Layton's birth story

This is the story of Layton. Seeing as he was one month old last week, I figured it's about time I sit down and get his birth story written down. It has become very hard to make time to do things like this now that we have two small ones, so sorry for the delay. But here we go. 

Since we had such a great experience with Lyla, we decided to try and schedule Layton's birth as well. We decided the week before, that we would go in the morning of January 13th at 5:00 and they would induce labor. Since things were a little different this time around, it was very important to me to have someone here for Lyla. Having things planned out allowed my parents to go ahead and come out here to be with her. SUCH A BLESSING! 

My parents got into town that Sunday before. We had Christmas together (since we weren't all together for the holidays) and just really enjoyed seeing one another again. We all said our good nights and tried to get some rest. My parents got back to our house around 4 am and that got things started. (the stayed with our pastor and his wife-HUGE thank you to them for letting them stay at their house all week! With the arrival of Layton, we lost our guest room, so it was so nice to have my parents close in town!)

It was quite different this time around. This time it was just Jeff and I headed to the hospital instead of having my mom in the room along with my dad and Jeff's mom in the waiting room. But some things still seemed the same. 

(left: right before having Lyla.  right: right before having Layton)

(left: checking in with Lyla.  right: checking in with Layton)

still bringing everything we own!

Jeff and I held hands the entire way to the hospital. For some reason, I was much more nervous this time around. I was so thankful to have his support even if we didn't say much on the way there. We checked in and got things rolling right at 5am. I am proud to announce that I did MUCH better this time with the hand IV. Last time around was quite tramatic. Things were off to a great start! 

Jeff and I were both EXHAUSTED! Neither of us got much sleep the night before, so we were more than happy to turn off the lights and TRY and get some rest before the main event. Those hospital couches are NOT comfortable and I can't say that the beds are any better, but we were both able to get a few hours in before the nurses came back. 

I remember my contractions coming a lot sooner this time around. Jeff was still snoozing and I woke him up (sorry!) so he could pull up a chair and sit next to me. I was thankful he was able to distract me for a while with his silly-ness and crazy jokes. At one point he had me laughing so hard, the monitor they use to track the baby's heart rate (and mine) fell off. Whoops. He was texting pictures of a baby that CLEARLY wasn't ours to our friends and telling them baby Layton had arrived. I was in stitches reading everyone's responses. Ridiculous, I know, but it keeps things interesting. 

A little while after that, Dr. Simon came in to check me and while she was doing so, my water broke. They noted it as a natural water break. I was thankful because I remember her breaking my water the last time and it wasn't pleasant.  

As we all know, once your water breaks, it gets very serious. My contractions picked up BIG time around noon and lasted for an hour and a half before I was able to get some medicine. Jeff made us a play list of praise and worship songs and we immediately put that to use. He held my hand the entire time and encouraged me through it all. He was GREAT! I tried to sing some of the songs to take my mind off of things. It was so neat to feel God's presence and the man he created for me in that moment. I really needed them both! My contractions were a lot stronger this time. Maybe I just forgot how bad it was with Lyla...?? 

My epideral arrived around 1:30. Thank you Lord!!! Jeff kneeled in front of me while they administered it. Epiderals are tough because you are still expereicning strong contractions and then you have to bend at the waist (where a lot of the pain is coming from) and let them stick you. But, relief is coming and that gets you through it! 

Once the epdieral was in, I could almost immediately feel the contractions easing up. One of our old students came in to visit right after that. I wish I could tell you how that visit went, but I was SO out of it. The epideral I had with Lyla did not affect me like this one did. I was very naseous and light headed. I am sure I was talking crazy to her and as soon as she left I threw up everywhere. Unfortunately, there wasn't much I could do to clean myself up because I was hooked up to so many machines. So, my hair that I had straightened went up in a pony tail, and my make up that I had tried to fix was wiped off. So much for framable pictures of those first few moments meeting my son. haha. But, hey, this is reality and sometimes it's just not pretty. 

