Ethan Andrew -- Born March 9, 2012

Ethan Andrew was born on Friday, March 9, 2012 (39 weeks) at 9:54 a.m. at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, N.C.  Ethan weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21" long.  His Apgar score was 8/9.  He has brown hair with light blond hair already peaking out under it and dark blue eyes right now.  As with the girls, we expect that his hair will turn blond and given his eye color now, he may have blue eyes like Natalie.  I actually think he looks a lot like Claire. (Claire and Ethan also have the same numbers in their birthday (12/03/09 and 03/09/12), and all three of our children have a 3 in their birthday.)  Holding our little guy was such a wonderful feeling; it made this difficult pregnancy worth every minute.  We're in love for the third time.

We left for the hospital at 7 a.m.  The girls weren't up yet but Nana, Grandpa and Oma were up to see us off.  Our parents came up to the hospital to wait after our nanny, Allison, came to watch the girls. 

We only had to wait about 10 minutes to be admitted to triage.  In triage, they hooked me up to an IV, checked my vitals, listened to his heart rate for 20 minutes, and had me drink a medicine to help with nausea during surgery.  Dr. Gaines came by to see how I was doing.

They were actually able to get me into the OR a little earlier than planned so I headed in about 9:30 a.m.  Emile went into the support person's room to get scrubs put on.  While he was doing that, I was in the OR having my spinal put in.  They had me sit on the side of the table while they washed off my back and stuck in the needle.  The spinal takes affect pretty quickly and so I had to lay down right away.  As with the last time, I started bawling during the procedure and got pretty shaky.  The nurse holding me still for the anesthesiologist was very good about trying to comfort and calm me down.  I was very nervous about the whole c-section process again and still disappointed that I won't ever get to experience a vaginal birth but the most important thing is that he arrives safely.  Once I laid on the table, they quickly got me prepped for the surgery.  They put the curtain up after the antibacterial solution they rubbed on my belly dried (they had to wait exactly 3 minutes).  The spinal did make me nauseous again.  This time I told the anesthesiology nurse how I was feeling and she was able to give me something else to help make it go away so thankfully I didn't throw up this time.  I was much less anxious about trying to move my feet and not being able to.  I tried to focus on looking around the room.

Emile joined me in the room and held my hand during the surgery.  I could feel a lot of intense pressure after they cut me open and pushed on my belly to get Ethan out.  Then there was his beautiful cry and Dr. Gaines saying "it's a boy".  They quickly showed Ethan to me over the curtain and he and Emile left the room for Ethan to get cleaned up. 

While Emile was with Ethan, Dr. Gaines tied my tubes and injected my incision with a stronger steroid than last time in hopes of avoiding a keloid scar this time.  I felt much more aware and less anxious during this c-section than my previous two.  It felt like it went pretty quick.  Thankfully everything went smoothly and both Ethan and I did great.  They did bring Ethan back in to see me while they sewed me up which they didn't do with the girls.  The nurse actually suspended Ethan over my face for me to get a good look at him and to give him kisses (my arms were strapped down for the surgery).  He is absolutely the most handsome little guy out there!

After surgery, I met Emile and Ethan in the recovery room.  My spinal started wearing off and over the course of an hour I could feel my entire body again.  During that time, they finished cleaning up Ethan and I got to hold him for the first time.  I immediately tried nursing him but as with most c-section babies, he wasn't interested in nursing (can take up to 12 hours with a c-section baby before they start nursing -- it took Ethan 10 hours).  It was such a wonderful feeling to finally be holding him.  Having a third child was definitely the right decision and our family now feels complete.  Emile got to hold him while they were cleaning him up when I was still in surgery but unfortunately none of the nurses took a photo of him in his scrubs with Ethan.  While we waited for my spinal to wear off, Emile went out to the lobby to tell our parents of Ethan's arrival.  They were overjoyed and excited to meet him. It was nice having family waiting in the lobby for his delivery; we didn't have family in town during my actual labor/c-sections for Natalie and Claire, although they arrived either later that day or a few days later.

