Sunday, September 21, 2014
Dylan's Blessing
On Sunday September 7, we had Dlyan's baby blessing. It was a beautiful day and Connor gave a beautiful blessing. There was one other baby blessed that day. Dylan slept through it, and then woke up very hungry right after sacrament, so I missed the rest of the meeting. The speaker in the mothers room doesn't work so I couldn't hear anything.
Anyway, like I said, the blessing was beautiful. I was a little bit bummed that no one from my family was there, but what can you do? My mission presidents wife was able to make it, which I loved. She held Dylan for a bit before he decided he was starving and needed food.
After church we went back to our house for lunch with family and friends. Matthew looooved all the attention he got. He's so funny and just loves to show off.
Broken Collarbone
So right after Dylan's 2 week check-up, I noticed a bump on Dylan's left shoulder. Of course it worried me. I thought it was either a broken collarbone, or he had some weird growth on his bone. At first I thought we'd just keep an eye on it and see what happens, but the next day it was just gnawing at me and Connor and I agreed we should take him back to the dr to get it checked out.
I dropped Matthew off at his grandparents and took Dylan to the doctor that afternoon. Dr Nelson looked at his shoulder, felt the bump and wasn't sure what it was. He tested Dylan's range of motion in his arms to make sure he was exhibiting the same range of motion in each arm, which he appeared to be doing. So Dr Nelson said we should just keep an eye on it, and also that he would talk to a pediatric orthopedic doctor, and get their 2 cents on it. After that, I didn't worry about it too much.
The following week, I received a call from Dr Nelsons office telling me that Dr Nelson had spoken with another doctor, and they recommended we take Dylan for an X-ray of his shoulder, and that it might be something that he might need physical therapy for. Honestly, I thought I was going to be taking him for an X-ray when I took him in for it initially -- that's why I dropped Matty off with Lori. Anyway, it took me a few days to get to the hospital for the X-ray. Every time I tried to go something got in the way. Finally I just had to take both Dylan and Matthew to get the X-ray done.
That was kind of a nightmare because Matthew didn't take a nap that day and he was soooo tired, and hospitals are sloooooow.
Anyway, they finally took the X-ray. They had me wait outside and Dylan screamed the whole time. My poor little baby.
The next day Dr Nelson's office called again saying Dylan had a fractured clavicle, but that it was healing and had a bone callus, and that he would need physical therapy to make sure it doesn't cause him any problems down the road.
The following week they gave me the referral for physical therapy, and I set up an appointment for the week after that. Seriously the longest process ever, but whatever.
Finally, I met with the physical therapist and we talked about Dylan's labor and delivery. That had to be the time when the break happened because we didn't drop him or anything. The physical therapist asked if his shoulders had gotten lodged during delivery, which they hadn't. She said that usually the shoulders get stuck, and then the doctor has to pull the shoulders out, which is usually when the collar bone breaks. But that never happened. I watched the whole thing. He slid out easily.
It was while I was in labor that we had issues. I told the physical therapist about my horrid contractions while I was in labor and that Dylan was sideways right up until before he was born. She said she believes that since he was sideways, I had a really strong contraction which pushed his shoulder into my pelvic bone, and his collar bone broke. A broken bone before he was even born. That makes the most sense to me.
Before I took him into physical therapy I kept thinking about when his bone would have broken, and kept wondering if it was possible for it to break before he was born. I thought about bringing it up with Stacie at my 6 week follow-up, but I didn't want her to think I was accusing her of anything, so I didn't. I really think it happened before he was born.
I did bring it up with Amy, my doula, and she was really surprised when I told her that he had a broken collar bone. She said she has had a client whose baby did break his collar gone before, but the doctor was tugging and pulling a lot, which Stacie never did.
Dylan has had a bit of a rough start in life with his jaundice and broken bone, but he's one tough kid. Plus, he is so sweet and cute. His smile just melts my heart.
Anyway, the physical therapist checked to see if he had any nerve damage from the break, which he doesn't. He does seem to favor his right arm when we do tummy time, so I try to encourage him to bare equal weight on his left arm. And she showed me some stretches to do with his arm/neck so those muscles don't get too tight. I'm supposed to take him back this week, but I'm going to have to reschedule for the following week. She wants to make sure that as he develops and starts reaching for toys that he can do everything he should be doing. But it will still be another month or so before he starts doing that anyway.
