since my first doctor's appointment.  When I weighed myself I think I gained about 4ish lbs.  We'll see how much more I gained on May 9th. 

There's no wearing normal clothes anymore!  Maternity pants and shirts all the way.  Hence the picture of me wearing one of Paul's old shirts.  Ha!

Happy Tuesday!

Maximus Kirby: The Birth Story

I am so thankful that Max is finally here! It's only been a couple days and I already can't imagine my life without him.

The night of September 14 seemed to be a long one for me. I went to bed at 9:30 and it took me half an hour to fall asleep. For anyone who knows me that is a really long time! I woke up throughout the night peeking at the alarm clock to see if it was even remotely close to 5:00 a.m.

4:51 a.m. finally rolled around, and I took those nine minutes to snuggle up to the back of my husband while he slept. I knew it would be the last time I snuggled up to him with something being "in the way." Believe it or not, I actually was able to make myself calm down and really enjoy that moment.

The alarm blared loudly right on time and Paul, Sara, and I got ready for the big day. We remembered the hospital bag, cameras, phones, chargers, and even my granola bar. We only forgot one thing -- the car seat. Thankfully we only live down the hill from the hospital so it wasn't that big of a deal.

We arrived at the hospital, checked in, I got into one of those lovely hospital gowns that make you feel so skinny and attractive (HA!), got weighed (lost 10 lbs), and then they hooked me up to the IV. My favorite part. Thankfully I didn't have it in my wrist this time, so I had movement of both of my hands. That was nice.

Dr. Lien came in around 8:00 a.m. to break my water and start me on a low dose of pitocin.  We brought Zoe's walker with us and she walked the maternity with my while I tried to get the ball rolling.  It only took one lap and I knew things were progressing pretty quick.

My contractions seemed very inconsistent to me.  I had strong ones.  I had not-so-strong ones.  Sometimes rubbing my back worked and other times it hurt way too bad.  I had full on back labor with Zoe.  This time it was back/butt/thighs.  Ouch!

The nurse informed me ahead of time, if it was ok with me, that there would be a med student supervising everything that would be going on today.  It would be her first time witnessing a birth.  What a birth to witness!  But I'm getting ahead of myself..

During one of my contractions the nurse had the student touch my belly to see how hard it was.  She then began to inform the student that if I were to have an epidural I would have no idea that my body was contracting and they would have to tell me since I would have no feeling from the waist down.

Talk about hyperventilating.

I had to literally make myself breathe and calm down because the thought of not feeling my legs made me so claustrophobic!  If my contractions weren't so hard by that point I would have even took another walk.  Just thinking about it freaks me out. =\

It's amazing how different labors can be from each other.  I was in labor with Zoe for 12 hours.  I was in labor with Max for 4 1/2 hours.  During labor, though, I had no idea it was going to happen so fast!  It seemed like I dilated to 7cm incredibly fast, and then things just stalled while we waited for the stinking lip of my cervix to get out of the way.  The nurse had me push a few times and I still couldn't get anywhere!  I was feeling very discouraged.

Mom had the idea to squat.  I squatted through two contractions and screamed because I felt things open up dramatically.  What a crazy feeling!  I got back into bed and the nurse said that she talked to Dr. L on the phone and she said to lay on my side.  I did, and let me tell you, laying on your side during contractions may sound like it would give you a little relief, especially when you're having back labor, but it doesn't.  It. Hurt. So. Bad.

While laying on my side I thought I felt Max crowning, but because the nurse kept saying the lip of the cervix was in the way I doubted myself.  Well, it didn't take long before I knew it -- he was coming!  I said that in between gritted teeth but no one heard me.  I tried rolling over but a contraction got in the way and I could not move a muscle.  The nurse finished rolling me over to check the cervix to see Max's head in the way!

That's when the craziness happened.  The nurse started demanding things left and right -- "Call Lien! Give me another glove! Bring that table over here!" the list went on.  I only had to push once to finish getting the rest of Max's body out.

I listened for his cry.  I didn't hear it.  Dr. L arrived the second after the nurse delivered him.  No one was saying a word.  I kept saying, "Where's my baby? Where's my baby?" while my mom gently said, "His eyes are open, Grace, he's looking around.." but I knew my mom was hiding something from me.

I finally heard him cry and it was the best sound I ever heard.  I didn't see him for the longest time because everyone was surrounding him.  I finally got to see my son -- Maximus Kirby.

As you can see from the picture, he was very bruised.  I was so afraid!  Thankfully the nurse told me what happened..

For one, Max came out extremely fast.  Obviously. =)  He didn't come out head down like he was supposed to, instead he came out facing my leg -- and his hand was up against his face.  Which is why the stinking lip of the cervix never moved!  So not only did he fly out, he flew out facing the wrong way!  Crazy kid..

Here is little Max today.  The swelling has gone down dramatically!

He is 7 lbs 4 oz and is 18 1/2 inches long.  I am still amazed at how tiny he seems!  Because of the swelling, it seems like he gets smaller and smaller everyday instead of slowly getting bigger.  Ha!  He has beautiful frosted white hair and a cute little cowlick just like his parents.  Cute now, but he won't like it later.

Our little guy looks so much like his dad.  I am so proud!  He is just the most handsome little guy I have ever seen.

I absolutely love my little family.  My wonderful husband.  My pocket-full-of-sunshine daughter.  And now my handsome baby son.  Life is good.