Marlow's Birth Story - Part Dos

Did you miss Part Uno?  Click here.

Monday, March 11
We were all so exhausted from the previous nights events.  The Husband went to work and I had to pick Mia up from my sister's by 7:00 am.  Mia and I proceeded to have a well planned day of laziness, movies and cuddles.  We took a few breaks from our lazy party for lunch and play time at Chick-fil-a and a walk through our subdivision.

Tuesday, March 12
4:00 am - I woke up from my wonderful slumber to some abdomen pain.  Nothing major, but also nothing I had experienced thus far.  I didn't get Braxton Hicks, so I knew something was going on.  It was enough that I couldn't fall back asleep, so I decided to head downstairs and watch some TV on the couch and avoid disrupting the sleeping people upstairs.  The pain was inconsistent and I did manage to fall back asleep.
6:00 am - I woke up to more intense pain.  I had a feeling on this one.  Was pretty sure we were actively moving towards labor.  At this point, they were still inconsistent but they were not stopping and coming about every 10-20 minutes.  I dosed in and out of sleep for about another hour and a half before Mia woke up.  Luckily she wasn't rearing to go as she normally is in the morning.  We grabbed some breakfast and stayed on the couch until about 8:30 am.
8:30 am - I took a little visit up to my bedroom where my Husband was just starting to wake up.  I told him he should probably plan on sticking at the house today because I had a feeling today was our day.  He got up and came downstairs and we had some coffee while we talked about our game plan, including where we would grab lunch on our way to the hospital.  We'll take a mini-date any way we can get it!
9:00 am - I called the doctor's office.  The nurse told me to hold off and wait until the contractions were coming every 5-7 minutes for one hour.  Once that happened I was to go to the hospital.  We called Mark's aunt who was our on-call day person and told her to come over about noon.  Still at this point the contractions were fairly inconsistent. I started keeping track on paper at about 9:30 am.

10:30 am - By this time we were getting consistent and more frequent.  The contractions were coming more like every 7-10 minutes and by 11:15 or so I decided it was time to get in the shower.  By the time I was in the shower I would have to sit perfectly still as the pain had intensified dramatically in a very short time, but I HAD to shower and I HAD to shave my legs.  Priorities.  I always tell any soon to be new mom to shower before they go to the hospital, if they can, because it will be a long time before you feel that clean again.
After my shower I could barely walk.  The distance between my shower and my bed appeared to be about 5 miles long.  Hubs had to help me put on my undies and lie down in bed in all attempts to get comfortable and that was as far as I got.  At that point he knew it was time.
11:45 am - Mark's aunt arrived and we made it to the car in what felt like an eternity of time.  Clearly we were not grabbing any lunch.  It wasn't pretty, but I was clean and we were on our way.

To be continued...

Marlow's Birth Story - Part Uno

Let me just start by saying this process was so much different this time around.
The body is an amazing thing and whether you've done it once, never or five times, each time it tells a very different story.

Sunday, March 10
9:30 pm (5 days from my due date and 4 days from my scheduled inducement)
I had gone to the bathroom for what felt like the 14th time since about 5:00 pm.  Mia was in bed. It was Melissa and Hubby quiet TV time.  Nothing out of the ordinary.  By this time I was off work, put on limited activity and I was, for the most part, being pretty well behaved.
As I sat down on the couch and leaned by large pregnant bootay over to lie down, I had a pop and a little gush.  OMG I peed myself ooooooooor my water just broke.  I called the doctor after freaking out to the Husband and they told me to definitely go in.  OMG.  OMG.  OMG.  Cue the call to my sister who was on standby for evening and late night labor activity.  She was over within minutes to sweep up Mia and take her to their house.
The Husband and I drove to the hospital in the late night laughing about the fact that it is clearly impossible to have a baby at any decent, normal hour.  Seriously how many babies are born in the middle of the day when most people are awake?

