A Rough Night

Since things were going so great, on Saturday, we decided that it would be the day we would bring home the puppies to meet Hayden. Little did we know that it would be an exciting and LONG night ahead! Around 11:00 or so, Hayden began a three hour bout of crying, screaming, and was simply inconsolable. We went for a midnight car right, tried feeding him, gave him Mylicon, holding him in every way we knew how, and finally, the miracle of the night...the Balboa Sling! We finally got the sling out about 1:00 and he calmed down as I paced the 600 sq ft of living space we have. Then, we decided to get him out and it all started again! Jeff was such a trooper and took over at that point. We again put him in the sling and he fell asleep in it in Jeff's arms until about 3:00 when it was time to feed. Luckily, he went to sleep after eating. Was it colic? Who knows, but it such a helpless feeling!! Anyone who has experience with Colic, we would love any feedback you might have! The poor puppies did great, but didn't have a clue what was going on!

I would definitely recommend the Balboa Sling to any new moms! It is so comfortable and Hayden loves it! We use it daily when we go for walks or simply need to calm Mr. Hayden!

Mommy

Just wanted to give you an update on how I am doing. I am doing GREAT!! I have stopped all pain medication and am getting around great! My incision is doing well. Once the staples came out on Sunday, it made such a huge difference in my pain level! When I got home, I felt like my body had been beat though! My back hurting the worst. But, really, I feel great now. I have lost about 25 pounds since I had him. 10 of which were in the past few days. Tells you how swollen I was! I have taken some pretty good walks, but am still taking it easy. It is so hard to not do too much. Luckily, Jeff does so much and is so proactive! He is a little concerned that I am getting a little spoiled. ;-) I try to sneak in a nap here and there, but that is hard too because I want to take advantage of the time I have when Hayden is sleeping to get some things done or catch up on a TV show. What is haunting me right now, are all the "thank-you" cards I need to get finished. I feel so bad that they aren't all done and I definitely want our friends and family to know how much we appreciate them!

My mom came over on Friday so Jeff and I could go on a "date". We needed to run to Rockwall and mom volunteered to come watch Hayden for a few hours. We went to Target, Lowes, Bath and Body works for soap (We have never washed our hands so much!), Dicks Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart, and Chiloso for lunch (yummy!). It sounds like a lot, but we knew what we needed and were in and out in no time in each place. We knew Hayden was just fine with his Nanny, but we felt like we needed to get back home to him. Jeff was joking saying that was the quickest shopping spree I had been on! I was definitely worn out and ready for some Hayden lovin' and some rest when we got home!

A Few Firsts...

We have had a great week at home! Mommy, Daddy, and Hayden are adjusting well! He is a good eater and is a GREAT baby! Here are a few of our firsts this week...

A couple of my favorite first pictures:

Our first doctor appointment:

We had our first appointment with our pediatrician on Tuesday. After asking around and getting referrals we decided to go with Dr. Pflieger at Rockwall Pediatrics. We LOVED him and all of his staff. From the moment we walked in the door, everyone was so welcoming. Everyone! Because they didn't have a room for us right away, they immediately put us in his office to wait. We thought that was so nice! Then, when we got to the room his nurse came in and spent about 15-20 minutes with us discussing things we may be experiencing the first couple of weeks. Then, the doctor visit! He was wonderful! Hayden was perfect! He weighed 6 lbs, 15 oz. gaining 3 oz. since leaving the hospital on Sunday. YEA! What a great Christian and friendly atmosphere and we feel so lucky we have found him!

Waiting to see the doctor...

After the check-up...

The Swing:
Hayden loves his swing! I mean loves it!!! He spends a lot of his time in it these days! We had originally picked out a different swing and we are so glad we didn't get it! This swing is so soft and changes directions which he loves!

Our First Bath:
Our first bath was quite an adventure! Poor baby cried through the whole thing! Then, I read somewhere to keep a towel on them and uncover as you go. Wow, did this make a difference! He liked it much better!

Tummy Time:
I am so amazed at his strength already. He is holding his head up and turning it side to side when he is on your shoulder. And, he does very well with tummy time on the floor too! When we lay him on the boppy he uses legs to push his bottom up in the air. He is one strong boy!

Our first ride to look for deer and in the sling:
Yesterday we decided to take the bumpy ride in the pasture to go look for deer. He did great! Jeff and I did this often when I was pregnant, so I guess this was no big deal for him. Like a true country boy, he just had a diaper on with a blanket and he slept through it all!

Then, we went for a walk. We decided to try out the new sling. He loved it too! He was all cozy and slept the entire time!

Diaper Changes:

Ok, boy moms, I know you feel our pain! I seriously think the first few days at home, that 8 out of 10 times, Hayden either sprayed himself, the wall, the changing table or us. It was like a three ring circus! The first time it happened, it seriously went straight in his face and mouth. Jeff and I were almost in tears and felt so bad it happened! Of course, a couple minutes later, Hayden had forgotten about it, but we felt terrible! Luckily, we have figured out a few tricks to help us out with this!

