Birth Story- short version

When I was pregnant, I read dozens of birth stories.  I really appreciated that women took the time to write their stories and share them.  It's taken me more than 7 months, but I've finally written mine.  This is the condensed version, you can read the absurdly long longer version here.  If you're expecting, know that you can do this.  Women have been having babies for a really long time and your body is capable and strong.

Short/time-line version

Thursday

3:00 p.m.- Midwife sweeps membrane

7:00 p.m.- Try to start labor- long walk, smooches, etc.

9:00 p.m. - Start losing mucus plug

Friday

2:00 a.m.- Wake up with “this is different!” contractions, go back to sleep

6:00 a.m.- Wake up for the day, get ready, head to work

7:00-12:00- Surprisingly busy work day.  When I paused, I noticed the uncomfortable contractions, but when working they weren’t too distracting.

12:00- Went to yoga

1:00- Walk home, call the midwife to let her know that something may be happening

3:00- Dad and Mom come by and visit and time contractions, lend great support, and make dinner

5:30- Jed comes home from work and we labor at home, mom and dad head home soon after

7:00- Labor in the tub, Shannon comes to help

8:00- Check into the hospital

9:30- Get to our L&D room

Saturday

2:00 a.m.- Start pushing

2:30- See the head!

3:30- Still pushing!

4:00- Meet our baby girl!

4:30- Go to OR for stitches

6:30 a.m.- Return to baby and husband and get some sleep

39 Weeks

Baby Layton, due in less than a week!

I'm not sure there's much more room in my womb for little girl to grow, but I'm trying to mentally prepare for a September baby.  My terrific mom carried all of her kids closer to 42 weeks (or more!) than the expected 40 weeks and I chose a practice that will wait until 42 weeks to induce. So, if baby is really comfortable (and still thriving), we won't kick her out until September 9th.  Right now I'm putting my money on September 4th- but we'd love to meet her earlier than that!

It's coming fast!

We're having a baby.

I've been able to feel this little girl wiggle inside of me for over two months, but it still surprises me sometimes. There are plenty of days that I constantly have my hand on my stomach and all I can think about is the little person just inches away and I feel like I'm just twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the big day when we get to meet our baby- like my life is paused and will start again when she gets here.

And it's taking forever.

Except that it isn't.

The weeks are flying by.  It's unbelievable to me that on Monday I'll be 33 weeks along- my due date is  only a little over 7 weeks away (though she'll probably come closer to 9 weeks from now).  I feel absolutely thrilled but entirely inadequate.  Right now I'm sitting in baby's room, surrounded by piles of clothes.  A good friend gave me a giant bag full of clothes and I've been sorting them into sizes.  I've been able to feel this little girl growing inside of me for months, but seeing these different sized outfits side-by-side makes me realize how much she'll grow in the first months on the other side- there's a stark contrast between the first pile and the last.

Each day is precious and has elements that will never quite be the same.  Right now I'm soaking in the last weeks of one-on-one time with my husband and enjoying the flexibility of my own personal schedule.  I'm terribly excited though.

We're having a baby!

31 weeks

Lab rat #82613

All ready for bed, 27 weeks pregnant

I attended a research focused university and have worked in a a research lab for nearly three years; so when there isn't risk involved, I'm a willing test subject.  During this pregnancy I've been participating in a study that includes wearing a sleep monitor to bed once during the 1st trimester and once during the 3rd trimester.  It took a little while to get all set up, but it didn't disrupt my sleep at all- hopefully they learned something useful. And we got some extra spending money for baby!