Jack's Birth Story - Part 1

I can't believe I'm writing this right now. I always thought I'd have to be induced, or would at least reach my due date. But sweet Jack had other plans.

We had Thanksgiving at my Mom's house on Friday. Several times that day I had sharp cramping pains and pains that would even go down from my abdomen to the top of my legs. I thought it was just because I had been on my feet a lot that day. I mentioned how perfect it would be if the baby came the next day since my brother was getting ready to leave for training for a week. Not once did I think it would actually happen.

That night, I got to bed pretty late. Right before I went to bed I had some sharp cramps. I didn't think twice about them since I had them several times before in the last week and a half and figured I'd just go to bed and they'd go away. No sooner had I dozed off when one sharp cramp woke me right up. I couldn't believe how much it hurt. Several cramps later I decided to get up to see if I could get them to go away. After a few days of very little sleep all I wanted to do was sleep so my goal was to get the cramps to go away so I could go back to bed. I got up, drank water, walked around a bit, tried to sit and relax and nothing worked. About 2:00 I decided that maybe I should start timing the cramps to see if they could be anything. From the start they were timing 3-4 minutes apart and lasting anywhere from 45 seconds to a minute and a half each. And instead of going away, they were getting worse. Nothing seemed to help and breathing through them was the only thing that worked. I got my husband up at about 3:00 and told him I needed him to get on the computer to google the difference between a contraction and cramping. I still didn't believe I was actually in labor. According to what we found online a contraction could be pains that start from the top of your belly and work down or could be like really bad menstrual cramps. The cramps I was having was far worse than any menstrual cramps I've ever had so I thought that maybe it would be a good idea to get ready to go to the hospital. Just in case. I jumped in the shower, finished packing our bags, and grabbed a muffin to eat. All while breathing through the worst pains imaginable. Right before leaving the house I went to the bathroom and noticed a bit of blood when I wiped. That was when it hit me that this was really happening and I was in labor.

We left the house about 4:30 so we decided just to take JJ with us instead of finding someone to come stay with him. He woke up when Jorge put him in the car seat and asked where we were going. When we told him that we were going to the hospital because Mommy was going to have the baby he immediately perked up and was so excited. He was wired for the rest of the day.

That car ride to the hospital was the longest I'd ever been on. I never realized how difficult it was to deal with contractions all while being strapped to a seat, unable to move or change positions. Yeah, that sucks. We finally made it to the hospital a few minutes before 5:00 and were then taken to triage to be checked out.

To be continued...

40 Weeks

Well, I was 2 days short of a 40 week baby bump picture. Instead, I have this...
Which is so much better than a baby bump.

Baby's size? Jack was 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long

Weight Gain? I gained a total of 23 pounds and weighed 160 pounds which is exactly what I ended up weighing with JJ. 

Maternity clothes? My clothes are a strange mix right now.  Maternity clothes are mostly too big but my regular clothes are definitely too small.  I've been living in my maternity tank top and yoga pants this week.

Stretch marks? Not a single one!

Belly Button in or out? Still out but starting to go back in.

Sleeping? If it wasn't for this cough I've had I would have gotten pretty decent sleep this week.

Foods I am loving? Been thirsty for mostly water and have been hungry but haven't found much that I really want to eat.

Foods I'm hating? Still can't stand the thought of  Chicken Express.

Best moment this week?  Jack was born!

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.  I so wish he were here to meet his name sake. 

What I'm looking forward to? Getting my body back!

Milestones? We've made through almost 1 week!

Emotions? As I did with JJ, I've had some baby blues going on over here.  I am so happy with my little family but find myself crying and sad and missing my pregnant belly and missing the birth experience.  After waiting so long to be pregnant it's sad that it's over already.  Although I honestly wouldn't trade my Jack for any baby belly in the world!

He's Here!

Sweet baby Jack Lee joined our family this morning, November 24th, at 8:10 weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. and  measuring 19 in. long.  He's beautiful and perfect and we couldn't be more in love!

39 Weeks

 
Baby's size? Baby is the size of a watermelon (I believe it!), measures about 20 inches head to toe and weighs about 7.5-8.5 pounds.

Weight Gain? 23 pounds total so far.  I have gained NOTHING! in the last week and a half.  I'll take it!

Maternity clothes? My "around the house" clothes are a mix of regular sizes and maternity but the clothes I wear to go anywhere are basically all maternity.  Things are starting to get limited.  Even my maternity shirts don't cover the belly so well anymore.

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping? Sleep is okay.  Still getting up once a night to pee and the new thing is my right arm falling asleep.  It's pregnancy induced carpal tunnel and I had it with JJ as well.  Believe me, it's not fun having your arm fall asleep on you all the time.

Foods I am loving? Loving all things sweet.  Been drinking more water lately, too.

Foods I'm hating? Chicken Express.

Movement? He's still moving like crazy.  I don't think he cares that he's running out of room!  I think me hits a nerve down in my pelvis because, wow, it hurts!

Best moment this week?  We're down to 1 week left AND my induction has been set for December 3rd if he doesn't decide to come sooner.  There's light at the end of the tunnel!

Symptoms? I've been peeing a lot more frequently lately.  Thankfully I'm still only getting up once a night but during the day I make quite frequent trips.
I've also had sharp cramping pains for several days.  Sometimes they hurt so bad that I have to stop what I'm doing and breathe through them.  Nothing that I can track and so far they last for a day or 2 then go away and come back a week later.  And Jack seems unusually active when these cramping episodes happen.  I hope my body is at least doing something with these annoying cramps!
Swollen feet and ankles are pretty much a daily thing for me now.  Beautiful.

