EDIT: I totally did not realize that the slide show had music on it - so I am going to delete it for now, and then I will add some pics again later.
I guess I always have my speakers off.
I guess having a newborn and a toddler really takes up some time :) I have not had a second to update my blog on a regular basis - sorry for that. but, to make up for it, here are some pics of my beutiful girl. I took my own announcement pics, which I had so many ideas for - yeah, those ideas went out the window - but I did get some shots that were good enough.
Once I mail the announcement, I will share them here :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
My Birth Story
I know Cora is almost 2 weeks old, but I wanted to share her birth story. It is not too exciting, but nice to have written down.
I can give you the quick birth story:
10:45 - Water Broke
12:30 - Got to hospital (4cm)
2:00 - Remaining water broke (5cm)
4:30 - Epi
5:00 - 7cm
5:30 - 10cm
6:31 - Cora born
And the long story:
Sunday 9/13
10:45 AM - my water broke in the grocery store (not kidding). I was just about to check out, so since it was not a gush, i checked out with what I had. I know this sounds so funny. But, it takes me a long time to do it, and I knew people would be in my house. And they would NOT be happy if there was no food.
I called my husband from the store, he was about to leave for golf. I am sure his friend was pissed about not going lol.
I had to go home, try to figure out if it was actually my water breaking, or maybe I just peed my pants haha. Plus, although everything was in one spot, I had to offically pack my bag. Plus, I had to figure out what was happening with Lil J.
We did some last minute things around the house - and yes, I took a shower. I got to the hospital at 12:30.
12:30 PM - I got to the hospital and went to triage. The doc was there at that point and I was checked. I still was not sure if it was my water or not.
She did an exam, determined that it was my water, and that I was already 4 cm dilated. WOW!
I had to get an IV antibiotic since I tested + for Group B Strep, this was done in the triage room. After that was done, they wanted me to walk the halls. But, first they wanted to get me to a room and break the rest of my water.
2PM - got into a room at 2pm, and they broke my water and checked me again. They had to break it again since I had a high leak. I was 5 cm at that point. I was in no pain, but wanted to make sure I knew I could get the epi until a certain point. The nurse told me that I could get one upto about 8 cm or so. I figured I had some time, so I decided to wait to get it.
I started to walk the halls at 2:30 with instuctions to be back around 3:15 (ish)
Well, by 3:00, I was having contractions right on top on each other and I knew I wanted the epi. We got back to the room and told the nurse I wanted the epi. I had to have a whole bag of fluid before they would give it to me, so I had to wait. The wait seemed like forever. Of course add in that the nurses were changing shift, etc. The IV was not started for a while, so I had to just deal with the contractions.
4:30 PM, the nurse noticed that my IV did something (infiltrated?) and I had to have a new one, it took about 1/2 hour to do all the prep, etc for the epi.
5PM, finally at 5PM, the epi was in - so about 1.5 hours after I requested it. I was checked at that point and I was 7 cm. I am so glad I got that epi, because all of a sudden, I was having extreme amounts of pressure. Not pain. But pressure.
5:30 PM - since I was having so much pressure, and I guess there were drops in heartrate, I was checked again. YUP - 10 cm!!!!! I went from 7 to 10 in less than 1/2 hour. I did some practice pushing. Basically pushing for 2-3 minutes, break for 10 minutes.
6:25 PM - Major pressure, MUST.PUSH.NOW lol. doc called in, 3-4 pushes later, Cora was born at 6:31 PM
So, that is the long and short of it.
I could add some not so nice details - things about the doctor being a total ass, or some TMI info - but I will leave it as is - don't want to ruin a great story :)
I can give you the quick birth story:
10:45 - Water Broke
12:30 - Got to hospital (4cm)
2:00 - Remaining water broke (5cm)
4:30 - Epi
5:00 - 7cm
5:30 - 10cm
6:31 - Cora born
And the long story:
Sunday 9/13
10:45 AM - my water broke in the grocery store (not kidding). I was just about to check out, so since it was not a gush, i checked out with what I had. I know this sounds so funny. But, it takes me a long time to do it, and I knew people would be in my house. And they would NOT be happy if there was no food.
