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11.28.2012

Introducing...

My sweet boy is here! I don't have any pictures to post at the moment, I'm on my laptop and don't use it for pictures, so tomorrow when I have a bit more time and Bubby isn't sleeping on my chest I'll add some pictures :-D

I had been having very mild contractions for the past week, basically felt like menstrual cramping with some back aches but it never picked up. On Sunday, at 40 weeks, I was very discouraged that my body wasn't going to do what it's made to do on it's own and that I would have to be induced. I was also worried that my "doula", our very dear friend Janelle (who is also our children's godmother), wouldn't be able to attend due to not being able to find a sitter for her brood. On top of all that, I really wanted a midwife to be at the hospital when I delivered, but due to some (in my opinion) crazy new rules, they only work during certain hours. So I was a little stressed, very pregnant, and praying begging God to help my body start preparing for this little boy!

Sunday evening I went to bed with a heavy heart, but I still had some hope that things would turn around. Monday morning I was scheduled to see one of the midwives and prior to my appointment I noticed that my cramping was a little bit more intense, but nothing I couldn't get through. I didn't even mention it to J because I didn't want him to get his hopes up and then it be a false alarm. So I went about my morning as usual and mentioned to Janelle while I was chatting with her online that something MIGHT be starting and to be ready just in case. So off to our appointment we went, J actually decided to take Boogie on a little daddy/daughter outing while I went to my appointment so that was nice that they got to do that as well. I knew that since I was over 40 weeks now that my midwife would want to discuss an induction date in case my labor didn't start, and I even considered having her check my cervix (I had declined having it checked prior to this appointment because I truly believe they are unnecessary.... your body can go from 0-60 in no time or drag on for days...) and possibly strip my membranes to kick start labor. However, once I got inside and had been sitting for a few minutes my cramping started to intensify, it was still a manageable pain but it helped me decide to stick to my guns and decline having myself checked and go about my day. After talking with my midwife we discussed waiting til Thursday to be checked and then discuss induction options. She was even willing to make sure she would be at the hospital on Friday to break my water so that I could have a midwife there with me. We discussed my cramping and she said to just go about my day and see how it went and if nothing happened she'd see me on Thursday.

I had an NST (non-stress test) that day as well and it picked up mild contractions, but nothing more. J and Boogie picked me up and we decided to stop at a quaint little toy store down the road and as we were talking to and from the store my contractions really began to pick up. (At this point I had mentioned to J that I was starting to get more intense cramps.) J and I decided it might be a good idea to pick up some lunch and just hang out at Janelle's to see if these intensified since her house isn't quite as far from the hospital as ours, and I knew having my friend nearby would be calming!

The drive to her house wasn't fun, I found that when I was up and walking and moving I could relax my body and easily get through my contractions, however in the van it was much harder to relax going over bumps and imperfections on the roads. I just had to keep telling myself, "Breathe, relax. You can do this, you're body was made for this." And I prayed... a LOT! We made it to Janelle's about 1:30pm with the intention that we were going to eat lunch and then just hang out until I felt we needed to head the hospital. We thought in several hours that would be the case... however after about 10 minutes I wasn't able to talk through my contractions so I had J call my mom to pick Boogie up in case we needed to go soon. My biggest fear was that I would decide to go to the hospital with these intense contractions and be barely dialated. I didn't want to drive all the way over there and be turned away, or worse, being feeling so much pain for only the beginning of labor. Despite all that I made the decision that we needed to go SOON, I was feeling a lot of pressure and knew that the ride there was going to be awful... might as well get it over with right?

We headed to the hospital at 2, made it there bye 2:30 and when they checked me I was SEVEN centimeters dialated! SEVEN! I couldn't believe it! I had essentially labored all day and had reached transition. I was ecstatic and so incredibly relieved. I had pretty much resigned myself to the thought that if I wasn't more than 4cm that I would be getting an epidural because my contractions felt like they did at the beginning of my labor with Boogie (which was awful, with back labor and very painful non stop contractions). But this time, I had pushed through the pain for so long that I had made it almost to the end! We slowly made our way from pre-op to our labor room (by slowly I mean we stopped like 3 times for me to sway and breathe through contractions). Literally right after we got to the room I asked to be checked again because the pressure I was feeling was so intense, and amazingly just from the walk from pre-op to our room I had gone from 7 to 8cm. We weren't able to get a room with a tub so I decided to stand in the shower and let J use the shower head hose to spray hot water on my back during contractions. That felt AMAZING.

