She's Here!

Yeah, so I know it's been almost a week since she's arrived and I'm just now getting around to blogging about it. With the grandparents visiting and trying to get into a bit of a routine, there hasn't been much time for blogging. So, here's the re-cap:

Monday, September 13th
Went to work like any other Monday. Got up around 5am and was headed out about 5:45am. I had noticed some contractions but nothing really different than Braxton Hicks, maybe just a bit stronger. I got to work and went about my day as usual, but noticed that about mid morning the contractions started to feel like what I would think a real contraction might feel like. Not necessarily painful but something to notice versus the BH contractions. I started to be more aware of them and had called my sister-in-law in Dallas just to put her on standby since she's the farthest away. I was still thinking that they would never organize into anything productive and go away in an hour or so. As the day went on they did start to get stronger and after someone asked me how far apart they were, thought it might be a good idea to note that too. At that point in time they were still 8-10 minutes usually and I could still do what I was doing. As we got into the afternoon, the contractions were a bit closer together but definately stronger. They would stop me in my tracks for a few seconds until it passed. I think I had my OR nurse worried one time because she told me she doesn't deliver babies. I finished out the day and went to my office about 5pm because I thought if something did happen overnight, I better have some of the dictations that I left from the week before signed so they weren't waiting on me. I spent about an hour at my office and headed home about 6pm. Jason was in Norman helping some friends put in a water heater and I was suppose to meet them for dinner. I called and told him I wouldn't be much fun with these contractions so I was just going to go home.

I got home and decided to put some final touches on our hospital bag so it would be ready if we decided to go to the hospital. At this point in time the contractions were quite strong and flirting with the 5 minute apart time frame. I decided a bath sounded good so I began to run the water for it. I must have had a fleeting nesting moment because as I waited for the bath, I vacuumed our room and our bathroom and closet. I spent about an hour in the bath alternating contractions with the jets running and noted we were now consistently about 5 minutes apart but it hadn't been an hour yet at this consistency. Jason stopped to get some food on his way home and once he got there he ate and I attempeted to. I got through my fruit and then my appetite was gone and little did I know a few minutes later the fruit would find it's way back out too. Jason warned me that if I wanted to go to the hospital that he needed a shower because of the work he did all afternoon with the water heater so I told him he better go ahead because this isn't getting any better and starting to get downright painful.

So, we load up and head out about 9pm to the hospital. Just in case you were wondering, bumps on the on-ramps are not fun in the middle of a contraction. We get to Mercy about 9:30 and head to triage. The whole time walking in I keep thinking if they send me home I will lose it and bawl my eyes out right there because there is no way I'll last very long at home with contractions like these. We get checked in and they hook me up to the monitors and when she checked me I was a 4 with a bulging water sac so I was staying! Hallelujah! Now, when can I get my epidural? After blowing 2 veins before getting an IV started on the third attempt, they wheel me upstairs to the Labor and delivery suite. Apparently you have to have a full bag of fluids before they'll give you an epidural and that bag hanging only to gravity was dripping as slow as could be. I was there about an hour before they brought the anesthesiologist in. I actually knew who he was because he was a resident at OU and he was a good one so that was a nice perk. He got me all set up with the epidural and my those things are awesome! I was able to get some rest from the pain but unfortunately, the stupid BP cuff would go off every 2 minutes it seemed and disturb any rest I was attempting to get.

Tuesday, September 14th
So, Jason's parents arrived about 10:30pm Monday and my sister-in-law came in from Dallas about 1:30am. I progressed through the night and my water broke when I was about an 8. After that my progress slowed so they started some pitocin to get me going again. Everything was going good until about 5am. For some reason, my epidural decided to stop working then and contractions with pitocin onboard hurt a whole lot more than when I first arrived. Jason's favorite line from the night was me asking "how does something so small cause me to hurt so bad!?!" My anesthesiologist was putting in another epidural so it took about 30 minutes or so for him to get to my room again. After working his magic, it began to work again (and work VERY well) an hour after it had stopped. I was able to rest again for about an hour then the nurse checked me and said I was pretty close. My doctor arrived at 7am because he had a c-section scheduled and told me he do that then come back for my delivery. My awesome nurse thought he needed to reconsider and check for himself and when he did, decided I wouldn't wait for him to finish a c-section before my baby arrived.

