Jan 28, 2010
Jan 25, 2010
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Asher's Birth Story
We thought that we would write down the sequence of events that brought our beautiful boy into the world...here we go...
Around 9:30 pm on Monday, January 18th, I felt my first contraction. Of course I didn't know what it was because it lasted about 30 seconds and didn't return for another 2 hours. At 11:30 pm the same feeling came back followed by one at 11:40 and another at 11:50. At this point we are thinking, "OK, is this it?". Shortly there after we were convinced because starting at 11:55 we had contractions every 5 minutes for the next 2 hours. The doctor told us if we were experiencing contractions for 2 hours at this rate, we should call. So, around 1:50 am on January 19th, we called the doctor. Dr. Cook called us back shortly to tell us that we should head to the hospital. Let me back petal, for the past hour of contractions, Mark and I had a burst of energy that included Mark doing the following (loaded and ran the dishwasher, took out the trash, took a shower, changed the sheets on our bed in case we had visitors....and so on). He of course was always right by my side every five minutes to help me get through the pain. Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am? I folded some laundry, put it away, and finished putting last minute things in our hospital bag.
At 2:20 am, we were loaded in the car and headed to Bloomington Hospital. Mark may or may not have run about 3 stop lights, but only when the coast was clear:) We walked into labor and delivery at 2:50 am. Mark insisted on taking a picture after we got our room and I can't believe that I am posting this. But, we do want to use this blog as a journal for Asher to enjoy, so here we go....jpg)
During my first check at the hospital I was 2 1/2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. We knew we had a long road ahead of us, who knew how long it would be. At 7:30 I was examined again and had progressed to 4 cm. Dr. Cook (our doctor who was on call until 8 am) went ahead and broke my water. We also decided to get an epidural at this point. The epidural slowed my labor, so they started me on a pitocin drip. Now, pitocin is good at what it does which is speed your labor and make your contractions stronger, but not fun to experience when the epidural wears off. The next 12 hours are a bit of a blur. We were checked about every 2-3 hours. Progress was slow. We went from 4-5 cm, 5-6 cm, and then stalled. At 6 cm, they decided to remove my epidural and try it again because it was not working. (The next one worked for about 30 minutes...) Miraculously I was checked shortly after this and had jumped from 6 to 9 cm, 100% effaced and Asher had dropped! Everyone was very excited because we were so close! The nurses started preparing the room for delivery and our parents left the room for Mark and I to experience the delivery as a family of 2. 4 hours later, we were still in the same spot. No progress. At this point the doctor came in and checked me again. She(Dr. Trippel) decided Asher was not going to come on his own and we didn't know why. I was having strong, consistent contractions, just not making progress. The doctors were also having some trouble keeping my blood pressure high enough and Asher's heartbeat where they wanted it. A c-section was our only choice.
Everything sped up at this point. Mark put on his awesome scrubs....jpg)
They prepped me for surgery and wheeled me to the operating room where they gave me a spinal tap. Thankfully, it did not affect my respiratory system, so I was awake the whole time and very very numb. When everything was ready, they brought Mark in and made the first cut. Within 5 minutes, Asher was finally here! At 1:27 am on January 20, 2010 our beautiful boy joined the world at 10 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches. Everyone was shocked at his size! This definitely explained the need for a c-section.
So, after 25 1/2 long hours we had our baby boy. He is perfect and the love that we feel for him cannot be expressed in words. We know we couldn't have made it through without the countless prayers that were prayed on our behalf. We definitely needed them and felt them. God is so good.
Feeling more blessed every minute,
Mark, Allyson, and Asher!
Around 9:30 pm on Monday, January 18th, I felt my first contraction. Of course I didn't know what it was because it lasted about 30 seconds and didn't return for another 2 hours. At 11:30 pm the same feeling came back followed by one at 11:40 and another at 11:50. At this point we are thinking, "OK, is this it?". Shortly there after we were convinced because starting at 11:55 we had contractions every 5 minutes for the next 2 hours. The doctor told us if we were experiencing contractions for 2 hours at this rate, we should call. So, around 1:50 am on January 19th, we called the doctor. Dr. Cook called us back shortly to tell us that we should head to the hospital. Let me back petal, for the past hour of contractions, Mark and I had a burst of energy that included Mark doing the following (loaded and ran the dishwasher, took out the trash, took a shower, changed the sheets on our bed in case we had visitors....and so on). He of course was always right by my side every five minutes to help me get through the pain. Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am? I folded some laundry, put it away, and finished putting last minute things in our hospital bag.
