One Week

Noah turns one week today! Here's some of the amazing things we've learned about our son so far.

• He is able to push himself up for a split second and move his head
• He loves his bouncer on vibrate
• He doesn't like diaper changes or being naked
• Loud noises startle him, but he doesn't wake up
• There might be a birthmark at the nape of his neck
• Skin-to-skin contact puts him to sleep fast, and mommy loves it!
• He sneezes in twos, but sometimes the second one only comes out as an adorable sigh
• He still hiccups almost daily
• Sponge baths are not his friend (evidence below)

I am feeling better and better each day. I'm still a little tender down there, but it's nothing a little advil can't take care of. Brian and I are without any parents for the first time in a week, and things are going smoothly. His parents will be here this weekend, and we're really looking forward to it. I know Gamma Wendy is too! ;)

I've lost about 15 pounds so far (maybe more, our scale is way different than the doctor's) and can't believe how much smaller I already look. For some reason I expected to look puffy and round for a while. I also can't believe how little I care about it. I have a beautiful baby boy. Who cares if I look good in a bikini??

One week postpartum

2nd Home Visit

Weight went up 1.5oz, jaundice level went down 6 points, all in one day! We're doing great!

A Little Bit About Noah

Noah is a wonderful baby! He is extremely sleepy and almost never fusses. I have to wake him for practically every feeding. Breastfeeding is going pretty well, better than I expected it to. Noah latches very well, but he's a sleepy eater. We're averaging about 20 minutes total per feed. He has a lot of poopy diapers, but not a lot of pee. I'll be sure to bring that up at our next home visit, especially considering the pyelectasis diagnosis from our ultrasounds. We had our first home visit today to check on how we're doing. Noah is down to 6lbs 7oz, which the nurse said was fine. He also is at increased risk for jaundice (I have O- blood and he is A+. I guess they don't like each other.), but so far his levels are testing low enough to not need intervention. I am healing well from my two tears, but the girls are killing me. My milk is definitely in!

The Birth Story

It's long and maybe more detailed than you want, but I needed it down in writing for my own benefit.

It all started Wednesday morning. I woke up feeling a little blue because I was assuming that waking up feeling normal meant no baby today. I hadn’t slept well either (awake from 4:00am on), so I got up as Brian was leaving. I grabbed a granola bar and yogurt and hit the couch for some Today show action. I tried to nap a little but it wasn’t working very well. Around 8:45am I sat up and felt a lot of fluid leak out. I figured I just had a lot of discharge and headed into the bathroom to clean up. I used the bathroom and noticed a lot of brownish-pink, thicker looking fluid at the bottom of the toilet. I thought that maybe I was losing more of the mucus plug and extra stuff came with it. I headed up to our bedroom and grabbed a new pair of underwear. The moment I got it on, a huge gush of liquid starting pouring out of me. I bolted for the bathroom just as it started running down my leg. I sat down on the toilet and continued to leak mostly clear fluid. At this point I was beginning to comprehend what was going on, so I fished around under the sink and found a pad to use. My next step was to find my phone and call Brian, then our OB. Unfortunately I was a little flustered and couldn’t for the life of me remember where I had just set my phone, so I was wandering the family room when another huge gush came. It saturated the pad I was foolishly holding up to myself and poured out the sides into a huge puddle on the carpet. I figured it best to just make one mess so I waited until it stopped and rushed back to the bathroom (where my phone was sitting!). I called Brian and told him I was pretty sure my water broke and I was going to call our OB. He left work immediately and I called right away. The nurse said I gave an extremely convincing story, and told me to get to the hospital ASAP.

