Blog Update

Hi guys,

Now that our little Gabriela is here, we decided we should probably just update ONE blog. So from now on, we'll be posting the latest and greatest on our original blog:

http://www.laneandelena.blogspot.com/

Come learn about our adventures here :)

My Momma Brain and my Fabulous Husband

We were so prepared for our doctor appointment today. We planned to leave early, accounting for any traffic we might run into, and/or any baby feeding/changing delays that may have fallen upon us. Gabriela was a total doll and just hung out happily until it was time to leave, she stayed awake for the car ride and didn't make a peep, and fell asleep as soon as we got there. I was so proud of us for arriving early. Well, little did I realize we were a whole 30 minutes AND ONE WEEK early for our appointment. Whoops.

It wasn't an entirely useless trip. We went to this lounge area that they have and talked with a breastfeeding peer counselor for some tips. During that time, a couple of the midwives stopped by. I got to introduce my mom to the midwife who stayed with us all through the labor at the birth center and then the midwife who stayed with us all through the labor at the hospital (more later on the glorious birth story details). The midwives got to visit with us and the baby.

The best part though, was the report the Ebony gave to my mom about Lane. She said how wonderful he was supporting me through my labor - so much, that she wanted to record him to show to other dads that THIS was exactly what you were supposed to do. She also said if he's anything like he was during labor, that he was going to be a fabulous daddy. Of course, this was when I started crying.

Not only that, Lane brought his famous cookies to share with the midwives, which she said was the icing on the cake. Even more impressive though, was the fact that Lane made them racing back and forth from the kitchen and living room to help me through contractions every 5 or so minutes.

Man, I love that guy.

Our first few days

Gabriela was up all night her first night at home. It was kind of hard not knowing the best thing to do, and also because Lane ended up having to go back to work the next day and wake up at 5 am. Nana came to the rescue and helped us figure things out in the middle of the night.

We decided Gabriela must have been really gassy or something because she slept soooo much better last night. I felt more rested, but Lane was more tired. This was because he just couldn't stop looking at her, singing to her, or taking little videos of her instead of going to sleep.

Can you blame him?

We got a little adventurous yesterday and took a trip to Costco. Today we have an appointment at the Birth Center and tomorrow one at the pediatrician.

When I have more time, I'll post about our birth story.

Sleeping Gabriela

Here's Gabriela sleeping like a little baby.

And Nana holding her for the first time.

She's Finally HERE!

Baby Gabriela Elena Grover arrived on Sunday evening at 8:43 p.m. She was 8 lbs, 4.8 oz. and 21 inches long.

We think she is the most precious little girl ever.

Birth Center Update

Well, folks I called the midwives to tell them I was exhausted - the only sleep I've gotten in the past three nights has been drifting off to sleep for maybe 10 minutes at a time in between contractions and how frustrated I was and to ask what the heck I could do to get things going in the right direction.

The midwife on call was at the birth center and suggested we come in to talk about what we could do. She also said this was very typical for first time moms, and not to be TOO surprised or upset if I hadn't progressed much from my last exam on Thursday. Before we walked in the door Lane and I talked about how we shouldn't be focused or frustrated by what the midwife said. My focus was getting some tips from her.

She said I had gone from 1 cm Thursday to between 3 & 4 today, and that getting to 5 was the hardest part. After I'm there, I can be admitted to the center. My cervix is super duper soft and the baby is down low. She said she wouldn't be surprised at all if I was back there to deliver before the night is through. Let me just tell you that I burst into tears. I was so unprepared for GOOD news that I didn't know how to react. What a relief.

She says to focus on resting, eating every 2 hrs and drinking 8 oz every hour and sent me off with a big hug.

Baby isn't in the *best* position right now, but she gave us some tips to help encourage her to scooch into the right one.

And there you have it. Keep thinking those good thoughts - they are working!

Who Knew?

I knew labor would be really intense and difficult, but who knew the first stage could be SOOOOO long?!? We still haven't gone to the birth center yet.

I'm not even in active labor yet, although I have a feeling that's really close and very hopeful that once we get there everything will progress much faster.

Spent all night in the bathtub because I couldn't get comfy laying down and contractions were way too intense laying down.

Our doula was here from 9 am yesterday to 5 am today. We had her go home to take a little break, hoping we'll meet at the birth center sooner than later.

Lane has been wonderful.

More soon.

The Real Deal

We've been up all night since I started having contractions at 7 pm. Man, they stink.

After hearing that things weren't really progressing, Lane and I pulled out all the stops. We went exercising in the pool, went for a walk, climbed six flights of stairs, ate spicy foods, and did some other things.

We did it all on our own throughout the night and decided to ask our doula to come this morning. We're both pretty tired and mostly sleeping in between contractions.

