Welcome Adia Joy! June 27, 2013

We welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world on Thursday, June 27, 2013. At my 38 week OB appointment, Adia was measuring about 7.5 pounds. Dr. Barker told us that there was no medical reason why we would need to induce early, but that a baby is at its healthiest and smallest at 39 weeks; after that, all they do is get bigger. Because of my history of pushing for long periods (2.5 hours and 1.5 hours) and eventually using the vacuum to help get the babies out (babies that weighed 5 lb 13 oz and 7 lb 8 oz), thinking of trying to push out an even bigger baby worried me, so we decided to go ahead and induce at 39 weeks, 1 day gestation.

We chose to deliver at Erlanger Hospital downtown again. Like last time, we had to arrive at the hospital at 4am the morning of the induction.

Jeremy and I, ready to leave for the hospital around 3:15 am

While getting my IV in proved to be challenging, the third time was the charm, and they had the pitocin started by 5:15. Much like my labor with Micah, things started slow. I was dilated 3 cm when Dr. Barker came that morning around 9:00. He was going to break my water, but the baby was still up too high, so he was unable to do so. I had already asked for the anesthesiologist just before Dr. Barker arrived as my contractions were starting to be more intense, and I wanted to have my epidural in before or shortly after my water breaking. I hate getting epidurals, but I sure am thankful for them!

Here I am, finally hooked up, looking gargantuan in the lovely hospital gown, waiting for things to progress

 We had an awesome L&D nurse - Taylor. She came back in to check my progress a little while after the epidural and found that my water had broken on its own! This was very exciting as my water had to be broken in both my previous labors. I was so numb from the epidural, I had no idea. At that point, things started moving much more quickly. In fact, by the time Dr. Barker was able to get to the hospital and dressed, I was NEEDING to push. Much to my amazement, I only pushed for 10 minutes - 10 MINUTES! We did have one little snag where the baby's shoulder was hung up and not wanting to come out, but Dr. Barker was able to free her shoulder, and we had a beautiful baby girl!

We were surprised to see a knot in the umbilical cord when the baby came out. Dr. Barker thought that it was probably from the maneuvering to get the shoulder free but kind of crazy nonetheless. Conception/pregnancy/birth is SUCH an amazing miracle. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to experience this miracle three times! Baby Adia Joy was born at 12:09 pm, weighed 8 lbs 0 oz, and was 20.5 inches long. She was perfect - perfectly healthy and perfectly beautiful. It amazes me how much all 3 of my babies have looked alike!

Dr. Barker and Adia

Taylor getting Adia's footprints

First time holding Adia Joy

Daddy's first time holding the baby

Long, thin feet and toes!

We were fortunate that Adia and I both were doing well enough that we were able to go home from the hospital the day after she was born. We were welcomed home with signs and balloons that Jeremy's parents had hung up. It was good to be home!

Hard to Say Goodbye

On the afternoon of Saturday, May 25th, my Mamaw, "Bobbie" Fairfax, went to be with the Lord.  Everything happened so fast, we didn't really have time to prepare ourselves.  I honestly cannot believe she is gone.  Let me give you a little history:  Mamaw (affectionally called "Plain Mamaw" by our family because we also had a "Mamaw B") had always been very active and very independent.  She came by it naturally - her mom, Grandma Joy, was the same way.  Grandma Joy lived to be 99 years old.  I guess I always just thought that Mamaw would follow in her footsteps.

Mamaw fell on Valentine's Day and broke her hip.  She made it through the surgery and rehab and was actually doing quite well getting around, though not 100%.  Then she started having a lot of pain in her back and leg.  We thought this was being caused by pinched nerves because of compression fractures she had in her back.  The doctor decided to do an MRI to check things out.  On Monday, my mom, aunt, and uncle found out that Mamaw had cancer.  It was all up her spine and there were some spots on her liver.  Mom called me on Tuesday morning to tell me.  I was so shocked...it was the first time I think Cora Leigh has actually been concerned about me.  While I was on the phone, she kept asking me what was wrong.  After I was off the phone, I tried my best to explain to my 3 year old that Mamaw was very sick and that eventually she would die.  Cora told me that it was okay, that she would come back.  I guess the death Cora is most familiar with would be that of Jesus.  :)  Her innocence is just so sweet and comforting.  She kept giving me hugs to make me feel better.

Tuesday night, we went out to visit with Mamaw.  It was a beautiful day.  Mamaw also seemed to be having a good day.  We sat outside much of the evening, visiting with one another and watching the kids play.  As we got ready to leave, I joked with Mamaw that I would come back after our beach trip so that she could see my suntan.  We were supposed to be leaving for the beach the following Sunday.  How quickly things changed.

