Sunday, March 23, 2014

The Delivery...Dun Dun Dunnnnn!


So as many of you readers can imagine my life has drastically changed in the last 6 weeks (12 if you count my last post), I am now a new mommy to our son Samuel. He is truly amazing! I never thought I would be in love with any one of any thing quite like this. 

Some (maybe not many) of you are wondering about delivery. Well I went into the doctor on February 5th, the day before I was 39 weeks, and I had started to get more swollen and my blood pressure seemed to be a bit elevated when the nurse checked me before we (my mom and I) went into the room to see my doctor. So when my doctor came in she looked at me and smiled real big and said, "So would we like be get induced tomorrow?! and all I could do was smile equally as big and say, "Seriously?! UM YES!" 

Once we had that decision squared away (imagine my moms face and excitement at this point) Dr. Ohlemacher went through everything I should expect to happen when inducing and that she would call and let the hospital know that I was a voluntary inducement and that they will get all of the priorities in first and then they will call me and let me know when to come in, but that I should call around 4 a.m. and check and make sure they couldn't take me then. So of course I was too anxious to sleep knowing that I was going to become a mom the next day (EEK!) so I got up at 3 a.m. and took a bath and got ready and put on some make up and called the hospital at 4 and of course they didn't want me to come in then but to call back around 7 a.m. if I hadn't heard from them yet. So, knowing I was going to be in for a long day I tried to go back to sleep even though that was the hardest thing ever, but around 6 the hospital called and the nurse let me know they were ready for me to head in and I told them we would be there in about an hour since we would for sure hit traffic. 

Once we got to the hospital it was SUPER easy, we checked in at the front desk because Brandon had to get a badge to let them know who he was and then it was up to Labor and Delivery for us! We were sent straight to the nurses station and then they walked us to our room and then it was time to change, answer questions from the nurse, sign consent forms, get my IV started, get hooked up to a fetal monitor and the next thing I knew my doctor was there to break my water and get the pitocin started. Now I have never really had anyone come at me with a crochet needle before (not really what they use obviously) but I was told to sit butterfly style, then lay back and pull my legs in toward me as much as I could- not such an easy task at 39 weeks I might add- and then she broke my water and the fun really began. 

I was somewhat trying to be hardcore (mostly thanks to Bri) and go for a little bit and experience contractions before I got the epidural but of course I am a baby when it comes to pain and so I made a deal with myself once the contractions really got started that I would try for one hour and then all bets were off I would get the drugs. I was having contractions every 2-3 minutes for about 45 second durations and let me tell you once that hour was up I was allllllll about the epidural! I never felt the needle go in or anything like that (THANK YOU LORD!) and once it was in and started I felt like a million bucks. I spent the next few hours just hanging out, taking a few cat naps, watching t.v., playing on my iPad- oh and eating popsicles!

My doctor would come in and check me every fews hours but around 4 in the afternoon I told my nurse that I was feeling a lot of pressure so she said she would call Dr. Ohlemacher and have her come check me again and at that time once she was there I was at 6 cm. Still had some time to wait, however, I asked my nurse to check me again about half and hour later and I was at 9 cm! Super exciting of course but then I also started to have chest pains and difficultly breathing- every one thought I was having a panic attack but come to find out I had an adverse reaction to my epidural due to having a narrow spinal column and it caused that as well as traumatic back pain. I even ended up having another little cocktail added to my epidural to help with that pain but no such luck. 

After all of that drama and pain it was time to start pushing- which seemed to come very quickly! I had Brandon holding one leg and foot, my nurse holding my other and my mom helping to push my forward on my back since I was in so much pain and could barely do it myself. I tried pushing for about 30 minutes when I asked my doctor if I could stop and please have a c-section but she told me that ship had sailed and I needed to commit to really pushing because she could see the top of his head and all of his hair!! So I really tried to give it my all and after about 4 or 5 big pushes HE WAS OUT!! He was born at 6:32 p.m. and he was 8 lb. 2 oz. and 21 inches long.

Now no one told me that babies are SUPER blue when they come out (call me silly) but I sort of freaked out but of course I had been through a hell of a delivery and it was a flood of emotions at this point so Samuel's nurse said, "Oh I got this, I can get him pinked up and get him crying for you mom." and she did just that. Once he was cleaned up a little and warmed up he was in my arms and I knew instantly that I loved him more than anything. 

We spent the next two hours or so in Labor and Delivery until our room in postpartum was ready and we had some of our family and friends come in a visit us. Once our room was ready we left L&D and went and got checked into our room and met our night nurses and once they left Brandon passed out and it was just me and Samuel and of course I was still on a high from just having a baby and so I sat there and just held him and looked at him while our nurses came in about every hour and checked on us. 

Nothing too scary or dramatic happened during delivery God Bless and we ended up with a perfect little boy to call our own. 

Mommy and Samuel





Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Baby Hayford: 36 Weeks

Baby Hayford Update: 36 Weeks

How far along?  36 weeks!! I cannot believe we are almost at the end :)

Total weight gain/loss?  At my doctors appointment last week I have gained about 20 pounds :) all healthy weight I'm sure.

