Birth Story of Anna Faith

Since I haven't updated the dusty ol' blog in months, I'll begin with my pregnancy! The pregnancy went very well. Morning sickness was manageable and it lasted until about 21 weeks. Once I was past that, the pregnancy flew by! I felt great up until the last couple of weeks where I felt the general fatigue and heaviness of being very pregnant! Overall, for experiencing my first pregnancy in my 40s, I felt great.

This photo was taken at 27 weeks.

About five days before the birth, I had my 39 week appointment.  At this appointment, we discussed our desired plan.  Since I dilate early, have issues with postpartum hemorrhage, and I feel strongly about having my own doctor deliver my babies, we decided to schedule an induction. For me, this means breaking my water.  The plan was for me to come in at 5:30am on Monday, April 20th. Though I loved the idea of getting as close to the due date as possible, I was a little nervous about not making it another five days, and missing my doctor.

Three days later, on Saturday, contractions began in the evening.  They didn't hurt at all, but were coming regularly.  I decided to get into the bath to see if they would slow down.  They did, so I pretty much stayed in bed and rested.

The next day, Sunday, the very same thing happened.  Except this time, the contractions were more consistent and a few were uncomfortable.  I again, got into the bath and then went to bed.  But they kept coming.  I prayed that God would allow me to make it just a few more hours so that I could get to the hospital when my doctor would be on duty.  There are a few doctors in the practice who may not be as open to some of my birth wishes. In addition to that, if I were to have an emergency situation arise, I prefer to have my own doctor make critical decisions on my behalf.  In the end, however, I knew that I would have to trust God with whatever direction the birth would go.

After several hours of debating whether or not to go to the hospital, contractions finally slowed down. We went to bed, and then got up at before dawn to arrive at the hospital at 5:30.

After we checked in, we were told I would be delayed because a string of women came in during the night with ruptured water bags, so the rooms filled up.  We decided to walk a bit to try and get things going again.  Contractions started up at about 9am. Around that same time, the staff decided to put me in a pre-op room to at least get things going until a room opened up.  I tested GBS positive, so I would need antibiotics before delivery.  They put me on the monitors, got my IV going, and started antibiotics. The contractions kept coming and they were getting more consistent and stronger.  Each time I had one, I could feel my bag of water bulging.  I was concerned that my water would break on its own before getting into a room.  Normally, I would gladly want my water to break on its own, but for this birth I had decided to have an epidural.  As with Grace's birth, and the concern of postpartum hemorrhage, I opted for the epidural so that I could avoid general anesthesia if an emergency arose.  And since I had made that decision to have an epidural, I was not the least bit interested in feeling the pains of labor AFTER my water breaks.  lol I wanted to get to my room, have the epidural, and then have my water broken!  It's funny how once that decision has been made, all my mental toughness just disappears.  Ha!

It was now nearing 11am and still no room.  At this point, a sweet friend of mine who was with us went to tell a nurse that I was no longer an "induction", that I was IN labor!  Shortly after that, a room was ready and things got moving quickly.  Within the next half hour, I was settled in my room, received my epidural, and had my water broken at 12:15.  I was already 5 centimeters dilated at that point.

Whew!  We made it!

Immediately after my water was broken, I had several good contractions.  But after a while, they started to lessen in intensity and get farther apart.  Darn epidural!  It has a way of slowing things down sometimes.  We were diligent to try different positions to get baby into a good position.  A couple hours later, I was 7 centimeters.  I was encouraged that progress had been made despite contractions slowing down.  At that point, I told the nurse that I have very fast transitions, and that all I need is one or two good contractions and I will be complete.  We had a lull in contractions, so we just waited.  And sure enough, I had one really good contraction and suddenly felt "that" pressure.  I asked my husband to get a nurse to check me.  I was complete!  Hooray!

I ended up pushing for a half hour, which is very unusual for me.  But the doctor said the baby's head still needed to turn a bit.  I remember laughing at how hard I had to work compared to previous births where pushing lasted only minutes.

Our beautiful Anna Faith was born at 3:29p, April 20, 2015.  She weighed 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

The delivery went smoothly and I had no immediate bleeding issues.  Since I have a history of postpartum hemorrhage, I have to have pitocin immediately following the birth.  This aids my uterus in contracting properly to avoid excess bleeding.  All was well for the next eight hours.

Greg and I were just settling in for the night, and suddenly the bleeding started up in earnest.  Greg went to get the nurse, and there began the well-versed rounds of uterine massage, manual sweeps for clots, injections, and more pitocin.  It was very painful.  I remember thinking how glad I was that I had had the epidural during labor, because all of this after "stuff" is like a second labor. Ouch!

The nurses were amazing!  They ended up calling the L & D nurses who are more experienced with hemorrhages, and they worked diligently to get things under control.  A short while later, I was back on track and extremely thankful for the skill and wisdom of these nurses.

Amazingly, my blood pressure never dropped, and all my blood work came back normal.  What a praise!

After a two-day stay, it was time to go home!  This photo was taken as we were waiting to be discharged.

Here is our little darling at one week old!

Our oldest baby girl (22) with our youngest baby girl!  :)

We are so grateful for Anna, our 11th child.  Never in a million years would I have thought we'd have eight daughters!  Our three boys handle all this "girl madness" quite well.  They are sweet brothers!  :)

I hope this birth story wasn't too scattered and poorly written.  My goal was to get it up quickly, or I probably would never get it done due to.....life!  I was going through my drafts, and seeing that I have tons of them waiting to be finished.  Maybe someday I can get back to blogging, but for now, life is bursting at the seams and I don't want to miss it!

Blessings!

Our Exciting Announcement

We are so thrilled to announce that we will be welcoming our first grand baby in March of 2014.  We are so excited, and so thankful to God for His good gifts!

