Sunday afternoon Anita discovered her newfound vocal abilities. We're now hearing some adorable coos and goo-goos. (Pardon the sideways video...I'm new at this)
It just gets better and better.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
2013: Ten things I love about being your Mother
This will be my Mother's Day tradition...
1. Your my dream come true, and our precious miracle in every sense of the word.
2. You wake with a smile and it always starts my day on a wonderful high.
3. I get to dress you in sweet little outfits.
4. Your smell, every time I hug you hello I nuzzle you neck and breathe it in.
5. You're presence has renewed my love for your father, I'm so thankful he gave me you!
6. Rocking you to sleep
7. We are starting to read books together. I hope we do this always.
8. Your my little shopping sidekick.
9. Breastfeeding and having such a special bond no one else can ever have with you. I'll miss this...
10. Showing you off to the world, your the best thing I've ever done!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A blog about NOT blogging
My oh my is life busy. When at home, the last thing I have time to do is get on the PC and write away to my hearts content. And yesterday was the first day back to work, it's just as busy here. Quite a stark reality of adding 3 pumping sessions into my daily routine here. Maybe those moments will turn into my blogging hour, but as of right now, not a chance.
Just a quick update... Anita is growing fast, and is now 23 1/2 inches and over 10 pounds. Healthy as can be, sleeps all night. She now smiles and plays with her hands. We're so close to playing with toys! And me coming back to work is going well so far, I miss her terribly but it's a manageable emotion. And I must pat myself on the back, I've added a walking regime into my mornings - go Mamma! Feels so good to get out in the mornings and wake up with the birds.
Miss you my dear blog world.... one day I'll get the chance to add you back into my routine. One Day.
Just a quick update... Anita is growing fast, and is now 23 1/2 inches and over 10 pounds. Healthy as can be, sleeps all night. She now smiles and plays with her hands. We're so close to playing with toys! And me coming back to work is going well so far, I miss her terribly but it's a manageable emotion. And I must pat myself on the back, I've added a walking regime into my mornings - go Mamma! Feels so good to get out in the mornings and wake up with the birds.
Miss you my dear blog world.... one day I'll get the chance to add you back into my routine. One Day.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Two Months In
Two months she's been in our arms, putting a smile on our face and joy in our hearts. I cherish each and every moment. Her sounds. Her smell. The feel of her head nestled in my neck as we cuddle chest to chest. She's such a sweet little girl and we love her more than we've ever loved anything. With her down for a morning nap, I'm happy to have a few moments to sit down and write a line or two. I do miss blogging!
Your two month checkup with Dr. Cron was this past Monday. You're 9 pounds, 6 ounces and 22.5 inches long! You just came out of Newborn size diapers and clothes, which made Mommy tear up a little. I just love you so tiny in my arms, because I know you'll only get bigger from here. You also had your first set of vaccines at this appointment, which was not fun! I'm glad you won't remember it, because Mommy and Daddy won't soon forget. You screamed while Daddy held your hands as the nurses gave you three injections in your tiny thighs, and Mommy put her face in a corner and cried. But it was over in a flash and you stopped crying shortly thereafter. The day was stressful though, your leg became swollen, hot and red and you were upset and fussy. I went to the store and got some aceteminphen and that helped you through the night. We were so sad to see you in pain like that.
Aside from that, you're a very happy and alert baby. And oh, you're smile. It's so beautiful honey! You smile more at Daddy than at me, which makes it all that more special. You've yet to have a bad day, just a few fussy hours here and there. You drink only breastmilk and my oh my do you have a healthy appetite! Mamma's doing her best to keep up with you. During the day you have two or three naps. You like me to rock you to sleep. You're sleeping well at night, anywhere from 5-8 hours. You love your swing, and its where you sleep at night. Daddy puts you down and sits on the floor in front of your swing while you drift off. You've discovered your hands, you move them around in front of your face and just the other day started to put your fist into your mouth. Daddy worries you might start sucking your thumb, but I don't mind. Lord knows, it'll be easier for you to find at night rather than your binky! Your binky you seem to only want when your getting tired. Yesterday I showed you your first toy, and hung it down in front of you. Your eyes got really big, and you batted it around with the backs of your hands because you're not quite to the point of grabbing objects yet. It overwhelmed you after a few minutes, so we'll do that sparingly for now. You seem to really like when I read to you, you watch me with those big blue eyes and seem very content. It's hard for Mamma to get through a story without crying sometimes, such a precious moment between the two of us. A few of the books we are reading are: Guess How Much I Love You, The Giving Tree, and If I Could.
