Baby & Mama Health Updates

I am now almost 38.5 weeks pregnant! I had my last and final doctor's appointment this morning...the thought of that is still exhilarating - it's hard to believe we're gonna have tiny little Noah in our arms so soon! I am still dilated to somewhere between 2-3, and I'm feeling like we might make it to next Saturday (wasn't feeling like this so much at this time last week!).

Now as for Lincoln...I think I mentioned that two previous doctors that have seen him through this pneumonia stuff have been alarmed at the "mass" (one called it a thymus) on the outside of his lungs. When we made the switch of pediatricians at the beginning of the week, he didn't seem as concerned and said it's actually quite normal in kids under the age of 2. Nonetheless, since we had been referred to a lung specialist by previous doctor, this new one said he would send off the x-rays to their specialist (thus saving us a trip) to see if it was necessary to see a specialist (he didn't think it was). But in the same breath, i heard the words "mass" and "tumors" come out of his mouth and was thus VERY MUCH wanting him to send the film to be reviewed!
HE said they would call later in the week and let me know what they found and if an appointment with a specialist was necessary.

Well, the other day a lady called from some medical facility (can't remember the name) and said that she was calling to schedule an appointment for Lincoln McMahan to come in a see a lung specialist.
Oh.Dear.Lord.
My heart literally sank in my chest and I stuttered around for words...I think I asked a really stupid question in there trying to compose myself and then it all of a sudden hit me.
This was our old doctor's referral calling to schedule the appointment. This lady had no x-rays but was just making an appointment based on our previous doctor's referral! I cannot emphasize ENOUGH the sigh that came out of my chest and the feeling of my heart rising to its appropriate position. :) I kindly told her we had since seen another doctor and no appointment was necessary (at this time).

So fast forward to today, and the specialist who did look at his x-rays called with the news: complete clean bill of health. Thymus completely normal. No pneumonia. No tumor.

And on top of it all, Lincoln slept through the entire night without coughing or waking up crying for the first time in about a week and a half. Glorious. So praise the Lord our little guy is on his way to health again. This afternoon has been filled with dance parties in the living room and toys strewn all over the house. It's good to have him back and energized!

And We Have a Foater

Lincoln slept most of the day (due to post #1 earlier this morning - yes, this is 2 in one day!), but in between his naps, I gave the little booger a bath. He LOVES baths, so we get them often - they're like playtime. "Bath" (without perfection of the "th" sound, of course) is one of his 9 words in his vocabulary. He has had a lot of "firsts" while in the bathtub...place where he first dipped his head under the water (on his own, and thought it was funny), first successfully drank water from a cup (water came from running facet, not dirty bathwater), first demonstrated that, "yes mom - i KNOW who Mickey Mouse is" as he fished him out from his sea of toys when prompted...and then today, another first...his first floater.
Yes. Lincoln was playing happily in his tub, stood up, squatted, smiled at me, grunted, and then resumed his play. Only I noticed the floater turd he left behind drifting beneath him. His first poop in the tub. Oh my. Needless to say, bathtime was forced to an immediate halt. :)