We should go to the birth center sometime this afternoon.

Not sure when you'll hear from us next.

False Alarm

So, apparently I'm just having "pre-labor" contractions where my uterus is getting ready for the big day. It has to figure things out.

It's kind of disappointing and frustrating that this isn't the real deal.

I was having a lot of contractions last night and was waking up every half hour or so because of them during the night. They are pretty uncomfortable. I have to take a step back and breathe deeply. And it makes me wonder what things are going to be like when I'm actually in REAL labor.

Wish us luck.

Still home

My contractions aren't regular yet. I took a nap, and am trying to stay really hydrated. Lane's still at work.

Our doula says lots of births happen on the full moon. Sometimes, labor and delivery and emergency room departments even staff up on the full moon in anticipation of this, apparently.

Well, I checked to see when the next full moon is, and it's July 18th. Happy Birthday to me. I'm hoping Baby Grover will make an appearance before then.

I'm just taking it easy for now. When Lane comes home, maybe we'll go for a walk together or something.

Today *might* be the day!

I think I slept about 2 hours last night. My mind was racing and I was having what I can safely call contractions throughout the night. They weren't too frequent, but certainly more uncomfortable than what I've been experiencing until now.

Lane was exhausted from Monday and went to sleep at 8 pm (thus no belly picture). I thought it was important for at least one of us to get some good rest. He went to work today. I told him I may call and ask him to come home before the day is over.

This morning I put together our co-sleeper (already) and I'm going to go try to get some rest. We'll see what happens!!

40 Weeks

Well, it's 40 weeks, and I'm still pregnant!

I'm starting to have regular "tightening" of the uterus. Really, they are contractions, but I hesitate to call them this because they don't hurt at all... at least not yet. Trust me, I know they are going to!

I've decided to start my maternity leave, even though there's no baby in sight yet. I figured this time will allow me to rest up, clean up, prepare and organize a little more, and also give me time to help coax this baby out.

Today I have high hopes of organizing our room more, cleaning the kitchen, cooking and freezing some food, and going for a walk... in the pool. I'm sure after doing just one or maybe two of these things I will need a nap, but that's the beauty of it all. I'll be able to rest no problem.

Think good thoughts. Pictures to come later, when my photographer gets back from work!

Midwife Visit Report

I went to an appointment yesterday and after the new patient orientation spent TWO hours one-on-one with a midwife. We went over my chart, I had a couple tests done that weren't completed before, she answered my questions, we reviewed my packet they gave me to complete about giving birth at the birth center, she gave me an exam, explained the results, and introduced me to the one midwife I hadn't met yet, and we just chit chatted and got to know each other a little bit.

The level of care is SOOO different than from the obstetrician. For example, all this time when I've been getting exams, and they've told me nothing was happening, no one ever explained it like the midwife.

So there are several ways that labor starts progressing. The cervix starts getting soft (CHECK), the position changes from pointing towards the mother's back to moving forward (CHECK), the cervix starts thinning (1/3 of a CHECK - they said I was about 30% effaced), the cervix opens - I'm only 1 cm dilated, but something is happening, and the baby starts descending through the pelvis. The descent level goes from a -4 where it's highest up to 0 to +4 where it's showing and about to come out. The midwife said I was at a -1.

This is WAY more information than "your cervix is closed, g'bye".

We talked about some other things that I tried discussing at the doctor's office previously and I was much more satisfied with our discussions. For example, the whole induction thing. Now I know there comes a point where it's just not safe for the baby to be inside anymore, but I also know that if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, that point is not 38 weeks, or even 40. The midwife explained that if the baby wasn't born by the 22nd, we'd do a Bio Physical Profile, which would include an ultrasound, measuring the level of amniotic fluid, and some other things to ensure it's still a safe environment. If by the 25th, I'm still pregnant, I should go in for a non-stress test where they'd monitor the baby's heart rate for about 20 or 30 minutes and how it reacts to contractions. And if after all this and the baby STILL hasn't arrived, we may do an induction on the 28th. They even mentioned they'd be willing to hold out another week until Aug 5, if that was what I wanted.

I felt comfortable with the 28th. My doctor's discussions about getting an induction involved making sure we got a spot on the calendar, and I felt I was being pushed into something just as a matter of convenience for the doctor; they didn't even mention anything about tests to make sure the baby could safely stay in the uterus longer.

I really feel like I did the right thing by switching to the midwives. And maybe, I subconsciously wasn't letting myself progress with labor because I felt so uncomfortable at the other practice. who knows.

2 Days Left - or not?

Not much to report here -

Today I walked back and forth in the pool for a while. It's much more comfortable than going for a regular walk.

I have an appointment at the Birth Center tomorrow for new patients. How much you wanna bet I'm the only new patient whose due date is the very next day?!?!

