7 days old!

We have had lots of visitors since Cole was born last Monday evening. I can't believe that was a week ago. He is amazing! I could just stare at him all day long. On Sunday, Brent's parents and his brother's family (Matt, Larra and Brody) came over to see Cole. Well, Larra is an amazing photographer so we had a photo session with Cole. Larra is still working on the photos so I will definitely be posting some of my favorites when she is done, but she did post on her blog a couple of Brody and Cole together. Brody is exactly 6 months and 2 days older then Cole so he is on the move. It was a fast session with the two of them, but oh so cute! Check this out!

Here is a slide show of pictures from Cole's first week:

Cole's Homecoming!

Today, we brought our son home! We are so excited to have him home finally. We called the nursery about 9:30am to see if the test results were in and they weren't so they said they would call and let us know. They called and we picked him up about 2 hours later. YAY! He is so precious and is doing great. Our feeding sessions are only getting better each time, so thank you all for praying for that. I know we were only separated a night, but it was a concerned for us. We do prefer to breastfeed him, but are definitely willing to do what is best for Cole's health. He has not had one drop of formula since we have been home and I know that my supply is coming in. He ate for a whole 25 minutes last time. That almost triples his time on all his other feedings!

His jaundice levels are down, but the pediatrician still requested that we go in on Saturday morning to their office so that they can just take another look at him and make sure it is not returning. Thank you for your prayers. He is doing great!

Here are a few pictures from today:

Update on Cole

Yesterday morning when the pediatrician came by to give us a report about how Cole was doing, he said that his nose looked a bit yellow, but he was not concerned yet. He said that jaundice some times does not show up for a couple days.

This morning with his report, we learned that his bilirubin number was high when they did a skin test, but the doctor said that reading is not the most accurate so it is followed-up with another test. He was at a 10 and needed light treatments. I really am liking his pediatrician group. His regular doctor is out of town, but her associate has been seeing him and giving us these reports. He said that Cole may need to stay at the hospital until tomorrow, depending on how he reacts to the treatments. He is not pushing Cole to be discharged at all and said it would be best to just keep him at the hospital then to send him home today and have to remit him later. I am very thankful for that.

Okay...you can't tell but there was a huge pause in my writing...Cole came to eat and we talked to the nurse caring for him.

He finished his first light session and will stay onto tomorrow to be re-tested. We are able to stay up until a minute before midnight, so we will stay until his last feeding tonight and then the nursery will take over during the night as far as feeding. Please pray that the jaundice will go away quickly and his bilirubin count will go down and stay down. I asked the nurse about the number system because I am not familiar with it, but a 10 is not too much but it is enough to make him stay and get treatments. We want him to go home, but we want him to go and stay there, so we are definitely willing to wait for this to go away and keep him here. Just pray for him and that his counts return to normal quickly.

You can pray for me and that my milk will come in. Right now, I am still trying to feed him each time, but then we are giving him formula because it is so important for him to use the restroom to flush the jaundice out. It is normal for the milk supply to take a few days to come in, but without having him with me to feed him like tonight and when he is still here at the hospital, it could present a problem. The lactation consultant here is great and give me some great tips on our to help stimulate that process, so I am going to have to do some other techniques to help that come in. Just pray that this alternative methods will work and will not hinder me feeding Cole in the future. But right now, we are willing to do what is best for his health.

Thank you all so much for praying. We definitely can see the results of your prayers and God working in this whole process.

More pictures as promised...

proud parents

sleepy boy

Papaw and Bebe (LA's parents)

Mimi and Papa (Brent's parents)

day 2

Aunt Lois and Uncle Gayle (LA's great aunt and uncle)

Aunt Larra and Uncle Matt (Brent's brother and LA's college roomie)

Uncle Dave (LA's brother)

COLE is here ! ! !

Proud Papa

Minutes after delivery

God is so good. Right after I sent the last post, Leigh Ann's nurse checked again and she was progressing to an 8 and Cole had began to turn. The nurse then decided to prep the room for Cole's delivery. The doctor came in at 4:30 to check Leigh Ann and she was at a 10! We were ready to have a baby. Leigh Ann then began pushing right after 4:30 with the nurse. The doctor showed up and Cole was born within 2 or 3 minutes.

Cole was born at 5:00 PM.

weight: 7 lbs 13 oz
length: 20 inches

Labor Update #3

At 2:00 pm Leigh Ann had progressed to 6 1/2 cm, but Cole was face up. The doctor checked again around 3:30 pm and Leigh Ann had not progressed and Cole still had not turned face down.

