Almost 5 weeks later, I'm back and ready to catch up!
Saturday, April 24th, 2:20 pm, 7 pounds 6 ounces, 21 1/4 inches: Happy Birthday Olivia!
That Friday night Kyle and I watched the second Twilight movie and ordered Pei Wei -- a typical Friday night in the Lugg household. I looked at him at dinner and told him to consider the thought that tonight might be our last night "alone" in the house. He really thought she was going to wait until her induction Sunday night, but humored me anyways. As easy as it is for me to say this now, I really had a feeling that she was going to come either Friday night or Saturday.
Sure enough I woke up at about 5:30 am Saturday (the day after her due date) with some pains that I hadn't had before. I had been having contractions on and off for weeks, but nothing that felt like this. Something had to have been happening before seeing as I was 4 centimeters dilated that Monday before she was born! Anyway, I was pretty sure this was it, though, because the pains were beginning to wrap around into my back. At 6:00am, I woke up Kyle and told him I was 90% sure it was time. I said 90% because lets just say this wasn't the first time I woke up Kyle to tell him I thought I was in labor. Its true what people say, though, that when you know -- you know.
He leapt out of bed and to his feet about as quickly as you could ask. He was remarkably lucid, too, for being jolted out of bed. My first instinct then was not to call the Dr. yet, but to jump in the shower. All I knew at that moment was that I wasn't going anywhere until I got a shower. Granted, it ended up being a quick one, but a shower nonetheless.
After the shower I called the Dr. and waited...and waited...and waited. After two phone calls in 30 minutes, no return phone call, and contractions that were 5 minutes apart, we got in the car and headed for Riverside about 7am.
By the time we got to Triage, I was starting to feel the contractions pretty good. No kidding because I was almost 5 centimeters at that point. After all the standard pokes and prods, we were admitted and in our Labor and Delivery room by around 8:30am. The much anticipated epidural came by about 9:30am and I was sitting much more comfortably by then.
Once we got all settled and the nurse did her thing, she told us that it was a good time for us to rest not knowing what was ahead of us. A nap sounded pretty good, even after a "full" nights sleep. Kyle brought the recliner over next the bed and we both got comfy. As the nurse left the room she told me to be sure to call her if I, at any point, felt the need to push. No sooner did Kyle and I both settle into our napping positions when I got the urge to push, go figure.
By 11:16am, the nurse was ready and in position to help me push. The next 3 hours, yes I said 3 hours (and 4 minutes, but who's counting), there was lots of pushing, pushing, and more pushing. Then at 2:20pm, Olivia Claire was born into this world.
That moment will be forever burned into my head. We are completely head over heels in love with our little girl. She is precious in every way and we couldn't feel more blessed.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
40 weeks
Happy Due Date, Olivia! Now...it's time for your birthday:)
Even though her birth is impending (whether it be today, tomorrow, or Sunday at her induction), it almost doesn't seem real. I can imagine what it 'might' be like to see her for the first time, and what she 'could' look like, but it seems so out-of-body to imagine this is REALLY all about to happen.
You spend so much time anticipating getting pregnant. Then you worry for the first 12 weeks about having a normal pregnancy, and then the next 12 weeks you spend thinking about everything you have to do to get ready for this new person you are bringing into the world, but it still seems so far away. And THEN, one day, you are here. Big, uncomfortable, and anxious just waiting for the pain that says "it's time" or for the clock to tick down to your scheduled induction.
We have exactly 2 nights, or less, in this house as it is. Starting next week we'll have another person that LIVES here. I swear, for something so common, and natural, it seems so abstract to me.
Can't wait to meet my baby...
Even though her birth is impending (whether it be today, tomorrow, or Sunday at her induction), it almost doesn't seem real. I can imagine what it 'might' be like to see her for the first time, and what she 'could' look like, but it seems so out-of-body to imagine this is REALLY all about to happen.
You spend so much time anticipating getting pregnant. Then you worry for the first 12 weeks about having a normal pregnancy, and then the next 12 weeks you spend thinking about everything you have to do to get ready for this new person you are bringing into the world, but it still seems so far away. And THEN, one day, you are here. Big, uncomfortable, and anxious just waiting for the pain that says "it's time" or for the clock to tick down to your scheduled induction.
We have exactly 2 nights, or less, in this house as it is. Starting next week we'll have another person that LIVES here. I swear, for something so common, and natural, it seems so abstract to me.
Can't wait to meet my baby...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ok, so as of Monday I am 4 centimeters dilated and all the way effaced. Thats right, 4 whole centimeters.
