It's December and I'm behind on my blogs again. I guess I have a good excuse, our little bundle of joy arrived Sunday, November 17th and we've been getting used to having three boys around the house ever since.
Eager to help put lotion on Tucker after his bath.
It's harder keeping the older two out of the tub than it is bathing the crying newborn!
It all started the Friday before he was due. I woke up that morning feeling like this baby was going to be late, and kinda happy about it. Since it was Friday I decided that the baby should just wait until next week to come so that we could have one last weekend of fun before our lives changed forever (again). So we went about business as usual that day, preparing for a busy weekend, that included two birthday parties and church on Sunday.
Saturday morning came and we all got ready, loaded up with extra clothes and things so that we could stay in town all day, and headed to town. We had a birthday party at the park that morning, and another one in Wichita Falls that evening for Ella Hyde. I had asked the Dr. if I could go to Wichita Falls and he said no because it was too far and too close to my due date. But I was feeling fine so I decided that we should go, which made Dalton pretty nervous. The Hydes are good friends and we always want to take advantage of opportunities to hang out with them.
The first party went great, then we grabbed a bite to eat and headed out for one more errand before we left town. Our plan was for the boys to nap all the way to Wichita Falls, but that did not happen….which created a little anxiety. We know how the boys can be without naps.
As we drove to the party Dalton kept looking at me any time I'd move or make a noise, afraid I was going to tell him I as in labor. We made it to the party and had a GREAT time. The kids did so good, no meltdowns and we got to have a good visit with friends. We were the last guests to leave and as we were loading up Rob asked when I was due. I told him Tuesday and he said "Get on the road then!" afraid I'd go into labor at his house.
We made it home and got in bed, tired from the good day. I slept great until about 3:30, when I felt a little something happen. Then about 5 another little something. When I got up it happened again and I was wondering if my water had broken or if I had a leak. Knowing something was up, we got ready for church with a feeling that we wouldn't be home that night. We loaded up my bag and the baby bag, called Mom and Dad to let them know and I kept waiting for contractions to start. By the time we left I was having some mild contractions that were somewhat regular, but nothing that convinced me I was about to have a baby. On the way in I debated whether to go to the hospital to get checked out or not. I did NOT want to get stuck in the hospital all day while not in real labor. Finally I called a nurse friend of mine and asked her. She said I needed to go to the hospital because it could have been my water breaking. Either way she said to go in. With a disappointed attitude I relayed the message to Dalton and we changed course from our church to Popsey and Mere Mere's to drop off the kids. They were excited to take them and eagerly asked if today was the day. We shrugged, maybe so, and headed off to the hospital.
About the time we pulled in and parked it happened. My water broke….big time. It was a weird and not so comfortable experience. By the time we got into the hospital I had Dalton walk behind me so he could hide the evidence and I was so glad we hadn't gone to church. We waltzed into labor and delivery and told them the news: "Hi, my water just broke and I'm having mild contractions about 12 minutes apart. I'm due Tuesday." They took me to a room, checked me in and the fun began…by fun I mean needles and monitors. The worst part of both of my previous births has been the IV, and it was the same in this case too. Once they got that in I was a little relieved. That is until they told me that my contractions were too mild, and since my water had broken they had to induce me to get things moving. I was so disappointed and had a bit of a gripey attitude for a bit….this was supposed to go like Ace's, fast and hard and over in a couple hours. Instead I was facing a long day of labor, with an epidural and lots of bed time. Dalton, the good husband, reminded me gently that the point is to have a baby and that we were having a baby today and that's the important thing. That helped me keep my focus on the right thing and we moved on. Once I got my head wrapped around the fact that our baby was going to arrive that day I got excited and on board with the plan. It also helped me feel better hearing that I was the 3rd case that day in which our water broke without being in actual labor. The nurse blamed it on the barometric pressure, and others on the full moon. Either way, it gave me hope that if we are blessed with another baby we might not have to do it this way again.
The Dr. came to give me my epidural, which was uncomfortable but not so bad, and then it was sit back and relax time. I listened to my baby's heartbeat whoosh whoosh whoosh, enjoyed watching the contraction monitor rise and fall with no pain, and texted my friends to keep them updated. Mom and Dad were on the road and Mere Mere and Popsey brought lunch for Dalton, along with the boys. The morning passed, and then the afternoon and I was moving slow. My nurse for the day was so nice and wonderful and made the whole experience more enjoyable. She was excited that we didn't know whether the baby was a boy or girl, and she kept calling the baby a girl the entire day. This, combined with other people's confidence that it was a girl got us to thinking again about names. We still couldn't decide on a name or even a couple. As the time got closer we weren't sure what we'd do if it was a girl.
Mom and Dad arrived, we all visited and then about 6:30 they all went to the waiting room so we could get down to business. I was ready to push about 6:30 and at 6:39 our baby BOY was born. It was a neat experience as we prepared for one last push that would tell us boy or girl. When the Dr. said "It's a boy!" I let out a little squeal and Dalton looked really pleased. I wonder now what our reactions would have been if he'd have said girl? They put our little guy on my chest and we looked him over. He looked a lot like Cooper but much bigger. After Dr. Cawley delivered him, he said that he thought he was an 8 pounder, and sure enough he was 8 lbs 8 ozs ans 21 inches long. The doctor, nurse and us were all shocked at how big this guy was. He must have been wedged in my belly tight!
