Arwen's Birth Story Part 2

(Part 1 here)

We got to the hospital around 1AM and once they checked me, I was 4cm dilated, so they admitted me! My plan was to try and go natural, so I requested a room with a tub as I heard that helps with pain. Well, it did help the next few contractions, but at 5AM, I got an epidural and it was amazing.

The hospital room you were born in!

Daddy and I tried to sleep every once in a while, but mostly we just watched Property Brothers. Around 1PM, there were two midwives on call, working together, so they came and checked my cervix again to see if I had dilated any further. I had only progressed a little bit, so we decided to break my water. Apparently it was bulging and was about to break anyway. They said there was a little meconium in it, so we knew you had to be whisked away to be cleaned and examined before you were able to meet mommy and daddy. The midwifes said they would be back around 3PM to check my progression.

Much happier! :)

Once they came back, I was at 9.5cm dilated and they said we would start pushing soon! However, I was starting to feel a lot of contraction pain again and the epidural didn't seem to be helping. The nurses got an anesthesiologist to check it out. Turns out, my line had fallen out and would need to be replaced. This was the worst part of the whole labor and delivery. I was shaking, crying, and dry heaving in pain and I had to sit up and try and sit very still for the doctor to re-administer the medicine.  It was a very scary time and I could tell daddy was pretty shaken up about seeing me in that much pain and agony. Soon after the medicine kicked in and I was feeling so much better!

Around 6PM, the midwives returned and deemed it time to start pushing! If I can give you any advice about having a baby, it would be not to clench down on your face/eyes so much. I pushed so hard it broke many blood vessels in my face and both of my eyes were beet red for at least a week. However, the extreme amount of pushing resulted in you being born about an hour later at 7:21PM.

My face all swollen the next day

Apparently while I was pushing one of the midwives predicted you would be 8 pounds, 14 ounces because she didn't want to scare me with 9 pounds. I didn't hear her - I was completely in my own little world. You were born at 9 pounds, 1 ounce!! They let you rest on my chest for a tiny bit, then took you away to clean you up, weigh you, etc. and to fix me up. Once you were across the room, all of us (midwives included!) realized we didn't know whether you were a boy or a girl, so daddy went over to check you out. He asked me to guess and I said "A boy!" and he just went "Wrong". We were so excited to have a little baby girl!

Once I got you back in my arms, you pooped everywhere!! The nurses were highly impressed by how much and how it got everywhere! This is probably too much information, but when I went to take my first shower, I found more on my side. Very impressive.

You were the first baby daddy ever held and the first diaper he ever changed, so I had to get a picture of course!!

You were born Wednesday night and we went home on Friday. Getting home was quite the adventure as we had a prescription to be filled, but couldn't find the prescription the doctor gave us. We went back to the hospital, but there was no one that could fill it again. We ended up leaving an hour later than we had planned, hit rush hour traffic, and going to our doctor's office, but we finally got the prescription filled.

This whole adventure has been great so far and only going to get better. The recovery has been the hardest part, but it has all been so worth it. We love you Arwen Mae!

Arwen's Birth Story Part 1

Although you were born on Wednesday, June 3rd, this story starts the Saturday before. That Saturday was the day before your due date, May 30th. Your daddy and I had a weekend tradition before you were born of getting "special drinks", which were usually a Monster for your daddy and an Arizona iced tea for me. So, that morning, we got our drinks from CVS and decided to see if Uncle James would want to get dinner and hang out for the night (daddy's code for go to the computer superstore).

James took this picture that Saturday - the last picture of me pregnant with Arwen

About a half an hour before James came, I started having consistent contractions. I had been having some contractions, but rarely and never consistent like this. I was excited, especially that you may come on your due date, but I didn't want to get too worked up as I had heard many stories of contractions going away after an hour or two. James came out and we went to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, then went to the computer superstore. Through this time I was having contractions about every 10 - 13 minutes and they were lasting about a minute - the doctor says to go to the hospital when contractions are 1 minute long, every 5 minutes, for at least an hour. After James left, I told daddy (yes, I hadn't told him this whole time as I knew he would get too excited and get me worked up too), but they ended up fizzling out later that night.

