[Lennon Paul Boren] 3•14•14

I figured I better write lennons birth story before I forget anything! 

Our due date was March 6th. My whole pregnancy I had a feeling he was going to come early. My mom and sisters had all their babies early, so I was just convinced mine would be the same. Little Lennon had other ideas. From my 37 week appointment to my 40 week appointment my body really hadn't progressed at all. I went from a 1cm to 1 1/2cm and  barely thinned to about 70%. 

At my 40 week appointment we schedule a cervix ripening induction for Thursday night the 13th. My cervix wasn't softening so they couldn't just induce me with pitocin or I would have been in labor for too long with out much progress. I was told we would receive a call from the charge nurse on Thursday and she would tell us when to come in depending on how busy labor and delivery was.

This last week of pregnancy was by FAR the longest week of our lives. I think it is safe to say I cried daily! I was so uncomfortable but more than anything I wanted him here and having been told a due date and then waiting a whole extra week was just excruciating! 

Thursday came and we were both so nervous. Brady went to work and was home by three and I spent the day packing our bags and getting ready. When Brady got home we ran a few errands with my mom to grab some last minute things. At 6:15pm we got a call telling us to come in at 7:30. We were just pulling into our driveway so we ran up stairs got things together, ate a light dinner as instructed and loaded up the car. 

It took quite a long time to get settled in our room and hooked up to the IV and monitors. 

8:00pm 1 1/2cm-80% thinned. finally got my first of three pills. They would be giving them to me every 3 hours. Baby and I were hooked up to what felt like a million monitors and we were told to get as much sleep as possible. Neither of us could sleep because we were so anxious so we watched a show on our iPad and had bugles and apple juice. 

11:30pm my pill dosage got upped because nothing had happened at all in the previous 3 hours. After this pill I started to get cramps that were pretty uncomfortable but not quite painful. Every time I would finally fall asleep they would come in and move the heart rate and contraction monitors because baby would switch positions. 

2:30am 2cm-85%thinned. My contractions definitely picked up after this pill but still they weren't painful. By this point I was so frustrated and exhausted because I didn't sleep a wink the whole night. 

7:00am 2cm-85%thinned. I got the cutest most darling nurse heather, who would be the one to help me through my whole delivery. I was so relieved because at this point I was so ticked with my other nurse bugging me the entire night! (Excuse my dramatic, exhausted, hormonal pregnant self) 

7:45am 2cm-85%thinned. My doctor showed up to check on me. He was pretty upset that the night nurse started me on such a low dosage for my first pill. I could tell he thought I was going to be in labor for ages so he decided to break my water and start me on pitocin. I can't tell you how grateful and relieved I was! The nurse let me know the anesthesiologist had just started a c-section and would be about an hour. She told me to page her if I was getting too uncomfortable. 

8:00am My contractions picked up so quickly and were getting so painful I was in tears. Shocker, I know. I was yelling at Brady through my tears to go find the anesthesiologist himself. He let me hold his hand and I about squeezed it off. My contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and lasting a minute long. I've honestly never been in more pain in my life. I was sure I wasn't going to make it. The nurse came in around 8:30, saw how much pain I was in and told me she would contact the anesthesiologist and he would be in as soon as he was out of the c-section. 

8:50am my lifesaver Dr. Meyers showed up to give me my epidural. Due to how much pain I was already in I honestly don't remember the epidural hurting. He was the sweetest man. He walked me through the whole process and warned me of everything I was about to feel. There were pops, feeling of electricity going through my legs and some heat. That took about ten minutes to kick in and I was finally back to myself. Getting an epidural was the BEST decision ever. Everything went smoothly and pain free after that. 

9:30am 3+cm

10:30am my cute mom and sister Carly showed up. I was SO glad to have my mom there. 

11:30am 8cm

1:30pm 10cm and fully thinned! Because Lennon was still up high in the birth canal they wanted to let him and gravity work together to help him drop before I started pushing. My cute mother in law arrived. 

Around 2:50pm I started to push. My mom and Brady each held a leg and encouraged me the whole time. Brady was SO nervous, it was dang cute. My darling nurse helped me each contraction. I was dying to watch so she set up a mirror. I was anxious that Brade would get sick, but he did awesome and didn't get sick at all! After about 30 minutes of pushing she paged Dr. Froerer and another delivery nurse. It took about 3 pushes once he got there and baby boy was here at 3:33pm! 

