Sylvia- One Month Old

 

How is it that a pregnancy can drag on and on, but once that sweet bundle of joy is here time goes in turbo speed?

Sylvia's first month of life on the outside has been a wonderful blur, and she is a perfect addition to our family.

Our first night at home was a long, long night. Remember, we left the hospital around 10pm so by the time we got home it was 11pm and her second night- which is historically one of the hardest nights anyway. In the hospital and on the way home she did this cough, spit up, gag, choke, gasp for air thing that scared the snot out of me. So I moved her bed out of the closet and right smack up beside our bed. Chase laughed saying I am opposite of most moms. Our first baby spent her first night in her crib, the second baby spent the night in a bassinet on the other side of the room, and now our third child spent her first night within arms reach. He laughed that at this rate the next one will end up in the bed with us. 

So after the first night of being up every hour to hour and a half it got better and better each night. Moving to mainly 2 hour stretches with a 3 hour stretch in there to now 3 hour stretches with a 4 hour stretch thrown in somewhere. But I can't complain- she nurses and then goes back to sleep. We are only up for 20 minutes max each time. 

The big sisters are infatuated with her, and won't leave her alone. If I had a nickel for every time I said, "back-up" "get out of her face" "scoot back" "don't touch her head" we would be rich! Margaret almost pulled her bassinet over trying to peer in to see her, and Mary Claire is boosting her immune system by kissing all over her face every chance she gets. But I guess it is better than the alternative. 

First Doctors Appointment went great! Dr Saino (who was my pediatrician growing up) said she looked great! She was marginally jaundice so we got to sun bathe a couple of times a day, and her skin tone was a little red so he was concerned with some kind of blood something, but that came back normal- she is just dark complected like her Pops.

Most of our days we just hang out at home, doing laundry (everything has spit up on it)

  some sewing

 

working on "our" bible study

and maybe running a few errands here and there.

And LOTS of napping...

The big girls go to MDO on Tuesday and Thursday so those days I have gotten to have some sweet one on one time with Sylvia which has been great for both of us. 

Sylvia attended her first of many bike races at just 2 weeks old. Go Daddy Go!

 She even made it on the podium!

Our family doesn't like to stay home on the weekends. We are constantly going and doing things, many of those things include cheering on Daddy at his races. This our life baby girl- hang on tight, it's a fun ride!

I get asked all the time how it is with 3 now, and honestly it is just awesome! 

Yes, it can be trying at times when everyone needs me at once, but Mary Claire is the best "big-helper" {slave labor} and helps me out if I am getting stretched thin.  It's really not any "harder" - just a lot slower. It really takes like 30-45 minutes just to get out the door sometimes. The only "hard" part to me is not being able to clock out at 8pm when the big girls go to bed.

Yes, our hands are full but so is my heart. 

Sylvia's Birth Story

Tuesday August 30th at 10:20am I showed up for my routine, weekly doctors appointment. I had really been hoping that I would go into labor sometime between Aug 27th and Aug 31st so I had been walking, eating spicy food, walking, eating pineapple, walking, squats, oh and did I mention walking to get baby girl to some out. But so far there was no luck, and I was just beginning to face the realization that she was quite content in there and was planning on staying for a while. 

We had been doing weekly ultrasounds to monitor marginally low amniotic fluid level. 2 weeks prior Dr. Taylor told me to bring my bags because if my fluid levels dropped below 5 then she would need to induce. So far they had been 8, and then 7.75 so holding pretty steady, so why was I to think this week would be any different? 

I dropped the girls off at MDO and head to meet Chase at the doctor, although I tried to talk him out of coming. He "didn't have to miss anymore work" and "It was just going to be a routine appointment." Or so I thought. Good thing he insisted, and "Wouldn't miss it!"

First things, first they did my ultrasound. We watched closely as she took the measurements and the numbers popped up in the bottom corner of the screen. From the last few weeks I had learned just enough to be dangerous. She would take 4 measurements in the 4 corners and then we would have an answer in the form of a number that pops up in the bottom left corner of the screen. 

First measurement: 1.1

Moved to another area, but no measurement taken

Moved to another area: .08

My thoughts: "Wonder if they add these numbers together?" or  "Do they average them?" "I really wish I knew what I was looking at"

Moved to another area, no measurement taken. 

Ultrasound Tech, "Well Mrs. Peeler, Looks like y'all are having a baby today. Your fluid level is 2."

YES!!! Chase and I immediately high-five! Sweet Sylvia will have an August Birthday just like we wanted! Then a moment of panic. 

WOAH Wait a second...

IS TWO BAD?!?! IS SHE IN DISTRESS? IS OUR BABY OK?????

We were assured that she was in no distress, she looked great, and the fluid level was probably not quite THAT low, but she couldn't get 2 of the 4 corners measured because there wasn't enough empty space, and her bladder was full so when she emptied it there would be more fluid. Probably not enough to increase the level to 5, but we were reassured she was fine.