After that, I slept on and off. My body was exhausted and needed rest before having to push. Epiderals slow things down a bit, so we knew it would be a little bit longer before we got to meet Layton. A little after 4:00pm the nurse announced that I had reached 10 cm and it was ok to push. They called my doctor and she was in route to get to the hospital. In the meantime, my nurse wanted me to go ahead and push. This made me a nervous wreck. I wanted my doctor there!!!  But I also wanted my baby to be safe, so I started pushing. Nothing was happening. I pushed for maybe 30 minutes with Lyla and the second child was supposed to slide right out..right? The nurse began alternating having me sit up for 20 minute increments and then push for 20 minutes. Still nothing. Honestly, I was still so out of it, in between pushing, I fell back asleep. 

Once my doctor got there, she wouldn't let me off so easy. She wanted this baby out NOW..so did I! She decided it would be best to turn off the epideral so I could feel enough to push more effectively! (WHAT??!?)  Within a few pushes, Layton was out at 6:10 pm on January 13, 2014. And boy did he scream! One of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear! Although I felt some pressure while pushing, I could actually start to feel them sewing me up. (Lovely right!?) They gave me a shot of morphine down below to help numb that back up. That's all we will say about that experience:) Let's get back to that amazing baby!

My mom was the official photographer when I had Lyla so HUGE props to Jeff (and our nurses for some of them) for being there as my supporter AND capturing these breathtaking first pictures of our son! (there are more, but here are some of my favorites)

As soon as he was out, one my best friends here in Mississippi was waiting outside to love on us and our newest addition. She immediately took our order for some chili's take out and went and got us food. SUCH A BLESSING because mama was HUN-GRY!!!!

(told you I was out of it)

My parents were in Meridian when we called them to say all was well. They had taken Lyla to eat at chick-fil-a. People eating there overheard the conversation and saw Lyla's big sister shirt and immediately started congratulating her. So precious. My mom and dad brought Lyla straight to us. I was so grateful to them for doing everything they could to allow us the moments we wanted with her. 

These are the first pictures of us as a family of 4 along with Lyla, Gammie and Papa meeting Layton for the first time. 

Layton Wade Graves was born on January 13, 2014 at 6:10 pm. He weighed 7 lbs and 9 oz. and 20.5 inches long. 

My beautiful friend Katie came in the next day with Layton's door sign. She is so talented. Love her!!!!

Lyla got to come visit again that second day. It was really sweet, because my parents left for a little while to give the 4 of us some time to ourselves. Lyla was running crazy around the room. I think she was just a little bit excited. I was able to get a few pictures-but none like the ones you see on pinterest! Again, this is reality people! 

WILD!!!

She loved holding her new brother (with help, of course!)

She also loved jumping on the hospital bed....

This precious baby brought me a flower (georgia bulldog colors!) Way to go Lyla:)

Some of our sweet visitors! So blessed to have such great friends! I forgot to take pictures of everyone. I am sorry:(

We got to go home Wednesday January 15, 2014. It was such a windy day so we had to be sure to bundle up baby Layton!

When we got home, big sister had helped make Layton some birthday cupcakes. We all gathered around and sang happy birthday dear Layton. Lyla got to blow out the candles.

A few weeks later Gigi got to come out to meet her new grandson! I think it's safe to say it was love at first sight:)

We can't wait for the rest of our families to meet him!!!

Layton, you are such a special addition to our family. We are so crazy about you already. Lyla loves having you as her brother. She is always trying to play with you and help with you. You are the sweetest baby. You love being held and you are a great eater. Your smile already melts my heart. We love you so much baby Layton!!!

The last blog

I am 39 weeks with baby Layton. We went to the doctor Monday and I am dilated 2cm and a little over 70% effaced. With our situation (being away from family), we thought it best to go ahead and plan it IF (and that's a big if) he's okay to come on out. Our doctor reassured us that he is fine and we planned to check into the hospital on Monday Jan 13, 12014 morning at 5. (whew, that's early) We were induced with Lyla and the Lord was so faithful to answer our prayers with that whole process, so we have  no doubt that He will again prove himself able in this delivery.

This will probably be the very last post on my pregnancy before Layton gets here. So, I wanted to just kinda reflect on this whole experience if you will allow me to do so.

This pregnancy has been different on so many levels. It is NO joke being pregnant and also having to chase around a toddler around. Not to mention, during this time we have also managed (only by God's grace) to get rid of big sister's passy, move her to a big girl bed, and potty train her. Quite a feat for a pregnant mama if I do say so myself. I know Lyla will probably resort back to some of the "baby" tendencies, but for now I am so proud of what she has accomplished....what WE have accomplished.

