 |
| 3 yrs old |
 |
| 3 yrs old |
 |
| Almost 3 1/2 yrs old |
2 months ago
Thursday, December 11, 2014
We Have a 3 (and a half) Year-Old!
Max turned 3 back in July and is transforming from a toddler to a little boy more and more every day.
3 Year Stats:
Height: 40 1/4 in (96%)
Weight: 38 1/2 lbs (95%)
4t tops, 3t66 bottoms and size 9 shoe
Bed at (approx.) 8:30pm and up at 7am. One 2 hour nap in the afternoon
Food favorites: sausage, hot dogs, pizza, cheese quesadilla, chix nuggets, spaghetti, frozen raspberries (most fruit), carrots, cucumbers and blueberry pancakes
He's a pretty decent eater.
He can put his shoes and coat on by himself. He does a pretty good job of dressing himself, too.
His chores include: clearing his plate and putting it in the dishwasher, feeding Brady and picking up his toys. He likes to help me cook and generally just be involved with what I'm doing around the house. He's quite the little helper. ;)
He's very social with other kids. He'll run up to kids at the park and say, "Hi, my name's Max!" Most kids don't respond b/c I don't think they're used to his style. Haha. They usually just blankly stare at him. He plays rough, but isn't a bully. He doesn't hit other kids when he gets upset. Honestly, I can't remember him getting upset with other kids (except his cousin, Sophie!) He might hit and say "Tag, you're it!" But he's not aggressive or mean.
Max continues to be a great big brother. He does get irritated here and there with Clare when she tries to take his toys. But he's learning that Clare is starting to want to be involved with the games we play. Today, we were bouncing bouncy balls to each other. Clare, Max and I. Clare would throw it and Max would say, "Good throw, Clare!" I love to hear stuff like that. He looks out for her and tells me if she's getting into something she shouldn't. I also love when he notices a new skill she's learned - "Mommy! Clare learned to clap!"
He has no time for cuddles. Takes after his mom on that one. ;) Maybe and just maybe I can get him to sit with me if he's just woken up. Oh, and right before bed, when he's trying to procrastinate.
After a lot of thought and prayer, I decided to quit my job back in June. I was working 2 days a week and it was a pretty good balance when it was just Max. But, after Clare was born, I was uneasy leaving her. So, I took the plunge to be a full-time SAHM. I'm not going to lie and say every day is unicorns and flowers, but I'm so happy to be able to be at home with them during the day. I've realized more and more over the last few months that my time with Max is so precious. I only have (less than) another year until he'll be in pre-school. I so treasure these simple days and lack of a formal schedule.
3 Year Stats:
Height: 40 1/4 in (96%)
Weight: 38 1/2 lbs (95%)
4t tops, 3t66 bottoms and size 9 shoe
Bed at (approx.) 8:30pm and up at 7am. One 2 hour nap in the afternoon
Food favorites: sausage, hot dogs, pizza, cheese quesadilla, chix nuggets, spaghetti, frozen raspberries (most fruit), carrots, cucumbers and blueberry pancakes
He's a pretty decent eater.
He can put his shoes and coat on by himself. He does a pretty good job of dressing himself, too.
His chores include: clearing his plate and putting it in the dishwasher, feeding Brady and picking up his toys. He likes to help me cook and generally just be involved with what I'm doing around the house. He's quite the little helper. ;)
He's very social with other kids. He'll run up to kids at the park and say, "Hi, my name's Max!" Most kids don't respond b/c I don't think they're used to his style. Haha. They usually just blankly stare at him. He plays rough, but isn't a bully. He doesn't hit other kids when he gets upset. Honestly, I can't remember him getting upset with other kids (except his cousin, Sophie!) He might hit and say "Tag, you're it!" But he's not aggressive or mean.
Max continues to be a great big brother. He does get irritated here and there with Clare when she tries to take his toys. But he's learning that Clare is starting to want to be involved with the games we play. Today, we were bouncing bouncy balls to each other. Clare, Max and I. Clare would throw it and Max would say, "Good throw, Clare!" I love to hear stuff like that. He looks out for her and tells me if she's getting into something she shouldn't. I also love when he notices a new skill she's learned - "Mommy! Clare learned to clap!"