The circus began then as a scrub tech came in and started getting everything ready and about 3 other nurses came in to help me and be on standby for the baby. About 10 minutes after 7am they had me ready to start pushing. Again, that fix the anesthesiologist had on the epidural was awesome and made the pushing and delivery quite plesant. I pushed for about 10 minutes and at 7:22am Callie Paige Jarrell arrived! She was 5 lbs, 13 oz, and 19.5 in long.

All in all I had a good labor and delivery experience. My hour without the epidural helped reinforce the fact that if we do this again I could never do it without it and I commend all the women out there who are able to accomplish that feat. We were able to go home from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon and we are now just loving on our sweet baby girl and soaking it all in. My parents arrived this past weekend and will stay the week. I hope to visit my office this week to show Callie off and get some newborn pictures taken. We will go to Jason't parents this coming weekend as my parents head home and also get to introduce Callie to her great grandparents. Here are just a few pictures from the past few days:


Our family of three!

Connor meeting his new cousin

At home with baby Callie

Ready for game day!

With her wonderful grandparents

She's Late!

Well, I guess our baby girl is going to have to learn to be more punctual because she is late and her parents are rarely late to anything. September 10th has come and gone and still there is no sign that she's going to join us soon. We have September 16th set up for induction and since I hadn't made any progress at my last visit, I'll go in the day before to get Cervidil if I still haven't progressed any so that I'm ready Thursday morning for the induction.

I'm still working and will work at least Monday and Tuesday, possibly Wednesday but may take that off just because. I've been feeling fine for the most part. Maybe a bit more tired when I come home and a bit more swelling of my feet after the day but overall I can't complain. Besides the hearing thing, I've had a great pregnancy and have really enjoyed it. There are things I look forward to once she arrives such as being able bend over to do things, getting into my regular clothes again, etc. but I'll miss feeling her move and (sorry if TMI) the lack of visits from Aunt Flow every month. But even though I won't feel her move inside any more, I'll get to share snuggles and kisses and so much with her here.

It is funny how I've altered my normal habits the last week or so. I usually call my mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, frequently through the week but haven't as much because I'm sure they think I'm calling because I'm going to the hospital when I do. So, most of my conversations start with "Hi, no I'm not going to the hospital," and then we can continue on. Also, at work and church I'm getting the "we didn't think you'd be here" comments because baby girl hasn't arrived. I thought about making a shirt to wear on Wednesday to church that says:
Yes I'm still pregnant
No I haven't had contractions
Yes I'm being induced Thursday
No I'm not miserable
etc.
I thought it might be funny but I bet some of the older ladies may be offended...

Unfortunately I don't have much more to say for now. Once I get it on the computer I'll share my 40 week belly pic and I also have a great picture of my cankles that appeared Thursday after a day in the OR. Also, I have a great OSU shirt I made that I've worn the last 2 weekends for game day that I'll share. My next update will likely be before we go to the hospital or to introduce our baby girl. Can't wait to share!

It's the Final Countdown

Well, if our baby girl decides to arrive on time, we're down to 4 days of our final countdown. I still have in my mind that she's going to take her sweet time and I'll have to force her out on the 16th but she may surprise me. The contractions I do have seem slightly stronger but are still in no way uncomfortabale and it seems like I'll notice more pressure down below time and again so maybe we're making a little progress. I go back on Wednesday to see. My last appointment was ok. I hadn't changed any from the week before - still at 1cm and 75% effaced. All the other "vitals" were normal and to my surprise I didn't have a weight increase. I'm still hanging on at 148 (a 23 pound gain).
This weekend I've got our hospital bag more packed and would just have to throw in the bathroom stuff we use daily to make it complete. I also put the car seat in the car and did some final putting away of things in the baby's room. I also took some disposable "chuck" pads from my clinic just in case my water broke along the way and would need something to protect my car seats. I also had to pack up the things in my office because our clinic is doing some renovations and the next stage will involve my office - most likely while I'm on leave. Therefore, I packed things up so that I knew where to find what I needed and not have to look for it if somebody else had moved things out.
Beyond waiting we don't have much going. We're all ready for her to get here so hopefully she'll come out to play soon! Here's my 39 week picture...will we make 40?

