I cannot believe that my baby is 2 weeks old already! The time has just flown by. Things are going okay. She seems to do a little better at night. We're still trying to figure each other out I think. She loves to be held and sometimes that is the only way she will sleep. I would love some advice on the subject if anyone has any to offer. She's sleeping in the car seat at night mostly, and I am trying to put her in the bassinet when I have the energy to attempt it. During the day I'm trying to have her sleep in her crib so she will get used to it, but most of the time she wakes up after a few minutes. I plan to let her cry it out when she is old enough but any suggestions till then??
Random tidbits....
I had my staples removed on Monday and I can sleep on my side again - yay! Life is definitely more comfortable without them!
I left Bailey for the first time today - about an hour or a little more. My friend Megan had her baby on Friday - his name is Cooper Riley - so I went to see them and left Bailey in my mom's care while she was sleeping. Bailey was sleeping that is, not my mom. :) She took a really good nap but Megan only lives 2 streets over from Mom so she just called me once Bailey woke up. It was nice to have a break, but I have to admit, I did miss her and was worried.
Anthony has to go back to work tomorrow. :( So I will probably be planted on the couch watching the same old shows for most of the day. I am already looking forward to him getting home tomorrow afternoon!
Well, I guess that's a decent enough update for now. We are surviving, though I am remembering less of what happens during the nights now! My wonderful husband did some serious tidying up in the house this weekend so it is at least somewhat presentable now. I really can't wait till we have some kind of schedule and she sleeps without being held, but I'm trying to enjoy this time while she is so tiny.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Birth Story
Well, Bailey is sleeping on my lap right now, so I thought I would attempt to at least start the "birth story" blog. It was a LONG day so it may take me more than one sitting to get this done! :) I cannot believe she is a week old already. Where does the time go??
Friday morning, December 26th I woke up and was having some contractions, though they were far apart and not regular. I was also having some bleeding. I was so excited that something was finally happening! I debated on whether to go to work or not, but I decided to go ahead and go, because it wasn't that bad yet and I was still wanting to get in some more time to make sure Tina was confident on how to do everything. Contractions stayed the same all day long, pretty far apart and not consistent.
I came home at the regular time and just went about life as normal. We started timing the contractions that evening and they were getting closer together, varying somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes apart or so. We went to bed and then I woke up around 1:30, very uncomfortable and the contractions were around 5 minutes apart. There was no going back to sleep at this point, so we both got up, and Anthony was frantically getting everything together to go to the hospital! He did not want to be delivering this baby himself! :) I was not in a hurry to go to the hospital, becasue I did NOT want to be sent home. Finally, when I decided it was not going to stop, we left for the hospital and got there around 3:30 am.
They got me all hooked up and we waited. The first time they checked me, I was 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced, which was not encouraging! They said they would check again in a couple of hours and see how things were going and then decide if they would keep me or send me home to labor. So we waited some more. Eventually they gave me something to help with the pain and later I got in the jacuzzi tub to see if that would help any. It really helped the back pain I was having and that was really the first time I was able to sleep in between contractions (which were about 4 minutes apart at this point). That was around 11:00 am if I remember correctly.
A little later, Dr. Hoover came and checked me again and I was about 90% effaced but still only 1 cm dilated. So he said I could either go home and let labor continue there or they could give me pitocin and try to move things along. I decided to go with the pitocin because I was really in a lot of pain at that point, and could not imagine doing that at home for who knows how long.
So they gave me the pitocin and a little later, broke my water. Not long after that, the pain obviously got worse so they went ahead and gave me the epidural. That is the best thing ever known to man! When I got pregnant I was worried about the epidural being painful when they gave it to me, but I remember Ashley telling me I would be in so much pain at that point, that I wouldn't care what they did to me. So true! The numbing shot hurt a little bit, but I didn't even feel the catheter go in my back. I had about 2 contractions while he was putting it in but it didn't take long till I was feeling good!
They continued to check me and sometime that afternoon I was about 3 to 4 cm and 90% effaced. Then the next time Dr. Hoover checked me, I had gone back to 75% effaced. That was the point where he mentioned the possibility of a c-section if things didn't start happening. He gave me a few more hours to see if I would continue, but I stayed at 75%. He said that her head was probably butting up against my cervix and making it swell. So he made the decision that we would have to do a c-section. At some point in the afternoon, they also noticed that after contractions, Bailey's heart rate was dropping a little. It wasn't enough to be extremely concerned about, but they made me lay on my side to see if that helped, and it did. So I think that was a factor in the decision for a c-section as well. I was disappointed, but I wanted whatever was best for Bailey and I was just really ready to have her out, no matter how she got there!
