Our precious little girl is here!

I am going to attempt to get the details of her birth out while they are still fresh in my mind. I started having some contractions throughout the day on Sunday, October 25, 2009. They weren't regular enough to call my doctor, especially since I had an appointment on Monday. Monday morning about 6am I started having the contractions a little more frequently. I got ready and went into to work. I started timing them and they were coming about 5-7 minutes apart. They were hard to talk and breathe through so I went ahead and called the doctor's office and asked if I could come in earlier. The nurse told me to come in at 10:30am instead of at 3:15pm. I called Jason a little before 10 and told him we were going up there earlier. Jason met me at home so I could grab my hospital bag just in case. He timed the contractions all the way to Amarillo and while sitting in the waiting room. At that point they were a little closer together.

My blood pressure was a little high, probably because I was in pain. My doctor checked me and said I was still only dilated to a one, very thinned out, and confirmed that my water had broken. I don't know exactly when it broke. She sent me over to the hospital to be admitted. While I was getting hooked up and the nurses were doing all the stuff they needed to do, they were concerned about my blood pressure being so high. My doctor wanted them to get a urine sample, but I couldn't get out of bed because my water had already broken. So, my options were to get the epidural then they could get the sample from my catheter or they could straight cath me and I could wait on the epidural until I was further along. I decided to go ahead with the epidural. The anesthesiologist came in to give it, but they were still waiting on my lab work to get back. After waiting a while, they finally checked the status of it and it hadn't even been sent in yet. So, he left and had to come back a little later.

After I got the epidural, he gave me a large dose of the medicine and my blood pressure dropped to 80/40. I felt like I couldn't breathe and the baby's heart rate dropped a lot. The next thing I knew, there were about 4 or 5 nurses in, I had oxygen strapped to my face, and a different medicine into my IV to get my BP back up. I finally got stablized and feeling better. The nurses were having a hard time monitoring my contractions so they had to instert an internal monitor. It wouldn't read correctly, so after a while they decided to take it out and put a new one in as well has another internal monitor on the baby's head. The charge nurse put the new one in and more of my water bag broke. They started pitocin to get me to progress more but my body started to fight it. After they turned it off and let me rest, I was only dilated to a four at 7pm. My doctor came in around 5:30pm and said she thought it would be the middle of the night before the baby came.

The nurses went through shift change, my epidural was starting to wear off and I was very uncomfortable. I could only lay on my left side because her heart rate would drop too much when I moved to the right. I finally told my nurse I needed more meds in my epidural and I was feeling some pressure. She checked me at 9pm and said, "it's time to start pushing, we are gonna have a baby." My doctor was called, everything was set up for delivery, my Dad and Lori got back just in time. Lori and Jason stayed in the room. I pushed for less than thirty minutes and at 9:39pm Elise was born. She weighed 5lbs. 15 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Every since that moment I have felt more overwhelming joy that I could just burst! She is so perfect in every little way, Jason and I are so lucky to be blessed with this tiny, perfect, miracle! I might explode with happiness!

The Waiting Continues....

No baby yet... obviously. Well, I say obviously but some guy in my office asked me the other day "you haven't had that baby yet?" Uhh, yeah I had her and then decided to put her back.

We went to visit our potential daycare on Wednesday night. It was VERY overwhelming to me. The lady was talking 90 miles an hour and kids were running around, parents were in and out, back and forth, all this while we walked through the whole place. While I would feel okay about leaving our child there I was having some major anxiety over actually having to take her to ANY daycare. I can't imagine what the day will be like when I actually have to take her and drop her off. I haven't even met her yet and am already a mess over leaving her. The director seems to run a tight ship up there which is good. They keep a total of 9 infants and the spot they have will be available on November 28. Unfortunately, if we want to take her there we will have to pay $65 a week starting on the 28th every week until we start taking her. After that it's $125 a week. Once we finally got to sit down in her office I got really uncomfortable and it must have shown because she asked me if I was okay. I had a massive contraction, broke into a sweat, and my eyes started watering. I told her I was fine... well her daughter went to get me a cold rag but I insisted I was fine. She told Jason he might want to start timing them! I got outside and cooled off. I think I must have had a contraction & panic attack combo or something! After all that... old plan is out, new plan is in! Jason needs to find a second job so I can quit mine and stay at home. The only thing is, Jason doesn't know the new plan yet... so that's on the to-do list... tell Jason about the "new child care plan."

We have finished our pre-natal classes. I'm glad we decided to take them. I thought they were very worthwhile and informative. At the last one we went over medical interventions - IV's, epidurals, C-Sections, and Episiotomies. After watching the video of the C-section and episiotomies, I told Jason he was only getting one baby out of me! I feel much more prepared after the class, so hopefully when the time comes I won't have as much fear about the labor and delivery process.

