Emily's Birth Part II

Hello all! I have no concept of time right now. The days and nights just blend in together. Emily's doing well and giving us plenty to do.
Ok, back to the story of Emily's birth. When I left off I wrote about her weight and length. After she was born I was taken to the recovery room for about an hour to be monitored. Jon moved our stuff into the postpartum room where my mom was. I can't remember how I got there but oh well. The baby joined us in our room and I got to try breastfeeding. Wow what a challenge! (It still is a challenge) I was so groggy from the pain meds and very tired. At night the nurses took Emily while we tried to sleep. They brought her to us when she was hungry. And ofcourse the technicans kept coming into to take my vitals so we didn't sleep much.
Thursday morning Emily was with us for the day. My breakfast was cream of wheat, yogurt, decaf coffee and juice. Yum! Lunch was better as my appetite returned. It was a surreal feeling to have Emily with us because we realized we were parents. Since I couldn't do very much Jon had to change diapers and swaddle her and comfort her. He did a great job even though he was sleep deprived. We also had our first visitor on Thursday. Jon's supervisor, Meredith, came by to see Emily. That was so nice of her!
Friday the photographers came to take pictures of Emily. It was her first official photo shoot. We ordered some announcements and pictures. We also learned that I'd be discharged Saturday before noon. My OB came in to check my incision and said it looked good. The on call pediatrician saw Emily and told us she was doing well but that her weight did drop a little. He recommended supplementing with formula. Friday afternoon dad showed up to the hospital to see us. He was so very happy about little Emily. Our good friend, Lourdes, also came by to see Emily. She brought her a cute outfit too!
Saturday morning we prepared to leave the hospital. Mom and dad helped us move our stuff into the car. I was wheeled away to the the exit while Jon carried Emily in the car seat. We were on our way home!
I could not have had a better hospital experience. The staff at Baylor were incredible and so caring. Even though Emily's birth was not what I had planned for, it turned out well. Thanks for checking in - I'll blog more later!

Emily's Birth Part I

Hello! Time flies when you're having a baby. Just thought I'd blog about Emily's birthday for a few minutes.

On Tuesday evening, April 14, I was admitted to Baylor Grapevine hospital to begin cervical ripening. Mom and Jon stayed with me in the labor and delivery room overnight. The room was huge! I was not very comfortable in the bed but at least I had a good view outside. The nurses checked me out and by Wednesday morning I had not dilated any further than a 2. So I was given pitocin at 6:30am via IV. All day long I worked through the contractions and ate ice chips. By the afternoon my doctor said I was only dilated to a 3 and that the baby might be sunny side up. He decided a C-section was the way to go to get the baby out.

I was extremely nervous and scared but mom and Jon both calmed me down a bit. Jon put the scrubs on and mom went to the waiting room. I was whisked away to the OR and given a spinal block. It was the weirdest feeling when the shot kicked in. I couldn't feel anything below my chest. The C-section didn't take long and before I knew it, I heard Emily's cries. She was lifted above the sheet and when I saw her, I just cried. Jon took some pictures while I was sown up. Emily weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Stay tuned for Part II!

Monday Monday

Hi everyone! Here are some photos mom took of me today. And yes, that's a monkey in the infant carrier - LOL!! Jon and I practiced putting the monkey in the carrier yesterday so we know what to do when we bring our baby home.

Last night I had some mild contractions but nothing regular. I slept ok but not real comfortably. I'm waiting for Jon to get home so we can go see the doctor. All this waiting is really making me anxious. But I'm in good spirits and trying to stay that way. Hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday. I'll write more after my appointment.

Still Here

Hello again! Well it's been a fun week with mom here. Dad drove up yesterday for Easter weekend. Mom will stay another week with me after dad leaves tomorrow. We are all excited and anxious about the baby. Jon is especially happy and excited. It's so nice to see him that way. I'm feeling pretty good today. I'm waddling around the house and trying to take it easy. Dad brought up some more shower gifts from home so I've been looking through them. I got more clothes, a high chair, another diaper bag, and some other cute things. I also got the book - "What to Expect the First Year" so I better start reading that soon. My brother has called me almost everyday wanting to know how I'm doing. And a few friends keep calling and emailing so I feel so loved. But I'll keep you posted as things happen.

Good Friday for a Baby

Hello! These pictures were taken yesterday as I was getting ready to go to my doctor's appointment. I'm in the master bedroom packing my hospital bags just in case I go into labor. Right next to the bed is our "bassinet" (pack-n-play yard) where the baby will sleep at first and next to that is a caddy with diapers, etc. My doctor did another internal exam and said I was dilated 1-2 cm already. The baby hasn't dropped yet and my water hasn't broken. However I could possibly go into labor this weekend. He wants to see me again on Monday and then he'll induce Tuesday/Wednesday.

So far this morning I've been having mild cramps and it's just a little uncomfortable. I'll keep everyone posted on any news.

Past Due Date

Ho-hum. Yesterday was my due date and it was a beautiful day to have a baby. But no such luck! This afternoon I have my weekly doctor's appointment so we'll see what he says. So far I've been feeling tired in the mornings from no sleep at night. Once I take a shower I get a small burst of energy and then I go back to feeling sleepy. Baby has been moving so that's good.
Mom and I are keeping busy reading, watching tv and going out to lunch. Jon's been at work waiting for my phone call to go to the hospital. He's anxious like I am. My sister-in-law says the baby will come on Saturday. That would be neat - so close to Easter! Family and friends keep calling and emailing wondering how I'm doing. No news is no news. But I think it's sweet that they are so excited. Still working on a name. So far this week we like "Emily". We're just stuck on the middle name. I think once we see her we'll know what to name her. Thanks for checking in and I'll keep you posted on any news!

Week 40 pictures

Ok, can you see why I'm so uncomfortable?? Hahaha! Mom took these pictures today in the nursery. I got my haircut recently because I knew I wouldn't have time after baby girl was born. Our nursery is Winnie the Pooh but we have lots of other themes going on as well. Last night was another sleepless night so I made up for it after an early breakfast by sleeping on the couch. I think I should probably just sleep on the couch since it's more comfortable than the bed. When I woke up at 5:30am it was so cold in the house! We had a front blow in and I had to turn the heater on. Poor mom was cold too. Baby girl was squirming after my bowl of cereal so it took a few minutes for her to settle down before I could go back to sleep. My due date is two days away. Wonder if she'll decide to make an appearance? My next doctor's appointment is Thursday afternoon so we'll see. Meanwhile I'm all packed to go to the hospital. We're just playing the hurry up and wait game now.

Ready already

Oh it seems like baby girl is taking her time! Yesterday we had another OB appointment and all is well. My doctor and I discussed the possibility of induction in week 41. I'm due April 8 so if get induced it'll be the 15th or 16th. I'm having dull pains around my lower abdomen and back usually in the early morning hours. During the day I don't notice them. I'm very excited about mom flying in to stay with us for two weeks. She'll be here on Sunday afternoon. Not much else to report. We're ready and waiting for our baby girl to come on out!