It was early evening when they decided on a c-section, maybe 5 something. They said it would be a couple hours because there was one c-section and one other procedure in front of me. That second procedure ended up taking longer than they thought so eventually they called in another surgical team so they could get to me. So it was a little before 9:00 I believe when they came to take me to the operating room. At this point, I was absolutely exhausted and could barely hold my eyes open.
They got me all set up in the OR and Anthony came in and sat with me by my head. I had the shakes, whether it was totally medical, being cold, or being scared, or a combination of all 3, who knows, but I was just so ready for it to be over with. It took a few minutes before they started because they made sure that I was numb up far enough, and had to tilt me all over the place to make sure of it! Once they got started Bailey was out pretty quickly, born at 9:23 pm. She started crying right away and the pediatrician said she was very vigorous and healthy. They brought her over to us and Anthony got to hold her and I could move my arm to touch her face. Even in my drugged up, totally exhausted state, I still cried a few tears when I saw our precious little miracle.
Then they took her away to the nursery and Anthony went with her, so I was "alone" for the rest of the time, which stinks, but at least I felt like I could close my eyes. At a few different points I started to feel uncomfortable so the anestheisologist gave me more medication. God bless that man! :) He checked on me several times throughout my hospital stay and I was happy with the care I got from him.
When they finally finished closing me back up they brought me back to my recvoery room, where I would be for the rest of my stay. I could not have anyone with me for the first hour, which is just the standard after a c-section, just to make sure everything is okay I guess. Though I think it was a little before the hour was up, that they brought Bailey in to me, since everything was fine with her, and Anthony was able to come in as well.
My recovery in the hospital went really well. They originally told me I would probably be able to go home on Tuesday, but becasue my pain was being managed so well and I was up and moving around so well, Dr. Hoover allowed me to go home Monday afternoon. (And I am glad that I did that!)
I think I hit all the high points. Like I said, I am disappointed I had to have a c-section and can't help but wonder if it would have been avoided if I had went home instead of doing the pitocin, but I am just so glad to have a healthy baby, so it doesn't matter. We are happy and healthy, so that is the important thing. There have been some rough moments since she has been home, and I've had to cry more than once, but we are so in love with little Bailey and can't really complain. The worst thing so far has been how often she eats. I think it's probably more than the normal newborn eats, so it's made for a few rough nights but we are starting to figure things out at I think! :)
Friday morning, December 26th I woke up and was having some contractions, though they were far apart and not regular. I was also having some bleeding. I was so excited that something was finally happening! I debated on whether to go to work or not, but I decided to go ahead and go, because it wasn't that bad yet and I was still wanting to get in some more time to make sure Tina was confident on how to do everything. Contractions stayed the same all day long, pretty far apart and not consistent.
I came home at the regular time and just went about life as normal. We started timing the contractions that evening and they were getting closer together, varying somewhere between 10 to 15 minutes apart or so. We went to bed and then I woke up around 1:30, very uncomfortable and the contractions were around 5 minutes apart. There was no going back to sleep at this point, so we both got up, and Anthony was frantically getting everything together to go to the hospital! He did not want to be delivering this baby himself! :) I was not in a hurry to go to the hospital, becasue I did NOT want to be sent home. Finally, when I decided it was not going to stop, we left for the hospital and got there around 3:30 am.
They got me all hooked up and we waited. The first time they checked me, I was 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced, which was not encouraging! They said they would check again in a couple of hours and see how things were going and then decide if they would keep me or send me home to labor. So we waited some more. Eventually they gave me something to help with the pain and later I got in the jacuzzi tub to see if that would help any. It really helped the back pain I was having and that was really the first time I was able to sleep in between contractions (which were about 4 minutes apart at this point). That was around 11:00 am if I remember correctly.
A little later, Dr. Hoover came and checked me again and I was about 90% effaced but still only 1 cm dilated. So he said I could either go home and let labor continue there or they could give me pitocin and try to move things along. I decided to go with the pitocin because I was really in a lot of pain at that point, and could not imagine doing that at home for who knows how long.
So they gave me the pitocin and a little later, broke my water. Not long after that, the pain obviously got worse so they went ahead and gave me the epidural. That is the best thing ever known to man! When I got pregnant I was worried about the epidural being painful when they gave it to me, but I remember Ashley telling me I would be in so much pain at that point, that I wouldn't care what they did to me. So true! The numbing shot hurt a little bit, but I didn't even feel the catheter go in my back. I had about 2 contractions while he was putting it in but it didn't take long till I was feeling good!
