Stone's Early Arrival

At 35 weeks, 1 day I was feeling crummy all day. I was exhausted all day at work and just not feeling well at all. I even made a comment to Mike that I think "D-day" was probably just around the corner. He laughed and told me I was crazy.

I was excited though that I had taken the next couple of days off and have a long weekend. Thursday was our 4th wedding anniversary so I wanted that day to be of just me and Mike before the baby came. Then on Friday would be a day for Jett one last time before Baby #2 arrived. That all changed that Wednesday night.

For dinner I heated up leftovers for me and Jett. Made a Frito Pie for Mike. I was feeling worse then I was feeling earlier that day at work. Very nausea. I couldn't finish my dinner. I decided to lay down around 7 pm. At 8 pm I got up to go to the restroom and noticed after I peed that liquid was still dripping out. I just thought that it was pee. Heard it was pretty common on this stage of pregnancy to leak pee. I changed my underwear. Literally 2 minutes later I felt the urge to go pee again. This time I wiped and I was spotting.

I went into the study and told Mike, "I think my water broke." Mike looks at me, "Wouldn't you know if your water broke or not?" I knew that there were different feelings when you water breaks. With Jett my water was broken for me after I went into labor and it was a big gush. I did hear from friends that your water could leak or be a big gush. Funny thing was I actually googled earlier that afternoon "how do you know when your water breaks?" So crazy that I did.

I started to text my sister in law who is a labor and delivery nurse. She had some questions for me and told me I should probably head in to labor and delivery. At this point I was only having Braxton hicks contraction, but they were about 10 minutes apart or so. Wasn't intense just the typical BH pains. I continued to have heavier spotting.

So I started to pack my bag. I had not packed anything at this point. I had a small pile of stuff I was making to start packing. I was frantic. I started a load in the wash of baby socks and hats that I just bought for the baby. I was praying I didn't forget anything. I knew I was going to come back home with a baby. Mike on the other hand thought it was a false alarm and was just chilling out on the bed checking facebook. He packed a bag for Jett just encase, but didn't pack anything for himself.

We woke up Jett and headed to St. Luke's labor and delivery. We got to the hospital around 11:30 pm and went to the ER then they took me up to L&D. The nurse checked to see if it was my fluid that was leaking and sure enough it was. And I was 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Dr. Young was not on call that night. He would be on at 7 am. I was too be admitted and was told I would be leaving the hospital with a baby.

We were all very nervous. This was obviously not part of the plan. We though we had at least 2 more weeks until I was full term to get things situated. We were also scared for our baby's health since he was not a full term baby at this point. The 3 of us were in the L&D waiting room praying for our family that all would be well.

Around midnight being wheeled into my hospital room. Jett in his cute pj's.

I was admitted into room 206. Mike's mom and sister came to pick up Jett from the hospital. Mike stayed with me that night. At this point they were just trying to keep me comfortable and monitor me and the baby. They started an antibiotic since the baby will be premature and some fluids. And I couldn't eat anything starting then. My pain level wasn't very high. Just BH pains. It was a rough night to sleep through with all these gadgets hooked up to me. Taking my vitals etc. Needless to say I probably slept about a hour the whole night.

At 7 am my nurse came in and told me she spoke to Dr. Young and he said he put in orders to go ahead and induce me since my water broke. I told Mike to go home to get last minute things, let the dogs out and pack his bag. It would probably be later that afternoon that the baby would arrive. They were thinking approx. 12 hours from when I was admitted. Mike left right before 8 am.

I started Pitocin right around 8 am and Dr. Young came in. He did an ultrasound to check the fluid levels. Baby was head down and fluid was low. He wanted to put fluid back into my uterus. This will help relieve the cord pressure preventing the baby's blood pressure to drop. He catherized me with that thing. Very uncomfortable. And around 8:20ish I was at a 3cm.

My nurse Julie was awesome. Very supportive. She told me if I wanted an epidural that it takes her 30 minutes to get the doctor here and ready to give it to me. Also, she wasn't going to check me much because my water broke, but would check me when I had my cathered in after the epidural.

I was looking at the clock and told myself I would try to hold out until 10 am for my epidural. Then things got intense. My contractions were becoming extremely painful and 2 minutes apart. I didn't think I could take it anymore at 2 minutes apart. It was hard not having my partner by my side to get me through the contractions. I did feel alone at that point, but it was just part of how everything happened with the baby getting here early. I called Julie at 9:15 am, "I am ready for my epidural." I called Mike right after asking where he was and to hurry cause I was getting my epidural soon.

Mike came right when they were giving me my epidural. He had to wait outside since that was policy. At 10 am my epidural was in. I had some relief. My legs were just starting to get numb. Julie then put my cather in. Since  she was putting it in she decided to check me. It was around 10:20 ish. She had a puzzled look on her face, "Hmmmm....he is really low." I asked if that was a good or bad thing. She then says, "Um...I think you are ready to have a baby right now." We were all in shock. She was going to have another nurse double check. She came in and agreed that it was about to happen really soon. They were setting everything up. Making the calls.

I couldn't believe I was about to have this baby. I felt like I just started the labor process and thought I was going to go through this for a few more hours. How is that he is already ready to come out? I mean I went from a 3 to a 10 in less than 2 hours. I was nervous that Dr. Young would not be there in time. I wanted him to be the one who delivered the baby. We all had gone through so much together during this pregnancy. I started to pray and let be in God's hands. He knows what he is doing.

Dr. Young arrives puts on his scrubs. Sits down on his stool. Mike's starting counting....1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,  10. I pushed 3 times. He is HERE!! Everyone was amazed that I pushed so little. Dr. Young shook his head, "You are a ROCKSTAR. Holy Cow!"

My placenta however took longer to come out than the actual baby. Dr. Young said that it was stuck and the placenta was in bad shape. They sent it off to get it taken looked at. Also, it was a good thing I had gotten an epidural because it would have been extremely painful. I am glad I got the epidural too and that they didn't check me before they gave me the epi. I would have been at 10 cm and wouldn't give to me. I think that was all part of God's plan. He is always by my side looking out for me.

