Yesterday was our big photo shoot with our favorite photographer, Robert Bruce. Averie did great considering it was a three-hour shoot! I am sure the pics are going to be adorable. Hoping to have photos to share some time next week. And daddy only got pooped on once and peed on twice!
Congrats to my friends Tim and Katie on the birth of their little princess Madelyn!
And good luck to my girl Stephanie, who is being induced tomorrow. Can't wait to meet Baby Girl Trinity!
Two-week update: Averie is sleeping about three-hours before waking at night to eat. Let's hope we are up to four by next week!
Lilypie First Birthday tickers
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Meet Averie Morgan
Sorry that it has taken so long to post, being a new mommy is hard work ... and finding the time to write this up seemed almost impossible.
I am so proud and honored to announce that Averie Morgan arrived on August 14th at 4:11 p.m. She was 6 pounds, 4 ounces and 18 inches long - and absolutely stunning. Here is our story.
On Saturday, August 13th, mommy did lots of walking (yes - with her cam walker on since her foot is still broken). Then, we headed off to Mike's family reunion. Everyone told me I would be going late because my belly hadn't dropped at all.
On Sunday morning, about 5:30 a.m., I got up to use the bathroom. Got back into bed and felt something "pop." I thought our little peanut maybe made the decision to drop, but then I felt like I was peeing myself (I know, gross!). All I could think was she was pressing down on something that was causing me to lose bladder control. So I hobbled back into the bathroom and surprise, my water broke! I sat there for a second to take in what happened and then woke Mike up. We were both pretty shocked.
I called our doctor and doula and tried to labor at home for a little while ... but Mike was worried about not getting to the hospital in time (gotta love a first time dad). So we headed out around 8:30. Let me tell you, trying to get to the hospital AFTER your water breaks, NOT FUN! I swear, every time I got up or had a contraction, more water. So we used doggie pee pads on the car seat. Nice visual I'm sure - but I can assure you, it wasn't pretty.
When we arrived, I was 90% effaced and 1.5 cm dialated. Very disappointing. I thought this was going to take forever and I was already pretty uncomfortable.
I got moved into our delivery room around 10:30. They tried to put my IV in four times ... and each time, it "popped" (resulting in horrible bruises up and down both arms). They finally called an anesthesiologist in to do it.
At about 12:45, I was dilated to a four, 100% effaced and at station O. I was in a lot of pain, so I asked for the epidural. THANK GOODNESS! It came pretty quickly and by 1:20, I was feeling a bit of relief.
Unfortunately, that didn't last too long because I progressed pretty quickly. By 3:00, I was 9.5+ cm dilated.
At 3:22, I was absolutely miserable, telling Mike I was NEVER going to do this again. It wasn't really pain, but this HORRIBLE pressure. Definitely not something I had ever experienced before. I knew it was time.
Unfortunately, my doctor was busy delivering another baby and the dad in that room wasn't doing too well. So we had a resident - who was overseen by someone else, but honestly, at that point, I didn't even care. I just knew I wanted her out.
We started pushing shortly after. At one point, her heart rate dropped and I had to stop, got turned on my side and given oxygen. They stimulated her head and got it back up ... so I was able to keep going. After only 33 minutes of pushing, our sweet baby Averie arrived at 4:11.
Mike cried and I think I was still in shock that I actually did it. I got stiched up while Mike watched over her and soon enough, we were in recovery holding our little miracle.
I have a lot of great pics from the hospital ... just waiting to get them all from family. They are coming soon.
Other than that, I feel bad that I haven't talked with many of you - but this mom stuff is a lot of hard work. When you get a free moment, you really just want to curl up and relax. But Averie and I hope to see all of you soon ... at least once I get the ok to start driving again (still waiting on this foot to heal).
In the meantime, feel free to pop in for a visit, email or call. I love you all and thank everyone for the support and for convincing me to not immediately sign up for the c-section. I survived!
I am so proud and honored to announce that Averie Morgan arrived on August 14th at 4:11 p.m. She was 6 pounds, 4 ounces and 18 inches long - and absolutely stunning. Here is our story.
On Saturday, August 13th, mommy did lots of walking (yes - with her cam walker on since her foot is still broken). Then, we headed off to Mike's family reunion. Everyone told me I would be going late because my belly hadn't dropped at all.
On Sunday morning, about 5:30 a.m., I got up to use the bathroom. Got back into bed and felt something "pop." I thought our little peanut maybe made the decision to drop, but then I felt like I was peeing myself (I know, gross!). All I could think was she was pressing down on something that was causing me to lose bladder control. So I hobbled back into the bathroom and surprise, my water broke! I sat there for a second to take in what happened and then woke Mike up. We were both pretty shocked.
I called our doctor and doula and tried to labor at home for a little while ... but Mike was worried about not getting to the hospital in time (gotta love a first time dad). So we headed out around 8:30. Let me tell you, trying to get to the hospital AFTER your water breaks, NOT FUN! I swear, every time I got up or had a contraction, more water. So we used doggie pee pads on the car seat. Nice visual I'm sure - but I can assure you, it wasn't pretty.
