::Macie:: Birth Story

On Saturday, February 28th I was 39 weeks pregnant, due in exactly one week. I have to admit that I was highly disappointed to still be pregnant. After all, Henley was over two weeks early---I thought for sure Macie would come at the same time as Henley if not sooner.

I had an appointment Monday and during my cervical check my Dr. told me I was still only 50% effaced and only 3cm dilated. He asked what I wanted to do as far as going another week or planning for an induction. I left the doctor totally upset and disappointed. I didn't even return to work from just being overall a mess.

Once I realized I need to get this baby moving, I started walking and bouncing on a birthing ball. I walked and bounced every single night last week and still nada, until Friday. Friday night around 9pm I was having regular contractions that were getting a little worse and were coming every 10 minutes or so. I called my mom to come over to be on call just in case. She ended up spending the night. I got everything ready to go to the hospital should we need to go. Hubs told me to go rest just in case this is the real deal. I woke up at 11:30 with nothing---no contractions and no signs of labor. To say I was disappointed is the understatement of the year.

Saturday my one mission was to get baby Macie out. I was so totally uncomfortable. Everything was swollen and everything hurt. I went to Target to get a few things and walk some more. I tried on some nursing bras and this image in the mirror cracked me up---my belly was hanging out and my feet look like sausages.


I also cleaned the windows, did laundry, and ate Chinese food (which per Google has been known to induce labor). I went to bed with no signs of labor, still huge and uncomfortable.

Around 1am I woke up and had to pee. I had been dreaming about labor and was a little disoriented when I woke as to what was real and what was fake. I laid back down for a minute but instantly felt like I had to pee again. When I stood up a second time, my water broke all over the floor, just like in the movies. I was so shocked. Ted woke up and so did Henley (who was in our bed, surprise surprise). I called my mom to come over while Ted put Henley back in her bed. 

I instantly started having contractions and they were about 10-11 minutes apart. I brushed my teeth and gathered some things we would need like phone chargers and camera. By the time my mom got to our house, the contractions were 8-9 minutes apart. I texted Teddy while he was with Henley and told him I think we need to go asap.

We got in the car around 1:30am and headed to the hospital which is about 20-25 minutes away. It had been raining so the roads were wet, adding another obstacle on our way. We called labor and delivery to let them know we were on the way. My contractions were getting closer and closer. After getting stuck behind a cop and dodging traffic lights the whole way there, we ended up making it to the hospital in 15 minutes. At this point my contractions were 1:30 apart. On the ride to the hospital I was honestly scared and didn't think I was going to make it. I remember looking at Ted in the car and trying to read his expression---he was officially freaked out as well.

We got to the hospital around 2:20am and apparently another woman had arrived in similar fashion to me right before I did so there was no one at the front to buzz us in. At this point the contractions felt almost constant and were very painful. A few minutes later we were buzzed in, checked in triage, and admitted to a room. My doctor who happened to be on call was paged and was on his way.

Since I tested positive for GBS (Group B Strep) I had to be placed on antibiotics. The nurses took a while to get the IV in and left me with quite the bruising. Contractions were coming on so hard and I was trying my best to breathe and count through them. I was 7-8cm when I was admitted and therefore it was too late for any pain medication. I remember telling Ted that I didn't want to do it. I was scared. I think last time going in blind was better as I didn't really know what to expect.

After not too long I felt the need to push. My doctor had arrived and I was about 9cm. He told me to go ahead and push if I feel the need. I don't think he was taking me seriously though as he still wasn't dressed in all of the gear. I felt the contraction coming on but it turned out to be a "dud" as the doctor put it. He then said that if this one was a dud, the next was going to be serious. He was so right. I had another shortly after and it was serious. I pushed and could feel baby Macie entering this world. I felt every piece of her pushing out. It was the most excruciating pain that I have ever felt. After one super painful push, Macie was here and was placed on my belly. I saw her laying there and my husband was saying---she's here she's here but I think I was in so much pain I couldn't even comprehend that. After a few second I held her in my arms. She was here and it was all over!

She was a little bigger than Henley weighing in at 8lbs 4oz and 20.5 inches long, born on 3/1/2015 at 3:13am. Welcome to this world baby! We have been waiting a long time for you!


We got quite a bit of time with her before my mom brought Henley, around 8am. Henley was so excited, this picture pretty much sums it all up.

It's been only a week and I can't remember a time without her. She feels like the perfect addition to our family. And as Ted puts it like a quote from Harry Goldenblatt: It's my lot in life to be surrounded by beautiful women.

Can't wait to share this journey with you all.

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 38



How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 32.5 lbs (from last week, Dr. visit tomorrow)

Stretch marks? Yes

Symptoms: Heartburn, swollen feet, shooting pains in my special parts, overall discomfort! Same as last week.

