She's Here!!!! Leah Frances McLaughlin!

Well, I woke up this morning and noticed that the baby had hardly moved in the last 24 hours.  I had been noticing for a few weeks now that she seemed to be moving less and less, but the OB kept telling me she seemed fine and that I probably was too busy to notice her moving.  So, after going to the book store for story time with Logan, I decided to sit on the couch and do a kick count to see how much movement I get in an hour.  After about 90 minutes of waiting for movement, poking and shaking my belly, as well as eating candy and drinking water to see if she would move, I still felt nothing.  I was hesitant to call the doctor because I had just been in there and she kept brushing off my concerns, but Dennis convinced me to go ahead and call (that was around 1:30pm).

My doctor wasn't working that day (which might have been a good thing) and the one who was told me to go ahead and come in for an ultrasound.  I quickly got Logan ready and we rushed over to the doctors office.  The initial ultrasound showed possible fluid on the babies kidneys, but other than that she had a good heart beat thank goodness.  They then strapped me up to a monitor to check her heart rate for 20 mins (a non-stress test).  In a normal test her heart rate would go up and down as she moves.  But, her heart rate never changed and was very flat.  They even tried this little device to get her moving and nothing happened.

I was then told to go ahead to the hospital triage across the hall and see the Maternal Fetal Medicine/high risk OB's (by the way, this is not the hospital I had toured and planned to deliver at, but my doctors office was moving to that hospital Nov. 19th and so they were still at IU North for a few more days).  So, Logan and I went over there.  Meanwhile, I had realized that I was not going to make it home in time to get the boys off the school bus, so Dennis left work to be there for them.

I had another, better, ultrasound where they took measurements of the baby and the fluid and checked everything out.  They also gave me a shot of steroid to help the babies lungs mature in case she had to come early.  They said there was no fetal movement and she wasn't doing any practice breathing.  Also, she was measuring a few weeks behind (about 30 weeks instead of 33 weeks and 6 days).  The doctor thought that the blood flow between the placenta and the baby looked weak.  He said that they would need to make a decision on whether to deliver now or it could wait and be monitored.  Meanwhile, I quickly texted Dennis that he needs to come to the hospital.  He came just in time to hear the doctor say that there was a possibility we would be delivering today and to make plans for the boys.

Dennis rushed home and dropped the boys off with a neighbor.  He also discovered that his Dad was right near Indy on his way from Wisconsin to Virginia, a complete coincidence.  So, he was able to come get the boys from our neighbor and watch them the whole time I was in the hospital.

Back at the hospital, the next thing I knew the anesthesiologist came in to talk to me about what he was going to do if I had a c-section.  And then nurses started to prep me for the c-section.  I quickly texted Dennis to tell him it was happening and to come quick.  I also got a quick text out to my family to tell them I was delivering today, but had no time to do anything else.  Dennis got to the hospital in time for the delivery, they brought him in to the OR after I was all prepped.  It was such a whirlwind and we were so focused on making sure the boys were situated that we really didn't have time to do much thinking.  But, Dennis did say he was choked up and worried on his drive to the hospital.

At 4:07pm, our beautiful baby girl was born.  She was breach and they had a hard time getting her head out.  Unfortunately, she had a moment where she stopped breathing after birth so they had to put her on a vent.  I couldn't see any of this but Dennis tells me it was scary.  Luckily, she started to breathe on her own right away and by Midnight they were able to take her off the vent and just gave her some extra oxygen through her nose just in case.

Dennis went with her to the NICU to watch her get measured and taken care of and then returned to me in recovery.  She weighted 3 lb 15 oz's and was 17.7 inches long!  While I was recovering (it took a while because my temp was too low and they had to wait for it to go up), Dennis and I discussed the babies name.  Dennis said that while he was driving around trying to get the boys and to the hospital he kept thinking "Leah".  This surprised me because Kylie was always his first choice, the name we had for 8 years.  I had been torn between both names.  The boys were always sure they wanted Leah.  Anyway, we pretty quickly decided that it was going to be Leah.  And, Dennis has always wanted to use Frances for the middle name after his grandmother.  So, Leah Frances it is!

I got to be wheeled into her room after recovery and get a quick look at her, but after that, I couldn't see her until the next morning.  While I didn't think the recovery after a c-section was any worse than a natural delivery and in some ways it has been better, I still would never choose to have a c-section.  I do like the excitement of being in labor and the anticipation of finding out how you are progressing.  I like getting to hold the baby and then nurse them right away.  For me, that is such a memorable time.  But, with a c-section, especially with it being an emergency one, it is much more rushed and for lack of a better word "medical".  I felt more detached from the whole experience.  I can see how some women who have c-sections would feel like the missed out from the birth experience, I definitely did.  But, this was my fourth and I did get to experience a natural birth three times, so that makes it easier.   I am mostly just glad she is healthy.

Baby Sister Be a Princess!

Last night, I toured the hospital that we will be delivering at.  The boys were excited to hear that the waiting room had warm cookies continuously stocked for family!  The hospital seemed real nice and I was glad I got to go on the tour, even though I was the only women there without her husband.  Dennis had to stay home to watch the kids.

