So Many Firsts

I can't believe my little baby is 11 days old already. Last night I was staring at him in aw of how 10 days ago he was still in my belly. I thought I wouldn't miss being pregnant, but I kinda do...just a LITTLE TINY bit. I am so glad that he is here now though. We have had so much fun experiencing all kinds of new things for him. Yesterday we went on our first walk in the stroller. He loved it! He never once looked at me, he was so busy turning his head to look at all of the houses. I love watching his big curious eyes check things out. We only went to the end of the street and back, but he had a good time. Today was his first trip to his grammy's house. He loves his carseat surprisingly. He looks wide eyed outside when he's going from the house to the car, but once the car is moving he is out like a light. I went to my mom's to lay out and was hoping to get Mason's feet in the water in the pool. He must have been pooped because he slept the whole time and I didn't have the heart to wake him. We did get some pictures of him on my care bear blankie from when I was little. He seemed to like it. It seems I have been doing laundry every day thanks to my little guys great arch he has when his diaper comes off. I bought these pee pee tee pee's for the wee wee from the maternity store, but keep forgetting to use them. I spent most of my morning scrubbing the nursey carpet after he had a nice little accident. I cannot believe the distance and arch he has for such a little guy. I love watching how much he changes and grows each day. He has really started to fill out in his face, so cute!

Stinky Baby

For the past two days, Mason has sported 6 different outfits. For someone so little and cute, he sure can make a stinky mess. The other morning Jamie was in the nursery changing Mason and I heard a loud toot. (a mason toot) It got really quiet and they were in there forever, so I decided to check on them. I look at them both and then look at the changing table and there was a big pooie mess. It was hilarious. I spent most of that morning scrubbing out stains. After getting a clean diaper on Mason, he tooted again, VERY loud. Me and Jamie were laughing so hard because it was so loud and he is so little. Mason's own face looked shocked at what he'd done. He looked embarassed almost. HaHa! Things are getting so much smoother around the house. Last night was my first evening alone and I got some laundry done and cooked dinner. I'm starting to realize it is possible to get things done around the house AND take care of a baby. Mason sleeps so good for us through the night and has gotten on a pretty predictable routine. It seems like everyday he is changing and getting cuter and cuter. I am so excited for Mason to experience his first fourth of july! (also a little worried) I hope the noise doesn't bother him too much. I know it drives Rosie crazy. Today I bought a scale at Wal-Mart. Me and Jamie both keep saying we are going on diets.......we'll see how that works out. I can't believe Mason is 9 days old already! I've been taking pictures everyday of him because I realize already how fast it all goes by.

Mason's First Doctor's Appointment

Today was Mason's one week check up with Dr. Rose. He was such a good boy through his appointment. Jamie was just commenting on his chubby belly this morning, and boy was he right. Mason now weighs 8.6 pounds! He gained 10 ounces in 1 week! I was very surprised just because I've always heard babies usually lose a little bit of weight after they are first born. Mason was so content and just watched curiously as Dr. Rose listened to his heart and looked at his eyes and ears. He never took his hand off of his pacifier though! Mason has also been sleeping so good for us through the night. We only have to get up once to feed him. He is such a good baby! It was so cute earlier today when he was playing with Jamie he made his first little coo noise. Sooo precious!

My Little Sugar Booger

Masey was playing with Daddy.

