Noah's Birth Story

I had an appointment with Dr. T on Monday, the 14th (due date) and I was only dilated 1 cm and about 75% effaced but baby was still very low at +1 station. I mentioned to Dr. T that baby had been less active in the past couple of days and he sent me to the hospital for an NST and biophysical ultrasound. Everything came back perfect so I went home to spend Valentine's Day with Aaron and Noelle.

I went to sleep that night praying and praying that I would go into labor before Thursday - the scheduled induction day. As usual I couldn't sleep and ended up on the couch at 1:40 a.m. I began to feel semi-strong contractions around 3 a.m. and timed them at about 30 minutes apart. They were just annoying enough to keep me awake so I watched a couple of hours of TV and finally started to doze off at 5 a.m.

Just as my eyes closed I felt a strange feeling and jumped up to run to the bathroom. On my way there amniotic fluid started running down my leg. I went to the bathroom and out came my mucus plug along with more amniotic fluid. Woohoo! God is good! I laid back down and soaked through a pad, then another. When Aaron got up to go to work I let him know what happened but I insisted he go to work because I wasn't planning on going to the hospital until my contractions were closer together.

I took a shower and finished getting our bags packed and at 8:30 a.m. I started bleeding. Not long after the contractions went from 10 minutes apart to 5 minutes apart. My parents came over at 9 a.m. and I called Aaron to come home from work.

At 10:30 a.m. we arrived at the hospital and got settled in.

At 11 a.m. my contractions were 3 minutes apart and getting stronger but for some reason they went away. Nothing for almost an hour so Dr. T ordered Pitocin which started working right away and I was contracting every 2 minutes from then on. My sister and Aaron were squeezing my feet with every contraction and at 2:30 p.m. I ordered an epidural.

3:00 p.m. I finally got the epi and was at 5 cm dilated. From 3-4:30 I relaxed with my parents, Aaron and Noelle. Nurse Julie came to check me at 4:40 and I was at 8 cm dilated. She said she'd come back at 5:30 and I'd likely be at 10 cm.

A few minutes after Nurse Julie left the room my forebag broke and Noah came sliding down the birth canal. I told Aaron and my dad to go get a Nurse - I knew Noah was crowning, the pressure was super intense. Nurse Julie came in to take a look and sure enough, he was ready to come out.

They prepped the room and Dr. T came in just before 5 p.m. Because he's such a sweetie, he cancelled his dinner plans and was in his office playing online poker waiting for my call.

Once everything and everyone was in our room I started pushing and about 4 minutes later Noah's head came out - but he had the cord wrapped around his neck twice so I had to give one big push to get him out. And there he was at 5:13 p.m! Perfect and pink with the most adorable little cry. Unfortunately because I had to get him out fast, I tore in the same place as I did with Noelle. :-( Recovery was rough for the first 5 days, but now a week pp, I feel pretty good.

7 pounds, 8 ounces and 20.5 inches long

My mom's expression during the whole process was priceless. I'm so glad she was able to watch the birth of her grandson. Aaron was an amazing coach and supporter. He is my rock.

Watching Noelle meet her brother was a moment I'll never forget. She kept trying to hold his hand and said, "He's my friend." It was so sweet!

Now we are a family of 4!

Noah is here!

Noah John was born on February 15th at 5:13 pm! He was 7 pounds, 8 ounces and 20.5 inches long. I was anxious during my pregnancy to find out what he looks like, and let me tell you, it's like looking at Noelle as a baby. They are nearly identical - he's just a handsome version.

This is the first time in the past 6 days that I've been able to turn on the computer - and even now I should be napping - but I wanted to send this out just in case you were wondering. I started writing his birth story which I'll try to get posted this week.

I haven't had a chance to upload the pictures from my camera but here's a phone picture...

My baby boy!

Happy Due Date!

It's Valentine's Day! I can't tell you how many times during my pregnancy I said I wouldn't make it to the 14th, and here I sit, 40 weeks pregnant. I feel great, nothing to complain about. In fact, I was humbly reminded yesterday after hearing some horrible news that it's not a curse to be 10 months pregnant, rather a blessing to be able to carry a child to full term.

Thank you, Lord, for this child and Noelle. I am in awe of what you have given me.

