Birth Story: Part 3

This is the final installation of the three part story, that is Olive's birth. :) Nothing like 5 months later...

After the actual laboring and birthing, we get to all the oohing and awing that I did. Also, I should really discuss the pain I felt afterward as well. To be honest though, I have forgotten most of it. I waited too long and those memories are fading. They always say that it's the easiest pain to forget and "they" sure are right! Although every time I hear someone say that, I think of my Granny. She had a ten pound baby (my dad) all natural back in 1960. Then, she was bedridden for four days after. I'm sure her pain was a little harder to forget than mine...

Dad, have you thanked Granny lately? You totally should! In fact, your birthday is this Saturday. You should tell her "thank you!"

Anyway,  I will tell you that the night after Olive's birth, I was so thirsty. I hadn't drank anything in over 24 hours; I had only had one cup of ice and nothing else. Plus, I had lost a reasonable amount of blood with the surgery. I begged for something to drink and couldn't have it...darn! The next morning I scarfed down my breakfast and started drinking. But, I was way too into holding Olive and just looking at her to be overly hungry.

I have several, several, pictures like this. I apparently stared at her...a lot. But, I'm sure other mothers can attest. Seeing their face for the first time, that little miracle, is simply amazing. I couldn't get enough!

As the day went on, my blood pressure kept getting really low and they asked me to drink more water. Ugh, the irony. I was slightly annoyed. It went from "can't drink anything" to "drink more."

It was about 14 hours after surgery that I got to take off my massage "booties." Those things were amazing! I loved them. Once they were off, I got my catheter out. Uncomfortable! But, I could get up now! At first, I felt pretty good. Not too much pain. It seriously took over 24 hours before all of the spinal had worn off and I started to really feel the pain. It was worse than a vaginally delivery, for me. When my bladder would get full, I had a lot of pain on the incision. When I would go pee, then it wasn't as bad. So, I kept running to and from the restroom, or rather shuffling to and from. It sure was different than what I had experienced before. Pain in a completely different place, but still all of the gross discomfort...if you women know what I mean.

I really didn't mind though. I was completely on cloud nine. I seriously was on a high. I didn't get irritated at all and was just as happy as I could be. It was different than with Lucy. Perhaps my body has changed, or I have...something like that. The high lasted until, well, basically until I went back to work. Whomp, whomp. I won't beat that dead horse, so moving on...

Lucy came to visit and spent most of the second day with us. She loved seeing her new, baby sister.

She even held her for photos. When someone would talk to her, she would stick her fingers to her lips and tell us that her baby sister was sleeping. :) She's a great big sister!

The day we got out of the hospital, Lucy was there again. We wanted to make sure we got to experience these things as a family!


Then, it started. Olive was upset. I had to feed her before we hit the road. We sat the girls down to take this photo, and Lucy pooped her pants - more delay. They were breaking us in right away, to having two! That is alright though. Cloud nine...

I was welcomed home to this wonderful display my mom and sister put together - presents for all!

 

Oh boy, now that I've waited 5 months, this post is giving me baby fever. No way, Jose. We really would need a van then!

The rest is wonderful, laid-back, best baby in the world, knock-on-wood, history. :)

Birth Story: Part 2

After finally getting to the surgery room, I felt great. I was a little scared of the spinal and I was still having contractions. But, to know there was an end in sight felt wonderful. Also, I had been to that surgery room before, when I had my gallbladder taken out; so, there was some familiarity to it all.

The spinal had a little sting to it, and I would say was very comparable to an epidural. It took a while, so I asked a few questions of the anesthesiologist. How much will I feel? Will this make me nauseous? How does it only numb me from the arms down?

I had drank some tart, grape drink before I went down to surgery. It was supposed to help with the nausea. I was hoping so. I had heard horror stories about women throwing up during their entire surgery. Nothing sounded worse than throwing up while laying on your back. Plus, talk about a moment ruiner...