This is when it started getting really intense. I started feeling like my body wanted to push while I was in the shower, so they had me get out and when they checked me I was already at 9cm. The OB (yes, none of the midwives were there... boo) tried to stretch the little bit of my cervix aside so that I could start pushing but it was very painful and obviously didn't help. So I stood, swayed, and not minutes later my body started pushing on it's own. I can't even describe to you how this felt. I literally felt like I had no control over my body, it was like someone had taken over my body and was using every muscle to push. My legs started shaking really bad so the nurse and the residents that were attending me suggested that I kneel on my knees in the bed and lean over the back (with the back raised of course) so that I could continue to sway and stay upright. Just prior to doing so however, my body continued to push and my water broke! It was a totally different sensation pushing to break my water than it was with Boogie when it just spontaneously broke.

Once up on the bed, my body continued to push and it was incredibly painful. I had expected pushing to feel a bit better because from every birth story I had read (for women who birthed naturally) those women claimed that pushing made the pain go away. However for me, the pain was still very much there, and I almost felt out of control of my body... so while it wasn't entirely unpleasant to push it also wasn't the relief I expected. I groaned and yelled and screamed through every push while my dear, sweet, wonderful "doula" Janelle teased me about being an opera singer (you just wait woman... the old jokes are just going to get worse from here!). I was begging for water between pushes, my body was working so hard that I felt like i was completely dehydrated and my mouth was so dry and chapped. I was trying to ask the entire time where Bubby was (in relation to how close he was to crowning and how close to his head coming out), but I guess through my pain I sounded like a crazy person screaming "Where is he?!?!" Yea... Janelle teased me about that too. Eventually, I felt his head slowly starting to come out and I started to feel more control of my body and really put everything I had into pushing. I was doing really well with staying calm (despite what everyone around me may have been thinking) but at this point I started to get scared that I was going to tear horribly because of how quickly he was coming.... I prayed a quick prayer as I pushed his head out and after that I forgot those fears. Once his head was out I pushed one or two more times and he came completely out. The resident handed him to me between my legs and all I can remember at that point was how beautiful my sweet boy was and that "I DID IT!".

I got to hold Bubby while his cord finished pulsating, I got to do skin to skin care and nurse him within minutes of his birth. I got to kiss him all over and count his fingers and toes.... all the things I desperately wanted to do with Boogie but wasn't able to so soon after birth. Once the cord stopped pulsating J (yes, J really did it this time!) cut the cord and we just bonded until they were ready to check him over and get him bundled up. We stayed in L&D for a few hours because I was bleeding a little more than they like to see, but thankfully after giving me a shot of pitocin it slowed and we were able to go up to the Mother Baby Unit.

So... let's recap. I arrived at the hospital at 2:15pm, was 7cm at 2:30pm, minutes later was 8cm, probably 30 min later was 9cm... started pushing shortly after and Bubby was born at 4:09pm. Despite how quickly he made his debut I only had two superficial tears! Also, because of how quickly everything happened I never got an IV (which was what I had hoped for as well), they never had time to draw my blood, and I think I threw my whole birth team for a loop with how fast everything went! Bubby didn't even have a cone shaped head when he came out, his head was perfect and round... he just didn't have time for his head to be any different lol!

I feel like super woman... seriously. This was the birth I dreamed about during my pregnancy with Boogie... and while it didn't happen with her I am so incredibly blessed and thankful that God gave me this second opportunity to birth without fear. The woman's body is phenomenal, it's awe-inspiring, and I don't think I'll ever forget the high I got from this whole experience!

Welcome to the world my sweet little Bubby, my 7lb 10oz, 19.3 inch long miracle!




11.25.2012

40 Weeks




How far along? 40 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Over 12lbs as of my last appointment, have another appointment tomorrow


Maternity clothes? Nothing fits right. My jeans won't stay up, my pajama pants have to sit way below where I normally keep them, my shirts don't cover my belly very well... oy. 


Stretch marks? same old same old


Sleep: I slept well last night surprisingly! 