I may or may not have my belly cast tomorrow, depending on our doula's schedule.

Since I'd be leaving work halfway through the day, I decided to just stay home and try to get some things done. I have a lot of things I want to get ready and cleaned up, but I get so tired after just the littlest thing!

No Baby Yet - Part 2

I figured I may as well start posting daily so you all know if something is (or isn't) happening.

Here's what it all comes down to:

Still pregnant.

Baby Grover and I went swimming today. It was such a relief to not have all that belly pressure. I started to get out of the pool at one point but decided against it when I felt the enormous pressure in my belly the instant it left the water.

Maybe we'll go for another swim tomorrow.

You might think I'm crazy...

But at 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, I've changed doctors. I had just had enough at the other place. I knew they weren't a perfect fit a while ago, but thought I could make it work. After I got home from my ordeal on Tuesday, I called the DC Birth Center and made an appointment to go there today, thanks to Lane's suggestion.

It was worlds different meeting with a midwife. She talked to us for at least an hour - probably longer than all my other visits put together over the past 8 months. She also felt my belly, told me what position the baby was in, and most importantly, I felt so comfortable and at ease.

When she looked at my belly she said I was having a contraction. She said she could tell just by looking at it because it was all tight and the baby was sticking out so far. She showed Lane and had him feel the difference between my contracted and non contracted belly. When she told me that was a contraction, I told her I must have a lot of contractions, because that happens all the time. I had no idea. They are the practice Braxton Hicks kind.

I felt so relaxed and calm after we left. We are going back on Monday for another appointment. Now I can safely call the other doctor office and cancel my upcoming appointment AND the induction appointment at the hospital.

phew.

Do yourself a favor if you're ever pregnant and go straight to a midwife.

No Baby Yet

Hey everybody,

I just want to keep you posted as we get closer and closer to the unknown date of Baby Grover's arrival. She's still fairly cozy inside.

We are getting lots of phone calls, emails, messages, and comments from everyone. Thanks for all the love.

I was pretty restless last night, and right now I feel a tiny bit crampy. Could this be a sign? I don't know. But we'll definitely share any new developments on the blog!!

Week 39

Okay, I took a nap and ate a delicious dinner and I'm feeling much better than earlier today. Baby Grover keeps growing and moving all around. She's practically done in there. But I'm such a good hostess she doesn't want to leave her cozy little home.

We're ready to meet you, Baby Grover. Come out, come out, where ever you are!

bleh

Today I feel like crap. I have no clothes left to wear. Nothing fits, I get SOOOO sweaty and hot and uncomfortable - and this is inside a well air conditioned building, not to mention outside in the 90 degree humidity.

After all this induction appointment business I got a phone call from the doctor's office that they needed to cancel my regular doctor appointment for this week. They had practically no slots left for the entire week, except for one the same afternoon. It didn't really fit in my schedule, but did I have a choice? The lady actually asked me if I was going to show up for the appointment. I asked if she had any other suggestions - there's one appointment, I'm 39 weeks pregnant. Did she think I should skip it?? So I went. I asked them to confirm my induction date, but waited on hold forever until I just decided to ask when I got to the office.

The lady responsible for scheduling the inductions said she couldn't do anything with my request until Dr. Picco came back to town (Thursday) to verify that this was okay. Dr. Picco is the one who TOLD me to make the appointment, who said I needed to, and I needed to by Monday. So I rushed around trying to make all these changes on this deadline and this is what the lady told me. She said Dr. Picco had to make sure it was okay that I wanted an induction. Hello!! I don't want it. I was just trying to follow their stupid rules. She said I had to talk to the doctor I was seeing today about what to do.

Then I waited ages and ages for my appointment. I tried to calm myself down, knowing they are going to take my blood pressure and not wanting them to make any decisions based on an elevated reading.

The doctor was in and out of that room faster than you would believe. He basically told me that my cervix is closed and nothing else is going on. When I tried to ask something he kind of cut me off saying that's it, and was out the door before I could ask him anything else. I went to his office afterward, but by then I was over the fact that I had questions. I figured anything he told me would be rushed and not the kind of detail I was looking for anyway.

So the doctor starts telling me I need to consider scheduling an induction. What is wrong with these people?!?! I told him I already tried doing that, but was given a run around. ANd when I told him the date I wanted he just flat out said I couldn't do it that date. He said only the 21st, the 23rd (our wedding anniversary, by the way), or the 24th. He then proceeded to have the nerve to TELL me he was laughing at me because I thought I could plan everything and you can't plan anything when you have kids - he should know, he has two grown ones.

So I basically felt cornered into picking a new date after all this. I picked the 23rd. Only because the 24th he'd be at the hospital and I don't want him delivering our baby, the 21st was too early, and that left me with the 23rd. By this point, I was just trying not to burst into tears in his office.