I was on my back, arms strapped down, and the sheet was up before Heath was escorted into the room. They had already asked how much I could feel. It was the most bizarre feeling. With an epidural, it was somewhat scary to me. I felt completely out of control and almost paralyzed. I hated looking at my leg, trying to move it, and being unable to do so. It truly freaked me out. With the spinal, I could feel. But, I couldn't feel everything. I could feel them rubbing stuff on my belly, which I was told would normally seem cold. I only felt the movement and not the coldness. Then, she started to make the incision. I remember knowing that she was about to cut, when Heath came by the sheet. I thought for sure that he would see the blood and pass out on the spot.

When he got to me, he was feeling pretty good. He had popped a Xanax upstairs and was what I would describe as three-beer-Heath. He was invincible and when they told him that he could stand to watch, he did! I kept asking him, "Are you sure? Are you okay?"

Getting Olive out only took a few minutes. This is what I heard:

"Okay, get ready to meet Baby Olive."

"Oh, she has hair!"

"Heath, get the camera ready."

"She's no peanut."

"Here she is!"

Heath stood up the whole time, snapping pictures with the camera in one hand and video recording with his phone in the other. The video is great! :) It is kind of gross though, and so are the pictures. I thought I would spare you.

She was born at 6:42 pm.

As soon as I heard her let out her first wail, I broke down. I just cried and cried. It still wasn't quiet real to me. Nothing quiet prepares you for hearing your baby cry for the first time, or seeing them either. While I was blubbering, unable to wipe away my tears, Dr. B leaned Olive over the sheet for me to see. In her gross, bloody, crying state, she looked like Lucy. Then, as quickly as she was there, she was gone. They took her across the room to check her. Heath followed, snapping pictures like crazy.

 

We all anticipated the weight. I overheard a conversation between Dr. B and the nurses on how much they thought she'd weigh. Dr. B was pretty close, saying that she thought she would be close to 9 lbs. She was 8 lbs and 11.5 ounces. She was 2.5 ounces more than Lucy and a week early! The shocker for me was, she was 21 inches long! That was 2 inches longer than Lucy. I just kept repeating it over and over. "21 inches? Wow, really? 21 inches?"

Olive cried and cried, until Heath said something to her. It seemed as though she recognized his voice, because she immediately stopped. It was so sweet. It warmed my heart. 

Olive and Heath were off to my right and a little over my head. After about ten minutes of watching, my neck and eyes started to hurt from straining. So, I stopped and laid flat again. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks the 36 hours of little to no sleep. I was so tired. It was like my body knew that it was over and Olive was okay. I let my eyes close a few times as I jerked them back open. Finally, I called Heath over. "I'm going to close my eyes and I might fall asleep, is that okay?" 

I felt like a jerk; but, I literally couldn't stay awake. He of course told me that was alright, as he went back to Olive. I then fell in and out of sleep for the next hour or so. I woke up once because I was nauseous. I thought I might throw up. When I told the anesthesiologist, she got me a "throw-up sleeve," as I like to call them. Dr. B heard me and said that she was pushing on my stomach and that was probably what was causing it. Thank goodness the nausea passed and before I knew it the sheet was pulled down.

While they were moving me to a bed, Dr. B went to check on Olive. She is such a caring person and you can tell that she loves her job!

Funny story about the nurse in the maroon, over Dr. B's shoulder. She was a student when I had Lucy. I remembered her, only because her name is also my middle name. When she came in for the surgery and introduced herself, I immediately asked if she was a student back in February 2010. It was her. She was present for both of my girls. :)

Once settled, I finally got to hold her too. :)

She still looked a lot like Lucy to me.

We were taken to the recovery room, where I was able to have a few guests. I asked for Heath to go tell my sister to bring Lucy down. Little did I know, Dr. B had already went to get Lucy! haha. :) I think she was excited too.

Lucy was pretty excited and surprisingly not freaked out at all by the hospital. She rubbed Olive's head and talked to her. For the first time that evening, Heath cried. My sister did too. It was a special moment.

We finally got back upstairs around 9:30 pm. Good thing we have our babies on the weekend. :)

Everyone was thrilled. I have to say though, do you see Heath's sister's boyfriend over in the corner with his arms crossed? Haha. I have a picture similar to this one, when Lucy was born. Except, then, my cousin was keeping him company. I just don't think men/boys are into this stuff as much, unless it's their baby or grand-baby.

