Annelise's Birth Story

*Disclaimer: This is a birth story. If reading details of birth is not for you, then I would encourage you to skip this post.


Although Annelise is my third child, the anticipation of her birth was no less exciting than my other two. In fact, I felt like I was giving birth for the very first time again. I had decided that this time around I wanted an all-natural birth, meaning no drugs and no augmentation as long as it was medically safe for the health of me and the baby.  For Parker, I wanted to try a natural birth, but I hadn't prepared for a natural birth. When the doctor offered induction at 40 weeks, I took the opportunity. If I had known what I know now, I would have declined and waited for him to come on his own. With the combination of my lack of preparation and what felt like a never ending contraction due to the Pitocin, I asked for pain medication when I was 8 cm dilated. With Ellis, I was induced because we lived far away from the hospital and I had a quick labor with Parker so they wanted to make sure I made it to the hospital in time. Going in I knew I wanted an epidural although I had a pretty quick delivery and still felt some pain because I didn't have enough time for the epidural to make the pain completely gone.
This time around I wanted an all natural birth. I had read stories of women giving birth without the use of drugs for pain management, so I knew it could be done. This time around I knew that I needed to prepare. Thankfully, I have a friend here at NOBTS that is also a doula that lent me some books to help Paul and me prepare. The closer I came to my due date the more confident I came in my ability to birth the way God intended. He had designed the female body to birth children, and I knew that I could do it. I wanted to have the experience of overcoming the difficulties and pain of labor. I wanted to find new confidence in myself and my inner strength.
At my 38 week check up, I was a good 3.5 to 4 cm dilated. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions for a while and they were getting stronger. The next day, Saturday, February 1, I started loosing my mucus plug. I know that loosing your mucus plug could still mean a couple weeks before labor to start, but I knew that for me it meant I was going to be having this baby soon. I frantically started cleaning my house, doing those last minute preparations, and shaving my legs. I started having strong contractions with the pain mostly in my back around 5 pm. They were 15-20 minutes apart. I took Parker and Ellis for a little walk for them to play at the playground in front of the apartment building that we used to live in on campus. By the time we got back home, I was tired and contracting so we went through the Taco Bell drive thru and picked up supper. Since the pain was mostly in my back, I spent some time leaning over a birth ball which made the pain easier. Paul was supposed to get off of work at 7, so I called him right at 7 to make sure he came straight home. I was ready for him to be home to help get the kids in bed. At that time my contractions were coming every 10-12 minutes. Once he was home, I spent some time walking up and down the stairs of our apartment building and around outside. I went to bed around 11 with my contractions around 10 minutes apart. I woke up around 1 AM and decided to take a shower. It ended up being a quick shower because my contractions were coming so close together. I knew we needed to get to the hospital. I told Paul to get up and get dressed. My contractions were coming around 3 minutes apart. I am so thankful that our neighbor came over while Parker and Ellis slept. We left for the hospital by 1:30 am. I was so glad that it was night and there was no traffic, but the stop lights....ohhh the stop lights. We made it to the hospital and I slowly but as quickly as I could made my way to labor and delivery. When I made it to the nurses desk, I got down on my hands and knees. I stayed that way and answered the questions they asked. I got into the wheelchair and signed the consent form at 2:12 am. I was so glad I had made it to the hospital. I felt like I had been holding my body back squeezing my legs together to make sure we made it there. I quickly ripped of my clothes, barely put on the lovely hospital gown, and crawled into the hospital bed. I was in the "I really don't care what's going on around me" stage of labor. I don't really know who was in the room. I just laid on my side and moaned through the contractions while Paul rubbed my back. I was 9 cm when they checked me. Everyone knew it wouldn't be long. Because I tested positive for Group B Strep, they quickly got a round of antibiotics in me. My membranes were still intact, and I was feeling so much pressure. Finally, they ruptured with a gush and that helped relieve a lot of the pressure. It wasn't many contractions after that and I felt the urge to push. No one told me when to push or how long to push. I didn't even make a conscience effort to push. My body just took over and did what it needed to do. With the first urge to push, out came the head, and the rest of her body came out with the next push. She was born at 2:47 am exactly 35 minutes after I had signed the consent papers. The whole experience was amazing, and I don't think the pain was that bad. Of course, the best part is the pain brings such a beautiful miracle. We spent some quality time snuggled together for awhile after. Then Paul went with her to the nursery while she got weighed and measured. She weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 18 1/4 inches long. We opted not to have the hospital to give her a bath, and shortly, she was back with me.
I am so in love with this precious little girl. Parker and Ellis are excited to have a little sister. Paul jokes that he has to get another gun now that he has a second daughter. It's so exciting that we are now a family of five.

