THE BIG DAY!

Well, where do I begin on one of the best days of my life?:) It went something like this... we went in last Wednesday night to start the cervidil procedure. (For those of you who don't know - this is something they do the night before induction to soften the cervix in hopes that you dialate quicker).We stopped by Newk's on the way to the hospital to fill up our tummies since I couldn't eat until after I had delivered. We got to the hospital and it was so weird knowing the next time I walked outside it would be with my baby boy! So much emotion and excitement that night! Before they started the cervidil they went ahead and inserted the IV. Chris thought we had a huge problem before we had even begun, because I balled when they inserted the IV. They went in the arm and couldn't get the vein so they kept pushing to get it. Well I said enough, it hurt like H-E-double hockey sticks and I couldn't take it anymore. The nurse said she couldn't get it and would have to try again, really? Well she tried the hand and that went a little smoother. It got the vein so she didn't have to dig again, thank the Lord but the needle was inserted weird and really bothered me. I talked about it for an hour so and I think scared Chris because the IV hurt me so bad. Ha, I am afraid he thought it would be a loooong labor :) However, the contractions soon kicked in and the IV was the last thing on my mind. Right as the morning hours rolled in they got real intense and I asked for pain medicine (they kept offering but I kept trying to hold off, the 2nd time I did that BIG mistake. More to come on that...) But I eventually got the pain meds, Stadoll, and just got one dose the first time which did me just fine. It didn't really take the pain away but put you in like a funny delirious state so they didn't really bother me as bad. About 3:00 a.m. it was wearing off and I was in major pain! So they decided to give me 2 doses this time... Chris was snoring on the couch next to me, jumping in a panic everytime my blood pressure machine went off (I had to have it automatically taken every 30 minutes since I had high blood pressure the previous 2 weeks). These guys didn't warn me I wouldn't get a wink of sleep. I mean a big rarrring noise and my arms squeezed to death every 30 min. plus contractions that were killing me sure doesn't make for any zzz's. Poor Chris, didn't get much sleep either. He was on edge all night and would jump up like what is going on when he realized he fell asleep (he's still did it the first few nights at home) I think it's his Daddy instinct scared he should be up and in ready mode. He was a champ through it all! I could not have done it without him that is for sure! After the 2 doses of Stadoll I woke him up scared to death, I guess it made me hallucinate or something because all I remember is him standing over me and me saying "I want to go back to the hospital and have this baby." and things such as "where did my life go? I don't like this." I barely remember saying any of this and am not a fan of that stadoll mess, however it got me through the contractions. The next morning about 6 a.m. they came and said we could take showers if we needed to and they were going to start the induction at 7. I was no way in the world taking a shower. Sure let me go scrub a dub dub with all this mess on me and contractions every 2 min. No thanks! I went in and freshened up and before ya know it they inserted the Pitocin in my IV. It pretty much doubled my contractions which was no fun. I stuck it out for about 2 hours and at 9:30 my doctor came to check me and break my water. Well let me just tell you I should have not tried to hold off and have gotten my epidural before she broke my water. I was trying to wait as long as I could. I had a friend who was in labor almost 24 hours and got her epidural right away and she thinks it caused the labor to last so long. I didn't know, but trying to avoid that I waited. The nurse kept saying ok and reoffering it, but me and my tough weak self thought I didn't need it yet. Well after she broke my water all hit the fan. I cannot explain how much pain I was in from the contractions. I think I started contracting about every min. right off the bat. I was only a "good" 1 cm dialated at this point so I thought oh heck no I cannot do this for 9 more cm. My doctors goal was to be 4 cm dialated at lunch and she would "be tickled" so we made that our goal. About 10:30 when all went down I finally said ok, Chris tell them I need the epidural and I need it now. I couldn't express how bad I needed it because my eyes were shut and I was gripping his hand so tight I didn't think I could even talk. Going into this I knew people always related pain to having a baby so I knew it was going to be bad but I honestly didn't know the body could be put in that much pain. I really didn't know what to do. It hurt so bad and it was less than a min. apart so I barely had time to recoop before the next one. I was dying!! The nurse came in and said the anesthesiologist was doing someone else but would be in in about 10 min to give me my epidural. 