Olivia's Birth Story

I thought I better write a post about Olivia Mae's birth story before I forgot it! So here goes!

At my last appointment, I was overdue by 4 days.  We decided that the best thing to do was induce (we were worried about any risks that can happen by going to far overdue).  We were scheduled to go to the hospital at 7:30pm on Thursday, August 2nd to start the "ripening" process.  Leading up to this day both Dan and I took a half day at work on Thursday so we could get everything ready, have a nice lunch, take a nap - basically relax before actually having this baby!

On to the hospital we went.  Got into our labor room (which was fantastic!), met our nurse and got all hooked up to the monitors/iv's/etc.  It turns out that I was having contractions every 6 minutes - though I could not feel them.  The good thing was that we were able to watch the Olympics all night - so that kept my mind occupied.  The nurses came in multiple times throughout the night so not much sleep was had.  I received two doses of the ripening agent and at 5am they started the Pitocin. At 7am my doctor came in and checked and I was at 4cm! I was thinking at this point - Great! The pain hadn't been too bad yet so I thought it was going to be fairly tolerable.  He then broke my water and said "I think that is a butt".  Baby girl had been head down at all previous appointments so apparently she had decided to flip - she just didn't want to come out!

Enter chaos.... The doctor decided that a c-section was going to happen and that we were going to do it now (not medically necessary - he just wanted to get me in before their scheduled one happening at 7:30am).  The anesthesiologist, nurses and doctor were all in the room getting me ready to go.  Dan had just woken up and was standing there dazed.  He grabbed about 3 granola bars because he was starving but could only eat one - he said that he would probably have thrown up if he ate anymore.  At one point I asked him if HE was ok!  

I was wheeled into the surgery room and immediately given the spine block/epidural - which wasn't too painful at all.  It was pretty weird to feel my entire bottom half go numb! After I was all numbed up Dan was allowed in before they started cutting.  Just looking at his face I could tell he was a little freaked out - but he was a great support while everything was happening.  The weirdest thing about having a c-section was that I could feel all the tugging and pulling - just no pain (thank goodness!).  At one point they had a nurse either lay on the top of my belly or push really hard to get the baby out.  She was really in there! Doc announced that she had a full head of hair and she was out! No crying immediately - until she got over to the warming station and they were drying her off.  Then she wailed! She was beautiful! Dan was very excited - he was standing there in awe! He was the first to hold her and the look on his face was amazing! She already had him wrapped around her finger!   She weighed 7 pound 14 ounces and was 21 inches long.  Just perfect!

After that nothing seemed to matter! It did take them a while to get me all stitched back up.  We were back in our room in no time.  Dan got to change all the diapers for the first couple days as I was confined to my bed (still numb for some time!).  Her first 24 hours of life he changed 6 poopy diapers (the black sticky poop!).  The first time I got to stand up was quite the experience and way more difficult than I thought it would be.  Over the next couple days it got easier - just a little pain.

We took Miss Olivia home and everything has been just fantastic! She has adapted well and is sleeping better than she did in the hospital.  Overall, my labor experience wasn't what I thought it would be but we never ruled it out that it could happen that way.  Our plan was as long as we get the baby out healthy and safe and that is what we did! I wouldn't have it any other way because now we have our beautiful baby girl!

I just can't believe how much I love her - what an amazing feeling becoming a mom!

Olivia Mae is finally here!

Olivia Mae was born August 3rd at 7:50 am weighing in at 7lbs 14 oz, 21 inches long and exactly 1 week late. 

We are seriously in love! She is fantastic!

Now for the photo bomb.....

  

 

My heart already bursts with love for this little girl! I didn't think that I could love this much - best feeling ever.

Birth story to come....

Embracing the camera over at The Anderson Crew!

One day past my Due Date.....

Dear Baby,

Wow, you’re almost here and we are so excited to finally meet you.  Your dad and I have been waiting for you for 9 long months and pretty soon we’ll get to see you, touch you, and gaze into your beautiful eyes.  I’m especially looking forward to holding you in my arms and nuzzling your sweet smelling head.  Let’s spend hours together just cuddling, nursing, sleeping, and enjoying life together.

