Cavin's Nursery

Its hard to get good pictures of Cavin's nursery because its a pretty small room and the doorway is in a bad spot for picture taking! But these are the best we got. The 4th wall missing is mostly closet doors so we figured we didn't need to put up pictures of them!

Of course we decorated in a sports theme. Both Matt and I love sports and we are hoping Cavin will as well. I saw this bedding and loved its classy look mixed with the sports.

We made the circles out of insulation board so they are "3d" on the walls. This way I can move them as much as I want and reuse them if we ever move.

I love my green corduroy curtains with white buttons on the tabs! Its hard to see their green color in this picture with the sun coming in.

We had a big debate over what to put over the window. Matt wanted to put our house rules there: 1. Love God 2. Love People and 3. Love Sports. I wanted something with a little more meaning!

We decided on Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still." Here's why.

This is one of my favorite verses out of the Bible. The Israelites had just witnessed God's power through the plagues in Egypt and the miracle of their escape. Now they turn back and see the Egyptian army pursuing them and they immediately forget the display of God's power they witnessed just moments before. Instead of remembering and standing firm in their faith that God will continue to deliver them, they immediately begin to doubt and become fearful.

"10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

I wish we could have fit all of verse 13 on his wall as well. These verses were my stronghold throughout this pregnancy. Like the Israelites, I often forgot God's power and faithfulness and began to fear and doubt instead. These verses helped me to remember there is nothing I can do but be still, stand firm in my faith, allow God to fight for me, and He WILL-- He HAS delivered me.

48 Hours...

And only two bottles!! It looks like we've made the transition to nursing!

Now to figure out what I am eating that is causing Cavin to spit up... I have decided to eliminate dairy products and chocolate as much as I can. This will not be easy for me as I love milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt and all things dairy! But Matt was lactose intolerant as a little guy, and I am wondering if this isn't the case with Cavin as well. So we'll see if I can handle it and if it makes Cavin any better!

We are still in awe of our little guy. We can't believe he's finally here and he's ours to keep. We are so in love with him and continue to praise our Heavenly Father who truly gives perfect gifts.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1:17

A Few Prayer Requests

1. For Cavin to nurse. While he had jaundice we couldn't get him to nurse at all, even after trying everything. We couldn't even get him to want a bottle, we had to force feed him so he wouldn't drop any more weight. Now that the jaundice is over we're trying to transition back to nursing from the bottle. Its a tough battle! Please pray for mommy to have lots of patience and for Cavin to make the switch!

2. My healing....

The following is a summary of what happened on Thursday, August 20th....read at your own risk!

Thursday morning we went to the doctor hoping to have Cavin that day. His movement had decreased and I wasn't sleeping at night worrying about it. I was dilated to a 6 and Dr. T agreed it was time and I was admitted.

Start: 10:00 a.m.

As soon as they put the monitor on my tummy they noticed big variables (drops) in Cavin's heartbeat. Instead of waiting to break my water as planned, Dr. T decided it was best to break it then (11:00) and get the show on the road. Immediately after breaking my water my contractions starting coming 2-3 minutes apart and were lasting a good 45 seconds.

After almost two hours I was checked and there had been no change in my cervix. There were however, still frequent drops with Cavin's heartbeat. Dr. T wanted to increase the pitocin (I had started at a 2--didn't want much of that stuff going natural!) by two every 30 minutes. They needed to get Cavin out as soon as possible.

I decided with a rushed labor process, not being allowed out of bed at all, and stress over worrying about Cavin, to have an epidural so they could speed things up as much as needed. I did ask for the lowest dose so I could still feel my legs, contractions, pressure and the sort.

After two hours I was completely dilated and effaced and we were ready to start pushing as soon as Dr. T could get there. I pushed for about 45 minutes before Dr. T got there, practicing pushing and working on bringing Cavin's head down. Once Dr. T came in the room, the real pushing began and 45 minutes later Cavin was born!

Cavin came out side ways-horizontal instead of vertical like babies are supposed to come out. The cord was wrapped around his neck, his body, and one of his legs. We were very fortunate not to have lost him.

The instant he came out he began crying and I began weeping. There is no way to describe what I felt when I heard his cry and saw him kicking and moving. As images from the triplets birth flashed through my mind and heart, I welcomed and wept over my new-and perfect son.

Finished: 8:38 p.m.

It took over an hour for Dr. T to put me back together again due to Cavin coming out sideways. At this point I was so thankful I had the epidural! The first time they got me up I passed out. My body just couldn't handle anymore.

Yesterday when we were at the hospital getting Cavin's blood work done a mommy and her newborn were being discharged. The mom was bending over and talking to her little girl and walking with ease. It had been a week for me and it hurt to take a step, sit, and do basically anything. Needless to say I was quite jealous!

