Failed...

That's my new title... Failed Induction.  Out of all the things to fail during pregnancy, induction isn't one I thought about.

Now that we've been home for a week, I figured its about time to update on the birth story...

Saturday, November 19th, Peter and I left for the hospital at 7:30pm after some last minute preparations at home and some teary goodbyes with Oreo.  We arrived a little before 8:00pm only to wait until 9:00pm for a room.

We get in the room and the admitting process began.  I got into the lovely hospital gown and climbed into the bed.  The nurse, Ivy, was great.  She hooked up my IV line, took blood, and asked me my medical history.  I found out my blood type is O+ (I never knew that).  Ivy strapped on the monitors and struggled to keep Baby Boy on it.  He was his bratty 'ol self and wasn't cooperating.  Because he was so active they had to put off inserting the Cervidil to make sure he was ok.  My internal exam still had me at 1cm with no effacement.  Ugghh.... still no progression, Baby Boy was obviously not ready.  Finally at about 12:15am I got the Cervidil and at 12:30am Peter went home to get some rest.

During the night I slept at about hour long clips.  My blood pressure was constantly monitored, the volume of his heart rate was loud and the constant doctor and nurse pages kept me up.  Not to mention the strengthening contractions.

6:00am November 20th, Peter texted me that he would be back to the hospital in about an hour.  Let me just say how much it sucked not having him beside me, but I'm glad he got to sleep in our bed instead of a chair.

Contractions were about 2 minutes apart and strong, but my threshold proved right so far and they weren't that bad.  My mom came at about 8:00am and for the 4 hours remaining of the Cervidil, they kept me entertained.  At 12:30pm Dr. B came in to remove the Cervidil and check my dilation.  She had me at 2/3cm still no effacement but I was soft.  Baby Boy was still so high so she couldn't break my water.  She let me stay unhooked for an hour to walk around and eat something before they started the Pitocin.  I tried a lot of different positions to get him to drop not to mention get through the contractions (which still weren't too painful).

At 1:30pm I was hooked back up to the IV and now the Pitocin.  After a little while the contractions started to get more painful.  This is where I lose track of time... Sometime around 4:00pm, Megan arrived.  She was (and always will be) our comic relief - which we would soon learn was needed.  Baby Boy wasn't reacting well to the contractions so they gave me some oxygen (I tend to hold my breath during contractions instead of breathing through them).  Then they turned off the Pitocin for a little bit to see how he responded.  Apparently it was the strong contractions while on the Pitocin that he didn't like.  At about 5:00pm we get a phone call from Dr. B... the phone call and decision I was dreading... Since he was still high and I wasn't progressing that fast, I'd have to be on Pitocin for a long time - which Baby Boy didn't like.  So that meant C-Section.  Dr. B would be back to the hospital in about an hour and there was only one other C ahead of me.  It was happening so fast.  After many tears, I eventually came to terms (with the help and support of my family).  I know his health is most important so I was ok with it as long as he was healthy.

At about 6:30pm I was walked into the OR.  Peter was brought in after I was prepped and at 7:23pm we heard the most amazing cry.  Nicholas was here and was doing really well.  The anesthesiologist took some great pictures for us - he wouldn't let Peter look above the barrier.  Peter got to hold Nicholas for a good 20 minutes after he was cleaned up and weighed.  It was a beautiful moment.  I was able to hold Nicholas in recovery and get some time with him and Peter before he was taken to the nursery... another beautiful moment.

No matter how he got here, he's here and healthy and that's all that matters.  The pain and scar is worth it.

(I'll post pictures soon.  They're still on the camera.)

Thinking of you...

Just a quick post...

Its 2:21 am on November 20th and as I try and rest while the cervidil does its job all I can do is think of you Baby Boy. I love you and can't wait until that moment you are put on my chest. I hope I don't have to wait too long.

Love you lots!
Mommy

Induction

Induction has been set for tomorrow night.  Yikes!!  My blood pressure has been high in the office (still textbook at home) so she doesn't want me to go any longer.  Bloodwork and urine have come back normal both times (yup had to do it again this week) so its not pre-eclampsia.  But she's labled it as "pregnancy induced hypertension".  Even though I wanted to go naturally, I'm ok with the induction because Baby Boy doesn't seem to want to leave his comfy womb and I don't know how much longer I can be pregnant.  ;-)  I haven't had any contractions to write home about since last week, so like I thought, he's coming right on time - with a little help.

I have to be at the hospital at 8:00 and they'll start me on cervidil gel then and as long as it does its job, I'll get the pitocin Sunday morning (or another dose of cervidil).  The cervidil stays in for 12 hours.

It's everything I didn't want my labor/birth to be, but I have learned that I can't plan anything with regards to pregnancy.