The next doctor's appointment is Monday afternoon, hopefully she will have more good news to give us!

It Won't Be Long Now...*we hope*

We got some good news today at the doctor's office. I am one centimeter dilated and seventy percent effaced. I was very happy to hear that I have started to make some progress since 5 days ago I had absolutely none. Baby's heartbeat is good, blood pressure was good, and I was down a pound. My doctor doesn't think I will make it to my estimated due date, but thinks it will be a couple more weeks. Fine with me! Dr. Appel said I have made some good progress over 5 days, so I'm looking forward to finding out what happens between now and my next appointment.

We had intended to get our car seat installed today before the doctor appointment, but when we got there, the lady wasn't there because she had a family emergency and couldn't reach Jason earlier to let us know. So, hopefully we can get her to do it next Monday while we are up there for my next appointment. We also got some good news about daycare! We have been on the waiting list which didn't have an opening for an infant until July 2010. They called today saying they would have a spot available on November 28. We are planning to go up there Wednesday to get the details and see what we need to do to save our spot! Aside from not being able to get our car seat installed and inspected we got some pretty good news today!

Batteries & Baby Not Included

Well, it's all assembled... Swing, Pack N' Play, Stroller. We are having a lady at the hospital install our car seat tomorrow before the doctor's appointment. Now, all we need is a stock pile of D Batteries and a baby. Oh yeah, and a few thousand more square feet and a larger vehicle to accommodate all the accessories and necessities that a baby requires!!! They don't tell you that in pre-natal class...

Dear Swollen, Puffy Face...

I hope the extra three chins you have grown over the last month disappear just as quickly as they have arrived. With any luck, they will melt off with every push that it takes to get the baby out. Let's hope that all the extra water weight that has accumulated in other various body parts including the feet, fingers, and EARS does the same. Just look forward to the day when the baby is here and you feel as skinny as a Ralph Lauren model! The end is near....

36 Weeks & 2 Days Pregnant

No Progress, Yet

Today was the 36 week visit at the doctor's office. While the baby is in position, head down ready to go, my cervix is locked up tighter than a vault. As of today, no dilation, effacement, nothing. Although, my doctor told me that doesn't mean anything, and I could very well go into labor tonight. She gave me a copy of my records and will continue to do so every week until I deliver. They are for me to keep for when I go to the hospital to give to the nurses. I told her I have been feeling crampy and having some pressure, and she said that sounds like signs of progression.

My weight gain was six pounds, but some of that is water weight. I have been swollen and can definitely see it in my face. I have been experiencing frequent headaches and seeing flashes of light. Since I conveniently work at an optometrist's office I had my eyes looked at. The doctor seemed to think I was having ocular migraines. My OB said it "could" be that, but with the swelling and headaches she wants to keep a closer eye on me. So, I will be returning to her office on Monday instead of Wednesday so she can watch my blood pressure and water retention. Those symptoms can be signs of pre-eclampsia so she wants to be cautious.

Last night was our second time to meet for our pre-natal class. We watched the live birth video and went over the labor and delivery process. She taught our "coaches" some massage techniques to help us during labor. We used the birthing balls, which were a lot more comfortable than they look. Next week she is planning to discuss all the medical interventions such as c-sections, IV's, and pain relief. I had initially thought I wanted an epidural as soon as the doctor would let me have it, but after going to the class I plan to go as long as I can without it. She has explained to us the benefits of getting an epidural, but also the disadvantages. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, so I'm going to try to wait it out as long as possible.

Jason got the Pack N' Play put together on Sunday. It's in our room next to his side of the bed. We thought it would be a tight fit, but it ended up fitting there perfectly. Hopefully Jason and I won't have to switch sides of the bed since it's on his side. Riley is exactly eye level with the top of it, so I imagine she will be peeking over it a lot once the baby is here. I have caught Possum going into the baby room just to check things out. She was really interested in all the bags and goodies from the shower, too. Jason started working on getting the swing put together but hasn't quite finished. I hope we can find a place to put all this baby stuff in our house!

I finally got some pictures from my shower, so here they are for your viewing pleasure...

Me and the Hostesses, Lucy & Connie

Kay, Stephanie, Sheila

Jason's Family
Michelle, Amanda, Aubree, Brittney, Stephanie, JaJean

Girls From My Office
Cindy, Stephanie, Ruth

Stephanie & Lori

Mom To Be & Nana To Be


Stephanie & Jeania

Someone mixed up the cards!

