Thursday, January 19, 2012

Birth Story [there is TMI]

Since Jaedyn is a month, I can't help but think I still haven't updated my blog. Man, I feel like this is the first time I got a chance to come on the computer. Jaedyn, right now, for the most part, is content. I am going to try and keep this as short as possible.... Who am I kidding? I have a month or so of catching you guys up!

My "last" doctor's appointment was on Thursday December 15th. The doc checked me and said that I was between 3 and 4 centimeters and in what is considered early labor. She said she'd be surprised if I made it to my due date [the 19th]. She stretched my cervix and said it could be anywhere between 24-48 hours. She also wanted to schedule an induction date. She didn't think it was necessary, being as she didn't think I would make it to be induced, technically... She said the 23rd, 24th, and 25th were booked. I asked about the 22nd, and she said she'd call and ask. I had went to the restroom and came back and she said she had a better plan... Here's why I said technically... She said that since she honestly didn't see me making it to the end of the weekend [I know I have said this a lot, but trust me, she did too], she scheduled the induction for the 18th. I left the doc more nervous than I had been... By the end of the weekend, Will and I would officially be parents!

My mom came in on the 15th as well. She was so happy she didn't miss the birth [later, so was I]. I made friends and family aware that it would be anytime.

The 16th came... no labor or baby

The 17th came... no labor or baby...

Now let me tell you, I DID NOT want to be induced at all. I heard and have seen that it takes longer and is more painful. I wanted things to happen naturally, unless I was late.

The 18th came and we got up, showered, called the hospital, they said come in. I was so scared. As they were checking me in a nurse had asked how past due I was and I told her I wasn't past due, I was due tomorrow. She then asked why I was being induced and I explained that the doc didn't think I would make it. I also wanted to avoid it if I could. They put me in a labor and delivery room, told me to undress and get on the bed. The same nurse that asked if I was past due came in and asked if I had any questions. I asked if I HAD to do this. She said I didn't. Then my midwife [I've been calling her my doc the whole time because that's how I see her] came in with another doc and she said she was surprised I was there, she was so sure I would've have him already. She then said the induction is what I wanted. I thought it was my only option. The doc, Dr. Williams, very nice woman, said I didn't have to get induced because there'd be a greater chance of me having a C-Section [another thing I wanted to avoid if need be]. Dr. Williams checked me and said I was 3 centimeters [still]... She however stretched my cervix and scraped my membranes. After that she said she'd be there all day and I might be coming back that night [she made no guarantees though].

After leaving the hospital, we went to get breakfast and then headed home. The Raiders played that day and Will had went to his buddy's house [he lives around the corner] to watch the game, since it wasn't on regular TV. I was laying on the couch playing Tetris and getting sleepy. I told my mom I was sleepy, she told me to nap, but then I got a burst of energy and was awake. Around 3:20ish I HEARD A POP. Yes HEARD [I had read in the forums on my app that this happened to someone and thought, how do you hear a pop? well I did!]! I felt it too... I looked at my mom to see if she heard it too, but she was asleep on the other couch... I got up and quickly went into the bathroom and a gush went in the toilet. Then I got a massive stomach ache. I kept having to go to the bathroom. I started to panic.  I finished using the bathroom, came out, grabbed my phone, and headed back to the bathroom. I looked up how long after water breaking does it take to go into labor or have baby... What I read was to monitor contractions. Then I called Will and told him he needed to come home because my water broke. I came out the bathroom again and woke my mom up, told her not to panic, that my water broke and Will was on his way. At that point contractions were like 13 minutes apart. I saw Will run up the stairs and he was ready to go, I wasn't... LOL I wanted to monitor my contractions... they became more and more intense, so we had to leave. OMG the pain was horrible....

We get to the hospital and I am hurting badly and have to use the restroom, yet again. I push the button, tell the nurse I am in labor, she buzzes me in. I hand her my ID and Medical Card and tell her I really need to use the restroom... She brings me into triage! I swear in that room I went to the bathroom like 3 times. A nurse walked by the room and said "Weren't you guys here this morning?" We said yes... I am not sitting I am holding on to the wall... She was curious as to why the woman even brought me into triage... She called the doc and got me in a labor room. In the labor room I went to the bathroom, yet again. LOL the nurse was like don't push... I was like I'm not, my stomach hurts. My mom had said before we got to the hospital that my body was cleaning itself out to prepare for his birth. I finally was able to not have to use the restroom and was laying on the bed, in pain. A doctor or whoever came in to check how far along I was... I was at 6 centimeters. They asked me if I wanted any drugs/epidural. I was trying to avoid the epidural, but requested some kind of pain med through the IV. The put something in that started with an N, I can't remember the name... All I remember is IT DIDN'T WORK! It was supposed to make the pain bearable...I THINK NOT.

