Coming Home As A Family Of 4 (we have to add Edgar, of course)

Well we stayed in the hospital until Sunday, April 5th. It was way too long to be there but at least we are home safe. It has been so wonderful to be in our own home! And Edgar is very happy that things are getting back to normal. He was pretty upset with us when he first saw us but he's doing a lot better.
Levi is wonderful! He makes me smile even when I am sleep deprived and miserable. He lost quite a bit of weight so our goal is to get him gaining more weight again. I dont think that will be a problem since he loves to eat.
Basically, we are just enjoying each day and trying to get lots of rest. We take tons of pictures because Levi always does something new to amaze us:)
He looked a lot like Steve in the beginning but each day he looks more and more like his mom:) I got out some of my baby pictures and it's amazing how similar we look! Some people still think he looks just like Steve but Steve and I get to see him when he is wide awake and making the funny faces he does... he looks JUST like me:) Its actually exciting because this whole time I thought he was going to look just like Steve and nothing like me but its cool to see little bits of me in him:) I am still hoping he gets his dad's eyes though:)

Levi's first day home

Mad face

Sad face

Kissing face
BrothersMomma and her Baby Bear

Edgar kissing Levi

This is the picture they showed on the screen at church

Dad and his boys

Easter Sunday
Levi's first: Holiday, church service and original due date

Uncle Gabriel

Levi Abner James Is Finally Here!!!!

On April 1, I had my 38 week check up. Steve decided to take off work and come with me just to see if I had made any progress. The whole week before I had been having lots of contractions and we were hoping that Levi's large head had worked its way down. I had been to Labor and Delivery twice with false alarms since I had seen my Dr. just the week before. Sadly, I hadn't made any progress but we were hoping that when I saw him... maybe a miracle would have happened and it would be time.
Well, he checked me and sadly, Levi's head was still very high up. My blood pressure was getting higher and that worried the Dr. a lot. With that, the headaches and the slow laboring I had been doing (with no progress) the Dr became more concerned.
He was asking me questions and flipping through some paperwork, looking at ultrasound results and asking about Levi's original due date.
Then he said "well, there is no progress and Im getting concerned. With your blood pressure getting higher, your risks of having a seizure increases everyday that the baby stays inside. So I think we need to deliver this baby... today."
Steve and I were speechless and totally taken off guard. Steve was planning on going back to work... I was going to go home and sleep more. This was not in our plans at all. I think the Dr. could tell we were shocked because we said nothing and then he added, "I know this is a lot to take in but its the best choice. We know we need to deliver the baby soon so we have to decide when and I think today, then we have to decide how we are going to deliver and his head is obviously not moving so I say c-section. Do you have any questions?"
I think we managed to ask a few questions and discuss it for about 2 minutes and then he said, "great well don't eat or drink, come back at 3 and we'll get you prepped for surgery at 5."
And that was it...

So Steve and I went home and enjoyed our last moments at home, with Edgar, without a baby. It was surreal... it was weird to think, "okay, this is it... I will never be back in this house without a baby. Steve and I will never again just be husband and wife but also mom and dad. The next time I walk into our home... Ill have a son in my arms."
Then we headed to the hospital and I tried to be brave.

Just a couple of hours before Levi was born

Our last picture as a family without Levi

So, before I knew it I was in the hospital room, filling out paperwork and getting prepped for surgery. It was weird knowing that Levi would be born so soon. They gave me an IV, put me in a big gown and even put one of those covers over my hair. My mom and Steve were in the room with me for a couple hours and at 5pm, it was time.


