First Week

We cannot believe that a week has come and gone. Sydney had her 1st week well baby visit yesterday (day 5). She is gaining her weight back fast. She left the hospital weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces and is already back up to 7 pounds 8 ounces. The pediatrician was pleased with that. Diaper changes are gearing up. With every feeding, we have at least 1 diaper change.

We had a rough night Sunday night. Thank heavens Patty was here to take her when we couldn't handle any more crying. Monday night was so much better. Only every once in a while would she wake up and cry. Tuesday night and Wednesday night were great!!! She woke us up every 2 1/2 hours to be fed, feedings went well, and then we all went back to sleep. There's not much crying unless we delay a feeding or a diaper change. She likes to sleep now, which is great--it's what they're supposed to do and it allows us to get some rest.

We love it! Being a mom is the best job in the world! All the pain with labor and delivery and all the inconveniences of being pregnant for 9 months is worth it. We have been so blessed to have such an amazing daughter.

Here's some pictures from our first week.

Day 2

Sydney slept most of the night in the nursery. I didn't want to send her there because I wanted to keep an eye on her, but after she spit up a couple of times when i was trying to sleep, I was too much of a nervous wreck to sleep. Jonathan and I finally were able to get some restful sleep. We probably got 4-5 hours last night compared to the 1 1/2 the night before she was born.

Sydney's had a big day. A pediatrician from her group visited her, and he said she looked excellent. She had her pictures taken by the hospital staff, I applied for her birth certificate, she had more visitors from her family, she had her hearing test and passed, much more.

She is so fun to watch and hold. I could just stare at her all day. Jonathan does a great job rocking her and burping her. I'm not much good at burping her, so I feed and Jonathan burps.

I'm feeling so much better today. I was so glad to finally get my IV out and have a nice long hot shower. Jonathan and I are definitely loving being parents. She is so worth it all!

Night Before and Her Arrival

I checked into the hospital at 8 pm the night before Sydney was born. By 5:30 am the next morning I was in labor by induction. Dr. Hudson broke my water about 6:30 am, and by 8:00 am I was feeling the contractions well enough to get my epidural. I was so nervous about the epidural, but truthfully, that was one of the easiest least painful parts of the day. At 9 am I was dilated to 4 centimeters and was doing great. At 11, I was checked again and was still 4 cm. Dr. Lassiter was a little concerned that I had not progressed anymore. She mentioned that if I had not progressed any more within 2 hours that I'd need to have a c-section. I was so upset even though I had told myself that I was going to do my best to not have any plans or expectations for delivery. I called mom because I was so upset and frustrated. Prayers were sent up and were heard and answered. By 11 am I had progressed to 8 cm! I was feeling a lot of pressure and by 12:30 I felt like I had to start pushing. We had no idea that I would be pushing that soon so Jonathan was gone to get some lunch. He got back after I had already pushed a few times. I think I actually started pushing around 1 or 1:15 pm and by 1:56 she was born. It was so amazing hearing that cry for the first time. It was the sweetest sound I have ever heard. All I could do was cry. The nurses started cleaning her up and checking her vitals while I was beginning to recover.

Children are truly gifts from God and miracles!

39 1/2 weeks

Today we went to the doctor and have some news!!! I asked my doctor if I went past my due date could we schedule an induction when she would be on call. She said how about this Friday which is actually my due date. She said she didn't see any reason why not, so we'll go Thursday night so that they can induce the next morning around 5-6 am. If Sydney doesn't come before Friday, it looks like her birth day will be September 24th. We're excited and a little nervous at the same time. Please keep us in your prayers. I'll try to post one last pregnancy belly pic before we go in Thursday night. Also, we'll try to get pictures and maybe a video of Sydney posted as soon as possible.

38 Weeks

Well another week has come and gone. I went to the doctor today, and no more progress since last week. The doctor said that I really wouldn't progress any more until labor started. So, we'll just have to wait and see. I'll go back in one more week unless she comes in the meantime.

Sydney's heart rate was 150-160 bpm and my blood pressure was 110/70. I actually lost a pound since my last appointment. I was not expecting that since I feel like I have eaten non-stop this last week, but losing a few pounds is perfectly normal at the end.

Unless Sydney decides to come within the week, I'll update next Tuesday. Have a great week! And don't forget to vote on the latest poll.

37 Weeks and Counting...

Well, I didn't go into labor on Labor Day. :) We had a good weekend and got a lot accomplished. Bags are pretty much packed except for things we can't pack like make-up etc. We still need to get the bassinet set up in our room and find a side table for the chair and ottoman in the nursery.

Today was my 37 week appointment. More progress has been made. I'm now 2 cm dilated and 70% effaced. The doctor said I'm ready whenever Sydney's ready--but no one knows when. She could be early or late; only time will tell. The doctor also said that Sydney should be 7-7 1/2 pounds at birth and does not see any need for a c-section unless any complications arise. Other stats, my heart rate is hanging in there at 110/70 (yay! no preeclampsia so far) and Sydney's heart rate is still 150-160 bpm. Sydney has dropped even more since the last visit. The doctor also said Sydney has hair, so she won't be bald. To wrap it up we'll just have to wait and see what happens, but we're glad that progress is being made.

I've posted some pictures of the nursery and of the belly this past weekend. I feel like I'm bigger than what I appear in these pictures.

Again, continue to pray for us and pray for patience for me. Afternoons and evenings are hard for me. I'm getting so tired and uncomfortable these days and that's when I start to get impatient for her to get here. At least I know she'll be here in no more than 24 days.