Monday, July 30, 2012

A Tiger's birthday

Well I am a week late in this post but didn't want to not include the very special week we had last week!  Last Sunday we had planned to take Reece, the family, and two of his best buddies downtown to the Tigers game.  Despite the fact that it was almost 100 degrees and I was still in the hospital with Graham, it was a fantastic birthday party.  We will let the pictures do the talking...

Team cheer, getting ready for the game!



 Heading into Comerica Park








Getting ready to run the bases


They were going to slide even though it wasn't allowed


My favorite picture





So while I was so bummed to miss the big party, Graham and I were home just in time to celebrate Reece's real birthday.  It was rather low key but we had a family birthday party at our house on his actual birthday July 25.  The kids had a great time especially with the slip and slide!


Let's get this party started


Continuing with the Tigers theme



Spent some time with Daddy at Sport-way, playing putt putt, racing go carts, hitting at the batting cages, and of course jumping in the dome!



"This is what I wanted most!!!" 


The boys setting up the new hoop





A favorite traditon- looking through the yearly scrapbook Nana makes Reece

Happy Birthday Reece!
You have blessed us everyday with your smile, passion, and zest for life for the past 6 years.  We cannot wait to see what the next year brings us!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Graham is One Week Old!



Wow it is so hard to believe a week ago today Graham came into our lives.  Waiting on him seemed like everyday moved so slow and now that he is here the days are flying by!  

Weight: Graham left the hospital weighing 6 lbs 3 ozs.  The following day we at the doctor and he weighed 6 lbs 2 oz.  The pediatrician was concerned as we were also in the hospital because Graham had lost over 10% of his weight since birth.  So his doctor told me to start supplementing after each feeding, which I had been pumping in the hospital,  and to make sure he was eating every two to three hours.  We returned for a weight check yesterday , July 25, and Graham gained an ounce in a half, he now weighs 6 lbs 3.5 ozs.  Who knew we could be so excited about an ounce and half!!

Health:  Well Graham was not discharged with me because he became very jaundice.  Needless to say we quickly learned a lot about jaundice and while it was an extremely emotional 24 + hours we knew that he was being well taken care of.  Come to find out Graham and I have different blood types, as well as being born 2.5 weeks early , he was prime for jaundice.  The pediatricians at the hospital said over 70% of babies have jaundice but much fewer have to have light therapy.  So after numerous blood tests Graham's billyruben numbers continued to elevate enough that he was going to need light therapy. This was the reason he was not discharged.  Holy cow the range of emotions, I never anticipated anything like this.  Graham had to remain under the lights with his eyes covered and nothing but his diaper.  We were not able to hold him or take him out except for his feeding and those could not exceed 20 minutes.  Hello hormones, telling a new mom I can't hold my baby!  Lucky they allowed us to stay for one night because Graham is exclusively breastfeed.  He was under the lights for about 12 hours then tested and because of his levels he was taken off.  Sitting on pins and needles we had to wait to make sure his levels didn't elevate back up after 8 hours of being off the lights.  A little over 24 hours after my discharge , the doctor came in to tell us Graham was going home.  We couldn't be more ecstatic!!  Since being home he has been to the doctor twice, other than trying to get his weight up and still slightly elevated jaundice levels ( nothing worrisome though), Graham is health and doing great!


Sleep:  Graham pretty much sleeps non stop except for his feeding.  The past two nights he has also decided that 4 am is a great time to coo and be adorable.  While Gregg and I are both tired neither of us want to put him down especially when he is awake!

Clothes:  Well he has very few, that fit him that is.  He is swimming in newborn sizes.  Honestly since we have been spending a lot of time at home he is usually just naked which I cannot get enough of.  Just like Reece, he is such a hair little guy so when he is naked I get to soak in all the darling little creases, dimples, and hairs all over him!

Visitors:  We have had a few visitors come by.  Graham was able to meet almost my whole side of the family in the hospital.  Also my best friend Brittany, Rachel and a few of the neighbors have come by.  We have loved showing him off to people and celebrating especially because the first few days of Graham's life were filled many scary moments.  As I was telling my mom, Nana, we have waited such a long time for this, we really just want to celebrate Graham and enjoy every moment with our friends and family.  
Graham getting some love from his Auntie Leah and cousin Aly

Diet: I am nursing so milk, milk, and milk.  Fingers crossed, we know that Graham can take a bottle quite well already because I have been having to supplement after his feeding.  ( This was something I swore I would not let happen again after Reece wouldn't take a bottle, EVER)

Baby Gear:  Something which we cannot live without is the IPhone application Baby Connect.  It is an easy way to record everything from his diaper changes, feeding - how much he ate, which side, act, even when I last took my pain medication, or doctors appointments.  Definitely a must considering our lack of sleep and baby brain!
Something else which Graham is loving is the Nap Nanny.  While they say baby's are not suppose to sleep in them, at 4 am in the morning and none of us have sleep, Graham goes in the Nap Nanny and is perfectly content. 
Finally the Aden and Anais swaddle blankets.  I didn't understand all the fuss about them until now having a newborn.  Definitely a must!  In one week I have used to cover while nursing, a car seat cover, a swaddle, and even to change his diaper on until our changing pad cover arrives.

