Levi's Birthday-part 1

I plan on being very honest in
this post and more posts to come. If you are uncomfortable with that, read with caution! ;)

We went to our weekly dr appointment on Monday, October 1st. I had made a little more progress than the week before. Which was encouraging. Dr decided to separate my membranes. Ouch! After my exam he said that if we wanted an induction then we could! Waiting for labor meant baby would only get bigger. So we said YES, let's induce...WHEN? He went and checked the calendar and said Wednesday, October 3rd would be our baby's birthday. It was extremely exciting and scary all at the same time.



We shared the news with family and friends and went home and got ourselves ready. That night I started having some contractions that were lasting one minute every five minutes. They were not extreme but uncomfortable. After an hour I called LD and asked if I needed to come in. The nurse said since I could talk through each one then to wait it out until they got stronger. I decided then that I probably could not go to school the next day. For one I needed a day to finish getting stuff finished and two if contractions continued I could not have handled it with 22 kids.

I spent Tuesday at home resting and doing laundry. Martin went to work to finish up a few things and keep himself busy. Contractions did not get any stronger that day. We ate chick fil a that night. We had planned on a nice night out but it ended up getting late and we couldn't decide what would be best on my tummy.

We were told to be at the hospital Wednesday morning at 5am. If you know us at all, you know we are not morning people. We knew that night would be restless due to anticipating waking up so early. Luckily though we slept fairly well. Our bags and car were packed before we went to bed.



We woke up ate a few quick bites and left the house. We stopped to get Martin a coffee from McD. We arrived at LD at 5:15. We had already pre registered and knew that we could just walk in and get started. But when they said that I didn't quite believe it would be that easy. But it was. They took us straight to the room and had me put on my gown. No meet and greet. Nothing. It happened a little too fast.

Side note-I have always been terrified of hospitals because of all the wires etc from IVs. My fear is they will get snagged and be ripped from the patient. I've never been in the hospital, had any kind of surgery, much less an IV.

So to say I was nervous was an understatement. The nurse started my IV at 5:30 but it didn't work. So she had to do redo it on the other hand. She took my blood and started my fluids. At 6:30/7 they started my pitocin and there was a nurse change. I knew who my nurse would be ahead of time. Tommie finally came in and realized the first nurse messed up my blood she took so she would have to do it again. YAY another poke. I quickly started feeling some small contractions. They reassured me that my wires were safe and my fears were put at ease.



At 7ish Dr Tadvick came in to break my water. It took a few tries (details later) but finally worked. Contractions continued to increase. They wanted me extremely uncomfortable before I got Demerol. Both sets of grandparents showed up around this time.

I finally got to the stage where I was hurting bad enough. I wanted to try and not get an epidural right away. Dr T said several times he thought I could do without. I knew though that if I had ANY back labor I would need the epidural. Sure enough after the Demerol and still feeling the pain ALL in my back they called the anesthesiologist. It didn't take too long for him to come.

Martin stood in front of me and held me still through my contractions as the anesthesiologist started the epidural. It hurt so bad. He kept telling me (with an accent) steady ma'am. Steady ma'am. I finally couldn't take it and said it was hurting. He told me those were contractions and I said again no it was the epidural. So he then took it all out. Ill never forget that pain. He found a different spot and tried again. Yes a second attempt. It still hurt but not as bad this time. The second time the nurse held me still giving Martin a break. I've always seen on TV that after given an epidural woman are happy and feel nothing. It was true. It happened. It was fantastic. But sadly, short lived. In about an hour, I could feel every contraction on my left side. It was terrible. I know contractions are bad. But when you go through getting an epidural and anticipating the relief, and it doesn't work, it's frustrating. Martin stayed by my side and mom and mom in law and sis in law talked me through each one. Dr came back and gave me some narcotics. It seemed to work. Sadly again, not for very long. This time I could feel it all on both sides. Every contraction. I attempted breathing through each one but evidently I was hyper ventilating. My face went numb and my hands were locking up and Martin couldn't open them. It was a little scary. Tommie coached me through my breathing so my hands got better. In the mean time we had a ton of support with us. Lots of family and friends. At this point I'm not sure who all was there and I really didn't care if they saw what I was going through.

I knew it was getting late. I was starving. The Rangers were loosing. I was only dilated to a 6 and not progressing.

They kept checking me but they couldn't tell me any good news. At 7:00 I finally was dilated to an 8. They said they would give me another hour to see if I get to a 10. At some point I got more narcotics but again didn't last and I could feel everything. AGAIN.

So lets recap. Admitted at 5 am. 1 toaster streudel in my system. 2 epidurals. Which wasn't working. 15 hours of hard labor. I was exhausted.

