I hope your weekends were phenomenal! Yesterday was gorgeous here in Nashville. We had the doors open, did some heavy cleaning(one would have thought I was Spring cleaning I did so much), watched football, and Ava and I took a siesta on the swing outside while Clint took care of the leaves in the yard. It was a picture perfect day.
I don't know what the deal with our daughter is, but the last 2 nights she has wanted to have college all-nighters. Saturday night I got a total of 3 hours of sleep and today I have been up since 3:30am. Yesterday, I was go go go until I literally crashed on the couch at 9pm. I let my family know today when I dropped Ava off this morning to keep her up and stimulated today so we can get back to sleeping at night, well back to her normal routine.
Even though, I have been up for a long time, I still went and worked out this morning. I think God somehow gives mamas an extra shot of adrenaline to use after having a baby. Lord, knows I can't tell you how I do it!
My workout for today:
Cardio:
20 min on elliptical
10 min ladders on dreadmill
(I was sweatin this morning, whoo)
Legs: Giant sets
Squats 2x20 40lb barbell
Double lunges(ouch) 2x12 40lb barbell
Single lunges 2x12 40lb Barbell
Straight leg deadlifts 2x20 40lb Barbell
Ab exercise..I call them in, up, outs 2x10 (if curious, ask me)
Upper: Giant sets
Bicep curls 2x12 20lb barbell
Front Shoulder press 2x12 20lb barbell
Rows 2x12 20lb Barbell
Incline Chest press 2x12 20lb barbell
V ups 2x12
Tis a good workout, but not my best. It will do though.
Had any good workouts this weekend or today. I think (KNOW) there will be a caffeine run here shortly. A mama has to do, what a mama has to do!
Have a great Monday!
Showing posts with label Baby Ava. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Ava. Show all posts
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
I'm still alive
Hey! Wow it has been over 2 weeks since I blogged last. Every time I sit down to write, a boob needs to be used, I need to change laundry over, work beckons, or I just plain forget.
The last time I wrote, I had started back to work. Work is busy, which is great and makes the day go by faster. My new job is so much more in every way that managing the gym. I feel worthwhile again and not taken advantage of. My mind is stimulated and its something I can move forward in.
I have cried every time I have taken sweet Ava to my mom's house each morning, except I didn't last Thursday, but then I cried because I DIDN'T cry. It is a vicsious cycle ladies. I felt like I should be crying when I left her. Clint made me realize it sucks for him too and we are working for our family. (he is so logical, damn him!=))
It still sucks each morning, but it is tolerable. I know that she is getting my mom's undivided attention, love, and care. Plus, my dad and brother get to love on her too after they get home. She is surrounded by family and I don't worry about her, I just miss that face so much. Clint picks her up each day after he gets off of work and about every other day sends me pictures of her to get me through the last couple of hours. (such a great husband)
It seems like so much has been going on. Ava has been to 5 states already. She is a traveling machine! (sidenote...don't be afraid to take your baby out and about. Yes, they are small and fragile, but you need a life too. Be careful not to overstimulate them and they will be fine on the go. Just my two cents.)
Labor day weekend we went down to one of my best friend and her husband's house in Wetumpka, Alabama to visit. It was so relaxing. It was the most we have spent together since we were in high school. She is a Marine and has been stationed in a few different states. This is the closest she has been in forever. The time together was much needed. She just had a miscarriage. Her family came over to our house a couple of weeks after Ava was born to visit and bring us supper. Her miscarriage had happened the week before and she didn't hold Ava, nor did I push the subject. I knew it would be hard on her. The weekend we were down there, they told us to go out on the SEADOO and they would all watch Ava. My best friend held her and after that, it was over!! She wanted to hold her all of the time. I think Ava helped her heal a little and get excited about trying again when the doctor allows them.
Let's see what else... I go to my 6 week post-partum check up tomorrow. Woot woot. Although, I need to be cleared to get off of "pelvic rest" for healing, we did cheat last weekend! We couldn't help it. haha My friends had Ava occupied and "it kind of happened." For those that are curious, continue reading. For those not, continue past the bold print below. It wasn't so much painful, but I did feel like a virgin again. But it has got easier =)!! I hope I don't get in trouble tomorrow.
I am going to talk to my doc about a form of birth control. I don't want to go on the pill again. It messed up my hormones and with my record now of forgetting things, I would forget to take it each day. We don't want to use condoms! Not happening. I am thinking that I want to do the Copper IUD which is non-hormonal.
Any one have the IUD? Pros/Cons? What about the shot? Pros/Cons?
Because my new job allows it, I get to get home at a reasonable hour and Clint and I can cook together and have family time. (one of the reasons why I got out of the gym job) I have been recipe searching and starting to meal plan each week.
