Sleep Deprivation Is Not Pretty!

Okay, I actually was somewhat proud that I kept up the hair/make up during pregnancy. Now I admit I had a few slip ups towards the end, but over all I looked pretty darn good if I do say so myself. Well, those days are OVER! I am a complete mess, and you know what the best part is...I don't care! Mac doesn't care! Eric would probably appreciate a little brushing of the hair, but he's so tired too I'm not sure he has even really noticed all that much. One of my best friends warned me that the 2nd week is tougher than the first, but after the first week I thought "surely this kid is going to be a piece of cake." I even had the audacity to think that other people must be doing it wrong because I have this motherhood thing down! I think I may be being punished for my thoughts =). I don't think he's any worse than any other newborn, but I have never been so exhausted. I even have my Mom here this week and she is pretty much doing EVERYTHING and I still just can't seem to rest! I even took a 4 hour nap today and it didn't seem to help. My mom took a picture of me after my nap...my hair was literally standing straight up, I have bags under my eyes, and have milk running down my shirt (no, I will not be sharing this photo op). Motherhood is the greatest thing and I truly look forward to adding to our family...one day...but I don't think I truly realized just how tough it would be. I guess all the warnings and stories from friends and family didn't quite sink in =)

I do have to say...one thing I am actually appreciative of is that people have been "respectful" in terms of advice. No one, yet, has given unwanted advice or given me the "you're doing it wrong" look...so thank you because at this point it is quite possible that I would snap. It has been a welcome break because when I was pregnant everyone seemed to want to tell me how I should raise him, feed him, burp him, what I should/should not eat, etc. I'm sure the day will come when someone, is is probably trying to be helpful, gives me advice and I will either cry or scream, so let me go ahead and apologize now. And let me also say thank you to my friends who have gone down this road before.....THANK YOU SO MUCH. You have all given me so much encouragement and truly GREAT advice on everything from breast feeding to umbilical cords....again, thank you.

Okay, I'm going to try and sleep until the next feeding so I will talk to you all a little later!

Wanna See It????

Wanna see the cutest belly button ever....I know I'm totally a first time mom, but I can't help myself:

Look at how cute his little belly button turned out =). It's still a little red so we're going to keep up with the sponge baths for a few days, but how could you not just love it! Okay, I totally admit that it is ridiculous that I'm posting about my baby's navel, but I'm running on very little sleep here so cut me a little slack.

I went to the doctor today and everything checks out well! He removed the steri-strips and I am shocked...there is hardly any scar at all! We are only 11 days out! I could not be happier. Here is a picture of Mac and Dr. Irwin. That is basically how he held him when he pulled him out of me I think =). And here is his nurse with him...I love her to death. She is such a sweet heart. All the nurses went on and on about how tiny he was. One of them asked me, "Didn't they tell you he was going to be 8 lbs?" I just laughed. Another nurse told me that the last day I came in before having him they all said there was no way there was a 8lb kid inside of me!

But, the best news of the day....I get to take a LONG HOT BATH TONIGHT! And I mean a HOT HOT HOT bath. Oh, this is going to be so nice.

Here are a few more pics that I just haven't uploaded yet:

It Fell Off!

Appropriately enough Mac lost his umbilical cord on his due date! It was strange because it was 3 am and I changed him and it was still on there. He seemed hot so I just put a new diaper on and put a blanket around him to feed him. When I went to put a shirt on him...there was no cord! I looked and looked but couldn't find it. I finally shook out his blanket and found it.

And I don't feel crazy saying this because I've heard it from other people, but it kind of made me sad =(...that's what connected us!...I know I know...time to "cut the cord" right? My little man is growing up (yeah, all 11 days of him!).

So like I said, today is actually his due date. I wonder how things would have been different if he would have been born today....or would it be exactly the same? He had a rough night last night so I let him sleep on my chest on the couch for a few hours. It's not a habit I want to get into, but I figure it's better than letting him sleep in the bed and having to kick him out eventually...I mean, I don't think I really have to worry that my 10 year old son will expect to sleep on my chest at night =)....Here is a shot of our first baby and of course Mac chill'n on the couch yesterday. Don't worry..mama was ready to strike just in case Heisman tried anything funny =)

I think once Mac is old enough to play with him, Heisman will be so happy...for now I think he just misses the attention...poor thing.

Okay, this may be gross, but last night I was changing for bed and I saw a "string" kind of hanging on the side of my upper right leg....I grabbed at it and realized it was attached to me and it was coming out of where my incision is!!!!! Ewwwwww!!! I don't know if it's supposed to be there or not, but I'm freaked out that my doctor has plans to yank is out or something (shutter). It's definitely suture material so hopefully it's supposed to be there!

