Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Then and Now

6/24/06 he bought me a bible with my new name on it.


6/24/10 he bought me roses in honor of the birth of our son.


6/24/06 he was cracking me up!


6/24/10 after a c-section he's still cracking me up!


6/24/06 Taylor gained a new big brother!


6/24/10 Tay gained a nephew!


Both days were equally near and dear to my heart. My dream in life has always been to be a wife and mother. June 24th will always be a day of special celebration in our family. 4 years ago I marrried my best friend and I fell in love with him all over again as he began the journey of fatherhood. He is the most amazing dad. I am shocked day after day about how much help he is and how in love he is with Deacon. We are very lucky to have him.

Our Anniversary Gift

If you know Derek and I you know that we are big on traditions. We get each other a gift from the traditional anniversary gift list each year. The first year it was paper, the second year it was cotton, the third year it was leather or crystal, and the fourth year apparently it was a baby!

On June 24th, I had a blood work appointment at 10:30 a.m. and then we had reservations at Pattis for dinner. Derek stayed at home to mow the yard. I went to get my nails done before the appointment and I was feeling great. I got home from the doctor about 11:15 and Derek stopped mowing long enough to ask me how everything went and I told him great and we were all set for tomorrow. As I walked into the house I got a horrible cramp but I didn't know it was a contraction I just thought I was hungry. I came in and fixed myself some leftovers (steak and salad) and then sat down to update the blog with an anniversary post. I felt a pain again and got up to go to the bathroom and that's when I could tell my water had broken. About 10 minutes later Derek was done mowing and came in the house and I told him my water had broken. He jumped in the shower and I called my doctor.

Before I knew I had to have a csection, my biggest fear was getting to the hospital only to find out it was a false alarm so I wanted to talk to my doctor for a reassurance. They told me to come in right away. Derek hadn't packed his stuff yet so we started throwing things in a bag and got Maddy all packed up. We rushed to the hospital with Maddy in tow. We had talked to my aunt who owns the kennel Maddy stays at and she met us at the entrance of Western Baptist.

We got onto the labor and delivery floor and my doctor had already called and told them I was coming. They asked if my water had for sure broken and I told them I was 95% sure it had. I was still in denial at this point. They put me in a little holding room and asked me to change into a gown. I came out and Derek and I hung out in that room and the contractions started to hurt a little. I would get up and walk around when I was having a contraction. My sister came back into the room when she got to the hospital along with one of my best friends Kristen. Kristen is a nurse and could tell I was getting uncomfortable with the contractions. She was beginning to get mad that they hadn't checked me yet but I think it was because I didn't appear to be in pain when I checked in and I told them I wasn't sure my water had broken.

About 40 minutes later, they came in and began asking me a million questions. I was in pain but tried my hardest to be polite. They were taking there time and never acted as though they were in a hurry. At some point during the questioning my parents came in. My mom said something when she walked in the room and Derek said I told her to "shut-up." I remember asking her to be quiet but I thought I said "Be quiet please because I am hurting." We FINALLY got done with the questionnaire and the nurse hooked up our monitors.

The nurse then said she was going to go an internal exam. Derek was fanning me with a postcard because the air in the hospital was messed up. Taylor and Kristen were standing behind a curtain and my parents had gone back to the waiting room.She checked me as I was having a bad contraction and I was holding onto Derek with both hands. She then said she would be right back. Kristen and Taylor went back to the waiting room and another nurse came in with the original nurse. The original nurse said she thought I was dilated to 6 centimeters and that she couldn't feel any fluid left but that she wanted a second opinion. The new nurse checked me and agreed that I was 6 centimeters and she told me that she could feel his butt. They told Derek to go to the waiting room and let our families know what was happening and that we would have a baby in 30 minutes.

Another nurse came in while he was gone and said that Dr. Anunciato had called for a c-section STAT. When Derek came back in the room the anesthesiologist was in there. He told me that he would have one shot to get the spinal in and if it didn't work then he would knock me all the way out and Derek would have to wait in the hall. This is only time I became nervous because Derek had been with me every step of the way and I wasn't ready to be separated from him. Dr. Anunciato came by on her way to the OR and told me that I would be fine and assure me that the anesthesiologist was really good.

They then wheeled me really quickly into the OR while Derek got changed. I saw Taylor, Kristen, and Jill in the hall on the way back in. They later told me that they had seen the anesthesiologist and the surgical techs running to the OR as it was now an emergency situation. Dr. Anunciato sat by me as they put the spinal in and rubbed my arm as I was in pain. I wanted to pray so bad at that moment but my mind wouldn't let me and it was in a fog from the medication. He got the spinal in and it worked great so they laid me back and let Derek back in. Derek started out standing and watching the surgery and I asked him to sit down and talk to me. Again, I wanted to pray but words escaped me. I know God was in that room and the people in the waiting room had taken over praying for me since I was unable to do it. As soon as Dr. Anunciato started she told me that I had already dilated to 10 centimeters so I have basically experienced labor just very quickly.

