Birth Story

August 15, 2012

I went to the doctor today for my last appointment! It looks like we might be having this baby sooner rather later. The c-section is scheduled for Monday but my blood pressure was high and I had protein in my urine so they want to monitor my urine and BP overnight and if it doesn't go down, my doctor wants to do the c-section Friday or Saturday. I thought for sure it wasn't that big of deal. Surely it can wait a couple of days? I guess not. I'm excited to meet this little guy...whenever it is!

August 20, 2012

We woke-up very early this morning. We had to call Labor and Delivery at 5am to make sure it was okay to still come. It was! We had to be at the hospital at 6am. We arrived on time and took a moment to try and take in everything that was about to happen. We got to our room and my nurse started my IV and I signed consent papers. I got changed and then just waited. Sam was moving like crazy! He would not be still! It was like he knew what was about to happen.

Then, about a million residents, interns, med students came in and introduced themselves as having some part of my surgery. I'm always willing to be a guinea pig for education but it was a little overwhelming and I just trusted that the rookies would be heavily supervised. Enter Dr. Draper. Finally a face I recognized and I was instantly at ease. That man is a saint! He is amazing at what he does and I am so grateful he agreed to be my doctor. After a little more waiting, my nurse came to get me and I kissed Michael goodbye as were temporarily separated because they don't let dads come in until after the epidural.

I was so nervous about the spinal. I was shaking. My nurse was so great and held my hand and rubbed my arm. I was worried about nothing. I barely felt anything. It was an odd, warm sensation down my legs and they instantly got heavy. They quickly got me on the table and draped me. I was so freaked out that my anesthesia might not work. I've had issues in the past with anesthesia and I was terrified when they said they were about to cut. Michael wasn't in the room yet when the doctor asked for a blade. Enter Michael. Ah, relief. He made me calm down instantly. I wish I can describe how amazing my husband was that day. He was so attentive to me in the most perfect way. I don't know how he was feeling on the inside at the time but he was so calm. He kept me updated with what was going on behind the drape and reassured me that everything was going great.

I felt nothing but pressure. Oh, the pressure! Wow! I couldn't believe how much pressure there was. It was an uneasy feeling knowing how hard the were pulling and stretching but not feeling it. It felt like my insides exploded. I wasn't prepared for the pressure. In a way, it hurt but it was fine. Then, they finally told me there was going to be A LOT of pressure and someone was literally putting all their body weight on my belly and I knew Sam would be here any second. I instantly felt the release and heard his sweet, little cry. I began to cry as I could not believe he was here. I couldn't see him but he was here! From then on, it felt like Michael was in two places at once because he was holding my hand and telling me everything they were doing and he was able to be with Sam. I never felt alone. The first thing he said to me was that, "he has hair! Lots of brown, curly hair!". I was shocked because I would have bet a lot of money he was going to be bald. I told Michael to go over and be with Sam while they cleaned him up. He went to be with him while I told the anesthesiologist that I was feeling nauseous. I think I asked if my uterus was out on my belly because I knew that is when you tend to get a little nauseous. They told me yes, indeed, it was. Michael came back over to me and so sincerely said, "he is really cute, baby...he is so cute". I said, "really?!". This is funny to us because we joked almost the entire pregnancy that he was going to be ugly and we should prepare ourselves. We were honestly surprised that he was a good looking baby. I know, we are horrible. I have no idea why but I inquired about how his ears looked. I was never really worried or cared what his ears looked like but for some reason, all doped up, it was important to me.

Sam only cried a few times and this was a problem. The pediatricians needed him to cry and he wouldn't. He was quietly whimpering  He had fluid in his lungs and they were suctioning him like crazy. Michael came over to me and told me he was doing great and that they were just trying to get the fluid out and trying to get him to cry. I kept asking if he was okay and I was assured that he was. I later learned that everyone was sugar coating the situation so I didn't freak out. He was going to be fine but he wasn't really at the time. His sats were dropping and they had to put a c-pap on him. I was waiting for them to bring him to me but they didn't. They told me before I went in that I would be able to do skin-to-skin in the O.R. as long as he was doing well. Michael was so calm and kept telling me what they were doing and finally told me that they needed to take him to the nursery just to watch him. I wasn't going to get to hold him yet. I was fine with this. I just wanted him to be okay. They handed Sam to Michael and let him bring him to me so I could see him and kiss him quickly before they took him. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I could not get over how cute he was. I just could not believe he was ours. I still can't. I love him so much, it almost hurts.