I was so emotional after the delivery. Our miracle baby had arrived. I just wanted to look at him. We had gone through so much together. From taking the Clomid, bleeding at 6 weeks, 70+ progesterone shots during 1st trimester, & preterm labor. He was a fighter through out this whole pregnancy. He was perfect. Apgar score 8 & 9. Our family is even better with this blessing from God. God is great!

Stone William Martin

Born 10:51 am on August 8, 2013 (on our 4th wedding anniversary)

5 lbs, 4 oz.

17.5 inches

Stone was immediately taken to the NICU after birth. Just because he was born at 35 weeks and by protocol he needed to be in there for a certain period of time. Mike followed him into the NICU where they did all their test for premies. We were praying he would be in our room that night.

Stone did his time in the NICU. Passed all the tests with flying colors. He was managing his temperature perfectly, breathing like a champ, and sugar levels were great. By 6 pm he was in our room by my side sleeping peacefully. 

Dr. Young came the next day to check on me. He thought the cause of my preterm labor was probably because of the clot and the horrible placenta. I asked if it would effect any future pregnancies he said it wouldn't. 

All the doctors and nurses were amazed that Stone was born at 35 weeks. He certainly was not acting like a 35 week baby. He was nursing great and just had such great coloring. One doctor thought they miscalculated my due date, which there is no way since I took Clomid. 

on August 10, 2013 we were able to go home. So grateful that we did. I always heard people leaving their premature babies at the hospital. I was so blessed FINALLY after our two losses in 2012 and this crazy pregnancy to able to take our "take home" baby to his home.

traci robinson photography

32, 33, 34 weeks

Oh boy.... the long stretch.
At 32 weeks we did another ultrasound to check on the growth of the baby. Dr. Young found some fluid in the baby's kidneys. He asked we come back in a couple of weeks to see if the fluid was still there. He said that it was probably urine that he just hasn't peed out yet.

33 weeks started to take iron supplements. I thought I didn't have to take them, but after my last set of blood work done I would need too. Boo! Luckily Dr. Young gave me iron samples so I didn't have to go buy any. He really rocks. Always looking out for me.

My rings are becoming tighter. I stopped wearing my Aggie ring, but still wearing my wedding band and e-ring. I think the combination of the hot weather and being pregnant my fingers are getting swollen.

I don't sleep much anymore. I am super uncomfortable. I can't sit for a long period of time or stand. At night the baby is very active and wakes me up in the middle of the night.

Follow up Ultrasound-34 weeks
We went in for the follow up ultrasound. Jett came along and was very excited too see the baby. Baby was measuring great and was looking to be around 4 lbs at this point at 34 weeks, 6 days. He still had fluid in his kidneys. Dr. Young said it was very common in boys, but it works it self out after they are born.

I have to say being super pregnant in the summer is not fun. You are already uncomfortable for being so big, but it is even worse when it is triple digits outside. I am loosing my breathe when I talk to people standing up. I really don't remember that happening when I was preggo with Jett. I am just at the most uncomfortable point in my pregnancy. Can't bend over, can't breathe, can't walk. Just a whole bunch of cants. Luckily Mike has been really awesome taking care of me and Jett.

34 weeks. My last preggo pic

Weeks 27-31

Wow....It has been a very busy month for us. We've been in our new home for about a month now. Trying to get everything situated and unpacked. It has been a slow and huge undertaking. I haven't had a chance to take any photos in front of the big family ruler. I've been so tired by the time I get home I just want to lay down and sleep.

I am officially in the 3rd trimester. Here is a picture of me that I took in the bathroom at work at 28 weeks when I officially started my 3rd trimester.

28 weeks...3rd trimester

I have gained so far 23 lbs. I weigh a little more than I do when I had Jett. It is so hard to believe. Weight gain wise this pregnancy is much different. 1st trimester I lost weight because of the progesterone shots I was taking. I barely could eat so I lost a few pounds. 2nd trimester I had more energy so I just ate and not very healthy. I gained 20 lbs just in the 2nd trimester with this pregnancy! My pregnancy with Jett I gained about 10 lbs per trimester or so to give you an idea how different it is.  So my body is definitely letting me know that it does not feel good.

I get swollen pretty easily. The hot weather probably has something to do with it it too. My rings still fit luckily, but I take them off as soon as I get home.

I can't sit or stand for long periods of time now. My lower back hurts quite a bit if I do. I don't really have any cravings any more, which is great. I do eat alot more...mainly I just finish everything that is on my plate.

I had an ultrasound at 28 weeks to check out the growth of the baby. He is doing great! He was sucking his thumb during the ultrasound. He was at about 40% percentile for growth. Dr. Young said right in the middle. Dr. Young did make the comment that he would like to write a paper on my pregnancy because of the blood clot. I thought that would be sooo cool.

This little guy is quite a mover. Constantly moving to a point that it is uncomfortable. It is harder to sleep now with all the movement. I can now feel actual body parts pushing out. Very interesting to see. Kind of gross, but cool all at the same time.

At 31 weeks I went in for more blood work. Not sure what for, but all I know there were at least 10 vials I had to fill. Next appointment I will be 33 weeks and doing another ultrasound. Crazy to think this new addition will be here possibly next month. It really hasn't hit me yet. I am just now starting to pick out the fabrics for his bedding. Hopefully we can start painting the nursery soon.

Finally got a pick with the ruler. It is not hung up yet, but good enough to take a pic.

 

Week 25 & 26

We are MOVING!!!
This was the most stressful week I've had in a very long time! We closed on our very first home that we built on May 29th. We were planning on moving on that weekend. Originally we were just going to slowly move ourselves into the new house, but if we are going to move I just wanted to get it done.When you start packing your home you think you don't have much then quickly realize you do. Oh boy this was tough.

Packing did a number on my back. I had really bad lower back pains every day this week. It was really hard to manage. I refused to take meds though. I just put a heating pad on my back when I was at work. I was exceptionally emotional these two weeks. One I felt like I had no control and two we were leaving the home are first born came home too. This was his home. He took his first steps, rode his bike, had his first Christmas and New Years. Even though we were not in the best house it was our home. Our son loved it. I was a wreck.

