My Sweet Brooks

5-31-11

Dear Brooks,

I can't believe you are 7 weeks old today. It seems that April 11th was just yesterday. It was on April 11th when daddy and I went to the doctor's office to have a sonogram. The test showed you weighing 9lbs and 6oz. I knew you were going to be a big boy. The doctors were therefore predicting you to be that weight or a pound more or less. I knew you were not a 10 pound baby. We sat down with Doctor Virtue to discuss our options. I think everyone thought at that point I would choose the c-section, but even if you were 10 pounds women have birthed 11 pound babies. I wanted to go through labor and have you the way God planned for women to birth a baby. We decided to induce the following day, April 12th. April 12th was your due date and this is also GiGi and Papa G's anniversary. I thought it was the perfect day to bring someone precious into our lives. Well, we arrived to the hospital early that morning and the inducing began. I was already 2cm dilated and 75% effaced. I had been that for three weeks, so everyone was expecting a long day. By 1 o'clock we were 6cm dilated. Everyone was shocked. As doctor Browning was counting the dilation, mouths were dropping as she passed 4. My room had been filled with family and friends all morning. I guess they were surprised I was not in pain. Contractions did not really bother me. I have been through things much more painful. At this point the doctor and I talked about an epidural. She once again brought up the fact that you might be a 10 pound baby. Well, even though I didn't think you were, I agreed that pushing a baby out that large would be much easier if I didn't feel anything. I knew the contractions would also be getting much stronger. The epidural did not hurt like I mentally prepared myself for. The only fear I had of the epidural was not even true. I was so afraid of not being able to feel my feet and legs. Well, the only area I could not feel was from my belly button down to my upper thigh. It was wonderful. I could still lift my legs.

Well, things slowed down a bit, but by 5 o'clock I was ready to push. Did I mention how much I loved my nurse. She was absolutely wonderful. I will definitely not forget how easy she made peeing in a bed pan and how fun she was to talk with. Mommy pushed for an hour and a half. They could see the top of your head and a little bit of hair, but your beautiful large head was not dropping. This is when the 10 pound baby was brought up again. The doctor and I had a conversation about how your size might be hindering you from continuing down the birth canal. This also led to conversations about protecting your shoulders from getting nerve damage. I definitely did not want to harm your cute little body in any way. So we decided to go with a c-section. To be honest with you in the back of my mind I thought all day long it was probably going to end that way. I still would not change any decisions your daddy and I made.

This was the first time I cried all day. I really did not want the c-section. I think mentally I did not prepare myself for it and I did not do much research about it. Up until April 11th I never once thought I would have to have a c-section. Well, I have had many procedures before so the surgery was not my concern. I was more nervous about the pain afterwards.

At 6:40 you arrived. You were 8 pounds and 6 ounces, 21 inches long. Mommy was right. Mommies are always right. You were a round, beautiful baby. I loved you so much already. Everything was perfect and 30 something relatives in the waiting room were so excited to finally meet you. Since that day I have fallen more in love with your personality and charm. Here begins a list of things I don't want to forget about you as an infant and a list of things I think you will enjoy reading about when you are much older.

In the beginning I struggled to change your diaper. I never babysat boys growing up. I had no idea they would pee so often while changing their diaper. The first 3 weeks we were averaging 3 outfits a day with you. At 7 weeks you have already done much better. I'm sure mommy and daddy have improved too.

In the hospital they are looking for so many poopy diapers each day. Well, Son you were an over achiever. You excelled in the pooping category just like your daddy.

Your aunt Tereza noticed one of the first days how much you dreamed. You made so many different facial expressions. Some of my favorites were big smiles and when you would pucker out your bottom lip. We all wondered what you possibly could be dreaming about. I explained to Tereza the sad face was a dream about your circumcision you had within 24 hours of being born. The big smiles were dreams about mommy feeding you. You loved to eat and still do.

Well, your first poop up the back was definitely in the hospital. You have had 2 others since then. One was so bad we had to take a full bath afterwards. It was everywhere. Not one of my favorite moments, but I still will cherish it.