Everyone stayed only for a while and left to let me sleep. I was able to breastfeed her downstairs in the recovery room. So, I waited until the next feeding and then let the nurse take her to the nursery. We learned from Lucy, that for us, it was better for her to go to the nursery. I didn't have any trouble sleeping and was excited each and every time they brought her in to feed.

- To Be Continued -

Birth Story: Part 1

September 6th - Induction day!

Following what was arguably the longest day at work ever, I said farewell to my co-workers and giddily got into our car for home. I was antsy to say the least. I just wanted to get the show on the road. I was so ready in all senses of the word. Ready to meet her. Ready for newborn cuddles. Ready to take 8 weeks off work. Ready to bend over and tie my shoes again. Ready, ready, ready.

We got home and tried to go about our usual business. Heath fed Lucy supper while I took a shower. Our bags were already packed - had been for over a week. I checked my list for last minute items to add. Phone, phone charger, makeup, etc. Check. I was ready. We took one last photo of our family of three, knowing that it would never again be the same. Life changes were happening. :)

We hopped into the car to take Lucy out to my mom's house. We were on time, for once, and were scheduled to arrive at the hospital about ten minutes before 8 pm. We said a quick goodbye to Lucy and told her that we were on our way to "go get" Olive. She was basically oblivious to the whole idea and was completely fine with us leaving her.

On the way to Sonic to pick up one last 32 ounce, iced water, my phone rang. Another woman was currently delivering a baby and they had to move me back "a few hours." The nurse told me that it might be closer to 11 pm before we were asked to come in.

I cried.

I had anticipated this moment and just wanted to be at the hospital, feeling like it was at least coming! Heath tried to make me feel better. I was just so disappointed that I would have to wait even longer. We went back to the house and thank goodness my sister came over to keep us company. It helped pass the time.

At 11 pm I called the hospital to see what was going on. The nurse told me to go ahead and come on in. I was ready and about to fall asleep. I couldn't even tell you the last time I had been up until 11 pm! A smart mommy-to-be would have taken a nap.

I arrived in good spirits. I filled out all of the appropriate paperwork, put my gown on, got weighed (under my goal weight - whoo-hoo!), and got my IV. Heath and my sister sat nearby, sleepily. I was finally ready to go around 1 am. Before giving me Cytotec to soften my cervix, the nurse checked my progress. I was certain that I had surpassed 2 cm, since I had been having a lot of Braxton-Hicks contractions all week. I was completely disappointed when she said that I was still at 2 cm. However, I was only 2 cm when I came to the hospital with Lucy. So, I was hopeful!

At this point I was already having Braxton-Hicks that were showing up on the contraction monitor. Dr. B had told me that the Cytotec might possibly be enough to send me into labor, especially since I was a second-time mother. That it did...

Just 20 minutes or so after getting it, my contractions became somewhat consistent. By 2 am I was having considerable contractions that were about 5 minutes apart and realized at that point that I would not be sleeping for the night. By 4 am, I was having to "breath" through them and couldn't talk. I was in pain.

When the nurse checked me again, I was certain that I would at least be at 3 cm or more. I was just holding on through those contractions, thinking that an epidural would be coming soon. She checked and I was still 2 cm. What?! I couldn't believe it. I teared up, trying not to be an emotional, sleepy mess. I couldn't believe that I wasn't making progress. The contractions continued.

I walked. I lunged. I did squats. I sat and bounced on a ball. I changed positions. I rocked in a rocking chair. All of this made the contractions stronger and hurt more. I had to be getting somewhere!

I was checked again right about the time the sun came back up. Still no progress. I was crushed. This time, the nurse couldn't even reach my cervix; it was obvious that Olive's head was no longer down. I felt that all of the "work" that my body was doing and the pain I was feeling was literally for nothing. It was so frustrating.

Dr. B came in around 7:15 am. She felt my stomach and checked me. No progress. She couldn't reach my cervix either. She told me that she thought Olive had flipped and was was breach. The nursing team brought in an ultrasound machine to make sure. Dr. B and another doctor both said it looked like she was breach. They called in an ultrasound tech to make sure. While we were waiting, she explained the c-section process to me. I had already come to terms with it. I was experiencing painful contractions and had been for about five hours. Dr. B explained that she didn't think I was progressing because the baby's head pushing down on my cervix is what causes dilation. Since her head wasn't engaged, I wasn't progressing.

