Baptized!

Max was Baptized at St. Catherine's on July 24th. We chose to have it done in Concord, so my Grandma could be there and I am so glad we did! Max had about 50 of his family members there as he became a child of God. (The only person missing was my Grandpa Hank, but I know he was there, too, even though I couldn't see him.) He is so loved and we are very lucky to have such a loving, supportive family. After the Baptism, we all went to my parents' for a luncheon. It was a great day!

The story behind Max's name: As Catholics, we wanted to name our child after a saint or Biblical character. We were all set on the girl's name, but couldn't come to an agreement on a boy's name. We wanted something unique (but not TOO unique) and someone who would be a good example for our child. A saint I have always admired is Maximilian Kolbe. He was a priest in Poland during WWII, who publicly spoke out against the Nazis. He ended up in Auschwitz, b/c of his outspokenness. One day, while imprisoned, a prisoner escaped, so 10 men were selected to be starved to death. One was a young father who begged to be spared. Fr. Kolbe heard this and stepped forward, volunteering to take his spot. It took many days for the prisoners to die and the Nazis took joy in hearing them yell and cry out like animals. Maximilian Kolbe prayed with them, said Mass and helped them to stay calm. He survived 2 weeks in the cell with no food and was the last one alive, so the guards injected him with carbolic acid to end his life. When I was in Poland in 2003, I visited the cell that Fr. Kolbe died in; it made an incredible impression on me.

That being said, before we knew the gender of our baby, we were discussing names one cold Sunday morning in January. I distinctly remember saying to Brook, "I hope we don't have a boy, b/c we can't agree on a name." Well, we went to Mass that morning and who was the sermon about? Maximilian Kolbe! Not only that, but before the sermon began, Fr. Bill asked for 11 men to come up to the altar. Brook stood up and went. Once all the men were up there, he asked for the youngest father to step forward. So, Brook did. THEN, Fr. Bill gave his sermon about Fr. Kolbe and Brook was the young dad who was saved in the story. I just sat in the pew, smiling. When Brook returned to his seat, he said, "I think if it's a boy, we have to name him after Maximilian Kolbe." I thought so, too! Funny how God works. God had his name picked out from all eternity. So awesome! We can't wait to see what God has in store for OUR Max's life!

I am reminded of the following scriptures when thinking of Max's name and how we came to it:

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

"Before I formed you in your mother's womb, I knew you." Jeremiah 1:5

And his middle name (Luke) is in honor of my Godson who died when he was 4 years-old. Uncle Jeff and Aunt Cheryl asked me to be his Godmother when I was just 18 years-old and it was a huge honor. I loved that little boy dearly and miss him so. When we were struggling to get pregnant, Aunt Cheryl pulled me aside at a family function and said, "It WILL happen - Luke already has your baby picked out for you." (Oh gosh, tears!) It was a wonderful thing to imagine.

The priests who Baptized him: Fr. Denis and Fr. Pawel

(Fr. Pawel is a dear friend of mine from Poland. When he found out I was pregnant, he immediately started making plans to come to the U.S. for Max's birth. I just love how he is gazing at Max in this photo!)

I had the wedding dress I took to Rome (to receive the Papal Blessing) made into Max's Baptismal outfit. And the blanket he is laying on was made by my Aunt Cheryl (Luke's mom).

The Barrett / Wheeler clan
(Uncle Don is my Godfather and reminded me that 31 years ago at this time, he was holding me!)

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Cheryl and fam

Uncle Bob and Aunt Vicki

Bisonet Clan (minus Aunt Meghan)

So glad they all game down from the GR area!

Stevens Clan - love how Grandma is looking at Max!

(This was the first time she met him.)

Godparents - Uncle Wes and Aunt Hannah

Max is very lucky to have many aunts and uncles who love Jesus and will be wonderful, Christian examples for him.

