Our sweet little girl!

We have wonderful news!!! Our little girl is finally here! Her name is Amara Brielle, she was born on Tuesday November 24th at 3:42 PM. She weighed 8 lbs. 5 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long. She is beautiful and we love her to pieces! She was the best Thanksgiving gift we could have received!!!

Here's our birth story.....


So as a lot of you know, ever since I discovered I was pregnant I wanted to try to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) Well, my doctor didn't schedule me to be induced because she didn't think I would make it to 39 weeks since I was already 80% effaced, dilated to a 3, lost my mucus plug and the baby's head was so low. I had an appointment on November 23rd, the 8th day of the 10 days that I had a chance to have a VBAC since my doctor would be available (see previous post). At my appointment my doctor asked if I wanted to be induced the next day. This surprised me, but I told her I would, but only if the baby would be ok. She said she wasn't allowed to induce anyone before 39 weeks, but that if I was going to try to have a VBAC, then this would be the time to do it, since she would still be available. She told me she would also talk to the doc that would be at the hospital to watch me since she herself would have to be at the office with appointments (in order for me to have a VBAC a doctor would have to be in the hospital the whole time in case something went wrong, but since she never scheduled me, she had to have her partner there all day; when it came time for me to deliver, my doc would still be the one to come and deliver our baby). She put me on the monitor to see if I was contracting any, and if I was she could induce me. Unfortunately I was only contracting a little. Another problem was that the hospital was full and there wasn't any room for me. My doctor told me to arrive at the hospital at 6:30 AM the next day and go to triage anyway. Hopefully I would be contracting more then and they would make room for me. I then asked her what I could do to contract more. She leaned over and whispered, "Go on a really long walk,"and then mentioned...a couple other suggestions.

I called Jon and told him the plan and asked him what he thought about me being induced. He felt it was the right decision and felt good about our baby being alright. Unfortunately during our conversation he told me that Adon had gotten sick and threw up a couple of times. I felt bad for the poor little guy, but at the same time I couldn't help but think, "What timing! This isn't a good time to get sick!" I ran an errand and when I got home I did what she suggested. Jon and I arranged for the boys to be watched the next morning so we could go to the hospital to have our baby. The next morning I was still worried that I wouldn't be contracting enough, so when we arrived at the hospital, we parked the car in the garage and walked the long way to the opposite side of the hospital to check in. I wanted to make sure I was doing enough to contract. If I wasn't, I was afraid they would turn us away.

When I got to triage, they had me get into my hospital gown and put me on the monitor. Everything worked! I was contracting about every 5 minutes. After being in the triage for about 10 minutes the phone rang. It was my doctor! She told them to admit me to the hospital because I would be having a baby. We were admitted, and around 8:00 AM my doctor came in and broke my water and shortly thereafter put me on pitocin. By the time I got my epidural I was around 4 cm to 5 cm. My contractions were pretty intense at this point. Around noon they checked me again and I was already 8 cm. An hour later around 1:00 PM I was at 10 cm, so my nurse told me I could push whenever I was ready. But I had just gotten a popsicle, so I asked if I could finish it first :) It felt really weird, I couldn't believe I was already at 10 cm and I could push whenever I wanted. They weren't in any hurry because my doc said I could "labor down" for a little while (that's when I continue contracting without pushing, since it can help give the baby a head start, but it's easier on my uterus than actively pushing). After I was done with my popsicle I told my nurses I was ready to push. I pushed for a while and made progress, but our daugther's head got stuck on my pelvis. We tried a couple of things, but she wasn't budging so after trying a few more times my doc arrived and took action. She didn't want my scarred uterus laboring for hours, so did what she could to speed up the delivery. She had to use forceps, and gave me a episiotomy, and then she was out in no time! They placed her on my belly as they cleaned her off. She was so beautiful! Jon was able to cut her umbilical cord and soon after, she was cleaned off and weighed etc. I was able to hold her in my arms for the first time!

It was such a wonderful experience! This experience was so special to me (and Jon) since we didn't get to do this before. Everything we hoped for with the boys turned out completely differently. Either way I am glad I have been able to experience both. I can relate to mother's who have had similar experiences to mine and for that I am grateful! Unfortunately, as I was in the hospital, Karsten got sick and threw up, like Adon had before. On Thanksgiving day when Jon came to pick me up he got sick and two days later I also got it! It was a tough few days, but fortunately our baby girl didn't get it. We had a lot of help from a lot of good friends and family and appreciate all of your help and support especially when we needed you the most. Thanks so much!