Our First Kiss

Michael was whisked away with our baby and I was finishing get stitched and stapled. Things were a little fuzzy after that and I was tired! They wheeled me back to the delivery room and my parents and Michael's parents came in. I told them they could go to the nursery to see Sam and I was left all by my lonesome which was okay because I was fuzzy and lightheaded. I was just laying there waiting for them to wheel him in to me so I could breastfeed and do some skin-to-skin. My nurse was great and kept calling the nursery to see if they would bring him. She calmly said he was not ready yet. I can't remember what he said exactly but Michael kept calling my cell phone and updating me about how Sam was doing. Generally, the message was that he was not crying and he needed to cry to get the fluid out but he was doing fine. Later I learned that they said he might need to go to the NICU if he couldn't keep his sats up but he was a champ. It never came to that. Michael just now told me he had a hard time keeping his sats above 88 for the first hour and was grunting a lot. His sats got progressively better over the next couple of hours but he still was not crying and rather than take him to the NICU, they agreed to do a chest x-ray to see if he had pneumonia. He had little fluid in his lungs but nothing that concerned them as long as his oxygen saturation was above 90.

Proud Grandparents

They transferred me to my maternity room without seeing Sam still. I was sad that it was taking so long but later I was grateful it turned out the way it did. I was so groggy and tired and just plain out of it, I don't think I would remember much about those first exchanges. They wheeled me past the nursery so I could see him and Michael was in there and held my baby boy up to the window. He looked really good except he was so quiet and limp but he was doing well. He was so cute with his perfect head and cherry lips. I couldn't wait to get my hands on him. I got to the room and was reunited with my parents and Michael's parents. They were updating me about what was happening but I don't remember what they told me. I was in my room for about 15 minutes and they finally let Michael bring him to me. It had been over 3 hours since the delivery. Michael wheeled in the bassinet and handed him to me. His eyes were closed and he was so tiny (another shocker, we anticipated him being HUGE). I snuggled him closely and said, "hi baby boy!" and he immediately opened his eyes, turned his head and looked right at me as if he was saying, "hey, I know you! I know that voice. You're my mom". It was the most precious moment of my life. I fell in love. I was a mom. I'm a mom. I'm a mom. Crazy! The four days in the hospital were so special. I think of his birthday like my wedding day and the days in the hospital were like the honeymoon. It was the beginning of our little family and the three of just had love fest for four days.

Our first meeting. "Hi, baby boy!"

Did the last four years really happen? Yes, it did. And we are better parents for it. I know this little guy is so special and was saved to come to our family at this particular time. We are so grateful that the Lord blessed us with this precious life and we can't wait to show him the world!



*Did I mention that we had an amazing photographer to capture the entire day? She was able to come into the O.R. which is rare. What an amazing gift to have everything documented without Michael feeling like he needed to be glued to a camera. He was able to just be in the moment with me. Check her out...brookefrancophotography.com.

Introducing...

Samuel Collin Hall

8/20/2012

7lb 7oz

7:57am

We are so in love. Birth story to follow...

37 Weeks...Full term!!

37 weeks!!!

How far along? 37 weeks exactly!
Total weight gain?  20lbs. I did not gain any weight the last two weeks which is nice since I gained four the last time. It's all evening out I think.

Sleep? When I am sleeping, I sleep well. It's just the many potty breaks and readjusting that keeps from sleeping through the night. Last night I was awakened by that elusive toothache! This is the fourth time this pregnancy that I have had the same toothache. Luckily, not much longer until this baby is out and hopefully whatever is causing it will go away.

