AND THEN THERE WERE 4...
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Colton's first year of Preschool
We officially started preschool last week! Colton could not have been more excited to meet his first teacher and new friends. Although it is only 2 days a week for two and a half hours, Mommy and Mason are still adjusting to time without our brother. Oh how we miss him so! But we are so excited to see what this new stage will bring for our family and how we will get to further watch our Colton grow.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
14 Days of Love: Day One: Mason Joel Lynn
On Thursday night, January 31st, we made the journey back to hospital with more contractions. I had just been released from the hospital that previous Monday dilated to 4 1/2 cm to go home on further bed rest instructions. I knew from that point on it was only a matter of hours before we met our second child. Well, I made it two days. We followed the drill and once getting to the hospital were still unaware where this visit would lead us. We were greeted in the triage area of the Labor and Delivery ward with one of our favorite nurses that we had just met and been treated by the week before. She knew my story as well as the drill and needed no further explanation (which after having to tell my story each and every time I had to go back to go the hospital, not having to repeat it again was a huge blessing). After getting set up on the monitors and further observation, we discovered that I had further dilated to 6 cm and a call went into my doctor. It was at that point that Michael and I both knew whether this baby came within the next 24 hours or two weeks, I was going to have to ride it out in the hospital (there was no way my doctor was going to let me leave being that far dilated). Our nurse came back in and said, this is it, your going to Labor and delivery and we are going to further monitor and ride it out from there. So we were admitted for the fourth time still hanging onto the question of "Is he coming or is he ain't."
My doctor and next favorite nurse came in early Friday morning. Sue was my second nurse who admitted me into the hospital when we were 29 weeks along and I was threatened to go into early labor. She came by every day I was in the hospital at that time and offered nothing but encouragement and support. I was so excited to see her again. After further examination by our doctor and sue, they gave us a PLAN! Our plan was we were going to deliver our baby by 7:00 in the evening. This was it "He was coming" and we were both shocked. Our plan was for me to get up, walk and further get my contractions moving. Once I was dilated to 7cm, my doctor was going to come into break my water and the show would begin...quickly.
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| After hearing the PLAN! |
The walking began...
The days following the delivery of Mason was filled with celebration. Celebration for the sweet and strong baby boy who needed no extra assistance or care even though he was premature. Celebration for no more bed rest or gestational diabetes. But more than anything celebration to our God for his faithfulness and provision. It was him who carried us through a difficult and stressful situation and it was him who granted us the strength to fully rely on him in a way that has changed us for the better during that season. I have learned that it was him who loved me first and has blessed me with such a strong and wonderful husband and two beautiful boys.
...and continued for the next 5 hours with no change. I went from having rhythmic 2-3 minute painless contractions to nothing. My body just came to a screeching halt. No contractions meant no dilation. But fortunately my doctor and Sue were determined to get this show moving. He came and broke my water at 3:30 pm and I recieved a walking epidural shortly after. The plan from there was that breaking my water was going to throw my body into a quick full blown labor and we would be seeing our baby quickly. But after receiving the mild walking epidural, my body made no change...SURPRISE! After 30 minutes of no change, Sue went on the hunt for our doctor. Our doctor came into our room at 4:45 and said that in all of his years of practice, I was by far his most unpredictable patient. Our plan from there was to start me on a small dose of pitocin to induce full blown labor. At 5:00, the pitocin went in and by 5:10 I felt the worst pain I have ever felt in my life. The first painful contraction. After experiencing two contractions, I informed Sue that I needed to be converted to a full blown epidural. She was on it and within minutes the anthesiologist was getting it ready. Unfortunately I was progressing so quickly that he couldn't catch up, and before I knew it, our doctor was in place and it was time to deliver. I gave one great push and pulled out our second son Mason Joel Lynn at 5:42 pm of February 1st.
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| Mason Joel Lynn February 1, 2013 at 5:42 pm 6lbs 6 oz 19.7 inches long |
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| First bath |
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| pooped out after bath |
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| Going home! |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Bed Rest Diaries: Celebrating 35 Weeks!
I turned 35 weeks pregnant at Sutter Memorial Hospital on Sunday January 27, 2013. 10 weeks ago when complications began with threatened pre-term delivery, 35 weeks seemed like an eternity away. Praise God for another day!
Bed Rest Diaries: "Is he coming or is he ain't?"
