This Unfamiliar Road

This is the story of how our precious daughter entered the world!

At my 40-week check up, we scheduled a cervidil induction for Saturday, Sept 27. Cervidil is a prostaglandin placed near the cervix to help it soften and dilate. The plan for cervidil inductions is to insert it and let it work overnight (about 10-12 hours) then remove it and begin Pitocin to induce or augment contractions. Since this was my second baby, my OB recommended I check in to the hospital later (to give us a chance to put Peyton to bed!) and place the cervidil around 10pm.

So, after several days of long walks, eating pineapple, and rocking on a yoga ball...I realized this baby was not coming on his (her) own. I was super nervous about the induction, but spent the day on Saturday enjoying our time together as a family of 3 and my last day of pregnancy.

We checked into the hospital around 8pm, and I was SO happy to have one of my former coworkers (who now works L&D) admit me. She really put my mind at ease about the induction, and we both joked that maybe the cervidil would put me into labor and I wouldn't need the Pitocin :)


The cervidil was placed around 9:40pm, the monitors were on, and I settled in for a night of rest. Yeah. Right.

My L&D nurse came in about an hour later, and said "Are you feeling those contractions? You are in a good pattern." Yeah, I was feeling them. Not bad but definitely not conducive to a restful night.

Around 2:30am, the contractions really kicked in. I continued to change positions, empty my bladder, and grip the bed rail for dear life ;) After an hour of that, I finally asked for pain meds, which barely took the edge off. Looking back, I don't think my monitor was picking up the strength of my contractions because I was definitely in active labor with strong contractions!
We finally decided to pull the cervidil at 5:30am, allowing me a chance to "get up and shower if you want". No way...I had 7 contractions while brushing my teeth! Time for that epidural :)

At 9:00am, the midwife checked me: 8cm, but Bean was still high in the pelvis. She broke my water and walked out of the room. I immediately felt pressure to push, and asked my nurse to check me: completely dilated and head fully engaged.
After 8 minutes of pushing, our sweet GIRL entered the world at 9:38am. (No Pitocin needed!!)


We learned that the cord was wrapped around her neck two times, which is probably why she never descended into the pelvis until the end!
We also later found out that Eliza had a broken clavicle. I am pretty certain this occurred in the descent, not the delivery. Going from 8cm to complete almost immediately...I think she came in for a crash landing!



  There really isn't any 'treatment' for a newborn broken clavicle besides a sling for comfort. Eliza certainly never showed any signs of discomfort!


The big question: "Were you surprised it was a girl?" Honestly, I was slightly surprised but not as SHOCKED as Ben was :)

After I got settled into my postpartum room, Ben brought Peyton for a visit. Oh she was SO excited to meet the baby, and continues to be infatuated with her little sister.




One of my coworkers and dear friends offered to take some newborn photos before we went home! Here are some of my favorites:







 My recovery has been easy, thankfully! I feel great, although a little tired of course. Eliza has been a good baby, waking to eat about every 3 hours. So far, her personality seems to be "quietly curious".

GIRL!

Wow....40 Weeks of pregnancy. I never thought I would see this day, but it has arrived. I know it's not uncommon for women to actually go 40 weeks, but I just assumed Bean would have made an appearance by now since this is my second pregnancy. Perhaps it's a different gender, or just a different personality baby. Some people stay stubborn, but I prefer to use the term 'lazy' ;)

40 Weeks:

What's New: We officially have a plan. I saw my amazing OB on Wednesday and we did an ultrasound to check up on Bean. The good news: The placenta looks great, amniotic fluid level is great, and Bean is perfectly healthy (and content!) in there. The bad news: Bean is so comfy that his/her head is still not fully engaged in the pelvis, which is probably why I'm still just 2cm dilated. I guess Bean is a little too comfy. So, Dr. K stripped my membranes and we scheduled a cervidil induction for Saturday night for a Sunday delivery. I am so incredibly anxious about getting induced because I had a pretty easy spontaneous labor with Peyton. But I really don't think giving this kiddo any extra time will make a difference, and we could possibly get into a danger zone if s/he stays in too long (i.e. deteriorating placenta, stressed out baby, or overstretched uterus!).