Insert Final Jeopardy Tune Here...

Yep, I'm just waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Probably borderline impatient but not quite there yet. It's really hard to have everything ready for this baby to arrive and not know when she'll show up. I know I have less than 2 weeks to go till my due date and I know I have a for sure deadline set-up on the 16th if she's not here by then but that seems soooooo far away. I get up every morning wondering if this could be the day. I think of what it would be like if my water broke while at work - I totally wouldn't be embarrassed cause that would be my ticket out. :) I analyze her movements and contractions that I have but they still are really random, don't hurt, and don't last but a few seconds. Even with all this, I can't make anything happen any faster so I'll just have to be content enough to wait.

Being so close to the end, I notice now how people will analyze my belly. One day I've dropped some, the next, maybe not so much. "You've gotten bigger since last week," and then someone else tells me she's going to be a small baby cause I'm not that big. I think it's funny to hear everyone's thoughts on my belly and how it usually turns into the focus of conversation. It's also fun to have patients ask my nurse if I'm still here or if I've had the baby. Those who were coming back for a return appointment around my due date I would tell them I may or may not see them next time so it's nice to hear them ask about me and wish me the best.

I go back to the doctor tomorrow so we'll see how things are. I've already set up my appointments through my due date so that makes it seem closer to the end. I've sort of packed a hospital bag but need to finish it up and actually have it ready instead of sitting in my closet with just a couple pairs of clothes. It would probably be nice to throw in some deodorant and toothpaste and toothbrush so I can be half way presentable while in the hospital. Also, I think I'll put the car seat in the car sometime this week. I've had the base in for a couple weeks but I think I'll go for the whole thing now. Jason's parents are going to visit his sister and her family in Dallas this weekend for the long weekend and I sure hope baby girl doesn't ruin their plans by making an early arrival. I'm sure they wouldn't mind too much but they are celebrating my nephew's 3rd birthday and I don't want to take that away from him. Only time will tell...

Progress

I had my weekly check up today and to my surprise I've actually made some progress. I figured I hadn't done much to move towards labor but when he checked me today, he said I was a good 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced (last week was 50% and closed). So, that was encouraging that she won't stay in forever and she might actually come around her due date. He figures I'll be at least 2cm by next week. With 2 weeks left to go hopefully she'll continue to make her way into our world! Other fun facts about our visit today - she is head down, he wanted to feel her head and boy did it take some effort (ouch) but he confirmed head down; BP was 105/60 (yay); her heart rate was in the 140's (awesome); and I weighed in at a hefty 148 (23 lb weight gain so far). I may see the 150's before it's all over but hopefully not for long! I go back next week of course and I look forward to what we find then.

Here are the pictuers of her room. We still have a few random things that have to be moved out but it's pretty much done.


This is her crib (obviously) and on the wall in the box I plan to paint a monogram of her initials once we finally decide on what they'll be


I think I may want a small table between the crib and day bed so that I can put a lamp and the monitor on. That may be my mission this weekend. I was excited to keep the day bed in the room so that when company comes, we can use it and the trundle for guests but as an added bonus, I can use it if needed on long nights.




The dresser has the changing pad on it. It's not as big as some dressers but we were able to get it for the room but also put a small cabinet with baskets in the closet to use for clothes/accessory storage. On the left side of the bathroom door there is Jason's shelf of decorations. It has her John Deere dish set and tractor on it.


