38 Weeks...He Arrived! Graysen's Birth Story: Part 1

Sorry bloggy friends for being absent. I have been a little preoccupied with an amazing early birthday present! Graysen Harold was born when I was 38 weeks exactly. He weighed 6lbs 6oz and was 17.5in. The labor and delivery went very well...it was after that that things took a turn for the worse! We are all home and doing very well now! He grew an inch and a half in the 6 days he's been alive and he continues to be a content and happy baby!

Graysen's Birth Story
Part 1

CAUTION

If you are pregnant for the first time or have never been pregnant, read with caution and know that this is NOT how a normal labor and delivery goes. I had a very rare and serious thing happen after he was born and almost lost my life. Thankfully, the doctors at the birth center are AMAZING and I'm here today to tell you my story!

It all started on Monday, May 14th at 4:30pm in the doctor's office for my 38th week appointment. Actually...I should probably back up a couple weeks and explain what was happening in our life. We were doing a ton of landscaping, getting ready for a graduation that we were hosting on May 18th, school at this time of the year is very hectic and everyday life was going on. Basically, I was VERY ACTIVE.

Ok...back to the doctor. He told me that I was dilated to 5cm, 50% effaced and baby was at 0 station. He said it wouldn't be long...

I looked at him and said, "REALLY??? I'll make it through Friday though right? I am having a graduation at my house!" He said...I don't think so! I didn't really think anything too much of it...I didn't imagine that things would go as fast as they did after that!

I went home after running to Hancock Fabrics to get some foam to make a mattress for the cradle that I had when I was baby that is in our living room. I called Tim, who was coaching softball 30 minutes away in an area with no reception. He didn't answer and so I waited and waited for him to finally call me back. I told him what the doctor had said and he came home right away. To be safe...he put towels and garbage bags under the sheet on my side of the bed just in case my water broke in the middle of the night. He did not want our new mattress ruined! :/

I had contractions that evening that were a little closer than normal. I had been having them for months though and they weren't anything that I couldn't continue to do my normal activities. The birth center nurse said to try and get some sleep and see what progresses. I continued to have contractions all night but evidently fell asleep in the middle of timing them because I woke up at 6 to get ready for school with the cell phone underneath me...timer still going!

I took a shower, got dressed and continued to get ready for the day. My kindergartners were going on a field trip and taking a train ride, but I was going to be teaching 1st grade. The doctor said awhile ago that she didn't think I should ride the train so close to my due date and so far away from the hospital so the 1st grade teacher and I were going to switch classes for the day. Everything seemed normal. My back hurt slightly but that was about it. Then...as I was just about to walk out the door, I decided that I should probably use the bathroom. That's when it happened! There was the bloody show!

I called the birth center and they said to come in right away to get checked. The birth center is 45 minutes away, but I knew I didn't have to hurry. It was the first baby and they never come very fast! I called school and told them that Tim and I would not be there. Tim called my mom to come in and sub for him and then he went to drop off his lesson plans and books to her while I called our Doula. Finally...Tim and I were on the road on our way to the hospital. Of course...there was construction, but we got through without having to stop and all of the big equipment moved for us because Tim yelled out the window that I was in labor. The contractions were now coming more frequently, but still it was virtually painless. I had had menstrual cramps that were worse.

We arrived at the hospital around 9am. They checked me and the doctor said that I was dilated to 6cm and 65% effaced. I was going to be admitted. Our Doula, Juanita met us at the hospital shortly after that. I did a lot of walking the halls and positions to try to move baby downward. (He was at 0 Station on Monday and the stubborn little thing decided to go backwards and was -3 Station on Tuesday morning.) I was still feeling really good at this point...I even ordered lunch from Room Service! A turkey sandwich was LONG overdue!! I was so excited to eat lunch meat! 

Still feeling pretty good.Contractions are coming, but nothing very painful. Mmmm Goldfish Crackers to go with my sandwich for lunch! 

Monitoring Contractions...nothing too extreme yet. 

Still feeling good for the most part. Excited to get this show on the road. They had to monitor his heart rate and my contractions for 15 minutes every hour. 

Contractions are getting stronger and closer together, but my water still hadn't broken yet. 

