a labor story

The night before I went into labor I asked Andy to rub my feet.  As he was lotioning them up I told him that one time when I was pregnant with Colt I got a pedicure and the lady at the spa said there was a pressure point on your foot that when rubbed can trigger labor...but they're legally not allowed to work on that pressure point.  He said that lady was a liar and continued my foot rub.  Before he was finished he looked at me with a dumb silly face,  poked the center of my foot like he was ringing a doorbell and told me that I should thank him cause he just pushed the 'magic' pressure point.

Later that morning at about 4am I woke up from a dream where I was having cramps and good lordy I was HAVING CRAMPS!  I rolled around for about 15 minutes or so then finally tapped Andy on the shoulder and told him I was crampy.  No longer comfortable I decided to get up.  Once I walked into the kitchen and made myself some toast gravity took effect and the pain factor of my cramps doubled.

Soon after I was having to pause and bend over to catch my breath during these 'cramps'.  I started timing them just for fun and they were now coming anywhere from 2-6 minutes apart.  I then officially started calling them contractions.  At 5:15a after seeing if the contractions stayed hard and lasted for an hour I decided it was time to wake Andy up.  During that hour I would go back in to the bedroom and whisper, Andy! I'm still having them...just wanted to let you know. Ok, goodnight.  Finally after the hour had gone by and I was having to blow hard and cringe during every contraction I went into the room, tapped him on the shoulder and said, Wanna wake up? I'm not kidding anymore. This is it.

Soon after I started packing my bag.  He was still in sleepy land, not really sure if this was 'it' or not...then he saw my first contraction.  He soon knew.  He called his mom to come and stay with Colt.  She was going to take a shower and head over but Andy so kindly let her know that I was ready to go to the hospital 5 minutes ago.  She showed up shortly after and we headed out.

Wanna know the two worse places to have a contraction? 1) the toilet and 2) the car.  That car ride suuuuucked.  My contractions were super painful but the worse part is they lasted a solid minute and were coming every few minutes.  There wasn't much relief.

We got in the parking garage and a few short feet from the door I tossed my cookies in a doctors parking spot.  I held on to the disgusting cement walls of the parking garage and breathed and barfed my way through a few more contractions.  A nurse walked by and asked if we needed a wheel chair.  Andy kindly said, Yes please, we also need an emesis basin.  An emesis basin is a fancy word for a puke bucket.  I ended up not needed the puke bucket because I left the 2 oreos, 1/2 glass of milk and the 3 bites of toast in the docs spot. ;)

The next 30 minutes went like this...
-got checked into triage.
-told the nurse I wanted an epidural. please. fast.
-moaned and groaned through some flesh ripping contractions.
-got checked. 4cms.
-made sure she knew I wanted an epidural.
-started to pee all over the place, oh wait, that was my water breaking.
-told a doctor that he looked like a young Dwight Schrute.  He didn't take it too well.
-more contractions.
-ate ice chips.
-nurse asked me if I wanted to walk to my room. I said yes, started to stand up, changed my mind, layed back down and yelped...I can't walk! [enter contraction!!] So they wheeled me away instead.

Once to my room I made my new set of nurses aware I would like an epidural.  They got the anesthesiologist lined up and started pumping an IV into my veins.  I was afraid that I was going to progress so fast I'd miss my epidural window and have to go au natural like I had to do with Colt in the very end.  Didn't want that. No sir!

Within 30 mins I had my IV fluid in my system and the anesthesiologist was pumping the goods in my spine.  Man, I love drugs.  I got checked again right after my epidural and I'd progressed to 6cms in an hour.  I spent the next 3 hours visiting with friends and family, enjoying my pain-free contractions and eating Jello.  Orange flavor.