Best moment of the week?  The last ultrasound and getting the c-section scheduled! He looks so smashed in there! We couldn't really see anything great but he was measuring right on track...to the day. He is not gigantic yet...so they predict. My placenta did end up moving a little bit but not enough to make him feel comfortable about letting me go naturally. He said if I was dead-set on having a vaginal birth, he would let me try. If he would have asked me a couple of months ago, I would have said yes, definitely. No c-section! But, he gave us the odds of 50% chance of it ending in a c-section anyway and hemorrhaging and I was not comfortable with those odds. He said if it was his daughter and grandchild, he would just go for the scheduled c-section. So we are scheduled! He said because of the placement of the placenta, he is comfortable letting me go to 38 weeks! At first I was disappointed and dreading finishing my shifts at work but I'm glad now. The longer he can stay in, the better for him. So, Baby Boy Hall officially arriving AUGUST 20, 2012! Yay!! We go to have blood drawn and fluids the night before and have to be at the hospital at 6am the next morning. We are so excited, we can't stand it!

Miss anything?  No, I really don't. I am just going to try and focus on enjoying having my baby boy with me all the time. Bittersweet times. 

Movement? Still all the time. He is more active in the evenings than in the mornings which stresses me out a little when I wake-up. I am totally going to miss feeling his little butt sticking out and his feet in my ribs. It really is too bad I don't get have a vaginal birth. He is ready! He has been head down for the last 2 months!

Food cravings? Lemonade and hot dogs. Weird. They just always sound good.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope, I have felt really good this week.

Labor signs? I wish. I have decided the pain I have been feeling is round ligament pain. Yikes! Stops me in my tracks. I keep joking I have been trying to make my water break. It's not working. I would love it if he decided to make his debut at earlier than expected!

Gender?  BOY!

Symptoms? I have been wondering if he's dropped because the heartburn has been a little better but doctor doesn't think so. People keep telling me I look a little lower but I can't tell.

Happy or Moody? Happy and excited! I can't wait to see what this little guy looks like and hold him. Nine days or less!!

Looking forward to...?  This week being over and getting this kid here! I can't wait to hear his cry and bring him home and to officially become our new little family.

Realization of the week? We will be a family of three!! It's been me and Michael for so long and I have loved it but I can't wait to bring this sweet boy into our family and see how we rise to the occasion. I can't wait to see Michael as a dad. He is going to be awesome.

36 Weeks!

How far along? 36 weeks 3 days
Total weight gain?  20lbs+. We shall see tomorrow. I wouldn't be surprised if it was another 4 lbs.

Sleep? Okay, sleeping is getting harder. It's mostly just waking up...a lot! I've had a couple of people tell me I look like I'm carrying lower and I have been wondering that myself since I wake up every hour or two to pee. 

Best moment of the week?  The nursery is finished, clothes are washed, bags are packed and we are ready for this little guy!!  I can't wait to hold him and snuggle him in less than a week (hopefully).

Miss anything?  Not yet but I think I will! This is a bittersweet time for me. I am going to miss being pregnant like crazy. I'm not going to pretend it's all roses, especially lately but I love it! The sweet part is that I don't have to endure the last three weeks of pregnancy, which I am told are the most miserable. I seem to be more and more uncomfortable during the day than I am sleeping. 

Movement? He might be slowing down a bit but he is so active still...and huge! If he has dropped, it hasn't stopped him from sticking his feet in my ribs all the time. I love it! 

Food cravings? I did go and get a piece of cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. I ate it over three days. It was very rich but very yummy. I have to say something about cravings. If I give in to whatever I want, it's not nearly as satisfying as I would have hoped. Good thing I have not had a lot of cravings.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope, I have felt really good this week.

Labor signs? No? Sometimes I think I have contractions but I'm not sure and I have been told I would know if they were really contractions.

Gender?  BOY!

Symptoms? Heartburn, heartburn, heartburn. It's been a little better the last few days but it still creeps up on me. I also have started to have lower back pain, mostly after I work. It's takes me a day or two to recover from it. I feel lucky that it's just now starting. All-in-all I feel pretty lucky as it is. I have had a great pregnancy with not much to complain about.

Happy or Moody? Happy...for the most part. I did have a melt down this week about the house not being clean or finished or perfect. I realized I was being irrational at the time and Michael just took it. I felt bad. I think I ruined his day.

Looking forward to...?  That last ultrasound on Wednesday. I can't wait!!

Realization of the week? This is it...less than a week. I can't wait.
Some interesting tid-bits about my baby body...

