Labor and Delivery

  Lets start by first saying, I never thought I would go THAT early! I thought I would either be a few days early (perhaps on our anniversary 7/26) or a week late. With that being said, I was quite shocked when I had her at exactly 37 weeks!


  My labor and delivery was a very good experience. I can't say I have any complaints. I am not sure how long I was technically in labor as I was in very early labor for quite some time, but it was a lot quicker than I had anticipated. Labor for me started around 2:00am on Wednesday, July 11th. I woke up at 2am with what felt the period pains. I really didn't think much of it at the time. It was just kind of annoying. I was assuming my uterus was just getting too big and it was stretching to the max. It wasn't until I went to the bathroom that I thought something more may be going on. I have done a lot of reading during the pregnancy and I knew that some women get what is called a "bloody show" when they are in labor. What a "bloody show" is just some pink/blood-tinged discharge that is produced because the cervix is dilating. When I went to the bathroom early that morning, I did notice that the "bloody show" was present. I also had noticed a few days prior that I may have been losing my mucus plug, but that was not a red flag as the mucus plug an come out and be out for weeks before someone goes into labor.


   Brian had to head to work that morning and while he was getting ready I told him what was going on. He told me that I should call the doctor and call my mom and just let her know what was going on. The doctor did not open until 8:30am so I just hung out until then. While I was waiting, I noticed that my cramps were coming about 5-7minutes apart, but they were not that bad. I called the doctor that morning and the nurse told me that early labor can go on for days and to wait as long as I could. I called my mom after the doctor and told her that I may be going into early labor and I wasn't sure. Of course she was very excited and headed right over. Around noon I decided to go into labor assessment at Maple Grove. I figured they would not keep me, but I wanted to be sure I was actually having contractions and not just cramps. When I arrived in labor assessment, they hooked me up to the monitor and sure enough, I was having contractions every 3-6 minutes. They checked me and I was only 1.5cm dilated. After about an hour, they told me to go walk around and if I had a change after about 1 hr, they would keep me. If not, I was going to be sent home. Of course, there was no change so they gave me some Vistaril (muscle relaxer) and sent me home with the orders to come back if my water breaks, or the contractions get more severe. I was able to go home and get some rest which I was not able to get since the cramps started at 2am.


   Around 2am (seems like that is a trend) on Thursday, July 12th I woke again with worsening contractions. I downloaded a contraction timer  to see how frequently they were coming. They were about 5-7 minutes apart. They were not frequent enough, but definitely more painful. Brian kept asking if we needed to go to the hospital and I kept telling him "not yet." By 4:30 Brian decided he was not going into work and I headed into the shower. By 5:00am we (more Brian) decided it was time to head in.There was no traffic on the way to the hospital which was nice as the contractions were rather painful at that point. I did tell Brian that if he went over the bumps on 610 I was going to "kill him."Brian had been pestering me for about a week to get my bag packed. I had told him it was WAY too early, but I did write a list of things I needed (good thing he was on my case!!!). 
    
    When we arrived at the hospital they got me all hooked up and checked me and low and behold I was still only 1.5cm. I was really frustrated because at this point I thought "there is no way I can go home, these hurt too bad!" The nurse Jen, was super nice and she got me more Vistaril and Morphine and told me to sleep for awhile. They were originally going to recheck me at 8:30am, but I actually had an appointment at the clinic down hall at 9:50 so they decided to let me sleep until 9:30 and then I could make it to my appointment on time. By this time the contractions hurt so bad I was shaking when they would come. It was music to my hears when Jen checked me and I was at 4cm. I knew I was in labor and I was staying. The other great news was I could get an epidural whenever I wanted!!!!!  

