The First Week

Well, it's Thursday, which means our little Ivy Soleil is a week old.

First impressions? This transition from two to three isn't as abrupt a collision as we expected. I think that's the case for two reasons. First, London and Liberty are pretty much a package deal. They do everything together, which makes keeping them happy and entertained easier than you'd think. Second, Ivy is small, quiet and immobile. I have a feeling the day she starts crawling is the day the impact will start to be felt.

Or maybe not! We're just thankful that we all are, for the most part, pretty relaxed and proceeding with a sense of normalcy. It isn't hunker-down time, and the past week certainly has shown that!

On Friday, Savannah's birthday, we left the hospital and went across the street for Savannah's birthday lunch of fondue and schnitzel at Gustav's. We then went home to our kids, who were happy to see us (all three of us). It was a great, first night.

On Saturday, we just lounged around the house, a day that ended with a fun trip to Fred Meyer to buy the kids miniature versions of the Pillow Pets they already have. They are big fans.

On Sunday, we had lunch at Grandma Nomi's house, and introduced Ivy to Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Hurt.

When we were released from the hospital, Ivy was classified as having upper-moderate jaundice, and the doctor told me to have her come in for a new PKU test (heel stick) at the Sunnyside lab on Sunday. But then, in our release papers, it said to bring her in Saturday (we were released Friday). Because Savannah's milk came in so soon and Ivy was eating/pooping/peeing so well, we decided to wait until our prescheduled Monday momma/baby checkup.

Of course, everything was awesome. Ivy weighed in at just 2.5 ounces below her birth weight. (This is just four days after she was born; babies are supposed to get back to birth weight by 2 WEEKS!) Her jaundice level was low enough that doctors said the bilirubin was no longer a potential problem. She's been a phenomenal baby at every stage! After the appointment, we all went to the East Portland Community Center for open playtime, which was awesome! Lots of cars, balls and a trampoline!

On Tuesday, Savannah led (that's right -- LED!) her MOPS group at East Hill. I and the kids hopped on the MAX for a fun (and at times, scary) train ride to the Washington Park Zoo, where Savannah and Ivy later joined us. On a day that was predicted to be rainy and cold, we enjoyed a nearly abandoned park. And it's not like we were alone at a rainy zoo -- the weather was dry, and the sun even came out! It was a great day, but people certainly questioned our sanity, having Savannah so active so soon after giving birth.

Wednesday wasn't much different. Savannah and Ivy attended the Damascus Christian MOMS Group there while I took the Ls to open play time at the Sandy Community Center. They had fun with the cars, slides and other toys, and when I wasn't playing with them or hovering over them, I was awkwardly soaking in the weirdness of being the only dad there. After nap time, the day ended with a trip to Wal-Mart to get some much-needed groceries and our NEWEST child -- a brand-new Canon Digital Rebel camera! Look for some amazing pictures soon!

Sleep hasn't been great, but not because of our youngest -- it's because of our OLDEST! London has been night waking one to two times a night, bursting into our room at all hours of the night. That's been difficult, because the process to calm him down and put him back to bed is an involved one each time. Twice this week I've fallen asleep in his bed while trying to lull him back to sleep. Not quite sure what to do about all that.

In summary, it's like Ivy has always been a part of our family. She just fits right in. She is tremendously curious, the coziest cuddler and full of love. You can just tell. I've read about how dads -- not just moms -- have oxytocin release when they cuddle with baby. Man, that oxytocin is some GOOD stuff! It's addictive! I joke with Savannah that Ivy is my little drug.

Great visitors today

Today was a great day of visitors, rest and bonding. Ivy has slept a lot today, still tuckered out by her 12:24 a.m. entrance.

We had some great visitors today. Grandpa "Hey" Steve was the first to stop by -- for the second baby in a row -- this morning, followed by Grandma Nomi (my mom). Next came our family friends Mary Kay and Jeramie Larson, and then Pastor Arlin Hill from East Hill, who came to visit and pray for Ivy and us. Then my best friend Jeff Schroeder, his very pregnant wife Amber, and his mom, Jackie. Then the Hathcock Five was joined by the Dunn Five, as Savannah's brother, sister and parents came, bringing London and Liberty to meet their new little sister for the first time.

