A Birth Story

I knew our baby girl wouldn't come till May. And I was pretty sure I'd reach my due date, May 6th. But even I was surprised she didn't come until 7 days later! 

It was a Monday afternoon and I had just done a marathon cleaning session at my house. I figured if I wanted to relax all week and be lazy, I better get all my cleaning done! Afterwards, I headed to my 41 week appointment, feeling hopeful. My Braxton-Hicks contractions had been more frequent. That had to mean I dilated more... Right?! Wrong!

First they sent me to the ultrasound tech and I was actually thrilled! I had no idea I'd get to see my baby this far along and get some pictures of her beautiful face! My fluid levels were great and the baby was measuring 8 pounds, 14 ounces. Everything looked great, which meant I could wait one more week before my doctor scheduled an induction. 

They monitored the baby and I for over an hour, making sure she was active enough and to see if my contractions were consistent. Nope! My doctor told me I barely dilated a 1/2. I was bummed because I was certain she was close to coming. So he stripped my membranes (which I avoided doing all along because it HURTS!) and sent me along.

I drove home talking to my best friend, updating her on what he said. I got home and decided Brenna and I should go to my grandma's and help her fill up her fountain. I was feeling crampy and having contractions like I had the last month and kept thinking it would pass as usual. This was around 4 P.M. An hour later I drove home and decided I shouldn't be driving because my contractions were getting stronger... COULD THIS BE IT?! 

I wrote Joe a text, who was almost off work, and said my contractions are more intense since my appointment. When he got home, he decided for me that I needed to go to the hospital since I was doubled-over in pain. We got there by 6:30. I was walking around and standing up to help with the pain. I wanted to try to avoid an epidural, but I was in too much pain!

They didn't give me the shot till 8:45!!! I was upset! Ten minutes later, it was time to push. I was not numb. They didn't even hook up my IV with the pain medicine! One part of one leg started to feel tingly, but that was it. A half hour later, at 9:31 p.m. my lovely, precious baby girl was born!

I was very pleased with my doctor! He was an amazing coach and made me feel so comfortable. He hadn't been there to deliver Brenna, so I wasn't sure how it would all turn out. Joe and I barely texted our families when it was time for me to push. They all arrived after she was born since she came so fast! We took a few pictures and then they took her away. I was very sad because I had felt so much joy when she came! 

Tears of joy and a heart full of instant love filled me up. It was so different than with Brenna because now I was already a mom and the first time I didn't quite FEEL like one yet. I kept thinking they'd bring her back soon, but an hour turned into two and then they told us the news. They had to move her to the NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) because she wasn't breathing well and had too much fluid in her lungs. 

I was pretty devastated things didn't turn out the same for Brynlee's arrival. Family couldn't really visit and Brenna wasn't allowed in the NICU. Brynlee was hooked up to all sorts of machines and had tubes and IV's that got in the way. Her chest X-Rays showed an infection starting in her lungs and it was very dangerous. Her doctor said it would develop into pneumonia if untreated with antibiotics. She had to be in there eight days and they were the longest days of our lives. We couldn't take her home fast enough! I went to see her every three hours to feed her, change her and cuddle her. By the time I'd leave, I had two hours till I returned. I was able to go home and see Brenna and eat sometimes. 

But on May 21st, she came home with us and got to meet her big sister! We caught it all on tape and it was the most precious thing I had ever seen.

On my way HOME!

First sister picture!

Finally together!

Look what her baby sister got her!

Happy mommy!

Pregnancy Update!

It sure has been awhile since I wrote about my pregnancy! Once January hit, I lost a lot of steam. I am currently 35 weeks pregnant-- 35 days to go!

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures my best friend Brooke came and took at our home last week! I could not have been more pleased! I had taken photos when I was pregnant with Brenna, but I think only two of them were worth printing. I really feel like these pictures showed how much I am enjoying this pregnancy!

A big plus is that I'm not swollen like I was with the first so I actually feel pretty comfortable with what I can wear. It's starting to get warm so wearing long dresses and skirts has been a blast! Having Brenna around to talk to about what life will be like when the baby gets here is so neat.

I decided that I really am going to miss being pregnant. I never thought I'd say that! Besides my kidneys acting badly again, I have had a fantastic pregnancy. And Joe and I are pretty certain this will be our last child so I am also treasuring each day. 

