And then there were 3...introducing MACEY JAYNE

In October of 2011 we found out that we were expecting. We were over-the-moon excited to bring another little baby into our family! And were thrilled to learn it would be another little girl.

 I started throwing up at about 5 weeks along. Russ did some estimating and figures that since I puke every day (multiple times a day) throughout the duration of each pregnancy...and this is my third go-round...I've probably puked well over 500 times while making these little humans.

This pregnancy was my hardest. I don't know if it was harder because I had 2 other munchkins I was already responsible for or if my body just hates each pregnancy more than the last. But whatever the case may be---this pregnancy sucked. I threw up continuously every day for 33 weeks. I had pre-term labor contractions starting at 15 weeks which meant I was on modified bed rest (meaning limited walking) starting at  22 weeks. I was put on strict bed rest at 29 weeks (meaning I could only get out of bed to pee! Yikes!). I ended up in the hospital 3 times. First, for severe sciatica. Second, for pre-term labor and high-blood pressure. Third, for hemorrhoids. Yea, I went there. I just told ya'all and I had some butt issues. But its true. My little bun-in-the-oven was sitting in an awful spot that caused some serious pain. Truth be told I had to have ass surgery 3 weeks before I delivered. Can you imagine sitting your bloated body on a table where two random women hold your butt cheeks open while using dull scissors to cut some of your innards that became your outards off?? Let me just tell you that it was a low point. Very, very low. But alas, I survived and was able to keep my sweet baby in for 37 weeks!

On a Monday afternoon (June 18th) I could tell I was having blood pressure issues like I did with Lilly. We went to the hospital that day and did a bunch of tests. The doctors told us that my blood pressure was high, but that since I wasn't quite 37 weeks (3 days short) the baby was still considered premature so they couldn't legally deliver her unless it was a "dire" emergency. I wasn't close enough to stroking out to have the baby delivered. Ugh. So frustrating!  It seems silly to wait for the situation to get scary dangerous when we could have handled it that day in a more controlled and less-stress filled manner. We went home that night knowing I was getting sicker with the high blood pressure. Thursday afternoon (the exact day I was 37 weeks along) as we were driving to my weekly OB apt, my doctor called and told me to go straight to the hospital because my test results showed my blood pressure had gotten to that dangerous point and they were going to deliver that afternoon! Hooray! I was soooooo done being pregnant and was so excited to meet our new baby! I had only 7 hours to go!!

At 4:50 I was wheeled into the operating room. At 5:14 our sweet Macey Jayne was born. The surgery went great. It was the best experience (out of my 3 c-sections) because this one wasn't done in a rushed, emergency. We were able to spend hours in the hospital prior to surgery preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically this time. Plus, having gone through it twice before I was calm, cool, and collected. It was actually a great experience.

And let me tell you about my little Macey. Oh my word it was instant love. The second she came out it felt like I'd known her forever. She had a strong scream and beautiful blue eyes. She was soft and warm and I was just mush over how perfect she was. She weighed in at 6lbs on the dot...our biggest baby (hooray we finally got a 6pounder!) and was 19" long. I feel so, so blessed that this surgery went well and that I was healthy enough to hold her right away. Since I didn't get to meet Lilly for a few days I was really worried and anxious that it would happen that way again. Fortunately, all went well with me and the baby and I was able to hold her and welcome her to the family while she was fresh outta my tummy and mere minutes after being sent from heaven. None of my births were recorded and I'm sad. I wish I had video. Not of me having my c-sections and not of the babies coming out, but of Russ when he saw each of his daughters for the first time. The sweet, tender emotion on his face as he gazed upon his babies for the first time is a memory I hope I never forget. I wish I had it videoed to show the girls, but I guess that sweet memory will be just for me. And I cherish it.

This is my sexy shot. Look at that boob!! 

Holy crud I'm so excited Ill never be pregnant again! I know women says it's a beautiful experience and that they never felt prettier. But I say screw those women. I was fat and my butthole was falling out. It was not a beautiful experience. However, I am so grateful to my body for making me three precious, perfect little babies...even if my body traveled through hell in a hand-basket to do it! 

Coming to meet Macey the next morning...

Don't I look awesome! Yup, this is me the day after having Macey Jayne. Don't I look healthy and vibrant! HA! Jayda had a hard time seeing me like this. I couldn't get her to lay next to me in my hospital bed or give  me hugs because she said I looked scary and "not like her mommy." Although it wasn't much of an improvement, I tied my hair back and put on some makeup when she came the next day...didn't want to scare the poor child! 

She can't believe she's actually touching her baby sister! She's too excited for words!! 

Where oh where do my boobs stop and my tummy start in this picture? 

Your guess is as good as mine.

I love, love, love this picture of my mom. Shes standing in front of a light that looks like she has a halo around her head. Russ and I kept saying for months that she's "our angel" for taking such great care of us and then lo and behold...the minute she meets Macey for the first time I snap a picture that makes her look like a haloed angel! Macey owes her Grammy so much for helping keeping her cooking in my belly long enough to be born healthy and happy! 

Welcome to the world Macey. Our family was waiting for you! WE LOVE YOU!