She's Here!

Introducing our sweet Elliet Rose – born January 16, 2013 at 4:43 pm.

She weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was 18 ½ inches long.

Fun Fact: Elle and I were almost the same size at birth, only 1 ounce and ½ inch different in our birth weight/length. I was 6 lbs 10 oz and 19 in long.

Wednesday, January 16^th started off as any other normal work day. I had my weekly OB appt at 9:00 am, which always starts with a blood pressure and weight check. Afterwards, I sat on the exam table while Dr. Martin reviewed my chart. “Oh your blood pressure is awfully high” she said as she closed the chart and walked over to begin the ultra sound. After hearing Elle’s heartbeat and confirming she was still breech, Dr. Martin took my blood pressure manually herself. After doing so she looked at me and said, “Well we’re having a baby today!” I was in total shock! I think I asked her 3 or 4 times if she was sure {HA!}! She reassured me that we would be meeting Elliet that very day and directed me to go check in at labor & delivery at the hospital. Immediately while still in her office I sent a text message to Ryan… he was out of town in Mustang, which had been my biggest fear since he works out of town during the week. He quickly left work and made it to the hospital in plenty of time. I was 38 weeks and five days shy of our planned C-Section.

Throughout my pregnancy and in the days approaching the planned C-Section I had not been fearful or scared, I was calm, anxious and excited. This feeling of calm, yet excitement remained with me until I reached the operating room.  Up until this point, the most medically I had experienced was having my blood drawn. Being in this cold, sterile room; reality started to set in. The spinal block I received in my lower back to numb my body actually was less painful then the IV that ha been placed in my wrist. Soon they allowed Ryan to come into the OR and sit by my side. I was really glad to see him! The section started and it was crazy to know what was happening to my body while I was awake, yet unable to feel, with the exception of the pressure, reminding me the Dr’s were there.

 

 

In a matter of minutes I heard her cry! I was completely overwhelmed with emotion! They immediately took her to weigh and asses her and Ryan followed. Then they brought her to introduce her to me and I couldn’t help but cry at the overwhelming feeling of love and joy! Our daughter was born, I could see her and touch her and kiss her! All things I had longed to do for the past nine months!

We are so in love!

 

 

Newborn

 

Sleeping with Dad in the hospital

 

Leaving the hospital

 

Lets Get Real

This final trimester has for sure been the hardest. I feel big. I feel heavy. I've gained a little over 30 lbs and my knees are screaming at me each time I lower myself to the toilet seat to pee. I can easily crawl into bed each night by 8 o'clock. If the pain in my hips don't get me first then I'm attempting to roll myself out of bed, moaning and grunting and needing air {did I mention I can hardly breathe}, for my bathroom break in between bathroom breaks. If I can find a comfortable position once I climb back into bed it's just about guaranteed that my heartburn or acid reflux will ruin it. I am miserable. I am ready to evict her. Now.

6 days. Monday couldn't feel further away.

I feel like I'm a magnet for unsolicited advice {and I hear that it will probably get worse once she is born}. What you should eat. What you shouldn't eat. How to sleep. How to tell what the gender of the baby is. Their opinion on the name. How to do everything! People love giving their two cents. I'm tired of all the advice. I know people mean well, but most of the tips I've received are either outdated, some quite comical or given as if I don't frequently visit a doctor. I am vowing here and now that I will keep my advice to myself unless asked!

Or how about those that say, "just wait until the baby comes!" Typically anytime I'm enjoying myself about Elliet's arrival they chime in with the dreaded comment -- as if just to make sure I don't get too excited. Clearly I don't realize that I will no longer get any sleep, or that Ryan and I will never leave the house again AND that our lives as we know it... are over.

I'm trying to maintain my sense of humor in the midst of life as a pregnant woman -- because don't get me wrong, I am extremely thankful that I am able to receive the biggest blessing of all. Honestly. I do feel that way.

So, again. 6 days. I'm counting down.

37 Week Update

How Far Along: 37 weeks – Officially Full Term!

