Lovely G's Birth Story

Lovely G, a couple days old

There is a lot that led up to the birth of our third child, and younger daughter. Here, though, I just want to record the story of her birth. My first two pregnancies ended in c-sections, the first an emergency and necessary at that point, the second not an emergency, and as we found out later, not really necessary. This time around we all wanted something far more gentle and family friendly, so we worked towards a natural birth at home.

Proud Dad and Lovely G, just a couple hours old

The plan was to labor at home for a while then head to town to a close friend's house (they were heading to a hotel for the night) and actually birth there so if there were any complications, since I had had two surgeries, we were close to a hospital. Things don't always go according to plans, though. :)
A couple days after I hit 38 weeks, on Thursday at 3:30 a.m., my water broke. I had gotten up because I felt like something was off down "there" and ended up getting over the toilet just in time for my water to burst. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions on and off since the evening before, but nothing that made me think I was in labor. After the water breaking, there were a couple contractions, but still nothing substantial. Thursday we called Auntie Andie to come over and hang out with the kids in case things picked up, and Dad and I headed to town for a once over by my midwife, who stirred things up a bit in hopes contractions would pick up, and confirmed my water had indeed broken (I had been leaking since the initial break, and continued to until I gave birth). From there we went to the chiropractor to make sure things were in line for an easy birth, and from there to the acupuncturist to add one more line of insurance that things would pick up before my water had been broken for too long to be safe for baby and me. We picked up dinner from A Dong, headed home and relieved Auntie Andie and sent her home until we had more action. At that point I had a contraction here or there, but nothing rhythmic.

Dad and Lovely G a few hours old

I slept well that night, and Friday morning called my midwife to report there was still really no action. She didn't want to see my headed to the hospital for something that simple holding us up and making me have to fight with a doctor for a VBAC when we had made it this far, so she suggested a castor oil cocktail-which is making my cringe just remembering it-and nipple stimulation (I used the breast pump which hadn't seen any use since I had needed it to express milk for Pony Gal). I did the castor oil at 9 and the pump at 10. At 10:30 a.m. I emptied anything that had been in my body out anywhere it would come (just so much fun, I tell ya. Ug.) and by 11:30 a.m. contractions started in, every three minutes lasting one minute each. There was no building up to that point-it just jumped straight to intense.
I called my doula who had to take her kids to a sitter. Things were happening fast enough that I didn't feel able to call anyone else, though, so then Dad took over and called Auntie Andie and my midwife to come out. Auntie Andie helped with the kids at that point, but was so helpful in giving some massage therapy at the height of the contractions right before I hit the transition to push, as well. Around 1:30 p.m. my midwife's assistant and my midwife made it to our house-because of how violent the castor oil had made "things" and because the contractions were so close and uncomfortable, we ended up deciding to just stay home and risk things there. I couldn't imagine being in a car at that point, and honestly our plan had been to head for town well before things made it to where I ended up starting with the labor, so my body didn't really give me a chance. In the meantime, we got the phone call that my doula wouldn't be making it because her grandfather had passed away and she had to stay with her grandmother. She offered to send her back up, but I knew I wouldn't be comfortable being half naked with someone I didn't know there, so passed and figured that I was lucky that both my midwife and her assistant were wonderful for support as it was (her assistant is a doula anyway, training to be a midwife). Dad was super supportive, as well, and I get teary eyed thinking about how he missed getting to play that role in the prior births because of the surgeries and how birth should be a family affair. My kids were able to be around as much as they liked-Pony Gal chose to be outside, but SuperBoy watched everything and still asks questions about what all happened and why. We were together in a safe place and it is incredible how different that situation is compared to heading to the hospital.
So, after laboring for roughly three hours, two in my jacuzzi tub, and one in our bed, the contractions were coming so close I could barely get a break. I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom, and so the ladies helped me in there. Nothing happened but I felt like I needed to push. It seemed too soon in my reasoning, so I brushed it off but once I got back to the bed and laid down it was more intense. My midwife heard me grunt a bit at the end of a contraction and asked me if I felt like I needed to push, took a look at things and realized I was crowning. She barely got the pads in place and her gloves on  in time to help coach me through pushing. At one point I asked to stand up, but she reassured me there was no time or reason to do so. It took three pushes, each one minute apart to push my sweet second daughter into the world. Everyone was rather happy with how quickly and smoothly everything went.