We found out during Celeste's "Happy 18th" birthday party.  It was quite humorous.  Cheyenne called me into our powder bath to ask me if I could see a line!  Indeed I did.  So one by one, family members and close friends filed into the bathroom to "quietly" hear the news.  It was a hoot.  We were all celebrating in this tiny bathroom, and laughing about the humor of the situation, all while the party was going on.  It was a great day!  And Celeste couldn't think of a better birthday gift to receive than the news of becoming an auntie!  We are so excited!

 

 

Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow!!!

 

 

Just Because... A Couple of Photos

Our sweet Grace is 11 weeks old!  But here she is at 10 weeks.  I can't get enough of those cheeks!
 

 

 

 

Our spunky Genevieve turned 5 this month!  Such a big girl!

 

Grace's Birth-Part 2

Read Part 1 here.

I couldn't believe it.  We had gone from the joys and celebration of giving birth, to now facing a potential CPS situation.  And all over refusing Vit K and eye goop!

When we initially refused the treatments, the nurse was caught off guard.  She wasn't sure even what to do.  She said she would need to discuss it with the nursery staff and go from there.  When she returned, she handed me a refusal form and informed me that we would most likely be reported to child protective services.

Let me see if I understand this.  I can smoke cigarettes throughout my entire pregnancy if I wish to, and I can even choose to kill my baby in utero if I want to, but I can't decline a Vitamin K shot, or eye ointment that protects against exposure to STDs I know I don't have, without being reported to CPS?  Are you kidding me? 

Needless to say, our joy quickly turned to frustration.  The nurse left the room and we all discussed the situation.  Do we stand firm on our decision?  Or do we submit and give the shot. 

Because we have no moral objection to Vit K, we decided to go ahead and let them administer the shot.  Somewhere in all of this, I thought all the fuss was over the shot alone.  Even though I knew it was my right to refuse it (which we had in several previous births), it wasn't worth CPS getting involved.  We've been there before, and it isn't pretty! (Someday,  I will write about it.)

The nurse administered the shot.  A few minutes later, she came back with the eye ointment.  I was confused. I immediately said we were not allowing the ointment and told her we had only agreed to the Vit K.

Here we go again!

At this point, something inside me changed.  This was now a matter of principle!  No one was going to tell me what I could and couldn't do with MY child!  I told the nurse we would not be taking the ointment and that they could do whatever they needed to do about it. 

Once she left the room, I asked one my friends present to read the refusal form that we had been given earlier.  She pointed out several issues on the form, the most important one being that we would essentially be admitting to harming our child by refusing the treatments. 

We could not sign this form!

We explained the issues with the form to the nurse and she told us we would need to sign something or she would be held responsible.  I told her I would write a statement taking full responsibility for my decision and would not hold the hospital or the staff responsible, but that I would not sign a form that incriminates me as a parent. 

In the meantime, all we kept hearing was that this was the law.  In the state of Texas, the law requires the hospital staff to administer the eye ointment.  The law is a little tricky here because it does not prevent parents from refusing.  If the hospital has not checked their ointment box, they can be fined or even serve jail time.  No wonder they bully their patients.

Conversely, the Vitamin K shot is not required by law, however, you are required to sign the same incriminating "I'm-a-bad-parent" form if you refuse it.

By now, it's approaching midnight.  Greg and I are exhausted.  The nurse informs us that we will need to speak with Risk Management.  We weren't sure what to expect, but we said we would.  A short while later, a woman from RM calls me on the phone to discuss the matter.  She was very pleasant.  She asked me what was going on, and I informed her of every detail, even down to how our parental rights were being stripped away from us.  I also read her some of the ambiguous statements on the Refusal Form, and told her we could not sign a form in which we are admitting to harming our child.

She agreed with every word I said!

In fact, she wasn't even familiar with the form and agreed that parents should not be threatened with CPS for refusing these things.  I told her that I would gladly write my own statement taking full responsibility for my decision.  She said that would be fine!  She also said she would further investigate the whole CPS threat.

Shortly after speaking with RM, the nurse came back with a blank sheet of paper on which to write my statement.  I wrote my statement and then signed it.  When I gave it back to the nurse, she apologized for the situation.  Once she realized that we were informed parents, exercising our right to make decisions on behalf of our child, she was in our corner.  She continued to apologize throughout the evening.  We really appreciated her kindness and sensitivity toward us, and felt badly for her, that she would dare be held accountable for our decisions.

To make a potentially longer story short, all turned out well.  We were never reported to CPS, and everyone left us alone once we signed our statement.  The staff treated us with care and respect, and we were back to baby bliss!

The next morning however, when we refused the Hep B shot (to which we do have a moral objection), we were handed the famous form.  Again!  And again we were not going to sign it.  I found it quite interesting that they use the same form for "treatments" that are both required and not required by law.  Intimidated moms don't stand a chance against these types of bully tactics.

Funny enough, no one ever came back for our refusal form, so we averted another statement signing session.  And at exactly the 24 hour mark, at 10:00 PM, we were discharged and on our way HOME SWEET HOME!

Now, on a personal note: I struggled with all of this for a couple of days.  Since we had no moral objections to the Vit K or the eye ointment, I wondered if refusing them was the right thing to do.  After all, even Scripture tells us to submit to the governing authorities unless it's something contrary to the word of God.  (Keep in mind, we had refused these in the past without incident).  Was this something worth fighting for, or should we just quietly go along?

But as my husband and I thought and talked more about it, we were sure we did the right thing.  Our parental rights are being stripped away more and more every day!  By submitting to even these small scenarios, we are slowly giving the government more control and power over decisions regarding our children.  God has given us charge over our children, not the government.  We've read too many stories recently in the news where children are being removed from their homes because their parents made an informed decision about homeschooling, or a vaccine, or a medical treatment. 

