Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I love being a mommy!

I think this is by far the best thing ever. Being a mommy! Jordan and I are having so much fun with this. And I think we're being spoiled by little Autumn as well. She hardly cries, and when she does, it's next to nothing. It's been amazing knowing her "cues" as to when she's hungry, uncomfortable in her diaper or just wants to cuddle. The bond between Autumn and I is absolutely amazing! I can't believe that I could love something this much. My mom has been wonderful as well. Helping me out during the night. She works nights at the hospital here in town. So on her nights off, she's been putting Autumn to sleep upstairs in her pack n play while I sleep downstairs. So when it's time to feed, my mom gets me up, I feed her, give her back to my mom (if she doesn't fall asleep right away) and go back to bed. However, recently, Autumn's been really good about falling asleep right away. She's finally getting the idea to sleep during the night and awake during the day. She's amazing!!! Love my little girl :-)

Autumn had her first doctor's appointment last week Friday (yeah, I didn't update since then, I'm bad, I know). Doctor said she looks amazing. Everything looks good, especially since she had a huge bruise from the vacuum the doctor used during delivery. They were concerned that she was going to have jaundice, but nothing! Also, most babies lose up to 10% of their birth weight and the doctor's want the babies to gain their birth weight back by 2 weeks. Autumn exceeded that!!! She was born 7 lbs 10 oz. We left the hospital (2 days later) and she was 7 lbs 3 oz. But by Friday (4 days later) Autumn weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. WOO HOO!!! That a girl :-D She's definitely a great eater. Haven't had any complications with breastfeeding at all. Milk came in almost right away (2 days after she was born) and Autumn's been a breastfeeding machine!!! Next doctor's appointment is within 2 weeks. I promise I'll update sooner than I did this time.

Please enjoy some of the pictures from Autumn's first week at home!


My grandpa absolutely LOVES Autumn! He cries whenever he holds her :-)


Right after her first bath at home.


Once of her awake times in the middle of the night.


Autumn loves having her head rubbed!



Wednesday, September 23, 2009

My little angel :-)

Favorite picture of my little gift from heaven :-)


Precious little bundle of joy!


Can't believe how much she looks like her daddy!


Very tired mommy, but extremely happy parents!


Autumn Rae Baldwin
7 lbs 10 oz 21 inches
Born Sept 19th at 8:58pm


Monday, September 21, 2009

The beginning of a beautiful relationship!

What an experience it has been, the birth of our beautiful child Autumn! I've imagined this for so long and still can't believe she's finally here!!! I apologize if some of my story doesn't make sense. I'm still kind of drugged up (lol). But please enjoy because I had a blast sharing with you on facebook during the process :-)

Friday morning. We knew going into the doctor's appointment that I might be induced that weekend. My fluid levels were low on my previous appointment (Tuesday) and with me being 40 weeks pregnant, the doctor's didn't want to take any chances. Did a non-stress test first thing Friday, followed by an ultra sound. Non-stress test was good, Autumn wasn't having any problems inside my womb. However, we got to the ultra sound and knew right away that it wasn't looking good. The tech had a hard time finding any fluid and if you know about levels, it was at 4.8 (my doctor didn't want it to go below 5). So they threw me into a doctor's appointment to see how dilated I was a talk about what the next steps were. After anxiously and nervously waiting, Dr. Dowlut (best doctor ever) checked me, I was still only dilated to 2cm, 75% effaced. And with that she decided to induce me because I was already 40 weeks and why wait? So she called the hospital to see when she could schedule me in, came back to the room and said "You must have angels watching over you because we can get you in right now!" :-D So she looked at Jordan and asked, "Would you have time to go home and get bags packed?" And I looked at her and said "Already done!!!" I had this weird feeling that we could possibly be admitted into the hospital over the weekend, so I had my bags packed and in the car waiting for us.

Headed straight over to the hospital and got in our room about 1pm on Friday. Yes, my nerves were through the roof because I didn't want to be induced. I planned on trying to go through the labor process all natural, but I've heard wonderful stories about pitocin and wasn't too thrilled about it. However, since my cervix wasn't 100% ready, they had to use a couple of ripening agents to get things going. The first one was a pill that they inserted and that got some contractions going, but things didn't really start progressing until they inserted a 12 hour "tampon" looking thing (sorry I can't remember the names of the drugs) that they can take out once contractions are strong enough. So around 7:30pm, contractions were a regular 2-3 minutes apart without pitocin. That was from the first pill they inserted into me. But after a few hours, my contractions started getting weaker and further apart. So they inserted the second cervix ripener (the tampon thing) somewhere around 11pm. Which slowly got things going, but the doctor's ended up deciding to give me pitocin in the morning to really get labor going. Which meant a long night for me. So the lovely nurse gave me some sleeping pills (which don't affect the baby) and I actually got a few hours of sleep.

