First 2 weeks home!

So I have done a horrible job keeping up with the blog. But...I do have a good excuse, this cutie:


So rather than going through and writing it all down I will just do a photo collage instead!
These are from the 2 weeks!!!

First Bath

She slept through the whole thing!

Happy Girl!!

Heading to the doctor!

Uncle Will came to visit!

Daddy giving her the 1st bottle!

Sweet Emma came!!!

Tummy time!

Pretty girl!!

Starting to keep her eyes open some!

Beauty!

Week 2:

Sweet little toes

First bath in her tub!

She liked it better!!

Sweet family of 4!

hanging out with Daddy!

Sweet cuddle bug!

Play time!!!
 

Birth Story

So I left off when my mom got to the hospital around 5:30. But first a few pictures from the 1st evening and morning...

Here I am just hanging out before things started hurting!

 

Daddy's side of the room. Our room was HUGE...(Side story: when I was in triage watching my BP, our nurse was about to switch over to the charge nurse for the evening. Once they decided to admit me and took me to my room she came in and told us since she liked us so much, she gave us the biggest room on the ward! It was so nice and I was thankful to have such a wonderful experience)

 

Waiting on Baby B!! It was so neat looking at this and knowing in a short period of time our little one would be laying in there!

 

Babies heartbeat...

Contractions over night...they weren't really regular yet!

 

Ok so back where I stopped yesterday...

When she got there Brian went down to get something to eat and brought them coffee back up to the room.
We were just chatting and waiting on the doctor for a while.
Around 8:00am they turned up my pitocin.
Around 9:00 my midwife, Shakira, came in and broke my water. At this point I was around 3 cm dilated. This is when everything changed very quickly. My pain level went from a 1 to an 8 within 3 contractions. It was so intense I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I kept debating whether to try Stadol or just get the epidural.
About this time Brian's mom came in briefly but I was in so much pain so she didn't stay in the room long. She never left the hospital that day though just waiting for Baby B to arrive!
Around 10:15 the pain was so intense I just couldn't take it anymore. After talking with Brian and my Mom who both told me that I needed to do what was best...I asked for the epidural.
Little did I know that it would take over and hour and a half to get it!!! That was the worst hour and a half...they wanted me to sit on the edge of the bed so I would be ready when the anesthesiologist got there. Too bad that is the worst position to sit in when you are having contractions every 2 minutes! I was in so much pain and really don't think I would have gotten through it if it hadn't been for Brian and my mom.
I finally was ready for the epidural which was much more painful than anyone had told me. The initial "numbing medicine" was way worse than the "sting and a pinch" like he said it was going to be! I also had 2 contractions while he was putting it in which was incredibly hard to stay still. Brian did such a god job talking me through them and getting me to hold still and stay calm.
Once the epidural was in my mom came back in the room and I felt relief immediately. Within 2 contractions I could no longer feel them. At this point they checked me again and I was now 6cm dilated. They said it would take at least another 4 hours before I would be fully dilated and then it would take between 1-3 hours to push.
Everyone kept telling me to get some sleep but I couldn't really...I was just so excited!!! Brian's Mom came back in for a bit and we all just sat around chatting a bit. Around 2:30 something felt different so finally after some convincing, the nurse checked me again and Baby B was right there and I was fully dilated. Our moms went to the waiting room for the delivery.
Shakira came in and everything was set up...I started pushing at 2:44.
We told Shakira that we wanted Brian to announce what the baby's gender was and she agreed.
After being told I was awesome at pushing and laughing with everyone in between contractions, Baby B was born at 2:54!!!
I knew the gender right away by the way that Shakira lifted her up and put her on my chest but poor Brian couldn't see it. I was so overcome with emotion that I started crying! Brian finally said well what is it??? I was able to get out...IT'S A GIRL!!!
I really couldn't believe it and I was so excited to be able to say that we had a beautiful daughter named...

Willa Mae

Born: March 26, 2013 at 2:54pm

Weighed: 7 lbs 14 oz

Length: 20 1/2 inches

 



Big girl 37 weeks 5 days!

Cleaned up a little bit!!

Daddy holding Willa for the first time!

First family photo!!!

 

Holding my little one again!

 

 

Brian went out and told our moms...they were really excited. They came back after I nursed her for the first time.

 Mimi (my mom) holding her for the first time!

 

Nana (Brian's mom) holding her for the first time!

GDad (my dad) and Pappy (Brian's dad) holding Willa!

They both got to the hospital around 5:30 which was so exciting!

Willa's first bath...she hated it!!! This was the only time she really cried!

Hanging out on Mommy's bed!!

So that is all for now...we have had so many visitors and I will do another post soon!