Clothes!

We're finally getting to dress Cavin in all of his cute clothes! Its funny how big the newborn clothes are on him--they need to make slim sizes for newborns!!

This outfit is from Grandma Clapham who loves Mickey Mouse!This one is just because its cute! But this was Cavin's first time laying in his crib in the nursery!

Answered Prayer!

After being off phototherapy for the past 24 hours we were delighted to hear that Cavin's bilirubin levels went down even more!! Cavin and I's blood war has finally ceased and jaundice should be behind us now!!

We've also been concerned about Cavin's weight, and today he weighed in at 7 pounds 2 ounces!! We were pretty surprised at how much he had gained since Tuesday! He's been a little pig! 2 more ounces and we'll be back at his birthweight!

Now if mommy can get to feeling better we'll be good to go!

We're in the "Normal" Zone!!

We had to take Cavin to get his bilirubin level tested again today. His levels are now down into the normal category!!!!

This means we can take him off the bilibed at home and snuggle him in our arms as much as we want! I can also start dressing him in all his cute clothes! We'll also be able to take more pictures!

Thank you all for praying with us. God is so faithful and this small trial just adds to the amazing testimony Cavin is to God's love for his children.

We'll take him to get his bilirubin levels tested again tomorrow after being off the lights for 24 hours to make sure he is able to maintain.

Going Home!

Cavin's bilirubin levels were down this morning so we'll be able to go home later this afternoon! He will still be on the bilibed at home, at least for the next 24 hours, but we are so excited to be home again!

His levels are just back into the normal range now so we're keeping him on the bilibed so we don't have to repeat this past weekend. (Taking him off the lights and his levels spiking.) We're hoping and praying our red blood cells will end their battle soon!

Back at the Hospital

This morning we took Cavin for his first visit to the pediatrician and to have his bilirubin levels tested again. He is still 20 and 1/4 inches long, but has dropped down to 6 pounds and 11 ounces.

We got home and were fixing some leftovers for lunch when Dr. R called to tell us she wanted to put Cavin in the hospital under the bilirubin lights. Even though he was on the bilirubin bed at home, his levels still increased.

Cavin's jaundice is a result of our blood not being compatible as was confirmed with a Coomb's test shortly after birth. This makes his jaundice more serious than the typical jaundice most infants develop after birth. This is why we aren't messing around when it comes to his treatment and have brought him back to the hospital. Once his levels come down we will be able to return home and continue treatment with the bilibed.

They will run bloodwork again in the morning, and we are praying his levels will have dropped!

Here is a new picture of Cavin with the bililights. This is a newer bililight so it looks completely different. He also has a bili-blanket underneath of him, so we're attacking with phototherapy from both top and bottom now.

And for fun...here is a picture of Cavin's "little man hands" as Daddy likes to call them. His fingers are unbelievably long and oh so cute!

Just an Update on our Cutie!

This morning we had to take Cavin to get his bilirubin levels tested again. They went from a 7.1 to 11.4. Although the pediatrician said this is still an "okay" level for his third day of life, she still wanted us to put him on his bilibed for the next 24 hours. We'll go again tomorrow morning for a check up and to again test his bilirubin levels. Hopefully his levels will be good and we can be done with this!

I am super thankful that he is a content baby and is happy on the bilibed unless he needs changed or fed and after a while, just some snuggle time!

In the hospital underneath the bililights.

At home on the bilibed.

I like this bilibed much better than the bililights. The lights on this one are underneath so we don't have to put the goggles on his face, which is super nice.

We're Home!!

All dressed and ready to come home!

In the carseat and ready to go!

y measured Cavin's bilirubin levels this morning and they were down to a 7.1 which is in the lower risk category. He stayed under the lights for a while this morning and then was released from them! So we've got to hold him and snuggle and take lots of pictures today! Most importantly we were allowed to come home! Thanks for praying with us! One more little miracle to add to Cavin's incredible story!

We have to take him to get his levels tested in the morning and again on Monday. But hopefully we'll be in the clear now!

So we're safe and sound at home now and ready for visitors to come meet our handsome little man!

Jaundice...

This morning Cavin's pediatrician came for a visit and noticed some yellow when she pushed on his cute nose. So she had some blood work drawn to test his bilirubin levels which came back quite high.

Cavin has highly influential jaundice. Why?

-He was born sideways (horizontal) instead of vertical like babies are supposed to be born. His actual delivery was rushed a bit as his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and leg. As a result he has a lot of bruising. The red blood cells in the bruising turn into bilirubin which his liver isn't able to rid of, which has caused jaundice.

-Our, Cavin and mama's, blood types are doing a little battle of their own.

-We are having a hard time getting Cavin to nurse. Since he had jaundice from the get-go, which makes him tired, he falls asleep instead of nursing.

