Carley's Birth

Carley decided to come on Easter Sunday here is what happened:

I had contractions all day on Saturday. And these were not the menstrual cramp type, these were "give me a minute to walk" type. Which I have never had before! I was miserable all day, and I told Eric specifically "I can not do this all week". Well, I got woken up at midnight with hard contractions as well. They were irregular but so painful. They woke me every time. I got Eric's stop watch and got in the tub. My contractions would come 9 minutes, 4 minutes, 4 minutes, 9 minutes, etc. They did that for 1 hour. I called L&D and they told me not to come in until they were 3-5 minutes apart. But they got weird where I would have two contractions like 2 minutes apart, then one 7 minutes, etc. And they were getting harder. Around 2:00am, we decided to go to the hospital. We called Amy and woke her so she could come stay with the girls.

At the hospital, they all thought this was my first baby because I was not sure if I was in labor or not. Ha Ha. They checked me and I was only dilated to a 3. WHAT? I remember being so mad. Eric kept laughing at me, and it is so hard to laugh during a contraction. I tried to get mad at him too, but it was pretty funny to hear me moan through these contractions. They made me wait an hour (HELLO! I wanted an epidural!!!!!) and then checked me again. If I was the same they would send me home, but thankfully I was at a 4. So, I got admitted.

I got to the room and they asked me a million questions, and I just had one for them. Epidural please. Thankfully, he got there and got it started a little before 6am. At 7am, they checked me and I was at a 5, so they broke my water. They got the room all ready, and said it should be anytime! They were wrong. I kind of stalled for a while there, but I was comfy and happy. I was checked a few hours later and I was at a 7, so I thought we were coming along. I started to get really bad back pain, and I could feel my contractions on my right side. I started moaning and crying and called the nurse, I thought something was wrong. They could not figure out what it was, so we all assumed my epidural was not working as well as it has in the past. They turned it up, but for the next hour, I felt like I would pass out or throw-up or both from the pain. At 11:00am, they checked and I was at an 8 ONLY, so they decided to give me pitocin to get things moving. By the time the order came in and they got me set up, I was at a 9 and the pain was so intense. I remember wishing that I did not have the epidural because I could have at least moved around during a contractions. But since I could not feel my legs, I had to just lay there still and endure. Ugh, I am still sick just thinking about the pain.

Thankfully, he checked me at about 12:45pm and I was fully dilated! Yea! I got a little nervous about the size of her. The Dr.'s had a special station set up for shoulder babies, or babies whose shoulders might get stuck. Lovely. But the first contraction came and he said she should be out soon. Second contraction I was pushing and the Dr. said, "Whoa, slow down!" He did not want me to tear. So, he eased her out and she was here!!! I could not believe how easy that part was!

A beautiful 10lb baby girl was here at 1:03pm! They took her to clean her up and suck out some stuff she swallowed, but then I got to hold her a few minutes later. She latched on right away and ate for about a 1/2hr, before they took her away to check on her breathing. I did tear a little bit, but it was a 2nd level tear, which is what I had with both other girls.

The recovery of this birth has been my easiest so far. I was up and walking a few hours after, I have hardly bled or had any pain at all. I was actually discharged from the hospital the next morning after she was born. And I lost 20 lbs immediately!

Normal

The Dr. called me yesterday evening and they got by 24 hour urine results back. There was a little bit of protein in my urine, but nothing to be concerned about. My level was at 90, and it needs to be over 300 for them to be concerned. So no induction this weekend! So after all that worry this week it ended up being no antibiotics for the UTI, no iron supplements for being anemic, and no protein in my urine. Are we sure these people went to medical school?

Last night I had contractions all night. They started yesterday evening, just on and off, but by 2:00am, they were full force, coming every 10 minutes. Lying in bed didn't help, I would just lay there and wait for them. I ended up taking a bath, then coming downstairs and watched a movie on the couch. I started to get a little nervous, thinking this could be it, but by 5:00am, they stopped. I have had a few more today, but that's it.