You enjoy car rides and your jogger, we've been on a few walks as the springtime season warms up. And you now fit into your baby bjorn, just last night Daddy took you to the neighbor's to visit and you fell asleep. We got the sweetest picture of it, you look like you were praying. We video chat with family in Michigan about once a week, and everyone says how alert and big you are becoming. Being the sweetie you are, you always share that pretty smile.
A few nicknames I have for you are AnitaRita, GracyFace, Babygirl and Pumpkin.
At my six week checkup I was shocked to discover I'd not only lost my 18 lbs of baby weight, but 12 lbs on top of that. The one challenge has been neck and back pain. For two weeks now I've been in physical therapy. It's due to breastfeeding and poor posture, as well as looking down at her as she nurses. AlsI'm on a daily regiment consisting of stretches and exercises using a stretch band, evercise ball and some floor exercises. I pray it gets better soon, because as it is right now I can only hold her for about 5-10 minutes and have to hand her off.
Breastfeeding is going well, but I worry every day if I'll produce enough milk to keep us going. It's a grueling process, as she eats 9-10 times a day. So if I nurse her at the breast, it comes out to around 2 1/2 hours each day. And on the days I pump and feed her by bottle it doubles the timing on it all. Up until about a week ago I was able to produce 5 ounces in excess to stock in the freezer for when I go back to work, but this week that's gone away and she's drinking everything I can produce. And she used to be satisfied on one breast, but now we're taking everything from both sides, and sometimes still needing 1-2 ounces that's previously been pumped. Whew, it exhausts me just thinking about it. But it's definately the most amazing bond with her, and I feel so honored to give her my ALL. I love knowing that we have this special bond, just the two of us. I pray formula isn't in our near future, but then again I think I need to be realistic and know that it may very well be. Good news is that I have a double, electric and handsfree pump on order, we're hoping that quickens the process and maybe even helps to increase supply. Next week we'll start working on a schedule that'll mimic me returning to work, I hope its not as difficult as I think it's going to be.
I've been in to see the guys at work a few times, they loved meeting Anita. It's been nice to not have to worry about being away, the office is just as clean and tidy as I left it and they keep telling me to enjoy this time at home with my family. And while I'll miss being home with her, I'm going to enjoy getting back to the office. However, I can't even imagine how tough that first week is going to be!
It was also Anita's first time in a dress, she looked darling!
Other things we've been up to...many friends and some family have been by to visit and we couldn't be more loved. A few walks to the store on nice days. Weeding the flower bed. Drove to Mountain Home last week to visit family as well as the cemetary to see my Dad. That was a tough moment, realizing my Dad will never be a Grandfather to Anita. I miss him more and more as the years pass by. Also took a drive up to Hailey to visit and BBQ with our friends Jason and Courtney, it was a great day exploring the beautiful nature preserve nex to their house. Anita did well with 6+ hours in the car.
Some photos from the past few weeks...
~~~ HOW'S BABY ~~~
Dear Anita, Your two month checkup with Dr. Cron was this past Monday. You're 9 pounds, 6 ounces and 22.5 inches long! You just came out of Newborn size diapers and clothes, which made Mommy tear up a little. I just love you so tiny in my arms, because I know you'll only get bigger from here. You also had your first set of vaccines at this appointment, which was not fun! I'm glad you won't remember it, because Mommy and Daddy won't soon forget. You screamed while Daddy held your hands as the nurses gave you three injections in your tiny thighs, and Mommy put her face in a corner and cried. But it was over in a flash and you stopped crying shortly thereafter. The day was stressful though, your leg became swollen, hot and red and you were upset and fussy. I went to the store and got some aceteminphen and that helped you through the night. We were so sad to see you in pain like that.
