She's here!

Hannah is here! In fact, she is now officially a week old. I’ve been enjoying her so much that I am finally sitting down to tell about her birth.

My mom and mother in law came in town last Thursday night. Friday morning we all got up and while Francis and I headed to the hospital, Mom, Frankie's mom, William and Robert went to the Thinkery (children’s museum) for the morning. Fancis and I arrived at the hospital at 10, got signed in and all set up, starting the Pitocin just around 11am. I made no progress for a couple of hours. My mom arrived so Francis could take a lunch break. I was relieved they let me have a salad for lunch. I was so hungry! Finally the Pitocin was a high enough that the doctor broke my water. Knowing my track record with the shakes after my water is broken, I opted for an epidural before they broke it. It was the smartest thing I could have done, and I felt very little pain from then on. Francis and Mom took turns having dinner and after 5 the nurse checked me and said I hadn’t made progress. I was still at 3cm dilated and 75% effaced as I had been for over 2 weeks. She told me the doctor would be back by at 11pm. I sighed believing it would be a long night. At 7pm I started feeling some pain and started shaking. I pressed the pain button and the nurse decided to check me again. To her surprise and mine, I was at a 10 and ready to push! The doctor was called and Francis hurried back from dinner (he was pulling in the parking lot). I started pushing just before 7:30. Thanks to an awesome epidural and good breaks in between contractions (as well as an amazing husband and support staff), we were able to laugh and be relaxed through the 45 minutes of pushing. We even had the TV on during this as it added to the energy in the room. Hannah came out at 8:12 crying quietly and moving so delicately that my heart nearly burst with love. Francis was just perfect and looked on us with quiet admiration, at a loss for words and with tears in his eyes. My mom got to cut the cord. They wiped Hannah off and handed her to Francis. The nurse said he could hold her as long as he liked before she was measured, and he made sure he did. He stared at her with eyes only a father can give. He hardly moved for 20 minutes, just holding Hannah and smiling softly. I finally asked him what he was thinking. He motioned to the TV (which was playing a wedding show called Say Yes to the Dress) and said, “That’s never going to happen!” in such a way I couldn’t help but laugh. Hannah will be well protected, that's for sure. When she did get measured, Hannah weighed 7lbs 10oz, was 21 inches long and had a head circumference of 14 ½ inches. The nurse had to measure again because she thought that Hannah's head was too big, but she didn’t realize big heads (and big brains) run in the family.

My in laws visited later in the evening, and Francis's mom could not get over how long and delicate her fingers were. Hannah has my hands, my sweet girl. The doctor thought Hannah looks like her brothers, but “girlier” so at least she got something from me! Everyone left that evening around 11:30 and I got some time by myself with Hannah. She was becoming a champion nurser already and wanted to nurse all night. The nurse took her out to the nurses station a couple of times so I could get some rest. They said she was simply delightful!

The next morning, Francis, Mom, my in laws and William and Robert came up as soon as they could. William and Robert tiptoed in the room. Robert noticed Hannah first and came to investigate followed very quickly by William. They loved her immediately. Robert kissed her head and William begged to hold her. We let him and in a voice so high and quiet that it could barely be heard he whispered over and over again, “She’s so cute. Hannah. So cute!” Robert got to hold Hannah too and he touched her so gently. Danielle and my dad arrived right after that (good thing we were in a big room!) and got to hold and love on her too. My dad said it reminded him of when I was born. Aunt Dani cooed and made sweet faces as she told Hannah that she was Hannah's favorite aunt. After having lunch, Francis, his parents, William and Robert came back joined by Cyndy, Chris and cousin Abby. Abby was super thrilled to hold Hannah and the smile plastered on her face was completely priceless. My aunt Camille came later in the day to dote on Hannah, and William and Robert came back with Nana, Grandad and Sweetie after a nap. Francis was the last to leave that night, and he told me how much he loved our little family. He’s a keeper, that Francis. I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

Sunday, Hannah passed her hearing test and bilirubin test and had only lost a few ounces. They checked us both out and then the five of us rode home in the car as a family for the first time. It was a special moment.