This week's plan:(all of our meals are as healthy as possible)
Tonight: french toast and turkey bacon
Tuesday:some sort of pasta, probably with a tomato sauce
Wednesday: turkey chili with turkey dogs
Thursday:Creamy taco mac
Friday:TBD
I started working out again last Tuesday. YAYA! It feels so good to sweat. Although, I am told I am better shape at 6 weeks than some women post partum, I am not where I want to be. I am my own worse enemy and want to be the best I can be and look. In reality and as a Personal Trainer, I know that getting back into shape is a process and takes work and dedication. I am willing to do the work and be dedicated, but for some crazy reason, I think that I should be back into shape NOW, because I am a personal trainer. I feel like I shouldn't be out of shape and that I have failed at being an example to be in shape. THIS IS ALL BALONEY. I know I just had a baby and things take time to get back to where they should go, but the devil on my shoulder continues to speak crazy talk to me.
Ok, enough for today. I will update about the doc visit tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be "officially" cleared.
Ok, ladies. I think that is a good update for the past couple of weeks.
The last time I wrote, I had started back to work. Work is busy, which is great and makes the day go by faster. My new job is so much more in every way that managing the gym. I feel worthwhile again and not taken advantage of. My mind is stimulated and its something I can move forward in.
I have cried every time I have taken sweet Ava to my mom's house each morning, except I didn't last Thursday, but then I cried because I DIDN'T cry. It is a vicsious cycle ladies. I felt like I should be crying when I left her. Clint made me realize it sucks for him too and we are working for our family. (he is so logical, damn him!=))
It still sucks each morning, but it is tolerable. I know that she is getting my mom's undivided attention, love, and care. Plus, my dad and brother get to love on her too after they get home. She is surrounded by family and I don't worry about her, I just miss that face so much. Clint picks her up each day after he gets off of work and about every other day sends me pictures of her to get me through the last couple of hours. (such a great husband)
It seems like so much has been going on. Ava has been to 5 states already. She is a traveling machine! (sidenote...don't be afraid to take your baby out and about. Yes, they are small and fragile, but you need a life too. Be careful not to overstimulate them and they will be fine on the go. Just my two cents.)
Labor day weekend we went down to one of my best friend and her husband's house in Wetumpka, Alabama to visit. It was so relaxing. It was the most we have spent together since we were in high school. She is a Marine and has been stationed in a few different states. This is the closest she has been in forever. The time together was much needed. She just had a miscarriage. Her family came over to our house a couple of weeks after Ava was born to visit and bring us supper. Her miscarriage had happened the week before and she didn't hold Ava, nor did I push the subject. I knew it would be hard on her. The weekend we were down there, they told us to go out on the SEADOO and they would all watch Ava. My best friend held her and after that, it was over!! She wanted to hold her all of the time. I think Ava helped her heal a little and get excited about trying again when the doctor allows them.
Let's see what else... I go to my 6 week post-partum check up tomorrow. Woot woot. Although, I need to be cleared to get off of "pelvic rest" for healing, we did cheat last weekend! We couldn't help it. haha My friends had Ava occupied and "it kind of happened." For those that are curious, continue reading. For those not, continue past the bold print below. It wasn't so much painful, but I did feel like a virgin again. But it has got easier =)!! I hope I don't get in trouble tomorrow.
I am going to talk to my doc about a form of birth control. I don't want to go on the pill again. It messed up my hormones and with my record now of forgetting things, I would forget to take it each day. We don't want to use condoms! Not happening. I am thinking that I want to do the Copper IUD which is non-hormonal.
Any one have the IUD? Pros/Cons? What about the shot? Pros/Cons?
Because my new job allows it, I get to get home at a reasonable hour and Clint and I can cook together and have family time. (one of the reasons why I got out of the gym job) I have been recipe searching and starting to meal plan each week.
This week's plan:(all of our meals are as healthy as possible)
Tonight: french toast and turkey bacon
Tuesday:some sort of pasta, probably with a tomato sauce
Wednesday: turkey chili with turkey dogs
Thursday:Creamy taco mac
Friday:TBD
I started working out again last Tuesday. YAYA! It feels so good to sweat. Although, I am told I am better shape at 6 weeks than some women post partum, I am not where I want to be. I am my own worse enemy and want to be the best I can be and look. In reality and as a Personal Trainer, I know that getting back into shape is a process and takes work and dedication. I am willing to do the work and be dedicated, but for some crazy reason, I think that I should be back into shape NOW, because I am a personal trainer. I feel like I shouldn't be out of shape and that I have failed at being an example to be in shape. THIS IS ALL BALONEY. I know I just had a baby and things take time to get back to where they should go, but the devil on my shoulder continues to speak crazy talk to me.
Ok, enough for today. I will update about the doc visit tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be "officially" cleared.
Ok, ladies. I think that is a good update for the past couple of weeks.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Not looking forward to today.
We went to Hilton Head, SC this past weekend (9 hours away) for a seminar for my new job. I start this new job today. I will be working part time for the next 2 weeks and then go full time. I cried all day yesterday.
My mom is going to be keeping Ava and we are so grateful that she is doing this. Daycare is crazy expensive and we know she will be loved, given plenty of attention, and get sick less. So, this is the best option, even though I have my reservations.