10 minutes seemed like days at that point and I wanted to scream from my room for her to hurry the (bleep) up!!!! Finally she came in and we decided to insert it inbetween contractions since being "limp" was not happening during a contraction. I kind of feared the epidural beforehand but at this point I didn't care if they stuck a needle the size of Texas in me, I would have gone through anything to get some relief. They inserted the first part which hurt a bit but nothing compared to the contractions so I didn't even care. They let another contraction go and then inserted the rest. It was done ah, at last (she made a comment that it might be too much on one side so she might would have to fix it. She better be glad she was standing on my backside because I am pretty sure my look could have killed:)Ends up all was well and she didn't have to redo it. The nurse then said I just had to wait 10 MORE minutes for it to kick in! Really? I should have gotten it way before I did. My nurse was very calm, which is what I needed that day and calmly said 'Oh yeah I know you are in pain. These contractions are strong and you are experiencing full on labor contractions.' Sweeeeet. Thanks for the info. j/k she was great. Finally I felt some relief and it quickly evened out and I was numb on both sides. It was the absolute weirdest feeling but felt so good to be able to lay down and relax. It was about 11ish when I got the epidural and about 11:30 Chris and I decided to lay down and shut our eyes for a min. Considering I was 1 cm dialated when she checked me at 9:30 we figured we needed to prepare for a loong day. I text my Mom to bring Chris some grub since I knew he wouldn't eat and was preparing for the hours to come. About 5 till 12 (I remember looking at the clock) my doctor walks in to check and see how much I had dialated. She goes to check and didn't even get to check because in 2 seconds she said "You're about to have this baby". UM WHAT? I so thought she was joking. The nurse even said are you serious? and she said yes! Sometimes she makes jokes, but I thought what OB doctor would joke to their patient about having the baby when they are in labor. In seconds she said "I need a table" and I knew it was on! I didn't even have time to get nervous. I remember looking up at those huge bright lights she flicked on and pretty much giving it all over to God. I couldn't feel my legs and knew it was harder to push being so numb so I just thought I need God to let me know when to push. Chris & I looked at each other with the widest eyes ever but a sense of confidence came over both of us. We knew we could do it. I panicked and said call our parents since they were totally not expecting this so soon! Chris changed out of his pj's real quick that he had put on for our nap (I guess he didn't want his son seeing him like that for the first time, haha!) and before I knew it, it was GO time! I will spare you the details, but lets just say I pushed 3 sets of 3 and he was on my chest!! I balled, a close to sobbing ball and as Chris got emotional he had this stare on his face I had never seen before. We were absolutely in shock and amazed. They cleaned & checked him and everything looked great. I held him for a little while and so did Daddy. We had our little moment all together and then the fam rushed in to see him! Nonna & Bic Bic were at the head of the crowd and came in balling about like I was. The joy in that room was overflowing! Grayson Lee Clark, you are loved:) We moved up to the 2nd floor room and got settled. I started feeling naucious from all the meds so requested my McAlisters club I was longing for and felt much better :) We had visitors and loved on our baby all night long. We actually got discharged Friday because my doctor only recommended 24 hours and my ADHD husband lit up when he heard that and never looked back. Little buddy had his poor little circumcision and we got our things together. I felt like I was gonna throw up the whole time he was gone. I did not like that a bit. He came back all good to go though! And we headed for home around 5 p.m. on Friday. Worry wart over here (me) was not loving the 5 o'clock Friday afternoon Memphis traffic and I was warning Chris every little bump to slow down. Haha! We made it home safe and sound though. Grayson has brought so much joy into this house and to Chris and I over that last week it's almost like I don't remember life before. Not gonna lie, the first 3 nights at home were rough. Trying to figure Grayson's likes and dislikes along with him not wanting to sleep anywhere but my arms made for a few rough nights. We've finally got him next to our bed in the pack-n-play and our sleep hours have increased! Somehow Chris always beats me on the hours, but he has been the biggest help ever. For instance, I had been up for a feeding a/b 6 this morning and Daddy heard a little cry. He was there in 2 seconds helping me change his dirty diaper. Grayson has brought a happiness between us I cannot explain! We still stare at him look up and say "Wow, he's ours!" I never knew I could love this little punkin so much! I am head over heels and honestly, don't want him to grow any more! j/k I know each stage is going to be just as special and fun as the next. But I am loving every single minute of snuggling and loving and kissing my sweet baby boy! God is so good and he sure spoiled me to pieces by giving me this amazing gift. Definitely best gift I could ever be given!! Ok, I keep looking next to me at my sweet angel snoozing in his lamby seat and my arms are aching to hold him! I can't get enough and don't think I ever will... Until next time! LOVE :)*Yesterday was my Grandma Bibbie's birthday. If you read my blog, you know about my Bibbie. I ache when I think about her being here. I would give anything. She means the world to me and I know she is loving every minute of me becoming a Momma. She's looking down saying 'My little Kelley'. I can't wait to tell Grayson all about her. We love you so much Bibbie and I will always tell Grayson to 'not do anything you wouldn't do' :) One day were gonna have one big party in heaven...xo

