Graham is Two Months Old

Graham Ryan, you are two months old! You weigh 12 pounds 3.5 ounces and are 23 1/2 inches long. You smiled for the first time on May 31 and laughed on Father's Day! Your dad and I about melted when you laughed for us. You still don't like naps and are happiest in the mornings. You wear size 3-6 month clothing and wake usually between 2:00 am to 3:30 am to nurse. 

You do great in the carseat 

Still love walks 

you give the biggest smiles after nursing..guess you like having your belly full! :)

those hands are so tasty!

Happy two months, baby boy!

Dear Graham

Dear Graham, 

Where do I even begin? I've dreamed of being a momma for as long as I can remember and you, my sweet boy, have made me just that. 

When your dad and I found out you were on the way I just knew you were going to be a boy. We wondered what you would look like (I secretly hoped it was me :) ), if you would be strong willed like your mom or an easy going guy like your dad. And before we knew it, here you were. 

In the past few weeks that you've been here, I have stared at every one of your features hoping to memorize each eyelash, elbow wrinkle and that sweet baby smell.  Call me a crazy mom, but I know that in the blink of an eye we will be sending your to kindergarten and then college. Time has seemed to fly by already and unfortunately, I know these precious days will not be around for long. 

 It has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined to watch your daddy with you. One of his favorite things is the way you stretch when you wake up. I love watching him talk to you and he even started a prayer journal that will one day be yours. 

As for me, you have changed my life in so many ways. Before you were born I thought I had some idea of what being a mom would be like. I was so wrong. 

My heart was not prepared for the love that I would have for you. I want to be the best that I can be all for you. And I find myself constantly in prayer for you. 

I pray that you would have godly friends and adult examples. I pray for your dad and I to have wisdom to raise you to be a respectful, kind, Jesus loving boy. I pray for the woman that will one day become your wife. But most of all, I pray that you would love and seek Him with all of your heart. 

How lucky we are to have you as our son, Graham. We love you more than you could ever imagine.

Always, 

Momma 

Graham's Birth Story Cont...

The moments after finding out I was going to have a c-section were a blur. I was taken back to the operating room where they prepped me for surgery and from the minute I got to the OR to the time G was born was around 30 minutes. The anesthesiologist was new to Arlington Memorial and commented that its as the fastest c-section he had ever seen. My doctor commented back that she had done quite a few of them. :)

Graham Ryan Dudley was born at 9:13 p.m. weighing 7 lbs 15 1/2 oz and was 20 3/4 in long

I'm not sure if it was due to all of the medicine, physical exhaustion or just a combination of both, but I was pretty emotionless when Graham was born. I remember the doctor holding G over the sheet,  Ryan saying how much he looked like my dad and being relieved after hearing his first cry, but other than that I don't recall much else. At one point I even remember thinking that it would probably be appropriate for me to smile. Of course, I was so excited that our boy was here, but my emotions just seemed to have left me. 

After getting stitched up they wheeled me back to the recovery room where I finally was able to get a good look at our sweet boy. 

Our families were able to come back shortly after I got back in the room and seeing Ryan proudly show Graham to them was so special.

Our hospital stay was great (except for one night when G cried ALL NIGHT. I'm pretty sure Ryan wanted to give him back haha) and we had lots of loved ones come visit.

We finally headed home Thursday afternoon and were so glad to be back!

Welcome to the world, Graham! We are so glad you're here! 

Graham's Birth Story

The day had finally arrived...we would finally get to meet our sweet baby boy! After only having two sonograms (at 9 and 18 weeks) and opting to not have the 4D, we were so anxious to see what G would look like. 

My parents came in town Sunday evening and we were scheduled to check into the hospital at 6:00 a.m. 

Do I look tired/swollen or what? Ha!

Ready to meet G-man! 

We arrived at L&D right on time only to be greeted by a nurse letting us know that she "didn't have us down to arrive until 7 and that right now they were swamped." Apparently they had several women come in with some emergencies/gone into birth naturally and let's be honest, when you are being induced you get pushed to the very end.

Ryan and I got settled into our room and around 9:00 a nurse finally came in to get my pitocin started.