I dropped Matthew off at his grandparents and took Dylan to the doctor that afternoon. Dr Nelson looked at his shoulder, felt the bump and wasn't sure what it was. He tested Dylan's range of motion in his arms to make sure he was exhibiting the same range of motion in each arm, which he appeared to be doing. So Dr Nelson said we should just keep an eye on it, and also that he would talk to a pediatric orthopedic doctor, and get their 2 cents on it. After that, I didn't worry about it too much.
The following week, I received a call from Dr Nelsons office telling me that Dr Nelson had spoken with another doctor, and they recommended we take Dylan for an X-ray of his shoulder, and that it might be something that he might need physical therapy for. Honestly, I thought I was going to be taking him for an X-ray when I took him in for it initially -- that's why I dropped Matty off with Lori. Anyway, it took me a few days to get to the hospital for the X-ray. Every time I tried to go something got in the way. Finally I just had to take both Dylan and Matthew to get the X-ray done.
That was kind of a nightmare because Matthew didn't take a nap that day and he was soooo tired, and hospitals are sloooooow.
Anyway, they finally took the X-ray. They had me wait outside and Dylan screamed the whole time. My poor little baby.
The next day Dr Nelson's office called again saying Dylan had a fractured clavicle, but that it was healing and had a bone callus, and that he would need physical therapy to make sure it doesn't cause him any problems down the road.
The following week they gave me the referral for physical therapy, and I set up an appointment for the week after that. Seriously the longest process ever, but whatever.
Finally, I met with the physical therapist and we talked about Dylan's labor and delivery. That had to be the time when the break happened because we didn't drop him or anything. The physical therapist asked if his shoulders had gotten lodged during delivery, which they hadn't. She said that usually the shoulders get stuck, and then the doctor has to pull the shoulders out, which is usually when the collar bone breaks. But that never happened. I watched the whole thing. He slid out easily.
It was while I was in labor that we had issues. I told the physical therapist about my horrid contractions while I was in labor and that Dylan was sideways right up until before he was born. She said she believes that since he was sideways, I had a really strong contraction which pushed his shoulder into my pelvic bone, and his collar bone broke. A broken bone before he was even born. That makes the most sense to me.
Before I took him into physical therapy I kept thinking about when his bone would have broken, and kept wondering if it was possible for it to break before he was born. I thought about bringing it up with Stacie at my 6 week follow-up, but I didn't want her to think I was accusing her of anything, so I didn't. I really think it happened before he was born.
I did bring it up with Amy, my doula, and she was really surprised when I told her that he had a broken collar bone. She said she has had a client whose baby did break his collar gone before, but the doctor was tugging and pulling a lot, which Stacie never did.
Dylan has had a bit of a rough start in life with his jaundice and broken bone, but he's one tough kid. Plus, he is so sweet and cute. His smile just melts my heart.
Anyway, the physical therapist checked to see if he had any nerve damage from the break, which he doesn't. He does seem to favor his right arm when we do tummy time, so I try to encourage him to bare equal weight on his left arm. And she showed me some stretches to do with his arm/neck so those muscles don't get too tight. I'm supposed to take him back this week, but I'm going to have to reschedule for the following week. She wants to make sure that as he develops and starts reaching for toys that he can do everything he should be doing. But it will still be another month or so before he starts doing that anyway.
Dylan @ 2 Months
Poor Dylan had kind of a rough day. We had our appointment in the morning, hoping we could get it over with and enjoy the rest of the day. Luckily, Connor had the day off so I didn't have to take Matthew to the appointment as well. When we finally met with Dr Nelson and we started talking about immunizations, he said that there are 3 shots, and 1 oral immunization that 2 month olds are given. However, because we go to a family practice, and not a pediatricians office, they don't carry the oral vaccination because they don't have enough patients that need the vaccine. So D would get the 3 shots, and then we could get the other one at the health department. Great.
Then Dr Nelson leaves, comes back and says they actually only have 2 of the 3 vaccines. The 3rd is coming today, but won't be there for a couple hours so I can bring Dylan back in the afternoon. So Dylan got his first 2 shots, and cried the saddest cry ever. Then he went straight to sleep -- he was long overdue for a nap. We went home, he slept more and then the drs office called to say the 3rd vaccine had come in. When Dylan woke up we went back and he got another shot. At least his thighs are so chunky! Oh, that time I had to take Matty with, which was interesting. Luckily (for me, not for him), I strapped Matthew into the stroller and he couldn't run away from me.