18 weeks

I figured I should go ahead and start taking pictures of my growing baby bump and since I'm 18 weeks today, I figured I should go ahead and start.

Although I had a small baby bump not too far along (since it's the 3rd time around my body knew what to do), it seems like the past week I've really started to grow.

I've been wearing maternity pants for about a month now. I mean why not they are do comfy although I can't stand the lack of adequate pockets found in most. 

One of my most consistent cravings has been grape flavored things- grape kool aid, grape snowballs, etc. I've also had cravings for fried rice. 

I've been feeling the baby move more and more. That feeling never gets old.

In a little less than 2 weeks, we find out what the gender is. I can't wait. I keep going back and forth, first boy, then girl, now boy again, so I don't have any definitive feelings as to what this baby is. Either way, I'll be happy.

Camp Family Update

I've been a terrible blogger lately. Between first trimester yuckiness, taking care of 2 kids, and having to share a computer with Paul, I just didn't get around to blogging. But I'm going to get better.

I haven't announced this on my blog, but I am expecting baby #3 due around February 14.  We hopefully will find out the gender on September 26. The morning all day sickness I had was worse this time around than with the other 2 pregnancies and lasted longer. Most of it was nausea but I did throw up many times too. I'm very thankful to be past that part of the pregnancy.

Since our family is growing, we are moving to a bigger apartment on campus. Since this will be our fourth move in under 3 years and it's such a short move, I have little motivation to pack. However, I'm making myself pack a lot of our stuff because it will make for an easier and quicker move. Paul is very busy with school, so I want to make this move as easy as possible for him. The worst part is we're moving to a 3rd floor apartment so you can imagine that alone makes moving difficult. We will be getting a great work out.

Paul started his second semester at school, and right off the bat has been swamped with lots of reading and projects. To add to the busy semester, he has been promoted to manager at Chickfila and started as the Student Pastor at our church.  He is very excited about working at First Baptist Norco. He loves working with youth, and we love our church. Paul is very busy, but he still makes time for us. We enjoyed having all the extra time with him that summer gave, but we came here for Paul to go to school.

I started homeschooling Parker. Since he's four, I'm just making my own curriculum with the help of the vast amounts of internet resources.  Ellis joins us for some of the stuff we do. There is a great homeschool group on campus. I'm really enjoying homeschooling. Although I have to admit that I haven't been the most consistent with it, but once we get moved and settled I plan on making more of a consistent routine.

We really enjoy living in New Orleans. It's such a unique place. There really is no other place like it. Home will always be South Carolina, but we have made our home here in New Orleans for now.

Ellis's Birth Story

I know not every one is like me, but I always find it interesting to hear stories of baby delieveries. So, if you're not like me, sorry, you'll just have to skip this post. On Monday, I had my weekly OB appointment. The doctor wanted to check me to see if anything was happening and talk about scheduling an induction since we live an hour away from the hospital and because my first delievery was pretty short. When he checked me, his eyes got big. I was 4 to 5 cm dilated. He suggested that we come back the next day to be induced unless I went in to labor before then. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions since the middle of the pregnancy, and they had been getting stronger. Paul and I decided to walk around the Sumter Mall to see if anything would happen before we drove home. We got up at 3:15 am Tuesday morning to get ready to go to the hospital to be there by 5. I didn't really sleep between the sometimes strong contractions, indigestion, Paul's snoring, frequent bathroom trips, and just plain not being able to get comfortable. When we arrived the nurses were very prompt at all the preliminary work up. I told them about my rather short labor with the first so they decided that it would be best to get the epidural catheter in place before they started any Pitocin. I had to wait for them to get the blood work results and the proper amounts of IV fluid in before they would do the epidural. Finally, about 6:30 the anethethist (don't know how to spell it but I mean the wonderful person who gives out the amazing pain meds) put in the cathether for the epidural. He told me my blood lipids or something like that was on the border line of being too low for the epidural. I was so thankful that it was at least above what it needed to be so that I could have an epidural. I had to wait another hour after that before they started the Pitocin because the doctor had some things she needed to finish up so she could be ready as she was expecting a pretty quick labor and delivery. Finally at 7: 30 am they started the Pitocin drip. My contractions started to get stronger after a little bit. About 8, I was ready for my dose of epidural. At 8:10, I got the meds. At 8:11, Dr. Latham broke my water. I was measuring 5 to 6 cm at a -1 station. About 30 minutes after that, I was feeling strong painful contractions in my abdomen so I asked the nurse if I could another dose of epidural meds. When the anethethist came in to check about it, the nurse checked me, and I was complete. It was time to start pushing. She had me push one time, and she stopped me. She said we need to get Dr. Latham in here this baby's ready to come out now. I had to wait through another contraction for the doctor to get ready. I was just thinking, "please hurry up. I really need to push." Next contraction, I pushed one time and out she came. She was beautiful and tiny. I was expecting her to be at least 8 lbs considering how big Parker was. All the nurses were so surprised at how easy the labor and delivery was. They told me I was made to do this and I should have about 10 more. Ummm....I don't think so. She checked out perfectly healthy. I was so greatful that we didn't have to go through another NICU stay like we did with Parker. Speaking of Parker. He is not quite sure about this whole big brother buisness. Right now, he pretty much ignores her and is glued to his daddy when he comes to visit. I'm hoping that he will adjust quickly when we get home. I'm very excited to be a family of four now. I know it will be an adjustment for us all as we settle in at home and get to a normal routine.

