Meeting Jack

I’ve read so many beautifully written and touching birth stories over the past year …unfortunately I am not that talented in the writing department and this is more of a brain dump of how Jack’s birthday played out.  I wrote it more for myself than anything so I apologize if it seems long and drawn out.

 

I never intended to have 5 weeks pass before telling the story of Jack’s birth…but I guess that’s what happens when you have a newborn baby.

We were all set for a cesarean birth on Monday October 22nd at 1:30pm…assuming the amniocentesis that morning came back saying the lungs were mature.  We spent the weekend finishing last minute things (like finally packing that hospital bag) and tried to relax and enjoy “us” as much as possible.  At some point late Sunday afternoon I decided I should call the hospital and see if there were any instructions I needed to know as my doctor didn’t tell me anything except to show up 2 hours early…which would mean right after the amniocentesis which was scheduled at 9:30am at a different clinic across town from the hospital.

Turns out I needed to have blood work done and so they advised I come in early that morning before the amnio appointment so that it would for sure be done by operation time.  So our schedule for Monday looked like this:  head to the hospital around 7:30am to register/get blood work done, after that go to the clinic for my amnio appointment with my doctor at 9:30am, and then after that head back to the hospital to check-in for the c-section by 11:30am.  Considering the drive from the clinic to the hospital is a good 30mins each way, we were looking at a pretty hectic morning.

I slept about as well as I could have Sunday night considering I was about to go through major abdominal surgery and meet our child the next day.  I had Lance snap one final bump pic in the nursery (it was dark outside when we left the house)…officially 37 weeks and 3 days along.  Then we were off!

The drive up to the hospital was uneventful as we both tried to take in what was about to happen in mere hours and how much our lives were about to change.  We parked and commented how the next time we’re in the car we’ll have a little baby in tow.  We made our way up to the labor and delivery section of the hospital, registered, and I got the blood work done.  We ended up not having to go to the clinic for the amnio because my doctor was on his way to the hospital anyways to deliver a baby (how’s that for timing).

Now for some reason I wasn’t nervous for the amniocentesis at all.  One of our birthing class teachers had one done in her 3rd trimester also and assured me that it was just a quick poke followed by a small cramp and then it was done…maybe 2mins tops.  Well it did not go so easily for me.  It ended up being a 30min process with 3 separate attempts of trying to get fluid from the 2 very small pockets available….all of which were unsuccessful and very painful.  Had they lasted 2-3mins I would have been fine…but the digging around for several minutes all the while laying completely still was borderline unbearable.  Maybe I’m just a pansy.

After trying for 30mins and not being able to draw out any fluid (still no clue why) my doctor gave us the choice to either go ahead with the c-section as planned or wait until I go into labor naturally and hope for the best.  He still believed the c-section was the safest route and assured me that more than likely the baby would be just fine as I had already passed the 37 week mark.  Now if you told me I would be given this choice weeks before I would have without hesitation opted for the natural route…but obviously we decided to go forth with the c-section.  I had spent the last couple weeks mentally, physically and emotionally preparing for a c-section and meeting our baby…our family and friends were all waiting to hear the good news later that day…I was ready to be done with pregnancy and start life as a mom.

We still had a good hour or so before we needed to officially check-in so we decided to just hang in the hospital lobby for a bit and process what just happened.  I instantly started to second guess our decision…and so I did what any girl would do…I called my mom.  She reassured me that I wasn’t doing a horrible thing and that everything would be fine…and we would get to meet our baby in a few short hours.  Almost like a light switch I went from being nervous and worried about everything to excited and anxious to meet our little one.  Feeling a lot more confident and excited Lance and I made our way upstairs to check in and get the process started.

From the moment we checked in things went from calm to hectic…we were told our doctor had just delivered another baby (!?) and everyone that needed to be at the c-section was available and ready to go.  I didn’t even get a chance to text my mom and let her know what was happening…I figured I would have a couple hours of waiting around before the actual operation!  Before I knew it there were multiple people in my room…nurses hooking up monitors and inserting an IV all the while I’m trying to answer questions the resident OBGYN was asking me (I delivered at a University hospital so in addition to my doctor there was a resident and a 3rd year medical student also taking part)…followed by the anesthesiologists explaining the whole spinal epidural procedure.  Lance was busy changing into scrubs during all this and before I knew it we were saying goodbye and I was being wheeled down to the operating room.  Cue nerves.

This was not my first time in an operating room so the freezing temps, stark whiteness and scary tools all over was nothing new…but still intimidating.  I started to shake.  Thankfully I had two amazing nurses who knew exactly what to say to calm me down.  They brought me a nice warm blanket to cover my top half while the anesthesiologist administered the spinal.  I don’t actually recall any pain associated with the spinal…what I do remember quite vividly is the instant warming sensation that shot down my body…it felt amazing and instantly calmed me…weird I know.  They laid me down on the operating table and Lance was let in and sat beside me.  My arms were still shaking at this point and my head was stuck in this foam pillow thing that prevented me from really turning my head much but I was still able to see Lance and we quietly talked as the procedure began.

