Born 6:52 am 9/30/11, 8lbs 3oz, 22 inches long

What a big boy! Well...his head was anyway (14cm). Jonny Fox Boehm was born 7 weeks ago and I am just now writing about it. I guess you could say I've been busy.


7 weeks earlier....
9/29/11
9:30 am, was in triage with cramping/labor...dilated to 2 cm.
3:00 pm, admitted into the hospital, was not leaving without a baby!
3:30 pm, nurses kept poking me to start an IV...the most painful experience I can remember. They finally brought in the guy that later did my epidural. I had bruises all over my hands and arms for weeks.
4:00 pm, started pitocin (to produce stronger contractions)
6:00 pm, got an epidural (didn't work the way it was supposed to)
8:00 pm, 4 cm and "relaxing" with Jonathon
9:00 pm, water broke (heard and felt it pop, so weird!)
9/30/11
2:00 am, started pushing. This hurt a great deal and I had to stop at least 4 times for puking episodes (which I was afraid was going to happen).
4:00 am, stopped pushing and rested
4:45 am, started pushing again. No progress. I was fully dilated and Jonny was low...but his head just wouldn't fit through my pelvis.
6:30-ish am, was taken to get a c-section.
6:52 am, I heard the first cries of little Jonny Boehm. It was quite an experience!

The whole time Jonathon was by my side...he held one leg while I pushed, held my hair and bucket while I got sick., and held my hand while I was cut open. I was so embarrassed and knew that it had to be awful to be in his situation - though maybe not as bad as mine. Considering it was a 24 hour labor and delivered so early, we did not have visitors until after he was born. Most of me is ok with that, but a little part of me wishes someone else were there....not sure who, just someone. Nobody could have known that though, because I told them all they didn't need to visit. I didn't want them to sit around and be bored. I had no lack of visitors for the following few days, though.

I don't think I have ever been more tired in my life. I could have fallen asleep at the drop of a pin! With the long labor, visitors, constant nurses, and now a newborn in the room....there was not much sleep to be had. I tried breastfeeding, but I just knew he wasn't getting enough food (though everyone said he was). By the time we left the hospital I was supplementing with formula...which I know is common. Jonny had to go to his dr the day after we were released from the hospital...mostly because he had lost over a pound and they wanted to check his bilirubin again (we had to use the bili-blanket in the hospital because of jaundice). I was told to supplement even more. I used a bottle to feed him the formula since it was so much, that was a bad idea. He took right to it, and no longer wanted me. So I tried to pump and feed him that through a bottle...but I wasn't getting enough. This was a very emotional time anyway, and I took it as him rejecting me.....rationally I know it wasn't personal, but it felt like it was. This was all in the first week home...STRESS! I had never been around babies, so I was (am) constantly learning.

He's constantly growing and changing. It's pretty amazing! He is adorable, I couldn't have asked for a cuter baby. He looks mostly like Jonathon, but he has my eyes. :) I haven't stopped worrying about him since I heard his first cry. I worry about his head getting flat (I bought a special pillow, seems to help). I worry about him spitting up a lot. I worry about him being gassy and in pain. I worry about him eating enough. I worry when he coughs. I worry, worry, worry. Even when his daddy is here watching him so I can have a few minutes....I worry. I wonder if a parent ever stops worrying?

 

"full term"....scary phrase!

These days 37 weeks is full term. That means, it really could be any day that little Jonny will show himself. Yes....Jonny. I think we finally decided on Jonathon Fox Boehm. I had to have the Fox in there...would probably be better as Jonathon Foxworth Boehm...but daddy wasn't going for that. I just hope things don't get too confusing. Jonny Fox...that's just cool! right?