I called my husband from the store, he was about to leave for golf. I am sure his friend was pissed about not going lol.
I had to go home, try to figure out if it was actually my water breaking, or maybe I just peed my pants haha. Plus, although everything was in one spot, I had to offically pack my bag. Plus, I had to figure out what was happening with Lil J.
We did some last minute things around the house - and yes, I took a shower. I got to the hospital at 12:30.
12:30 PM - I got to the hospital and went to triage. The doc was there at that point and I was checked. I still was not sure if it was my water or not.
She did an exam, determined that it was my water, and that I was already 4 cm dilated. WOW!
I had to get an IV antibiotic since I tested + for Group B Strep, this was done in the triage room. After that was done, they wanted me to walk the halls. But, first they wanted to get me to a room and break the rest of my water.
2PM - got into a room at 2pm, and they broke my water and checked me again. They had to break it again since I had a high leak. I was 5 cm at that point. I was in no pain, but wanted to make sure I knew I could get the epi until a certain point. The nurse told me that I could get one upto about 8 cm or so. I figured I had some time, so I decided to wait to get it.
I started to walk the halls at 2:30 with instuctions to be back around 3:15 (ish)
Well, by 3:00, I was having contractions right on top on each other and I knew I wanted the epi. We got back to the room and told the nurse I wanted the epi. I had to have a whole bag of fluid before they would give it to me, so I had to wait. The wait seemed like forever. Of course add in that the nurses were changing shift, etc. The IV was not started for a while, so I had to just deal with the contractions.
4:30 PM, the nurse noticed that my IV did something (infiltrated?) and I had to have a new one, it took about 1/2 hour to do all the prep, etc for the epi.
5PM, finally at 5PM, the epi was in - so about 1.5 hours after I requested it. I was checked at that point and I was 7 cm. I am so glad I got that epi, because all of a sudden, I was having extreme amounts of pressure. Not pain. But pressure.
5:30 PM - since I was having so much pressure, and I guess there were drops in heartrate, I was checked again. YUP - 10 cm!!!!! I went from 7 to 10 in less than 1/2 hour. I did some practice pushing. Basically pushing for 2-3 minutes, break for 10 minutes.
6:25 PM - Major pressure, MUST.PUSH.NOW lol. doc called in, 3-4 pushes later, Cora was born at 6:31 PM
So, that is the long and short of it.
I could add some not so nice details - things about the doctor being a total ass, or some TMI info - but I will leave it as is - don't want to ruin a great story :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
It's a ..........
GIRL!!!
I had my baby on Sept 13, 2009 at 37 weeks 3 days. I will share my quick birth story soon. But I just wanted to share some pics and stats!
I can't believe she is here.
It's a GIRL
Cora Evelyn was born on Sept 13th at 6:30 pm
She weighed 7 pounds and .8 ounces
She was 20.5 inches long
Here are a few pictures :)
I had my baby on Sept 13, 2009 at 37 weeks 3 days. I will share my quick birth story soon. But I just wanted to share some pics and stats!
I can't believe she is here.
It's a GIRL
Cora Evelyn was born on Sept 13th at 6:30 pm
She weighed 7 pounds and .8 ounces
She was 20.5 inches long
Here are a few pictures :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
6 Months
Today marks 6 months that Lil J has been with us. I remember that day like it was yesterday.
I had met Lil J the day before. His previous foster mother just could not keep the placement. He was only with her for about a week, but due to other family circumstances, it just was not a good placement for her or her family.
I found out about Lil J through a support network for foster and adoptive families - AKA, a message board. His previous foster mother was trying really hard to find a placement for Lil J. She did not want to just put him back into the system...but rather find someone that she "knew".
