Brighten Our Days

Having a new baby in the house, I have heard some funny comments from the kids. Brynna said we should have named him handsome. I was changing his diaper and he was crying. Corban was trying to help by holding his binki in his mouth. He was still crying. Corban said, "I don't think he likes me." I explained that babies just don't like to have their diapers changed because of the cold air, wipes, etc. Kjerstin said, "Oh yeah, I remember when Daven did that. Memories." Like she has been around for a long time. I had to chuckle. The kids were asking what he knows how to do (nothing) and I said that he learn how to burp, etc. One of the kids said that they could teach him. Corban said, "As long as we don't teach him any swear words." I am glad he is not teaching them to him but why is that what he is thinking of? It has made me chuckle (and made my stomach hurt) and remember the sun that shines through the clouds to brighten our days.

Gideon James Critchfield

Well after a very stressful Tuesday, I went into labor Tuesday night. It was very unlike my labor with Daven. My contractions weren't regular in time or in strength but the painful ones were crippling. I finally went into Labor and Delivery at 4:30am and the nurses of course didn't think I was in labor. When they checked, I was dilated to a 8 with my strong contractions but the baby still wasn't dropping down and staying down. The baby's heart rate was dropping dramatically with contractions and they thought there might be a nucal cord around the baby stopping him from dropping. I was nauseated because of a migraine I had all day on Tuesday and was vomiting. There were no anesthesiologists who were willing to do the epidural because it was a change of shift and the guy getting off didn't want to take me and the guy coming on said it wasn't his time yet. They finally decided they need to do a C-section and found someone to come give me an epidural. I was still vomiting when they were doing the c-section. Gideon was very blue and not moving when they got him out. After spending several hours in NICU he was doing well and I was finally able to see and hold him. After doing the C-section they have no explanation for the difficulties he was having. It is a different kind of sore and it is driving me crazy not to be able to just jump in and take off from where I left off. I feel bad and like a cripple not being able to lift up Daven or do things for him. I think any hopes of a flat stomach are now out for good. He is a really good baby so far. Brynna and Daven have really had a bad cough and now it sounds like Kjerstin is getting it. Daven is on an antibiotic for an ear infection because we were up with him all night my first night home. I missed the last step coming down our stairs and bruised my tail bone. I hurt all over. I think five is my limit. I had basically said before this was it but I am FEELING it now! I keep telling myself, "this too shall pass" and "all these things shall give thee experience." I just need to feel it! I promise I will be more positive when I feel better!
P.S. He was 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 1/2 inches long--my smallest so far!

No baby yet!

Well I have passed my due date and there is still no sign no indication that the baby is anxious to come out. My Dr. is out of town this week so there will probably be no induction. I am fairly sure this will be the last child we will have, so I guess I am getting as much pregnancy as I can so I won't miss it (as if that could happen). Kjerstin last night prayed that the baby would come out so I wouldn't have to worry about (what I heard) cooking, (what she said) kicking. I haven't had a menu for the last 2 weeks because I haven't known if I would need it. You can tell I heard what I was thinking about. We had the missionaries over for dinner a few weeks ago. One of the elders birthdays was February 15th. He thought it would be cool if my baby had the same birthday. I was sure that was impossible. I am once again proved wrong! I guess it just goes to show that children listen to you no better in utero than out! Don't feel bad for me, though. I have done an adequate job of consoling myself with sweets that I don't normally eat. Not the best idea but it is working for now! I will just have to pay for it later!
P.S. Just a funny side note--my girls we playing Super Nanny the other night. I am pretty sure that was not a game I played when I was growing up. I was doing dishes and cracking up just listening to them. At least it made dishes go by faster!