A Baby Story

I've been writing a little each day on this post. Trying to get it done before Hutton turns two weeks old! I cut it pretty close...but here it is! Hutton's birth story.. :-)

Sunday evening (June 23rd) Shane and I headed to the hospital to check in and start the beginning of our multi-day induction. Multi-day Induction meant that I would start a medicine called Cervadil on Sunday evening that basically helps with progressing me so that when they started the pitocin the following day, it might help things go faster. I will be completely honest. I did not think the Cervadil would help at all. I was very pessimistic. I had heard from others (including my own sister) how it didn't help them progress at all and I was just certain I would be the same way, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. So, we get all checked into labor and delivery and I received the Cervadil. Literally within one hour I was having very consistent contractions. Like...every three minutes. I thought this was kind of odd since this medicine was not necessarily suppose to put me in labor, but figured this must be normal. The doctor prescribed me Ambien to sleep that night since it would be really important to get a good nights sleep before being induced bright and early the next morning. I gladly took it and agreed that getting a good nights sleep was crucial. Well, the contractions continued all night long and increased in intensity. Even with the Ambien, I got ZERO sleep. The doctors were suppose to come and wake me up at 5 am to get everything going with the induction, but shortly before 5 am my water broke. I was in shock. It was just how I imagined too. Felt like a water balloon had burst. I told Shane to call for the nurse. She came and checked me and said I was at about 2 cm. A TWO! After having all these contractions all night long, that was all I was at? Shesh. The contractions continued and when they checked me again about an hour later I was at 4 cm. I was in active labor and did not even need the Pitocin. Just craziness! Since I was now at 4 cm, it was finally time to get the epidural! YES! This was about at 6:30-7:00 am ish. Well, I waited for about an hour for my epidural and the whole time waiting I was hurting pretty bad. Contractions are no joke! I just knew the anesthesiologist would come walking through the door any minute with that glorious little epidural that would help numb the pain. But....they never came. (They were busy with someone else and had not gotten the chance to get to me) At the end of the hour of waiting, I asked my nurses to check me again. I was in some serious pain. They did and I was at 8 cm! Holy cow. How did that happen? Wasn't this suppose to take a long time? Like, all day labor? That was what I was expecting. Shortly after being told I was at an 8 my mother, sister and mother in law showed up. When I saw my mom, I told her how badly I needed my epidural and she told me the news I definitely was not expecting to hear... "Honey, you aren't getting an epidural." And that's when I cried. Excuse me??? This can't be. I had always planned for an epidural. That was the PLAN! Well...God had other plans for us ;-) I was dilated too much and it was too late for the epidural. I couldn't believe it, but sucked it up and realized I was just going to have to push through the pain. Around 8:30 am it was time to push... I pushed for about 30 minutes. Hutton Allan Haught came into the world at 9:16 am. Weighing a nice 8 lbs 4 oz and was 21 inches. It was honestly the most amazing and surreal moment of my life. I couldn't believe he was finally here and he was ours. He was the most beautiful little boy I had ever seen with a head full of hair! God blessed us with the most amazing gift and we could not feel more lucky to have this perfect little guy in our lives.

The first two weeks have been surprisingly easier than I thought. Don't get me wrong, being a parent is not easy, but we are just so incredibly happy that it seems to make things easier. Hutton is a very laid back baby. Does not cry much and is very content. He wakes up only once a night (thank you little guy, your parents are so grateful for this!) and eats like a champ! We love our handsome little man!

Hutton's birth was not at all like I expected. But that is perfectly fine with me. I have learned you can't go into it with ANY expectations or plans really. It will happen the way it is suppose to! Never in a million years would I have thought I would not have an epidural or that my labor would be so fast. But it all turned out fine and I have a healthy and beautiful little boy! God is so good!

On our way to the hospital!