Saturday morning, while watching t.v. I randomly felt wet. I was bummed and kind of frustrated that I didn't feel the urge to pee, but when I got out of bed... WHOOSH!!! Definitely was not urine. So I called the nurse in and told her that I thought my water broke. So she checked, sure enough it did, pulled out the tampon looking cervix softener and started getting pitocin ready. Shortly after that I was dilated to 3 cm and 80% effaced. Contractions started getting a lot stronger and here came the breathing techniques. I never realized how much concentration it took to really not tense up during a contraction. Completely drained me though. I eventually got to the point where I couldn't even open my eyes in between contractions because I was so exhausted. Jordan did really well though at reminding me not to tense up, but it wasn't enough. I finally just gave in at 4cm and got the epidural and boy it was worth it!!! I honestly cannot imagine pushing after the long labor I went through without an epidural! That was around 1:30pm on Saturday. I was able to get some rest and took a little nap after that. Still felt some of the contractions, but it was only an annoyance and not gut wrenching pain! An hour and a half later I was dialted to 5 cm and 90% effaced. So it was encouraging to me that things were finally moving at a faster pace than snail mail. But what was about to happen next was a total shocker...

My parents asked us to tell them when I was dilated to 8cm so that they could sit in the waiting room for us. So around 4pm, my doctor came in to check me and Jordan said, "Come on 8 cm!" The doctor giggled and said "Eh, I doubt it, don't get your hopes up." But during the exam she gave me a really weird and overly concentrated look. Finally, after a long pause, looked up at me and said "You're completely dilated!!!" WHAT?!?!?! I was in shock. Absolutely could not believe it! She checked again and confirmed that I was dilated to 10 cm. However, Autumn was only positioned at 0, so they wanted to let her labor down a little bit so I wouldn't have to push as long. So they gave me about an hour at that time and that's when we started calling family. However, when they checked in the next hour, she barely moved down and so they made me wait another hour or until I felt the urge to push.

6pm rolls around and I start to feel the urge to push. Such a weird feeling but definitely understand why its there. So my doctor comes in and first shows me where to push (by giving me an exam while pushing), which was much needed and then Jordan and my nurse took over. I pushed pretty good for the first couple of hours. LOL. Eventually got the mirror into the room which was helpful. I didn't really like it at first, seeing myself in all my glory, but once I saw a bit of her head, it was so worth it. Made me want to push that much harder. However, things were progressing slowly and it made my doctor concerned that she couldn't figure out which way Autumn's head was positioned. About half way through they figured it out, she was sunny side up (face up). UGH! Didn't want to hear that, so I tried a few different positions, but nothing made her flip. So I just went for it. Jordan was a HUGE help here. Again, reminding me to relax my legs and to breathe. We even played tug-of-war throughout most of the pushing. I would put my legs on a birthing bar, Jordan would hold one end of the towel over the bar and I held on the other again. It was awesome and worked great, but man, I feel it in my arms today!!! Towards the last half hour I about had it. I would push really well the first (of three) pushes in the contraction, but the other two pushes I was too tired. I felt the doctor give me a shot down there, so I knew an episiotomy was coming. My doctor even had to get the vacuum suction out because I was getting too tired. I saw her do the first cut (ewww) but apparently Jordan watched her cut even more after a few other contractions. So it ended up being a 3rd degree episiotomy. Which is yes, very painful, but much better than tearing! I think it was about towards the last 2 contractions I heard my doctor say that if I didn't get her out, they would have to rush me to get a C-section done. I DON'T THINK SO!!!! That did it for me and I pushed with ALL MY MIGHT and got her OUT!!!

8:58pm... Autumn Rae finally arrives! I cannot even begin to describe the emotions I felt when she came out, but you mothers out there can definitely relate! At first, I'll admit, it took me a second to realize that this was MY BABY on my chest being cleaned off. But once that set in... WOW! Instant connection and love that I've never felt in my life. Jordan was completely moved and just melted. We both just sat there and cried together while she was being checked out by the doctor's and nurses. She had such a little cry, it's so stinkin' cute :-) Was completely shocked by her weight (7 lbs 10 oz), but not by her height (21 inches). I thought for sure she would be bigger. Once I had a good look at her, I immediately saw Jordan!

So now we're finally home and I can't even begin to describe how much our lives have changed (for the better)! We love our little girl so much and enjoy spending every moment with her. Thank you all so much for your prayers, comments, love and support throughout the whole pregnancy and labor/delivery. I will post pictures of her after this post (sometime today). Thank you :-D

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

40 weeks

So today I am offically on my due date! I read somewhere that only 3% of all births occur on the due date (or something like that). I wouldn't mind adding to that statistic!

Had my doctor's appointment yesterday. Had an ultra sound to do measurements and check amniotic fluid levels. The tech estimated that Autumn weighs about 8 lbs 7 oz (give to take a pound). Not a bad size. Given I was 9 lbs 10 oz and Jordan was 7 lbs 13 oz. So I kinda figured she would be up there anyways. I'm still guessing that she's gonna be 9 lbs 2 oz. So we will see. We have a poll going in my family. And (if you follow facebook) I'm sure you've seen that my brother is guessing 10 lbs. He is 100% CONVINCED that she's gonna be that big. And I told him that if she is, I'm gonna smack him the second he walks into my room. HAHA.