Once I could feel my body again, they moved Ethan and I up to our hospital stay room.  I tried nursing again and Emile went down to get our parents.  They were so thrilled to get to hold him and see the latest Velthuisen.  After they spent some time with Ethan, they all went home to give me sometime to rest and to pick up the girls.  Natalie and Claire came up later that afternoon.  It was so fun seeing how they reacted to seeing their new little brother.  They both immediately came over to see me and Ethan.  Claire was a little more hesitant and unsure than Natalie but both did great with meeting him.  We got the girls each a boy Cabbage Patch Kid doll as gifts from Ethan.  The girls had gone with our parents to get Ethan some gifts the day before -- a football, Easter bib, and Taggy blanket.  It was cute watching them open the gifts for them and from Ethan.  Both girls tried holding Ethan with some help from Emile and gave him lots of kisses.

While in the hospital, Ethan spent the majority of the time in the room with me.  For part of the two nights I was there, I did have Ethan go to the nursery for a few hours so I could get some sleep but other than that he slept either in my arms or next to me in his bassinet.  They didn't give him an additional bath while in the nursery other than the first bath he got right after delivery.  Later the first night his weight dropped to 8 lb. 6 oz.  The next day, they checked his hearing (which was great), gave him his hepatitis B shot, and weighed him again (down to 8 lbs.).  Because of my blood type (O-) and his blood type (B+), his doctor (Dr. Pepper) was concerned about jaundice; he had a slight case of it when born. They checked his bili levels daily and by the time we left they were comfortable with sending us home without him needing additional treatment for jaundice.

I had some issues with gas that was settling in my shoulder.  It was incredibly painful and took a lot of walking and ginger tea to get it to clear.  By Sunday, we were both ready to go home. 

Ethan is the sweetest and most adorable little boy.  He's very calm so far and very snugly.  As with Claire, I've grown another heart to cover all the feelings I have my little boy.  I could not imagine life without him now.  I can't wait to see how his personality forms compared to the girls.  They're already such great big sisters to him; I can only imagine that wonderful relationship they hopefully all have together in the years to come.

Week 39 (or 38 w 6 d)

In a few hours I'll be 39 weeks.  I'm also heading into L&D early tomorrow morning for my scheduled c-section.  Crazy to think that the day we meet our little guy is already here.  I thought I'd get one more belly photo in. 

On Tuesday, I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. Gaines.  He did another internal exam (still no progress), checked his heart rate (~150 bpm) and measured my belly (measuring 40 weeks).  We talked about what to expect with the c-section but given I've done this two times before, it was more to make sure I didn't have any new questions.  We also talked about how I'm having a hard time sleeping due to loosing circulation in my arms and hands.  He said that's normal and not to worry about it but unfortunately, I can't do much about it except reposition while sleeping.  I've resorted this week to sleeping some nights sitting up on the couch.  Not the most comfortable position and I really only get a few hours of sleep a night.  It's been exhausting this week.  Dr. Gaines took longer getting in for my appointment and during the time I was waiting, I started getting a little panicy thinking about going through a c-section again. 

Tuesday was also my last day at work.  I got to spend Wednesday morning with Claire and then my parents arrived.  Claire was thrilled to see them at the door and Natalie was very excited when they came with to pick her up from school.  Riet arrived this afternoon.  This will be the only delivery where family will be in town for the actual delivery which is a nice change.

Today I had my pre-surgery appointment at Rex Hospital; my mom came with me.  The nurse took blood, went through paper work with me, talked about the c-section and tubal ligation, and then the anesthesiologist came in to talk about my spinal and what to expect with being on the OR tale.  The nurse put my check-in wrist band on which I have to keep on now until I'm released from the hospital.  It was overwhelming again talking about having a c-section.  I'm very excited to met our little guy but very nervous and anxious about having major abdominal surgery again.  I hope I hold it together on the OR table. 

Most of the lanugo is gone as the baby prepares for its final womb days. The lungs are maturing and surfactant production is increasing. Our baby can't move too much anymore as his womb space has become very crowded. The average size baby is over seven pounds at this point.  The girls were 7 lb 9 oz and 7 lb 7 oz; I think he'll be closer to 8 lbs.

This time tomorrow I should be holding our little guy!

