Carson's arrival {The Birth Story}

Just hours past my due date...there was no one on the freeway at 4:30 am Thursday morning. If there was, they would have been mighty annoyed at how slow Jeff was driving. While contracting I could not handle him driving 55 mph (in a 65 speed limit). It seemed like we were going 100 mph at least. I felt every rock in the road and the slightest turn of the wheel made everything worse.

Once we arrived at the hospital, I felt much better. Walking through the contractions was key! We headed up to triage and got bombarded with questions from just about everyone. This was a specialized hospital for women and newborns...don't they realize a woman cannot think clearly or talk while having contractions?!

After being hooked up to the monitors, checked to ensure my water had broken, and slowly making our way upstairs (all while having contractions in my legs and back) I was beyond ready for the epidural. Luckily the anesthesiologist was ready for me before I even had my IV in place.

By 7:00 am I was feeling good and was already dilated 5 cm. Aside from Carson's heart rate decelerating a few times during contractions, I was able to finally relax. Three and a half restful hours later I was fully dilated, kind of. I had no idea one side of the cervix could dilate before the other. One side was 10 cm, the other was 8.5 cm, so the doctor compromised and called it 9. Waiting time.

Around 3:00 pm my contractions had done their job. Carson was in position and I was dilated for real. It was go-time.

For some reason when I was set up to push my contractions began to get further apart, or so they said, I could hardly feel anything. It was awesome. I joked about how comfortable I was and that I could totally push for two hours at the rate we were going. I didn't expect go-time to last an hour and twenty-three minutes. I pushed a little, waited a bit, pushed some more, waited some more, and finally it was time for the show.

And a show it was. Jeff counted nine people in the delivery room, including ourselves, to watch Carson being born. My two nurses, one doctor, two baby nurses in case Carson's heart rate decorations were caused by the cord being around his neck, one random blonde, and a loud-mouth cheerleader.

At the end of it all Carson was placed on my belly, Jeff cut the cord, and we heard him cry for the first time. I couldn't have been more satisfied with how things went. My doctor was patient as I waited at least five minutes between each push, the baby nurses were not necessary, and that loud-mouth cheerleader knew exactly what to say. You can do it! 

It was truly a beautiful ending to a peaceful delivery. 

Our family was complete.

Carson's due date {The Birth Story}

On my due date I began assuming the worst. I started thinking I would be pregnant forever, even though I logically KNEW that was crazy talk. I posted this on Facebook:

So...who else stayed pregnant past their due date? I would like to start a club. The most pregnant person can be President. It better not end up being me.

The responses made me feel better when I realized all the ladies that commented were actually not pregnant anymore.  Phew. Relief. Peace. Time to bounce on the ball, go for a walk, and eat eggplant.  I knew I had a doctor appointment the following morning and we'd be handing Carson an eviction notice, the sooner the better.

Even Leila was annoyed that Carson hadn't arrived yet.

Jeff happened to have the next day off so he planned on coming with me. We talked about taking our bags with us to the doctor, just in case the wanted to induce that day like they did with Leila. I went to bed after a glass of wine, a shower, planning to go to work after my 8:20 am appointment. I felt relaxed and accepted the fact that I would have to be induced.

Forty-five minutes after his due date expired I heard a pop-like clicking noise. It sounded like a kick would, if you could hear your baby kick. In my sleepy state I assumed that's what it was.

Since I was up I used the bathroom, as any 40 week pregnant lady would do. Funny thing was that I just kept peeing. When it stopped and I stood up I couldn't even make it to my bed before I peed myself. Yellow flag. Peed some more. Orange flag.  Laid down and peed more. Red flag.  This is not pee. 

I instantly googled "water breaking" and came across a website that had quotes from real moms about what it felt like when their water broke.  I almost texted Amy asking about her slow-leak water breaking experience from last month.  Luckily for Amy I found what I needed on the internet.  

By 2:15 am I decided to wake Jeff.  I wasn't convinced it was time to go to the hospital, but figured I should give him fair warning.  His main concern as my pregnancy got closer to the end, was that we'd have to rush to the hospital, frantic and unprepared.

