This Thing Called Parenthood

I usually update on Wednesday's because they mark her one week milestones but as she sleeps away in her tiny bassinet not 20 feet from me, I can't help but smile. These past 10 days have been fabulous, terrifying, anxiety ridden, wonderful, and filled with more love than one can possibly imagine. My whole world revolves around a 6 lb sweet smelling (most of the time), tiny toed, little girl. Motherhood has proven to be one of my biggest, yet best, challenges so far.

We've had a few issues with breastfeeding, first with the latching and then with the milk supply but with a few formula feeds, I think we've found a happy medium. She is a night owl, which has taken some adjusting on my part but when she (involuntarily) smiles at me at 2am, I can't help but melt.

My husband has been wonderful, albet a little timid of our peanut. But he has no problem pacing a crying baby for an unlimited amount of time. He chalks it up to his calming personality (insert eye roll). Then again, I shouldn't complain, I certainly don't handle her fussing quite as calmly as he does.  The other night he came up behind me and kissed my neck and it was the best feeling in the world. To be loved by a man that gave me the world's best gift is a blessing I don't take for granted. Not for one second.

My mom has been the biggest blessing (besides the peanut) so far. I'm pretty sure our house would have fallen down around us without her. She's constantly cleaning, doing laundry, washing bottles, sweeping the floor, emptying the dishwasher... the list goes on and on. She paces with me at 2am and is a great ear when I'm trying to decide if the peanut needs to feed again or is just overtired and fighting her sleep.

My hormones have been a little more than I expected. I have sudden urges to cry (in fact, I may have shed a tear or two writing this) and when I start to run empty, really empty, anxiety takes over and I feel completely overwhelmed. But like all things that seem insurmountable, they too pass. The forgetfulness is taken some getting used to, because I have the memory of a fish these days.

All in all, our introduction hasn't been too painful. With just the right amount of bumps along the course, the husband and I are getting a good grasp on this thing called parenting. We have our two week check-up on Friday. Hopefully good things to report after!

The One About Labor

I would never have guessed that my post on the 4th would be my last pregnancy post. I definitely did not feel like I was on the verge of giving birth when I wrote that post. Our party was a success, we laughed with friends, ate a ton of good food and played a ton of corn hole. I mention that because I tell everyone corn hole sent me into labor.

The sun started to set and I decided to brave the 90 degree weather to show the boys how the game was played. After two games (one win, one loss), I couldn't take the bending or the heat any longer. I came inside, propped my feet up and took in some television. Exhausted, I decided to skip fireworks. Around 11, I went to bed anticipating a day of cleaning ahead. America's birth wore me out so I just threw the dishes and platters in the sink. 

I woke up at 2am with contractions that I assumed were Braxton Hicks. Our room was miserably hot and my bladder was miserably full. I laid back in bed but the contractions kept coming, about 5 minutes apart and strong. Stronger than any contraction I previously experienced. I called the doctor and she said to wait two hours before going to the hospital. I talked with my mom through the first hour and a half and then the contractions started coming closer together, and much, much stronger. To the hospital we went. 

At 4am I was checked by the midwife and was about 3 centimeters dilated. It was game time. I was admitted and taken to a real room. After they hooked me up to an IV, my doctor wanted me to walk laps around the hospital to help speed up the process. Apparently first labors can last a VERY long time. Except, my first labor was an exception. One lap and 5 minutes later and my water broke. 

Fast forward to stronger contractions and an epidural (thank you Jesus!) and I was 7 centimeters at 8:30. 5 hours and 5 pushes later and a beautiful peanut was born. Weighing in at 6 lbs, 1 ounce and 18 and a half inches long, Ava Madeline was born with a full head of dark brown hair at 1:12pm on July 5th. She has her daddy's eyes and toes and her momma's nose and cheeks. 

Fun facts from my labor and delivery:

The nursing staff and my doctor were fabulous

The epidural made it so I was no longer a bear-- it was not pretty for awhile

Should my husband bring a chocolate donut into the delivery room if we decide to have another baby, I will kill him 

An orange Popsicle is not a substitute for said chocolate donut

A sarcastic nurse is a fun nurse

The labor ball was not my friend
The epidural was my friend

My doctor was right, there would be no question when my water broke, I shouldn't have doubted her

Labor was not terrible and I'm very thankful it was only 11 hours
I couldn't have done it without the support from my husband and mom

I'm smitten with my peanut 

2...

Two weeks to go! Holy crap, two weeks to go! The white coat syndrome I'm experiencing at the doctor's is sticking around; I had the highest blood pressure yet yesterday but thankfully after a few moments of laying on my left side it went back down to a normal rate.

