She Can Be Sweet

This morning as I was just laying Skylyn down from her morning feeding I heard the kids getting up. Aaris said, "Titus, I love you." His normal response to anything is, "Why." To that Aaris responded, "Because that is what I tell Mommy and Daddy, and I mean it. I mean it to you, too, Titus."

Like everyone else, we are trying everything we can to save a penny around our house. Titus has been in need of a haircut for a couple of weeks now. I have been cutting Aaron's hair for about 5 years now, and I am still not comfortable with it. Well, I decided to be brave and give Titus's hair a try. He has always been good at haircuts and quite enjoys them. He was great for about the first 10 minutes. That is about how long the barber normally takes. I took about 20. All I can say is...well...it is cut. It's not pretty, but it's definitely not too long any more. I just keep reminding myself that, "It will grow back." :)

One Week Old

( I decided to take Skylyn's weekly picture next to the kid's stacking cups. It should be fun to see how tall we can stack them next to her as she grows over the year.)

Skylyn was one week old yesterday. She has made it an eventful week. She came down with a cold on Tuesday. We have been letting her sleep inclined in her bouncy. I've been having to put saline drops in her nose which just breaks my heart because she doesn't like it. We've been running the humidifier. Most importantly we have been praying. We don't need our tiny one to get a cough or anything worse. So, if anyone feels like joining us in prayer, we would welcome it. Otherwise, we have had two doctor's appointments. On Monday Skylyn weighed 4 lbs 6 oz, but today she weighed 4 lbs 8 oz, so we're heading in the right direction. I'll just keep trying to get her to stay awake long enough to eat enough. And, finally, yesterday her umbilical cord feel off. She got a wipe down with a rag, but a full bath is coming soon.

And, finally, I must give a shout out to my wonderful husband. This has been a tough transition on me because of being concerned for Skylyn due to her size, and having to take care of two older kids. I know I would have fallen apart if it weren't for his help. I'm very lucky to be married to such a servant.

Photo Session Slide Show

For our baby gift from my mom and dad, they bought us a photo session with a photographer that happens to be a good friend of ours from church. She came over on Sunday and took pictures of Skylyn and our family. She just sent me the slide show of our pictures. It's set to music that Aaron picked out. It has made me cry almost every single time I've watched it. If you have speakers on your computer be sure to turn them up when you watch the show:

http://cozyimpressionsphotography.com/Dennington/

Tanya Warpula is the photographer. The name of her photography business is Cozy Impressions Photography. You can see her website at:

http://cozyimpressionsphotography.com/

or her blog at:

http://cozyimpressionsphotography.com/blog/

I highly recommend her. She is not just a great photographer but a delightful person.

A Salute to Family

You know, the older I get, the more I realize how wonderful it is to have family close by. As a kid I wanted my independence and wanted only to get away from them. Now, with kids of my own, I feel more of a bond and need to be around family. Aaron's parents and my parents only live within 15 minutes of our house. It's really nice to be able to help each other out, or just call each other up spontaneously to do things together.

It has been great with the birth of our kids because our families have been there to experience it with us. They have both been of equal help and are so nice to switch off on helping with the bigger kids. My parents and brother and sister helped out with Aaris during my hospital stay when Titus was born, and Aaron's mom and dad helped out this time with Skylyn's birth. My dad has had to miss out the most because with Aaris he had health problems and with Skylyn he had work problems. My brother and sister have both been able to be here for all three births. My mom has been my second coach with all three deliveries. This time Aaron's mom, Vicki, brought lunch to the hospital but had just left when the sudden delivery of Skylyn occurred. She did get back right after her birth and before she even got weighed. Albert was right behind her with Aaris and Titus in tow. Anyway, all of this to say that I have been excited and honored to have my families with me through some of the most miraculous times in my life. Those that are with me all the time maybe don't here "Thank you" as much as they should, so hear is a salute to my wonderful families:

Aaron's parents : Albert (Poppy) and Vicki (Mamaw)

Poppy

My parents: Scott (Papaw) and Donna (Mimi)

Papaw

My brother: Uncle Jeremy

My sister: Aunt Hattie

Coming Home

My yummy Cookie Bouquet

Visit from our friend Jonna

On the phone w/ my grandma

Skylyn in her take-home outfit

My Angel

Wheeled out to the car

Already telling daddy "I Love You" in sign language

So tiny

Little Skylyn in her big crib

In her bassinet

My mom holding Skylyn blowing out her birthday cake

We were able to get released from the hospital right before noon yesterday. Skylyn got the all clear. She does have some jaundice, but we just need to sit with her in a sunny window for awhile. We have her first doctor's appointment Monday afternoon.

I've packed a special "take-home" outfit for the hospital for all three of my kids. Skylyn's was a newborn size white dress with a matching bonnet that of course ended up being way too big. She also had newborn shoes on that I had to fit on top of her over-sized booties to stay on. I still think she looks like an angel. I got to bring another angel home, so now I have three. How blessed am I!!!!!!!!