When I got home Logan said, "Where is my baby sister?".  He knew I was going to the hospital and so he thought I would be bringing her home!  A few days ago he had told Dennis, "Baby sister be a princess."  I didn't even know he knew the word princess!  He seems to be excited about her coming, so I am hoping that is a good sign.

Today I had my 34 week appointment (I am actually a couple days shy of 34 weeks if you go by their due date).  All seems well.  I had lost some weight a couple weeks ago (about 7 lbs), but the doctor doesn't seem too concerned.  My belly still seems to be measuring on time.

What We Have Been Up To...

I've had a never ending cold, that finally seems to be going away.  The pregnancy is going great, I am 34 + weeks and feeling good.  My belly is measuring right where I should be and my weight gain seems to be right on target with how my other 3 pregnancies have been, so I have been consistent.  I had wanted to get started on Xmas shopping by now, but can't seem to get motivated to start that, so instead, Dennis and I spent the weekend getting stuff ready for the baby.  We have been washing clothes and other baby stuff, I went out and bought a few essentials we still needed, Dennis pulled out all the baby gear from storage (which will need to be scrubbed down), and I have been washing baby bottles.  I am hoping that once I am set up for the baby, I can move on to Christmas and figure out how to tackle that.

34+ weeks pregnant with #4!

I knew that being due right around Christmas wasn't going to be fun and I was right.  It's a stressful time of the year anyway and then to not have as much energy or motivation because I am 8 1/2 months pregnant, just makes it harder.  I am enjoying being pregnant and want to be able to just relax and enjoy these last 6 weeks, but I think it is going to be chaotic instead...

Anyway, last week Evan came home with a letter saying he was going to be taking 1st grade Math!  Those kids who knew 85% or more of what they needed to know by the end of Kindergarten, are getting placed in a knew program where they get to learn the 1st grade curriculum.  We are so proud of him, and it was nice to see Evan proud of himself, since he is always so hard on himself.  He also continues to get better and better with his reading.

Colin is doing well, not much new to report as far as he goes. 

Logan these days is super chatty.  He is picking up EVERYTHING the boys say, good and bad.  And when someone says potty talk or something not nice he says, "That is inapopiate".  Dennis and I are constantly laughing and shaking our heads at what a big boy he thinks he is.  He definitely is feisty and stands up for himself.  Lately, he has spent the days dressing up in different Super Hero costumes.  Often he is a hybrid of a couple different characters (i.e.  Spiderman costume with Captain America helmet).  He spends all of 2 minutes in the costume and then gets a new one out to wear.  Since, he can't put the costume on himself, this means I have spent most of my days helping him change from one costume to the next!

I think that pretty much covers the last week or so...

Logan's First Public Tantrum.

Today, was another one of those days where being a stay at home mom was not all that glamorous.  Not sure why I got to have 2 of these days in a row when I am 8 months pregnant and feeling kinda tired, but lets just hope they are getting it out of the way before the baby comes....

It started with Logan at the bookstore.  He did great at the story time.  He was very chatty telling everyone, "I be Elmo for Halloween"  and "My Daddy be a big wolf, his costume scary".  He seriously said both these lines about 10 times.  It was so cute to see him interacting with everyone.  Unfortunately, I then made the bad decision to stop at Starbucks for a hot chocolate on the way out of the store.  Logan insisted he wanted a cookie, but knowing we had brownies and a TON of Halloween candy at home I said no.  Well, Logan through a huge temper tantrum.  He was literally on the floor crying that he wanted a cookie.  I can only remember 2 big public tantrums in the last 8 years as a parent between my 3 boys (though I am sure there may have been 1 or 2 more).  Mostly, they reserve those moments for me at home, which is much easier to deal with.  Being pregnant I couldn't lift him up and carry him out, with him kicking and yelling, so I had to wait it out.  Definitely an embarrassing moment as a parent, but the hug and apologies I got once we got home almost made it OK.  I treasure my snuggle time when I can get it.

The rest of the day was uneventful until Evan and Colin got home.  I caught Evan hiding in the dining room between the wall and the china cabinet with a huge pile of candy bars and he was chomping away.  If I wasn't so mad at his sneakiness, I would have laughed.  He did a couple other sneaky things too, liking playing x-box on mute after I told him he couldn't play and finding Dennis' iPad under his sheets.  I hope he isn't picking up too much from his big brother, because Evan has always been very honest.  I know he was very sorry and I know he is a good kid at heart, but I hope this phase passes quickly.

After homework was done, I had 7 boys in my basement at one point because a bunch of neighbors were over.  Because boys are so loud I was literally thanking God that we have a basement.  Growing up in a house full of women, I don't think I will ever be used to the noise and activity level that a bunch of boys can create.  We used to spend our days playing school or house, making up dances, or playing barbies.  There wasn't much fighting or yelling going on.  I try hard to maintain a quiet noise level in our home and keep everyone calm.  I know I don't always succeed, but I don't think it hurts either.  I feel like if I yell at them, then they will yell at each other and it just becomes a crazy cycle.

