Sprout's Birth Story

Warning: This is a long one.  Settle in...

 

So, about three and a half hours after my 41 week update, my water broke.  I was in bed, rolling over, trying to get comfortable, and I felt it break.  I said to Jen, who I was farily sure was awake, what with all my tossing and turning, "Either I peed the bed, or my water just broke."  I knew though.  I'm sure Jen did too.  I got up and went to the bathroom, thinking to myself, "This is when they tell you to rest.  I need to sleep.  It's going to be a long day."  I wasn't back in bed for long before deciding that sleep just wasn't going to happen and decided to get into the shower.  The warm water pretty much instantly made the pain of the contractions I was having stop hurting.  I spent all night sitting in the tub with the shower on.  (Because of my GBS positive status, the midwives advised against taking a bath when we called to update them.)  At my request, Jen stayed in bed and slept off and on throughout the night. 

 

At 5:00am, after what seemed like a lifetime of waiting, I called Jen's parents, who were planning on coming up later that morning, if they might be able to leave a bit earlier.  I could tell from her mom's voice that she was surprised and excited.  (I think we'd all pretty much been thinking that things wouldn't happen until I was induced on the 27th.) 

 

The Bean, who had been sleeping later, was up at 6:00am.  It's like he knew something was going on.  Jen took care of him while I continued to labour. 

 

The plan was that the backup midwife (F) would come and administer the antibiotics I needed in the morning because the 23rd was my primary midwife's day off.  We got a call at about 7:30am, saying that a different midwife (J) was on her way over, as the F was quite sick.  We waited and waited and at about 8:30am got call from J asking us to meet her at the hospital, as one of her clients had gone into labour and she needed to be there.  We called my aunt to come over and watch The Bean until Jen's parents arrived.  She willingly obliged. 

 

We left for the hospital just after 9:00am.  The Bean was not happy to see us go.  We had the suitcase by the door and told him we were going to the doctor and would see him soon.  He grabbed the suitcase handle, and told us "I go doctor".  Poor kiddo cried as we passed him off to my aunt and headed out the door. 

 

According to the clock in the car on our drive to the hospital, my contractions seemed to be about 3-4 minutes apart and lasting just under a minute.  I felt fairly sure that we wouldn't be returning home from the hospital. 

 

When we got there, we eventually got settled into triage where J administered the antibiotic and hooked me up for a non-stress test.  The NST showed regular contractions and I was measuring 3-4cm dialated.  We made the decision to stay at the hospital.  I couldn't imagine driving home and back again for more antibiotics in another six or seven hours, really all I wanted to do at that point was get back into a hot shower. 

 

 

We got set up in our labour and delivery room and I got into the shower.  The contractions continued to get stronger.  I was quite uncomfortable, and kept shifting position, getting up and down, adjusting the water, etc.  Jen stayed with me the whole time, rubbed my back and was just generally awesome and reassuring.  (She was proud when she saw in the J's notes that she had provided "excellent support", though I would have told her the same thing.)  J would pop in and out of the bathroom, monitoring the baby's heart rate, which remained strong and steady the whole time.

 

 

At 2:15pm I got out of the shower and into bed.  The contractions were getting strong and more painful, but the baby continued to do well.

 

 

At 3:10pm I made the decision to get some pain medication.  At 4:00pm they gave me a shot of morphine and a shot of gravol (to counteract the nausea morphine can cause).  At 4:15pm I got up to use the washroom and ended up throwing up into the sink.  By 4:30pm the morphine was starting to kick in.  I still had a lot of pain, especially on the left side of my low/mid back, but the morphine allowed me to rest at little bit, which I really needed at that point. 

 

At 6:20pm I received my second dose of antibiotics (I needed to get them every eight hours) and also had a catheter put in, in anticipation of getting the epidural.  I still was holding out hope that I had made progress.  I remember thinking if I were at 6 or 7 that I could make it through the last little bit without it.  Again, I tried to rest. 

 

At 7:30pm they checked me again and said that there was no change in dialation.  To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.  I decided to get the epidural.  It was administerd at 9:30pm, after 21 hours of labour with no progress.  Not surprisingly, it slowed down the contractions, and at 10:00pm they started me on Oxytocin.

 

The epidural allowed me to get some rest overnight and regular contractions resumed with the Oxytocin. 

 

At 5:30am they checked me again.  I was told that my cervix was about 60% softened, but there was still no change in dialation. 

 

At 7:30am the midwifes got the the doctor to change the order on the Oxytocin to the maximum dosage (I had been receiving 20cc and had it upped to 30cc, which is the most that they will ever give). 

 

At 9:30am I was about 90% thinned out and my primary midwife, B, who had arrived a little earlier, told me that I was about 4cm dialated, but that she could stretch me to about 5cm. 

 

I continued to rest through the morning.  I wasn't feeling great that I had only progressed a few centimeters since arriving nearly 24 hours earlier but hoped that the Oxytocin would continue to help. 

