Brynlee's Birth Story

 And to think, it all started with this....

March 23rd, 2013 was a day that completely changed our lives.  Here's Brynlee's birth story...finally...

Friday, March 22nd, I just had this gut feeling that THAT night would be the night I would go into labor, plus, I felt a little funky with my body.  I didn't hurt.  I just felt different.  But also by that point, I was fairly uncomfortable with the excruciating itching of the PUPPPS pregnancy rash all over my body and just wanted her out so I could start to get some relief.  I had been suffering for almost 2 weeks with it.

Of course, since I had that itchy rash, I couldn't sleep.  So, I was up ALLLLL night, lying in bed, researching on how soon I could possibly go into labor based on my current measurements.  Which reminds me...  I never got to give you all a 39 week update since labor came before I had time to write it up.  At my 39 week appointment, I was 60% effaced, still 3 cm dilated; but, then we did the membrane sweep I had mentioned and as soon as we did it, I immediately went to about 4.5-5 cm. dilated.  I also had a bulging bag of water.  I was so frustrated at that point and didn't understand how I was still pregnant with all of these measurements.

So, I'm up doing all of this research, and at around 2 a.m. and 39 weeks, 6 days pregnant and  4 days after my 39 week appointment, I guess you could say it all started.  I felt my strong Braxton Hicks that I have been normally feeling off and on for the past 3ish weeks, so I thought nothing of it.  But, they started to come on a little more frequent, and I started leaking a little more fluid than I usually do; but, it WASN'T my water breaking.  I still thought nothing of it.  I had read a lot about false labor and wasn't going to get my hopes up.  Around my 36-37 week mark, there had only been one time that Braxton Hicks were so strong that I thought I was going to go into labor.  But, they eventually let up after 4 hours.  I was having that feeling again while I lied in bed doing my research, but, like I said, I thought nothing of it; however, I WAS starting to feel it more in my back as well.  Just in case, though, I started to time them just to see how far apart the contractions were.  The times were so erratic.  Four minutes here, 7 minutes there, 11 minutes here, etc.  Plus, I was having a hard time telling when they were stopping, because they weren't really just "going away", so I couldn't get an accurate time. 

2:15 a.m. hits and Tyson comes home from work.  He looks at me and asks me if everything is okay.  I tell him in a nonchalant way, "Fine.  Just having contractions."  He then told me that he was going to quickly run to the gas station to fill his dad's car up with gas.  Hugh and Nancy came down a little early just in case Brynlee would arrive sooner than later.  After 3 days of no baby, Hugh decided he was going to head back to Austin and return when he heard I was going into labor, so Tyson wanted to be nice and fill his car up with gas for the drive. 

Anyways, Tyson leaves and as SOON as he gets back around 2:45, my first really HARD contraction hit.  We're talking, I grabbed on to the sheets of our bed, thrusted my upper body upwards, and started to moan in pain.  It felt like nothing I've ever felt before, and it was REALLY strong in my back.  Not even a split second later, another strong contraction hit and I moaned louder.  I must have looked and sounded in a lot of pain because Tyson crouched down really fast to me and panicked in a sort of calm-ish way, asking me, "Baby, what do you need me to do?! What do you need me to do?!"  I told him nothing and then ANOTHER one hit IMMEDIATELY.  At that point, I told him, "I think I need to start timing these."  So I did, and it was coming out to be contractions every 2 minutes.  I literally went from zero to sixty in a matter of one hour.  I did not pass go.  I did not collect $200.  I went from the normal, false labor pains I was used to getting for about 3 weeks now to HOLY SHIT!!!! (pardon the language, but that's how it pretty much went down).  There was no build up like I thought would happen.  It came fast and furious.

After about a few more excruciating contractions in less than 10 minutes, I started doubting if this was really it...like an idiot. I kept telling Tyson that I didn't know if we should start getting ready and head to the hospital only to be turned away; but, after what I was feeling and seeing that the contractions were about every 2 minutes to the tee, I hesitantly started getting dressed while Tyson frantically packed the rest of the last minute essentials for the hospital.  While I was getting dressed, louder moans started to come from me.  I could barely walk and talk.  I was grabbing on to everything.  Tyson was asking me questions and I was getting pissed because I couldn't answer them.  And get this.....I was STILL thinking we shouldn't go to the hospital.....again.....like an idiot.  Tyson wakes his mom up to confirm I'm ready to go to the hospital.  She came into our master bath to find my hunched over and moaning, and pretty much gave a look of, "Yep!  Time to go!"

We finally get everything ready and get in the car around just after 3 something in the morning.  That's when the REALLY fun part of contractions hit.  Just to remind you, my "light" contractions hit almost a little over an hour ago, and now I'm doubling over in pain.  At that point, I started screaming, grabbing on to the seat belt and lifting my bottom off the seat.  Tyson was asking me so many questions.  I finally got so irritated and told him to stop asking me questions in the middle of contractions.  He then apologized and told me he thought I was done with my contraction and that's why he asked.  What he didn't know is that there's a part where you scream, and then as you're coming down from the contraction, you're trying to focus on the pain after the feeling of your uterus getting ripped out type of pain goes away.  At one point, Tyson had to turn his head and laugh.  I saw him, but didn't say anything.  He was lucky I was in too much pain. :)

It's about a 15 minute drive to the hospital from our house, and it felt like an eternity.....and Tyson was speeding.  I started freaking out thinking we won't get to the hospital in time for my epidural because of where I was already measuring and the fact that my contractions were absolutely re-DONK-u-lous at that point.  I felt like I was going to have her in the car.  I kept praying we'd get there fast so I could get the epidural.