After that Saturday, I barely had any contractions, let alone ones that were consistent. Daddy and I decided we would work from home pretty much until you came. At that point, we were desperate and thought you would come like 2 weeks late! It was especially nerve-wracking since Daddy had accepted a new job and it would start at the end of June. If you were born 2 weeks late, he wouldn't get his two weeks of paternity leave!

On Wednesday, we were working from home and I was thinking about what the difference between Saturday and the following days were to try and start contractions again (like I said, we were desperate to meet you!). I remembered I had an Arizona iced tea, which has caffeine and I hadn't had it or any caffeine since! We got a can of the tea and contractions started again! We decided to go grocery shopping (excellent idea by the way) and got gallons of iced tea since we assumed the contractions would taper out again. By 8PM, since the contractions had been happening for about 3 hours, 7 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, we called Amma and Grandpa to get Moose. We called the hospital and they said to wait at home as long as possible. 

The contractions got closer and closer. We tried to sleep, but I was in some pain every 5 minutes and daddy was too excited and hyped up. I took a nice, hot shower, which helped with the pain a lot. At 1AM, we called back and said the pain was getting much more intense and the contractions were now about 3 minutes apart. They said to come in! 

Third Trimester

38 weeks and 4 days

Symptoms: Same as before. I felt great until a few days ago (about 38 weeks). Now, I am completely ready for baby to come out. 

Doctor Appointments: I am down to weekly appointments. Baby has been head down for the past couple weeks, so that is excellent news! The doctor also mentioned baby is about 7 pounds - estimating by feel, so not sure how accurate.

Sleep: Few and far between, but I do fall asleep fast! Though, I certainly feel like a turtle on its back when getting out of bed, which is often with baby cuddling with my bladder. 

Movement: Baby is still quite the acrobat and loves to move and dance. The movements are definitely visible if you stare at my belly long enough!

Food Cravings: Less root beer now. I really wanted hot dogs, so tonight we had some. I am also chowing down on watermelon like its my job, but I did that last summer too :)

Things That Happened: 

- Older cousin Ariel was born! 

- Both Andrew and I celebrated our birthdays. For mine, we went out to dinner and I got delicious pot roast. For Andrew's birthday, I'm pretty sure he put down flooring. 

- Had a wonderful family and friends tea party baby shower. It was so great and so many people were able to come out even though the weather was less than ideal. This baby is so incredibly loved. 

- Had a work shower, which was also awesome. I mean, they had a make-your-own-sundae bar. Perfect!!

- We took birthing classes, a breastfeeding class, and infant CPR. 

- Mostly, we have just been setting up the nursery. It is mostly done, but requires some organization as most of baby's things are still in the basement. We ordered our glider today, so hopefully that comes in fast. A new post with picture of our updated bedroom and baby's room will be coming soon with before and after pictures!

- Andrew had a dream of baby. Amma (Andrew's mom) was holding baby and Andrew asked if he could hold baby since he hadn't yet (aww!). Then, baby started crying and he asked how baby was doing and baby said in a cute little voice "Good". He asked again and baby said the same thing, then he asked if baby knew more words and it said "No". Haha! Also, apparently baby was blonde, but he couldn't tell the gender. 

- I made James take some photos of Andrew and I for maternity pictures and I edited some. I can't wait to print some of them out and hang them in the house somewhere! In these pictures, I am 35 weeks, 6 days. 

Dr. Baby (baby's in utero name, if I haven't mentioned it), we are ready for you! Anytime you want to join us, we will be over the moon anxious and excited. I can't wait to see what you look like and to hold your little body outside of mine. 

Second Trimester - Part 2

Second Trimester - Weeks 21 - 25

26 Weeks

Symptoms: I am feeling great! My gag reflex has calmed down, but since I feel great, I get a little over zealous and then I have some ligament pains and I remember I need to take it easy. I think walking the dog every day has really, really helped me. I am definitely slow when walking, but moving helps keep the stretching pain away and makes me feel good as I haven't gained too much weight - just the right amount.

