Meet Carter Alan McGrath!

He's finally here!  Carter Alan McGrath was born Wednesday, June 8th at 2:52 pm at Alta View Hospital in Sandy, Utah.  He weighed 9 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long.  As I mentioned he must have been pretty cozy in there, because he didn't seem to want to come on his own.  My due date was Sunday the 12th, but we set the induction date on the 8th as a backup, but it ended up being his birth date.  I didn't want to go past my due date, but also wanted to give him plenty of time to get here too.  I think we were pretty patient waiting for him and gave him plenty of time to get here, and I'm especially glad we didn't wait any longer since he would have been even bigger!

I want to write down the labor and delivery part so I can remember it (sorry if it's long).  We were scheduled to be induced the morning of the 8th.  They called us the night before and said we were good to go in the morning, but just to call one more time in the morning to make sure there was still room at the hospital for us.  We called at 7am that morning and they said they were all ready for us and to head on over.  Joann came over to sit w/ Nyles, then we left to go to the hospital.

I was nervous of course, both since I've never been induced before and didn't know what to expect necessarily, and also just in general the whole labor and delivery process wasn't exactly something I was looking forward to.  I've never been good w/ needles and medical procedures, and having a baby is definitely one of them.  I felt like I did pretty good through this pregnancy though w/ the shots and blood drawing and other uncomfortable procedures they have had to do.  Steve also gave me many blessings of comfort during the pregnancy and right before we went in to the hospital to deliver.  Steve has also been to every one of my Dr appointments, which for me has been a big help and relieved some of my anxiety when going.  I couldn't have done it without him.

We also had really great nurses the whole time at the hospital, especially the one who was there for the labor and delivery part.  We told her about by "situation" of passing out and whatnot, and was completely understandable.  She was really patient with me during the whole process.  She made sure I was comfortable and aware and did whatever she could to make it easier for me.  She was also really experienced, over 25 years as a nurse.   I'm really thankful to have had such a great nurse.  It was such a blessing and definitely made my job easier per say.

After we checked in, they got us to our room, I changed, and we got started.  Dr. Tweed came shortly after and broke my water to get the process started.  A little while later the nurse started the Pitocin to get the contractions moving.  She gradually increased the dosage to keep things moving along.  I was dilated to 4cm around 11am or so, then decided to get the epidural, with a little encouragement from Steve and the nurse.  I wasn't sure what to expect w/ the epidural since last time I was still pretty uncomfortable even w/ it.  I'm not sure if it was the epidural or maybe since Nyles was facing the wrong way, but I still had a lot of pain in my back.  Plus since I don't like needles, I wasn't wanting to get the epidural since it's painful anyway, and once you have it you're bound to the bed.

Luckily the anesthesiologist did a great job and soon enough it started to block my pain.  I also started to relax and could actually sleep a little.  Around 1pm I was at 5 cm and feeling good w/ the epidural.  Steve asked the nurse what time she thought the baby would be be here, and she said maybe around 4 or 5 pm.  Dr. Tweed also called and asked how far I was at this time, and w/ that he expected he wouldn't be back to the hospital until later this evening to help deliver the baby.  So, with that, I told Steve he should go get something to eat for lunch.  While he was gone I was able to sleep a little, which was great.

When he got back around 2pm, the nurse asked how I was doing.  I told her I was feeling fine, just the normal "numbness" feeling in my legs, and some "pressure" down there.  I told her I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be feeling, so she said she would check me to see where we were at.  When she checked, she said "Oh the baby is ready to come out."  I was dilated to a 10 already!  She then told me not to move (not like I really could being so numb), and she would call Dr. Twede again to tell him to get down here asap.

The nurse and a few others got everything set up and ready to go, so when Dr. Twede got there I was ready to start pushing.  Dr. Twede got there around 2:40pm, then we started pushing.  With Nyles I didn't technically get to push him out.  When I started pushing w/ Nyles his heart rate kept going down, plus he was facing the wrong way.  So what ended up happening is that Dr. Twede put a vacuum on Nyles' head in order to turn him the right way (he should be facing the floor not the ceiling), and as I had a contraction he asked me to push.  As Dr. Twede was turning Nyles, he ended up pulling at the same time.   He got his head out, then unwrapped the umbilical cord, which was wrapped around his neck twice, then finished pulling him out.

