a little news...

Adeline's Birth Story

I'm still here and can't believe my sweet baby, that I longed to meet for so long, is over a week old! I'm trying to soak in every single moment--baby grunts and coos, breastfeeding, that precious newborn smell, sweet cuddles, and even late-night feedings and diaper changes.  It already goes by way too quickly! Her birth seems like it was just yesterday but at the same time seems like ages ago...we already wonder how in the world we went without her!

When I was pregnant, I found that reading birth stories was both intimidating and helpful.  Now that I've given birth I realize just how amazing and unique is that moment in life.  It was a time that brought Justin and I closer to each other as husband and wife and drew us nearer to God.  Ultimately, though, it was the moment in time that forever changed our world in a way we could have never imagined.

40 weeks

 Tuesday, November 8, 2011 (3 days past due date)

-I spent the day feeling more "normal" than the previous couple days.
-I had been having a lot of cramping in my stomach and back that felt like menstrual cramps.  I also had been having Braxton Hicks contractions for weeks, but they had intensified and gotten to the point of me timing them a few times the past few days.
-I hung around the house for the cable guy to come and then went to lunch and out to run errands with my aunt and grandma.  (This may be TMI...) I had been losing my mucus plug for a few days, however, this day I felt extra leaking.
-I wondered all day if it was my water breaking and I didn't realize it...

-That evening I went to the bathroom while Justin was on the phone.  I still was wondering if my water had broken in a slow leak.  When I went to the bathroom I heard a "pop" sound that sounded similar to hard plastic cracking.  (Hard to explain.)  However, there was still nothing that for sure told me my water had broken and my contractions were not regular enough to time.
-I came out and told Justin that something was just off.  The pain wasn't getting my attention, but my body just seemed like it was kicking into gear.  (Again, hard to explain.)
-I went back and forth on if I should call my doctor.  Everything I had read and learned in our labor class said to always come to the hospital even if you just thought you water broke...since not getting attention can lead to infection if it did in fact break.
-I finally decided to call my doctor...which it ended up being the nurse on call.  She was NO HELP.  To put the story short, she basically said she didn't know what to tell me..."If you think your water broke, you should go.  But I can't tell you for sure what to do."  She was short, rude, and the phone conversation ended with me bawling in Justin's arms because she had been so rude with me and not any help.

10 pm--We decided to calmly get our bags, Justin gathered our "last minute" items, and we kissed Boone bye.

10:30--Got to hospital (I felt like the leaking had increased), we checked in, and they tested my leaking to see if it was amniotic fluid.  The results confirming enough to the nurse and she decided to call my doctor.

11:00--Word back from my doctor was for me to walk for 40 minutes, test again for amniotic fluid, and monitor Adeline's heart-rate for 20 minutes.  So Justin and I walked and walked for 40 minutes around the Labor and Delivery section of the hospital.  I think there was only one other couple there...it's like we had the place to ourselves.

11:40ish--We got back, the nurse got me situated in bed, and we continued to monitor Adeline's heartrate (which we became obsessed in listening to and watching).  I was having pretty consistent contractions but they weren't painful.  When the nurse left, she explained that we would probably be going home and asked me if my doctor was talking induction yet.  I explained that we were at my next appointment.  The nurse left and a few minutes later, we were watching the monitor. All the sudden, we started seeing the heartrate drop, and drop, and drop.  The monitors started going off and two nurses ran into my room and grabbed me to pull me to the opposite side and put oxygen on me.  Thank goodness, at this point, her heartrate started going back up.  I had had three contractions in a row and Adeline hadn't handled them well.  The nurse was close to giving me a shot (forget the name) to stop my contractions.  However, her little heartrate went back up and all was well.  The nurse responded with, "Well it looks like you've bought a ticket to stay."  We were beyond anxious over what had just happened.  Scariest moment of our lives.