In the week since Hannah's birth, things have been busy. Sweetie has been here to help (she just left). Francis has been home too. We’ve tried to keep some sort of schedule, but basically things are crazy around here. Hannah's 4 day checkup went really well on Tuesday. The doctor said everything looked great and gave her a clean bill of health. I am so proud! Wednesday we did Hannah's newborn photos and they turned out great. She were a doll and never cried. Such an angel!  Francis, William and Robert took a boys overnight trip last night so I could have some quiet time. I’ve enjoyed holding Hannah without interruption as she had a huge growth spurt and slept all day yesterday. She's such a blessing. She likes being awake at night better than the day, but so far it hadn’t been too tiresome. I can’t wait to see how she grows in the coming weeks, months and years. I love her. I thank God for her. My Hannah.

Comparing Pregnancies

Although I know you should not compare your children as each is a wonderful creation by God with their own talents and personalities, I do not see any harm in comparing my pregnancies as they are a reflection on me and not my kiddos. Onward.

William and Robert's pregnancies were relatively similar. Each was lacking in morning sickness, and I felt tired at the beginning with both. I had some serious joint pain at the end though much less so with Robert because we induced when the symptoms started to appear. I gained serious weight at the end (all in my stomach) and my belly entered a room hours before the rest of me. Labor with William was significantly longer (3 days vs 12 hours). Both boys came healthy and my healing came in due time and I went back to my original weight.

This time around I had quite a bit of morning sickness. I never vomited, but felt queasy often. I craved salty/spicy things with Robert (no cravings with William), but this time around I cannot get enough sweet things. My joint pain started much earlier this time around and has been more severe than I remember ever having before. I am far more swollen this time around. With theboys I was always able to wear my wedding ring (up to almost the end with Robert and the whole way with William), but I had to give up wearing it this time around months ago and now even my "huge" fake wedding ring in very snug. My doctor warned me they might have to cut it off if it gets stuck. I told her I'd risk the $10 it cost for the ring. So yeah, swollen. I've had way more contractions. I had none with William and only at night with Robert, but my body is very fond of them this time around and throws them at me anytime and anywhere. On the flip side, I've gained the least of all 3 pregnancies this time and I am the smallest I've been at this point for all three. This is particularly interesting when Hannah is expected to weight the most of any of the kiddos at birth, but we'll see! People are actually surprised I am due so soon these past couple of weeks, which is not a reaction I've ever gotten before. I'm still "all belly" according to anyone you talk to, which I have heard over and over every time around. I have actually made it to 3 cm dilated this time around! I've never done that before. I've been starting from a 0 or a 1 1/2 each time before, so I'm hoping this will mean a decrease in labor time. I won't hold my breath though. My kiddos seem very comfy pre-birth even if their momma isn't.

Well, I'm still waiting for Friday and soaking up my time with my two sweet boys in between. They are ready for Hannah to come, but I also know they like this time they get with me. I wouldn't trade any of it.

July 20, 2015

The countdown to baby girl has officially begun (ok so it started a little while ago, but it is getting real now!). If she does not come by Friday, we are scheduled for induction on Friday at 10am. My pain last week was nearly unbearable at times, but it eases off once in a while and I can get some joint relief (and sleep!). I know so many are praying for me and I appreciate it so much. We're almost to the finish line (or rather a whole new starting line!).

This last week was a great one with the boys. I tried to take them everywhere they love just in case little girl were to come early. We went to Mt. Playmore (and man did they play) as well as the Thinkery (Austin Children's museum). Both were great successes and wore them out more than I ever could. Hannah dropped back on June 24th during VBS week, and since then I feel like I have a distinct waddle. My ever growing wideness, coupled with my joint pain and strange walk had made keeping up with the boys a bit of a challenge. I am so thankful for cool kid friendly indoor places as the temperature outside has already reached 100!

This weekend was our last as a family of 4. We sure lived it up! Saturday we went to Chick-fil-a for lunch and then drove to Jackson's 4th birthday party at Pump it up, a huge indoor inflatable facility. Watching the boys run wild for 2 hours in bounce houses was quite a sight. Afterward, William stated emphatically that he wanted his birthday party there too. I told him he was having his party at The Little Gym and he smiled and said, "Oh yeah, after Hannah comes!" It made me smile too. Can't argue with that!

