Better late than never...Lily's Birth Story

I figured I better get this up before I completely forget!

I was set to be induced Monday, Dec 3rd at 7pm. I was almost 40 weeks, but with Gestational Diabetes, my doctor wanted to avoid any complications by having the induction. I had been having contractions for a good week, but nothing major, and they were typically only when I was lying down on my back. Also, at my last doc appointment, I was already measuring 4cm. On Sunday, the 2nd, I was having some stronger contractions, but again nothing major. That evening around 10pm, I had a few contractions that were closer together than usual, about 7 minutes apart, so I decided to walk around and take a bath to see if they'd go away. They went away...but only for an hour or so. Around 11pm, they started up again and felt like they were getting stronger. I started timing them again and by midnight, they were 3 minutes apart lasting about a minute long and were somewhat strong. I called my doctor's office, and the lady said my doctor was on call (she wasn't) and that she'd call me back. 20 LONG minutes later, I still hadn't received a call, so I called the office again. This time, we found out my doctor wasn't actually on call, so a midwife called me back and asked me about my contractions. I got the OK to go in and about 1am, we were at the hospital ready to have this baby! We called my parents and Josh's mom, and they headed over too.

By the time we made it to the hospital, my contractions were pretty rough. I felt like my ribs were getting crushed! Even though we had pre-registered, the paperwork that we had to do (which was only a few pieces of paper) felt like it was taking FOREVER because of the pain. I wanted to jump to the other side of the desk and finish up whatever the lady was doing on the computer for her because it was taking SO LONG. (It probably really wasn't) By the time I was wheeled up to Labor and Delivery, I decided I wanted an epidural since I didn't feel like I'd be able to breathe if I didn't. Labor and Delivery was nice and quiet, I was the only patient there! (Later would come a screaming woman in labor right next to us!) They started monitoring me right away and I was already 6cm. Soon enough the anesthesiologist came in and gave me my epidural. The epidural was amazing! I progressed pretty fast after that, they broke my water, and by 6am I was already at 10 cm.  Unfortunately, baby was still posterior, meaning she was facing the wrong way and wouldn't have been able to come out unless we were able to turn her around. So, with my epidural and IV stuck in me, they had me labor on my hands and knees, on my side, upside down (just kidding), and baby would still not turn around, gosh darn it! My contractions also started to lighten up, which wasn't good because they needed stronger ones to try and get her to turn. They gave me pitocin to make the contractions stronger and I continued to labor on my hands and knees, side, etc. Luckily, I had a nice button to push to keep my epidural coming. :) The doctor checked me several times again and somewhere between 11am-12pm (6 hours later!! I lost track of time, I was SO TIRED!) baby was still posterior. I was SO frustrated, as you can imagine. I mean, I was already ready to push, baby sounded great, etc etc. I was just missing the one piece! So the doctor talked to me about doing a c-section, which I really didn't want to do, but it was beginning to sound like that was my only choice. When he left, I cried and cried because I was exhausted and because I wasn't having the birthing experience I wanted to have. And I thought I was actually being pretty open-minded! Poor Josh, and our poor parents were all just sitting there waiting....So next thing I know, I'm getting prepped to have a c-section, signing more paperwork, and finally ready to have this baby. I was wheeled off to the OR, where I had to spend a grueling 15- 20 minutes without Josh while they prepped me and the room. I felt so alone and exposed, I'm pretty sure I was crying the whole time. The doctor, anesthesiologist, and nurses were great though, they kept me pretty entertained. Finally, Josh was allowed to come in and they started the c-section. I don't remember much, I just remember a lot of pressure and pulling, the doc and nurses joking around (my doc finally made it in) and soon enough, at 12:55pm, little Lily came out crying her little head off! I saw her for the first time, and she was beautiful! Head full of hair, nice and pink, and the perfect mixture of Josh and I. I have never been so in love.

