tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51098042026265222962024-02-18T23:56:52.573-08:00The Studer BakerWe've got another bun in the oven!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-86764060889562149842014-03-10T21:37:00.001-07:002014-03-13T17:12:21.536-07:00It's a Girl!After Fridays evening's repeat non-stress test we decided to move forward with a repeat cesarean on Saturday morning. The fluid levels were up within a normal range, but the heat rate had more dips than before. The straight cord was also still observed. <div><br></div><div>Friday night we prepared, packed, tidied up the house and made a last minute grocery trip. We called Aunt Marcia and she came the following morning at 7 am. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Davin and I said goodbye to the kids and left for the hospital at 8 am. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We arrived by 8:30 for my two hours of surgery prep which had an additional two hours of waiting due to the surgeon and anesthesiologist in turn being needed elsewhere. I waited hooked up to the monitor listening to the galloping horse hooves of my baby's heart beat. Davin read to me which always relaxes me.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Finally a little after noon everyone was ready and it was my turn. I got nervous. The IV had been bad enough to get in and occasionally stung. I had to hold my wrist a certain way to help the fluids flow the way they should. Now it was time for the worst of it - being separated from Davin while I was prepped in a bright operating room surrounded by staff in masks and getting a spinal poked in my back. </div><div><br></div><div>Thankfully the staff was most wonderful. My nurse, Melissa, was kind and talkative which helped my nervousness. The anesthesiologist lightened the mood by telling jokes though he had a bit of trouble with the spinal because I wasn't rounding my back enough. It's hard to bend over a pregnant belly! Also my midwife, Patty, was there and has a mothering presence. I trusted her recommendation for this surgery knowing she wanted my VBAC if it was a safe choice.</div><div><br></div><div>The spinal finally went in, I was laid back as the warm heaviness took over my legs. The curtain was raised and Davin was by my side holding my hand. It wasn't long before I could feel the pressure of strong tugging I knew meant baby was emerging. </div><div><br></div><div>The magical moment of birth. Life's first cry. My own tears of happiness and relief. I wasn't able to feel it or see it as I wished, but baby was here and that's all that matters. Everyone knew not to blurt out the gender. I wanted to see for myself. They counted down the seconds to allow the cord to pulse for a full minute before camping. That was the longest minute. Then baby was brought around the curtain and I could see. A girl! A beautiful, perfect, healthy girl. I watched the nurses clean and weigh her to my left side while the doctor stitched me up. I couldn't take my eyes off her. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Now we knew her name: Brielle Moya Grace. She was 8 pounds 9 ounces, 21.5 inches long with a 14 inch head. </span></div><div><br></div><div>Soon she was swaddled and in Davin's arms. He brought her close to me so I could touch and kiss her. Once the doctors were done Brielle was given to me for the ride to the recovery room. While I was observed Brielle nursed for the first time. Melissa also made her a cute hat with a bow and gave her a quick bath. They were concerned with my heavy bleeding for a bit but it finally slowed. Feeling started to return to my legs. I was eager to finish the two hour recovery period and move tommy room so we could show her off to Nana and Papa who we're waiting. </div><div><br></div><div>I forget if it was in the operating room or recovery, but we learned why this birth wasn't meant to be vaginal. Brielle's cord was only a little more than half as long as the normal three foot cord. Also there was a straight section of cord with a kink at the end of it held in place by scar tissue. We knew about the straight section from the non-stress test but not the kink. If she had descended into my pelvis or birthed vaginally there was a good chance her life support would have been cut off. God's plans are perfect and I'm so thankful for the wisdom of the midwife who felt something wasn't right. Brielle, which means "from the high hill or one who ascends" was meant to stay high and disengaged even at 41 weeks until I was ready to learn of and accept Gods plan.</div><div><br></div><div>As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (Psalms 18:30 NKJV)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4BdC7FpigjIhRFU-lN2m9QCA4vRcWItwDCsIIQvHK_yo_lj1fI6-qJa7oxyl9Ob73TsTTRve-R-QH_MXXDWaOADkZdT_wY-QecdYHyoiXLjaDaAb41BrQQHhCoSNe88T0fEKPvxM3hyphenhyphenF/s640/blogger-image-380243041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4BdC7FpigjIhRFU-lN2m9QCA4vRcWItwDCsIIQvHK_yo_lj1fI6-qJa7oxyl9Ob73TsTTRve-R-QH_MXXDWaOADkZdT_wY-QecdYHyoiXLjaDaAb41BrQQHhCoSNe88T0fEKPvxM3hyphenhyphenF/s640/blogger-image-380243041.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwq_Oyu6q_Jg6oo39oC0rV7WUkTmXhDVtScenOmP0ak8bIaOkuxqswe6qHhYBwX_BzgUNFvaSVbBLs8NyVV48_on22j3Ko8riz4wtHDT87qqFmrqj928XARBmQMvdOv7dvMwhhTyLdbhl/s640/blogger-image-1169123183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwq_Oyu6q_Jg6oo39oC0rV7WUkTmXhDVtScenOmP0ak8bIaOkuxqswe6qHhYBwX_BzgUNFvaSVbBLs8NyVV48_on22j3Ko8riz4wtHDT87qqFmrqj928XARBmQMvdOv7dvMwhhTyLdbhl/s640/blogger-image-1169123183.