He is Here!

Our beautiful baby boy has arrived and we are beyond thrilled! It was love at first sight just as I knew it would be and now it's as if we've had this little miracle with us from the beginning. If anyone is interested here is our birth story, if not there are some pictures along the way as well :)
Thursday started off like any other typical day; I was frustrated with my overdue pregnant status and wanted to keep myself occupied so had scheduled a play date with Kara and the boys. We took a walk down to the park by their house then had a lunch of corn dogs to celebrate National Food-on-a-Stick Day...yum! Johanna and I headed home and each went down for a nap.

 Around 3:00 o'clock I was awoken from my nap from a sharp contraction. I'd been having irregular braxton hicks contractions for several weeks but this one felt a little different; more like a really strong menstrual cramp. For the next hour I was getting these cramps on and off enough that I thought maybe I should start paying attention to them. I texted Jeff at work to let him know I was counting contractions (though I wasn't even sure that's what they were at the time) but to not worry and there was no way it was early labor. Jeff decided to leave work a little early to beat rush hour traffic just in case.

Jeff arrived back home around 5:00 so we decided to take a walk down to the park with Johanna to keep things moving and focus on something else. My cramps were continuing about every 8 to 10 minutes but were nothing to make me stop in my tracks so I tried not to get too excited. After feeding Johanna dinner we decided to go for a drive for something to do to pass time.

 We drove to Parker about twenty minutes away to stop at Sonic for a milkshake. I noticed the cramps were getting stronger and were about 7 minutes apart. We decided to keep driving around since it seemed to be helping. When we were about ten minutes from home they were strong enough that I didn't think I could be in the car for much longer. I called my parents to let them know we may be going to the hospital that night!

 We got back home around 9:00 and put Johanna to bed. Around 11:00 we decided to call my Doctor; my contractions were 5 minutes apart about a minute long each for an hour. He agreed it was probably best for us to head into the hospital just to be safe. We called Grandma Lori and she came right over to watch Johanna, thank goodness for family being so close!

 The contractions were enough to make me catch my breath and stop moving, but absolutely nothing compared to contractions I felt with being induced my first labor. I was convinced when we got to hospital they would turn us away. We debated between driving around a little longer but as we got into the car I noticed they were getting closer and stronger and figured it be best to head over then. We arrived around midnight and had to go in through the emergency room. When a labor and delivery nurse met us to walk us to the ward I thought, I'm sounding too cheerful they'll never believe me that I'm in labor! I was having doubts myself.

 Our nurse was named Vickie and she was very nice. She brought us to our room and checked me for dilation. I was at 7cm! She encouraged us to walk around and come back at 2:00, an hour later. Kara and Russ had met us at the hospital and were there to walk around with us in the hallways. It was so nice to have them there to talk to and laugh with! We had to stop and rest with each contraction, I breathed through them while Jeff rubbed my back. Kara was timing each one and they were now 3 minutes apart!

 When we headed back to the room my Doctor was there so we had Kara and Russ step outside while he checked me for progress. I was now at 8cm. He asked if I wanted him to break my water and I hesitantly said yes. I knew my contractions were much easier with my water being intact and was afraid for the hard stuff to begin. But I also knew it was the fastest way to get baby JJ out. As soon as he broke my water I had a huge contraction and had to catch my breath, now we were on!

 After about half hour of productive contractions I felt the urge to push. My doctor said I was at 9 1/2 and asked if I was ready... I couldn't believe we were there already! Deep down I was most nervous for this part; with Johanna I had to push for two hours and I was so worried this would happen again. In fact my mantra for the entire night was "I'm so scared!" and "Am I doing this right?!" Luckily my husband, doctor and nurse were very supportive and continuously told me I had nothing to be scared of and that I was doing a great job. Apparently they weren't convincing enough because I continued to say it until the baby arrived. (The bad thing about not being medicated, at least in my case is that I tend to say and do very embarrassing things in the heat of the moment and then regretfully commit every detail and second to memory.) Jeff and my doctor held my hand as I continued to push. After 30 minutes in I asked how much longer do I have, and the nurse said with every push I'm that much closer. I said but I need a time! She said if I had to guess, you will have him within ten minutes.

