Jack's Birth Story!

Unlike the births of Ben & Daisy, labour didn't start on it's own with Jack, despite having two membrane sweeps, walking, going on the elliptical multiple times a day, etc. I was scheduled to be induced the morning of November 21st (Saturday) and was hoping I would wake up with contractions. Morning came, nothing. So we got ready, Mom was going to stay with the kids at home, and we headed to the hospital.

I had SUCH butterflies, it was ridiculous. I was more nervous this time around than with Ben! Nervous knowing that I was going to be in pain very soon, unsure of how long it was going to be (no guarantees that it was going to be faster!), worried that it wouldn't start right away and I would be sent home.. all these thoughts were buzzing around in my head. My only bit of peace was knowing that my doctor would be there, to do the induction, and he knew of my history with Daisy especially, and probably wouldn't send me home.

They gave me a bed (didn't get sent home, they weren't busy!) to check me out, assess me to see if I was having contractions (I wasn't) and I was about 3cm. So Dr. H came in at 8:30 and gave me a double dose of gel to get the contractions going. And it worked! Within 15 mins I was feeling them, totally manageable at this point, and thankfully my nurse said that I was not to go home LOL! Phew!

Contractions were coming, Jack's heart rate was between 136 and 140 at this point..

It was very calm in the maternity ward, not busy at all. We got to walk down and pick our deliver room! Number 3 it was :) Got settled in, Mike went to put my CD on that Kerry made (THANK YOU!) and wouldn't you know it, I burned it wrong. Damn it! Mike knew how important this CD was to me so he whipped home and re-burned it for me and was back within 45 mins! What a guy! While he was gone, my contractions picked up FAST. I even called home to find out if he had left yet, they went from 6 to 5 to 3 mins apart (lasting about min) in about 10 mins. The nurses continued to check on me, check on baby, confirm that I was having good contractions (!!) and told me that Dr. H would be in to break my water sometime after 12.

Uh-oh. I knew what that meant. As soon as my waters break, it's baby time not long after. With Daisy, when I was checked at 5cm, the Dr. accidentally broke my water and I went to 10 cm in 10 mins. She was born very soon afterwards! So Dr. H came in at 12:45, and I said that if he was going to break my water that he couldn't go anywhere far! Scrubs on, they waited for a contraction to break it and sure enough, they were back to back to back. Not even 10 seconds in between.

I was in such a trance like state, trying to focus on my breathing, not hyperventilating, staying calm (especially with the wee break I got in between them) that I could just hear them around me. Mike was commending me for doing such an awesome job, my nurse was counting for me as I counted with her in my head, assuring me that once I got to the peak they would get better and less & less paint (it worked!) and then I had to push.

I don't think I pushed for more than 10 mins and his head was out, cord wrapped around him (just like the others), one more push and Jack was in the world at 1:28pm! Less than 5 hours labour!

He was perfect.. looked exactly like his big sister, then his brother, then he looked like Jack! So cute, pink, healthy. 8lbs, 7.5 ounces, 21.25" long.

A very overwhelming, awesome, memorable experience :)

And his birth song?! One Day Like This by Elbow!

Jack Alexander!!

Will post a birth story when I get a chance, but here he is!

Jack Alexander
Born November 21st, 1:28pm
8lbs 7.5 oz, 21.25" long

(And absolutely perfect!)

40 weeks, 5 days...

... and I am done! Jack is cooked, but comfy and not going anywhere for the time being!

Induction

I had my 40+ week check-up yesterday, and he went ahead and scheduled my induction for Saturday morning if nothing happens sooner. I am soooooo hoping I don't have to be induced, that Jack will decide to pick his OWN birthday and come before! We didn't bother doing another sweep as it just hurts & is very uncomfortable. Doesn't bring on any changes for me — never did for the other kids.

Until then, I don't think we could be more ready for this baby. The cradle is set up, all the clothing is washed, car seat is ready.. we just need him!

D Day

Well, big surprise — I am still preggers! *ALMOST* thought I would have had him on Wednesday.. I woke early with major pains, cramping and contractions about 15 mins apart. But then they stopped after a couple hours. I walked the track, I went on the elliptical, I raked leaves.. nothing.

So here we wait! In the mean time I am nesting like mad, everything is ready and I am getting phone calls all the time asking if I had that baby yet. NO!

I go for my 40 week check-up on Monday, unless something happens this weekend (Ben says Saturday is the day!) and we'll see what he says about inducing. Not so good at the waiting game at this point.. all too familiar :(

39 weeks, 2 days..