Well, I have to go and get dressed and give Mac a bath so that we are presentable for our doctor's appointment today....updates to come!

It's Official

Okay...it's official....Mac is the cutest baby ever! =). Now I know all you other mother's may not agree, but you have to admit he is pretty darn cute! Here are his newborn pics that we did today...how we are going to decide on which one(s) we want I do not know! My heart is melting!

http://www.slide.com/r/2OfqdxYPzD_vK974F1081gBfEimGHJ3k?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

Big News!!!

I almost forgot....but I have to say "congrats" to my sister and her now fiance Travis!!!! He proposed to her on Valentines Day! I am so excited for her. The ring is gorgeous and he is really a great guy. I can't wait to start planning her shower! Plus this means that she's one step closer to having a baby (don't freak out Travis =) ) and that means our kids can play together....yeah!

So here's to the best sister/aunt in the world....congrats BB!

Ouch....

Well, it is 3:30 am and guess who is up?....Mac does not want to sleep tonight. And to make things better...I have mastitis. Can you say OUCH! I thought I was getting the flu or something this morning I felt so bad, but I quickly realized what was going on. I called my Dr. this evening and they called in some antibiotics for me. Supposedly they start working/make the symptoms better within 24 hours so hopefully this time tomorrow I will feel better. I had heard that it was painful, but wow! And it's not just breast pain...you feel achy, feverish, etc on top of the pain. The nurse said the best thing I can do is to keep breast feeding to get rid of it. This afternoon I really thought I might be done with breastfeeding it was so bad, but I'm glad that this will end soon. I am actually kind of enjoying it. Don't get me wrong, there are times that formula would be so much easier, but it's nice to have the time with Mac. Plus, since I'm pumping too I can always just give him a bottle if I'm not feeling up to the task. And of course there's that whole burning calories while I just sit there thing =).
We are doing Mac's newborn pictures tomorrow so I should probably try to go to sleep so that I don't look like I complete mess in the morning! Lets pray Mac is finally sleepy!!!

I miss it....

Okay, as uncomfortable as I was that last week or so of pregnancy....I miss it =(. Mac is a week old today and it kind of made me sad. I was sitting there just looking at him and realizing that he is going to grow up so fast and I don't want to miss anything. In the last week his face has already changed! I know that I am going to absolutely love it the first time he crawls, walks, talks, etc; but all that means that he is not my baby anymore! Oh pregnancy hormones....Again, don't get me wrong, I am so happy that he is here. Who would ever imagine that changing a diaper would be an enjoyable thing, but I love it! I just want him to stay little for a while. I think I may be on a slippery slope. I can completely see myself getting pregnant/having the second one (which is where we plan on stopping) and then deciding on maybe just one more, then a few years later.....you get the idea.

Well, here is a little update on Mac...he is a champ when it comes to eating. I don't know where it all goes, but little man can eat! He chows down. And he is a messy eater too (I think that comes from his mama). He is getting less and less "yellow" by the day so thank God for that. The pediatrician said that his eyes will be the last thing to lose that yellow tint so not to worry if they stay that way for a little while. He's a funny little guy too. He makes these faces and I just wish I could know what was going on inside of his head. I have also decided that he is a daddy's boy. I swear that boy loves his daddy (and the feeling is mutual). Eric took him up stairs today to the media room so that they could watch a few hours of Sports Center/ESPN together. It's so cute. If this kid doesn't like sports it's not because he hasn't been exposed to it. As much as Eric would love for this kid to be a star athlete (what dad doesn't), I think he could decide to be an interpretive ribbon dancer and Eric would beam with pride. As long as he doesn't go to t.u. (ha ha ha)...

I have to talk about Heisman really quick...I feel sorry for him. We are really trying to give him "special" time so he doesn't completely go from human to dog status and just give up on life. We even took him and Mac for their first walk around the neighborhood together today. But I think he knows he's lost his place...but he's hanging on for dear life. He's always been a cuddler, but now, you better expect to have sleeping buddy. He makes sure that he is pressed up as close as possible before we go to sleep. I think he wants me to smell his nasty breath all night so I don't forget about him. The saddest part is that when he gets "depressed" he goes over to his old dog bed and sucks on the sides. Yes, he sucks on his bed. There are these perfectly round circles all over the side of his bed where he has gone to sulk. I'm sure he will be so happy when Mac is old enough to actually play with him.

