Birth Story: Part I

I had a doctors appointment on the 3rd (a Friday).  Based on that appointment, my doctor was convinced that I wouldn't make it to my due date. Little man was REALLY low in my pelvis and I was dilated and effaced. Husband and I spent that week waiting and wondering. I spent the week working and wishing that I wasn’t. I also spend the week analyzing EVERY SINGLE thing going-on with my body. Well, we learned early that Liam is stubborn like his mommy because he didn’t come that next week. At our appointment on the 13th, our doctor told us that he waited all week for a phone call (he was on a staycation) from us. He was convinced that it would happen Thursday night during the Vikings game when he was loaded. It didn’t.

At our appointment on the 13th (a Monday), we learned that I was still only 1 cm, very effaced, and little guy was even lower in my pelvis. Doctor still couldn’t believe that I hadn’t gone into labor. He laid-out our options: (1) He would strip my membranes right then and there and send us home to wait it out. He said, “But I don’t really like to strip membranes because it’s kind of like torture.” Um, WHAT?! Apparently it’s really painful. I replied with, “PASS.” (2) Do nothing right then and there and come back on Thursday. Husband and I were ready to get this party started, so I asked if we HAD to wait until Thursday. I’m so glad I asked because he said we could go to the hospital after the appointment for me to be induced. OPTION THREE, please! Doctor called the hospital and talked to the doctor on-call (Dr. Meade). He said, and this is a direct quote, “I’m sending over a patient to be induced. Can you drop some Cervadil in her?” So casual. Just drop it in! Husband and I died laughing. So the plan was to get checked-in, drop-in Cervadil around 4 pm, removed Cervadil 12 hours later, start Pitocin. SUPER excited, we headed to the hospital.

When we got to the hospital, we went to the L&D area of the women’s pavilion. Which was wrong. We needed to register first, which was on the other side of the hospital. I can’t imagine doing through this process while already in labor. It didn’t take terribly long, but it would have felt like an eternity if I was managing contractions. Benefit number one to being induced. Once registered, we walked back over to L&D to get checked-in.

This is when we met Awesome Nurse Pam. When I say awesome, I mean AWESOME. Pam was amazing. She sent me to the bathroom to put-on what would be my uniform for the next four days. She followed me in the bathroom to ask me some personal questions, one of which was if my husband beat me. I swear I’m not making this up. I literally laughed at her, and said no. After the questions, she explained that if I had to pee I needed to do it into the plastic bin in the toilet. Fun. Then Awesome Nurse Pam left the room (with the cookies I baked for the nurses), and we got ourselves situated.

Awesome Nurse Pam came back, and I signed some papers. She got me hooked-up to the monitors, took my blood pressure (for the first of 800 times), and put-in the IV lock. I warned her ahead of time that I tend to pee A LOT, so she showed me how to disconnect the two monitors, throw the cords over my shoulder, and go to the bathroom. And then she left again.

The monitor above shows the contractions and fetal heartrate for each woman hooked-up the monitors.  This was the cheapest entertainment.  I stared at the screen for hours.  It was so much fun to see the women in the different stages of labor. It was obvious when women were just starting the process, when they were in transition, and when they were pushing.  It was great.


Eventually, Dr. Meade came to “drop-in” the Cervadil, which is like a tampon for your cervix. There’s a huge string (picture a shoe string) and everything that dangles to your mid-thigh. Totally weird. The goal of Cervadil is to soften the cervix and get it to start dilating. Putting it in didn’t hurt at all, and I couldn’t feel it once it was in (other than the string). Dr. Meade left, and we settled in for a 12 hour wait. The US Open final was on, so I watched that on and off for the next few hours. Awesome Nurse Pam came in every 10 or 15 minutes to check-on me.


