Happy Birthday Odessa Mae!

I'm stealing a page from my sister-in-law's blog... She blogged about the labor/birth of my nephew Augie and I found it so interesting I decided to do the same!

Here is what I thought "going into labor" would be like...

Option 1) It seems like the majority of my friends these days don't even go into labor. There is usually a painful week of waiting around after your due date wondering if that "it's time" moment will ever come. I thought this would be the case with me as well....that Dessie never would decide to come on her own, I'd wait the typical week after the due date and would be induced Wednesday night (Jan 20th) and therefore Dessie, Daddy and I would all have "21st" birthdays. Oh, the things you think about when you're pregnant

Option 2) I would slowly start feeling contractions and realize that Dessie was on her way with in the next 15-30 hours. I had sweet visions of showering, packing, rocking back and forth in Daddy's arms all-the-while feeling contractions gain intensity. I'd have a pleasant time laboring at home with rhythmic contractions that eventually dwindled down from being several minutes apart to "it's time".

As it turns out, neither of these were "options".

What really happened...
Around 6a.m. New Years Day I woke up with what I had been calling "poo-tractions". (A painful cramp that was relieved by....welllll.... I'm sure you can guess) However, this one was pretty painful, but being the tough chick I am, I just blew it off. Just before 7a.m. another "poo-traction" woke me up. I found it rather strange because I had already....... After making another trip to the bathroom I realized "THAT was a CONTRACTION". But, I was still in disbelief and thought it might be mental. After all I still had 12 days before Dessie was due.

Here is what went down following the 2nd poo-traction.

Text to Daddy
6:55: Yeah, that....was a contraction. Woke me up, felt like a period cramp. Wasn't fun and that was the 2nd one. The 1st I thought was a poo-traction.

After that I got back in bed and laid there waiting to see if I would feel another or if they were just flukes. For some reason I just wasnt' 100% convinced that I was going into labor. They were probably Braxton Hicks, or just the early random contractions that people feel days or weeks before real labor begins.... right? Wrong...

7:10:#3?! Going to get up and move around to see if I still notice 'em. I feel like it might be mental b/c I'm just waiting for the next, but def painful.

7:24: Can you get off work??? I just don't think I can go through this all day alone. I can call my mama? I'm scared.
(from Daddy) 7:49 I love you! Hang in there, be strong babe. I'll be home soon enough.
Ha! He gets off work around 3!!!

7:50 The two I've timed have been about 30 seconds, 5 min apart


From here on out things get fuzzy...
Still wondering if these were real contractions, I tried to call my sister-in-law who had just had a baby November 29th. I'm not really sure what she could have done from Texas, but I just wanted someone to tell me "yes, those are contractions...you are in labor". But I had no luck, she didn't answer. So I tried my girlfriend Dana who had a baby December 22nd. Again, no answer. I called my mom and asked her if they would come over and sit with me through "whatever" this was and help me get some chores done (I had already done the dishes, started laundry, and wanted to get some vacuuming done). I had two on the phone with my mom and one while leaving Dana a message.

Yet something else I 'copied' off my sis-n-law was downloading a contraction app on my phone. According to Erin, "I'm SOOO glad I began timing them because I was perceiving them to be shorter than they actually were." Ditto.

8:15 Not including the three that I had while on the phone....my phone just said to leave for the hospital....

But having no self confidence in what I was doing... fearing the thought of going to the hospital just to be sent back home... I thought I was doing something wrong with my method of starting & stopping the contraction timer. I figured I wasn't timing the right 'feeling'. I remember thinking "This is all happening too quick it must be fake". I liked having the app though trying to run around the house getting chores done didn't make it all that convenient. I'd leave my phone in one room... or be talking on it... or texting. I missed timing a few, but became quite nervous after being told to leave for the hospital 4 times!!!

8:24 (from Daddy) I can leave if need be. Do you think it's time to go to the hospital?

8:25 I need you here. Don't know about the hospital??? Just feel clueless...
(that text makes me laugh today)

8:33 Going to get in the shower

8:38 Just puked. Only stomach vial...
(I think this is where it started to feel real)
At some point between these text we talked on the phone and decided he needed to come home...he was home by 8:50ish

Having intense contractions all throughout the shower, I still managed to shave my legs... but once I was out I couldn't muster up the strength to comb my hair, put on clothes or do anything but sit in my birthday suit and moan in pain on the bed. My mind raced through everything Erin blogged about that brought her relief, but nothing was working!!! I still wonder if any of my hung over neighbors wondered what the hell was going on... We had not packed for the hospital...mainly because everything I figured I would be taking with us I was planning on wearing up until my pleasant labor started and we'd have plenty of time to do it last minute. And now, everything was in the wash. While Daddy was packing up what he could, it seemed like he'd take these long breaks to look at me and have these "Hallmark Moments" where he'd stare in awe. I found this very frustrating and eventually barked at him "You need to MOVE, NOW". In reality he had only done this once, but it was not something I wanted to sit through again. I had also made sure to let him know "Don't even try and talk me out of any drugs". I had a goal to make it to at least 8cm before getting an epidural.