Here are some pictures.....

Four days earlier (38 weeks)-- right before my baby shower!

The morning I was admitted; on our way to triage!

Jon excited to be a daddy again!

Dr. Weisert with our NEW little girl!
Right out of the oven!

Amara being cleaned off!



Our wonderful doctor!



First family picture! Boy, was I tired! :)

Daddy taking a closer look at his precious little girl!

I love it when she yawns!




The day her umbilical cord fell off!

Adon thought the boppy pillow was the neatest thing!

He called it, "Big C!"



Karsten was excited to try on the Snugli!

What great big brothers!

Grandma S. reading to Karsten & Adon

Grandma R. taking the boys for a stroll! :)

Amara after her first bath!

Sound asleep! Zzzzing away!

What a babe!

This was a Happy Thanksgiving--one that we'll never forget! We are most grateful for our Heavenly Father for coming through for us. He always does. We knew he would. We are also grateful for a fantastic doctor who did everything she could to help us have a VBAC. She really came through for us. As a result, we now have a new beautiful baby girl and had a dream come true! We have appreciated all of your thoughts, support, and prayers! Thanks again!

Only 10 days!

So, today I had another doctor's appointment. I am 2 cm dilated and 75% -80% effaced. My doctor isn't going to schedule me to be induced because she doesn't think I'll make it to 39 weeks since the baby's head is so low. She told me, "I don't even know how you're still walking around." :) My doctor is trying all that she can to allow me to have a VBAC. She will be on call on Tuesday and Friday this week and all of the weekend. She's also on call Tuesday of next week right before Thanksgiving. The other days that she isn't on call she still wants the doctor who is on call to call her if I come in so she can take care of me. She really wants me to have this baby born in the next 10 days so that she will be available to deliver her, and the chances of having another c-section will be greatly reduced. She won't be able to come in on Thanksgiving or a few days after that. So, this week would be ideal, especially since she'll be available these next 10 days.

I'm going to try everything I can to help our little girl come into this world sooner for our benefit. I don't want to rush her out, but I don't want to be cut open when it's not necessary and if it can be avoided. I just wish it didn't have to come to this. So, if you have any suggestions about any natural home induction ideas or plans please let me know. I'm going to do a lot of walking the next few days and see how that works. Also, if you could all keep us in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much! :)

A HUGE thanks! :)

I just wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts and advice with the whole birth/doc situation. It was all very helpful and appreciated! After doing some research and taking your advice I did some calling around, etc. to see what my options were.

A couple of the doctors that were recommended for VBACs were booked until after my due date, the birthing center was no longer taking new patients since they were so full, so due to these factors and some complications, I've decided to stay with my doctor.

Jon and I talked to her about how strongly we feel about trying to have a VBAC and she understood where we were coming from. She answered our concerns and questions very well and sincerely, and we could tell that she would do all that she could to fulfill our desire. After our conversation we felt good that everything would go well and that we would be in good hands. I've always thought that she is a good doctor, but since our conversation I've felt more strongly that she takes her job seriously, and that she really is a good doctor. We trust that all will go well.

Jon and I were able to go to the temple last weekend while my parents watched the boys. (Thanks a ton Mom & Dad!!!!) While we were there I felt like Heavenly Father gave me a huge hug telling me that everything was going to be alright. It made me feel so comforted and loved that it bought tears to my eyes. I know that I can trust in my doctor, but more importantly I know that I can trust in the Lord. He knows our fears and greatest desires. I know he's in charge and that he will watch over us; he won't let anything bad happen to us. Plus, I know he has a plan B,C,D, & E. ;)

It's so nice to have good friends and family there when you need some advice or help! We'll let you know when our little girl arrives! Thanks again!

Nana nana nana nana Batman...Batman!

A couple of days before Halloween, the boys and I did some simple but enjoyable little crafts together. We first made some pumpkins out of construction paper and Karsten & Adon colored them and then put them on our front door and window for decorations. They really enjoyed making them even though they were simple. They have really come to enjoy pumpkins! The next day I had them color their small pumpkins with markers, and gave them stickers to put on them. They love playing with stickers, so they were excited! We all had a good mommy/son(s) time!

Karsten coloring his pumpkin

Adon also coloring

Our door...the finished product!