I saw Dr. T this morning and there hasn't been any change since last week. I was bummed to hear that but I'm willing to wait it out as long as Dr. T will let me. I made the mistake of telling him that baby hasn't been moving as often as he usually does and of course he went crazy ordering tests.

First I was set up in the monitor room for a NST (non-stress test) which came back great, then I was sent over to the hospital and admitted for another NST and biophysical ultrasound. Basically they just checked the position of the baby and fluids. Everything was perfect there also. Noah scored an 8 out of 8! I have no idea what that means but sounds good, right?

During my NST the nurse asked if the contractions were hurting. Contractions? Apparently they are coming every 4-6 minutes. I feel a pain in my back but they aren't painFUL. Just a dull ache. Nothing compared to the contractions I was having on Pitocin with Noelle. Crossing my fingers that they'll get stronger today and we'll meet Noah soon! :-)

Walking and Waiting

February sure is flying by. Every day I try to tell myself that it's one day closer to meeting my son, but I usually see it as another day I didn't go into labor. I know I'm not 40 weeks yet but I'm so close and I know that every day that passes is a day closer to being induced.

Come on, body - get with it!

My appointment with Dr. T on Tuesday went well. I'm still only 1 cm dilated but I'm now 70% effaced and baby is sitting pretty at +1 station. I was hoping to have made more progress but Dr. T thinks that I won't dilate until labor begins - which is common in 2nd pregnancies.

Aaron and I are praying, praying, praying that I'll go into labor on my own - but if it doesn't happen by the 17th it looks like I'll need to go in to be induced. :-(

The cramps that I've had the past several days have gone away. I'm not sure if I should be glad or bummed about their disappearance. I am still very uncomfortable and haven't been getting more than 3 hours of sleep at night but I'm hanging in there. It's not like I'm miserable, I just very much want to experience going into labor naturally. Not too much to ask, right? So in the meantime Noelle and I are keeping busy with trips to the park and walks around the block.

Here's my very tired-looking 39 week picture.

How far along? 39 weeks

Weight gain? +25 pounds total

Sleep? Nope. I'm usually awake from 3am - 7am.

Food cravings? Nothing.

What I miss. Regular clothes.

What I'm looking forward to. Having this baby! Come on little guy - get out!

Tired and Frustrated

39 weeks today!

One more week until my due date and I am definitely feeling it. Last week, other than baby brother's painful kicks, I felt great. Then on Friday I started having back pain and cramps. Saturday it got a little worse, I rested on Sunday but the cramps persisted, and today the cramps are strong and boy do they hurt! I'm praying that this is the start of labor and Noah will make his appearance this week/weekend.

I have an appointment with Dr. T tomorrow so I'll know more then. We are going to discuss what the plan will be if labor doesn't start before the 14th. At this point I can't imagine going to 41 weeks but I'm willing to wait it out as long as possible....don't quote me on that.

Hooray for progress!

I had my weekly appointment with Dr. T today. I was anxious to find out if my body was making any progress. I haven't (to my knowledge) had a single contraction so I was prepared to hear that nothing was going on. Well, there's definitely something happening. I'm 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The kicker is that baby is SO LOW. He's already at +1 station. No wonder I can't cross my legs! :) Dr. T said that once labor starts it's going to go fast. Let's hope so!

You probably don't need a visual - but just in case...

Noah is measuring a perfect 38 weeks and his heart rate was going between 134-142. I'm also proud to say that I've LOST a pound this week. Thanks to Just Dance Kids on the Wii. Aaron bought it for Noelle and we've been dancing away every day this week.

How far along? 38 weeks

Weight gain? +24 pounds total. Down one pound!

Sleep? Funny. I got a few good nights of sleep but I'm back to waking up to use the restroom, then staying up with ALL my thoughts.

Food cravings? Definitely sweets - dang you, Valentine's Day peeps!

What I miss. Being comfortable. Even sitting on the couch is unpleasant. Walking is easy if it's only for a few minutes.

What I'm looking forward to. Going into labor and all the excitement surrounding it.

38 week belly picture...

Made it to February!

February 1st!

I'm due in 2 weeks! 14 days! I'm going to meet my son this month!

Can you tell I'm a little excited?