I had rolled over while waiting for the tech. Apparently Olive took that opportunity to move again. By time the tech arrived, Olive was head down again. She still wasn't engaged; but, she was in the right direction. We were back on for a vaginal delivery. I admit it; I cried again. I was tired and not getting anywhere. I was heartbroken, thinking that I was going to have to endure the pain even longer and was scared that I still wouldn't have any progress. Dr. B was very supportive though and said we had to focus on getting Olive to move down. I knew that I preferred a vaginally birth, as did Heath; so, I sucked it up and decided to "push on."

The contractions continued as they decided to go ahead with the Pitocin. They thought that the Pitocin might make my uterus contract harder and push Olive down. It only made the contractions more frequent. The nurse checked me again before noon. I was prepared for her to say that there was still no progress. The pessimistic outlook made the news easier to swallow. My dad and step-mom showed up soon after and served as good distractions from the pain and disappointment of no progress.

At 4 pm, I looked at the clock. I had been having these painful contractions for over 12 hours now. I was exhausted. I felt like it was never going to end. The nurse checked me again - nothing. They couldn't break my water either, because Olive's head wasn't engaged. So, we couldn't take the risk of the umbilical cord coming out first. They just kept increasing the Pitocin.

Dr. B finally returned around 5:30 pm. We talked and she gave me the option of either a c-section or going home and trying another day. I was convinced that I would continue to have the contractions at home, on my own. I had been all night. Plus, I was not at all mentally prepared to experience this all again. I was in low, low spirits at this point. I agreed to the c-section. Dr. B asked several times if I was sure, since I had not wanted a c-section.

I was ready though. Ready, ready, ready. I was also exhausted. I was finally taken to the surgery room around 6:30 pm. Heath was taken to the prep room. Unfortunately my sister couldn't be in the room. I asked if she could be dressed and ready though, just in case Heath's Xanax didn't kick in. (He did great though.)

As soon as they took me off that damn Pitocin, I was doing much better! I was still having contractions; but, they were much farther apart. I was ready for my spinal and to meet my baby girl! I was actually smiling, knowing that the time had finally come!

 - To Be Continued -

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!

Push Prize

The other night was a wreck! Lucy had yet another molar coming in! It was giving her the worst time last night. We rubbed a whole lot of Orajel on it and then finally gave her some pain reliever. I sat in her room, in the glider, and held her while she slowly fell back to sleep.

She fought it the best she could; but, she finally fell asleep holding onto my necklace's pennant. She often plays with it, when awake. She has always been fascinated by the sparkle. But, that night, I realized that she was actually comforted by it. She reached for it and held on tight until she was in a deep sleep. It must be her way of knowing that it is me and that I am still there. :) :)

After this realization, I felt wonderful. And, now I will tell you why...

Back when I was pregnant, I had heard about husband's getting their wives gifts after the delivery of their child. However, I had never heard the term for such a present, "Push Prize".

Heath introduced me to the term; apparently, he had been doing his husbandly research and noticed that this was a new trend that was becoming more and more common. It is just a little something to show the wife, and new mom, that you appreciate her. :) And, it also tugs at those heart strings.

Heath surprised me in front of all of our family and friends with a little jewelry box, right after Lucy was born. I was so wrapped up in everything else the last month or so, that I forgot that the supposed 'push prize' even existed. Therefore, when he pulled out the gift, I was super surprised! It made me cry of course; with my emotions already running on high, I was a mess!

He wrote the sweetest and most uplifting card you can imagine, and inside the box was the necklace. It is almost identical to the one you see above. I instantly fell in love with it! And, I instantly put it on.

I wear it always. I wear it in the shower, to work out, everywhere! I even got a new silver chain for it this Christmas. The only time I take it off is to wear another, usually costume, necklace to go out. Then, I get home and put this one right back on.

