Jack's circumcision

Johnny and I have always talked about having our boy's circumsion on the 8th day.
2 Reasons:
1. God says to do it in the bible.
2. We had heard a sermon somewhere that said medically the 8th day is the best for the blood flow.

It took some convincing to make sure the C happened on the 8th day. The doctor's office called no less than 3 times to try to change the date, but we kept insisting.

We were asked to bring 2 blankets, 1 for extra blood and the 2nd for swaddling after.
When we got to the appointment, the doctor told us she did the traditional Jewish C.
She had an intern with her and I told him that I felt led to share with him that we did not think there would be any extra blood and no trauma because the Lord commands the circumcision on the 8th day. They looked at us like we were crazy and a knowing glance to each other like, "Yeah, right."

We left Jack in there care. Minutes later the nurse comes out and asks Johnny for a pacifier. Johnny told her that we didn't have one. The nurse was quite surprised and actually made him repeat himself two more times as though he didn't understand the question. We thought this meant Jack was having a rough time. However, after the procedure was over, they brought us into where Jack was and informed us that he slept through the whole thing and that there was not any extra blood anywhere. Yay GOD!!

In fact, when we came back for our 1 month checkup the nurse made sure to mention that she remembered that he was the baby that slept through the C.

The story is not over, God made it beyond our expectations. After the C was done, our doctor called her friend who prayed a Hebrew blessing over Jack. We repeated it after her and then she prayed for him. It was an amazing moment in our lives.

All to say: Trust God, He is the same as yesterday, today and forever. He is always faithful to His Word.

Week 37 and beyond

So sorry it has been so long. Week 37 had a bit of a surprise for us. "Jack" yes our little boy came on the 1st day of the 37th week. March 30, 2011...now he is 10 weeks old. Healthy, beautiful and sweet.

Many have asked me to put our birth story on the blog. Here it is.

On the morning of March 30, 2011, I was following my normal routine. I had worked out which included running 1/4 mile for warm up and doing a circuit training weight routine that included 6 sets of sprints. I felt really great.

The girls and I in the locker room were discussing how long I would keep up the morning workouts as we were getting ready. While I was changing clothes I felt some discharge, but it was a little different than ever before. There was just a little and I thought...no big deal and continued on my way.

I spoke with Val while on the way to work about plans for her to come up for the delivery, finished the conversation around 8 am and headed into school. While walking down the hallway, I felt a swush and thought that is definitely different. I called Emily and when she got to school had her look. TMI I know, but the quote of the day was by Mrs. Emily Wade, "Did you smell it?" Me, "No, and I'm not going to have you smell it either!" We decided it best I call the doctor.

The doc's office said to go to the hospital to check it out. 9:00am Leah went with me to the hospital. I told Chasity, my assistant principal on the way out of the school that I would for sure be back.

At the hospital, they took 3 tests to see if it was amniotic fluid. The first 2 came back invalid, but the 3rd one was positive that it was my water breaking. On the monitor you could see that I was having contractions, but I wasn't feeling them and I had no more drainage.

12:00pm The doctor called me and said that I was in labor. If I didn't establish complete labor in 4 hours they would start me on pitocin. I said that we would discuss options in 4 hours and that I was not going to make a decision until Johnny was with me.

4:00pm The nurse came in and said she was going to start pitocin. We said "no" and asked to speak to Dr. Nilson.

4:40 pm. Dr. Nilson arrived at hospital. We asked if we could leave and go home. He said, "yes, but he would wash his hands of it." We compromised on rupturing the rest of my water.

Around 5:00 pm. He broke the water and said if I did not establish labor in 4 hours...pitocin would not be a choice that he would start it!

5:20 contractions started coming at 3 minutes apart

5:40 Val arrived from Dallas at the hospital to help assist labor.

10:17 pm Jack was born without any medication or pain relief. (And No Pitocin) Johnny announced the sex. Johnny said that it only took me 5 minutes of pushing/ 4 contractions.

John Motter Gaffney IV "Jack" 7 lbs 6 oz, 19 inches long

Kathy, our doula said that I was very considerate to have Jack in time so she could go home and sleep in her own bed.

We feel very blessed to have had our experience and so thankful for all of you to continue to walk with us on our journey.

Jack is so healthy and a sweet baby. At 2 months he was 12 lbs 12 oz and 23 1/2 inches long.

From here check back ever so often...I still don't have a computer at home (I'm using my mom's) If I get a chance I will post of our adventures. Next post...his circumcision; It is a good God story.

Week 36

Look at that nose! I was expecting a vaginal exam, but when he did the sonogram the baby's head was down but not in the birth canal yet, so I guess he felt it wasn't needed. I asked if this meant for sure that we could deliver at Saint Francis South because you have to be 37+ weeks to go there. His answer was, "You will definately make 37 weeks!" YAY!! Huge praise!

