Tessa is here!!!! *Birth Story*

Long time since I have updated this blog! I have so much to update about and a TON of cute pictures to add! I will be doing this is multiple blog posts so up first will be Tessa's birth story!

Enjoy!

I woke up SUPER anxious Friday morning bright and early. Looked outside...of course ICY ROADS...first sign of ice this year...figures. :) After taking a back way to the hospital because of a car accident due to Black Ice on the highway we arrived at the hospital at 7:30am ready to get this party started! For some reason I thought "HA! I am hours away from meeting Tessa"...little did I know I was MANY hours away!

(Waiting for them to start the induction!!!!)

After I was settled in and they had me all IV'd up with antibiotic for GBS +, and whatever it is they give me to stay hydrated, the OB came in at 9:00am and checked me...I was still 2 almost 3 cm dilated...but closer to 2 and 50% effaced...bummer....I was hoping I would be dilated more. They started me on the pitocin drip IV at 9:30am, at about 11:00am the contractions started getting really painful in my back...yes back labor yet again...I don't wish back labor on ANYONE. Because of the pitocin the contractions were 2 minutes apart and man did they hurt.

Finally at 1:30 pm the OB came back in and checked me again...after all those painful contractions I was only at 3 cm...I wanted to cry. They did not want to give me an epidural so early because I was only 3 cm so they offered me morphine. I have NEVER had morphine and now I know why!!! It made me SOOOOO loopy! and it did NOT take the pain away! So basically Casey and my mom got some good laughs while I was in pain and loopy! Wasn't too funny at the time for me....but now its hilarious! :-)

At 5:30 pm the OB came back in and checked me again....STILL at 3 cm with the ridiculous back labor every 2 - 3 minutes. THEN for some reason the pitocin kinda just stopped working and the contractions stopped and I got a little break. BUT the OB's were concerned because after all the contractions all day they just stopped. So I got a nice break for about 3 1/2 hours contraction free.

At 9:00 pm OB came back in and they took me off pitocin, let me eat and take a shower and they were planning on restarting pitocin after the little break in hopes it will kick back into gear.

At 10:30 pm they restarted the pitocin. Since my labor wasn't exactly going fast my mom decided to head back home for the night and get a good nights sleep. Casey stayed with me at the hospital and was in for a rough night. My contractions came back around midnight and made for a LONG night...they were so painful and ALL in my back.

At 5:00 am they checked me again and I was 4 cm dilated...Big freaking do...after all that pain I was SURE I was atleast 50 cm dilated! If not more!!! :)

They finally offered me the epidural and I said YES YES PLEASE!!!!

At 5:30 am the day got a little better because I got my epidural!!!! Poor Casey haha...he had a rough time seeing me have to get that...I thought he was going to pass out. He had this look of pure fear on his face, but he was good and helped me through it. It hurt a lot more than last time but once it started working it was amazing!!!

I FINALLY got to sleep for a bit. My mom and dad came to visit around 8:30am and Casey ran home to take a shower and change his clothes.

They came back in again to check my progress about 10:30am. I was 5 - 6 cm! YES I thought that was great...then the kicker...as they were checking to see how dilated I was my water broke!!!! ALL of a sudden things started moving quickly! I was all worried because Casey still wasn't back. I finally got a hold of him and he was already on his way. He got there about 15 minutes later.

The pressure really started to come at about 10:45 am (pressure that feels like you have to poo....but you don't...its just the baby moving down into the birth canal or something like that).

At 11:00am the OB came in to check me, YES I was 10 cm and he was like...you ready to push and I was like im scared!!! I got soo scared but he was soo nice and was like you can do this. SO I pushed one push and he was like okay stop (I could FEEL the head kinda poking out) and he hit the call button and all of a sudden people started coming from everywhere and they were all set for me to deliver this baby! after only about 5 minutes (maybe even less) of actual pushing Tessa Marie was here at 11:12 am just a screaming!

(My OB: Dr. Burnett)

She weighed 7 lbs 3 oz, and was 19 inches long.

(Right after I delivered her!) (Being weighed!!! She sure was stretching!)

I had to stay 36 hrs after her birth because I was GBS +, we got home LATE Sunday night around midnight. It has been a HUGE adjustment having her home, but its been a great adjustment!