It had always made me feel close to Lucy. Whenever I am away from her and I pray at night, I will kiss it. Whenever I take it off, I kiss it first. It always had such a special meaning for me. Now, it has even more.

The necklace, at the end of the day, is just a necklace. But, it always represented a little more than that. I feel a bond with Lucy when I wear it and now, I know she feels a bond with me when she holds it. How wonderful?!

So, to all those men out there (which I doubt many, if any, actually read this), I recommend a 'push prize'. It is a win, win, win, win situation. :)

Heath is wondering now what he could possibly get me for our next children that could mean as much! haha. :) He has some time to think about it.

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! :)

Letter to Lucy - 5 Days Before I Met Her

I was having a flashback today, looking around my cubicle, to a time when I was pregnant. Sometimes at lunch I would write a letter to Lucy. I thought it would be neat to share with her my thoughts about the days leading up to her arrival. So, here is one that I did on February 2, 2010 - just 5 days before I met her. :) Enjoy!

Today is your Grandpa’s 50th birthday. You measured, a couple of times, big enough to arrive today. I think Grandpa would even enjoy that! Just in case you can’t remember your Grandpa’s birthday (shame on you, if you can’t), it is February 2nd. I am still working at this point. I don’t have any time to spare at work or I would be at home sleeping right now. As you may or may not know at this point in your life, I love to sleep. Before you, I would sleep in every weekend until at least noon. It has even become a running joke in our family. After you get here, I am not sure how much sleep I will get or even want.

On another note, you are hiccuping right now. It happens when I eat sweets and that I did this morning. I ate a bowl of Kix, the usually breakfast, and couldn’t help my sweet-tooth. I ventured to the second floor vending machines to find peanut M&Ms. I was craving those in particular. So, I’ve had one bag this morning. The machine accidentally dropped two by the way. So, I was pretty excited. I plan to give the other bag to your dad; hopefully he won’t give me too much grief about buying them that way. Plus, it is a good karma bag of M&Ms; so, I feel like I should pass them on!

Well, I thought I would share some pop-culture items with you (just for the fun of it). I am listening to Owl City’s ‘Fireflies.’ It is a completely over-played, annoying song too. It is playing on Radio Disney. Yes, I am a few weeks away from 24 years old and I am listening to Radio Disney. I am a tad juvenile. But, hopefully, I never lose my love for Disney and ‘kiddy movies.’ We’ll have more fun that way in the future.

As for clothing, I am wearing a pair of black heels that I bought at Payless. They are backless and have a strap across the top of my foot. My puffy foot kind of bulges out of that open part, due to the water retention. So, I kind of fibbed, I’m not actually wearing them. They are kicked off under my desk. Mostly, because they hurt my feet.

I am wearing maternity dress pants, black with darker pin stripes. They are from Motherhood and don’t have the big belly band on the top. They have about a two-inch band that occasionally cuts into my belly. It is annoying, but they are one of only three pairs that I have and fit! So, beggars can’t be choosers. The hem on my left leg came undone too and I have no choice but to still wear them (at least every third day). So, I safety pinned it in two spots. The silver sparkles and is really noticeable. Being the genius that I am, I tried to color the silver portion with a black, permanent marker. It worked for about 2 seconds. It was a genius idea anyway. This would be a great time to learn how to sew....hmmm. I guess I figured people expect me to be put together with pins. They don’t or can’t expect much from an almost 40 week pregnant woman! They are lucky I even got out of the recliner this morning. Recliner? Yes, I will explain more later.

My shirt is the same one I wore to our Baby Shower. It is maroon, mid-sleeve, and definitely a maternity top. Again, it is from Motherhood; it is kind of low cut, which causes some cleavage to pop out every once in a while. Well, from up here, it looks that way. I am not sure if it is as bad as I think from the front. But, my breasts have grown so much; I can’t keep it from sliding down. I even have a black tank-top on underneath to catch any oops moments. Hopefully, it works and I won’t totally offend anyone.

I am still wearing my wedding ring and thumb rings. Don’t take that as my fingers aren’t totally swollen because they are. My thumb rings have made an indention in my hand, or rather my thumb. I don’t think the circulation is cut off quite yet. I am hoping I can make it to your arrival without having to remove them. My wedding ring has a little more to go and so I am confident that I won’t have to take it off. I haven’t since I put it on at the wedding, except for cleaning it.

