Jacob's Birth

The past few weeks of pregnancy were miserable. I'm not sure if it was worse than the previous pregnancies or I just didn't remember how uncomfortable I was at the end of the others, but I was ready to be DONE. I had really wanted him to come early but sweet Jacob Daniel decided to come on his due date and not a minute sooner. We had tried all sorts of things to get him to come-- including flying on a small plane-- but it was all in God's time.

Sunday the 20th I started just feeling bad. I had a few mild contractions throughout the day but wasn't ready to say I was in labor. Then, around 11 that night, the contractions were becoming more measurable. They were still about 15-20 minutes apart and not very strong, but I had a feeling that it was almost time. That morning around 2 the contractions grew to about 7 minutes apart, and although they still weren't very strong, I felt like we should at least get someone to come over and stay with our big kids so we could be at the hospital and not be rushed.

We got a couple from church to come over (in the middle of the night!) to stay while we left for the hospital at 3 am. When we got there, I was only about 1 or 2 cm dilated. I stayed an hour or two and the contractions actually slowed down. I felt nothing and made no progress. So at 6 we went back home. This was a first for me and I was so disappointed! I had really thought this was it. And I did NOT want to have to go back home and have to do every day things when I just wanted to have the baby. But we did. And by 1 that afternoon, things really were starting to progress. The contractions were definitely stronger and quickly getting closer together. I think I had really forgotten how strong they had to be to be considered active labor. (You would think after 3 others I would remember?) We got someone else to come watch the kids and left for the hospital.

We got there around 2, I think, and I knew it wouldn't be long. I was about 6 cm. dilated. I asked if they would break my water, which they did with every other one of my labors and it really made things speed up. The doctor said we should wait and see if it happens on its own. The doctor that was on call was not the doctor I saw through the whole pregnancy. I had really wanted him to be there because I was comfortable with him and liked his demeanor.

However, Dr. Benvenuto, whom I'd only met once, was amazing. She had this calming presence that immediately relaxed me. She offered suggestions for easing the labor pains, and this was the only time any doctor ever encouraged me to labor out of the bed. I actually got in the bath for a little while, and though it was relaxing, I wasn't too comfortable there. I got back in bed in time to push. This hospital is the first where I was able to labor, deliver, and recover all in the same room. And the nurses were willing to do anything to help me push more comfortably.

So my water broke on its own, then 10 minutes later, I pushed maybe 15 minutes, 6 or 7 times, and Jacob was delivered. I think at one point the doctor had me stop pushing because the cord was wrapped around his neck. He came out so fast he had bruising on his eyes. They put him on my chest immediately and let me hold him there as long as I wanted. They were in no rush to take him away to weigh him or anything. He was slimy and slippery and so beautiful! After they weighed him-- a whopping 8 lbs., 4 1/2 oz.-- and wrapped him up, I got him again and he immediately took to nursing. He nursed almost an hour straight! We had a few issues with latching the next couple times and the usual soreness that comes with that, but otherwise he has been a champion nurser and a very good eater.

Our entire experience at this hospital was amazing. The nurses were all so incredible. The 2nd night, Brett stayed at home with the kids since we didn't want to inconvenience anyone else to keep them on a weeknight. So I was there at the hospital by myself the whole night and much of the day Tuesday. The nurses made me feel completely comfortable to call them for anything I needed. I was not hesitant to have them help me swaddle the baby up (which they were very good at) or just hold him when I was frustrated at his crying. They helped with nursing and one even helped with an issue that Leah was having. And yet they didn't come in the room to "check" on anything hardly at all. They let me sleep.

My big kids have been handling things as I thought. They adore the baby and constantly want to hold him and touch him. They run to his side the second he starts to cry. And yet their behavior at home hasn't been the best. Abigail, especially, wants to be a baby again, or-- the second I'm paying attention to the baby and not her-- she needs me to get her something right now. She cries a lot more and demands a lot more attention. Andrew and Leah have also been a little more whiny and need more attention. They fight a little more and the noise level in the house has definitely gone up. It has been a crazy few days trying to keep up with all the changes, but at least they do not want me to send the baby back!

