Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Just Hanging Out
Here are some more pics for your viewing pleasure! He has changed so much already...I can't believe it!
It's a BOY!!!
As you all know, I was not that hip on being induced; however, I stuck to the plan. The night prior, Tanner and I made sure everything was ready and that our bags were completely packed, went to bed just like normal, except for the fact that neither of us slept very well. Tanner said he couldn't sleep because he was so excited and anxious, I told him I couldn't sleep because I was having contractions!
I woke up approximately 2:30ish just feeling pretty crampy. I laid there for a little bit and then around 3:15, I started to feel the contractions. At first, I was thinking, what was that??? Then, I noticed them coming quite frequently so I remembered from our baby class to get up and walk around. Apparently if it is false labor, the contractions go away and real labor, the contractions don't change. So I got up, went to the restroom, then decided I should start to time them. They started off about 10 minutes apart, then soon became about 7-9 minutes apart. I kept laying there watching the time go by then decided to get up about 5:00am and take a shower. Again, to see if they would go away. As I was getting ready, Tanner heard me up and didn't think much as to why I was already awake since we had to be at the hospital by 7:00am. He told me that he couldn't sleep...yada, yada, yada and I told him I couldn't sleep either because of the contractions I was having. His response was, "Really? Contractions?". I made it through getting ready and we drove off to the hospital. Tanner was so excited and nervous and could hardly focus or sit still. Myself on the other hand, I actually felt no nerves or anything. I was ready to get the show on the road.
When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted by Tanner's sister, who worked the night shift and was getting off work just as we were coming in. She took me to my room, introduced me to my nurse and we got things moving quite quickly. We were checked in and completed all of the questions the nurse had for me, got my IV started and then the doctor came in and broke my water at 8:15am. I was so concerned that they weren't going to let me walk around and that they were going to go ahead and start the pitocin since they were planning on inducing me. Luck was on my side as they let me walk out labor. The contractions were definitely getting a lot stronger and closer together but I was able to walk through them pretty well. We walked for an hour, then the nurse checked me again. I went from being 3 cm dilated to 5 cm in the one hour.
So back to the halls we went. This time, it was completely different. Tanner and I couldn't get down one hallway without having one sometimes even two contractions. I was in a lot of pain but wanted to walk through them. I hung onto Tanner and the hallway rail for pretty much the entire hour, debating whether or not to get an epidural. Tanner told me that it was completely up to me but he would feel much better if I got one. We finally made it back to the room and my contractions were pretty much unbearable. I tried just about every position to make myself more comfortable and all of the different breathing techniques they taught us in our class and nothing seemed to help. Tanner whispered in my ear, "do you want me to have the nurse request for the epidural?". I just nodded my head, yes.
It seemed like an hour later the anesthesiologist finally came into the room; Tanner said it was actually just 10 minutes later though. The doctor prepared me for my epidural and talked to me about what I was going to experience. I'm sorry, but she did not explain it the way I actually experienced it. When the needle entered my backbone it felt like an electrical shock going up and down my back, but once my epidural was working I felt a million times better. All I can say is that the epidural was a life savor. I totally recommend it to everyone.
The rest of labor seemed to fly by. I was progressing quickly and by late afternoon I was dilated to a 10 and ready to push. Once the doctor arrived we started off with what he called "practice pushing", but apparently I needed no practice. After 2 sets of pushes the doctor yelled, "stop pushing!" and quickly scrambled to changed into his delivery get up. Three pushes later...
I woke up approximately 2:30ish just feeling pretty crampy. I laid there for a little bit and then around 3:15, I started to feel the contractions. At first, I was thinking, what was that??? Then, I noticed them coming quite frequently so I remembered from our baby class to get up and walk around. Apparently if it is false labor, the contractions go away and real labor, the contractions don't change. So I got up, went to the restroom, then decided I should start to time them. They started off about 10 minutes apart, then soon became about 7-9 minutes apart. I kept laying there watching the time go by then decided to get up about 5:00am and take a shower. Again, to see if they would go away. As I was getting ready, Tanner heard me up and didn't think much as to why I was already awake since we had to be at the hospital by 7:00am. He told me that he couldn't sleep...yada, yada, yada and I told him I couldn't sleep either because of the contractions I was having. His response was, "Really? Contractions?". I made it through getting ready and we drove off to the hospital. Tanner was so excited and nervous and could hardly focus or sit still. Myself on the other hand, I actually felt no nerves or anything. I was ready to get the show on the road.
