Charlotte Hazel Chance

Wow! What a whirlwind the last week has been. I was never able to post a 39 Week Bumpdate, but somewhere in between Friday night (7/18) and Saturday (7/19) I did take one last bump shot because I had a feeling it would be my last bump pic!

39 Weeks!

I don't know really where to start, but first I would like to thank everyone for all the calls, texts, gifts, flowers, etc. Being away from family and friends in Hawaii has been really hard on me, but there was no shortage of love when Charlotte arrived, that is for sure! 

Ok, so for the birth story.... If you are having a baby soon, you may want to skip this part! :) 

Friday started pretty normally for me! I went to therapy for my back and the office staff was of course surprised to see me... "No baby yet?" so we focused on some exercises to bring Charlotte down (squats, lunges, etc) After that, I went to go get a pedicure. That was one of the last things on my to-do list! You have to have pretty toes while pushing that is for sure! It gives you something to focus on! I came home and cooked a meal to take to friend who also just had a baby. Kyle came home from work at a decent time and we decided to go to Honolulu, drop off the meal and then grab dinner. We went to La Tour Cafe (one of my favorite places) and I had tomato soup, grilled cheese and a salted caramel macaron. Afterwards, we went to Costco to stock up on a few things and then we were headed home! 

We got home and Kyle opened a bottle of wine and we started watching some TV. I started to feel a little crampy and started telling Kyle, "Hmm, I think something is happening". I asked for a little wine because I know it can help you relax in the early stages of labor. Around 9:30pm, we went upstairs to get ready for bed. I watched a little bit of Scandal (I've been re-watching the seasons on my iPad because it's that good of a show) and then tried to go to bed. Around 11:45pm,  I just couldn't sleep. I was having contractions, but they were 10-15 minutes apart and nothing regular, but strong enough to wake me up. I went into the guest bedroom and continued watching Scandal and bouncing on the birthing ball. I told Kyle to try and rest because I thought this was it. He kept checking on me and around 2:15am, he moved into the guest bedroom with me. The contractions were about 5 minutes apart and getting more and more intense. I got in the shower a few times to take some of the pain away. 

Around 4:00am, I told Kyle I was going to text our doula, Miki, that I wanted her to come over. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever plan on having a doula. After lots of research and the fact that we are 4,000 miles away from family, I knew we would be doing this without our family. In order to take some of the stress off of Kyle and because I can be a handful when I am in pain, we decided to hire a doula and it was the best decision. 

Miki arrived around 5:00am and began to do some massage on my lower back and used some oils as well. That worked until about 7:45am when I started begging to go to the hospital so that I could get the epidural. I had planned on getting some type of pain medication, but I wanted to try to labor at home for as long as possible for comfort and also to avoid a c-section and other complications. Both Kyle and Miki were hesitant because they didn't think I had progressed enough to go to the hospital. Finally, I pretty much looked at Kyle and said, "IT'S TIME TO GO...NOW" So, we quickly gathered our things and we were off. 

The ride to the hospital seemed long and I was in lots of pain. I walked into the Birth Center and said I want the epidural ASAP! I knew it was a long process. Getting anesthesiologist, bloodwork, getting IV and fluids and then finally the epidural. I got settled into triage and my pain was building. Before we left the hospital my contractions were 2 minutes apart. She was coming... FAST! 

The nurse checked me and I was 4-5cm. I was so relieved because after all the pain I was in, I hope I had made progress! They admitted me and I was moved to an L&D room. This was 9:00am. I said to the nurse that I would have the epidural by 11:00am, but she assured only 45 minutes. I continued to labor on the birthing ball, bed, anywhere I could get comfortable, but the pain was so bad! 

A nurse came in (mid contraction) to draw more blood, because the blood she previously took coagulated and was no good! UGH, I was so mad! I HATE needles and it set me off. But, I powered through and things started to get a little hazy. I had only received one IV bag of fluid, but the nurse said it was time for the epidural! PRAISE THE LORD! I got setup on the bed and honestly I didn't freak out nearly as much as I thought I would. My back was cleaned and I was told to make my back like an angry cat. I felt a tiny prick and then a little pressure, but I have to say it was not bad at all! I was so relieved and happy. Make this pain go away so I can take a nap, fix my hair and put on some makeup! YEA RIGHT! 

