Welcome Kennedy Elizabeth

Last picture of me pregnant...37 weeks, 6 days!

Kennedy decided she was tired of being inside of my stomach and that she wanted to come two weeks early!

On Tuesday (March 27) I had a doctor appointment with Dr. Deka. I was 37 weeks, so did the usual check to see if I was dilated. In her words. "You are tightly closed up. She won't be coming until your due date or later." I also had my NST (non-stress test) to monitor her heart rate since my fluids were low...she was doing great inside of me!

On Wednesday (March 28), I had an ultrasound at 1:30pm to check my fluids. My mom was in town, so when I got off of work I went down to pick her up, so she could see our little girl inside of me. As I was in the ultrasound, I could tell something was not right. I had done this ultrasound a few times, so I knew what to expect. The technician was so sweet talking us through each thing she was doing, and when she said "now I am going to check the fluid" I knew what to look for. She kept trying and trying and trying to find fluid in my lower part of my stomach. She at one point changed the screen to check the blood flow (while she was "looking for fluid"). I said to her, "I thought you were looking for fluid, not the umbilical cord." She assured me she was, but she just kept getting the umbilical cord, so she was just checking that too. Once she was finished, she went to have the doctor look everything over. That was normal, so nothing worried me. Then the doctor came in. He said "Hello. Are you ready to have a baby today?"

My mind just raced. Every emotion just came over me upon hearing those words. He told me that they were talking to my doctor, so get dressed and just hang out for a bit and they will direct me what to do. I immediately called Bill. We had a rule...if I called three times in a row, he had to pick up no matter what he was doing. This would be our only test. I called twice with no pick up. Then on the third call he picked up, and I told him they were inducing me. I will never forget his voice on the other end. He was shocked and excited, and we talked about why there were inducing me. At this point, I really had no idea what was going to happen, so I told him to stay at work until I found out more. After talking to him, I called work to let them know I was not coming in tomorrow. The doctor came back and told me to go home, and my doctor will call me with what to do.

As we were half way home, my doctor called and told me to come in. They wanted to start the inducing. So I turned around, and headed back to the doctor. At the doctor, they put a balloon catheter in me and sent me home. I just waited at home for the hospital to call me. Around midnight, contractions started for me, but they were not too painful. They were around 6 minutes apart, so Bill and I were pondering whether to go in to the hospital or just wait for them to call. A little before 2am, the hospital called and said they had a bed for me. So we made our way in!

Once we were checked in at the hospital, the nurse did all of the checks. How dilated am I (1cm)? How far apart are my contractions? Is the babies head down? I knew her head was down because I had my ultrasound 12 hours earlier, and her head was down then. The nurse just wanted to check before they started pitocin. As she checked, she said she couldn't find her head. All I could think, "What do you mean you cannot find her head!" As she she moved the ultrasound wand up my stomach, there it was...at the top! She had flipped!!! At 38 weeks and only 3cm of fluid...it was UNHEARD of! But little miss Kennedy had her own plans.

The nurse called Dr. Deka and a C-Section was scheduled for 9:30AM. We were told to get some sleep...yeah right! Around 8:30, they started prepping me for my surgery. At 9:30, I was wheeled down and prepped. Bill was dressed in his scrubs, but had to wait until I was lying down on the table to come in. Once he was in, they started. At 9:51am, Kennedy Elizabeth was born. She was taken to the warming station and cleaned up. Bill immediately went to the table to see her, and came back to me with all of the information. She was very healthy! 6lbs. 1oz 18.5 inches. Head circumference 13.5 in. Bill could not cut the umbilical cord, but he did trim it.

The C-section was really a painless experience...something  I never expected with giving birth. I was very fortunate that I did not have to do labor then have a C-section. Dr. Deka told us that we probably would have had a C-section either way because the umbilical cord was loosely wrapped around her neck two times, and my fluids were so low that she would have been too stressed. I am so relieved that she just flipped, and we did not have to worry about our little girl during labor.

First family picture

Nana meets Kennedy

Bill learning how to change a diaper from our favorite nurse Rachel

Sunbathing...no jaundice for Kennedy!

Ready to go home!

First time in the car

We spent 3 nights in the hospital, which was very much needed! Since I was a C-section, I could not get out of bed for 24hours, which meant Bill had to do everything for her (except feed!). It was so hard not being able to get out of bed, but Bill was amazing! I was so lucky to have him take care of us ♥

My mom stayed the week after her birth to take care of us. Then Marty and Bill came in to help the second week. My parents came back down the third week so my dad could meet her. Within a month, she met all of her grandparents!

