The big day. Or shall I say "days"

I finally have the chance to update my blog for those of you who had followed my entire pregnancy. As you all finally know, I made it to the big day! 11 weeks ago! Many of you know I had complications during my pregnancy and delivery. I haven't had a chance to write about my experience so now that I do I want to warn anyone who may be expecting that my experience was not the normal labor experience. So, please don't take what I went through as something every woman goes through. Giving birth, no matter what happens, is the most beautiful thing you will ever experience. So, just remember that. Also, this is going to be long. So, prepare yourself!

I had my normal appointment (if you want to call going twice a week normal) on Thursday, April 26th. After the results of my blood pressure, urine, ultrasound, and stress test I was sent to Labor and Delivery. There, I was monitored for a few hours then sent home with a 12 hour urine (this was about the 100th one I've had to do by now) and told to come back first thing the following morning. That night, I noticed my entire right side of my body feeling numb and tingly. I was also a lot more swollen (if you could imagine) on my right side than my left. My pelvis had completely seperated (which feels like every time you move it is break in two) and I could not sleep because of the pain. When we got to the hospital Friday morning I could hardly walk. Keep in mind the day before, I walked just fine. Again, I was hooked up to the monitor and my 12 hour urine was collected and sent off for testing. When we finally got the results back, the amount of protein in my urine had more than tripled overnight. It was then that we were told I  had severe preclampsia and was being admitted and they were going to induce me on Monday. On Monday, I would have been 37 weeks and they were trying to let the baby "bake" for as long as they could to ensure that she would be born healthy and not have to spend too much time in the nicu. Immediatley, I was hooked up to IV's that were to keep my blood pressure down along with other medicines to help control the preclampsia. I was so swollen that they couldn't find a vein for my IV. I ended up being stuck 5 times before they FIANLLY got a IV in me. Needless to say, I was annoyed and in pain. IV's hurt! But, after they got me all hooked up it was then a waiting game.

On Saturday evening, April 28th, the doctor came in and told me that there was no sense in letting me sit there in the condition I was in until Monday and he was making the call to go ahead and induce me that evening. Let's just say that I was NOT prepared for that! I was prepared mentally and emotionally for Monday. Monday was the plan! But, I trusted that the doctor was making the best decision for both me and Gracelyn so I held back my tears and all the fear I had and accepted that this was going to happen sooner than I expected.

That evening, the doctor broke my water. But, he didnt fully break it. He said that once my contractions started it would finish breaking on its own and he would keep checking my progress to make sure I was progressing. Well, over night, and by over night I mean (roughly 9 PM-5AM) I only progressed 2 cm. Not good. But, because of the medicine I was given to induce labor, I was having hard contractions at only 3 cm. They were so bad I had already asked for the epidural early Sunday morning (Around 1 AM) So, here we go again. He tried to break my water once again. This time. WHOOOSH! Yep, it broke! And things started to finally pick up. But still, It wasnt until Monday that I was fully dialted and ready to begin pushing. A lot of my labor is a blur. I was on so much medicine that I slept through 4 cm-10 cm and my wonderful husband, sat there and hit my button to give me more pain medicine every 10 minutes since the epidural was starting to ware off after having it in for 2 days. Before I knew it, I woke up and told Zack he needed to get the nurse because I needed to push. For those of you who do or dont know, when you have the urge to push, it feels like you have to take a really bad poop. No joke!

So, here we go! The whole time I was pushing the only people in the room was me, a nurse, and Zack. I did not want him to watch it but I didnt have a choice since he had to help the nurse. He later was relieved of his "duties" because he was too busy watching as the baby was starting to come that he wasn't doing his job properly lol. Also, I had cotton mouth so bad that after every time I pushed, Zack was giving me an ice chip. He said he felt like he was giving me treats rewarding me for doing such a good job lol. Anyways, after 45 minutes of pushing, the right side of my face went numb. I told the doctor and she immediatley got concerned. She said watching how I was reacting while pushing made her think I was having a stroke and she needed to get the baby out as soon as possible. She looked at Zack and asked if it was okay if she used the vaccum to help speed up the delivery. He told her to do whatever she needed to do just make sure both Baby and Me are okay. Finally, after an hour and getting stuck, she was here! I got to see her and hold her for a few minutes before I was took to have an MRI. Thankfully it turned out I was not having a stroke but had developed Bells Palsy which later cleared itself up. I was also on a 24 hour watch period after the delivery so was not allowed up out of bed until Tuesday at 1:09 PM. When I was finally allowed to get up and walk, it was nearly impossible. I was so swollen that my knees would not bend and because of my pelvis seperating, I could hardly take a step. The recovery from what I went through was worse than anything. But, it was WORTH IT! I spent a week in the hospital which sucked, but the outcome was bringing home a beautiful, healthy, perfect in every way little girl who is the love of both mine and her daddy's life.

