Ummmm......he didn't like them.
Now......this is my happy baby.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Birth Story of Jon Hudson
The week leading up to Jon Hudson's birthday was fairly touch and go. I might have expected false labor during the first pregnancy, maybe even the second....but definitely not the third. I was ready to have him before my third trimester even began, so possibly that made things a bit more intense. Twice my body began true labor. Twice it stopped. Once was so convincing that we were calling the sitters for the kids and preparing to call the doctor. The rest of life seemed to fade that week and all I could focus on was delivering that baby!! My sweet mom had come to stay and help as we waited for the day, not knowing for sure, but hoping it wouldn't be long. I'm sure Jackson and Josie were grateful for the attention lavished upon them by Mamma Z since I was quite limited at that point physically in what I could do. I counted contractions with a hopeful heart two nights that week until they abruptly stopped around 2am each time. I had finally had enough and called my doctor the morning of the 21st to move my appointment up. A main topic of concern was that because Josie had come so quickly that this labor was expected to be just as fast.....and since I had a condition that needed 4 hours of IV antibiotics prior to delivery (during labor), calculating this delivery was quite important. Two false starts had frustrated me and we were both worried that when it was the real thing....I wouldn't even make it to the hospital. I had been dilated to 4 cm for a week and effaced to a significant degree so we decided to strip the membranes, walk at the mall, and have this baby!! Jonathan was at work and the kids were at school that day, so Mom and I headed off the the mall. We shopped, had a snack, and I walked like crazy to keep the contractions going. Jonathan joined us from work and it was time for lunch, but I didn't want to stop, I wanted to just keep on going and walk that baby out! So, I got a snack I could eat while walking while he and Mom had lunch. The stares I got from onlookers was priceless. I'm sure the sight of a woman 9 months pregnant power walking through swanky Northpark mall with a cold determined glare, a 44oz Sprite, and a pretzel unnerved a few people :). I think I may have even walked circles around several of them. Keeping the contractions regular was easy while walking around so Mom and I headed to the hospital and called my doctor. Jonathan got the kids situated with several awesome friends who had volunteered to keep them so my mom could attend the delivery. The nurse at the hospital confirmed that I was in "regular enough" labor that we could break my water to assure this one didn't become another dreaded false start. After being admitted to a room, an IV was started with my antibiotics and the resident came in to break my water....I laughed. Jonathan and I promptly told them I wouldn't make it 4 hours for the medication to finish, so they would have to wait. Labor to this point was relatively painless, so Jonathan, Mom, and I just visited while we waited it out. We conceded to have my water broken around 7pm, then the real labor began. It was a quiet process from what I can remember. I had some music playing that helped keep me focused, closing my eyes helped, and I sat up the whole time (surprised because I was most comfortable on my side with the other 2). It was pretty amazing having my mom with me this time. Priceless, really. I can't imagine a more precious moment to share with her than the birth of my child. The most vivid memory that I have of this labor is that I actually don't remember much at all!! It was quick, thankfully, and I think I retreated internally so much from the pain that I had to ask a lot of questions after it was over to get a clearer picture of the night. One minute I was breathing through the pain, and the next Doctor M was telling me I was ready to have the baby. Since I was already in a sitting position she encouraged me to use a squat bar. I think at this point that I must have been sitting on his head (haha) because as soon as I pulled up on it, I pushed twice and Jon Hudson arrived at 9:12 pm. Those two pushes were the most out of control moments of the whole night. I wasn't expecting it all to happen that fast! Immediately I held him on my chest. He was beautiful. Finally, relief. Partly relief that he was here and healthy; partly relief that pregnancy was over... this third time had been exceptionally tough on my body. However, basking in this sweet relief didn't mean that it was time to relax. I sent Jonathan to take Hudson to get cleaned up with the nurse and noticed from afar that things weren't going perfectly. As a respiratory therapist, I recognized that they were treating him for minor respiratory problems. After his respiratory efforts got a little assistance from the therapist in our room the baby nurse gave him to me for him to "transition" instead of just sending him off to the nursery for observation. So glad she did! Research shows that some babies who struggle at first seem to resolve their difficulties with skin to skin contact with mom. He nudged his way around my chest and, without any help from me, he began to nurse. I've read about these babies, even seen video during birth class, but I wasn't a true believer until now. There he was, nature taking control... the way God designed us to be... bonding, surviving....it was remarkable. The breathing problems disappeared immediately. I was truly in awe. Even now, I can turn down the volume of life and go back to that moment and all I can see is this beautiful picture of mother and baby, loving, breathing, living. God has been good to me. He has blessed me beyond belief. His creation of life in relationship with Him leaves me speechless and abundantly thankful.
Friday, January 13, 2012
A day in the life...
Life is full each day...never boring. Jon Hudson is growing fast, mimicking me is his new favorite activity...never knew spitting could be so cute! Josie recently received her second set of tubes and her adenoids removed leading to a surge in her speech development. Poor thing, I think she has been pretty miserable for several months and is now feeling much better! Her favorite saying right now is "NO, I do it!" Jackson is growing into a young man. A sweet one at that. He never hesitates to help me when I need JH's pacifier from the other room or to go check on the mischievous activities of his sister. He is reading (not sure what level) just about anything we hand to him. He amazes his teachers and us as well! As a family, we are waiting patiently for God to open a door for a full time job for Jonathan. He just began a part time position with Global Counseling Initiative and is loving the privilege of working in this ministry. I stay busy each week with a laundry list of activities....loving on the kids, working in the NICU, and yes....a ton of laundry!
