Welcome Naomi!

On April 17th we welcomed Naomi Grace into the world and into our family. Forgive me for taking so long to post, but between the newest addition, her big brother and sister and all the happenings on the farm, life has been crazy busy.

Naomi's Birth Story

Both Nicolaus and Carleigh were born via C-section.With this pregnancy I really wanted a non-medicated Vaginal Birth (or VBAC).  I found an awesome OB who supported me in my goal as well as a Doula (Megan Diveley) who experienced a successful VBA2C herself. We agreed that if I did not deliver on my own by 41 weeks I would have another c-section because I tend to have large babies and risk to the baby and mother starts to increase at that point. Three days before the scheduled C-section I was dilated 3cm and about 80% effaced. My doctor told me that when I arrived at the hospital for my surgery, he would check me again and, if I had made more progress, we could try breaking my water to see if I could deliver vaginally. At about 4:30 am on the 17th I woke up to very strong contractions about 5 minutes apart. John and I headed to the hospital since we had to be there at 5 am to prep for what could possibly be another C-section. Since I was having consistent and strong contractions, I was pretty hopeful Naomi had decided to come without surgery. At 7:20 am my doctor checked me and I was 6cm and 90% effaced! So he went ahead and broke my water to give me a chance to deliver on my own. I couldn't believe it! No turning back now!

My contractions were consistent and strong. I really had hoped to be able to walk around as well as use the birthing tub to help ease some of the pain I was experiencing. However, since I had the two previous C-sections, my doctor really wanted a monitor on the baby at all times. That was very frustrating to say the least, but I was able to use the birthing ball close to the bed. John and Megan were so helpful with coping techniques. I seriously couldn't get enough counter pressure on my lower back so they took turns. Even though I REALLY wanted to have a med-free delivery, the pain from the contractions was incredibly intense. When I was checked at noon I was about 8cm dilated and I decided to get an epidural. The anesthesiologist gave me what he called a soft-block which started relieving the pain after about ten minutes. About this time John decided to get something to eat since he hadn't had anything yet that morning. I was so happy to have Megan there, not only to help me but also to enable John to have a break. Thank goodness he didn't take too long to eat because around 1pm my doctor came to check me and I was 10cm and 100% effaced. He told me I could start pushing and I just couldn't believe it. I was actually going to have my baby without surgery! With the soft block I could still feel pressure with each contraction and also move my legs a bit, so I was not as "paralyzed" as I thought I would be. I could actually feel the contractions before the monitor picked them up on the screen. I had my nurse, a nursing student, Megan and John all there to support me with each push. I couldn't have asked for a better team. After about 45 minutes my amazing nurse suggested I lower the top part of the bed just a touch and this slight change in position made the whole process take off. I literally felt Naomi make a huge shift forward and she was born about 15 minutes later. I even had to stop pushing to wait for the doctor to get there!

Heading to the hospital

Thinking of my "happy Place"

After epidural took effect

Naomi makes her debut (see her waving hand)

John cutting the cord

The most amazing moment/feeling ever

I am so thankful to have had this birth experience. As much as I wanted the med-free birth, I am happy I opted to get the epidural. I also strongly recommend having a doula whether its your first or, as in my case, third child. The care and attention she provided leading up to the birth, during and now after is amazing and so much appreciated. Andplusalso she took these wonderful pictures.

Hospital: Augusta Health

OBGYN: Dr. Thompson with Augusta Healthcare for Women

Doula: Megan Diveley 

32 Weeks

Pregnancy: 32 weeks

Weight Gain: 18 pounds

Sleep: Most nights I sleep well, minus getting up to pee every couple of hours. Sometimes my reflux is bad even with the medication I'm taking so those nights I have to sleep practically sitting up.

Gender: Its a girl!

Name: Naomi Grace

Feeling: Actually pretty good except for feeling like I have to sit like a teenage boy slumped in my seat with legs spread wide. I swear this girl couldn't be any lower and I feel like I am squishing both of us when I sit normally or bend over.

Movement: She moves a lot and is developing sleep and wakeful patterns. Most of the time her arms and head are way down low in my belly and her feet get stuck up in my ribs. We are wondering if she will be he longest baby yet.