He has no time for cuddles. Takes after his mom on that one. ;) Maybe and just maybe I can get him to sit with me if he's just woken up. Oh, and right before bed, when he's trying to procrastinate.
After a lot of thought and prayer, I decided to quit my job back in June. I was working 2 days a week and it was a pretty good balance when it was just Max. But, after Clare was born, I was uneasy leaving her. So, I took the plunge to be a full-time SAHM. I'm not going to lie and say every day is unicorns and flowers, but I'm so happy to be able to be at home with them during the day. I've realized more and more over the last few months that my time with Max is so precious. I only have (less than) another year until he'll be in pre-school. I so treasure these simple days and lack of a formal schedule.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Clare - 9 months
Clare started solids right at 6 months. Stuck with just fruits and veggies this time (no cereal). First food was sweet potatoes, which she loved, and then, apples. There isn't much she hasn't liked, but continues to have digestive issues. Poor thing. I don't know how to help her and the ped is no help. It went from "They'll resolve by 2 months . . . 4 months . . . 6 months," to ""Well, I hope they get better for you." Yeah, me, too. At the end of July, I had had enough. Our chiro recommended a functional medicine doc. He ordered a stool test and a blood test to test for 96 food sensitivities. It came back with about 10 sensitivities. Since we've both eliminated those foods, she has become a normal baby. OH. EM. GEE! Finally! It upsets me that her problems were written off as normal or colic. And makes me wonder how many other babies are suffering, b/c drs won't look into their problems. I'm glad I found a dr who will listen and get to the bottom of her issues.
At 7 months, rolls consistently from belly to back. I never thought it would happen! Max was crawling at 7 months and it's hard to not compare the 2. She has started to have little fits if we take away something from her. It starts this early???!! And she has a little diva in her. She definitely makes it known when she wants something.
8 months: Majorly jabbering. I'm just sure her first word will be "mama." ;) She also started clapping and sitting up from laying down. She got her two top teeth in and around this time and it wasn't too bad at all. She has a good pincher grasp and can feed herself well.
At 9 months, she is army crawling everywhere. She is so happy to be mobile! She'll play for an hour by herself, happy as can be, on the living room floor. It's wonderful to see her so happy! She also waves and plays peek-a-boo now. She has been putting herself to sleep lately both at nap and bedtime. She still only takes 30 min naps. I try to extend those naps with "shhh-ing" and patting. Sometimes, it works; sometimes, it doesn't Very frustrating. She goes to bed at 9pm and is up around 7. On a normal night, gets up twice.
She's a major mama's girl. She doesn't really like to be held, especially by people she doesn't know too well. She'd rather play on the ground for awhile, while she warms up to whoever she's around. Big crowds overwhelm her. She is the happiest at home or outside. She loves being outside!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Clare at 6 months
Height: 27in (88th percentile)
Weight: 19lbs, 13oz (95th percentile)
What can I say?! Clare's a big girl! She is still primarily breastfed, with a few solids here and there. We gave her sweet potatoes right at 6 months and have also tried apples. Both went well, I'm just not too motivated to go gung ho on the solids yet. So, we'll stick with breastmilk for now.
She's in 9 and 12 month clothing. She hates to wear pants (or anything with a waistband) and those little "creeper" outfits (that snap around the thighs are pretty snug on her legs. So, dressing her this summer has been a bit of a challenge. Lots of dresses and onesies!
Right around 13 weeks, she started consistently rolling from her back to her belly. She still can't roll from belly to back, though. She gets really frustrated on her belly.
She started sitting on her own right before turning 6 months. She's pretty stable sitting up and she loves it! I think it makes her feel more independent - or it makes he belly feel better. Standing is a different story! You'd think, with those legs, she's be good at it. Haha
Clare just had her first teeth come in (right at 6 months) - her 2 bottom ones. We had one rough night, but it wasn't too bad.
