Miller's Birth Story

Hello my name is Miller! I am one week old now so I told my mom she better post my birth story. She has had her hands full this week and kept getting distracted. I wonder why?


Yes I have had my hands full but we are doing great. He is a champion eater. While he does wake up in the night he is sleeping long stretches so I am able to get in a full nights sleep. Below I have his birth story written out. I tried not to be too graphic but, well, it is childbirth so it is a tad unavoidable for some parts. It is also pretty long because I am bad at editing so I am warning you. Sorry!

Tuesday, the 11^th (our anniversary) we had an appointment with my OB to discuss possible induction, either the next day or the next week. We did not want to be induced but after our growth scan the previous Friday that said he was already 8lbs12oz, we did not want to risk him getting bigger and me having to have a csection. I always knew it was a possibility because I have a narrow pelvis but I really, really wanted to deliver vaginally. We decided to induce this week but that meant we had to go in that night to start cervadil to get me to dilate more. All anniversary plans went out the window. I cried for hours because I did not have time to prepare.

We went home, packed, took some final belly pics, went to Cheesecake Factory to get take out for our romantic anniversary dinner and head to the hospital. It was weird to check in and not be in active labor. We got in our room, hooked up to the machines at 8:30pm. The cervadil was insterted at 10:00pm. It did not take long before I started having stronger contractions. They started coming on top of each other, which was not the plan. At 1:00am they gave me extra fluids trying to slow the contractions and for a few hours they adjusted that to try to help. Finally at 3:30am they had to remove the cervadil. The contractions slowed enough so I could sleep for an hour and half.

At 6:00am, I got up, took a shower and got ready for the big day. 7:00am the pitocin was started. My mom got to the hospital at 9:30am. My doctor came in at 9:45am and broke my water. At 10:30am, I was finally convinced to have my epidural so I could sleep. I am not sure why I was trying to tough it out a bit longer but I finally got it. That thing was not that bad but between sleep deprivation and hormones, I was a bit whiny when they put it in. The put in my catheter and I was finally able to sleep until 12:45pm. Around that time, my blood pressure dropped to 98/45 so and they gave me something to help that. I was asleep through that ordeal so I only know because Ben and my mom told me.

At 1:20pm, I was 5-6cm dilated. 1:45pm my dad, stepmom and sister got there. 2:15pm I got an amnio infusion and an oxygen mask because my contractions were still coming too close together and his heart rate was dropping and they were hoping it would give him a rest. I was 8cm dilated. At 3:30pm they flipped me over to the other side, which they did a few times. I was still nervous about getting a csection but the tech came in and was getting the room setup for delivery, which made me hopeful. 4:00pm I was 10cm and +1 station. We were just waiting for a little more progress. 4:15 they inserted a fetal scalp electrode into his scalp to track his heart rate because he kept running away from the one on my belly and an IUPC to track my contractions, and gave me terbutaline to slow contractions. They took my temperature and it was 100.5. I was probably fine but they just wanted to keep an eye on it.

Around 5:00pm, my doctor came in and said I only had a little bit of cervix left and he was close to dropping so they had me sit up to try to have gravity help. The stupid oxygen mask was getting on my nerves. The pressure when I would have a contractions was starting to become really painful. My doctor decided to let me push for 45 minutes and then we would reassess. 5:30pm I started to push with my nurse. Mom was on my left holding that leg and Ben was on the right. My stepmom Bobbie and sister Lindsey were in the room. I asked my mom at what point did they know I could deliver him and she said within a few minutes, you could tell that his head was down there, already through the pelvis. It was molded since it had been sitting down there for so long. My doctor came in after 10 minutes to finish me pushing. My epidural was not able to contain my pain anymore. I could not feel the actual contractions but I felt everything else. After a while, I got the hang of it and could actually feel him starting to move. I was admittedly quite whiney, and kept saying I could not do it but my cheerleaders would not let me give up. Soon, a lot of people started coming in the room and in the back of my mind it made me worried but my doctor just said that it meant he was almost here. After 40 minutes of pushing, I felt his head pop out (with lots of amniotic fluid) and with a half a push the rest of him came out. He started screaming his little lungs out. Ben cut the cord and they gave him to me. He was really cheesy and grey but so healthy.

