Maverick's Birth Story

Maverick's official due date was Monday, June 24. People were driving me crazy; calling, texting asking when he was coming,and telling me not to have him on a certain day. I seriously thought I was going to loose my mind.

At my 39 week appointment, I ask my dr. when he thought I'd have him. He said he really believed I was going to go past my due date. He told me to come back on Tuesday, which was 6 days away. He was going to check me, and if my cervix was ready he was going to induce me the following day because he was on call. Well, for 6 days I was a total mess. Terrified I'd go into labor without him being there to deliver.

Tuesday, June 25, I make it to my appointment. He checks my cervix. I was 3 centimeters and 70%. He then stripped my membranes(a pain I'll never forget). He ask if I wanted to be induced the next day or if I wanted to wait till Friday, that was his next day being on call. I called Brandon, and Brandon told me to wait till Friday, so he wouldn't miss that much work.

I tell the dr.we decided to wait till Friday, and then proceed to ask him if he thinks I'll make it to Friday or if I'll go Wednesday. Because Thursday, he was off. So, I was thinking I'd go on Thursday while he was off. He said, "I'll probably see you tomorrow" as I was leaving. I go schedule my induction. It was set for Friday, June 28th at 6:30 a.m.

As I was leaving the dr. I was having random contractions and cramping really bad. I call everyone to let them know how it went and stopped at Food City to get some last minute groceries. I took my groceries home and went and picked up the boys I was wanting to spend every last minute with them because I knew these were the last few days when it would be just "them". The normal that they were used to.

I had contractions off and on all night Tuesday. Read everything I could find about stripping membranes and going into labor. About 9p.m. I got up and cleaned. Picked up toys, dishes, swept, and mopped. Went to bed cuddled with my two favorite boys about 11.

I woke up a little bit later moaning. I came to and thought, "am I in pain?" Then I had a contraction. I then got up, looked at the clock and it read 3:01a.m., and I went to the bathroom. I came back and laid down in the bed. I thought to myself, "these aren't real, I'll go back to bed." Well, I couldn't sleep because they were so strong, so I laid there and timed them. 5 minutes apart! 3:45 I decided I better get up and finish packing and shower. I knew I was about to welcome little Marlow boy #3. I got up finished packing, showered, mopped the kitchen, and read "What To Expect When You're Expecting".

I called the dr. at 4:50 a.m. While I waited for the dr. to call me back I decided to wake Brandon. I told him he needed to get up because I thought it was time to go to the hospital that I was just waiting for the dr. to call me back. I expected him to get up and get ready. Nope, he says, "let me know what the dr. says"and rolls over. I then ask him what he wanted me to do with the boys.

The dr. called me back at 4:57 and told me to come one in. I called Katie, she came down and stayed with the boys, and Brandon and I packed up the car. I kissed the boys goodbye and we left.

We arrived at the hospital at 6:15. the entire trip there I had to listen to Brandon ask me and tell me he hoped these wasn't fake that he would be tired for work if I got sent back home. They put me in triage. I got to put on one of those fabulous gowns. They checked me and I was still 3cm. but was 90%. The nurse said, "I'm going to call Dr. Myers to let him know you're here and see if he wants to send you back home or keep you." I said, "you tell him I'm not going anywhere". I meant that too! Just a few minutes later another nurse came in unplugged me and sent me to Room 228.

Once I got into my room there were three nurses came in to try and get an IV in my hand(s), no luck they ended up having to put it in my arm. While they were poking at my hands I was having hard and frequent contractions. I was in pain. Wanting to tear Brandon's head off his shoulders. I even told him I was done, no more kids after this one. He told me it was just the pain talking I'd stop talking like that once I got an epidural.

They called for the epidural. About the time he came in to do that so did my dr. He told me I was doing great and wanted to know what time I had started having contractions. He said I guess I won't be seeing you Friday. He watched the monitors while my epidural was inserted and waited about 15 minutes for it to take effect and then checked my cervix. I was 100% and 7cm! I couldn't believe I had made it that far without an epidural. That was about 8:45 when I was checked.

The nurse checked me at 9:20 and I hadn't changed. She came back at 10:20 and said, "I have a feeling you might be about ready." I told her I thought so too, because I had been feeling pressure in my bottom. She checked me and sure enough I was almost there. I was 9 1/2. She raised the back of my bed up and I felt the biggest gush of water. I told her that probably just pushed me to 10. She said she'd be back in 20 minutes to check me again, and we'd start pushing.