Grayson Lee Clark

Grayson Lee Clark

August 25th, 2011 - 12:12 p.m.

6 lbs. 5 oz. - 20 1/4 inchesGrayson is here!! He made his appearance on Thursday, August 25th at 12:12 p.m. - 6 lbs 5 oz & 20 1/4 inches long. I'm not gonna lie as I sit here and type this I am counting down the minutes until his nap is over so that I can go scoop him up. We are trying out a new method of a nap in the pack-n-play per the doctors orders since he has spent every night at home asleep in my arms! (hehe!) Not gonna say I hate it, but it's definitely hard to get any sleep and I know one day I will be kicking myself if we don't get it under control... I might never sleep again. So as much as I'd like to have him in my arms every second of every day the pack-n-play is a must (not even thinking crib yet, he at least needs to be by my side)! Let's just hope it works as well tonight as it is right now. He seems to love to keep us on our toes all night long... the living room has become our new bedroom. I want to update on the whole birth story, but I'm afraid I need to wait until I am out of the state of delirium, ha! I have been saying things that haven't made much sense lately and I am utterly exhausted. But every minute has been amazing and I am so in love with my baby boy! I know I may be a little partial, but I think he's just about perfect :) More to come, but here are some pictures for now! XOXO~

THE VERDICT

Well, well, well it has been a crazy last couple of days! We had our doctor appt. on Wednesday and we had a little change in the game plan. My blood pressure continued to increase (not crazy, but still a little high) and the doctor does not want to wait until my due date. We were thinking next Friday prior to the appt. but she had different things in mind. So we will be heading in mid next week to start the induction process. It is such a relief to know the day, but still knowing he could come at anytime is keeping me on my toes! I was not dialated very much so she decided to help out... I will spare you from details let's just say I have officially felt the worst pain in my life, but enough of that. Chris & I are so excited that we will see our baby boy so soon! I have decided to make this my last day of work since the 4 a.m. wake ups are not making me feel too swell. I hope to sleep, rest, sleep this weekend and in the coming days before his arrival! Here is an early 39 week update, I do not plan on doing much computer updating this weekend. I hope to strictly chill with my Hubby and enjoy the blessing we are about to bring into this family!