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwq_Oyu6q_Jg6oo39oC0rV7WUkTmXhDVtScenOmP0ak8bIaOkuxqswe6qHhYBwX_BzgUNFvaSVbBLs8NyVV48_on22j3Ko8riz4wtHDT87qqFmrqj928XARBmQMvdOv7dvMwhhTyLdbhl/s640/blogger-image-1169123183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><br></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-79179154831427380042014-02-28T16:10:00.001-08:002014-03-13T05:03:32.759-07:00Non-stress Test at 41 WeeksAt 11:00 I had my first non-stress test for this "overdue" baby. It felt surreal to be standing by myself in labor and delivery waiting for an available nurse. I was taken to triage and then waited for half an hour before the nurse came in. She measured my fluid and said it was on the low side (7.43). They like it to be above 8. Then I got hooked up to the monitors and baby was moving enough that it was a bit hard to keep the heartbeat. Then I waited and waited. They monitored me over an hour. I was starting to get antsy. Finally the nurse connected with my midwife and I spoke to Patty on the phone. As I suspected things don't look ideal. The fluid is low, a section of the cord showed possible signs of compression due to low fluid, and baby's heartbeat kept having little dips another possible indication of cord compression. That along with two prior cesareans and being a week late means they want to deliver this baby. Now. The midwife is willing to let me go until tomorrow or Sunday at the latest. She said I could get a second opinion, but the doctor would probably want me to go straight to the operating room. <div><br></div><div>So here I am at home. Davin went back to work for the last couple hours of the day to wrap things up for being out the next couple weeks. I'm waiting until family is off of work to make the calls for childcare and visitors tomorrow. The plan is to have a repeat cesarean at 10:30 tomorrow morning. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm still wrapping my mind and emotions around it. I've put a lot of work into trying to have a successful VBAC, but things are not in my favor. However, I don't want to put baby in any risk just so I can experience the empowerment of a vaginal birth. But surgery has risks, too, and I'm not looking forward to being cut open again. On the other hand it's nice to keep things intact "down there" and I've always healed nicely from a cesarean. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow is Dad's birthday. A grandchild for your birthday is a nice gift! </div><div><br></div><div>The next post will have baby pictures. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-86519912401903803052014-02-24T13:55:00.001-08:002014-02-24T13:55:06.891-08:00Due Dates Come and GoSaturday was my original due date and today is my modified due date based on an early ultrasound. I don't feel like I'm going into labor any time soon. Of course, one of these days it has to happen.<div><br></div><div>I had my final midwife appointment on Friday with Patty. She thinks it's beneficial to strip membranes for several days in a row to get labor started. There is a risk the bag of waters could break and then we'd have to deliver baby that day. Another of the midwives, Janelle, doesn't feel membrane stripping does anything. Baby comes when baby's ready. Well, I let Patty try, but she said my cervix "isn't favorable." She could barely reach it and it isn't effaced or dialated at all. She estimated that baby is still at a -3 station. In other words nothing is happening. I opted not to come in for further attempts to strip membranes since I doubt my cervix is ready for that after only a day or two and I don't want to set the timer yet by accidentally breaking my water. </div><div><br></div><div>I have a non-stress test scheduled for this coming Friday at the hospital. That will put me at about 41 weeks (depending which due date you go with). Patty said another of my favorite phrases, "We don't want you to go too long." I can schedule a cesarean any day I want. Bleh!</div><div><br></div><div>I don't like hearing these things again, feeling like everyone's ready to throw in the towel. Some days I want to, too. It would be so easy. It could be over and done with. I could be holding my baby tonight. But I feel so invested in a VBAC already or at least starting labor on my own. I've hired a great doula, I've been doing physical therapy exercises, perineal stretching, and optimal baby positioning techniques. I want to attempt a vaginal birth, but it would sure help if this baby would get things moving for me. </div><div><br></div><div>Why do I want a VBAC so badly? For a few reasons. I want to know I can do it. I want to be more involved in my baby's birth not just strapped to a table feeling removed from both the delivery and the immediate bonding with baby. I want to hold the baby first. I want to see and feel the moment of birth and that first cry rather than staring at a blue curtain. Also I don't want a third major abdominal surgery, longer recovery, longer hospital stay. And I'm not saying we will, but if there is a fourth child, a VBAC will make that easier, too.</div><div><br></div><div>We'll see what Friday brings. Maybe it will show something that will require a cesarean. Or maybe it will show a perfectly healthy, happy baby that can wait it out a bit longer. It will be nice to check and see. Meanwhile I do kick counts and try to be patient.</div><div><br></div><div>I wonder if baby wants to come on someone's birthday - Grammy's is Wednesday, Dad's is Saturday, and Grandpa's 90th is next Tuesday.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-52711393453367400482014-02-18T16:04:00.001-08:002014-02-18T16:04:36.166-08:00Labor ConditioningI've started going to a physical therapist specializing in women's pelvic issues. I feel the exercises are helping, but I must say its hard getting in 100 Kegels a day! I feel I can hold the contraction pretty well, but when I'm hooked up to the biofeedback machine I see that I lose it pretty quickly. <div><br></div><div>Yesterday she used the biofeedback to get real numbers on labor positions that help me be most relaxed and offer the strongest pushing. I was surprised that standing was a nice one for me as well as all fours (though my arms would get tired pretty quick). I also did well with the more traditional reclined with legs up position, but that isn't ideal for baby rotation so I'd like to stay away from that one if possible.</div><div><br></div><div>I met with my doula, Amanda, on Saturday and I feel really good about working with her. She's knowledgeable in spinning babies, which I've been researching. She's willing to do some positions with me before labor and helped me go through a birth plan. I'm holding on to my birth plan loosely, but I really want to focus on baby positioning rather than traditional medical labor augmentation. I also like that she can come over during early labor to help me know the best time to head to the hospital. I'd love to do as much laboring at home as possible.</div><div><br></div><div>So with my physical therapy exercising and baby positioning, I feel I have a full day of labor conditioning. I'm also doing perineal massage which is not my favorite, but if it helps this baby come out easier, I'm willing to put in extra work for that. </div><div><br></div><div>My kick counts have still been quick and easy. When baby is sleeping I feel worried a bit because they take about half an hour instead of the usual 5-10 minutes. So I try to wake baby up and then kicks are just fine. Davin teases me that nighttime waking a with a newborn will just be payback for my need to have a quick kick count.