Lovely G in Mama's arms, only an hour old

I felt rather cheated later thinking about how I missed the moment of relief and joy as the baby slipped out, with my other babies. There is nothing else like it. Lying there with my older kids by my head and the baby on my stomach as she was wiped off and rubbed down to get the blood flowing, hearing my husband's pride as he told me he got to cut her cord, to take her first bath with her in our bath tub (which was one sore point with Super Boy, as he usually can take a bath with me if he likes, and he couldn't at that point, which made him super upset because he just couldn't understand why. He didn't care that there was blood in there and that was not going to be the best place for him.), sitting in my living room just an hour after giving birth talking with my support group and nursing my daughter in my clothes, eating my food, drinking a cup of tea-the experience was so, so, so different, and so, so, so worth every ounce of work it took to get us there. I think I am still a in a bit of a haze, but I just keep thinking about walking to my bedroom to go to sleep with my girl in my arms that night, in my bed and how incredible it was to have finally gotten to experience something so unique to being a mother, all I have to say is wow, and thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who helped me get there. So many people were active in supporting our decision to be home with this birth-family, friends and skilled support-we wouldn't have made it without such a strong support system. We have no idea if we will have more kids after this (okay, but I have always wanted a BIG family, so in a few years I am sure I'll get an itch) but knowing that the next time around I have choices and we can have a beautiful experience rather than a scary one is something leaves me at incredible peace. I asked God for the opportunity to experience things the way He created them, that I was trusting Him with our family planning and if there was another surgery, I would take it as the sign we were finished and it was amazing to have so many prayers answered in a matter of a few hours.
He has blessed us with a happy healthy little girl-born at 5# 2 oz and 18 inches at 3:07 p.m. on Oct 21st-and we are all smitten. Everybody in the house loves her. She is nursing like a champ-she takes her time, but in a matter of a week managed to gain 12 ounces-double what the midwife likes to see in newborns. She sleeps fairly well at night-now during the day does love her mommy time, so we are taking things easy and enjoying her at this tiny stage. The kids can't wait until she is old enough to play with and love giving her kisses and helping with diaper changes or singing her to sleep. I keep pinching myself to make sure this isn't a dream because it still seems surreal that everything played out like it did and we are all doing so well. After the struggles of the first two times around it seems so odd to be doing so well right now.
Praise the Lord!

The birthday cake the kids and Auntie Andie baked to celebrate Lovely G's Birth Day, around 7 p.m. the evening she was born. Proud, excited siblings and mama :)

Pregnancy Milestone

We've made it past the perilous and stressful point in the pregnancy where Pony Gal made her entrance-I am honestly nervous, nervous, nervous until we get past that point each time around. I know God will take care of me no matter what happens, but it was such a traumatic ordeal, and to have it happen in my first pregnancy, that I can't imagine living the same thing again, though we both made it through fine. Superboy's pregnancy was far less bumpy-and could have been even less so with the right care. So, here we are with 5-8+ weeks left, definitely in the throes of late pregnancy. We are currently getting last minute preparations underway and though I am *supposed* to be taking it easy, I find it difficult, and managed to sneak into Menards a few days ago to get paint for our bathroom. I just can't leave things undone. Can't. So, hopefully I can get it painted in the next week, though I anticipate it will take me a couple days rather than the usual one since there is a lot to paint around and I intend to take lots of breaks. I also have gotten into the final stages of Superboy's quilt and should have it done by early next week, meaning if I get a chance to get some fabric, which I need to do anyway for the baby room/spare bedroom curtains, I can get ours done and get Pony Gal's started, which means pretty new beds for everyone. Sometime next year I'd like to make an extra quilt for the top bunk of Superboy's bed, as well, so there are nice blankets and not cheap store comforters, topping them. It is hard to believe we are so close to meeting our new blessing and yet those weeks seem so big. I have honestly started counting days from week to week because my anticipation has grown so. I am trying to figure out what my Christmas crafting plans are, as well, as I should get started on some of that if I want to not be stressed in the midst of new baby-dom. The plans involved with bringing new life into the world and our home sometimes do not make sense to others, but they really are all connected in my head. We've got a nice, growing stash of meals in the freezer as I have been consistently making double and sometimes triple of the main part of the meal in order to have easy food available when I am too tired to take care of things myself. It is all just checking off lists now-once I hit that "full-term" point I'll be able to breathe easier and start whatever is necessary to get this kid here as soon as possible.

The Last Week...

