I woke up at 2am on June 30th feeing really crampy. No discernable contractions yet. As the hours ticked by, I started to feel more noticable stops and starts but I was still in denial that this was actually labor. At about 4:30 am I noticed a trickle of warm something or other but thought maybe I had peed on myself? Not a totally uncommon occurrence at that stage in the game! I went to the bathroom to check things out. The fluid was definitely clear and odorless so I decided this would probably be a good time to wake Kenny up.
I gingerly sat on the bed and turned on my bedside lamp and in a quiet voice said Kenny's name. Which he actually heard, by some miracle. I told him I thought my water broke and he shot up so fast I thought he might fling himself right off the bed. After he absorbed what I told him he asked what we should do. I decided I would take a shower because who knew when I'd have another opportunity. Afer I got out of the shower the frequency and intensity of the contractions started to pick up so we started to time them using the website contractionmaster.com. This site is awesome. You just hit the spacebar every time a contraction starts and stops and it will time them for you. So as I was putting makeup on and blow drying my hair I would yell out "spacebar!" as each one started and stopped. Turned out the contractions were already very regular, coming at just under 5 minutes apart and just under one minute long each.
Kenny, in his concerned, "I'm not delivering this baby at home" voice declared that we should probably call the professionals and see what they thought. I told him that we should wait until we had timed them for an hour because I didn't want to get to the hospital only to be told that I hadn't progressed enough and be sent home. So after about an hour and a half of timing I called the dr who told me it was in fact time to get to the hospital. I think this was at around 6:45 or so. Time gets a little fuzzy after that.
We got to the hospital around 7:30 and were put in a labor and delivery room. The contractions had started to get more intense by now and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that this was the real thing. We waited for my OB to make her rounds so I could be checked. I think she got there around 8:30-9ish and I had already dilated to 7 centimeters. I was in shock. I made it very clear that I wanted drugs so they pumped me full of fluids then tackled the anesthesiologist so he could give me the good stuff. Once I had the epidural I felt 1,000 times better. I could see my contractions on the monitor but felt no pain. The dr checked me again about an hour later and I was 9.5 centimeters. She told me I'd be ready to push within the hour.
Finally at 11:30 I was told it was time to start pushing. So with Kenny holding one leg and my mother holding the other, I pushed every time I felt the pressure of a contraction. I found it difficult to figure out the correct way to push at first and was certain this baby would never make it out. I had horrible reflux throughout my pregnancy and each time I pushed I felt waves of acid coming up. I ended up throwing up a few times when I was pushing. I found that to be one of the worst parts of labor for me. When the baby's head finally made it down low enough and I was pushing him out I felt the worst pain I've ever had in my life.
The nurse told me to stop pushing at that moment. So there I was with what felt like a giant boulder coming out of me and all I wanted to do was push this baby out. The dr came in and told me I could push him out. She told me to lean forward and watch and I saw our son come into the world. It took an hour and a half but Brendan Patrick finally made his appearance at 1:06pm at 38 weeks 1 day.
It's been a crazy ride getting used to having a baby who is completely dependent on us. He's a great baby, only getting fussy occasionally, but mostly just sleeping or chilling out watching everything going on around him. I've started a new family blog and will be posting over there instead of over here. The address is gaskafamily.blogspot.com.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
37 Week Updates
Had my second internal and the growth ultrasound today. The dr is now estimating Brendan to be about 7lb 2oz, give or take a pound. I was like, um, that sounds kind of big at 37 weeks but the dr didn't seem worried. I asked if she could tell whether or not he had a big head and she said he's so far down it's hard to get an accurate measurement. On the plus side, she said if there were any issues he wouldn't be as far down as he is so she thinks I'll have a nice vaginal birth.
I'm 100% effaced and like I said his head is nice and low. Still not dilated at all but I'm happy that I have any progress at all. I said if this baby is anything like his father he'll be making a late appearance but she said she wouldn't be surprised if I go early. Of course, in the next breath she said - but you could go past your due date. That's the problem with these babies, they just don't let you plan anything. Everything has to be a big surprise.
He was quiet Monday and Tuesday and of course I was worried that something was wrong. He was moving, just not as maniacally or often as he usually does. Today he more than made up for it. Apparently he was just resting up so he could torture me. Oh. my. God. He has not stopped moving. Digging his bony little heel into my uterus in the same spot over and over again. I keep pushing him back but that doesn't seem to be making any difference whatsoever. I think he's kind of pissed about the dr poking him with the ultrasound wand. She was really pushing down on my belly to get those measurements. Since he can't retaliate against her I guess he figures he might as well take it out on me. Thanks kid!