(I would also like to make note that we were conveniently placed in a room across from a lady who was in full blown labor without an epidural. We heard every scream, moan and word she said. Hearing someone scream, "get this baby outta me!" is not exactly reassuring. Ryan tried to convince me we should just head back home and come back another day. haha)

Once they got me hooked up to the machines and let me know I was having a contraction I realized that I had actually been having them for several days. Because G had been so active my entire pregnancy I had mistaken those moments of discomfort as him just kicking.

At around 11:00 I was beginning to have contractions a little closer together, but still feeling pretty good.

Around noon my doctor came in and broke my water. After this point the contractions really picked up and were much more intense. Once I dilated to a 4 I was able to get my epidural.
That thing really is as good as they say. Unfortunately, my contractions still weren't at our goal of 2 minutes apart, so the nurse decided to back off of the epidural a bit. We continued backing off of the meds until my legs no longer felt like slabs of meat and I was able to once again start feeling the contractions.

It was around this point that I started getting sick. Man did I regret those popsicles.

At 6:30 I was dilated to a 10 and it was time to push.
I pushed. and pushed. and threw up. and did crazy positions. and pushed some more and still no baby.

(the vomiting while trying to push a baby out was definitely one of my finer moments in life)

After an hour, Graham still had not progressed any farther down and while the nurse could feel his head, she told Ryan that she just didn't think I was going to be able to have the baby. He was face up and I was too small. My doctor said to keep pushing. So we did.

Ryan was amazing throughout the whole process. I'll admit that going into the delivery I was more worried about him than me, but he was my rock. Macey was also in the room with us and her eyes will never be the same. :) She was also such a big help and it was great to have her in there to keep my family updated via text.

After another hour with no progress the decision was finally made that I was going to have a c-section. At this point it was around 8:30. I had the most wonderful nurse and although her shift ended at 7:00 she stuck around and even went into the operating room with me. Without a doubt, I believe that God had his hand on the entire situation. Although I went into the hospital that day never once considering that I would have anything other than a normal delivery, He knew that things would turn out differently. Tara, our nurse, was wonderful and I am so thankful He placed her in our lives.

When Dr. B came in and said that it looks like I was going to have to have a c-section, I was devastated. I know many, many women have them every day, but that was not my plan. (you'd think I would have learned my lesson about this planning stuff by now) I felt as if I had let myself and Ryan down for not being able to have Graham (crazy, I know) and I just was not prepared for surgery. But regardless of whether I was ready or not, it was time for G to make his entrance.

To be continued...

Weeks 34-39

I'll be honest, after week 33 I just didn't have it in me to keep up with my weekly bump date. I probably wouldn't even have these pictures if it weren't for Ryan making me. (thanks, babe!) 

So since I didn't keep track weekly, I'm going to try and recall exactly what was going on as I finished growing this baby! Week 34 I began going to my appointments every two weeks. Appointments were quick and easy; my blood pressure was taken, I weighed in, doctor measured my belly and listened to G's heartbeat. I was still feeling pretty good weeks 34-36, just tired and getting ready to see our little guy. I was having a lot of pain on my right side under the ribcage, but the doctor attributed that to Graham having his foot pushed against my liver. 

At my 36 week appointment Dr. B estimated Graham to be at around 6 lbs and thought that when he was born he would weigh about 7 1/2 lbs. Her exact words were, "he's not going to be a big boy, but he won't be a string bean either!" She was also able to feel my stomach and tell that he was head down. We also discussed options for induction if my due date was reached. After week 36, I began going in weekly for check ups. 

Week 37 appointment was a dud. Since I hadn't had any contractions, she decided not to check me. (I also sat in the room naked from the waist down for an hour and a half because she had to go deliver a baby. fun stuff)

At week 38 I was 80% effaced and dilated to a 1. Still no contractions.

Week 39 was a big week! I was still dilated to a 1 but almost 100% effaced. Dr. Bergstrom surprised me by asking how I felt about being induced the next week. She felt like I was ready and this way we would know that she would be there for the birth. Umm..yes, please! I was ready to have this baby. My doctor's appointment was on a Tuesday and my induction was scheduled for the following Monday at 6:00 a.m. 