 

Sometime after noon, B checked me again and said that there still hadn't been any change.  I was experiencing a lot of pain on the right side of my abdomen and it was spreading to my back.  B called in the attending OB, I think because I was GBS positive they were watching the clock more than they might have otherwise.  The OB was very calm and kind.  We filled her in on the details of the labour to that point and she asked if she could also check me.  When she was done she said I was only 3cm.  I know you can't go backwards, and had a hard time processing that according to what she said, I had made NO progress since my arrival the day before.  I wondered why B would say I was 4-5cm, if she was trying to be encouraging, or if she was just interpreting things differently, or what.  I was also very upset when the OB looked at my catheter, asked if it had been amber (indicating blood) the whole time, which it had been, and if it had been emptied, which it hadn't been.  She immediately removed and redid the catheter and my bladder started to empty.  It had been put in poorly and despite my complaints of a sore abdomen and back, B hadn't thought to check it.  I was very upset at this point, doubting B's competence, which I never had before. 

 

With the news that I was only 3cm, and already receiving the maximum dosage of Oxytocin, the OB said that she would recommend a Cesarian.  I felt like that was probably the best option at that point, consulted briefly with Jen, and then told her that we would go ahead with it. 

 

From there things happened quickly.  They gave Jen a gown and cap to wear and asked her to wait outside the OR until I was prepped.  I also got a gown and was moved to the OR.  The doctors explained what would happen --they'd put up a screen, sterilize my stomach, give me oxygen, cut into my abdomen, that I would feel pressure but that it wouldn't hurt, and that soon our baby would be born.  Jen came in and sat up by the right side of my head.  I was anxious, but felt that we had made the right decision and was excited to meet our baby girl. 

 

I could feel a lot more than I expected to during the surgery and when they were pulling the baby out remember saying "I can feel it!  It hurts!!", at which point the anesthetist asked me if I wanted laughing gas, to which I agreed.  It helped a lot.  With the gas I was able to hear what was happening still but dissocciate enough not to be so focussed on the pain.

 

At 3:52pm Sprout was born.



 

 

The first thing I noted about her is that she was loud.  (She got 9 and 9 on her Apgars.)  I couldn't see her as they cleaned her off and weighed her, but I could hear her!  She certainly didn't have that bleating little newborn cry.  Jen went over to see her and take some photos right away.  And then brought her back over so I could finally meet her.  

 

 

 

 

 

I was so happy and so relieved.  I remember smiling so big and crying tears of joy.  I wanted to hold her, but they wouldn't let me do that right away.  They finished putting me back together (14 staples) and then moved us into the recovery room. 

 

The nurse there was very kind.  She explained that I would be quite swollen from labouring and all the fluids I had received.  We chatted about babies and life and her love life, which was a welcome distraction.  After a little bit I told Jen she should go home and help put The Bean down for bed.  Grandma and Grandpa had been doing a great job taking care of him, but it was clear that he missed us and now that Sprout had arrived, I felt okay with her taking a few hours to spend with him and get him settled.  She wasn't going to miss anything major by going home for a little bit. 

 

 

So she went home and I was moved into a post-partum room.  There was another family there, but they were very respectful and quiet.  I got to hold Sprout and try feeding her.  She was a natural.  Jen came back and we dozed in and out of our first evening and night --Christmas Eve-- together. 



 

 

Christmas morning came and the nurses were encouraging me to get up and move around.  I didn't really want to, but since they said it was best for recovery, Jen and I took a short and very slow walk around the floor.  I was swollen and sore. 

 

As we rounded a corner, Santa and some firemen were entering the ward with toys for all the babies.  They gave Sprout a polar bear stuffed toy and we got her first Santa photo taken in front of the tree by the nurses' station.  

 

 

During visiting hours that afternoon, Grandma and Grandpa came by with The Bean to meet Sprout for the first time.  We had wrapped a gift, from Sprout for The Bean --a children's flashlight.  It was a big hit!  He seemed much more interested in the flashlight than the baby, but that was okay.  He and Grandma played.  Jen traded off with Grandma so she could get some time holding Sprout too. 

 

The Bean seemed very cautious around me, and wouldn't look me in the eye when he first came into the room (just as I was exiting the washroom).  Though I know Jen had told him I had a sore tummy and wasn't feeling well, and he was likely just worried and trying to process things, it still broke my heart.  The next day when he came back for another visit he seemed to warm up a lot more quickly, though he didn't like that he wasn't allowed on the bed with me.  I made a point of not holding Sprout while he was there, so he wouldn't feel that I was favouring her over him.  When we returned home on the 27th he seemed more himself and now (fortunately) you'd hardly know that eleven days ago his little world was turned upside down. 

 

 

It's been a busy eleven days, but each day I'm feeling a bit better.  Sprout has been a great baby, eating and sleeping most of the time, and despite what it may seem from the photos, does not cry much or for long.  The Bean is adjusting better than we though he would to his new role of "big brother".  Jen has been AMAZING taking 99.9% of the responsibility of caring for The Bean and the household, as well as helping me out and taking care of Sprout.  In fact, she's resting with Sprout in her arms right now.  It is one of my most favourite sights. 

 

There is a lot to update on still --Christmas, life with a newborn, and at least a zillion more photos, but I have rambled on long enough.  I look forward to sharing more about our life as a family of four with all of you soon. 

 

xo,

-Allison.



*Navalgazing* Reflections at 41 Weeks Pregnant

We're still here.

I'm still pregnant.

This week was tougher than I expected it to be.  Physically things are difficult, and only continue to get more difficult, but beyond that, emotionally I been a bit of a mess. 

People, understandably, keeps asking if Sprout has arrived yet.  We've said we will keep everyone updated, but there are still calls and emails daily.  While I appreciate that we're in peoples' thoughts, it's also a constant reminder that we are still waiting. 