  Apparently 7/12/12 was a very popular day to have a baby. All of the labor and delivery rooms were full! They told me there were just in the process of moving someone out of a room and had to get it cleaned. Getting someone out can take awhile, but getting a room cleaned can be done pretty fast. They asked if I needed my epidural right now, it could be done in labor assessment, but would like to do it in the room. Thinking it was only going to take a half hour or so I told them I could wait. In the mean time, I had to send a text message to the work girls as they were throwing me a shower that evening :) I didn't get into my room for appx 2 hrs and at that point the pain was unbearable. I told Brian to go tell the nurse that I don't care if the room isn't ready, but I need the epidural now. The doctor came in and I couldn't even focus on her the pain was so bad. Luckily right after Brian talked to the nurse the room was ready and the epidural was ready to be given. As I have said in previous blogs, I was worried about the epidural because of my scoliosis, but the anesthesiologist didn't have a problem at all getting it in. It does sting a little, but the process is really quick and the drug is the most amazing thing! I highly recommend anyone to get an epidural if they are in labor, it makes the experience so much better!!! Once the epidural was in and I was set up in my room I let all the family and best friends know I was in labor (the pain was too bad before and I didn't want lots of people in the room).

  Shortly after the epidural was in, the doctor came to check me and broke my water (around 12-1pm). I was 4-5cm at that time and hoped my labor would progress quickly with my water broken. Most of the family and friends had arrived at that time and everyone made guesses to time and weight of when this little girl would be born.

 I was able to rest for awhile with the epidural and around shift change (3:00-3:30pm) a new nurse (Christine) came in and checked me. I was only 5cm at that point and my contractions had actually started to spread apart so they started some Pitocin on me. I was a little worried and even asked at what point do they start talking a c-section. I was fully prepared for a c-section, I just assumed with the scoliosis I was going to have one. The nurse increased the Pitocin over the next 45 minutes and then she rolled me to my right side to get the baby to come down. Shortly after she rolled me to the right side, I started to have a lot of pressure in my bottom. My whole body was shaking uncontrollably. Brian wanted to go get the nurse and I told him "no, they just checked me and I was only 5cm." After watching me shake for a little longer, Brian took matters into his own hands and got the nurse. Good thing he did because it was about 4:30-4:45pm and when she had checked me I was at 9cm. She told me if I could push 3 times she could get rid of the rest and I would be fully dilated. Everyone left the room but Brian and I pushed the 3 times. The nurse told me to stop and she left and came back with the delivery cart. I told her "aren't you being a little optimistic?" I have heard most first time moms push for 1-2hrs. She told me the baby was right there and Dr. Sarkenin was right out there at the desk. Although I had the epidural, the pressure you feel is very strong and painful. I wasn't all that aware with the pain and trying to push, but from what Brian said, the doctor pretty much ran into the room and started throwing stuff off the cart and rushed to get ready. I only had to push for 11-15 minutes and at 5:25pm my beautiful little girl was born. The pulled her out and laid her on my chest and I will never forget her opening her eyes and looking at me. I instantly cried and kissed her.

  Paityn did not cry right away, but she was pink and taking shallow breaths. I send Brian to go take pictures and check on her while they delivered the placenta and stitched me up (I had a second degree tear). I kept asking why she wasn't crying and both Christine and Dr. Sarkinen kept telling me to stop being a nurse :) Paityn just needed a little supplemental oxygen and they sucked some bile out of her stomach. Once that was done, she was crying and perfect! Christine, Brian and Dr. Sarkinen were great coaches! Dr. Sarkinen actually was the one who sent me to see Dr. Corfman. I could not have asked for a better labor and delivery experience or a more perfect little girl!!!

I will update!

  I have a lot to blog about. It has been two weeks and one day since our precious Paityn was born and I think I am just starting to get in the swing  of things. Transitioning has been difficult for me and there has been a lot of tears. As much as I love her, it is an overwhelming responsibility that has been a little stressful - that and the lack of sleep and hormones have got me teary, but I would not change having her for the world! I will blog soon when I get a chance - I can't wait to talk about my great labor and delivery, the first two weeks, breastfeeding fail, etc. To hold people over, here are two preview pictures from her newborn photoshoot:

She is here!!!!!

Paityn Mae Hime was born at exactly 37 weeks on 7/12/12. She was born at 5:25pm weighing 7lbs 0oz and 20 inches long!

I will update the blog with more information as I am able. Things are a little crazy right now :)

Wow, 36 Weeks!!!