They took him to be checked out, with lots of people hovering over him. Ben asked them why there were so many people and they told him it was just because of my possible fever, which did turn out to be a fluke. He weighed 8lbs2oz, was 21.5” long with a 15” head. Everyone was amazed that I was able to push that head out especially after only 40 minutes of pushing. My doctor sewed me up as Miller was being checked out. Since my epidural had worn off, I felt every stitch. I tried to be strong but I was definitely whining and moaning. She finally finished and I got to hold my baby. Thank goodness my sister was there taking pictures the whole time. We got some amazing shots (which I will post soon).

If you made it through that, thanks so much! I will start posting weekly pics and updates of the munchkin soon. There is one below. I also plan to post pictures from when he was born, his first week, and our maternity pics (finally!) in the next week or so.

Guess who is here?

We ended up being induced Tuesday night and the little guy arrived Wednesday, October 12th at 6:08PM. Of course there is a whole birth story with more details that I will post later.


We got home this evening. I will work on getting the birth story put together and the better pictures and maybe even some video up (nothing graphic). For now, we are working on getting our new act together and loving on Pumpkin. Wish us luck!

Our 3rd Anniversary (wedding recap)

Happy anniversary to my awesome hubby!!! 3 years have gone by so fast and yet I am shocked it has been that long. I mentioned that I would do another post about our wedding so here it is. I am going to try to keep it brief but it was 15 months of planning and I am super proud of it.

Our invitations, photo guest book and program

My "something blue"- an embroidered handkerchief from my stepmom

My "something old"- Cameo pin that came over from Europe with my grandmothers uncle

My "something borrowed"- my moms crushed rose petal rosary that she got in Italy and was blessed by the Pope (btw, my "something new" were earrings from my other grandmother)

My girls and I (from left to right- Elizabeth, sister Lauren, me, cousin Megan, sister Lindsey, and sister in law Liz....the flower girls are cousin Ally and niece Annemarie)

Ben and his boys (left to right- Smolak, Casey, Scruggs, Ben, his brother Joe and Mallury)

Look how cute my husband is!!!

The guest book table at the church

My ruby slippers. (Have I ever mentioned that I love "Wizard of Oz"?) Ben actually got me 1st and 2nd editions of the book series as a wedding present.

We used these at the church but this was really one of the centerpieces from the reception.

My parents during the ceremony

Our first kiss as a married couple

Ally- Cat the flower girl

This is pretty much my favorite picture from the whole day. I even used it to make a silhouette that I put on Pumpkins wall.

This was in the Art+Architecture Building on campus. We wanted to incorporate it since it was so important in the start of our relationship.

This is actually the place where we first met and started talking.

Outside the Sunsphere where we had our reception.

I was (and still am) really excited about the signature mat we had our guests sign. However, it is still in my moms house because we never have room to bring it back with us, and no where to put it if we did.

Our first dance

Ben's grooms cake. The little Lego people, Ben bought to match us.

The wedding cake. I know it is simple but I love it!!!

Our favors (spiced tea mix) on one of our embroidered table runners

Guest book table at the reception

This was one of the three times we got to dance at our wedding

This day three years ago we were getting married. Two years ago, we were in New York City visiting sites from our favorite movie. Last year, we were enjoying our first day in Paris, including a trip up the Eiffel Tower. This year we are waiting on our baby to show up. Hoping he does not come today but things start rolling soon (maybe tonight after dinner).

Weekly Update: 40 weeks

Surprise!!! I am still here. We have determined that Pumpkin is either stubborn, or just a snuggler. Either way, he is definitely like his daddy.

As for an update (besides what is below), at my appointment on Thursday, my doctor noticed that when I was laying down, nothing really shifts or falls backward, and that my belly is all baby and probably a big one at that. She had us go to a growth scan on Friday where they estimated that he is a big baby, but not ginormous (yet!). We are now waiting to talk to the doctor tomorrow to discuss our options for inducing or waiting it out an extra week. This is not really a decision I wanted to make so please pray that Pumpkin decides to come on his own in the next couple of days, or that we can at least make the right decision.

How far along: 40 weeks (I know this is the goal to reach but I never thought I would get this far)

Total weight gain/loss: 39 lbs (I am between 35- 40lbs gained depending on the day)

Maternity clothes: Ben and I went to Target and I saw so many cute things for fall but I cannot buy anything because who knows what this body will end up looking like afterwards.

