Recovery

Recovery

Leaving the hospital a day or two before most c-section women leave the hospital may have been a little nuts! I so badly wanted to get home to my kids and OUT of that super uncomfortable hospital bed that I nothing else mattered. So I couldn't go up and down the steps... I'd figure out a way to stay downstairs all day and only have to go up the stairs once a day and that would be to go to bed!! Easier said then done!! Because I was maxing out on my Percocet the doctors sent me home on a lighter prescription. At first it made sense to me... but as I started trying to "survive" at home, I realized how dumb it was that I wasn't on something more strong to get me through. A quick call to the doctor and that fixed that!

Stairs were def the hardest thing about being at home-- actually, it was the 2nd hardest thing... the HARDEST thing about being home and trying to recover and take care of our beautiful boy was sitting up in bed!! Crazy, I know! But once I lay down in bed I found it extremely difficult to sit back up so I could nurse Marshall. It was awful. I felt stuck and oh did it hurt to try and "roll" out of bed or to a position that would ease me into a sitting position. After that-- it was getting up the stairs at the end of the night. The one side of my incision would feel like someone was pulling it in two directions-- it hurt and I dreaded it the first few nights at home. Eventually, this would all get easier ... but ouch-- it hurt at the beginning. 

Brayden-- Brayden did not quite get how fragile mommy was and therefore, found it perfect acceptable to jump all over the bed. Saturday morning without warning (and while my eyes were still shut) Brayden leaped onto me landed right on my stomach/incision. I screamed out in pain and immediately started to cry. I was terrified that he did something really bad but thankfully, it just made me extra sore but no long term effects that I know of! He felt bad, he and Ruthie both cried as I cried and begged them to leave the room so I could have Jon check for damages. Thankfully, after a call to the doctor, my mind was back at ease and from there on out, I was extra guarded. 

I'm happy to report that by the end of my 1st week at home, I transitioned off all medications and can go up and down the steps more than once a day!! Yay!! :) I still know I have more healing to do-- but I'm starting to feel better and better and hey... I am back behind the wheel again! 

Did I mention I"m tired... with that.. I'm heading to bed! 

2 Weeks!

2 Weeks

(how is he 2 weeks already!?!?)

2 weeks old and so alert. Even Marshall's doctor (Dr. Jarvie) commented on how alert he is and confirmed that I have indeed seen my little man smile at me. :) !!! Marshall weighs 9 lbs 5.6 oz so we're slowly creeping back to his birth weight. We have another appointment scheduled in two weeks to make sure he continues to gain weight and at the proper speed. 

While in town, I decided to make a quick Target run and well, let's just say, I was moving pretty quick at the end to get him out of the store. I think he was more tired then hungry, but boy did he cry!!

Marshall continues to just steal my heart. I just love him so much and can't imagine life without him. He's also captured the rest of our families hearts as well:

We're getting back to life here in the Stube house. I still don't like to venture outside the yard if I can manage but today was my first day all by myself and having to take Ruthie to school and I'm happy to report... I did it! I was really nervous, but everything went really smoothly. Ruthie and Brayden didn't put up any fights and Marshall slept when he needed to sleep and ate when he needed to eat! 

Next up-- traveling with three and life in a hotel room for the weekend... we're nuts-- you're thinking it-- I'll say it out loud!! 

1st Appointment

1st Appointment

Marshall James had his first appointment with Dr. Jarvie on Friday, April 12th. Doctor Jarvie was pleased to see he was up 2 oz (8 lbs 14 oz) from his discharge weight (8 lbs 12 oz) Way to go Marshall!! 

We're Home!!

We're Home

We made it!! All Five Stubes are home and learning and adjusting to life with a newborn and a mommy who is out of commission. Thankfully, Jonathan's mom is here and she's helping us stay afloat! We're eating, doing some sleeping, and Ruthie and Brayden are having a blast hanging out with Gaga! Marshall is doing fabulous! He is a great sleeper and is also nursing extremely well. My milk came in on our first night home which was a total blessing. I must admit, I don't want to do anything but rock my little man. Hold him in my arms and just snuggle him and kiss his kissable cheeks. 

Ruthie and Brayden are loving there baby brother!! I couldn't be happier. I love how Brayden asks to hold Marshall James every chance he gets and doesn't enter a room without asking where he is and quickly runs over to kiss him on the forehead. Ruthie is a little more distant when it comes to Marshall. Wants to hold him for moments but is happier to keep her older brother Brayden entertained while mommy and daddy take care of Marshall's needs. Ruthie does, however, love to assist on diaper changes and helping "make" breakfast (running down and finding mommy's left over Poptarts)

Jon and I are so grateful for our parents who have offered so much love and support to us and our sweet children. Ruthie and Brayden have thrived in this transition and I credit our amazing parents who have showed them so much attention. 