Aside from that, you're a very happy and alert baby. And oh, you're smile. It's so beautiful honey! You smile more at Daddy than at me, which makes it all that more special. You've yet to have a bad day, just a few fussy hours here and there. You drink only breastmilk and my oh my do you have a healthy appetite! Mamma's doing her best to keep up with you. During the day you have two or three naps. You like me to rock you to sleep. You're sleeping well at night, anywhere from 5-8 hours. You love your swing, and its where you sleep at night. Daddy puts you down and sits on the floor in front of your swing while you drift off. You've discovered your hands, you move them around in front of your face and just the other day started to put your fist into your mouth. Daddy worries you might start sucking your thumb, but I don't mind. Lord knows, it'll be easier for you to find at night rather than your binky! Your binky you seem to only want when your getting tired. Yesterday I showed you your first toy, and hung it down in front of you. Your eyes got really big, and you batted it around with the backs of your hands because you're not quite to the point of grabbing objects yet. It overwhelmed you after a few minutes, so we'll do that sparingly for now. You seem to really like when I read to you, you watch me with those big blue eyes and seem very content. It's hard for Mamma to get through a story without crying sometimes, such a precious moment between the two of us. A few of the books we are reading are: Guess How Much I Love You, The Giving Tree, and If I Could.
You enjoy car rides and your jogger, we've been on a few walks as the springtime season warms up. And you now fit into your baby bjorn, just last night Daddy took you to the neighbor's to visit and you fell asleep. We got the sweetest picture of it, you look like you were praying. We video chat with family in Michigan about once a week, and everyone says how alert and big you are becoming. Being the sweetie you are, you always share that pretty smile.
A few nicknames I have for you are AnitaRita, GracyFace, Babygirl and Pumpkin.
~~~ HOW'S MOMMY ~~~
Content, happy, and so thankful. Still in awe some mornings waking up to this new reality of being a mother. Phil and I are both home and I'm so thankful we're experiencing it all together. Anita has been such an easy baby, but a baby sure keeps one busy. We wake around 7 to nurse, I have a cup of coffee, put her down for morning nap and then a mad 1-2 hr dash to eat, shower and tidy up the house before she wakes and needs to eat again. Then she's up and we're busy nursing, changing diapers, playing and reading books, tummy time, midafternoon nap. Another quick window for me to exercise and tidy up some more. Before I know it Phil's peeking in asking what's for dinner, and I'm like "Dinner!?!?" A hot bath at the end of each day is so appreciated, because taking care of a baby all day - I'm tuckered out! Phil happily takes over and gets her all to himself for an hour or so. We put her down around 9 or 10 and she's out for 5-8 hours usually. Very lucky for her age I'm told - yay!At my six week checkup I was shocked to discover I'd not only lost my 18 lbs of baby weight, but 12 lbs on top of that. The one challenge has been neck and back pain. For two weeks now I've been in physical therapy. It's due to breastfeeding and poor posture, as well as looking down at her as she nurses. AlsI'm on a daily regiment consisting of stretches and exercises using a stretch band, evercise ball and some floor exercises. I pray it gets better soon, because as it is right now I can only hold her for about 5-10 minutes and have to hand her off.
Breastfeeding is going well, but I worry every day if I'll produce enough milk to keep us going. It's a grueling process, as she eats 9-10 times a day. So if I nurse her at the breast, it comes out to around 2 1/2 hours each day. And on the days I pump and feed her by bottle it doubles the timing on it all. Up until about a week ago I was able to produce 5 ounces in excess to stock in the freezer for when I go back to work, but this week that's gone away and she's drinking everything I can produce. And she used to be satisfied on one breast, but now we're taking everything from both sides, and sometimes still needing 1-2 ounces that's previously been pumped. Whew, it exhausts me just thinking about it. But it's definately the most amazing bond with her, and I feel so honored to give her my ALL. I love knowing that we have this special bond, just the two of us. I pray formula isn't in our near future, but then again I think I need to be realistic and know that it may very well be. Good news is that I have a double, electric and handsfree pump on order, we're hoping that quickens the process and maybe even helps to increase supply. Next week we'll start working on a schedule that'll mimic me returning to work, I hope its not as difficult as I think it's going to be.