Gender? Boy!  Jack Lee.

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.  My pre-pregnancy body. 

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

Milestones? I was checked at the appointment this morning and I am a good 3 cm dilated.  She said the cramping I've been having are signs of upcoming labor and it could happen tomorrow or in another week and a half.  I'm hoping sooner rather than later.

Emotions?  Done.  I am just done.  And to think that about a week ago I thought that I felt okay and could do this for a few more weeks.  Bahaha!

Maternity Photo Shoot

About 3 weeks ago my good friend, Kelly, spent a couple hours with us one evening to get some pictures of my growing belly and our family.  She's taken so many pictures for us and has always done a fabulous job.  I couldn't narrow the pictures down to just a few so get ready for photo overload.  :)

I'm wearing one of Dad's shirts in this picture.  It was one he wore all the time. 

My husband is such a goofball. :) 

One of my favorites. Oh, how I miss my Daddy! 

38 Weeks

 
Baby's size? Baby is the size of a pumpkin, measures about 20 inches head to toe and weighs about 6.5-7 pounds.

Weight Gain? 23 pounds total so far.  I gained 2 more pounds since last week.

Maternity clothes? My "around the house" clothes are a mix of regular sizes and maternity but the clothes I wear to go anywhere are basically all maternity.  I can still wear my maxi dresses though.

Stretch marks? Nope!  Haven't gotten linea nigra yet either.  I remember having it for awhile before JJ was born.  Wonder why I didn't get it this time?

Belly Button in or out? Out.

Sleeping? Been sleeping pretty good at night but I am so stinkin' exhausted.  Like first trimester exhausted.

Foods I am loving? Loving all things sweet.

Foods I'm hating? Chicken Express.

Movement? He's a mover.  Sometimes he kicks or sits on a certain spot that sends quick, sharp cramp-like pains in my abdomen.  So uncomfortable.

Best moment this week?  Hubby and I got to have a date night on Saturday.  We watched a movie then went to Chili's and shared and appetizer and a dessert.  Who knows how much longer it will be until we get to do something like that again. 

Symptoms? A new one this week - I had to take off my ring yesterday.  My fingers aren't terribly swollen but just enough to make it difficult to take it off.  Oh, and my feet are growing.  :(  I'm wearing size 7.5.  I've always worn size 6.5-7 but those are definitely too tight now.

Gender? Boy!  Jack Lee.

What I miss? My Daddy. Every day.

What I'm looking forward to? Meeting this little guy and watching JJ become a big brother!

Milestones? My progress has stayed the same since last week.  Not quite 3 cm dilated and 60-70% effaced.  Today my OB and I talked about scheduling an induction at 41 weeks if he doesn't come sooner.  She said though that she doesn't think I'll make it that long.  Woohoo!

Emotions?  Excited!  I am so ready to meet this baby boy.

Baby Shower

A week ago 3 incredibly sweet friends threw a baby shower for me. The theme was ABC's and it was simple and beautiful and I just loved it!   Being surrounded by amazing family and friends just made the day perfect for me.  I showed up a little bit early just so I could be sure to get pictures of everything before everyone arrived.

Me and my beautiful friends/hostesses.   I love these girls!

You can tell by the details that they put a lot of thought and love into it.  I know that I felt special and loved by these ladies. 

"P" is for presents.

"B" is for belly.  "M" is for mommy.

"X" is for xoxo's.  "D" is for due date, Nov. 26, 2012.

"Z" is for zucchini bread.  "I" is for invitation.  "H" is for hummus.  "V" is for veggies.  "C" is for chicken salad.  "Y" is for yummy treats.

Isn't the table set up beautifully?  I just love the colors.  Recognize the yellow chevron material? That's the same material I used to make a boppy cover.  My friends have good taste, huh?  And I love all the foods that they picked.  My favorite is cinnamon gummy bears.  Yum!

"N" is for napkins.  "F" is for forks.  "O" is for olives.  "K" is for kabobs.

"J" is for jars.  "S" is for straws.

"A" is for alphabet cookies.

Not only were these cookies cute, they were delicious, too!

"E" is for elephant.

"R" is for red raspberry tea.  "L" is for lemons and limes.  "W" is for water.

"T" is for thank you cards.  "U" is for ultrasound.  "Q" is for quite time.  "G" is for games.

They had the great idea of providing thank you cards for me.  All the guests filled out an envelope with their address on it so all I have to do is write the notes!

Filling my plate full of yummy food!  You know I made a couple trips.  ;)

Me with my Mom and one-and-only Sister-in-law, Hannah.

Game time!

My face is not so cute here but I had to show the adorable fedora a friend knitted for me.  I so cannot wait to get pics of baby Jack wearing it!

The same friend also knitted this cute baby wrap for me.  Again, I can't wait for the cute pictures we'll get but also it's something I can use a lot. 

A couple of the things Mom got me were these coconut & hibiscus brightening and toning body wash and lotion.  Goodness knows I need these!

A cute basket full of baby goodies including a sweet little blanket.

As you can see, I am so very blessed to have such good friends and sweet women in my life. Baby Jack and I were spoiled and are terribly thankful for everything that was done for us!