One Week Old

Today Bryson is a week old! Some things that have occurred during his first week:

• We have already developed a pretty predictable routine. He nurses every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
• Nursing times are pretty much the same time each day.
• Bryson has good wake time and sleep time.
• Dan and I have quickly remembered how many diapers /wipes a newborn goes through.
• I have been "showered" one too many times! (Like every diaper change!)
• I'm not joking about the every diaper change comment!
• Dan hasn't been "showered" at all.
• The blinds have been showered on.
• The dresser had been showered on.
• The "shower fountain" has hit the floor many times. (There are times that it looks like a fountain!)
• It's reminds me of the Pampers commercial.
• I have been reminded of how much the laundry loads increase with a newborn. Probably due to all the showers.
• When I eat Taco Soup or Pizza, it makes Bryson spit up after nursing.
• I feel a bit overwhelmed about leaving the house. How do I balance nursing with regular scheduled activities like church, taking Zachary to school and flag football? (Please comment suggestions)
• The boys have adjusted wonderfully to Bryson!
• This brings me such joy!
• I actually somewhat enjoy the middle of the night feedings with Bryson. It makes great prayer time. And I know one day when he's big, I'll miss these times.
• The weather has cooled down and it has been beautiful outside, so we took Bryson on his first walk the other night!

I love being home with Nicholas and Bryson during the day. I think I could get used to staying at home regularly. Nicholas, Bryson and I joined Dan in Chapel this week. It was great to have fellowship. It's been a great week!

Being a new mommy again is great!

Birth Story

We arrived at the hospital at 6:30 AM. The first couple hours at the hospital were peaceful. It was just Dan and I in the room while we waited for the induction to begin. Finally at 7:30 a nurse came in to check me before beginning the induction process. Over night, I had dilated a full centimeter on my own! I think if I wasn't induced, I would have gone into labor very soon!

Finally at 8:30 AM the process began! The nurse broke my water and began the Pitocin. Only 4 Hours later, Bryson Josiah entered the world!

Marquita, Dad, and Dan's parents all arrived before the birth. Marquita and Angela (Dan's mom) were there in the room the majority of the time.

Within the first hour of being induced, I went from a 3 to a 5! I decided to receive an epidural when I was at 5 cm. Although I've received epidurals in past deliveries, I had a different reaction to it this time. My blood pressure plummeted. I almost passed out due to my blood pressure and Bryson's heart beat dropped pretty drastically. I was put on oxygen and it slowly leveled everything back out. I remember feeling really nervous and scared during all this.

The next time the nurse checked my progress, I was a 7! And before I knew it, it was time to push! The pushing sensation came very quickly to me. When the sensation first came, my dad was in the room, and I remember feeling a bit embarrassed because "some things" were becoming uncontrollable. :/ Dan buzzed for the nurse and indeed it was time to push! After pushing for 3 MINS, and not giving the doctor enough time to even get his gloves on, Bryson was here!! He literally just slid out of me. The doctor and nurses were screaming for me to stop pushing, but I WASN'T pushing. He was just coming. QUICKLY! I guess this was a benefit from carrying him so low! ;) He was ready!

At 12:28 PM we finally got to meet our Bryson! Weighing at 7 pounds 4 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long, he is definitely our bundle of joy!

When Bryson was born, the cord was around his neck. I didn't know this until Dan told me about it on Friday. Bryson was very blue when he was first born. I thought it was because his body temp was low, but it was because of the cord. The doctor put him under some heat lamps and he got his color within a couple hours.

I only received one stitch during recovery. I think this has been my easiest delivery. I have been very blessed and I am very thankful that all my deliveries have been pretty quick and not very long.

During the hospital stay, we called the boys to let them know that mommy and Bryson were doing well. When we told Zachary that baby Bryson was here he said, "Awe. He made it! YAY!" It was so sweet and innocent. The night before he told me that he was scared that Bryson would go to heaven with Thomas. :(

We arrived home with Bryson on Friday and he was finally able to meet his two big brothers!

One last preggo pic

Coming home from the hospital

Meeting brothers for the first time!