This is the valance I made! I'm quite proud of it even though I'm sure it's probably one of the easiest things you can make. We had our crib bedding made so I had the lady who made it order me an extra yard of fabric so I could use it for the valance. The green border was some of the scraps she had left so I was glad to use that too.

We are in the process of putting a ceiling fan in the room. I don't think there's anything wrong with running a ceiling fan in a baby's room but I guess I'll double check with the pediatrician once she arrives. Either way, it'll be up to use if needed.

Now all we need is our sweet baby to bring home to her room! This waiting game is probably the hardest of all - We're ready to meet her!!!

37 Weeks 4 days

How far along: 37 Weeks 4 days - 17 days until my due date!

Total Weight Gain: As of my last check up - 21 pounds

Maternity clothes: Always except for elastic gym shorts and t-shirts. My t-shirts are even getting tight. May have to move up to Jason's shirts before too long.

Stretch marks: Not that I can see! :)

Symptoms: Hands swelling at night while I sleep. I'm sure they are kinda swollen in the day too but nothing like at night. It causes me to have trigger digits of my index fingers (where they "catch" when I bend them down and will "pop" when I straighten them out) and will occasionally get some carpal tunnel type numbness. This morning I couldn't feel the button on my alarm when it went off because my finger was numb. But, these symptoms resolve within a few minutes of getting up and so they are somewhat bearable.

Most recent Doctor’s Appt: It was good. I found out I'm Group B negative so no extra antibiotics needed at delivery and he also checked me for the first time. I'm still closed but about 50% effaced. Blood pressure remained low and baby's heartrate was in the 130's.

Best Moment Last Week: I got my massage that Jason and my parents gave me for my birthday! It was quite nice but they never last long enough!

Movement: She's a mover and a shaker...especially at 10:30pm still. She also has been getting the hiccups more often it seems but I can tell she's head down because of where I feel them.

Food Cravings: Nothing in particular. It all sounds good

Belly Button in or out: It sure is trying to become an outie but can't make the commitment so it stays kinda flat.

What I Miss: Running still. I'm looking forward to using the jogging stroller that one of my doctors that I work with gave to us once baby girl arrives. Also, the weather will be cooler so it'll be nice to run.

What am I looking forward to: Baby girl's arrival and finally deciding on a name. We have our name narrowed to 2-3 options (it's the same 3 names in different combinations) but we can't make the decision. Also, since all the showers are done, the room is ready, we're ready, all we have to do is wait so that's what I'm looking forward too!

Milestones: Reaching full term, finishing her room, and installing the car seat base in the car. I haven't put the actual car seat in yet but the base is in.

How is Daddy?: Wonderful. He looks forward to playing with our baby girl instead of just my belly. Although, she can keep him pretty entertained with all her acrobatics he can see from outside.

I took pictures of the baby's room so I'll share those next time.


37 Weeks

Bump Update

It's been a few weeks since my Bump Progression post so I thought I'd give an update with my most recent bump pictures. I've been doing weekly pictures for these last few weeks so there isn't as much difference between the pictures but she sure is getting big in there! I have a check up this afternoon and we'll see if she's making any progress to joining us in this world or see if she's planning on staying cozy in there for a while longer. For whatever reason, I feel like she's going to spend as much time as she can in there and I'll go past my due date. If that happens, my doctor said he doesn't like for his patients to go more than a week over their due date so I may pick my day to be induced (about a week after) so that we have it scheduled. He said there have been times that if he didn't schedule, patients would be bumped on their induction day because they wouldn't have room in the hospital. That still can happen but would be less likely if we plan now. Hopefully those plans will never come into play and baby girl will arrive when she's suppose to but it's good to have a back up plan.
I'll give another update after my appointment today and I plan to put up pictures of her room soon. It's a lot closer to being done so hopefully I'll get pictures soon! Now, the belly pics:


32 Weeks


34 Weeks


35 Weeks


36 Weeks