*39 Weeks!*

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 39 weeks
Size of baby: The weight of a small watermelon– over 7 lbs and 20 inches long
Maternity Clothes: Yes, thankful for them but ready to never see them again :)
Gender: IT’S A BOY!!!!!!!
Movement: Still pretty active… I am able to tell body parts easier. He loves to stick his little foot out the side of my stomach!! Ah can’t wait to kiss those feet!!
Sleep: Chris tucked me in the other night and described it perfectly… I need a forklift to get me comfortable, haha! Innocent comment, right? ;) I’ve had a few rough nights this week, but if I can get my mind off things I’m hoping to get some good zzz’s before he arrives!
What I miss: Not a thing, I wouldn’t trade this for anything!
Cravings: Nothing really, food does not excite me anymore.
Symptoms: I have had major pains these last couple of days and major cramping after the doc appt. on Wed., also charlie horses like crazy but I drink enough water for us all so what can ya do, let’s see what else… wedding rings are getting tight but I am determined to wear them till the end. Other than that, just baby fever!!! Ready to have this angel in my arms!! :)
Best Moment this week: The doctor appt. on Wednesday… it all hit that it’s here! Chris & I looking at each other as we walked out with these smiles we just couldn’t hold back… thinking wow, we are about to have this baby!! We couldn’t be more excited!! We cannot thank God enough for this amazing little life!

This pregnancy journey has been amazing. I never thought I would enjoy it this much, but it just brought me a happiness 24/7 knowing I had this little joy inside me at all times. The time really flew by and I can see why God did not make it last 11 or 12 months because I done hit that ready point! Thanks so much to everyone for following this journey. It has been so much fun to share and it's a perfect outlet to look back on and remember all the details of this pregnancy. I can't wait to share this little baby boy's life with you as well! Please pray for us in these coming days. As anyone would be, I am a little nervous about the birthing process but must say the excitement is taking over my nerves! I know God is in total control and I thank Him so much for giving me that faith! Without it, I would probably be in confinement on a high dose of valium, ha! There is a verse I used to put in my sock at all of my cheerleading competitions... it has stuck with me ever since and little did I know it would bring me comfort when giving birth to my baby boy. Times change, but God doesn't :)

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Love you all! XO~

Mueller Shower!

As I mentioned in a previous post, some of my sweet work friends got together and threw me a shower! It was so nice of them and I feel so blessed to work with such wonderful people! They showered Grayson with gifts galore and we had some yummy cake & punch to top it off! I really appreciate all of them and all of the support they have given me through this pregnancy. Not everyday is so pretty and they've seen me on the good and bad days, no make up and sleepless days! I can't wait for Grayson to meet all of them :)

Sweet friends Amanda, Janice & Kristy!Chowin' down :)I love this girl, Kathryn. She has taught me everything I know at Mueller and has a heart of gold!
Here are some random moments I captured and I think they are pertty sweet. Daddy getting all the necessities ready for his baby boy! :)
Pack-n-play, check!
And here is a lovely 37 week photo I forgot to include on my weekly update. I figured I would share it now, because wowzers!! And to think that was a week and a half ago!

Maybe, just maybe, I will have an exciting update tomorrow! We have our doctor appt. and I am anxious to hear if anything is going on in there! We shall see! XO~

38 Weeks!

Not much to report, but time is flying by! I talked with my doctor last week about her thoughts on induction after the due date and she surprised me saying that she is not a fan of letting her patients go past their due date. I really liked that!! She said if he is "inducible" she might would even take him a few days before. So with my due date being on a Sunday we are thinking next Friday might be a prospective date. I am by no means wanting to rush this. I figure when he's ready, he's ready but also going with doctor knows best! We didn't get in to much more detail, so I'm thinking Wednesday at our next appt. we will probably know more. So yes indeed, Grayson will be here in 2 weeks for sure!! I am so so excited words cannot describe. So for now, I will continue to nest & rest :) ... We have cleaning people coming next Wednesday which is such a big relief. I just am not able to clean good without being in pain so I am very excited about that! Other than that, I think I am about as ready as I can possibly be! Which is pretty darn ready!!! :)

