A Dramatic Entrance - Roo's Arrival

Our son has arrived... And what a whirlwind! 

At 3:30pm on Sunday I had the dramatic breaking of the water. We had all been out at the pool, and I was sitting in my lazy chair when suddenly I experienced "the gush!" I honestly wasn't certain if it was my water, but looking back I simply didn't want to get my hopes up when in reality I knew what was going on.

Only one slight problem... I hadn't had a single contraction. 

We called my aunt, who is a nurse, and sought her advice. She said to grab a snack and head to the hospital if contractions hadn't started within two hours. So I grabbed a yogurt and a banana and we took our time getting last minute items together and taking a few silly pictures... Just in case this was it! 

Funny because I had no pain at all!

5:30om: We headed out. Upon arrival at the hospital at 5:45pm they ran us through triage for about five minutes. Once she determined it WAS my water that was dripping all over the floor as we traveled from room to room they had us in a delivery room and hooked up to monitors by 6:00pm. The midwife quickly arrived and started to explain I was only 1cm dilated with no contractions, they would have to induce. The induction would be a 12-48 hour process... My heart just dropped.

Triage Room

 

6:30pm: Suspicious about the baby's position, the midwife brought in the sonogram machine and we got to see little Roo again, for the first time since week 18 of pregnancy. After a moment she stopped the picture and turned to me... He was breached (head up and in the wrong direction.) Now, natural birth was no longer an option. Because of the broken water and lack of fluid they could not turn the baby to the proper position and delivering breach was a huge risk to us both. 

The moment we discovered Roo was Breach

6:40pm: The midwife then explained the only option was a c section done as soon as possible. By now it was about 6pm and they were talking about a midnight delivery due to the 4:30 snack I had eaten. We settled into signing all the documents, having my blood tested, answering a billion questions, and calling close family to let them in on the imminent arrival. 

7:30pm: We met with the anesthesiologists and midwives and nurses; we were then informed the surgery was moved up and we would be taken in within the hour. I think God allowed the whole process to speed up so I couldn't have time to panic. We simply had to follow the instructions of the physicians around us.



Gowned up and ready for the OR

9:35pm: I was bent over an OR table receiving my much needed spinal block. I remember the pinch then suddenly a man wrapped me up in his arms and laid me out flat on the table. This is when I started to panic; as my legs went numb and arms were restrained for medical purposes. The separator went up and the anesthesiologist drew some waves on it for me; said it looked like an ocean... I'm pretty sure they gave me something for my anxiety..

9:50pm: They brought Eric in right as they were starting and after lots of tugging and pulling we heard Roo's first cry at 9:59pm. The entire process was only a few minutes from the time I was numbed from the ribs down to the arrival of our son. The nurses took him over to a table and Eric joined them for some immediate vital checks and whatnot.

Soon Eric returned with Roo in his hands and the nurse shot a few "first" family photos!

Once the procedure was done I went to recovery where I fed Roo for the first time and we got all his footprints and such done. Here we spent two hours before going up to our tiny cramped room. Nanny, Eric and I all got to hold Roo and take in everything; Nanny has some funny videos of me as I was on quite the medication!



Nanny Holding Roo for the first time



Mommy holding Roo for the first time



 

I could go on and on with all the details but I'll try and sum up the next three days of recovery for you.

The first night - I hardly remember other than the cramped room and being bothered every hour by nurses.

I told you it was cramped!

Day one - Roo had his ears tested and we were both watched around the clock. Mostly we cuddled and snuggled and tried to learn how to feed. We were upgraded to a MUCH larger room as Eric is on staff with the hospital. They apologized profusely for putting us in a small one.



Daddy learning the art of Diaper Changing - He is great at it

Day two - Gramps arrived all the way from New York. Roo also met his cousin and uncle (my brother Jeremy and his daughter) via Skype. Lots more cuddles as Roo wouldn't sleep without me. Mom brought Donuts!

Roo meeting Gramps!

Day three - I had been up all night with baby. The pediatric nurse even spent an hour in the wee hours of the night trying to calm Roo, to no avail. Skin to Skin was the only solace for our little man. I was more mobile and we were discharged that morning after some final vitals and checks.

Daddy with all the luggage to go home!

So many tears, so many moments of joy, and so little sleep later we were home with our boy. I'm so thankful for a healthy, happy son and a supportive, loving family. Now it's time to recover and, somehow, figure out this entire "mom" thing.

