heavy eyelids | Day 9

From the moment you announce you are pregnant, everyone you know starts throwing out tidbits and pieces of advice about raising a baby!

You hear things from your best friend's experience and from your great aunt who raised 8 of your mom's cousins back in the day. Helpful hints range from "Never wake a sleeping baby!" to "Just bounce him on your hip, while swaying side to side and whispering shh, shh, shh and that'll do the trick!" You have showers that shower you with items you've never seen before and don't know how to use, and you walk away more excited about a simple blanket than you ever thought you would be!

Really, it's all bliss! You are so excited and busy dreaming of the sweet little angel that's about to be in your arms. And truly, when that happens, it's a miracle!

You come home from the hospital with your new baby wrapped up tight and you are mesmerized! So is everyone else! This new little life is amazing! You may even be blessed with friends and family bringing you meals! You get to feed your baby and someone else is feeding you! The adrenaline has kicked in and you think life is perfection!

And then, the adrenaline wears off. You are working hard to keep your baby fed! Maybe he's sleeping through feedings and waking him is nearly impossible. Or maybe he's not sleeping at all.

Of course, that's to be expected. Everyone knows newborns don't sleep through the night. And sometimes, newborns turn into 6 month old babies who still aren't sleeping through the night. There's no way for newborn parents to prepare for lack of sleep. Oh, sure, you are prepared for soiled clothes, and diaper rashes. You are armed with swaddle blankets and sound machines. You have baby swings and paci's and everything a parent could need for a brand new baby. Except sleep. You can't stockpile sleep.

But you can store up God's Word. He gives us the strength we need for each day. And when we aren't sleeping, we need it! So for those who have just become or are about to be new mommies, I thought I'd share one of my favorite Bible verses to keep your heart strong and light when your eyelids are heavy. . .

 

Remember this. You may feel like the weight of the world is on you. But you are light and not a burden to Him. He is strong and He will carry you! And for those of you who are not parents of newborns, this verse still applies. We are His lambs just as much as our children are! So thankful He is my Shepherd!

our vote is for baby Way! 3 months. . .

Whew! Election 2012 is over! I personally think we all should have just voted on who's the cutest little baby around these days. I'm quite confident our little man would've won! Baby Way is now 3 months old!

He's super into blowing raspberries and finally starting to smile more--even social smiles!! And check out these blue eyes! Can you see them? They are still newborn blue---just wondering if/when they will change over. All 3 of our other boys have brown eyes, as do Chad and I.

 Here's Baby Way in his latest bath pic--he's just so much bigger than his first bath pics I posted! Still lovin' bathtime too! Thank goodness! Some friends gave us the most comfy, softest, cuddliest bath towel in the whole. entire. world. I want one for me!!! Way absolutely loves it! I caressed his cheek with it this afternoon and he smiled! Oh precious baby!!

 

Love you, love you, Baby-Wayby!

FYI Friday (on Sunday) Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Last October I started a weekly post that I named FYI Fridays. I had a few FYI Fridays, then it morphed into an alliteration of "F" things on Fridays--favorite thing Fridays, fashion Friday, food Fridays, etc. It didn't last terribly long, but I thought I'd revisit the idea again. I had fun writing them.

And what led me to this again? Well, this month is Down Syndrome Awareness Month! As many of you know, Chad and I recently welcomed our 4th little boy, Way, into the world! Back in March, at our big ultrasound (really a few days later), we found out our baby had Down syndrome. We knew almost nothing about Down syndrome, so we quickly began educating ourselves. Chad started reading technical books, and I (blog lover that I am) began reading personal blogs and learning all that we could about Down syndrome before little Way was born. Now that I have a little knowledge and personal experience on the subject, I thought I'd share a few tidbits. . .I realize this is Sunday, and that I missed Friday, but let's just pretend. . .

1. Down syndrome is named after John Langdon Down, an English physician. Often people refer to Down syndrome as someone having Downs or Down's, but it is not plural or possessive. Also, when writing Down syndrome, syndrome is not capitalized because it is not a proper noun. *This is something I made the mistake of early on after learning about Way's diagnosis! I'm learning all kinds of things! However, when shortening the diagnosis in written form, DS is accepted for Down syndrome.

2. What exactly is Down syndrome? It is a genetic condition, in which a person has an extra copy (so a third copy) of chromosome 21.We've discovered that many of the medical professionals we've come in contact with, refer to Down syndrome as Trisomy 21. A person cannot "catch" it, nor is it curable. Down syndrome often comes with physical characteristics like low muscle tone, slightly slanted eyes, smaller stature and more, but because each person is uniquely created, not every person with Down syndrome has each characteristic.

3. And maybe the biggest thing I want to share, that I've learned, which makes complete sense to me, is that people with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. So, instead of saying, "Down syndrome child" you should say "a child with Down syndrome." 

