1 week

Well, we survived our first week with Collins. The week FLEW by! Here are a couple things about her first week

• She has been to the doctor twice now. We went Saturday to check her weight and she was 6lbs 7oz and since she was down almost 10%, they wanted us to come back later in the week. We went back yesterday and she is 6lbs 11oz. Ped said she looked great and we don't need to come back till her 1 month appt.
• She has been to Babies R Us, Target and auntie Amber's  house
• I left her alone with daddy for an hour Tuesday night so I could go to Target. They did perfectly fine but I missed her like crazy.
• She has met all her immediate family. She is 1 loved little baby and made a number of family members cry when they had to tell her bye (I won't menion any names)
• Sleeping ok. I have done 2 things I said I would never do and that's let her sleep with us and let her sleep in the swing. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Last night she slept in the swing but I didn't turn it on and after her 2nd feeding in the night, she slept in her bed. Baby steps people, baby steps.
• The couple hours a day she is awake, she is very alert. She can lift her head up and loves looking around the room. Especially at the Christmas tree lights.
• Seems to think she is always hungry. I swore to the pediatrician I don't starve her when I showed her the hicky she has given herself on her wrist. Working on her keeping the pacifier in her mouth instead of her body parts. She found her thumb today and although I don't want a thumb sucker, it was pretty darn cute.
• Her sisters aren't so sure what to think of her. Zoe pretty much ignores her and Elsie is pretty scared of her. Both have done better today so hopefully they'll be back to themselves soon.
• Loves having her hair washed and brushed but hates having her body washed and lotion put on. Sorry girl, mommy likes the smell of a clean baby.
• Can't decide who she looks like. Some people say Derek, some people say me, I see a little bit of Paxton in her and there has been 1 pic where she looks like auntie Amber. Regardless, she is 100% CUTE :)
• Has her mommy and daddy wrapped around her finger already. We are so completely in love with this girl. She is going to be spoiled rotten because we fight over who gets to hold her.

And since papa Long called and requested pictures, here's a few crap ton from this week:

Lots of outfit changes in the hospital:

Leaving the NICU to go home:

Meeting family:

 

 First bath:

1 week:

Elsie guarding her sister:

A Birth Story

On Tuesday, November 20th at 8:30pm we checked into the hospital for our Nov. 21 induction. Cervadil was placed at 9pm and I was told no eating or drinking till 11pm. I was already thirsty when I got to the hospital and didn’t know I wouldn’t be able to drink anything that night so those 2 hours seemed like forever. Then at 11pm I got the go ahead to eat or drink anything until midnight. I quickly chugged water and decided to get some sleep in case the Cervadil started labor.

I woke up at 2:30am and was having contractions. They weren’t consistent or very strong but strong enough to not let me fall back asleep. The nurse came in throughout the night to move the monitor on my stomach. Collins kept moving around so she kept losing her heart beat. When she came in at 5:30am she gave me the go ahead to take the cervadil out and be off the monitors for 30 min to shower before she came back to start the pitocin. At 6:05am she came back to start the pitocin. She said I was having contractions but we needed to get them stronger. I was still at 1cm at this point so the pitocin was started. At 8am the nurse and my doctor came in and I was still at 1cm so my doctor broke my water.  Contractions got stronger and stronger after she broke my water.

By 9:30am I was wanting something for the pain. I figured I was still only a 1-2 so I asked about the IV pain med (don’t remember what it’s called). The nurse said I could have it but since I was in active labor and they had already broke my water, if I was eventually going to get the epidural, I might as well do it then. Don’t have to tell me twice, order me that epidural!! She filled me up with fluids and 15 min later, the anaesthesiologist was in the room ready to do the epidural. Epidural went in with no problem and I was quickly feeling no pain. She checked me after the epidural was in and I was only a 2. I was pretty upset I was only at a 2 and had already gotten the epidural but she said not to get discouraged and I was progressing just fine.

