Glow Worm

Ben had his first doctor's visit today. I didn't get any pictures because I was filling out paperwork and then we were quickly sent over for bloodwork at Rex Hospital. Ben's jaundice has gotten a little worse since we came home and they wanted him to get checked out. After getting his heel pricked, Spence, Ben and I wandered around the hospital thinking we would visit Matt, Alicia, and Brantley Clark. But that did not work out so well since Ben is not over 12 we weren't allowed in, they also said that since he is so little someone might would think we were kidnapping a baby that had just been born there hehe.
We got a phone call later on saying that Ben's levels had definitely gone up and that someone would be coming by with a biliblanket for us. So, we have to keep this thing wrapped around him "as much as possible". Which for me means unless I am feeding him, he is wrapped up in it. We are headed to the hospital and doctor again tomorrow to check the levels. Please be praying and look for updates.
In the picture, we have a blanket over him since he is used to being swaddled and likes being all wrapped up and snuggly. I do have to say he looks pretty pitiful...

Our little glow worm

Zeke meet Ben

Here are some pictures of us coming home, Zeke meeting Ben and our new family of four. It really was a smooth meeting except for Zeke's breakdown about not being able to get into the pack and play with Ben. Zeke has been a great big brother so far. He does not like it when Ben cries and tries to let us know. He comes over to where Ben is or he begins fussing himself. He doesn't seem to mind me holding or taking care of Ben, but does not like it when Spence does anything with him.
We had a great first night at home. Zeke slept from 7-7:30 and Ben woke up every 2-3 hours, with me having to wake him up twice at 3 hours so he could eat. We have had a smooth first full day together as well. Zeke has napped and Ben has ate and slept like a champ.

About to go inside

Zeke watching for us

He was so excited to see us pull up

Ezekiel Jones meet Benjamin Graham!

Zeke said baby almost immediately when he saw Ben, it was so sweet!

Zeke loves waving to baby brother

Zeke pointed to Ben each time we said his name or baby

It's kinda like visiting the zoo and not being able to get into the animals...

Zeke tried to climb in

Spence held Zeke up so he could see

Our first family picture

Zeke enjoyed pulling Ben's socks off

I caught Zeke reaching to grab Ben's hat. He pulled the hat off and then threw it back at Ben and me and smiled. It was actually quite funny. He has also been very interested in Ben's pacifier. He has taken it a couple times and put it in his own mouth. It makes me laugh since Zeke gave up the paci on his own at about 7 months.

We're Home!!!

Spence, Ben and I got to come home yesterday. It was so funny how different it was with Ben from last year with Zeke. Last year, we hung out and stalled leaving the hospital until around 4 pm. This time, we were calling the nurse at 10 asking how we could get out as soon as possible. I was very ready to see Zeke. I was ready to just be home and get into the swing of our new family.

The following two videos are from us getting home. The first is us walking in the door and shows how excited Zeke is to meet Ben and see us. The second video is what happened when we told Zeke he couldn't get in the pack and play with Ben. I will do another post for pictures and more info on how the meeting went.

Visitors

Ben had some family and friends come to meet him at the hospital. Here are a few of the pictures we were able to grab.

Yaya

Aunt Tori

Jena-Marie

PawPaw

Nana

Aunt Michelle

Uncle Matt

Grandpa

Uncle Bubba

Errrrr......Pane!

that's the best way to write out how Zeke says "Airplane!"
Spence and I have been talking about taking Zeke to the observation deck at the airport for a few weeks now. Zeke LOVES planes as you could see from the video the other day. He was having a bit of an afternoon the other day. He cried before going down for his nap, only slept about 45 minutes, and woke up crying. I couldn't get him to settle, it didn't seem to matter what I did. So, we decided it was a perfect day for us to take him to see the airplanes. I took a video of us on the way. He could see the airplanes from the window of the car and was already pointing and getting excited about them. Then we got there and he was so excited. He pointed with both hands. He walked all around saying airplane. It was great! We can't wait to go back. I have a feeling it will become a favorite place to visit for us.

Watching on coming in for a landing

Mesmerized by the planes

You can't see but he is pointing

Isn't this so sweet?

What a cool picture

Happy with daddy

Welcome to our family

We are so excited to announce the addition of our son Benjamin Graham Shelton. Ben was born at 7:49 am October 7, 2009. He weighed in at 6lbs 2 oz and 18 inches long. Those are the quick and easy stats. Here comes the full on story:

5:00am- I started feeling a little crampy, but did not think it was contractions. I decided to go take a bath to help with the cramping.

6:00am- I realized that the cramping was coming in waves and I started timing. They were at 5 minutes.

6:20 am- Contractions move to every 4 minutes, we kick it into high gear, and get ready to leave

6:30am- Call our neighbor Michelle to walk over until Matt and Tori could get to the house to watch Zeke

6:45 am- We leave the house and I notice the contractions are now every 3 minutes. Spence is telling me to breath and not push. I tell him I know how to breath and I will not be pushing the baby out in the car

7:10 am- We arrive at Western Wake Med Hospital. They bring us a wheelchair because it is clear that I can't walk. They take me back and Spence has to move the car and check me in, as they are wheeling me I am asking for an epidural

7:15 am- My nurse, Jaton, checks me and sees that I am 7 cm and tells me I can't get an epidural

7:20 am- Spence comes in and I tell him that they won't give me an epidural. I tell him that I want them to just cut him out of me. Jaton tells me as she is walking out the door that I don't want that. I tell Spencer that she doesn't know and yes I do want that

7:25 am- Dr. Brannon comes in and says he has a quick surgery to take care of and will be back. He asks to get an iv in me and hopefully I can get an epidural and should have the baby by 8:15.

7:30 am- Dr Brannon checks me before going to surgery, and says "she's at 10, I'm gonna break her water, on the next contraction you are gonna push, Courtney"

7:30-7:49 am- I push through a couple contractions, Dr. Brannon asks for a vacuum because Benjamin is sunny side up. After pushing and using the vacuum on a couple more contractions, he is born! Oh, and the dr says that the labor was stalled because of Ben facing up- seriously that was stalled labor? WOW!

Ben came out flailing and screaming, total opposite of Zeke. He has a headful of light brown hair, blue eyes, pretty lips and a cute button nose. He has long fingers and long skinny feet. We can't see a lot of resemblance to Zeke. I think they have the same lips, but other than that...

We are so excited that he is here even though it was not the way we expected or planned. I am really ready to get home and see Zeke, I miss him. He can't come to the hospital to see us because no one under 18 is allowed in to visit. I know he is being well taken care of and is having a fun time with our family, but I will be glad to get home and begin our new life as a family of 4.

Benjamin Graham Shelton

Snoozing

Look at those fingers! Look at those HUGE feet!

Mommy and Ben

Daddy and Ben

Close up with his eyes open

Family pic (please ignore my Mufasa hair, remember I had him with NO DRUGS, I should look rough!)

Sneak Peek

So, my friend erin has finished the painting. She emailed and asked if I wanted a sneak peek. Seriously? I couldn't wait. She sent me some pictures and I squealed with delight. Then I popped open my computer yesterday morning and saw this sweet post on her blog. Please take the time to look through some of her other paintings. It is pretty crazy how little direction I gave her (a few pictures of the boys' rooms and just that I wanted it to go with either one) and this is what she came up with. I can not wait until my reunion weekend so I can get my hands on the painting!!!
Thank you erin for being so amazing!!!! This is going to be the perfect finishing touch for Zeke's room. I can't wait to figure out what I want for Ben!!