2 Weeks

Gracie,
The time is flying and dragging by at the same time. I'm in a half asleep daze most of the time but can't seem to fall asleep through the day either. Everyday we learn something new like when it's better to just put the diaper back on you and let you finish your business or if you are really awake or just making noises in your sleep. So far we've experienced several good laughs about the hair on your ears or just how loud you are when you're gassy and a few good cries because I've just been so tired and well you... aren't. It already makes me want to cry when I see how quickly you are growing and everyday that passes is one less that you're my tiny baby. You've already gained a whole pound since you were born and you look different everyday to me. You hate a pacifier, love to eat, and I can't keep socks on your feet because they are so long and slender you just kick them right off. Even though they say a baby your age doesn't really smile I can't help but melt even in the middle of the night after only getting an hour of sleep. Speaking of melting it really makes me so proud when I see you curled up on your Daddy's belly asleep and how much he loves you too. We should be making your 1st and I'm sure it won't be the last trip to Pumpkin Hollow this weekend. I know you won't remember it but we'll be taking plenty of pictures.

Love,
Mama

Birth Story

September 17th


Friday afternoon after a mild gall bladder attack I took some medicine and tried to take a good nap in hopes of feeling better I woke up to some mild stomach cramps. I was still pretty groggy from the pain meds so I was able to ignore it for a little while. By 6 pm I started to get pains that were coming and going regularly but didn’t want to mention them just yet in case it was a false alarm. The pains were still coming regularly so I told RJ and we started timing them at 3-7 minutes apart and decided to shower and wash my hair. By 9 pm they were becoming painful and hard to ignore so we made our way to the hospital. The hospital was really busy so they got me into a triage room and hooked me up to the monitors. After an exam they said I was maybe a fingertip dilated and gave us the option to go home or walk the halls to see if I could make any more progress. At this point it was after midnight so they gave me an Ambien and sent us on our way. I got into bed but did not get more than about two hours of sleep because the contractions never quit.

September 18th

We figured that she would be here Saturday night at the latest and went to lunch at IHOP for one last good meal. No sooner than we left the restaurant I was ready to go back to the hospital. We came home grabbed our bags and left again. The hospital was still pretty busy so right back to the same triage room I went where I was told I was still 1cm. Tired, cranky, and still hurting from the roughest exam ever we left with strict instructions not to come back until my water broke or I was bleeding. I tried to lie down and rest but at this point it wasn’t happening. By 7pm there was a shift change at the hospital and we knew the nurse that had been so helpful and understanding Friday night was back so we called the hospital. They suggested a warm bath and a Unisom so into the bathtub I went which did help a little. While I was in the bath RJ went to Arby’s and brought me back a roast beef sandwich which I ate in the tub. As soon as I had finished my sandwich the water had started to cool off and I was once again miserable. RJ had started a movie so I was trying to watch with him but was so tired I was nodding off between contractions. By the time the movie was over I was fed-up and crying because I couldn’t get a break. I made up my mind by 10pm that we were going back and I was not going home without pain relief. This time we actually were brought to a regular room and I was hooked up to the monitors and checked to find out I had only made it to 2 cm. They told me I could stay and that when I made it to 3 cm I would be admitted and by 4 cm I could get an epidural. I got my IV put in and then finally they brought in my Stadol which was sweet relief. I got 4 shots of that but each time it was a little less effective and I was only getting relief by moaning thru the contractions.