We had only been licensed for a VERY short while, and of course were looking forward to getting "the call". The room was ready, our house was prepared. We just needed THE call.
When I first found out about Lil J, I must admit that I was unsure if this would be a good placement for us. I thought maybe it was possible the the previous foster mother was trying to sugar coat Lil J to make it easier for her to find him a new home.
But, it seemed right to me. After getting lots of info, I agreed to meet Lil J. I went with a coloring book, crayons, and a few cars. Yes - I was trying to win him over. We played and colored for a few hours. I knew instantly that we would love to have him in our home. It actually got me upset when it was time to leave, especially when Lil J said, "No, don't leave"
I called his caseworker to advise her that we "wanted him" - I know, that makes him sound like a puppy. But, that is really the way it was. There was paperwork that had to be done, so she said it might be a while.
But, to our surprise, we got the call the very next day. He was coming that same day. I was actually in the car, driving a friend to the airport, when I got the call. I was just so excited, that I missed the exit lol.
Paperwork still needed to be done, but I guess the caseworker did not want to wait much longer to get him to his new home.
I waited and waited for what seemed like forever. I peaked out the window every few minutes. Barely went to the bathroom, in fear that I would not hear the knock on the door.
He finally got here and I met them at the car. Lil J recognized me from the day before and had a big smile on his face. A smile covered in chocolate munchkin. I took him out of the car, and he gave me a HUGE squeeze. My heart sank a little in the moment.
I walked him up the stairs to our front door, and opened the door. He FLEW up the stairs looking for his room. And, was thrilled to find his Mickey Room, just waiting for him (I found out some of his favorite things while in conversation with his previous foster mother).
I was shocked about the actual process though. His case worker gave me a simple piece of paper that said I was his foster mother, gave me her card, and then handed me a bag. The bag had about 10 diapers (pull-ups), a pack of wipes, and a set of PJs. That is correct. He basically came with the clothes on his back. Lucky for me, I had been collecting stuff for a while before we were even licensed.
And, that was it. He walked into my house and settled in my heart.
So much has changed (for the better) in the last 6 months with Lil J. I really can not remember how my day was before he was here. We all love him so very much.
I had met Lil J the day before. His previous foster mother just could not keep the placement. He was only with her for about a week, but due to other family circumstances, it just was not a good placement for her or her family.
I found out about Lil J through a support network for foster and adoptive families - AKA, a message board. His previous foster mother was trying really hard to find a placement for Lil J. She did not want to just put him back into the system...but rather find someone that she "knew".
We had only been licensed for a VERY short while, and of course were looking forward to getting "the call". The room was ready, our house was prepared. We just needed THE call.
When I first found out about Lil J, I must admit that I was unsure if this would be a good placement for us. I thought maybe it was possible the the previous foster mother was trying to sugar coat Lil J to make it easier for her to find him a new home.
But, it seemed right to me. After getting lots of info, I agreed to meet Lil J. I went with a coloring book, crayons, and a few cars. Yes - I was trying to win him over. We played and colored for a few hours. I knew instantly that we would love to have him in our home. It actually got me upset when it was time to leave, especially when Lil J said, "No, don't leave"
I called his caseworker to advise her that we "wanted him" - I know, that makes him sound like a puppy. But, that is really the way it was. There was paperwork that had to be done, so she said it might be a while.
But, to our surprise, we got the call the very next day. He was coming that same day. I was actually in the car, driving a friend to the airport, when I got the call. I was just so excited, that I missed the exit lol.
Paperwork still needed to be done, but I guess the caseworker did not want to wait much longer to get him to his new home.
I waited and waited for what seemed like forever. I peaked out the window every few minutes. Barely went to the bathroom, in fear that I would not hear the knock on the door.
He finally got here and I met them at the car. Lil J recognized me from the day before and had a big smile on his face. A smile covered in chocolate munchkin. I took him out of the car, and he gave me a HUGE squeeze. My heart sank a little in the moment.