Health Update

In my last post I talked about how we were referred to see a lung specialist to make sure things were okay with the little man's lungs. The specialist still hasn't called and the anti-biotic he's been on only seems to be working slightly (his cough has gotten better, but he still sounds terrible). So we've been frustrated because things still don't seem to be working. Then yesterday, he woke up from a 3-hour afternoon nap with 103.2 temp! He's NEVER had a fever that high and has only had a fever one other time in his short little life. We thought something was wrong with the thermometer because he sure wasn't acting sick (in fact, he was running laps around our kitchen/living room - laughing hysterically). I even had Jason go by a new thermometer to make sure - they all read true: our little baby was SICK. The mind boggling thing was that he had been on an antibiotic for the past week...? Didn't make much sense.
We've been taking him to a family practitioner here in town and have been toying with the idea of driving switching him to NWA Pediatrics since they deal solely with kids (just more convenient to take him here). But last night, we finally decided it was time to switch to a straight pediatrician (don't get us wrong - we LOVE our family doctor!)
So today we had an appointment with Dr. Simmons at NWA Pediatrics (they got us in SO quick - first great sign!) and he was FABULOUS. Conclusion: Lincoln doesn't and never had pneumonia. The family docs (since we have now seen 2 of them) were seeing an enlarged thymus that is only present in children (and totally harmless). Dr. Simmons said family docs might be alarmed by it because they don't see it - but pediatricians see it all the time. He said it will go away by the time Lincoln is 2 years old. So need for a lung specialist. :) So why the fever? Double ear infection. His first. Poor guy. And the antibiotic he was taking wasn't geared toward that nor strong enough. I asked the doctor, though, why he has not been fully well for the past month. He laughed and said "Because it's winter in Northwest Arkansas and he probably likes to play with other kids and put things in his mouth - it's not abnormal for him to be like this." He was so kind and so re-assuring. He suggested Lincoln take OTC liquid Zyrtec to help with the flem and congestion (just bought some). And he scheduled a follow-up appointment in 3 weeks to check his ears and make sure things were okay.
SOOOO long post and not much needed news to most of you (I know you family out there wanna know what's going on though!), but we feel very much at peace now and are excited to see the little man start to finally get better. Oh - and the doc sees no signs or reasons to believe he is asthmatic - praise the Lord!!!!!

As for my health??? I have been EXHAUSTED and extremely more sore in all parts than I was with Lincoln! Having irregular contractions, still, but this one could come early. We'll see!! My sweet husband let me basically be on bed rest this whole weekend, and that has helped me feel much better than I was. But back to the grind today, so we'll see how long the good feelings hold up. But if they don't, maybe that means we're that much closer to holding Noah Jackson!!!

37 Week Appointment

This morning was #1 of the final 3 appointments I will have with Dr. Hill before he hands us precious Noah! Here's the conclusions:
- Blood pressure still good at 110/? (who knows cause all I ever hear is the top number on these readings for some reason)
- Weight gain stepping up at 27lbs. total (my goal is under 30, so pretty much on target there)
- Slight UTI possibly found in urine but I have no other symptoms so not really sure what that means...?
- Dilated at a 2 (this was surprising being that I never made it passed a "1" with Lincoln before being induced - and I'm 20 days away from due date!)
- Noah is measuring at 36.5 weeks
- Heartbeat = 136 beats/minute

Dr. Hill also told me he can feel the head and that my cervix is very favorable and thin. He seems to think that if they were to induce me today, that I would have the baby by NOON (sooooo....what are you're plans today, Dr. Hill? Got any??).
He went to schedule our induction for the 6th and seems to think it will be a very fast labor/delivery (I hope he's right!). Now let's just see if we make it to the 6th. :)

As a note - he smiled sheepishly after checking movements and heartbeat and after reviewing our visits since we first came in and said, "Just to warn you - I really think you're going to have one active boy on your hands when he arrives!" I remember he told us this at our very first appointment back in June, that Noah had the most activity that he sees at that stage of pregnancy. See previous post about my Energize Iron Supplement purchase yesterday. :)

So all is looking well...and now the wait begins!!!

My Attempt at Turning into a Cow

I've got the weight gain part down. Attempt at becoming cow-like part 1 = accomplished. Part 2? The milk supply. Something I didn't master with the last one and am making a valiant effort at it this time around. I took a trip to the health food store today to stock up on some recommended items and I'm gonna share my finds. I would love extra opinions from those who have tried these products...a nice little review would be nice (because I can return them!).
First one the list? It's a tea! I can drink tea everyday! :)


Then there's the two natural supplements (I was told it was completely safe to take all three at the same time!)

Then a new friend gave me this recommendation:
She said that everyday she got a Route 44 iced tea during happy hour and SWEARS by the increased milk supply! Again - bring on the tea! And I really am going to try this one :)
Then while at the health food store, I picked up something recommended to me months ago. I am always slightly anemic, but have never been able to successfully take iron supplements without being sick. Thus enter this new recommendation that not only has minimal side effects from the iron, but also increases the energy levels (which again, I WILL NEED POST NEW BABY). I can't take it till I have Noah, but I am excited to see it's effects on my iron levels!

