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.

36 Weeks

Today I went for the 36 week check up. From here on out I'll go every week! Blood pressure is 110/62, Sydney's heart rate is 150-160 bpm, and I've gained another 2.5 pounds in the last 2 weeks. My total weight gain is about 22.5 lbs. News to report: Sydney has dropped, I've dilated to 1 cm, and I'm 50% effaced. So, we're making progress and off to a great start!

Hopefully by the end of the week I will have some nursery pictures to post. I am determined to have it finished this week!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

34 Weeks

Today I went for my 34 week check up. Everything is good. I've gained about 2 pounds in 2 weeks, so I'm right on track. Measured 34 weeks. Sydney's heart rate is 150-160 bpm. My bp is 110/70. So, great check up. We go back in 2 weeks and then weekly appointments.

We've been working on the nursery. Still have lots to do, but it's becoming more like a nursery. We've had a few things that didn't work out with the dimensions of the room, crib, etc. so we've had to rework some things, but all in all everything is looking good. I'll post some pictures when we get it done. Hopefully after this weekend, we'll be almost finished.

We have our next parenting/birthing class this weekend. At least this one is only 2 hours long and not all day. It's the coping skills class, so we'll be practicing our breathing techniques. :) Then the following week we have infant CPR training.

Check back in another week or two for updates.

Home Church Shower

Sunday we had a shower at my home church, Pleasant Hill #2 Church. We were definitely showered with many pretty things for our baby girl. She got lots of clothes and other essentials such as her diaper bag, accessories for her room, and lots of bath items. Everyone was so generous and thoughtful. Sydney is already a very blessed girl.