I've been in to see the guys at work a few times, they loved meeting Anita. It's been nice to not have to worry about being away, the office is just as clean and tidy as I left it and they keep telling me to enjoy this time at home with my family. And while I'll miss being home with her, I'm going to enjoy getting back to the office. However, I can't even imagine how tough that first week is going to be!
~~~ HOW'S DADDY ~~~
Smitten with his baby girl, that's for sure. They have such an amazing bond, she just lights up when he walks in the room. I love watching it. She really loves his deep voice. He's been the most attentive Dad and Husband, always close by to experience and help wherever needed. And when he's not inside the house with us, he's outside working on one of his many projects. This past month he's been working on classic Honda motorcycles and other small engine items to sell on the List of Craig. He took on a huge project of cleaning up an old farm and taking on the process of scrapping all the metal that came from it, brought in a big chunk of change! I can tell he's doing all that he can do project-wise before I get back to work. Soon it'll be him and Anita home together, and he'll really be busy. It's also time to work in the yard, which has always been a love of his. Yesterday he thatched the lawn and turned on the sprinkers. Next up will be edging, mowing, fertilizing, you name it. I'm always amazed at the energy level he has, I really don't know how he does it!~~~ WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO ~~~
Staying home mostly, conserving funds and spending as much quality time before our babymoon is over. Easter was Anita's first holiday. We had every intention of making it the first day to church with her, and then I thought of all those kiddies with germs and decided to stay home instead. And we have our very own giant bunny, so we did a little photo shoot of our own. I couldn't believe how well behaved Cadbury was, letting Phil flip her all around, setting the baby on her and what-not. It was fun!It was also Anita's first time in a dress, she looked darling!
Other things we've been up to...many friends and some family have been by to visit and we couldn't be more loved. A few walks to the store on nice days. Weeding the flower bed. Drove to Mountain Home last week to visit family as well as the cemetary to see my Dad. That was a tough moment, realizing my Dad will never be a Grandfather to Anita. I miss him more and more as the years pass by. Also took a drive up to Hailey to visit and BBQ with our friends Jason and Courtney, it was a great day exploring the beautiful nature preserve nex to their house. Anita did well with 6+ hours in the car.
Some photos from the past few weeks...
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| Anita met her Great, Great Uncle Fred |
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| Making funny faces with Daddy |
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| That sweet smile |
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| Visiting our church, St. Mary's for the first time |
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| Exploring the Draper Wood River Reserve in Hailey, Idaho |
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| Everyone says I look just like Daddy |
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| Visiting Grandpa Dean |
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| First of many tractor rides with Daddy, he was so excited! |
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Photo Dump - First Month
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| Bath time with Daddy |
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| Morning snuggles with Mommy |
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| Family time |
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| Time to pick out a new outfit |
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| Grandpa telling me stories |
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| Playing with Grandma |
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| Aunt Kristin, Grandpd and Grandma visiting from MI |
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| I love my Uncle Jimmy |
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| Snuggled in my swing |
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| Auntie Rhonda |
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| My Grandma holding me for the very first time |
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| Me and Mamma, our first day out of the house |
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| My Aunt Toni |
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| Nose kisses from Daddy |
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Our labor story...all 46 hours of it!
This post is coming much later than I had expected, but such is life these days. It's been a very busy past few weeks with out of town visitors, and of course busy days of taking care of this sweet baby of ours. Life is heavenly, oh my is it heavenly!!
This was by far the biggest, most profound day of my life. Pardon me while I document the long version. Mostly for my benefit of record keeping.
Rewind to the week of February 11th. I had my 39 week appointment that Monday, we were dilated to a 1.5, I had lost my mucous plug a week prior and felt perfectly fine.
Tuesday I started to feel some Braxton hicks contractions while at work, and left around 2-3 that afternoon and decided that working from home the next day would probably be best.