September 19th

When the anesthesiologist made it in I was hurting pretty bad again. Later I found out it was a resident that put in my epidural and looking back on it the fact that it took two men to do it should have tipped me off but I wasn’t really in my right mind at that point. I cried more with him trying to find placement for it than the actual procedure. I don’t know if he was really that rough or if I was tender from the contractions but I couldn’t keep my composure. After it was in place my right leg immediately started to tingle and feel like it was asleep but nothing else did. You could tell they were concerned and debating on if they should redo it but decided not to and gave me a bolus to see if it helped. I had to be monitored for 30 minutes while lying down and it was so hard since it made my contractions more intense and harder to breathe through. I started to feel relief after about an hour and finally dozed off for a little while. When I woke up I realized my legs were completely dead but I could feel my contractions again. They said I had a hot spot and would have to call the anesthesiologist back in. I was moaning through the contractions again when they got in with another bolus for my epidural. When they checked me I was only 5 cm and my contractions had slowed down which was a possible side effect of the epidural. My Dr. made it to the hospital and came in to break my water and start me on pitocin then things immediately sped up from there. By the next time I was checked I had made it to 7 cm and RJ went to the car to bring in our bags. After a short nap the nurse came by to check me again and said that I was almost to 10 cm and would be pushing soon. I was scared to death that my epidural might wear off again but when we started doing practice pushes I couldn’t feel a thing and they kept reassuring me that I was pushing really good which I figured was just to inspire me to prepare for a long period of pushing and keep me going. After a few pushes they could already see the a lot of hair but her heart rate would dip and take a bit to recover so we just decided to give her a break until the Dr was able to get there. After about 5 minutes she came in and we started pushing again. It was totally relaxed and we even joked and laughed in between contractions. Everyone was waiting outside by now but still thought it would be a while. Within 30 min from the time I started to push Gracie Kimber entered the world at 1:45 pm. She let out one good cry but she was so quiet and content afterwards and all the staff said they couldn’t believe how alert she was. After they cut her cord she was placed on my chest where they cleaned her off. She watched me the entire time and it was so surreal. Gracie weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20 1/4 in. long. She has been such a good baby so far and only cries just for a moment when she needs something. We feel so lucky to have her and are enjoying her so much.

This was taken from IHOP in between contractions

40 Week Letter

Gracie,


So let me start by asking how comfy are you in there? I’m really anxious to meet you and you’ve proved me wrong once again. I could have sworn you would be a boy and tears streamed down my face when the ultrasound tech confirmed you were in fact a girl. Daddy and I both wanted a little girl to complete our family. When it came to my guess for your birthday I had a strong feeling you would be here early and surprise us. Well you surprised us by growing right on through your estimated birthday but that’s alright. I tried to comfort Daddy by telling him that you don’t rush a lady when she’s getting ready and you must have been doing something really important. I’ve been trying to hold out to see if you would come on your own but I broke down and let the Dr. schedule a spot for us in the hospital just in case because honestly your Daddy is so excited to meet you I couldn’t say no anymore. Not only am I looking forward to being able to hold you on the outside but I’m really waiting to see you with your Daddy. I wish he could experience all the little kicks and hiccups the same way that I did so you two have a lot of catching up to do. I’m finding it really hard to wait patiently around the house this weekend but I really don’t have the energy for much else and while you may be comfy in there it’s getting hard for me to walk. Your room is all done and waiting for you. Family is checking on us regularly like we might forget to tell them about your arrival. Please cooperate for us when the big day comes.



Love Mama and Daddy

39 Weeks

(I put on clothes just for this photo- you're welcome)

How far along: 39 Weeks 5 Days


Total Weight Gain/Loss: Up to 202 lbs

Maternity Clothes: I haven’t been out of my pj’s much this week

Stretch Marks: No better or worse

Sleep: Not so hot since I’ve been sick all week

Movement: Still several hours of peace and quiet and then it’s time to party

Labor Signs: I had one day of cramps that were different but not really painful and hard to time so let’s hope for some progress at tomorrow’s Dr appt. Clearly I’m still here so it wasn’t that big of a deal.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I haven’t really wanted much food since I’ve been sick and I can’t taste anything.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button In or Out: Almost all the way out surprisingly enough. If you're a glutton for punishment there is photographic proof at the end of the post.

What I Miss: My energy. I’ve sat here the last 2 days doing absolutely nothing despite dishes that could be done and laundry that needs to be put away.

What I am Looking Forward To: Obviously birth at this point

Weekly Wisdom: Don’t take the flu shot this close to delivery. I know there are skeptics (Mama) but I seriously think it was no coincidence that I became ill within hours of getting the dang thing. Whether it weakened me into taking on another bug or it being the shot itself I’m not impressed and will not be getting another one. I never get one and the only reason I did this time was so the immunity could be passed on to Gracie for flu season, so you’re welcome Gracie. Mom took one for the team.

Best Moment This Week: Getting my changing table delivered so Gracie’s room is fully functional and put into place now. Thank you Paw Paw!

39 Week Info:
•The average baby is about 20 inches and weighs about 7.5 pounds.
•The baby has reached its final birth position.
•It will be cramped inside your uterus for much movement.
•Your baby will continue to punch and kick but lower in your abdomen, under your pelvis.
•The head is about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
•Most of the baby's downy coating of lanugo has now disappeared.