I can’t wait to be your mama.  I’ve been preparing for motherhood since I was a young girl and I feel so ready to welcome you into my life.  I’ve studied everything I could about how to be a good parent, how to help you learn and grow, and how to be the best example I can be for you.  I’ve even practiced by taking care of lots of other babies and kids, but really it was all for you.  Taking care of you and teaching you how to take good care of yourself sounds like the most fun and rewarding thing I could possibly do in my life. 


Just wait ‘till you meet your dad.  He’s fantastic.  I just know he’s going to be such a wonderful daddy to you.  When I was choosing a husband I decided to choose the man with the biggest, most beautiful heart I could find.  And that’s your dad.  He cares so deeply, and shares himself so openly.  I love his honesty and his sense of humor.  I completely trust him to take exquisite care of all of our hearts, which is really the most important task of all.  And on top of all that, he’s hilarious!  With your daddy in our lives, we are sure to have lots and lots of laughter and fun.

My friends keep telling me that you’re “one lucky baby” and I agree.  I’ve always thought of myself as one of the luckiest people I know.  And I’m so happy to pass on my good fortune to you.  In fact, there’s no one else I’d rather bless with endless good luck and the ability to appreciate and enjoy it.

One of my deepest hopes is that we can always communicate openly with each other, that no matter what’s happening, you know you can always come to us, share whatever’s on your heart and we’ll always love you no matter what.  There may be times when we don’t like each other very much, but even then, please know, that we love you dearly, deeply, and without conditions.  And even in times when you think you don’t, we’ll remember that you love us too.  Because that’s how it is in our family, we practice unconditional love and acceptance no matter what the circumstances.

So, welcome to life on Earth, and welcome to your family.  May you be surrounded by love, inspired to learn and grow, and always know that you are deeply cherished.

So much love, Your Mom

40 Weeks

40 Weeks......Holy crap I did not think I would make it the entire 40 weeks
Baby is the size of a small pumpkin (looks and feels like a large pumpkin/watermelon to me!)

(Picture taken at 39 Weeks 5 Days)

One of our good friends, who was due two weeks after us, just had their baby yesterday! While I am SOOO excited for them - it is hard not to be jealous that they had theirs and mine just isn't ready to come.  I feel bad thinking that but at this point I can't really do anything about it.

Husband has been very understanding.... I told him the day before they had their baby that if they had their baby before we did - he was in BIG trouble :) It is funny to joke about and I am glad they had a healthy baby.  We got home from our doctor appointment yesterday and still no progress (at 39 weeks 5 days).  I am hoping to just relax and have this baby girl make her way out on her own - so we don't have to deal with any scary stuff!

Come on baby girl! We want to see your beautiful face!

Embracing the Camera with The Anderson Crew!

Ok Pretty Baby....

I would like to meet you now!

You can come anytime! Daddy and I are ready!

Love, your not-so-patient mom

38 Weeks!

Wow! 38 weeks already! (technically 38 weeks 4 days) I almost can't believe it....

She is still moving like crazy.  I am not quite sure if I am dropping yet or not.  I think that I felt my first braxton hicks contractions today (the ladies on babycenter helped describe them a little better and I think I have been having them - it has just felt like she has been moving).

I am getting more uncomfortable.  I haven't really been able to go outside and walk this baby out as it has been WAY too hot and humid.  I guess she will come when she is ready! (although I am getting pretty antsy to see her, hold her, love on her, see her amazing daddy with her :)

Ok little girl - your daddy and I are ready to finally meet you! 


Embracing the Camera with The Anderson Crew!

This made me laugh...

I should be working - instead I am catching up on the happenings over on Baby Center.

I found this Birth Plan HILARIOUS!

Just what I needed for a Friday that I don't want to be at work for!

Check it out.

My Hospital Bag

Here is what we have packed for our hospital bag!

I had planned on taking a picture to show you but realized we had everything packed and didn't want to take it out just to re-pack it!

