Introducing Joseph Mark - birth story!

This Thanksgiving, we were able to finally hold our newest blessing!  And we are truly thankful!

Joseph Mark was born on Thanksgiving, 11-24-16 at 7:14pm.  He weighed in at a whopping 9lb 12 oz and was 23" long!

We are praising God for his hand in this delivery.

Labor was about 25 hours long, starting around 6pm at home and we went into the hospital around 9:30pm.  My water broke almost as soon as we got to the hospital Wednesday night. I was hopeful the labor would go quickly!

Well, to shorten a long story, I was stuck at 7cm for 10 hours! At 5pm, when contractions were strong but there was still no change, I broke down. We started talking about pitocin. I was crushed but exhausted and feeling defeated.

I decided I wanted as many prayer warriors, so I turned to an online Christian mom's group I am a part of and asked for prayers that this would get going!  A few of these women suggested a position called "The Running Man" - where I would lay on my side with my bottom leg straight out an my top leg bent over the top and hanging off the side of the bed.  

I tried this position while Tyler and I prayed for wisdom about whether or not to take the Pitocin.  Sure enough, contractions picked up and something started to change.  I felt like someone had already given me the Pitocin!  Doc came in and said FINALLY I had changed.  He gave me a cervical block (basically a numbing agent - just a localized shot to numb the cervix).  He left to go get scrubs and would be back soon.  The pain was INTENSE and I was desperate for him to come back.  I felt like I had to push.  I wanted to be done.

He checked again and said I was at 9cm.  I told him "No!  I'm a 10!"  I heard him laugh, but I wanted to push!!  He gave me another cervical block (which I don't think worked- I could feel everything).  He helped to stretch the cervix and let me push!

Tyler said I pushed about 15 minutes.

And then things got scary.

I heard the nurses and Doctor sounding frantic.  Tyler gripped my hands and cried to God to protect our son.  They had whisked him away from us without us getting the immediate skin-to-skin, the delayed cord clamping, or Daddy cutting the cord.  You know, the birth plan stuff.  

They were frantically working on him I kept asking "What's wrong with my baby??  What's wrong?!"  As Tyler continued praying.

Finally a nurse told us that he is not breathing but they are picking up his heart rate.  But we still didn't know why.

Then we heard a faint little cry and after a little while we heard a stronger one.

They told us he had swallowed meconium while in the womb and was not breathing.  We were also told later that he had his cord was wrapped around his neck, his abdomen and between his legs.

His apgar score was 2.  They got it to 7 and finally then to a 9.

He had a large hematoma on his head as well as another sharp black bruise. They think this was caused by his head pressing against my pubic bone for so long while I was stuck at 7cm.

Everyone was amazed at his size! Including his mom and dad. 

And we are so truly thankful.

Bumpie - 41 Weeks

WHAAA???!

41 weeks.  How did we get here??

With how big this baby boy has been measuring, I really did not expect to be posting a week 41 update!  I thought Baby would have been here two weeks ago - 1 week ago tops.  Silly Mommy...

This past Saturday evening my doctor called and offered to induce me Sunday morning (he had an opening).  Boy that was tempting.  It was hard to turn down when I am so uncomfortable and haven't really had anything happening.  I mean, it's Tuesday now.  I could have had Baby in my arms already!  But I did say no.

So today we had my 41 week appointment.  I am SO grateful to say that I finally was about 2-3cm dilated and Doc said there was no reason to talk about inducing with the progress I was (finally) making.  Baby has dropped a little bit... and I had a contraction right there on the table while he was measuring my stomach.  He stripped my membranes and informed me Thursday around 2:30 would be a good time to have the baby because it would get him out of doing Thanksgiving dishes!  Ha!

So, little man is healthy and just taking his sweet time.  If he's going to be like this his whole life, this will be a challenge to his mommy.  I hate being late. 😉

So now, feeling relieved (I really wasn't sure how well I'd handle a push to induce), I am relaxing and cuddling with my sweet Aaron.

Speaking of Aaron - he really is a treasure.  Every time I show any pain, he is immediately concerned and wanting to help.  And he sings so sweetly all of the time.  He melts his mama's heart.

Singing "Mama's little boy"

I am so very blessed.

Bumpie - 40 weeks

Oh wait, that's not actually me.  Though it is exactly how I feel at 40 weeks.

I had forgotten this baby was a stubborn Sauck.  I had great hopes he would make an early appearance.  Instead, we're at 40 weeks and he's settled in and said, "Nope!  I'm not budging!"

He still hasn't even dropped.  I haven't dilated at all.  0% effaced.  NOTHING HAPPENING.

Oh, except the additional stretch marks, the Braxton Hicks, the night sweats, the constant need to pee... 

And this little joy- I've swelled up a TON in the last two weeks!  Even just in this one week.  I can't even wear the "fat ring" I bought at Walmart anymore.  I think I actually could wear Tyler's wedding band without fear of it slipping off.  

And I don't know why!  I've actually cut way back and/or completely eliminated coffee, pop, and juice.  I've been drinking about a gallon of water a day.  And yet I've gained 10 pounds in the last two weeks!!  What?!

Today Doc asked if I wanted to think about induction. But I guess as long as he's healthy, I'll just keep on waiting.... I guess.

Perhaps I'll be showing up for Thanksgiving dinner afterall...looking like I've got the Butterball stuffed under my shirt.

I'm ready...

Ok, I'm ready.

Baby's apparently not.

Huge!!

At our doctor's appointment last Wednesday, Doc informed me that Baby has not dropped, that every thing is still tightly closed up- there is no sign of Baby being ready soon.  In fact, Doc told me that he was heading out of town this weekend, but he wasn't worried about me going into labor while he was gone.  "We'll be seeing you at your 39 week appointment next week."  

Sheesh- thanks.  ;)

Though I'd prefer my doctor be into town when I go into labor, I was really hoping that Baby would prove him wrong...

I don't think he's going to.

My beautiful niece was born on the 25th.  Since her birth, I have become even more impatient.  But I sure have loved getting in some newborn cuddles while I wait for my little man!

Look at all of her hair!  Just like her oldest sister, but lighter.  So fun!

Also, since her birth, Aaron has been more needy with me.  I think connections are being made.  Perhaps he's realizing there'll be change happening here soon too.  I want to spend all day playing with him like he wants me to, but when I have to clean or (more often) use the bathroom, he melts down.  Thankfully, when we do play, he's pretty good about letting me sit on the couch or lay in the bed!  This mama is tired!

Not the best photo, but he looks so old with his new haircut.  And looks even more like Daddy!

Speaking of Daddy- it's deer season!  Aaron helped him get every thing ready last night (much to Aaron's delight), and Tyler went out first thing this morning.  Haven't heard from him yet.  But it's a gorgeous day for it!  I'm kind of hoping he gets his deer right away, so he's at my disposal when I need him. ;)  But he loves being out there so much, I'm happy he's getting the chance to!

Well, I think I'm going to drink my giant glass of raspberry leaf tea and bounce on my birthing ball a while.  Let's get moving Babe!!

Bumpie - 36 weeks

Four weeks to go (until the due date, that is).
And it can't go fast enough.

I am 36 weeks now.  And my belly is so large and low that I am struggling to not show off my midriff.

I had an appointment last week, and Baby hadn't dropped yet.  I once again received the comment that Baby was "not going to be a little runt."  I get it... he's big.  I feel it too.

Also, at that appointment, I confessed something to my doctor I didn't think I ever would actually tell him...

Let me back up and tell you that his daughter is a friend of mine.  And she and I were discussing labor about a week before my appointment.  I told her of a feeling I remembered quite clearly, and asked her a question related to it... to which she replied I needed to ask her dad (of which I had no intention of doing).

Fast forward to my appointment, and my doctor says to me:  "I was told you had a question for me."

I turned beet-red and laughed out loud.  I think I shocked him, and I realized I wasn't getting off the hook now!

So, I told him what I remembered most from delivery was when I was pushing and he (my doctor) had given me my episiotomy (no, I did not have an epidural or cervical block) and he was using his hands to help deliver Aaron and all I wanted to do was kick Doc in the face!  And then I asked him, "So, my question was, 'Have you ever been injured by a flailing woman??'"

Thankfully, he has a great sense of humor and he laughed and responded, "Nope, but I suppose it's come close!"

I've been keeping extremely busy this October so far, in my insomnia-induced stupor.  I've had at least one photoshoot nearly every weekend, and have two more coming up yet.  Plus, Aaron has been wanting a LOT of attention (and I want so badly to give it to him), but my patience is wearing thin as my exhaustion grows.

We've been strictly enforcing nap/quiet time- as this mama needs a nap too!

It's also Harvest time.  And Aaron LOVES the tractor and combine.  Last weekend, he asked all day when we could go ride with Daddy again.  And it's a tragedy when it's time for us to get out.  I know he'll love learning the ropes some day.  He is his father's son, after all.

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Bumpie- 32 weeks

32 weeks!  That's 8 weeks left until the due date.  That's 2 months!

I've been getting reintroduced to sleepless nights in preparation for the nights to come.  Between the incredible heart burn, the kicks and jabs, and now Aaron climbing into our bed multiple times in the night - I'm finding myself dragging throughout the day.

And I'm officially waddling.  I am walking like I've been kicked between the legs, because that's kind of how it feels.  And after just walking up the stairs, I need to sit and catch my breath.  I'm sure I was, but I don't remember feeling this uncomfortable with Aaron.

I am reminding myself what a miracle God is doing, and how grateful I am for this amazing blessing!  Because don't get me wrong, I am very, very grateful.  I am also just wishing these two months would go by a little faster. ;)

Stress inducing non-stress test, ultrasound and relief!

Well, today was an interesting day.

Last night, this little munchkin in my belly was very silent.  He had been kicking like a wild man every time I would lay down- but last night he was so quiet.  And even this morning, I poked at him hoping to get him to move and he was just still.  Thankfully, I had already had my 30 week appointment scheduled for this morning, so I took a deep breath and just figured I'd mention it when I got there.

To start our morning, Aaron was a cranky pants!  He fought to leave the house, he pouted and grumbled in the car, he threw a fit when we had to leave the waiting room (toys) to go on back in the clinic.  I had to carry him and struggle with a squirmy, angry 2.5 year old.

And as usual, the first thing (after weight) that they check is my blood pressure.  Which was really high!  I've had excellent blood pressure this whole time, so we suspected it was caused by my little screaming terror I just wrestled down.  It was noted that we'd check again after I had had a chance to rest and catch my breath.

My normal doctor was unavailable today, so I met with another one.  Very sweet woman.  Aaron was embarrassingly rude to her.  She noted the high blood pressure, asked about headaches (none more than usual), cramping (bad charlie horses in the morning), swelling (surprisingly not much at all), and other symptoms.  She asked if Baby has been active and I told her how he'd been so quite last night and today.

So we listened for his heart beat, which she found right away.  She said it sounded good, but it's just a small snap shot, and with him being quiet, she wanted to be on the safe side and ordered a non-stress test just to be sure he really was okay.  "It'll take about 20 minutes" she said...

Well, Aaron threw another fit as we went into the next room.  He was rude and grouchy to the very sweet nurses.  And they had trouble finding little Baby's heart beat.  After about 10 minutes of trying, they got another person to try.  At this point I'm in tears because this has me all worried.  The other nurse found Baby, but he hid right away from them.  They reassured me that at 30 weeks, he has lots of room to hide, so they weren't surprised they were having trouble.  I was in that room for about an hour.  The doctor finally came in, gave it a try (with no luck) and decided to order an ultrasound instead.

The sweet nurses brought my cranky 2 year old some puzzles and animal crackers.  This helped.

We got into the ultrasound room and I finally had the idea to turn on a cartoon on my phone for Aaron.  This helped even more.

She had to scan for 30 minutes and Baby had to pass a number of tests in that time frame.  THANKFULLY, all looked well!  He passed all of his tests.  She said the reason I may not be feeling him much is because the position he is in.  He has folded himself into a complete "U" shape, with his feet up in front of his face.  This wouldn't give him much kicking power.  What a relief!

And on the positive of all of this, I got to see this little baby of ours again.  He has big chubby cheeks, big full lips, and he already has hair!

(Oh, and sure enough, when I was able to relax and they checked my bp again- it was just fine!)

(Here you can see his big round cheek on the left, his nose and full lips)

He's actually measuring TWO WEEKS ahead of schedule- which means either he really is going to come before the due date(fingers crossed), OR he is just a BIG BABY!  He's already measuring about 4.5 pounds!  With 10 weeks left to go!  Yowsa!

(You can see his hair line on this one- how fun!)

Aaron threw one last fit out the door and we were finally able to go home- two and a half hours later.  He is currently napping.  I'm taking it easy.  And praising God for two healthy (though stubborn) boys that I love dearly.

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Vacation!

Every year, Tyler's side of the family heads up to Dorset near Park Rapids and rents a couple cabins.  It's always a great time.

The time is spent lounging, fishing, boating, eating, playing, swimming, and simply enjoying our vacation.

Daddy taught Aaron how to fish.

Aaron mostly liked to watch the "gold fish."

(They're just so cute)

On our way to Walker to go to Reeds and the Candy Store, we stopped at the giant Paul Bunyan.  Aaron loved sitting in his giant hand.  Had to have some fun with photos.

There were lots of happy screams as the kids ran almost non-stop.  They were even chased by Grandpa.

The kids are getting so big.  It's been fun to see how much vacation has changed as the kiddos grow...

(and more are added to the mix!)

Aaron decided it was time to "go home, see Ebett" though.  While we were packing up, he climbed in the pickup and waited for us!

But we sure love our family vacation!

Looking forward to next year already!

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Bumpie- 27 weeks

27 weeks!  According to some sources, that's 7 months- aka, the third trimester!

And I'm feeling it!  This belly is growing fast, and it's getting rather uncomfortable.  Poor Tyler has had to deal with my tossing and turning at night (which is more like flopping and flapping).

At the last doctor's appointment, Doc measured my stomach and exclaimed that I was not having a "Little Peanut!"  Apparently, my belly is large!! :)  Tyler's taken that as an opportunity to remind me of different family members that were born quite large!

And, okay, I admit it.  I set up the baby swing.  But in my defense, I was cleaning out the play/guest room and wanted the closet space.  So viola!  (Also, I may be excited...)

We've had a fun busy summer and I can't believe it's almost over.  Aaron fell in love with the water park and asked to go every time we got in the car.

He takes after his Mama. :)

PlayHouse, Summersaults, and Nesting!

It's coming along!

Doesn't it look awesome?

The stairs leading up- perfect little steps for little feet.

Safety rails and such are still needing to be installed upstairs, and the pulley-system for the upstairs barn door.   Then comes fun things, like finishing the inside and painting the outside!!  

Also, I'm daydreaming about a giant twisty slide coming out the back from upstairs.  Hard to find, but I'm dreaming!

Oh, and Aaron wants to show you his latest skill:

This mama has been nesting, big time.  I've even put the co-sleeper up next to our bed!  Ok, so that's a tad early, but I couldn't resist.

And then I moved everything out and painted those walls!  They were so dingy, I couldn't stand it.  Not even the color I want in there, but I had leftover paint from the kitchen so I used that.  No pictures yet though, sorry.

Oh, and I'm TRYING not to put up the baby swing in the living room!  It's so cute!

Bumpie- 21 weeks

Well folks, we're over half way there (that is, if Baby wants to make a timely appearance).

I'm posting a week early because we had our ultrasound today!  So I can tell you that Baby is measuring at about 1 pound already.  According to all those pregnancy websites, Baby's about the size of a pomegranate, or a long carrot in length from head to foot.

(Karate chop!!)

And Baby is ACTIVE!!  The ultrasound tech said the placenta is again anterior, meaning in front, which would mean it would be absorbing most of Baby's blows.  Which is a good thing, I guess, this time, because I can still feel them plenty!!  This child was kicking and moving all over the place during the ultrasound.  :)

Here's a glimpse:

And some hiccups:

And in case you're wondering, Yes!  We did find out the gender!

Oh... you want to know??

It's a boy!!

Fist Bump!!

Aaron thinks it's a dinosaur... 

We are thrilled that Aaron will be having a little brother!  What a blessing.  :)

The Play House, Cont.

It's coming along!

I love the barn-like  peak they added!

And forget a loft- this baby has two stories!  That top hole will be a barn door, Tyler says.

Aaron likes it already!