Here's a picture of my belly that we took on Sunday at 37 weeks. The belly button hasn't officially popped out yet. It's flat and has a little lip on top that pokes through my shirts so it looks like I have an outtie. Just another example of my red hot sexiness. ;)
37 Weeks 3 Days (18 days until my due date!)
I'm 100% effaced and like I said his head is nice and low. Still not dilated at all but I'm happy that I have any progress at all. I said if this baby is anything like his father he'll be making a late appearance but she said she wouldn't be surprised if I go early. Of course, in the next breath she said - but you could go past your due date. That's the problem with these babies, they just don't let you plan anything. Everything has to be a big surprise.
He was quiet Monday and Tuesday and of course I was worried that something was wrong. He was moving, just not as maniacally or often as he usually does. Today he more than made up for it. Apparently he was just resting up so he could torture me. Oh. my. God. He has not stopped moving. Digging his bony little heel into my uterus in the same spot over and over again. I keep pushing him back but that doesn't seem to be making any difference whatsoever. I think he's kind of pissed about the dr poking him with the ultrasound wand. She was really pushing down on my belly to get those measurements. Since he can't retaliate against her I guess he figures he might as well take it out on me. Thanks kid!
Here's a picture of my belly that we took on Sunday at 37 weeks. The belly button hasn't officially popped out yet. It's flat and has a little lip on top that pokes through my shirts so it looks like I have an outtie. Just another example of my red hot sexiness. ;)
37 Weeks 3 Days (18 days until my due date!)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
37 Weeks
Holy crap, I cannot believe that my due date is only three weeks away!! I started my weekly appointments last week and had my first internal. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Uncomfortable, yes, but the dr was mercifully quick about it. My cervix is still shut tight like Fort Knox but the baby is head down (good boy!) and nice and low. She is going to do another growth ultrasound this week to see how big Brendan is getting. I LOVE that my dr does so many ultrasounds. This will be my seventh (the first few were because of the blood clot). I'm excited to see him again.
He must be so squished in there, poor guy. He doesn't kick anymore, just squirms around and jabs me with something bony - I'm guessing his little foot. The other night I was sitting up in bed and rested a bottle of Maalox on my belly. He didn't like that one bit so he just kept pushing up against it until he knocked it off. Of course, being the pain in the ass that I am, I kept doing it. Kenny pointed out that the baby is keeping tabs and will most likely get me back after he's born. Not mommy's little angel! ;)
Our to do list is getting shorter but I'm still feeling overwhelmed with everything we need to get done before Brendan gets here. And I keep reminding Kenny that the baby isn't going to wait until we're ready, he can come anytime within the next four weeks. To which Kenny usually replies with something to the effect of, let's hit rewind on this project, we need more time. LOL. Yeah, not going to happen.
I'll try and get a belly pic up this week. It's really quite enormous. A lot of people comment that I'm carrying small which seems crazy to me. I was sitting on the bed putting makeup on yesterday and noticed that my stomach makes a nice shelf for my boobs to rest on. I am a sexy, sexy lady. Don't be jealous.
37 Weeks
He must be so squished in there, poor guy. He doesn't kick anymore, just squirms around and jabs me with something bony - I'm guessing his little foot. The other night I was sitting up in bed and rested a bottle of Maalox on my belly. He didn't like that one bit so he just kept pushing up against it until he knocked it off. Of course, being the pain in the ass that I am, I kept doing it. Kenny pointed out that the baby is keeping tabs and will most likely get me back after he's born. Not mommy's little angel! ;)
Our to do list is getting shorter but I'm still feeling overwhelmed with everything we need to get done before Brendan gets here. And I keep reminding Kenny that the baby isn't going to wait until we're ready, he can come anytime within the next four weeks. To which Kenny usually replies with something to the effect of, let's hit rewind on this project, we need more time. LOL. Yeah, not going to happen.
I'll try and get a belly pic up this week. It's really quite enormous. A lot of people comment that I'm carrying small which seems crazy to me. I was sitting on the bed putting makeup on yesterday and noticed that my stomach makes a nice shelf for my boobs to rest on. I am a sexy, sexy lady. Don't be jealous.
37 Weeks
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
35 Weeks
Getting closer! He'll be here anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks which is just craziness. We still have so much to do around the house to prepare.
Mom put together a wonderful baby shower for me on Sunday. Who knew it would be around 100 degrees out?! We were at tables under canopies so it was shaded but good Lord it was hot!! There's something about me and big events that makes the weather very uncooperative - don't need to remind those of you who went to my wedding what lovely weather we had that day! Anyway, everybody was very generous and we received so many of our big-ticket items which is a big relief because that's less $$ we need to spend. Now I just need to remember to get those thank you cards out.
The heat wave is bringing some serious swelling (see exhibit A). I'm a full-time flip flop wearer at this point since nothing else fits comfortably over my sausage feet. The extra fluid has this fascinating ability to retain the shape of anything that touches my lower legs, ankles and feet. I just keep reminding myself, only a few more weeks to go...
