Our Birth Story

A couple of out of the ordinary things took place on Wednesday that, in hindsight, signaled labor was right around the corner! For one, I was leaky all day at work (TMI, I know!). It wasn't much fluid but enough to become noticeably annoying- about a drop or two consistently throughout the day. I chalked it up to the baby pressing on my bladder, or just my lack of pelvic floor muscles have already started an incontinence issue!  The second weird thing was Miley's behavior! She had absolutely no energy and would almost go limp when I held her, she was overheated, and wouldn't eat or drink. I searched online for the cause and even contemplated taking her to an emergency vet! I found a few message boards where others have mentioned that their dogs were able to predict that labor was coming, but I still doubted that that was the case since the due date was still 2 weeks away. I stayed up late holding a damp cloth over her head and was really sad!

7:00 am: My alarm went off, and I was dragging. Even though it was my last day at work (and it was even a half day!), I didn't want to go! I sat up and my realized that my shorts were soaked through. My first thought was "Oh great, I peed the bed since I now have an old lady bladder!" When I stood up, a small amount dripped to the floor. I woke up David and told him that I'm dripping fluid!! As I walked into the bathroom, it continued. I called the doctor, and she said that it sounds like my water broke, and I need to go to the hospital! Every few minutes, another gush would come out. I went through a few pads and pairs of shorts in minutes. It was such a weird feeling as we were half rushing to get dressed and make sure the last minute things were packed. I was still in disbelief that this could really be the day. I didn't want to get my hopes up.

8:00 am: Admitted to the hospital and a nurse checked my cervix. I was ruptured!!! Dilated at 2 cm, and she could feel the baby's hair! Ahhh! We couldn't believe it! We spent the next few hours just watching tv and hanging out. I walked around the hallway for a good 20-30 minutes and was feeling completely normal! I was anticipating a long day of labor and assumed Nico wouldn't be born until that night.

                                                                      Our initial room

                                                    Feeling good wandering around the hallways

10:05 am: David and I were casually talking, and out of nowhere, an intense pain came over me. I didn't know what to do! It was miserable! Within seconds I was asking for pain medication! It was a lot worse than I thought the initial contractions would be. When the IV pain medication didn't change things much, I started to worry. I was only 2 cm dilated and already couldn't handle the pain?! I didn't want an epidural so early because of cost (I already knew my out of pocket cost based on length of time the epidural was in. Yeah, I know I'm cheap), plus then I'm stuck in bed alllllll day! I felt like such a wimp that I was already wanting it. Contractions occurred consistently every five minutes. As they would come on, I desperately grabbed David's hand and tried to focus on my breathing. After about 8-10 of those, I decided I was done and bring on the epidural! The anesthesiologist was busy with someone else, so the next 10-15 minutes seemed like hours!

I had David take a pic to see if I looked as miserable as I felt!

11:30 am: The anesthesiologist entered the room and I already started to feel better! Any serious or life threatening risk with this epidural that I had thought about in the last few months did not even cross my mind. All I wanted was to get that thing in me and working! David was advised to leave the room, so he decided to go get some food within a mile of the hospital. I felt a slight pressure as she inserted the needle, and I could feel it moving around in my spine, but I wouldn't call it painful. I was so focused on staying still and slumped down so the process would happen as fast as possible. With the next contraction, the pressure was lower and I felt as if I could push Nico out. Following the procedure, the nurse checked my cervix, and it was at 5 cm! They told me to call David right away and tell him to get back here!

12:00 am: The epidural was successful! I couldn't even feel when a contraction was occurring. The nurse checked again... 9 cm!! She called in other staff members to help get me into a delivery room asap, because this baby was coming out soon!!! As I was being wheeled down the hallway, it still had not hit me that we were having this baby?! Everything was such a blur and happened so fast. When we got to the room, they wanted me to flip over on my elbows and knees for a brief period of time. They also called for NICU nurses to come in the room, which scared us. I asked why they were in the room, but I got no specific answer other than reassurance that there was little concern and everything was fine. (I found out afterwards that Nico's heart rate had dropped to 90 bpm and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Scary stuff.)

