Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Baby Luke is HERE!!!

Luke arrived on March 25th at 9:18pm. He is the sweetest, most wonderful little boy EVER!! I know that this is subject to change, but he is absolute ANGEL so far. He took to nursing IMMEDIATELY and nurses like an expert. He hasn't had any problems latching on and he just nurses away, and when he's done, he's done. Both of my girls seemed to mess around a bit, not really getting down to business, but when Luke is nursing, he's on a mission! It's really wonderful. I'm trying to decide how much information I really want to share on this blog since I'm still not sure exactly who reads this...so if you come across any information that's a bit much, just don't read it, okay? I want to use this as a forum to use to remember all of the details of this time of our lives, so there may be some details that are meant for my own records, but if you're interested, I suppose I'm not too shy to share.

Here's my birth story:
As you can see from the previous post, I thought for sure Luke was on his way, but after walking and hoping and more walking, nothing picked up again. We were all a bit bored I suppose...after all that excitement and then nothing, so we decided to take a trip down to the hospital to have them check me and see how Luke was doing. They monitored me, monitored Luke and did and ultrasound. Everything was fine, I was about 3cm dialated, 80% effaced and was having some regular contractions, but nothing too strong. His heartbeat was a bit high at times, but nothing worth worrying about. My doctor, Dr. Kunhardt called and asked if I wanted to be induced. It was a bit of a tough decision only because of the fact that the girls were there and I was looking at them, thinking that this was it, no more mommy of my girls and only my girls; my time was now going to be spread among 3 children and it was a bit emotional for me. Of course I started crying and Savannah got a bit upset, Abby asked me why my eyes were "leaking". I told the doctor we would go ahead because I was tired of the waiting and guessing. They gave me antibiotics for the Group B Strep via IV, gave me pitocin and moved me into the big L&D room. Jeremy was home for a quick nap and the nurses came in and started the pitocin. This was just after 5pm. Contractions were starting slowly, nothing too bad. We called Jeremy and let him know he should come, just to be sure he'd be there. I had no idea how long it'd take, especially since the contractions were starting off fairly slow...but I knew that Abby was only 4.5 hours of labor, so I didn't want things to go too fast and have him miss it.
Jeremy arrived around 6pm with some dinner from McDonalds (yum) and shortly thereafter, the nurse came in as I was eating and saw me breathing through the contractions (they were getting stronger by this point), and told me I had to stop eating. DARN! If only Jeremy had gotten there about 10 minutes earlier! Oh well.
It didn't take long before the contractions started getting extremely intense.
Not only were they massively painful, they were coming about 20-30 seconds apart, which didn't give me a break at all. It was by far the most painful thing I've ever experienced, much moreso than my labor with the girls. Thankfully the nurses came in (one nurse (Jennifer), one student (Vanessa)) and I told them I needed to be checked because the pain was overwhelming and either I was in transition OR I had suddenly become a wimp and NEEDED pain meds. She checked me and said I was at 5cm. I couldn't believe that's all I was dialated. I knew there had to be something else going on. In retrospect, this happened with both of my other labors, I went from 5cm to 10 in a matter of minutes...so yes, I was in transition (the most painful part of labor). They called the anestheologist and then they "made" me wait until they got an entire bag of IV fluids into me...that takes WAY too long when you're in pain AND the fluids are going in through your hand that must be positioned correctly in order to get the fluids in. I felt like they were teasing me because they told me the doctor was waiting outside, but we were waiting on the fluids. UGGGHHH!! I kept saying, "HURRY UP!!!". I was so frustrated because it hurt SO bad, I couldn't even open my eyes! My mom and Jeremy and Vanessa were wonderful, holding my hand and massaging my shoulders and all...but it still hurt so bad. Finally I was ready to get the epidural--which is the most uncomfortable thing when you're having unceasing contractions. But OH was it heavenly when it finally took! FINALLY I was able to open my eyes, talk again and be me! It's amazing the difference a couple of minutes made. Just a moment after getting the epidural, my blood pressure started dropping. The nurse made me very anxious when she said, "Systolic is in the 30's, lie down and get on your side". Oh boy! It really scared me. I was getting all tingly from my ear down my entire right side and when I told the doctor that all he said was, "Hmmm...interesting!". Oh geez, that's not what I wanted to hear. So here I was, thinking what a fool I was for opting for pain relief because now I'm going to die. Then I snapped out of it and told myself, "OH NO, you've got 2 precious children at home and one on the way...that will NOT be happening!". And my blood pressure went back up into the 50's and all was well. Meanwhile, I could feel INTENSE pressure and I knew Luke was on his way out. I told the nurses..."LOTS of pressure, baby is on his way!". They checked me and sure enough, it was time. They called the doctor and we waited. The doctor lives right around the corner, but it seemed like it took him a while! I guess doctors aren't too used to babies just coming on their own. So the nurses were getting everything ready and I kept saying, "He's COMING, I can feel him moving down...lower and lower". Finally the doctor walked in and looked and said, "Oh, there's a baby there!". He threw his gown on and had a bit of trouble finding gloves in his size, but finally he was ready; So was Luke. I pushed a couple of times and Luke was right there, but I had some scar tissue from the previous births and it just wasn't stretching. I was pushing against it, but it was really painful. Finally the doctor cut me and Luke came right out. He had his hand up by his face and he had the cord around his neck, but it didn't cause any problems. He came out wriggling and was sucking on his hand immediately. They got him on my chest and I finally got to see my precious little baby boy! Yes, he was definitely a boy. So Luke Jeremy Troyer came into this world at 9:18pm on March 25th. He was 7lbs 12oz and 20inches long. Since he was sucking on his hand so much, I was able to "try" to nurse him and he latched on PERFECTLY immediately. The entire labor and delivery was 4 hours (if that) from start to finish. It was quite the whirlwind and went really, really well. The girls were on the phone when Luke was born, so they got to hear his first cries. I think that was very special! So there is the story of how Luke came into this world. There are so many other things I want to share, but it's taken me days just to get this written. I'll be updating more as I find time.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Well...NOTHING!

