Welcome to the world Cade Owen!!

On December 26th we welcomed Cade Owen into the world! I had started having contractions on Christmas Eve but refused to get TOO excited as they were pretty small and irregular. All day on Christmas I was timing my contractions. Did you know there is an iPod app for that?? No, seriously - there is. It is called the Contraction Master and I used it!! When I woke up they were about 8 minutes a part, 30 seconds long, and not very painful. Christmas was great. We hung out at the house all day with my family. I spent the evening playing Big Buck Hunter w/ my dad's latest Wii toy and of course rested between contractions by letting someone else shoot for a while.

Everyone left our house around 11:00 and we decided that if I couldn't fall asleep because of the contractions, we would go to the hospital. According to my Contraction Master app - they were now about 4 - 5 minutes a part and nearly a minute long. We decided it was time to go!! And off we went.

When we got to the hospital it was about 1:30am. They checked to see how much I was dilated and the nurse was shocked to find out that I was around 6cm. I was pretty surprised too because she said usually there is a lot more pain at this point. My mom, dad, and brother showed up shortly after. Because of visitor restrictions (swine flu), I was only allowed to have 2 people back with me so it was just mom and Tyler leaving Greg and my dad out in the waiting room. They stayed for a while but then decided to go home a few hours later since it didn't look like anything was going to happen right away. I decided to get the epidural even though I wasn't in tremendous pain just so hopefully I could get some sleep before I had to push. The epidural was great but I still couldn't really sleep. It actually caused me to stop contracting because I was so relaxed so they put me on a pitocin drip which got them started right back up again. I finally started pushing around 9:00. The nurses and doctor told me they wanted me to be able to feel when to push but not feel pain. I could definitely feel when to push so all was going well. The last little bit however didn't go so well because the epidural no longer was blocking out the pain. There was a button I could push for more epidural medicine but by this time it wasn't much help. Cade's heartbeat began to drop quickly and stayed low for nearly five minutes so the doctor decided it was best to use the forceps and get him the heck out of there. It was quite painful to say the least - you know its bad when the doctor loses count of the stitches but it was all worth it a million times over. I mean - look what we got out of it! Cade was born at 10:16 am.

First family picture.

Look at that butt! So cute!!!

He immediately started to suck on his hands when he was born trying to calm himself down. He still does this and makes the funniest sucking noises.

Pretty cute if I don't say so myself. Being home has been really nice. The first few nights were spent switching off sleeping on the recliner w/ him but we decided to bring down the hammer and have him sleep in his bassinet as we had planned. We elevated it slightly as suggested by our doctor so now he sleeps at an angle rather than flat on his back and it seems to be really helping. The real help though is that now my milk has come in and he chows down regularly then passes out for several hours. My parents have been a huge help now that we are home. I'm not sure if I would still be sane w/o my mom coming over on a daily basis to help out. It's been great and I'm going to do everything in my will power to make them never leave!! Tyler and I are so happy with our new little man and this crazy turn our life just took. It's pretty amazing.

40 week pics

I think these are pretty close to those pics that people post and they end up coming back to haunt them in the near future. I don't know why I am choosing to put these on the internet - I must be some kind of masochist. Each day has seemed to become exponentially more difficult than the last but I'm sure part of that is just because I know the end is so close! Today was my last day of school and I am glad that I was able to work up until the kids went on break. I can't really even fathom that I am off for the next three months!! It hasn't sunk in at all.

Anyway - here's the pics and hopefully the last of these!!! Next pics will hopefully be of the baby!!

40 week appointment

I had my last doctor's appointment today and I am now 3 cm dilated and still 80% effaced. He thinks the baby has dropped down even more and says I am definitely ready!! The doctor asked if I wanted to be induced this week but I don't want to risk being in the hospital over Christmas if I can prevent it so I decided to wait until next week. We have an appointment for Dec. 29th at 8:00 to get the party started unless I deliver before then. I can't wait!!!

39 weeks - appointment update

I had what is supposed to be the last of my one week appointments today although I will still go next week if I don't deliver before then. The doctor said I am 80% effaced now and 2 1/2 cm dilated! WHOO HOO! He said the baby is so low he was surprised I could even walk into his office!! I feel good too because I have one day of training down w/ the sub. He also said once I am at my due date we could induce but I really don't think I will go that route since I am still feeling pretty good and that would be awfully close to Christmas. Although - If he is still not born by the 27th I think I will STRONGLY consider that option. =)

PS - Tyler did all my errands w/ me yesterday and shoveled the driveway so I could get out this morning. Today he got my oil changed and tires rotated -- all this after seeing the dentist for two hours straight. Then he came to see my class and did a few magic tricks for them. He is such a wonderful husband. (He made me write this.)