We get to the hospital around 3:40 a.m. and Tyson dropped me off so I could start heading to labor and delivery while he parked the car.  While walking to labor and delivery, I continued to have screamingly, painful contractions.  At that point, I wasn't walking.  I was slowly shuffling.....like I took a dump in my pants....hunched over and grabbing onto the walls....screaming.  The hospital was quiet with no people.  Makes sense being that it's almost 4 in the morning, but I couldn't help but be a little worried that someone would see me and want to help me.  I wanted to be left alone.  Tyson finally walks in and I basically used him as a crutch to make it the rest of the way to labor and delivery.  We had to pause a few times to get me through contractions.  Once we got into L&D, he saw a wheelchair and asked me if I wanted to sit down.  I raised my voice and told him, "No!" and that I felt better standing during a contraction.  Poor guy.

We make it to where we have to sign in.  I ATTEMPTED to sign in and answer questions, but I had to stop to scream and moan for contractions.  Tyson had to finish everything out for me.  As I was coming off of one, a nurse brought over a wheelchair and asked me to sit.  I said "Thank you," and sat.  Tyson still gives me crap today on how I sat for the nurse but not for him.  I tell him it's because I was coming off of a contraction when I was offered one by the nurse, but I was in the middle of one when he asked me, and I liked it better standing for contractions.

We were then directed over to a little room to get me all checked out and asked MORE questions.  All I could think was good GAWD just get me into MY room and give me the epidural!  So I get into a gown, start having even STRONGER contractions to the point I'm crying, screaming, panting, and shouting, "I CAN'T!  I CAN'T!  I CAN'T!!!"  It was then the nurse had the nerve to say, "Shhh...You're working yourself up."  It was then I almost lost it like Katherine Heigl did in the movie "Knocked Up" when the nurse tells her to quiet down.  I wanted to be like, "Are you effin' sh*tting me!?!?!?"  I couldn't believe she actually said that to me.  I wasn't "working myself up."  These contractions felt like menstrual cramps times 100, complete with a touch of a warm burning, and a feeling like someone is grabbing your uterus and pulling it really hard every which way and out of your crotch all while ripping muscles at your lower back......yeah....it was pretty much THAT BAD! I was having a lot of back labor.  The nurse painfully checked me to the point it hurt so bad that I accidentally smacked her on her butt and apologized.  At that point I was 100% effaced and almost to 5 cm dilated.  Before we left THAT room, the nurse finished all her checking, questioning, and shushing me and FINALLY called someone to get me my epidural ready.

We finally got me into the room and we got a new nurse.  I liked her better.  But THEN she tells me that we have to start the IV, pump me with a bag full of fluids, draw blood, and get lab results back BEFORE I got my epidural.  It was about 4:45 a.m. ish at this time, and I wanted to just lose it at that point.  I didn't think I could wait any longer for that epidural and go through another contraction.  I was already sweating profusely from them (NO JOKE!!!) and I was shaking uncontrollably from the pain.  I was also shaking with fear because I was just anticipating the next one to come.  Every time one would, I TRIED to slow my breathing and think of waterfalls.  Tried that a few times and thought, "Screw this!  I'm screaming."  Family slowly started to trickle in, watching me scream in pain.  My dad had to leave the room because I don't think he was able to see me in this state.  I think it pained him to see me in pain.

Finally, my lab results came back (rather quickly) and my bag of fluid was finished. Around 5:30 a.m. the anesthesiologist came in to prep me for my epidural.  Everyone had to leave, including Tyson.  I wasn't happy about Tyson having to leave, but I wasn't going to argue.  I just wanted the epidural.  So, I get prepped, and I'm having multiple contractions at this point.  I start begging for him to NOT do the epidural while I had a contraction.  Both him and the nurse told me mine were coming too quickly and it was unavoidable.  Epidural goes in, family starts trickling back in, and the epidural slowly starts kicking in.  It numbed more of my left than my right.  I couldn't move my left leg, but I could my right.  It was so weird.  Once it kicked in, I was in total bliss and talking about how AWESOME this epidural was.  I never want to feel those contractions I had.....EVER again.  Horrible.  The epidural going in was interesting.  The numbing shot sucked the worst.  It was a really bad stinging sensation when he injected the medicine.  After that, it was just a really weird pressure feeling in my spine from him sticking the epidural catheter in.  Kind of gives me the heebie jeebies.

A few euphoric hours roll on by, we're all hanging out, and then around 8:30 a.m. I heard a loud pop, felt a pop inside my body, and felt my body do a quick jolt during the pop.  I then drowsily stated, "I think my water just broke."  Everyone in the room laughed and Tyson goes, "YA THINK!?!"  Everyone heard it along with the loud gush, which I did NOT hear, but apparently, there was a loud gush that came with the pop.  As soon as my water broke, I could feel Brynlee move lower into the pelvis.  It was the weirdest feeling ever.  It felt like a strong pressure, but it didn't hurt, thanks to the epidural.  All I could think about at this point was, "How bad would this suck if I didn't have the epidural?"  And, I was thinking that I started contracting at 2 this morning and my water is just now breaking at 8:30 a.m.  To be contracting still at this point would send me over the edge........of a cliff!