At 3:00 am I considered calling the hospital to find how far apart and how long they should be before they wanted me to come in. (I was set to ask this at my appointment the next morning, I swear.) At this point they were getting closer together...twenty minutes, thirteen minutes, eight minutes, six minutes...and all at least a minute long. 

I felt a rush of adrenaline when they told me because my water broke I needed to come in immediately. 

Immediately turned in to an hour as I packed up last minute items, gathered everything we needed, called my mom, ate a snack, and procrastinated getting into the car. I was not looking forward to being contained to the seat in my car while contracting even though I knew the hospital was only fifteen minutes away.

I called my sister in Chicago since I knew she was probably the only one awake at this early hour. She pumped me up and wished me luck.

This was really happening. Today. Now. Thankfully I was not going to be President of the Overdue Baby Club. And even better...I was barely a member.

Up next...Carson's arrival {The Birth Story}

The BABY-IS-HERE Great List {3.18.13}

This Monday I am feeling so much better than I was last week.  Although I was able to be grateful for my pregnancy, having Carson here to complete our family is really the greatest feeling of all.

Leila holding Carson for the first time

Carson made his appearance at 4:23 pm on March 14th after a long, but relaxed day (thanks to the epidural that actually worked this time).  He is 7 lbs 3 oz and 19.5 inches long and must feel like a celebrity because of all the photos taken of him.

This week's great list...in photos:

 

... a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy.
-Abraham Maslow

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

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40 weeks! {Bumpdate}

Why is this baby still in my belly?!?

How far along: 40 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up two pounds this week. Total weight gain of 30 lbs. 

Feeling: Like I did my time.  40 weeks is enough already!

Stretch marks:  No!  Hooray!

Sleep: So busy during the day that I am too wiped out NOT to sleep.

Best moment(s) this week: Mani/pedi and then lunch with my mom.

Food cravings: Spicy foods, eggplant...anything anyone tells me will help induce labor. 

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Been having a few contractions at night.  Hopefully enough to make some progress.

What I miss:  This week I miss BEER.  It's been summer-like with the time change, this warm weather, and all the spring break kids around town.  

What I'm looking forward to:  My doctor appointment tomorrow morning.  Carson will be served his eviction notice!

Weekly wisdom: Any time now...for real!

Milestones:  I am pretty proud that I can still shave my legs.

Due date: TODAY! 3-13-13

Got baby fever? I can help you with that.

Pregnancy is the best birth control.  Besides the fact that it's not possible to get pregnant while already pregnant, being pregnant is the best way to cure the baby fever that might creep up on you in the future.

Too late?  You already have the fever...the crazy overwhelming desire to have another squishy baby right-this-minute to love and nurture forever?  Baby, baby, baby is all you can think about both night and day?  You see pregnant women everywhere and are insanely jealous of their cute baby bump?

I've been there and I can help you with that.  Full term pregnancy is the cure, possibly the only cure, for baby fever.

Let me remind you of just how terribly uncomfortable it gets in the last week(s)...

• I must lasso my underwear on in the morning, hoping to rope in that leg before I fall over.
• It is painful to stand, or sit, or lay down for more than ten minutes at a time.
• When you tell someone when your baby is due they literally take a step back, like you are going to give birth right then, on them.
• Having the urge to pee again the second you stand up from peeing, and yet again the second you leave the bathroom. And again five minute later.
• Heartburn and indigestion from drinking water...um, yes, it happens.
• Putting on your own shoes is a dangerous act and bending down to put on your toddler's shoes is worse.
• Torturing yourself with your own thoughts, "Will the baby come today?" and "What was that pain?" is enough to drive yourself insane.
•  Pregnancy face...enough said.

Are you cured yet?

Must I remind you that NONE of your clothes will fit you that last week?  Or that if you think you are tired now, just wait until that baby comes? (You know it's true.  Pregnancy is the best cure for baby fever.)

How about this basketball sized belly...does this help break your fever?

So yeah, technically this shirt still fits, but it use to work with leggings.  Not anymore.

The PREGNANCY Great List {3.11.13}

As this pregnancy comes to a close (hopefully sooner than later) I figured it was time to share all that I was grateful for these past 40 weeks.  The end of pregnancy is less than glamorous.  Mine has been filled with complaints, pains, and a general bad attitude.  But the reality is, these past months have been pretty darn good!