12:15ish pm: The pushing began. And this is when my top fear kicked in- having a stroke while holding my breath for prolonged periods of time! They wanted me to bear down and push for 10 seconds, but I just couldn't do it. They said 7 sec was acceptable. Ok, deal! I pushed 2-3 sets of 7 seconds for only a handful of times. The nurses and doctors were very encouraging and helped me through it. I had a female doctor on staff do most of the work since my doctors hadn't made it to the hospital yet because of the unusually fast progression of labor. She was applying pressure down there with her finger and told me to press down into that spot. All I felt was the sensation of trying to have a bowel movement- no pain. Dr. Shimer did show up just in time for the last few pushes. When he told me that Nico was almost out and one more push may do it, I gave it all I had and it was the coolest feeling. I don't think I've ever been so motivated before in my life. I was ready to meet the little guy.

David was far across the room AND behind a curtain! I didn't even catch him peeking around, but he told me he did! At least he "made it." My prediction was always that he would pass out or be stuck on the toilet! Poor guy.

12:46 pm: After the final push, I waited to hear the sound of his cry. He whimpered a little bit initially as they held him up for me to see. I couldn't believe that I was looking at my son. All that I remember thinking is that he was the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. He began to cry within 15-20 seconds, and it was the best sound that I've ever heard. I watched Dr. Shimer cut his umbilical cord and then the nurses grabbed him to clean him up. I couldn't help but become overwhelmed with emotion as I looked over to David and saw his face peeking around the curtain at me.

Since I only got to stare at him briefly before they grabbed him and put him on a table, I was anxious for them to clean him off and let me see him and hold him. I had been looking forward to those first few minutes of bonding for so long. David came over and we just kept saying over and over again, "He's so cute!" We were the happiest we have ever been standing there as a family of 3.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                        

                                                                              

 

 

That day went by so fast! Both sets of grandparents came to meet Nico about an hour after birth. They all commented on how great his coloring was, how long his fingers were, and how cute his lips were! He's just perfect. They all soon went to eat lunch while we were taken to our new room. We spent the afternoon just hanging out in there. Anne came to visit Nico, and then the grandparents came back for a while. David and I had a few hours to just ourselves before he left to tell "the girls" (dogs) the news of their little brother. In those few hours, Nico opened his eyes for the first time and had a 5-10 min period of alertness. It was such a special time!

After he left, I spent a majority of the night just holding and starring at him. Breastfeeding went alright and he successfully fed for 3-5 minutes at a time. He had his first dirty diaper in the middle of the night, and I had to call the nurses to ask for help since I've never changed one before! Reality hit me at some point in the middle of the night, and I became overcome with emotion. I couldn't thank God enough for our little miracle.

It was an amazing first day. And the Rangers won too!

Week 37.5

My swelling has continued to get worse. Both feet and toes look like sausages, and it has spread into my hands/fingers too. On Saturday, I got so swollen that I went up to the hospital where I work to have my blood pressure checked. It was 147/91!!! I usually run no higher than 120/65, so this was a significant change. After resting a few hours at home, I checked again and it lowered back down to 130/70. Going to have to keep an eye on that.

David and I have started talking so much about Nico and what it will be like. I'm sure the conversations would be entertaining to an outsider since neither of us have no expectations and no clue what we are getting ourselves into! It's getting so real and every time I feel a little pain, I'm like "Oh maybe this is the start of it!" We seem to be alternating between an anxious excitement of hoping that today is the day, and a crazy panic of oh shit, today could be the day?! I find myself questioning and/or forgetting any piece of info that I thought I already knew! What will I feel? What exactly is false vs. real labor? When do I decide to call the doctor or go to the hospital?! Yikes!

David has continued to be in extra cute daddy mode lately. I'm loving this new side to him! He was talking this morning about getting baby cds or downloading music to play in Nico's room. Who is this guy?!

David thinks he will be due on the due date, August 10. I'm hoping and hoping he will be early and am going with July 29. Our parents votes all seem to be consistent with some time during the first week of August.

