PLEASE REMEMBER I DO NOT EDIT MY POSTS....THIS IS A FREEWRITING AREA ONLY!
I wanted to quickly jot down my thoughts about having a hospital birth after a homebirth. My homebirth was everything I wanted. I remember the midwives asking me to describe how I wanted my birth to be. First, I wanted it calm and quiet. I didn't want people touching me, poking me, and talking. I wanted my body to regulate the entire birth. My number one goal was to see exactly how my body would labor. Birth is amazing! We as women are made to give birth...I know that not everyone can have a homebirth due to many circumstances, and I really wanted the experience. That having been said....Daniel did not feel the same way. He wanted a Doctor (he thought), drugs, nurses, and post-natal care for 48 hours after the birth so he could focus on our other children while I couldn't. He didn't really complain, but he did let everyone know it wasn't his idea ;)
Taylor's birth was amazing. I got everything I wanted. The midwives and Daniel were quiet except for minimal coaching. The midwives did not leave me side, but they were not overly present. My body dictated the ENTIRE birth. It was AMAZING to see what my body could do. Daniel admits it wasn't as bad as he thought. He loved sleeping in our own bed just hours after she was born. My body healed so much faster! OH AND TO BE HOME!!!! (BTW the number one question people ask me is, "How messy is home birth?" The midwives clean up. the birth area was cleaner after they left than when they got there.) The only down side to home birth was pain, but that was what I wanted. My home birth was perfect.
When I found out I was pregnant with Drew I figured we would have another home birth. Since I am religious I had to pray and make sure home birth was right for us. The more I prayed the more I knew that we could not have a home birth. The answer was a clear "NO!" Part of me was relieved Daniel and I would not have to have the home birth discussion again. Part of me was sad that I would not be in the comfort of my own home :( Then there was the Dr. vs Midwife discussion. We chose Dr. Kells because he has midwives in his office, but I did not decide I who I wanted to deliver me until 35 weeks when baby failed a NST and a biophysical profile. I went with Dr...I thought.
DREW'S BIRTH
Dr. Kells wanted to induce me when I went in for my appointment at 39 weeks 5 days. My blood pressure was 150 over like 100. I had +2 protein in my urine, and I was pretty swollen. When he put his thumb into my calf in sank and when he removed his thumb the entire print stayed forever. I did not really want to be induced, especially after experiencing all my body could do with Taylor. I was done being pregnant though, and lets face it...my BP was high... :)
When we got to the hospital it and they had me hooked up to IV penicillion (Group B strep +....LAME) and saline it was around 10:15. I was watching the monitor and could tell I was contracting. The nurse came in a short while later and told me they could not give me any pitocin because I was contractin every 4 minutes. LOL...It wasn't intense at all. My body contract on those stupid machines the entire time I am hooked up...nothing happens. The nurse came back in around 11:30 to check and I was a 4.5. I was a four when I got there so I wasn't impressed. I kept thinking...this is going to take forever...I am not even in labor. I was wrong. By 12:30 my contractions were getting stronger, longer and closer together. I was only a 5, but I was starting to get uncomfortable. We had discussed epidural. I wasn't sure what I wanted from this birth. Baby boy is the last for us. Did I want to experience the nature of birth or just enjoy it?!?!?!? I wasn't sure. The nurse knew how I felt. She agreed she would come back in an hour and check on me. At 1:30 exactly was having the LONGEST contraction of the day that was super intense. I said out loud "come on!" I was talking about the contraction, but my nurse came in and said, "It has been exactly an hour." lol she thought I was talking about her. I decided I wanted an epidural. NOW I DO NOT CARE HOW ANYONE ELSE FEELS ABOUT EPIDURALS.....PLEASE KEEP YOUR OPINIONATED COMMENTS TO YOURSELF! Sorry, there are a few people who are driving me crazy right now :) I was nervous to get an epidural though. I didn't want to wimp out at 5 cm dilated!!! I wasn't worried about the medical repercussions. I have had 2 before. I decided I wanted to enjoy the last time I would give birth. I wanted to laugh, sleep, watch tv, listen to music, and enjoy the other people in the room. Little did I know, there would not be much time for that....hehe. They gave me my epidural at 2:00. It should have kicked in at 2:15. I admit some of the pain was a little less intense, but I was still having to concentrate on relaxing and breathing to get through the contraction. I should have known I was in transition. hehe. At 2:30 the epidural was working well enough that I wasn't going to cry during contraction, but I could still feel everything my body was experiencing. They checked me and I was a 7. I told the nurse not to go anywhere because I would be delivering soon. She called the Dr. He was in the middle of a procedure in the office, but his midwife was in the hallway. Midwife....GREAT, I LOVE MIDWIVES! I only chose Dr. Kells to deliver me out of fear. Ramona came into the room. I was dialted to a 10 with no pressure to push....it was 3:00. Now with my other hospital births the Dr's would have strapped me up and made me start pushing. Not Ramona. I told her I wanted to follow my body's lead. She was all for it. The epidural was PERFECT. Minimal pain, but just enough that could tell exactly what was happening. It was like a dulled natural birth.....kinda....lol. Anyhow, I followed my body's lead. Ramona was perfect because she gave me some insight as to what was happening and I let her know how I was feeling. We laughed, talked, and enjoyed the birth process. No crying and screaming this time. I gave birth to Drew at 3:33pm. He was 8 lbs 11oz and 21 inches long! A big baby boy. He was 1.5 to 2.5 pounds bigger than any of my other babies. No tearing. Perfect! I loved having a midwife at the hospital.
