Our {Almost} 28 Weekers

July 6, 2011 started like any other... I was going to the OB for an appointment, and Jordan would be on his way to work after the appointment. Jordan had missed the last few appointments {I had them every two weeks from the very beginning} so he was excited to see the live ultrasound this time. 

When you're on the multiples journey, the ultrasonographer does an internal view to measure the length of the cervix and to look for any opening of the cervix, also known as 'funneling'. I read A LOT during my pregnancy, and this 'funneling' was scary business. I had been so grateful for a healthy pregnancy, and we were expecting nothing short of normalcy. 

During this July 6th ultrasound, however, the first thing I saw was funneling. I broke into tears. I was anxious and scared of the unknown. What would happen now? What did this mean?

We met with the doctor after the ultrasound, and we learned that I was 1 cm dilated and about 30% effaced. I was one day shy of 29 weeks pregnant. 

He put me on Procardia and bed rest. Jordan stayed home with me that day. We had driven separately {he was supposed to go to work after the appointment, remember}, but Jordan picked up lunch and a movie for us to watch instead. We were watching... well, Jordan was watching, I was trying to wrap my head around all of the emotional and physical changes I was feeling. I kept feeling this tightening that I had experienced daily for the past couple of weeks. {I started having 'Braxton Hicks' contractions the day I turned 27 weeks... Well I thought they were BH at the time.}

I shared with Jordan that my stomach kept getting tight. We timed them, but they weren't painful so I wasn't nervous... Except the contractions were every 4-5 minutes. We called the doctor, and they advised us to head to the hospital. 

We packed a LIGHT overnight bag just in case....

Mary met us at the maternity entrance with a wheelchair, and we waited in the waiting room. About an hour later I was called into triage. Another 30 minutes after {I had to put on a gown, pee in a cup, give insurance information, etc}, I was put on the monitors. The contractions kept coming... some 2-3 minutes apart. Me- no pain. 

A resident came in and labeled me at '3 centimeters, 80% effaced'. WHAT?!?! 

At the OB's office, the ultrasound measured Mac and Paisley around 2 lbs each- about the size of an eggplant.

Immediately I was wheeled to a delivery room and put on magnesium sulfate. No food, no water. I hadn't eaten lunch at home because I was too nervous, and I really regretted that decision at this point.

If you remember or lived this journey with us, you remember that it was only by the grace of God that Mac and Paisley weren't born that day, one year ago today. It was a whirlwind of a day between meeting nurses, doctors, neonatologists, labor, etc. We were surrounded by prayer, and we were at peace with whatever happened. Becca and Susie brought us {well, Jordan}dinner, Jessica, Leslie and Katie brought us clothes and pillows from our house, and Matt and Bart came to pray over my body in turmoil.

We had chosen to tour Erlanger two days before {July 4} because Jordan was off, and I wasn't at peace with the other hospital choice. I can't express enough my gratitude to the amazing hospital that Erlanger is! We feel very blessed to have such an incredible teaching hospital in Chattanooga. We have had friends go through preterm labor, and their babies are doing so well! So should M and P have come into the world that day, we knew we were in the absolute best place for them.

Selfishly, I am happy to say that today we aren't celebrating Mac and Paisley's first birthday. I am glad that they are only {only? ha!} 10 months old. I am thankful for these memories that I can share with you and Mac and Paisley. 

So today, about 10 1/2 months later, here are the nuggets- 

as always,
ashley

Happy Fourth of July!

We started today with a run {we run in shifts these days} with our running partners {Jordan with Becca and me with the Walkers and Coopers}. By the time I got home, my parents were here! I was hot, hungry and exhausted so it took a bit for my mood to improve. Sorry, y'all. 

Jordan grilled a delicious meal of bratwursts, Nathan's hotdogs and bison burgers. Yummmmm!  

Then the rain came {MUCH needed!}, and we played on the play mat. 

Later we all enjoyed homemade oreo ice cream. 

When the rain stopped and the sky cleared, we busted out the new slip n slide! 

Let Freedom Ring!!! Thank you to all of the service men and women {and families!!!} who sacrifice every day! God Bless America! 

as always,
ashley

Bye, Cousins!

We've had such fun with Carsen and Bailey! Lilly, Mac and Paisley had lots of attention, love and pictures. I also enjoyed being able to be hands off while Carsen and Bailey took great care of the the nuggets. I did some birthday party errands, visit the salon and work out!

Every night we sat in the family room and watched the Olympic trials. We visited the Chattanooga Market, Target, the mall, and other fun stops.  

Thanks so much, girls!! We miss you already!

 

We need a protector for the crib side because Paisley chews on it when she's awake. 

Yesterday we had a short playdate with Mary and Emory! We've missed them the past couple of weeks. When Emory sat down, Paisley crawled past him, backed up, and plopped in his lap!!!! We laughed and laughed at them, and she stayed long enough for me to get a picture! 

Look at them!! Priceless picture, and one of my absolute favorites!

We wish you a happy freedom day!

-ashley

A {Rash, Camp, Family, etc} Story

Tuesday we ran a few errands and played around the house. Mac and Paisley chewed blocks.

While Mac played at his learning table, I took this picture of those legs... ahh, the legs. I LOVE them! 

I have tried and tried to get a picture of Mac's new tooth, and this is all I was able to get. Obviously he liked it a whole lot. :o/

Wednesday Mac started acting super fussy, and he was clingy. If you've been reading, you know Mac is not the high maintenance baby. I wanted to be in my arms {and of course I didn't mind} all day. As much as I relished this cuddle time, I knew something was wrong. Then Thursday happened...