Thanks to everyone who came out today, for everyone who sent their well wishes on Facebook, by phone and by text, and for everyone else who has been praying for us! It's been a great day! We just need Ivy to wake up a little bit more so she can eat and then pee!

Here's our first family photo:

The Ivy Birth Story

What's great about this is that there's not really MUCH story to this, unlike Liberty's crazy labor. It's an answer to prayer that the Lord would take care of this, our last delivery, by allowing things to go smoothly.

It was pretty much textbook, fueled by the iron will and tremendous spirit of my bride. Savannah, you're amazing!

OK, the story:

I got home from work, as usual, at 7 p.m. Wednesday night. Savannah had planned to leave as soon as I got home to pick up groceries to make some meals for postpartum life. Dinner was sort of loosey-goosey, as we didn't have many groceries, so I quickly made myself a grilled cheese sandwich.

Savannah wasn't leaving for the store. "Why aren't you leaving?" I asked. "I don't know... I feel sort of different."

Then Savannah revealed that she had to pee a lot, and then after she'd go, she'd feel wet. Long story short, we determined that she was leaking amniotic fluid -- that her bag of waters had ruptured. We called the labor and delivery folks at the hospital, and they told us to come in.

Sheila and Anna, Savannah's mom and sister, had just left the house before I got home from work to help Savannah. So when we made "the call" to have them come back to watch London and Liberty, we were so relieved that they hadn't made it home to Vancouver yet; they actually only made it as far as Gresham.

It was hard to leave once Sheila and Anna got to our house. London and Liberty didn't want us to leave, and London in particular got very clingy. It was tough to see him so emotional. It was especially hard on Savannah, which showed the differences between men and women during times like these. I was sympathetic to London, but all-business: we had to get out of there.

Savannah had a few contractions on the way to Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital, but was still all smiles and very much "with it." After filling out a ton of paperwork (which we thought we already had "pre-registered"), we were shown our room at about 9 p.m.

The doctor couldn't immediately identify that Savannah was leaking amniotic fluid, but the monitors were clearly showing signs that labor had begun. After a second test of the fluid, they determined the bag of waters had ruptured (turns out she was leaking from the TOP of the bag of waters), and Sav finally was admitted to the hospital. We were assigned a really bubbly, cheerful, Christ-following nurse -- just the kind that puts Savannah at ease. (PTL!)

Labor was fairly uneventful and calm for the first two hours, with contractions starting and stopping at various times. It wasn't until just before 11 p.m. that the magnitude of the foreshocks started to pick up.

I hunted down a birthing ball and Savannah moved from the hospital bed to that, which was much more comfortable to her. From then on, though, labor really sped up. The contractions were hard, long and close together. At about midnight she started acting as if pushing was coming, although neither of us had any idea how far along she was in the process. (The doctors didn't check her dilation because they had checked her amniotic fluid instead, and they said that they wanted to avoid checking multiple times due to the risk of contamination.)

I called the doctor and the nurse at this point because I had a feeling we were close. They quickly saw that Savannah was at 9cm and that labor was coming to a climax. She had to get back on the bed, which was excruciating for her, and soldiered through crazy contractions -- with no pain meds, mind you -- for the next 20 minutes or so. Finally, she began to push.

Ivy Soleil Hathcock was born at 12:24 a.m. on Thursday, March 3 -- the day before Savannah's birthday -- weighing in at 7 lbs., 2.5 ounces (our smallest baby) and stretching to 20.5 inches (longer than London, shorter than Liberty). Ivy's heart rate was stable and fairly chill the entire labor, and she came out sporting a fashionable boa -- her umbilical cord, draped around her body in a stylish criss-cross pattern.

I can't say enough about my wife. Three pregnancies -- no medication. No complications. No problems. She breathed through the pain and kept her eyes on the prize. I not only would have asked for an epidural, I would have asked to be put under. She was smiling through much of her labor, and was smiling soon after Ivy's arrival. She's a real testament to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, and my hero. What a great mommy.

Our prayer going into this was for wisdom and discernment for us and the medical staff, a safe delivery, and for the entire process to be a worship experience. We are grateful for the uneventfulness of the process that led to such a beautiful, magnanimous conclusion.

Ivy is very alert, with inquisitive eyes. The consensus is that she has Mom's nose, Mom's monkey toes and Mom's "boo-boo" sad lower lip. She does have my dark hair -- possibly the most hair out of all three kids at birth. Her little cry is pretty musical. Her skin color was given all 9s by the staff, and breathing and temperature seem good. Savannah's in great shape, too!

