It's a Golden Life

On Thursday I started having severe pain and consistent contractions. They were 5 minutes apart and I felt like I had a super tight belt around my lower back and hips. We were sure Huxley decided it was time to be born. After spending some time in the hospital being monitored, hooked up to an i.v., and a few cervical checks-it was determined that the little stinker was sitting tight. Just to remember-i am dilated to a 1, 80% effaced, -3 station (his head is still quite a ways up), and my cervix is still posterior-(towards the back. It comes forward when it starts to prepare for labor)  My veins are super juicy-when the nurse saw the veins she had to work with, she almost jumped for joy. When she placed my i.v. my blood shot out of my arm. I'm not sure if that is from the extra blood volume from being pregnant or my low platelets.  We were able to listen to his beautiful heart beat for quite a few hours, and it's like sweet music to my ears. My contractions were measuring upwar...

At 37 weeks! I can't believe we only have 14 days left until Hux is born! It doesn't seem like it's real. I have had some signs of labor, so I'm not quite sure he wants his birthday planned for him. At my doctors appointment Monday I was not dilated, but almost completely thinned out. The doctor explained to me that I could imagine my cervix typically looking like a pear, but mine looks like an apple and my water is blushing. Interesting! My water hasn't broken since I had Malachi 8 years ago! She also said she could feel a foot up by his head! Which makes sense because I have a lot of pressure and could only feel one leg/foot on the left side of my stomach. I thought he was just tightly wound. I lost a pound this week, and may because I was retaining water! Making my weight at 157lbs.  I am making use of my shelf while it is available for just a short time more!  Huxley is about 6.5 pounds, 19.5-21 inches long. A winter melon! It sure looks like I swallowed a melon...

We were able to go as a big family this afternoon to a new (to us) pumpkin patch. It was about 90 minutes away, but fun to experience somewhere new with the family. The kiddos really enjoyed petting a few animals, riding on the tractor wagon, taking a hay ride, the corn maze, a pumpkin bounce house, painting mini pumpkins, eating apples, and picking pumpkins in the patch. I love fall!  There was a sweet Australian shepherd and the kids love dogs, so they just had to say hi!  I am certain when I say they would live on a farm.  We are so fortunate to have Donovan's mom, dad, and brother live in the same town we do. It sure makes going on family adventures a lot more fun!  They love the corn maze. We usually just walk around aimlessly until we find an entrance or an exit.  Pax sat as close as he could get to the tractor. He is a big fan!  They enjoyed going through the pumpkin path and picking their very own pumpkins!  Getting the pumpkins to the car was ...

We had so much fun with a few girl friends yesterday having a spa day.  We had cucumber sandwiches (which are delicious!), strawberries, pixie stix, cupcakes, and brownies!! There was also a crockpot of nacho cheese :)  We alternated between pedicures and facials.  Yogurt and honey mixed together and cucumbers for their eyes.  Of course little brother had to get some love too!  We had a make up drawing contest, but they were all so unique, we just couldn't choose a winner!  We had so much fun! 

Today was the beautiful marriage between two of our really great friends. Donovan had the honor of officiating. Everything was lovely and couldn't have gone better. The location was just stunning! A beautiful chapel and gorgeous decorations. It was such a pleasure to witness this special day!  Exchanging of the rings! They also planted a bonsai tree together. What a unique, neat idea!  The whole group. Their cake was so pretty! It had walnuts inside and was delicious! There was also a darth Vader grooms cake that tasted like orange sherbet!  This cutie right here... I asked if we could get married again and he said when we have been married 25 years...we only have 16 to go then!  So pretty!  Wow! Loved all the windows. 

I had my 36 week doctor check this afternoon. My regular Obgyn had her baby on Friday. I got my lovely group b strep test done at my appointment today! I also had my platelets rechecked and should find out tomorrow if they have improved or declined. I wasn't dialated-which is very good-since technically I am 35 weeks 4 days. I gained 3 pounds this week, which puts me right at a 33 pound gain. My blood pressure was higher than normal, but still in the normal range at 126/82. His birthday is still set for November 12th! We have been working on his room and only have a few little things left to do! 

Some sweet friends decided to ignore me when I said "no baby shower". I went into Panera this morning for our biweekly bible study and there was a surprise of gifts, delicious food, and friends.  Malachi took this picture for me today!  Huxley's name banner that will go on his crib!  Delicious petit fores that match his room theme of arrows!  Yummy snacks! I love Panera! And sweet gifts!  Little Hux will look so sharp in his new outfits and be happy and dry in diapers for months! They also put together a basket of goodies to make a gallery wall for his room!  I am so thankful for this group of women who are so kind. They are truly a blessing in my life. 

Here we are at 35 weeks! I am feeling a lot of Braxton Hicks that are really uncomfortable. Sometimes when he moves, it makes my pelvis hurt badly! I guess relaxin is helping my lower back pain because it has definitely lessened. Sleeping has been difficult due to having to use the bathroom and refill my water multiple times a night. Getting comfortable has been interesting as well. Sleeping on my right side with my knees up and head elevated has been the best way to go! I am usually super hot. The anticipation is building everyday to meet this little guy.  I am anxious to see what sweet face will fill this 4th square.  My next appointment will be Monday, October 19 at 1. My regular Obgyn actually left early for her maternity leave and won't be back until after January. So, I am excited to be with the doctor that delivered Paxton. She is moving practices and was not accepting new ob patients. I sure lucked out because she is wonderful!  November 12 at 7:15 a.m. is Huxley ...

Wow! 34 weeks? Where has the time gone? Just 5 short weeks until we see his sweet face for the first time. This feels like being pregnant for the first time! Our other pregnancies are only 20 and 28 months apart, so almost 4 years is a long time. Huxley is about the size of a delicious pineapple. 19-21 inches long and about 5 pounds. He has all his organs ready to go. His lungs are getting stronger everyday for all the crying he will do when he is born. At my doctor appointment this week, he is head down (and not transverse-praise God!) and nice and comfortable. I have gained 30 pounds exactly at this point. Some days I don't feel like that, but most days-I am increasingly more uncomfortable.  At my next appointment on October 19, the doctor will check my platelet levels (since they are below the normal range) and iron levels (since I am borderline anemic). Huxley is measuring 1.5-2 weeks ahead of his due date, but I think he will make it just fine to his November 12 birthday. Pax ...