Frustrated

Most of you know Lincoln had pneumonia around Christmas time. Well, ever since then, he has gotten better but has not been well. He still coughs from time to time, will have a rattle in chest, and recently has had a constantly dripping nose and more of a nasty cough the past 6-7 days. A few of these days in the past month he has acted puny and sick, but for the most part, he still plays hard, laughs, dances, smiles, sleeps, eats, and doesn't seem much bothered by the cough and snot. But after listening to him still hacking in the night, I decided I couldn't take it anymore and took him to the doctor first thing (again) this morning. I say "again" because I took him about 10 days ago to follow up with pneumonia and make sure he was okay.
The doctor agreed he didn't sound good and took more x-rays that still showed "hazy areas" in his lungs indicating pneumonia. Now when he got it at Christmas, that doc (different one since we were at Jason's parent's house when that all happened) told us the pneumonia could still show up on x-rays for another month. But our doctor seemed concerned about this and wanted a second opinion to make sure his lungs were okay. So he referred us to a pediatric lung specialist in Rogers to check him and make sure things are okay. He also prescribed another antibiotic which he started today. So of course I leave worried and in tears (also due with a baby in the next 2-3 weeks!) freaking out about all the worst case scenarios and upset that he has to go to a specialist. I call my husband who gently reminds me that God's in control of everything and that I shouldn't worry. Okay. I'll try. So I prayed and gave my best attempt to turn the situation over to God (not always easy), and did come out the other side with a sense of peace. I just want the little guy to be better!
My hope is that he never fully got over the pneumonia and this antibiotic will knock it out once and for all and all will be well. But it could be possible beginning stages of asthma or allergies (my mom had asthma as a kid but outgrew it...?). So say a pray for the little man that we can nail down what this is and that he can get better!

Saving the Ta-Ta's

Last week was Team Cancer Challenge week for 7-A West Basketball. Bentonville chose to highlight breast cancer awarness and thus explosions of pink (we're talking pepto-bismal pink) spewed all through Tiger arena Friday night. Jason was able to get pink uniforms donated for all the players and the guy who makes the uniforms (a personal friend who's also a missionary in the Phillipines) threw in some extras: pink uni's for all the coaches kids and their wives. :) So yes - we were exploding with pink, too (I, being 9 months pregnant was "exploding" a tad more than the other moms!).
It was a fantastic, fun night, and we defeated Harbor for our first conference win in the final seconds (which, almost sent me into labor).
Here are some pictures of the cute kids in their uniforms. BTW, between the varsity coaches alone, there are 7 kids under the age of seven, with 2 in the womb - meaning during next years season there will be NINE tinies running around. Lord help us. :) A bystander made the comment at a recent game "Gee - it looks like a freaking daycare over there!". Yes. And daycare workers are welcome to apply. :)

Here are us Siloam folks that can't seem to sell our houses and move. (AKA, the varsity staff minus the Stadels and their 3 girls).

After games Lincoln just wants to be with his daddy - precious.
Lincoln and his buddy Mikaiah...they're the current youngest of the bunch.

Prepared????

I say that with a question mark because lately I have been hit with the reality that we will soon have another BABY IN THE HOUSE...I have spent the last few minutes re-reading through old post when Lincoln was born, suddenly remembering the constant feedings and fits (he had a gassy tummy for first 4 months) and the exhausting work it takes to care for a newborn. But sprinkled in the sleepless nights, crying fits (where you feel totally helpless!) and short (very short) naps, were the glimmers of wonder and unexplainable love that overwhelms with a new baby - your new baby. I'm all excited and nervous and feeling incompetent and unworthy to have such a blessing again, all at the same time. And the motto of Jason and I since we meet comes back to me...here we go!
My mom asked me last night if I'm getting nervous about the delivery and all. I told her not at all. I was never nervous about that with Lincoln for some reason. Hospitals don't bother or scare me at all. In fact, I remember looking forward to that part with Lincoln, because for a few days, I got to be completely immobile and let others take care of me (I was also stressed at work at the time). I know some people like to get in and out of hospital ASAP when having babies, but not me. If insurance says I can spend 2 nights, I'm staying 2 nights. :) Someone help me to the bathroom, bring me medicine and meals, change diapers and hand my little darling to me whenever he's hungry and watch him while I sleep? Yes, please.
I am still the most nervous about the same thing I was nervous about when I had Lincoln - the first months to follow at home. What will sleep be like? Will he be healthy? How will Lincoln react? How will he do breastfeeding? The last one is a concern to me because I did not produce enough milk with Lincoln and had to quit around 4 months. My goal is to go 9 months and I hope I can do more to produce more this time (tips and comments on this would be greatly appreciated for those of you that have ever had trouble producing adequate milk!).
And I'll leave you with this...I am in the full-mode of having labor dreams every night now. The latest? I went into labor on a porch somewhere and gave birth to a St. Bernard. Yes.