At around 1pm, the doctor came in to check me. I was at 7cm and 75% effaced. He said that he wanted to break my water. I really didn't want to do that. He said he would give me until 3:30 to see if things started progressing more. He also said that if we lived in Rochester, he would send me home and wait for my water to break or things to really pick up, but since we live 45 minutes away from the hospital and things were moving very fast in the beginning, he didn't want to risk me not being able to get back to the hospital. We agreed that at 3:30pm, if things didn't pick up, he could break my water. 

Needless to say...3:30 came and my water hadn't broke on its own yet.

The doctor decided to then and there break my water...

Part 2 coming soon...

38 Week Dr. Appointment

Well, had my 38 week appointment today and the doctor said things are really progressing. I'm already dilated to 5cm, 50% effaced and his head is at 0 Station! Half way there already! 

He asked about contractions and yes, I've been having them, but honestly, I've had menstrual cramps that were worse.  

We are hosting a graduation at our house on Friday and the doctor doesn't seem to think I'll be there or maybe I'll go during. I really hope he either comes tonight or tomorrow morning and I can be home on Thursday, or... he waits until Saturday. Either way, he's coming soon! 

We are so excited! Now...to get to work so I can get some things done for school seeing as I won't be there much longer! 

37 Weeks...FULL TERM!

I'm now considered FULL TERM!!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Sorry for being a little absent lately. Things are getting very uncomfortable around here and we are eagerly getting things ready for Graysen's arrival among other things like hosting a Graduation at our house this weekend, getting Kindergarten in order for their Graduation and all of those end of the school year things that need to get done early just in case I go before school gets out. 

How Far Along: 37 Weeks 4 Days

Total Weight Gain: 35 lbs approx. I lost 1/2 a lb when at my last appointment but I go again tomorrow, so...we'll see!

Milestones: Baby is considered FULL TERM! He's developed his most crucial functions!

Baby Is The Size Of: a Winter Melon!

Sleep:Well, it's been a little better this week, but only because we have been frantically trying to get our house ready inside and out for the Graduation that we are hosting on Friday. Landscaping, being outside and teaching Kindergarten all day can really tire a pregnant lady out! Still not comfortable though and leg/hip/knee pain is STILL THERE!

Best Moment This Week: Reaching Full Term and getting the landscaping basically finished. 

Miss Anything?: Right now I miss my non-pregnant body more than ever! I am so uncomfortable and sore. I just want to be able to do the normal daily activities again like the dishes! That sounds crazy, but at work yesterday at the golf course, I was cleaning up the kitchen after serving a meal to 50 firefighters and my belly is too big so it bumps into the counter and I'm not tall enough for it to be over the counter so reaching into the sink to do dishes was a pain...and I mean downright painful! 

Movement?:Still movement but it hurts so bad when he does. His foot has been jabbed up into my ribs on the left side now for awhile and it has been excruciatingly painful all week!  

Food Cravings: No cravings. Food actually doesn't even sound good lately. My appetite has been very poor.

Things That Make Me Queasy: I wish I could say no queasiness, but I've been sick to my stomach all week. (Especially when I'm having a contraction!)

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: Right now, I'm not sure if the contractions are Braxton's or not. I am having a ton of pain in my pubic area and something is definitely opening up down there. I'm having sharp pains "up there" when having a contraction now. Low back pain and cramping are now happening a lot, not to mention the contractions are all over my uterus now, top, bottom, sides... Baby has dropped, but I still am not comfortable. Being short leaves no room for him to move which makes me unable to move as well! 

Symptoms: I have reached the point, where waddling is a must. A week ago even, movement was pretty good. All of a sudden, I'm in a ton of pain all the time, I'm unable to move, swelling is increasing and I'm ready to be done! I used to be able to say that I felt great most of the time, and just after a long day, I would be sore and tired, but I wake up sore now. I still have quite a bit of energy, but it's not really so much energy as nesting. 

Inny or Outy: Out!

Wedding Band On or Off: Off and this week, I'm not sure if I could put it on if I wanted to! My right hand is more swollen than the left, but I'm definitely retaining more water now. 

Mood Most Of The Time: Overall, I'm very happy, but I'm also anxious to get everything in order for Graduation this weekend, the end of the year at school and Graysen's arrival. I'm actually eager for Graysen's arrival more than anxious. My dad would quickly correct me or ask me to clarify. I know you are reading this Dad thinking..."Are you really anxious or are you eager? There is a difference!" 