When you research c-sections you find that they can very quite a bit based on your doctor, hospital, and urgency in which it is being preformed.  I honestly could not have been happier with how things played out.  Like I said we had two amazing nurses who constantly made sure I was comfortable and knew what was going on.  The anesthesiologist gave me the play-by-play of the procedure and kept telling me I was doing awesome and everything was going perfectly.  The only thing I felt was a little bit of pressure when they started to pull/push the baby out.  My doctor let us know it was time and as he worked he said what was happening…first the head was out and remarked that our baby had a cute face…then the shoulders…then he was out completely!  It was at this point everyone was quite and they told “Dad” to take a look and see what it was…to which Lance excitedly proclaimed “It’s a Boy!”  Jack was born at 12:36pm weighing in at 6lb 6oz.

I can’t possibly put into words the emotions that flooded me at that moment…to say it was amazing is an understatement.  I still hadn’t even seen Jack at this point but I was already in love just hearing his cries…what a relief to know his lungs were healthy and strong!  The pediatrician took Jack to one side of the room and checked everything over while Lance looked on.  Finally after what seemed like an eternity (probably only a minute in reality) Lance brought Jack over and I got to see and touch him for the first time.  It was incredible.  Even though we were surrounded by people we didn’t know with my body cut open on a table it felt like we were the only ones in the room…our new family of 3.  I don’t even remember the rest of the procedure…I remember asking at one point about my placenta (the reason for all this!) and they said it was out and they already had me almost stitched completely up.

Once the bulk of the procedure was done I was allowed to do skin-to-skin with Jack right there in the operating room.  We didn’t have a lot of space to work with but it was still amazing.  I know in a lot of cases with c-sections this isn’t even an option…and they will often take the baby away to a nursery until the mom is in recovery.  One of the things I loved about our hospital is that it is “baby friendly” and they really push skin-to-skin, breastfeeding, and rooming-in with the baby.  This was HUGE in making the whole c-section experience less crappy…dare I say enjoyable?!  I’ve heard cases where the baby is taken to the nursery and the Dad goes along leaving the mother in the operating room alone…our experience was so different and I’m so thankful for that.  Jack never left either of our hands once he was handed to Lance.

Once I was completely stapled back together (literally) I was moved onto my “real” bed and we made our way back to our labor/delivery room.  The next two hours are a blur to me now…which I will attribute to the pain killers.  I know I breastfed Jack for the first time, Lance called my mom for me, and the nurses came in every 15mins to check my vitals and asked if I could move my legs yet.  I held Jack to my chest the entire time…skin-to-skin.  After the required 2-hour stay we were moved to our postpartum room where we would spend the next 3 days getting to know our little Jack.

I hope to be back soon with another marathon post about the first few days/weeks with Jack.  We also recently got Jack’s newborn photos back so I’m excited to share some of those as well!

 

Making Plans

 

I can’t remember exactly how the saying goes, but it’s something like…”We make plans…and God laughs at us”.  Well it seems that’s case for us and this babe.

I had planned to turn 30 before this baby arrived…I had planned to scrub and clean the house, wash every last bit of baby laundry, and all the curtains before this baby arrived…I had planned to make some meals and freeze them to be all set for after this baby arrived…you know around 40ish+ weeks.  But God had other plans…instead we’ll be meeting our little one this coming Monday.

Something I haven’t mentioned on here yet…because I was optimistic that it wouldn’t be an issue this late in the game…is that at my 20 week ultrasound my placenta was low…not alarmingly so but low enough that the doctor wanted to keep an eye on things.  So after another ultrasound at 28 weeks (with barely any movement) and then again at 36 (moved about 1cm!) I was unfortunately still diagnosed as having “marginal placenta previa“

After discussing the options with my doctor…we’ve decided to have a c-section in order to avoid any possible issues that could arrive if I went into labor naturally (like bleeding and/or detaching of the placenta…which would result in a c-section anyways).  So here I am now at 37 weeks…and just 3 days away from meeting this little person.

As you can imagine that last couple weeks have been quite hectic around here…hence the lack in posts!  Trying to finish up the nursery, getting things squared away at work, and frantically making late night Target purchases of those final things we still need before baby arrives.  Not to mention my comfort level has hit an all time pregnancy low…my legs hurt and I no longer have ankles (so on the bright side at least I won’t be dealing with that much longer right?!).

I had hoped to get a couple more posts in…like one about the fabulous shower I had a couple weekends ago with my Utah friends…and the weekend with my Mom and Aunt..and of course a couple more bump pics..but I just haven’t had time.  I hope you’ll forgive me if i have to back track after the baby arrives.

