A Baby Story

March 17, 2011...looking back one year ago to Our Baby Story:

Wednesday March 17th - St. Patrick's Day, 2010. Now 3 days past our due date we were scheduled at the hospital at noon to do a 'non-stress test'. They connect you to a monitor that measures the baby's heartbeat and any contractions. Everything checked out fine and we proceeded from there to Starbucks to have a green tea frappuccino in honor of St. Paddy's Day and also to wasted some time before our doctor's appointment. I remember not being able to get comfortable in the chairs and feeling like I had a running cramp in my side.

Non-Stress Test at the Hospital

We then had an appointment to see the doctor. I mentioned the stitch in my side, but she didn't say that it was the start of labour so I thought I was just uncomfortable. Dr. Kolkind did a membrane sweep and attempted to break my water. She mentioned that the baby must have lots of hair because she could feel it through the membrane sack. I was about 4cm dilated. No success breaking our water so we made our way home.

In an attempt to get things started we took Roxy for a walk out in the back field. Doug made me hike straight up a very steep hill and we joked that if this didn't initiate something, nothing will!

That evening with where joined by Norm and Sandra and Roah for dinner. They brought over a very large pepperoni pizz

a from Costco. After dinner we played Candyland with Roah and I remember feeling uncomfortable again. I spoke with Lisa over the phone and I told her I was feeling "funny" and she told Doug that he should get ready 'cause the baby was coming!

Still in denial that this might be the start of labour, we said goodnight to Norm, Sandra and Roah, and we headed to bed thinking that we better try and get some sleep while we can! Doug put on Dirty Dancing to try and distract me. By 9pm the contractions were more defined and coming more regular, so we started to keep track of them. Right away they were coming every 3-5 minutes. There would be no sleeping! By the end of the movie and about 11pm they were coming every 2-3 minutes. We wondered if we should head to the hospital. When I called they said "come if your water breaks, pain is too uncomfortable/unbearable, or there is any bleeding". Hmmm...how do you measure the pain, it was unbearable from the very beginning! Around 11:30pm I went to the washroom, lost my mucus plug, and started shaking uncontrollably. I figured that I wasn't comfortable at home any more so I might as well be uncomfortable at the hospital.

12:30am we were on the road to the hospital. I took this video in the car as we pulled up to the Kelowna General Hospital.

We hit the assessment room and I could tell that this was it! There would be no sending us home. They were surprised to see I was already 7cm dilated. The called our doctor to come down right away and we were quickly taken into a delivery room. The contractions started to become so strong that I was having to tune everyone out to get through them. The doctor arrived maybe 20 minutes later and she stayed with us in the delivery room the whole time.

Soon after our doctor arrive she had the resident doctor break my water. Not long after breaking my water I had the urge to start pushing. The doctor had me try several pushing positions. None of which I liked getting into, but then after I moved into position I was no keen to move again. After a long time of pushing I remember asking "So? What's going on? Can you see the head yet?" I was very disheartened to find out no nothing yet but keep going. Eventually the head did come and I yelled, "well if you can see it, pull it out!" Apparently you have to work for it!! At about 4:05am the doctor said "you're going to have this baby before 5am" and I remember watching the clock and thinking, you better be here before 5am! And sure enough at 4:56am our precious baby was born. Best feeling ever when the baby finally came out fully. They placed the baby on my chest and I was so amazed at how big the baby was and so healthy looking. It took me a minute to then realize..."So is it a girl or boy?!" It was a girl!!

8lbs 1oz 19.5 inches

Unfortunately her head and shoulders were a bit too big and I tore pretty badly. They brought in a specialist to stitch me. It was great to watch Doug watch over her as she had her initial examination. I'm so glad we were all in the same room together. We were able to try breastfeeding right away and she latched on no problem.

After spending some time with her we decided to name her Maëlle June Bryan.

No drugs, 8 hours, and now a year later...I would do it all again no hesitation!

Eh, Oh, Baby Go!

Our friend Kathy, in Calgary, shared this cute story with us. Thought I would share it here on the blog too.

"We were in the car on our way to school when the kids start asking about summer vacation. We talked about the cabins we would be at and that we would see you and Doug and Scott and Christina. So Georgia asks, “do they have any kids?” and I explain that you will be having one any day now and that in a couple of month Christina will have one to.

So as a little encouragement to the babies Georgia pipes up with “eh, oh, baby go” and her and Sam laughed at how clever she is (me too). It is after the cheer pepsi was advertising before the Olympics (the kids were watching a football game at New Year’s and it was on every commercial break). I thought it was very sweet. So there you go Baby Bryan!"

