Grayson's "Baby Story"

On Wednesday (2.8) I went shopping after Jaxon's nap for a few essentionals (milk, bread, eggs) that we had run out of, and decided to take Jax out for a birthday lunch. I don't know what made me do that the day before his birthday....but it worked out nicely for him. We went to Chic-Fil-A and he had such a great time! I was having cramps, but nothing serious or consistent. I texted Josh that when he got home I was going to need to lay down. (I have been having contractions since the beginning of December and just have to stop the activity and lay still to quell them). Jaxon was so cute running around and playing in the play area. It is so nice that he can walk and play on his own! We got home and when I was putting away the groceries I felt a contraction that took my breath away. Then another 6 minutes later, then in 6 minutes-another. However, they weren't as intense as I remember labor being with Jaxon. I called the birth center and they told me to take a shower and see if that intensified them or if it may stop them. I called my doula and she came right over to the house. I took a shower and the contractions all but stopped. I was so disappointed. I called TBC back and told them I thought it was a false alarm and they told me to get my behind in the car and come down that I was having the baby that night. I thought they were being too cautious, and told them I didn't want to make the trip down there and then get sent home. So they told me unless I wanted to have the baby in the car, I needed to start making the trip. So Josh ran over to our neighbors house and luckily she was home and able to sit with Jaxon--who was already in bed.

We got in the car and started the trip and within 10 min I was having contractions again less than 3 min apart. By the time I got to TBC I was 7cm, but my water had still not broken, this was just before 10pm. I got in the tub and labored in there for about 2 hours. When the midwife checked me I was 9cm and she told me I needed to get out so they could break my water. After she did that I felt like I had to push. Grayson was so low that he was practically peeking out at us by the time I was pushing. After my first honest push I hear the midwife say "Oh wow, this baby is coming and coming fast, Get me the kit!". (In her defense, if she had read my history with Jaxon, I pushed for 3.5 hours before he came, so there is no way she would have anticipated such a quick pushing experience). I was pushing like a mad woman because I did not want to feel the pain for 1 second longer than I had to. From the first push to the last was under 5 minutes. His head and shoulders popped out and my midwife said "reach down and get your baby!". I didn't think that I would want to do that, but when she said it I totally did. I pulled him out the rest of the way and burst into tears. Grayson Cole was born at 1:16 on February 9, 2012, weighing in at 8.14lbs and 21in.

We stayed the required 4 hours and were home before 6am, also before Jaxon woke up. My sweet doula came back to our house with us and got up with Jaxon so Josh and I could have a quick nap.

The whole process, timing, just everything about it was such an answer to our prayers. We could not be happier!

Looking back, as well as in the midst, I am completely thankful for the way that everything came together for the labor, delivery, and loose ends at our house before Grayson made his way into our world. I went into labor when Josh was already on his way home from work. Our neighbor was able to come over and spend the night with Jaxon. My dear doula came right over and was able to stay through the night and the following day to help with Jax.

We realized on Monday that we only had a couple gallons of oil left in the tank and also that we were having septic drainage issues. Both were resolved the same day--which is unusual. Typically it takes several days to get the septic guys or the oil people out to the house.

My labor was almost the exact same amount of time as Jaxon's and the pushing was super short. From my first push to my last, it was under 5 min. It was very short, however very intense. But it brought me my sweet Grayson, and I couldn't be happier.

We are so in love with our new family! God is so good!!

Jaxon's 1 year stats

Jaxon had his 12 month check up last Friday. He is doing great; still off the charts for height while his weight is slowing down. He is tall and thin now, but is hanging on to those round cheeks. He got a few shots, but luckily I was not at this appointment, Josh took him, so no one was traumatized.

He is hanging in there with all the changes and new people over the past week. My time is spent mostly with Grayson, so he is struggling with that a bit. We have had several friends/family over to help out and let us nap or whatever, so Jax has had a number of caregivers over the last week or so, along with the changes in his usual schedule, I am sure it is throwing him for a loop. But he is doing great all things considered. He has been wanting to help with Grayson by rocking his cradle and also sharing his toys while Grayson is in the swing by piling them up on top of him. He is going to be a great big brother :)

Here are a few photos of Jax reading his birthday book, andrunning around the house smoking his pretzel cigar!

Jaxon meets Grayson

Grayson is here!!!

Our second spawn has finally arrived!!! He is an adorable 8.14lbs and 21 inches. He came out with just a few pushes after a couple hours of laboring. Both Grayson and I are doing great and are healthy as horses, which is yet another huge answer to our prayers. He is a complete doll and so far is sleeping and pooping like a champ. He ended up coming on his due date, so Jaxon and Grayson will share a birthday :)

I am doing well also, just trying to stay put as much as possible so that I can be as healed as I can be in a week. That way when Josh goes back to work I am ready to take on this daunting task of caring for a newborn along side my sweet 1 year old. We are all very excited right now though! Below are a few photos of Josh, Grayson and I at TBC. We brought the same "going home outfit" that we did for Jax; the differenece is Grayson fit into it, it was actually a little big on him. So cute!

Thank you for your thoughts ad prayers over this pregnancy and the last. We are so very blessed!

Jaxon's Birthday Lunch 2.8.12

On Wednesday, the 8th, I took Jaxon out for lunch to Chic-Fil-A for a birthday treat. They have an enclosed play area for the kids, so we spent some time in there goofing off as well. I made the mistake of sitting close to the playroom door, so he ate his fruit cup and some of my bun from my sandwich and then was only interested in what was going on in that room. There were 3 older girls in there that he wanted to play with but obviously couldn't keep up. It was precious watching him shadow them around the room. The photos I took were with my phone, so they aren't the best quality.

Little did I know I would be in labor in a few hours.....

Since Jaxon isn't named enough in these posts, I want to take the time to express how thankful I am for his cheery disposition and happy attitude. He had a cold a couple weeks ago and was still just laughing and playing all day with his runny nose. And then today we find out he has a double ear infection and hasn't shown ANY signs and hasn't been cranky at all. He is such a little trooper. I love him to the moon and back and have been trying to soak up every minute, every snuggle, every smile and giggle I can while it is just the 2 of us home during the day. He has been such a blessing in our lives. God is good!