We meet Aaron's dad at Jason's Deli to have lunch and pick up Aaris and Titus. Titus is whining a lot which shows me he's having a lit bit of a struggle transitioning. Aaris was the same way for about 6 weeks after Titus was born. Aaris is doing well and is almost too helpful. She wants to help me with everything, but that's just not always possible, safe, or helpful. But, I love her heart for trying.

Yesterday was my mom's birthday: Donna Christine Epperson Nov. 14

And, she got to celebrate with her new granddaughter: Skylyn Christine Dennington Nov. 12

My parents brought over food from Carinos...yum...so we could all eat together for my mom's birthday. Aaris and I made my mom a cookie cake yesterday afternoon to celebrate as well. (It was a good re-bonding activity for Aaris and me to do together.)

My milk came in yesterday which is why I'm guessing Skylyn's eating slowed down. She will only eat for 6 minutes at the most at a time. I just don't know how much can fit into that little tummy of hers. Last night was the toughest first night home I've ever had which is crazy because it's the only time I've ever been home by myself. Aaron took Titus on the father/son camp out our church was having and my mom and dad took Aaris. I thought I was going to get one night's break before we all got back into routine. Well, Skylyn decided that she wanted to eat every hour. But, of course she would only do so for 3 - 5 minutes and then I couldn't get her to wake back up to eat more. Finally when she woke up at 3:30 am I decided to try and make her wait. She had no problem just going back to sleep in my arms, but if I put her down, she wanted to cry and have a pacifier. You, know, the nighttime nursery nurse at the hospital both nights told me how much all the nurses loved Skylyn and just loved holding her. They even brought her back one time with a special crocheted hat they found and just thought she had to have. Anyway, I'm now guessing that they held her all night, because I certainly didn't, but that is what Skylyn wants. Anyway, between 4:30- 6:00 am I feed Skylyn three times and finally got her to 18 minutes of feeding...added up fragments of course. It took a lot of extra burping, diaper changes, ear rubbing, tummy tickling, and head scratching her in order to wake her up enough times to eat. So, by the time Aaron and Titus got home this morning I had finally sleep for a couple of hours. It's just ironic to me that when I need Skylyn to eat I can't get her to wake up or stay awake, but when I need her sleep (or I need to sleep) I can't get her to stay asleep. But, you know, she is just so darn cute that I can't get mad at her. :)

One Day Old

Proud Daddy

She definitely looks like her siblings

Snuggling with Aunt Hattie

My hand has never looked so big

Aaris loved Skylyn trying to hold her hair

Sid and Suzy Robin meeting Skylyn

Christy McDonald (and Taylor) meeting Skylyn

Aaris and Titus watching their new sister

Aaris is completely in love with Skylyn

Skylyn getting her hearing tested

Skylyn did fantastic her first night!!! The only activity came in the early evening when she spit up mucus still in her lungs from delivery so the nurses decided to cleaned out her stomach with a tube, but really it was no big deal and kind of common. She fed every 2-3 hours for about 15-20 minutes each time. She held her temp all night long. After she came in to my room this morning for her 10:00 am feeding she never had to leave. She is holding her temp great. Of course she is always wearing a shirt, pants, socks, 2 receiving blankets, two hats, and a thick pink blankie. The lactation nurse came in and said that Skylyn is nursing better than most full term, normal size babies. She is having some gagging actions in between feedings and some small spit ups right before she feeds or right after she feeds. Elevating her head seems to help with this problem, though. We had two visitors today and it was a ton of fun to share Skylyn with them. It was very special to have my sister and brother here for Skylyn's birth. They were able to make it to Aaris's and Titus's birth's as well. My brother had to return home last night, but my sister was able to stay for most of today. She also made and brought with her some of the best decorated sugar cookies. It's been amazing how hungry I've been since delivering Skylyn. I'm enjoying it! :) My mom and dad also sent me a fantastic 'Cookie Bouquet'!!!! I've received one after each kid's birth. It's a fun, and yummy tradition. Aaris is still in love with Skylyn and wants to hold her the whole time she is visiting. Titus likes to look at her for a little bit, but then is interested in everything else around him. This morning my doctor came by this morning and said I can be released from the hospital tomorrow morning. The pediatrician said that Skylyn is doing great. We look forward to the same report tomorrow morning so that we can all go home together. Oh, and I must mention one fun fact from yesterday. After Skylyn was born we had to wait about 20 minutes for the nursery to arrive (since delivery came so quickly) to weigh and measure Skylyn. So, everyone took guesses at her weight. We had guesses from 4 lbs 3 oz up to 5 lbs even. Aaron guessed 4 lbs 13 oz...which was exactly what she ended up weighing.

4 Has Become 5

Skylyn Christine Dennington arrived today at 2:32 pm.

She weighed 4 lbs 13 oz and was 18 inches long.

She is perfectly healthy!!! PRAISE GOD AND THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!!! She took to feeding right away. The only reason she has to go to the nursery is to get warmed up again, but Aaris and Titus both had to do that as well.