It is bitter sweet going back to work. I am so excited to start this new job. This is the area of health that I have changed to, NeuroCore Therapy. It is so amazing and challenging. I needed to be challenged and this fit the bill. I will also be personal training the clients who are in the weight loss portion of the therapy. I took maternity leave 3 weeks before Ava was born, because I was miserable and the doctor said I could go "any day!" Well, 3 weeks later.... I have had 7 weeks off of work and I am ready to contribute financially again. Clint has told me that I don't have to go back to work, that I can stay home with Ava. We could do it financially, but we would be penny pinching and struggling at times and I already worry too much, I can't imagine my stress level with legitimate financially concerns. So, as much as I don't want to leave my precious girl, it is what I feel that I need to do.
I am not looking forward to dropping her off at my parents. I will probably cry all the way to work and when I talk to Clint on the phone and when I call my mom to check on her. It is the nature of the beast as a full time working mama.
Wish me luck today!
How did/are you going to cope with going back to work??
Here are some pics from Hilton Head Island this weekend. My heart is so full of love for these two!
My mom is going to be keeping Ava and we are so grateful that she is doing this. Daycare is crazy expensive and we know she will be loved, given plenty of attention, and get sick less. So, this is the best option, even though I have my reservations.
It is bitter sweet going back to work. I am so excited to start this new job. This is the area of health that I have changed to, NeuroCore Therapy. It is so amazing and challenging. I needed to be challenged and this fit the bill. I will also be personal training the clients who are in the weight loss portion of the therapy. I took maternity leave 3 weeks before Ava was born, because I was miserable and the doctor said I could go "any day!" Well, 3 weeks later.... I have had 7 weeks off of work and I am ready to contribute financially again. Clint has told me that I don't have to go back to work, that I can stay home with Ava. We could do it financially, but we would be penny pinching and struggling at times and I already worry too much, I can't imagine my stress level with legitimate financially concerns. So, as much as I don't want to leave my precious girl, it is what I feel that I need to do.
I am not looking forward to dropping her off at my parents. I will probably cry all the way to work and when I talk to Clint on the phone and when I call my mom to check on her. It is the nature of the beast as a full time working mama.
Wish me luck today!
How did/are you going to cope with going back to work??
Here are some pics from Hilton Head Island this weekend. My heart is so full of love for these two!
Monday, August 16, 2010
"All by myself......"
Well, it is Monday and Clint went back to work today after having 2 full weeks off of work. It has been equally hard on both of us. It's hard for Clint because he is at work and not at home with us. Especially Ava. He is a wonderful daddy and is so funny when he interacts with her. He has been teaching Ava her name, who we are and what our dogs names are. You can never start too soon. haha.
Since I have been breastfeeding, I have been doing the feeding of course, and Clint has been handling the diaper changing, burping, and majority of clothes changing. (he does a really good job, even with accessorizing!) We are a well fine tuned machine.
Today, with him not being here and her 2 week doc checkup, doing it by myself is a little more strenuous. She has her schedule and is pretty consistent with it.(like her mama) She typically has a feeding about 8am and we had an appt at 9. Ok, I thought maybe I can get her to hold off until after the appt. since she ate about 6am....um no. About 7:50am she started sucking her hands, big sign of "mama, I am hungry." I learned that you can do so much with one arm, a baby on your boob, and still get ready to go. (brush your teeth, get the diaper bag together, find clothes to wear) Apparently, the mama instinct does kick in and multi-tasking is a super hero characteristic.
Everything went smoothly today though and we got through it. He couldn't wait to get his hands on those beautiful cheeks. I got a kiss first though!
Her appt details:
Weight at birth: 7lbs 11oz
Length at birth: 19 3/4in
Weight at 2 weeks 2 days old: 8lbs 2oz
Length at 2 weeks 2 days old: 20in
She is healthy and growing great. We go back when she is 2 months and that is when she gets her 1st round of major shots. I made sure to schedule it in the afternoon so Clint can come with me. I don't know who will cry more, me or Ava.
How could you not love this sweet face?!?!
**Next post will be about me and postpartum weight and body stuff!
Since I have been breastfeeding, I have been doing the feeding of course, and Clint has been handling the diaper changing, burping, and majority of clothes changing. (he does a really good job, even with accessorizing!) We are a well fine tuned machine.
Today, with him not being here and her 2 week doc checkup, doing it by myself is a little more strenuous. She has her schedule and is pretty consistent with it.(like her mama) She typically has a feeding about 8am and we had an appt at 9. Ok, I thought maybe I can get her to hold off until after the appt. since she ate about 6am....um no. About 7:50am she started sucking her hands, big sign of "mama, I am hungry." I learned that you can do so much with one arm, a baby on your boob, and still get ready to go. (brush your teeth, get the diaper bag together, find clothes to wear) Apparently, the mama instinct does kick in and multi-tasking is a super hero characteristic.
Everything went smoothly today though and we got through it. He couldn't wait to get his hands on those beautiful cheeks. I got a kiss first though!
Her appt details:
Weight at birth: 7lbs 11oz
Length at birth: 19 3/4in
Weight at 2 weeks 2 days old: 8lbs 2oz
Length at 2 weeks 2 days old: 20in
She is healthy and growing great. We go back when she is 2 months and that is when she gets her 1st round of major shots. I made sure to schedule it in the afternoon so Clint can come with me. I don't know who will cry more, me or Ava.