Then we went home, picked up Connor, and we all drove to the health department in Bountiful for Dylan to get the oral vaccine. At least that one wasn't a shot! Although it did give him some disgusting diapers for a couple of days.
Poor little man had a rough day, but he certainly was a trooper. We just love him and are so grateful we get to have him around. He is such a sweet little baby.
Dylan @ 1 Month
1 week
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
1 Month Old
At his 2 week check-up he weighed 9 lbs 13 ozs and 22 inches long.
2 weeks
3 weeks
4 weeks
1 Month Old
At his 2 week check-up he weighed 9 lbs 13 ozs and 22 inches long.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Jaundice
Monday the 21st I took Dylan for his checkup with his regular doctor (Dr Nelson). We had left the hospital on Friday, and for the most part, things were going really well. Dylan is such a chill baby and a great sleeper (unlike his older brother).
Dylan was looking good when we were at the doctors, but Dr Nelson noted his jaundice and said just to be safe, we should get his blood levels tested. Since the office is right next to the hospital, they had us go to the lab at the hospital to do the blood draw. Before we left, Dr Nelson was talking to me about the numbers for the level of jaundice and if it's over 20 there's major cause for concern, 15 to 20 is very worrisome, and under 15 is most likely fine, but needs to be watched.
Honestly, I was very unconcerned. I knew he had a little jaundice, but I knew it would resolve on its own.
Later that afternoon my family arrived at our house after driving out from California, and Casey and Mitch came to see Dylan too because they hadn't had a chance to see him yet. They were here for about 5 minutes when I got a call from the drs office. I saw the caller ID and figured they were calling to tell me everything came back mostly normal and to keep an eye on the jaundice levels.
Wrong.
I did not expect them to tell me that Dylan needed to be admitted to the hospital because his jaundice level (19.7) was way too high. I found Connor, who was giving a tour of our house, told him quickly what was going on, and then told the lady on the phone that we'd go back to the hospital ASAP.
Connor and I rushed up to our bedroom with Dylan and Connor gave him a blessing before we left. My mind was somewhere else when we said goodbye to everyone that had just gotten to our house. I didn't even notice Casey and Mitch when they left. Conveniently, my mom was there to look after Matthew while Connor and I went back to the hospital. Matthew didn't really remember my mom, but he did really well. Luckily, he got over his separation anxiety when I went back to work earlier this year.
Connor and I rushed up to our bedroom with Dylan and Connor gave him a blessing before we left. My mind was somewhere else when we said goodbye to everyone that had just gotten to our house. I didn't even notice Casey and Mitch when they left. Conveniently, my mom was there to look after Matthew while Connor and I went back to the hospital. Matthew didn't really remember my mom, but he did really well. Luckily, he got over his separation anxiety when I went back to work earlier this year.
When we checked in at the hospital they had been notified that we were coming and had things mostly set up for us. The girl that was checking us in kept telling us how sorry she was that we had to go through this.
I was concerned they were going to tell me that I couldn't stay there with him that night, but the nurse, who was in his room when we got there, encouraged me to stay with him all night. They had another baby coming in that same day who was also jaundiced, so she said it would make her job easier if I stayed. I really liked that nurse.
Dr Nelson came in and talked to us about Dylan's jaundice level and their plan of treatment. Lights, lights, and more lights. He didn't need an IV, and best case scenario we would only be there overnight. Something I wasn't thrilled about is that Dr Nelson wanted me to pump and feed Dylan so they could know exactly how much he was eating. I asked if we could just weigh Dylan before and after each feed, but Dr Nelson didn't feel that would be accurate enough.
Not much later, I heard Dr Nelson and our nurse talking in the hall and she was fighting for me to be able to breastfeed Dylan instead of pumping and bottle feeding him. She told Dr Nelson I could just write down the start time of each feed, and how long he fed for and that would be enough. He eventually agreed, and I was so grateful that she fought for that.
Dylan has been a champion breast-feeder from the start, but I was really concern that introducing a bottle to him when he was only 4 days old, would put a strain on his ability to nurse. There's nothing wrong with bottle-feeding, but I really enjoy being able to breast-feed my kids and it is something that's really important to me for a lot of reasons. I was so relieved when the nurse told me I didn't have to pump. I thanked her and told her she was my hero for the day.
