Jameson's Story

Jameson was due December 28, 2011, but because of my bile acid levels (they were getting toxic) I was going to be induced December 15. I went in to my doctor's office the morning of the 14th For my final checkup before the delivery.  As my doctor was checking things he decided to strip my membranes to perhaps start the labor process. He said something like this: "I'm just going to strip your membranes, so this may out you into labor." Me: "I can't go into labor today, I don't have time! My husband's not going to be home until about 9:30 tonight." that was about the extent of the visit, the I left and went about the rest of my day. 

Justin was going to San Diego that evening with the youth for Temple baptisms, so he wouldn't be home until late that evening. Originally it wasn't going to be a big deal because I'd never gone into labor only been induced with the other kiddos . . . Why should this time have been any different?

Fast forward through the rest of the day (including fighting to keep a, then 2 year old, little girl with me and then in to the car at the sewing store) . . . Justin was going to be getting out of his evening commitment so that he could be home with me, but it didn't end up happening that way.

Justin wasnt going to home after all, so he arranged for my mom to come spend the evening with the kids and I while he was away. Mom and her patient came up and spent part of the evening with us, hanging out and eating a bit of dinner.  I was starting to get a little bit uncomfortable around 5:30 or so when we were eating dinner, but I really didn't think it was that serious. I just figured I'd probably head to the hospital that evening when Justin got home. Mom left our house around 6:00 pm to take her patient home and wasn't to sure what time she'd be returning. 

I went and sat down with Jack And Abbigaile on the couch and was watching a little show with them. I decided I should probably go back Nd finish grabbing my toiletries so when the hubby got home we could just leave for the hospital. How long could it take to grab some shampoo and toothpaste? Just a couple of minutes, right?

I headed to the back bathroom to grab my things at about 6:15 or so, then started to have stronger contractions. I would just sit down on the potty during the contraction and try to grab my things in between, because at least i felt somewhat comfortable there. It got to the point that I couldn't even stand up because they were so strong. 
As I'm sitting there (on the potty) I called Justin (thank goodness I brought my phone with me!) to see when he'd be home. The conversation went a little something like this . . . Me: when are you going to be home? Justin: probably about 45 minutes. I just dropped the kids off at the temple. Me: okay, but you'd better hurry because stuff is happening down there!

In the meantime, I'm sitting there saying, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" (But you have to imagine this in a quick, high pitched voice) Jack comes back to the bathroom and says in a somewhat sassy and clipped voice, "mom, just chill out!" Me (remember, high-pitched voice): "I can't chill out right now, just go put the show back on for your sister!" 

As things were progressing I tried calling my mom and then justin to see where they both were. As I'm sitting there, I'm talking out loud to myself because that's what I do when I'm nervous. So, I'm saying "Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh! I have to push. I can't push. I'm by myself." Then I couldn't help but push, so I pushed one time and my water didnt just break, it exploded! It made me nervous because it was slightly green in color, so I knew that Jameson had already pooped. I called my mom and she didn't answer so then I called Justin to let him know my water had just broke. While on the phone with him I reached down and said, "Oh my gosh! His head's right theeeeere!" Justin: "why are yo calling me? Call 9-1-1!" I hung up the phone, gave one more push, and as I pushed I guided Jameson up onto my lap. I then called 9-1-1 and by the time I had the operator on the line my mom had arrived. Mom helped tie the cord off with a piece of dental floss and Abbigaile was trying to get around her saying, "baby! Baby! Jamie!" I guess she was really excited to meet her baby brother :)

Justin's Uncle Dave showed up next, then the firefighters arrived at our house. They talked to me for a bit, cut the cord, and took Jameson's vitals. I got changed, then climbed onto the gurney. Justin's parents and our friends, the Greenwoods, were at our house when we came out, too.  We were loaded into the ambulance and the  drove down to Palomar Hospital. Jameson had a little bit of oxygen on the way down because his little hands and feet weren't very pink and he wasn't crying a whole lot. Justin met us in the ER, but was afraid to come in at first because he thought I'd be mad at him. He knew it was safe because I was joking around with the nurses.

