Monday August 1, 2011

37 weeks + 5 days.

Jude just couldn't wait any longer.

Since I was sick the day before and labor started in the early morning hours, the first I felt I might be in labor was about 5 o'clock on Monday morning. I was rolling around in bed and noticed stronger contractions. They were persistent and by 5:30, I started noticing they were also consistent. The difference between these contractions and pre-term labor contractions were that they were actually painful as opposed to just the feeling of pressure. Instead of just practicing my relaxation breathing techniques during each contraction, I found myself really trying to ride the waves.

Just before 6AM, I decided to crawl out of bed and get into the shower for 2 reasons. The first was to help determine if this was true labor contractions. If they were, the contractions would continue even if I changed my position and environment. In the shower, I noticed that contractions were coming every THREE minutes and lasting about 40 seconds. I stayed in the shower a bit longer because it was comfortable and because I feared if it was another long labor like Mia's, it would be a while before I got another shower!

After getting out of the shower and getting dressed, I ran another labor test while calling the doctor's after-hour number. I got a glass of water. Since I was sick yesterday, I thought there might be a chance I was having more than normal contractions due to dehydration. That didn't help, but the midwife did suggest eating something small to run another test. By now it was about 6:45. Nothing was slowing this down, but I was on the sofa having snacks and getting through each contraction. Shortly after, Mia appeared downstairs with Mark dressed and ready for school. I remember heaving myself off the sofa, going to the pantry and getting her a morning snack. She happily plopped herself down on the pallet I made on the floor eating her snack and watching Sesame Street. Mark loaded her up for school about 7:05 and promised he'd be back in just a few minutes (school is only 2 miles from the house).

I was waiting for 8AM so that we could go to the doctor's office and get confirmation I was in labor. Due to preterm labor contractions, I didn't want to go to the hospital prematurely. But by 7:40, I knew that this was no false labor. I had been experiencing 40 second contractions every 3 minutes for the last 2 1/2 hours. And now the contractions were getting so much stronger, my breathing was more of a groan through the contractions. It was time to go to the hospital. From talking to my midwife, I already knew that my primary doctor was on-call that morning. So I felt reassured as we left the house. Everything was going to be fine and I would be home shortly with our new addition!

We arrived at the hospital just after 8AM. Mark oddly suggested that he pull up to the front, drop me off and go park the car. I freaked. Are you nuts?! Park the car and grab a wheelchair to get me! I'm past the point of walking through these contractions. =) Pregnant woman.

As soon as the nurses set eyes on me, they knew that we were not messing around. Instead of waiting at the counter to check in, they immediately lead me to my L&D room and did admissions there. In between contractions. When they finally got around to checking me at8:30, I was already 5cm dilated. Shortly after, Dr. Sebestyn appeared, ready to rock.

I don't know how the times worked after that, but it was just a mere 90 minutes from when they first checked me to Jude's arrival. Mark said it was rocket fast. Looking back on it, I guess it was. But being in it, living each individual contraction, it felt like it would never end. At one point, I had to ask. Are we getting close? Because if we have a ways more to go, I'm not going to make it. As soon as I said that, I knew I was in transition. The hesitation stage.

Then I remember thinking, I know they're gonna tell me it's not time to push yet, but I HAVE to. They're going to have to figure something out to give me clearance soon because like it or not, I'm going to start pushing. I told Dr. S, I have to push. Really. I do. She told me I had to hold on just a little while longer, I looked to be about 9cm. But I couldn't. So she told me to go ahead and get a practice push in. I don't think it did much physically for the baby, but it made me feel SO much better. Another push or five and I heard a HUGE pop, felt a huge relief and then a lot of laughter. WHAT? Was the baby already here? I opened my eyes. No. What I saw was my little doctor drenched. As if someone has doused her in a giant Big Gulp. My water broke =) She was covered from head to waist. Nurses ran to wipe her glasses down and she was good to go. The laughter helped me more than I knew.

Another 5 pushes, lots of intense pain and burning and Jude was born.

