A Day Early: Part 2

Once it wad determined that my baby was still breech and I was in labor (I was dilated 2 cm but Nolan was at a -1 in the birth canal,) I was wheeled into my Labor and Delivery room.  This is the room that if I was having a vaginal birth, everything would happen in.  However, with a C section, I would start in this room, go to the OR for the C section, and then come back to this room for my recovery.  I had been told in our hospital tour that my baby would be in the room with me pretty much once I was there.  I was happy about this because only 2 other people besides me could be in the labor and delivery rooms (J would obviously be there with me) and this way I could bond with my baby before going to my post pardom room to see all our family.  Having some time with Nolan and J was very important to me before I would have to hand him off to everybody.\

Let me tell you, contractions hurt like nothing I have ever felt.  Holy crap they hurt!  Since I was having a C section, they could not give me anything to help with the pain.  They were coming every 2 minutes.  I do not know how people go through that for hours.  I was hating it and I was only on hour 2.  My labor and delivery nurse gave J some disposable scrubs that he had to put on over his clothes.  J told me later that he heard my L and D nurse in the hall arguing with another nurse. I guess the poor girl who had a scheduled 10:30 am C section kept getting bumped and they wanted her to go before me.  My nurse said absolutely not, my contractions were too close and I was in pain.  Later I joked that she could have my 10:30 am spot in the morning because I was not going to be able to use it! Around 5pm I was wheeled into the OR and J had to wait on a bench outside for them to get me ready.  I had to sit on the side of the table and hunch over hugging a pillow.  They administered my spinal block which I am so glad I could not see the needle.  It was so hard to sit still in the middle of the contractions.  On one stick, I felt a weird sharp pain in my left butt check, like a stinging.   Pretty soon, I was numb and in heaven because I was free of contraction pain.

They helped me lay back on the table and started prepping my belly by washing and sterilizing.  They even strapped my arms down.  The longest part was waiting for the soap to dry, a timed 3 minutes.  I happened to get the shift change and Dr. McCloskey came in to deliver my baby.  Had I been able to make it my scheduled date, my actual doctor, Dr. Ward would have done the C section.  The blue tarp went up and I knew in the next few minutes, my life would be forever changed.

J was finally allowed to come in the OR and I am pretty sure I had already been cut open.  It was such a weird feeling, I was wide awake and knew what was going on but could not feel pain. I could feel pressure and what not but nothing hurt...thank goodness.  I can't remember what J and I talked about but I was so nervous, I remember just telling him to talk to me....about anything.  I think it took a little more effort to get Nolan out because he was breech but finally the nurse behind me told me he was out.  Nolan was born at 5:27pm. Dr. McCloskey showed him to us from around the curtain....his legs were up in a sideways pike, he wasn't clean, but he was perfect. I know I cried.  So did J.  It took what seemed like forever before I heard him cry. It was music to my ears.  It seemed like forever before J returned with our baby.  A nice nurse took our first family photo...it was so tough and such and awkward angle to look at my baby, but I didn't care.  He was the most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen.  I was I remember just telling them, I want to see my baby.

I was taken up to the 6th floor to my new room 611 without my baby.  We were told that he was almost ready to come to our room. I was so anxious.  Finally around 9:30, I was able to hold and kiss my baby. I still just can't get over how much I already loved him.  J and I took a few moments with him and then had our parents come in.  What an special moment to see their faces when they got to meet Nolan.  My nurse told me that Nolan had to go back to the nursery at 11pm for a bottle.  They wanted to monitor his pulse ox levels for one more feeding.  I was sad that I didn't get to give him his first bottle, and now second bottle, but was more happy that he was ok.

Our parents left around 10:30 and J and I got settled in our room.  Megan my nurse was very nice and got all of our paperwork out of the way.  I was drugged and don't remember much of what we did.  I was able to give him his 2am bottle.  They put these mesh undies on me so I could move to the rocking chair.  It felt so weird to stand...and so sore.  I wished I was allowed to keep these undies on but as soon as they got me back in bed they had to come off.  Nothing like having your vagina checked every so often when nothing even came out of it.

Nolan stayed in the room with us that night.  Since we didn't even get to really have him until midnight, we didn't want to send him to the nursery.  J got like 4 hours of sleep and I really didn't get any, but for once it was so worth it.