Tuesdays have inevitably end up being the day of the week when I cry. I thought those crying Tuesdays would be over with our childbirth classes. Those days are just so long that I get impatient and tired and grumpy. But don't worry, folks. I came through. I just sat on a bench outside and cried and cried because I was so frustrated with my whole day of doctor office dilemmas. Can't they be a little nicer and more caring with ladies who are 39 weeks pregnant in the middle of the summer?!?!?!?

Two for Two

In two weeks we've taken two trips to Costco, been approached by two random strangers, each professing the gender of our baby (male), and each equally crushed, baffled, and flabbergasted when we've informed them otherwise.

Tentative B-day for Baby Grover

So, I'm really not on board with this whole induction thing, but I'm playing by the rules and scheduled a date - the farthest away that I can get away with- in hopes that my many other efforts and pep talks will encourage Baby Grover to come on her own terms before then. Her momma's uber punctual, so I'm hoping she will be too.

The date I've scheduled is July 25th. It's a Friday, which means Lane and I can be at the hospital and his few days off from work can be spent with us at home, instead of at the uncomfortable and unfamiliar hospital. I am supposed to go in the night before for Cervadil gel and then the following morning have my water broken and get pitocin. oh joy.

My mom changed her flight to stay an additional week, leaving August 5th. I'm glad she'll be here. It's such a pain in the butt though to make all these arrangements based on a date that may or may not be "the one". After all this careful thought about which day to pick, making alternate arrangements, and what not the baby could (and hopefully will) come much sooner than that, making all this fretting and planning unnecessary.

I haven't actually received confirmation yet about the date, so put it on your calendars - but only in pencil - my fingers are crossed that this little girl will grace us with her presence before then.

The Final Countdown!

WOW! Only nine days (or so) left! I can't believe we are in the single digits. I remember when being half way there, or having fewer than 100 days to go sounded so close, but this is the real deal.

Last night we went for a long walk and Lane gave me a foot massage and I drank some raspberry leaf tea, which may or may not help kick the uterus into gear.

I woke up this morning feeling some minimal but frequent tightening of the tummy, feel a little crampy, and noticed that my weight hasn't gone up in the past week and that I'm less swollen in the night. Usually I wake up every few hours and my hands are so swollen, I can hardly make a fist. Today it was hardly any.

I'm starting to look at every little change and thinking it might be the very beginnings of labor. Only time will tell.

We'll definitely keep you updated on the blog.

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

That's what Baby Grover is. I keep going to the doctor thinking she'll announce what wonderful progress I've made and that labor is just around the corner. But every week I get the same report - nothing. I guess Baby Grover likes her own little space in there. Pretty soon there isn't going to be much more room.

I am starting to get a little nervous about her not coming in time. I want her to arrive - not because I'm SOOOOOO done being pregnant, because I still don't feel that way. I just am dreading the possibility of going in for an induction appointment. The earlier labor gets started, the less likely I will have to keep that appointment I need to make for an induction. I'm procrastinating making it because I feel like making the appointment is resigning to the "fact" that I'm going to have a birth with all the interventions I've been hoping to avoid (pitocin, constant fetal monitoring, limited mobility, and possibly more interventions because of these). And of course, I'm getting excited and anxious to meet her and hold her already.

Think good thoughts to help me coax this baby outta here.

Week 38

Well, I made it through one more week. I still don't have that "Get this baby out of me, I'm SO done being pregnant" feeling. Although, I am starting to get a little antsy. When my mom made her arrangements to come out, I thought a week past my due date was plenty of time. Now that it's getting closer, I'm starting to think of how I can encourage Baby Grover to come in time.

My brother David and his wife Tatiana will be in DC the week of July 12th - 19th. He has advised me that I must have the baby during this time, so he can be the first to meet Baby Grover. I'll see what I can manage. :-D

We had an interesting experience last night, as we tried leaving for the last of our child birth classes. I started getting annoyed that Lane wasn't unlocking the door for me to get in the car. But the reason he didn't was that he couldn't - the battery was dead!! This is because we forgot to turn the light off in the car when we installed the car seat on Saturday. Luckily, our neighbors Sean & Jessica came to the rescue by letting us borrow their car. They were so sweet and told us they were going to keep their phones on all night and to call if we went into labor and needed them again. Even more luckily, this happened when we were getting ready to leave for a class, and not the hospital.

I can't help but wonder if every little weird feeling I have is a hint of labor to start soon. So antsy.

For your viewing pleasure, here I am 30 weeks ago. I can't believe how different I look!! Baby Grover has grown tons!! She is still managing to move around a lot inside. Although it's more of a shifting around instead of kicks and rolls and somersaults.