She's finally here!!!

I can't believe I'm finally going to post this but I'm finally a Mommy!!!! Makenzie Ellen Crist was born via c-section on August 28, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. She was 7 pounds 7 ounces and 19 inches long. She is just absolutely beautiful. She has this beautiful full head of brown and blond hair (yes, my daughter was born with what looks like highlights) and the blondest eyebrows AND what looks like light eyes, maybe even blue!!! She's making her Daddy very proud! Arthur & I are completely in love with her. We just stare at her amazed that she is ours and even more amazed that we created her. It is the craziest feeling in the world! I think what I'm enjoying almost as much as my daughter is seeing my husband with her. He has been so wonderful! I knew when she arrived Art would be good with her but he has been beyond words. Since I had a c-section I wasn't able to do a lot in the first day or two and he completely stepped up and has taken control. It is simply beautiful to see him hold her in his arms and smile at her and kiss her. I fall in love with them both all over again.

My labor wasn't the easiest labor. It was long and at parts painful (what labor isn't) but I got through it with the help of my two WONDERFUL coaches, Arthur and my Mother. I honestly don't know what I would have done without either of them. And, to be honest, I don't know what they would have done without each other. Each one of them played such an important part and was there by my side holding my hand (and my legs...LOL). They are two amazing people and I'm so lucky to have them in my life. So here is my birth story. It starts on Wednesday afternoon, after my last post on this blog.

So after my doctor appointment they called me and told me I was scheduled to come into the hospital on Tuesday September 2nd for an induction. Not the ideal plan for Arthur & I but at this point we'll take what we can get. The whole afternoon I was cramping. Like the cramps I started getting in the morning so I was anxious to see if the contractions would start up again. Arthur came home around 5 and we ate dinner as usual. At around 7 p.m. the contractions started. They were spread out in the beginning ranging anywhere from 30-40 minutes apart. Then they got to about 15 minutes apart. They stayed like that for a few hours. At 11 Art & I decided to go up to bed. I didn't sleep much considering I was still having contractions and they continued to wake me up but I slept here and there. All of a sudden, at about 12:45 a really strong contraction woke me up. I looked at the clock and the next one came 6 minutes later. I told Art I was going to go downstairs to lay on the couch. If they continued to stay this far apart I'd wake him up. Well, from 1 to 2 they ranged between 3 and 6 minutes apart. I ran upstairs, woke Art up and called the doctor. She told me to get to the hospital. Art and I showered, packed up the last minute items in our bag and headed to the hospital. The whole way there we were both kind of shocked that "it" was finally happening. So many times we drove down this road and we would always say "One day it will be for real" and that moment had finally arrived. So we got to the hospital at about 3 and was all checked in and showed to our room by 3:30. They hooked me up to the monitors and did an internal. I was already 4 cm dilated. So they told me I was staying and that the doctor would be in in about a half hour to check me. She finally arrived about an hour later and I was already 5 cm. The doctor and nurse said I was progressing nicely so we decided to get the epi now instead of waiting until it was too late. So they gave me the epi. Not the most enjoyable procedure I've ever been through but I'll tell ya, TOTALLY worth it!!! It is a complete miracle drug! From that point I didn't feel ANYTHING! I got some sleep and relaxed as much as I could for the rest of my labor. At about 7 a.m. the doctor came back in and I hadn't progressed at all so she broke my water. From that point to about 9:00 I still had no progress so the doctor started the pitocin. From there it was just a waiting game. Like I said, I was very comfortable and actually got to sleep a lot of the time. At about 12 the doctor came in to check me again and I was 8-9 cm. FINALLY! She told me to lay on my side for a while to help me progress. Well I don't know what laying on my side did but I was on my right side and my left leg started killing me. It's like the epi stopped working and I felt every contraction just in that leg. It was the craziest thing. I was in so much pain for that hour. I tried moving around, getting up, stretching, breathing...nothing worked. Finally, after an hour of complaining, they gave me another shot and the pain stopped. Why they didn't do that sooner I'll never know!!! So now it's 1:00 and I'm fully dilated. The doctor said the baby was still a little high but it was time to start pushing. Pushing is no joke! I put everything I had into every pushing. I pushed on my back, on my left side, on my right side and my baby girl just wouldn't budge! She just wouldn't come down. 2:00 came and went and still nothing. Finally at about 2:30 the doctor inserted a monitor of some sort (not sure what it was called) to better watch the baby's heartbeat. She said if the baby was fine than she had no problem letting me push for 2 hours if that's what it took (I cried when she said that) but if she sees there's a problem with the baby she's going to recommend a c-section. Well the baby wasn't in distress but her heartbeat was dropping after every contraction. She said that, combined with the fact that she was still so high and it took me so long to progress from 5 to 10 cm, she was recommending a c-section. It's not the way I wanted to go but I wanted what was best for the baby and I honestly didn't have it in me to push for another two hours so we agreed. They started prepping me and Art for the c-section. My Mom went out to tell my friends who were in the waiting room what was going on. I must admit I was scared. I just wanted this part over. I wanted to know my baby was going to be alright. I wanted to hear her little cry and see her little face. They brought me into the operating room and got me all hooked up. Finally, they brought Art in and they started. I just laid there holding Art's hand, squeezing the hell out of Art's hand, and anxiously awaiting that little cry. Finally I heard them say "She's out" and the doctor lifted her up above the wall and said "Katie, here's your daughter!" It was only for a brief second but I saw her and she was unbelievable! She was finally here! She was right there in that room with us. I heard Art saying "Oh My God" over and over again. The only thing that took away from that moment was that I couldn't hold her. I told Art to go over and see her and take a picture to show me. He didn't want to leave my side but I made him. He came back with a bunch of pictures and a video and showed me. But I still didn't hear her cry. She let out a few little cries but that was it. All I kept saying was "Why isn't she crying?"
Art then had to leave to go with Makenzie to the nursery while they stitched me up. I gave him a huge kiss and told him to watch out for our girl and I'd see him later. They then took him to "ring the bell." At St. Clare's whenever a child is born they tell the father to ring a bell and a lullaby rings throughout the whole hospital. While he was doing that I was being "put back together." That hurt so much more than I expected it too. Wow! That was the worst part out of the whole process.