1 Month Old!

A little late, but none-the-less . . . Max was 1 month old August 2nd - oh my, where has the last month gone? As I have said to many people, it's been the longest and shortest month of my life! There is so much to write about (like the reflections of his birth that I have been working on for the last 2 weeks! :-))) I remember coming home from the hospital, walking into our house, seeing my mom and saying (crying), "It's up to me to keep him alive now!" (I think there were some PP hormones going on there!) Well, we've kept him alive for 1 month! As one of my co-workers said, "He's not a fish!" Haha! Lucky for us, Max is a good baby. He only cries when he is tired (fights going to sleep a lot now) or hungry. He usually gets up only twice a night to eat and he is a GOOD eater! He latched on very quickly after he was born and is a very efficient eater. At his 1 month check-up, he was 10lbs, 10oz and 22 oz long (7lbs, 4oz and 2o inches at birth). He got an A+ from his pediatrician!

Max's Birth Story

I woke up on July 1st at 2am and just didn't feel myself. I thought it might be the food I ate at a wine tasting event the evening before. Of course, I wondered if this might also be the beginning of labor. I used the bathroom and laid back down, trying not to get too excited, since I knew I'd need my rest, if this really was labor. I surprisingly was able to go back to sleep, even though I did wake up 2 or 3 times with strong cramping. These were different than what I had experienced in the past - they only lasted a short time and I knew they were contractions. I eventually woke up at 6am that morning and decided to go to work. I had mild contractions all day that were anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes apart. Around 3, I decided to go home to see if I could get some rest. Great decision on my part! I slept for 2 hours and as soon as I sat up, had a contraction - again, nothing too major. When Brook got home, we went to Qdoba for dinner and then to get some groceries. We started timing the contractions in Meijer. They were about 10 minutes apart and I could still walk and talk through them, so I still wasn't sure if this was "it" or a false alarm. As soon as we got home, I rec'd a text from my mom . . . she must have a 6th sense, b/c she asked "How ya feeling?" We hadn't told our families that I was having contractions, b/c we didn't want to get everyone excited. But when she asked, I let her know what was going on and she said she'd keep her phone close-by throughout the night.

I cleaned, while Brook was painting in the basement and then wanted to take a walk at Rosy Mound. I thought if that didn't kick labor into gear, nothing would! So, we hiked the trail and prayed a Rosary together for a safe delivery of our baby boy. At the end of the trail, we sat at Lake Michigan and watched the beautiful sunset before heading back. When we got home, I finished cleaning and then I laid down, hoping to get some sleep before contractions got any worse. Well, that lasted about 10 minutes! They were now coming every 5 minutes and much more intense. Laying down was definitely not the best position to be in! So, I bounced on the birth ball, used the bathroom many times to make sure my bladder was empty and tried to stay hydrated. All tips from our Bradley Class. Brook was sleeping and I let him be, b/c I knew he'd need his energy, too. At least one of us was getting some sleep! At about 3am, the birth ball was no longer comfortable and I walked around the kitchen, leaning on the counter as each contraction happened. (I wrote the first part of this birth story to keep my mind distracted.)

By 3:30am, Brook was awake and the contractions we coming at 4 minutes apart, lasting about 45 seconds. They were still manageable and I could breath / relax / sway through them. I was getting tired, though, but kept repeating "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me." And, instead of dreading each contraction, I'd think, 'Each contraction brings me closer to meeting my baby.' I can't explain it, but I was relieved to see the sun come up - maybe b/c I had made it through the night? Around 8am, I decided to see if I could get a little nap in. I laid down and the contractions stopped for about 1/2 hour and I was able to sleep, thank goodness. As soon as I sat up, they kicked in again. At that point, I asked Brook to call the mid-wife on call and see about going up to the hospital. Even though the contractions were still quite manageable, I wanted to see how dilated I was. The plan was to come back home if I wasn't past a 5 (since we only live 5 blocks from the hospital).

