Bath Time!

Beau was able to have his first actual bath tonight...he absolutely LOVED it to say the least.  Joe's cousin Sarah bought this jacuzzi bathtub for Beau's baby shower, and it was a hit with Beau!  He loved resting his feet against the jacuzzi insert and feel the bubbles come out on his feet.  He didn't cry at all. In fact, he had grins on his face the whole time and kept kicking his feet in the water.  Beau is definitely taking after mommy and daddy here by loving water!  Like Joe has jokingly said..."Beau will be able to ski behind the boat before he can walk"...I wouldn't go that far, but Beau certainly will love going to Nana's pool this summer and going boating with Grandpa Scott and Grandma Michelle!!!

Beau's First Halloween

Banx is lookin' out for Beau making sure he is okay  :)

My two favorite little people!

Our little "puntin"

Beau just loves when mommy makes him pose :)

Since I don't let him suck on his thumbs/hands, he opted for the pumpkin handle

Beau was able to celebrate his first Halloween tonight!  He was the cutest giraffe around if I do say so myself :).  Miss Banx came over with Brook so the babies could get dressed together.  Banx had fun playing dress up with my things first (look at Brook's blog to see what I mean) then it was time for her to get her poodle gear on!  Beau and Banx were hilarious for their "First Halloween Photo Shoot".  They both LOVE the camera and the attention :)

We didn't actually take Beau trick-or-treating due to the fact he is only 10 days old.  But, that didn't mean people didn't see him in costume!  Nana, Dennis, Grandma Michelle, Aunt Brookie, Banx, Dena and Austin all came to see Baby Beau.  He is one loved giraffe!  Nana and Dennis got Beau the pumpkin basket he is sitting in...right away Nana insisted he use it as a photo prop.  It ended up being the cutest idea ever :)

Baad-Baad

 

One of Banx's favorite sayings is "baad- baad".  She knows when she does something naughty, and follows by saying "baad-baad" with the cutest smirk on her face.  Today, she was playing at our house before trick-or-treat night and she kept shutting the door in Beau's nursery.  We kept telling Banx "no", then of course she replied with "baad-baad".  She's a ham! :)

So Many Visitors!

Yesterday, Beau had a lot of visitors!  After an afternoon of shopping in Ottumwa with Nana, we had visitors non-stop at our house.  Stacey, one of the teachers I work with at the middle school, came with her daughter to meet Beau for the first time as did Abbey, another teacher from school.  Thank you so much Abbey and Stacey for the adorable gifts and Stacey for the delicious dinner :)

"Aunt" Ashie came to meet Beau too!  She is on break from Palmer, so it was perfect timing for her to be home.  Ashie bought Beau his first Build a Bear...it is adorable.  It will be a great prop for pictures!  Alex and Chris showed up a few minutes later too, as did Grandpa Gene and Shari.  We just had a full house!  Dad and Shari had brought dinner over for Joe and I, but it ended up being a full house eating the meal!  Thank goodness they brought enough!!! :)

After a very busy afternoon and evening, mommy, daddy and Beau slept very hard to say the least.  Speaking of which, Beau is still taking a very long nap right now :)

Nap Time!

Joe went back to work yesterday, and it was killing him being away from Beau.  So, he came home right away for lunch, and immediately hit the couch to cuddle with his lil' man.  Macee is still having issues with not being the "baby" in the family, so as soon as Joe laid down, Macee got right on his chest next to Beau.  How precious :)

Beau Loves His Cousin

Banx gave Beau a kiss...I kind of missed it, but it was absolutely precious!

Isn't she adorable?!

Aunt Brookie trying to give attention to Banx and Beau at the same time...a lot easier said than done! :)

Nana brought Miss Banx over to see Beau again.  She just really wishes he would play with her!  Soon enough Bankers, then you two will be running around the place and getting into a lot of trouble! :) 

I had to have a talk with Banx while she was here.  Aunt PP told her that she is still my #1 girl so nothing will change there, even though there is a new baby in the family.  She just will share the attention now :)  These two, Beau and Banx, are definitely my favorite people in the whole world and I'm so blessed to have them!

First Sponge Bath at Home!

Nana came over to help give Beau his first sponge bath.  He really does NOT like to be cold, so we had to make sure we kept part of him covered during his bath.  After a few minutes, he got used to it and just loved all of the attention he was getting.  Yes, my son LOVES to be the center of attention already! :)

 

Grandma Michelle came over during her noon hour again today!  Beau was wide awake when she got here, but as soon as Grandma started to hold Baby Beau and cuddle him, he fell fast asleep....he has a very rough life right now! :)

Can You Say "Spoiled"?!