Milestones:  First and foremost bringing Graham home from the hospital.  It is so nice to all finally be a family.  We were also excited to introduce him to Presley and just as we would have expected Graham got a full licking and now has a shadow in the form of a yellow lab!  Graham had his first and second doctors appointment this week.  Finally, Graham arrived just in time to help celebrate his big brother birthday.  As Reece told us "  God planned it so Graham turned 6 days old on my 6'th birthday!"

Leaving the hospital on a very hot 100 degree day!


Home Sweet Home!

One very proud Big Brother with Graham on his first night home


Presley doesn't take her eyes off of him


Postpartum: Overall I feel really good although find myself most sore by the end of the day.  Also my ankles are swollen to cankels for sure!  While the nurses at the hospital said this is rather normal, I was not swoolen in my ankles during pregnancy nor did I experience anything like this with Reece.  I am ready to see my ankle bone again!
Something I am struggling with are clothes to wear for nursing.  I am just not up for putting my maternity clothes back on and while some of my regular clothes fit, the nursing thing throws a wrench in on what I can wear out in public.  I am thinking I need to stock up on sundresses or tanks/ shirts which pull per easily.

So while we have only been home for three days , this week has been amazing for so many reasons.  I was an emotional mess while I was pregnant and now to finally meet this little being, it was all worth it.  Graham is nothing short of amazing.  I have loved every minute of getting to know him.  I am sure it is going to take some time to all sink in but I can't wait for every moment.  I guess it is only natural to have expectations of how things would go with Reece and I have to say it is nothing like I expected.  I knew Reece would be excited but I never though he would be so engaged with Graham.  He always wants to talk with him, see him, know where he is, or just touch him.  Then there is Gregg.  I certainly could not be doing this alone.  Since we got home Gregg has been so supportive.  He wakes up every feeding or fuss Graham has.  He has been home with us most of the week which has been awesome or takes Reece outside for a quick soccer game while I have my hands full!  It makes me fall in love with him all over again watching him as a dad.  I am certain there will be many challenges ahead of us but for the moment I am trying to soak it all in and enjoy every moment even at 4 am!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Happy Birthday Reece

Where has the time gone!  6 years ago today we welcomed Reece Philip .  He was born at 2:21 pm and weighed 7 lbs 15 oz.  We were so in love, excited, scared and ready to start this journey together.   It has been quite a journey!  Gregg and I say all the time we never knew we could have a son like Reece. He amazes us everyday with his wonder, passion, and excitement for life.   Our lives are definitely more complete and fulfilled in the past six years then we ever knew possible.  We look forward to the next journeys ahead and are sure if these six years are any clue as to what lies ahead, we are in for quite a ride.
Happy Birthday Reece, WE LOVE YOU!!