By 11am I had progressed to 10cms/100%.  The doctor came to check on me and since she could see the baby's head she decided I should do a few practice pushes just to make sure I remember and to see how the baby moves when pushing.  On my 2nd practice push Molly started to come out! haha. Practice pushes are for sissys.  It's like riding a bike folks.  Just hunker down and PUSH!  I was really good at it apparently.  The nurses and my doc prepared for delivery while I snacked on some ice.  Andy started laughing and gave me a crazy look.  I didn't get why so I asked and he just said, She's coming with those kind of pushes.  This isn't going to take long at all.  He was excited. 
 
A few minutes later with my hubby by my side I gave THREE good pushes and out she came. THREE! T.H.R.E.E!  Uno, Dos, THREE!!  I pushed for 4 hours with Colt and with Molly... I pushed THREE times.  It was awesome.  I felt awesome.  Those first moments with Molly were awesome.  See, with Colt I was in so much pain I couldn't focus on him and enjoy the first moments of his life and I had prayed for a long time about being about to enjoy those precious moments with Molly. My prayer was answered.  She just layed there and snoozed on my chest like an angel. 

She is amazing.  I didn't think it was possible to have two awesome, perfect little babies.  She is perfect.  Sleeps good. Eats good.  I think she likes her life.  She's really happy.  I love her so much.  I kiss her on the lips all the time because they're so adorable and juicy.  I was always told growing up that you don't kiss babies on the lips, but I do what I want because she's my baby :)

our first days

I'm back and I'm no longer wearing Molly, I'm holding her! She is awesome. My labor/delivery went so well. I'll post the whole story later.  We just got home and are adjusting to life as a family of four.  Gotta run!  I got babies all over the place.

animal crackers to the rescue

Just so you all don't think I'm manic depressive I had a really good day today. I just don't always blog about them. Which is stupid because I'm way more happy than sad. But ya...

Today I put a jar of animal crackers on the changing table and told Colt he could have one if he laid down like a good boy while I changed his diaper...AND wouldn't ya know he went along with me like a champ. A CHAMPION. He is the champion, my friends. And he'llllll keep on fiiighting till the ennnnd...[unless you give him an animal cracker, then he'll be a good boy]. Nice rendition, huh?

Then I spent the day at my mom and dad's...basking in the sun eating a mixture of ice cream and donuts. Thought about dipping my donut in my ice cream..but that would have taken it too far.

Speak of ice cream and donuts [and oreos] I have eaten a lot of sweets lately...but would gladly like to report that I've only gained 18-20lbs with Moll's and we know she's at least 8 of it. One day soon I'll start eating strawberries again instead...but until then...

Have another oreo?
Why thank you.
I think I will.

eventually she has to come out...right?

We're still waiting for baby girl to make her entrance. Andy has started up Andy's Lawn Care and he's a mowing weekly now...sometimes twice a week. Colt has started slapping me. Actually, after Andy asked for an eskimo kiss this afternoon and Colt wound up his arm and slapped him right across his pretty face, I think it's safe to say I'm not the only one getting slapped around here.

I made a to do list.
Thought I'd share...
-mop
-sweep
-pack my bag for hospital
-clean the car
-put infant car seat in the car
-eat some oreos
-sleep
-wonder when I'll have the baby
-sleep
-eat some more oreos

That's what I'll be doing until the baby comes...
JUST in case you wondered.

38

I'm technically not 38 weeks until tomorrow but let's round up people, shall we? 
I feel as if she's getting pointy. 
I've got a baby bullet.

dang...so we wait.

Hello my lovely friends!  I woke up this am to a whiny butt Colt at about 4am and couldn't fall asleep so I thought I'd take the time to blog...because let's face it, it's been a few days and I...I, I love you guys. [sniff]

Yesterday I had my 37 week Molly appointment.  I was secretly wanting to hear, you're really huge...let's take you now!  It would have gone down as one of the only times that being HUGE is considered a good thing.  Instead they told me that I was still 2cms/80% effaced, measuring at 39.5 weeks and at 37 weeks along, I was too early to induce.  So we wait another week and create a plan from there. 

