One Last Hoorah!

These are pictures taken on Saturday when I was originally supposed to be having Gunner. They called me at 9:00 pm on Friday night and told me they would not be inducing me the next day as they did not have enough rooms nor enough help. I did not give in without a fight! I was packed and ready to go as well as mentally prepared to have a baby the next morning. I ended up speaking with a hospital administrator the next morning who spoke with my doctor and "allowed" an induction to take place on Sunday morning. So, we spent our extra day playing and visiting the circus animals.

Welcome Gunner Lance Grothaus!

On September 16th, 2007, we welcomed the arrival of our second beautiful baby boy. Gunner Lance weighed in at 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. My wonderful OB was a bit off on the size of our little guy as she anticipated he would be well over 9 lbs., just like his big brother. I went into the hospital at 5:00 am to be induced. It took two hours before they broke my water at 7:00 am. I then walked and waited until they started the pitosin drip at 9:00 am. That's when the fun began! I immediately started having back labor and pretty strong contractions. I wanted to wait on the epidural until I really "needed" it. Being in labor over 13 hours with Gavin, I thought I had plently of time. I even had Clint out taking care of Gavin and the grandparents (my mom was with me) because I thought it was going to be a long day. They had just checked my cervix and I was only dialated to a 3. After the contractions kept getting closer and stronger, I asked for the epidural. I could tell by the reaction of the nurse that I might have waited too long to get it. Sure enough, about 30 minutes after getting the epidural, I was dilated to a 10 and ready to go, which was not long enough for the medicine to kick in. Mom had to call Clint and tell him to get to the hospital immediately. He and the OB just made it in time!! Other than not having any pain medicine, the labor went well and baby and mommy were very healthy. Gunner had a mild case of jaundice which has since gone away. He has days and nights a little mixed up, but he is otherwise a very good baby. Gavin is still adjusting to having his little brother around. As expected, he is not very happy about sharing his mommy, daddy, and grandparents. I know with time he will be a great big brother! With the two boys, I will not be able to post as frequently but will keep you as updated as possible. Love to you all!

'Lil Quarterback's First Birthday Party!

Happy FIRST Birthday, Gavin!

On August 29, 2006, at 7:47 pm Clint and I were able to experience the true miracle of life when our first baby boy was born. He was named Gavin Vance Grothaus. He weighed 9 lbs. 8.5 oz and was a lengthy 22 1/2 inches. Due to his head being lodged in the birth canal for a while, he had a very pronounced cone head which was easily camouflaged by a knit cap. He was the most beautiful baby we had ever seen. Unfortunately, due to complications with his breathing he was wisked away to the nursery and eventually on to the neonatal intensive care unit. We spent an exhausting 12 some odd hours worrying and praying for our son, not knowing what was wrong with him. Luckily, we would soon find out that he had pneumonia, a defective heart valve, and a heart murmer, all of which could be cured. Gavin spent the following week hooked up to monitors and IV's to help him get back to good health. We were so very happy to hold him that seventh day without any cords or tubes to get in the way. The rest of the days have been a whirlwind of emotions as we have watched our little baby grow into a toddler. He is such a lively little boy with SO MUCH energy and curiosity! He continues to improve his balance and coordination as he practices his walking skills. He had first big spill last week and scraped up his nose, lip, and elbow. It was very traumatic for mommy and daddy, but we have braced ourselves for many more accidents to come. Gavin increases his auditory vocabulary daily, with his favorite words being shoes, ball, more, music, and book. He has about two more weeks of being the king of the roost and then little Gunner will come along. I think he is going to have a rough time sharing mommy and daddy, but I have faith that he will grow into a loving and helpful big brother. That is just his nature. I will try my best to keep our blog updated in the weeks to come, but we have many preparations to finish before Gunner arrives. So, bare with me and continue to check us out even if we have to take a two or three week hiatus. Please keep us in your prayers for a safe delivery and healthy baby boy.

My New 'Do!

Happy Birthday, Papa!