The ride home from the hospital was wonderful. You loved your car seat. To this day you still love sleeping in your car seat. I hope this continues.

Once we got home I continued giving you mommy milk but through bottles. This worked out for us in so many ways. Daddy loved feeding you and so did Gigi and Meia. This is where you earned the nickname Piglet. Once we would take the bottle away to burp you not only would you get really upset, but you would snort. It always made me laugh. I then decided piglet worked as a nickname.

Oh how you love your Abby. Anytime Abby thought you and I were having playtime she too decided it was time to play. She would bring her green, squeaky bone and drop it in your lap. She didn't realize you could not play catch yet. You loved watching her though.

I soon realized if I could manage to get through a shower with you happy, I could continue to keep you happy with the blow dryer. You love it! Your eyes even follow the blow dryer as I move it from one hand to the next. I think you get this from Mommy. We both like white noise while we sleep and a blow dryer is a nice noise to have in the background.

You were sleeping in your crib around 5 weeks old. We had to swaddle you to keep you a sleep for more than an hour. One of our favorite reasons to watch you sleep was the flying arms. The slightest unfamiliar noise would make your arms going flying. Sometimes you slept with both arms in the air just because. We thought it looked like you were doing the tango or that you had a question you really wanted to ask. Swaddling helped keep your arms from waking you up.

Besides your family, there are two other things you absolutely love, the whale bathtub and your pacifier. The pacifier you chose to use is a 3-6 month. Therefore you can never keep it in your mouth for long without a little assistance. Just like your daddy though you love to have it in your mouth. The whale bathtub is where all the fun takes place each night. You love to pee in it, smile, laugh, and just listen to mommy and daddy sing and talk to you. I think this is one of our favorite times each day with you.

We love you so much!

Mommy and Daddy

Really??? We made it to 39 weeks?

Well, we start 39 weeks today. I can't believe he's not here and I can't believe at the same time that he's almost here. We went to the doctor yesterday and boy was it an eventful and uneventful appointment. We were running late so we sat longer than usual in the waiting room. Micheal of course was restless. Something always comes over him when we get to the doctor's office. I guess it is the unknown of what the doctor might say. He acts so weird and hyper the whole time. So we finally made it back to the little room where the doctor would come meet us. Micheal decided he would hide in the changing area behind the curtain. I know what you are thinking. I'm about to have two little boys to take care of. While he was behind the curtain, he decided to pass gas. It was pretty loud, so I was hoping it would not smell up the room. No matter what it was not appreciated. Well, within seconds the room begins to smell terrible. I told Micheal he better open the door before the doctor came in. The aroma could have knocked anyone out. As soon as he opened the door our nurse walked by and asked if he needed something. Haha, boy did she get a surprise. Both her and Micheal were laughing as he said, "I'm fine." She definitely knew what was going on. Micheal shut the door because he was soooo embarrassed, but the smell was still lingering. Then walks in the doctor, we call him fish hands because of his soft handshake. I was so embarrassed. He acted very professional and did not say anything of course. I on the other hand could not stop blushing. I knew he thought it was probably the constipated pregnant woman. Oh Micheal how I love thee!

We celebrated our 2 year anniversary yesterday. It was the 3rd day in a row that I cried. I have been so emotional these last couple of days. Poor Micheal! I thought that might mean something since I haven't been the whole pregnancy, but the doctor said we were still 2cm dilated and 75% effaced. This would be the uneventful news. With tears and still no Brooks, Micheal and I managed to have a wonderful dinner. My mom keeps talking about the full moon and how that will bring Brooks out. Well, I hate to bust her bubble, but we are having a waxing crescent tonight which means over a week and 1/2 before the full moon will arrive. We go back to the doctor in a week. They will do the sonogram and make sure Brooks is not too big. I guess if he is we will discuss a c-section. Otherwise we will schedule a date to induce. I really hope he comes on his own. I've been excited to say to Micheal, "MY WATER BROKE!" I guess time will tell.