Contractions were ack to back to back to back, etc... It was mountain after mountain. Will and my mom kept telling me they were coming. They convinced me to finally lay on my side to help some of the pain. I tell you it helped, but not much. They had said they were going to send the anesthesiologist in to talk to me about the epidural. I was like ok. But I never saw them. The doctor or whoever [I say that because I don't think she was a doctor, I just knew I didn't want her delivering my baby, she gave me a bad vibe. I wanted Dr. Williams] came in to check me again... I was at 9 centimeters...

THIS WAS REALLY HAPPENING!!

I was progressing quickly. I was told if I wanted to try and push on my own, to go for it. I took that as a green light and when I did, it felt as if I peed all over the place. It wasn't pee though. This happened like 4 times. I was feeling better, but yelling. My mom said the doc need to come in she's starting to grunt like a bear [LOL]... Then Dr. Williams came in... She told me it was time to push. I pushed and I pushed. Man that was hard work. They had to put an oxygen mask on me and she asked me to not psh through a contraction, if I could help it, well I couldn't. I pushed. She said she felt his head but I needed to act quick. She asked me if it wold be ok to use the vacuum to help him come out... Apparently, I wasn't pushing hard enough [I sure thought I was]. I said ok, whatever she needed to do to get him out. I had one big push left and he was out at 9:01 PM. I felt a little relief and was teary eyed, but didn't hear him...

I finally heard a little cry, but they said there was fluid in his lungs that needed to be removed so they took him out of the room quickly... Will followed. I didn't know how much he weighed or how long he was. I couldn't do anything but lay there. Turns out I had a 2nd degree tear. I swear I was laying there FOREVER getting stitched up and still hadn't held my baby! I was upset I didn't know his specs and  Dr. Williams said she'd be surprised if he was over 8lbs. Will came back in the room and said "He's 8lbs 15oz...21 and a half inches long." Dr. Williams was shocked! I was shocked! I damn near pushed out a 9lb baby DRUG FREE!! My nurse had told me he was shocked I did it without the epidural, but told me when the anesthesiologist was headed into my room, they stopped him and told him I was at 9 centimeters. There was no time. I sure impressed myself LOL.

I wanted to see my baby, I needed to see my baby. I saw him a little before midnight. He was in the NICU. One of the surgeons told us he got the fluid out and that Jaedyn had a broken collar bone. The doctor did it to get him out. His shoulder had gotten stuck in me, I guess. They said it'll heal in no time. He was in an incubator. He looked cute, even hooked up to an IV. I couldn't believe Will and I were parents and he created such a cute little baby.

I was brought into my post partum room and my sister came after. She didn't get to see Jaedyn though. But she came to see me and was thrilled to know her nephew had finally graced us with his presence.

This is just the birth story, I will post more about the hospital stay later... For now, I must pump.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Jaedyn's Here!

Jaedyn Joseph Jackson

was born

December 18, 2011 at 9:01 PM

Weight:  8 lbs 15 oz

Length: 21 and a half inches

Pure cuteness!!

[Birth story coming soon... it'll be a long post lol]

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

39+ weeks...

Yesterday, I hit the 39 week mark. Most people predicted or should I say thought it would be more convenient to have him yesterday, but he isn't here. I sure thought he would come. I was cramping like no other yesterday, but not where it was massive, to my knowing, of contractions. At the doctor's last week I had mentioned that to the doctor about cramping and stuff... she asked me about Braxton Hicks and I told her I wasn't sure because I am unable to time anything. She told me I will definitely know and there's a lull in between. So I am just having cramps, what I've read to be signs labor CAN be near. Seriously, yeaterday, I felt like I was on my period.

Today, I woke up with Will, at around 4something. He had to open. I was hurting, but not as bad as yesterday. I think it was because I had to pee so bad. It's like I don't know I have to pee, but my body wants to let me sleep longer and wait to the very end...in turn hurting badly. I woke up around 9:15, after waking up at :15 to pee. I ate something, caught up on my DVR'd shows, washed dishes, and decided I needed to nap a bit. I napped, woke up, showered, and went for a walk. Man do my legs hurt. I walked around the block. Let me just say that the block is bigger than you would think. I got around the corner and thought to myself "man I should've pee'd first!" LOL that made the walk a little harder, but I survived! Will came home and asked how I felt, I told him I was sore still, but not as bad as yesterday. I felt like I worked like a slave yesterday, and all I did was sit in a dentist office, went to lunch with Will, my sister, Krischna, and Kaylyn. That was full of laughs too! But yeah, pretty much did NOTHING yesterday.

