36 & 37 Week Updates

I'm still here and still pregnant, just in case you were wondering. I don't have a picture off hand. Sorry! I am seriously side-tracked lately! I owe you one, or two...

How far along?
I am 37 weeks and 6 days. Olive is full term and I have 15 days until my due date. Or do I?


You see, I have had two doctor's appointments since you have heard from me last. At my last one we officially set an induction date of September 7th! Yay! So, if I make it that far, I only have 9 more days! I go in on the evening of the 6th to start with a treatment (the name escapes me; it starts with a 'C') to thin my cervix. Then, we start Pitocin on the morning of the 7th. So, I feel kind of like I only have 8 days before we get this show on the road! :) I wouldn't be opposed to going into labor naturally though, even sooner...


Baby is the size of...
Dr. B mentioned again at the last appointment that she was "big." Every time she says that it scares me a bit. I sure hope she isn't too big and I can have her naturally, without really hurting myself! :{ I had a dream earlier this week that I had her naturally and she was 9 lbs 9 oz! We will see...I swear with all of this emphasis on size, she is going to be like 7 lbs or something completely average! haha.

Well, according to BabyCenter.com, she is the size of a "stalk of swiss chard" - whatever the heck that is! She is supposed to be still gaining an ounce a day and approximately half a pound each week. An average 37 week baby is 19 inches long and between 6 lbs and 7 lbs 10 oz.

Symptoms:
I have been feeling odd lately. The last two days I've just felt different. I wish that it meant labor was near; but, when you are this pregnant "near" has different meanings. You can have a sign that labor may begin soon, go into labor right away, or still have two weeks. The "signs" are never really that telling. So, I continue to wait. In fact, I'm kind of obsessing at this point. Although I kind of complained about Heath having classes and running around all the time, at least it kept my mind busy! Now, I just sit and wait and anticipate, and am SO READY already...

Things that I've been experiencing that could possibly be signs that labor is near (but could also mean nothing....ugh):

-  Several, several Braxton-Hicks contractions - they are getting pretty painful at times too.
-  Nausea
-  Frequent, loose bowel movements
-  Dizziness/Light headed-ness
-  Exhaustion
-  Lightening (my doctor said she had dropped; she feels like a bowling ball between my legs!)

All of those have other explanations and I haven't had any totally obvious signs yet. I am still waiting.

Anything new?
I've kind of gone over all the new stuff already. But, I wanted to add that at my last two checks I had no progress. I am not dilated at all and I am not effaced. So, in layman's terms that means that my cervix hasn't stretched, thinned, or widened...boo. My doctor did say, in an encouraging tone, "You are soft though and the head is definitely down!" I guess I can celebrate the little victories then.

My next doctor's appointment is this Thursday; so, I will let you know if there is any more progress. Almost 38 weeks!

New with Heath?
He has been playing super dad the last few weeks. He has really allowed me the rest that I need. I am so appreciative. He and Lucy, who are usually pretty inseparable, have been even more so lately. I seriously anticipate some jealousy issues when Olive arrives, particularly with daddy. Everyone else? Meh...

The other night, Lucy ended up in our bed again to sleep. Heath laid on his pillow, facing the outside of the bed. I told Lucy to roll over and close her eyes. She rolled over on Heath's pillow, sharing it with him, facing the same direction, and swung her arm around him. It was adorable. But, there I was, with Olive...left to do my own thing. Foreshadowing? I think so.

New with Lucy?
She goes into Olive's room a lot. In fact, we sometimes shut the door, or block it off with a baby gate. She plays with her stuff, or she will take Olive's stuff out of her room and put it in her own. I feel like I am constantly picking up after her; so, it's easier to just block it off for now.

She also won't stop playing with Olive's swing. I imagine that we will have to tell her not to assist the swing by pushing. She gets a little too excited and carried away. But, overall, I'm excited that she is so interested in babies and the baby items.

