The Birth Story!

At about 10:00 pm on July 1st I started having some stronger contractions but nothing consistent. The contractions were anywhere from 6-15 minutes apart lasting anywhere from 45-60 seconds. At about 10:45 I went to bed. I woke from a deep sleep with some painful contractions at 12:15 am. I then stood up and it felt like my water could have broken, but I wasn’t sure. The contractions kept coming about every 6-7 minutes lasting about 30-45 seconds. I finally called the hospital around 12:30 and told the nurse I wasn’t sure if I was in labor or not. The nurse said she would have the doctor call me and we could then decide if I should come in or not. Dr. Springer called me within 5 minutes and I told him I wasn’t sure if my water broke and about the contractions. He felt I should come in and be checked and that it was very possible I was in active labor.

Ross called his parents to come over so they could stay with Isaac while we went to the hospital. While I waited for them Ross loaded the car. By the time Ross’ parents got to our house the contractions were very strong and exactly 3 minutes apart. We then drove to the hospital which took about 15 minutes. I was pretty sure this was the real thing by the time we got to the hospital. We got there around 1:15 and the nurses hooked me up to the monitors so they could monitor contractions and the baby’s heart rate. Dr. Springer came in about 1:30 and checked me. I had only dilated to 4 which was only 1 centimeter more than 2 days ago, but the Dr. said I was not leaving the hospital without a baby. The doctor estimated that the baby would be ready around 7:30 or 8:00 am. The doctor left me in the room and went and slept in the next room. He asked the nurses to wake him around 4:30 so he could check me again.

At about 3:00 or so they started administering iv and then shortly after the epidural. It took a very long time to get the epidural in and they aren’t sure why it wouldn’t stay in. But once it was in I felt immediate relief from the contractions. Doctor came back in and checked me and I was soon dilated to 9. He then broke my water and kept checking me. It wasn’t long and the doctor told us it was time to have a baby. I pushed for approximately 1 ½ hours. It was a long tiring process but oh so worth it. They got the vacuum out because I was having trouble getting Caleb’s head out but I pushed one more time and his head came through all by itself so the vacuum wasn’t needed. Doctor Springer told me he had lots of hair. I then pushed a few more times and the doctor announced “they were right it’s a boy”. Caleb Benjamin was born at 6:23 am. Ross got to cut the cord and they cleaned the baby up and brought him to me. It was amazing. The doctor told me he for sure was not a 10 lb baby like Ross which I was grateful for. After both Ross and I had time to spend with Caleb, they took him to the nursery to weigh and measure him. Caleb was 8 lbs. 3 oz. and 21 inches long. He did not look that big, he’s skinny and long like Ross and beautiful.

All in all the labor and delivery went good. It was not as bad as I had expected and went fairly quickly. I even had my own doctor deliver the baby which I was even more grateful for. The doctor and staff were all wonderful in helping manage the pain and pushing. Ross was great and by my side the whole time. I did tear quite a bit so had to be stitched up but it was all worth it!!!!

39 week update

First off I didn't think I'd actually still be pregnant at 39 weeks but here I am. I had a check up today and I've made a little bit of progress. I am now 3 cm dilated and the baby's head has dropped even more so it's all looking great. My due date is Monday July 7th and if the baby has not made his arrival by then we will be looking at inducing on July 8th. My doctor is very confident that I am a good candidate for being induced so I am happy about that. My doctor really thinks the induction process won't be too bad at all. Of course I would rather the baby come on his own, which still could happen but if it doesn't I am ready to be induced and to have this little one.
So at the most I should only have 8 more days of being pregnant!!!!! Baby boy will soon make his arrival!!!!