My fluid level had been on a very slow decrease, so I was not expecting them to drop so drastically. The last 2 weeks I brought my hospital bags with me to the appointment because Dr. Taylor said IF they drop she would induce, but so far my fluid level had just been creeping down. So, I intentionally did not bring our bags this time... whoops! My bad...

Dr. Taylor told us she was on call that night starting at 5pm, but we could very well have a baby before then. Nope- that's not going to work for me. I had a plan. Chase and I could go eat lunch, head home to get our bags then head to the hospital around 4, that way she could be the one to deliver. She immediately shot that idea down. As much as she wanted to be the one to deliver, we had to go to the hospital now.

So off we went to the hospital, making plans- who's brining our bags (that are half un-packed), who's picking up Mary Claire and Margaret from MDO, who is going to watch them, who is coming to the hospital and when... so on.

And what better day to be induced then the day you unintentionally match wearing corny shirts. Headed to the hospital to have a baby... but first let me take a selfie.

Side note: last Tummy Tuesday Picture taken the night before I was induced.

We get to the hospital around lunch time and it took FOREVER to check in... seriously there was an hour of questioning from the billing department and multiple nurses before I even got my IV fluids started. I didn't mind because the longer it took the more likely Dr. Taylor would get to deliver. I told the nurse our situation and she agreed to start the pitocin very low and ever so slowly increase it to hopefully buy us time, but she couldn't guarantee how my body would respond.

They did my exam and I was still at 3cm and 50%. Then I was hooked up to all kinds of monitors, and they saw I was already having consistent contractions although they hadn't even started the induction yet. So, Sylvia may have been coming soon anyway.

Got the pitocin started on a SLOW drip and turned on the TV. SCORE! HGTV was showing a Fixer Upper marathon, and since I was the one in labor I got to choose what we watched. Sorry Chase...

The pitocin made my contractions very regular, coming about every 2 min, but not very strong- meaning they weren't very productive. Fine with me... I had over 4 hours to kill before Dr. Taylor was on call. The doctor who was on call now would be in at some point to break my water, but until then we just got to hang out.

So we sat... and sat.... and sat..... forever we sat watching Fixer Upper. I was in no pain, but getting very hungry. The nurses would come in every so often to check my pain level, increase my dosage, or do another exam. Every time I was still holding steady. Just hanging out. Being board is not something I am used to...

Around 4:50 Dr. Crenshaw (the on-call doctor) finally made an appearance. First an exam. Over 4 hours on piton and I had only progressed to 4cm and still 50% effaced. I was kinda worried I might be in labor forever. I know I said to go slow, but that was a little too slow. He broke my water and headed out.

And woah..... with-in minutes of my water breaking the pain kicked in. I was ready for my epidural, but apparently I had to get a whole bag of fluids before they would give it to me. Open that line nurse, I'm hurting....

I waited for what seemed like an eternity for that bag of fluid to empty and for the anesthesiologist to get to my room. In reality it was only 30 minutes or so, but since I was having contractions very 2 minutes each one stronger than the last. It seemed to take FOREVER!

Finally got the epidural around 5:45 but he said it was going to take 20 minutes to feel the full effect. What? I have had this done 2 times before and I could have sworn it took effect almost immediately?!?! But, he was right. Each contraction got less painful but they never got back to where I was comfortable. I could feel every.single.contraction. especially in my lower back. We had reached the 30 minute mark and I still was uncomfortable, plus I could pick up my legs. So we buzzed the nurse and the anesthesiologist came back in to evaluate. He told me they used a newer kind of medication, and that I would be able to feel my legs so that was normal. Plus, the kind of pain I was having (mainly in my lower back) was very hard to regulate. He gave me the button and told me if it didn't start getting better to push it for a second dose, but it would take another 20 minutes to see the full effect of that second dose. I didn't want the second dose. I didn't want my legs to be dead. I wanted to feel something so I could be an active participant during labor. The nurse checked me again. But this time I could hardly feel it. The medicine must be working... Still 4cm and 50% effaced. What?!?! I just knew I would be more than that. It was now around 6:15 and I was very uncomfortable.

The pain was getting worse and worse and worse with each contraction, and it was getting close to 7pm - shift change so all the nurses were busy. I was trying to be tough... People can do this unmedicated, surely I can do it slightly medicated. I would rather be in pain than be completely numb from the belly button down. I can do this... I can do this... I will not be in labor forever.... I can do this. But as tears rolled down my face Chase handed me the button and said, "If you won't push it than I will." So, I pushed the button for a second dose.