*SIGH* This is getting all to familiar!! I keep telling Mike that I am trying REALLY hard to enjoy this last bit of my pregnancy, but I end up saying that with all of them. I am uncomfortable, tired, sore and anxious to meet our new baby. Thankfully I have Mike's parents here now and it helps a lot. Dad has been helping Mike with projects, Mom is a superstar with the kids, and a nice change to have company all the time! We have been busy getting things around the house to keep distracted & busy.

I had my 39 week check-up yesterday, I lost another 1.5lbs and Dr. H. did another membrane sweep (my cervix is softening, dilating to 1-2cm's) but it hasn't started anything yet. Losing faith that Jack will be born before or on his due date...

This past Friday I got my flu shots as well, and the kids get theirs tonight. Daisy had two colds back to back, then she got better, now she is getting her 2 year molars. Ben is fighting a cold, too... definitely just adds to the chaos of the house!

38

I had my 38 week check-up yesterday... I lost 4.5lbs (totally thought I would have gained, thanks to Halloween treats!), BP was good though, and Jack's heart rate was still around 150. He did a membrane sweep and said I was 1cm, but that my cervix wasn't very soft — considering it is my third baby! Geesh.. that is not what I want to hear! I had a lot of cramping yesterday, nothing regular though, and more today. We'll see if it kick-starts anything in the next few days! I just know that I REALLY don't want to be late again. It's frustrating!

Yesterday was Ben & Daisy's last day of daycare and I took advantage of having the house to myself.. laundry, taking down decorations, set up the crib in Daisy's room. Yes, I was nesting big time!

Here is me & my pumpkin on Halloween night :)

37 weeks

Week 37 to Delivery: Watermelon! Average size 18.9 to 20.9", 6.2 to 9.2lbs. At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

I had my 37 week check-up this morning, and everything is looking on schedule. BP was fine (amazing after a hellish weekend of parenting!) and his heart rate was 150. The kids came with me and were good as gold, Ben loved hearing Jack's heart beat, and seeing him on the monitor for the ultrasound.

Next Monday I go for another check-up, hopefully my lab results will be back and will confirm that all is well. He is also going to a membrane "sweep", see if things can get moving along. I have had this done with Daisy, but at 40 weeks, and nothing happened right away. BUT he knows I am done, baby is done, and if it makes it "on time", then GREAT!!

34(.5) weeks

Week 33-36 — 8 months: Honeydew! Average size 17.2 to 18.7". 4.2 to 5.8lb. Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

So, officially just 38 days until my due date. Not that it means anything, could be more or less. Wouldn't it be wonderful for it to happen on that day?! No waiting, hoping every day, going later & later. Wishful thinking.

I am starting to really slow down, but I have to. Ben has been designated my official helper, which he does most of the time. I need all the help I can get some days, even if it's just picking stuff up off of the floor. Bribes work!

Things are coming together in terms of getting everything ready for Jack's arrival. I have the crib (just have to set it up, maybe in the next week) and wash the last of his clothing, the car seat cover, etc. I need to pack the bags, too. A few things needed for that.

Jack moves around so much still, making me jump at times at how hard he can kick. I am so curious how big he is going to be, bigger than Daisy? I hope not too much bigger! She was 8lb 10oz!

My next doctor appt is the 19th, a week later because of the holiday, so we'll see what he says! At the last visit, he was in the right position, but not "engaged". I can tell he is dropping, more pressure, etc. Trying to make my list of things to do, who to call when the big event happens, my back up emergency list for my sister (in case Mom & Dad can't get here in time). All of this is more just peace of mind for myself more than anything.

I have added a baby pool ticker-thing, for people to take guesses on Jack's arrival, weight, etc!

(Playing around with some photoshop techniques for an upcoming project!)

30 weeks

Week 30 / 7.5 months — Squash! Average fetus 15.2" to 16.7", 2.5 to 3.8lbs. Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though — as you’ve also probably noticed — they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

It's been a busy 8 weeks since I posted last.. we went on a family camping trip, enjoyed our backyard and perks of our garden, visited with family & friends, worked and completed the new nursery & Ben's new room!

Yesterday was my official 30 weeks and I can't believe the due date is just 10 weeks away. My last check-up was great, baby growing right on track and still moving lots. This Wednesday I have to go do my 1 hour diabetes test, hoping I pass with flying colours and avoid the horrible 3 hour test. Fingers crossed! Then next Monday I go for my check-up and see the baby again!