Next thing I remember I was in recover and Art was there. They had to keep me there for a little while and then they started to bring me back to the room. I couldn't wait because I still hadn't seen my little girl or held her. We finally arrived back in the room and my Mom and best friends Jill and Alli came in. Talk about wonderful friends, they waited there the whole time so they could see me and Makenzie (well, mostly Makenzie but I think they wanted to see me too). And finally, my husband came walking in rolling my daughter in her little crib. He picked her up and handed her to me and I just cried. I couldn't believe I was finally holding her. This perfect little human being, our daughter, was finally in my arms. She looks gorgeous. The perfect little face, little hands and feet and toes and fingers. Everything about her was just perfect. It was the most memorable moment in my entire life. The rest of the night was spent with our family and friends meeting Makenzie. Art's family came up and everyone just fell in love with her. Uncle Patrick even cried when he held his niece for the first time. It was a beautiful, special night and I'm so glad so many people were there to share it with us. Everyone finally left and Arthur & I decided to send Makenzie to the nursery for the night since I was in a lot of pain and couldn't get out of bed. But we got her back first thing the next morning.

I had to spend the next few days in the hospital. Four nights to be exact. I'm actually being released tomorrow. The last couple of days have been good. Between me trying to recover and trying to get to know Makenzie it's been busy but we're all getting the hang of it. I'm feeling much better. I was up and walking around today. Doing laps around the maternity ward. I'm breastfeeding Makenzie and so far it's going pretty good. She's latching on just fine. My only problem is getting her to stay awake during her feedings. But we're all learning and with time we'll all get the hang of things.

Arthur is absolutely amazing with Makenzie. I love watching him lay on the couch with her on his chest. They both fall asleep and it's just so beautiful. I just can't get enough of them. It's the most beautiful thing.

Anyway, that is my story. Like I said, we're going home tomorrow so I'm sure I'll have lots of stories to share. Wish us luck!!!

PS-Saturday my friend Alicia (who did my Maternity pics) came to the hospital to take some newborn pics of Makenzie. Of course she did an amazing job! Here are a few:

http://www.aliciagouldphotography.com/blog/

Happy Due Date to me!!!

So today is my due date! I'm officially 40 weeks. I had my 40 week doctor appointment today and it went GREAT!!! I'm just about 3 cm dilated & 50% effaced!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!! My doctor says they're going to schedule an induction but hopefully she'll come on her own since she made so much progress in 1 week. I will get a call today with the date. My blood pressure was a little high today so I have to watch out for that. Oh, and I lost 2 1/2 pounds. Other than that it was a VERY good doctor appointment!