Uncle Curt

Grandma

Grandpa Bill

Grandpa Dave

Nana

♥ Meggan

one month

 Well, I have been gone from the blogging world for the past 6 weeks because we welcomed Kennedy Elizabeth 2 weeks early on March 29, 2012 at 9:51am. I am going to do my best to keep up this blog not only for my friends and family, but for Kennedy! I will back track the last 5 weeks of our lives, but I wanted to at least post what Miss Kennedy can do at one month!



At one month Kennedy can...

• Smile
• Laugh in her sleep
• Recognize Mom + Dad voices
• Sleeps 3 hours at night!
• Hold up head for a bit
• Turn head during tummy time 

•  Hiccups all the time
• Makes squeaky noises when sleeping
• Likes to be swaddled
• Has to be swaddled to be in the swing
• Farts often in her sleep
• Grasps other people's fingers or Mommy's hair
• Kicks top leg when latching on during feeding
• Naps 1.5-2hrs at a time
• Weight: 8lbs 10oz (estimate)
• Height: 21.5 inches
• Diaper size: Newborn
• Clothes: Newborn

The countdown begins...

36 weeks has been an eventful week for us. The weekend was spent putting together the rest of her things together. Bouncy chair...check. Swing...check. Carseat...check. Curtains hung...check. All we need now is our little peanut!

Yesterday, was another doctor's appointment. During the appointment, Dr. Deka let me know that Baby H is in the 14 percentile for height and weight. At 10% they start to worry, so she is still in the "safe" range, but obviously close to the 10 percentile. So with that, Dr. Deka is having me do Non-Stress Test (NST) twice a week. With the test, they strap a band around the belly and monitor her heart rate. They are checking to make sure her heart beat is lower at rest and higher when she is moving. Another strap monitors contractions (not that I am really having them) to monitor her heart beat during a contraction. They want to make sure she is not stressed during them. I am also having to go in once a week to have my amniotic levels checked. If they go too low or Baby H's heart rate does not show a difference from resting state to active state then they will induce me. I am 37 weeks tomorrow, so I have reached full gestation, and the next 3 weeks are spent putting weight on Baby H...which she needs :) But if I do go in the next few weeks, everything will be developed on her! Right now everything is precautionary. They are just seeing if we are just having a small baby or is something not working right with her. A small baby is just fine as long as she is healthy...which everything right now points that way :)

I know they are doing this to make sure she is healthy, but it is still scary. It was not what I was expecting going into my appointment yesterday. I go back again Friday morning to do the NST.  My blood pressure and weight were good. I have put on 29 pounds during the pregnancy!  I really don't feel like I have put on that much weight, so that is a good thing. I did grow 2cm this week, so I am now 35cm, which is in the healthy range for how far along I am. I am feeling good...just a little anxious with all of the new developments, but getting excited to meet our little girl. It is crazy to think she could come any day...or it could be 4 more weeks (my doctor will only let me go one week past my due date.)

♥ Meggan

our little peanut

I went to the doctor this morning to get an ultrasound on Baby H. Of course they were running late, so I sat as patiently in the waiting room as I could. At least there were some good magazines to read while I waited. When I was finally called back, and they started the ultrasound the first thing the technician says to me is "Geez...look how big your bladder is! Do you need to pee?" I actually did not, but I guess it good to here something is big on me during my pregnancy :)

The technician measured everything on her...her head size, abdomen, leg and arm length, heartbeat, blood flow in umbilical cord, amniotic fluid, oxygen levels. Baby H took some practice breaths during the ultrasound, so she was able to record those too. She also told me that she has some hair on her head too...phew, she won't be bald until she is 3 like me! After the technician finished, she told me, "she is the 15% and still in the safe range. I am going to go talk to the doctor." So there I sat for what seemed like forever wondering what they were talking about. Do I need bed rest? Is she really okay? Are they going to induce me because she is not growing? The doctor comes in and looks at the information, and says "everything is healthy with her. She is small, but still in the safe range, and everything is she is doing is healthy." I kept asking, "so she is okay? she is healthy?" The doctor probably thought I was a crazy pregnant woman, but he is used to it. The technician was super sweet and told me, "wouldn't you rather deliver a 6lb baby as opposed to a 10lb baby?" As long as she is healthy...yes!

So overall, Baby H is safe, healthy...just small. She will be our little peanut! I don't think we will have a basketball center on our hands, but with her parents' height, I don't think too many people thought we would!

♥ Meggan

Hello Pregnancy Brain

I am 35 weeks!

