The Green Light

I got the go ahead and have an 8:30 am appointment with Pitocin. Ya-hoo! Wish me luck, and wish grandma luck as she will have sole responsibility of 5 children! I hope she still likes us when it's over...although she may need a vacation.

Now on to the next question...Epidural or not? I fell again last night and pulled a groin muscle, man does that hurt. I am walking like I am 80, most people probably think it is just because I am unusually large in the belly region!

Baby's Location

I had my appointment this morning, so as you can tell baby is still enjoying his little suite for a couple more days. I am dilated to 3cm, 50% effaced with a favorable cervix. Baby is definitely head down. So we are looking good. He thinks the baby is on the normal size. In my memory he may have used the word small but that could just be what I wanted to hear. He did some stretching and WOWZA! that didn't feel too good. Jeremy said it was like watching a guy get kicked in a tender place. (He was near my head). The nice doctor asked if I had a date in mind, and said I could easily go another 5-10 days. I looked at Jeremy for a date request, he said "waiting is not in her vocabulary right now" so I said Wednesday or Thursday. He came back and I have an appointment with pitocin on Thursday at about 7:30, given they have room for me. So we will get to meet our baby boy real soon!

I do have a funny story though. When we pulled into the parking garage at the hospital it was backed up and I had two minutes until my appointment. Jeremy suggested I get out so he could park and I would still be on time. I got out of the car and waited for a couple of cars then a nice lady waved me across. I was SUPPOSED to step over the cub but my toe caught it. From previous experience I learned it hurts less if you don't try to catch yourself. As Jeremy was watching in his rear view mirror I disappeared. The nice lady opened her door as I slowly got up I tried to catch her before she got out of her car, but she made sure I was OK. I smiled trying not to cry out of embarrassment. It only hurt my pride, my knees are a little skinned up and my hand has a little rock in it but my jeans held up great. So there you have it. There were a few witnesses but I think most people were annoyed with the already congested garage and didn't notice, phew!

When the doctor walked in he asked how our holidays went, we told him we had the flu, it was a little rough but good. Having forgot that conversation, when he left he shook Jeremy's hand and said "Sorry about the diarrhea." Then walked out. Jeremy looked at me confused and the first think I thought of was that stretching causes that to happen or maybe I made a mess. Jeremy was thinking he made a mess or that he really shouldn't have shook the doctor's hand. He then looked at me and I put it together with the previous conversation. It was a real quick passing of thoughts but it made us laugh none the less.

A Due Date to Celebrate

This is a first, not that I am passing a due date, that is the standard procedure for me. We did actually have a busy day and ended with a date.

I started out the day with a nice breakfast with the family, then went to a friend's baby shower, I guess this kid didn't want me to miss the celebration of his friend! Then we went to Costco as a family. Came home, and I cooked the kids dinner. Then Mom J. came over and watched the kids so Jeremy and I could go out on a final date before this little boy joins our family outside the womb. We went to Guadalajara Grill. I was tempted to drink the spicy salsa to see if it would help with labor. I figured it would be inappropriate. The we went to see the movie Yes Man with Jim Carrey. It was good but had a couple parts (one mostly) that grossed me out enough to worry about the rest of the film. I wouldn't recommend it. It was a first that we went out on a date when I was 40 weeks pregnant. Yeah!

Monday we have a doctor's appointment and then hopefully I will have an ending date. Or at least some more hope that this will not be a 41+ week pregnancy. Here are a couple of pictures that I took in honor of the day.

I think the kids are excited, Haylie told me that Jackson was taking a bath. He wants to look his best when they meet him.

And Daddy can't wait to meet his second son. I think Jackson was telling him he felt the same way.

An update on Jackson

He's still living the suite life in my womb. I went in and am dilated to 1.5cm, good news right? But my little cervix that should have the process down by now is uncooperative. It has not softened or shortened. He was willing to "stretch" things but due to the unsoftness (? is that how you say it?) he couldn't. He felt around and thought maybe Jackson was no longer head down, turns out he is still head down but not "locked and loaded." Which made the doctor nervous. I wasn't terribly surprised since Lauren was still moving up until she was bound head down 4 hours before she was born. So we will not be having a December 2008 baby. My next appointment is January 5th, two days after my due date. He is still very aware of the size of Lauren so he is trying to make sure I don't have that same experience again. I am measuring right on, so I am hoping he is not growing too rapidly. Here's hoping that he will be here soon, healthy and a normal birth weight.