I'm feeling great for 38 weeks...too great. I'm pretty sure this kid is staying onboard for the 10th month. If he does, well, there's no plans just yet. I'm really hoping and praying he decides to come before my due date so I don't have to be induced. I want to be able to experience going into labor naturally, laboring at home for as long as possible, then going to the hospital.

Dream big, right?

Dear Noah,

If you can come out sometime in the next 2 weeks mommy will be very appreciative. There's so much to look forward to on the outside - meeting your big sister and the rest of your crazy family, getting licked by your dog Brinkley, toys, milk, and lots of love. I can't wait to kiss your cheeks and hold your hand. See you soon.

Love,

Mommy

Is it possible

to get any bigger?

I can't imagine that it is. I'm feeling and looking HUGE!

I hope you can handle a bare belly picture...because here it is!

Yowza! I'm totally cracking up in this picture. It's amazing how much my body has grown - and not a single stretch mark! God is good to me :)

One week goes by in a flash!

I had my 37 week appointment on Tuesday. It was fairly uneventful. We discussed doing an internal next week to see if there is any progress being made. Dr. T also informed me that he plans to start Pitocin as soon as the baby is born to help control blood loss. I'm terrified of loosing as much blood as I did with Noelle. Dr. T tried to convince me that the second baby is much easier to deliver than the first but I wasn't buying it. He said I *probably* won't hemorrhage again - reassuring, right? Not so much.

Aaron was able to make this appointment so between their jabber I forgot to ask what the heartbeat was and how big I am measuring. But he said baby sounds great and feels like he weights around 5-6 pounds. Noelle was born 4 days before 40 weeks and only weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce. Dr. T thinks baby brother will be about the same.

How far along? 37 weeks

Weight gain? +25 pounds total.

Sleep? Last night I slept great but over the past week I've barely gotten any sleep. My bladder seems to be filled to the rim and never empties completely. I didn't think it was possible to pee every 30 minutes.

Best moment this week? Finally reaching full-term and checking things off of my to-do list.

Food cravings? Cereal and sweets.

What I miss. Sleep - which I understand I won't get for another year or so.

What I'm looking forward to. Holding my baby boy!

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

Alright, only Noelle's bag is packed but it's a good start. Noelle will be with my mom and dad while Aaron and I are at the hospital but I would like for them come to the hospital when I get close to delivering, so depending on what time I deliver there's a chance that she'll be with either my sister or my best friend Kim.

With these unknowns I packed "Noelle's Big Sister Kit" with a helpful tips for whoever has her. I saw this on The Busy Budgeting Mama blog. She is amazing at making fun printables and planning parties.

Along with Noelle's necessities I packed a special present for her - a princess wand and new Tinkerbell snack cup and sippy cup. When she comes to the hospital we'll have a few more gifts for her from baby brother. I can't wait to see her reaction when meeting him for the first time!

Another wonderful thing about having this list is it's going to make rushing out the door (if need be) much easier on me. I'll be able to go through the list and make sure I have everything for Noelle. I'm notorious for forgetting something small but essential - like toothpaste or a razor.

Now thinking about it, I better start a list of necessities to pack for myself! Including toothpaste and a razor :-)

To-Do List

Now that I'm FULL-TERM I've been running a list of things through my head that need to be done before Baby Brother arrives. I hope to have most of this done before the end of my 38th week.

I promise to get pictures of the nursery up this week. I've been waiting for Aaron to finish painting the ottoman but unfortunately because it's so cold outside the paint cracks seconds after going on.

37-38 Week List
--Make the hospital favors

--For the nursery - get rug & hamper. Finish ottoman.

--Pack hospital bag for Aaron and I
And look into getting a couple more nursing tanks.

--Pack Noelle's bag

--Wash bassinet sheets and crib sheets.

--Get hair done :)

Baby Belly

Here's my 36 weeks baby belly. It's hilarious now when people ask me how far along I am and I say 9 months. Their eyes widen as they look down at my belly like I just told them I have a bomb that will explode at any moment.