My parents got here at 5am...Erik was here earlier than that...and then nothing. The contractions stopped, I went to sleep...*sigh*. How very disappointing. I was so certain there was SOMETHING going on...well, there HAS to be SOMETHING going on, because this isn't just "normal" stuff...but who knows when it will lead to our sweet little baby. Although it's very nice to have my parents and Erik here, I didn't want to call them prematurely...and now I feel very dumb. My mom and I will go out walking shortly...even though I'm very tired...I think I slept about 4 hours last night. I'm really hoping the contractions start up again and actually do SOMETHING. I guess I can't say they didn't do anything...I'm having trouble walking now because Luke is SOOOOOO low. It's much more uncomfortable/painful than it's been before...and with the bleeding, I know that something will come of it soon. I just hope it's sooner than later...my mom has already told me she needs to leave tomorrow. UGGGHHHH....COME ON BABY LUKE!!!

Am I Just Being Neurotic?

Do you see the time? It's 2:42am!
I was awakened twice tonight with pretty strong contractions. After the last one, I haven't been able to fall back to sleep. Then I started thinking that perhaps I'm just hungry...dinner tonight wasn't particularly substantial. I'm now downstairs having a snack...at this time?!?! They say there's a first time for everything...but as I sit here, I'm not sure I'm just hungry. My stomach is very crampy, gurgly, uncomfortable. I'm debating whether I should just try to go back to sleep, or if I should call my parents...afterall, they've got 2 hours or so before they'd be here. Oh dear, what to do. I'd feel really stupid if I call them at this hour for NOTHING, but how do I know if this is anything worth calling about? I'm feeling anxious, sweaty palms and all...even though I've had 2 babies, I've never done this whole natural labor thing, I'm not sure I like the uncertainty!
Okay 2:46am--nice, strong contraction...nothing too painful, but definitely something to make me pay attention. Do I call, do I wait? I have no idea! I guess I'll sit here a while longer and see how things go...then I'll make the decision!
Well I'm still having somewhat significant discomfort...went to the bathroom and I've got a bloody show...so I called my parents and they're on their way...oh boy, this is going to be fun!!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Officially Overdue.

