Birth Story: Baby D and the Birth

I have only experienced such relief a handful of times in my life.

Official hospital bracelets

 In case you missed the last blog, I was an emotional wreck the 14 hours prior to actually getting in a hospital room.  Once I was in and thankfully started on an IV (never been so grateful for a needle in the arm) the party began.  I was strep B positive with Henry and with Charlie, which means they need to pump 2 bags of antibiotics in me before I birth a child so he doesn't get sick.  This means we had a good 3 hours of hanging out, drinking free cokes and cookies and crackers (because Becki was awesome and let me eat because I was starving but don't tell the Doctor) and hearing all kinds of awesome stories from our favorite nurse.  It was an awesome, awesome date away from that tiny ball of energy named Henry.  And, I'll be honest, it was great to have a reason to lay in bed and make other people do things for me.

10:40 AM - I had to do the antibiotics for three hours before they would start me on Pitocin. I was only dilated to a 2+ when I entered the hospital, but since labor progressed so fast with Henry the doctor wanted to make sure I got my full rounds of antibiotics before he broke my water and started pitocin.
Then we had 3 hours of hanging out and trying not to feel hungry.  This time I actually wish we'd packed a movie or something to do, but we basically hung out and listened to Baby D's heartbeat and Josh tried to make me laugh because it makes the HR monitor go all nuts.

Nurse Becki.

1:30 PM - Still at a 2+.  Becki kindly called the CRNA before she brought in the Pitocin so I wouldn't have to wait in line and/or experience a disaster of contractions like I did with Henry after starting pitocin.  I'll be honest, too, I was terrified that she was actually starting me on Pitocin without an epidural.  Guys, I don't remember how bad the contractions were with Henry, but apparently my body did because I was crazy kinds of nervous.  And so relieved that I was going to have an epidural early this time!

Epidural line in my spine.  I wouldn't let Josh show me until we got home.

1:50 PM - CRNA showed up to place the epidural.  I experienced that slight moment of "YIKES" when he explained complications and I realized I was actually going to be mentally present for this (out of my mind in pain when I had my epidural with Henry) and how I really don't like needles, but proceeded because of the ever present fear of contractions.  And pain.
2:30 PM - Epidural complete.  It was wonderful.  I have this tendency to really really hype up my fears (like childbirth, epidurals, or PAP smears) and expect the complete worst thing to happen.  So far I've never experienced anything as bad as I expect, so I'm a very happy camper after these HORRENDOUS occasions are over.  Epidural went without complications and then I started to be get very excited about having a baby.
 Doctor came and broke my water.  That is the craziest and (sorry to be gross) one of the coolest, most awesome feelings ever.  I don't remember any pain from the actual breaking, not anything like
having my membranes stripped.  But, of course, I did just have an epidural.


2-3 hours of time disappear into a trying to nap but really really can't because I'm enjoying being at the hospital so much.  It was A.W.E.S.O.M.E. to be hanging out with just Josh and our favorite nurse. I was more comfortable than I had been for the last 6 months of life as a pregnant lady.  No weird shooting nerve or muscle pains in my legs and I got to drink tons and not worry about going to the bathroom (note: I love catheters) and I got to lay in an adjustable bed with four or five pillows all to myself and watch TV and chat with Josh.  I could have stayed there in that condition for at least 24 hours without complaint.  AND it was great because I still had moderate use of my legs and could move around on my own. 
5:00 PM - Dilated to an 8.  Nearly ready to start pushing.  The joke of the day had been that Becki only worked from 6am-6pm so I had to have this baby by 6 or we'd have a night nurse helping.  Not gonna happen if I had anything to do with it!
5:30 PM - 9 cm.  Call Doctor into the room.  I had less than 30 minutes (on my own time clock, not someone else's) to push Baby D out.
5:35 PM - Start pushing on contractions and all.  This was the hard part, because I started to actually feel loooots of pressure and dull pain.  My guess, now, is that the epidural wasn't working specifically where I was feeling pain?  I think that thing sort of happens.  All I know is, I pressed the medicine button every 5 or so seconds even though it gives a dose every 10 minutes (if you press it every 10 minutes).  And I actually was in tears about the pain, which was weird because I don't remember any pain with Henry.
As I pushed on contractions I remember saying things like, "Get this baby out of me!" and "Holy crap this doesn't feel good keep pushing," etc.  I had a mirror up so I could sort of see what was going on, but like Henry, it wasn't exactly perfectly placed so I didn't have to watch everything.  It's nice to know a little bit but not really have to view the horror the whole time.
5:58 PM - Baby D was born!  Celebration because we made it with 2 minutes to spare, and I was finally done pushing, and it felt so good!  Josh cut the umbilical cord and I let the nurses clean Baby D off before I held him.

Birth Story: Baby D and the Events Prior to Birth

First: Here are a lot of really unimportant details to anyone except me, so feel free to skip all this info and jump to the real birth in my next blog.  I promise I won't get into any details after being admitted to the hospital, ok?