Week 38

Well, this very well could be my last update before Hutton makes his grand appearance into the world. I might be able to squeeze one last post next week, but we will just have to see! I am not a very patient person. I am aware of this. Well, I shouldn't say that. There are certain things I am patient with. I can be very patient with people, but with events or things I am excited about...yeah, no patience whatsoever! So waiting for little guy's arrivial has been torture. I have honestly had an easy peasy pregnancy. It really has been very laid back. I have not had many of the normal symptoms of pregnancy, have had no complications and have not gotten sick once. I really can't complain. But the last month of this pregnancy have been hard. You just get to a point where your tummy is so big that it is extremely hard to get comfortable. It's hard to sit, sleep, walk. Really do anything! You have to constantly hear things like "Wow, you are about to POP!" and "He STILL hasn't come yet?" Yes, I know my tummy is huge and I do feel like I could pop. NO, he is still not here. Thanks for reminding me :-( And not to mention, you are just so anxious to meet your baby. Someone I know put it this way, "It's like waking up everyday and constantly having to look at a present for yourself, but not getting to open it." Yep, that is how I feel. I just want him to be here! But I know that him cooking a little longer is not a bad thing and maybe him staying in longer will just mean he will come out with a few more baby rolls that I think are absolutely adorable. So as uncomfortable as I am, I think I can wait. Think is the keyword there! :-) I had an appointment yesterday with my OB. I have progessed some, but still not a lot. She didn't want to talk induction for the end of this week quite yet, because she thinks it would most likely be a hard and long labor that could ultimately end in a c-section. She said to continue my walking this week and hopefully that will help me progess more and then at my appointment Monday we can talk induction if he still hasn't come. We are hoping that if he doesn't come on his own, Friday June 21st is when we can schedule his induction. As ready as I am to see my little guy, I think waiting is the best option! Staying positive and trying to keep my patience!


**Update: When I talk about being induced, I would like to share that I have my reasons for being okay with this. Obviously my first choice is for him to come on his own naturally and that is still how I would love for it to happen. Always have and always will be first choice. But because of Shane's current schedule with Firefighter rookie school, it is very hard for him to get off. I completely understand this because the training they are going through is very extensive and it is imporant that they don't miss multiple days. Because of this and the fact I am not progressing very well on my own, induction on a Friday is an option for us. I trust my doctor and her decision on when is the best time for this. She will not induce me if she thought it would be unsafe. If you don't believe in induction that is perfectly okay with me and I respect that, but please respect my situation and feelings as well and remember how your words can be offensive and hurtful. Thank you!**

A few pictures from my friend Katies baby shower this past weekend. She is due August 10 with little Parker!

How far along?: This picture was taken at 38 weeks and 3 days

Baby is the size of a: pumpkin! Hutton is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. His head is now about the same circumference as his abdomen.

Development this week: He may have about an inch or so of hair already. He's slowly shedding that white goo on his skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.

Best moment this week: Hearing that I have progressed SOME. I was starting to think I never would!

Food cravings (or drink): Strawberries

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Symptoms:  Back pain, lower abdomnen pain. Really just lots of pain. Not sleeping well at night anymore.

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am very happy, but this last month has taken its toll on me. I've broken down and cried ALOT. I am okay with admitting it. I am just so excited and ready for him to be here! I am very thankful for Shane and his patience with me and my crazy rollercoaster emotions lately!

Looking forward to: Hutton!!!!

Week 36

Well we are officially in the home stretch! Less than a month till little Hutton will be here. Unless he is really stubborn and goes past his due date. But don't worry, I have already talked with him and told him we aren't going to do that. We are so ready to meet him!

How far along?: 36 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Honeydew! He's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.

Development this week: He's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own. His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. His liver and kidneys are in working order. Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

Best moment this week: Finishing up Hutton's room and getting our hospital bag all ready to go! This is getting real!!

Food cravings (or drink): Pineapple

Anything making you queasy or sick: I should probably just take this question off, because I never have anything to put by it.

Symptoms: Back pain, lots of pressure in my lower tummy and groin. The waddle has definitely started! 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and Moody. I really have had an easy pregnancy and for that I am forever thankful, but I am just getting so uncomfortable and anxious to meet our little man! I wish I could fast forward the next four weeks.