So Cavin was put under blue "bililights" this morning at 11:00am with a bilirubin level of 8.8. The ultraviolet lights turn the bilirubin into a form Cavin can more easily dispose of. The only time he is allowed out from under the lights is to nurse. This evening his bilirubin levels measured at 8.6. Its good news that his bilirubin levels have not risen, but not great news as it means Cavin has made little progress disposing of all the bilirubin.

Its been hard on both of us today to just sit here and watch our baby under the lights. Its a complete bummer to not be able to love on him.

Not sure when we'll be coming home as Cavin won't be released until his levels drop.

Please pray for Cavin's liver to catch up and be able to dispose of his high bilirubin levels. In order for that to happen, he needs to nurse well tonight and will continue to be under the bililights.

Cavin Luke Richards

Cavin Luke Richards was born on August 20 at 8:38 pm. He weighed 7 lbs and 4 oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.

We have waited to tell everyone the name until today because we also wanted to tell everyone the why.

When I was 16, I had three friends pass away in a car accident. Cavin, Kirk, and Roger. The three of them were headed to an indoor soccer game and I most likely would have been with them were I not laid up with a broken leg. I had known Cavin since the first grade and he was one of my best friends all the way through school. I can remember being the only non football player at his annual birthday sleepovers. He was a great friend and a great young man.

When I met Stephanie and we were talking about our lives, I mentioned this part of my life and she understood the impact that the death of my three friends had on my life. She loved the name Cavin and from then on we knew we'd name one of our sons after him.

We had a rough time choosing a middle name but we finally decided on Luke because we both just really like it.

Of course we think he's quite handsome! We can't wait for you all to meet him and see for yourself!

Baby Day!

Well its official, Dr T agreed that today should be the day. So now it is just a simple waiting game.

August 20, 2009

I think that'd be a great day for Red to be born!! I am hoping and praying Dr. T agrees! Doctor's appointment at 8:30 tomorrow morning!

Still Nothing...

For those of you who are curious and can't handle the suspense, don't worry, nothing is happening. Still having a contraction here and there, but nothing regular yet.

I have been on an emotional roller coaster the past few days which is very unlike me. But as I look for signs of going into labor I keep thinking back to Sunday, July 13-- how I felt, what I did and replaying the day over and over in my head. Which makes me struggle with the "what ifs" and telling myself it wasn't my fault. Which makes me think of the whole experience in losing our triplets and makes me sad and weepy. Which leads to anxiety over this baby and making sure I don't miss something and he's going to be okay. Which leads to hours of no sleep at night which doesn't help my emotional state at all! Its a vicious cycle, but I am hoping when I hold my healthy baby boy in my arms, God will finally be able to bring healing and peace to my heart.

This labor, delivery, and meeting our healthy and breathing son, is going to be very hard and emotional for us. So when--if we ever-- get to that point, please pray for us in that respect as well.

And I was Sent Home...

I was hoping and praying they would keep me at the hospital today, but no such luck. Here's the update.

Since today was Dr. Thompson's first day back from vacation, I saw the nurse practitioner, Michelle. My blood pressure was a little high, but nothing too serious, just something they'll be keeping an eye on. Weird for someone who normally has really low blood pressure. No change in my cervix, still dilated to a 4.5 and 80% effaced. I wish I would have counted how many times she used the word "surprised." Lol. She was surprised I was still pregnant, even more surprised there was no change in my cervix, and again surprised that my water had yet to break since it was sitting right there and- that she hadn't broken it during her exam. Both Michelle and Dr. T tried to irritate things so they suggested we stay in the area for an hour or so to see if things would kick into gear. We went to Target and walked around for about an hour but other than a few contractions, nothing. We did get a wedding gift bought though!

Then Matt went to the chiropractor and we ran a few more errands and then we came home. I have had irregular contractions throughout the afternoon and a lot of lower back pain which is how things started last time. So we're still hoping later tonight or tomorrow!

If not, then we go back to the doctor on Thursday morning at 8:30. I have a feeling they will keep me on Thursday and break my water. So we'll see how the next 24 hours go! The nurses and sonographers suggested Mexican for dinner, and I don't feel like messing up my clean house, so we'll head out in a bit for dinner. At this point I'll try anything!! Its rainy here so we can't walk outside so I'll be climbing stairs and doing some jumping jacks this evening!

Missing My Voice...

Today was my fourth Sunday being back at church. I have really enjoyed being back around people and being able to worship my Savior amongst other believers.

However, my voice has been slow in its return after being on bedrest and barely using it for 12 weeks. It has gotten better, but I still go hoarse pretty quickly and I can't sing. Most of the time no sound comes out at all. It is so frustrating to me!! Then when I can manage to get some sound out I run out of breath after just a short phrase! Needless to say, I am ready to be able to worship my Savior with my voice.