Obviously, there are lots more facts and tidbits about Down syndrome, but I wanted to just get a little out there for now. I know so many of you are learning along with us and we thank you for joining us!!

one month old!

This past Friday, it had been one month since we welcomed sweet Way Timothy into this world! We had lots of special visitors, and though we didn't get a pic with everyone who visited, we appreciate all of you!

It's been such a fast month, much faster than all of first months with newborns. Maybe it just gets faster and faster when there are other kiddos to take care of too. Or maybe, it's because I've finally, finally been able to appreciate the newborn stage! And is that because now, I truly understand how fast our littles grow up? I think so. Whatever it is, I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with the ability to really soak in this last newborn stage we will have. I sure do love it, but I really love our new little man!

One month ago, we were told by Way's pediatric cardiologist that he had 2 different holes in his heart. I still don't know all the details of the anatomy of the heart, so I won't begin to explain much further. But, Way's doctor told us that one of the holes would probably close on its own, while the other hole would require surgery when Way is 3-4 months old. Before Way was born, I had been seeing a high risk dr. because they found fluid around Way's heart (and after further evaluation, diagnosed our little man with Down syndrome),  but the fluid had disappeared and we had been told there appears to be nothing wrong with his heart. So, this new news, came as a shock. But, we were encouraged that Way would be bigger and it would give the doctor more room to work. Plus, if the hole was causing too much stress, he could have the surgery immediately. So, because we could wait until he was 3 months, meant he was okay for now.

And then, a week after Way was born, we saw his cardiologist again, and after another echo, he said he was pleased to tell us that the smaller hole had already closed, and the bigger one was significantly smaller and didn't look like Way would need surgery!! Praise the Lord!! On top of that good news, Way passed his hearing screening! And, Way is back up to his birth weight! And his suckling reflexes are awesome! And, and, and!! Way continues to amaze us. He's such an angel baby!

So, a month has gone by and what a sweet first month of life we have had with Way! Sure, things are crazy around our house--with less sleep, school starting, and lots of transition--but we love our new addition and feel so thankful to our family and friends who are supporting and loving on us and little Way!!

bath time fun!

Ohhhh how I love bath time with new babies!! Love me some wet, adorable babies!! My sweet hubby actually did this bath, so I could snap the shots. Thanks, honey! My new kitchen sink rocks and made bathing baby Way sooo much easier than all of our other newborns! There isn't much else to say except how I personally think our new little is the most adorable thing and I want to eat.him.up!!

All snuggled up and tuckered out!!

without further delay. . .Way's birth story

Chad says I've been teasing too much about writing Way's birth story and not actually writing it! Hey, it's been busy around here, ya know? But, since Way is almost 4 weeks now, maybe I should get to it--before the lack of sleep really hits us!

Oh, where to begin? Twas the night before Way's birth. . .seriously, I think it could have all begun with my trip to PF Chang's for some spicy Chinese food! I was determined to get the baby moving! With all 3 of my other babies, I was the same way--trying to do everything that I could think of to get my "movie scene" and go into labor on my own, without having to be induced. Everything short of castor oil. Wasn't interested in doing that after my friend's experience with it. Anyway, spicy food never worked before, but I tried it again, and asked for them to prepare my dish in the spiciest way possible! I ate it all up!

The next morning I headed to go get my platelet infusion, (an IV that would take 4 hours to get) because I had low blood platelets. My doctors told me I needed to get my platelets up to a safe level, so I could get an epidural and not have any bleeding issues.So, you better believe I was there! However, once I got there that morning (my Mom was keeping the kiddos), they told me that they were still approving our insurance and that they would call me in a few hours to tell me if the procedure was approved. They sent me home. I was sad that I felt like the whole day was now going to be taken up, and I couldn't be out having some last minute fun with my littles--since baby Way was coming in 2 days.

Well, once I got home, I let my Mom go and asked her to return in a couple of hours so I could go back and get my platelets. And then, less than an hour after she left, I felt my very first contraction!! First contraction, not induced, that is! It was painful! And I loved it! At first. Then, I had another about 7 minutes later. Then another, 7 minutes later. After 3 contractions, still not 100% positive they were real contractions, I was convinced to call my dr. He told me to hang on for an hour and to come on into the hospital if the pain worsened or the contractions became closer together. Well, after 30 minutes, I knew they were real. And I guessed if they were "fake" contractions, that I never, ever, wanted to feel the real thing (unless of course, I was being induced, because now I was second guessing my desire to not be induced). Yes, yes, these were painful. The I-couldn't-walk-type painful. I called my mom and told her I knew I was in labor and to come back quickly. I texted Chad, whom I knew was in a meeting and said "I think I'm in labor", so as not to pressure him from leaving a meeting. Well, Chad ended up beating my mom home (he must have driven like he was on a race course). By the time he was home, I was doubled over in pain, wondering where in the world my mom was! OH, and I still hadn't packed my hospital bag!!! Remember my last post before Way arrived?? I called a friend and asked what to pack, threw in a few things, said quick goodbyes to our kiddos, and headed to the hospital once my mom showed up!

