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| Sweet Kylie was so helpful, her gentle touch was so comforting. |
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Photos of my labor...
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Initiated again...
I just changed a big transitional poop diaper, he was not happy about being wiped, so I was giving him kisses and comforting him and I got peed on! Wow, it's been 3.5 years since that has happened, now I remember what it's like to have a new baby boy! Initiated once again :) I think tomorrow may be a bath day for both of us :)
Birth overview continued...
As I sit and type tonight I am also uploading birth photos that my amazing friend Ivette took. I can not wait to post them for you all to see. So I am going to truly attempt to make this an overview and for those that want the details, you can take a look at the photos that will be coming in the next couple days.
So to continue...Once Cooper arrived we all looked together to see if the baby was a boy or girl. I announced to the room "it's a boy!" We spent a good amount of time just looking at him, touching him, talking to him. Eventually Cooper asked to get in the water with us, he quickly changed and jumped in. There was not any blood in the water but there was clearly some vernix and amniotic fluid, but the kids didn't care. My sweet little boy started showing some feeding cues so I brought him close and he latched on. He nursed from both sides and did extremely well. The kids eventually got out, showered off and put pajamas back on. When they came back to the kitchen we were getting ready to cut the cord. Both Kylie and Cooper cut the cord together, taking turns, it was so sweet. Once the cord was cut, Craig got his turn to do some skin to skin. I had been waiting to see the gush of blood that would indicate the placenta was ready to come, but it had been quite some time, maybe even 40 minutes or so and there was still no blood. So I stood up and felt inside. The placenta was right there ready to come out. I tried to deliver it on my own, putting a small amount of traction on the cord, but I couldn't get it to come. Heather was able to provide traction at a slightly different angle and I was able to push it out easily. I got out of the tub, dried off and climbed in bed. They brought me the baby, Cooper jumped in and asked to nurse and Kylie climbed in and asked for some breakfast. We cuddled, ate, and enjoyed the light morning rain out the bedroom window. The student midwives came in to assess me. Blood pressure, pulse, fundus, bleeding and tearing. Everything checked out perfect. I was having very minimal bleeding, very contracted fundus and no tear. Next step the newborn exam. We waited until he was done nursing and started the exam while he was still in my arms. One of the best parts of having a home birth is having control over how the early postpartum progresses. I was assessed when I felt ready, they did the newborn exam when I said it was time, no rushing, no pressure, just simple peace and space to progress in a way that feels good.
The full newborn exam was done on our "mega bed" with all of us watching, including my parents. Our sweet boy weighed 9lbs on the dot, 21 inches long, head circumference 14.5 (average is 12-14in), everything perfect. Kylie helped to trim the cord again and he was back skin to skin with me in no time. The midwives cleaned up their supplies, went over some basic things to remember for the next 24 hours before they come back to assess us again. My dad took Cooper to his house to play while Craig, baby and I settled in for a nap. Kylie eventually joined us and we all enjoyed a great rest.
The rest of the day was simple and wonderful, we ate, I showered, we stared at our new addition, we nursed, called friends and family, contemplated names and recounted the birth. We still don't have a name picked although I think it will happen tomorrow. Kylie has worn the baby in her carrier a couple times and just loves it. We have dressed him in his first outfit and organized all his clothes and cloth diapers. He has had 4 big mec poops and a couple wet diapers. He is nursing like a champ and my milk "came in" this afternoon. He is a mellow baby so far, he is kinda gassy, but doesn't seem to mind. He has not opened his eyes very much, they still seem pretty swollen from birth, but his light coloring makes us wonder what color his eyes will be.
I hope to continue to document his life at least every week or so, but who know what I will realistically have time for. At this point I am committed to getting my birth photos posted for those of you that are curious, they will be graphic and unedited, just a warning :)
Time for bed, more to come soon,
Natalie
So to continue...Once Cooper arrived we all looked together to see if the baby was a boy or girl. I announced to the room "it's a boy!" We spent a good amount of time just looking at him, touching him, talking to him. Eventually Cooper asked to get in the water with us, he quickly changed and jumped in. There was not any blood in the water but there was clearly some vernix and amniotic fluid, but the kids didn't care. My sweet little boy started showing some feeding cues so I brought him close and he latched on. He nursed from both sides and did extremely well. The kids eventually got out, showered off and put pajamas back on. When they came back to the kitchen we were getting ready to cut the cord. Both Kylie and Cooper cut the cord together, taking turns, it was so sweet. Once the cord was cut, Craig got his turn to do some skin to skin. I had been waiting to see the gush of blood that would indicate the placenta was ready to come, but it had been quite some time, maybe even 40 minutes or so and there was still no blood. So I stood up and felt inside. The placenta was right there ready to come out. I tried to deliver it on my own, putting a small amount of traction on the cord, but I couldn't get it to come. Heather was able to provide traction at a slightly different angle and I was able to push it out easily. I got out of the tub, dried off and climbed in bed. They brought me the baby, Cooper jumped in and asked to nurse and Kylie climbed in and asked for some breakfast. We cuddled, ate, and enjoyed the light morning rain out the bedroom window. The student midwives came in to assess me. Blood pressure, pulse, fundus, bleeding and tearing. Everything checked out perfect. I was having very minimal bleeding, very contracted fundus and no tear. Next step the newborn exam. We waited until he was done nursing and started the exam while he was still in my arms. One of the best parts of having a home birth is having control over how the early postpartum progresses. I was assessed when I felt ready, they did the newborn exam when I said it was time, no rushing, no pressure, just simple peace and space to progress in a way that feels good.
The full newborn exam was done on our "mega bed" with all of us watching, including my parents. Our sweet boy weighed 9lbs on the dot, 21 inches long, head circumference 14.5 (average is 12-14in), everything perfect. Kylie helped to trim the cord again and he was back skin to skin with me in no time. The midwives cleaned up their supplies, went over some basic things to remember for the next 24 hours before they come back to assess us again. My dad took Cooper to his house to play while Craig, baby and I settled in for a nap. Kylie eventually joined us and we all enjoyed a great rest.
The rest of the day was simple and wonderful, we ate, I showered, we stared at our new addition, we nursed, called friends and family, contemplated names and recounted the birth. We still don't have a name picked although I think it will happen tomorrow. Kylie has worn the baby in her carrier a couple times and just loves it. We have dressed him in his first outfit and organized all his clothes and cloth diapers. He has had 4 big mec poops and a couple wet diapers. He is nursing like a champ and my milk "came in" this afternoon. He is a mellow baby so far, he is kinda gassy, but doesn't seem to mind. He has not opened his eyes very much, they still seem pretty swollen from birth, but his light coloring makes us wonder what color his eyes will be.
I hope to continue to document his life at least every week or so, but who know what I will realistically have time for. At this point I am committed to getting my birth photos posted for those of you that are curious, they will be graphic and unedited, just a warning :)
Time for bed, more to come soon,
Natalie
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
So what has been happening???
It's early, and even though I have been nursing this sweet baby boy all night, it's a different kind of rest and I feel great and totally awake at 5am, what is that about?!?! So I am going to do a little posting to catch everyone up.