Maternity clothes? Are definitely more comfortable now that I'm bigger and beginning to drop but I still rotate in a t shirt and sweats every now and then. 

Stretch marks? I do have one stretch mark across where my belly button ring was (I wish I could talk to my 16 year old self now and say don't do it) but still putting on lotion religiously and I have no added vitamin e oil for good measure. 

Sleep?  Still sleeping throughout the night (Whoo hoo!!) but now having more vivid dreams which have been both good and bad but I suppose that's always better than not sleeping. 

Best moment last week? One of the best moments last week was Brandon and I seeing him in his growths and measurement ultrasound-- he's roughly 5 pounds 9 ounces now and then we also found a end table for the nursery that we had been looking for and we're having a hard time finding. 

Movement?  He is still very active and definitely running out of room and moving lower which makes mom a little more uncomfortable for sure. 

Food cravings?  I haven't had much in the cravings department which I'm sure makes things easier for Brandon and Bri for lunches and dinner because then there is no one being picky :) 

Labor signs? I have had a few Braxton hicks again today but other than that no, but we toured the hospital and no what to look for and what to do if the time comes now. 

Belly button in/out? Still in! 

What I miss most? I still miss my old clothes as selfish as that sounds :/

What I am looking forward to: Finally being able to hold him and see him little face. Also, his awesome Aunt Bri is going to come over tomorrow and help me with my last decor project for the nursery and I also have 2 baby showers in the next two weeks!! I also get my super cute burp cloths this week!!


Milestones: I start my weekly appointments next week!! And finishing the nursery for his arrival of course :) 

Until next time,
Jenn and Samuel
XOXO

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Baby Hayford: 34 Weeks


Baby Hayford Update: 34 Weeks

How far along?  34 weeks tomorrow!! Only 6 more to go!

Total weight gain/loss?  Well again I am really bad about weighing myself at home but I go to the doctor next week so I will find out then :)

Maternity clothes? Are beginning to be a must when we go out places but when I'm at home I pretty much wear sweatpants and Brandon's t-shirts and be very comfortable. 

Stretch marks? Dare I say still no (eek!) but I do put on lotion quite often and pray that I won't get them but we will have to wait and see how it all goes once I get even bigger and eventually deliver.

Sleep?  Sleeping has gotten a bit tricky these days. I wake pretty much every time I roll over but I still feel pretty rested when I wake up in the morning so I am counting that as a huge blessing in itself.

Best moment last week? The last two weeks have been crazy busy with Christmas and New Years holidays so there was a lot of running around but I would have to say the best moment of the week was getting his hospital bag packed and ready to go just in case he decides to make his entrance into the world sooner than expected. Next up is packing my bag! 

Movement?  He is still a very very active little boy all through out the day but get calm in the evenings or when Brandon puts his hands on my belly or starts talking to him-- I think we know who has a soothing power more than mom!

Food cravings?  Food cravings have been about the same- fruit and veggies are still pretty delicious to me but my new craving would have to be Dr. Pepper! I am trying to be good an resist but sometimes I cave and indulge in one.

Labor signs? I have had my first bout with Braxton hicks contractions- not so much fun but I know that we are inching our way to being closer and closer to the big show so it is nice to kind of get a little taste of what is to come and prepare myself. 

Belly button in/out? Still in! 

What I miss most? I sort of miss my old clothes :( and being able to stay awake longer than 9 p.m.

What I am looking forward to:  Getting closer and closer to seeing what he is going to look and being able to hold him!!

Milestones: Just getting to go to the next doctor appointment and see the progress he has made. 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Baby Hayford: Maternity Pictures


So on December 1st Brandon and I had the pleasure of working with Taryn Melgoza Photography to capture some beautiful maternity pictures before Samuel's arrival in February, and here are a few of my favorites.









We really had such a good time taking these pictures and we both really can't wait for this little one to make his appearance in early 2014!
Until my next post!

XOXO,
Jenn

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Baby Hayford Update: 31 weeks

How far along?  31 weeks 6 days

Total weight gain/loss?  I didn't really pay too much attention to that part (I didn't really want to know to be honest) but I know its in the neighborhood of 15 pounds.

Maternity clothes? Are getting more and more comfortable as time passes. I have invested in some and Bri has given me some great items also so I feel very cute and fashionable.

Stretch marks? Still not yet but I bet they will be making their appearance pretty quick here but lotion lotion lotion is how I am thinking about things.

Sleep?  I am still sleeping pretty good but waking up almost exactly at 3:30 in the morning to pee everyday

Best moment last week? I had my 30 week visit with the doctor and everything looks great and we are measuring right on time and I also got to hear his little heartbeat :)

Movement?  He is active all the time and now we are definitely where we can see him move so that is always pretty fun to watch my belly dance or just have my hands on my stomach to feel him move.