</div><div><br></div><div>We're getting down to the wire. Saturday is my due date. I'd love for this baby to come on time! Still I'm trying to prepare myself for hanging out here for another week and a half or so. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-57901818119993169342014-02-01T15:25:00.001-08:002014-02-01T15:25:48.574-08:00PainAbout 20 days left. I should be loving this unique, only-going-to-happen-once time with my baby. There are moments I love feeling him or her twirling, stretching, and kicking inside, but more and more I'm feeling done. When this little one is awake it's constant motion. My body is not my own. <div><br></div><div>The worst of it by far is my pelvic pain. I don't like saying my pain is bad, but really there are times it's severe. And it's getting worse. By the end of the day I shuffle across the room and sometimes have to stop completely to catch my breath. It's brought me to tears. Laying down only helps if I don't have to move... at all. I can barely roll over in bed, walking and getting dressed hurt, and last night trying to hang curtains in the nursery I couldn't lift my leg to step on a low stool. The pain was too intense. Any motion where I'm moving one leg at a time is excruciating.</div><div><br></div><div>I did talk about it with my midwife yesterday, and she said I could go to physical therapy, but I'm unfamiliar with my new insurance and have to figure out if I need an official referral or not before I can go. She wasn't worried about it affecting labor, but I am. It's that bad. Today I'm icing mid-day whereas I usually I can get by without needing that until evening. </div><div><br></div><div>20 days. Hopefully relief will come quickly after delivery.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-25257414356352373082014-01-30T15:05:00.001-08:002014-01-30T15:05:58.767-08:00Baby SpinningAs I'm researching vaginal birth I'm learning new things about my first labor. Desmond and I labored 46 hours before he came out via cesarean. I came across the website spinningbabies.com and the more I read the more I see how Desmond's poor positioning was stalling my labor. I even read about a swollen cervix on the site which I'd never heard of before and was told it meant I had to deliver via cesarean five and a half years ago. Not so. If I had someone who knew ways to encourage proper baby positioning I could have had a very different experience. Desmond was posterior and couldn't descend properly.<div><br></div><div>I want to try again. I'm learning some exercises and stretches I can do even now to encourage proper baby positioning. I want to chat with my midwife about it tomorrow. I wonder if they "spin" babies or have other input on what I can do now and during labor. It would be so nice to birth this baby all in one day. I'm willing to stand on my head to do it.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-46915950219018327612014-01-28T13:28:00.001-08:002014-01-28T13:28:33.868-08:00Practice ContractionsLast night baby was bouncing around inside me for a good two hours. I didn't even bother counting kicks; there were definitely enough. Along with the movement I began feeling contractions. They lasted about thirty minutes, and I knew they had to be Braxton Hicks because it's way too early for me to be in labor. They were uncomfortable though and coming every minute or two. It reminded me of laboring with Desmond. Oh yeah, this doesn't feel good. Feeling practice contractions made me feel excited and nervous at the same time. The painful parts of labor fade away over time and it's been five and a half years since I've felt contractions. This reminded me of the pain. It gets quite intense. I really just hope my labor can start and finish all within 24 hours this time. I can last that long, but the pain and lack of sleep wear on me once day two is in full swing.<div><br></div><div>I finally got up, drank some water and washed the dishes. Everything was calm and quiet after that. I am glad I'm not going into labor this early. The house isn't clean, groceries are only half purchased, and I don't have my packing list, babysitter info, or birth announcement set up yet. Better get some of those things checked off my list soon.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-21371300373434825682014-01-23T21:58:00.001-08:002014-01-23T21:58:28.225-08:00CountdownA colorful chain hangs on the playroom wall counting down the days until baby is due. Kaylynn asks me multiple time a day if we can get the baby out now. I'm hoping this will help her stop asking until we're closer. So far it hasn't.<div><br></div><div>I met with a high risk pregnancy specialist at the hospital last Friday. He gave me the green light for trying a vaginal birth. Statistically I have a 50/50 chance of success. We'll just have to see how it all goes down. My plan is to stay flexible. I can't help but imagine all the different senarios in my head when I'm falling asleep at night.</div><div><br></div><div>I will meet with a midwife every week from now on. I had an appointment on Wednesday with Janelle and really liked her. I'll be delivering with one of three midwives - whoever is on duty the day it happens. I remembered to ask more questions this time and felt better about the whole thing when I left.</div><div><br></div><div>The countdown chain on the wall looks long. So many days left and possibly more tagged on to the end if baby is comfy inside. At the same time the chain looks short. Just a matter of days and ready or not he or she will be here and I'll have a newborn again! </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-13913089591050474292014-01-13T10:51:00.002-08:002014-01-13T10:55:00.430-08:00First Midwife AppointmentI had my first appointment with Pacific Midwifery on Friday. It felt like it took forever to fill out all my medical history and information before I could actually see the midwife. The nice thing was the office felt intimate and unhurried, but it wasn't familiar or as professional as I'm used to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQmpmxCxKizBVSbU_GWWhLQffR5ijm0vcRA7QVo1jlXOxrWD2KvoRgSgzqFzfLepEWsaQ3ekapoi-1m3fnAp8GlDdGinGZko0E8Irh-uJ5POOIq3Hv94SSMjalOex40_U7tFaZH8RypSE/s1600/DSC_8735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQmpmxCxKizBVSbU_GWWhLQffR5ijm0vcRA7QVo1jlXOxrWD2KvoRgSgzqFzfLepEWsaQ3ekapoi-1m3fnAp8GlDdGinGZko0E8Irh-uJ5POOIq3Hv94SSMjalOex40_U7tFaZH8RypSE/s400/DSC_8735.JPG" width="266" /></a>The midwife seems to think a VBAC will be fine, but I still have to get approval from Maternal Fetal Medicine at the hospital. Hopefully that appointment will be this week. My case isn't cut and dry since I've had two cesareans and last time had atrial fibrillation during pregnancy. This pregnancy has been very uneventful, but the history is there. I didn't ask all the questions I should have. Next time I need to go with a list. <br />