We are truly blessed!

Go Time!

It's 11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, and we're at Kaiser Sunnyside. Savannah is in early labor, but the contractions are picking up. Her water broke earlier today, but it was enough of a trickle that she wasn't sure what was going on until I got home from work. She's doing really well, and I'm so proud of her. Chances are, we're going to see little Ivy Soleil on Thursday, March 3!

DEFCON 2

A baby update... we are at DEFCON 2.

According to Wikipedia, that means a "further increase in force readiness, but less than maximum readiness." DEFCON 1, of course means it's go time.

At her appointment today, Savannah learned she is 80 percent effaced and 2CM dilated. It's no longer a matter of days; it's a matter of hours. Let's see if Dad is right with his prediction that Ivy would be born on Friday, March 18.

I wonder if we'll make it to the baby shower! (We hope so; Grandma Nomi has put a LOT of work into it!)

And... we're back

So, it's been a good... uh... year since we last updated the Hathcock Family blog. Needless to say, life with two TODDLERS leaves little time for updating the blog. They like to push all the buttons on the keyboard, or they ask to watch "Dora" or "Diego" or "Dinosaur Train" or just "a moooovieee."

The reason we're getting back into the swing of things with the blog is that we're going to be adding our third (and final) addition to the family, Ms. Ivy Soleil Hathcock, any day now. I was just reading about the awesome story that surrounded Liberty's birth just two years ago. (I saw "awesome" not because it was all good -- it wasn't -- but because it truly is a memorable one.)

Over the past few weeks, all our energy has gone towards getting ready for Ivy, and for getting over illnesses. Poor Liberty, in the mix of it all, didn't have a birthday party (yet?) and had a fairly subdued birthday -- although I don't know if you'd call Chuck E. Cheese and a fondue dinner "subdued" for a two-year-old.

We had our first false alarm tonight, Feb. 16, as Savannah began to feel some strong contractions and her body cleaned itself out. We've all put in our bets as to when Ivy will come on the scene. Savannah thinks it will be Monday, Feb. 21 -- President's Day -- and I've predicted it will be tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 18. The funny thing about that is that Savannah's baby shower is scheduled for this Saturday, the 19th. We'll see what happens!

This is where we'll post everything once stuff starts happening (and even if it doesn't)!

New family pics!

Wow, it's been a few weeks, huh?

Well, would you believe we've been busy making videos and taking pictures? You don't believe it? Well, check these new family photos out, taken on Mother's Day. The studio-style one is from the free pictures taken at East Hill; the other was taken at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens. Enjoy!

We'll soon be homeowners!

The last couple of days of PawPaw and Gran's visit were spent working on getting our fam into a house! Our knowledgeable real estate broker PawPaw took us around Gresham and Sandy, looking at places in our price range that fit our space requirements.
Well, it turned out that the first place we saw was the one to beat (and the one that ultimately couldn't be beat): A four bedroom, two-and-a-half bath attached townhouse a couple blocks away from our apartment here in Sandy. Asking price was fantastic, and the 1,600 square feet were just what we needed. Brand new building, new appliances, brilliant layout -- woo hoo! (CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS!)

There were three of these townhouses in a row... one facing Dubarko Road, one in the middle, and one on the north end. We wanted the one on the north end most of all because of its color palette and its location.
So, with PawPaw's help, we got general financial info and presented our first offer... but before the seller could even look at it, he had approved another offer. So, back to the drawing board. The middle unit was nice, too, and was $10k less than the end unit, so we put an offer on that one... but ultimately we were no match for a buyer who offered more than the asking price, and paid in CASH. Unbelievable in these economic times.

We thought we were finished, but then we realized we could put an offer on one of the two as-of-yet unbuilt townhouses across the driveway. Those will have the same layout and square footage as the others, but the buyer also will be able to do a little customization. We saw the opportunity, and put an offer... and, praise God, it was accepted last night without so much as a counteroffer!
Thanks go out to God most of all, and right behind Him, PawPaw, for everything he's done to make this happen for us.

We're still 2-4 months away from moving day (because they have to build the units), but that's fine with us, and we're so excited!