Midnight--The nurses spoke with my doctor again and she decided that they would watch me overnight to see if I was going into labor myself.  If not, they would start pitocin to get labor going.  We finally called our parents to let them know we were at the hospital.  (We wanted to wait to see if were were staying before we let them know.)  They all decided to come early the next morning.  I was still very nervous and scared they would have to do an emergency c-section due to what had happened with her heartrate.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 (4 days past due)

We moved to our room in Labor and Delivery and were told to rest.  (Riiight.)  They finally gave me something to help me sleep (again, I forget the name) because they could tell I was anxious and obsessing over her heartrate.  At this point at night I was 1 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced.

our first nurse decorated our board when we got into our room

7:00 am--I was strep B positive, so they started my antibiotics.  My doctor came in and broke my water.  (Apparently it had never broken, but my body was giving me clues to get to the hospital!) They also decided to start pitocin because although I was having regular contractions, they weren't strong enough to make progress toward pushing.

Soon after this, our parents arrived.

11:00 am--I was 3 cm dilated, 100% effaced.  The nurse advised me to go ahead and tell her when my pain just increased enough to get my attention so that it would have enough time to kick in before the really painful contractions started.  Best. Advice. Ever.  (I later thanked her for this advice. Ha!) I asked for the epidural and he came in to start it right when my contractions were starting to be excruciating. It took a few really painful contractions for it to kick in

can't even begin to explain all the emotions

 11:30ish am--5-6 cm dilated.  Justin had just put in his lunch order with our family and we thought were were set in for quite a while.

1:30 pm--9 cm dilated...things were moving quickly.  They also checked for Adeline's position at this time and found that she was "sunny side up" (her face was up)--not ideal but workable.

2:30 pm--Adeline's heartrate dropped again to a scary point.  They checked me and I was 10 cm and the nurses scurried around again seemingly a bit worried about our sweet babe.  Again, I just knew this would lead to a c section.  The nurse called my doctor, who was at her office in the hospital, and I was told we would start pushing in 40 minutes.  Our nurse told Justin to go ahead and go out to the waiting room to let everyone know (there was quite the crowd at this point) that we would push in 40 minutes and it would probably take about 2 hours.  Longest 40 minutes of our lives! We watched every minute tick away, prayed together, shed some tears over anxiousness and excitement, and watched every move of her sweet heartrate on the monitor, just praying it wouldn't drop again.  (Funny side note...supposedly Justin seemed scared to death when he went out to tell family and he told them that for the first time in our relationship, I was the one keeping him calm.  Usually it's the opposite.  I'm sure it was the drugs. ;)

excited Daddy ready to meet his baby girl

3:30 pm--The doctor finally got there and we started pushing.  Again, this point was pretty scary because Adeline's heartrate started dropping each time I would push.  The doctors and nurses collaborated and still decided to have me continue pushing...they seemed confident that she would be okay, which calmed us down (to a certain point).  Supposedly since she was face-up, it was taking her longer to make her debut.  During this time, the doctor let me know that she was going to have to use a vacuum/suction device to try to get Adeline out.  However, due to all her hair, the suction wouldn't work.  They ended up having to use forceps to help Adeline out.

4:37 pm--After being in labor for about 9 hours and pushing for about 1 of that, Adeline Grace made her debut into this world! Her daddy hung out with her while they suctioned her, weighed her, and did all the other check-ups.  I was able to watch from the bed as they stitched me up.  After a few minutes, I was able to do "kangaroo care" with her, where she was laid on my chest skin-to-skin.

one of the first photos her daddy captured

already rocking a bow!

can't kiss those cheeks enough

she loves her daddy--this guy got complimented on by the nurses with his daddy skills

heading home

The rest of the hospital stay was great.  We had a wonderful experience, lots of visitors, and we have absolutely no complaints on how anything was handled by the hospital.  Although scary at times due to her little heartrate dropping, in the end, we have a sweet, healthy baby girl.  It was a blessing of an experience that we will always treasure!

40 weeks!--Happy due date to me!

(Pic to come.)

How far along? 40 weeks!

Baby size: Watermelon-size still.  On average, about 20 inches long and between 7 and 9 pounds.  (This is just based on averages...we don't know her size.)