The next 2 hours were spent with me laying on my left side because Collins wasn’t tolerating the contractions very well and her heart rate kept dropping. On top of that, my blood pressure kept dropping so I had to wear an oxygen mask. At this point I was scared all this was going to lead to a c section. I wasn’t dilating and Collins and I were both not reacting well with the pitocin. She came back around 11:45 and had gotten orders from my doctor to take me off the pitocin and see how I labored on my own and if this would help Collins heart rate. My mom and sisters left to go eat lunch at this point since we figured we were going to be there for the long haul after they stopped the pitocin. She came back around 12:30 and said I was having contractions great on my own and they weren’t going to start the pitocin again. She checked me and I was a 4-5cm. We called and told my mom and sisters and they quickly rushed back.

I still had to lay on my side and keep the oxygen mask on but I wasn’t feeling any of the contractions and was able to have an enjoyable time with Derek, my mom, dad, sisters and his parents who were all in the room. Around 2:30 we were wondering if they were ever going to check me again. They must have heard us cause around 3:00pm another nurse came in and said my nurse was delivering someone so she was going to check me. I assumed I was at a 6 so we were all completely shocked when she said I was a 9.5cm!! Things got real after that. I started crying because I was so scared yet so excited to meet our baby. The nurse said it could still be awhile because they want you to be a complete 10 before you start pushing and then it could be 2-3 hours of pushing before the baby comes. Not 15 min later, my doctor and nurse walked in and said “let’s start pushing!!” I was freaking out because I didn’t think I was a full 10 yet and I had no pressure or desire to push.

At 3:30pm, the pushing began. I still wasn’t feeling any pressure and I couldn’t even feel my contractions at this point. The nurse was having to tell me by the monitor and my stomach getting hard that I was having a contraction and needed to push. My sisters and mom stayed in the room with Derek and it was so nice to have more people encouraging me to push and cheering me on. After about 6 sets of pushing, Collins arrived at 3:57pm. It was by far the easiest and most amazing thing I have ever been through. She was placed on my belly and stole both Derek and I’s hearts right then. I know it’s cliché but it’s crazy how quickly you can fall in love with someone you have just met. She weighed in at 7lbs 2oz and was 19in long. Perfect in every way.

Collins' birth story via a slideshow

Once again, Amy went above and beyond herself and took these pictures the day Collins was born. I can't stop watching it. She got every since detail I could have asked for and I will cherish this forever.

 

No worries, it's not graphic. I plan on getting the written version of her birth story up tomorrow.

 

http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d3595207k8808664o1/collins-birth

39 Weeks (11/16/12)

How far along: 39 weeks

 

Size of baby: Around 20 inches and 7.25 pounds. About the size of a small watermelon. I'm going to go ahead and guess that she is going to be 20 inches and 7.6 pounds.

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Weight gain: 26 pounds. I have lost a pound since last week but doctor didn't say anything and she said my stomach was still growing so all is good.

 

Progress: Still 50% and 1cm. Doctor wasn't concerned about her not being ready and we are still on for our induction!

Maternity clothes: Of course. The dress I am wearing in this pic isn't maternity but I bought it big.

Stretch marks: No new ones. Got more cocoa butter lotion and going to continue putting it on after I have her so know new ones try to show up as my body starts going back to normal.

Sleep: Potty breaks every 2-3 hours throughout the night and I am usually wide awake for about an hour in the middle of the night. I was hoping to sleep in this weekend, today and tomorrow but I am too anxious and feel like I have 1,000 things to get done. I am going to TRY and sleep in or at least take a nap tomorrow in case I labor all tomorrow night.

 

Symptoms: Oh the back and rib pain. I don't notice it till I sit down so as long as I am up and staying busy, I feel good. My stomach is hard as a rock though so I know the poor girl is out of room in there.

Best moment this week: It's going to be Wednesday when our baby girl finally enters the world!!

Movement: Yes. Somehow she is still finding room to move.

Food cravings: Saturday I had to have skittles and last night I had to run to Walgreen's to get some chocolate. Other then that though, I haven't had much of an appetite. I have had to force myself to eat 3 meals the past 2 days.

