Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dr. B updates...

I think finding a pediatrician for a first time mom was one of the most nerve racking things during pregnancy. I definitely wanted someone that practiced at Northside, so that they could see Grey from the beginning. But, I didn't have the slightest idea where to start. Thanks to my friend Amanda, who works at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, for the raving review of Dr. B.

Curtis and I met with her before we had Grey and absolutely fell in love with her. In fact, we didn't interview anymore after her. She is super, super smart BUT really down to earth. Most importantly, she loves babies!


In the hospital she came and saw Grey twice. She said, "he is a well balanced baby, but he has attitude!" Ha! Her description is quite true of our little guy. Very laid back, but lets you know right away what he wants. Later, she said, "He looks like daddy, but has mommy's attitude." Uh oh! That's not such a bad thing Grey baby! That's the french/Didier side coming through!


Our little Grey baby has been to the pediatrician three times now. ...and he's growing like a weed!


April 13 Grey went for a post-hospital check. Boy were we surprised to see his stats! He weighed in at 6 lbs 11 oz. This is pretty remarkable that he only lost 3 oz. from birth. A lot of babies loose a lot more. But the biggest surprise was that he had gained an entire inch in length! He was 21 inches long. Compliments of having a tall daddy, I'm sure.


On April 19 we went back for Dr. B to check Grey's mild jaundice. To our surprise Grey weighed in at 7 lbs. 3 oz. -- gaining 1/2 lb. in a little less than a week.


This week we went back to see Dr. B and hold on to your hats -- our growing boy weighed 8 lbs!! I couldn't believe he'd gained nearly an entire pound in less than a week!


Breastfeeding is apparently treating him well! :) In all honesty, I didn't know what to expect with trying to breastfeed. But the lactation consultant at the hospital said she couldn't remember the last time she saw a newborn breastfeed so well. So, that is a huge praise!!

Bon appetit, Grey!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Because he's so cute!

Picture update...

Fading...




Go on...you know you want to kiss those cheeks!




Ready to go to the doctor!



The only reason to love Yellow Jackets!






Sleepy daddy...
First bath...

Little froggy...

Details, details...

So, I'm waaaay behind on posts...so bare with me and I'll bring you up to speed.


My labor and delivery process was really incredible! Honestly, if every delivery was like that I would have a dozen babies. You know how it is when you're pregnant, everyone tells you their horror story for delivery. So, I had in my mind that it was probably going to be bad. But that was not the case at all.

Curtis and I opted to arrive at the hospital Thursday night, April 8, rather than being at the hospital at 4:30 a.m. on April 9. We met our parents at Houston's and let me pig out since I couldn't eat anything after 12 a.m. It was a fantastic meal!! After that, we made the quick run down 285 to Northside and got checked in.
Checking in...

Right away, they had me put on a gown and get my IV set up. From the very beginning, we had the BEST nurses on the labor and delivery floor. In fact, they were all Christians. LOVED that! We got to share with them how special our little guy was, how we had prayed for him and that they were taking part in a miracle! They were all so excited for us.
Last shot of the belly house...

At about 10 p.m. they gave me Ambian to sleep. Normally, I'm not a "take medicine" kind of girl, but I was so anxious I knew I wouldn't get any sleep. At 12 a.m. they came in and gave me Cervadel. This helped finish softening my cervix. At about 5 a.m. they came and took the Cervadel out, we took showers and started pictocin. Around 7 a.m., Dr. H came bopping in SO excited about the big day. Just a side note, it really makes a HUGE difference when you have a doctor that's as invested in the process as you are!! He checked me and broke my water.

I won't say that "hard" labor started then. But I could definitely feel things moving along. Curtis was THE BEST! We did such a great job together getting through the contractions. I went in hoping to make it to 5 cm before an epidural and I did. I was between a 4 and a 5. The greatest accomplishment was that I was actually able to make it to them maxing out the pictocin. Pictocin doesn't mess around! Let me tell you that once she maxed it out, I knew it!! Whew. I made it about an hour maxed out and surrendered. The anesthesiologist was awesome! Frankly, the only one I've ever been around with a great personality!! She was super nice and more importantly, quick!! So, from about 11:15 a.m. on I was pain free and resting. I got the shakes pretty bad, but when I tried to sleep the better they did.