We arrived at the hospital around 11:00am and checked in at The Starting Place. They led me to an exam room, asked a bunch of questions, then prepared to give me a pelvic exam to confirm my water had broken. As I was scooting down the bed a lot of amniotic fluid leaked out, so the nurse was able to use a little swab indicator and no pelvic exam was necessary. I was brought up to an L&D room around 12:00. The resident doctor came in and explained that since I hadn’t started having contractions yet, I was likely going to need Pitocin to get things started. She said I could wait until about 3:00pm to see what my body would do on its own, so I agreed to that. The nurse checked back around 1:00 and asked me if I wanted to reconsider. It seemed like my body was in no rush to start doing anything and I didn’t see the point in delaying the inevitable any further so I agreed to start the Pitocin. Contractions began pretty quickly, and since they increased the level of Pitocin every 20 minutes or so, I quickly entered into strong contractions that were consistently 2 minutes apart. Because my water broke they never did an initial exam to see how far I was dilated (due to increased risk of infection), so we waited until 4:30ish before they checked me. At that point I was between 4.5-5cm dilated. They helped me to the bathroom because my bladder appeared very full. After I peed my contractions got much more painful. I asked when I should consider the epidural, and the nurse explained that I should keep in mind that I don’t want to be in too much pain when I get it because I’ll need to be able to sit still. I asked them to please get it ready then. By 5:00 the anesthesiologist showed up and he got the epidural in around 5:15. It took at least 30 minutes and several increases in dosage before I had full relief. A new doctor came and checked my progress again at 6:45pm and told me, “You’re done.” I gave her a funny look like, “In what way am I done, huh??” She then said that I was fully dilated, felt around a little more, and confirmed that she could feel no cervix. I was in total shock when she then said, “It’s time to start pushing!” I couldn’t believe that I had gone from 4.5cm to 10cm just 2 hours later, and especially after the epidural (which I always heard tends to slow progress down). Brian called my parents since they were out getting dinner, and they rushed back. I was trembling like crazy and super nervous. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to mentally prepare for the pushing stage. I figured Noah would be born sometime early Thursday morning, not late in the evening on Wednesday! So around 7:20 the nurse came in and I began to push and totally calmed down. I was so completely numb from the epidural, but apparently I was doing pretty well because the nurse told the doctor that she didn’t think we needed to turn down the epidural. They brought in a large mirror so I could watch my progress. Before I was there it sounded gross to me, but I actually found it pretty amazing. As Noah began to crown the doctor and resident were called in, along with a couple people from NICU (Noah had pooed a lot in-utero and they were concerned about the possibility of him inhaling meconium). As his head emerged they asked me to stop pushing. My contractions were strong enough to do most of the work from there, and they asked me to give one final gentle push and then suddenly I saw him. It was surreal. He did give a few good cries initially, but he definitely wasn’t breathing so well. The NICU staff took him to the warmer and began suctioning fluid out. It took an agonizingly long time (Brian and I were very tense) and a ton of in-room monitoring before they finally felt comfortable placing him skin-to-skin with me (at which point he pooped all over my tummy!). They showed me my placenta, which I didn’t even realize was out. Turns out I had a rare umbilical cord connection. It’s called a battledore placenta, and the occurrence rate is 1/100. Nothing concerning, just unusual. So that’s that. It was fast, furious, and relatively pain-free (I didn’t feel a thing while pushing). I feel lucky to have had it so easy.

Noah is Here!

Noah Brian joyously entered our lives at 8:34pm on 4/21/10. He weighed 6lbs, 12oz, and measured 19.5 inches. More soon!

More Waiting

It was confirmed that my water definitely broke. No contractions yet, so I'll probably have Pitocin started in 2 hours to get labor going. Apparently when your water breaks before labor starts, there's a risk of infection to mom and baby so they only let you wait so long. It's hard to believe the day is here! I was getting so discouraged.

My mom and stepdad had talked about driving out, but instead they are boarding a plane as I type. They should be here shortly after the Pitocin starts. It will be nice to have some extra support!

Brian was just starting 1st period when I called him. Some of his students ran to the office and had them make an announcement to the whole school. It's like something out of a movie, too funny.

We're excited and ready to meet our son! I promise pictures soon after we return home.

Tidal Wave!

So we're about 99.9% sure my water has broken (more like exploded!). Brian is on his way home, and then we're off to the hospital! Wish me luck!!!!

(What a Happy 100th post!)