Also, she told DayCare the other day that her tummy hurt. Then, she proceeded to pull up her shirt, point at her belly, and say, "Olive kickin'." :) She also tells us the same thing, "Sister kickin'." :)

Anything else?
Well, as some of you have seen on Facebook, two ladies that were due around the same time as me had their babies already. I am jealous. One of them, who said she was also having a "big" baby had a 7 lb, 6 oz baby. I thought that was funny. I tell you Olive is probably going to be little after all! haha. The other woman, who is a reader of this very blog, :) had a 10 lb 13 oz baby. Now, that, I would consider big! :)

Last thing - my sister-in-law had a dream that I had the baby too. She said that Heath emailed everyone to let them know. Haha. It made me laugh. She told Heath, "Don't do that, okay?" Haha. Well, if this is like my last pregnancy, you can watch Facebook for updates. Heath posted statuses the whole time! Keep an eye on his account for breaking news! :)

Talk to you soon. Happy hump day!

Birth Plan #2

I finished my second birth plan. I had shared my original birth plan that I made with Lucy a couple of years ago. But, I thought I would share my new one, with some edits, now that I have experienced labor and delivery once.

Also, I get a lot of moms who tell me that they "didn't need a birth plan." Or, that they just "winged-it." That is good for them. To each their own. However, I was encouraged by my nurses and doctor to do one. Also, it is and was really comforting going through the plan with my doctor. It helps me prepare mentally and feel less anxiety. My doctor then knows what I expect, and she sends a copy to the nurses for my file. Then, I don't have to repeat myself ten times, or if something were to go unplanned, they all know what I prefer without having to ask me.

 

I posted on Facebook that I had finished my plan (a relief for me!). I had a mom, who is also pregnant, comment, "You must have written it down..Mine is done mentally..."

That's it. No more. No less. And, she never comments on my stuff.

I don't know if it's the hormones or just my surly demeanor, but that rubbed me the wrong way. Well, thanks for that comment. It achieved nothing more than pissing me off. I wonder if that is what she intended. Or, if I made her feel inferior, because she doesn't have a plan. If so, muah-ha-ha-ha. Good for you and your "mental plan;" good luck getting the doctors and nurses to read that!

Rant aside...here is my written plan! :) I added some notes too, just for my readers. What is in blue was not in the plan I gave to my doctor.
 

Cori [Last Name]’s Birth Plan
Due Date: September 14^th, 2012

Supporters:  My husband, Heath [Last Name] and my sister [First & Last Name]
*Please be aware that my husband has high anxiety about hospitals, needles, and above all, surgery. 

(I'm so glad that I included this. My doctor said that she had forgotten that Heath and I were "squeamish." Heath more so than I.)

Basics:  This is our second baby. (I've heard this is important to let the nurses know. They won't be so "in your face.")

However, we are still open to any and all information that your staff would like to share with us about the labor and post labor processes. We trust the judgment of our doctor and the nursing staff to make decisions that are in the best interest of our baby and for me.  We understand that this plan is not set in stone and could change at moment’s notice.  However, we have decided to share with you what we hope to achieve with the birthing experience.

I feel as though I should share my own anxiety about the IV and an epidural.  I do not like to be talked through these processes.  I would rather look away and only be told when the procedure is completed. – Thank you

Induction:  We are open to the idea of an induction, if it is recommended by our doctor.  Otherwise, I would like to go into labor naturally. (No such luck. This was before I knew about Olive being big.)

Pain Relief:

• I plan to request an epidural; however, I will not know when the proper time is for this.  Please suggest it, when appropriate.
• As for other pain relievers, please suggest them if the situation seems appropriate. (Last time they did, and I took them! I don't even remember what it was. But, it made that additional hour before the epidural a tiny bit more bearable.)

During the Delivery:

• I hope to be sitting up during delivery.
• At this time, I do not want to use a mirror. 
• I’d only like an episiotomy, if there is a medical emergency.  Otherwise, please allow time for the perineum to stretch naturally.

