The first 10 days (6 days late)

I originally started writing this post 6 days ago with the intention of finishing it that day. Somehow in the last six days I have not found the time to finish it until now. Okay, I know how I did not find the time... my sweet little boy is a lot of work! So, six days late, here's the scoop.

December 30, 2008: I can't believe it has already been a week and a half since my sweet little baby was born. I'm already looking at him and thinking "Don't grow up so fast!" I wish he could stay a little newborn forever. But, I am also looking forward to all the wonderful phases he will go through in the coming years.

Here are some of the significant events from Ben's first 10 days:

• My parents and brother stayed with us Ben's first week. My mom was especially helpful cooking meals, doing laundry, running errands and helping in any way she could. I was glad to have my family here.
  
• At about 4 days old, Ben had some trouble with nursing. He would not latch on, which was very frustrating for both of us. I was up all night trying to get him to eat. There were several times when we were both in tears. One night I sat up with him, holding him and just crying. I told him how much I loved him and how I wanted him to grow big and strong. For about a day and a half I had to pump and feed him from a bottle to get him to eat. I was really worried. I told Ben all I wanted for Christmas was for him to nurse. That afternoon, he latched on, and he has been doing fine ever since.


• At 4 days old, Ben went to church for the first time for the Christmas Eve service. He slept soundly through the whole thing. It was fun after the service showing him off to people. We got a nice family photo in the sanctuary.




• Ben's first Christmas came when he was only 5 days old. He wore a cute baby's first Christmas onesie that mommy and daddy bought for him (and that they had to wash first thing in the morning because Ben dirtied it during the night). He also got lots of presents, including an ornament from mommy and daddy and a cute outfit and book from grandma and grandpa. We all felt very lucky to have Ben with us - he was the best gift of all.





At one week, Ben's belly button clamp fell off. He has a beautiful "innie" belly button.


At eight days, Ben met his uncles, aunts and grandpa on daddy's side for the first time. Josh and Audrey stayed for a day, and the rest of the family stayed for three days. They all love holding and loving on their new grandson/nephew.




Ben's one week doctor's appointment went very well. He was up to 7 lbs. 15 oz. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health. I am thankful to have such a healthy baby.


Ben had several other visitors within the first 10 days. Uncle John, Aunt Julie, Jessica, Jenna and Grandma Decker came for a short visit. Friends Jenn and Ben Meador also stopped by one day. We visited Uncle Paul, Aunt Cheryl, and cousins Amanda, Josh and Sarah, along with Shaffer relatives at the Johnson's house. Uncle Steve, Aunt Barb, and cousins Bethany, Andrew and Matt came for a short visit as well. Ben is blessed to have so many people to love him.

It seems that the days are just flying by. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. We have no special plans, and I am looking forward to spending time with just our little family - me, Jason and Ben. Although it has been great to have family around, I am glad we will have a few days of just the three of us before Jason has to go back to work on the 5th.

(A more up-to-date update coming soon - hopefully....)

A Family of Three

The story of how Benjamin James Decker came into the world:

On Friday (December 19), I had my regular weekly doctor's appt. The midwife checked my cervix to see if I was starting to dialate, and sure enough I was about 1 centimeter dialted and 40% effaced (which I had to look up on-line when I got home to see what that meant). Basically, my body was getting ready to deliver, but the midwife let me know that I still could be a week or more away. I asked if it might be sooner, and she said it was a possibility, but not too likely. I walked away thinking I had a while left.

Friday after the appointment, Jason and I went Christmas shopping for a few hours. Later that day, Jason went to work and I tried to get some things done at home. That night, I decided to take some photos of my belly, so I had a little photo shoot with myself. Here I am at about 8:00 Friday night:

Six hours later, I was in labor. At 2:00 am on Saturday I woke up with contractions about 10 minutes apart. I wasn't even sure if they were real contractions or not, but as the night went on, they would got closer together and stronger. By about 7:00 am I was pretty sure I was in labor, but thought I had a while left still. Jason was still asleep and had been all night. I took a shower and got ready, then I woke him up at about 7:30 and said I thought I was in labor and we should get ready to go to the hospital. I don't think he was really aware of what was happening. He started the dishwasher and slowly started getting ready - until I got a little impatient and said we needed to go to the hospital NOW! My contractions were quickly getting closer and stronger. At this point, they were about 5 minutes or less apart. But, my doctor had told me that I should labor at home as long as possible and not come in until they were 3-5 minutes apart, so I though I was in good shape still.