Layton has been a tough cookie to carry. I am not sure if it is because of the whole second pregnancy thing or just the way my body has responded. I definitely got bigger this go around a lot faster. (that's normal...or so everyone says...they may just be trying to make me feel better) Since I am short, there isn't a whole lot of room for him to go other than my mid section. That said, my back, my pelvic bone, my legs...it all hurts..BAD. I have often thought of those mommies who carry 3, 4, 5, or more children. Pregnancy is not for the faint of heart that's for sure-but on the flip side of this whole thing, the Lord has given me an even greater respect for my husband. Pregnancy doesn't just effect the woman. Jeff has been AH-MAZING! I hope Layton grows up to be JUST. LIKE. HIM. There have been times when I have asked so much of Jeff and he has had to balance his job, a toddler, and a complaining, emotional wife. I cannot think of one time when he denied any of my requests or needs. (He might have rolled his eyes a time or two and then there was that one time when he poured me a little too much Robitussin-I am sure THAT was an accident...right?! ...I never said he wasn't human-haha) But, he's been there for me and for Lyla and I cannot thank him enough. Not all husbands do for their wives like he does for me.

Anyways, back to Layton. He is a very active child. I have never doubted he was okay because he is constantly moving around in there...and in very big ways. He is definitely a night owl. Makes me a little nervous because I am NOT a night person, but that's when he seems to come most alive. He was weighing around 7 lbs at our doctor's visit a few weeks ago, so who knows how big he will actually be when he makes his grand entrance-hopefully not like his almost 11 lb mama. YIKES!

So, this week we are just getting ready for him. It's no surprise to everyone that it has been dreadfully cold these past few days. I am thankful that he has stayed put where it's still warm inside. Our heater went out a few nights ago and I just couldn't help thinking I was glad we didn't have a newborn yet. Poor little guy would've froze. WE also got to have some sweet time with big sister that night. Well, it was sweet for me, but she ended up driving Jeff to the couch with all her kicking. Poor daddy.  We pretty much have everything cleaned and ready. It's funny how you just kinda realize what you need to do the second go around and what can wait. It's not that we aren't just as excited, just a little more practical this time around.

We had a shower a few Sundays ago and got so many sweet things for him. It really is kinda like starting over when you have a different gender. I am glad he won't have to use Lyla's pink towels or her bibs with hearts on them, even though we would have totally done that if we had to. I am just thankful to my sweet friends who have given him some things of his very own. I am finally starting to get to that point where I have my mind set that we could really bring him home. Our bags are packed, the nursery is done, the house is clean (just don't come in our room)...now we just need a baby!

Please pray for us. Obviously for our transition as family of 3 to a family of 4, but also for a healthy delivery, a healthy baby, an excited Lyla, a rested Gammie and Papa (who are coming to keep said excited Lyla) and above all that God will continue to be glorified through this whole experience. He just keeps showing Himself through this whole experience-don't wanna stop it now!!!!!

**Jeff will be posting updates if you want to keep up with him on twitter or facebook.**

35 weeks with baby Layton

I am 35 weeks this week!!! Layton is still measuring a little ahead of that, so we are just anxiously waiting for him:) Some days I feel like it could be ANY day now. I want him to be completely "cooked" so I will wait as long as I need to:) Here are some updates on sweet baby brother and me:

Total weight gain/loss:Yikes. Not sure if I even want to reveal that. I haven't gained THAT much this go around, but I also wasn't in total shape from the beginning. I am SO looking forward to getting back in the gym. 

Maternity clothes? OH yeah. And I am running out of options. Most days I rock the yoga pants or sweat pants because they are most comfortable around the belly. I am also thankful I can still fit my coat as it is getting colder! Lyla was a summer baby so I have been so blessed with sweet friends letting me borrow some of their winter apparel. 

Stretch marks? Unfortunately. Lyla refers to them as mommy's bo bo's:( 

Sleep: AWFUL. If I lay on my side, my pelvic bone hurts, if I lay on my back my spine hurts. I get up and down a lot and pray a lot. It has been neat to see how the Lord will lay people on my heart and that has been a sweet time of prayer for me. 