Sunday, July 22, 2012

Graham's Birth Story

     It has been a whirlwind of three days filled with so many emotional ups and down but through it all we finally have everything we hoped for, Graham Edward.
     So as we entered last week I was ready , uncomfortable, and incredibly anxious to have this baby.  I hadn't slept well most nights but especially Saturday going into Sunday.  So Sunday morning we were having Tea at the Townsend to celebrate my Mom's birthday and a belated Mother's day.  I woke up with a headache and a lot of contractions.  However, I still went on hoping that by going to tea the day would pass quickly.  By days end I was at Botsford hospital because my blood pressure was very elevated. While I didn't think I was in labor I knew there was a chance that they could keep me because of my blood pressure.  Truth be told,  I was hoping that this would happen, as we were ready to finally meet this baby.  Well,  they sent me home.
     Monday came and I went to my regular weekly visit with Dr. Speier.  I again was hopefully for progress or at least an end date in sight.  Needless to say I left there in tears because all she told me was "you are my best OB patient right now".  My blood pressure was back to normal, my weight gain minimal, and my sugars were also great.  She told she was going out of town on Thursday July 26 and wouldn't be back until Aug. 4.  Because I was doing great she had no reason to schedule a c section prior to 39 weeks which was the day she was heading out of town.  So, the only option it left me was to an anmnio test on Monday July 23 in hopes that the baby's lungs would be mature and Dr. Spier could section me.  However,  it also left the possibility that would not be the case and then I would have to go into labor on my own and be delivered by another doctor.  So,  disappointment was an understatement.  While I know that the baby's health is my #1 priority it has been a very long road and quite honestly I was ready to have a baby in my arms.
     So fast forward to Thursday... I had a non stress test scheduled for 10 am because of the high bp.  She ordered up blood work and when she was leaving after another BP check said to me "if you leave today".  Panic began setting in, I was dying to reach Gregg.  At this point it it me I am sitting in labor and delivery completely alone and we have a problem, little did I know.  So someone comes in to draw my blood and within minutes the heart rate monitor is completely quiet.  In walks the nurse and asks me to roll on my side, still nothing but she is reassuring me things are okay.  A few minutes later two doctors walk in.  High blood pressure, panic, those are understatements.  I knew in my heart that the baby's heart rate stopped for what felt like forever.  But within a few minutes the baby's heart beat picked back up and was back to sounding great.  So the two doctors informed me they were going to call Speier and see what she wanted to do.  Someone got me a phone and I was able to call Gregg.  All I could get out to him was that he needed to get to the hospital immediately.
     Throughout this whole pregnancy Baby Matthews has been a fighter.  There have never been any issues with the baby, it has all been about my body and capacity.  Yet to think that now the baby was having an issue my heart was racing.
       Before I knew it IV's were being put in, I was admitted within minutes, I was swallowing down who knows what kinds of meds, compression socks were being put on, I was being fully prepped "just in case".  All I keep saying was I hope Gregg is going to make it.  With all we had been through in 38 weeks he has been the one to remain strong and pull me through, I needed him more than ever and I couldn't even reach him.  I was able to pull myself together enough to ask with a giggle "I don't even know what the date is today?"  Dr. Kaplan responded with " Its a great day to have a baby!"  This was it, everything we had been waiting for.  All the years and struggles to expand our family and here it was  Thursday July 19.  Right around 11:15 am I walked myself back to the OR and sat on the edge of the table waiting for a spinal to be administered but still no Gregg.  One of the nurses had my cell phone for pictures just in case.  Everyone in labor and delivery assured me he would be there and they would have him back with me immediately.  One of the doctors stood by my side the entire time, I hugged her while my spinal was administered, she wiped my mascara as I cried and she was constantly reassuring me that I was definitely not alone.  While I was so incredibly grateful for their love and support what I really wanted was my husband.
     As the prep for Baby Matthews continued I heard someone holler that "he is here", within a minute person after person came in and told me your husband is here.  OMG to grab his hand and have him lean down to give me a kiss , I knew at that moment everything was going to be okay, this is what we have been waiting for, now let's finally meet this baby.
     Within maybe ten to fifteen minutes after a lot of tugging, Dr. Speier told us we have a head, then " ITS A BOY!"  Gregg and I both instantly started crying and shared that amazing moment.  Gregg looked at me and said "Graham" "he looks just like Reece".  It wasn't long after that that I was able to look behind me and see our son.  He had so much hair.  Graham weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.  To say he is perfect doesn't quite fit.  Graham is everything I had spent the last months dreaming about, thinking about, and wishing for.  He is a perfect combination or Gregg, Reece, myself and his own little man!  After his birth my OB informed us that not only did Graham have the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck but more dangerous was that he had a knot in his cord.  Clearly God was watching over us and Graham!  He truly is a blessing !!!

 One very proud Dad


Meeting Graham for the first time, up close


Graham Edward Matthews
July 19, 2012 born at 12:15 pm

Friday, July 20, 2012

Graham Edward Matthews









While yesterday was nothing that we expected, Graham is everything we could have hoped for!  We are completely in love with this little guy and excited to introduce him to everyone!

Dear Baby Matthews

Dear Baby Matthews,
      It is hard to believe that any day we will be meeting you for the first time.  I feel like I know you so well already.  I have felt every movement, know when you kick me with a leg or an elbow, or roll over, or even when you get the hiccups.  We have formed quite a bond and despite not knowing if you are a boy or a girl, what color your hair or eyes are, or who you will look like I am already completely in love with you!
       It definitely has been a difficult journey to get to this point and as we had our first false alarm on your arrival earlier this week, Daddy and I spoke about how four months ago we didn't even know if you would make it.  You have shown us that you are such a fighter already.  We hope you will know every day how badly we have fought to have you in our lives and how much we love you.  There are so many people who already love you and cannot wait to meet you.
      We have so much to look forward to and Reece has big plans for you, like our family soccer teams, going for bike rides, taking you for your first boat ride, introducing you to Pressley, and learning about the boys club ( which he says you will of course be a part of even if you are a girl, because you are HIS sister!)  He told me a few days ago " I have had to wait for 6 years to be a big brother!"

      Mostly we look forward to seeing who you are and who you will become - what makes you laugh, what makes you sad, your dreams.   Who will be your favorite baseball team?  Will you be a skier or a snowboarder?  Will you love to be cuddled and rocked or want your own space?  Will you have your Daddy and Reece's pointed fingers and toes? Will you have a lot of hair just like your brother did?
      While everyday seems like an eternity until we are able to meet you, we know that you are growing stronger and healthier each day!  Excited is an understatement  and while your nursery is ready, diapers are waiting, onesies and bottles are washed we know that when you decide to make your debut our family will be complete!  We cannot wait to finally meet you,  hopefully it will be VERY SOON!


We Love you,
Mommy , Daddy and Reece