February

The beginning of February was spent on baby watch and then became a bit chaotic once Malachi was born. You know the newborn haze you see new parents in...ya, that was us.
+Dominick actually fell asleep in my arms as I was reading him a story. That absolutely NEVER happens and was just the best! He's such a big boy and definitely a Daddy's boy so whenever he gives this momma some extra lovin I'm all about it.

+I started maternity leave on the 6th. We had beautiful weather and spent the morning going for a walk trying to start labor. We took Dominick to the bmx park and had scooter races on the basketball courts.

+We also took our last photo as a family of 3.

+Tracking my contractions

+Baby Malachi was born at 5:31 AM and he was perfection.

+ We got discharged from the hospital before noon on the 8th (only about 30 hours after I delivered).

+Kai's first big outing was to the Air Force Museum. We had daily checks on his bili levels and weigh and met up with my parents and Dominick after one of his appointments.

 +We were given a gift bag in the hospital with a bunch of different things. A lot of people will make items and then they put them in the newborn bundle that they give out at the hospital. When we were going through our bag we found a couple of these items and they were big enough for Dominick. It was so quite comical.

+Sweet brothers

+Dominick bought this bear for Kai and brought it to the hospital 

+After delivering Kai I just didn't feel like I was able to really devote a bunch of time to Dominick. I still feel like I am unable to give him the same kind of attention as before so on Valentine's Day I asked Ryan to watch M while D and I went on a donut date. He loved the donuts and I loved the quality time with my big.

 +On the 15th I ended up going to Urgent Care and had a REALLY bad case of the flu. I had to wear a mask for 5 days. I ended up spending all day in the ER because I was so sick.

+Ryan had got Dom a couple rockets and they were finally able to launch one. He thought it was the coolest experience.

+February 21st Kai turned 2 weeks and we had his appointment. He is doing great and growing like a weed. The doctor was really impressed with his weight gain so I knew we were doing great with breastfeeding (which is always encouraging).

+We had beautiful weather in February and were able to enjoy some time outside and also went on a walk

Best Day Ever

We had been looking forward to January from the moment Ryan left. I had talked January up to Dominick since that would be six months. We didn't know when he would be home, but we knew it should be sometime in January. Next time we have a deployment I am definitely going to say the month after Ryan's scheduled to come home because come January 1st Dominick just didn't understand why his daddy wasn't on his way home.

We found out about 10 days before Ryan was set to come home and I was still hesitant to tell Dominick in case there were any changes. I finally told him so he could get excited, but he really wouldn't let himself. He kept himself really guarded which was kind of sad, but completely understandable. 

He told me there's no time for pictures

you can really see how defeated he was feeling in his posture

 

 

The day Ryan was supposed to come home his flight wasn't scheduled to get in until around 4:30, but they ended up getting delayed in North Carolina (although I didn't know this until we were already at the airport). I worked a half day and then went to get some balloons and to get Dominick. Even on our way to the airport Dominick still was very somber and just wouldn't let himself get pumped despite my best effort. He ended up falling asleep on our way to the airport and when I heard he was delayed I ended up hoping he would sleep super long. Unfortunately he woke up and wanted to go inside. We headed in and ended up having to wait about an hour more. Ryan was one of the last to come through and Dominick was near tears. He kept saying, "I can't see him. I can't see daddy." I think he thought it was just some cruel joke. As soon as Dom could see Ryan he got a HUGE smile on his face and went running to him. He kept looking at him and smiling and didn't really know what to say. It really was the best day ever.

Malachi: Weeks 1, 2 and 3

 Weight

Birth: 8 lbs 5 oz

 1 week: 8 lbs 12 oz (you went down to 7 lbs 8 oz on 7/9, 7 lbs 5 oz on 7/10 and were back up to 7 lbs 9 oz on 7/11)

2 weeks: 9 lbs 0 oz

3 weeks: you didn't get weighed this week, but I imagine you're growing

Length

Birth: 23 in 

1 week: Daddy forgot to get the length at your appointment

2 weeks:  21.5 in
3 weeks: you didn't get measured this week, but again I imagine you're growing

Malachi,

This first week of your little life has been a big one. You came home on the 8th of February, only one night after you were born. You ate around the clock and never seemed all that satisfied. My milk had still not come in yet and we were doing daily checks for your bilirubin and your weight. On the 9th I offered you a small amount of formula before bed because I just couldn't stand seeing you so unhappy and uncomfortable. Thankfully my milk came in the next day and you were a COMPLETELY different baby. 

 You didn't sleep well in the beginning and you mostly slept in my arms, but we all got rest and that's what was important. We were also in survival mode so any sleep we got was necessary. Your Papa and Gigi were here so they would watch you for a couple hours during the day so I could get a much needed nap in in the afternoon.

Speaking of your Papa and Gigi they were here until the 11th. They loved spoiling you with lots of snuggles and baby loves. You also didn't mind the extra attention. They did SO much for all of us while they were here and we miss them lots, but will be seeing them again in a few short weeks.

