Jonah's Birth Story

Thursday, August 2, 2012
5:35am- Woken up out of sleep by a contraction after only going to bed 2hrs before. I noticed these were stronger than my Braxton hicks, so I started counting them.

6:30am- woke Alan up to tell him contractions have been 5 min apart and trending toward 4min. This is the real thing. Went ahead and packed bags and had some breakfast.

8am- arrive at Hillcrest Medical center. One nurse says "you're back!" since I had come in to get checked just 2 days before. Doc laughed and said I just wanted to see her every day this week since I had seen her twice already! Doc checks me and I'm 5cm dilated, 80% effaced and my water was broke (I thought I might of just had an accident after a contraction)! Called the parents, some friends, and work since I was supposed to work that night (I had been saying all week that I just needed to go into labor before 5pm on thurs so that I could call-in instead of having to leave work and drive 40min back to Waco).

11:30- 100% effaced and dilated to 6cm. On the birthing ball with the support of Alan and in "the zone". Strictly focused on relaxing and breathing through contractions, which are about 2min apart. The nurse said she was so impressed with how quiet and calm our room was-- she asked if we had taken classes or something! Nope, just letting my body do it's thing.

2:30- 7cm dilated and starting to transition. Contractions are 1min apart and my body is starting to get pretty shaky. Having some nausea and vomiting with the stronger contractions. Still on the birthing ball with Alan being an amazing support.

4pm- Still 7cm dilated and contractions are 30sec apart. Had to get off the birthing ball because I was getting to shaky and weak to stay on, even with Alan's support. Doctor wants to give me an epidural because I was more and more shaky and having a difficult time relaxing. I still requested to go natural.

4:30pm- Ended up with an epidural. I was pretty sad that I didn't end up going all natural, but the doctor said because I had held off for so long getting one, there was no way they would put me on pitocin (which I really really didn't want). At this time, I was already shaky, but the epidural made me vibrate basically! I had to keep convincing everyone that I was warm enough. Now that I was more relaxed, we had more people in the room. Which I still think is funny that everyone wants to come and stare at me while I'm in a hospital gown, having contractions and about to give birth.

5pm- 10cm dilated! The epidural allowed me to relax enough to get to 10. Doctor reposition me so that Jonah would come down a little bit more before we push.

5:30- Everyone is kicked out of the room except Alan and mom. Doctor and everyone is set up to go!

5:39- 12hrs of labor and three contractions later and we have a Baby Boy! Weighing 5lbs 1oz, 18inches long, and wide eyed! I was so shocked to see him when he came out, my first reaction was to just reach and hold his little hand! Doctor was super quick and removed the umbilical cord that had wrapped around his head twice, but fortunately it had not affected him. Alan was able to cut the cord and Jonah was placed on my chest right after birth. Alan was an amazing support and encouragement throughout the entire labor. We both had tears of joy when we saw our little boy! Such an incredible experience! I do believe now in love at first sight! I wasn't sure how I would feel and I honestly don't think I could ever put words the overwhelming amount of emotions that collide together in one very miraculous moment.

Wow, I'm a mother! What a Joy!

A moment before there was three!

Alan cutting the cord!

Check list complete!

Room set up- check
Labor bag packed- check
Car seat installed- check

... now what?! I guess that would be to get emotionally ready. But how do you do that? I don't think it's entirely possible.

The one thing that is starting to bug me more and more are the comments I get when asked if I'm going to get an epidural. The answer is no.... actually hell no! I understand I do not get a medal for going through labor without one, I understand and am anticipating the pain I will endure, and I understand that "most" woman get them. But I also understand the side effects of an epidural and potential harmful lasting effects, I understand that evidence based research (aka the best kind) all point to how epidurals increase the rate of complication + slow labor= C-section, and yes, I understand it will hurt. It's freaking labor... what else is it going to feel like! I may not be an L & D nurse, but I did spend a semester studying pregnancy and child birth. I understand how "it all works" and am quite prepared to work with my body in delivering our baby boy. I'm going to do this because it's the best thing for my son and  my family and myself. I appreciate that other mom's have delivered with an epidural and everything went fine, but that's not going to be my story. I'm not some super human because I want a natural child birth, I'm just a woman among millions of women throughout history who have given birth without an epidural.

 There, I feel better now that I've said it!

On another note-- here's some cute photos of baby Jonah's room!

"Any day now!"

And that's where we are at! Had an amazing baby shower this past Sunday that my sister and mother in law hosted- super cute little man themed party filled with ties, mustaches, and daisies! We were incredibly blessed with everything we needed and some very nice comforts!

Monday doc said I was dilated to 3.5 and 40% effaced. Had to go home early on thursday night from work because I was so exhausted from having contractions while working! One patient asked why my hands were shaking- well, maybe I'm having a contraction! Course they never regulated out, but my doc had me come in for an evaluation just to check. Everything was fine and I'm now 60% effaced! I was pretty embarrassed that I came in but my doc said not to worry cuz when she was a 3rd year resident she got checked all the time, and it was her third kid! I have to say I have an amazing ob/gyn! Even Alan was asking if she could be our primary doc!
Was so worn out from getting things ready and working extra this week, I had to call in for Friday, which my body took advantage of and slept 13 hours straight followed by several naps today! I keep thinking "why am I so tired?" and then I remember, oh ya, I'm 9 months pregnant!

