Monday, December 22, 2008

Birth Story (a bit late)...

October 19, 2008

It was 4am, and I was just staring at our clock timing my contractions...5 to 7 minutes apart…and they seemed stronger than the day before. I was amazed I actually was able to sleep for a good portion of the night…well, at least five hours (with a few pee trips in-between). Nate woke up at 5am as he was scheduled to work. While I had a small amount of bloody show, we decided Nate would go to work, and I would call him if there were any changes…he left at 6am. After he left, I finished packing our suitcase for the hospital, took a shower, fed our dogs, and ate a couple of Nutrigrain waffles. My contractions were now about 4-7 minutes apart and still regular. At 8am, I called my OB, Dr. S. He said it sounded like I was in labor and I should go to the hospital to get checked out. I then called Nate, and he was home by 8:45am or so.

We arrived at the hospital around 9:30 am, and I was taken to an OB Triage room. They hooked me up to the monitor to watch my contractions. When the nurse checked my cervix, I was about 4cm and about 80% effaced. She said he was still up high, so she had the OB on-call verify (head) position via an ultrasound. And, yes, he was still head-down. After assessing me, they admitted me to L&D---yay!!!

We arrived to our room at about 10:30am and settled-in…the nurse then hooked me back up to the monitors, measured my blood pressure, and started an IV. At noon, she checked me, and I was 5cm dilated and 80% effaced. After making a few phone calls, Nate and I walked around the hallways of L&D…trying to move things along.

My next cervix check was at 2pm, and I was 6cm…and his head was lower. At this point, I was starting to consider getting an epidural. While the contractions were manageable, I was starting to get back labor…so very uncomfortable. Our nurse had also mentioned the possibility of starting pitocin since my contractions weren’t on a roll as they had been when we first came to the hospital. Between the back labor and the possibility of starting pitocin, I was starting to doubt my pain tolerance…especially when I was thinking about the pushing stage. I was starting to freak out a little.

At 4pm, I was still dilated about 7cm and was having almost constant back pain. I was ready for an epidural. Although natural childbirth was my goal, I wanted relief and I wanted to enjoy the birthing experience. The epidural was placed and took effect by 5pm. Although anything poking into the spine freaks me out, getting an epidural wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. Once it took effect, I was relaxed and felt like a new woman. It was weird not being able to lift or move my legs…but I didn’t care…I had no more pain!

My water broke around 5:30pm when my nurse was checking my cervix. I heard a pop…and she commented on how much fluid was released. It was good to hear it was clear with some blood (the NICU nurse in me didn’t want to hear the word “meconium” in any part of her assessment). I was still dilated about 7cm. A new discovery was the nurse thought she felt Evan’s hand/fingers near his head…a second nurse confirmed the same thing. During this time since my water broke, Evan was starting to have more episodes of heartrate drops (hanging out at 80-110 at times). They placed a nasal cannula on me to provide more oxygen to me and Evan.

Around 7pm, Dr. S came to assess me…and he discovered Evan was either presenting ear-down or face-down…both of which would provide for a more difficult delivery. He brought up the likelihood of a C-Section, but also offered to let me labor longer to see if Evan would correct his position. Nate and I both decided a C-Section was the best option for a safe delivery. We didn’t want to put Evan through any more stress.

By 8pm, they had me prepped for surgery and set-up in the OR. Nate was right by my side when they started the C-Section--he was so amazing during this whole process! Although I felt no pain, I was shivering horribly. I had a lot of warm blankets over my arms and upper torso, but I couldn’t stop shivering. I also felt lots of pulling/tugging sensations where they were operating.

At 8:27pm, Evan Lawrence was born---7 pounds, 14 ounces and 20.75 inches long. Apgars 8 and 9. We found out that he was presenting face-down, and the cord was wrapped around his neck and body (which would explain his heartrate drops).

Right when Evan was born, I remember thinking he had the most adorable cry. Nate and I were both crying tears of joy as we saw our son for the first time. Nate went over to his warmer as the NICU nurses were drying him off and assessing him. After about 30 minutes, they had me all sewn back together, and I saw Evan up close for the first time.

It is such an amazing feeling to have this instant bond and love-at-first sight. Evan is perfect in every way. Nate and I are overwhelmed with so much love for our little guy---it’s the most incredible feeling! We are so very blessed and couldn’t be happier.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Loving Tummy Time...

Loves his playmat...especially its mirror!



Evan's pediatrician appointment

Ended up taking Evan to Dr. H today for a stubborn diaper rash that developed after I finished a course of antibiotics. We had tried everything OTC according to their recommendations (A&D, cortisone cream, Lotrimin, etc.)...but nothing was working. We are now applying nystatin cream to his bottom...hopefully that works! One thing I learned is make sure to be dressed and ready to go before calling the pediatrician's office for a sick call...I had to get both of us dressed and in the car within 20 minutes! Thank goodness Nate was home to help me!

Oh...and Evan is now 12 pounds, 14 ounces...our little chunky monkey!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Evan's First Halloween

Evan had his first pediatrician appointment on Halloween...and he's a healthy boy! Already 9 pounds!







Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Evan Lawrence is here!!!



October 19, 2008 @ 8:27pm
7lbs 14oz, 20.75 inches
C-Section

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Tomorrow is Evan's due date...

Can't believe Evan's due date is tomorrow; however, I'm doubting he'll be here on time. Nate and I are going to have a date night tomorrow...dinner and a movie. It will probably be the last time we'll be able to get out for awhile. Nothing much is new...have been experiencing contractions but nothing consistent.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

39 week, 4 day OB appointment...

39 weeks, 4 days today. My blood pressure is great, and I'm not showing any signs of preeclampsia. Evan is measuring on target and his heartrate is great. His head is lower than last week (now a Station 0). My doctor stretched out the cervix/stripped my membranes again today. I'm still 60% effaced, but he said my cervix more soft than last week...and I'm still about 1-2cm dilated. My next appointment is on Monday (if I haven't had Evan yet), and at that appointment they will do a non-stress test to monitor his heart and to make sure the placenta is working appropriately. They will also schedule an induction date for that week since my OB doesn't like to go too far past 41 weeks. As the placenta ages, it hardens and doesn't work efficiently which means he wouldn't be getting the nutrients and oxygen he needs.

I feel so much better knowing there is an end in sight...and Evan will be here in our arms soon!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Just about 39 weeks..

Tomorrow I'm officially 39 weeks, and we are all ready for Evan to be here! This week's appointment went well...my blood pressure is good, Evan's heartrate is nice and strong, and his head is a little lower (station -1). Still 60% effaced...and now between 1-2cm dilated. Even though his due date is next week, I feel like I'm never going to go into labor...like I'm going to be pregnant forever! I just want him here...holding him in my arms.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Cuddly pups

Couldn't resist...

Just for fun...

11 Layers of ME!

LAYER ONE:
Spell your name with animals.
M - Monkey
A - Alligator
R - Robin
Y - Yak
B - Bear
E - Elephant
T - Tiger
H - Hippo

LAYER TWO:
Name: Mary Beth
Birthday: April 27th
Nickname: the Peach
Current Location: my comfy couch
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Blonde
Right or Left: Righty

LAYER THREE:
Shoes you wore today: Sandals...about the only things that fit me comfortably
Your perfect pizza: Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions

LAYER FOUR:
Best holiday: Thanksgiving and Christmas
Most missed memory: my 20's...I feel like I'm getting so old...hahaha

LAYER FIVE:
Pepsi or Coke: Coke (diet)
McDonald's or Burger King: TOTALLY depends on my mood
Adidas or Nike: Adidas
Lipton Ice Tea or Hot Chocolate: lately, Iced Tea
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate

LAYER SIX:
Curse?: Yes
Do you sing?: not often
Want to go to college?: Graduated with my BSN; currently on a hiatus from the MSN program
Get motion sickness: No
Think you're a health freak: Not so much while I have been pregnant, but yes I am
Play an instrument: No

LAYER SEVEN
In the past month. . .
Drank alcohol: Just a sip of wine :(
Gone to the mall: yes
Eaten an entire pizza: No
Been on stage: No
Gone skating: No
Made homemade cookies: No

LAYER EIGHT:
Have you ever...
Been in big trouble with your parents: Not HUGE but yes
Lied about your age: Yes
Used a fake ID: Nope

LAYER NINE:
Age you hope to be married: Was married at the age of 29 last year
Number of Children: one in the oven right now!

LAYER TEN:
In a girl/guy..
Best eye color: Blue
Best hair color : blonde ;)
Short hair or long: bald like my hubby :)

LAYER ELEVEN:
Number of people you could trust with your life: probably 3-4
Number of CD's you own: oh gosh, I have no idea
Number of tattoos: none
Number of piercings: just my ears (let my belly ring piercing go)

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Our Furbabies...

It's been forever since I've taken pics of our furbabies, Katie and Rocco:


Katie suckling on her toy...






Rocco & Katie

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

37 weeks, 5 days today!




37 weeks, 5 days today...and I'm so ready for Evan to be here! Hard to believe our due date is in about 2 weeks, but of course, we're ready for him anytime...the sooner, the better :) Next OB appointment is next Tuesday...

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Eeek! A snake!

To my surprise yesterday morning, I saw this snake dining on an innocent frog. I was not expecting to see a snake in Indiana...well, at least not in our yard! I'm terrified of snakes! Luckily, our neighbor confirmed it was a garter snake and was completely harmless. If only that snake would take care of our mouse problem! Here are a couple of pics (yuck!):



Monday, July 7, 2008

4D Ultrasound Scheduled!

So excited! We will be having a 4D ultrasound of little Evan on July 24th, which is also the 1st day of our Lamaze classes. We'll definitely share pictures, and possibly post the video. Looking forward to seeing Evan again!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Nate's Birthday :)

Today is Nate's 35th birthday! Unfortunately, he's working; however, we're planning to celebrate tomorrow night by going out to dinner and opening gifts when we get back.

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