My mom was documenting through my labor and as the time got closer to have the baby she grabbed a camera and focused on documenting in that way. I plan to write my whole birth story in another post (probably in another week, depending on when I have time) but I wanted to get the quick details down now while the kids are sleeping. Sooooo, my labor pattern had been very weird and VERY spaced out all day, but my body hit a transition time around 2-3 am and my contractions really picked up. I felt like I was managing them pretty well, the water was amazing, Sheridan held my head and kept me focused, I repeated my GentleBirth affirmations and although many of the contractions were VERY strong, I was doing ok. I frequently checked for where the baby's head was and could tell that I still have a bag of water and the head was moving down. I got to the point where I could feel the head when I would stick my finger inside just about 2 inches. I knew we were getting closer to the time of pushing and that caused me moments of fear and hesitation. With Kylie and Cooper my body gave me a very clear "time to push" signal and it almost felt like my body would do it with or without me. But not this time. I had been mentally practicing "getting out of my own way" and letting my body do the work it was born to do, simply relaxing enough for my body to release my baby into the world. I honestly anticipated following my body's lead and when it was not leading me the way I thought it would, I had to get refocused.
I asked Karen to check me and give me some suggestions, she checked me and smiled, yep the baby is right there, just waiting. Karen suggested doing 1 second pushes with my next contractions, seeing if I could ease baby down a little more until I felt the strong urge to push. I was able to ease baby down a little more but not as well as I wanted. Karen offered to put her finger inside and give me some pressure to push into. That worked for a few contractions, I was able to hold on to Karen and focus on pushing and she directed. Karen got soaking wet and she helped me in the water, I am always amazed at the selfless way she gives to help women through birth, she is seriously amazing. She moved to giving me support by having me basically sit back into her hands so it felt like I had a chair to ground me while I pushed. That was very helpful too. A couple contractions in each position and the next suggestion was to stand and use gravity to help me push baby down. Standing scared me, I love the water, everything feels more manageable in the water, but I also knew she was right, I just didn't have enough power to move baby in the water until baby was a little lower and past my pubic bone. So I stood and pushed, it was scary but i could feel the progress. The head felt SO big, I could feel my insides trying to stretch, trying to accommodate. I knew once I got baby crowing I could get back down in the water and finish the delivery that way. This was the loudest part of my labor, I felt like I mentally lost it, I knew what I needed to do but was having a hard time just doing it. I had to dig deep and realize that the only was out was through, just as it is every time. I went for it, truly giving it my all and I could feel as baby's head moved down and started to stretch. The ring of fire, oh the ring of fire, I immediately dipped back into the water, tried to breath, but it still hurt so bad. Another push and the head was born, oh the relief, but the baby was so active, kicking me so hard, turning it's head, I could feel its shoulders adjusting, baby was ready to come and trying to help. I waited just a bit until my next urge and pushed out the shoulders and the rest just slipped out. I caught baby and got the cord untangled, it had been wrapped around neck or shoulder (hard to know), but in the water I got it undone. I slowly brought the baby up and was amazed at what had just happened, how hard it was and how all that pain was just gone! There was not any blood in the water, so I assumed there was no tear. I felt amazing just seconds after feeling like I was going split in half. Birth is so amazing like that.
As I brought the baby to my chest, Kylie came and stood by my side, Cooper (who had been sleeping on the floor in our bedroom, came crawling out and stood next to Craig, we all saw that he was a boy together, it was so sweet.
*the boys woke up so I stepped away*just realized I forgot to post it, posting this now, will continue to add later. I will try to be more brief, I guess I had more to say then I originally thought :) I'm sure that is not surprising to any of you ;)
My mom was documenting through my labor and as the time got closer to have the baby she grabbed a camera and focused on documenting in that way. I plan to write my whole birth story in another post (probably in another week, depending on when I have time) but I wanted to get the quick details down now while the kids are sleeping. Sooooo, my labor pattern had been very weird and VERY spaced out all day, but my body hit a transition time around 2-3 am and my contractions really picked up. I felt like I was managing them pretty well, the water was amazing, Sheridan held my head and kept me focused, I repeated my GentleBirth affirmations and although many of the contractions were VERY strong, I was doing ok. I frequently checked for where the baby's head was and could tell that I still have a bag of water and the head was moving down. I got to the point where I could feel the head when I would stick my finger inside just about 2 inches. I knew we were getting closer to the time of pushing and that caused me moments of fear and hesitation. With Kylie and Cooper my body gave me a very clear "time to push" signal and it almost felt like my body would do it with or without me. But not this time. I had been mentally practicing "getting out of my own way" and letting my body do the work it was born to do, simply relaxing enough for my body to release my baby into the world. I honestly anticipated following my body's lead and when it was not leading me the way I thought it would, I had to get refocused.
I asked Karen to check me and give me some suggestions, she checked me and smiled, yep the baby is right there, just waiting. Karen suggested doing 1 second pushes with my next contractions, seeing if I could ease baby down a little more until I felt the strong urge to push. I was able to ease baby down a little more but not as well as I wanted. Karen offered to put her finger inside and give me some pressure to push into. That worked for a few contractions, I was able to hold on to Karen and focus on pushing and she directed. Karen got soaking wet and she helped me in the water, I am always amazed at the selfless way she gives to help women through birth, she is seriously amazing. She moved to giving me support by having me basically sit back into her hands so it felt like I had a chair to ground me while I pushed. That was very helpful too. A couple contractions in each position and the next suggestion was to stand and use gravity to help me push baby down. Standing scared me, I love the water, everything feels more manageable in the water, but I also knew she was right, I just didn't have enough power to move baby in the water until baby was a little lower and past my pubic bone. So I stood and pushed, it was scary but i could feel the progress. The head felt SO big, I could feel my insides trying to stretch, trying to accommodate. I knew once I got baby crowing I could get back down in the water and finish the delivery that way. This was the loudest part of my labor, I felt like I mentally lost it, I knew what I needed to do but was having a hard time just doing it. I had to dig deep and realize that the only was out was through, just as it is every time. I went for it, truly giving it my all and I could feel as baby's head moved down and started to stretch. The ring of fire, oh the ring of fire, I immediately dipped back into the water, tried to breath, but it still hurt so bad. Another push and the head was born, oh the relief, but the baby was so active, kicking me so hard, turning it's head, I could feel its shoulders adjusting, baby was ready to come and trying to help. I waited just a bit until my next urge and pushed out the shoulders and the rest just slipped out. I caught baby and got the cord untangled, it had been wrapped around neck or shoulder (hard to know), but in the water I got it undone. I slowly brought the baby up and was amazed at what had just happened, how hard it was and how all that pain was just gone! There was not any blood in the water, so I assumed there was no tear. I felt amazing just seconds after feeling like I was going split in half. Birth is so amazing like that.
As I brought the baby to my chest, Kylie came and stood by my side, Cooper (who had been sleeping on the floor in our bedroom, came crawling out and stood next to Craig, we all saw that he was a boy together, it was so sweet.
*the boys woke up so I stepped away*just realized I forgot to post it, posting this now, will continue to add later. I will try to be more brief, I guess I had more to say then I originally thought :) I'm sure that is not surprising to any of you ;)
2.5 years down, 1 day to go...
There is SO much to update about the arrival of our sweet boy...sorry I did not add anything yesterday, but it's coming, along with some amazing photos!
Right now, however, I have to quickly acknowledge this very special day. 2.5 years ago I documented that Craig had completed his first day of CRNA school and he had 2.5 years to go. Today he has successfully completed 2.5 years and as I type he is getting ready for his very last day! We knew it would be a hard program, we knew it would feel so slow and so fast all at the same time. We talked about how crazy it would be to have a child in kindergarten when he was done and how we hoped to have added to our family by this point. Well here we are 3,000 clinical hours, just over 750 cases, two months away in San Diego, one month away in Napa, countless early mornings, late nights, quizzes, write-ups, missed family events, meals on the go...but it's done.