So these two weeks were pretty painful for me. Swollen feet, aching back, lack of sleep, emotional wreck, etc. It will hopefully the only most stressful time of my pregnancy. Let's hope.

I have been really bad about taking bump pics. This was taken the day we started to move.

 

Week 23 & 24

Week 23....Oh my  belly!!
This week I've had major belly aches. I guess my spicy food craving was a little much on the little guy. For 4 days. I was not feeling all that great. Didn't help that he was super active while my belly was aching. Eventually all the spicy food was out of my system. Everything was back to normal.

This week little Martin #2 has been super active. He is really really low. He is very active in the later afternoon and early evening. He now wakes me up in the middle of night.

My Braxton Hicks are more often now, but not too bad. I do go to the potty once or twice in the middle of the night. I noticed it is about about every 3-4 hours I have to go. Almost like feeding a newborn. ha!

Week 24...Glucose Test. Yuck!
We went in to see Dr. Young this week and do my glucose test. I got to try the "fruit punch" flavor this time. It wasn't as bad as the orange. I actually prefer the fruit punch better. We got to hear the strong heartbeat of the baby.

Dr. Young said next time we would do ultrasound to check out growth and such. Then after that it will be every 2 weeks. It is crazy how this pregnancy has just flew by. I feel it is much faster than I when was pregnant with Jett. I guess having a toddler already keeps you busy and you loose track of time.

We went to a restaurant the other day and Jett saw a small baby. He screamed in excitement and pointed, "Baby!" That got me excited to see him so happy too see little baby. I am so concerned he will be jealous of the new baby. Him reacting like that reassured me a little bit.

Weeks 21 & 22

21 weeks: Oops Totally forgot....
To write about this particular week. Now I don't remember anything about that week. Gotta go love pregnancy brain.

The only thing I do remember is that I went shopping for some more maternity clothes. All of my tops are too short. I am constantly have to tug them at the bottom so they don't ride up and expose my bare belly. I went to Kohl's and Motherhood Maternity. I got some cute stuff on sale at Motherhood. Things I know I could wear post pregnancy. They are flowy and would probably be great to wear with tights in the fall.

22 weeks: Olives & Mother's day!
My new craving, OLIVES!!!! Last week Mike got me some olives and I inhaled them. I went to the store a few days later and bought a jar. I ate probably half of the jar while I was at work. I ran out of nutella and I got bored. The next thing I knew 1/2 the jar was gone. I feel like a PIG!

I definitely been experiencing mood swings. I get frustrated fairly easily lately and get my feelings hurt. I am just a ball of emotions. I think alot has to do with the fact we are about to close on our new home soon and I am overwhelmed with all the paper work you have to get ready. And on top of that work, cook, clean, pack, etc. Luckily Mike has been awesome and has been helping quite a bit.

The baby has slowed down on his kicks some. He is mainly active in the morning and in the evening. Every now and then I am pushing on my belly to see if he will move. A few minutes later I will get a kick. Probably telling me to leave him alone.

Mother's Day was this weekend. This would be my last Mother's Day as a family of 3. Bittersweet. I received my Mother's Day gift early from Jett and Mike on Saturday. They couldn't wait 1 more day.

Mike had taken photos of Jett when I was out that week. They are sooo awesome!! He then had Jett paint the matte of the picture frame. I am absolutely IN LOVE! The best mother's day gift! I can't stop staring at these photos. They even gave me a frame that I could hang at work. Here is the link of my Mother's Day gift post.

Me and my guy on Mother's Day

Week 19 & 20: Still a BOY!!

Week 19: Alien Movement
It was a pretty hectic week this week for us. Our house has been really coming along so we have been going there alot more. So going back and forth from our house to the new house has been fun, but exhausting.

The week I noticed that I am already getting Braxton Hicks contractions. Pretty crazy that those are already coming. Maybe I had them early with J too, but just didn't know what they were. Now you can actually see my belly move.

Mike put his hand on my belly this week and felt the baby move for the first time. He giggled like a little school girl. I love it because he was so giddy. It's pretty crazy to see my belly jump and shifting from one side to the other. It is so cool. I really can't wait for Jett to see and feel his baby brother.

The highlight of my day is after Jett's bath. He likes to put lotion on himself before we put his PJ's on. He rubs his belly then he wants to rub the baby. So I let him put lotion on my belly. He gets a kick out of doing it.

Week 20: Yup...It's a boy still
We went to the doctor for my 20 week appointment and ultrasound. First thing that showed up was his manhood. Dr. Young goes,  "Yup, he is still a boy. Here's a zoom in picture for dad to take to the office." Mike was very proud needless to say. Martin #2 was super active. Bouncing all over the place. We saw his long skinny legs. The coolest part was seeing his actual nose and upper lip. Usually you don't see things that clearly on a 2D ultrasound. His nose looked just like Jett's. It was amazing.

I've noticed this week the baby is very active in the morning and in the evening. Also, that he is very low. Most of the movement I feel down below.

This week I have been extra tired. I've been trying to pack little by little for a move coming soon. It is just so exhausting at almost 5 months pregnant. My cravings have simmered down some. I don't eat as many pickles, but I sure do enjoy myself a jar of nutella. :)

Week 17 & 18

Week 17: Draaaag
This week I have been completely exhausted. Feels like I am back in my 1st trimester. In the morning I am just dead tired and by the end of the day I feel the same. It is worse when I don't have food in my belly. I guess I need to eat more energy producing foods.

Speaking of food. All I can think about is crawfish right now. Super spicy crawfish! When I ask my self what I want for lunch or dinner all I can imagine is crawfish. I was able to get my fix this week again. I really want this craving to stop because eating crawfish is so much work.

I am still eating lots of pickles. This has not changed one bit.

Week 18: Oh....Nutella!
My favorite go to snack that I just can't get enough of NUTELLA!!! YUM it is SOOOO good. Before I go to bed I am in bed with my spoon and jar of nutella. Mike laughs at me every time he watches me do it. I don't care. I love it!!

I am getting less sleep at night. I guess that is due to the more frequent potty breaks. And the fact that I can't go back to sleep when I get up. It's only the beginning. Only can get use to it.

