February 8, 2013

Blizzard of Nemo

February 8th, 2013 - February 9th, 2013

Friday, February 8th I had a scheduled doctor's appointment to check my blood pressure. Shocker...it was high. The nurse walked out of the room and Jeff looked at me and asked, "Should we have packed the bags?" I thought...no way. The doctor walked in and retook the pressure and said, "Ok....I think the time has come." What? Wait? 

I had been scheduled to go into the hospital on Sunday, the 10th to "get things moving." My doctor wanted to move everything up because of my blood pressure and the blizzard that had currently started outside.

Jeff and I left the doctors and I just kept thinking, "Is this really happening??" We stopped at home to pick up our bags that have been ready to go for the last month. 

We even snuck in one last belly picture!

We arrived at the hospital around noon time.....

Mommy's bag - check!

Daddy's bag - check!

Snack and Activity bag - check!

Lap top bag - check!

Camera bag - check!

We took the elevator up to the 5th floor of Maternity and Delivery!

Ahhhhhhh!

Here goes nothing!

We checked-in only to find out there were no rooms available! Apparently every other pregnant woman decided to go into the hospital as well with this storm! We switched rooms 4 times until we were able to stay where we were.

What do you do to pass the time while you are anxiously waiting to hear something??? Watch Sons of Anarchy of course! Jeff packed the laptop and obviously brought along some BOSE speakers, so we were able to watch a couple of episodes and get a little cuddle time.

7 o'clock Friday night the doctor gave me a ripening agent to see if they could get anything moving along. When they came back at 10 o'clock they were going to give me another dose, BUT I was already contracting more then they had anticipated so they didn't and told me to get some sleep.

February 9th, 2013

Jeff had to sleep on a reclining chair....not too comfortable, but good thing he moved into the chair and didn't stay cuddling with me because at 2a.m my water broke!

It was the weirdest thing ever. I was laying there and felt a tiny pop. I stayed still for a second and I felt a trickle and I thought am I peeing myself? 

"Jeff...Jeff....Jeff.....I think my water just broke!" 

I slowly got up and as soon as I got all the way up WOOOOSH! Holy mother of all god! 

I made it to the bathroom and just sat there as water continued to come out.

Jeff called the nurse and she came in and confirmed....yup.....this is it!! No turning back!

I tried to get some more sleep, but really, who would be able to sleep knowing what was about to happen? Contractions started almost immediately, but it was nothing to complain about.....YET!

Holy Huge right???

Around 7a.m the doctor came in to evaluate everything. She had told me good thing I was where I was because my water would have broken regardless if I had the ripening agent or not. Imagine! There was a blizzard going on outside. My biggest nightmare previously was that my water would break at home during the storm and I would be stuck!

After the doctor left I showered and had my final breakfast! Blueberry pancakes, bacon, a bagel, a muffin, orange juice....anything else? haha - it was going to be a loooong day and my last excuse to eat like a pig!

I started Pitocin around 9 a.m and I sat anxiously waiting to see what those intense contractions felt like to come.

It's so funny because before having a baby you have a "Birth Plan" set in place of how you want your birthing experience to go.

I pictured myself in make-up and my hair done because I wanted to look decent in pics. The lights would be lowered. I wanted my "motivation" gym music playing in the background. I wanted to use a birthing ball to lessen contractions and I wanted to go as far as I could without any pain medicine.

Well.....that birth plan was thrown out the window real fast! Nothing went like I had pictured!

I was super, super quiet during the course of the entire day. Jeff and I tried to watch another episode of SOA, but those contractions were starting to make it really hard to concentrate on anything else but pain. Every time a contraction came, my body would tense up and I would close my eyes, grab something close and squeeze.

Jeff and I walked up and down the hallways a couple times stopping every minute or so in order for me to grab the railing and experience that pain I wanted to feel so badly!

I made it back to the room and decided I had felt enough of that pain....I then knew what contractions felt like - check! 3p.m. = Epidural please!!

Many things happened during the course of the next ongoing hours that I did not expect. 