Looking Forward To: Graduation on Friday and Graysen's arrival! (Hopefully in that order!)

Here is what we've been working on at our house. The fence isn't quite done yet, but it's close. We needed to get the landscaping done first so we Tim and Tom didn't have to work around the fence to rebuild the sidewalk and flower beds. We didn't take any good before pictures, which I realized when it was almost done, so you'll just have to look at the after and know that it was a "JUNGLE" of lilies and hostas before! I'm so happy with the results!

This is the south side of our house in the front. The building on the left is our neighbor's garage. Our property goes all the way up to their garage. You can see that the fence is almost complete. A panel and a gate are all that's needed on this side. Plus cutting down the posts, but that's it. We redid the sidewalk going into the backyard, so the guys didn't want to finish the fence until that's done. This area was literally covered in lilies and hostas. We transplanted the hostas so that they made more sense and added a rose tree and hydrangeas...my favorite flower in the whole world!

This is along the south side of our house. This area was full of blue bells that were probably 80 years old or more. They were there when my dad grew up here. (This was my dad's childhood home.) My grandma planted them many many moons ago. Her birthday would have been May 1st. She would have been 105 years old and my grandpa would have been 119 years on the 7th. I tried desperately to save some because I have fond memories of picking them when I was little and knowing spring was here because the blue bells were out at Grandma's. The ones I transplanted did not survive. I have a couple pictures of them so that will have to do. Who knows...they are so hearty that they may even pop up through the new rock next year.

Here is another view of the south side of the porch. These flowers all remind me of Dr. Seuss, especially the pink ones. I didn't take a close up picture of those, but they have a little patch of grass and then these pink flowers that look like Trufulla Trees popping up.

Our new newly redone sidewalk to the back yard. The fence will be put up across here soon and we will have a gate leading to the backyard. We have to replace a couple tiles though because the packer cracked a couple. Oh well...at least it was just 4 and not all 52! There were also blue bells in this area along the side of the house. 

Hydrangeas!! I love them! They were our wedding flowers!

Here is a picture of the back of our garage. This was also a mess. It was supposed to be covered in red mulch from the previous owners but that was basically gone and plants were again planted in very random places. We took some out, moved some and added the rock. We also extended it to the fence for a finished look. That empty space was on purpose since we are planning on adding a door from the garage to the backyard in that spot next summer. The guy that added on the garage didn't put a door to the backyard. 

Another picture but includes more of the fence. Still need to cut off the tops of the fence posts.

Here is back of our house. 

This is the north side of the house and the garage. This area was a little smaller and we brought it out to the end of the driveway and fence. We moved a couple plants around here too and added a rose bush. Our hydrangeas on this side are a little slow going this year. They were coming along great with the very early warm weather and then had a setback when we had unexpected frost...They'll make it, they'll just be late. 

I should have taken a picture of the whole house from across the street, but maybe in the next post. But...that's what we have been working on frantically for the last couple weeks!

36 Weeks and... Another Shower!

How Far Along: 36 Weeks 4 Days

Total Weight Gain: 35 lbs approx. 

Milestones: Baby's getting closer and closer to breathing on his own and his liver and kidneys are in working order. His circulatory system and immune system are good to go as well!

Baby Is The Size Of: a Honeydew Melon!

Sleep:Sleep still stinks. Last night was a good night, but I'm not sure why. Besides getting up to pee all the time and trying to find a comfortable position, my mind won't shut off! I know it will only be in like 2 hour chunks, but at least sleep will be more comfortable after he comes!

Best Moment This Week: My wonderful friend Cassie, threw a kick-ass baby shower for me with the help of a few other friends. I have the best friends ever!!! I'll put pictures at the bottom!

Miss Anything?: I still miss coffee, lunch meat and being able to bend over/sit/walk/sleep/etc with ease!! Things are getting very uncomfortable!

Movement?:He's moving a lot. It's different though and really hurts when he does. It's more like he's adjusting himself and it's big turns instead of kicks. 

Food Cravings: No cravings...did make Auntie Anne's Pretzels today from scratch. Those were one of my cravings in the beginning. Still love them!!

Things That Make Me Queasy: No queasiness overall!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: No real labor signs. We have an appointment tomorrow and they'll be checking to see if I'm dilated yet. I can feel him moving lower and lower and I'm having stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. I am also having a lot of pelvic pain/pressure. 