We got our new Sleep Number Bed:

 

 

Went to run some errands and ran into a car show:

 

 

 

Finally experienced garlic scapes (my hardneck garlic never "scaped" last year and this was my first year planting a softneck variety. YUM!):

 

Finally found a use for that extra long, extra wide hallway in the basement and a permanent, proper home for my ever growing book collection (putting in the shelves will be a several day task, though, since the home stores keep running out of materials):

 

Me at 6 months. I made this skirt using a combination of tutorials- Here for the tiered skirt formula and Here to adapt it to a maternity skirt (though the band can easily be folded down for use at non-preggo times). Fabric is a clearance buy from Hancocks and the top knit is old stuff I had kept of Grandma Vivian's:

I plan on making several more of these as they are, by far, along with a pair of gaucho pants with a similar style band I picked up at a garage sale, the most comfortable maternity items I own for the lower half. Think I'll do the A-line version today.

Baby Update- 5 1/2 months!

We had an ultrasound yesterday...with having previous c-sections, it is important to get one as they can cause things to grow a little wonky the next time around. Baby is growing beautifully, measuring perfectly and overly active. Currently, Baby is footling breech. This is something I had already suspected as the most activity I feel is the disco that is happening on top of my bladder most of the day, rather than a lot of movement at the top of my uterus. No real worries, there, though, as it is still early and their position isn't going to affect much at this point. We did not find out what we were having during the ultrasound, but looked away when those areas might be revealed. Guess you'll all have to wait to hear who ends up emerging in just 4 1/2 months. I must say that this pregnancy has progressed faster and more comfortably than my previous two. I go to appointments and can hardly believe the numbers when we talk about weeks and such. The kids are really excited and loved seeing a picture of our newest family addition.

Baby update

Things are moving along well. It is crazy the kind of care you receive from different providers. I am enamored with my midwife this time around, especially after going with doctors the last time. She is stern, yet caring and very straight forward. I love that I can just sit and talk with her at her desk, and that we only move to the exam room at the end for a quick run of the "medical" stuff. I love that she seems to understand my situation better than anyone I've dealt with in pregnancy thus far-including other midwives.

I have one hiccup I am dealing with, but hopefully nothing major. At this point I am out of the first trimester, which is always a blessing as there is a lot of worry there. I am still rather tired, and still can't handle certain smells and tastes, but things have lightened up some. I have heard that speedy little heartbeat that makes my own heartbeat skip a little and makes me catch my breath. I think until I hear that I doubt the authenticity of the situation, and then it's there and it really sinks in that God once again trusts me with making a life, with raising, loving and caring for an entirely new human being. It is incredible.

I am currently doing a pretty good job following the mw's orders to keep my health at a premium as we prepare for the big day, which you can never do too soon. I think too many newly pregnant moms see that day as so far away, rather than each and every day until then as a chance to make sure that one moment runs smoothly-each pregnancy presents only one chance to do things "right". I am excited at the possibilities of things running "normally" this time-no surgeries, no doctors. I am walking a mile a day with DH each morning, which is nice on many levels as that gives us a little time without the kids and he and I both needed it, pregnancy or not. I am eating with a focus on meat and veggies, with just a few servings of whole grain carbs thrown in, and at this point have actually lost weight rather than gained any. In my case, this is a good thing. I am still eating plenty, but making that point to avoid as much junk as possible makes your body reassess the situation. I have plenty to "spare" so she is not worried, and I seem to have a tipping point where things go down-hill in the pregnancy, so if I keep myself below that point, my body should be able to handle this go-round like a dream. I also am keeping a journal with at-home blood pressure checks, as well as the food and exercise log. With my history of pre-e with the first pregnancy and elevated bp with the second, it is just an added, easy measure to keep an eye on things and be able to take more action than anyone I have dealt with in the past was willing to take. On top of all that is a slew of supplements: an large dose of Vitamin D, Calcium and Magnesium, the usual multi-vit, lots of Omega-3's, my digestive aids-a probiotic, Thymex and a slew of enzymes plus, with my history of pre-e we have also added a baby aspirin. The use can be controversial but I waited until I was out of the first trimester to start it so the placenta would have a good start and I have no issue with blood clotting when it needs to so we should be okay once we get down to the line. There have been studies that show that little pill makes a lot of difference in the pregnancy going to term and coming out positively. There is some risk of things not starting on time, but so long as everyone is healthy, I am okay with that. A little more space between when I'm due at this point and Superboy's birthday is fine with me.

Next appointment in 2 and half weeks. We'll see how things are going from there!