They continued to check me and sometime that afternoon I was about 3 to 4 cm and 90% effaced. Then the next time Dr. Hoover checked me, I had gone back to 75% effaced. That was the point where he mentioned the possibility of a c-section if things didn't start happening. He gave me a few more hours to see if I would continue, but I stayed at 75%. He said that her head was probably butting up against my cervix and making it swell. So he made the decision that we would have to do a c-section. At some point in the afternoon, they also noticed that after contractions, Bailey's heart rate was dropping a little. It wasn't enough to be extremely concerned about, but they made me lay on my side to see if that helped, and it did. So I think that was a factor in the decision for a c-section as well. I was disappointed, but I wanted whatever was best for Bailey and I was just really ready to have her out, no matter how she got there!
It was early evening when they decided on a c-section, maybe 5 something. They said it would be a couple hours because there was one c-section and one other procedure in front of me. That second procedure ended up taking longer than they thought so eventually they called in another surgical team so they could get to me. So it was a little before 9:00 I believe when they came to take me to the operating room. At this point, I was absolutely exhausted and could barely hold my eyes open.
They got me all set up in the OR and Anthony came in and sat with me by my head. I had the shakes, whether it was totally medical, being cold, or being scared, or a combination of all 3, who knows, but I was just so ready for it to be over with. It took a few minutes before they started because they made sure that I was numb up far enough, and had to tilt me all over the place to make sure of it! Once they got started Bailey was out pretty quickly, born at 9:23 pm. She started crying right away and the pediatrician said she was very vigorous and healthy. They brought her over to us and Anthony got to hold her and I could move my arm to touch her face. Even in my drugged up, totally exhausted state, I still cried a few tears when I saw our precious little miracle.
Then they took her away to the nursery and Anthony went with her, so I was "alone" for the rest of the time, which stinks, but at least I felt like I could close my eyes. At a few different points I started to feel uncomfortable so the anestheisologist gave me more medication. God bless that man! :) He checked on me several times throughout my hospital stay and I was happy with the care I got from him.
When they finally finished closing me back up they brought me back to my recvoery room, where I would be for the rest of my stay. I could not have anyone with me for the first hour, which is just the standard after a c-section, just to make sure everything is okay I guess. Though I think it was a little before the hour was up, that they brought Bailey in to me, since everything was fine with her, and Anthony was able to come in as well.
My recovery in the hospital went really well. They originally told me I would probably be able to go home on Tuesday, but becasue my pain was being managed so well and I was up and moving around so well, Dr. Hoover allowed me to go home Monday afternoon. (And I am glad that I did that!)
I think I hit all the high points. Like I said, I am disappointed I had to have a c-section and can't help but wonder if it would have been avoided if I had went home instead of doing the pitocin, but I am just so glad to have a healthy baby, so it doesn't matter. We are happy and healthy, so that is the important thing. There have been some rough moments since she has been home, and I've had to cry more than once, but we are so in love with little Bailey and can't really complain. The worst thing so far has been how often she eats. I think it's probably more than the normal newborn eats, so it's made for a few rough nights but we are starting to figure things out at I think! :)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Bailey Anne Tyler
Pictures are out of order, but blogging is much harder with a baby in one arm! Getting ready to go home on Monday.
Bailey ready to go home.
Happy mommy to finally have her here! Taken Monday.
Her first picture, in the operating room.
In the nursery getting checked out.
She is here! She was born on Saturday, December 27th at 9:23pm by c-section after a long day of labor. I can't type much now as she is occupying my left arm, but I will as soon as I get a chance. We are all doing well and adjusting to this new life!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Plan
Well, I went back to the doctor today, and there was no change since Monday, and he did oblige me and schedule me for an induction, but it's not till January 2nd. That was the earliest next week they could take me. Apparently it's a popular time to be induced, what with the nice tax deduction on the line and all....
He did say they flagged my file so if someone ends up not needing an induction earlier in the week they can bump me up and try to get me in before the 1st. My hope obviously, is that she will come on her own before that time. I'm okay with being in the hospital on Christmas day, so keep praying people! :)
So anyways, I've decided I just need to not worry about it anymore, because I've done everything I can do to try to make this work the way I want it to. It's just up to God now how it works out. If I end up being in the hosptial after December 31st, then we'll just suck it up and have to pay the extra money and trust that God will provide that for us. So in the meantime, I'm going to try to enjoy Christmas and the time Anthony & I have left together with just the two of us.