I am getting headaches, which would be fine if they were not accompanied by nausea. Hopefully this will past. On a good note. I feel the baby more often feels like he is doing flips every now and then. I really can't wait to show Jett when you can see the kicks. It is going to be so cool.

Weeks 15 & 16: What a couple of weeks!

Week 15...Pop, Pop, Pop!
I've been working really hard getting ready to for a friend's baby shower that I was hosting. So I have been pretty exhausted every night when I got home. This week I definitely felt little popcorn pops in my belly. It is such a cool feeling. It's not everyday, but I still feel it. I can't wait till the movements are more distinct.

Cravings.....I am really eating alot of spicy. I crave crawfish all the time. I get to indulge every now and then. I really would like some salmon sushi, but that will need to wait as soon as I deliver the baby. No big symptoms this week. The belly is just getting bigger and bigger.

I go to the doctor for my check up on 3/26. I will be 16 weeks then. Can't wait for it!

Week 16... What a Week!!
A lot happened this week with our family. I am exhausted.

Our little Superman J
Alot of people have asking so I will share.

We noticed late January that Jett had a bump under his chin. It was hard lump. I gave it a couple of weeks.  Of course I went on google to research. After doing some reading online and talking to friends/family I knew it was a swollen lymph node. I read that it was very common when teeth were coming in for lymph nodes to be swollen. I knew Jett was getting his 2 year old molars in. I just thought that was the possibility of why it was swollen.


So around his birthday we took him in for his 2 year check up. They had us come in earlier because I called and told them about the lymph node. They wanted to check him out right away. They did some test and found nothing. Said the same thing to me that I had been reading about.

A week later it got worse. It turned red and a second appeared on the side of his neck. He went back in. They put him on an antibiotic for 10 days and told us to call Texas Childrens to schedule an appointment for whenever we can get it. Since it is very difficult to get an appointment. So I did. It was scheduled in 5 weeks.

Still no change after the antibiotics. It was getting larger and more red. Looked like someone beat his chin. At his follow up they decided to send to him Texas Children's too see a specialist right away. They didn't want to wait another month for his appointment. The doctor called & scheduled an appointment for the very next morning downtown.

The ENT specialist said he had a mild case of TB.  It's mainly happen to children because they are putting anything in their mouth's. This is so my son. His eyes are his mouth. So she put us on antibiotics for 21 days and asked to come back in 3 weeks. And told us not to worry. It was not a tumor and what we had was treatable. It is called a type of TB because it has similar DNA as the bad TB that we always here about, but it is a different species. So technically it is very very different. They see it often in their office because children ingest soil that this bacteria. We also had a regular TB test done just to see how bad the TB was. His test was negative.

Getting his TB test done

Jett was not responding to the antibiotics it was only getting worse. The chin one was getting very very large and red. It look terrible!

He went in for the 3 week follow up. She saw the nodes and said at this point they can only do surgery to get rid of the infection. In a matter of couple of days Jett had his first cat scan and surgery.

You can see the red lump under his chin. This was taken 3 weeks before his surgery. It only got worse from here.

Before going into surgery. He was in toy heaven!

He did great. Didn't have to get sedated for the cat scan since he is such a calm patient. Which was great that he didn't have too. The surgery took place at Texas Children's Hospital. The surgeon removed 2 lymph nodes & scraped 1 out. The main lymph node was so bad they couldn't even stitch the skin back so it just a open wound. Our main concern was the hidden lymph node hiding behind the lymph node we found on the side of his neck. It was near the nerve that controls the frown and smile. If the nerve is damaged he would have a crooked smile.

Jett did great during the surgery. As of right now he has a slight crooked smile. It is like his lower lip is lazy. She said it was normal after a surgery because of the swelling and trauma of the surgery. It will take sometime for it to come back. She was optimistic that it would, but there is still the chance. He is recovering right now, which is challenging because he is very irritable and sore. He is super cuddly though, which I love!!

There was not a day during this whole ordeal that I was not scared to death. I always thought of worst case scenario of what could be wrong. Could it be cancer? A disease? Everything and anything ran through my mind about the nodes. The day of surgery I was a mess. I cried constantly. I did not want my son to go under the knife. But I knew God was with us and would watch over our little guy. I was right.

As of 4/4/2013 I got a call from ENT at TX Children's that his cultures of the lymph nodes came back non malignant and negative. There are other tests they are doing that take a while, but they are very optimistic with the tests so far. Jett is doing great his open wound is healing beautifully. He even lets me put his medicine on it. Such the perfect patient! Love our strong superman.

After his surgery. We had to stay over night. He had 3 drains in his neck and an open wound (chin) packed with gauze. Such a trooper. All he wanted to do was play.

With his cousin Evella. Catching up on some playtime. If you notice his crooked smile. He is very swollen in this picture.

On Easter. 4 days after his surgery. He looks & feels so much happier.

Medical Miracle
My 16 week appointment was the same day as Jett's cat scan. Mike & Jett wasn't able to make it because of the timing of everything. It wasn't a big deal since it was going to be just a regular check up. Deep down inside though I was hoping they would do an ultrasound to check my blood clot so we can see that and possibly see the gender.

A resident that was working with Dr. Young checked me out. She found the heartbeat. Then asked if she could do an ultrasound. She really wanted to do one with me. I was jumping for joy. I told her I knew there was a chance that we could see the gender if there was that she could write or put the picture in the envelope and seal it so we can reveal on Easter Sunday what the gender was. :)

We started the ultrasound. Found our precious nugget. Heartbeat 160. I could see the spine, head, arms, etc. I then had to close my eyes for the gender part of it. They were able to find it. WOO HOO!!

Dr. Young came in to check on me. Then he noticed my blood clot was practically gone. He was in complete shock. He said it was a miracle and was amazed that it was gone. I never seen him so excited and thrilled. He really couldn't believe that it was almost gone. He then told me he couldn't tell me early on, but it was the biggest clot he had ever seen. The disappearance of this clot was definitely god's work.

My little jokester.

He is so funny.

Love him!

Easter Weekend & Gender Reveal!!!