Too cute! Thanks for the Cheer Georgia - we need it :)

Day 1 - Overdue

Visited the doctor again today...and we're now almost 3cm dilated. Seems like things are slowly progressing but no real 'signs' or feelings that real contractions are imminent. She did sweep the membranes in an attempt to get things started. She mentioned that my water could break first or contractions could get started in the next 48 hours. She's hoping I'll go into labour before the weekend so that she can be the one delivering. We'd like that too!

She has order a series of non-stress tests over the next week that take place at the hospital. I should hear from them shortly to set up appointments for these. They'll monitor the heartbeat, regular movement, and any contractions happening to make sure the baby is not under any distress as it continues to stay overdue.

We have another appointment to go back in two days, Wednesday...but perhaps we won't need it!

It was a beautiful day here today - went for a walk on the beach to try and get things going!

Due Date Photo

Here is a Week 40 - Due Date photo

from Sunday March 14th

Happy Due Date Day - Sunday March 14th

Today is our official due date...but no baby yet. Looks like it will be fashionably late! So hard to believe that 40 weeks have past and here we are at our due date expecting baby anytime. It is very rare that babies are born right on their due date - I think like 5% of all births, but those were also the odds we were given to have this baby, so I guess you never know ;)

We're celebrating our due date day by taking it easy and relaxing at home. Yesterday we had a night out with Mike and Ros to see Avatar in 3D followed by a nice yummy dinner at the Cactus Club. Not sure we'll have many evenings like that in our future, not for a little while at least.

We're pretty much set and ready. The nursery is set-up, clothes are washed, diapers ready, hospital bags packed. Just not sure you can ever really be mentally ready for what is ahead. I'm not nervous though, just excited.

Here is a little tour of the baby's room:

Waiting Game

With 4 days till our due date, we are basically playing the waiting game. Wonder when our baby bundle will arrive?

At our doctor's visit yesterday we reiterated that we are happy to wait it out to see what happens on it's own naturally. I'm feeling good and not uncomfortable so we figured no need to rush things with sweeping the membranes. Think Doug wants to get another week of work behind him before he takes a couple weeks for the baby.

Baby is measuring on track and the heartbeat is still nice and strong. I captured a little video to share the sound of the heartbeat with you. It was about 148 I think.

I wasn't sure if the baby was completely engaged in my pelvis because I don't feel like I've read about or had some people describe. I imagined feeling really uncomfortable, that it would be hard to walk, and I would 'feel' the baby sitting low - 'it may feel like the baby is going to fall out, but it won't'! Despite not feeling that way, the doctor says that the baby is engaged and sitting low in my pelvis. She also said I'm 2cm dilated now. She thinks the baby is a healthy size, not too big, not too small. About 7lbs was her prediction.

We have another appointment for next Monday (one day past due) and then she said they would let me go another week before they would induce me. Still hoping for a St. Paddy's Day baby!!

One Week Waterslides!

We celebrated our one week till due date mark with a trip to the H2O water centre in Kelowna, and despite the warning 'not recommended for pregnant women' I just had to try out all three waterslides!

This was our first time checking out the new facility and we had a great time with our niece Roah and nephew Farrell playing in the wave pool, floating in the lazy river, and of course going down the waterslides.

It was a great afternoon, but boy am I wiped out today. Bet the kids slept well too, Farrell must have gone down the kid's pool slide 50 times :)

9...8...7...

It doesn't seem that long ago that I was posting to this blog our countdown of weeks left to go, 9..8..7... and here we are counting down the days instead - I can't believe it!

Today we are 9 sleeps from our due date. I'm feeling great and in no rush, but both Doug and I are getting very excited to meet our little bundle.

No Sweep

I let the doctor know today that I am happy to wait things out for now and let baby come on it's own time. She had thought she might do a membrane sweep which can initiate labour, but I'm feeling fine and happy to actually enjoy some time off to myself before baby. She was fine to hold off - said that most of the time women want her to do anything possible to start things!

Heart beat was 144 and she said I'm still 1cm dilated, but getting close to 2cm.

Very very excited now that we are so close. Wondering if I should follow the doctor's advice and put a garbage bag under the sheets in case my water breaks in the middle of the night!?

2 Weeks till D-Day

Seems really strange to say that we are now 38 weeks. Officially only 2 weeks until our due date...well 1 week and 6 days now! The baby is still pretty active, pushing and moving around lots in the evenings. I can feel that the baby is sitting a little lower, but I don't think it's fully engaged in my pelvis yet. We have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, so we'll get the latest update.

