A Day to Remember

NOTE: I've been composing this post since Sunday (9/30) - hence the reference to a week ago.

A week ago this time I was sitting at the computer experiencing some mild contractions. Part of me had a feeling the time had come but since the contractions weren't particularly strong I still had a hard time believing it. Graham and I went to bed around 11:30 - he was quite tired but for some reason I was not. I tried to sleep but my mind would just not settle down so I got up and watched some TV. I ended up seeing the first part of "When Harry Met Sally" and then went back to bed at 2:00. I still was not able to sleep - or at least not deeply. I'm not sure how much sleep I did get but at 4 I woke up with contractions strong enough to make me uncomfortable staying in bed. I got up to walk and around 4:30 I decided I really needed Graham to be up with me to help me handle them. They weren't that bad at this point, I just need the moral support. Things continued in this vein until around 6:00 when Graham called the midwife (Amy) and woke her up. When she learned I was having the pains mostly in my back she asked me to do hula-hoops during my contractions to try to get the baby to turn. At this point the contractions were sporadic - anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute long, 3 to 10 minutes apart. I called my Doula at 6:30 (also woke her up) to let her know what was going on. She had another mother in labor and told me that she would likely be sending her backup to work with me. Around 8:30 I really wanted to get in the car and drive to the Birth Center as it is 20 to 30 minutes away and I wasn't sure I could handle the contractions in the car. The only thing that relieved my pain in any way was to stand up or rock through contractions - neither of which is possible while driving! We called the midwife and she told us to come on in. Thankfully rush hour was over and we didn't have to stop at too many lights. She settled us in and I went to the rocking chair as it was the only place I could sit comfortably (rocking during contractions helped me work through them.) My doula showed up a few minutes later. Her name was Julie and I had not met her before but we clicked well and she was so encouraging. She left shortly thereafter to get Graham breakfast (and a muffin for me although I did not feel like eating). I ate a small amount when she came back but I basically survived that day on fruit juice and gatorade. I didn't feel sick to my stomach - just not interested in food. I actually stayed very well hydrated. Partly from Julie and Graham's prompting to drink often and partly because I was incredibly thirsty. To sum up the next few hours I moved ALL around the room trying to find comfortable positions for labor and transition. I tried everything, lying in bed, the birth ball, etc but the only way I could handle a contraction was standing up. Graham was wonderful in providing counter pressure. His poor arms were so tired the next day. Somewhere during this time my midwife rechecked me and I was at 6cm. It was very disheartening - I had hoped I was further but at least I was making progress. During transition I felt like I couldn't do it and I remember crying out to God many times. My doula was wonderful in quoting scripture to me to encourage me..I hadn't even known she was a Christian. At the point where I was about to give up the midwife said I could get in the tub. For some reason I felt like if I could just make it to the point where I could get in the tub I could get through the rest no problem. She checked me there and I was at 10 and could push! The bad part was, I could not push effectively in the tub. Lying there I again had the feeling I couldn't do it anymore and I voiced this to all present (midwife, doula, & Graham) and my midwife began to pray for me. Again, this was SUCH an encouragement. I also sang a hymn to myself during a break in the contractions but I can't remember what it was. After about an hour in the tub and several position changes the midwife wanted me to get out to try pushing on the bed. I was dead against this since I hadn't been able to lie down comfortably before but I also wanted the baby out SO bad so I complied. I pushed on the bed for about 2 hours and just when the midwife thought I would have to change positions again (she was suggesting a birthing stool) I started to make really good progress. I cannot tell you the relief when her head finally came out. It hurt like crazy but then was numb. I can remember telling them I felt numb down there and was that ok? The midwife laughed and told me I WANTED to feel numb down there. One more push and she slid out. I was overcome with emotion - the relief of the hardest part being over and also of seeing her. We did the normal things, looked at each other, Graham called the family, attempted to nurse (not particularly successfully). The midwife checked me for tears and determined I had two small ones but they didn't require any stitching or glue - she just told me to keep my legs together as much as possible. Graham said she worked really hard to keep me from tearing. I was oblivious to it all so I'm taking his word for it. We got all cleaned up but by that time it was late and although I wanted to go home I also wanted to stay put where it was comfortable. I also was having a hard time emptying my bladder and the midwife said I couldn't go until I did that. We stayed until 2ish the next day. We brought her home and have been learning this parenthood thing ever since.

There have been some REALLY rough days and nights but overall she's been quite good. The nursing gets a bit better each day and on my lowest day my doula came to see me and she along with my mom and Graham were such an encouragement. My doula also told me I was the most polite person she had seen in labor. I said please, thank you, and I'm sorry for taking so long. This is especially funny as Julie's (my sister, not the doula) coworkers told her I would cuss up a storm in labor since I was doing it naturally. She informed them I wasn't that kind of person and you know, cussing never even crossed my mind. Julie (the doula) and Graham laughed afterwards that the "worst" word I used during the whole event was "wowsers." I also suffered from really bad leg and foot cramps while pushing. The midwife and doula said it was because I labored on my feet for so long that my legs were really tired. I think the only thing worse than the pain of pushing has to be the pain of pushing with leg and foot cramps! Sometimes I would be mid-push, get a cramp and Graham or the doula would have to massage it for me. There was no way I could walk it out. :-)

If I've missed something you would like to know, let me know. I think I covered the event fairly well but I'm sure I missed something.