At 8:00 Dr T came in and said I wasn't going to progress any more. It was time for a c section. I was all for it. I was physically and emotionally drained. My medical staff was very helpful and knew what I had gone through and reassured me meds would work and I would not feel a thing.



I think they injected me at least 5 times before surgery. They wanted to be very sure I wouldn't feel anything else. Martin sat by my side. As he had all day. It was very quick and within a few minutes they were holding our baby boy above my head. He was perfect.



Martins sister was Levi's nurse. She took care of him immediately after and Martin got to help.



I immediately became nauseous and got sick. They had to knock me out to stop me from getting sick. Next thing I knew I was in recovery.




To be continued....

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Speechless

Well I have battled for a while to sell our glider and ottoman for several reasons. For one, it was too $$$$ to get reupholstered; two, it was a little big for the room; and three, I wanted something a little more gender neutral. We originally bought it from a friend and other than I was way too indecisive there was nothing wrong with it. But after weeks of going back and forth I found exactly what I needed (for free shipping). So, yesterday I posted it to Craig's List and bought the new one. M was hesitant to buy a new one so soon without knowing if we could sell but I knew that it was a great glider and it would happen!! Well, little did I know that it would happen so fast. This morning I received 4 interested buyers. The third person called and said she was very interested as long as she could come today at 6!! How was I to say NO? So 6:00 came around and there was a cute couple with a little boy at our door. They were very friendly people from Clyde, America. Martin mentioned that we had a boy on the way and she proceeded to ask some questions. Like, how far along I was (28 wks), have we had any sonograms (yes, 1), have we had a 3D/4D sonogram (no, I wish). After some more chatting, she offered for us to come in and have a 3D/4D sonogram......for FREE!!!!!!! Ya I couldn't believe it either. She also said we can bring family!!!! They were so nice and friendly. I found myself back in the house, speechless and shaking. I just couldn't quite get over how nice they had been. They didn't HAVE to do that, they wanted to. I still am in shock. So our appointment is tomorrow night!!! Ya so quick, I know!! We will definitely be getting them a little thank you gift!!! --- I've been struggling on what to post lately. I've wanted to keep up with my weekly posts. And I will. I kind of feel though as it sometimes is read in a negative way and I don't ever want to come across that way. Pregnancy has been the biggest blessing and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have blogged this process to write down the facts. Not to complain or sound ungrateful. Anyways, I'll be back soon blogging about this baby boy who is already bringing smiles to our faces and makes us laugh every single day.

23 weeks

How big is baby this week? The size of a large mango.

Due Date: October 8th, 2012

Symptoms: SLEEPY!!!!

Cravings: grape juice

I am loving: SEEING the baby kick!!  It's not too often but there are times where he gets a good kick in and we can see my tummy punch out.

Sleep: I don't think i'm getting a full nights rest.  I am constantly tossing and turning.  I'm getting used to going to the bathroom.  I think if I could lay in one spot for a little bit longer I would feel better rested.

I miss: subway sandwiches, shrimp & wine!!!!!!!

I am looking forward to: a weekend at the RIVER!! Even though I won't be floating this year, it will still be fun hanging out with all of our friends!!!!

I'm spazzing about: nothing.  it's summer, so i am not complaining!

Best thing about this week: getting in the pool!!!! :)

Milestones: His sense of movement well developed by now, my baby can feel me dance. And now that he's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound, I will be able to see him squirm underneath my clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that my baby's ears pick up are preparing him  for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as the dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him  when he hears them outside the womb.

Movement: oh yes :)

It's a...: BOY - no name yet

Exercise: we've done some walking.  that's it.

Diet: doing my best.  eating a lot.  as soon as I finish one meal I'm ready for the next... :/

Gender Reveal

It's the new fad.  But there is a reason...it was SOO much FUN!!!  Thanks to Pinterest, planning was super easy, the only tricky part...not telling anyone what we were having!!!

We decided to go ahead and find out before the party.  End of year at school is hectic and I procrastinated getting a cake booked.  So I would need to make our own cake.

We went to the sonogram dr on Monday morning.  We had to wait a while to actually be seen so the anticipation was driving us crazy.  When we finally got to the room, the dr asked us right away if we were going to find out the gender of the baby...YES was all i could say.  As soon as they put the stick thing on my tummy we could tell right away!  Baby was in the perfect position.  The dr said everything looked great on the sonogram.  So we went to eat lunch with my mom and dad.

I then had to go back to school for the afternoon but i did FANTASTIC and did not give any hints to ANYONE!!  I think bets were being placed that i would slip.  But i was determined.  We had to continue to keep our lips sealed until Saturday.  It ended up not being too hard...at school we were getting things finished and rooms packed up for summer.  At home we had just ripped out carpet and put in laminate floors and painted the living room.  A lot of work had to be done before Saturday....we were BUSY!

