My Birth Story

I wanted to get this down in writing before I start to forget some of the details and pain!

We went in on Saturday, June 19 at about 8:30 am. We went in for a scheduled induction due to low amniotic fluid. By the time we got all the paperwork and questions answered, and got hooked up to the monitors, got the IV in (My hand and then arm weren't cooperating for that), it was about 10:15 am before they actually started the pitocin. At that point I was about 60% effaced and 1.5-2 centimeters dilated.

It was a slow start, the Dr. didn't want to break my water right away due to the low fluid, we didn't want to cause any stress to the baby. So, from about 10:30 to 3:00 it was fairly slow. Not a ton of change and progress. I was having regular contractions about 2-3 minutes apart but they were fairly easy to get through, just uncomfortable. They kept increasing my pitocin every half an hour.

At 3:30 to doctor came in to break my water, I was about 3-4 cm at this time. I also ended up getting my epidural at this time. I was in pain, and the anesthesiologist was already there for another lady so I didn't want him to have to be called back in. I'm not sure what happened, but the epidural didn't quite work right. We didn't' know this right away at the time though. It did make my whole left leg really numb and not as much my belly or the pain. The pain was still bearable so I didn't let it bother me, but I knew right away it felt different than I felt going through this with Jenna.

The meds in the epidural caused my blood pressure to go really really low. The nurses were worried and they had the cuff checking my blood pressure every 5 minutes. They said if I were to get out of bed I would most likely just pass out. It was low, like 79/39 low. It wasn't getting better despite trying different positions, pumping a TON of fluid into me, and giving me meds to raise it. Luckily the baby was looking great through all of this and didn't react to my body being stressed.

So, eventually my blood pressure started going up and my pain was going up. I called the nurse in and told her I was feeling way more pain than I knew I should be feeling with the epidural. She checked me and I was 6 cm. She said she thought I would go really fast now and since the meds made my blood pressure so low they couldn't do more or change anything, so pretty much, deal with it. I literally had tears running down my face, and I felt like I was never going to get to 10!

The nurse called the doctor and told her it would be soon and started to get my room ready for delivery. The doctor came in and was prepping to deliver the lady in the room next to us. Of course, two of us start going into active labor at the same time. I was in so much pain and felt so bad that it actually made me throw up. I gave Erik just enough notice to throw a pan under my mouth. The nurse was happy saying it was a good sign of transition into pushing.

Meanwhile, Erik was trying to do anything he could to help, which wasn't much. He got me ice chips, chapstick, and letting me break his hand while I held it during contractions. At this point the nurse was right, things were going fast (thank God) and I was at an 8 and the baby was really low. I was crying, couldn't talk, felt like I was going to pass out from the pain. I KNOW I was not supposed to be feeling like this but it was too late to do anything now. It was the point of no return. Erik said it was the first time he heard me say that I couldn't do something. How dumb, I remember saying, "I can't do this." Yeah, like I had a choice!

The nurse came in and said, "You're at a 10, you're complete." She tried to get the doctor in and the doctor was still delivering the other lady's baby. The nurse then said to us, "don't worry, I've delivered babies before." This made me cry even more, our doctor is our friend and I really wanted her to deliver this baby. The nurse said the baby was right there and at that moment the doctor came running in, got ready and told me to push. I was in so much pain and felt like I couldn't do it, and she told me what I needed to hear. She said he was so low and so right there that she thought I could do it in one good push. She was right, I did!!!! Grant came out after one long push. It hurt so bad and the pressure in unbelievable, it's also the weirdest feeling, a baby coming out of you. I didn't feel all that with Jenna due to the epidural, I felt pain with her but NOTHING like this.

I remember Erik and the doctor yelling at me to open my eyes and then Grant was laying on my chest! I was so relieved he was okay and he was out of me! It's the most pain I've ever been in but he was worth it!

After he came out, I'll spare you the details, but we had the same problems that we did with Jenna with my placenta. So, after that ordeal was over, all was good!

I started pitocin at 10:15 am
They broke my water at 3:30 pm (this is when they technically say labor starts)
Grant was born at 10:21 pm.

It truly is an unbelievable experience and looking back at it now, I'm kinda glad I felt the pain, it makes me feel so strong and amazed at what our bodies can do. Okay, now I'm getting all teary eyed. I want to remember this feeling since it's most likely our last baby.

I know forever have the memories and experience of laboring and birthing my two kids. I have the flabby belly and stretch marks to prove it and I couldn't be happier with my family!

Introducing Baby Boy...

Introducing Baby Boy Grant Byron! Grant was born on Saturday, June 19, at 10:21 pm. He weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 18.5 inches long. My labor was much worse than with Jenna but luckily he is so cute and cuddly, I got over it once he came out in one push!


Before we left for the hospital, our last picture as a family of three!



Baby Grant!



So cute and cuddly!




A proud big sister and her little baby brother! I am SO lucky and blessed.

Stay tuned for more stories and pictures to come! It's a little busy around here lately with not too much sleep happening.

