I'm Back!

Well, I am easing back into the real world. These last six days have flown by, and dragged on all at the same time. I didn't get to bed until 11ish on Tuesday night, I couldn't sleep with all those emotions going through me. We got to the hospital at 4 a.m. sharp but my doctors office forgot to send the orders for the medicine so we didn't get things started until 5. My contractions went from 0 to 50 in about 2 seconds. We had a little bit of trouble with the epidural at first but once it kicked in everything was smooth sailing. I pushed for about 5 minutes and had my little man in my arms in no time. Matt actually cut the cord! (He didn't get to do it with Brooke.) Maddux Cade was born at 12:07 p.m. weighing in at 7lbs 5oz, 19 inches long. We have been doing pretty good with the breast feeding, although I wanted to give up within the first day. We go in on Wednesday for his first check up, I'm pretty sure he has gained at least a little weight.

Brooke has been quite a busy girl as well. She had Grandma (Billie) stay with her on Wednesday night and Nonna stayed with her Thursday night. Friday she visited Miarim and Jackie at the office. Saturday she had a sleepover at cousin Davin's house. Yesterday we had the Goode's, Rodger's and a special surprise from Grammy (my mom's mom) and my cousin Britney. Today we are all just relaxing!

As for mommy, I feel great! I love having my husband and babies here bonding with each other. Brooke loves being a big sister even more than I thought she would. We have only had one jealousy issue and that was because Aunt Meagan was holding bubbah, she isn't jealous when he is with me or Matt. We have had so much amazing help and support, I don't think we could have done it without our parents and siblings. Thank you guys! And thanks to Tammy who came to the hospital to keep me company, I really think that laughing for 2 hours straight has led to a speedy recovery... I will be sure to return the favor. I will try to keep everyone updated as often as possible.

Last hours as mom of one!

I am sure everyone already knows that Maddux will be here tomorrow... I meant to post earlier but things have been a little crazy! Brooke just left to spend the night with Nonna and Papaw. I almost didn't want her to go yet, I wanted to savor every last second with her. I can't believe that tomorrow I will be a mother of two! You would think it would sink in over the last 9 months but I think it is just now hitting me. I have so many emotions right now I don't even think I could put them into words. I am excited to meet my little man. I am a little nervous about being able to split my time so Brooke doesn't feel pushed to the side. I am worried as to how Brooke will react to her brother. I am scared about labor... labor with Brooke was so perfect, I have high expectations for tomorrow. I am a little frazzled because I didn't get everything done today wanted to get done. But most of all I am thankful that God has blessed me with not one but two healthy, relatively stress free pregnancies. I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband by my side, who is also a great dad to our little girl. I am thankful for both my parents and Matt's, they are so supportive and always lending a helping hand. I am blessed beyond measure. I hope that I can sleep tonight with so many things running through my mind! I hope to be posting before too long... mostly to keep me sane!

how did people live without internet?

For as long as I was old enough to use a computer I remember having an e-mail... Mr Carlos gave my family an old computer and put Juno on it. The connection was slow and I had no one to really e-mail but it was there if I needed it. If you would have told me back then that my mom was going to "journal" online I would have called you a liar. We were not allowed to have our names or initials anywhere in our e-mail address for fear of identity theft or child predators. Now she tells great stories about our family and friends for anyone to see... but I digress! So in these wee hours of the morning I am up once again with an aching back. In an effort to pass the time before everyone wakes up and I can go soak in the tub in mom and dads room, I get on my social networking sights to catch up on things going on. I usually just look at new picture my friends have posted, check on some of the girls from high school who are planning weddings or having babies, but this morning was a special treat. My cousin who lives in Arkansas was up as well, we got to chat and catch up on things since Meagan's wedding. He got to hear about how my husband and children were doing and I got to hear about his many college adventures. This is someone that I see maybe once a year but we are able to talk non stop for an hour and a half. I am just so thankful for this thing we call Internet where I can stay close with family. I think it also prompts mom and dad to talk to their siblings on the phone more often. They are always so shocked to hear that we have the latest news from our cousins before they do. I think I am going to challenge myself to be better about sending an e-mail or text when I am thinking about someone. Life gets so hectic that I never get around to doing it but I really enjoy getting a response when I do take the time. Thanks Al Gore... lol just kidding!

Burst of Energy and CRASH!

So I was totally convinced Maddux was going to make his big appearance last night. I woke up around 2 in the morning and couldn't sleep, I had to clean or do something. I did some laundry so I wouldn't wake up my hubby or Brooke. I kept waiting for the contractions to start or for my water to break but they never came. I went to bed two hours later. Wouldn't you know that today would be the day Brooke decides to stop taking her long naps twice a day... I was exhausted all day. I guess it is a good thing I didn't go into labor because mom and Davin are sick right now, I don't want anyone to miss Maddux because they are quarantined. Brooke finally laid down at 5:30 so I got started on dinner and more straightening up. I know mom will keep everyone updated if I am not able to. I hope to have new pictures up before too long, my camera is packed in the hospital bag so I don't forget it. I find out on Monday when exactly I will induce if Maddux can wait that long.

getting caught up

Wow, this week has flown by for me. We had a very busy week this week. Tuesday we went to the zoo with Meagan, Bri and Davin. It is so cool seeing the kids finally getting to enjoy the animals. The last time we all went together was when my moms cousin Shelly was down with her husband and daughter to visit, I think the little ones were only abut 6 months old at that time so they mostly slept. This time they were up walking around and playing. We got there just in time to see the sea lion show, Davin got splashed every time they jumped up out of the water (I think he enjoyed it!) Of course I forgot my new camera on the table at home so I don't have any pictures to share. Wednesday I had my doctors appointment... I was slightly disappointment that there was nothing new to report on the progress of the baby, then again no news is better than bad news. Thursday Brooke had an appointment for her 15 month routine well visit. When they took her measurements the doctor said that she is about the size of an average 2 year old!!! I knew that girl was big. Poor baby had to have 5 shots, she was pretty grumpy for the next two days. Friday all three of us were in bed with a cold pretty much all day. Yesterday my sister and Ms. Robin hosted a shower for me. It is so nice to celebrate a little one coming with close family and friends. It is amazing how we can go a while without seeing each other and just start back up where we left off. That is how you know you have great friends. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it, I can't wait to share baby Maddux with you all... 20 more days... give or take!

Oh yeah, I went earlier this week to get some indoor and outdoor activities for Brooke and I to do. It was only warm enough one time this week to play outside, Brooke loves sidewalk chalk and playing ball. The indoor activities don't keep her attention as long but she still enjoyed coloring with her markers (the color wonder brand... I wasn't brave enough for real markers) and I got some flash cards with shapes, colors and animals on them (thanks for the idea Ms. August!) Daddy has already banned one item... stickers. I bought them for Brooke to stick on construction paper but when I got up to answer the phone a couple of them ended up on Daddy's new TV. I got them all off so there is no harm done but we will wait a little while to bring them back out.