When we arrived, I was 90% effaced and 1.5 cm dialated. Very disappointing. I thought this was going to take forever and I was already pretty uncomfortable.
I got moved into our delivery room around 10:30. They tried to put my IV in four times ... and each time, it "popped" (resulting in horrible bruises up and down both arms). They finally called an anesthesiologist in to do it.
At about 12:45, I was dilated to a four, 100% effaced and at station O. I was in a lot of pain, so I asked for the epidural. THANK GOODNESS! It came pretty quickly and by 1:20, I was feeling a bit of relief.
Unfortunately, that didn't last too long because I progressed pretty quickly. By 3:00, I was 9.5+ cm dilated.
At 3:22, I was absolutely miserable, telling Mike I was NEVER going to do this again. It wasn't really pain, but this HORRIBLE pressure. Definitely not something I had ever experienced before. I knew it was time.
Unfortunately, my doctor was busy delivering another baby and the dad in that room wasn't doing too well. So we had a resident - who was overseen by someone else, but honestly, at that point, I didn't even care. I just knew I wanted her out.
We started pushing shortly after. At one point, her heart rate dropped and I had to stop, got turned on my side and given oxygen. They stimulated her head and got it back up ... so I was able to keep going. After only 33 minutes of pushing, our sweet baby Averie arrived at 4:11.
Mike cried and I think I was still in shock that I actually did it. I got stiched up while Mike watched over her and soon enough, we were in recovery holding our little miracle.
I have a lot of great pics from the hospital ... just waiting to get them all from family. They are coming soon.
Other than that, I feel bad that I haven't talked with many of you - but this mom stuff is a lot of hard work. When you get a free moment, you really just want to curl up and relax. But Averie and I hope to see all of you soon ... at least once I get the ok to start driving again (still waiting on this foot to heal).
In the meantime, feel free to pop in for a visit, email or call. I love you all and thank everyone for the support and for convincing me to not immediately sign up for the c-section. I survived!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Short and Sweet ...
As of yesterday, 70% effaced and 1 cm. dilated.
Orthopedic surgeon still won’t allow me to drive. Not until post baby. Full-on temper tantrum had. Supposed to be off crutches and using old lady cane by Monday.
And congrats to my girl Corona who went into labor last night. Still waiting on details of her new arrival.
Orthopedic surgeon still won’t allow me to drive. Not until post baby. Full-on temper tantrum had. Supposed to be off crutches and using old lady cane by Monday.
And congrats to my girl Corona who went into labor last night. Still waiting on details of her new arrival.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
First Visit to Beaumont
A quick little post ...
Had a bit of a scary afternoon yesterday. Was at work and all of a sudden had trouble with my vision. Really hard to explain, but couldn't see everything on my computer screen. Called the doctor and they told me to go to the hospital.
Upon getting there, they told me they were a little concerned about preeclampsia. My blood pressure was elevated and legs were swollen. Then, I have had the chronic pain in my right side (which I thought was a foot).
Blood pressure came down and I was able to go home, but now have to do a 24-hour urine collection to look for protein. Trust me, lots of fun when you are stuck in a wheelchair still and it has to be refrigerated. I know - TMI! But isn't that the point of this blog??
I go back to my ob/gyn today ... we'll see what they think. Best case, it's nothing - worst case, they decide to induce. So stay tuned.
On a positive note, everyone at Beaumont was extremely nice - so I feel good about delivering there when the big day comes.
And learned this morning that my mother-in-law was hospitalized yesterday with gall stones. She is having surgery as we speak to have it removed. Love you Mrs. H! Good luck - we're thinking about you!
Had a bit of a scary afternoon yesterday. Was at work and all of a sudden had trouble with my vision. Really hard to explain, but couldn't see everything on my computer screen. Called the doctor and they told me to go to the hospital.
Upon getting there, they told me they were a little concerned about preeclampsia. My blood pressure was elevated and legs were swollen. Then, I have had the chronic pain in my right side (which I thought was a foot).
Blood pressure came down and I was able to go home, but now have to do a 24-hour urine collection to look for protein. Trust me, lots of fun when you are stuck in a wheelchair still and it has to be refrigerated. I know - TMI! But isn't that the point of this blog??
I go back to my ob/gyn today ... we'll see what they think. Best case, it's nothing - worst case, they decide to induce. So stay tuned.
On a positive note, everyone at Beaumont was extremely nice - so I feel good about delivering there when the big day comes.
And learned this morning that my mother-in-law was hospitalized yesterday with gall stones. She is having surgery as we speak to have it removed. Love you Mrs. H! Good luck - we're thinking about you!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Three Weeks and Counting!
As usual, there has been a lot going on … so it’s tough to figure out where to start.
First, let me say congratulations to my friends Maggie and Will on the birth of their BEAUTIFUL daughter Maisey. She came about two weeks early, but mom was amazing and had a natural child birth in just about six hours. I could NEVER do that – she is truly my HERO and I am so proud of her for accomplishing this. Maggie – what a wonderful mommy you are! You can check out her blog here and see amazing baby pics … I have to admit, she does a much better job than I do.