At 2:20 am, we were loaded in the car and headed to Bloomington Hospital. Mark may or may not have run about 3 stop lights, but only when the coast was clear:) We walked into labor and delivery at 2:50 am. Mark insisted on taking a picture after we got our room and I can't believe that I am posting this. But, we do want to use this blog as a journal for Asher to enjoy, so here we go...
.jpg)
During my first check at the hospital I was 2 1/2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. We knew we had a long road ahead of us, who knew how long it would be. At 7:30 I was examined again and had progressed to 4 cm. Dr. Cook (our doctor who was on call until 8 am) went ahead and broke my water. We also decided to get an epidural at this point. The epidural slowed my labor, so they started me on a pitocin drip. Now, pitocin is good at what it does which is speed your labor and make your contractions stronger, but not fun to experience when the epidural wears off. The next 12 hours are a bit of a blur. We were checked about every 2-3 hours. Progress was slow. We went from 4-5 cm, 5-6 cm, and then stalled. At 6 cm, they decided to remove my epidural and try it again because it was not working. (The next one worked for about 30 minutes...) Miraculously I was checked shortly after this and had jumped from 6 to 9 cm, 100% effaced and Asher had dropped! Everyone was very excited because we were so close! The nurses started preparing the room for delivery and our parents left the room for Mark and I to experience the delivery as a family of 2. 4 hours later, we were still in the same spot. No progress. At this point the doctor came in and checked me again. She(Dr. Trippel) decided Asher was not going to come on his own and we didn't know why. I was having strong, consistent contractions, just not making progress. The doctors were also having some trouble keeping my blood pressure high enough and Asher's heartbeat where they wanted it. A c-section was our only choice.
Everything sped up at this point. Mark put on his awesome scrubs...
.jpg)
They prepped me for surgery and wheeled me to the operating room where they gave me a spinal tap. Thankfully, it did not affect my respiratory system, so I was awake the whole time and very very numb. When everything was ready, they brought Mark in and made the first cut. Within 5 minutes, Asher was finally here! At 1:27 am on January 20, 2010 our beautiful boy joined the world at 10 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches. Everyone was shocked at his size! This definitely explained the need for a c-section. 
So, after 25 1/2 long hours we had our baby boy. He is perfect and the love that we feel for him cannot be expressed in words. We know we couldn't have made it through without the countless prayers that were prayed on our behalf. We definitely needed them and felt them. God is so good.
Feeling more blessed every minute,
Mark, Allyson, and Asher!
Jan 21, 2010
From 2 to 3!!!!!!
I'm sure most of you know by now. At 1:27 AM on Jan. 20, 2010, our family grew from 2 members to now 3! Asher Mark weighed in at 10 lbs. 2 ozs. He was 22 inches long. He is more beautiful than we could have ever imagined!Thank you so much for your prayers and support these past 9 months. This closes a chapter in our lives, but not the book. We are so excited about the journey ahead and sharing the story with you.
We are blessed! (Asher's name means 'blessed' in Hebrew...for those who forgot)
Mark and Allyson
P.S. We've started uploading some pictures on facebook. More to come in the future.
Jan 18, 2010
Jan 17, 2010
40 week update and Monday Morning
Asher update:
I(Allyson) have thought about writing this a couple of times, but I can't think of much to say that is different. The past 3 doctor visits have all been about the same. The doctor tells us it could be anytime...well, anytime obviously hasn't quite arrived yet. But, the good news is that with every passing day, we are one day closer. He really can't stay in there forever! (At least we don't think so...) My last day of work was Friday, so now the official waiting game has begun. Today was our "due date". We have found that first babies really don't care about due dates. We head back to the doctor on Wednesday for a couple of routine tests. We will have an ultrasound and a non-stress test. They told us to bring our bags just in case they decide to send us for an induction on Wednesday. If not, we are probably looking at starting an induction a week from today at 41 weeks. All of this would be null and void if Asher decided to play by the rules and come on his own...which could still happen. I am doing surprisingly well. I have my moments where I think that this might never end, but thankfully I am married to a wonderful husband who keeps things in perspective for me. We can't wait to meet our beautiful little boy...in the mean time, enjoy a hysterical true story from the crazy life in the Thompson house...
