Can't Get Enough of You Baby

Well, its official, we just can't get enough of Tyson and are completely in L-O-V-E. Even with all the poopy diapers! (And yes, I know its just getting started!) We are getting into a routine and starting some things that we hope to continue. We both love reading "You Are My I Love You" to Ty each night, even knowing that we will be awake in just a few hours with him again. But like my friend Lynlee said, there is something almost peaceful and joyful about those midnight feedings. Its just Ty, me, pure silence, and pure love. Ryan of course continues to be an amazing husband and even more an amazing Dad. I have even seen him dance around the room with Ty and it just melts my heart. (Now if we can just get him more comfortable two-stepping out on the dance floor!) Ryan stayed home for the first week and is now back at work. I know that Dad misses us each day and can't wait to get home!


I have come to realize that as a new parent there are even more "Firsts" for all three of us. So far we had our first full meal, first 6 hour stretch of sleeping at night, first pee on the wall (just missing Dad), first pee on Mom, first loud toot that it woke Dad up through the baby monitor, first outing (to the Dr's office and then Target - naturally), first bath, and first licking bath from Callaway.


Another first was my "good-thing-I-didn't-cry-my-eyes-out-or-kick-you-in-the-shins" moment while we were at the doctor's appointment. We were waiting for the elevator with our adorable son on our first outing. Here is the conversation with us and the idiot-of-a-woman:

She asks, "Oh, how old is he?"
We both say, "Just 4 days old."
Idiot-of-a-woman looks at me kind of funny and then asks, "So then did you have one twin and still need to deliver the other?"
WOW I thought...that is one heck of a sarcastic comment, and even for us Lacy's.
But we both just laughed it off and got into the elevator.
She then asks, "No really, so do I take that as a yes?"
I thought, OMG - Holy crap... she was serious. Who says that?!?
I said, "Nope just one baby", biting my tongue trying not to laugh and thanking my hormones that I'm not bursting into tears.
She looks at Ty again and then asks me, "So....then is he yours?"
I said, "Yep, he's mine, still have the baby bump."
She says, "Oh well, I guess it does take time for that to go down. Well congratulations." And then FINALLY got off on the next floor.
Ryan and I both burst into the kind of uncontrollable laughter where you can hardly breath, talk, or hold back tears. We had to compose ourselves before heading into the Dr's office. I even lost it again as I was checking in and had to apologize and say that some idiot-of-a-woman just asked when I was going to have my other twin. Seriously...some people.

And finally, we wanted to thank everyone for all of your wishes, congratulations, calls, emails, and much more. We are very blessed with all of the love and support from family and friends. I am slowly getting back to everyone, so please be patient :)

Our family of three..Tyson has arrived!!

Tyson Keith Gappinger
Born 3/20/09 at 3:16am
Weight: 7 pounds 7 ounces
Length: 20.5 inches
And absolutely beautiful

Our Birth Story
We arrived at Sky Ridge at 9pm for our induction...And my nerves where quite high! It was very surreal just to show up and say, "Ok, here to have our baby!" Our delivery nurse, Sarita (who was amazing!!) quickly got me all set up and started to induce with Pitocin at 10pm. We were a little nervous and shocked when she mention Dr. Grover would be in at 6am to break my water (6am?!?! Are you kidding me??). But thankfully an hour later, Dr. Grover walked in at 11pm to get things going. I was so relieved to see him...not knowing what kind of pain he was about to cause. As soon as he broke my water the contractions really kicked into high gear and as I reached my pain threshold, I asked for the epidural at 11:45pm. The epidural was brought at 12:01am and I was a happy camper. The contractions felt like tightening and pressure now, just like everything I have been feeling for weeks. They checked my progress at 1am and was only dilated at 4cm. Ryan and my Mom stayed at my side, watching the screens and letting me know when the contractions started (like I couldn't tell :) but it was at least entertaining for them.) 2am, Sarita checked my progress and WOW - we were at 9cm!!! I couldn't believe it, we were just a few steps away!

Sarita got us set to start pushing at 2:45am. I always imagined that Ryan would just be there holding my hand, but he instead had a very active role. There were even times when she was bringing supplies and it was just him and I pushing. Pushing was pretty intense and I relied on my competitive nature to get me through. Yes, in my mind I would say to myself, "Alright, GAME FACE. Let's do this!" and "Balls out Kathy, Ball outs" (which is what a Scottish running coach once screamed at me while I did sprints at the track.) I even had the Salt-n-Peppa song run through my head - Push It. Either way it got me through. 3:00am, Dr. Grover came in and the final pushing began. Now, why anyone would do all of this without an epidural boggles my mind. It was definitely very painful even with it and I can't imagine having to push and have contractions without the drugs. (So more power to ya women out there that have done so!) But I felt, since I wouldn't receive a special award, trophy, or join an elite club...why go through the extra pain?