On the way to the hospital, which because of the snow was about a half hour drive, my contractions were getting even closer and stronger. We checked into the hospital at about 8:45 am and the nurse checked my cervix. I was about 8-9 centimeters dialated and my cervix was soft and ready to go. The nurse informed me that I was ready to deliver, and, the words I was dreading to hear, it was too late for pain medication. This is the point I started to freak out a little bit. Everything was happening so quickly and I was going to have to do it all without pain relief. Yikes! Jason called our parents and let them know what was happening and they took me into a delivery room to get ready for the main event.

Less than an hour later, I was starting to push. After about 45 minutes of pushing and 20 minutes of the worst pain ever, our baby boy was here! Delivery without meds was the most difficult experience of my life. But when the doctor placed him on my stomach, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. He was perfect.

Jason did such a great job helping me through all of it. He stood by my bed, held my hand, held my legs and feet as I pushed, encouraged me, told me what was happening, and was surprisingly calm. I couldn't have done it without him.

At 10:30 a.m., less than two hours after we arrived a the hospital, Benjamin was born. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. I think he is pretty perfect.

My recovery is going okay. I never really read the parts of the pregnancy books that talked about what happens to your body after delivery. I am in much worse shape than I anticipated, with lots of soreness from where I had to have stitches, but I am doing okay. I was able to go shopping on Christmas Eve with Jason and also took Ben to the Christmas Eve service at church. My parents and brother have been here the last few days, and my mom has been especially helpful.

Here we are getting ready to go home from the hospital:

And this is the sweet little angel I took home:

Next week!

I am due next week! NEXT WEEK! Granted, the due date is still 12 days away, but it is NEXT WEEK! I feel overwhelmed be everything that has to be done. I'm not much of a list person, but I'm thinking maybe now is the time to start.

Before baby comes I need to:

1. Pack my bag for the hospital
2. Install the car seat
3. Buy Christmas presents for Jason, family, and 3 gift exchanges
4. Wrap Christmas presents
5. Finish up internship hours (15 hours to go until I reach 400!)
6. Buy items still needed for the baby room
7. Finish decorating/putting together the baby room
8. Clean our apartment from top to bottom
9. Research birth plans and pain med options
10. Choose a name for the baby (or at least narrow the list)
11. Spend some time with my husband
12. Relax

I'll let you know how I do...

Maternity Photos!

My friend Sara took some photos of Jason and me on Friday. They turned out great! You can see some of them here on her blog.

Only 3 weeks to go!

I can't believe that my due date is now only 3 weeks away! I went to the doctor yesterday and I am right on track as far as my measurements and the baby's size go. The doctor estimated that the baby is actually already 6 1/2 pounds. I was hoping to deliver a 6-pounder (I was 6 lbs. 13 oz. when I was born) , but it's not looking like that will happen. I still feel like I have a while left before this baby comes. He has not dropped yet and I have had not had braxton-hicks contractions or any other symptoms that he's coming any time soon. With the 27th as my due date, I'm hoping he does not come on Christmas day, but he'd better come before the end of the year. My doctor is on board with helping the process along if I am starting to progress naturally in the next couple of weeks. Looks like I'll be taking some long walks!

This past weekend, I had a baby shower in Ohio. One of the highlights was seeing a great friend, Kortney, who I have not seen since I have been pregnant. She is one of those friends who I could not see or talk with for months, and we pick up right where we left off. It was so good to see her, even though it was only for a couple of hours!

For Thanksgiving last week, we also attended Jason's family's annual get-together. Half of the family is from Ohio, and the other half is from Michigan. They always have a "Michigan vs. Ohio State" football game. After 3 hours of playing in the bitter cold, Michigan was victorious! I didn't care who won, I just wanted to get inside so I could feel my toes again.

34 weeks

Baby Showers & More

I'm pretty behind (0kay, three weeks behind) on my blog. But, I feel like I definitely need to write about the past three week's events anyway. It's more for archive's sake than anything, but maybe someone else will be interested in reading it too.

There's nothing more humbling than when people you care about gather to celebrate a special milestone in your life and shower you with love - and gifts. I remember the feeling I had at my wedding showers, and how blessed I felt to have such generous, loving people in my life. Three weekends ago, I had two baby showers, and those same feelings came back to me. I am very blessed by such wonderful friends and family.

(The friends at baby shower #2)

(me opening gifts at baby shower #1, photo by Sara Luke)

In other news, I have been gall bladder attack free for a week and a half!