Sunday we went to church, had lunch, came back and napped. Then I almost sent myself into labor...almost. Our Bible Life class won a contest on high attendance Sunday a couple months back and as a result we got to have a party. We chose to go to Main Event. I was initially not going to go, but I thought I could just sit, chat and eat (free food!) and be good. Oh no. The boys ended up on a lane with all the other kids that was a couple lanes over from Francis. This meant Francis couldn't help them much when it was their turn. So Each time I would have to drag out the ramp for the bowling ball, get the ball set up and let the kids push the ball to knock down the pins...twice. The bigger kids helped a bunch, which is good or I might have actually gone into labor. By the end of 2 hours I was at my limit. About the time I thought we were done, I found out we also got free unlimited game cards to play the arcade for the next hour and a half. The boys got even more excited. Francis and I split up and each took a boy to play nearly whatever game he desired. I seriously thought Hannah was coming as contractions kept coming with greater intensity. After an hour (yes I'm nuts) of on and off contractions, I told Francis I really needed to go. The walk to the door was one of the hardest I've ever made, but Francis picked me up at the door and we made it home. Much of the night contractions continued, but they have subsided and I've had none today. The boys had a blast though, and William said it was the best day ever (I know he says that a lot). It was totally worth it and I really had a lot of fun despite the pain, but I think I'll take it easy until my doctor appointment tomorrow. And by easy I mean I still need to clean the house and finish the laundry. At least I already finished grocery shopping this morning! Yeah, ok, I may need to check the definition of taking it easy...lol.

There is still so much to do before Hannah comes! We do have the bassinet set up as well as the bouncer and the swing. some things are ready to be set up as soon as we get home from the hospital. I know everything will work out how it is supposed to. Thanks for reading! I'll update again soon.

July 13, 2015

Three weeks of silence were not for lack of anything to say...far from it! I've been way to busy to get to a computer and type.

Three Thursdays ago (June 19), I went in for a sonogram and got to see sweet Hannah. The boys came with me and were very excited to see their sister on the big screen. Hannah measured in at 6lbs 10 oz (which is rather big) and had a heart rate of 141bpm. She was head down and did not have the cord wrapped around her neck (unlike both her brothers). Because she was head down and therefore hiding, we did not get a great head shot, and when the technician turned on the 3D sonogram, we could only get an image of her ear. William thought this was hilarious! He is still talking about seeing Hannah's ear. Silly boy. Everything checked out as working normally and other than measuring big, the doctor had no concerns. Yay! we have big babies in this familt anyway, so Hannah will fit right in!

William and Robert graduated from their swim lessons with flying colors. They each got a report card, certificate and a cookie. Since then they have used their skills at both my parents' and in-laws' houses, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

The week after Swim lessons, we had Vacation Bible School at our church. I volunteered so the boys could participate (William missed the cut off by only a couple of weeks). Both boys had a blast playing, eating fun food, doing crafts, and most importantly learning about the book of Daniel. With all the other things I had going on that week (thing I can't yet post on here), I nearly killed myself, but we accomplished so much, and touched kids' lives. No regrets.

From Tuesday June 30 through July 11, the boys and I have been in Dallas hanging out with family and enjoying summer. Francis was there everyday except for a few, so it was truly a family affair. You may think going to Dallas for so long when you are 36-37 weeks pregnant is insane and you'd be right, but it was far less stressful there than it would have been here. My parents got a new house with a pool, so we were able to enjoy it. They also have fruit trees on their property, so we were able to pick peaches and pears off the tree. The boys loved picking them and really loved eating the peaches. We celebrated 4th of July in true Phillips/Noble fashion. We all (all Francis's family and mine) went to the Plano parade and were joined by friends including Ashley and Josh. William, Robert and their Cousin Abby had a blast getting candy and goodies as the floats went by. Afterward we all went back to Francis's parents house for dinner, swimming and some people took a much needed nap. Brandon and Bethany joined us for swimming. It's so fun to see old friends! Pizza and fireworks capped off the night. I cant picture it going any other way. I love having my WHOLE family together!

Sunday a week ago was Danielle's birthday. We had lunch with her and then my mom, Danielle, Christian, Danielle's friend and I got to have a birthday pedicure party. Super fun! Happy birthday Danielle!

Last Monday the boys had their first trip to Chuck E Cheese. They had a great time, but the one we went to was less than clean and less then efficient. Hopefully the next time we go (to a different one), our experience will be more pleasant. If you ask the boys, though, it was the best day ever. Thanks to my mom and Danielle for going with me!

Friday was Francis's mother's birthday. We got to surprise her by having Francis's sister Cyndy and her daughter Abby drive up for a birthday dinner. They were awesome to drive up and I know Francis's mom was happy to have them there.