Week 33

How Far Along: 33 weeks

Feeling: feeling pretty good still

Maternity Clothes:  still mixing maternity and regular clothes

Gender:  Boy!

Name: Graham, G-Man, G 

Movement: we've still got a busy boy in there

Sleep: is usually a hit or miss

What I miss: not much

Cravings: back to cereal 

Best Moment This Week:  we had Spring Break this week and it was nice to relax and get some things done around the house. I was also able to work on getting my maternity leave lessons set up. 

week 32

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Feeling: doing pretty good...still not sleeping and I could do without the heartburn. I really try not to complain because I've been so incredibly lucky, but goodness growing a baby is a lot of work! 

Maternity Clothes: none of my regular pants zip or button in any form or fashion, but I can still pull them up so I'll call that a win! 

Gender:  Boy!

Name: Graham, G-Man, G 

Movement: I have begun feeling him in two areas of my stomach at the same times which tells me he is growing! 

Sleep: what's that?

What I miss: I just cannot go like I used to. When I get home from work all bets are off when it comes to dinner or cleaning, especially towards the end of the week.

Cravings: Mexican food...I had a student bring a taco for snack the other day and it was all I could do to not ask him for a bite haha 

Best Moment This Week:  after 8 long weeks we finally have our bedding! Still need a mattress, but other than that Graham's room is complete. 

Week 31

The pictures are beginning to get much less glamorous, eh?

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Feeling: tired with lots of back pain, but getting so excited. 9 weeks left! .....unless he decides to hang out past his due date, which is a definite possibility.

Maternity Clothes: wish I could live in my maternity leggings!

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham, G-Man, G 

Movement: kicking, punching and rolling around all going on! Graham has also decided he doesn't like it when I lean over in any way. Even when I'm trying to lean to the table to eat he starts moving around as if he's trying to tell me I'm cramping him.

Sleep: Still not great, but I have had a few ok nights here and there that are holding me over.

What I miss: I just cannot go like I used to. When I get home from work all bets are off when it comes to dinner or cleaning, especially towards the end of the week.

Cravings: sandwiches!

Best Moment This Week:  I had a doctor's appointment this week where they were able to assure me that all weird things going on with my body are totally normal. I did have to get a shot because I have a negative blood type, but overall the appointment was quick and easy! 

Weeks 29 & 30

I failed and didn't get Ryan to take a week 30 pic...so a bathroom selfie it is.
I also apparently have a thing for striped shirts that are navy and aqua.

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Feeling: Feeling ok. Getting uncomfortable!

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing a combo of maternity and my regular clothes  

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham

Movement: lots of movement going on from our boy!

Sleep: Has taken a turn for the worse. I'm trying to sleep on my side which has been very uncomfortable for this back sleeper. I definitely think God's preparing me for what is coming soon! :)

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: still really into cereal

Best Moment This Week: 3/4 of the way through this pregnancy! 

Week 28

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Feeling: I'm feeling like I have a baby that is kicking his feet in my diaphragm right this moment, but other than that it's been great! I've reached the point where it's no longer simple to get up/down or bend down which proves to be a bit difficult when you spend all day with 20 four year olds. I really realized my limitations the other day when I decided that I would do some chair dips to strengthen my arms (because bat wings are not becoming, my friends). I'll just leave it at...YIKES.

Maternity Clothes: I am so lucky to have such generous friends to share their clothes with me. My friend Laura sent me home with several of her things to borrow this weekend and I am loving that I haven't had to spend a fortune on clothes! *can I please borrow them all again with baby #2? :) 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham

Movement: LOTS! G is still a busy boy and has now moved from just kicking to pushing his limbs against my belly. I wish I could see in there to figure out exactly what I'm feeling.

Sleep: Still ok. Hating sleeping on my side. I'm for sure thinking I should have sprung for the maternity pillow.

What I miss: I miss not feeling a cool breeze and looking down to see my shirt has risen up and half of my belly is exposed. At what point in the pregnancy does it become socially acceptable to just walk around like that??

Cravings: everything I shouldn't have. ie...sandwiches, chocolate donuts, cheeseburgers, etc, etc. I do really want fruit though, so it all evens out. :) 

Best Moment This Week: We've officially hit the 3rd trimester mark! 