• My belly button is still an innie. It's flattening out but it's still definitely in. 
• It's hot but I have not had a lot of issues with swelling. There was one day when my wedding ring was really tight and my toes swell sometimes but mostly it hasn't been a problem. Actually, as we speak my wedding ring is a little tight. I might have some issues if I was able to go three more weeks. 
• I do not have any stretch marks. I thought I might not because my mom never had any. I put lotions on my belly religiously but I know that it's all genetics. Thanks, mom! 
• I don't have the linea negra (the black line) on my belly. It happens in three-quarters of all pregnancies. Not mine I guess. I wonder if it might show up if I was able to go to term. 
• I haven't noticed my hair being thicker but it grows so much quicker as well as my nails. Michael is kind enough to clip my nails because I hate doing it. It's like nails on a chalk board for me.
• If you notice in pictures, I have cholasma or "the mask of pregnancy". It's hyperpigmentation of the skin on the face. Awesome. I have actually had it since I started birth control before I got married. I was thinking for a long time that it hasn't gotten worse since I got pregnant but I think it has...especially on my forehead. I have tried to treat it in the past but it was recommended that I not do anything expensive until I was done having kids.
• Looking back, I think my boobs have gotten smaller over the last couple of months? Or maybe that's wishful thinking and my bigger belly just makes them look smaller? Either way, my boobs are bigger...enough said.
• I love my pregnancy body, especially my belly. I could go naked everywhere if it were appropriate. Not because I think my body is in any way attractive but because it feels so good to not have anything on my body. It's really hot all.the.time. I will miss this body for sure but I'm excited to be able to breathe and sit comfortably again!

35 Weeks!!...

35 Weeks! Why do I look exhausted all the time?

How far along? 35 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain?  20lbs+. I gained 4lbs in just two weeks. I certainly hope it's me and not him. Just yet another reason to suspect that he is big.

Sleep? I am sleeping okay. Nothing has really changed in this department. I pee a couple of times a night and wake-up to re-position. Still, generally a pretty good sleeper.

Best moment of the week?  Every day closer is the best moment. I still love feeling him and I am trying to connect with him as much as possible before he is here. I have this irrational fear that he won't like me or that because of the c-section, we won't be able to bond like we would have if I was having a natural delivery. I know, I said I was being irrational. I just hope he knows I am his mama.

Miss anything?  I really don't. I am trying to really enjoy every minute because the clock is winding down. We are so close and it's getting bittersweet. I will miss being pregnant. As far as anyone knows, this may be the only time I get to be pregnant so I am holding on and cherishing every moment.

Movement? Still no signs of slowing down. I now know for a fact that he is huge. When he moves, he seems very long. He is probably chubby too. At my appointment this week, the midwife measured me. She usually will make a comment like, "right on track". She said nothing this week and I asked her if she could feel how big he was. She said she didn't want to say anything to stress me out even more but I am measuring big now. I have always been right on schedule but I was measuring 36 weeks at 34.5 weeks. She said she thinks I am going to have big one. I have started thinking an early c-section is not such a bad thing. I had a dream that he came out the size of a toddler. It was really funny and I am obviously obsessed by his size. Really, I just want him to be healthy.

Food cravings? Still cheesecake! Cheesecake Factory is having half-priced slices this week. I just might go get one.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Nope, I have felt really good this week.

Labor signs? None, I think. I have had this groin pain off and on. I don't think they are contractions but they stop me in my tracks.

Gender?  BOY!

Symptoms? Just mostly the same heartburn and reflux. I'm ready for that to be over with. I have talked to a few people who said that it never went away after birth. Yikes! I'm saying lots of prayers that mine does.

Happy or Moody? Happy!! Happy!! Happy!! It's getting so close!

Looking forward to...?  That last ultrasound on the 8th. We have been in this "wait and see" mode for over three months now and it will be nice to know what is going to happen, definitively. I will be really happy either way. We also have the last of our baby showers. We have been so spoiled. We have great friends and family. Michael's work is throwing one and the fine women of my Primary Presidency is also hosting one. So nice of everybody.

Realization of the week? Only 6 more shifts until he is here (pending my placenta stays put)!! I think I can,  I think I can, I think I can. My maternity leave papers are all submitted and I am ready to go as soon as he is.

33 & 34 Weeks!

33 weeks!

34 Weeks! I feel like I have gotten huge!!

How far along? 34 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain?  16lbs+. We will see officially this week!

