The Wait is Over

We could not be happier to announce that Tate Wesley has arrived! After settling into bed shortly before midnight on Wednesday I awoke not 40 minutes later to contractions. They subsided and was able to dose back to sleep. I repeated this cycle 3 times before getting out of bed and giving up on sleep at 3:40.

All morning was spent with contractions that were hard and uncomfortable, but completely irregular. Finally around 11a.m. we went to the hospital and were admitted shortly after 12. I labored for several hours and making little progress. I received an epidural and pitocin beginning at roughly 4 pm. Still progressing much slower than we had hoped, they broke my water at 4:55. It was another 4.5 hours of labor before we were given the go ahead to being pushing. It took less than 6 pushes and out he came at 9:36 p.m. weighing 6lbs and 10 ounces and 19.5 inches in length. And a very full head of hair!

We are so full of love, joy and excitement and feel very blessed to have a happy, healthy boy and so many people to share this miracle with.

The End is Near

The light at the end of the tunnel should be coming into view any time now. I must admit that while in some ways I feel as though I've been pregnant forever, in other ways it doesn't seem quite right that I'll be meeting my new son in just a matter of _____. (minutes, hours, days, weeks)

I'm disappointed in myself about a couple of things. One is my complete and utter disdain for pregnancy. There are those who like it. Those who love it. Those who don't mind it. Then there's me: One who doesn't like it, doesn't love it and really does "mind" it. I feel at times that it has crept up on me what a miracle this little vomit inducing, "parasite" is. I've spent so much of my pregnancy sick, uncomfortable, frustrated, or overwhelmed, that I haven't spent much time reflecting on the fact that our family is growing. Our family is changing. We've been blessed with a little miracle, a new life, and it's all in accordance to His plan for us.
Tate, I'm sorry little buddy, for not appreciating your kicks and movements as signs of you being happy and healthy playing in there. I'm sorry for getting frustrated that each kick made me feel more nauseous. I'm sorry that I didn't smile more throughout this journey. I have been somewhat of a Debbie Downer, and I realize the toll it must have taken on my family, friends, husband and son. I'm sorry for the "freak outs" and meltdowns. I feel selfish that I let my own discomfort interefere with seeing the miracle taking place in our lives.

I hope my boys, all three of them, realize how much I do love each and every one of them. Gabe I love in ways completely inexplicable to the rest of the world. He strengthens me. He believes in me. He loves and supports me. He's amazing. He is my best friend and loving someone more seems unfathomable. Connor, I love in even more inexplicable ways. I'm so sorry, my son, for the short fuse I've had these last few months, but everyday- good behavior or bad- you've been sweet, cuddly and loving. In between both of our temper tantrums, we've shared so many laughs and cuddles and moments. You are the greatest thing to happen to me, and I wonder how little man Tate will compare. As for Tate, Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you…” When we decided to "try" for another baby I had various hopes, dreams, fantasies, expectations.... As it hits me that at any point you could be in my arms, I realize that just having you happy and healthy is what is important. I love you, my little Tot, and cannot wait to meet you.
The other night after getting out of the shower, I was getting dressed and looked in the mirror at my expanding pregnant belly. I turned to Gabe and said, "We're going to have a baby soon." with a large smile across my face. I tear up and smile when I think about his response... "Yes, we are." (Insert glowing smile from "the dad").

Updates Galore

I'm sorry for the lack in blogging lately. We've been busy trying to tie up all of the loose ends before Tate makes his arrival. Plus, 3 weeks in and summer has already been packed full of adventure!

Connor is having a great summer so far. He's already attended one VBS program and had a blast! What makes a great VBS program even better? (Other than the time it allows Mommy to get things done...) Having 3 friends enrolled in VBS too! Three of my very close friends have boys Connor's age, and all 4 boys attended the same VBS program and were able to play with one another everyday for a week! What a treat!

We joined the pool this summer as a way to give Connor something to do. We're working on teaching him how to swim, and so far it's going really well. He can swim wonderfully across the pool with his floaties on. He's not quite as confident about swimming without them, but he's working on it and getting better. He really has fun, and Gabe has done a great job teaching him.

Connor told Gabe the other day, "Daddy, I think you're my best buddy forever." Gabe smiled, and teared up a bit and said, "I hope you always think so." I cannot imagine it ever changing. If Gabe mentions that he likes something even the littlest bit, Connor cannot get enough of it. He gets so excited about doing things with his daddy. I'm glad they are as close as they are. I love watching how happy Connor gets when Gabe pulls in the driveway from work. At times I must admit, I get a little jealous of the bond they have, but I'm thrilled to know that my boys love each other as much as they do!

Speaking of boys, we're still waiting on the Tater Tot to "finish cooking". After an ultrasound on Tuesday and a Doctor's Appointment on Wednesday we know that he's still growing and getting big. It appears from the ultrasound pictures that he's got a head full of hair. Can't wait to see it when he comes out! According to the amazing Dr. J his arrival can literally be any time. My body is definitely preparing itself for this moment and Tate is DEFINITELY ready for his time to be up as well! In the past week we've been ready to head for the hospital 3 different times only to have my contractions weaken and then stop. It's just a matter of the "right" time hitting.
That's about all there is to report. The nursery is done. The bag is packed and in the car. The "plan" is in place. Now we wait!