Karsten & Adon's decorated hippie pumpkins

We often go to a website called http://www.kids520.com/ to see what's going on around town. They always have a list of family events, family resturants, coupons, and more. They also have a listing of FREE activities going on in our community. If you ever need an idea of a fun family outing, I suggest you check them out! We looked there for some fun holiday ideas. So, on Halloween we went to the YMCA for a carnival they were having for younger children. The boys were able to play all sorts of games (that were just for their age) and won some fun prizes. They also got to play in a jumping castle and eat some yummy food. Adon & Karsten loved the carnival and really enjoyed everything about it. Later that evening we went to a friend's house for a Halloween party! To finish the day off we watched some old kid cartoons-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow-- a movie that Jon would always watch on Halloween when he was younger. It was fun watching it with him because he sings along to the songs, and also because even at this age it makes him laugh really hard! It's the cutest thing! I love that guy, especially the kid in him! Thanks to our friends for allowing us to borrow it! ;)

Adon after kicking the soccer ball into the goal! Yay!

Karsten bowling

Karsten making a hoop! The next Michael Jordan!

Adon's turn

Adon & daddy doing a cupcake walk

Jumping in the jumping castle-Karsten

They loved playing with the balls

Making some new friends...

Playing & laughing on the way home! They had a great time together!

Since last year we have known what we were going to dress up for Halloween, but when we went to Deseret Industries to find costumes, we came across an adult batman suit. Jon was really excited to find it, considering Batman is his favorite superhero and it was only $5! Jon knew we had plans on what we were going to dress up as since last year and didn't want to get the Batman costume because it would change our plans so we left DI without Batman. The next morning I told him it would be ok to get the costume because it would mean a lot to him, and we could always do our idea next year, plus the boys didn't care what they would be. I insisted we go back to DI and buy it. Even then he was hesitant. (If you know my husband he is a very thoughtful and sweet person; he's very considerate.) So after pulling an arm or two we were back on our way to DI to get the Batman costume. Luckily it was still there. We like to dress up as a family and do a theme. So in order to match Jon we had Karsten be his side kick Robin and Adon was the handsome Superman. We decided that I could be Lois Lane (a pregnant one at that). I think it worked out well. Jon got a lot of comments on his costume, some people even wanted to take a picture with him. :) I think that made him feel pretty special. ;) About a month ago one of our tenants loaned us some Batman cartoon DVDs to borrow because he knows how much Jon likes Batman. I remember when I was in high school my brother and I would always come home and watch the Batman cartoons together. So I'm familiar with the series. Our tenant wanted Jon to stop by and show him his costume. He thought it was pretty cool, especially since they share this same interest.

Nana nana nana nana Batman...Batman & Robin!

Superman & Lois Lane

Batman & Robin off to find some action!

A superhero reunion

Superman fighting a ferocious dinosaur while Robin calls for backup!

This is what Superman does in his spare time

Did you know that Superman & Lois Lane share such affection?

A perfect match!

Halloween is a fun holiday with lots of fun, candy, and memories. One thing that we appreciated this year was that two of our tenants made cupcakes and dinner for us one night. We appreciate their thoughtfulness. This time of the year brings out more kindness and service. That's probably why I love the fall/winter and all the holidays that come with it!

We all had a fun and enjoyable Halloween and hope you all did too! We look forward to next year!

The front door or the side door??? "Pitocin" (Part II)

So I thought I would post this as to why I don't want to be induced especially if it's not necessary. I got this off another blog called: Birth Faith.

Thanks, Bridget! :)

Little known facts about Pitocin and induction

"Pitocin is the most abused drug in the world today." ~Roberto Caldreyo-Barcia, MD, former president of the International Federation of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

• Pitocin generally produces contractions that are much longer, more intense, and more painful than normal contractions.

• The intense contractions caused by Pitocin can abnormally restrict oxygen supply to the fetus. This decrease in oxygen can lead to fetal distress and, when prolonged, emergency C-section.

• Pitocin has the potential of causing tetanic contractions—contractions coming so frequently that they merge into one sustained contraction—which can result in premature separation of the placenta, uterine rupture-(more common after having a c-section), cervical tearing, excessive bleeding postpartum, as well as severely restricting oxygen supply to the fetus. Some of these complications are potentially fatal to mother and/or fetus. Ouch!

• When Pitocin is introduced to the labor process, oxytocin receptors in the body tell the brain to stop producing natural oxytocin.

• Pitocin does not act like the oxytocin produced by a woman’s own body. Oxytocin is a “feel good” hormone which causes the body to be bathed in coping chemicals which help a woman to handle labor more effectively. Pitocin does not do this, which partly explains why contractions produced by Pitocin are more painful.