Immediate Post Delivery:

• My husband does not want to catch the baby; but, he does want to cut the umbilical cord.  He will inform you, if he changes his mind. 
• As routine, I would like to hold the baby immediately after the birth. (As in she plops her onto my chest right away. haha. I was not prepared for that with Lucy!)
• My husband and I do not wish to see the placenta after birth. (I really don't care to see it; but, the Xanax had Heath feeling so good last time he asked to see it. It was gross. I don't need to see it again.) 
• If for some reason the baby needs to be taken from the room, I would like my husband to escort her when possible.

Post Delivery:

• If the baby surprises us and is a boy, then we would like a circumcision. 
• I plan on trying to breastfeed; I have done it before. However, please advise me on when is a good time to do so. I can’t remember how much time passed post-delivery before I fed my first daughter. (I wanted them to know that it isn't my first time, so a nurse wasn't bothering me about how to do it.)
• I will accept guests before and after the baby has been breastfed and not during. (This was nice; this way the nurses knew that I didn't want them, or guests, coming and going while I was breastfeeding. I just don't feel comfortable doing it around people.) 
• We are open to giving the baby its first bath; however, the nurses are welcome to do this in the nursery-area as well. (We gave Lucy her first sponge bath; but, we were also new parents. So, this time, either way is alright.) 
• We do plan for the baby to sleep in the nursery overnight and to be brought into my room during feeding times. (We tried to have Lucy sleep in my room the whole time. No way. It didn't work. So, this time we will be sending Olive to the nursery to get some sleep; because when you get home, there is no nurse to relieve you in the middle of the night!) 
• We plan to have the baby in my room during the entire day, throughout our stay.

Caesarean Option: 

• I hope to avoid a c-section, if at all possible.

If one is necessary:

• I would like my husband and my sister to be present in the surgery room. 
• Please keep discussion with me minimal.  Considering my husband’s and my own anxieties, I do not wish to know what you are doing (making an incision, etc.). 
• Once she is born, we do wish to see her.
• Also, please inform us of the steps you are taking with the baby (she is being weighed, checked, etc.). 
• Although I realize there will be moments of separation, we would like to stay with the baby as much as possible.  If I cannot go with the baby, please let my husband know if he is welcome to be with her.

 Notes:

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Ahhh...feels good to have it done. I feel so prepared! :) Now, to get that hospital bag packed. :[ 

Pre-Lucy Thoughts

Each child is different and each one may need different 'tactics'!

Of course all moms like to give advice and let me be the first mom to tell you that my way works best. haha. Just kidding. But, here you go...

1. What kind of diaper bag did you use? Purse-type? Diaper-bag type? Did your husband carry it? Did you use the straps to hold it on to the stroller? Did you also carry a purse?

First of all, wowsers! That is a lot of questions. That type of fast-firing of questions is how I imagine a chihuahua would talk, if it could. :)  Anyway - I had a larger, black diaper bag. I wanted one that didn't have pastels and animals on it. So, my husband researched for "the best" one he could. It was online and had the best reviews. It looked more like a luggage-type bag than a diaper bag or purse, or at least I think so. My husband did carry it, since it was so ambiguous. We did use the straps for the stroller; we also used the straps that hold it onto the shopping cart. It was really helpful! Most of the time I still carried a purse, unless we were just running to a family members house or something, then I just threw my stuff in the diaper bag.

2. When did you fit back into your pre-baby pants? Did you buy larger pants or stay in maternity pants after baby?

I think it is unrealistic to think you are going to just hop back into your pre-baby pants. However, you are talking to someone who gained 54 lbs while pregnant. :[ I know those types of "freaks-of-nature" exist (no offense to those of you out there); but, I was NOT one of them. I didn't get back into my pre-baby pants until, like, 6 months later. Before that I had to buy new, big clothes (boo!). Just remember that everyone is different and hopefully my story makes you feel a bit better about it! haha.