And that's where the fun really began! Or not! :) Once signed in, I had to walk back to triage, because they didn't have a room in labor and delivery for me yet. But, since my contractions were so strong, and I was still doubled over in pain, that was quite interesting. Poor Chad and his hands. They must have been purple, from my squeezing! But, that was nothing. . .After I was evaluated, they told me I was 4 cm. Cool. This baby was working his way out!! One thing that always bugged me about being induced, was that we would go in at 6 in the morning and I wouldn't have a baby until after 4 or 5 or 7 at night! It took ALL day long! Well, now it was noon and my contractions only started at 10:30! Hooray! Then, the nurse told me that they located my platelets at a LifeBlood in town and it would take an hour to get them to me and 30 minutes to get them in me. I thought that was great! Until, my contractions started getting worse and a little closer together. I was needing an epidural, and I let them know! Problem was though, oh yeah, that I didn't have my platelets yet. I don't think it was really hitting me that was the reason I still didn't have my epidural. I thought they were just being safe-safe. But as I progressed and was in more pain, and the pain meds they gave me to "take the edge off" weren't doing a blasted thing, Chad became aware I wasn't getting my OHHHH so desired epidural. Or maybe it was when I told the nurses that I needed my dr. NOW (they found him pretty quickly!) and I heard him, somewhere in my foggy land of pain I was living in, tell Chad I wasn't getting an epidural. Not because I had progressed too far, but because I didn't have my platelets up to a safe level, all because I never got my infusion!! I was still begging for an epidural in between my tears and fears that I couldn't birth this baby if I didn't have one. And I remember when Chad, in a gentle, assuring voice, told me that I wasn't getting the epidural, but that I was going to make it. I didn't believe him, but I needed him for sure. I also remember my dr., whom I think is amazing, tell me the same thing, and I thought, "What the heck do you know?" Same thing from both of them, but different feelings toward each of them! Ha!!  I was screaming in pain and crying and telling Chad I didn't want to have ugly words fly out of my mouth. And they didn't---just things like "I am going to die" came out---and it was just like the movie scene---only my desired movie scene involved me having contractions on my own, rushing to the hospital and actually getting my epidural!!!! This movie scene was ending without an epidural!! The contractions were painful, but the pushing was excruciating! Chad later told me he was proud of me--not for pushing out a baby without an epidural, but for actually hurting him by squeezing his hand so hard!!! :) But he did tell me he was proud of me for birthing our baby too!

And then. . .and then. . .our newest, precious, little love from the Lord was here! Thanks be to God!!

There's lots more to add to the crazy story, that makes it crazier, but after that long journal, I'll leave it with that and this . . .

Oh, sweet baby Way!! You were worth every painful second of your delivery! Thank you for bringing me my movie scene and SO much more importantly, thank you Lord, for little Way!!! Oh, how we love you!!!

He's here!!!

Our little bundle has arrived!!!

Baby Way is here and he came 3 days early! For now, we are getting lots of snuggles (and feedings) in, so I'm posting a few pics of our newest little angel. I'll be back with his arrival story and lots more!

Our family of 6! Love!!!!!!!!!

one thing packed

Guess who doesn't have her hospital bags packed? Yep, me! A little unusual since I had my bags packed and ready with the other 3 with 4 weeks left to go! But, though Baby Way will be here on Thursday or sooner, now that my 3 others were induced, I'm just guessing Baby Way will be too. Haven't been that concerned about it and quite frankly, we've just been too busy--in a good way!

But, I do have one thing ready for the hospital. . .my new addition to my charm necklace!!! I'm so excited about wearing it, but won't wear it until Baby Way is here! I've posted about this necklace before---it's a Lisa Leonard designs necklace. I love her jewelry, her story, her blog and this necklace is just perfect for me--a way to have my treasures with me all the time! The jumble of charms necklace only comes with 3 charms initially, I think. Some of them are made for girls. Since I have and will have only boys, I've had to get creative! The customer service at Lisa Leonard designs is awesome. I've worked with Hillary, and she helped me create Miles' charm 2 years ago. I told her I wanted baby feet---since he was probably going to be our last baby! Ha! Then I called her back a few weeks ago and said, "Surprise!" But, not only is Way another addition, he's a boy. Soooo, we didn't have a lot to work with. Finally, I thought it would be just a perfect story to give Way little baby feet as well! So here's my new necklace! Love it! Love my family! Love our new little addition, already!! We can't wait to meet him!!

baby Miles. . .the first few days

sweetest little thing

Hello family and friends! I have finally returned from almost 5 weeks of non-posting! Hope you are still reading--or that you will return to reading as I return to blogging! I'm sure that most of you know by now, we welcomed our third little boy, Miles Court into the world at the end of September! I think I should mark my return into the blogging world with pictures of our precious new addition and a couple of tid-bits about our first week or so with Miles!