We found out at 14 weeks Jett's gender, but we waited to tell anyone till my baby shower, which was my 8 month of pregnancy. This time we didn't want to wait, but still wanted to do a reveal.

This time I was 16 weeks going in for a regular check up. I was praying they would do an ultrasound to check on my clot. I told the resident I knew there was a chance to find out the gender if so if she could put the picture or write what it is in the envelope and put it in my person. She did just that. I shut my eyes tight when she was checking. I promise I did not peak.

We waited till Easter while all the family was over to do the reveal. So I patiently waited for 6 days. Talk about will power.

Here is how the reveal unfolded......

Which will it be????

Waiting patiently.

Here we go!!!!

It's BLUE!!!!

Yay!!!

He is super stoked!!

Mike added some color to it after everything dried. It looks great! Well I think so. :)

How I prepared for the reveal is on my main blog. Click Here for the tutorial.

Weeks 13 & 14

This go around with this blog I will probably update every 2 weeks. It is a little hard to get away with a very active cutie patootie 2 year old.

Happy 30th Birthday To Me.... 13 weeks!
Winter of 2011 I started to count down the months of when I was going to turn the big 3-0. I knew I wanted to go all out for that big birthday. So that meant I couldn't be pregnant or breast feeding if I really wanted to go alot. Well as you know the story. I took the Clomid got pregnant, but that ended in a failed pregnancy and following another in July.  So it is pretty ironic I was celebrating my 1st trimester around my 30th birthday. Not so how I wanted my birthday to be like. I laugh at myself now. God sure did show me that it was his plan not mine. He showed me good! :-)

Since I was recovering from all the shots. I didn't want to do anything big for my 30th. I just felt like I had the best gift in the world being pregnant and getting through my horrible 1st trimester. It is amazing how things change in 2 short years on what you feel is a good birthday. Anywho.... I was feeling so much better. Not having to do anymore shots. I can walk again. Hold my baby and the thing I missed soo much.....EATING!! I actually lost weight weeks before, but I was sure making up for it. Not purposely, but I was just always hungry.

I began to bleed of and on. Nothing painful and to be worried about. I was told this would happen. It was just annoting. I wished it would stop.

Cravings....pickles again. And Korean food. All I can think of is food of my homeland. HA! One thing I can not stand the smell and the sight of are donuts. Mike would bring me donuts every Tuesday morning and I would have to give them away. I couldn't even just let them sit at my desk. The smell of the donuts just made me so nauseas.

Another smell that bothers me is strong perfume, cologne and hand soap. My nose had turned into a dog's and I could smell those scents for miles! Ewww!

My 30th was unbelievable and memorable thanks to Mike & Jett. I woke up to them singing Happy Birthday with a cinnamon roll with a candle. I had the most GORGEOUS flowers for my birthday. Mike told me I was suppose to go to my restroom because Jett had left me a birthday note. I went in and it was a note from Mike that made me so emotional. I cried. I then looked up there was a beautiful red box. I opened it and they were custom made diamond earrings that were replicas of my engagement ring. STUNNING. I was spoiled!!

Later that night I was surprised by a dinner with family and friends. That weekend Mike and Jett whisked me away to a resort on the lake. I was treated to a day of pampering. It was wonderful. A 30th that I was meant to have.

"The Baby Mommy!" .... 14 weeks!
It is one of the sweetest conversations I've had with Jett...

Me: "Hey, do you know where your baby is?"
Jett: "Right here mommy! The Baby Mommy!" (reaches for my belly and rubs)
Jett: (pulls his shirt and pats his belly)  Baby!!

I love it!! He just knows something is going on there. Not sure what, but he knows my belly has a baby.

This week I am feeling great! No major cravings, but I just eat lots of pickles. At least 1 or 2 a day. Helps settle my stomach if I have a stomach. I also find myself eating another meal right before I go to bed. So sad. I am starving!

Since the blood clot issue was still going on. I wanted to get a doppler if I could find one affordable, which I did. I found one (Jumper Prenatal Heart Listener) with great reviews on amazon.com. It was only $31! So worth it!

As soon as I got it at work. I tried it with out the gel. Of course it didn't work, but when I got home I pulled the gel out and squirted it on my belly. Baby was much lower than I thought, but I could hear a strong heartbeat. It was UHMAZING to hear on my own at home. Since then I have used it a couple more time and Mike listen to it as well. So awesome. Very much worth every penny.

I have been holding off on taking week to week pictures because I didn't want to jinx the pregnancy. Here are finally some from this past weekend. I am 14 weeks, 5 days.

Kisses for the baby <3 td="">

Love this kid!

Baby Martin #2: 1st Trimester....a challenge

I have not done a week to week post or taken any pictures of my bump because I didn't want to jinx the pregnancy. So here is a summary of my 1st trimester with my little bean/now plum.

Here we go again....

I took a cheapo pregnancy test on Sunday, December 31st. There was not even a faint line. I went back and forth through out the day and looked at it. 3 hours later there was a line. I googled and read there were alot of false positive hours after a pregnancy test was taken. So I didn't get my hopes up. The next day I took another and it was flat at positive.

So January 1, 2013 we found we were pregnant for the 4th time. We were excited, but very nervous. In 2012 we had 2 losses. One in February at 8 weeks I had a blighted ovum. The second in July I was suppose to be 10 weeks, but baby measured only 7 weeks. I miscarried during our vacation in Seattle. We were very nervous to even try again.

Deep down I felt like my eggs were just not maturing at all. So I decided to do the same exact things that we did to get pregnant with Jett. I started to take my high quality prescribed pre-natals, I induced my cycle unlike the 2 losses, I started on progesterone suppositories on day 15 of my cycle.

We decided not to tell anyone not even family until we were in the clear. I called my doctor the next day after we found out and they wanted me in for bloodwork. I went in 2 weeks in a row and blood work look good. My progesterone levels of course were really awesome. In the 60s. Dr. Young wanted me to come in 6 weeks much earlier than he usually lets patients come in so he could ease my mind.