Wednesday, Mamaw had a scan to assess the extent of the cancer.  She had a pretty good day, but was tired after having to wait for the scan.  Thursday morning, I got an email from Mom that Mamaw had been pretty sick that morning.  However, by afternoon, things were going better.  Then Thursday night, my sister, Mandy, called to tell me the results of Wednesday's scan.  I was home with the kids while Jeremy was out running an errand.  Mandy told me that the cancer was in Mamaw's lung (a very large tumor) and in her lymph nodes in addition to the liver and spine.  I was not surprised.  Then she told me that the doctor said that she could have a day or two or maybe a week or two.  THAT I was not expecting to hear. 

Friday morning, Mom was supposed to be going to my brother's house to help my sister-in-law with my nephew's first birthday cake.  I spent the morning taking care of the kids, vacuuming, and was working on cleaning the crib that we were graciously given when I got a call from Mom.  It was really strange, she just asked me if I wanted to talk to Mamaw.  I asked if she was already there, expecting her to be helping Amye, and she replied, "Yeah, it's kind of a necessity."  I was in shock.  I was devastated.  So, I dropped what I was doing so that I could go say goodbye to my Mamaw.

I am thankful I was able to leave the kids with my dad at my brother's house.  As I dropped Cora and Micah off, Cora asked me where I was going.  I told her, and she wanted to know why.  I said, "Well, because I love Mamaw."  She said, "I love Mamaw, too!"  I got to spend the afternoon and evening with Mamaw and my family.  By the time I got there, Mamaw was mostly unresponsive.  However, every now and then you would see her smile or try to talk or open her eyes.  I had a class on death and dying in grad school, and I recognized some of the signs that Mamaw was actively dying, but it was much harder to see in person than to study in a book.  I am so thankful that I had that time to tell Mamaw again that I loved her.  I told her that Cora had said that she loved her.  I got to sit and hold her hand and remember so many fun times that we had together.

The afternoon started with Mamaw seeming peaceful.  However, as the afternoon progressed, it seemed that she was in pain.  We could not get her to swallow to take her pain pill.  We were anxiously waiting for Hospice to come.  Well, apparently everyone was running late on Friday.  Hospice finally arrived around 4:30.  She was able to give Mamaw some meds, and it made such a difference!  Unfortunately, they did not have anyone available to stay with Mamaw, so the decision had to be made whether to keep her at home or transfer her to a hospice facility where they could monitor her 24/7 and ensure that her needs were being met and that she was being kept comfortable.  As much as the kids wanted her to be at home, they did not want her to suffer, so she was transferred.  I got to say my last goodbye and give Mamaw one last kiss before they took her in the ambulance.  Tough, tough moment.  I couldn't watch them take her away.  It was just too much.

Saturday, Mamaw's three kids stayed with her.  Around 1:00 that afternoon, while we were celebrating Harrison's 1st birthday, Mamaw took her final breath.  I still cannot believe it.  I miss her.  I wish we would have had more time.  I wish my kids would have had more time with her.  She loved my kids.  She especially loved getting Micah to smile and laugh at her.  I can see the smile on her face as she played peek-a-boo with him.  She usually was able to at least get a smile!  I hate that Micah will probably not have any memory of his Great Mamaw.  I hate even more that Mamaw won't be here to meet her new great-granddaughter in a few weeks.

Because of the timing of everything, I'm not going to be able to go to the beach to get my suntan.  We were worried how Cora would take the news of our cancelled beach trip, but she didn't get upset at all.  I tried to explain to her that Mamaw had died, and that she was no longer sick and was in Heaven with Jesus now.  She still thought Mamaw would be coming back, and I explained that we were sad because we wouldn't get to see her again until God decides it's time for us to go to Heaven to be with Jesus.  I think she had some understanding, because I did see a little sadness in her eyes.  In a later conversation, I was telling her that our hearts were hurting, and she told me that her heart was hurting too.  Broke my heart even more!  I had Jeremy drop her off at Sunday school this morning while I dropped off Micah.  He was telling her sweet teachers (Mrs. Ruth and Mr. George) about the events of the week when Cora interrupted and told them that Mamaw was sick, but now she was living with Jesus!  Praise God, it's true!

Mamaw was always such an encourager to me.  She always told me how proud she was of me, and I'm pretty sure she was the founder and only member of my flute fan club.  :)  I am so thankful that I had 32 years with my Mamaw.  I only wish I could have had 20 more.

Our first "road trip" with Micah was the 30 minute trip to Mamaw's house.  She loved that little guy, and he loved her!