Another huge God blessing is... At the beginning of the pregnancy, I had to have to infusions. Dr. Nilson's staff hired a nurse from one of the hospitals to do the infusions. Her name is Kristen Buchannan. Yesterday afternoon, I asked the office manager, Kora if I could have her info because Kristen wanted me to let her know how things ended up. Kora called Kristen right then and Kristen works at Saint Francis South. She told me that if she wasn't working to text her and she would come right up to the hosipital. What a huge blessing to know a nurse personally ahead of time.

For me, I am feeling really good. The occasional sharp pains through my sciatic nerve, but for the most part feeling really good. People are asking if I am ready for this little one. My reply is, "It is all still surreal. Until we leave the hospital with the little one in our arms, I am not sure it will feel real."

Johnny's baby had so much happen to it this week. Here is the list of all that has happened. Paint finished, driveway and walkway finished, lights up, electricity on, cabinets finished, counters will finish today, master shower finished, flooring up and down start today, plumbing starts today. The house has transformed and we are loving it. Can't wait for everyone to see it. I will do a walkthrough video when it is complete.

Have a great weekend and week everyone! Thank you for being there for us. It is greatly appreciated and prayerfully not overlooked!

Week 35

If you look at my belly towards the top of the screen you can see the movement. Baby had the hiccups. I'm going to try to catch a few more of these moments because how cool will it be to look back with our darling little one and show them moving in Mommy's tummy.

It's spring break this week, but I have overwhelmed myself with things to get done. On Friday, I am taking the whole day to do nothing and really looking forward to it.

I got to have lunch with my aunt Nan and my Nanna yesterday. My grandmother is so cute about my growing belly. She wants to touch it and thinks the pictures in the womb are so neat. You would think this was her first, but actually this baby makes the 5th one this year (July - July) (Hayden will be next with the 6th in June) and I think number 25th great grand child. My family is very fertile!! ;)

Working out is getting harder, but I keep telling myself to just make it to the gym. It will be worth it! Have a wonderful week!

Week 34

Baby and belly continue to grow. It is now a countdown to see which comes first the baby or the house. Here is the best quote of the week sent in by Brian Beck, "Let me know if you need help moving or pulling your old house to the new one ;)" I thought this was hilarious!!

Paint starts today in the house, so getting closer.

Blessings, blessings, blessings to you all!
Kellie

Week 33

Dr. Nilson had to change my next week's appointment to today. Baby is measuring 5 lb. 10 oz. Head measured at 36 weeks. I think it is going to be a very smart baby since the brain develops the most in the 8th month. Crazy!

I am love watching my belly roll and wave. It is so amazing that the little one is in there. Life...not to be taken for granted.

No pics again this week. I need to remember to ask Dr. Nilson why, but forget each time we are in his office.

On Johnny's baby...the sheet rock is finished and textured. Trim starts tomorrow hopefully and paint on Monday. Johnny told me 2 days ago that he is still reaching for Spring Break as the move in date. I have all the Faith needed to move mountains, but this is Everest in my book. God can do it, but looking at what is left and that Spring Break is 8 days away... I'm curious how the Lord would pull this off. Not saying He can't, just saying that it would be a MIRACLE!!! I do love a good miracle though.

***Game*** If you would like to guess the gender, birthdate, time of birth, weight, and length of baby. Please either comment or send me an email or post on fb you guess. I will mail the winner a $25 Gift Card to Target!***

Have a great weekend!

Blessings sweet friends! Blessings!

Week 32

Appointment yesterday went well. Baby is measuring in at 5.4 lb. Didn't get to see the cute little face.... must of been turned backwards.

Me...getting bigger and swelling a little more. By the end of the day of Kindergarten, I am quite swollen and TIRED!! The nurse said that it is nothing to worry about. I have been a little cranky with my kinders. This makes me sad. We start adding 30 more minutes on Monday. I am wondering what this will look like for me and all my teacher friends.

Enough complaining, God is so gracious. Thank you Heather, Val and Gina and Dallas friends for a super sweet shower. Sue and Latte Ladies for the get together on Sunday. It was wonderful catching up with everyone and sharing this special celebration with you all.

Week 31

Not a lot to report this week. After 2 weeks of resting at home, Monday started with the kid's Valentine's Party. It was a Valentine day! By the end of the day, I could barely walk and swollen once again. However, once we got back to our routine on Tuesday, I am doing a lot better. Still swelling, but I have a feeling this will be par for the course from now until the end.

God's amazing creation has hit me this week. How can people not believe He exists? Being pregnant is the most astonishing thing to me. How can you love someone so much that you can't see? Just feeling them moves, gives your heart the warm fuzziness that only love brings. Amazing.

Be blessed this week!

Week 30

NO Gestional Diabetes! Passed the 3 hour test with flying colors. My doctor says there are a lot of false positives to make sure that they don't miss any one that for sure has it.

