Labor and Delivery!

BLAKE IS HERE!!!

All week, Derek and I were playing the "waiting game" and then things got real!  It started Thursday (December 18th) morning when I started having contractions I could actually time.  It was very early and they started out bearable but grew in pain with each one.  Derek went to work and I told him to just keep his phone on.  As soon as I sat down to let Netflix distract me, they got more mild and less countable.  So by the time Derek got home from work, we decided to go on a walk like we have been doing all week to make them come back.  That walk was the most intense walk I've ever taken!  It hurt so bad by the time I got home but my contractions still didn't return time-able.  It was time for my doctors appointment so we went in hoping my contractions were a sign that something (anything!) was happening.  Dr. Chalmers told me I was at a 2 and a half which is progress!  He suspected he would see us at the hospital sometime soon but to make sure I go when my contractions are five minutes apart.  So what do I do?  I go home, watch The Grinch with my family and my contractions become unbearable and 4 minutes apart so we throw the hospital bag in the car and head to Labor and  Delivery at around 8:30 pm!  Well...the nurse told me I was only dilated to a 1 (what the heck Dr. Chalmers!) and sent me home telling me to "take some Tylenol and try to get some rest."  Um...seriously!?  I was in the bed crying and screaming with pain from labor and I'm just supposed to "sleep it off?"  No.  I was in so much pain, when she told me we had to go home, I just started bawling!  I could barely walk back out to the car and I couldn't believe they were sending me away.  Well, we got home and the contractions got even stronger, I became more hysterical and Derek became more worried as I squeezed all the circulation out of his hands every two minutes.  After this one contraction that was accompanied with tears and screaming, Derek goes "were taking you back right now."  I didn't argue.  We went back to the hospital and a different nurse checked me.  I hadn't progressed at all so she offered me some drugs for the pain and told me I still can't be checked in under hospital terms.  By the time she returned with the drugs and could see how much pain I was in, she had a lot more compassion.  She suggested maybe I rest there for a bit to make sure the drugs work and when she came back 20 minutes later and I was moaning even louder, she goes "let's just get you in."  My favorite nurse at the hospital was definitely that sweet sweet soul! The drugs did nothing!  I knew I was in labor but it took that little bit of evidence to convince the hospital staff...apparently!  And of course soon after I was "checked in," I was progressing like crazy.  And then a life changing moment happened...I was given an epidural.  Then I was a happy camper!  By this time it was about two in the morning and we were wasted with exhaustion.  My mom came and we all slept in the delivery room with little comfort.  My in-laws showed up at about 8 am and thought there was still a long labor ahead because I was only dilated to a 5 plus.  Twenty minutes later I was ready to push!  It blew my mind...I wasn't mentally prepared!  And just like that I was pushing.  It lasted 16 minutes. 

 Derek was by my side every second saying "you're doing great babe." I love him.  

The rest of this experience is to Blake:

Blake, I was in labor with you for a shorter time than expected.  When I delivered you in that hospital room and heard you cry and tell me you're here, I never imagined it was possible to feel so much love for anything.  They instantly placed you on my chest and you calmed down and I held you for the very first time at 8:48 am, December 19th on a Friday winter morning.

  

All the grandparents were so excited, showing you off and taking pictures after.  It was so much fun to see your daddy instantly fall in love with you.

Everyone was so supportive and loving.  Grandpa Chip was so happy to meet you he started giggling!  

Needless to say you are very loved!  The whole time we were at the hospital we had so many visitors that couldn't wait to meet you.  The only two that couldn't be there were your Uncle Chris and Uncle Daniel but they were very excited in Nebraska and California!  Members were updating them with the news and they couldn't be happier you were born.  Your uncle Travis and Jon and aunt Katie and Amy (and of course Lexa!) were soon in to greet you with flowers, stuffed animals and chocolate!

So they transferred me to the recovery room and everything went smoothly.  

You were the nurses favorite baby that night in the nursery!  They all said you are just so easy going and cute!  I would never argue with that one.  I have so much love for you that it hurts.  It's a kind of love I never thought possible.  Your daddy and I were talking about how we never knew we could feel this way.  We love you so much and are so glad you finally decided to make an appearance and meet the world!  I promise to do my best to never let anything bad happen to you.  You are my WHOLE life now and you are very loved by your parents! 