Anyway, by bath and bed time I was worn out.  I am forever thankful my kids go to bed easily without a fight.  When I said prayers with the boys tonight, I was sure to end with a prayer that they all have good days tomorrow and hopefully God and the boys were listening to me...

Just a quick note as I look back over this...Friday was much much better.  Evan came home with his progress report (the Kindergarten version of a report card) and it was excellent.  He knows almost everything he is supposed to know by the end of Kindergarten and he scored excellent marks for sharing in class, working well with others and working well Independently.  We are so proud of him!

Halloween 2012

The boys are all about Star Wars this year, so it was no surprise they wanted to be Star Wars characters for Halloween.  Evan chose Darth Vader and Colin wanted General Grievas.  We thought about putting Logan in a Yoda costume, but since he also loves Elmo and we had a perfectly good Elmo costume already (Colin and Evan have both used it in previous years), we decided to be frugal and use that instead.

Our neighbors had their annual pre trick or treat dinner and then Dennis took the boys trick or treating.  Because Logan was the youngest and thus the slowest in the huge group of neighbors, Dennis and the boys ended up on their own most of the time.  Logan loved trick or treating.  Often he was by himself (Colin and Evan tended to run ahead), and he would still go up to the houses and ring the door bell and say "Trick or Treat".  He is by far the least shy of my 3 kids at that age at probably in general.  I think at 2 1/2, Colin may have gone to 5 houses, if we took him at all.  Same for Evan.  But, Logan lasted the entire time the other 2 boys were out there.

I stayed home to hand out candy.  While it would be nice for us to all go trick or treating as a family, I felt that if every house had both parents gone and just put a bowl out front for the kids, then that wouldn't be very fun for the kids.  Sure enough, Dennis said at least half of the houses had bowls out front.  Dennis and I decided a while ago we would just trade off years, so since he stayed home last year, I did this year.  For the record, I got lucky because last year was beautiful weather and this year was FREEZING.  The boys had long underwear, clothes and fleeces under their costumes as well as hats and gloves.

Highlight of the evening for me was when they all got back home after being worn out.  Evan says to me, "Mommy I got lots of Reese's peanut butter cups for you, since that is your favorite."  I am blown away by his generosity at times.  How many little boys are thinking of their Mom's as they pick out candy?  Love that kid.

Poop.

Evan had a great Tae Kwan Do lesson today.  He was picked to demonstrate a hammer fist punch and board breaking and he broke the board on his first try.  He got to keep the board as a memory of his first board breaking.  He seems to be really enjoying Tae Kwan Do and is picking it up quickly.

Unfortunately, the early part of my day was not so great.  It started out fine, Logan and I had a nice time at the library for story time.  He had fun dancing to the songs, though he mostly did the movements sitting on my lap.  At nap time though, I went to check on him and he was sweetly sitting on his bed flipping through a book.  He looked up at me and said, "I pooped in my bed, you need to clean me."  On closer inspection, his hands were covered in poo as was his sheet and his mesh bed railing.  I had to take the railing off and scrub it in the shower it was so bad.  Now, I am the first to admit that most days I love being a stay at home mom.  Who wouldn't want to spend their day with the little people they love most in the world?  But, every once in a while an episode like this happens and all you can think is, how am I not getting paid for this!

Logan is 50/50 when it comes to taking naps these days.  He is great at school, but not so great most days at home.  Luckily, he will stay in his bedroom for a couple hours and look at books quietly.  Occasionally, he gets in to a bit of mischief, like ripping pages of a book, but most days I think we are pretty lucky that he will sit in his room quietly.

The evening was spent with Dennis showing Colin and Evan how to carve their own pumpkins.  Dennis carved our 3 bigger ones over the weekend, but the boys wanted to do their 2 real small ones.  So, they designed what they wanted it to look like and carved it all by themselves!

Preparing For Halloween.

Friday night, Logan's daycare had their annual "Spooktacular".  Basically, the kids can go from room to room at the school and trick or treat.  Logan enjoyed running in to some of his classmates and seeing all the costumes.

After that, the older boys went over to our neighbors for a "Spooky Movie Night".  We dropped them off and they watched a movie and then ate smores.  Evan was nervous at first the movie would be too scary for him, but I think hearing there would be smores afterwards changed his mind.  For the record, the movie wasn't too scary at all and he had a lot of fun.

Saturday, while Evan had Tae Kwan Do, I pretty much spent most of the day on the couch.  I had been fighting a cold for the last few days and was feeling very run down.  I managed to pull myself together in the afternoon to go to another neighbors house for football watching and food.  The kids all played nicely outside and in the basement while the adults socialized.

Sunday, after the usual church and church class, we spent most of the day watching football on the couch.  Dennis did do some straightening up and got 2 out of 3 of the pumpkins carved (the other one was done the next day).  He is so much more creative than I am, so I always leave that task for him.