39 weeks

Had my 39 week appointment today:
Blood pressure: 116/86
Weight: Lost three pounds!! So back to 57 lbs gained.
Baby heartbeat: 140's and measured at 39.5 weeks

Best appointment I have had yet! I met with two new Dr.'s, one was a resident, and the other was helping her. So, sadly I won't see them again, but it made me feel better that there were competent Dr.'s here.

I was still 2cm dilated, but 50% effaced this time, so I little progress. They stripped my membranes, so we will see if that will get anything going. They are still waiting on my 24 hour urine tests, and they told me that if it comes back with protein, they will probably induce me this weekend. If not, I go back Thursday the 8th.

Falling apart

I got a call from the Dr. today. They got my blood work back and my urine results. The blood work showed I am anemic. Which I had no idea. I get to take an iron supplement, which she said will cause tarry stools and/or constipation. Oh boy, I can't wait for that!

The urine results showed I have a Urinary tract infection. They think. Levels are supposed to be at 1 or 2 and mine were 100. Which means either a UTI or the test was contaminated. So, I get to take antibiotics for the next 10 days.

There was a little protein in my urine which could be a cause for concern, but they are still waiting for my results from my 24 hour collection, that is what will tell them the real story. So I wait. And wait.

TMI

Too much information for anyone who reads this BUT, I want to document it for my next pregnancy so here goes:

First, I think I lost my mucous plug today at 38 weeks and 3 days. A big glob of something came out today. Not the bloody show, just mucous. Which I read means that labor can be within the next three weeks. So, it really means nothing to me.

Second, keeping all of your pee for 24 hours is not fun. I have already forgotten three times. Hopefully, they will not know. The girls find it entertaining that I have this giant plastic thing I stick on the toilet to catch my pee, then pour it into a big container and put it in the fridge. They look at me funny each time.

Oh the wonderful joys of pregnancy.

38 week appointment

Had my appointment today:
Blood pressure: 144/98, 140/98, 136/92
Weight: total gain of 60 lbs :(

First thing was my blood pressure. It was obviously high, so they took it three times. If the third time was still over 140, they would have admitted me. Not to be induced, just to monitor me, so I am so glad it was down, I reallly didn't want to spend the evening in the hospital. It was still high for their liking, so they sent me to the lab for testing, and I also get to keep and store my urine for the next 24 hours.

I asked the Dr. to check me, telling her I was having contractions. I am dilated to a 2, and 25% effaced. Very exciting since I have never dilated before, but still not enough for me! I go back Friday, so hopefully there will have been some progress.

Contractions, shmractions

I took the girls on a good long walk on Friday - over an hour!!! That is pretty good in my book since I am pushing them both in a stroller. But I paid for it that night, the worst pressure ever! So, on Saturday, I asked Eric what I should do? Push through the pain and just keep walking everyday and maybe it will do something? Or just lay around and hope something happens? I can't decide.

Last night around 9:00pm I started having contractions. Between 9pm and 10pm I had them about every 10 minutes. I went to bed with a little anxiety, but woke up this morning and obviously, I did not have my baby. Darn. :)

38 weeks

Two weeks to go! I have been walking once or twice a day, usually pushing the girls in the day, then by myself or with Eric pushing the girls at night. I really pushed my self the last few days and all that happened is today I can barely walk! The pelvic pressure is horrible. I don't have an appointment this week, but I go twice next week: on Monday for my 38 and on Friday for my 39 week appointment, so hopefully I will know if this walking bit is helping. My neighbor who was due two weeks before me, went for a 3 hour walk olast Sunday and had the baby two days later. I might have to try that........

Insomnia

Last night (or this morning, I guess), I was wide awake by 3:00am. My back and legs were aching so bad. I have read that can be a sign of contractions, and I sure felt like I needed an epidural! :) I would try and get comfy and my body would just ache all over. Finally, I went downstairs and watched TV and I have been up since. I can feel my body doing things it has never done, and being so achy and sore and crampy these last few days is killing me. I would assume it means I am going to have the baby early, but I may still be here typing away in three weeks. Hoepfully not.