Fever, naseau, dry heaving, dizziness, faint, uncontrollable shaking......every time I felt a different sensation I would tell the nurse and they would check my dilation and it all made sense. Everything I was feeling was normal. With each sensation she said my body was going to the next level. Not everyone has these symptoms though. I had never heard this part of labor, so for those mommies to be.....don't be alarmed if this happens to you!

Timeline:

4 p.m - 3 cm

6 p.m - 8 cm

6:30 p.m - 10 cm

6:40....

PUSH TIME!!!!!

One hour later........

Welcome to the world Brayden Ross!

7:49 p.m

7 pounds

20.5 inches

Our little love bug!!

We are so in LOVE <3

39 Weeks

FEBRUARY:
HAPPY BIRTH MONTH BABY DAVIDSON!

Well...yesterday was the Superbowl. 

From very early on I had planned to play a little joke on Jeff. I wanted to pretend my water broke to put him in a panic during one of his favorite days of the year. It would be priceless seeing his face during one of the biggest plays and then see a puddle on the floor with my dreadful look of "uh oh!!"

Since the Giants aren't in the Superbowl this year my prank didn't seem quite as fun. Not to mention I fell asleep during the fourth quarter after being in a food coma!

We went to the store that morning and planned our Superbowl menu for just the two of us. Pulled pork in the crockpot and nachos smothered in cheeses, ground turkey, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream! I  prayed I didn't go into labor with those foods or it would have been a very sad and dreadful night for the doctors and nurses of Newton Wellesley! haha.

February 4th

39 WEEKS

Today marks week 39, which means my due date is exactly one week from today!

I had a doctor's appointment today and go figure...my blood pressure is back up! 

So much for my hour a day! 

They talked about inducing me tomorrow due to the blood pressure, but I am still not dilated at all. Inducing me too early would just result in a C-section, so they want to wait a little longer to see if my body changes at all within the next couple of days. 

However...

 They did schedule me for an induction! 

I have to go into the hospital Sunday morning to start  a medicine to "ripen the cervix" - sounds so pleasant doesn't it? Some of the terminology they use to describe pregnancy and the procedures is just weird and gross. If the medicine makes me go into labor then I stay there and BOOM - a baby is born. If not, then I go home and then go back in Monday to be induced on my actual due date.

For the past couple of weeks I knew this day was approaching, but for some reason, today made it all seem waaaaay too real. I didn't really know how I felt leaving the doctors. I was excited knowing I wouldn't go past my due date. I was scared to know what I was about to face delivery wise. I was overjoyed picturing myself and Jeff holding this little guy that we created together. I was panicked because I am about to be a mom and bring an actual newborn home instead of just my big belly with the baby inside of it. 

So many feelings and emotions were running wild. When I got home I sat in the nursery and just looked around with tears streaming down my face. 

<3 I can't believe I am going to be a mom! <3

38 Weeks

38 WEEKS

Baby Boy is the size of a PUMPKIN

I really don't think my belly can stretch anymore. Last night my stomach was so hard and tight.....non pregnant girls dream for that description of having a hard and tight stomach.....us pregnant girls not so much. It is just getting a tad uncomfortable and my shirts just don't even cover my belly anymore! haha The best part is....sometimes I can't even tell if my stomach is exposed! Yup...I'm that girl!

For those of you that have been reading my blog you know that I've been on bed rest since 35 weeks. Good news yet again......At my Monday appointment my blood pressure was down again and all my tests showed no more signs of preeclampsia!! Yay! "So, I can go back to work right?!?!" I think my doctor would have literally slapped me if I asked that question! She was so happy with my numbers that she even allowed me one hour a day to do "little" things! haha - little does she know I have been doing things :  ) 

Because they have been concerned with my BP I have to have a non-stress test (NST) 2 times a week. This is what I look like.....

The machine tracks the baby's heart rate, movement, and any contractions I may be having. I have to lay there for 20 minutes listening to the weird and bizarre sounds of this little guy. Many of the sounds sound like a horse gallopping through the open fields. The past 3 visits he has had the hiccups and won't stop moving, which in turn makes me lay there even longer so they can get a more accurate reading! 