In the words of Mark...
How was your Monday morning last week? Mine was different. It went like this...
It was a humid 20 degrees outside. Allyson was returning to work after a couple of snow days the week before. We had driven 1 vehicle all weekend in the snow. Our other vehicle was still covered in snow. As Allyson is leaving for work, she mentions the ice scraper is in the car she is driving to work. What a thoughtful wife I have! I follow her out to the car to grab the scraper to help myself out. As she gets in her car, I proceed to begin scraping the snow off our Kia. All I was wearing was a hoodie, pajama pants and boots. With no gloves, I didn't make too much progress before I decided to finish it later when I had a warmer outfit and gloves.
As Allyson is pulling out of the driveway, I walk back in the house...correction, I tried to walk in the house. It was locked. I sort of panicked. Allyson was in the road, but still in front of the house. I begin waving both arms frantically. I normally wave goodbye to her from inside the house. She, understandably, thought I was waving goodbye. I was screaming her name (like she could hear me) and pointing at the door. With another car approaching behind her, she sped off down the street. For a moment, I did nothing...hoping she saw me at the last moment and would return to rescue me. The moment turned into a minute and I knew I was doomed. I really panicked. So, there I stood-no keys, no phone, no gloves, thin pants-freezing.
I knew we had a spare key outside. We have moved it around and Allyson utilized it recently for a youth scavenger hunt when she didn't have a house key. So, not sure where to look, I try to lift some stones...frozen down. Can't budge them. Pitiful, but that's another story. Found a 2x4 behind the house and used it to pry up a few stones. No luck. Being dark outside didn't help the situation. Well, at this point the hopeless situation is at the next worse place beyond hopeless. What am I to do?? Decide the only thing I can do is walk to church (.8 miles) and figure something out. At least it would be a warm place to thaw out. As any onlooker is thinking 'what in the world is this guy doing?' I go into full-survival mode. In a move Allyson and I utilize around the house a lot, I tucked my pants into my socks (exhibit A).
I then tied up the drawstring in my hood to the point where only my eyes were visible (exhibit B).
I made it to church and finally got in touch with Allyson. She informed me where the key was (a place I had already looked) and left a message for my pastor to see if he could help me. My pastor couldn't find me once he got to the church (I had used a spare key to get in the youth building). So, he goes out in the neighborhood looking for me. Funny thing is...he sees a guy walking around in his pajamas and slippers! Don't know his story, but maybe he was on a planned morning stroll. Got a ride home (thanks Ken!) and found the key exactly where Allyson said it was.
Besides that, it was a normal Monday morning.
Hope you have a great Monday!
Mark and Allyson
I(Allyson) have thought about writing this a couple of times, but I can't think of much to say that is different. The past 3 doctor visits have all been about the same. The doctor tells us it could be anytime...well, anytime obviously hasn't quite arrived yet. But, the good news is that with every passing day, we are one day closer. He really can't stay in there forever! (At least we don't think so...) My last day of work was Friday, so now the official waiting game has begun. Today was our "due date". We have found that first babies really don't care about due dates. We head back to the doctor on Wednesday for a couple of routine tests. We will have an ultrasound and a non-stress test. They told us to bring our bags just in case they decide to send us for an induction on Wednesday. If not, we are probably looking at starting an induction a week from today at 41 weeks. All of this would be null and void if Asher decided to play by the rules and come on his own...which could still happen. I am doing surprisingly well. I have my moments where I think that this might never end, but thankfully I am married to a wonderful husband who keeps things in perspective for me. We can't wait to meet our beautiful little boy...in the mean time, enjoy a hysterical true story from the crazy life in the Thompson house...
In the words of Mark...
How was your Monday morning last week? Mine was different. It went like this...