I'm not able to get around easily, so I've mostly been at home, wondering when/if I am going to go into labour.  I try to distract myself.  The reminders don't make that any easier. 

Last night she didn't seem to be moving around as much as usual.  I said something to Jen about it and she asked if things were okay.  That got me worrying that they weren't.  I ended up sitting up in bed, in tears, hands on my belly waiting for some of the big kicks that she usually gives me in the evenings.  Eventually she did, but I was a mess waiting for them.  Thoughts of a long-time family friend who's son was stillborn at full term kept running through my head.  I wondered if I should be calling the midwife or going to the hospital or having an ultrasound just to make sure things were okay.  I worry that she would be better off outside than in, at this point.  I worry about the cord wrapping around her neck.  I worry that she'll grow to large for me to have a vaginal birth. 

I talked to my midwife and she agreed to an induction on the 27th.  I don't really want to be induced, but they would do it by the 30th anyway.  And I feel ready to meet this little one now.  I am confident that she is grown and developed and that those three extra days would not make a difference to that.  I also don't feel like those three days would make the difference of NOT needing the induction.  Plus, Jen's parents were going to stay until the 26th and then come back for the 30th.  That seemed silly.  With the induction scheduled for the 27th they'll just stay here until after the birth.  I feel better not worrying about them travelling 6+ hours to and fro on winter roads. 

Accupuncture this week was slightly more painful that in has been.  I probably won't make any more appointments.  The 24th and 26th would be the two days my accupuncturist is available and I already have a midwife appointment on the 24th.  I feel like if the accupuncture were going to make the baby come, it would have happened by now, though I do still hope it's helped my body prepare.  My midwife suggested inserting the Evening Primrose Oil and perhaps trying Castor Oil, but I think I'll just be to disappointed to have put myself through the discomfort if it turns out that those methods don't help.  So basically I've decided to just wait.  I'll keep taking my EPO and homeopathics,  I'll try to walk when/if I feel up to it, but I'm not going to start anything else. 

Please continue to send all your baby-come-soon thoughts out to the universe on our behalf. 

One way or another she will be here with us by next week. 

And we'll keep you updated.  Promise. 

41 week belly:

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 40(+2) Weeks Pregnant

This will be a very quick update as a wolf down a sandwich and get ready to go to my accupuncture and midwife appointments. 

 

I was hoping that I wouldn't be making this update, that we would have a birth announcement to post by this time, but here we are, still waiting. 

 

I continue to grow more and more impatient.  I worry about going to 42 weeks and being induced --something I'm sure my midwife will be discussing with me today.  I continue to become increasinly uncomfortable.  The Braxton Hicks seem to have increased in both frequency and intensity.  Not enough to believe that they are "real" contractions, but enough for me to now wince and have to sit down.  I feel bad that I can't be more productive.  I especially miss being able to play with The Bean the way I would like to in the evenings.  (Evenings are worse.)  But again, there's not much that can be done. 

 

On a lighter note, Jen and I went out for what will likely be our last pre-Sprout date on Saturday night.  Our favourite band, the band that brought us together, is on tour supporting another larger band.  The show that they had scheduled here was cancelled because the lead singer of the other band was sick, so they quickly booked their own headlining show.  It was my due date, so we didn't have tickets to the original show, but with no signs of imminent labour, we bought tickets to the last-minute show.  It was awesome.  We haven't seen them since Jen was pregnant with The Bean.  Sprout kicked up a storm so we figure she either loves them or hates them, but being in this family, I'm sure it's the former. :)  We got to go backstage afterwards and the girls wished us well, telling us it's likely they'll be back soon, perhaps with a family-friendly show scheduled.  We'll be looking forward to it almost as much as Sprout's arrival.

 

Here's the (huge) 40(+1) week belly:

 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 39(+2) Weeks Pregnant

(Potenially) less than a week to go! 

My goodness.  That is both exciting and slightly terrifying! 

I am very much looking forward to meeting this little one and holding her in my arms soon.  The "unknowns" of delivery are the part that I am finding slightly terrifying.  I am really trying to stay calm and hope for the best, but I am worried about pain both during and after.  I am sure it will all work out, and perhaps it's best not to know exactly what will happen beforehand, but I am so Type A that not knowing is difficult. 

Everything is pretty much ready to go.  Our bags are packed and waiting in the co-sleeper.  The carseat is in the car.  (Though it will have to be replaced as the missing stickers make it illegal even though it is perfectly safe.)  I picked up the antibiotics I will need during labour. 

I have a midwife appointment this afternoon and am following it up with a visit to the accupuncturist.  We'll see if that gets the ball rolling at all.  I have another appointment for accupuncture on Wednesday and will also book one for Saturday, if nothing has happened by then. 

The baby is really starting to feel big.  She still moves around a lot, especially in the evenings, but I can tell she's running out of space in there.  I'm pretty uncomfortable and am finding it increasingly difficult to get around, plus I tire a lot more easily than I ever have.  I guess that's to be expected.  I'm also pretty puffy, especially if I've been up and about a lot that day.  Sleeping is difficult, though I'm quite tired most nights.  I'm glad to have such a relaxed schedule right now, though I keep finding things to add to the "To Do" list.  I'm trying to take the attitude of what gets done, gets done, but I hope that most of things on the list do get done before I go into labour.  (Dusting our bedroom, washing The Bean's diapers, another big grocery shop, a few last minute gifts to pick up...) 