Sleep: Sleeping ok, last night I only got up one time to pee!! (Yay!)

Best moment this week: Being another week closer to meeting Macie---will this be my last post!?

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything: I miss being comfortable, ready to be back to myself

Movement: She is beating me from the inside out, super painful!

Food cravings: Ice, I've been eating a lot of ice, also craving strawberry shortcake today.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: Happy! So close

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Nursery is Complete

It's done! Albeit, much later than it was done with Henley but either way we are good to go with Macie's Nursery. Here are some pictures and details :-)

dresser, changing table, and crib all from Henley's nursery
Rug from Ikea
Curtains blackout from Target
Turquoise bin for toys from Ikea


Wooden sign DIY
  

Elephant DIY

Monogram Etsy shop 'A Charmed Nest'
Crib skirt DIY
Sheet Babies r Us

Blanket DIY


Recliner Ashley Furniture
Changing pad cover Babies r us
Organization bins Ikea


Decal from Etsy shop 'Leen the Graphics Queen'


Prints from Etsy shop 'Daphne Graphics'




Enjoy! 

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 37



How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 32.5 lbs

Stretch marks? Yes

Symptoms: Heartburn, swollen feet, shooting pains in my special parts, overall discomfort!

Sleep: Sleep has been ok. Some nights up once, others up every hour, especially if Fitz is snoring! (ugh!!)

Best moment this week: Hearing that m cervix is getting ready, although it also is freaking me out. This is so real!

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything: I miss being comfortable, ready to be back to myself

Movement: Kicks have slowly changed into rolls and stretches.

Food cravings: Nothing specific.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: This week has been better but I've had some emotional moments as well. 

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 36


How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs

Stretch marks? Yes, they are starting to feel darker and bigger every week :-(

Symptoms: Back pain started up this week, I've also had some crazy shooting pains when she moves. I am assuming she is just that long now. 

Sleep: Sleep is still hit or miss, I have a little insomnia a couple nights a week but I think that's pretty typical.

Best moment this week: Getting everything done. Hubs and I worked together and the nursery is complete (pictures coming soon!)

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything: I miss my body and I know that it will still be a while but I can't wait to hold Henley on my lap and hug hubs.

Movement: Kicks have slowly changed into rolls and stretches.

Food cravings: Nothing specific.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: This week I've felt a little anxious and stressed. I worked a little later than normal and the realization it's so close hit this week. Hopefully having everything done will make me relax for these last few weeks. 

Looking forward to: Having a baby!!

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 35



How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs at the doctor's appt I had today

Stretch marks? Yes and getting a few more and a few darker one---eek!

Symptoms: As usual guys, heartburn---no surprise there. My feet are also starting to swell. 

Sleep: Sleep is hit or miss, I have a little insomnia a couple nights a week but I think that's pretty typical.

Best moment this week: Just overall getting closer! Work also threw me a shower which was really nice---Macie got some really cute outfits!

Have you told family and friends: Yes everyone knows.

Miss anything: Henley doesn't have any lap left so I really miss being able to have her sit in my lap and read books before bed.

Movement: Kicks have slowly changed into rolls and stretches.

Food cravings: Nothing specific.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: No but I had some paranoid scares while in Fort Lauderdale yesterday. I think just knowing I couldn't go to my doctor if something was wrong had me really reading into things that were probably nothing. 

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: I'd like to think happy for the most part. Few moments of frustration or anxiety about everything that is to come this week. I am in year end for work and the next 2 weeks will be crazy and then I'll be full term. 

Looking forward to: Having time to finish everything I want to do before Macie gets here. With year end and working this weekend and a few hours next weekend I feel like I am racing the clock!!

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 34!



How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 27 lbs. at today's visit

Stretch marks? Yes and getting a few more

Symptoms: Heartburn as usual. Also had some serious pains this weekend as I was walking around Target. I had to stop and catch my breath. I could feel her moving so I think it was her just stretching inside.

Sleep: Sleep has been good for the most part. The Snoogle is back and finally feeling good again thankfully!

Best moment this week: A few more things done in the nursery, also got a sneak peek at Macie on an ultrasound. She is head down and the lump near my ribs is her butt.

Have you told family and friends: Yes everyone knows.

Miss anything: Missing being comfortable and having stamina to play with Henley.

Movement: Kicks have slowly changed into rolls and stretches.

Food cravings: Nothing specifc.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: Nope but Macie stretching at Target this weekend did scare me a bit.

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: Happy, a little moody at work and pretty tired.

Looking forward to: completing the nursery---just a few more things. Ordered fabric for the crib skirt today, need to make her a blanket and planning a sign for one wall in the nursery this week. Next week is year end at work and we are going out of town for my BFF's bridal shower so whatever I don't finish won't get finished until 37 weeks so I am going to try my best to knock some things out this week. 