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At a 34 week ultrasound they estimated Baby D was in the 91st percentile...which didn't mean a whole lot to me except it meant I could be induced early if I wanted.  I wanted.  Henry was 8 days late and nearly 9 pounds (8lb 14oz)  and we have a lot of crazy things that have to happen this summer (moving, 2 weddings, etc) so I was anxious to get this baby here so I could a) not be pregnant and b) focus on things besides being pregnant and having a baby.  Also, my induction with Henry was easy peasy and I wasn't too worried about scary complications or anything.

Next some far back backstory:
Orem Community Hospital is the best.  With Henry, Josh and I went to a prenatal class at the hospital that was taught by a fairly irreverent and hilarious nurse, Becki (I have a good history with Becki's).  Turns out she was the nurse assigned to me for 2 days after H's birth and she was AWESOME.  Josh would probably marry her if she a) weren't married and b) I died.  She was funny and completely helpful and totally open about the gruesome after birth recovering stuff that nobody ever talks about.  And, seriously, when we found out I was pregnant again one of the first things we both were excited about was that we would get to go back to Orem Community and hopefully have BECKI as our nurse again!

Back to the "present":
Told my Doc we wanted Becki as our nurse, if possible.  Went to OCH and asked when she was schedule to work in the 39th week of my pregnancy, and set our date for Thursday the 3rd of May, putting me at 39 weeks 4 days, really hardly early at all but 12 days before when I would have delivered with Henry.  Take note.  Induction is set for 6:30 AM.

Monday (4/30) appointment I'm barely dilated which was normal and I did NOT want my membranes stripped because a) it didn't do anything with Henry except make me hurt and b) ughhh and c) We had babysitters and everything lined up for the weekend already.

Wednesday Night (5/2) the hospital calls and tells me they're really busy and they have to put me on "hold".  Expect a call sometime around 10 am or call in if I haven't received one.  Great news to an anxious and hugely pregnant woman.  I was an emotional wreck all night, slept terribly, and had to call Gabbe and re-arrange plans based on practically no information.

Thursday morning (5/3) I'm awake at 5:45 and trying to burn through this unbelievably slow morning.  I ate 2 bowls of Lucky Charms before 6:30 and that was it because I didn't want to be too full in case I threw up during labor if they called and wanted me to come in asap.
8:00 a I called the hospital to clarify if they meant I might need to be ready to GO IN at 10 or if they would just let me know what time to come in at 10 or what.   I explained my situation with trying to figure out what time to have my babysitters come for the 17 month old at home and if they can't fit me in today can I even be induced until next week? And the sweet nurse explained they were completely full but had a few people discharging later in the day, so try calling back at 10.
8:05 AM Had a good cry because I'm really pregnant and tired and frustrated
8:07 AM Text Gabbe and tell her she's off the hook until at least 10.
8:08 AM Cry some more
8:10 AM Hospital calls back and says to come in ASAP and they'll get me started on antibiotics (I was strep B positive) in some other room to wait until a room opens up.  Hooray!  I tell the nurse it'll be an hour because our babysitter has to come but WE'LL BE THERE!
Call Gabbe and tell her to get over ASAP and shower and prep like mad.
9:10 AM Ready to go.
9:45 AM Gabbe is waiting for laundry to dry.  My (sassy man) doctor calls and asks how soon we can get to the hospital because they're holding a room for me/doing a favor for him by holding it.
9:47 AM Cry
10:10 AM Meet Gabbe in the parking lot of DI, hand over Henry and his carseat (thankfully he's already reaching for and wanting to be with Gabs anyway) and drive real fast and furious to the hospital.
10:28 AM Get there, check in, and meet Becki!!!! She immediately is awesome and even though they had to give up my room to a real lady in labor Becki assures us she has it under control and goes to prep another room.
10:40 AM Still waiting in the lobby but we're super happy to be there and getting a room and Becki as our nurse.
10:50 AM  GET IN A ROOM

end.

37 Weeks

and I'm finally wearing a different shirt.

 

Currently I am 39 weeks, 2 days and have 2 days until I'm scheduled to be induced. Eek. Hopefully I'll get a picture up before then, but if not you can look forward to meeting baby D!

Another Pregnancy 2 Post

Just came back from the Doctor with my last ultrasound! It was a different experience having a 3rd trimester ultrasound because, honestly, I couldn't make out a single thing the tech was "showing" us.  I feel like I do pretty good understanding and seeing stuff on ultrasounds in general, but this 3rd trimester (giant baby, apparently) ultrasound was just a blur of black and white.  That means I don't have to keep the picture of baby D's "feet" if I can't make out a single thing, right?  Oh, well.

That's me, 34 weeks pregnant. I can't decide if it's embarassing or cool that I'm wearing the same shirt in my 2 pregnancy profile pictures, but at least this way ya'll get a fair comparison. And it's fun to me to see that that baby is bigger now.  Now time for quick facts.