Fortune Cookies

Tyler and I went out to dinner tonight at a Chinese restaurant in town. Here's what our fortune cookies read:

Tyler: Next week at this time, something good is coming your way.

Erin: You will soon be the center of attention.

A week from today is Tyler's date for the pool too!

The nursery is just about finished so I will try to take some pictures tomorrow after everything is put away. We finally got some snow today and the forecast says it is supposed to snow for the next 10 days! Next weekend is going to be an exciting one because Erik, Elen, and my parents get into town. Good things are coming!!

38 week pic

I had a great baby shower at work today. Lots of fun! Now bring on the baby!!!

38 weeks

I had another appointment this afternoon but unfortunately there was no change. I suppose this isn't such a bad thing since I did say I want to deliver after Christmas is over. But - the competitive side of me is coming out and it seems like dilating is the competition! With who??...I dunno. =) I need to post some pictures so I will try to get around to doing that soon. We put up our tree over the weekend so maybe I could get some w/ the tree.

On another note - its beyond cold here. With windchill it is down in the -20's. The kids couldn't go out to any recesses today so they were stuck in the classroom ALL DAY! They did a good job, but I know if this continues into the week, its not going to be pretty.

37 weeks

The furniture came today!!! Of course it has to come on the day Tyler works late so unfortunately, it will stay in our garage all boxed up until tomorrow night. I'm glad its here though! It will be a fun weekend getting everything put together. Since last night, I've been having this weird cramping sensation in my lower abdomen and back. It continued today, so I called my doctor to talk to the nurse. She assured me that it was all "normal" and just my body's way of getting ready to deliver. Maybe they are braxton hicks or real contractions - I don't know. They seem pretty sporadic to me but some of them kinda hurt!! Good to know the furniture is here though just in case something happens earlier than expected! I guess I should pack the hospital bag soon. Honestly though, I really hope the kid comes a few days after Christmas. Especially since then I will win the pool on the due date! Hey - $100 bucks is a lot of money! =) I will post some pics of the finished nursery and my ever growing belly this weekend.

36 week appointment

I had the first of my weekly appointments today and it was very exciting!! I am 70% effaced and at a -1. The doctor felt the head and said the baby has definitely dropped and we are ready to go! He did say this doesn't necessarily mean I will delivery early but he wouldn't be surprised if I did. Luckily - the furniture is supposed to be shipped Wed so hopefully next week sometime we can finish the nursery (finally!). We got the car seat installed over the weekend and I am now a pro at installing it in all positions. =) He thinks the baby is about 6.5 lbs right now and thinks he will be on the bigger side which does not excite me in the least. Oh well - I know that these estimates are rarely accurate. Next appointment is Monday and hopefully there will be some progress! I'll keep you posted.

35 weeks

Just because I'm lazy - I'm posting some pictures w/o the "outfit." However, Mabel wanted to be in on the excitement so she is in it as well. Definitely feeling bigger with every passing day - sleeping and moving around are getting harder but it is still manageable. The furniture should be coming any day now and I am very anxious for it to get here so we can finish up the nursery!

34 weeks

Geez!! I can't believe how quickly my due date is approaching. AH! Actually - I'm feeling more and more ready each day. We are slowly but surely getting all the "stuff" we need. The furniture is supposed to come by the end of this month. I am really looking forward to getting that so I can finish up the nursery. I had 34 week appointment today. I am measuring 34 weeks so all is good. The heart beat was strong. My next appointment is in two weeks and then I will go every week after that until I deliver! My doctor said my uterus can't go up anymore since it has reached my ribs so now I will just grow outwards. I am definitely starting to feel heavy and moving around isn't so easy anymore.

How many weeks? Oh yeah 32.

I have officially lost my brain. I have felt completely stupid these past few days. Yeah yeah make all the comments you want about how this is nothing new.... but this is no laughing matter! I feel about eight steps behind everyone else and its driving me crazy! I sure hope I regain some of my superior brain power after this kid is born because I don't know how much more I can handle!!

I had my shower in CA a couple weeks ago. It was SO great to see everyone in one place at the same time. I loved being able to spend time with everyone there.

I had another appointment this week. Everything is still going right along as planned. I have 2 more 2 weeks appointments and then I will start going every week....and then....BABY! So crazy.