**Please note that I am not saying you should do or think the same.  Every parent must weigh the situation, pray, and proceed as God directs.  This is simply how we feel/felt.**

Because we are growing increasingly concerned about our parental rights, we are investing more time and effort into keeping them.  You can too by going to parentalrights.org and signing the Proposed Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S Constitution petition.  You can also watch Overruled and share it with your friends and family.

Despite those few hairy hours, nothing could overshadow the joy of bringing a precious new life into the world.  We are so thankful for our beautiful Grace, and thankful for God's grace, abundantly poured out upon us!

Have you had a similar experience?  Do you decline Vitamin K or Eye Ointment?  What would you have done if you found yourself in a similar situation? 

Grace's Birth-Part 1

This birth story is much different than my previous stories.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I would need to deliver back in the hospital.  After my last home birth, and my second significant hemorrhage, the hospital would be the safest place for me.

It is really difficult to return back to the hospital after home birthing.  Even though I'd had seven wonderful hospital births, something changes psychologically after you've home birthed.  At least, for me it did.

About a month before my due date, my husband and I asked my doctor when he would be on call.  One very important aspect of the impending birth was that I delivered with my beloved and trusted OB doctor.  If I had to be in the hospital, I had to have my own doctor.   I realized that it was not so much the birth itself that I needed him, it was the potential post-partum issues I needed him for.  If I would require any type of emergency intervention at all, I must have the doctor with whom I've known for 12 years, and whom I would trust to make a quick decision on my behalf. 

The day we would shoot for was November 8th.  We knew that day my doctor would be on call for 24 hours.  We also knew that having baby number 10 would pretty much squelch any questions about my being in labor if I wandered in a week before my due date.  :)

So, it was time.  November 8th was here and we had to decide if we really wanted to proceed with that day.  I struggled off and on about going into the hospital before it was "time".  I am all about waiting for things to happen on their own.  So the thought of going in before made me a nervous wreck.  But after more discussion about facing a possible emergency situation and having my own doctor, we knew this was the best decision. 

The ride to the hospital was very quiet.  My husband I both were secretly wondering how everything would play out.  We were very excited about meeting this precious baby, but we were both nervous about what would unfold after the birth.  No matter how much we prayed, how much Scripture we read and recited, or how many people told us to "give it to God", we were just plain nervous!  It's just something you can't understand unless you've been there.  We trusted God with all our hearts and minds, but it didn't take away the fears of what His plan might be after the birth.  I don't mean to sound ominous here.  We new my life was not in danger, it's just that hemorrhaging is a scary thing, and it feels terrible.  I didn't want to face what I had in the past, and was praying I wouldn't have to.

We arrived at the hospital about noon.  And as I predicted, the nurses didn't hesitate to get me right into a room upon hearing I was in early labor.  Thankfully, I had been having enough contractions to genuinely say that I was in early labor.

Once I was settled, I was started on antibiotics for GBS.  Shortly after that, we discussed the possibility of an epidural.  Leading up to the birth, this was another decision we tossed around, again,  because of my post-partum issues.  If I would need quick attention, an epidural would prepare me for whatever needed to be done.  If I didn't have an epidural, it could mean possible general anesthesia. 

So many decisions.  I felt lost.  This birth challenged me in every possible way.  Everything pointed toward intervention and I didn't like it.  After one more discussion about an epidural, we decided it would be best to go ahead and do it. 

Just before my second round of antibiotics, I received the epidural.  It was a challenge getting it in, and it took quite a while for it to kick in.  I had second thoughts about having received it, but it was too late.

It was now time to get the show on the road.  The doctor came in and broke my water.  This is something I opted for to avoid pitocin.  We were officially on our way to meeting our baby.  My two older daughters and friends had arrived and we all had a great time talking and laughing.

The labor was a bit slow going (for me), but after about five hours of labor, it was time to push!  Thankfully, despite the epidural, I was still very much in control of my pushing and I could feel our baby move down.  And at 9:55pm, she was here!  We were all surprised she was a girl since the whole family had guessed a boy.  But we were thrilled and completely in love with our seventh daughter!  She was perfect! 

My doctor laid her on my abdomen, skin-to-skin, and waited while allowing the cord to stop pulsing.  As soon as Grace was born, the nurse turned up the pitocin to get my uterus contracting to minimize the bleeding.  I held my sweet baby and took in all that I could, trying not to worry about whether or not I was bleeding too much.

My doctor massaged my abdomen steadily for quite a while and then said everything looked good!  I was speechless!  No hemorrhaging?  I couldn't believe it!  God had allowed everything to go as smoothly as possible, and I was absolutely fine!  Praise God!

After about an hour of wonderful bonding time with our baby girl, the nurse came over to administer the vitamin K shot and the prophylactic eye ointment. 

But we kindly refused them both. 

At that moment, things changed and before we knew it, we were being told that we would be reported to CPS.

To be continued......

It's a Girl!

 



 

 

Welcome Grace Makenna! She was born at 9:55pm on November 8, 2012. She weighs 7 lbs. 3 oz. and is 18 1/4 in. long. We are praising God for this gift, and thankful for her safe arrival and protection over momma during delivery!

 

 

26 Weeks: I'm Still Here

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.   My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalm 139: 13-16

Baby

Hello, third trimester!  I am loving this stage of pregnancy.  The baby is moving so much and getting soooo big.  In fact, I'm measuring nearly three weeks ahead.  Yowzers!  And if I were to go into labor now, God forbid, the baby would have an excellent chance of survival.  I always tend to breathe a sigh of relief when I reach about 25-26 weeks for that very reason.  I've never had any reason to worry, but you just never know. 