I have to confess that it kind of does feel like I have a bomb that will explode at any moment. Every time I get a twinge I think that my water is going to break. Hopefully it will - in February. Early February :)

36 Week Appointment

It was good to see Dr. T after having to see Dr. E the past two appointments. Dr. T is always so reassuring and easy-going. Just the personality you want your OBGYN to have. Today I had the Group B Strep test done as well as the usual weight, blood pressure, baby's measurement and baby's heartbeat. My blood pressure is great, baby is measuring 35 weeks, and heartbeat was 150. Notice how I skipped weight :)

I called Dr. T's office on Monday because of bad cramping (very low) but the office was closed for MLK Day so I stayed home and rested (after a quick Target trip). The cramps have been on and off since so I was able to ask Dr. T about them. He said it's baby's head moving down the canal. Baby is *really* low so every move he makes with his head is painful.

I also asked when I should call if I start having contractions. His advice is to go to the hospital if I think I'm in labor. I told him my "plan" of laboring at home as long as possible but he recommends I go in right away - which I told him I wasn't going to do. He laughed and said, "I didn't think so."

My appointments are every week now until baby brother arrives!

9 months pregnant today!

How far along? 36 weeks

Weight gain? My weekly appointment isn't until Wednesday but I'm guessing I'm up 20 pounds, maybe 22...or 25.

Sleep? What's that? The past three days I've been suffering from heartburn which feels like my lungs and throat are on fire. I start off in our bedroom and eventually end up on the couch watching TV from 3am to 5am. I suppose it is preparing me for all of the upcoming sleepless nights.

Food cravings? Water, water and more water. I drink several bottles of water a day - which leads to peeing every 10 minutes.

What I miss. Sleep.

What I'm looking forward to. I'm looking forward to my appointment this week because I'll find out if there is any progress so far. Hopefully there will be something going on. I'm not looking to go past 39 weeks.

What's happening with baby this month:

9 Months (36-40 weeks)

Halfway through the ninth month, your baby will be considered full term.

Your baby weighs about 6 to 8 pounds and is approximately 17 - 20 inches in length. Even though your baby is gaining rapidly, you may find that your weight remains the same. Some moms even report dropping a pound or two in the last month. During the month, your baby will grow 2 more inches in height and 2 ½ pounds in body fat. He should be in the head down position by now. Some babies drop more into the pelvis in the 38th week in preparation for delivery. This should take some pressure off your ribs, but will add some to your bladder. At nine months, the placenta weighs in at 1 ½ pounds and the umbilical cord is over two feet long.

So many pacifiers...

I stood glaring at a wall of pacifiers today. So many to choose from yet there's no way of knowing if baby will take the one you pick. Do I get one of each? Kidding.

Noelle only took Soothies. These enormous green pacifiers that completely cover the face of a newborn.

They worked great for her but I hated how big it was and worried that it was blocking her nose (also not a fan of the color). So today I finally found the Gumdrop Pacifiers I've been looking for since December after seeing the ad repeatedly in magazines at my OBGYN's office.They have the same nipple as Soothies but have a much better shape and come in blue :) I read today that they will be at Target and Walmart by the end of January. I picked mine up at today at Babies R Us. Hope he likes them!

35 weeks, 5 to go :)

Well, 5 or so :)

Once I hit 35 weeks, I became a crazy person. I'm in serious nesting mode - no closet, drawer or cabinet is safe from being organized. I can't believe how overwhelming the need to get things done is. I actually had to force myself to go to bed last night instead of staying up to re-organize the pantry.

On Sunday I organized Noelle's closet and dresser - and while doing so removed two boxes worth of clothes she's already outgrown since the beginning of Fall.

On Monday I took out all of the clothes in my closet and organized it. I absolutely HATE hanging up clothes. I wish I had floor to ceiling drawers.

On Tuesday I decided that it's time to wash baby brother's Newborn clothes, socks, burp cloths and blankets. My best friend, Kim, reminded me that those tiny outfits shrink in the dryer so I went out on Wednesday and bought a drying rack which has been great.

Today I started putting a few items in his diaper bag to get ready for the hospital. So far I have three teeny outfits, burp cloths, his "Little Brother" bib, and socks. I also put a couple of things in my suitcase - 2 nursing tanks, yoga pants, nursing bras and socks.

In Baby Brother's closet I hung up a few washed newborn outfits and his 0-3 months clothes.