Week 27

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Feeling: I've been having a lot of pressure from Graham being so low. The doctor suggested I get a maternity belt to give me some support, so I may have to look into that.

Maternity Clothes: no big changes here...we do have a wedding to attend next week, so I'm not really looking forward to find something appropriate for that. 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: kicking like a ninja! I like to imagine him practicing his soccer skills sometimes, or just kicking to let me know he's doing well in there. This past week it seems as if I noticed him moving around a lot more during the day where as before it was mainly at night.

Sleep: still been pretty good. Speaking of sleep, you know what I'm really tired of? People telling me how I'm never going to sleep again. Why is it that when you're pregnant people feel the need to give unsolicited advice.

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: still big on cereal, but I haven't had any unusual cravings.

Best Moment This Week: I had my glucose test done this week and although I wasn't really expecting to fail, it's always nice to get good results. They did tell me that I'm a bit anemic, so I need to eat more protein and fiber. Poptarts are full of fiber, right?

Ryan and I also decided not to have a 4D done. In the beginning I was adamant about having it, but since we found out the gender we might as well leave what he looks like a surprise.  Although according to my mother in law he is going to look just like Ryan. :) 

Week 26

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Feeling: Still feeling good. I have had some pretty bad leg cramps in the middle of the night this past week and that's not fun. It only seems to happen on my right calf though. 

Maternity Clothes: I wish I had an endless budget to purchase more, but since I only have 3 months left I'm trying to hold out! 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: This past weekend Ryan and I went to Buy Buy Baby (yet again...and we still can't make a decision on a stroller) and while we were there I felt Graham run his hand/elbow/knee/some body part all the way across the left side of my stomach. It was the craziest feeling and much different than just the kicks he usually gives. I'm interested to see what it feels like when he gets the hiccups

Sleep: still been pretty good

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: no big cravings 

Best Moment This Week: This has been a pretty anti climatic week. Thankful for a growing baby and that I've continued to feel well! 

Week 25

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Feeling: Starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with all I want to do/accomplish before Graham comes. I know I still have 15 weeks, but we have so many things to buy. Certainly not every thing is a necessity, but that doesn't make my Etsy list any smaller. 

Maternity Clothes:  Still wearing a lot of my regular shirts, but for pants it's either maternity or leggings. 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement:  Lots! I had the craziest dream the other night that I was able to make my stomach transparent and we could see Graham moving around in there. And you know what?? He looked just like me! ;) I am enjoying every little kick and already dreading the day when I don't have my little buddy in there with me all the time. Y'all remind me that I said this at week 38 when I'm miserable, ok? 

Sleep: not bad

What I miss: nothing big

Cravings: Still wanting cereal and if I didn't have a husband who expected dinner we would have that every night.

Best Moment This Week: We booked a photographer for our maternity and newborn pictures and that is a huge relief.

Ice, Ice, Baby

So somewhere around 5 weeks ago (and I'm embarrassed to admit this post has been in drafts for about 4 weeks. whatevs.) Ryan and I had a gender reveal party planned with our families. 

I ordered cute invitations online, pinned numerous party inspiration pics on Pinterest like every good party planner, and even ordered a Chick-fil-a tray! 

Pinterest ideas + Chick-fil-a = total party success

Right?

Enter Icemaggedon 2014. 

I didn't just make that word up. That's seriously what people in DFW were referring to the ice storm as. Meanwhile, folks north of the Mason Dixon Line are laughing hysterically at us all while they scrape layers of ice from their cars daily with their bare hands. 

Needless to say, this really put a damper on our plans. Thankfully my parents were still able to drive  up. I think after waiting a week to hear the gender they would have risked hell or high water to come. Ryan's parents and sister also made it and although we missed a few more of our family members, we were so excited to share our big news! 

Our lives are about to become full of dirt, bruises and trucks and we could not be more thrilled!

*I did mention to Ryan the other day that Graham may be more into music and stuff like that rather than baseball and sports. He begged to differ. :)

Week 24

How Far Along: 24 weeks

Feeling: Overall I'm feeling great. It is amazing to me how much your body can change and adapt during pregnancy. I can't get over how my belly button has changed and although there is no outtie yet, it kinda freaks me out how shallow it has become! I'm still having heartburn and Graham has decided that hanging out on my bladder is fun. You know what's not fun, when you sneeze and have to change underwear. That's what. Just keeping' it real, folks. 

