Caden's Birth Story

The short version: Blogging at 11 pm - Baby at 2 am

The long version:

About 12:15 am, my water broke and I started having contractions about 10 minutes apart. I debated about calling the dr. but Jack and I decided to head on in to the hospital since we would be there in a few hours anyway. Thank goodness we left when we did.

The contractions started coming about 5 minutes apart while we were driving. Jack was so funny on the way to the hospital - it really felt like we were in a movie. I was in pain and he was so worried that we wouldn't make it to the hospital in time. At each red light, he would stop, look both ways, hit the hazard lights and then take off. It made me laugh so hard, but it hurt so bad to laugh. So, a few "stop and go" red lights later we were at the hospital.

Now it's about 1 am. We parked the car and saw another car pull up to the emergency entrance. I joked that it better not be another woman in labor because I didn't want to wait in line. It turned out to be a woman having her 4th child. We picked up the pace and beat her to the elevator :) Once on the labor and delivery floor, they actually asked me to fill out 1 form but I must have made a terrible face so they let Jack do it.

After checking me, they said I was dilated to about a 5/6. I went ahead and requested an epidural thinking we had about 3-4 hours of labor ahead of us. Well, Caden had a different idea. The contractions picked up and started coming every 2 minutes. I was like, hello, where is the epidural...? They checked me again and I was already a 1o and that's when I knew there would be NO pain medicine. That was not a good moment. The nurses were great though and they helped me breathe through each contraction - which really does help the pain.

Now we were ready to push but the doctor was not there yet. There was an "on call" dr. in the room and I was like he's great - let him deliver the baby, but they actually told me to "hang in there" and wait for my dr. (which wasn't my dr. but the dr. on call in her practice). I was not happy about being told to wait in my present condition! Thankfully, the dr. showed up in about 10 minutes and Caden was born about 15 minutes and 4 pushes later! All the pain went away when they handed him to me - he was just beautiful and I already loved him so much! Jack was a great sport and didn't faint - no seriously - he held my hand even when I nearly broke his fingers and kept me as calm as possible. I do think it's funny that his new Iphone was in the other hand and he was able to give my mom a play-by-play text during the whole process.


Everyone asks me if I could choose a labor experience would I choose this way - quick and painful or long and drawn out and pain free... Honestly, I think I would go with option 2 and have an epidural even if it took all day. That was enough drama for me to last a lifetime and I seriously admire those who give birth naturally by choice!

Coming next: Pictures from Week 1

Caden's Debut...

Welcome Caden James! 8 lbs 13 oz - 21 inches - Born 6/22/09 at 2:12 am

Here are a few pics from Jack's I-phone...It's taken me forever toget these loaded so I'll probably wait to post more when we get home. We're headed home today around 5. Caden is doing great! We had a good night last night (Caden slept in the nursery) and are feeling much more coherent. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes! More coming soon! I've also added a few pics from when Colton was born - it is very obvious that they are brothers :)


Mommy, Big Brother and Caden!

Caden James!!!

Caden!

A picture of Colton from his birthday...

Colton - this picture looks so much like Caden's above...

22 & 23 Months

So, it's 10:40 pm on the eve of our 2nd baby boy's birth and I am still up... I know I won't be able to sleep, so I thought I'd do some blogging. I figure Caden's birth is about to take over "Colton's Corner" for a while so I better post a few things about the past 2 months so I don't forget!



One day after house hunting we stumbled across a little fountain area and let Colton run around! We didn't know he would get soaked! He loved the fountains and wasn't afraid to lean over them and let them spray him right in his face! We recently went back there and got some video. This time we let him wear his swimsuit.

Here he is on the car ride home enjoying the rest of Mom's sonic ice - yes, life is good at 23 months!

Here's Colton yesterday showing us what he made at "Teddy Bear Camp"... He made a "do not disturb" sign for Baby Caden's door. The camp was great - we got a tour of the hospital, saw a newborn, learned how to swaddle and diaper a teddy bear and learned what toys are too small for baby brother. Grandma and Grandad brought Colton a "baby brother doll" and he has loved taking care of him and playing with him! We can't wait to meet you Caden!

Enjoying a cookie while watching cartoons. He used to call cookies, "cooks" but now he's outgrown that.

Putting a "fresh" diaper on Baby Brother.

Trying on a newborn hat... His shirt says "Big Brothers Rock"!

This book has been read many, many times! Colton is really in to fire trucks, sirens, ambulances, helicopters, trash trucks and motorcycles!

Silly boy!