The Braxton Hicks contractions are getting stronger, in fact last night they were downright painful. Considering the doctor told nothing is happening (still) below the belt, I'm sure to have another week or so of these practice contractions. There's always next week I suppose.

The husband and I are hosting our last pre-baby party today to celebrate the 4th. It's odd (and exciting) to think that next 4th of July we'll be toting a peanut to fireworks.

Two weeks (or less) to go! Baby A will be here in no time!

3...

Well my blood pressure is still a wee bit high but I'm starting to think I have white coat syndrome. I check my blood pressure at home in the mornings and it's normal or near normal, as soon as I get to the doctor's it sky rockets. Luckily, they let me rest for a couple of minutes, take it again, and it's better. Still no headaches, or nausea or vomiting so I really do think it's just nerves as opposed to anything more serious.

Not too much has changed since last week. I'm feeling good, good and tired, but good. I'm getting anxious, and nervous and excited but mostly excited to see our peanut.  I copied this from another blog I follow so here goes:

How far along: 37 weeks today! 

Total weight gain: 28 lbs

Size and growth of the baby: Baby is now almost 7 pounds and is the size of a melon

Maternity clothes: That's the only thing I can fit into these days. It's getting harder and harder to find clothes that fit around my expanding belly, even my husband's shirts are getting too snug

Sleep: I am constantly changing positions, my hips hurt if I lay on one side too long

Best moment(s) of the week: Hearing her heartbeat at Monday's appointment, feeling her kick around 

Food cravings/aversions: Still on a sweet kick, in fact, I could go for an M&M cookie right now

Morning sickness: None

Symptoms: Braxton hicks occasionally 

Labor signs: I think she is pretty content for now, although, I've had some mild abdominal cramping 

Belly button in or out: It's been "out" for awhile and by out I mean it's no longer flat, it's not completely protruding yet

What I miss: Comfortable clothes

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting the peanut

What I'm not looking forward to: I'm super nervous about labor but I have to go through labor to meet the peanut so I try to not think about it too much. 

4...

My first weekly appointment was Monday and despite a small hiccup with my blood pressure (much higher than it normally is), everything was great. Thankfully, my blood pressure is back to normal today. The peanut's heartbeat sounded good and the doctor said nothing was happening below the belt yet. Our waiting game continues.

Her room is finally complete. All her clothes and sheets and towels and everything else she will need has been washed and put away. Her toys are in a designated basket and her grandparents are bringing up her bookcase this weekend so her books will have a home. Her car seat is in my car and her bags (one for each car) are in her room just waiting to go in their respective car.

I'm feeling pretty good. Some days are obviously better than others but for the most part I can't really complain. The back aches have gone away but I'm up pretty up every 2 hours or so using the bathroom. I get tired really easily, walking up and down steps, putting dishes away, cooking dinner. You name it and it makes me want to take a nap. As each day passes, I get more anxious and more excited to meet our peanut.
My clothes also get tighter, haha.

4 weeks to go!

5...

5 more weeks until the peanut makes her debut! My last shower was Saturday and her room officially looks like a Babies R Us store room. We are having an organizing party on Saturday to make some space for her, because as of now, there is no space. We're very lucky to have so many folks who care about us! My best friend from Florida flew in Thursday and it was great to spend some time with her before the shower Saturday. Her munchkins will have a new cousin soon and I think she is just as excited as we are.

The back aches have returned in full force. I seriously contemplated getting a pedicure the other day just to sit in one of the massage chairs. I haven't ruled that out yet... Sleep is still hard to come by so if she doesn't like sleep, at least I'll be prepared. I'm getting bigger and bigger by the day. My cousin, innocently enough, asked me Friday why my face was so swollen. I told my mom to take him aside and tell him that's not the most appropriate question to ask someone pushing 9 months pregnant. Thankfully the swelling comes and goes and isn't just a constant.

Another week has gone by and we're anxiously awaiting the arrival of the peanut!

6...

My doctor's appointment Monday went well, our peanut is in the 74th percentile and is head down.  It's just a waiting game now for her to make her grand appearance. As she continues to pack on the lb's so do I. My pregnancy weight gain is now at 28 pounds with six weeks to go. Eeks! 

Her kicks are definitely stronger and sharper these days, I spend a good portion of my night coaxing her foot away from my ribs. Sleep is elusive once again and rolling out of bed to use the bathroom every couple of hours is getting more and more difficult as I continue to get bigger. My back has started to ache again, too. (Thankfully, my husband is an expert in back rubbing) Currently, she is sitting on my nerve I have a very sharp pain radiating down my back into my butt. I've taken to eating smaller, more frequent meals. A normal size meal leaves me so full and bloated I am miserable for HOURS. 

Not too much longer and she'll be with us! For now, I'll continue to enjoy her not so little kicks.