She's a decent sleeper. She usually gets up twice at night to nurse - around 2 and 5:30. She goes to bed around noon and gets up around 7:30. She was only taking naps in our arms up until last week. I started some gentle sleep training and she now will sleep in her crib with almost no fussing! Alleluia! She still will wake up after 30 minutes (can't get past that first sleep cycle), but I'm there to pat her and she goes right back to sleep now. This is such a relief to me!
She loves watching her brother and thinks he's hilarious. And he is so good with her. If she cries, he starts singing "his" song to her (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.) Or he'll say, "Your big brother's here," in a sweet voice. The other day, I was in the kitchen and they were together in the living room. He got up to leave and she started fussing a bit. I look in and he says to her in a sweet voice, "Don't worry, I'll be right back." It does my heart good to hear stuff like that.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
And Just Like that . . .
Max is 32 months. He has changed so, so much since turning 2. Brook and I were talking the other night and we both agreed we'd freeze him at this age right now. He is such a good, loving boy. I look at him daily and thank God for blessing me with him.
He is currently wearing 3T bottoms and 3T (sometimes 4T) tops. Approx 35lbs and 38in tall. At his 2 year wellness visit, he was in the approx 85th percentile for both height and weight. I guess we grow 'em big in the Bisonet household!
Max's vocabulary EXPLODED after he turned two! It has been crazy and so much fun to watch. Every day, he surprises us and makes us laugh with his new phrases. The ones that come to mind:
- "Where outside go?" (In the fall, we had come home late one evening and were getting him ready for bed. It's usually light out when he's getting ready for bed, but this time it was dark.)
- "40 minutes" (All time is measured in "40 minutes.")
- "Ummmm" (When asked a question, he usually uses this. It has let me see how much I use "ummm." ;-)) And he taps his chin, like he's thinking. (Thanks Aunt Hannah.)
- "Mommy, I like your hair" after I got out of the shower a few weeks ago. What 2 year-old boy says something like that???
- "Daddy, how was work today?" as Brook walks in the door from work.
We decided to give potty training a try at the end of July. I figured, why not try and if he wasn't ready, we'd try again in a few months. We did a modified 3 day approach and by the end of the first day, he was using the potty consistently. By the end of the first week, he was potty trained, except for naps and bedtime. More times than not, he wakes up dry now; so, I'm sure that will eventually come, but I'm not forcing it at the moment. I was astounded at how well he did! And I have to say it was pretty much all him. We really didn't have to give him much direction. A few days of "Pee pee in potty" or "Poopy in potty" and he got it.
He does really well with Clare. When we first brought her home, he was so excited that baby sister was finally here. Then, we went through a few "transition weeks," as I like to call them. He acted more naughty than usual, especially when Brook and I were home together. He's come out of that now and is somewhat indifferent with Clare. He pays attention to her on HIS terms and is gentle and kind with her.
A week ago, we moved him to his "big boy bed." (AKA new bunk beds.) I was really nervous about this. He sleeps GREAT in his crib. Takes a solid nap every day and sleeps 11 hours at night - going to be easily and not waking up til morning. He got out of the crib a few times a few months ago, but when we told him is was dangerous, he stopped. So, why would we move him, right? Well, we have 1 crib and I wanted to get Clare out of the pack n play and into the crib. So, we gave it a whirl. My biggest fear was that Max would get out of bed and roam the house or play with stuff in his room at night. I told him "you can't get out of bed, until mommy or daddy come and get you." And you know what? That strong-willed little stinker actually listened! There has been no change in how he sleeps. PTL! I think he even sleeps better, b/c he's in a room with room darkening shades now.