How could you not love this sweet face?!?!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Three Thankfuls for Thursday
Hey y'all, I got this idea from a blog I stumbled upon and love, Alysha from The Tarr Pit. She does "Thankful on a Thursday" and I decided to put my spin on it and do "Three Thankfuls for Thursday." So, unless something crazy happens, I will do this post every Thursday. \
1. A husband who is wonderful and got to take off work for 2 weeks and help with our new life change.
2. A healthy, beautiful baby girl.
3. A quick and pretty easy delivery.
On a different note, Ava lost mine and her last piece of connection today! Yes folks, she lost her cord. It has been hanging by a thread for a few days. My scab picking husband has been itching to just take it off! He did restrain and it fell off on it's own. She has the cutest belly button. (only a mama would say that!)
Have you ever heard of people keeping the cord? My brother's girlfriend's mom kept hers and her brothers. That kind of creeps me out! I don't know about y'all but that's some cheap cord blood banking! hahaha What are your opinions??
1. A husband who is wonderful and got to take off work for 2 weeks and help with our new life change.
2. A healthy, beautiful baby girl.
3. A quick and pretty easy delivery.
On a different note, Ava lost mine and her last piece of connection today! Yes folks, she lost her cord. It has been hanging by a thread for a few days. My scab picking husband has been itching to just take it off! He did restrain and it fell off on it's own. She has the cutest belly button. (only a mama would say that!)
Have you ever heard of people keeping the cord? My brother's girlfriend's mom kept hers and her brothers. That kind of creeps me out! I don't know about y'all but that's some cheap cord blood banking! hahaha What are your opinions??
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Postpartum care!
Ok girls. Postpartum stuff is not really talked about, but I am about to discuss some things. Beware of TMI, but after having a baby and your vajayjay exposed to 8 people, modesty has flown out the window.
1. Bleeding. After you deliver, it is like a period on steroids. You continue to bleed and have lochia(postpartum discharge stuff) for about 6 weeks.
2. Mesh panties and GINORMO pads. To accommodate the period roidage you have to wear the biggest maxi pad ever made. It's like wearing a depends without the sticky tabs and the nurse wiping your butt. To hold the pad you get to wear the Postpartum Secrets. They are these fabulous boy short mesh panties that the hospital so graciously gives you to wear and take some home. LOVELY!
3. Taking care of the goods. Because you are sore and stitched, you have this routine given to you every time you go to the bathroom. EVERY time, and I mean every time, you go pee for the next 6 weeks you have to take the BOTTLE. The BOTTLE(my nurse named my BOB the BOTTLE) is filled with warm water to, for better words, squirt yourself clean. The hospital gave me this cold spray, tucks pads, and this foam ointment. This is all to help you heal and not get infected during the healing process.
4. Not allowed to do anything! I'm not allowed to lift anything heavier than Ava or do much of anything for 2 weeks. That is very hard to do when you feel fine, but after doing minor things your body will tell you when it is doing more than you are supposed to. (Hence more bleeding!)
5. Bowel movement. The hospital gives you stool softeners while you are in the hospital and then they send some home with you. With all of the drugs and with labor your body has a hard time doing the doo! Well, they do not tell you that it could be the worst doo EVER. I felt like I needed an epidural to get through it! I did not know either that with the horrible experience, you are liable to get (if you don't already have them) HEMMORRHOIDS. I have a glorious one on top(I guess I could say on bottom =/ ) of all of the new bodily functions that go with labor.
These are things that happened to me. I am just informing you of things that could or possibly happen, NOT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU. Every woman's experience is different. Although, postpartum isn't all that it is cracked up to be, look what I got in return....
1. Bleeding. After you deliver, it is like a period on steroids. You continue to bleed and have lochia(postpartum discharge stuff) for about 6 weeks.
2. Mesh panties and GINORMO pads. To accommodate the period roidage you have to wear the biggest maxi pad ever made. It's like wearing a depends without the sticky tabs and the nurse wiping your butt. To hold the pad you get to wear the Postpartum Secrets. They are these fabulous boy short mesh panties that the hospital so graciously gives you to wear and take some home. LOVELY!
3. Taking care of the goods. Because you are sore and stitched, you have this routine given to you every time you go to the bathroom. EVERY time, and I mean every time, you go pee for the next 6 weeks you have to take the BOTTLE. The BOTTLE(my nurse named my BOB the BOTTLE) is filled with warm water to, for better words, squirt yourself clean. The hospital gave me this cold spray, tucks pads, and this foam ointment. This is all to help you heal and not get infected during the healing process.
4. Not allowed to do anything! I'm not allowed to lift anything heavier than Ava or do much of anything for 2 weeks. That is very hard to do when you feel fine, but after doing minor things your body will tell you when it is doing more than you are supposed to. (Hence more bleeding!)
5. Bowel movement. The hospital gives you stool softeners while you are in the hospital and then they send some home with you. With all of the drugs and with labor your body has a hard time doing the doo! Well, they do not tell you that it could be the worst doo EVER. I felt like I needed an epidural to get through it! I did not know either that with the horrible experience, you are liable to get (if you don't already have them) HEMMORRHOIDS. I have a glorious one on top(I guess I could say on bottom =/ ) of all of the new bodily functions that go with labor.