Belly: Big 

Next Appointment: at 34 Weeks. I'm very happy with the OB practice I decided on in our new town. They are supporting my decision to try for a VBA2C (Vaginal birth after two cesareans) as long as neither the baby nor I are compromised. I also met a Doula (or birthing coach) who successfully had a VBA2C a year ago). John and I are excited to have her help us in our birthing process.

27 weeks

At the end of this week I will be in the third trimester. What was that? Third trimester already? I cannot believe I have reached this milestone with baby number three!  When you already have two children to parent and need to pack up your home and move because your husband is changing careers time really does seem to fly.

Pregnancy: 27 weeks

Weight Gain: 16 pounds

Sleep: Some nights I sleep great, others not so much. I have to pay attention to what I eat in the evenings because certain foods trigger my pregnancy induced reflux. Chocolate seems to be the worst culprit (ahem--the chocolate peanut butter donut I ate the other night at nine after the kids went to sleep was not one of my best ideas.)

Gender: Its a girl!

Name: Naomi Grace

Feeling: Actually pretty good as long as I can prevent reflux at night.

Movement: Moving like crazy! She has hiccups all the time. Nicolaus loves to feel his baby sister move and especially likes to lay his head on my belly and have it pushed up and down by the movement. Carleigh isn't patient enough to wait, but she does talk to my belly and has already informed her sister she will share her hair bows and dress-up clothes

Belly: Definitely getting bigger!

Next Appointment:  Either the end of this month or in February. Since we moved I have to change providers...

15 Weeks

Pregnancy: 15 weeks  

Weight Gain: 3 pounds 

Sleep: Sleeping so much better now. I'm not sure if it is because John is home or my hormones are leveling out, but I'll take it

  

Gender: Too early to tell

Feeling: Great these last few weeks

Movement: If I lay very still when I go to sleep at night I can feel his/her tiny taps every now and then. I love it!

Belly: I thought I had actually gained more weight than 3 lbs, but I guess it is just distributed differently.

Next Appointment:  November 1st

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

October is a big “awareness month” for a lot of causes, the most widely known being Breast Cancer. Yet, many do not know it is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This was officially declared in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan. October 9th – 15th, specifically, is Baby Loss Awareness Week. 

Loss of a child at any stage or age is extremely difficult and I know too many who have lived through this type of pain. For more information on this cause and even ideas on how to comfort someone who has endured a loss, please visit Remembering our Babies

John and I suffered through this type of loss two times and although the immeasurable love I have for my now three children is the center of my life, I still think about the babies we did not get to meet. One day...

Slip Back

Right before they took you away from me, out of me
I felt like we were the same then
I couldn't feel or understand the things around me
You were never given that chance
I want to be numb
I want to not ask "why?"
I want to fill the room at the end of the hall
With teddy bears, soft blankets
And a chair to rock you to sleep in
I want to sing happy birthday each year
Watch you blow out your candles
I want to hear you cry and hold you
Stop your tears
But instead its my cries I hear and
My own tears I cannot stopI Just want to slip back to that place
where I felt I knew you

                                 --Tamara Pedersen

WW | First Look

13 Weeks

Pregnancy: 13 weeks  

Weight Gain: 3 pounds 

Sleep: So so. I get up A LOT to pee already and have had some insomnia. I'm hoping the insomnia will go away now that John is back home

  

Gender: Too early to tell

Feeling: Pretty good overall...the first two/three months were rough

Movement: I have felt the first little flutters! Its no wonder, when I had my first ultrasound s/he was doing somersaults over and over! HA!

Belly: I'm feeling really big for how far along I am. I guess that's what happens when you are stretched out for the third time.

Next Appointment:  November 1st

WW | Family of...5!

Final Baby Belly Pictures

I thought I'd post one last time before tomorrow. Up 32 pounds as opposed to the 46 I gained with Nicolaus. However, this time I am pretty much all belly. I think Carleigh will be a big girl.

