Labor and Delivery at the Hospital

When we left for the hospital, I was pretty emotional.  I hated leaving Austin.  It was not that I was just going to miss him.  I knew his life would now be forever changed.  Austin having a little sister is a wonderful gift but I am not sure he is going to see it that way at first.

When we arrived at the hospital at 5pm, the doctor checked me and I was only 5-6cm.  I could not believe it.  I thought I would be at least 7-8 cm.  I was disappointed.  Of course, they were still going to admit me as I was in active labor.  We got checked into the labor and delivery room.  The contractions were strong but not terrible.  I knew the worst was yet to come but I really wanted to get this over with.  

Luckily my doctor was already at the hospital delivering another baby.  He came and checked on me and after we talked we decided to break my water.  With Austin, he had to break my water as well but closer to delivery.  Brian was a little hesitant about breaking my water but I wanted to get this over with!  After he broke my water, I was planning on getting up and walking the hallways.  That did not happen.  The pain from the contractions was so intense there was no way I was leaving the bed.  

With Austin, I basically blacked out labor.  With Sydney, I remember most if not all of it.  It was extremely intense.  I was not comfortable at all.  Brian gave me cool rags for my head and back and that helped.  I was not able to zone out like I did before.  We did not retake the Bradley classes but it was still fresh in our minds.  We did reread the book though.  I still knew I did not want an epidural but I really started to doubt myself if I could do this.  I would hold on the the side rail of the bed and squeeze it trying to help with the pain.  Childbirth is definitely painful!  

Interestingly the time did seem to go by fast for me.  I did not have any concept of time during labor.  It was painful and all I knew is I wanted it over with.  When I finally had an urge to push my doctor checked me and told me it was okay for me to start bearing down.  The biggest problem I had is I don't like the position they want you to push the baby out in.  So, as Brian said, I was a bit uncooperative.  Finally I got into the best position (for them not me) and starting pushing.  Luckily I only had to push about 5 times.  I find that part of labor the most difficult and painful. I know some people disagree with that but I find it the worst!  Finally Sydney Lynn was born at 8:11pm.  She was 7lb 11 ounces and 19.75 inches long.  The best news of all was that she was healthy!  

After delivery, she was on my chest for about an hour.  I held her and tried to recover from labor.  After labor, my body was shaking.  There was a little concern for Sydney because she had some fluid/mucus in her airway because I did not push long so the mucus was not able to be extracted.  The nurse suctioned her a few times.  Then she was all better.  While they got Sydney all cleaned up, I took a shower.  Being able to shower after labor is a wonderful thing.  Then they moved us to post partum.  

Brian went out and got us dinner at Wendy's around 10pm.  Last time, my dad did that for us but since he and my mom were with Austin, Brian had to do it.  We ate dinner and decided that Brian was going to go home.  He was still sick and we did not want him there coughing all night long.  I was on my own with Sydney but I felt confident this time that I could do it just fine.  (I could have never done that with Austin - we were too clueless with the first baby).  

Off to the Hospital

Let's go Mommy!  I'm taking you to the hospital.

Brian sent out the photo above as a text message to announce to our family that I was leaving for the hospital.



The last few days I have had contractions, but they haven't really been regular or anything. Generally they come for an hour or so and then just stop suddenly. Today my contractions really started to get regular when we were at the grocery store around 11am. They have remained fairly regular since then. I tried to take a nap when Austin went to nap around 1pm, but I couldn't go to sleep because the contractions kept coming. Unlike before, they weren't going away even as I changed my behavior (the classic Braxton Hicks sign of fake contractions). Around 1:30, I called my parents to come up early to watch Austin. They were already planning to come up at 3:00 to see Austin anyway. My contractions have continued and are probably around 5-6 minutes apart on average according to my contraction app. I don't want to go the hospital any earlier than I have to since they'll just tie me down. Therefore I am going to try to wait it out. Since my doctor wanted a little bit more notice than the last time (since I showed up at the hospital at 7cm and the second child is suppose to go faster). I called my doctor around 3:30 or so and just gave him a heads up that I wasn't going to the hospital yet, but it seemed like it would be soon. I've walked around the yard with Austin and everyone, rolled around on my birthing ball, and otherwise tried to pass the time and stay distracted. So far so good.

My contractions are varying, but on average they are still about 5 minutes apart so I'm staying at home as long as I can.  I've been walking around the front yard with Austin, my parents, and Brian.  The neighbors came over and gave Austin some bubbles and a football.  He liked that.