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All this feels a bit overwhelming trying to find a new person and place to deliver. I want to make good choices, but sometimes I'd also just like someone to tell me what to do. I told the midwife that I'm also getting set up at The Vancouver Clinic with an OBGYN since I don't have much time left, and if a VBAC with the midwife isn't possible I'll go to a regular doctor. I could tell they didn't quite know what to do with that, so I felt like a bit of an oddity pursuing both at once. I assured them I'd pick one as soon as I have more info. Time is short and making new appointments can take two weeks so I don't really have time to pursue only one, have it fall through, and then set up something new. I'm feeling stressed about it. I just want to make the best decision for the baby and myself
considering my history, but I have to make that decision with risks on
both sides and no guarantees. I'm keeping my mind open to both delivery methods, but I'd like to nail down at least who and where I am delivering. <br />
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I feel like I'm on a train without brakes, hurtling toward an unknown destination. As I was feeling distressed about the limited time for all my research and decision making, Davin assured me that if I went into labor without any plan in place, we just go to the hospital and everything will be taken care of. True. Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-45393415422482788782014-01-12T14:23:00.001-08:002014-01-12T19:41:56.366-08:00Birth Dream<div>
I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> had my first birth dream last night. I dreamed I was at a new hospital and the baby had just been born. I didn't remember the actual delivery so I had to ask a nurse to find out that I had successfully had a VBAC. I was excited to find out the gender, but when I looked, the bottom of my baby was a doll so I couldn't tell. I asked the nurse and she told me it was a girl. I then called my parents to tell them their new granddaughter was here. I stroked the baby's cheek and she smiled at me.</span></div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-64865674460842247102013-12-30T07:17:00.001-08:002013-12-30T07:17:36.344-08:00Need to Find a new DoctorI'm done wih Kaiser insurance tomorrow so I need to find a new doctor, transfer all my medical records, etc. I'm going to check out Pacific Midwifery. I've heard good things about them and know they do VBACs, but I'm not sure if they do a VBAC after two cesareans or if they have openings to deliver in eight weeks. We'll see. I'm also planning on checking out either a doctor, midwife or both at The Vancouver Clinic. One nice thing is that Davin can take the kids during my appointments there. My goal in the next two weeks is to find someone available and willing to let me go into labor.<div><br></div><div>The nursery is slowly getting ready. The new carpet looks nice, the walls are painted, the crib is up, and tiny clothes are in the drawer. I still need to make the curtains and Davin needs to get the trim in, but we're waiting on a Lowe's gift card from our carpet purchase for the later. I've pulled down all our stored baby things from the garage attic. I just need to wash the covers for the car seat, swing, etc. Oh, this is going to be here before I know it!</div><div><br></div><div>I'm feeling really tired and depleted most of the time. A lot of that is also due to being sick right now. I caught Kaylynn's cold. I'm also growing weary of the pain. Especially in the mornings it really hurts to get out of bed, get dressed, walk... basically lift my legs at all. Things are loosening up and moving that shouldn't be. Davin reminded me that my pregnancy discomfort will be over soon. Yeah, just too bad it involves either pushing or cutting baby out.</div><div><br></div><div>Gotta finish getting ready for my day. We're driving Davin to work so I can take Kaylynn to the doctor. She's had a fever for five days and hardly ate anything yesterday.</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-13775522048176111642013-12-11T23:07:00.001-08:002013-12-11T23:07:09.796-08:0030 weeksOnly about ten weeks to go! Or eleven to twelve. My babies are traditionally late. This baby loves to move around in my tummy and sometimes feels like he or she is dancing a jig. What's going on in there?<div><br></div><div>My belly is growing. I rest it on the countertop when I wash dishes to relieve the stain on my back. My back has been complaining at me lately especially with all the remodeling work I've been doing in two of the bedrooms. I'm also finding it difficult to sit on the floor with the kids. I get a pinched nerve or something in my lower back. I should pull out my belly brace to see of that helps.</div><div><br></div><div>Davin and I have been pretty busy lately so we still haven't sat down to pick our top choices for names yet. We have date night on Friday so hopefully we can narrow it down then. It's still hard for me to grasp that sleepless nights and newborn cries are just around the corner!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-35176909215005865622013-11-05T22:41:00.000-08:002013-11-05T22:41:46.002-08:0024 Weeks and CountingThings are chugging right along. I guess the past few weeks have gone by fairly quickly. I'm already at 24 and a half weeks. I'm having more physical discomfort already with my added 25 pounds. I feel baby moving often and I can tell he or she is still in breech position for now. It's so strange to feel a separate body squirming inside me.<br />
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Sadly, I have already had the "twins" conversation. "You're bigger than average, aren't you?... Are you sure you're not having twins?" No, I just blow up like a blimp, thanks for pointing it out. I'm still nervous about gaining more weight in the next few months. Having Thanksgiving and Christmas won't help any! I have managed to not gain much in the last three weeks or so, but baby has to put on more weight so I will too. I work hard to avoid the word "fat" and try to talk about growing in a positive light with the kids. I love how Desmond really couldn't tell I was bigger when I showed him two pictures side by side. <br />