I don't know why it took so long, but we didn't get up to the hospital until 10:30ish - I think we were waiting and waiting for the mid wife to return our call. Rachel - the nurse who would be with us throughout all of L&D - checked me and I was "3-4." This was disappointing to me and Brook and I discussed whether or not we should go back home. Since I didn't want any medication or to be hooked up to anything, we decided going back home would be the best bet, b/c I would be more comfortable. Rachel asked us to wait for the mid wife before we left. Once Gail got there (about an hour later), she checked me and I was "6-7!!" I asked her if she was lying to me to make me stay! :-) So, we stayed and Gail didn't make me get the hep-lock (I was thrilled about this!) We walked the halls to get through each contraction. Around 1 or 2, my mom, Veronica and Sophie arrived. And the rest of the Bisonet / Stevens clan arrived after that - there were 18 people in the waiting room!

I decided to get in the jacuzzi and my contractions slowed a bit. At the next check, I was still a 7 (I had plateaued for about 3 hours), so Gail asked to break my bag of waters. I was nervous about this, b/c I knew things would get intense; but I didn't want Pitocin, so I let her do it. And boy, did things get intense! I continued to stay on my feet and lean over the counter to get through each contraction. Being in the the bed (when I had to be monitored) was excruciating. If I would've stayed in the bed the entire time, I would've gotten the epidural, but being able to be mobile helped a lot. It took me 2 hours to go through transition and, at the beginning, I was saying things like "I can't do this" and begging God for relief. The pain was terrible and I felt out of control. But I knew that I needed to be more positive, b/c I believe the body follows the mind. So, I tried to say, "I CAN do this" and change my attitude. It really helped me get through each contraction.

During all of this, Brook was right by my side. He helped me remember to stay relaxed, kept me hydrated and told me what a good job I was doing. He was an incredible coach and when I thought I was going to die, he was there to remind me that I knew I'd get to this point and this meant I was almost done. He was also the one I yelled at to not yawn through a contraction (he didn't, btw) and not drink Mountain Dew through a contraction! ;-) Brook, being the wonderful husband he is, took it all in stride, of course!

After about 2 hours, Gail was asking if I felt the urge to push. She said she wasn't going to let me push until I felt that urge. I was starting to get scared, b/c I never felt that urge. Luckily, Veronica was there and said that she never felt the urge to push, either. So, Brook asked that I be checked again and I was a "10 plus!" Yippee! I started to push and, much to my horror, it hurt! When I said, "It huuurrrttsss!" Veronica said, "It's going to!" LOL. Looking back, I guess I was expecting this great sense of relief (and no pain) from pushing, but I never got that. Luckily, I only had to push for 19 minutes, b/c on July 2nd at 5:19pm, Maximilian Luke entered the world.

1 Week!

1 week 'til this baby's due date! I have been having some wicked back cramps lately - holy moley! I guess it's just a little sign of what's to come. They last 2-3 hours and then stop, but leave me completely worn out. I hope this baby is not "sunny side up;" but if he is, hopefully, my body is trying to get him in the right position before the real labor starts. It's all starting to become quite surreal to me - 'I really am going to give birth and have a baby within a matter of weeks.' Whoa. I keep looking at the baby swing, thinking, 'There is going to be a baby in there soon!' It kind-of blows my mind! I can't even imagine what it is going to be like to meet this child that I've dreamed of for so long. I can't wait for that day!

We continue to stay busy - maybe a little too busy, but it's a good way to pass the time. Saturday, we went to Brook's cousin's graduation party and then to Anna and Livia's bday party. I started to get back cramps there and we had to leave early. I was hoping it might be the start of the real deal, but ended up on the couch and slept for 12 hours that night! Sunday, after Mass, there was an art show in town and we bought a little something for the baby's room. Then, we went to the beach to walk, play in the water and just enjoy the gorgeous weather. After some painting - Brook (the basement's almost done!) and weeding our landscaping - me, we decided to do Rosy Mound. I've done it a few times a week for the last 3 months or so, but now I think it might be a little too much for my body! Bummer. Oh well, soon we will be doing it with a baby in a carrier! (Or should I say, BROOK will be doing it with a baby in a carrier! ;-))))

39 weeks and headin' to the beach!