The Hospital Sta

The Hospital Stay

Shortly after my kids left I was put on morphine to help with the intense pain that was taking over my body. They moved us to our new room and I was getting more and more uncomfortable. By the time it was time to feed Marshall for the 2nd time, I was in unbearable pain and my back started having spasms. I kept trying to handle the pain but it kept increasing and I was barely able to hold Marshall. I was in and out of sleep but every time I went to hold Marshall I felt like I was losing control.

We had visitors throughout the day, family and friends coming to welcome our dear son. I found it a little funny that I'd be having a conversation and the next thing I knew they were gone and someone else was visiting... oh how great morphine can be :)

They finally took me off of morphine and onto Percocet. Unfortunately, I was taking the maximum dose and so they had to switch my prescription to something lighter so I could take it round the clock. The doctor also started becoming concerned that I may have blood in my stomach because the pain in my back was worse when I breathed in and was not getting better with medication.

Day #2 started a little better. The percocet was working well enough that my back wasn't as in pain. They took out my catheter and I started to try walking to and from the bathroom. Dr. Cherry visited in the morning and ruled out blood in my stomach. She looked me over and came to the conclusion that the back spasm was coming from the amount of gas built up. We had a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. Later that afternoon Ruthie and Brayden came back for a visit. Ruthie shared with me all about her special day at school and both kids showed off their cute outfits from Gaga Stube.

Wednesday morning Dr. Roquet was my doctor on call. She stated that if I was ready to go home today, that I was discharged or I could stay an extra day. Jon and I quickly decided that we rather head home and be under the same roof as our darling older children then spend another night in the hospital. Before I left, I had physical therapy to help with my back (of course, by this time, my back felt better) I was the youngest person by atleast 50 years! oy!! The great thing about the physical therapy is it had me up and walking for an hour or so!! By the time I returned back to my room our special dinner had arrived. I fed Marshall and then Jon and I sat down to a very yummy meal. Tilapia stuffed with crab, salad, potato, and a very yummy dessert.

A little after 1:00 pm I was being wheeled down to our van. Jon's mom was waiting for us with Ruthie and Brayden. Here we go!!

Marshall James- Day #2

Marshall James

Day #2

Marshall has been truly wonderful. He is such an easy baby and so much fun to snuggle up with. 

Ruthie and Brayden  visited us in the afternoon. I was so excited to hear about Ruthie's day since she had preschool and she was the leader and got to share all about Marshall James. She had a wonderful day and was sporting an adorable outfit from Gaga Stube (bow included!) Here is the cutest video of the kids:

Welcome Marshall James

Welcome

MARSHALL JAMES STUBE

 Monday, April 8th at 11:32 am

9 lbs 9 oz 21 inches

I am incredibly blessed to announce the birth or our son, Marshall James. He's such a blessing to us and we're overwhelmed with love for this little (big) guy! 

Monday morning, Jon and I set our alarm for 4:00 am. I quickly (well, quick for a pregnant woman) jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom to start getting ready. I was feeling really well and just eager to get to the hospital and start the inducement. Jon's mom met us at the house at 4:30 and we went over last minute details before leaving for the hospital. I was starting to feel the anxiousness on the way to the hospital- wondering what Dr. Cherry was going to do, wondering if we were going to meet a son or a daughter, if we were having a vbac or a c-section... everything was so unknown and so exciting. 

We got to the hospital at 5 am and went up to Labor and Delivery. We were greeted by a great group of nurses who started prepping me for a c-section as we waited for Dr. Cherry to arrive and see if she was able to break my water. As they hooked me up to all the monitors, we noticed I was still having contraction about every 7 minutes but not strong enough for me to take notice until I was laying in a bed without anything else to thing about.  Around 7 am Dr. Cherry arrived and she checked to see if I had made any more progress and to try and break my water. Very quickly she decided to felt it was best to do the c-section and with that- our direction changed to okay, well, we're going to be parents very soon then. We had quite a few hold ups as we had to wait for a medication to help me clot in case I had an issues with my blood disease and then the person who was scheduled after us was ready so they took her and well... it seemed like forever as we waited.  As we waited, I also started having stronger contractions every 3 minutes. All I knew was I didn't want my water to break on my way into the c-section. I was at peace and I just wanted to meet my son or daughter! Somewhere around 10/10:30 the nurse came in to tell me it was time and from there I walked to the surgical room.  