All stretched out under the warmer
After they cleaned him up and got him swaddled we marveled at our new little guy and let the boys meet him. They liked him. Ace kept saying "baby" and pointing at him. Cooper looked him over and started calling him Tucker, even though we hadn't named him yet. It was a sweet moment. Once they left, grandparents visited, as well as a couple of friends that had stopped by. Then we sent the boys to the house with GG and Papa, while Mere Mere and Popsey got some food for us. We ate and admired the little guy, still not sure what to name him. At this point I was leaning towards Benjamin because I think he looked like a Ben. Honestly I still thinks he sorta looks like a Ben, but he'll be a good Tucker.
My guys!
Biggest brother Cooper. He was curious about his belly and asked
when he was getting a belly button and why his belly button was so tall.
That night was long and a little nerve racking. My night nurse was a bit loud and gruff and very insistent on strict feeding schedules. I got in trouble once because I didn't feed him when she thought I should. I was glad to see the sunrise. The next day was filled with lots of visitors and getting used to having a newborn again. This time around we were a lot less anxious about everything. It all came back to us easily and it helped that our little guy is very easy to get along with.
I really like this picture. He's so awake and peaceful.
"The brothers" were happy to see donuts when they came to visit.
And balloons are always a good distraction.
We went back and forth about names, trying to decide what to name him. It finally came down to Cooper….he was already calling him Tucker so it seemed that it was already his name. So we went with Tucker; it fit with Cooper and Ace well, and I had wanted a Tucker since before I had Cooper, so it was meant to be. With the name chosen we spread the news and greeted more visitors throughout the evening. We also sent the boys home with GG and Papa that afternoon….I was a little nervous because I knew I'd miss them terribly but also knew it was a good thing for them and for us.
The next day we finally got to leave the hospital about lunch, stopped at Walmart for some diapers (we're so prepared) and headed home with our bundle…Tucker Carb Pitcock. The next couple of days were spent basking in the glow of having only one child at home. It's amazing how easy one child is!! Tucker is a very laid back boy. He eats well, sleeps pretty well and is generally easygoing. I'm thankful for this blessing after a very challenging Ace! We looked at him, held him, took pictures of him and enjoyed the sweet snuggles.
By Thursday I was ready to get my boys back. Mom had sent me some pics each day of their adventures and I knew that they were having fun, but I was ready to have my family back together again.
Swords, trucks and creek adventures. Who would want to leave?
They even got to make sausage with PawPaw. Ace liked talking to us on the phone.
Exploring all the places that Garrett and I played when we were kids.
Friday she and Rachel thought about heading this way, but instead ice and snow blew in. I looked outside at the winter wonderland and panicked, hoping that the boys wouldn't have to stay there all weekend. I needed my Cooper and Ace! I talked to Mom Saturday morning and she said they weren't sure if they should come that day or wait until Monday and I started crying…what a baby!! I felt a little silly but also grateful for the deep love God's given me for my kids, a blessing in itself. It makes me imagine how brokenhearted God is when we stray from Him; His greatest desire is for us to come home to Him so He can wrap us in His arms. LOVE. Anyway so after my crying spell Mom and Rachel said they were for sure coming that day and so we waited anxiously all day for them to arrive. They arrived at 3 and I think both boys had grown while they were gone. I hugged them and hugged them and followed them around loving on them; it was so good to have them back.
Paige and Aunt Ray Ray checking him out
They brought a new game for the boys, which kept them busy!
Had to include this picture because of the TV forecast in the background.
It was also so good to have Rachel and her kiddos (but we missed Parker) visiting. I miss seeing them and having them come all this way for a visit with their busy schedules meant so much. We had tortilla soup for supper, played Uno and watched Planes that evening. I love having a full house and we definitely did that night. I convinced them to stay the night and we all found our sleeping spots…Ace with Mom, Rachel and Paige on couches and the boys in sleeping bags on the floor. The next morning they left really early because the weather said it was going to sleet again (but it didn't) and we started our days with a family of 5.
Pearson reading to Ace. Ace had his goggles on, ready to go.
Since then it's been going so well. People keep asking me how it's going and honestly I say great and mean it. Yes, it's crazy and busy and a little chaotic and little sleep is normal. No I don't get anything finished in one try and there have been more piles than usual, but we are all getting along good, loving each other and getting used to the change. I think it hasn't been so hard because I function better when there's a lot to do. It helps me to stay focused and not get lazy. When I don't have as much to juggle I'm tempted to just not stay busy. We'll see if this keeps up!
First night with all three. They were giving him night night kisses.
And this is what happens when you are distracted with a baby while the other two play quietly.
They had de-stuffed a puppy dog and were 'skating in the snow' as they put it.
I have to say, after having three kids now, that I believe children are more of a blessing than ever before. I tear up when I think of those who are trying so hard to have kids but can't, and I tear up thinking of those who are having kids for the first time, and I tear up thinking of those kids who still need homes. I hope we can make a difference in this world and I know that it starts with me making a difference with my kids, teaching them how to live and love God, and learning myself how to be a good mom. Then we can better help others that need it.
Welcome to the world Tucker Carb, we're so very excited to have you in our lives!
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you my overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
I think this verse will be Tucker's. I love praying for him to have joy and peace in Christ, and he's already brought joy with his peacefulness to our home!