38 Weeks

Not much to say this week, other than we are ready to meet this baby! My body is progressing on it's own, which is encouraging; so it's just a waiting game at this point. Sleep has become tougher over the last few days, which seems so unfair. The time we need to be most rested (to get through L&D), we are often most tired. Don't worry, I fit in cat naps here and there. (I know you were worried! ;-))) But other than that, I am really feeling fine . . . still working, exercising and staying as busy as can be to keep my mind off everything. I have also been getting massages once a week for the last 3 weeks. It definitely helps with the sore back and relaxation! I have another one tonight - maybe I'll ask her to include a little accupressure to try to get the ball rolling here! :-)

37.5 weeks

April AND May Showers

We were blessed to have numerous showers thrown for our baby. My mom and sisters threw one in April, then Brook’s mom and aunt in May. My friends from when I worked in Jackson also put on one for us in April and then the ladies I work with now did one last week. Phew, I know! So, much generosity and it is very humbling. I still have trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that we chose to have a baby and people buy us presents. We definitely have everything we need for his arrival . . . now we are just waiting . . . As my SIL said, “Come on baby, come out!” :-)

These cute little "bouquets" were made out of socks - love them!

My sisters put together a "how to change a diaper" kit for Brook.

He was such a good sport!



JuJu loves her little cousin!
She likes to press on my stomach and say, "Baby, wake up!"
and keeps telling me that he needs a blankie in there!

Kathy and I are due just 3 weeks apart!

What a special cake, made by Aunt Vicki!

35 Weeks

There has been a lot going on the last month or so . . . 2 weddings, a funeral, baby showers, day-to-day life . . . ; hence, my lack of posting. The pregnancy has been progressing beautifully and we are getting oh-so-excited to meet our baby! Hopefully, he will be like his parents and be punctual, but I already have a feeling this baby is going to be Mr. Independent and do things his way. So, we shall see!

Unfortunately, my Grandpa Hank (who I wrote about here) passed away a few weeks ago. The lung cancer he had 5 years ago came back and spread to his brain. He went downhill very fast and it was terrible to watch him suffer. I will miss him so much and find it especially hard that the baby he was so excited about will never get to meet him (this side of Heaven). But, I thank God that he is now out of his misery. Numerous people, who never met Grandpa, have said, “He sounds like a man who lived life to the fullest.” And that he did. May you rest in peace, Grandpa . . . I love you!

We are now 10 weeks into our Bradley class. At the beginning, a 12 week course on labor and delivery seemed a bit daunting and, honestly, a little much. (As numerous people have chosen to express their opinions and tell us such – as if our labor and delivery has anything to do with them!) But the class was SO much more than “just” labor and delivery! We have talked about pregnancy nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques; the stages and possible complications of labor and delivery; breastfeeding; birth plans; packing lists (#1 on the list for dad: mom – I’m not kidding, the book really said that!) and numerous other things that I can’t quite think of at the moment. Of course, not everything I have agreed with (shocker, right?), but you take the good and leave what you don’t need. What I am most appreciative for is that I’ve finally come to this realization: the goal of all of this is a healthy baby and healthy mom. And I will do whatever it takes, within my control, to make that happen. So, if that means I have to get an epidural or C-Section, so be it. I’d really like to have an unmedicated birth and who wants a C-Section? But if either are required for the health of our baby or myself, then so be it. I am thankful that I’ve been able to get to this place. It’s really helped to relieve some of the anxiety surrounding L&D for me and I’m really glad we chose to take the course.

We have also gotten some comic relief from the classes . . . though I’m not sure the instructor thinks we’re too funny! Since this is a “husband-coached” approach, we spent 1 whole class talking about the coach. As in, making sure the coach was well-nourished during L&D, rested, etc. There were suggestions for him to bring a cooler of food to keep his energy up and if he got tired, to lay in the bed with me! LOL!!!! I was seriously in disbelief about this. I think I made it pretty clear if Brook asked to get in the bed with me, he would probably get punched! The instructor did not appreciate my comments on the matter. I’m pretty sure Brook WILL ask me this now, but hopefully just to make me laugh.

30.5 Weeks

At 35 weeks - enjoying a trip to Target!