Have we mentioned the Nap Nanny? It is the ONLY way we have gotten sleep since the reflux diagnosis!! It is wonderful :)
Just a little Christmas morning excitement....
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Dear Josie
12/22/2011
Dear Josie,
A friend of our family stopped by the house unexpectedly today. He wanted to tell me a story and he asked me to pass it on to you......someday when you are old enough to understand. I'm writing you now, to be sure that it is recorded as I promised.
Our friend is Bob. He is an older man, 90, this year I believe. He has watched you and your brothers join our family one by one and has loved on our family in many ways. We count his friendship very precious. All of you have been held by him as infants and sit in his lap often when we spend time together. Bob lost his wife many years ago, but one of his most priceless memories are the times that he prayed to our Lord with Ora Lee while holding her hands. He misses the touch of her hands terribly, and misses holding hands during prayer just the same. We attend a Bible study together with him, but do not often hold hands during prayer. It is something he longs to do but doesn't experience often. Last night was our Christmas party. We enjoyed food, drink, and fellowship together. We worshiped in song and celebrated together the birth of Christ. You and Jackson and Jon Hudson were a joy to watch and enjoyed the music in each of your own ways. Specifically, you danced and pranced around in the kitchen to each song....even after rubbing your eyes as it was late, you smiled and enjoyed yourself. At the end of the evening we had a prayer. Many bowed their heads and you knew exactly what we were doing. You spontaneously walked up to Bob. You held out your hands and held his while we prayed. When the prayer was over, you looked up at him and smiled. Then you walked away. Sweetie, the Lord used you last night to touch Bob's heart tremendously. He couldn't muster up the right words to express how deeply you touched his soul. He did shed tears, as did I, as he expressed his gratitude for your act of love. You are only 2 right now, but one day, when you are older, I hope it will bless you to know how God used you in your innocence to show His great love for Bob in that moment. Thank you, Josie, for your sweet spirit. Bob loves you, and so do I.
Love, Mom.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Jon Hudson is six weeks and we are surviving :)
A shout out to all those mom and dads who have had a baby with colic! We have a diagnosis of reflux....which they didn't have back then but pretty sure it is some of the same thing. JH has had a rough few weeks....so it has been a bit of a blur for Jonathan and I. Looking through these pictures, though, I am reminded of all the joy still experienced and how wonderfully we have been blessed during this time. Each day seems to bring a new challenge along with a new provision from the Lord. His goodness and mercy follows our family each day.
Jackson and Josie had the privilege of giving JH his first bottle. The adoring looks they are giving him are very indicative of their feelings towards him. It makes my heart warm to see their gentle treatment of him and their precious love they have for him.
Be not deceived by the subdued look upon his face....he HATES baths and tells us so every time. We have given up for now. I just throw him in the shower with Dad for a rinse every couple of days and he seems to tolerate it!
Rare family picture....sooo hard to get us all together at the same time!
Kids had a dress up day for favorite Texas sports teams at school......uhhhhh we were not exactly prepared! Gran Pat had the genius idea to get some Cowboy tats for the day. Ended up being super cute I thought.
Ok, so I'm not a huge fan of the Halloween holiday, but this night turned out to be priceless. The afternoon started out with a traditional pumpkin carving....and yes that is a very sharp knife in my 4 year old's hand!!! Jonathan drew a few options for the face and Jackson picked out his favorite eyes, nose and mouth to create this one of a kind. Special time for the two of them.
Super spooky......
Spider man and Spider girl geared up for the neighborhood trick or treating. We were so excited that lots of families participated with a wholesome, kid friendly celebration. We had a blast going from house to house meeting our neighbors and introducing a safe, fun, non scary version of the holiday to the kids.
Spider-Man is Jackson-Man!
Spider-Girl!
The spoil....
I might just enjoy the spoil more than them :).
Photo shoot
They really do have a sweet brother/sis relationship.
Happy First Halloween Jon Hudson
Monday, October 10, 2011
First Two Weeks...
Words are few tonight....as I have been much more excited about having the energy to vacuum rather than writing a blog!! Ha ha. It is incredibly nice to have some sense of normalcy back to my body and feel like I have motivation to have fun with all 3 of my children :). The last few months have been anything but fun. I am in awe of how much I love this new addition to our family and am collecting my thoughts each day of what to share here on this blog about the experience of adding number three. I am most grateful for all the help our family has had over the past month. We have had grandparents sacrifice sooooo much for us to help make this an easy transition. I am overwhelmed and cannot wait to share all that the Lord has provided for us through Mamma Z, Pappa Z, and Gran Pat!!!!!!! Please enjoy these pictures for now and look for a more completed update soon. We continue to covet your prayers as each day brings new challenges for this family. They are not challenges to big for our God, though.
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