38 week update

Today I went in for my 38 week checkup. I saw my own doctor this time. He measured me and I am still measuring ahead but not quite as far as I was. The heartbeat was perfect at 160. He checked for dilation and I am still 2 cm dilated. He was not sure if the cervix had changed much because the other doctor did not write that down last week. But he thinks my body is definitely ready to deliver. It's all up to baby now. I asked what to expect if the baby is not here by July 7th. He indicated that I would come in on my due date for a check up and then we would pick a date to be induced. I asked about my chances for a hard delivery and/or C Section with being induced and he doesn't think I will have any problems because I will be far enough along and I have already started dilating. He is hoping baby will come before then though. He said I could go another 2 weeks like this but in most cases it doesn't take 2 weeks to go into active labor. So now it's just more waiting. I guess I can look on the bright side knowing that the baby will definitely be here in less than 3 weeks.

Getting closer to delivery!

But not close enough for Mommy!!!!! Last night I started having some intense menstrual type cramping and I soon figured it was contractions. I had them all night long. I honestly did not get 1 consecutive hour of sleep. I timed them when I could and they ranged from 5 to 15 minutes apart with each one lasting over a minute. They weren't strong enough so I never called the hospital. Well I still felt icky this morning at 7:30 after I was awoken by a bird flying over my head this morning (that's a whole another story). Anyway I called the doctor and he thought I should come into the clinic and see if labor was beginning. I did not see my normal doctor but another one I've seen a couple times. He measured me and did the heart rate as usual. I am still measuring ahead and heart rate was perfect at 155. He then checked for dilation (did I say how uncomfortable this is). Anyway he said I am now 2 centimeters dilated. 2 weeks ago I was completely closed so this was an improvement. He then decided to see if I was contracting and how the baby was handling it. So he sent me down to the hospital to be monitored. I was monitored about a half hour and I was indeed having contractions about every 6 to 7 minutes and baby was perfectly fine. The doctor said the contractions were not strong enough to keep me there so he sent me on my way. He said if my water breaks or if the contractions become a lot more intense or even if I'm not sure, to come back and they will hook me up again. I really wanted a baby today but I really want a baby before next week. I'm ready and I think he is too. I just hope I'm not stuck at this position for days to come!!!!! If you are reading this please say a few extra prayers that baby boy makes his appearance very soon!!!!

37 weeks!

Well today marks 37 weeks according to the doctor. Hopefully only 3 weeks or less to go!!!! These last couple weeks have been tough and if I have to go a full 3 more weeks I know it's going to feel like a lifetime. I am just hoping and praying I don't go past my due date. I want to eliminate the need for induction at all costs.
Today I started having a lot of cramping which was pretty consistent for a while but it did stop. I'm hoping this means baby is getting closer to his birth date!!!! I know I've heard of women having braxton hicks and/or menstrual type cramps for weeks prior to birth but I sure hope and pray it doesn't mean more waiting. If my due date is right I would be 39 weeks today instead of 37, so it's all in Gods hands now!!!!!!

35 week update

According to my ultrasound, I am 35 weeks today, but I'm still saying 37 weeks. I saw a different doctor today because mine was out. I am measuring at 37 weeks. Hmmm, ironic??? The doctor checked for dilation and I am not dilated at all. Not sure if that is a good thing or not. The only thing I wasn't real happy about is that if I go into labor soon, they would try and stop labor because 35 weeks is too early, but if I was 37 weeks it would be okay to have the baby. I guess it doesn't matter if I think I really am 37 weeks and am measuring at 37 weeks. I'm just hoping I don't even have to worry about that. With my luck baby will be late and will even surpass the July 7th due date. Other than that things are good with baby. Head is down and where it should be and the doctor doesn't think he'll change position now.

Isaac's adoption finalization hearing is set for Monday and we will be very happy to get that taken care of. We're getting a special cake for him and had a special t shirt made just for the special day.

Do large babies run in your family?

