John's Birth Story

I never posted all the details, so here it is, a month later :)

On March 10th, I went to the dr and was dilated to 3, 80% effaced. The dr stripped my membranes. That is supposed to get things going, but doesn't always work. Well, in my case it did! All day long I was crampy, but he said that would be normal. I wasn't really expecting anything to happen, especially with Thursday being my due date. I mean, who really actually has their baby on their due date??

So Wednesday I went for a few walks, went to my sisters, went to bed feeling fine. I woke up at 3:30 am with horrible cramps. They did not feel like contractions to me, because it was constant. I wasn't sure if it was from the appointment or if I just had to go to the bathroom. I tried to lay there for a while, and the pain was just so bad. I got up and went to the bathroom, walked around upstairs, tried laying back down. Brad was sleeping down on the couch that night because I had been moving around too much earlier. So I went down around 4 and told him I didn't know what was going on. His response, "Let me know if you need anything hon," as he rolled over on the couch and fell back asleep :)

I went back upstairs and the pain was just intensifying. I called for him around 5:30 and had him come upstairs to see if we could time the pain. I was having contractions about 6 minutes apart, but they still didn't feel like contractions to me. Anyways, we called the dr and she said to come in. We quick packed (luckily we had it down pat this time...remember that post about Brad and the snacks???) and got in the car around 6:30 am. At this time, the pain sort of subsided. Both of us thought it was a false alarm. We actually turned around on the way to the hospital because I felt dumb for going in and them saying, "Oh sweetie, this is not labor."

But, good thing we turned back around because when we got there at 7:00, the contractions were starting again (still not bad though). They checked me and I was dilated to 4, 90% effaced! They told me I was in active labor and they were admitting me. We were both shocked!

Things moved so fast from there. We were admitted by 7:15, checked again at 8 and I was already dilated to a 5-6. I got my epidural, and they broke my water. By 10 I was dilated to 9 and they were getting ready for me to push. I didn't really feel pain during this, just a LOT of pressure. My contractions were super short but only a minute apart, and the pressure was awful. I started pushing around 10:45 and John was born at 12:01 pm!

The staff at the hospital couldn't believe how fast my labor was. They told me that the next time I better come in the minute I feel anything!

All in all, I had a great delivery experience. I'm sure that's easier to say now that is has been a month! I know at the time I couldn't believe how much harder it was than I thought.

So there it is...I can't believe it has been a month! I feel like we are just now starting to get the hang of things. I feel better this week, it has been fun to see his little personality emerge. I took him to the post office today, so slowly but surely we are having some small outings. It feels so good to get out of the house!

Well, I am going to go wake the little man to eat. I'll post some one month pictures this weekend! Thanks for reading :)

We made it another week!

So motherhood and blogging have not been working out too well :) These past two weeks have been EXHAUSTING! Between being tired and having constant anxiety, I can say that this is the hardest job I have ever had. Thank goodness for family is all I have to say! I truly never thought having a baby would be this hard. My mom has been a lifesaver and has been spending the night several times a week so that I can get caught up on sleep and for some support. Brad's parents came into town this past weekend and spoiled us too! They cooked for us and let us both sleep in the nights. And of course, Brad continues to be so supportive and such a great dad. I really am lucky to have such great support all around me! Thank you everyone, I love you! I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for your help and support. I keep telling myself it will get easier!

John is doing great though. He is a pretty content baby for the most part. He has been really fussy lately in the evenings, between 9-midnight. I have been trying to keep him on an eat-wake-sleep cycle in the days, but sometimes I just can't keep him awake! Then I stress that he won't sleep at night. I think that contributes to his fussy period too. He seems to have discovered his lungs, and he just gets mad! We are still trying to figure out the night schedule/feeding schedule. He usually eats about every 3 hours during the day and 3 1/2-4 hours at night. At least he is usually pretty good about sleeping at night! He is getting bigger, he weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces last week at the dr. We go on the 12th for his one month appointment, so I am anxious to see how much he has gained then.

It's crazy though, no matter how tired or stressed or anxious, all I have to do is look at him and I could stare at him for hours! He is so cute!! I am excited to learn more about him and I just can't wait until he smiles at me!

Here are some recent pictures of our little man...Enjoy!

Two Weeks!

Well, I still don't have time to really write, but here are some pictures from this week. Things are going good, just so much more exhausting than I ever imagined! I don't think I have slept more than 3 hours (if I am lucky, usually 1-2) at a time since he was born. My mom and sister have been major helpers in being there for me through my emotional rollercoasters of motherhood! Brad is an amazing dad, I am so grateful for him. Breastfeeding is definately stressful, I just keep telling myself it will get easier.

On a more positive note, he is so dang cute!!! His little faces and "old man" look crack us up. Enjoy the pictures!

1 Week!

How I spend most of my day...

First Bath!

Hanging out with Mommy while Daddy's back at work...we miss you!

Introducing...

John Bradley Monhaut
Born March 11, 2010
6 pounds, 14 ounces
20 inches long

More details to come, we are so in love and couldn't be happier! Thanks to everyone for your love and support!

40 Week Doctor appointment update...

Allie is thinking, "When are you going to stop taking these pictures of yourself??" SOON, hopefully!

Well, I just got back from the doctor's office and there has been some progress from last week! I am now 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced. He is still pretty high, at a -3 station. The doctor stripped my membranes (ouch) so maybe that will help get things rolling too. I am not going to count on it, but it is at least exciting! I go back on Monday and they are going to do a non stress test (ultrasound and exam). They will also schedule my induction date and will not let me go past 41 weeks. So, next Thursday at the latest!

Tomorrow is my official due date, so we'll see what happens. I am just so excited to know that there IS an end in sight and will get to meet our baby soon! Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed my pregnancy, but I have never been so anxious in my life! I am trying to enjoy this last week of being able to relax. I was feeling guilty for leaving work, but it has been so nice to be able to just relax and get some rest!

Thanks for all of the prayers and let's hope he decides to come on his own before next week!

Dear John,

You can come out any time now!

Love,
Mom

No signs of his arrival yet. My doctor only gave me a "gentle" exam on Wednesday, and I was 1 cm dilated and he was still pretty high. This week they said they will be much more aggressive, whatever that means. So we'll see. I am pretty much resigned to the fact that he will be late, which is fine. However, the idea of being two weeks late is stressful. I hope he is at least here by St. Patrick's Day!

My last day of work was yesterday. It feels so weird to think that I won't be at work until June! I have a long list of things I want to get done this week that I didn't get to do over winter break with my back hurting so bad. I want to try to cook and freeze a bunch of meals. Keep the house clean, read, walk, hang out with my sister and Libby, babysit Libby with my mom. Should keep me busy for a little while and my mind off things.

I really don't mean to complain, I have had a very easy and boring pregnancy. But I am starting to get uncomfortable. Mainly at night and am not sleeping well. I know this will only get worse when the baby does come, but at least I will hopefully get an hour or two of GOOD sleep at times. This tossing and turning all night just isn't fun. Not to mention that my dog has decided her new favorite place to sleep in right next to, practically on my stomach. I have a pillow next to me to sort of "prop" up my stomach and she thinks it is for her. Oh, Allie, how your life is going to change!

So nothing too exciting, we are just waiting as patiently as we can. We are so excited though!!!! Hopefully we will have news to share soon!