He loves life. That's the only way I can describe him. No matter where we are, he's out to explore. He loves to watch the lobsters fight at Meijer. He loves to help daddy shovel the snow. He loves playing with his cousins or random kids at the park. There isn't much he doesn't love to do! He isn't shy and is way too comfortable when we go places. So comfortable, that he likes to wander off and check things out on his own. Like the toy section at Kohls. (You can tell what stores mommy frequents. ;-))) When we have a serviceman or deliveryman at our house, Max loves to talk with them. Just recently, we had a guy at our house, inspecting the furnace. I heard voices downstairs and when I went to check, Max is down there, telling the guy about his baby sister "Clare." The guy couldn't understand him and just kept saying "Oh yeah." Somehow, Max knows that means you don't understand him. So, he kept repeating himself and getting louder and louder. What a kid!
He is currently wearing 3T bottoms and 3T (sometimes 4T) tops. Approx 35lbs and 38in tall. At his 2 year wellness visit, he was in the approx 85th percentile for both height and weight. I guess we grow 'em big in the Bisonet household!
Max's vocabulary EXPLODED after he turned two! It has been crazy and so much fun to watch. Every day, he surprises us and makes us laugh with his new phrases. The ones that come to mind:
- "Where outside go?" (In the fall, we had come home late one evening and were getting him ready for bed. It's usually light out when he's getting ready for bed, but this time it was dark.)
- "40 minutes" (All time is measured in "40 minutes.")
- "Ummmm" (When asked a question, he usually uses this. It has let me see how much I use "ummm." ;-)) And he taps his chin, like he's thinking. (Thanks Aunt Hannah.)
- "Mommy, I like your hair" after I got out of the shower a few weeks ago. What 2 year-old boy says something like that???
- "Daddy, how was work today?" as Brook walks in the door from work.
We decided to give potty training a try at the end of July. I figured, why not try and if he wasn't ready, we'd try again in a few months. We did a modified 3 day approach and by the end of the first day, he was using the potty consistently. By the end of the first week, he was potty trained, except for naps and bedtime. More times than not, he wakes up dry now; so, I'm sure that will eventually come, but I'm not forcing it at the moment. I was astounded at how well he did! And I have to say it was pretty much all him. We really didn't have to give him much direction. A few days of "Pee pee in potty" or "Poopy in potty" and he got it.
He does really well with Clare. When we first brought her home, he was so excited that baby sister was finally here. Then, we went through a few "transition weeks," as I like to call them. He acted more naughty than usual, especially when Brook and I were home together. He's come out of that now and is somewhat indifferent with Clare. He pays attention to her on HIS terms and is gentle and kind with her.
A week ago, we moved him to his "big boy bed." (AKA new bunk beds.) I was really nervous about this. He sleeps GREAT in his crib. Takes a solid nap every day and sleeps 11 hours at night - going to be easily and not waking up til morning. He got out of the crib a few times a few months ago, but when we told him is was dangerous, he stopped. So, why would we move him, right? Well, we have 1 crib and I wanted to get Clare out of the pack n play and into the crib. So, we gave it a whirl. My biggest fear was that Max would get out of bed and roam the house or play with stuff in his room at night. I told him "you can't get out of bed, until mommy or daddy come and get you." And you know what? That strong-willed little stinker actually listened! There has been no change in how he sleeps. PTL! I think he even sleeps better, b/c he's in a room with room darkening shades now.
He loves life. That's the only way I can describe him. No matter where we are, he's out to explore. He loves to watch the lobsters fight at Meijer. He loves to help daddy shovel the snow. He loves playing with his cousins or random kids at the park. There isn't much he doesn't love to do! He isn't shy and is way too comfortable when we go places. So comfortable, that he likes to wander off and check things out on his own. Like the toy section at Kohls. (You can tell what stores mommy frequents. ;-))) When we have a serviceman or deliveryman at our house, Max loves to talk with them. Just recently, we had a guy at our house, inspecting the furnace. I heard voices downstairs and when I went to check, Max is down there, telling the guy about his baby sister "Clare." The guy couldn't understand him and just kept saying "Oh yeah." Somehow, Max knows that means you don't understand him. So, he kept repeating himself and getting louder and louder. What a kid!