Yep that's what the chiropractor asked me yesterday. She was quite shocked that I am only 31 weeks. She says I look more like 33 or 34 weeks. She's not the first person to think that either. So far the doctor is keeping my due date at July 7th because that's what the first ultrasound said. I'm just really hoping the baby comes before July 7th. So I'm either further along then the doctor thinks or I'm carrying a large baby, or both!! Either way I'm getting closer to delivery. I'm getting very anxious to meet this little one. We have everything ready for baby. Basically the only thing we need is an infant car seat.
Isaac has no idea what is happening, boy will he be surprised to have to share everything! Isaac is doing great though! He's 6 1/2 months and growing like crazy. He's been sleeping through the night for over a month. He sleeps from about 9 pm to 7 am. This past week he started giving up some of his naps during the day and he's not taking his formula very well at daycare. I'm really beginning to wonder if there is a tooth ready to come through.

Isaac's adoption finalization is underway. If all goes as planned we will have our court hearing on June 9th and he'll officially become Isaac Avery. We're hoping to have a small gathering to celebrate his adoption within a week or so after the hearing. Don't want to wait too long because baby #2 will be here soon.

Isaac/pregnancy update

Yesterday I took Isaac back to the doctor. He's had a cold for over a week and he can't seem to shake the cough and congestion. This is what he had back in January and February. His chest really rattles and he wakes up at night coughing. The doctor let me listen to his chest. It sounded like a little squeaky mouse in there and the doctor said that indicates wheezing. He said Isaac is too young for them to be able to tell, but he could be developing asthma. If he continues to get this cough and congestion every few months, they will want us to do nebulizer breathing treatments on him at home. So he put Isaac back on zythromax for 5 days and prednisone for 10 days. I hope he gets better and I don't need to take him back again. Poor guy.

I hit the 30 week mark yesterday which is pretty cool. That means only 10 weeks until my due date. I am hoping I either deliver before July 7th or on July 7th. While I had Isaac at the doctor I had the doctor check the heart beat and everything because I hadn't felt the baby move in about 10 hours unless he did it in the night and I never felt it. The heart beat was at 157 right where it should be. He told me to go home and have some sugar or orange juice and the baby should start moving again. Well that did the trick, within about 10 minutes baby boy was moving all over the place. I think I'm just to the point where every little thing makes me a little paranoid. I guess that's the Mommy in me. We're getting closer now!!!!!

Isaac's 6 month update/28 week update

Well both Isaac and I had check ups today. Isaac measured in at 16 lbs 10 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches long. What a growing boy he is!!! No wonder he was too long for all of his sleepers. Ha!!!! Isaac started sweet potatoes last weekend and he absolutely loves them. I think we'll keep him on them a couple more days and then try squash or carrots. Isaac is also officially rolling over as of this past weekend. Now everytime we lay him on his back and we come back, he's on his tummy. What a silly boy!!! Isaac has been having some diarehea off and on for a couple weeks but the doctor said just to watch it for now. Not sure if he is getting teeth or what his deal is.

I am 28 weeks today but measured in at 29 weeks so I am hoping this little bugger will come a week early. I had my glucose test today which came back negative so I do not have diabetes, thankfully. My iron levels were normal too which is a good thing. He is a little concerned about the pelvic pain and wants to make sure there's nothing wrong so I have another ultrasound tomorrow. I will be anxious for that and it will be nice to confirm once again that he is indeed a boy!!!

26 week update

Well today I am 26 weeks, only 14 more weeks to go. It has gone by pretty fast I must say. Although, once I hit 24 weeks things sort of started going downhill. In the past couple weeks I have found out I am borderline anemic, exhausted, suffering from upper back pain, bladder infection and now I am having serious pelvic pain when I walk. I'm not really sure if baby is just positioned in a spot that is not feeling so great or what is going on. I just know I am utterly exhausted and not feeling so great lately. But I guess things could be worse. I do believe baby boy is growing nicely. At my appointment last week we listened to the heartbeat and it was 160 so that seems to be right on target.

