Pierce - At the hospital

Saturday, June 4, 2011

 We were able to visit Pierce in the NICU at 7:45 a.m.  We couldn't wait!

By the time we got there, the grunting had stopped.

 This is the first time that I got to hold him since his birth.  It was a very special moment!

I love his big blue eyes.

Our little man was exhausted.

His tiny fingers are so cute.

 Aunt Meredith came to the hospital for a visit.

 Daddy was so happy to see Pierce too!

 This is the first time that I was able to feed Pierce.  It was at noon on Saturday.

He drank about 20 mL.

 I had so much fun visiting with Pierce. 

Oops.  Pierce accidentally scratched his cheek.  He had a tiny scratch.

Aunt Meredith snuggled with Pierce.

Aunt Meredith and Pierce

Pierce and Mommy

 Auntie Sarah came to visit us too.

 Pierce came to our room at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday evening.  We were so excited to see him!

Daddy took this picture.  It is one of my favorites.

Hello, look at those beautiful eyes.

Aunt Sarah took a turn holding Pierce.

Aunt Sarah and Pierce

Mommy

Mommy and Pierce

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Mommy and Pierce

Pierce gets a lot of kisses.

The Applewhite Family

We are all smiles.

Our bundle of joy

Daddy and Pierce

Daddy and Pierce

Rainy came to visit us too.

Rainy and Pierce

Aunt Kim came back for another visit on Saturday.

Aunt Kim and Pierce

Aunt Kim held Pierce for about two hours. 

Mommy couldn't stop taking pictures.

I love this one.

Aunt Kim and Pierce

Smile

Pierce is the first baby on the Vilyus side of the family.

Sleeping boy



Sunday, June 5, 2011

Daddy snuggles with Pierce.

Daddy and Pierce

Mommy and Pierce

I am such a big boy.

Memaw and Pierce - Sunday, June 5

Papaw and Pierce

Pierce with his Applewhite grandparents
They drove in from DeRidder, Louisiana.

The photographer came to take Pierce's picture.

Pierce will have to get used to all of these cameras.

Daddy helped out during the photo shoot.

Pierce Applewhite

He was a little fussy.  A nurse took his blood two seconds before this photo shoot.

Daddy and Pierce

Daddy and Pierce

Aw, so cute

I love this picture.

Aunt Rachel came to visit Pierce.

Aunt Rachel and Pierce

Uncle Pat drove in from Dallas for a visit.

Uncle Pat likes babies wrapped up like a burrito.

Uncle Pat admires Pierce.

Uncle Pat and Pierce

Aunt Rachel and Pierce

Tommy came for a visit too.

Tommy and Aaron visit with Pierce.

Memaw, Daddy, and Pierce

Aunt Meredith came for another visit.  She brought Mom her favorite Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks.

Mommy and Pierce

Mommy and Pierce

Our family

Daddy and Pierce - He is holding onto Daddy's finger.

Pierce is already getting a lot of attention.

Shh...Pierce is sleeping.



Monday, June 6, 2011

Monday, June 6 - Pierce is dressed and ready to go home.

He is very tired.  He just came back from his procedure.

Our little baseball player

Mommy and Pierce waited patiently for Daddy to load the car.

I love the feet on this jammy.

Pierce is bucked in his car seat for the first time.

We are all set and ready to go.

Pierce is ready to get into the car.

Pierce slept on the drive home.

Pierce got home at about 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2011.

Going Into Labor & Pierce's Arrival

Brad and I went to the movie to see The Hangover II.  After the movie, we stopped at La Madeline to get take out for dinner.  We stopped by Mary and Marco's for a visit since they were leaving town the next day.  We were at Mary and Marco's from about 6-8pm, and I began to feel a little crampy.  We went home, ate dinner, and rented a movie.  About half way through the movie, I decided to leave the couch and lie in bed.  I wasn't feel great, and my tummy and back were bothering me.  I wasn't having contractions, but I definitely didn't feel my best.  Brad asked if he could go to the neighbors to hang out with the guys.  I told him to go ahead since I didn't think that anything would happen that night. 

As soon as Brad left, I had a very strong, painful contraction.  In the past, my contractions felt like cramps.  This time, it was more profound and definitely felt like a contraction.  I sent a text to Brad to fill him in.  By the time that Brad got home, the contractions grew stronger and more painful.  We called the nurse.  She told us to let her know when they were five to seven minutes apart.  Dr. Wilson previously told me to go to the hospital when I could barely talk or breathe.  My contractions never ended up coming between five to seven minutes apart, and I could talk and breathe even though they were quite painful.  We didn't know what to do.  I felt like it was time to go to the hospital, but we weren't seeing the signs or symptoms that we were told to look for. 