The last picture is just to show the obnoxious belly button scar!! I took my belly button ring out during month 3 I think. I mean I was getting ready to be a mom....not a Teen Mom - not really appropriate to continue having a belly button ring......although I was quite sad. I loved my ring, I hate the scar. I really think that hole expanded and got bigger during the whole pregnancy! Gross.

Last night Jeff and I had our final date night together. It was so weird thinking about the fact that this was the last time we'd being going out, just the two of us, without having to try and find a babysitter. There will be no more just get up and go. 

As you can see....it was a special occasion! I even managed to fit....well squeeze my body into jeans annnnnd I wore heels!

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 38 pounds
Maternity clothes? leggings and yoga pants everyday 

Stretch marks? maybe little ones, but can't tell.....and can't really see
Sleep: I can make it to 2:45 now and then I play on Facebook and Pinterest until I can fall back asleep
Best moment this week: knowing that D day is getting closer
Have you told family and friends: : )  
Miss Anything? Being active and working out
Movement: crazy hiccups and punches
Food cravings: Sweets!
Anything making you queasy or sick: I ate a salad yesterday with chicken and may have gagged
Have you started to show yet: he is the size of a pumpkin - no hiding this one
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: crampy feelings, tightening of stomach
Belly Button in or out? even..not in...not out
Wedding rings on or off? Off :  (
Happy or Moody most of the time: getting excited and nervous that the date is creeping up
Weekly Wisdom: Be patient
Looking forward to: Baby D's arrival

37 Weeks

Week 37

FULL TERM : )

Our baby is officially "baked" this week!! This means I "could" go at any minute. What a terrifying, exciting and overwhelming concept all rolled into one! I am getting pretty antsy about meeting this little guy and am getting excited about learning the name of him! Jeff and I decided from day one that we were not going to tell anyone the name because we didn't want to hear other peoples' opinions. This is the only surprise we have left, but it's a surprise I want to know now because we still have not picked one! A couple months ago we had it narrowed down to 3. Then, it went up to 5 names. Last week I thought we were down to 2 and as of last night we are up/down to 3 - haha - never ending! We sit here and write the names down to see how they look. We call out the names to see how it sounds when we could be yelling at him or cheering him on at a sporting event. Good thing we only have a couple weeks left!! Names.....to be continued!

How a baby looks at Full Term:

That little tyke sure does look cozy in there. As squished as Baby D is getting inside my belly, he is still moving around a ton. The movements are now INTENSE to say the least. He literally makes me jump sometimes because he jabs or kicks me so hard....especially on the right side. At night, he moves his entire body on my right side. You can see him and my lopsided belly clear as night.

Bed Rest Update:

I am on day 16 of bed rest - yikes!

 I think I am handling it a lot better then I thought I would be. I still allow myself a little time to do things even though I get grief from Jeff every time I do. If I didn't leave the house at times he'd be dealing with a very depressed and moody human being, so he should be thankful that I do little things, but know my limits and my limit seems to be one hour!

My friends and family have been so great during this time. I went through 6 days in a row where people came over and hung out with me - it was fabulous and I appreciated it so much, so THANK YOU to those who took the ride to entertain me! Another thing that has been a savor are the daily texts, emails, and phone calls from people. Talking to people is key in keeping your spirits up while being home all day long! Yesterday was the first day no one came over, but I had a doctor's appointment, so I was still able to leave the house. I even curled my hair since I had so much time on my hands! haha - I haven't curled my hair since the last wedding I went to!

Jeff met me at the doctors because I actually went to the doctors the day before because I was not feeling well at all. I was laying down at home and I was dizzy and sweat was dripping down my forehead. I am not one to really complain about not feeling well, but I was concerned enough to actually call the doctor and go in. I def have a touch of some bug, but the weird thing was that my blood pressure had gone down!! They were the best numbers I had seen in over a month.

We went into the room and they hooked me up for my non stress test that I go through each and every time I go now. This was the first time Jeff has experienced this one and of course he had the video camera! haha. My blood pressure again was looking pretty good and all my tests show absolutely no signs of preeclampsia anymore!! Bed Rest actually works! We were expecting to pick a date for induction at this appointment, but it turns out, since my numbers all seem to be getting better they may not have to induce me, which is GREAT, but I was secretly getting pumped up to meet him a little earlier then expected. So...as of right now we are waiting for my body to run its course naturally!! Come on body!!! Bring this baby on.....naturally!

