Introducing

Michael Aiden Haddox....

BORN- 9:09pm Monday, July 18, 2011

9lbs. 12 oz., 21 inches

On Monday morning around 4am I woke up having some contractions.  I didn't really think anything of it because over the past week or so I had been having some Braxton Hicks contractions in the middle of the night.  I would usually go downstairs and get on the couch in a different position and they would go away.  Not this time. I even ate something to see if they would stop.  They weren't extremely painful and very erratic. Anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes apart.  Finally at 6am I decided I was going to go take a shower.  I had read if you move around usually they would go away.  I had a sneaky feeling they wouldn't.

When I got out of the shower Ben was awake and wondering what I was doing up so early.  I said, "I think it may be time."  Fortunately, I had a doctor's appointment at 10:30 that morning and decided to wait it out and see what the doctor said (We did put our bags in the car because deep down I think we both knew we wouldn't be coming home).  Wouldn't you know she was running behind.  She had another delivery.  When they finally called me back at about 11:45, my contractions were about 6 minutes apart and starting to hurt.  She checked me and after being dilated 1cm for 3weeks I was 3cm!  We decided to go on over to the hospital, check in, and get things rolling.  Boy am I glad I did because by the time I got settled in my contractions were really painful.  I went ahead and got my epidural because she was going to break my water immediately but her schedule didn't allow her to come back until almost 6 o'clock.  By that time I was 7cm dilated. 

In the meantime, my mom had been at market in Atlanta for a week and we had briefly talked that morning.  She was flying back to Monroe but had to change planes in Dallas.  Of course when I called to tell her I was checking in, she was in the air.  Her flight was schedule to land somewhere between 3 and 4pm but of course it was delayed and she arrived around 5:30.  After the doc had come over she said if he had broke my water after lunch like she had planned my mom probably would have missed the delivery.  God was watching out for me.  I never would have let her live that down if she had missed this!

Finally at 8:20pm we were ready to have a baby.  I suppose I thought it would be super easy since the whole labor process thus far had gone so smoothly and quickly.  I really love the epidural! I felt no pain.  I knew it wasn't going to be easy when 20 minutes in he doctor said his head is bigger than I thought it would be.  I replied, "so you think he'll way 8lbs then?" She kinda avoided the subject and I knew he would be a big boy.  Finally, Aiden arrived. But not without drama.  At the time I wasn't sure what was going on but I knew it was bad when everyone was whispering.  Suddenly, 4 people, including the doctor were on the bed with me pushing so hard on my stomach and pulling at Aiden. I heard them call the neonatal team down and I just gave it everything I had.  He had what's called shoulder dystocia which means his shoulders were too wide to fit and he was stuck and they weren't sure if he was breathing.  Things turned out fine but I was balling when they finally placed him on my lap.  The doc went over to make sure his collarbone wasn't broken (which is very common) and all was good. He was so alert and wide awake and of course as every mom thinks just perfect. 

The next couple days were a blur of feedings, trying to sleep, and visitors.  On Wednesday, the pediatrician came and said he had jaundice and we would have to do some more blood work and the end of the day to determine if he could go home or have to stay an extra day.  His bilirubin levels were on the border and they released me but I had to follow up with her on Friday.  Friday came and went and his levels were not in the danger zone but I was to continue supplementing with formula until the jaundice was completely gone.  She also found a heart murmur and had us sent over for some chest x-rays.  This really scared me and I was an emotional basket case all day.  We have an appointment with Dr. King (pediatric cardiologist) tomorrow afternoon just to make sure everything is okay. 

Below are some of my fav pics over the last 8 days.  It's amazing how much he's changed in a week.  Also, thanks to everyone who visited and has helped with food.  Ya'll have been a lifesaver!  I am so blessed.

                                                                      Just born

                                                                      Hospital door sign

                                                                   Sponge Bath Time!

                                                     Thoughts to ponder in the Mommaroo

                                       Aiden hates to be swaddles.  We swaddle and this is how he ends up.

Baby Shower Catch Up

I wanted to post a few pics and recap the showers that I received in honor of baby Aiden.  First may I start out by saying registering and having a baby shower might be more fun than registering for your wedding.  The only part I found stressful was when I walked down the pacifier and bottle isle.  Too many choices.  Other than that, it was a blast!  I am so blessed to have such great friends and family that support not only Ben and I but this new life we are about to have.  I feel so lucky.

The madness started off on May 19th when my colleagues from work threw my a small shower at Portico.  This was a perfect come and go event after work and it was great to catch up with everyone for awhile.  Unfortunately I didn't take many pics. 

            Kristi, a nurse from Oliver Road Medicine Clinic made the cake.  She definitely has a talent.

Next, the ladies from the church choir threw my a baby shower.  Basically we all ate and talked and I opened presents at the front while they all oohed and ahhed over the gifts. 

Can you say diaper overload? the amazing baseball parents surprised us with wipes and diapers at the baseball banquet.  This was huge!!

