Layla Mae

Layla Mae

Born on Sunday, June 19 at 8:35 am

7 lbs 12 oz

20 in. long

The Labor and Delivery

Around 1 pm on Saturday, June 18, I started having contractions. Jason and I were out for a walk, and I had about three small ones not lasting too long. When we got back home we started writing down the times because I was having contractions on a continual basis. I think both of us were in denial that I was in labor because the contractions weren't overly painful. They came and went and I continued on about my afternoon. My parents arrived around 5, and my mom was sure I was in labor. I was hungry though and really wanted pizza, so we went to Firehouse. After 1 1/2 slices I had a pretty strong contraction and my mom cut me off of the pizza because neither one of us wanted to see it again later. I was still feeling ok and didn't really want to go home so we went to Walmart to walk around a bit. At that point the contractions were becoming very regular so we came back home to wait it out a little bit longer. Finally around 9:55, we thought it was time to go to the hospital.

At 10:20 we made it to Methodist, and I got admitted right away. Since I was having such regular contractions and already scheduled for an induction that next morning, the nurses in the ER didn't really ask too many questions or send me back home. When first checked, I was 3-4 cm dilated and 100% effaced. My doctor was notified and he had the nurse break my water at 11:35. The pain continually became stronger, and I knew that I probably wouldn't be able to make it to the end without an epidural, so I requested one and it was put in place at 1 am on Sunday. For about 20 minutes my legs were numb, and I couldn't feel much. After the epidural, I stalled at 5 cm, so my doctor started me on Pitocin at 2:20. That made my contractions even stronger and more intense, but I could feel them and I shouldn't have been able to with the epidural.

The anesthesiologist increased the dosage three times before saying that he couldn't do anything more except to take it out and replace it, so that's what we did. I got the second epidural at 3:20, and he put it on the maximum dosage he could. I couldn't feel a thing from my butt down to my legs, which were so heavy that I couldn't even lift them. At 6:00 I was dilated to 9-10 cm. The nurse turned the epidural down halfway so that I could still feel the contractions to know when to start pushing because my doctor said that if I couldn't push correctly that they were to turn the epidural off completely. I started pushing at 7:15 and luckily I was doing it right, so I got to keep the epidural and Layla was born at 8:35 am.

41 weeks

So I'm back dating a few of my blog entries. I wanted to make sure to document everything on my blog and I've been a bit behind in doing so.

On Friday, June 17, we went to the doctor again because I was almost a week overdue. He wanted to do an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid levels. Upon checking he saw that they were ok but were getting low. He decided at that point that we should schedule an induction. He called up Methodist and they had an opening at 5 am on Sunday, June 19. We called our parents to start making plans. My parents decided to come up on Saturday evening to be here bright and early, while Jason's were going to wait until Sunday mid-morning.

40 weeks

Today marks 40 weeks exactly. I'm a teensy bit frustrated since I had such early progress, and then the last four weeks I've stayed the same. However, I know that Layla will grace us with her presence when she's ready. I go back to the doctor on Monday, but I really don't foresee any changes taking place. She's not been all that active the last couple days, and I hear that might be a sign that she's getting ready. In due time I suppose... Jason and I went to the Turkey Festival this afternoon for the first time since we've lived up here. It wasn't much, but it got us out of the house for a couple hours.

Active Layla

Layla decided to be SUPER active a little while ago. She was on the move from a little before 10:00 until about 11:00. We watched her for bit, and then Jason grabbed the camera so we could get a video of it. We missed one of the best little punches she gave me, but it sure was crazy to witness. I'm thinking that she's definitely trying to break out. Maybe I'll have good news at my doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. One can hope! :)

39 weeks

Layla can come out anytime she's ready because mama is ready! Had two doctors appointments this week, one on Tuesday and one on Friday, and we still have no progress. Going back on Monday, and I'm hoping we get some good news. Layla has been putting significant pressure on me, so I'm thinking that she's getting ready for her exit. I guess though, she'll come out when she's ready. Only one more week to go...hopefully!

38 weeks

Went to the doctor on Wednesday and got some good news. I'm 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and at a -1 station (it's on a -4 to 4 scale with 4 being practically out). So far so good! Had a couple contractions this week, but nothing regular. I'm pretty positive that I'm going to make it to 40 weeks, but we'll see. The doctor wants to let things happen naturally, and we agree with him, so now it's just a waiting game. We finally got that bag packed today and installed the car seat, so we're ready for the big day. :) I'm done with school next Thursday and couldn't be more excited about my 6 month maternity leave.

Spring!

I love this picture...37 weeks 2 days.

37 weeks

So the swelling that the doctors kept asking me about is definitely here. I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible, but it's really hard to at work. Cervix is softening, but no dilation yet, so it looks like we're on schedule...hopefully. Only 3 weeks to go!

Wow!

So I just realized that I've grown...a lot! Top pic is at 34 weeks and bottom pic is at 36 weeks. Hmm...how big am I gonna get in another 4 weeks??

36 weeks

Yikes! Only 4 weeks to go. It's getting down to crunch time, and I'm finally feeling that nesting urge to wash laundry (well thanks in part to my mom for being here to jump start it). We have almost everything washed up and ready to go. Spent way too long at Babies R Us this weekend and spent way too much money, but I'm thinking we have everything we might need now. Super glad my parents were able to come up one last time to enjoy life...babyless. :)

35 weeks

Nothing really to report this week. Everything is going well, and I can't complain too much (except for a little restless sleep). Layla's been performing like a champ on the fetal monitor and the doctor says I'm perfect...her exact words. Go back again on Tuesday.