When people ask me if I am ready, I respond with "Yeah I guess so?!?!?" How could you possibly be "ready" for something so life-changing??? No, we have no birth plan. We are going to wing it. It's not like anyone can really control exactly how their labor will go. I am excited and nervous for labor and I've been wondering more and more lately what it will be like. I keep thinking about seeing him for the first time and what it will feel like... having him placed up on me for the first time... seeing David's face as he looks at him... having his tiny fingers wrap around one of my fingers... oooh I can't wait!

  

Week 37

Nico is full-term!

No new highlights from the latest doctor's appointment.

• Gained a few extra lbs and now we are over THIRTY for the total! 
• Still the same effacement and dilation.
• Heard his hearbeat at 138.
• Return in another week!

We were hoping she would say that I am dilated more, and this little guy is coming SOON! But no such luck.

I have seen a really cute change in David since he returned from his last out-of-town baseball trip. Reality has set in for him that this baby is coming soon! He has been doing a lot around the house and accomplishing the last min tasks. Clothes are washed, bags packed, and the car seat is even installed now! We have a code word for when the time comes and he constantly is texting me asking if it's time yet. Gotta love him!
 

On Tuesday, we went to meet the 2 women that will be watching Nico part-time. It will probably be only 1-2 days a week. One of the ladies was one of my PT patients for many months, so I really got to know her well and love her! She had been a preschool teacher for 18 years and has had enough of that. Her good friend that lives 2 doors down has been doing an in-home daycare for 4-5 kids for the last year or 2, so she decided to join in with her and add a few kids of her own. We went to their house and it looks like a great environment. They both are so sweet and fun, and David hit it off well with them too. We got a great feeling about it, and I think it will be such a great fit!

I had my last full day at work yesterday! WAHOO! Just going to go in Mon-Thurs next week for half days. My back isn't feeling any better, in fact, it's worse! That's why I'm home today- sitting on the computer and lying around. It's pretty boring, but it beats being at work I guess.

Last night we had an entertaining false labor scare. I started having severe cramps that were coming at regular intervals every 3-5 minutes for a good 30-45 min. I didn't seriously think it was "the real thing" but I couldn't help but wonder what the heck was going on! David pulled up some quizzes on his i-phone for us to go through to help determine what they were and what to do! They eventually went away.

Every day I wake up and think, "Maybe today is the day!" The wait continues.......

Week 36

The Week 36 checkup was on Monday. I'm 60% effaced and 1 cm dilated! Dr. Sloan thought that this was good news that my body is starting the work of labor already. It hurt like hell when she checked in there. My pain tolerance must really suck. She guessed Nico would come a little early, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is true, as long as he's healthy! I asked her a few labor related questions and she reassured me that none of her patients have become paralyzed from an epidural. 

Other details of the visit: Heard a heartbeat of 141 bpm, belly size measured normally, got a routine test for Group B Strep with a cotton swab, and found out that I only gained a few more lbs.

  

A picture speaks a thousand words. Picture B is normal. C is mine! He's getting closer...

I'm continuing to have abdominal uncomfortable pressure/cramps, plus a throbbing, more intense low back pain has started this week. Fun! By the end of the day, I can barely walk. I've dropped a handful of hours at work but this hasn't seemed to help much. Next week will probably be all I can handle, and then I'll start using vacation days. I'm actually using my 1st personal day of the year today (Friday) because my back is hurting so badly. Bummer.

I've entertained myself a little with the online, "Is labor coming soon" quizzes, and according to these goofy tests, I am starting to have a majority of the signs. Besides low back pain, I can just feel everything has been looser this week down there. My bathroom visits have doubled or tripled this week too. Such exciting things to share- ha!

I am slightly "over" the traumatizing breastfeeding class now! I have asked a few people the reality of it all, and it seems that the 3 hour feeding interval doesn't last too long. It may stretch to 4-5 hr. intervals after a quick while, and I may not have to get up multiple times in the night to keep my milk supply running after all. Phew. I apparently was pretty stressed on a subconscious level about all of this, because I had a dream/nightmare earlier this week that I was practicing breastfeeding already with Miley. What the heck?!

I feel that everything is about ready for this little guy to pop out. Just a few minor things left that don't have to necessarily be done. Gotta hang a couple things on the nursery wall and that room is done. Clothes, blankets, and bedding could be washed. David said he would figure out the car seat base too. That's all I can think of for now!

