Bryson's Birth Story

November 19, 2012

At our final regular doctor's appointment, we discussed the option of being induced. The main reason we considered the option was because I was due on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Because I was already 2cm dilated and 70% effaced by about 38 weeks, the likelihood of me going into labor over Thanksgiving was high. This would mean that my entire doctor's office staff would be on Holiday and we would end up with a doctor we'd never met, despite 9 months of meeting with everyone in our office! This was NOT a desirable option to me... On top of that, My family was planning to be in town over Thanksgiving, so if I had Bryson during the Thanksgiving break, I'd be in the hospital the whole time my relatives were here! Or worse, Bryson could hold out until his due date and my family would have to leave to get back to work and never get to meet him!
All of this led us to decide to induce on Monday, November 19th, at 39 weeks. It worked out well because my favorite doctor was on-call and we got to know the due date (assuming B didn't come early) so I could spend a few days at home relaxing and getting ready. On top of that, we'd be discharged on Wednesday and home for Thanksgiving the next day!

So this is how the day went:
We woke up around 5:30am, as we had to be at the hospital by 7. I wanted to shower and look as presentable as possible since I didn't know when I'd get another good shower.

My final belly picture! 39 weeks:

We checked into the hospital and the nurses got me all set up with IVs, etc. I was a little nervous about what was impending, but my mom and husband were there to keep my mind occupied.

Here we are waiting for the doctor to arrive to begin the induction:

The doctor finally arrived sometime around 8:30-9am and she told the nurses to give me a cervix softener. The nurse said they have to get me to 4cm (from 2ish at arrival) before they start any pitocin. So it could be all day, just depended on how ready my body was. 

Around 9:30 I was allowed to order breakfast, as nothing was happening. But by 10 when the food came, none of it sounded good and it turned out, I was really ready for induction and was having contractions. It didn't feel at all like what I thought it would. I expected my whole stomach, from my pelvis to my ribcage, to tighten up and squeeze/hurt. My actual experience was more like having major cramps. VERY painful, low, menstrual cramps. After an hour or so, I [ashamedly] asked for a pain shot. I couldn't believe I already wanted pain meds and it was just the beginning! How was I supposed to last through the actual painful part of labor and delivery if I couldn't handle this!?  Wonderfully, my gracious mother told me that I shouldn't be upset with myself for wanting pain meds as she thought I was progressing a lot faster than I thought I was. And indeed she was right! I can't remember the exact dilation, but when they checked me, I was a good 4-5 centimeters in just an hour or so!

I remember lying there, trying to focus on the Scripture Lullabies I had playing and breathing through the pain when the contractions would come. My mom said one of the main reasons she knew I was dealing with a lot was because I was shaking my legs back and forth, which she said was my body trying to help me work through the pain.

Around 1-1:30pm, 4ish hours after they gave me the cervix softener, I got up to go to the bathroom. While walking back to my bed I felt something dripping down my leg. I called to Caleb and he brought me tissues because each time I moved, more would drip! Apparently my water had broken! Wonderfully, I didn't end up with any "induction" past the cervix softener! My body took over from there and we quickly went from zero to sixty! 

By 3pm, I was asking for the epidural. I was in a lot of pain and I was progressing so quickly that I was afraid I wouldn't ask in time and I would be denied. Around 3:15, the doctor came in to administer the epidural. When he asked me to sit up, I asked if he could wait until I was between contractions (as the nurses had done each time they checked me) because it was really hard to do anything but focus on breathing while in that pain. He told me no. He said the epidural would take longer than just between contractions anyway, so sit on up and lets get going. Okay! Guess I had no choice. 

Unfortunately, sitting was very uncomfortable, as it felt almost like I was sitting on something (which I found out was my son's head!) and in all honesty, his presence at the exit door makes you feel like you have to "go to the bathroom".... I told the nurse about that sensation and as soon as the doctor was done with my spine, the nurse checked me. She said, "Well we're just at the door of 10cm! You can start pushing!" To which I replied, "No way! Not until this epidural kicks in! I didn't get that for nothing!" :) She told me not to worry that it was working immediately and in a rush, the doctor came in and my mom went out! It was just me, my husband on my left, the doctor delivering, and the nurse helping on my right side while keeping track of the baby's heart rate. That was about 3:30pm, just 6-7 hours after we began! Not bad for a first baby!

During delivery I kept my eyes closed and focused on what the doctor was telling me to do and/or listened to the scripture lullabies still playing beside my head. At first, I tried to push during and between contractions, but because of the epidural, I couldn't feel anything happening when I would push without the help of the contraction. Seemed like wasted energy. So instead I would lie back and catch a breather between contractions so I could give it my all when my body was working with me to push Bryson out.  The doctor told me at one point when I was at the "ring of fire" (Bryson's head was RIGHT there), that if I didn't have the epidural, there would be no way I wouldn't be pushing as hard as I could to get Bryson the rest of the way out! To which I replied, "Well that's why I got the epidural - I didn't want to feel the ring of fire! Even if it means Bryson taking a little longer to come out!" As a side note, my mother agreed and said she thinks that at the rate I was going, if I would've skipped the epidural, Bryson would have been born within minutes!

As it was, Bryson Nicholas was born at 4:24pm on 11/19/12! He was 8lbs 12oz and 21inches long!