*38 Weeks!*

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 38 weeks
Size of baby: As long as a leek– weight nearly 7 lbs and over 19 ½ inches long
Maternity Clothes: Yes and I am over them!
Gender: IT’S A BOY!!!!!!!
Movement: Still on the move, but definitely set in position! No more flipping & flopping just little jab movements here & there!
Sleep: I guess if you’ve been pregnant before you understand… but I literally cannot move anymore. Used to, changing positions helped me fall back asleep. Well now that it’s a process to switch sides it wakes me up even more. And I might as well just sleep in the bathroom, because I think I am there more than the bed.
What I miss: Nothing. I’ve really enjoyed pregnancy, but a glass of wine to calm these anxious nerves wouldn’t hurt. Hehe!
Cravings: Not craving anything, but I so want a cold turkey sandwich! (Since I haven’t been able to have cold deli meats.) Chris is already aware of my McAlister’s club request at the hospital! :)
Symptoms: Still major pelvic pains, feet hurt bad, over food & maternity clothes and ready to have this angel in my arms! I’ve been a little hormonal at work too, ha – I guess when all you have is baby on your mind and all these people just need, need, need… it gets on my last nerve!! Guess it’s a good thing next Tues. is my last day :)
Best Moment this week: My work buddies threw me a shower Tuesday and it was so sweet! They went all out and I feel blessed to work with such wonderful people! {Post to come…}

Cowboys & Indians!

This past Saturday, August 6th some of our sweet friends hosted a baby shower for us & baby Grayson! The Baileys, Harrisons, Millers, Miskels, Williams and Kristen all came together and made this a special night we will never forget! Baby Grayson is already so loved and he is going to love all his aunts & uncles! We cannot say thank you enough for all ya'll did! We feel so blessed to have everyone there in our lives! I know Grayson is going to love you all just as much as we do! :) I will let the pictures tell how wonderful it was...

"Cowboys and Indians" Theme All the creative decor...

Chick-fil-a lemonade, oreo balls & cake pops... right up my alley :)
The centerpieces - hooves & feathers... how cute!Best buddies!The Millers Sweet Leighton (Grayson's future girlfriend?!:)) The Fam!
2 of my fellow pregger buddies!Nonna & Pop!
2 of my favorite people... ;)Sweet friends :) You can tell I'm real excited and Chris is not quite as amused, ha! The Harrison's give the BEST gift bags ever :)
No telling what these boys are up to! Baby Grayson's wish tree! He got some pretty funny wishes from his witty uncles {above:)}!" Trail mix favors. "Thanks for celebrating Baby Grayson!" too cute!

Thanks again guys for all you did! I will always look back on this time in our lives and remember how special our friends made it for us! We can't wait for all of you to meet Grayson... it won't be long! The doctor said yesterday she isn't going to let me go past my due date so in 2 weeks {or less if he decides} our little angel will be here! Excited does not even describe it!! Please pray for a safe delivery and healthy baby! Love you all! xo

2 Words: Full Term!

As I sit here trying to ignore the fact that my butt bone feels like it is going to crack in half, I decided to eat a piece of cake from my work shower today to make it all better, haha! It's not helping and just making Grayson go crazy which is probably the reason it hurts in the first place! Mmm... the joys of pregnancy! However, I cannot complain. The 2 words: FULL TERM, do not only have me jumping for joy that this means the big arrival is right around the corner, but I am just thanking God we have made it this far. I feel blessed to have had a healthy pregnancy and to know my little bambino is ready for the outside world almost has me taken back. It's real, he's ready to be brought into this world. It's hitting me slowly, but surely and I think I am finally ready!! So bring it Grayson, me and your Daddy are ready when you are :) {I would much rather have you in my arms than on my tail bone!}

*37 WEEKS!*

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 37 weeks
Size of baby: The length of a stalk of Swiss chard (really?)– weight 6 1/3 lbs and a bit over 19 inches long
Maternity Clothes: Yes and over them :)
Gender: IT’S A BOY!!!!!!!
Movement: He’s still a-movin’; however I think he has found his final destination before the arrival! He’s not flip flopping as much and when he moves it actually hurts “down there” so I think he’s just making his way down. More power to ya baby boy!!
Sleep: It’s ok some nights, but I’m having a lot more sleepless hours. Saturday I think I tried everything in our house I could lay horizontal on. Some nights there is just no hope!!
What I miss: I don’t know what I miss? My brain is totally baby… I really haven’t thought about much else.
Cravings: Nothing really, I’m over food. Think I’m out of room and actually kinda ready to get on a healthy plan!
Symptoms: Major pains in the pelvic area… I think it’s due to him “burrowing” his head deeper & getting ready for labor. They catch me off guard though and wow, take my breath away!
Best Moment this week: Some of our sweet friends threw us a shower on Saturday! The theme was ‘Cowboys & Indians’, it was absolutely adorable and I will be posting pictures this week!!