My roller coaster ride

So it's been about a month since I last updated my pregnancy blog. And just throwing this out there I don't have the option on my phone to make my font and color change which is going to drive me crazy but anyways.. It's been quite the roller coaster ride for me the last month. Baby Gracelyn sure is giving mommy and daddy quite the journey! But she is worth it. Between having to stop working, bed rest, hospital and 2 day a week appointments with usually always something new to worry about, I am more exhausted then I was before. I'm not going to lie, being off work is nice but I wasn't ready to completely stop. At least not yet anyways. But, for those of you who like detail I figured I'd take the time to blog about everything that's been going on. I was attempting to paint my toes but broke a sweat trying so I figured I'd take a break anyways lol.

So it's finally here! I'm down to my last month! And givin my current status it may be even sooner! *fingers crossed* It has been quite the month too. I've been having issues with extreme swelling in my feet ankles legs face fingers....just about anything that can swell. I was seen a few times by a nurse who always told me "keep your feet up and drink plenty of water" yes nurse, I've been doing that and it's not working! Anyways, finally my last time going in for the swelling a doctor who had recently seen me noticed I was coming in and offered to see me instead. And I'm glad he did! He immediately noticed that my blood pressure has been very high and with my kidney disease I'm at a very high risk of developing toxemia. He decided to have some blood work done, hooked baby up to the stress test machine then did an ultrasound. The stress test was good and so was ultrasound besides that she doesn't have a lot of fluid around her but my blood work was not so good. Low blood platelets and a few other things that caused him concern. He ordered me to do a 12 hour urine (yes, that makes like 4 I've done so far) and he told me no more work at least for the rest of the week. He sent me home and told me to come back in 2 days.

2 days later, I'm sent to labor and delivery. The rest he had me on didn't help with the swelling or my blood pressure. He wanted me to be monitored for at least 24 hours. So, I called my husband. He was so nervous he missed the turn to the doctors twice when he came to get me. Bless his heart. So, we head over to labor and delivery where I'm strapped up to a stress test and a blood pressure cuff that went off every 10 minutes. After they finally admitted me and put me in a room the doctor came in to explain everything they would be doing and depending on how my test results came back she may have to do a c section. Yep i know, Holy cow! Thankfully my results came back better than they were 2 days earlier and the following morning we were able to go home but on a very restricted bed rest and absolutely no work. I am only allowed to get up to shower and use the bathroom. I have cheated a few times but shhh! Basically where we stand now is things are good now but can change dramatically overnight. I'm being seen twice a week so they can closely watch for any changes. So far so good! Though it would still be nice if they would just go ahead and schedule my delivery date! This bed rest thing is killing me and we are more than ready for her to be here! Sooner than later! I've been experiencing contractions the last few days so maybe my wish will come true :) also I'm sure zack is ready for it to be over especially since when he's here it's "hunny will you please get me..."

So that's what I have for you. I could type more but my phone makes it difficult. The only thing I miss about work, a computer lol.

My first "scare" =O !!!

Saturday started out like my normal "Saturday routine." I got up at 5:15 (okay, the alarm went off at 5:15. I didn't actually get up until oh say 5:45 give or take 5, maybe 10 minutes) Anyways, I got up and got ready for work. My morning was a little off because Zack (yes I am blaming him) left 2 plates in the living room from the night before and one of the cats had knocked it off the stand and they broke. Zack immediately called from the bedroom and said "what was that?!?" When I told him, his response was "I'm so sick of these darn animals." Which in response (because you know I took the cats side) said, "well if you wouldn't have left the plates in the living room...) Sorry, got a little scattered brained there, back to the story...