And so...3:16am - Tyson Keith came out in the world!! Tyson is a name that we have both loved for a long time. And Keith is to honor the twins that my parents had and lost. Ryan cut the umbilical cord and Tyson was immediately handed to me. I was overwhelmed with emotion and cried my eyes out. He was here. And absolutely every pain, discomfort, and day on bed rest was so worth it. He is perfect!! I looked at Ryan and knew that everything was just as we wanted. I looked over at my Mom and saw how proud and happy she was. And I looked down at this amazing miracle and knew this was the happiest day of our lives. It was truly amazing. And what a way to bring in the first day of spring :)


At the Hospital
Well...you hear how you won't get any sleep and boy is that true! We were up for 40 plus hours straight. And probably looked like zombies! We had family and friends come to meet Ty and looking back it was all a daze for me. So far, breastfeeding is going great and I think Ty and I make a great team!! We sent Tyson to the nursery at night, so we were able to get a couple of hours of sleep in between feedings. We were all three ready and anxious to go home and finally left the hospital at noon on Sunday.


Home Sweet Home
Coming home felt amazing. I finally sat up in Tyson's room, looked at everything we had prepared for months, looked at the most beautiful baby in the world...and just cried tears of joy! I really could not be any happier. Even with the lack of sleep, we are just so happy and so in love with this little man. Ryan has been incredible and so far we are starting to build a routine. The first night was a little rough at first, but he slept at little better after 3am. My mom stayed the night to help us get settled. It was just very comforting to know that we had a veteran in case something happened.



Thank You Everyone
Finally, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has come to see us, sent emails, calls, and congratulations. As you know...our lives have changed and we are learning as we go. It will take me some time, but I will get back to all of you. We both know that Tyson will be so incredibly loved by so many people, that we really feel blessed. So thank you.

Hallelujah!!!

The March Madness hoops tournament may start on Thursday, but for us, it will be the happiest day of our lives. :) We are scheduled to be induced this Thursday night at 9pm. And we are just SOOO excited about it. As of last week, I was progressed at 3cm and 90% effaced, so they will start the pitocin right when we get there.

We will try our best to keep everyone posted. But either way, we will have a baby this weekend!! I had tried to send out an eviction notice to Baby Gapp, but he just wasn't taking the hint. Maybe it is either my competitive nature that I just HAD to get all the way to my due date or my obsessive planning instincts that I can now really go to the hospital at a planned date and time. Either way, he will be here and we couldn't be happier!!

Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

Well, everything is about the same. Still sitting here with the Jeopardy theme song in my head and feeling like kids in the back seat yelling, "Are we there yet?" "Are we there yet?" "Are we there yet?". However, I have changed my plan of action. I continue to go for light walks every day, but instead of going crazy with stair climbing, squats, uphill walking, etc....I decided to take the advice from Tori and get myself a relaxing massage! I had remembered our instructor during our childbirth class mentioned that a baby will more than likely come when you are relaxed versus stressing out. And of course the thought of "When will this baby get here" is constantly on my mind (along with most friends and family), but it is nice to turn my focus elsewhere. And so, I headed into Massage Envy on Sunday and LOVED IT! Why didn't I do this earlier?!?! I even had the pleasure of laying on my stomach with the pregnancy mat, which that alone was worth every penny. So far it has stirred things up a bit and the contractions have picked up....nothing huge or timeable, but heading in the right direction. I was also 2cm dilated at our appointment last Thursday. So it is a little slow, but I will definitely take all the progress. Just one step at a time, right?

Wishin' and hopin'....

Wishin' and hopin'
and thinkin', and prayin',
Planning and dreamin' each night of his charms.
That he'll be here in my arms.

Yes, I am now in the stage of the waiting game. (Alex Trebeck....queue in the Jeopardy theme song). We had our 37 week appointment last Friday and it was confirmed that he is all ready to go. Woohoo, we have made it full term! The ultrasound showed that he even has a full head of hair, was estimated then at 6lbs 11oz, and has a contracting diaphragm which means he's ready to use those lungs! So I figure, he is just now at the point where he is taking advantage of me. He's clearly ready for the real world here, but already isn't listening to his mother!! Silly boy.