I can't express how proud I am of my amazing husband. School has always been something he has excelled at, he enjoys the challenge and thrives in the environment, and this masters program has been no different. There were times when he was over it, questioning what he got into and whether this was the path for him, but in the end he is so happy. He is exited about being a CRNA and once he takes his board exams he will start a job at Arrowhead in June. He is working hard to make an amazing life for us and I am so grateful! I can't wait to celebrate with him when he gets home tonight!
As I sit here and watch my THREE children sleep, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and so thankful to God for this amazing life he has given me. When Craig gets home today he will be home for the next 3 months before he starts his new job. He will be here to bond with our new addition, reconnect with Kylie and Copper, help out and get plugged back into the family and I cant't wait. We have missed him so much. So I am just counting down the hours until he is back home and praying for cases that are quick and easy today.
There will be more baby updates soon, just had to sneak this one in real quick :)
-Natalie
Right now, however, I have to quickly acknowledge this very special day. 2.5 years ago I documented that Craig had completed his first day of CRNA school and he had 2.5 years to go. Today he has successfully completed 2.5 years and as I type he is getting ready for his very last day! We knew it would be a hard program, we knew it would feel so slow and so fast all at the same time. We talked about how crazy it would be to have a child in kindergarten when he was done and how we hoped to have added to our family by this point. Well here we are 3,000 clinical hours, just over 750 cases, two months away in San Diego, one month away in Napa, countless early mornings, late nights, quizzes, write-ups, missed family events, meals on the go...but it's done.
I can't express how proud I am of my amazing husband. School has always been something he has excelled at, he enjoys the challenge and thrives in the environment, and this masters program has been no different. There were times when he was over it, questioning what he got into and whether this was the path for him, but in the end he is so happy. He is exited about being a CRNA and once he takes his board exams he will start a job at Arrowhead in June. He is working hard to make an amazing life for us and I am so grateful! I can't wait to celebrate with him when he gets home tonight!
As I sit here and watch my THREE children sleep, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and so thankful to God for this amazing life he has given me. When Craig gets home today he will be home for the next 3 months before he starts his new job. He will be here to bond with our new addition, reconnect with Kylie and Copper, help out and get plugged back into the family and I cant't wait. We have missed him so much. So I am just counting down the hours until he is back home and praying for cases that are quick and easy today.
There will be more baby updates soon, just had to sneak this one in real quick :)
-Natalie
Monday, February 19, 2018
He's here!!!
Sorry I lapsed in postings. Nat pushed like a champ and Kylie watched as the head emerged. Once baby came, Nat removed the cord from around his body, Coopie came wondering in just as they were ready to look at the gender. And it is a boy, huge feet, looks just like Coopie did.
He is already nursing. Time of birth was 5:47am. It was a hard birth, we don't know how big he is yet.
He is already nursing. Time of birth was 5:47am. It was a hard birth, we don't know how big he is yet.
Karen is wet
"Will we wake up Cooper before we see the gender?" Nat. "Probably the noise will wake him"
Coopie continues to sleep deeply
Nat is pushing well, baby seems to be moving down.
Her energy and power is amazing.
Ky is losing patience with this process. Wants some bath toys. Too many waves
Here it comes.
"Why won't this baby come?" Nat
I am so tired and sore.
She is standing up for this contractions.
Coopie continues to sleep deeply
Nat is pushing well, baby seems to be moving down.
Her energy and power is amazing.
Ky is losing patience with this process. Wants some bath toys. Too many waves
Here it comes.
"Why won't this baby come?" Nat
I am so tired and sore.
She is standing up for this contractions.
Next contraction she will push fully
Karen encourages her to find a comfortable position. She seems much more relaxed between contractions and hopeful we are approaching the end. When does the sun come up?
"Come on baby, let's meet you now" Kylie's words of encouragement.
Contraction 5:30.
Fetal heart tones. Great sound on the dopler. Baby is doing perfect.
Baby is right there. Nat feels like it is big.
Nat is squatting now trying to get comfortable. Craig isn't in the water yet.
"Come on little baby"
"It is taking longer than I thought it would"
"Come on baby, let's meet you now" Kylie's words of encouragement.
Contraction 5:30.
Fetal heart tones. Great sound on the dopler. Baby is doing perfect.
Baby is right there. Nat feels like it is big.
Nat is squatting now trying to get comfortable. Craig isn't in the water yet.
"Come on little baby"
"It is taking longer than I thought it would"
Kylie get into tub
Kylie is bouncing around in the tub during Nat's contractions. She is so relaxed. The brow is wrinkling and molding. The team is removing water so it doesn't over flow. Karen is close by, helping the baby move through.
One second pushes
With contractions she is going to do some small pushes.
5:11
heart tones good
5:15 big contraction
Nat asks Karen to help. Karen is going to try to "guide the Nat's effort"
The baby is right there, no cervix, no lip, head is just sitting there.
"I can't imagine it is bigger than Ky or Coop, it is a week earlier.
5:19 push in with Karen.
Huge effort, loud noises, pushing. against Karen's hand.
The bag broke!!
5:11
heart tones good
5:15 big contraction
Nat asks Karen to help. Karen is going to try to "guide the Nat's effort"
The baby is right there, no cervix, no lip, head is just sitting there.
"I can't imagine it is bigger than Ky or Coop, it is a week earlier.
5:19 push in with Karen.
Huge effort, loud noises, pushing. against Karen's hand.
The bag broke!!
Quiet house
Once again the silence is thick, no whispering or movement.
5:03- Contraction "Oh, it hurts so bad, No it doesn't No it doesn't "
Bearing down.
5:04 contraction ends. She has stopped using the tapes. Sitting up trying to find a comfortable position.
Sleeping between contractions now.
The mood has shifted, She is doing some pushing.
5:03- Contraction "Oh, it hurts so bad, No it doesn't No it doesn't "
Bearing down.
5:04 contraction ends. She has stopped using the tapes. Sitting up trying to find a comfortable position.
Sleeping between contractions now.
The mood has shifted, She is doing some pushing.
Serious moments
Kylie may not be able to feel baby, it is hard for Nat to move much, Kylie's face of concern is priceless, she puts her head on her mommy's hand and ...
4:47 contraction begins. Kylie deosn't seem at all scared, she is very calm and watching.
4:48 contraction ends. "let your body melt."
"Just release the baby" Craig and Nat are repeating the chants from the tape.
4:51 contraction begins
4:52 ends
"Lots of pressure, I'm trying to get out of the way, I don't want to push, I think it will make it worse" Nat.
Karen, "you may want to push into it a little".
"I need a little break"
4:56- Contraction begins. Baby is okay, I am okay.
4:57 Air, I need some air. Fanning begins,
She is relaxed and resting between contractions. Craig is holding her now. Ky watches on from a close spot.
5:00 Coopie is sleeping. Papa went home to sleep. Another hour and she will get her sunlight.
4:47 contraction begins. Kylie deosn't seem at all scared, she is very calm and watching.
4:48 contraction ends. "let your body melt."
"Just release the baby" Craig and Nat are repeating the chants from the tape.
4:51 contraction begins
4:52 ends
"Lots of pressure, I'm trying to get out of the way, I don't want to push, I think it will make it worse" Nat.
Karen, "you may want to push into it a little".
"I need a little break"
4:56- Contraction begins. Baby is okay, I am okay.
4:57 Air, I need some air. Fanning begins,
She is relaxed and resting between contractions. Craig is holding her now. Ky watches on from a close spot.
5:00 Coopie is sleeping. Papa went home to sleep. Another hour and she will get her sunlight.