     I can't believe I am already 36 weeks. It seems like time has flown by. I am not at the point where I will be going to the doctor weekly to get checked. I had an my 36 week appointment today and things looked good. I have gained 29 pounds so far (hopefully not too much more either :) ) and my blood pressure still continue to be good. At 36 weeks they start checking for dilation. It really doesn't give that great of an indicator of when labor will come - a co-worker has been dilated 1-2cm at 36 weeks and is now getting induced), but some idea. At this point my cervix was still closed, which didn't surprise me, but she did say that her head is really low. I am not sure if they have considered the baby as "dropped," but she was happy with where she was laying. Heartbeat sounded good too which is always music to my ears.



My belly button is an in-betweenie.
 Not quit in, not quite out :)



Zoe wanted in the pic

    

I am starting to get quite a bit more uncomfortable now. With this heat, my ankles, feet, and fingers have been getting VERY swollen. Brian compared my feet to the feet on Shallow Hal. If any of you have seen that movie, there is an overweight lady who has large cankles (sp?). A girl at work was kind enough to borrow me her TED stockings to help with some of the swelling during those longs shifts. Speaking of those long shifts, it is getting tougher to do 12 hours. My boss has been very flexible and kind and we have re-worked some of my shifts to 8 and 12 hours. Instead of working three 12 hour shifts in a row, I am now working one 12 hour shift followed by two 8 hour shifts. It is not my back that hurts as much as it is my feet and I get really tired! I have started to get quite a bit of reflux in my throat and sleeping is a whole different story. I toss and turn and of course get up to pee like 8 times a night. Of course she is worth every bit of this, it is just funny to look back and see how the body changes.

  My cold has finally gotten so much better. I still have a bit of a lingering cough, but it is nothing compared to what it was last week. I was so miserable it was unbelievable. It seems that they last longer too when you are pregnant. Maybe they do, maybe they don't and it is just because you can't take anything. Either way, I am just happy I am feeling SOOOOO much better.

  My friend Erika and I did some craft projects a few weeks back and I have been meaning to post some pictures. Erika, Maija, and I still have some more crafting to do, but the nursery is almost all done and I have to say I am very happy with how it turned out. Brian added some shelving for me. Erika and I got the letters for her name all decorated and Brian was able to get them hung. Again, there is still some pictures to make and more things to put on the shelving, but all in all it is almost there!!!!

 Here is the dresser with the changing table and the lamp. Above the changing table we are going to get our craft on and add three different pictures. Erika and I added the orange ribbon around the the lamp for some color. I thought that lamp was so cute - Home Goods!!! We actually got the changing table and the diaper pail for free from our neighbors which was very nice!!!!

 Don't mind the mess, but on the left is a picture of the book/toy chest. We are obviously going to need more room for all her toys, but for now there are some little ones in the bins and we will have to find a bigger one we can put in a playroom when we make one for her.  Above is the shelving that Brian hung. The elephant is a piggy bank I got at my shower. The little shelf is only 6 inches wide so I wasn't sure what would work. That is when Erika and I decided to make the blocks with her name (right picture). We bought the blocks, painted them green and added the stickers. It is a little hard to see but the letters are all glittery and the blocks surrounding Mae have animals on both sides. The bottom shelf I have Sophie the giraffe hanging out (although it is a toy and she will use it when she is able), but I plan on putting a picture and some keepsake items on it.

  So the above pictures are the crib with her name and obviously a closer picture of her name. Maija, Erika, and I found the white letters at JoAnn Fabrics and were just going to add the ribbon, but found those cute the decals to put on them. It was a little afraid we would mess up, but Erika is quite the crafter and all it took was a little hot glue. Thank God Brian was able to hang them though, that would have been a disaster if we would have tried! I think they turned out really cute and I love them!

 

 

Brian insisted that she had a fan in her room. He read that keeping a light breeze helps prevent SIDS. He picked out the fan all by himself. I think he did a pretty good job! It works really nice in the room. The picture on the right is a picture of my rocker that I got at my shower from my Grandma and mom. It is so comfortable and I have just been enjoying it for myself so far! I think the little one is really going to like it too! I know when my mom sat in it she was surprised at the comfort too!!! The picture behind the rocker is actually a recycled picture. It is hard to see but it is of a little curly haired girl hugging an elephant. I had it hung up in my room when I moved out my junior year of college. I found it downstairs tucked away, bought a cheap white frame,  and I think it fits pretty well!!!