39 Weeks!!

Dear Baby Boy,

Today is one week until your due date.  Mommy and Daddy are so excited to meet you!  I can't believe it's almost time to have you in my arms.  You have no idea how loved you are already.  Your big brother Oreo, Aunt's, Uncle's, and cousins; Grandma's and Grandpa's; friends... they're all ready to meet you little man.  Mommy's been getting texts and phone calls since she started her maternity leave from work asking how I was feeling and if there's any chance that "tonight is the night".  Daddy wants you to come early, I have a feeling you'll come right on time.  You seem very comfy inside Mommy and I don't think you want to leave yet, but I can't wait to feel your skin on mine, kiss your little cute button nose, and hold you in my arms. 

I hope I'm a good Mommy.  All I want is for you to be healthy and happy.  I want you to feel loved.  I want you to succeed in all you do and whatever you want to do.  You have so much love behind you that you can do anything.  Kid, you'll move mountains!

Mommy and Daddy are anxious, nervous, excited... so many emotions wrapped up in one.  We've been cleaning... pregnancy calls it "nesting"... all weekend.  We want our little house clean and ready for your arrival.  We want everything perfect for you.  You deserve it!  You're my little "Rainbow Baby" and I'm so happy you chose me to be your Mommy.  I love you Baby Boy!!

I want to write so much more but I can't put all my emotions and feelings into words.  Just know that Mommy and Daddy love you already.

Love,
Mommy

Nesting = Baking

Just wanted to share my "food porn"...

Wow, that's huge.

I got the recipe here and the only thing I changed was the amount of ginger and nutmeg. I used 1/4 tsp of ginger and a tsp of nutmeg. Peter and I aren't big ginger fans. I used ice cream cones instead of liners because 1) I didn't have any and 2) what's better than eating the whole package? I can't take the credit for the idea. My friend Keri and her mom have been doing it for years.

Enjoy!!

Change of plans...

Well, my maternity leave is starting a day early.  Not because of contractions or broken water, but because of a 24-hour urine collection tomorrow to check for protein to rule out pre-eclampsia.  Blood pressure was high in the office tonight.  And I'll tell you why...

I arrived at the doctor's office at 6:15 for my 6:45 appointment tonight.  I had the hopes of being hooked up to the NST before my exam.  Once again, the best laid plans... At 7:00 I finally hear her call back to the nurses station that the "NST was here".  At 7:25 I get called only to be told they have another woman on the NST and it'll be another 15 minutes.  At about 7:30 I get called again by another nurse.  She brings me into the room and tries to hook me up to the machine.  Tries, is the operative word.  I had to tell her how far back to recline the chair... how to strap the sensors on my belly.  It was ridiculous.  Then she couldn't get static out of the machine much less his heart rate.  Two other nurses had to come in and help.  The machine was acting up so I had to lay on my left and hold his sensor tight to my belly... the whole 20 plus minutes.  When the doctor finally comes in (the first time I met this doctor - who could very well be the doctor who delivers Baby Boy) she says everything looks good and turns off the machine but leaves me hooked up.  I ended up taking off the sensors myself because it was obvious that no one was going to do it.  The nurse comes in to take my blood pressure.  I explain to her that she's about to take it on the arm that was straining to hold the sensor for almost a half an hour and that it might affect my blood pressure... she shakes her head and says "nah".  Ok... well 140/80 later.

Now the doctor recommends blood work and a 24-hour urine collection.  Typically my blood pressure is taken twice in the office but not tonight.  Whatever, its better to be safer than sorry, right?  What about the monitoring I'm doing at home?  What does that tell you?

No internal exam?!?

The nurse comes back to take my blood and then sends me on my way with a bucket to collect my pee in.  As I'm walking across the parking lot, at 8:20 ish, I hear my name.  Apparently they took my blood in the wrong color coded vials and needed to take more blood!  As the two nurses argued over who's fault it was, I was fuming on the inside but didn't let them see it and on the outside remained a very accommodating patient.

I called my mom on the way home... when I eventually was able to get in my car and leave that place... and she reminded me that "of course your blood pressure was high.  You haven't eaten since lunch, you're probably dehydrated, and having to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes to be seen just added to it.  I have never had such a crappy experience there.  Typically I never wait more than 15 minutes if I have to wait at all and everyone there are competent... must be a full moon!!  On her advice, I took it when I got off the phone with her and it was 131/57.

So I am now officially on maternity leave.  I wish I had a better reason to start early but I guess any reason is a good one.  ;)  And for the record, my blood pressure was just 125/56!

On a side note, my belly button looks like Oreo's butt hole. ;-)  I had a deep belly button to start so its not flattening or popping out, but it's more shallow and now puckering. =)  And I'm not ashamed to share...

38 weeks 3 days... poor belly button :(

Here's my latest profile taken last Saturday... what happened to my ass?? It's gone! ;)

So now I'm off to bed.  Should I leave my alarm clock set? ;)

One Day...

I've made it... I only have one day left on my maternity leave countdown!!  Tomorrow night, November 10th, I'm going to have the ever-popular, labor-inducing eggplant parmesan for dinner.  What have I got to lose right?  But I have a feeling he's too comfy and will make his arrival closer to his due date.

Baby Boy keeps passing his BPP tests every week.  It takes some prodding to get him to move (he's always active right before and right after the appointment) but he passes each part.  Today is the NST and an exam for mommy.  I get to meet the other doctor that would be on-call if my doc isn't, which is nice.  I hope she sees some progression. ;-)

38 weeks 1 day (may be TMI for some)...

Let me get the TMI stuff out of the way so if you want you can skip this first paragraph...

Friday at 37w5d I started losing my mucus plug at work. It was accompanied by some braxton hicks and back pain. I was feeling hopeful as this continued through the night and some smaller pieces/BH on Saturday. Didn't last though... as I'm sitting here on the train going to work. ;) Here's the TMI... I didn't realize how much there would be. It just kept coming each time I used the bathroom. Some fairly large chunks and some small. But there was no denying what happened. Things are moving along. :)

Ok, no more TMI...

Friday night we took our BFFs Glenn and Melissa to dinner for a belated birthday celebration. Peter and I also wanted to ask them an important question. We asked them to be Baby Boy's Godparents. With our sister's already having the special title of Aunt, we wanted our BFFs to have a special role in his life. However, I may have created a monster. ;) Glenn now calls himself "THE Godfather" as in Marlon Brando. He wants us all to kiss his ring. And Melissa said he's contemplating buying a cement truck. Oh boy, what have I done??

Today marks the start of my last week at work before maternity leave. I'm sitting on a train this morning instead of breathing through contractions. I'm not sure why I was sure I'd be delivering early but I did and I'm kinda bummed. But I know he'll be here soon enough and the closer to his due date the better. I'm so curious to find out what progress I've made on Wednesday. This waiting for something to happen is painful for this self diagnosed OCD that needs to plan everything. Sigh.

Let me take a moment to discuss Christmas marketing. Its November 7th and I saw the commercial that I typically don't see until around Thanksgiving. This commercial traditionally starts the holiday season off for me. Its the Hershey Kiss Bell one. Its an oldie but it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Well this morning I wasn't ready for it. It just sprung up on me. Yikes! Am I just noticing all these commercials more now that I'm in a time crunch?? Time is moving too fast for some things and too slow for others. I can't believe I'm 38 weeks already but I also feel like I've been pregnant forever and am ready to meet the little boy who has been tap dancing on my ribs. Sigh.

Ok, lets hope these last work days go quick and my planned eggplant parm dinner Thursday night gets things moving. :) Happy Monday!

Progress??

So... as of this past Tuesday evening I am officially 1cm dilated, but no effacement.  Somethings happening, which is good, and I don't mind if it's a little slow.  I still have a week of work left... a week of a full paycheck.  The last BPP and NST went well.  Baby Boy keeps passing his tests.  Mommy also got a negative result for the Group B Strep test... thank God, I did not want to pump my body full of antibiotics.  And as always, blood pressure is high in the office and normal at home.  Let's hope it doesn't skyrocket while I'm in labor, I do not want to end up with a pitocin drip to speed things along or a C Section.

I can't believe it's November already.  This month we become parents.  This month our lives change forever.

Nursery is 90% ready for Baby Boy - but if he came today, we'd be fine.  We just need some finishing touches... mounting the video monitor (which Peter has played with already), hanging the found oar Philip painted his name on, installing a dimmer switch (or a lamp - we haven't fully decided) the light is too bright for late night feedings, and a little more organizing of the basket of little things from my shower.

We're also preparing the basement family room for his arrival.  I'll probably be spending most of my maternity leave down there so we took down my drafting table and made room for the swing and pack-n-play.

This weekend I'll also be finalizing the packing of my bag.  Peter keeps having dreams that we're not ready - I thought it was the woman that had the pregnant dreams - so he's kinda hounding me to finish packing. ;-)  He also had a dream the other night that Baby Boy was so tiny he fit in the palm of his hand (trust me my ribs would prove otherwise) and he dropped him down the drain as he was giving him a bath.  I think it's cute he has these dreams... I mean someone has to since I'm not.

I'm also re-thinking my birth "plan".  I am fully aware that the "best laid plans...", but I want to try to have a plan set and will be flexible if I need to be.  I would like to try labor and delivery drug free.  At first I was sure I was going to get an epidural - and I still might - but I want to at least try and see how long I can go without one.  The first thing I'm going to ask when I get admitted is when is the latest I can get one so I know my window of opportunity.  My mother knows I can do it.  I kinda have a high threshold for pain plus I hate to take anything for a headache.  I'm not quick to pop meds when I'm sick.  I let my body fight the fight it was built to.  So, we'll see.  Who knows, I may be screaming for drugs as soon as I get to the hospital. ;-)  That's why it's a "plan".  I'm not carving it in stone, it's written in pencil so changes can be made.