However, a couple of weeks ago (first weekend in Nov.), I had some pretty severe attacks four nights in a row - one on Friday night, Saturday night, all day Sunday, and all day Monday. By Monday afternoon I was at the end of my rope. I had been in severe pain for 20+ hours and couldn't bear it anymore. In tears, I called my ob-gyn, who was off for the day. Still crying, I then called the principal at my school for a surgeon referral. When I called the surgeon, I was informed he was in surgery for the day. Crying even harder, I called the emergency room to see if I should come in. They directed me to labor and delivery, where the receptionist was not much help. By this time, I was about to give up. I sat on the couch crying in pain and wondering how I was going to get through the next 8 weeks. Then, like a lightswitch, the pain went away. The stone was pushed back into my gall bladder and I felt completely better.

The next day I was able to see the surgeon, who told me what I already knew- there was nothing he could do until the baby is born. I did get a prescription for Vicaden, which I really hope I do not need to use. So far, so good.

Babymoon

With 9 weeks to go until the baby comes, I'm reminded that these next two months will be the last months of "just the two of us" for me and Jason. Although we are looking forward to being parents and have been assured by others that it will be the most amazing experience of our lives, I am a bit sad that this time of our lives is almost over. Our first two years of marriage have gone by so fast! Are we ready to go from a two-some to a three-some?

I've read how some couples have one last "hurrah" before their baby is born and take a "babymoon" together. Usually, these babymoons involve an exotic trip to Cabo or Thailand or somewhere equally exotic. As appealing as a week at an all-inclusive resort sounds, our bank account is not equipped to fund such a trip. My second (okay, ninth) choice, a nice weekend trip to Chicago or Mackinac Island also turned out to be out of our price range right now. So, instead of spending our monthly grocery money on one weekend, we opted for a more economical day excursion to Lake Michigan. After all, the important thing was to spend time together.

Last weekend, we took the entire day Sunday and headed to South Haven, a beach town on Lake Michigan that we have heard a lot about but never been to. It has a nice harbor, lighthouse, cute shops... and that's about it. After a couple of hours we were bored - probably because we really didn't know all of our options of what to do. We decided to head down the coast 20 miles to St. Joseph, another beach town where we spent our one year anniversary. For some reason, Jason and I both love St. Joseph. It is less crowded and touristy than many other beach towns, and the pier and beach are absolutely beautiful. The sunsets are amazing too. We set up camp on the beach, took photos, and enjoyed a marvelous sunset together.

If anyone wants to sponsor a real babymoon, let me know! Otherwise, I'll be satisfied with Lake Michigan...

Shocking Discovery.

Maybe I should think about a career in health care...

For the past several months, I have been having "attacks" in the middle of the night of severe pain in my upper abdomen. I had one attack in July, one in August, and have had one a week for the last four weeks. The attacks always happen late at night or in the middle of the night and last between one and several hours. The pain feels like someone is trying to rip my insides out. It is also accompanied by nausea, fever, chills and back pain. After the second episode, I called my doctor's office, and the nurse told me it was heartburn and that I should take some antacids. I really didn't think that severe of pain could be "heartburn," but I decided not to press the issue. During my next attack, I took antacids, and they didn't help relieve the pain at all. I called the doctor's office again and the nurse still insisted it was heartburn. I had read about gall bladder symptoms online, and I they were similar to what I was experiencing. So, I requested that I have a test (ultrasound) done on my gall bladder. The nurse still did not think it was necessary. At my next prenatal appointment, I again asked to have a gallbladder test done. The nurse told me that they would "do the test to appease me, but she would be SHOCKED if that's what is was." My appointment lasted all but 5 minutes and I was practically pushed out of the door. I don't think she appreciated my questioning her expertise on heartburn during pregnancy.

This picture somewhat shows what I've experienced:




So, I had my ultrasound on Wednesday. In the words of the ultrasonagrapher, my gallbladder is "gallstone city" and "there is no question that is what is causing me problems." SHOCKING. I will have to have surgery to remove it after the baby is born.

I've been thinking of some passive-aggressive ways to express my frustration to the nurse, like giving her reading material about the symptoms of gallstones vs. heartburn. But, probably the best thing I can do at this point is sit down with my doctor, politely express my disatisfaction with the way the situation was handled, and make sure I recieve the care I need from this point on. (And maybe slip the nurse a webMD printout about gallstones too).