After work Zack and I met with my mom and dad to attend a benefit spaghetti dinner at church. I felt fine most of the day besides my normal backache and feet swelling. We ate and walked around looking at the silent auction items. My daddy bid on a picture for the nursery for me and won :) Anyways, as I was walking I got a very bad cramp which I ignored at first but then it came back. It was so bad I told Zack I needed to go sit down for a while. He followed me and sat with me for about 20 minutes, which the entire time I was having cramps. I guess you would call them contractions, or braxton hicks contractions but it felt so different then what I was use to feeling. Zack's step mom was there and works at the doctors office. She told me I needed to go home and get my feet up, drink some water and lay down. The contractions were a constant feeling at first that would ease up some then come right back a little stronger then before. Once I got home and did everything I was told they stopped being constant and came in about 4 minute intervals. Needless to say, I was scared. But, luckily the whole thing only lasted an hour then it went away. *wipes sweat off forehead*

I know it was nothing but for a first time momma, I don't know what to expect. I know if she were born now she would be okay, but I'd still like her to wait at least another month :)

Help I've fallen and I can't get up!

It started a month ago. That "uncomfortable stage." You know, where your belly is just starting to get so big that once your butt hits a nice relaxing comfortable chair, you're better off just staying there. Otherwise, you weeble wabble back and forth until your able to get yourself up and out of it. Same goes with bedtime and trying to roll yourself over to one side or the other to find a comfortable spot. Of course now, at 7 1/2 months pregnant...it's getting worse.


Monday I decided to be productive and organzie our pots and pans and such. I sat my butt down on the kitchen floor (not thinking I would have to get back up). It took me about 15 minutes to pull everything out and organzie it the way I wanted it organized. Once finished, I attempted to get myself up off the floor. I failed. Sitting there I thought to myself "well, why im down here I might as well organize the tubberware too." Once finished I once again attempted to get myself up. Another fail. All I could think to myself is "im home alone, I do not want to be down here all day until Zack get's home to help me up." So, as I looked around trying to find a "safe" prop to use to lift myself up I realized I was out of luck. Imagine, if you will, me...crawling on my hands and knees...out of my kitchen and into my living room to my couch to get myself up. Once I finally got up, my butt hit that chair and stayed there!


Of course I told Zack about it. And of course as he always does, he laughed hysterically and said "I'd love to just put a video camera in here and watch what you do during the day."

The Nursery

Everyone keeps asking me "do you have the baby room done yet?" "What are you doing the baby room in?" Well, it's not complete yet, but I wanted to share my ideas and what the nursery will consist of when it is complete! Which will be no later than March 24. (That's the cutoff date I gave Zack to get it done.) And as soon as it is, I will post pictures. But until then I will give you the details...


Gracelyn's room was our storage room. You know the room you use to store all your junk that you will probably never use or look at again but just don't want to throw away. Well, now all of that stuff is in our other bedroom, which was used as our "office" but now we can't even find our way to the desk. But, it's okay because now the room is ready to start on! Last Saturday, after Zack cleaned the room out, he sanded the walls and taped it off to get ready to paint. Our plan on Saturday was to go to Lowe's when I got off work to get the rest of the stuff but that plan backfired (long story but basically we had to take Zack's work truck back to Winchester and get my car from the shop but then Zack realized his work keys to get into work and get the keys to the car were left in the last tractor he worked on which was pretty far away.) But Anyways, oh yes...the nursery....


My whole house is decorated with primitive/country decor so I wanted to keep Gracelyn's room the same, color and all. So no, I didn't do the traditional pink. The color I have picked out is a light brown mustard color. Anyone who knows primitive colors should know what I am talking about. Underneath the paint will be white trim and the rest of the wall will be white wainscoting. Very country looking and the dark brown furniture I want to get will really pull the room together.


I have a lot of decorating ideas and I've had a few things bought for me for decorations (the pictures once finished will show it off) But, the most sentimental thing in the room will be her baby blanket. I picked out fabric for the crib quilt and Zack sewed it together for her. It's somewhat of a patch quilt with blues and reds and yellows in it. I know it meant a lot to him to have done that and I know it's a blanket that she will cherish forever because her daddy made it for her. I absolutely love it. I love it so much I even use it when I'm laying on the couch taking a nap.


So, that's what I have so far. Try to envision what it will look like and as soon as it's complete I promise to post pictures! It's going to me beautiful!

The Latest...

Yesterday was our ultrasound to check Gracelyn's kidneys (because of my kidney disease) to make sure they still look healthy, which they did! Thank you, God! (he never seems to let me down!) ;) Anyways, our appointment was at 9:00. We waited till 10:30 before they called us back. With the doctor I was seeing, I kinda expected at least a little wait but geesh. It wouldn't have been so bad if I didn't feel like my bladder was about to burst! I swear it had to have weighed at least 10 pounds! (That's what I am telling myself anyways to make up for 10 pounds on the scale.)


So, after they called us back and I emptied my bladder we got ready for the ultrasound. As soon as they squirted that warm jelly stuff on my belly Gracelyn started squirming all over the place. Zack's response was "geesh she doesn't like that, look at your belly moving!" I was a little disappointed with the ultrasound only because it wasn't as clear as what I thought it was going to be and we couldn't get any good pictures because every time she tried to get one of her face, she was being shy and turned away. But, she was healthy, and that is what matters the most to me.


The ultrasound tech was able to tell us what position she was in and point out everything to us. She has already made her flip and is head down! I asked her if she could still flip back around but she said once she's in this position she should stay there till delivery. This made me feel good because that umbilical chord scares me! And knowing she's already turned and the chord is where it should be, eased my mind a lot! (As I have said before, I am a huge worrier!) But, I love knowing exactly where she is now in my belly. She has her little legs crossed indian style (perfect position for when she decides to sprawl them out to catch a rib, or spleen, or maybe my liver lol) And since she is face down, her little butt is the rounded spot I can see on my belly when I sit and lay certain positions. I also now know that when I rest my hand on my belly, I'm holding her little toochie!


If you read my facebook status yesterday, you already know that all her measurements and weight is showing her at 30 weeks instead of 28. She is one ounce shy of 3 pounds! I am hoping I am 2 weeks further along than what they told me and she arrives sooner than we thought! Either that, or she is just going to be a big baby! The firs thing they measured on her was her head. When it showed "30 weeks" Zack said, "wow she has a big head" paused and looked at me then said "good luck with that." (Thanks dear lol)


So that leaves us where we are now! Very exciting to think that she may come 2 weeks early. But very scary knowing if that's the case, in 6 more weeks I am considered "full-term" and could go into labor anytime! I say scary, but it's a good scary. In other words, I can't freakin' wait!!!

What Not to Say to Someone "With Child"

After listening to people make comments, I've decided to make a blog about the things you just don't say to someone whose expecting. I really think they should teach a class on this stuff. And thank God my momma raised me to always say to myself "Kayla, if you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Sometimes, that works. But other times, it is very hard not to come back with a smart comment. And I admit, I have. Sorry, mom!

"What Not to Say to Someone With Child"

Some of these may not be pregnancy related, but it's just enough to hit the wrong nerve that sparks an attitude that's about to explode in your face :)

And...some of these are just plain out "omg I can't believe someone said that to you!"

Make sure you read to the end. I saved the best for last. Complimentary of my husband, who means well. He really does....

*** "Do you really think you should be eating that?"

(Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. So, piss off. Thank you!)

*** "How much weight have you gained?"

(Well let's see, a couple pounds past none of your business!)

*** "You shouldn't poke your belly, your baby will come out with a cone head."

(I'm sorry I thought all babies came out with a cone shaped head because they had to squeeze through a BIRTH CANAL!)

*** "You're getting chubby."

(Thank you for noticing. It's called a baby.)

*** "I remember when my cat had kittens, it was such a beautiful thing."

(Yeah, I'm pretty sure there's going to be a huge difference between your kittens, and my baby. Just saying!)

*** "I knew a girl one time who gave birth at home and the baby died. She was about as far a long as you."

(Really? Do I even need to comment on this?)

*** "Labor is the most painful thing. You are going to hate it."

(Thank you captain obvious.)

*** "You're a lot better looking then the girl that was here last year. How long have you been here?" (5 years I replied) "Oh, it must have been you then."

(They say when you're pregnant you have a "glow." I'm sure that's all it is. That has to be all it is....)

*** "I thought maybe you were pregnant but then I thought maybe you were just getting fat."

(Pregnant? Who's pregnant?)

*** "You look like you need to go on a diet."

(Well, so do you. Maybe we can work out together? Say in about 3 months...?)

*** "Wow your cranky, you're really going to be a witch when your down to your last month."

(Thanks for the honesty, jackass. But, let me tell you a little bit about my sleepless uncomfortable night, and my constipated, bloated, heartburn, backache, tired day. Trust me, once I'm finished you'll understand why sometimes I get a little cranky.)

And my favorite... as my husband helps me out of the recliner and follows me back the hallway...

*** "You should do some squats." (imagine the look I shot him!)

 He then said I didn't let him finish and he meant to say I should do some squats to build my leg muscles up so getting up out of a chair is easier for me.

Nice save honey....nice save. (I know he didn't really mean anything by it. Like I said, he means well. Just sometimes it doesn't come out that way!)