Side tangent:
Since I was induced with Mia, I had absolutely NO IDEA what to expect with going into labor naturally.  No idea whatsoever and I was obsessively googling every single symptom and reading every single website on how to induce labor.  Everything from nightly squat sessions in the kitchen to daily walks to scrubbing the bathrooms on my hands and knees.  Anything to get the ball rolling.  I'm not a good wait-er.  I'm a planner and like to know what happens next ALLTHETIME (except when I'm on vacation)!  Not my biggest strength that's for sure.

I was so unsure as to whether this was IT or not.  I had no other symptoms, no contractions.  Nothing.  Nada.

A great friend continued to tell me to trust in the process and I was doing my best to let nature takes its course.  She wouldn't stay in there forever.

We arrived at the hospital and checked in.  I had a doctor's appointment the Friday before.  She did some "things" to try to help "get things moving" as she was on call over the weekend and it would have worked out great because we all know how well babies are concerned with ours and our doctor's schedules.

I got to my room and got all comfy in my hospital gown.  Still no contractions or other symptoms, started to feel like I should have just stayed home.  They ran 3 different tests after the ultrasound did not indicate that my water had officially broke and talked to the doctor, not mine, the one of duty and 2 hours later sent me on my merry way back to the homefront.

Bottom line...she's sitting so low that I'm was losing control of my bladder.  So that's fun.

To be continued...

Dr. Google

So after the weirdness that was Sunday and Monday, I googled early signs of labor to death yesterday.  You don't just have an emotional and hormonal breakdown at 37 weeks pregnant for no reason right. Right?

I've convinced myself that yes indeed I am well on my way.

Am I really?  Who knows?  It's right up there with convincing yourself that you're pregnant based on every website and everyone else's symptoms (OMG, me too!!)

Regardless I have two weeks left, max.  This is a whole new ball game for me since I didn't experience these symptoms with Mia.  I had blood pressure issues and that was my primary focus throughout the end of my pregnancy with her.

Either way I'm content.  I'm as ready as I'll be.  I've come to terms with that.  Mia will be just fine.

Do I have the matching Big Sis/Lil Sis shirts, not yet.  Do I have Mia's gift from her sister, nope, not yet.  Do I have all my new comfies I ordered during Old Navy's sale last week.  Nope. (but they've shipped...bonus).

Did I document this pregnancy as I had envisioned?  No, definitely not.

But do I feel like I've done a pretty damn good job with my first born up to this point?  Do I feel like I can handle this Mom of Two thing.  Absolutely.

We, as women, as mothers, are often quick to judge others, but most importantly ourselves.  There is no script.  There is no magic formula.  All there is us.  Our support system.  Our friends and our families.

I've said it a million times and likely I'll say it a million more.  Am I perfect?  No.  Do I know what I'm doing each and every day?  No.  Do I sometimes feel like I'm doing it all wrong?  Without a doubt.  Does my daughter feel loved each and every single day?  You bet. But do I do the best that I can each and every (well, let's be honest almost every) day.  Yes.

That's all I can ask of myself.

Happy Hump Day!

The Unknown

Today marks 37 weeks, 3 days into this pregnancy.

Yesterday I had an emotional breakdown.

There is a fear of the unknown in all walks of life, in all new adventures, in everything that we encounter.

I was induced with Mia.  As far as this pregnancy is concerned all things are leading towards the fact that I will go into labor on my own unless I go beyond 40 weeks.

Last night, I had a moment.

A moment, while Mia slept next to me, where I thought, wow, this could be the last night I have just Mia.  And that is when I lost it.  I just couldn't calm myself down.  I was so taken over by emotion.

I just needed a hug, so I climbed out of bed and went downstairs and after my Husband figured out that I was ok and that I wasn't needing a ride to the hospital we talked about it.  I did feel better and had a decent night's sleep, but holy cow was I a basket case.