The boys reaction to Bryson was incredible! They both are amazed by him. Nicholas went straight to the tiny hands and feet. Zachary loves holding and staring at Bryson. They will both be amazing big brothers!

Fun Fact: All three of our boys were born on Wednesdays!!

WELCOME BRYSON JOSIAH POE!!!

Last Night as Family of Four

Our last night as a family of four was a great night! We were all bursting with excitement waiting to meet Bryson!

I didn't sleep much that night. I was actually uncomfortable with contractions during the night. I was also fighting with anxiousness, a bit of nervousness, and of course excited about the morning.

Tomorrow is the Day!!!!

I have to be in Corbin at 6:30 AM to begin induction!!!! Today I found out at my appointment that I have dilated to 2 cm! Which is great news! I've progressed quite nicely on my own.

OH MY! I can't believe I'm having a baby tomorrow!!! I have SO many emotions going through me! Excitement. Nervousness. Crazy hormones kicking in... a bit sad that this will be our last night as a family of four. Psycho nesting has suddenly become, "if you get in my way I'll kill you!" :) Wondering how the boys will adjust. Wondering what Bryson will look like. How big he w ill be. Missing Thomas a bit more than usual. Feeling a little guilty. Did I mention I'm excited?!?! Scared. Totally ready!

Moments of pregnancy that I've loved that have included the boys:

• Zachary & Nicholas hugging and kissing my belly goodnight each and every night!
• Nicholas asking for the past several weeks, "Is Bryson coming out of your belly today?"
• Nicholas also saying, "Few more weeks and Bryson will be here!"
• Zachary asking how Bryson will be coming out. These moments were a bit awkward! :/
• The boys talking to Bryson.
• The boys feeling Bryson move.
• Nicholas saying for months that he was having a baby sister!

Yeah, I think they will both be wonderful big brothers!

Back to School

I can't believe Zachary is starting the 2nd Grade! He is getting so big! I am enjoying being off work right now and being able to take him and pick him up everyday from school. Plus getting to hang out with Nicholas and hanging out on campus during the day is pretty awesome as well! I can already tell that going back to work in October is going to be difficult.

This week has been pretty busy. With the news that I may be induced on Wednesday we've been busy making reservations for family at Kelley Hall, rechecking hospital bags, and psycho nesting is in FULL SWING now!

Campus festivities are in full swing as well with the new semester beginning Thursday! A Welcome Dinner for new students and families, a Holly Hill Bon Fire, a Women's Luncheon, a Men's Luncheon, Fellowship at the FLC, are all just a few of the activities that have occurred or that will occur next week. I love being able to actually be a part of these festivities and not be in Middlesboro working. I really enjoy being able to take Nicholas to the library during the day, walking around campus with Nicholas, peaking in to say hi to Daddy, and then visit others on campus. It is so much fun for me!

38 1/2 Weeks

I am now 38 1/2 Weeks and nearing the home stretch! And man, am I ready to have this little guy! My last appointment was Wednesday (8/3) and we found out some exciting news... If Bryson doesn't decide to come on his own by next Wednesday, (8/10), then I will most likely be induced!!! I would really rather go on my own, but I am to the point where I am ready to meet this little guy and physically I am ready to have my normal body back!

Here are some things that have been different from my other pregnancies:

• Heartburn crazy! Some may think I crave TUMS the way I have to eat them!
• I have three stretch marks on my belly. I cried when I discovered these. I never received ANY stretch marks from the boys, well except on my legs, but none on the belly. Gee thanks Bryson! ;)
• This pregnancy has been physically the most uncomfortable. But I know it will all be over soon and well worth it!
• I have struggled continuously with restless leg syndrome through out this pregnancy. Seriously, this is no fun.
• I am still contemplating the idea of receiving no epidural during labor. Yeah, still not too sure about this though. Just keeping an open mind I guess.
• I'm still craving ice cream, cereal, and fruits.
• Being 9 months pregnant in the summer is no fun. I think if there is a "next time" we will plan around the summer months!
• I love the boy's interaction with the pregnancy! They are so excited to meet Baby Bryson!

Full Term Belly! 37 Weeks