The boys got there and I seen them for about 10 minutes. My nurse came in around 11:05 and checked me. I was ready. 10cm! They broke down the bed, got the babys stuff out, and called my dr. to let him know I was about to start pushing. I began pushing at 11:15. She told me he had a head full of hair after I pushed my first push. I don't remember exactly how many pushes. Probably no more than 5. But I remember thinking, "I'm about to push this baby out, is Dr. Myers going to be here in time  to deliver?" So, I ask her if Dr. Myers would make it in time. She said, "yes, it takes him about 4 minutes to walk over here." So to relieve my worry she called him. I stopped pushing until he made. He told me immediately that Maverick had a head full of hair. I pushed about 2 more pushes and he was saying, "look down here Amy at all this hair." I look and Dr. Myers is combing Mavericks hair out with his hands (I hadn't even fulling pushed Maverick out yet, only his head.) After checking out that fabulous hair I began to push again, felt his shoulders come out and Dr. Myers laid him up on my belly. Mom and Brandon said, "he looks like Memphis." He did. He had those chubby cheeks like Memphis did. He was born at 11:29a.m.

We all guessed how much he'd weigh. Dr. Myers 8lbs, Brandon and me 8lbs. 1oz. and my nurse 7lbs. 14oz. My nurse hit it right on. He was 20 1/2in. long! I couldn't believe it. The other two were only 19. Dr. Myers said he would be my basketball player.

Once the dr was finished and the nurses left out we had just the boys to come in. It was so sweet. Brandon and I sat there crying as Bo checked out his baby brother. We video taped it, but I haven't went back to watch it. I've got a pretty bad case of the baby blues, and am crying at the drop of a hat.

I just feel so blessed and I am oh so thankful that God has blessed me with three healthy handsome little boys. So, far Maverick looks a lot like his daddy. He has the Marlow skin and dark hair. Brandon is really hoping it stays like that, so do I.

I'm trying to soak in every little detail and memory because this will be my last one and I just want to remember every little thing about it that I can. I can honestly say I love being pregnant, even though I'm usually sick as a dog, and love giving birth and taking care of a newborn. It just makes me feel great. I feel like I'm fulfilling my life. I know that's crazy, and probably makes no sense, but there is just something about it that I love and I am going to miss. I just cry thinking I'll never get to experience it again.

Memphis did ask me if I thought God would give us two more babies. He wants to know what a sister would look like.

Maverick's 1 week old

Maverick is a week old today. I can't believe it. I had forgot that loving feeling that a newborn brings, and I am trying my best to soak up every last little bit of it because I know it goes by all to fast. He'll be our last one, so I'm trying not to forget it. I just sit and look at him. He's so stinking cute. I'm crazy in love with him and so are the boys. I just cry every time I see them love on him because I know that Brandon and I have taught them that love. I also forgot how tiresome new mommies are.

Week In Review & Maverick Is HERE!!!!!!!!

Yep, little man Maverick has made his arrivial.  He was born Wednesday, June 26th.

Well, to review last week since blogging might be a little hard since I've given birth, but I'll try my best because it was the last week as a family of four.

Our last family fun night was Friday, June 21st. We watched Monster's University, and the boys loved it.

The next day, Saturday the 22nd, the boys and I went to Hobby Lobby, Ross's, and Target by ourselves.  When we got back home Memphis said, "mommy, I had fun with you today." I love taking the boys out like that and Memphis saying things like that. He's such a sweetie.

Sunday, we went to church. I felt miserable. I was cramping. It was hot. I was craving Alfredo and veggies and I made me some Fetticini Alfredo with grilled chicken and zuchinni and squash. It was delicous.

Monday morning at 2:45 I woke up with contractions 7 minutes apart. I woke up, timed them for two hours, and showered. After I showered, they stopped. I thought for sure that I was going to be heading to hospital seeing it was my due date and all. We went to mom and dads for breakfast and then came back home. I was afraid to get out and do to much because I knew my dr. wasn't on call until Wednesday and I was afraid I'd go into labor. lol I cooked bacon for Memphis and Brandon for supper and Bo and I had grilled cheese sandwiches and Bo added a side of grape jelly to his. His food cravings and Brandons constant eating during my pregnancy is one thing I'll definately miss.