Sleep? I am still sleeping okay. I wake up a lot. A few times to pee and a few times to turn to my other side. I am looking forward to sleeping on my back again. Reflux got so bad last night that it kept me up until almost 4am and threw-up a few times. It's only gotten that bad a couple of times and I am hoping that it doesn't happen again.

Best moment of the week?  Getting through my shifts and finally getting the nursery organized. Thank goodness my mom was here. She pretty much did everything. I got really overwhelmed with how much stuff one little creature needs! All of his clothes are washed and put away, his bathroom is clean and organized. I really want to post pictures of the nursery but we are waiting for the chair cushion to be done and I don't want to take pictures until it's completely done.

Miss anything?  I really don't. I am trying to really enjoy every minute because the clock is winding down. We are so close and it's getting bittersweet. I will miss being pregnant. As far as anyone knows, this may be the only time I get to be pregnant so I am holding on and cherishing every moment.

Movement? I really think he is HUGE! He is head down and I feel him all over my belly when he moves. I have finally experienced a couple of those swift rib kicks people keep talking about. Yeah, it hurts but he is pretty good to his mama. I read they are supposed to be less active at this stage but he is showing no signs of slowing down. We got a good video of my belly moving and shaking and it cracks us up!

Food cravings? Cheesecake! I really wanted a piece of cheesecake last night and almost went to get one. Good thing I was exhausted by the heat and couldn't bring myself to do it. I still drool when I see any kind of donut, but haven't had one since I went to California in June.

Anything make you queasy or sick? Just reflux at night. This is the second time I ate pizza and the reflux was so bad that I threw-up. I thought it was the tomato sauce but I had white sauce and it still happened. I think no more pizza for me.

Labor signs? Nope. Occasional Braxton Hicks, especially when I am out in the heat. 

Gender?  BOY!

Symptoms? Heartburn, reflux, tender boobs again. Mainly the heartburn and reflux. I tell you, that is probably the only thing I will not miss.

Happy or Moody? Happy!! Happy!! Happy!! It's getting so close!

Looking forward to...?  His birthday! So, the placenta didn't move. Shocker! We were not very surprised. I will have one more ultrasound at 36 weeks (August 8th) and that will be the final word. I will be scheduled for my c-section the next week if it has not moved (which it won't...I'd bet money). So his birthday will be August 13th, 14th, or 15th. We are shooting for the 15th just to keep him in there as long as possible. August 15th seems like a good birthday, yes?! I was hoping for a September baby but I understand the risks. I am still not looking forward to the c-section but I have read and been told a lot of positive stories. The feeling like I am missing out is slowly going away. It may sound strange but I would really like to know what labor feels like. I'm not going to get that. I'm also really, really looking forward to being done with work for a while. It's getting tough. It's still very manageable but my body needs a break. I know maternity leave will be no vacation but I am so looking forward to being exhausted because my little guy is here and not because of working a 12 hour shift.

Realization of the week? 2.5 weeks!! What?! To be honest, I'm going to be a slightly disappointed mama if the placenta does move. I have had it in my head for at least two months that I will have an early c-section and that he will be here in August. If by some miracle the placenta moves and I am able to go 40 weeks, I will cry. Five weeks seems like an eternity, especially compared to two. Plus, I am terrified that he is going to be HUGE! I'm pretty sure he is big. I have nothing to compare it to but he just feels big to me. We are nesting like crazy. We are checking off our "to-do lists" but we keep adding to it as fast as we are checking things off. I can't believe he is almost here!!

31 & 32...Getting there!

32 Weeks! Please look past the dirty mirror. Gross. I feel like I have really popped in the last two weeks!

How far along? 32 weeks 3 days
Total weight gain?  16lbs+. I gained two pounds this month. I start going every other week now so I will be able to keep a closer eye on it. I am supposed to be gaining a pound a week from now on. Yikes!

Maternity clothes?  Still mostly just bottoms. I can get away with bigger size t-shirts but I did buy a few comfy maternity dresses. I should stop. I don't have long to go.

Sleep? I am sleeping...okay. When I am asleep, it's good sleep. However, potty breaks and needing to re-position every hour and heartburn wakes me up a lot. Plus, weird dreams.  I was getting really frustrated one night because I had these dreams that kept waking me up and it took a minute to decide if they were real. I had another dream baby boy came out a baby girl. I seriously hope that doesn't happen.