34 weeks

Unbelievable...only 6 weeks to go! We finished up our childbirth prep class this week. Do we feel more prepared? Yes and no. Do we both feel more nervous now than we did before the class? Yes! I think the labor/delivery process scares us because we really don't know what to expect. Other people, moms, and nurses can tell us everything that happened to them or that they've seen, but it could be totally different for us. We won't truly understand until it happens and then it's all over. We'll find out soon enough though.

Oh and by the way...I feel ginormous, and I still have awhile. Also on another note, Layla is getting the hiccups quite frequently. People kept telling me that I'd know when she got them. I understand now. Jason tried scaring her to get rid of them by shouting her name and "gently" pressing on my belly, but it didn't work. :)

Family Baby Shower

While we were home for Easter, my mom Paula, sister-in-law Leigha, and cousin Erica threw Layla and I a baby shower. We had a great time and got a lot of stuff (that is now scattered all over the nursery). Thanks to everyone for coming and for all the great gifts!!

My mom made this cake for me, and it was delicious!! I helped her out with the fondant and provided moral support when things weren't going well. Jason was there for moral support as well, but he decided to play with the leftover fondant and molded the little giraffe and monkey. He did a pretty awesome job!

My mom also made this little baby carriage. She saw it online for like $100, but decided she could make the same thing for a lot less. It's created out of diapers (and the box), a blanket, hooded towel, and a bib. I love it and don't really want to take it apart, but I do eventually want the diapers! Maybe after Layla's born I'll disassemble it.

Jason's Granny hand made this quilt for us. All the pictures are nursery rhymes and are individually embroidered.

So prior to opening this card, I had already received two monitors and I got a good chuckle because this was an IOU for a third monitor that had been ordered but didn't make it to the party in time. They must have all been thinking alike when shopping.

33 weeks

I'm a day late with this one, so it's actually 33 weeks and 1 day. We had a great weekend back at home for Easter. Got to see all the family for the last time as a couple. Next time we see everyone we'll be a couple + baby. :) It still seems strange to think that in less than two months we'll have a baby to care for.

This past Tuesday, I had my first non-stress test of what will become a weekly ritual until Layla arrives. The nurse hooked my belly up to a monitor to record Layla's heart rate. When she left, she told me it would take about 10-15 minutes depending on whether the baby was active or not. So during that time frame, a different nurse comes in and says "oh I thought you'd been on the monitor longer...I'll come back." Two or three other nurses came in after that and basically said the same thing. Then finally one nurse walks in and realizes that the monitor wasn't even recording the movement...grrr! So Layla was as active as can be until the record button was pushed, then after that she maybe moved 2 or 3 times. Oh well...we'll have another one tomorrow at my doctor's appointment and hopefully this one doesn't take 30 minutes.

On Thursday, I met with a pediatrician and really liked her a lot. She's super friendly, seems very knowledgeable, and is fairly young, so hopefully she'll be around long enough to take care of Layla until she grows up. I also really liked the offices. They all had a theme and were colored brightly. I think Layla will like it too. :)

My mom, Leigha, and Erica threw me a baby shower on Saturday for all the family and a few close family friends, but I'll leave all the details for another post (probably tomorrow).

We love you Layla!

32 weeks

Not much to report this week. Going in for another doctor's appointment on Tuesday for a nonstress test. They monitor the baby's heart rate during activity and inactivity just to make sure that everything is going well.

Baby shower & a new front door

My friends and coworkers, Laurin and Teresa, threw me a baby shower this past weekend. We had a great time, and I got lots of great gifts. Here are a few pictures...

Jodi and Mikalia work on pages to put in a scrapbook for when Layla's born. It turned out amazing. Everyone did a great job!

The traditional...let's guess how big around I am...had to be played. Good try Stacy!

Not the best picture of me, but one of my favorite outfits of the day. I got so many cute things. I won't know what to put her in first!

A sock monkey from Laurin and Teresa. I can already envision Layla carrying it all over the house by the tail or with one of the ears in her mouth.

While Mom and I were at the baby shower (and later shopping!), Dad and Jason installed a new front door and storm door. Our other one had been broken since last summer. Yeah...it's about time. I know. I'm loving all the sunlight that comes in through the window. Definitely glad I picked that style.

Here's the old one...

...and here's the new one. Love it!

31 weeks

Didn't get this out yesterday because we had a busy day! My great friends Laurin and Teresa threw me a baby shower and afterward Mom and I went shopping. Ended up getting home around 10:00 after an hour or so visit to Babies R Us. :) I could spend forever in there just looking. We start childbirth classes next Tuesday, so hopefully we'll learn a lot and remember it. I'll post pictures of the baby shower later today or tomorrow.

30 weeks 3 days Sonogram

My last sonogram was today, and boy is it hard to tell what some of these pictures are! Layla is measuring in the 42nd percentile as far as growth is concerned. Her femur bone is about a week behind development, which is a little weird considering the tall genes in the Clow family, and she weighs about 3 pounds 6 ounces. She's already in the head down position and ready to show her cute little face in 10 short weeks. :)

The top of her head measuring 7.67 cm across. 

This is a profile of her head. Really hard to tell, but the doctor says that the little dark spot towards the top is an eye socket.

Another one of her head. On the left side, you can see her arm with a bent wrist. The bright spots are her fingers I think.

The ribcage and spine in there somewhere.

Pretend like she's sitting up on the floor. This is the view from the bottom, so you can see her two legs, opened, with nothing in the middle...still a girl! :)

Use your imagination here...it's a leg.

The femur bone measuring at 5.67 cm.

Not sure what the picture is, but the heartbeat is 173 bpm.

In this one, the heartbeat is 138 bpm. I guess she was excited and moving in the other one and calmed down for this one.