June 4th was my main baby shower.  It was held at the McIntyre's lovely home in Ruston and I had a great time.  I got so many lovely things.  Aiden officially has way too many clothes after this event and hopefully will be very smart because I received alot of books and games to stimulate his brain and coordination.  Thanks to all the hostesses who are all my dear friends.  It was fabulous.

Finally, on June 14th we had a necessity shower thrown by Ben's close friends.  How hilarious-a shower for a guy!?!  It turned out great and my husband is so lucky to have such a great group of guy friends that want to do things like this for us.  I made Ben open the gifts while I wrote down what we received.  He loved every second of it. 

10 days and counting!!

Fit For a Queen

For some reason I just can't seem to get enough of Kate Middleton lately.  Perhaps it is because her and Prince William are on their North American tour and are in the press so much.  I just find her so classy and LOVE LOVE LOVE all her clothes.  I seriously want her wardrobe-and I'd take her body too. Below are some of my favs that she has worn while in the States and Canada.

On a different note,  I am counting down the days til I can attempt to wear normal clothes again and cannot wait for fall fashion!  By July, I am so over the heat.  Don't get me wrong I love being tan and hanging poolside but am ready for something new and exciting.  I am documenting now-if I can help it, I will not have another Summer baby. But really, almost anytime you get pregnant you are still carrying child through the Summer.  Maybe we will aim for August pregnancy and May birth. However, I realize you cannot control these things and we will see.  I am just miserable.  I was officially 38 weeks Sunday and went to the Dr. today.  I have been 1cm dilated for 3 weeks now and am just preparing myself for baby A to be here for the long haul.  Walking has not seemed to help anything except making my feet swell.  I know it will be worth it in the end but I am waddling around like I might pop.  I also freak out daily because there isn't as much activity going on as there used to be.  I do realize there is nowhere for him to move but ask Ben to reassure me at least 3 times a day. Also, the doc doesn't seem to think he us going to be as big as they originally thought.  I haven't had another ultrasound but my belly hasn't continue to grow as much as it did in the previous weeks.  Whew! That's a relief.  However, we will wait and see.  Everything is officially ready to go and it's comforting knowing I don't have to rush to get everything in order.  I am waiting on a painting by Rachel at The Peek-a-bootique and then I will post pics of the nursery complete.  Have a great week!

38 weeks

What's in a Name?

Many people have asked where we got the name Aiden from.  Is is a family name? Well, the answer is no.  I actually have a husband who is very opinionated and hates a lot of names.  For those of you that may not know, he is a coach.  Therefore, he has seen many names pass by him over the years.  Unfortunately, most of the players leave an impression on a coach making you always associate a certain name with a certain individual.  When we found out we were having a boy, the name game became very difficult for the reason mentioned above.  I have loved the name Aiden for awhile and am lucky there has been no Aiden's come through the CC program over the years.  The full name is Michael Aiden Haddox.  Michael is a family name but we will call him Aiden.

Now for the meaning of Aiden:
Orgin: Celtic/Greek
Meaning: Little Fire
Alternate Spellings: Adan, Aden, Aedan, Aeden, Aiden, Aidyn, Aydan, Ayden, Aydin
Namesake: Aiden Quinn (actor)-think Legends of the Fall
--A variation of Aidan, which is the anglicized form of Aodhan.  It was influenced by fictional character Aidan Shaw, played by actor John Corbett in the hit series Sex and the City, and the fictional little boy in the 2002 horror The Ring. 

Of course to us we will not compare to Aidan Shaw.  He will be ours and have his own personality and look.  I can't wait to meet him.  22 days and counting.  I am hoping for early!

One Month To Go!!!

It's hard to believe that last November I was freaking out when I saw that positive sign on the pregnancy test!  I thought July will never get here and I can't believe how fast time has flown by.  I officially have 30 days to go (hopefully a little less).  I am so ready but so not ready at the same time.  I am hot and miserable but freak out when I imagine being at home with an actual human being that is totally dependent upon me.  It's insane.  But then I find myself thinking of all the fun times ahead like first Halloween, Christmas and football games and I can hardly wait. 

Here's what I won't miss:
1. Having to sleep on my side
2. Back aches
3. REFLUX-I have been eating tums like candy
4. Feet swelling everyday at 3pm like clockwork because it's already 100 degrees in June and I am on them all day
5. Feeling like I will never fit into normal clothes again
6. Being able to fasten my sandals.  Right now I have to prop my feet upon the tub and am lucky if I can fasten them
7. Actually see past my stomach when I am laying down flat at night
8. Taking pre-natal vitamins.  Those are the worst!

However, I know all of it will be worth it in the end but I can assure you we will note be having another summer baby.  It's just too hot.  Plus, I am missing laying out so bad.  I have layed out some at my parents (I wouldn't be caught dead in public in a swimsuit) but I get so hot so fast it's almost not worth it.  Everything is coming along nicely.  All the clothes are washed and now I just have to iron them.  I was so worried that baby A would have nothing to wear but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say he has way too many clothes.  I am juts hoping he can actually fit in them since he's supposed to be such a big baby.  The nursery is basically done except for a few minor details so I will post pics when it is finished.  Below is a sneak peak of the bed and bedding though.  Also, I have attached a 35 week pic.  My tummy is HUGE!!!!