Mason's First Bath at Home

Mason had his first bath at home when he was 2 days old. He does not like bath time right now, but he is so happy when it is all over with. I cannot believe my little baby is now 6 days old already! Me and Jamie are getting very good at team work to keep Masey happy. He has his first doctor's appointment tomorrow and that will be his first trip away from home. Our first night home with Mason was very scary. He had really bad gas so he was very upset. We felt so bad for him and felt helpless. His gas drops started to help around 5 am when his Grammy took over. Jamie and I finally got to sleep to sleep from 5 to 10. We were exhausted! Now he is on more of a routine and we are starting to get the hang of things now that we are not so sleep deprived. At first, I was so scared about how hard being a parent would be, now, I feel like I could never do anything more rewarding. I can stare at him for hours just watching his different faces. I love how everything is so new for him and the way he looks when he is taking it all in. I could care less if I ever leave the house again! He has become so much more alert and stays awake longer in the day already. He loves to watch everyone and study their faces. He loves getting kisses. Mason has also built up quite the appetite. It seems like everyday he is eating more and more. There is nothing better than looking into his eyes when I feed him. He is also a great cuddler. It is so cute the way he puts his head on my chest to sleep after he is done getting burped. I just never imagined having so much love for one little person.

Rosie checking out Mason

You can hardly tell Mason is in his boppy chair. He was happy to be home with Mommy, Daddy, and big sister Rosie.

Mason 3 days old Saturday!

Mason was having happy dreams!

Mason loves the car!

The sun was a little bright for his new little eyes.

Bringing Baby Home

After begging Dr. Okie, he let Jamie, Mason, and I leave the hospital a day early. Mason got to come home on Friday afternoon, June 20th. YAY! He loved the car ride. When we first got outside he was so alert and bright eyed. By the time we got home, he was almost asleep. I think he liked all the bumps. He slept for a few hours when we first got home and didn't seem to be bothered by Rosie sniffing all around him. She didn't seem to bothered by him at first, until she realized he was staying for more than a few hours. I almost cried sitting down in my own house finally. It feels so good to be home.

Mason's Great Great Grandma Tedstrom

Aunt Mallory

Aunt Jennifer

Pampa and Mason

Grammy and Mason

Papa and Mason

Nana and Mason

Mason 2 days old!

Happy and tired family

He's Finally Here!

Mason Jayce Lawrence entered the world on Wednesday, June 18th at 6:20 am. He was 7 pounds 12 ounces and 18 inches long. Monday night after having Jamie's parents over for a late father's day dinner, I finally started having regular contractions. Jamie and I were watching Oceans 11 after his parents left and that's when it started. I kept watching the clock to see how regular they were and for an hour they were five minutes apart. All through the movie, I didn't tell Jamie what was going because I didn't want to jinx it. He kept seeing me look at the clock and telling me the movie's almost over. He thought I was watching the clock because I was ready to go to bed. When I told him, he stayed pretty calm and started getting our bag filled with our last minute things we needed. We called the OB to see if the contractions were close enough to come out. The nurse said it was my call so we headed out. We called Rosie's sitter and headed to to the hospital. Dr. Okie said I still was only dialated to a 1 or 2 but thought I would be progressing fast because of my consistent contractions. They started at 11:45pm at home and quit completely at 1 am. So Tuesday morning Dr. Okie decided to start me on Pitocin to induce me. My contractions were getting stronger but were not helping me dialte. Tuesday night I got my epidural and lordy did that hurt. Everyone tells you how great they are but no one shares how much they hurt going in. My anesthesiologist was Dr. Pai, who is the nicest lady ever. She had such a hard time getting mine in because she said it was hard getting into my spine. ouch! Hours later it wore off and i could still feel my left side. soooooooo I got another one and this one was not nearly as painful because I was already half numb. This was sure did the trick because I was on Cloud 9. It was great. Well two different times the pitocin was increased so much that it made my contractions too close together causing the baby's heart rate to go up because he couldn't catch a break. Both times I was put on oxygen and it helped regulate the baby's heart rate. Well Wednesday morning Dr. Okie said I was still only dialated to a 4 and my cervix was still thick and the baby was not dropping farther. I had started to become swollen and the baby was going to be too big to deliver naturally. I was so scared and so upset that I could not stop crying. Minutes later I was being rushed into surgery to deliver by c-section. Scariest moment of my life. When they strapped my arms down to the table I was shaking so bad it looked like my body was having a seizure. Finally at 6:20 Mason arrived and was very healthy. He scored a 9.9 on the Apgar scale. I was very happy everything was okay. The hardest part was having him here and not being able to be with him immediately. As soon as he came out, they took him and Jamie to the nursery while they finished up on me. 2 hours later I finally got to see my baby. I was so happy to see him. Words can't express how relieved I was to have a healthy baby.