These are things that happened to me. I am just informing you of things that could or possibly happen, NOT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU. Every woman's experience is different. Although, postpartum isn't all that it is cracked up to be, look what I got in return....
WAY WORTH EVERYTHING!!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Our Labor Day!
At 5am Saturday morning on July 31, 2010, I woke up to go to the bathroom. I noticed something was “off“, but for the past few weeks things had been “off” so I went back to bed. I woke up again at 6am and went in to the kitchen and I felt a trickle down my leg, thinking I had just peed myself, I went into the bathroom and peed again. I thought I might have broke my water, but wasn’t exactly sure. I went and got my makeup and put on eyeliner and mascara (hey, if this was “it” I didn’t want to look like a hag all day!). I was sitting in the chair and felt that trickle sensation and knew then this was the real deal. I went into our bedroom and woke Clint up and said, “baby, I’m pretty sure my water just broke.” He immediately woke up and pretended to get frantic and get excited. Although, he was excited he overreacted on purpose. He said, “I’m going to get in the shower while you call the doctor”. I called our doctor’s office emergency line and they paged the on call doctor. Dr. H (we met her at one of our visits) called me back in 2 minutes and asked me some questions and told us to eat something, shower if I want and come on in to the hospital.
We told our dogs where we were going (they knew something was up) and got everything ready, well all the things we hadn’t packed. (We have had our bags in the Murano 3 weeks previously because I have been dilated to 3cm for that long and our doctor told us we could go any time.) We left the house about 7am and stopped at McDonald’s on the way for breakfast. A huge storm was passing through that morning, so we definitely weren’t speeding the huge downpour.
We arrived at the hospital about 7:30am and I was leaking so much I forfeited the underwear and had on a dress and a towel between my legs. It is the weirdest feeling “peeing” yourself but not really!! We were the only patients arriving at the time and were checked into triage in about 10 minutes. The lady at the desk said that storms cause more women’s waters to break that full moons because of the barometric pressure. Thank God for storms. She showed us to our triage room to validate that we were in labor. The nurse came in and swabbed me with the ph paper and I had for sure broke my water. Although, she said the constant leaking and a towel between my legs were a dead give away!! The nurse hooked me up to the monitor and asked if I had had any contractions and I hadn’t or so I thought.
She said, “do you feel that?”
ME:“Um no ma’am.”
Nurse: “You are having a contraction right now.”
Me: “OH! Alright then.”
She did an internal and I was now at 4cm. YES!!!! She left to call Dr. H to let her know we were really about the get this party started and came back to wheel me into my labor and delivery room. (So exciting!!)
I got hooked up to an IV of fluids and some pitocin set at 1. Geez I hate needles. Whew. My parents got there about 9:30ish and I was now able to feel the contractions and things were moving along. Our nurse Penny ( a God-send) would come in every 15-20 and up my dosage of pitocin. I started having to breathe through them around level 3. The contractions got progressively harder and I was at level 6 when Penny asked if I wanted an epidural. I could handle the pain and was getting through them, so I told her not yet. She said if that was the case she was going on her break and I told her I would get the epidural when she got back. The back up nurse came in and was asking if I wanted one and sold me. She said, “this could take many more hours and do you want to go through that when you don’t have to?” I never had any reserves about getting the drugs and felt like I had endured the pain and knew what labor felt like, but if there is a drug that can make things that much more bearable, then order me up a round please. She called in the anesthesiologist and she arrived about 15 minutes later. The nurse said only 1 person could stay, so Clint stayed obviously and my parents left. They got me sitting up leaning over telling me everything that will happen before. It was a very weird experience and it wasn’t that horrible or painful, except for having to be completely still while having a huge needle go in your back while you are having a contraction. Things were looking good and then the anesthesiologist says, “this catheter doesn’t look right.” She calls in another lady and they start chatting about how there is some sort of kink somewhere and they have never seen this before. (GREAT!! I love to be the first for this!) After a few very scary minutes for me and Clint, they figured it out and I was on my way to happy town. My nurse Penny came back in and we waited a good 15 minutes to let everything start numbing up and then she checked me internally. I was at 4cm now at about 12:45pm. Penny had joked that she got off of work at 7pm so it would be great to have her around 5:30pm so she could get her paperwork done. Alright, Mrs. Penny I can do that. They put a catheter in me at this point and it is so weird to know they are doing something, but not be able to feel it at all.
So now I am in Happy land. Although, I can still feel the strong contractions, they are not painful.
By now, so many of our family are in the waiting room. The hospital allows 4 people other than Clint to come in and out by switching wristbands. So, it was a revolving door of family tagging in and out to come in and see how things were going. At about 4pm I was at 6cm and full effaced. We were chatting with people and laughing with our nurse telling stories. She checks me at 5pm and she is cheesing!
Penny: “what number do you want?”
ME and CLINT: “um 10 please.”
PENNY: “Well, we are at 10cm!”
ME:YAY!!!