Looking forward to: Hutton's arrival! Could really be anytime now! :-)

Week 34

34 weeks. Oh.my.word. Is this for real? We are now only three weeks away from being considered full-term and 6 weeks away from our official due date. I am literally giddy with excitement. Although I know Hutton needs to cook a little bit longer, I am just so anxious/excited/ready to meet him and give him an endless amount of kisses. At our appointment last week, my OB said that we are pretty much to that point where if I go into labor they will not do anything to stop it. I think that is when things got really real for me. We will have a baby in a month (give or take a few days). A MONTH. So I've been a busy beaver getting things done. The nursery is basically finished, with the exception of a few little finishing touches. My hospital bag and his are pretty much all packed. Yes, I know it's a little early, but I am a planner and helps with my anxiety to know it is already done :-) Car seat will be installed this week and I think that covers most of the essentials to get done before his arrivial. Now we can rest easy!

How far along?: 34 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Butternut Squash. Hutton weighs in at about 4.2 pounds to 5.8 pounds and measures about 17.2 to 18.7 inches.

Development this week: He's recognizing and reacting to simple songs, if you're singing them. (If you're not, start! He may find them soothing after birth.) He's also urinating about a pint a day. Hmmm, interesting...

Best moment this week: Having our showers!

Food cravings (or drink): Coke. Ugh, why? I didn't even like Coke before I got pregnant. I was always a Dr. Pepper girl and that was only on the few occasions that I drank soda. But don't worry, if I do have a soda I only have one. Never more than that in one day.

Anything making you queasy or sick: nope, nothing.

Symptoms: Leg cramps still and lots of pressure in my tummy. I am trying so very hard not to waddle, but it is definitely becoming more difficult to walk. Most of the time I feel like I have pulled both groin muscles. I am assuming this is normal?

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, unless I have a leg cramp. They are the worst.

Looking forward to: Hutton being here! I think this answer will stay the same untill the time he gets here :-)

Shower Time!

Well, I feel like I just went through one of the busiest months of my life! And I am well aware that things won't slow down once little Hutton gets here :-) We were so blessed with THREE baby showers in one week. It might have been a little hectic, but we couldn't be more grateful for everyone's amazing generosity and love showering us with everything we could ever possibly need for this little addition. Our cups runneth over!

It all started with a shower in San Antonio. I loved getting to see all of the people that impacted my childhood in San Antonio. Such amazing ladies who have been so supportive for so so many years! Love you all!

AMAZING cupcakes made by my favorite cake maker, Susan Perry!

a few of my sweet hostesses!

Then I had a sweet little shower at work. I don't have many pictures, only of the cake. But that is all that is important right? ;-)

Last was our Abilene shower. This was hosted by two of my best friends from college, church friends and friends of my mother-in-law. Even though I have not lived in Abilene for very long (well college and then 2 years) you would think I grew up here after this shower! We are so blessed by the community here in Abilene. It was a wonderful shower and great way to end our shower week.

This shower was sock monkey themed. Isn't it all so adorable? I might have a slight obesession with sock monkeys :-)

Thank you all who made these showers so special! Hutton is already so loved!

Week 31! Holy moly where is the time going??

Yeah, you read that right. 31 weeks! I remember back when I first found out I was pregnant, anything in the thirties seemed like so far away. But here we are! We are getting so anxious to meet our little boy! But I am getting a little nervous. Not necessarily about being a mom (suprisingly, I am just really excited about that) but more about the birth and making sure we have everything ready and prepared before he gets here!

We have been ridiculously busy the last couple of weeks and I know it is just going to get more crazy around here! So let's get to the good stuff..

Three weekends ago, we celebrated Easter with my parents. They came up to Abilene and it was really awesome having them here and of course having my mom help me decorate the nursery. It is just about done!