We have an induction scheduled for Sunday night at 9pm, but I'm really hoping we don't need it. The doc said given my stats that I'm not increasing my risks for anything, c-section included, by inducing before the traditional 10-days are up. In fact, she thinks either way its going to go pretty fast given all the progress that I've made on my own. I just would prefer Olivia decide its time on her own, but if she hasn't made that decision by Sunday it looks like I'm going to have to make my first motherly executive decision.
So, here I am, on Wednesday, just waiting...and waiting. This part is hard! I feel like a ticking time bomb. The planner in me is freaking out. What if Kyle is in a meeting and my water breaks? What if I want to run to the store and my contractions start? Yeah, I am known for over-analysis -- this situation is definitely not exempt.
Soon. Soon...
We have an induction scheduled for Sunday night at 9pm, but I'm really hoping we don't need it. The doc said given my stats that I'm not increasing my risks for anything, c-section included, by inducing before the traditional 10-days are up. In fact, she thinks either way its going to go pretty fast given all the progress that I've made on my own. I just would prefer Olivia decide its time on her own, but if she hasn't made that decision by Sunday it looks like I'm going to have to make my first motherly executive decision.
So, here I am, on Wednesday, just waiting...and waiting. This part is hard! I feel like a ticking time bomb. The planner in me is freaking out. What if Kyle is in a meeting and my water breaks? What if I want to run to the store and my contractions start? Yeah, I am known for over-analysis -- this situation is definitely not exempt.
Soon. Soon...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ok, so I'm now almost 3 centimeters dilated and nearly ALL the way effaced. I'd say it's time, right?
I finished my last night of class last night and tomorrow is my last day of work. Of course, now every little pain I feel I'm sure its labor. I'll know for sure, right? Thats one of my biggest fears. I've had so many Braxton Hicks that I fear I won't know the difference. I hope my water breaks. Not just because that means Olivia will be on her way, but because it's a sure fire sign it's time!
Doc had me schedule an induction...just in case. She says since I'm already so far along on my own she would feel comfortable doing it as soon as the weekend right after my due date. So, for now, we have an induction scheduled for next Sunday, April 25. I REALLY don't want to have to use it, but her next suggestion was April 30 so the 25th sounds pretty good in comparison.
I finished my last night of class last night and tomorrow is my last day of work. Of course, now every little pain I feel I'm sure its labor. I'll know for sure, right? Thats one of my biggest fears. I've had so many Braxton Hicks that I fear I won't know the difference. I hope my water breaks. Not just because that means Olivia will be on her way, but because it's a sure fire sign it's time!
Doc had me schedule an induction...just in case. She says since I'm already so far along on my own she would feel comfortable doing it as soon as the weekend right after my due date. So, for now, we have an induction scheduled for next Sunday, April 25. I REALLY don't want to have to use it, but her next suggestion was April 30 so the 25th sounds pretty good in comparison.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Is it too early to be impatient? We still have the better part of 3 weeks left and truthfully, right now, that seems like an eternity.
Went to the Doc this morning. Apparently I'm 90% effaced now, but still only 1 centimeter dilated. She said that could mean soon or it could mean "a few days after my due date". Huh? Late? Ick.
Went to the Doc this morning. Apparently I'm 90% effaced now, but still only 1 centimeter dilated. She said that could mean soon or it could mean "a few days after my due date". Huh? Late? Ick.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Update
1 centimeter dilated
80% effaced
Head - LOW (no wonder my groin feels like I just ran a marathon!)
Doc said she'd be surprised if Olivia made it to her due date. What have your experiences been?
80% effaced
Head - LOW (no wonder my groin feels like I just ran a marathon!)
Doc said she'd be surprised if Olivia made it to her due date. What have your experiences been?
Today marks the first of my weekly appointments. Up until about a week ago I was overwhelmed by the idea that we were getting so close. However, now, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm sure some of my fears will resurface once I'm actually in labor and this is really all about to happen, but for now, I feel so ready.
I'm sure some of this new feeling has to do with the fact that I can't sleep, I'm uncomfortable, my body aches, I have to pee every 15 minutes, and I'm back to being nauseous in the mornings. Things definitely could be worse, I realize that, but at this point, I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore and hold my baby in my arms rather than in my tummy.
I'm sure some of this new feeling has to do with the fact that I can't sleep, I'm uncomfortable, my body aches, I have to pee every 15 minutes, and I'm back to being nauseous in the mornings. Things definitely could be worse, I realize that, but at this point, I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore and hold my baby in my arms rather than in my tummy.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
This past weekend was what felt like our first official "all baby weekend." We had a shower with Kyle's family all day on Saturday and then an eight-hour birthing class on Sunday!