  I have this week off work so I am going to try and get some stuff done around the house. Unfortunately the bathrooms need cleaning :(. I am looking forward to next week - my lovely co-workers are throwing me a work shower on July 12th. I think it is too kind of them for doing that! I am very lucky to have such a sweet, wonderful group of girls (and a few guys) that I work with who are all so caring!!!

Sick and pregnant...booo

     I am lucky, I don't get sick very often. In fact, I believe I have not been sick in over a year - even with a little cold. Unfortunately, it was my turn to get sick and it sucks. What has started with a scratchy throat has turned into a full blow cold with sneezing, hacking, and tiredness. Instead of writing this post, I should have been at work tonight; however, when pregnant cold medicine is a "no-no." Usually I can take a couple of Dayquill and feel just fine. I decided that my co-workers and patients would not like me to "share" my germs.
      Usually I would just be stubborn and go into work anyways, but I took the night off for this little girl. I want to get better for her. I feel terrible that I am sick. I have been trying to do the "right" thing all pregnancy for her. I even feel bad when I have an O'douls, but this is out of my hands. I know people say I am not getting her sick, but I feel so guilty, like I am. I figure if I am not healthy, either is she. I am not sure if it is a motherly instinct or just me being a freak. All I want is the best for her! Here's to hoping I get over this cold soon and we back to both being healthy!!!

Showers




Don't mind the lack of makeup and crazy hair

 

 I am a little late on posting this picture as I am close to 34 weeks, but I thought I should get it up here. I had to laugh because I was going back to save some of these pictures to print out for the baby book and boy was I small when I thought I had a belly :) I have my 34 week doctor appointment on Thursday. I can't believe I only have a little more than 6 weeks left! I am more excited than nervous. I was RSVP'ing to another baby shower today for July 31st and I had to say I would make it unless this little one comes early. I am still feeling pretty good for the most part. My foot swelling seems to be a little better which is very surprising for this hot and humid weather. I do notice my left ear tends to hurt when I am laying down and goes away about 30 minutes after being up. I am sure it is related to extra fluid, but I will ask at my doctor appointment. Another thing that is kind of funny is my fingers get numb and tingly sometimes. I read in one of my baby books that is normal and is related to excess fluid...who would have thought? Sleep is the once thing that has been super difficult. I toss and turn trying to find comfortable positions and then wake up several times to pee. Brian has even been doing some sleeping in the basement because I have been keeping him up. I told him to not get to used to it - this will not be a permanent situation :)

 Two weekends ago I was blessed to have two beautiful showers! The first shower was thrown by my lovely sister-in-laws: Jane and Julie, and also my mother-in-law. Brian's side of the family is very large and they have always been so accepting of me since day one. I know people have a lot going on in the summer and it was so heartwarming to see all these people make it. I got TONS of gifts and everyone spent WAY, WAY too much money. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful "in-law" side of the family!! I am bummed I didn't get any pictures, but everything was set up so cute and the food was wonderful!




Me with wonderful hosts! Notice the "P" for Paityn



 My other shower was thrown by my very best friends, Maija and Erika. I knew they were going to go all out, but they really did go above and beyond all my expectations. The decorations were adorable. Maija owns a cricut (sp?) and they did some a lot of the decorations by hand. The girls were hot on the trail of pinterest and a lot of their food ideas came from there. Here is some of their creations, just to mention a few: Cake pops, a cake that was appx 4 tiers and each tier was dyed a slightly darker shade of pink, individual taco dip in martini glasses, cheesecake fruit dip, and these fantastic baked sandwiches. I do have to give a shout-out to Erika' sister Amanda who did a lot of the cooking too!!! They also came up with some fun games. One game had my mom picking picture and then numbering them. The goal was to see who could guess the age and the most would win. I only got two right, two and they are of me!!The other game was a fun memory game and guess the baby food. This shower was thrown for friends and family and I was so touched at the amount of people that showed up. Again, everyone was WAY too kind and spent WAY too much money! Here is  a picture of some of the wonderful decorations and food: 

I got some really cool presents at this shower including: The baby bullet (you can make your own baby food), my rocker (which I LOVE!!), a huge gift basket containing a ton of different stuff (and my Courtney and Nini even got some of my guy friends to go in on it) bottles, blankets, bath toys, etc. Lots and lots of useful things!!!!