 This motivated so much that with the next contraction I pushed as hard as I could. With the third push of that contraction he was almost out. And then I ran out of breath... I took a quick breath, screamed a lot and pushed as hard as I could. Ten minutes from when I asked how much longer Johnathan was placed on my belly. Apparently the umbilical cord was extremely short and instead of delaying the cord clamping my Doctor handed Jeff the scissors and had him cut it. I had no idea that was going on because I was so mesmerized and in love with my little baby boy! (When Jeff told me that had happened I could barely believe it, my Jeff cutting the cord?!)

Johnathan Jeffrey Overman was born at 3:16AM on Thursday morning. He weighed 8lbs 9.8oz and was 20 inches long. The first thing I noticed were his big kissable cheeks and blond peach fuzzed skin- he was perfect!

 Thank you JJ for choosing your birthday before my induction date. I can't believe the different experience I had this time! Laboring at home, being able to walk around with out an IV and breaks in between each contraction made the whole experience significantly easier. With no tearing or stitches I was able to walk around after with out problems and we were able to be discharged 24 hours later. We couldn't have asked for a better experience! Thank you so much to Lori for watching Johanna, Kara and Russ for being there for us during labor and after to welcome JJ, GiGi for driving early in the morning to come see us, and all of our friends who stopped by to see us as well. We love you all!

Now we are all home snug as bugs as a new family of four :)  

Easter Bunny

Yesterday we paid a visit to the Doctor for my 40 week appointment. I am almost 3cm dilated and between 70 and 80% effaced. Really the only thing this means is my body is making progress but as far as delivery goes it is still up in the air! He did a membrane sweep and now we play the waiting game :)

 Knowing we only had a little bit of time left as a family of three we decided to make the most of the day by taking Johanna out to see the Easter Bunny. To get her in the Easter spirit we played outside for a bit with her bunny that her Aunt Kara got her, isn't he cute!  

Here we are waiting in line to see Mr. Easter Bunny. They had beautiful flowers set up all around his 'home' which was filled with Easter goodies and treats. Johanna wasn't convinced though and was hesitant to check it out.

And here we are 5 minutes later post-bunny...notice we did not leave with any pictures... Not a fan of the Easter Bunny either! This time Jeff held her as they did a walk through wave, maybe next we'll try sitting on his lap :) This picture just proves I should no longer be pregnant.

Leaving the mall she was all smiles and even waved bye-bye to Mr. Easter Bunny.

After our trip to the mall we decided to make a stop at the Krispy Kreme store down the street. The donut machine was out of service, they didn't have any glazed donuts to hand out for free, they didn't have any glazed donuts to purchase and they only had a limited amount of donuts left to buy...what the?! Bad day to go to Krispy Kreme! Luckily for us a donut covered in sprinkles is all we really needed.

She made sure to pick off every last sprinkle.

She even shared some with her Daddy!

For the remainder of the day any time we asked Johanna if she was hungry she'd say Yes, 'nonut! (donut)

We love you so much Peanut! I haven't experienced any negativity about our children being so close in age...at least not to my face... but I know it is common for people to think it may be unfair for children to be spaced closely and that they may miss out in attention and love. I have to admit in the beginning I was a little worried about this as well but as the days get closer to JJ getting here I am more and more excited. I have never known a love so strong as I have for my beautiful daughter and I can only imagine how awesome it will be to share that love with another child. I thank God every day for his blessings upon our family. Johanna absolutely loves little ones and I know she is going to adore her baby brother. I am so blessed to be able to spend every day with my little girl and I know that no matter how stressed or overwhelmed I may feel at times it is a journey I would never wish to take back. Having another little one to love, teach and mold will only make our lives even more complete. I am so excited to finally hold this little boy that I've been feeling inside of me and introduce him to his Daddy and Sister. I am so thankful for my beautiful family! And maybe a little hormonal... ;)

...now hurry up and get here!