38 Weeks...

So we didn't really celebrate this milestone as we have others, lol, we were more hoping Red would come and we could celebrate that!

I am still feeling great, no complaints really. I have been really tired so I have been sleeping in and then taking early afternoon naps on the days I am home. I never thought I'd say this again after being on bedrest for 12 weeks, but I have enjoyed laying in bed and being lazy. I think I enjoy it simply because I am choosing to lay there and can get up and do whatever I want when I choose.

I am having fairly regular, irregular contractions. =) They will come anywhere from 7-10 minutes apart for a few hours and then take a break and then start up again an hour or so later. They aren't too painful so they don't really bother me, more like frustrate me!! We are just so ready to meet our son.

We've been working on getting some deeper cleaning done around the house...which feels great. We have also been taking lots of walks. Not just to try to get things going, but mostly so I can continue to build up my strength. I still have to take breaks every now and then as I am still having dizzy spells and I have to take it real slow on hills! But I am so thankful for how quickly I have regained my strength the past three weeks.

We have also been working on Red's baby book this week, filling out the pages we can now. Its really cute and I am so excited about it! I searched forever to find a baby book I liked, and finally found the perfect one!

Honestly, we're running out of things to do around the house and we're growing extremely bored. We're also tired of keeping the suitcase packed all of the time and loading it and our electronic bag every time we go somewhere, and then unloading it when we get home. Ug.

Our next doctor's appointment is Monday afternoon and we're praying I've made some serious progress!!

Baby Red Update!

Dr. T is out of town on vacation this week so I was trusted to one of his colleagues, Dr.W. We really like Dr. W as well, he's a compassionate man with a great sense of humor! He is in charge of me until Dr. T gets back late Friday night.

So there hasn't been any change in my cervix, still at a 4.5 and 80%, BUT there has been progress. Red has dropped even more and is right there, whereas before he was higher and would move up and away during the examination. Dr. W says this is great progress and my body is naturally preparing for labor. The dilation and effacement I have had the past four weeks are due to having a weak cervix, not my body going into or preparing for labor naturally. So we are pretty excited about this news!

We are still hoping to make it until Dr. T gets back from vacation Friday night, as he'd be really disappointed to miss out on meeting Red and we'd be bummed he wasn't there as well.

37 Weeks!!

Just in case-- if you are still praying for Red to stay in my tummy, we appreciate your prayers, but please STOP!!!!

No one can believe I am still pregnant, especially Matt and I! I am even running out of clothes to wear since I have very few maternity clothes due to being on bedrest for most of my pregnancy! I am still enjoying every second of being pregnant, but we are so ready to meet Red!

Cravings...

In the beginning while I was working: dill pickle spears

While on bed rest: cold cereal and fresh strawberries

Now: Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers

Throughout: Coke and cookies with milk

Red is most definitely Matt's child!! I am not really a dark soda drinker and especially not just plain Coke. It started with a sip from Matt's can of Coke because I was thirsty and then I just couldn't stop. The next time Matt went to take a drink it was almost empty... thankfully he just laughed. So the process has continued. Whenever Matt has a Coke I cannot resist a sip..or two...or three... Seriously though, it has been super hard to resist my craving for Coke but I am proud of how well I have done!

Cookies...I have always loved cookies, but I don't typically crave them every night like Matt! Right before I was put on bed rest I made a ton of cookies and froze them in little balls so all he had to do was put them on a cookie sheet and bake them. After we ran out of mine my mom came and restocked us with hundreds-literally- of three different kinds of cookies. So Matt has definitely enjoyed freshly baked cookies several evenings a week!!

Definitely NOT a craving: Beef

I am not a fan of beef to begin with since I grew up eating deer and other wild game. I rarely had beef so its just not a taste I love. But even other red meat hasn't tasted the best, so we've ate lots of chicken! Matt has definitely missed beef. I made hamburgers the other day and I gagged the entire time I was mixing them, I couldn't bring myself to touch it so I had my mom make it into patties.

Doc's Appointment...

Went to the doctor's today, and there is no change. I am still dilated to a 4.5 and 80% effaced. With all the contractions I have been feeling Dr. T was surprised I wasn't dilated more. He says even though my cervix is open, there still must be some kind of strength in it. He is hopeful I will hold out until he returns from vacation late on the 14th. He even gave us his cell phone number to call in case he wasn't clocked back in at the hospital. Lol. He really wants to be there for my delivery, as he has fought long and hard to get us to this place. As anxious as we are to meet Red, we really want him there as well.

36 Weeks!!!!

By my doctor's standards I am considered full term today!! I never thought I'd be saying that!

I am humbled and in awe of God's goodness. What a miracle this pregnancy has truly been.