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 35 pounds
Maternity clothes? leggings and yoga pants everyday 

Stretch marks? I think I may have one...sometimes you can't tell if it's a stretch mark or if your pants are leaving marks for being so tight ;  )
Sleep: 2 a.m. wake up call every night to lay in bed and think....
Best moment this week: Visits from friends to keep me company
Have you told family and friends: : )  
Miss Anything? Being active and working out
Movement: Baby D loves jabbing me in the ribs!! 
Food cravings: Still loving ice cream and decaf coffee
Anything making you queasy or sick: not really
Have you started to show yet: HA
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: getting crampy feelings each day
Belly Button in or out? even..not in...not out
Wedding rings on or off? Off :  (
Happy or Moody most of the time: getting excited and nervous that the date is creeping up
Weekly Wisdom: Keep feet up
Looking forward to: Baby D's arrival

Joys of Bed Rest

The Joys of Bed Rest

Bed Rest sucks....sorry mom....there just isn't a polite and lady like way of saying it! Laying on a couch or bed all day is torturous if you are like me. My head is filled with all of these things that I could be doing, but I simply can't....even though I feel ok to do so. I ask the question....why can't I if I feel ok? The answer: "You're feeling ok because you are doing so little, so it's NOT ok to cheat. You are allowed to get up to go to the bathroom or to make myself a sandwich. Everything else is off limits." Awesome....sounds like a fun time!

Since I have WAAAAAY too much time on my hands I've been doing alot of looking online at things. I found a site of helpful hints for those on pregnancy bed rest. Let's see if any of them will help me.....keep in mind....this is only day 7 of bed rest! hahaha.

1. Shop online.  

HA! I got that one mastered Friday! From talking to a few people the last couple of days I realized I needed a few items, so what better way to get them then to click, click, click away! Shhhhh - don’t tell Jeff! However...I’m only doing what the doctor told me to do! Relax and enjoy my alone time while it lasts!

First item: Return Labels......ohhhhhh ahhhhhh!! So exciting huh? I figured we'd need some for birth announcements or something so why not. Thanks Vistaprint!

Second item: A Nightgown.....yes I said it.....a nightgown and no I didn't have to go to my grandmothers old clothes bin! Someone told me that after delivery you will want that johnie out of site and will want sweats on. BUT....if you wear sweats it will be a big pain because doctors and nurses will constantly be checking you out down under.....therefore a nightgown is more practical. Can you all picture me in a nice floral lace 1960's nightie?? I bought a tee-shirt night gown from VS and it was on SALE!

 

Third item: A Vera Bradley Wristlet to go with my diaper bag. Many girls responded to my post about what should go in a diaper bag. One thing that I never really thought about what carrying a diaper bag and then carrying my purse along with it. I don't want to be a "Bag Lady" so one piece of advice was to get the wristlet that can hook right on to the diaper bag. It was on CLEARANCE too!!  : ) 

http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Wallets-and-Wristlets/Wristlet/1001625/defaultColorVariantId/176833/pc/638/c/0/sc/890/p/1001625.uts

2. Catch up on photo albums/scrapbooking. I think I'll wait until after Baby D arrives for this one. I don't keep many albums anymore.....everything is on the computer or Facebook.

3.  Journal.   Most of my writing has been done right here on my blog. I'd like to write a letter to the little guy, but I think I'll wait another week or so for that one :  )

4. Play with your kids. Can't really do that one : ) 

5. Watch a lot of movies/TV shows. I've talked to my girls and have started DVRing every known trashy reality TV show known to man! haha. I need something to keep me entertained!

So far my TV watching goes as scheduled:

1. Wake up and turn on the TODAY show.
2. Kelly and Michael at 9
3. TODAY show again with Hoda and Kathie Lee
4. DVR programs: 
1. Teen Mom, 
2. Dance Moms, 
3. Millionaire Matchmaker, 
4. Shahs of Sunset
5. Beyond Scared Straight, 
6. Catfish,
7. Revenge
8. Vanderpump Rules
9. Tosh.0

There are a few others, but can't think of them right now.....those are just the ones I watched the last couple of days! haha. Then at 4 it's Ellen and then I pray to God that Jeff comes home before I go LOCO!