"Is he coming or is he ain't" were the words spoken by our South American doctor on Sunday evening after going into the hospital on Saturday night. We were back in our favorite ward of the hospital after 26 days of freedom with more contractions. The story is best told my husband who's desire to document Mason's testimony before his birth and God's faithfulness and provision is provided below.
Daddy's Note
Many of you are aware that we were admitted to the hospital Saturday night under circumstances we fully expected to end with the delivery of our second SON Mason. While this journey has never ceased to amaze, stretch and surprise us...this weekend was yet another massive display of God's faithfulness.
"I am contracting" were the words uttered by a nervous Allyson on Saturday evening around 6 PM. As of late, this was the equivalent of stating that the sky was blue in light of the frequency said contractions reared their ugly head. The rule is, 6 or more in an hour, we go to the hospital for further examination at which point Allyson be shot up with a drug called terbutaline (anti contraction medication injected through the arm). Should she break through the medication...game time.
Allyson had taken her vistaril, which is used to help relax her contractions and allow her to sleep at night, by 7 pm. In spite of doubling the dosage, contractions persisted growing in severity and frequency. We waited until 8:30 pm to finally call our dear friends who rushed over to watch Colton while we raced to Sutter Memorial Hospital. Upon arrival, Allyson was hooked up to the monitor which confirmed rhythmic contractions 2 minutes apart. An exam was ordered revealing that Allyson was 4 cm dilated. This was a growth of 2.5 cm since our last visit. The nurses immediately contacted our OB for orders who asked that we be monitored and examined again in two hours. Over said 2 hour period, contractions did not let up but rather intensified further leading us to believe that this was the real deal. We were immediately rushed to a delivery room. When the two hours were up, mama had dilated 5 cm and was experiencing deeper contracions than felt to date in her pregnancy. Every nurse in the room was sure that we would be holding Mason by the end of their shift (7 am Sunday morning). She was immediately put on an IV drip of antibiotics to counter the group strep B she was diagnosed with last time we were in. These drugs were mandated to protect the baby from the streps attack; however yielded no aniti contraction assistacne.
Up until this point, we had been given drugs to keep contractions at bay. When we entered the hospital on Saturday night, said game plan was obsolete. By the grace of God, Allyson was 35 weeks prompting the medical staff to allow her body or proceed with the birthing process void of any anti contraction medication. While they would not induce, they were committed to allowing her contractions to continue thus furthering dilation and pushing the process along. With no drugs, and a room full of nurses stating imminent birth, we were back on our knees praying for God's sovereign will to take control as we were still 5 weeks shy of full term. We committed to praise him whatever the outcome as it was only by his hand that we would be carried thus far. Without the comfort of medicine, we were back in a position of having to trust him with everything...funny how that works. Allyson agreed with the nurses....this was it. Deep rhythmic contractions continued 2 minutes apart as we pushed on through the labor process.
Midnight passed and the contractions, which were the very cause of our track towards pre-term labor, were unexplainably shut off like a light switch. The very contractions that broke through double the dosage of vistaril were silenced by our Heavenly Father. The effects of said drugs had long since passed and proven to be useless. When the nurse came in escorted by our OB this morning, Allyson's uterus was calm and not contracting. Upon further examination, it was concluded that in spite of all those contractions, Allyson had not dilated any more than 5 cm (last recorded measurement) all night. My favorite part about all of this was the reaction we received from the medial staff who could not explain scientifically the events that took place last night.
Upon seeing her contractions subside, our doctor asked that we be moved from our delivery room to the pre-term high risk pregnancy ward down the hall. Due to the 5 cm dilation, we were to be monitored for the next 4 days in case labor kicked back in. It was at 5 cm that Allyson took off in her delivery with Colton further pointing to divine intervention. Amazingly, Allyson's contractions were minor Sunday morning and by the afternoon, had pretty much subsided all together. The ace kicker was the readings we received last night after 1 hr on the monitor....no contractions.
Dr Knight walked in the room last night right on schedule with eyes as big as saucers. This veteran OB could not figure out what happened Saturday night. His opening line was "I went Home and went to bed early last night as I fully expected, based on the evidence and my 30 plus years of medical experience, that I would be delivering your baby before 7 am this morning" (Sunday morning). He followed that up with amazement in how little Allyson had been contracting throughout the day and rewrote his orders. Should the contractions stay off the radar, we would get to go home Monday as opposed to Wednesday.
