I can't believe it's been 1 week!

Wow, Matthew is one week old today. It just doesn't seem possible! On one hand it doesn't seem like he should even be here yet, but then on the other hand it's just like he's always been here.

What's most amazing to me is how easily everything has just fallen into place. I'll admit that I was a little worried about how I would adjust to a new little one. With Brendon and Isaac being 8 & 6, I'm basically starting over.

The 1st couple of days in the hospital were rough. I had only about an hour and a half of sleep over the course of 3 days. The 1st few times I tried to nurse Matthew didn't go so well. He wanted to, but he just didn't know what to do with it. Then once he figured it out, he only wanted the left side. He refused to nurse on the right. I was so discouraged. Breastfeeding came so easily with both Brendon and Isaac. There were never any issues. It would've just broken my heart if I couldn't nurse Matthew as well.

Thankfully, he figured everything out, and now has no problems what-so-ever with it. He's not playing favorites anymore. He's got a perfect latch. I've had no problems at all with any soreness.

Matthew already seems to be finding a routine. During the day he nurses every couple of hours. He takes a lengthy nap in the morning. Then stays awake for about an hour before grabbing a snack and catnapping for the rest of the afternoon. His awake time gets a little longer each day. I love that time! At night I lay him down between 9 and 10. He was getting up to eat between 12 and 1, but now he's lasting until 2 to 2:30, and not waking up again until around 5:30 or 6. This is a perfect schedule for me! I sure hope he keeps it for a little while.

Physically, I feel great! It's such a drastic difference from my pregnancy. I think I'd gotten so used to feeling so bad, I didn't even realize how runned down I was anymore. Even with the lack of sleep and all the adjusting, I've got more energy than I've had in months. My weight has completely fallen off. I was wearing my regular jeans just 3 days after Matthew was born. I now weight 5lbs LESS than I did when I 1st got pregnant.......

**Disclaimer**----- Before I starting getting all the hate mail about how lucky I am to not have a ton of weight to lose, remember the hell I went through during my pregnancy! Remember the trips to the ER. Remember the 15 weeks of daily IV's. Remember the weakened state my entire body and mind was in. I won't lie, I LOVE that my body is already back to normal, but.... given the choice, I'd much prefer to have gained 50-60lbs and had a normal healthy pregnancy! So, for those of you who may still have weight to lose, count your blessings as well!!!

What a day!

Ok, this is for those of you who have asked for all the details....

Monday, April 21, 2008...

We arrived at the hopspital at 7:30am. They got us right into a room and went through all the preliminary motions. I was dilated only to 2cm, and 50% effaced. Dr. Gray came in around 8:30am and decided to just go ahead and brake my water. He did that at 8:40am and a Petocin drip was started shortly thereafter. Contractions started almost immediately, and came regularly, but were very weak. They uped the Petocin every 20-30 minutes. The nurse kept coming in and having me switch from side to side. I wasn't able to get up and walk, or sit up, or even lie on my back. The baby's heartrate kept dropping with every contraction. He just couldn't tolerate any position other than me on my side. Dilation was slow going at 1st. By 4:45pm I was still only between 4 & 5cm. At this time my contractions really picked up and became much stronger and more concentrated. At 5:25pm I was dilated to 7cm. Just a few mintues later I felt LOTS of pressure, I was at 8cm. From there, I had only a few more contractions and with each one I was sure he was going to just come flying out! The nurse checked me again, and immediately called for the doctor, as she was applying pressure to hold his head back and telling me not to push! Dr. Gray was just down the hall and came running in asking what the big rush was.... then he saw.... He ran over to me and I pushed once. Then for some reason, I didn't feel like I needed to push anymore. The pressure was gone. I didn't have another contraction. Nothing, for what seemed like forever, but was probably only a matter of seconds. I finally felt the urge to push again, but Dr. Gray wasn't ready. I pushed the 2nd time and his head was out, but the cord was around his neck. As Dr. Gray was trying to get the cord free and telling me not to push the baby's shoulder suddenly popped out, and along with it came the rest of him...5:45pm That was it! No epidural! No episiotomy!! No tearing!!! No stitches!!!!