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I only have two appointments left with Kaiser before I switch doctors. I still don't know exactly who I'll see, but Davin's 2014 insurance through work is actually a huge improvement over previous years and much better than any individual plans so that's probably the way we'll go.<br />
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I'm trying to get Kaylynn's new room finished up so we can move her out of the nursery and repaint. I'd like to be completely finished by early January at the latest. Her bedroom walls are done, and now we just need to schedule to get new carpet in. The plan is to get that part done before Thanksgiving.<br />
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I finished knitting the baby blanket. Yay! I got something finished for baby #3. It's still hard to imagine a new person in our life. Each child changes things so much, I'm sure this will be no exception.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-12639122409674951012013-09-24T22:31:00.002-07:002013-09-24T22:31:31.987-07:00The Ultrasound!The day to see the baby finally came! It was exciting to see the face of our beautiful baby #3. Davin and the kids sat out in the waiting room for all the measuring, but got to come back for a good look toward the end. I loved watching the baby wiggle and move around. "You have a mover and shaker," said the technician. <br />
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Desmond and Kaylynn enjoyed seeing their baby brother or sister. Kaylynn wanted to hold it, and Desmond asked if the baby could also see us while we were peaking in. There's one picture we got that will make you wonder.<br />
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I didn't find out the gender because I'd like to be surprised on delivery day. We'll see if I last until the end. Davin doesn't want to wait so he got the secret envelope with the labeled picture and it's now hidden somewhere in our room. He said he won't peak until we've narrowed down our top girl and boy names. That way he won't feel or give off the vibe that he's wasting his time on one or the other. People will probably pester him to tell, but he's good at keeping secrets so he'll probably be the only one who knows until delivery day. It will be on my medical record, too, so hopefully no one slips during an appointment.<br />
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Baby didn't totally cooperate so we weren't able to get all the required pictures. I'm supposed to go back next week to see if baby is in a better position, but I don't really want to pay for a second ultrasound so we'll see.<br />
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Here's the face of the newest Studer.<br />
Profile: <br />
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Head and back:<br />
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Here's lookin' at ya:<br />
(I've never seen an eye like this in any ultrasound picture!)<br />
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-76366803738519722632013-08-30T19:38:00.004-07:002013-09-06T15:52:00.817-07:00Focus (or the Lack, Thereof) on BabyI've finally published my earlier pregnancy drafts that I wrote before we announced Baby #3. I actually forgot about them for awhile. Oops. Also I realized that I forgot to ask for print outs from my first in-office ultrasound so I don't have any baby pics to show yet. Oops. I feel a little bit bad for Baby #3 who I know won't get the same level of attention that Desmond or even Kaylynn got. I'm too busy caring for the other two to focus on this one much. I have managed to start knitting a baby blanket like I did for the other two so that's good. I haven't touched it in a couple weeks but hopefully I've started it soon enough to finish it by February. Especially now that my morning sickness is subsiding, sometimes I completely forget about being pregnant. I am trying to get belly pictures every month. Hopefully I can keep that up the rest of the time. I want give as much of myself to this baby as I was able to give Desmond, but reality is that Kaylynn never has never had my exclusive attention, and this baby will share me three ways. Parenting is a constant adjustment and this is another big one. I know we'll find our new groove, but it worries me sometimes.<br>
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In other news I had an extra doctor's appointment about a week ago. I thought I might have been leaking amniotic fluid. I won't go into details, but it was just weird and had me slightly worried. I called advice and they said to come in and be checked. Everything checked out just fine. Good to know!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-15642782480695400532013-08-30T19:11:00.001-07:002013-08-30T19:11:06.625-07:00First glimpseMonday was the long awaited first check up. The kids only knew I was having a check up because my tummy hurt. The doctor did the in office ultrasound and we could clearly see the flashing heartbeat. That makes me feel so good! We asked Desmond who's heartbeat that was and his first guess was Mommy's and when we said no he guessed, "Mine?" It was cute. <br />
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It was fun telling the kids that my tummy has been sick because there's a baby inside! Kaylynn didn't quite understand and was quite upset (crying) the rest of the day because she wanted the baby out so she could hold him. Desmond looked hard at the ultrasound picture and then slowly realized what we were saying and a huge smile came across his face. </div>