Doctor Visit #12 -The Waiting Game-

So Derek and I went in for what I hope is our last checkup.  If not, my next appointment will be to schedule being induced.  Derek is done with most of his school work and finals so now we are that couple that takes long walks and googles "natural induction" techniques!  I am really now at that point of pregnancy where I want Blake to come out...he is getting so big that it can be painful to feel him move.  The walk Derek and I took today about killed me because he is so heavy!  So...you could say that I'm ready.  We have been talking about how cool it would be if he were born this Saturday because the date is 12-13-14...kinda cool!  At my appointment they did the usual.  Dr. Ott stripped my membranes a bit but I guess he does that every time and I didn't know that!  These are some good learning experiences. ;)  Both soon to be grandmas are getting very excited, calling me just moments after I get out of my appointments...asking me about progress and what not.  It's frustrating because I haven't really progressed at all but as I said last week, it's not really a sign labor is going to come or not come.  It just depends when Blake is ready...I can sincerely say mommy is ready!

Now we are playing the waiting game...

Doctor Visit #11 (and stretch marks!)

I'm going to start with a throw back to when I didn't even know what stretch marks looked like!  Okay but for real, I look at pictures of myself pre-pregnancy and it almost feels like I'm looking at another human being! 

Yes, I know, that stuff shouldn't matter but let's be real.  Any pregnant women knows what I mean when you suddenly don't feel sexy any more.  It's hard giving up your body and trying to pretend you don't care. 

   I'm here to say it's okay to care!  For all you pregnant women out there or girls who are still recovering, I want to share my experience with you.  Every pregnant woman's experience is different.  Some women (lucky devils) don't develop stretch marks, some do, some have a really nasty case of morning sickness, some don't, some have really up and down emotions and eventually fall into a mode of depression, some don't.  The point I'm attempting to make here is that some do, some don't and that's okay!  In my experience, I developed stretch marks in places I didn't know were possible, I never threw up, I have felt pretty stable and happy but I do spectacular things like placing a can of beans in the freezer.  My experience (different than any other pregnant experience) has taught me that we are all unique so we are entitled to be frustrated we don't have the same body we did nine months ago and it may never be the same.  It was a frustrating thought at first, in fact, depressing!  It still is from time to time.  But I have learned that it is all apart of "The Whole Mommy Experience."  Blake, you are going to test my patience sometimes (you are your fathers son!) and I'm certain things are going to happen that make me feel like I failed you as a mother.  However, there will NEVER be a single moment (just like there hasn't been one my entire pregnancy) where I will regret every stretch mark, over dramatic tear or complete disaster of a body it required to bring you to this earth.  If there is one thing you taught me through these nine months, it's that every single stretch mark represents the love we have for each other and THAT is beautiful.  I have never felt more bloated, large or stretched out but I can truthfully say I have never felt more beautiful and you did that!  (Plus daddy helps when he tells me I still got it!)  You're already teaching me lessons and you're not even here yet!  I'm so excited for your arrival.  On that note, here is a quick update on what went down for doc visit numero eleven:

-Still dilated to a 1 but Doctor Chalmers said that it's very normal for women to come in for an appointment, show no signs of progression and then go into labor that night.  I want you to come when YOU are ready but your father and I are still holding up for after finals week!

-Every night is a guessing game on how much sleep I will get.  Last night my back was hurting so bad, I woke up all alert thinking maybe it was a sign you were coming now!  It wasn't.  My back just hurt...

-I had my first contraction yesterday!  Your daddy and I were at Bear Paw Cafe enjoying a delicious brunch and all of the sudden my stomach got really tight.  At first I thought maybe I was eating too fast and it was cramping up.  But then it wouldn't go away and I could barely move...yup...contraction right there!  It hurt...it was definitely uncomfortable but it was the only one of the day so I can handle that!

-Your head is so low it feels like I'm carrying a bowling ball in between my legs sometimes...which is ironic because we went bowling last week with the Bird family so I had TWO bowling balls!  It was a sad sight to see...let's just say I didn't win.

-You LOVE to move for mommy but you hate to move for grandparents!  Naughty Blake ;)

We are all so anxious to meet you!  

Doctor Visit # 10

Your daddy and I went to yet another doctors appointment and not much has changed.  I'm thinning out more but still dilated to a one, which Dr. Ott said is very normal.  He said most first time mommies thin all the way out before dilating at all.  My weight gain this week is about an ounce, your heartbeat was at one hundred and ten and as far as I can tell, you're perfect!  Update on pregnancy this last week:

-I can't keep up with anyone while walking.  Derek has to slow his pace when we go anywhere and when we are holding hands I tend to lean on him for support of my waddle.