Jude Anthony Xuan Neuabuer
Birthday: August 1, 2011 @ 9:55AM (1st 107 degree day of MANY in 2011 summer!)
Weight: 6 pounds 5 ounces

Length: 19 inches

Birth Place: St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX

You were happily welcomed by your parents

Mia came to visit later in the afternoon and was so excited to see her Baby Jude!

Daddy thought way ahead and special ordered your first birthday cake from Ms. Natalie

Jude's Prelude

In my last entry, I mentioned that labor had to be getting close. I was right. And now I have a sure fire way to bring on labor. But I'm not sure anyone wants to replicate it on their own free will. Let me back up to the weekend leading up to Monday morning to begin Jude's birth story.

Since I reached 37 weeks and the doctors have cleared me for my regular routine, as much as possible, I decided I'd start taking back some of my responsibilities to give Mark a much needed break. So I woke up early on Saturday morning when I heard Mia stirring. I went up and got her some milk and played with her, same as normal. Then we came downstairs right about 7AM, just in time for Sesame Street. We snuggled in on the sofa and watched quietly. SO NICE. Mark woke up a little later around 7:30 and Mia was so excited to see him. She ran over with her arms outstretched and gave him a big hug. He picked her up, sat on the loveseat and said, "Lay your head on my chest and snuggle with me." But she fought him a bit. He insisted and as soon as her head hit his chest, it was like Old Faithful. She started vomiting like we haven't ever seen from he before. Four giant heaves. Mark was frozen in place just trying to contain everything as I ran for the paper towels in the kitchen. WHOA. Where did that come from??? As soon as she stopped, she was fine. Same as before. A little tired, but no other signs of illness. Freak incidence. We sent her to swim class (fine) and she came home and took a nice long nap.

After her nap, we packed it up for our weekly "bakery surprise" trip. We were headed back to Hyde Park and just as we were approaching our destination, I heard the dreaded heave-ho in the back seat. Oh no. Not again. Yes. Again. In her only outfit we had on hand, in her plush carseat in 100+ degree weather. Great. We will never get this smell out of the car and our child has no clothes. We quickly pull over, remove her and her clothing and I proceed to scrub with what wet wipes we stashed in our diaper bag. We run over to Walgreens in search of some temporary clothing and wet wipes. Wouldn't you know it. The only Walgreens in town without onesies. I tell Mark to head over to the Hancock center. There's a Sears over there and I know we can find inexpensive children's clothing. Score. An entire outfit (dress and bloomers) for $3.25 including tax. And we're back in business. Again, Mia shows no signs of being worn down with the exception of a lack of appetite. That's ok, I'm a little weary of feeding her too much anyways.

She is a little fatigued that evening and on Sunday morning, but other than that, she seems absolutely normal. But by lunchtime on Sunday, I'm starting to feel a little nauseous myself. Maybe it's just gassiness from the pregnancy. But it continues. And by 2pm, I'm running for the toilets. But nothing. I lay down for a nap, yuck. Wooziness. Yup, I'm going to be sick. Now, not only am I having contractions, but my stomach is doing flips from this 24 hour stomach bug which only brings on MORE contractions which only makes me MORE nauseous! OMG, will this cycle ever end??? I remember saying to Mark, I know something that's worse than having a stomach bug, going into labor while having this bug. Thank goodness we're NOT!

I sleep most of the day away trying to recuperate while Mark keeps an eye on Mia. Fortunately, she's still pretty groggy herself. By the time bedtime rolls around, about 10pm, I'm starting to feel a little stronger. I make my way to the kitchen and get some fresh fruit and dry cereal into my system.

Before closing my eyes, I pray that I make it through the night.

37 Weeks

In two words: FULL TERM.

YAY!

Bad news: Back to work. At least part time until baby comes.

Week: 37
Weight gained to-date: 35 lbs
Belly measurement: 40 inches
Estimated Baby size: 5 lbs 9 oz
Swelling: NONE!
Stretch Marks: NONE!