Tuesday, was my dr. apt. I got there and was 70% effaced and 3cm. He told me he believed I'd go into labor on my own and stripped my membranes. He gave me the option to be induced the next day or Friday. Those were the two days that he was on call that week. I decided to go with Friday. As I was leaving he told me he thought he'd see me tomorrow! On my way home I stopped at the Cookout and got me some lunch. Then I stopped at Food City to do some grocery shopping. I had started having contractions and cramping immediately leaving the dr. office. I had a plan for the next two days. I ran up to mom and dads and got the boys ate supper with them, and came home. I fixed Brandon and the boys some corndogs and fries and fixed myself a baked potatoe. Still contracting and cramping I begged Brandon to go walking with me but he wouldn't. His brother came down and mowed and tooked the boys up to their mamaw and papaws til Aunt Katie could get there. So, while they were gone Brandon told me to walk around the house, so I did a little cleaning. Just little stuff like picking up toys sweeping mopping and dishes. I had plans on Wednesday waking up and doing laundry cleaning out the car and going through everything that needed to be sorted and organized. Well, about 9:30 we went and got the boys and left about 10:15. Got home bathed the boys and went to bed.

Wednesday, I woke up with a contraction, and then a few more. I got up at 3:01 to look at the clock and go to the bathroom. I won't write to much abou this day because I'll do a birthday story post, but needless to say 3:01 a.m. was a new beginning to our lives.

Thursday, we were in the hospital all day  loving on our little man. 

Friday, we were sent home.  We had to take him to Children's for an ultrasound on his heart. We made it home and the boys we're excited to see him. They were here waiting on us. They were showing him all their toys, Bo did some booty shaking for him, they were loving on him. Memphis kept holding him and when Brandon or I would hand him off to one another he would act nervous. He even called Brandon a crazy person because he thought Brandon wasn't handling him right. He would even try to stop the swing because he thought it was swinging to high.

Saturday, we had to take him back to the dr. for his newborn checkup. Dr. Freeman said he was perfect. I totally agree! :)

The sweetest thing ever was Saturday night. Memphis kept kissing Maverick, telling him he was awesome, saying he's so cute I just want to squeeze him, and telling him he loved him. Then he ask me what a sister would have looked like. I told him just like Maverick. Then he said I'd like to have 10 million brothers and sisters. I told him that wasn't possible, so he said I'd like to have one more brother and a sister. I cried, because that was sweet and I'm hormonal. Then he said the sweetest thing, I can't thing about it without crying, in fact, I'm crying right now trying to type it. He said, "mommy, do you think God will give us two more babies." Talk about melting my HEART!!!!!!!!!!!

Everytime Maverick cries upsets Cruz. He thinks the baby is mad at him and he starts to cry himself.


I started writing this post on Sunday, June 30th. Today is Tuesday, July 2nd. I've been a little busy! I'm gonna try to do a birth story post and a full blown post of pictures only!

Still Waiting

So, today was my 39 week appointment.  I'm still 2cm. and only 30% effaced.With my other two pregnancies I always ask Dr. Myers what he thought about when I would deliver, the weight of the baby, etc. He was pretty close with both. So, today he thinks Maverick will weigh 8 to 8 1/2lbs. I go back Tuesday, which I will be 40wk. 1 day, and he's going to check me then and possibly induce me on Wednesday if my cervix had made any progress. However, he told me he could be wrong that my water could break, but he was pretty sure I'd make it to Tuesday. We shall see. I was kinda, sorta, really hoping that I'd go into labor on my own because of the thrill, but I really want Dr. Myers to deliver. I guess you can't have both. I do suppose induction will be much better on everyone especially the kids; that way we have a game plan.

Bo just came and gave me a hug, told me he loved me, and I looked like him. lol He's so funny.

Today, after my appointment, I took the boys to get haircuts. After the lady cut Bo's she said, does that look good, and he said,"no". After Memphis got his cut he ask for a mirror to see his. lol

Our next Family Fun Night is Friday. We are going to the movies to watch "Monster's University". Memphis is so excited to see this. I've never saw him as excited over a movie as he is for this one.

Nesting & Resting

It's getting closer and closer for Maverick's arrival. I can't wait to meet him. In one breath it feels as if I've been pregnant for forever. In the other I feel like it's flown by. I'm 38 weeks and 4 days. I went to the dr. 2 days ago and was dialated 2 cm., but the dr. says he thinks I'll go right around my due date, and he's been right with his predictions from my other 2 pregnancies, so I'm going off his judgement. I've been nesting like a mad woman, and trying to rest when Brandon  gets home from work early. It's amazing out good a 30 minute power nap can make you feel. 