Not much more to report...although I will let you know that I had a VERY nice surprise yesterday. Tyler had the house cleaned for me while I was at work. There aren't too many things I think I'd appreciate more than that! Reminded me of my CA days w/ Josefina (our house cleaner in Tustin).... I miss that girl. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

....and just in case you're wondering....I had to proof read this post about 5 times to make sure there weren't any typos...I found MANY. How am I supposed to function enough to do report cards next week? The parents are going to think their students are being taught by a loon... maybe they are!

Lots of good news today!!!

Well - today was a great day on the baby front. On Friday met with the Director of Human Resources for the district to ask for additional unpaid maternity leave. In Montana, the Family and Medical Leave act allows maternity leave to be 12 weeks IF you have worked in the position for over a year. Since I am new to this district, I was only allotted my sick leave and extended sick leave which left me with about 9 weeks of maternity leave since I would also be out over Christmas break. I asked for additional time so I could come back April 5th instead. This works out well since it is right after the kids get back from Spring break. So - they granted it! I'm excited. =)

I also got the results of the very long and boring glucose test that I took on Saturday. All came back fine so I am good to go! I can still eat my donuts! THANK GOD.

I am so excited to come home this Thursday and see everyone!!...not to mention In N Out and Mexican food too of course!

7 month appointment

Everything went great at our appointment today and we even got the ultrasound I was hoping for!!! When the doctor took the pic there was something in front of his face so he had to sort of crop that out which is why it looks like something is on his nose. It was so cool to see him again and very nice to hear the doctor say that everything was still looking fantastic.

Snow

Yup - It is snowing outside right now....just flurries but still snow. Nothing is sticking to the ground but it started. BLAH!

Birthing Class

Tyler and I had our class on Saturday. The morning portion was all about going natural (totally not MY choice but highly impressed w/ those who do it). We had to watch a video that filtered through about 5 women having babies naturally at the various stages of birth. It was basically terrifying to watch and when it was over the teacher asked us what thoughts we had on it. Tyler blurts out "yeah, why would anyone WANT to do that?".....then he looks around the room and says "Didn't that scare you girls??" Then this one girl who looked very nervous throughout the video starts CRYING!! Tyler made a girl cry!!! It was hilarious although we didn't laugh about it until lunch break in the privacy of our car. Highlight of the class by far!!!

The second half of the class was all about pain management and medications which was much easier to stomach. Overall, it was a great class. It still seems pretty far off but I know it will be here before we know it.

This Wednesday we have our seven month appointment. Keep your fingers crossed for the ultrasound!!!

Glucose Test

Two weeks ago, I had to take a routine test for gestational diabetes. Turns it out came back high so I now have to go for a 3 - 4 hour test where I have to fast 12 hours before hand and then have my blood taken in hourly intervals. How I am now going to eat anything for 15 - 16 hours and not get sick is beyond me. Tyler and I have our birthing class this Saturday, so I will have to wait until next Saturday to take it.

We have our 7 month appointment this coming Wednesday. I called the office ahead of time to see if I could get an ultrasound just for fun. This is supposed to be a great time for the 3D. They said that if I expressed concern that the doctor would usually do it. They also said the schedule allowed for it. I really hope we get one! I can't wait to see how much he has grown!!

27 weeks - Third Trimester!

We are now in the third trimester and in the home stretch - although it still feels like I have plenty of time. I'm sure it will go quickly though. We have our birthing class next Saturday - hopefully it won't freak me out! I'm really excited to see everyone at the shower next month!! 2 1/2 weeks and I'll be home!!

Tyler has completely redeemed himself this week and given MULTIPLE AMAZING FOOT MASSAGES. Thank god - that is the best thing in the world after working all day.

This is a picture of what I do to Tyler will I'm feeling extra moody. It's only happened twice a promise. ;-)

This is when I told the dogs that they are no longer going to be #1 and #2 in the house. They didn't take the news too well.

Happy Birthday to Tyler!!!

We had a great weekend. Tyler celebrated his 40th by having a surprise party in Bigfork, MT. Friends and family traveled from all over the US to surprise him and he was completely shocked!!! I loved it!! The smile on his face when he walked in the lounge and saw everyone made all the hard work planning the weekend completely worth it. Happy Birthday Tyler!!! I'm glad you had such an awesome weekend!!!

Tyler's last day being 39

The water out in front of our room

25 weeks

Here's the new pics. I am going to take some of me in normal clothes this weekend - should have plenty of good opportunity pics because it's Tyler's birthday weekend!! Yippee!!! Our bedding is supposed to come tomorrow. I can't wait to see it!!

