Rory's Birth Story: Part 1

Our Beautiful girl was born on Monday June 11, 2018. Outside of a feared complication that our sonogram thought she spotted in our 20 week sonogram in January, Rory's pregnancy was rather easy. I hadn't suffered any of the pelvic or back pain that had plagued me with Everett and Haven. My morning sickness was no worse and no better than the others. Every sonogram we got Rory's sweet little hands were up by her face and the tech would remark about how smooshed up against me she was in the womb. Every single time! I was positive that with Rory being my third child she was bound to come early. I did have braxton hicks contractions stronger and earlier with her than the other two and I just knew this girl was not going to make it to her due date! Rory's official due date was June 12th and as that week crept closer I was sure at any minute I would go into labor. Haven's birth was a planned induction due to heart complications and knowing exactly what day we would meet her spoiled Dad and I both. Drew grew more and more anxious with each passing day that I didn't go into labor. At my 37 week visit my Doctor gave me the option of inducing the next week. I was dilated some and had made progress between my two appointments but labor still seemed like it could be a bit longer. Knowing that having a plan for labor would be so much easier logistically with two kids already at home and a husband who traveled for work some I hesitantly agreed to scheduling an induction.




We landed on the very next Monday, June 11. It was so important to me to have a clear cut plan for Everett and Haven when I went into labor so that they wouldn't be panicked. It was also so incredibly important for me to have Neeley at the birth, she and Drew were the ones by my side for both Everett and Haven's births but this was even more special as it was Neeley's namesake to be born. Since Neeley was living in Midland at the time Monday seemed easier for her to be here right off a weekend as opposed to coming in in the middle of the week.

I was scheduled to be at the hospital at 7 am on Monday morning. My alarm was set for 5 am so I could get up shower and try to look like I wasn't going to be in labor all day. However at 3 am I was awoken with severe contractions. They were the most intense contractions I had yet experienced, too scared to time then and too strong to sleep through I woke up and began preparing for the hospital. The contractions never eased up and I knew that had we not already planned on going in to have Rory that day we would be doing it anyway! This girl was coming!

We left bright eyed Everett and still sleeping Haven at home with Mimi Susie with promises to come back to bring them to see their new sister. Upon arriving at the hospital we were quickly ushered into a room and I settled into the oh so comfortable labor bed. Our nurses were quick to get my paperwork done and began measuring my contractions. They were coming a cool 4 minutes apart at this point and both nurses remarked on how this was to be Rory's birthday whether we had chosen it or not. I was put on pitocin to increase the rate of contractions and help dilate me beyond the 3 I had come in at. Around 9 am Neeley arrived and we settled in for a wait. I received my epidural and welcomed Aunt Kelsey and Mimi to our labor room around 10. My doctor came in and broke my water before noon.

Haven's delivery was sudden and fast and I had heard that your third can be even easier. I was prepared to "sneeze" Rory out with ease, I also thought she would be here before early afternoon. Time came and went and as I kept saying she'll be here anytime she kept not arriving. My nurses came in and put me in some of the most uncomfortable positions ever. The dreaded fire hydrant that I remembered from Everett's labor was reintroduced to me. Aunt Kelsey had to go to work and so Drew,  Neeley, and Aunt Tammy and I were there just waiting. My nurse came and told me to lay on my side with my legs straddling a ball and one arm behind my bag, it was torture but a "sure fire way" to get this baby out. I laid that way for maybe 5 minutes before the pain was so strong I couldn't stand it. I was feeling immense pressure. The nurses checked me and called for Dr. Appel to come running because Rory was ready. My little snuggle bug was finally willing to be pushed out of her comfortable home for the past 9 months.

Rory's delivery was by far the most painful I had experienced. Possibly because Haven's was so easy and she was so small that being the last memory I had did not help me. With my people on my side and nurses surrounding me I pushed and pushed and pushed. I was in pain feeling like my epidural had worn off and like I was feeling everything. I was giving my all and feeling like I was getting no where with each push. I remember crying and shaking my head thinking I can not get this girl out! I just can't do it! After another push I heard Neeley crying say "She's almost here Meg, your doing so good!" I somehow managed to pull all my strength together and pushed again to hear my beautiful girls brand new wails into the world. Rory was born at 2:47 pm! She was stunningly beautiful! I held her against me for the first time and couldn't believe how incredibly blessed I was to get to have another daughter!




It soon became apparent why Rory's birth was the hardest, our sweet girl weighed in at 8 lbs. 13 oz, our biggest baby by far! She weighed at 19 inches long like her siblings. My doctor couldn't get over her big cheeks and remarked on that being the reason she got stuck in the birth canal. She was beautiful and chunky and absolute perfection!

A little Everett & Haven update

Everett has really grown in a lot of ways the past 6 months. I look at him and often wonder where my baby went because at 4.5 he already seems so old to me! He still very much acts like a 4 or maybe even a 2 year old though at times! Everett has been the best big brother since Haven was born but it has been kicked into extra high gear since welcoming Rory! He loves to dote on his baby sister and will not go to bed before giving her kisses goodnight even if she’s asleep in the other room. He loves to run up to her and say “Hello Pretty Girl” in the sweetest little baby talk voice. He has also taken on the role of boss to Haven and feels it necessary to tell her what to and what not to do! 