As soon as Bryson was born, they put him on my chest. I couldn't believe how big he was! How had that been in me!? He had lots of dark hair, and his pouty crying lip was so pitiful and precious! 

The nurse came over to take him for footprints and other cleaning/testing, but I asked if I could hold him until the doctor was done with... whatever she was doing down there... because I sure as heck did not want to be watching that when I could focus on my son, who was blocking my line of site to the doctor! The nurse laughed and said that was fine, some of the things she needed to do could be done while I held him anyway.

It was great to keep him longer, the few seconds I would've had with him was just not enough! 

Our first family photo (right after delivery):

Daddy loving on his beautiful son:

After everyone was cleaned up and ready to go over to postpartum, they put me in a wheel chair and pushed us from one side of the hospital floor to the other, going right past the waiting room where all of our family had been waiting with bated breath to meet our son! It was a short stop, but everyone got a quick glance, and my younger sister actually got to come over to postpartum with us, as we needed another set of hands to carry all of our stuff from one room to the other. She was thrilled, as she was the first family member to hold Bryson! 

The rest of the evening was spent with family and friends coming in and out until about 11pm. 

Then we tried to sleep, though I kept waking up and trying to nurse Bryson, as I thought he was supposed to be eating every couple hours. Apparently he was too tired and just wanted to sleep though, so I decided to try to get some sleep too. I wish I would've known before I wasted my precious sleeping time trying to wake him up (and frustratedly not nurse) that it was normal and okay for him to sleep for many hours the first night (which I found out the next morning)! So I had the nurses keep him in the nursery with instruction to bring him to me when he woke up, and not to give him a pacifier.

Around 3-4 am they brought him in and had given him his first bath! 

After that nursing time, we slept again until morning, when the nurses and doctors started their rounds and try to keep you from getting whatever sleep you could be getting... lol The nature of staying in a hospital!

Overall, Bryson's delivery was amazingly easy, as far as birthing goes! We had a great stay in the hospital and we are even willing to do it again!

39 Weeks

Pregnancy Update November 19, 2012

How far along: 39 weeks! Induction day!

Size of baby: 19.75 inches, 6.8 lbs. - A "Leek"

What developed this past week: Baby is full term and has fully functioning organs, though his brain and nervous system will continue to develop for years.

Weight Gain: 36 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All maternity.

Gender: HE'S A BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Haven't noticed a decrease in movement due to limited space... have noticed that I'm being punched in my bladder more... must be a sign he's dropping :)

Sleep: This past week I started getting up almost every night to use the bathroom - another reason I think Bryson is dropping... Otherwise I sleep well. Usually I can go a good 5-6 hours before waking up to turn over and use the bathroom. It's the "end" of the night of sleep where I am more restless - turning over more often. But I still manage to keep sleeping - just moving a lot too. I'll take that and be glad!

What I miss: Nothing this week. Makes me sad to think about not being pregnant anymore, so I can't even bring myself to complain about missing something.

Cravings: Nothing.

Best moment this week: My 37 week appt was actually at about 37.5 weeks, on 11/8. She said heartbeat and position look good. AND I was 1cm dilated and 70% effaced! Dr. V also said Bryson's head is very low and she couldn't imagine him waiting more than 10 days or so to come!! Since, I'm writing this a day late, I'll also update on my 38 week appt - since I may not be writing a 39 week post... On 11/13, at 38w2d, I was 2cm dilated and still 70% effaced, but my cervix was definitely softer and thinner (as deduced by TMI to share here :)). Dr. V seemed very surprised at how low Bryson's head was and she said she thinks he'll come before next Monday. BUT if he doesn't, we have a scheduled induction on 11/19! That way he'll be here and we'll be out of the hospital by Thanksgiving, when my doctors are not on call and the hospital is short staffed for the holiday. I can't BELIEVE he's ready to come any. day. now.

On Sunday especially, I had tons of braxton hicks contractions. Usually my BHs are brought on by exerting physical effort, but this weekend, there were plenty of times where I was sitting still and my uterus decided to practice contracting! Over and over again. Apparently they are working, because within 5 days, I dilated another cm between appts.

I'm still praying that Bryson comes before Monday, so B can decide when he is ready and when my body is ready. But if not, I'm ok with inducing so that we have our favorite doctor and are home for the holiday. Dr. V thinks there is no reason why we should wait - Bryson is ready.

Tuesday, my mom came over and we got the spare room reorganized and cleaned! She also cleaned my bathtub! What a woman :) Forever grateful!

Wednesday, I cashed in my birthday pedicure from my friend, Nicole! I now have beautiful feet to focus on during labor. lol

Sunday, 11/11, was a BEAUTIFUL 70 degree day, so we capitalized and cleaned out our cars and put the carseat bases in them!! A HUGE thank you to my brother in law, Eric, who surprised me and vacuumed my car while I was out taking a walk with his wife and kids that afternoon. AWESOME surprise! It was bad... so far past needing vacuumed. :)

Caleb's truck

My car

Also, it seems as though there is always more to clean, and Bryson isn't even here yet to make messes and use things! More laundry and more dishes keep coming :) I think we now have all the bottles and pacifiers clean!

