Kason's Birth Story Part 3

"Keith, you can get some gloves on, and help out with the delivery if you want. You can even gown up, and I'll let you deliver this baby."

"Okay! I think I'll do that. Wait...Shannon, is that okay with you? Do you feel okay about that?"

"Yeah, I'm comfortable with whatever you trust and decide."

Five sets of pushes later, Keith touches our baby for the first time. "Shannon, I promise, as soon as I can, I will hand him to you."

"It's okay, but is he okay?" He wasn't crying, so I was concerned. Apparently, the cord was around his neck. Keith stayed so calm about it, that I had no idea until hours after the birth when he told me.

"Yeah, he's fine. I just need to suction him."

Tears came streaming, and before I knew it, I had a new life on my chest. There is NO greater feeling than meeting your baby for the first time. I wish I could relive that over and over. It would never get old.

I asked if he had to leave, or if we could keep him in the room. They came and did his bath, weight, length, and all that fun stuff in our room. It was SO nice not having to be apart from him like we did with Lexi. Praise God for that! We were a little bummed that my mom and sister didn't make it in time, but as I said before, no one knew it would go that fast. Keith went down to the waiting room to see if anyone had arrived yet, and as soon as my mom saw him, she said, "Don't tell me she had him already." Keith's response, "Yup, I just delivered him. Come see!"

As soon as I saw Lexi wheeled in in her blue stroller, I nearly lost it. She was so serious, quiet, and confused. All of these characteristics are unlike her, if you know her at all. She quickly warmed up once she got to come sit by me on the bed, and we gave her a big sister gift from Baby Kason.

I was able to feed Kason within the first hour he was born...what a world of a difference this made! We had no complications, he was a champ! The nurses were all very pleased and impressed that we had such success since I had a few complications with Lexi in the beginning.

Now, before I make you wait any longer, here is his debut...World, meet Kason Hayes...7 pounds, 3 ounces, 20 inches.

Newborn pictures to come...birth announcements are being sent this week, so I don't want to spoil that! ;)

Kason's Birth Story Part 2

The nurse had a difficult time with the hep-block, and it seriously hurt! I knew this pain was completely irrelevant compared to the pain I would eventually feel. Around 8:00 that night, the first round of medication was started. My contractions picked up, but nothing too painful, just cramps for now. When it was time to administer the next round, they were unable to because my contractions were too consistent. About an hour later, they came back and tried again.

Keith and I didn't really sleep much that night. At 9:00, we got to watch one of Keith's favorite shows, Nashville. That was the first time I had watched a TV show (other than Sesame Street) from start to finish since probably before Lexi was born. In the middle of the night, Keith was by my side watching the monitor. He was a little concerned about Kason's heart rate, but I told him he couldn't sit there all night and worry. I knew the nurses at the nurse station were keeping an eye on it. At some point in the night, Keith pointed out the empty bassinet. I held back tears as I thought about how that bed would soon be filled with this new little life God was blessing us with.

Around 3:30 that morning, my doctor pops in, and says, "Good morning! How's it going?" He asked how much I was dilated last time they had checked (1), and then told us he had a lot going on that day, but that he was going to do his best to catch this baby. I felt so bad for him, because he was completely crushed about rupturing his achilles. That is a major injury to someone who runs, and he was upbeat still, but you could tell he was down.

At 6:00 a.m., pitocin was started. They started out high, then dropped it down. The next time I looked, it was HIGH (I think around 12, when I had started at 3). Contractions got pretty intense pretty fast at this point. I was informed that the hospitalist would come in to break my water. Keith and I had no clue who the hospitalist was, so Keith went down to the nurse's station to ask if Dr. Wilson (a 3-year resident Keith knew and trusted), could do it. He came pretty quickly, and was very peppy! I asked him if he would wait until I wasn't contracting, and informed him I was a bad patient. He was very patient with me, and got the job done quickly. He informed us I was now a 4, and 70% effaced. Of course, the contractions picked up more at this time.