6 weeks & First Scare
January 15, 2013. We saw the beautiful heartbeat. It was clear as day. Doctor thought at first that I had ovulated on my right. I was surprised cause I thought I ovulated on my left. He then looked and said I was right I did ovulate on my left. And that maybe there was another baby hidden or I had a cyst on the right side. Next appointment we would be able to see more if there was a hidden sac.

January 17th. I noticed some spotting. I was flipping out. January 18th we went in to the doctor that morning to see what was wrong. Baby was perfect. Still had a heartbeat. However, I had a large blood clot next to the sac. Doctor decided I need to start injections of 200 mg of progesterone twice a day. For the rest of the trimester. Just to be safe. At this point I was only 6 weeks, 3 days along.

My challenging journey started that day. The next 6 weeks I would go through the most challenging thing in my life next to having Jett. The shots were given to me by Mike.The shots itself were not that bad at first. I didn't even feel them. It was the aftermath that was painful. My bottom was extremely sore & swollen. I had large welts. It felt I had a rolling pin in my butt. I couldn't walk, carry Jett, barely sit or stand. It was miserable. I never got a good nights rest because I couldn't get comfortable at all. I did continue to have bleeds every now and then, but nothing alarming or the colors that the doctor said we should be concerned about. I was beginning to get depressed. I couldn't function at all as a wife or a mother. I needed so much help. People at work began asking me what was wrong so I just told them I was on fertility injections and they understood.

8 weeks...Telling the parents
We came back to Dr. Young at 8 weeks to check on baby. Baby still doing great. Didn't hear the heartbeat, but we could see it. Doctor thought I had 2 compartments in my uterus. One with the clot and one with the baby. He said babies don't usually do well with hemorrhages like that. The blood clot was 4 cm big. Almost twice the size of the baby+gestational sac. He said eventually the clot would absorb or bleed out. It probably is there from my last miscarriage. He told us to be cautiously optimistic and take it day by day. We were not getting our hopes, but we knew each appointment was getting better.

The large area to the left is the clot. Dark kidney space on the right gestational sac with baby.

Our little blob

We decided or well I did that I needed to tell our parents. They knew something was wrong with me because I was so pale and sick looking. My mother in law called me practically everyday asking if I was okay and that I needed to go to the doctor. We went to my mother in law's. We had Jett say his prayers. The prayers we have been saying since we found out we were pregnant this time around. He crosses his hands and says, "God Bless Daddy, God Bless Mommy, God Bless Jett, God Bless the Baby, God Bless Bentley, Maverick & Lucy. In Jesus name Amen!" We looked up and my mother in law's mouth dropped and was in tears. We told my father in law later that day the same way.

My mom and stepdad came into town for Jett's 2nd birthday and we told them when we saw them. I was relieved that I finally told someone. So I can talk about my pain that I was going through a little bit. I was really having a tough time with everything. Not being able to be normal. Each day with the shots it got worse.

10 weeks
On my 10th week appointment. The doctor and nurses saw how much pain I was in. They decided to check my levels so I can go down to 1 shot a day. This was an early birthday present to me. I was hoping all was good. The doctor did the u/s we saw baby immediately and heard the heartbeat. A strong 183!!!  And was measuring perfectly. baby was bouncing everywhere. We could see a distinct head, arms & feet. It was so neat to see. The doctor was feeling better each visit about the the viability of this pregnancy. So did we. He told me to come back in 2 weeks and they would let me know if I can go down to 1 shot/day after blood work. I was praying that it would. I called the next day and they said I was good to go!! Such relief!!!

It was amazing what going to down 1 shot/day did for me. I was still sore and had welts, but my body was healing. I was able to walk a little better. Sit longer period of times. I could actually be somewhat normal. Unfornuatley at this point my bottom turned rock hard. So it was harder for the injections to get into the muscle. So Mike really had to stab into me when given me my shot. The shot itself was becoming painful, but I only had a couple more weeks to go. There was a light at the end of the tunnel.

Clot still located on the left. Baby to the right. Cute little arms,  legs, & head.

12 weeks...Lucky Charm
We made it to our 12 week appointment. Jett our lucky charm came with us to the appointment. Doctor decided to try the ultrasound on my belly than vaginally. The screen popped up and Jett pointed immediately to the screen and yelled, "Baby!!" Our little baby was squirming and moving all over the place. Measuring right on track with the heartbeat of 173. Jett kept pointed at the screen saying, "Baby!" It was so sweet. Dr. Young told us that we didn't have to come back for a month. I was so excited. We had been going in every 2 weeks. It is nice to get a little break.

Getting so big!!

In the last 6 weeks. I have been given 70 shots. This trimester was truly a test & challenge from God. Not something that I want to go through again, but I am glad to have gone on the journey. I really do believe God does things in our lives to keep us on our toes and to make a better us. I am glad that it is OVER. I now get to enjoy my pregnancy and be allowed to be happy. FINALLY! WHOOP!!

How we announced to Facebook (13 weeks). I was little over 12.5 weeks pregnant here.

Now some outtakes.....

Us trying to get Jett to talk into the can. We tried with putting gummy snacks in the can. FAIL

"No more gummies mommy..."

Happy Birthday Jett Michael Martin

This is my birth story of our first born child, Jett Michael Martin....

Around 4:00 AM Wednesday, February 9th I had woken up with some pressure around my belly area. I got up thinking it was one of the many bathroom trips I needed to make that night. I went to the restroom and then went back to bed, but the pain & pressure I was feeling was not going away. Which typically the pressure goes away after I go to the restroom. I started to pay attention where I was feeling the pain. It was on my lower back and belly area. I was thinking....this might be the real thing. So I got my phone and turned on my contraction app I had on my phone and started to time these pains I was having. They were consistently 10 minutes apart for 2 hours.

I had been having alot of Braxton Hicks Contractions. More than usual. I was very nervous that I wouldn't know the difference between the Braxton Hicks and the real deal. I just told myself if I could sleep through it then it wasn't the real deal. Thank goodness I gave myself that tip because that little tip I told myself was what made me determine I was in actual labor.

My head was spinning on what I should do. Should I wake up Mike? Should I wake up and get ready for work? Should I even go to work? What if these are false labor pains? Maybe I should go into work so I don't loose a day. Will this be the day we meet our precious son? Is this the real thing?