We are getting ready more and more each day! We have set up her pack n’ play in the bedroom where she will be sleeping at night for her first 6-8 weeks, we have also set up her swing in the living room, ready for her to be lulled away to sleep! Ryan also installed her car seat this weekend. I have packed a bag for Elliet and I, for the most part… just a few more things to add last minute. And also, thanks to Obama care, I have ordered my breast pump, billed 100% to my health insurance. Not much left on the ‘to-do list’!

Eviction Date: Planned c-section Monday Jan 21^st!   ONLY 11 MORE DAYS!

Total Weight Gain: 31 lbs. {at my last OB visit on Jan 9th, Elliet weighed 7lbs 6oz!}

Movement: She LOVES to move! Lately I've even been feeling what I believe to be her hands, I can feel her little fingers flutter. Amazing. Last night I was able to grab a good video of her moving all about … I included a short portion of it here…

Labor Signs: Not necessarily. I can tell my body is preparing, I’ve been having cramping and more and more Braxton Hicks contractions.

Belly Button in or out? It’s still in and flattened out, I’m thinking it might just stay that way.

Stretch Marks: No still holding out… although I know they could pop up at any time.

What I am looking forward to: Of course I'm MOST looking forward to meeting her, however, I can.not.wait to sleep on my stomach! Being able to roll over from side to side without pain and grunting and so much effort, being able to sleep without waking up 10 times to pee, being able to sleep without my hands going numb or hurting. Just being able to breathe! Although I realize once she comes, I won’t be getting much sleep either, haha! I also look forward to wearing my wedding ring again.

Arrival Update

Well family and friends we have a date... our sweet baby girl will be arriving on January 21st at noon by cesarean section due to her continued breech position. We couldn't be more excited anticipating her arrival.

So the countdown is on... only 25 days to go!

Sweet baby-to-be

Sweet Elliet,

In about five weeks you will arrive in this world. You are already so special to your father and I. You wouldn’t believe how much we already love you. You haven’t even taken your first breath and you have already changed our lives forever.

On May 23^rd, 2012 we learned you would be joining our family. I never thought my insatiable curiosity could withstand nine months of suspense, but I am enjoying this much more than I could have imagined.

On August 31st, your daddy and I learned we were going to become parents to a baby girl. Within a few days we had chosen your name and had started planning your nursery.

My mind wanders often, daydreaming of you. I wonder what we will share, if you will have my eyes, my long toes or your daddy’s smile. I pray that we teach you the best of us and most of all the glory of God.

You are kicking away inside me now as I write this letter to you and that puts a soft grin on my face. I treasure the feeling of your movements and the blessing it is to grow a tiny life inside of me. When I am exhausted or achy, I work harder at being thankful for the many reasons why I feel this way.

You have an eager family waiting for you…and you will be treasured and celebrated and admired. I am so excited for the moment of your birth. I would like to ask you to hurry–I am tired, and wobbly, and so ready to meet you soon. Instead, I will wait patiently for you, enjoying you in my belly.

I am not sure of the struggles that you will face in life or if we will be able to protect you from anything or anyone that may prevent your happiness. But I want you to know that your father and I are so in love with you and pray you always feel our love. One thing I know without any doubt, beyond what my mind can comprehend is God’s love for you. He will always be with you. Look to Him first and always, you will be in the arms of the one who holds the world in His hands.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
--Psalm 139: 13-16

We praise God for you, our sweet gift that can only come from Him.

Love,   

Mom

34 Week Bump Update

How Far Along: 34 weeks

I have been ‘nesting’ and getting my house deep cleaned and ready. I have her diaper bag partially packed now and have organized my pantry to make room for storage of bottles. I have been reading and asking many questions to prepare myself for breastfeeding; I am very determined to breastfeed and have learned that it is a huge task that will take lots of patience and persistence. Please say your prayers for me that I will be successful at it. Her room is pretty organized and I have most everything washed and ready for her with the exception of her sheets and a couple of blankets. Pre-admissions to the hospital and the epidural deposit have both been taken care of – feels nice to have those checked off our list. Next up … consider and pack a bag for Ryan and I to take to the hospital.

Estimated Due Date: January 28, 2013

Total Weight Gain: 28 lbs. {at my last OB visit on December 10^th, Elliet weighed 5 lbs 9 oz!}

Labor Signs: Nope, no sure signs yet, this baby still needs time to bake! However, I can feel my body preparing more and more… pretty amazing.