Now, I have had a few suprises since coming home from the hospital...first of all, I did not swell AT ALL during my pregnancy. No cankles, no puffy face...nothing! I was so proud of me...well, apparently it was waiting until after the baby came! My toes and fingers are puffy and I have a little pitting edema on my ankles! For those of you that don't know, I have chicken legs and I like my chicken legs. I actually LOVE my chicken legs and I miss them! I know they will come back, but I just wasn't expecting this!

Another thing I have learned is that I am a milk cow. I seriously think I could feed a small nation with the amount of milk I'm producing. I am so thankful for this because I have had friends that desperately wanted to breastfeed and couldn't, but I also realize that when it comes time to stop it's going to be BAD! I can pump 2 full bottles (300 mL) every 3 hours. I had multiple doctors, nurses and 2 lactation consultants tell me they had never seen anyone produce that much milk that quick. And not to mention that it's apparently "Blue Bell" quality because it's so fatty. My goal is to give him breast milk until he is 6 months old, but I am hoping to stop breast feeding by the time he is 3 months. I'm hoping our freezer will be full shortly!

Here is one more thing that i have realized since giving birth...I want to take a hot bath so bad!!! Because of the incision from the c-section I can only take showers. I go back to the Dr. on Monday and I'm hoping he'll tell me it's safe to soak myself in some scalding hot water! I think they say not to do it for a month post surgery, but a girl can dream. Even when I was pregnant I wasn't supposed to take hot baths (which I probably got the water a little hotter than I should have on a few occasions) so the first time I can pour those bubbles and soak....well, I may be there for a while. Bubble baths are my guilty please and I am REALLY looking forward to one!

Alright, so I know you are all just dying for a new picture (I'm sure your happiness depends on it), so here are a few for your viewing pleasure!

Here is one of Mac all dressed for his first stroller ride...wanted to make sure he was warm!

Here is one of Eric, Mac, and poor Heisman trying to be one of the guys:

Me and Mac on his first walk around the neighborhood:

Here's a picture of our little yellow man...

Very Sad News

I just found out that Kristi Walker passed away on 2/13/09 after her battle with cancer. It just really hits home with me knowing that she has 3 little boys, the youngest of who was born in October. Please keep her family in your prayers, especially her husband Chuck and the 3 boys. It breaks my heart because I think about Eric and Mac and everything I would miss out on. Please remember them....