Just one perk of having a little sister

London has discovered that having a little sister has its advantages... one being that he can get some mad air in Liberty's bouncer. Liberty's not too keen on the bouncer quite yet, so London's keeping it warm for her as he propels himself into the air.

London learned a new word tonight: popcorn. And he also learned that he really likes the kettle corn variety of microwave popcorn. He couldn't stop eating it! Kept saying "more" and doing the baby sign language for it.

Savannah's been sick the past few days, so Daddy and London have been enjoying some quality time together while Mom and Libby rest.

Check out the video!

Savvy is 30!

On Wednesday, March 4, Savannah hit the big 3-0! And she had quite the day, completely full of surprises!

The day started with Savvy and Liberty meeting friends from small group (headed by Jenni Foster) and Martina at a European bakery for a delightful breakfast!

Then, Savannah was shuttled back to Gresham from Portland quickly to make an 11:15 a.m. hair appointment. Lunch with Marcus and Liberty at Boccelli's in downtown Gresham came next (London all this time was with Grandma Sheila). Then, her friend Angela stopped by to take her to Ulta (a makeup place) and Borders for some relaxing friend time.

Martina came back a little later to hang out in the afternoon, and the day wrapped up with a surprise gathering of friends and family at our favorite downtown restaurant, Lebanese powerhouse Habibi. (Savannah later spent a surprise gift card at Nordstrom Rack for some new shoes.)

We are so grateful for Savannah, and for what she means to everyone she meets! She is a treasure as a mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend, and is so much cheerier than her age might suggest ;-). She's pink personified! Happy birthday, Savannah! (Hopefully we'll post some pics from the big day on here soon.)

Liberty's first moments

Here's a video I took of the first few moments of Liberty's life. She's such a sweetie... and although I say that she looks like her brother in the video, upon further review I'll say she RESEMBLES her brother... she definitely has more of Savannah in her than London does!

Enjoy the video!

The Liberty story

OK, here's how it went down:

As you read earlier, we had a scare Friday before last: contractions that got our attention, but went away once Savannah got ill. So when I (Marcus) woke up Wednesday morning, Feb. 4, I wasn't sure what to think when my wife told me she was having some contractions.

The contractions were about 11 minutes apart for about an hour, and then they just stopped. So, disappointed, I went to work at about 8:20. But just as I was pulling up to East Hill, I got a call from Savannah, telling me that the contractions were back, and that they hurt A LOT worse. I told her to keep an eye on them, and to let me know if things looked like they were getting worse.

I got one task done at work before I got a call from Savannah, frantic and in pain. I knew it was time to go home fairly soon. So I went to our HR department, filled out my family leave request, and rushed back to my office to send off an e-mail to tie up loose ends. Before I could jet off, my office was filled with two-dozen or so prayer warriors -- staff from the church -- who anointed me, prayed for healing (I have a cold) and asked God's protection over Savannah and the baby. It was moving to have so many people covering us in prayer.

Then, like a bat out of hell, I made the trip from Gresham to Sandy in a personal-best 9 minutes.

When I got home, Savannah was in the downstairs bathroom, working through a contraction as London was playing in the living room, oblivious. I grabbed the three things I needed -- this laptop, our phone charger and some cough drops -- and tossed London in the car.

The tough part was getting Savannah out of the apartment. She was clearly in pain, and was working through some difficult contractions.

"Savannah," I said, "We have to leave, honey." She responded by telling me to knock it off (I chuckled... she slugged me... I chuckled again) and that she was in too much pain to move. I realized that if we didn't get out of there soon, we weren't going to get out of there at all. Things had progressed extremely quickly. I finally was able to escort her out the door and into the car.

The car ride from Sandy to Clackamas must have been excruciating for Savannah. Her contractions went from 5 minutes apart to 3 minutes apart, and I realized that Liberty was a LOT closer than I had thought. I drove up to 80 mph on Highways 26 and 212, trying to weave through some sluggish mid-morning traffic.

I noticed Savannah had entered the climactic Transition Phase when she was sort of in her own little world and didn't respond well to my voice or touch. She basically was like a turtle in her shell. When that happened -- somewhere in Happy Valley -- I realized we had to MOVE.

I blew a red light -- almost two -- and I zoomed down Sunnyside as Savannah said, "HURRY!" By the way she was holding her pelvis I could tell she wanted to PUSH!

