Introducing...

We'd like to introduce the newest member of our family, Tanner Kimball Mecham.  Although our lives have completely changed since he has been here, we couldn't feel more blessed and grateful that he is part of our family. 

I want to remember Tanner's birth so here it is.
At about 35 weeks, baby started measuring a little small.  Along with the fact that he had a small amount of fluid in his kidney's and he was measuring small, my doctor decided to send me to a perinatologist.  After visiting with the perinatologist, he said everything looked good and he had no concerns about the health of this baby.  So I continued with my weekly appointments with my doctor.  At my 38 week appointment, my doctor surprised me with the news that he, along with the perinatologist, had decided to induce me at 39 weeks, which would be Tuesday, March 25th.  I was full of emotions:  shocked, scared, excited, and worried.  I didn't want to be induced.  I knew if there was anything wrong with this baby, it would rest on my shoulders for the rest of my life that maybe I should of waited to go into labor and the baby would of been fine.  I trusted my doctor though and we set up an induction date for that following Tuesday.   
That next week, we spent the time getting ready.  It's kind of nice knowing when you'll be induced because it gives you a chance to get everything done.  Monday night I was a complete wreck.  I wasn't ready for this baby to come, I wasn't ready to have to spend the next 2-3 days in the hospital away from my little Mason.  Casey gave me and Mason a blessing, which calmed my worries and I was able to get a little bit of rest that night. 

At about 3 in the morning, I started feeling some back pain.  It was enough to keep me up throughout the rest of the night, but not enough to really think much more of it (my back was constantly hurting me throughout the whole pregnancy).  I tried to relax and get as comfortable as possible. 
6 in the morning came soon enough.  I went and kissed my little Mason good-bye then Casey and I were off to the hospital.  Mom came and stayed with Mason that morning, I knew he would be in good hands while I was away.
Mom sent me these pictures while I was in labor.  I was so happy that she kept me updated, I was missing my little guy so much!

We got to the hospital and waited to be checked in.  A group of UVU nursing students walked by.  All of them were girls, except one boy.  I thought to myself I hope he's not one of my nurses today. 
We got checked in and they took me to a room.  I got dressed in a gown, then they hooked me up to a monitor.  Come to find out the back pain I had been feeling earlier, were actually contractions.  They were coming about every 2 min. apart.  I couldn't believe it, they wouldn't have to induce me after all, it was such a relief and one of the many answered prayers that we offered that morning. 
My nurse came in, it was the same nurse that helped deliver Mason.  Along with her came the UVU student boy nurse,  You lose all privacy when having a baby, so I guess it wasn't that big of a deal, just a little embarrassing. 
After inserting the IV, hooking me up to all the monitors, they decided to see how far along I was.  I was at a 5.  The nurse said that her other patient was ready for delivery, so she'd be back in a little while. 
Meanwhile, my contractions were becoming a little unbearable.  I kept asking Casey to go find the nurse so we could get an epidural and he said just wait for 10 more minutes.  Finally, at about 9, I got the epidural.  I felt so much better and was even able to relax a bit while Casey ran to McDonald's for some breakfast. 
The nurse came in to see where I was at, I was at a 7.  My doctor came in around 11:20 and broke my water.  I went from a 7 to a 10 in about 2 minutes.  We waited for the doctor to come back so he could deliver our baby.  At 11:51 I was ready and at 11:52 our little Tanner was born.  Everything happened so fast.  Casey was very nervous about cutting the umbilical cord.  When Tanner was here, the cord was too short for Casey to cut.  Just another answer to prayers.   
Our little Tanner was 6lbs. 9oz. and 18" long.  After cleaning him off and wrapping him in blankets, I got to hold our little guy for the first time.  For about an hour, it was just me, Casey, and the newest member of our family.

 

Casey and Tanner went to the nursery, for Tanner's first bath, while I got settled in my room.  Mom and dad came to see how I was doing and to meet Tanner. 
Throughout our hospital stay we had many family members come visit us.  We are so grateful for the love and support that family and friends have shown to us in this special time in our lives. 

Tuesday night, my sister Merilee brought our little Mason down to the hospital.  For the first time our little family was together.  Although Mason showed very little interest in me or our new little Tanner, I know that he loves his new brother.  Adjusting to this new change in our family has definitely been a little challenging for our little Mason, but everyday Mason will do some small act of love and kindness towards our little Tanner.  Mason loves sitting on the bed while I change Tanner's diaper or while he is being bathed.  Mason loves to give Tanner his binkey when he is sad and crying.  The other day Mason even covered Tanner with Mason's blanket and for those of you who know Mason well enough, know Mason loves his blankets.  I know Mason will be able to teach Tanner his loving, kind, and happy personality and I know Mason will be a great brother and always watch out for Tanner.  I'm excited to watch them grow together and become BEST friends!
We got to bring Tanner home from the hospital on Thursday, March 27th.  I was so ready to go home and be together with our new little family. 

We couldn't be more grateful at this time for this new little addition to our family.  We are so grateful that he is here healthy and safe.  I was constantly worrying over how I was going to love Tanner as much as I love my little Mason.  Everyone told me it just comes naturally.  They were right!  The moment I saw him I was totally smitten.  I love my little family.