After a couple hours, things started to pick-up a bit…

Funny Story: One

Liam's birth story is in draft form. While I'm working on that, I want to share a funny story with you.  The title of this post is Funyn Story: One, which implies that there are more funny stories to come.  If you infered as much, you were correct!  I don't know if you knew this, but babies are FUNNY. Sometimes, the funny really isn't so funny, but your only option is to laugh.  And let me tell you, we've laughed, A LOT. Which for a period of time really sucked for me (I bet you have no idea just how many muscles you flex when you laugh. And sneeze, cough, blow your nose, yell, etc.), but more on that later.  Anyway, here's that story:

Liam and I were released from the hospital on a Thursday.  Our pediatrician wanted us to come in for a weight-check on Saturday.  Our first time venturing out of the house with Booger (by far our favorite nickname for L). How exciting!  Before leaving, Husband and I discussed how awesome it would be if Liam didn't have a blow out on our first trip out.  So we had a quick chat with our new son, politely asking him to be nice and not need a change, and we headed-out.

It was our first trip to the pediatrician, so I had some paperwork to fill-out.  We were sitting in the waiting room filling out the paperwork when we heard Liam let one blow.  Every time (EVERY TIME) my son poops, I hear it loud and clear.  Sometimes the walls shake, for real.  Husband and I both laugh, but all I'm really thinking is, "Thank GOODNESS I'm filling-out this paperwork."  So Husband takes him back to the bathroom for a change.  Of course one minute later the nurse calls Liam's name.  I tell her that my husband took Liam back to change him.  She goes to wait for Husband after she takes me to the exam room.  I settle-in the and finish the paperwork.  Five minutes later, Husband is still gone, and I'm starting to worry.

I head to the bathroom where I think Husband took Liam, and there are two nurses waiting outside the door.  I knock on the door saying, "Josh?"   I hear, "Yeeees."  "Do you need help?" "Yeees."  Mommy to the rescue!  I open the door and immediately start laughing (and holding my lady bits).  It looks like a tornado touched-down in the bathroom.  Liam is naked.  There are baby clothes and wipes EVERYWHERE.  And Husband looks a little panicked.  I say, "What happened?!?!"  Liam pooped, a lot.  And then Husband was changing him, he pooped more and everywhere.  And then he peed all over himself, the changing pad, changing table, and Josh. .  Josh has ONE wipe left (We had packed at least 20), and he had gone-through a few diapers.  All the while, Liam has this look of, "Did I do that?" on his face.  Again, laughing is all you can really do. 

We made it home without further incident... Other than the little man meltdown on the way home.  Someone was hungry, and someone wanted to eat RIGHT NOW.  It was the first time we really heard him wail.  My heart broke.  And of course we hit EVERY red light.

For Funny Story: Two, I'll explain this picture:

Somebody had a BABY

I don't know if you heard, but that adorable little guy up there is mine, and he's out of my belly. 

His stats:

Birthday: September 14, 2010

Time of birth: 1:08 pm

Weight: 8 lbs 1 oz

Length: 21.25 inches

A few fun facts about Liam:

He coos constantly - in his sleep, when he's nursing, when he's snuggling.

At his two-week appointment he weighed 9 lbs 8 oz - he's going to be a big boy!

He has the best temperament - he only fuses when he's wet (he HATES sitting in a dirty diaper) or when he's so tired he can't put himself to sleep. 

He loves having his hands free when he's swaddled, and they always end up somewhere near his face.

He occupies every single inch of his mommy and daddy's hearts.

I will update the blog with his birth story and plenty of funny stories when I can sit comfortably without a pillow under my butt (details on this to come in L's birth story).  Until then, here are some pictures to hold you over and make you swoon.

Um, Hi. BUY ME!

As mentioned before, I'm on the prowl for cute Christmas pjs and a Christmas sweater.  Um, how am I supposed to say no to either of these?  RIDDLE ME THAT!

Santa's Little Helper

Monkey Footies

I could spend hours, HOURS, on the Carter's website.  It's a sickness, I'm telling you.

I will say this about all of the clothes we have for L Bean: I don't think we have enough pajamas or sleep and plays.  I've been cautious about buying footies. My worry is that he'll out-grow the length faster since his little feet have to be contained (we have no idea how tall this kid will be - the potential for TALL is there.  Mom is 5'9" and dad is 6'4").  What do babies sleep in, besides footies?  A onesie?  In the winter?  Omw (oh my word), I have so much to learn. 

