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Framed Love Boy Baby Announcements

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Squirt

Lucas is now known as squirt in the Gilbert house hold.  As a FTM (First Time Mom) I tried to explain to my poor husband that there will be a time when you get peed on or pooped on.  Well, after me telling him he needed to be careful and maybe a little quicker when changing our little stinker....I myself got a good helping of poo, then pee and then vomit.  Oh yes, I got it first.

It all happened so fast...first the projected poo which startled me and made me jump and scream to then the fountain of pee that happened a second later to me moving the baby slightly to only getting more waste projected at me...vomit.  I guess it's better to get it all at once but I'm also sure that I saw a little smile on those little lips while I was wiping down.  These little bodies have so much waste....all of course in liquid form.  It's definitely something to laugh about.

Newborn Photos

We were able to book a great local photographer for some newborn photos for Lucas.  Tiffany Parrish Photography took some fabulous photos of our little man.  She had lots of great ideas and was able to incorporate a frog Jared had gotten me the year we got married.  I must say, the frog picture is one of my favorites.  I had to share!

If I Had Known

If I had only known that the love I had felt for the little person growing inside of me was going to increase more than ten times once he was here, I don't think anything could have prepared me for the emotions I felt when meeting him for the first time.

Lucas Ray Gilbert was born on August 16th at 3:57am after 9 hours of labor and 45 minutes of pushing.  After all the horror stories I had heard of the crazy pain and emotions that you felt during labor I felt like my labor experience was a breeze.  Jared was a trooper.  For someone who can't handle needles or blood, he was there for the whole thing and watched our son be born. 
Our sweet boy was 6 lbs and 7 oz at 19.5 inches long.  After he was finally out, he was having problems breathing, while the nurse tried to explain to me that nurses from the NICU were coming to take him away and that Jared would go with them, I had a melt down.  I was still dealing with the post birth and clean up but couldn't fight back the tears.  My son who I had seen for less than a minute was taken away and I felt so helpless.  Thank heavens for my mom.  I knew Jared was with him and I would know soon how he was.  But those minutes after felt like eternity.  They kept my precious boy for over an hour in the NICU while I cried not being able to hold back my emotions.  My little boy was returned back to me good as new and breathing like a champ after that long hour.  I didn't want anyone to touch him or take him away from me again.  I just wanted to stare at him and breathe in his little scent. 
Again, after he was just brought back he was taken again to the NICU due to low blood sugar.  The tears came again.  I knew Lucas was ok but that they needed to monitor him closely and not from afar.  This was devastating.  I had only spent barely three hours with someone so perfect and again he was getting whisked away.  I couldn't get out of bed therefor was unable to go to the NICU for two of the longest hours.  Once I was able to get up and walk down the hall to see my boy, Jared held my hand as I walked into the NICU.  I lost it, the tears wouldn't stop.  The small tiny babies that were sick or just so tiny to be on their own made my heart hurt and my baby was right next to them.  As much as I knew Lucas was going to be ok, I had a hard time being in there and at the same time I didn't want to leave him.  A day and a half later, we were able to have the little man back in our room only to find he was now jaundice....so now we had him back but we couldn't touch him but for thirty minutes every three hours to feed, change and cuddle him.  That didn't leave us much time. 
We were transferred to the new Don & Lori Watts Pediatrics center....it was beautiful, but this was our third day in the hospital and I was ready to go home.  I just wanted Lucas to be better and my prayers were answered the next morning when we were finally released after his billi count was low enough to go home.  I cried again, of course these were tears of joy. 

Now, eleven days later I'm still in love with the tiny little man I waited so long for.  He's perfect in every way.  I'm in awe of what Jared and I made.  Here's to being new parents and the adventure we are about to endure.

  

Early Baby...?

After my 37th week OB appointment on Friday, my doctor was a little concerned.  Not only have I started swelling the last few days more than I need, the baby didn't grow much in the last week not to mention my blood pressure went from a normal 110 to a 165.  YIKES!  So I was sent to the hospital for more lab tests and monitoring just to be on the safe side.  Labs came back ok but doc still wants to see me again Monday.  He says if things are better he might just put me on bed rest for the next two weeks so the baby can cook a little longer or if things aren't as great....he'll induce by the end of the week.  Not going to lie, I like the sound of that.  Between the nerves in my neck being pinched and not being able to feel my fingers with an aching pain down my arm to swelling like crazy legs -  I'm ready to have this baby.    Jared's been great and his eye procedure went well as far as we can tell thus far.  It can take up to six months to see any major improvements however I think his eyes in general look better and are less irritated. 