So....with Carter, I actually pushed him out per say with the contractions.  Thankfully it only took about 4 contractions with Carter to get him out.  And even though I didn't push very long, it was still hard work.  As I pushed, Carter's chin was getting caught and I was starting to tear, so Dr. Twede ended up making a small incision to make more room per say.  Carter's face then came out, then his shoulders and the rest of him.  Dr. Twede then laid him on me while they clamped the umbilical cord and whatnot.  As with Nyles, when he placed Carter on me, I started crying.  With both of them I was both relieved that they were finally out, and moreso I felt the Spirit witness to me how precious they were and how fortunate we are to be their parents.  As most mother's can say, it's a spiritual experience for sure.

As Dr. Twede stitched me up, Steve went over to be w/ Carter.  They weighed him and said he was 9 pounds 2 ounces and 21 inches long!  I was completely surprised how big he was!  I knew he was going to be a little bigger than Nyles, especially since Nyles was 3 weeks early, but I didn't think that much bigger.  I thought he'd be around 8 pounds, not 9.  He didn't, and still doesn't, look that big to me.  He's healthy though, which is most important and which we're most thankful for.  As they gave him back to me he started rooting around wanting to nurse, so I did.  He picked up nursing right away and has been doing really well.  Since he was born he's been eating about every 2-3 hours, sometimes every 4.

Carter just born, getting cleaned up and evaluated by the Drs.

Steve getting to hold him now.

Back to be w/ Mommy.

While we were "laboring" Nyles was spending time w/ Grandma Joann and Grandpa Dave.  Here are a few things he was up to.  First, now that he was going to be a "big brother" he wanted to wear his new underwear, size 4, from Monster's University Characters (they were on sale; he didn't really know who they were but thought they were fun).  :)

Next, he went w/ Grandma Joann to her chiropractor appointment.  Since it's the same one we go to, he was very comfortable going and knew right where to find the toys to play with.

Then back to Joann's house where he was playing w/ more toys.

 Then Nyles had a fun and exciting time of watching a tree get cut out from Dave/Joann's yard.

Getting a closer look outside w/ Grandpa.

 Then eating some lunch and watching Curious George

Of course since Nyles was so excited playing w/ Grandma and Grandpa and waiting for his little brother to be born, he didn't take a nap until on the way to the hospital in the car.  Silly kid.

After we were able to go to our recovery room, Dave, Joann and Nyles came to visit.  Nyles was so excited to finally meet his little brother.  He sang him a couple songs after meeting him.  Nyles has been doing that now, breaking out into song when he wants to tell us something.  It's pretty cute :)

Meeting Grandma Joann McGrath, and big brother Nyles.

Meeting Grandpa Dave McGrath.

McGrath boys: Dave, Steve, Nyles and Carter.

After visiting, Dave, Joann, Steve and Nyles all went home.  I did pretty good for a while, in terms of pain, since my epidural meds hadn't worn off.  But during the middle of the night I was starting to really hurt, so I finally decided to tell the nurse and get some pain meds.  Needless to say I didn't sleep much that night between hurting and of course being interrupted to take my vitals and feed Carter.  The next morning Steve and Nyles came back to the hospital to visit again.  Nyles wanted to help give baby Carter a bath, but he pooped during the night and got some on himself, so the nurses bathed him before Nyles came back that morning.  Though he didn't get to give Carter a bath, Nyles was still really happy to see him again!

Pauline came and took some photos of Carter on Friday before leaving the hospital as well.  They are so precious.  Here are few of my favorites.

        

Ready to go home!

Nyles and Joann made a cute welcome home sign for Carter and me.

That afternoon Rose and the girls came to visit and meet Carter.
Aunt Rose, and cousins Ali and Ava (Sophia was playing w/ Nyles and Summer was on Trek).  

 Pretty flowers from Mom/Dad and Dave/Joann.  Thanks they were beautiful!

 First bath at home.

He lost just a small amount of weight before leaving the hospital, he went down to 8 pounds 9 ounces.  Then on Monday he had his first Dr. visit w/ his Pediatrician, Dr. Jeff Erickson, which is the same one Nyles goes to.  He weighed 8 lb 13 oz and was 21.25 inches long.  Dr. Erickson was glad to see his weight come back up.   He said you can definitely tell he is nursing well and getting good nutrition; so keep it up!  I was pretty exhausted and our appointment was in the morning, so Steve took both Carter and Nyles and let me sleep.  So thoughtful!  Thanks honey!

Nyles reading Carter a story.

Carter just taking a nap in his bouncer.