Random info:
- No swelling at all lately - no matter the kind of socks I wear. I have stopped wearing my wedding ring, just in case - I would NOT want to have to get it cut off of me if I swell unexectedly!
- My last day of work was 11/12 - the rest of the week, Tues-Fri, I took vacation days so I can finish preparing everything for Bryson's arrival. My favorite part of taking the time off is NOT SITTING AT MY DESK! It makes me want to crawl out of my skin just to think about sitting there again - my ribs/abs ache and burn so much from sitting all day that I can hardly stand myself! I'm so happy I don't have to endure that for the last few days before B comes! Of course, the other great part is that I get to finish everything that's been on my to-do list AND relax and rest a little before I only get sleep in 2-3 hours increments. I'm living it up now!
-Unfortunately, in the past week or so a bunch of people in our family have caught a bad cold. We are praying that everyone gets better and is healthy to meet Bryson! Even Caleb had to take a half day from work on 11/13 because he was so miserable. Even his body was aching, along with the scratchy throat and runny nose. I am fighting it too - so far have been able to keep it down to a scratchy throat. I'm trying to keep something in my mouth (candy/gum) so that my throat doesn't get too dry. And I swear by taking vitamins - so far so good!

What I am looking forward to:  BRYSON COMING!!! Sometime within the next week, we will finally get to meet our son! Caleb and I could not be more excited to see his sweet face!

38 Weeks

Pregnancy Update November 12, 2012

Thank you to my sister, Melissa, for the cute shoes, tank, sweater, & scarf! Supposed to be a post-baby bday outfit, but I stretched the tank on! lol Too fun not to wear new clothes!

 

How far along: 38 weeks! 14 days left, but fewer, according to the doctor... and an induction date!

Size of baby: 19.75 inches, 6.8 lbs. - A "Leek"

 

What developed this past week: Baby is full term and has fully functioning organs, though his brain and nervous system will continue to develop for years.

Weight Gain: 34.6 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All maternity.

Gender: HE'S A BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Haven't noticed a decrease in movement due to limited space... have noticed that I'm being punched in my bladder more... must be a sign he's dropping :)

Sleep: This past week I started getting up almost every night to use the bathroom - another reason I think Bryson is dropping... Otherwise I sleep well. Usually I can go a good 5-6 hours before waking up to turn over and use the bathroom. It's the "end" of the night of sleep where I am more restless - turning over more often. But I still manage to keep sleeping - just moving a lot too. I'll take that and be glad!

What I miss: Nothing this week. Makes me sad to think about not being pregnant anymore, so I can't even bring myself to complain about missing something.

Cravings: Nothing.

Best moment this week: My 37 week appt was actually at about 37.5 weeks, on 11/8. She said heartbeat and position look good. AND I was 1cm dilated and 70% effaced! Dr. V also said Bryson's head is very low and she couldn't imagine him waiting more than 10 days or so to come!! Since, I'm writing this a day late, I'll also update on my 38 week appt - since I may not be writing a 39 week post... On 11/13, at 38w2d, I was 2cm dilated and still 70% effaced, but my cervix was definitely softer and thinner (as deduced by TMI to share here :)). Dr. V seemed very surprised at how low Bryson's head was and she said she thinks he'll come before next Monday. BUT if he doesn't, we have a scheduled induction on 11/19! That way he'll be here and we'll be out of the hospital by Thanksgiving, when my doctors are not on call and the hospital is short staffed for the holiday. I can't BELIEVE he's ready to come any. day. now.

On Sunday especially, I had tons of braxton hicks contractions. Usually my BHs are brought on by exerting physical effort, but this weekend, there were plenty of times where I was sitting still and my uterus decided to practice contracting! Over and over again. Apparently they are working, because within 5 days, I dilated another cm between appts.

I'm still praying that Bryson comes before Monday, so B can decide when he is ready and when my body is ready. But if not, I'm ok with inducing so that we have our favorite doctor and are home for the holiday. Dr. V thinks there is no reason why we should wait - Bryson is ready.

 

Tuesday, my mom came over and we got the spare room reorganized and cleaned! She also cleaned my bathtub! What a woman :) Forever grateful!

Wednesday, I cashed in my birthday pedicure from my friend, Nicole! I now have beautiful feet to focus on during labor. lol

Sunday, 11/11, was a BEAUTIFUL 70 degree day, so we capitalized and cleaned out our cars and put the carseat bases in them!! A HUGE thank you to my brother in law, Eric, who surprised me and vacuumed my car while I was out taking a walk with his wife and kids that afternoon. AWESOME surprise! It was bad... so far past needing vacuumed. :)

Caleb's truck

My car

Also, it seems as though there is always more to clean, and Bryson isn't even here yet to make messes and use things! More laundry and more dishes keep coming :) I think we now have all the bottles and pacifiers clean!

 

Random info:
- No swelling at all lately - no matter the kind of socks I wear. I have stopped wearing my wedding ring, just in case - I would NOT want to have to get it cut off of me if I swell unexectedly!
- My last day of work was 11/12 - the rest of the week, Tues-Fri, I took vacation days so I can finish preparing everything for Bryson's arrival. My favorite part of taking the time off is NOT SITTING AT MY DESK! It makes me want to crawl out of my skin just to think about sitting there again - my ribs/abs ache and burn so much from sitting all day that I can hardly stand myself! I'm so happy I don't have to endure that for the last few days before B comes! Of course, the other great part is that I get to finish everything that's been on my to-do list AND relax and rest a little before I only get sleep in 2-3 hours increments. I'm living it up now!
-Unfortunately, in the past week or so a bunch of people in our family have caught a bad cold. We are praying that everyone gets better and is healthy to meet Bryson! Even Caleb had to take a half day from work on 11/13 because he was so miserable. Even his body was aching, along with the scratchy throat and runny nose. I am fighting it too - so far have been able to keep it down to a scratchy throat. I'm trying to keep something in my mouth (candy/gum) so that my throat doesn't get too dry. And I swear by taking vitamins - so far so good!