She told us that we could start pushing and be pushing for the next couple of hours or we could turn me partly on my stomach and partly on my side and kind of let gravity help things along. We decided on gravity. We weren’t in a rush and I didn’t want to wear myself out if I didn’t have to. I got really tired and started to shake at this time while people continued to come in and out, but Clint entertained and the monitor was the entertainment for everyone. They seemed to be entranced by it. I lay there until about 5:30ish and she checked me again and said her head was right there and I thought “game on” let’s go. Penny told my family that we were going to start pushing. They left and it was me, Clint and Penny. Clint had one leg and Penny had one. We started pushing at 5:50pm. The epidural was still on, but I could feel pressure and could still push. (I would encourage keeping it on!) Penny and Clint were so encouraging. Clint had talked about being leery about watching the birth, but he said he couldn’t stop himself from looking and how amazing it was. They both asked if I wanted to watch. I declined. I have this perfect picture in my head and didn’t want to mutilate it by what things really looked like. Dr. H was hanging around and came in to just to observe the pushing process. I pushed and all of a sudden she said “stop pushing, this baby is coming.” (It’s very hard to not to push by the way.) They all frantically got ready to go and I started pushing again. At 6:07pm Ava Quinn was born. That is 17 minutes of pushing! We all were amazed it was that short of a time.
Clint went over to the warmer with Ava and they delivered the placenta (that thing is pretty amazing) and started to fix me up. I had a pretty deep 2nd degree tear and it took a good 30 minutes to stitch and make me cosmetically and functionally all right. Ava weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz and 19 ¾ inches.
Our nurse Penny was so amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better one. She came over after and hugged and kissed me on the cheek and thanked me for letting her be a part of this experience with us. A wonderful lady! Clint and I had our special family time with our baby girl for about 30 minutes. I wouldn’t trade that special moment of family time for anything.
There is our birth story. I know it was quite long, but it was short in real life to us at least.
We told our dogs where we were going (they knew something was up) and got everything ready, well all the things we hadn’t packed. (We have had our bags in the Murano 3 weeks previously because I have been dilated to 3cm for that long and our doctor told us we could go any time.) We left the house about 7am and stopped at McDonald’s on the way for breakfast. A huge storm was passing through that morning, so we definitely weren’t speeding the huge downpour.
We arrived at the hospital about 7:30am and I was leaking so much I forfeited the underwear and had on a dress and a towel between my legs. It is the weirdest feeling “peeing” yourself but not really!! We were the only patients arriving at the time and were checked into triage in about 10 minutes. The lady at the desk said that storms cause more women’s waters to break that full moons because of the barometric pressure. Thank God for storms. She showed us to our triage room to validate that we were in labor. The nurse came in and swabbed me with the ph paper and I had for sure broke my water. Although, she said the constant leaking and a towel between my legs were a dead give away!! The nurse hooked me up to the monitor and asked if I had had any contractions and I hadn’t or so I thought.
She said, “do you feel that?”
ME:“Um no ma’am.”
Nurse: “You are having a contraction right now.”
Me: “OH! Alright then.”
She did an internal and I was now at 4cm. YES!!!! She left to call Dr. H to let her know we were really about the get this party started and came back to wheel me into my labor and delivery room. (So exciting!!)
I got hooked up to an IV of fluids and some pitocin set at 1. Geez I hate needles. Whew. My parents got there about 9:30ish and I was now able to feel the contractions and things were moving along. Our nurse Penny ( a God-send) would come in every 15-20 and up my dosage of pitocin. I started having to breathe through them around level 3. The contractions got progressively harder and I was at level 6 when Penny asked if I wanted an epidural. I could handle the pain and was getting through them, so I told her not yet. She said if that was the case she was going on her break and I told her I would get the epidural when she got back. The back up nurse came in and was asking if I wanted one and sold me. She said, “this could take many more hours and do you want to go through that when you don’t have to?” I never had any reserves about getting the drugs and felt like I had endured the pain and knew what labor felt like, but if there is a drug that can make things that much more bearable, then order me up a round please. She called in the anesthesiologist and she arrived about 15 minutes later. The nurse said only 1 person could stay, so Clint stayed obviously and my parents left. They got me sitting up leaning over telling me everything that will happen before. It was a very weird experience and it wasn’t that horrible or painful, except for having to be completely still while having a huge needle go in your back while you are having a contraction. Things were looking good and then the anesthesiologist says, “this catheter doesn’t look right.” She calls in another lady and they start chatting about how there is some sort of kink somewhere and they have never seen this before. (GREAT!! I love to be the first for this!) After a few very scary minutes for me and Clint, they figured it out and I was on my way to happy town. My nurse Penny came back in and we waited a good 15 minutes to let everything start numbing up and then she checked me internally. I was at 4cm now at about 12:45pm. Penny had joked that she got off of work at 7pm so it would be great to have her around 5:30pm so she could get her paperwork done. Alright, Mrs. Penny I can do that. They put a catheter in me at this point and it is so weird to know they are doing something, but not be able to feel it at all.
So now I am in Happy land. Although, I can still feel the strong contractions, they are not painful.