I walked him up the stairs to our front door, and opened the door. He FLEW up the stairs looking for his room. And, was thrilled to find his Mickey Room, just waiting for him (I found out some of his favorite things while in conversation with his previous foster mother).
I was shocked about the actual process though. His case worker gave me a simple piece of paper that said I was his foster mother, gave me her card, and then handed me a bag. The bag had about 10 diapers (pull-ups), a pack of wipes, and a set of PJs. That is correct. He basically came with the clothes on his back. Lucky for me, I had been collecting stuff for a while before we were even licensed.
And, that was it. He walked into my house and settled in my heart.
So much has changed (for the better) in the last 6 months with Lil J. I really can not remember how my day was before he was here. We all love him so very much.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
37 Week Appointment
I had my repeat growth scan and standard 37 week appointment today. This post may have some TMI in it - don't say I did not warn you.
Growth Scan:
I was anxious about the growth scan. The baby has consistently measured in the high percentages. Yes, I know - they can be off, etc. But scan after scan basically showed the same measurements and high percentages. I was getting nervous about a vaginal delivery and a super big gigantic baby.
At my last scan 3 weeks ago, the baby measured a little over 6 pounds (1 oz over). They were thinking that today the baby would weigh close to 8 pounds. At that rate, the baby would be close to 9-10 pound range at full term. YUP - that made me nervous.
Well, today, the baby only measured just under 7 pounds. It was a different tech than all the other times, I hope that is why it did not measure large. Plus, the tech said that the head (one area that they measure) was very low and hard to get a great measurement on it.
I was actually concerned about the "lack" of growth. It made me nervous that the baby only gained less than a pound in 3 weeks. It went from measuring in the 75-85% to only measuring in the 50%. I spoke to the doc about my concerns, and she said it was totally normal for a baby to "slack off" a bit at the end if they started growing earlier.
The doc also said that everything else looked great and she was not concerned about the drop in percentage. Plus, she did also reminded me that it could be off, different techs, position of the baby, etc, etc
We are still doing a scheduled induction - if I make it that far.
The Exam
I have gotten pretty used to the internal exams. Yeah, they are uncomfortable, but what are you gonna do???
The doc asks about contractions, etc - which I tell her have gotten stronger and painful in the past week or so. I can't believe that I have had non-stop braxton hicks contractions for months now.
So, she does her exam and says, "well, those contractions are actually doing something now".... "you have already started to dilate". Yes, I know that, I have been at 1 for a few weeks now.
NOPE - I am over 2cm dilated! She said almost 2.5! I know I can stay at 2 for a long time, but I was thrilled that I had made some progress. Then she tells me that I am already 50% effaced. Again, all good news.
Then she proceeds to tell me that she doubts that I will make it to my appointment next week. Wowza :)
After the appointment:
After she did her exam, she told me that I will definitely spot, and it was due to the exam. OK, no bid deal.
I decided to go to CVS and buy some panty-liners so that I don't ruin my pants. I had some time to kill as I was meeting my husband and the kids for another appointment in the area. I went to CVS, got what I needed, plus a magazine, etc.
I went to a store across the street and to my totally surprise - I was BLEEDING. Not spotting. But, blood all over my underwear, all over my pants, down my leg, everywhere. And after I got over my shock and wiped, there were HUGE clots the size of quarters.
I started to freak out. I cleaned myself up. I actually took off my pants and "washed" them in the sink and then used the hand dryer to dry them. Thank goodness my shirt was super long.
I called the doc of course. She basically told me that more than likely it is my mucus plug. And that if the bleeding continued to be heavy for a couple of hours, that I should call them back.
By the time I got home, the bleeding has basically stopped and it is just minor spotting.
Losing your plug could be the start of labor, or it could be NOTHING! But, it is a step in the right direction.
So, needless to say - my bag will be packed TODAY :) I will post some 3D pics below this post as soon as I scan them tonight.