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Although he denied being excited he really is. He's telling everyone we meet that there's a baby in my tummy. The word is out! We'll be telling Aunt Marcia tonight when she comes to babysit for our anniversary date night. My parents will find out this weekend when they come watch the kids for our anniversary getaway. Most everyone else should find out at Desmond's birthday in a week. Then these blog posts can get published.</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-79291975278986114732013-08-30T19:11:00.000-07:002013-08-30T19:11:00.705-07:00Trying everythingYesterday my Psi Bands arrived and I was hopeful that accupressure could curb my queasiness. I've been playing around with tightness and shifting the location up and down, but nothing seems to be working. I think it might help slightly but I still feel sick. Blah! It's hard because its pretty much all I can think about, and I don't feel like doing anything... Especially making food for the family. A strange aversion for me right now is bread. Normally I LOVE bread but it just sounds gross to me right now so the kids haven't been having too many sandwiches lately. <br />
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I've also tried sipping peppermint tea, peppermint candies, ginger chews, eating smaller more frequent meals, but unless I'm actively taking something in, the nausea just keeps coming. I know from last time that I can't just try to eat my way through the first trimester. I think I gained 15 pounds last time in as many weeks, and I still felt sick. Gotta just endure it. </div>
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I'm determined to keep my weight in check. I don't want to gain more than five pounds in the first trimester and i'm already nearly there with four weeks to go. We're planning a tenth anniversary cruise and I'll only be six months postpartum. I don't want to be a blimp on the cruise! I need to keep exercising, but let's just say intensity and bouncing around don't mix we'll with an upset stomach so I'm struggling to stay active right now. I might join the gym again to have a commitment, and next week some friends and I decided to start a weekly walk/run. This has got to work!</div>
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Renovating the extra room has been on pause because I feel so crummy. I need to at least get it cleaned out and hopefully sanded, textured and primed in the next two weeks because my mother in law is coming for Desmond's birthday and she sleeps in that room. </div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-50579845971801386242013-08-30T19:10:00.001-07:002013-08-30T19:10:54.754-07:00All day sicknessOh, yeah. Here it comes. I am near the seven week mark and today I felt icky most of the day. It's not very strong but it's fairly constant. Last time this lasted until about sixteen weeks if I remember right. How am I going to survive ten weeks of feeling sick while taking care of two kids?<br />
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Today was simply a bad day. I lost my cool and cried about my mommy failures. Growing a baby is no easy task and if the kids could just give me 15 solid minutes to catch a nap... Well, I guess I'd always want more. Best not to lay down at all than to be continually interrupted. </div>
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There is one upside. This means my hormone levels are increasing to support a growing baby. That's a good thing. Two weeks feels like an eternity to wait for ultrasound confirmation that everything's okay. Then I think we'll announce our secret.</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-79954826106032473452013-08-30T19:10:00.000-07:002013-08-30T19:10:46.905-07:00Baby #3After trying for about 9 months we are excited that Baby Studer #3 is on the way! I am almost six weeks along, and so far I've been extra sleepy but not much else. My cycle has been a bit off this year and the regular doctors won't test anything until after a year of trying has passed. The naturopath was eager to work with me on balancing my cycle, and it must have worked because the first month of treatment I got pregnant!<br />
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With baby on the way I've launched into home renovation mode to clear out the extra room converting it to Kaylynn's room so the smallest room can once again be the nursery. I want to start now because I know it will take longer than I think, and by the third trimester I might not want to be painting walls or ripping out carpet. Of course emptying the extra room means moving some things into our room so we're planning a closet overhaul there, too.</div>
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It's hard to think of all the transitioning that will need to happen to make room for this newest little member of our family. Desmond will move to the back seat of the van. Kaylynn will move out of her high chair at the table. And a mom can at least hope to potty train a two year old, right?</div>
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I'm not looking forward to gaining weight. Each of the other times I've gained around 60 lbs and I really don't want to do that again! I've been watching what I eat and exercising often. I was actively losing weight before I got pregnant and even a little afterwards. I don't want to eat too little, but I don't want to eat too much. I need to figure out a happy balance.</div>
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I'm seriously thinking about not finding out the gender and letting it be a surprise. We have all we need for a boy or a girl. We'll see if I have the self control to wait. </div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-22502961139243949692011-05-17T10:54:00.001-07:002011-05-17T10:56:47.118-07:00Moving the story to thestuders.blogspot,comKaylynn's arrival marks the end of this blog for now. Follow the story on our <a href="http://thestuders.blogspot.com/">family blog</a> as we embark on this adventure of being a family of four<a href="http://thestuders.blogspot.com/"></a>.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-82431530089232819602011-05-16T03:55:00.001-07:002011-05-16T03:59:42.261-07:00My Birth Story<p>On May 9, 2011 I was scheduled to check in to the family birth center at Southwest Washington Medical Center at 6:30 pm. If my cervix was favorable they would induce and if it wasn’t they would perform a repeat cesarean. It felt so strange walking in not in labor and knowing I would be walking out with my baby.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QXmgo5V0lCFRCc4EiW0ZJBkBYCG3Z2LO88nWM6kRTqmZ9u8Lq3fjfmF94gFJZxyVQsqrUoiwHk9Ms_PA1tOQev9RzD9hf6GpWvcPDPFUK9zye68-raCLKHT-wi9oCzvdnR710z8fbRe3/s1600-h/DSC_0002%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0002" alt="DSC_0002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBcoA_B0yQ8aqMCl9VQF5y3qT_FLMpsy0f7TTQeftejCcVJ5UegUtoLDVnufjs71I9P6QkfllPKhyphenhyphenTE051z8fWzdj84Ej2Q6YzVP39MBE_RPNiYa_L3DGCHJtZu0Xv_8YyLo-YnE0vPTc/?