Home Sweet Home with our Plus One

Excuse the Delay - Roo has Arrived!

Hi All!

Sorry for not updating my blog... I've left you all on a ledge of anticipation!

BABY ROO WAS BORN!

Sunday 6/8/14 at 9:59 pm our firstborn son arrived into the world. I look forward to updating you all on the list of events but for now I'm just learning how to be a mommy so bear with me.

Updates will be posted soon!

When the Clock Strikes Midnight - Week 39

Week 39 has come to a close, and come the strike of midnight, I will be officially full term with our first child.

It's amazing how in life we start a new journey and think to ourselves "this is going to be the longest nine months of my life!" But then, somehow, we arrive at the end and wonder where the time has gone. I know there are many more milestones ahead, and I look forward to them all. However, at this present moment, I'd just like this baby to come out!

The entire pregnancy has gone much more smoothly than I had anticipated at the start. When we decided we would begin trying for our first child, I spent a lot of my time researching what pregnancy would be like for someone with my health conditions. My largest concern was spending nine plus months off my seizure medication and what that would do for my migraines and episodes.

Once through the first trimester things went more effortlessly, but not after nightly "morning sickness" and adjusting back to un-medicated life. Thankfully, the migraines and other symptoms did not return until the start of my third trimester. I think God has a way of telling our bodies to put every illness aside while creating a human. At least that's how it felt for me. Suddenly I was able to drive at night, drink milk again, sleep a whole night through, and not suffer from daily headaches!

The second trimester was packed with loads of energy. I was surprised how much I could accomplish working 40ish hours a week and caring for our household. We still went to Star Wars Troop events and made time for all the friends we knew we wouldn't see much of come third trimester and Roo's birth. Cooking my way through eMeals and planning Nerdy Nursery ideas, the second trimester flew by before I knew it.

The third was much better than I anticipated! I read a lot about fatigue, cankles, sore bodies, lack of sleep, and so much more; not to mention all the dozens of people who felt it necessary to tell how miserable pregnancy and parenthood is. I felt like I was judging some "who's pregnancy story is the worst" contest! Maybe one day I'll write a rant about how people are so negative on pregnancy and parenthood, but for now I will spare you all. Just note moms, if you're talking to a preggers, tell her the good and happy things. She needs the encouragement and help to overcome her fears, not more pressure or anxiety to ruin her special time growing a human.

I didn't feel much sickness, like I was told I would, until this past week. Sunday hit me like a rock and since I've been nauseous, tired, have a headache, and all around uncomfortable. I'm thankful for the presence of my husband and my mother as I don't think I could have kept Eric fed much less the house in order. However with their help and teamwork we've been able to accomplish everything on our last minute list.

This week the hospital bags went into the car - this includes my favorite new purse/diaper bag that Eric spoiled me with. I'm so in love with the colors and I think it's the first time I've spent more than 5$ on a purse...

Bags packed and out to the car - Love my new Skip Hop Bag!

We also worked on several nerdy projects to complete the nursery. Don't worry - I'll do a big reveal shortly! Just have to finish one last project.

You'll have to wait and see!

Our evenings around the house have been restless as Eric, mom and I simply wait... It's hard to just sit and wait for something to happen, especially when you know it's soon but don't know when. Oh and lets add into the mix my complete dread and anxiety for labor... We've been trying to fill our time with trips to Target or boring shows we find to stream. But in reality, nothing has helped; except maybe the Ben and Jerry's we had tonight.

So tomorrow's the day, June sixth. Our son is "supposed" to arrive but he's on his own little schedule. Lets hope I'm in the 93 percentile of women who go into natural labor before 41 weeks... but knowing my luck that won't happen.

Okay little man, we've prepared, we've waited... now it's time for you to show up! I love you Roo and can't wait to hold you in my arms...

Anxiously Awaiting Thee - Week 38

Only one more week to go, we hope. Baby Roo still hasn't made an appearance yet and now we are headed into week 39! For some reason my mind had me convinced he was going to arrive early - after all three of the five other women due the same week as me have had their babies already; I'm feeling a little behind!