Everett continues to be the pickiest eater ever although his go to foods are slowly increasing! He loves to eat a blueberry waffle in the morning or a McDonald’s biscuit with cheese only. His favorite dinner is pasta with buttered noodles. He drinks apple juice and water like crazy and has recently taken to liking Orange Juice! Everett is crazy about all things animals and dinosaurs... crazy!! He sings songs from the Lion King either excellent precision and reinacts them! 

Everett is such a Mamas boy and has the most tender heart! He comes up to me at all times and gives me kisses and he asks to tell me a secret to which he then whispers in my ear “Mom I love you soo much your my bestest Mama in the whole wide world!” Sweet Everett still sleeps with his best Myer and I love it! I don’t know how in the world to capture all that he is in this moment in time except that he is truly the best!! I am so lucky that Everett was our first... we have made mistakes with him and grown so much being his parents! 

Sweet Haven is still ,at 2.5, our little wild child! She is moving constantly! She has to do whatever her big brother does even if it’s something he’s just gotten in trouble for. She pushes all boundaries! She loves to push her Bubba’s buttons also! She is a huge fan of her baby sister and loves to bombard her with kisses and rough hugs! We are still learning how to be gentle with those smaller than her, Haven just has lots of love to share! She wants to be held all of the time! 

Haven is a ham! She prances around being silly all the time and keeps us laughing nonstop. If Haven hears music she automatically jumps up to dance. Moving always! Haven tries all foods and comes to eat food off of mine and Dads plates after finishing her dinner. She loves to eat chicken and carrots! I’m hoping she won’t get her Mom’s eye problems with all the carrots she eats. Haven wants to wear her rain boots with everything and is adamant about it! She wants so badly to do things on her own. Haven insists on sleeping with her blanket that she carries everywhere and her bunny! She has been in a twin bed for a few months now and has just now realized she can get up out of it on her own. Until a week ago she would lay in bed waiting quietly for me to come get her after she woke up. It’s a bitter sweet thing to see her sweet little self coming around the door in the mornings but sad that she’s growing up so fast! 

Haven loves her Daddy like crazy and wants to be with him as soon as he gets home but she wants Mom to clean her diapers and put her to bed. She wakes up every morning wanting to go to her Gran-Nana’s house  which is heartbreaking to me since we just moved to Midland. Haven is fearless and will approach any animal or person she encounters. She shouts “Hi” to everyone in earshot at stores. Haven is ornery and silly and sweet! She has the puffiest perfect lips that are the best to get sugars from. She melts my heart when she randomly says “ Mama I love you so so much!” In her sweet little lispy voice. I find myself looking at Haven still finding it hard to believe God gave me this sweet daughter and praying that we can develop a friendship like I had with my Mom! 

These babies of ours have grown up so quickly and every single day I get to be with them is such a blessing! This has been a very hard season of change and growing our family but I’m so thankful for the gift of being their Mom! 

3 month old Rory

My intentions with this blog have been to keep a record of memories for my children and myself of our lives. The story of my life before them, Drew and mine life together, their Nana’s journey, the story of their lives as they have grown and conquered new milestones. I have the best of intentions to write these stories in a timely manner as things occur but life happens and right now 3 young children and a move has happened. All that to say, Rory turned 3 months old 3 weeks ago and I am just now posting about it. In these early years the changes come fast and furiously but I am determined to document each one for Rory just as I have with the other two even if they come a bit late! 

So Rory, my beautiful perfect precious girl time is flying by with you and we are loving every single day!! You are such a sweet baby Rory! You are a fairly easy going babies with the exception of riding in the car at times and during your “witching hours” from 8-9:30. You love to be held especially by your Mom and are content to be worn in a carrier on me during errands. You are really loving to sit up more and watch the world around you. You find your siblings most fascinating as they make loud noises around you. 

Rory you have been sleeping through the night consistently for about a month now and it is wonderful! You take your last bottle between 9:30-10:30 and have slept on occasion until 8 the next morning! For now you are still sleeping in the bassinet in Mom & Dad’s room, why mess with a good thing right?! You are eating 6-8 oz every 4-5 hours and taking a good long nap in the afternoons with your siblings. 

After some initial Hesitation you are now a big fan of your baths and getting covered in lotion. You love to smile Rory! Your sweet smile lights up a room and your little laugh is really starting to come out louder! I need to get out our 6-9 month clothes because you are growing so fast and the 3 month clothes are getting a little snug on you. Your sweet red hair is slowing getting longer and looking fuller. Rory your beautiful blue eyes are so bright and look just like your Nana’s! 

Rory you have captured the hearts of not only the 4 of us who can’t get enough of you but your Gran-Nana and Aunt Doss are some of your biggest fans as well! You have brought so much light and joy into all of our lives!! We all adore you beautiful girl!!