Jamie's First Father's Day!

So I thought today was going to be the day! Jamie predicted father's day. This morning I woke up at 8:00 after not really sleeping and was cramping in my abdomen and back for quite a while. I was also starving and decided I wanted to stuff myself before going to the hospital. I had Jamie go get us some breakfast from R&P's and we called our friends that are going to doggy sit for us. We told them we were going to see if the cramps continued and then would call them back. Well...I never had any more action. We decided to lay down in bed and we both fell back asleep. Darn it! This afternoon we decided we should go out of town because then for sure something will happen. We went to Pittsburg for dinner, played some Put-Put, and then went to the movies. I thought watching "The Strangers" would be a scary enough movie to set something off. Nope. We did have a lot of fun getting out of town though. We figure it was our last date ever with it just being the two of us. I gave Jamie his father's day present. He got golf balls from me and Mason and Rosie got him the "new father" Willow Tree Angel to add to our growing collection. He also got a new driver as an early father's day present last month. Everything I do now and everything I eat makes me think, "could this be my labor story" "is this what's going to put me into labor?" You get so much advice from people saying "oh I did this" or "oh i ate this." I keep wondering what my story is going to be. I sound like a brat but "when's it going to be my turn???!!!" Haha. One of my friends was due the 12th and had her baby a few days early and another friend was due today and still hasn't had her baby. I think she is finally feeling frustrated like me. I keep telling myself it will happen in the middle of the night tonight on my actual due date like it happened for Jamie's mom. After coming home from Pittsburg Jamie, Rosie, and I walked around the track for awhile. After a half mile I told Jamie I was done. He thought we did not go nearly long enough but I had to remind him of my extra pounds I'm carrying. Well I guess I will wish myself luck that tonight is the night. I can feel it. I am staying positive.

Eventful Day

Still feeling great today. Nothing new to update anyone on with the baby. Today was a pretty busy day. I did my sister's hair for a wedding she was in earlier. My belly kept getting in her face the whole time. It's funny because I don't realize how far it sticks out until I hit people with it. I guess it's a good thing that I don't feel as huge as I really am. HaHa. This afternoon I went with my dad to Girard for a family reunion. We drove separate in case I felt like I needed to leave early. Good thing because it was a little warm for me. Rosie had a blast running around all day. She met another little doggy friend there and wore herself out. That definitely made the drive home easier with a sleepy puppy. I thought for sure going out of town would be the time I would go into labor. Once again, I was wrong. It was so neat seeing my cousins little babies there. All three of them had boys and they are all very close in age. They are so stinkin cute! It's weird how that side of the family all had boys and my mom's side is nothing but girls. I have heard though that during war time it's common for most women to have boys. Strange... Everyone I know lately has had a boy or is having a boy. After the reunion I came home and rested and then went to a friend's wedding reception for a few hours. I had already sent the bride and groom a card telling them I wouldn't be able to make it because I had assumed that I would have had the baby already. Wrong again. I am glad though that I was able to see them. It's funny how people act like they've never seen a pregnant lady before. I guess people were staring because I am so big. (rude...) At least I am still able to walk in my heels. Maybe they were staring because they were impressed with my skills. Haha! Jamie is mad that I haven't had the baby yet because he wanted out of work this weekend. Sorry babe! Everyone keeps asking how I am feeling and are so shocked that I have nothing negative to say. I honestly do feel great still. That is definitely something to be thankful for. I am ready to call it a night though. Tomorrow is Jamie's first father's day, yay!

Another Maternity Photo

Here are a few of my maternity photos when I was 33 weeks along. Roxie Howard took them for me and did a great job. She is also our photographer for our wedding in October.