My doctor was really kind and kept saying, I know you're ready...I know you're done but.  I had planned on crying at my appointment to see how far that would get me but the actress in myself just couldn't pull it off.  So much for that Oscar.  Of course as soon as the doctor said he'd see me next week and left the room I looked at Andy and I thought about crying.  It was justified but I just decided to just say, Dang...so we wait.  Andy said he was proud of me for not getting upset over something I couldn't control and then bought me the largest chocolate ice cream cone DQ had ever seen.  It helped.

My mom recently had lots and lots of free time open up in her schedule and my Dad is still waiting for his job to start back up after his brain surgery fiasco so my buddy boy and I have been practically living at their house.  It's really been a blessing since Colt is in the lets-run-as-fast-as-I-can-from-my-pregnant-waddling-mother phase.  We've had a ton of fun together the last few weeks.

Speaking of my buddy boy...Colt is starting to talk!  Last week just about 95% of his vocabulary was one word 'Bah'.  Now he's saying...car, truck, bird, doggie, mama, dada, papa, pat, milk...there are many more but I can't think.  If you would ask Colt to say car you'll hear 'ca', truck is 'cuck', bird is 'buuuur' so some of his language is up for translation but I know exactly what he's saying and really, at least he's trying.  He's a smartie boy.  Ahhhh, I love him.  He's tall and more slender and we buzzed his hair the other day so he looks like a 5 year old.  [double sniff].

In other news [just call me Chatty Cathy] I got my hair did this week.  I almost canceled my appointment because I was having a bad pregnant morning but I slowly started to feel better and the blonde highlights lifted my mood.  Here's a before and after shot.  I was feeling very America's Next Top Model-esque in the first shot and trying not to make a weird face in the second...which resulted in an even more bug-eyed weird face.

My nails also look really good.  Sounds quite stupid but when I'm having a bad moment good hair and nails makes me happy.  And my son, he makes me happy too. And Andy.  I really love him.

Whelp.  I'm off to start my day.  I've got the joy of the Lord in my heart and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a good one.  A pregnancy massage is in the works, possibly a nap, a trip to the station to visit Daddy and to see the fire 'cuck' then who knows...maybe I'll break my water with a crochet needle.

Until next time...
good afternoon. 
good evening.
and good night.

just a little buggy bug

I'm going to make all my blog titles seem as though I've gone into labor and popped out the kid really fast with out any updates, just to keep everyone on their toes. [Just for you Court Helman. WOLF!!]

Thank you to all my dear friends who encouraged me yesterday that all the vomiting & diarrhea was my body preparing itself for labor. Although that is a very true sign that labor is on it's way, I woke up this morning feeling much better. As the afternoon progressed I was able to say that I was actually feeling pretty good. Still having contractions but no longer feeling like a royal piece of crap.

Right after my declaration of health, Andy looked over and said, I think I'm gonna barf. He then continued to get sick the rest of the day and he is currently sipping Gatorade while curled up in the fetal position on the couch next to me. Say a prayer for the poor lad if you can. Tomorrow he has his first state exam for his paramedic class. It's not just a scantron either, it's his practical exam...so he'll be asked questions and have to physically perform a paramedic's duties in front of numerous instructors. I'm pretty sure he's got it in the bag, I just hope he can hold down some breakfast.

Whelp, that's all I got. Still having braxton hick contractions every so often. Some are weak, some make me bend over to catch my breath. Over all, it's just my bodies way of faking me out. I'm pretty sure I've got some time...maybe even a few more weeks. OR MAYBE NOT. Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

ultrasound

I'm so out of it this post is going to be choppy and lackluster. Forgive me.

Today was my ultrasound for Molly. She was 8lbs at 36.5 weeks. They didn't check me because at my last appt I was already 2cm/80% they said I was close enough then to go into labor on my own and surly I haven't gone backwards. So now it's just a waiting game.