The Completed Nursery



On her front door- a gift from Memaw

A very small portion of her clothes

Her crib and bedding which we centered most of the decor around

The tree branch above the crib

The table beside her rocker and her car seat with canopy I made

The glider and Mr. Bean

Shelf with quilt made by Cindy

Her hair bow holder with the bows I've made so far

Some of the wall art I've made from cardboard

The beautiful changing table made by Paw Paw

A big thank you to all those that helped with her room and for all the beautiful things we received to fill it up.

Disclaimer: The following photos may cause the urge to pour bleach into your eyes and light yourself on fire but I felt they were necessary to document my true hugeness and discomfort in my final days of pregnancy so if you are at all squeamish about bare bellies DO NOT SCROLL DOWN.

If you survived that congrats you deserve a cookie but I don't have any I ate them all.

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 Weeks 4 Days


Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still at an even 200

Maternity Clothes: Just whatever I throw on if I even decide to get dressed at this point.

Stretch Marks: Are getting itchy

Sleep: Pretty good last night but there is a story to that. Friday night I woke up with an awful gall bladder attack that left me throwing up and in pain most of the night and pretty much useless on Saturday. Sunday I was feeling good again so I decided to deep clean the house and get things done so I didn't have to worry about it for a while. That afternoon I started to get some contractions but I knew it was due to cleaning and they weren’t anything close to timetable. By 7 my back was hurting which is normal after cleaning for me but then it started to get worse and my chest was hurting too. I kept an ice pack on it for an hour but no relief so at this point we called Labor and Delivery and was told to come on in. I knew it wasn’t labor but they were at least able to get me some pain meds and make sure my gall bladder had not become infected. It was an interesting trip to say the least. We were beside a room with a woman in labor going au natural so that was difficult to listen to. They finally got me checked in and started my iv which left my hand bleeding everywhere and after what seemed like an eternity they came in with my morphine and unhooked me from the monitor on my belly. Gracie didn’t seem to be phased by it at all and I think possibly enjoyed it because she was all over the place. Finally after 2 bags of fluid, 2 shots of morphine, an Ambien, and a prescription for Darvocet we were allowed to go home about 12:30. So that’s what you have to go though to get a solid night of sleep in the final weeks of pregnancy.

Movement: She is quiet most of the day with night time being her preferred time of day to stretch and prop her feet up in my ribs.

Labor Signs: A few good contractions here and there but nothing to get excited about and as of my last appt. I was still locked up tight so we will see if anything has changed at my next appt this Thursday.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing really out of the normal

Gender: Still a girl!

Belly Button In or Out: Friday night it stuck out from eating so much but it still has a pucker at the bottom so it’s not completely stuck out.

What I Miss: Being able to sleep on my back or stomach

What I am Looking Forward To: Seeing Gracie for the first time. I would have much rather been in the hospital for that last night. I admit I was a little jealous of the screaming lady next door because before we left you could hear her baby crying and all of her family was waiting for their first look at her.

Weekly Wisdom: There are only 2 elevators in the entire hospital that will take you to the 5th floor where labor and delivery is. It could have saved us a lot of time if we would have known that beforehand.

Best Moment This Week: Going shopping and getting a lot of our last minute items purchased, thank you Daddy and Janet. Also getting the house cleaned well and RJ got the yard cleaned up so we can rest now that everything looks decent again. The weather has been absolutely beautiful so we’ve had our windows open and we’re both in the fall mindset. Now all we need is our little girl.

No more pictures so you'll have to settle for reading more:

Development is complete, baby's main job is to gain weight. The body continues laying on the fat stores at a rate of about an ounce (28 grams) a day, that will help regulate her body temperature after birth. The amniotic fluid, this is approximately equal to 4 or 5 cups. Baby may have a full head of hair now, an inch or more long, but some babies are born with only peach fuzz. Speaking of hair, most of the downy coat of lanugo that covered your baby for weeks has disappeared, but you may see some on the upper back and shoulders when he or she arrives. Almost gone has most of the vernix caseosa, the whitish substance that also covered baby.Your baby will swallow the lanugo and exterior coating, along with other secretions, and store them in their bowels. These will become your infant's first bowel movement, a blackish waste called meconium. Your child's intestines are accumulating lots of meconium. This week, your baby weighs around seven and a half pounds and measures about 20 inches (51cm) head to toe.

37 Weeks

How far along: 37 Weeks 6 Days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Weighing in at an even 200 so I’m still about 8-10lbs under starting weight.