I wanted to post a few pics of crafty things I have done for the baby's room, one of which was a quilt my mom made.  It's super cute.  Jared however after finishing the canvases I painted and put letters on...decided to hang them OVER the closet.....near the ceiling...???  I said thank you and walked away.  I was annoyed but couldn't break his heart at the same time to tell him they won't be staying there....who puts stuff like that near the ceiling?  These things should be eye level.  I also made some closet hanger organizers with some stampin up craft paper.  I think they turned out cute.  I put my label maker to work putting month sizes on them to keep things separated.  YAY!  Things are coming together and almost done.  Jared even put the car seat in my car and started putting all the other baby gear together just in case.  I think the doctor scared him that we will have a baby in less than a week.  It's cute, he's definitly excited.  Well, we'll keep posting, there just might be a baby in less than 7 days.

Miss Makayla

Miss Makayla, my niece makes me laugh.  Over the last few months she has gotten so excited waiting for her new cousin.  Back in January she could care less but now that Auntie is showing and ready to pop, this girl has questions and wants answers!
These are a few things that have made me laugh.

1. While watching a movie....M: Auntie Heather, why are you crying....is that baby Lucas hurting you?  -No M, just having a moment.    M: Well at least the movie has a happy ending.

2. M to her mom:  Auntie Heather was crying...at the movie, hehehehe.  She thought it was so sad, she cried....A LOT.  he he he.  Jayme - stop making fun of Auntie.  M- but it was sooo funny.

3. Auntie Heather....is that baby Lucas kicking you?  Are his kicks hard?  He's going to be a ninja!  Maybe a ninja warrior.  H- Are you going to teach him this?  M- Nope, I can already tell.

4. CAN'T YOU WAKE THAT BABY UP!  I need to see him kick you.

This girl makes me laugh.  She is 8.5 years old and has such a humor to her.  Love that kid.

The Countdown...

OKAY!  So we are at the last 6 weeks.  I have had done well since getting over the nausea however at my last appointment I told Dr. B I was feeling great and I'm pretty sure that was the kicker.  I now feel so out of body and uncomfortable.  Tis that wonderful thing of being pregnant. 

Lots of things to look forward to this weekend.  Jared decided not to have the corneal transplant.  His doctor found a clinical trial to get into before we go down the transplant road.  We have read about this procedure for a few years now and have never been able to see anyone about it.  Jared always missed the trial or openings by a few weeks.  The US Food and Drug Admin finally approved two doctors in Washington State to do CXL - Crosslinking for Keratoconus patients.  We found out four days before surgery Jared was a candidate.  However, barely made it in.  Jared scans were soooo bad.  We almost didn't make it.  I'm excited this is the way we will go.  However, it's spendy for us right now with a little man about ready to make an appearance.  So I'm a little on edge regarding that not to mention timing.  I feel like we are cutting it close to the arrival of our baby boy.

My emotions are crazy right now.  Throughout this pregnancy I've been moody....I'll be the first to admit but only crying every now and again.  Now being six weeks away....I CRY AT EVERYTHING.  What is wrong with me?  Poor Jared, it kills him to see me in tears.  So I sent him away to be with his family on a camping trip before he has surgery and before this little guy comes.  I hope he's having fun cause I miss him tons.

Today I go to the Dr to see if this baby is coming early!  My last few appointments I have measured a little big so either this baby is coming earlier than thought OR this is going to be one big baby!  Jared keeps telling me it's a large baby since he was over 10lbs!  I'm hoping under 8lbs personally.

My shower is this weekend, on my birthday, and it's gonna be hot!  I'm excited to see my friends and open mini items.  Love baby stuff.  It's sooo cute when it's so little!  Mom and Dad are hanging out with me this weekend for my bday along with my bro, Andrea and Aubrie....my stinking cute niece.  Awe, love her to pieces, she makes my heart melt.  She turns the big ONE in two weeks!  I can't believe the time has passed so fast. 