Well my pregnancy brain has officially hit...Bill would probably argue it hit a LONG time ago! As I am looking at my picture, I realized I put that was 34 weeks not 35! Oh well...I am too tired to get up and take another picture. Just imagine that it says 35 not 34!

35 weeks has been uneventful until today. Bill and I are continuing to get things ready for Baby H. We got her bed set up in our room. Our room is definitely a little tight, but we are getting used to it...so is Kona. This weekend we are going to get the swing and bouncy chair all set up :)

On Friday, my students at school threw me a surprise baby shower! It was so sweet of them, and I was completely surprised. They bought us our high chair...Yay! We also received our exercise mat, some adorable clothes, and our first set of bottles! I am so lucky to have such wonderful families in my class. 

Today was the first of our weekly doctor appointments. And I am back to measuring small, and I did not grow at all since last week. So with that, I am going back to the doctor tomorrow AM to get an ultrasound. At least I get to see another picture of Baby H! I am sure nothing is wrong (she is moving a lot especially after dinner and before bed). But its always good to make sure! The good news is her head is down :)

♥ Meggan

Finally Feeling Pregnant

At 34 weeks, I finally feel like I am pregnant. My belly is definitely getting bigger (I am now 33cm!)...I grew 4 cm in the last two weeks! I went to the doctor today, and everything is looking good. It was weird hearing her say that in 10 days they won't stop my labor...10 days is not a lot of time! She doesn't think Baby H will bigger than 7lb 2oz, so we will see. I think 7.2 sounds like an excellent weight :) We will just have to see how big her head is...does she have Bill or my head???

 I am getting more and more braxton hicks, and starting to feel pressure in my lower abdomenal area. Last night, I had to just go to bed early to get them to go away. I never really got a ton of energy in my second trimester, but what energy I did get is definitely gone. If I could take a nap or at least lay down after lunch everyday, my life would be much better. I could go to bed by 8 every night (which I do most nights). I might as well get all the sleep I can right now.

Baby H continues to move all the time! I got my first kick in the rib Friday (3/2) night. Her head is down, but she prefers my right side. She continues to move the most after dinner and around bed.  She does let me know she is still is there throughout the day, especially during my guided reading time. She doesn't like being squished, so as I lean over the table to help the kids read, she always gives me some kicks to say "don't squish me mom!".

♥ Meggan

33 weeks

Well I officially feel pregnant...and it has only taken 33 weeks. I am going to the bathroom ALL OF THE TIME...no matter what time of the day or night. Luckily, my classroom is joined to another classroom, and the teacher can stand between the classes so I can use the restroom :-)

I am having to sit A LOT more at work too...being on my feet all day is killer! My body lets me know when I need to sit by giving a nice Braxton Hick. I can count on them almost every day at around 3. And getting out of bed is a sight to see...I basically side two arm push myself up and swing my legs over the side at the same time and hope I get out. I can only imagine what the next 6 weeks will be (since I am 34 weeks tomorrow!)

Baby H is moving a ton, and  one of our favorite things to do is stare at my stomach and watch her move. I literally start to laugh almost every time she moves from one side of my stomach to the other. It is just so funny/weird/awesome to feel and see. Besides moving a lot, she hiccups at least 3 times a day. Her hiccups really started hard at 31 weeks, but as she gets bigger her hiccups get stronger. I can always count on her to hiccup after dinner and then again before bed. She definitely LOVES all food, and after I eat I feel her move the most. Bill thinks she is going to love food as much as me...we will wait and see :)

Bill and I have come up with a new name we like too. We have not completely thrown out the old name, but I am LOVING this new name and so is Bill. Originally I was set on Elizabeth (my middle name) as her middle name, but now I am throwing around other middle names too. We will see when she comes what name fits her ♥

It is hard to believe that she is going to be coming so soon. These past 33 weeks have gone by so quickly! I am really starting to feel ready for her...diapers are bought, her room is done, her bed for our room is bought, and most importantly we have her car seat!

These next few weeks are going to go by quickly with spring break coming up and company coming into town! March is going to fly by and April is going to be here before we know it :-)

♥ Meggan

Baby H's Room!

Well her room is almost finished! We have a few more things to add the shelves, but we need her here to finish it (her newborn pics and initials...which means we need a name for her!) We also need to hang curtains and get a lamp...And we are done! We have had so much fun doing her room...Now we are ready for her to come! Only 7ish weeks!!

♥ Meggan

Yes, I am small...

The comment I get from everyone...I mean everyone....is "you are so small! When are you do?"