Physically, my recovery after this birth has been easier than any of the others, which is surprising considering how big this baby is! I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I had no tearing, my water broke naturally and I had a great doctor. Jacob was not a great sleeper the two nights we were in the hospital, wanting to cluster-feed all night long. However, our first night home he slept about 4 two-hour stretches. He is rarely gassy or fussy or squirmy like all of my other babies. I put him in his bed and he is sound asleep. He makes no noises that keep me up all night. When I get in bed, I'm not worried he's going to immediately wake me up again-- and I can actually sleep. He still is a little confused on day vs. night and sleeps much better during the daytime hours but he does at least sleep 2 hours at a time at night, sometimes more.

(Andrew slept in his swing the first 2 weeks of his life, because he was way too squirmy & noisy when laying down flat. Jacob, on the other hand, could care less about this swing and only tolerates it a few minutes!) He does love to be swaddled to sleep. The only thing that really makes him cry is getting his diaper changed and sometimes getting in his car seat, if he's not fed and content beforehand. He is generally pretty happy and easygoing-- an answer to all our prayers for our fourth-born.

1st Day of CC & Dance

We've been back to the grind on our school work now for about four weeks, but usually the first day of Classical Conversations signals the "official" first day of school for us. It means a little more time spent during the regular school day reviewing and memorizing. I can hardly believe Leah is already in 2nd grade. This is her 3rd year of CC! Most of the kids in her class were also in it last year, so she's more comfortable and loves going to school!

Andrew also has a year under his belt, although he's still in the youngest class at CC. He has a lot of little boys in his class this year, all his age, so it's going to be interesting to see what new friends he makes or how much trouble he gets into. Last year I was concerned he wasn't really "ready" for full-fledged school, but he did great in class and, even though he may not have learned a ton, it's all there in his memory and I know he grew quite a bit.

The littlest school-goer still cried when I left her in the nursery this year (although it's usually very short-lived), but there are 3 other little girls in there her age and they've hired a full-time nursery worker who plans to do scheduled activities with them, so I know Abi will have a fun year. Really it's not her FIRST day of getting into trouble-- she's been doing that since she was crawling, but she just wanted to hold a sign like her big brother & sister!

Even though it is very hard and there are many days I wish I could just send them all off to public school on the bus, I really do enjoy the chance to be able to teach these kids at home. It is growing more and more difficult as they get older but I can't imagine sending them away and not having them around 6 hours out of the day. And I am really thankful for a program like CC (even though we have to drive an hour each way one day a week) that provides them a chance to interact with other kids their age and allows me the chance to talk with other homeschooling moms and make sure they are on track. 

Leah is also starting her FOURTH year of dance! I can't believe she's wanted to stick with it this long. This year she has a new teacher, and the class is a combo of jazz and tap, as opposed to ballet. She was super excited about learning jazz. I actually didn't get to take her to her very FIRST class, as we were in Maine, but she did go, and then I took her the 2nd week and got to see her in action. Her teacher is definitely challenging them, as the class is a little older this year. I'm glad to see her still enjoy the physical activity and learning a new skill!

Maine & 39 Weeks Pregnant

Last weekend Brett & I had the opportunity to travel to Maine for the annual New England Pastor's Encouragement Retreat. Last year it was in Vermont and we had the best time. Phil Waldrep Ministries has put this on for 20 years now. They raise sponsors throughout the year at other conferences so that pastors all over New England can enjoy this retreat completely free. We were excited to hear it would be in Portland, Maine this year because neither of us has ever been to Maine.

Besides having great speakers and great food, we get to stay in a nice hotel for two nights and just have a time to relax and also meet other pastors from New England. It can often be a lonely job because of just how few churches there actually are.

Friday most of the day is free to do what we choose. So we visited the Portland Head Lighthouse. Brett has taken a series of funny pictures at many of the lighthouses in the Outer Banks, so we were excited to be able to add to the collection! There was actually another small lighthouse in the distance that you can't really get to. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed seeing the ocean again for the first time in awhile.

They always have a really elaborate banquet on Friday night with fun entertainment and a ridiculous amount of food. This year we got to enjoy lobster! I have never had it before and it was a fun experience. I also tasted mussels and clams for the first time. Lobster is a lot of work but it is delicious.