A Day Early Part 1

Wednesday, February 19th was supposed to be my last day as a pregnant lady. My parents were flying in from Texas and J and I were going to meet them at one of my favorite restaurants in Clayton, Almonds  I even made us reservations.  I had a nail appointment scheduled at 11am and planned on getting a pedicure after.  I planned on hitting the gym  to do 30 minutes on the elliptical before my appointments.   I needed to finish laundry and go to the grocery store.  Tuesday, I was having a lot of back spasms (not sure if labor or just back pain), so I decided to go and get a prenatal massage which was heavenly.

Wednesday, I woke up after actually sleeping really well the night before.  I had taken a muscle relaxer (totally approved  by my OBGYN) to help my back spasms.  I was still having back pain and had what I can only describe as menstral like cramps when I woke up.  I googled back pain and menstral like cramps at 38 weeks and most said I was in the beginning stages of labor.  My OB did not check my cervix at my appointment on Monday because I guess it really didn't matter since I was scheduled.  I got dressed in my work out clothes and J told me I probably shouldn't work out.  I ate some breakfast and started a load of laundry.  I had some work I needed to get done so I took care of that.  I decided I should probably wash my hair and style it, in case I did go into labor.  ( I do not wash my hair everyday and was saving it until Thursday before my scheduled C section).  I had also packed my suitcase with clothes but added all my toiletries just in case. IF not, I would just use them again in the morning and repack.

I went ahead and drove to my nail salon which happens to be close to my hospital.  I called my doctor's office on the way to the salon and left a message for the nurse to call me.  Harry, who does my nails, did not have anyone in the 10am slot, so when I arrived at 10:15, I asked if we could do my nails and then I would get a pedi.  I just had to make sure my nails were done...I had a broken one.  I was able to get both my nails and my toes done while still having cramps.  The nurse called and since I wasn't have contractions 8 minutes apart or in a rhythmic fashion.  I've never been in labor before, I have no idea what contractions feel like, but my water had not broken and I was not bleeding, so they told me we would go a head with our previous plans.

I was home and finishing up some work and had a nice call with my boss.  I started folding laundry in our bedroom when all of a sudden I had what I can now call a strong contraction and felt liquid flowing out.  Holy crap, my water actually broke.  My first instinct was to rush to the toilet and sit there until I was done leaking.  I called J and told him with shaking hands that he needed to come home now because we needed to go to the hospital.  I called my parents as they were getting ready to board their plane to tell them to meet us at the hospital not the restaurant.  I called my boss to say hey I know we just talked but my water broke and I can't finish my emails.  Then I just sat.  Every time I stood up, more fluid would rush out.  No one told me you leak the entire time.  J gets home, loads the car, takes the trash out, and I am still on the toilet. By the time I got in the car (bring a towel if this ever happens to you....I did not) my contractions were like 2-3 minutes apart and hurt like hell.  J was very nice and gave me his hand to squeeze for each one.  We live 25 minutes from the hospital, and thankfully we were not in traffic yet.  The valet at the hospital was packed, so J dropped me off at the side door and I walked to the elevators praying I wasn't leaving a trail of amnionic fluid as I went, pausing for contractions.

I made my way to the Women's evaluation unit, where they had to take my information, vitals, and weight.  When I stood up to get on the scale, I left a pool of fluid in the chair....how embarrassing. They sent me in for a urine sample....well I have no idea if the got any urine.  I was put in a room and dressed in a gown. Every contraction was accompanied by more leaking fluid.  Not my idea of a comfortable situation.  They brought in the ultra sound and my stubborn little man was still breech.....so C section it would definitely be.

Maternity Photos

I am lucky to know a couple of photographers in the St. Louis area.  I called around to see who offers a first year package (usually a maternity, newborn, 6 month, and 1 year session) for a reasonable price. Right now as much as I would love to have the most professional photos ever, I just can't afford them with all the other things that need to be bought and done.

My friend Danielle has a photography company that is just getting started.  She loves talking pictures of babies and kids and is very nicely priced. Plus you get a copy of the disc with the rights to the photos within a week. Check her out at dtinneaphotography.com  The first time we had planned on an outdoor maternity session, we had a blizzard.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I would have loved snowy pictures, but not when the temperatures are below zero.  So we did the next sunday, which was much warmer but so windy.  Here are a few of the pictures she took.

Side note:  In some of them, I think I really just look heavy and not pregnant.  I promise, I am only 5 weeks away from my due date..

33 week appointment

I feel like I am always driving the 30 minutes to the doctor’s office.  I know, I should have changed doctor’s when we moved out to St. Charles, but I was starting to go meet with the fertility doctor or was just referred to him when we moved.  I really didn’t want to go through a whole find a new doctor kind of thing when I really like the doctor I have and how he was on board with not making me wait much longer before referring me to a specialist.

I gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks so I was happy about that.  (When are you ever happy to see a +2 on the scale???  I was actually coaxing the scale to move in the up direction.)  My belly grew and I measured 32 weeks (a week behind is an ok measurement)!  However, I really do not have that big of a belly people say.  I mean I am up 17 pounds this week so it is not like I haven’t gained any weight. I just must be putting it on all over the place. I know my face is fatter which I do hate…I feel puffy all the time.  I also know I have an ass for the first time in like 10 years (when I started my weight watchers journey.)  My boobs have grown again and I just hate that I had to buy another new bra for not much longer.  I wish there was some pill, I could have taken at the beginning of my pregnancy to stop my boobs from growing and the whole shebang.

Side note:  I am not planning on breast feeding.  I have never ever wanted to.  I am not remembering if I have mentioned this in past posts before.  My mother did not breast feed my sister or me (maybe that has something to do with my thoughts on the matter.) Yes, I know that it is good for the baby, yes I do know that there are antibodies passed in breast milk that are not passed via the placenta.  (If you want to get technical, the IgG form passes the placenta and the IgA form is passed in breast milk).  Mind you, the IgA only lasts 30 days…hell I do have a masters in Immunology.  I turned out just find and was not a sick child or really a sick person in general.  Breast feeding makes me uncomfortable.  I am all for people breast feeding in privacy.  I have problems with breast feeding in public, even when covered up. I just wish people would pump and bottle feed breast milk in public.  However, that being said, it is your right to do so and it is my right to formula feed.  Until now, I have not vocalized my thoughts on breast feeding, so what betting place where I can be open and honest. I would appreciate the same gesture….I have been lectured over and over by people, strangers mainly. I smile and politely end the conversation.  So if I offend you on my side note, I am sorry, not my intentions. 

Back to my appointment:  Nolan is still breech.  I swear to you, he is doing the opposite of turning downward. He is moving straight up into my ribs.  I guess they make a fun jungle gym.  I am surprised he hasn’t knocked a rib out yet.  I discussed this with my doctor. I  will have another ultrasound at my next week’s appointment, I will be 35 weeks or almost 36 depending on which due date you go by, and if he is still breech we will go ahead and schedule my c section for February 20^th.  I think I may have had a little panic attack in the room.  Holy hell, that is only 5 weeks away……now 4 and a half weeks.  There is so much I still need to do.  That is a week before my LMP due date of 2/27.  However, the ultrasound put my due date at 3/3.  However, my doctor is out of town at a conference for both of my due dates, so if I want him to do the c section we will do 2/20 (which I do want him if possible).  So stay tuned to the January 28^th ultrasound.

Seriously.....Move

I need to back up and do some updating.  When we left off,  I had been scared that poor Nolan was not growing.  J and I went the next day for an ultrasound and my stubborn boy is breech and curled up. But weighing in at 4 pounds (they estimate) in the 55%. This was on a Friday.  By the next Thursday, we had our next scare. 

Nolan is pretty active and for the most part I love this about him.  I was told  by my doctor that I should feel him move about 10 times per hour.  Now, when I am up and moving about, I may not notice it. So two times a day I need to pay attention and do kick counts.  Well Thursday by 3:30 when J got home,  he had not moved all day.  I came downstairs, had some caffeine and an orange (both things that usually get him moving) and nothing.  I laid in every position that usually works to get him moving and got nothing.  J looked at me and by 5 o’clock told me to call the doctor’s office.  I am very impressed with the exchange because I had a call back within 10 minutes. The doctor on call told me it would be a good idea for me to come on in and get monitored.  J and I made our way to St. Mary’s.  I can’t lie, I was pretty freaked out.  I have been pretty calm for most of my pregnancy, but for a boy that was so active, I couldn’t imagine why he was so still.  I had done pilates in the moring and hoped that was not the cause, since I had not done PiYo in a while.

We went up to the 5^th floor of the hospital which is the labor and delivery floor and headed straight to the women’s evaluation center.  They quickly took my info and vitals and got me in a hospital gown and my belly hooked up to a heart rate monitor and some other monitor for my uterus.  To my relief, there was a strong steady heart beat.  However, the resident doctor wanted to do an ultrasound to make sure baby was ok.  Nolan is still breech and I guess having a lazy day in utero.  He was moving a little bit but nothing to where I could feel him.  They also noted that my placenta is anteriorly positioned which could make me feeling him more difficult.  They did a quick measure of the amnionic fluid space and all was good.  They had me drink some apple juice and walk around the labor and delivery halls to see if we could get him to where I could feel him.  I felt like J and I were wandering around trying to get my labor going.