The shower was great. His family is amazing and there is definitely no shortage of excitement or love for Olivia. We came home with more then I could have ever imagined, including the car sear and the highchair! My favorite part of the shower, though, is that his sisters took a picture of the nursery to the cake woman and had her frost flowers onto the cake that look just like the flowers that are on the nursery walls. So touching.
Birthing class (I write birthDAY class almost every time I go to type this!) was long, but good. ALL day was a long time to spend in an itty-bitty education room at the hospital, but we were surprised how quickly the time passed. I guess when its information you feel like you not only want to have, but HAVE to have, you tend to be a little more engaged. All I know is that I'm thankful I wasn't the woman who's water broke DURING class! I guess not really DURING class, but on the dinner break from the class she was headed up to visit a friend in the maternity ward and her water broke on the elevator! She was 35 weeks. Needless to say that sent shock waves through our class. Talk about being at the right place at the right time, though, right?
As we approach 33 weeks, I'm feeling good. We've gotten most of what we wanted to get done before she is born and have a few more to check off the list (including the completion of our addition! -- hopefully!!) in these next several weeks. Although, Kyle keeps making me feel like we have less time then we probably actually do because he is convinced that Olivia is going to come early. Last night he asked me to start working on packing our bags for the hospital. I think his fear of that comes from several areas. He was 2 weeks early (because his mom was determined that he wasn't going to be born on his Christmas Eve due date and ruin Christmas for his older sister), my sister was 6 weeks early (my mom was 40 and considered high(er)-risk), a good friend of ours has been in and out of the hospital with pre-term labor contractions and their due date is the day before ours (her and her boyfriend have had lots of problems including her moving out for a time= lots of added stress), and then this woman from our birthing class! I'm not feeling the earlyness, but like he said...you never know, I guess.
The shower was great. His family is amazing and there is definitely no shortage of excitement or love for Olivia. We came home with more then I could have ever imagined, including the car sear and the highchair! My favorite part of the shower, though, is that his sisters took a picture of the nursery to the cake woman and had her frost flowers onto the cake that look just like the flowers that are on the nursery walls. So touching.
Birthing class (I write birthDAY class almost every time I go to type this!) was long, but good. ALL day was a long time to spend in an itty-bitty education room at the hospital, but we were surprised how quickly the time passed. I guess when its information you feel like you not only want to have, but HAVE to have, you tend to be a little more engaged. All I know is that I'm thankful I wasn't the woman who's water broke DURING class! I guess not really DURING class, but on the dinner break from the class she was headed up to visit a friend in the maternity ward and her water broke on the elevator! She was 35 weeks. Needless to say that sent shock waves through our class. Talk about being at the right place at the right time, though, right?
As we approach 33 weeks, I'm feeling good. We've gotten most of what we wanted to get done before she is born and have a few more to check off the list (including the completion of our addition! -- hopefully!!) in these next several weeks. Although, Kyle keeps making me feel like we have less time then we probably actually do because he is convinced that Olivia is going to come early. Last night he asked me to start working on packing our bags for the hospital. I think his fear of that comes from several areas. He was 2 weeks early (because his mom was determined that he wasn't going to be born on his Christmas Eve due date and ruin Christmas for his older sister), my sister was 6 weeks early (my mom was 40 and considered high(er)-risk), a good friend of ours has been in and out of the hospital with pre-term labor contractions and their due date is the day before ours (her and her boyfriend have had lots of problems including her moving out for a time= lots of added stress), and then this woman from our birthing class! I'm not feeling the earlyness, but like he said...you never know, I guess.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Olivia. Thats going to be my little girl's name. Now that we have decided "for sure", it makes me feel like I know her even a little bit more. We've been trying it out at home and it feels just right:)
She's a little stinker already. Little Miss. Active that's for sure. The last two Drs appointments she has played hide-and-go-seek with the Dr's doppler. Literally, last week she moved five times before the Dr. could get a good read of her heartbeat! The Dr. was cracking up! I'm beginning to wonder if this is a small peek into my future. Her Daddy can't sit down for more than 5-minutes and I'm thinking she may have inherited that gene.
I just set up a "meet and greet" with the pediatrician we are interested in. Do you think I need to set up more than one? I've heard you should interview a few, but everyone raves about this practice so I'm assuming I'll feel the same way. Maybe thats not a safe assumption?
Left to do: washing clothes, attending all of our various classes, showers (!), pre-registering at the hospital, final preps!
She's a little stinker already. Little Miss. Active that's for sure. The last two Drs appointments she has played hide-and-go-seek with the Dr's doppler. Literally, last week she moved five times before the Dr. could get a good read of her heartbeat! The Dr. was cracking up! I'm beginning to wonder if this is a small peek into my future. Her Daddy can't sit down for more than 5-minutes and I'm thinking she may have inherited that gene.