Mac's Birth Story

So, my birth story really isn't filled with a lot of drama since we had everything pretty well planned out about a week before, but I still want to share it...and as most people have said, I'm doing this more for me than anyone else =). 8 days before Mac was born Eric and I went to see the Dr. and due to my constant headaches and increasing BP he decided that it would be best to go ahead and plan to have c-section the next week. The hope was that my body would start to prepare for birth and dilate on it's on, but if not we would go ahead and plan the surgery. From the day I found out I was pregnant Eric had said that he was going to be born on February 12th...partly because we got engaged/married on the 12th and of course for the 12th man. When Eric realized that the 12th was only 8 days away his eyes lit up and he suggested that we plan the delivery for that day...I rolled my eyes and said "no way!" Next thing I know my Dr. comes back in the room and says that he has an opening on the 12th and the rest is history =). It was just meant to be! For the next 8 days I prayed and prayed that my body would start to prepare for his birth so that I could avoid the c-section. The thought of having someone cut my stomach open with my awake on a table just did not sound like a good idea. We went back to see the Dr. the Monday before we were scheduled just to check and of course nothing had happened...we were going to do this! I was nervous all week, but not too overly freaked out...that is until Wednesday. All day Wednesday I sat and worried. I cried at the drop of a hat. I was at Hobby Lobby, saw some baby stickers and lost it. Seriously, I was bawling my eyes out in the middle of Hobby Lobby. Eric and I went to dinner at Road House and I got teary eyed as I munched on some bread...it was ridiculous! Eric and I each wrote a letter to Mac just to tell him how much he meant to us and how excited we were to welcome him into our home...and of course I cried! Neither one of us slept too well that night just thinking about how things were about to change forever. The next morning I got up at 5:45am and got ready for the big day. Surprisingly my nerves had all but subsided at that point. I just felt calm. We got to the hospital and went to Labor and Delivery. I got dressed in the lovely gown they provided and answered a million and one questions for the nurse. My sister came back with us and gave us the cutest little bunny rabbit and some Aggie overalls that she made (by the way; I cannot wait for him to wear them!). Before I knew it, it was time to go. As I walked down to the OR I couldn't believe that we were doing this! I got up on the table and met the nicest anesthesiologist who explained the whole procedure for the epidural to me. A nurse came and stood in front of me and I leaned on her as they began. It wasn't bad at all! The worst part really was the numbing medication. There was a lot of pressure and then they were done! I laid down on the table and almost immediately my feet started to feel "hot." Within minutes, everything from below the chest was numb. It was the strangest feeling! I kept trying to move my feet/legs just for the heck of it....and of course that didn't work. I made the Dr.s laugh because I told them I felt like I was in the scene from Braveheart where they disembowel him (arms out/strapped down/about to be sliced open). All of the sudden there was a drape in front of me, Eric is sitting next to me and we were starting. There was so much pressure on my stomach. More than I could have ever imagined. It was very uncomfortable. The anesthesiologist kept saying "You're going to feel a lot of pressure when they get to the uterus." I kept thinking "How can they put more pressure on me!" Before long I understood what he meant. And then I heard the sweetest sound in the world. Who would think that a crying baby would sound so wonderful. They held him up and he was the most beautifully wrinkled little person I had ever seen! I loved him. But there was one surprise....I had been told he would be 7 1/2-8 lbs....he was 5 lbs 12 ounces! He was tiny! I just layed there on the table and Eric went over to be with Mac. I could hear him crying and it just made me relax. Everything was okay. Soon they brought him over to me and layed him on my chest. It felt so strange. This was the person that I had been waiting to meet for so long...and he was finally here! I just wanted to sit up and rock him (which probably would not have been the best idea at the time!). Before I knew it, Eric and Mac were off to meet the rest of my family and I was headed to recovery. I think they must have given me the good drugs then because the rest is kind of fuzzy. It seems like I was only in recovery for a little while before we headed to my room. My whole family was there which was nice and soon little Mac came to join us. It was the most special day of my life. I had said from the beginning that I wanted everyone to leave once they brought Mac in because it would really be my first time to be with him, but it just seemed right to have everyone there. Spending those first few hours with my son and my family was something that I will never forget.
Eric has been amazing. I mean, the guy has jumped at the chance to change diapers! He had planned on going back to work today, but he's going to wait until next week...he loves being a daddy...and he's so darn good at it! There is nothing more attractive than watching your husband take care of a little baby. My mom was actually staying with us this week, but now she's going to come next week since Eric will be here. Let me just say...for the day and half that she has been here...it was been AMAZING! She has done EVERYTHING for us! So thanks Mom!...we will definitely be ready to have you back next week!!!!!
Now a little more on Mac....he looks JUST like Eric. We looked at Eric's baby pictures and there is no denying that child! He's got Eric's blood type (A+) so he's more likely to have jaundice (apparently having a different blood type than the mother puts you at higher risk...I'm O+). We had to take him to the Dr. today because he was starting to look a tad too yellow. I felt better when the Dr. told us that it wasn't just me being a "Mom" and that he really did have jaundice. We have to go back for the next few days to check his billirubin levels, but she doesn't anticipate that we'll even have to treat him...that it will just go away on its own. He's eating more and more and she said that will help to get the yellow out of him quicker.
I am just amazed by him. I could just sit and stare at him all day! He's amazing when he sleeps, eats, poops, and burps!
Now lets talk about breastfeeding....I amaze myself! =). It just keeps coming! It is definitely work. I can see how it would be so much easier to just shake a bottle of formula and stick it in his mouth, but I know it's so good for him and I really do enjoy it for the most part. I am mostly pumping/putting it in a bottle for him because he's having a little bit a trouble feeding, but I think as he gets bigger it will be easier for him.
Okay, I have probably rambled enough for one night...I really need to go to sleep now, but I'm sure I won't!....And for those of you that have asked about stopping by please feel free! We really aren't overly tired/stressed or anything and would love for you to come and meet the little guy!

Happy Valentines Day!

Well, today has been the greatest Valentine's Day! I have my little Mac so I couldn't be happier. Plus, a lot of the soreness has gone away from the c-section. Yesterday I was resigned to the fact that Mac might be an only child because I was hurting pretty bad, but today has been completely different. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't go out and run a marathon, but I've done pretty well. I've been up and around most of the day with very minimal pain. They took out my IV/PCA pump today so no more morphine for me and I haven't taken any pain meds since around 11am so I'm going good. The incision is pretty sore, but as long as I leave it alone I'm fine . Day 3 is MUCH better than day 2! Mac is doing great. He's been pretty easy going...he doesn't cry much and he's caught onto breast feeding so I'm a happy camper =). He does not like being naked (i.e. having his clothes/diaper changed), but other than that he's a perfect little angel. I'm pretty tired, but it has really been a great experience so far. I am so excited to get to take him home tomorrow! I have the cutest little outfit pick out for him! I can't wait to get him home and introduce him to Heisman!