We got to the hospital -- finally -- and I was at a loss for what to do. My initial instinct was to leave London in the car, while it was running, as I escorted my bride to the nurses... but Savannah told me to grab the boy. I turned off the car, plucked London out, and stayed with Savannah until a team of like a half-dozen people descended on her.

Then I met up with Savannah's mom, Sheila, to pass off London and grab our labor and postpartum stuff that was packed in the car. I knew I had to hurry because I was afraid Savannah would have the baby without me!

With serious adrenaline, I somehow grabbed a trunkload of stuff and hoofed it to the labor and delivery room... and seconds after I set everything down, the pushing started. PUSHING? She walked in at a 9.5 dilation! I could not believe how quickly everything went!

Just THIRTY MINUTES after getting checked in, Liberty Haven was born at 11:06 a.m. She was born face-up (which resulted in a couple nose scratches) and with no complications. Her skin color was rated a 10 (the best!) and breathing and everything has been flawless! She needs a little nudging to eat thus far, but is handling it like a champ!

[[Interesting facts: Grandpa Steve showed up about an hour after Liberty was born, because he heard Savannah was in labor and wanted to see how things were going... little did he know, Liberty was born! Also, our nurse, Sarah, told us that had her son been a girl, her name would have been Liberty. Her son's name? London!]]

Liberty is such a doll. She has a cute cry, curious soulful eyes, a fuzzy head, ruby lips and a relaxed disposition. We couldn't be happier! She got her first shot, her first bath, first spa treatment (hair-washing, which she loved!) and has been so graceful.

She truly represents her name: A gal who makes us feel such freedom and rest. Praise Jesus for a truly perfect day.

I asked Savannah, "So, if you had to choose a labor like London's or Liberty's, which would you choose?" Without question, she said, "Like Liberty."

Check out the photos in our last post, or visit my (Marcus's) page on Facebook.

Introducing -- LIBERTY HAVEN!

She's here! Well, as we're resting and trying to even catch our breath, we thought we'd share some photos of our delightful new daugther, Liberty Haven Hathcock.

She was born 7 lbs., 4 oz. at 11:06 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, and wow -- what a story! We'll have to tell you more later, but for now, enjoy the newest little light in our world. Praise God that all is well and that mom and baby are great!

Baby time?

It's 9:30 a.m. PST Wednesday, Feb. 4. Savannah's having some gnarly contractions that are becoming more regular.

We're outta here.

Could this be it?

Bathtime fun!

London really enjoys his baths. Chillin' in his special baby mini-bath, London enjoys playing with his special water toys -- the coolest of which is a wind-up turtle -- and splashing around.

We took a few minutes during our bath tonight to show you how much he loves to splash around. Mommy tries to play tug-of-war with him -- which usually makes him explode with giggles -- but the game goes totally awry.

At one point, when London is asked to wave to everybody, he says, "I did."

Enjoy the video!

(Oh, and of course, we're still waiting for Liberty. We're 39 weeks today! I would be saying "C'mon already" if not for the fact that I've come down with the cold. I can wait a few days to get better before she comes!)

Come on Best Friend, let's go!!!

So, 2 years ago at Christmas, Marcus' parents very sweetly gave us a gave us a gift card to the McMENAMINS to stay at one of their hotels. Whether it was misplaced or we just didn't have time, we never used it.

We were going to use it at the Grand Lodge in Forest Grove tonight -- that is, until the management told us the room was going to be in the basement, next to the bar that is hoppin' until 2:30 a.m. So instead, we're going to use it Sunday night at Edgefield -- much closer to home.

I (Savannah) am extremely excited and a little nervous to leave young London (not because it's with his Grandparents, just because it is scary the first time ). At this location they have soaking pools in heated gardens, a movie theater and much more. We will have to take full advantage of this and try everything!

Marcus is so fun during new adventures. He is willing to drop the bags at the room and explore all our options. He considers what would be nice for the prego, which is so considerate. Since our honeymoon, we have an ongoing motto of NO REGRETS! So even if we barely sleep (which is pretty standard for me these days) we will have BLAST no matter what.

~ Now Liberty just needs to chill until we get home!

For your viewing enjoyment, here is a video of when London took some of his very first steps at Grandma and Grandpa Dunn's house in Vancouver during Thanksgiving: