Giving birth was the most difficult and most rewarding experience I've had in my entire life.
Labor and delivery went really well. I was in good, consistent labor for 15-16 hours before Kyle was born. Our doula was amazing and I'm not sure I would've coped so well without her! I labored at home for the first half, then when we arrived at the birth center I was already 5-6 centimeters and 100% effaced. I hopped in the whirlpool tub and finished up to 10 centimeters in there, in addition to having my water broken while I was in the tub. After that I got out of the tub because Kyle needed some help from gravity to descend a little bit. I continued to labor using a birth ball, sitting backwards on a toilet propped up with pillows, on a birthing stool, and eventually gave birth in the bed laying on my side.
There were a few harrowing moments, that I was pretty much unaware of until after the birth. I did notice that as I was learning/starting to push that the midwife seemed to be having trouble getting a good reading on Kyle's heartbeat. Then I heard her tell another midwife that there was meconium in the toilet I had been laboring on, even though my waters had been clear when she initially broke them. As I moved to the bed to continue pushing, the midwives were telling me that I had to push him out NOW! Then there was a lot of commotion and all of a sudden there are like 3 midwives and 3 nurses in the room and I have an oxygen mask being put over my face. Now the midwives are pretty much yelling at me that he has to come out NOW! I remember pushing 3 times before Kyle was out. Kevin says it was definitely less than 6 pushes before he was out and that my tone of voice changed immediately after he was born, "There you are baby!".
Kevin watches them un-wrap the cord from Kyle's neck (it was wrapped around twice). Then Kyle was thrown up on my chest and I realize I'm waving an oxygen tube in front of his face. He's crying! The sweetest sound I've ever heard were those cries. He pinks right up from the crying and a few minutes later Kevin cuts the cord.
To be continued... (Time to feed baby :)
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
The arriving!!
Kyle was born on August 26th, 2005 at 6:40 pm. He weighted 8lb 2oz and was 21.5 inches long. We're both doing well, and I'll post the birth story in a couple of days.
For some pictures check out Kevin's blog.
For some pictures check out Kevin's blog.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
If only....
we had gone in to labor and had Kyle today...check out Kevin's blog to see what really happened.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Happy 39 weeks!
You'd think that with my lack of posting this week, something must have happened...but alas we are still very much pregnant! I've been staying around the house and working on a few thank you notes here and there. Kirsten stopped by on Monday with Ellie and brought us lunch which was really wonderful! There aren't a lot of people around in the daytime, so to have some company was a real treat!
Wednesday was my birthday, so Kevin took me to breakfast before he headed off to work, then we met for dessert later that afternoon. At Bible study, we had lemon cake and ice cream to celebrate, which was just what I had been craving! Kevin scheduled me a pregnancy massage for the following day, a present I could not have used (or enjoyed) more than now!
Other than that, I can assure you that Kyle is growing! It's becoming harder and harder to find any position to sit/stand/lay down in that's even remotely comfortable. Thankfully, he has dropped which means I haven't had heartburn for a week or so!
That's about it...I'll keep you posted!
Wednesday was my birthday, so Kevin took me to breakfast before he headed off to work, then we met for dessert later that afternoon. At Bible study, we had lemon cake and ice cream to celebrate, which was just what I had been craving! Kevin scheduled me a pregnancy massage for the following day, a present I could not have used (or enjoyed) more than now!
Other than that, I can assure you that Kyle is growing! It's becoming harder and harder to find any position to sit/stand/lay down in that's even remotely comfortable. Thankfully, he has dropped which means I haven't had heartburn for a week or so!
That's about it...I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
FYI
Blood pressure was normal last night and all my screening tests came back normal, so no more worries about high blood pressure or being induced!
Over half of the couples in our class have had their babies, so we just listened to their labor/delivery stories last night. Only four of us are left still waiting to have our babies.
I meet with a pediatrician this afternoon to see if she'll take Kyle on as a patient after he's born.
That's all for now; sitting at the computer is becoming more and more difficult.
Over half of the couples in our class have had their babies, so we just listened to their labor/delivery stories last night. Only four of us are left still waiting to have our babies.
I meet with a pediatrician this afternoon to see if she'll take Kyle on as a patient after he's born.
That's all for now; sitting at the computer is becoming more and more difficult.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
I always wondered...
...why I would see these very pregnant woman out shopping when it looked like they were about to give birth right there at the store. Well, it so happens, that you get a little restless those last couple weeks. The days and hours seem to drag by as you wait for any sign at all that you could possibly be in labor, so cruising around the mall or a store (especially in the summer) is a pretty good way to kill time. Of course, we still have baby stuff to set up, but I feel the need to get out of the house about once a day.
Yesterday was nice; my family came to town for an early birthday celebration. I'll be 26 on Wednesday. I kept getting calls asking "what do you want" and it's really hard to think about anything but baby related stuff at this point. Truthfully, all I want is a healthy baby born ASAP! Despite the fact I know it will be more work once he's arrived, somehow it just seems like it will be easier.
Kyle's due date is still about 2 weeks away, but I've stocked the house with food and finished every last bit of laundry "just in case". Also, our house is pretty clean, though still in the throes of unpacking. It's the little knick knack stuff here and there that we can't seem to find places for! One thing I'm still looking for are room dividers because our office and living area share the same space.
My feet are starting to ache, so time to go put them up. Our next appt. is tomorrow evening, pray for low blood pressure and no complications! I'll do my best to remember to update afterwards.
Yesterday was nice; my family came to town for an early birthday celebration. I'll be 26 on Wednesday. I kept getting calls asking "what do you want" and it's really hard to think about anything but baby related stuff at this point. Truthfully, all I want is a healthy baby born ASAP! Despite the fact I know it will be more work once he's arrived, somehow it just seems like it will be easier.
Kyle's due date is still about 2 weeks away, but I've stocked the house with food and finished every last bit of laundry "just in case". Also, our house is pretty clean, though still in the throes of unpacking. It's the little knick knack stuff here and there that we can't seem to find places for! One thing I'm still looking for are room dividers because our office and living area share the same space.
My feet are starting to ache, so time to go put them up. Our next appt. is tomorrow evening, pray for low blood pressure and no complications! I'll do my best to remember to update afterwards.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Appt. Notes
So, we had an appt. today to talk about our birth plan and get a strep b culture. Of course they do other things like weigh me, listen to Kyle's heartbeat, measure him, and take my blood pressure....
That's where the red flags went up I guess. Usually at our other appts. my blood pressure will be high right when we arrive and then about 5 minutes later I take it again and it has dropped down to normal. Today however, it stayed up for like 3 trys. So what does this mean?
Well, combined with swelling (yes I do swell), protein in your urine, and a few other symptoms it can mean preeclampsia. They decided some blood work would be a good precaution in case my blood pressure is high again on Monday (our next appt.). Also, the blood work could tell them if it's necessary to induce me prior to going in to labor naturally.
They said we would have heard by tonight if there was anything wrong, and we didn't hear from them; so far so good! I'm just supposed to take it easy for now.
Despite the good news, it was a pretty stressful day for me as I'm not a big fan of needles and to hear that the next step would be induction can be pretty scary to consider.
Prior to the appt. I did make some progress on baby stuff by packing our labor/delivery bag and putting a sticky note on the door with a few things to remember as we head out when the time comes. Tonight we did a short walk and I'm feeling pretty good.
Keep us in your prayers! I'll keep you posted on any developments.
That's where the red flags went up I guess. Usually at our other appts. my blood pressure will be high right when we arrive and then about 5 minutes later I take it again and it has dropped down to normal. Today however, it stayed up for like 3 trys. So what does this mean?
Well, combined with swelling (yes I do swell), protein in your urine, and a few other symptoms it can mean preeclampsia. They decided some blood work would be a good precaution in case my blood pressure is high again on Monday (our next appt.). Also, the blood work could tell them if it's necessary to induce me prior to going in to labor naturally.
They said we would have heard by tonight if there was anything wrong, and we didn't hear from them; so far so good! I'm just supposed to take it easy for now.
Despite the good news, it was a pretty stressful day for me as I'm not a big fan of needles and to hear that the next step would be induction can be pretty scary to consider.
Prior to the appt. I did make some progress on baby stuff by packing our labor/delivery bag and putting a sticky note on the door with a few things to remember as we head out when the time comes. Tonight we did a short walk and I'm feeling pretty good.