Belly shot

Nico has continued to move around a LOT! He must be ready to come out soon! It's entertaining every time he twists and turns to make my stomach look deformed. Here's a belly pic from this morning at 35 1/2 wks.

Another dose of reality: nursing

 

I went to the hospital's breastfeeding class this morning and it was extremely helpful but also a little bit discouraging as to the reality of what's ahead! It was a 3 1/2 hour course that covered in detail different techniques and answered any possible question you could have about it! What surprised me the most is the enormous time committment that it takes to do this successfully! I hope this process isn't as complicated as they made it out to be. 

So I knew that initially we will have to feed him every 3-ish hours, making a total of at least 8 feedings per day. I am over the shock of that. BUT... I figured that after a month or so of breastfeeding him myself, that there would be light at the end of the tunnel (aka a chance of me sleeping some nights and David feeding him a bottle of breast milk.) WRONG!!! So apparently my milk supply will decrease or even stop if I do not maintain the baby's demands for feeding. This all means that I will need to either a) breastfeed him myself at all times OR b) pump at the times that the baby feeds in order to keep my boob trained, while David is bottle feeding him! Either way, this involves ME having to do something! David's really getting off easy again with this whole baby thing! :) 

It just seems like all I will be thinking about is when do I have to feed him/pump next! And they recommend that you continue this for a year?! Yikes. I really want to do it right, because there are so many benefits and we want little Nico to be the healthiest he can be! I'm hoping that it will take just a few weeks, and we will have a routine down.

We went ahead and bought the breast pump last weekend. I know that this trip to the store was especially exciting for David! Ha!
 

Baby Shower!

We had Nico's Baby Shower last Saturday, July 2nd, and it was AMAZING! Kristan and her mom did such a great job. It was held at her grandmother's beautiful house in Dallas which overlooks a pond from the living room area. They had an assortment of food and desserts, we played a few games, and opened gifts! I can't thank everyone enough for coming plus spoiling us with such great things.

David and I only had to do a little shopping in order to complete our registry. We had a fun day on Monday and bought some of the feeding supplies, feeding booster seat, changing pad cover, and playyard sheets. Nothing too exciting but definitely necessary. Then we came home and put everything together/got the room officially ready! It is exciting to wake up with the play yard in our bedroom, knowing that it will be occupied soon!

I put together a slideshow below of some of the shower highlights:

Create your own picture slideshow

Week 34 Appt!

We had another doctor's appointment on Monday for the Week 34 checkup! I gained about 4 lbs from the last appointment, which makes my grand total 29 so far. (But hey at least we are still in the 20's...) Heard a heartbeat of 144 bpm, and the doctor said that everything is looking as it should. Pretty uneventful.

I have had a recent concern come up which has been a severe tightening and heavy pressure sensation towards the end of the workdays/workweek. In my head, it's not exatly what I would imagine a "Braxton-Hicks contraction" being since it seems more than just a tightness. The pressure feels so heavy and abnormal and it feels like he is going to fall out of me, but who knows?! Dr. Sloan said that I need to back off work, because the so-called contractions were probably caused by exhaustion, and if I didn't make a change, that I may be at risk for preterm complications. Ugh!

So following that conversation on Monday, the heavy pressure has not only increased in frequency, but occasionally has resulted in a very painful cramping sensation! Fun times! I had to leave work early yesterday because it was so limiting. I have come to the conclusion that it is unlikely for me to last 6 more weeks at work! I'm taking it one day at a time, but anticipate throwing in the towel within a week or 2 of the due date... assuming/hoping I can even make it that long! We'll see what tomorrow brings!

On a better note, little Nico has been moving around like CRAZY and it is so fun to feel and see. We haven't been able to decipher any specific body parts poking out yet. It has been more like big chunks that protrude out of me, so it must be his head or rear end! He really gets going shortly after a meal. A week or so ago was the first time that David felt one of these major movements. The little guy must have been completely turning or doing flips in there, because it was dramatic. It freaked David out and he hasn't felt much since!

This is all definitely getting more real by the day! We can't wait to meet him!