Good news is we got a clear shot of her girls parts and she is officially a girl. She's healthy and chunky. She also had her eyes open during the ultrasound and winked at me.

Bad news is I feel like a royal piece of crap. I've had diarrhea all day. I had one bad round of violent vomit and lost everything I'd eaten all day. I'm having braxton hicks contractions every so often and some pretty bad back pain. My eyeballs are crunchy from crying so hard after my appointment while thinking of having another 10lb baby. And I'm pretty sure I'm getting hemorrhoids. Hip Hip HOORAY! Now you really know everything about me. How do you like me now?

I have a feeling I'm having some prelabor. I don't feel like myself, AT ALL. We'll see how this evening goes. I might call the Doc. Then again, probably not.

I took Colt to my parents to spend the night because I officially can't keep up with him. Andy is home and being extremely kind & sensitive. Maybe I'll convince him to rub my feet. I'm gonna go try to eat a turkey sandwich and eventually swallow the fact that the Preparation H applicator is totally going to violate everything that was private and sacred to me.

point of reference

Left picture: the day before I had Colt. [10.5lbs]
Right picture: me now with 4 weeks left till due date.
Granted the picture on the right is slightly zoomed...but still.
Similar?

I'm scared. haha.

36

Here I am at 36 weeks. Excuse my arm for looking like a man's right thigh. It's just as large and probably just as hairy. There you go.My baby is getting huge. This pregnancy is much, MUCH different than my first. It has been pretty easy over all I've just been way more nauseous and starting last week my body has started to deteriorate at lightening speed. My back ain't. Ain't what?? You might ask. It just ain't.

No really, it hurts, a lot. I usually can't stand for more than 5 minutes at a time and a few days ago I started to get shooting cervix pains and round ligament pains in the middle of the night. A few nights ago I was dreaming that I was in really bad pain. I slowly started to wake up to realize, oh boy!!...it wasn't a dream. Andy woke up from the sound of me yelping, 'Ow! Ow! Owieeee...Ow!' and helped me roll over to a comfortable position where the pain went away.

I've also had bad heartburn this time around, but sweet Kaley read my about my dramatic meltdown on my blog from the other day and brought me over a brand new pack of Zantac AND a Cadbury egg. So the heartburn is no longer an issue. Isn't she a doll? I'm pretty sure the Cadbury egg was gone before she pulled out of the driveway to head home. Cadbury eggs...the best thing to come along since the easter bunny.

But really, all whining aside it hasn't been that bad. I consider pregnancy an awesome blessing. I know there are woman who would cut off their arm to be able to carry a child. I don't ever want to take it for granted.

Today before Andy left for work I told him I'd call if my water broke. He said he would appreciate that. I laughed. Maybe today is the day? We shall see!

p.s. You'll be happy to know we've tested Andy's Blackberry and we can blog from it. So no worries, we'll keep ya'll in the loop de doop when baby girl comes.

so much to say, so much to say.

Every time I sit down as of late I either want someone to rub my feet or I want to close my eyes...blogging hasn't made it to the top of the list. This is me pushing through my foggy haze. Are you proud of me? Please say Yes. Don't make me cry.

I've got some cute videos of Colt I was going to blog about. Some stories from his 1st ever puke session. Pictures of my baby belly. A new 'slide' video from our trip to the park this spring...far less traumatic than his first experience on the slide. I also made some cute hospital onesies for Molly and I crocheted a hat to match. All of these things I want to share but can't keep my eyes open enough to do so. Maybe one day I'll get to it.

Yesterday was my 35.5 week appointment.  I measured at 37 weeks. I also was, surprisingly, 80% effaced and 2cms dilated. When my doc said that I was like WHOA. Okay, this could happen, like SOON. Then I got home and freaked out because we don't have her car seat ready...All her clothes have tags on them still...I don't have any Dreft...What's she going to wear home from the hospital?...Who is going to stay with Colt while I'm in hospital...We don't have any pink blankets, she'll be wrapped in blue for the rest of her life...Do I have plans for the dog?...Is someone going to video/tape take pictures for us...Is Andy's phone equip to blog from the hospital? BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I'M HAVING A BABY and I'm not prepared. It's amazing how much more relaxed you are with the second baby.