Since I'm pretty much always complaining I've created a list of things I'll miss about being pregnant. Here goes:
~ Feeling the baby's kicks/punches/constant hiccups
~ Sympathetic strangers who go out of their way to hold doors for me
~ Eating ice cream every night with no guilt whatsoever
~ Gaining massive weight and being told by my dr that this is a good thing
~ The bliss of not knowing exactly what labor will feel like
~ Quiet nights
Internals and weekly appointments start next week, oh what fun! I have to keep reminding myself not to get excited if I'm making progress because it could mean absolutely nothing. There are women who walk around dilated for weeks and then there are women who are closed up tight at their appointment and end up going into labor that night. I'll just keep hoping he comes sooner rather than later!
35 Weeks 2 Days
Exhibit A:
Mom put together a wonderful baby shower for me on Sunday. Who knew it would be around 100 degrees out?! We were at tables under canopies so it was shaded but good Lord it was hot!! There's something about me and big events that makes the weather very uncooperative - don't need to remind those of you who went to my wedding what lovely weather we had that day! Anyway, everybody was very generous and we received so many of our big-ticket items which is a big relief because that's less $$ we need to spend. Now I just need to remember to get those thank you cards out.
The heat wave is bringing some serious swelling (see exhibit A). I'm a full-time flip flop wearer at this point since nothing else fits comfortably over my sausage feet. The extra fluid has this fascinating ability to retain the shape of anything that touches my lower legs, ankles and feet. I just keep reminding myself, only a few more weeks to go...
Since I'm pretty much always complaining I've created a list of things I'll miss about being pregnant. Here goes:
~ Feeling the baby's kicks/punches/constant hiccups
~ Sympathetic strangers who go out of their way to hold doors for me
~ Eating ice cream every night with no guilt whatsoever
~ Gaining massive weight and being told by my dr that this is a good thing
~ The bliss of not knowing exactly what labor will feel like
~ Quiet nights
Internals and weekly appointments start next week, oh what fun! I have to keep reminding myself not to get excited if I'm making progress because it could mean absolutely nothing. There are women who walk around dilated for weeks and then there are women who are closed up tight at their appointment and end up going into labor that night. I'll just keep hoping he comes sooner rather than later!
35 Weeks 2 Days
Exhibit A:
Friday, May 30, 2008
33 Weeks
So. Tired. How am I ever going to catch up on my sleep if I can't get any now when the baby isn't even here yet?? And he is kicking my ass lately. Or at least my uterus. He's getting so big and squished in there that now I just feel elbows and other bony parts jabbing at me.
In fact, I think he's had enough of me. Yesterday morning on the way to work I was singing (loudly, as I'm fond of doing) and he proceeded to beat the crap out of me. During the day he moves here and there. But at night. Oh, at night, that's his favorite time. Calisthenics time. What's that mom, you want to sleep? Take that! He's got his triple-flip-somersault-back-handflip maneuver perfected.
We had his growth ultrasound last Thursday. Both grandmothers and Daddy came along to catch a glimpse of him. I had the doctor make sure he's still a boy and sure enough, his boy parts were all there and in the right place. (Woo hoo!) The doctor estimated that he was about 4lb 6oz at that point so he's right on track. He had the hiccups while she was doing the ultrasound and of course he was moving around like crazy. We could see his fists balled up, I'm pretty sure he was getting ready to give my uterus a sweet right hook. (Actually, Daddy would prefer left since he's determined to make the baby into a pitcher.)
Just over six weeks to go!
33 Weeks 5 Days
In fact, I think he's had enough of me. Yesterday morning on the way to work I was singing (loudly, as I'm fond of doing) and he proceeded to beat the crap out of me. During the day he moves here and there. But at night. Oh, at night, that's his favorite time. Calisthenics time. What's that mom, you want to sleep? Take that! He's got his triple-flip-somersault-back-handflip maneuver perfected.
We had his growth ultrasound last Thursday. Both grandmothers and Daddy came along to catch a glimpse of him. I had the doctor make sure he's still a boy and sure enough, his boy parts were all there and in the right place. (Woo hoo!) The doctor estimated that he was about 4lb 6oz at that point so he's right on track. He had the hiccups while she was doing the ultrasound and of course he was moving around like crazy. We could see his fists balled up, I'm pretty sure he was getting ready to give my uterus a sweet right hook. (Actually, Daddy would prefer left since he's determined to make the baby into a pitcher.)
Just over six weeks to go!
33 Weeks 5 Days
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
32 Weeks
My ankles are missing. They have been replaced by cankles. Two of them. Big, puffy ones with no discernible bone matter whatsoever. Wonderful.