Of course, chances are I'll still be hanging out here on the 29th saying the same things.  Right? 

Here's the belly photo from yesterday (39+1):

     

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 38(+1) Weeks Pregnant

Getting there! 

I'm happy to say that it's starting to feel like the end is in sight.  I'm eager to meet our little girl and, as I've said before, ready to not be pregnant anymore, though I'm sure there are aspects of it I will miss.

This week was slightly better than the past few.  My rib wasn't giving me as much pain.  I think the baby may have dropped a bit, as I've been feeling slightly less heartburn.  I even got a few stretches where I was able to sleep 3 hours at a time vs. the 1.5-2 I was averaging before.

The midwife did her home visit on Tuesday and all went well.  She prescribed an alternative antibiotic for me to use during labour because of the GBS.  I tried taking it to the local pharmacy to have filled, but it looks like I may have to go to a hospital pharmacy.  She also did a urine test because of my UTI suspicion, but so far I haven't received any results from her.  In the mean time, I've been drinking lots of water and cranberry juice, hoping that it clears up quickly.  I'm not sure that it is. 

We got a bunch of our baby gear back from my sister yesterday, and are starting to set things up in preparation for Sprout's arrival.  We had loaned her our infant carseat and she returned it without the Canadian compliance sticker, which poses what we consider to be a pretty big issue, especially with all the border-crossing we do.  She doesn't know what happened to it so now we're left trying to contact the manufacturer to see if they can reissue a sticker to us.  I really hope they can.  I hate to have to buy a new carseat just because the sticker came off.  (Who knows how, those things are IMPOSSIBLE to remove.)  Otherwise everything seems pretty good. 

The Bean is napping right now, and if I want to get my nap in I should get going!  I have another appointment tomorrow, but I suspect everything will still be status quo. 

Here's the belly shot for this week (taken yesterday).  Jen and I were looking back through the photos and there is such a HUGE difference from Week 5 that it's almost impossible to believe that they're both me.  I wonder if I'll ever look like Week 5 me again...

GBS Positive

Our midwife is coming over for a home visit today.  I called her yesterday because of my concern that I might have a UTI.  She was glad I called and said that she'd bring over a test kit to double check.  She also told me that I tested GBS positive.  At first I wasn't overly concerned as I know it's not terribly uncommon and is reasonably treatable.  (My sister had tested GBS positive too and there didn't seem to have any complications as a result of it.) 

Then I started Googling.  I'm allergic to penicillin and wanted to find out what alternative anitbiotics are typically given.  What I found out was that having a UTI increases the risk to the baby. 

I know of all the things that could potentially go wrong, this is minor, but I still can't help but worry that I'm going to make our baby sick. 

THis is NOT the kind of update I want to get three-weeks from our due date, but I suppose there's not much that can be done.

:/

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 37 Weeks Pregnant

37 weeks! 

I have officially reached "full term".  (Though I think my FIL was quite confused this morning when I said that, and must have thought they had made a mistake with the due date if I was full term now.  Fortunately my MIL was able to explain.) 

Okay, so I am really feeling ready to have this baby.  Not that we're prepared at all.  Most of the baby gear is still at my sister's waiting to make it's way back to us.  But really, what do we need?  The carseat for sure, and the co-sleeper would be good to have, but someone could surely pick that stuff up if I were to go into labour, say, right now. 

Also, I think we're in agreement on a first choice of name and a few back-ups, so we really are ready! ;) 

Another visit to the chiro helped sort out some back issues earlier this week.  Unfortunately, last night the rib started hurting again, so I'm thinking there will be another visit before Sprout makes her appearance.  My hips haven't been bothering me much, but I wouldn't object to having them adjusted as well.  

Then there's my arm.  It's been at least a week, maybe slightly longer, that I've been experiencing numbness/tingling in my right middle and ring fingers.  I was crocheting when I first noticed it and thought I must be holding the hook in a funny way, but it's been off and on (mostly on, in varrying degrees) since then.  After checking things out on Google, I believe it's probably carpal tunnel syndrome, which I read can happen because the water you retain can increase pressure on the nerves.  Nice, right?  As if being swollen weren't annoying enough.  And yes, I've been feeling rather puffy these days.  My feet moreso than my hands, but at least I can feel my toes, even if they do look rather sausage-like. 

Sleep is becoming increasingly difficult.  I seem to be up about every two hours to go to the washroom and/or adjust my position.  I know it's probably not true, but I feel like I'll be better rested AFTER the baby is born. 

Oh, and I think I may have UTI.  But then again, maybe it's just that I have a bladder the size of a peanut. 

I am telling myself that I just need to hang in there for another few weeks, but if I go late I think I may cry.

This week I will start the teas and oils and other labour-inducers.  Not that I expect them to make a big difference, but at least I'll feel like I'm doing something. 

Come on baby girl... Mama is getting impatient! 

Photo from 37 (+1) weeks:

Oh yeah, just one more thing: I must be looking like I'm ready because I at least a half dozen strangers this week asked me when I was due. 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 35 (+1) Weeks Pregnant

This was a quiet week.  My back still wan't feeling great and I mostly stayed home and didn't do much of anything aside from a little baking and cooking and a fair bit of napping.  By the end of the week I was feeling a bit stir crazy, but weekends are always busy and there are a few little things lined up for this week, so I expect that feeling will pass. 

Sprout continues to move around like crazy.  She seemed to shift from her usual left-lying position a few times this week, making me pretty uncomfortable, like she was trying to exit through the front of my stomach.  Things must be getting kind of cramped in there. 