Margaret Rebecca

Born 9/24 @ 5:19pm.
8 lbs 14 1/2 oz.
21 inches long

Labor and Delivery have to be one of the hardest things I have ever done but so completely satisfying. She was born after 13 hours of labor and 3 of pushing (although in my state of mind I only thought I pushed for 30 minutes). I'm sore in muscles and places I never knew I had! We stayed overnight at the birth center and came home today around 2. Nursing has been a bit of a challenge but we are both learning and I'm sure we'll get better at it with practice. I'll try to post more details of the event within the next week or so.

More pictures at www.dropshots.com/ubthere2

Could it be soon?

Since Friday I have been experiencing a low back-ache off and on and some noticeable contractions. I have noticed that my belly tightens up considerably every time my back-ache gets worse but I wouldn't say that the belly tightening hurts - sometimes I don't even notice it unless I put my hands on my belly and can feel the tightening that way. There are also some other signs I have been experiencing since Friday but I won't bore you with those gory details except that they do point to labor happening soon. Also, this morning I woke up and noticed after getting dressed that she has dropped considerably. I actually look less pregnant now! If you all could keep us in your prayers (as many of you have already told me you are doing) - we would really appreciate it. Hopefully this means we will be having a baby soon!

42 week...wait no - 41 week appointment

Yes folks, my due date has changed. To give us some leeway before we have to worry about an induction she has changed my due date to the 15th as determined by an ultrasound early in the pregnancy. So by that date, I'm only 4 days overdue! Here's the highlights from todays appointment:

• I asked her if she could estimate the baby's weight. I had visions of 10 and 11 pounders dancing in my head since I'm overdue and although I know it's possible give birth to a large baby, I just didn't want to try. She said she's not big at all, her guess is 7.5 lbs which is right in line with what I thought she would be given my birth weight and Graham's birth weight.
  
• My weight has dropped a pound.
  
• Her heart rate and my BP are both still good. She gave a HUGE kick while getting her heart rate taken and wouldn't you know, I didn't even feel it. The midwife said my belly jumped and I could hear the kick on the doppler.
• I decided to get my cervix checked, more for curiosity than anything. I am a whole 1cm dilated and 40% effaced. I'm trying to look on the bright side - only 9cm and 60% to go! Can I also just say that getting your cervix checked - really not that pleasant. Granted, what is present when you're dealing with the land down under.
  

I love a good sale!

Maybe today is the day? If so our little girl will share her birthday with Uncle Jack. He turns 29 today. I decided to take the day off as I had a chiropractor appointment this morning and well, I just didn't feel like working! It's really a beautiful day and perfect for relaxing outside on our deck with a good book and a nice cold drink. After my chiropractor appointment I headed to Babies R Us to check out the Halo Sleep Sacks. They were on sale on the website for Buy 1 get 1 half off so i was hoping they were on sale in the store too! (I really hate it when the website for a store has different sales than the store does - unless it specifically states so on the website. It's just such a letdown when you go to the store to avoid shipping only to find out you have to pay full price!) I bought a small and medium size to keep her warm in our very cool house. Graham and I sleep better when our house is a bit on the cool, ok arctic side, so I figured she might need something to keep her warm.

After that I went to the mall to get some walking in and also to check out Children's Place. They had sent me a get $10 off a $30 purchase and I have a really hard time turning down a deal. As luck would have it they were having a 30% off fall sale on already marked down items. I totally racked up...or should I say the baby did. I first picked a smocked 12 month jumper, a plaid flannel 12 month jumper, a cream 12 month onesie to go under both and 2 footed sleepers (0-3 and 3-6). I get to the checkout only to find that the sleepers weren't 5.99 plus 30% off..no they were 99 cents! I asked the girl if that was correct and she said yes. I was just barely short of $30 so I went back and picked up the other two sleepers on the same rack - different styles, same sizes. She rings those up and I am STILL short. (I forgot the 30 had to be before tax.) I hurriedly picked up a pink onesie that would go under both dresses plus other clothes. This finally put me at $30 - not that I'm complaining, it was definitely a good problem to have. I'm still in shock over the sleepers. They retail for 10.50 each or 3 for 25 so depending on which price you use I got them for 88 to 91% off. I hope this is a normal occurrence for Children's place. If it is, I will so be hitting them up for good deals in the future!

In other news my contractions have picked up but still are not painful - just lots of pressure. I have started having a low back ache - reminiscent of cramps which means all signs point to I'm starting to go into labor. I also had spicy Mexican for lunch..maybe that will help? Another interesting note, at my chiropractor appointment today he said I was adjusting differently than I had at any point in the past and it was probably an indication my body was indeed getting ready for labor.