Bring on Week 34: Work shower

We are exactly a month away from Nico being considered "full term" at 37 weeks! Yesterday our countdown until August 10th hit the big 5-0! I know these last 7 weeks will fly by!

I am continuing to get bigger and am definitely feeling the effects! It's been significantly harder to get comfortable this week. I constantly change positions at night and can't seem to find a good one. This pregnancy thing isn't as fun as it used to be!

 

Work continues to be a challenge each week with more fatigue and physical aches and pains. I've become very whiney to David at home but try to keep my complaining to a minimum otherwise! I have woken up a few mornings this week and seriously questioned how I was going to make it through another day, much less possibly 6-7 more weeks! The ankles are still looking attractive, as you can see!

We went to a Baby Care class last Wednesday which was very informative! There were a lot of helpful tips and all of the basics were covered- bathing and umbilical cord/circumcision care, diapering, feeding, swaddling, when to call your doctor, etc etc. It was nice to touch on the necessary expectations and tasks since neither of us have been around babies and are clueless!

 

We made a couple fun additions to his room: the baseball rug, bookshelf, clock, and photo frame! I'm in love with his room!

 



 

We are close to having the room officially complete! There are just a few more details that are left!

Today was a special day because it was my work shower! It was actually supposed to be a dual shower, but my coworker's wife went into labor this morning! 

 

We had a lot of food! Taco salad/nacho type food, veggies, fruit, and the cutest cupcakes!

It was so thoughtful of my work to throw a shower for us! We got a couple hooded towels, books, clothes, blankets, bath stuff, a shopping cart cover, and a bottle warmer that plugs into the car. Very nice stuff!

8 months!

Week 32's Doctor's Appointment went well! I found out that if you start crying like an emotional pregnant woman for no reason, then they give you a free sneak peek look at your baby and a nice bag full of samples to make you feel better! 

So this pic can be hard to tell what is what, but if you look from a distance, it's easier. His head is tilted towards you and the facial features are pretty distinct! You can make out both eyes, the nose, chubby cheeks, and his mouth!

Here is a profile pic from the side. He was difficult and wasn't in the mood to have pictures taken of him. He kept moving his arm to cover his head, and he also stuck his tongue out at us. Then he went to sleep!

 

Besides getting a glance at him, the other highlight is that I have not continued to exponentially gain weight over the last few weeks! Still right around 25 lbs total so far.

So my emotional little episode started when I asked the nurse what it would cost/if it was possible to get a quick ultrasound viewing. I have been feeling that all of this STILL hasn't "hit me" the way that I thought it would, and maybe that means that I'm not bonding the way I should be?! I thought that seeing him again may change my perspective, and it did! It was fun to see that we still have a growing little boy in there.

We're in the 30's!

My Week 30 Appt was quick and uneventful. The heartbeat was at 151 and everything is measuring right on target! Dr. Shimer pressed deep into my abdomen to locate his head and told me that he is all ready to go with his head in the downward position! Scary + exciting!

So I've gained another few pounds, making my total gain around 25 lbs already! I'm hoping at least a few of those are because of the recent swelling. Check out the nice thumbprint that lasts for minutes in my foot!
 

I've really started to feel the physical effects of this whole process in the last few weeks. Luckily, the rib issue has resolved (knock on wood!), but overall my back/feet aching and level of exhaustion have continued to rise.
 

David and I went to infant safety and CPR class on Wednesday night. David missed one of his playoff hockey games to go, and it was cute to see that he put this as a priority. They reviewed a million home modifications and safety tips to consider that it makes you wonder how any kid has ever survived! The most valuable part was CPR and choking practice. Even though it wasn't the most fun thing we have ever done, it was a good thing for us to do together.

The definite highlight of the week is that Nico's room is painted!!! It looks awesome!!!

 

 

 

It turned out better than we imagined! All of the colors seem to fit together. We still have quite a few things to add (especially on the bare walls), but it's a work in progress! Thanks to my parents for getting us the curtains- they really tie the room together!

 
David ordered a really cute backpack for Nico online and had it personalized. It will be useful as a diaper bag for the next few years!