Dear Brooks,

Hi it's mommy! I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I promise you will enjoy it much more than my tummy. Daddy can't wait to kiss your skin instead of mommy's tummy. We are both very excited to meet you and introduce you to so many people who already love you. I know the thought of leaving your home sounds scary, but it will be okay. I promise! Love you!

Mommy

Surprise!!

We began week 38 today, so Brooks can surprise us at any moment. Micheal really thinks he will come this week. I'm still hoping for Saturday, April 2nd! Monday started my first week at home while my friends are back at school teaching. It was a busy day and it went by really quick. Today seems to be doing the same. It's amazing how much there is to do with just two people living at home and preparing for a third. Brooks has been a party animal the last couple of nights so I'm usually up a few hours during the night watching tv, so Abby and I go back to bed when Micheal leaves for work. By the time we roll our lazy bottoms out of bed, get ready, walk, and eat, it's almost noon. I know the schedule will be a little different when Brooks gets here. I'm okay with that of course.

Well, yesterday we went to the doctor. It was 3 days since the last time we saw him. They scheduled it early because of my blood pressure. It's been PERFECT the whole pregnancy but was a little high last week. I was very anxious to get to the doctor yesterday to see if it was back to normal and to see if I was more dilated. Well, the blood pressure was down, which was great news. The doctor though did not do an exam since we had just had one. Haha, its funny how quickly things change. The first time I was somewhat dreading the exam and yesterday I felt like begging for one. Micheal did not understand. I felt like so much had changed since Thursday and was curious to find out if I was right. Oh well. So as we left he said see you next Monday or this week when Brooks arrives. If we make it to another appointment, it will be mine and Micheal's anniversary. I think we would rather spend it with Brooks too though.:) Oh how I LOVE surprises!! (not really)

Since this could be my last post before Brooks arrives I just want to say that I hope all of my pregnancies are this easy. I really loved being pregnant and am extremely blessed to have experienced this miracle. I hope Brooks is a lot like his daddy, because Micheal is a wonderful man and has been nothing but thoughtful and loving since the day we got married. I'm a lucky girl to be married to someone like him and I can't wait for Brooks to meet him and learn how to be a gentleman like his daddy.

Happy New Year!

I'm so excited for 2011. Micheal and I have already started the year off great visiting with family, trips with friends, and preparing for the arrival of Brooks. His furniture should be here at the end of the month along with some decorations. I can't wait for his room to be finished. We have a few things that have come in already: curtains, bedding,diaper bag, and blocks for his name.















I haven't put any belly pictures on Facebook or anything coworkers or students could see, but I have a few. I picked 1 to put on our blog for some friends that were wanting to see a bare belly, but unable to get pictures through their phone:) He's a growing boy. This is 28 weeks.

November 28th, 2010

I know what you might be thinking....it's been awhile. My sister and her new boyfriend stayed a couple nights with us over Thanksgiving Break, and yes I really like him. He asked Micheal and I what we do most of the time and we really did not come up with many answers. However, we are always busy.

Baby News: We are 20 weeks! Micheal and I decided to name our baby boy Brooks Anthony. Most of our family members really like the name, which makes us more confident in the name we chose. My mom thinks is sounds like a student who attends Harvard, while my sister thinks of an athlete. The middle name is Micheal's middle name and Pop's first name, which is Micheal's dad.....that's what Brooks will call him. Speaking of new names Micheal's mom will be Meia, my dad Papa G. and my mom GiGi. They are all very excited to be grandparents and have a little baby to love.

More news on Brooks Anthony: I first felt Brooks kick at 18 weeks. I'm not sure if I could feel him before this, but I was definitely sure it was him this one particular night. Micheal and I stayed up to watch movies on t.v., and of course Micheal feel asleep early. I decided to get a bowl of mini pickles while watching the movie. Well, Brooks either loves pickles or hates them, but boy did they get him moving. It was such a great moment. I woke Micheal to share the news. haha...oh he can make me laugh.... His first comment, "Did it hurt?"...."Are you okay?" I guess he's not aware of the size of Brooks. Yes, at 20 weeks I have a rather large belly taking over the view of my feet, but he still is only around 1lb and this happened 2 weeks before now. Oh how I love that man. He always makes me smile.