*Sighhh*....epidural bliss!

While lying in bed, they like you to switch from your back to your sides once in a while to get the baby moving downward.  After switching from my back to my left, I was reminded to go to my right by my family.  Shortly after doing so, I started to feel contraction pains in my upper back on the right side.  It started to wrap to the upper front of my stomach.  I started to panic thinking the epidural was wearing off.  You hear those horror stories.  Just as I was feeling it on my right, it started wrapping to my left.  I REALLY began to panic.  The doctor and nurses came in to check on me, I told them what was happening, but everyone couldn't understand why I was feeling the contractions from above.  They kept asking me if I felt anything lower, and I told them no.  At about 10:30 a.m. the doctor then checked me and goes, "Oh!  Yep!  She's rimming."  I asked her what that was and she told me that basically I was at 9 1/2 cm dilated and that's why I was feeling the contractions from above.  At that point, I was so excited and it had happened too perfect and fast!  They get the anesthesiologist in.  She increased my epidural dosage, and then all was right with the world.  The pain went away.  As more time went on, I guess I had hit 10 cm, but they wanted to give me about 30 more minutes so Brynlee could labor down.

At about 12:30 I began to take my very first push.  It felt interesting.  Just a lot of pressure and a foreign object feeling down there, but again, no pain.  Thank goodness.  After about 15 minutes of pushing, the nurse was telling me that Brynlee was not liking the pushing and that her heart rate would drop every time I pushed.  I could tell in the tone in her voice something wasn't right.  I had a knotted feeling in my stomach.  The doctor calls the nurse on her hospital phone and I could here the nurse saying, "So, you're seeing what I'm seeing."  I guess the doctor was monitoring me through some sort of system they have.  The doctor then comes in to tell me that my baby is not responding well to the pushing.  It was then I could tell in the tone of her voice that she was going to throw out the dreaded word "c-section" at me.  My heart sank completely and I waited for it.  Sure enough, she tells me that we might have to go that route because there's a possibility there's some umbilical cord compression going on causing her heart rate to drop every time I push, but we're going to wait 30 more minutes, let me labor down some more, and then we'll try to push again. If she responds the same way she's been, we're going in for a c-section.  I of course started bawling my eyes out and saying, "Why me?"  I was so upset.  My labor was going so perfectly and seemed very textbook, and now THIS?!

Here's me crying about the c-section like one big, wussy baby! At least ONE person kept a smile on his face.

About 45 minutes goes by and the nurse comes in to have me start pushing again.  I push 3 more times, but by the 3rd time, the nurse goes, "Yep, I don't even feel comfortable with you pushing again.  She's not liking it."  I cried to my sister and stepmom who really wanted me to have a vaginal birth because they never got to experience it from having c-sections, but they let me know that they're even as scared as the nurse and they think it's smart for me to have a c-section.  The nurse checked for Brynlee's heartbeat and at this point, she couldn't find it.  Finally, it came back, but made a slow recovery.  At one point, her heartbeat dropped from 150 something to 70 beats per minute.  I was totally oblivious to all of this.  All I was thinking is that I thought it was normal for babies heart rates to drop with pushing, so why is this doctor wanting to do a c-section with me?  Around 2:00 p.m., the doctor comes in and gives me the big speech about a c-section and that we're doing it.  All the while, I'm bawling my eyes out thinking I just lost out on the experience I wanted and how I'm forever going to have this ugly scar in my bikini area.

Prepping for the c-section and looking darn sexy....NOT!  Don't confuse that smile for happiness.  I was pretty darn frustrated at that point.  I just smiled because I was told to do so.

They start giving me more meds to totally numb me and start wheeling me into the operating room.  By this point, I'm so tired and drugged up that I'm feeling drunk and shaking, again, uncontrollably.  Apparently all normal from the epidural and medications.  It was ridiculous, though. I still managed to silently shed tears down my face the whole way there because I was so scared and so upset.  They get me all prepped, strap my arms down, and my heart is beating hard.  I was anticipating that feeling of them cutting me.  Tyson sat down next to me all dressed in his scrubs and cap.  I'm looking at him silently crying.  They ask me if I feel anything.  I tell them no, and at this point, I know they've started cutting and I felt relieved to have not been feeling a thing.  I start feeling tugging and a pressure.  I felt a hand press on my abdomen real hard that it took my breath away.  Then, I felt like something was being taken out of my stomach, and that's when I heard, "Yep!  Cord around the neck," from the doctor.  I repeated what she said in a questionable way saying, "So that's what was wrong?  She got the cord around her neck?"  I saw a lady rush over to a warmer, but I couldn't see my baby.  I knew she had her, though. I began asking a lot of questions like, "What time was she born?" "So, that's what was wrong?  Her cord was around her neck?"  Again, so drunk from the drugs.