Beau has been getting very spoiled the past couple of days with all of the visitors he has had!  Dena came yesterday and spent the whole day here helping out and taking care of Beau so Joe and I could rest up a bit.  Beau was also spoiled by having BOTH of his grandmas here to help with the house, groceries, laundry, etc.  Grandma Michelle made a delicious chicken casserole for us and Nana Jil helped do all of Beau's laundry and took care of him while I rested.  Thank goodness for grandmas!! :)

Today, Auntie Brookie had a little chat with Baby Beau.  She was telling him that even if he and Banx get into trouble in the future, they aren't going to get away with it with their mommys.  Brook started to tell Beau funny stories and he just looked at her with his big eyes, soaking it all in.  I can tell he can't wait to stir up some trouble with Miss Banx!

Home Sweet Home

Sunday we were able to leave the hospital and head on home.  Beau did great in his first car ride and was fast asleep before we knew it!  Once we got home, we gave Beau a tour of his new home and showed him his nursery.  Joe's Grandma Connie, Aunt Marcia and her girls gave Beau this bouncer at my baby shower, and it is his favorite item so far!  He loves to have the music play and the vibrations put him to sleep instantly---so thank you Great-Grandma Connie and Great-Aunt Marcia!!!! :)

Our first night went well with Beau.  I didn't sleep because I was so paranoid and nervous, like a typical new mommy, that I jumped to his side every time I heard him whimper or make any type of noise.  After having a long talk with my mom, she helped me realize that it's okay to be nervous like that, but he's going to cry a little but will fall back asleep so it's okay to leave him be.  So last night, Beau didn't sleep in mommy and daddy's bedroom, he slept in his big boy crib!  He seemed to love it.  He slept so well in there and only woke up to eat every few hours---just like he is supposed to!  Joe and I are LOVING being new parents and are so blessed to have such a precious, healthy son.

More Photos

                                           Pat and Natalie Came to see us!

                                           Alexa

                                          Our amazing nurses

                 

Photos of Beau

It's a Boy!

Yesterday, at 4:26 p.m., the Lord blessed Joe and I with a healthy, handsome, baby boy...Beau Paxton Pierson.  He weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.  I think he's  going to be taller than his daddy!  He was so alert right from birth (the video below is just a minute or two after he was born, it just shows how happy and healthy he is!).  He had an awesome first night already and slept well through it!  We thought Beau had dark hair yesterday, but after he got his bath in the middle of the night, it now looks dirty blonde, so who knows what color it will turn to!  One thing is for sure, he has a lot of CURLY hair.  He is so handsome---definitely takes after his daddy :).  Other than the day I married my wonderful husband, yesterday was the happiest day of my life.  Being new parents is going to be a very exciting change for Joe and I, but we're ready for it.  Joe has already found his new "little buddy".  He is having a hard time sharing Beau! :)  Seeing the two most important men in my life cuddled together in the recliner, is such an amazing feeling, a feeling I could never describe in words.  These two are my entire life, and I'm so happy to have such a beautiful family!  Beau Paxton, you are so loved and spoiled already! :)  Welcome to our  family, Beau!

Beau Paxton

Now its a party!!

Well folks we're officially checked into what will be our living quarters for the next 2 to 4 days, and I must say the OB wing here at Pella Regional is fantastic. The rooms are very large, extremely cozy, and fitted with a leather recliner and cable television.... Not to shabby. I should also note the nursing staff here leaves nothing to be desired. Paigey is all settled in and they have begun administering a drug to her that will hopefully encourage things to start moving in the right direction.  All there is to do now is wait and see what the morning brings us. Until then I'll be devising a scheme to get this recliner relocated to my living room when this is over with.
Cheers!

Like Mother/Like Sister/Like Daughter

Well, it's official, I am definitely taking after my mom and sister.  Joe and I went back today to see if I was close to labor, but no, not even close.  We took a non-stress test to make sure PJ was okay, and he/she is!  It's just my body that isn't cooperating now.  My mom had to have two c-sections, Brook had to have a c-section with Banx, and it's looking like that is going to be my situation as well...but not yet a guarantee.  So it may be true, I am more like my mom and sister than I thought after all :).  Tomorrow we go back for another non-stress test to see if I've progressed at all.  If we made some progress, then tomorrow night they will begin to induce me.  So chances are, no matter what we are having a baby by Friday!  Needless to say, I will not be getting a lot of sleep until then.  I never sleep well when I'm anxious/excited about something! 

Joe and I have our bags packed and ready to go!  We did a double check, making sure we have anything and everything we would need in the hospital.  I have such a wonderful husband, he made a special playlist on my iPod for the delivery room to keep me calm and relaxed :)  He also made sure he packed my favorite lotion to give me foot and back massages while I'm in the hospital....I hope he knows I WILL take him up on this offer! :) 

40 weeks..Let the countdown begin

We finally made it 40 weeks!  But of course, I should have known that my baby would be stubborn and not make his/her grand entrance on the actual due date....PJ is already taking after daddy! :)  We go back to Dr. Bruxvoort on Wednesday if PJ isn't here by then.  HOPEFULLY we won't have to wait that long and consider being induced. 

Fate?!

Here is a story for those of you who believe in fate or that God truly has a plan for everyone....