Once we got back to my room, they rehooked me up to the heart rate and uterus monitors.  I finally felt him kick.  A few minutes later the nurse and doctor both walk in the room and say simultaneously, “Are you not feeling that?”  I, of course, thought they meant the kicks.   I said yes he has started to kick a little.  Their reply was no, not the kicks…..the contractions.  Well my uterus tightens up every now and then, but I just thought they were Braxton hicks and since they didn’t hurt, I didn’t think much about them.  Apparently, I had had 3 or 4 contractions I didn’t even know or feel.  Gosh I hope that is how labor goes, but I know that will not be the case.    The doctor checked my cervix and it was closed so we were able to go home.  I was not ready to be admitted to have this baby yet. 

Since our quick dash to the hospital, Nolan has been cooperative and active.  I guess he really just wanted a lazy day.

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32 weeks.....Holy crap!

How far along? 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 16 pounds at my 31 week exam. I was actually down a pound from my 29 week appointment. However, I feel huge.

Maternity clothes? I am in love with my maternity leggings. If there is elastic in it....I am loving it!

Stretch marks?  I may have some up higher on my sides by my rib cage but I can't see there very well any more.

Sleep:  Good nights and bad nights. I am having such weird dreams also.  I have to sleep with a pillow between my legs too..

Best moment this week:  Well this was a bad moment that ended up being good.  When i went in for my 31 week exam, the nurse practicioner measured my belly as they do now and it only measured 28 weeks, which is what I measured at my 29 week exam.  At 29 weeks that was ok, but I didn't grow at all for 2 weeks which made her schedule me an ultrasound for the next available appointment.  Luckily that was the next day at 10am.  Nolan is just fine.  He is coming in around 4 pounds right now which puts him in the 55%.  He was being stubborn and not letting us see his face too much.  He kept sticking his tongue out also. The ultrasound tech said he looked like he was licking the placenta.  Our only concern is that he hasn't turned yet, so hopefully this stubborn boy will turn soon and not be breech.

Miss Anything? Sleep and having energy

Movement:  It comes in waves. Some days he is really active and others not so much.

Food cravings:  anything and everything.....I am always hungry. But pizza always sounds good.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  not at all

Gender prediction: Boy

Labor Signs:   Not yet, thank goodness but I am getting the Braxton Hicks contractions.

Symptoms:  my belly is definitely out......and my boobs are huge 

Belly Button in or out?  In.

Wedding rings on or off?  On.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy but very easily stressed with work

Looking forward to: playing with my new nephew!  J's sister just had her baby yesterday and he is just the cutest thing ever.

Next appointment:  I see my doctor January 15th..

28 Weeks: Third Trimester....Wow

I can hardly believe I am in my third trimester.  I have been so busy working and trying to sleep that I have not been good about writing.  Work has been super crazy with travel, closing a huge million dollar/year account (contracts being signed soon), and training in Miami.  Also J's grandmother got very sick after Thanksgiving with double lung pneumonia.  She was in ICU on a vent for almost a week. We really didn't think that she was going to make it.  God is definitely watching out for her, as she recovered and was just moved to a rehab facility.

Here is my latest pregger update.....

How far along? 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 17 pounds. However, I feel huge.

Maternity clothes? I am in love with my maternity leggings. I can still wear some over sized sweaters and work out clothes. 

Stretch marks?  No new ones, I don't think.

Sleep:  Not so great anymore.  I just can not get comfortable any more and I know it will just get worst.

Best moment this week: last week I was in MIami with my co workers and I had one of the best meals of my life at Joe's Stone Crab in South Beach.  It was amazing.

Miss Anything? The tanning bed....I hate winter and miss my 20 minutes in the warm cocoon.  I really missed having a drink last week in MIami with everyone.

Movement:  This child is a kickboxer...I swear!  But I love it.

Food cravings:  anything and everything.....I am always hungry.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  not at all

Gender prediction: Boy

Labor Signs:   Not yet, thank goodness

Symptoms:  my belly is definitely out......and my boobs are huge 

Belly Button in or out?  In.

Wedding rings on or off?  On.

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy but very easily stressed with work

Looking forward to: Christmas in Texas!!!!

Next appointment:  I have to do the damn glucose test friday and I see my Dr. on Tuesday December, 17.

25 weeks

Thanksgiving day, 26 weeks

28 weeks