I had to nurse Dylan each hour for 10 to 15 minutes. If I waited to nurse him every 2 hours then I was supposed to nurse 25 to 30 minutes. So, there wasn't much sleep in store for me that night.
When they finally got Dylan under the lights, which took hours for some reason, he did great under them. He was so sleepy (probably from the jaundice), and he laid there easily.
They retested his levels around 10 pm that night and the numbers came back at about 17.5, so we knew it was working, thank goodness.
I didn't sleep more than 30 minutes all night long. Connor had gone home and gotten me my pillow and some other things that I needed, and then came back and ate dinner with me. Luckily, Davis Hospital actually has pretty good food. And amazing chocolate chip cookies.
Connor left about 8:30 to get home to put Matthew to bed. He actually came back again later to bring me some more things that he had forgotten, and then he was gone for good and I was so bored. I tried to read a book, but I couldn't focus so I watched American Ninja Warrior and other mindless television.
They told me they were going to come back at 4 am to retest, so I was ready to go. I had him fed and everything so they'd be able to do it quickly. Unfortunately, they didn't show up until 5. Rude. The test came back at about 15.5, so we were still making progress.
After that, I wasn't as concerned about his jaundice level, and Dylan was pretty much done with lying in the incubator. He much preferred to be nursing, or at least cuddling me or Connor, and I couldn't blame him. Connor showed up around 8am and after that I was finally able to get some rest. I slept for a couple hours and tried to stay conscious while feeding Dylan but that was hard.
When we had him out of the incubator, we still tried to keep him in the lights, but it obviously wasn't the same, so when they retested his levels they were down to about 14.
I did my best to keep him under the lights, but I wasn't going to just let him cry and stay under there. If it had been life threatening, then I would have had to. But at this point I felt that he was okay.
Dr Nelson had checked in with us periodically and told us we would be out of there before 6. We hoped it would be well before, but they were slow. At 3:30 he said he would sign the discharge papers, and at 4:30 we were finally out of there.
Before we left, Dr Nelson asked if we thought we needed to get a bili blanket so that Dylan could do more phototherapy at home. I said I didn't really feel that it was necessary, but I also didn't think Dylan's bili levels were that high in the first place, so maybe I wasn't the best judge. Dr Nelson was nice and said he trusted my instinct, and Connor agreed that we didn't need the blanket at home. We just needed to keep Dylan in the sun periodically.
I had to take Dylan back to the dr on Friday, and since Dr Nelson had gone on vacation the day after we left the hospital, we saw a different dr in the practice. He said that Dylan's jaundice was looking better and to just keep watching it.
At Dylan's 2 week appointment, Dr Nelson wasn't at all concerned about the jaundice (which was minimal), so Connor and I finally stopped worrying about it.
I was so stressed at the time, but now looking back it's easy to see how blessed we were that Dylan's jaundice resolved so quickly, and that the treatment was pretty easy (all things considered). Some babies have to get blood transfusions because their levels of jaundice are just way too high. I'm grateful that it never came to that with Dylan and that our sweet little baby is continuing to thrive.
Family Fotos
On Monday, July 21st we had newborn photos taken of Dylan and I just love how they turned out.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Dylan's Birth Story
Warning: This is the long, in-depth story. If you don't want to know all the gory details, don't read it. :)
My 'due date' with Dylan was July 13th. On Monday, July 14th I had an appointment with my midwife, Stacie, and when she checked me and I was at 4 to 5 centimeters dilated, and like 80% effaced. She said the baby was still pretty high up, though. We did a Non-Stress Test to make sure he was still doing okay, which he passed with flying colors. I set an appointment to come back on Thursday, but Stacie said she didn't think I'd be back for it. I wasn't so sure, but hoped she was right.
I had forgotten how hard the end of pregnancy is. Physically, emotionally, mentally. It's hard. And since I did not want to be induced, I was trying so hard to be patient and let Dylan decide when he was ready to come.
Also at my appointment on Monday I had Stacie strip my membranes. I had some contractions after that, but I had been having contractions on and off for a while and the labor had always stalled. I had hoped that stripping my membranes would do the trick, but I knew there was no guarantee.
On Tuesday Connor went back to work (he had been scheduled off for 5 days), and I was really nervous that I was going to go into labor that day. I had still been having irregular contractions since Monday, but they never amounted to much.