The night nurse came in shortly after that to check on me, and asked me how I was feeling. Sobbing at this point, all I can get out is "I'm hurting." Chase explains to her that I was still a lot of pain so I pushed the button for a second dose from my epidural but it's been about 15 minutes with little to no relief. Our sweet, little nurse Shelby said "You either have progressed rapidly, or your body does not respond well to the epidural. Let me check you can see."

With a big smile across her face she proudly said "It's because you are ready to have a baby! I'll call Dr. Taylor."  I'm not sure if the second dose just happened to kick in as she said those words, or if it was all a mind game but INSTANTLY I found relief. It still hurt, but it was bearable. I could do this after-all.

So in comes all kinds of people bringing carts and packages, turning on lights, laying things out, turning machines on, etc... it was go time! Around 7:35 in walks Dr. Taylor. I don't think I have ever been so happy to see her in my life. She told she had been stalking my progression (apparently she can log in and see what's going on from home) and was surprised to see me go from 4cm to complete in less than an hour. We joke for a minute that I rescued her from bedtime duty at her house, and she left 2 screaming kids for her husband to put to bed.

Everybody got in position... Let's do this!

PUSH!

 Dr. Taylor: "Woah! she's got dark hair. Where did she get dark hair?" and then she cut another joke about being covered in goo and Sylvia would come out nice and moisturized, and we all start laughing.

Nurse: "Hang on, hang on... You are going to laugh this baby out"
Dr. Taylor: "Well, if anyone would laugh a baby out- it's this lady"

PUSH!!!!

Dr. Taylor: "Ok, stop. I've got it from here... one shoulder, second shoulder, and..... here is your sweet baby girl! (laying her on my chest) Congratulations!"

Sylvia Anne Peeler 

Born  August 30, 2016  at 7:56pm 

weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces & 21 inches long

And she really does have dark hair!

She is already loved and adored my so many!

Sylvia's Big Sisters got to come and meet her for the first time the next morning. It melted my heart to see both of them so excited to meet her. It was love at first sight. Mary Claire actually yelled, "SHE IS REAL" I guess she was thinking all this time we were just making it up?

So after a mere 24 hours after delivery we were discharged and heded home. We were so excited to start this new adventure (and so sick of the hospital) we left at 10pm at night.

And when you are the 3rd child you go home in the cover of darkness wearing a hospital issued shirt.

Tummy Tuesday 37 Weeks

Sylvia had another check up today with another ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels and all's well with momma and baby. In the holding pattern and just waiting on her to decide it's time to come out. The fluid level dropped slightly but still on the low side of normal which earns her another repeat ultrasound next week. No real reason for concern yet, but something to keep an eye on. Ideal levels are between 10-12 and mine were 8 last week and 7.75 this week. If they drop to 5 then they will induce. 

I'd really prefer her to come between the 27th and 31st OR hang out until the 12th or later. Margaret's Birthday is on the 4th and I'd prefer their birthdays be as far apart as possible. Yes, the 31st is not very far away from the 4th, but it is in another month so it feels farther away. I don't want their sister's birthday to over shadow either one of their birthday's. We are taking family walks every night and doing labor inducing stretches to try to coax her out by the end of the month, but if she doesn't I may just put myself on bed rest until the 12th :) 

Sylvia slept through most of the ultrasound, but the tech need to wake her up to check something so she "stimulated" her. HILARIOUS! I think we've got another feisty one on our hands. She furrowed her eyebrows and crinkled her forehead all up. She got MAD, and it was AWESOME. Although I am sure we are in for payback. Pretty cool to see a little glimpse of her personality.

 

Sleeping on the left and her mad face on the right.

At 37 weeks and 5 days Sylvia is now around 19 inches long and 7.5 pounds (approximately the size of a baby) although they didn't take any official measurements today. And considering I'm 2 weeks from due date I feel great. Little swollen and definitely have the pregnancy waddle now but no real complaints. The weather has cooled off, so I'm not miserably hot anymore and since she had dropped I haven't has nearly they heartburn or trouble breathing, although I do go to the bathroom about every hour. 

Tummy Tuesday 36 Weeks

36 weeks and 5 days. On Thursday I will be 37 weeks which is considered "term" (technically "early-term" until 39 weeks- but still TERM) Here we are at the very end. Bitter sweet. I love being pregnant- there is just nothing else like it, but I also can.not.wait to meet the newest member of our family!

Got all her hand-me down laundry washed, dried and folded this weekend. Just need to get her dresser in the "nursery" and fill it up. Also realized I have plenty of PJ's in Newborn and 6m size but only 3 in 3m size?? and I only have ONE burp cloth. How is that even possible?

Last Wednesday was my first weekly appointment. At one day shy of 36 weeks I was already progressing "quite a bit" at 3cm and 50% effaced. She said with most women she would say that means baby will be coming early, but with me it really means nothing. My body just progresses more and sooner than most before actual labor starts. This is apparently why I deliver so quickly too.  Sylvia is also already head down- Yay! 