Whew, that was a lot of clothing discussion. Sorry if I bored you too much. I sure wish you would come today. I am having a toss-up between you coming already today or waiting until tonight, so I can go out to eat with your Grandpa. We are going to ‘Burger Madness’ tonight. I just may get a burger too! Oh darn-it, Braxton-Hicks kick in again. I had them so bad last night. I told your dad that I thought my uterus was ‘flexed’ all night practically. Or, it was every time I woke up anyway. It is getting even more painful and the sleeping position that I found is becoming less and less comfortable. I think of it as a clear indication that you are supposed to be here, honey!

Speaking of sleeping, I mentioned a recliner. Which I repeatedly, accidently spell with a ‘y.’ Ugh! If you read my ‘Belly Book’ I filled out for you, then you would know that I have been sleeping in the recliner for the past four weeks. This Sunday will make it five weeks! It is hard to believe, but is 100% true. You can ask your dad. It is crazy even walking into the master bedroom these days. Especially to me; because, before I was in the recliner, I was on the couch in the living room. My hips kill me! Granted, our bed was a heck of a lot closer to the bathroom. I would toss and turn so much out of pain that I had to find some better support for my hips. The couch worked there for about a week and a half. Then, it too hurt my hips. Your dad insisted on the recliner so much that I finally gave in thinking, ‘how could it be any worse?’ I also argued because I felt bad; he wanted to sleep on the couch next to me, for company. It is really sweet that he sleeps in the den with me. But, that is the kind of husband, friend, and you will soon see, dad, that he is.

I keep catching myself day dreaming in between segments of this o’ so long…‘letter’? My cubical is busy. I am not a very ‘busy’ person in daily life; but, a cubical needs something. Otherwise, you are just looking at gray, carpet-like walls. They are almost entirely covered with photos of me and your dad, a calendar, work notes and fliers, and the usual office décor. I can’t wait to post your beautiful face all over my cubical! Before I was pregnant, I never quite understood that either. I mean, yes, I have a heart and get why people are proud of their families. But, I just always thought, ‘wow, that mom thinks her kids are just awesome.’ But now, I understand. I love you so much that I am going to put your cute face all over this joint!

The back pain is increasing now. I think it may be how I am sitting in my chair. I always try to make it out to be these external factors and not you. I don’t want to give my hopes up that you are coming any time soon; although, you could start coming at any minute. It is all very hard to describe, the feelings that is. I am excited, terrified, and impatient. I really want it to come quickly; I want you to be here already! But, I am scared of the labor and the pain. I am also scared for your health. I hope and pray that you are healthy and everything goes ‘swimmingly’ during the whole labor and delivery process.


Apparently I got side tracked, because that is all there is. Wasn't that a nice walk down memory lane? haha Thanks for stopping in.........to my thoughts. :)

Cleaning Out the Closet

Getting rid of dispensable items is something that I have been thinking about lately. We have a lot of dispensable or unnecessary items in our lives. Let’s be honest – the glass vase in the guest bathroom filled with multicolored glass beads serves no purpose. The brown, leather box in the kitchen, originally meant to help us organize and has now become a catch-all, is being counterproductive. And, although Lucy’s mobile is adorable and gives a sense of completion for a nursery, it is pretty useless. It plays music for about a minute and then stops rotating and singing. Haha….nice try, but it takes a lot more than that to put her to sleep!

Heath and I cleaned out our closets - figuratively speaking. The items that once filled us with joy when we put them up on the checkout belt, now needed to say goodbye. They brought us $147 at our garage sale a few weekends ago. Yes, if you are wondering, we kept the vase in the bathroom, the brown box, and of course Lucy’s mobile!

It was as if my body knew though. It felt the childhood stuffed animals, the array of college room décor, and office furniture leaving. It decided I could afford to get rid of something else as well – my gallbladder.