Symptoms: Name a symptom and I have it. Heartburn, indigestion, aches, pains, pelvic pain/pressure, sore legs and feet, mild swelling, shortness of breathe...the other night, the stabbing heartburn was back. I'm not sure if it has something to do with the position I was sleeping or not, but again, it shot me out of bed and was a constant stabbing for about an hour. :( I'll be glad to be done with that!

Inny or Outy: Out!

Wedding Band On or Off:  Off, but I can still wear it. It just bugs me since it's tighter than it used to be.  

Mood Most Of The Time: Happy, anxious, nervous, excited...I'm every emotion rolled into one right now. I'm so ready for him to be here, but still trying to get the last minute things in order since he could come any day now. 

Looking Forward To: Graysen being here and our landscaping done!!!

I said I would post pictures of my last shower, 

so...here they are. 

I love these girls! College roommates!

Cassie made some scrumptious food!

Gracie made it too!

Another college roomie!

Opening presents begins...

This is an awesome book that my friend, Heidi gave us. It actually flashes like a real camera!

More books! Everyone brought a book instead of a card! Love that!

One of two Boppys!

Our baby carrier!

"The Poky Little Puppy"...a true classic! One of my favorites as a child. Lindsi even gave an "antique" copy! 

Hmmm...awesome wrapping Lindsey! This took a lot of physics she informed us! :) 

Yay!! A Bumbo!  

Cassie commented at this time that baby things have the dumbest names..."Boppy, Bumbo, Tiddliwinks..."

Bad picture but shows my excitement over everything! I love my friends!

Thanks for a great shower Cass!

I have the best friends...EVER!

35 Weeks!

How Far Along: 35 Weeks 4 Days

Total Weight Gain: 35 lbs approx. 

Milestones: Baby's hearing is fully developed and his testes are fully descended!

Baby Is The Size Of: a Butternut Squash

Sleep: Sleep is awful. I cannot get comfortable...jumbo pillow or no pillow. I just want to sleep on my back!!!!!!!! I've also been up thinking/stressing about some other things lately which doesn't help! I seems like when I get up to use the bathroom around 3am that I never go back to sleep. My mind/body won't let me!

Best Moment This Week: Getting to have lunch with a great friend who is also pregnant! Tim also fixed the closet door in the nursery so it stays shut and hung up the hook rack. I also bought a super adorable lion hat for him to wear in his newborn pictures!

Miss Anything?: Still miss my non-pregnant body right now. I love my pregnant body and how amazing the whole thing is, but I want to be able to bend over and pick things up. I want to be able to walk up the stairs or get in and out of bed without getting winded. 4 1/2 weeks left!

Movement?:Movement has slowed down a little. He still moves a lot but it's so tight in there and he's making his way down for his big reveal. When he does move, it's more like he's turning over or adjusting instead of kicking and frankly, it kind of hurts. Sometimes he ''tickles'' under my belly. That's a weird feeling. 

Food Cravings: Still no cravings and still hard to eat big meals. I can't weight for the pressure to be off my stomach/ribs/lungs/intestines.... 

Things That Make Me Queasy: No queasiness overall!

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: No true labor signs necessarily, but having contractions daily and can feel my pelvic bone stretching and getting ready. I think I may be slowly losing my mucus plug as well. For some of you that may seem like TMI, but it's funny how being pregnant, you find yourself using words like perineum and mucus plug/discharge etc. without hesitation!! :/

Symptoms: Basically, my body is ready to be done with being pregnant! Shortness of breath,aches, pains, tiredness, I have it all! I guess I can't complain too much, because it could be worse, but I'm ready for him to be here and to not feel like this anymore!  

Inny or Outy: Out!

Wedding Band On or Off:  Off, but I can still wear it. It just bugs me since it's tighter than it used to be.  

Mood Most Of The Time: Happy overall. This was a long week. My emotions are obviously a little more sensitive than normal and I had my moments of weakness this week. Little things are a big deal lately and this is a very stressful time of the year at school. I'm just trying to relax and take things one day at a time...though I am trying to get ahead and things ready in case I do go into labor and have to have a sub come in at any given moment!

Looking Forward To: Graysen being here and my shower on Saturday!