I'm also starting to feel some pressure down low.  Not unbearable, but certainly not comfortable. 

We started setting stuff aside for our hospital bag this week.  We took SO MUCH to the hospital when The Bean was born.  I definitely think we'll be scaling back this time around.  Right now we have two sleepers and two outfits, plus a blanket, snowsuit and some diapers ready to pack up for Sprout.  This week I'll probably try to gather some toiletries and maybe some pajamas and warm socks for me and Jen, and make a list of other stuff we may want to pack closer to my due date.  I'm hoping we won't have to stay in the hospital long (we only stayed one night after The Bean was born, and he was born at almost 11pm) so we really shouldn't need much.  Things like books that are on the "what to bring to the hospital" lists were untouched, so this time we're trying to stick to essentials -clothing, toiletires, snacks and camera -is there anything we're missing?  

Just over a month until Sprout's arrival!  My FIL asked if I was anxious about the labour/delivery, and I'd have to say that I'm not really feeling too anxious about it at this point, just impatient! 

Here's the belly this week:

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 32(+2) Weeks Pregnant

I was reading Lex's blog and she got me thinking, I hope that these Navalgazing posts do not make it sound that I am anything less that thrilled that we are expecting another child.  I know I've complained of various aches and whatnot on here, but I am happy that I have those aches to complain about!  Well, at least what those aches are representative of. 

I truly feel for the many individuals and families that have struggled with TTC and hope that they are blessed with happy, healthy, gorgeous children whose presence makes their struggles to conceive seem entirely worthwhile.  I know Jen and I have been very lucky to have relatively uncomplicated TTC and pregnancy experiences. 

That said, I have been in absolute agony the past two days and in a good bit of pain for the better part of the week.  I think the issue is that I have a rib (or perhaps a few ribs) out.  Sitting on the couch was getting increasingly uncomfortable, as were car rides.  I was also feeling some discomfort on my front ribs, which I chalked up to baby girl growing, though she hasn't been kicking me near my ribs.  Anyway, yesterday things got really bad.  We were out on a neighbourhood walk with The Bean and I didn't think I'd be able to make it home.  Fortunately I did.  Jen gave me an amazing massage and we put on the TENS machine and then some Icy Hot before bed.  I managed to sleep through the night and woke up feeling much better, but still not great, so later today I am going to the chiropractor and for a quick massage.  I won't be surprised if follow-up appointments are in order, but hopefully this gets me headed back in right direction.  Not sure if there is a cause, beyond being pregnant, but I'm trying to watch my posture/gait. 

With all this going on the past few days, I hardly can think of anything else pregnancy-related to tell you about. 

Hopefully next week things are better!

Updated with a 32(+3) week photo:

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 31(+2) Weeks Pregnant

I guess I'm a little late it getting to this week's update (again).  There's really not too much new to report.  I had a midwife appointment this morning and things continue to progress as they should.  They drew blood to test my iron levels and I'm a little sore where I got poked.  I think I was spoiled by the expert lab techs at the fertility clinic. 

Just over two months to our due date seems a lifetime away, but I know the time between now and then will pass quickly.  It doesn't feel like there's a lot we need to do to prepare this time around, which I suppose is a good thing, but does leave me feeling slightly antsy.  Last week I sorted some of the newborn clothes into the dresser in the nursery and a portable Sterilite drawer thingy.  We plan on having Sprout room with us for the first several months, and so decided having some of her basics easily accessible would be a good idea.  We don't want to have to go into The Bean's room and disrupt his sleep if she spits up during the night. 

The past week has brought on some back pain.  I'm not sure if it's how I'm walking or how I'm sleeping or what, but I've been quite uncomfortable.  Heat patches and massages seem to help, but if it continues much longer I think I'll book a chiro appointment. 

I've been trying to think of the due date as being two and a half months away, rather than two, so that if I go late, I'm not too anxious about it.  I've also been trying to think of any aches and pains (back, leg, etc.) as good practice for labour.  Silly maybe, but there's really not much I can do to prepare myself for what I might feel then, and I figure practicing with these (comparitively little) pains now might help, though I haven't completely ruled out the idea of an epidural. 

A final note, I don't usually complain about family here (I think) but I have to say that my mother is driving me CRAZY asking us about the baby's name and offering unsolicitied advice on what both good and bad names for her would be.  As with The Bean, Jen and I are trying to agree on a short list that we'll be able to choose from once Sprout is born and I feel like we've made some progress finding names that we both like based on all our various criteria (now it sounds with middle and last name, how it sounds with The Bean's name, nickname options, overall popularity etc.)  I really don't appreciate my mother telling me that she hopes we'll use my Oma's name (we don't plan on it) or that we won't pick something like Jewel or Princess (also, not in the plans).  Ugh!  We've told her that there won't be any final decisions made until she's born, yet every time I see or talk to her our unborn child's name seems to be one of the first things she brings up.

Anyway, here's the 31(+2) week belly. 

Photo Challenge

16: Long Exposure

This is definitely another setting I need to learn more about.  I should have found a more interesting subject, but really it was just about getting a long exposure shot. 

17: Upside Down

18: Lines

19: Something Yellow

20: Trees

21: After Dark

I had a video of Sprout kicking in my belly for this, but Blogger doesn't seem to want to upload it, and the YouTube link is not embedding.  

