Birth Story

At my Dr's appt Monday, March 22, Dr and I went over my birthplan. I ended up wanting to change a few things so she made scratches thru it and said to edit it and bring it to Monday, March 29's appt. I planned to. She hadn't turned at that time. My cervix was soft and anterior, but no other progress since she was still transverse and not putting pressure down. Ultrasound on Thursday showed she flipped sometime since Monday. Friday night we're doing stuff around the house and get to bed around 2am.

Bright and early (6:30am) my water breaks. I do some laundry because we weren't totally finished with everything. At about 7:30am I start feeling contractions 2 min apart and lasting about 1 min so they started pretty quick and intense. We hang out for about another half hour and then head to the birthing center at the hospital.

At 8:30am, I was 2 cm dilated and told my Dr was out of town, so unsigned birthplan goes out the window...I was pretty upset. Dr. on-call read my plan, told the nursing staff that she was only comfortable letting me get out of bed to get on the birthing ball, but I had to remain hooked up to the heartrate monitor, contrax monitor and IV...but that was it! My Dr was allowing me to get up and walk around, labor in tub, intermittent monitoring, etc...so this was quite the change.

I labored in bed with meds until about 5-6cm which was just more than I could handle since I attended 12 wks of Bradley Method classes of stretches and all. It hurt too bad just lying in bed. Her heartrate actually wasn't being picked up well on the monitor, so they had to insert this little screw antenna thing (I forget the name) into her scalp so I couldn't even sit up for an extended period of time, even though it felt better. So I opted to get an epidural.

4-5 hours later the epidural started wearing off once I got to about 8cm so I asked the anesth. nurse to only put another surge and not a continuous flow on since my goal was an unmedicated birth. He did but my legs and body felt completely aware. I had them on the side of the bed sitting up during contractions, moving around.

When I hit 10cm, they contacted the Dr (they'd been in contact all day with her) and she was "heading" up to the hospital. I waited a good 45 minutes with her ready to come out before I just couldn't hold her in anymore and the nurse and tech delivered her. She had a funky conehead from me holding her half out for what felt like forever. Luckily, her heartrate stayed great so there was no concern.

I told them I couldn't wait anymore for the damn Dr and she they said "Let's go." I pushed once and heard them suctioning her mouth out. They said push once more and she came flying out.

I did have a small tear that the Dr showed up just in time to repair that required a couple stitches. She went to stitch me and I squeeled in some pain. She said "I'm sorry. I thought you had an epidural." Yeh, but that wore off 2cm and 45 min of pushing ago! So I had to get some more local meds and wait for that to kick in so I saw the dr for all of about 5 min. Lotta good she did!

Catching up...

Sunday, March 14
Had a wonderful shower with tons of family and friends at my aunt and uncle's house. Our last one for this pregnancy.

Monday, March 15
I took off work to visit Babies R Us and buy any more necessities for our bebe's arrival. We also finish up the nursery -- for the most part.

Still going to the chiro this week to try and get bebe to flip.

Monday, March 22
Dr's appt. Bebe's still transverse (sideways), but my Dr still thinks she can flip. If she doesn't a C-Section will be mandatory. I'm not dilated any, but my cervix is soft and anterior so my Dr believe as soon as she flips, we'll have a little one on the way! We schedule an ultrasound for that Thursday.

Thursday, March 25
She flipped!!!!!! They predict her to be about 7lbs.

Saturday, March 27
The big day! Look for the "Birth Story" post next...