Wednesday morning at 3:30 I woke to real contractions. It was a shock, far different than anything I'd felt up to that point. I was able to sleep through to the morning, and by 7 a.m. light contractions were coming around 6-10 minutes apart. I attempted to work throughout the morning but by Noon I wasn't able to focus much, so I went ahead and set my out of office and logged off. I grew more uncomfortable as the day wore on, Phil was beside me through it all helping me monitor the contractions and relax as much as we could. By 10 p.m. I couldn't take it anymore. There was no position I could get comfortable in, contractions were now coming 3-5 minutes apart and I was ready to head to the hospital. Bags were already packed, we quickly arrived to St. Luke's about an hour later. I was checked in triage, and was only dilated to a 2. I couldn't believe it, I was in that much pain and only at a 2!?!? We were told to walk the halls for an hour and we'd check again to see if any progress was made. Without my water being broken, I couldn't be admitted just yet. The hour of walking was dreadful, we stopped every few minutes to sway through the pain. My husband was an incredible labor coach, I could have never done it without him. He reminded me to breath. He made sure I was hydrated. He kept me calm. He talked of how thankful and amazing this journey was.
After the walking I was checked again, and as I laid there in pain I looked up at the clock and realized it was now past midnight. I wished Phil a Happy Valentine's day and we kissed, talking about the possibility of her coming on this day. Back to business, I was still only at a 2. At this point the nurse suggested we try the jacuzzi for another hour to see if that could move things along. I remember thinking of how nice it was to have my belly submerged in the big tub. But as far as the pain, it didn't help at all. Contractions stayed strong and constant. It was now past 2 a.m. I'm checked again and still no progression. Pain is so intense I'm vomiting. The nurse consults my doctor by phone, and explains to me that there's simply nothing we can do but be sent home and wait it out. I literally cried out in desperation. She suggested we administer a shot of morphine and phenergen to help me get as much relief and sleep as possible until I dilate further.
Arrived back home around 3:30 that morning, I didn't notice much relief from the injection. But Phil did say I was able to sleep just a bit in between some of the contractions. By 7 a.m. I was writhing on the bed yelling out in pain with each contraction. He was there rubbing my back talking me through breathing exercises. That went on until 10 a.m. and FINALLY at 10:20 exactly my water broke. I remember looking at him with a smile, realizing we could now really go to the hospital and get this party started. We spent the next 30 minutes closing up the house, me taking a quick shower, pausing for contractions. Which looking back is quite funny, I would stop whatever I was doing to get on all fours and sway through it, Phil running to my side of help apply pressure to my hips and rub my back. Finally we're out the door around an hour later. My goodness, the pain was so intense, that was the longest car ride of my life!
We arrived at the ER, I was ushered into a wheelchair and rushed upstairs while Phil parked. It took about 40 minutes to get admitted and into a private room. At this point I was begging for an epidural. The nursing staff was amazing, they handled everything quickly and efficiently. The epidural happened soon afterwards and was probably the scariest moment for me. I was dilated to a 3 1/2 and had no idea how I could sit still through a contraction, but thankfully I did it. It took effect in about 20 minutes and the relief was so incredible. We spent the rest of the afternoon resting as much as possible. By about 5 p.m. my Doctor was there to check my progress herself, I was now dilated to a 5. Checked again in two hours, still at a 5. She at this time suggested we use Pitocin to augment the process. Pitocin was the one thing going into labor that I wanted to avoid. We had a discussion and she helped me understand the differences between induction and augmenting with the drug, and with that I understood and felt OK with the plan. We set that into motion and by 10 p.m. I was now at a 10 and ready to push. My doctor had to leave me at this point and have a partner of hers step in to deliver, as she had an early morning flight and needed to get home to pack. We hung out a little longer to rest and let the baby come into optimal position. Pushing started at 11 p.m, and our sweet pea arrived at 1:27 a.m.
After 4+ years of trying...9 months of gestation...46 hours of labor - our baby girl was here. We were parents. It was surreal, so much in fact that I didn't even have tears to shed. This calmness overcame me as the doctor brought her up on my stomach. There was no moment of worry such as counting toes or waiting for a cry. Just this overwhelming calm sensation. My heart was so full of love and thankfulness. She quickly opened her eyes and looked right at me. I'll never forget that moment. Phil was beside me with tears in his eyes, touching her with me. We reveled in the moment as a family of three. Waited about 5 minutes or so to cut the cord, I wanted to wait and let the cord blood stop pumping. It was surreal to keep that connection with her outside of me for a few minutes longer before Daddy cut the cord. I then brought her to my chest for the first time, she latched well.