Off to a dinner date with Jeff and Leila last night.

1.  I feel so lucky that it was easy (maybe too easy!) to get pregnant again this time.  Although it surprised the crap out of us, the fact that we didn't have to stress about getting pregnant again is something I do not take for granted.

2.  My biggest concern this time around has been my weight gain and my blood pressure.  Both were through the roof last time!  I am happy to report my blood pressure is normal, as is my weight gain.  I tried to stay healthy and active during these past months.  Besides some extra indulgences these past 2-3 weeks I have stayed on track.

3.  Leila has been quite a distraction during this pregnancy and starting back to work two days a week during this last trimester has been helpful too.  It's been nice to stay busy, active, and not so consumed with this pregnancy. (Although at this point it is all I think about!)

4.  Sleeping has been a dream!  Aside from a few nights that I had trouble falling asleep, I have been getting plenty of rest at night and waking up feeling GREAT! Maybe it's got a lot to do with #3...I am so busy!

5.  We have received more gifts than I ever imagined getting for a second baby.  Carson not only has new clothes, he has a ton of hand-me-downs to wear until after his first birthday.  Thanks everyone!

Hopefully #6 can be a smooth and easy on-time delivery.  That will really be the icing on the cake!

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Come back each week for my newest list and don't forget to check out Betsy's list each week too.  Warning...positive thinking is addicting!

Want to write your own list?  

Just grab the button, add it to your post, and come back to tell us about it.

Share some joy...

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39 weeks {Bumpdate}

Hello belly.

How far along: 39 weeks.

Weight gain/loss:  Up two pounds this week. Total weight gain of 28 lbs so far. 

Feeling: Like a cow. So over this. I have to pee the second I stand up.  Stick a fork in me, I'm done.

Stretch marks:  Nope

Sleep: I love bedtime and I hardly care that I wake up about every hour to go pee, three times in a row.

Best moment(s) this week: My friends from work threw me a baby shower.  It was great catching up with them all and being kid-free for the evening.

Food cravings: Noodles with butter and shredded Romano cheese. 

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Mostly at night still.  He has been punching me in not-so-cool places to grab and I've been getting some shooting pains on my right side too.

What I miss:  Feeling good.

What I'm looking forward to:  Having this baby!

Weekly wisdom: Any time now...

Milestones:  It is baby month!

Due date: 3-13-13

38 weeks {Bumpdate}

I stopped taking pictures of my bump at 36 weeks with Leila. I was close to 50 lbs of weight gain by 38 weeks and was way too unhappy with any photos of myself. 

How far along: 38 weeks.

Weight gain/loss:  No weight gain this week after a HUGE gain last week. Total weight gain of 26 lbs so far. I am officially swollen. My sister even thinks my lips are swollen.  All I know is that when I look in the mirror, I do not see MY face.  It has been replaced by a big ole' "pregnancy face". 

Feeling: Terrible.  Yeah, let's be honest here, I am overly emotional and am tired of not being able to do things normally (like put on pants, shoes, wash dishes, get off the couch, etc.)

Stretch marks:  No, no, no!

Sleep: I am sleeping just fine and am loving my early bedtime.

Best moment(s) this week: Checking a lot of things off my to-do list.  Only a few more big things to accomplish before I can pack my hospital bag!

Food cravings: Still feeling really hungry.  No specific cravings though.

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Yes, and I wonder how he even finds room in there to squirm at all.

What I miss:  My regular, non-pregnant face.  Yuck.

What I'm looking forward to:  I am getting together with some work friends on Thursday to celebrate Carson.  Looking forward to catching up with them over some good food. 

Weekly wisdom: Everyone keeps saying this is the "home stretch", but I don't feel like it's close enough to say that.  It could still be three more weeks until Carson arrives. 

Milestones:  Is it March yet...no?  Then I've got nothing.

Due date: 3-13-13

37 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 37 weeks...FULL TERM!

Weight gain/loss:  Up 3.5 pound this week...how embarrassing!  Total weight gain= 26 lbs. It felt great to exercise this week!  I'm one of those people that need exercise to help balance my mood.  Apparently I ate way to much though.