Sitting Around Waiting

I cannot believe just 3 more days til my due date...and still no baby :(. Nothing new has been going on and this weekend is a very busy weekend for everyone. My sister has a wedding she is in Saturday and then that night has a bachelorette party that is out of town to go to. Jamie's mom and dad are going to Oklahoma City to help his sister with her new house she just bought. My dad's family has a big family reunion this weekend. I have a friend getting married on Saturday. Oh yeah, and father's day is Sunday. On top of all of this, everyone is scared I'm going to go into labor and they'll miss it. I want everyone, including myself, to just attend everything they planned on doing. I know the minute everyone sits around and waits for something to happen, NOTHING will happen. Me and Jamie have also made the decision that we don't want anyone but me and him in the delivery room before and during labor. Even after labor, we only want our parents there as well as our sisters. I just don't know how I will be feeling. I think I will just be less distracted and able to focus better this way. Our decision was not meant to hurt anyone's feelings or leave anyone out. I'm so excited but I also keep telling myself to enjoy my last few days of a clean house, alone time, and sleep (whatever I am able to get these days). I still feel great although it is uncomfortable sleeping. I think that's pretty darn good for being 10 months pregnant. GEEZ that sounds like forever.

No People, It's Not Twins!

Well nothing new from yesterday. I'm starting to think there is less action now after the Dr. scraped my membranes. Maybe he has some even plot to slow down the labor process. Okay, I don't really think that. Today I got some last minute father's day errands ran and all the gifts wrapped and ready to go. I feel relieved knowing that's taken care of just in case something exciting happens this weekend...like...I finally go into labor! It's hard because I can't plan a father's day dinner or decide on whether I should go to a friend's wedding this weekend because it all depends on what will happen within the next few days. We will just have to wait and see! When I was at Wal-Mart tonight these two guys asked me if I was having twins. I am soooo soooo soooo sick and tired of people asking me that. I don't think I'm abnormally large for being 39 1/2 weeks pregnant! I think it's so rude of people to even have the nerve to say that to a pregnant lady. It would be different if this was the first time someone has asked me this, but no, I've been asked if I am having twins SEVERAL times. RUDE RUDE RUDE. I kinda wanted to cry... My hormones have become crazy in the last trimester. Sometimes when Jamie's at work I can break down into tears because I just love him so much, other times out of nowhere, I will feel like he is cheating on me. CRAZY PSYCHO, yes. Haha, its funny thinking about it now but when I am actually in those moods I am dead serious. Poor Jamie. Good thing he loves me psycho or sane. It's so weird since I've been pregnant how needy I have also become. I used to be one of those people who loved my "alone" time and Jamie would always say we didn't spend enough time together. NOW I never want to be alone, especially being away from him. I can barely stand it when he's at work. Now I am the one that wants to spend every waking moment with him. I'm glad I found someone who can tolerate me. I hope he knows how much I love and appreciate him for everything he does for me and baby!

Something is Better than Nothing!

This morning I woke up with some intense cramping. I laid in bed until it went away and decided to get up. Minutes later it started again. I wondered if this is what labor felt like, I have no idea what to expect. I called my mom for advice and she said that since I had a Dr.'s appointment tomorrow maybe I should just see if they could get me in today instead. After telling the secretary about my cramps, she told me to come in and see the Dr. as soon as I could. Much to my surprise Dr. Okie told me I was actually dialated to a 1 or 2! Wahoo, finally! Here's the gory part: he scraped my membranes to help labor progress. He said I should go into labor within the next day or two. I was so excited to hear this that I had to fight back my tears of joy. He then ordered me to have a non-stress test done to measure the baby's heart rate and watch my contractions. Everything seems to be fine and he told me to go home and rest and eat a bunch. (My two favorite things to do, haha) Apparently contractions can be cramps in your lower back or cramps in your pelvic area. I thought it had to be actual tightening in your stomach. Well this is definitely my first rodeo. Now I guess I am just playing the waiting game...fun, fun. Of course it would happen now since the other two managers at Kitchen Pass are on vacation. I'm glad Jamie's boss is understanding because he promised Jamie a full week off when we have the baby. We'll see what happens. Hopefully my next post will be something more interesting....like announcing the birth of our baby! Wishful thinking!