Blue Gate Farm

We spent this past weekend at my Papa's farm in Ohio. My 'Papa' is my grandpa - my mom's dad. He's 80 years old and is still running the farm he grew up on - the "Bule Gate Farm" The farm is located in Lowellville, Ohio, just outside of Youngstown, one mile from the Pennsylvania border. My great-great-great-great grandfather (or so) first acquired the 80 acres of land in 1802, before Ohio was even a state. Back then it was the 'wild west.' The house my Papa and Nana live in was constructed sometime in the mid-1800's, and a second house was built on the property later on, when the land was divided between 2 sons, each receiving 40 acres. My Papa still owns the 40 acres his father owned, and also purchased approximately 6 of the other 40, following a lot of litigation and heartache surrounding the death of his cousin who owned the land (but did not specify who would get the land in his will). So, my Papa's 45+ acres includes two houses, a barn, a pond, half a dozen other out buildings, and apple orchard, and corn fields. All of this he tries to keep up on his own. He is actually trying to renovate the second house so that his sister, my great aunt, can move in. Jason and I were glad to be able to go down to help for a weekend, but felt as though we should stay for several weeks and months instead. There is a lot of work to be done, and while my Papa is in good health, there is more work than any one man could possibly do.

We did find a lot of humor over the weekend with my Nana. She is in a wheel chair and has alzhiemer's, but also has a kind spirit and a great sense of humor. I know she doesn't mean to be funny, but she cracks us up! Jason and I were laughing half the way home as we retold Nana stories from the weekend. Like how she opened a gift from my brother - a movie - and asked if it was pornography. Or when the pastor told the congregation in church that he was going to show us a slide and she loudly blurts out "But, why?" And how she insisted she had never seen a red pepper in her life. It is in reality very sad that she often times cannot remember what she did an hour ago, and sometimes forgets her children and grandchildren's names. But, we are fortunate that in her sickness, she has retained her sweetness, she laughs often, and is truly loved.

While at the farm, there was a lot of apple-picking. My papa said it was his best crop in years. The apples were beautiful, and we made out like bandits, bringing a trunk full of them home with us. If anyone wants some amazing apples, he's selling them for only $10 a bushel, but you'll have to drive to Ohio to get them!

27 weeks

I am now at 27 weeks. I can't believe it! What's even more crazy is there are only 13 weeks to go. Thirteen weeks is such a short amount of time! I have lots to do over the next three months to get ready for this baby.

A week and a half ago I had another doctor's appointment. No exciting news to report. The doctor said the baby's heartbeat was good - 140 beats per minute. My stomach was also measured and I measured right where I should be for 26 weeks, so that was good. My weight is climbing slowly. I gained 2 pounds since my last appointment. My weight gain from my starting weight is only 5 pounds, but I have gained 7-8 pounds overall (I had lost some at the beginning).

I have also been feeling the baby move a lot more. A couple of weeks ago, on September 5, Jason was actually able to put his hand on my belly and feel kicks for the first time too! Last week I woke up in the middle of the night because a kick (or punch or head butt) was so strong. I love feeling our baby move! It is amazing to know that there is a little person inside of me moving and growing.

Three weeks ago was Jason's brother's wedding. I am so excited that I now have a sister! It was a beautiful wedding and we had a great time. And, my dress fit! Here are some photos from the wedding:

Baby's First Photos

On Monday, August 18, we had our first ultrasound and were able to see the first images of our baby. It was so amazing... what a miracle that there is a little person growing inside of me. Right away, the first image we saw of the baby was with his legs wide open, revealing to us that we are definitely having a boy! I always thought it would be nice to have a boy as the oldest child, so I am happy :) The ultrasonagrapher and doctor both said that he appears to be devoloping normally, his spine, lungs and brain look healthy and his heartbeat is strong. All good news! He weighs about a pound and all his measurements are right where they should be for his age. It was a relief to see him for ourselves and see that he has ten little fingers and ten little toes and a really cute little nose!

In the last couple of weeks, my belly has grown a lot. I am at 22 1/2 weeks now, and although I haven't resorted to wearing maternity pants yet, I only have a few pairs of my old pants that fit me comfortable. I have begun to wear some maternity shirts. I think it's about time for a shopping trip for some clothes that fit! At my appointment last week, I had finally gained some weight and was up 5 pounds total from my starting weight. At this point in a pregnancy, the average is about 10-15 pounds, so I'm still on the low side, which is fine with me as long as the baby is healthy! Next week is my brother-in-law and future sister-in-law's wedding and I have to fit into a bridesmaid dress, so I am hoping that I don't gain too much more over the course of the next week.

Also in the last couple of weeks (not sure of the exact date, but around mid-August) I have started to feel little flutters. Sometimes it is hard for me to tell what I am feeling is the baby or my intestines, but I am definitely feeling something. I was a bit worried since I was 20 weeks along and hadn't felt anything, but with the ultrasound and now feeling flutters, my anxieties have subsided.