Now, after having a traditional hospital birth, a home birth, and a midwife at the hospital, which would I choose if I had another? I can't answer that. I can say I probably wouldn't do a Dr. at the hospital. Midwife all the way for me. WAY BETTER CARE....at least for me. Hospital vs Home. It is too hard to say. Taylor's birth was so special and so was Drew's. They were both exactly what I wanted. I wouldn't have either of them any other way. Taylor's birth was the most spiritual. Drew's was the most fun. Carter's was the most enlightening. Chase's was the most....well.... I think typical would be the best word. The good thing is... I shouldn't have to ever make that decision again!
I will say this...there is not place like home!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A hospital birth after a homebirth
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Christmas in October
I did not record any of my feelings at the end of pregnancy with the other 3 babies. At least not that I remember. I could write it in my journal, but I thought I would let everyone know I am still pregnant.
There were a lot of people pregnant and due within two weeks of me. Some before...some after....and one on the same day. I am not used to being last. The girl due the same day as me asked if I could feel myself getting grumpier every day.... lol. Yes, that is exactly how I was feeling. Then, last night, I made a mental note of all the things that are better about being pregnant.
1. I slept through the night. Yep the entire night! I did not even get up to use the restroom :)
2. I have a midterm for Bio 202 next week. It is brutal. I do not have an extra cute distraction to keep me from studying.
3. NO little rinse bottle. You ladies know exactly what I am talking about.... the bottle that replaces toilet paper.
4. My mom will be here in 2 days! She may actually be here for the birth of one of my children!
5. The baby gear is still in a box, and not all over my house. No bouncer, swing, cradle, and car seat taking over the living room.
6. I am not leaking. (I really do not enjoy nursing)
7. Taylor is not a total nightmare. I am a little worried about the jealousy factor. She is a little spoiled.
I am sure there are more. I could go on, but I do not want to convince myself that I don't want a bay at all. They are a lot of work, and I AM about to have one.
This morning I was not feeling as positive as last night. A friend asked how I was feeling. I told him "I feel like it is Christmas, and I only got socks." That was a perfect description. It conveys the secret jealousy of the other ladies. It describes the disappointment I feel every morning when I wake up still pregnant. It describes the anticipation and excitement. Christmas....and babies.... Can you see the connection?
A lot of people are nervous I am going to have the baby and they will not get the news. Do not worry. I will shout it from the roof tops. I will send out a mass text. I will post of Facebook. I will even post on our blog.
After all...it will be Christmas.
Monday, June 27, 2011
It's a boy!
Sometimes I forget I have a blog, but I have to document our bean.
I had a ultrasound in May at 18 weeks. They tried and tried to see if it was a boy or a girl. I even came back a few hours later and they tried again for a half hour. We finally determined it was probably a girl. Daniel was pretty convinced it was a girl. Taylor would have a sister and we would be evenly numbered boys vs girls. I, on the other hand, was convinced. Our little bean had his legs crossed with the cord running inbetween. It was obvious that you could NOT tell the gender.
But... we still proceeded to call the baby a girl.