Last night, Dena came over to spend time with Joe and I before baby PJ arrives.  As we were all discussing PJ's soon due date and when we think PJ will come, Dena kept insisting that PJ is coming on Saturday.  I kept thinking "why is she saying Saturday?  Her birthday is next Friday.  Maybe she's just confused and thinks her birthday is early" :).  But no.  After a few hints, I finally got it.

Last year, on September 22 to be exact, Joe, Dena and I were out for the night.  I had been writing silly messages on napkins such as: Dena + Paigey = best friends, Paigey loves Joe, etc.  Just being a little Jr. Highish (which is probably why I love teaching middle school kids so much!).  On one specific napkin, I wrote "Joe and Paigey Pierson, est. October 15, 2011".  I had semi-jokingly told Joe tha he had better marry me by this date!  We both love fall, and thought it would be the perfect date to get married.

Obviously, this did not end up being our anniversary date, as we had bigger, better blessings pop up into our lives!  But, fate still wanted to keep this date near to our hearts.  PJ's due date is Monday, the 17th.  If you haven't read our previous post, Joe and Dr. Bruxvoort think we are having a baby this weekend, so if that were the case, October 15th would be an "established" date for us...with starting our family!

Before Dena left for the night, she ran out to her car and showed us the napkin that she kept!  It was so special to see it and to think God really does have a plan for us all---He knew over a year ago that PJ would be coming into our lives.

Any day now!

Yesterday Joe and I had our 39 week OB appointment in Pella.  It was by far the most exciting appointment we have had yet!  Dr. Bruxvoort had initially told me last week, that we would let me go a week past my due date (which is Monday the 17th) before inducing labor or discussing a C-section.  Now, he told me that if Baby Pierson has not been born by our next appointment, which is next Wednesday the 19th, that we will then discuss our options and need to come up with a plan for inducing labor!  So within a week, PJ will either be here or be on his/her way!  I also have started to dilate!  Things are progressing and are looking positive for me to have a natural delivery...which is my birth plan :)

Dr. Bruxvoort asked Joe if we had any plans for the weekend and Joe's reply was, "Yeah, I'm planning on having a baby this weekend if that works with your schedule!"  Dr. Bruxvoort just laughed and said that sounded like a good plan to him and very likely!  So to all of our family and friends, keep your phones on this weekend! :)

What's this carseat for?!

Friday night Joe captured this priceless picture of Macee and Butters.  We were on our way out to Scott and Michelles (the dogs came along too of course) and I look back to see Butters staring at the car seat, and Macee in it!  Macee just sat in it like "hey guys, whats this carseat for?"  We kept taking Macee out of the seat, but when she would leave our laps, she would just hop right back into it.  It's almost as if she KNOWS who that carseat is for and is trying to make a point:)  She is very dramatic!  Her life is about to get rocked...be ready Macee and Butters, PJ will be here any day now!

Already preparing for the holidays!

This weekend was another fun, family filled weekend for us.  Josh and Joe had talked about making their own beer soon so it would be ready in time for the holidays.  I think Josh must have though the next time he comes home (when PJ is born) that Joe would be a little busy :)  So he came this weekend so they could do their "man stuff" now :).  It was a very long, smelly process that took them into wee hours Sunday morning to complete.  But, they finished making two different kinds of beer...now to wait a couple of months to taste it!

While the boys were catching up on their rest Sunday afternoon, I went over to hang out with my adorable niece!  Brook and Austin had a few things they needed to get done for work...and you can't get a lot done when you're watching Miss Banx!  So I went over and took Banx for a nice, long walk/jog on a beauitful fall day.  She was so good for me!  Every time we would pass someone on the sidewalk she would greet them with her famous "Hiiiiii".  A few times we hit a bump in the road and she did her "funny" laugh....I think she's going to enjoy rollercoaster rides :)   It was priceless.  After we got back from our jog, we played in the leaves for awhile until mommy and daddy came home.  She is just a very, busy girl!

Comin' Along..Slowly But Surely!

Beautiful view from master bedroom

Where the old shed was....

Where the new shed ended up and had a little TLC :)

Back of the house...ready for a paint job!

The new house is starting to see some drastic changes!  Since the summer fun is over and no more going to the lake every weekend, Joe and Scott have been VERY busy working at the new house!  It sure is a work in progress, but it's coming along.  Joe is ready to start painting the house and finished taping all of the windows last night...and if you can't tell from the picture of the back of the house...there are a LOT of VERY BIG windows to cover!

It just amazes me at how much Joe and Scott can do on their own.  Anything from building a new house, to fixing up old houses, to doing honey-do chores around the house, oh and let's not forget fixing up a lawn mower!...they certainly are handy to have around :). 

38 weeks down, 2 to go

Monday, I had my 38 week doctor appointment.  Joe was busy at work, so my mom said she wanted to take me :).  Everything went well and good news....Dr. Bruxvoort told me he wouldn't let me go more than a week past my due date!  This made my day, especially since I am getting very uncomfortable in these past few weeks.  PJ's heartrate had been 150 for the past few months, and Monday it was up at 160.  Maybe it's a sign he/she is getting excited and ready to be born....soon! :)