What's Old: Being pregnant. Look, it's no secret I'm one of those crazy people who really loves being pregnant...but I'm just about done. Truly, if I thought it would make any difference (and not put me or baby at risk) I would consider letting this kiddo hang around for another week. But I think I would be miserable at that point. I'm not sleeping, I can't ever get comfortable, and I am just so tired all of the time. We are done :)


Baby: It was very cool to see Bean on ultrasound this week. Because s/he is so big now, we can only see one body part at a time! We got to see some chubby cheeks, that beautiful & strong heart, and practice breathing! The US is estimating 7lbs, 9 oz...but they can be off by 2 pounds. Yikes!



Gender: The votes are in...almost everyone thinks Bean is a lazy boy :) HR 140's this week.

Belly: Still. There.

Cravings: My usual fresh palate. I'm excited about fall, but I wish I could still get my hands on super fresh produce!


Keep checking in...the next update will include a picture of a sweet newborn! I feel so blessed to have had such a good and healthy pregnancy and I ask that y'all keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we go in for our induction on Saturday.

Here we are....still pregnant. I delivered Peyton at 39 weeks/1 day but that has come and gone this time around, and still no sign of Bean.

39 Weeks:

What's New: About 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. Bean is just not quite ready to make his/her grand appearance! I am officially on maternity leave (I just didn't write myself into the schedule for next week because I kind of assumed I would have delivered by now!)
Our plan: I have an appointment on my due date where we will do an ultrasound to make sure Bean is still healthy, then discuss a possible induction date. I am not a huge fan of inductions unless for medical reasons or post-dates, so I am trying everything I can to induce labor naturally :)

What's Old: Hip pain at night...it's making it so difficult to rest! Other than that, I truly feel pretty decent most of the time. I am not miserable yet, so waiting around another week is something I can deal with.

Baby: About 20 inches and 7-8 pounds; The size of a watermelon!!! Measurements have been on track, and I feel like my belly is a bit smaller than with Peyton, so I'm not concerned about a HUGE baby being in there (famous last words, right?). Bean is working on putting on more fat and developing that brain!

Gender: I am starting to feel boy, but I'm not placing any bets on it. Heart rate this week was 160-170s!

Belly: Heavy

Cravings: Pumpkin stuff! Are you with me on that?!

I'm really trying to be patient and cherish these last days/weeks(?) of pregnancy! I've also committed to spending lots of one on one time with Peyton as I know those days are numbered.

38 Weeks:

What's New: Absolutely nothing. Do I sound sarcastic and impatient? I'm really trying, y'all...and I still feel good overall, but I would love to be making some progress. After a particularly busy night at work, I just knew things would have moved along a bit. I learned today at the doctor that I'm still 1cm and about 40% effaced. This kiddo is laaaaazy.

What's Old: Just the usual discomforts of pregnancy...I can't wait to lay on my back again :)

Baby: About 20 inches and 7 pounds; About the size of a pumpkin (how appropriate!). In these last weeks, Bean will be packing on pounds and working on that neuro system.

Gender: HR was high 140's today. I just have no idea what to think! Here's my gender predictor post in case you missed it!

Belly: Large and in charge.

Cravings: Savory and fresh :)

Towards the end of my pregnancy with Peyton, I had a lot of fun reading all of the Old Wives' Tales about guessing baby's gender. I dedicated a blog post to all the methods, and what my results revealed!
For the record...Of the 10 methods I tried, 7 of them pointed to girl, but I was still convinced there was a boy in there!

Let's see what the Old Wives' Tales say this time around....



1. The Highs & Lows- Belly: If you are carrying high-it's a girl; Low-it's a boy! Almost everyone has commented how differently I am carrying this time around. It seems to be a big ball, all in front and low. Looks like Team Blue for this one.

2. Heart Rate- A heart rate of 140 or above= girl; Below 140= boy. This is a tricky one because Bean's heart rate is usually 140...right in the middle. At my last appointment, Ben got a peek at the doppler and it was ranging 137-142. So I'm going Team Blue for this one too.