How Mommy's feeling: Lots of contractions. More powerful and longer than they were a few weeks ago. It probably has to do with the stress of work. And that I'm now 37 weeks! There's also a lot more pressure presenting itself in my tail bone. Signs of impending labor!

Happenings: Tommy and Stephanie are getting set up in CA this week. Tommy starts work on Monday Aug. 1. So excited for them, but we're so going to miss having them here... at our fingertips!

36 Weeks

Week: 36
Weight gained to-date: 35 lbs
Belly measurement: 40 inches
Estimated Baby size: 5 lbs 9 oz
Swelling: Not yet
Stretch Marks: None yet

How Mommy's feeling: On the first day of the 36th week, I literally woke up and realized that you had dropped overnight! Suddenly, there was more space between my breasts and my belly. My diaphragm felt like it had more space. But sitting for any period of time is a bit painful now. I have a good bit more back pain due to your low position and my bladder is even more squished! The important part is that you're still in there. We've had enough scares to be thankful for that!

Happenings: Daddy has installed a new incentive. Every week that you and I are able to keep you in utero, he will take us to a surprise bakery on Sunday! So far, we've been to Quack's and 1886 Cafe. Work with me, Jude... I want more surprise bakeries!

34 Weeks

Week: 34
Weight gained to-date: 29 lbs
Belly measurement: 38 1/2 inches
Estimated Baby size: 3 lbs
Swelling: None yet
Stretch Marks: None yet

How Mommy's feeling: Rested. I was going to say bored, but I'm not completely yet. I still have lots that needs to get done that I still haven't gotten to. I'm adjusting to the speed of life that I now have to live.

Happenings: I know that everything happens for a reason. And although we had quite a little scare last week, things are coming into perspective. For weeks now, I've wondered how I was going to get through this hot summer, quarter close and a toddler just before a newborn was to arrive. I was already so tired and the worst was yet to come. The afternoon after I discussed with my manager all my desk responsibilities and reassured him that I still had almost 2 months before Baby would arrive, I got admitted to the hospital. God has impeccable timing, doesn't he? So here I am. Rested and resting. And spending quality time with Jude. I use to say that I didn't think he moved as much as Mia. I'm rethinking that! Now that I'm sitting still enough to focus, Jude moves plenty! And when he does, he kicks really hard, too. For months, Mark and I have been concerned about Mia's attachment to Mommy and how we would work to develop the bond between her and Daddy so to make her transition easier. Here we are. Mommy can no longer lift and chase Mia. She can't take her take her to or pick her up from school much less participate in extracurricular activities with her. And so she's come to rely on and trust in Daddy. I must say, I love seeing her run to him and bury her head in his chest. It makes me feel so much better when I see that she can seek refuge in someone other than me. She may be our oldest, but she's still just a baby after all.

Man of the Year Award

Must go to my loving husband this week.

You've kept our home and our family running while I sit here a lump on this bed.

You've taken over all the middle of the night cries. The morning wake up calls. Getting Mia breakfast and ready for school. Dropping her off, taking Stoli for a run. Working, house chores, playing operator all while taking random calls from the hospital-nut inquiring about how her family is doing. And of course, driving back and forth so that I can see this aforementioned family.

As far as hospital stays go, I guess we're fortunate that this is on the shorter end. But I know it is still so very exhausting for you. And yet you're such a trooper. Continuing to do it all. Well.

I could never thank you enough. But I love you forever.

PS - This is a "hospital" Not a "hotel"

PPS - At least I waited a week for this to happen. If it was a week earlier you would've been in the midst of packing for boy's trip! That would've been a real party pooper!

Break time

Wednesday:

Mia's been having a difficult time sleeping through the night due to her congestion. After 2 visits upstairs last night, I called her pediatrician first thing in the morning and took her in. She has developed a slight infection in one ear. They put her on amoxycillan.

Then I went to my own primary doc for the same problem later in the afternoon. Before leaving the house, I made sure to go to the bathroom when I noticed a slight bloody show.

Doc diagnosed upper respiratory infection with some pressure behind the ears, but no ear infection yet. Gave me some nasal spray to clear things up.