It's almost time!

Wow, it has been crazy for us since the beginning of June. We sold our SUV, moved to Westville, and have been trying to get everything in place before Ellis makes her appearance anytime now. I wish I could say we are completely ready, but I would have to lie. The nursery is painted now, the crib is ordered, and a large majority of boxes have been cleared from my house. (We put most of what we really don't have to have soon in the storage building at the house we rent to deal with later.) It has been a little slower going than I wanted since Paul is working and I'm limited in what I can do. I'm hoping that Ellis decides to stay in at least one more week. I need this week to try to get things ready completely (by that I mean I'm not looking at boxes anymore). I have an ultrasound tomorrow to see how big she is and to project how big she could be at 40 weeks. Since Parker was 9 and a half pounds on his due date, there's a good possibility she could be just as big or bigger. I'm hoping that they will want to induce early. Whether she gets here on a scheduled day or whenever she decides, she's going to be here soon either way. Please pray that we will have a safe and healthy delivery.

The Latest Plans

I just wanted to fill in everyone on our latest plans. As of right now, we are trying to sell our Expedition. We are going down to one car for a while so that we can get rid of the car payment and be able to rent a place to live. Since we are going down to one car, I wanted to be close to family so if needed I would have transportation. This is especially important if I were to go into labor while Paul is at work. We decided to rent a home in Westville where my sister and her family live. We have been attending church where my brother-in-law, Craigan, is pastor. It is important for us to be involved with a church family, and this gives Paul an opportunity to work with the youth there.

Paul is now training for management at Chick-fil-a. He still has his resume out there, but right now with the economy, a lot of churches are not hiring full time youth pastors. Lord willing, he is planning on taking some seminary extension classes beginning in January.

Baby number two is well on her way. In fact, she should be making her appearance in approximately 8 weeks. This makes me excited and nervous at the same time. I'm so ready to get moved, so I can prepare the "nest" before she gets here.

Parker is growing up so fast. I'm just amazed that in 2 months he will be turning 2! I have a feeling that he is going to have a tough time adjusting to sharing his mommy and daddy, but I know that he will eventually adjust.

Both Paul and I have been learning more and more about trusting in God's plans. We are amazed at God's provision. He has taken care of us on so many levels. Although things have not turned out the way we orignally expected, we are excited about where God is taking us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we will be experiencing a lot of changes in the next few months.

28 Weeks!

I just wanted to do a little update on this pregnancy. I had a check up today. Everything is great and looking like it should be. In fact, I measured and weighed the exact same at this point as I did with Parker. I'm just hoping this baby will be less than 9.5 lbs. She is a very active little girl. I've had a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions with this pregnancy. One night I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital because I was having so many. I've been trying to drink plenty of water to keep them at bay which means now I go to the bathroom every 30 minutes. Oh the joys of pregnancy!

We are figuring out what we are going to do so that we can have a place of our own before baby number 2 arrives. We would appreciate any prayers on our behalf.

It's a...

GIRL! We found out yesterday that we will be welcoming a little baby girl into our family. We are so excited. Now I have to start figuring out nursery design and registry.

Lately

Parker has been growing so much lately. It is just so much fun watching him learn and explore his world. He has added some new words to his vocabulary: eat, ketchup, cookie. I know there's more but that's all I can think of right now. He loves to pick up the phone and say "dada" then he just starts jibbering. I wish I knew what he was "saying." I just love to hear him jibber jabber. Sometimes he even gets his hands all into it. He is definately a little boy. He likes to climb, crawl through obstacles (his favorite is underneath the dining room table), pick up sticks, dig in dirt, throw balls, and wrestle around. At least, at this age he still enjoys personal hygeine. Taking baths and brushing his teeth are two of his favorite activities. He's starting to hit the picky toddler eating. I just never know what he's going to be into from one day to another.