They cleaned Lily off, and while I was getting stitched up, Josh got to hold her for the first time while he sat next to me. It was pretty amazing. She was 7lbs 15oz and 19 inches. Her Apgar scores were 9 and 9 and was overall doing great. When they wheeled me back into our room, I was finally able to hold her and it was so wonderful feeling her little body finally in my arms after being in my belly for 10 months!

After all was said and done, I was one exhausted and nauseous mama. I hadn't eaten since dinner the night before and having been pumped full of meds, I was puking all over the place. And on top of that, I wasn't allowed to eat anything of sustenance so I just kept feeling sicker and sicker. We had quite a few visitors that day! Poor Jonathan, Molly, Mark, and Bonnie - I ended up puking right in front of them because I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom! I have to say the recovery was much worse than the actual labor and delivery, with the nauseousness, the pain, the exhaustion, and not being able to move around much. On top of that, we had to be at the hospital for 2 days with nurses coming in and out, a new baby that was up every hour, and a screaming colicky baby next door (from the screaming woman in labor earlier)! Breastfeeding was not fun, and even less fun when we found out Lily had lost 12% of her body weight in 48 hours. The pediatrician had us supplement with an ounce of formula which I was not happy about, but did it anyway since my milk obviously wasn't going to come in soon. (We saw a lactation specialist later, and now we are exclusively breastfeeding thanks to some excellent help!)  Lily gained some weight back, and we were finally able to go home on the 5th, which was my original due date!

Having a newborn is exhausting and rewarding all at the same time. We weren't sure we were going to make it through those first few days, but we did. Kudos to my hubby who was a champ through the hospital stay where I was half delirious and Lily was up all the time. He made sure we were both taken care of, both fed, both happy, all on top of him running on no sleep and having a crappy cot to sleep on. He was/is so amazing with Lily. When I ran out of patience or had a meltdown, he was always there to cheer me on and was always willing to take anything off my hands. (Not the breastfeeding, but everything else!) I couldn't have done it without him. My mom also stayed with us for a few days, which was SO nice! She helped cook, clean, and let us sleep. Thanks mom!!

All in all, I would do it all over again. I'm glad I went in there with no expectations for myself as that would've made it really difficult to just let things happen the way they needed to. I'm thankful for Josh, our parents' support, and our friends and family that came to visit. It was a crazy, rewarding, incredible experience and now we have this little cutie pie in our lives to show for it. :)

The day before I went into labor we went Christmas tree cutting!

Her first Christmas

And here she is at 6 weeks old! Wow time sure does fly by fast.

Just a little while longer

Wow! I really suck at updating blogs. But what can you do when you don't feel like doing much at all? :)

I'm 38 weeks! Can you believe it? I am no longer comfortable, can't really sit/stand/sleep in any position whatsoever, I can't put on shoes without getting winded, and walking down the street is becoming an issue! Oh the sacrifices we make.... :) Little Miss Tinsley will be making her appearance soon, so I can't really complain too much!

It's definitely been exciting since the last time I posted! We are in the home stretch and are super excited to meet our little one. We had our maternity pictures done by the lovely Emery of New Leaf Photography (photographynewleaf.blogspot.com) at 30 weeks and they turned out AMAZING! Here are a few of my favorites:

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, there were so many more but my computer is being slow at the moment and that's all I have the patience for. :) At the beginning of the month, we took a breastfeeding class and it was great. I learned a lot about breastfeeding that I didn't know, and am now feeling much more empowered and motivated. We also took a childbirth class this past weekend, and while very informative and educational, Josh and I couldn't stop laughing! I know that we're supposed to learn about all the different breathing techniques and positions to be in for labor, but the instructor we had was pretty over the top! I totally get that women make funny noises, and when it's time to get that baby out, you will get into whatever position you need to be in, but it was just too funny watching the instructor acting everything out for us. ;) I swear I'm not 12! All in all though, we are feeling much more prepared now for childbirth and we are really glad our hospital offers these classes.