On the 10th we took your first trip to the Air Force Museum after your drs appointment. Papa and Gigi had taken Dominick there and so we made a quick trip. I had to feed you while we were there, but otherwise you did SO good being out and about. You're not too big of a fan of your car seat at first, but once we are going you do pretty well. On the 11th you went to your first birthday party, it was for Mason's 6th birthday. You did well in the carrier and spent the majority of the time in it. 

 Your big brother LOVES you. He will randomly ask to hold you and he is always asking to give you lots of hugs and kisses. I hope you two always cherish each other and grow up to be forever friends. When you're in your swing he wants to make sure the music is playing and the mobile is going for you the whole time. He also brings you your teddy bear so you don't get lonely. At the hospital Dominick asked to hold you, but you were heavy. On the way home he said that he thought you liked him and that he liked you too. He said you were very heavy, but he's real strong.

Your cord fell off on the 12th on accident. I think it got stuck in your gown during a diaper change and was pulled off. You had a drs appointment on 2/15 and they said that it looked like it was healing okay and wasn't infected.

Also on 2/15 Momma came down with the flu and isn't able to snuggle with you for a whole week. We spent the majority of our day in the emergency room. You did great for your daddy. 

Your second week of life was full of drs appointments. One for your belly button, one at the Children's hospital (which was a referral and pointless) and another at the peds clinic. 

You are long and still so skinny, but your cheeks are starting to fill out. You are still in newborn clothes, but I have a feeling you're going to be moving up to 0-3 month clothes in no time. You are still in newborn diapers (even at week 3).

You're a a great eater. It takes you about 30-40 minutes and you eat every 2.5-3 hours around the clock. You do spit up pretty much after every feeding and we really have to make sure you burp well or you seem to be uncomfortable.

You're also getting to be a better sleeper and getting better and better about sleeping in your bassinet. You don't love to be swaddled, but it's basically the only way you will sleep. Your little arms wake you up. You LOVE to be held and are the most comfortable when you're held.

Your least favorite thing is bath time since you hate to be cold, but I think now that you're able to get completely wet you'll enjoy it even more. Your first real bath (not a sponge bath) was on the 21st. You also really don't enjoy getting your diaper changed, but you're doing better with that also. You just love being cozy so anything to disturb that makes you super upset

You're mostly an easy going baby and don't cry much. You start fussing when you're hungry and when we have you laying on your back for too long without attention. At your 2 week follow up the doctor asked if you ever cry because you're just so chill.

You're VERY strong. You love to hold your head up off our shoulder and you love to look around. You don't even mind tummy time and try to pick up your head and you move it from one side to the other.

You're also a big fan of your swing and do well in it and you enjoy being on your play mat. Like I said you do not like being in your car seat. We've taken you out to dinner, on walks and a few errands and you just don't care for being in it. You are a really easy going baby and we just love you so much.

I'm so thankful for you and can't wait to see more of your personality come out. You are sweet as pie and we all just think the world of you. We love you sugar bear!

Malachi's Birth Story

Let's back track a little bit. My due date was the 31st of January so basically the whole pregnancy Ryan and I were just hoping he would make it home from his deployment in time. Thankfully, he got home on the 24th, which was a Tuesday and I was still (39 weeks) pregnant. My hope was to get through the weekend. I really wanted Dominick to get some one on one time with his dad and for Ryan to be able to adjust some to being back home. I had my 39 week appointment on the 26th. At this point I had still not been checked and requested not to be once again. I had another appointment the following Tuesday which was my due date so they agreed they'd let me wait it out. My dr did do a quick ultrasound on the 26th just to make sure I had enough fluid and that baby looked to be okay. He was still head down and I did have enough fluid so she sent me on my way.

The 31st came and I had my appointment. I requested once again not to be checked and she said she would let me go until Friday, but I had to come back Friday and be checked and she'd also strip my membranes this day. We had a birthday party on Saturday and my parents were also coming into town on that Saturday so I was hoping if nothing else we could get through the weekend. She said she scheduled me to be induced on Tuesday the 7th and wouldn't allow me to go over my due date.That Friday I went in and I was already 3 cm dilated. She stripped my membranes and said I left there between 4-5 cm dilated and she'd most likely see me over the weekend sine she was the doc on call.

Saturday we went to the birthday party and my parents got into town right after. It was nice to have them here and to know that we wouldn't need to rush Dom around in addition to try to get to the hospital also. We quickly ran to Costco and then we got dinner together. Still no signs of going into labor and I was still feeling pretty good. Sunday was the Super Bowl. My dad wasn't feeling too great and I was feeling hopeless that my body would not go into labor on it's own. I went and got a pedicure hoping that the pressure points and massage would make me go into labor, but still nothing. I was having light contractions, but nothing consistent so chalked them up to Braxton Hicks. I did tell Ryan that he really needed to pack his bags in case they became something more. We went to bed hopeful that Monday would be the day.