We are waiting for the doctor to come back and check around 4:30 pm. If Cole does not turn or there is no progression a c-section will be very likely.

Anyone reading this please pray that Cole will turn so a c-section will not be needed.

Update #2

After Leigh Ann started the pitocin the contractions began but she didn't really feel them. Once her water was broken the pain got worse quickly, so she called for the epidural.

She is feeling good after the epidural and the doctor said everything is progressing nicely.

Right now she is 80% effaced and 4 cm.

The laboring has begun...

Hey everyone, just checking in and yes, it is still me (LA) blogging. Brent will probably have to take this over later on today, but we have wireless at the hospital so we will do our best to keep you in the loop.

I am checked-in, the pitocin is in, and they just broke my water. Ouch! I am at 2 cm & 70% effaced.

We are having a July baby 4 sure!

Hey everyone! Count them with me now, only 4 days until Cole's big debut! I can't believe it! That is so crazy. We went to the doctor this morning for my weekly visit, she said I was 70% effaced and 1cm dilated and then she said, "so, do you want to have your baby next week?" I didn't understand, I was thinking what do you mean??? So after having several questions answered, we decided to induce on Monday the 21st. Then we left her office and were about to get on the elevator and I said, "Oh, that is only like 4 days from now!" Wow. I have been going on Thursdays for my visits but my weeks in pregnancy world start on Tuesdays, so I guess I was thinking I had a week. Nope! Wow. I am still in shock but so excited! Now my parents can be here (they live in Tulsa so it would take awhile since they drive) and I know how much they wanted to be here. Brent's parents can plan to come and with Allen's work planning is important. It is not a drop and go type of thing. So this is great!

She said it would be an all day process, but I am hoping not. We would love to have visitors, but first we just want some time with just us, our parents, and siblings. If all goes well and quickly, then we should be ready for visitors on Tuesday. We will follow-up with you about the process, post pictures, and let you know our room number (through email, since I don't want to disclose that on the WWW).

Also, just for fun...I know you know the date, unless Cole wants to come even earlier, but still put in your guesses for his weight and length! See 2 posts down.

We no longer have to water our grass by hand!

Thanks to Brent, my dad, and our good friend Keith, we have a sprinkler system in our front yard. It was an extremely hot day and a ton of work, but these 3 men got it done in record time. It was definitely a team effort and appreciate Keith VOLUNTEERING his time to help us. We couldn't have gotten it done in that one day without you. Thank you! And thank you dad for knowing how to install a sprinkler system, drawing up the plans for us and always being willing to drive so far to lend a helping hand. I know that it was a lot of hard work but Brent is enjoying not having to water by hand any longer.


The crew.

Brent digging the trenches.

Dad installing the valves.

Keith digging trenches by hand.


It works! YAY! I have no doubt.

18 days: Tell us your prediction!

We have 18 days until my scheduled due date. I can't believe it! It is so soon yet feels so far away. We are both so excited to meet this little boy face to face, but apparently he is not ready yet. I went to the doctor on Thursday and nothing is happening as far my body progressing towards birthing this child. I was hoping differently but all in good time. I am trying to get things going though, tonight is bowling with the girls in my Sunday school class. Hey, it put Larra into labor, but she was already contracting. Maybe it will just begin the contractions for me??

I am now officially finished working at Ridgway's and am enjoying my time at home. It was hard to leave and feel okay about it, since my replacement was not there yet, but it will all work out. I did everything I could to prepare her when she returns. It is thrilling to know that I will not have to go back after Cole is born and that I will have the opportunity to stay at home with him to love and train him; exciting times are ahead and many learning experiences I am sure.

Here is the latest belly shot update:

(37 weeks, 2 days)

I had the suggestion from Brent's parents to put a poll on when Cole would be born, how much he will weigh, and how long he will be. So what do you think?? Here are the predictions Allen and Dena submitted, submit yours in the comments section. Let's see who is the closest!

Mimi: 7/22, 7 lbs 10 oz, 21 inches (Dena, Brent's mom)

Papa: 7/29, 8 lbs 3 oz, 21 inches (Allen, Brent's dad)

Leigh Ann's: 7/27, 7lbs 3oz, 22 inches

Brent's: 7/30, 8lbs 2oz, 20.5 inches

Dave and Jess Ray Update

Yay! Their music is now available on iTunes here and here on Independent Bands. Go check it out! Their music so fabulous, you will love it! If you still rather an actual cd, then let me know and I will get that for you. They are $15.