Clare at 3 months
My baby is 3 months old already! Ahhh! Clare was so easy the first 3 weeks of her life, I googled it to see what was wrong. She slept most of the time and even self soothed. I was told to enjoy it while it lasted. And I should've! At about 3 weeks, she became incredibly fussy, due to belly issues. I think it has to do with dairy and egg in my diet. I also think citrus upsets her - not a huge amt - just eating a little clementine sets her off. It's a lot of guess work and, you know what? I don't really like guess work! I hate seeing her upset and not knowing how to fix it. I really struggled with all the dietary restrictions. I have had days where I wanted to quit breast-feeding. I have contemplated quitting after flu / RSV season is over. Then, I had a serious "suck it up" talk with myself. Seriously! I really believe in breast-feeding and was willing to quit b/c I couldn't have pizza? So, I am dairy, egg and citrus free - for the most part. I keep reminding myself that this won't last forever.
When she doesn't have tummy troubles, she's as happy as can be when she's at home. Full of smiles and jibber jabber. I've noticed she tends to be a homebody. She becomes a different baby - more fussy - when we're somewhere new. It's interesting.
Some other things I'd like to remember:
- She's over-stimulated easily and really isn't a good napper. Luckily, she sleeps pretty well at night and I've even got a few 9-10 hr stretches. Usually, she sleeps 5-6 hrs, then wakes to feed for a few minutes and is right back to sleep. She goes to bed easily at night, too (probably b/c she hasn't napped well).
- She loves to eat! At her 2 month wellness appt, she was in the 85th percentile for weight. Quite healthy! ;-) Just recently, she's started getting distracted while eating. She'll fuss, til I sit her up and she can look around. She'll also stop eating, look up and jabber away at me. It's awesome.
- She likes to watch big brother Max, though he's often too fast paced for her. One of her favorite things is her activity mat. She laughs and talks to the animals on the side. Cracks me up!
- Bath time is also a favorite for her. She loves to kick and splash and try to drink the water.
- She rolled from back to front at just over 12 weeks. She hates - and I mean hates - being on her belly. And I don't force her to be, either. There were so little happy times during the first 2 months of her life, I wasn't going to put her on her belly and tick her off when she was actually happy. Perhaps, we'll start working on it more, now that she's doing better.
I am so thankful that God gave her to us. She is such a unique soul and such a precious addition to our family.
When she doesn't have tummy troubles, she's as happy as can be when she's at home. Full of smiles and jibber jabber. I've noticed she tends to be a homebody. She becomes a different baby - more fussy - when we're somewhere new. It's interesting.
Some other things I'd like to remember:
- She's over-stimulated easily and really isn't a good napper. Luckily, she sleeps pretty well at night and I've even got a few 9-10 hr stretches. Usually, she sleeps 5-6 hrs, then wakes to feed for a few minutes and is right back to sleep. She goes to bed easily at night, too (probably b/c she hasn't napped well).
- She loves to eat! At her 2 month wellness appt, she was in the 85th percentile for weight. Quite healthy! ;-) Just recently, she's started getting distracted while eating. She'll fuss, til I sit her up and she can look around. She'll also stop eating, look up and jabber away at me. It's awesome.
- She likes to watch big brother Max, though he's often too fast paced for her. One of her favorite things is her activity mat. She laughs and talks to the animals on the side. Cracks me up!
- Bath time is also a favorite for her. She loves to kick and splash and try to drink the water.
- She rolled from back to front at just over 12 weeks. She hates - and I mean hates - being on her belly. And I don't force her to be, either. There were so little happy times during the first 2 months of her life, I wasn't going to put her on her belly and tick her off when she was actually happy. Perhaps, we'll start working on it more, now that she's doing better.