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" height="164" /></a>My OB doctor, Tricia Wright, was working that night and it was comforting to have that familiarity as we made our decision. My cervix was one centimeter, and though I was having contractions, I couldn’t feel them. Dr. Wright was willing to let me try labor, but there was only a slight chance they could get me to progress into labor and according to their calculations if I did go into labor there was a greater than 50% chance it would end in a cesarean anyway. We opted for the repeat cesarean and by 8:00 pm I was getting prepped. </p> <p>Everything was calm and I was at peace with our decision as the surgery began. It was such a different experience than the rush and fear I felt about Desmond’s cesarean. I was still really nervous about being cut open, and getting a spinal instead of being on the epidural was sure different. That thing works fast! I felt better once Davin was allowed into the operating room. </p> <p>At 8:41 pm Kaylynn Hope Eliana <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbir5FlaTRfTfIvsbvM11ntzKYJ1OMtjxqz0CiVzjjR7w-YcyOutXOX8WO10t81QL8gyB0sn7yfVIxe3FJfSLUcukt-BPx-dtSdW0SPNRKhhfaOwwQ9z5HqQ-VC7AQ5F_jO-9N0SYOzqqq/s1600-h/DSC_0016%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0016" alt="DSC_0016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppB-nlUWJ8E2rmmgA4FJuCR0U9sHOgqDpEfogYeToqbVyiV5CP-sBFsPjaLOEJwN9wiUN7ZLywK6aAJqb9sjuflUboErbjvYlVdNOn2BAIYbbx0-ny58fh-lAvY20Nro7JFT4IjbwzW2q/?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" height="164" /></a>Studer entered the world and we heard her first gurgling cry. They lifted her over the screen so I could see her and I could tell right away that she was smaller than Desmond was. She checked in at 8 lbs 4.5 oz and was 20.5 inches long. I loved the fact that she never left the operating room until I did. Last time Davin left with Desmond shortly after birth to get him cleaned and checked out in another room. I had to stay and get sewed up which felt like it took forever! This time she got checked out right there and then Davin held her next to me while the doctors finished putting me back together.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2d5vGfCcFHQhQd9oGqgjDQYuD1-ykj9wKAYL4AmPLTLB75-8fwxnc1xG1ALTqw6QF3Kgp09zsfhc5DgRX2wB-Byn9p69pmxaBD2IU1lWcvtc1g6Idgi2A5mJ2FC_nNMuK4CwDn5uoS6OR/s1600-h/DSC_0022%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0022" alt="DSC_0022" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mtNhDGy4LXB8lsbw4EzgW-T0x9iRlMIH6sgFkf9NGUo0A7dt0IBtrfioaOdkpY0frUJ-fKShnfph5y1o0n7p7FJpsCs1Q6RJbgiVYYxiHMkCyTG2FHrZo3J-KHEOfy_mt3GhacnRpwcy/?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" height="164" /></a></p> <p>My parents were there to congratulate us once we were settled in our room. Can you tell Mom is excited? They also got to witness her first bath in our room sink. Kaylynn loved it and didn’t cry at all until they took her out of the water to dry her off.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> <p> </p> Kaylynn reminds me so much of Desmond! She has the same cute “Davin” mout<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSah11kShODLZ3N-Lv8Q9ho1cMECUyX3p_eKinzKT7GKWE_vYY_UMw6GxHeXFPgVQ9XZnFJ6iLyicitps2G0mlOa8omQDmgEKzYIH9HxStgviaqMnsEacObiwGeQchBd3LWdBn1VDfiD-x/s1600-h/DSC_0033%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0033" alt="DSC_0033" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09SXiuL-Nn3ySRKNrsudCmeUfFi23wCcW6SzbgGa83fjxCjGX9plK12vLIgBU4CMRBB-tZlb_CsVIE8Y1gG1WawqITMJRHhiBvWvQfUFkmAgdvotyelFixUX2KlrNoySF-hSLIZpBIf_n/?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" height="164" /></a>h and chin. She might have my eyes and she definitely has my ears which I noticed right away because Desmond has Davin’s ears so hers looked really different to me. She has dark brown hair and it’s a bit longer than Desmond’s was at birth. I have a feeling she’ll turn blond later especially because she has lighter eyebrows and eyelashes. One fun feature is her long feet and toes! She has long fingers too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkcgzQCWOxQOlaCj5Yb8iUzSDl_09at4wknjKHFzjkZfetrKv-hIH_dub5Y9YyN9r1NdPBnUWhCnBIYsPUuIeIhLbcqVucsw4JXT0HI-fL-WMbauHJyvnH9yBBCw7G4-EhflRE0if3kD-/s1600-h/DSC_0035%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0035" alt="DSC_0035" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXPxACLxttycXp-njr-HLUuutFsMOZpFSXhtn1L5yl761646gRuPepOBxDSafRabjKoh5CBmbru35A34sUle0thb05WGzZDrWsum0Ae90bHodYthLmww0KsqBaYwBEB9TRap_GSqOnBy4/?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" border="0" height="164" /></a> <p>I felt so different after Kaylynn’s birth than I did after Desmond’s. I was refreshed and ready to go rather than absolutely wiped out. In our first family picture with Desmond I look as bad as I felt, in my opinion. This time I was determined to look good with my hair straightened and some make up on. It’s vain, I know, but I enjoy showing off this picture a little more. </p>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-4206907978840061192011-05-07T18:49:00.001-07:002011-05-07T19:14:54.242-07:00Acupuncture and a Hospital BraceletI had my first ever acupuncture experience today to try to induce labor. It was kind of weird. I don't like needles, but who does? I had to sit up since I can't lay down on my tummy so it was harder to relax. I was surprised at how thin and flexible the needles were, but some of them still hurt going in. The ones that bugged me the most were the ones in my hands and tops of my feet. Those ones ached. The ones in my lower back were fine once they were in, but when she was stimulating them I nearly passed out once even though it wasn't causing any pain. The low back ones also created a noticeable warming sensation so it was doing something. I also had some in my right ear. <br /><br />The acupuncturist said normally they poke the needles in and leave you for half an hour to relax. For me she did a "more intense" session to try and get things moving. She kept going around to all the needles wiggling them in turn which didn't always feel good depending on which needle it was.<br /><br />I was glad when it was over and the needles were out. It wasn't too bad, but I wouldn't call it a pleasant experience. The baby was somewhat quiet this morning, but she's been moving around quite a bit more during and since the acupuncture. I hope contractions start! Nothing yet.