Around 930 my Dad called to say they were coming over to help me out.... to which I responded "We're gong to the hospital". Yup, I hadn't even had time to call my parents... Though the hospital is only 10 minutes away, it took us another 1/2 hour to actually arrive. My contractions made it unbearable to move. Luckily we had already registered online the Wednesday before, but for some reason they had a few more questions (ones I had already answered online)....then up to triage we went. I'm not sure if there is much hustle with all women checking into the hospital, but I was glad I felt the nurses sense of urgency. I ordered the epidural like a drunk ordering her next vodka tonic, but was reminded that I had to be checked first. "Six to seven, we're going to have a baby today"...Pam, our nurse, said. I couldn't believe it. It was FINALLY all very real. She noted my water broke at 10:27.

After a short time in triage I was moved into a room and was ecstatic to see an Asian man standing there with a medical cart. I knew this meant D-R-U-G-S, there was only one obstacle.... getting an I.V. started before Asian-drug-man could do his thing. They tried twice in my left hand and once in my right, but I was so ice cold they couldn't get any veins (I had been rolling down the window during contractions on the way to the hospital and the high was 23°) So they stuck it in my upper forearm... the typical spot where they draw blood from, but not ideal for a woman in labor or nursing mom. IV in, epidural started (yet to kick in), I could finally be checked again....9.5.... I couldn't believe it. She was going to be here within the next few hours. And...I technically made it past my goal of waiting till 8 for the drugs.

I had maybe a little over an hour of relief before a different kind of pain kicked in. I called Pam and she reminded me to use my pain pump, which soon became my best friend. She also called the Dr. (taking a page right out of Knocked Up, my Dr. was not on call that day or for the next two) It was 1230 and he wanted me to "labor down" for an hour. Which, in my own words..they wanted to make me wait until I felt the need to "poop" before he would come to the hospital. I never thought I'd make it the whole hour. I didn't know what the hell the epidural was doing for me at this point....why was I feeling so much pain. Finally feeling the rhythm to the contractions, it made the hour go by 'quick'. 5 min, then 10...15... 45 min down I called Pam back in finally feeling the pressure in my bottom. She had me push a few times to "see what I could do"....Then stated she'd call the Dr. I said "he's here right?!" Pam "Oh, no dear. I still have to get him on his way". Me "yeah, that's a good idea".

By 1:30 my labor down hour had come and gone and I was ready to be done. They called in the house doctor because Dr. Young had yet to arrive. They had me push a few times...but I think they were wanting to wait on Dr. Young so I was only allowed to push to relieve the pressure. By 1:45 he arrived. He asked if I wanted her on my tummy and had me push a few more times. Then I heard "reach down and grab her".... this took what felt like an eternity to sink it. He repeated himself with a little forcefulness in his tone. 1:53 I reached down and pulled my baby girl up to my chest....Nothing I thought I'd ever really wish to do, but I wouldn't change it (or anything about this WHOLE process) for the world. It was so special and according to Pam not something everyone gets to do.

I couldn't believe it... I had done it! She was here! In less than 8 hours start to finish and 12 days early, my baby girl Odessa Mae was in my arms.

I love feeding her. I love changing her butt. I love dressing her. And even though getting up in the middle of the night isn't the funnest, I can't help but kiss her multiple times the second I lift her out of her bassinet. I love when her doctors office calls and I hear "May I please speak with Odessa's Mom". I can't get enough of her... I love being a Mommy, dats fo sho.

Sick & tired of being sick & tired

I've probably had two of the worst colds of my life during this pregnancy. The first one being around 12 weeks and lasting almost 3 weeks... and now this one at 34+ weeks. Maybe it's the pregnancy and my body "working on the baby" that's made the ability to get well take so long....but all I know is that THIS SUCKS. I've never called sick into work (and been legitimately sick)... But I did with the first cold and went home early today.

Last Wednesday I woke up with a sore throat and knew within 48 hrs I'd have a full blown cold. I don't think I was really expecting 'this'. I'm not finding any relief. I wake up feeling worse after a nap. I'm not comfortable sitting up or laying down. My teeth hurt from clinching my jaw to swallow b/c my throat hurts so bad... and I feel like a Giant has his thumbs stuffed in my ears as far as they'll go. The Doc did say being 34 weeks I could take anything over-the-counter, but nothing is bringing me relief...and thinking I'm loading up the baby with Tylenol isn't the most comforting feeling.

I'm sure it'll work it's way out of me and I'll be 100% by the time she is here...but it's not going to make these last few weeks very fun. However, I would rather go through it now than when I'm trying to take care of my new baby.