Best moment this week: Making it to 40 weeks? I'm thankful that he and I are both healthy so I'm trying to look at the positives... but I am sure ready to have him in my arms already!

Movement: He's getting rougher with his movements, he favors my right side and really enjoys kicking me in the ribs. Boogie was never this rough!


Food cravings: Mom's Meatball Subs


Gender: Still a boy...


Labor signs: Lots of cramping and bachache the last few days, and I've lost large portions of my mucus plug.

Belly button in or out? The top of my belly button sticks out... looks really weird.  


Wedding rings on or off? Wearing both wedding band and engagement ring, they both fit at the moment. Totally different from Boogie, I couldn't wear either at this point!


What I miss: Bending over... that's close to impossible now.


What am I looking forward too: Finally holding my sweet little boy, breastfeeding, and babywearing!

Weekly Wisdom: You won't be pregnant forever....

 
Milestones: He's ready. My pop out timer (aka belly button) says he's DONE.




11.24.2012

"Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!"

That's how I'm feeling today... when Boogie goes looking for something she says, "Where are you? Come out, come out wherever you are!" She's been pointing at my belly all morning and saying, "Bubby! Where are you?" She's too smart, she must know mommy is beyond ready to meet Bubby! I'll be 40 weeks tomorrow. I hurt. EVERYWHERE. With Boogie I was able to sleep but my hips would go numb, but that's about as uncomfortable as I got at the end... just that darn hip pain. This time, I wake up every hour to turn over because my entire body just aches. It's awful. So not only do I hurt, but I'm exhausted and I have a toddler running around like a crazy person saying "Mommy, mommy, mommy! Come here! Mommy, mommy, mommy! Whatcha doin'?" Oy! At least she's in a good mood today right?

So I guess you'll be hearing from me tomorrow with my 40 week pic and update.... hopefully you won't hear from me again after that until I have a birth story to post. Pray please! Hoping for a natural, un-medicated, intervention-free birth this go around... which means he HAS to come this week! Do you hear me Bubby?!?!?! It's TIME.



11.21.2012

Stubborn

My water broke with Boogie at 39 weeks 2 days... and she was born the next day. Today I am officially 39 weeks and 3 days and Bubby is going nowhere fast. I think he's nice and comfy and warm and isn't planning on going anywhere soon. I'm ok with him staying in there longer, I'd be willing to go to 42 weeks even... however I'm not "allowed" to go past 41 weeks according to my midwife. That's not ok. I do NOT want to be induced, I just want my body to do it's job! So... please be praying that Bubby makes his debut soon, mommy wants to meet him and wants to experience an all natural, no interventions birth. Please... and thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving!



11.18.2012

39 Weeks




How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total of 12lbs


Maternity clothes? Everything with the exception of a few regular t-shirts and pj's I wear to bed! 


Stretch marks? same old same old


Sleep: I am not sleeping well... tossing and turning, flopping my belly over... oy. 

Best moment this week: Realizing how soon Bubby could be here! EEK! 

Movement: He's getting rougher with his movements, he favors my right side and really enjoys kicking me in the ribs. Boogie was never this rough!


Food cravings: Cuties (those little oranges?)


Gender: Still a boy...


Labor signs: Cramping here and there, hasn't turned into anything though.

Belly button in or out? The top of my belly button sticks out... looks really weird.  


Wedding rings on or off? Wearing both wedding band and engagement ring, they both fit at the moment. Totally different from Boogie, I couldn't wear either at this point!


What I miss: For any of my clothes to fit. Maternity clothes, regular clothes... nothing fits right!


What am I looking forward too: Moving around like normal... no more waddling or holding my belly when he's moving so much it hurts!

Weekly Wisdom: Cry away my friend!