3. Sweet and Sour- If you are craving sweet stuff, it's a girl. If your cravings are for salty and sour, it's a boy. Although I've had a major sweet tooth lately, I would say overall my cravings have been for salt...and sour (hello, lemon!!) so it's looking like Team Blue again!

4. Chinese Birth Chart- An ancient birth chart that uses mother's age & month of conception. Well, I think technically we would have to say Team Pink for this one!

 5. Drano Test- This one is a little strange... Pee in a cup and mix in 1 Tbsp of Drano. Watch for color change. Green=girl; Blue= Boy. I may have cheated a little bit and just poured some Drano in the toilet...it turned kind of blue, so Team Blue.

 

6. Even & Odd- This one comes from the Mayans. We look at mother's age at conception, and year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl; If one is even and one is odd, it's a boy. Technically, this one says Team Blue.

 7. The Key- Place a key in front of the Momma-to-be. If she picks it up by the narrow part-girl. If she picks it up by the round part, that's boy. That's Team Blue this time!

8. Skin- If you are breaking out like crazy, the tale says to blame it on a girl-she "steals" her mother's beauty. My skin didn't give me much trouble at all during this pregnancy (especially compared to last time)...guess we will say Team Blue again!

9. Wedding Ring- Tie your wedding ring to a string and hang it over your belly. If it swings back and forth, it's a girl. If it swings in a circle, it's a boy. Team Girl it is.

10. Morning Sickness- If you had/have a lot of nausea during pregnancy, signs point to a girl. Little or no nausea=boy. I am so fortunate for very little nausea during both of my pregnancies... so Team Blue for this one, too!

Wow, that's 8/10 for Team Blue...totally opposite from my first pregnancy. We will find out very soon :) 
 



So, what do I think this time around? Honestly, I have no idea! Most of my family and friends are confident that it's a boy, so I think they have convinced me of the same. However, I can't imagine our life with a baby boy in it...but that's because we are so immersed in GIRL WORLD!
 

Yikes! This milestone is a huge reality check....delivery is around the corner!

36 Weeks:

What's New: Getting checked + weekly appointments. At my checkup today, I learned that Bean's head has already engaged in the pelvis. Cervix is about a fingertip dilated, but things are definitely starting to happen! Although I still feel great, I am starting to wear down a bit.




What's Old: Hip pain...I guess from a noggin sitting in my pelvis! This pain has become increasingly difficult to deal with at night.

Baby: Around 6 pounds and 19 inches long- the size of a honeydew melon! All systems are in working order, so technically, Bean could make his/her appearance any day now.

Gender: No idea...seriously. HR 140's today at the doctor!

Belly: Out. of. Control.

Cravings: Dealing with a major sweet tooth this week...cookies, cakes, fruit....you name it!

We are getting so close!

34 Weeks:

What's New: I had some pretty serious contractions yesterday at home. I knew I was dehydrated so I sat down and chugged some water and they went away. Thank goodness....I need these remaining 6 weeks :)
Last week, I enjoyed celebrating Bean with my co-workers who were so sweet to throw me a baby shower! Our case manager is due the day before me, so we had a joint shower, and it was perfect. It's so fun to have someone at work to compare notes with.


What's Old: Still lots of pressure, making 13 hour shifts difficult. Otherwise, I feel fabulous!

Baby: Around 5 lbs and 18 inches-the size of a butternut squash. It's hard to tell if this kiddo is still head down because of all of the movement! I'm hoping so...

Gender: HR 150's again at the doctor. Most people are saying boy...with a few stragglers predicting girl. We will see all too soon!

Belly: Growing and growing! I love seeing Bean moving and shaking in there. Measuring on track!

Cravings: FRUIT. I think I'm becoming more thirsty, so fruits like melons and pineapples are especially satisfying.

Only 8 weeks (or less) until we get to meet Bean! I am feeling great still, and trying to cherish those little kicks for as long as I can.

32 Weeks:


What's New: Mild discomfort at night-usually my back or hips. I would love to sleep on my back again! LOTS of Bean movement now! Until now, I have been a little concerned at how lazy this baby is (compared to Peyton) but I am eating my words now! Kicks, rolls, punches...loving every one of them :)

What's Old: The pressure...it's only getting worse!