 

One of my patients gave us this bouncer, because he has been looking to get rid of it! I have some of the nicest patients and have received about 10 baby gifts in the past month (a few blankets, a lot of clothes, and a piggy bank)!

 

 

Little Miss Attention has found a good napping spot. The dogs can tell that something is up.

A Great Weekend: Happy 2nd Anniverary!

Happy Two Years to US! We had such a fun weekend celebrating our 2nd year anniversary! We take turns planning each year, and this was David's year to be in charge. It was a perfect weekend because we were able to spend a lot of quality time together. We went out for sushi followed by ice cream on Friday night. On Saturday, he took me to The Original House of Pancakes for breakfast, which is where we ate the morning after our wedding. On the way home, we stopped to buy a decorative mantle that we have been really wanting for our bedroom. He said this was the weekend to splurge on it, and I wasn't allowed to worry about money for the rest of the day. THEN, we went to get pedicures!! What a full weekend already.

 

We relaxed at home for a while before going to my cousin, Caitlyn's, 1st year birthday party. She is so cute. It was funny watching her demolish her birthday cake, and it made me excited for future celebrations with Nico!

To top off the weekend, David made reservations for an AMAZING dinner at Del Frisco's on Saturday night. I have to brag- I'm one lucky girl.
 

Here's what's going on with the little guy for the next few weeks!

• His eyes are open and are beginning to blink! He can distinguish between light/dark, follow a blinking light, and produce tears.
• Response to sound grows more consistent-  he should recognize David and my voice now!
• He continues to breathe in water to practice the breathing motion. The lungs are capable of breathing now, but he would struggle and need medical attention. By Week 31, the lungs are the only major organ left to complete development.
• Eyebrows and eyelashes are noticeable.
• His body is finally becoming plump with fat accumulating.
• He's increasingly sensitive to changes in light, sound, taste, and smell.
• He is moving from side to side, but probably still is head up. In the next few weeks, he will move to the head down birthing position.

I had to finally give in and take some Tylenol this morning. Nico must be shoved up into my ribs! It's impossible to get comfortable and my right side is tender to the touch. Hopefully this is just a phase, and he will stop pushing up into them!

7 months already!

When people ask how far along I am, and I respond with "7 months," a majority of people are in disbelief, including myself! It just sounds SO far along compared to how I feel/how I look, and it's hard to believe that we are only a few months away! Time has gone by pretty fast.

In the past few weeks, Nico has started moving A LOT more! I have started to notice movement every few hours. His kicks are stronger, and I can see my stomach twitching like a muscle spasm. David has been able to feel a few of the strong kicks, but they have been hard to catch! Just when I tell him to put his hand on my stomach, they seems to stop. Nico is a little sh*t already! He has had the hiccups a few times which are entertaining! I love feeling him move. I get excited every time.

Week 28 appointment went well: 

• I gained another 8 lbs over the last month (making the total gain 22 lbs so far)! Fatty!
• Heard a normal heartbeat of 140 bpm.
• Got my Rhogam shot. (Since my bloodtype is negative, I need the shot so my body doesn't build immunity against the baby's blood if his is positive).
• Got tested for gestational diabetes, which was negative.
• Gotta go on iron supplements because some of my bloodwork is low.
• Dr. Shimer checked the cervix, measured my belly, and it's all looking good. 

Now I have doctor's appointments every 2 weeks. I was a little bummed to hear that we do not get any more ultrasounds unless medically necessary. We may not see the little guy again until the big day!

Overall, I have been feeling well. Nothing seems out of the ordinary- Continued physical aches and pains, a little more tired as the week ends, and hormonal/moody and snapping at David on occasion. (what else is new with that though?!)

On a more fun note, we bought a glider! I found it on Craigslist for a very affordable price. It rocks and swivels, and is very comfortable! It's hard to tell in the picture, but there are small blue checkered lines throughout the fabric.

We are having the nursery painted on Tuesday! We changed our minds on the color and are going with red and blue now instead of neutral. It's risky, but we think it will be fun! We are so excited! Cindy and Dave are also giving us the gift of having our master bedroom painted, and our master bathroom/downstairs bathroom painted AND textured. It will all look awesome, and we are spoiled!