9 1/2 week appointment

My first "real" prenatal appointment. So far,things are looking great. I need to be careful about my sugar intake, but I knew that already, and have been slacking there, but easy enough to fix. My midwife is excellent and down-to-earth, which I appreciate. She also is very no-nonsense and I appreciate that. I was able to wait on blood tests and girly exams until later in the pregnancy when they are actually necessary, which is nice. I also found that I am slightly farther along than I thought-my due date is closer to Superboy's birthday than I'd like, but God planned this one, not us, and I trust His judgment.
On a related note, I got my records from my pregnancy with Superboy and found that the doctors had been exaggerating on a number of facts, which ended up leading to an unnecessary repeat c-section. It is terribly frustrating to know things made it as far as his due date and they sabotaged the attempt. It does mean things look good for the possibility of a VBA2C this time around. His gestation was rather uneventful and I have prayers that this one will be too. A little bed rest, if necessary this time, is probably not a bad thing for me as I tend to overdo it. We'll see how things go. I feel confident in a third time around to know how to best deal with certain situations, and having the information about my gluten-intolerance under my belt definitely makes a difference. So, trying to walk a mile a day and focusing my diet on meat and veggies at this point is all I have worry about. Next appointment in three weeks, and then we should be able to possibly hear a heartbeat.

Sorry to leave you hanging

I just didn't realize I hadn't updated for a few days. I don't really read my own blog, much, ;) Anyway, no baby yet. I was supposed to have another dr. appt. today, and called in to say Pony Gal was sick (she isn't). "Oh, okay we'll see you Monday". Boy, do they sound concerned. I will probably go Monday, but with backup, just to see where things are as far as dilation and such. I woke up at midnight last night with intense contractions for about an hour, but after walking around for awhile they stopped. I hope that they pick up again today and are the real thing. In the meantime, I have been starving the last few days. I could eat every hour. I haven't felt this hungry in a long time. I will keep you updated as to any changes, but I would have to say no news, is well, no news. Its all just a waiting game at this point. Oh, and I am standing my ground. So long as my bp remains the same at home, I will not be agreeing to any surgeries. There has to be more reason than the dr.s make it rise...

VBAC Standoff Update

So, today was my "next" prenatal visit. And I didn't go. And it felt good. It was taking almost a whole day after an ob visit for my blood pressure (and sanity) to return to normal. It just wasn't fair. Every time I went in, it was a battle. Arguments would ensue over scheduling a c-section. On Thursday, after being sent to the hospital for testing that would show, once again, everything was fine, and being told point blank I never should have made it this far without having scheduled a surgery, and I would be made to do so at Monday's visit, Dad and I decided I would not be returning to any more pre-nates. It has just gotten to be a battle of us versus the doctors, which is ridiculous. So what did I do today? I just didn't go. I didn't even call in. I figured if they were concerned, they could call me. I know some offices charge you for missed appointments that aren't rescheduled, but the cost, if my office has one, is worth it for peace of mind. Instead, I took a nice, long, as hot as is safe at this juncture, bath. Then Pony Gal and I got groceries, to get in a little walking for gravity and such. Then we had lunch with Dad. Because I can. Now, back at home, I was back on the couch, because I want to stay healthy, but my bp rose LESS by my being gone longer doing something enjoyable than it does on days I have ob visits for a couple hours. I just plan on seeing them in the hospital. And, unless a serious emergency shows up, I am ready to kick them out if necessary. I am sure we can find someone to catch a flying infant, even if it's a nurse (who I often believe know more than the drs up there) or Dad. And you know what they can do about it. Nothing. And, darnit, coming to that realization and just knowing that it is what we are being put in the position to have to do feels good, not because I enjoy a good fight (which anyone who knows me, knows is true, especially for things I am passionate about) BUT because it means we understand we control the future of my health and our baby's, not some pretty much stranger. As I keep informing anyone who asks how all this works: I pay for their services, not vice versa, so I MAKE THE DECISIONS!!!! So, we'll keep ya posted on how things are going at home. I am due next Monday so we will see!