On the way home, I called the OB about what I saw. They had me come in for a check up. Exams and fetal monitoring. I showed 3 contractions in 20 min on the monitor. They decided to wheel me across the street to the hospital for more testing. It was now about 6'ish anyways.

After more tests, ultrasound and monitoring, the tests all came back negative. But the contractions were still coming 5 min apart for the 4 hours they had been monitoring despite my attempts at over hydrating. And the ultrasound measured my cervix length at 1.2 cm. Apparently the cervix shortens before it starts opening (dilating) for labor. At this stage in the pregnancy, they were expecting the length to be 3-4 cm. So I was only 25-50% of where I should be. That test and the contractions pretty much bought me a ticket to an overnight stay at the hospital

Around 11:30pm, I started IV's and magnesium sulfate drip. The mag sulfate helps to relax the smooth muscles to reduce the contractions. The initial dosage was terrible and made me lose my dinner, but it worked.

Good news is that Jude looks very healthy in there. He's moving around a ton. He keeps trying to grab his feet. Which is probably why I feel him so much!!! Also, they were able to get a few 3D shots while they worked. To me, he looks like a splitting image of his sister. He is for sure a Jr. as he is already trying to get places FAR too early. I'm trying to make him understand that it is a party foul to show up this early. Hopefully he is not as stubborn as his old man =) We feel he's doing this in part to spite his sister already. She says, "no Jude, go away!" He says, "I'll show you!" Sigh, sibling rivalry will not be lost on these two!

32 Weeks

Week: 32
Weight gained to-date: 30 lbs
Belly measurement: 38 1/2 inches
Estimated Baby size: 16.7 inches, 3.75 lbs
Swelling: Still hanging in there!
Stretch Marks: None yet

How Mommy's feeling: Today I spent another 3 hours of my life at CPL doing the dreaded glucose test. I was tired and hungry and the orange syrup just made me nauseous for the 3 hours I was there. Immediately after leaving the lab, I ran straight over to Chik-fil-A and devoured a chicken biscuit before heading home, taking Stoli for a nap and finally pulling myself out of my coma for my afternoon meetings. UPDATE: I've passed! Bring on the goodies!

Happenings: We've finally finished all our childbirth classes. Now it's time to put the book studies to practice! We've only got 6-8 weeks to get our routine down before Jude makes his grand entrance! In other good news... Uncle Tommy got a job offer with Apple Computers! Bad news... he'll be moving to Cupertino, CA in about a month =( We're so happy and proud, but very very sad that he'll be far far away.

I saved the most fun for last. We did our maternity shoot as I previously mentioned and Leah got the shoot on her blog. YAY! There are a few other shots that she sent us that didn't make the blog so I'll share those on our blog at a later date. But until then, you can head over to Mary's Maternity to see the wonderful job Leah did.

Sneak Peaks

How sweet is this baby boy going to be?!

Can't wait to see all the magic that Leah Muse of The Life You Love Photography created for us yesterday. It was sweltering hot and I had a fussy toddler past her bedtime and a husband on the verge of meltdown from heat exhaustion. But I tell you, there were some magical shots in there. Hope she was able to photoshop out all the sweat (or at least make it look like a glow)!

Week 30

Holy cow. I cannot believe it is time for the 10 week count down!

Week: 30

Weight gained to-date: 28 lbs (oops. 5 lbs ahead of schedule)

Belly measurement: 38 inches

Estimated Baby size: 15.7 inches, 3 lbs

Swelling: Not yet. But I'm bracing myself

Stretch Marks: Not yet. I didn't get any with my first pregnancy so I'm crossing my fingers

How Mommy's feeling: Just starting to get achy back. But if you consider the weight gain and constantly lugging Mia around, it's not so bad! Last pregnancy was definitely much worse with the back pains. I flip flop between being very tired some days and full of energy the next. Work has been very hectic so I try to take advantage of those energized days when I can. The good news is that I seem to be doing much better emotionally. That might be in part due to calming hormones, but mostly because Mark is finally back from a 2 week assignment in Scotland. That was rough because of the time difference, we only got to talk about 5 minutes in the morning (middle of the workday for Mark) and about 10 minutes after work (very late for him right before bed).