I must add that I am not miserable and I am not trying to induce labor. Yes my ASS literally hurts, but I am not like OMG GET HIM OUT. It would be nice to have him, but he's going to come when he is good and ready. I am thinking tomorrow, but we can't be sure. I just thought that since my co-worker calle dme getting pregnant this year, having a boy, she also said months ago that I would have him on the 14th.... I figure if anyone is going to call it, it'd be her. Ok survey time...

How far along? 39 Weeks, 1 Day... Super DOOPER Closer!


Total weight gain/loss: I have gained and come to terms with it. I haven't had my doctor's appointment this week... It's scheduled for Thursday.

Maternity clothes? Love the shorts still... I was forced, by mother nature, to wear sweats on Wednesday....so not comfy to me... But I only have 1 pair of maternity pants. [same]

Stretch marks? Small ones are coming more and more to the surface on my lower area... no big deal as mentioned before, I had pre pregnancy stretch marks, so I am ok with this. [same]

Sleep: My goodness I can sleep ALL day if I could LOL. But we're so busy trying to get stuff ready for Jaedyn's arrival... Plus my mother is coming Thursday.
Best moment this week: Feeling more pressure.
Movement: As much as he can he does, which is a lot. I swear he's trying to find a way out =)

Food cravings: Not really... I could go for pineapple, cake, carne asada tacos though.... Not all together just, they sound yummy... Maybe it's cause I am hungry right now! OMG I was craving a Coke and last night I had one... I felt weird after, but it was good!
Gender: Boy! <3

Labor Signs: Getting closer <3

Belly Button in or out? In [same]

Wedding rings on or off? No wedding ring, but my Promise Ring still fits. [same...I hope it stays!]

What I miss: Iced tea

What I am looking forward to: Hopefully, meeting my little one BEFORE his due date [the 19th]

Weekly Wisdom: The only thing that's going to matter is my little family!

Milestones: Hitting the 39 weeks mark and HOPEFULLY dilating more <3

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

1.5 cm

Yup, that's how dilated I am =) I found that out at today's doctor's appointment. Today felt like a real appointment. I saw a different doctor today, the one I saw in the very beginning. The nurse had me undress, waist down and I knew that meant I would be examined. She measured my stomach and said I am measuring between 38-39 weeks, which is good. She took his heartbeat and it was a strong 138. She then examined me and man did it hurt lol, but was worth it finding out that I am starting to dilate. What was funny is when I was telling the story to Will, he was like the pain's gonna get worse. How reassuring is he? LOL. Bless his heart, there's no sugar coating! I like that. I know the pain will get worse, but man lol. Since I blogged a couple days ago, there's not much more for me to leave you with... So here's my survey:

How far along? 38 Weeks, 1 Day... Super Closer!


Total weight gain/loss: I have gained and come to terms with it. Woo hoo! I lost a pound. So last week I gained nothing and this time I lost a pound.
Maternity clothes? Love the shorts still... I was forced, by mother nature, to wear sweats on Wednesday....so not comfy to me... But I only have 1 pair of maternity pants.

Stretch marks? Small ones are coming more and more to the surface on my lower area... no big deal as mentioned before, I had pre pregnancy stretch marks, so I am ok with this.

Sleep: The past 2 days have been hard. The falling asleep part. I guess since I am not working, my body says I don't need to be in bed early and I still had naps LOL. Also, this darn sore throat is not helping my situation. This morning we closed the window all the way [it was cracked like 1/2 inch and still FREEZING in the room], hopefully that helps.
Best moment this week: Finding out that I am dilating. I was getting a little snervous about it. My butt's been hurting and my vagina area, sorry if you didn't wanna know that, but it had to be mentioned. Also, when I wake up to go pee it kills me to walk the first time. I keep hearing that's normal and I'm getting closer. Now I am really starting to believe it!
Movement: As much as he can he does, which is a lot. I swear he's trying to find a way out =)

Food cravings: I have a MAJOR sweet tooth! I can definitely blame the baby! Before pregnancy I wasn't too into sweets and man I can't love without them. I want chocolate cake, ice cream, or banana pudding....something LOL. I also could go for iced tea right now!

Gender: Boy! <3

Labor Signs: Getting closer. Been having little cramps. Plus, like I said, the doc felt his head so it's just a matter of time <3
Belly Button in or out? In [same]

Wedding rings on or off? No wedding ring, but my Promise Ring still fits. [same...I hope it stays!]