So here's an update. Jonathon is finally divorced! He's been very quiet about it...maybe he doesn't know how to react. I mean, to celebrate seems wrong...but we are relieved he is divorced before Jonny got here. This will be my last weekend to stay at my mom's. After that, when the kids are over...I will be there. I know Tina will be very upset, but I might have a newborn by then! I'm not packing up myself and a newborn every other weekend until we are married (and I'm not sure when that will be). Sorry! I do want to talk to the girls and let them know what's going on, though. I want them to know that we understand what they are going through, that we are sorry for putting them through it all, that we know we aren't doing things the right way, and that this is the way it will be from now on. I do think they like me, but they are each processing it in their own way. Lord help us all!

I saw an ultrasound of the baby a few days ago. It kinda freaked me out actually. Things are pretty cramped in there, so it's hard to see things clearly. I saw his face, but it looked creepy with the ultrasound. It was interesting to watch his little mouth suck on his lip. Last time he was sucking his thumb...I wonder if that's why he gets hiccups so much. Anyway, I think he has his daddy's nose...which is ok because he's a boy. Otherwise, we might have had to start saving for surgery. jk  I like his nose :)

Physically, I am exhausted all the time. Tired, uncomfortable, have to pee every 5 minutes, heartburn/acid reflux, nausea, always hot, pubic symphysis dysfunction, swollen everything, over-fullness after eating...etc. Mentally, I am forgetful, worried, anxious, excited, nervous, scared, eager. I just don't want to screw up.

I don't feel like I've bonded with him in the last 9 months the way I should have. I think it's because I've been too scared about everything. What a pity. I am sure I will feel differently when he is here. I like to watch and feel my belly move...even though it is still so weird! It makes me wonder what he's doing in there.

I had to put my two weeks in at the gallery. I won't be able to afford to work here after Jonny is born. It's not enough to pay for daycare. *sigh* I hope we can do this. So many worries. I know people have done it with less...I just never thought I would be there.

Hard to believe the next time I write, there may be another little one in the world!

Almost 30!

Weeks that is. Hard to believe I'll be 31 years old when he is born. Seems like a late start, but not too late. I guess in that regard, timing wasn't all that bad. Everything else, timing has been awful!
We have told the girls they are going to have a baby brother. So far, they seem really excited! We'll see if it lasts. I feel bad that I can only handle so much of them right now. It's just very overwhelming! It doesn't help that I've not been well lately. This pregnancy has greatly exacerbated my Sacroiliac Joint pain/dysfunction. If you don't know what that is, it's pretty much like someone is stabbing you in the back (to the right or left of your tailbone) every time you move. It got to the point of not being able to walk without great pain. At the moment, it has improved...I hope it stays that way. I think being able to rest this past weekend helped. The doc gave me some painkillers, but I was/am hesitant to take them. They made me sick and who knows really what they are doing to the baby. So...I only use those when it is necessary.
I must mention the heat. It is unbearable! I knew summer would be a problem (it usually is sans pregnancy). Yesterday the heat index was over 112...mostly because of humidity. The temp was in the 90's though...still very hot! Today is not better...and looking at the forecast next week is going to be worse. WORSE?! Yeah, I'm staying inside as much as possible. I'm already cooking a baby, I don't want to cook myself too.
Money issues are as usual - tight. We are doing ok right now, though. My mother, she has been such a help to me (us). She is tough, but she has really come through. Thank God for her and everyone else who has helped us. It makes life a little bit easier, and boy could I use some easy right now!
Baby shower is next month. I'm nervous, really not used to all that attention...nor do I care for it. I am very appreciative of all those who come, though. I didn't even know I knew that many women! Jonathon's mother has invited a couple people and my brain is too stupid to remember them. :( I know I met them memorial day, but I am awful with names. She didn't take that well. I can't win.
The divorce decree is finally written. That took WAY too long. Now we just have to get his (soon to be) ex to agree to it then finalize it. It will be nice to have that over with...though I know it will never really be over. I just want him to not be married to someone else when our boy comes. Insurance-wise, it works out best that we won't be married yet, though. Sad but true.
Our baby is still a no-name. Nothing seems to fit! We know we want the initials to be JTB. We just don't know the first name yet. We need to stop asking other people and just come up with something ourselves, if they don't like it - too bad. I'm already compromising by giving him a J name. Julian? Joel? Jude? They don't like those. I still like Joshua, even if it's not unique. I hate to wait until he's born.
I still love Jonathon to pieces. Things get frustrating and sometimes he doesn't help, but overall he has been wonderful lately. I can tell we love each other so much. It's going to get harder, but I think we have what it takes to get through it. <3

Another month goes by...