I then finally got the courage to wake up Mike at 6 am. I tapped him on his shoulder in bed and said, "Hey I think I am in labor. I have been having contractions 10 minutes apart. Do you think I should go into work?" Mike rolled over immediately and asked if I was okay. We laid in bed for a few more minutes. Then we both got up to figure out what we were going to do.We just knew that we needed to wait till my contractions were 5 minutes apart for 2 hours straight before calling my doctor. 

I kept asking if I should go to work because I was thinking that I would be in labor for a while and I really didn't want to loose a day for my leave. Then Mike said I should really stay home because the weather was getting bad with sleet and ice and I shouldn't be driving in it. So then I thought maybe I could just work from home that day. So I emailed my manager and told him my situation and would feel more comfortable if I could work from home just encase I needed to go to the hospital. He said it was fine. So I proceeded to work from home and my contractions were starting to be 5 minutes apart.

I called my mom, Mike's mom, & texted Becca to let them know my contractions had started that morning. I told Mike he might want to start packing his bag because the contractions were becoming closer together. I then got up and finished packing my bag. I took a nice shower, painted my toes (did not want Jett too see some hideous toes on his birthday), and put a little make up on. I was ready to go to the hospital.

Around 12:30 PM I called the doctor. Of course I had to call when they were on their lunch break. Answering service paged the doctor and he called me right away. I told him my contractions were 5 minutes apart for the past 2 hours. He told me he remembered for the day before I was about at 3 cm. I had met all the criteria and I should go in and get checked out at the labor and delivery at St. Lukes.

We said our good byes to the dogs. It was the last time it would be just me, Mike and the dogs. It would be more than likely when I came back home that we will be bring home a little Martin to our family.

The drive to the hospital in The Woodlands was very exciting, but scary at the same time. It was very cold outside and it was starting to sleet. The worry wart that I am was very nervous about the bad weather and was thinking the worst case scenario. Like what if Dr. Young can't make it cause the roads were iced over or the whole city will shut down like the week before. Nervous!

We arrived at the hospital and went straight up to labor and delivery on the 3rd floor. We let the nurses know at the front that I was having contractions that were 5 minutes apart the past two hours and Dr. Young said I should get checked. 10 minutes later I was in this cold room where they check and determine if my labor was a false alarm or not. The nurse who checked me was name Trisha. She hooked me up so we can listen to the baby's heartbeat and this other thing to monitor my contractions. She checked me and said I was a good 4cm and 80%. She would call Dr. Young too see what he wanted to do at that point. I was praying that he wasn't going to send me home. I did not want to go back into that cold and go through more pain. Trisha came back and said that Dr. Young wanted me to walk for a hour too see if I would progress or not. I was in shock...really? walk?? I was in complete pain. Trisha said she doubt he would turn me away because I was at a really good 4cm, but my water hasn't broken yet so they can't admit me. If my water broke it would be a different story.

So I put on another gown to cover my rear end. I put back on my tennis shoes and we started to do my laps around labor and delivery. That 45 minute period was the longest time of my life. My contractions were extremely painful. At this point they were a minute and a half apart. I would have to stop and grab the rails and breathe. It was so difficult. On a couple I cried because it hurt so bad. On one of the laps I spotted Dr. Young. He was at one of the nurses station hanging out and smiling. As I was turning the corner I felt like glaring at at him for making me walk laps around labor and delivery in pain. Well the walking helped!  The doctor checked me and I was at a 5 cm and 90% effaced! Walking did us good! We then were officially admitted around 3 pm into room 209 on 2/9/11. It was fate!

We let all the family know by text and facebook that it wasn't a false alarm. That this was going to be the day that we meet our son!!!!

A bag of fluid was started so I can get the epidural I had already requested as soon as I walked into the door, which I have to say was the best thing I ever did. It was all timed perfectly! The bag of fluid started to drip slowly then my nurse, Lizzy, made it go faster to speed up the process. She called the anesthesiologist right then by the time the bag was done he would be there (The bag of fluid was needed so my blood pressure wouldn't drop when I received the epidural).

Our support team came in shortly after we were admitted into labor and delivery. The awesome support team of family came too root us on, Mike's Mom, Kim, Steve & Becca! I will never forget the look on Mike's mom's face when she walked into our room. She was already in tears so excited!

Around 4pm the anesthesiologist came in and gave me my epidural. I was pretty nervous about this part since I knew a huge needle was going to be in my spine. Also, was a little uneasy because they made Mike leave the room. I really really didn't like that. However, I understood why they made him. As they inserted the cathered in my back my nurse Lizzy was trying to distract me from the pain by asking all sorts of questions. It worked to get my mind of the pain. Getting the epidural was just as painful as a bad contraction. Luckily it didn't last long, but after I knew I had it in my back I was nervous to move around at all in my bed. It finally set in after 15 minutes or so, but the contractions leading up too it were very very painful.

Around 5pm Dr. Young came to check up on me. He checked me and I was at a 7 cm and 90% effaced. Then all of sudden I felt a gush. I looked over to him and asked...."Did you just break my water?" He laughed while holding up in the air the thing that he broke my water with. Mike then looks at me and laughs, "What did you think he was doing?" I had no idea he was breaking my water. I thought he was just checking me. Anyways....the feeling of that was all weird. Didn't think it would be a rush of fluids coming out. I thought it would be a little trinkle like I had read in the books. I was wrong. Before Dr. Young left we asked him when he thought the baby would be here. He said rule of thumb is that you progress 1 cm per hour, but he thought I would be much sooner since I had been breaking every rule the book has. So he thought baby would be here in a couple of hours. Wow...was he right!

After he broke my water all the family came back in and started to take guesses on when the baby would arrive and how much he would weigh and how long he would be. At this point I was exhausted. I really wanted to take a nap. I hadn't eaten anything all day, but just half an orange. And at the hospital I just had a few pieces of hard candy to get my mind off of not being able to eat and help with the dryness and not drinking any water. I was sooo sleepy.