Roo seems quite content where he is. He seems to be pretty chill and happy right where he is. His kicks aren't painful, he just likes to roll around inside. Mom and I spend time in the pool each day now to exercise but also so I can lay belly down for a while, trying to get him to rotate nose-down. I must say, the moment I dip into the pool it's instant relief from pressure on all my joints and muscles. However getting out with the extra weight of the water is always a challenge.

I've discovered a bit of a problem too; Only my front side is getting tan! This is due to the fact that I cannot lay on my tummy in the sun... I keep joking that once the baby is here I'll have to lay tummy down for a week to catch up with my front.

This week my cousin Andrew came to visit from Canada. I hadn't seen him in over five years before the weekend we went to my brother's wedding. Andrew seemed to have a blast while he was here and it was nice having someone around to keep Eric company since my mom and I have been outnumbering him. The guys were able to go to Buch Gardens, they hung out at the mall, and just all around had a great time being nerdy together.

Oh and our car seat is in! Thanks Eric - now Roo might realize it's perfect timing to come!

Mostly I've just been trying to enjoy my week and not let my anxiousness take over. I have a lot of fears about delivery and the arrival of our son (who doesn't). Every little move I feel I'm trying to soak in. Soon I'll be able to hold our little one and care for him, but I know I will miss feeling him growing in me.

Full Term Gitters - Week 37

At last our baby can come and our baby is safe! At this point his lungs are mostly developed and an early arrival has very minimal risk.

Now, the anxiousness is settling in. This baby could come when he wants!!

Oh how this has been a big week though! First came the arrival of my mother. She's going to be camping out in our living room until a few weeks after the baby is born - so thankful for the help of my best friend!

My mom - my teacher - my friend

Then we had our baby shower on Saturday where we were blessed by the generosity and fellowship of the ladies in my life here in Tampa. My mom was able to share a few words of blessing for Roo and we played a few games guessing baby food and guessing the baby's name. Then we had to haul it all back to our home!

The blessing of our friends' generosity is overwhelming!

After the shower was over we got to shop till we dropped - almost literally in my case - for the rest of the needed items for our son. Although my home felt like a box of puzzle pieces, it was comforting to know that we are mostly prepared for his arrival. Not to mention comforting to get all the great discounts we did with gift cards and so on!

It all has to go somewhere!

Over the week we spent our time organizing and working on little projects. I won't reveal too much of the nursery nook as I am saving that for a post of it's own, but we did get the bed set up, the shelf for his clothes/books/diapers, as well as the rocking chair placed in it's permanent residence. We had to do a bit of rearranging with our bed to fit Roo into our room, but I think we were successful.

We enlisted the help of a few people over the week to assemble some of the much needed items!

I tried to stay off my feet as much as possible... but you know me! Can't sit still for more than five minutes.

We decided to go with a Pack and Play for Roo as we live in a small one bedroom. This allowed for one less piece of furniture to store as well as a changing table which we had not anticipated having.

Assembled and set up his bed

We've collected several pieces of artwork as well for the nursery nook - Star Wars themed of course! I could a couple of hours out my day and was able to line them all up straight and make them permanent. (Artwork to be revealed soon!)

Don't worry... I didn't leave them empty

The rest of my week looked like this...

Doing laps and soaking in the sun as we wait for our little one to arrive. It's so wonderful to have my mother here to keep me company during the days and the support of my husband to deal with the anxiety!

Oh and here's a lopsided Roo for you - Have a great week everyone!

Some Assembly Required

I'm sorry if my blog is starting to be about nothing but baby - but I suppose that's what happens when you're two weeks away from your due date and the baby is taking over your house!

After the baby shower, items began to pile in our home that, lets just say, require some assembly. I'm thankful that my hubby is here to help complete some of these projects! I thought I would share with you some of the new furniture that has joined our home.

First was the blessing of a rocking Chair so I can feed our little man in comfort. The assembly only took about an hour for my amazing husband!

Next we had to assemble the shelf for the baby nook, I enlisted the help of our friend Josh in exchange for a home-cooked meal (he didn't know this was exchange... we sort of ambushed him when he arrived!

The boys wanted to know why it was a maid and not a butler... a butler can do things just as well

Eric read the instructions and Josh assembled... how is this far?

A beautiful work of art!

Finally we had the crib to decide on. Because of the small nature of our apartment (A one bedroom in downtown Tampa) we decided the most logical solution for Roo would be to use a Pack and Play instead of a normal crib.