-If you move around a lot, it tends to give me motion sickness or something because I get side aches and such.

-I'm finding that I'm very protective of my belly.  It doesn't bother me when people want to touch you but if I get a surprise hand (without warning) on my belly, my defense mode is to back up and back hand!  If your daddy blindsides me to feel you, I always jolt (and refrain) and daddy always laughs.

-Uncle/Elder Chris never fails to mention in his emails "Tell Blake I love him!"

-Your dad and I have been noticing EVERY baby everywhere we go.

-I've been loving bananas.  

-I am most satisfied when I'm sitting down...and eating!  But not too much before it hurts! Yeah, you can pretty much call me a fatty, but it's all for you!! 

WE LOVE YOU BLAKEY! Happy Bird family :)

Doctor Visit #9

My doctors appointments are every week so we get to see how you're doing and when you might be coming!  Last week I was dilated to a big fat zero.  This week I am dilated to a one!  Progress!  You are still in the right position and everything is still normal.  YAY!!  I love my doctors.  It's a combined practice and they are both so nice!  I had Dr. Chalmers on thursday and he went out of his way to make daddy and I feel comfortable and excited because you can come anytime now but you're supposed to be due in 3 and a half weeks!!! But who's counting?  Excited mommy!  Dr. Chalmers ended our appointment with "Okay, we will either see you next week or at Labor and Delivery next door!"  That was the moment it hit me.  Now I'm just EXTREMELY anxious instead of getting anxious.  Here is a little low down on how you are effecting mommy and others:
-You move all the time so lately in the morning, daddy has to make me breakfast in bed because I feel nauseous getting up and moving around on an empty stomach.
-It's getting VERY difficult to change positions in my sleep.  I used to be able to change positions without even being aware of it or waking up...NOW...not so much.  I wake up every time my body decides it's uncomfortable AND the only thing that puts me to sleep anymore is complete exhaustion because I'm too big and whale like to get comfortable and fall asleep.
-As my belly grows and develops even more stretch marks than I though possible, my love for you grows just as big!
-Sometimes you put pressure on mommy's ribs with your cute little feet.  It hurts but I also love feeling you exploring your space!
-Everyone is starting to make fun of my waddle.  Oh goodie. Your daddy likes to make fun of me when we go grocery shopping and I choose the mobile cart over waddling around.
-Going to movies isn't all that enjoyable at the moment because sitting for too long is uncomfortable.  I do love going though because the loud noises make you move around a lot!
-Grandma Bird has now officially set her phone by her bed on the highest volume just in case you decide to sneak into the world in the middle of the night.  She loves you very much.
-Grandma Chipman keeps saying "Wow...I can't believe this is happening!"  She is very excited to meet you.
-And in the mean time, your daddy and I are using up as much time as we can going out while we can!  We are so ready to devote our full attention to you though and like always...can't wait to meet your handsome face!

Doctor Visit #8 -- Bags Are Packed!

Yesterday was a day dedicated to getting ready!  I decided it would be safe to start preparing everything for the hospital now because I'm officially on countdown for one more month until you arrive so I'm in the "scary zone" because a lot of babies decide to come from 36-40 weeks statistically speaking.  Now watch, because I'm actually prepared you are going to come late!  I can just see it...

Anyway...daddy and I installed your car seat in the car and threw your stroller in the trunk.  While dad was at work I packed my own personal hospital bag and of course your diaper bag!  They are ready and waiting in case of emergencies.  Later on in the afternoon we had my doctors appointment.  From now on, my appointments are every week and the doctor will check each time to make sure your in the "birth position." Luckily, yesterday, you were!  He felt your cute little head and said everything is going just perfect; normal weight gain, belly measuring right at 35-36 weeks and heartbeat perfect.  You're a perfect baby already! I know I say this all the time but I can't wait to meet you!!!!! Daddy and I are always talking about how we just want you in our arms NOW.  We are tired of waiting but I want you to come when you are ready and judging by how squirmy you are, I'm assuming you're just as anxious to meet your excited parents!  We love you Blakey Bear! (New established nickname.)

Updated Crib Finish

So mommy made you the crib skirt and grammy made you the beautiful quilt to match!  I wanted a matching crib mobile but the one I wanted isn't available so until now you are going to enjoy the rainforest!

Maternity Pictures (with you in my belly!)