Post on Hypertension in Pregnancy

I found it....take a look

Bedrest Burnout

Tired of hearing about bedrest? Try being on it. I have been doing pretty well, I think, thus far. But yesterday I had a bit of a meltdown. I am just getting worn out as far as being alone all day, and Pony Gal has been sassy, and I just feel pretty useless. I know other women have been down longer than I have (I am starting my third week now) but I am a do-er. It goes against everything I am used to to be down all day. We did sneak out for breakfast yesterday, but otherwise I have been trying to be down. I have taken my crocheting back up. I will need to restock yarn at my next outing. I made hats for the baby, Pony Gal and my husband, and am thinking if this lasts too much longer, I will be making hats for everyone for Christmas. Actually not a bad idea. I also made a a few wool diaper covers for the baby, but need more yarn before I do too much else. My appointment today was frustrating as well. The dr. I saw today was a total jerk. He was pretty obvious in his disbelief that my pressure was staying down at home on bedrest. He made it very clear that I should call in if anything changes. Um, see dr. doofus, I have before, have I not? Why would that change now? Honestly. I must look like a dingaling or something. Then the nurse had already asked me to undress my bottom half and put on the ever flattering pink napkin for a vaginal exam, and he actually asked me if I wanted one after all that. Uh, well, I am already pretty exposed, why turn back now? Not to mention (though I would not say it to him as he was in battle mode) I am going crazy on bedrest so I wanted to know if ANYTHING was happening. As it turns out I am dilated 2 cm. I know this means very little, but it is more than the last time they checked. At least something is happening. My mucous plug seems to be slowly disintegrating. That always grosses my husband out when I discuss it. So, back to dr. doofus. He then went on to ask how important a vbac was to me.
"Well, lets see, of the utmost or I wouldn't even attempt it." Duh.
Well, why is it important.
"We don't know yet how many kids we want and I really don't want three or more major surgeries under my belt if we go further. "
Well, three surgeries aren't that bad.
"Well, I took the first c section very poorly, and know if I don't attempt to do things differently this time, it may be the same, and I really don't want the difficult recovery as I now have a three year old to chase around. "
Oh, the second csec is easier and shorter for recovery.
Grrrr. Whatever.
He finally figured out I was not about to budge. Well, then if ANY protein shows up in your urine (which it hasn't) then your plans are going to have to change.
Uh, huh.
He just can't believe that someone can have only pregnancy induced hypertension. It has to develop into preeclampsia. Wrong. I wish I would have bookmarked the article I read by a midwife who had several studies and her own experience with the fact that pih can be wholly separate from pre-e and is actually not that big a deal if dealt with appropriately-namely not badgering your patients! I will be making a request to NOT see this dr again. There are too many others in the office to deal with such a jerk. And, I am not even sure he is a delivering one. Just happened to be who I got to see. So, anyway, things remain mostly the same. I may have to add a little more up time (so long as I keep it short enough my pressure doesn't rise too much) to try and walk baby boy out a little more...

Adventures in Bedrest

So I posted how much I dislike others working around me. Last night Dad finally figured out I was pretty frustrated, and as it turned out, he was also, as all the help we had gotten just wasn't eliminating the mess. In fact, it was making it worse. The dishes would get half done. There was stuff all over the counter. It was just hard to do anything. So, he took over. He totally cleaned everything up (with the exception of the dishes). And I can relax so much easier now that I know things are where they should be. He made dinner last night, too-hot pockets and totino's pizza rolls, lol. He tried, though. I think I may have to send out for some frozen dinners that he can make. I am sure they will be handy even after I am up with the baby as I am sure there will be days I don't feel like cooking. I looked as Schwans, something we used a little when we were first married, but I was never impressed with their food or their prices. I was cooking things to put in the freezer before I was put down, but didn't get very far. I may have to step by step him through a couple things from the couch. He did make omelets on Saturday morning. And he can do pancakes, and cheese crispies. He just never learned to make too terribly much. I guess we will have to try to change that. But, anyway, he finally figured out he is going to have to step up a little if we are all not going to go crazy waiting for this baby to come. He did ask me how I ever manage to gain weight when meal times are so busy-plan, cook, serve, clean-when do I eat. I told him if he paid attention he would see that I take a few bites and jump up, and I snack all day so I am not famished when dinner comes around. It was nice to have him acknowledge that I WORK. So many times he comes home and just expects me to cater to him like I shouldn't be tired also. He was exhausted last night once he was done. And admitted that I do, in fact, have a difficult job. Thank you!

Dr. Pony Gal

So in the hospital I had wonderful nurses. They were so good with Pony Gal, letting her see what was going on and explaining it well so she understood but wasn't freaked out by mommy being there. At one point I was talking to the nurse about something and she asked the nurse if mommy was going to be okay. I jumped in and told her yes, and she retorted, "Be quiet mommy" turned to the nurse and asked HER once again if mommy was going to be okay. Who needs anyone else when you have Pony Gal looking out for you?

I hate bedrest....

