Baby Andrew is here

I know I am slow, but I finally am finding some time to write. Well, I guess I will write about the birth story (or at least what I remember). I was admitted into the hospital on Wednesday the 18th after work. I wanted to work up until the end, so I wouldn't be waiting around the house for the baby to come. Anyway, they started my cervidil and at that time I was 1 cm dialated and about 40% effaced (not very much progress for 39 weeks). Anyway, I was having contractions about every 4 minutes (not very strong ones though). They gave me a sleeping pill so that I would have a good night sleep, but I heard the monitor (baby's heartbeat all night long) and I had to get up to use the bathroom several times (and I had to unplug the monitor to go to the bathroom)!

They came in at about 6 and took the cervidil out and I got in the shower and got ready. At about 7:15, they started the pitocin. The contractions weren't bad to start with (I could manage). I was 1 1/2 cm dialated after the cervidil came out (I was getting a little worried about my lack of progress). At around 10 am, the contractions started to get uncomfortable and I was having to breathe through them. I couldn't get out of bed so I wasn't coping with the pain as well as I did with my 2nd delivery. I got some nubain for pain because I wasn't at 3 cm and couldn't get an epidural. The nubain made me sleepy in between contractions, but they were still pretty bad. My water finally broke at 11:10 am and from that point on things moved very speedily. First, I have to say that I felt a pop right before my water broke- it was a wierd sensation and I told the nurse. She asked if I felt a trickle and I said "no". Anyway, about a minute later I felt the trickle and then gushes (sorry). At 1:05 I was dialated to 3 and at 1:35 I got my epidural. Life was much better after that kicked in. I dialated to 5 cm at 1:45 and 8 cm at 2:35 and at 3:00 I was already at 10 cm. I had to wait for the doctor to push. I pushed 3 times and Andrew was born at 3:28 pm on 2/19 (2 days before his sister's birthday). He weighed in at 8 lb. 8 oz. (the same as his brother's weight). My other 2 were late, so I would've hated to see what he would've weighed 2 weeks later (probably 9 1/2 lbs). I did tear pretty significantly and I was in a lot of pain in the hospital. I am feeling much better each passing day though. Andrew is such a sweet tempered baby. We feel blessed to have him in our family. Here are a couple of pictures. I will post more later.

D-Day

Well, I am supposed to be induced on February 19th. That is only a few short days away (and only 2 days shy of Amber's birthday). Hopefully, this will work- I've never been induced before and the reason why it has been suggested is because of 1.) The baby's size (already about 8 1/2 lbs.) and 2.) the amount of amniotic fluid I am carrying (a larger than normal amount). I am working until Wednesday and then I will go in the hospital that afternoon. People are commenting about how I am crazy to still be at work, but I want ALL of my maternity leave to be with the baby. I feel o.k. so I know if I were at home, I would just be all impatient. Work is at least making the time fly by. My replacement has been coming in for the past few days, and I think the transition is going to go very well for my class. Part of me is a little sad to leave and lose control...

I will post back after everything happens. Keep me in your prayers.

Another ultrasound

I have had more ultrasounds with this baby. That is a good thing though. I had my 37 week appt. and they wanted to do another ultrasound because the baby was looking big at my 32 week ultrasound (when they were checking the kidneys). Anyway, he is still looking big- they estimated based on their measurements 7.4-7.9. Well, 2 more weeks and he'll probably be 8.9 (like my other 2 children). If I go to 40 weeks, then he may be 9 lbs.

My ob discussed inducing with us on Tuesday. I guess I'm o.k. with that because of the baby's size and she said there is an above normal amount of amniotic fluid. So, as of right now, I'm supposed to be induced at 39 weeks on Feb. 19th. That is just 2 days before Amber's birthday- but hopefully, I'd be home by her birthday. I'm afraid my body is not going to be ready to deliver at 39 weeks because I didn't deliver my other 2 until at least 41 weeks (41 1/2 weeks with Josh). My ob did say that if things don't look favorable when I go back next week, we could always reschedule for the following week (40 weeks). She doesn't want me to go late though. We are trying to get last minute things done, but I am pretty uncomfortable these days. Since I am still working, when I get home, all I try and do is put my feet up and rest. The swelling in my feet is getting pretty awful. I will try and post another update next week. They will do a non stress test then as well.