Forever went by and I was anticipating a screeching cry from my little girl.  I heard nothing.  I look over at Tyson who had just come back from trying to take pictures but was told, "Not yet, Dad," from one of the doctors and asked him, "Is everything is okay?" and "Why isn't she crying?"  I'm crying, again, at this point....scared.  Tyson tried to reassure me that everything was okay, but I was tearing up, wondering why it was taking her so long to give us a good cry. Finally, I heard a wail.  From what Tyson said, it took 30 seconds for her to give a cry once she was taken out.  A LONG 30 seconds.  Tyson was immediately over at the warmer and tears started to flood down my face.  My heart completely melted.  It was then that I felt like I completely transformed and my life changed.  It was later on, after a day or so, Tyson admitted to me he he got kind of scared at that time we were in the operating room and we didn't hear her cry.  Good thing he never told me he was scared, and kept calming my fears.

After cleaning her and getting her all tested out, she was brought over to me, screaming her head off.  I wanted to kiss her so bad, but the lady was holding her too far.  I wanted to grab her, but my arms were strapped down.  All I could say was, "Hi, baby," over and over.

Looking at my new baby girl, lovingly.

So there you have it.  March 23rd, 2013, at 2:36 p.m., after about 12 hours of laboring, I gave birth to a 7 lb. 6 oz. and 20 in. long baby girl.  We were told in the hospital that she was 20 1/2 inches long, but later found out at the pediatricians 6 days after she was born that she was actually only 20 inches.

I guess you could say I pretty much got a little taste of everything when it comes to labor and delivery.  I got to experience going into labor on my own and feeling true, hardcore contractions.  I got to experience my water naturally breaking.  I got to experience pushing, but then got to experience a c-section.  Just a little bit of everything.

I think back at my old posts of how I was scared that I wouldn't know the difference between a false VS a TRUE contraction.  Everyone kept telling me, "Oh.  You will know!"  I kept doubting them, thinking that my Braxton Hicks felt VERY real.  But, after experiencing real contractions VS Braxton Hicks....OH!!!! THERE'S A DIFFERENCE MY FRIENDS!!!  I can't believe how fast and furious my contractions hit.  There was no easing into it, but I guess that was kind of expected since I was already half way dilated and 60% effaced. I knew it would go quickly once it was go time, and sure enough, it happened QUICKLY.

Overall, we are trying to adjust as new parents, finding a new normal.  It's still taking some getting used to and can be trying and overwhelming at times.  But, we absolutely love her, and she's so precious.  I can't wait to see growth and developments in her.  It will be so fun.  I do plan on keeping up with the blog about our life as a family of 3, now.  I'm going to aim for weekly updates like I did with the pregnancy.  I won't go this long without posting like I have done over the last 3 weeks.  It was just that I knew this post would take a long time to write, and I needed time to sit down to do it; which, with a newborn, is VERY hard to do!  Plus, I've been put through a lot over the last few weeks with trying to recover from a c-section, while taking care of a newborn.  Oh!  And I caught an almost week long fever thanks to some infection brewing in my body.  It's just been a little much lately.  Anyways!  Stay tuned for upcoming updates on our new family of 3!  For now, enjoy some Brynlee pictures!

I can't believe that THIS was inside my tummy.  Where did it all go?!?!

Oh, now, THAT'S a good one!  SO pissed!

Proud daddy!

Priceless picture of my sister and mom getting to hold Brynlee for the first time.

Brynlee's footprints on Daddy's scrubs.

Mommy and daughter snuggles and cuddles.

First bath.  I never got to see this.  I was drugged, half asleep, and people were crowded around the warmer.  All I could hear was crying from her end.

That one look could melt anyone's heart.  It did mine.

Sleeping on Daddy.

Daddy imitating how Brynlee sleeps.

Perfect moment of holding Daddy's hand.  I just had to get a picture of this.

My sweets.

The day we left the hospital and headed home!

38 Week Bumpdate

Here I am at 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant and BEYOND getting impatient.

It's not because I feel huge and uncomfy.  Actually, even though I am getting a little cramped and uncomfortable, I'm more just wanting to meet our daughter.  Our little love!  I want to hold her, I want to grab her hand, and I want to shower her with sweet kisses.  Tomorrow, I'm officially one week away from my due date, and being so close makes the anticipation heighten.

Highlights from this week's doctor's appointment:

• I'm now 4 cm. dilated, but still 50% effaced.
• Head's still down and engaged in my pelvis, I'm at -2 station, still.
• Her heartbeat was 150 bmp.  Last week it was 136.  I forgot to type that in my last post.
• I'm measuring right on track.

Overall, the doctor was very happy with my progress.  She said that usually when a woman hits 4 cm. in dilation, real deal labor can kick start any time now, but just as a precaution to make sure she didn't get my hopes up, she said that I could be this dilated for 3 more weeks if my body wanted to do that to me.  Torture.  She said one thing that she offers around 39 weeks is what they call stripping of the membranes a.k.a. a membrane sweep.  It's a natural way of inducing and getting labor going, but only by a 50% chance. What she'll do is take a finger and literally sweep it back and forth, separating the bag of water from the cervix.  This is supposed to release the prostaglandins hormone which gets contractions going. She told me to think about it and if I'd like to have it done.  Well, this upcoming Tuesday, I'm going to say, "STRIP AWAY!!!"  There's no hurt to it.  It doesn't put me or the baby in danger and HEY!, 50% is 50%.  Better than 0!

This week, I've been on Spring Break from work, therefore, WE GOT THE NURSERY FINISHED!!!!!!  Finally!!!  As promised, here are pictures of Brynlee's nursery.