They also signed my disability papers so today is my last day of working from home. Not that it makes that much of a difference LOL!

I started having contractions this morning. At 2 a.m. I woke up for my regular potty break and when I went back to bed I started cramping real bad. They would come and go so I just went back to bed. Then at about 5:30 I got my first real contraction. I always worried that I wouldn't know the difference between braxton hicks contractions and the real thing and everyone told me "You'll just know" and boy were they right! There is definitely NO mistaking real contractions! If what I had is considered mild than I don't even want to know what it's like to go through labor without an epidural!!! Anyway, they continued on but in no sort of time order, 30 minutes apart, 40 minutes apart. It continued like that until about 6:30. Then they came about every 15 minutes apart for a little more than an hour. The whole time I was just laying in bed. I didn't want to wake Art up because he looks so cute and peaceful sleeping. I was just staring at him thinking how our lives were about to change if this was the real thing. The alarm went off at 6:45 and I told him I was having contractions. He smiled and asked if this was it and I said I'm not sure. We'll see what happens. He then went downstairs to do a load of laundry so he can pack his hospital bag when he gets home from work. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! Anyway, like I said, they continued to be about 15 minutes apart for about an hour. Then I got up to take a shower an they stopped. Hopefully they'll start up again and we can get this labor thing started!

For now I'm just sitting at home waiting for them to call me with a date. I'm getting so excited knowing that it's so close. I could possibly have my daughter in my arms by the end of this weekend! I really really hope so!!!

I'll update when I know when we're going in!

No progress =(

I went to my doctor appointment this morning and she said I'm still only 1cm dilated. So at my appointment next Wednesday, if Little C doesn't come on her own, we'll schedule an induction date for the following Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. If Art & I have our choice we'd like to go into the hospital on Monday, September 1st, which happens to be Labor Day! How cute that I'll be induced on Labor Day right?!?! Also, Art has said from the very beginning that Little C's Birthday was going to be September 2nd. We were having breakfast at IHOP one day and we were talking about the baby and that date just popped into his head. From that day on he's said the baby was going to be born on September 2nd. Would it be crazy if she actually is born on that day!

So whether Little C comes on her own or I do end up being induced I will be a Mother in 2 weeks. OMG!!!!! I can't wait =)

Getting very anxious!!!

We're getting down to the last few weeks of this pregnancy and I have to admit I'm getting VERY anxious! Every little thing I feel I think "Can this be it?" Some people were hoping that the full moon this weekend would bring labor on but as you can see, I'm still here and still pregnant. I had a very weird day Friday and Saturday. I was just so very emotional. I cried at everything on Friday. It was so bad I cried at the friggin Olympics! Yes, that's right, I cried watching gymnastics. Then Saturday I got up because I was suppose to go to Alli's to go swimming. I took a shower, sat in bed and just didn't want to move. So I told Alli I couldn't come and I went back to bed until Art came home from work at 12:30. Then I was emotional again. Art could see I was on the verge of a breakdown so he made me go get dressed. We went for a walk, then he took me to TGI's for dinner and then to A&P to get stuff to make an ice cream sundae. The man sure does know the way to my heart!!!


By Sunday I was better. I invited my Mom over for dinner and she confirmed my thoughts, my little girl has finally dropped! Her butt is no longer up by my boobs! But I'm peeing a lot more and she's putting a LOT of pressure on my pelvis area. I feel like a lot has been "going on" this weekend. Like I'm closer to labor. Yes, I know I actually AM closer but I've been feeling almost like my body is actually getting ready for it now. I know it sounds weird but it's just a feeling. I was cramping a lot today and had some sharp pains. Tomorrow is my doctor appointment so we'll see if I actually made any progress or if all this stuff is just in my head...Wish full thinking???

Well, I've gotta go get some work done. I'll post tomorrow when I get back from the doctor!

Arthur had his first shower!

Yesterday Art's work threw him a shower! They gave us so many cute clothes, more bibs, socks, hats, wash cloths and another diaper cake. It was so cute!

I also got a visitor yesterday! My friend Kim came over and spent about two hours here with me. It was nice to have someone here with me to talk to instead of talking to my computer and watching tv...LOL! I can't wait for Little C to get here so I'll have company allll day =)

And a very big Happy Birthday to my puppy Marino!!! He's 11 years old today!