Here are a couple pictures from when we were still at the hospital:

(Getting ready to go home!!!!)

(Sleeping before we headed home!!!)

(Wide awake with her Daddy!)

(Awww...My two fav's sleeping!)

(Me and my little lady shortly after delivery)

(Super cute!)

(Tessa and her Proud Uncle Jason)

(Hospital put her in a blue gown...thankfully I had a blue bow!)

(Look at how her hands are crossed!)

(Proud Daddy shortly after delivery)

Induction Date SET!

So super excited!!!! At my appt on Tuesday my OB gave me all my induction paperwork. I will be induced Saturday November 28th at 38 weeks!!!! SOOO Super excited! Of course there is a chance I will so go on my own earlier. I am good with anything after 37 weeks. Maybe Casey will get a birthday present and she will make her grand entrance on Casey's birthday November 25th. Either way I only have 2 1/2 more weeks.... 17 days to be exact!

I am so excited, but still very scared and stressed! I will be this way until little Miss Tessa is screaming in my arms! Can't wait!!!!

Doc is also worried about me developing Pre-Eclampsia because my blood pressure is getting high and I have been having mild headaches. So they did a bunch of blood work and tests on me. I am hoping they all come back good. I do NOT need anything else to be worried about!

Hopefully soon I will be posting pictures of my beautiful Tessa!

3D pictures of Tessa!!

Today I had an ultrasound to check how Tessa is growing. Thankfully she is growing amazing! So amazing that she weighs 5 lbs 15 oz at 34W5D. Talk about a chunker!!!! AND I asked the U/S tech if there was any possibility to see a 3D ultrasound of Tessa and the tech was super nice and showed me! She is just perfect, cute button nose, cute lips and the cutest chubby cheeks! She kept putting her hand in front of her face and was actually rubbing her eye in one picture!!!!! I am so in love! I can't wait!!!! Only 3 more weeks!!!

34 Weeks Pregnant!

34 Weeks Pregnant...almost there...so close, yet so far away...I have no more than 5 weeks left. 39 Weeks is the date the doctors keep talking about...December 5th. I am confident I will have this baby before then. I do NOT want to go past December 1st (My Angel Alyssa's Birth Date). I am sure my blood pressure and anxiety will be sky high and they will induce before then. I am shooting for 38 weeks, which means I really only have 4 weeks left! I am so excited, but so nervous too! I just have to stay positive!

Friday my mom comes down! I am beyond excited. I know once she gets down here time will fly by! It will be so nice having her around too, not only is she a HUGE help around the house, she is fun to be around. With Casey's work schedule he is usually sleeping when I get off work so it will be nice to come home to someone that is awake! :-)

Tessa has been moving constantly...which is great! I love feeling her move around...thats the only way I know she is okay. BUT she sure does like to move around when im trying to sleep! :-) I think she is just preparing me for when she gets here and I don't sleep anymore! :-) At my last U/S she was head up...but I am almost positive she is head down again, I could feel some hiccups pretty low this morning. I hope she stays head down...I do not want a c-section if I can help it! But then again....c-section does give me an extra 2 weeks off of work. :-)

Anyway, As always here is whats going on with Tessa at 34 weeks according to....BabyCenter.com!

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.


Until Next Week when I will be 35 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!

32 Weeks Pregnant!

I am 32 weeks pregnant! Officially starting my 8th month of pregnancy. Right now I have only 6 or 7 weeks left...crazy to think! AND if they induce at 37 weeks that means only 5 weeks left. I can't wait! I just want this baby girl here safe and sound. She is constantly moving which is very reassuring to me.

Monday is my first Nonstress Test. I am looking forward to the monitoring. I will go twice weekly for the NST's. Here is a little blurb about what exactly a NST is:

What is a nonstress test? This simple, painless procedure is done during pregnancy to evaluate your baby's condition. During the test, your healthcare practitioner or a technician monitors the baby's heartbeat, first while the baby is resting and then while he's moving. Just as your heart beats fast when you're active, the baby's heart rate should go up when she's moving or kicking.