I get bigger, the bank accounts get smaller.
We have finally moved in. Of course, we had to buy things for the new place...considering we had nothing. Thanks to my mom for letting us use some of her furniture. She has given quite a bit, I am very appreciative. There are things here and there that need to be bought or fixed. My own checking account has dwindled more than I expected. It takes forever to build it back up, too. Poor Jonathon's car quit on us, so he had to find a cheap (but good) replacement in a week. No stress there! Life just said "You don't have enough to worry about, take this too!". *sigh* He found something for $1,200. Not much for a car, but a big chunk out of the account. I hope we can recover quickly. I never wanted to live paycheck to paycheck...but who does? Once I start feeling ok about things, he talks to his ex and I get all worked up at what she has to say...and what he DOESN'T say back. I really wish he would stand up for himself...and for us. I know he is completely stressed out, also. I just hope one day he realizes he doesn't have to take it.
I've met the kids a few more times. I don't stay the night when they are there. I'm not sure if that's for my benefit or their's. I don't know if I can handle an overnight with them, yet. Though, I can't keep this up for much longer. We have yet to tell them they are getting a baby brother. Timing is a b*tch. Hopefully tomorrow. I am nervous about how they will handle it. Surely they notice that my belly is growing, but maybe they just think I'm fat. ha I know Tina thinks we are setting a bad example. None of us think that this is an ok way to do things, but it is happening. We are certainly not going to let them think it's ok, at the same time they need to know that this baby is not at fault and that he is a blessing. I just wish we were married already. It's not like I'm proud of myself for getting in this situation. I don't think Jonathon could feel much more guilty. It's gonna take awhile to make all this right, I just hope no one ever takes it out on the baby.
Speaking of baby...we still don't have a name. I can't help but think if all this other stuff weren't happening, we would have a lot more time and attention to spend on this miracle happening inside of me. I feel like I'm already neglecting him...and I feel like Jonathon is too. Not by choice, there's just only so much that can go around. I've been a bit more clingy lately. He used to say he liked that...but I'm not so sure anymore. He has the kids every other weekend now, so that leaves more time for us...which is nice. :) Also, he gets to spend more time with the girls at a time. At least, that's the idea.
Lord, give me the strength...PLEASE!

Life just keeps moving along

Seems so much has happened lately.

We found out we are having a boy! I cannot tell you how much this excites me. Jonathon's first son! They said everything looks good. We watched him move around on the ultrasound while the nurse did all the measurements. It was pretty amazing. We still have yet to agree on a name. 4 more months!
The bankruptcy has been filed, and all that mess is nearly behind us. The divorce continues to progress slowly...but things are finally getting SOMEwhere it seems. We took the condo. Lord, I pray we can afford it. It makes me very nervous, but we'll see how it goes. We have yet to actually move in.

I was supposed to go to Scotland, probably for the last time in a long time or ever. I was really looking forward to it. I knew the timing was bad, but I thought it was something I needed to do. Well, I ended up getting Jonathon's cold. It wasn't just any cold, it hit me hard and fast. It was more like a cold/flu...and of course it hit right before I was to leave. I just couldn't travel like that. I also didn't want to get my dad sick. It's been over a week and I'm just now getting over it. So...no Scotland. I was very bummed, and I still am...but I think some things happen for a reason. I guess this way I can work more and I did meet the kids sooner. I'll also be able to help move.