Our First Day Home

We were so anxious to get to come home yesterday! We were able to leave the hospital around 1:00 and it was a great ride home! Hayden did great! He was a little unsure of the car seat at first, but we both settled in and got a nap on the way home!

Jeff and I literally just enjoyed the quiet at home with our precious baby boy! Jeff was on a mission though when we got home! He was non-stop for like 3 hours putting batteries in things, putting things away, getting things organized, and Hayden and I enjoyed each other for a while!

We also had our family visit us and welcome Hayden home! Jeff's mom and niece Brooklyn came over to see Hayden and bring dinner for us. Then, Jeff's brother and family came over. And before bed, my parents came over to kiss Hayden goodnight!

When we got home, Cindy (Jen's Mom) had been over to get our dogs and we noticed that she made our bed and put some finishing touches on house that made it so nice to walk in to!! We literally just left everything as it was when we left at 3:30 Wednesday morning. She even made a welcome home sign on our "write on" plate we had been using for our countdown to Hayden's arrival. Thanks Cindy!

Speaking of our dogs, Skooter and Chloe have not met Hayden yet. Dad came and got them on Wednesday after we knew were delivering and then Cindy kept them Saturday night. They are now back at my parents. We are so thankful to have some time to get Hayden settled in before he meets the pups!

Pictures of our baby!

Here are a few pictures of our baby! He has changed so much the past three days! I think he is finally starting to show he has olive skin like Jeff and I. We just think he is absolutely perfect!

Day 3 with Hayden

Good Evening from our 5 star hospital room! We like it so much, we decided to stay a fourth night! :-) So much has happened since I blogged with you last! My world has changed so much and I can't even begin to describe the joy I have in my heart! The feelings I have for our new family of three is indescribable! I love my new title of "Mommy"!

Our day today has gone great! We really didn't know if we would be going home today or not, but the doctor told us it was just best for someone else to take care of us for one more day! As much as we are ready to be home, I am so glad we did stay! Hayden's nurse was fantastic today and has helped us so much! We were having trouble with Hayden nursing and getting enough to eat. Two nights ago his blood sugar was low, so we had to give him formula. I was really upset about having to give this to him, but of course we want what is best for him! Then, we started giving him a little formula with every feeding to help supplement until my milk came in. But, he was still hungry and hard to get back to sleep at night. So, the pediatrician came in today and told us we should give him an ounce of formula with feedings and what a difference it has made! So, our feeding routine lasts about an hour each time. Nurse for about 30 minutes, give him a bottle of breast milk that was previously pumped, give him formula, then I pump for 15-20 minutes and save it for next time. We have it down after today and Hayden has been loving it! We are expecting to have a much better night tonight! I think I have averaged about 2 hours of sleep the past three nights and am anxious to perhaps get an hour between feedings tonight!

Jeff has been such a trooper and has helped me so much!! I could hardly wait for the moment I could see Jeff hold his baby boy! Wow...again, a moment that I can't describe. From the moment he saw him coming out of my tummy, to holding him the first time, to changing his first diaper, to becoming a pro at swaddling. He is an amazing Daddy and Hayden has officially "rocked his world"!! Hayden already has his Daddy wrapped around his fingers! (and his Mommy too!)

Hopefully we will get to go home tomorrow morning. We can't wait to get our baby boy home!

A True Blessing

Some of you are looking at this picture wondering what in the world your looking at. Well, we call this a wonderful blessing from God and proof that He was in total control of this pregnancy. When Hayden was delivered the doctor said, "Wow, a double knot!". Jeff had to have an explanation on this and wanted to pass it on to everyone. Dr. Thurston explained that some months ago Hayden swam around in his little world and tied a double knot in his cord. Of course this could have turned into a huge problem but, as all of you know, God is in control.

Our World Has Changed

I have known for more than 9 months now that I was going to be a daddy but I thought I still had two more weeks before it would happen. I guess there is no way to really mentally prepare for it so I am really glad it happened quickly. Here's how it went down.

I got home from work at about 3am as usual and Megan said she couldn't sleep. Her blood pressure was so high and I got pretty scared. We called the doctor and they told us to get to the hospital so they could run some tests. Megan thought we would be coming right back home but something told me to get everything we would need for a long stay anyway. I loaded up the car in record time and we both took a shower because hospital visits are never quick. On the drive up to Dallas I couldn't keep any rational thoughts going but I didn't want to worry Megan so I kept them to myself. I know we were both saying our prayers! We made it to the hospital at about 4:45 and they took really good care of us right away. Some of the tests had us and the doctor worried so Dr. Thurston decided it was time for Hayden to get his life started.

I went outside and made all the necessary phone calls to family, friends and work then I almost tossed my cookies in the parking lot. As the nurses and doctors prepared her for a c-section delivery I paced up and down the halls and tried to stay somewhat calm. It didn't help that I had been awake for about 26 hours straight by this time. So they came and got Megan and took her into the delivery room. My instructions were to put on some scrubs and wait. They should have put me in a straight jacket cause I was going nuts! I sat in there and actually wondered if they would forget to come get me for the delivery! They didn't forget about me and off I went to live the greatest experience of my life. Hayden was born at 11:30 and I got to hold him just a few minutes later. I had so many thoughts and wondered at that point how anyone could not believe in God.