We then got busy with the postpartum process. My placenta was quickly delivered, which felt so good, talk about relief! There was some stitching required due to a stage 2 tear. Daddy was across the room with the nurses manning the camera as Anita was weighed, cleaned and bundled up. we were both in this state of sweet euphoria, kept looking at one another and just smiling. I was being taken care of by my wonderful nurse, walked to the restroom, washed up and changed into a clean gown. A delicious tray of fresh food was set up for us, which consisted of croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, juice and yogurt. I was so relaxed and happy. By this time it was about 3 in the morning when we were wheeled up to the 8th floor to our recovery room and settled in for the evening. Daddy was then tasked with changing his first diaper, I tried breastfeeding a little bit more. we were finally left alone just the three of us to get some sleep, which only consisted of 2 hours. Morning had come and our doctors were coming in and out to check me and baby.
We were running on adrenaline at this point. Anita was in the nursery for her check, and we walked over to oversee her first bath. We looked up during that and saw my Aunt Vicky, who worked downstairs, had come up to see us. Anita's first visitor, it was a sweet moment seeing a family member, I remember crying as I hugged her and showed off our sweet little baby. The rest of our stay was wonderful. I was well taken care of by Phil and my nurses. Breastfeeding took great focus. Friends and family visited when we allowed it, we loved sharing the moment. Daddy got a chance to go home for a shower each day. Most importantly Anita was doing so well, alert, happy, and the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. We left on Sunday afternoon.
And now for a few photos...
This was by far the biggest, most profound day of my life. Pardon me while I document the long version. Mostly for my benefit of record keeping.
Rewind to the week of February 11th. I had my 39 week appointment that Monday, we were dilated to a 1.5, I had lost my mucous plug a week prior and felt perfectly fine.
Tuesday I started to feel some Braxton hicks contractions while at work, and left around 2-3 that afternoon and decided that working from home the next day would probably be best.
Wednesday morning at 3:30 I woke to real contractions. It was a shock, far different than anything I'd felt up to that point. I was able to sleep through to the morning, and by 7 a.m. light contractions were coming around 6-10 minutes apart. I attempted to work throughout the morning but by Noon I wasn't able to focus much, so I went ahead and set my out of office and logged off. I grew more uncomfortable as the day wore on, Phil was beside me through it all helping me monitor the contractions and relax as much as we could. By 10 p.m. I couldn't take it anymore. There was no position I could get comfortable in, contractions were now coming 3-5 minutes apart and I was ready to head to the hospital. Bags were already packed, we quickly arrived to St. Luke's about an hour later. I was checked in triage, and was only dilated to a 2. I couldn't believe it, I was in that much pain and only at a 2!?!? We were told to walk the halls for an hour and we'd check again to see if any progress was made. Without my water being broken, I couldn't be admitted just yet. The hour of walking was dreadful, we stopped every few minutes to sway through the pain. My husband was an incredible labor coach, I could have never done it without him. He reminded me to breath. He made sure I was hydrated. He kept me calm. He talked of how thankful and amazing this journey was.
After the walking I was checked again, and as I laid there in pain I looked up at the clock and realized it was now past midnight. I wished Phil a Happy Valentine's day and we kissed, talking about the possibility of her coming on this day. Back to business, I was still only at a 2. At this point the nurse suggested we try the jacuzzi for another hour to see if that could move things along. I remember thinking of how nice it was to have my belly submerged in the big tub. But as far as the pain, it didn't help at all. Contractions stayed strong and constant. It was now past 2 a.m. I'm checked again and still no progression. Pain is so intense I'm vomiting. The nurse consults my doctor by phone, and explains to me that there's simply nothing we can do but be sent home and wait it out. I literally cried out in desperation. She suggested we administer a shot of morphine and phenergen to help me get as much relief and sleep as possible until I dilate further.