Maternity Clothes: Of course if you can talk me into getting dressed.

Stretch Marks: No worse I suppose but I’m scared for the aftermath of when they aren’t stretched so much. I’m envisioning my belly will look like silly putty that you press on a newspaper and then stretch it till you can’t tell what was there to begin with. Either way I think my days of rocking a bikini are over unless we happen to with the lottery or something.

Sleep: I’m still exhausted even after a good night’s rest.

Movement: She stays on my right side most of the time and movement is starting to hurt more.

Labor Signs: This is a new question added to the quiz but it’s time. The Dr. says my cervix is very soft and the baby’s head is low but no dilation yet. Somewhat disappointing but considering she still has another 2 weeks I’m not concerned at this point. However if I’m writing the same thing in 2 weeks I might be sending a detailed escape route map in for her. There is no rent to own policy in my uterus so start packing your bags Gracie.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Nothing new, I just want my sweets after dinner.

Gender: Still a girl! Thank goodness

Belly Button In or Out: Still really odd looking since the top half is flat and the bottom is still in somewhat.

What I Miss: Feeling like myself

What I am Looking Forward To: I’m so ready to get her room finished. We are just waiting on her changing table so I can do my last organization and put everything in its final place.

Weekly Wisdom: It helps to be a friend of the ultrasound tech.

Best Moment This Week: Getting a short peak at my baby girl in 4D. We got some great pics and it was nice to be able to see her little face. I’ve got shopping to do tomorrow so we are a little bit closer to being finished.

And  for this weeks educational moment I present to you the scariest freaking fruit I've ever seen because the thought of pushing this out is frightening.

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

36 Weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks 3 Days (Yay! I’m not doing this last minute)


Total Weight Gain/Loss: Up to 198 so I’ve gained 3lbs of the weight I lost.

Maternity Clothes: Just whatever fits but I have dressed up most of this week.

Stretch Marks: I’m part Zebra now

Sleep: I’m having all kinds of crazy vivid dreams just like 1st trimester again. Kind of surprised I haven’t beat RJ in my sleep.

Movement: Slowing down but it varies from day to day. Gracie pushes her butt out and I push it back in. We play this game all day.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Chocolate and my nausea still comes and goes but it hasn’t deterred me from eating certain foods.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button In or Out: More of it is starting to stick out. I think it will be flat within the next 2 weeks.

What I Miss: Being able to sit and walk comfortably

What I am Looking Forward To: Getting the last few items we need for the baby.

Weekly Wisdom: People don’t RSVP anymore

Best Moment This Week: Having my last baby shower, having a surprise ultrasound to find out that Gracie is head down (you better stay that way), getting a bunch of great maternity pics made by my friend Sonya, and finishing my thank you cards.

This weeks educational moment:
Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement. At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term.

35 Weeks

How far along: 35 Weeks 5 Days


Total Weight Gain/Loss: I’m assuming it’s still the same but I will have to update after my Dr. appt. tomorrow.

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing mostly my pajamas (you can tell in my above pic, lol) around the house but still using my trusty basics of stretchy pants and long shirts when I must venture into town.

Stretch Marks: The little ones have completely taken over on the underside of my belly. I’m just going to pretend they don’t exist for the next few weeks.

Sleep: Either really good or really bad. I sleep in shifts some nights now.

Movement: Painful most of the time but it’s obviously getting to cramped for her to move a lot now because my daytime is pretty quiet now.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Still chocolate and ice cream

Gender: Girl

Belly Button In or Out: The top half is completely flat and the bottom starts to look that way too after I’ve had a big meal.

What I Miss: Being able to clean without my back hurting so bad.

What I am Looking Forward To: This is a busy week. I have a Dr appt tomorrow, hopefully some maternity pics on Thursday, my birthday is Friday, and my last baby shower is on Saturday.

Weekly Wisdom: Don’t ask me where I’m going because it’s always the bathroom.

Best Moment This Week: Getting most of the house good and clean today so I don’t have to worry with it for a while. Doesn’t sound like much but it’s a big accomplishment for me when it’s hard to get around.

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

35 Weeks Down/ 35 Days To Go

I honor of my last month (give or take) I thought I would write down a few of the ways that has made me figure out I'm almost done with this pregnancy because honestly if I don't laugh about these things I'd cry.

- Your toes start peeling because now that you’re waddling you are walking on previously unused parts of your feet.