But Saturday finally came!  Here are some pictures from that night.

Guests chose a lei to cast their vote...we gave them some pointers to help them out as well.

Team Pink

Team Blue

Instead of a guest book, we had a baby book to sign.

Decorations

And for some reason I am missing the inside of the cake but it was BLUE!!!!

Friends and Family

                 

Thank you everyone that came and shared our excitement!  We were beyond blessed with the LOVE in our home!  Next task...naming this little boy of ours!! :)

22 weeks

How big is baby this week? The size of a spaghetti squash

Due Date: October 8th, 2012

Symptoms: a lot more heartburn

Cravings: none really

I am loving: feeling MORE movement

Sleep: hasn't been too bad until this week.  starting to get uncomfortable, a lot of tossing and turning, waking up extremely hot and burning heartburn

I miss: subway sandwiches-still

I am looking forward to: getting the nursery ready/finished.  all fabric has been ordered, waiting on one more to come in.  all furniture is here but it hasn't all been put together yet.

I'm spazzing about: nothing.  it's summer, so i am not complaining!

Best thing about this week: feeling baby move a lot more and having M finally feel the kicks.  we can also see my tummy bump out when he kicks.

Milestones: At 11 inches  and almost 1 pound, baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment

Movement: oh yes :)

It's a...: BOY - gender reveal post coming soon

Exercise: none and i am feeling pretty guilty about it.  i have enjoyed laying on my couch this week.  but i won't be able to do it much longer so i will kick myself into gear next week!!

Diet: pretty healthy.  this week though sweets aren't as repulsive as they have been so i have been indulging a little bit.

16 weeks

How big is baby this week? The size of an avocado

Due Date: October 8th, 2012

Symptoms: going to the bathroom more often and unfortunately a lot thirstiest.

Cravings: Egg McMuffin :)

I am loving: feeling a tiny bit of movement!!!!!! It feels like butterfly wings fluttering inside.

Sleep: we'll as I write this it's 3:45am. Haven't had this problem in a while.

I miss: subway sandwiches!!!!!!

I am looking forward to: picking up our glider next weekend when we go to DFW.

I'm spazzing about: keeping my stress down!!!! Yesterday may have been a tad too much but came home and took it easy.

Best thing about this week: feeling baby move

Milestones: Getting ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, the baby will double his or her weight and add inches to his or her length . Right now, he or she's about 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His or her legs are much more developed, head is more erect than it has been, and eyes have moved closer to the front of the head. The ears are close to their final position, too. We are watching what we say...tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean he or she can now pick up our voice. A few more minuscule changes: Eyebrows, lashes, and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming.

Movement: yes. April 22-felt it once or twice in the afternoon. April 23- felt quite a bit. :)

It's a...: ?

Exercise: Monday we had a pep rally. I'm the mascot for our elementary school and let's just say that wore me out. I will def have a fill in until this baby comes. Thanks Aunt Carla!!!

Diet: Nothing weird. Yet.

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15 weeks

...Plus a few days

How big is baby this week? The size of an apple

Due Date: October 8th, 2012

Symptoms: I am making more trips to the bathroom day and night!!

Cravings: This week has been orange juice. BIG time. Martin had to leave work the other day to bring me some!!! :)

I am loving: the growing baby bump. I want people to know I'm pregnant, not just getting fatter!!!


Sleep: it has been ok. I've positioned my pillows just so. It has been working so far. The dreams on the hand....can GO. They have been too bizarre for me!!!!

I miss: room freshners!!! I can't handle them AT ALL!!!!

I am looking forward to: may 21st so we can see the baby again and find out boy or girl!!!!

I'm spazzing about: fabric!!!!

Best thing about this week: bump has grown!

Milestones: He or she is busy moving amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in the lungs begin to develop. The baby's legs are growing longer than his or her arms now, and he or she can move all those tiny joints and limbs.

Movement: Not yet, but I'm hoping it will be SOON!!!!

It's a...: ?

Exercise: I'm up and down all day with the kiddos. We have been pretty active on the weekends.

Diet: lots of chicken. Fruits and veggies. Nothing weird.

13 weeks

WELCOME TO MY SECOND TRIMESTER!!!!!

No pictures yet.  I try.  I really do.  I just look terrible.  I may just need to stop trying with my phone.  And have Martin use the camera.  It's just never a good angle or I'm looking a weird way.  Ugh I don't know, it's just not a strength, taking pictures of myself.  I'll keep working at it.  Just so you know...the ones that don't see me...there is def a BUMP!!!!!!!

