Jonathan's Birth Story

Today we have 30 days left until Ben is here! I am so excited! I have been thinking a lot about Jonathan's birth and what a happy time it was. So I wanted to share it with you.

It was super happy because at the time, no one had cancer (that we knew of), no one was sick...everyone was happy and healthy and excited about Jonathan joining our family!

I was due April 24, 2008. My cousin Sarah was getting married April 19, 2008 and I really wanted to attend her wedding! I was so happy when we were able to see Sarah and Adrian tie the knot and enjoy their wonderful wedding reception with family!

That night after the wedding, in the middle of the night, I lost something that you need to lose before you go into labor. I am not going to say what it was, because it is a really gross term (and it was not my water breaking)...okay it involves the word 'plug' and that is all I am say! I knew exactly what it was and I was so excited. I got back into bed, it was about 4 am, Michael was sleeping, and I just laid there smiling. I knew Jonathan would be here soon!

Around 5 or 6 pm the next day, April 20 (Sunday), I started having contractions. We timed them for the rest of the evening...they were all over the place. We ate Whataburger for dinner. Finally around 10:30 pm they were about 5 minutes apart and constant. We got the okay from the on call doctor and started to head into the hospital!!! It was so exciting!

We had decided not to call anyone until we knew something was happening and that the doctor said, "You’re in labor, we are checking you in". But the drive to the hospital I just had to call mom! I will never forget that phone call. I told her that we were heading to the hospital, but we weren't sure if this was the real deal or not and she and dad should stay put until I call them with more info. I was very calm and clear...then I hear dad in the background, "what is she saying? What is going on?" and mom replies in a very excited tone to him, "She's having the baby and she won't let us come to the hospital!!!!" I scream, "MOM!! That isn't at all what I said!!! Just stay put, I will call you!!!" hahaha - I love her, and miss her.

We were checked in, but it took FOREVER, a couple of hours at least. So I finally called mom and dad and told them that we were in, but things were progressing slowly and I would call if things started to pick up.

I was doing great, we were even able to sleep just a little bit, but then my contractions were less than a minute apart, and that made it difficult to sleep. So I called down to get my epidural. I got that around 3 or 4 am. In the mean time, I was only dilated 2. We got a little more sleep, then around 5 or 6 the doctor came and broke my water...that was weird. At 7 am my doctor officially took over. Yeah! I love him!

Michael and I decided to call the family and tell them to come on down, things were looking like they were starting to happen! It seemed to me that Mom, Dad and Amy were there within minutes, but I am sure that it took longer. We all hung out and talked for most of the morning...no big deal. Around 11 or so my nurse suggested I try to get some more sleep, so she kicked the family out. Around 1 is when Pat, Theron and Anna Marie arrived.

Around 2 or so my doctor arrived and told me things weren't moving like they want them to and it seemed that Jonathan was stuck and his head was now swollen. They were going to do a C-Section at 3:00 pm. This of course sent me into panic, sadness, scared, crying...all sorts of things.

But thankfully, all was fine. The surgery went well and we had a beautiful, healthy, sweet, awesome, a little bit cone headed baby at 3:25 on April 21st. Michael and I were beside ourselves with joy!

That was a Monday and we stayed until Thursday morning. Here are A LOT of pictures of that time, I picked some of my favorites. Please enjoy Jonathan's first week of life.

Michael just came out to tell them the good news, Jonathan was born and healthy!

Jonathan is behind the glass windows in the nursery!



The waiting room!





First Family Photo




I love this picture so much, proud daddy, my boys!



This is also one of my favorites!



We meet for the first time.



8 lbs, 8 oz of perfectness!



Proud Aunt Amy!





I believe this is our last family photo.






Michael bought me that beautiful necklace as a thank you for having his baby! :)



Pat and Theron





3 generations of Ewert men.




Michael, Jonathan and his great-grandma Olga.




This is one of my favorite photos. Mom bought that bear and filled out the info and hung it on our door. I just love her beyond excited smile.



Sleeping Beauty.

Great Aunt Holly.

I love this one, he looks so smitten.



BOO!





I took this picture only seconds after we got home! It was everyone's favorite photo!

 We are so looking forward to Benjamin joining our family. Although it will be different this time around...we will be missing 3 of his loving grandparents in body, but I know that they will be there in spirit.

A Day Out With Thomas the Train

Something fun I have been looking forward to doing with Jonathan, as soon as he was old enough, was going to see Thomas the Train. He only comes into town once a year (I believe that he travels all over the US). 

Jonathan LOVES Thomas the Train...we read Thomas books almost exclusively now. So we knew it was time to take him! I was also happy it worked out that we could go as our little family of 3 for the last time to do something fun, you know, before things change for a while! :)

We all had so much fun! Jonathan very much enjoyed his first train ride! We were VERY surprised by how many people were there. It was a bit crazy! But, despite the crowds and that it was a little hotter than expected, we had a blast. Here are some photo's and video's of our day.