We stopped by Wells Beach on the way home, just to see the ocean. It didn't seem like swimming weather, but there were plenty of New Englanders on the beach! 

Of course I wasn't able to do as much walking as I would have liked, seeing as how I was 38, almost 39 weeks pregnant. We were a little concerned the baby would be born in Maine but we mapped out the hospitals on the way and took my pre-natal records, as well as the baby's car seat. However, still no signs of baby. 

And now, a week later, there are STILL no signs. I have been growing increasingly frustrated as we really wanted this baby to come early because of our upcoming trip to Texas by plane in TWO weeks. Every day I wake up hoping today will be the day. It doesn't help that each of my others was early. Monday is the official due date, however, and maybe he just wants to be obedient like Abigail and come on the day he's supposed to. I sleep very little at night, and now I also have a cold, so I am exhausted and just really ready to be done with this pregnancy. And also really just ready to meet the newest member of our family!

Leah's 7th Birthday

Has it really been SEVEN years since we started on this journey of parenthood, since we started this blog, by announcing our first child was on the way? I can hardly believe we are moving out of the toddler & preschool stage and into the school-age years (at least with half the kids!). It's a whole new experience and one where we're constantly learning.

This girl is definitely all girl. She still loves all things Princess. She loves to sing and dance and dress up. She loves to tell stories. She loves to color and draw. She loves to be with her friends. She is sensitive, generally thoughtful of others, a natural leader (okay, a little bossy), inquisitive, and not in the least bit shy. She is comfortable talking to adults, kids her age, babies, pretty much anyone. She does well in school, but gets frustrated easily-- especially when it comes to math. She loves to learn about the Bible and history and although she doesn't really sit around and actually read a lot of books (although she could), she does enjoy books and making up her own stories to go with the pictures.

This year she wanted a Barbie birthday party. We told her this would be the last year for a big party with her friends like this-- she's had one just about every year, and it's a lot of work. Andrew rarely has parties, simply because he doesn't have a lot of little boys around his age. I love seeing Leah thrive around her friends, but decorating and baking and setting up takes a lot of time, even if I try to keep it "low-key."

She opened a few presents from us and from grandparents on her actual birthday on Saturday.
She got an Anna dress (can't believe she's still into Frozen after 2 years!) and some clothes for her doll from Grandma & Grandpa.

We got her an Elsa Barbie doll. She really does enjoy playing with her Barbies in her Dreamhouse.

Nana & Papa sent some gifts for Abi and Andrew, too. Abi & Leah both got a little Frozen pencil case with a journal. I also got Abi some dollar store workbooks for school.

 Andrew didn't get his birthday gifts from Nana & Papa till they sent them with Leah's, so he has a sticker that says "I'm 5 today."

We also got Leah a real Bible, not a story Bible. She was a little intimidated, because the words are so small and she didn't know how she would read it, but I think she's warming up to the idea of having her own.

Of course we had to have a fashion show.

The day of Leah's birthday we had our church's annual Turkey Shoot. The kids each got to shoot a gun at a target. I'm sure it's not exactly what Leah would have chosen to do on her birthday, but I think she had fun, simply because she got to be with people.

Her party was Sunday evening. We decided to have it outside to minimize mess in the house, but it ended up being a little too hot, and also too windy. The kids didn't seem to mind too much and it really was easier to not have to worry about them tearing up the house. This is the extent of the decorations: a banner and poster, and a cupcake stand for a centerpiece. Leah wanted strawberry cake, and cupcakes with decorative picks seemed like the easiest option.

She had five friends there: Autumn, Apple, Fiona, Joselynn, and Lydia. Their parents also came, as did our foreign exchange student Maria. 

The toothless birthday girl! Her 2nd front tooth came out that morning at church (we don't even know what happened to it) so she no longer had to worry about wiggling it and eating from the side of her mouth like she'd done for weeks!

They all played a little inside with the Barbies then they played together on the swing set and on our play cars. I actually got to sit and talk with the grown-ups and they entertained themselves quite well. They had snacks. They only did one organized game, which was a version of "Pin-the-Jewel" on Barbie's necklace. Then they opened gifts. It was over in an hour and a half and everyone had a great time!