So on January 30, 2013 I lay back in bed at home and wait, wait for God's perfect timing and my opportunity to meet and fall in love with his beloved child, Mason Joel Lynn.
Daddy's Note
Many of you are aware that we were admitted to the hospital Saturday night under circumstances we fully expected to end with the delivery of our second SON Mason. While this journey has never ceased to amaze, stretch and surprise us...this weekend was yet another massive display of God's faithfulness.
"I am contracting" were the words uttered by a nervous Allyson on Saturday evening around 6 PM. As of late, this was the equivalent of stating that the sky was blue in light of the frequency said contractions reared their ugly head. The rule is, 6 or more in an hour, we go to the hospital for further examination at which point Allyson be shot up with a drug called terbutaline (anti contraction medication injected through the arm). Should she break through the medication...game time.
Allyson had taken her vistaril, which is used to help relax her contractions and allow her to sleep at night, by 7 pm. In spite of doubling the dosage, contractions persisted growing in severity and frequency. We waited until 8:30 pm to finally call our dear friends who rushed over to watch Colton while we raced to Sutter Memorial Hospital. Upon arrival, Allyson was hooked up to the monitor which confirmed rhythmic contractions 2 minutes apart. An exam was ordered revealing that Allyson was 4 cm dilated. This was a growth of 2.5 cm since our last visit. The nurses immediately contacted our OB for orders who asked that we be monitored and examined again in two hours. Over said 2 hour period, contractions did not let up but rather intensified further leading us to believe that this was the real deal. We were immediately rushed to a delivery room. When the two hours were up, mama had dilated 5 cm and was experiencing deeper contracions than felt to date in her pregnancy. Every nurse in the room was sure that we would be holding Mason by the end of their shift (7 am Sunday morning). She was immediately put on an IV drip of antibiotics to counter the group strep B she was diagnosed with last time we were in. These drugs were mandated to protect the baby from the streps attack; however yielded no aniti contraction assistacne.
Up until this point, we had been given drugs to keep contractions at bay. When we entered the hospital on Saturday night, said game plan was obsolete. By the grace of God, Allyson was 35 weeks prompting the medical staff to allow her body or proceed with the birthing process void of any anti contraction medication. While they would not induce, they were committed to allowing her contractions to continue thus furthering dilation and pushing the process along. With no drugs, and a room full of nurses stating imminent birth, we were back on our knees praying for God's sovereign will to take control as we were still 5 weeks shy of full term. We committed to praise him whatever the outcome as it was only by his hand that we would be carried thus far. Without the comfort of medicine, we were back in a position of having to trust him with everything...funny how that works. Allyson agreed with the nurses....this was it. Deep rhythmic contractions continued 2 minutes apart as we pushed on through the labor process.
Midnight passed and the contractions, which were the very cause of our track towards pre-term labor, were unexplainably shut off like a light switch. The very contractions that broke through double the dosage of vistaril were silenced by our Heavenly Father. The effects of said drugs had long since passed and proven to be useless. When the nurse came in escorted by our OB this morning, Allyson's uterus was calm and not contracting. Upon further examination, it was concluded that in spite of all those contractions, Allyson had not dilated any more than 5 cm (last recorded measurement) all night. My favorite part about all of this was the reaction we received from the medial staff who could not explain scientifically the events that took place last night.
Upon seeing her contractions subside, our doctor asked that we be moved from our delivery room to the pre-term high risk pregnancy ward down the hall. Due to the 5 cm dilation, we were to be monitored for the next 4 days in case labor kicked back in. It was at 5 cm that Allyson took off in her delivery with Colton further pointing to divine intervention. Amazingly, Allyson's contractions were minor Sunday morning and by the afternoon, had pretty much subsided all together. The ace kicker was the readings we received last night after 1 hr on the monitor....no contractions.
Dr Knight walked in the room last night right on schedule with eyes as big as saucers. This veteran OB could not figure out what happened Saturday night. His opening line was "I went Home and went to bed early last night as I fully expected, based on the evidence and my 30 plus years of medical experience, that I would be delivering your baby before 7 am this morning" (Sunday morning). He followed that up with amazement in how little Allyson had been contracting throughout the day and rewrote his orders. Should the contractions stay off the radar, we would get to go home Monday as opposed to Wednesday.
