picture-a-day {May.30 - birth day}

Having been induced with all my pregnancies I knew that was the direction I wanted to go this time around as well.   When I was newly pregnant with Melia I attended an "OB speed dating" event at the new hospital nearby and was able to have a 5 minute visit with 8-10 doctors.  One of the first questions I asked was how they felt about inducing patients, if they answered in the negative I knew they weren't the best fit for me.   The doctor I chose had been induced with all three of her kids and was open to the idea for her patients as well.  Hospital policy doesn't allow inductions before 39 weeks, which I was totally fine with.   The only reason we went 10-11 days early with Carly, Jason, and Katie was to work around my doctor’s vacation schedule. 

I'd been going in twice a week since April so there was plenty of opportunities to keep tabs on Drew and discuss a game plan for delivery.   Each ultrasound put Drew at a larger than average size so we decided to schedule the induction at my 39 week mark - Wednesday, May 22nd.

On Monday the 20th I got a phone call from my doctors office that my doctor had to take emergency leave and wouldn't be in for the rest of the week.   I was not happy.   I really felt comfortable with my doctor and the plan we had in place.   It wasn't till late that afternoon that they were able to tell me who would be delivering our baby instead.   My doctor still organized everything and did an awesome job communicating with her replacement so in the end it worked out fine. 

5:50am - Our check in time was 6am, as we were walking out to the car at 5:50am I got a phone call from the hospital letting us know that we wouldn't have a nurse available till 7:30am so we could either come in and sit around or wait at home.  It would have been nice to wait at home asleep in bed, but we were wide awake.  We decided to stay at home and  watched a few recorded episodes of "Selling New York" to pass the time. 

7:30am - When we entered labor and delivery we were greeted by two nurses.   One was just coming back to work after taking a few years off to have kids so she was learning the ins-and-outs of the new hospital from the other nurse.   These two spent nearly all day by our side and were awesome. 

We anticipated a quick delivery, Carly, Jason, and Katie were all born before noon.  Katie came so quickly that I didn't get the full four hours of penicillin (I'm strep B positive) so we had to stay an extra day for monitoring.   The plan was to take things slow and not start labor till after I'd had several hours of penicillin.

7:45am - IV in place

8:00am - Penicillin started

The hospital we delivered at has only been open 18 months so it has all the bells and whistles.  I've heard it referred to as Spa Swedish.  To pass the time we watched the new Spiderman (the large TV was stocked with tons of great movies).  We ordered a delicious breakfast from the restaurant downstairs.  The in room Jacuzzi and multi-fixture rain shower would have been tempting had I not been hooked up to monitors and IVs already. 

10:05am - Pitocin started

My doctor in Auburn was much more aggressive with my previous inductions.   He broke my water as soon as I checked in and I think they started me on a much higher dosage of pitocin from the get go.  This delivery was much slower.  The contractions weren't any stronger then I'd been having for several weeks. 

12:00pm - Received epidural

We decided to get the epidural before the doctor broke my water.  I told the nurses I wasn't sure the epidural was strong enough.   My right leg felt numb, but I was still able to feel and move my left leg.   They said that is how the ideal epidural should feel.  I was pretty comfortable through the contractions, but was doubtful it would be enough for delivery so I pushed my little button to up the meds as often as I could throughout the day. 

12:50pm - Dr. broke my water

This hasn't been the first time I've been told I make good, strong bags.  It took the doctor several attempts to pierce a hole in the bag and unfortunately Drew has a few scratches on his head as a result.

I thought it strange that we'd been in the hospital over five hours already and this was the first time they checked me to see my progress.   I was surprised that I wasn't dilated much more than I had been at my last appt with my doctor over a week before when I was measuring 3cm, and 60% effaced.  At this point I was slightly more dilated at 3.5-4cm.

2:30pm - no progress,  pitocin gradually increased

We spent most of the afternoon resting.  Justin actually slept several hours throughout the day.  I tried my darnedest to fall asleep, but I was too excited to relax completely.

4:20pm - measuring 4-5cm, 80% effaced

5:25pm - measuring 5-6cm

As it neared 6pm I was feeling very uncomfortable and asked for them to call the anesthesiologist to add meds to the epidural.   They checked me and said there wouldn't be enough time, our baby was on his way. 

I had a weak epidural when I delivered Carly,  but this delivery was by far the most painful.   Obviously I had meds in my system,  but it was by no means enough.   Without any pain medication I'm pretty sure a natural delivery would kill me. I couldn't even wait for the contractions to push,  I needed that baby out ASAP.  And push I did with all I had.  Earlier in the day the doctor asked if I would be okay having the office midwife deliver the baby who would have with her a student as well.  I told her that would be fine.  So besides Justin, we had the doctor, the midwife, the student, our two nurses, and at least 1-2 nurses for the baby in the room. 