Feeling: Just as I expected with 3 weeks left.  Huge.  

Maternity clothes: This question is just silly.

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: Not nearly as bad as with Leila.  After hearing another pregnant mom (who is half as pregnant as me) complain about sleep this time around, I have decided to blame GIRL pregnancies on terrible sleep.  I struggled to get comfortable at 18 weeks with Leila. With Carson, I sleep like a baby (that gets up to pee a lot).

Best moment(s) this week: I got a much needed haircut and pedicure.

Food cravings: Anything and everything.  I am still so hungry.  Hope this guy is packing on some of the lbs I'm gaining!

Gender: Oh BOY!

Movement: Lots at night when I finally settle myself on the couch.  He gets the hiccups daily!

What I miss:  My wedding band.  I took it off after posting a belly pic that had my ring finger in it.  I didn't realize what an accomplishment it was to still be wearing it until someone pointed it out.  I immediately tried to take it off and struggled.  Once I got it off I decided that it was not going back on.

What I'm looking forward to:  Weekly doctor appointments!  My belly is measuring small, but not small enough for concern from the doctor yet.  I am anxious to go back on Monday and see the growth.

Weekly wisdom: Making it full term is a wonderful feeling (not physically of course!).

Milestones: I can no longer wear my shoes comfortably.  My flats squeeze my feet and my sneakers can barely be tied. 

Due date: 3-13-13

36 weeks {Bumpdate}

I no longer like myself in this shirt after seeing how it photographs. Way too short! But bonus...these pants still fit!

How far along: 36 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up one pound this week. Total weight gain= 22.5 lbs. The guilt I have for not exercising lately is overwhelming.  I am not good at relaxing but am finding there is too much to do so exercise gets pushed aside.

Feeling: Like the hungriest woman alive!  I cannot get enough food. Last week I felt tiny, this week I feel huge...my face, my feet, my fingers, and of course, my belly.  After measuring small at my most recent doctor appointment, I feel like we have both grown this week.

Maternity clothes: Yeah. Like I mentioned with my picture, some of these shirts are just not cute anymore.  It's hard enough to feel cute 9 months pregnant, so from now on, I vow to only wear outfits I like myself in.

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: I've been skipping my nap and found I am sleeping better at night.  Hooray!

Best moment(s) this week:  Celebrating baby Carson with my friends and family.  Lauren threw him a wonderful baby party on Saturday.  It is probably one of the last times I will be with friends and without a child(ren) for quite a while. 

Food cravings: More sweets please. 

Gender: Oh BOY!

Movement: Lots at night when I finally settle myself on the couch.

What I miss:  Feeling cute.  

What I'm looking forward to:  Hearing the news that my longtime BFF Amy is in labor.  She is due on the 20th so it could be any day now!

Weekly wisdom: I will not be pregnant forever or EVER again. Phew.  

Milestones:  One more month!  Thank goodness.  I have been dreading this last month of pregnancy.  Here it is...

Due date: 3-13-13

35 weeks {Bumpdate}

How far along: 35 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up two pounds this week (to make up for last week!) Total weight gain = 21.5 lbs

Feeling: Tiny compared to the pregnant ladies (Amy, 37 weeks and Eve, 35 weeks with twins!) I hung with at the Superbowl party this weekend.  It really put things into perspective seeing these ladies waddle (sorry, you do!) and look generally uncomfortable even sitting down. 

Maternity clothes: Uh huh!  I love the new comfortable
clothes I ordered from Old Navy...worth every penny. 

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: Dealing with typical pregnancy insomnia.  It's been taking me over an hour and a half to fall asleep at night.  Wondering if the mid-day naps are making it worse?!

Best moment(s) this week:  Potty training is OVER!  We did it all out for one day and are done.  

Food cravings: Sweets are my thing again this week. 

Gender: Baby BOY!

Movement: Yes, but way less active than Leila was...or maybe I am just busier and don't notice it as much.

What I miss:  Order.  We are in the midst of too many organizing projects.  I enjoy organizing but not the chaos that comes with the process.

What I'm looking forward to:  My friend Lauren is throwing Carson a party this weekend!  I am excited to celebrate this little guy.