I Know They Mean Well, but...

honestly, I don't really want to hear it. I have heard everyone's "well-meaning" opinions for eight months now and have probably only asked for 25% of them. Thanks, but no thanks people. Especially if I don't know you, I REALLY don't care! This may come as a shock but, Yes! My husband and I realize our life is going to change in so many ways.... I don't need a constant reminder that I can no longer go out boozing and hooking every other night of the week! Don't tell me to get get used to sleepless nights or to get my sleep while I can, it's not like I can save it and use it later! Things are also a lot different now than when some women had their babies 25, 50, or 100 years ago. So, what was MANDATORY or socially accepted or unaccepted then does not always hold true now. Just because one person thinks one thing is better than another does not mean it is better for me! While I do not have a child at the present moment, I wasn't born yesterday. I have done some research, but also realize that child rearing is a learn-as-you-go process. With that being said, I have already made some decisions and formed my own opinions about how I intend to do things regarding our daughter and do not need to hear your reason for why I should or shouldn't unless I personally ask you. Surely, you do not go up to strangers at Wal-Mart and criticize their parenting abilities. So please don't argue with me over my choices. You're wasting your breath and getting on my nerves. I can handle one or two comments, but after that any unsolicited advice is unwelcome. I have spent the last eight months grinning and gritting my teeth through all the stories and advice, but I might blow a gasket if I have to hear anymore! Don't say it....Let me guess, it's only going to get worse once the baby is here? Heard it all before! So, Thanks in advance for thinking before you speak next time! Now, I'm going to take some deep, cleansing breaths and get my aura in a stable place so that I don't freak out on the next person that tells me my life is really about to change.

A Busy Day!

Yesterday morning Jason and I went to the supplemental classes that were offered with our pre-natal class. I went to the breastfeeding class and he went to the Daddy Boot Camp. I think he and I both agreed that neither of the classes was really worthwhile. I didn't really learn anything new about breastfeeding that I hadn't already read in one of my books. They will have nurses and lactation consultants at the hospital to help me after delivery and a 24 hour help line after we come home. Jason told me his class was the most boring 3 hours of his life that he will never be able to get back. The guy that taught his class wasn't a nurse or doctor or anything, just some guy that talked about his 2 kids the whole time he said. They did get to sit on the floor and learn how to swaddle a doll and he said the guy next to him was falling asleep during the class. Jason said he felt like he was at church camp and thought they were all going to sing Kumbaya. So, needless to say we probably should have slept in. Oh well... our Tuesday night class is much more informative and entertaining.

I had my second baby shower yesterday. Connie and Lucy hosted it for me. They did so much and it was really nice. They really went all out, they may want to consider a career in event planning. There wasn't a huge turnout, but Jason's aunt and cousins all came in. We had a really good time. The weather was terrible so we had it inside. I got lots of good stuff for the baby including the Pack 'N Play, the swing, the baby monitor, blankets, clothes, the bottle set, and some other good odds and ends. I have managed to put most of the stuff away this afternoon. Jason has been asking me if I'm "nesting" since he learned about that yesterday in class. Now I just need to get him to set up the swing, the bouncer, and the Pack 'N Play... and install the carseat. But I think he's decided we are going to take it to the DPS office and have them do it, which is probably the safest option.

I will post some pictures later. I'll have to get them from the people that actually took pictures. I didn't get any with my camera, so I'll post some as soon as possible.

You'll Be Seeing Me On The News Very Soon!

Well, since it looks like they are handing out the Nobel Peace Prize like it's extra change, I'm looking forward to one in my immediate future.

Picture this if you will:

It's 8 O'clock pm, 30 degrees outside, the wind is blowing 20 mph, it's foggy, and it's sleeting. Where is an 8 month pregnant Stephanie?? Nooo, not curled up at home in sweats enjoying the warmth and company of her dogs, but wearing 2 shirts (one that is Jason's), 2 jackets (neither of which can be zipped due to the baby belly), a hat, scarf, and blanket sitting outside "watching" a college football game. That's right people, I'm the next recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for being such a good wife.

And if that's not reason enough, how about for allowing this fetus to permanently squish every internal organ in my body? While I am unable to breathe, eat, or sleep comfortably my unborn child (who I'm sure was very warm and unaware of the Concentration Camp conditions I was in last night) continues to thrive and do the hokey pokey for hours on end every day. While I'm waking up every hour to pee, drink MORE water, and pray the nausea and headache will go away, she continues her peaceful slumber. There is no doubt about it, if Obama can wake up one morning to the news of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for not doing ANYTHING deserving of one, I should be expecting the Publisher's Clearing House to be at my door any day this week. Therefore, I should definitely take the week off! I'd hate to miss my big prize!