On Tuesday, Dave, Joann, Diane, and LuDean came over to visit.  We had pizza together for dinner and visited for a while.
4 Generations of McGraths:  LuDean, Dave, Steve, Nyles and Carter.

LuDean, Dave and Carter.  Joann holding Carter.

Carrie also was in town and came to visit before heading back to Denver.
Cousin Lynsie holding Carter.  She was really excited to hold him and actually held him for a while.

Carter playing "peek-a-boo."  No, he just likes his hands by his binky.

We are SOOOO happy to finally meet Carter!  He is such a sweetheart.  Though it's a little exhausting sometimes with a newborn, we are so glad he is here and part of our family.  I feel like our home is more complete now that he is here.  I'm glad I'll have the Summer to spend with our little family and enjoy these precious moments.  We are so blessed!

The week before baby Carter...

So in case you haven't heard, Carter Alan is here!  He decided to wait until we were induced on June 8th, but before I get to that, we have a week to catch up on.  The week before Carter came we worked on some more projects both inside and outside the house to pass the time.  We thought for sure any day Carter would come on his own, but each day passed and no baby.  As each new day came, we set out to work on a few things and see how far we could get.  I guess the good news is we got more done during that week than we thought we would, even though we were anxious for him to come.  Here are some projects we worked on that week.

Our Master Bathroom:  Steve putting in our toilet paper holder and towel holder.  The beadboard, tile and toilet from earlier projects.  Nyles supervising ;)  We still need to paint of course, then put in a new shelf/cabinet.

Steve has also been really busy out in the yard.  Not only has he been trying to rejuvenate our neglected lawn, but also the flower beds.  We decided to start working on the flower bed around our light fixture in the front yard.  Since we were within a week of my due date we figured I couldn't do any harm, so I helped as well.  Steve would weed, then I planted some Dianthus flowers we picked up.

Nyles helping to water the flowers.  He LOVES playing w/ the hose, imagine that!

Steve teasing Nyles w/ the hose, and of course Nyles thought it was a lot of fun!

Yeah for flowers!

 Nyles found my rollerblades and thought he should try them out.

Then he thought he should try feeding the neighbor's cat Louise some weeds.  

He wasn't too interested to say the least.

Nyles trying to trim the weeds by cutting them w/ scissors.

Steve took out the weeds and put rock around one of our trees.

We have a cute little Pansie coming up in front of our porch.  

One of the Dianthus flowers we planted too.

We then decided to put red bark in between the Dianthus flowers in order to prevent further weeds from coming in.  Steve also put some black liner down under the bark to make it even harder for weeds to come through.

Our front yard...coming together a little at a time.

We finally got the drapes put up in the nursery.

Nyles playing on an airplane at the Lifetime store.  

We went and picked up a table and chairs that we on sale.

Steve and Nyles trying to cool off from the Summer heat.  

They think it's fun to pour water on each other.

Steve getting Nyles wet now.  Nyles drying off now.

Nyles helping Steve mow the back lawn.

We finally got the piece to cover the carpet on the stairs going to the kitchen!

Steve finished the tile in the bathroom upstairs and put the toilet and vanity back.  Next is to paint.

Monday, June 6th Stacie invited us to come up and go swimming at her community's pool.  It was really hot already in the morning, and there was no sign the baby was coming, so we figured why not.  As we got closer to Centerville it got more and more windy and the temperature dropped some.  We weren't sure how swimming was going to go, but luckily the water was plenty warm and the wind didn't bother us too much.  We all had a great time!  It was nice to not have the weight off my belly for a while, but as I got out I was quickly reminded he was still there :)  We then had some lunch w/ Stacie, Conor and London, then headed back for naps.  Thanks again Stacie!

Steve pulling Conor and Nyles around in the pool.

Tuesday, June 7th, Steve went to the funeral for his grandpa Carl Jensen's wife Alice.  I stayed home w/ Nyles "just in case" and to make it easier for Steve.  That night we went back up to Centerville where Stacie and Phill watched Nyles so we could go out to dinner one more time, just the two of us.  We went to Texas Roadhouse and had a yummy dinner.  Ironically my belly wouldn't fit in the booth, so I had to sit sideways, which wasn't the most comfortable.  Aside from that, it was a great dinner and was good to go on a mini date.  Thanks Stacie and Phill for watching!

The next morning we were scheduled to be induced and finally meet our baby.  Here is my belly that Sunday.  There definitely was no where else for him to go but out.......