Call me green

Ok, so I know this is my third child, but since I was induced with my other 2 and NEVER had any contractions until I was at the hosipital and on a monitor, I feel like this is my first time. I am always questioning myself whether I am having contractions, or gas pains, or what. I am sure Eric is sick of hearing me wonder. But last night I am pretty sure I had contractions all night, and today I feel like I am going to start my period, very crampy. I am assuming that is my body getting ready for the big day. Or maybe just more gas pains. Ha Ha.

37 week appointment

Today I had my 37 week appointment:
Blood pressure: 122/78
Weight: I would rather not mention, let's just say I have gained 56 lbs.

I talked to the Dr. about my weight gain. I gained 50 with both Payton and Eleanor, and I have obviously passed that and still have at least three weeks to go. That could be another 6 lbs or more! She said she would be concerned if I had any other issues like high blood pressure or swelling, but I have none of those. She did talk to another Dr., and they talked about inducing me, but said No since it is my third baby, I gained a lot with my other two, I had big babies before, and have not had to have a c-section. But, she said next appointment we will revisit and see where I am at. VERY FRUSTRATED WITH MY WEIGHT GAIN!!!!

Also frustrating was the fact that they told me they do not check you to see if you are dilated until 40 weeks. WHAT? Not that checking tells me anything, but any information makes me feel better. They said the only way they will check you is if you are having pain and regular contractions. Hmmm. Next week I might just have pain and contractions!!!

The baby also measured at 36 weeks, which is what she measured last week, so no growth. I asked if that would be concerning and they said no, only if the baby measures three weeks smaller than what I am. Whatever. Another tear induced Dr. appointment. I am so glad I will not be having any other babies here!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously

you forget how horribly uncomfortable it is to be 37 weeks pregnant. Everything is harder. I cleaned one window today and had to sit down. Miserable feeling for sure, sleepless nights, takes every ounce of my energy just to roll over. I know it will be here fast, but you seriously forget how bad it is until you are in it again. How many more times do I want to do this? :)

27 days to go

Next week and I am full term! Yea! I have done pretty good so far with being comfy, but this last night or two, it is really starting to bug me. I toss and turn and Eric keeps waking up asking if I am ok, and I just tell him I am uncomfortable. Hopefully, not too many more days!


The good news about having a huge belly, is it makes your butt look smaller!

36 weeks

Had my check-up today:
Blood pressure: 122/78
Weight: 196

Not dilated at all. Which was expected, but I was hoping for a surprise. Maybe next time! I had a scare a few days ago, I realized that I had not felt Carley for a few days. I tried to take a bath (which usually wakes her up) and nothing. I got nervous and was going to head to the Dr. to check, but of course, she woke up and has not stopped moving these last couple of days. I think maybe she was taking her last long nap, and now she will up and at 'em until she gets here! Go back in a week!

OH BOY - 35 weeks

Seriously, there is a huge little girl in there!

Contractions

I know this seems silly, but I had some contractions yesterday and I was so excited. I took the girls for a walk and on the walk I could feel them, then I had some the rest of the night. The ONLY reason I am excited is because I have never felt contractions at this stage in my pregnancy before. I was induced with Payton and Elly because I was dilated to a zero for so long. So, I have never had contractions at home, only the hospital. How fun, huh!

34 weeks

Blood pressure 128/98
Weight: 195
Had my Dr. appointment today. All is well again, right on schedule, doing fine. My blood pressure was a little higher than it has been, but we will see what it is next time. I saw a new Dr. today and she told me that they will not induce me until I am 41 weeks and 3 days. It is just frustrating because every Dr. you talk to, tells a different story. I talk to women that were induced at 38 weeks and some women that say they could not be induced, etc. I guess it is a luck of the draw which doctor you get and when.

Horrible Nights

I still have been feeling pretty good in the day, but at night, I have the worst pains. Do I sound old? Last night was the worst. I can feel so much pressure, just rolling over I feel like the baby will fall out. I also have the worst pain at the top of my belly. I remember this with all my other pregnancies, it kinds of burns and aches at the top, right under my bra. But this one, I feel like I broke my ribs. Last night I just laid and stared at the ceiling thinking of this little girl stretching herself out and it killing me. It made me think of the book Twilight!