Took a few pictures after our weekly this time with me and Hens.



Have a great week!

Mere :-)


::Baby G Take 2:: Week 33



How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 24 lbs. at the last visit, no doctor's visit this week so I'm not totally sure.

Stretch marks? Yes and the ones I have seem to be getting a little darker. It's totally ok though as I know they will fade like last time (hopefully--fingers crossed)

Symptoms: Heartburn!! Discomfort all over also. I almost ripped my pants off in the car leaving work one day but had to stop at the store and knew I wouldn't be able to get them back on. I just want to be comfy! I did order two pair of maternity pants. It's so late in the pregnancy and I wasn't going to spend the money but decided $50 is worth 7 weeks of comfort. 

Sleep: Sleep is good for the most part, a little hard to fall asleep here and there but overall getting decent sleep. 

Best moment this week: Getting all of the baby stuff out of the attic. All of the NB cloth diapers are washed and the NB and 0-3 clothes are washed and put away. Feels so close!

Have you told family and friends: Yes everyone knows.

Miss anything: Not really

Movement: Tons---starting to feel like she is just rolling instead of kicking.

Food cravings: Panera cookies---my cookie is back and pretty and pink for Valentine's Day. Henley and I shared one at a little Mommy and Hens lunch yesterday. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Out and you can even see it in my side profile!

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off. I've had a dry patch under there for a few weeks and it gets worse with the rings on so I have just decided to go without.

Happy or Moody: Happy! :-)

Looking forward to: Having Macie in my arms. It's starting to feel real (which also makes me panic---lots to do!)

On my to do list:
- Going home outfit for Macie
- Henley and Macie matching outfits
- Minky blanket for Macie
- Crib Skirt
- Hang nursery pictures
- Pack hospital bag, diaper bag, and Henley's bag 
- Big sister gift for Henley
- Purchase a few more outfits and pj's for Macie

Not terrible but it will be nice to have it all done and ready to go. My goal is by Valentine's day to be totally done and just waiting.

Have a great week!

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 31


How far along? 31 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 24 lbs. I feel like I grew a ton this week!

Stretch marks? Yes, applying lotion twice a day and hoping they fade quickly once Macie is here!

Symptoms: Heartburn like something fierce. I think I have to totally cut out tomatoes. I have had a few rough nights, even with Zantac and Tums. Both times I had tomatoes. 

Sleep: Sleep has been decent except for the 2 nights of severe heartburn. Starting to get out of bed 3-4 times a night to pee though---boo!!

Best moment this week: Heard the heartbeat today which was awesome. Also got more of the nursery done!!!  (...and Henley is now potty trained!!!)

Have you told family and friends: Yes everyone knows.

Miss anything: Not really

Movement: So much---really starting to feel like there isn't any more room. I just don't know how I am going to keep growing, hopefully I slow down some soon.

Food cravings: Nothing really

Anything making you queasy or sick: Felt sick with the heartburn a few times but nothing nauseating

Have you started to show yet: Uh just see above lol

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Out and you can even see it in my side profile!

Wedding Rings On or Off? On but snug

Happy or Moody: Happy! :-)

Looking forward to: Finishing my Etsy orders so I can work on some projects for the nursery. I also have a few outfits in mind for Macie and Henley I want to get made before I have her. (Big sister and little sister outfits!)

(Henley says "1, 2, JUMP!"



::Baby G Take 2:: Week 29 & 30


How far along? 30 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 21 lbs. Pretty close to where I was with Henley so I think I'm in good shape.

Stretch marks? Yep found my first stretch marks the other day in the mirror. They are on the side of my belly, 2-3 of them about 2 inches long. Since mine with Henley went away so well, I'm really not freaking out (as opposed to the tears I shed the first time around)

Symptoms: I am all better so no more coughing which has been a huge blessing! Heartburn and back pain like always. I'm also experiencing a lot of soreness and aches.


Sleep: Sleep has definitely been better this week. Henley is going through a weird sleep thing but luckily falls right asleep if we put her in our bed.

Best moment this week: Christmas was SO fun. Henley didn't feel well but that didn't stop her from having a blast!

Have you told family and friends: Yes everyone knows. 

Miss anything: Not really.

Movement: Tons. I've started feeling hiccups too which are pretty fun.

Food cravings: Nothing specifically. I remember the cravings subsiding in the third trimester last time. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Have you started to show yet: Yes. Feeling huge lately

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Out and showing in all it's glory through my clothes! 

Wedding Rings On or Off? Just starting to feel a little uncomfortable but I'm still wearing them most of the time

Happy or Moody: Happy for the most part, just sick and uncomfortable. 

Looking forward to: Another long weekend with Hens!