Cool Train Display

While waiting in line...Jonathan made a new friend. :)

 Thomas approaching the train station! It was very exciting. I ruined the video by turning it on it's side...sorry! I was trying to get both Jonathan and Thomas in the shot and I wasn't thinking! Oh well!



Very nice people working there!



So excited to be on the train!



 

On the train!



He was very excited about his certificate. Okay, it might not look like it in the photo, but he really was. :)

Leaving the train.

Thomas from the side!

Yeah! We finally got to see him up close!

 Sir Topham Hatt, kind of a weird costume. I think Jonathan was a little weirded out by him.





Bye-Bye Thomas!

Trains and Trauma

In 2 years and 10 months of being a mommy, last Wed was the worst!

It started off great! My good friend and cousin-in-law, Leanna and I decided to meet at a park in Grapevine and have a picnic! It was a beautiful day, 70's and sunny! We had a good lunch and took a stroll through the park. 



We decided we weren't done having fun, but we were done with our current location. I suggested that we drive down the street and visit the vintage trains that are on permanent display. I had been wanting to take Jonathan there for a while. I also wanted to visit the trains to take pictures of them and use those pictures to decorate Jonathan's new room. So I was excited about our next stop.

We arrived and as I imagined, Jonathan loved it! We began with the big black engine, I let him run around and inspect things. As we made our way around the train, Jonathan discovered wooden stairs that led up to the train. Against my better judgement I let him climb up them (see the last picture).

Some how, some way, with both Leanna and watching him, he started to tumble backwards. The second he started to fall, I started to run towards him, as did Leanna. It was like he was falling in slow motion and I just could not reach him fast enough...

He hit the ground head first and there was a small white rock that he landed directly on. He wasn't on the ground a second and I scooped him up and grabbed his head. He was facing me and screaming crying, so looked at Leanna and said..."Is his head bleeding?" She didn't have to answer me, it was written all over her face. We both began to run back to the cars.



When we got to the car, I removed my hand and blood squirted out, I think I almost passed out. There was so much blood that I couldn't imagine that this wouldn't end good, I didn't know what, but just not good. I had never seen so much blood, it was all the way down my arm and dripping off my elbow. I was very aware that it was coming from my child which made me panic even more. By the way, yes I was panicking, crying, screaming random things...but I got a little bit of a grip when Jonathan looked at me and through his tears he said, "Momma, are you happy?" It was then that I realized I needed to pull it together for his sake, so I stopped crying, at least for the moment. **Lesson Learned - keep calm as best as I can. **

 

There was a police station across the street, so Leanna ran over there to see if an officer could come help us assess the situation. I continued to used wipes to put pressure on his head. I was FINALLY able to get the blood to stop coming out so heavy and I looked at the wound. It looked like a gash to me, but I am not an expert on wounds in the least bit. Leanna was still gone, but I decided to take Jonathan to the hospital. I thought he needed stitches. Baylor Grapevine, which is where he was born, was only a block away, so I thought I rather be safe than sorry. As I was driving out I saw Leanna and was able to tell her where I was going. She met me there shortly after.



In the car on the way to the hospital I called Michael. I don't know what it is, but when I am upset about something, when I hear Michael's voice I just fall apart. I guess it has something to do with he brings me comfort...if that makes sense? Anyway, I said something like, "I don't want to panic you, but..." and then I started crying and talking incoherently. Poor Guy. I'm sorry Michael, I'll try to do better next time. :) Of course, he immediately left work and came to the hospital. I was so happy to see him.

 

When I arrived at the ER there wasn't really anyone in there, maybe 2 people, I was happy, I thought we would get taken right back. I mean we were both covered in blood, he is only 2 and was crying...etc. But no, the guy took my info and told me to take a seat. REALLY? We sat there for almost 10 minutes, then they finally took us back and then Leanna arrived.

They assessed him and put us in a room. I was still under the impression that this was an emergency, yet wasn't getting that hustle that I was hoping for out of the ER staff. We had now been at the hospital for over 30 minutes and I didn't feel like anyone had really looked at him closely. Unfortunately, I have had a LOT of hospital experience in the past few years and have very little patience. So after 10 minutes waiting in our room, I wandered into the hallway to see if anyone could let us know when we could expect to see someone and let them know I was still really concerned. **Lesson Learned - Don't go seeking help or info, they don't like that, AT ALL. Be patient, even though it is difficult.**



The person I saw in the hall turned out to be the doctor. He came in moments later. Let's just say, he wasn't happy with me. I started telling him what happened and he actually laughed at me in disbelief. Now, if you know me, you know that didn't go over well. He FINALLY came over and looked at Jonathan's head and then looked at me and said "You got to be kidding me". I honestly didn't know what he meant. He went on..."You are making such a big deal about this?" And he man-handled Jonathan's head. Then he began yelling at me about the ER and people that have more serious issues...etc. I was in shock. I finally said, "Do you mind changing your tone of voice?" But he didn't. Leanna, who was sitting there quietly in disbelief finally turned and said, "You are yelling at a very pregnant woman and 2 babies, please lower your voice." (Thank you Leanna!) But yet, he was still going on...so I finally  said, "I would like you to leave, I would like someone else to help us." He yelled more stuff, honestly I don't remember all that he said now, but as he stormed out of the room he yelled, "You sure about this? You might have to wait 4 more minutes!"