Andy laughed at me yesterday as I was barking out my Molly To-Do list...then he said something that made a lot of sense, Mo, just get out a piece of paper and write it all down before you forget. Smart man! I was sitting and was so tired I couldn't move so I said I'd make my to-do list when I got up...AND when I did, I of course forgot. So the last paragraph I wrote is officially my to-do list. Let it be written.

So, I think it's safe to say the baby is coming. I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Thursday to see how big the baby has gotten. If she's packing on the pounds I'm pretty sure they'll schedule an induction. A matter of weeks folks and I'll be holding my baby girl. I really want to see her face.

Last night I was holding a pink stuffed elephant Molly's gotten as a gift and I mentioned how good the elephant's nose would be for Molly to teethe on. Colt had a ducky and when he was teething he would chew on the ducks quacker. It would get so slobbery and gross but he loved it and I washed it, it was just cute. So when I mentioned how the pink elephant would be a good chewie for Molly it made me start to cry then Andy gave me 'the look'. 'The look", is something I get often lately...this 'look' is a combination of him saying 'Aww, honey' and 'Here we go again'...typically after the look he says, "Don't get started! Be happy!" TELLING SOMEONE TO BE HAPPY DOESN'T MAKE THEM HAPPY. He be crazy sometimes.

Then I started to cry more because I had heartburn and we didn't have any Zantac and Kaley told me I could take Zantac and we don't have any money and my back hurts and I have a head ache and Colt is so grown up and I don't want you to go to work tomorrow and I'm hungry. See how that works? That's called a meltdown ladies and gents. I'm perfecting them.

Hopefully my baby will come soon but I still have more than 4 weeks left until my due date so I'm trying not to get too pumped up. Well, I just looked up from the computer and Colt threw an entire load of folded clothes off the ottoman and all over the floor, better go before he throws them down the basement stairs or dips them in the dog's water bowl.

Have a glorious day my friends.

32

Looking quite gross and frumpy in the picture but whatcha gonna do?

32 weeks is close to 40 weeks.
And even CLOSER to 39 weeks.
And that's is all I learned while attending South Bend Public Schools.
Seriously. That's it.

in pix

1. Let's smooch: Colt's Valentine Balloon. Now every time he sees a cow in a book, he gives it a smooch.2. 30 weeks.3. Maternity compression pantyhose. Is it possible for your toes to feel claustrophobic?...Because I'm close to cutting the feet out. I got in these suckers but it was ugly and I'm pretty sure Colt is going to need some counseling after witnessing his pregnant mother struggle and flop around on her bed in her underwear trying to put on some dang pantyhose. 4. Coppers new headrest is Molly. She be a pretty dawwwwg.

testing it out

This is our new sleeper/rocker we got for Molly. I'm really excited to test this baby out. We're going to use it in our room instead of a pack-n-play. It's sort of like a sling and the baby sits at an angle which all babies like angles as opposed to flat on mattress.

I tried to stop Colt from testing out Molly's new seat for the first 5 minutes after assembling but decided that was a fight I didn't want to keep fighting. So, he climbs in there sometimes. It hasn't broken or ripped yet, which is a great sign since he maxed out the weight limit on that sucker 6lbs ago. Sometimes ya gotta choose your battles.

He looks cozy though, right?

I'm measuring two weeks ahead and my doc said we'd create a birth plan for baby girl at 38 weeks...which makes me happy and makes Andy, the pessimist, say over and over, 'You're gonna go to your due date.' He doesn't want me to get my hopes up. I get it. But how can you not get excited at the thought of meeting your little one sooner than later?

You can't. It's too exciting.

anyone seen my mind?