That fear of the unknown for me as we embark on these last few weeks or days of this pregnancy scares me more than anything.  The balance of two children, two full time working parents, my job while I'm away, my home, my life.  Making sure everyone is ok and taken care of. What will it be like.  How will we transition.  Most importantly, how will Mia do.

In time, I know everything will be fine.  We are a strong, close and supportive family, but until that time comes and I know for certain I will just do my best to embrace this time with Mia, embrace this time with our little family of three and prepare for meeting our newest daughter whenever that time shall come.

Life is a rollercoaster, one climb at a time.

Have a great week!

BumpDate: 17 Weeks

What I'm craving?: Salt, hamburger - our menu pretty much consists of all things that involve hamburger meat. The Husband mixes it up with chicken, but I'm still weird about it, so it just depends on the day.  Salads.  Love my veggies, but that's not anything different.  Not so into the sweets or fruits really, but I love juice right now especially V8 Fusion.

Funny/Memorable Story Of The Week:  Last weekend, the Hubs brought out his guitar and trumpet and he and Mia had a jam session.  It was the cutest thing EVER to date!  My favorite part of the whole night was when Mia looked and me and said, "Momma, the dogs don't like it, but we're rockin' out!"  She was having so much fun!  And girl can play the trumpet better than I can.

Weight Gain: Two more weeks until my next appointment, so I'm not sure.  I don't keep track at home.

Work Out Regimen: Still very light.  Should be more, but it's not and that's ok.  I need to pick it up a little though, I have a 5K coming up in November.

What's Different?:  My skin.  I'm breaking out like a 13 year old or a stressed out 18 year old (see also: freshman year of college and 3 a days during volleyball season).  I even broke out on my neck this week.  I mean seriously?  Ew.

Boy or Girl:  Still boy as far as I'm concerned.  Either that or I'm just experiencing a pregnancy almost completely unlike my first.

Sleep:  Hit or miss, but I really can't complain.  The cool weather + lots of blankets + sweatpants + sleep = love.  Most weeknights I'm in bed by 8:30-9:00.

Labor Signs: Nada.

Movement: Lots of somersaults going on in there.  Yesterday was a very active day.

What I Miss:  Being able to stand up without getting lightheaded.  Yep.  That time has come.  I just need to slow it down a bit.

What I'm Looking Forward To: My Mom's birthday celebration and getting my carpets cleaned this weekend.  Food and cleanliness makes me happy.

How Baby's Growing: This week the baby is the size of a turnip at about 5 ounces and 5 inches long. The skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone.

The Big Sister:  This is such a great age and we are having so much fun doing all of our fun fall things.  We planted our mums, visited the pumpkin patch and have decorated for Halloween.  She is into every single bit of it all and it makes my season loving heart very happy!  We are gearing up for her #3 birthday party next month and she's so excited!  How is my baby almost 3?

Happy Friday!  Have a great weekend!

BumpDate: 15 Weeks

A BIG Thank You to several of you that have reached out asking if everything is ok with the baby since I've been off the blog radar for the past few weeks.  I appreciate everyone's concern, but yes we are all doing great, big sister and Hubs included.  

What I'm craving?: Still a decent amount of red meat and salty things, especially potato chips, all things bad for me basically.  I eat a lot of peanuts and grapes right now too.

Funny/Memorable Story Of The Week:  Mia's new thing is to say she is "freaking out."  I have NO idea where she got this from, but it makes me laugh so hard.  I about peed my pants in Target yesterday when she said it again.  It's completely used out of context and it makes no sense when she says it, but it's still hilarious, well to me anyway.

Weight Gain: Up 2 lbs.

Work Out Regimen: Walking, light weights.  I will be starting yoga back up.  My back and feet are already starting to hurt me and I know that will help.  I have a 5K coming up in November.

What's Different?:  I'm so much more emotional lately and less aggravated like I was a few weeks ago.  I cried at Disney on Ice and the Rams game the past two weeks.  I see the excitement in Mia's eyes at these live events and it makes my heart all gushy.