It's around 4:30 and now my contractions are about 3 minutes apart, so we are going to leave for the hospital here shortly.  We stopped to get a water on the way so Brian would have something to drink in case his cough bothered him.  We later saw the receipt was timestamped 4:51, so we were just getting on I-271 at Route 14 a few minutes after this.  Here we go...

 

What it looked like when we pulled into Hillcrest hospital.

The Start of Labor...Maybe? (40 weeks and 4 days)

Today I went back to the doctor for a check up.  They did another fetal stress test and everything looked good.  I am now about 4 cm.  So I am making some progress but nothing too significant yet.    I have to go back to the doctors on Tuesday if I still have not had her yet.  I think I am going to have her before then.

Brian is still sick.  He went to our family doctor this morning.  They diagnosised him with acute sinusitis and did place him on an antibiotic given the circumstances.  His appointment was at the same time mine was so he did not go to mine.  However because he is so sick we are avoiding each other so I don't get sick.  Last night we went for a walk around the block like we normally do but its weird because Brian can't talk.  Luckily Austin did most of the talking.  Brian was up most of the night coughing.  I really wish he would get better soon!

This morning I woke up around 6:30am (to Brian coughing).  However I did sleep well most of the night.  I got ready for the day and Austin got up around 8am.  Brian had locked himself in our bedroom with a fan blowing germs out the window so he does not get me sick.  Austin was not happy with that.  So Brian came out and said hi to Austin.  I got Austin all ready.  Right before we were leaving the house I had to go to bathroom.  I had some GI upset.  Could this be a sign I am going into labor?  Maybe?  Then I took Austin to school.  His new daycare is going well.  I really like that it is right down the street.  They do some fun activities and Austin is getting better at not crying when I leave.  I came home quickly before my doctors appointment and realized I forgot to give Austin his antibiotic.  Argh!  I was not happy so I ran back to daycare and gave him his medication.  Brian offered to do it but since he is so sick he needs to stay away from the daycare.  Then I went straight to my doctors appointment.  They always do a urine test and before I even got out of the bathroom they were calling me back.  I had my blood pressure taken and I was worried that was going to be high but it was not.  Thank goodness.  I really don't want to be induced.

I have been resting today.  Yesterday I did more housework but today I am cramping and with my GI upset I am not moving far from the couch.  I did finish addressing all the envelopes for Sydney's birth announcement.  I figured I should take advantage of this opportunity to get as much done as possible.

We will wait and see what night brings!

Brian is Sick (40 weeks and 3 days)

On Tuesday, Brian developed a cough and little sore throat.  By Wednesday night it was really bad.  He could not talk and his throat was killing him.   This is not good timing for this.  We are more concerned than usual just because I can go into labor any minute.  Brian even went to an urgent care center on Wednesday night to get examined.  The good news is he does not have pneumonia or strep throat.  The bad news is he can't talk and coughs constantly.  They said it was a virus.  We are just hoping this goes away soon!

On Wednesday, I started feeling increased pressure and pain.  At one point I was wondering if they were real contractions.  It feels like she is just pushing herself out!  It is a weird feeling.  Last night she was moving like crazy in my stomach and Brian even got video.  I don't remember these types of feelings with Austin.  I still get severe shooting pains down my leg.  It's awful.

On Wednesday, I decided that I was done working.  I keep thinking that I am going to have her soon and I don't want to go into labor exhausted.  I worked on Tuesday and finished everything I needed to do.  However when I got home on Tuesday I felt terrible.  My feet were swollen like crazy. I only wear flip flops when I am at home because no other shoes really fit.  But I can't wear flip flops to work.   I was tired and achy.    

I am so ready to have little baby Sydney however I guess it may be a good thing she is waiting longer so Brian can get better.  Brian is suppose to be my labor coach.  This could be interesting if he can't talk and coughs constantly.

All is Well (40 weeks 1 day)

The fetal stress test Monday went well.  The doctor said Sydney looks good and he is not worried at all.  He is willing to let things go another 1-2 weeks.  The due date was August 20, but the first ultrasound suggested August 26 so there is some evidence that I may not be overdue anyway.  Regardless, they're going to let me wait it out as long as things continue to look good.  I have another appointment on Friday and then again next Tuesday.  If I'm still pregnant Tuesday, they'll do an ultrasound too just to confirm that there is still plenty of fluid around the baby.

I went to work today since I was feeling okay.  I'm increasingly getting uncomfortable.  I think I may have lost my mucus plug tonight too, so that could be a sign that some one could be joining us in the next couple of days.  Time will tell.