When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted by Tanner's sister, who worked the night shift and was getting off work just as we were coming in. She took me to my room, introduced me to my nurse and we got things moving quite quickly. We were checked in and completed all of the questions the nurse had for me, got my IV started and then the doctor came in and broke my water at 8:15am. I was so concerned that they weren't going to let me walk around and that they were going to go ahead and start the pitocin since they were planning on inducing me. Luck was on my side as they let me walk out labor. The contractions were definitely getting a lot stronger and closer together but I was able to walk through them pretty well. We walked for an hour, then the nurse checked me again. I went from being 3 cm dilated to 5 cm in the one hour.
So back to the halls we went. This time, it was completely different. Tanner and I couldn't get down one hallway without having one sometimes even two contractions. I was in a lot of pain but wanted to walk through them. I hung onto Tanner and the hallway rail for pretty much the entire hour, debating whether or not to get an epidural. Tanner told me that it was completely up to me but he would feel much better if I got one. We finally made it back to the room and my contractions were pretty much unbearable. I tried just about every position to make myself more comfortable and all of the different breathing techniques they taught us in our class and nothing seemed to help. Tanner whispered in my ear, "do you want me to have the nurse request for the epidural?". I just nodded my head, yes.
It seemed like an hour later the anesthesiologist finally came into the room; Tanner said it was actually just 10 minutes later though. The doctor prepared me for my epidural and talked to me about what I was going to experience. I'm sorry, but she did not explain it the way I actually experienced it. When the needle entered my backbone it felt like an electrical shock going up and down my back, but once my epidural was working I felt a million times better. All I can say is that the epidural was a life savor. I totally recommend it to everyone.
The rest of labor seemed to fly by. I was progressing quickly and by late afternoon I was dilated to a 10 and ready to push. Once the doctor arrived we started off with what he called "practice pushing", but apparently I needed no practice. After 2 sets of pushes the doctor yelled, "stop pushing!" and quickly scrambled to changed into his delivery get up. Three pushes later...
Welcome Baby Griffin Dean!!!
9 lbs 9.4 oz.
20 1/2 in.
5:44 pm
9 lbs 9.4 oz.
20 1/2 in.
5:44 pm
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Welp, tomorrow it is!
Tomorrow is the day! Tanner and I went to the doctor again today for my 40 week appointment. They had to do a NST (non stress test) and AFI (amniotic fluid index) since I am past my due date; everything came out just fine. They said the baby's heart rate was great and baby sounded healthy, I wasn't really having many contractions that were picked up on the monitor and the fluid level needs to be any where from 5 to 25 and my fluid levels were 14. Pretty much they said that the baby is happy and healthy where it's at and they didn't think it was going to be going anywhere on it's own. Therefore, we have decided to be induced. I'm not too thrilled about induction as many of you are aware, but I am very excited to meet this little one!
So, I'm scheduled to arrive at the hospital tomorrow morning and they will start the pitocin shortly after that and then they'll send in a doctor to break my water. Hopefully everything will progress as smoothly and as quickly as my doctor is predicting. It looks like April 22, 2010 should be my baby's birthday! Send as many prayers as possible our way and we'll keep you all informed.
Next time you hear from me, I'll be a mama!
So, I'm scheduled to arrive at the hospital tomorrow morning and they will start the pitocin shortly after that and then they'll send in a doctor to break my water. Hopefully everything will progress as smoothly and as quickly as my doctor is predicting. It looks like April 22, 2010 should be my baby's birthday! Send as many prayers as possible our way and we'll keep you all informed.