Erika helping me keep track of all the gifts




Some good friends: Molly, Nini, and Courtney - Love them!!!



 I had just a blast at both showers and cannot express enough how I feel so lucky to have had all this love from everyone! I know there are a lot of people looking forward to seeing baby Paityn!

Wow, 32 weeks!

 Time is really flying by and I am trying to take it all in! My belly is getting bigger, so much so that I have grown out of most of my scrubs. Luckily I have some long sleeve trauma shirts and the good old hospital scrubs that I can "borrow" that will help get me through the rest of the pregnancy. A few things I have definitely notice in the last two weeks.....swelling, swelling, and more swelling. I was a little concerned it was related to pre-eclampsia, but I did have an appointment this week and my blood pressure is looking wonderful at 110's-120's (they get worried at about 135- 140 and up.) At first I notice my swelling was mostly limited to days I work, but with this heat, it is starting to be a regular occurrence. I worked two 12 hrs shifts and was up walking around today and this is what my foot looks like:

Although the foot is hideous, notice my nicely painted
toenails from my pedicure :)

For whatever reason, my left foot and leg is significantly more swollen than my right. I wondering if it has to do with my scoliosis and where the baby is laying that is causing this back up. Not only are my feet swollen, but my fingers have become rather plump. Brian has been telling me for weeks to take my wedding ring off so it didn't get stuck. I kept thinking I had more time. I mean, some people never have to take it off and wear it through delivery. I am only 32 weeks, I should have more time. Well, this week I was at the point of no return. I knew it was tight and it was time to come off. But low and behold, it was stuck. On my own I tried ice, butter, soap, lotion, saran wrap, olive oil and dental floss. No luck. I told Brian. He gave me a look and was about to say "I told you so" when I started crying. Instead he just gave me a hug and told me that we would get it off without having to cut it. I was at work last night and a guy I work with was sure he would be able to get it off with string, but try as he might it was unsuccessful. Another co-worker and I tried one last time - lots of KY jelly. She twisted and pulled as I pushed from the bottom and after a rather painful few minutes, the ring was off! Thank goodness - I was so afraid I would have to cut it :( Now I have it in safe keeping and I can look forward to when I get to wear it again!

  I am really looking forward to my baby shower's this weekend. My lovely sister-in-law's and mother-in-law are throwing me a shower for Brian's family on Saturday. There should be about 20 people there. I am so blessed to have so many people who want to come celebrate this little girl of ours! My girlfriends are also throwing me a shower for my side of the family (it is very small) and some friends. I can't thank these girls enough. Not only are they going above and beyond with the shower, but they have been there for me through day one of the infertility and have truly been a support system that has gotten me through all of it. I know both of them will love this little girl so much and Paityn is so fortunate to have two wonderful "aunties" to love!

  Speaking of my sweet friends, we came up with some great craft ideas for the walls on Paityn's room and I can't wait to put it all together. We got all the supplies and now just need to plan a craft day. It will be so much more memorable and fun to know we did the artwork by hand!!!! I thought I would include a picture of little miss Bella and her new fun spot to play - she is very, very sneaky :)

 I have been fortunate enough to not have ANY strangers come up and just touch my belly. I get lots of nice people asking when I am due and do I know what I am having, but I did have my first awkward stranger encounter the other day. First off, men should just not say anything to pregnant women - just keep your mouth shut, it is for the best. I was a the grocery store the other day and this guy looks at me and says  "You hoping for twins?" I smiled and said "nope it is just one." I wasn't even offended, but as I was making my way through the aisles I though - "jeez someone could get really offended by that question; are you trying to say I am a large Marge?" Like I said, doesn't even bother me, but some woman may have really been hurt or hauled off and whacked the man!!! Tread carefully men, you don't want to mess with a pregnant woman!

  Can't wait to post some shower pictures on here and I need to get a 32 week picture taken!! It is amazing that I thought I was big at 20 weeks and now looking back, that was nothing! As dorky as I feel taking these pictures, they are really nice to have!