Growth Scan:
I was anxious about the growth scan. The baby has consistently measured in the high percentages. Yes, I know - they can be off, etc. But scan after scan basically showed the same measurements and high percentages. I was getting nervous about a vaginal delivery and a super big gigantic baby.
At my last scan 3 weeks ago, the baby measured a little over 6 pounds (1 oz over). They were thinking that today the baby would weigh close to 8 pounds. At that rate, the baby would be close to 9-10 pound range at full term. YUP - that made me nervous.
Well, today, the baby only measured just under 7 pounds. It was a different tech than all the other times, I hope that is why it did not measure large. Plus, the tech said that the head (one area that they measure) was very low and hard to get a great measurement on it.
I was actually concerned about the "lack" of growth. It made me nervous that the baby only gained less than a pound in 3 weeks. It went from measuring in the 75-85% to only measuring in the 50%. I spoke to the doc about my concerns, and she said it was totally normal for a baby to "slack off" a bit at the end if they started growing earlier.
The doc also said that everything else looked great and she was not concerned about the drop in percentage. Plus, she did also reminded me that it could be off, different techs, position of the baby, etc, etc
We are still doing a scheduled induction - if I make it that far.
The Exam
I have gotten pretty used to the internal exams. Yeah, they are uncomfortable, but what are you gonna do???
The doc asks about contractions, etc - which I tell her have gotten stronger and painful in the past week or so. I can't believe that I have had non-stop braxton hicks contractions for months now.
So, she does her exam and says, "well, those contractions are actually doing something now".... "you have already started to dilate". Yes, I know that, I have been at 1 for a few weeks now.
NOPE - I am over 2cm dilated! She said almost 2.5! I know I can stay at 2 for a long time, but I was thrilled that I had made some progress. Then she tells me that I am already 50% effaced. Again, all good news.
Then she proceeds to tell me that she doubts that I will make it to my appointment next week. Wowza :)
After the appointment:
After she did her exam, she told me that I will definitely spot, and it was due to the exam. OK, no bid deal.
I decided to go to CVS and buy some panty-liners so that I don't ruin my pants. I had some time to kill as I was meeting my husband and the kids for another appointment in the area. I went to CVS, got what I needed, plus a magazine, etc.
I went to a store across the street and to my totally surprise - I was BLEEDING. Not spotting. But, blood all over my underwear, all over my pants, down my leg, everywhere. And after I got over my shock and wiped, there were HUGE clots the size of quarters.
I started to freak out. I cleaned myself up. I actually took off my pants and "washed" them in the sink and then used the hand dryer to dry them. Thank goodness my shirt was super long.
I called the doc of course. She basically told me that more than likely it is my mucus plug. And that if the bleeding continued to be heavy for a couple of hours, that I should call them back.
By the time I got home, the bleeding has basically stopped and it is just minor spotting.
Losing your plug could be the start of labor, or it could be NOTHING! But, it is a step in the right direction.
So, needless to say - my bag will be packed TODAY :) I will post some 3D pics below this post as soon as I scan them tonight.
And....we have a name :)
Let me tell ya - picking a name has been HARD! Between not being able to find something, not agreeing, and then just not committing, it has just taken forever.
I put a "deadline" on my husband of today and we decided last night.
I just could not believe the rush of emotions that swept over me. I was so excited to have a definate decision and I LOVE the name.
We went back and forth with certain names, loving them, hating them, etc. Then names would come up out of the blue and they would become the favorites. Then change our mind again, etc etc. And we picked a name that WE love.
We have had a boy's name for about 4/5 months, and now we have a girl's name.
And, yup - I will be keeping everyone in suspense.
So, I just wanted to share how excited I am - yipee!!!!!
I put a "deadline" on my husband of today and we decided last night.
I just could not believe the rush of emotions that swept over me. I was so excited to have a definate decision and I LOVE the name.
