Barlett-Party of 4

Wow, what an exciting 2.5 weeks we've had! It all started Fri., April 27th when my MIL and I were out running errands. I had been having BH contractions for weeks prior but on this particular day they were really starting to get my attention with their frequency, (plus I had worn my lucky outfit so I new we would get some sort of action that day)! I never experienced any contractions with Lakely until after my water broke so I really didn't know what to take seriously and what not. Every one kept telling me that I would know when to take things seriously...and that's what happened! We were in Gymboree and all of a sudden I got hot and sweaty, shaky and uncomfortable and I knew we had to leave pronto. By the time we got back to the car and on our way home, the contractions were 4 minutes apart and not letting up. Once we got home, I kept noting all the activity and finally decided that it would be smart to call the doctor. She said to go on to the hospital and get checked out since I was planning on having a scheduled csection for the 4th and they didn't want me to rupture. Ewh, once I heard that I put a little pep in my step and got some last minute things thrown in my bag and headed to hospital about 9:30 Friday night. I didn't have any dilation but the contractions were strong and frequent enough for them to keep me over night. Long story short, that was the worst night ever! I stared at the clock the entire time just waiting for something to happen, but no such luck. The next morning, all the nurses were preparing me that I might get discharged and that they would probably be seeing me in a couple of days. Luckily, my doctor was on-call and came by to check me one last time before making that decision. Low and behold I had started dilating!!! There weren't any other Moms in labor so she asked if we were ready for a baby that morning and of course we responded with a huge, "YES!" I was in the O.R. within 30 minutes and our bundle of joy arrived at 11:49 am! That was Saturday morning, and I decided to stay the full three days after the surgery since I knew that if I went home I wouldn't get the rest I needed. When Tuesday rolled around I was ready to bolt out those doors for sure! This picture is just before calling the doctor and heading to the hospital (in my lucky outfit of course...I wore the same one when pregnant with Lakely and my water broke days later. I should auction it off on ebay-it works)!

We recorded the delivery and the rest of my stay in the hospital so there really aren't too many pictures of us/him when he first arrived.

These are pictures from the first week, including my birthday! So happy that it worked out to celebrate with some family that was in town for Cashton's arrival :)

That's all I got for now...if I can figure out how to post a video, I'll post Cashton's debut!

EASTER, EASTER, EASTER!

I'm a little behind on updating but it seemed each night I would think about posting some recent news, I would just plant myself on the couch instead! Poppy came to spend Easter with us this year and Lakely couldn't have been happier! She had him so tightly wound around her little pinky you would've thought he was the only one in the room! He even had to take her to the potty a couple of times, hehe! Easter morning we got up and opened Easter baskets, relaxed a little and then got ready for church. After mass, we head to Ruth Chris steakhouse for the most delicious meal and then back home to watch the Masters. Lakely sure loves some golf so luckily the TV channel didn't cause for a battle that day. We sure had a wonderful time. Looking forward to having more family in town for Cashton's arrival! The time is getting nearer and I couldn't be more excited!

Lakely had her Easter party today since they were on Sping break last week. At the beginning of the school year I had offered to host this party not really thinking it would be a big deal. It wasn't awful, but it sure hadn't been as easy as I had hoped. In fact, last night I opted to make the cupcakes for the party instead of dinner...poor Tony. Luckily we had some left overs for him to choose from but I know it's not ideal. He's such a trooper :)

Checking In...

I went to the doctor yesterday for a check-up. Nothing too exciting, blood pressure good, weight gain 29 lbs (yes, that is a 4 pound difference in 2 weeks-let the swelling begin), and I'm still measuring on track with the May 4th delivery. Lakely was such an angel in the doctor's office. She just sat there and waited patiently with me. When the doctor left the room, she stood up and rubbed her belly and said, "Mama, when I get bigger I have baby?" It was in the sweetest little voice you've ever heard! I can't wait to see her as a big sister :)

Funny story (I guess):

We're at Chick-fil-a and over at the condiment station getting straws and a worker and I engage in small talk. She's asking about the baby and the name, etc., and then asks, "Will he be your first child?!" I turned my outward pointing profile and showed her Lakely standing on the other side of me. The lady says, "Oh, don't take this the wrong way, but I didn't see her! You're belly was in the way!" She's lucky she had already been so polite to me or I might have "spilled" my drink.