• Naturally produced oxytocin produces feelings of calmness and love and facilitates bonding. If a woman has been given Pitocin, her body is likely to have stopped or slowed production of its own oxytocin. This could interfere with the carefully orchestrated oxytocin peak that is designed to occur at the time of birth to prepare a woman to accept and bond with her new baby.

• One of the side effects of Pitocin is neonatal jaundice. Almost all of the women I know who have given birth in hospitals in the last year have been given Pitocin.

So these are some of my concerns. I also know many women that have been induced. I'm not saying it's a bad thing--just something I don't want done unless it's absolutely necessary the same goes for a c-section. I just thought I would share these facts with the rest of you. Some of them are new to me.

The front door or the side door??? (Needed Advice!!!)

VS.

Caesarean

I have a huge decision to make and I don't have very much time to make one! Last week I had my bi-weekly doc's appointment, which is why I am writing this post. Let me start from the beginning.

From day one (at 8 weeks) I told my doctor that I wanted to try a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after a caesarean) and asked her, since I've already had a c-section if she would let me try to have a VBAC, or if she would just give me another c-section. She told me she would let me try, and suggested that I do so. (I was happy to have a doctor willing to let me. Hooray! )She then told me that we would have to wait until I got closer to my due date to see where I would be-making sure everything was going well. That sounded good to me. I could understand that.

A few months later again I talked to her about having a VBAC. She said that would be good, but I would either have to be induced or (after trying and having complications) I would have to have a c-section in the end. I didn't think much about it. I didn't want to be induced or have a c-section, but I would take being induced over a c-section anyday! I still wasn't too sure about either. I had mixed feelings.

For those of you who haven't had a c-section it's not a fun thing. That's for sure! It takes a long while to heal. Coughing, sneezing, and moving around hurt, especially the first 6 weeks. Also it takes longer for your body to adjust to the changes that you would normally experience after a natural delivery--this can also affect your milk from coming in sooner. I'm not trying to scare you; if it's necessary, then it's necessary, but a natural birth seems so much easier and better all around. So I hear!

Ok, so back to my story... so last week I had another appointment and I mentioned trying to have a VBAC again, this time she forgot completely and was surprised that I wanted to try to deliver this baby naturally. I was even more surprised that she forgot since we talked about it lots of times especially since I was 8 weeks pregnant! She then told me again about how I would have to be induced and that would only depend on how strong and long my cervix

was--also that she wouldn't schedule me to be induced until after I was 35-36 weeks (depending on my cervix/any problems.) My doc said I had to be scheduled when she can be there the entire time I'm in labor in case of any complications. To make things even worse she said that if I came into the hospital in labor on my own that I would have to have a c-section regardless because her partner wouldn't be able to stay with me the entire time (since it wouldn't be scheduled), she would have to attend to her own patients. :(

So now my choice is either to be induced or have a c-section. I'm seriously considering changing to a doc who will allow me to have VBAC. I got a blessing yesterday that all would be well, and I felt at peace for a while, but then again this decision came back haunting me. (Perfect timing, 'tis the season ;)

Last night I was talking to a friend and her sister had a c-section with her first, and with her second she also wanted to try having a VBAC. Her doctor allowed her to try and let her go to 41 weeks. She didn't go into labor on her own, and in the end had another c-section, but at least she was able to try! All I'm asking is to try! Is there a doctor out there who will let you try having a VBAC? If so who? I hate how too often we are just another number at the doctor's offfice, and how 30% of all births are c-sections. That number is way too high! I'm going to fight for my right and really push to have what I want. I think if more of us speak up and stand for what we want we could make a difference and lower the number of c-section and receive better medical treatment and service! Why couldn't Jon just be a OB/GYN? ;) Then I would definately have someone willing to listen and help me get what I want. :)

So, If any of you know of a doc here in Tucson that will allow me to try a VBAC, please let me know. Or if you have any stories or advice to share, please share. I know I don't have much time, only 6 weeks to my due date, so that makes it even more needed and appreciated! Thanks so much!

A Night in India...

Friday we had a simple, but fun date. We were invited to go to a party that some of our tenants were hosting. In India October 16th is a big holiday called, "Diwali." If you don't know what "Diwali" is according to Wikipedia-"Diwali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India and Nepal. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual." Now you can say you know a little about India. :)

It was a nice celebration and we enjoyed trying all the new food. We appreciate our tenants for inviting us to learn more about their culture, and celebrate their holiday with them. It was a fun night together in "India"! Later (after dinner ;) we played some Super Smash Brothers. Jon and I like to play that together, even though I don't know what I'm doing half the time. ;)

Food from India