9/22/09 - It's A Girl!

Bethany Joy arrived at 4:05am on Saturday, September 19^th, weighing 8lbs 8oz.  I had been getting contractions on and off all week.   On Wednesday they were 8 minutes apart and strong enough that my mother drove up from Grants Pass to help.  By the time she arrived, however, they had stopped.  On Friday they started up again, stronger but sporadic.  They’d be 10 minutes apart, then 20, then half an hour or more, and then back to 10.  It was so wearing and frustrating.  My midwife came by around 3pm to check my progress.  She determined I was 3cm dilated and said that sometimes the body stretches out early labor in an attempt to move the baby into a better position before the real work begins.  She advised me to eat, keep my strength up and get as much rest as I could.   I went to bed at 10pm, exhausted and hoping it would be my last night going to bed pregnant.   

 

Around 12:30 I woke with a strong contraction.   10 minutes later I got another one.  At first I tried to go back to sleep, thinking it was more of the same I’d dealt with all day.  But by 1am it was clear things were picking up.  I woke Dave and called my midwife.   Dave filled up the 100-gallon tub at the foot of the bed, padded with pillows, a comforter and a plastic liner.   My friend Katya arrived to help take care of the girls in case they woke up, as the midwives set up in our bedroom.   Soon I was soaking in the tub with Dave pouring warm water down my back and a midwife applying counter-pressure for support.   Bethany came quickly after that.  The midwives placed her in my arms and let me discover the sex and announce it myself.  What a beautiful little girl!  I confess I was surprised to find we had another daughter after such a different pregnancy, but it was a pleasant surprise.  J

 

The girls slept through the whole thing, at woke at 7am just as the midwives were leaving.   They came into our bedroom to meet their new baby sister, completely fascinated.  Then Grandma took them out and fed them breakfast while Dave and I caught a couple hours of sleep.   

Bethany Joy

So far Bethany is a very easy-going baby.   She’s a great sleeper and already a pro at nursing.  When she’s awake she has an alert, wise expression as if she’s just taking it all in.   She rarely cries unless she’s hungry and kept waiting.   She’s already lifting her head and giving us an occasional smile. 

 

Eva and Amanda are in love, and can’t seem to get enough of the baby.  They constant climb up on the couch to give her kisses and marvel at her tiny features.   If anything, I have to be careful that they don’t accidentally smother her with sisterly affection.  Amanda will lay her cheek on Bethany’s fuzzy head and coo, “I love you, baby!”  Eva loves sharing her new observations, especially with visitors.  “The baby goes stinky in her diaper, but I’m a big girl.  I go stinky on the potty!”   She’s mommy’s little helper, bringing me things I ask for or throwing away a dirty diaper for me. 

Baby Bethany

9/16/09 - Waiting Game

I honestly cannot believe I’m still pregnant!   I never expected to go late again.  This baby just wants to keep me guessing!  The suspense is increased by the fact that we are eager to finally know the sex, of course.   And I’m apparently only slightly more eager than friends and family.  If I don’t update my Facebook status every few hours, I’m guaranteed to get a message from someone asking if I’m in labor. 

I saw the midwife yesterday and she told me I’m still only 2cm dilated.  So frustrating!  She recommended I go find a steep hill to climb, so we took the girls hiking up at Multnomah and Wakeena Falls.  They were both so excited to see the waterfalls – it’s been a long time, and I’m pretty sure Amanda doesn’t remember our last visit.  I got plenty of good contractions during the hike, but of course they went away as soon as we got home.  Arrgghh!  

I’ve had everything ready and waiting for weeks, so there’s really nothing left to do but wait.  I have a rapidly diminishing selection of maternity clothes that I can still squeeze into: about 4 tops and 3 pairs of shorts.  That’s it!   Everyone I know who was due around the same time as (or after) me has already had their baby.   Now I’m just fantasizing about holding my newborn, sleeping on my tummy, eating chocolate without heartburn, and having my swollen feet finally shrink back to normal! 

9/7/09 - Impatience

Every day this week I’ve been waking up wondering, “is today the day”?   Last Sunday I had some mild contractions coming 10 minutes apart, and all week I’ve been having sporadic Braxton Hicks, which have been getting stronger, but never stick around.   My official due date is still 5 days away, but that hasn’t kept me from hoping for an earlier delivery.  Amanda caught me off guard and came a week early.  This time I was prepared and HOPING that’s what would happen, and….nothing.  These little ones just like to keep us guessing!

 

My friend Rocio was due on the 15^th, but her water broke yesterday and she had to go in to the hospital today to get induced.  I’m bummed for her because I know how much she wanted to avoid induction, but I’m happy she’ll be holding her newborn very soon….and a little jealous!   Oh, well, my turn will come soon.