Happenings: This week, we completed week 11 of our childbirth classes. We only have 1 more to go! Unlike the first pregnancy where we only took the hospital and doctor offered classes, this time we signed up for the Bradley method classes which we started back in March. Our hope and desire is for a quick, healthy and natural childbirth. The classes have been good as it's working with us on what to expect and how to deal with the different stages of labor. It's also been a great time for Mark and I to bond and have some alone time with Jude. That's rare these days. Even though it's early June, the highs have already approached 99. I'm certain by the time Jude gets here we will have been well over 110 for many many days! Other big news... our 5 year wedding anniversary is this Friday! Already! And our baby bump session is this coming Sunday evening. So excited!

24 Weeks

As we wrap up the second trimester, I look back and can proudly say that we are making a good amount of progress.

• The big girl is moved out of the "nursery" to make room for the newest baby in the family
• New glider has been purchased in anticipation of many early mornings and late night feedings
• New crib has been picked out (though not yet ordered)
• Mommy & Daddy are more than half way through their natural childbirth course and are finally starting to get it
• Mommy is gaining weight... and fast. Yesterday I had my 24 week appointment and was astonished to find out I had gained 21 lbs. Though this morning when I weighed myself, I was only at +18 lbs. The weekend must've really gotten me!
• Babymoon is all set for less than 2 weeks from now. Cooler temps of Denver, CO, here we come!
• And my favorite piece of news, the maternity shoot has been booked. So excited to work with the ultra-talented Leah Muse

Cannot wait to get a shot with these all filled out

And in case you were wondering. Yes, I did get 8 inches chopped off my hair. It's already getting very warm here in Austin, TX. Going to be a LONG summer.

Happy Easter + The Big Reveal!

The Lord has risen! Let us rejoice and celebrate!!!

And celebrate we did.

Mia started with a big neighborhood egg hunt on Saturday morning.

YAY! "Ecks!"

Hmmm... I don't see many more "ecks"

Maybe they can tell me where I can find more

Toot, we're all done.

Didn't get enough of Mia's first egghunt?

Check out this diddy Mark put together for her:

She was not a huge fan of the Easter Bunny this year and would not take a pic by herself with him!

The baby goat she loved. It had a pretty bow on.

The bunny had very soft ears.

Not very sure about the chicks. They moved a lot!

Then on Easter Sunday, we had a family brunch at the house.

Little Miss Mia received the most precious Easter gift from Nini and Papa. Here she is showing it off

Come, everyone! Eat at my restaurant!

The little chef taking a much needed gummy bear break =)

Uncle Tommy and Aunt Stephanie also joined in Mia's party and brought her a sweet Peter Rabbit book. Yes, that is being enjoyed at bedtime now =)

Lots and lots of goodies, but these were probably my favorite.

My classic velveteen cake (white velvet cake recipe)

And these little guys remind me of bunny noses!

And here was Mark's favorite. Fruit pizza. With a surprise twist. Everyone was anxiously awaiting the announcement of Baby Dos' gender. Only knowing that it would be revealed at Easter, not knowing when or how. How else, but via Mark's all-time favorite dessert!

Blue = Boy!!!

Baby Dos: 20 Weeks - Halfway Point

As with everything else related to children, I've found that sayings are not just sayings. They are based on tried and true reality. The one I'm referring to in this entry is, "Subsequent pregnancies go by in a flash."

When I was pregnant the first time, I couldn't wait for the next "phase" to come. And it always seemed like it took an eternity to get there.

With this one, knowing it just might be my last one, I had hoped that I could bask in it and take the time to enjoy it more. Having a toddler does not allow you much leisurely time to contemplate what you are fixing for dinner much less the future. And as nature would have it (nature and God are so brilliant), the second pregnancy has gone even easier than the first (which is saying a lot since Mia's pregnancy was quite easy). Combine the fact that I have little free time with the fact that this pregnancy has not been very demanding and most of the time, I forget (or am not allowed to think about) the fact that I am in deed pregnant.