I wish I knew what was going on

TMI and no paragraphs since I'm on my phone. I'm feeling really weird. It seems like something is up. Last night we went to dinner with DH's parents since it was his birthday. When I ran to the bathroom (ok, waddled) before the drive home, I noticed the crotch of my pants were wet. Noticeably wet as I was wearing grey capris. I had soaked thru the liner. Did the smell check. Wasn't sweet so I blocked it with my purse on the walk to the car. I wake up this morning with irregular but painful BHs towards the top of my belly. I had one really strong one like this on Wednesday in which my reaction stopped a whole lunch meeting. It caught me off guard and hurt like a biotch. I've had several this morning and they're quite painful. More than the average pull or pain, but of course not unbareable. Well, I just went to the bathroom and I had some brown spotting. I haven't had any in the least bit with this pregnancy. Add in all the swelling I've had this week and I just don't know what's going on. I hate calling the dr because normally there's nothing wrong or that they can do. Is this little one coming early? I want her healthy, but I'd totally love her coming sooner rather than later. I'm just so tired of puking almost everyday and the numbness is killing me. End rant.

She get it from her momma!

Here's our lil girl at 33w1d...

Kisses

She kept her foot by her mouth the whole time. She's got daddy's BIG feet!

And looks like her momma's lips, cheeks (with possible dimples) and nose.

In triage

Haven't felt the bebe move much today so I called the dr. Was instructed to come in for fetal monitoring so here I lay, naked in a gown, drinking juice, strapped up. Nurses here are really nice! Bebe's looking good. Now she moves some, drama queen! Not as much as usual though.

i suck

This I know. I think of blogs at the most inopportune time and then forget when in front of the computer.

To catch up: I'm 27 wks now. WTF? Almost 3rd tri????

Started on the nursery which I'll post some pics on, I promise. Hopefully, we'll get the carpet down this weekend so that we can actually put together the crib and get things going in there.

Glucose test tomorrow. No fun.

Been going to Bradley Method classes, all of 2. Just 10 more to go! But then that means the bebe will be here then...eeek!

And it's frickin' cold here! I live in the south and we've had 20 degree (or lower) weather for the past few weeks. Not cool.

Birthing class tomorrow

I have my first of 12 Bradley Method classes tomorrow night. I'm really excited but kinda upset that DH won't be able to attend the regular classes. My mom will be coming with me tomorrow and to the classes that talk about coaching as she will be in the delivery room with me and DH works nights. But, the instructor said there will be a lot for me to take home to him and we can practice stuff. Anyway, sorry for my lack of posting! I've had a lot going on so lots to post! :)

Holy swollen feet, Batman

I was on my feet for 6 hrs doing an event on Saturday. Man, my feet were killing me. When I got home and kicked off my shoes, I discovered these sausages.

Pardon the lack of pedicure, mmm kay?

Attack of the GIANT, dark nipples

It's not a pretty sight. DH is less than impressed.

So last week

I got to see our tiger again, or shall I say tigeress. That's the female version, right? Although I have horrid m/s and no weight gain, our lil one is measuring on the big side. She was 12 oz at the u/s and we caught her relieving herself as she posed. That's my girl!

My Friday appt got rescheduled until today, which I'm now back from. Apparently, my Dr has now left the practice (the 2nd of a team of 3 to leave) leaving me with my gyno who will now be my OB. I lurve her so it's no biggie, I was just pissed that they decided to tell me this little tidbit until after I was already there on Friday, thereby pushing my appt back until today.

I got my vag checked out as it's been giving me some issues and all is well. Thank goodness!

I got measured today! It was my first measurement of the tum tum and was exciting. I'm a dork, I know. Measuring right on track. Still down in weight a total of 3 lbs, so I've put some of my weight back on, but technically still under pre-pg weight. The nurse seems to think I'll gain those lbs after the holidays since my next appt isn't until January. I believe she's correct since I have serious cravings for some Turkey Day fixings! I asked this Dr if she was concerned with my weight and since the u/s measured the bebe on the bigger size and the bellah looks good, she said she thinks I'll be one of the lucky ones leaving the hospital in a leather mini-skirt and stilletos. That all my weight is restructurizing and post-partum will be simply marvelous. One can only hope, right?

Anyway, ta-ta for now! I promise to post more!

So, an update

I suck, yes I know!


An update...

We're Team Vag! Get to see her again next week, to be sure!

Stilllllllll puking daily.

Still losing weight, due to all the puking.

Debating on names.