My mission, as I choose to accept...is to walk this baby out!! And so, as I hinted before, I am now that mad woman at the track walking all over the place. I was even asked to leave by security today. No really, I was...but that was just because a gym class was on their way out. I definitely got the sympathy looks from the guards (as I do from anyone in public) as they wished me good luck since they clearly knew what I was up to. But I have now figured that our hilly neighborhood might come in handy since I start to get little contractions while walking up hill. Which gave me another idea...STAIRS. And so, this morning, I would walk from our bedroom, down the basement to get ONE piece of laundry, walk it back up and repeat. And repeat. And repeat. Can you sense the desperation?!?

So I must request...for everyone to send some labor vibes our way. The room is ready. I have nested the house clean. Our bags are packed and we're ready to go. I am ready for the chaos. I am ready for the pain. But more importantly, I am just ready to meet Baby Gapp and officially bring him into our lives. So yes...lots and lots of labor vibes :)

Baby Gapp's Room

We have a room!! Now if only we could have a baby here to go with it!


My wall project. The baby's little hand prints and foot prints will go on the brown canvas'.


Closet....full with lots of little clothes!



And....We have a name!!! :)

Day 28 of Bed Rest...

I've almost made it out of the land of bed rest and will hopefully be free to walk my little heart out this weekend. (Watch out power walkers up at the high school track, we've got a determined pregnant mad woman soon to be on the loose!) In the meantime I have realized that Callaway is going to have quite the shock once Baby Gapp is here. She has been totally spoiled with me at home every day, loves the constant attention, and thinks she's on bed rest too. Seriously Spoiled:I also discovered new uses for the ginormous belly: Cup holder, place for the remote, ledge to write on, perfect spot for the scrabble stand (as I kick Ryan's butt with my awesome word skills), place to rest arms, and perfect to set a bowl of cereal or dinner plate! The best is to watch a plate rock back and forth as he kicks like crazy.

My Pregnancy Must Haves:

1. Pregnancy books - As we had just got the BFP (big fat positive), we headed to a bookstore. I still remember when another young mother asked me if I was pregnant, I thought, "What?!? Can you tell already, we haven't even told our parents!!!". But I assume it was pretty obvious since we were both standing totally clueless, looking at the pregnancy section. Either way, she suggested Your Pregnancy Week by Week, and we both read this book as we journeyed along.










2. Ginger - ginger chews, ginger supplements and ginger snaps. They are a savior for morning sickness. Along with sprite and timing meals so you are eating every couple of hours...hmmm, maybe that explains some the major weight gain!








3. Long tank tops - I got away with wearing so many non-maternity shirts by wearing those built in bra tanks underneath everything. Plus, once you are super huge, it adds another layer so your belly button doesn't stick out!!

4. Chapstick - Ok, this isn't just a pregnancy obsession. For those of you that know me, I have been obsessed with chapstick...particularily this brand for many many years. But I think its needed even more during the 9 (really 10) months.







5. Too Shea Body Butter (from Bath and Body Works) - I know people will tell you that there really isn't anything you can do for stretch marks (except for cross your fingers and pray to the big man) but either way, I use this EVERY NIGHT on my belly and back...and so far so good! Plus, it just feels great. However, I must admit I feel like I'm greasing up a pig at times.











6. A SENSE OF HUMOR - as mentioned above, the feeling of greasing up a pig is something that will happen. And I think you definitely need to have a sense of humor through out all of this. Not to mention to laugh off all the comments like, "Wow, are you sure you aren't having twins?", "Whoa, got a big boy don't we." "March 20th, wow that seems like forever!" "Do ______ now because you will never be able to again." And my favorite - "This is really going to change your life". Really??? I thought the baby could just hang with Callaway in her kennel when we leave. :)









7. More lotion - seriously, this baby just dries out my skin. And so I advice to lather it up, every day, through out the day. And because certain smells may bother you from time to time, I say go for the classic unscented kind.










8. Wedge Pillow - it may be shaped like a giant piece of cheese (mmmm, cheese...), but it has really helped me get through the nights. You simply just wedge it under the large-greased-up-like-a-pig belly for added support. Otherwise, laying on your side (which at this point is the ONLY option) can be quite painful and uncomfortable without it.










8. More Pillows - Seriously, I sometimes lose where Ryan even is with the many pillows that I have. I sleep with a total of 5.









9. Flat, comfortable shoes - I tried to pull off the heels for a while and then just realized, ya know...with a belly like this, no one is really looking at my feet. And now that I think about , I haven't seen my feet in months! Shoe tip #2: Steer clear of shoes that tie towards the home stretch. Trust me, you will either embarrass yourself or possibly injure something (been there done both).