I spent my first day off relaxing, playing with Roxy and doing some laundry. Doug is currently fighting a cold...so loading up on my vitamin C in hopes of not catching it myself.

Attempted my own pregnancy photo shoot in the backyard today using my camera self time - semi successful!

Last Day of Work

Today I had my last day of work. Kind of hard to believe I'm all done for a whole year...but I know that my next big is about to start.

Wonder how much time I'll actually have 'off' before the baby comes. We're still measuring at 1cm dilated but the baby has dropped down slightly. The doctor mentioned sweeping our membranes next week at our appointment, but I'm thinking maybe we wait one more week. I'm still feeling good and not in a rush to get things started! Plus I have a massage booked for Thursday ;)

Only wish the Olympics was still on next week when I'll be home able to watch 24/7 - I'll be in Olympics withdrawal!!

Beautiful Baby Shower

On Saturday, Amanda threw a beautiful baby shower for me and my Vancouver friends. She did such a great job thinking of every detail and making it so special for me. Amanda planned a fun activity having everyone paint a special bib for the baby.

I feel so fortunate for such wonderful friends and all the special baby gifts. We were thrilled to receive everything from baskets to blankets, cloth diapers to sleepers and some very cute toys.

It was really great to see everyone and I can't wait to be back in the spring to introduce our new baby.

Olympics Baby, Ya!

We made it home safely on Sunday from our week in Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Glad that there was no need for the baby bag that we packed or the car seat we brought along... just in case!

We enjoyed a fantastic week of Olympic events and taking in the excitement of downtown Vancouver. Great big thank you to our friends Amanda and Rick for their hospitality. Roxy is suffering from depression missing her friend Mitchel or maybe just missing his toys!!

I did notice a slight difference by the end of the week in the position of the baby. I think it has started to 'drop' a little and my waddle is starting to develop. My hips are hurting a little, and they crack every time I get out of bed in the morning.... guess it could just be all that extra walking we did while in Vancouver!

Week 36 with the Olympic Torch at the Canada Pavilion

Olympics Day 5

We're really enjoying our time in Vancouver for the Olympics. We got to see some great events live, and downtown Vancouver is just alive with people and the excitement of the games. Everyone is decked out in red and white and maple leafs.

So far I have been feeling great and not having any problems keeping up with all the walking around town. I've worked the baby bump to my advantage, always getting offered seats on the busy Canada Line etc!

Here is a photo at 36 weeks in front of the Olympic Flame with my friend Amanda. Only one month (maybe) to go!

1cm and good to go to the Olympics!

At our doctor's appointment yesterday we were a little surprised to find out that I am 1cm dilated already. The doctor's first reaction was, "When are you back from the Olympics again?"!!! She said it shouldn't be a problem but she did make a prediction that we probably wouldn't make it to our due date. Hmmmm....

She has provided us with a copy of our file to take down to Vancouver with us, just in case and Doug also has the car seat in the car already to save us from having to buy a new one if baby does decide to come during the Olympics. Don't think that will actually be the case, but we're prepared none the less.

We head down on Friday and we can't wait! Glad the baby hasn't 'dropped' yet - I seem to still be okay walking and being on my feet quite a bit. Noticing a little swelling in my ankles and fingers as of late though. Guess 2am dancing at the Heineken House will be out! Darn.

Excited by Dr. Seuss - Kicking Action!

The baby seems to have a bit of schedule worked out now for activity and sleep. It is most active in the afternoons (around 2pm) and then again on our drive home (around 5pm) and then very active in the evenings from about 8pm on. Last night the baby was really squirming and we got a great view of it pushing a fist or foot up through my skin! We jumped to get the video cameras and my iPhone, but of course it's impossible to capture the big movements when you wait for them.

I captured a smaller movement on my iPhone, so hopefully it is noticeable to you too! Don't be confused by my breathing, the movement is near the very end of video clip after I push down on my tummy. It happens at about 22 seconds.

Most nights we play music to the baby through my little pillow speaker. Last night we had Dr. Seuss stories playing to the baby. The speaker is the little round white thing on my tummy.

It's Not Little, But Was Excited

We are now into our weekly visits with the doctor. Everything continues to look good and be on target. I'm feeling great, just a little tired by the end of the work week. We did get another 'comment' though on our last visit from the doctor! She was palpating my tummy for the baby, and she remarked..."well, it's not a small baby"!!!!! Hmmmm... She must have got the baby all worked up too with that comment because when she checked the heart rate the baby was very excited and their heart was beating super fast and strong, fluctuating between 145-167!