38 weeks...almost

So this was the last pregnancy photo I took. It was a total joke because I felt so bad and HUGE. I sent this to my mom the morning of Monday March 25 with the caption " Can it get any bigger?? I'm starting to get worried!"
I never thought at the time that it would be the last time going to work and that the next day we would be meeting our baby!
I had felt really bad all weekend, being nauseous and faint and the swelling had gotten worse. I thought my blood pressure may have been off but wasn't sure. I went to work that day where everyone told me I looked off. I had an appointment at 4:10 so I got there a little early and as I was sitting in the waiting room, Brian surprised me by coming to the appointment. I am so glad that he was there with me as everything unfolded. When we went back the nurse was worried about the fact I was feeling sick and after taking my blood pressure we knew why. It was very elevated for me so after the midwife came back we tried again and it was still high. After she left us alone for a bit where Brian and I were joking around it was still high. She decided we needed to head over to  labor and delivery to be monitored and hopefully it would come down some.
After a few hours and being told many different things it was finally decided around 10:45pm that we would be induced that night and having a baby the next day!!!
My mom hopped in the car and drove through the night. Brian had to go home and get all of our bags and take care of Daisy.
That night Brian and I barely slept because we were so excited and I also had to get all set up for the next day. We got the IV all set up and the low dose pitocin started that night. Mom got to the hospital around 5:30!!!
More of the birth story coming soon...

How far along: 37 weeks 5 days

Development:  Babycenter said she should weigh about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long! She was 7 pound 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long!!!

Movement: Lots of movement and stretching at the end...you could tell she was running out of room!

Weight Gain:  28 pounds!!

Maternity Clothes: Everything for the most part...clothes were the enemy at this point!

Stretch Marks:  None when I went in to the hospital but my body was teasing me...due to the drastic change when she was born I now have a lovely collection of stretch marks!! They are totally worth it though!

Best moment of my week:  Meeting baby Willa!!!

Worst moment:  Feeling so sick that weekend!

Sleep: None at all really...I was so uncomfortable and not feeling good at all!

Miss Anything: I was really ready to feel normal again.

Food Cravings: Wasn't really eating!

Aversions:  Everything...I felt so sick!

Gender: We know now that IT IS A GIRL!!!

Symptoms: weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long

Labor signs: contractions all weekend! I thought they were just Braxton Hicks but they were early contractions.

Belly Button:  Stayed in the whole time!! Yay!

Rings:  They didn't get back on until 10 days postpartum!!

Moody or Happy: I was so happy that we were going to meet her soon!!! Her Birth day was the best day of my life for sure!

Looking Forward: Raising this sweet baby girl!

37 Week Update

 



How far along: 37 Weeks (Baby is now considered full term!!! Can't wait to hold this little one...Mama is getting tired and BIG!)

Development: Baby should be around 6.5 lbs and 19 inches long

Movement: Still alot of movement...tossing and stretching for sure! Still getting the hiccups alot!! I guess we better get some Gripe water to have on hand for this little one!

Weight Gain: as of Monday I was at 22 lbs total gained (I lost a pound from the week before)

Maternity Clothes: Everything maternity and now I am just trying to get by...yoga pants have their daily appearance and Brians shirts have become my pajamas!

Stretch Marks:  Still don't have any but worried at this point. This belly is REALLY getting stretched! Hoping none show up!

Best moment of my week: Finding out things are progressing on Monday! I am 1cm dilated so things are happening! We shall see how things keep up!! Hospital bags are packed and waiting!!!

Worst moment: Sleeping is bad again!

Sleep: It is really bad again...heartburn isn't bad but I am hurting all the time. This big belly is so sore all the time and sleeping just makes it worse!

Miss Anything: Moving around well and being able to do things for myself. Poor Brian helps me so much!

Food Cravings: None really...still not loving food.

Aversions: Everything!

Gender: Still don't know!!! Can't wait to find out though!

Symptoms: HUGE, swelling, heartburn, contractions.

Labor signs: Getting contractions but nothing consistent

Belly Button: Still in somewhat...

Rings:  Off :(

Moody or Happy: Very happy and ready to have this baby!!!

Looking Forward: Doctors appointment on Monday and ready for this baby to arrive...getting the house ready and picked up!

36 Week Update

How far along: 36 Weeks!!! The end is in sight!

Development:  Baby B is around 6 lbs and 18 1/2 inches long! 

Movement: lots of movement and hiccups are happening atleast twice a day! This baby is still so active and gives me some good kicks!

Weight Gain: I'm up to 21 lbs gained!

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much everything...clothes are not my friend right now! Brians t-shirts and my maternity leggings are the only thing that are comfortable these days!

Stretch Marks:  No and I think we may make it to the end without one! The tummy is looking good these days and the lotion is keeping it moisturized!

Best moment of my week:  This weekend Mom came up to visit and we had a wonderful time and my co-workers threw me a baby shower! It was so much fun and I finally feel like this baby can come when it wants to. We still need to get the carseats installed and I need to officially pack the hospital bag but other than that I think we have everything we need!

Worst moment: No bad moments!!