Given up Hope

So I have officially given up trying to induce my own labor. Nothing has worked so I guess I will sit around and twiddle my thumbs. I've been trying to keep the house clean just in case when I do go into labor, the house is ready for visitors. Well, I know it will probably happen on the day my house is the messiest! Earlier I was having cramping and pains so I got all excited thinking today was the day. When it went away, I started cleaning and getting some last minute things done. I kept waiting for something new to happen. Nope.......nothing more, so I cooked dinner. Nothing has happened since. Darn it! I guess I'll let Mason decide now considering we are on his schedule for the rest of our lives. My new bikini came in the mail today. Depressing for 2 reasons. #1 I thought by the time I got it in the mail I would have had the baby and #2 it was not attractive trying it on 10 months pregnant. I took some pictures of me in it to be funny and thought about posting one on here....but no, I don't have the nerve. HaHa. Maybe I should trash the house and then Mason will want to come out....but I just can't bring myself to do it. Waiting and waiting.....and waiting some more.....

Stubborn Baby

Here in a few hours I will be 39 weeks pregnant. I cannot believe I am still pregnant! Today I planted flowers all afternoon, Mason didn't seem to mind. Last night all I did was google ways to induce labor. Hopefully tomorrow my sister can come over and massage my ankles. She learned something about it inducing labor in school. This weekend I have two weddings and a family reunion scheduled. At this point, I don't think I will be attending. Last month I thought I would be attending with a 2-3 week old infant. Other than Wal-Mart trips, I've become quite the home hermit. I think it would be so embarassing to have my water break in public! Yesterday I learned that my two neighbors are both due at the beginning of July. I think it's crazy how many babies will be in our neighborhood. I am excited for them to all be best buds! Jamie just reminded me that our child could be born on Friday the 13th. I hope not, that's kinda creepy. His prediction is father's day. His mom told us that he was born on his actual due date and I was a month over my due date. Chances are, this baby is not coming a day before schedule. I still feel great so I am very fortunate. Today when we were at Wal-Mart I couldn't help but think, "this could be my last trip to Wal-Mart pregnant." I hope so, I'm kind of tired of hearing, "you haven't had that baby yet?" from people.

Still waiting.....(impatiently)

Well we went to the doctor today and before walking into the office I told Jamie that if Dr. Okie says nothings changed still that I was going to cry. Well...I'm still not dialated at all. I held back my tears in front of the nurse and Dr. because I didn't want to look like a baby. I waited to cry in the car later. Dr. Okie says everything looks good and there's no need to induce so I will probably go to my due date. I guess that's good, I'm just really tired of being pregnant. I should probably not complain considering I don't have swelling or high blood pressure or any other problems. BUT I am tired of waiting to meet Mason. He is a little too comfortable in the womb I suppose. We had the Dr. measure my belly and calculate the baby's approximate weight today. I was waiting to hear like 10 lbs. considering everyone asks me if I'm having twins. Nope, he said 7-7 1/2 lbs. Pretty average. I am almost to run out of things to clean around the house. Everyday I clean as though I might not be returning home for a few days. Plus I am super bored. Two nights ago I ordered a bikini online. I don't know what I was thinking. I will probably cry when I don't see miraculous results after leaving the hospital with the baby. I am trying to prepare myself for a fat stomach with layers of loose skin and stretch marks everywhere. I figure I should prepare for the worst. Sunday I helped Jamie clean out the garage, Monday I played 7 holes, and Wednesday I planted some flowers. No activities are persuading Mason to leave the womb!