The summer heat hasn't been too bad simply because I've been avoiding the heat! I step outside and my feet instantly start swelling followed by a bunch of Braxton hicks! Simply looking forward to going on walks with baby here soon!
So with the doc thinking I'll go anytime and most likely next weekend, I'm doing my best to sleep and spend time with hubby as much as possible! I'm nervous about this big new life change- how will he be, how will we do as parents, how our lives will change- but at the same I'm so very excited and filled with joy at this amazing blessing that is about to happen! Makes me think to Hannah and her prayers for a child and unbelievable joy and gratitude to God when she was blessed with children. I'm so very excited! Yup, it beats the nerves!

2cm and counting!

Wow, I really don't mean for time to go that fast in between posting, but it sure has! I was so super blessed last weekend at my shower up in Tyler! I loved getting to seeing everyone again and was blown away at all the gifts! My aunt made a commit of how many people came to my shower when I don't even live in the town or go to the church any more-- and I have to agree that Alan and I are supremely blessed with a church family that loves us from afar!

My mother, of course, had a super cute set up filled with gourmet cupcakes and dangling sugar cookies.  I tell her all the time she needs to be on pinterest! My two bestest girls, brentany and jessi, also worked so hard getting things set up. My mom laughed at all our conversations of what it's like to be pregnant and all the crazy things that happen to your body-- she's slowly realizing that we're a very open group of friends! I do think I might have deterred brentany a little longer from wanting kids after I brought up the cervix checks and group b strep test! Sorry daniel!

I think people at work are still waiting for my belly to pop out more and most still think I'm 6 months pregnant because I'm small! But after wednesday, I think the rumor mill has caught them up! I was working and started having really bad cramping and lower pelvis pain, like a really bad menstrual cycle. Then I had some spotting. Well, I had been keeping my charge nurse up to date and she offered for me to go home early, which I greatly appreciated because my body just needed a rest.

I went ahead and called my doctors office in the morning and they had me come in to just get checked out. My actual  ob/gyn was off on vaca, but the doctor that saw me back in june with my lil scare was the same one to see me again! Well, Jonah was a champ on the monitor with perfect heart beat patterns and 38 kicks in 20 minutes! Not only that, but the doctor said I was already dilated to 2cm and believes that I can expect to go into labor in about 2-3 weeks! He also said my favorite phrase of the week of "And I think you will probably have an easier labor than most since you are dilating so well"! The hallelujah course started going off in my head!

The doctor said everything was fine for me to go back to work, so I did that night. Course when I got there, everyone was like "I thought you went into labor"! I even ended up seeing one of the patients I had taken care of the night before and she thought I had gone into labor too! No labor yet! But I'm hoping with working and maybe picking up a few extra shifts, I'll work that cervix into shape!
Now I have one more shower this weekend here in Waco and I'm so excited about it! So it's time for me to clean my room and get everything ready! Alan was a little freaked out my the dilation and now is ready to start packing the hospital bags and understands why I want things set up already (I've had a feeling that Jonah was going to come early my entire pregnancy)! So here we are in the final stretch! I have another doctors app. on monday and will keep everyone updated!

A night to remember!

On Tuesday, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary!

The day started late due to running errands and the fact that we like to sleep in! Finally, around 5ish, we went over to the local arboretum to take some photos. It was pretty hot and after about 20min, we had to call the photo shoot cuz we were both sweating pretty bad. Jump in the car to see the temperature outside was 106! No wonder we were warm!
We wanted to make out stay-cation somewhat romantic, so we went to our hotel room to cool down, change and head off to dinner. Enjoyed our mexican food followed by a movie. It was going wonderfully and we were heading back to the hotel when I noticed I was having somewhat frequent contractions. Now, I have the contractions occasionally and that's normal (they don't hurt-- just my uterus prepping for it's big show), but I kept having them. So we got back to the hotel and I was just trying to lay down and drink some water to relax. But after 5 painful contractions in a row, with low back pain and pelvis pressure, we decided to call the doctor!
I have to say, I love my ob/gyn clinic! I just had to call a pager, leave my number, and within 2 minutes, I was talking directly to the on call doctor. He said to come on in to get checked out, so at 12:30 am we drive over to the hospital and pray that we won't need to be calling any relatives anytime soon! Checked in and went right to an actual room because all the triage rooms were full. That was kinda nice because I hadn't been able to go to a tour of the department yet! I was gowned up, hooked up and watching the monitor. After 45min, the doctor came in and checked my uterus to find it still closed! YAY! We were both relieved and the doctor encouraged us to rest and keep an eye out for more intense labor along with discharge.
So at about 2:30am, we got back to our hotel and enjoyed the rest of the night! Things didn't quite go as planned, but it sure made for a rememberable night!