I recently emailed a friend inquiring about jackets for babies in the winter (her daughter was born in October of last year).  I just couldn't picture a two or three month-old bulked-up in a jacket.  She layered a long-sleeved onsie under EVERYTHING and put her daughter in a thick sweater most of the time.  Think about it - you're not going to have your three month old just chilling outside in the cold.  SO MUCH TO LEARN. 

I also took a page from Friend Maggie's book and hung L Bean's clothes.  Previously, everything was folded neatly in drawers.   At first, I just hung his onesies and shirts.  It's so much easier to get a look at ALL of his clothes, and I feel like it'll help make sure he wears everything (not just the 10 things that get washed and put back on top of the piles).  This past weekend I noticed an extra little hook thingy (yes, that's the technical term) on the baby hangers - a place for pants!  We all know that I love being organized, so this helps keep matching outfits together.  I spent some time organizing his pants into closet too.  I only hung the pants that match a onesie or shirt (example: adorableness).  Don't worry, those drawers aren't going to waste.  There are plenty footies, socks, blankets, jeans (from consignment sale), khakis (consignment), corduroys, etc. nestled neatly in them.  Plus, I feel like the longer you've had the kid the more crap you accumulate.  Now the crap has more places to hide! 

I found these on the Old Navy website this weekend, just begging to be purchased:

But I resisted.  First, they aren't on sale.  Second, when do babies even start wearing shoes?  I mean, we're trying to get away with just socks for as long as possible.  But seriously, when do we need shoes?!?

And then I almost got these for next spring/summer:

These were actually on sale.  But I didn't know what size to order, not knowing (1) when he'd need shoes and (2) how big he would be when he needed them.  

As you can tell, I have baby on the brain.

On a TOTALLY different tangent - I really don't want L Bean to be born on September 11th.  Is that stupid?  L's generation may not even think twice about it, but that day has such a bad vibe for the rest of us.  Regardless of its stupidity, I'm keeping my legs crossed until the 12th.

Count Down to Baby: SOON

Today my spirits are better. So take THAT!

I realized this week just how hard it is to work and be this pregnant. I remember being sore and uncomfortable last week. After a three-day holiday weekend and one sick day, I noticed just how WRECKED I felt when I got home from work last night. My back hurt. I felt so much pressure in my lady bits. My feet were swollen. And I was mentally exhausted. What was I thinking working up until my due date?!?! Oh yeah, I’d rather spend the time off with my little guy than sitting and watching the US Open all day (It’s totally consuming my TV time).

I had an emotional turn-around last night. I realized that it was Wednesday night, and I only had two more days of work. And I realized that even if I didn’t go into labor on my own RIGHT NOW, we weren’t far from meeting Liam. As much as I want my body to do its thing and go into labor naturally, getting induced won’t be the end of the world. First, my body has already made progress. And it will likely have made even more progress by the time I get induced. So I won’t be starting from scratch, going zero to 60 really fast. Second, we can RELAX on the day of induction. We can wake-up, make coffee, and read the newspaper. We can calmly (albeit anxiously) go-over our packing list and bags. We don’t have to rush to the hospital. Third, I won’t have to play 20 questions with the hospital staff when I’m in active labor. Fourth, we can snuggle our babies (the dogs) all morning and give them lots and LOTS of love. Where I was an impatient, uncomfortable mess just two days ago, I am thankful, full of faith, and still uncomfortable today.

I think I have a problem… I am obsessed with baby clothes. I’m obsessed with sales, online and in store. I get email updates. Lots of them. All of which I need to UNSUBSCRIBE to. This kid needs to get here so I can realize that we have enough clothes for him. But let me tell you – L Bean has the CUTEST Thanksgiving outfit. We’re going to be at The Homestead over Thanksgiving (my parents have a time share). It’ll be our first trip with baby. Luckily it’s only a 2+ hour drive away. I’ve also been scoping Christmas pajamas, because obviously he needs to be festive. We are SO pumped to have family time Christmas morning. He won’t know the difference, but it’ll be nice to not rush-off right after waking-up. I’ve also been on the prowl for when the Christmas sweaters come out. Um, can we say Christmas card?!?! Don’t worry – he already has a Halloween onesie and the cutest little hat you’ve ever seen.