It probably helps that I'm still sleeping well and am very distracted by a very active, heart-melting two-year-old toddler! She asks to give her baby sister a "kiss" on my tummy. She is planning on helping with everything except "sharing mom and dad". :o)

The baby (still no official name!) is over 5 pounds now and is at least 18 inches long. She is pretty much just gaining more fat until her debut. One of my favorite parts is not knowing when she is coming! I can't wait to call Joe (again) and tell him it's time! While the last week of April sounds nice, I'm 99% certain she'll come in May. I just have a feeling.

My baby shower is this weekend! I cannot wait! I was soooo against having one for awhile, but with my friends and family encouraging it, I'm so glad I gave in. I just love seeing all the women I love altogether eating delicious food, talking and celebrating special occasions. And this baby girl is such a joyful celebration we've been waiting for! 

Joe and I had hoped to be moved into our own place before she came, but God has had other plans. We are settling in here as a soon-to-be family of FOUR! Daily I'm trying to buy the finishing touches for her room and I feel a lot of peace lately. I sure needed that peace about now!

So we'll see what the next five weeks bring! I have done a lot of spring cleaning and have just a few things left on my 'list' so while I feel mostly ready, I am not ready just yet! 

100 Days...

...to go!!!

It's kinda fun making it to (seemingly) big milestones when you're pregnant. It keeps things exciting.

Speaking of exciting... I found myself in the hospital again with intense kidney pain. I was 24 weeks and JUST had my 24-week check-up with my doctor that afternoon. Joe and I babysat our niece and nephew that night till about 9 p.m. and I had taken a relaxing bath that night as well. I was so ready for bed! At about 1 a.m. I woke up suddenly with pain in the pelvic area. I thought, "Oh great, I got a U.T.I. from taking a bubble bath!" so I took a couple of non-Asprin, hopped in the shower for warmth and tried to keep my bladder empty.

An hour later, the pain had traveled up and around to my right kidney. I then knew what was happening. I started to throw up and woke up my mom and Joe. Joe took me to the E.R. and my parents stayed home with Brenna. They admitted me quickly and gave me pain medication, did a catheter and tested my urine, and took some blood. EIGHT hours later, they decided to admit me to the hospital. They had given me Dilaudid every hour with very little relief. No infection detected. They did an ultrasound to see if they could detect kidney stones, with no luck. Last resort, a CT scan. I hate being put in this situation the most because everyone knows it's harmful for a baby to be exposed to radiation. But my doctor made the call and felt it was safe since I was almost to the 3rd trimester. A kidney stone popped up.

My doctor came a visited me and was very concerned. I was so glad to see him, he is good at showing he cares. A urologist came and said he decided to have me wait till the next morning before he made a decision about surgery. I knew it was going to be the longest, most painful night of my life. No amounts/kinds of medication they could give me was helping. At most I could get 1 1/2 hours of sleep, max. Then I'd be sitting up and standing up, pacing the room hoping to get some relief.

People ask me what it feels like to have kidney stones. It absolutely feels like the most intense contraction when you're in labor, except you don't get a 30-second break in between them. The pain can last from a minute-15 minutes where you can barely breath, can't sit or lay against anything because the pressure is too awful. It really is the worst pain I've ever experienced and wouldn't wish it on anyone. I have new empathy for people who struggle with kidney stones more regularly! How awful that must be!

I finally got the OK on surgery. I knew all along it was what I needed. I was given a sedative and then an hour later, woken up. They had found a different kidney stone that had been blocking part of my ureter. It was so pokey it never would have passed on its own. They actually showed it to me afterwards! They also implanted a kidney stent that I couldn't get out for ten days.  I felt instantly better though and could finally eat a little. They kept me over night and released me the next day.

Here I am, three days away from getting this stent out and counting down the days/hours. It's not so bad, the last time with Brenna's was by far worse, but it's still uncomfortable! The worst part is getting it taken out because you feel like they're going to take the baby out with it! Haha. I know they are professionals but can you imagine?!


*PREGNANCY STATS*

STAGE: 2nd Trimester - 26 weeks
BABY SIZE: A head of lettuce
WEIGHT GAINED: 14 pounds
FITNESS: None currently! Temperature outside is in the single-digits so that's going to have to wait.
DISCOMFORTS: The stent
CRAVINGS: Ice cream!
FASHION: Wearing lots of leggings, drawstring pants and sweaters
TO-DO'S: Do a quick registry @ Target, work on Pregnancy Journal,  pamper myself :)


EXTRAS: Only two weeks to go until the next trimester. I can't believe it! I am hoping to stay positive during this last trimester. We will pick and share her name after she is born... I have a short list so far.