The whole view of her nursery

Another whole view.  WHITE SHAG RUG from Target.

Mirror I picked up at Marshall's for $80! 

View of the changing/dresser area.  WHITE DRESSER is from Amazon.

Close up view above the dresser.  I'm putting blush colored candles in the candle holders of the sconce.  I made those square art decor.  They were mirrors from IKEA that I had gotten about 7 years ago.  I painted them an antique white/cream, hot glued lace and crystals, and then replaced the mirror squares with a square of scrapbook paper.

View of her crib.  WHITE CRIB is from Target.  The rest of her bedding is in Austin where it was made.  Got the RUFFLED BED SKIRT as a gift from my mother-in-law from Pottery Barn Kids.

Close up view of the "blinged out" LOVE sign.  Got it at Hobby Lobby on clearance.  LOVED that it had the crystals in it that I wanted to incorporate into her room.  LOVE for my little LOVE!

Here's a picture of Brynlee's crib bumper.  If you remember from many posts ago, THIS WAS MY INSPIRATION, but I was not about to go and spend $400 on just a crib bumper.  My mother-in-law found someone to make this for me.  So, EXTREMELY grateful that she took the time to do this for me!  Love you, Nancy!!!

Little rocking corner.  BEIGE AND WHITE GLIDER is from Target .

 

Another view of the glider.  I got her SHABBY CHIC RUFFLED DRAPERY PANEL from Target .

Close up view of what's on the glider.  Had to get a blinged out and sparkly pillow, of course!!!  I just bought this pillow slipcover from Hobby Lobby and covered one of my old 20x20 decorative pillows I had.

And my favorite piece in her room.... A CHANDELIER given to me as a gift.  It was purchased from Hobby Lobby.

And to finish it off....side-by-side baby pictures of me next to Brynlee's 29 week ultrasound picture.  Can't wait to see how much of me and Tyson she looks like!!!

Whew!  I worked so hard on that nursery, coming up with every, little detail.  So glad it's finished.

Overall, I'm still feeling fine, but just getting impatient like I said before.  I can't believe we are ONE WEEK away from her due date.  Now, this IS an estimated due date, and only 5% of women actually go in to labor on their due date.  She could very well go past the 24th, being that I'm not actually considered overdue until 42 weeks.  I'm crossing my fingers that she'll be here some time next week.  This Wednesday, the 20th, is my birthday.  Tyson is banking on her being born on my birthday.  I'm saying she'll be one day late and be here the 25th.  All I know is that I HOPE she's early and NOT late.  Until then, I'm going to sit back and be patient as possible.  It's not like she'll be in my tummy forever! 

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How far along? Posting this at 38 weeks and 6 days!

Total weight gain/loss:  I have actually LOST weight!!!!  I lost 2 lbs. in one week, so now I'm down to only 23 lbs. gained from my pre-pregnancy weight.
 

Maternity clothes?  No more buying of the maternity wear!  She'll be here sooner than we know it!

Stretch marks?  Okay.  So, I still have the same stretch marks I've acquired on the tummy.  I can't tell of any new ones, except for a few on my hips.  But, GUESS WHAT I'VE DEVELOPED?!?!?!  Freakin' PUPPPS!  They stand for Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy, and THEY. ARE. AWFUL!!!  It's a very, very, VERY intense itchy rash that develops on the stretch marks, and it's HIDEOUS looking along with just making me down right miserable.  Apparently, it's rare and only about 1 in 160-240 women get it.  Of course I had to be part of that rare percentage!  This pregnancy couldn't have gone COMPLETELY flawless! *insert sarcasm*  They don't know what causes it.  They think there's a link to the overstretching of the skin and hormones.  Usually, it occurs in first time pregnancies.  There's nothing we can do to get rid of it, except deliver this baby.  Doctor says to take Benedryl and rub Hydrocortisone cream (which are both a complete joke) and "hang in there, I'm so close!"  I just want to itch my skin off!!!  It only goes away once I deliver.  That's the only cure.  Luckily, it doesn't harm me or the baby, AND I developed this about a couple of weeks close to my due date. Some women get it earlier, in which, I feel EXTREMELY sorry for them that they'll suffer weeks on end with this.  So, this is one OTHER reason I'm getting impatient to deliver.  Until then, I'm trying to keep a smiling, positive attitude.

Sleep: Sleeping fine for the most part, but the itchiness of the PUPPPS wakes me up once in a while.  Wahhh!!!...I want to cry...

Best moment this week: Finding out that I am now 4 cm. dilated.  From what I understand, the hard part of dilation is out of the way.  I sure hope so.  Oh!  And getting the nursery finished....YAYYYYY!!!!!

Have you told family and friends: That I'm pregnant, yes... MANY weeks ago.  Now, I can't wait to tell family and friends of Brynlee's arrival!

Miss Anything?  Definitely booze.  I could use a really stiff drink.

Symptoms: Back pain, waddling/shufflling, achiness in the belly, frequent bathroom trips, random pelvic pains, sometimes sharp lightening shock pains "down there", fatigue (where's this so called burst of energy?!?), no appetite, and false labor pains.

