Cole Jack Gray

Cole Jack Gray came into this world 10-14-10 at 12:16 pm weighing in at 6.7 oz and 19 1/2” long. We had been scheduled to go into the hospital first thing in the morning for an induced labor but the hospital called and canceled the induction. Apparently everyone except me decided to go into labor the night before and there were no more rooms available. To say we were disappointed was an understatement. With no place to go, we came home, took a nap, ate a late breakfast and Cole decided to arrive whether he was induced or not. I started having contractions around 10:30 am and immediately headed to the hospital. Since my last delivery was so short we knew time was against us, however we had no idea just how quickly this little guy would arrive. By the time we drove to the hospital, were checked out by triage and placed in a room I was ready to deliver. However, there was one big problem. I hadn’t received my epidural! My Dr was telling me I could have this baby before the epidural person would even be available but I did not believe that nonsense. After all, Case came quick but there was a lot, a lot, a lot of hard pushing involved. The epidural person arrived about 5 minutes later but I just couldn’t hold out any longer. Cole was born before they even had time to put meds in me. From start to finish the entire labor and delivery took about 1.45 hrs. Cole’s new nickname might have to be changed from Capt to Bullet.

Cole has only been around a few days but we can already tell a huge difference between him and Case. The main one being that Cole is QUIET! He hardly ever makes a peep. I can see where the term the forgotten child may have come from because it would be easy to forget he is even in the room with as quiet as he is. Case was never ever quiet. Cole is a wonderful baby who looks just like Case when he was born. Case is adjusting well to being a big brother and the rest of the family is remembering just how hard it can be to be sleep deprived. I think the most amazing thing is just how seamless my heart expanded to make room for the 3 great loves of my life, all my men. I feel like I have won the lottery, twice! Our family has expanded and we couldn’t be luckier. I love you Cole!

Fresh on the scene.

My first bath.

Mommy loves you!

Daddy checking out his boy.

Lele and Papa were here for Cole's arrival.

Meeting big brother for the first time.

How thoughtful. Cole even bought Case a present.

24 hours later we are headed home.

Sweet little baby feet.

Big brother Case is very good at taking care of me and loves holding me.

Final Days

As the days and hours tick by and the time I have with Case alone dwindles quickly, we have been spending a lot of quality time together. For example, I am enjoying our quite time sitting together in the recliner cuddling and watching some of his favorite shows (currently Mickey Mouse). We have been enjoying the beautiful outside weather by walking, swinging in the back yard and taking trips to the park. Since Cody is not traveling anymore until after the baby is born, we have even all been able to sneak in a few family days together. Our trip to the apple farm apparently made a big impression because Case is still talking about picking apples. And last weekend we went to a Fall Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch where Case got to check out lots of animals, enjoy another hay ride and participate in a candy scramble. Our time together is so precious.



Tootsie Rolls! My favorite!



Checking out the horses, chickens, huge muddy pigs, sheep and ducks.



I love tractor rides. Just look at that cheesy grin!



I love our son so much and am in continual awe at how fast he is developing. For example, Case is able to say just about any word you want him to say. His communication skills are amazing and he is speaking in sentences. He knows all his shapes, colors, a couple letters in the alphabet and can count to 13. He can also count backwards from 3. Can anyone tell I am a proud mama? I hope the family is ready for our newest addition and the time and memories just keep getting better.

Remember

Remember how much fun it was to play in the pillows on your parent’s bed? I do. And now bed wrecking is part of our morning fun. Even though I end up making the bed twice I still can't help but smile every time I see Case jumping on the bed yelling "crash!" as he throws himself onto a heap of pillows.

Finished

I never thought it would happen but it did. Capt Jacks room is finished! His crib was finally delivered after being back ordered forever. Cody’s been traveling so much with work but he was able to stain the furniture and my grandfather put on the finishing lacquer. Cody and Frank did an amazing job on redoing the pieces to match and the entire set of furniture looks great together! The spare bedroom was broken down and moved into the basement. The carpets have been cleaned and the furniture was moved upstairs. The baby’s clothes have been washed and everything is put away. The pictures are hung and the entire room is done! I am so glad this project is finished! Now we can have a baby hopefully soon. Even though I still technically have 2 more weeks left, according to the doc I am 2 cent dilated, 50% effaced and could go at any time. Sleeping is miserable, walking is miserable, just moving is miserable. Needless to say I am ready to meet this little guy. Hooray! Now, if we only had a name.

Happy Apple Farm

Case went apple picking for the first time today. We went to Happy Apple Farm for some apple and raspberry picking fun. The apples had been totally picked over so we ended up collecting apples just for fun and filled our bag with damaged goods. Needless to say if we have an apple pie anytime soon the apples will be coming from the grocery store. We were more successful with raspberry picking but then again we already have a raspberry picking pro (Case) in our house who loves to pick the berries off our bush in the back yard. We ended up with about a pint of fresh berries but I bet case ate at least a pint while we were picking. I don’t think one of his berries made it into the berry cup. Case enjoyed himself but Cody and I were exhausted by the end of the morning. All the heat and excitement made for one cranky little boy by the end of our experience. Pics from the picking.

On our first tractor hay ride out to find the apples.

I found an apple!

Now we are getting the hang of it!

Family pic. This may be the last pic of just the 3 of us.

The End Is Near!

Today at the Drs office I was 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. That doesn’t necessarily mean I will deliver this evening (I could stay this way for weeks), but at least the end has begun. The head is down and the baby has dropped. Plus my uber high fluid had finally gone down to just high for the average person. So I guess it looks like things are moving towards the end. The Dr. told me, ‘I’d like you to wait at least another week if possible.’ I told him, ‘I’m not pushing when you’re not around.’ Cody stops traveling this week. The furniture is stained and the final finishing touches are being done this week. The carpets are being cleaned on Monday and then I can finally put Capt Jack's room together. Maybe Capt knows everything is coming together and is getting ready for us to wrap up lose ends before he makes his big debut. At least the end is near! Whew!

Spinning

Stop spinning mind! The crib is here (thank goodness) but we still don’t have the furniture stained or ready. The room is a mess. The closet needs to be cleaned out which means I have to find places for everything currently being stored in it. Capt Jacks hand me downs need to be inspected, sorted, washed and put away but we have no place to put them yet. Misc items need to be purchased but everything is so chaotic in that room I can’t figure out what I am missing. Paint needs to be touched up. I’m still working. I’m still taking care of Case full time. Plus we still can’t agree on a name. Did I mention that we have only 1 month left and Case came 2 weeks early? No wonder I can’t sleep.