I was never scared or nervous. I heard them tell Derek to stand up as they could see Deacon's butt. Then I heard his little cry and I began to tear up. I had been so worried about him throughout the pregnancy and now he was here. Derek went to the side to be with him and they continued the procedure. Danielle, the nursery nurse, scooted the warmer over so I could see them working on him. When it was time to go to the nursery Derek brought him over to see me and I kissed him goodbye. I thought I would be scared without Derek there but I was still in awe at the miracle of birth.

Derek took him past the waiting room to meet friends and family and then took him in the nursery. I was finished up and then taken to recovery. My favorite part of the day was when they took me to my room and brought Deacon in to us. It was just me, Derek, and Deacon as I nursed him for the first time and it was a time I will never ever forget. We praise God daily for giving us everything we had ever dreamed of. I'm not going to give a step-by-step account of the 3 days in the hospital but I will do several picture posts today and tomorrow and let them tell the story. I just wanted to get his birth story in writing so I would never forget it.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

T-2 days

We are in the h0me stretch now! Praise God for that. In just 48 short hours we will be holding that precious baby in our arms. Our hopes and dreams from the past 9 months will become a reality. I can't wait to just take him all in. I know that seeing Derek hold him for the first time will be a moment that I will cherish forever. We would appreciate your prayers on Friday that he would come into this world without complications.

Derek and I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 a.m. to check in and the c-section will start at approximately 7:30 a.m. We will be in the hospital through Monday if everything goes as planned. We probably won't post pictures until we get home because we have enough stuff packed to worry with a laptop but we will post lots of pictures everyday once we are home. I'm sure that Aunt Tay will have pictures on facebook immediately.

Derek has to work tonight then he is off for at least 2 weeks. We are going to spend today and tommorow spoiling our firstborn and then she is off to the kennel tommorow afternoon!

Here are some pictures from the shower we had a couple of weekends ago. Taylor had the adorable idea of doing a bedtime snack as a favor. So everyone who came got to go home with cookies and milk. Milk has been my biggest craving so it was perfect. I wanted to share these favor pictures for sure! We took alot more pictures but I don't have them on my computer.

The sign for cookies and milk:

The milk jugs:

The set-up:

Planning parties is one of Taylor's specialties. We know that Deacon will love his Aunt Tay just as much as we do.
Have a blessed day!



Thursday, June 17, 2010

Long Overdue

It's been awhile since I updated. I have been under the weather and D has been out of town so that made for a not so fun beginning to the week. Thanks to my mom and sister for taking such good care of me. I had to have a not so pleasant procedure done on Wednesday for issues indirectly related to the pregnancy and now I'm on complete bedrest. I'm not supposed to be vertical very much if any throughout the day which is hard for me. I like getting up and making sure things are straight and in order around the house but I'm learning. In the midst of the problems this week Dr. Anunciato has been out of town but she will be back Monday and we have an appointment so she will reasses the situation and see if the csection should wait until Friday or can be moved up an earlier in the week. The nurses think she will move it up but we never can tell with her. I am fine with him coming whenever because I know it will be within the next 8 days. Deacon is completely fine. It's my body that's beginning to wear out.

I had a very fun shower at our house on Saturday. I got to see alot of friends that I haven't seen in awhile and my sister, Jill, and Amanda were good hosts. Taylor had so many special details that made for a fun day. I didn't take many pictures with my camera but when I get some from Taylor I'll post them.

Derek and I enjoyed two fun filled days on the lake this weekend and it's a good thing because we didn't realize it would be our last weekend for a couple weeks. Next time we are out there Deacon will be in tow. We spent Sunday with our friends Dustin and Ashley and ended the evening at Belews so we got to have fun before I was sentenced to bed.

We will be spending the next couple of days getting things ready for Deacon. Derek has to install the carseat and I have to get our bags packed. Deacon is packed but my sister is coming over to help me get packed and then of course D will pack himself. Taylor was with me when I bought most of the stuff to take to the hospital so it should be no problem for her to pack under my direction.

Thank you all for reading our blog. There will be lots more exciting posts and pictures when Deacon gets here. Our first baby, Maddy, turns 2 tommorow so we will be doing lots of spoiling at our house. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. God Bless you!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Jackson and Amelia

Jackson and Amelia have been celebrating some big milestones in their lives the last couple of weeks and we have been blessed to share in these with them. On May 25th, Jackson graduated from kindergarten and Taylor and I got to go to that and then on June 3rd, Miss Amelia had her first dance recital. This was also just a girls trip but Mrs. Patsy joined us for this one. We are so blessed to have them in our lives and can't wait for many more special memories to come.

Graduation
Jackson's graduation was bittersweet for me. Jackson has always held a special place in my heart and seeing him grow up is so much fun and rewarding but also a little sad. Not too long ago he spent the night with me and told me that he's getting too big to kiss people that are older than him but he can still kiss little kids so he will kiss Deacon so I shouldn't worry. I wish he was still in the stage where he would sit in my lap for hours but it is fun watching the young man he is becoming. He is very caring and kind towards others.