We set a date for the shower. It will be Oct. 17 at my mom's house. Hopefully everyone will be able to make it! I'm starting to feel rather large these days. My stomach is definitely getting in the way. Too bad I still have 15 more weeks!! I can see how this could get uncomfortable. Well - I'm exhausted so I'm off to bed!

42 weeks...er....24 weeks!

Yup!  We did it again.  I have a pretty good excuse (pregnancy brain) but Tyler?  No excuse there!  HE should have caught this one!!  He's the one looking at me after all!!!  But anyway.... let's see...baby news.....  I have an appointment Tuesday but don't expect an ultrasound or anything too exciting.  We ordered the bedding/room decor today and I'm very excited for that to arrive!!!  Tyler picked it out and I do say, he did a great job.  

The kicking now has started to feel a lot more like rolling around.  It is so strange to watch my stomach when that happens!  I've been pretty comfortable still with a few aches and pains every so often but nothing to really complain about.  Although, I try to get Tyler to rub my back for me but he says something about having no patience and that he will just buy a massage for me... uh, excuse me!?  I need to change his thinking.  Don't get me wrong I would LOVE a professional massage but I don't think a few minutes or 30 or so of back rubbing is gonna put him out.  I mean...GEEZUS!  

Until next time!!  See ya!

22 weeks

Getting bigger.... nothing else knew about that to report!!  I've started buying baby clothes - it is becoming my new addicting habit that I must stop!

21 weeks

This has been a fun week w/ my mom in town.  We went shopping for some baby clothes and looked at gliders.  She is VERY excited to be a grandma and I had to restrain her more than once when she found something for the baby that she wanted to buy =).  We even went to a rodeo at the Western Montana Fair where she got to see some real cowboys.   

Today Tyler and I are leaving for Coeur d'Alene for a few nights.  It will be nice to get away before the craziness of school starts up again!!

As for updates on the baby - there is not much new to report.  Its been a lot of fun feeling him moving around though!!  

1/2 way there! 20 week belly pics

I've been in CA for the past couple weeks so here is finally another belly shot! I am definitely feeling bigger these days.  I packed away a lot of my "normal" clothes to make room for my maternity clothes today and tried on my work pants just to see how they fit.  I could barely get them over my hips and zipping was out of the question.  Hard to believe I was wearing them at the beginning of June!!!  

We've been feeling a lot of kicks lately - they are definitely stronger now and Tyler can feel HIM ( I can say that now - no longer an IT!) very easily.  It is really neat!

We ordered the crib and dresser this week and I can't wait for that to come in so I can start decorating - 6 - 8 weeks though.....  

20 Week Appointment

Today we went to the doctor for our BIG appointment. We got to see the baby again which was AMAZING since we haven't had any ultrasounds since our 8 week appointment.  Everything looked great and was right on target - 1 head, 2 arms, 2 legs, and 1 penis.  Yup!  You read that right, we found out!!!  As we were sitting waiting for the doctor to come in, Tyler said if I wanted to find out we could.  At first I thought he was teasing me but he was serious!!!  Of course I wanted to find out!!!  It was a GREAT DAY!  Here are some pics of the ultrasounds.  

This one is the baby giving us a thumbs up.

This one is the money shot that confirmed it was a boy.

Here is the face looking head on as well as the arms right below.

This is the shot that the doctor said was the second best way to tell if its a boy - he is playing with his penis.  HAHA
Slightly scary 3D shot.  He said they look much cooler closer to birth - sorta alienish now.

So that's it and we are thrilled!! Now onto decorating for the nursery and buying clothes!! Yippee!!!

Being pregnant is so FUN!!!

So today I went for what I thought was a 2 hour float trip but really ended up being 6 1/2 hours.  I was on an empty stomach and about a half hour after getting off the river I was puking in Taco del Sol.  Grrreeeeeaaatt.  Lesson learned - I must eat nonstop all day long!  Good thing I'll be home next week.  In N Out here I come!!!

17 weeks

I sadly have absolutely nothing new to report this week.  No major changes - not feeling very much movement - nothing!!!  So boring!!  Sorry..... 

I met with my new principal and told him I was pregnant.  He was really excited about it!  Well, maybe he really wasn't but he acted like he was anyway. It was good to see he was supportive! 

16 weeks

Here are the 16 week pics:

I think I've been feeling some flutterings but I'll know for sure in the coming weeks when they grow stronger.  Other than that - nothing new to report!

Jill and Mike came up for a visit this week and we had a blast.  Here are a few pictures from our hike to the waterfall at Holland Lake.

We also took the dogs to the river for some fun.  They loved it!!!  Now we just have to convince Mike that he and Jill need a dog too!!