I am leaving so so much out! I'm sure I will think of a million things as soon as I hit post.

As far as how I am doing, I hurt. I woke up yesterday barely able to walk. I was determined to go to church anyway, and by the end I was crying from the joint discomfort. If you saw me yesterday, I'm sorry if I worried you! I came home, laid on the bed and passed out for 3 hours. I'm so glad Francis was there to watch the boys. I slept hard last night and am feeling a little better, but it still hurts to make a fist (even holding hands hurts), or walk (my feet throb). Only my flip flops still feet are so swollen and my fake wedding ring which is at least 2 sizes too big normally is tight. I stopped wearing my real wedding ring a couple months ago. I will endure it as long as I can for the sake of the bundle of joy inside. She's worth it. Please pray I find the patience and strength to get through as we get ready for her arrival! Thank you!

June 16, 2015

Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement and most of all your prayers. I am so glad we serve a living God. I am still hurting physically (sometimes are worse than others), I still have more to do than I am capable, and the situations causing stress have not changed. BUT I am much more at peace about the whole thing. I feel like I've come up for air somehow even though nothing has really changed. Not sure I can really explain it except to say I have been comforted. Please continue to pray. I can't wait to share how God uses all this for His glory when the time comes. 

Swim lessons have been going great. William is loving being in the "big bears" class by himself and he is growing into a more confident swimmer each day. He is learning to go underwater by himself, swim on his back and is working on learning to stroke with his arms. Robert is also a little fish. he paddles around (with me holding him) with no fear and tons of anticipation. He knows how to monkey crawl, climb in and out of the pool, god underwater, and reach in front for him and kick to move forward. What smart boys I have!

Little Gym for the summer has started up. We are scheduled for Tuesdays, but sure to swim lessons last week and this week, we are doing class on Fridays. That means that William is in the sports class instead of his regular gym class. This last week they were doing Hockey! William learned to hold a stick, how to do a slap shot, how to block a goal and a ton of other hockey skills. He was so proud and so was his daddy when I sent a picture. Robert moved up to the "beasts" class. He fits right in with the bigger kids. As his teacher said, "Robert was kinda born a beast. He's got skills." 

Saturday we were up in Dalllas for the Elliot/Thweatt family reunion (my mothers' side). The boys got to swim and eat way too many sweets, and they had a little "sprinkle" for Hannah. She got a bunch of her nursery items. I'm so excited. Thanks Aunt Bup for hosting! It was so fun!

So, a couple weeks back the boys had Fifth disease, which isn't a big deal for them as the symptoms are super mild. I had it when I was young so I should be immune. That being said, when I told my doctor about it, she told me it is possible I could get reinfected and sent me both for a blood test and ultrasound. Even if I got it again, the chances are low that Hannah could be infected, and even if she got infected, chances are that it won't do anything to her, especially considering how far along she is in development. BUT there is a very very small chance that this disease can do a lot of damage to unborn babies. So, I did the blood test on last Thursday and I go in for my ultrasound on this Friday. The odds of anything being wrong are so low, that I'm not really worried about it, but I am looking forward to seeing Hannah. So pray for me, that I will continue to be calm. I don't think anything is wrong, but it is good to confirm. 

That's all I got for now. Till next time! 

June 9, 2015

The End of Me

That's what I've reached. If you want to hear the general update on the kids, skip down below. Otherwise read on. I've reached my limit, both physically and emotionally. Things that we thought would run smoothly have not. We are still not sure how they are going to be resolved (or even if they willl be resolved). All the physical tasks I have (yes, I really have) to do are becoming too much for me. Stress has been running high and I've run out of juice. But that's ok. Because I can't be it all, but God can. My joint pain has come early this pregnancy. I over did it on Thursday and had contractions all night Thursday and during the day Friday. Since then every movement hurts more than the last. I caught myself taking deep breaths to even bend down and put the laundry away because I was anticipating the pain. I have no clue how I will make it through the next 7 weeks with all I have to do. But that's ok. There is a Healer and His name is Jesus. I don't have control, but He does. My hormones are all over the place, in part due to to the stress of being in pain and of not being able to sleep. Satan is picking at old wounds, causing me to cry over things long ago restored and left behind.  I feel like a raw ball of nerves. But it's ok, I know the Victor, and it is not the accuser. I am having to remind myself of these truths constantly as I feel very much under attack right now. I thought about keeping this post private, but I want to share so you can know how to pray for me. Please pray I will find strength in and relief from the pain that will likely intensify as the weeks progress until Hannah comes. Please pray that we will find peace in what ever God has for us in the coming days as we see His plans unfold (and that we would have the wisdom to act as required). Please pray that my hormones and emotions would not control my thoughts or my actions. It's good I've reached the end of my own strength. Perhaps it's the only way I can fully rely on Him and give Him the glory in my circumstance. I appreciate your prayers more than you know.