What I am looking forward to:  BRYSON COMING!!! Sometime within the next week, we will finally get to meet our son! Caleb and I could not be more excited to see his sweet face!

37 Weeks

Pregnancy Update November 5, 2012

How far along: 37 weeks! FULL TERM, BABY! 21 days left, hopefully less... 

Size of baby: 19.25 inches, 6.3 lbs. - A "Stalk of Swiss Chard"

What developed this past week: Since baby is now considered full term, it means all of his organs should be developed and ready for the outside world! Now is just more time for his hair to grow and his cheeks to get chubbier!

Weight Gain: 34 lbs. I actually lost a TINY bit this week - I lost the food obsession as quickly as I found it, AND I started getting on the treadmill during my lunch hour for 20 minutes or so! Only got 2 days in this week, but will be doing it every week day now that I am full term!  Gotta work Mr. Bryson down and out! :) 

Maternity clothes: All maternity.

Gender: HE'S A BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Moving all the time - mostly on my right side still. Only 4 or so days of the last couple months have I felt him kicking out on my left side. Maybe this explains why my right ribs ALWAYS hurt and my right leg is the one that goes to sleep or gets nerves pinched when I walk a lot!

Sleep: Still sleeping OK. Sometimes I wake up with pain in my upper back or my abs. I usually can adjust and go back to sleep. If I seem to be laying awake for more than a couple minutes, I'll usually get up and go to the bathroom. The changing of positions and standing usually helps relieve whatever pains I have, so when I lay back down I can fall asleep fairly easily.

I'm having more crazy dreams recently... Not sure where they even come from sometimes! Apparently, my mind is a lot more creative than I think it is! lol

What I miss: As much as I won't miss the burning in my abs/ribs, I'm trying my hardest to focus more on fully enjoying the last few days/weeks I have with Bryson kicking and punching me (from the inside... won't be so cute on the outside! lol)!

I definitely missed my niece, Joscelin's, 1st birthday party! I heard it was wonderful! I was so sad to not get to be there, but being in a car for 16 hours, and being 8 hours from home while full term wasn't advisable :( Though it did cross my mind to "risk" it... there are hospitals along the way, right?? If only I could make it through the car ride without wanting to cut out my half of my rib cage...

Cravings: Nothing out of the ordinary. Still like all the usual things - cereal, sparkling cider, coke & dr. pepper... Still wouldn't consider any of them cravings, but I can always go for a bowl or glass if I'm hungry or thirsty!

Best moment this week: This week, Caleb and I got to spend a couple evenings together, both shopping/getting stuff done and relaxing. As much as we love the alone time, we keep telling Bryson we're ready for him to join us! Caleb is especially ready, since I've been able to "hold" B every second of the day for the past 9 months and he hasn't! I'm a baby hog... what can I say? :)

Another thing Caleb and I did together this week was take a CPR class. We are now fully trained and certified in adult, child & infant CPR! Caleb said he already knew what to do before taking the class, so I doubt he'd admit to feeling more prepared to care for Bryson, but I certainly feel more comfortable with my skill level now!

Thursday evening, my SIL, Laurie, and niece, Emilie, came over one more time to help get the last things put away and organized in the nursery! I know I've said this a hundred times, but since certain finishing touches keep getting pushed off, we are still SO close to having the nursery done! It WILL be done this week, if it's the last thing I (and Caleb) do! :) Thank you girls, again, for your help! I was certainly at a point of not caring/not knowing what to do and just wanted it done for me! You saved me from just throwing everything in a drawer or the closet! :)

One more time before Bryson's arrival, I did another session of Freezer Cooking! I made 5 recipes that I found on Joyful Mommas Kitchen and I am very excited to eat them! Three of them are topped with shredded cheese and baked... can't go wrong with all that cheesiness! :) The potato soup seemed interesting... I wasn't too sure about it... but since making it, I randomly found the same recipe posted on another blog I read where she claimed it is delicious! :) All 5 recipes I made alone and they only took about 2.5 hours! I was very impressed! I guess it helped that not much needed chopped - only one onion. Everything else was a cook or mix kind of thing. I now have at least 15 meals in my freezer just waiting for the day I don't feel like cooking! :) Unfortunately, I'm forcing myself to wait until after Bryson is here... because most days I don't feel like cooking even now! lol

Random info:
-I have had some swelling in my ankles/calves a few times. It is seriously quite the site to see your calves mushroom over the top of your tight socks... I have switched to wearing Caleb's looser/lower cut athletic socks and haven't had any problems since I made the change!