• Baby D is in the 91st percentile for weight, so u/s tech thinks he'll come early or right on time. Doctor says I can be induced at 39 weeks if I want. Hm.
• No heartburn as of late
• I finally understand the weird nerve pain/sciatica other pregnant women complain about, cause Baby D is definitely bringing it.
• I've lost my desire to eat vegetables. I don't mind eating fruit, but veggies seem like such a waste.
• Can't believe I only have 6 (maybe 5?) weeks left
• Also finding it harder to sleep during the night, and have to find time to take naps during the day instead.
• More stretch marks! Still don't understand those.
• Most terrifying of all, I'm starting to feel a little ready for baby #2.

End of the pregnancy talk. Now, on to more exciting things!

Baby D: 28 Weeks

28 weeks with Baby D

27 weeks with Hens/Baby C

So, I figured I should put up a baby bump picture since I am in my third trimester and have managed not to post pictures of my burgeoning bump everywhere.  To compare, I also added the picture below (black shirt) of me at 27 weeks with Henry. I feel like I am bigger now than I was then...but based on those pictures I guess it looks pretty much the same. And now, to celebrate my pregnancy brain I will blog my thoughts, feelings, and facts in bullet point fashion.  Prepare yourself.

• I am officially 28 weeks and 5 days.
• Braxton Hicks contractions started around 26 weeks and I get probably 3-4 a day. I notice I get them more frequently when I bend over (picking up toys/Henry/etc.) and/or spend extended time cleaning/doing things on my hands and knees. I reeeeally hope they don't get worse as this pregnancy progresses because they're starting to get in the way of life.
• Baby D moves around a LOT. I don't know if I can feel it more or I have less to pay attention to, but I notice it all the time. My one comfort is a lot can change in the next few weeks. Doesn't mean he's going to be a really active, awake infant, right?
• I get heartburn probably 2-3 times a week, usually on days when I eat lots of fast food or sugar. It's very odd because it's not unbearable, but it's just not comfortable. So next time I'm going to take some Tums for the first time in my life.
• Starting to get mild swelling in my legs if I don't walk regularly. Sexy, I know.
• I recently bought a king sized pillow to serve as my body pillow/other Josh. I love it.
• I am carrying much lower than I remember with Henry (/Baby C)
• I have to eat frequent, smaller meals or I feel uncomfortably full for hours and hours.
• Following that same train of thought, nights are not a very comfortable time of day for me. The lack of naps and accumulation of lifting a small child make a very tired lady, and most nights when Josh gets home I'm laying on the couch watching TV. But don't worry! I do make dinner most nights and clean at least one room a day, so I'm not a complete waste of a housewife.
• I haven't had any major aversions or cravings like I allowed myself with Henry. Spinach is no longer in my diet and I've been eating quite a few Burger King chocolate chip cookies, but other than that I eat like a fairly healthy individual.
• I've gained about half the weight I want to, so I'm on good track to stay in my desired 20-30 lb pregnancy weight gain assuming I don't give up in the next 12 weeks.
• And finally, I'm starting to freak out about having another baby in the home. Like, what is going to happen with Henry when I'm in the hospital? And who is going to play with him when I have to spend an hour figuring out nursing with a newborn? And how am I ever supposed to catch up on sleep? Yikes. Tips from all my 2+ children mom friends are very much encouraged, please.

I think that's all for a baby D update. It's about time I post some pictures and updates on Henry. It's like 12 months gave him permission to grow up and learn really fast or something. Growth and I have a love/hate relationship. AND Happy post-Valentines day. Cheers!

Baby D

Okay guys. We're having another baby.

WHAAAAAA.....You should already know this from Facebook or any word of mouth, but if not, it's the truth and because the blog says it, it's for real. Here's baby D at 18 weeks.



Here is Henry getting a baby doll for Christmas that is supposed to teach him about babies. Obviously, he is really excited to be an older brother.



But in all seriousness, he sort of likes the baby now and at least knows what toy we are referring to when we say, "Go get baby!" I have no idea what we're going to do to teach him more in the future? All my friends with children, do you have any good ideas for helping this transition at all? At least I feel like Henry will be too young to either a) put up much of a fight (maybe like a month of tantrums?) or b) not even realize there's another baby in the house until all of the sudden it's normal. We'll see.

Quick Facts:
1. I'm due May 7
2. That makes me 25 weeks pregnant
3. I'm due almost exactly a month after my cousin BFF, Rachel!
3. We're having another boy
4. The babies will be 17 months apart
5. This baby was a planned surprise....meaning we thought "Hey, that'd be really cool if we got pregnant in these x months and had a baby before med school" and then we were having another baby! (and we are terribly excited and happy and blessed and lucky to be expecting another baby)
6. I am really excited to have two boys so happy and close together because like 70% of the women I know and love in life have 2 boys pretty close and can give me all sorts of parenting advice. (Thanks in advance to Erica, Amber, Abbey, and Megan)
7. I am really excited that I get to deliver at Orem Community, again. It's better than a hotel.
8. I look more pregnant now than I did at 8 months with Henry.
9. This baby is "Baby D".
10. I get heartburn now for the first time in my life.

Any other questions? Cheers!