Stretch marks: No change here

Sleep: Everyone finds it odd that I sleep well. Yes I have to wake up to go to the bathroom a couple of times, and to roll over, but I have never been one to have a hard time going back to sleep when I get woken up. Hoping that bodes well with our upcoming life with a baby.

Best moment this week: We had a growth scan on Friday and even though we know he is okay, it was still good to see that he really is perfectly fine in there……just on the “fluffy” side.

Movement: My child will be active until the end. The other night I noticed that I had not felt him for an hour or so, I am sure because I was not paying attention. I rubbed my hand over my belly, very lightly, and apparently it must have tickled his foot and he jumped. So cute!

Food cravings: Lately I just want dessert but I think that is just me wanting to placate my frustrations

Food aversions: Nothing specific

Gender: Little guy

Labor Signs: STILL dilated 1.5cm at my appointment last Thursday. My doctor thinks he is still sitting high so it is not making me dilate more. Ben and I decided to start walking more to help things along. I think I might actually be getting a few random contractions but that is about it. Oh, and I injured myself with all this walking so it might no longer be an option.

Belly Button in or out? I knew it would never pop and it is still nowhere close.

What I miss: I am missing being able to plan things. I am a planner and I know that things will be hectic after Pumpkin gets here but at least I could make some plans if he was here and I knew how we were both feeling. Right now, I have no idea when we will be out of commission.

What I am looking forward to: Having this baby! I am still incredibly nervous about some things but this anticipation is killing me. I keep seeing pictures of other people and their babies and I want mine now.

Weekly Wisdom: I am having to think about how we want to proceed, induction or waiting it out a little bit longer. I keep having to remind myself that my body knows what to do and I should not do anything out of convenience. As long as we are healthy, that is what matters.

Milestones: I think my due date is about as big of a milestone as we can get here.

Measurements: Chest- +.5”, Waist- -.5”, Hips- +.5”, Circumference- same

Tomorrow is our anniversary so I will be posting something and praying that the baby does not actually show up tomorrow but that things start rolling on their own.

Weekly Update: 39 weeks

At this point I never know when this will be my last weekly pregnancy post. This might be it, or I could still have another week or two. Anyways, I decided to post a few extra fun things, just in case this is the last one. First off is the comparison pic of the view from the top, 19 weeks apart. You could not really tell a difference week to week but there has definitely been a change.

How far along: 39 weeks (and still very pregnant)

Total weight gain/loss: 37 lbs

Maternity clothes: I think this one is obvious at this point

Stretch marks: Same as above, nothing has changed

Sleep: Ben and I thought we would enjoy what might be our last weekend to ourselves to sleep in as late as possible and both days we woke up earlier than we normally do. Weird! Sleeping fine in general though especially not that it is colder.

Best moment this week: It has been pretty good to get my to-do list done and know that there is nothing left hanging over our heads when he comes.

Movement: He can still be super active sometimes but now it is just painful and uncomfortable. I normally sit with one or both of my legs curled up, but now when I do it, he protests and just decides to hurt me.

Food cravings: Nothing specific

Food aversions: Anything that makes my heartburn worse

Gender: As far as I know, still a boy

Labor Signs: Still dilated 1.5cm at my appointment last Wednesday and nothing new. No contractions that I know of.

Belly Button in or out? Still the same. Ben says it looks like I have 3 belly buttons with my stretched out scar.

What I miss: I feel like I am back to the way it was when we were trying to get pregnant, analyzing every little symptom and twinge meaning I might possibly be. This time I am worry that each little thing might be a contraction or another labor sign. It always turns out to be something else. Part of me is worried I will not know when I am in labor.

What I am looking forward to: I am really looking forward to seeing my family when they come to visit us after Pumpkin is born and everyone finally getting to meet him (although I am still a little weary about having to share him).

Weekly Wisdom: Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy being lazy and sleeping right now, but I am bored. I have done everything on my to-do list and am not good with nothing to do. This would be better if Ben was home with me but he is busy at work.

Milestones: We made it to October. Yay!!! I am so excited to know that we will have an October baby.

Measurements: Chest- -.5”, Waist- same, Hips- -.5”, Circumference- -1”

Now to some fun stuff.

When my super friend Heather had her little girl Isla back in January, I had gone with her to get her nails done the day before. It was my turn, so Heather and I went and got pedicures yesterday. Good thing because I can not reach my feet and they needed an updated fall color. In fact, I had to have Ben take off my nail polish for me the night before. I am pretty sure you can tell which feet are mine by the bump that is in the way.