The details:

After the paperwork, registration and getting general IV and other equipment in the room and ready, we started the pitocin at 8:00 am. It took until 10:30 for them to break my water and then the pain hit...FAST. Within 15 minutes the pain was unbearable and the contractions were back to back. It took about another 15 minutes for the anesthesiologist to show up, but it was well worth the wait. Once it was in the nurse checked me. Skylyn had dropped really well, but I was only 4 cm dilated. I was contracting on my own, so she turned my pitocin off. After 20 minutes, my contractions went away and she turned it back on, but at a low amount. It took about 45 minutes after increasing my pitocin for good contractions to start again. She checked me again at that point, but I was still at 4 cm. At this point I asked my family to says prayers that my labor didn't stall out. I also said a couple of prayers privately. It was now around 1:20 pm. They turned me to the other side where I got very relaxed and faded in and out of sleep. I did not sleep last night due to discomfort and excitement. I had let my epidural stay low enough to still feel cramping with each contraction. Around 2:00 another nurse came in to check my monitors since my nurse was now helping with another delivery. I had started to feel more sensation and pressure down low at this point, but nothing to think too much about or even mention. About 10 minutes later the same nurse came back to check my monitors again because she was seeing Skylyn's heart rate drop some due to compression again my pelvis. This was a good sign she said. About 5 minutes later, I suddenly got hit with pain! I instantly hit my epidural release button to try and help with the pain. I asked Hattie, my sister, to tell me when it had been 5 minutes because I knew I needed even more epidural relief and that was the earliest they would let me push the button again. By the time 5 minutes hit I was feeling a ton of pain and pressure and called the nurse. She came immediately. She checked me and said the baby's head was right there. I asked her how much I was dilated and she said I was complete and ready to push. What?!?!?! Only an hour ago I was 4 cm. Thank goodness my doctor had literally just stepped out of surgery and was able to come immediately. It took only 5 minutes from finding out that I was ready to go until I started pushing. The pain had started to go away because of my epidural releases so I was nervous about feeling when to push, but after 5 pushes Skylyn was here. I got to open my eyes at the very end and watch her come out. The first thing I thought was, "She is tiny!" But, the doctor and nurses said she looked great and sounded great. What a miracle!

We are at St. David's downtown in room 312 and if Skylyn can start to hold her temp well, she should be going home some time on Friday.

Last Doctors Visit

Last pregnant belly shot...so very hard to believe.

I went in this morning for my last regular ob/gyn appointment. I have lost back my pound again, my blood pressure went down some, am dilated to a 3, and am now measuring 4 weeks too small in my uterus. My doctor is still sure she wants Skylyn to come tomorrow. So, we have to be at the hospital (St. David's downtown at I-35 and 32nd) by 6:00 am. I asked her how long these things normally take. She predicted that Skylyn would be here by at least lunch time. She said that sometimes the smaller babies can have a transition time, meaning they have to be assisted some in the NICU and stay a little longer than normal, but not always. (But, if she does maybe my dear friend Jonna will be in there to assist her.) Please pray that she comes out perfectly healthy and has to spend no time in the NICU and can come home with me on Friday.

I can't believe that in less than 24 hours I will be holding Skylyn in my arms!!!

Last Night as Four

Last night was our last night together as a family of four. Tonight Aaris and Titus will be going to Aaron's parent's house (Poppy and Mamaw) to spend the night since we have to be at the hospital at 6:00 am on Wednesday. We went to Chuck E Cheese. The kids had a GREAT time and we had a great time watching them. Aaris had her one piece of pizza and said she was full. She wanted to get down and go play by herself. After a couple of minutes she came sprinting back and just so excited. She had decided to take a picture by herself there which she has never done. She did a great job and it was so cute. By this time Titus was done with his piece of pizza and wanted to go. Aaris and Titus didn't want us to go with them. They came back the first time saying it wasn't good and wanted to try again. Their second attempt was adorable. Then Aaris wanted us to split up and take pictures: her and me, then Titus and Aaron. Finally, at the end of the night we decided to all try taking a picture together. All I can say is...we tried.

I'm very excited to meet Skylyn. If she is as sweet, fun, loving and faithful as my other two, I will be a very, VERY blessed woman! Four has been a joy, but I think five can only be better!

I had another check-up at the ultrasound specialist today just to make sure that Skylyn was still safe in my womb. She is great. So, we are still set to deliver on Wednesday. My body is definitely ready! They gave me a picture of her face today and I just had to post it because I thought it was remarkably detailed. I can't wait to see her for real!!!!!!! (Just for those of you that have a harder time seeing ultrasounds: her face is sideways with her forehead being on the right side of the picture)

He Melts My Heart

I recently realized that I haven't had pictures taken of Titus in a long time. So, a couple of weeks ago I took him into JcPenneys and had some 2 yr. old shots taken of him in his boots and jeans. I think they turned out GREAT! He was such the little poser. He just melts my heart. I think it's because he looks so much like his daddy, and well, I think Aaron is just so handsome.