But, then again, who has ever said they loved it? I love the fact that it is keeping me pregnant until I start labor naturally, giving me a chance at a "normal" birth, but that is about it. This hypertension is crazy. I am laying down, my bp is 100/60-all the time. I sit up for more than 2 minutes, it jumps back up to 140/90 or more. I have been good thus far. I do cheat a little. Part of the reason I hate bedrest is that so much of my life is in the hands of others right now. The meals part not a big deal. I am easy going, and if someone else wants to feed me, that's fine. But the house maintenance part, errrr. I am VERY picky about my laundry. I labeled the way they should be separated in the laundry room. I am not a lights/darks person. I am a down-to-the-color-group separator. I am also very picky about how Pony Gal's diapers and wipes are washed. This has lead to my potty breaks being potty/laundry breaks. I figure an extra 2 minutes to move things about won't kill me. I also have a fairly large kitchen, which seems to confuse people. Rather than look around and see, "ah, yes, this goes here as there are other items here exactly like it" they guess. And then I am left doing a speed rearrange in the morning while I get my giant glass of water and tea for the couch. And I don't use nasty cleaners. I have one multipurpose I use for everything. This throws everyone off as they look for 409, or bleach or whatever else. I direct them to what is to be used and they look at me like I'm crazy. We haven't died of any filth related disease yet, so I must know what I am doing to some extent. Rather than have to rearrange the closests once this is all through (and have my husband ask me twice a day where his underwear is...) all our clothes are simply getting sorted into laundry baskets on the floor of the bedroom-something I can do laying down. It is also frustrating to have EVERY person who walks through the door ask me what my blood pressure is. It's fine. I am following the rules. I feel like I have freakin' bruises on my hips from laying around like a bum. I hate watching people work around me. I enjoy maintaining my home. But health is important and so long as I need to lie down in order to keep me and baby healthy, I will. It just sucks in the meantime. Oh and Pony Gal is going nuts. She has been so whiny. I did not realize how much we actually do until we couldn't do it. She is going to turn into a little tv addict if this baby doesn't come soon. She asked me the other day if the baby "broked" me. I had to reassure her that he did not, but that mommy just has trouble sometimes. That's what I need. Pony Gal to already dislike her brother because he broke her mom. She is also upset because our dog, Mr. Deeds, is staying at my in-laws until the baby comes so he does not go stir crazy as well. I think letting him out for potty time several times a day would have been against my bedrest rules. But she is not sure he is coming home, so we have to keep reminding her he is just getting a haircut at Grandma's (which he is, conveniently, that just wasn't the reason for his temporary move). It is also frustrating for people to think I am totally helpless. I can still walk. I can still lift. By golly, I can even feed myself and go to the bathroom by myself. I just need to lay down most the day. I can also drive to my dr.s appointsments, all by myself. This seems crazy to my father in law who freaks out everytime I leave and don't check in or ask him to take me. His driving is more dangerous than if I was driving asleep. Like h*ll I am going to put my life, my daughter's life and my unborn son's life in his hands. Um, no. Until the doc says I can't drive, I will drive myself. And if he restricts me, then I will make appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays when my sister can drive me. I am very picky about who drives me places. I drive a certain way. I am very careful with the lives of those in the car with me, and I am afraid most others I have ridden with are not so. It's only 30 minutes. I sit in the office waiting to see a doc longer than that, though they do make me lay down as soon as I get into the examining room. So that's my rant on bedrest...may this baby come soon!

Ewww

My mom is over doing some help with housework while I am down. She hates flies with a passion. So she took a kill the flies break with a flyswatter. All fine and dandy until one lands on my laptop screen. She got it. And I now have fly guts on my screen. Niiice mom. Need to remember to grab a rag on my next bathroom visit.

