My Birth Story

Well, Baby DBud is exactly 2 weeks old... and it is time for me to tell the story of his Birth.

It all started at my 38w4d appointment, when the Doctor checked my cervix for any early signs of labor. Can you believe it? Nothing. Zip. Nada. Our little man was still high up, and my cervix was completely hard and closed. I had felt a few slight contractions here and there... but nothing to really report. It was at that moment, that we decided (along with my OB) to schedule a c-section. I was pretty much done being pregnant, and he seemed to have no plans of coming out, so he was getting evicted! They ushered us over to the office manager's office where we sat with her to schedule the procedure. We left the office with our c-section scheduled for Monday, October 22nd. That later changed, when we started looking at our schedule, and everything we needed to get done. We actually tried to have it re-scheduled for Wednesday the 24th, but that date wasn't available, so we had to schedule it for Thursday the 25th. **A little background about why we wanted the 24th - DH's Birthday is 2/24, mine is 5/24 and we got married on 1/24... so naturally, we would've liked the baby to be born on 10/24 ;) Anyway... we were scheduled and ready to go, with our pre-registration taking place the day before, the 24th at 9am. We got up that morning, grabbed breakfast, and headed to the hospital to finish filling out all the paperwork, etc. 

We ran a little late, and actually didn't get there until about 10am (I actually wasn't feeling great, and was praying to the porcelain gods before we left the house - I chalked it up to "nerves" getting the best of me). We went ahead and filled out all the pre-registration paperwork, and were sent over to where the nurse would meet us to run a few tests. All was going well... until they checked my blood pressure. It was somewhere in the 150s over 90s, which was high (especially for me, Mrs. 120/70). I found it strange, because at my last appointment, the day we scheduled the c-section, it was higher than normal as well... not "high" necessarily, but high for what my norm is. The nurse took it a couple more times, to check, and it was not getting any lower. She actually went ahead and called my Doctor to let him know, and see what he wanted to do. Meanwhile, they weren't really telling me much, she just gave me a couple of small bottles of water to see if that helped, but at that point, nothing did. She had me pee in a cup, and have my blood drawn, before sending me up to triage to put me on monitors. The baby's heart rate was fine, but my BP remained high. Within a few minutes, my OB arrived (one of the two from the practice I visit). He was performing a c-section that day, and was able to come and check on me. Well, apparently, I was having some contractions every 4 minutes (which I did not notice). My OB told us that with his experience, high BP only got higher, and that his instinct was to get the baby delivered that day... within 1 1/2 - 2 hours! Oh..My..GOD!!!!! Here we were, in the hospital, a couple of hours from meeting our son... with no hospital bag, no nice expensive camera that we bought to take photos and videos of our son with, and no family members! My Mom was at work, his parents had a Doctor's appointment, and NO ONE expected this. Mr. DBud started calling and texting everyone, letting them know what was going on, as they whisked us off to pre-op. Before long, I was wheeled into the OR, where I got my epidural and was prepped for the surgery, and before much longer time was called, and Mr. DBud was brought into the room. By this time, I was pretty nervous (and worried) watching my BP skyrocket to the 200s/100s. Mr. DBud kept his cool... but he was very worried :( Within a few minutes... I heard him. My son! He had the sweetest and softest cry and all I could think was how I wanted to see him, and hold him. They had Mr. DBud cut the umbilical cord, cleaned him up, weighed and measured him, took his foot prints, and swaddled him before placing him on my chest. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I looked at him - my Son! It was love at first site. The three of us posed for our first family portrait, before they wheeled him to the nursery, with Mr. DBud in tow. I stayed behind to get sewn up, while the Doctors chatted about all sorts of random things like Eddie Murphy and the movie "Coming to America", etc. When they were done, I was moved to another bed and rolled to recovery. 

