Happy Halloween

Tear Jerker

Get your Kleenex handy. Evelyn is named after Scott's grandmother who passed away 3 years ago. The original Evelyn was a wonderful knitter and knitted lots of baby clothes which she donated to many causes. Many of her older great-grandchildren are lucky enough to have blankets knitted by Evelyn. When Scott's sister Julie visited us today she gave us a lovely sweater that has an even more lovely history: When in high-school, Julie asked her grandmother Evelyn to knit her a sweater for her future daughter. Julie saved the sweater, but never had a daughter to give the sweater to. Today, she gave that sweater to her niece, Evelyn. How's that for Karma? Pictured above I'm holding Evelyn and Julie is holding the sweater.

Miss Evy

I'm typing this with one hand so sorry if it's not pretty. Here are some more photos of Miss Evy. Everything is going great. Breastfeeding has been a challenge, but the nurses here are very helpful. I want to take one home with us.

Wild Ride

Evelyn Grace made her appearance this morning at 5:26. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 oz and is 20 inches long.

Last night I was administered Cervidil at about 6 p.m. The cervidil is supposed to soften the cervix to make it more favorable for induction. The plan was to then start the induction this morning at 7 a.m. with Pitocin. As you can see by Evelyn's time of birth we didn't make it to the induction. I started having strong contractions around midnight. By 4:30 a.m. the contractions were nearly unbearable, I was wanting to push and I finally convinced the nurse to check my cervix. When she checked my cervix Scott says her eyes got huge and she rushed out of the room. I was in a foggy state of pain and had no idea what was going on. Scott followed the nurse and heard her calling the Dr. The Dr. arrived at the hospital at 5 a.m. just in time to deliver Evelyn.

Because everything happened so quickly there was no time for pain medication. This self-described whimp who pre-registered for the epidural found herself giving birth the old fashioned kind of way. WOAH! I am feeling fine, although neither Scott nor I have found time for a nap today and are running on zero hours of sleep. If you're planning to stop by and see us we would welcome that...tomorrow.

Ready or Not...

9 Days Past Due (but who's counting)...

I will be admitted to the hospital at 5 p.m. tonight. They will administer Cervidil in hopes that it will help soften my cervix. Even after all of my hard work last week I am still not dilated.

Tomorrow morning around 8 they will start the pitocin.

Stay Tuned...

Update

Hey--why are you checking my blog? Bet you're wondering if that baby has arrived yet. Well folks as of 10 a.m. on Sunday the answer is still no. Stay Tuned.

Fact or Fiction?

Fiction: Raspberry Tea induces labor

Fact: No. No it does not








Fiction: Stimulating certain pressure points around the ankle will induce labor.


Fact: Nope!

Fiction: Walking induces labor.

Fact: Negative, Ghost rider.

Having a Ball

Two friends and a licensed Doula recommended sitting on an exercise ball as a way to induce labor. Ok! I grabbed a ball from a co-worker (thanks Jenn) and have replaced my office chair with the ball. My office is in a high-traffic hallway so I have my door partially closed so I don't have to explain to everyone what I'm doing rolling around in here.

Alright baby, lets get rollin'!

Waiting Game

Baby C. was due on Saturday. I just got back from the Dr. I am not dilated at all...at all...do you hear me?!?!?! I have an induction scheduled for October 28. Let's hope we have some action before then. In the meantime, I will keep walking, drinking raspberry tea, and smiling through gritted teeth as I walk into the office each day.

Spice Girl

In an attempt to coax Baby C. out of the womb our weekend meals have been planned around spicy foods. Friday night we went to Buffalo Wild Wings where I had hot wings. I do not like wings and normally would not go to BWW....but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Saturday night it was out to Mexican where I downed a pint of salsa. Neither food resulted in contractions: just major indigestion.

You Still Here?

Yes. I am still here. Every day when I come to work at least 5 people stop by my office and ask "Are you still here?" It takes every ounce of effort to suppress my sarcasm and not respond with, "If you can see me, obviously I'm still here." I'm ususally able to muster up a response that is much more cordial. But, honestly the question is driving me crazy.

I am probably guilty of asking pregnant women this exact same question, but I will never do it again. I promise.

While I was typing this post two people stopped by and asked "You still here?" For the record it was my blog friends MAP and scooteur. Come on guys!!

Dumb Question?

We're evaluating insurance plans and trying to determine the most cost effective way to cover baby, Scott and me. We started talking about dental insurance and whether or not you buy a dental policy for an infant? We were both laughing because it seems like a silly question. The child doesn't have teeth so why would you insure them? But then I thought...I better ask all of those experienced parents who read my blog. Do you put an infant on your dental policy from day one or do you add them during the open enrollment period next year? And I thought I was prepared for the baby to arrive!

Bump Watch

Hopefully these are the last bump photos that I post. I'm ready to start posting some pictures of the baby! These are from this weekend. In the 2nd one my nephews lend their support.

Land of Nonsense

One of these shelves retails for $399 at The Land of Nod. The other shelf was built by Grandpa S. Only my shoddy decorating skills give away which one is which. Thanks Grandpa!

The Circle of Life

Scott's grandmother passed away this week. She was a lovely lady who lived a very full life. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and kept up her golf game into her 80s. As we are preparing to welcome a new life into our home we will be celebrating the life lived by a wonderful grandmother.

*Side Note: I will be out of the office on Monday attending the funeral service so don't panic if you can't reach me. I won't be in labor (I better not be, anyway).

Pump It Up!

I can't say that I'm too pumped about pumping---just look at this apparatus. Especially depressing is the thought of dragging this thing to work for months on end. So moms, what kind of pump do I need? What brand is the best? Fastest? Recommendations are welcome.

No Go

I had my 38 week check up this morning and I was bummed to learn that there is no progress...none at all. Three other women in my building at work were due in October, two due after me. They've all had their babies. My prediction is that I'll go 6 days late: October 24.

Snug Ride

Today we installed the baby seat. I was anticipating that it would be difficult and that Scott and I would not get through it gracefully. But, he was armed with instructions and I watched from afar so it went pretty smooth. I even posted the last picture as proof that he did it correctly!

Going to the Chapel...

Our good friends Zac and Elise get married in Chicago this weekend. Scott was asked to be a groomsman and we couldn't decide if he should go or not, but in the end we both decided to stay home this weekend since Baby C. could make her arrival any day now. It feels weird to miss out on such an important event in their lives. Zac and Elise: We hope you have a beautiful wedding weekend and more importantly, a beautiful marriage!

Warning

In addition to maternity clothes I think Motherhood should sell warning signs. Pregnancy induced insomnia, increasing discomfort, and a full work load have the potential to lead to lashing out. To be fair, innocent bystanders should really have a warning. I think a "Stay Back 500 Feet" sign would work just fine.