Still Here!

My phone has been quite active these last few days with texts and calls from friends and family asking whether or not baby JJ has arrived. Nope- still here and baby still in my tummy :) I'm not complaining, I asked for a non-induced delivery and so far so good! On Friday I was 2cm dilated and 60% effaced, I know that means squat when it comes to delivery but at least it means something is going on!

We've been struggling with a sick kiddo the last week so I'm actually secretly thankful that I didn't end up with a St. Patrick's baby. Johanna is stuffed up horribly, can't breathe and has been spending the last few nights in bed with us. Which means Mom and Dad have not been sleeping. Luckily after speaking to our Doctor we've tried some Vick's vaporub last night which helped out immensely as we were rewarded with an 8 hour stretch of her sleeping in her own bed! She is currently zonked out next to the cat in our bed snoring like her Dad for a much needed morning nap.

I don't do the nesting thing per say but I have been doing the I'm too lazy to move ordeal. Today I've actually gotten a burst of energy which resulted in me trimming my fingernails, doing some laundry and updating the blog. (This is an accomplishment!) Jeff''s boss came down with something and a presentation has now been placed in Jeff's lap for tomorrow which he's not entirely comfortable with so he's hoping we have baby JJ tonight. I'll see what I can do ;)

Not much else has been going on so here are a few pics from the nice weather we thoroughly enjoyed last week.

Spying on the neighbors dog.

I was able to make it downtown to Jeff's baby shower after all!

Each couple got their own individual cake to take home from Das Meyer Fine Pastry Chalet in Arvada. It was heavenly!

We were shocked by the generosity of Jeff's co-workers, especially with him being so new to the office. A very sweet lady hand stitched this baseball quilt for baby Johnathan. She had even taken a day off from work to finish it in time before his arrival! How unbelievably sweet is that??  I love all the detail especially the little characters sewn in the middle. I really need to pick up a crafty hobby...

Play Ball!

 Well we are all finished with baby Johnathan's baseball nursery! Thank you so much to everyone that helped out; Lori and Jeff for painting, Brian and Jeff for installing the ceiling fan (which I love!), our family and friends for filling up his closet and drawers with the cutest and softest stuff, and another big thanks to Jeff for hanging up all my Hobby Lobby finds and putting together all the furniture :) we love you all!

 We aren't afraid of gender rolls are we... but hey, Johanna's room may be total princess but she certainly isn't afraid of getting dirty and playing trucks and dinosaurs. Johnathan may have a total boy/baseball room but guaranteed he'll be surrounded by babies and dollies for the majority of his childhood :)

 I found this baseball bat holder online. When it arrived it turned out it was missing a bunch of hardware, wasn't the greatest quality along with a bunch of other things being wrong with it. I never do this but I decided to write the company an email to inform them of the things that we were disappointed in and what do you know 3 days later a new and improved baseball bat holder arrived at our doorstep! Woohoo!!! The Babe Ruth picture belongs to Jeff, he's had it for as long as he can remember and was our inspiration for the baseball nursery.

1. Mud Hens baseball from my parents, the Minor League team from my hometown 2. Homerun ball from right fielder Larry Walker that Jeff got back in grade school at the Rockies play off game against the Braves, they hit the ball into the bullpin and then the pitcher threw it up to Jeff! 3. Home run ball that Jeff hit from one of his little league games...so cute 4. JJ's first rawlings baseball 5. Signed ball by center fielder Andrew Jones from the Braves that Jeff got from a friend in 7th grade who's dad was a trainer for the Braves

 JJ's first CSU Rams hat (his Daddy's Alumni), a Mud Hens bat from my parents and his first little baseball glove!

 Jeff's Cousin Staci engraved Johnathan and JJ into this baby fork and spoon, they are so precious!