While in recovery, my BP remained high. They called my OB, and asked what medicine to give me... but apparently, my system LAUGHED at the first two they tried. Neither had any effect, and my blood pressure remained where it was - through the roof! Finally, the last medication they tried worked, and it started to come down. Unfortunately, this made my time in recovery go from about 2 hours (which is the norm) to about 4 1/2 hours, and landed me a stay in SICU. I tried to rest up a bit while still in recovery, in between Mr. DBud coming to see me and being checked every once in a while by the nurses. After a few hours, I was surprised by a Nurse who took pity on us, and brought the baby to me in recovery. This is normally not allowed at this hospital, since the babies have alarms attached, and are not exactly close to the recovery area... but she got special permission, and brought him to us. I tried to feed him with the formula she brought (which I wasn't too happy about because I wanted to breast feed since day one, but needed to get approval from the Pediatrician because of the meds I was on), but because of all the IVs and everything I was attached to (including a BP cuff that went off every 15 minutes, oxygen, etc.) I couldn't. This made me sad :( I wanted to be free to hold him and caress him... and I wanted to breast feed him :( After a little bit, she took him back to the nursery, and I was moved into a room in the SICU. Mr. DBud would go visit him when he could... but it broke my heart to know that he was in the nursery all the time, without his Mommy and Daddy, while all the other babies could be with their Parents :( It was extremely depressing. 

I was in SICU until the next day, when they finally decided to put me in a regular room next to the nursery. It took a while, even after I was told that I could be moved, for me to get moved... but it finally happened. And not long after that, our sweet baby boy was brought to the room, and was with us constantly! Finally, my Mom was able to see and carry her Grandson (her first!) and my Mother in Law was also able to be with us carry him :) We had quite a few visitors over the next few days, and little by little I started to feel normal again. It felt so good to have the IV and all the other cables and monitors removed, and of course with the right amount of pain medication every certain amount of time, I was able to get out of bed, and move around a bit. Baby steps ;)

Now, 2 weeks after his Birth, I am feeling great. My c-section scar is healing well (had the staples removed at my 1 week PP appointment, and replaced by steri strips which have begun to fall off as well), and I am actually functioning well without any form of pain medication. Baby DBud is breast feeding (sometimes constantly) and we were able to get him completely off the formula. He has even been sleeping for a nice long stretch at night, giving us about 5 hours straight of sleep! He is a wonderful and beautiful baby - I couldn't ask for more. I am SO incredibly blessed. 

So, what can I say? This has definitely been an emotional ride. Even though, in the end, I was fortunate in easily overcoming my issues with IF, trying to get pregnant was hard, at times. My pregnancy was pretty good, for the most part, but my delivery and the first 24 hours of recovery in SICU sucked, for lack of a better word... but, you know, all I have to do is look at him - my SON - and it is ALL worth it. It is true when they say that everything "negative" you experience seems to disappear when they are finally in your arms. He is the light of my life, and I can't imagine how I lived all these years without him. We are completely head over heals with our sweet baby boy. To everyone out there who is TTC, whether you are experiencing IF issues, have TTC for a while or just begun... there IS a light at the end of the tunnel - and it is even brighter than you think it is!!! Thank you all for following my story, and for all the support over these past couple of years. I don't know what I would've done without being able to share my story, in moments of happiness and woe. This blog has been such a huge part of my TTC process, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of it :) Thank you!

As I wrap up this, my final post... here is a song for my Son. I love you with everything that I have, and everything that I am. You have made my life complete, and I thank God everyday for making you mine.

Christian Javier

October 24, 2012

2:33pm

7lb4oz, 19 3/4 inches

Baby DBud is here!

And he's absolutely perfect :)

He was born via c-section on Wednesday, October 24 at 2:33pm, weighing in at 7lbs4oz, 19 3/4 inches. Today he is officially a week old, and we are both doing extremely well. We are so happy and blessed to have our little man in our lives.

My birth story is complicated, and long... And I am still getting in the swing of things, taking care of a newborn and breastfeeding, so I will share my story in another post soon. In the meantime, meet Christian :)




Stay tuned!!!!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

39 weeks - still pregnant

Here is my current update, for your reading pleasure :) 

How far along: 39 weeks - no progress as of this past Wednesday at 38w4d :-/

Total weight change: Stopped at +50 - thank God!