Mommy

Oh wow!  I feel like I'm all over the map.  For the most part, I feel good.  But every so often, mild feelings of depression will strike.  I've never experienced this before.  I've had my share of other hormonal issues during pregnancy.....especially as I've gotten older, but none that I would classify as depression.  Thankfully, it's mild....I say mild because I can recognize that it's not real, and remind myself that it is a temporary feeling.  Nonetheless, it's no fun at all when I'm feeling blue.  For example, I was at Chuck E. Cheese recently for a birthday party.  I was talking with a friend about life in general and began to get weepy!  WHAT?  Who gets weepy at Chuck E. Cheese?  It's a happy place for crying out loud!  There's no crying at Chuck E. Cheese!!!  Will somebody please return the normal, much less emotional Candace please?  Sheesh!

I notice it strikes more when I'm tired, so I really need to ensure a good night's rest, and make a point of laying down at some point during the day. 

In other, less dramatic news, we're transitioning from a full summer into a full school year, so I've been busy working out schedules, gathering information for potential colleges with my daughter, making sure we have all our school material and supplies, and just getting organized in general.  I want to have as much taken care of, and be well on our way into the school year before baby arrives in 14 short weeks!  YAY!

Well, since I actually put on real clothes and brushed my hair, I thought I'd take advantage of the rare moment and get a 26 week pic.  Trust me...you don't want to see my "everyday" look!  ; )
 

It's been a while...I'd love to hear how your pregnancy is going!  If you're not pregnant, I would love to know how you're doing too!  :)

18 Weeks: Almost Half Way

Baby

I had an OB appointment a couple of days ago.  I always enjoy watching my measurements grow, and listening to my baby's incredible heart beat.  We've never found out the gender of any of our babies, and we won't with this one either.  However, we do enjoy trying to guess the gender based on fun old wives' tales.  So far, the whole family is guessing we are having a boy!  This is the first pregnancy with a unanimous vote.  One of my favorite wives' tales is the rate of the heart beat.  If the baby's heart beat is on the fast side, it's supposedly a girl.  If it's on the slow side, it's a boy.  In my last three pregnancies, the heart beats have been right down the middle, so this wives tale didn't help much.  Well, this pregnancy, we have a markedly slooow heart beat.  So it makes our family guess of a boy even more fun.  In addition, the Chinese calendar predicts a boy, too.  It will be quite funny if we end up having a girl!  We will rejoice in whomever this little person is....but it sure is fun to guess!

Mommy

I think it's safe to say that morning sickness is gone.  Over the last few weeks, I've had it sneak up on me, especially at night, but I think that was mainly due to needing a little snack.  Once I began feeling better, I was happy to not have to eat again after dinner.  But turns out, I still need a light snack around 8pm. 

My energy level has been on the low side.  I can still get through my day, but I just don't feel like doing much!  I pray things turn around...or it will be a long pregnancy! :) 

I'm beginning to feel movement, mainly in the evening when I have a chance to sit still.  I love this point in pregnancy, when you feel the reality of this little one growing stronger!

Here is my 18 week belly pic.  I've definitely grown...and not just in my belly.  This is the point where I begin to get a little puffy in the face, and my rings get a little tighter....or maybe it's that I've gained 15 lbs already! ; )  You can compare this to my last pic at 14 weeks, in the same outfit.  (I apologize for the poor quality.  Our flash is out and the lighting was bad.)

(18 weeks)

So what's new in your pregnancy?  How far along?  Any movement?  Even if you're not pregnant, when do you begin getting "puffy"?

14 Weeks: Feeling Better

First, let's just get something out of the way....

I'm a blogger slacker!

Something about early pregnancy, feeling sick, and eating 24/7 that doesn't leave a whole lot of time for blogging.  Actually, it's more about motivation (or lack there of) than time if I'm honest.  And I am.  ; )

It shouldn't be too much longer before I'm blogging about my usual home schooling, homemaking, large family fun...yada, yada, yada....again.  So I apologize for only posting preggy updates lately. 

Baby

Baby is about 4 inches long and weighs about 1 ounce.  Eyes have been gradually moving from the side of the head to the front.  Ears have moved from the neck to the sides of the head.  The neck continues to get longer and the chin no longer rests on the chest.

Mommy

I am so happy to report that I am feeling better.  Still not out of the woods, but definitely getting there.  In fact, yesterday, I was telling a friend that I was able to make it from breakfast to lunch without eating two meals in between.  I am still chewing on my pumpkin seeds, but I am not eating every hour now.  Hooray!!! 

So here's my 14 week pic.  I almost think I look smaller than I did at 12 weeks.  What do you think?

Do have an update?  Would love to hear about your progress!

13 Weeks: Second Trimester

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.  Psalm 139: 13-14

Baby
My sweet little bundle is about 3 inches long and weighs about an ounce.  External genitalia are almost defined.  Bone is beginning to replace cartilage and the ribs are appearing.  Baby is flexing arms and kicking legs....and I can't wait to feel it!

Mommy
I'm so happy to be entering a new trimester.  Even though I am still dealing with morning sickness, it just feels good to know I'm a third of the way there!  I am looking forward to morning sickness being completely behind me, and I pray soon.  I have been experiencing a little bit of swelling, which is not normal for me this early.  I think it's due to my sodium intake.  I have been chewing on Pumpkin Seeds all day long to cope with the nausea and the excess saliva.  I have been very vigilant in making sure I take in enough water, but the mild swelling reminds me to do even better.