Keep us in your prayers! I'll keep you posted on any developments.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Finally time to prepare...
Kevin put the playard/bassinet up in our bedroom last night; found the perfect spot! We stuck a few diapers and wipes in the side holders. Today I attached the little teddy bear we received at the shower that makes womb sounds to the corner post! We're hoping that Kyle will sleep in the bassinet early on while he's still doing night feedings and that all three of us will be able to sleep in the same room with our different nighttime noises! Almost looks like we have a baby around here...
Additionally, I have finished sorting through Kyle's expansive wardrobe and am currently drying his newborn clothes. The rest are folded up and on a shelf in his closet for now. The only pieces of furniture we have are a 3 shelf bookcase, a rocker/recliner, and a bedside table; so a lot of things that need to be "put away" are getting put in the closet! We do have a dresser for the room, but it's still in Phoenix.
I've discovered that, despite the fact we're planning on breastfeeding, Kyle already needs a shelf of his own in the kitchen for a couple of sippy cups, some baby spoons, and a couple bottles. Who knew he'd invade every room of the house?!?!?
Zoe, our cat, has continued to be very curious about Kyle's room and all of his stuff. She sniffs his clothes and lays down next to them, in addition to playing in the boxes and bags all of his stuff came in. Thankfully, she seems uninterested in the bassinet, so hopefully that means she won't try to join Kyle in there when he's sleeping!
Time for a snack and maybe a nap!
Additionally, I have finished sorting through Kyle's expansive wardrobe and am currently drying his newborn clothes. The rest are folded up and on a shelf in his closet for now. The only pieces of furniture we have are a 3 shelf bookcase, a rocker/recliner, and a bedside table; so a lot of things that need to be "put away" are getting put in the closet! We do have a dresser for the room, but it's still in Phoenix.
I've discovered that, despite the fact we're planning on breastfeeding, Kyle already needs a shelf of his own in the kitchen for a couple of sippy cups, some baby spoons, and a couple bottles. Who knew he'd invade every room of the house?!?!?
Zoe, our cat, has continued to be very curious about Kyle's room and all of his stuff. She sniffs his clothes and lays down next to them, in addition to playing in the boxes and bags all of his stuff came in. Thankfully, she seems uninterested in the bassinet, so hopefully that means she won't try to join Kyle in there when he's sleeping!
Time for a snack and maybe a nap!
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Long weekend...
It's so good to be home! In addition to the shower this weekend, we also had our car worked on and it looks like they finally found the root of our air conditioning problem (cross your fingers). However, this meant we were in Phoenix until late Monday evening.
The shower was such a blessing and I really enjoyed seeing so many people who had heard about the pregnancy, but I hadn't seen since finding out we were pregnant. We received just about everything we need!
Our next appointment is Thursday morning, then we have another pregnancy class/appointment on Monday. I'm interested to hear who in our class has had their babies!
So far, it looks like the weather is going to be good for the next week or so with rain and under 100 temperatures, which will be so wonderful! After July practically cooked me alive, I was sure August would be just as bad, if not worse, but the monsoons are here!
There seem to be a few lists going around as to when Kyle will be born...what do you think? Our due date is August 27th and my mom had both my brother and myself 3 days early.
And lastly, I've been asked what else we still need, so here's the short list:
Crib mattress
Crib mattress pad
Crib sheets
CD player/boombox
Breast pump (Medela brand preferred)
Co-sleeper (to go in our bed, not beside it)
High chair (not a full size one)
An option for all of these items is available online via our registry through www.target.com.
The shower was such a blessing and I really enjoyed seeing so many people who had heard about the pregnancy, but I hadn't seen since finding out we were pregnant. We received just about everything we need!
Our next appointment is Thursday morning, then we have another pregnancy class/appointment on Monday. I'm interested to hear who in our class has had their babies!
So far, it looks like the weather is going to be good for the next week or so with rain and under 100 temperatures, which will be so wonderful! After July practically cooked me alive, I was sure August would be just as bad, if not worse, but the monsoons are here!
There seem to be a few lists going around as to when Kyle will be born...what do you think? Our due date is August 27th and my mom had both my brother and myself 3 days early.
