False Alarm

Sunday night was a long one... At 36 weeks 5 days pregnant, I came down with yet another stomach virus (Cody and I both have gone years without catching this nasty bug.  That is, until we had children.  Now we seem to have it every 5 or 6 months).  I went to bed not feeling well, then woke up with violent symptoms from about 12:00 to 2:00 am.  After my 2:00 episode, I started having a lot of pain in my lower abdomen, enough that it was hard to stand up straight.  I decided to monitor my contractions before I called the doctor.  It turned out that for over an hour, I was having contractions every 3 - 7 minutes.   So I called the doctor who told us they needed to check it out. 

We took Caden over to my parents house and headed up to the hospital.  They got me set up on the monitors, asked 100 questions (including "Do you have feelings of wanting to kill anyone?"), and after the long list of questions they checked my contraction pattern and decided that they were consistently every 5 minutes.  This was followed by an exam which determined that I was 4 cm dilated and 90% effaced.  We were told that it was likely that we could have this baby today.  (Scary thought for me since I didn't bring ANYTHING and we were still very unprepared at home).

My doctor had thought differently.  She had them start me on an IV because she thought my dehydration was triggering my contractions.  They also gave me morphine and phenergran to help with pain and nausea.  As miserable as it was to be at the hospital triage with a stomach virus, it sure did make me feel better almost immediately once they gave me phenergran. 

By about 6:00 am, my contractions had become much less intense and were no longer regular.  The only problem was the Hadley's heart rate was a little too high.  We had to wait another hour to see if it would settle down.  By 7:15 a day shift nurse came in, informed us that Hadley's heart rate was much better, and performed another vaginal exam to make sure I hadn't progressed further.  I am almost positive this lady had a knife in her hand for this exam.  I can't even describe how painful it was.  I couldn't help but almost jump right off the table, which only made her get even more aggressive (and also made me bleed heavily for the next two days).  Still 4 cm--which was good news since my doctor really hopes I make it to 38 weeks. 

On our way home at 7:30 am with baby still on board in the belly.

The next day I was back at work... still dilated 4 cm.  How long can you walk around like that anyway???  It makes me very nervous to think that I am almost halfway to the "push phase".  My doctor did warn me to get to the hospital very quickly once contractions start again because it shouldn't take long.  I'm only concerned because I HAVE to make sure I have time for an epidural!!

Stay tuned... next time I get around to posting on the blog may be with a picture of sweet Miss Hadley Ann Coltharp.

Caden 18 Months

Weight: 27 lbs (50-75%)

Length: 34 in. (90%)

Head Circumference: 19.5 (95%)

My dearest Caden Layne, you are so much fun at this age!  It's amazing to me how quickly you are learning things just by watching us.  You recently watched daddy put new batteries in one of your toys and now you like to find the screwdriver and try to take apart all of your toys. 

You will eat anything--which I love.  You are happy to eat any fruits or veggies but you do have a preference for sweets if given the option (kind of like your momma).  "Nanas" (bananas) make you very happy and you have been known to shove about 1/3 of a banana in your mouth at one time.  If only I could catch a picture of your stuffed cheeks. 

I've said it before, and I'm going to say it again... you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, music and dancing.  Even when you are very sick you still find a way to put in a quick dance when music comes on.  The other day you even stood up in your high chair (with Daddy's help) and danced with the waiter/waitresses at Texas Roadhouse during one of their routines.

You give the best hugs and "mooches".  My heart melts a little when I see your ornery grin.  I it is impossible to keep from smiling when I hear your adorable laugh.  Recently you have been going through a bit of a clingy phase in which you want to be held or sitting in my lap.  You also will cry/whine for a few minutes when I leave you at daycare--(I won't show it but it sure makes it hard to leave you when you do that).  You will, however, still let anyone hold you.  We never really went through the stranger anxiety stage.  Sometimes it just takes you a few minutes to warm up to an unfamiliar location or a crowd of people but soon you are on your way to exploring your surroundings.  You're a friendly little guy--waving a strangers who aren't even paying attention to you, playing peek-a-boo with the people sitting in the pews behind us at church... etc. 

I'm sure all kids your age do this, but it looks to me like you are fearless like your daddy because you are climbing and standing on anything and everything you can.  This has resulted in a few injuries but thank goodness it's only been a few bumps and bruises and only one lost fingernail (ask Daddy how this happened if you ever want to know).

Mom & Dads Anniversary

This is the 2nd year that my brother and sis-in-law and me and Cody took my parents out for their anniversary to the Wildcatter Ranch.  Its worth the drive to Graham for a different and quiet atmosphere, not to mention they have great food.  The first time we came (2 years ago) I was pregnant with Caden and very sick... so I didn't get to enjoy the food or adult beverages.  This time I was pregnant with Hadley and feeling good so I was able to at least indulge in the food.  Hopefully next time we go I will not be pregnant and I can finally have that margarita...or beer...or both (?) with my meal. 

Kaelli and Caden

Pop and Dylan

The gang's all here (with Hadley on the way)

Dusty, Melanie, Troy, Dylan and Kaelli

It just makes me laugh :)

Married 37 years

Cousins

Cade man leading the way out

Christmas 2011

We had an awesome Christmas!  Since both of our families live so close, we usually spend most of our days off bouncing from one Christmas gathering to another in a really short time.  It can be a little chaotic but I love that we don't miss out on much this way.

Once again, Caden was spoiled by his grandparents and uncles/aunts with lots of toys (which are now getting bigger as our house is getting smaller).  It's a good problem to have though!  This year, Caden was more excited about unwrapping gifts and playing with his toys although he still doesn't understand why we are doing these things.

The organized person in me is VERY annoyed that these pictures are out of order, but I'm doing good to find the time to even get them on here so I'm making myself just leave them as they are... it is painful though.

Me, Caden and Kache

Loving the bubbles

Cory, Tamie, Kache and Paislee Coltharp

With my in-laws



Randy and Cindy with their grandkids

Randy playing with Kache and Caden

Cindy and P

Uncle Caleb and Krista with the kiddos

now with their Uncle Callan

Playing with his new car

Someone was getting sleepy

Josh, Cody, Cory, Caleb and Callan holding Ryder, Caden, Kache, Paislee and Parker

PawPaw and Mimi

Cody's Uncle Chris with most of his clan

Cody's Aunt Delesa, Peyton, Addie, Uncle Jeff, and Corbin

Nenaw and Pepaw with their grandkids and spouses (there were still several that couldn't make it)

James and Henrietta with their great-grandkids

Chris, Jeff, Cindy, Henrietta and James

Christmas morning at home

Gift from 'Aunt' Diana

He knew exactly what it was for... just like at daycare

He was excited to unwrap gifts this year.

Waiting on daddy to get his new battery powered car ready.

Wore out from all the excitement

Dylan, my nephew--such a happy baby!

Me, Caden and his Bebe

Cody's roping dummy wrapped specially by my dad in a feed sack.

Gigi and Pop with Caden and Dylan

Dylan, Mel and Dusty



Caden watching Daddy put together another toy and learning how to use a screwdriver

Helping daddy bring in the box of gifts

Feeding Cows- 16 months old

Caden recently started getting really excited about cows.  He loves to see them on t.v., in pictures, and up close and personal is his favorite.  He tells me they say "mmmmmm". 

Daddy and Caden

 These pictures were actually taken in late November, but I love them so much that I think they are still blog-worthy.

Daddy showing Caden how to feed cubes.

Caden trying it out by himself.



Pop and Cade--this one was actually bottle fed as a calf so she's very calm.



He's not even a little nervous around them.

Next best thing to feeding cows... driving.