I finally got a belly pic!  This was actually taken last week right before my night out with local bloggers, but I haven't changed much since then.  This is the point when my belly growth begins to balance out and slow a bit.  I pop out and show very early, and continue to get fairly big in the first trimester, and this is when things slow down a bit.  In fact, while I was at the grocery store buying flowers, the florist asked me when the big day was.  I'm so early, that I didn't even think of the pregnancy.  I thought she was referring to the flowers and a possible event.  But then she clarified by looking at my belly.  I laughed and said that I had quite a ways to go...until November.  Her eyes got very big as she said, "Wow!  You do have a ways to go!"  By the looks of my belly, especially in the evening after a rather large pre-Mother's Day dinner, I looked at least 5 months along. 

What do you think?  Big for 12 weeks? 

How is your pregnancy going?  How far along are you?  How are you feeling?  Please share!


Top Photo Credit

11 Weeks

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.  Psalm 139: 13-15

Baby

This little one is about the size of a large lime.  Although, if you saw my belly, you'd say a cantaloupe.  The baby swallows and urinates amniotic fluid, and the fluid is continually replaced.  Tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums.  Baby is busy kicking and stretching....and I can't wait to feel it!


Mommy

I am so glad to be nearing the end of the first trimester.  I am still dealing with all day nausea, but I'm still so thankful it's not as severe as all my previous pregnancies.  I'm praying that perhaps I'll begin to feel better around 12 or 13 weeks, as opposed to my usual 16-20 weeks.  It could happen!

I haven't been all that tired in the first trimester.  I've had some tired moments, of course, but overall, I feel fairly normal energy wise.  I am still nursing my sweet Amelia pretty often, so technically, I'm eating for three.  I have to really make sure I keep up with good nutrition so that everyone gets what they need.  I must be doing a good job of it since I am not experiencing fatigue.  Speaking of eating, I usually gain 10 pounds in the first trimester.  But so far, I've only gained 5.  And since I don't plan on gaining 5 more pounds in one week (though, for me it's quite possible), I should escape the first trimester with no more than a 5 to 6 pound gain.  Woohoo!


It's your turn!  Please share your pregnancy stats, or anything else that sounds good!


Join the linky fun over at My Joy-Filled Life.
Photo Credit

9 Weeks

Baby

I never grow tired of tracking a new baby's miraculous and rapid growth. At nine weeks, my baby's brain waves can be measured. The main construction of the heart is complete. The baby has begun movement and can flex at the joints. Fingerprints are evident, and the most fascinating fact is that the baby can even curve its tiny fingers around an object placed in its hand. My baby is about an inch long, and happily swimming around in the tiny bag of fluid.


Mommy

I am hanging in there.  I am feeling pretty queasy, but I can't complain.  At nine weeks, I am not nearly as sick as I usually get.  I am so thankful...and hopeful that maybe this time it won't be so challenging.  In fact, I am finishing up a post detailing the things I've done differently this pregnancy, and new things I've tried that may be helping this time around.  I want to share them for other mommies who may be struggling with morning sickness....so stay tuned. 

I am also still somewhat enjoying food.  I have a few aversions, but a lot of things actually still sound good.  I don't seem to be suffering from my usual super-human sense of smell that exacerbates the nausea.  So I think that's made a huge difference as well.  All considering, I am doing well and so thankful that this pregnancy has been more manageable.  I have my first OB appointment on Wednesday, so looking forward to seeing this sweet baby, knowing it will give me that extra boost of perseverance through the morning all day sickness!


Are you expecting?  Care to share your stats here?

Amelia's Birth-Part 2

You can read Part 1 here.

Our baby was finally here.  We didn't know whether we were having a boy or girl, so the added excitement of meeting our baby girl was wonderful.  Greg went to wake up all the kids to meet their new sister.

I remained in the tub, snuggling this precious life while we waited for the cord to stop pulsing.  Once it did, Daddy cut the cord and I passed off baby Amelia so that I could get out of the tub.  Amelia had her newborn check up in the meantime.  All was going well and my bleeding was minimal.

I am a bleeder, so the midwives were prepared with Pitocin and Methergine just in case I needed it.  I was so relieved that everything was going well.

But as soon as I stood up to get out of the tub....GUSH!  Janet and I looked at each other with the look of "uh oh", and I quickly jumped out of the tub and ran for my bed.  After what had happened the last time, I did not want to be stuck in the tub.  I felt that as long as I made it to my bed, I would be fine.

I wasn't.

My uterus did not want to cooperate.  I was immediately given the first shot of Pitocin to help my uterus contract.  Janet worked diligently to massage my lower abdomen to help my uterus to stay firm.  It would firm up, and then get boggy.  Meanwhile, my blood pressure was dropping quickly and everyone was beginning to get nervous.  I was given a second shot of Pitocin, but it still wasn't helping.  This cycle continued on for some time.

I could feel myself slipping away.  I knew instinctively to lie as still as possible as to not exert any energy to allow my body all it needed to work.  I began praying.  I couldn't believe this was happening again!  I kept praying that I would not pass out like I did after Genevieve's birth.  I felt that as long as I stayed conscious, I would be okay. 

While Janet continued checking my blood pressure and massaging my belly, Robin tried to start an IV line.  I was already on oxygen by then, but needed fluids.  Robin could not get a vein.  Suddenly, she darted out of my room and I began to get scared.  I didn't know where she was going in such a hurry.

She came back quickly and gave me a shot of Methergine.  Methergine helps to coagulate the blood.  I've had it before in other births, and it's helped.

I could feel myself getting closer and closer to losing consciousness.  I kept praying.  I was thinking about my mom and older girls, and how scared they must be to see me go through this again!  Thankfully, my husband had a hunch that things were going to get bad, and had already ushered the little ones back to bed.