I met Jonathon's daughters. That was pretty interesting. They love me! At least, for now. We went to dinner, dairy queen, got flowers for their mother and granny for mother's day, then rented a movie. They bicker as siblings do. They are each so unique. They have their own problems and their own charms. It is certainly a lot to handle and digest as I have never really been around children much in my life. I hope we can always gets along, at least as best as possible.

I cannot believe I will be having my own child. I am nervous, so nervous. I have no idea what I'm doing. I need to look into all the classes I can take. It is so strange to feel him move around. That just started a week ago. This is really happening.

I love Jonathon so much, and I love this baby. I hope God will continue to bless us in these hard times.

Thank God for Jesus.

I thought I was stressed before, I'm about to hit the breaking point.
We STILL don't know where we are going to live. The condo would be great, but no one is confident we can afford it. So, we thought...how about his brother move in with us? That would be $200+ a month that we wouldn't have to pay him for watching the kids, and he said he would kick in a little. He doesn't really have a job...sooo...yeah. Benefit: -He would be there for the kids, and I think that would help them out a LOT. -It would help us with rent. -He cooks. Problem: -We have no bedroom furniture for him...nothing at all. -We won't have any privacy. All in all, it's just for a year. However, the way we spend money...I'm not as sure as I was that we can afford it. Also, I hate that we have to move in so soon. We don't really need a place till June or July.
I have no idea what's going on with the bankruptcy. Why is it taking SO FREAKING LONG?! It bothers me that she works at their office now, too. None of this is going quickly or smoothly it seems. Also, I still haven't met the kids. Today was going to be the day....again, but he is not confident about it. I'm not sure I should meet them then be gone for 4 weeks. I'll just have to meet them when I get back, hopefully I can hide my belly somehow.
Meanwhile, the divorce is halted because of all this bankruptcy stuff. I have no idea what's going on as far as her getting her own lawyer, etc. I just want something solid to stand on. I feel like I'm on quicksand and it's getting harder to breathe. I am more emotional which does not help anything. I am quick to anger and upset. In a way, I feel bad for Jonathon for having to deal with that...but at the same time, I feel like he doesn't really deal with it. He doesn't deal with ANYthing. It's infuriating! I feel so alone in this. Watching my friends and their pregnancies/babies does not help. Why can't we be excited? Oh yeah, we are too busy being ashamed. I'm tired of it. All of it.

I'm not ready!

All right, I'm a wee stressed out right now. Seems like after coasting for awhile, everything is now happening all at once! I am glad for the progress, but not for the timing. We knew all along this was bad timing, though.
We were approved for the condo! I'm pretty sure everyone was surprised by that. We just need to get a letter from his bankruptcy lawyer stating that the condo people won't be included in the creditors. That makes sense. I hope to get that by next week, that's when his lawyer said it would be ready anyway. Money is going to be tight, but I think we can do it. We move in May 1. I should say...he moves in May 1. I will be on a plane to Scotland for three weeks. Again, timing sucks! I guess at least I got out of moving....sorta. There will be lots for me to do when I get back, I am sure of that. It's getting to the point where I don't even want to go to Scotland. Not now anyway, too many things happening. Also, I won't have much money when I'm there and I'm not sure my father understands that. Money Money Money. There's just not enough for everything. We don't even have furniture, though I found some good cheap things on craigslist.
That would be one reason I'm stressed. #2: his other family. His ex asked if he was "shacking up" with someone, he said it wasn't her business. She agreed about that but then told him this wasn't a good time to do that. If only she knew WHY we were moving this fast. She said the kids are having a hard time. The oldest has been getting headaches, and all of them have been writing things in their journals at school about what's going on (which I think is a good thing). If only we could slow things down, but we are on a fixed timeline. I am sure the kids will adjust, how do all the other kids of divorced couples do it? How did I do it? ok, well I am not a good example...that was all around a bad time in my life. I just hope they don't view me the way I viewed my dad's wife. I'm sure they won't like me, that's to be expected...especially with what they hear from Tina. *sigh* I wish we could have done this differently, but what's done is done and we are trying to make things right.