And Still Waiting (40 weeks and 19 months)

We have realized that my GI upset last Thursday was a GI virus and not the start of labor.  I was okay with that at first but now I am really ready to be done being pregnant.  We thought sure little Sydney would be here this weekend but she is still happy inside of me.  I have moments were I really don't feel well and other moments that I feel fine.  Yesterday morning I did not feel well at all.  I had a headache, nausea, and just felt weak.  I did not even go the the grocery stores with Austin and Brian.  We always do our shopping together on Sundays but I was very happy to stay at home and sleep.  After my morning nap, I did feel better.

I have cramps on and off but nothing consistent.   I feel a lot of pressure but that's about it.  I feel like I am sitting on her head.  Sometimes I wonder if she could just "pop" out.  It is a weird feeling.  Something I did not experience with Austin.  The worst part is I get shooting sharp pains down my legs.  They are extremely painful and for a few seconds I can't even move.  Again I never had them with Austin.

Today we go to the doctor.  They are going to do a fetal stress test.  If that is negative my doctor said he will let me do my own thing.  But if they are concerned about baby they may have to induce me.  I have a big fear of being induced.  I had a great labor experience with Austin with going natural and doing my thing.  I really want that with Sydney as well.  But obviously Sydney's health comes first so we will see what has to happen this afternoon.

Austin will be 19 months old on Wednesday.  I can't believe it!  Everyone told us that once you have kids time flies and they are so right.  Austin is so much fun!  He is his own person and it's so great to see.  You can see his personality coming out and it's great.  Brian and I are loving every moment with him.  We both realize how precious this time is and enjoying every minute of it.

Since Austin got ear tubes, he has been talking so much more.  His favorite word right now is "bus" but he can now say house, eyes, and horsey.  Now whenever he sees a camera pointed at him,  he says "cheese" too.  It is funny.  We assume he learned that at daycare (the first time he did it we thought he wanted cheese because he does know cheese by name too).  This morning I woke up to Austin saying "hi" to all of his transportation stickers in his room.  It was funny.  We now let Austin sleep with a stuffed monkey that he started liking.  He loves waking up with monkey.  It is fun to watch him go to sleep with the monkey too.  He wrestles with it for a while being going to sleep.  That is my nightly entertainment right now.

On Friday night, Austin started having some yellow drainage coming from his right eye.  I knew it was some eye infection.  It made us nervous because we knew Sydney could arrive any day now too.  So first thing Saturday morning we took Austin to the doctors.  Austin did not seem to mind too much that he had drainage from his eye and it was crusty in the morning.  The doctor did an exam and determined that Austin had an eye infection (that will go to both eyes since he does not understand not to touch the othereye), left sided pneumonia (causing him to use accessory muscles to breath), and bilateral ear infections (however the ear tubes are working so we could start ear drops if we saw any drainage but we have not).  Austin was pretty sick but he was not too bothered by any of it.  It's truely amazing.  We got an antibiotics and some eye drops and today he is basically back to normal (with just a little cough).

Austin does not understand that he is going to have a sister soon.  It will be interesting to see what happens once Sydney comes home.  Right now we have a great routine with Austin.  He gets up between 7:30-8am.  Lunch around noon.  Nap starts around 1pm until about 3pm.  Dinner around 5:30pm with a walk around the block after dinner.  Then a bath.  Austin loves bathtime.  Austin goes to bed around 8pm and sleeps all night.  It is wonderful.  He has had that schedule for about 2 months now.  We love that he sleeps in a little bit and sleeps all night long.  Soon Brian and I will be up most of the night with Sydney.  We are not looking forward to that.

After my doctor's appointment I will update to see what the plan is next.  We are just hoping that Sydney is okay.

Start of Labor (39.5 weeks)

Today is Thursday August 16th and I am starting so show signs of early labor.  Yesterday afternoon Austin and I were running around the backyard.  It was a nice day.  Then Austin decided he needed to be carried up the hill.  I carried him up the hill which was somewhat difficult being 9 months pregnant after chasing him around the yard for 15 minutes.  Then all of a sudden I felt nauseous, lightheaded, tired, and cramping.  We came inside and I rested for a bit.  After dinner, I felt better.