Maternity clothes: Same. I've got my pregnancy uniform ;)

Stretch Marks: I have accepted my Zebra status :) 

Movement: Still rolling around in there, but slightly slower. I think he has officially run out of room. 

Sleep: LOVE my sleepy time. Sleeping well, but waking up with aches. My body is "done".

Best Moment This Past Week: Deciding that this will be the week. Scheduled a c-section for Thursday, very early in the morning... but still hoping he'll come on his own before then. Let's see what happens...

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Not seeing any progress. Also, my blood pressure was a bit high (considering it has been low and stable during the entire pregnancy).

Belly Button In or Out: Still in... looks like a butt-hole lol!!!!

Cravings/Aversions: No major cravings. Not even hungry at times. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, and indigestion. Slight BH here and there... but nothing major. Thinking of convincing Mr. DBud to DTD so maybe the baby will decide to come out ;)

I am dying for him to be here, so I can share my birth story with you!!!!! Pray for us :)

37w5d - he's snug like a bug in a rug ;)

Well, here I am... almost at the 38 week mark! I still can't believe that in the next couple of weeks, we'll be meeting our son :) :) :) It's still soooooo surreal. I know a lot of women out there can relate. Once you've dealt with even the most minor case of IF, you are never sure if you will ever have your take home baby. So, when you are this close, it's still so hard to believe.

I want to take a moment to give a HUGE shout-out to our very own Explorer Bud. Let's hope and pray that this LO sticks so she can have her own take home baby!!!! Please keep her in your T&P. 

Anyway, let's get down to my updates, shall we?

How far along: 37 weeks 5 days! :) Cervix is still high and closed as of my OB appointment yesterday, so it seems like this little man is very comfortable, and not ready to come out yet. 

Total weight change: I don't even want to say it... but I will. +50! HOW THE HECK?! I haven't changed any of my eating habits, my blood pressure is great. I am, however, swollen like a toad, retaining tons of water. OB hasn't said anything about it, so he doesn't seem concerned. But I am :-/ Let's see how big this baby really is. They keep saying he's going to be huge, but at my last ultrasound they estimated 6lbs6oz (could be a lb more or less, give or take). I guess we'll find out soon enough!

Maternity clothes: Still the same. I refuse to buy anymore maternity clothes, and am getting by with what I have. With the amount of time I have left, why bother? Plus, no need to layer in South Florida for Fall... I can get away with wearing the same ol' stuff. The only thing I need to get is... nursing bras and tanks!!! Need to head to Target for that... Doing that today, since I need to finish packing my Hospital Bag. 


Stretch Marks: Still Zebra status. I have given up on the whole stretch mark issue. I guess when we are done having kids, I'll have them taken care of. Whatever.  


Movement: He moves pretty regularly. Definitely has days where he moves more than others... but, like I said before, it's more like a roll, and less kicking than before. Some of his movements are quite strong. It's funny to sit and look at my belly as he wiggles in there. So weird! lol


Sleep: Sleeping like a rock! Thank GOD! I am trying to get as much rest as possible, and find myself hitting the sack a lot earlier than I used to. I think my body is trying to tell me something... get your rest while you still can! I love my sleep time ;) I also try to get a nap in when I get home from work. At least an hour or so.


Best Moment This Past Week: Reaching "Full Term", starting to pack my Hospital Bag (already packed his), almost finishing up the nursery (almost!)... and I'm sure we have a couple more here and there. We got the mattress, compliments of MIL, and are just about ready to put that together. I just have to finish the letters of his name for the wall above the crib. Other than that, it's really taking shape. Pictures coming soon!!!!!


Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Seeing that number on the scale... scary :( I am starting to get a little worried about weight loss after the baby comes, because I was already overweight to begin with, and it isn't good for my career. I plan on breastfeeding, so I can't go on a crazy diet straight off. Hopefully a lot of this weight will come off on its own. Let's hope!