Total weight gain: 24 pounds at my doctor appointment on Friday.

Sleep: Good and bad.  I am up at 6 am writing this post on a Saturday morning because indigestion woke me up (and this is after I unloaded the dishwasher and picked up the living room).  I also think nerves and being anxious are also keeping me awake now.

Movement: Still quite a bit of movement.  Her twists and rolls still crack me up at times.  It's hard to believe I have a full-grown infant moving around inside of me.

Food cravings/aversions: Still craving the junk food.  I drank a coke and ate Ritz crackers this morning around 5 am.  Isn't that lovely? I'm also enjoying Burger King.  Weird.  (On Halloween night, I didn't feel well at all.  I was in pain all over and simply starving.  Justin went ahead and went to my sis-in-law's for their annual Halloween get-together.  I stayed home and got Burger King for dinner.  Whopper value meal with cheese...up-sized to a large.  Never in my life have I done that.)

Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing new really.  Cramping has intensified at times.  Indigestion has returned.  The pressure and pelvic pain has become way more intense at times.  All normal symptoms, though.

What I miss: At this point, I'm content and just taking in the last days of being pregnant because I know the end is in sight! :) --ditto from last week

What I'm looking forward to: Again, meeting her! --ditto from last week

Milestones: Happy due date to me!! (November 5, 2011)  However, I will say, hitting this milestone without sight of baby is difficult...especially for someone like me that's impatient.  I also decided to start my maternity leave last Thursday.  I started having really difficult days at school--both physically and mentally.  So I decided to go ahead and kick it in gear.  I never planned on working past my due date, anyway.  My sweet principal and co-workers were very supportive.  Now I'm hoping that she comes early this week so I didn't start it too early--Justin keeps reminding me that even if she's not here, this time is good for both me and her to relax and ensure things remain healthy and progress positively until the very end.  I'm thankful for a hubby that always helps put things into perspective.

As far as doc appointment went on Friday, I'm still at 1 cm.  My doctor thinks I'll stay there until I go into active labor.  She was very happy with that and positive that I even got that far on my own since it's my first.  She stripped my membranes (not even half as bad as people make that procedure out to be--at least with my experience).  Baby's heart-rate was "beautiful" as stated by my doctor.  She explained that it was "great" that I'm feeling crampy since pain means progress at this point.  She said she would expect to see me within the next 24 to 48 hours (I'll believe it when I see it) but we did schedule an ultrasound for this coming Thursday to check fluid levels if I haven't had her and an appointment for Friday where we will begin the discussion on induction.  She said based on how things look, she doesn't think I'm a candidate for going to 42 weeks--that she thinks I'll go into labor on my own before that.  Again, we'll see.

Best moment this week: Well I guess it was nice to start my maternity leave.  However, it's difficult to "enjoy" the time when I'm feeling so anxious and impatient to meet this sweet baby.  Working on this--I walked both of our malls with hubby on Thursday, shopped with my mom, grandma, and aunt on Friday, and I'm going to our church's holiday bazaar today.  Staying busy.

Moments with Justin: How about a mini-cry session in the middle of Penn Station due to my anxiousness and impatience?! Only my sweet husband would just hug me.  I'm often a mess these days.  Pregnancy hormones at.their.finest.  (At least it was a laughable moment after I pulled myself together over lunch and we had left the restaurant.)  I'm a mess and a work in progress....pregnant or not. ;)

no news and a dose of honesty

[Disclaimer:  This post is probably the outcome of end-of-pregnancy hormones.]

Well there's no baby news.

I'm bombarded daily with people wondering on Facebook, through text, in emails, at work, etc. etc. about baby news.  So I just wanted to update that we have no baby news.  And get ready.....

we're okay with that!

Really, this point in pregnancy is probably the most interesting to me so far.  Mainly because of other's reactions.  I'm sorry.  I'm going to be honest.  I've really learned my lesson on how to approach a 39 week plus pregnant woman.