A day in the life of Colton - Bunny's house may never be the same!

Fireman Colton!

Superman!

Loving on Mommy!

Loving on Baby Brother!

Just the two of us...but not for long!

Mowing Bunny's house with Daddy's socks on. This was while I was folding laundry... He loves to "help" with the laundry and it always takes a bit longer with his help :)

Showing me where Baby Brother is...

Our family of 3 one last time! We cannot wait to see you and hold you Caden!

Come and play baby boy!

This is out of order but too sweet not to share. The day we found our house, there was a terrible storm and the tornado sirens went off. Jack and I were looking at the new house and Colton stayed home with Bunny. She took him into her closet with a ton of pillows and blankets and he fell asleep while they were staying safe!

A few more things to remember about 22 & 23 months...

• I can't list his new words anymore because there are dozens of new words each day! He is like a sponge and a parrot!
• We have to be careful because he's already added, "oh shoot" to his vocabulary... Thankfully, he has recently begun saying "oh man" or "oh me" instead which seems a little tamer :) It really is amazing that he can use them in the right context and tone of voice.
• Almost done with paci - knows we are going to give them all to Baby Caden and thinks it's funny to go and get one to see if I notice.
• Loves to play toys and wants to have you sitting right there on the floor with him.
• Loves to get the cushions off the couch and jump from one to the other.
• Can climb into his crib, but thankfully not out YET...
• Can put his own crocs on...
• Talking in full sentences.
• Loves Barney...
• Loves to point out vehicles on the road especially motorcycles, ambulances, fire trucks, tractors, and big, big trucks.
• "Herds" us into the toy room by pushing on the backs of our legs until we acquiese to his demands.

I'm sure there's more but it is 11 now and I really do need to go to bed! I love you Colton and know that you will be an awesome big brother! Caden - we love you already and cannot wait to meet you tomorrow! Father, please give us a smooth and safe "birth" day! Thank you for these two precious boys. Give Jack and I wisdom as we raise them up to be godly men!

Where do I start?

First of all - no baby yet... We're scheduled to be induced this Monday at 6:30 am if Caden doesn't arrive before then. My babies seem to like to stay put! I cannot complain though - we've had a lot going on, so I'm very thankful he's given us time to take care of a few pressing matters before he comes!

One very important thing being buying a house! Yay! This has been quite the process - we have learned a LOT and I can honestly say I do not want to buy or sell another house for a very long time. We are super excited about our new house - I'll post pics soon. We should close around the middle of July if all goes well.

Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks of what we've been up to...in no particular order...

Caden's Diaper Shower - My sweet coworkers (Angel, Gabi, Stephania & Darey) threw me a diaper shower and we have diapers stockpiled for months! We are so thankful!

A few weeks ago we ventured to Houston, TX and celebrated our favorite niece's graduation from High School! It was such a fun weekend and we are so proud of Brittany! She will be heading to ACU in the fall on a full scholarship! Way to go Britty! Here she is with her sweet beau Jarrett.

Proud Mom and Brother :)

Henry and Colton having a little snack during graduation...

Brittany and all her siblings at her graduation party.

Colton enjoying the party!

In early May we celebrated with April at her wedding shower! It was a great day and she looked beautiful as always! We can't wait until the wedding!

Zach's aunts and Meme...

Just a random picture of our boy licking water off the floor... We're so proud :)

On June 11th, Jack and I celebrated our 4th anniversary! Jack surprised me with a lovely bouquet of tulips and a sweet card! Then Bunny watched Colton while we ate at La Hacienda, browsed at Barnes & Noble and then splurged for a dollar movie. We saw Duplicity. It was a great evening & I'm so thankful for my hubby and our marriage!

Getting ready for Baby Brother. Colton has had fun trying out all of the baby's things.

Getting reaquainted with the froggy pool from last summer.

Our happy boy!

Loving Mr. Frog...

Vacuuming with Bunny. He is such a big helper.

"Working" with Daddy...

Swinging like a monkey... This boy loves to climb, swing, jump and run! Whew - he makes me tired! Thankfully he sleeps as hard as he plays!

This picture was taken on Moving Day - Colton enjoyed playing in the empty storage containers. During the actual move, Grandma and Grandad took him to their house with his cousins so we could finish packing and loading. It was a crazy day but we had amazing help from our friends and family! Thanks Aunt Paige, Papaw, Brad, Nathan, Ben and Bunny! We couldn't have done it without you!

Henry checking out the containers.

Wilkin and Colton running in and out of the containers.