Size of Baby: According to Baby Center, baby H is a 3 inch peach.  He/she is developing fingerprints. How cute is that?!?! Veins and organs are functioning.

Symptoms: Nights are hard for me.  At about 8:00 I just start not feeling good.  It's hard to describe 'what' doesn't feel good.  I just feel blah.  It's not nausea, it's not heart burn (usually), it's just blah not feeling good.  That's usually all I have to say and Martin is up in the kitchen getting me milk and vitamins.  Then I can fall asleep.  Still tired, but I can slowly feeling a tiny bit of energy coming back. 

Cravings/Aversions:
-Nothing in particular.  I like to have a glass of milk at night but I wouldn't say it's a craving.  I am avoiding scrambled hamburger meat.  I did however suck it up and make meatloaf all by myself last night.  It took a lot of pep talk, but I did it.  And ate it.  But still not ready for scrambling.  Weird I know.  Also my MAIN aversion is anything sweet smelling.  I've never really had a sweet tooth so it's not bothering me too much with food but air freshners or laundry detergents that are too sweet make me want to RUN!!!  So I've been frantically trying to change the smell in my car and the house.  The laundry deteregent was an easy fix, that is until I wear a piece of clothing that was washed in the old deteregent.  I think I will just sneak those back in the laundry to be washed again.

Maternity Clothes:
-Pants.   I don't like tight pants anyways so I gave in a while back.  I can still wear my regular jeans with my belly band but I just don't like being uncomfortable, especially around 22 6-7 year olds all day, up and down, here and there.  So I've been switching between 2 pairs of maternity pants.  I still wear my slacks with my belly band.  Hasn't been too uncomfortable yet.  

Sleep:
- Hasn't been bad.  I wake up once or twice to go to the bathroom.  I'm much better at going back to sleep. 

Highlights Of This Week:
- Looking forward to my energy coming back in the second trimester. 

Funniest Dream Of This Week:
- None this week that I can recall.  But when I do have a memorable dream they are very VIVID and I wake up thinking they are VERY real.  A couple of nights ago I had a dream that a man was standing next to my bed.  I woke up, nudged Martin, told him about the man while my eyes are open, finally he realizes what I'm saying as I realize that it was only a dream.  He double checked the room for any old me with cords wrapped around the face.  None to be found, but geeze I could have swore that he was there!!!  Like I said...VIVID!!!

Looking forward to:
- We have our second appointment next week. 
- May!!!!! We hope to find out boy/girl.  Then we will be planning the oh so popular gender reveal party!!!

9 weeks!!!

2 months has come and gone!! Working on our 3rd month. I'm more tired than ever. Nausea hasn't been too bad for a while until today. Actually it started last night. I cooked a dinner I had been craving. All was going well until I put it on my plate. Couldn't touch it. Couldn't handle the sight of the hamburger meat. Still the thought makes me...ugh, let's not go there. Today was a hard day. And to top it all off I think i have a pinched nerve in my tailbone/hip area. A terrible pain EVERY time I step. Not fun!!!! a week from tomorrow we will finally get to see this growing baby. Speaking of growing...here is what 9 weeks will bring us...love bug is nearly an inch long – about the size of a grape – and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She or he is starting to look more and more human. All the essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form – as do his or her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. The eyes are fully formed, but the eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. The baby has tiny earlobes, and the mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct.

I broke down and bought a few pair of maternity pants. I won't say I was 100% in need of them, but the comfort was becoming needed. Being around 22 first graders and up and down all the time it only makes since. good choice!!!

No pictures yet!!! Maybe next week I will work up the courage! :)

Until then...





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8 weeks

Yesterday marked the 2 month mark...8 weeks!!!!!

According to Baby Center- webbed fingers and toes are poking out from the baby's hands and feet, eyelids practically cover his or her eyes, breathing tubes extend from the throat to the branches of the developing lungs, and the baby's "tail" is just about gone. In the brain, nerve cells are connecting with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. the baby – about the size of a kidney bean – is constantly moving and shifting, though I still can't feel it.

I am extremely tired. On the weekends I take 1-2 naps a day. During the week, none. But I do go to bed early.

I am very lucky to say I have not had any morning sickness so far. I have been nauseous. Especially if I am hungry or really tired.

I am eating a lot, though I lost 5 lbs. not sure how. None of my clothes are fitting. Im using a hair tie on all of my pants.

Other than that nothing else has changed. Until next week....

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Photo Shoot for Announcements!!

We decided one day after work that the wind was finally not too bad and the rain wouldn't come till after dark.  So we grabbed Aunt Carla, drove around town and snapped these Pinterest inspired photos before the sun went down.  We then met Uncle Chad afterwards at Cracker Barrell for a much needed YUMMY dinner!!!