Currently, the joys of pregnancy seem to only include puffiness and lots of weird aches and pains. I don't remember going horseback riding but it sure as shit feels like I did. Hours and hours of horseback riding. And I've never even been so I'm just guessing about what the after-effects feel like. Other than that I've got a nice sharp pain somewhere in the vicinity of my upper right rib cage from coughing too much (acid reflux + allergies = constant sore throat) and lots of random aches in my back.
On a happier note, I'll get to see the little booger on Thursday. The dr wants to do an ultrasound to see how big he's getting so both grandmothers are coming along to check him out with me. Then Friday the three of us (or 4 of us since Booger Jr goes everywhere I go) are going to Noelle Day Spa in Stamford to get pampered. I'm getting a prenatal massage and I can't freaking wait.
32 Weeks 2 Days
Currently, the joys of pregnancy seem to only include puffiness and lots of weird aches and pains. I don't remember going horseback riding but it sure as shit feels like I did. Hours and hours of horseback riding. And I've never even been so I'm just guessing about what the after-effects feel like. Other than that I've got a nice sharp pain somewhere in the vicinity of my upper right rib cage from coughing too much (acid reflux + allergies = constant sore throat) and lots of random aches in my back.
On a happier note, I'll get to see the little booger on Thursday. The dr wants to do an ultrasound to see how big he's getting so both grandmothers are coming along to check him out with me. Then Friday the three of us (or 4 of us since Booger Jr goes everywhere I go) are going to Noelle Day Spa in Stamford to get pampered. I'm getting a prenatal massage and I can't freaking wait.
32 Weeks 2 Days
Thursday, May 8, 2008
30 Weeks
In less than 7 weeks I'll be considered "full term." Note to baby: Mommy would prefer it if you'd come closer to this side of 40 weeks (but not before 37!), rather than after 40 weeks.
This week I'm dealing with some serious allergies, which I've rarely had to deal with in my life. Started out with a horrendous sore throat on Monday and today I've graduated to a constant runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. I just took some Benadryl so let's see if I can finish this blog entry before it kicks in and I dive face first into the keyboard.
Took the glucose tolerance test two weeks ago and found out on Tuesday that I passed - woo hoo! - but I am slightly anemic. So I'll be adding iron supplements to my nightly regimen. These puppies better not bring back the battle of the bowel movement or I'll be seriously pissed. My intestines and I have been on good terms for the last 6 weeks or so and I'd like to keep it that way. The dr also mentioned that I should eat more red meat and leafy vegetables. So I decided to have Sloppy Joes on Tuesday and Wednesday for dinner and tonight I had a giant cheeseburger. All for the baby - see what a good mommy I am!
Nevermind the fact that I have an appointment tomorrow where I'll be weighed. Ugh. I've gained a respectable amount so far, not too much, not too little. But I still have plenty of time left to put on some serious weight and I'm finding it harder and harder to eat healthy. When I get tired or sick I tend to just eat whatever I feel like eating. And considering a good night's sleep hasn't happened since the first trimester I'm pretty much tired all the time. I went walking three days this week though so hopefully that will help keep some of that fat off.
Mom and I had a practice photo shoot yesterday at Bruce Park in Greenwich. We're going to go back this weekend and do the real thing when the sun is in a better position. Here are some of my favorite shots from yesterday's shoot:
I don't know why I'm making such a weird face in this one:
Relaxing...
30 Weeks 4 Days
This week I'm dealing with some serious allergies, which I've rarely had to deal with in my life. Started out with a horrendous sore throat on Monday and today I've graduated to a constant runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. I just took some Benadryl so let's see if I can finish this blog entry before it kicks in and I dive face first into the keyboard.
Took the glucose tolerance test two weeks ago and found out on Tuesday that I passed - woo hoo! - but I am slightly anemic. So I'll be adding iron supplements to my nightly regimen. These puppies better not bring back the battle of the bowel movement or I'll be seriously pissed. My intestines and I have been on good terms for the last 6 weeks or so and I'd like to keep it that way. The dr also mentioned that I should eat more red meat and leafy vegetables. So I decided to have Sloppy Joes on Tuesday and Wednesday for dinner and tonight I had a giant cheeseburger. All for the baby - see what a good mommy I am!
Nevermind the fact that I have an appointment tomorrow where I'll be weighed. Ugh. I've gained a respectable amount so far, not too much, not too little. But I still have plenty of time left to put on some serious weight and I'm finding it harder and harder to eat healthy. When I get tired or sick I tend to just eat whatever I feel like eating. And considering a good night's sleep hasn't happened since the first trimester I'm pretty much tired all the time. I went walking three days this week though so hopefully that will help keep some of that fat off.
Mom and I had a practice photo shoot yesterday at Bruce Park in Greenwich. We're going to go back this weekend and do the real thing when the sun is in a better position. Here are some of my favorite shots from yesterday's shoot:
I don't know why I'm making such a weird face in this one:
Relaxing...
30 Weeks 4 Days
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