Best moment of the week?  Getting a good night sleep! Seriously, the heartburn is getting out of control.

Miss anything?  The more uncomfortable I get, the less I miss anything about not being pregnant. That may sound strange but it's true. Every ache, hard kick, heartburn, yucky feeling is a constant reminder that I'M PREGNANT! I am having a baby!! I am going to be a mom! These are the things that I have been dying to experience and I am truly loving every minute. I just stare at myself in the mirror and can't believe what I am seeing. It's all still so surreal. When will I wake-up?

Movement? He is getting big! He rolls a lot and it's the weirdest, coolest feeling in the world. It takes me by surprise sometimes. I am obsessed by his movements. I literally will not get out of bed in the morning until  he gives a few good kicks. Ever since the midwife said I should be doing some sort of kick count, I have been stressed out by his movements. If he is not moving, I get worried. I know babies sleep sometimes too!

Food cravings? Still donuts but I don't indulge. I have also been thinking about cheesecake. I like cheesecake but it's not my favorite. Lately, I really want a piece of Cheesecake Factory cheesecake...I don't care what flavor. I'm too tired and it's too hot for me to do anything about it which I consider a good thing.

Anything make you queasy or sick? No and yes. I feel great aside from heartburn and reflux. Seriously, it's getting pretty bad. Two nights in a row I was up past 1am because I couldn't fall asleep to due the fear of vomiting. Not because I felt sick but that is what the reflux is causing me to do. I vomited three times in the past two weeks because of reflux. I do a pretty good job of keeping it under control with weird grunts and throat clearing but as soon as I fall asleep and my esophagus can relax, that's when the contents of my stomach come back up into my mouth and makes me throw-up. Yuck! I have tried EVERYTHING! Eating small meals, not eating late, sitting up to fall asleep. Nothing works. Pepcid and Tums seem to be losing their effect. It still works okay for the acid neutralizing part. Nothing can stop the reflux! Michael was just told by a co-worker that she threw-up every night for the last month of her pregnancy due to reflux. I am hoping that doesn't happen to me. I am trying to weed out certain foods that make it worse. I think anything with tomato sauce is out for now.

Labor signs? No, no. Still the occasional Braxton Hicks but nothing that gets me concerned. I would know if I was having real contractions, right? Baby boy still has come cooking to do!

Gender?  He had better come out a boy! 

Symptoms? Just heartburn, reflux, BH occasionally. It's getting harder to breathe. I am already looking forward to that first breath after birth! And, I AM HOT! People freeze when they come to our house. It has be 69 degrees or under. It's just too hot otherwise. I try to be nice and turn it up a little when people come over but I end up turning it back down shortly thereafter and get out the blankets. I really didn't notice that I was hotter than most people until I had some people over and everyone was freezing. I was still thinking that for it being 90-100 degrees everyday and pregnant, it was still pretty much...okay.

Happy or Moody? Happy!! Happy!! Happy!! It's getting so close!

Looking forward to...?  My ultrasound tomorrow!! Michael is not very optimistic about the placenta moving. He keeps saying, "we get to find out our baby's birthday this week!". They will schedule the c-section right then and there if it hasn't moved. 37 weeks! I am a little more optimistic. I am hoping the bleeding I have been having is an indication of things moving north. The midwife said it's possible. I am trying to not dwell on things that are out of my control so if it hasn't moved, a c-section it is and I am okay with that. I cried a lot when I looked at youtube videos of c-sections. I really don't want to be cut open. And, I really want to be free to have those first moments with him. But, I know if it's necessary, it's necessary. I have been trying to focus on the positive stuff. Biggest one? Either way, I will have my baby boy here with us, sooner rather than later!

Realization of the week? If I have a c-section he will be here in 5 weeks! We are nearly ready for him. The nursery has just a few finishing touches and some organizing to do. Sometimes I sit in his room and just try to make any of this seem real. It still doesn't. When will this sink in? I feel like we are playing house and preparing all this stuff for him but have convinced myself that we are still pretending. When we talk about our child or children, it still feels like we talk about "someday" or "eventually". Not 5-8 weeks!! We feel so blessed and so loved by so many people who are just are excited for this little guy's arrival as we are.