Week 38

I'm so glad the little guy waited to March for his arrival.  Now all our kids will have birthday's with a 3 in the date (5/30, 12/3, and 3/?) plus our anniversary is 5/13.  But now that it's March, I'm ready for him to arrive.  I'm exhausted and in a lot of pain still.  Not to keep complaining but it's very uncomfortable.  I keep losing circulation in my arms while I sleep which keeps me up most of the night (plus having to pee a five or six times each night).  My swelling has increased.  My feet and ankles are unrecognizable at night and my hands are very puffy.  I feel a lot like he's pushing on my crotch.  I'm ready to meet him and for the uncomfortableness be replaced by sleepless nights nursing our little guy!

I had an appointment with Dr. Placide today.  My last weekly appointment.  Baby's heart beat was measuring about 130 bpm.  I'm measuring 40 weeks instead of 38 which he said could be because I'm swollen or because he's going to be bigger than the girls.  We'll see soon.  He also did an internal exam, my last check whether my body is starting labor on its own.  I'm still closed up, no progress.  I suppose that's better for having a repeat c-section since it's better to not labor beforehand.  But I'd still love for my body to do some laboring since this is my last shot at it.

Everything is ready for the little guy to arrive.  I found our newborn cloth diapers and went through the girls clothes to see if anything could be used for this guy.  Pretty much it's just some white onesies and the Vikings onesies.  I also cleaned the car seat, bouncer and swing covers.  We're ready!

The baby may be gaining an ounce a day now. His/her intestines are accumulating lots of meconium (baby's first bowel movement). The circumference of the head and the baby's abdomen are about the same size.  Our little boy probably weighs about 6 3/4 pounds with a crown-to-rump length still about 14 inches.

Week 37 - Full Term

Full term!  It's hard to believe in no more than two weeks, we'll be out numbered at home with three children.  We're very excited to meet our little man soon!  A little nervous too!  He's still a pretty active mover!  I feel him kicking and punching a lot.  He's head down and I get a lot of punches in my pelivc bone area.

I had an appointment with Nurse Hilbert today.  I brought Natalie with me.  I thought she'd like to hear her little brother's heart beat.  She thought it was pretty neat.  It was cute having her there.  His heart rate jumped around a lot from about 130 to 160 bpm depending on whether he was kicking or not.  I'm measuring on track at 37 weeks.  She did an internal exam because I'd really like to hear if my body is making progress even though I know I'll have to have a c-section.  As I expected, no progress yet.  I did find out my Group B Streph test was negative which is good news.

Yesterday my book club surprised me with some baby gifts which was really sweet.  They all got me some boy baby clothes which was greatly appreciated.  It was great having a little "baby shower" for him since being our third child, there typically isn't a baby shower.  And I definitely needed more clothes for the little guy.

Last weekend, we set up the Pack N Play, pulled out the bouncers and exersaucer, and figured out how we're going to install the car seat.  We're not going to install it until I go into the hospital since we'll have to put the girls in the third row which is hard to get at while pregnant.  This weekend, I planning to go through the containers of the girls old clothes to find our newborn cloth diapers and also to pack my bag.  I think that's all we have left to do to prepare for the arrival of this little guy.

This week has been pretty tough for me.  I continue to have a lot of back, knee and feet pain.  I don't get as much opportunity to put my feet up and rest with two toddlers and a full time job.  I'm overall exhausted and uncomfortable almost all the time.  Earlier this week, I was having a horrible time sleeping because my arms kept falling sleep no matter how I laid.  Thankfully, it's gotten a little better.  I'm still waking up to pee all the time and have to readjust frequently but it's not every 30 minutes.  I've also started swelling a lot and with that I'm getting itchy hands again like I did with Natalie.  My hands are puffy, and my ankles and cafes are expanding.  My shoes feel tighter too. 

According to what I've read, our baby is now surrounded by a peak volume of 1,000 mL of amniotic fluid which is approximately equal to 4 cups. From this point on this amount will decrease gradually. His nervous system is maturing now, almost ready to be on his own. The lanugo on our baby's skin is wearing off. In addition, the cortisone that is being produced by his endocrine system will help his lungs to take over the job of delivering oxygen to his blood stream after birth.  Our baby weighs about 6.5 pounds and has a crown-to-rump length of about 14 inches.

Week 36

My pregnancy is continuing much the same as it has the last few weeks.  Just a lot of uncomfortableness.  I think this has been the hardest pregnancy for me out of the three.  Probably harder because I don't get to sit around as much with two toddlers running around.  I have noticed this week I've started swelling so I'm trying to put my feet up more at night. 