Next time you hear from me, I'll be a mama!
Friday, April 16, 2010
3 Days Left...
and I have a feeling a week or two more! I really only have 3 days until my due date; however, I really feel that this baby is too happy inside of me that it doesn't want to make the big entrance. Every day I begin to think, oh this is it but nope, it's just not my baby's birthday. The other night, Tanner even thought it was going to be the night but as you can tell nothing happened.
Wednesday was officially my last day of work for this school year. I originally said that I would work up until my due date; however, since I really am not sleeping at night, Tanner helped me decide that I should take Thursday and Friday off too and hopefully rest up before labor begins. So since yesterday was my first day off, I really did rest up. I laid around and even got a mid-morning nap in, then sat out on the deck (in the sun) and read a magazine! Yay, now I will not be pale for my hospital pictures! Later in the afternoon, we had our 39 week doctor's appointment.
Let me back up a bit and tell you about some of my precious kindergartners on my last day. When the AM class was about to walk out the door, I told them that I wanted a big hug and that this would be the last day they would see my belly with the baby in it. Then one adorable little guy says, "So Mrs. Brous, you won't be HUGE any more?". I know, adorable! My response was, "well that is the goal" while I burst out laughing. Then there were a couple others that were apparently arguing in the hallway and another teacher approached them to find out what was going on. One boy responded that the other boy said, "Mrs. Brous is one hot chick!", then of course the other boy said, "nuh-huh, he said it first!". Well I'm so glad that they still find their really huge and pregnant teacher hot! I'm really going to miss this bunch of kiddos. They are too cute and I was so fortunate to get 2 awesome classes this year.
Overall, the appointment went well. As you know from my last appointment, I was dilated to a 2 and 30-40% effaced well now I am dilated to a 3 and about 50% effaced. More progress! Then we started talking about induction. For some reason, I'm a bit turned off from being induced. I guess I just always pictured myself walking around during labor and going "naturally". I don't know if it is the pitocin that scares me or the actual labor with inductions. Therefore, we did not set up an induction date, Tanner and I decided to ride it out a little longer. But this anticipation is killing me! I am so ready to meet baby, ready to be "normal" again and ready to be a mom!
I'm still feeling okay. Each day brings on a new emotion and feeling. Tuesday evening, my back started hurting really badly, so after people saying they thought it was back labor, then of course I did too. So each time I got up in the middle of the night I thought to myself, oh was that a contraction??? Nope, nothing..still hanging in there. Then yesterday, I had some pains on the sides of my belly when I walked or moved and the doctor said that it was probably just early labor signs and finally the latest feeling, I was totally nauseous and in quite a "fog". I told Tanner that I didn't feel myself and he said that I really didn't act like myself. I was like that the entire evening so I was a bit hopeful, but still nothing.
Wednesday was officially my last day of work for this school year. I originally said that I would work up until my due date; however, since I really am not sleeping at night, Tanner helped me decide that I should take Thursday and Friday off too and hopefully rest up before labor begins. So since yesterday was my first day off, I really did rest up. I laid around and even got a mid-morning nap in, then sat out on the deck (in the sun) and read a magazine! Yay, now I will not be pale for my hospital pictures! Later in the afternoon, we had our 39 week doctor's appointment.
Let me back up a bit and tell you about some of my precious kindergartners on my last day. When the AM class was about to walk out the door, I told them that I wanted a big hug and that this would be the last day they would see my belly with the baby in it. Then one adorable little guy says, "So Mrs. Brous, you won't be HUGE any more?". I know, adorable! My response was, "well that is the goal" while I burst out laughing. Then there were a couple others that were apparently arguing in the hallway and another teacher approached them to find out what was going on. One boy responded that the other boy said, "Mrs. Brous is one hot chick!", then of course the other boy said, "nuh-huh, he said it first!". Well I'm so glad that they still find their really huge and pregnant teacher hot! I'm really going to miss this bunch of kiddos. They are too cute and I was so fortunate to get 2 awesome classes this year.