We went back and forth with certain names, loving them, hating them, etc. Then names would come up out of the blue and they would become the favorites. Then change our mind again, etc etc. And we picked a name that WE love.
We have had a boy's name for about 4/5 months, and now we have a girl's name.
And, yup - I will be keeping everyone in suspense.
So, I just wanted to share how excited I am - yipee!!!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
My sisters :)
I just wanted to share a cute pic of my sisters on the day of my shower. It is hard to pic one great pic when there are 5 people in a picture.
But, I think this one is pretty good.
But, I think this one is pretty good.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Baby Pool
I created a baby pool (look to your right) cause I thought it would be fun. There is no prize - just the satisfaction of the win :)
Some information - Although the due date is Oct 1st, I will be induced on Sept 25th if the baby does not come before that. You are lame if you pick Sept 25th as the date lol :)
No one thinks I will make it to that date, so the pool is really to pick a date before that. If I go to induction, I will be shocked.
So, take a guess.
Some information - Although the due date is Oct 1st, I will be induced on Sept 25th if the baby does not come before that. You are lame if you pick Sept 25th as the date lol :)
No one thinks I will make it to that date, so the pool is really to pick a date before that. If I go to induction, I will be shocked.
So, take a guess.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
36 Week appointment
I am 36 weeks today - YIPEE!!!! I had my 36 weeks appointment yesterday. It was just a standard appointment, but I was able to talk to the doc about the size of the baby, etc.
I find it so funny that I am not up really any weight. I am up a total of 8 pounds. Where is the baby getting it's weight from???? Who the heck knows. The baby plus whatever comes along with it is more than I have gained. I did lose weight in the begining - so maybe that is where it is from.
Anyway, the appointment was fine. B/P was great too. We talked about the possibility of an induction. AND------ We actually scheduled it! He does not think I will make it to any induction date. Actually, he thinks I will go in the next 2 weeks!!!!
I have had a feeling that I would go early anyway, but to hear a doc say it was weird! He actually said he would "place bets" that I would deliver before the 16th! I guess I should finish my "list".
He did an internal, and I am where I have been a few weeks now. I am just over 1cm.
Since we are doing an induction (if I make it that far), and the baby is big, I was given all this paperwork that I had to sign that had all the "warnings" and "disclaimers" etc. Makes is so final.
We also had our hospital tour and our refresher birthing class. So much as changed in the last 15 years. Change for the better, which is a good thing.
So, if this baby does not come on it's own - I will be induced on Sept 25 (friday) starting at 8AM. So, we will see. I am still thinking it will be WAY before that :)
I find it so funny that I am not up really any weight. I am up a total of 8 pounds. Where is the baby getting it's weight from???? Who the heck knows. The baby plus whatever comes along with it is more than I have gained. I did lose weight in the begining - so maybe that is where it is from.
Anyway, the appointment was fine. B/P was great too. We talked about the possibility of an induction. AND------ We actually scheduled it! He does not think I will make it to any induction date. Actually, he thinks I will go in the next 2 weeks!!!!
I have had a feeling that I would go early anyway, but to hear a doc say it was weird! He actually said he would "place bets" that I would deliver before the 16th! I guess I should finish my "list".
He did an internal, and I am where I have been a few weeks now. I am just over 1cm.
Since we are doing an induction (if I make it that far), and the baby is big, I was given all this paperwork that I had to sign that had all the "warnings" and "disclaimers" etc. Makes is so final.
We also had our hospital tour and our refresher birthing class. So much as changed in the last 15 years. Change for the better, which is a good thing.
So, if this baby does not come on it's own - I will be induced on Sept 25 (friday) starting at 8AM. So, we will see. I am still thinking it will be WAY before that :)
36 Weeks - Belly Pics
I seriously have not taken any belly pics. But this dress makes it so real that I have a big old belly.
I wish the pics of my face were better, but whatever.
I wish the pics of my face were better, but whatever.
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