In one dresser drawer I folded the Newborn onesies and pant/jacket outfits.
And on the changing table I gathered all of the diapers and organized the bins to hold blankets, wipes, genie refills, etc.
My "plan" is to naturally go into labor and spend several hours at home before going to the hospital. With Noelle we went in at 6am when contractions were 5 minutes apart and spent the entire day there - she was finally born at 9:58pm. Sixteen hours of labor at the hospital again? No thanks.

But once again that's more like a wish - only God knows what's going to happen and I trust in Him completely. Overall I just want baby out safely and whatever needs to be done for that to happen is going to be okay with me in the end.

I'm working on a list of things that still need to be done:

*Finish the hospital/home visitor favors - and when I say finish I mean actually do them.
*Pack Noelle's bag for Grandma and Grandpa's house
*Get a few final items for baby brother (pacifiers, swaddle blankets, hamper)
*Pack my bag for the hospital

Nautical Baby Shower

Saturday was my baby shower! It was so much fun and absolutely amazing. My sister throws the most creative parties. I got there early and was able to take pictures of the decorations but as soon as the guests arrived I put my camera down and completely forgot to take pictures with everyone who came. Urgh.

I am so grateful to all of my amazing family and friends for coming and for all of the gifts. Baby brother's closet and dresser is full and I have a stock of 10 packs of diapers. Immediately after the shower I felt relieved. I was stressed out about not being prepared but now I have most of everything that I need. I can't wait to welcome him home.

Here are a few pictures I took of the Nautical decor...

Guests signed this "Welcome Aboard" life preserver which I LOVE in the nursery. It's perfect.

The chalkboard says "Say Baby, Boy or Bother - Loose Your Life Saver. Everyone wore the necklaces and attempted not to say baby, boy or brother. I think I made it about 10 minutes.

Table centerpieces. She added the pink gerber daisies because they were used at Noelle's baby shower.

Instead of the traditional diaper cake, she made a diaper life preserver. Obviously baby brother's name starts with an N.

My dad wanted to contribute to the party so he made this big sailboat out of styrofoam.

How cute is this cake? My sister's mother-in-law made it. It was adorable and delicious!

Chocolate-dipped marshmallow favors.

My best friend, Kim, is crazy competitive. Here she is (proudly) with her gift for winning the life safer game. Notice all of the necklaces she collected.

The best friends a girl could ask for and more. Love you, Kimmy and Megan!
My other two best friends, my sister and mom. I am one lucky girl.

A busy 34th week

On Monday we had our 34 week appointment. Unfortunately Dr. T was on vacation so we waited and waited and waited to see Dr. E.

Two hours in the waiting room and 15 minutes in a patient room for 6 whole minutes with the doctor. Worth it? Absolutely not. Especially with a two year old.

Baby's heartbeat was 135 and I'm still measuring on track. Nothing to discuss so it went quickly. I completely forgot to ask for the hospital registration packet but I'll get that at 36 weeks. At our next appointment I also want to ask Dr. T general circumcision questions. I'm not *against* circumcision but I've done enough research to know that it's completely unnecessary. But Aaron is very much for his son being circumcised so that's that. Baby boy will be circumcised.

This is Aaron's last week of vacation so we've been trying to fill it with fun things to do as a family of three. On Thursday we went to the coast and had a blast. We went to the beach, ate ate lunch at Splash, did some shopping, visited a friend who welcomed a baby boy on December 23rd, and went to Farmers Market in San Luis Obispo for our favorite baked potatoes and tri-tip sandwiches.

Noelle is definitely her father's daughter - she will spend endless hours at the beach playing with her shovel and bucket and taking a few breaks to watch the ocean waves. I wish I could see inside her little brain as she stares off into the horizon. It's almost as if she's transfixed by God's creation. He did good, didn't he?

We had a little fun taking pictures of my belly at the beach. Here are a few of my favorites.

You can see my scar on this one but it adds character.

I'm SO EXCITED for Saturday. My awesome sister is hosting a baby shower for me which I'm sure will be fabulous. I can't wait to get together with all of my friends and family and celebrate our new addition.

I'm working on a Noelle Kit for when we go to the hospital. My parents will be watching her and I want to make sure they have everything they'll need and a few surprises for Noelle. Right now it consists of a Big Sister shirt, a new fairy costume (a girl can't have to many tutu's), and pajamas. I also need to get started on visitor gifts and packing a hospital bag for Aaron and I.