What's the procedure like? You may be advised to eat a meal just before the test in the hope that eating will stimulate your baby to move around more. Although there's no hard evidence that this works, it can't hurt. It's also a good idea to use the bathroom before the test, because you'll be lying strapped to a monitor for up to an hour. During the procedure, you lie on your left side, possibly with a wedge under your back that allows you to lean back. A technician straps two devices to your belly: One that monitors your baby's heartbeat and movement, the other records contractions in your uterus. The technician listens to and watches your baby's heartbeat on an electronic screen while your contractions are recorded on paper. If your baby's not moving, she could be asleep. You might be asked to drink some water, juice, or soda to get her going, or the technician might nudge him gently through your abdomen or try to wake him with a buzzer. In some cases, you'll be asked to press a button when you feel the baby move. The test usually takes 20 to 60 minutes.

What do the results mean? If your baby's heart beats faster (at least 15 beats per minute over his resting rate) while he's moving for at least 15 seconds on two seperate occasions during a 20-minute span, the result is normal, or "reactive." A normal result means that your baby is probably doing fine for now. Your practitioner may want to repeat the test every week (or more often) until your baby's born. If you baby's heart doesn't beat faster while he's moving or your baby doesn't move after about 90 minutes, the result is "nonreactive." A nonreactive result doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. It just means that the test didn't provide enough information and you may need to take it again in an hour or take other tests such as a biophysical profile or contraction stress test. However, a nonreactive result could indicate that your baby isn't getting enough oxygen or that there are problems with the placenta. If your practioner thinks that your baby's no longer doing well in the womb, she'll probably decide to induce labor.

So that is a nonstress test in a nutshell according to BabyCenter.com. I will update again tomorrow after the test to let you all know how it went. I also have an OB appointment on Wednesday and I am going to discuss my options of inducing earlier than 39 weeks. I just feel that after 37 weeks this baby is no longer safe inside of me. I am hoping to get a lot of information from my OB about my options.

And as always, What's going on at 32 weeks according to BabyCenter.com:
By now, she weights around 3.75 lbs and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

31 Weeks Pregnant!!!!

Wow...31 weeks pregnant...I feel like just yesterday I was freaking out because I was pregnant again. I am really looking forward to December and bringing home baby! Reality is starting to hit that really I only have 7 or 8 weeks left. Thankfully I am pretty much ready. The only things I need are all materialistic and not necessarily needed...just big wants!

Tuesday I had an ultrasound to check how Tessa was doing. She weighed 3 lbs 11 oz and was very uncooperative. The ultrasound tech was trying to get me some good pictures of her but she kept moving or putting her hands in front of her face. The awesome thing is the tech said everything looks great and her weight is in the 61st percentile for her gestational age so that was good to hear. I was very nervous that because of my gestational diabetes I would be having a 19 lb baby or something! Okay...yes I know, not possible, but I just was worried she would be a little bigger. Thankfully I am doing a great job with my diet and haven't cheated at all! I just want whats best for Tessa...BUT let me tell you know. Once she is out of me I am definately going to have a nice cold can of Pepsi!

Anyway, Below is the normal weekly update on my Tessa!

31 Weeks According to BabyCenter.com:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (UMM...YEAH SHE IS ATLEAST 3 LBS 11 OZ!!!) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up (Me again...YES SHE KEEPS ME UP! haha). Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy (YES!!!!WHICH IS WHY I DON'T MIND THE 3AM DANCE PARTY'S IN MY BELLY!).

Until Next Week!!!!!

30 Weeks & Nursery Pics!

30 Weeks!!!! SOOOOO EXCITING!!!! I can't believe in no more than 9 weeks my little Tessa will be here! I can't wait for the sleepless nights and the hours of a screaming baby. People keep warning me...but honestly, I just can't wait! Bring on the dirty diapers - bring on the spit ups! I am ready!

I have just been so tired lately. I never sleep well at night, always tossing and turning...which in pregnancy world means getting up and lifting my self over to my other side...its just not so easy to just roll over anymore! Just getting out of bed is full on exercise!

As always: Here is whats up with my Little Tessa according to BabyCenter.com

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20

Nursery Pics!

So these pics are NOT of the best quality as they are taken with my phone but they give you a general idea of what it looks like so far:

Walking into the room this is what you see:
(still looking for the perfect curtains)

Here is her crib with her name above it!