Around 1 or 1:30 p.m. the epidural wore off on the left side. So, I could feel those contractions. I asked the nurse to take care of that before Dr. H came to check me again. Before she could get back to work on that, I told Curtis "with each contraction, I feel the urge to push. Go ask the nurse if that's normal." The nurse came in to check me and believe it or not, I was almost a 10 and Grey's head was right there!!


Just before "go time"...


The room was bustling then! People were flying around, setting things up, everyone was suiting up in their gear. It was a little crazy.

Dr. H came in to confirm everything and wanted to see if I could push. Turns out I'm a good pusher! Long story short...45 minutes later we saw our little lovie!

Sweet baby Grey!

Grey came into the world at 6 lbs. 14 oz. and 20 inches long...and exercising those lungs!

Let me just tell you, the moment they laid his sweet body on my belly was totally surreal. Seeing, literally seeing, the long-awaited answer to our prayers was totally overwhelming. Grey was the most beautiful, perfect baby I had ever seen. He was perfect! More than we could have ever asked for or imagined! As much as people try to describe what it's like seeing your baby for the first time, it's just indescribable. You have to experience it.

I waited a long time for that moment!


It was a really sweet time after for Curtis, Grey and me. We prayed and thanked the Lord for His faithfulness in giving us Grey and prayed for his little heart that he would come to know the Lord early. It was such a precious time and I'll never forget it!

Thank you so much for praying for us during that time! We could definitely feel the prayers. I do not take for granted that everything went so smoothly, BUT I do recognize that God was over all the details!

Enjoy the pics!
First bath...

Grey and Pawpaw (my dad)

Grey and Sassy (my mom)

Grey and Gigi (Curtis' mom)

Grey and Pappaw

Grey and Ashly...

Kim, Me and Grey, and Tracy

Sleeping on his momma...

Our strong, healthy boy! This is still his favorite way to sleep...so cute!

Daddy's little yellow jacket ready to go home!

And baby makes three!!

Friday, April 9, 2010

1st Pictures !!!

I'm honored for my last post of the day to be one full of Grey's first photos! He is absolutely gorgeous! Sweet cheeks, an adorable nose and lots of wavy hair. Sarah and Curtis are extremely happy. I heard Sarah say more than once this evening, "I just can't believe we have this sweet boy!"
Thank you Lord for such an amazing gift for the Jefferson's. You are such a gracious and glorious God. Be with Sarah and Curtis as they begin their new family adventure. Guide them and protect them. May Grey grow up to know your amazing love and love you back the way his parents do! Amen.





















Grey Has Arrived!!

After just a little less than 1 hour of pushing, Grey has arrived! Praise be to our Heavenly Father for bringing this miracle baby here safe and healthy!

Mom, Dad and baby Grey are doing wonderful! Sarah is feeding Grey now and things could not be better:)

Curtis brought out the camera and I must say, he is a CUTIE! Big cute cheeks and lots of hair with a few curls!

Grey's Stats;

Born at: 3:04 pm 4/9/10

Weighs: 6 lb 14 oz

Length: 20 inches

Please join the Jefferson's in praising God for such an amazing blessing!

2:04 PM

Good News!!

Contractions have picked up and Sarah is now at a 9! We're so proud of you, Sarah!

The nurse has said she should begin pushing within the hour. They are waiting for Dr. H to come and confirm. But, it looks great that we have strong, productive contractions once again!

Keep praying!!

Love,
Ashly

1:00 PM

7-8 cm !!! Way to go Sarah!

Dr. H came to check on Sarah and discovered she is between 7 & 8 centimeters! He isn't thrilled with the positioning of Grey's head. He is trying to decide if a c-section should be in order. Dr. H was recently paged to catch another baby and will be back in an hour or so with his decision.

Meanwhile, Sarah has changed positions to try and get G in a better position. She also became quite nauseated and was given some Zofran to help.

Please pray for Dr. H to make the best decision for Sarah. Also, pray for Grey to move down so Sarah can have a smooth delivery without surgery. If a c-section turns out to be best, please pray for the doctor and nurses, that they would have steady hands and clear heads. Also, pray for Sarah and Curtis to be at peace with whatever Dr. H says. Pray God's presence would be felt in the delivery room and Grey would be born healthy!

Love,
Ashly