On Tuesday night/Wednesday morning I was pretty sure I was in active labor, and I really thought we were having a baby on Wednesday (the 16th). I told Connor not to go to work, and Connor took Matthew over to his parents to spend the day.
I was able to take a nap on Wednesday and I woke up from my nap with KILLER contractions. Pretty much it felt like my uterus was being ripped from my body. So fun! I was feeling really discouraged because the contractions killed, and since I wanted a natural labor, I didn't know if I'd be able to do it if the contractions were going to be like that.
I had a little break down and called my doula, Amy. She came over and we chatted for a bit. She timed my contractions and she said there did seem to be a pattern to them, and it also seemed like my body would throw an extra one in there periodically to try and help the baby turn, since he still wasn't positioned just right. Connor, Amy, and I went on a walk and once again the contractions stopped. Amy encouraged us to go out and do something fun so we went to Paradise and got some dinner, picked up a few things at Costco, went and got some sugar cookies from Swigs, and then picked up Matthew and came home.
We got Matty to bed, and I finally fell asleep around 1. At 2:30 on Thursday morning (the 17th) I woke up with some more of those killer contractions. I was pretty sure this was FINALLY it, so I called Amy but she said I still sounded too happy and to take a bath and see what happens. So I got in the tub (which felt AMAZING) and while I was in there the contractions started coming one right after the other. It was then that I was finally confident that I was in active labor.
While I was in the tub I started thinking that if on Monday I was at almost 5 cm, who knows how far along I was now? And since I did not want an accidental home birth, I got out of the tub, woke up Connor, and called Amy. At first I told her to come to the house, but then decided I would feel better if we just went to the hospital. Connor called Lori who came over to be with Matthew (who had conveniently woken up and thought that since we were all up it was play time!).
Lori got here pretty quickly and Connor and I got in the car and met Amy at the hospital. By this time it was about 4:45 in the morning. We went to the ER to check in (because everything else is closed at 4:45 in the morning). When we got to the ER, the woman checking me in asked when my due date was. I said it was 4 days ago and laughed. I guess I was still too happy because Amy said to Connor that we were going to be there for a while.
They brought me a wheelchair and took us up to L&D. I changed my clothes (I didn't want to wear the hospital gown this time so I bought one of those Pretty Pushers gowns, which I really liked, although I think it looks like something the Flintstones would have worn.) The nurse came in to check me and said that I was 100% effaced and at 8 cm. 8! I was like, What? And she repeated 8 cm. I couldn't believe it.
It was about 5:15 am by this point, and I was pretty sure the baby was going to be born really soon. Amy asked if I wanted to get in the tub, which I did and I loved.
I'm so glad that I didn't get induced because I loved being able to move around and have the option of getting in the tub or bouncing on the birth ball.
Anyway, the tub was great, but they poured some surgical soap in the tub first for whatever reason, and the bubbles were out of control. Any time I'd turn on the jets (which helped with my back labor) the bubbles would overtake the tub. Connor and Amy were scooping bubbles out of the tub, but they weren't able to keep up. It was kind of funny. Even with all the bubbles, the tub was wonderful.
I got out because they wanted to monitor me again for a bit. Amy had a tens machine to use on my back, which basically eliminated my back labor. When they checked me again I was at 9.5 cm and that was about 7 am. They said there was still a little lip. So I sat on the birth ball for a while, then I got on the bed again for a bit. Amy suggested I get on my knees and lean over the back of the bed and see if I could push past the little lip that was still there. At this point it was probably about 9 am and I was getting so so tired. I asked to be checked again, and I still hadn't made any progress, which was very discouraging.
I wanted to lay down so I did for a bit. Then my contractions started getting crazy. They were coming one right after the other, and they were intense. Amy was great and did some counter pressure with Connor on my hips and knees. It helped so much, but even still the labor was intense. I think Dylan was still positioned weirdly and my body was working really hard to turn him to position him correctly for the delivery.
Around noon I had them check me again and when they said that I still hadn't made any progress, I was immensely discouraged. I was so tired and felt like I had given everything I could give. I jokingly asked if it was too late for the epidural, because I was confident they were going to say that it was too late. The nurse said as long as I was able to sit still, they could do the epidural.
At this point my water still hadn't broken so Amy suggested an alternative -- that we break my water and see if that helped me progress the last .5 centimeter. I agreed to that, but I had already decided that I wanted the epidural. I was just too tired at that point. So Stacie came in and broke my water, and then the anesthesiologist came in to give me the epidural.