Me and Mamaw when I was pregnant with Cora Leigh

Cora wasn't sure what to think of Mamaw, but Mamaw loved Cora!

Mom, Mamaw, and my cousin Amy

Easter - one of my favorite pics. You can tell these ladies know how to have fun! Mamaw, Mandy, and Cora

Mamaw's attempt at gingerbread house construction - a priceless memory!

Celebrating Mandy's MBA

Mom, Mamaw, and Aunt Joy

Aunt Joy, Mamaw, and Uncle Don at my surprise graduation party

Mamaw loved Jeremy like a grandson - even made the trip to KY for his graduation from PA school.  She was always so proud of him!

First quarter of 2013

So, I have once again failed at keeping the blog updated, so here is my attempt at catching things up from January to current time.  And for the record, I am sitting here with the computer to pay bills and balance the checkbook.  However, our bank's website is currently not responding, so you can thank them for this update. :)

January was an eventful month for us.  First of all, we found out that we were going to be having a baby girl!  We did a gender reveal cake at our Christmas celebration with my mom's family.  It was a lot of fun, and Cora Leigh is super excited.  She had already told us that she did not want another brother - she already had a brother! Of course, a three year old can't exactly understand that we don't get to pick, so it was a relief that we could just give her the news that she wanted.  :)

Another big thing that happened in January was Micah weaned himself from mommy.  I was fully prepared, even with the pregnancy to nurse Micah until he was at least a year old.  I nursed Cora Leigh until she was 15 months and never had to buy any formula.  However, with Micah, it just wasn't happening.  I had read that milk may taste different when you are pregnant, but early on, it did not seem to be a problem at all.  At one point, Micah got a virus that caused him to have ulcers in his throat.  That was when things started going downhill.  The ulcers were the only symptom, so all I knew is that my little boy with the big appetite suddenly did not want to eat, and he was getting really irritated any time I fed him.  A few days later, I took him to the doctor, and that's when they found the ulcers - no fever, no rash, no other symptoms.  That explained why his appetite had been so poor.  I wonder if during that time, my supply may have dropped to the point that I could not catch back up.  I was still happy to have given him all the benefits of mommy's milk up to that point.  He was 10.5 months old when he totally weaned from me and was on formula all the time.  And boy is it expensive!!  We're glad he's graduated to cow's milk now. :)

February was not a very eventful month...oh, yeah, except that Micah turned a year old!  And he started walking a few weeks before his birthday.  He is a busy, busy, baby! So we are busy trying to make sure he doesn't do something to hurt himself.  Here are a couple of pics of him on his big day:

He loves looking out the windows!!

We also had a really nice weather day in early February when we were able to go outside and enjoy the swing set in the back yard.  Micah really enjoys his swing now!

We had Micah's big 1st birthday party in early March.  He had such a good day!  He napped right up until party time, which was great.  We decided on a farm theme for his party.  When Cora Leigh turned 1, we chose a kitty themed party because her first word was "kitty."  Micah is not as verbal as his sister was, so we really haven't had a consistent first word yet.  However, he did make a cow sound, so that is why we went with the farm theme.  I had a lot of fun looking online at different ideas for decor and food!  Below is the link to my facebook photo album if you would like to see pics from the party:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101169821475310.1073741825.12924167&type=1&l=62abad1b90

We found out that Micah really likes baked beans and cake...well, mostly icing.  He also had a blast playing with the wrapping from the gifts.  He was fascinated with the garbage bag that Uncle Bryan had to put the wrapping paper in, and he kept trying to throw things in there.  He would take clothes out of a gift bag and try to throw them in the garbage bag or throw his cards in the garbage bag.  It was funny.  He also just loved walking around with his cards.  Once cake time came, he was ready.  I have never before seen a baby tear into a cake like he did.  At one point it looked like he was massaging it, squeezing it through his fingers.  By the time he was finished, the cake was obliterated.  It was impressive!

Other March happenings: we were able to pull off a surprise party for my sister, Mandy.  She is turning the big 3-0 tomorrow, but we surprised her a little early with a party.  I had the task of keeping her busy before the party, so I had asked her to help me find an Easter dress - no easy task for a pregnant lady.  Some folks were running late for the party, so we made a couple of extra last minute stops.  I know Mandy was wondering why I didn't just give it up!  I was able to find a dress at the last place we went, and when we arrived at the party, Mandy was totally surprised.  It was fun to see her so shocked, and great to be able to surround her with family and friends who love her to celebrate the occasion.  Lots of fun!