This would allow for one less piece of furniture to store, a smaller bed in total dimension, and a two in one changing table! Fortunately this item did not require much assembly; although stay tuned for a Star Wars makeover!

Mom thought it would be cute to set up Roo's new Teddy Bear in the crib like it was baby Roo... made for a good caption moment.

So far that's all I've got! We still have a cabinet to assemble then I believe we're done. Stick around though, I'll be posting about the baby nook transformation soon!

The End is Nigh - Week 36

Only one week away from full term! Wow that's pretty scary to think of. I feel like the last eight months have just gone by so quickly; it's interesting how it feels that way, yet at the start it felt like this pregnancy was going to last forever!

I kicked my 36th week off with my traditional., once a year, peach shake from Chick Fil A (yes be jealous). This shake, if you don't know, is seasonal like the McDonalds Shamrock Shake so when I get to have one - I'm a happy camper!

After my shake - we had to walk it off so we went on down to Bayshore Boulevard, only a few minutes from our home. Bayshore is a waterfront road whose sidewalk claims to be the longest continuous sidewalk in the world at 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long.

 We love to walk here and enjoy the sunsets. This trip marked the first time in a long while since we've brought Baby Roo; we had to memorialize it!

Mom and dad showed up this Friday. We got to spend the weekend with them and it was truly wonderful. Sometimes, although I live in this paradise we call Florida, I forget how to relax and enjoy the sunshine. With my folks here, by 11am they want to be out by the pool enjoying the sunshine; I don't blame them after the winter they've had in NY.

We enjoyed the summer's first grill out

Mother's day

Lunch at Sweet Tomatoes for Mother's Day

Mom's sad rose from the church for Mother's Day

 and BOGO Ben & Jerry's!

 

In other, baby news! We were able to get our first set of diapers this week. As Eric works at the hospital we get a discount on diapers through their Sterile Processing Department. What a blessing this is as we were prepared to do cloth diapers to save on the cost. However with the deal we get from the Hospital, using paper diapers is way cheaper than purchasing cloth diapers (imagine that)!

 

 Approximate cost through his employer is about 5 cents per newborn and 7 cents per size 1 diaper... can't beat that price! Amazon Mom estimates the total value at $114.24 and we paid $25.

Oh and I got my free Breast pump, thanks to the affordable care act! Not planning on using it, but you never know!

So I think that wraps up week 36. Next is full term - strange to think this little guy could come at any time, or stay in there for another month... (PLEASE Come early little guy!). Mom will be back tomorrow and stay through until Roo is born.

May the 4th be With You - Week 35

This week we got to geek out a little more with baby Roo!

With the arrival of May 4th comes the outrageous need to make our lives all about Star Wars... why you say? Well, I can't explain it, but May the 4th be with you...

Saturday, I got to put my feet to the test and help handle a Star Wars event at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. When we arrived and I said I was handling I got a few funny looks as they shifted their eyes from my face to my belly and back... most likely thinking "this woman's crazy - she so preggo!" I loved proving them wrong!

We had a blast walking around seeing kids eyes light up! I was responsible to make sure no one got tackled or any children got trampled\ and I think we were successful. Roo had fun bouncing around inside. It was nice to know I still have the energy for this sort of thing. There aren't going to be any more Star Wars events for me until this little man arrives.

You can half-see Eric in the back hiding

Sunday was May the 4th so we headed out to our Cousins to geek out with Star Wars board games, one of the movies, and "saber dogs" (AKA hot dogs). It was a relaxing way to celebrate our love of the Star Wars universe but not have to lug around costumes and props.

Our cousins also gave us our baby gift! For days Jason has been telling me he's so excited to give it to us, so I wasn't sure what to expect as Jason doesn't get excited over little things. Once we got in the house the kids were all telling us we had to open our gift and that they were excited to see our reaction. Finally after saying our hellos and settling in we got to unwrap said "amazing gift."

oh and it was amazing! Two new prints to add to our baby room collection!

I absolutely LOVE the Yoda one (I know... I'm betraying my love for R2D2) and the saying "Truly wonderful the mind of a child is." So true master Yoda, so true!

Now our collection is not only bigger but also complete! We will be adding in the first letter of Roo's name to the collage and hang it all over his crib. If you are wondering, most of these were purchased at Con's we've visited. BUT the painted, single R2D2 was done by our Cousin Vicki to help her paint something out of her comfort zone - she nailed it!