Food cravings?  I still haven't had many cravings other than fruits and baked potatoes but not together thankfully!

Labor signs? Still no on this one! YAY!

Belly button in/out? Still in :) 

What I miss most? I sort of miss my old clothes :(

What I am looking forward to:  Getting closer and closer to seeing what he is going to look and being able to hold him!!

Milestones:  We are getting our maternity pictures on Sunday but we did get a sneak peek this week!!
Until the Next post!
Jennifer and Samuel

Monday, November 4, 2013

Baby Hayford Update: 25 Weeks


How far along?  25 weeks today

Total weight gain/loss?  At my last appointment on Wednesday of last week I have gained 11 pounds which the doctor said is still looking wonderful for being 6 months pregnant :)

Maternity clothes? I again haven't full committed to wear maternity clothes 100% percent of the time and it is pretty awesome that some of my regular clothes still fit- except for jeans that ship has sailed :/

Stretch marks? Still nothing yet but I am putting on lotion religiously so I am still hoping that I won't get any but I am pretty sure I'll never be that lucky.

Sleep?  I am still sleeping pretty phenomenally all things considered so yay for that

Best moment last week? The very best moment last week was my very first baby shower!!! My wonderful friends; Bri, Kristin, Gloria and Jayme threw me a wonderful baby shower. Here are a few pictures from the awesome afternoon they planned for me.

Midnight Diapers :)
Adorable Onesies
DELICIOUS food! One of my favorite spots of the day
Drink Station
Yummmmy cake balls
Adorable diaper cake made by Mrs. Gloria Sanders
Candy Bar
All of the amazing gifts from my WONDERFUL friends :)
The AMAZING nursery letters made by Samuel's Aunt Titi
And last but not least all of the amazing women who put the shower on for me

Movement?  This little munchkin is active ALL THE TIME! Which is a very cool and I must admit reassuring feeling to be able to feel him move and now he is moving more and more to where our family and friends can feel him more and I'm glad I can share that with them before he gets here. 

Food cravings?  I haven't had many food cravings these days other than BBQ baked potatoes from Central Texas with sweet tea-- that might in fact by my weakness these days.

Labor signs? Still no on this one! YAY!

Belly button in/out? Still in :) 

What I miss:  Being able to hang out with my friends and make it past 9 pm lol- but someone has to grow this baby!

What I am looking forward to:  Having the crib put together and getting a few more decor items to finish off the nursery. Also, having my glider come in and get that in the nursery to have it further finished :)

Milestones:  We went to pick up our furniture last night at Buy Buy Baby which made me feel so awesome being that much closer to having this little man here.

Until the next time! 
XOXO
Jennifer

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Baby Hayford: 22 Week Update


How far along?  22 weeks 

Total weight gain/loss? At my last visit to the doctor she said I had only gained 8 pounds (WHOO HOO!!) and that my weight looked beautiful for how far along I am so YAY! Let's hope I keep it low and then lose it quickly once little man is here.

Maternity clothes? I still haven't fully committed to 100% maternity wear. I do wear a few shirts on the occasion and my awesome friend Bri lent me some of her maternity clothes and very cute jeans I might add so I wouldn't have to go and spend a fortune. Thankfully we wear the same size so I can return the favor for her next pregnancy :)

Stretch marks? Still nothing yet but I am putting on lotion religiously so I am still hoping that I won't get any but I am pretty sure I'll never be that lucky.

Sleep? I sleep pretty good still, getting up for the occasional bathroom break in the middle of the night but getting up at 4:45 for work each morning is still taking it toll on me- once I'm home at 3:30 from work there is still a daily nap that takes place. 

Best moment last week? Well last week was very cool because I went to my moms house on Tuesday after meeting a friend for dinner and my mom got to feel Samuel really kick! I feel it all the time but now Brandon and my mom have :)

Movement? I can definitely feel him now!! He is pretty active in the mornings and in the evenings or if I fall off the wagon and have a drink with a lot of sugar in it-- last week I had a lemonade and I thought he was going to bust out!! I've learned to water it down so it's not so concentrated. 

Food cravings? FRUIT!! All the time! Oh and grilled cheese! I love getting weird looks when I order it off the kids menu and I am rocking the baby bump but oh well!!

Labor signs? Still no on this one! YAY!

Belly button in/out? Still in :) 

What I miss: Sometimes and this is just sometimes- being able to come home after a stressful day at work and having a beer or a glass of wine but I know its all for the greater good right now.

What I am looking forward to: Finally finishing cleaning out the nursery- I never realized that a spare bedroom could hold so much crap!

Milestones: Today Brandon, my mom and I went to buy buy baby and ordered our furniture for the nursery! We ordered the crib, the conversion rails, the dresser and our glider for the room! 6 weeks unit delivery and I cannot wait!

Other than the usual baby changes some of my lovely friends got together this week to plan out my first baby shower in November. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life to think so much of me to help plan a shower for baby Samuel. 

Until the next time! 
XOXO
Jenn & Sam (hehe)