At that point I was having such a hard time with the contractions that I was very relieved when the epidural kicked in and I understood why people love the epidural so much (I hated it the whole time with Matthew's labor). After it kicked in, I fell asleep. I slept for about an hour and Connor and Amy slept too. When I woke up it was about 1 pm. They checked me again and said I still had a little lip. Ugh.
The hour between 1 and 2 pm was one of the longest of my life. I still hate the epidural. I was so uncomfortable. I kept asking Connor and Amy to move me into different positions so that I could be more comfortable, but it didn't work. I was so miserable. Eventually I gave up and asked them to turn on the TV to distract me, which sort of worked because that was the day the Malaysian Airlines flight had been shot down in Ukraine.
Finally at a little after 2pm Stacie came in and asked if I was ready to have a baby. Yes! At about 2:10 I started pushing, and at 2:30 he was finally born! This time I asked for the mirror so I could see him as he was delivered, and I'm so glad I did. It was amazing and gross to watch. Connor was able to catch the baby (with Stacie's help, of course), which he really enjoyed. When I saw Dylan at first it felt like deja vu and I was looking at another little Matthew. But the more I looked at him, the more differences I could see as well.
I did tear, and it was not good. It was only a first degree tear, but not in a place where you would want a tear. Luckily, I didn't feel the stitching because of the epidural. Although I wonder if I would have torn like that if I had been able to feel what was going on when I was pushing.
After a few minutes of skin to skin with Dylan, one of the nurses asked if I was nursing him. I hadn't tried yet, so I got him to latch on (with some helpful reminders from Amy on how to do it properly). Dylan latched on so well and has been a champion nurser from the start. I did have a few problems with Matthew, but Dylan has been so easy to nurse. Thank goodness.
When they weighed Dylan we were all surprised when the scale said 8 lbs 9 ozs! I had guessed that he'd be over 8 lbs, but I didn't think he'd be that far over. He was also really long at 21.5 inches long. Matthew was 7.13 and 20.5".
Dylan's birth certainly didn't go perfectly, but I really am thrilled with how everything worked out. I didn't get to do it med free, but I'm proud of myself for making it as far as I did without the epidural. And with how exhausted I was, I think it was the best choice for me.
I also want to say that Connor was amazing. When Matthew was born, Connor didn't really know what to do to help me, and I didn't know what to tell him to do. This time Connor was on top of everything. He was SO supportive, SO encouraging, SO helpful. I don't know how I didn't break his hand with how hard I would squeeze it during my contractions, but I didn't hear him complain once. He's a keeper, that one. There's no way I could have done it without him.
Stacie was so great, too. I am so glad I used a midwife this time, even though a lot of people probably thought I was weird. I am so glad that I switched to Stacie, I really can't say enough good things about her. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
And having a doula was priceless. Amy was so great and always had a little trick up her sleeve for whatever I complained about. She was encouraging and supportive. Even though she didn't necessarily agree with my decision to get the epidural, she supported me 100%. Doula's aren't cheap, but they are totally worth the cost, in my opinion.
I'm so grateful for how well everything went. Like I said, it didn't go perfectly. My birth plan (which I forgot to bring to the hospital -- go me!) didn't get honored 100%. But I'm 100% okay with that.
And Dylan. He is totally worth every painful contraction and the misery from my epidural. He's perfect and I'm very lucky to be his mom.
My 'due date' with Dylan was July 13th. On Monday, July 14th I had an appointment with my midwife, Stacie, and when she checked me and I was at 4 to 5 centimeters dilated, and like 80% effaced. She said the baby was still pretty high up, though. We did a Non-Stress Test to make sure he was still doing okay, which he passed with flying colors. I set an appointment to come back on Thursday, but Stacie said she didn't think I'd be back for it. I wasn't so sure, but hoped she was right.
I had forgotten how hard the end of pregnancy is. Physically, emotionally, mentally. It's hard. And since I did not want to be induced, I was trying so hard to be patient and let Dylan decide when he was ready to come.
Also at my appointment on Monday I had Stacie strip my membranes. I had some contractions after that, but I had been having contractions on and off for a while and the labor had always stalled. I had hoped that stripping my membranes would do the trick, but I knew there was no guarantee.
On Tuesday Connor went back to work (he had been scheduled off for 5 days), and I was really nervous that I was going to go into labor that day. I had still been having irregular contractions since Monday, but they never amounted to much.