I am so thankful that God gave her to us. She is such a unique soul and such a precious addition to our family.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Clare's Birth Day Pictures
 |
| Getting some encouragement from Deb, right before delivery |
 |
| First glimpse of our new baby |
 |
| Look at those chubby cheeks! |
 |
| Max on his way to meet Clare |
 |
| Happy to finally meet her! |
 |
| First family photo |
 |
| Grandma Theresa and Clare |
  |
| Won't be too long and Aunt Veronica will be holding her own new baby! |
 |
| Aunt Meghan and Grandma Cindy meeting Clare |
Monday, January 27, 2014
Clare's Birth Story
After a pregnancy filled with many false emergencies, the end of my pregnancy didn't disappoint. On Wednesday, December 4th, I went in for my weekly appt. I was 40 weeks, due the next day. The week before, I had measured small, which was normal for my pregnancy, but suddenly the MW was worried and scheduled an US to measure amniotic fluid. Everything was fine. Well, at my 40 week appt, even though I wasn't overdue, the MW wanted a NST. I agreed and she didn't like what she saw, so scheduled another US at 8pm that night. 8pm! 8 hours to sit around and worry. I wasn't worried about the baby, honestly. The baby slept the entire NST. All I was worried about was that they were going to try to push an unnecessary induction. She also stripped my membranes. At that point I was 2-3 CM dilated and 80% effaced. I was praying that the membrane stripping would work to get things going and I wouldn't have to worry about the possibility of an induction.
Throughout the day, I was having some cramping, but nothing regular. Hannah graciously offered to come out and watch Max during the US. I asked her to pack a bag "just in case." We went out to eat at Russ' and then up to Toys R Us. Contractions were definitely happening at this point. Not very strong and about 10 minutes apart. Brook and I went to the US and, once again, everything was perfect. Sigh. Thank goodness!
Back at home, contractions we picking up. I was glad Hannah was there; so, we didn't have to worry about someone getting to our house to stay with Max. I laid down around 11 to try to get some sleep before things picked up and, just as it happened with Max, the contractions got much worse. By 3am, they were 1 minute apart, lasting 30 seconds. I figured we should go to the hospital to see where I was at. I knew I wasn't close to transition, b/c I could still talk with ease. But I still wanted to know.
We only live 5 blocks from the hospital, so I jumped in the car after a contraction and made it there without having to endure a contraction in the car. (Good driving, Brook!) At 3:30am, I was 4cm dilated and almost completely effaced. Like with Max's labor, I was ticked to not be more dilated. I wanted to go back home, but the nurse asked me to stay, warning that 2nd labors go much faster. I agreed to stay an hour and see if I had made any progress. At 4:30, I was 6 cm dilated. I agreed to stay at that point. ;)
Having not slept in almost 24 hrs, I was sooo tired. I kept almost falling asleep between contractions, which was a problems, since I labored standing up almost the whole time! Ha! The CNM on call (Allison) arrived shortly thereafter and started talking about breaking my water, b/c I wasn't progressing. Same thing happened with Max and once I agreed to have my water broke, the pain got much worse! Like, I'm going to lose my mind worse. So, I put her off, wanting to see if I could progress any further. It was taking awhile, so I agreed to it, just wanting to be done. Honestly, I don't remember the pain getting much worse this time. I also didn't lose my sense of time or modesty this time, as I went through transition. I was also very hungry. My blood sugar kept tanking, since I was only drinking sprite. Between that and the exhaustion, I was afraid I was going to pass out. So, Allison allowed me to have some PB and crackers, which really surprised me. And it helped a lot, thank goodness.
I kept watching the clock. Why? I'm not exactly sure. But I guess I had myself on a schedule of how fast this should happen and if it didn't, I was getting an epidural! At 7am, a new mid-wife (Deb)arrived. Veronica, my birth photographer (and sister), arrived at 7:30ish (things are getting a little fuzzy now). Around this time, I asked to go in the tub. Right before getting in, Deb checked me and said I was ready to push. WHAT?! Oh thank you Lord! I started pushing at 7:45 and Clare Immaculata was born at 8am. She weighed a whopping 7lbs, 11oz. So much for measuring small!