Last week's family fun night was thrown for a loop a little bit. I had a late dr. appointment that day, and apparently every pregnant woman due decided to pop on that day, and all the dr.'s where running behind. After my appointment at the office I had an appointment at the hospital to register and take a tour. The boys (including the hubs) where cranky and hungry. So, after we left the hospital we went to Chick-Fil-A for supper and stopped at Dairy Queen for dessert. Memphis fell off the side walk at DQ, and cried the whole way home because Bo kept telling him that he was going to have to have his leg cut off, and he was going to be the one to do it, and was asking Brandon for his pocket knife. Needless to say, it was a stressful FFN! But definately one I'll remember.

Last night was FFN, for this week and we roasted weenies and marshmallows. The boys enjoyed. They also enjoyed getting to feed the dog hotdogs they had roasted, and Cruz of course, loved getting sticks and setting them on fire. He's all boy. He does this little dance and song after bathtime and it's all about his tighty whiteys. It's hilarious. He's hilarious.

Hopefully, the next time I'll be blogging about my birth story. :)

Week In Review

We've had a busy/crazy week!

Monday, we waited on daddy to get off work, and we went to my parents house for a cook-out. Have I ever mentioned that my mom is the best cook?! Well, she is. We had corn on the cob, green beans and new potatoes, macaroni salad, and grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. In fact, I haven't been able to get those bean, potatoes, and corn outta my head since then, so I went to Food City today to buy some more.

Tuesday, we hung out at home, but we played hard. A hard day of play consisted of water gun fights, bubble blowing, the boys peeing in an empty paint bucket, making a pretend apartment for the dog, and chalk board painting on the front porch. Sweet summertime! My boys love playing outside, bare foot and shirtless. They play hard too. I mean from 8a.m.-8p.m. No naps and I have to force them to come inside to eat.

Wednesday, we went and bought Maverick's swing.

Thursday, I had a dr. appointment. Maverick's doing great. Before my appointment we took some donations to the Goodwill and cleaned out the car. After the appointment we stopped by the mall and done a little shopping in Gap Kids. I love that store! There was a male employee there who came op to me several times to tell me about the sales, see if I was finding everything ok, etc. Well, this employee was a wee bit in touch with his female side. The first time he walked up Memphis ask me if that was a boy or a girl. Second time, same question. Third time, same question followed by, what's wrong them because he doesn't act like a boy. Oh the curiousity of children! Once we made it home we headed out for "Family Fun Night". This weeks FFN consisted of Cracker Barrell, Bass Pro Shop, and Target for toys that they just had to have. Don't know what next weeks FFN will consist of, but I'm sure Memphis will enjoy it.

Friday, the boys and I ran down to get a few groceries. While at the store I started having contractions. Intense contractions. Every 5 min. apart. Got home, called Brandon, called the bff, called dr., called mom. Showered, threw a bunch of stuff in a bag while mom threw a bunch of stuff in the diaper bag and ran out the door like first time parents scrambling around to get everything finished. Memphis was so excited he thought for sure Maverick was coming. Cruz didn't have a care in the world. I was a little paniced because I had nothing ready. After spending two hours at the dr. office I was sent home. My mom kept the boys last night so Brandon and I could do a little cleaning/preparing for the baby.

So, today I've cleaned, napped, and grocery shopped. I'm totally nesting because Cruz is laying here asleep and I'm fixing to get up and clean some more! I'm so ready to meet this little guy and check out his adorable chin dimple and his head full of hair.

Family Fun Night

We had our first "Marlow Family Fun Night" last night. Memphis has been asking for a few months now if we could have a family fun night. So, last night we did. We had Papa Johns XL cheese pizza and went to the park for a little fishing. We didn't catch anything:(. But we did have fun and enjoy each others company.  We will be having our 2nd family fun night next Thursday. Memphis wants to play games. I ask him what game he'd like to play(totally thinking I'm going to have to go buy a board game), and he tells me he wants to play "tag your it". Oh Lord, I'll be in the hospital having this baby if I don't talk him out of it. LOL! I'll be sure to try and remember to post pictures from last nights family fun night and blog about next weeks.

Maverick update, he's growing good and I am dialated 1/2 a centimeter and 50% effaced at 35 weeks. I can't wait to see him. In my last ultrasound they said he had hair, which you could see swaying in the fluid, and he has a dimple in his chin!