Now that I have rambled on about many different things, I'll make this come to a close and write later about baby, shower and birthday!  Have a fabulous day!  
XOXO - H

Hello Summer, what next...?

Jared and I have been in a la la land of sort trying to prepare for a few things.  I find I am a little more overwhelmed than I thought I was going to be.  Since I haven't written in a while here it goes.

1. Jared is preparing to have his first of two cornea transplants.  I'm so scared and nervous for him but extremely exicted for him as well.  His eyes have been on a slope downward for a while and he's miserable.  Unfortunately, the transplants have to be a year apart.  Of course they want to make sure the first one takes before doing the second...make sense. 

2. Baby is coming.....in 10 weeks!  I feel so unprepared and so ready at the same time.  A little anxious these days.  We finally go the crib put together and in the room, now we are just organizing and getting things done to prepare.  My baby shower is being thrown by my bestie Molly which will be on July 7th.  I feel like days are just flying by now.  Everyone is telling me that will come to an end as I get closer to my due date and then the days just drag.  Well, as long as I am in air conditioning with a lot of water and a bathroom near by, I think we'll be ok.  :)

3. We had to replace a few windows due to the poor job on how they have been replaced in the past.  I know I will never tell anyone to go to BOND GLASS CO in Kennewick.  They are horrible.  We've replaced the same window multiple times and have had to pay for it multiple times.....they don't warranty their work.....which I now know why.  They don't do it right!    So of course we went with a new place who has had a lot of great feedback by the community.  The Glass Nook has been great.  They just replaced our windows, will warranty their work and have already checked in with us to make sure we were happy.  Super professional company! 

4. Had a bit of a diaster today, pipe broke outside our bedroom window, shot up under the siding and then of course had to come down so....it came into the house flooding outside and inside....my bedroom all over the carpet.  So of course we had to pull up the carpet, soak up the water and now have fans going like crazy to prevent mold and mildew.  That was our nice Sunday afternoon and I'll admit there were tears.  I can't handle crazy things like this these days.  Emotions are running on overload and I can't help myself.  I guess we got some other things done too and somehow I got Jared going on a cleaning spree with me....I love it when that happens.  He got out and cleaned the windows, swept the patio and front deck and then helped fold the laundry with me.  Love it when he helps without me having to ask.  It happens every now and again.....just not as often as I would like.

Well, I'll post some more soon.  It's off to bed for this tired momma. 

Counting Down the Weeks

I can’t believe it but I am already 25 weeks and counting.  We finally have the babies room cleaned out and ready for decorating.  Mom and a dear friend, Retta, are doing all the bedding, curtains and bumpers.  We have picked out fabric and things are getting done!  Jared and I want to paint a little in the room.  Right now we’ve had it a neutral gray color which I want to keep but add some olive greens and bright aqua…I know it sounds weird but the colors work so well together.  I can’t wait to post the fabric because they are the same colors.

A few weeks ago Jared kept missing the baby kick.  So one night Jared laid his head down on my belly and then, THUMP, he got kicked right in the face.  His first feeling of the baby kicking and it had to be in his face.  I couldn’t stop laughing.  Jared kept saying he hadn’t felt anything yet cause this strong boy didn’t want to hurt his dad.  I think he’s gonna be just like his dad…a big tease.

Well in two weeks I will have my next ultra sound and doctors appointment.  I’m excited to see how big this little man has gotten.  I feel him kicking more and more, not to mention much harder and stronger too.  

Until next time!

It's a BOY!!!

On Wednesday, April 28th Jared and I were able to find out the gender of our little baby soon to come. Jared has told me since day one he has known it was a boy. I kept telling the poor guy that as much as we both wanted a little man around...I thought it was a girl. However, Jared was the one having all the dreams and I was not. So as soon as we got in to do the ultrasound, Jared had barely sat down when the tech annouced within seconds...it's a boy. Jared was thrilled.