Still Cookin'! (40w0d)

Sigh, no baby yet. It's pretty wild to see my countdown at 0. Too bad that's not a guarantee of anything. I had my 40 week (and hopefully LAST) OB appointment this morning. At first the doctor said I hadn't progressed at all, then took it back and said I was definitely a good 2cm and about 70% effaced. Baby still has some dropping to do, being around -3 to -2, but the doctor seemed to think there was some definite progress made after all. He guessed that we'll see some action later this week, and I won't need induction. But I have a 41 week appointment scheduled next week to discuss induction if necessary. PLEASE SHOW UP BABY!! (Especially because Mom is starting to sprout stretch marks. Boo!)

40 week update:

Current cravings: Nothing

Current mood: Increasingly impatient

Current appetite: Normal

Current energy level: Lacking

Baby movement: He does a lot of stretching

Contractions: Getting more and more intense (uncomfortable) and frequent. Hoping that's a good sign!!!

Current weight: 133.5

I'm thinking that he looks lower than at 38 weeks.

Signs of Labor for Dummies

Does this book exist, because I would buy it!

(A word of warning: Some of this might be TMI, especially for relatives and friends who read for fun. I'm only putting it out there for some possible advice and support from fellow IFers. So don't blame me if I gross you out. You've been warned!)

I feel like I've gone back in time to the days of (mis)interpreting every little thing my body does to try to figure out if I'm pregnant. Except now every single twinge, cramp, discharge, etc. sends my mind spinning into a whirlwind of what-was-thats and does-it-mean-I'm-going-into-labor. At my appointment on Tuesday I failed to mention the giant gush of blood (not exaggerating ladies, it made quite the mess) that followed my cervical exam. The doctor looked mostly nonplussed, although there appeared to be a hint of surprise on his face. The nurse handed me a pad and the doctor reassured me it's normal to bleed after an exam. I spotted for the next two days, and on Wednesday there were some large brown clot looking things that showed up. I'm not sure if it was mucus plug or just after effects of my cervical assault. Then last night I woke up around 2:00 and had some funny cramps. It was mostly lower back ache that radiated around to the front and felt like menstrual cramps. I thought for sure it had to be the beginning of real contractions. But now I feel like it had to be psychosomatic because it lasted only about 30 minutes. Plus there didn't seem to be any tightening that went with it, just achiness. Ugh!

The last couple days I've tortured myself with shows like Bringing Home Baby and Baby Story. It's making me SO impatient. It doesn't help that a lot of the people I cycled with have recently given birth to their bundles of joy. So here's to hoping for a little miracle this weekend!

Help Support Denver Public Schools Mental Health!

39 Week Appointment

According to my doctor, the nurse tends to be a little more generous with her figures than he is. He estimated I'm about 1.5 cm dilated, 60% effaced, and baby is at -3 station. So not as dilated and definitely not as low as previously guessed. The doctor also made a guess on size today. He said I definitely don't have a big baby cooking, and we'll probably see him weigh somewhere around 7 pounds at birth. Can I get that in writing please? I predicted weeks ago that baby would arrive on the 16th (weighing 7lbs, 1 oz, 20.5in), but I'm feeling less hopeful after today. That's ok though. I'm in no real rush now that I'm on leave. It's kind of nice to relax and enjoy some alone time.

I feel a lot better physically today. I figured I lost a little weight after barely eating in 36 hours, but wasn't expecting 5 pounds! Today I weighed 134.9. Yikes! Better go get some Chubby Hubby! Baby seems just fine though, still moving a lot, and a heartbeat in the 130s. Glad he didn't have to feel my pain!

39w0d

When I envisioned maternity leave, I wasn't picturing my first official day including food poisoning/stomach flu. I feel awful! Thankfully baby seems to be weathering the storm okay. But there is nothing fun about stomach cramps, braxton hicks, and baby movement all at the same time. I got virtually no sleep last night because my stomach will not stop cramping. Ugh. I'm trying to drink a lot of fluids to keep hydrated, but it seems like as soon as something goes in it finds a way to come out. Lovely.

So much for relaxing and enjoying some me time before baby. Sigh.

39 week update:

Current cravings: Nothing

Current mood: Unhappy

Current appetite: Nonexistent

Current energy level: Exhausted

Baby movement: Squirmy

Contractions: Still here

Maternity Leave!