34 week "profile"

Watch out folks, here she comes!

33 weeks

(He has cheeks like Lakely!!)

We had an appointment today along with an ultrasound to see how big our lil man is. I was SO hoping for some good head shots and clear photos but his poor little face was smashed against my uterus :( We did, however, get some great news that he looks 100% healthy, measuring 2 days ahead, weighing in at 5 lbs., and in the 65 percentile for overall size. The doctor is guessing he'll be between 7.5-8.5 lbs. upon delivery. (That sounds fabulous to me- no bigger please!) I had contemplated a VBAC but with much consideration have decided to go with another csection. I had really hoped to have a super fast recovery since this time around we'll have Lakely to entertain, but all I can do is try my best and allow myself to depend on others for help!

I received my surgery papers in the mail last weekend and was shocked to find that it was scheduled for May 4th- MY BIRTHDAY! It's bitter sweet; sure would love for him to have his own day to celebrate, but I guess sharing it with his mama won't be that awful! I tried my hardest to get it changed and to no avail, it's still 5/4 unless he decides to come earlier of course!

Mommy stats:
-Blood pressure good
-Weight gain is 25 lbs.
-Leg cramps at night
-Slight water retention
-Little more tired than last week
-Super hungry all the time
-Still don't have a nursery- Can you say, UNHAPPY MOMMY?! (If the furniture doesn't come by the beginning of next week there WILL be issues, mark my word.) I've been incredibly patient and understanding but this is ridiculous. The doctor has told be to go ahead and pack my bags for the hospital...are you kidding me?! I NEED MY FURNITURE!!!!

Blue, Blue and more Blue

My SIL, Betsy, threw a baby shower for me this past weekend in Atlanta. I'm not sure how she got it all together in only two weeks but some how she did! It was great to visit the family one last time and to see my GA friends before Cashton arrives. I only got a handful of pictures b/c we were all fixated on what Lakely and Ava were doing, or who the next gift was from, etc...

In route to ATL


Cashton's banner


Candy bar- yummo!


A picture Betsy had painted for his room


Baseball card wreath- she made ALL the decorations!


Sign in table


Fudge cake- I need some now...


Diaper Cake


My big girl


Such a good helper already :)


Lil golfer outfit!


Angie and I


Maga and her girls!


This is so terrible, but that is honestly all the pictures I got!! I can't believe it didn't cross my mind to designate someone to take them but I didn't :( At least I have I few to look back on!

Maga and Pa drove up for a visit!

My folks decided to take a spontaneous road trip and came to visit us for the weekend! We had a super relaxing time and even spent the cold, wet Saturday at Chuck E Cheese. It was Lakely's first time there so we were hesitant on how she would react. Any of you that know her knows she doesn't like loud noises! We got there just after they opened so she could get warmed up to the idea before it was crawling with kids and afternoon birthday parties. She was unsure at first, but once she found a few games that tickled her fancy, she was good to go! Her favorite thing most of all- putting the tokens into the machine, go figure.

We have a super busy March ahead of us, which is going to make the pregnancy move along even faster! We had our friends visiting last w/e, family visiting this past w/e, and Lakely and I in ATL for Cashton's shower this coming w/e- I think March will be over before it even starts!

Can you see me, Mama?


There's Chuck E Cheese!


Racing with Pa


Really getting into Ski Ball here


Time for PIZZA!


Not sure who is into the bubble game more at this point...


The duck game was a big hit


Sporting one of her prizes


Lakely's photography skills in action


Maga and Lakely!!