A Minor Bump In the Road

Many of you know that I had an awful pregnancy with Pony Gal. It ended with her delivery two months premature due to my being very sick with full blown pre-eclampsia. This pregnancy has been incredibly different, much more enjoyable and smooth. Monday I went in for my routine visit and my blood pressure was up. Every time this had happened in the past, I would go home and check it and it would be fine. I have a serious case of "white coat syndrome" where no matter how hard I try to relax in the office (that sounds like an oxymoron) my pressure rises, but it is generally a false high. The doctors have been very good about trusting me when I promise that I am taking readings at home and that they are fine. Unfortunately Monday was not the same as usual. It was high in the office, but I went through the usual reassurance and the dr let me go home with the usual caution to call in if my readings at home are as high as they were in the office. Monday night I started getting a headache, so I checked my pressure and it was high-way high. I laid down and took it awhile later and found so long as I was lying down, it stayed down. I decided to sleep on it and check in the morning. Things were the same Tuesday morning, so, on an emotional roller coaster considering how this situation greatly limited my options, I called the dr who promptly had me come in for a check in the office. I knew this may be "it" so I scrambled to get everyone's hospital bags (all half packed anyway because I refused to go through the same chaos we did with Pony Gal) and the baby car seat, dropped off the little girl I was watching, picked my sister and headed to the hospital. In the pouring rain, at that-fun. Doc took my bp and urine. Bp was up, urine was fine. He decided that, with my history, we should run a 24 hour urine sample and blood work to see where I stood, so he sent me over to the maternity ward. As an aside the care I received at Major Protestant Hospital in Town vs the care I had received at Major Catholic Hospital in Town-night and day. Anyway, in bed bp was down, way down, up was up. Labs all came back fine. I got to meet a couple more doctors from the practice, which was nice, as were they. So it was decided that this is not looking like pre-e this time around, but rather just pregnancy induced hypertension, which we are treating with strict at home (thank goodness) bedrest. A vbac is still very much in the plans so long as I follow directions, which I will because the thought of surgery freaks me out. I hated it the first time. I have had years to think about it this time, and well, it freaks me out. In the meantime I cannot be induced if I start having issues beyond where I am now, so I have to start labor on my own. We are going to do all we can, without compromising my health, to induce naturally. Luckily inducing naturally tends to be pretty fun;) So, all your ideas, and prayers, are appreciated. Oh, and thank God for laptops. Tv would get old fast. And even I-I know it sounds crazy-can get sick of reading from time to time. Here's to a healthy me and a healthy, vaginally born baby boy!

Mommy Brain At Work

So, I was checking up on a friend's blog and just glanced at the list of topics listed in the sidebar as I was waiting for the page to go elsewhere and noticed that her name-Sarah-sounds a lot like one of her topics-sah/wah-if you said it outloud. Like she was born to be a mighty at home mommy. I am totally in mommy land this morning. I had like no sleep last night. I was so upset with my mom about the baby and some stuff that she thinks is necessary and I don't and the fact she asked Pony Gal-knowing full well that she would tell her-what the baby's name was when we have been very adamant that we didn't want anyone to know until he was born. For whatever reason I feel like all the special excitement of the moment is stolen in knowing, yes its a boy, yes his name is..., its like, well, he's out now, so who cares. I know that is ridiculous, but for me it has something to do with blind faith and just being enamored with the unknown. My mother on the other hand is exactly the opposite. It just made me feel sick last night. And then she got all serious with Pony Gal about him coming and being a big sister, and Pony Gal is ready. She knows what's going to happen. I think everyone forgets that for one she has seen the real anatomy of mommy. She has been at all visits. She has seen babies born on TV. She has also been a big sister before, when we had our foster placement, K. She's old hand at all this. We don't need to patronize. Nevertheless, my feelings were hurt because she KNEW what she was doing, but then downplayed it to seem like no big deal. And I LOVE surprises. I feel like they are what keeps life exciting and helps my faith in Christ grow as I am forced to trust Him in all situations. She felt it necessary to tell me that the baby has blonde hair. Grrrreat. This would seem like no big deal, but it is to me. For one, she hasn't been wrong about anything that has come to her via her prayer time with God. I love that she has that connection, but I personally don't care to know what is to come, even if it is the sex of the baby or the hair color or whatever. Yes, they seem like small things, and she has pretty good odds at getting them right whether she is good with the Big Guy or not, but nevertheless. The other issue is that I have my heart set on a baby that has some resemblance of my dad. I miss him so much, and it would be so awesome to look into his eyes or see his hair on my son everyday. That means dark hair, though. I am not a fan of blonde hair on boys. Don't know why. Yes my husband is blonde, and I think he is handsome and love him dearly. But I like dark heads. So to hear that (even though I love this little boy no matter what) oh, he's blonde, just ticks me off. I would rather find out in the bliss of the moment of meeting him than to have my mother, whom I am already ircked at, tell me she already knows.