Last night was kind of rough.  I had cramping and difficult time getting comfortable.  I was only able to sleep in our bed for about 15-20 minutes before I had to come down to the couch.  The couch is so much more comfortable for me.  I had cramping on and off all night.  I wake up about every 2 hours to pee.  Some times I can go back to sleep and other times it takes me about an hour.  I was up from 430am-530am just not feeling well.  When I finally fell back asleep, my alarm clock went off.  When I got up my stomach hurt a lot.  I had diarrhea.  It makes me think this is it, since this happened a day or two before Austin was born too.  The start of labor is now.  I took a shower to try to feel better.  While in the shower, I decided that I was not going to work today.

Part of me really wanted to work today and then be done.  But the other part of me was not going to be happy if I really go into labor tonight and I go into it exhausted.  When I had Austin I had a really good laboring expereince, I am really hoping for the same with Sydney if not better.  So it's important for me to rest and stay hydrated.  I love water right now.  That is odd because usually when I am pregnant I am not a big fan of water but right now it tastes good. The bad part is that makes me pee more.

This morning Brian went to work.  I took Austin to daycare so I could rest all day.  Daycare is having a pizza party so Austin should have a fun day there.  I want to get some basic housework in order and rest.  Those are my goals for the day.

Right now I am thinking I will probably deliver either Friday or Saturday.  Anything can change but I am going by my experience with Austin.  The bad part is my doctor is out of town until Saturday.  And I am not really sure he would take calls this weekend either.  I guess we will see what happens.

The cramping is annoying and painful but I am not having anything predictable yet.  I am going to take a nap on the couch now and wait to see what baby Sydney would like to do.

Still Waiting (18.5 months and 38.5 weeks)

Last week, I was having a lot of cramping.  There was a point we thought Sydney would be coming sooner than later but things have calmed down now.  The false alarm was good because it got us to finish packing and to get everything ready.  We are all ready for her! Now we are just waiting.   She is mostly active at night especially after I eat my nightly cereal.  Sleeping is becoming more and more difficult.  Which is unfortunate because I know once Sydney arrives I really won't be getting any sleep.

Brian and I have talked a lot about what we have learned after having Austin.  We are hoping that Sydney will be a little "easier" just because we have become a little smarter.  When Austin was born we would both stay up and care for him.  It was like we needed each other because we were so clueless!  With Austin, I had trouble breastfeeding (like most new moms).  That made the first week probably the worst week ever!  We learned a lot about breastfeeding.  First of all, when my milk comes in either Sydney will drink it or I will pump it.  I won't let it dry up at all like I did with Austin.  I did not understand the supply and demand philosopy at first with Austin.  I totally get it now.  For me, it's better to milk and stay ahead than get behind at all.  There was one point with Austin we were feeding him 10cc of breast milk from a syringe and thought that would fill him up.  Boy were we clueless!  No wonder why he kept crying!  He was hungry!

We know how to feed, change, and care for a baby now.  Now we understand it's going to be more of a challenge because we have Austin and Sydney to care for but hopefully we will be smarter this time. Austin will continue to go to daycare part time.  That way it will give me some time with Sydney and maybe a little bit of time to rest.  It will also let Austin keep his routine.  I have also learned it's not worth trying to be "Super Mom".  I can't do everything and I have learned my limits.  I like a clean house, chores always completed, and children well cared for.  When Austin was first born, whatever he needed I gave him.  We never allowed him to cry it out.  You cannot spoil a baby so we made sure every need was met.  With Austin, I would go without eating, sleeping, or peeing because I felt I had to do other things first like a load of laundry.  At times, that did not work out so well.  I have to care for myself too.  If the floor doesn't get clean for one more day, it's okay.  If a child cries for a minute, it's okay.  I remember staying awake at night just in fear that I would not hear Austin cry.  I was already sleep deprived and that was not a good idea.

Brian and I have also learned roles.  We each do things with Austin and that allows the other one to have a break.  Brian always give Austin a bath at night.  Brian puts him to bed at night.  I always put Austin down for a nap in the afternoon.  I usually get Austin up in the morning.  (I always use to get him up but now that we switched daycares, Brian takes him to daycare and I go into work early - that way I can pick him up early.)  Austin and I always make dinner.  I am in charge of meal planning for Austin.   All of us go for a walk around the block at night.  We really enjoy that.  Brian and I get to talk and Austin gets to play in his stroller.   We got a new double stroller last week.  Hopefully Austin will like his new stroller once Sydney arrives.  Right now things are going very well for us.  I am very grateful for our family.

Since Austin's ear tubes, his speech has improved.  His new favorite word is bus. He even thinks that trucks are buses.  Austin can now say: bubbles, bees, water, bus, daddy, doggy, ball, ducky, bye bye, hi, baby, and otter.  I am very glad we went ahead with the surgery.  It was scary sending Austin to surgery but I was confident it was a good choice.  And now I am really glad we did.