I am okay, I am safe
You are right here baby, I can release you, I can feel you, Baby, come on. Come on baby.
4:40 contraction
Craig is feeling the head. 4:41 contraction she feels in a constant state of tightening.
4:43 contraction eases
heart tones strong, reactive, sounds perfect.
She has very little chatter now, no time between contractions.
Kylie is going to feel the baby's head. Contractions continue.
4:40 contraction
Craig is feeling the head. 4:41 contraction she feels in a constant state of tightening.
4:43 contraction eases
heart tones strong, reactive, sounds perfect.
She has very little chatter now, no time between contractions.
Kylie is going to feel the baby's head. Contractions continue.
Nat is feeling sick
After eating the apple , Nat is feeling like she might throw up. Her stomach is upset. she is starting to feel too hot, the midwife is fanning her and giving her cold water. Craig and Kylie stand together watching. A big yawn from the little girl.
Nat is hoping for a break. "Sweet baby....Sweet baby"
Nat is hoping for a break. "Sweet baby....Sweet baby"
Karen is checking in
The wise Karen is providing support and words for Nat. "There is nothing to be afraid of"
Nat appears to be getting tired. She has to work really hard through the contractions and is still not letting go of any of the sounds of labor. Each contraction is accompanied by the chanting and repetitive words of the tapes she is using.
Sorry folks, all cameras are off due to battery or space issues. I am saving the final baterry and space for the birth.
4:31 contraction begins.
"I am having a fear free birth!" "I CAN DO THIS"
4:32 contraction ends.
Nat appears to be getting tired. She has to work really hard through the contractions and is still not letting go of any of the sounds of labor. Each contraction is accompanied by the chanting and repetitive words of the tapes she is using.
Sorry folks, all cameras are off due to battery or space issues. I am saving the final baterry and space for the birth.
4:31 contraction begins.
"I am having a fear free birth!" "I CAN DO THIS"
4:32 contraction ends.
Calmness
The four midwives/assistants/students sit calmly in the living room.
4:25 am contraction begins. "I accept whatever path my birth takes"
"I allow my body to completely melt in labor"
Sheridan is an amazing friend and doula. They have taken every contraction together.
4:27 contraction ends.
4:25 am contraction begins. "I accept whatever path my birth takes"
"I allow my body to completely melt in labor"
Sheridan is an amazing friend and doula. They have taken every contraction together.
4:27 contraction ends.
4:21
Contraction begins. Camera's run out of memory, so we move to alternate plan.
Baby is getting lower, Nat feels like she needs to poop.
4:22 contraction ends. Low pressure is a good sign.
Baby is getting lower, Nat feels like she needs to poop.
4:22 contraction ends. Low pressure is a good sign.
4:17- It's coming, it's coming
Not the baby, the contraction. Natalie is fighting the sense of fear as the contractions get stronger and longer. The last contraction was a double.
4:18 "slowly and sweetly"
4:18 "slowly and sweetly"
"Your little cold hands, feel so good"
Natalie expresses appreciation for the random cool touch that Kylie adds to the contraction.
Sheridan's charm
"Women who follow all the rules, rarely make history"
The charms and everyone's thoughts are giving Natalie enormous strength.
4:12 contraction begins. Her sounds have changed to groans Kylie is giving pressure on lower back.
Seem to be getting stronger.
Kylie is trying to be still and hold her back, but it is hard so Craig is guiding her.
4:15 that was a long contraction.
The charms and everyone's thoughts are giving Natalie enormous strength.
4:12 contraction begins. Her sounds have changed to groans Kylie is giving pressure on lower back.
Seem to be getting stronger.
Kylie is trying to be still and hold her back, but it is hard so Craig is guiding her.
4:15 that was a long contraction.
Kylie
Kylie is enjoying every minute. she holds her mommy's hand, listens to the Gentle Birth messages. Sits calmly with Natalie practicing her Doula techniques. She now has a snow hat and sweater on. The room is getting cold.
4:07- contraction begins. "My baby is in the perfect position for my birth" "Time passes quickly""I am cocooned in confidence"
"I was born to birth"
4:09- Nat, "A little more pressure that time"
4:07- contraction begins. "My baby is in the perfect position for my birth" "Time passes quickly""I am cocooned in confidence"
"I was born to birth"
4:09- Nat, "A little more pressure that time"
4:03
Contraction begins. "I relax even more"
Between contractions Natalie is chatting with Sheridan and the photographer. Kylie holds her hand during contractions.
4:04 contraction ends. Natalie says "Come on little one- release into the world gently"
Between contractions Natalie is chatting with Sheridan and the photographer. Kylie holds her hand during contractions.
4:04 contraction ends. Natalie says "Come on little one- release into the world gently"
Belly picture!
Nat and Sheridan are remembering to do the last belly picture.
3:58 contraction begins. Interrupting the photo op.
"I am having a fear free birth" "My partner is a wonderful support" "I can do this" "My body is amazing"
3:59- "Ohhhhhh, gosh! that was a big one"
Now the belly photo. Out of the tub for a moment.
Talk of waiting for the morning so the photos of the baby will be beautiful, but this baby is preferring the night.
And none of us want her to continue for another 2 hours.
3:58 contraction begins. Interrupting the photo op.
"I am having a fear free birth" "My partner is a wonderful support" "I can do this" "My body is amazing"
3:59- "Ohhhhhh, gosh! that was a big one"
Now the belly photo. Out of the tub for a moment.
Talk of waiting for the morning so the photos of the baby will be beautiful, but this baby is preferring the night.
And none of us want her to continue for another 2 hours.
Natalie's birth space
The candle with all of the wonderful thoughts is burning in the room. The dream catcher is hanging on the wall with the beads we all contributed. The tub is warmed to the perfect temperature. All is calm.
Contraction ended at 3:53
Contraction ended at 3:53
3:49 heart tones
Baby sounds great on the dopler. The midwives say, "Beautiful" always a welcome sound.
Midwife asking a few questions regarding her labor.
3:51 Contraction begins.
Midwife asking a few questions regarding her labor.
3:51 Contraction begins.
Chatting
It is nice to hear Nat chatting
3:48 another contraction. "I am excited to meet my baby" "My body knows what to do" "I stay with my baby during the birth process."
Contraction over at 3:49
3:48 another contraction. "I am excited to meet my baby" "My body knows what to do" "I stay with my baby during the birth process."
Contraction over at 3:49
3:44
Contraction begins, photographer arrives.
"I am calm, confident and in control"
3:45 contraction ends.
"I am calm, confident and in control"
3:45 contraction ends.
3:39
I missed a contraction due to technical difficulties, but it was a big one.
3:39 contraction begins. "All of my muscles remain loose limp and heavy, I trust my bodies wisdom" Time passes quickly and pleasantly" '"Each surge brings me close to my baby" "with each sensation, I go deeper"
"I (We) are having a fear free birth"
3:41 contraction ended.
3:39 contraction begins. "All of my muscles remain loose limp and heavy, I trust my bodies wisdom" Time passes quickly and pleasantly" '"Each surge brings me close to my baby" "with each sensation, I go deeper"
"I (We) are having a fear free birth"
3:41 contraction ended.
3:33
Contraction begins "My body is amazing" "With each gentle breath, I open more"
Nat has moved to an upward facing position. Looks very relaxed, Sheridan is keeping cooling clothes on her forhead. Kylie is very close. Putting cool clothes on Nat's arms.
3:35 contraction ends. Nat- That was strong!
Nat has moved to an upward facing position. Looks very relaxed, Sheridan is keeping cooling clothes on her forhead. Kylie is very close. Putting cool clothes on Nat's arms.