Baby: About 4 lbs and 17 inches long. At our appointment today, I learned that Bean is HEAD DOWN!

Gender: HR 150's today...this kid is all over the place! Wendy (the midwife who delivered P!) is predicting boy; Ben says boy; Peyton typically says there is a 'baby brother' in there.

Belly: Still measuring on track...starting to feel quite large!

Cravings: Still loving lemon goodies! I've had a bit of a sweet tooth this week.


Until next time!

Everyone keeps asking me if I am tired of being pregnant/assuming that I am reaching the point of being ready to get this baby out. That is a resounding NO!

Surprise, surprise...I am not much closer to having Peyton's room ready or preparing in other ways for this kiddo to make an appearance. And I know that right now, Bean is much less work inside than out, so I will gladly take every bit of my remaining 10 weeks of pregnancy.

30 Weeks:

What's New: I passed my one-hour glucose test! Hooray! With Peyton, I failed my one-hour, but passed the three-hour test and I really assumed it would be the same this time around. I am so happy I didn't have to deal with that. I am slightly anemic, but have vowed for a better vitamin regimen and kale smoothies rather than iron supplements. Hoping this works for now :)

What's Old: Insomnia. It's not nighttime discomfort, or getting up to pee every hour. I just wake up in the middle of the night, and stay awake for at least an hour. I am almost positive it's because I have so much to do before Bean arrives, and I am feeling anxious about this to-do list. I think the only solution is to get some things crossed off!

Baby: Size of a cucumber..about 16 inches and 3 pounds. Bean is now strong enough to grasp a finger...so sweet
               
Gender: Still no clue. I do feel like this pregnancy has been easier in general, but it's probably because I've done it before, I am distracted with P, and I haven't gained as much weight. HR 140's.

Belly: Growing and growing...measuring on track!

Cravings: Lemon, Lemon, Lemon.


I had the opportunity to be a "model" for some labor and delivery nurses at work who were taking an ultrasound class. We managed to capture a few pics of Bean, although s/he is bigger now so it's hard to see everything!


                
        

Wow I feel like this pregnancy is just flying by! 13 weeks or less until Bean arrives...and we have not prepared at all!

27 Weeks:

What's New: I discovered that my anti-M antibody is, in fact, not getting stronger! Turns out, my regular OB and high risk OB were running 2 different blood tests. This is great news, and really puts my mind at ease!

What's Old: I. Can't. Breathe. Overall, I am feeling really good, but Bean has situated him/herself under my rib cage on the left, and it really presses on my lungs when I sit or lie down. Standing/walking are fine but getting comfortable sitting at work or home is nearly impossible.

Besides that, I feel absolutely wonderful!! Maybe it's because it's my second pregnancy or because I seem to stay busy, but I just don't feel pregnant most of the time :) That will all change in the next month I know

Baby: Size of Rutabaga! About 14 inches and over 2 pounds. Bean is practicing breathing now :)
          Gender: Not a clue. I was so wrong with Peyton that I have not 
                           even ventured a guess on this kiddo. Heart Rate 150


Belly: It's there, but not miserably huge...yet! I have actually had a few people comment on my small size given my gestation, which was NOT the case with Peyton!
       Cravings: Veggies! My recent fave: Hummus wrap with cucumber,
                            tomato & avocado. Yummmm




     

Yikes! We are halfway there and I haven't even begun to prepare for this kiddo. Time to get moving!

20 Weeks:

What's New: Sweet baby kicks. I found out I have an anterior placenta (meaning the placenta is situated on the front of my uterus) so it's harder to feel movement. It's been discouraging, but things have turned around this week and I can feel Bean movin & shakin!
Ben got to feel a kick too!

What's Old: Lots of...umm, pressure. Like this kid is ready to come out already. My doc assured me it's normal and there's no need to worry.

Baby: Size of a banana (10.2 oz and 6.5 inches). Working taste buds and gulping amniotic fluid...yum!

Belly: Growing! I can still fit into a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothes (with some help from the BeBand).
   Craving: Cooler Ranch Doritos (so healthy, right?)

Here's five things I am loving right now: Pregnancy Edition!