8lbs 14oz•20 1/2 inches long 

My first thought was how much I loved his hair and how huge he was! I couldn't believe how big his hands were! They were a little worried about his breathing so they sent in a NICU nurse just to check on him. After a few minutes she left and said he was just fine! I then got to snuggle him for the first time and it was the most incredible experience I've ever had in my whole life. I couldn't believe he was ours and how perfect he was! I was completely obsessed with all his hair! There is nothing like holding your baby for the first time! After I held him Brady got to snuggle him. It was amazing to see the love he had for him instantly. The most magical thing I've ever witnessed❤️

(checking out their twinner pigs)

Giving birth was the most incredible experience and I can hardly WAIT to do it again!! (Don't tell my husband)

We feel so blessed to have this sweet boy in our family! He has completely changed everything. We never thought we could love someone so much!! 

it's finally here!!

this little guy is casually showing up a week late! it's been a pretty S-L-O-W week for his mom & dad but he's definitely worth the wait! I am being induced Thursday night so we will for sure have a baby by Friday. 

3/6/14 due date...I wasn't too thrilled. 

clean laundry washed, dried & put away

our last date night before this munchkin arrives! I think I would have died or gone insane if it weren't for my darling husband. he knows how to make everything okay, and for that I am eternally grateful! 

it still doesn't seem real that he'll be here so soon. we are so nervous, anxious and beyond excited!! we've been told none of this will seem real until we are holding him in our arms for the first time...and let me tell ya, we can't even WAIT! 

please send some prayers and good vibes our way! Oh, and be prepared for picture overload. 

[heaven help me]

this little dude is totally comfy and has no plans of showing up anytime soon. I was so bummed at last weeks appointment that NOTHING had progressed... crying was definitely involved. Praying these next two weeks go by quickly. If he's not here by the second week in March my dr will induce me, let's hope he decides to come all on his own before then! 

38 weeks... Yes I'm aware I look like I'm going to burst any minute. Kind people think it's necessary to point out the obvious! 

Brady was convinced a little off roading was going to put me in labor... It didn't work so I tried the elliptical.

my cute mom and dad took me to get a pedicure & I gave the little Asian girl full permission to rub as hard as she wanted... Still nothing!  

Our conclusion: he's already in charge & is bound and determined to come on his own timing! he's stubborn, just like his mom! Come on buddy we need you here!!

the beginning of the end...

In about 4 weeks(give or take) our little guy will be here! It still doesn't seems real to either of us. We are squeezing in our last date nights before we become 3 & my nesting is in full force. I want everything ready, clean & organized before he gets here. Including my hospital bag, Brady teases me daily about this one. 

I've been having really regular contractions for about a week, so we're excited to see what Dr. F says on Friday! Baby boy likes to go crazy the minute I relax. It's my favorite thing EVER. He's going to be a wild child! He also LOVES the sound of his dads voice. We are so ready for him! I will definitely miss feeling him inside me, it's been amazing and im going to miss it so much!! There is nothing, and I mean nothing, like carrying a child. I'm so worried I will feel empty inside, but I'm sure being able to snuggle him all day will help with that! 

On to my cute husband... Brady has been waiting on me hand & foot and never ever complains. I am so thankful for him, he's been overly sweet & always makes sure I'm comfortable. He even shoves me out of bed on my MANY trips to the bathroom. My love for him through this pregnancy has grown ten fold. I really can't wait to see him hold his little buddy for the first time! He has been dreaming about all the fun things they will do together and hearing them makes my heart the happiest ever. He's going to be one incredible dad!! 

36 weeks & apparently my belly looked like a comfy spot to relax. 

Here's to hoping these next few weeks fly by!! Let the waiting game begin... 

ALMOST there...

We've been a bit pre occupied getting things ready for this little guy that blogging has been last on our list. 

To say we are excited for his arrival is an understatement! Here's a little recap of what we've been up to lately. weeks 27-34.

frozen with the family.

Growing & growing...

32 weeks

super awesome eyes & a continued hate for insta-care. 

bonding time with dad. he's pretty much made it known his dad is his favorite already. 

this little guy has the most creative nani ever! He's one lucky boy! 

changing table primed painted & ready.

vintage baby clothes kill me! Can't wait to put this on little squishy. 

getting pulled over on the way to my 1st baby shower. Good thing my sis is a babe & got off with out even a warning. 

so grateful for these darling & kind friends. Loved catching up with them, and they sure spoiled baby boy!! 