Another View of the Crib!

Another view of the room!

Dresser

(Thanks to my parents!)

A couple pictures of the Bedding

And again...
(Once Tessa gets here we will be ofcourse removing the blanket and I think the bumper too...I have read that they can be dangerous once baby starts moving around)

So those are my pics for now! :-) We still have some stuff to do in there but all the basic and important stuff is done and ready!

Here is my 30 Week Belly Pic!

Until Next Week!!!!

29 Weeks Pregnant

29 Weeks Pregnant!!!! I have no more than 10 more weeks (9 if they induce at 38 Weeks).

I had a doctors appointment and I found out I have Gestational Diabetes (GD)....no fun. Thankfully it can be controlled by my diet and no insulin is necessary. For more information about Gestational Diabetes click here: http://www.babycenter.com/0_gestational-diabetes_2058.bc
The only difference I have noticed so far is I am on a restricted Carb diet. When I first found out I have GD I was so upset - I figured I wouldn't be able to eat ANYTHING...but it turns out I can actually eat a lot...just none of the fun stuff like ice cream and candy! Which really...I don't need anyway! I have to poke my finger 4 times a day (when I wake up, and then 2 hrs after Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). So far my Blood Glucose Levels have been great. Here is a typical day of eating for me:

Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 1/2 pieces of toast (2 pieces put me over!)
Snack: Granola Bar w/Peanut Butter OR a piece of fruit - think a small apple & string cheese
Lunch: Sandwich, lots of veggies, piece of fruit, & string cheese
Snack: 3 cups popped popcorn with parmesean cheese
Dinner: Meat, Vegetable, 1/2 to 1 cup of mashed potatoes, piece of bread OR 1 cup cooked pasta with 1/2 cup marinara meat sauce with veggies.
Snack: Crackers and Cheese

Not the funnest way to eat when your pregnant and wanting to eat everything on the left side of a menu BUT it is what's best for me and Tessa.

Now onto the fun stuff! I missed last week bc I was up north as most of you know, so I will update today on whats going on during the 29th Week of pregnancy!

29 Weeks according to BabyCenter.com
Baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Next week I hit the big 30 weeks!!!! I am so excited! I really don't have much longer!

27 Weeks Pregnant!

WOW! 27 Weeks Pregnant! I can hardly even believe it! Seems like just yesterday I was freaking out because I was pregnant again! 27 weeks is the start of the 3rd trimester! Less than 3 months to go! I can't hardly wait!

Tessa has been VERY active lately, which is great. She still is kicking inwards so she often beats me up :-) I THINK she is starting to begin transitioning out of breach position because I am now starting to feel more movement along my left side. I hope she gets out of breach position because I do NOT want a c-section if I can help it. I did vaginal birth once and it wasn't THAT bad...I can definately do it again. I would love to avoid being cut open if I can!

My next doctors appointment is Thursday (the 17th). Looking forward to hearing Tessa's heartbeat again :) Pretty soon I start my twice weekly appointments and I will get to see her all the time!

As always...here is 27 weeks according to Baby Center:

This week, baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

26 Weeks Pregnant...WOW!

Wow...I can't believe I am already 26 weeks pregnant. Thanks for all the emails/facebook and calls of everyone being so supportive! It really helps with my anxiety! I just want December to be here!!!!! I have no more than 13 weeks left...hoping it will only be 12 weeks if I get my way. Mr Doc man is still saying 39 weeks but im hoping I can talk him into inducing at 38 weeks. We will just have to wait and see. Either way its less than 100 days!!!!!

I feel like I am getting HUGE! None of my clothes are fitting comfortably and I can't find any comfy ones to buy! I go to the store to get some new maternity clothes but I always end up coming home with clothes for Tessa instead! Baby clothes are just too cute to pass up!

Here are a couple belly pics...I really don't feel like im as big as the pictures make me...but I guess I don't look at myself from the side too much:

In a couple weeks we are headed up north. I am dreading the 4 hr drive but I am really looking forward to seeing all my family and friends that I have missed so much living so far away!

Here is the usual 26 week pregnant information from Baby Center:

The network of nerves in baby's ears are better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English Hothouse Cucumber...picture below) from head to heel.