Below I have a progress picture of my belly over the pregnancy. This is just a preview of another project we have had in the works this whole time. Ben always said he wanted to take a picture of me everyday and make a video of my belly growing. Since there were so many things I wanted to do this pregnancy, I gave this one to Ben. I thought it would be a pain to keep up with, and it has been but we never missed a day, 214 pictures, so far!!! I hope to get it all compiled and posted soon after the baby is born.

I have been quite lucky to have an active baby this pregnancy. He was always there wiggling around to assure me that he was happy and healthy. Admittedly, sometimes too active and lately quite painful but I still appreciate it. Every night for most of the pregnancy I put Ben's headphones on my belly and let Pumpkin listen to some music. He loves this and is such a dancer (just like his daddy). Here is just a snippet of him moving around the other night. (Of course the night I decide to film him was the night he decided to be mostly lazy).

Hope you enjoyed the extras this week! Not sure what posts to expect next week. Maybe just another weekly post or maybe a birth story and pics of our little guy.

Octobers of Yesteryear

It is October and for the first time in 5 years, we have no plans (well except to have a baby). I know that Pumpkin is a great thing but I am a little sad that we will not be celebrating our anniversary by going on a trip. Ben and I both have holiday birthdays so we decided when we got married, we would make our anniversary special. Of course (!!!!!!) we get pregnant and due the day before said anniversary. Here is a look back at the Octobers for the past 4 years.

2007

We had just graduated college, gotten engaged and moved to Atlanta. October 26th was my grandparents 50th anniversary and as the family event planner I was put in charge of planning something. We tried to surprise them by not telling them that the factions that live further away were not going to make it, and seeing the look on their faces made it all worth it when they did.

We had 33 of the family members there and at the time we had 35.

Here is the replica of their wedding cake we had made.


On the 11th, two days before the party, Ben and I stepped away from the chaos and went to dinner at my favorite restaurant to celebrate our negative one year anniversary. It seemed silly to some people but that date was going to be special to us the rest of our life, why not start celebrating as soon as we knew that.

We also worked in a little wedding planning while we were there. This is us in the Sunsphere where we had our reception


2008

Our wedding day!!! I will probably do another post about this closer to our anniversary but here are a couple of my favorite shots. (I realize they are all mushy ones of us kissing. Sorry!)


We followed this up with our honeymoon in London. At the time, this was not the smartest idea to end months of stressful, busy planning with an 11 day busy sightseeing trip in chilly London. It did not seem very honeymoony and we both ended up crying about this at some point on the trip. In hindsight, it was an awesome trip with so many great memories!

We actually got a guard to laugh at one point. One of the crowning achievements in our life.

2009

Our first anniversary and we decided to take a trip to New York City. I had been before but I wanted to take Ben. I had everything planned out hoping we would be a little more organized than we were in London, thus less stressed. HAHA, fat chance! The day before we left I acquired the swine flu from babysitting and eventually Ben got it. We were able to do everything we wanted to, it was just at a slow miserable pace.

At the top of the Statue of Liberty. A very cool experience but not fun to climb those stairs when dealing with the flu.

We celebrated our actual anniversary but visiting some of the sites of our favorite movie, "You've Got Mail".

My awesome hubby took me shopping at Tiffany's for my anniversary present.

And I let him look at Legos.


2010

I blogged about Paris last year but I still have to mention it.

Days 1,2 and 3
Days 4 and 5
Days 6, 7 and 8

This trip was a drastic difference from the previous two. While we still kept busy and were exhausted, there was no flu and we were rested up before we went.

This picture reminds me of this perfect autumn afternoon in Paris.

Our last night of the trip, in Amsterdam (sorry it is blurry).

2011

Oh how things have changed! Last year at this time I was desperate to get pregnant and now we sit here and are awaiting the arrival of our little guy any day now. It seems so surreal! Sometimes time seems to take forever to pass and others you wonder where it all has gone. It seems like yesterday Ben and I met, not 5 and half years ago, and I know with a baby it will start going by even faster. I wonder what next October will bring. I am hoping we can start back up on going on our trips. We will see how ready I am to leave Pumpkin.

Here are two pictures from our little date night last night.