Yes, I am small...I only measured at 29cm, but Baby H is very healthy. Her weight is excellent and so is her length. My blood flow to the placenta is great, and so is her breathing! I wish I could just put it on a shirt (it was my mom's idea!).

I went to the doctor again today, and Baby H exactly where she should be. Her heartbeat was lower 136bmp, but Dr. Deka said "as she matures her heartbeat will drop." I cannot believe that with all of the chocolate chip cookies I eat (they are my FAVORITE food right now), I only gained one pound. I wish I could eat like this forever!

This week has been a very eventful week. Bill and literally my entire class got sick. Bill got the flu Monday, and in my classroom I had strep throat, ear infections, colds, and the flu. And somehow, I made it through it all without getting very sick. I did get a little cold, but nothing I couldn't beat without liquid and sleep (no medicine for me!) Wednesday, Baby H welcomed her third friend Elin Isabella (Kate + David's baby girl)! When we announced we were pregnant some of our closest friends in Arizona were all pregnant too! And now we the last one had their baby, so we are next!

This weekend, we almost finished Baby H's room. We just need to hang two pictures and the chalkboard (we made) and we are done! Pictures will be posted soon.

♥ Meggan

the first of many times she will worry me...

31 weeks started out a little scary with my last doctor's appointment. I measured a little small (still within the "safety range" but still small).  I knew in my brain she was okay, but my heart kept worrying about our little girl. Why was I measuring small? Was it me? Was something wrong with Baby H?

I made the ultrasound appointment for Friday (2/10) morning, and of course Bill joined me. The appointment went really well! Baby H weighs about 3lbs 10 oz (which is a little bigger than books say she should be at 31 weeks!). My blood flow from the placenta and the umbilical cord looks good. And my amniotic fluid looks good too. The doctor will type a full report and give it my doctor, but everything was in the normal range.

Baby H at 31 weeks 1 day!

Also, on Friday I had my work baby shower! I am so blessed to work with so many amazing people :) We got so many wonderful gifts including a handmade blanket + hat, beautiful clothes, her Bumbo seat, and most importantly her car seat!

This week I continue to be in LOVE with chocolate chip cookies! That is my only real craving, which luckily is easy to satisfy :) I made cookies, put them in the freezer and enjoy them everyday (don't worry I made them small on purpose!)

♥ Meggan

29 and 30 weeks

So I just went to post on 30 weeks, and realized I forgot to post on 29 weeks...oops!

29 weeks was uneventful, so that may have been why :)

We have had a very busy 30 weeks! Saturday, we took our all day birthing class at the hospital. I was not sure what to expect with the class, but I will say I found it more informative than I thought. Our instructor was pretty entertaining too ( a 65 year old nurse...who would have thought!) We learned what labor "should/could" look like,  all about the epidural (which I will be getting...fyi), and all the ins and outs what it will be like at the hospital. For being a 7 hour class it went pretty fast.

Today was another doctor's appointment! My weight was where it should be...22 pounds :) And my blood pressure actually went down. Probably because this appointment did not include a sugar drink and blood being drawn. Baby H's heartbeat continues to be strong at 145, and she is moving like crazy. Last night she was rolling all about in my stomach, I literally asked her to stop so I could go to sleep. I measured a little small, but still within the the window...I was 28 1/4 cm. Since I am 30 weeks, I should be between 28 and 32 cm (2 cm each way is okay). We also had a a different doctor this week, so she may measure a little different than our regular doctor too.

We are getting another ultrasound next week, just to make sure everything is good to go with Baby H. The doctor is not worried since, I have measured right on track for my other appointments, and I am still in the okay area. But who does not want another ultra sound? I cannot wait to see our little girl :)

♥ Meggan

Hello Third Trimester!

28 weeks

I cannot believe we are already in our 3rd trimester! The second trimester flew by so quickly. We are are so lucky to have a healthy pregnancy!

On Friday (1/20) Baby H welcomed her second Gonzaga friend, Lily Itule! Our friends Robyn and Billy did not know the sex of their baby, so all day I waited by the phone in anticipation. I truly thought they were going to have a boy because what are the odds that all 4 of our AZ friends would have girls? When I received the text saying it is a girl, I was so excited! How amazing it is it that Baby H has so many girlfriends! Robyn and I keep saying it is our own "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants!" It is so much fun meeting our friend's babies.  Bill and I were on a walk this week, and we kept talking about how we are just getting so excited to meet our little girl! We still have a lot to do to get ready, but we are starting to make some progress!