It was a humid 20 degrees outside. Allyson was returning to work after a couple of snow days the week before. We had driven 1 vehicle all weekend in the snow. Our other vehicle was still covered in snow. As Allyson is leaving for work, she mentions the ice scraper is in the car she is driving to work. What a thoughtful wife I have! I follow her out to the car to grab the scraper to help myself out. As she gets in her car, I proceed to begin scraping the snow off our Kia. All I was wearing was a hoodie, pajama pants and boots. With no gloves, I didn't make too much progress before I decided to finish it later when I had a warmer outfit and gloves.
As Allyson is pulling out of the driveway, I walk back in the house...correction, I tried to walk in the house. It was locked. I sort of panicked. Allyson was in the road, but still in front of the house. I begin waving both arms frantically. I normally wave goodbye to her from inside the house. She, understandably, thought I was waving goodbye. I was screaming her name (like she could hear me) and pointing at the door. With another car approaching behind her, she sped off down the street. For a moment, I did nothing...hoping she saw me at the last moment and would return to rescue me. The moment turned into a minute and I knew I was doomed. I really panicked. So, there I stood-no keys, no phone, no gloves, thin pants-freezing.
I knew we had a spare key outside. We have moved it around and Allyson utilized it recently for a youth scavenger hunt when she didn't have a house key. So, not sure where to look, I try to lift some stones...frozen down. Can't budge them. Pitiful, but that's another story. Found a 2x4 behind the house and used it to pry up a few stones. No luck. Being dark outside didn't help the situation. Well, at this point the hopeless situation is at the next worse place beyond hopeless. What am I to do?? Decide the only thing I can do is walk to church (.8 miles) and figure something out. At least it would be a warm place to thaw out. As any onlooker is thinking 'what in the world is this guy doing?' I go into full-survival mode. In a move Allyson and I utilize around the house a lot, I tucked my pants into my socks (exhibit A).
I then tied up the drawstring in my hood to the point where only my eyes were visible (exhibit B). 
I made it to church and finally got in touch with Allyson. She informed me where the key was (a place I had already looked) and left a message for my pastor to see if he could help me. My pastor couldn't find me once he got to the church (I had used a spare key to get in the youth building). So, he goes out in the neighborhood looking for me. Funny thing is...he sees a guy walking around in his pajamas and slippers! Don't know his story, but maybe he was on a planned morning stroll. Got a ride home (thanks Ken!) and found the key exactly where Allyson said it was.Besides that, it was a normal Monday morning.
Hope you have a great Monday!
Mark and Allyson
Jan 9, 2010
National Champions!
Thursday night we got all decked out in our Alabama gear and set in for a long night! It was a little sketchy at first, got much better before half time, then the nerves kicked in at the end again. But...thankfully, Alabama pulled it out! National Champions! We thought for sure since we had about 4 or 5 inches of snow outside, the roads were slick, and the game was on that Asher would decide to make an appearance...but no such luck! He must be nice and comfortable in there. Tomorrow marks the one week left mark if you go by the due date. But, we all know that babies don't really care about due dates. We know he eventually has to be born...hopefully sooner rather than later! Some things that Asher has enjoyed doing lately is to make his mom's belly look deformed because he hangs out on her right side and of course stretching out and kicking her in the ribs. It makes things uncomfortable, but we don't really care because it helps us to know that our precious little boy is still doing great!
On a side note, we got a good laugh the other day watching ESPN when Kirk Herbstreit made his pre-season prediction for next year's college football season. He has Alabama #1 and Ohio State #2. Mark and I loved it...the real question is...what will Asher wear?!?! We might just have to make him his own t-shirt that is half Alabama and half Ohio State!
Just waiting:)
Mark and Allyson
Jan 6, 2010
Christmas and 'Sweet Baby Asher'
Christmas began for us the weekend of my (Mark's) birthday, the weekend before Christmas. Mom and Dad along with Seth came up Friday night. Although it was late, we ventured into playing some Wii. My dad had never experienced the phenomenon. After trying out the games on Sport and WiiFit, dad took a-likin' to bowling. Saturday morning, he proceeded to bowl a strike in 8 straight frames and bowl a 245. Needless to say, he was hooked. Saturday morning, we journeyed to Bloomington for my 'birthday lunch'...Cheeseburger-n-Paradise. Mom and Dad had never eaten there. The pressed burger was a hit! Saturday afternoon, we celebrated Christmas (complete with the blanket on the living room floor). Great times!! After we opened our gifts, they headed home. A quick trip for them, but glad they came up. A side note...after they got home, Dad bought a Wii!