Farewell to the Mullet

Farewell to the hair. Today was another snow day. Another day with no school for Bentonville. Another day with my husband. Fabulous. But today - even in the ridiculously low temperatures, we got stir crazy and made our way to Fayetteville to eat lunch at Chili's and pick up the family portraits we've had at Hobby Lobby the past week getting custom framed (which look fabulous, by the way, and do wonders for the appearance of our dull walls).
Tonight, JBU played MANU (where Jason played) and I really wanted to go watch the game with him but did not want to get Lincoln out in this nasty cold again. So we decided to have Miss Ariane come babysit - who also happens to be a fantastic hair stylist - and hit her up for a double whammy: cut the baby mullet and watch the baby. :) So yes - Lincoln got his first haircut tonight. He did great. Was squirmy, but manageable. Here are some pictures of the event.


Lincoln's a hit among the lady's and I think he was scared this cut was going to be a damper on his moves.

Ha. He's looking at me like "Mom, seriously, is this necessary??" Don't worry. He got fruit snacks for his good sportsmanship.

And I'll leave you with a picture form this morning cause he was all smiles.

Gymnastics Fun

Today, before the next winter storm hits, Lincoln and I ventured out to Fayetteville to meet up with Aunt Amy. You see, my sister's forever been an incredible gymnast and jokes about turning Lincoln into one. So we went up to her gym before classes started and let the little guy cut loose - he was a FAN. He loved the big dance room with the loud dance music playing (no surprise there), but I think his favorite part was the foam pit. Amy would pick him up and jump into it and his face would light up! Amy was impressed with his ability to maneuver through the foam...she said a lot of the 4 year olds have a hard time doing it. We have a strong little fella. Here are some pictures:


He had to take a drink break half way through... Might I add, he fell asleep within seconds of being in the car. :)

Noah's "Nursery"

I have truly enjoyed seeing all my pregnant blogger friends' beautifully decorated nurseries for the little ones with all the intricate details...so now, without further ado, allow me to present you with a never-before-seen exclusive peek into the meticulously designed nursery of Baby Noah:

That's right folks. That's it. And it's location is none other than the beautiful, serene setting of our bedroom corner - Jason's side. My sweet husband took time last night to re-arrange our furniture in our bedroom instead of watching JBU play (thanks baby for indulging in my nesting instincts that were haywire last night!). Granted, Noah in the bedroom is completely temporary being that I do not sleep when there is a baby in the room, but when you're breastfeeding throughout the night, sleeping is minimal at best anyway and I'd like to save the trip of going to another room to get the hungry man.

SOOOO, for now, here's your little room, Noah. Your daddy thinks you're getting the shaft. :) At least you have a nice pretty blanket with your name on it (even if all the burp cloths I washed yesterday and put in your "dresser" there, have your brother's name on them). But hey - your little brother would KILL to get to sleep this close to mommy and daddy so consider yourself lucky.