Micheal and I recently picked out the furniture and bedding for Brooks. We are planning to order the furniture this week and are going to wait awhile to see if someone purchases the bedding for us. I'm planning to order the sham this week to make sure it works with the room we've had painted for months. I know that seems to be out of order, but I love painting and over the summer painted both of the guest bedrooms. Im optimistic that the color will work fine, but want to make sure before someone else possibly purchases it for us. I have attached the following to show you the pictures of his soon to be room.

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/elis-elephant-nursery-bedding-boy/?pkey=bboys-nursery-bedding

http://www.bonavita.com/products/collections/product-collection/hudson-collection.html

The crib will be chocolate brown and we plan to order just one dresser. I can't wait for all of these to arrive and really begin working on where Brooks will sleep, play, eat, and grow.

Mackey News: FSU beat UF yesterday in Tallahasseee. Micheal was beside himself. We had a tailgate with a lot of friends and really enjoyed the whole trip, but it was definitely a nice 3 hours home with a victory under our belt. For those of you who might be wondering how I dressed for such a game, since I grew up a Gator and married a Seminole, I wore neutral colors. I therefore did not dissappoint my dad who was with us or my husband.

Abby, our precious dog who is really our first child to some extent, has been sick most of Thanksgiving Break. I've never seen a dog throw up as much as she did within two days. I'm so happy to say that she is back to her perky self. Oh how I missed her and worried for her. I hate when she is under the weather.

Well, tomorrow I head back to school from this wonderful break. It is going to be a rough week, but there is a lot to look forward to. Plus, we have three weeks until Christmas Break, so I think I will be able to handle it. Monday night we are planning to buy our Christmas tree, which is one of my favorite things about Christmas. Tuesday night the Mackey family is coming over for dinner to celebrate Meia and Pop's wedding anniversary. Then Friday Micheal and I are thinking about heading to North Carolina for the ACC championship in Charlotte.

I will work on adding more pictures to the blog to keep you posted. Happy Holidays!

October 20, 2010

First I would like to say Happy Birthday to Erin! I hope you had an awesome day. I love you. I now would like to write about the wonderful news. Micheal and I went to our third doctor's appointment. Once again another great doctor. I love the group I'm working with. They have all been absolutely wonderful and I have been able to get an appointment whenever I need it. Love them! We of course heard our baby' heartbeat which was 160. Yes, I know that means girl to some of you moms, but I recently had a friend give birth to a baby boy who had a heart beat at 160 beats per a minute. So here comes the exciting news......we will find out soon! November 11th, 2010 (11-11-10)....I pray he or she is willing to reveal themselves. :) By the way call me whenever you want just to say hi. I set my ringtone to the baby's heartbeat. I love hearing it!

October 5th, 2010

Today is the day! My students and Facebook by the end of the day will know that Micheal and I are pregnant. We started week 13 today and with so many people already knowing I figured it was past time to announce it on Facebook. Plus, with all the rumors at school going around I figured I could go ahead and let my students know too. It's still the middle of the day so I will continue to post as I get more information. As of now most of my students think we are going to have a boy. My 4th period: 4 votes for a girl & 11 votes for a boy, 5th period: 7 votes for a girl & 13 votes for a boy. I was actually shocked by this. I thought it would be a little closer. I guess we will see how the rest of the day goes. I will say this about 8th graders though, they either think I'm 21 or 31 year old. :) So maybe they really have no idea. Hopefully within 6 weeks we will know the real results.

Continued from blog above:
3rd period: 4 votes for a boy & 13 votes for a girl & 1st period: 9 votes for a girl & 9 votes for a boy. I forgot what the turnout was for 6th period but the majority thought a boy. We are now 14 weeks pregnant. Hopefully within 4 weeks we will know what we are having.