Belly Button In or Out: Still in... looks so weird! I don't think it'll become an outtie, but it's pretty shallow. 

Cravings/Aversions: Still into chewing ice when it's hot and I feel dehydrated (and it still is here, for the most part, in South FLA). No other major cravings, though. 


Symptoms: Heartburn comes and goes, which can really suck at times... It got pretty wicked last night. Looking forward to not having to deal with that anymore. 

First Ultrasound

Today was the first ultrasound at 6 weeks 2 days and we have a heartbeat!!! There is one embryo with a little heartbeat attached at the top of the uterus!! We are soo excited and thrilled and feel very grateful that it has worked this time around!! I am off to Thailand and Vietnam with my Mom and sister so when we get back in 4 weeks we will do another ultrasound to make sure everything looks great and is right on schedule!! AAAHHHHH, I am soo excited!!

26 week update!

First, I'd like to send Explorer Bud a BIG congratulations!!!  I'm so happy for you, sweets!  XOXO

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to update.  I'm exhausted when I get home every evening, and house/nursery projects have consumed our lives on the weekends.  I took my glucose test this past week and everything came back fine.  I'll return in 2 weeks for a growth scan, and my mom will be joining me.  I'm so excited that she'll be able to see her next grandchild on the big screen. :) 

How far along: 26 weeks and 5 days!

Total weight change: Between 10-13 pounds.  I'm still unsure due to my IVF medication causing me to gain some weight.

Maternity clothes: I mostly wear maternity clothes, but I can still fit into some pre-pregnancy pants with my bella band.  My stomach is starting to look like a nice round ball, and Mr. Bossy Bud told me that other night that my belly button is looking a little shallow.

Stretch Marks: I haven't noticed any.  Now, that's not to say I didn't already have some from before!

Movement: Baby Bossy Bud moves around a lot; especially while I'm trying to go to sleep!  He's more active in the evenings.

Sleep: Sleeping well!  I'm usually in bed by 9:00 pm every night.  I thought I was suppose to have more energy in the 2nd trimester!!??

Best Moment This Past Week: Working on his nursery!  Mr. Bossy Bud, my mom, and several friends have all had their part in helping with his room.  Stripes have been painted on the wall and the furniture is being refinished as we speak.  I'm so ready to see the finished product!

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: My stomach was hurting quite a bit yesterday at work.  We had a teacher planning day, so the entire day was spent with my team.  Gas has been a constant for me lately, and I was holding it in while we planned.  I felt fine while I sat, but there was a painful pressure when I stood.  It hurt to even walk.  I told myself it was just stretching and tried not to worry.  Well-  after we finished, I returned to my room and started to "relieve" some of the pressure.  I felt so much better!  I never knew I could hurt so much from being so gassy!  :)

Belly Button In or Out: In!  I can't see it anymore, but it's still an innie.

Cravings/Aversions: No cravings.  I'm started to not want chicken.  I'm weird.  I know.

Symptoms: Indigestion.  It comes and goes, and I never know what is going to cause it.  It's NOT fun.

Until next time!

Bossy Bud

Second Round of Blood Work

Today I had my second round of blood work to check my Progesterone levels to see if I could stay off the shots. Well, sadly no I get to go back to shots for the remainder of the time. My Progesterone dropped from 94 the prior week to 6. So after scrambling calling two seperate pharmacies I was able to get an old prescription filled from last time at a pharmacy down the road and my current prescription will arrive on Wednesday. One thing I didn't realize was the old prescription was 50mg/ml and the new one is 100 mg/ml which means I would need to take 2 cc's of the old one to match the new prescription. So I got to have a shot twice in one day!! Next time I will study those labels better!!! Great news though my HCG level is at 3,100!!! So that is great and I am excited to see what the ultrasound shows next week.

36 weeks TOMORROW!!!! :) :) :)

I know I have said this quite a few times throughout my history with this blog... but... I STILL can't it!!! And I know what you're thinking... "Honey, BELIEVE it!" Tomorrow, I'll be 36 weeks, and I'm feeling good :)

How far along: 35 weeks 6 days! :) Cervix is still high and closed, too. 