Aversions: Chicken. Lately I have not wanted anything to do with chicken especially the thought of cooking it myself – no thank you!

Maternity Clothes: Yes and I feel as though I wear the same things over and over… I’m running out of clothes that fit and it’s becoming more difficult to create new outfits to wear. #PregnantLadyProblems  =)

Belly Button in or out? It’s still in but it is about flattened out. I’m hoping it doesn’t pop out.

Wedding Ring on or off? Off! And I’m crushed. My fingers are just too swollen.

Stretch Marks: No! Thank you Jesus!

Symptoms: Swelling! Really it hadn’t been much of an issue, other then the fact that I’ve had to forgo my wedding ring but the past two weeks or so it is causing some pain/ache in my hands during the night and is now creeping into my days.

Not a symptom, but Pain In My… Rib. Ouch! Depending on her position her little head causes my ribs to expand I assume and it is not very comfortable. Sometimes I can rub her into a different position to provide some relief.

What I am looking forward to: I’m always looking forward to my next Dr visit – I love hearing her little heart beat. This next visit, the day after Christmas, we will schedule the c-section as long as she is still breech {which she still is as of today} for 39 weeks. This will be the last of the 2 week visits and we will begin going weekly. Also, I am looking forward to getting to see the finished product of our maternity pictures.

Best Moment this week: Just feeling her movements! I am feeling her move more and more and her movements visually from the outside have become more pronounced. Also, Ryan’s mom gave us a quilt that his grandmother made for him as a baby – that was very special.

I am so in awe of the process of pregnancy. I have thought this week about the new found respect I have for my friends who are moms. You never know what people go through until you are in their shoes…

32 Weeks

How Far Along: 32 weeks

When people ask how I'm feeling I say "good, really good!" I feel like I have been so blessed to have such an easy pregnancy. Sure I feel tired.all.the.time and yes, I have grown accustom to terrible heartburn but I feel grateful to have this little girl growin' away in my tummy! I love feeling her move around {though even that is becoming somewhat uncomfortable} and knowing just NEXT MONTH we will be able to see and hold this gift God has given us!

Estimated Due Date: January 28, 2013

Total Weight Gain: 22 lbs.

Sleep: My hips and back ache so bad that I’m constantly flipping from side to side -- which has become a task all on its own. My 100 nightly potty trips are quite annoying, and so is trying to get up out of bed… can’t quite pop up like I used to.

Cravings: I’ve been wanting sweets more and more lately… nothing I would call a true craving, just an ‘I need something…’ and that something is usually chocolate or an ice pop!

Labor Signs: Nope, none yet!

Maternity Clothes: Yessir! I love what maternity clothes I do have, which aren’t too many. Other than that I’ve graduated from lounging at home in my own sweats to wearing Ryan’s, they’re ‘oh so comfy!’

Belly Button in or out? It’s still in but it is about flattened out.  

Wedding Ring on or off? Off! And I’m crushed. My fingers are just too swollen.

Stretch Marks: Nope! Thank you Jesus!

Other crazy symptoms: This is a new one… tailbone pain! Ouch! My poor tailbone has been killing me!

What I am looking forward to: This week I’m looking forward to the Eric Church concert on Friday! Monday will be another Dr appt, of which I always enjoy. At the end of December I will begin my weekly appointments!

Best Moment this week: This year Thanksgiving for my family was hosted at our house, which was quite the chore. I was exhausted! But it was so great to see my family. This past weekend Ryan and I attended a birthing class and also took a tour of St Francis hospital where we’ll be delivering. The class was packed with info and the tour gave us a sneak peak to the newly renovated Labor & Delivery area… very nice! Also, Sunday afternoon we had maternity pictures taken {hidden clover photography}, that was fun and I can’t wait to see the finished product.


Finally, please say your prayers that she turns her little behind around! She has been breech and during my last Dr visit, my OB explained that while she still has plenty of time to turn, that if she has not taken a dive south by week 36 we will schedule a C-Section for week 39. I'm not afraid or anti C-Section if that is what is needed, however, I would prefer to have her naturally {and that does not mean without drugs! ha}.