Matthew Edward Williams

April 21, 2008

5:45pm

7lbs 0oz

18 1/2 inches

I should be packing....

Again, I have so much to do... but it's such a beautiful day! I just can't resist being outside! The boys and I have spent pretty much all day outside. I haven't been completely unproductive. We did give all of the dogs a bath... okay, so that wasn't on my list of things to get done, but it seemed like a good idea!

I AM going to get the boys bags packed this evening! They've decided they want to stay with family in VA while I'm in the hospital. They're really excited about it. So am I really. I think it will be good for them!

I asked their teachers for some work for them to do while they're out.. boy did they ever provide it! They've got plenty to do, that's for sure!

We did make it to see "Horton Hears a Who" in Manteo last night. The boys had a great time. Tons of their friends were there. The entire front two rows of the theater were full of little boys. It was great! I love watching them with their buddies. They try to act so grown up.

Okay, well I'm off to try and motivate myself to get the things done that I REALLY need to!

now just 4 days to go!

Is it okay for me to start screaming now? I've got too much to do, not enough time to do it in, and I'm just exhausted! I've spent the majority of my time tying up loose ends at work, and dealing with issues there. I still haven't put everything away that we got from the baby shower. Right now it's all piled in the crib.

The boys both have play dates tomorrow afternoon. Isaac's going home with a friend, and I'm picking up a friend of Brendon's with him afterschool. Not that I have an extra few hours, but I want them to have a little fun before their whole world gets turned upside-down, too.

Still no name for the baby yet, so stop asking... Initially we just couldn't agree. Now I just think it's that we haven't had or taken the time to sit down and really discuss it. Kenny has been working such long hours trying to get everything in before the baby arrives.

I know everything will come together. Just, right now, I still feel like the light at the end of the tunnel is the train coming down the tracks.... choo choo....

only 1 week away....

Wow, this time next week I'll be at the hospital preparing to give birth! I can't believe it. This pregnancy has been so long and so hard. On one hand I'm so glad that part is going to be over, but on the other hand I wish I had more time to get ready!

I have most everything I need, I think. Of course there are still some little things. My shower this weekend went great. There was a good turn out, and everyone did so much. We are very blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

This week, I'm spending most of my time tying up loose ends at work. Making sure everyone knows I'll be out, and who's supposed to do what during that time. I am extremely fortunate to have a job that is flexible and a supervisor who is willing to work with me on things. I don't know what we would've done during this pregnancy had I not been able to work from home. I've even been told that I can continue to work from home for a limited time after the baby is born. I know it's not a permanent situation, but it's just so nice to not have to worry about rushing back into the office, or going for so long without any pay.

Well, speaking of work, I need to get back to it.....

just getting started

Ok, so I'm new to this world of blogging. I love reading other people's blogs, and I figured I'd give it a whirl.

This will most likely consist of my ramblings about my day and my kids. I just love all the wonderfully hilarious things they do and say on a day to day basis.

Just this morning when I dropped the boys off at school Brendon gets out of the car and tells the teacher who was assisting the children "I'll get it. My mom HATES when you slam her car doors!" Which is true. It's a pet peeve of mine, and this particular teacher does it every time. I just couldn't believe he said that directly to her though! I was so embarrassed! Oh well, maybe she won't slam it anymore. lol

So, I'm 8 months pregnant with my 3rd child, another boy! I'm scheduled to be induced on the 21st of this month. I declare I'm WAY more nervous with this one than I was with either of my 1st two. I feel like a 1st time mom.

My husband's family is having a baby shower for us tomorrow. I'm excited about that. I hope we get the rest of what we need.

I'll try and keep up with this the best I can. I'm sure it will be one of those things I do well with for a while, then the newness will wear off, but we'll see....