22: Hands

 

23: Sun

 

24: Peace

I had a photo of my grandparents' gravestone for this one, but Blogger keeps rotating it and I'm tired of trying to figure out how to NOT have that happen. 

 

25: Something Orange

I thought coming across this old crate was too funny of a coincidence to pass up for "something orange." 

 

26: Close up

 

27: From a distance

 

28: Flowers

 

29: Black and White

 

I plan on posting #30 tomorrow.  It's been a month and I haven't looked at my camera manual to figure out the self-timer, but I'm still planning on making it happen.  Keeping up with this challenge was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I liked having the ideas for different shots, even if I got behind.  I'd be toying with the idea of doing a 365, but I don't think I'm ready!  Thanks to An Offering of Love and Insert Metaphor for the inspiration!  

 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 30 Weeks Pregnant

Monday was my midwife appointment.  Everything continues to be fine.  I got back the results from my glucose screening.  They were well below the level where there would be any concern, which I was releived to find out.  Though I've limited myself, I have definitely craved sweets throughout a good bit of this pregnancy and even though I've been told my weight gain is fine, I have found it somewhat concerning to gain so much.  The past two weeks I only went up 1/2 a pound, so maybe it'll slow down for a little while now.  My blood pressure was still nice a low.  The baby's heartrate was about 150bpm and she was lying with her back curved to my left side. 

Monday afternoon I went down to one of the local universities that trains midwives, to volunteer.  They were looking for pregnant women for their second year midwifery students to practice palpations on.  I didn't have other plans for the day and I think it's really important for people to get hands on experience in their field.  When I was doing my teacher training, actually being in the classroom was what I found most valuable, and so I sort of thought of this as a way of giving back.  The students were super excited as this was their first experience working with actual pregnant women (there were four of us).  They took turns feeling for the baby's position, measuring fundal height, and looking for the heartbeat.  I was there for three hours and had about 30-someodd ladies poking at my belly.  It was fine, but by the end of it I was DONE.  I think Sprout was too.  She got pretty fiesty towards the end and kept kicking me on the way home. 

On Tuesday I kept the car so that I could go pick up some used baby clothes.  Back in the summer a lady had listed a bag of her daughter's old clothes for a very reasonable price.  We purchased them and were really happy after bringing them home and taking a closer look through them, so I told her if she wanted to contact us directly in the future, we would buy from her again.  So, I guess they were done with most of their summer stuff and she emailed to let me know she had another bag ready.  It was as great as the first one she gave us.  I'm really, really happy to have her as a contact.  Hopefully she'll continue to stay in touch.  Another friend came by to visit, and even though her daughter is seven, she dug up some little sleepers and outfits she had found from her baby days.  I'd say we're doing quite well! 

My sister and an old friend have also decided they are going to host a welcome baby celebration for us at the beginning of November.  Both Jen and I were reluctant as didn't want a shower, but they were fairly insistant and it will be nice to get together with some family and friends to celebrate this little one's upcoming arrival. 

And now for the belly shot, taken today: 

Notice how my lower back is all archy?  I have to work on that. 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 29 Weeks Pregnant

So, 29 weeks.  Even though I officially started into my third trimester last week, I think it took me a little while to realize that this little baby is going to be arriving (relatively) soon. 

I feel pretty good about everything.  As I've said before, I think Jen and I are both much more relaxed about this pregnancy than we were when she was pregnant with The Bean.  Of course, we also had quite a few scares when she was pregnant and therefore more reason for concern.  Right now I think our two biggest concerns are 1) how The Bean will react to having a baby around and 2) sleep.  Jen doesn't do well with little sleep, and The Bean is quite a good sleeper, so hopefully this baby doesn't throw either of them too off their schedule.  I know we've still got a few months to go, but I'd in terms of nighttime, she seems to have a very active period around 9-10pm (Jen was freaking out last night watching her move my belly) and again somewhere around 3-5am.  I'll be curious to see if it remains the same once she's born. 

This week has been pretty bad on the sleep front for me as I'd had a number of bad nightmares. There were a few nights where I woke up with my heart racing and had a very, very hard time falling back asleep. I hope it's a brief phase. 

In other news, it seems I am starting to develop what Jen lovingly refers to as "the creepy line"  (the linea nigra) and losing my belly button.  I feel enormous and constantly seem to be misjudging how much space I now take up.  Friends and family have told me I look great, which I wouldn't necessarily agree with, but is nice to hear just the same. 

I bought some cheap prenatal vitamins at the grocery store and seem to be digesting them much better than the "good" ones from my naturopath.  The Charlie Horses have eased up, but my legs are still getting sore/tight in the nights.  Jen has been really good about rubbing them out for me before bed. 

So, things keep ticking along.  We're nearly 3/4 of the way there! 

Photo from 29 weeks +2 days.

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 27 (+2) Weeks Pregnant

I did intend on having a photo taken this weekend and writing this update on Saturday (which feels like it was a week ago), but the days were too busy with lovely fall outtings and visiting friends and family so, here we are. 

It was a good week pregnancy-wise.  I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that it's likely I will feel crappy in the evening (heartburn) and have a hard time overnight (peeing every two hours and Charlie horses every third night or so).  Not having many set obligations in the day and the ability to lie down for an afternoon nap, if I so choose, makes things easier.  I'm still heartbroken over losing my job, but I have thought many times about how exhausted it's likely that I'd feel if I were there right now.  Silver lining?