 

In October, my sister in laws Molly and Kate threw me my first baby shower! (I have very large families on both sides, so we decided to split them up) It was amazing. So many of my friends/family/coworkers showed up, and I (and little miss tinsley) felt so loved! It was great seeing everyone, and oh my - all of the presents are to die for! Baby girl is going to very well dressed, accessorized, and well taken care of that's for sure. We are so grateful to have so many people in our lives that care for us as much as these people did. And this was just Josh's side of the family and my coworkers! Next, in early November my side of the family threw me my 2nd baby shower, and that was also amazing! This was a co-ed shower so the boys were able to enjoy our funny games and the rest of all the baby shower goodness. Not to mention, we had delicious filipino food which I thoroughly enjoyed! Again, they all really know how to make Josh and I (and the babe) feel loved. We are all very very lucky to have such a great family and friends on both sides.

 

Here are some pics from both showers!

 

 

 

I started non-stress tests around 34 weeks and have had two ultrasounds since. Baby is measuring pretty average in terms of size, and the doctor has no complaints! I'm hoping we can continue on this track for the rest of the pregnancy. With my gestational diabetes, it doesn't look like the doctor will let me deliver past 40 weeks, but we'll see what happens. At my last weekly appointment last Tuesday, I was already 4cm and 75% effaced! I was really surprised I was that far along, but I do know that some women can stay at this stage for a while. But doc says it could be any day now, so we'll see what happens! Josh and I frantically got our bags ready (yes I said bags, my husband likes to be incredibly prepared), and we have been adding the finishing touches to the baby room. We added a few more animal paintings, a small dresser and lamp, and decorated some dresser knobs. Check these out:

 

 

 

 

So anyway, as for how I've been feeling - again, just super uncomfortable. I don't have too many cravings (okay, except for chicken nuggets) and I go to the bathroom a million times a day. I've gained about 20 lbs total so far (thank you gestational diabetes), and my back is killing me. I feel ready but not ready, but I don't think I'll ever really be "ready." Know what I mean? It's so exciting to know that before Christmas, we'll have a new addition to our family and our lives will be forever changed....for the better! I absolutely cannot wait. I can't promise that I will have posted again before she gets here, but I will try my best! If anything, there will definitely be some posts once she's arrived. Wish us luck! :)

 

 

Oh and of course, the obligatory bump and ultrasound pics. :)

 

 



 

(can you tell I feel like yuckiness?!)

 

And mini me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

It's Fall...?!

Or is it? It sure doesn't feel like Fall around here....I've worn a jacket maybe once since the beginning of summer, and I'm itching to put on some boots and a scarf! I wouldn't even mind a nice little thunderstorm....

Anyway! Like I've said before, I am really lame at blogging and I'm sorry I haven't updated since I was 25 weeks! Tomorrow I'll be 31 weeks. Can you believe it?! Cause I can't. In 6 weeks, I'll be full term, could have a baby at any point, and my life will change forever. No big deal or anything... Well, as you can imagine (as evidence shows from my lack of blogging), I have been extremely busy working my normal full-time job, helping Josh re-make the room that is now our nursery, making a baby quilt, doing some other crafty things for baby girl, setting up childbirth/breastfeeding classes, and going to what are now my bi-monthly doctor's appointments. It doesn't sound like too much, but I'm exhausted! I think I'm just exhausted in general though.