 This is how he acted.. I changed his clothes and found raised bumps on his torso- front and back. Then I noticed traces of the bumps on his face:

I took him to the doctor, and Jordan came home to watch Paisley and pick up Lilly from camp. I was able to get out of the pediatrician's office fairly quickly and made it to camp in time to watch Lilly's program. Turns out Mac has a virus so no medication, but I was told it was more than likely pretty contagious. Yipee. Fortunately, as of now, Paisley hasn't shown any symptoms. Fingers crossed. 

Camp program: {Lilly is on the rings}

 Cookies she made

 

This is why I was looking up baby gates... 

 Saturday fun! Feeling much better, and getting ready for Kensley and Presley's first birthday party!

 Carsen and Bailey came to visit!

We are ready for our July 4th celebration!

xoxo,  

Ashley

These Days...

What a big week we've had?! It has been an adventure, and we are receiving incredible outpourings of encouragement- thank you! We also thank those who are keeping us in your prayers- we definitely feel them! 

The day after I posted about Mac and Paisley turning 10 months old here, Mac had a tooth!! It's his bottom left, and I've yet to get a good picture. When I pull down his bottom lip, his tongue immediately comes out, and that's not such a cute picture. Okay, well it is, but it's not of the tooth. 

Paisley has started clapping! She loves when we celebrate {pretty much anything} with a 'Yayyyyy!!' because she claps with us. It's so sweet. 

Lilly Scott went to VBS at her school last week, and this week she is enjoying a gymnastics camp. She has a blast and comes home ready for pajamas and bed! We are all so proud of how well she is doing. 

We went to the pool on Saturday, and here's LS with her friend, Gracie. I failed to take pictures with my friend Megan and her two sweet girls, Addison and Emily. It was quite crazy. We had 5 adults and 7 kids 6 and under... woah.

Jordan with our duosplash float! 

 

Things are really clicking for Lilly because she's asking a lot about Jesus in our hearts. She sweetly asks about Heaven. I tell her the truth as found in Scripture, and she starts naming people that she wants to know whether 'Jesus is in their heart.' I feel so unworthy to answer such foundational questions, but this is one of those instances where I lean on Him for wisdom. Brothers and sisters in Christ, please pray for this also. The wheels are turning, and I am so grateful for the roles people have played in Lilly's life to inspire such a thirst for His truth.

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:11-12

On a lighter note, I've got to figure out what we're going to do next week. I think we all may be climbing walls if we don't stay busy. Fortunately there are a lot of local options, but Mac and Paisley's routine keeps us pretty stabilized. We'll see. Here's a pic of what happens when we aren't busy...

Today Mac has been fussy. I don't know why. It really started yesterday evening. You know your kids are distracting when the manager and two servers at Chili's take turns offering 'anything to help.' Sorry, fellow diners. 

I ask myself, Is it his ears? Stomach? Diaper area? Is he wet? Did I eat something that's bothering him? Another tooth? He doesn't feel feverish...

Have I shared how aggressive Paisley is?? This happens several times a day... She uses Mac as a prop, pedestal, or even an obstacle.

 Saturday evening we went to a baby shower to celebrate John and Jenny's baby, Charlotte! 

Mac and me and Sarah, the hostess, and Paisley.

 

 

 I tried to get a picture of two of the three kids who would sit still... and even that barely happened.

 Sunday after church we drove to Georgia to visit Andrea's baby, Peyton Caroline! Sweet girl :o)

It's Wednesday! We're halfway there! 

xoxo,

ashley

4 + 1

Jordan, Mac, Paisley and me... our family of four. It is everything I've dreamed of and more {cliche, I know}. We are so enjoying our role of parenthood. We have had the opportunity to be surrounded by nieces and nephews that we love and adore as our own before we ever had M and P: Paxton, Lilly Scott, Caitlin and Blake. 

You know the saying "it takes a village to raise a child"? I believe it now more than ever! We have been able to celebrate births, holidays, birthdays, the first step, first tooth, potty training and the other monumental occasions {past, present, and future} in their lives. So special. 

Paxton, Caitlin and Blake have two amazing, God centered parents. Lilly Scott has been raised by my selfless and devoted mom {and dad} since birth. Looking back, Lilly's birth was in the palm of God's hand. An unexpected, teenage pregnancy that rocked all of our boats certainly transformed our family. My parents and brother Jeff and I have never been closer. We choose to be on this journey together, and we walk alongside to support and encourage. Family is such a blessing.

Our nieces and nephews have spent long weekends with us in Chattanooga, and we have made wonderful memories. Lilly has spent a lot of time here as we share a special bond-- I've had to remind myself at times that I'm actually not her mother... until now :o) 

Remember the post about the furniture we sanded and painted in our 'guest room'? It is actually for Lilly's new room. See the pictures here.

We welcomed Lilly Scott on Father's Day, and we are loving our new family of FIVE. Lilly has been surrounded with love and support her entire life, and those blessings brought her to our home!! We are excited to see what God will do in our roles as parents, Lilly's testimony, and Mac and Paisley's lives. Lilly Scott loves being a big sister to Mac and Paisley, and she's such a big helper. M and P adore Lilly. The feeling is pretty mutual. Smile.

Please lift up our family in your prayers as we enter this new phase in our lives. I am not able to do this alone- I am surrounded by His Grace to guide me when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. 

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17

To Lilly,

Thank you for choosing to love us. Thank you for wanting to be a part of our family in Chattanooga. Jordan said that moving you into our home was 'like the day we brought Mac and Paisley home.' You are so much a part of us, and we are blessed to have you every day.