6:11pm - I think it took 5-6 agonizing contractions before my sweet little boy was placed in my arms. 

I immediately knew Drew wasn’t one of my biggest babies.  In fact Carly was the only one of our kids that was ever this small.  Before we weighed him one of the nurses predicted he was over 9 pounds, but the other thought he would be smaller.  Abigail, Jason, and Katie were all 9 pounds or larger, and Carly was a teeny 7 lbs, 2 oz – after having Carly I said I never wanted to have another baby under 8 pounds so I was happy with Drew weighing in at 8 lbs, 7 ozs.

7:30pm - We didn't anticipate this late of a delivery,  but the kids were anxious to meet their new little brother and we were excited to show him off.  They showed up just as my delicious dinner was delivered – I was sooo hungry!  

We thought the outfit Katie showed up in was pretty funny

 

Grandma with her 19^th grandchild!

    

This picture pretty much sums up how the evening went – Drew has quite the fanclub

We sure missed Abigail while she was away at camp.  She was able to call us later that night and we sent a picture of Drew to her teacher so Abigail could see what he looked like.

It didn't take long for my weak epidural to wear off enough for us to be moved to a recovery room for the rest of our stay.  It took us a little while to get settled, but I’m pretty sure we went to sleep around 1am.  Drew slept all night except for when we woke him up to eat or change his diaper.  Which meant Justin and I got plenty of rest as well.  He’s so easy going and such a sweet little baby.

picture-a-day {May.27 – introducing}

We've struggled with naming most of our kids.   Abigail was the only one we had a name picked out for before she was born, but we’ve never left the hospital with a nameless child… until this little guy arrived.  

Several weeks ago we wrote down a list of names we liked, then Justin and I each separated out our favorites from our not-so-favorite.  Out of a dozen names only a few matched up.  Our list was ever changing; one week I'd really like a name and the next week I'd cross it off entirely.  We added new names often as well.  As we got closer to his arrival Justin and I each had a name we liked the best, but unfortunately neither of us liked the others choice, like not at all.  Long story short, on Saturday night, when our little guy was already 3 days old, we gave up on our individual favorite names (Justin liked Chase and I liked Gavin) and decided to go with Drew, a name that had always been on the list, but not necessarily a favorite.  An added bonus was that each of the kids (and Grandma) voted for it as well.  Obviously we like the name, but it will take time to get used to especially since he's always just been "baby".  We've got two days to let the hospital know whether he will officially be Andrew or just Drew.  Decisions, decisions! 

So for now I introduce you to Drew Michael Fletcher 

(and two of his adoring older sisters)

Having a new baby is heavenly.  We have been blessed with such a sweet, content little guy. I would love nothing more than to stay at home all day snuggling him.  In keeping with typical Fletcher baby history instead of just soaking in all his yumminess these first few days become focused on getting him to put on weight, trying to keep his increasing bilirubin levels in check, waking him up every few hours day/night to make him eat, struggling with a sleepy baby who doesn't want to nurse, frequent pumping to make sure there's plenty of milk for him, alarm clocks, daily blood draws, etc, etc... I know this cycle though and have been down a similar road with all my kiddos, so I know this rigorous schedule will pass.  However, I also know this newborn stage will pass by as well, far too quickly, so I'm enjoying what little down time we have, even if it's not nearly as much as I'd like. 

picture-a-day {May.22 - he's here!}

our tiny little guy @ 8 pounds, 7 ounces

21 inches long

May 22, 2013 at 6:11pm

picture-a-day {May.21 – off she goes}

This morning Abigail left for 5th grade camp.  She will spend the next four days having amazing adventures and experiences.  I squeezed her tight then I had to quickly turn away before I got too emotional.  The time passes too quickly.  Today I send her off to camp but before I know it she’ll be leaving us for college.  

As much as she was looking forward to this week I feel better knowing she would have loved to have me come along as her chaperone.  

picture-a-day {May.20 – girl’s night out}

Tonight was our much anticipated “girls night out”.  The girls remember going out for dinner and getting pedicures with me before Katie was born and were excited to do it again.  Unfortunately, in the hustle to get out the door I forgot to take my camera so I’ll have to rely on the not-so-flattering picture my Mom took.

My Mom posted the above picture on Facebook and in the words of my loving sister, “Holy belly Holly.  Way to go sis!!!”  Yes, I’m ready to loose some poundage.

