He's Here!

 

He's here! Levi Michael Conrad was born August 13th at 10:37 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 14oz and was 20.5" long. He seemed healthy enough but by the time morning came we knew something wasn't right. His limbs were purple and his breathing rapid and shallow. He was assessed by a doctor and was rushed to the NICU. There they determined through xrays and blood work he had pneumonia from injesting amniotic fluid when he was born, his lungs had fluid in them and would need some time and medicine to heal. The antibiotics they gave him had to be done through an iv 3 times a day and he was on oxygen while they monitored his breathing so taking him home wasn't an option.

                     

 

 

So for the next 6 days he called the NICU home. It is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, drive away from the hospital without my new baby, broke my heart. Of course I felt blessed that my little boy would be alright, but there is something about coming home to a house full of excited sibblings and a proud father without the excitment we'd all been waiting for for the past 9 months. Luckily we live about 15 minutes from the hospital so I was able to make trips back and forth. Levi made it home though in his own time and when he did it was wonderful! His two brothers and sister are so very proud of him and just can't give him enough love.

Everything was wonderful for about a day until our house was hit with the stomach flu. It's been a week and we've all had the misfortune of it's company, all six of us. I think we are finally in the clear and looking forward to brighter days. We all love our little Levi, he is our pride and joy. He is such a blessing and we look forward to watching him grow into a healthy strong boy. We are thankful for all of your prayers and help the past few weeks, it is nice to know there are so many who love us, thank you all.

Jaundice too, catching some sun

This look says he's been in the hospital too long :)

Car seat test to go home, he actually didn't pass with flying colors, but they let us go home and we are on limited drive time until his breathing improves.

 Proud Dad

  Car ride home

 

 

 Levi Michael, our love.

35 weeks

35 weeks. With only a handful of weeks left in this pregnancy it is starting to feel really real, our sweet little boy will be here soon. August 20th is still his due date. I have measured big (at one point almost 5 weeks big) most of this pregnancy, but recently his growth has slowed and he is measuring just about his due date. If the due date sounds familiar it should, it is Kaine and Lilia's birthday. We shall see, July 27th I have a final ultrasound to measure him and make sure he is head down and all systems are go, I see my ob doctor again August 1.  I will probably know better at this point when to expect our newest little mr.

(33.5 weeks) 

In case you were wondering his name, we are still too. We have a handful of names we like and will decide when we meet him.

 Looking back what a pregnancy this has been! We found out Christmas morning we were expecting again, what a wonderful gift he has been. In February, between week 10 and 12, my doctor found a nodule, actually four, on my thyroid that would be biopsied with "likely malignant" results. Not the results I was expecting and frightening to say the least. As a mother you hope and pray that your body is strong and healthy that you are able to provide the best growing environment for your new baby. Over the past 23 weeks I have had my thyroid levels checked and mostly they are stable, which gives me hope. My calcium and magnesium levels have been thrown for a loop because one of the nodules is blocking glands that help the body to absorb these minerals, supplements have helped. I will have to have half of my thyroid removed after baby comes (probably in September or October) to get rid of the nodules and at that point they will be able to tell if the nodules hold true cancer cells and/or if the other half of my thyroid (since only one half was biopsied) will need to be removed as well. My faith has been tested as this has weighed on me mentally and emotionally, it has been hard wondering what is to come, but I am hopeful that Heavenly Father has a plan. Physically I have felt strong most of this pregnancy, if you've seen me you know that I have some beautiful varicose veins to show for this pregnancy, I guess the third pregnancy is a charm :)  I was able to run a half marathon at 23 weeks  in 2:31:05, it felt amazing, much slower than my other time but I was so proud of us. I ran up until week 28 when it just got to be too much. Camping just a few weeks ago and will most likely be chasing a toddler, preschooler, and middle schooler up to the time our new baby is to arrive. I am so thankful I have been given a body capable of bearing children and caring for the ones we are so fortunate to have, it is a blessing beyond measure.

 The kids are all looking forward to meeting their little brother.  Kaine, well I wouldn't say he is indifferent, he is sweet and says good night to baby every night, but after having three younger siblings I think the thrill of waiting for the baby for 9 months has worn off, I don't blame him.  Lilia is especially excited! She has such a love about her for all of her brothers and this one is no exception. She can't wait to "help" change diapers and rock him to sleep. Eli is certainly aware there is a baby growing and often asks me "ok?" while rubbing the baby bump, very thoughtful. And of course Matthew has been so good to me and baby all along.  I know he is just as excited to meet the little mr as I am. 

So with 5 short weeks we wait....

At Our best....

We have been at our best these past few weeks. Camping, trips to the lake, another trip to the beach berry picking, and fun with friends. Best of all the sun has been shining! Here are some pictures of our recent adventures....

 Father's day weekend at the beach with Uncle Casey too

 He didn't know he had dirt under his nose :)

 Hat fun with Dad

 the wind was ablowin

 I love these three

4th of July parade and pancakes in the park

Eli and Dad sharing breakfast

 Best buds share, even their rice krispie treats

 this is how Lilia eats a smore

 these girls always have their imaginations going, a parade of their own in the back yard

 a day of fun and sun @ Klineline pond

 berry picking, Kaine insisted I take this picture of him

 my good berry pickers, Kaine probably picked about 6 pounds!

 Camping @ Lake Trillium

 Eli the fire building machine....

 33 weeks

 He loved the ducks

 camping buddies

day on the raft @ Battleground Lake