Doctor Appointments: We had one last week with our doctor, who is transitioning to a new position within Beth Israel, so I don't think she'll deliver the baby. Baby's heartbeat was 155 this time and didn't move around too much when trying to find the heartbeat, unlike previous appointments. Shortly after, baby was back to kicking away :)

Sleep: It has been going OK. A few weeks ago, I bought a Snoogle (a giant pillow that goes around me) and it has been GREAT to sleep with. Highly recommended. I plan on trying to use it as a breastfeeding pillow as well. So, I have that pillow around my back and neck, then lean the pregnancy wedge my mother-in-law gave me for Christmas under my belly and I sleep great until I have to pee. Lately, I wake up to pee and am wide awake, which is unfortunate, but then I am so tired the next night, I fall back asleep. It is a vicious cycle.

Movement: Oh my goodness. Baby doesn't stop moving. Baby moves especially when I am hungry, about 30 minutes after I have eaten, if I wake up, and if I lie down. This baby is never going to sleep.

Food cravings: They seem to have disappeared. Though, I wouldn't mind some chocolate covered strawberries...

Things that happened:

- We went to the Azores! It was a pretty good week, full of traveling and adventure (my favorite type of vacation!). There were a few hiccups, but it was a great time and we ended up missing the first huge blizzard of 2015. I'm going to try and make a separate Azore post with pictures and more details. 

22 weeks in the Azores

- We got home, terrified we would not be able to get into our driveway, but our neighbor was so gracious and cleared the snow in both driveways. That was the best present!

- During our vacation week, Andrew felt baby kick for the first time! Now, my belly shakes and you can see a bump if you are looking. Creepy, I know.

- Since that first snowstorm we missed, there have been several others (at least 2 others that shut down my work). It feels like Andrew has been shoveling non-stop for weeks. 

- We officially started working on baby's room. Don't worry! I took before shots and there will most definitely be a before, during, and after post - love those! 

- Last weekend was Valentine's day, so we went out for lunch and did some errands before it started snowing. I wore my cute not-very-wintery jacket and we had our first public recognition of baby in the grocery store line! She said she thinks it is a girl because I am apparently carrying low. 

- And just like that, we are in the third trimester! I am so excited to meet this little baby, but not yet. You still have some cooking left to do little babe (and we still have a lot to do!).

Week 20

No picture, mostly because I have been a slob this weekend, but quick update!

We had a doctor appointment on Tuesday and we heard your heartbeat again. It was around 145/150. Everything is still going well and we got another packet of info (my favorite!). We get to sign up for classes soon!

I felt you kick with my hand outside of my stomach for the most definitive first time. In fact, today I had your hardest kick! It is hard to get daddy to feel you kick yet since you are so sporadic. He'll feel it soon enough though.

On Friday, you go on your third airplane ride, so the next update will probably be in 2 weeks and include (hopefully) beautiful photos of the Azores. Keep kicking strong and happy little one!

Second Trimester - Part 1

Second Trimester - Weeks 13 through 19

20 weeks

Symptoms: Most of the first trimester normal symptoms have gone away. I still have a strong gag reflex and can't brush my teeth after eating - learned that the hard way on Christmas. The only thing that has appeared is lower stomach ligament pain from my growing uterus. It is uncomfortable, but totally manageable. 

Doctor Appointments: We are on the one-doctor-visit-a-month schedule (until the third trimester), so we had basic checkups and everything is going well. On December 30th, we went for our big ultrasound and got to see organs and bones and facial outlines! It was incredible. Baby stayed facing inwards, so we weren't able to get a good look directly at its face. It was moving and grooving though. Apparently, baby loooves bagels with cream cheese.

Sleep: Sleep is going pretty well, but I feel it is getting worse. It is hard to stay on your side! I am surrounded by pillows though, so that is comfy :)

Movement: I started feeling movement at 18 weeks and continue to feel it squirming inside. It is so cool and usually when I stretch in the morning, baby stretches and turns with me.

Food cravings: Earlier on I would eat about 2 pickles a day. I wouldn't say I was craving them, I just really liked them and they were available. I also love root beer right now. I think I had my first craving (not intense, like I need-it-now just a when-we-can-please-can-we-have-this) for pizza - specifically Jon's pizza in Clinton. So, this week we got some pizza at a local pizza shop and it was just what the baby ordered. Now I could go for some root beer and pizza...