3:35 contraction ends. Nat- That was strong!
3:29
3:29 contraction begins "I can do this"
3:30 contraction ends. Some just peter out mid contraction. Others get more and more intense.
3:30 contraction ends. Some just peter out mid contraction. Others get more and more intense.
3:21
Contraction begins 3:21
"My body is strong" (These quotes are from the meditation tapes Nat is listening to and repeating in to the space.
Camera number 1 runs out of batteries. It is charging.
"My body is strong" (These quotes are from the meditation tapes Nat is listening to and repeating in to the space.
Camera number 1 runs out of batteries. It is charging.
3:18
3:18 contraction begins
"I accept whatever path our birth takes" "My confidence grows every day"
My baby and I are the perfect birth team"
3:19 contraction ends
The midwifery team is hear. There seem to be about 5. They are so quiet and careful, I don't see them working.
Kylie is sitting with Natalie at the tub, she is smiling, eating apple and confident being in the birth space.
"I accept whatever path our birth takes" "My confidence grows every day"
My baby and I are the perfect birth team"
3:19 contraction ends
The midwifery team is hear. There seem to be about 5. They are so quiet and careful, I don't see them working.
Kylie is sitting with Natalie at the tub, she is smiling, eating apple and confident being in the birth space.
3:15
3:15 contraction begins
Nat is interested in having something to eat.
"My baby and I are having a calm gentle birth"
3:16 contraction ends.
Nat is interested in having something to eat.
"My baby and I are having a calm gentle birth"
3:16 contraction ends.
Labor progressing
Blood pressure check is happening.
Nat is chatting with Sheridan, sharing this with them is amazing.
3:08 contraction begins "Relax even more" "My breathing remains calm and focused" "I appreciate how well my body works" "I am calm, confident and in control" "My body releases my bab into the world gently" "My baby emerges slowly and sweetly""My baby is the perfect size for my body"
That was intense, holy mackerel.
3:10 contraction finishes
Nat is chatting with Sheridan, sharing this with them is amazing.
3:08 contraction begins "Relax even more" "My breathing remains calm and focused" "I appreciate how well my body works" "I am calm, confident and in control" "My body releases my bab into the world gently" "My baby emerges slowly and sweetly""My baby is the perfect size for my body"
That was intense, holy mackerel.
3:10 contraction finishes
2:41 contraction ends.
2:44 Karen arrives, Natalie thinks water may have broken.
2:46 contraction begins
Nat is comfortable in the tub, Karen's arrival has sent a feeling of confidence throughout the house.
Gene and Craig are with kids waiting in the bedroom.
Sheridan is guiding Nat through each contraction.
2:44 Karen arrives, Natalie thinks water may have broken.
2:46 contraction begins
Nat is comfortable in the tub, Karen's arrival has sent a feeling of confidence throughout the house.
Gene and Craig are with kids waiting in the bedroom.
Sheridan is guiding Nat through each contraction.
2:32- contraction begins
2:33 contraction ends
2:38 contraction begins
2:40 contraction end. Very, very , very strong. Craig and kids are watching from the bedroom. Sheridan is guiding through each contraction with visualizations from gentle birth
2:40 contraction begins
it is quiet and Nat seems very calm, laughing between contractions.
This is Carol posting.
2:33 contraction ends
2:38 contraction begins
2:40 contraction end. Very, very , very strong. Craig and kids are watching from the bedroom. Sheridan is guiding through each contraction with visualizations from gentle birth
2:40 contraction begins
it is quiet and Nat seems very calm, laughing between contractions.
This is Carol posting.
Back in the water
We've called Karen, she is on her way...Yeah! Nat has had some pretty intense contractions and feels like she might be getting closer to transitioning. She is back in the water which makes all of these "surges" a little less intense. Amma is bringing Kylie over, hopefully our big girl is still sleeping, so she can continue to get a little rest before the big moment. Nat is continuing to work away, she is doing great!!
2:24 am- contraction
In tub, using meditation
Coopie is up, not happy
2:26 contraction begins
2:27 contraction ends
2:29 contraction begins
2:30 contraction ends
2:24 am- contraction
In tub, using meditation
Coopie is up, not happy
2:26 contraction begins
2:27 contraction ends
2:29 contraction begins
2:30 contraction ends
Craig the doula
Well not much sleep is happening, I got a tiny rest out in the living room and then Craig and I decided to try to help my body get going again. We did the Spinning Babies 3 sisters and then wrapped my belly with our new Solly wrap, we spent some time cuddling on the couch and trying to rest together. I am not having frequent contractions, but when they do come they are SO strong. This happened with Cooper and I dilated even though they were not frequent. I feel like I have to pee after almost very contraction, this last time I went to the bathroom I had a lot of mucus/bloody show type discharge. It had only been two contractions since I had been to the bathroom the last time, so it tells me that something was happening even in those two contractions. Yay. Having a little snack now, I will update again in a bit :)
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Going to try and get some sleep.
Well I got out of the tub, edited some family maternity photos (I will have to post some later) and I have not had very many contractions. So I am going to try and sleep a little. The comfy chair in the living room seems like the best spot, so I will post up there until I need to get up and manage contractions again. Good night for now.
Taking a bath...
So we have this birth pool in our kitchen, my husband worked hard to fill it today, why not use it? So I am taking a bath, I have had a total of 2 contractions since I got in about 45 minutes ago, I think my body is enjoying the rest and warm water. Being a labor and delivery nurse at heart, I got tempted to check myself, not something I really did with the others for fear of disappointment, but I would be ok with this pregnancy lasting a little longer, so why not try to see whats going on down there?
Now I will tell you that it is not common practice for midwifes to do frequent vaginal exams, if any. With Kylie I NEVER had an exam, not prenatally, not while I was in labor, not before or during pushing, just at my 6 week postpartum to see how things were healing. With Cooper I had just a couple exams during labor because I asked for them and was wondering why my labor pattern seemed so weird. So my hand is the first to do a check for this third baby and potentially the only one who will check (depending on my desires and whether or not my midwife sees it as necessary. With all that being said, I could totally feel my cervix, I could feel the bag of water and the babies head! I am defiantly more then 3-4 cm, which doesn't mean much of anything, since women can sit at this dilation for a long time. But it was so exciting to feel the baby's head and know that we are getting close to finding out who this baby is! I have not contracted in a while, so I am going to get out and see if I can try to re-position this baby and get some more contractions going :) I will keep you posted.
Now I will tell you that it is not common practice for midwifes to do frequent vaginal exams, if any. With Kylie I NEVER had an exam, not prenatally, not while I was in labor, not before or during pushing, just at my 6 week postpartum to see how things were healing. With Cooper I had just a couple exams during labor because I asked for them and was wondering why my labor pattern seemed so weird. So my hand is the first to do a check for this third baby and potentially the only one who will check (depending on my desires and whether or not my midwife sees it as necessary. With all that being said, I could totally feel my cervix, I could feel the bag of water and the babies head! I am defiantly more then 3-4 cm, which doesn't mean much of anything, since women can sit at this dilation for a long time. But it was so exciting to feel the baby's head and know that we are getting close to finding out who this baby is! I have not contracted in a while, so I am going to get out and see if I can try to re-position this baby and get some more contractions going :) I will keep you posted.
Back home.