Any predictions Lisa?! I still have no instinct as to if it is a boy or a girl. Guess we need to finalize our list of name options pretty quick. We have a couple that we have been tossing back and forth, but no short list decisions yet. I downloaded some apps for my new iPhone to help us narrow it down while we drive to Vancouver next week :)

Getting Excited - Baby Shower

Only 12 sleeps until we head to Vancouver for the Olympics, and till our visit with Amanda and Rick. Amanda has been so sweet and is organizing a Baby Shower for me while we are there. I am SO excited and I can't wait to see everyone. It should be such a fun afternoon :)

With only 6 weeks to go, I can feel myself entering a new stage. Getting a good night's sleep is getting harder and harder, my back is aching after sitting at my desk all day, and even my maternity clothes seem to be getting too small! All in all though I do feel great, and I have been so lucky throughout with no major complaints. Here I am at the end of week 33.

Jungle Painting Complete!

I finished painting the wall in the baby's room today. We wanted to add a couple embellishments to make the room a little more fun and jungle like. I added some leaves and ferns to the main green wall. I'm really happy with how it turned out in the end.

I am also working on some square canvases to be hung on the wall for some added pictures, but only have one done so far. Here is the first monkey painting...still need to hang it.

4 Weeks and 1 Day Left of Work!

Today we held a couple interviews at work to try and find my replacement. Things went well, so I think we'll be able to hire someone soon. With only 4 weeks of work planned before I leave on vacation and then mat leave, it will be nice to start training someone and feel some closure before leaving. My last day is scheduled for Friday Feb 26th.

We are mid way through week 32 with the baby. At our doctor's appointment today we found out that I am measuring back on track at 32cm, so the 'big' baby talk has subsided for now! The baby has dropped into position with its head down. It's easy to palpate the head and the bum of the baby now. The baby is pretty active to pushing its bum up against the top of my belly, feels so funny! The baby's heart rate was 144 and my blood pressure remains good as well.

Thinking about getting some of the basics ready just in case like some diapers and wipes etc. We're feeling good about everything, even with the full review (including pictures and video) of the stages of labour last night at our prenatal class. I'm just so excited to meet our baby:)

2 months today

With our expected due date being March 14th we are exactly 2 calendar months away now. So hard to believe that we are so close. Wondering when my 'nesting' desires will kick in...I really need to clean the house for having people over this weekend, but currently have no motivation to get off the couch!

Yesterday we started our Prenatal Education classes with Okanagan College. We will attend once a week for the next 4 weeks. Sounds like we'll get to cover all the things I'm interested in learning more about and we'll get to tour the hospital. It is definitely more fun being able to attend the classes with our friend's Mike and Roslyn. Makes us realize there is lots to learn, and I wonder if anything will really prepare us for the labour and bringing baby home, trying to adjust with those first few days. We're ready to embrace it all though...well maybe mentally ready only. We still only have Halloween clothes and 2 diapers! Hahaha :)

Hope to get to the second coat of paint tonight on the baby room walls. Pictures soon!

Go Canada Go!

We picked up our Olympic tickets today. Only 31 days to go till we head down to Vancouver for our last trip before the baby arrives.

I've started going through my closet to find all my red clothing to take along, including some of Doug's jackets since mine will no longer fit by then!

We're really excited to go Speed Skating, a Women's Hockey Game, the Pairs Free Skate Figure Skating, and a victory ceremony. We were sad though when we made the decision to skip the 2nd week of events that we had originally planned for. With those events taking place only 2 weeks before our due date we thought we might be pushing it a bit, especially when we found out our Whistler events would involve a walk up the ski hill!

We're really excited though to spend a week in Vancouver with all the hype and excitement, and also to spend some time with family and friends. We can't wait to stay with Amanda and Rick and Amanda has kindly offered to host a baby shower while I'm down there, which I am really looking forward too!

'Big' Baby?

The countdown is on! Today we are 31 weeks along...so it's down to single digits...9...8...7...

Hard to believe we are getting so close now to meeting our precious baby! And will it be a big baby? At our last doctor's appointment I measured 32cm rather than the standard 30cm for this point in the pregnancy. There were some comments from the doctor about it being a big baby - but I think time will still tell! The heart rate was 140, strong and steady still and everything thing else looks good.

There had been lots of movement lately. It's exciting to actually see my tummy skin move from with large kicks and movements. Doug likes to try and push into the baby and have the baby push back!

I'm still feeling great, but I definitely hit an afternoon lull period and have to resist a nap while sitting at my desk at work ;)

Started painting some jungle leaves on the baby room wall...not too sure about it yet, need to add another coat of paint but hoping it looks good in the end. I'll keep you posted with picture when done.