We got our glider and ottoman this week (thanks mom + dad!), and it is literally the most comfortable chair I have sat in. I sometimes just go in her room to relax in it. We also bought our dresser this week, which Bill is putting together as I write. I cannot wait to have her clothes in it, and out of our living room. One thing I was never prepared for was how messy our house would get while getting ready for Baby H. Piles are all over the house (garage sale, baby things, shed things, getting rid of things), but the good thing is the piles are getting smaller. My hope is to have this house back to normal by the middle of February. If I could do my last 6 weeks of pregnancy in a clean, uncluttered house, I think I will be very happy!

On Tuesday (1/24) I had a doctors appointment and the most dreaded glucose test. I do not like having my blood drawn, so I was nervous all week. And I had heard about the horrible sugar drink I was going to drink. But to my surprise, it was not bad at all. The drink tasted like an orange soda (yum!) and the blood work was easy. Bill and my nurse kept me busy talking, and the test was over before I knew it. Everything continues to be healthy with Baby H too! Her heartbeat was 147bpm and I am measuring 28cm...exactly where I should be. And I have gained 20lbs, which is so weird to hear from your doctor that you are perfect with you weight gain. Being pregnant is the only time when your doctor will congratulate you on your weight gain. I cannot believe I have gained 20lbs because I honestly don't feel like I have. Yes, my legs have gotten a little bigger, but not what I expected. Other than my boobs and stomach, I am not really sure where all this weight is.  Oh well...no complaints from me!

♥ Meggan

Baby Showers!

Last weekend I had two amazing baby showers in Oregon! Saturday was my first shower with McBride/Barsotti family and friends! My aunt Bridget (Baby H's Great-Aunt!) is due 5 days before me, so we had a fabulous double shower! She and I are almost the exact same size (even though she thinks she is bigger than me), so we will see how big the babies are when they come. I received some wonderful gifts from family....Baby H is going to be one of the best dressed babies in town! She received her first Gonzaga outfit (which Bill says will be the only outfit he will put her in...I hope he is prepared to do a lot of laundry), and her first Oregon onsies (Thanks Aunt Kim!).  

Sunday, Baby H and I had another fabulous shower with the Schwitter family at my Aunt Nancy's.  Once again Baby H and I were spoiled. I think she received every outfit sold at Janie and Jack (Baby H's favorite store!).  It was so much fun to eat delicious southern food,  and to hang out with my mom's family. I cannot wait for Baby H to come, so I can dress her in all of her ADORABLE ADORABLE clothes. 

This week was also our 27th week! We are making progress with her name. We are definitely STRONGLY leaning towards one name, but have not made the official decision. We have a little bit of time :) 

♥ Meggan

26 weeks

Today we are completing our 26th week! It was another great week for the two of us. I still have not had major cravings, but I never turn down a sweet!  Baby H continues to grow...and so does my belly! People keep telling me how small I am, and they cannot believe I am 26 weeks. I don't feel huge, but I don't by any means feel small.  NO ONE has told me my boobs are too small though. I get at least one comment a day from friends at work about how big they are getting...at least I work with all woman. I have gone from a 32D to 34DDD/36DD. There are not too many places that sell the 34DDD, so the 36DD is easier for me to find.  I just hope they stay this size until she comes...I can't keep buying new bras!

This past weekend Bill painted her room, a BRIGHT green. It was a little brighter than we expected, but we love it! We wait to get her furniture and bedding in. 13 weeks is not that far away!

 This weekend I am going to Oregon for my last time before having her...Probably my last time ever to Oregon alone! I have my first baby shower this weekend, and I am so excited to see everyone :)

♥ Meggan

Hello Baby Bump!

This week was another great week for us and Baby H and a major milestone. 25 weeks has always been a "scary" week for me because I have had a student for the last 3 years, who was born at 25 weeks. He is an amazing boy, who has beat all odds of life, but I obviously just want Baby H to be healthy. So here we are...25 weeks, 6 days, and the "scary" week is over. I know that I will always worry about our little girl, but it is good to have this week done.

We had a doctor's appointment yesterday, and her heartbeat is a strong 150 bpm, and I am measuring 25cm...right on track! We are now starting our Dr. appointments every two weeks. As Dr. Deka said yesterday, "you have graduated."

This week we made major progress on the nursery! Last Friday (12/30), I spent a few hours in her room getting all cleaned out. Bill had started in the beginning of December, but there were some things that I needed to clean out.  So my Friday morning was spent cleaning the room out.Sunday, Bill and I went to Home Depot and bought the paint and shelves for the closet! Bill started painting right away; he has one more coat to go, and her room is painted! Pictures will follow soon!



♥ Meggan