38 Weeks

I am ready to have this baby girl! In 13 days or less (hopefully less) Carleigh May will make her arrival. In addition to the regular issues common in late pregnancy, Nicolaus and I have both been sick this week. We were quite a pitiful pair and John was so wonderful to take off work to take care of us. I have certainly been spoiled the last couples of days...he won't let me do anything. I do have to say Nicolaus and I have enoyed having him take care of us.

How Far Along: 38 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 29 lbs
Maternity Clothes: I will be in stretchy pants or something similar for the rest of this pregnancy. Everything else is just too uncomfortable.
Stretch Marks: 3...thats right, I have 3 stretch marks to the right of my belly button where Carleigh smooshes her but against me all day
Sleep: Darn near impossible...especially since I have been sick
Movement: When she moves it is a bit painful now...she is running out of room
Other Symptoms: Tired, sore and tons of irregular contractions throughout the day
What I miss: Being able to move and eat like a regular person
Nicolaus' Reaction: He certainly notices all the baby stuff set up around the house, but of course does not grasp what is about to happen in our family!

36 Weeks

I cannot believe I am this far along in my pregnancy. Really I could have her any time, especially since Nicolaus was about 2 weeks early. Physically I am ready...mentally and emotionally, I'm not so sure!

How Far Along: 36 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: 26 lbs
Maternity Clothes: A lot of them are getting uncomfortable to wear. I bought some warm weather stuff to get me through the last part of my pregnancy and the first month or so post-partum, but it has turned chilly again and I can't wear it. Boo!
Stretch Marks: Still none, and I am amazed because she has really stretched my belly out forward whereas Nicolaus just made me big all the way around. Some may show up after she is born
Sleep: More restless nights. John had to sleep in Nicolaus' room last night because I was keeping him up
Movement: Dances around in there! And sometimes when she has a big movement I can hear clicking/popping coming from my uterus. Really weird but the Dr. does not seem concerned
Food Cravings/Aversions: My sweet tooth is in full effect
Other Symptoms: Really tired at the end of the day, a little bit of had and foot swelling and I think my face looks funny just like it did towards the end of my first pregnancy
What I miss: Being able to play a lot with Nicolaus and carry him everywhere. I just can't anymore
What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting my little girl!
Milestones: Had my GBS test on Thirsday but won't know the results until my next appointment. I see the Dr. every week now until I deliver.
Nicolaus' Reaction: Says "baby" when he sees my bare belly and when he sees babies on TV or when we are out anywhere. He also says this about anything pink or girly looking...I guess because when we are doing something in the nursery and he "helps" with her clothes, blankets, etc. I say they are for the baby.

35 Weeks

32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 20 lbs

Maternity clothes: I definitely prefer my stretchy pants and tees. Some of my maternity shirts are even too short to cover my whole belly

Stretch marks: Still none...too good to be true?

Sleep: Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Its just not comfy anymore

Movement: She's moving all the time. Sometimes i wonder what in the world she could be doing in there. Her favorite time to "dance" is around 10 pm

Food cravings/aversions: I have had a major sweet tooth lately and cravings for red meat. The reubens I made after St. Patty's Day were wondrous!

Other symptoms: My joints hurt if I am standing for long periods of time and my belly has been getting tight. Could be Braxton Hicks contractions

Belly button status: Almost non-existent--flat against my belly

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and being able to roll over easily and rough-house with Nicolaus

What I am looking forward to: Making the nursery girly

Milestones: Passing GD test with flying colors

Nicolaus' reaction: He really likes his new room even though he doesn't know why we moved him. He still loves to kiss Mommy's belly and when you ask him what is in Mommy's belly he says "baby."

3rd Trimester!

Where are the weeks going? Wasn't I just announcing on this blog that Nicolaus is going to be a big brother? Now we are 3 months (maybe less) from meeting our little girl. I thought it would be fun to compare how I looked when pregnant with Nicolaus at the start of the home stretch. With him it seems I was bigger all around!

How far along: 27 weeks

Total weight gain: 16 lbs

Maternity clothes: A must! alot of the same clothes I wore with Nicolaus fit so differently too.