We also took Cora Leigh to the circus for the first time.  It started a little rocky with a little girl vomiting multiple times at the end of our row.  We are pretty sure she was supposed to be in the seats next to us, so we were glad it hit her while she was at the end of the aisle...however, just 3 seats separated us.  It. was. gross.  And it smelled.  And my sense of smell is pretty keen right now.  Not a good way to begin, but they did get it cleaned up within 5-10 minutes.  Cora Leigh kept her ears plugged the entire first half of the circus.  You could tell she was enjoying it, but she claimed it was too loud.  For whatever reason, the second half must not have seemed as loud to her, because she finally took her fingers out of her ears!  Overall, we all (Cora, Jeremy, and myself) had a great time.  The elephants were definitely the highlight of the show for Cora!

The only other happening we have had is we finally settled on a first name for our new baby girl!  We really struggled with this.  Cora Leigh's name has a lot of significance (family ties on both sides); we picked Micah because of the prophet and he has his daddy's middle name (Brandon); because of that, I really did not want to just pick a random name for baby 3.  That coupled with the fact that she was most unexpected, I wanted to be sure she knew that despite that she was very much wanted and loved.  I know I about drove Jeremy crazy, but we were finally able to find a name we both agreed on: Adia.  It's pronounced A-dee-ah, yes, just like the Sarah McLachlan song.  The name is Swahili, and it means "God's gift."  I could not think of a more appropriate meaning for this baby's name.  We also liked that it ended with an "ah" sound since the other two do as well.  So we know she will be Adia.  Now we just have to nail down a middle name! 

Christmas 2012 - Part 3

Christmas Eve was supposed to be a really special day.  We were planning on going to the Christmas Eve service at our church, as we do every year, and afterward, we had invited the family over to our house for finger foods and fun.  I was going to move the keyboard upstairs so my mom could play Christmas songs while Cora Leigh and my niece, Hayden, sang and danced along.  It was going to be a special time of making memories.  Instead, we missed the Christmas Eve service because Jeremy was discharged from the hospital at about that time, and we went home to disinfect everything, once again, and welcome home a weak and still recovering Jeremy.  Even if Jeremy had been well, my niece was recovering from strep and my nephew had RSV, so they weren't going to get to come anyway.  So it was a pretty quiet Christmas Eve at our house as it ended up.  Cora Leigh was super excited about Santa Claus coming!  She was sure to leave a cookie for Santa and left one for Mrs. Claus as well.

Christmas morning, Micah and I were the first ones up.  He had a great time playing with one of his sister's gifts while we waited for the others to wake up. 

Santa Claus came!!

"This isn't for me?"

We took a video of Cora Leigh when she got up on Christmas morning.  Unfortunately, the sound did not come out very well at all, but you can still see the excitement in her facial expressions and mannerisms.  Quite precious.  :)



Here are some pics from Christmas morning.

Cora Leigh's new power drill

This kid loves some bows

She loves her Leap Pad!!

We were supposed to have Christmas with my family the weekend after Christmas, but because of the RSV mentioned before, we were unable to all get together.  We still loaded up the kids and the dog and went to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Grandpa and Cora Leigh riding the "train"

Snack food yumminess

My handsome boys!!

Me and my dad

Micah celebrated his 10-month birthday!  We were having a hard time getting him to sit still for a pic with his sign.

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Micah loved crawling under the glass of the end tables

Cora Leigh showing Big Papaw some artwork

Cora turned Grandma into a camel

The plan was to have our family Christmas dinner at Mom and Dad's, but we switched that up so that we could take dinner to Bryan and his family.  They only live 5 minutes from us, so Christmas dinner was moved to our house.  It was fun to "host" Christmas dinner, especially when I hardly cooked anything!  :)  And I got to use all my cute Christmas dishes and serving pieces.

Notice the cute plates paired with birthday napkins...it was also my birthday. :)

Yum.

Yum.

We did our gift exchange in an unconventional manner due to the illness plaguing the family.  We still wanted to open gifts together, so we used Skype.  It wasn't the easiest thing to do when you have a 3 year old on both ends, but we managed as best we could!

Skype visiting

Micah wanted to wish cousin Harrison well and a Merry Christmas!

Carrot cake birthday cake - DELICIOUS!

We had a fairly quiet New Years Eve in Jasper with my parents, sister, and grandfather.  We played Phase 10 for what seemed like hours, and we actually stayed awake until midnight!  Of course, we were celebrating on Eastern time despite being in the Central time zone.  :)

What?!?

Cora Leigh sporting Aunt Mandy's headband

Rowdy bunch getting ready for Phase 10

Me and Mom

 

Overall, it was an odd Christmas, but I am so thankful for our family and how blessed we are!!