Dear Maternity Leave,

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Love,

Lisa

I can't believe it's here!! No work til August. No sitting at a desk for 8 hours after a sleepless night. Sweatpants every day if I so choose. And soon, sitting out on the patio in the beautiful spring weather with a tiny little bundle of baby boy joy! I am one happy girl tonight.

38 Week Stats

I had my 38 week appointment today. My total weight gain is 29 pounds. But the exciting part is... 2cm dilated and 50% effaced! Baby is at -1 station. His head is down and according to the nurse, "taking up your whole pelvis!" I'm hoping we see him this weekend. I'm all about an early arrival (anytime after work is over on Friday).

38w0d

What a relief to be back at work! (Words I thought I would never speak or type!!!) It's so nice checking more and more off of my to-do list. I thought I might get more and more stressed each day, but I feel very relaxed after today. Things just might get done! Phew.

Breastfeeding class was ok. They spent too much time talking about the benefits of it (if we weren't already on board to give this a try, we wouldn't have spent the money on this class), but the other info was pretty helpful. There were an awful lot of video clips, and afterwards Brian complained that the class "ruined boobs" for him. Now they are "gross." Yeah... just imagine how a lot of women feel about boy parts...

We had a nice Easter. I had my worst bout of insomnia following an EARLY am bathroom trip, so I finally gave up and got a snack and drink and laid on the couch. I finally fell back asleep and woke up again when Brian came downstairs. A few minutes later I got up to use the bathroom again, and noticed a small plastic egg hidden in a fake plant. At first I thought maybe my mom had hidden some eggs before she left, or left some for Brian to hide. But I quickly realized that Brian had purchased and hidden them all on his own. (Poor guy gets no credit!) It was so sweet and thoughtful of him. I searched the whole house and also discovered an Easter basket filled with my favorite candies during this pregnancy. It made me cry. So cute! Later on, a friend from grad school invited us over for dinner since we're all transplants here away from family. It was a fun evening. Next year will be fun, when we can dress up our little guy like a bunny (or something equally embarrassing to show future girlfriends... now that's thinking ahead!).

38 week update:

Current cravings: I had a craving for steak Saturday night. Yum!

Current mood: Eager and filled with anticipation!

Current appetite: Normal

Current energy level: I've been getting super tired super easily

Baby movement: He was a total wild man this morning. I really thought I was going to scare children with my thrashing belly. Luckily he settled down.

Contractions: They might be getting a little stronger and longer, but no more frequent. (Hold on til Friday, Baby!)

Full-term baby bump :)

Waiting and Wondering

When I look at my baby ticker and see a number in the teens, it blows my mind! Sometimes it seems like this pregnancy has flown by, but then other times, it feels like I've been pregnant forever. Thinking back to those first lupron shots in July, it's hard to believe we're almost to the final outcome. I can't wait to meet the little guy and learn more about him! Ever since the 3D u/s, I've been wondering just how true those images were.

Spring break has been very relaxing. I was able to let go of the work stress, and realized that whenever baby comes, he comes. Someone else will take care of the mess left behind if it comes to that. I can't control mother nature! (Although I'm still really hoping he'll stick around until Friday so I can leave work on my own terms, knowing I did all I could.) My mom came on Sunday afternoon and spent a few days hanging out and cooking meals to freeze for us. It's hard to believe that the next time I see her, I'll be a mom too! Gilbert got a haircut this week as well, so he's looking his best for his baby brother's impending arrival. Poor little guy's whole world is about to get turned upside down! Yesterday Brian and I did some last minute shopping to get my "go bag" all ready. Now it just needs to be packed.

Today we have a breastfeeding class lined up, and I'm stopping by to see a friend who is going to loan me some of her old maternity clothing. I complained to Facebook yesterday that nothing fits anymore (I know, I know... it's kind of a sin to complain about pregnancy on Facebook in the IF world, but whatever. I was grumpy.), and she sent me a message asking if I wanted to borrow anything. How sweet! I also found out yesterday that one of my friends is pregnant and due in October. She was going to tell me at my shower, but she was afraid she would steal my thunder. As if! I may have been able to figure it out if I was paying any attention, but I guess I was too distracted to notice that she wasn't drinking her champagne. :)

Have a Happy Easter!