My Pregnancy Lifesavers!

Here are a few things that have helped me tremendously throughout this pregnancy. There are many more, but these are the things that popped into my head first.

Bolthouse Farms Juices: They are packed with vitamins, nutrients, fruits and veggies. They are very similar to Naked Juices, but Naked Juices are only partially pasteurized and so you shouldn't really drink them while pregnant since you are supposed to only have pasteurized things. 

Goldfish Crackers: These really helped when I was so nauseous in the beginning. I still am really liking them now at 35 weeks. Well, I've always liked them, but they are a good grab and go snack. 

Oh Kraft Macaroni and Cheese...how I love thee! I know that I am approaching 30 years of age in a couple years, but I still love Macaroni and Cheese. This was one food that I actually could stomach while having morning all day sickness!

Leachco Back 'n Belly Pillow: This pillow was a God sent! Sleep now is going to be miserable no matter what...pillow or no pillow, but this pillow helped so much. I'm glad I got it as early as I did. It can be used for breastfeeding later as well. My husband will tell you that this is why we had to upgrade to a King Sized bed, but it was well worth it!!

Ina May's Guild to Childbirth: A friend recently gave me this book to read and it was so inspiring. Ina May is a well-known midwife and her stories are so empowering. If you are expecting, you should really read this!

What To Expect When You're Expecting: Ok...so some refer to this as the "pregnancy Bible". I did/do read it religiously every week to check on baby's progress and my symptoms. It's very informative and pretty much has everything you'll need to know as you are going through these major changes. 

Honey Nut Cheerios: Another staple in my diet...especially when I was sick. Cereal has always been one of my favorite foods. 

Edy's Fruit Bars: These ROCK MY WORLD! My husband loves them too! They also tasted great when those bouts of nausea would come on.  

Maternity Cardigans: Ok...any cardigan in general. I wore a ton of cardigans before pregnant, and now that I'm pregnant, they are still a staple in my wardrobe. I have a couple "maternity" ones, but I am wearing a lot of the ones that I had before I was pregnant. They seem to flatter you while being very forgiving! Not to mention...they are easy to throw on over a maternity t-shirt which I will talk about next. 

Maternity T-Shirts: Liz Lange for Target has some great maternity t-shirts. I pretty much live in maternity t-shirts and cardigans. I do did still wear long-sleeve t-shirts that were just longer in length for the longest time, but now...I pretty much have to wear "maternity" ones. I love them though...they are easy to throw on over a maternity/long tank top and then throw a cardigan over the top. I bought a few other maternity tops, but it's the t-shirts that I live in! 

Maternity/Long Tank Tops: They are a MUST! They work great under t-shirts, cardigans, etc. The ones from Target are so soft and wash up so nice. I basically wear one to work every day and then sleep in one every night!

LifeFactory Glass Water Bottles: I LOVE my LifeFactory Water Bottle. They have various sizes and also baby bottles of various sizes. They are glass and then have a silicone cover. You throw them in the dishwasher, cover and all and you are good to go. It makes me feel so much better about a reusable water bottle than the plastic ones do. Also, I'm kind of clumsy and I drop mine often...the silicone cover really does protect it! I love the colors they come in too!

My Camera: Tim bought me a Canon Powershot SX40 HS for Christmas. It was the best gift ever! He really surprised me with it! I was mad at first because I thought he spent way too much on it, but it was so worth it! I use it all the time! We needed something to take pictures/video of the baby when he arrives. Little did I know that it would be documenting my whole pregnancy! 

Last but certainly not least....my husband, friends and family! They have been so supportive during this whole pregnancy. We have had a lot of ups and downs and they have been there every step of the way. My husband has been WONDERFUL throughout this whole thing. When I was uber sick and crabby, he was there to make me a PB & J sandwich, bring it to me on the couch, force me to eat it and then clean the house. He went to basically every doctor appointment, except when he had a game. (He coaches football and softball.) He put/puts up with my crabbiness and never hardly ever complains! 

My friend and family were awesome as well. I got the joy of sharing this pregnancy with several friends. It's so nice to have someone going through the same thing at the same time as you. You need someone to bounce things off of and vent/downright bitch to. Someone who is going through the same gross things you are and understands. Believe me...pregnancy is downright yucky at times! 

Thank you to everyone who has been there through this all!

MB