3. Favorite brands of diapers? Wipes?

We quickly became Pampers fans. We tried Huggies once when Lucy was a newborn and didn't like them. We never tried any other kind after that. For wipes, we prefer Huggies. That is weird; I know. We buy both though. Huggies are just a bit thicker and don't rip as easily when you pull them out. An argument for Pampers: Children's hospital uses Pampers - must be good! :)

4. Where did baby sleep those first few weeks (or longer)? Your bed? Bassinet? Crib? In your room or his/her own?

Lucy was our first, and it's me we're talking about here. So, the paranoia was through the roof! SIDS scares the poop out of me! I didn't want Lucy sleeping away from me for at least a month. It ended up, she slept in our room for 2 months before moving to her own room. She slept in a pack-n-play, in the shallow insert they have...hard to describe. The next one may move to his or her room faster; who knows? Lucy had a hard time soothing herself. Or, we had a hard time letting her soothe herself, something like that...

5. How long until baby made a public appearance? Where was baby's first public appearance?

Our family visited a lot immediately; so, we didn't really need to leave the house a lot. Since Lucy was born in the middle of winter, we were also encouraged to not let her be around a lot of people (flu!). I think her first real public appearance was to the doctor and back. I think we made a trip shopping all day when she was 6 weeks and that was a big deal - and tough! I honestly didn't feel like getting out too much; I was still really self-conscious and sleep deprived!

6. Most useful baby item? I ran into a girl shopping for a baby gift in Target & she was looking at hooded towels. I said they were useful but should have thought of more useful items!

It is really tough to say what was the most useful. We have had a lot of items that we really needed to get by. The most would probably have to be the boppy. It helped me support Lucy when I breastfed and she was able to nap in it. It comforted her; she felt like she was still being held. It was our infant savior!

7. Did you find out the baby's gender beforehand?

Yes. I wanted to be able to plan out clothing and colors and a name. I like to plan and be organized. Experiencing birth and seeing Lucy's face was enough excitement for one day. We wanted to have something revealed throughout the pregnancy. :)

8. How long was your hospital stay? Did your hospital provide any cool services (special meal, spa treatment, etc)?

We were there technically three nights, since I went in at 9 pm and was in labor all night. It seemed to be the perfect number of days for our first baby. The hospital had a special menu for the parents, where Heath was able to eat too. It was nice. :) No spa treatments though. :(

9. Were you induced? Have a c-section? Use drugs? Epidural? Or au natural the whole way?

I went into labor naturally, a couple of days before she was due. I was lucky. I was also able to have her vaginally, which is what we wanted. The labor was long and slow - 36 hours; however, Lucy did really well and they never felt the need to rush it or do a C-Section. My doctor actually claimed, "Lucy [was] loving the birthing process." I was offered something to "take the edge off" while I waited for the epidural. I said yes; I would take anything they thought I could have at that point. It really did help a little. Then, I got an epidural at 4 cm and about 26 hours in. I wouldn't have changed a thing.

10. Do you like when friends come to the hospital to congratulate you or would you prefer that time just for your family (extended or immediate?)?

I really liked everyone being there for Lucy's birth. However, it was a little overwhelming. I felt at my absolute most vulnerable. I just wanted to shower and cuddle my baby. However, two hours after and a shower later, I was ready to show her off. Most visitors respected our exhaustion though and kept their visits somewhat brief. But, I think I preferred the visits in the hospital to the ones when we got home. Visitors during the first couple of weeks at home really made it tough to get into a routine or to take naps. :[ Everyone is different though.  Perhaps adjusting with a second child is easier - ?

Have a good Tuesday! And, please mothers out there chime in all you want! :)

Happy Birthday Lucy!

A year ago, today, at 1:12 pm, I welcomed my little, beautiful girl into the world. I can hardly say that I really 'welcomed' her. I think the first thing I said to her, or rather at her, was, 'Oh my god!' But, nonetheless, that was when I saw her sweet face for the first time. My heart melted...

It all started about 36 hours before, in the early, early morning hours of February 6, 2010. I woke up from the recliner to make another trip to the restroom. I felt a little odd. It didn't feel like Braxton-Hicks at all. It stung a little. It was a sharp pain...kind of like (forgive me) painful gas; but, this was deep in my pelvis. It was kind of like a menstrual pain or cramp (the triple 'P' for those of you close to me... ;D). I decided to bust out my pregnancy app. on my iPod and time the pains. Yep, about every 9 or 10 minutes I would have them. So, I woke Heath up at around 1:30 am and told him that I thought I just might be having contractions. What did I know, though? I hadn't ever felt a contraction before!