On Tuesday of last week.....we found out that SHANE GOT THE JOB WITH THE ABILENE FIRE DEPARTMENT!!! I havn't talked a whole lot about this on here, other them him finishing the Fire Academy last August. But in January, Shane started the application/hiring process to be a Firefighter here in Abilene. It has been a LONG four months waiting to see if he got the job. I really can't put into words how proud and excited I am for Shane. He has found something that he is so passionate about and I love seeing him follow his dreams. Hutton sure has a good daddy to look up to!

Thursday we got a new puppy! I know people probably think we are crazy for getting a puppy two months before having a baby and thats okay. We might be a little crazy! BUT I've been really sad since Frank died and mostly because I feel so bad for Lucy. She has been SO lonley and is craving our attention all the time. So we decided that she needed a friend. We would like to introduce you to you, Miles! Yes he is a pug. Can you imagine me with any other type of dog? Of course not. He is 7 weeks old and just a tiny little thing. He is about 2 lbs and the sweetest little guy. He has being sleeping through the night (hallelujah) and doing really well!

Right after getting Miles we headed to San Antonio and spent Thursday-Monday with my parents. It was so nice getting to spend time with them, my sister Clarissa and getting to watch my nephews play Soccer!

So there is the last couple of weeks in a nut shell. Now you know why I havn't updated this in so long! Now, here are the latest stats!

How far along?: 31 weeks

Baby is the size of a: Pineapple! My favorite fruit :-)  He's about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long and weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds this month.

Development this week: He's going through major brain and nerve development. Eye development, too. His irises now react to light! All five of his senses are in working order.

Best moment this week: Finding out about Shane getting the job! and getting Miles :-)

Food cravings: Jello. Super random

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been SO lucky to really have nothing make me queasy or sick this whole pregnancy.

Symptoms: Leg cramps still, back aches and just feeling really uncomfortable. I know it is all so worth it though. I will just enjoy not feeling like an old lady anymore!

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very very happy!

Looking forward to: Our showers! Who ever evented showers was the smartest/nicest/best person ever!

Week 27

We are now in our third trimester! Wow, I really can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday we were just finding out about this little one and I remember thinking that the third trimester would never get here. But it is here and we are just so excited that in less than three months we will be meeting Hutton!

We are officially in baby mode. Trying to get everything that we already have in the baby room sorted, getting baby registries completed, showers are on the calendar, maternity photo session has been booked, birthing classes happening in two weeks. It's been crazy busy around here, but it is such an exciting time! Two weekends ago we headed to Coppell to visit my sister Marci and her family. They were giving us their rocker/chair that they used for their two kids and we were so excited to be getting it from them. The chair is beautiful and was just what we were wanting. Well on the way back to Abilene with the chair in tow....it flew out of the back of the truck onto the highway. Words can't really express the madness that was going on and how sad I was. I thought the chair would be ruined. I mean it flipped out onto the HIGHWAY. Miraculously it just suffered two minor holes in the fabric. I thought we would have to pay tons of $$ to get it reupholstered...which made me even more sad because I already loved the fabric that it had originally. BUT we were able to get the holes stitched up and you literally can't even tell what happened to it. And now we know we have one sturdy chair if it can handle what happened to it ;-)

I wish I would have taken before pictures with the holes in the chair, but I forgot. But here it is now! See...can't even tell anything happened to it!

 Speaking of my sister Marci, will y'all be praying for my nephew Joshua? He broke his leg (tibia to be exact) jumping off a jungle gym :-( Poor guy is only two so you can only imagine how hard it is for him! Be praying for quick healing! 

How far along?: 27 weeks 3 days

Baby is the size of a: Head of Cauliflower, around 16 in. and 2.5 lbs

Development this week: Hutton's practicing inhaling and exhaling with his rapidly developing lungs
. It's official: Baby's showing brain activity! And his brain will keep on getting more complex.

Best moment this week: Getting Hutton's Chair back from getting it fixed. It was such a relief that you couldn't even tell what happened to it!

Food cravings: Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Can't get enough!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing this week.

Symptoms: Leg cramps...oh mama. They are bad. I have about three or four charley horses during the middle of each night. Not too bueno. 

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still happy. Although I do start getting moody when my back starts hurting :-/

Looking forward to: EASTER!