But for now I’m going to attempt to not panic…forget about washing the curtains…and try to enjoy these last couple days before our family of 2 becomes 3.  Lots of sleeping in, eating out (ice cream!), and maybe a tiny bit of knitting.  Keep me and this little one in your thoughts if you can on Monday…I’m a little nervous but excited at the same time…I know everything will be ok even though it’s not exactly the “birth” I had in mind.

Stay tuned friends!!

*If you can’t tell we got our disc of maternity photos!  So I decided to shove them in your face…   All photos by Jylare Smith Photography

30 Weeks

A little different “bump” pic this time around…Lance & I were in Nebraska this past weekend for the first Husker game…and my first shower!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been going back for the first Nebraska game of the seaon for the past 5 years…it’s tradition!!  Hopefully we can continue to keep going…we’ll just leave the little one at home with Grandma  Being 7 months pregnant this year made things a little bit different obviously…no Embassy Suites happy hour drinks for me!  Fortunately my little sister recently turned 21 and so she was able to take advantage of my “situation” (and drink tickets)…it’s a tough job but someone has got to do it.

Fortunately/Unfortunately Shelley was (and is) still preggers so we were able to keep our pre-game at Brewskys tradition alive as well!  I’m sure Lance felt real cool hanging out with two pregnant chicks drinking O’douls.  My how times have changed!

 

 

(pic stolen from Shelley)

The game itself was fun like always…and HOT!  For a while there I wasn’t sure I was going to make it through.  While waiting in line…drunk sorority girls to my left…smoking lady to my right…and the giant sun blaring down…I kinda wanted to run back to our air conditioned hotel room and just watch the game on TV.  BUT…I also knew that this would be the one time this year I get to see the guys in red play…so I stuck it out all the way till the end!

My mom got me this cute tank to wear that says “Quarterback in Training” across the bump…and I got lots of compliments and comments from people throughout the day!  So being pregnant at a football game isn’t all bad.  I’m just happy I wasn’t the girl running to the bathroom to pump during 3rd quarter…not sure I could have handled that.

 

Then on Sunday we made our way to Omaha for my first baby shower!!  My two aunts (that threw my wedding shower) along with my little sister hosted and did an amazing job putting it together.

It was so great to be able to see family and friends one last time before this little one makes his/her appearance.  Everyone is so excited for us and can’t wait to meet him/her.  We received so many generous gifts that really help as we try and make final preperations for the baby’s arrival.  I also requested a “favorite childhood book” from each guest and it’s safe to say baby A’s library is off to a great start!  I can’t wait to read to our little one in the months and years ahead.

 

My aunt form Chicago made these adorable sugar cookies….I think the little onsies were my favorite!

 

She also made this cute fruit carriage…complete with our last name on the back!

 

Of course sweets were aplenty…which was perfect as that seems to be ALL I crave these days.

 

The best part about having a shower back home is I get to see my friends that I don’t often see when we make quick trips back to Nebraska.  Three of us are pregnant in the pic below…that’s a lot of babies!  It was really fun to share stories and compare our experiences thus far.  It’s times like this when I get bummed I don’t live closer to home so we could get together more often…espeically after all the babes come along.  Maybe someday!

 

My little sister and I…it’s always fun to hang out with her when we go back and hear about all her college escapades.  Kids these days…I swear I never did any of that crazy stuff when I was in school…

 

Thankfully she found time between her trips to “the bottoms” to put together this super adorable diaper wreath.  Pinterest worthy indeed…complete with a Husker onsie and booties!

 

I’d say week 30 was one of the most fun yet!  You really can’t go wrong when you mix some of my favorite people and football together!

15 Weeks

This photo was taken at about 15 1/2 weeks (5/22).

I was home this past weekend for a friend’s wedding and so that’s why I was a bit delayed in taking the 15wks photo.  I feel like my bump is now officially here to stay.  I still feel fat looking rather than pregnant…but I’m sure that will change with time.  This was the first time I got to see my family and some friends since becoming pregnant…and I think everyone mentioned how I def have a little bump going on.  Maybe they were just being nice?  Regardless…it was nice to hear.

Along with my new stock of frozen Runzas…I also came home with some gifts for the babe!  Husker stuff obviously…what did you expect?  This child will be born in the heart of football season…so pretty sure he/she will be wearing lots of Husker & Vikes gear in those early months   Thanks Mom and Shelley!

15 Weeks!

Baby Fruit Size: Apple (weighs about 2 1/2 ounces.  Length: 4 inches, head to bottom.)

Best Moment:  Getting to see/spend time with my family/friends in Nebraska and also telling friends at the wedding the big news!

Symptoms:  Um pimples.  Not only do I feel fat…I also look like I’m 15….awesome.

Cravings:  fruit smoothies!  I think I had at least 4 this week.