Things that happened: This has been a busy few weeks with the holidays!
- Thanksgiving was technically in these weeks, but I was still feeling pretty meh (but definitely on the upswing).
- I had jury duty and was afraid I wouldn't feel the greatest, but Andrew was the sweetest husband and went out before I had to leave and got me a coolatta, a muffin, and filled my gas tank. How sweet is that?! Needless to say, I felt fine the whole day. I got put on a case (the last one to be picked!), then the defendant took the plea. I was a little disappointed, but only had to miss one day of work.
- Kaylee had her baby shower. It was great to see family and meet Ben's family too! I had a great day and I hope Kay felt loved and special because she is. She really, really is. <3
- Throughout this time, Moose had to keep going back and forth to the vet for a tract infection that just wouldn't go away. She is still on medicine, but we are hoping this is the last for Moose's sake and our wallet's! ;)
- Christmas! It was great to have a break from work and hang out with Andrew and our families. We went to see the Hobbit part 3 with my mom, Ben, and Kay. We celebrated on Christmas day with both sides of the family and the next day we went to Maine. Jon and Kristi stayed with us for a few days and it was great to see them. We went to one of the best weddings I've ever been to - Sheli and Festus, but then we locked Kay and Ben out, so we had to go home and get the dog. Emily fail.
- Developed a baby bump! I would say it started around 17/18 weeks.
- We bought our first baby item (a stroller) and we picked out names for both a boy or a girl (we think - we could meet baby and decide on something totally different!). We are being evil and not finding out the gender or revealing names, so what are you even reading this for? Haha!

Now, I am all caught up. As of today, I am halfway(ish) through cooking this baby! During the first trimester I thought it wouldn't end, but now, everything is flying by. Baby, your dad and I are SO excited to officially meet you and get to know you. I apologize in advance for all the things we mess up on, but just know we messed up trying our best and out of love for you. Your brother or sister will get the better end of the stick. That's just how it goes, but you'll always be the one that made us parents.

Someone thought I had a treat in my hand... turns out, just a camera remote 

First Trimester

First trimester -- Weeks 1 through 12

One of the only pictures of me within this time period.
I was only a few weeks pregnant and just got some new clothes. 

Finding out: I had a sneaking suspicion I was pregnant, but wasn't sure if I was being too excited. The day before I actually took the test we went out for Chinese food with our friend Erik and got fortune cookies, but we were too stuffed to eat them. The next day, I woke up and decided I should just take the test. It was about 8:30am and Andrew was just waking up. I went into our bedroom, tears rolling down my cheeks, and told him I was pregnant! He was half asleep, so it really caught him by surprise, but then he grabbed me up onto the bed and we talked about how exciting the news was! Then, I went to a bridal shower for Sheli and a photoshoot in a pumpkin field. Pretty sure Andrew just paced around the house all day. ;)

Later that week I opened the fortune cookie and it said "You have been given special blessings". Indeed, fortune cookie, we have. 

Symptoms: I was nauseous pretty much all the time, but especially if I hadn't eaten. However, I wasn't too hungry either and only ate small portions. I only threw up 4 times (three of those being the week of Thanksgiving - week 13), but after not puking for 8 years, it was nerve wracking to actually do it. I did NOT like potatoes - specifically homefries. The hormones made me very itchy all over, but especially my upper back. I felt pretty bloated often too. The part Andrew loved the most was the fact that the clock hit 9pm (or 8... or 7...) and I would be asleep on the couch. I was tiiiired. Overall, not the worst, but I definitely did not feel the best. 

Doctor Appointments: Our first doctor appointment was October 30th. I asked the nurse who brought us into the room if we would get an ultrasound and she said she didn't think so, however after the NP went over everything and our medical history, she took us for a quick scan. It was awesome! We got to see the baby as a blob with a beating heart. We were having a wonderful moment, then Andrew said "Hey, it's not twins!" and I belly laughed causing the ultrasound to skip. That husband of mine, always making me laugh, even at inopportune times. 

Movement: None felt yet.

Things that happened: I photographed a wedding (whew! That was A LOT of work). We traveled to Indiana to visit Uncle Jon. We told family.

I know this is a little late, but I do want to document the whole thing to remember, so here it is. I'll try to be more current as weeks go on. :)