Lots of appointments!!!

So between yesterday and today I had some appointments. Most important was my doctor appointment. Babies heartbeat was 160 which is very good. She's still in the right position, head down, AND I'm 1cm dilated! Nothing too crazy to brag about but at least I'm making progress!
After that I went to get my last haircut before baby gets here!

We also went to meet with two in-home daycare providers. Arthur & I went to meet with one yesterday and my Mother came with me to meet one today. Arthur couldn't get out of work so she was nice enough to come with me. We all really liked both of them and felt very comfortable with both of them BUT the one from today was amazing! She was so calm and I felt like I could sit there and talk to her for hours. I would feel absolutely comfortable leaving Little C with either of these two women but the lady today just impressed me so much more. I'm going to take Arthur there next week so he can meet her also but I think this is where Little C will end up and I'm actually really really excited about it!!!

This is my first week working from home and I'm really enjoying it. It's really nice to not have to wake up early, get ready for work and then sit in my uncomfortable chair all day long. I just feel SO much better. I've actually started cooking for my husband again. Can you believe it?!?!?!

Done with work!!!

God I am SOOO happy I don't have to go into work anymore! Now I can just relax at home and take it easy. The people I work with are so awesome though. Thursday the girls from HR took me out to lunch and gave me a gift certificate to the spa! They said everything from the shower was for Little C and this was something for Mommy. I'm going to save it for after the baby gets here. I'm sure I'll need it! Friday we had dunkin donuts for breakfast and one of my co-workers made me pink and white cupcakes. Yummy! Then my department took me out to lunch. It was a really nice day. VERY busy but I finally got everything done and left the office until December!

Today Art & I have to go to the Police Department to get our car seats inspected. We'll see how well Art did with installing them...LOL! Tomorrow we're going shopping to get my little Ariana a birthday gift. I can't believe she's going to be 2! Other than that I'll just be relaxing at home. It's beautiful out today and is suppose to be this way all weekend. I'm gonna open all the windows to get some fresh air in the house and maybe even sit outside on the deck for a little while. Something I haven't done all summer!!! Enjoy!

I'm Full Term!!!

I'm 37 weeks today which means I'm Full Term! My ticker says I have 21 days left. YIPPY!!!

Oh, and this is my last week of work!!!!! Friday is my last day of coming in to the office. After that I can sit on my couch or on my deck with my lap top and work from there. I can't friggin wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Dr. appointment

This morning I had a dr's appointment and I had no idea! I thought it was tomorrow at 10 so I went into work, got my bagel & coffee and sat at my desk to get started. I looked at my calendar & it said my dr's appointment was today at 8:45. I ran out of here like a mad woman.

Anyway, everything is good. Not much change since Thursday except I lost 2 pounds so I'm down to 18 pounds total. Not too bad! I also asked her how long after my due date do they like to wait to induce you, if it comes to that. She said they only like to wait a week. Sooo the latest I'll be induced is September 3rd! That's less than a month from now! Holy Crap!!!!!

Just sitting around on the weekend

It's Sunday morning and it's Beautiful out! There's a nice breeze and it's not too hot out. Art is outside mowing the lawn and then we're going to go take Marino for a walk with the stroller. Last time I took it out he was afraid of it. We want him to get used to walking with it since I'll be taking him and baby out for walks when I'm home.

The weekend was good. Friday my feet were so swollen they were throbbing! Art soaked two rags in a bowl of ice water and wrapped each foot. It felt SOOO much better! Saturday I was suppose to go swimming at Auntie Alli's house but it was crappy out so we decided to reschedule. My Mom came over instead to help me clean up the house a little bit. Then we just hung out for a while. I tell ya, I don't know what I'd do without my Mom and Art. They both take such good care of me and make sure I have everything I need. It's nice to know I'm surrounded by such loving people!

Later that night Art's parents called and said they wanted to stop by and bring Chinese over for dinner. So at about 7 they showed up with dinner and stayed until about 9:30. They got to see the finished nursery and loved it! They don't come over to the house too often so it was a nice surprise.

We also got a few things checked off the baby to do list. Art put the car seat in, my hospital bag is pretty much packed and the nursery is finally done! I posted some pics below. Now all we have to do is wait for our daughter to arrive!


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