What I am looking forward to:  - Going to my doctor appointment on Thursday and hopefully finding out if I'm dilating/progressing at all! So strange to actually want to be dilating! For the longest time, childbirth seemed far too terrifying to ever want to get to. Now I think we're about ready to meet this little miracle.
- One of my friends went above and beyond for my birthday this year and got me a 1 hour pedicure at Bella's! I had literally just told my sister that I was going to schedule a pedicure somewhere so my toes look nice when I have to stare at them during labor! lol What a wonderful gift! Thank you, Nicole!!!
- My mom coming over a couple nights this week to get my spare room and office organized. We pretty much just dumped a bunch of stuff in those rooms when we cleaned out the nursery, and effectively moved the mess from one place to another. Mom is going to help me get it put away, once and for all :). She also is going to prove her unconditional mother's love by scrubbing my bathtub! I feel bad asking anyone to do this nasty chore, but she is always willing to do anything for me. Bending over to scrub and using harsh chemicals does not sound like a good idea for me to do, but I want the tub clean so I can soak in it during labor if I feel like it. Thanks, Momma!!
Unfortunately, our contractor guy wasn't able to come this past weekend to finish our bathroom and the other small projects. We're hoping he can come next weekend now... not sure if that will work out. Depends on the timing of the baby's arrival! Still very much looking forward to him completing so many projects in our house!

36 Weeks

Pregnancy Update October 29, 2012

How far along: 36 weeks! 28 days left... 

Size of baby: 18.75 inches, 5.75 lbs. - A "Crenshaw Melon"

What developed this past week: Still packing on the pounds at the rate of about an ounce a day! He's shedding the soft hair that has covered his body the past 8 months, and is also losing the waxy covering (vernix) on his skin that has protected him while he's been floating in fluid. He is currently head down and ready to go!

Weight Gain: 34.6 lbs. Seems I capitalized on that food-obsessed feeling I talked about last week... Yikes! :) 

Maternity clothes: All maternity or Caleb's shirts/hoodies.

Gender: HE'S ALL BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Haven't noticed a decrease in movement yet, as they say happens when he gets bigger. Still feeling him move all day long, but especially in the evenings. Crazy to see the entire shape of my belly change as he pushes out both sides at the same time!

Sleep: I've been seriously capitalizing on my ability to sleep in on the weekends - getting 9-10 hours a night both Friday and Saturday nights! I feel a little guilty because I know I still have so much I need to be doing to get the nursery/house ready... but then I realize that I only have (potentially) 2-4 weekends left of this, and I decide to be happy living it up by getting tons of sleep while I can!

What I miss: Not feeling like my ribs are being SQUEEZED by my bra or shirts that have a tight empire waist... Sometimes I feel like there's an elephant on my chest and I can't breathe because I am so uncomfortable. As usual, this mostly happens when I'm sitting. Which means that all day long at work, I want to claw off a rib or two! I dread going to work and sitting in the car because of this discomfort.

Cravings: I've been a total drunk the past couple weeks - drinking whole bottles of sparkling cider :) I love the stuff! Both before and during pregnancy! My husband was even so kind as to surprise me with a bottle last night when he picked up a few groceries :) 

Best moment this week: Celebrating my golden birthday! :) I turned 27 on the 27th. I started the day off with a bowl of strawberry frosted mini-wheats and a 1 hour pregnancy massage (from my SILs at Mother's Day)! So great!

Caleb is very thoughtful and got me gifts that I didn't even remember talking about wanting! And he took me to my favorite restaurant (Firebird's) for fillet mignon - melt in your mouth goodness!  It's funny how when I was younger, I wanted to have a party and spend the day with every person I've ever known. And now that I'm older, I just want to spend the day with my honey - I don't even care what we are doing... just watching tv together is good enough for me! Another way to live up our time together before we have a baby taking so much of our attention.

We had our 4th and final Newborn Care Class on Thursday. We learned about taking care of children in the toddler years. I'd say some of it was useful, the rest of it is pretty much open to your own discipline techniques. All in all, I thought the first 2 weeks of the class were the most beneficial, but it was worth going to all of it. There's always more to learn!

I had my 36 week doctor appointment on Monday, the 29th, with Dr. Wise (my favorite dr). Heartbeat sounded good - in the 150s, BP was good, and I measured right on track! The nurse gave me a quick lesson in what to do when I [think I] go into labor or if I notice any abnormality in how much the baby is moving (basically if anything happens - call the office and they'll advise. 5th floor of the hospital if I'm sent in!). She also described the difference between false labor and real contractions, which feel like they encompass your hips and back as well as belly.
Dr. Wise said that their office will be on holiday from Thanksgiving through until Monday... so basically if I go into labor anytime in the 4-5 days leading up to my due date, I will not know the doctor who delivers my son :( AND there's a chance I'd have a man doctor... which I don't love the idea of, though I'm assuming when I am in the pain of labor, I won't care who does what to me! :)
As we get closer, we can talk about inducing as of 39 weeks, especially if I'm already starting to dilate/efface - that way I can have my doctor deliver him before the holiday. We'll see - I'd rather not induce if I can let my body do what it wants, when it wants to do it... But if we get to 40 weeks, they'll do an ultrasound to check his size. If he's "too big", they'll want to do a c-section. As of the last u/s, he was measuring average, so I'm hoping the chances of a c-section are slim, though all the boys in mine and my husband's families were 9+ lbs. Yikes! 
SO I think I'm down to just praying Bryson comes of his own accord sometime around 38 or 39 weeks! Feel free to join the prayer team :)

Caleb's brothers had a diaper party for him this weekend and we were ABUNDANTLY blessed with diapers! I can't even believe how many! Thank you so much to everyone who came and to those who took the time to plan, prepare, and throw the party! We love you and appreciate all the hard work!