He's Here!!!!

Mac is here! He arrived at 9:58 this morning via C-Section. He is 5 pounds 11 ounces and is 18 inches long....and LOVE him so much! He is absoulutey perfect....Here are a few pics. I will will post more later:

Here It Is

Well, I don't know when I'll post on here again....we go to the hospital in the morning so I may be a little preoccupied for a while. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow night, but we'll see how that goes =)...Thank you to everyone for the sweet comments/phone calls/emails! I can't wait to welcome Mac into our lives!

It's Happening!

Well, it's official....Mac will be here on Thursday! That is so crazy! I went to the Dr. today and I'm STILL not dilated so we're going to go ahead and do the C-section...I can't say that I'm overly excited about how he's coming out, but at least he's coming! I really like/trust my Dr. so I'm comfortable with the decision. Eric of course is over the moon because he'll be born on the 12th =)...more to come...

Countdown...

Sorry, but I'm doing a countdown now....3 days and 12 hours!!!!!!! =) So excited!

Ambien Is My New Friend

I really have not taken ANY medication during this pregnancy unless it was absolutely necessary. Even if it's supposed to be "safe" I just didn't think it was worth the risk. Well, no sleep was worth the risk....I had to call my Dr. to get some Ambien....I could not even function anymore. And let me just say...Praise the Lord for modern medicine! I feel like a whole new person still a very large uncomfortable pregnant person, but much better all the same. Eric said I was quite the entertainer though...apparently I talked in my sleep all night and kept trying to get up so I obviously should not take it unattended. I'm not taking anymore unless I go a few days without sleep, but I just needed to recharge. And I obviously cannot take it once BB gets here...he might appreciate it if I would actually be semi conscious when I'm trying to feed and change him =).


So, the other night when I got NO sleep I was really bored so I decided to video tape the sweet sweet sounds that I listen to each and every night. This is the beautiful melodic symphony that my Heisman puts on for Eric and I each night (and this is nothing by the way.....he was actually very quiet that night):

I have also taken pictures of BB's room...and now that I guess I am posting these I can reveal the little guy's name....Eric McGregor Bethea, II and he will go by Mac! Yeah! I'm so excited to get to say that. I'll probably keep referring to him as BB for a while out of habit. I need to verify with my sister, but since she came up with BB for his nickname I think that's what she should be called! Besides, he'll be able to say BB well before Aunt Melanie! Here are a few shots from his room:

He even has his own framed A&M Jersey just like his daddy's: I really fought Eric on putting a bunch of Aggie stuff in the room, but I have to say..I really do like how it turned out. This is the Benjamin Knox "A is For Aggie" print

We are missing the lamp shade for the football lamp (coming soon) and there will be a vintage football picture from the Saturday evening post that is being framed. It will go right above the dresser. Here is the picture: http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/PD--13864388/SP--A/IGID--2786704/
One of my favorite things in this room! This is Eric's little rocking chair from when he was a baby...I love it!
Well, I guess we are as ready as we are going to be for Mac to come! We are both so excited!

BB Update....

Well, I am going to have a baby next week! Actually, in 6 days! On Feb. 12th (unless he decides to come sooner) we will welcome our son...I am so excited. Unfortunately I will be having a C-Section, but if that is what is best for him then that's what I have to do. If he ends up coming before then I will be able to get out of the c-section, but the Dr. said he doubts that will happen. We go back to the Dr. on Monday and if I am dilated/progressing he will try to induce me, but he said it just doesn't look like things are going to get going by then...Eric is super excited that he will be born on the 12th....as most of you know, Eric is quite the Aggie and he is now convinced that this child will one day play football for Texas A&M (if they keep playing like they did this season I could probably play too =) ). We finished hanging up pictures in his room last night (pictures to come) and put the letters for his name up on the wall so we are ready to go!
I really thought he was going to join us early this morning because I started having REALLY strong contractions around 1 am. They lasted until about 3:30 am, but never got to where they were 5 minutes a part. They eventually just stopped but at that point I was wide awake. I am embarrassed to admit this, but around 2am I got up and took a shower and shaved my legs...they obviously would not have allowed a woman in labor to enter the hospital with prickly legs and dirty hair!....hey, just because I'm in pain does mean I have to look bad! When I looked at the clock at 7 am and realized that I still had not gone to sleep I was not a happy camper. As tired as I am I just can't sleep! I'm going to try to avoid any naps today....maybe that will be better tonight.