Movement: This week, she was SO active, bumping around all over the place.  I've been reading that the baby shouldn't move around as much as they did in the earlier weeks due to lack of room.  So much for that!  I think this is the most active she's ever been!  Tyson and I were sitting side by side last night, watching a movie.  She was moving and kicking Tyson's arm, and he had no idea what it was at first until he lifted the blanket off my tummy and watched it move.  This made me get a good chuckle.  
They also say that when you're about to go into labor, the baby slows down in movement.  Well, Brynlee, slow your roll, girlfriend because you're not giving me hope that I'll be going into labor any time soon with all of your shoving and wiggling.

Food cravings: Chick-fil-A lemonade and fruit smoothies.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Actually, all of her moving has made my tummy feel all up in knots. Although, I HAVE been getting this random ickiness feeling in my tummy.  Don't know what it's from.  I've read that it could be from a drop in progesterone, meaning, labor is imminent.  CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!  Ugh.  But, I've got to remain patient.

Have you started to show yet: Been told I look like I'm about ready to POP by every stranger I come into contact with.  However, I'm not one of those women who get offended by that.  I embrace it and am like, "AMEN SISTA!  You BET I'm about ready to POP!" :)

 

Gender prediction: No more predicting....I'm going to be a mommy to a little girl!!!  Something I've always wanted.  And then I'll probably back track when she hits her pre-teen/teenage years.

Labor Signs: Stronger Braxton Hicks for sure.  Starting to freak out and hope I will be able to tell the difference between real labor VS false.  I've been told, "OH!  You will KNOW!"  We'll just see!

Belly Button in or out?  Out with just a teensy tinsey bit still in.

Wedding rings on or off? No swelling, so still on.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Overall, happy.  Moody will start to hit probably this upcoming week because I will be back to work, uncomfortable from being on my feet, and on my last leg of pregnancy.

Looking forward to: At this point, meeting Ms. Brynlee Taylor.

37 Week Bumpdate

Well, HELLO THERE big belly!  Oh, and say hello to my little fur child, Precious.  She totally photo bombed the picture.  Here's me at 37 weeks and 4 days pregnant.  Let's see how much more baby I can fit in here in the next 2 weeks!                                                                                                              

Two more weeks....TWO MORE WEEKS!!!!  I can't believe it.  I'm so ready to meet this little baby girl, it's not even funny.  I've been reflecting a lot and already feel like my life has changed even though she's not quite here, yet.  I'm officially on Spring Break vacation from work, and I remember that this time last year, Tyson and I were prepping and packing for our Ft. Lauderdale trip.  We were so excited about it!  Now, we're prepping for baby and packing for the hospital.  Still excited, but it's a totally different excitement.  This time last year, I would have NEVER guessed I'd be about two weeks out from giving birth to our first born, our daughter.  It's crazy to think about it like that.  I feel like it all started with Ft. Lauderdale.  Tyson had gone to Ft. Lauderdale with his dad the year BEFORE we went and came back talking about having a little one.   His dad showed him the grave sites of his grandparents and great grandparents, and it got Tyson thinking.  He had never gotten a chance to meet his grandparents and he had wished he did.  He came back telling me how much he wanted our child to know, spend time, and remember his/her grandparents, especially his parents.  Overall, I just think about the mindset I was in this time last year, and one thing is for sure........... A baby wasn't on my mind.  Shopping for a bikini was.  HA!!!!!!!  NOT anymore!

So, as you all know, I'm now on to weekly appointments with the OBGYN.  On Tuesday, at 37 weeks and 2 days, I had a GREAT follow up.  Here are the highlights:

1)  The first words said to me by the nurse when I entered the  room was, "Well, you're officially full term now, so if you go into labor, we will not stop you.  CRAZY!!!

2)  I am now 3 cm. dilated and still 50% effaced.  Yay for progression!  She's currently still at -1 station, meaning she's engaged in my pelvis but not LOW, low yet.

3)  I asked the doctor if she could predict Brynlee's current weight for me and she's predicting she's currently between 6.5 to 7 lbs. right now.  She felt all over my belly to get an idea.  While feeling on my belly, she goes, "WOW!!!  You are literally ALL baby!"  So this gigantic ball looking thing protruding from my tummy is nothing but baby girl!

After finding out our little girl's estimated current weight, I told my doctor that my husband has lost the bet.   I told her that Tyson was predicting that she'd be 6 lbs. 11 oz. at birth.  The doctor laughed and went, "Oh, no.  She definitely will be bigger than 6 lbs. 11oz!"  Oh, and just so you all know, when the doctor told me that she's feeling like she's almost 7 lbs. now, my eyes got huge and my heart sank to my stomach.  All I keep praying for is that Brynlee doesn't make it to the 8 lb. range.  Lord help me.

Brynlee's nursery is coming along quite nicely.  Since it's both Tyson and my Spring Break, hanging things on the wall is now at the top of the list........at least for me!!!  Time to get the finishing touches complete!  This could very well be the week I finally take pictures of the room, so you could get nursery pictures in next week's blog!  YAY!  Not only is the nursery almost complete, but I got more things organized for baby, and the hospital bag is officially packed and ready to go!  Even though I have gotten a lot completed, I still feel sort of panicked, like I feel like I'm forgetting something.  I'm such a perfectionist that I want everything organized, completed, and PERFECTED before little, miss thang arrives.