I went to California for Kelly's wedding, and my mom took me for another ultrasound. A lot of the family was there Mom, Kelly, the kids, Granny, and Nicole. The ultrasoudn tech put the wand on my belly and immediatly said, "I can tell you right now it's not a girl." She was right. I guess he got tired of us calling him a girl. He showed off well this time. It was the best $50 my mom has ever spent!
I called Daddy and he exclaimed,"No WAY!" It was cute. I had to send him a picture text to confirm. We were both a little shocked.
When we thought the baby was a girl. I was really excited. When we found out the baby was a boy I was overjoyed!
Wouldn't it be funny if the baby was actually born a girl...lol
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Happiest Place on Earth
After years and years of watching Disneyland commercials and promises from parents that they would eventually go to Disneyland...we made the plung as a family. Oh, not just the Daniel and Mary Rae family, BUT the Alan and Ramona Rae family. That includes Grandma and Grandpa, 9 sibling (with spouses), and a heard of children (16...and one on the way...I think). You would think it was a nightmare, but it wasn't at all. It turned out great. I took way less pictures than I thought. I guess I just enjoyed our time together
Monday, April 25, 2011
A Long Awaited Visit
My best friend Kelli and I live miles away. It doesn't stop us though. We still talk to each other a least 4 times per week. Most of the time when you move a long distance slowly you loose touch with each other. Not us! She is stuck with me for life.
In 2009 Kelli found out she was pregnant. I vowed I would be at the birth, but I wasn't able to keep my promise. I had a great excuse. I was pregnant only 3 weeks after. It was nice to be pregnant with my bff. We could over eat together, get fat together, go shopping for maternity clothes together, and complain to a sympathetic ear. We even met up in Vegas for a girls weekend, but since then we hadn't had the opportunity to meet each others newest addition.
In February we remedied that! I got to meet her Jason, and she got to meet my Taylor. The two babies were instant friends...kinda...all it took was one soda to share...and share they did.
See how cute they are! They even shared pacifiers. (I know...kinda gross but whatever) Kelli and I did all sorts of crafts together. Her dining room table was a mess of ribbon and fabric.
Thanks for having us Kelli.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Elder Rae
One of Daniel's cousins served his mission in the same exact missions Daniel went to. His brother, Elder Rae, is serving in the Tempe, Arizona Mission! He has been here 18 months. We have talked about trying to see him since he arrived, but we never made it work. The missionaries serving in our ward hooked him up with our number, and he gave us a call right away.
We were able to take Elder Rae and his companion to lunch! It was great. I love the example he set for my young boys. He was and his companion were so great with them. It was his companions first time to eat in a restaurant in 7 1/2 months!
Here is proof for us and his family that he is alive and doing well...in the back seat of our van.
Carter started Cub Scouts. I was nervous to add one more thing to the weekly routine. He already has such a busy schedule! Some days after school he is only home long enough to practice the piano and do his homework. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have the priveledge of having church troops. Most boys participate, so how could he not? Carter couldn't wait to start. He begged me to sew on those pesky patches...which...I only iron on...and they came off. Now I have to do it again :( However, look how happy he is.
Carter earned his bobcat.
Oh, and who can begrudge the pinewood derby? It is a an adrenaline rush for the entire family...at least our. Carter came in third place! There were many smiles...all around!
Carter may be making life a little busy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is so well rounded. I can tell I do not have many years left with him as my little boy, and the years I do have left will go quickly. I am going to enjoy him while it lasts!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Bugs Musical
Carter has a lot going on right now. I know I have other children, but it seem life to revolved around the oldest one...which is fine by me...he is lovable!
The 2nd grade at Carter's school performed a musical BUGS
1/1/11 and 1:11 pm
The family
December 2010
December happened...4 months ago...I know...
Carter turned 8! It was a much anticipated birthday. We told him he could do whatever he wanted, and he could invite anyone he wanted. He opted for flag football at the park. He wanted his hero Gator and his dad to coach two teams. The picture is just of Carter's team. He loved his birthday party! There were tons of friends, lots of competition, plenty of cake, too many presents, and a lot of fun. (I still can't believe Carter chose the cheapest way to have a birthday party for the one year he could have cost us a fortune!)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Hyper-SPITosis
What is that you may be asking yourself? Just hang out with me for a few minutes and you won't have to ask yourself ever again. IT IS HORRIBLE! With Taylor, and this baby, I have experienced this disease to the fullest. Excess Saliva...yuck! I salivate like a dog with rabies. You may be thinking I am making it up, but I am not. Many people have asked me why I don't just swallow it...have you ever seen the movie SANDLOT...with the big dog. Remember that...SALIVA...could you swallow it? No, you couldn't, and if you could...SHAME ON YOU.