What I miss: Bending down to pick things up (this can be VERY frustrating with a toddler), good sleep, endurance (there's so much I want to do, especially around the holidays)

What I am looking forward to: I am SO looking forward to Lyla having a sibling. I just know she is going to LOVE her brother. She talks to him all the time now. She will whisper "daddy, mommy, lyla, diggs" I think she is telling him all about us. She also tried to "pick him up" Literally...she will grab my belly and try and lift it. I told her she can be one of the first to hold him. She is such a precious child. 

Best moment this week: We got to see Layton last week and have another appointment next week. This week, I have been off the entire week and have spent it playing as much as I can with my sweet Lyla. 

Movement: YES! But he has settled down some lately. I think he is just running out of room in there. 

Belly Button in or out? innie still.

Wedding rings on or off?  I finally decided to take them off. I would hate for those things to get stuck!

Cravings: Cereal (any kind-any time of day!), fruit, salad, cheese!, apple juice, potato wedges from A and M, pancakes

Symptoms: Pelvic pain, restless leg syndrome, acne, forgetfulness (HA!), back aches from my spine, acid reflux (thank you Lord for tums)
Weekly Wisdom: Right now I am just trying to enjoy every second with Lyla. I know, soon, my time will have to be split between two children. I hope she always knows just how special she is to her daddy and me. 

Milestones: Made it another week. That's all I can ask for:) Also since I last updated, Jeff has finished painting his little room. We went with a vintage sports theme-colors are dark brown, tan and red. We are getting there:)

Here are some more of our maternity pictures/family pictures. I am not big on taking belly pictures(mainly just wanted pictures of our family), but wanted to document this time just as we did with Lyla. Layton, we are so ready for you buddy! 

**Photo creds go to Hayli Bunch. She is amazing:) 

Hakunah Matata

It is no secret that one of Lyla's favorite movies is The Lion King. That girl could (and would) watch that movie everyday (twice a day) if we let her.  One of her most favorite parts is when they sing Hakunah Matata. She will get really loud and excited trying to sing along with the warthog and meerkat. You would never expect the Lord to show himself to you through something like this...

When Lyla was little (and even now at times-thank you Lord for grace) I would find myself stressing over a lot of things. A lot of LITTLE things. When she would spill or drop her cup, I would go nuts. If she made a mess, I was upset. If she took off her shoes, pulled her hair down, pooped in her diaper RIGHT as we were headed out the door...YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

We can all relate. Children have a way with testing our patience. The sad part is, that most of the time, these things aren't done on purpose. How do I know that? Well, I have started watching Lyla very closely lately and I have noticed that she has started responding to things in the exact way I respond to things. For instance, when her cup slips out of her tiny little hands while she is eating, she will scream "Oh no" and get all upset about it. If one of her shoes comes off, you would think it is the end of the world. Get that thing back on RIGHT NOW! I started to realize that these things were stressful to her. And they didn't need to be. She didn't want these things to happen. They just happened. These were little, tiny, miniscule things. Nothing to get THAT upset about. So what if we have to clean up a spill. Who cares if we have to take an extra minute to put her shoes back on. There was NO reason to let it bother her the way it did or bother ME the way it did.

The Lord started speaking to me about the things I let bother me. Now, I am not suggesting that you allow your child to throw tantrums or delibertaley disobey-that is totally different. I am talking about the "accidents", the "mishaps", the things that aren't planned. Why do we let ourselves become to frustrated and consumed with the small stuff? Even the things that aren't even related to our kids-why do we let things worry us? It's amazing the patience God has given me when it comes to Lyla and just my family in general. Like I said before, it is only by His grace because I still make mistakes. But I am learning and He is leading.

We have developed the saying in our house "No worries..hakunah matata". Lyla can relate to that because she loves her movie. When I see her over-reacting about something small, I remind her "No worries, Lyla. No worries" It is such a great reminder to me too, especially in parenting. I overheard her telling the dog this morning "No worries, Diggs" so I know she is learning right along with her mama. The Lord does not want us to spend our days in frustration or anger or worry. We will not let Satan have his way in our house.

You made a HUGE mess at dinner? No worries. It IS a messy meal and you are still learning to use a fork.

You are not a morning person? Ok, No worries. Your daddy isn't a morning person either. 

You want to stick the freshly clean dishes in your mouth? No worries. I need to teach you we can't do that. You do not understand that these are not to go in your mouth. 