I just set up a "meet and greet" with the pediatrician we are interested in. Do you think I need to set up more than one? I've heard you should interview a few, but everyone raves about this practice so I'm assuming I'll feel the same way. Maybe thats not a safe assumption?
Left to do: washing clothes, attending all of our various classes, showers (!), pre-registering at the hospital, final preps!
Monday, February 15, 2010
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
So, I know its been awhile. Not sure if anyone is still paying attention - or ever really was (except you KP!) - but I figured some of this is for me so I should probably get back into it.
So, I'm closing in on Week 30. Wow. Its really sneaking up on me. For all the planning I have done and "prepping" I continue to do, it just seems like time just keeps going faster and faster. I'm not complaining, in fact, as I continue to get more and more uncomfortable I'm finally beginning to be able to picture, and look forward to, what its going to feel like going back to not being pregnant and, of course, meeting my little girl:)
We registered her for school this morning. Felt rather weird to be signing on the parent/guardian line. I don't quite feel like one of those yet, but I'm sure that, too, will sneak up on me. We are taking her to an adorable little center around the corner from our house that is owned by the Jewish Community Center. I wasn't really into the daycare idea, until I walked into this place. Its warm, the teachers are special, and best of all, it really feels like a school. She can go there until pre-K and then even after that for after-school and summer programs. One more thing checked off the list!
Next, a pediatrician. I have had several recommendations from friends and family so now I just need to figure out how to decide. I trust all of the people that gave me these tips so how do I know who to ultimately choose? If only the pedi. I had when I was kid was still practicing - I loved her.
I'm feeling pretty good, but definitely big. The belly is starting to get more and more cumbersome and, boy, am I a klutz. I've tripped, stumbled, and dropped things more times than I think I ever have in my entire life. And I definitely feel off-balance. That in combination with all of this snow and ice...sucks.
So, I'm closing in on Week 30. Wow. Its really sneaking up on me. For all the planning I have done and "prepping" I continue to do, it just seems like time just keeps going faster and faster. I'm not complaining, in fact, as I continue to get more and more uncomfortable I'm finally beginning to be able to picture, and look forward to, what its going to feel like going back to not being pregnant and, of course, meeting my little girl:)
We registered her for school this morning. Felt rather weird to be signing on the parent/guardian line. I don't quite feel like one of those yet, but I'm sure that, too, will sneak up on me. We are taking her to an adorable little center around the corner from our house that is owned by the Jewish Community Center. I wasn't really into the daycare idea, until I walked into this place. Its warm, the teachers are special, and best of all, it really feels like a school. She can go there until pre-K and then even after that for after-school and summer programs. One more thing checked off the list!
Next, a pediatrician. I have had several recommendations from friends and family so now I just need to figure out how to decide. I trust all of the people that gave me these tips so how do I know who to ultimately choose? If only the pedi. I had when I was kid was still practicing - I loved her.
I'm feeling pretty good, but definitely big. The belly is starting to get more and more cumbersome and, boy, am I a klutz. I've tripped, stumbled, and dropped things more times than I think I ever have in my entire life. And I definitely feel off-balance. That in combination with all of this snow and ice...sucks.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year! It's a GIRL!
What a whirlwind the holidays were. Not only did we have the typical holiday madness, but we got to experience the joy of finding out that we are bringing a little girl into this world.
We ended up opening our envelope Christmas Eve, just the two of us. The excitement and anticipation had built up so much that we could hardly stand to wait another minute! It was such a surreal moment. The doctor had written a note that read "Two lines between legs GIRL, Merry Christmas:)". She had written GIRL large enough that both of us honed in on that life-changing word at the same time. Nothing could have been more amazing.
Inside the envelope were three pretty distinct pictures of her girl parts. The doc had them labelled for us and everything -- just in case.
Since then we have spent a lot of time in the nursery, putting together furniture, painting, putting up wainscoting, and I've been making adhesive vinyl wall art. Pics to come...
What a whirlwind the holidays were. Not only did we have the typical holiday madness, but we got to experience the joy of finding out that we are bringing a little girl into this world.
We ended up opening our envelope Christmas Eve, just the two of us. The excitement and anticipation had built up so much that we could hardly stand to wait another minute! It was such a surreal moment. The doctor had written a note that read "Two lines between legs GIRL, Merry Christmas:)". She had written GIRL large enough that both of us honed in on that life-changing word at the same time. Nothing could have been more amazing.
Inside the envelope were three pretty distinct pictures of her girl parts. The doc had them labelled for us and everything -- just in case.
Since then we have spent a lot of time in the nursery, putting together furniture, painting, putting up wainscoting, and I've been making adhesive vinyl wall art. Pics to come...
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