- You have to get a rocking start to get off the couch.

- You groan and grunt and never realize it till someone asks if you’re ok.

- I’m considering making my due date, the baby’s name and followed by “yes, we’re excited” and “no, she wasn’t an accident” my next tattoo.

- 10 hours in bed isn’t enough because you only spent 3 sleeping.

- You’ve recently scrubbed your baseboards.

- The baby hears me apologize to her daily for hitting my belly with the door.

- You feel more like the woman in National Geographic than the one in Cosmo magazine.

- It’s easier to smile and say you feel great rather than take the time to tell someone what no longer works on your body.

- Clothes are no longer required to be cute as long as they somewhat cover your belly and are comfortable.

- Spending most of your day in the bathroom is routine now.

- The motorized carts in Wal-mart look more appealing with every trip I take. If it had a bigger basket on the front I probably would have used one by now.

- Your new rule is if you drop something that isn't chocolate and you can't pick it up with your toes you didn't need it any how.
 

 

I know it will all be worth it in the end.

34 Weeks

How far along: 34 Weeks 5 Days


Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don’t suppose there is any change since last week.

Maternity Clothes: As long as it is sleeveless I don’t care and pants are optional this month. It has been so hot and we have seen several days with temps over 100.

Stretch Marks: Nothing new that I can see so that isn’t very reliable.

Sleep: Getting hard to sleep since my hips hurt so bad. I find my self sitting Indian style (I know that’s not politically correct) a lot because it relieves some of the pressure.

Movement: I still feel the most at night time but my ribs have become a jungle gym and I spend a lot of time trying to coax her down.

Food Cravings/Aversions: I think I’ve had half of a chocolate cake by myself this week. I also keep having dreams about drinking cherry coke and root beer. I always get really thirsty at bedtime but try to hold off on drinking a lot since I’m up at night so much anyhow.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button In or Out: Still in but I’m surprised it’s hanging on. It’s so shallow and I think the top half is flat all that’s left is just a little dent in the bottom.

What I Miss: Not hurting all the time. My back and hips are killing me and the foot/knee/elbow that is poking me constantly is starting to wear me down. I think I have officially reached the point of no return for being miserable.

What I am Looking Forward To: Well since I’m hurting and not feeling so hot right now I’d say I’m looking forward to getting my own body back. I can also say on a positive note I’m looking forward to putting all the finishing touches on the nursery so I can relax (the best I can with thinking about labor and delivery).

Weekly Wisdom: Having hot and cold packs to put on your body is a life saver when you can’t take any medications. Tylenol does NOTHING for me I might as well eat them like Tic Tacs, which I wouldn’t do.

Best Moment This Week: Getting the trim put up in the nursery and getting to spend some time with Cindy. Thanks Larry for making the bedroom look so good.

This weeks development info:

 Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

33 Weeks

How far along: 33 Weeks 6 Days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still holding steady no more gained or lost

Maternity Clothes: If I’m home I’m usually wearing an old shirt but I will usually wear maternity if I have to run into town.

Stretch Marks: No worse I suppose

Sleep: When I can actually fall asleep I sleep pretty well

Movement: Some days a bit painful but most of the time I see body parts coming up and down in waves and I can never tell what they are. Sometimes I can narrow it down between a knee or elbow because it’s so sharp and it hurts worse. I find myself pushing her back down and away from my ribs a lot.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Still enjoying the sweets but now I want anything and everything I see mentioned on tv.

Gender: Girl

Belly Button In or Out: The top of it is almost flat while there is still a dip in the bottom. It looks really strange take my word for it.

What I Miss: Being able to breathe. There is not enough room for my lungs and this little girl all up in my ribs.

What I am Looking Forward To: My next shower so I can stop freaking out about what we do and don’t have. I’m so paranoid she is going to make an early surprise arrival and we won’t be prepared. We also have a family reunion coming up and my birthday too.

Weekly Wisdom: If you try to schedule appointments around your Dr. they will always run late and spoil your plans.

Best Moment This Week: I’ve got a lot of sewing done this week. Curtains finished in the nursery and my bedroom. I’ve also been making my own burp cloths and I made my own cover for the changing table pillow and a table cloth for the nursery too. I guess in other important milestones I’ve started getting leaky boobs but the excitement wears off very quickly. I’ve also had a few short lived contractions that stopped me in my tracks but nothing too bad.

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.