We test drove another minivan, I think we might have scared the guy at the dealership a little bit, I had a handful of contractions and at one point he asked if we needed him to take us to the ER. LOL We reassured him that this was our third and I was not quite ready to have a baby yet. :) Kylie and Cooper were with Ama and Papa, so we headed over there to have dinner. After a wonderful dinner, a few more contractions and a little My Fair Lady, I am back home. Craig got the birthing tub filled earlier so I am planning to take a little bath in it before getting ready for bed. I hope to get some sleep and simply play it by ear if my contractions start to pick up again. I am getting more and more excited to meet this little baby, wishing we would have put together a pool of some kind so people could make some bets about day, time, weight and length :) Also, we need some suggestions for names, so please send any ideas you have :) Our girl list is longer then our boys list right now, so boy names are especially appreciated :)
I will update again soon :)
I will update again soon :)
It's been a wonderful afternoon.
So Sheridan and I headed downtown...first to Kissui to look at a carrier for Kylie to use with the new baby. We also found a beautiful blanket that just had to come home with me. Next stop we headed to the Living Root Cellar for a shake and some light lunch. We sat outside, enjoyed our food and worked on our coloring pages. Back to Kissui (this time Kylie joined us) and we made the final decision on the carrier. Took a nice walk through downtown and headed back to A La Minute for some ice cream to share. We continued working on our coloring pages while we visited and then headed back home.
It was truly the perfect early labor day, I contracted about every 15-20 minutes, nice firm contractions that I have to breath through. When I teach my childbirth classes we talk about what to when in early labor, and I always suggest getting out and about, distracting yourself and not paying super close attention to your contractions. So that is what I did today and now Craig and I are headed to test drive another minivan, gotta keep the distraction going :) I anticipate things picking up again once it gets later this evening, but we will see :)
It was truly the perfect early labor day, I contracted about every 15-20 minutes, nice firm contractions that I have to breath through. When I teach my childbirth classes we talk about what to when in early labor, and I always suggest getting out and about, distracting yourself and not paying super close attention to your contractions. So that is what I did today and now Craig and I are headed to test drive another minivan, gotta keep the distraction going :) I anticipate things picking up again once it gets later this evening, but we will see :)
I took a nap!
Now that Craig worked so hard to get the house and tub ready, things have slowed A LOT! I am feeling bad that Craig is missing softball and I am missing the childbirth class I am supposed to be teaching. I have still had some contractions and when they come they are strong. I am getting up, dressed and headed for a walk downtown. I will update again when there is something to update :) I think we might still have sometime before baby comes, maybe even enough time to test drive some more vans! We will see.
Things have slowed down a bit
I have had some fruit, worked on my coloring page, let out some tears and my contractions have slowed down a bit. They are coming now about every 15-20 min, they are strong and I am having some bloody discharge. There is lots of pressure and I feel the contractions from the top of my tummy all the way to my cervix.
Cooper woke up first, he came walking out to the living room and I had a contraction right away, without me saying anything he started rubbing my back, it's amazing how much it helped! He has continued to jump in and offer support when he sees me having a contraction. Kylie woke up a couple minutes ago and has been so excited too see that something is happening. If things continue to be somewhat slow I am going to try and rest my eyes a little and then head on a walk downtown once the shops are open. There are still a few things I would love to get before we welcome this little one.
Not a very exciting update at this point, but I will keep you posted.
Cooper woke up first, he came walking out to the living room and I had a contraction right away, without me saying anything he started rubbing my back, it's amazing how much it helped! He has continued to jump in and offer support when he sees me having a contraction. Kylie woke up a couple minutes ago and has been so excited too see that something is happening. If things continue to be somewhat slow I am going to try and rest my eyes a little and then head on a walk downtown once the shops are open. There are still a few things I would love to get before we welcome this little one.
Not a very exciting update at this point, but I will keep you posted.
Still up...
I have been timing my contractions for the past hour, they are about every 6 min or so. They are strong but not overwhelming. Craig has been cleaning the house and while he was doing dishes, I found it comforting to press my face into his back while I breathe and sway, who knew that would be part of my coping :) I texted Karen to let her know how I am doing and also let Mandy know that she may be in her own teaching childbirth class today. Cooper woke a little while ago and I nursed him back to sleep, I quietly cried as I realized that it might have been the last time nursing just him.
The sun is coming up, I think I might take a walk outside in the fresh air. I have some coloring pages I have been eager to work on, so that might be part of my morning too.
I have been drinking some water and ate a banana and some bread. Craig has started working on filling the birth tub, it takes forever to fill and should stay hot for a while, so he figures better to start now, just in case.
As I type this I have tears in my eyes, this pregnancy has been so wonderful. I love being pregnant, feeling the baby in my body, I love how my body looks when I am pregnant and I love how I feel. I just cant believe it Being pregnant with my best friend has truly been the biggest blessing. Everything about this experience has been better because of her. I am SO sad for it to be coming to an end, I want her to go into labor right now so we can transition to the next part together too.
Next step...spending some time saying goodbye to this belly so I can get excited about meeting this baby! Craig and I are still struggling with names, I hope it comes out with a name tag :)
The sun is coming up, I think I might take a walk outside in the fresh air. I have some coloring pages I have been eager to work on, so that might be part of my morning too.
I have been drinking some water and ate a banana and some bread. Craig has started working on filling the birth tub, it takes forever to fill and should stay hot for a while, so he figures better to start now, just in case.
As I type this I have tears in my eyes, this pregnancy has been so wonderful. I love being pregnant, feeling the baby in my body, I love how my body looks when I am pregnant and I love how I feel. I just cant believe it Being pregnant with my best friend has truly been the biggest blessing. Everything about this experience has been better because of her. I am SO sad for it to be coming to an end, I want her to go into labor right now so we can transition to the next part together too.
Next step...spending some time saying goodbye to this belly so I can get excited about meeting this baby! Craig and I are still struggling with names, I hope it comes out with a name tag :)
Well I am awake...
I have had some contractions that woke me up...I tried to manage them in bed but it was hard since I feel like I was half asleep and not able to really get my mind focused. Craig woke and with him rubbing my arm and back I was able to cope much better. He then got up and started getting the house pulled together, he is so amazing. I managed three more contractions in bed by myself but now I am up. I think I will do better in upright positions, we will see. I have just opened a contraction counter so I can get a idea of how frequent they are. I am still not sure this is the real thing... I am not sure I am ready for this to be the real thing... I might need a good cry to help let go. I have loved being pregnant and just not ready to transition. Wish me luck, I will keep you all updated...
Saturday, February 17, 2018
39 weeks 5 days
Last night was interesting, I kept dreaming I was having contractions, I would wake and could not tell if they were real or just in my dreams. So weird. I am curious to see what happens tonight since I have actually had some mild contractions throughout the day.
Craig and I spent some, much needed, time together at Glen Ivy Hot Springs today. We enjoyed the mud, hot springs, a yummy lunch, beautiful sunshine and awesome conversation. It was SO wonderful to reconnect a little bit before this new baby arrives. I had some cramping while we were there but nothing consistent. We came home and got ready for some more maternity photos. We took indoor maternity photos last week, they turned out amazing! So today we headed to prospect park for a few more. After photos we decided to go test drive a minivan! We have been wanting a minivan for a LONG time but just now have had the time to actually go look at them. We looked at the Toyota Sienna, it was nice but there are a few things I am not sure about. Our plan is to test drive a few others makes before we decide. After the car dealership, we headed to Shakey's Pizza. I have not been there since I was a kid and I didn't remember it the same. It was packed, the kids had a great time planing games, while I held our table and had some semi consistent contractions. By the time dinner was over we decided to head to Bed Bath & Beyond to get new sheets, since it was feeling like we might end up having a baby some time soon. We got home from the store and Craig got the kids to bed while I finished editing some photos and took a hot bath (and drank a small glass of wine). The bath and wine helped to slow things down and I have not had as much activity for the past 2 hours. I am still hopeful this baby will wait about one more week, but who knows :)
I will write again if I end up awake with contractions, Craig seems to think this baby will come soon.