So here is the list of what we packed!
* Travel Sized Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Lotion & Hairspray
* Razor & Comb
* Chapstick
* 2 Toothbrushes that fold into themselves and a small thing of toothpaste
* Deodorant for both of us
* For Me: 2 pairs of black yoga pants, one zip up sweatshirt, two regular maternity tanks, one nursing tank, one nursing bra, a couple sports bras, socks, unders, flip-flops, headbands and hair ties
* For Hubby: I am not really sure what he packed - some clothes to make it through those couple of days
* For Baby: A couple newborn outfits, a couple 0-3 outfits and onsies, socks, mittens, hats, a swaddling blanket, her coming home outfit, and a couple headbands!
* Stuff left to pack (before we leave): Computer & charger, Camera & charger, Phones & charger, Make-up, Facewash & Snacks
* I am also thinking about making one of these Daddy Survival Kits for the husband! He has been so fantastic that I think he deserves it!

Hopefully that covers it - the hospital has a lot of stuff so we should be covered there.  And if we forget anything - we live about 3 minutes from the hospital so Dan can always head on back to pick up what we need!

We got all packed up this weekend and got the car seats installed.  Our friends that were due two weeks before us had their baby this weekend and I think that Dan realized it won't be much longer for us!

37 Weeks!

As of last Friday - I am officially 37 weeks! Full Term Baby!

We went out and bought all the rest of the stuff that we needed so we are truly ready.  The car seats are installed, everything is washed, the hospital bag is packed - wow I think we are ready!

Baby Girl is just over 6 pounds and around 19 inches long.  We are going to the doctor weekly and I haven't had any sort of contractions yet - so I think she is staying in for a while.

It has been VERY hot the last couple weeks - unbearable to go outside so we have been staying inside in the air-conditioning (which is nice!) Hopefully it cools down some before I get too far along - that way I can go for some nice long walks to help things along.

What I am SUPER excited for is the new Nikon D3100 that we got the other day.  I am working on learning how to use it - and can't wait to take pictures of our baby girl!

35 Weeks!

Well - today marks the end of my 35th week. 

I am officially 36 weeks! Only 4 weeks left - whoa!

Baby Girl is almost 6 pounds and 18 1/2 inches long.  She is spending the last few weeks fattening up - which is great.  Baby fat is so adorable!

We are getting very close to being completely ready.  Just need to pick up a few things at Target (which in all honesty could probably wait).  I am waiting for the 10% off coupon that they send you a month before your due date for registering with them! So hopefully I get that soon so I can SHOP!

On the to-do list yet is to set up the stroller/car seat (and make sure the car seat is correctly installed in our cars), taking all the other stuff out of the boxes (Pack and Play, Rock and Play), shopping of course and packing the hospital bag.  I am sure there is more that I am not thinking about.

All I can think about is holding my baby girl! We can't wait to meet her!

Here is the progression of the growing belly!

Embracing the camera with The Anderson Family Crew

33 Weeks!

Baby is the size of a Pineapple this week (4 Pounds)!
Holy Cow.
Less than 50 days to go!

We just had our baby showers and everything is put away....but now I feel like I am in freak out mode trying to get everything else taken care of.   I have a list of things that still need to be purchased and I want to hit some garage sales to see if I can find some things for a lot cheaper then buying them new.  I feel like I am running out of time.

As for pain - I am still in it :(
My back pain is still as strong as ever - sitting all day doesn't help at all! My ankles/feet and hands seem to swell pretty much every day now.  I haven't worn my wedding ring for 2 weeks! And the other night I woke myself up from moaning.  Whichever side I try to sleep on - that hip just aches when I am sleeping - maybe it is my hips widening for birth, who knows.  One night it was so bad I just gave up and slept on my back.

Plus side - we get to meet our daughter in just a few short weeks! Nothing will be better than that :)

Baby Shower Recap

My baby showers were seriously AWESOME! I have the best friends and co-workers!

Baby Girl is never going to go naked because she doesn't have anything to wear - and baby girl clothes are just too cute!