As I laid there, and things kept spiraling downward,  I heard Janet say my blood pressure was 50 over 30.  I looked at my friends and family, who all stood at the foot of my bed watching this unfold, gather in a circle to pray.  Let me just say here, that as much as I appreciated the prayer, this really scared me!  I felt that my life was on the line and that if I lost consciousness, I would not wake up.  I prayed that God would keep me awake!

Right at that moment, after the blood pressure reading, Janet very calmly told everyone that she was going to call 911 as a precaution.  My uterus would not stay firm and I was losing a lot of blood.  My husband's fingers were already on the buttons, and he called for an ambulance.

My mom stood at the foot of my bed and mouthed the words "I love you, Candace". 

Meanwhile, baby Amelia was being held by the people who surrounded me.  I was so thankful that she was safe and with the people I loved while all of this was happening. 

The ambulance arrived and they worked quickly to get me onto their gurney.  They asked if the baby was going too.  This is where it got really hard for me.  I wanted my baby to come.  I hadn't even been able to nurse her yet and I just wanted her near me.  But, if she went with me, she would have to be admitted as a patient along with me too.  A quick discussion ensued.  How would I leave my newborn?  But once I realized that I didn't want her to go through all the hospital checks, which would have been more involved coming from a home birth, I knew she had to stay home.

My heart was broken! 

I didn't know how long it would be before I would get to see her and nurse her.  I asked if someone would bring her to the hospital soon.  Janet said that as soon as she was finished with her full check up, someone would bring her.  The midwives spent at least an hour trying to stabilize me, that Amelia had not been weighed and measured yet.

I was comforted to know that she would be with me soon.  As the paramedics were wheeling me out, I heard friends discussing who could come and feed Amelia.  They mentioned my friend, Shannon, because she had just had a baby a couple of months before.  As much as I wanted to nurse my sweet baby, I was glad they were planning to call Shannon to bring some of her breast milk.  And she lived nearby.

Once in the ambulance, the paramedic tried to get an IV in me.  He had trouble, so I was stuck multiple times.  Janet remained with me, right by my side, still massaging my lower abdomen.  My husband followed behind the ambulance.  Finally, my uterus was staying firm and my blood pressure was rising.  Of course, the whole time I was thinking, "See, if we had just waited TEN more minutes, all would have been well!"  But I know Janet was doing what she needed to do and wasn't going to risk anything!  I love Janet! 

We arrived at the hospital about 4:30 am.  I had to endure a very uncomfortable exam in the ER, and then was sent up to L & D.  Thankfully, the paramedics were able to take me to my hospital, so I felt at home in a sense.  But I still worried about how I would be treated as a home birth transport.  The doctor in the ER was not nice....and even scolded me for delivering at home.  But the rest of the staff was wonderful.  Everyone treated me with kindness and respect!

As soon as I was taken upstairs, I immediately began asking when Amelia would get here.  I was told in the ambulance that she was a little cold, and couldn't leave the house until her temperature came up.  Robin, the assisting midwife who stayed with Amelia, gave her to my mom for skin to skin contact to regulate her temp.  Amelia had also had all of her newborn checks by then.

A bit later, after Janet called home to get another update, she informed me that my friend Shannon had just nursed my baby.  I guess the look on my face said it all because Janet asked if I was okay with that.  I told her that I didn't really have a choice at that point.

Honestly....I was crushed!  Another woman nursed my baby.  That was a hard one for me to grasp.  When I heard the discussion about calling Shannon to help, I had envisioned her bringing extra milk from her freezer and bottle feeding Amelia.  Not actually breastfeeding her.

But once I had a chance to process everything, I eventually saw it as a blessing.  I realized how sweet and precious it was for Shannon to come and nurse her friend's baby!  And in the middle of the night too!  Poor Amelia was hungry!

I think most moms can relate to how I felt.  I was physically exhausted.  And I was emotionally fragile since I had to leave my newborn.  I just needed some time to see the beauty and God's provision in all of it.  And when I heard that sweet Shannon saw it as a privilege, I was so grateful!  I will be forever thankful for Shannon's loving heart! 

At last!  Robin and Cheyenne (my oldest daughter) finally brought Amelia to me.  I was SO happy to hold her and to get a good look at her!  She was so beautiful!  From that point on, she was able to stay with me in the hospital.  The staff brought me a baby bed for her and she never left my side!  The staff was phenomenal.  They welcomed me and Amelia and took very good care of me!  Later that morning, I was able to see my own doctor.  He ordered a couple of tests just to make sure everything was okay.  All the test were good, so I was able to go home later that evening! 

It was so wonderful to be back home with my whole family.  My poor younger kids went to bed with me still in the tub.....but woke up to find me, and the new baby gone! 

I am so thankful for God's protection over me that night.  I'm thankful for the midwives knowledge, how prepared they were, and for their calm, sweet spirits!  Unfortunately, this means I will not be able to birth at home again.   Due to my bleeding history, it's best that I deliver at the hospital in the future.

Just in case anyone is asking either of these two questions, I'll just go ahead and answer them here. 

*If you had an emergency situation after your first home birth, why did you feel it was safe to have another home birth?

So glad you asked!  The cause of my bleeding after my first home birth was due to a tiny piece of placenta that did not fully detach.  So my body continued to feed a placenta that was not there.  Once the midwife did a manual D & C (lots of fun!) to remove the tissue, the bleeding stopped.  That had never happened before and it was something we wouldn't expect to happen again.  This time, it was a result of my uncooperative uterus!

*If you have a history of bleeding, why would you consider having more children?

Great question!  Well, I thought the same thing!  After what had happened, I really thought that I should not have more children...that I would be risking my life.  But when I spoke with my beloved doctor at my 6 week post-partum visit....I asked him this very question.  I was prepared to heed his warning about future children.  But he reminded me that I did NOT have to have a blood transfusion.  And that if we did decide to have another baby, that he would start pitocin immediately after the baby was born, instead of waiting to see how my bleeding does, like he's done in the past.  He would take every precautionary measure necessary.  Janet and Robin came prepared.  I just needed more than what they had on hand..