Sleep well,
Natalie
Craig and I spent some, much needed, time together at Glen Ivy Hot Springs today. We enjoyed the mud, hot springs, a yummy lunch, beautiful sunshine and awesome conversation. It was SO wonderful to reconnect a little bit before this new baby arrives. I had some cramping while we were there but nothing consistent. We came home and got ready for some more maternity photos. We took indoor maternity photos last week, they turned out amazing! So today we headed to prospect park for a few more. After photos we decided to go test drive a minivan! We have been wanting a minivan for a LONG time but just now have had the time to actually go look at them. We looked at the Toyota Sienna, it was nice but there are a few things I am not sure about. Our plan is to test drive a few others makes before we decide. After the car dealership, we headed to Shakey's Pizza. I have not been there since I was a kid and I didn't remember it the same. It was packed, the kids had a great time planing games, while I held our table and had some semi consistent contractions. By the time dinner was over we decided to head to Bed Bath & Beyond to get new sheets, since it was feeling like we might end up having a baby some time soon. We got home from the store and Craig got the kids to bed while I finished editing some photos and took a hot bath (and drank a small glass of wine). The bath and wine helped to slow things down and I have not had as much activity for the past 2 hours. I am still hopeful this baby will wait about one more week, but who knows :)
I will write again if I end up awake with contractions, Craig seems to think this baby will come soon.
Sleep well,
Natalie
Getting Ready...39 weeks 4 days
Today was a fun filled day of prep for the arrival of this little one. I have continued to lots of tightening and feel like I might not make it as long as I did with the other two, so today I checked a few things off the list. After running support group this morning and having a yummy lunch with the kids, I headed to Amanda and got my nails done. She has been doing my nails for months now, she does a gel type polish with stamping. Today's nails say "love" and "dream big" with feathers and dream catchers, they are beautiful and perfect for this time in pregnancy. Sheridan watched the kids for me and then we all came home to work on editing her maternity photos. Craig picked up dinner on his way home, such a blessing! It was his second to last day!! We can't believe he is almost done! He has been working so hard for the past 2.5 years and he is down to ONE MORE DAY and boy are we excited! After a yummy dinner Sheridan and I did a belly cast for me. It is something I have wanted to do since I was pregnant with Cooper and I an so glad I finally did it! I had intended to keep it as an early labor project, but I keep having the feeling that labor might go somewhat fast and I didn't want to miss out on my chance to capture this amazing belly. So we just went for it! It is beautiful! Still drying as I type. Next step, trying to figure out what I do with it. Right now I am thinking I might paint it, but probably not until I have had a chance to take a couple newborn photos of the baby in it. :)
Tomorrow Craig and I are going to take a little time together and head to Glen Ivy for the morning. I am so excited to spend some time with him, it feels like we have not truly had time together for 2.5 years. There are still many things on the list of things to do before baby...we will see how many actually get done.
In no particular order, this list includes...
-art work for labor space
-Craig finishing his last day
-teaching childbirth class
-baby-moon to Palm Springs
-Henna on my belly
-sterilize scissors for birth
-get car seat out of box and into car
-buy a car that will fit 3 car seats, minivan here we come!
-outdoor family maternity photos
-wash baby clothes and blankets
-buy new sheets for the bed
-pack hospital bag (to have by the door in case we have to transfer for some reason)
-figure out labor clothes for the birth pool and early postpartum
-buy a new diaper bag
-pick out a baby carrier for Kylie to use
-plan Kylie's birthday
-get maternity leave stuff figured out
Now that I have written this list down I am feeling a little anxious! I need to get on it and start checking things off the list ASAP!
Wish me luck!
More to come tomorrow,
Nat
Tomorrow Craig and I are going to take a little time together and head to Glen Ivy for the morning. I am so excited to spend some time with him, it feels like we have not truly had time together for 2.5 years. There are still many things on the list of things to do before baby...we will see how many actually get done.
In no particular order, this list includes...
-art work for labor space
-Craig finishing his last day
-teaching childbirth class
-baby-moon to Palm Springs
-Henna on my belly
-sterilize scissors for birth
-get car seat out of box and into car
-buy a car that will fit 3 car seats, minivan here we come!
-outdoor family maternity photos
-wash baby clothes and blankets
-buy new sheets for the bed
-pack hospital bag (to have by the door in case we have to transfer for some reason)
-figure out labor clothes for the birth pool and early postpartum
-buy a new diaper bag
-pick out a baby carrier for Kylie to use
-plan Kylie's birthday
-get maternity leave stuff figured out
Now that I have written this list down I am feeling a little anxious! I need to get on it and start checking things off the list ASAP!
Wish me luck!
More to come tomorrow,
Nat
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Baby #3 First Entry 39 weeks 3 days
It has been quite some time since I have updated this blog... I am glad to be back.
Life update...
Craig has been going to CRNA school, it is a 2.5 year program and we are down to 1 more week! It has been quite the journey with a two month rotation in San Diego and a one month rotation in Napa, which he got home from just a couple weeks ago. He really enjoys everything he is learning and is very excited to work as a CRNA. The current plan is to take a job at Arrowhead and start in June. We are so proud of him and all his hard work over the past 2.5 years, it has not been easy balancing family and school, but he has done an amazing job.
Kylie is almost 6! We are doing home school kindergarten and she is doing really well. In the past 4 weeks she has started reading, she is constantly carrying a book around with her and if she is not reading herself, she is asking to be read to. I am so glad she has such a love for reading, my mom has certainly been the one to nurture that. My mom has read her almost every American Girl series, the Laura Ingles Wilder books, and a whole bunch of classics like Charlotte's Web, Little Women, Stewart Little and many more. Kylie is currently in the middle of a series about three girls named Betsy, Tacey and Tib, she not only loves the stories, but has been reenacting her favorite parts. Aunt Jess gave her the book for Christmas, thank you Jess! Kylie has a very fun and unique sense of style, it is a joy watching her put together her outfits everyday. She LOVES to tuck her shirts in to her leggings and wear very high socks. She is also all about layering and wearing very bright and busy patterns. She often has a least a couple necklaces on and sparkles on her cheeks, lip gloss on and chewing gum. I can't tell if she is 15 or 5, but I am loving every minute.
Cooper is 3.5 years old now. He is loves to play with little figurines, Legos, super heroes, Paw Patrol and dress up. His imagination is expanding like crazy, he loves to make believe with Kylie, Emery and Owen. Cooper has such a sweet and sensitive side, he is quick to get upset but also very empathetic. He is still nursing (although it has been very painful during this pregnancy) and over the past couple weeks we have decreased to about once a day, although I anticipate it will increase again once the new baby is here. Cooper has been attending a parent participation preschool two days a week. I take him with Sheridan, Emery and Owen (Kylie sometimes comes along too). It is the perfect speed for him, he gets to enjoy all the fun that preschool has to offer while I am still there with him. He is not yet interested in potty training, we are just being patient and letting him lead, I anticipate he will regress once the baby is here so I have very little desire to make any big changes at this point in time.