Lately, we've enjoyed the lovely, warm weather. We've taken many walks and played outside. Sometimes we go on short slow walks where he actually walks but we always have to stop under an acorn tree. Those little acorns are so facisnating, don't you know! Today for the first time I put him in a pair of shorts. He is so cute! I just love seeing those two inches of legs sticking out between the pants legs and his socks.

On Tuesday we will hopefully find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I can't wait to find out! Either way, I am happy. I'm just ready to know. I'm starting to get more and more excited about baby number 2. I feel the baby moving around a lot more now. I will try to soon post a pic of my baby bump. We only have internet on my daddy's computer, so I don't want to put all of our pics on his computer. Transfering pictures from one computer to another to post takes a little time and there's not always a lot of that with a toddler running around.

We are still praying for the next place of ministry. Paul had an interview with a church the other day, and we have been praying for the Lord's direction with that. Well, that's the happenings in our life lately. Nothing too exciting, but that's nice.

Warning about BellaBands

In case you're wondering Bellabands are a piece of stretchy fabric that allows pregnant women to keep unbuttoned prepregnancy pants on or too loose maternity pants on or same thing for postpartum. I bought one to try out on Saturday (I actually bought a cheaper version called the BeBand made by Bellabands.) and wore it for the first time today. I have finally started to poke out a little bit which makes me feel better because in between the first trimester nausea and the finally starting to look a little pregnant time period I often wondered if I was actually pregnant. Anyways, back to the point, I wore it today on my outing to the OB for a doctor's appointment, and afterward Paul and I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. Like most pregnant women, I had to make a trip to the restroom while I was there. (FYI, I really don't like to use the restroom at Walmart because they are always nasty, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.) After I left the restroom and met back up with Paul, he quickly informed that part of my belly was showing. I had put the Beband back in place, but I had not put my actual shirt back down. They were made out of the same fabric and were the same color so I hadn't noticed. I'm just so thankful that Paul was close by and told me about this! So, my warning about BellaBands or BeBands or like things: Make sure you pull your shirt down over them or you will look a little silly.

This will be the week!

I'm so excited after my doctor's visit today! I was ready to go in and hear, "you're only 1 cm dilated" or something like that. However, I was amazed when the doctor said I was 3 to 4 cm dilated. I guess all the walking around in circles inside my house has made a difference. We went ahead and scheduled an induction for Wednesday, August 5, which is Parker's due date, so that will be the day unless he decides to come between now and then. I tested positive for Strep B so they will have to give me antibiotics when I go in. That's just to make sure my little one doesn't get infected on his journey out. I'm so excited to meet my son and to hold him. I amazed that the time has come. These 9 months have gone by quickly, but yet these past 2 weeks have taken an eternity. I'm praying that all goes well with the delivery. I'm going to try for natural, but I won't be ashamed if I end up getting the epidural. I don't know what to expect so I'm not going to put that kind of pressure on myself. I also pray that everything goes well and healthy for both Parker and me. That is the goal a healthy, safe delivery, and I will do whatever is necessary to achieve that. Well, I'm going to get my "nest" ready.

39 weeks!

Well, Parker is still in the womb, but as each day passes it is one day closer to his arrival. I'm hoping sooner rather than later, but we will see if Parker wants to be stubborn. I went to the doctor today. I wanted them to check me to see if any progress was made. The doctor's response was "are you interested in being induced?" I kindly replied no. He said he would be glad to check me but since I don't want to be induced now he would recommend not because of the increased risk of infection. Since my son's health and my own is more important than my curiosity, I decided it would be best to wait. However, I think that I am making progress. The baby contines to drop, and I have been having more Braxton Hicks contractions. I was just having them mainly in the evening when I was tired, but today I have been having them all day long. Hopefully soon they will become real contractions and we can begin the process of getting Parker delivered. Someone asked me yesterday are you just tired of being pregnant or are you ready to hold Parker. My reply was both. It is rather difficult now to get a good night sleep. Although I've enjoyed being pregnant (I want to thank God for such a easy pregnancy), I'm ready to have my body back to myself and to be able to sleep on my stomach. But yes I am ready to meet Parker and hold him. I know my life will be forever changed but for the better.

I hope Parker comes soon!

We have the car seat now so Parker can make his appearance anytime now. I sure hope it's soon. Paul wants it to be soon too because it will make things easier for him with some church things. I'm just so excited to meet Parker. We are going to try the walking, foot massage, pressure points, etc. to see if we can get Parker to come on. I'll let you know if it works. I have a doctor's appointment Monday and I hope they do a pelvic exam to see if any progress has been made. I especially want to know since my daddy will be going out of town this week. I am going to post a picture Paul took today. I hope this will be my last baby bump picture.