We had learned from our Birthing Classes, 'What to Expect when Expecting,' and BabyCenter.com that first time mothers can be in labor for hours. And, they should go about a pretty usual routine until the contractions are closer. So, I went back to sleep. It surprisingly wasn't that hard to do.

I woke up again at about 7 am. They were getting more prominent - not that they hurt more, I was just able to feel it better. I again woke Heath up and he started to time them. It was about every 7 to 8 minutes. I was just still not convinced that I was having contractions. I waited about an hour and called my mom.

"What do contractions feel like? This is a sharp pain. I don't know what I was expecting; but, they are sharper than what I imagined."

"Yeah, they are. You are probably right; they are contractions," she said calmly.

I decided to prepare then. I got around, ate cereal (Kix to be exact), took a shower, the usual. I even had plenty of pain-free time to fix my hair. The hospital was surprised when I came in with makeup on and my hair done. But anyway, it wasn't too long after noon that my mom and sister came over to hang out with me.

I spent the entire day laying around, walking our stairs, timing contractions, bouncing on our exercise ball, getting my back rubbed, and being anxious. Would she ever come?!

Finally at 9 pm that night, when my contractions were still more than 5 minutes apart, we called and asked if we could come in. The hospital warned me that I may have to come back home; but, that was alright. We knew we wouldn't be able to sleep anyway and I didn't want to have to rush to the hospital. So, we headed out. It even started to snow flurry on us on the way there.

About 10 minutes out from the hospital, my contractions started to move from semi-uncomfortable to painful.

After arriving, checking in, changing, and walking a ton of stairs, I was still only about 2 cm dilated; but, they allowed me to stay. Yay! :) That stair walking had done it though. By midnight I was having very painful contractions.

Overnight was a blur...I mentioned it in another blog post.

After some pain meds, the epidural, my doctor breaking my water, and an ultrasound to make sure Lucy wasn't breach, it was finally time to push. This part was not at all what I expected. I pushed for an hour and a half! It was not like the movies where it is 1, 2, 3, there she is! It was like push....okay lets wait for the next contraction....hmm, so what did you miss doing while you were pregnant? We seriously had lots of conversations in between pushes. My doctor cringed at hearing how excited I was to be able to tan again. :{ But, we bonded over dyeing our hair. :)

Finally, finally, she said, "One more contraction and we will have a baby."

I regret it now; but, when I pushed, I squeezed my eyes closed, real tight. Next thing I knew, Lucy was on my chest. Note to self: keep your eyes open with your next child.

We wiped her off and cried, and cried. It took about 10 minutes before anyone checked to see if she was actually a little girl! haha. I just squeezed her and held her so tight.

Once you have a child, you will never be the same. That is the absolute truth. She has turned my world upside down. And, although parenting is hard; I wouldn't change a thing!

I can't believe how wonderful she is.

I can't believe she is mine.

I can't believe it has been a year.

Happy Birthday Lucy Jean! I love you more than words!

Birth Plan

About a year ago today, I was perfecting my Birth Plan. I was giving copies to my husband, my sister, the doctor, and the nurses - basically everyone who would be in the delivery room with me!

I had thought a lot about how I wanted my labor and delivery to go. Like a movie of course! Except - a movie where I actually get there on time to have an epidural! Anyway - And, after going to birthing classes and knowing more of what my options were, I felt ready to visualize. My initial thoughts were: safe and painless! My two biggest goals. However, when you start getting into the details, it's a lot to think about!

I was encouraged to do a Birth Plan; but, I wasn't sure how helpful it would actually be. Take it from me though, it was great! It helped in three ways: 1) It made me think about the process and I felt better prepared for an emergency change of plans. 2) It helped Heath and my sister to know what I had planned, in case I wasn't in the 'mood' to be telling them during the labor. :) 3) It let the nurses and my doctor know ahead of time what I was planning for. They were able to assist me SO much more, by knowing my feelings.