I had a midwife appointment this morning and met Bianca, who will be our primary midwife from here out.  I was a little worried about not liking her as much as Kirsten, who took care of us with The Bean, but she seems LOVELY.  My weight gain (27lbs) and fundal height were both deemed "perfect" though I am somewhat concerned about gaining too much.  Baby's heartbeat was a nice steady 140bpm and she is, as I suspected, head down now. 

I was given the choice of doing a blood glucose screening, so I am going to book that hopefully for sometime next week.

I'll have to get Jen to take a photo this evening, so hopefully I'll be able to post it along with the photo challenge photo.  Hope everyone's week is off to a good start. 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 26 (+1) Weeks Pregnant

I have stretch marks. :( 

I was really hoping I'd make it through without getting any, but alas...

Pretty early on this week I was getting out of the shower and noticed them on the undersides of my breasts.  I actually had noticed a red mark on the top of one of my breasts last week, but The Bean had pinched me, and I thought it was from that.  I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.  I've gone from a B to a D in five months.  I should probably go and get fitted for some new bras (right now I'm wearing hand me downs from Jen and my sister that fit), but I was really hoping to put it off until post-baby and be able to get some nice nursing bras.  (Recommendations on styles/brands welcome!) 

I've been pretty good about putting on lotion all along, so I guess it was unavoidable.  One of my favourite Ani DiFranco lyrics is "I've got highways for stretch marks, see where I've grown?"  I guess I'll just have to embrace that.  (And yes, I LOVE Ani DiFranco and have since I was 14 or so and my brother played me "Back Around" in his bedroom.  I didn't even know I was gay then. ;)  )

Getting a full night's sleep continues to be a challenge.  I seem to be able to get a good stretch early in the night, but after whenever I get up for the first time I only go for another hour and a half before having to get up again.  And that's if I don't get a Charlie Horse.  Yes, they continue to be an issue even with the added Cal/Mag supplements. 

I've been surprised recently by the number of people who have been telling me not to carry The Bean.  Mostly I just brush it off as unsolicited advice but it does make me wonder what the concern is.  He's not very big/heavy and I'm in reasonable shape physically, even pregnant.  The boy likes me to carry him, I've cut back, but I'm not going to deny him completely. 

I'm looking forward to the fall -more of a routine, cooler weather, different wardrobe choices.  This will be our last season as a family of three and I'm trying to prepare for this number four as the days until she join us are becoming more and more limited.  I met up with a few other new and expecting moms from the BabyCentre website for tea on Friday.  It was nice.  I always feel a little awkward meeting new people, but I don't want to feel lonely once the new year rolls around and I'm ready to get out and about again and figured connecting with a few new people may help with that.  I'm also looking into childbirth classes.  Trying to find something that will be a good fit.  I feel like I am far to analytical/critical for Hypnobirthing to work for me, so am considering a different natural childbirth class.  Part of me hates to spend the money to prepare for something that will hopefully only take a relatively short period of time, but at the same time I would like to try for natural childbirth and feel that if I don't educate myself more it is unlikely to happen.  Again, any suggestions on methods, books, etc. would be appreciated.

Photo from 26 (+2) Weeks:

Jen tells me she'll have to start taking them horizontally soon.  Thanks babe.

100 Days to Go

So, there are exactly one hundred days left until Sprout's due date. 

Admittedly, being pregnant hasn't been an "easy" experience.  My mother used to talk about how wonderful she felt during her pregnancies, and I guess I expected to feel the same way, but as anyone who follows this blog already knows I've had my share of discomforts. 

All this isn't to say I'm not enjoying being pregnant. I am in awe that there is another human being growing inside of me, and it's certainly a time I will treasure. In fact, I'm a little bit sad that I will only get to experience pregnancy once in this lifetime, despite any complaining I've done.

Anyway, on this occassion I thought I'd list some of the items that have made pregnancy easier:

-Diclectin/ anti-nausea medication -without this I don't know how I would have survived the first four to five months.  It didn't make me feel 100%, but it certainly took the edge off.

-Bellaband -very helpful at the end of my first trimester when I could still almost fit into my regular clothes.  Also great to have now as I'm wearning some of Jen's hand-me-down maternity clothes which are just a little big for me.  It's like a belt for maternity pants!

-Maternity Clothes -the first pair of shorts I put on felt like a miracle.  I'm a little sick of them after having lived in them all summer, but they've still been great to have.  One suggestion I would like to make to anyone who thinks they'll find themselves in need of maternity clothes sometime soon is to buy coordinating pieces.  If you're like me, you're not going to puchase a ton of items, so make sure that you can mix and match!  (Try choosing brown or black as a base colour and finding other items that go with your base to pair with.)  This is also somethig I do when travelling to avoid overpacking.  (I haven't bought any yet, but I've heard maternity underwear is a worthwhile purchase, any input?)

-Wedge Pillow -when my sister loaned me her wedge pillow I doubted it's effectiveness, but it really has helped!  I often find myself wishing I had two, because even though I know I'm supposed to sleep on my left, I still roll back and forth and it'd be super-awesome not to have to readjust the pillow each time I moved. 

-Nice lotion -now that I'm starting to feel streched, having a nice lotion to put on after a bath or when I wake up itchy is a nice luxury. 