We have also named the baby boy! How he got named is a funny story and we are so excited to meet little Jack! When we left the ultrasound, Ben said that he was going to be naming his brother Jack Sparrow. He is pirate obsessed lately, and even though he has never seen the movies, he DOES know that Jack Sparrow is a pirate! So, the name has stuck and as it turns out, my great great Grandpa was named Jack! I thought it was Joseph, but it was Jack Joseph! Jack will be both named by his brother and be passing down a family name! Coming up with a middle name is a whole other story.. taking suggestions! If you ask Ben now what his brother will be named, he says Jack Sparrow Indiana Jones :P

I have to take a recent belly shot, but here I am a few weeks ago when Mike & I got to go to Seattle for a night. Some of my maternity clothes are even getting snug this time around.


Lastly, here is the new room that Daisy & Jack will be sharing. The bookshelf will be moved into the playroom and the rocking chair will go into the living room to make room for the other crib. I have just a few more things to get, wash clothes and pack the bags, but mostly we are just waiting on Jack!

It's a boy!

Yesterday was my ultrasound — and it was great! Baby is measuring great, bigger than 21/22 weeks actually, but that can change. Looks healthy and a-ok — and it's a boy!

This picture was printed out just for Ben — he is so happy to be getting a brother!
He was right ;)

21.5 weeks!

Week 21 — Papaya! Average fetus 10.5 to 11.8", 12.7 to 20.8oz. Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.

Monday was my 4 week check-up and everything is a-ok! Heartrate was 144, nice and steady. The baby was moving up a storm, not holding still for the doctor to look at much other than seeing the heartbeat! Nice and healthy, a perfect baby he said. YAY! I feel movements more often, like right now LOL! Getting bigger and stronger everyday. Mike felt the baby kick on Canada Day, too!

Tomorrow is THE BIG DAY! So excited for the ultrasound.. and even more excited that Mom gets to come with us! They came home early from their camping trip, so she is going to tag along and see #3 :) She saw one wee ultrasound of Daisy at a doctor appointment, but the BIG ultrasound is much more detailed and thorough. Plus if we are able to find out the gender it will make it even more exciting for all of us! #3 has to have something special, too!!

Ben says 100% positively a brother, but would *maybe* love a sister if he got one. We'll see! I am prepared to not be able to find out (again!) but would love to know... I gotta prepare Ben a little bit :P

16 weeks

This morning was my 16 week check-up. It was so far the most exciting one :) Gained a few pounds, not a big deal, blood pressure was good.

The heartbeat was detected right away and was so nice to hear. A steady healthy sounding beat.. awesome. When he did the ultrasound, I couldn't believe how much it's grown in four weeks! You sure do forget the details.. The way the baby was positioned, we were able to see it face on. It had it's legs tucked into it's chest, an arm stretched over it's head and you could see it open and close it's mouth. Then it got all bendy and a leg stretched waaaaay up. So neat to see!

My big ultrasound is July 10th, where I will get to keep pictures of it. Mike is meeting me there with the kids, so they will get to come in at the end and see their baby sibling, too! Perhaps it will show us the bits and we can find out who is in this belly!

15 weeks

Week 15 — Naval orange! Average fetus 4.0", 2.5oz. Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements.

I FINALLY got a picture taken! This was me this morning (good thing it's not a close-up because there is no make-up! Ack!). Each and every week I am amazed at how fast things are going this time around, but it truly takes me off guard. Being in 2nd trimester now, I am starting to feel like holy-crap-there-is-a-LOT-of-things-to-be-done! I should also be keeping track of how many times people ask me if I am having twins. NO! There is just one!

Unfortunately I haven't been feeling so great the last bit, but this morning I woke up and felt good. No headache, no icky tummy (don't know what was up with that).. and the sun was shining! I have even started to feel little nudges/flutters. Mike thinks I am nuts, but c'mon. Who is carrying this thing?! I am looking forward to really feeling it, and sharing it with Mike and the kids. Daisy won't get it, but Ben asks me (still) every day if the baby is big enough for him to see. And he says it's a brother. Who knows! I just hope that at my big ultrasound the babe will show us. We have had two surprises, I want to KNOW this time around! I gotta plan this nursery that Daisy will be sharing with! Then hopefully we can agree on a name — a whole other story.



And I almost forgot! I scored an AMAZING deal on a BOB Duallie stroller.. I had been looking at getting a double for a while, knowing that I will need it as Daisy will be too little to use the sit & stand. I just got it on Friday and used it a few times this weekend — love it! It's definitely not an umbrella stroller, not a weakling, but the kids like it :)

12!

Week 12 — Plum! Average fetus 2.1", .49oz. As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of baby's systems are fully formed.

WOW! Already at the end of the first trimester.. it really has flown by. I went for my check up this morning and everything is great! I gained just one pound (YAY!) and my blood pressure was great. I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time, too! Very exciting.. then the wee ultrasound showed how much it has grown in 4 weeks. It no longer looks like a little lima bean — I could see the profile of the face, an arm behind it's head and the other by it's face, and the legs tucked up. Amazing! Dr. H says to just keep up the good work!