Off to work on my Chex Mix now and then we'll be heading over to Kevin & Sarah's in a little while for the Christmas Eve party. :)
He did say they flagged my file so if someone ends up not needing an induction earlier in the week they can bump me up and try to get me in before the 1st. My hope obviously, is that she will come on her own before that time. I'm okay with being in the hospital on Christmas day, so keep praying people! :)
So anyways, I've decided I just need to not worry about it anymore, because I've done everything I can do to try to make this work the way I want it to. It's just up to God now how it works out. If I end up being in the hosptial after December 31st, then we'll just suck it up and have to pay the extra money and trust that God will provide that for us. So in the meantime, I'm going to try to enjoy Christmas and the time Anthony & I have left together with just the two of us.
Off to work on my Chex Mix now and then we'll be heading over to Kevin & Sarah's in a little while for the Christmas Eve party. :)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Bailey's Room
Here are some pictures of Bailey's room! We are all ready for her now.... just waiting on her. :) I just got the rocker tonight. My dad bought it for us, so that was really nice of him! I wanted to be able to use it past the time when I am just rocking babies in it, so I didn't get a white one to match the furniture. I got something I thought would go well with our living room furniture and floors. Enjoy!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
38 Weeks Picture
Okay, so apparently Windows Vista does have kinks, but luckily I have a computer saavy husband who fixed the problem, so finally, here is the 38 week picture!
Monday, December 15, 2008
39 Week Checkup
Okay.... this ought to be the last or next to last one of these I have to write. Everything was good. My blood pressure was lower than last week, so I was pleased with that. Baby's heartbeat was good and she still likes hanging out over on my left side. I am about 1/2 cm dilated, so that was good to hear. At least we're getting somewhere and not having nothing happen!
I saw Dr. Ferguson today and this was the 2nd time I've seen her. I like her, she was very easy to talk to and just really friendly. She said of course, that first babies tend to take their time and once I was a week to 10 days overdue (if we get there) we could talk about scheduling an induction. She mentioned that obviously it's best to let "mother nature" handle things if possible, but once you are overdue, you have to start thinking about the fact that the baby is getting bigger everyday, so you don't want her so big that she won't come out anyways. I ran the January 1st/insurance deal by her and I get the impression that if I make it to my appointment next Monday (the 22nd) we might be able to schedule an induction for the point that I would be a week overdue (the 28th). So hopefully we don't make it that far (I am begging you to pray for that!) but if we do and things went like they should, I could still be out of the hospital by December 31st. And, the doctor I see next Monday is Dr. Hoover, who I believe someone told me is the one I should see if I want an induction. So maybe that is God's plan for us. Who knows?
But I would ask you to pray that we DON'T make it that far. Here is my ideal situation: I work till Friday and then things start happening over the weekend and we could be home, baby and all, by Christmas. Of course, I know God's plan is best, so we'll just trust Him, one day at a time. Anthony guesses she will be born on her due date, because as he says, "we are on time kind of people". Haha.
So anyways, that's the latest. I'm trying to get everything wrapped up at work, and it feels a little overwhelming, but we're doing the best we can. And Anthony is done with one of his grad classes (he'll get an A!) and he is taking the final exam for his other one tomorrow. So he'll be happy if I just make it past tomorrow. :)
I saw Dr. Ferguson today and this was the 2nd time I've seen her. I like her, she was very easy to talk to and just really friendly. She said of course, that first babies tend to take their time and once I was a week to 10 days overdue (if we get there) we could talk about scheduling an induction. She mentioned that obviously it's best to let "mother nature" handle things if possible, but once you are overdue, you have to start thinking about the fact that the baby is getting bigger everyday, so you don't want her so big that she won't come out anyways. I ran the January 1st/insurance deal by her and I get the impression that if I make it to my appointment next Monday (the 22nd) we might be able to schedule an induction for the point that I would be a week overdue (the 28th). So hopefully we don't make it that far (I am begging you to pray for that!) but if we do and things went like they should, I could still be out of the hospital by December 31st. And, the doctor I see next Monday is Dr. Hoover, who I believe someone told me is the one I should see if I want an induction. So maybe that is God's plan for us. Who knows?
But I would ask you to pray that we DON'T make it that far. Here is my ideal situation: I work till Friday and then things start happening over the weekend and we could be home, baby and all, by Christmas. Of course, I know God's plan is best, so we'll just trust Him, one day at a time. Anthony guesses she will be born on her due date, because as he says, "we are on time kind of people". Haha.
So anyways, that's the latest. I'm trying to get everything wrapped up at work, and it feels a little overwhelming, but we're doing the best we can. And Anthony is done with one of his grad classes (he'll get an A!) and he is taking the final exam for his other one tomorrow. So he'll be happy if I just make it past tomorrow. :)
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