Jeremy thinks I'm Silly!

It is no secret that I am counting down the seconds until my due date that will inevitably pass before I have this little tyke. I keep hoping and planning what I will do if I were to spontaneously go into labor. I know it's a pipe dream. As labor and delivery loom near I start to panic. I know it is silly considering I panic every time and it has been a great experience, surrounded by pain of course. I have heard horror stories frequently in the last few weeks and I can't help but think "what if that was me?" A friend who is expecting in May said at her 20 week appointment her baby was measuring the size (at least length) of a 30 week fetus. She said she ripped in three directions with her small 7 pound baby and ended up with something like 175 stitches, HOLY COW! Another friend was pushing for over 2 hours, I DO NOT HAVE THE STAMINA for that! I have been lucky that in that sense too I have had a maximum of 15 minutes of pushing mostly less though. The twins were 10 minutes for both. More recently a friend had an 11lb 3oz baby boy! A few people were prepped for a c-section then able to have their child the "normal" exit way, only after having to freak out that the heart rates of their child had dropped.

In all these cases, while painful, scary, or exhausting, all babies and mamma's were healthy. Why do I fear? The birth process is a miracle and dangerous yet I have heard more good stories and happy endings than the other.

I have only had an epidural with the twins and it was mostly for their safety. It was a pretty simple delivery, no complications, no stitches and virtually pain free, and the actual labor was quick. I didn't like the swelling afterwards or being cold. With this being my last pregnancy I debate whether to get the epidural or not? It's not that I don't get an epidural to be a hero, I kind of feel that the doctors/nurses help to move things along or take me more seriously when I say I need to push. With the twins I couldn't feel anything. In fact the doctor came and checked and said "you're ready, there's a head" I had no idea! I couldn't feel contractions, but I could still control the pushing aspect. I guess that is good. I also don't like the feeling of not being in control of my body and being numb is certainly not being in control. On the other hand when I had Lauren with no pain relief, I almost lost control mentally, I started to freak out. I no longer wanted any part of the birth process, which unfortunately was kind of mandatory. I had made the commitment when we decided to have another baby. There were a few nurses who wouldn't let me give up (just a note Jeremy was on the fence) and within a few minutes my little linebacker GIRL was born.

So maybe I am silly for being worried but I am nonetheless and can't wait for it to be over. The aches and pains have been tolerable through pregnancy but they are getting more difficult, sometimes I think I might cry, but I keep plugging along hoping that the activities that cause the pain such as cleaning, and walking, will help with spontaneous labor. Then the next day I feel the uncomfortable results and wonder if I may not be silly just crazy!

After all is said and done, I just want to hold a healthy little boy really soon, kiss his little forehead, and let him wrap his fist around my finger. It won't be too long before I am wrapped around his little finger! I am sure I won't be alone at least four of his older siblings feel the same way as me. As for Lauren we will see. Then there is Dad, I don't think he can wait too much longer to have two sons to teach and embrace.

Baby Update number 5,872

OK I haven't really posted that many updates it's just that I have been pretty much pregnant for the last 8 years so it seems like a lot...We have good news folks. Jackson has a better sense of direction than Lauren did, he is head down. We got to see him with the ultrasound machine today. He has a visually strong heartbeat and is breathing well. The right amount of amniotic fluid too. The doctor said a good living environment for our little man. He said next time (38 weeks) he would see how my cervix is looking than if things were looking good he would do a little "stretching" at 39 weeks. I got my next appointment for 12/24. So that puts me at 38 weeks and 4 days. We will see what happens then. I am thinking after Christmas the "stretching" may happen. It is interesting not knowing anything. I thought for sure this stubborn little man, I can say that as it is a dominant trait in our family, was laying sideways so to see him head down was a relief and surprise.

By the way tomorrow is officially 36 weeks. I can't say time is going fast for the pregnancy since I am practically counting every minute, but life is flying by quickly. We have lots going on, lots of plans, shopping, cooking, eating, movies, friends, family....you know all the wonderful things that go along with this time of year. I am sure after it is all said and done it will feel like it flew by. This due date makes me feel like I have been pregnant for the whole year of 2008!

This cartoon is particularly funny since I always say that my children get eviction notices in the form of pitocin.