And lastly, I've been asked what else we still need, so here's the short list:
Crib mattress
Crib mattress pad
Crib sheets
CD player/boombox
Breast pump (Medela brand preferred)
Co-sleeper (to go in our bed, not beside it)
High chair (not a full size one)
An option for all of these items is available online via our registry through www.target.com.
Friday, August 05, 2005
3 more weeks???
...And that's assuming he's on time...
Today was our last day of swim aerobics class...I'm so bummed! We do have a make up class on Wednesday, but I have a feeling I'll forget to go with the schedule being all screwy. Julie, the other pregnant mom in our class, gave me a sweet baby book for Kyle today. I'm going to take it with us and read it to him this weekend!
Kevin and I are traveling to Phoenix tonight. I need to run some errands and do laundry, but I'm just exhausted today! My legs have been really restless at night, until about the time the sun comes up, then it's like all the blood has finally gotten back to my heart or something and they feel normal again so I can sleep. Kevin and I are walking again at night, in addition to massaging my feet and calves, to try and help me sleep.
It's funny how long 3 weeks can seem when you're waiting on a baby.
Yesterday I went shopping for an outfit to wear to the shower this weekend. I have completely out grown all of the maternity clothes in my closet, but going to try on clothes at this point in pregnancy was not a good idea. The clothes are so cute on the hangar, but once my body fills them out they lose all semblance of their former cuteness. I figure this shower is going to be like the main place where pictures of me being pregnant are going to be taken, so I really wanted to look as good as possible; ah well.
Kyle is doing well, as far as I can tell! No new changes except that he's definitely getting bigger! Yea for 37 weeks tomorrow!
Today was our last day of swim aerobics class...I'm so bummed! We do have a make up class on Wednesday, but I have a feeling I'll forget to go with the schedule being all screwy. Julie, the other pregnant mom in our class, gave me a sweet baby book for Kyle today. I'm going to take it with us and read it to him this weekend!
Kevin and I are traveling to Phoenix tonight. I need to run some errands and do laundry, but I'm just exhausted today! My legs have been really restless at night, until about the time the sun comes up, then it's like all the blood has finally gotten back to my heart or something and they feel normal again so I can sleep. Kevin and I are walking again at night, in addition to massaging my feet and calves, to try and help me sleep.
It's funny how long 3 weeks can seem when you're waiting on a baby.
Yesterday I went shopping for an outfit to wear to the shower this weekend. I have completely out grown all of the maternity clothes in my closet, but going to try on clothes at this point in pregnancy was not a good idea. The clothes are so cute on the hangar, but once my body fills them out they lose all semblance of their former cuteness. I figure this shower is going to be like the main place where pictures of me being pregnant are going to be taken, so I really wanted to look as good as possible; ah well.
Kyle is doing well, as far as I can tell! No new changes except that he's definitely getting bigger! Yea for 37 weeks tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Appt. Notes
Our appointment went well this week. Kyle's heartbeat is good and strong, he's measuring at 37 weeks (still a week ahead), and my blood pressure is just fine (I was a little worried it might be high with the swelling I'd been experiencing).
We had a wonderful anniversary and I think I enjoyed it all the more knowing it was our last one without kids!
Tonight I put a framed black/white picture of Kev and me in Kyle's room. I'm so excited for the shower this weekend, but not looking forward to the trip to Phoenix. I did make my first purchase for our little guy: a Harley Davidson clothing set, since his daddy drives a motorcycle. I think we'll take the little hat to the birth center to hopefully bring him home in.
Kyle's "grandpa" (my dad) has picked out a great swing that we need to go pick up! I'm so excited to have Kevin put it together and see it in the house...it almost feels like we have a baby ;o).
That's about it! I'll keep you posted!
We had a wonderful anniversary and I think I enjoyed it all the more knowing it was our last one without kids!
Tonight I put a framed black/white picture of Kev and me in Kyle's room. I'm so excited for the shower this weekend, but not looking forward to the trip to Phoenix. I did make my first purchase for our little guy: a Harley Davidson clothing set, since his daddy drives a motorcycle. I think we'll take the little hat to the birth center to hopefully bring him home in.
Kyle's "grandpa" (my dad) has picked out a great swing that we need to go pick up! I'm so excited to have Kevin put it together and see it in the house...it almost feels like we have a baby ;o).
That's about it! I'll keep you posted!
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