The epidural worked for about 10 minutes. Kyle said I was pretty loopy. They laid me on my back and said that the medicine would begin to spread out and take affect. Fast forward a few minutes and I could feel the pain again. The nurse called the doctor back in and he added more medicine to my IV. This process occurred a few times, but nothing happened, I could still feel the contractions and they were getting worse! The nurse gave me the catheter and I could feel that as well. It was more painful that receiving the epidural! I also received some Fentanyl and I was told that would make me feel like I just had a stiff drink. It did nothing for me! So, at this point, I am starting to realize, I am having this baby without pain meds! After it was all said and done, they think that my body progressed to quickly to react to the medication. They asked me if I wanted to redo the epidural, but at this point I didn't think it would work, nor could I sit still as the contractions were getting worse. 

I turned onto my side and continued to labor. This is where it got really rough and I don't remember much. Breathing had gone out the window and I was practically screaming through every contraction. Kyle would feed me ice chips if I would breathe 3 times for him. I kept having a huge desire to push, so my doctor checked me again and I was 8cm. Ahh! 2 more cm's to go before I could push. I wanted this baby out! It got to a point where I literally fell asleep between contractions because it was too much for my body. I also would throw my arm up every time I had a contraction. Kyle said I was saying things that no one could understand, just a mumbling of words and "I can't do this". My doctor told me it was ok to push if I had the urge and that was one of the only things that helped me get through the contractions. 

Around 2pm she checked me again, and it was time to push! We got situated and Kyle held one leg and Miki held the other. I began to push and my screaming got even louder! My doctor told me to push with my mouth closed, but that was easier said that done! I began pushing and a few minutes later my doctor asked if I wanted to touch her head! I reached down and sure enough, it was there! I pushed a little bit more and she was crowning. I only pushed for 20 minutes! Wow, the most intense pain ever! And yes, the ring of fire does exist! I reached down and was able to pull her out and bring her up onto my chest! Wow, such a relief to have her out! She was so purple and wasn't crying so I was immediately concerned! But, the nurse assured me all was good and a few seconds later she started crying and her color began to change! She stayed on my chest for 3 hours before they did anything to her and it was great to get to know her and she immediately started nursing! 

I am super grateful that we took Lamaze classes, even though the breathing went out the window at a certain point. Kyle was the best coach I could have ever asked for! He deserves a medal for dealing with me through the pregnancy and the labor! I tried to bite his hand one time cause I was in so much pain! He stayed focused on me and it really helped me get through. I know everyone says it, but I can't imagine doing this without him or our doula! It was really a great birth experience despite the pain! 

Long story short... Have a back up plan! The epidural doesn't always work! Thanks to our doula for capturing so many great photos of the labor experience!

Our team- Nurse Marilyn, Dr. Moore and our doula, Miki

Our family!

I could not have asked for a better doctor! She MADE my birthing experience

Snuggles with Daddy! Doesn't she look so in love with him?

Charlotte Hazel Chance
(We loved the name Charlotte and Hazel is Kyle's maternal grandmother)
7lbs 2oz and 21 inches long!

Ok, enough for now I am going back to snuggling my girl!

38 Weeks Bumpdate!

No matter how much you read or how much advice you are given, there is nothing that really prepares you for the "wait for baby". I feel myself going a little insane every time I feel a contraction or a weird feeling. I keep thinking, this HAS to be it! So far, there aren't any indications that Charlotte is on her way! I'm really hoping my water breaks so that I KNOW it is time. After my time in the hospital, I only want to have to go back one time to have Charlotte! Not multiple!

I finally recovered from my stomach virus, then I caught a cold and had allergy symptoms for a few days. So, I am really happy to be on the mend! 

This past weekend, we tried to enjoy the last moments of our time together! Kyle played golf on Saturday and then we went to dinner and a movie on Saturday night!

We went to see Tammy on Saturday night! It may be our last movie night for a while! :)

How far along? 38 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 14 lbs! 

Maternity clothes: As little clothing as possible!
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep? Haven't had trouble sleeping, but I am up 6-8 times per night to pee. Sometimes I feel like it is every hour!

Miss Anything? Bending over comfortably and wine!

Movement: Lots of movement and sometimes it hurts! Her little feet are constantly kicking over on the right side. We like to push on her feet and she pushes back. She also totally responds to my voice when we talk to her, she normally kicks or makes some type of movement!