When I was pregnant with Colt my boss started to joke with me because she could slowly start to see my brain power deteriorate. BP [before pregnancy] I was quick, detailed, efficient...pretty much, really good at my job. Then I got pregnant and I lost my pea pickin' mind.

After Colt I found my mind for a little while but I never fully recovered.

Well friends...the Mo you used to know is gone again and may never return, at least the kinda-smart part of her is gone.

If I don't write it down...don't plan on me being there.
If I'm not told...I don't know what day it is.
If my husband doesn't remind me...I forget about the little boy I watch on Thursdays.

Today, after being up for 3 hours I even forgot about Copper who sleeps in her kennel in the basement at nights. I never let her out...I forgot I had a dog!

So, if I recently missed your wedding, or your birthday or my birthday...don't take it personally.

Forgive her, for she knows not what she does.

baby huey

25 weeks.How all my shirts are starting to fit...hence the baby Huey reference.

22? 28? let's call the whole thing off.

On Tuesday I had a check up with the baby doctor. I was nervous to get on the scale this time around, being that I had participated in at least 3 hearty Thanksgiving meals AND enjoyed the labor of my Christmas baking in between appointments. None of which I regret.

I knew that morning on my scale at home I had gained like 5ish lbs and by the time I got to the Dr's office to hop on the scale I just decided to leave my weight worries at the elevator so I left my big snow boots on and everything when I got on the scale. It's becoming increasingly harder to put those dang things on and off anyway. 7lbs in one month was the damage. Seven, schmeven.

I brought up my weight jump to my Dr and she reassured me that my weight was on track for being 5 months pregnant and nothing to worry about. Which I was happy about. I for sure thought she'd tell me my diet was restricted to cucumbers and salsa for the rest of my life.

She then listened for the heartbeat [still there and going strong], asked if I've felt movement [I assured her that Molly was already a black belt] and she measured my belly. 28inches. Yes, I measured 28inches. The rule of thumb is you're supposed to measure in inches how many weeks pregnant you are. So for instance...I am currently 22 weeks pregnant with Molly, therefore my belly should have measured in at 22 inches. But because I'm a rule breaker, I measured in at 28 weeks!! Which is six weeks farther along than I really am...translation for anyone still confused, I'M FREAKIN HUGE!!!

Look at this picture and then ask yourself, 'Does this woman look like she can keep expanding for 4 more months with out exploding?' The answer is no.

Hopefully next month I will leveled out naturally or when she lifts my shirt to measure dozens of sugar cookies fall out instead to reveal the correct size belly. We shall see.

I make giants.

my uncle's brother's wife and baby

This is my friend Ann and her little girl Emerson. She is actually my Uncle's Brother's wife but more easily described as my friend. Ann and I shared the same due date with our first babies. August 29th! Ann went two weeks early and I went crazy. I was jealous then God reminded me that jealousy is a sin and made me go a week over my due date, hence Colt's September birthday. Meh.

Colt and Emerson are both 29lbs and 31.5" long.
They're from the same tree.
They can also beat up your kid. So play nice.

I'm due with Molly in April and Ann is due with baby #2 in June! Go Figure!

Let's just pray that she doesn't go two weeks before me again or I might just poke my eyeballs out.

Our kids are cute.

cantaloupes and bananas

There is a website that compares the average size of a fetus to an everyday item so you can visualize the size of your baby. Remember when Molly was a lemon? Then she turned into an onion?

Now [at 20 weeks] she's the size of a cantaloupe. BUT then next week she's a banana?!?

I feel like a cantaloupe is way bigger than a banana?

This website is jack.

I guess I don't know my melons.

no cute clothes

What happens when they are no cute places to shop for maternity clothes in town? You and your pregnant friends end up wearing the same outfits.

Lack of options.
It happens. Chelssie walked in and said, 'Are we taking family pictures and I didn't know it?'

Apparently, pregnant woman don't wear shoes either.