                                            My favorite part of the bedding-the bumper pads

BabyMoon

Last week Ben and I got out of town for one last hoorah before baby A is born.  Unfortunately, we weren't really able to take a great vacation so we made due with Dallas.  We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and stayed at he marvelous Stoneleigh Hotel and Spa. The building itself is so old and it underwent a major renovation and is now fabulous.  I specifically just wanted to chill this trip because I know we really won't be able to chill again for a long time.  On the way into Dallas we stopped at BuyBuyBaby just to make sure there weren't any items I couldn't live without.  If you haven't been to this place it's so overwhelming.  Think Bed Bath & Beyond but with nothing but baby stuff.  I did get a wedge pillow to help support my back which has been killing me.  Turns out, it was a great investment.  I have slept with it every night since then.  After we checked in we ordered room service from the restaurant (which was fabulous) and a movie.  It was perfect.  Ben went down late to meet a friend for a drink in the swanky bar and I hit the sack. 
Thursday morning we ordered Breakfast and went down to the spa to have some R & R and be pampered.  Ben had a massage and I had to settle for a facial because they will not do pre-natal massages at this spa if you are in your thirs trimester even though I've been getting one about every 2-3 weeks back home.  Note: This apparently is very common in big cities so be sure to check before booking the hotel.  The facial was still great and they have a great steam room as well.  We then hit a couple children's stores and Edwin Watts before grabbing a quick nap and getting ready for dinner at one of my favoritre restaurnats Old Warsaw.  I had been bragging to Ben about how spectacular the food was so I was hoping I didn't disappoint. It was great.  We of course were entertained by the pianist and violinist as we ate and the best part is every lady is given a rose before she leaves.  A perfect treat.  We were stuffed.

Friday, we got up and headed out th Ft. Worth to the Dallas Motor Speedway.  Every year Ben and his family attend an Indy car race and last year I participated in the tradition.  We ate at the legendary Babe's for lunch and chilled the rest of the day.  Saturday was race day and Ben's parents were so sweet as to get us a table in the Speedway Club for the entire day so I didn't have to sit outside in the blazing heat.  We even pulled the pregnancy card so we could get picked up and dropped off at the door before the race.  No walking involved.  It was fabulous.  We, of course ate some more great food.  Crabcakes, salmon, salads, cornbread, it was sooooo good. 

We woke up Sunday morning feeling rested and ready to head back home to reality.  Just what I needed before the madness of a newborn.  I am glad we didn't wait any lonnger either because I am definitely starting to get uncomfortable.  I waddle and my feet swell if I stay on them too long.  Thanks to everyone who kept suggesting we get outta town beforehand.

                                                             The Stoneleigh Hotel

                                                Babe's Restaurant-The best biscuits ever!

                                    What a difference a year makes! Indy Race 2010 pre-baby.

                                                         Indy Race 2011. 6 weeks to go!

Maternity Clothes

I remember when I was approaching 20 weeks.  My pants couldn't really button anymore and I hated the bella band.  I know how hard it is for me to find pants that fit when I'm not pregnant, I could only imagine how it would be now that I had a belly forming.  Surprisingly, I have found some really precious maternity clothes.  In fact, many of them are nicer than my everyday non-pregnant wardrobe.  The thing I noticed about maternity clothes is it is worth it to pay for the fit.  It will so be worth it because good preggo clothes know how to fit you in the right places.  Below are my some of my fav things I've found along the way.

Pants: Japanese Weekend.  The pants are super comfy but look stylish still.  I can see why no one wants to give up the elastic band because it really is so comfortable.  You can breathe as your belly grows.  They come in bootcut and slim cut so you can choose what style works best for you.  I bought one of each and have worn them since week 20. 
Favorite stores: Pickles and Ice Cream.  There are two locations in Dallas and every time I'm there I pop in.  You can also order online but the clothes don't look nearly as cute as they do in the store. Baby Bump-New Orleans.  Soon they will offer online shopping but they have alot of great clothes and a fantastic jean selection. 

I also have several favorite brands I have discovered and below are some of the pieces I bought from their collections.  The one thing I will say is definitely factor in you body changing month after month.  Not so much in the stomach area for me but the bust.  You never know how your body will change. I am not 34 weeks and in the home stretch.  I am just hoping I can hold out and continue to wear all the clothes I have without purchasing anything else new.  Dresses have definitely been a lifesaver during these last couple weeks.  The Summer heat wave is upon us.

                                                           Rosie Pope Floral Maxi Mini

Nuka Maternity Elle Maxi Dress

Jules and Jim Azure Blue Ruffle Dress

One Shoulder Printed Tunic from Pickles and Ice Cream