My tummy is growing rapidly, every morning Ben asks me if the baby is big enough for him to see. I am going to try to take him to one of my upcoming appts so he really CAN see it on the screen! Will work on posting a picture :)

10

Week 10 — Prune! Average fetus 1.2", .14oz. With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)

Ahh, my little prune. Sweet pea sounds so much cuter! So I had my first check-up a couple weeks ago, everything was a-ok! The doctor thinks I am a bit farther along, but we will go with November 13th as the due date right now. I got to see the wee (at that time) raspberry and the heartbeat beating away on the screen. Exciting! Looking forward to next visit, seeing that much more detail!

Been feeling really crummy. This is my first pregnancy that I have had to go on Diclectin. Was getting next to impossible to prepare food for the kids when all I wanted to do was run to the bathroom, or not get out of bed! So, I figure I have made it through two pregnancies and not needing to go on it, so I can't beat myself up about needing it this round. Got to do what I got to do! And they WORK! Holy smokes. Too nervous to stop taking them right now, so we'll see how things are in the next few weeks and if I still need them!

6 weeks and sharing the news!

Week 6 — Sweet pea! Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. Those little hands and feet- still webbed like paddles- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as yours!), and blood is starting to circulate.


Hello Sweet pea! Well the maternity clothes are out, now officially not able to wear regular jeans for they are simply too uncomfortable. But my pregger pants (most of them) don't stay up the best because I am not quite there yet belly wise! Lots of adjusting. But comfort is key!

Just recovering from a sinus cold.. blah. I got a cold with the kids very early on, too. Glad I am nearly better, now if only I didn't have the nausea in the mornings. For the most part it's tolerable, but other times I just want to go to bed and feel sorry for myself LOL! Pathetic? Maybe.. but it still sucks!

Mom, Dad and Granny arrived yesterday for Daisy's birthday (this Saturday!) so I was really looking forward to getting this news off of my chest — there were MANY times when I just wanted to call her and tell her! But it's so much nicer to tell in person :)

We sat down to dinner and I was going to take a picture of everyone.. using the excuse of the " new" dining room. Whatever.

Say CHEESE!

Say... ALLIGATOR PIE!

Say.. "I'm PREGNANT!"

Mom said she was waiting for me to tell the news, that she knew it would be soon. Can't hide anything from that lady! They are very excited, and we will be having another baby for Christmas! It's gonna be a busy year :)

Phew.. I feel like a huge weight is off of my shoulders!

5 weeks

Week 5 — Appleseed! Your embryo (looking kind of like a tadpole) is starting to form major organs (heart, kidney, liver, stomach) and systems (nervous, circulatory, digestive). Baby's presence in your uterus triggers production of hCG (the hormone detected by pregnancy tests)... which triggers production of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone... which trigger all those great symptoms you've probably been noticing!

My body is in shock LOL! Having just birthed a baby almost a year ago, I think my body is all to familiar with these hormones, etc, and has decided that I need to look preggers ALREADY! I am going to be NEEDING to be bringing my mat clothes up from the crawlspace this weekend and see what I have in the just-pregnant-but-not-comfortable-wearing-regular-clothes-and-feeling-really-bloated clothes. AKA something stretchy and forgiving!

Feeling really good though, just sleepy at times, which I felt normally before with the two running (and crawling) around! No morning sickness, so hopefully that stays away. Far far away.

Counting down before I can tell the WHOLE family the good news — I don't like secrets :P

Here we go again!

Week 4: Poppyseed! In week 4, now safe in your womb, the ball of cells (blastocyst) splits in two, becoming the embryo and the placenta. The amniotic sac & fluid are forming around baby, and will act as a cushion for the next eight months.


Well I never thought we would be here again! Mike and I had spent the better part of February wondering if we should eventually have a third baby. After a pregnancy "scare" (I hate calling it that but quite frankly we were scared!) in the new year, it sure got us thinking, and lots of it. So we decided to start trying, not knowing how long it would take.. or how little! First month we got preggers!

We are very excited for another wee one.. but it's going to be a busy year! I can't believe that I will be having another baby THIS YEAR! I am still on my maternity leave LOL! Daisy isn't even ONE! I did want them to be close together though, as she will be sharing the room with the baby.

I called my doctor this morning and made my first pre-natal appointment for April 6th. Mike's family is coming on the 25th for Daisy's birthday (Mom, Dad and Granny) and we are so excited to tell them the great news — again!!