6 more weeks. Not like we're counting down or anything. 

deck the halls

Our Christmas was nothing short of wonderful. 

We got to talk to our two missionary siblings whom we love & miss dearly and spend time with our families! 

Sadly they called at the same time so I had to talk to Brandon via FaceTime. 

also, this big belly is 30 weeks...

It's hard to believe time has flown by so fast. Let's hope we can get everything ready before he makes his big debut!

Beyond grateful for this guy. I couldn't dream of anyone better. Seeing him being a dad is going to make me weak in the knees all over again. 

{ so thankful }

I have been struggling with the idea of including all I'm thankful for into one list. It just isn't possible.

So this year I'm going to mention one thing we have come to realize is our biggest blessing, our little peanut! Words cannot express how blessed we feel to have been able to create a child. 

I know so MANY struggle with infertility and my heart breaks over and over with each family member, friend & even stranger who faces this challenge daily. I don't have answers as to why others have this trial, but I do know we have a loving Father in Heaven who has a specific plan for each one of those families. 

It's been hard when I've felt sick & completely exhausted not to complain. It's human nature. But when I sit back and think how truly LUCKY we are to be given this opportunity I am in complete awe. and lucky doesn't even cover it. 

So to those who are struggling, don't give up. I know there is a special plan for you & your family. 

And to those of us lucky enough to bear children... Count your many blessing, count them 100 times over and over! 

Our little life has already changed dramatically in the best way & I'm sure this new year will bring a whole new meaning to the saying "changed for the better"

::24-26::

Week 24:

Brady and I took a trip to the temple one morning this week. We had been feeling baby move more often, but not all day yet. While we were in the temple our little guy started going crazy! He was kicking and bouncing around the whole time. We know he knew where we were & loved it there. It was such a perfect morning & we hope he will always have a love for the Temple. 

Week 25:

Since our day at the temple baby has been moving like crazy ALL day long. I love feeling him & being able to see movements from the outside. He is usually up late at night, early morning and randomly throughout the day. He has found a comfortable position right on my bladder so I'm CONSTANTLY going to the bathroom. I usually wake about 6 times a night to go pee. This week I started having a little bit harder time sleeping and feel pretty restless during the night. 

Week 26: 

We got to have our second ultrasound plus I got my first glucose test! (We think I passed because we have yet to hear back from them) I was expecting the little drink to be the worst thing ever so I was actually surprised when it tasted like a sprite with LOADS of sugar. It really wasn't as bad as everyone claims! 

Our little guy was about 1lb 12 ounces. They scheduled this ultrasound to get a picture if the back of his head because last time they weren't able to. My bladder was about to explode (since you have to go with a full bladder) and of course his little head was right on my bladder. The tech had to push on my bladder for what felt like an eternity until she was able to get a good picture! All looked great & I BARELY made it to the bathroom. We had our regular office visit with our doctor afterwards. Our next appointment is set for four more weeks and then after that we will have them every two weeks! When he started to talk to us about what to do if my water breaks or I have any contractions I seriously panicked! Let's hope he stays in there several more weeks. I'm not ready to give birth just yet! We can't believe we are getting closer and closer to the end! 

love this sweet face! Can't wait to kiss it in 14 more weeks!  

{16-23 weeks}

Week 16-17: 

My nausea finally started to fade and boy did it make life so much easier! Started to feel baby move more, especially when laying still in bed! 

Week 18-20:

Brady was finally able to feel baby kick!(October 14th) I have been feeling really great now that all my nausea is completely gone! I continue to get migraines every now and again, but they aren't super common so I am very thankful! Our doctor went over our ultrasound and everything looked great! They weren't able to capture a good picture of the back of baby boys head so we scheduled another ultrasound for the end of November! We can't wait to see how much he has grown! 

Week 21-23: 

I started to feel even better these last few weeks. I have way more energy and feel SO good! If I am up doing hair during the day for several hours I notice my back is sore & feet are swollen when I'm ready for bed.