Though we are not even 2 weeks into Miles' new life, sweet Luke and Charlie seem to be adjusting well so far. Luke is definitely more hands on and curious about Miles, diapers, sleeping, etc. He loves to give Miles hugs and kisses. Charlie is a little more cautious, not super eager to give out hugs or kisses, but follows his big brothers's lead. He is definitely more curious about breast-feeding and pumping and all that goes with a new baby than Luke is. His questions are entertaining, "What's that?", "Where's the milk?", "Why is Miles doing that?", etc. All in all, we think Luke and Charlie love their new little brother and we know Miles will be looking up to them soon!

As for Miles, he is adorable! We aren't sure what color hair he will have--it's kind of brownish, redish right now--but it is spikey and he certainly has more hair than either of his brothers did at this point. He's a sleepy little thing, during the day. He most certainly does not like to be awake when he eats, which makes meal times s-l-o-w or makes him hungrier earlier. We had a rough couple of nights where he screamed for hours, which is somewhat expected, but he's gotten on track and is doing pretty well at nights. However, I'm probably bringing on a long crying spell by even saying that. Miles seems to have a twinkle in his eyes as if he's wise to the world and I swear he's already smiling--though I know you are all thinking, "Oh sweetie, that's just gas!"

We are beyond thankful to the Lord for our newest little blessing and we appreciate all of you for your sweet phone calls, emails, notes, visits, etc. welcoming Miles into the world! And without further delay. . .




first little cries

 


Mommy, Daddy and baby Miles



big brothers greet Miles

"Ummm, what do I do with this?"

Mimi and Grandpa meet their 3rd grandson

Aunt Mary and Kevin welcoming Miles

Miles already snuggling with Daddy

Our newest little angel!

Mommy and her baby





what's left?

As you can see by this month's header, we are preparing for sleep. Strike that. We are trying to sleep now, so when new baby comes we will function without sleep. Strike that. Who functions without sleep? Not the Jackson family. We know what's coming. We've done this before. I so wish there was a way to store up sleep, you know like in a jar? So, that way, when we are lacking sleep, we can just pour some of it from the jar into our bodies and be good to go! But since that can't happen and my doctor told me to walk, walk, walk so this baby might come on his/her own, instead of being induced, I set my alarm earrrrly yesterday and did just that. Forget sleep. Just walk. Walking has to be one of THE most boring things to do in all the world. I very much prefer running, just not when I'm pregnant.

So, as I was walking, I found myself thinking about what's left to be done before baby comes. I really do not know. It seems like so much, but yet, nothing. We have our 3rd baby monitor now. Because our bedroom is downstairs and the boys sleep upstairs in different rooms, we have 2 different monitors. Now, we have 3--a new one for the nursery, though baby will be in our room for a bit. So, check--that's done. We have some diapers thanks to friends and purchases. Check, that's done. I mean, really, what else is there? I know I could google things to bring to the hospital, but I think that's the reason I had too much stuff or not the right stuff at the hospital the other times around. I know I am 4 weeks out from due date, but that's where my walking led my thoughts . . .help a girl out. . .What was your "must have" for the hospital? And, how did you prepare for your new little addition?

family resemblances and a vote!

So lately, people have been telling me more and more who each of our boys look like, Chad or me. I won't tell you what many people think because we want your vote! I will say that random people (think people we run into at Target, etc) have a different opinion than people who know us and see us relatively often. So I compiled a couple of pictures, and sadly had to go back to October and November for some decent family shots. See what you think about these two. . .which boy looks like which parent?

Maybe these will help too. . .

I'll be sure to let you know what the majority of people think. But do tell us your thoughts! Oh and we'd like you to make one more comparison. . .

it might take you a little while to come up with a thought. . .

but see what you think of this picture and tell us. . .

who you think our 3rd (and final??) boy or girl will look like!!!!! If this picture is too hard to tell, you'll have to wait until September 29th or so to make a better guess!!!!!

quick update

I thought I'd be able to post before we left for those tropical islands I mentioned, but getting us ready to leave and trying to spend maximum time with Luke and Chad's parents before we left, made it impossible.

So, while Chad is getting ready for the beach (I'm ready and waiting), I thought I'd make it up to those of you who are our faithful blog readers by sharing our exciting news!!!!! Drum roll. . . .

I know it's blurry, but I'm hoping you can see our exciting news!!! Yes, we are expecting Baby #2 in early April 2008!!!! We are thrilled and feel so blessed! That's all for now. Next to come. . . pictures from Hawaii!!