Now, before I sound rude....I know it's out of love and care for us.  We feel beyond blessed that others are super excited to meet our sweet bundle of joy.  We can't wait either.  However, we're waiting on God's timing.  The moment He puts her on earth will be exactly the moment He wants her here.

It's just funny to me how many people try to rush the end of pregnancy (and not even their own pregnancy...hence, they're not even feeling all the nasty symptoms of 39 weeks and 4 days pregnant brings).  I never planned on this sweetie coming before her due date.  I was always prepared for her to come past her due date and probably at the doctor's prompting.

We've prayed for a patient baby.  We've prayed for a laid-back baby.  We've prayed for a baby that is low-key, not anxious, and content in Christ's love.

So far, it's looking like those qualities are being perfected.  We're not going to complain.  We're going to soak this time up and hope others around us do as well.

She'll get here when her little patient, content heart is ready.

bump update: 39 weeks (and counting)

How far along? 39 weeks, 2 days

Baby size: Watermelon-size still.  On average, about 20 inches long and a little over 7 pounds.  (I was almost 8 pounds and Justin was over 8 pounds...so we'll see!)

Total weight gain: About 23 pounds....holding steady there at this point.

Sleep: Again, good nights and bad.  It seems like I'm having a BH contraction every time I wake up.  I still pee constantly and often wake up hungry.

Movement: Still tons of movement.  It has slowed down just a tad due to her size I'm sure.  She squirms quite a bit before I go to bed also...and at this point it's pretty painful (especially low!).

Food cravings/aversions: Mainly junk food and fast food are my cravings these days.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Nothing new.

What I miss: At this point, I'm content and just taking in the last days of being pregnant because I know the end is in sight! :)

What I'm looking forward to: Again, meeting her!

Milestones: Being in my 40th week! At my last appointment on Friday, I was 1 cm (first check-up that I was dilated) and thinning (not sure %).  My doc predicted this Tuesday or Wednesday if she had to guess...but I know that's never for sure! We didn't talk induction yet because she seemed so sure I would go into labor this week.  However, my next appointment is Friday if nothing happens before then! (My mom was two weeks over-due with both my brother and me and had to be induced...so I'm not holding my breath.  I'm trying to mentally prepare for that.)

Best moment this week: Just the feeling of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! We also celebrated Justin's birthday this Saturday (October 29th) because his 26th birthday is tomorrow.  I wanted to make sure we celebrated his birthday in case craziness started this week with me going into labor.  We had a fun time at lunch with family and then celebrated with cake back at our house.  That night we went just us to a movie and enjoyed the evening together.

Moments with Justin: (See above ;)

waiting

We're in waiting mode here in our household.  Although my due date isn't for 10 more days, we are in the mindset that Adeline could come any day!

Our bags are packed...including Boone's.

The "last minute" list is posted by the door.

The pack-n-play is up in our room.

The bouncy/vibrating seat is in the living room.

And the cabinets are stocked with gobs of easy soups and other recipes in mind.

Of course, the car-seat is installed, her room is ready, her closet is organized, the diapers and wipes are stocked, and all her laundry is completed.  I'm sure my nesting could allow me to try to get about a hundred more things "ready" before she gets here...but for now I'm propping my feet up and just waiting.

In the meantime, check out how this belly's being utilized...

Boone has found his new favorite snuggle spot.

And I've found a handy place to hold my bowl of dessert.

Come on, sweet girl.  We can't wait to meet you!!

bump update: 38 weeks!

capturing this pic took a bit of time due to all of our laughter at the size and shape of my belly--it looks like I just have a basketball stuffed inside my dress

 How far along? 38 weeks...so exciting.

Baby size: Watermelon-size still.  On average, about 19 inches long and almost 7 pounds.  I wish we knew her approximate real size, but since everything is going well, we haven't had an ultrasound since the 2nd trimester.

Total weight gain: About 23 pounds.

Sleep: Good nights and bad.  Getting comfortable is the hard part.  Once I'm comfortable (usually curled up in fetal position around a body pillow) then I sleep well.  I do wake up constantly to pee.