I have continued to work my many jobs, I am teaching for the Birth and Beyond Education Center (childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn classes), I run breastfeeding support groups, teach dance at the Brandin' Iron, photography and run my Plexus business. Although I am busy, I love every minute of it. I am home with the kids the majority of the time and still able to contribute to our income (mostly from Plexus). This pregnancy has gone SO fast! I knew it would, given the time of year and the busy schedule we have, but I am NOT at all ready for it to be over. Craig thinks this will be our last baby, I am still not sure. I LOVE being pregnant and I am having a very hard time thinking this could be the last time I get to experience pregnancy. I am trying to enjoy every minute, taking tons of photos, spending time preparing for birth and spending time with my belly, but I am still sad. I love feeling this baby move in my belly, I love watching my belly grow, I love how I feel when I am growing a child inside, and I am NOT ready to never experience it again.
The past couple days I have had A LOT of Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel like this might have happened with Cooper, but I honestly don't remember. I'm sure many women would welcome the activity, but it is only making me stressed. I want this baby to hold on until Craig is done with school and we can have a couple days together to talk about this big transition. But as we all know, babies come when babies are ready and all this crampy activity is not very reassuring. I also had a tiny bit of dark blood colored discharge early today, there has been nothing more (thank goodness) but for a moment I thought I might be losing my mucus plug, and that thought totally freaked me out. Hang on baby, just one week more, please.
The baby is doing really well. We are receiving our care with Karen Baker again. She is just so amazing and I can not imagine birthing a child without her. We had our 39 week visit on Monday and everything was looking good. The baby was well engaged in my pelvis, facing a good direction and the head was well flexed. The heartbeat was strong and increased a little bit as Cooper and Kylie rubbed my belly, this baby already knows it has siblings that love it. Kylie got to hold the doppler (which she loves) and Karen showed the kids how the baby is positioned in my tummy. I have not measured very big this whole pregnancy, at least 2 weeks behind at each visit. This week I only measured 33. I had a moment of worry, confused as to why I look so big, feel so big, weigh so much but measure so small. But of course Karen was not at all concerned, the baby is so low and when you palpate my belly you can feel just how big this baby is. It is doing great and will probably be big just like the other two. I am so glad she trusts my body and takes multiple pieces of data into consideration, I worry that I would get diagnosed as IUGR if I was in our typical medical system. Feeling thankful for the amazing care of an incredible midwife. Our next visit is at 40 weeks and Craig will be able to join me! He has only come to one visit so far, since school has been so crazy, but my mom and Sheridan have joined me for some of the other visits which has been wonderful.
I feel like I could write forever, there is SO much more I want to document, but it is late and I need sleep. I am hoping to blog almost everyday and through my labor as I did with the other two, so I am hoping to have time to catch up even more.
So glad to be back,
Natalie
Life update...
Craig has been going to CRNA school, it is a 2.5 year program and we are down to 1 more week! It has been quite the journey with a two month rotation in San Diego and a one month rotation in Napa, which he got home from just a couple weeks ago. He really enjoys everything he is learning and is very excited to work as a CRNA. The current plan is to take a job at Arrowhead and start in June. We are so proud of him and all his hard work over the past 2.5 years, it has not been easy balancing family and school, but he has done an amazing job.
Kylie is almost 6! We are doing home school kindergarten and she is doing really well. In the past 4 weeks she has started reading, she is constantly carrying a book around with her and if she is not reading herself, she is asking to be read to. I am so glad she has such a love for reading, my mom has certainly been the one to nurture that. My mom has read her almost every American Girl series, the Laura Ingles Wilder books, and a whole bunch of classics like Charlotte's Web, Little Women, Stewart Little and many more. Kylie is currently in the middle of a series about three girls named Betsy, Tacey and Tib, she not only loves the stories, but has been reenacting her favorite parts. Aunt Jess gave her the book for Christmas, thank you Jess! Kylie has a very fun and unique sense of style, it is a joy watching her put together her outfits everyday. She LOVES to tuck her shirts in to her leggings and wear very high socks. She is also all about layering and wearing very bright and busy patterns. She often has a least a couple necklaces on and sparkles on her cheeks, lip gloss on and chewing gum. I can't tell if she is 15 or 5, but I am loving every minute.
Cooper is 3.5 years old now. He is loves to play with little figurines, Legos, super heroes, Paw Patrol and dress up. His imagination is expanding like crazy, he loves to make believe with Kylie, Emery and Owen. Cooper has such a sweet and sensitive side, he is quick to get upset but also very empathetic. He is still nursing (although it has been very painful during this pregnancy) and over the past couple weeks we have decreased to about once a day, although I anticipate it will increase again once the new baby is here. Cooper has been attending a parent participation preschool two days a week. I take him with Sheridan, Emery and Owen (Kylie sometimes comes along too). It is the perfect speed for him, he gets to enjoy all the fun that preschool has to offer while I am still there with him. He is not yet interested in potty training, we are just being patient and letting him lead, I anticipate he will regress once the baby is here so I have very little desire to make any big changes at this point in time.
I have continued to work my many jobs, I am teaching for the Birth and Beyond Education Center (childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn classes), I run breastfeeding support groups, teach dance at the Brandin' Iron, photography and run my Plexus business. Although I am busy, I love every minute of it. I am home with the kids the majority of the time and still able to contribute to our income (mostly from Plexus). This pregnancy has gone SO fast! I knew it would, given the time of year and the busy schedule we have, but I am NOT at all ready for it to be over. Craig thinks this will be our last baby, I am still not sure. I LOVE being pregnant and I am having a very hard time thinking this could be the last time I get to experience pregnancy. I am trying to enjoy every minute, taking tons of photos, spending time preparing for birth and spending time with my belly, but I am still sad. I love feeling this baby move in my belly, I love watching my belly grow, I love how I feel when I am growing a child inside, and I am NOT ready to never experience it again.
The past couple days I have had A LOT of Braxton Hicks contractions. I feel like this might have happened with Cooper, but I honestly don't remember. I'm sure many women would welcome the activity, but it is only making me stressed. I want this baby to hold on until Craig is done with school and we can have a couple days together to talk about this big transition. But as we all know, babies come when babies are ready and all this crampy activity is not very reassuring. I also had a tiny bit of dark blood colored discharge early today, there has been nothing more (thank goodness) but for a moment I thought I might be losing my mucus plug, and that thought totally freaked me out. Hang on baby, just one week more, please.
The baby is doing really well. We are receiving our care with Karen Baker again. She is just so amazing and I can not imagine birthing a child without her. We had our 39 week visit on Monday and everything was looking good. The baby was well engaged in my pelvis, facing a good direction and the head was well flexed. The heartbeat was strong and increased a little bit as Cooper and Kylie rubbed my belly, this baby already knows it has siblings that love it. Kylie got to hold the doppler (which she loves) and Karen showed the kids how the baby is positioned in my tummy. I have not measured very big this whole pregnancy, at least 2 weeks behind at each visit. This week I only measured 33. I had a moment of worry, confused as to why I look so big, feel so big, weigh so much but measure so small. But of course Karen was not at all concerned, the baby is so low and when you palpate my belly you can feel just how big this baby is. It is doing great and will probably be big just like the other two. I am so glad she trusts my body and takes multiple pieces of data into consideration, I worry that I would get diagnosed as IUGR if I was in our typical medical system. Feeling thankful for the amazing care of an incredible midwife. Our next visit is at 40 weeks and Craig will be able to join me! He has only come to one visit so far, since school has been so crazy, but my mom and Sheridan have joined me for some of the other visits which has been wonderful.
I feel like I could write forever, there is SO much more I want to document, but it is late and I need sleep. I am hoping to blog almost everyday and through my labor as I did with the other two, so I am hoping to have time to catch up even more.
So glad to be back,
Natalie
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