When I was growing up I only wanted girls. We come from a very girly family and I thought I would just die if I didn't have a little girl to doll up but Jackson being born changed that for me (thank goodness huh!) He and I have a special bond and I can't imagine the bond I will have with Deacon. I went with Jackson on his first day school as I have yet to miss a first of his so it was only appropriate that I was there on his last day before becoming a big first grader.

Jackson and Mrs. Vicki as Jackson received his diploma.


Jackson after receiving an accelerated reader award. He was so proud!

Jackson and his certificate


Jackson reading the book we gave him right in the middle of the hallway. He's my kind of kid. I love to read and have been known to read while walking through the house.


Recital

Amelia has turned into such a girly girl. When Jill was pregnant with her we were a little worried because Jill didn't want too much pink or frills. We worried the poor girl would never wear a bow. Well something changed when Amelia was born and Jill became more girly and dressed Amelia adorably with big bows and all. Amelia loves going with Taylor to get her hair and nails done for special events so of course we had to pamper her on her special day. She did every dance number perfectly. She was made for the stage. Jill assured us we didn't have to come because it would be long and hot but the Steele girls love this type of thing!

Amelia has turned into an absolute sweetheart and now likes hanging with the girls. She was very partial to Derek over me the first few years of her life but now she is just one of the girls. She still prefers to sit on his lap when they stay with us but that's ok! She couldn't be more excited about Deacon. She talks to him all the time and everything we have for him is just adorable in her opinion. Seeing her hold him for the first time will be one of the highlights of the day!

Mrs. Patsy and Tay doing hair and make-up



Me and Amelia- it was hot and I was swollen but she looks adorable


In action-


Even princesses have melt-downs from time. At the end of the show they dropped pool toys from the ceiling and she didn't get one. It was a horrible idea actually as some of the teenage girls caught 4 or 5 things. It took lots of coaxing to get her off that stage.








Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Week 36 Update

We went to the doctor yesterday and Deacon is still breech which we knew he would be! The c-section is scheduled for June 25th. We have to be there at 6:00 a.m. It will be the best anniversary present ever! Our anniversary is June 24th so we will take Maddy to the kennel and go eat then get ready for the next day. I doubt we will sleep. I couldn't even sleep last night! The dr. wrote me out of work due to my extreme swelling. I can still run errands and things in moderation and go out to eat and to the movies she said but the majority of the day I need my feet up. So I am working today to tie up loose ends and then I will be resting at home the remainder of the pregnancy. I hope to still go on the lake a time or two as I relax there better than anywhere else.

Pregnancy Highlights- Week 36

How Far Along: 36 weeks 5 days

Maternity Clothes: Yes I don't want to give them up but I'll be glad to be back in normal clothes

Best Moment this week: Relaxing on the lake, seeing Deacon on the ultrasound, shopping for last minute craft project with D

Food Craving: I made lemonade with Splenda since I'm so sick of water and it is so good!

What I miss:
sleeping on my back and belly

Sleep: I have slept better this week except for last night after finding out the date

What I am looking forward to:
My shower Saturday, spending quality time with Maddy and D

Symptoms:
Braxton Hicks contraction at times

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

35 Week Update

We had a wonderful weekend on the lake! Saturday Derek didn't get off until 11 am so he slept until about 4 p.m. and I dozed off and on. It was nice to catch up on some sleep. Then we went on a night time boat ride. Sunday we went out with Tay and Chase and then to a cookout. Monday we went out with my parents and Tay and Chase and enjoyed dinner at Moors. I attempted to lay on a raft on Monday but Deacon kept shifting his weight so it was a workout to stay on! This little boy may rock my world I'm afraid:)

We had an ultrasound and appointment yesterday. Deacon is still breech (of course). We could see hair in the ultrasound so that's exciting. He also had a little fat roll on his neck so he may be a chunky monkey. They estimate he weighs between 6.5-7.5 pounds. We are having one more ultrasound next Tuesday and then we will set his c-section date at that time. It's a little strange to pick his birthday but we know that God already knows the day he will be born so it's no surprise to him. I will be a nervous wreck until next Tuesday I'm sure!

Pregnancy Highlights- Week 35

How Far Along: 35 weeks 5 days

Maternity Clothes: Yes I don't want to give them up but I'll be glad to be back in normal clothes

Best Moment this week: Relaxing on the lake, quality time with the family, seeing Deacon on the ultrasound, knowing the end is in sight

Food Craving: Same as last week-Milk again-I have my blood sugars figured out so that I can eat enough protein that it balances out with the milk-Praise God!

What I miss:
sleeping on my back and belly

Sleep: My mind goes a thousand miles a minute at night -I usually sleep best when Derek is home and sleeping with me-However, he is currently working 8p.m.-4a.m. so I'm getting up when he is getting home so I call him several times in the middle of the night to discuss things that need to be done before the baby-he's really wishing I could take Tylenol PM about now.

What I am looking forward to:
Setting a date,relaxing on the lake, Amelia's dance recital, Aunt Tay spending the night

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contraction at times
 

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