Well, I now have even more respect for Megan and I have seen her inside and out, literally. She is such a good woman and will be the best mother ever! Hayden is one day old now. We had a good first full day, I learned to change diapers and swaddle. Megan has been using the little pain button every chance she gets but has been up moving around some which is a really good sign. Hayden seems to be a really good baby and really likes to be held. He is very content but the best part is when I talk to him and he opens his eyes. I am in love with being a Daddy!

We feel so blessed to have such a precious and healthy baby boy!

Jeff

**Thank you Jen for keeping our blog updated!!

Drum roll please...

Shots of the handsome little man!

The proud papa! Jeff has been awake about 35 hours if my calculations are correct.

He's here!

Hayden was born at 11:30 am. He weighs 7 lbs 4 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. Pictures coming soon...

Hayden Luke Smith is on his way!

Megan is at the hospital and is scheduled for a c-section today at 11:30 am. Her blood pressure was high last night so when Jeff got home at 3 am (he's a police officer) they called the doctor and he told her to come on to the hospital. They did a few tests and checked her-the protein in her urine was very high (as high as it can be) so Dr. T suggested they deliver today. Since she hasn't dilated any on her own he suggested a c-section...so in about an hour Hayden Luke will make his way into the world!

So exciting-my mom is heading to the hospital today with Megan's niece after she gets out of school. I instructed her to take tons of pictures and send them to me! I'll post them as soon as I get them!

Jen

Hayden's Nursery

Hayden's Nursery is officially ready for his arrival! True meaning is that we rearranged our "living room" to accomodate the pack and play and swing! We also got Hayden's carseat put in as well and started packing a bag for the hospital! Officially...3 weeks to go! We are ready any time!

THE BEFORE...

THE AFTER...

Jeff was such a trooper putting everything together. I think he was as excited as I was!

7 lb baby!

I went back to the doctor today. I had my sonogram first and they measured Hayden at 7 lbs 2 oz. That means he has grown 1 1/2 lbs in less than two weeks! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!! I told Jeff I was going to have to lay off the Blue Bell...Hayden must be a Blue Bell lover like his Mommy and Daddy! They also told me that they saw some calcium deposits on the placenta. At this point they are not too concerned about it. You can go here to find out more about placenta calcification.

After the sono, I went to see my doctor. Almost croaked when I saw my weight. I am definitely going to attribute it to water retention (or the Blue Bell)! :-) My blood pressure was high today for me and definitely high for the normal person without chronic hypertension. They took it a couple of times before and after my appointment and it was quite high and then had me lay down and it was better. So, they increased the amount of medicine I am taking for it and told me to monitor it closely for now. My doctor didn't check me today for dilation/thinning, but the sonogram showed a little thinning of the cervix but he said at this point they can't tell real well on the sono. It is a lot more accurate when checked by the doctor. Also, my group B strep test came back normal. YEA!

I have felt pretty good the past couple of days. I do feel like I have had some contractions, but none happening consistently.

I go back to the doctor next Wednesday. I 'll keep you posted!

Spoke too soon!

When I shared with you on Wednesday that I felt like Hayden had dropped, but not much pressure. I spoke too soon!! I am definitely feeling it today! The past week or so I have had a lot of sciatic nerve pain on my left side. Something I would not wish on ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily today was much better with the hip, but the pressure was definitely evident! I feel like I seriously can feel his head now way down low!! Today on the way home he was moving like crazy the whole time. I felt like I was squishing his poor little head by sitting in the car.

The doctor appointments were pretty uneventful yesterday. I had a sonogram, but they didn't measure him this time. I did get to actually see him breathing which was really neat! His body was making a backward motion which they said signified he was not under any stress and doing very well. I thought my doctor might check me yesterday, but he didn't. Just the lovely Group B Stress Test...I am praying for a negative result!

I go back to the doctor on Tuesday and should have an updated measurement on Hayden from the sono and possibly a check from the doctor. I will keep you posted.

36 weeks and counting...DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The countdown is on!!!!!!!! 4 weeks to go! I do feel like he has dropped some, but not to the point where I am feeling an immense about of pressure. I am still swollen from head to toe (seriously...my nose/face is swollen and of course my little piggies are too...so attractive)! I am anxious to go to the doctor tomorrow to see what he has to say about how we are doing!

Jeff and I have our hospital tour and baby care/CPR class on Saturday. Exciting! Afterwards we plan to make a trip to Babies R US and Target to finish getting our "essentials". We still need to get our swing, extra car seat base, and the almighty breast pump...and I am sure we will find a few other things we "need"! I can't imagine what it would be though. Our friends and family have been so generous! We have gotten so many wonderful things!

We also plan to start getting things ready for Hayden's arrival. He won't have a nursery, but that is ok! We just need to get the swing, pack and play, and the car seat all set up and maybe pack a bag. I can't believe it is really time to start thinking about him coming any time now!!!!!!