Here I have been for 24 years, going along in life thinking I needed a gallbladder. I guess not. Although it serves a function (storing bile?), apparently it isn’t that “big of a deal.” It is the ugly step-sister, the runner up, the 16-year-old kid who rides a bicycle on Friday nights. So two weeks ago, I was told that it was coming out.

I had been having mild attacks for a few weeks and then had such horrible pain that I listed it number 2 on the pain list (number 1 being labor!). I was up all night and finally gave into Heath begging me to go to the doctor the next morning. Oh jeez… “Cori, your gallbladder is inflamed. You are scheduled for surgery Wednesday.” That was only a day away. Really? Is the gallbladder that unimportant that we just give up on it? My gallbladder is sick and we are just putting it down? Come on people, let’s get the heart paddles out; it isn’t over yet!

Alright, I’m being dramatic. But, seriously, do we give up on anything as easy? I have spent more time contemplating a clue on a crossword puzzle.

Although it seemed so worthless and easy to get rid of, just like our garage sale items, I feel the void! Let’s pretend that I don’t have four little scars on my torso as a reminder; all the same, eating just isn’t as fun! Those of you who have had your gallbladder taken out know what I am taking about!

It is when I think about what the surgeon said to me, that I am alright with all of it – “Your baby is to blame for this.”

It was a male surgeon, as if you didn’t already know. I don’t think he meant it to be mean, but it made me think – well then bring on ten surgeries. I would do anything for that 14 pounds of pure, round perfection!

Heath and I were willing to trade all of our 'closet items' for $147. And you know what? I am more willing to trade my gallbladder, pain, and more, for Lucy.


Note: Lucy finally rolled over for her mommy and daddy last week. :)

Life’s Little Blessings – Babies!

One of my good friends just had her baby yesterday! And, ah, the feelings it brings up for me. I am immediately taken back to Lucy’s birth and how it seems like so long ago. I know – it sounds ridiculous. She is only 16 weeks old. However, it was such a whirlwind of emotions that I have a hard time remembering one specific moment. The moments that do stick in my mind are odd. It is funny how the mind works.

I am not sure why, but once I realized that the pain I was feeling were actual contractions, I was weirdly calm. I was excited about Lucy making her way into this world! But, the amount of pain I would soon be feeling never really dawned on me. Yes, the contractions at home were painful, but not that bad in comparison to what I would later feel. That is something I remember well – the first really painful contraction. Once checked into the hospital and into my stylish gown, I went to the bathroom to splash water on my face. I had been walking up and down the stairs trying to progress labor and the radiators had the temperature at least 100 degrees; I’m sure of it! During my attempt to cool down,…bam. For some reason I thought that if I wiggled around enough I could relieve the ‘cramp.’ So, immediately I started hunching over, squatting, and ended up grasping the handicap assistance bar and thinking I was going to rip it out of the wall.

The next things I remember include being annoyed by Heath standing in front of my ‘focus picture’ during a horrible contraction, watching the scene from Sweet Home Alabama when she shows up at Jake’s house(while trying to sleep), then next thing I knew I was holding my baby girl.

The feeling of looking at that tiny baby that you carried around for so long, knowing that they already love you with all of their little heart, and trying to talk your brain into understanding that you actually created this miracle is amazing.

So, when I heard that my friend’s water broke, I was ecstatic for her. I knew that she was about to experience one of the most wonderful things that she will ever experience. But, it was 7 weeks early. I was terrified for her and sad about how she must have felt. I immediately felt blessed and silly for begging Lucy to come early. I didn’t want to bother her, so I compulsively checked Facebook and texts for updates…nothing. Then, an update - she had to get an emergency C-Section. My heart raced for her and I did some serious praying.

On May 25th, 2010 at 4:56 pm, her son was born. A healthy, almost 6 pound baby boy made his parents’ life complete! A later update claimed he was eating and didn’t need to be on oxygen. It was a true miracle for a 7 week premature baby, truly a miracle.

I thought a lot about it. Her experience was so much different than mine. I felt oddly reassured, and annoyed with Heath and the pain. She had to be scared and willing to feel any pain to guarantee well-being for her baby boy. But, it doesn’t matter now. Two different experiences; but, one wonderful outcome, life’s blessing – a baby.