Birth Story

Jaime watching Maximus get his first bath

First of all WOW what a miracle.  All the credit goes to the Lord!  Childbearing can not be possible without God's presence and I definitely felt His presence that night.

Tuesday - At my 39th week check up, I was 2cm dilated.  I was getting antsy so I started googling, things/foods that induce labor and this is the first thing that came up, an Eggplant Parmesan recipe.  That was a Bust! but at least we had an awesome dinner on Thursday. 

Friday - Next was the Castor Oil, but before trying it I wanted to ask my midwife about it first. I had the appointment with my midwife and I was 3cm dilated. woo hoo!  She asked me if I would like to schedule an induction but I told her I would rather begin labor at home and what her thoughts were on taking Castor Oil?  She said it is completely safe for mommy and baby and if my body was ready, it would indeed induce labor, If not I'd be cleaned out with no harm to baby. O_o

Saturday - At 9am I drank 2oz of Castor Oil mixed with 2oz of Orange Juice, showered and curled my hair, just as prescribed, then waited......and waited.....nothing happened, so my midwife told me to repeat dosage after 2 hours.  Still nothing. 

6pm - I felt my first contraction.  So I began getting ready.  I cleaned the kitchen, washed the dishes, finished packing my hospital bag then called the doctor's office to let them know I was coming. 

7:30pm -We were out the door to drop Briana off a family friends house.  Then we came back home because we forgot to pack sandwiches and snacks for Jaime. (I'm all about saving a few bucks)

9pm -We finally got to the hospital and I was 6cm dilated!  They had to monitor me and the baby for the first 20mins, so i was stuck laboring in the bed.  Meanwhile the nurse asked me questions and had me sign papers in between contractions.  Paper work took like an hour or that's what it felt like.

10pm - Luckily I brought my own yoga ball to the hospital because it worked great.  I bounced on that while me and Jaime watched the Ray Charles movie.  Then with each contraction I would clench over on the bed and humm.  The nurse would tell me to breath a certain way, but I liked humming instead. 

11pm -Once the contractions felt unbearable I knew it would be over soon.  I felt the baby coming down with the last couple contractions and told the nurse I had the urge to push.  Jaime was so supportive and surprisingly calm. Which is exactly what i needed.  When the doctor and nurses would tell me to push I would push but resist at the same time.  I think it was because I was too scared to really push.  I prayed to God to give me strength and to just take over because I could not do it.  Right after, the fear of pushing went away and I gave it my all.  Not even 10 minutes later, at

11:59pm - the doctor places my sweet baby boy in my arms.  Jaime kisses me and tells me what a great job I did.  It couldn't of been more perfect. :)

It's a Boy!

Maximus Lee

7lbs 4oz

Birthday 11/19/11

 



39 Weeks Pregnant

Hopefully this will be my last belly shot post.  At my appt. I was 2cm dilated.  I hate to be one of those pregnant women who whine and complain about pregnancy, but you know what, the last couple of weeks are miserable.  I know fifty percent is in my head and fifty actually because of pregnancy.  I wonder how when I was pregnant with Briana it was a breeze all the way till the quick labor.  And now I know why, back then I was working full time and very active.  Compared to now, I'm at home on a lay off, just waiting for baby.  My mind has been very focused on cooking this turkey and that's about it.  Next time, if there is a next time, I will remember to stay active and have some sort of routine going on.  Note to baby: The world doesn't revolve around you! ha! ;)

How far along:
39 weeks.

Size of baby:
Over 7 lbs according to babycenter.com. I'm just hopeing for under 9 lbs

Total Weight Gain:
37lbs. No weight gain this week.  Thank goodness.

Maternity Clothes:
It was nice out so I wore my very comfy maternity shorts. The rest isn't maternity.

Exercise:
None whatsoever. Feeling alot of pressure when I walk. Goal is to run a half or full marathon by next Thanksgiving. Can't wait to get training.

Movement:
Same smooth movement. No kicks or punches since baby has taken up all the space.

Sleep:
I've been sick this week and have not been able to sleep at night. Good thing i've been able to nap during the day to make up for it.


What I miss:
To be honest, working (okay now you know I'm sick). I just haven't gotten into a routine that will help me feel like i'm contributing to the world.

Cravings:
Well still no cravings but I plan on eating an Eggplant Parmesan tonight to see if it will induce labor. It's worth a try.

Symptoms:
(here is where i complain) Lower back pain, frequent urges to tinkle, tiredness and still anxious.

What I'm looking forward to:
Finding out if baby is a Boy or Girl!

Still need to:
Finally finished that darn tree mural updated pic. It was redone like 4 times. I need to post the finale version. I could also get birth announcements ready and compose an email list. 
  

Music Monday & Ramblings

I'm still waiting for this baby to make its grand entrance to the world. I guess he or she doesn't know or care about my schedule,  since it's too busy doing it's own thing like, oh I don't know, finishing up business in the womb.  Anyways, yesterday Jaime and I and even Briana (somewhat) deep cleaned the whole house.  Even the dogs got baths and nails trimmed.  I'm sure the baby will appreciate it and any guests that come by.