Movement: Lots of strong movement.  The new movement is feeling her head super low since she has dropped.  Crazy interesting.

Food cravings/aversions: Mexican still isn't a huge hit.  Everything else tastes good to me.  My appetite is up and down...on days I'm feeling worst, I don't have a huge appetite.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Same as before but some new symptoms.  My Braxton Hicks are starting to be quite painful sometimes and come more frequently.  (I actually have timed them a couple time this weekend thinking we were going to the hospital--but then after an hour or so they never got stronger and tapered off.) "Lightning crotch" as they say on the websites and in the books--that's tons of fun...not.  I've also had cramping in my pelvic area and lower back (very similar to strong menstrual cramps).

What I miss: Having days where I feel good.  I have been spoiled blessed in pregnancy, and can honestly say that just within the past week I've become really uncomfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting her! My doc appointment on Friday to see if I've made more progress.

Milestones: Being at the end of pregnancy.  I can't believe how fast it has gone.  Plus, she's ready and just plumping up.

Best moment this week: Finding out there was progress toward labor at my appointment this past Friday.  I haven't dilated but my cervix is thinning according to my doc and she was able to feel the top of Adeline's head confirming she's head-down.  She also said that with the cramping I've been having, that's often a sign that things are getting close.  She left it with "I'll see you next Friday, but then I could see you earlier."(Although, I know not to get my hopes up...as she could still take her sweet time and hang out for a couple more weeks before coming.)

Moments with Justin: We had a couple surprise days together this week due to Justin having a couple days off.  We spent time returning items and purchasing some more things on our registry with gift cards, eating out a few last meals before baby, and hanging out and relaxing around the house.  The car seat is installed, the house has been cleaned (including steam mopping our hardwood floors thanks to my amazing hubby), and the cabinets and freezer are stocked.  We're in waiting mode now.

bump update: weeks 36 and 37

37 weeks 1 day

How far along? 37 weeks!!

Baby size: Watermelon...crazy.  On average, about 19 inches long and 6 1/3 pounds.

Total weight gain: About 20 pounds total.

Sleep: Eh...getting a little worst.  She just is in uncomfortable positions some nights which makes it hard for me to get comfortable.  I also wake up to pee about every other hour it seems.  I am thankful to be on Fall Break this week, though, which will allow me to get more rest and make up for waking up so much throughout the night.

Movement: Lots of strong movement.  Her little foot hurts when it moves around sometimes, but I love being able to put my hand on her foot as it pushes out.  I still am in awe daily of the positions she seems to take on and how my stomach transforms before my eyes.

Food cravings/aversions: Mexican still isn't a huge hit.  Chinese tastes really good.  I'm also back to craving Dr. Pepper.  And chocolate has hit the top of the cravings list these days.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Constant bathroom trips, pain in general, some mild cramping, occasional Braxton Hicks, etc.  Basically everything the book says will happen right now.

What I miss: Again, feeling normal and having a "normal" body.

What I'm looking forward to: Her birthday and my maternity leave with her.

Milestones: Full-term!! I can't believe we're already here! It's such a blessing to know that if she decided to come at any time now, it would be perfectly okay and labor wouldn't be considered pre-term.  Whoo hoo! Also, our bags are basically packed (mine and Justin's, Boone's, and Adeline's) except for a few last-minute items.

Best moment this week: Hitting full-term.  This week is my Fall Break, which came at a FABULOUS time.  This gal needs a break (both mentally and physically).

Moments with Justin: Date night! Friday after my appointment, we returned some things to Target and enjoyed frappuccinos from Starbucks, went to see a matinee (Courageous--a MUST SEE!), and then went to dinner at P.F. Chang's with a gift card we've had since Christmas.  It was such a great time of being together and talking.  I'm soaking in every little moment we get together these days.  I know that "on-a-whim" dates will be few and far between once Adeline's here.  Although we can't wait for her to be here, I don't want to take any of this time for granted.

maternity pictures

Our sweet friend, Cheri, took some maternity photos for us last weekend.  We used my family's farm, the same place we took our engagement pictures.  Below are some of my favorites!

shower #2!