 (my best friend and the love of my life)

(he's my biggest fan)

I became a ball of nerves as I waited as they prepped for my c-section. I wanted Jon to be there holding my hand. I was thankful for my amazing nurse who held me tight. She was a blessing and I don't even remember her name. The spinal went in with a few pinches and ouchies, but very quickly I felt my body go numb and I was down on my back and the curtain was going up. They started scrubbing my stomach which I could feel so I was nervous when they said they were starting to cut-- but after I tried to hold them up and say, "I can still feel you" Dr. Cherry put me at ease when she stated "I've already started cutting" and well, I didn't feel a thing! Dr. Cherry and Dr. Hardyk (my favorite doctors) performed the c-section (God knew what he was doing).  Jon met me shortly after and then began what seemed like the longest minutes of my life. I have no idea if the c-section was 5 minutes or 1 hour long but the only thing I was aware of is my oxygen kept falling out of my nose and they were doing a lot of tugging. :)

When the doctors cued the were starting to pull the baby out, Jon stood up and started videoing the most incredible video of my child's birth. They had a very difficult time getting him out and all I could hear the doctors saying was "oh he's big" and "we made the right decision Erin!" at that moment, I was thankful. A few moments later, I heard the most beautiful cry and Jon announced we had a son. Marshall James was here!! And... he was big!  Jon brought Marshall over to me as soon as they cleaned him up and I got to look at him and kiss him before Jon took him off to the nursery. Before everything had began I was told I'd get to hold my child in the surgical room but as they started taking him away, I didn't know how it was possible to even begin to hold him until I was in a more secure bed so I was okay and ready to be sewn up and taken to the recovery room. 

When I was finished, they took me back to my room to recover and wait on Jon and Marshall. They kept his weight quiet so Jon could tell me and said that because he was so big, his blood sugar was lower then they'd like and told me they'd be supplementing him with sugar water and possible formula before I'd get a chance to nurse him. I was a little upset about this, but as always, my man came through for me and told them that he wanted me to nurse before we talked about any supplementing. 

A few minutes later and I was holding my beautiful baby boy. And he was beautiful!! Marshall James was here! He immediately dived over and started nursing on his own. That took care of that! He was a pro from the very beginning. After sometime, we called our parents and told them to come up and meet our baby.

It was so much fun introducing our son Marshall to his big brother and big sister. And-- we were also blessed to have all four grandparents there for the reveal. Ruthie and Brayden just love Marshall and our happy to welcome into our family.

We Made It!!!

We Made It

We Made It!!

Words I never thought 1) I'd be saying and 2) I'd be okay with saying

But-- in this moment as I sit rocking in my rocking chair watching as my little boy or girl wiggles I am excited for tomorrow and by the end of the day (at most) I'll be holding my baby in my arms.

We had our 39 week check up on Friday with Doctor Cherry (who I'll be seeing tomorrow) and she is just fabulous. She examined me and I'm a slight bit more dilated then I was a week ago, more progression has been made and the head is still down and right there. While she was examining me (please stop reading if you don't want to read about the birthing experience) she stripped my membranes and tried to break my water with her fingers (unfortunately, she couldn't) She then proceeded to tell me that because my body has been doing all this awesome work for the last 3 weeks she feels like she owes it to me to try to break my water again tomorrow before proceeding with the c-section. She feels (as do I) if we can avoid a pretty tough surgery- we should! These words have been the most comforting words I've heard in a long time. I've been miserable, suffering through contractions, long nights of not sleeping (due to contractions) and just wanting this baby out of here-- and yet, with those kinds words, "lets see if we can avoid a c-section" I'm at total peace. Whether I have this child naturally or via c-section-- I feel total peace that Doctor Cherry is in my corner and doing what's best for me.

Celebrate and Pray with us as tomorrow we'll be welcoming our 3rd child to this crazy house!

We are so excited.

(this information has not been shared with facebook or anyone outside our immediate family and close friends) Please don't post anything on my facebook page. Thank you.

April Fools! (38 Weeks)

April Fools

38 Weeks

I've taken to carry a jar of pickles... just in case!! Not really! But I took the opportunity to have Ruthie snap these pictures on April Fools Day!! The real April Fools joke was waking up to strong contractions around 12:30 am on the very early morning of April Fools day. They were very strong and 2 minutes a part for several hours. When they hit I woke up Jon knowing that we were heading to the hospital and wanting to call my mom and have her come up to the house before it got too late. Hours later my contractions decided to calm down and I was thankful I didn't disturb anyone (except my loving husband) but by then, I was exhausted and once again wondering why I was having such strong contractions that were not ending with me holding my baby boy or girl!!

The rest of the day was typical- contractions but more spread out. The kids and I went out and walked around as much as I could handle. Thankfully the night was a lot more calm last night and even though I wouldn't say I had a great nights sleep-- I wasn't suffering through hard contractions. 

My prayers is that I won't make it to my scheduled c-section but it's feeling more and more like I will stay pregnant until then. Also- my kids are really starting to fall a part emotionally as this pregnancy drags on. I think they're feeling the affects of a mommy who's miserable and the only way to react to that is to lose control. Brayden is throwing little tantrums left and right and fusses about anything that doesn't go exactly his way. Ruthie is talking back more and more lately- and I know she's just frustrated but I also expect respect and it's hard to hear my sweet girl talk to me so disrespectfully at times. So yes, prayers are greatly appreciated that this little boy or girl comes soon!! Very soon!!