As soon as I said bye to my mom and Steve (he had to put on scrubs and would be coming in after my spinal was over) it started to sink in and I got really really nervous. The walk to the surgery room was one of the scariest things in my life. I started to shake everywhere and got really nervous. Then, they brought me into this room that was totally white and "sterile", sat me on a bed and began to give me a Spinal (which the nurse said was no big deal and wouldnt hurt at all). The spinal was the worst experience of my life. They kept missing the right spot to do the injection and I think I ended up with 7 pokes before they finally got the right spot. I remember sobbing and leaning on my doctor who was trying to calm me down. I kept getting pain and tingly feelings on my left side. It was horrible.
By the time Steve came in, I was hysterical. I remember him walking in with a smile on his face but once he saw how upset I was, the smile quickly left. I kept crying and begging him, "please don't ever make me do this again. I never want to do this again. Please dont make me."
Finally, the numbness kicked in, they put up the sheet and I could hear the tools. I couldn't feel them cutting my stomach but I knew they were which made it weird. Then, I felt this weird pressure and as they pulled Levi out, my whole body was being jerked and pulled. It felt awful. Steve actually stood up and watched them pull him out. I was crying and saying, "I dont like this. This hurts."
And then, I heard him cry.
They showed him to me over the sheet and I'll be honest, he looked disgusting. He was blue with white goo all over him but of course he was still beautiful and thats when tears of joy came. Thy quickly took him over to my left to give him some oxygen and measure and weigh him. Steve went over and took pictures and I had to lay there, staring from a distance. I kept asking if he was okay and the nurses said, "he's perfect. He's breathing and peeing a lot. Everything is fine." Then, Steve came over and held Levi to my face so I could kiss him. I remember saying, "take a picture. Quick. Before I lose it." I could feel myself fading. We took the picture and thats all I remember.

Levi Abner James Hanks
Born on April 1, 2009 at 5:23pm
7lbs 14.8oz
20 3/4 inches long

Our first family picture

Washing all that beautiful blonde hair

The nurse said in her 25 years of working, she had never seen this size of a baby with a head so big. His head was 14 3/4 inches around.

Then, I remember waking up with Naomi and my mom at my side saying "he's perfect and beautiful and you aren't going to believe how much hair he has!" Steve walked in with him shortly after and sure enough... I couldn't believe all his blonde hair! It was beautiful and he was just perfect :)

This was the first time I got to hold him.

So that was the story... it was the worst and best experience of my life. It was hard and painful and it definitely wasn't what I had hoped for or had in mind. However, I am blessed with a healthy baby boy and it doesnt matter how he came out. All that matters is he is out and we are both safe:)

Pictures before Levi was born

35 weeks

36 weeks

37 weeks

38 weeks

A couple hours before Levi was born

35 weeks pregnant and very ready for Levi to come

Well, it has been quite a while since I last posted. I am officially 35 1/2 weeks pregnant, however Levi is measuring quite large.
I have been in intense pain for the last 2 months or so and was having troubles walking or even moving around at all. My pelvis and back just feel like they are going to break. I recently started going to a chiropractor which has brought some relief and I can walk better now. However, I am still in a lot of pain and just ready for Levi to come out!

Anyways, the doctors can't explain what the pain is. I have been in Labor and Delivery twice for the pain and some pretty bad cramping. The first time they said it was normal, his heart beat was fine and sent me home. The second time, I was there for 8 hours and they realized this wasn't "normal". They gave me an IV for water and morphine, gave me a morphine shot, did an ultrasound, watched Levi's heart, and sent me home with a couple prescriptions. This was not fun at all! The ultrasound didn't reveal anything abnormal except the fact that Levi's feet are massive and measuring very big. Other than that... they sent me home hoping the pain would get better... and it got worse. Finally, I went to the chiropractor and found out I had multiple pinched nerves and some other little problems in the discs.

Then, my doctor ordered an ultrasound to check my placenta at 33 weeks. Everything looked normal and healthy... and we found out that Levi was quite large. At that time he was 5 lbs 8 oz. The "average" weight for that time was around 4 lbs. Levi also had a very very large head. At the time, the ultrasound tech just smiled and said "well your baby is pretty large and has a pretty big head but that's all Ill tell you". Then, my doctor called with the results and said his head was in the 95th percentile. And he was measuring around 2 weeks ahead of schedule (they didn't change my due date though because they say the earliest ultrasound is most accurate). So basically Levi takes after Steve... obviously. And he will be here early.









He is so precious. His little foot was right in his face and he even stuck his tongue out at us! He is very very low and head down so he is pretty ready to come out, and we are definitely feeling the same way.