Sunday was our second baby shower--our church shower--thrown by two amazing women from our church (that wouldn't let me get a picture of them...;)! Justin has grown up in our church and my family and I became members my junior year in high school.  So, needless to say, our church is home to us.

Our engagement happened in our sanctuary, we were married in the sanctuary, had a wedding shower in the sanctuary, and now celebrated our sweet Adeline in our church sanctuary.  We are beyond blessed to be a part of such a loving, supportive church family!  The shower was nothing less than a time of being showered with extreme love by these wonderful people we consider family.

I seem to get too busy enjoying the showers and don't take many pictures...oops! But here are a few glimpses into the celebration.

 

 

35 weeks...say what?!

How far along: 35 weeks

Baby size: Honeydew melon (length average: 18 inches and weight average: 5 1/4 pounds)--I'm wondering from you mommas already out there that went to a doc that did very minimal ultrasounds...did you know your baby's approximate size other than them just checking your belly size week by week? I'm just wondering if that is enough for them to know that everything is progressing fine with their weight, or if I will possibly have another ultrasound? (I'm going to ask at my next visit this week.)

Total weight gain: About 17 or 18 pounds--I haven't kept up with this well.  If the doc says things are good, I'm good!

Sleep: Not bad.  Some good nights...some more restless. (ditto from last week)  I am more sore when I wake up in the middle of the night.  My joints hurt and sometimes it's hard to get my belly in a position that doesn't hurt.

Movement: Still crazy strong.  She also has started having hiccups daily.  For four nights in a row they came at 10 pm like clockwork, now the times are more sporadic.

Food cravings/aversions: Still hungry all the time.  I eat a huge meal and then can be starving about an hour after.  Mexican is still gross to me.  I also want fast food way too often!

Pregnancy Symptoms: Fatigue, constant bathroom trips, joint pain, and occasional Braxton Hicks.

What I miss: Feeling normal.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting this little girl.  I'm also looking forward to my next appointment on Wednesday (cervical check for progression toward labor) and our Labor Class at the hospital this week.

Milestones: For me-- I still find it hard to believe that I'm only 5 weeks away from being 40 weeks pregnant and that in just a couple weeks it would be perfectly fine for her to come at any moment.  For Adeline--Almost all of her main systems have developed, minus her digestive system (that develops further after birth) and she's just gaining weight.

Best moment this week: Having the energy to go to a great arts and craft fair with my mom--I wasn't sure if I would be up for it, but I was.  We go every year and I always look forward to it! Also, my in-laws bought Adeline's mattress, so the nursery really is thisclose to being ready for reveal!

Moments with Justin: I'm having more and more meltdowns lately--mainly stress related due to all the demands I have beyond getting ready for baby.  My brain is in full-on baby mode and it's so difficult to continue to work.  He's been so wonderful to calm me down, remind me to take it a day at a time, and challenge me to slow down--something I don't do well on my own.

(Again, mommas out there that worked in the 3rd trimester--how realistic is it for me to say that I am working until the doc tells me not to or I go into labor? Am I crazy? Should I plan on finishing up with work earlier? Advice...)

shower #1!

We had our first shower this weekend!  My wonderful aunt and a close family friend/my grandpa's distant cousin threw the shower at my mom and dad's.  It was a great mixture of family and friends.  We are already blown away by the love! Among so many other wonderful gifts (adorable clothes, baby care necessities, and tons more), we received our Graco travel system, umbrella stroller, Pack-N-Play, and highchair!

wonderful hostesses--my aunt on left and Claudetta on right

with my best friend, Cheri (left), sis-in-law, and mother-in-law

work friends!

Amanda guessed my belly size

my momma, aunt, and grandma

another shot with these lovely ladies

so we're both much more excited than this picture shows ;)

Justin came to load up the cars

pretty shower bouquet

success after the shower--the pack-n-play is together and in our room!

We have our church shower next weekend and then Justin's family shower the following weekend---can't wait!