On Tuesday night/Wednesday morning I was pretty sure I was in active labor, and I really thought we were having a baby on Wednesday (the 16th). I told Connor not to go to work, and Connor took Matthew over to his parents to spend the day.
I was able to take a nap on Wednesday and I woke up from my nap with KILLER contractions. Pretty much it felt like my uterus was being ripped from my body. So fun! I was feeling really discouraged because the contractions killed, and since I wanted a natural labor, I didn't know if I'd be able to do it if the contractions were going to be like that.
I had a little break down and called my doula, Amy. She came over and we chatted for a bit. She timed my contractions and she said there did seem to be a pattern to them, and it also seemed like my body would throw an extra one in there periodically to try and help the baby turn, since he still wasn't positioned just right. Connor, Amy, and I went on a walk and once again the contractions stopped. Amy encouraged us to go out and do something fun so we went to Paradise and got some dinner, picked up a few things at Costco, went and got some sugar cookies from Swigs, and then picked up Matthew and came home.
We got Matty to bed, and I finally fell asleep around 1. At 2:30 on Thursday morning (the 17th) I woke up with some more of those killer contractions. I was pretty sure this was FINALLY it, so I called Amy but she said I still sounded too happy and to take a bath and see what happens. So I got in the tub (which felt AMAZING) and while I was in there the contractions started coming one right after the other. It was then that I was finally confident that I was in active labor.
While I was in the tub I started thinking that if on Monday I was at almost 5 cm, who knows how far along I was now? And since I did not want an accidental home birth, I got out of the tub, woke up Connor, and called Amy. At first I told her to come to the house, but then decided I would feel better if we just went to the hospital. Connor called Lori who came over to be with Matthew (who had conveniently woken up and thought that since we were all up it was play time!).
Lori got here pretty quickly and Connor and I got in the car and met Amy at the hospital. By this time it was about 4:45 in the morning. We went to the ER to check in (because everything else is closed at 4:45 in the morning). When we got to the ER, the woman checking me in asked when my due date was. I said it was 4 days ago and laughed. I guess I was still too happy because Amy said to Connor that we were going to be there for a while.
They brought me a wheelchair and took us up to L&D. I changed my clothes (I didn't want to wear the hospital gown this time so I bought one of those Pretty Pushers gowns, which I really liked, although I think it looks like something the Flintstones would have worn.) The nurse came in to check me and said that I was 100% effaced and at 8 cm. 8! I was like, What? And she repeated 8 cm. I couldn't believe it.
It was about 5:15 am by this point, and I was pretty sure the baby was going to be born really soon. Amy asked if I wanted to get in the tub, which I did and I loved.
I'm so glad that I didn't get induced because I loved being able to move around and have the option of getting in the tub or bouncing on the birth ball.
Anyway, the tub was great, but they poured some surgical soap in the tub first for whatever reason, and the bubbles were out of control. Any time I'd turn on the jets (which helped with my back labor) the bubbles would overtake the tub. Connor and Amy were scooping bubbles out of the tub, but they weren't able to keep up. It was kind of funny. Even with all the bubbles, the tub was wonderful.
I got out because they wanted to monitor me again for a bit. Amy had a tens machine to use on my back, which basically eliminated my back labor. When they checked me again I was at 9.5 cm and that was about 7 am. They said there was still a little lip. So I sat on the birth ball for a while, then I got on the bed again for a bit. Amy suggested I get on my knees and lean over the back of the bed and see if I could push past the little lip that was still there. At this point it was probably about 9 am and I was getting so so tired. I asked to be checked again, and I still hadn't made any progress, which was very discouraging.
I wanted to lay down so I did for a bit. Then my contractions started getting crazy. They were coming one right after the other, and they were intense. Amy was great and did some counter pressure with Connor on my hips and knees. It helped so much, but even still the labor was intense. I think Dylan was still positioned weirdly and my body was working really hard to turn him to position him correctly for the delivery.
Around noon I had them check me again and when they said that I still hadn't made any progress, I was immensely discouraged. I was so tired and felt like I had given everything I could give. I jokingly asked if it was too late for the epidural, because I was confident they were going to say that it was too late. The nurse said as long as I was able to sit still, they could do the epidural.