In waking up this morning (Monday A.M.) we were met with more contractions. They are roughly 3-6 minutes apart. This is not consistant with yesterday or last night. Not sure what today will bring, but we trust that it is all in God's perfect plan. Allyson got a good nights sleep which was a huge gift!
I can not help but think of Daniel and the lion's den or Jesus' calming of the sea. In both instances, men were called to put their faith in God rather than the sensical "seen world". We rejoice in yet another day in the womb for our baby boy. It is purely by God's grace that we can celebrate this fact tonight. From 25 weeks to 35 weeks today, our Lord's tender mercies have carried us to less than one week from a term baby. Allyson and I are overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love, support, meals and shoulders to cry on throughout this process. We are so tankful to be the parents of such a little fighter who we can not wait to meet. God is gracious in trusting us with this responsibility; however, be encouraged as we are in our Lords faithfulness. He has diligently answered the spoken and unspoken prayers of his people thorough which we have been deeply comforted. Mason will know the testimony of his journey before he entered this world and the power of prayer to sustain us before we even know we need it. He will be loved by his loving 2 year old big brother who prays for him nightly...no exaggeration, God has huge things in store for this precious one...I can't wait to meet him!
I can not help but think of Daniel and the lion's den or Jesus' calming of the sea. In both instances, men were called to put their faith in God rather than the sensical "seen world". We rejoice in yet another day in the womb for our baby boy. It is purely by God's grace that we can celebrate this fact tonight. From 25 weeks to 35 weeks today, our Lord's tender mercies have carried us to less than one week from a term baby. Allyson and I are overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love, support, meals and shoulders to cry on throughout this process. We are so tankful to be the parents of such a little fighter who we can not wait to meet. God is gracious in trusting us with this responsibility; however, be encouraged as we are in our Lords faithfulness. He has diligently answered the spoken and unspoken prayers of his people thorough which we have been deeply comforted. Mason will know the testimony of his journey before he entered this world and the power of prayer to sustain us before we even know we need it. He will be loved by his loving 2 year old big brother who prays for him nightly...no exaggeration, God has huge things in store for this precious one...I can't wait to meet him!
So on January 30, 2013 I lay back in bed at home and wait, wait for God's perfect timing and my opportunity to meet and fall in love with his beloved child, Mason Joel Lynn.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Bed Rest Diaries: 5 Year Anniversary
January 19, 2013 marked our 5 year marriage anniversary. As I look back on our relationship, I can't believe how blessed I have been to have such a wonderful husband and best friend. From September 2002 to now, we have spent 11 years loving, challenging, encouraging, and supporting one another. I could not have chosen a better husband for myself and father for my children. Thank you Michael James Lynn for being you and encouraging me each and every day to be better.
2008: Year One Highlights: After 6 years of dating we were married on January 19, 2008
2009: Year Two Highlights: upgrading from a one-bedroom apartment to a two bedroom apartment, a new job for Michael as a Field Sales Manager for QSP, and me going back to school at Fresno state to achieve my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
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| Barn Dancing up in Yosemite National Park July 2009 |
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| Being goofy: essential part of our relationship 2010: Year Three Highlights: Discovering in April of 2010 that we were going to be expecting our first child. Upgrading from our two bedroom apartment to a three bedroom house. Michael being promoted and asked to take over a larger territory as a Field Sales Manager in Sacramento, California. Me graduating from Fresno State with my teaching credential December 8, 2010 and welcoming our first son Colton James Lynn into our family December 16, 2010. |
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| Taking our last vacation to Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park before Colton was born. |
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| November 2010 |
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| Colton James Lynn |
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| And then there were 3... |
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| Easter in San Diego |
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| We have a 1 year old! |
2012: Year Five Highlights: Loving our new home in Sacramento and the lifelong friends we have found here. Enjoyed watching Colton begin to walk and officially enter into the toddler stage in January of 2012. Indulged in taking a wonderful second honeymoon to Atlantis in the the Bahamas in June where we also discovered we were going to be expecting our second child.
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| March 2012 |
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| The goofiness continues... |
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| Atlantis Trip June 2012 |
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| Our last night in the Bahamas before we discovered.... |
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| we were pregnant again! |
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| Going home with quite the souvenir! |
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| Our last picture but excited to get home and share the news! |
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| Gold Rush Days September 2012 |
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| Our Sacramento Family! |
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| December 2012 |
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| And now there will be 4.... |
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