It's been a whirlwind around here, but we're doing great! We are so happy to have Baby Ty in our family and so relieved that he made it here safely. Here's the scoop.
My girls and I got glitter toe pedicures from a friend in preparation for the big day. It made them feel special and gave me something fun to look at for the hospital. I got so many compliments on them from the nurses and staff and even Mike thought they were cute.
The night before the big induction day my mom arrived in town and took us out to dinner with Dana and Landon, a final hurrah if you will. Unfortunately, right after this Mike had to go back to work and didn't get home until 3 a.m. Talk about dedication.
We thought the big sisters should be honored and gave them some cute new jammies and breakfast bowls.
We took a few last belly shots before the big day. You may remember we did this with Maddie... about the same size!
The morning I was supposed to be induced was crazy. First I was told to call at 6 a.m. and see if there was a bed ready, but then I got a message to call at 11 a.m. to make sure they had room at 11:30. They didn't, and told me to call again at 12. When I called at 12 they said to come at 1 p.m. It was a little frustrating to have them keep pushing me back, but it turned out to be a blessing. Mike and Mom had time to paint the final coat on the nursery board and batten!
They peeled the tape off and moved the furniture in just in the nick of time!
The paint was still drying as we drove off to the hospital. Didn't it turn out amazing???
The girls were pretty excited about their baby brother coming. I wasn't sure how much they understood but they always said he was going to "pop out." As you can see, I felt ready to "pop!"
I wasn't going to post this horrible picture but I don't want to alter history. :) We got to the hospital at 1 p.m. and started preparations. I was already dilated to a 5 on arrival but I never have contractions on my own. They started me on Pitocin and at 3 p.m. Doc Ollerton came and broke my water. Shortly thereafter I got the epidural, hoping to dull the pain before it even started. Unfortunately it didn't work for about 30 minutes and the contractions got painful! I tend to have back labor pain and it was getting so bad they came and put another dose of epidural in my line. Finally I was able to relax for about and hour, but the back pain started returning. My nurse had a feeling it was worse because the baby was slightly posterior, and she was right! the Doc came back and felt that the baby's nose was to the side and up a little instead of down. Since I was almost complete, they decided the best pain killer would be pushing! I didn't realize I was so ready, but after 10 minutes of pushing, Tyler was born!
Mike teared up at the first sighting of his son. He was able to cut the cord and followed him over to be cleaned up.
Tyler was so much bigger than we thought! We all guessed in the 7 lb. range since he was not quite 40 weeks and my girls were both over 40 weeks, but he beat them both! He had good color right away but was 'flaring' according to the nurse, or flaring his nose to take in enough oxygen. After a little skin to skin time with Mom, he was good to go.
The proud Daddy!
Soon after he was wrapped up the troops arrived. My parents...
Auntie Dana...
and Grandma Andrews all came to see what the stork brought.
Maddie was possessive of him from the get-go. She just wants to hold him constantly! Ella was a little wary but she soon warmed up and gave him kisses. She's interested for a minute, but finds other things more exciting, like hospital chairs.
The next day we had a few more visitors, including Aunts Rebecca and Rachel.
It was a great hospital stay but I have to admit we were antsy to go. I felt really good and Mike always gets bored, but it was very peaceful.
We were so excited to go home! It was so fun to put on Ty's first outfit and get him ready to head out. Look how tiny he is in the car seat!
GOING HOME!
My mom and girls planned the cutest little coming home party for us. Dana, Landon, and Daxton came too.
Look how cute he is meeting his first little boy cousin!
It was a great celebration and great to be home. Our first night was pretty sleepless between Ella's anxiety attacks and Tyler's feedings, but I have a lot of help and things are smoothing out. The girls are wild and crazy as usual, but Baby Tyler is my sweet spot in the day. He is intoxicating. I forgot how fun it can be to have a newborn.
Mom found the girls "Big Sister" pins and Maddie won't take her's off. She's so proud!
We have been enjoying the summer weather. We like to go on walks to a nearby park and I just love how small Tyler looks in the stroller next to Ella. It makes me nostalgic for the days when Ella was the baby and Maddie the toddler.
Since we don't have grass we have to do our swimming at Dana's. Maddie has been looking forward to this since, oh, about Valentine's Day.
Ella loved it too! Look at that little diva in mom's shades.
Little Ty is just sweet as can be. I love burrito babies, especially when their cute little toes stick out.
Maddie still loves to hold him and can't wait to try feeding him a bottle herself. Ty is a pretty good nurser but he has been swallowing a lot of air lately and getting bubbly and gassy. We will persevere!! He is awake a lot more and focusing and following with his eyes. We just can't wait for more interaction.
The girls love this little stand of alfalfa in our yard. They've been making trails and hiding in it. Is there anything better than being a kid and spending summer days outside??? Oh yes... doing it with a sister.