Brad and I debated back and forth on whether or not to head to the hospital.  After awhile, I told him that we should go.  Brad packed our last minute items including our phone chargers, pillows, etc.  He loaded the car, and we left for the hosptial.  In the car, I started to tear up.  I wasn't sure that this was the moment, and I was worried that it was a false alarm.  Everyone told me that you will know when you are in labor.  I knew that things were different, but I didn't know. 

When we arrived at the hospital, everything moved very quickly.  It was almost midnight when we checked in.  Immediately, the nurse gave me an IV.  I was dilated to 6 cm.  We still weren't sure at this point if it was the real deal.  I asked the nurse, "Do you think that I will have him tonight?"  She responded, "Sweetie, you are going to have him within the next hour or two."  At that moment, I was so happy that we decided to go to the hospital.  Brad called our parents to let them know the news, and I called Kim.  The nurse noticed that within a few minutes, I had dilated to 9 cm.  She told us that the delivery would be very quick.  The baby was very low.  A doctor came in and broke my water.  Our nurse, Katie, stated that we would wait about an hour and then proceed.  During our hour wait, Brad and I took a nap.  He got the camera ready and took a few photos.  We were so excited!

We did three or four rounds of practice pushing.  The nurse asked me to hold my breath while she counted to ten.  During each round, we did this three times.  After a few practice rounds, she stated that we would wait for the doctor to continue.  Dr. Wilson arrived and told us that she was ready.  She took a few minutes to prepare for our big moment.  It was time to deliver the baby!

During the second push, I heard Dr. Wilson say, "Wow, there is his head."  During the third push, I heard her say, "There is a shoulder and an arm."  After the fourth push, Pierce had arrived.  She asked Brad to cut the umbilical cord.  He cut the cord and took pictures.  Dr. Wilson placed Pierce on my chest. I was so excited.  I was shocked that Pierce wasn't screaming when he was born.  I couldn't believe how great I felt too.  He was perfect. 

Aunt Kim came as fast as she could.  She wasn't able to get there in time for the delivery, but she arrived a few minutes afterwards.  She joined us as we celebrated the birth of our baby boy.

The nurse took Pierce to clean him up.  He was grunting.  His lungs were very wet, and he was in respiratory distress.  As a result, he needed to go to the NICU.  Even though I was terrified, I knew that he was in good hands.  The nurse left with Pierce. 

My adrenaline was going, and I was very excited.  Brad and Kim patiently humored me as I expressed my joy and excitement! 

Pierce Bradley Applewhite
June 4, 2011
2:39 a.m.
6 pounds 10 ounces
18 1/4 inches

I am waiting on the doctor to arrive.

 Our nurse, Katie

Once I got the epidural, I didn't feel any pain. I  could only feel pressure.

The baby station was ready to go.

Pierce arrived at 2:39 a.m. on June 4, 2011.

He is absolutely perfect!

Nurse Katie took great care of him.

Nurse Katie took Pierce's footprints.

 Dr. Kelly Wilson was being camera shy.

 I just had a baby! Yea!!!

Pierce weighted 6 lbs. 10 oz.

 I called my parents to tell them that their grandson has arrived.

 Aunt Kim came a few minutes after Pierce was born. 

 This is our first family photo.

 Daddy is admiring his handsome son.



We have a plan...

Even though Pierce is not here yet, we have a reason to celebrate.  We have made it to 38 weeks.  We are definitely in a safe zone.  Thank you God!  I saw my doctor this week, and she is surprised yet excited that we have been able to go this long.  I can definitely say that bed rest works.  Even though it was tough during the past two weeks, I am happy that we are in a good place.  During the past two weeks, I lived day by day moment by moment thinking that labor was coming any second.  We made it through lots of contractions, back pains, etc.  :)

If Pierce doesn't make his grand entrance in the next week, then we are able to induce next Thursday, June 9 which is 39 weeks.  Stay tuned, we'll let you know what happens.

This journey began at 25 weeks when I first went into labor.  I am so thankful that this pregnancy has progressed to such a safe place, and I cannot wait to meet our little man. 

Last week, I was told that I could go on one errand a day.  The doctor lifted all restrictions on Tuesday.  Even though I am not technically on bed rest any more, my energy level is quite limited.  I will rest as much as I can and enjoy the next week.  Before we know it, the time will come when it is time to head to the hospital.  I am ready, excited, and cannot wait! 

Stay tuned!  We'll let you know when Pierce is here.  I have my cameras ready, and there will be lots of pictures to share with each of you!