Bennett Christopher Francom

Bennett Christopher Francom arrived on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 2:24 pm. He weighed 5 lbs 9 oz and was 18 inches long.

They planned on admitting me on the 27th. The dumbest nurse EVER put my IV in. She missed and had to do it twice. I have the best veins imaginable. They're huge and don't roll. She was not my favorite person. Once she had it in, it continued to hurt too. Anyway, they then decided they didn't want me to stay the night and I needed to return in the morning. They told me to leave the IV in and come back the next day. I don't think so. After an hour or so I called my friend, Karsen Delgado, and asked if it would be hard for Chris to remove my IV. She said it was pretty simple and I had him do it. Thank goodness! I slept a little because I didn't have that IV in. Then the next day had a different nurse. She mocked the nurse who had missed my vein the night before. It made me feel better. She did a great job and no pain after it was put in. Granted, I still wanted it out as fast as I could, but it wasn't killing me either. 

Bennett's birth story was not a fun one. I thought it would be just like Rylee's. Not a lot of pain, break my water, slight contractions, walking epidural, easy delivery, perfectly healthy baby. NOT. AT. ALL. Bennett's story is different in almost every way. I didn't have any pain. None. At about 1:00 I was beginning to think he was never going to come, even though they had started the Potocin at about 8:00 in the morning. They then planned to break my water and I figured I would get the epidural about 30 minutes after that, just like with Rylee. Bad idea. The second they broke my water I went from zero pain to pain that was off the charts. I hadn't prepared for this. I didn't do hypnobreathing or Lamoze. I was just sitting on the edge of the bed, holding onto Chris, whimpering, frequently forgetting to breath. It hurt like nothing I had ever experienced before. I wanted to push. I wanted to have this baby right then. The anesthesiologist came in with paperwork, but when he saw the pain I was in agreed to forgo the paperwork for a bit. He did the epidural and then I felt shooting pain down my left leg. Great, he had to do it again. This time he did it right, but it wasn't doing anything for the pain. By this time they've got me laying down, but I continue to forget to breath. It's hurting so bad. I need to push. I'm just repeating over and over "It's not working. The epidural's not working. I need to push." The nurses told me to hold on, the doctor isn't here yet. The anesthesiologist gave me a couple more shots of pain medication. Soon, I was feeling NOTHING. The doctor arrived and said I could finally push. About that time I was just ready to take a nap. I didn't care what they told me to do. I felt no pain and I just wanted to sleep. I tried to push, but have no idea if my body was responding at all. It must've because Bennett was born shortly thereafter. Then I learned that the placenta doesn't always deliver with the baby. Who knew? The doctor had to spend the next 20 minutes trying to get the placenta out. I was very glad I had an overactive epidural at that time, that's for sure! He said if he couldn't get it, he would need to do a D&C. I could've slept through all of it.

Bennett struggled breathing and couldn't maintain the required blood sugar, so he spent some time in the NICU. It was 4 hours before I got to see him. Doctor Pavich suggested we supplement formula so he could sustain his blood sugar and get into our room, instead of the NICU. Scrubbing in for the NICU was no small task. It wasn't comfortable and there were so many cords it wasn't easy to hold him. Each time they pricked his foot for the blood test I wanted to cry. I would've done anything to get him into my room. So we got him to drink as much formula as we could. It made his NICU stay much shorter, thankfully.

He eats well, sleeps well, and poops well. He's on his way to plumping up in no time! Rylee LOVES "Baby Bennett". She loves to hold him, kiss him, touch him, poke him. She's held him in 20 minute increments  not allowing anyone else to hold him.

We're in for the ride of our lives!

See if you see the family resemblance:

Bennett

Rylee

Chris

Induction Scheduled

Baby Boy Francom is scheduled to enter this world on Friday, December 28, 2012. He continues to measure small. They want us to deliver between 38-39 weeks, between December 27th and January 2nd. The doctors don't induce on holidays or the weekend, so that didn't leave us with many options. The 27th, 28th or 2nd. We're going to go with the 28th. I'll be admitted in the evening on the 27th to start some medication to help with prep work and then I'll be induced in the morning. I hope Rylee is ready for her world to be rocked! It makes me and Chris sad, she has no idea what's coming. I don't know if we're ready for it either...

39 Weeks

I get less and less cute each day. I feel like I'm going to explode! I've gained over 30 lbs. If I don't have this baby before next Tuesday (my due date), I'll be induced. Counting down the days...

37 Weeks

75% effaced dilated to almost 3. Hooray for progress!

It's not too late for guesses. Guess the gender, date of birth, and weight.

On an unrelated note, if you're in the Eagle Mountain North Utah Stake, check out the sports blog: www.EMNUStake.blogspot.com

Blood Work

I threw up the glucose drink last week, so I had to redo the test a few days ago. I don't know the results yet. I have learned that my cholesterol is over 375! Ya, this baby seems to be killing me. I'm blessed with genetically high cholesterol, but can't take medication while pregnant or nursing. Fun stuff! 9 more weeks of pregnancy. I can do this, right?

The baby's room is pretty much done. We got the huge poster I ordered (thinking it was coming framed) framed, ordered a mobile, our changing table/combo dresser finally arrived. It's coming together and I love it! The wall over the changing table is empty and waiting until we know what we're having. I'll probably put pictures up. My sister is making me a bed skirt and table runners. The decorations are yet to be determined, I've just put a few things out because I have no where to store them.

Now if this baby would just get here. :)

Sad day

I received a call from my doctor yesterday. My blood work was not so positive. My blood sugar and cholesterol were high. I have scheduled a 3 hour Glucose Tolerance Test next week. I have to fast for 12 hours and then they take my blood 4 times! 4 times in a 3 hour time period. It's pretty much my worst fear! I know there are things that are worse, but it's the worst for me.

I've done some research about gestational diabetes and it scares the crap out of me. Many women with gestational diabetes have 12 pound babies! It can cause numerous complications during delivery. I'm hoping this horrible test comes back with some positive news. However, I'm planning on making major changes to my diet, regardless. I'm scared!

If you know anything about gestational diabetes, or how to survive the test I'm taking next week...I'd love your thoughts or suggestions!

Third Trimester - Finally!

I'm 28 weeks...the 2nd trimester was as great as any pregnancy could be. But now, I've started the 3rd and NOT loving being pregnant. My stomach muscles hurt, my lower back aches, my pelvis is killing me, and I have enjoyed my first of many charley horses. I'm anxious for this to end.

I had my gestational diabetes doctor appointment and testing done yesterday. I HATE needles and despise giving blood. This is my least favorite part of pregnancy, the fact that I have to be poked with needles. I almost pass out every time! It's even worse now that I'm pregnant. How I'll do an epidural is beyond me!

Baby Francom seems to be growing and developing perfectly. We pray for this to continue. The doctor loves that there's lots of activity being felt every day.

We've finished the nursery. Chris did an amazing job on the paneling. The color scheme is orange, brown, and white. I've been given lots of hand-me-downs from my sisters and have had my work cut out for me as far as sorting, cleaning, and organizing all of the baby clothes they've given me. It might have been easier if I knew the gender of the baby, but the surprise is worth it!

Baby Francom

Chris and I are expecting our first! We had our ultrasound this morning. Everything looks great! The due date is November 16th. We're very excited. Hopefully you can see the images clearly. It was fun to see baby moving around, kicking, and holding its hand up by its head. Already a fighter!I get a little bigger each day. It's been a chore trying to find maternity clothes that fit me. I'm sure it will get easier. It has to, right?

12 Weeks

16 Weeks

19 Weeks