So that's my story....and why I've been reluctant to relive it through writing it.  I am still a huge advocate for home birth!  I feel that if a woman is a good candidate, home is the best place to be.  But I'm also thankful that I have a great doctor, and feel comfortable at the hospital where I've delivered five of my babies in the past!

God is good!

Amelia's Birth-Part 1

I know, I know!  Poor Amelia is a year old, and I'm just now sharing the birth story.  Somewhere in my mind, I've been hesitant to write it because it was quite traumatic and I haven't been all too eager to relive it.  But it's time now, and I want to share the joy of her coming into our lives.


I was so excited to be having my second home birth.  Though I have had seven positive hospital births, there's just no place like home! 

That's quite a belly!

My mom had flown in about two weeks before my due date.  She had a limited time frame in which she could come, so we opted for her to come earlier rather than later, potentially missing the birth.  After all, this was my ninth baby, so it was reasonable to believe that I would deliver before my due date of March 15th.  I've never gone past my due date.  Don't hate me!

Upon my mom's arrival, we had some time to just hang out and do fun things with the kids.  But as the days went by, I was getting antsy to get things going.  Not only did I want Mom to be present for the birth, I also wanted her to be able to spend time with the new baby. 

I was so torn.  On one hand, I wanted baby to come when she was ready.  On the other hand, I was determined to have her before my mom left.

Tuesday, March 8th, I had an appointment with my midwife and discussed the situation with her.  She agreed that if I hadn't gone into labor by the next day, she would get me started on herbs.  I didn't,  so Janet came by and gave me herbs to help get things going. 

The herbs got contractions going, but they would eventually fizzle out.  I tried this for two days with no real success.  I knew baby just wasn't ready to come. 

Thursday, I wanted to take a break and just do something fun with the family.  So we decided to take the kids to meet Daddy for lunch, and then take them to the park.  We had a great time and I continued to contract regularly, but with no increase in intensity.

When we returned home, I rested a while, and then started up the herbs again.  This time, the contractions really picked up.  They were getting closer together, but not fully relaxing in between.  This concerned me because if my uterus wasn't fully relaxing between contractions, then the baby wasn't getting a chance to recover in between either. 

At this point I stopped the herbs and decided to get into the tub in hopes of slowing them down, allowing my uterus to fully relax.  I called Janet to ask her thoughts, and she agreed that I should stop the herbs and get into the tub.  As much as I didn't want to slow things down, my first priority was to protect my baby.  Janet also said that she was on her way. 


Janet and Robin, the assisting midwife, arrived about 6:30 pm.  The bath helped and my uterus was completely relaxing between contractions.  I was checked and dilated to seven.  So even though the contractions weren't very strong, they were making progress.  I knew baby was on her way.  YAY!

It was a party in the house.  Mom had set out a buffet of food for everyone, coffee was on, and I was drinking high doses of Vitamin C in between contractions.  The anticipation was building and we were making final preparations. 

Sustenance

Final preparations

But then...

Contractions. Fizzled. OUT!

What?  Seven cm and my body quits?

Janet checked me again, and despite another couple hours of contractions, I was still a seven.  By this time, we had put the children to bed and we were all getting tired.  Janet asked me what I wanted to do.  I could either call it a night and go to bed, have her break my water, or keep doing what we were doing...meaning, continue on with herbs. 

I didn't like any of the choices!  I didn't want to go to bed and start all over, I didn't want my water broken, and I definitely didn't want any more herbs!  I was ready to have this baby, but couldn't make a decision.  And no one could make it for me.  I sat on the edge of my bed for about 30 minutes, exhausted and unsure, trying to decide what to do. 

Janet came back in to check on me.  It was about 1:30 am.  Since I couldn't decide, Janet suggested that she check me again, and depending on any change, possibly breaking my water.  I was still a seven, but very stretchy.  The baby's head was in a twisted posterior position, which is why I was making slow progress.  She just needed to tilt her head to drop comfortably into position, putting better pressure on my cervix.  As Janet was checking me, she was trying to manipulate baby's head into position.  She was able to move her head a bit.  Fun times!

Fortunately, the manipulation put me at an eight.  So Janet said, "Let's go ahead and break your water!"  As much as I wanted to get this show on the road, I was scared.  Remember, my contractions had fizzled out, which meant I was in no pain, which meant there was no mental working up to the intense pain of transition.  What this meant was that as soon as she broke my water, I would begin labor IN TRANSITION!  Moms, are you feelin' my pain here?  I was tired, and afraid that I wouldn't be able to handle going straight to transition. 

But, it was time to get the show on the road.  I prayed for strength, endurance, and mental ability.  With my loving and supportive husband by my side, Janet broke my water at about 2:10am.

 

As soon as I stood up, the first contraction hit with a vengeance.  I stood, leaning into my husband as he coached me through.  After the fourth contraction, I requested to get into the tub.  I needed the warm water to ease some of the intense pain.  Plus, I knew it wouldn't be long until baby arrived and I wanted to give birth in the water again. 

I got into the tub and had a very intense contraction.  I knew at that point I was close to pushing.  I had a second contraction in the tub and was on the edge of losing control.  It was hard, and I felt that the next contraction would produce the urge to push.  The third one came, and sure enough, I began to grunt and push. 

Typically, once I begin pushing, it's a release of the pain.  It's very controlled and I know mentally that I am almost done!  This time was different.  It was very difficult to maintain control.  I was able to ease her head out, which usually offers slight relief.  But the baby never did quite get into a good position, so the pain was different.  I couldn't maintain my focus.  I lost it.  I yelled to get the baby out!

