Kaylin Hope - The Birth Story

On April 11th, I woke up and started getting ready for work.  Within 20 minutes of being up, I started having mild cramping.  I blew it off as nothing and finished getting ready.  I took Charlie to daycare and by the time I got to work 30 minutes later, I was in so much pain that I couldn't sit up straight.  I left work telling them I was going home sick for the day.  By the time I got home it was about 7:30 a.m. and I thought I was going to die (literally)!  I still kept telling myself that the pain would pass and waited until the doctor's office opened at 8:30 a.m.  I was hurting so bad at this point that I could hardly talk to the nurse when she answered and all I could do was cry.  She asked me how far I lived from the hospital and told me to get to the emergency room immediately.  I got there and was rushed upstairs to labor and delivery.  At this point, I still didn't realize that the pains I was having were contractions because I never felt them when I had Charlie.  I was thinking the doctor would check me and send me back home to rest.  Well when I got upstairs my doctor was waiting and immediately checked me.  I'll never forget the look on his face when he looked from behind the sheet and said "Your 7 cm dilated and we're gonna have a baby today".  I cried my eyes out for about 5 minutes just thinking about how "not ready" the baby was to be coming at only 33 weeks.  My doctor assured me everything would be ok but said we may have to send her to USA Women's and Children's Hospital.  They were preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.  By 12:30 p.m. baby girl Kaylin Hope arrived weighing 5 lbs., 11 ozs!  They rushed her to the nursery and put her on oxygen.  The next 12 days were a blur as we dealt with having her in the NICU and balancing visits with her and taking care of Charlie at home.  During this time, she lost almost a pound and was put on a feeding tube.  On April 15th we were finally released and were so happy to be home (in our own bed)!

Charlie - What he's been up to....

Since turning 2 in February, Charlie has amazed us everyday.  He has his own little personality and everything has to go according to his plan.  We've started potty training and he has been doing really good (when he wants to).  He is talking so good which can be a bad thing sometimes because he's quick to tell us what he thinks!  He loves riding his tractor every afternoon after "school".  He can drive it so good!  He loves feeding the ducks, blowing bubbles, reading books, helping daddy clean the pool and anything else that involves getting dirty (or wet).  He is becoming such a little helper and helps me do laundry and pick up around the house.  He has moved up to the 2-year old class in Sunday School that Meme teaches and she said he is doing so well.  He loves learning about Jesus, praying and pretending to read his bible.  We are enjoying him so much even though some days are very rough!    Here are some pictures of the last few weeks....

Feeding the ducks with Meme

In his words, "I'm pulling my baby tractor with my big tractor".

Showing off his "fish" with Daddy and Ryan

Learning to blow bubbles

Surfing the internet on Meme's phone

Painting with Collin and Meme

Kaylin Hope - 32 week update

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 26 lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Yes - they are so comfortable!

Gender: It's a GIRL - Kaylin Hope Brown

Movement: Very often - especially at night and after eating

Sleep: Not good at all!  The doctor actually gave me a prescription for Ambien to help me sleep.  The side-effects are crazy but I sleep like a baby!

Cravings:  Anything with sugar!

Symptoms: Heartburn, pain in my legs and lower back, and the list could go on and on! :-) 

 

I am so ready for our new baby girl to get here.  I'm getting super anxious!  I had a surprise shower at work several weeks ago and received a ton of super cute girl clothes!  I love the girl's I work with and never expected a shower!  

Kaylin Hope - 28 Week Update

We went for my 28 week appt. on 03/07.  We got to hear the heartbeat and everything went well.  I had originally failed my 1-hour glucose test so I was sent for the 3-hour test last week.  I passed and thank goodness I don't have gestational diabetes.  I like cake way too much to have to change my diet! :-)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 23 lbs

Maternity Clothes:  Yes - they are so comfortable!

Gender: It's a GIRL - Kaylin Hope Brown

Movement: Very often - especially at night and after eating

Sleep: Not so good - I have to make several trips to the bathroom at night

Cravings: Anything sweet / Pizza / BBQ

Symptoms: Heartburn like crazy but I'd much rather have that than morning sickness!

 I am now scheduled to go every 2 weeks so I'm very excited!  4 weeks between appt's for re-assurance was a long time!

2nd Birthday Party and Mardi Gras!!

We celebrated Charlie-Man's 2nd Birthday on February 27th at Monkey Joe's in Ocean Springs.  He had a ball and so did everyone else that came!  He received so many gifts and we are so thankful to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends!

Daddy and Charlie before his party

Daddy and Charlie having fun!

Me and BB

Me and Bud

Crazy Collin!

Sweet Avery, Peyton and Charlie

Athena and Noah

Taryn, Chris and Collin

Charlie loving his new hat from Collin! (My favorite picture!)

Charlie's "girlfriend" Kaylie

Chris, Me, Mom and Bud

Happy 2nd Birthday Little Man!  You are so loved!!

We also went to several Mardi Gras Parade's the past 2 weeks.  Charlie is at such a fun age and he had so much fun!  The pictures speak for themselves:

Charlie and Daddy

Me, C, and Daddy

Charlie giving Ash a high five!

Charlie being silly with Ash and Meme