Stretch marks: Still none...knock on wood

Sleep: Its a crap shoot. Crampy legs and reflux are always threatening

Movement: Stronger movement every day. She also seems to have changed postions. She is no longer transverse (laying side to side)

Food cravings/aversions: None to speak of...though in the mornings I usually can go for something sweet.
Other symptoms: Without going into details about rashes, etc., this little girl is already causing mommy stress. A lot more tired at the end of the day too.

Belly button status: Still an innie but getting more shallow

What I miss: Wouldn have loved to have a bottle of wine (or two) with John today on Valentine's Day

What I am looking forward to: Finishing the blanket I started for her and seeing her wrapped up in it

Milestones: making it to the 3rd trimester!

Nicolaus' reaction: Still ponders at the kicks and bumps he gets when sitting on Mommy's lap.

99 Day Countdown!

Only 99 days until we meet our baby girl! And that's assuming I go to term. Given that Nicolaus was a big boy and almost 2 weeks early, going to 40 weeks is doubtful. How has nearly 6 months gone by so quickly? My first pregnancy seemed to take FOREVER! I certainly don't have much free time on my hands dealing with little man, that's for sure!

24 Weeks

How far along: 24 weeks...112 days to go if I go full term!
Total weight gain: 10 lbs

Maternity clothes: Every day

Stretch marks: None yet

Sleep: My reflux is pretty bad, no matter what it seems and this has made getting to sleep a pain.

Movement: Lots of movement and on a pretty regular schedule.

Food cravings/aversions: I have been craving lots of sweets lately, and avocados

Gender: Better still be a girl!

Belly button in or out: Still in but getting more shallow

What I miss: having a fru-fru drink when on a date with John

What I am looking forward to: Knitting Carleigh's coming home hat and blanket

Milestones: Viability! At 24 weeks Carleigh has an excellent chance of making it if I went into pre-term labor

Nicolaus' reaction: When I read Nicolaus a story and sing to him before bedtime, Carleigh kicks him. He looks at me with such a quizzical look!

The Name Game

So just about everyone has asked us if we have a name yet for baby girl. I think this is one of the most difficult topics expecting parents face. First off, the decision itself is tough. Your little one will have this name for the rest of their life! Then you just never know how others will react to the name. Not that it really matters, but you always encounter the people who obviously don't like your name selection but are not quite sure what to say. So, love it or hate it but our beautiful baby girl will be named:

Carleigh May

Halfway Mark

I had to post a picture just to prove I don't look as awful as in the video below. Boy do I wish I had worn something a bit better for the camera, but at least I wore a bra! Today I am 20 weeks pregnant which means I am at the halfway mark...actually, probably a little further than that if this one goes anything at all like with Nicolaus.

How far along: 20 weeks

Total weight gain: 8 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes and love them...I have found some great deals at Ross and Gabes.

Stretch marks: None thank God

Sleep: OK--getting up to pee about twice a night and reflux is rearing its nasty head

Movement: Some...much less movement than I had with Nicolaus at this same point

Food cravings/aversions: Sweet pickles instead of dill and lost of fruit. No aversions really

Gender: Girl! My guess was right!

Belly Button in or out: Still in

What I miss: Spicy tuna sushi

What I am looking forward to: Buying girlie things

Milestones: The Big Ultrasound was excellent. All the right organs and everything is right on track growth wise. Finding out she's a girl!

Nicolaus' reaction: He keeps lifting my shirt up to look at my belly. I think it is because he is fascinated with my moles.

It's a Girl!

We're in the 2nd Trimester!

How far along: 13 weeks

Total weight gain: + 2 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes...just pants, and they're a little big but so much more comfy than my regular pants

Stretch marks: Not yet...I didn't get any with Nicolaus so hopefully I won't this time either

Sleep: Pretty well, but getting up to pee about twice a night

Movement: None yet

Food cravings/aversions: I've really been wanting meat this past week. I cannot drink as much coffee as I would like because it makes me very jittery

Gender guess: Girl...only because this pregnancy is completely different from the last

Belly button in or out: In

What I miss: Nothing really...maybe coffee

What I am looking forward to: feeling the baby move

Milestones: Hearing the heartbeat on doppler

Nicolaus' reaction: He doesn't have a clue!