Don't get me wrong...I am thrilled too, however knowing Jared was right and I was wrong is a lot to swollow since I know that Jared will think he is right on everything from now on. He teases me often. Our little man was moving like crazy but we did get some good pictures. One of which he has his lips pushed out like a fish. Both of us and the tech thought that was funny.

We have decided and both agreed his name will be Lucas. BUT....the middle name is another thing. We can't agree on that right now but we will have to within the next few months as time has been flying by. I can't believe I am already more than half way done with this pregnancy I never thought would be possible. I am so thankful that our little miracle happened when it did and on it's own. Obviously God has a plan for us...we just didn't know it yet.

15 Weeks

Well, it's official....I can no longer button my pants and reached my 15 week mark on Sunday. So, my being cheap and great tips from other friends, a rubber band comes in handy for now.

The sickness is finally going away, however I am still so exhausted by the end of the day and passing out on the couch after cooking dinner. Jared gently wakes me up and sends me to bed by 8pm these days. This last week I came down with bronchitis and a sinus infection and the only thing you can do is drink lots of liquids (plenty of OJ) and use a humidifier. My doctor gave me a pitiful look and said sorry hun, no drugs for you. Have a cough drop and sit in a steamy shower. So I did....and a week later I'm still coughing but almost done with this nasty cold.

Jared is getting excited to find out if we are having a boy.....however I have a feeling it's a girl. Another girl for our family full of girls. We find out in a few weeks what we're having and I must admit I would love to know so we can start planning. :) Plus that way I can do a "I told you so".

Ending 2011

Wow, It was a whirlwind of a year. I didn't write at all, shame on me. Things have definitely changed over the last year. Jared and I did a few things here and there. Came to the realization that I just might always be sick but then....we got our little miracle. We're having a baby, due in August. It was such a big surprise but the best Christmas we have ever had.

Jared's parents randomly ask if we are trying to have kids, finally one day they stopped asking. Thank goodness, I don't know if Jared said something or they finally figured it was a sore subject. I was too afraid to say anything, being afraid that the day we started a family would never come. This year was good for the most part, no hospital visits or dramatic doctor visits. I got into yoga and was doing great and then came Vegas...after that I broke the opposite sesamoid bone in my right foot this time....last time it was the left. I must be one lucky gal. I'm pretty sure Jared is worried that I won't live to see my 30th birthday some days. I love him, I love him for caring for me, for loving me the way he does. He's the best thing I have. Things got back on the right track. It was time for the holidays, party after party. My doctor started me on Cabergoline again to help with my crazy hormone levels again. So while I wasn't drinking I felt hungover anway. I figured it was the meds. After seeing a friend on her birthday, she had asked if I had still been taking my meds, I was. She then started talking about all these babies and birthdays and baby names, had I given these things any thoughts for when it would happen for us. She was thinking ahead as they were gonna start planning for number two. Something hit me. I had been feeling so weird, that was normal due to my hormones always playing games on me, so a missed period, the nausea and larger than life breasts didn't seem that weird....but something made me think.
The next morning I stopped by Rite Aide and purchased two pregnancy tests. Jared worked early that morning so I went on with the stick business and at seconds the test was reading postive...i thought it was wrong...so I did it again, and again, and again. Four tests later it was confirmed that I was pregnant. Jared was meeting me later that day to finish up some Christmas shopping. I kept looking at him trying to find the best way to tell him because I couldn't keep it in any longer. He was driving me back to me car and I just blurted it out...I'm pregnant. He stopped the car to look at me and said...what? So I said it again....then he said what again. It was quite comical, the reaction and my look.
It was hard keeping it quiet over the next couple weeks. We had to get through Christmas with both sides of the family and then New Years with all of our closest friends. We thought due to the complications that could arise that we should wait until after our 10 week appointment to tell anyone. I felt like I was constantly lying to EVERYONE. That was hard. So many smells were keeping me behind my scarf so I wouldn't puke...the nausea all day is the worst. But we made it to 10 weeks and have finally shared the great news with our family and close friends. I do feel slightly worried still like something could go wrong. I have had so many stomach issues that could some how make something go wrong. My doctor...doctors, keep telling me that I just need to listen to my body and let them know what it's saying. I always put things off, I can't do that anymore. Wish me luck on this grand adventure. I'll update as we go.