 Our family friends Mike and Martha got JJ his baseball sheets, super fuzzy blanket and his first teddy bear, a temperpedic bear that is extra soft and squishy. Kara's Mom and Sister got us this fancy mesh baby bumper that is breathable and super soft. JJ is lucky, I wasn't 'safe' with his sister...oops...I thought I'd try harder with him but luckily she turned out okay :)

 Grandma Lori got him this awesome baseball mit chair, guess who loves it already (Johanna!)

 It was hard to find red drapes that were the right color and didn't cost an arm and a leg. Turns out I found these at good ol' Target on sale for 7 bucks!

Speaking of Target, I found this ladder bookshelf there to hold JJ's piggy bank from our friend Krystal, his picture collage and photo album from our friend Sara, his first bunny from Gigi, and his new books from his Aunt Kara.

 Big Sister Johanna made her baby brother a picture for his new room.

We love you so much JJ and can't wait for you to see your little baseball room! xxoo Mommy, Daddy and Johanna

Pampered

 

Surprise! Still here :) I have been so busy with Doctors appointments, play dates and parties that I haven't had much time to take pictures or update the blog. Last week my MOPS ladies threw us a diaper and wipes party. Between our two showers you should see our closet! What an awesome gesture and I highly suggest it for anyone throwing a party or having another child. If I make it to next Thursday Jeff's work is throwing us another party that I get to attend. I am hoping I make it until then because even though he's been there 6 months I have yet to meet anyone he works with! Although really? It has to be when I'm a big blimp 40 lbs heavier than usual and ready to pop!? Grrr... oh well, I'll take what I can get ;)

All my wipes from MOPS...woohoo!

Guess who noticed the baby on the cake immediately and loved eating every inch of frosting off of her...

 We been so busy this last week preparing for baby Johnathan to get here. Well really, I haven't done much I've done a lot of reading on my new Nook and keeping my feet up... but Jeff has been doing a lot! He and Brian spent all weekend installing a ceiling fan and light in JJ's room and I'm so excited that they are finished and have done an excellent job. It will be so nice to have a light that can turn on with a light switch and a fan for the Summer, thank you so much guys I really appreciate it!!! 

 Johanna has been her usual goofy self. Look- her first 'pony tail!'

In JJ news I will be 38 weeks on Sunday which is when I had Johanna! Between walking 2 miles a day, prayers from friends, family and church and making sure to take it easy I haven't had any other issues with my blood pressure and have been passing my NST tests just fine. He is head down and ready to go! I declined a cervix check today so not sure if I'm dialated yet, but if I had to guess I'd say he's not coming any time soon. For those that are thinking wow, look how gigantic she is (I am) but here is a picture of me pregnant with Hannie at 36 1/2 weeks.

I've been joking that I'll be having him on St. Patrick's day only because I love holiday babies. Everyone in my Doctor's office is betting March 20th (first day of Spring) and Jeff is guessing March 24th... only time will tell... stay tuned for updates!

Fun With Nana

We had so much fun with my Mom while she was here over the weekend and we can't wait for her to come back in a few weeks when JJ gets here. Johanna absolutely loves her Nana and has been 'calling' her on her Mickey Mouse phone every day.

When my Mom first arrived she spent some time unpacking her suitcase with Johanna which was loaded with goodies for the family. Johanna got two new barbies, a boy and girl and absolutely adores them, she calls them her dollies. She got some beautiful dresses, jammies, books and toys. We also got some more Tony Packo's pickles, a Mud Hens baseball and bat for JJ and a ton of other goodies. Throughout the weekend it was Johanna's mission to get into Nana's suitcase to find more treats in her big magical bag of presents.

While my Mom was here we traveled to Breckenridge for the ice castles, went shopping, had a delicious habachi dinner, enjoyed my baby shower, had a pizza and Oscars night, did some more shopping and went out for ice cream. I was also able to put my feet up the entire time she was here while she played with little peanut, what a special treat thanks Mom! We love you and can't wait to see you and Papa soon!