 

WOW! Leanna and I just stared at each other in disbelief! We had no idea what to do. I started to fall apart again. This was just too much for me. And in the mean time, I wasn't sure what was going on with Jonathan's head. He was being so sweet and just sitting there. Thank goodness Owen was there, I think they kept each other well entertained.



 

Only seconds later a nurse and another doctor type were in the room. This new doctor man was just what we needed. He was calming, assuring...all the things a panicking mother needs in the ER. He looked at Jonathan and was very gentle and helped make J feel better. He told me that it was a good size cut, but it did not need stitches. YEAH! He talked with Jonathan a bit and determined that he did not appear to have a concussion. YEAH! Still, he walked me through head trauma paper work and what to do if he shows signs of something after we leave. Then Dr. Nice Man went and got Jonathan a Popsicle. Jonathan was happy, therefore, I was happy!

 

About then is when Michael arrived. Again, poor Michael, I started crying. I told him about Dr. Mean Man and about Dr. Nice Man and everything that had happened. Leanna needed to leave because Owen needed to eat and take a nap. - THANK YOU AGAIN LEANNA! YOU HELPED SO MUCH! - After telling Michael about what happened, I decided that I should report that Dr. Mean Man. So I asked one of the nurses what I need to do and she sent in the Charge Nurse immediately. I spoke with the Charge Nurse for a while and told her what happened and she made me feel better about things too. **Lesson Learned - Never regret going to the hospital, even if the trip itself is traumatic. I'd rather be safe than sorry.**

 

So finally we left. Thank GOD. The 3 of us went home and cuddled up and watched a movie. I didn't let Jonathan out of my sight the rest of the day. I didn't even begin to relax until later that evening. (This all took place around 1:00 pm) I spoke with Leanna the next day and she and I both agreed we didn't sleep that night, reenacting Jonathan's fall, seeing Dr. Mean Man yell at us....UGH! It took me several nights to shake it. 

 

The interesting thing was, I started telling people about what happened...and almost everyone had a similar story. Small head wound and lots and lots of blood. **Lesson Learned - Head wounds bleed a LOT no matter the size of the wound.**  

 

So, I will take my *Lessons* and I will try to apply them the best I can to the next situation, because we know there will be a next time. But I am also very thankful that my son is OK! He is such a sweet heart and his head is already half way healed. Thank GOD it wasn't more serious. I am thankful to Leanna, she was a very calming presence for me that day. And last but not least, I am thankful to my sweet, amazing husband, who rush out of work to come be with us and hold me and Jonathan and bring comfort to both of us.

 

As for the trains, I don't see myself rushing back out there to take more photos, so we might go a while with nothing on the walls in Jonathan's room. :)

Benjamin William Update

Little Ben is only 55 day's away from meeting us! Can you believe that? I cannot. This has been a super fast pregnancy! It has been relatively easy too! I have had a little bit of back pain issues, but besides that I am doing great!

We had our 31 week Dr appt this week and we were able to see Ben. The Dr says he looks great and is growing about a week or two 'big', which is fine with me! That doesn't mean that he will come early, but just that he is growing and doing what he is supposed to be doing right now!
We were also able to set the date for our planned C-Section and it will be April 29th at 6:45 am. - Just a reminder, since some people have gotten all excited when I say I am having to have a planned C-Section - this is not by choice - it is because I am not physically able to delivery him otherwise. Jonathan was emergency C-Section, so Ben will have to be planned C-Section. It stinks, I would much rather have it the other way and not have to recover from major surgery with a new born and a 3 year old...but on the other hand, I am thankful we have advanced medicine we do that we do. I could go into labor prior to April 29th and if that happens we will just have the C-Section then. AND, Jonathan's 3rd Birthday is April 21st, so they will be 3 years, 1 week apart!

Today we went and saw Ben on a 3D/4D Sonogram! It was so exciting to finally see his little face! He is perfect to me! I think he looks a lot like Jonathan did on his 3D/4D Sonogram! Michael, Jonathan, Amy and Will were all there to view our little man. The second that Ben came up on the screen, Jonathan said - "That's MY Brother!" - Oh it melted Michael's and my hearts!
Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Sticking his big toe in his eye! (that's his hand under his foot)

Angel Face.

Beautiful lips



Touch your toe to your nose




Sweetness...we think he looks like Jonathan




Crossing his feet, just chillin' till it's time to come out!