We had awesome food and games at both - it was just a fantastic weekend.

I didn't get any photos from the first baby shower so here are some photos from the second!

Here is a picture of my awesome cake - so pretty and tasted amazing!

This was a game that we played where all the guests got to dress ME up as a baby!
If you are wondering if that 'onesie' is uncomfortable - it was!

An awesome quilt that my mother-in-law made for her new granddaughter!

Maternity Pictures Sneak Peak

Yesterday afternoon the husband and I got to take our maternity photos!
Our awesome photographer (Christy Bode Photography) put a sneak peak up on Facebook and I couldn't be happier!
I can't wait to see the rest! It sprinkled the whole time and started coming down even harder at the end - but I think the pictures will turn out fantastic!

I'm linking up with the Anderson's today!

31 Weeks!

I can't believe it has already been 31 weeks.   The first 12 seemed like it took FOREVER and now it seems like just yesterday we were stressing and praying for a healthy baby.  I know the last ten will probably be the hardest physically - so far I have been feeling great (except a bit of back and hip pain).

I have seen people doing the weekly pregnancy survey - but it would stay the same most weeks! I have had no cravings at all... which is crazy! I have had a very normal pregnancy which I am VERY blessed for.

Baby Girl -

You are growing so big!

I cannot wait to see you.  I cannot wait to hold you.  I feel you moving inside me all the time and I just wonder what you'll be like.  Will you be blonde or will you come out with dark hair? Will you have dark eyes like your dad or light eyes like me?  Will you snuggle with me and let me rock you?  Will you know me instantly?  When will you first smile at me?  What will your first laugh sound like?  Will you have chubby cheeks?

You have so many people that already love you! You are so lucky and we are so blessed!

Love you always,
Mama

28 Weeks!

Wow. 
28 weeks has gone by.  Only 12 weeks to go.  That is going to fly by.  Especially when during the summer, we are busy every weekend enjoying the beautiful MN weather by going to the lake as often as possible!

There are a lot of things happening right now.
Baby girl went to her first MN Twins baseball game the other day (pic taken right before we left).
She will be making her first trip to South Dakota this next week.  That is going to be an extremely long trip for someone who uses the bathroom as much as I do now.
We have our maternity pictures scheduled for the end of the month - so excited for those!
Baby shower is scheduled for the beginning of June :) 

Good news is my belly button is looking more weird every day. It has not popped out though - just flat and weird.

24 Weeks

Baby Girl

I look forward to our quiet nights alone.
I look forward to your mini fingers and toes.
I look forward to your blinking eyes.
I look forward to your baby eyelashes.
I look forward to figuring out who you look like most.
But I especially look forward to learning about all the things that make you uniquely YOU.

24 weeks down - 16 to go.  We can't wait to meet you!

My Pregnancy, thus far...

We starting trying and BAM! we were having a baby.  We took the test towards the end of November and wanted to keep everything as hush hush as we could (we had just had a miscarriage in June (at eleven weeks) and had told everyone we were expecting-so on top of losing the baby we also had to deal with telling people - no fun!).  We told Dan's parents so they would not question why I wasn't drinking over the holidays!

Everything went well from the get go.  I was pretty nauseous for the first trimester - for a couple weeks I could only eat crackers - yuck.  I also had a huge thing with smells.  My super sniffer could smell everything.  Which wasn't the best thing when it lead to extreme gagging.  That gagging also happened when I brushed my teeth (which lead to a few trips to the toilet).  Once I hit the second trimester it was like I was a whole new person! Actually being able to brush your teeth will do that to you.

We told our friends and our families - everyone is very excited.  We have a set of friends that are due two weeks before us and a set of friends that are due two weeks after - so there will be LOTS of babies for our little GIRL to play with! That is right, we found out we are having a girl! Which brings us to present day.  I am 23 weeks.  Baby is the size of a mango.  I can't quite fit into small spaces like I used to. I am so in love with my baby girl (even if she insists on kicking me as I fall asleep!)

Life is great.