I had an appointment with Dr. Gunter today.  It's the start of my weekly appointments.  Today they did my Group B Strep test; I'll find out the results next week.  Dr. Gunter said little boy's heart rate is doing well -- 120-130 bpm.  He's definitely head down.  I'm measuring about 37 weeks.  Dr. Gunter also did an internal exam.  I'm still tightly closed up.  I know it doesn't matter since I have to have a c-section but I'd still like to have some signs my body that it will do some laboring.  We're pretty sure this will be my last pregnancy and it still saddens me that I won't get a chance to experience a vaginal birth.  But as long as he arrives safely, that's all that matters!

We finished the nursery.  I'm very happy with how it turned out.  Emile did a great job with the painting.  It's nice to have it set up for his arrival.  We've also pulled out most of the baby items although I still need to set them up which I plan to do this weekend, including packing my bag and putting the car seat in the car.

Our baby's fat is dimpling on the elbows and knees as well as forming creases in the neck and wrists. Her gums are now very rigid.

Week 35 - 8 Month

I'm 35 weeks pregnant today which leaves 35 days until my EDD...and I'm 35 years old so a good number day!  This week has been fairly simliar to last week.  I'm fairly uncomfortable and have a hard time getting up.  Even when I roll over while lying down it hurts.  I have that feeling in my pelvic floor like I've been hitting with a baseball bat.  I feel our little guy punching me in the hip bones a lot!  My belly is getting a little more itchy but nothing too annoying.  Natalie asked me today where my belly button is!  :)  I've also apparently started snoring the last few weeks. It's a good feeling though that I'm now 8 months pregnant and starting my last month!

I did get my scheduled c-section date moved to Friday, March 9 at 9:45 a.m. -- 4 weeks from today!  I feel better about this day than the 14th.  I like that his birthdate may end up being 3/9/12.  My last day at work is tentatively March 6 so that will give me two days before my c-section to spend some one on one time with the girls. 

I'm almost done decorating the nursery.  I'm just waiting on the changing cover I ordered and then it will be ready!  I've also cleaned out the closet which needed it and washed all his clothes that we have for him.  I'm planning to get all the baby gear out this weekend and go through some of the girls old clothes to see if I have any gender neutral items I can use like onesies.

Our baby is around five and a half pounds now! The fat accumulations plump up the arms and legs this week. Our baby has gotten big enough to take up most of the uterus, and there's less room to move around. The testes have completed their descent.

Week 34

I've noticed more stretchmarks this week, and darker in color.  My belly is very round and hard.  I definitely have the basketball look going on.  A lot of the same pregnancy pains as last week -- can't sit or stand very easily and when I lay down, my muscles seem to tighten up quickly.  I'm getting a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions and I feel like he's sitting low.  I do feel more pressure on my pelvic floor and waddle when I first get up from a chair while my bones and muscles realign.  I haven't noticed any swelling which is nice.

Now that I'm 34 weeks, if he were to come early, I wouldn't need steroid shots to speed up development of his lungs. His lungs should be developed enough to handle it if he comes early which is relieving news!

I had an appointment with Dr. Gaines this week.  He said our baby's heart rate sounds good and that he's probably head down given where he hears our little guy's heart beat at.  I may reschedule my c-section date to March 9 instead of March 14.  Dr. Gaines agreed that their records are off by a day for my estimated due date given that this is Leap Year so he will be ok with scheduling the c-section for that Friday, which is my 39th week based on my LMP.  I should know by early next week if we'll get to move it.  If so, I have at most only 5 weeks from today until we meet our little guy.  Based on when I'm full term, he could be here as soon as 3 weeks from now!

Last weekend, Emile painted the nursery and set up the crib, with help from the girls.  It is such a relief to finally be moving forward with getting everything ready for this little guy to arrive.  I'm still working on the decorations of the room but expect to have that done by next weekend.

Our baby is about 5 pounds now with a crown-to-rump length of 12 3/4 inches.  The baby responds as a newborn with its eyes open while awake and closed while sleeping. He is developing immunities to fight mild infection. Those sharp little fingernails are at the ends of the fingertips already.