No more Tubes

Today Spencer was able to shed his NG tube and his IV. His blood sugars are stable but unfortunately he started looking a little yellow. His billirubin doubled from yesterday to today so we have to wait and see what his labs in the morning show. If it hasn't raised much than there is a chance we could both go home tomorrow. I don't want to get my hopes up but it sure would be nice to leave the hospital together and forgo the commuting back and forth. The good news is he is still as cute as ever, and has the most perfect chunky cheeks.

Minor Set Back

Last night Spencer ended up needing to be admitted to the NICU. We thought we had dodged "that" bullet since his lungs and breathing were so good, but apparently Spencer had other plans for us. The issue is his blood sugar. It was staying too low and he wasn't eating well enough (too sleepy). It is just a matter of time as his body transitions from not receiving all the insulin and extra sugar from mine. He is already doing great and his sugars are stable. Now it's just a matter of time and getting him awake enough to eat. Now that he has been washed his hair looks more blonde. I love it, and I love his chubby arms and back rolls! I have to confess...I can't stop kissing him.

Spencer Chase

Baby Spencer arrrived today as planned at 9:54 am. He weighed in at 10.5 lbs and 21 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well. We're having a few feeding issues, but considering how chunky this guy is maybe he could stand to shed a few pounds (just kidding). Siblings have come and visited and are in love with him. We are so excited that he is here!

B

I Know, I Know....

Everyone is probably so sick and tired of hearing about this baby and my discomfort, I'd apologize...but since this is my blog/journal I feel a need to document and record. Posterity right? Please quickly scroll past the first picture, me and all my pregnant glory. It's been requested by family to see a photo so that they can have a visual as I try to explain how absolutely MASSIVE I really am. I told you...it is HUGE!


Grandma Fluhman arrived yesterday and it was not a moment to soon. It has been so nice to have an extra pair of hands to help with the kids, push shopping carts, and to have adult conversation with. Having her here makes the next couple of days seem bearable. Plus, she has already spoiled us and taken us out to dinner and is going to watch the kids for us tomorrow night so we can go out for my birthday (the big 28). Natali has been in HEAVEN with Grandma here and literally demands her attention every second (hard to imagine I know).

Today I had my last ultrasound. I was origianlly going to have an amnio done to check for lung maturity, but again just like with Isaac, the doctor said there was no point because either way this baby needed to come out. Spencers heart is looking fine, but the walls are starting to thicken and so to prevent any further complications they need to take him out whether or not the lungs are mature. But, I feel good that the lungs most likely will be ready since this will be the longest I have a carried any of the kids (by two whole days I tell ya)! The plan is to go in early Monday morning and get this c-section done! YIPPEE. Here are some pictures of Spencer taken from today. HELLO CHUNKY CHEEKS!!! Yes, that is a double chin you see, and he sat there sticking his tounge out at us! I am giving birth to a sumo baby! He'll fit in perfectly to our family.

SO Ready!

First let me begin this by saying I am truly blessed by being able to have babies. I wouldn't trade it for the world...but right now I am in that 100% MISERABLE stage. There are so many perks of being pregnant, gaining weight and having and excuse, pampering ones self with pedicures, dear friends offering to always watch your kids so you can nap or clean, and obvioulsy a cute little bundle of joy at the end. Right now I am experinceing those "special" perks!

...burning my belly twice on the stovetop
....Natali asking, "mommy, why are you breathing so hard?" while slowing walking around Costco
...random strangers giving you that look that clearly states, "who on earth let you out of the house!"
...the realization that I can not wait to have a catheter put in (sorry, but it's true)
...the knowledge that I am caring at least a 9 pound baby
...the sweet ultrasound tech sharing with me that I am caring twice the amount of amniotic fluid than a normal pregnant lady
...I can't breathe!!!
...I can't bend over to save my life
...There is no position (standing, sitting, lying down) that is comfortable
...Ben saying, "you sound like Darth Vader breathing into the phone!" Me replying, "sorry I had to get off the couch and walk across the room to answer it, I am out of breath (add the sarcasm)"
...Natali looking at my stomach exposed and asking, "mom...is baby Spencer trying to get out?"

Oh, I really am grateful for this little baby! I just needed to document how totally miserable I am right now because I seem to always forget, and Ben wants to make sure that I remember this pain and discomfort for a long time! A REALLY long time.

A Spring Is Here

Spring is finally here and I am so happy. The kids have loved being able to play outside on the deck and I love the fresh air! I wish we could go to the park or on walks but unfortunately due to being about a week away from having a baby, both are overwhelming and painful! For right now we enjoy sidewalk chalk, playing in the backyard, and painting on the deck.

Natali came out of quiet time the other day declaring that she was going to get married. Apparently a white tutu skirt is all a beautiful bride needs now a days! I asked her who she was going to marry. "I want to marry Daddy!" Sorry sweetheart...he's already taken!

Sunshine...Easter Cookies...Bathtime

...SUNSHINE...

Today it felt warm! We played on the deck, we didn't wear jackets, and I busted out the flip flops! We ended the day with some friends and BBQ...oh spring, please stay!

(my pasty white princess)

...EASTER COOKIES...
Bunnies & eggs frosted and decorated to perfection. This is a tradition in our family and I LOVE it, and so does Natali. Isaac passed on the decorating but was more than happy to help with eating them. To spare hurting anyone's pride I am going to refrain from pointing out which cookies were decorated by adults and which ones were done by Natali.

...BATH TIME...
Our kids love bath time! Dad usually takes the Bubba, and Mom gets Natali. Great...who will take the new baby?!?! Man, we are going to be out numbered soon! Going from man-to-man to zone! I guess we'll figure out one way or another.

Spencer the Chunk

Today was another ultrasound and weight estimate. Spencer performed wonderfully doing the proper practice breathing and was plenty active. There is no question or need to worry if he will live up to the hype of being a big baby like his older brother. Spencer is chunky! I mean the kid already has what I like to call "kissin cheeks" and he still has another 3 weeks to grow. Right now he is measuring at 37 weeks gestation (as opposed to the actual 34) and is weighing in at 7 lbs. The ultrasound sound tech. (bless her heart) said, "That's okay, on average a baby gains 1/2 a pound a week, so that would make him more like 8 or 9 lbs!" I just smiled thinking in my head, "yeah right lady...there is nothing "average" about my babies!!!" But I guess there is no harm in hoping. Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if they pulled him out and he wasn't massive, but I have to realistic too! We have scheduled the rest of our visits/ultrasounds and the c-section. Ben still doubts that I will make it to the scheduled c-section, we'll see. One thing is for sure, ethier way we will have another chunky little boy in our family by the end of April.