Lazy Day

I feel like such a goon right now. We were supposed to go the firestation in Big City West with IHE today, but ended up not making it. And someone else could have had our spot had we known we weren't going. Unfortunately it just kind of happened. We got up too early this morning, to help out my sister (which was not a problem, because I always enjoy seeing you), then went to the local babywearing meeting. I enjoyed seeing all the different mamas there, although my shy nature prevented me from being too active. I basically sat and watched them try different slings, all of which looked far too complicated for my taste. I like my asian carrier. And the one piece tube style carrier I have on my wishlist at Wallypop is nice and easy also. But, either way being as pregnant as I am, nothing was going to fit too comfortably so trying anything on was futile today. Pony Gal got to be with other kids, though, and I got to talk to a few moms, all of whom I actually already knew from other things. I think we will make it a regular visit with us, though. So then we went to lunch with Dad, as I was too tired to pack something for him last night. That was fine but I found that Pony Gal and I both were looking pretty sorry and dragging major booty, so we went home afterward rather than to Big City West. By the time we were about seven minutes away from daddy, she was out. And as soon as we got home I laid her down in our bed, took care of a few small things, and laid down with her as my head hurt so bad from lack of sleep that I was no longer at a functioning level. I had also let me blood sugar get way low, a no no with this pregnancy as it then it takes a while to get back to where it should be. Next thing I know a fly wakes me up and it is 3:30-a nearly 2 1/2 hour nap. How did that happen? Actually, Pony Gal is still asleep. We obviously need that extra 30-45 minutes that we missed in the morning. We are going to be hurting units when the baby comes. But in the end, today was just one of those perfect days for siestas. Nice and cool. I lit some candles, opened the windows and had some hot cocoa. I still have to work-as Tuesday is harvest day for the farm, but sister is coming over to help so hopefully it will go quickly. I still feel drained. This back and forth weather seems to do a number.

Pregnancy Pics Photo Shoot

My youngest sister did a pregnancy photo session with me yesterday. I never got a chance with Pony Gal since I got sick fairly early. Actually for being just days away from the nine months mark, I really have not gotten that large. We really had to use hands to accentuate my belly enough to look pregnant, and not just fat. There are more pics at my flickr account, and I will continue to add them as I get a chance. These are some of my faves...

Nesting

So, I think I won't know if I go through a nesting spurt with this pregnancy. I have been obsessed with prepping the house since like 4 or 5 months along. That's a little early, I think, to be indicative of impending delivery. I think, lol. Anyway, I have been busy since then, for sure. We are trying to do some rearranging in the basement, and clearing extra clutter out of the main living area and moving it down there, trying to keep the house remotely clean in the event its that "Time", I have been freezing healthy lunch leftovers for use later when I don't feel like cooking, and made about three bags of baby food for the freezer as well. I went yesterday to the Stork Wearhouse to get a few accessories. I have come to the conclusion I am a natural living stuff addict, especially baby stuff. I bartered diapers from my friend Sarah for a farm share, and got a Klean Kanteen for Pony Gal yesterday to start to try to eliminate more plastic from our household, along with more cloth mama pads, a few diapers (still Wallypop brand, they were on clearance and I can't help the words clearance...;) ), some Babylegs-neat little inventions for keeping warm legs on half naked babies, and now mommies too!. I meant to get some Snappis so we don't have to use pins on the prefolds, which is probably what I will have to use for at least a few days until the baby starts to put on a little more weight as I think he will be a little small for the diapers I have on hand. I hate pins, and after seeing Snappis in action, they are definitely the way to go. I had Louisa, the owner, show me how they worked and everything and still managed to walk off without them. I felt like such a doofus. But, back to nesting, I have quite the list to finish off. More baby food. Bread baking and freezing. Dough making and freezing. More junk to be rid of. More rearranging. Maybe it is this weird pregnancy long nesting that has made the pregnancy go quickly. I think everyone in the house is ready to meet this guy at this point. And we have decided because I will not be induced due to my c-section, even if I go a little early, we will not let the drs stop the labor. Especially since dating my pregnancies is an even more inexact science than the regular pregnancy. So whenever it goes down, its happening!

A Question For You All

The last couple days I have been experiencing a very weird sensation. I asked my doula about it and she is stumped. It hasn't appeared today, but if it does, then I will probably ask my dr. at Monday's appointment. So, if any of you remember anything like this, please comment. Kind of curious as to what it could be. The feeling is low, like in my pelvic area, and feels kind of like buzzing lips or a very faint vibration. It was pretty constant on Wednesday and Thursday, but I haven't noticed it today. The baby still feels like he's in the same place he has been, so I don't think he has moved into a lower position, but then again I have started to need to pee more frequently, which I always follow with my cranberry supplement to be sure it isn't because I am getting an UTI. So I guess he might have moved down, but in the meantime I am stumped. It was kind of annoying from time to time as it tickled. That is quite the place to be tickled incessantly, I tell you what. Otherwise, as far as baby news, all looks good. I get my group B test on Monday, and beyond that will probably start getting exams to check my cervix as I will be "full term"...yea!