Sleep: Better now that I am taking heartburn medicine! Zantac has saved my sanity!!! I didn't realize the heartburn was the major reason I wasn't sleeping but once it got to the point one night where I slept sitting up I knew somthing had to happen! I have slept 5-6 hour stretches since taking the Zantac!!

Miss Anything: Bedning over and getting out of bed EASILY! 

Food Cravings: none at all...nothing sounds good really!

Aversions:  Everything...food is not something I look forward to these days!

Gender: Still don't know! Can't wait to find out though!

Symptoms: Contractions, backaches, hip pain, heartburn, swelling.

Labor signs: COntractions are happening for sure. They are different now but not painful. I am hoping they are doing some good though!

Belly Button: Still in but not sure it will make it to delivery! It is so close and when I laugh or cough I am holding it at this point!

Rings:  I can still wear my wedding band most days but it is tight.

Moody or Happy:  I am very happy and I am really getting excited about Baby B coming! I am so ready to hold this little one and kiss its tiny little face!

Looking Forward: Getting the final things taken care of and packing the official hospital bag! Also next week we are comsidered full term so this baby can come at any time!!!

35 Week update

 

How far along: 35 Weeks 1 Day (34 days to go until our DUE DATE!!! AHHH!)

Development: Baby B is around 5 1/4 lbs and over 18 inches long

Movement: Lots of movement still, mainly squirming feelings like it is changing positions alot! Hiccups have become pretty regular this week too...it is atleast once a day that I notice them but sometimes 3-4 times a day!

Weight Gain:  I was up to 18.8 lbs gained on Monday!

Maternity Clothes: Everything for the most part...down to a few things that actually fit anymore! I may start having to wear yoga pants to work!!!

Stretch Marks: None and I was complimented by the midwife on Monday how pretty my tummy is! I'm glad someone thinks so...it is still weird to me! No stretch marks though!!

Best moment of my week: Doctors appt on Monday went well and baby sounded good. Looking forward to going every week now! We have the hospital bag stuff coming together and during our snow day yesterday I put baby's bag together! I can't wait!

Worst moment: Heartburn has reared its head! I was so hoping to avoid it and drinking milk has kept it at bay for a while now but it doesn't really help anymore. I am thinking I may have to start sleeping in Brians recliner!

Sleep: Still pretty unbearable! I can't get confortable and now the heartburn is really making it miserable. Only a few more weeks!!

Miss Anything: Not aching all the time...I really never realized how good I feel all the time. This pregnancy has made me very thankful!

Food Cravings: None...don't really like food right now!

Aversions:  Everything...nothing sounds good at all!

Gender: Won't know until April!!!

Symptoms: Heartburn, braxton hicks/real contractions, backache, swelling, round ligament pain

Labor signs: Getting some real contractions now...usually a few a day but nothing consistant!

Belly Button: Still in for now...I am hoping we make it these next few weeks!

Rings: Off for good...until the baby comes atleast!! They were just getting too tight and I didn't want to risk having them cut off!

Moody or Happy:  Happy for the most part! It feels good knowing we will be meeting baby soon! I just want to get to 37 weeks and then I will be perfectly okay with he/she coming at any time!!!

Looking Forward: Doctors appointment on Monday and my baby shower at work is on Wednesday! Brian and I are also heading down to Bass Pro Shop on Saturday and will do a little shopping at the mall while we are there!

34 Week Update

How far along: 34 Weeks (6 more to go!!)

Development: Baby B is now almost 5 pounds and 18 inches long!

Movement: Lots of movement and they are very strong. Baby B likes to scare me!

Weight Gain: I should be around 18 lbs this week.

Maternity Clothes: Most everything..the sweater dress I actually have on in this weeks picture is not. I am loving loose clothes right now.

Stretch Marks: Not that I know of. I keep checking becuase I feel like they should be coming! Hoping they stay away!

Best moment of my week: Touring the hospital was fun and has put me at ease as to what to expect. It is nice knowing where to go and what the procedure will be for check in. 

Worst moment: Sleeping is still a struggle

Sleep: See above...it is still bad most nights. BEtween my tummy, hips and back something always seems to hurt and wake me up.

Miss Anything: Sleeping through the night and also not having aches and pains constantly. I didnt realize how good I have felt up until this point.

Food Cravings: Milk, Oreos, fruit,

Aversions: most meat

Gender: Won't know until April!!!

Symptoms: Hip pain, swelling, feeling big, insomnia

Labor signs: Some Braxton Hicks still but nothing consistent

Belly Button: Still in for now...still bulging at the top though!

Rings: On but really tight...I think I am going to have to keep them off for the remainder of this pregnancy.

Moody or Happy:  Happy most of the time...very tired alot and when I'm tired I get  a little cranky.

Looking Forward: Shopping for our hospital bag items this weekend and starting to get it together. Doctors appointment on Monday and anxious to see how baby is doing!

 

Here is a lovely comparison for you too!!! Amazing what our bodies can do! How foolish was I to think I was "showing" at 16 weeks!!!