And so here we are. At the halfway point. And I barely feel like I've gotten to know how this body even got here. I must make an earnest effort to slow down. To take more pictures. To revel in this (possibly) last pregnancy. I am sure no matter how quickly it goes by, the last 2 months will, of course, feel like an eternity =)

In other notes, crazy Braxton hicks contractions happening this week. I'm not sure if it was brought on by the ultrasound or not, but they are certainly here. And if I recall, I had similar issues with contractions right around this time with Mia also and then it kind of died off. I bet it was the ultrasound!

The Business of Growing Things

Spring is in the air and we have LOTS growing here at the Neubauer house!

I am now into the mid-way mark. I can't believe how fast Baby Dos is growing in there. We had our 20-week ultrasound today and yes, I have another super active one in there. Legs were swinging, arms were pumping. At one point, there was a hand over the forehead and a giant (Stoli-esque) yawn. It was so adorable. It's quite incredible that something 0.5 lbs can be so developed. God is Great!

The interesting thing about the visit was how baby was measuring. Based on my cycles, Baby's due date is August 17th and should have been measuring 19 weeks and 5 days today. However, based on the ultrasound and their estimate of Baby, it was measuring only 18 weeks and 4 days today. A whole week and day behind and measuring in the 25th percentile. At this point, we aren't concerned because I'm obviously a smaller mommy and Mia was born slightly smaller (but still normal) and is now in the 5oth percentile. Still interesting to note, nonetheless.

I finally realized that we need to start documenting this pregnancy for Baby Dos. Aye! Here I am in Week 19. And look who snuck into our baby shot with their fruit snacks... =)

The other big thing we're working on growing is a garden! As an early birthday present, Mark built me a family garden box. It's a HUGE box! Saturday he set it up in the backyard, we went to the nursery to get plants and seeds and here we are trying to get things going

The hope is that we can have something resembling produce by my birthday!

Hopefully with all of Mia's experience in gardening (she's been helping Nanny set up their gardens this year), we'll be harvesting by the bushel soon!

She's very serious about her work

Cheese!

Down right silly

March Madness HIGH Stakes!

Life has been pretty crazy recently. Between Mark working many many extra hours to get through the madness of work AND delivering performance reviews to his entire team, we have my work, childbirth classes, bootcamps, training sessions, special events, and of course, Stoli and Mia.

Somehow, March Madness snuck up on us and Mark didn't get his usual Pick 'Em group done in a timely manner. Driving home from class last night, I was just thinking to myself, March Madness is not the same without Pick 'Em. And we do it EVERY year! So I told Mark, since the tournament already starts tomorrow, we should do one with just the 2 of us. And make the stakes something non-monetary. The first thing to pop in my head was loser has to wash winner's car.

Mark thought the concept was a good idea, but he said he wanted to think of something MORE interesting to bet on. After a few minutes, I got the ingenious idea. Poor Baby Dos will hear this story one day... Just for the record, everyone else thinks this is a good idea, too.

On March 28th, we have our 20 week anatomy ultrasound where we will have the opportunity to find out the gender of Baby Dos. I suggested that the winner will find out the gender either at the appointment (if they are so far in the lead) or find out as soon as the tournament ends. The loser has to wait almost a month later, Easter, to find out the news. The catch is that the winner gets that time to find out a creative way to announce the news to the loser and the rest of our family and friends!

Let the games begin.

Valentine's Day Surprise!

Mia and Stoli are both so happy to announce that there will be a new addition to the Neuabuer family!

Mia is just sad that she won't get to meet her baby until August =(

The Day Life Changed. Again.

Today I found out that when I say time for change, God tells me to be careful what I wish for. Today I found out that our little family of 3 +1 will soon be 4 +1.

Now why I waited until lunch time to take the test, I do not know! Even Mark's not around for me to share the news with!