So at 31 weeks, this is what my life looks like:

Cravings: Chocolate and ice cream. Both of which I can't have much of!
Complications: Nothing I can't handle, but took a 2 hour glucose test for gestational diabetes and one of my numbers came back high. So I am officially on a diabetic diet until baby girl arrives. It sucks, but could be worse. I've been able to manage the numbers pretty well without meds, so I am thankful for that!
Favorites: Feeling baby literally roll around in my belly! Such a strange and alien feeling, but great at the same time!
Annoyances: Not sleeping well at all. I wake up several times a night because there is no position that is comfortable or stays comfortable. Oh well!
Milestones: Reaching 30 weeks! I also had a 3D ultrasound done at this time and it was amazing to see some of baby's features, even if the machine makes it look a little funny. ;) I like to say that she looks like my mom and me! (See below). We also had some maternity pictures done by a good friend of ours, Emery of New Leaf Photography! We haven't seen them yet, but I'm sure they will be great!
Looking forward to: Baby shower!

Here are some pictures of the last month or so and what we've been up to.


Nursery:

This room was BRIGHT blue before we painted. Josh re-did the trim and added the boxes. The teal was a little bright at first, but the furniture toned it down. He did a great job!

 

 

I also painted a few small canvases for the nursery. They're definitely not perfect, but I think they're cute!

 

 

 

 

 

I was also really bold, and made my first quilt EVER. I couldn't pick out any bedding that I liked so I figured I'd try to make my own. I think it turned out great for my first one. :)

 

First, I picked out all my fabric (most of which were on sale at Joann's AND I had a bunch of 40% off coupons) and cut them into 5 1/2 inch squares.

 

 

Then I laid them out and created a pattern that I thought looked pretty good:

 

 

Sewed the squares together (first by row, then sewed the rows together)

 

 

 

Added a border:

 

 

For some reason, I didn't take a picture of this part, but I cut out some batting and some fabric for the back of the quilt, and basted it all together with the front of the quilt with some basting safety pins. Then I sewed it all together (and did a criss-cross pattern too! I thought this would be difficult but was actually pretty easy). 

 

 

Added a binding, and voila! Alas, my baby quilt. It is roughly 42x42, which was perfect for the crib. I'm hoping she can also use it as a playmat later.

 

 

 

And of course, I can't close out without the baby bump pictures. Enjoy seeing me turn into an elephant! :)

 

 

 

 

 

AND BABY GIRL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Lovin'

I don't know about you guys, but I am ready for summer to be over! Or at least for the temperatures to be in the 70's :) But honestly, my favorite time of the year is when summer is turning into fall. When the leaves are changing and falling, there's a breeze in the air, my plants are getting some water....oh and a baby coming soon! Wow, I can't believe that I'm already 6 months along! Time has definitely flown by fast, and I hope it continues to do so because I can't wait to meet this wriggly, squiggly, kicking little girl inside me. Luckily, she doesn't seem to move much before bed or while I'm asleep (that I know of), so hopefully she'll have the same sleep schedule outside of the womb! (yeah...who am I kidding!)

Josh and I have been on vacation for a week and a half now, and have had a great time! We spent 4 days in McCall, Idaho for his cousin Heidi's beautiful wedding and camping with the family. We had a lot of fun fishing, playing in the lake next to the camp site, relaxing, and just having a good time with everyone. When we came home, Josh and I slept in every day (awesome), went fly fishing at Skate Creek with Trooper (also awesome), relaxed outside, and fixed some things around the house that we've been wanting to fix. My brother and his fiancee had their engagement party yesterday which was great (and had some goooooooooood vietnamese food!) and last night we also had Josh's 10 year HS reunion which was a blast! It was definitely a nice weekend to catch up with family and friends. So, overall, great vacation! Here are some pics:

Fly fishing at Skate Creek:

Idaho/Camping/Heidi and Jordan's Wedding:

Oh and of course, my 24 week bump picture! (25 weeks now, but who's counting)

 

 

I am definitely starting to feel huge, but I know it's just going to get worse from here. Oh well! :) At this point, I feel pretty much the same. The carpel tunnel isn't as bad, sleeping is getting a bit more uncomfortable, but I'm able to manage. I have another checkup this week, so I'm excited to see the progess of baby girl. Looking forward to going back to work tomorrow.....NOT. Have a great weekend!