Well, that's my week!  My 37th week of pregnancy.  I can't believe it's coming to an end.  It makes me feel happy, but kind of sad at the same time.  It's quite an amazing feeling to know I'm growing a little LIFE!  Ugh.  I just can't wait to see her sweet face, kiss her little lips, hold her tiny hand, and hold her little body close to mine...

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How far along? Posting this at 37 weeks and 5 days!

Total weight gain/loss:  I have not gained any more weight, so I'm still stuck at 25 lbs. gained.  FIIIIIINE with me!
 

Maternity clothes?  Nothing, and I think this is the last of the buying of the maternity clothes.  I seriously only bought maybe 5 maternity tops and 3 pairs of maternity pants this WHOLE pregnancy.  I made do with what I had in my pre-pregnancy closet.

Stretch marks?  The striations are starting to creep up.  PRAYING PRAYING PRAYING they don't go past my belly button.  My belly has been itching like CRAZY, though.  Lotions and oils aren't doing anything because I think the itching is coming deep within the dermal layer where no lotion will touch.  I also feel like my skin is ripping apart at times, and that's no exaggeration.  There have been a few days this week where all of these feelings have been driving me INSANE!!!  Please, skin!  Hold up for me for just a couple more weeks.....please....

Sleep: Sleeping fine, but it's getting interrupted by urgent pee trips.  Also, I've been waking up randomly and sometimes feeling VERY wide awake and thinking I should start getting up.  But, then I look at the clock, see that it's about 3 in the morning, and think, "Nah...  I'll have PLENTY of opportunities when Brynlee is born to have my 3 o'clock wake up calls."  Ughhhhh......

Best moment this week: Finding out that I progressed from 1 cm last week to 3 cm.!  I couldn't believe it. And here I was, thinking that I'd efface faster.  Psh!!!!

Have you told family and friends: That would be terrible if no one knew at this point.

Miss Anything?  Being able to bend over and take on and off my shoes and pants without falling over, being able to bend over and dry off my legs when I get out of the shower, being able to bend over and pick things up off the floor.  Do you see a pattern here.....  I want to be able to bend over, again.

Symptoms: Back pain, waddling/shufflling, achiness in the belly, frequent and URGENT bathroom trips, sometimes sharp lightening shock pains to the "coota-cata" (she's sitting in my pelvis folks!), fatigue, and Braxton Hicks are starting to get a little meaner on me.  Still waiting on this "so-called" burst of energy where I go into nesting mode.  I'm thinking it's not going to happen.  I just feel worn out ALL the time!

Movement: She's still squirming about.  Not much kicking.  No room!  I'll feel either a knee or foot poke out once in a while.  It's fun to touch it with my finger tips.  I'll also get a little booty sticking up a little, and I'll pat and rub her little tushy while talking to her.

Food cravings: Sweets, still.

Anything making you queasy or sick: For the past couple of days, every time I would lie on my right side at a certain angle, it would make me feel like I had an upset tummy.

Have you started to show yet: I've got a full on belly!

Gender prediction: No more predicting....It's a girl!

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, and they have become a little more uncomfortable.  Last Saturday, I thought I was probably going to go into labor.  They were stronger than I'm used to and were coming on and off more frequently than I'm used to.  But, it only lasted for 4 hours, and then it subsided.  That was probably my body helping me dilate to 3 cm.

Belly Button in or out?  Still hanging on for dear life!  Still an inny and outty.

Wedding rings on or off? No swelling, so still on.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Overall, happy and SO ANXIOUS!!!!

Looking forward to: Hanging everything up on the nursery walls and enjoying my Spring Break!  I like how I have an entire week off from work towards the end of my pregnancy.  I NEED this!  Goodness gracious, I need this..                                          

36 Week Bumpdate

    Gosh!!!  I was looking through side pregnant pictures of me back at 32 weeks, and Brynlee has DEFINITELY grown!!!  I look at my 32 week photo and think, "And I thought I was uncomfortable THEN???"  The top picture is me at 36 weeks and 5 days pregnant, while the bottom one is from yesterday, 36 weeks and 4 days.

Me at work.

     This week, the average baby at 36 weeks is almost 6 lbs. and is about 18 1/2 inches in length.  At this stage in the game, the baby is continuing to pack on more fat, as well as shedding her laguno and vernix caseosa.  Laguno is that soft, downy hair that kept our baby warm until she got some fat built up, while the vernix caseosa is a waxy coating on the baby's skin that protects it.  Come Sunday, when I'm officially 37 weeks, Brynlee will be considered FULL TERM!  Crazy to think that by Sunday we will have 3 weeks left.

     On Tuesday, at my 36 week appointment, I got to have a little more excitement.  Instead of just the normal blood pressure, weigh in, etc., I got to finally get "checked" for the first time.  I'll admit, it was a bit uncomfortable with my doctor all shoving her hand up there, but I guess from this point on, I've got to get used to it.  According to the doc, I'm already 1 cm. dilated and 50% effaced.  Just for those that don't know, you're ripe and ready to push when you're 10 cm. and 100% effaced.  Dilation is the widening of your cervix and effacement is the softening of it.  More of the dilation comes on with real deal labor and contractions.  I don't really care how fast I dilate.  I know that's a slow go. I just want to continue progressing in the effacement department.  The doctor said that my dilation and effacement is good news in the sense that my body is doing what it's supposed to do, but this doesn't necessarily mean that she's coming any time soon.  I'm one of those women who does their constant research, so I already knew this meant nothing really in the sense of how soon she'll be here.  She could be here tomorrow, OR she could be here past her due date.  Babies come on their own time. I also learned that Brynlee IS in the head down position and is engaged in my pelvis.  Hallelujah to THAT!  Her heartbeat was a STRONG 142 beats per minute this time, and when I say strong, I mean STRONG.  These last few appointments have been the strongest I've ever heard her heartbeat.......my little love.