This pregnancy symptom has proven to be very tricky.
Spiting at church, in the car, when I forget a cup/rag visiting teaching, at the park, when speaking in front of a group of people, on the phone, grocery shopping...I could go on and on.
Everyone is grossed out by it...especially me. I am feeling like my the only place I can relax is at home. Daniel deals with it...because I think he has finally realized that it is torture for me.
So here is the problem. I am leaving for Disneyland in less than a week. I am staying in a house full of family. They may be family, but believe me...it will gross them out too. (While humiliating me) Also, I have to take into account the millions of people at Disneyland giving me weird looks all of the time. I will bring a cup, I will bring many rags, but still it will win. I promise.
I was reading on babycenter today. About 6 pages of women have commented they have the same irritating issue. None of them foudn anything that helps. None of them had any suggestions to make me feel better. All most all of them had it until after delivery.
Anyhow...HYPER-SPITosis...not an actual name for it...be kind to me...it is hard enough without the weird looks.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
One Day Carter will Thank us
One day Carter will thanks us for learning to play the piano. Right now, he is going with the flow. One day...in like 11 years... he will be on his mission in a third world country. A keyboard will be the only musical instrument. He will be able to provide music to all. AND if this scenerio never presents...he can play for many other things.
This is him practicing for his recital...that I do not have pictures of. I have gotten bad about taking pictures.
A little more November
We spend just about every family vacation with cousins. I have a goal to get more pictures of all of the cousins together this year. I got out the camera when we went for Thanksgiving...this is what I ended up with.
It isn't that bad really. A little blurry. This is how the kids are most of the time. Hanging out...doing their own thing...without adults bugging them every minute. Jenn has a basement.... we send the kids down there and don't hear from them for hours...although they are loud enough we can still hear them.
My kids have great cousins from other families also. We are taking a giant trip together in April and I hope to capture ALL of the others. ( think there are 18 grandkids total)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Fun on the Bermuda
11.13.10
I hate bermuda grass. We are going to attempt nice grass one day.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Ummm....Halloween
I'm a little behind....like always
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A new post for a new attitude
I held a sweet little boy today. He just cuddled in my arms.
I talked with women just a few years older than me...but much wiser.
I went shopping today. I didn't buy anything.
I took off my hoodie today. I wasn't cold.
I did homework today. I learned a interesting things.
I played on facebook today. I did not linger too long.
I ate good food today. It was healthy.
I enjoyed my day today. Nothing fabulous happened, but I am happy.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Laugh, Cry, and Be Amazed all in one day!
Laugh
This last week has been a whirlwind of adventure. I felt the full spectrum of all emotion. This is our family history blog, so I would feel bad if I did not document it. First, I was able to get a ticket to visit my friend Kelli and my family in CA. I was so elated to know that I would get some good time with them...just Taylor and I. Daniel was a pretty good sport about it too...even though he will have the 2 boys to take care of for a week...yes...an entire week for me to play.
Cry
Then my mom called and said my Aunt Linda was not doing well. They had put her on life support. Auntie Linda holds a special place in my heart because she was the aunt I felt closest to as a young child. We lived in Oklahoma and she would visit as often as she could. She was really the only Aunt or Uncle I felt like I knew...that was latter remedied when we moved closer to family. Anyhow, her health condition really tore at my spirit. I love her with all of my heart. She is doing a little better now, and I am hoping she will make it to my visit next week.
Amazed
On Wednesday night we got a call from the Stake Executive Secretary. They wanted to meet with Daniel and I the next day. On Sunday they had announced a new bishopric would be called. Daniel and I did not sleep at ALL that night. I kept praying we would have the right spirit with us as we met with President Holm. Thursday night they called Daniel to be the 2nd Councilor in the Bishopric. Today, at the age of 30, my husband was made a High Priest by his father...who had driven 7 hours on Saturday to be there and left just 18 hours later. My husband has been humbled by the spirit that has surrounded him and the knowledge that he is doing the will of God. He is a good man. We know the Lord will bless us on this new journey. We know the ward will support our new Bishopric. The whirlwind of emotions this week has made me grateful for my knowledge of the gospel.