Total weight change: Last week I was up to 38lbs (eek!) and this week I actually lost a pound, so 37 (still, eek!). But, again, I haven't been lectured, and my OB has not seemed concerned with my weight. He seems pretty happy with the progress I am making :) 

Maternity clothes: Still the same. I refuse to buy anymore maternity clothes, and am getting by with what I have. With the amount of time I have left, why bother? Plus, no need to layer in South Florida for Fall... I can get away with wearing the same ol' stuff. The only thing I need to get is... nursing bras and tanks!!! Need to head to Target for that... 

Stretch Marks: I am officially a zebra. Oh well :-/ It's for a good cause. Mr. DBud doesn't seem to mind, so I guess I won't let it bother me. 

Movement: He still moves quite a bit, but has definitely slowed down a lot. When he does move, it's mostly rolling and such. Sometimes, I look at my belly and it's completely lopsided! The FUN part is when he stretches and puts pressure on the upper part of my belly AND on my bladder. Not cool! lol! I am being sent for an Ultrasound on Monday to see how big he has gotten... this will be fun, since I haven't seen him since end of June!!! Looking forward to it :)

Sleep: Sleeping like a rock! Thank GOD! I am trying to get as much rest as possible, and find myself hitting the sack a lot earlier than I used to. I think my body is trying to tell me something... get your rest while you still can! ;)

Best Moment This Past Week: Finding out that our furniture arrived (Mr. DBud is out picking it up with his friend now) and getting the nursery ALMOST finished! Once the furniture is in place, we will only be missing the mattress, which his mom is getting for us, and putting the bedding in place. I am also in the process of figuring out what I am going to do for the wall area above the crib. I want to do something with his name, but am looking for some creative ideas that will match the "Safari Sky" theme. We shall see :)   

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: My FIRST cervix check since being pregnant. Mr. DBud and I haven't been too "active" in the intimate department lately. Mostly because it is just too uncomfortable. Truth be told, it's been quite a while. So, when I went in to the Dr. yesterday, and he had to do cultures and all that good stuff, it was SO uncomfortable. That sucked. 

Belly Button In or Out: Still in... but doesn't seem like it will be for long lol! But seriously... I'll be surprised if it completely pops.

Cravings/Aversions: Still into chewing ice when it's hot and I feel dehydrated (and it still is here in South FLA). No other major cravings, though. 

Symptoms: Heartburn comes and goes, which can really suck at times... and the cold I've been battling for 2 and a half weeks is ALMOST gone. But, I speak like I have a frog in my throat, which is annoying since I'm a singer and so MENTAL about my voice. 

I am looking forward to finishing the nursery this weekend, and getting our bags packed. My official goal was to have EVERYTHING ready by 37 weeks which is NEXT weekend, so I think we are good :) :) :) I hope to have everything done by Friday the 5th so Mr. DBud and I can have a little Date Night and go see Frankenweenie :) I am a HUGE Tim Burton fan, and have been looking forward to seeing it. Hopefully, baby stays put until AFTER the movie. So far so good ;) 

Can't wait to post pictures... and hey, before long... I may be posting my Birth Story ;) 

Until next time!!!!! <3

Results are In

I am PREGNANT!!! My Beta was 214 and my Progesterone was 94!!! I am soo excited that it is a positive and we have strong numbers. With such a high Progesterone I get to drop down to .5 cc's of Progestrone for the next 4 days and retest in a week and hopefully will not have to do anymore shots!! It all feels a bit sureal but am getting more excited the more I talk about it!!

Bloodwork has Been Taken

Our day 12 HCG test was this morning so I am in the agonizing hour wait till they get the results and the DR. calls me back!! I am feeling good, my butt is awfully knotty and sore which is typical of this time with the shots but othwerwise good. We did not have any eggs to freeze again but one almost made it to blastocyte which is better than the other three times. So this is our final go at IVF so I am crossing my fingers that the call will bring good news!!