Random info:
-I have one little stretch mark - from my old belly button ring :( 
-I've started getting acid reflux, randomly. No heartburn. It just feels like acid is in the back of my throat - gross, but not too painful.
-The doctor said I do have Strep B - which apparently is very common. Just means I'll get antibiotics through my IV when I go into labor. That will keep any infection from getting in my uterus or bladder or hurting the baby.  When she said I have it, I laughed and told her I guess I deserve it, since I haven't had MOST of the problems other women deal with in pregnancy! This is an easy one - just get a medication at the end - I can handle that! :)
-Caleb helps me put on/take off my tall boots. He helps me get up from the couch/bean bag a lot. And he often tells the baby he loves him and can't wait to hold him.

What I am looking forward to: Finishing my final week or being "pre-term". After this week, the doctor won't stop me if I go into labor because the baby [should] be healthy!!
I did get a bunch of things crossed off my baby to-do list last week, but there's plenty more to do! Hoping to get a ton more done this weekend. We also have a guy coming to do some work in the bathrooms and other odd-jobs this weekend - SO excited for everything to be completed!

35 Weeks

Pregnancy Update October 22, 2012

How far along: 35 weeks! 35 days left... 

Size of baby: 18 inches, 5.25 lbs. - A "Honeydew Melon"

What developed this past week: At this point, all B's major organs should be nearly complete, including his kidneys and liver, which are now capable of processing waste products. His main job for the next 5 weeks is just to put on weight. Um, wouldn't we all love this to be our full time job/main goal?! SUCCESS! lol :).

Weight Gain: 31.4 lbs. This past week or so, I've felt like I did the first 10 weeks of my pregnancy - I want food all the time. Despite whether or not I'm hungry, I often can't get my mind to stop thinking about food! It's ridiculous...

Maternity clothes: All maternity. Even my big tshirts now show the bottom of my belly - very attractive. lol

Gender: HE'S ALL BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Same schedule he's been on for weeks now - moves some during the day, but definitely busts a move or two in the evenings! He's more often been shoving his little feet or hands out my sides, or down into my legs, or up into my ribs! He must be getting tight in there! Such a strange sensation to have something sticking out your side! lol Also feeling him push more on my bladder and colon - it feels like he punches me. What the heck is he doing?? haha Bizarre...

Sleep: I sleep well - still don't get up to use the restroom, and no pregnancy insomnia, praise the Lord! Hoping this lasts the next 5 weeks! I don't know how women go into childbirth, new parent-hood when they are already exhausted!

What I miss: Sitting comfortably in the car. I have no idea how shorter people do this! Sometimes I feel like he's pushing my stomach up into my lungs and I can't get a good breath... and I'm almost 6 ft! How do 5 ft tall people ever sit?! 

Cravings: Had 3 bowls of mini-wheats over the weekend - found a new kind I like (as well as strawberry) - Maple and Brown Sugar... even as I type this, it sounds good! I want a bowl any time I think about cereal. Weird. :) Actually, I think Caleb won't be home for dinner tonight - it's sad that that makes me excited - I GET A BOWL OF CEREAL FOR DINNER! lol

Best moment this week: Getting more maternity pictures taken! I'm so excited to see/share them! These were done by my SIL, Kristen. On Saturday, we went to a train station and took some pics on a big red train! And we also took a few on the railroad tracks, and in front of some pretty fall colored trees/vines!

Kristen also got to come over on Sunday afternoon to help me fold more baby clothes and put them away. We're getting there!  Caleb put the art above the crib on Saturday, but we still haven't gotten around to hanging the rest of the wall stuff...

We had our 3rd Newborn Care Class on Thursday. We learned about safety (ie carseat, etc). One more class next week, then we're done.

On Saturday, after pictures, Caleb and I ran some errands, then met up with my brother and Laci for dinner at Moe's. Then we came back to our house to watch a movie and Laci got to feel Bryson moving around TONS during his crazy time... So fun! She and Eston also gave us their baby shower gifts - an adorable giraffe print romper with matching hat and bib! And a picture frame and baby record book that is so cool! Will be great to have all Baby B's info in one place! Thanks!!!

My friend Sarah came over on Sunday and we made 5 crockpot meal recipes! I'm excited to be filling my freezer with meals that are already prepared for me to bake/cook! This link says it takes 1 hour... not true. Took more like 3 hours... and we helped eachother, so we should've even had a little more efficiency. Still fun! And my hands still smell like garlic! lol