Now off to purchase the last few items on my registry... ahh all the events have come & gone. This moment seemed so far away. And now, it. is. here.

Bottoms Up!

which means... head's down! :) Ha! Just a quick baby update! We went to the doctor yesterday and she did the lovely pelvic exam. Yuck! However, my frown was quickly turned upside down when she said he is head down! YAY!! She added "as of now", I think so I wouldn't get my hopes up because he could flip back... but I'm having faith this little booger realizes his arrival is coming so soon and it's time to get in position!! All checked out well... I lost weight? Sure as heck don't feel like it. I think it is just due to the excess sweat I have released this week! Gross, I know but this heat is brutal! I was not dialating yet which is a good thing. I want him to stay in a little while longer! I had my group b strep test as well and it wasn't as bad as I thought, but awkward! I officially think I will never dread a pap smear like I used to... I mean seriously by the end of this she will have seen it all. Ok, enough of that {doubt Grayson will enjoy that in his baby book - haha!}
I am SO SO excited about our shower this weekend! Some of our sweet friends are throwing it for us and I cannot wait!!! :) It has been a goal to make sure Grayson stayed in until after this Saturday and it's looking like we will have no problems! I feel so blessed to have such great friends & can't wait to share this special time with them!
Hope everyone has a super weekend! Stay cool, ha yeah right! Much Love to All! XOXO

36 Weeks & Family Shower!

Saturday I had my family shower hosted by my sister & sister-n-law! It was absolutely perfect and I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family (+ some awesome friends)! Grayson got lots of fun stuff and I can't wait for him to wear/use all of it. I got it all washed & put away Sunday... I'm trying to stay on top of being completely prepared since the time is quickly approaching! I cannot believe I will be full term this week. That day always seemed so far away and now it is here!! I am so excited and just so ready... well, whenever he is :) Here are a few pics from the shower!!

I loved my diaper cake!

The yummy spread!
Am I really that huge?!? ha!
Such a special day! :)

It really meant a lot to have all my sweet family there! I really felt blessed and hope Grayson knows how loved he already is! Ok, I will stop getting sappy before I cry. Yes, I think the emotions of everything are starting to hit me. Confession: I cried at church Sunday! We gave a standing ovation for one of our pastors (some of you might know him, Andy Savage, he is awesome!) for what a wonderful job he has done on the series this summer. Nothing was sad about it, but it was just so sweet and I cried. Chris laughed at me which helped me to stop, haha! Oh lawwdy! On to the weekly updates...

*36 Weeks!*

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 36 weeks
Size of baby: The weight of a crenshaw melon – almost 6 lbs and 18 ½ inches long
Maternity Clothes: Yuup indeed!
Gender: IT’S A BOY!!!!!!!
Movement: He decided to finally go head down so I wasn’t feeling him as much a day or 2 and it scared me to death! Turns out he was just hanging out head down where he was supposed to be… well due to that little episode they “buzzed” him with a noise thing to try to get some movement and his little self said fine then, and moved back to breach! Haha, oh well it is what it is! We shall see what he decides to do…
Sleep: Now the tossing and turning is even difficult… I feel like I am on the Gravitron at the fair when I try to adjust, haha!
What I miss: Clothing options… I am about over these maternity clothes and being able to run a quick errand without feeling like I am going to suffocate in this heat!!
Cravings: Sweets, I guess… I’m kind of over food at this point.
Symptoms: Still sleepy, definitely nesting, legs tingle and starting to swell a bit… I’ve been lucky this far but some days I can see that pregnancy puffiness!
Best Moment this week: My family shower on Saturday! It was perfect! Pretty much all my family {except my Florida family, they were told to wait for the baby arrival} was there and it meant the world to me!! I can’t wait for Grayson to meet all these amazing people in his life! I feel super blessed and thank everyone for being there!!