23 week/24 week update

It will be interesting to see when baby decides to make HIS arrival. When we first found out we were expecting they put my due date at June 24th. Then at what I thought was 12 weeks they couldn't find the heartbeat with the doppler, so they sent me down for an ultrasound which then determined I was only 10.5 weeks along so my due date was reset to July 7th or 9th (I can't remember). Last week at my ultrasound we figured I was 22 weeks 1 day and the ultrasound showed me to be further along with a due date of June 29th.
Today I had a check up and the doctor wants to keep my original due date of July 7th (maybe we'll have a firecracker baby). He said the earlier you have an ultrasound the more accurate the due date is. He measured me and I am measuring a little over 23 weeks. Everything is looking great and baby is really active. Doctor had to chase the baby around to get a heartbeat because he kept moving. The heartbeat today was a little slower at 153 but still great!!! Next check up is April 7th and I have the gestational diabetes test with the yummy sugary drink (yeah right it's lemon lime).

Ultrasound photos (Baby boy #2)

I am not sure if you will be able to see these well or not. I think the one of his face is the best. We've started thinking of names so hopefully we'll have a name this month, but of course we're keeping that a secret until he makes his arrival.

The verdict is in....

What a great ultra sound. Baby was moving around like crazy. Baby is doing wonderful. The tech took many measurements and according to ultrasound my predicted due date is June 29th instead of July 7th. I won't know if they are going to change my due date until I see the doctor in 2 weeks. I just loved looking at the baby. The tech said she hopes the baby slows down soon or I will be a punching bag soon!!!! Heart rate was 155 and everything looks great!!!!
So now onto the even better news.............

We are having........................

A..........................



BABY BOY!!!!!!

4 month check up/ 20 week check up

I bet not many people can make a post like this !!!! Isaac will be 4 months next week. I can't believe it, where has the time gone!!!! He's such a good baby though and I thank God everyday for this beautiful gift. Isaac is a whopping 14 pounds 3 ounces and 25 inches long. He is in the 50th percentile for both height and weight.

I am doing well, the pregnancy is going well and I'm now feeling good. I got over the morning sickness at about 14 or 15 weeks and I can finally take my prenatals. I was taking flinstone vitamins since I couldn't stomach the prenatals. We heard the heartbeat again. The heart beat was at 157, last time it was only 140. We have the big Ultra Sound on March 4th. We are hoping to find out if we're having a boy or girl. Of course I don't care either way, but I still want to know. Ross would rather not know but I think I've convinced him to find out.

Time to update

Things are going pretty good here. Isaac and I are both getting over being sick. I came down with a sinus infection and Isaac has had a bad cough/cold. He is on Amoxicillan right now and he still has a nasty cough. I'm hoping by the time he's finished he'll be better. He's still such a happy baby for feeling under the weather. Last Tuesday Isaac slept through the night at 8 1/2 hours. We were so happy. But he's been back to 4 1/2 hours at a time due to his cough. I'm sure he'll get back into a normal sleeping pattern once he gets rid of his cough.

Isaac is now 3 months old. It is amazing how fast time is just flying by. We took him to Sears to have his 3 month pictures taken but the experience wasn't very good. We ended up with a very inexperienced photographer so that didn't help matters. We thought we'd try Sears out so that we don't have to call Ross' cousin Melia out to our house all the time, especially with the snow on our yard. But I do think we'll be hiring her for Isaac's 6 month pictures. She would have done such a better job anyway.

As far as baby #2, we had a doctor appointment on Friday and got to hear the heart beat. The heart beat was at 140 which is right where it should be. I can't believe I'm 4 months along already and now starting to show. I purchased a new bedding set which will be for Isaac's new "puppy theme" room. The baby will be taking over the Pooh Nursery. We have to start looking around at cribs though and hopefully we can find a transition one that we like.

14 weeks and feeling yucky!