Looking back, it was an absolute perfect labor and delivery. I couldn't have done it without Brook. He is an amazing birth coach. He kept me focused, encouraged me and reminded me what kind of birth I really wanted. He also made sure the room was dim and that people weren't talking too loudly. He worked with the medical staff to let them know what I needed (support-wise) from them.
It's funny, after I had Clare, the nurses kept coming to my room, saying they heard about me and wanted to meet me. That no one does natural birth as calm as I did. If only they could've been in my head! Ha! My thoughts weren't so calm! We only stayed one night and I can't say enough about the nurses at the hospital. They are so kind and giving. The hospital only averages one birth a day, so it's such a peaceful environment. I love having my babies there.
Pictures to come . . .
Throughout the day, I was having some cramping, but nothing regular. Hannah graciously offered to come out and watch Max during the US. I asked her to pack a bag "just in case." We went out to eat at Russ' and then up to Toys R Us. Contractions were definitely happening at this point. Not very strong and about 10 minutes apart. Brook and I went to the US and, once again, everything was perfect. Sigh. Thank goodness!
Back at home, contractions we picking up. I was glad Hannah was there; so, we didn't have to worry about someone getting to our house to stay with Max. I laid down around 11 to try to get some sleep before things picked up and, just as it happened with Max, the contractions got much worse. By 3am, they were 1 minute apart, lasting 30 seconds. I figured we should go to the hospital to see where I was at. I knew I wasn't close to transition, b/c I could still talk with ease. But I still wanted to know.
We only live 5 blocks from the hospital, so I jumped in the car after a contraction and made it there without having to endure a contraction in the car. (Good driving, Brook!) At 3:30am, I was 4cm dilated and almost completely effaced. Like with Max's labor, I was ticked to not be more dilated. I wanted to go back home, but the nurse asked me to stay, warning that 2nd labors go much faster. I agreed to stay an hour and see if I had made any progress. At 4:30, I was 6 cm dilated. I agreed to stay at that point. ;)
Having not slept in almost 24 hrs, I was sooo tired. I kept almost falling asleep between contractions, which was a problems, since I labored standing up almost the whole time! Ha! The CNM on call (Allison) arrived shortly thereafter and started talking about breaking my water, b/c I wasn't progressing. Same thing happened with Max and once I agreed to have my water broke, the pain got much worse! Like, I'm going to lose my mind worse. So, I put her off, wanting to see if I could progress any further. It was taking awhile, so I agreed to it, just wanting to be done. Honestly, I don't remember the pain getting much worse this time. I also didn't lose my sense of time or modesty this time, as I went through transition. I was also very hungry. My blood sugar kept tanking, since I was only drinking sprite. Between that and the exhaustion, I was afraid I was going to pass out. So, Allison allowed me to have some PB and crackers, which really surprised me. And it helped a lot, thank goodness.
I kept watching the clock. Why? I'm not exactly sure. But I guess I had myself on a schedule of how fast this should happen and if it didn't, I was getting an epidural! At 7am, a new mid-wife (Deb)arrived. Veronica, my birth photographer (and sister), arrived at 7:30ish (things are getting a little fuzzy now). Around this time, I asked to go in the tub. Right before getting in, Deb checked me and said I was ready to push. WHAT?! Oh thank you Lord! I started pushing at 7:45 and Clare Immaculata was born at 8am. She weighed a whopping 7lbs, 11oz. So much for measuring small!
Looking back, it was an absolute perfect labor and delivery. I couldn't have done it without Brook. He is an amazing birth coach. He kept me focused, encouraged me and reminded me what kind of birth I really wanted. He also made sure the room was dim and that people weren't talking too loudly. He worked with the medical staff to let them know what I needed (support-wise) from them.
It's funny, after I had Clare, the nurses kept coming to my room, saying they heard about me and wanted to meet me. That no one does natural birth as calm as I did. If only they could've been in my head! Ha! My thoughts weren't so calm! We only stayed one night and I can't say enough about the nurses at the hospital. They are so kind and giving. The hospital only averages one birth a day, so it's such a peaceful environment. I love having my babies there.
Pictures to come . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