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Sleeping on my back and stomach, bending over and just being able to move without being uncomfortable.

Milestones: Tomorrow night at 8:30pm we will be checking into the hospital. They will start me on cervidil tomorrow night and then start my pitocin at 6-7am on Wednesday. I am ssooo excited/scared/nervous/anxious/emotional/etc. I am scared of the labor part but I know it will all be worth it once I see and hear Collins.  Please keep us in your prayers!

Ramblings

:It's crazy to me that we could be going in tonight to have our baby girl tomorrow. I am glad we went with Wednesday instead because I don't think I would have been prepared enough to go in tonight.

 

:Speaking of being prepared, my hospital bag is stressing me out. I can't decide what I should pack to wear in the hospital. I assume they will have me in a gown from Tuesday night till after I deliver her but then am I able to wear normal clothes or do I have to wear a gown for awhile after I deliver her? I don't want to show up with 5 suitcases full of clothes I won't wear and get laughed at by the nurses like my sister Amber did. Does it surprise you that Amber showed up with 5 suitcases? Me neither. Love you Amber :)

 

:I forgot to add this to my 37 week update but at our last birthing class, Derek and I almost got kicked out. Ok not really but it was the end of class and we were all sitting around with our partners in the dim room practicing breathing techniques. Well a noise outside the room scared Derek and he jumped like 5 feet (I was leaning up against him). I called him a chicken and then we both couldn't stop laughing for some reason. At first it was just silent giggles but I could feel Derek keep laughing behind me and I couldn't keep it in, I busted out laughing. Like tears flowing from my eyes laughing out loud. I ran out of the room as fast as I could and waited till I was sure they were done with the breathing techniques before I walked back in. I got a couple stares but class was over so we grabbed our things and ran.

 

:I might have already started decorating for Christmas. Just the fireplace mantle but we plan on putting up the tree this weekend after we shampoo the carpets. I'd rather it all be up when we get home with Collins so we don't have to mess with it the weekend we come home.

 

:I'm excited to have my sisters in the room during delivery to take pictures and to just have more support incase Derek faints, kidding! No worries, Amy won't be down below but she'll be able to get pics while I am laboring and after Collins is born. I'm glad I don't have to worry about Derek snapping pics and we can both just enjoy the whole process. Amber MIGHT videotape but now I am thinking pictures is enough.

 

:Tomorrow is my last day or work till Jan 2 and I am ssoo excited. I know I will be bored and antsy Monday and Tuesday but after that I will have a tiny baby to snuggle  and lots of time to spend with friends and family for the holidays.

38 Weeks (11/9/12)

 

 

How far along: 38 weeks

Size of baby: 19.6 inches and 6.5-7lbs. About the size of a celery bunch.  My doctor estimates her being about 7-8 lbs. Probably closer to 7 she said.  

Weight gain: 27 pounds. Gained 2 pounds again this week but guess that's ok since I didn't gain any last week. Looks like I might be staying under my 25-30 pound total weight gain. Although I have been a bottomless pit so I could quite possibly gain 3 pounds in the next week.

Progress: 1 cm and 50%. FINALLY making some progress!!

Maternity clothes: Ugh I am sssooo over maternity clothes. My maternity shirts are getting too short and I dread putting on jeans. Even if they are elastic! I live in comfy clothes.

Stretch marks: No new ones

Sleep: Usual bathroom breaks and I am usually up for a good hour in the middle of the night just thinking about things and not being tired. Maybe these middle of the night feedings won't be so bad after all. HA!

Symptoms: I am officially ready to not be pregnant. In 2 days I will be 39 weeks so I think I have done a pretty good job. But now, now I am done. There is no more room in my belly for her, I have been having some contractions since Sunday, I keep getting sharp, shooting pains and my back hurts the majority of the day. Sorry for the complaints but this girl is done being pregnant.