Arrived back home around 3:30 that morning, I didn't notice much relief from the injection. But Phil did say I was able to sleep just a bit in between some of the contractions. By 7 a.m. I was writhing on the bed yelling out in pain with each contraction. He was there rubbing my back talking me through breathing exercises. That went on until 10 a.m. and FINALLY at 10:20 exactly my water broke. I remember looking at him with a smile, realizing we could now really go to the hospital and get this party started. We spent the next 30 minutes closing up the house, me taking a quick shower, pausing for contractions. Which looking back is quite funny, I would stop whatever I was doing to get on all fours and sway through it, Phil running to my side of help apply pressure to my hips and rub my back. Finally we're out the door around an hour later. My goodness, the pain was so intense, that was the longest car ride of my life!
We arrived at the ER, I was ushered into a wheelchair and rushed upstairs while Phil parked. It took about 40 minutes to get admitted and into a private room. At this point I was begging for an epidural. The nursing staff was amazing, they handled everything quickly and efficiently. The epidural happened soon afterwards and was probably the scariest moment for me. I was dilated to a 3 1/2 and had no idea how I could sit still through a contraction, but thankfully I did it. It took effect in about 20 minutes and the relief was so incredible. We spent the rest of the afternoon resting as much as possible. By about 5 p.m. my Doctor was there to check my progress herself, I was now dilated to a 5. Checked again in two hours, still at a 5. She at this time suggested we use Pitocin to augment the process. Pitocin was the one thing going into labor that I wanted to avoid. We had a discussion and she helped me understand the differences between induction and augmenting with the drug, and with that I understood and felt OK with the plan. We set that into motion and by 10 p.m. I was now at a 10 and ready to push. My doctor had to leave me at this point and have a partner of hers step in to deliver, as she had an early morning flight and needed to get home to pack. We hung out a little longer to rest and let the baby come into optimal position. Pushing started at 11 p.m, and our sweet pea arrived at 1:27 a.m.
After 4+ years of trying...9 months of gestation...46 hours of labor - our baby girl was here. We were parents. It was surreal, so much in fact that I didn't even have tears to shed. This calmness overcame me as the doctor brought her up on my stomach. There was no moment of worry such as counting toes or waiting for a cry. Just this overwhelming calm sensation. My heart was so full of love and thankfulness. She quickly opened her eyes and looked right at me. I'll never forget that moment. Phil was beside me with tears in his eyes, touching her with me. We reveled in the moment as a family of three. Waited about 5 minutes or so to cut the cord, I wanted to wait and let the cord blood stop pumping. It was surreal to keep that connection with her outside of me for a few minutes longer before Daddy cut the cord. I then brought her to my chest for the first time, she latched well.
We then got busy with the postpartum process. My placenta was quickly delivered, which felt so good, talk about relief! There was some stitching required due to a stage 2 tear. Daddy was across the room with the nurses manning the camera as Anita was weighed, cleaned and bundled up. we were both in this state of sweet euphoria, kept looking at one another and just smiling. I was being taken care of by my wonderful nurse, walked to the restroom, washed up and changed into a clean gown. A delicious tray of fresh food was set up for us, which consisted of croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, juice and yogurt. I was so relaxed and happy. By this time it was about 3 in the morning when we were wheeled up to the 8th floor to our recovery room and settled in for the evening. Daddy was then tasked with changing his first diaper, I tried breastfeeding a little bit more. we were finally left alone just the three of us to get some sleep, which only consisted of 2 hours. Morning had come and our doctors were coming in and out to check me and baby.
We were running on adrenaline at this point. Anita was in the nursery for her check, and we walked over to oversee her first bath. We looked up during that and saw my Aunt Vicky, who worked downstairs, had come up to see us. Anita's first visitor, it was a sweet moment seeing a family member, I remember crying as I hugged her and showed off our sweet little baby. The rest of our stay was wonderful. I was well taken care of by Phil and my nurses. Breastfeeding took great focus. Friends and family visited when we allowed it, we loved sharing the moment. Daddy got a chance to go home for a shower each day. Most importantly Anita was doing so well, alert, happy, and the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. We left on Sunday afternoon.
And now for a few photos...
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