The news is now reporting that July was the hottest month in U.S. history.  Not exactly the best month to be 8 months pregnant!  When I was pregnant with Austin, we took a weekly photo to show my pregnancy progress.  With Sydney we were not able to do this because it was too crazy with Austin running around.  Instead Brian and I did a pregnancy photo shoot last week.  Some of the photos are included in this post.


Now we will anxiously await Sydney's arrival!

Waiting on Sydney's Arrival (37.5 weeks)

Overall this pregnancy has been good.  Sydney is a good little baby inside of me.  She moves mostly at night and has not been too cramped inside of me.  Austin leg was under my right rib when I was pregnant with him.  That was the worst.  Sydney has her little space and I have mine.  It works perfectly.  The only thing is I do get short of breath easily since she is taking up some of my lung space. That is to be expected with being pregnant but other than that I have felt well up until this week.  However it's been a very hot and dry summer.  Not the best summer for being pregnant.  If we did not have air conditioning, I really don't know what I would have done.  I have tried to stay in the air conditioning or pool as much as possible.  I am not a big fan of all of this heat. It has been so hot and dry and has hardly rained at all.  We haven't cut our grass since before our Virginia Beach trip.

I live in shorts, tank tops, and flip flops.  I usually don't like shorts and prefer capris however if I am not at work, I am in shorts.  Also I don't like wearing socks because my feet are swollen.  When I wear them it just makes it worse.  So my flip flops are my best friend.  I sleep in shorts and a tank top and that has worked out fairly well.  We have the air set to 75 degrees and when I sleep I have a fan on high.  I mostly sleep on the couch because its more comfortable for me with the pillows.  Plus it is a little cooler downstairs.  I really don't like being hot.

Here are some pictures Brian took.  The storm ditch in our neighbor's yard is as dry as can be.  Meanwhile temperatures in July were soaring.  Two photos of the television show the highs being near 100 degrees day after day!

On Sunday, I started to feel really tired and just my usual self.  After my afternoon nap (on days I am off, I really try to nap at the same time as Austin) and shower I did feel a little better.  Tuesday July 31 I started to feel cramping.  That was the first time I really had any cramping.  Wednesday night (Aug 1) was a rough night  for me.  I was up cramping and then woke up with some GI upset.  I am excited and nervous that this means that Sydney will be coming soon.

So far I have gained 26 pounds.  I don't think that is too bad.  Most people say I look really good for being 9 months pregnant.  I have a pregnancy belly and I also gained weight throughout my body.    I eat mostly normal however before bed I like eating a bowl of cereal.  That way I am not hungry in the middle of the night.  Waking up in the middle of the night hungry is one thing I really don't like.  If that happens, I am usually up for about an hour.  I do love sweets during this pregnancy too.  I could eat a Wendy's Frosty or Diary Queen Cupcake everyday but I try to limit it to once a month.  Plus I wake up about every 2-3 hours to pee.

We had our last ultrasound a couple of weeks ago.  Just like Austin, they confirmed that Sydney already has a head of hair.  The second ultrasound photo shows the hair (so we were told).  We were only given 2 ultrasound pictures to take home and neither were that good.  The first one shows the head with one eye with the face looking towards you.  The other eye is below the first one and hidden in the shadow of the nose (so we were told).  We think that is an ear at the top of the picture if we are making sense of it correctly.  The second photo was largely meaningless to us, except that they told us that the spikes along the right side of the black area (along the vertical line) are hair.  We were a bit disappointed in the quality of the take home pictures, but were quite glad to learn that everything looks normal.

We have everything ready for Sydney.  Brian has the car seats installed in both cars.  Her room is absolutely perfect.   All of her baby toys are ready for her like the Boppy Pillow, swing, and bouncer.  It is kind of fun to have those things out again.  I have sanitized all the little bottles again. I am planning on breast feeding for the first 6 months again without killing myself.  If she needs a little formula here and there that is okay but hopefully her main source of nutrition will be breast milk.  I really hope that maybe she will be able to latch on a little better than Austin so I can nurse her more than pumping.  Because pumping and having to give her a bottle is A LOT of work.  I still plan on pumping but I would love not to pump every 2 hours!

Right now we are just playing the waiting game.  I am plan on working tomorrow (Friday August 3) and I have a lot of work to before I go out on maternity leave.  Hopefully Brian and I will get a few more little things accomplished this weekend and then we will be all ready for Sydney's arrival!