35 Weeks with Noah!

Because of the snow that keeps lurking around these corners, I have gotten the pleasure of enjoying my husband way more than I am used to as a basketball coach in the peak of season - it has been FABULOUS. He told me this is how it would feel if he was an NBA coach. I could get used to that so I think I'll help him put a resume together pronto for the Celtics, maybe??
I had another doc appointment for Noah this afternoon and Jason got to accompany because of - remember, the snow? Yes. Fabulous. We got another great report: Noah was very active, is in the head-down, ready-to-bust-out position, I've gained a total of 25 pounds thus far with 4 weeks to go, and my blood pressure still remains low (I usually have extremely low BP, so when I'm pregnant it's actually normal). And since I'm at 35 weeks, you know what that means???!!! After next Wednesday, if i were to go into labor - no one's stopping it. :)

Just Because They're Too Cute

My sister took these at a recent Bentonville game...Papa and Uncle Na-Na teaching the little man how to play.
Better be careful Uncle Na-Na...daddy might not be so keep on the kicking sports :)

Allow Me To Introduce...

The Playroom.
Our living room has been slowly turning into a toy room - something I did not mind pre-birthday, but post-Christmas...? Something had to be done. Every night before I went to bed was spent picking up and organizing toys neatly in the living room, getting them ready to be destroyed all over again the next day, and as they multiplied, the "neatness" became a near impossible task. So I talked my ever-so-sweet husband into helping me clear out the furniture of our guest bedroom last week in preparation to turn it into a playroom. And after some re-arranging, a few small purchases (one from a gift card we have had since our WEDDING), we now successfully have a playroom at the McMahan house and NO TOYS in the living room.
So some might be wondering..."that's great and all, but where is baby Noah's room going to be next month?" Poor Noah. He's not getting a nursery. Thanks to the McMahan's, there is a pack and play/bassinet/changing table all-in-one combo on it's way to our house that was purchased last week. I have a nice little nook carved out in our room where it will start (until either he's sleeping through the night or I don't sleep at all cause he's in there - which ever comes first)...and then it will be moved to another nook I have envisioned (after some re-arranging) to the playroom. I hope he's a flexible fella and isn't scared by not having his personal nursery. Eventually, him and Lincoln will share a room...even if we have extra bedrooms. That's the plan! Here are some pictures of the playroom (which, might I add, Lincoln full-heartedly approves!):

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!! I think last night at one point (it was somewhere around 10:00 or so) Jason and I looked at each other and said "Man, we're old." So our New Year's have changed a bit from the first one we had together 3 years ago right before we got engaged, but I don't think either of us mind the changes much. Last night Bentonville finished up a tournament in Missouri, and after it was over, the Matchell's joined us at our house for an impromptu celebration (impromptu because none of us even realized it was New Year's Eve and made plans at the game). We made dinner together, engaged in a little dance party with the kiddos, played, took baths, changed into PJ's, ate cookies, watched some sports in the background, and called it a night around 10:00pm. The plan thereafter was that Brandon and Bethany were going to come over after their movie and play games throughout the night. However, when they called after their movie, Jason and I felt like we had been run over by semi's (my excuse was almost 9 months pregnant...not sure what his was), and took a raincheck for our final evening plans. Yeah. Pretty sad. But nonetheless, we had a blast with friends and laid in bed together (mind you, 10:30) discussing all the good things God had blessed us with this year. Some at the top of the list included:
- The privilege of watching and raising a hilarious son
- Finding out we were pregnant with Baby Noah`
- Jason getting hired as the Bentonville coach, which leads to the next one
- Me getting to be a stay-at-home mamma!
- A fabulously long vacation in Destin this summer with my parents
- Building new friendships
- My sister marrying one of my best friends :)
- White Christmas
- Benny coming home after being gone for 4 months!
- The great basketball season last year with the Panthers!
- Getting to know Ogi (Jason's parent's foreign exchange student)

And I'll leave you with one of my latest works-in-progress: The Toy Room. Yes, toys in the living room were starting to make me a tad insane, so Jason worked with me this past week to clean out our spare bedroom and begin turning it into a toy room. Here are some pictures below: It was tried and tested last night with Lincoln and the Matchell kids. Jakin came up to me at one point and thanked me for the room. ha. :) Plans still included another big shelf (that I am about to go pick up) and some art on the walls (probably some Andy Warhol pictures I have no where to put anymore).

And how sweet is this picture! Mikaiah and Lincoln cuddled up with Jason toward the end of the evening. Precious.