Allyson worked until the Wednesday before Christmas (while every other school let out the Friday before). We loaded up the car and headed to Ohio. We went to a Christmas Eve service at Allyson's brother's church. It was a good service. We spent Christmas Day hanging out at the house and chillax-ing! We went to a movie that night at the great theater of Marion, OH (forgot the name). Saturday, we shared Christmas with the Ballinger family. We took our Wii over with us, so all the cousins enjoyed playing it while the rest of us enjoyed watching them. It always great to see everybody. It had been 3 years since I had seen most of them and 2 years for Allyson. Sunday afternoon, we celebrated Christmas with the Frank family (Allyson's mom). It was good to see them all. Maizie (Allyson's 2nd cousin) is in kindergarten now and she is a ball of fun to be around! We left the bitter cold of Ohio on Monday and returned to the really cold of Indiana.
Last week, we spent the week cleaning the house (Thanks Mom and Dad B!) and resting. Allyson returned to school Monday and is hoping the 4-6 inches they are calling for tomorrow comes true!!
Now...what everybody is probably wondering the most about... :)
Asher has begun the process of coming out (hope that satisfies the curiosity enough without getting into technical terms). We've been told by the doctors it may be tomorrow or it might be in 2 weeks. Everything is fine...he's still moving, heartbeat sounds good, and Allyson has been awesome! Allyson and I (her a little more) are ready for him to be here! She is going to keep working as long as she is able to. One of the neat things we did at the Georgia shower was to have everyone write down when they think he will be born. So, we are starting to put those cards aside as the days pass. Who knows?? One of Mark's roommates in college had a boy on Jan. 1st. One of Allyson's good friends in college had her baby on the 3rd (due Jan. 27th). So, its our turn!! Mark is going to do his best to keep everyone updated when the day comes. We will for sure be posting pictures afterwards.
Completely excited and ready!
Mark and Allyson
Allyson worked until the Wednesday before Christmas (while every other school let out the Friday before). We loaded up the car and headed to Ohio. We went to a Christmas Eve service at Allyson's brother's church. It was a good service. We spent Christmas Day hanging out at the house and chillax-ing! We went to a movie that night at the great theater of Marion, OH (forgot the name). Saturday, we shared Christmas with the Ballinger family. We took our Wii over with us, so all the cousins enjoyed playing it while the rest of us enjoyed watching them. It always great to see everybody. It had been 3 years since I had seen most of them and 2 years for Allyson. Sunday afternoon, we celebrated Christmas with the Frank family (Allyson's mom). It was good to see them all. Maizie (Allyson's 2nd cousin) is in kindergarten now and she is a ball of fun to be around! We left the bitter cold of Ohio on Monday and returned to the really cold of Indiana.
Last week, we spent the week cleaning the house (Thanks Mom and Dad B!) and resting. Allyson returned to school Monday and is hoping the 4-6 inches they are calling for tomorrow comes true!!
Now...what everybody is probably wondering the most about... :)
Asher has begun the process of coming out (hope that satisfies the curiosity enough without getting into technical terms). We've been told by the doctors it may be tomorrow or it might be in 2 weeks. Everything is fine...he's still moving, heartbeat sounds good, and Allyson has been awesome! Allyson and I (her a little more) are ready for him to be here! She is going to keep working as long as she is able to. One of the neat things we did at the Georgia shower was to have everyone write down when they think he will be born. So, we are starting to put those cards aside as the days pass. Who knows?? One of Mark's roommates in college had a boy on Jan. 1st. One of Allyson's good friends in college had her baby on the 3rd (due Jan. 27th). So, its our turn!! Mark is going to do his best to keep everyone updated when the day comes. We will for sure be posting pictures afterwards.
Completely excited and ready!
Mark and Allyson
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