Weekly wisdom: All great things...I can still cross my legs, shave them with ease, and touch my toes.

Milestones:  35 more days! Carson is about the size of a coconut and his hearing is fully developed.  He'll be spending the next 35 days putting on some weight (as will I).

Due date: 3-13-13

34 weeks {Bumpdate}

Leggings...my pants of choice.

How far along: 34 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  No weight gain this week.  Up 19.5 lbs total.

Feeling: Honestly...over it.  I know, I know, I still have a lot of time.  But I am tired of being tired, annoyed that I have to choose sleep over exercise, and uncomfortable in all pants except leggings and yoga pants.  

Maternity clothes: I went ahead and bought 2 more pairs of leggings and three tunics with only 6 WEEKS TO GO!  It seems like such a waste, but after feeling miserable in my clothes for two days in a row I decided the clothes will be worth every penny if I am happy!

Stretch marks:  No, no, no.

Sleep: Eh, naps instead of workouts and an early bedtime is what's getting me through it.

Best moment(s) this week:  Giving in and buying comfortable clothes.  So what if I wear leggings 4 out of 7 days a week.  I'm pregnant, I can do what I want.

Food cravings: Milk!  Been drinking an Instant Breakfast daily (sometimes twice)!

Gender: B-O-Y!

Movement: Yep and the Braxton Hicks contractions have started.

What I miss:  My non-pregnant face.  Putting on shoes with ease.  Having energy to do everything I want.

What I'm looking forward to: Selling all the baby girl clothes, the Superbowl party at my sister's place, and February being here.  

Weekly wisdom: This will not last forever!

Milestones:  It may be time to break out the granny panties. Ugg.  I can't remember if I ran this week.  The workouts are slowing to almost none.  I feel guilty about this, then I remind myself that I have been doing great!  1-2 workouts a week is better than none.

Due date: 3-13-13

How many more days until she's a big sister?!?!  Being in denial about this whole thing is just silly, but makes it easier to cope from day to day.

She wanted her picture taken like Mommy.

33 weeks {Bumpdate}

Can it be possible that my bump is SMALLER this time around?  Check me out at 33 weeks pregnant with Leila here.

How far along: 33 weeks

Weight gain/loss:  Up a pound this week. Total weight gain so far = 19.5 lbs.  I am so PUMPED about this!  Just for some reference though, with Leila I gained 20 lbs in the last 8 weeks (lots of water weight).  That's bad, real bad. 

Feeling: When I find time to jog (which has been only 1x a week these past 2 weeks) I feel amazing.  Seriously, I don't even feel pregnant.  I love it!  Hopefully I can squeeze in a run and more than one weight work-out this week.  Exercise makes me feel normal (as opposed to pregnant).

Maternity clothes: Of course!  Again, this shirt (above) is a little shorter than I remember it.  Nothing but stretchy pants are comfortable anymore.  I sucked it up and wore jeans today.  The pockets left imprint marks on my thighs.  Can I wear yoga pants to work?  I'm guessing I can pull it off in March.  By then, people will be feeling sorry for me.

Stretch marks:  Nope.

Sleep: I am having trouble falling asleep and once I do, I am up in no time to pee.  I try not to drink my bedside water at night but this cold is making me thirsty. 

Best moment(s) this week:  Went shopping for some new furniture for the kids' room.  Leila is getting a bunk bed and a new dresser!

Food cravings: Sweets are my thing this week. 

Gender: Little man named Carson.

Movement: Yes, especially at night.  The doctor says it feels like he is head down and I agree!  

What I miss:  Time.  I am spending my time working, resting, and visiting with my family...all EXCELLENT ways to be spending my time.  I have less time and energy to exercise and keep up with the housework.

What I'm looking forward to:  Moving along with the kids' room.  Jeff will be picking up the furniture next week and then I can get Carson's tiny clothes washed and put into the drawers.

Weekly wisdom: I am not waddling...yet!

Milestones:  Last time, 33 weeks is when I started NOT liking being pregnant anymore.  It was August (too hot!) and I was swollen in places besides my hands.  This time it is much better!

Due date: 3-13-13

My sicky girl Leila has no idea how Carson will change our lives.  Honestly, neither do I.