By now, so many of our family are in the waiting room. The hospital allows 4 people other than Clint to come in and out by switching wristbands. So, it was a revolving door of family tagging in and out to come in and see how things were going. At about 4pm I was at 6cm and full effaced. We were chatting with people and laughing with our nurse telling stories. She checks me at 5pm and she is cheesing!
Penny: “what number do you want?”
ME and CLINT: “um 10 please.”
PENNY: “Well, we are at 10cm!”
ME:YAY!!!
She told us that we could start pushing and be pushing for the next couple of hours or we could turn me partly on my stomach and partly on my side and kind of let gravity help things along. We decided on gravity. We weren’t in a rush and I didn’t want to wear myself out if I didn’t have to. I got really tired and started to shake at this time while people continued to come in and out, but Clint entertained and the monitor was the entertainment for everyone. They seemed to be entranced by it. I lay there until about 5:30ish and she checked me again and said her head was right there and I thought “game on” let’s go. Penny told my family that we were going to start pushing. They left and it was me, Clint and Penny. Clint had one leg and Penny had one. We started pushing at 5:50pm. The epidural was still on, but I could feel pressure and could still push. (I would encourage keeping it on!) Penny and Clint were so encouraging. Clint had talked about being leery about watching the birth, but he said he couldn’t stop himself from looking and how amazing it was. They both asked if I wanted to watch. I declined. I have this perfect picture in my head and didn’t want to mutilate it by what things really looked like. Dr. H was hanging around and came in to just to observe the pushing process. I pushed and all of a sudden she said “stop pushing, this baby is coming.” (It’s very hard to not to push by the way.) They all frantically got ready to go and I started pushing again. At 6:07pm Ava Quinn was born. That is 17 minutes of pushing! We all were amazed it was that short of a time.
Clint went over to the warmer with Ava and they delivered the placenta (that thing is pretty amazing) and started to fix me up. I had a pretty deep 2nd degree tear and it took a good 30 minutes to stitch and make me cosmetically and functionally all right. Ava weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz and 19 ¾ inches.
Our nurse Penny was so amazing and I couldn’t have asked for a better one. She came over after and hugged and kissed me on the cheek and thanked me for letting her be a part of this experience with us. A wonderful lady! Clint and I had our special family time with our baby girl for about 30 minutes. I wouldn’t trade that special moment of family time for anything.
There is our birth story. I know it was quite long, but it was short in real life to us at least.
Monday, August 2, 2010
I want....
to introduce to you our daughter!!!!!!
Ava Quinn was born at 6:07pm July 31. She weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and was 19 3/4 in. I will write our birth story when I have a little more time. We just got home today and we are so in love! I fell in love with Clint all over and we both fell in love with Ava instantly.
Ava Quinn was born at 6:07pm July 31. She weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and was 19 3/4 in. I will write our birth story when I have a little more time. We just got home today and we are so in love! I fell in love with Clint all over and we both fell in love with Ava instantly.
Here are some pics. I know I am biased but she really is a beautiful baby!!
After her quick arrival!!
I get to see her while I am getting "fixed" up.
Our special family moment. We took some time to ourselves before we let anyone in to see her.
First posed family portrait!!
Look at those eyes!!
Daddy and Ava! My two favorite people in the entire world.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Beautiful day in the neighborhood
Hey ya ladies! It is a gorgeous day in Nashville!! I think the high got to 82 degress! Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons!! I love the warmer weather.
I forgot to tell y'all about the other night! We decided Clint was going to read her her 1st book, but we didn't have any that tickled our fancy at home, so we decided on her listening to music. My husband thinks that Classical is a waste and will put her to sleep. He put on Black Eyed Peas and she went nuts. She was making my belly jump and jive through all of their songs. It was amazing!
We can also tell now where she is and can feel her. She has this one spot in my lower right side of my belly that is her nook appparently because she is almost always there! Clint was feeling for her and all of a sudden jerked his hand back. Well, I started laughing and asked him what was wrong. Either her foot or hand grazed by his hand and creeped him out (in a good way!) I just laughed.
Moving along. Today was my 23 week apt. My doc was there! Yay! Well, she was late because her hospital rounds took her longer. Anywho, her normal nurse, Judy, wasn't there and the new nurse had me pee in a cup and get my weight. I closed my eyes because I DID NOT WANT TO KNOW! If that heifer didn't say it out loud when she was writing it in my chart. AHH I guess I should let EVERYONE KNOW!! I am up 5lbs. (normal gain at this time.) Total of 18.
Our Dr. finally made it at got Baby Ava's heartbeat (141)and checked my fungal height (right on 23 week schedule) and told me about by blood sugar test that I will do next time. When she was done I told her I wasn't happy about how Dr. Substitute treated my gain last checkup. Dr. said, "well she had a reason to be concerned." I then told her I have a history of eating disorder and ONE little thing could make me spiral back down that ugly path. (Having an eating disorder is like being and alcoholic!!) She wrote that in my chart for future doctors. I think docs learn the same speech because she asked if I drank juice and if my "healthy" portions were bigger. NO MA'AM.
This is how the conversation went.
Dr: WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST??