Well my due date (March 23rd) came and went without much ado. Technically I was due on the 20th, according to my calculations, but the ultrasound date was a bit further ahead and my doctor set the date for the 23rd.
Yesterday we went to the park with Liza and the boys and did all the normal friday stuff we do. Last night I was having some more consistent contractions (still about 15-20 minutes apart, and only a couple of contractions total) and I was getting a bit hopeful. But alas...I went to bed and nothing came of it. I'm guessing this little guy is getting lower and lower though because I had to get up to potty 4x last night--talk about frustrating! And I'm MUCH more uncomfortable walking now. My mom, Jeremy and Karen (MIL) all said I'd go into labor today, Erik guesses tomorrow and my dad and Michelle (best friend) guess monday. So we'll see. I just hope it's soon. I'm driving myself batty WONDERING!! I think Jeremy is getting a bit nervous. He doesn't like the uncertainty of not knowing WHEN it's going to happen, and I think he's a bit nervous not knowing exactly how I'm feeling. Every time I sigh or grab my belly or whatnot, he asks, "Do we need to go to the hospital?" Although I do have to admit, that's the same question he asks Abby whenever she hurts herself and fusses a bit more than she should.
It's so funny though how you get to the end of a pregnancy and everyone treats you like you're in control of WHEN you go into labor. Everyone feels the "right" to recommend certain days over others, suggest what TIME of day would work better, etc.
It cracks me up! Erik guessed the 25th (tomorrow) and then says NOT to go into labor that day because he's got some golf to play. My mom says today would be perfect--or tomorrow or monday, actually--because she's got a busy work week next week. Jeremy concurs because he's supposed to go back to work monday, but he'd rather not have to. Not to mention there would be that suspense all day, wondering if I'm going to call him and need him to come home--not to mention a bit more stress added to my day not knowing how quickly he'll be able to get home! I'm still happy that I decided against being induced today, but boy would that have been much more convenient for everyone!! Not to mention how cool would it be to have the first Grandson on grandpa Jonathan's birthday??? I guess there is still time. Whoever said that having a child is convenient anyway?? If we were doing this simply for convenience sake, boy would we be ignorant!
Don't worry, updates will follow...and I'll be posting pictures soon too, I'm waiting for Jeremy to install some image editing software first--I seem to have lost my aptitude for computers since getting pregnant...my brain is being utilized elsewhere I suppose! At least I hope!

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Pregnancy Update

Nothing to report.
I went to the doctor yesterday and I cancelled my induction for the 24th. I'm ready for a baby, but not ready to "make" him come if he's not ready yet. I'm not in any hurry to miss out on sleep and free time. The doctor did a check and I'm 2cm dialated adn 50% effaced. He stripped my membranes (a procedure that's supposed to help move things along a bit) and then we scheduled my appointment for next week. So if he doesn't arrive by NEXT week, I have to go to the doctor again next wednesday. I have to be honest, there is nothing particularly wonderful about going to the OB every week. But whatever it takes. Luke is still pretty active. It seems as if he's slowed down a bit, but he'll stretch and wiggle and get going and I'm really going to miss those wiggles. But it will be nice to have a face to put with these silly movements!
Today is a lovely day, it's warm, sunny and just plain gorgeous. I love this time of year. It's so nice, after the rain, to have some sunshine again. We only had one day of rain, but I tell ya, it was enough. I'm very sensitive to my UV therapy. If I don't get sun, I can get into a very bad mood. Especially at this point in my life. So today we have to run to the store and then come home and I'll watch the girls play outside and soak up some rays! Savannah and Abby told me this was the day Luke would be born. So far there is NOTHING going on...so I'm not sure about their "intuition", but we'll see. Anything could happen.
The girls brought snack to AWANA last night. It's so cute how something as simple as bringing snack makes children so excited. They were so proud of the snack we brought (cookies made with Easter colored M&M's, Cheez-Its and Apple Juice). I almost wish we had to bring snack more than once a year!
Savannah has been wanting to wear panties to bed recently. I usually put her in pull-ups at night time just to be safe. She's a very deep sleeper and we've just found out recently that she's a bit of a sleep-walker as well. She gets up to go potty, and when she's in a very deep sleep, she often ends up in strange places. The night before last I heard a rukus. I went upstairs and she was standing inside of her bedroom door. Just standing there. I asked her if she had to go potty, or if she was wet and she didn't answer me. I took her to the potty and sure enough, she was soaked. I changed her clothes and had her wash her hands and she just stood there shaking and giggling like she was dreaming of something. I got her dressed, cleaned up the puddle on the floor and I actually had to lift her and put her in bed. She was totally asleep the entire time. Even though I told her to climb into bed, she didn't do it. It's such a strange thing. One night (I'm not sure if I already shared this), I found her in the rocking chair in Luke's room, half naked and wimpering like a lost puppy. It's like she's awake enough to get up to go potty--even if she doesn't make it--and then she is asleep and doesn't quite know what to do with herself. Poor baby, it's comical, but also kinda sad because it must be rather strange. She doesn't remember any of it the next morning either.
Well, I should probably get a start on my day--considering it's nearly 10am--but I feel rather uninspired to do anything other than sleep today, I'm rather tired...but alas...life must go on.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