What I miss: Iced tea again... that's what I get for talking about it earlier with Candice.
What I am looking forward to: Next weeks appointment... If I make it that far =)
Weekly Wisdom: The only thing that's going to matter is my little family!

Milestones: Hitting the 38 weeks and dilating <3

Special thanks to Candice for taking me to the doc today. It was definitely one with laughs. I appreciate it! <3

Saturday, December 3, 2011

2 weeks 2 days...

To go! Wow! I meant to blog on Wednesday, the day of my 37 week check up, but I was busy that day and then well I got lazy....Not working does that to you, I guess. But I am blogging today, that's all that matters. It's not going to be long though. I am writing this [LOL] and then posting the survey. Next appointment is on Tuesday, so you should be seeing a post from me. Oh and one more thing... I told Will I was having Jaedyn on the 4th because I had a strange feeling... That's tomorrow, we shall see =)

How far along? 37 Weeks, 5 Days... Super Closer!


Total weight gain/loss: I have gained and come to terms with it. I must mention that the doctor was impressed I didn't gain any weight the past week. Especially with it being Thanksgiving. I felt like I ate a lot... Apparently not!

Maternity clothes? Love the shorts still... I was forced, by mother nature, to wear sweats on Wednesday....so not comfy to me... But I only have 1 pair of maternity pants.

Stretch marks? Small ones are coming more and more to the surface on my lower area... no big deal as mentioned before, I had pre pregnancy stretch marks, so I am ok with this.

Sleep: I'm not having problems sleeping, it's waking up to pee that's killing me. Last Sunday I woke up with a sore throat and that's been keeping me up as well. I still say I have a considerate son =)

Best moment this week: One night when I woke up in the middle of the night, Will woke up with me and put his arm around me and Jaedyn was kicking up a storm. I swear it was 3 in the morning. Thought it was funny and so did Will. Also, my mom sent her package and we got lots of stuff... Hand made stuff. Blankets, bibs, burp cloths, and 2 diaper bags! They're awesomely cute!
Movement: I thought last week he wasn't moving as much, but he's moving a lot again.
Food cravings: I wanted breakfast potatoes this morning. Earlier this week I have been wanting ice cream [got it]... No real cravings... I do want Cola of some sort.

Gender: Boy! <3

Labor Signs: None yet... But I know it's coming... For sure, since the doctor said he's head down =)

Belly Button in or out? In [same]

Wedding rings on or off? No wedding ring, but my Promise Ring still fits. [same...I hope it stays!]

What I miss: Nothing that I can think of at the moment.

What I am looking forward to: Next weeks appointment... They've officially become weekly! Tuesday is my appointment and then the 15th... Hopefully, Jaedyn comes before my due date.

Weekly Wisdom: The only thing that's going to matter is my little family!

Milestones: Hitting the 37 weeks <3

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Hiccups!

He has them now! Thankfully, they don't last that long... it feels so weird LOL...thought I would share...

Good Lord it's been a long week. I hit the 36 week mark on Monday and it's seriously all becoming too real. I was told by my doc the baby is head down so it could be any time now. This is also my last week of work and I couldn't be happier. Panera is taking a toll on my legs and butt LOL. So Saturday will be my last day working. I figured it'd be best to leave this week because I am due the 19th and the farthest they'll let me go is the 26th. It's perfect.

I am happy to say that I ordered our carseat and stroller. I was browsing the Babies R Us website and noticed they were having an 8 Hour Cyber Sale, I checked out the merchandise and BAM! My carseat and stroller were on it at a reasonable discount too! I am so stoked! My other mother said she would buy it for us and I am still waiting, but impatience got the best of me and I ordered it. I was getting nervous. I wanted to have that before December 1st, just in case.

Today, I worked at 4 in the morning! By choice. The day before Thanksgiving is a hectic day for Panera and I experienced it last year. Although, we were busier last year, I did get my full 8 hours today. Only two more days to go. I swear, I haven't been so tired though lol... I slept for 2 hours, and boy was that nice. I guess I will leave you with the survey since I thought I had a lot to say, but apparently don't.

How far along? 36 Weeks, 2 Days... Closer!


Total weight gain/loss: I have gained and come to terms with it.

Maternity clothes? Love the shorts still...

Stretch marks? Small ones are coming more and more to the surface on my lower area... no big deal as mentioned before, I had pre pregnancy stretch marks, so I am ok with this.