6. Do crafty things. Does PINTEREST count???  : )  My boards are going to be filled with ideas! I may not be able to indulge in all my craftiness laying here, but at least I can pin some goodies! Organizing is at the top of my list.

7. Read and read and read and read.  A coworker gave me some reading material to get started on...thanks Jenn! I am not a baby book reader....kind of freaks me out, but this one is a little different. I've heard great things and a good laugh is never bad! I have it on my bed stand.

8. Take your friends up on their offers of help.  My mom came over yesterday and washed some baby clothes....anyone that gets bored feel free to come over...anytime!!! You don't have to do anything for me......just sit next to me!! haha

9. Stay social. Thank goodness for e-mail, the phone, and Facebook to keep from feeling completely isolated from the outside world.  My maternity sub even texts me throughout the day, so I still feel connected at work! I'm awaiting a FACETIME lunch conversation with my lunch crew! That should be hilarious!

10. Crossword puzzles.  Not me.

11. Blog.   On it!

12. Let yourself feel just a little bit bad for yourself every once in a while.  It’s okay to feel a little bummed out that this is happening.  It’s a bummer, but my goodness....I DON'T want to be one of those people who complains and then facebook complains about every little thing!! I am so thankful and blessed for this bundle of joy coming our way! Laying around isn't the worst thing in the world although it may seem like it...it can always be worse! Keep your head up and stay positive!

13. Live vicariously through others.  This one might be a little hard.....if I should have been there I don't know if I want to hear all the details....it will make me feel like I'm missing out! haha

14. Enjoy the restful/alone times while they last.  This is the one I’m trying to stay focused on. While it can be boring and crazy-making, it is also a really restful time in my life and I should take advantage of it.  While Jeff is at work, I can play music, read, nap, or watch something with no internal guilt over “I should be DOING something.”  Those busy days will come again. There will be a newborn and I will be washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking and cleaning again — for now, I rest. You all heard me! I admitted that I will rest!

I'm going to add my own to this list.

15. Call a cleaning service. This may not seem important, but to me I feel VERY GUILTY about just laying here while Jeff works hard all day long. If I were him I would be aggravated that my wife is home all day and is in the same place when he leaves and comes home with the house looking exactly as it did hours before. I know I am not supposed to be doing anything, but I think I would feel better if the house was spic and span clean and I didn't have to worry about it or secretly hope Jeff would pick up a toliet brush or broom!! I got some recommendations from neighbors and plan on calling someone next week.

I feel like I started today's blog sounding negative and ended by sounding on the upside! Hmmmmm.....blogging helps put things into perspective - haha. However...if anyone has any tips or ideas of things for me to do let me know!

The most important thing is a healthy baby!!

35 Weeks

35 Weeks

Baby Boy doesn't have that much room in that belly of mine now! This week he is compared to a honeydew melon. I have the perfect basketball belly, which I am so surprised about. I totally didn't think I would carry the way I am carrying....I guess I shouldn't complain though!!

I've had high blood pressure since before Christmas and was officially diagnosed with gestational hypertension. Some say it's one of those silent killers. I get the occasional headache and my heart races, but other then that I feel ok....however.....I do get very red throughout the day (but to me I'm red alot of the time so didn't think much about it) Doctors have been monitoring it and checking it weekly. For those that want to know more about high blood pressure during pregnancy these two sites are pretty good.

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_preg.htm

http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy-topic-overview

Since all of my appointments have been in the afternoon they wanted me to come in before work one day to see if there was a difference in the numbers. Tuesday was the big day! My appointment was at 9:15, so I got to sleep in and take my time.....Score!! I felt relaxed and even did some deep breathing on the ride in.