I'm 39w4d Pregnant...

I'm wondering if there is any chance that I'll go into labor BEFORE my due date...or at least CLOSE to it. I'm still not in a particular hurry, but it'd be nice if it happened soon. The girls have gymnastics today, so of course I don't want it to happen this morning, but this afternoon would be good for me! Considering I'm as far along as I am, there's not too much going on. Random contractions, aches and pains...but no sign of impending labor. Then again, every woman I talk to has a different story and each one insists you "just know" when it's the real thing. We'll see. I'm hoping I have an opportunity to experinece the real thing. I'm scratching the induction on the 24th. I'm not quite ready to go that route. Someone told me that babies that come on their own are more mellow and good-natured, I'm not sure if that's a fact, but hey, I'm willing to give it a chance!
Everyone here is so ready to meet Baby Luke though. Abby is SO EXCITED...she tells me regularly. I know Savannah is excited too, but not as much as Abby, I don't think...at least not as outwardly excited. The other day she was telling Jeremy that she was going to have a LOT of responsiblity of being the big sister to 2 siblings. She's ready though, she's (usually) an excellent big sister.
It's still rather surreal to me that there is a baby inside of me. Even though my belly is huge, my body is uncomfortable...it's all rather strange. The fact that I could be holding a new little gift from God at any moment is not quite real to me yet. I don't remember being in this much "denial" with the other children. I think it must be that I'm just so busy this time around--with the other two I had my parents around and didn't have a whole lot of responsibility around the house and all...so this time, I'm busy, busy, busy and don't have the time to sit around and ponder motherhood so much. Yesterday I got a HUGE burst of cleaning compulsion. I had been telling my parents that I wasn't going to worry about cleaning anymore...at least not the big things because I figured it'd be easier to do once I can bend over again. Well, yesterday I got this extreme COMPULSION! I brought the vacuums upstairs, I cleaned baseboards, moved furniture, got Lukes room all finished up--cleaned the dresser, windowsills, etc. Savannah even helped me by washing the floors in her room and cleaning the table in there. My mom said, "You know what that means!", and I replied, "Yeah, absolutely NOTHING!" Hahaha..."they" have all of these "indicators" for when you're going into labor...I constantly hear, "You haven't dropped yet though", and other things..."have you been having lots of braxton hicks contractions?" "has the baby slowed down?". Does anyone really know? I don't think so.
I go to the doctor tomorrow...I'm sure he doesn't know anything, but I'll probably still ask...just because. If anyone knows, it outta be him, right? Yeah, sure!

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Today was a Good Day!