After getting our mani-pedis (I’m not a fan of painted fingernails so having a manicure included was an added bonus) we heading to Red Robin for dinner and dessert.  I’m lucky to have such awesome daughters!

picture-a-day {May.19 – she’s here!}

My Mom arrived tonight and we couldn’t be more excited.  The kids haven’t seen her in nearly two and a half years so waiting for her to ride up the escalators at the airport was almost too much to bear.

picture-a-day {May.18 – good mail}

Today’s mail brought with it some wonderful news.

Miss Carly has qualified for the Highly Capable (High-C) program at school.  It is a two-year program which she will participate in during 4th and 5th grade.  It has been such a great opportunity for Abigail and we are thrilled Carly will get to experience it as well!

picture-a-day {May.17 – wildlife}

Another late night out for me tonight, but I figure I’ve gotta cram in as much socialization and evenings out while I still can.  I haven’t been very good about taking any pictures of any of the fun stuff that’s been keeping me busy so instead I’ll post a picture of the little visitors that keep hanging out in our backyard.   

picture-a-day {May.16 – big brother}

My friend sent me this picture a few weeks ago when she was watching Jason and Katie during one of my doctor appointments.  

Jason is so excited to help feed his baby brother when he arrives.

picture-a-day {May.15 – morning}

After being out late last night with friends and getting a poor nights sleep because of heartburn, and general uncomfortableness associated with being ginormously pregnant, I really struggled to get out of bed this morning.  I had a little company though and she can be quite the crack up.

picture-a-day {May.14 – 98 years young}

My Mom just posted this picture on facebook of her and her sisters (minus one) celebrating my Grandma’s 98th birthday.   

My Grandma is amazing (bottom row left in case you can’t tell) – I have the fondest childhood memoires of visiting her and my Grandpa in their home in St. George, Utah.  Spending all day in the hot tub, the M&M machine, Grandma’s delicious gravy, playing with their vibrating-fat-burning-belt machine, hiding in their mini sauna, and their beautiful home that always seemed to undergo some sort of exciting upgrade or remodel in between our visits.  It’s great to see her still looking as young and happy as ever.

picture-a-day {May.13 – Abigail’s Mysterious Mathematics}

This afternoon we put the finishing touches on Abigail’s Imagination Celebration game for her High-C class {2012 project}.  In a few weeks the 3rd-5th graders at her school will have the opportunity to win her prize by testing their math skills and solving a mystery math word puzzle.  

picture-a-day {May.12 – being a mother}

Earlier this year I made a goal to get our 2010 pictures in an album before the baby was born.  I started out strong and actually enjoyed looking through the old pictures and journaling.  I made it through Katie’s birth and then haven’t done a single page in the last seven weeks.   I know I’ll get it done someday, but I’m ok that it likely won’t be anytime soon.  Today as I focused on what a blessing it is to be a mother I was reminded of an entry I’d written just weeks after Katie was born that I never posted. 

(April 2010)  So the hope was that after Katie was born Justin and I would feel a sense of finality... that our family was complete with the birth of our fourth child.  Instead, just moments after she entered this world, I commented to Justin, "Why would we never want to do this again?"  And it was clear he felt the same overwhelming joy I was feeling. I really wish I could find the words to adequately describe how I felt that day.  As her birth drew near I often found myself completely baffled and amazed knowing that inside me was a person, a small child we created.  I was certainly big enough to be carrying around a baby, but still the miracle of it all was never far from my mind.  Then she was born and suddenly I was holding my little girl - as real as it could be. And despite the fact that she was screaming at the top of her lungs, I was smitten.  Instant connection.  Overabundance of love.  It’s been almost 2 weeks and I still can't get enough of her.   I have no idea if we'll have another child someday (FIVE kids is a lot!) but without a doubt, the hardships endured this past year are SO worth the reward.  My heart is full - I am so blessed!

I’m thrilled we get to do this again!

picture-a-day {May.11 – sweet boy}

There were so many things I should have taken a picture of today, but I didn’t take a single one.  Instead, I’ll share a picture of our sweet baby from my ultrasound last week.  

picture-a-day {May.10 – sunny days}

We’ve been enjoying some beautiful sunny days over the past few weeks.  A few days (including today) even reached the 80’s (a bit too hot for this pregnant mama).  With nicer weather comes hours playing outside with the neighborhood kids, otterpops, sidewalk chalk, skinned up knees, bubbles, and lots of smiles.

picture-a-day {May.09 – dessert}

With four kids in the house I hear a lot of comparisons, “it’s not fair” and “why does she get to…?”  Carly's first ever MSP was today and she felt jipped because Abigail got to take a special treat to school during one of her MSP testing days last week.  My typical response usual conveys the concept that “life isn’t fair;” however, today I told her that we could make a special dessert together when she got home from school.  I thought the beautiful sunny day would distract her from spending the afternoon in the kitchen, but she remembered and together we made a yummy strawberry shortcake.