And who said dressing a boy wasn’t fun?! And yes, everything was on sale so operation “Don’t Pay Full Price For Baby Clothes” is still a success.

I’m beginning to feel better, thank you God. My throat doesn’t hurt anymore. See, another reason why L Bean waiting to make his entrance is a good thing. Mommy gets time to feel better. I would REALLY like to be able to breathe through my nose while in labor. Just a small request.

Wanna know what’s on my mind? Oh, just baby stuff… and NOTHING ELSE. I can’t focus on anything to save my life. All I can think about is: What will he look like? How much will he weigh? Holding him. Snuggling him. Kissing his nose. Him wrapping his little fingers around my finger. Nursing him. DRESSING him. Seeing Josh hold him. Will I cry when he’s born? Will Josh cry when he’s born? Not sleeping because of him. Seeing the dogs react to and fall in love with him. Play dates with friends. 12 weeks at home with him. My dad visiting in TWO WEEKS. I could keep going, but you get the picture. It’s BABY BABY BABY. There isn’t room for anything else.

Happy 39 Weeks, L Bean!

Well, Labor Day came and went without any labor.  How poetic would that have been?

I had a doctor appointment last Friday, and I had my first internal exam!  Friend Sarah tagged along for this appointment.  She's seen me naked or half-naked more times than I can count, so her being present for the internal exam was al natural.  I thought for sure the exam would be very uncomfortable, but it really wasn't so bad (I'll spare you the description I gave my husband - you're welcome).  Doc checked-out L Bean's heartbeat via ultrasound first.  All was well.  He also took a peak at the placenta, which was visibly maturing.  And then he tried to measure his head.  I say "tried" because his head is so low in my pelvis that he couldn't get a good read.  I won't tell you how low the ultrasound wand was while he was trying to get the measurement, you can just use your imagination. 

After the ultrasound, it was internal time!  I'd been feeling pressure on my cervix all week, so I was hoping that SOMETHING was happening.  According to Doc, I was 1+ centimeters dilated and VERY effaced.  So THAT'S what I had been feeling all week.  Neither of those measurements mean all that much, as many women are dilated and effaced for weeks before they go into labor.  L Bean is very low in my pelvis - good job, little man!  Doc told me that he thought I could go at any time.  ANY TIME.  And sooner rather than later.  After the exam, there was some bleeding. This is totally normal, although I did waltz right back into Doc's office to have this confirmed.  About to get TMI, avert your eyes boysss: The blood was mucusy, so I was hoping that Doc dislodged my muscus plug.  No dice.  It's still plugging strong (so gross, but I couldn't resist).

I'm now convinced that L Bean is stubborn like his momma, because he seems pretty darn comfortable.  An induction date (no, I'm not going to let you in on the secret) has been set if I don't go into labor on my own.  There IS an end in sight.

The weekend was spent like this: Wait.  Wait. Waiting. Clean. Wait. Laundry. Wait. Dinner with brother and SIL. Wait.  Clean (things that had already been cleaned). Wait.  Dinner with brother, SIL, and mom (spicy food).  Wait. Wait. WAIT.  We threw-in another labor inducing trick over the weekend, but that's PRIVATE.

Oh, and did I mention that I'm sick?  Husband was sick all week, and it finally caught-up with me this weekend.  So really the weekend went like this: Wait. Blow nose. Wait. Wait. Drink water to sooth throat. Blow nose. Sniffle. Wait.  Try to sleep. Wait. Fail to sleep AT ALL. Wait.  Husband moves to couch because he's coughing.  Wait. Try to sleep.  Fail to breath through nose.  Day dream about taking Benadryl to help me breath and sleep. Wait.... you get the picture.  39 weeks of being healthy, and my immune system picks NOW to get lazy. 