Well today was fun filled and action packed! We had a great day! The day started at 7:45am when Abby woke up (why do children ALWAYS sleep in on the mornings you have to get up early?). I had been awake off and on because there is no way I can go longer than 3 hours without a potty break these days...but little sweet one came walking in our room, smiley and adorable (she's SO cute when she's just awakened, her hair is all fluffy and curly and she's always bright-eyed). I went downstairs with her and got her milk and snuggled her on the sofa while we watched Talking Letter Factory (a movie I cannot recommend enough! She now knows all the letters and all of their sounds at 3 years, 4 months old). Anyway, I'll make this quicker (Jeremy is waiting for me to watch a movie with him). We all got up, got ready and went to Rancho Cordova for Nicole's birthday party (Nicole is Jeremy's brothers future step-daughter--she's just a month and a half older than Savannah). The party was at Pump It Up. It's a big warehouse with a bunch of bounce houses and stuff. It was incredibly fun. The kids (and the big kids ie: Jeremy, Steve and Mark) had a great time. The girls were so sweaty from all the running, climbing and jumping they had done--I'll attach pictures SOON! Then we had the party and left for home. The drive was great, the girls were excellent...the weather was beautiful and the hills could not have been more green and lovely. We came home, had a rest--everyone rested/slept--ahhhhh!! Then we filled up the pool and the girls went swimming. It was a bit chilly for swimming in my opinion, but you know how kids are! They were little popsicles though by the time they were done. Then my WONDERFUL husband cooked dinner while I sat outside and chatted with our neighbor. She said it looked as if my belly had "dropped". I told her I felt as if it had too because all of a sudden I'm feeling much more pressure in my pelvis. We'll see if that means anything. So that was the day in a nutshell. It was good, fulfilling and all around happy and enjoyable. Praise God...He is so good. I've really been enjoying these past couple of days as I prepare to be mommy of one more child. I know that this change is going to be wonderful, but I think there's always that little fear of it being different...not necessarily worse, but not being able to give your all to your children you already have...so it's really been a blessing to have these beautiful, fun days with the girls and really appreciate them for who they are. They really are special, beautiful little blessings.
The girls gave me a huge smile before bathtime. I heard them playing together in the living room as I was cleaning the kitchen up and I went in and they were snuggled up together on the love seat, Savannah had put her fuzzy slippers on Abby's feet...and they were sitting there together, cute as can be, loving on eachother...but they told me that I could not take a picture because they'd "dissolve". So I had to just savor the moment for myself--then call Jeremy down to look--and send them on their bathtime ways. It was a very precious little moment.
Okay, I'm off to watch a movie! :)

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Does Anyone (besides Marla) Read This?

I'm just wondering if I'm blogging simply for my own personal satisfaction (which is okay with me), or if anyone out there is actually reading my mundane ramblings. So if there IS anyone reading this, I want you to know that I appreciate it...but also, there is this wonderful feature where you can "COMMENT" on the things I've written, so this is more of a dialogue rather than you just reading about us.
Just a suggestion! This really is a great forum, but it's just not as fun without participation from others!

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Just a quick update...

It's Saturday and my girls are coming back home.
My parents took the girls for a few days (dad came down on Tuesday and took the girls home on Wednesday). It's been a WONDERFUL break as I don't seem to be capable of doing much these days. I've been so tired and sore and finally ready to have this baby and move on with things. Of course, I have absolutely no say in when that will happen...but I hope it's soon! Jeremy wants me to hold out until the 24th so that he doesn't have to leave his school. Of course...leave it to a man to want you to go past your due date. Anyway, if I do go past, I'm scheduled to be induced on the 24th...if the hospital is not too busy, etc. I'd really, really prefer to go into labor naturally, but we'll see how it all goes. Jeremy and I have been enjoying our time doing what we want, when we want...but in all honesty, it's not that exciting...just easier. We both wonder what in the world we'd do if we didn't have any children. Jeremy told me yesterday, "I wonder how much time would pass before I'd 'make' you go get a job"! Hahaha...I said, "Probably not much...I'd be SO BORED!". It is nice to get the house in shape--a bit at least, I'm definitely not in the position to do any hard core cleaning. I've been resting a LOT. I wish I had batteries I could store up energy in in preparation. Lukes room is done, clothes are folded, my hospital bag is packed. Those are the main things I wanted done. Today I get my hair done, get the carseat put back together and prepare to be mommy again. When I spoke to my parents last night, Abby was throwing up. So not only do I get to be mommy again, I get to be mommy to a little sickie. Poor baby. Please keep her in your prayers. I'm off...it's time to go to the salon.