Sleep: Peeing is becoming my nightmare, but it just means that Jaedyn is in position and will soon be with us... I guess I can deal =)

Best moment this week: Hearing his heartbeat at my 36 week check up...Will said it was the best birthday gift he could ask for <3
Movement: Not as much, but it's not a little either... I noticed he's having more hiccups. I swear this little boy plays games. So many people wanna feel him kick and when I alert them, he stops on purpose... Once they move their hands, he's back to moving again. Little trickster!
Food cravings: I will say that I finaly got one satisfied. Candice's mom/sis in law made potato salad and man was it delicious! I have had it once and that was like 2 years ago...something about the taste though...

Gender: Boy! <3

Labor Signs: None yet... But I know it's coming... For sure, since the doctor said he's head down =)
Belly Button in or out? In [same]

Wedding rings on or off? No wedding ring, but my Promise Ring still fits. [same...I hope it stays!]

What I miss: Nothing that I can think of at the moment.
What I am looking forward to: Next weeks appointment... They've officially become weekly!

Weekly Wisdom: I can't do it all and it's quite alright asking for help =)

Milestones: Hitting the 36 weeks... Only 4 to go <3

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Brace Yourself...

It's been a while... Eeek! Sorry guys... Part of it was due to unforeseen curcumstances [no internet for almost 2 weeks]. I am going to try my best to catch you up with what's been going on...

Week 32: I totally can't remember anything that happened... Shame on me.

Week 33: Baby shower week! It was pretty hectic, trying to get everything ready for November 5th. We had a great turn out. Jaedyn got spoiled just like we anticipated. For the most part, we got what we needed, just need to get a few things here and there. We are such a blessed little family to be <3 A girl at work pissed me off, beyond measure... Noting that for my future reference. I ordered Jaedyn's Pack 'n Play and it arrived shortly after...

Week 34: This week! I was shocked! My toe began hurting me Friday [the 4th], but wasn't too bad the day of the shower, but after work Monday, I was ready to chop my whole toe off. I had a Doctor's Appointment on Tuesday and told her something needed to be done. My toe had got infected and it was VERY noticeable. She prescribed me Keflex, an antibiotic, to jump start getting rid of the infection and referred me to a podiatrist. I went to the podiatrist on Friday and he removed part of my toenail. Let me tell you, my toe hurt more BEFORE the removal.

Week 35: I made it to the 35/35 - 35 weeks down, 35 days to go!!! [yesterday] Today at work was a killer. I requested the podiatrist give me a post-op shoe because I am unable to work in open-toed shoes [even though the post-op one is, it's better than a sandal]. My feet/legs/back are killing me and I feel as if I can barely walk. Thankfully, I work tomorrow and then I am off Thursday. I work Friday and then I am off Saturday. I have my 36 week appointment and I am going to ask if I can be taken off work, since I have been informed by many that I get paid a month before my due date. Monday will be a month.

I would like to share more, but I just don't have the energy. I thought this post would be longer, but I guess I was wrong. I shall leave you with the survey, and try not to lag... His birth is approaching!!!

How far along? 35 Weeks, 2 Days... Closer!
Total weight gain/loss: I have gained and come to terms with it.
Maternity clothes? Love the shorts still...
Stretch marks? Small ones are coming more and more to the surface on my lower area... no big deal as mentioned before, I had pre pregnancy stretch marks, so I am ok with this.
Sleep: Last night, I woke up 3 times... Twice to pee. Having to pee is what wakes me up, not Jaedyn... I will leave that to when he's here <3
Best moment this week: Friday, when we were waiting in the waiting room at the podiatrist, I felt Jaedyn hiccup and told Will where to put his hand. He did and felt it. What made it better is you could see it! Will's face was priceless. I joy I wish I could catch on camera. He's so excited <3
Movement: Not backing down for sure. My Uncle Mike said I am going to have a football player. Fine by me! LOL
Food cravings: LOL today I wanted a cookie! I told Will that Jaedyn had a sweet tooth and he said no it's mommy that does... Not true... I have been on a carne asada kick... It's been satisfied. Now I want chili. I think I am going to attempt making some in my new crockpot soon!

Gender: Boy! <3

Labor Signs: None yet... But I know it's coming... Yesterday, when I came home from the dentist and what not, I got a sharp pain, but it didn't last long and I didn't get another. I thought I experienced a Braxton Hicks contraction, but I think I was mistaken lol.
Belly Button in or out? In [same]

Wedding rings on or off? No wedding ring, but my Promise Ring still fits. [same...I hope it stays!]

What I miss: Today, I am going to say my legs again. They're hurting me so bad, but I know it's going to be worth it <3
What I am looking forward to: Monday is Will's birthday, his last one pre-baby. I have my 36 week check up and as a great present, Will is going to get to hear his son's heartbeat <3
Weekly Wisdom: I can't do it all and it's quite alright asking for help =)

Milestones: Hitting the 35/35 <3