My emotional climate this weekend was like a roller coaster.  My poor husband.  The waiting is excruciating.  I don't know how women stay sane when they actually PASS their due date.   Not feeling well and not being able to sleep magnifies every emotion.  And then add-on a healthy does of general discomfort from being very pregnant.  That Dairy Queen Blizzard last night made me feel better for a bit... and then I felt bad for a different set of reasons.  My spirits seem better today.  I stayed-home from work in an effort to jump-start feeling better and to catch-up on sleep.  There's nothing good on TV and the house is already spotless, so I may go a LITTLE crazy by the end of the day.  I keep telling myself that I need to enjoy these last days of having L Bean all to myself.  I am truly going to miss being pregnant, so I'm trying to switch my attitude.  Easier said than done, but progress is being made.

At dinner this weekend with brother, SIL, and mom, we went-over our expectations for the hospital, visitors, and updates.  And then being home, visitors, and updated.  And the phone calls and texts to update.  It's so hard to coordinate something that is such an unknown.  For once, my Type A self has a "well figure it out" attitude.  Aren't you proud?!?!  Crazy, I know.

I'm a Believer!

A friend was nice enough to alert me to a couple consignment sales happening in Richmond this week and next.  Since operation Never Pay Full Price For Baby Clothes is underway, I was SO excited for the sale tonight.  Josh and I attended the preview for new and expecting moms - the sale doesn't start for the general public until Friday.  Having never been to a consignment sale before, we have no idea what to expect.  OH MY GOODNESS.  There was a line of 50+ people when we got there at 6:00 pm.  By the time we parked the line was moving, and we were inside in no time.  We were immediately overwhelmed by the amount of STUFF.  Books, toys, shoes, backpacks, and the CLOTHES.  I can't even tell you how many clothes there were.

We were grossly unprepared for the experience.  We didn't have a bag.  We didn't bring enough money.  I didn't wear a tank top (it was 800 degrees in there).  I didn't bring my camera.  And I didn't bring my phone.  The phone part was especially stupid considering I was planning to catch-up with a couple girlfriends.  By the time we were ready to leave, it was PACKED.  We walked through the crowds and didn't see any familiar faces, so we booked it out of there.  Did I mention it was 800 degrees inside?  Sweat was rolling down the side of my face and down, er, other places.  And I had to pee like WHOA. 

We spent $65.  We got four books and two wooden puzzle games.  We also got a slew of clothing.  Five button-up shirts.  Two pairs of corduroys. Two pairs of jeans.  One pair of khakis. One long-sleeved onsie and matching overalls. Two sweater vests.  Two sweaters.  And one hooded fleece.  We have a ton of 0 to 6 months clothes, so we concentrated on getting 6 to 12 months clothes.  And we wanted to snag the types of clothes that we wouldn't normally buy ourselves (read: expensive and nice).  

In the pile is a pair of Calvin Klein jeans.  A Gymboree button-up that still had the tags on it.  Baby Gap items.  Children's Place, Oshkosh B'Gosh, and IZOD are also represented.   All of the for $52. 

Um, SWOON!  The sweater vest is actually red - the light makes it look orange (it's nighttime and I was using artificial light and no flash - it happens). 

We're already talking about next year's sale.  I'll still be considered a "new mom" so I'll be able to partake in the preview sale.  Next year, however, we will go prepared.  We'll take much more money.  We'll take bags (we have Ikea bags that would be PERFECT).  And we'll leave L Bean with Grammy.  Divide and conquer is our game plan.  We're pumped.  A google reminder has been set-up.  Oh yes, we're THAT excited.

Husband's allergies are flaring-up, so we stopped-by Rite-Aid on the way home to pick-up some medicine.  While we were there, we also grabbed some diapers (we try to grab a pack of diapers whenever we're at a store that sells them in a effort to spread-out the expense.  And don't worry, we're not buying newborn diapers).  We also grabbed some snacks for Husband's hospital bag. 

When we got home, Husband installed our car seats bases.  It was easy peasy.  Both of our cars have a strap specifically designed for a car seat, which is nice.  Husband has informed me that it's called a "latch strap."  Whatever the name, it made the task easier than we taught it would be. 

Since it's important, he read the directions. 

Voila!

The babies watched-on wondering why they couldn't get in the car to go "bye-bye."   The pictures aren't the clearest of the bunch that I took, but they're my favorites for some reason.