When I was writing a birth plan, I had to scour the Internet for ideas - just to make sure I covered it all! I thought I was able to make a pretty complete plan. So, since I've been thinking about that day a lot (as Lucy's 1st Birthday approaches), I thought I would share my plan. Hopefully, it will help any mothers-to-be out there to make a plan of their own. I recommend doing it! :)

I know that everyone's plans are different. Perhaps you are planning a natural birth or even a water birth - either way, I hope this helps provoke thought and/or memories!

By the way, of course this was in a Word document, in cute text, with maroon titles and bullets. :)

Cori {Last Name}’s Birth Plan
Due Date: February 10, 2010
Supporters: My husband, Heath {Last Name} and my sister, { First & Last Name}
*Please be aware that my husband has high anxiety about hospitals, needles, and above all, surgery.
Basics: This is our first baby; therefore, we may need to have more direction than ‘an experienced’ couple. We are open to any and all information that your staff would like to share with us about the labor and post labor. We trust the judgment of our doctor and the nursing staff to make decisions that are in the best interest of our baby and for me. We understand that this plan is not set in stone and could change at moment’s notice. However, we have decided to share with you what we hope to achieve with the birthing experience.

I feel as though I should share my own anxiety about the IV and an epidural. I do not like to be talked through these processes. I would rather look away and only told when the procedure is completed. – Thank you

Induction: We are open to the idea of an induction, if it is recommended by our doctor. Otherwise, I would like to go into labor naturally.

Pain Relief:· I plan to request an epidural; however, I do not and will not know when the proper time is for this. Please suggest it, when appropriate.
· As for other pain relievers, I do not foresee their use at this time. However, please suggest it, if the situation seems appropriate.

Environment during Labor:· I plan to change positions, as well as walk around, unless told otherwise.
· If it is a ‘middle-of-the-night’ labor, I would like to alternate walking and napping.
· My husband and sister will keep guests to a minimum (if they are at all allowed) and will ask them to wait in the hall during cervical checks.

During the Delivery:· I hope to be sitting up during delivery.
· At this time, I do not want to use a mirror.
· I’d only like an episiotomy, if there is a medical emergency. Otherwise, please allow time for the perineum to stretch naturally.

Post Delivery:· My husband does not want to catch the baby; but, he does want to cut the umbilical cord. He will inform you, if he changes his mind.
· As routine, I would like to hold the baby immediately after the birth.
· My husband and I do not wish to see the placenta after birth.
· I plan on trying to breastfeed; however, I am new to the process. Please advise me on when and how to do so.
· I will accept guests after the baby has been breastfed and not during.
· I would like the baby to stay in my room with us during my entire hospital stay, if possible. (I totally changed my mind on this after doing it! Let the nurses take them to the nursery!)· If for some reason the baby needs to be taken from the delivery room, I would like my husband to escort her when possible.
· If the baby surprises us and is a boy, then we would like a circumcision.

Caesarean Option:· I hope to avoid a c-section, if at all possible.

If a C-Section is necessary:· I would like my husband and my sister to be present in the surgery room.
· Please keep discussion with me minimal. Considering my husband’s and my own anxieties, I do not wish to know what you are doing (making an incision, etc.).
· Once she is born, we do wish to see her.
· Also, please inform us of the steps you are taking with the baby (she is being weighed, checked, etc.).
· Although I realize there will be moments of separation, we would like to stay with the baby as much as possible. If I cannot go with the baby, please let my husband know if he is welcome to be with her.

Notes:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whew! That is a lot of information, right? It is amazing how it takes me right back to the delivery of Lucy! :) It makes me smile.

I took copies of this to my doctor about 3 weeks before my due date and we read through it together. It also provoked a lot of discussion about the labor and delivery. I don't regret taking the time to do this at all and I don't think I ever will!

Happy birth-planning to all new mothers! Everyone else? I guess, have a good day! :)