I also had my first baby shower yesterday. My office threw me a surprise shower! I was overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and so excited to get my first baby items. I know Jason and I are blessed by so many people around us, and I am so thankful for everyone who is supporting us during this time. Thank you all!

Baby Decker

I have not written anything yet about the biggest news of our marriage thus far - we are having a baby! For the sake of my own records, I am going to chronicle the journey we have been on over the last four and a half months. So, here it is, the story of baby Decker thus far:

End of April: I suspect that I might be pregnant and take a home test - it's positive! Jason and I are scared and excited. I immediately call the doctor to schedule an appointment.

May 17-18: We share the news with both sets of our parents, but swear them to secrecy, even from our brothers. We want to see the doctor and make sure everything is okay before we tell other people.

May 22: First doctor's appointment at 8 weeks along. Everything seems normal.

Memorial day weekend: We start sharing the news with family and friends. It was so strange to say the words out loud, "I'm pregnant." It doesn't seem real.

June 19: Second doctor's appointment at 12 weeks. We hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. It is so fast! It is reassuring to know that there is someone growing in there.

Mid July: My baby bump is staring to show. Until now I had been able to hide the fact that I'm pregnant, but now I'm really starting to display a noticable bump. I'm still wearing my regular clothes though! I'm putting off maternity clothes for as long as possible.

July 18: Third doctor's appointment at almost 17 weeks. My weight is exactly the same as it was at the first and second appointment (I will keep that number to myself). Although I have not yet gained a single pound, my weight is being dispersed differently. I've noticed that my arms and legs have got a bit thinner and my belly is growing. The nurse advises that I gain weight before the next appointment. I also record the baby's heartbeat at this appointment. Once again it is fast, with some variations in tempo, which the nurse says indicated proper neurological development. Everything seems to be on track.

August 1: I'm at the pizza place and a stranger in line next to me asks, "Is this your first?" A very bold, and dangerous, comment to make to a woman. I guess I am noticably pregnant to others now.

Today, August 7: I am two days away from 20 weeks - almost half way there! I'm feeling good. Did I mention that I have not been sick at all in the pregnancy? No morning sickness, no nausea, no other major symptoms. There were a few evenings at the beginning when I felt slightly queasy, and I have been more fatigued than usual, but overall I feel good!

I will try to keep this blog updated with the latest pregnancy news.

Maple Grove Family Camp

Almost home

It's been a while since I've posted here, and once again, I am going to try to keep it updated. A lot has happened in the last few months. One thing that has happened is that Jason and I made an offer on a house in Jackson. It has three bedrooms, hard wood floors throughout, and is in a great neighborhood close to two parks and the bike trail. I have had my eye on the house for a while, but thought it was out of our price range. After being forclosed and on the market for six months, the price dropped over $60,000 from its original asking price. If all goes as planned, we will close on the house and move in by July 31.

Cruise

March 9 to 17 we went on the first family vacation with Jason's family since we've been married. It was also our first cruise. After almost missing our ship's departure, we set sail to Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. My personal favorite was St. Thomas, where we went to Magen's Bay for the afternoon, which is ranked by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We also had a great time on the ship enjoying the food, the sun, and the activities. The weather was absolutely beautiful, sunny and 80's every day. It was really hard to come back to Michigan.

The trip came to a sad end when Jason called me at work the day after we returned and asked me, "where did you put the camera?" to which I responded "it's in my carry-on bag, why?" Well, turns out it was not in my bag, or anywhere else. Apparently, I left it on the plane on our flight back. I was of course completely devestated. Not only do I love taking photos while on vacation, but I love to look back at the photos, create albums, play with the images, post them on my website.... *tear. Luckily, Audrey (my future sister-in-law) took lots of photos and sent me a CD of what she had. I'm not holding my breath that I'll get my camera back and have grieved my loss (literally, I cried for a day). But miracles happen, right?

Freckle faces

Skiing

Jason and I went skiing for the first time together a couple of weeks ago. I got him skis last year for Christmas, and then boots this year. He has been begging me to go for a while, so we finally went to a place over by Kalamazoo. It was a freezing cold night, but we had a lot of fun!

Ice skating!

This photo was taken on a trip to Grand Rapids a few weeks ago to visit our good friends Jenn and Ben Meador. We had a great time going to the art museum, ice skating, eating at several nice restaurants, and attending Mars Hill church. It was a perfect weekend! We always have a good time with Jenn and Ben and value their friendship tremendously.

18 months later.

So, I really haven't kept up with this blog like I wanted to. Okay, I haven't kept up with it at all since the first post a year and a half ago. Maybe it's time to resurrect it? Here's a recent photo from my cousin's wedding. Our wedding seems like an eternity ago!