I had an interesting doctor appointment on Monday, the 15th. I've never met one of the doctors in our practice, Dr. V., so I made my appt with her - I want to at least know who she is if she happens to be on call when I go into labor... I thought I was just going in for a normal appt where they ask if I have any questions, take my urine sample and weight, and I go home. But when I got back in the room, the nurse told me that Dr. V. would be doing my strep B test.  After the doctor finished the strep test, she said she was going to check me - I was not dilated, and the baby was posterior and his head was down in a good position! When I asked if I was effacing at all, she said, "No you're posterior - you're not effaced"... ok... I had no idea what being posterior means! lol (still doesn't make sense to me - maybe I should google it!) Anyway, then she measures me and says, "Good! You're 36 weeks!"  This is where it gets funny - I looked at her and said something about only being 34 weeks, so it's funny that I'm now measuring big, when last time I measured too small - which is why I had an u/s at 32 weeks...  She responded with, "You're not 34 weeks, you're 35 and a half." Um what? No I'm not... I'm 34. No you're 35. No, I'm 34...  After a little back and forth, she says, "You're due November 15th, that makes you 35 and a half". To which I responded, I'm not due November 15th, I'm due November 25th.
There was a little more questioning about if I've always been due the 25th, and how that was calculated (off an u/s or from my LMP - BOTH!). Then she finally says, "I believe you, but why do I have written on my chart that you're due the 15th?!" hahha Well thanks for believing me! I think I know my due date, but have no idea why it's wrong on your chart.
Turns out, whomever wrote the chart for the day, messed up my LMP by 10 days... supposed to be 2/19, she had 2/9 written. Funniest part to me was that after Dr. V. figured this out, she gets out her little wheel of due dates/progression, and lines up my LMP and my due date and says, "Ok you are 34 weeks, 1 day today!"... YES! THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TELLING YOU! LOL Finally, we're on the same page... haha
Only thing is that I don't think I would've had the strep b test or been checked yet if she knew I was only 34 weeks... Oh well! No harm, no foul! Next appt is Monday 10/29 at 36 weeks. Then I'll be going weekly!

What I am looking forward to: This week I'm hoping to get a bunch of baby stuff done - call jcp about full-size bed rails, call the daycare about rates, finish getting all the things we need off the registry, wash everything and put it away, etc...
Also, I'm FINALLY cashing in my 1 hour pregnancy massage that my 3 SILs got me for Mother's Day. I'm going on Saturday, which also happens to be my birthday! Great treat for sure!
Sunday is Caleb's diaper party - we currently have all of 1 pack of diapers, so it will feel good to know we've got a few more than that ready and waiting for all of the messy diapers in our future! :)

Work Baby Shower

On Wednesday, August 15th, the lovely people at my work threw me my first baby shower!

We had it during the lunch hour and everyone in the office was invited - boys and girls!

The 2 girls who were "hosting" it, Joyce & Lynn, decided to try something none of us had had before - KFC Catering. It was very good! 2 different kinds of chicken, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac n' cheese, biscuits, etc!

Here's a look at the spread:

Funny story with the cake - According to Lynn, who was ordering the cake, Giant Eagle was supposed to put actual baby blocks on the cake and decorate it in blue. The morning of the shower, she got a phone call at 7am. A bakery clerk said that they had a meeting that morning to discuss the cake because it goes against a copyright... WHAT?! There is copyright on cake decorating??? So weird... Apparently, they would need to frost the cake with purple in order to use the blocks... to which Lynn of course replied, "We can't have purple! She's having a boy!" hahha
So we got what you see below - frosted-on baby blocks! Just as cute to me - and edible! :)
White cake with real strawberry (even had chunks of berries) filling! MMM!

Everyone enjoying their meals and cake in a conference room:

My two lovely hostesses, Lynn & Joyce (L to R)!! They did all the work in planning, shopping & setting up - couldn't have asked for more! They did a great job!

On to the gifts! I was AMAZED at the gifts they got us! I could not believe the generosity - so much more than I could've expected.
First up - the pack 'n play! Caleb picked this out - it's blue, gray & black. Very cute! And manly... according to him ;)

Secondly - An exersaucer! I was VERY excited about this gift because it has 3 stages. So, though it's expensive, it can be used for a year+! Play mat for baby, seat with toys for when baby can sit by himself, and you can take it apart and have it so that a 1-yr-old can walk around and play with the toys! (see box). Love it!

Lastly, the Bumbo seat! In blue! :) Ironically, this was the same day that Bumbo came out with a recall, saying children were falling out of the seats and needed to be belted in. So I need to send in for a belt. (*Note - I think the big problem is parents not watching their kids - not that the seat does not work appropriately, so I'm definitely keeping the Bumbo).

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the gifts and came to the shower! I had a wonderful time and felt VERY blessed to have you all as friends who want to celebrate Bryson with us!

34 Weeks

Pregnancy Update October 15, 2012

How far along: 34 weeks! 42 days left... 

Size of baby: 17.75 inches, 4.75 lbs. - An "Average Cantaloupe" (Actually, Bryson weighed in at about 4.25lbs a week and a half ago, so potentially he could be up to 5lbs by now?)

What developed this past week: The waxy protective coating, called vernix, is becoming much thicker this week as the lanugo (fine hair covering his body) continues to shed and may be almost gone by now. His central nervous system and lungs are maturing enough that if he was born, he would likely be fine (with a risk for a short stay in the NICU).

Weight Gain: 29.6 lbs. Somehow I managed to stay about the same as last week. They say you only need about 30 pounds (depending on your starting weight), so I'm hoping to not gain too much more in the coming 6 weeks.

Maternity clothes: All maternity. Got a few new shirts from my sister for my birthday! :) Including the one I'm wearing in the above pics! 

Gender: HE'S ALL BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Friday night at dinner, I was telling Caleb how I now picture Bryson's little fully-formed body parts when I feel them moving in me... makes me smile to think about his precious little feet, knees, hands, and squishy tooshy :)...  a couple hours later, we're watching tv together when I feel a JAB in my ribs! Made me nearly jump out of my skin! Then, Bryson had the audacity to do it over and over again! lol Sometimes he'd be moving around already, and other times, the kick came with no forewarning! I started laughing and told Bryson that I was going to take back what I said about his little feet being so precious! :) I ended up keeping my hand over my right ribs in an attempt to guard them from the pain! A few times, he kicked and then slid his foot down my ribs, so the ENTIRE right side of my ribs, from the middle to my side, got to feel that lovely sensation. What a stinker!