Is that you...

dear round ligament pain?

Kindly, GTFO.

NOW

I want pizza NOW!

Thank the Lord I had a hot pocket in the freezer.

Let the guessing begin!

Here we are at 16 weeks today. Our first gender determination U/S is NEXT WEEK -- Friday, Nov 6th. So, I set up a poll on the side for you to enter your guesses!!!

P.S. We're thinking girl.

14 Weeks!

*Sidenote: It's quite difficult to take a side portrait of yourself.

How far along? 14 Weeks!!!

Total weight gain/loss: -8 lbs still I guess

Maternity clothes? yes

Sleep: getting better

Best moment this week: looking at my belly growth. There's a baby in there!

Movement: Just gas

Gender: Still thinking girl.

Labor Signs: No!

Belly Button in or out? In.

What I miss: Being energetic and feeling well.

What I am looking forward to: Looking at baby stuff when I feel better.

Weekly Wisdom: We're having a baby!!!!

Milestones: being in 2nd tri!

Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

13 Weeks!

How far along? 13 Weeks!!!
Total weight gain/loss: -8 lbs
Maternity clothes? yes, with this fat/bloat/bump...
Sleep: here and there
Best moment this week: Having moments where I have a break from being sick, however few and far between they may be!
Movement: Just gas
Gender: Leaning towards a girl.
Labor Signs: No!
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Being energetic.
What I am looking forward to: Looking at baby stuff.
Weekly Wisdom: It's all for a greater good.
Milestones: Hitting 2nd tri this week!!!

Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy.

Dear membranes in my nose,

If you'd kindly thicken up, I'd greatly appreciate it. This bloody nose every other day is getting old. I got pg so I wouldn't have to have a period for 9 months, duh. I don't need to have one on my face coming out of my nasal cavity thank.ya.very.much.

Should there be a murder at my office one day, I'm sure I'll be a prime suspect with the amount of blood on the bathroom floor. nft.

Tomorrow's the BIG DAY!

We get to see bebe tiger tomorrow! Woot woot!

Send good thoughts that all is well!

ah, pregnancy firsts

I've been blessed with this child and I pray everyday that everything will be OK. I have also been blessed with glorious reminders that (s)he is doing well...ah symptoms! It's been a crazy experience of firsts.

A couple weeks ago, for like a week an a half I had this pressure in my throat and come to frickin find out it was heartburn. What a revelation! I've never experienced hb before. As unpleasant as it was, it was nice to figure out what the discomfort causing extra nausea was!

This brings me to yesterday, when I hit 8 weeks -- so did my bowels to a brick wall. Full on slow motion going on in there. In my 25 years and millions of pounds of cheese consumed, I have never experience the joy that is constipation. Yet, this child is quick to tighten up on my system. Eh, less bathroom trips I guess!

Love you lil tiger and whatever pain and torture you will find humorous to throw my way. I may bitch, but inside I really will gladly take it as a reminder of you. But sshhh, don't tell daddy. Mommy likes his concern and catering right now.

7 Weeks!

How far along? 7 weeks, OK and a couple days...shoot me!

Total weight gain/loss: 0

Maternity clothes? Well, I invested in a new bra (happens to be a nursing one) and a bella band.
Sleep: Still getting it until I have to pee at about 4 am.
Best moment this week: Realizing that I have heartburn because the meds I took have made such a difference!
Movement: Does gas count?
Gender: DH seems to think boy.
Labor Signs: Hellz no, thank goodness!
Belly Button in or out? Innie.
What I miss: Hot baths, yes again. I love me some steaming baths!
What I am looking forward to: 1st appt tomorrow and telling the last of our family after that!
Weekly Wisdom: Even though you may feel like utter crap at times, or all the time; Try to remember it's all for a wonderful and special miracle!
Milestones: Making it to 7 weeks. 10 weeks is my next goal!

Baby's now the size of a blueberry! Baby's brain -- both hemispheres! -- is growing fast, generating about one hundred new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place.