 
Milestones: His brain is continuing to strengthen to grow, the longer he's in my belly the smarter he gets ;-)




11.17.2012

Facebook

I am seriously considering deleting my facebook (both blog page and personal page) and being done with it. Just recently the creator of Birth Without Fear decided to forego using facebook to promote her page and she even decided to step away from her personal page as well. I've been inspired by her choices and by how much more she's been able to blog lately about birth in every form and by how much it's changed her day to day life with her children and her family. My only hesitations are that by doing so I would also forego some close relationships I have with two groups of women I met via Babycenter, the only contact we have is via facebook. Perhaps I could delete everything as far as my personal info and other friends and just have it for contact with those groups... I don't know. I just know that something has to change. My main purpose for this blog is to have a place to write about our family's life experiences, milestones, and events so that someday I can print all of this out and make a book for my children. I do sometimes do reviews and giveaways, but that's not my top priority. I've been slacking a lot lately writing about my children and the in's and out's of our lives right now and I'd like to fix that. I don't know... I'm realizing a lot today with the birth of Asher looming over my head (that's the worst part about giving birth.... the unknown!) and that I'm on facebook entirely too much. I want to treasure every moment I have with my children. Life is short.



11.12.2012

38 Weeks (a day late)






How far along? 38 weeks... although I'm updating a day late, the picture is in fact from yesterday ;-)

Total weight gain/loss: Total of 12lbs


Maternity clothes? Everything with the exception of a few regular t-shirts and pj's I wear to bed! 


Stretch marks? same old same old


Sleep: I sleep deeply but I wake up in a lot of pain. My hips and back ache and I feel incredibly stiff in the morning.

Best moment this week: Reaching "full term", although I think it should be 39+weeks to be considered full term

Movement: I'm getting jabbed in the ribs, bladder, cervix... oy.


Food cravings: Junk.


Gender: Still a boy...


Labor signs: Feeling crampy here and there, but not much of anything else.

Belly button in or out? The top of my belly button sticks out... looks really weird.  


Wedding rings on or off? Wearing both wedding band and engagement ring, they both fit at the moment. Totally different from Boogie, I couldn't wear either at this point!


What I miss: Getting out of bed without rolling and flopping out of bed!


What am I looking forward too: Holding my sweet boy!

Weekly Wisdom: Just a few more days/weeks!

 
Milestones: According to Baby Gaga Bubby is ready to be born... I think Bubby has his own plans though!




11.07.2012

October Update and Maternity Preview

As promised, I am finally updating with all of our fun activities and updates from October! As of yesterday I have (almost) completely finished my classes... I took my final exams and I'm praying I did well! All that's left now are 3 labs which I'm hoping to complete tonight! So yay! If all goes well and I pass (oh please!) then I will have officially completed my Associate in Arts Degree!

Now... here are lots of pictures and such from October and a few pictures from our maternity shoot!

We played outside and raked leaves...

We acted crazy and smiled a lot!

We painted pumpkins...

and created other fun art projects for Fall and Halloween...

Had our first experience with Elmer's glue... and were not impressed!

Ate HIGH in sugar snacks...

Went to the pumpkin patch...

Shared lots of slobbery kisses...

Discovered new and exciting things...

Pretended we were butterflies...

Colored on the sidewalk...

Sat in our artwork...

Learned how to blow dandelions...

Dressed up as an owl...

Conquered the wet and cold to attend the Fall Festival...

Went trick or treating...

And finally ended October by visiting Papaw and Mawmaw to get ring pops!

Elah had a blast in October and she continues to grow and amaze me! November is going to be life changing for her but I can't wait to see how she grows and changes in these next few weeks!

Now... for our maternity preview!










11.04.2012

37 Weeks




How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Total of 10lbs


Maternity clothes? Everything with the exception of a few regular t-shirts and pj's I wear to bed! 


Stretch marks? same old same old


Sleep: Tossing and turning... tossing and turning... tossing and turning.

Best moment this week: Getting our maternity photos back! Woohoo!

Movement: Bubby is slowing down in the movement department... he's just running out of room. He's still very active in the evenings and early mornings though.


Food cravings: Cereal


Gender: Still a boy...


Labor signs: Not much this week... except dreaming about going into labor!

Belly button in or out? The top of my belly button sticks out... looks really weird.  


Wedding rings on or off? Wearing both wedding band and engagement ring, they both fit at the moment. Totally different from Boogie, I couldn't wear either at this point!


What I miss: For any of my clothes to fit right.... at this point, even my maternity clothes don't fit very well!


What am I looking forward too: Being done with school... because when Bubby arrives I will be DONE! Woo!!!!!

Weekly Wisdom: Take it easy momma...

 
Milestones: According to Baby Gaga he is full term, however I disagree.... I don't believe full term should be considered until 39-41 weeks.