Extras for the Girl

Found this website a few weeks ago. It's pretty cool for creating custom wish lists. There are so many things I found I wanted for my little girl that Babies R Us and Target just didn't have.... then it snowballed from there. I do like the element of surprise.... for instance the fact that I have two diaper bags on this list and one on Babies R Us.... Sure, I only need one but which one will be up to my loving friends & family out there purchasing gifts. Take a look & enjoy!!!!

Just for Her by mimic81

Mi Casa

The house quest came to an abrupt end the other week. To make a really REALLY realllllly long story short... I am not eligible for the 8k. Despite the fact that I have not “owned” a home in over 3+ years, I have been claiming mortgage interest on my tax returns.... and that disqualifies me. Bummer dude.

I quickly went into rent mode and in a two apartment search found the perfect place. Here is a comparison... which one would you choose....

A B
2 yrs old 6 yrs old
Rent + electric Rent + $30 water/sewer/trash + electric
“Two toned” walls White walls/white ceiling
Different light fixtures per room &/or ceiling fan hook ups Milky glass “bubble” lights throughout
1026 sq ft 948 sq ft
Covered parking included Rent + $30 = $154 MORE than A..... no covered parking.

Obviously A is what I went with.... but it’s “income based”. Sounds hoosier, but to save $154/month.... I’ll take it!!! A visit to the complex and you’d never guess. (Give it 5 or so years and maybe.) But it’s well maintained for the time being.... Getting approved was like jumping through hoops....some of them I think were flaming. I think my situation is a little unique and they had to make sure I wasn’t going to be making more money than I stated....via support from others concerning the baby, equity in “my” house... oh, and proof that I was in fact pregnant with a note from my doctor. Ha! Klassy. Buuuut, I guess any ol... ughhhh, ‘plump’ woman could claim her income will be supporting two people in the near future and therefore qualify. I really thought they would be asking for a urine or blood sample... but the request never came. (However, if they’d like to maintain their sparkling complex they may want to consider that in the future.) The process took two weeks total.... but when every time you call you get an answering machine or every time you try and fax something it takes a minimum of 3x’s... that two weeks seemed like two months. I wasn’t the most fun thing I’ve done.... but it all worked out and I’m getting the keys to my new place tomorrow night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will you be mine?!

I'm feeling a "little" bit of pressure to get settled into a place before 'Girl' Mae gets here. I've been house hunting for a few months and I feel like I've been on a good luck streak all week.

First, I've hopefully found us a little home right off Bryan Road. I couldn't ask for a better location or price (dependant on negotiations of course). It needs a little TLC, but after looking at other options in my price range the fact that this place doesn't reek of mold and I could take a walk at night with out the need to be 'packin' in the diaper bag..... it's pretty much "perfect". My offer goes in first thing tomorrow morning and the bank has 72 hrs to respond.

Second, I'm eligible for the first time home buyers 8k tax credit....I've known this for quite some time. But what I didn't know was the IRA I'm going to cash out for my down payment can be cashed out PENALTY FREE!!!! I inquired with my bank this week if it's used as a deposit for a 1st time home buyer there is no penalty!!! I was estimating I'd lose about 20%.... This was fantastic news and I couldn't get through telling Baby Daddy with out bursting into joyous tears.

Third, I first thought this was a short sale. In short sales you can't ask for anything from the seller. It is not a short sale, but is bank owned... I don't know the exact difference, but it does mean that I can ask for closing costs & negotiations are easier. (Short Sales require a lot of paperwork... if the bank denies your offer you start all over again).

I really hope it all works out and I can start to nest for my lil birdy. I hope that the bank doesn't take the full 72 hours, I've lost enough sleep already and can't spare another wink.

http://www.cbgundaker.com/search/advanced/detail.jsp?mls_num=90051756&type=res

Registry & Bedding

Baby Daddy and I got lots done today.... Went and registered for Baby Mae. Today we hit up Babies R Us and tried to keep it simple, with plans to finish up at Target with in the next few weeks. Mid-registering there was a storm and power outage. Upon turning back in the gun our registry was nowhere to be found. It was busy and time consuming, something we didn't feel like doing again. We left in hopes that Indian Sally (dot not feather) would get some tech support and find our list out in computer lala land... sure enough it was there and we're good to go (not a 2nd time).

Just a few seconds ago we put in our order on Etsy.com for Girl Mae's custom baby bedding. I'm really excited and nervous.....piecing together something on your own based off 1x1 in online fabric samples is, well, nerve-wracking. I can't wait to see the final results, it's going to be a long 6-8 weeks. The main fabric will be P, with hints of M, I, and R.....

This is going to be a stretch for me... seeing as I have this strange phobia of having people read what I write. (My heart is in my throat as I type.) I often write like I talk...which usually comes out bass-akwards. So bare with my misuse of words (i.e. "bare"... did that on purpose)... typos... misspellings... incorrect punctuation... and overall poor writing skills... and if you can make it through my rants and raves you'll get to know a little bit more about me and my Baby Girl due January 13th 2010.....