So now it's Monday and waiting for baby can be well, how do ju sayyy? BORING.  But I've been doing alot of thinking and praying and browsing the web and quiet time can actually be very humbling.  Below is a song I heard and want to share with you.  It's hard to find good christian urban music, but this one is good.







 I remind Briana that even though she has parents that loves her alot she should always seek her heavenly father for guidance.  Us parents aren't perfect and will screw up more than not.  So the only way to find truth and understanding is to look up to Jesus who is perfect.

Neutral Nursery

I painted these little guys.  So cute.



Very comfy rocker/glider




I got Jaime to staple gun fabric to my changing table.  He was busy in this room.




Can't wait until there's a baby in that crib!





Same closet organizer as Briana's Room except in white.  The blank canvas' are for feet and handprints





So here is the final tree.  The other one was a cottenheadedninnymuggin. :P



38 Weeks Pregnant

 

This weeks Dr. appointment I was 1cm dialted and 70% effaced. :)

How far along:

38 weeks.

Size of baby:

Almost 7 lbs according to babycenter.com, but my guess is more like 8 lbs.

Total Weight Gain:
37 lbs.  About the same as when I had Briana so not bad.

Maternity Clothes:

Not wearing maternity clothes just a regular stretchy tank, yoga pants and cardigan. Its what i live in now a days.

Exercise:

I haven't been doing much of anything lately.  But I will try to go for a walk today to see if I induce or speed up labor.  I walked alot when i was pregnant with Briana and labor was a breeze. :)

Movement:

Not alot of crazy movement anymore, but the head is down and baby is in ready position.  Woo Hoo!

Sleep:  
Still thinking alot about labor, but luckily I've been getting in some good afternoon naps.

What I miss:  

Step aerobics, jogging, and shopping for clothes.

Cravings:  

No cravings, I'll eat anything really.

Symptoms:  

Ashamed to say I've been a little lazy, cranky and whiny. Hopefully Jaime can tough through it.  I'll be back to myself soon.

What I'm looking forward to:

Being lighter and able to move around more. Any day now!

Still need to:

Grocery shop, clean, and finish painting my tree mural in the nursery.

My 6th grade girl

 
   The beginning of the year went well.  Briana was busy playing middle school softball, playing the trumpet and participating in church events.  It was great.  Our night time chats would be about aspirations to become a professional softball player, what colleges have the best softball teams, and when can dad squeeze in time to practice with me.  We always had something positive going on and that we would talk about.

Now softball season is over, the excitement to play the trumpet has faded and new friends (not so great influences) have joined her church group.    Our night time conversations has turned into soap operas.  This girl was talking about that girl, that girl stole this girls boyfriend, and guess who asked who out. O_o.   Since I'm still in shock all I do is listen. 

I'm grateful God has given me the patients to hold my tongue, because it paid off last night.  When Briana was telling me about a friendship that has gone sour because of a boy, she looked at me and said "I'm so glad I can talk to you about this" :) aaawww Warms my heart. 

Of course not to spoil the moment but I have my backup.  Here are a couple of things I think will help in steering her on the right path.  I check her grades online daily or at least weekly and follow up with her on anything I see needs improvement.  I get to know her friends mothers and if their good friends I keep in touch to swap any information concerning one another's daughters.  Because even though Briana tells me everything, she tends to miss the part she's involved in.  I email teachers from school and church just to check up and so Briana knows I have my bases covered.  No calls after 8:30pm and cell phone is in my possession at night and during school.  No social media of course your only 11! and No Television is the best because trashy ideas don't fester in her brain.

To wrap this up in a bow.  6th grade is only the beginning and all I can do is pray that God gives me the wisdom and strength to do what is right and not what is popular.  Jaime is a big help to me in this area since he's not very popular. LOL

37 Weeks

How far along:

37 weeks. Full Term! meaning this turkey is cooked

Size of baby:

A little over 6 lbs, but my guess would be more like 7 lbs.

Total Weight Gain:
35 lbs.  So this would mean i'm averaging a pound a week.

Maternity Clothes:

Hypnotizing strip long-sleeve paired with maternity shorts. 

Exercise:

I quit!  My excuse is that i'm big as a house and finding it hard to even walk around.  Second excuse is I'm lazy gosh darnit.  We'll see how i feel next week.

Movement:

Feeling the baby very low.  I'm ready for this baby to get off my bladder.

Sleep:  
All i can think about is having this baby.  My mind is constantly thinking of all the things that i anticipate will happen. I'm in need of peaceful nap

What I miss:  

Hmm...I cant think of anything I miss because the only thing on my mind is the future.

Cravings:  

Nothing in particular.  Maybe cinnamon pita chips. mmmmmmm

Symptoms:  

Anxiety! It's like when your sooo close to the end of something you just want it to be over with.

What I'm looking forward to:

Adjusting to having a new baby in the house.

Still need to:

• Chill Out!!