What I Miss:  Being able to get a beer while waiting for a flight at the airport.  Instead I gave in to a bag of Nutter Butters.  Worth it.

What I Can’t Wait For:  Heading to Minneapolis this weekend to see some good friends and their 4mo old baby!  I plan to suck out all the info/advice I possibly can.

With this post I’m offically caught up!  I’m currently 15wks and 5 days.  I am really going to try and stick with weekly updates..but please forgive me if I miss a week here and there…things can get kinda hectic when you’re growing a small human.

First Trimester

First of all, thank you so much for your congrats and comments!  Although most of our family and close friends know our news already…it is fun to finally be able to share it with my “internet friends”! 

If you haven’t figured it out yet…this whole being pregnant thing was the major reason I gave up on the 366 photo project.  I really wanted to stick it out, but honestly I hit a period between 6-10 weeks where my motivation to do anything other than lay on the couch was nonexistent.  It sucked, and it made me feel worthless.  I have a bunch of quilt squares cut and ready to be sewed…and yet i haven’t wanted to touch my sewing machine the last 2 months.  Same goes for my knitting needles.  BUT…good news…my energy is returning and I’m slowly getting motivated to get back on the project bandwagon.  Oddly enough I haven’t stopped running…well it’s more like slow jogging at this point…but I’m still getting out there and that’s what counts right?!

Having said all that you’re probably assuming I spent a lot of time hovering over the porcelain god during this time.  Thankfully that was NOT the case…I didn’t get sick once!  Believe me though…the first trimester was not all rainbows and butterflies.  Actually I think the first trimester is the weirdest/most nerve-racking/exciting/craziest time a woman can go through.  I mean you pee on a stick and suddenly you become this hormone-raging/booze-free/question-every-food-item/human-growing machine!  I realize our bodies are made to do this…but mentally it’s tough.  Excitement for what’s to come is quickly consumed with fear of what might go wrong…all the while you’re not supposed to be telling a single person that you are in fact pregnant, and that’s why you’re not drinking beer but instead eating 2 entire pizzas and a bowl of ice cream. (seriously…my hunger was OUT OF CONTROL…if there was food w/in a 20mi radius I was likely eating it or devising a plan to eat it)

Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely grateful for this gift we have been blessed with and how, quite frankly, easily we got onto this path towards parenthood.  I know there are so many couples out there that struggle to start a family and it just breaks my heart.

Even before getting that positive test I had this grand idea of keeping a weekly journal of what’s happening with me and the babe along with bump shots.  For some reason I kept putting it off…I think it was that fear of things going wrong that kept me from actually putting words down.  But now that I’m nearly 15wks along with a strong-heart-beating-growing babe…I think I can finally start.  Since I didn’t keep track of things weekly during the first trimester I’m just going to sum it up as best as I can.

The First Trimester!

Baby fruit size: From poppy seed to peach (4-13wks).  That’s some serious growth!

Best Moment(s):  Positive test (obv) and showing Lance.  The 8wk ultrasound showing a mini growing tadpole looking thing with a beating heart.  Hearing the heartbeat for the first time at 12 wks…loud and fast!  Sharing the good news with our friends and family!

Symptoms:  Never ending hunger was probably the biggest symptom I had.  Along with the usual sore boobs, tiredness (although not super exhausted), some mild cramps around wk 5, bloat like no other, stuffy-nose (although that is likely more allergies than anything), and my favorite…waking up to pee at least 2 times during the night.

Cravings: The big one here is Ice Cream!  Although on any given day I will crave random things, like hamburgers, anything mexican, mac-n-cheese, fudge pops, hotdogs, Arbys, and more ice cream.  Basically it’s like I’m 6yrs old again.

What I Miss:  Beer & Wine of course.  More so in social situations and dinners out…or like on vacation in Chicago when we were surrounded by so many good options.  Sleeping through the night w/out having to go to the bathroom…which I realize will only get worse once the babe arrives.  I thought I would miss coffee big time…but it was surprisingly easy to give up.  I started with decaf for about a week after finding out.  Then suddenly around week 6 the thought of drinking coffee made me want to vomit, and so I’ve been coffee free since. 

What I Can’t Wait For:  Actually looking pregnant instead of just fat.  Planning and decorating the nursery (for a boy or girl…we’re not finding out before he/she comes!).  Feeling movement.  The 20wk ultrasound when we make sure everything is growing and looking good!  Pretty much everything else now that I’m in the 2nd trimester…things should start getting more exciting!

Sorry for such a long/non-pic post (I’ll have one with the next post promise!).  Hopefully I didn’t bore everyone…I think this is the most I’ve written on here in like a year…go me!  Before I got pregnant I loved reading other blogger’s updates and stories throughout their pregnancy so I really wanted to do the same.  I’m doing it for myself mostly…and my mom…and anyone else out there that cares to read