Another thing jJackson is up to...

I forgot another thing the girls told me that Jackson was doing. They told me he was taking his medicine, (we are fighting colds and fevers...it's a regular war zone over here.) I asked where he gets his medicine, they said in his kitchen. I asked if his kitchen was in my tummy they confirmed. I told you it was a penthouse suite!

The Week of 31

Last week I turned 31 in years and weeks. I am officially 31 weeks along (now 31 and 4/7) That means only 59 days to go until I will probably cry or laugh that my due date is coming and going with no baby. Hopefully reverse psychology works and I will have a 12/30 baby. Any-hoo I thought the cartoon for this week was kind of lame so I thought I would take a picture of my large and in charge belly. Here is me a 31 weeks after swallowing a 4lb pumpkin:

Stay tuned next month to what I look like after eating a 6 lb Turkey!

Contagious

Well this is on honor of 29 weeks pregnant. Last night I woke up at 3 am to the sound of little feet running to the bathroom. It was then I was inspired to write a blog post. From my very first pregnancy my symptoms have been contagious. Starting with heart burn and a small bladder. Sorry Jer if this is too personal. One of the first signs I am pregnant is Jeremy can't get through the night (not every night) without using the restroom. I thought that was the extent. These two things seem to happen with each pregnancy. This pregnancy I must have the hormones of several women pumping through me (that would be funny if I was pregnant with multiple girls huh?). I have suddenly become aware that Haylie, Hannah, and Miranda are now often waking up in the middle of the night to relieve themselves. I am grateful that they make it to the bathroom though. They are quiet but I still wake up, otherwise my bladder would allow me a good nights rest. My poor family who has to suffer with the cold middle of the night trips. I can say I am glad it is you and not me!

Please forgive the language but the cartoon is funny and so true:

Week 28

and another cartoon:

This is funny because for the first half plus of my pregnancy I had little to no sweet cravings. Now I am looking for something yummy revolving around chocolate and can be found in the freezer isle, with maybe some peanut butter swirled in, I am actually looking forward to Halloween and getting some good candy from the kids while they are sleeping, oh and baking is happening again. Not alot, but more then the past 6 months. I think little Jackson is developing his sweet tooth at this stage of the game. (I added the "little" for positive thoughts!)

It's official

We are expecting number six...well that was official a little bit ago. But we have an official due date. And the date is January 3rd! Jeremy planned a January baby, and his prayers (at least half) are answered, the other half will have to wait until about August to find out. Of course we will be thrilled with a girl but having a boy is kind of the unanimous hope! I am not sure Logan will acknowledge the girl option. Well here is the first picture of the newest Jacob's Clan.

Our little tyke measured at 8 weeks 4 days, so hopefully that means only two more weeks of feeling like junk and whining about everything. Oh the joys of pregnancy and the unbecoming behavior you get to get away with. Here's to a good 7 more months eh?

Here's a story...

OK, here is how it went down! I went in to be induced on Thursday at 6:30am. They got me all hooked up and decided to check and see if I was progressing from two days before. The only thing progressing was our little one kept moving. The baby was mostly upside down but the head was off to the left of the exit sign! So they were going to wait to do anything. Two hours later our little one was head down in the right spot. So at 9:30 they started the pitocin. The baby still moved off center again and then back. It was quite the drama. Whoever heard of a baby being so active. Jeremy said for sure it's a boy. He won't stop and ask for directions. Contractions started getting consistent without much pain. I said my contractions were getting painful...I did lie a little bit. I know the ones that really hurt happen after the bag of waters is ruptured. At 1:20pm they broke my water. The doctor said "how's that epidural?" I told her I didn't have one and she was shocked. I was at 4cm and went immediately to 5cm wahoo. About 45 minutes later I was feeling pressure, they checked and I was at a 6 boo-hoo. Things were starting to hurt. I told the nurse I think I want an epidural. She said give it a half hour. About 25 minutes later I was feeling the need to push, I was at a nine, within 10 minutes I was pushing. After about 13 minutes of pushing, I gave birth. Here are a few conversations that happened during the hour and a half of pain.

April "I don't want to do this again, I know you think it is because I am in pain but I am serious!"
Jeremy "I'll tell you what if it is a girl you can name her whatever you want!"
note: We hadn't agreed on a girls name yet

April (through a contraction whispering to Jeremy) "Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaii!" Once we are done having children Jeremy and I are taking a first class trip to Hawaii!