Overall, the appointment went well. As you know from my last appointment, I was dilated to a 2 and 30-40% effaced well now I am dilated to a 3 and about 50% effaced. More progress! Then we started talking about induction. For some reason, I'm a bit turned off from being induced. I guess I just always pictured myself walking around during labor and going "naturally". I don't know if it is the pitocin that scares me or the actual labor with inductions. Therefore, we did not set up an induction date, Tanner and I decided to ride it out a little longer. But this anticipation is killing me! I am so ready to meet baby, ready to be "normal" again and ready to be a mom!
I'm still feeling okay. Each day brings on a new emotion and feeling. Tuesday evening, my back started hurting really badly, so after people saying they thought it was back labor, then of course I did too. So each time I got up in the middle of the night I thought to myself, oh was that a contraction??? Nope, nothing..still hanging in there. Then yesterday, I had some pains on the sides of my belly when I walked or moved and the doctor said that it was probably just early labor signs and finally the latest feeling, I was totally nauseous and in quite a "fog". I told Tanner that I didn't feel myself and he said that I really didn't act like myself. I was like that the entire evening so I was a bit hopeful, but still nothing.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
38 Weeks and Getting Close!
We got some exciting news today at the doctor's! As you know from my last appointment, I really wasn't dilated much nor even effaced. Well today, when he checked me, I was dilated to a 2, 30-40% effaced and baby is about -3 station (which means its in the pelvis). He was really impressed with the progress after one week since I am a first timer and really haven't had painful contractions. I do realize that it could be awhile, so I know that this doesn't necessarily mean baby is on the way, but hey it's getting closer, right? The doctor said that if I make it to my due date, the 19th, then he will induce me on that day or the day after. Holy moly...I'm going to have a baby really soon!
This gave me a lot of hope, especially now knowing my last day of work will be at the latest, Friday, the 16th. I'm a bit nervous because our kindergarten is going on a field trip on Monday so hopefully I don't go into labor Monday during our excursions.
We are pretty much ready now. Our bag is pretty close to being packed (minus all of my cosmetics I use daily), car seat is installed and checked by the fire department, carpets are shampooed, baby items are washed and put away and Tanner and myself are mentally ready.
The waiting game is getting old, but the end is definitely in sight!
This gave me a lot of hope, especially now knowing my last day of work will be at the latest, Friday, the 16th. I'm a bit nervous because our kindergarten is going on a field trip on Monday so hopefully I don't go into labor Monday during our excursions.
We are pretty much ready now. Our bag is pretty close to being packed (minus all of my cosmetics I use daily), car seat is installed and checked by the fire department, carpets are shampooed, baby items are washed and put away and Tanner and myself are mentally ready.
The waiting game is getting old, but the end is definitely in sight!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
37 Weeks
We went to the doctor again today and not a whole lot of news. Other than the normal things he did say I was a finger-tip dilated and that he predicts baby to weigh approximately 6 3/4 lbs to 7lbs. I was quite hopeful to hear a little better news but it's okay, I guess baby isn't quite ready. I can tell you I am way more than ready, but it's too bad baby doesn't follow my schedule. I'm really beginning to wonder what day this baby will arrive. As much as I hope baby decides to make his/her appearance early, I have a feeling I will still be working and then rushing home to relax and put my feet up a week after my due date. Everyone say your prayers baby doesn't wait to long.
I feel absolutely huge right now and my ever so loving friends and family are not helping any...they keep telling me I'm enormous. Thanks everyone! (**sarcasm**) The comments quickly went from, "you are so tiny" to "Wow, baby has really grown since YESTERDAY!".
I'll keep you all posted with any news but for now, it doesn't seem like we'll have any news for little longer.
I feel absolutely huge right now and my ever so loving friends and family are not helping any...they keep telling me I'm enormous. Thanks everyone! (**sarcasm**) The comments quickly went from, "you are so tiny" to "Wow, baby has really grown since YESTERDAY!".
I'll keep you all posted with any news but for now, it doesn't seem like we'll have any news for little longer.
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