Another big thing that has happened has been some issues with my doctor. After she gave me morphine and prescribed me vicodin... I started to feel a little uncomfortable. That and a couple other things just made me feel uneasy (not to mention upset my mom A LOT). Then, the doctor said she talked to another doctor who said "it probably wasnt the best idea to do vicodin so we'll take a step back and do morphine". That wasn't very reassuring.
So, after much thought and talk with some other people and prayer... I have decided to switch doctors. I realize this is not common specially so close to labor but I think this is what is best for me and Levi. I went into an office yesterday and signed over all my records from my previous place. The new office should be calling me today to let me know if they will take me this late. I am a little nervous but just praying and trusting that God will be in control and whatever happens would be for the best.

Anyways, Steve and I have been doing a lot of preparing for this little one to come! We bought a crib and have been trying to organize our place in a way that will give us enough room for all the extra stuff we'll be bringing in. It's been tough and exhausting but fun and exciting too! Steve has been SO wonderful and helpful. I would be a wreck without him.

So we completely rearranged our room. We added the crib, a really awesome vintage dresser and a shelf. The dresser and shelf are great however they are unfinished because in the summer we are going to paint them!!! I cant wait.

And just yesterday my friends threw me a baby shower! It was such a blessing! Everyone was wonderful and we got so many great stuff!!! It is just becoming more and more real and it's hard to believe that the party was for me.... and our son. Its just crazy.

So this week we are continuing to prepare. I am focusing on getting my hospital bag packed because at this time... you never know when its going to happen. I am also starting on some fun sewing projects like blankets, some cute onesies that I am going to sew stuff on, bibs and burp cloths.

Other than that... things are pretty much the same. Edgar got fixed yesterday so he has been kind of funny and out of it. He is such a great dog! I am excited to see how he is with Levi. I think he'll just be so curious at first and want to play. I cant picture there being any problems because Edgar is so relaxed and pretty passive. Im just hoping he doesnt get jealous. Anyways, he's growing fast and a lot of fun.

Here are some pictures of how much my belly has grown since 24 weeks!

24 weeks

25 weeks

26 weeks

27 weeks

28 weeks

29 weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

32 weeks

33 weeks

34 weeks

I'm sure I will be updating this soon since a lot is probably going to happen pretty soon:)

I just want to say one more thing... through all of this God has never stopped being faithful. It is amazing the little ways he has provided all that we need and everyday we learn to lean on and trust in each other and God more and more.
Life is wonderful and although this has been very very difficult at times and a test of faith... I am happiest girl in the world! I have the most wonderful husband who never ceases to amaze me, a baby boy who reminds me of his presence every time he kicks me with those large feet, a great dog who makes me laugh all the time, a home that is small yet perfect and wonderful family and friends who bless me all the time! God is always good and always faithful and He has taught us a lot these past 8 months:)

Just an update

Life has been wonderful! Steve and I are very happy and LOVE where we are right now. I am still feeling sick with the pregnancy, but the closer I get the more I don't notice it. I'm just so excited to have Levi that the sickness doesn't bother me as much.
The past couple weeks have been miserable. The weather has been AWFUL and sometimes I can't remember why we chose to stay in Alaska. First, it was so cold that it was painful to go outside and our cold snap lasted longer then ever before. Then, everything melted and froze again during the nights so this week our streets have been very scary and the wind has been pretty bad. Schools were canceled 3 days in a row. There were never than many in service days when we were in school!!!

But, with all that going on... we have been doing great! Levi is extremely active all the time and although its painful at times, I love it.
Just last night Steve was trying to feel him moving around and he was being pretty still when all the sudden he kicked (or punched) 4 times in a row really fast! It was incredible. Who knew something so small could be so strong?

Then, today we went and had a 3d/4d ultrasound!!! We actually got to see what Levi is going to look like! It was amazing. And honestly, he looks just like Steve. I know that may sound funny but his nose, mouth and even long legs and big feet are all like his dad:)

So, he looks great! Everything looks normal (except his feet may be a little big for his body but that's alright) and he is growing quickly! He is running out of room fast and I am predicting we are going to have Little Levi sooner than we had expected!!!

He is perfect! Look at that little face.

Levi is more of a night owl so he was trying to sleep the whole time.

Levi Stretching: poor guy doesn't have much room.

This is our favorite! Look how precious. He is perfect! And look at that big foot!!!!