He's Here!

Daddy and Hayden I think this is so precious!

Right after he was born
The night he was born

Hayden Thomas Ricks
June 5, 2008

5lbs 11.5oz

18 1/2 in.

Our little Hayden decided he was sick of waiting, he was ready to come meet us 3 weeks before his due date. Thursday morning started out as a pretty normal day. I went to work at 6am just like I do every Thursday morning. I go to the University for a couple hours while the department of surgery has a meeting and basically man the breakfast foods. I wasn't feeling awesome while I was there but I hadn't gotten very much sleep the night before so I didn't think too much about it until I threw up, and then I knew I wasn't going in to work. I called in sick and came home after the meeting instead of going into the office. I went back to bed for about an hour and when I got up and started walking around about 9:30am I told Josh I thought my water broke, and I was having some cramping. Being first time parents we weren't sure if this was the real deal or not so I tried to call my Dr's office. My phone wasn't working so we went to Tyler & Rachel's to use their phone. I couldn't get a hold of my Dr. so we decided Josh would go to school...he had a practical that day...and I would get a hold of him if I needed him. I wasn't going to go to the hospital without a working cell phone so after Josh went to school I went and got a new phone. Josh and Rachel told me I couldn't be out driving if I was in labor, but I didn't listen. After getting my phone I called my Dr. again. I asked him what I should do. I had a stress test scheduled at 2pm, so I wasn't sure if I should wait until then to be checked or come to his office. He told me to go to labor and delivery to be checked. He said if it's the real deal they will admit you, if not go to your stress test appointment. Rachel took me down to the hospital at about 1pm and I was dilated to a 3 and 90% effaced, so they admit ed me. During the first hour at the hospital we tried to get a hold of Josh at the school, I threw up twice and my contractions were getting stronger and closer together. At about 2pm we finally got a hold of Tyler who was able to go get Josh. Josh was still in his practical so Tyler called to see if he should interrupt him. I wasn't sure what to do and the nurse said this is your first baby, you don't know how fast you will go get your husband here. Not too long after that Josh was at my side. I was so excited to see him! The first thing he said to me was "I'm SO excited!" After asking for my epidural for about an hour and a half I finally got it and I was able to be a little more comfortable during my contractions. I was not very patient while waiting for the epidural to come. Rachel said it was the only time I was grumpy. I kept asking where it was and why it was taking so long. I didn't think anyone was taking me seriously and I really wanted the epidural! I don't know why anyone would do it without! Labor went pretty fast and little Hayden was born at 5:51pm. I never thought I'd let anyone be in the room while I delivered except Josh, but after being with me all day Rachel just happened to be there when all the action took place! She said she always wanted someone to let her be there...so you're welcome Rach! Really I should be thanking her for all she did and continues to do for us. Thanks Rachel!

Hayden has had some problems breathing because his lungs are immature. So he is in the Special Care Nursery (NICU) where he is getting the constant care he needs right now. They expect that he will be fine in the next few days, but for now I'm home and he's still there, which is weird because it doesn't seem like we really had a baby. We love him so much and hopefully he'll be home with us and doing great really soon.

He has a little bit of jaundice. So here he is with his cool shades.

It's getting closer

My due date is officially 3 weeks away, I'm 37 weeks. That means our little guy could be here anytime! My brother and I always bet on stuff like this, so he called me the other day to tell me his vote is for the 12th of June. Are there any other guesses??

Update

I went in yesterday for a biophysical profile and a stress test. During a BPP they test the baby's muscle tone, movement, breathing, heart rate and amniotic fluid. They give the baby a score out of 10. 2 points for each of the five categories. Our little guy scored a 10/10! I also had a stress test done. During the stress test they test the baby's heart rate for about 20 or 30 minuets. They monitor to make sure his heart rate goes up every time he moves, and that he's moving at least 2 times in 30 minuets. He did awesome with this test too. So for now everything looks good. I go in again for these same tests next week and they will also re-test his weight. I'm so glad that everything went well. I know we're not in the clear yet but next week I'll be 37 weeks and they consider 37+ weeks to be full term, plus it's another week he gets to stay in there to grow and develop those lungs.
I was really nervous before my appointment yesterday. I hate being told things are anything less than perfect. Plus I don't do well with the unknown, and this whole adventure...especially delivery... is a big unknown. People can tell you all about it, but until you've experienced it for yourself you can't really comprehend it. I was really nervous that I might have to go in for an emergency C-Section, and Josh couldn't be at my appointment with me because he had a clinical class at that time, so he was on standby waiting for my call. Don't get me wrong I'm ready to not be pregnant any more, I'm just not sure if I'm ready to have a baby! Lots of times I feel like there's no more room in there for him to get any bigger and my lungs, stomach and all my other internal organs can't scrunch out of his way anymore than they already are. I'm way excited to see him and find out who he looks like! Thanks everyone for your love, support and concern we couldn't ask for better family, friends, and doctors! We love ya!!

Our Little Guy

This is a picture of our little guy from the ultra sound I had last week. I know it's kind of hard to see but it's just of his face, and his arm up by his chin. I told Josh he looks just like him!! And it looks like he has chubby little cheeks!

We also found out that he is a little under weight. He weighs 4lbs 10oz and I'm 35 weeks. They want him to be between 5lbs and 5 1/2lbs. Things seem to be well with the blood flow from the placenta, so they're not sure what's going on. So I am going to be going in for weekly stress tests that will hopefully be able to tell us what the problem is. In the mean time I'm trying to get everything done for his room and I think I'll pack a bag...just incase!

Baby Showers

This weekend my awesome friends and co-workers threw me baby showers. On Friday everyone at work got together and had lunch, played games, and opened presents. Everyone was so generous. I got some great stuff like, a bouncie chair, toys, stuffed animals, clothes, books and bath stuff. They also wrote advice on cards and put them inside diapers so when I use the diapers I can read their words of wisdom. It was really fun!

On Saturday my friends all got together for another shower for me. It's always fun to have a reason to get together. Thanks everyone for coming & for your great gifts. AND a special thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to put together the showers, I really appreciate it!

Now I need to get his room together. Only 5 weeks left!

Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day today and recently I've thought a lot about being a mom. I'm so grateful to have such an awesome mom who is always there for me. She's taught me so much and is such a great example to me. I hope I can be half the woman she is! Thanks for always being there mom, I know I can always count on you. I also want to say thanks to my mother in-law for raising such a great son. Without her he wouldn't be who he is and I absolutely love him!

SICK

I have had the flu for the past 4 days! Fever, Chills, Achie Body, Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, Sore Throat, and now a Cough! It totally sucks, especially since I can't take any medication. I saw my Dr. on Monday... since I stayed home from work I moved my appointment up... and he gave me amoxicillin. I questioned whether or not that was safe for the baby and he assured me it is. Good thing 'cuz after I started taking it I started to feel better. He also told me I should have my tonsils out after I have the baby...which I've heard is way worse when you're an adult, Great!! I'm back at work today. Not feeling awesome, but definitely better!