Peed my pants

I peed my pants today. Is that really that exciting? More funny than anything, so I had to document it! I have been pretty good without my pee leeking with all of my pregnancies, including this one. But I have been sick the last couple of days and today I was on my way to the bathroom with a full bladder and I sneezed three times in a row. That was all it took and I had wet jeans. At least I was at home!!!

33 weeks

49 days to go!

32 weeks

Had my Dr. appointment this morning:
Baby heartbeat 150's
Blood Pressue 116/87
Weight: 191

Whopping 48 pounds gained. Ugh, no wonder I feel so gross. The good news is it has slowed. All is well with the baby. I talked to the Dr. about my concerns with having a giant baby, and he said once it gets closer, he will see what he can do to keep my baby from passing 8lbs 15 oz. Ha Ha. He said she is in the 98% for a baby at 32 weeks, so since she is still barely on the charts, so no due date move. Darn.

Ugh

One of those days/weeks. I am starting to just get uncomfortable. It is also getting to that point where I lay in bed at night knowing I have to pee, so I finally get up, go, and come back to bed. By that time, my heart is racing from using all my energy, so it takes me 30 minutes to calm down and fall back asleep. Just in time to pee again. I think once you hit 30 weeks, it is all down hill from here.

Not to get my hopes up, but Eric read my Ultrasound report at work and it did say that my baby was quite large and measuring bigger than my due date. Maybe they will move my due date up???? Crossing my fingers.....

31 weeks

Almost - I will be 31 weeks Friday, but I haven't had a picture in a while, so I had Payton take this of me this morning.

Leg Cramp

Two nights ago I woke up in the night with the worst leg cramp. I think I gave Eric a heart attack, because I was whimpering and it woke him! I have had them before, but this one feels like I pulled a muscle, and my leg is so sore now. Every time I walk I almost have to limp, it still hurts. Last night, I was so paranoid that it was going to happen again, I did not sleep a wink. Hopefully, the soreness will go away and I can forget about it.

30 weeks

I had my Ultrasound yesterday. All is well! My placenta is very far from my cervix (yea!!) and the baby looks good. She is still a girl, too. The Ultrasound tech did ask me what size my other babies were, and I told her in the 90% percentile, and she said, oh good, this one has a huge head. Nice! But she said she weighed almost 5 lbs!!! Goodness. She also said she had a little bit of peach fuzz on her head. It made me really start to get excited to have her.

I flew to Phoenix over the weekend, and came home and my legs are swelling so bad. I have never had it this bad with either kid before. I am hoping after being home a few days, they will go down. I am sure a mix of Phoenix heat and traveling were not good for me!

Crazy Baby

Carley has been a maniac the last few days. I was sick on Tuesday, throwing up all night, so I am not sure if that really bothered her or not, but she has consistently been awake and kicking for three days. I am talking not even an hour goes by that I don't feel her practicing her kung fu in my belly. I am wondering when she will decide to sleep - and for how long?? Is this a sign of what's to come???

28 weeks - THIRD TRIMESTER!!!

Heartbeat: 150's
Weight: Gulp 183

The Dr. said she is growing like a weed! Not sure if he meant me or Carley. Ha Ha. All is well, my blood pressure was great again - 114/81. Can't beat that! And no swelling whatsoever so far. I have an Ultrasound scheduled for Feb. 1st (30-31 weeks), so they will check my placenta again and make sure it has risen, and not gotten any lower. And now I start going to the Dr. every 2 weeks!

Pressure

It came! The pressure started yesterday,you know, where you feel like that baby is going to fall out! I remember it starting earlier with Elly, if I would go for a walk. But I started feeling it for the first time yesterday all day and even today when I woke up. I am wondering if it is because Eric is out of town, and I get to do every thing with the girls all by myself and I have been on the go to keep from getting bored. I will take it easy the next few days and see.

The big jump

These last few months have been my big jump in weight gain. Ugh. It stresses me out every time, and then when I hit 30 weeks, it usually slows down. I hope. I am almost to 40 lbs gained, we will find out next week at my appt. This is the only picture I haveof 27 weeks along, and I wanted to document it. Eric has the camera for three weeks, so when he gets back, I will take another. Surprisingly, I feel great and don't think I look like I have put on that much!