35/35

That's 35 weeks pregnant and 35 days to go. I'll consider that some kind of pregnancy milestone. 35 more days of swelling, back pain, the constant urge to pee, and feeling like I'm carrying a sack of potatoes under my shirt. I actually feel happy when I only wake up 3 times in the middle of the night instead of 5. I sleep with three pillows, one of which is always on my side. I like to keep it crunched up underneath my belly to help "prop it up" at night. The other night I noticed every time I got up (to pee of course) poor Jason was on the very edge of the bed. So, I would take my pillow and scoot back over to my side so he could have some room. Evidently the baby didn't want me sleeping in that position because I always ended up back on his side with a pillow in between us. At least I tried.

Last night was the first night of our child birth class. There are 8 couples (including us) taking the class. I knew one girl and her husband because she used to live with a friend of mine. The nurse that's the teaching the class has been teaching it for 11 years. She is very entertaining and knowledgeable. We went over contractions, water breaking, changes that occur during pregnancy, when to call the dr, etc. Next week we are going over massage and practicing using the birthing balls. We are also going to watch the "live birth video." The nurse said she wants to teach us all the tools to get through labor as well as giving us information about medical interventions so that we have as much information as possible to make the best choices for our labor and delivery. I'm glad we decided to take the class. I think I'll feel more at ease and know more about what to expect.

We have a busy Saturday coming up. I have the breastfeeding class, Jason has Daddy Bootcamp, then my shower, and then the WTAMU Homecoming game. And the high for Saturday is only supposed to be 41! Sunday looks like it will be a day for sleeping!

Crazy, Over Reactive Pregnancy Brain

As of Wednesday, I will have only 35 days remaining until "D-Day" and some panic and impatience is starting to set in. That's only 35 days if she doesn't come early. My mind is racing about what items I could be lacking before the baby arrives. I am having one more shower on Saturday so if I can just be patient until then! We still haven't gotten a baby bath tub or any kind of stuff to wash/bathe her with. While I realize I won't need it immediately, I'm still having some anxiety over these few little things. Once I am past the fact she won't need a bath as soon as she comes home, I start to wonder if she's going to be warm enough. Do I have enough warm clothes for a newborn in November? I have some long-sleeved onesies but not any pants! Hopefully she will do fine with the brand of diapers we have, too. And where are we going to install the car seat? The middle of the backseat or behind the passenger seat? All these little thoughts are looming in the back of my mind and driving me crazy. I hope this isn't foreshadowing to the kind of mother I will be.... obsessive and anxious.

Pre-Registering, Maternity Floor Tour, & New Poll

First of all, I have created and posted a new poll on the side of the blog. There has been some discussion from some people about when the baby will come. Several people have commented that they don't think I'm going to make it to my actual due date. Now is your opportunity to vote on her arrival!

Jason and I went up to BSA in Amarillo today to finish the pre-registering process. I had a folder from my doctor with paperwork to have filled out and my medical records to give them. We finished up some remaining paperwork, and now the nurse's station will have my folder on file for the delivery. We were taken around the floor and shown the rooms and nursery. It was really quiet and slow-paced. There weren't a lot of people out and about, so hopefully it will be that way when it's our turn to go. I didn't hear any blood curdling screams either so that seems to be a good sign.

The nurse that took us around kind of gave us the run down of how things would go... I am allowed to have 2 people in the room with me for delivery. I will labor, deliver, and recover all in the same room. Once I deliver they will give me an hour to spend with the baby before she is taken down to the nursery. She will be taken down there by her daddy the nurse said. Once she goes down to the nursery, I'll be cleaned up and get a new queen size bed. Baby will be put under the light and be assessed. Jason and I will be allowed in the nursery to take pictures of her for her first bath. Jason initially said that they better clean her off before they give her to him. I told him they would wipe her off good, but it doesn't look like she's getting a bath before he gets her. He had a really pleasant look on his face when the nurse said "the baby will get a bath to get all the stuff out of her crevices." He's a medical professional and still thinks it gross. I bet once he sees her he won't care anymore. The nurse told me the baby can stay in the nursery as little or as much as I want and they take all the babies to the nursery for shift changes which can take up to a couple of hours. They said to have a bag packed for 3 days, but we hopefully won't be there that long.

The only thing we are really lacking is installing the car seat. Most people can take their's to the local fire dept for help with installation, but I haven't heard that there's anyone up there that actually knows how to do it. Jason doesn't know how to put the car seat in, but he told me he would inspect it. If you can't install it, you can't inspect it. I'm sure he'll figure it out but I asked him when he was going to put it in and he said not for 2 weeks. He's definitely not feeling any pressure. We will start our classes on Tuesday and finish up with them just in time for her arrival, we hope!!!