At this point my water still hadn't broken so Amy suggested an alternative -- that we break my water and see if that helped me progress the last .5 centimeter. I agreed to that, but I had already decided that I wanted the epidural. I was just too tired at that point. So Stacie came in and broke my water, and then the anesthesiologist came in to give me the epidural.
At that point I was having such a hard time with the contractions that I was very relieved when the epidural kicked in and I understood why people love the epidural so much (I hated it the whole time with Matthew's labor). After it kicked in, I fell asleep. I slept for about an hour and Connor and Amy slept too. When I woke up it was about 1 pm. They checked me again and said I still had a little lip. Ugh.
The hour between 1 and 2 pm was one of the longest of my life. I still hate the epidural. I was so uncomfortable. I kept asking Connor and Amy to move me into different positions so that I could be more comfortable, but it didn't work. I was so miserable. Eventually I gave up and asked them to turn on the TV to distract me, which sort of worked because that was the day the Malaysian Airlines flight had been shot down in Ukraine.
Finally at a little after 2pm Stacie came in and asked if I was ready to have a baby. Yes! At about 2:10 I started pushing, and at 2:30 he was finally born! This time I asked for the mirror so I could see him as he was delivered, and I'm so glad I did. It was amazing and gross to watch. Connor was able to catch the baby (with Stacie's help, of course), which he really enjoyed. When I saw Dylan at first it felt like deja vu and I was looking at another little Matthew. But the more I looked at him, the more differences I could see as well.
I did tear, and it was not good. It was only a first degree tear, but not in a place where you would want a tear. Luckily, I didn't feel the stitching because of the epidural. Although I wonder if I would have torn like that if I had been able to feel what was going on when I was pushing.
After a few minutes of skin to skin with Dylan, one of the nurses asked if I was nursing him. I hadn't tried yet, so I got him to latch on (with some helpful reminders from Amy on how to do it properly). Dylan latched on so well and has been a champion nurser from the start. I did have a few problems with Matthew, but Dylan has been so easy to nurse. Thank goodness.
When they weighed Dylan we were all surprised when the scale said 8 lbs 9 ozs! I had guessed that he'd be over 8 lbs, but I didn't think he'd be that far over. He was also really long at 21.5 inches long. Matthew was 7.13 and 20.5".
Dylan's birth certainly didn't go perfectly, but I really am thrilled with how everything worked out. I didn't get to do it med free, but I'm proud of myself for making it as far as I did without the epidural. And with how exhausted I was, I think it was the best choice for me.
I also want to say that Connor was amazing. When Matthew was born, Connor didn't really know what to do to help me, and I didn't know what to tell him to do. This time Connor was on top of everything. He was SO supportive, SO encouraging, SO helpful. I don't know how I didn't break his hand with how hard I would squeeze it during my contractions, but I didn't hear him complain once. He's a keeper, that one. There's no way I could have done it without him.
Stacie was so great, too. I am so glad I used a midwife this time, even though a lot of people probably thought I was weird. I am so glad that I switched to Stacie, I really can't say enough good things about her. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
And having a doula was priceless. Amy was so great and always had a little trick up her sleeve for whatever I complained about. She was encouraging and supportive. Even though she didn't necessarily agree with my decision to get the epidural, she supported me 100%. Doula's aren't cheap, but they are totally worth the cost, in my opinion.
I'm so grateful for how well everything went. Like I said, it didn't go perfectly. My birth plan (which I forgot to bring to the hospital -- go me!) didn't get honored 100%. But I'm 100% okay with that.
And Dylan. He is totally worth every painful contraction and the misery from my epidural. He's perfect and I'm very lucky to be his mom.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Dylan John Griffith
On July 17th, Dylan John Griffith finally graced us with his presence!
Stats:
Born at 2:30 in the afternoon
Weighed 8 lbs 9 ozs
Length 21.5 inches long
And he's already 3 weeks old. Which is just crazy.
I hope to post the birth story soon...
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Matthew
Matthew has grown so much in the last few months. He talks constantly. Sometimes you can understand what he's says, other times not so much. He is so cute and fun. And he has so much energy. I can't keep up with him.
20 months
21 months
22 months
He's becoming such a big boy. I love watching him discover new things.
Some more cute pics:
Monday, August 4, 2014
Summer Fun
Here are some of the things we've done so far this summer...
We went swimming
We went to Tracy Aviary and Liberty Park
Played with the hose. A lot.
Jumped on the trampoline at a friends house
And we went to the zoo!
It's been a fun summer so far.
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