As for me, I am still wheelchair bound, which is extremely unexciting. I am so tired of having people wait on me, drive me places, etc. You would think it would be awesome to be pampered 24-7, but it really is hard feeling useless. Especially at the time when you want to be nesting and getting everything ready for baby’s arrival.
It has resulted in lots of tears … and lots of stress on my whole family who has been so wonderful taking care of me. I love them all more than they can ever know and truly appreciate everything they are doing.
As a special treat for you technical folks, here are the photos of my x-ray. I sort of had a Rachel and Ross Friends flashback when they tried to show me the breaks ("I can't see it"), but maybe you can!
Anyway, I think the plan is for me to try and take my first steps this Friday. I am hoping Mike’s sister, who is a physical therapist, will be able to stop by and help me with this. It’s definitely not something that I want to do on my own, because I know it is going to hurt like a mother (insert your choice of word here!). But I need to get myself a little mobile. Partly because it’s almost impossible for me to get my leg into a stir-up at the OB/GYN so they can check for dilation; and partly because if I have to hop to the bathroom one more time in the middle of the night, I might hurt someone! Wish me luck … and pray that I don’t need to pop one of the Vicodin. (For those of you who know me, I have no problem typically taking medication when I am in pain … but for sake of Baby H. I have been trying very hard to avoid!)
On the positive front, I had my second baby shower this weekend and got to get out of the house and spend some time with my favorite girls (photos to come soon). A special thank you to my mom and girlfriend Lauren for planning such a special night! And to my friend Lynn for taking photos and helping me manage all the gifts from my wheelchair. It was perfect and exactly what I needed.
To all of my friends who took time out of their Saturday night to spend it with me, I absolutely adore you. The night was full of laughs – as they prepared me for the joys of birth – and plenty of Pink Panty Pulldown was consumed (don’t ask!). Everyone was extremely generous and I am confident that we are well prepared for baby girl’s arrival … any time in the next five weeks.
It’s hard to believe that she is officially due on August 23rd – just about three weeks away. While I have been feeling pretty uncomfortable (ie., she loves to extend her foot directly into my rib cage almost all day and night) and it would be wonderful to have her here STAT, I am hoping she sits tight and gives my foot a few more weeks to heal. We are officially on the weekly doctor visit schedule, so I will be posting updates here on our progress. First “official” pelvic exam takes place on Thursday. Can’t wait! (Right, I am so not looking forward to this!)
First, let me say congratulations to my friends Maggie and Will on the birth of their BEAUTIFUL daughter Maisey. She came about two weeks early, but mom was amazing and had a natural child birth in just about six hours. I could NEVER do that – she is truly my HERO and I am so proud of her for accomplishing this. Maggie – what a wonderful mommy you are! You can check out her blog here and see amazing baby pics … I have to admit, she does a much better job than I do.
As for me, I am still wheelchair bound, which is extremely unexciting. I am so tired of having people wait on me, drive me places, etc. You would think it would be awesome to be pampered 24-7, but it really is hard feeling useless. Especially at the time when you want to be nesting and getting everything ready for baby’s arrival.
It has resulted in lots of tears … and lots of stress on my whole family who has been so wonderful taking care of me. I love them all more than they can ever know and truly appreciate everything they are doing.
As a special treat for you technical folks, here are the photos of my x-ray. I sort of had a Rachel and Ross Friends flashback when they tried to show me the breaks ("I can't see it"), but maybe you can!
Anyway, I think the plan is for me to try and take my first steps this Friday. I am hoping Mike’s sister, who is a physical therapist, will be able to stop by and help me with this. It’s definitely not something that I want to do on my own, because I know it is going to hurt like a mother (insert your choice of word here!). But I need to get myself a little mobile. Partly because it’s almost impossible for me to get my leg into a stir-up at the OB/GYN so they can check for dilation; and partly because if I have to hop to the bathroom one more time in the middle of the night, I might hurt someone! Wish me luck … and pray that I don’t need to pop one of the Vicodin. (For those of you who know me, I have no problem typically taking medication when I am in pain … but for sake of Baby H. I have been trying very hard to avoid!)
On the positive front, I had my second baby shower this weekend and got to get out of the house and spend some time with my favorite girls (photos to come soon). A special thank you to my mom and girlfriend Lauren for planning such a special night! And to my friend Lynn for taking photos and helping me manage all the gifts from my wheelchair. It was perfect and exactly what I needed.
To all of my friends who took time out of their Saturday night to spend it with me, I absolutely adore you. The night was full of laughs – as they prepared me for the joys of birth – and plenty of Pink Panty Pulldown was consumed (don’t ask!). Everyone was extremely generous and I am confident that we are well prepared for baby girl’s arrival … any time in the next five weeks.
It’s hard to believe that she is officially due on August 23rd – just about three weeks away. While I have been feeling pretty uncomfortable (ie., she loves to extend her foot directly into my rib cage almost all day and night) and it would be wonderful to have her here STAT, I am hoping she sits tight and gives my foot a few more weeks to heal. We are officially on the weekly doctor visit schedule, so I will be posting updates here on our progress. First “official” pelvic exam takes place on Thursday. Can’t wait! (Right, I am so not looking forward to this!)
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