She squeezed on my belly and took a few measurements and estimated that Sylvia already weighs 6.5-7lbs. Right on track to be a 8-9lb baby depending on when she comes. But who knows how accurate that exactly is?

My next weekly appointment was actually this morning and not much has changed. Still holding steady, but my belly measured slightly smaller than it did last week which is a little concerning.
 It could most likely mean 2 things: 

1- Low amniotic fluid 

2- Baby girl is dropping lower 

Doctor said it is most likely the second because of all the pressure I have been having, but still wanted to do an ultrasound to check the fluid levels. Ultrasound showed a perfectly healthy 6 pound 15 ounce baby girl. Fluid level is on the low side of normal so we will repeat the ultrasound next week to compare levels. Doc says no reason for concern, just precautionary.  

We talked again about induction at both appointments. Still not crazy about the idea, but also not crazy about the possibility of delivering her the mini van either. The typical day she would recommend for someone in my situation is Monday the 5th, but since that is labor day (how's that for ironic?) we would have to bump it to Wednesday the 7th (I could do it any day after the 1st but she would not be the one to deliver and if I am inducing I want MY doctor to do it, not some doctor I have never seen before). If the whole point of induction is to be in a sterile, controlled environment during labor then what is ONE day before my due date going to matter? Ideally I would pick the 31st but that is 38weeks and 6 days and insurance will not pay for an induction before 39weeks 0 days (the very NEXT DAY) unless "medically necessary". Guess we will wait until closer to time to make that decision. Fingers crossed I just go into labor naturally sometime between the 27th and 31st and Chase is home with me to take me straight to the hospital. Here's to wishful thinking.....

Tummy Tuesday 35 Weeks

I feel like she is really sticking on out there now!

Week 35 was definitely a productive week.

Hospital pre-registration- check

Merged our closets to make room for Sylvia- check

Get baby stuff out of the attic- check

Start a list of needed baby items- check

Wash carseat cover- check

Gifts for Sylvia to bring big sisters- check

Bought momma new Hospital clothes (read: Pajamas)- check

Not sure it is really "nesting" since I'm not doing it because it's fun and I want to- at this point it is a necessity. She is coming, and soon! I am due a month from YESTERDAY. We are under month away.

At just over 5 pounds and 18 inches long, Sylvia is pretty snug in there- like a 5lb sack of potatoes sticking off my front side. She doesn't do many flips anymore- It's just kicks on the top left of my tummy, booty bump on the top right side and I assume her head in near my right hip because that's where I feel her hiccups. Her basic physical development is complete. She'll spent the next few weeks just putting on weight.

And over all I am still feeling great. Don't get my wrong, I feel 8 months pregnant (read: hot and huge) but not uncomfortable. Pressure seems to have ease up a little this week. I'm a bit anxious to go to my first weekly appointment tomorrow and see if there is any progression yet. 

I had some kind of sinus funk or summer cold this week. About 4 days into symptoms I had a mini panic attack that I didn't know what the symptoms of Zika virus were. AHHH! Was is upper respiratory stuff?!?! I am a horrible mother.... How could I not thought to get it checked out??? Turns out NONE of the symptoms I have are symptoms of Zika, WHEW! 

Tummy Tuesday 34 Weeks

Woah, she is really beginning to poke on out there! 

Sylvia is  now pushing 5 pounds and around 17 inches long. Her skin is more like that of a newborn's now and no longer see through. Her lungs are still maturing and although she would still be considered pre-mature for another 2 weeks and 2 days (37 Weeks) babies born after 34 weeks typically have no long term health issues. Right now, she is just packing on the fat which will help her regulate her body temperature once she is outside the womb. 

Speaking of body temperature. Holy Cow!! Who turned the heat on? I can not seem to cool off these days. I am hot All.The.Time. Being outside is down right torture when it is 95+.  I get all sweaty and sticky; my thighs start chafing, and it's already hard to breathe before you add this Memphis humidity- being outside makes cranky. 

Sylvia is still VERY active these days. I am constantly getting round house kicks that rainbow over the top of my belly button. Mary Claire got to watch and feel my stomach roll the other night as we read our night time story.  It was sweet to watch Mary Claire's face light up every time she felt her baby sister move. Sylvia also gets the hiccups multiple times a day which I feel in my right hip- Both high kicks and low hiccups are signs that she is already head down which is great news since she is quickly running out of room to make large movements. 

Over-all I am still feeling good, I'm not uncomfortable, or hurting but I am starting to feel a lot of more pressure. She must be dropping lower or stretching her hands out or something because I feel like she weighs 10 pounds.  Next week I have my first weekly appointment and first check so I am a excited to see if all of this pressure is sign of progression or just part of carrying a 3rd baby.