Big Brothers

First night home with her proud big brothers (notice the celebration "it's a girl!" chocolate cigars)...





I'll post about her birth story soon!

Oona's Birth Day Story

Some of you were interested to hear how her birth went....


As soon as I found out we were pregnant, memories of my two previous deliveries came flooding back to me. They were fast yet furious, fear-driven, and included one epidural gone really wrong. I knew I wanted things to go much differently this time around.

I wanted a natural birth that was calm and in my control (not the doctor's). After interviewing 3 different physicians, I finally found a midwife group that proved to be a perfect match. Besides wanting to use midwives instead of OB's this time, I also knew I wanted to arm myself with more tools and more knowledge of birthing. Thanks to my good friend, Denise, I was able to learn about a program she teaches called HypnoBabies. Since Denise lives far away, she recommended that I do it as a self-study. In the end, all the practice and readings (along with her guidance) helped me enormously.

The day of Oona's birth began, like many others leading up to it, with lots of irregular contractions. It was a beautiful fall day, so we spent a good part of the day outside raking leaves in the backyard. Later, we took the kids out to Fuddruckers for a burger dinner (thank goodness I opted for the less greasy veggie burger). By the time dinner was over and we were back home reading the kids a bedtime story, the contractions became stronger and more regular at 10 minutes apart. We didn't lead this on to the kids, since we didn't know if things would progress. After the kids were asleep, we called Tim's mom (still not quite sure if it was the real thing) and headed up to the hospital.

When we got there at 9:30pm, we found out I was 5 cm dilated. I opted to change into my own nightgown (which somehow made things feel more relaxed than a hospital gown). Tim dimmed the hospital room lights for a calmer atmosphere. We told the the nurses and midwife that I would be keeping my headphones on because I was using hypnosis CDs. As soon as they did the 15 minute fetal monitor, I asked to be on the birthing ball. I spent the next hour on the ball, resting my head on my big body pillow that I also brought from home. The nurses and midwife were so all accommodating to the quiet atmosphere we were trying to keep. We must have been quite a sight, me on the ball with my headphones and eyes closed and arms outstretched, and Tim sitting nearby on his laptop (with his job to to answer any of the nurses questions for me so I could concentrate).

At a certain point, I felt a strong urge to use the bathroom. Tim helped me in and my water broke in there. Immediately after, my contractions became stronger and faster. I knew I was entering into transition. The midwife examined me again and I was 8 cm at that point. She asked if I felt "pushy" (yes!) and told me that I would be ready after 2 more strong contractions. I pushed for 15 minutes, only 2 hours after getting to the hospital. At 11:32 pm sweet and wonderful Oona Violet came into the world alert and ready to nurse. I am so grateful for her positive and healing birth experience!

Welcome Oona Violet

Born 10/25/08
8 pounds 8 ounces
21 inches long
11:32 pm

We are home! More updates on our little love later xo

Due Date- Shmoo Date

Well, today is my due date. And I am still pregnant! The funny thing is I had convinced myself this baby would come early (even maybe really early). I thought this because it's been a crampy pregnancy with off and on contractions going on for weeks now. Well, she clearly has other plans and we are both getting bigger and bigger. Yesterday, I went in for a non-stress test, since I felt her movements have become less frequent. She was sleeping for the first half hour, and then gave good movements for the next. So, all that looked okay. Despite my attempts to change her position, she's also still got her head down, but with her bottom on one side of my belly and legs out to the other (facing sideways, instead of toward my spine).

My mom called singing "happy birthday" to her this morning, hoping that would lure her out. The day is not over yet :)

"Have Patience...

...have patience. Don't be in such a hurry..." Sing along with me now!

I am really just trying to remember it will happen, just gotta happen, soon. Strong middle of the night contractions, happening for over a week and a half now, are there to remind me.

I'll keep you all posted.

39 weeks

Midwife appointment today.... 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced, 0 station (head is low). Getting closer!

Talent Abounds!

Thank you, Ann-Krestene! I just LOVE your handmade burp clothes! Such a special gift :) Loving the fabrics and the shape... and love you!!
xo

Count Down

here's a couple belly shots for ann from this morning...

Gotta slooow down

Just got off the phone with midwife. Bad headache today. Self-induced one, I am sure, because I decided the bathtubs 'really' needed to be scrubbed today. And, the afternoon was busy... playdate, homework, etc. ugh. Think I may have gotten my blood pressure up. She said I gotta just, "stop." Okay, okay... I think I just need to be told. Few contractions last night. Even had the bag by the door just in case. Now, I really must put my feet up and put the heating pad on my back.

38 Weeks and counting

I am now officially full term. Big belly-achy hips and back- peeing every 10 minutes- awake every 2 hours at night, (ok, enough details). I'm also getting some of the, "You're STILL pregnant!?" from the moms in the school yard. Yes, still pregnant.

Like they say, she'll come when she is ready. I think I am.

Showered with Love

This Sunday, my mom and mother in law, along with the help of my sister in law, a family friend, and the dads all threw me a wonderful baby shower! It was set in a cozy log cabin where we were spoiled with delicious foods, including homemade out-of-this-world cupcakes (thanks to Lindsday!) I, unfortunately, did not get any photos to share here (because I was too busy opening many, many presents!) Everyone was so generous and I felt completely honored. I was even surprised by a special gift to open from my dear Seattle friends :)



Here's some photos of some of the treasured handmade gifts



A handmade quilt and curtains from Patty. A labor of love... so special!






Not from the shower... but a gift I ordered for myself... a handmade reversible sling. My friend Serena introduced me to this local mama made company (Serena, I think I ordered the same one you have?)




handknit sweaters from mom and gram... so sweet


taggies made by Patty (Nana) too!


a handmade book basket from Cindy :)