As you can tell, Baby Gaffney is getting bigger. The bigger the little one gets the less of it we will be able to see. I had a friend ask me if the black above the baby's head was hair. I don't know is it? Does anyone know? I know a lot of people said they have a hard time posting on the blog so feel free to FB or email me your thoughts. Gabriel at 28 weeks had a lot of hair, so its possible.

Also the baby's eyes were opened during the sonogram. I was quite relieved because I had been praying earlier that the Lord show us because at the 28 week sonogram it looked like the baby's eyes were still fused shut.

We were out all week again because of the snow/weather. Can't wait for Monday to see my little darlings. Its been awhile.

I wasn't going to add the second pic of the baby, but I think I will. To me it looks like the baby hit itself in the nose with its arm. There really is not very much space left so I'm sure our blessing is quite cramped. Baby is measuring at 4.4 lbs. Though usually not super accurate, interesting nonetheless.

Have a great warmer week!!

Kellie

Week 29

Snow, snow, snow... Joanne, we have been keeping warm. In fact, you are right, I am like an oven. Johnny will have on sweatpants , a long sleeve shirt, socks and his stocking cap. While I wear, my white wife beater tank top and my pj bottoms. (sometimes not even the bottoms. TMI ;) ) This is the first year Johnny has figured out both the heat issues and the water issues. We have had both all these days. However, the tanks freeze so we are very sparing with the water. We take showers at the gym, and my principal Karen lets me do my dishes at school. All to say that I am proud of Johnny, and so thankful to be in our last winter of the RV. NO RV for baby!

Baby is doing great, kicking and moving and grooving. I have been very weepy lately, over things that wouldn't normally phase me. Example, I cried because I was going to have to stand in line over an hour at the post office to get a card my dad sent me, and I didn't have an hour to wait.

I also did not pass the 1 hour glucose test, so on Friday I took the 3 hour. Waiting on results and will post results on Week 30.

School has been out since last Tuesday. Which means that I have read tons of baby books. I am feeling a little more secure in my role as new mom. Still scared out of my mind, but a little more secure.

Here is the latest pick of the house. Production came to a halt last week, but the insulators should be starting soon.

Week 28

Baby is chunking up! So cute! Took the Glucose test today will find out on Monday or Tuesday how I did. Thinking it will be fine. Got the Rhogam shot because I am O- blood type. Most importantly, saw the baby! So cute!! Love Baby!!

Sidenote: I am so thankful for this pregnancy. With Gabriel on Week 28 day 1 I went into Labor. They tried to stop it for two days and we had Gabriel Week 28 day 3. This little one is perfectly content on not going anywhere. Prayerfully for 12 more weeks. We are walking into uncharted territory of the 3rd trimester. So excited for what is to come! Blessings all!

Week 27

Technical difficulties yesterday.

Life is going well. Johnny has gotten to play with the baby now. Where if he presses my belly the baby finds him and presses back. Again, he is so sweet with the little one.

Another milestone conquered. I registered this week. With Gabriel, I had two well meaning friends talk me into registering even though in my heart I knew something was wrong. I cried before and after the experience. I felt stressed during the whole experience. (I hope no one minds me refering back to Gabriel. It is my only form of reference and it makes me appreciate this pregnancy so much more. No tears this time registering! It was fun and helped build excitement for what is coming.

We started our 12 week natural childbirth classes and I'm reading all sorts of books and articles on natural, unmedicated births. I know this could lead into a whole realm of debate. My next appointment is Thursday and Johnny is coming with me to start asking Dr. Nilson the hard questions about his views on natural birth.

3 days left of the second trimester and I can't wait to experience every one! Be blessed sweet friends, be blessed!

Week 26

I had been talking about our milestone of having Johnny feel the baby. I totally forgot to write last week that Johnny did feel the baby and see the baby kick my shirt for the first time on Dec. 29th. He is so super cute with the baby and my belly. I've been able to play with baby some. Where I push my belly and the baby will find the spot and push back. he, he so much fun!

Being pregnant goes by so fast! I love it. Have I said this before? We are now in the double digits to go. Johnny is taking in it stride, but I have to say that I get a little nervous. I am a pro at the ages of 4,5, 6 and 7 but a newborn???? Scary business! Thank goodness that in my weakness the Lord is strong! There are already lots of prayers going up about this.

The roof is on... They finished right as the snow started falling. BLESSING!!

Week 25

Good times this week! Baby is 2.2 lbs. Which is amazing to me because Gabriel was only 1.12 lbs at 28 weeks. This baby has 3 weeks to go! CRAZY!! Baby looks good. Is in the 74%. This doesn't mean a lot to me as long as Dr. Nilson continues to say healthy!

The other baby in our life as Johnny says, "Must be a God thing, because it is taking a life of its own." We started framing on Tuesday and tomorrow the shingles will be on the roof. Here is the latest pic of it as well. No more RV! No more RV! No more RV! Happy dance!!