Other than that. My amniotic fluid is border line low again. So I have a non-stress test Friday morning followed by another ultra sound. If I don't bring up the fluid levels by then, I will be induced Friday night. Which means I could have Autumn by this weekend. AHH!!! Although, I want to make this as safe for her as possible while she's still in there. So definitely resting more and drinking lots of water. Good thing I'm done doing hair now. Great time to sit back and relax. Catch up on my tv shows :-) If I bring the fluids back up by Friday, then I have another doctor's appointment on Monday to discuss the possibility of inducing (since my doctor won't let me go 7 - 10 days past my due date). So it's just the waiting game right now. I can't believe I'm here. On my due date! I never thought this day would come. I still feel like we just found out. My how this year has flown by!!! It's driving Jordan crazy not knowing when. I'm afraid to call him at work cuz he's anxiously waiting for "that" for call. He went to a concert with my brother and my sister's boyfriend on Monday and in between each song he said he checked his phone to make sure I didn't call him. So sweet :-) He just wants to hold her so bad. He's ready to be a daddy!

I must say, God has truely blessed this pregnancy for me and Jordan. It has been pretty easy and a wonderful experience. I didn't get morning sickness and haven't had any major complications throughout. I've been measuring "on time" the whole pregnancy, which makes my doctor's job much easier. I hope and pray for a safe delivery and that Autumn comes out healthy and ready for the outside world. I love to just sit back and think about the miracle of life! How 2 people who love each other so much can create something so amazing!!! I can't imagine going through this alone. I am so honored and blessed to have Jordan as an absolutely AMAZING husband who has journied with me through this pregnancy experience and about to entire into the joys of parenthood. I have watched him grow so much since we've gotten married and it is wonderful to see the work that God has done in his life! We have definitely gone through our rough time, but God knew what He was doing and I couldn't be any happier than I am now :-) I cannot wait to see what's in store for our future. And welcome Autumn into our lives with open arms.



Autumn Rae Baldwin, 20 weeks ago :-)

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Another week...

Had my weekly doctor's appointment yesterday. Blood pressure was a little high when the nurse took it, but then my doctor retook it and got a much better number. I had the mean nurse yesterday and I don't think she knows what she's doing half the time. UGH! Don't like her at all. Just no people skills what-so-ever. Anyways... Doctor checked to see if I was dilated and I am. About 1 1/2 cm, but stretched to 2 cm. Also about 75% effaced. Doctor said that I'm super soft so I won't be long before I'm 100% effaced and that's also why she was able to stretch me a little more too. Hopefully that'll get things moving, soon! Definitely ready to be done being pregnant!!! It doesn't help that I have a cold right now. Sore throat (which finally ended today), runny nose, starting to cough. Yeah, definitely not fun when you're pregnant. Jordan and I went on a walk last night. Felt soooo good! Can't wait to take Autumn on walks with me :-D

And now I leave you with my 39 week picture and a survery. Enjoy!



How far along? 39 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: You're gonna laugh... Gained 49 lbs (UGH) It's sad, I weigh more than my husband!!!
Maternity clothes? Definitely about to wear my Dad's clothes now (and he's a big guy).
Stretch marks? Oh yes :-) Starting to get a few on my sides.
Sleep: Sleep is over-rated. HA! Here's my schedule. In bed around 10pm. Get up and go to the bathroom every half hour until around midnight. Up around 2:30am to pee. Back to sleep til around 4:30/5ish to pee again. Up at 6am to make Jordan's lunch then FINALLY able to sleep til around 10:30am. SIGH!!!
Best moment this week: That I'm dilated! WOO HOO!!!!
Movement: Autumn's finally maturing in there so her movements aren't so jerky anymore. I feel like she's in slow motion right now.
Food cravings: Pickles and ice creeam (but not together)
Gender: Still a girl :-) Confirmed it in 3 ultra sounds!!!
Labor Signs: A few contractions here and there, but nothing too serious.
Belly Button in or out? Definitely an outie!
What I miss: Being able to get in and out of bed without being in so much pain!!!
What I am looking forward to: Holding Autumn in my arms and giving her lots and lots of kisses!!!
Weekly Wisdom: Walking is your friend! I feel so much better since I've started walking again!
Milestones: SO CLOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Realization of the week: Seriously will have Autumn in no longer than 2 weeks (my doctor won't let me go more than 7-10 days past my due date). AHHHHHHHHHHHH :-D

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Story of my life

Yes, I'm still pregnant... Sigh... Starting walking again today. I really need to walk more often anyways, but now I have a purpose... To get Autumn OUT!!!!!! So 2 walks it is. Morning and night. Jade loves it :-) Have my next doctor's appointment on Wednesday. If I don't deliver by then, I'll be checked to see I'm dialated at all. I have a few more hair appointments to do this week and then I'm done doing hair til 6 weeks after Autumn's born. It'll be a nice break! Jordan's really looking forward to having a vacation as well :-) Not much else to write about...