Food cravings? Still craving sweets every now and then, but for the most part the cravings and ravenous feeling have kind of subsided for now...
Anything making you sick or queasy? Thinking about labor
Gender: Girl! :) Miss Charlotte! :) 

Symptoms: Contractions and low back pain. Thankfully the heartburn has subsided! I feel for anyone that has it! It kept me up ALL night one night!

Labor signs? Between 1-2 cm and almost fully effaced according to last Monday's appt.
Belly button in or out? Still in, but tight! My belly itches!
Wedding rings on or off? On and still fitting good, suprisingly!
Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy
Worst moment this week:  Sitting and waiting....
Best moment this week: Having a date night with Kyle at our favorite restaurant and going to see a movie! It may be our last date night for a while!! 

Looking forward to: Doctor's appt Tuesday, prenatal massage Thursday, Kyle's parents arrive next Friday and we move August 1st! 

Baby info: She's still a watermelon and weighing in at about 6.5 lbs! ( She was 6 lbs 10 oz. according to the ultrasound last week) I can't wait to see what she actually weighs and to see that sweet face! :) 

37 Week Bumpdate and Moving Update!

Wow, this week has been an eventful one! Kyle returned from being underway for the weekend and we had a pretty busy week between doctor's appointments, a newborn care class, car seat checks at the hospital, etc. On Thursday night, we decided to venture to the Pearl side to get dinner at the BBQ place, Dixie Grill, to start off our 4th of July weekend! We arrived and the power was out, so they weren't serving dinner. Of course we were soo disappointed because we both were craving BBQ! So, we ventured up the road to the mall and settled on Moe's. It is not nearly as good as I remember from college, but it is ok and satisfied us for the most part. We also got some frozen yogurt went to Babies R Us and headed home. We both felt fine and had a good night.

Fast forward to Friday morning... Happy 4th of July... yea right! The plan was for me to ride with Kyle into work so he could take the duty cellphone and then go to the gym, get lunch and shop on that side of the island. I woke up feeling icky, just not right. My stomach started gurgling and I will spare you all the gory details, but I knew this wasn't going to be good. Before Kyle had left, I hadn't started vomiting yet. Well, that became full fledged and I was in the bathtub then back in the bed, desperately trying to feel better. I noticed that my stomach was tightening really bad, but I thought it was just from the vomiting, I didn't realize for a bit that these were contractions. I did my best to text Kyle and also called the hospital birthing center (in the middle of throwing up) trying to figure out what to do. Kyle rushed home and picked me up to take me to the hospital. Really, the ride to the hospital is a blur. I was delirious and super dehydrated.

We arrived at the hospital and I really couldn't speak. I was pacing and just in so much pain and searching for the nearest toilet or trashcan possible. We got checked in and thankfully my doctor was there delivering a baby. The nurse came in and got me started on IV fluids, while I continued to vomit! I got hooked up to the monitors and was having monster contractions every 2-3 minutes. For those of you that have had babies, the peaks were at the top of the graph. My doctor was like, well this could be labor or could be caused by the dehydration and what your body has been through. She checked my cervix and said she would re-check in 2 hours to see if I was making any progress.

I received some nausea medication and fluids and slowly the contractions got further and further apart. It was impossible for me to rest, but I laid on my side and just tried to relax. When they re-checked me, I hadn't changed, still 1cm. I tried to drink some water and thankfully I was able to keep that down! I was so thirsty! When I knew Charlotte wasn't coming on 4th of July, I just wanted to go home. I was exhausted and so uncomfortable in the hospital. I was freezing and not comfortable in the bed at all.

I wouldn't normally share horrible photos of me, but this somewhat depicts how horrible I was feeling!
At this point the contractions had subsided! Praise the lord! 

We headed home and Kyle stocked up on some Gatorade, saltine crackers and chicken soup. My body was super weak and ached all over. It was truly a traumatic experience that I wouldn't want to ever go through again, pregnant or not. I finally made it out of the house today to go to church and check out our new house, but even that has worn me out! I'm glad Charlotte decided to stay put, because I don't think I would have had the energy to get through labor!