And now back to our regularly scheduled program. The boys are doing great! William is becoming very vocal on everything. And he has a memory like a steel trap. Don't try and fool him because he will call you on it every time. The wheels are always turning and his questions are getting increasingly difficult to answer. He wants to know why and how everything works. I've had to tell him I don't know and we look up the answer together. If he's like this before he turns 4, how am I going to help him at 12??

Robert is also doing well. He is also becoming more vocal. He will tell you his opinion one way or another, but he is coming up with more and more words to express himself. He loves playing with William and the boys are always inventing games are activities to play together. They mostly play well, but perfect they are not. I think their favorite game is "tag" which mostly involves just running in circles while music plays. Sweet boys.

Hannah had a baby shower at the melting pot on Saturday. I got to have chocolate Fondue with some of the sweetest ladies I know. A HUGE thank you to Arlene for organizing it. Hannah was blessed with gifts, and I was blessed with tons of love and support. Thank you all! Hannah is moving like crazy and pushing so hard, sometimes I think she will come out now. Love this little girl so much already and I cannot wait to meet her in person.

The boys started Swim lessons yesterday. They are doing great. We have it Monday -Thursday this week and next. I can't wait to see how my little fish progress!!!

That's it for now.

June 2, 2015

It's been a crazy week and a half. Francis and I had to make a quick trip to College Station weekend before last and so my mom came and watched the boys Saturday. We got to have lunch with our friends Dave and Tracy, and all in all it was a great day trip! Thanks mom for making it so easy on us!!!

We picked up a nail over that weekend, so Monday (Memorial Day) we had to get a replacement tire on our new Sienna. A bummer, but at least Francis had the day off.  We had a nice lunch out, but as the clouds were looking menacing, we headed home in time to let the dogs in before the deluge happened. By deluge, I mean that it rained all afternoon and into the evening a rain that you could hardly see through. At one point the rain came up over the curb, which is when I got nervous. Something gave way further down the street though, and the water  rushed quickly down the road. We had 5 tornado warnings that afternoon and spent that time glued to the television to see when we needed to take cover. We were supposed to grill out, but seeing as it was pouring outside and kinda flooding, we had to make our fajitas on the flat top. They still tasted delicious, but the house was a little smoke filled by the end. A day to remember.

Tuesday was our Year End Showcase at The Little Gym. Both boys preformed their skills with style and I couldn't have been more proud! Wednesday was a doctor appointment for Hannah. I am measuring right on target and Hannah is doing great. Dr. Thai even let William use the machine to hear Hannah's heartbeat. His little face was lit up so much I'm sure he was glowing. Hannah is getting big. Only 8 weeks to go!

Wednesday my mother-on-law came up to visit us. We had dinner with Francis, and the kids thought it was the best thing ever. Thursday, Frankie's mom, the boys and I went up to the mall (it was raining again), and played on the playground there, had lunch and rode some rides. After nap, the boys played with Nana even more; I'm sure she got her exercise that day!

Friday Frankie's mom, the boys and I headed to San Antonio and spent the afternoon at Sea world. It was fun to see the animals and shows when it wasn't crowded. We had a blast. After dinner, the boys even got to swim in the hotel pool. Francis joined us late that evening as did Francis's father and sister with her family. Saturday we all spent the morning and part of the afternoon at Sea World. We did Aquatica and relaxed until around three another major storm came over. We quickly headed back to the hotel and waited until dinner, We braved the storm and had dinner all together before Francis, the boys and I went home just as the storm passed. What a day!

Church on Sundays is always a blessing. I don't have much else to say in that respect.

Yesterday grocery shopping and house cleaning. Today was our last day of the Season at The Little Gym. I will miss all the people we've gotten to know as we head into the summer. Seems like we will be in with a whole different set of people over the summer so it will be a new adventure.

That's all for now. On to laundry!