I got there and they called me right away. The nurse took my blood pressure 3 times in a row and I just knew what she was thinking!! Dam....that deep breathing didn't help at all! She left and I awaited the doctor. The door opened and I got the look I have dreaded getting! Her first words..."you know what I'm about to say." TEARS GALORE!!!! Noooooo!! Please don't!!!! Yup....done with work and bed rest. I simply just couldn't believe it. I guess I was in pure denial. I knew I had been having high blood pressure, but I really didn't think she would make me stop working. I mean....I've been feeling fine! Because it's my first pregnancy half of the time I just think what I'm feeling is a part of pregnancy. I've had such a good pregnancy for the most part. I really just couldn't believe it....and quite frankly still don't want to believe it.

For most people, they would be so excited to hear those words, but for me, it was my worst nightmare. In my head, I still had 4 weeks left with my kids. It went from 4 weeks to a half day in a matter of seconds!! I begged her to let me finish the week....no such luck!! My last day officially teaching was that afternoon.   :  (  PANIC!!! My thoughts and emotions were allllll over the place. Going into work right after was not fun. I hated having to tell the principal I was done. I hated telling my kids. I hated the fact that I knew how much planning I had to do in order to leave! I ended up staying at work until 7:30 - haha. Not exactly taking it easy, but for those who know me shouldn't be surprised! I needed some sanity and by me staying and prepping gave me piece of mind. Being a teacher isn't easy. It's not a desk job. I can't just say it's my last day and walk away! 

So for now....Bed Rest it is! Ahhhh...I am soooooo not a Bed Rest kind of person! However, I have to do what's right for the little guy. Work is not what is important....or so they say : ) I am lucky to have found a great replacement who I am confident will do an amazing job! Rachel...if you are reading this - Good Luck with my kiddos! You will be a great teacher! This is an awesome opportunity for you and it is a lesson you could never learn in books!

The only good part about that day was getting a bonus ultrasound to make sure our baby boy was ok : )

His estimated weight so far is 6 pounds 2 ounces.....I know everyone says not to trust this, but if it is true then he's measuring a week ahead of time! I loved seeing his cute little face with chubby little cheeks! I even spotted some hair!! : )

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 31 pounds
Maternity clothes? yes.

Stretch marks? No stretch marks but that belly is stretching!
Sleep: Insomnia....just can't sleep! Toss and turn thinking, thinking, thinking!
Best moment this week: surprise ultrasound
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? work - haha
Movement: Yup...punches and kicks in the ribs - good times!
Food cravings: Twizzlers are my friend this week! I bought them for the hospital bag - haha. I bet they don't last the weekend!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: The belly is getting rather big....I think I will even miss it once our little guy arrives
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: shortness of breath.....fast heartbeat......blood pressure and being swollen
Belly Button in or out? my never ending innie is getting pretty dam close to popping
Wedding rings on or off? Off...
Happy or Moody most of the time: emotional!! 
Weekly Wisdom: Keep those feet up
Looking forward to: Arrival!

Baby Shower

<3 BABY SHOWER <3

January 5, 2013

Our baby shower was absolutely perfect for us!! There was alot of love in that room! Jeff and I were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. Our Baby boy is one spoiled guy, but is so extremely lucky to have these amazing people in his life!

Baby Bump at the end of 34 weeks.....

I have to give a big shout out to my sister! She went above and beyond to make this day so special for us! Everything was perfect and I was obsessed with the decor! Pinterest watch out!! She worked her little butt off on crafts throughout the week to make the room have the best baby boy chic decor.

Some of my girls....

Feb and April babies....

The cake.....so delicious!

Jeff lucked out with people being extremely nice about the battle of the sports teams! 

Part of my sister's gift was a first outfit for every holiday starting with a newborn onsie for Valentine's Day to 9-12 month gear for Christmas and Hanukkah!

My mom even gave me my very first baby blanket!!

I said people were nice....not perfect!! Love the Red Sox diaper boy!! Jeff looks thrilled!

Back to him happy.....Davidson 34 - Jeff's old football number! Glory Days!

Celtics jersey to celebrate where we met and had our first date!! Perfect!

Love them!! <3

The boys relaxing after....well earned to my brother in law Mike! He was a saint. He played the part of Valet for all the girls and loaded ALL and I mean ALL of our gifts by himself into our cars!

He is the best!

Parents To Be!!!!

Thank you to all!!