On Monday I was still pregnant with no signs of labor. I knew I was going to be induced the following morning so I called to see what time I needed to be there. They said 7:30 and later called to see if I could come at 5:00 AM instead since the person scheduled at that time ended up delivering already. We took Dominick on a walk and to play at the bmx park on his scooter. Right next to the park is a few basketball courts so we were doing races with him. I even raced him and ran while doing it. I fully contribute this to me going into labor (hahaha). That whole day I had light bleeding off and on, but still figured I'd be getting induced in the morning. At dinner that night we all made predictions as to his weight and the time he was going to be born.

Around 8 PM I started feeling what I thought might be contractions. I decided to take a quick shower, which ended up being longer than I anticipated because it just felt so good and the contractions kept coming. I knew it was going to be sometime soon and was hoping I wouldn't need the induction. The contractions were about 8-9 minutes apart and continued this way. We took one last picture as a family of 3 and then put Dom to bed. Around 10 we all went to bed knowing that no matter what we'd have a baby the next day. My contractions were still about 8-9 minutes apart at this point and lasting around a minute each. I woke up around 12:45 to use the bathroom and then I laid back down. I was still contracting, but was able to breathe through them even though they were getting stronger. Around 1 I got up to get a drink of water and to walk around thinking that might help. I transitioned from 7-8 minutes to 5-6 minutes and then when I went and laid back down again they started to come every 2-3 minutes (around 1:42). I had to wake up Ryan and told him we needed to get to the hospital. He sat up and then in a sleepy daze laid back down for a minute. I told him he HAD to get up and get moving because we didn't have long. We both brushed our teeth and he put the bags in the car. We were out the door in about 10-15 minutes. My mom woke up as we were leaving and I was trying to walk out the door and had two more contractions. My mom asked if I waited too long and I said I thought I had. The car ride was the absolute worst. I don't really remember the car ride with Dominick being that bad, but then again I was NOT nearly as far long as I was this time. It's only a 15 minute drive, but it seemed like an eternity. I think this was the most unbearable part of the whole experience.

My goal this whole time was to not get an epidural and to try to get to the hospital around 8 cm. We had called the birthing center to let them know that we were coming so they'd be ready for us. When we got there they asked me to change into my gown and for a urine sample. I couldn't give them a urine sample, but I did tell her that I thought I had to go #2. She said that instead she wanted to check me. I was 8 cm and the baby's head was RIGHT there which is why I felt like I had to use the restroom. They were trying to get all my information and check me in, but I had such a hard time even talking through the contractions. I barely even moaned or anything, but was very quiet and just breathed through each of them while laying very still. I still couldn't believe I was already 8 cm and labored at home for so long. I figured I would maybe be 6 or 7 cm so hearing I was 8 was music to my ears. She asked if I wanted an epidural and I had said yes. They got my lab and blood work done and we were just waiting on the anesthesiologist. He FINALLY came and it seemed like he was taking his sweet, sweet time, but really he did a great job. I LOVED my epidural this time. I could still feel the pressure and when I needed to push, but I was not in any pain. I told him he was my hero once he had it in. The moment it went in I thought I was going to be able to get some rest, but the baby was in distress. Every contraction his heart rate would go down so they were constantly turning me onto my side and then back again. They couldn't keep a constant monitor on his heart rate so they actually screwed something into the top of his head to monitor him.

Very soon after the epidural was in the dr came in and said it was time to push. The baby was sunny side up so the pushing took quite awhile. I felt like I kept pushing and pushing and pushing and there was very little progress. The dr told me that I would only get a couple more pushes and then they'd have to use the vacuum to help him because he was under distress and he really needed to come. Two more contractions and he was finally here. We heard his beautiful cry and they placed him on my chest. He screamed and screamed and they finally wrapped him in some towels to wipe him off. They delayed the cord clamp and Ryan was able to cut the cord. He was SO alert and looking all over taking in the world when they took him to do his measurements and vitals. The first thing Ryan and I said to each other was that he looked EXACTLY like Dominick. We just couldn't believe their similarities.

Ryan texted my mom and dad to let them know he was born and that we were hoping they'd bring Dominick. They got around and took him shopping to get Malachi a lovey before coming to the hospital. When they finally got there Dominick was beyond excited. He was very concerned as to why I was in the hospital bed, but was very interested in the baby. At one point he grabbed his cheeks and said "you're so cute!" He kept showing him his new bear and was very proud. He told the nurses he was a big brother now. We gave Dominick his big brother gift and was very excited for all of his new goodies. Ryan and my parents went to have lunch while I rested. After their visit they went home for the afternoon and came back that night. Dominick had on a sweatshirt, but had on a big brother shirt underneath. He asked if he could hold Malachi and he said yes. Then he said, "can I take off my sweatshirt so you can see my big brother shirt?" It was by far the CUTEST thing ever.

We only ended up staying in the hospital that one night and then getting to leave the following day around 11:30. It was a quick labor, a not so quick delivery and a quick stay. The whole experience was a great one and I'm so thankful and feel so blessed to be able to be this sweet boy's momma. I don't know how I got to be so lucky to have two beautiful boys, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Malachi Ryan Boutwell

February 7, 2017

5:31 AM 

8 lbs 5 oz and 23 in long