As I am pushing the head was out but I was in too much pain.
April "I'm done, I can't do this any more. It hurts too much"
Jeremy to himself "OK, you can stop, that's I'll help you off the table!"
All 5 staff members in the room "You can do it momma, you are almost there. You are doing great!"

OK so here is the important stuff. Jeremy was shocked to find out our little peanut was not a boy. It is a girl! She was born at 2:33pm on Thursday, May 17th, 8 years after Jeremy proposed to me. Here is what shocked me, my little peanut weighed 10lbs 5 oz. She was 22 inches long and her head was a whopping 14 3/4" around. If I can brag for a moment I did this with absolutely no pain medication, I don't tear, rip or need an episiotomy. I was very blessed.

So the name I chose was Lauren Grace. We have liked the name Lauren and it has been on our girl list for some time. We usually give all of our children a middle name after someone in our family. This one was a little different. When Grace came to mind it reminded me when we decided to have another baby. We both prayed about it, this was during a time when Jeremy's job was in question and we weren't sure if it was good timing. We received confirmation that it was time and we went for it. We know that because of the grace of our loving Heavenly Father we have been truly blessed. So this baby was given to us by grace. I don't want to forget the faith we showed, and knowing how much our Father in Heaven knows us, loves us, and wants us to depend on him. She is our little "big" blessing.

And as you have been patiently reading here our a few pictures as a reward!

Tamra and James watched Lauren's siblings and brought them to the hospital to meet her for the first time. Hannah wasn't so sure about everything, but she eventually made her way over to take a peek. Since we've been home all four kiddos have been very thrilled with our newest little girl. Grandma Bev and Teri Rossi were our other visitors.

Acupuncture

Alright, here is the latest. I called my sister a little teary eyed at the thought of having a c-section. She is a LVN for a local hospital. She went and talked to a doctor that she works with who had lots of positive things to say, includig babies can flip until the last 10 minutes before delivery. He also pointed out that since I did have twins there is probably a little more room than normal. Anyways he suggested heating the outside tip of my pinky toe. It makes the baby active and it should make the baby go bottom up! Then my sister called back and said he wold do it if I came in, so I packed up the kids and decided it couldn't hurt. He actually did accupuncture by sticking needles in my two little pinky toes. I can't exactly tell you where since I couldn't see my toes. So I sat with needles in my toes for 15 minutes and I lost hope, I didn't feel any big movements from this child. When he came back in he felt around and said the baby was head down. So the way things are going I may see him everyday until I get induced. I hope my doctor says, we better induce while the baby is head down and it comes before the 17th. I can't complain though the 17th is a special day for me, but getting this baby out without a major incision is what I want the most.

Doctor's Report

Well life is always full of surprises. I am not dilated anymore than I was a week ago. That is kind of the good news. When he went to check, he couldn't feel the baby's head. So he got out the ultrasound machine and discovered this baby is laying sideways again! This is also good news since the baby isn't settled into the pelvic area. I go in tomorrow morning and fill out "a lot" of paperwork for a possible c-section. They will try and flip the baby, but I am far along so it may not be too easy. What is in my favor is the baby appearantly has a lot of room still, thanks to Haylie and Hannah, so it is still possible the version will be successful. I just have to wait to hear when they can fit me in. So my pregnancy discomfort may come to a close in an undesirable way by the end of the week. Hopefully all this excitement means this child will be a piece of cake to raise. In all honesty I think this baby is thinking "I gave you 9 months to plan and you still don't have a name for me, I'll teach you to procrastinate!"

Just an update on US!

We are horrible parents! Of course we celebrated Easter but we didn't take one single picture. It was a nice relaxing day. We got to spend it with Jeremy's family. It was nice to have our home filled with cousins, and even get a little ping-pong time in for Jeremy and James.

On to other news: Jeremy found out yesterday he has shingles...for the second time in his life! Today we had our doctor's appointment and found out our stubborn child just is a procrastinator, indeed he/she has inherited that from me. The baby is head down, and snuggling into postion. Everything is great and we are just cruising along. Only 4 weeks from tomorrow, with lots of things to keep me busy and make the days go by quickly.

I guess that is all for now, if I think of some funny stoies I will post them or make something up so I sound exciting!