You want to run around in the buff? Ok, No worries. Every once in a while it's ok-as long as we are at home. LOL

" I will keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will NOT be shaken." Psalm16:8

29 weeks, the baby's name, and a family update

It has been a while since I have updated on this pregnancy. Some days I feel so guilty that I haven't kept up with it like I did with Lyla, but let's be honest...I didn't have a 2 year old running around the first time around. Even as I am writing this now, I am battling to keep her off of me and the computer so I can at least document a few things about her baby brother. 

The Name: 

I am officially 29 weeks and we HAVE decided on a name. I love being able to call him by name and pray for him by name. We have decided on Layton Wade Graves. We never really considered anything other than an L name. Both Jeff and I come from families where we had the same initials as our siblings and I guess we just liked the idea. We picked 4 names and put together a ballot for the youth to vote. Of course, it was a tie between two names. So, we did what any normal person would do and let our 2 year old pick. :) And she did. Between the two names we would say to her, there was one that she would repeat over and over and over again. And that was the name Layton. Wade was my maiden name and was a name we tossed around from the beginning. So, Layton Wade Graves it is and we are so ready to meet this precious blessing. 

Here are some other fun facts about me and sweet Layton

Size of baby: Layton is between 2 and 3 lbs right now. I weighed close to 11 lbs when I was born. Jeff was around 5 lbs and Lyla weighed 6 lbs 10 oz. We will see who he follows after!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: As of Monday's doctor's appointment, I have a gained a total of 14 lbs.  

Maternity Clothes: Yes please! So thankful for friends who have shared with me. The second child seems to make you bigger, FASTER!

Gender: He is still a boy as far as we know:) 

Movement: Oh yes!!!! I feel like Layton is a lot more active than his big sister and she was quite the little mover. He moves CONSTANTLY! I have always enjoyed that part of pregnancy. I love his "Little" kicks. Jeff has been able to feel him move a lot too, which is always fun for daddy to be able to get in on the pregnancy action. HA!

Sleep: I definitely toss and turn A LOT! It is very hard to get comfortable with my back aching and my big ole belly. I have bad restless leg syndrome as well. Not to mention I get up about 3 or 4 times to use the bathroom. They say it's just preparing you for what's to come... 

What I miss: Being able to do everything. I am having to take lots of breaks to rest and it can get frustrating when you want to keep pushing on, but your body just won't let you. 

  

Cravings: I have wanted anything with a tomato base in it, SOUP!, any breakfast food (pancakes!), fruit, any meat

Symptoms: Tired,tired, tired! Acne, restless leg syndrome, lots of baby pressure 

Best Moment This Week:  Gigi came to visit us this weekend and that was wonderful! Lyla loves loves loves her Gigi! She took us shopping and got Layton and Lyla some great surprises!  Mcdonald's also opened up today in Quitman. This is HUGE for a pregnant lady! More food options close to home is ALWAYS a good thing. Lyla and I had breakfast there this morning-gotta support these local businesses:) 

We have been quite a busy family lately aside from all the baby stuff going on. So here is our fall family update in pictures. 

Lyla helped me put out our happy fall ya'll decorations again this year. She is such a good helper and ALWAYS wants to help! These are some side by side pictures from last year and this year. She has come a long way with the pumpkin:) She LOVES them this year! Can you believe how big she has gotten??

Our community sponsored a pancake breakfast with the Disney characters this year during the fall festival. We knew we HAD to take Lyla to see her favorite: Minnie Mouse. Unfortunately, she wasn't too fond of any of them! Oh well, the pancakes were good:) This family picture was taken at the end and was about as close as she would get to Minnie and Mickey. 

We skipped the pumpkin patch this year mainly because we ran out of time and because I just wasn't up for it. We still wanted Lyla to have her pumpkin, so we found a market near by and she had just as much fun picking one out.  

We let her pick out her own pumpkin and of course she had to kiss it before we paid for it. Haha. That child. 

Last night we carved our pumpkin and let Lyla paint her pumpkin. We all had such a great time being together as a family. We made our pumpkin look like Diggs:)

We have been practicing saying "trick or treat" for the big night tomorrow night when Lyla will go door to door and get CANDY! She has NO idea how much fun she is going to have and all the sweets she is going to get. She is going as a cupcake this year so I will be sure to post pictures later. Here are two more of the sweet big sister to be. Our precious, spunky, Lyla Rae!