Boy or Girl:  Still feeling the boy instinct on this one.  We officially find out in four weeks.

Sleep:  AWESOME right now.  I think the cooler temps help.  I'm sleeping like a rock.

Labor Signs: Nada.

Movement: Much more frequently and I LOVE IT!

What I Miss:  Would still like to have a bit more energy, but I think I just need to get used to this.

What I'm Looking Forward To: All the fall activities we have coming up and the craft/girls night at my sister's this weekend!  Oh aaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnddddddddd, we are [ this ] close on getting started on the kitchen reno.

How Baby's Growing: This week the baby is the size of an apple. Though some days when I look at my belly, I beg to differ. He/she can move all of its limbs and joints and can sense light.  We had our monthly doctor's visit this week and everything is going perfectly!  Our doctor ended up doing an unexpected scan because the baby wouldn't sit still long enough to read the heartbeat.  Made me nervous for a few minutes, but once I saw the baby doing back flips in my belly I was relieved.  That never happened with Mia, so I wasn't ready for it.

The Big Sister:  My baby is doing amazing!  We've been talking about her Halloween costume for quite a few weeks and I've been hesitant to buy it because of fear she will change her mind.  She's been consistent the past few weeks, so last night we went out to buy it.  She's so excited, we went straight home and she tried it on for her Daddy

Happy Friday!  Have a great weekend!

BumpDate: 13 Weeks

What I'm craving?: Tacos people.  Like I think I could eat them everyday type situation.

Funny/Memorable Story Of The Week:  Mia's new thing is when she gets mad, no matter what she will say and I quote, "Fine.  I'm not going to play with you annnnnnnnnnyyyyyymore."  Alrighty then Miss Sassy Pants.

Weight Gain: I don't weigh myself much even when I'm not pregnant, so until my next doc appointment I have no idea.

Work Out Regimen: I've worked out twice this week.  Feels good to get back to the gym.

What's Different?:  I get aggravated pretty easily, but that's probably mostly because I can't have wine right now.  My tolerance level is not so great at work.  More so than usual.  Dumb people are worse when you're pregnant.  See also:  last week's comment about mood swings. Yep.  That.

Boy or Girl:  Still feeling boy for some reason although the thought of a boy makes me all sorts of nervous.  Boys are horny when they get older and that scares me.  I'm dead serious about this.  I'm scared about a horny boy in my house.  I know girls are horny too, but boys, ummmm...ewwwww.  Weird? Yes.  Honest? Yes.  I've never claimed to be anything other than that, so...

Sleep:  Better than last week, I think the working out is helping my sleep.

Labor Signs: Negative good buddy.

Movement: Here and there, but again still not convinced it's the actual baby that's moving.

What I Miss:  Nothing in particular at the moment.

What I'm Looking Forward To: My hair appointment this weekend.  Can I just say the decision to go a smidge darker right before I got pregnant was a genius idea.  My roots would have been super scary by now if I was my lighter blonde color.

How Baby's Growing: This week baby is the size of a medium shrimp and fingerprints have formed on his/her tiny fingertips.  Can we just pause for a moment a how amazing this process is and how quickly they become so "real."  Wow.  Just wow.

The Big Sister:  Mia's doing great.  I feel like she has grown up so much and so quickly these past two weeks.  She seems so much older and so much smarter each and every day.  I love her heart, wish for a dose of her energy and let's be honest, I'm a little jealous of her dance skills.  I feel a little guilty that I don't have her in dance or gymnastics or something.  I know she would love it and I need to do it.  It would be a really great thing for she and I to do together before and after the baby gets here.  I think the guilt is normal.  I think there is a sense of guilt when you are building a second baby when you are so attached to your first.  It took shall pass I know, but for right now I have a bit of guilt Momma going on.

I hope you have a great weekend!  Happy Friday!