Introducing...

Bartlett Christopher Olson
(Bart)

6 lbs 3 oz 19 ¾ inches

Born at 11:39 pm (same time as Asher)
4/27/10

During my routine checkup on Tuesday, my dr checked me and said I was at a 4+. After hearing my labor histories and how I was a little anxious about this one, and then on top of that, I needed to be there in plenty of time to get a round of the group B antibiotics, she told me she wanted me to go home and get my stuff and head to the hospital. This was actually a blessing to me, as I really have been worried about how I would know I was in labor, and making it to the hospital on time, so it was really nice to have my dr just tell me that I needed to go.

So this labor was VERY different from the other two. First of all, I learned that I can have consistent contractions that are 2-3 minutes apart for hours. Not painful, just pressure, and if my dr hadn’t told me to go, I probably never would have noticed them being so regular. We checked in around 4:45 pm, it took a long time to get checked in and to get things going with the antibiotics and such. I think they moved me to my room around 8:00pm and just kept monitoring me… contractions still the same. Nate was getting a little bored, not being used to things going so slowly. I thought it was kinda nice though. I was really able to relax and get used to the idea that we were gonna have another kid soon, and I even finished reading my book.

When they came in at around 9:40pm, I was still at a 4+, which was kind of annoying, but then they broke my water. After about and hour and 20 minutes or so, the contractions were getting really bad and I had to actually work through them, which I was not used to. I told them I was starting to feel a lot more pressure and they checked and I was at a 7. I was not very happy about that, thinking that I was further along. About a half hour later, I told Nate that maybe I wanted to get an epidural, as the contractions were getting pretty unbearable, but they weren’t on top of each other or anything, so I thought maybe I still had a while. I decided I’d wait a bit more, and then sure enough, a few minutes later, it was time to push. Oh that dreaded feeling. I hate it. I was dreading it the whole time. Then of course they tell you not to push, and all I can do is push and tell them to hurry. I didn’t push for long, although in the moment, it felt like it was taking forever. I think I pushed for 10 minutes or maybe less, and then it was FINALLY over. I know it really isn’t that long, but it hurt. This whole labor was so much more painful than Sayer’s. I couldn’t help but just rejoice and tell everyone how glad I was that it was over. So yeah, instead of being the quickest and easiest like you would expect, my third labor was the longest and hardest one of all. I guess I got to experience what a normal labor is like this time around. But to be honest, it was a blessing. Nate had just finished with his last class, which was the last thing we were waiting on before we wanted him to come, and it is 2 weeks before we are moving, which is the amount of time I wanted to have him big enough to fly and to get the house all packed up, etc, and I didn't have to worry about having the baby in a cab. All good things.

Anyway, we are home now and everyone is doing well. Asher and Sayer couldn't be more thrilled to have a new baby brother. All they want to do is hold him and kiss him and touch him. Bart is such a sweet little thing so far. He is a great nurser which has been a wonderful change from the other 2, I just hope he keeps it up.

I also just have to brag about my wonderful friends and neighbors, who completely took over things with the boys from the second they found out I was on my way to the hospital. I knew they were in good hands and were having fun, so it was nice to not have to worry too much about them. I came home to them cleaning my apt and dinners taken care of through the weekend. I am so blessed to have such amazing friends!!

The view from my room. Looking south from 59th street, on west side

These beautiful flowers were brought by my dear friends and neighbors

First cab ride

Boys meeting baby Barty for the first time

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Easter

We had a nice little Easter Sunday. The kids woke up and got their Easter buckets...

filled with chocolate bunnies and then they each got a little ball, which they were very excited about. I got them each little baby birdies that Asher is obsessed with, but gave them to them the evening before. Don't worry that we have already left the soccer ball at a park, who knows which one. :( I hate that. Then we had a little egg hunt in the house which was pretty fun. Since we didn't have church, we just hung out and watched conference for a bit. I also did a little Easter lesson for the boys, which was very interesting. It's always challenging to teach about what we are celebrating at Easter without things getting to graphic. But I definitely think Asher took away some new knowledge, and that is all that matters.

Boys in their new Easter outfits. Thanks Grandma Lisa!

Then around noon, Sayer was in serious need of a nap, so down he went, while Asher and I headed over to my neighbor's church, which is just down the street. They were having a little egg hunt for the kids and she invited us. Asher was SOOO excited, but was also very good at waiting patiently for his turn to look for eggs.

Asher and Addi waiting patiently

He had so much fun looking for eggs, and just ran as fast as he could around the courtyard, picking up eggs. My favorite thing was how he passed tons of eggs to get to eggs that he saw further away. Silly kid.

Asher and Addi exploring their loot

Such a handsome little man!

Later in the evening, we got together with our neighbors (same ones from the egg hunt) and had a little potluck in the courtyard next door. We brought pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes, homemade rolls (dinner and cinnamon!) and asparagus. They brought a beef roast, yummy salad and something else I can't remember. It was all delicious, and so fun to be with friends on such a special day.

Guess who's a big boy?!

Sayer!!

Last Thursday I started Sayer on the 3 Day Potty Training. He was showing that he was really ready, and I did not want to wait until I had 3 kids to do it. It was a terrible, and exhausting 3 days. He did not catch on as fast as Asher did, which was very frustrating. Although he was amazing at holding his pee, which made for hardly any accidents, but less chances to practice. He was basically afraid to sit on the potty, so getting him to sit long enough to do his business was very hard. Then, instead of telling me, he would just whine and hold himself. But, by the end of the 3 days, or at least by the beginning of the 4th day, he was doing SO much better and I was feeling a little more comfortable leaving the house with him. It took him a couple more days to get the #2 business, but he is practically a pro now. He still won't sit on a real potty which is annoying, hopefully he will get there soon.

To be honest, I was so discouraged by the end of the 3 days, that I was considering putting him back in diapers. Crazy, I know. Especially because he loves his undies and I don't think he would want to go back. He gets so excited after he goes, and announces it to everyone, it's the cutest thing. I was just getting nervous about it being so close to the baby's due date, and I didn't know if things would be good enough by then. But he is doing great, and the few accidents he has had, have been away from home, which I think is acceptable.

So anyway, YAY for Sayer for being such a big boy!!
(and he does seem so big all of the sudden)

He sure does look adorable in his big boy undies!!