My mom and sister were being informed throughout all of this, but no one honestly had no idea how fast/slow this was going to go, especially since with Lexi, it was an all-day process. Around 10 a.m., I got the epdiural (I knew this time around, as much as I didn't want to get one, that I was not going to be a hero and go through the pain of piton contractions ALL day long.) An hour later, I was an 8...

Within the next half hour, nurses were switching (mine got sick and had to go home), and prepping the room for the delivery. WOW! That was all I could think...I was going to have a new baby in my arms shortly. Dr. Sterling was in another surgery at this point, but Dr. Rapp would be coming soon, my nurses informed me. They had me do a few practice pushes, then lay on my right side to get my cervix to move the little bit that it needed to, and within 10 minutes or so, my body was ready! In walks Dr. Rapp, I had nurses on either side along with my supportive husband. Let's get this party started!

Kason- One Month!

Dear Kason,

Just like I say with all of your sister's monthly posts, I wish I could slow time down. It is bittersweet watching my babies grow up. On the sweet side, I know all the fun that is to come, but I absolutely LOVE every stage. I love you as a sweet, cuddly, newborn. Your daddy and I are so excited to see your personality bloom. Right now, you seem to be pretty passive. You are a tough little guy, well...you kind of have to be. Your older sister ADORES you, but hasn't quite mastered what it means to be gentle and soft with you. Don't worry though. We're working on it. ; )

You won't go back to the doctor until your 2 month checkup, but when we went for your 2-week appointment, you were almost 9 pounds! Who is this big guy?! Lexi did not weigh 9,9 until 2 months! You are a pro-eater. You eat fast, and that had me a little concerned because I wasn't sure how much you were actually getting, but it appears to be that you are just efficient. Your doctor was very pleased with your weight gain, and said everything about you looks very healthy! Yay! Praise the Lord for healthy babies. I've learned that good health is not something to be taken for granted, and am especially grateful that God trusts your daddy and me with you and your big sister.

You are sleeping pretty well, eating every 3-5 hours at night, depending on the night, and every 3 during the day. You have went through some periods of cluster feeding, and daylight savings time kind of threw us for a loop, but nothing major.

We are so in love with you, and cannot believe we have double to love now! I knew I would love you, I just had no idea the human heart could stretch to this capacity. We are so blessed by our days with you, and look forward to all the fun that is to come.

XOXO,
Mommy & Daddy

Kason's Birth Story Part 1

Oh, how I absolutely love reading birth stories! I have trouble holding back tears every time. My husband teases me that I love babies WAY too much, but I don't think that's possible. I think he's just worried how many babies I will want. ;) Here's sweet Kason's story...


The weeks leading up to Kason's birth were very similar to Lexi's, meaning NO progress and NO signs of him coming anytime soon, not that you can predict a baby's birth. I honestly thought with him being my second baby, he wouldn't hang out in there until past his due date, but my babies think I make a pretty comfy home, what can I say? At my 39 week appointment, my doctor asked if I wanted to induce. An induction was something I wanted to avoid at all costs, if possible, but I also knew I didn't feel comfortable going past 41 weeks due to risks of baby swallowing meconium. We went ahead and scheduled a date for February 11. He would officially be 41 weeks, 2 days.

The night we went in to be induced...last picture as a family of 3

At my 40 week appointment, I was called by my doctor's office asking if I minded seeing the PA that day because my doctor had an emergency and would not be in that day, and maybe not the rest of the week. I agreed, and my hope was that progress had been made. I was still praying he would come before the 11th. When we got to my appointment, the PA did a check, and then had another doctor in the practice come check as well. They thought it was important to know so that my doctor could determine how favorable I was for an induction. I was only a 1, and 50% effaced. No surprise.

I was then told by the doctor that my doctor would be having surgery on the 11 due to an injury that happened the previous day. I was in tears, and asked who would be performing the delivery if he was unable to. He said that it may be him, but he wasn't sure. I walked out of the office in tears with my mom and Lexi. To distract my mind, we headed to the mall. While leaving, Lindsey, my doctor's fabulous nurse called, and apologized for how my appointment went because she knew I had left upset. I asked her what my options were as far as Dr. Sterling be able to perform my delivery. She told me he might be able to delivery on that Thursday, and to talk it over with Keith, and let her know what we decided.

Keith and I went back and forth on what to do. I wanted to make sure my body was ready, because I wasn't crazy about a failed induction. I also did not want to go through the LOOOONG day that we had with Lexi's birth. Don't get me wrong. It's all worth it in the end, but if I could avoid pitocin, I was going to. At the last minute, we decided we would shoot for Thursday. We knew there would be a chance Dr. Sterling still wouldn't be performing the delivery since he already had several things scheduled for that day, but we were taking that risk. I called Lindsey to let her know our decision, and she said we would need to check in THAT night to start medication to prepare my cervix. I lost it at that point. I was not prepared to leave my baby girl for the first time, and felt like I hadn't mentally prepared myself for this. I looked at her as I hung up the phone and sobbed knowing we had merely a few hours as her being the baby of the family. She looked at me so confused as I showered her with hugs, squeezes, kisses, and tears.

At 7:15, I hugged my baby bye, knowing that would be the last time I saw her before she carried a big role on her shoulders, the role of a big sister. Keith did a great job at distracting me on the way there. We laughed about how the first time around, I cried on the way to the hospital, panicked about getting an IV. This time, I cried because I had to leave my firstborn. It's funny how time changes everything.

As soon as we entered our labor and delivery room, I was instructed to put on the oh-so-attractive hospital gown, and had to answer tons of questions, fill out paperwork, and the hep-block was started. Here we go...no turning back now!

Lexi- 21 Months (Feb. 23)

Lexi,

This has probably been one of the biggest months of your little life. You became a big sister! You have absolutely exceeded our expectations of this new role! We could not be more proud of how you have handled this transition. You were a little clingy to Mommy after our hospital stay, but that is definitely something we can live with! One day you won't want me in your sight every second, so I'm soaking it up.

Things you love right now:

• bugging Gus
• Going on bear hunts
• going bye bye
• climbing into your car seat by yourself
• looking at yourself in the mirror (oh dear!)
• You say soooo many phrases now! 
• Watching sesame street in your pink chair
• playing with my lotions, or as you call them 'creams'
• reading your Little People school book
• eating with utensils--you can scarf down some pasta like it's your job!
• smoothies
• cherries
• watching 'Baby Exi' on our phones
• Baking/cooking
• bunny crackers
• Buy Buy Baby (you call it the baby store)

You know 90% of your letters, we have started working on numbers now. You LOVE and thrive during our learning time together. We are so amazed at the things you say and do. One morning, before baby Kason was born, Daddy was going to get up with you and take you to the living room. You didn't want to leave me, but I told you I'd be in there in a few minutes. Your response, "Mama up, cook eggs." You knew I would get up to cook for you! Haha Another thing you did this month while you were walking with Kason and I back to our house from Nana's house...you 'borrowed' Lo's Minnie Mouse, and I kept telling you to follow me home so we could get Kason inside. Of course you ventured off on your own, so I made it my mission to get him inside out of the cold, and go back out to grab you. When you saw me coming, you laughed and ran. When I made it to where you were, you had Lo's Minnie in the swing swinging.

We play white noise for Kason when he sleeps to mask out the chaos of our house. You wanted the iPad that we were playing it with, so you went and grabbed his sleep sheep (which also plays white noise), turned it on, and traded it out. Smart little cookie!

During our prayer one night, you say, "Thank you God Dada, thank you god ilk (milk), thank you God Mama." Melted our hearts....You have also started resting your head on our shoulders when we carry you. You have never been much of a snuggled, except when sleeping, so we are thrilled and welcome this stage with open arms (literally)!

You do not get in trouble often, but there are a few times we have to put you in time out. You are only there for a minute or two, but you certainly do not like to be isolated from everyone. You kept telling your daddy No, No, No Dada...he calmly told you not to tell Daddy no, and when you did it again, you had to say sorry, and then you sat down on the floor and mocked him. We both had to cover our heads because we were cracking up! You certainly are going to keep us on our toes!

We fall more in love with you each day, and are so excited to continue to watch you grow and develop in this new role you now wear proudly.

Your first snow day!!!

XOXO,
Mommy & Daddy

Lexi's 2nd Christmas!

Just a few pics to document Lexi's second Christmas...she seemed to understand more this year, but was overwhelmed with all the stuff! We loved starting new traditions, and hearing her ask HO HO for, "Pease baby stroll, Pease Ho Ho!" :) We read her the Christmas story, talked about Jesus' birthday, made Christmas cookies, and survived Christmas eve mass with a busy toddler who loved seeing baby Jesus in the nativity at the altar.

It was also special because we got to share this Christmas with a new cousin! Lexi ADORES Baby 'Wo.' I'm sure these two get tired of our picture-taking antics, but it's just something they'll learn to appreciate later on, right?!

20 Months (Jan. 23)

Lexi,

How we are at 20 months old I have no clue. It seems unreal to me that I will soon have a TWO year-old! ...sigh...well, the good news is that you continue to be so much fun, and a constant source of entertainment for anyone around you.

Here's what you're up to:

You LOVE your toys from 'Ho-Ho.'

Still carrying a baby everywhere we go...actually, before we leave the house to go anywhere, even if it is just to Nana's house, you have to grab whatever you see in sight, so you take 2-3 toys/babies as if you aren't going to see them again.

You are a pretty good eater, especially for this age. You LOVE fruit, especially strawberries, blueberries, and grapes! You still enjoy dipping your foods in mustard, ketchup, and ranch. You ask for milk on a regular basis, and your favorite things ever are the yogurt drinks we keep stocked at all times.

You can repeat nearly any word we ask you to, and your vocabulary explodes each day. You have switched from calling yourself 'X' to 'Exi.' It's pretty adorable hearing you talk about yourself in third person..."Exi help mama, Exi clean, Exi's turn..."

You love watching Sesame Street each morning, and know around the time that it is supposed to come on. You also love coloring and crafts still, although we do have to watch you because you think it is silly to stick the crayons in your mouth and show us.

You can recognize the shapes: circle, star, heart, square, and triangle.

You tell people excuse you (Excuse you Gus, Excuse you Dada) if they are in your way. You also say it when people sneeze and sometimes cough. It is pretty darn cute, and it makes me proud that you are catching on and learning your manners.

We recently took you to a basketball game and you enjoyed watching the cheerleaders. You were standing and clapping along, but your words to the cheer were your own (Exi, Exi, Exi, Yay!!!). Absolutely hilarious! We probably won't try a game for a while because you were all over the place, and it made your daddy a little nervous you were going to fall off the bleachers.

When you are looking for someone, you say, ________, Ere Are you (Where are you?). It has to be one of my favorite things you say right now. I have loved seeing and hearing you string together more words/phrases as each day passes.

You tell me when you need a 'newt' diaper or changed. I don't have any plans to start potty training you right now because our lives are about to get crazy busy with a new little one coming, plus I'm still not convinced you are 100% ready. I don't want to push anything on you, so we will continue to figure it out as we go.

You're so excited for a new baby! People ask me often how I think you are going to do, and honestly? I don't think you will have trouble at all. Maybe I'm being naive, but you adore babies, and I'm pretty sure you will just be another little mama to this little guy.

You love soccer balls, and every time you see Cody, you ask him for one. Nana and PopPop bought you your own. You aren't a bad little dribbler, but your favorite thing is to pick it up and run with it, cracking up the whole time.

When we pick out books each night, you don't always let us read to you. You demand, "Exi read." You pretend read, while pointing at words. Your favorite books are still ones that involve babies, and you love ones that have a catchy song in them. We enjoy our library time each week, and you have gotten so much better at not trying to run off while there. You now pick out the books and put them inside your bag, then we walk to a small table and read them until you're ready to explore some more before checking out.

It has been so much fun making sweet memories with you this last month as we continue to prepare our home and lives for a new baby. We love you to the moon and back, and we are looking forward to opening our hearts to a new baby, while watching you soar in your role as a big sister.

XOXO,
Mommy & Daddy