On Saturday, we got a call from the housing office and we finally got a house on Ford Island. We originally decided to move because our landlord was trying to sell the house we live in. Our lease is only through January of next year, so we knew that we would have to move at some point since our orders are here until July. So, we felt like the sooner the better so we could get settled and enjoy this time as a new family. Of course, the timing is not nearly ideal, especially because we don't know when this little girl will arrive, but we are trying our best to not stress and realize that it will all work out! The house may not be decorated for months, but at least we will be comfortable with the A/C, Kyle will be closer to work, we will have a garage ( my car is boiling every time I get in it and I was super nervous about putting Charlotte in it), on top of a million other good things. We still haven't solidified a moving date, but it will be sometime between July 30 and August 15. Kyle's parents are here from July 25-August 5 and my mom arrives August 15-31. So thankfully we will have some help during this time! I'm hoping to take some photos this week of Charlotte's perfectly set up nursery so that we can somewhat document it before we take it down and move it to the new house!

Our new house! 

We are currently at the blue dot, moving to the red dot and Kyle works at the purple dot. It is alot closer, but the traffic on the Honolulu side is much worse than the Kailua side.

On Ford Island overlooking the Arizona memorial and the Reagan Aircraft Carrier in town for RIMPAC

I have no bump pic this week! :( Hopefully once I'm feeling better I can document! This may be the last one!

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I lost 5 lbs upon checking into the hospital. Will update again next week once my body bounces back!
Maternity clothes: Anything that fits!
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep? One night I was up every hour, the next only 2 times in one night. It's constantly changing

Miss Anything? Nothing in particular!

Movement: Her movement has not been as active over the weekend, but I think she was resting from all of the activity I put her through or she is running out of room! 

Food cravings? Ugh, food is not my friend right now
Anything making you sick or queasy? Thinking about labor
Gender: Girl! :) Miss Charlotte! :) 

Symptoms: Some contractions, low back pain, heartburn like crazy even after having nothing to eat! It just starts up! 

Labor signs? Still 1 cm dilated!
Belly button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? On and still fitting good, suprisingly!
Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy
Worst moment this week:  I would change this to say worse moment of my entire pregnancy was the events of 4th of July! So horrible!
Best moment this week: Getting a house on Ford Island!

Looking forward to: Getting closer and closer to her due date! The waiting game has begun!

Baby info: She's a watermelon and weighing in at about 6 lbs! 

36 Weeks Bumpdate

Short post this week and I'm late in posting as I am now almost 37 weeks and full term!! Wow, I never thought we would get here! Enjoy the bumpdate and have a safe and fun 4th of July! :) 

How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain/loss: Up 2 lbs for a total of 13 lbs
Maternity clothes: I'm wearing whatever is comfortable at this point!
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep? Was worse in the beginning of the week (up 8x to pee) but has gotten better. I just can't nap! I tell myself everyday I'm going to take one and I can't! 

Miss Anything? The usual, being able to bend over and pick things up and feeling cool! She is such a heater!

Movement: Moving constantly! Thankfully it doesn't keep me awake or wake me up. She definitely responds to me pushing on her and also singing. I'm practicing my nursery rhymes! :) 

Food cravings? So hungry...always! I usually start my day pretty healthy and then I end up craving Popsicles and sugar later in the day!
Anything making you sick or queasy? Needles, IVs and all things medical related!
Gender: Girl! :) Miss Charlotte! :) 

Symptoms: The usual, back pain, heartburn and just started swelling up too! 

Labor signs? I'm 1 cm dilated!
Belly button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? On and still fitting good, suprisingly!
Happy or moody most of the time?  Happy
Worst moment this week: Kyle was gone this past weekend, but we managed just fine! I did some shopping at the outlets and got super tired! I don't know what I was thinking going there on a weekend! I think that triggered my "scare" at my doctors appt on Monday. My blood pressure was elevated, I was up 3 lbs from the following Thursday and very swollen, but my urine and reflexes were fine. Thankfully everything is back to normal and the swelling has gone down! It was just a little nerve-wracking.
Best moment this week: Having Kyle home and not leaving again until after she is born! So comforting! And knowing I'm starting to dilate. I realize I could still go to 42 weeks, but progress, is progress! As Kyle said, I'm 10% of the way there!! 

Looking forward to: Getting our car seats installed by the hospital ( I feel like this makes it so real) and the long 4th of July weekend!

Baby info: She is still a large cantaloupe and is about 20 inches and 5.5 lbs!