<br /><br />This morning I did my pre-op check in at the hospital, filled out paperwork, met with the anesthetist, got a rundown of what would happen, blood work done, and my hospital bracelet put on. I'm officially pre-admitted for Monday evening. My bracelet is just big enough I could squeeze out of it so I don't have to sport it for Mother's Day looking like an escaped patient and can put it back on when we're heading to the hospital.<br /><br />I wish my cesarean was scheduled in the morning rather than the evening. I can't eat or drink for half of the day and if I am favorable for induction that means starting hungry and laboring through the night. Oh well. She will be born soon and that's all that matters!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-64235425065776645222011-05-06T09:53:00.001-07:002011-05-06T09:53:52.469-07:00Big Enough<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3PcRxk0Gk9VvnWDRfR5Nx0RkxiwVjVA90vAcs102JqweHt7Ylg6UMy-l4vY46HAk1cs6ve8TzZBseapI75Kv1XQhmjYN_vpN202NM4w3EEOffP-z9isVonrTeOy-UEhWLhWViRa-MYHF/s1600-h/DSC_0016%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0016" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTojPp4Nk0jgPB3zoidTUdzAzEuM13cXiUeWGsg_Awm8RQZg-w2GSOJd2_Ka8_7L-jyDEF0OWmXmIWjtwpW-7oJYOMhTeKqShA8MZiR1w3Ij3yJ2X1p3iYSXdfyLVYHAZQ8M3HprFcqj8m/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvS5occGfb-DyB_USQOo6LBhJ2w0pZ9lFi3_ADgdaFcpXFHDSQdv0H8IzSxqJTxGuhYPMZGkRki6Exk8gRnyyuNbbosCVg9epqo2-CKiCW3AQ4u5vd_kY_uSWLXtKwBU54aDsegUA4qFU/s1600-h/DSC_0022%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0022" border="0" alt="DSC_0022" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPq2zjhEQjX3LUKWcd2r-IhlE4AUqySxYnI7kJSdNyLAtD1rmO8mc2uGompB0ZuY-Uqbrmv1b8clAfnVPIj8QwEMi9NRTRaN9Raq1u3axDIJuMrerUvSxbXIC_R2U7GJzyuCgoo5qAM_a/?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244"></a></p> <p>Here I am in all my lovely full term pregnancy-ness. My belly is constantly hanging out of the bottom of even my longest maternity shirts. Very annoying. But there are only a matter of days left until she’s out!!! </p> <p>Today I am 40 weeks, 4 days. I thought for sure she’d come this week. I was right on with when I thought Desmond would be born, but I was wrong with this one. She’s late!</p> <p>I’m feeling anxious about my scheduled cesarean on Monday evening. Would I go into labor on my own if we waited two more days? Of course, there’s no way to answer that question. Every passing day means she’s growing bigger, and from a medical perspective my chances of a successful vaginal birth are shrinking. I think I’ll feel like I failed if I don’t go into labor on my own and just get wheeled into an operating room. That also means committing to all future deliveries via cesarean so it impacts more than just this birth. </p> <p>I’ve heard acupuncture can be effective in starting labor. Last time after coming close to being two weeks overdue with Desmond I had a session scheduled, but I ended up cancelling it because I went into labor the day before. I just scheduled an acupuncture session for tomorrow afternoon to see if we can get things started. I don’t like needles, but if it works that would be great! I want to give myself the best chance of at least trying a vaginal birth.</p> Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-62136456004699461362011-05-02T16:57:00.000-07:002011-05-02T17:21:09.053-07:00It's My Due Date, I Can Cry if I Want ToHere it is. The long awaited day of May 2, and nothing is happening. The doctor checked my cervix today and said I was maybe 1 cm. Yeah, yeah. I don't have early babies. I think 5 of a recent 6 deliveries I've heard about have been early so I guess I get to be the late one.<br /><br />I did lab work again today and if my liver is still improving they'll let me go until next Monday. At that point if my cervix is favorable they'll induce, and if it's not favorable they'll do a cesarean. If the labs show that my liver is noticeably worse, I'll be going in this Wednesday to deliver. I could trump all that by going into labor on my own which I hope is the case. I think I'll have Davin give me a foot massage tonight and try to find the supposed labor inducing pressure points.<br /><br />I feel really uncomfortable. Nothing in my maternity wardrobe seems to fit anymore, and the few things that do make me look like a blimp. I can barely hold Desmond on my lap. I've given up carrying him all together plus the Ergo can no longer buckle around my growing midsection. I can't seem to sleep through the night anymore and get to enjoy baby aerobics around 3 am every morning. I've managed to stay fairly active going on walks and stuff, but now there are moments I just don't want to haul this baby anywhere but to the couch.<br /><br />Okay, enough lamenting the passing of my due date. I get to enjoy my little family of three for one more day. We're making mini pizzas for dinner.Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5109804202626522296.post-76871480678269864392011-05-01T08:30:00.000-07:002011-05-01T08:47:46.962-07:00It's May!I'm so glad the calendar says "May" today! I was thinking our daughter could come in April, but alas, she is not an early bird. I like the sound of a May birthday, though. Sounds a little more sunny than rainy April. Davin's hoping for the fourth so he can say, "May the fourth be with you." (Go figure!) It's also his mom's birthday.<br /><br />I've been trying to keep busy and active. Last week included a three hour walk around the zoo and an hour and a half swim with Desmond. Friday I got the car all cleaned out and the car seat in. Now we can't fit anything else in the back seat of our small Honda. <br /><br />Yesterday I went to the <a href="http://portland.jbfsale.com/">huge kids consignment sale</a> at the Expo Center which meant a lot of walking especially since I don't want to pay the $8 for parking so I take the MAX from the next closest park and ride and walk over. I didn't go crazy at the sale which is hard to do, but got a sling, some swaddlers, a nursing stool, summer hats, swim diapers, and some toys for Desmond since he came with me. Then we went to Davin's Hwa Rang Do tournament for the rest of the day.<br /><br />I have another check up tomorrow so we'll see if anything is happening yet with my cervix. I'm really hoping she comes this week. My main concern right now is that I don't want her to get TOO big. Here's hoping for some big news to share in a couple days!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04723625800284521187noreply@blogger.com0