I'm usually a quiet laborer, even during transition and pushing.  But when her head came out, I couldn't handle the pain.  Janet wanted to pause for a moment to check for a cord, but I couldn't.  I reached down and pulled my baby girl out at 2:22am!  It was finally over!  I was exhausted!  But she was here, our precious Amelia June!

Come on back to find out what happened after the birth in Part 2....and why my husband had to call 911.

The Crowded Bed

It's 4 am.  The baby wakes.  Eyes half closed, I stumble to her crib and bring her back to my bed to nurse.  She eventually falls back to sleep, but I am too tired to even place her back in the crib.  I shuffle down in my bed, beneath my covers and lay her next to me.  I drift back to sleep.

What seems like minutes later, I awaken to a little one climbing up on my bed.  Surprisingly, it's Ethan, my five year old.  I can't remember the last time he came into our room in the middle of the night.  I grab him and help him up into my bed, thinking he needed comfort.  I whisper to him to be careful of Baby Amelia, and he snuggles in and drifts off to sleep. 

By now, I'm slightly awake and just lying there, thinking.  Thinking of many things.  Praying.  Praying for loved ones, for situations, for anything that comes to mind.  Before I know it, I hear the pitter patter of feet.  Another one of my precious babies is climbing into my bed.  I glace at the clock.  It's now 5 am and we've got three children squeezed in between my husband and me.  My sweet husband sleeps soundly, not even aware of our visitors.  But I lay there.  Wide awake, yet so tired.  My thoughts bordered on feeling a little irritated that my bed was full, and I would surely not get back to sleep. 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

But as I lay there snuggling these babies, the irritation melted away.  I was suddenly filled with joy.  My heart was full.  For whatever reason, my kids awoke, needed to be close to us, and felt welcomed to come, knowing they would not be turned away.  What a privilege it was to hold my babies close, keeping them warm, knowing they were all safe and well.  They were at peace.  They were comforted.

I began to think about the truth of scripture, and how this mirrors our relationship with God.  When we are scared, need comfort, or reassurance, He welcomes us.  He welcomes us at any moment, day or night.  He doesn't get tired, or irritated by the hour.  He just welcomes.  He loves.  He comforts.  We are His children and He loves us more than we can imagine. 

"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you;
And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:13

I am so grateful to be a mom.  I don't always show it, or appreciate it.  Some days I wonder why God entrusted me with these precious souls.  But He did.  And I am thankful.  It's moments like these, when my bed is overflowing with children, in the sleepy quiet of the night, that God reveals His deep love for me.  His child!  And just as my children come to us, without reservation or hesitation, I must go to my Father.  Only there, will I find comfort and peace!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.  2 Corinthians 1:3

Photo Credit

Sweet Amelia

Our precious Amelia is six months old.  How can this be?

I often find myself taking in moments that I don't want to forget, purposefully committing them to memory so that I will remember them forever...even the smallest of details.   A couple of weeks ago, the kids were playing outside like usual.  It was a lovey day...a bit cooler, so I took her out in the walker to enjoy the fresh air.  We stayed on the porch so she could cruise around freely and watch the kids play.  She loved it so much.  There was a slight breeze that she seemed to enjoy on her face.  She giggled and smiled as she watch the older kids play.  It was sweet. 

There have already been more days like that one, but I want to remember that day.  There was nothing especially significant about it...we just went outside like we always do.  But it was one of those small details that struck me as a moment I wanted to remember forever.

Amelia is sitting up and just about to take off crawling.  She's scooting and just getting the hang of the arm/leg coordination for full blown crawling. I'm not sure I'm quite ready for for her to be completely mobile.  ;-)

She's very smiley and has a sweet disposition.  She's determined.  If she sees something she wants, she won't give up until she's rolled, scooted, or army crawled her way there.  It's amazing how early you catch glimpses of a child's personality.

What a miracle...to be entrusted with such a gift.  Thank you, Father!

Four Months

Four Months

We've held this precious girl in our arms for four months already!  With each child, the time seems to pass more quickly than I can take in.  Nonetheless, we've cherished every moment with Amelia. 

She's as sweet as can be with her big smile and her vocal nature.  She's a talker! 

She's strong.  Loves to stand and can even sit up almost by herself.  She loves to roll over and she loves the timeless magic of ELEVATION!  She's happiest in the arms of whomever is standing up or walking around.  But we know it's simply because she wants to take everything in.

We love her.  We're thankful for her.  And we pray she doesn't grow up too quickly, though experience has taught us otherwise.  :)

Blessings!

Cue Feeding

Examining the Evidence for Cue Feeding of Breastfed Infants

Excellent artcle...fairly long, but well worth the read.

http://www.tulipgirl.com/index.php/2010/12/examining-the-evidence-for-cue-feeding-of-breastfed-infants/
ht: Kristen S.

Two Months

Sweet Amelia, Two Months

 

We just love this little girl more than words can express.  With her big blue eyes and her sweet disposition, she's reeled us in!  She smiles a lot and tries so hard to talk to us with her coos.  She's already rolled over and she's been sleeping through the night since about six weeks of age.  Hallelujah!  Sweet, sweet baby girl!

Amelia June

She's Here

We are rejoicing over the birth of our baby girl, Amelia June. She arrived safely on Friday, March 11 at 2:22am. She weighed in at 8 lbs (though we don't think she's that big) and was 20 inches long.

It's hard to believe she's finally here after many months of waiting and wondering whether she was a boy or girl. Labor was long, and difficult near the end, but she was worth every minute of it.

We are humbled by God's goodness, His protection, and His many blessings in our lives. Welcome to our family, my sweet Amelia! We love you!

(Will post more pics soon)