My Big Belly

Okay, some of you have asked for a belly shot! I'm reluctantly sharing this with you. I am 33 weeks today, so really he could be here anywhere from 3-7 weeks now! It's not too much longer! I forgot to take a picture at home this morning, so this is in the bathroom at work. Thank God no one walked in!


33 weeks exactly

The Good, the bad, and the ugly!

With my due date fast approcahing, only 63 days away, I thought I'd do a pregnancy post. Please understand that I'm so grateful to be pregnant, after one year of trying and a miscarriage, but it doesn't mean things are easy.

This pregnancy is SO different than my one with Jenna. I am trying to enjoy it, and am fully aware this could be my last pregnancy, but sometimes it's so hard.

The Good
In 63 days or less I will be holding my little baby boy!

I can't wait to see Jenna be a big sister, I know she will do great (or at least I hope!)

I don't have to suck in my stomach while pregnant

Feeling life inside of me! Even though sometimes he hurts me, I love feeling him move all around

Erik and I are so excited to add to our family!

Having a valid reason to get regular pedicures, I can't reach my toes and Erik doesn't want to paint them...so, salon - here I come!

The Bad

Um...aching and hurting hips and pelvic bones, seriously, I can feel them spreading and moving!

Heartburn and reflux so bad it leaves me throwing up at night.

Rolling out of bed and trying to get off the couch like I'm a hippo, nothing is easy.

Colds and headaches and not being able to take anything stronger than a sweetart (tylenol does nothing for me.)

Back aches

Bending over literally takes my breath away, I can hardly put on socks or shoes

This symptom doesn't bother me, but I snore at night now and keep Erik awake. (Hey - it that's the sacrifice he has to make while I'm making a person, he can deal with it!)

Awful morning (yeah right, I wish) sickness my first three months.

Getting up 3-6 times a night to go to the bathroom, seriously, how is it possible to really have to pee every 15 minutes?

The Ugly

Swollen ankles and fingers

Leaking boobs - love it!

Stretch marks - need I say more?

21 week 3d Ultrasound

We had a 3D ultrasound today, mostly for my worried mind to get one more confirmation that he is indeed a he. We got that, it's a boy and I won't second guess it again!

Here are a few pictures. They would have been even better if we'd waited a few more weeks, but I'm not the patient type and am planning on buying bedding this weekend, so needed to know.

Baby all curled up, you can see his nose good and some arms and legs tangled in there too.



Cute profile, he almost looks like he has a little smirk!

Another profile

Cute profile, showing off his flexibility, see his foot up by his chin?!

He got sick of showing off his goods, and crossed his legs!

And it starts...

I am truly amazed at what people have the nerve to say, especially to a pregnant lady. Do people really have no tact or thoughtfulness?
When I was pregnant with Jenna I got to the point where every time someone tried to offer or tell me advice on what I should or shouldn't do, or eat or anything, I would respond back with, "Oh, wow, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were an OB doctor!!" It shut them up every time.

Looks like it's starting again. So far, I've had two insensitive rude comments made to me, I'm only halfway there.

Last week a lady asked me if my pregnancy was planned or a surprise. Seriously - do you have a right to know that or even really want to know the answer? What if I had said,
"Oh, total surprise, I hate babies and can't believe I'm pregnant!" What would she have said?

Or does she want the other story,
"Planned, we tried for a year, had a miscarriage, went to the doctor, had multiple tests done, was charting, temping, planning, and scheduled an appointment with an RE before we found out we were pregnant."

Honestly people, think before you speak. Just say, "Congratulations, that's so wonderful!" And be done!

My next rude conversation was just last night. An older couple asked me when I was due, I'm just starting to show more, here is the conversation.

Them: So, how much longer do you have?
Me: A while, due date is very beginning of July.
Them: Oh wow, you must be like me honey, have you gained a lot of weight?
Me: (trying not to hit them) No, actually I've only gained one pound and I'm halfway done. Everything is on track and we are having a boy. (me trying to change the subject.)
Them: Well, yes, a BIG boy!!!


Honestly...I don't know how much more of this I can take! What should my comeback be this time???

It's a....

We went for an ultrasound, the little baby was moving all around and the tech's couldn't get a very good shot of the "goods", but they both saw something, and thought the same thing. So, we are having a...


BOY!!!!!

We're so excited and so is Jenna! I'm already looking and planning and dreaming about the colors for the nursery and bedding!

BIG NEWS!!!

We are so happy to announce that Jenna is going to be a BIG SISTER! After one year of trying to conceive and going through a miscarriage, we are expecting! We are 13 weeks along, due July 6, 2010!!!

We are just so happy! We've been lucky enough to have five ultrasounds so far and everything is looking great! It's such a miracle to see the little baby moving all around and hearing the heartbeat!

Jenna is excited, but has no concept of time. We actually just told her last week and she said, "Oh great,...can I have some more spaghetio's?"
She is so cute and will talk to my belly, and if she hits my belly or her feet hit it, she will say she's sorry to the baby. I think she will be a great sister!

We will be finding out if it's a boy or girl and I will keep posting updates!