-My wife -she's awesome, but sorry ladies, no one else gets her.  Hopefully you find someone who treats you as great as she treats me --from taking on Bean duties and allowing me to go to bed at 6pm during my first trimester, to rubbing out my legs before bed, and telling me that I'm attractive even as struggle to get up off the couch--  I really couldn't ask for anyone better. 

I'm curious to hear what others have found they/ their partners appreciated having during their pregnancies.  Leave it in the comments! 

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 25(+2) Weeks Pregnant

This has been a pretty good week overall.  Some round ligament pain and lots of indigestion in the evenings, but no big complaints otherwise. 

Sprout keeps wiggling around and Jen can feel her quite regularly now.  The Bean will point and say baby and kiss my tummy, but we're still not sure he really understands.  He hasn't felt movement yet (he won't sit still long enough to), but I'm curious as to how he will react when/if he does. 

The only other thing to mention is that I am considering updating my facebook page with the news.  Most of my close friends know, but I intentionally tried to keep it from my co-workers because I didn't want to jeopardize any chance I might have of getting an assistant position at my school this fall.  I still haven't heard anything, so I'm pretty confident that the assistant thing isn't going to happen.  I'm diasppointed, but also feel like the summer has (mostly) given me the distance I needed to resign myself to the fact that for all intents and purposes I am unemployed and will be for at least the next year.  I'm sure once Sprout is born it won't bother me as much as it does now.  Anyway, I'd like to share the news with these friends and don't see much of a reason to hold back anymore, but it does still feel like I'm finally conceeding that that chapter of my life is over.  Not the easiest thing to come to terms with. 

Here's the belly photo for the week, taken yesterday at 25(+1) weeks:

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 24 Weeks Pregnant

Wow!  Twenty-Four Weeks.  For some reason this seems like a milestone to me.  I guess every four-week increment does to some degree, but twenty-four seems particularly significant. 

I had a midwife appointment on Monday that was relativley uneventful.  I did take a glucose and protein test that looked a little green when I first arrived,  and so was slightly anxious, but my blood pressure was very low (as usual) and when I redid the test before leaving it was normal.  Sprout was, and has been, extrememly active and was kicking the doppler.  It made me laugh. 

She is moving around so much now and has gotten strong enough that we can see it when she's kicking.  I could watch for hours.

My bellybutton is starting to stretch out a bit.  I'm glad that it's remained an innie so far and kind of hope it doesn't get to the point where it pops out.  This is going to sound totally bizarre, but my bellybutton is one of my favourite features, so I'll be a bit sad if it doesn't go back to normal after Sprout is born. 

I got some cal/mag and so far that seems to be helping with the leg cramps.  My gums have been a bit sensitive lately, but I also changed my toothbrush so it could just be that. 

Photo from 24(+2) weeks pregnant:

Vacation Recap and *Navalgazing* Reflections at 23 Weeks Pregnant

We had a bit of a crazy week here.

We went "up north" to cottage country for a family vacation.  Jen's parents as well as her brother and his family (wife and two kids) met us there.  It was great to see everyone.  The Bean LOVED having big kids to play with and all the extra adult attention.  It was fun, but not exactly relaxing, having a toddler to entertain/chase around.  Fortunately the grandparents stepped in a couple of afternoons when I needed extra down time. 

There was some added stress surrounding The Bean's older sister, Mo.  (Our cat.)  We'd noticed that she hadn't been eating much lately and had taken her to the vet the week before leaving.  They put her on fluids and an antibiotic and gave her an appetite stimulant.  A few days later we got her home but didn't notice much of a change, so brought her back to the vet for boarding while we were going to be away.  We wanted them to be able to keep an eye on her.  Mid-vacation we got a call and ended up having to drive back to the city to take her to the emergency vet.  After an ultrasound we found out that she had a blocked gall bladder and needed surgery to reroute the drainage.  She is home now sporting a lovely blue cone and on a heavy schedule of various medications, but seems to be on her way to recovery.  Thank goodness.  We love that kitty. 

So, even though we were on vacation, this week has been tiring.  The king-sized bed at the resort was lovely and sharing a room with The Bean wasn't as difficult as I worried it might be. 

In pregnancy news, Sprout's movements have become even more pronounced.  Now I'm not only getting the flutters, jabs and stretches, but I've started to notice two simultaneous pokes at a time.  Arms and legs, perhaps?  Have I mentioned she's an active one?  Between her and her brother, we're going to have our hands full! 

I got another wicked Charlie horse while away.  Probably from being on my feet a lot.  A few people suggested it in my last update and I've also read calcium and magnesium help (in addition to potassium) so in addition to eating bananas I've been trying to drink more milk.  I may also start taking a supplement. 

Even though it's only been a few days, I'll post another belly photo soon.

*Navalgazing* Reflections at 22 (+2) Weeks Pregnant

I've started to feel quite large.  I can't imagine what I'm going to feel like at 40 weeks given how I'm feeling now.  I'm starting to notice more of a "stretch" along the sides of my stomach.  Perhaps needless to say, I haven't been too comfortable lately.  Sleep continues to be a bit of a challenge and I've been very tired during the days.  A few nights ago I woke up with a Charlie horse.  Did it ever hurt.  I'm trying to eat more bananas now. 

 

Despite all that I can say with confidence that I will miss being pregnant.  The thing I'll miss the most is feeling Sprout flutter around.  I just love it. 

 

The photo is from 22+4 weeks.  We were on vacation and got sidetracked.  I didn't even think to pack the right jeans or tank top.  Close enough though, right?