So now I'm getting nesting fever; I can't wait to have Roo's bed and corner set up so I can get these all installed on the walls!!

May the 4th be with you all, and don't forget to have a little nerdy moment in honor of this great holiday; Star Wars Day.

Educating the Masses - Week 34

We have settled back in at home, although after a week of visiting family in Canada and New York I must say I remember why we moved to Florida in the first place!

Traveling Home with Roo

This week was full of education! We took a total of three classes at the hospital to help prepare us for baby Roo... or so they say...

Class One: a tour of the Labor/Delivery unit, and Postpartum floor. This that stuck out to me on this tour was how well secure the area was. I hadn't thought about the possibility of baby swapping or kidnapping until mentioned on this tour, but the forever presence of security, wrist banding, and bag searches helped me feel more confident in this security.

I was also amazed at the size difference between the delivery rooms and the recovery rooms. The former is a giant, hard wood-floor room overlooking the bay; spacious, private, and beautiful. Then the recovery room barely has room for a preggers to walk around the bed much less fit a husband and baby in there too! I hope my stay is a short as possible. t

Class Two: Newborn Care. Here we to return to our childhood and play with dolls. Although instead of dressing them up and playing house we learned how to deal with exploding diapers and cleaning their little noses. Things that stuck out in this class were very few. I've had a lot of newborn care in my lifetime of babysitting. However I was shocked by the graphic depiction of a full circumcision... I will forever be scarred for my little man...

Class Three: Breastfeeding. I'm so happy Eric stayed home for this one. Most of what i remember of this class was trying to hide my red face as video after video of topless women nursed their children or hand expressed colostrum appeared. I'm all for the public breastfeeding movement but come on lady, wear a cover or something! I would have much preferred graphics or diagrams over sitting in a mixed company room trying to disguise my embarrassment.

I do plan on breastfeeding my little Roo for the many health benefits it will give him, but we will have to see how I handle being off my medication for that long of a period as I cannot feed him and return to my medication.

So that was our education. Roo is growing, I can feel him moving around much less but when he does they're strong movements of him turning or stretching. No visit from Braxton ... yet...

Oh and here's a little gift Grampa sent home for Roo - although he might not fit in it until much later. This little man is going to be one spoiled grandchild! (PS Grandpa lives in ADK... thus the logo.)

Family Reunited for Wedding Fun - Week 33

After last Wednesday at the Tax Office, we packed up our bags and jumped on a plane Thursday morning to head to New York, then Canada, for my brother Jeremy's wedding.

The flight and travel was mostly uneventful. We landed in Albany and were picked up by my mom. We drove that night from Albany to Sherbrooke, Quebec to be on time for wedding festivities.

Friday morning we woke early and headed to the Hotel where the wedding would be taking place. Here we spent the morning decorating and setting up the room for the special event.

In the afternoon we headed to our friend's the Buchanans for the rehearsal dinner where Eric and I skewered kabobs and prepped salads for all the family and friends that evening. The dinner was such a wonderful time to meet all of my Sister-in-law-to-be's family, not to mention amazing food!

Oh and lets not forget the Meringue dessert!!

Our weekend "home-base" was Grampa and Grandma Strout. This was also a huge blessing as we got lost of time to sit around as a family and encourage one another through the busy days of the wedding. Also, we got to care for our niece Leah as her parents prepared to get hitched!

 Gave me lots of time to see Eric in "dad" mode! (He's going to be an awesome father BTW.)

The wedding was on Saturday and beautifully done as both father of the bride and father of the groom preformed the ceremony together. It was a blessing to see my brother SO HAPPY marrying the love of his life. 

Sunday morning we had brunch at Eggsqui - my favorite breakfast place - with Jeremy, Leah, mom, dad, and us. The most delicious food you could ever experience!

That afternoon we spent time with different family members we haven't seen in a long time. And Monday morning we headed back to New York where we dropped Eric off at the Airport to head back to Tampa and I got to spend a week with mom and dad seeing friends from around the area.

Week 33 was very eventful! Baby Roo handled all the stress VERY well. The only change this week was how quiet he was!! I think he's running out of space so he moves around a lot less. Our family was so blessed to have some time talking to him and seeing how much he's grown since Christmas.

All in all we had a great trip! And we're one week closer to the arrival of our little guy!