picture-a-day {May.08 – loopin’ louie}

Our home teacher is awesome.  He comes every month with some sort of fun activity and lesson for our family {for example}.  Unfortunately, he’s recently been called into the bishopric so he’ll only be coming a few more months while he transitions his young companion’s newly baptized father to take his place (did that make sense?).   Anyhow, on his last visit he talked to each of the kids about how they can be helpful in our family – very timely and appropriate.  He also brought with him two games his grown kids played as children and let us choose one to keep until his visit next month.  The kids chose Loopin’ Louie.  Fun for the whole family.

picture-a-day {May.07 – tuesday}

On Sunday I was released from serving in the ward as an activity day leader.   So instead dealing with a house full of overenergetic 8 and 9 year old girls this afternoon, I got to sit down and watch Seseme Street with my little girl.  Sweet!

picture-a-day {May.06 - I like options}

Two packages arrived today with a few more options for curtains to hang in the girls’ room.  I think I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite two…

picture-a-day {May.05 – smiles and piggytails}

Katie recently had her three-year well child checkup.   As we were walking back home after getting Jason on the bus my friend was surprised when I told here we were driving down to Auburn for her well-child visit.  I explained how awesome this doctor is and shared that he actually helped us name Katie.  When she was two days old and still nameless we went through the names we were thinking of and he gave us his thoughts on each of them.  When we came to Katie he said he pictured a happy little girl with chubby cheeks and piggy tails.  I think she fits that description quite perfectly.

Katie’s three year stats:

Weight:  35 lbs, 9.6 oz (85^th percentile)

Height:  3 feet, 3 inches (90^th percentile)

picture-a-day {May.04 – first baseball game}

This morning was Jason’s first baseball game.  Abigail took t-ball the summer before she started kindergarten, but we found the practices and games long and not very entertaining to watch.  Jason technically should be on a t-ball team (I believe the cutoff is May birthdays), but we registered him to play up a level (I believe it’s called coach-pitch) so he could play with most of the other kindergartners.  We also requested he be on the same team as his buddy, Everett.  I thought it would be much faster paced than t-ball, but alas I was mistaken.  Each boy got about 7-10 attempts at hitting the ball and if it wasn’t looking like they were going to connect then the “T” was brought out.  Jason was able to eventually hit the ball in both innings without the “T”.  Two innings, and a hour and a half later, the boys ran around the bases, gave high-fives to the opposing team, and enjoyed some yummy treats.  

picture-a-day {May.03 – a sneak peek}

I decided it would be fun to bring each of the girls to one of my ultrasounds so they could see the baby and be part of that experience.  Abigail went with me last Friday and the technician gave us quite the show.  She took dozens of 3D pictures and was great at explaining to Abigail what she was looking at on the screen.

I think he’s got his Daddy’s smile

Abigail got to school a little late that day, but it was fun to have her with me.  She thought it was pretty special too.

picture-a-day {May.02 – potty}

This little girl has been dry since Sunday morning!  

Last week Katie woke up ready to be potty trained.  It took me by surprise because I had no intention on potty training this close to having a new baby.  And she’s shown very little interest these last few months.  But as they say, when they are ready… So we put away the diapers, took out the pull-ups (I never put on underwear til they have the pull-up mastered, cleaning up messes is not worth it for me).  A few weeks ago we watched a little girl who was potty training – she came in underwear and I so badly wanted to stick a pull-up on her as she walked in the door cause I just knew despite my asking her every 10 minutes if she needed to go potty that I would be cleaning up an accident.  She didn’t even make it 20 minutes.  No. Thank. You.  Katie has done amazing and even stays dry during the night and naps.   This little girl doesn’t go potty on demand though.  On Sunday she refused to go to the bathroom at church so I thought for sure she wouldn’t make it the 4+ hours til we were back home, but apparently she has a strong bladder and was perfectly fine.  As successful as Katie is doing I’m still not sure we’ll make the transition from pull-ups to underwear til after we have the baby.   As much as I hate potty messes I’d feel terrible having someone else clean that up.

picture-a-day {May.01 – spring snow showers}

I'm likely setting myself up for failure considering I am having a BABY sometime this month, but I need to get back into the habit of taking pictures and documenting more so what better way than to attempt to post something every day this month.  

These pictures were actually taken yesterday morning when we woke up to SNOW! 

What a crazy winter we've had this year.  It's actually been pretty mild with very little snow overall, but these spring snow showers are odd.   Stranger even still is that we are predicting summer weather the rest of the week – reaching the low 80’s over the weekend!  Bring on the sunshine!