Fat vs. Baby Bump

Well there is a bump, just not sure how much of it is baby. I have gained a lot of weight, which is embarrasing - disappointing - depressing - and worrisome. I hope I am able to lose it after the baby is born. I know a lot of women have a hard time with that, and I'm sure I'll be one of them.
Jonathon and I found a condo for rent. I think it's perfect for us. We won't know if we are approved until tomorrow. I am nervous, because his credit is pretty bad...and mine just isn't as developed as it could be. I know we would do fine, as long as someone gave us a chance. I try so hard to not get angry or bitter at his ex-wife for not paying bills on time, etc. It's not difficult! At least, in my opinion. I mean, it's not fun...who enjoys paying bills? Jonathon loathes even looking at them, so I volunteered to do it. He works hard, I should be able to handle the bills. I know she's a good woman, but she does things that REALLY irritate me. The worst part is that Jonathon puts up with it. I hope he's not like that with me, I don't like a push-over. I want a man with some stones!
I love him so much, and he seems to love me, too. I know he won't leave me, but I still worry. I worry that I will get too heavy and he won't find me attractive anymore. I worry that I'll become a bitter nag. I worry about money. I worry he will be working all the time. I worry about where we will live. I worry a lot. I know it doesn't do much good to feel that way. I just have to trust. I also have been envious lately. Several of my friends are having (or have had) babies this year. Their husbands/boyfriends go/went with them to every doctor visit. I realize Jonathon can't do that with his job, but it hurts a bit to hear the other guys say how amazing it was, etc. He has had three kids already, so maybe he doesn't understand the importance of this to me. At least he's going to be there for the gender ultrasound, whenever that is.
I sure hope we get that condo. I am not a patient person, I want to know now. Also, we need to get the ball rolling. I was hoping to meet his kids last saturday, but that was a no-go. Maybe this saturday? The following two saturdays I am busy and then I leave for Scotland for three weeks. I am excited about that trip, even though people are telling me not to go. This trip means more to me than money. It's about grasping that last bit of freedom before being tied down for the rest of my life. Not to be dramatic or anything.
My pregnancy sickness doesn't seem to want to go away. 5 more months...

Let's talk about the baby...

Almost 4 months in, and I'm still in shock. Sometimes I'm excited, then nervous, then bitter, then terrified, then I'm ok again. I can blame some of that on hormones, but not all of it.
The baby is 4 inches long by now. I can't wait to see the next ultrasound! By then I will know the gender. I am really hoping for a boy, but I will be fine with a girl (not like I have a choice). I just tend to get along better with boys. Also, he has three girls...it would be great to have a boy to carry on the name. Plus, I grew up with all sisters....I think it's good to have a brother. [I do have a younger brother, but I never grew up with him]. We have a name for a girl "Cosette Elisabeth Boehm". Nothing for a boy yet. I hope that's not a bad sign. ha! [edit:thinking about Brandon Thomas Boehm...?]
Morning sickness was pretty bad up until a couple weeks ago. I was feeling a lot better! Then this week it all came back. Not sure why, but I'm hoping it goes away again....and soon. My belly is growing fast, most of it fat. I've gained more than I should have, and it makes me very self-conscious. Jonathon still says I'm beautiful. :) I really don't feel like it. I am not looking forward to the summer. I'm going to be huge and hot. I'm already warm all the time, and I don't deal with heat well. My body was not made for it. I have already bought some maternity clothes and I've been wearing the biggest clothes I own. I'm already looking forward to losing this weight.
I have moments of selfishness when I think "there goes my freedom" and "ugh, the responsibility!", but those thoughts are waning as I think about having a piece of me grow up and what they might become. I hope I create a wonderful person. We....I hope we create a wonderful person. I have to remember I'm not in this alone. Life just got so much harder, and it's only going to get more difficult. I hear it is rewarding, though. It's time I grew up anyway.