Lastly, I have self diagnosed myself with "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction". I've been having pain since about 5 months although this past week it has definitely gotten worse. I found a good description of what it feels like on the net and it fits me to a T.

Any activity that involves lifting one leg at a time or parting the legs tends to be particularly painful. Lifting the leg to put on clothes, getting out of a car, bending over, sitting down or getting up, walking up stairs, standing on one leg, lifting heavy objects, and walking in general tend to be difficult at times. Many women report that moving or turning over in bed is especially excruciating. Many movements become difficult when the pubic symphysis area is affected. Although the greatest pain is associated with movements of lifting one leg or parting the legs, some women experience a 'freezing', where they get up out of bed and find it hard to get their bodies moving right away--the hip bone seems stuck in place and won't move at first. Or they describe having to wait for it to 'pop into place' before being able to walk. The range of hip movement is usually affected, and abduction of the hips especially painful."

Oh yes, one more thing. If any of you like Victoria's Secret cotton underwear and shop there occasionally I would recommend looking into getting their store credit card. They send me coupons ALL the time for a free pair of cotton panties with no other purchase required. You are limited on colors (white, cream, nude, pink, or black) but hey, they are free. They are also always sending out coupons for 10 to 15 dollars off of bras and for free body products so if you buy any of those items as well, it may be worth it to consider.

Very Cool Video

Short and neat video of a guy doing shadow puppets to "What a Wonderful World"

Braxton Hicks

I've finally decided I am having braxton hicks. The doctor informed me today the baby was "balling up" during the exam and she asked me if they were painful (which they are not). I've heard contractions can feel like the baby balling up so I'm thinking the things I thought was her moving before are actually braxton hicks. Not to say she isn't still moving - she is, it's just a different sensation.

On a funnier note - during the tour at the hospital I had my hand on the lower part of my belly because my pants are too big and the stretchy waistband has a tendency to fall down. Even though Graham says you can't see my belly when it does I am extremely paranoid that I am flashing my belly at people. The nurse giving the tour comes over to me and asks if I am ok and I replied yes, so she says, "Your just holding your belly?" and responded "Oh! No, my pants just won't stay up." To which everyone in the surrounding group laughed and the girl in front of me informed me she was having the same problem.

39 week appointment

I met with the doctor today who hopefully will actually be able to deliver the baby. She's very much in-line with the midwife and I liked her a lot. It's also nice having someone there who can write prescriptions as I needed a refill on my prenatal. There really isn't anything exciting to report. Everything looks good and her head is way down although I still am carrying very high. She's kind of stretched out. I did find out the strange bump I was feeling was her heel. This practice doesn't do routine cervical checks until you go into labor - and even then they do very few (which is perfectly fine with me) so I have no clue as to my dilation/effacement.

Tonight we go to tour the hospital L&D and OB Units just in case we do end up there. I know in that case I'd be more comfortable already knowing the layout than just thrown into it.

I also found out today that our church is going to be setting up a nursing mothers room. It actually surprised me that they haven't had one until now, considering the size of the church. Up until this point mothers had used the area of the crib nursery where the babies sleep since it's secluded and dark but it's not exactly set up for nursing AND with the amount of new babies we have, I can see that area filling up very quickly. Also, you do get the occasional male back there, since they work in the nursery, so I'm guessing they are trying to give the ladies a place with a bit more privacy.

Nursery

(Click on the pictures for more detail.)

View from Door of Nursery. The picture on the left was made by my grandmother.

Left hand side of nursery. Her diaper bag and car seat all ready to go.


Right hand side of nursery. The pack and play in the corner will move to our room and my new chair will sit there. The quilt in the corner was made by Aunt Julie. Rebecca, I was inspired by your diaper supply shelf to have Graham put up one for us!

Her massive wardrobe. The closet extends another 2 feet to the left and that area is PACKED.

Peanut - This is a bear I crocheted. Instead of having feet the bottom of the bear becomes a blanket so she can cuddle the bear and cover up at the same time. His name is Peanut because before I had his eyes, nose, ears and muzzle sewn on he looked like a hairy peanut (according to Jack & Graham.)

Blanket I crocheted. I really liked the bright yarn and made up my own pattern.

Sweater set for next winter. There is a matching bonnet and matching slippers.

Crocheted dress and headband for next spring.

Close-up of the quilt.

Chair

With 5 days to go we finally bought a chair for the nursery. My main goal was to find a good quality chair that would also work in our bedroom as that is the intended location once I no longer need a comfy chair in the nursery. We went to La-Z-Boy last weekend to see what they had and found one we liked but waited until this weekend to buy it as they were having a big Labor Day sale. We ended up getting the in-stock color they had since it was cheaper and we could have it within a week rather than having to wait 8-10 weeks for them to make it. Hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of it once we actually have it in the nursery.

I thought I wanted a chair and ottoman combo but couldn't find a chair that was comfortable. I really like this recliner because it's supportive but on the petite side so it doesn't overwhelm the space and it fits me well rather than being a huge recliner built for a big guy. Also the arms are a good height for holding the baby and nursing. Lastly, it does rock so if she likes that I'll have a chair in the nursery for rocking her.