10. More Toilet Paper - Don't worry, this isn't too much information for you. But really ladies, after getting up to go to the bathroom every hour to two hours (or even more once the baby starts to use your bladder as a punching bag)...you will definitely go through much more toilet paper than you ever did before. I am even convinced now that I am home every day and night that our water bill has gone up from all the flushes.










11. TheBump.com - Love this website. Not only do they provide a checklist of items to be completed (which kept me on track to do things like interview pediatricians, start fetal kicks count, wash baby clothes, and so much more). But there are also many message boards where you can just find support, vent, and something to laugh at.

12. Tum tum tum tum....TUMS - Yes, heartburn sucks. Keep these chewables next to your bed!









13. Girlfriends - Between great advice from some and just ears to listen from most, my girlfriends have really been there for me through all of this. I know they are just a phone call, email, or visit away to make me feel better and bring me back to reality. I think Ryan realized this too after a major hormonal rage that seemed to go away after talking to Tori. After I hung up, he said, "Let's just keep Tori and your girls all on speed dial." So Thanks, you girls are the best!!









14. Motherly Advice - My Mom has been there for me since day one (well obviously since my day one, but you know what I mean!). From helping me stay realistic, listening to my breakdowns and complaints, many trips to Motherhood and Babies R Us, and just sending her love all the time...I don't know what I would have done without her. The rest of our family members have also been so incredibly supportive as well. They are all so excited about this baby that it helps the hard days (like day 20 of bed rest) not seem so bad and makes me remember what this is all for.













15. The Ry Guy - The Most Amazing Husband EVER - Seriously, Ryan has been quite the rock through all of this. Especially now, when I can't even go to the store (yes, he even made trips to Target, Macy's, Ulta and Bath & Body Works last weekend...what a man!!). But he has learned to laugh on the inside when I am raging about one thing (the lack of heat in our house) or crying about another (Joe Paterno). He has shown so much love and excitement during this process that there isn't a doubt in my mind on what a great Dad he is going to be and how much he really does love me with all his heart. Awwww :) So maybe I numbered this all wrong, because he is by far the number one pregnancy must have!

Bed Rest it is....

Well, I have made it through week one of bed rest....only 3 more to go. I have been put on bed rest for preterm contractions and can be off when I reach 36 weeks on Feb 20th. After that, it is back to my normal pregnancy restricted life. I am waiting for that day when I can at least go for a walk. Seriously, today makes it pretty hard. Here I am sitting with the window open on this beautiful 60-degree-spring-like-Saturday just wishing I could be outside doing something. Knowing that most people I know will be taking advantage of this day some how.

But I must say that Ryan has been amazing! Taking care of absolutely everything - cleaning, cooking, shopping. Its hard for me to realize that I will not go to a single store this month...no King Soopers, Bed Bath & Beyond, Old Navy, Park Meadows mall, and NO TARGET! Probably a good thing for our bank account and probably a solution my Dad would have wished for with my mom and me.

So I am hoping for these 3 weeks to go by quickly. Thank you friends and family that have stopped by or offered to soon. I do have a line up of movies, books, and Super Mario Kart to keep me busy. Feel free to send any emails or messages!! :)

Showered with so much love

Well, we are all now set and the baby's room is 95% ready to go (yes, I promise I will post pictures soon!) But I must give a special thanks to all our friends and family that came to celebrate with us and showered us with gifts. I have everything unpacked, clothes washed and put away. By the way...the amount of tags, clips, and other security devices put on all baby clothes and toys is amazing! I swear we will be cleaning up little plastic strips forever.

The first shower was hosted by Karlyn, Tori, Destre, and Katie. It was a fabulous time, with great food (thanks again for the black seedless grapes!!), and amazing company. Seriously, I have the best girls ever!! I noticed a few things during the introduction of everyone. One, I was definitely in the minority. Only 3 of my friends have had kids and there were two with one the way. A lot of the advice was, "well, I don't have kids, but ready when you are for a girls night". Oh trust me ladies, I will definitely be taking you up on that!! But the other thing I noticed was how long I have known most of my friends. Some date back to kindergarten, middle school, high school, college, and just after. I really do have the most amazing girlfriends!! So thank you!

The second shower was hosted by my Mom, with help from Diane, Marcie, and Chris. Again, it was great to see family and friends and have everyone there to celebrate. And it is always a pleasure to get my mom's gang of friends together. Most of them have known me since I was either born or very little sitting in meetings with my Mom. So its been quite the adventure for them as well. And since most at this shower are mom's themselves, I definitely took in all the advice. And I also must say that the tear jerker awards go to Tori and my Aunt Francene! :)

Again, thanks to everyone for all your love and support!!!