My wedding ring was a little too tight when I got pregnant so it's definitely not fitting! My belly button is an innie-outie.  Watching it grow and expand has been one of the most hilarious things for Brady and me! It seriously changes daily. My skin has just started to itch and I have to make sure to cover every inch of my body with lotion! I have lots of awesome stretch marks, and have decided to embrace them since there is clearly nothing I can do about it:) I can't get enough to drink, and always have a water bottle with me. 

I really think the baby hears & recognizes our voice and he loves to perform for his dad! I think he's found his favorite already! Dang it. We're counting down the weeks baby boy!! 

{half way... already?}

20 weeks:

It's hard to believe I am half way done being pregnant. It has seriously flown by. I have such mixed emotions about being half way! I'm sad to think that I only have 20 more weeks to be pregnant and feel this sweet babe move inside me. Sad that it's halfway over! BUT so extremely excited that in only 20 more weeks we will be holding our little angel baby & my sick days will all be behind me! 

I have truly loved being pregnant, but I must say it has been more difficult than I imagined! I admire all you mommies out there, this isn't easy! My body is so sore & I've experienced more sickness then I would have hoped! All in all, I am so grateful that my body can actually do all it's doing and that I am able to carry a child. I realize how blessed I really am! Plus there is nothing better than feeling those first few movements. It makes it all worth it! 

Last week was a bit of a tough one for us! We decided early on to wait until our 20 week appointment to find out the baby's gender. CRAZY, I know. At about week 17 I started to die, thinking I couldn't possibly wait another day to know, but we waited and waited some more. Our appointment had been set for Tuesday the 15th and we waited ever so anxiously!!

Monday night Brady was finally able to feel baby kicking! I went to bed not feeling so well, but brushed it off because over my dead body was I going to miss our appointment early the next morning! I woke at about two am with the most awful flu. I was up sick all night. I woke Brady in the morning and told him I called and cancelled our appointment. I could tell he was so dissapointed, and I definitely shed some tears. Later Tuesday night Brady got the same bug.

Luckily there was an opening Friday morning, so we set our appointment. I didn't sleep a wink the night before. It was like Christmas morning! From day one I was convinced we were having a girl, and Brady was convinced it was a boy. At about 15 weeks I changed my mind and was set on a boy, however, in the few weeks before we found out I had two dreams our baby was a girl. Brady

knew it was a boy.

We had been telling baby all week that it better cooperate! 

When the ultrasound tech started the baby was laying sideways, she quickly warned us that it might be hard to tell the gender. Within just a minute the baby flipped right over and gave us the biggest spread eagle possible! Brady spotted it before the tech and said "ITS A BOY." She then agreed and said, "that is MOST DEFINITELY a boy!" We were so ecstatic! I'm convinced all my serious talks with him about being cooperative paid off! It was so incredible to see how much he had grown. He insisted on keeping his face smooshed against my placenta so we couldn't get a great profile view. He looked like he was eating away the whole time, taking after his mom already! He got a full body check and we were on our way with a DVD & some sweet pictures!

We could not be more excited to be getting a little boy!!! I hope & pray he looks just like his dad! We mostly can't wait to snuggle him in 5 short months!! 

Breakfast at The Pancake House to celebrate.

Now if only we could agree upon a name... He might be Baby B forever! 

[14 weeks]

September 3rd we got to hear our sweet babes heart beat for the first time! Doc said it sounds very healthy. I'm so grateful for Brade and his excitement to come to each appointment with me, especially on days like these where he captures precious moments! Definitely makes ALL the sick days so worth it! Crazy how much we already love our little peanut... keep growing healthy and strong!

island park

1. cute husband|| 2. Our welcoming crew. Momma & baby moose|| 3. Beautiful sunset|| 4. His favorite girl. They love each other|| 5. Sleepy Haddie|| 6. Losers had to dunk in the river|| 7. Baby Boren|| 8. Haddie & Curry|| 9. Boys & babies on a boat ride|| 10. Haddie|| 11. Cutest kids @ Ernie's Deli|| 12. Boat ride|| 13. Ernie's Deli|| 14. Snuggling|| 15. Brade & Carl fight like cats & dogs but are best of friends|| 16. Another beautiful sunset|| 17. Trestle jumping|| 18. Baby @ 12 weeks|| 19 & 20. Old Faithful|| 21. Best view|| 22. Playing games with Kal|| 23 24 & 25. Four wheeling|| 26. Firehole  with P|| 27. Baby jewelry|| 28 29 & 30. Sunday with the fam.