Maternity Clothes: Since adding a few more maternity items to my closet, getting dressed has been much less stressful. It seems like in the past week I have officially popped and I think I've come to the realization that it's time to stop trying to wear my old clothes.  

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: Lots and lots of kicking going on! We were actually able to record a video of my stomach moving from G kicking and send it to my mom.

Sleep: I've been pretty tired lately and other than getting up to use the restroom 10234 5 times a night, it's been good.

What I miss: nothing much

Cravings: I've been really into cereal and oranges...and really just food in general. #iwannaeateverythinginsight 

Best Moment This Week: We have been working a lot on getting the nursery in order and Ryan built some shelves in Graham's closet this past weekend. I'm loving how it's all coming together! 

Week 23

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Feeling: pregnant! 

Maternity Clothes: Wearing lots of leggings! I got a few staple maternity items for Christmas and getting dressed has been much less stressful 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: We have one active little boy! I feel him kicking all the time and love it. At my monthly doctor appointment the doctor was listening to his heartbeat and commented on how active he was in there. 

Sleep: has been pretty good

What I miss: being able to hop out of bed like it ain't no thing! I can only image what week 38 is going to look like haha

Cravings: no big cravings and I think I'm officially over my pickle hangup. 

Best Moment This Week: Ryan and I finally agreed on Graham's bedding (who knew he would have such a strong opinion on this?!) and it's officially ordered! We also painted the walls and have started getting the nursery in order. 

Week 20 & 22...minus 21

How Far Along: 20 weeks (I failed on the bump pics this week)

Feeling: (the weight segment has officially ended...if you would like to stay up to date on my weight gain feel free to send me a text. It will be promptly deleted along with your number. Just joking...kind of) This has been the first week where I have really felt pregnant. I am hungry but feel miserable after every meal, the heart burn seems as if it's here to stay and this lower back pain is not fun. BUT...it is going to be so worth it when we hold Graham for the first time. And I know there are thousands of women who would take every uncomfortable moment if it meant they could carry their own child, so I am choosing to be thankful!

Maternity Clothes: Still hanging in there with a few items

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: Occasionally...ready for those big kicks. It was amazing seeing the baby move around when I was having my ultrasound. Wonder how much one of those bad boys costs to just have around the house ;) 

Sleep: I have actually been sleeping really well. Today in class I was sitting in a chair at several of the student's table and one kid asked me, "Mrs. Dudley, are you tired?" Guess 7 hours of sleep isn't cutting it for me! Haha

What I miss: nothing big

Cravings: Not really craving anything, just nothing sounds good. I usually cook dinner for Ryan, eat a few bites and then have a bowl of cereal later. I can put away a McDonald's cheeseburger like nobody's business though.  Of course. 

Best Moment This Week: My parents came up over the weekend and we were able to tell everyone the gender. Love being able to call the baby by his name instead of just G. Although it seems as if G is here to stay as a nickname!



*Since I'm trying to catch up on these I'm going to skip ahead to week 22. Honestly, I can't remember what big happened in week 21 anyway. 

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Feeling: It was not a fun two weeks for this momma. I caught the flu, even though I got my shot in early October, and then had a long week with a sinus infection following that. Unfortunately, I had to take 4 days off from work, but the doctor was able to give me Tami-flu.

Maternity Clothes: I ordered some things from Old Navy and am loving them! My sweet friend, Katy, also let me borrow two huge tubs of clothes and I am so excited to have those! 

Gender: Boy!

Name: Graham Ryan Dudley

Movement: I started feeling kicks last week and it has been so fun! Ryan was also able to feel him kick and I loved being able to include him in that. 

Sleep: No bueno! This is mainly due to the fact that I've been sick...between the coughing, aches, and runny nose there hasn't been much sleeping.

What I miss: ready to be over this sickness!

Cravings: no real cravings

Best Moment This Week: We celebrated Christmas with my parents and Graham got some precious outfits!