You never know what the day will bring.

I am in a constant state of flux, as of late. The only thing I *know* is that come September, I will be responsible for a little one. Where will I be living? Where will I be working? Will he be divorced? When will we get married? Will we have enough money for us?
A little over a year ago I posted: "For the longest time I thought I didn't deserve love, now I think I deserve more than most people have to give. I will not settle. That may mean that I will be alone most of my life, but you know what? I am ok with that. I'd rather it be that way than to live with confusion, doubt, and pain. It's not easy being single, but it's not easy being in a relationship either. We'll just see what the future has to bring. I'm not going to focus on it anymore."
...and I didn't. I stayed true to my word. I was finally ok being single and not focusing on love. I was planning on going to Scotland for awhile to see what that might bring, to take a breather from life. My father wanted me to go to school there. I was not accepted, but I still wanted to spend some time in Edinburgh. I just wanted to get away, really. Then May 30th happened. I was at my mother's, playing a video game, when our water heater decided to break. She was out of town, so I called the plumber. Had I known who it would be, I would have looked a bit nicer. I don't want to say love at first sight, but I knew there was something about him the moment I opened the door. I led him to the leak, went back to my game...commented to a friend how cute the plumber was. I found myself going downstairs frequently to see if he needed anything. Then he started asking questions, all sorts of them. Long story short, we talked until 4 am. As he left, I asked if I gave him my number if he would use it. He said yes, so I did. We hugged....we kissed. It was amazing. As he drove off "the Diet Coke was awful, I only drank it so I could talk to you". That still makes me chuckle.
We started dating....he confessed some things. He is married, and has three kids. Whoa. Ok, I can deal with the kids, for some reason that didn't bother me as much as it probably should have. You're married?! I don't know why I didn't say good-bye, except that he had already stolen my heart. He said he had needed to get out of that marriage for awhile, but didn't out of convenience. He even told me he cheated on her once. Wow! I couldn't believe he told me that. He said it's something he could never do again, the guilt ate him alive. He is a christian man, after all. I didn't realize just how religious he was, actually. He really struggled with the idea of divorce, but he knew it had to be done. He wanted to be with me. And so it was decided.
We had a good few months, then September 1st came. Time for me to leave for Scotland. Originally it was going to be for 3 months or so, depending if the school would accept me then. Leaving him at the airport was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I cried, he cried. He moved into an apartment behind his mother's house and got internet (just so we could skype). The first two weeks we didn't talk much, my dad was still with me. After he left, we had late conversations. With a 5 hour difference, it made it a little difficult sometimes...but we made do. I missed him, but I still enjoyed my freedom. Once my dad realized the art school was not a possibility, he changed my return ticket. So I came home about 5 weeks early. I didn't fight him too hard on that....because I was homesick. Though, I just started getting used to it there...and I just met some people to hang out with. I now wish I had stayed longer.
So I came back, saw Jonathon as much as I could. Got half of my old job back at the art gallery. Less pay, fewer hours. Still, it was something. I ate all the foods I missed (gained all the weight I lost). Time passed...the divorce not proceeding quickly. We thought we would have more time to make sure everything was done right. We should have had that time, but God intervened by giving us a child. I was told it would be difficult for me to conceive, so we weren't as careful as we should have been. I mean, I managed to avoid it for 30 years! We found out in January when I was 4 weeks. I am now 15 weeks. I still have not met his kids, his divorce isn't any closer to being final (further from it actually), I haven't moved in with him, I don't really know where we will be living, I am sure I'll need a better job...so I have no idea what to do there.
I plan on meeting his kids soon. I'd rather they meet me before I look pregnant...instead of just fat. All these things keep me up at night. I try talking to Jonathon about it, but nothing seems to come from that. *sigh* What have I gotten myself into?