     Over the last few days, I think she's dropped some.  I've noticed my breathing isn't AS labored anymore, and when I drive in the car, I don't feel her ALL in my ribs like I used to.  I get the occasional booty bump into the right side of my ribs.  At least the way I'm feeling things, I think I'm feeling her little butt because I feel a creepy, crawly, walk-y feeling on my left.  I'm assuming those are her knees and feet.  I also feel like there's more of a gap between my rib cage and belly.  When she squirms around, I can feel her a little more in my pelvis.  Today, one of our 4th grade student teachers commented on how it looks like my belly has gone a little lower.  I can confidently say that I think she has dropped a little.  PLEASE let this NOT be something I'm imagining.  I want her to do this.  Drop baby!...DROP!!!  I have my next prenatal appointment on Tuesday, and one of the questions I'm asking is if my doctor noticed she dropped some so I can have some confirmation.

     Yesterday, at work, I had another, great baby shower for Miss Brynlee and got some great stuff!  I'm so very thankful to work with a great group of faculty and staff!  They definitely hooked me up!  Here's just a snapshot of my baby shower at work.  Click the link below to see more pictures of the event.  I apologize for the quality of the photos.  Tyson and I are missing our camera, and I didn't want to bring to school his really expensive digital, so I settled for the camera on my iPhone.

Me and the 4th Grade Team

Opening Gifts!

*CLICK HERE FOR BRYNLEE'S 2ND BABY SHOWER PICTURES*

     Now, I have more washing and organizing to do, which is okey dokey for me!  Brynlee's nursery is still coming along, slowly but surely.  Really all I need to do at this point is get stuff hung on the walls.  Her bedding is still in the works and can come later.  She won't be sleeping in her crib for the first few months.  We finally got the missing hardware for the glider, so now that's all put together and ready to go.  This weekend is the "packing of the hospital bag" weekend for me.  I'm slowly going to start getting that all ready to go.  Now that I got more gift cards to Babies-R-Us, I'll  be able to purchase any little necessities I'm still missing and will need right away!

    Well, that's pretty much it for this week!  Now on to the survey!
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How far along? Posting this at 36 weeks and 5 days!

Total weight gain/loss:  I gained two more pounds, so I'm now up 25 lbs. from pre-pregnancy weight.

Maternity clothes?  I finally bought a nursing bra for the hospital as well as some gowns.  They aren't really maternity nursing gowns, but they will serve their purpose for after Brynlee is born and I can be comfy and nurse.

Stretch marks?  Oh this was lovely....  The nurse noticed my new stretch marks that I've formed close to my bikini area.  She goes, "Oh, so you're just now officially starting to get stretch marks, huh?!"  YEAH, thanks for NOTICING!  At this point, genetics took over.  I've creamed and moisturized up as well as watched my weight.

Sleep: Sleeping fine.  I sleep like I got hit by a truck!  I'm OUT!

Best moment this week: Getting "checked" by the doctor and finding out more interesting information, and, feeling little, miss Brynlee's squirms.  I'm starting to love her more and more each day knowing there's a fully blown BABY in my belly.

Have you told family and friends: That would be terrible if no one knew at this point.

Miss Anything?  Already I'm missing my pretty tummy I used to have before I got pregnant.  I kind of want of want to cry now...

Symptoms: Ooooohhhh tailbone pain, tailbone pain, tailbone pain.  Oh!  And I'm peeing a lot.  Kind of happens when there's a baby's head on your bladder.  Shortness of breath has subsided a little and heartburn and indigestion hasn't made their return.  Well....I take that back.  Sometimes I'll feel a mild feeling in my throat, but it quickly comes and goes away and it's so mild that it doesn't affect me.

Movement: Squirming about and trying to stretch!  Still trying to figure out her sleep and wake patterns.  Over the last couple of days, she's been a little more active during the day and calm during the night.  Although, when I get up to pee around 2:30 and then sometimes again at 3 or 4 something in the morning, I'll feel her squirm about a little once I go and come back to bed.  Today, she seemed to be active all day, and now it's 7:20 at night, and she's not budging one bit.

Food cravings: Still sweets....and CHOCOLATE.  I'm not even a big chocolate eater!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not this week.

Have you started to show yet: I'll even admit that I'm starting to look like I'm about ready to pop.

Gender prediction: No more predicting....It's a girl!

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks and some uncomfortable ones for sure!

Belly Button in or out?  Still slightly in and out, but most definitely out.  If you look at my bottom bump picture up at the beginning of this post, you'll see my belly button popping out. :)

Wedding rings on or off? Still on!  YAY!  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Overall, happy and ANXIOUS!!!  I want to meet her!

Looking forward to: Getting things hung up in Brynlee's nursery, my next appointment on Tuesday to see if I've made any more progress, and getting my hospital bag packed.