Today I am 14 weeks along. The last week has been pretty rough on me. I have had either a headache or migraine pretty much every day. I ended up missing work yesterday because of it. Wednesday night I was so sick from the migraine, I was seeing lights and throwing up. I'm in the 2nd trimester now so I should be getting out of it. It's so hard to take care of a baby, cook supper, really do anything when feeling like this. On a good note, I have a doctor appointment today. I really hope something can be done. The doctor prescribed Tylenol with codeine last week but I only took one capsule and hated the way it made me feel, plus it's a Class C drug which means there have bee no testing to prove whether or not it affects the baby or not. I don't feel like taking that chance right now. So lately all I have been taking is regular Tylenol. It has to get better soon.

Last few days have been rough!

I've been seeing a couple different chiropractors for the last 5 or 6 weeks because of my hip constantly getting out of place and the pain associated with it. Well Saturday I tried to finish up some Christmas shopping but couldn't because I could barely walk. Luckily my Chiropractor Kurt came to the office to adjust me. I'm feeling much better with regards to my hip. Sunday night I had the early signs of a sinus infection and by Monday morning I was feeling pretty crappy with a terrible pounding headache. Of course I'm not to 12 weeks yet so I can't take sudafed or anything like that. I was limited to Tylenol which didn't do much for me. This morning I again was feeling pretty crappy but had to come to work. Morning sickness hit me hard this morning and I didn't keep my breakfast down. Boy can anything else happen to me this week? I'm actually glad I have a sinus infection as opposed to a cold so Isaac doesn't get sick. He's been having trouble with being stuffed up at night and he has another clogged tear duct, but other than that he's doing well. He seems to love daycare which makes me happy. Friday he gets his shots and I am not looking forward to that at all. I have infant Tylenol on hand!

Well that's our update for now.

OB Check up

Tonight we had another OB check up. Based on my last cycle we figured I was 12 weeks or so. Dr. Springer could not find the heartbeat with the Doppler. I won't lie, I was getting pretty nervous. He assured me sometimes it's hard to find at just 12 weeks. He decided to send me down for an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok. I was so happy we got to have an ultrasound. The tech found the baby right away and he/she was jumping around like crazy. It was the neatest thing I have ever seen. We could see the heartbeat moving but we didn't get to hear it. According to the measurements of baby, I am only 10 weeks 4 days, so basically I am 2 weeks less than we thought. That's ok though, this way Isaac will be closer to 9 months when baby gets here. My new due date has been set for July 9th.

June (or July) will be a good month

I am telling myself everyday that June or maybe July will be a good month. Isaac will be about 8 months old and will become a BIG BROTHER! Yes you read that right, I AM PREGNANT!! Isaac was just 6 days old the day we found out. I remember when the second line immediately came up. I couldn't believe my eyes. I've taken hundreds of tests over the past 3 years so I was just waiting for the one line. I freaked out when they both came up, I ran out to Ross and kept saying "oh no, oh no, oh no"! I know things are going to be very busy but I also know things happen for a reason. There's a reason we didn't find out about the pregnancy until after we brought Isaac home. God has truly blessed us more than we could imagine!!!

Right now I'm feeling "ok". I do have nausea in the morning and my hip is out of place (not sure if that is pregnancy related). I can't eat pork, found that out at my family Thanksgiving. I'm craving popsicles for some reason, but that's about it. I have a feeling I'll be one to show fairly early so I guess I should be looking for maternity clothes soon.

Prayers for friends

A few weeks ago I found out that some friends of ours were expecting a baby. K is 37 and G is 44. This was not planned or expected. They have a 9 year old daughter S. The only symptoms K experienced was tiredness and moodiness. After an examination and ultrasound it was determined she was 18 weeks pregnant. They were very shocked but estatic as they didn't even think this was possible. Due to K's age they sent her to get a few more tests. It has been determined that baby girl is missing most of her left ventricle and the valve is too small. It is such a sad situation. Please pray for this family. We know that God plants miracles and I know we are praying with all our heart that Baby girl will make it and prove to us what a miracle she really is.