ME: I am a creature of habit so Breakfast: 1 egg, 2 egg whites, 2 pieces double fiber whole grain bread, 2 pieces of turkey bacon.
Dr: "What about lunch??"
ME: either a big salad or a Morningstar chicken patty sandwich and piece of fruit or veggies.
Dr: "Well, it looks like you can't do any healthier huh?!!?
ME:(thinking:) THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL Y'ALL!!!!!
Before she left, she said, "it could be you have gestational diabetes!" "Does your family have a history?"
NO MA'AM.
Clint asked me later this afternoon what I thought about the appt. (He was so concerned that I was defeated again. Especially, after she said I could have GD.) I told him I am good! A LOT of women THINK they are eating healthy and in reality they aren't at all or are eating too much of the healthy food. (I track all of my food on Babyfit.com.) I told him that she is just following protocol.and until today didn't really KNOW my daily eating. I am ok with the gain and I doubt I have GD. I am still thinking my body is going to do what it wants and I AM STILL OK WITH THAT!!!
I forgot to tell y'all about the other night! We decided Clint was going to read her her 1st book, but we didn't have any that tickled our fancy at home, so we decided on her listening to music. My husband thinks that Classical is a waste and will put her to sleep. He put on Black Eyed Peas and she went nuts. She was making my belly jump and jive through all of their songs. It was amazing!
We can also tell now where she is and can feel her. She has this one spot in my lower right side of my belly that is her nook appparently because she is almost always there! Clint was feeling for her and all of a sudden jerked his hand back. Well, I started laughing and asked him what was wrong. Either her foot or hand grazed by his hand and creeped him out (in a good way!) I just laughed.
Moving along. Today was my 23 week apt. My doc was there! Yay! Well, she was late because her hospital rounds took her longer. Anywho, her normal nurse, Judy, wasn't there and the new nurse had me pee in a cup and get my weight. I closed my eyes because I DID NOT WANT TO KNOW! If that heifer didn't say it out loud when she was writing it in my chart. AHH I guess I should let EVERYONE KNOW!! I am up 5lbs. (normal gain at this time.) Total of 18.
Our Dr. finally made it at got Baby Ava's heartbeat (141)and checked my fungal height (right on 23 week schedule) and told me about by blood sugar test that I will do next time. When she was done I told her I wasn't happy about how Dr. Substitute treated my gain last checkup. Dr. said, "well she had a reason to be concerned." I then told her I have a history of eating disorder and ONE little thing could make me spiral back down that ugly path. (Having an eating disorder is like being and alcoholic!!) She wrote that in my chart for future doctors. I think docs learn the same speech because she asked if I drank juice and if my "healthy" portions were bigger. NO MA'AM.
This is how the conversation went.
Dr: WHAT DO YOU EAT FOR BREAKFAST??
ME: I am a creature of habit so Breakfast: 1 egg, 2 egg whites, 2 pieces double fiber whole grain bread, 2 pieces of turkey bacon.
Dr: "What about lunch??"
ME: either a big salad or a Morningstar chicken patty sandwich and piece of fruit or veggies.
Dr: "Well, it looks like you can't do any healthier huh?!!?
ME:(thinking:) THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO TELL Y'ALL!!!!!
Before she left, she said, "it could be you have gestational diabetes!" "Does your family have a history?"
NO MA'AM.
Clint asked me later this afternoon what I thought about the appt. (He was so concerned that I was defeated again. Especially, after she said I could have GD.) I told him I am good! A LOT of women THINK they are eating healthy and in reality they aren't at all or are eating too much of the healthy food. (I track all of my food on Babyfit.com.) I told him that she is just following protocol.and until today didn't really KNOW my daily eating. I am ok with the gain and I doubt I have GD. I am still thinking my body is going to do what it wants and I AM STILL OK WITH THAT!!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Amazing
Last night was an experience I will never forget. For the past few days, I have felt baby girl on the outside randomly. If Clint is around I grab his hand real fast to see if he can feel her. His poor face has been disappointing.
We wer laying in bed last night and Clint was irritating me by messing with my more shallow belly button. Baby Ava kicked and I grabbed his hand. I have not been telling him when she kicks in hopes he will realize it on his own. She kicked and he said, "was that you or her?" (I have had false alarms that were really gas when he felt my belly!) I giggled and said that was HER!!! She kicked him 2 more times and I couldn't stop laughing out of joy that he was so excited. He was a happy daddy to say the least. He said, "that's weird, I can't imagine what it feels like on the inside."
It was an amazing experience for the both of us. I will cherish it forever.
Happy ICLW!
We wer laying in bed last night and Clint was irritating me by messing with my more shallow belly button. Baby Ava kicked and I grabbed his hand. I have not been telling him when she kicks in hopes he will realize it on his own. She kicked and he said, "was that you or her?" (I have had false alarms that were really gas when he felt my belly!) I giggled and said that was HER!!! She kicked him 2 more times and I couldn't stop laughing out of joy that he was so excited. He was a happy daddy to say the least. He said, "that's weird, I can't imagine what it feels like on the inside."
It was an amazing experience for the both of us. I will cherish it forever.
Happy ICLW!
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