Sleep: I did my best to make sure I got enough sleep while in NYC. I didn't do too badly! It's easy to turn down the offer to go out for a drink when you can't drink anyway! :) While others stayed out until midnight or later, I'd be back in my room by 10:30-11. Funny part was that I didn't even miss it because I was so happy to get 7-8 hours of sleep! :) Priorities, people! lol

What I miss: My back not hurting when I sit for long periods of time - especially noticeable this week when I was stuck sitting in conferences and meetings. At work, my back definitely hurts, but I can get up and walk around a lot more often to keep my muscles loose and my rib cage expanded.

Cravings: Nothing.

Best moment this week: Getting our maternity pictures taken! I'm so excited to see how they come out! Hoping a few weeks from now to have at least some samples to share!

Also, My SILs came over for the afternoon on Sunday to help organize and clean our nursery and all the baby clothes & stuff! What a blessing to have family around to help out! I would not have half as much done yet without them! Thank you girls!!

Once the nursery is done, I'll have to take pics and show off every one's hard work!

What I am looking forward to: This week we have another Newborn Care Class about safety. And this weekend, I have a few things to look forward to:
- More maternity pics - done by my aspiring photographer SIL, Kristen! Sure to be FANTASTIC!
- More work done in the nursery.
- And seeing my brother's girlfriend, Laci, whom I haven't seen in TOO long!

33 Weeks

Pregnancy Update October 8, 2012

How far along: 33 weeks! 49 days left... 

Size of baby: 17 inches, 4.25 lbs. - A "Pineapple"

What developed this past week: Baby is gaining half a pound a week and his bones are hardening, except his skull which will need to stay soft for delivery. His skull plates don't entirely fuse until early adulthood so they can grow with his brain and other tissues.

Weight Gain: 29.8 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All maternity. I even have to wear Caleb's hoodies in order to fully cover this belly!

Gender: HE'S ALL BOY! "Bryson Nicholas"
(Bryson means "smart", Nicholas means "winner" or "victory of the people")

Movement: Still moving often -especially when I'm still - i.e. at night. During the day when I'm moving a lot, he seems to be rocked to sleep. 

Sleep: Very busy this week with something going on every single night, including a friend's wedding events (bachelorette party, rehearsal & dinner, & wedding) and my baby shower - which had both of my sisters in town, so I tried to stay up to see them as much as possible. Exhausting, but worth it! :)

What I miss: The ability to bend over to paint my nails, open gifts, reach something that fell on the floor, etc, without feeling like I'm squishing Bryson up into my ribs/lungs! OUCH!

Cravings: Nothing.

Best moment this week: We had another ultrasound! For those keeping track, yes, this is my 6th! lol 

2 of them were planned tests - 12 week genetic abnormality & 18 week gender, while the other 4 were because of "scares" or "precautions" - spotting, falling, measuring small, and because it was too early to hear the heartbeat on the doppler. 

This one was because baby measured 26 weeks when he should have been 30. Turns out he must've been laying transverse or something, because the sono measurements were all fine! At 32w3d, he measured: 33w4d head circumference (seriously?!), 31w4d abdomen circumference (skinny boy?!), and 32w2d femur length (maybe not as tall as we thought after the 18 week scan where his femur measured a few days ahead!). Overall average was at 33w2d. Seems a little big (66.1%), but with the weight coming in at 4lbs 4oz (1915 grams), he was actually a little smaller than average at the 31.9 percentile.

His pictures this time are not my favorite - he kept putting his hand in front of his face so we had a hard time seeing him, and he looks kinda globby... Here he is, nonetheless! :)

 

As I said last week, we had a one-on-one newborn care class right after our dr. appt on Wednesday. It was fun watching Caleb learn to change diapers, give baths, swaddle, dress, and calm a baby. He cracked me up - at one point, I look over and he's holding the baby doll in a sitting position on his lap and is clapping it's little feet together... I look at the teacher and laugh and say, "What is he doing?". She replies, "He's playing with him!" haha So cute. He's gonna be such a cute dad - though the kid may freeze while Caleb keeps him naked to play with his squishy feet! :) JK! There isn't a week that goes by that Caleb doesn't tell me (and Bryson) how excited he is for Bryson to be here! Love it.

The other WONDERFUL thing that happened this week - the Winn side baby shower! It was SO much fun! Everyone said how great a time they had. Again, I will eventually get to writing a post solely about the shower, complete with pictures! Suffice it to say that we were SO incredibly blessed, I can't even put it into words!

What I am looking forward to: Going to NYC for 3 days and seeing all the people I work with (via phone/email)! Always a fun conference - with lots of meetings and wining & dining - hoping not to gain 10 lbs in the process! When I get back, it will be fun to go through all the baby shower gifts with Caleb. Opening presents goes by in such a blur (even as slowly as I tried to go), it will be great to remember each gift from each person! 

Also - we're having maternity pictures done on Monday, the 8th!! So excited to see what our fabulous photographer, Rachel, can do with us! :)