We were taken up to labor and delivery and checked out by the staff. I was fine, but Jameson was kept in the warmer for quite a bit because his body temperature was a bit low. In the end, we were fine. 
Our sweet little Jameson Rizzo Lowell was born Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 6:45 pm. He weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces and was 19 inches long.

We were discharged Friday afternoon and I was definitely looking forward to getting home and letting the kids finally meet their little brother. The kids were so excited when we got home. Both Abbigaile and Jack were so excited to hold Jameson, although Abbi didn't hold him for long . Jack was a different story, he didn't want to out the baby down--as we were sitting on the couch, Jack and I were just looking at him and jack says to me, "isn't he just amazing" all soft and sweet. 

Jack was very possessive and protective of his little brother from the very beginning. He needed to take a shower, but was holding Jameson at the time. We said, "Jack,myou need to go take a shower now." Jack: "No!" Us: "Jaaack" Jack: "No! I'm holding him!" We were finally able to get him to take a shower after we promised he could hold the baby after he was showered and dressed. 

Jack and Abbigaile are very loving siblings. They both love holding their brother with the  "magic pillow" (the Boppy), and love to make him laugh. Sometimes all it takes to make Jameson laugh is one of the kids walking up to him or looking at him.  Jameson is such a blessing to our family. He is such a happy baby and is growing like a weed! I'll be headed to the doctor with him on Thursday, so I'll try to post an update soon.

A Much Needed Family Update

April 23, 2011

Okay, I know I'm awful! I just looked at our blog and it's been almost two years since I last blogged. Two whole years! A lot has happened in the past two years, but I don't think I'm going to try to play catch-up . . . I'll just start with the  now and try to make a better effort to stay more current. I think I'll just give a quick update on the family and what we've been up to lately. 

Justin is still working at Grand Tradition and is now the Human Resource manager. He's also currently going t school at UCSD to get his certificate in human resources. He's still working with the Boy Scouts in our church and took a recent trip to the San Gabriel Moutains.

Jack is such a good kid! He's currently enrolled in the Jumpstart program at an elementary school here in town. Jumpstart is a half-year kindergarten-type program and he absolutely loves it. He's a great helper around the house and a great big brother. In fact, the other day I was wiping down baseboards and Jack wanted to help . . . I guess I shouldve been asking him to help sooner, he did a great job helping and had a ton of fun  while doing it! Jack loves playing outside, throwing/kicking balls, riding his bike, and snacking constantly. Oh, we've enrolled Jack at a charter school for kindergarten next school year and we're pretty excited about it. (I'll have to do a bigger update on that as the time gets closer.)

Abbigaile is our little feisty girl. We're trying to potty train her right now and it's very hit and miss. Luckily, no kid wears diapers forever so eventually it will all click. She loves to dance, color, jump off of things, and build towers out of Legos and blocks. Abbigaile started going to Joy School in February and seems to be doing quite well. She loves playing with her friends and gets very I excited when we pull up to her friends houses. She starts shouting "bye mom!" as soon as the house is in sight. Abbi has become very independent and tries to do almost everything for herself. She loves clothes,shoes,  and hair pretties and hates having her teeth brushed. 

Jameson is such a sweet boy. He loves being held and having snuggle time with mommy and daddy. Both of his bottom teeth are coming in right now, so he's chewing on everything. He's a very giggly boy--sometimes all you have to do is talk to him and he'll start laughing.Jameson rolled over for the first time today and I missed it! I'm so sad . . . But Justin can't the tail end of the roll. I'll just have to wait for him to do it again.

As for me, I'm just busy being a mommy. Taking care of our kiddos nd trying to keep up with our home. I'm currently the teacher for the 14 and 15 year-old young ladies at church and I love it! I'm hoping to start running again soon, but I'll have to keep you posted on that. 

I think that's about it for right now. Justin's going to a scout camp in Beaver in July so the Kidlets  and I are going to head to Idaho for a couple of weeks. I'll be sure to post more often and try to keep everyone apprised of our activities. 

I'm on the iPad right now, so I can't post pictures from here. I'll make it a goal to post them within the next couple of days. Love you all!

P. S. I'll post Jameson's birth story for any of you who haven't heard it yet. Let me know if I've left anything out :)