Best moment this week: Setting our induction date!!! I had an appt Tuesday and I had Derek go since I knew we would talk about inducing. Like I have said before, I want to be induced since Monday starts my maternity leave and I have to go back to work Jan 2. I would rather her out of my belly for my maternity leave. My doctor said it was no problem and she would actually prefer it since I am so short, she doesn't want the baby getting too big. We had hoped for a Monday the 19th induction but I guess everyone and their brother did too cause they were booked. So our options? Friday as in 3 days from now (Tuesday at our appt) or Wednesday the 21st. I wasn't expecting Friday to be an option at all so I think we were both caught completely off guard. She said we could leave and think about it but to call that afternoon. Well we start walking out to our cars and since Derek was using his lunch break for the appt. we knew we needed to decide then. As much as I wanted Friday, I still have to work that day plus we want to shampoo our carpets this weekend and just really clean the house before she comes. So we decided on Wednesday. We will go in Tuesday night and they will start me on cervidil. This usually doesn't start labor so they will start pitocin Wed. morning.

Movement: Yes. Somehow she is still finding room to move. And it doesn't feel good.

Food cravings: Anything and everything

 

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Normal clothes and not having back pains.

Milestones: We are 1 week (or less) away from meeting our baby girl! We are both sssooo excited and can't wait to see her face and hold her in our arms. Not going to lie though, I could cry (and I might have) about how our dogs are going to react. Yes, I am crazy and worrying about our dogs but I know I am going to cry when I leave them Tuesday night. Their mommy is going to come back home with a new baby and lets face it, they probably won't get as much attention as they do now. So as excited as I am to meet Collins, my heart aches a little for my first 2 babies.

37 Weeks (11/2/12)

How far along: 37 weeks

Size of baby: 19.1 inches and 6.5 pounds. About the size of a leek, whatever that is.  

Weight gain: 25 pounds. The scale Monday said I had lost 2 pounds since last week. The nurse (my doc was gone this week) didn't say anyything about it so I guess it's nothing to be concerned about. My appt this week and my appt last week were at two different offices so maybe 1 of the scales was off.

Progress: Notta. As of Monday, she was still up high and I had made no progress. Like I said, my doctor was gone this week so I am hoping I make some progress by the time I see her Tuesday. Otherwise I don't think she will let me set an induction date. Guess I better take some long walks this weekend.

Maternity clothes: Counting down the weeks till I can be done with them! I wear the same few shirts every week and dread putting jeans on.

Stretch marks: No new ones

Sleep: I think I went to the bathroom 4 times last night! Usually it's only 2-3 times but still, annoying!!! Our bed is pretty high so getting in and out of bed is getting harder and harder and flipping sides? Impossible! I sleep on 1 side until I have to go to the bathroom and then when I come back to bed, I rearrange my body pillow and can sleep on my other side. 

Symptoms: I really can't complain any here. I am feeling so great for being this far along. Usually my back hurts by the evening but that's expected when I am picking up and carrying kids all day. My wonderful husband is usually nice enough to give me a nightly back massage too.

Best moment this week: Finishing her room! It's about 90% done but I am so in love with it. I can't stop opening the door and looking at it. We also finished our birthing class last night so we are ready whenever Collins decides to make her entrance.

Movement: Not as big of movements but still kicking and having the hiccups. The nurse didn't check to see if she was head down but I am 99% sure she still is. She is always kicking my left side so I think she is in the right position, just needs to head south!

Food cravings: I have been eating the heck out of Halloween candy we didn't get to pass out due to birthing class that night.  

Gender: GIRL!!!! Collins Cate Lorson

What I miss: Normal clothes and sleeping on my back and stomach

Milestones: Full term! Only 1 more full week of work before I start my maternity leave. Hopefully with a baby in my arms.

A Peek Into Collins' Nursery

The nursery is about 90% complete so I just want to give a sneak peek until I get the final touches. We are still waiting on a slipcover for the chair (they are out of the color we want so i'm not sure what we are going to do. Hopefully they get more).  Then I need to get some pillows for it and maybe a side table. The gallery wall beside the chair needs a couple more pictures and I need some things on top of the dresser.  After all that, I think the room will be complete.

 

 I will tell where everything is from when I do the final nursery post. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!