What I've Learned So Far While Being Pregnant

After talking with several women and watching "What To Expect When You're Expecting" (cute movie by the way), I'd have to say I've had a fairly easy pregnancy. But through this, I've picked up on some interesting facts that books and some websites forget to inform mom's to be. Here is my list:

• Men are scared of the Belly: Most guys really are interested/freaked-out by the bump! They want to touch it, but are to afraid to ask. They also want to make a commit, but after being told all their lives to never commit on a woman's body, they normally take the safer route and stay silent. They are also a little freaked out by any sudden grabbing of the belly or moan-- I believe most have some image of a baby popping out and realizing they have no idea of what to do.
• To help: If a guy looks interested, verbally tell him it's ok to touch the belly and let him know what he is feeling! Most have really appreciated it. Don't be hurt is a guy friend or even dad never makes a commit on your belly size. Just know he notices but want's you're happiness more than his commits to be voiced. And always be ready to reassure a guy if you have any pain that the baby is not about to pop out and let him know what you need (they also get to feel like a hero if they can save a pregnant woman from some inconvenience).
• Men become Super Hero's Around Pregnant Women: Instead of occasionally getting a door opened for me, it's become every time and quite dramatic too! It's not "Oh ya, here's the door", it's more like "Let me get the Door for You, Oh Woman with Child!".  And there is no more carrying anything around a guy! I may lift, pull, carry, hold down patients all day, but when it comes to carrying a box to my car that weighs about 3 lbs, I don't normally make it a few feet without it being ripped out my hands and carried with pride by the nearest guy.
• To help: Let them be super hero's! Let them open the doors, carry the boxes and offer up seats. You may not think you "need" it, but they need to manly ego boost. Also, they kinda feel like a giant jerk if they don't do something to help a pregnant woman.
• People are Watching You: Especially when you are getting rounder, there are more and more eyes on that wonderful bump. So you can either be nervous or have a little fun! If someone near you is watching you, waddle by them, suddenly grab your belly and let out a moan! The facial expressions are priceless!
• To Help: Have fun with the attention! Plus, you're going to have even more eyes on you and your new little one in a few weeks anyways!
• People are more shy: I was always warned to expect random people coming up to me and touching my belly. Not having a "bubble", I really didn't care if that happened. But now being 8months pregnant, I still get asked if I'm pregnant! Or people awkwardly stare at my belly wondering if they should ask! 
• To Help: Just let people know! I've got this great necklace that says "Due in August" and it really helps clarify! Or I'll just bring it up in conversation so they don't feel so nervous.
• Your Body is Not Your Own: Probably not a shocker to most, but it still catches me by surprise that I can't quite do everything that I want to do! I may have had a chill day and feel like I get enough sleep, but the next my body rebells with dizzy spells and mega water craving! I'm like "oh I want to go do this", while my body says "oh no you won't! Nap time for you!". 
• To Help: Don't try to resist. There is a small human inside of you and it takes a bit of work to grow one! Plus, your body won't be your own in a few weeks anyways!

These are just some of the top things so far! I'm sure there will be more in the next 2 months!

10 weeks and counting!

That's right! I'm in the final bouts of this wonderful pregnancy! I honestly can't really complain very much about being  pregnant-- I've probably had one of the easier ones from what I've seen or heard!

Speaking of what I've heard, people say the funniest things when it comes to pregnancy! Or even just do funny things. I've been told "You're all belly" (whatever that means!), "Wow, you're 7 months? You look good!" (am I supposed to be a slobbering mess at this time?), "Hmm, you're 7 months? You look so small for 7 months." (well the doc is measuring me at 32 weeks so I'm fine!), "Are you going to work until you deliver? Is that really safe?" (umm I don't know. Is working a top level hospital with the one of the most advanced NICU and Labor & Delivery departments safe? Yes! I just have to hop a ride in a wheelchair upstairs!), "Oh wow, how are you surviving this heat?!" (Well, I drink water and don't do any strenuous activities outside. There is also this new invention called air-conditioning!). One of my favorite moments was when I went and saw "What to expect when you're expecting" movie. There was a group of ladies in the bathroom talking about the movie, pregnancy, and babies. When I came out of one of the stalls, they all went silent and just starred. I kinda felt like I should have said "Ta-da"! I really don't get put out by any of the silly comments. In fact, they just make me smile!

Baby update: He's been kicking, turning and hiccuping like crazy here lately! I don't think I'll have to worry about kick counts being low on this fella! I am measuring at 32 weeks and his heart rate has been perfect. Stretching pains are at an all time low (nice lil break) and I'm just getting more and more excited!

Family update: My grandpa just had a heart cath and found out he needs bypass surgery. I'm super grateful that the doc talked him into doing the cath! Will be praying for him this coming tuesday along with a good recovery!

Now to figure out what to get hubby for fathers day! I think he will need at least one tacky t-shirt! ;)