Then around 6:30pm Lizzy had checked me and was surprised. She says,"Yes, you are at a 10cm and 100%. I am going to call the doctor." Wow...this was actually going to happen. Our baby boy was going to be here soon. Right after that there was a shift change and my new nurse was Victoria. She had spoken to Dr. Young and told her to tell me not to push until he got there.

I could start feeling the contractions again. They weren't painful, but I felt an extreme amount of pressure in my belly area. I just was praying that Dr. Young would be here soon so we can get this process going because I was tired and I was expecting to be pushing for 2 hours since that was average for first time moms.

Dr. Young arrives around 7:15ish or so and said I could start pushing. So Victoria got me all prepped to start the process. I started to push around 7:40. Victoria coached  me every step of the way on how to push. She asked Mike to count one through ten while I was pushing. If Mike wasn't there counting I couldn't have gone through with it. He was the only thing that kept me going. His voice was my focal point.

On a side note during this time I was pushing with Victoria I thought these were practice pushes so I can get the hang of how to push when I really needed too. I guess I thought this after reading so many people's other birth stories online and them having practice pushes. Well mine were NOT practice pushes they were the real deal. After a first couple of pushes I started to get the hang of things.

 I think after the 3rd push I asked if the baby had hair. Victoria couldn't tell, but she thought he didn't really have much because she really couldn't feel any. Then after the next couple of pushes she was like...Oh yeah he has a TON of hair. It is just all plastered onto his head. I couldn't believe she could see his head at this point and so could Mike.

Dr. Young came in to bring our miracle into this world. After 1 push Dr. Young said in his laid back no big deal tone, "One more and baby will be here." I don't know what I was thinking, but it really didn't hit me at all. I was thinking okay whatever. Well he was right one more push and all of sudden at 7:51 pm, Wednesday, February 9th, I have this slimy baby crying on top of my chest. I teared up and was in amazement and shock. I couldn't believe I was holding our son. Mike was thrilled!

As the doctor was stitching me up. Mike is next to our newly born son while he is getting wiped down, measure and weighed. He turns to me describing our baby to me. "He has long toes, fingers and has your eyes." The one thing I will never forget Mike saying to me as he turns grinning ear to ear...."He is a Jett. He is definetly a Jett. One "T" or two "T's". I smile and said two "T's."

Our son.....

Jett Michael Martin

February 9, 2011, 7:51 PM

7 pounds 9 ounces

19.5 inches

Renovation....The Nursery!

We started to work on the room slowly, but surely in September. We first had a garage sale to get everything out of the room. It was basically used as a storage room and it was packed from floor to ceiling. Luckily we were able to sell the majority of the items. Thank goodness!!

The Garage Sale!!

Second was tearing everything out of the room. This was the fun part! Pulled out all the carpet, everything out of the closet (shelving, poles, racks, etc.). 

The dogs even wanted to help out! ;-)

Third Mike worked on some great solid pieces of furniture (dresser, tv armoire & crib) to refinish. This took a while since it was sooooo time consuming. We wanted black with some antiquing. Mike of course added his awesome creativity to it all with some stencil work and lining the interiors with some awesome mod podge work. It was worth every minute. He did an INCREDIBLE job! The pieces look soooo awesome!

My Dresser Growing Up Before.....

After without hardware....

Inside the dresser we Mod Podge this wrapping paper,
we bought at Michaels, as the lining turned out awesome!

Final Product...UH-MAAZING

Mike's T.V Armoire Before.....

And After.......!
(Mike painted on the stencils and added some cool hardware from Hobby Lobby)

Inside Mike lined it with fabric (mod podge) and made shelves for storage. We plan on getting baskets to store books and such!

We were blessed to have Mike's sister and our friend give us each a crib. We loved the look of my friend's crib that was originally white with some gray antiquing, but some of the crib slats were missing and I wasn't comfortable using a crib with missing slats. So we decided to use Mike's sister's crib it was a simple and sturdy design, but it was drop side crib. Mike was just about to be finished painting the crib when the story hit that drop side cribs were banned. With this news we had decide what we wanted to do. Buy a crib or figure out a way to make it a fixed crib. Since we orginally liked the other design we decided to combine both my friend's crib (using the side ends) and Mike's sister crib (using the slats) to create the crib that we wanted. Mike also created from scratch four sides that look like as if they were part of the crib. My husband is soooo talented!! By far this is my favorite piece. It turned out incredible!!!

I don't have any before and after pictures, but I have pictures of the process. Just remember the 2 ends were white and antiqued with a black. The slats were a oak.

 And After!! Pictures don't do it justice!!!

The bottom pieces were added on.

Mike created this sides out of scratch.

They look like they belong there!

Then the painting process began!

Here are the before pictures of the room.

I  wanted one darker gray wall and the rests of the walls a light gray. My original inspiration was this pic below.

We decided on gray for the walls It is just the perfect color for us. So chic and clean. We love the bead board and chair rail idea on the wall, but we decided to do it only up against our accent wall. I think eventually we will have them on all 4 walls. We decided against carpet. One carpet is just gross with all the stuff it collects in it and two we have 3 dogs that shed so carpet is not a fun thing when you have 3 dogs .

The room after Mike refinished the furniture right before he started to paint the walls.

Touching up some of the walls! He has the pose down!

Installing the floors. He did this in one night!!

 Now for the long awaited after pics!!!

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Presto....the room! One of our 3 dogs Maverick wanted to pose.

He loves this room!

Lucy tried to get in the pic too!

The awesome closet that Mike built!

 We will be getting baskets that match for storage! So Awesome!

The awesome bedding made by my very talented mother in law. The decal is a custom decal made through www.dalidecals.com

(I highly recommend them....very affordable)

We purchased the fabric from www.fabrics.com

the best prices anywhere!

And the precious diaper hanger she made!!

A diaper hanger is a MUST!!!

There are only a few more things we need  (baskets for closet, cornice window treatment, area rug) to do to complete Jett's cool room! I am super proud of this room and my hubby who made this happen. Besides our beautiful gem, Jett, this room is Mike's best work yet! He has created the vision I had as a perfect nursery into reality. Thank you....to my AWESOME AWESOME husband!! I love you!