A Short and Sweet Story About Birth

I am going to be honest here and say I hate birth stories, but this doesn't mean I don't read some of my favorite bloggers birth stories, but it is usually long after I began following them. I think that the length of the birth stories are what I hate about them and not so much the contents. I am not going to lie. By the time I am at the end a birth story, I am a crying mess. So maybe it's the emotional engagement that it takes to get through it that makes me shy away from reading them. So with that said, I am going to make my birth story very short and sweet because this is how my labor and birth was; short and sweet.

I was due on the best day of the year, Halloween! Deep down inside I knew that I wouldn't have the baby on my due date.  During the early morning of November 2nd, 3 o'clock in the morning to be exact, I was brought out a sound sleep by contractions that were intense. I knew that this was real labor but I didn't get up or wake anyone because I needed everyone, including myself, to be rested for the upcoming arrival of the newest member of the family. I was able to sleep through most of the contractions and around 8:45 a.m. I told Andrew that I was in labor and we got everyone up and ready to go. We had a 40 minute ride to the hospital and all we did was joke and laugh the entire way. I didn't even bother to time the contractions because I knew that they were real and this was happening.

This is me in full blown labor, 7cm dilated about to get into the oversized tub. 

We arrived in smiles at the hospital at 10:30 a.m. The nurses and my midwife absolutely doubted that I was in labor. They took me in, put me on the monitor and determined I was having major contractions and at the time my midwife showed up and checked me. To everyones surprise I was just about 7cm dilated! WHAT!!!! It was about 12:30 at this point. I had planned to have some kind of medication (not an epidural) during labor but I was too far dilated to have anything, which I was totally fine with. I was able to get into the oversized bathtub for a while, which is where my water broke. My two previous pregnancies my water was broke by my midwife during labor, so this was the first time that my water broke on its own. She checked me again and I was 8cm dilated by then, and it was roughly 1:00 p.m. I got out of the tub, dried off, and sat on the bed trying to mentally prepare myself for what was about to happen. The contractions got stronger and stronger. My awesome midwife let me lead the way and only asked to be told when I was going to push. The lights were low and it was perfect. I let my body do its job and tried to work with it instead of against it. (I kept thinking of this article I had read that was about birthing from within that really helped me center my thoughts about labor pain and birth.) After a while of intensely strong contractions my body told me it was time. Within 5 minutes, along with a couple of pushes and some primal vocalizations, Anderson was born into Andrew's hands.

Andrew is the BEST birthing partner ever!!! The fact that he is almost a licensed massage therapist doesn't hurt! By chance, and permission granted by me, there was a high-risk doctor that attended the birth. She is required by the hospital to attend non high-risk births a certain number of times a year and it just so happened we were all in the right place at the right time, because she was able to capture the most amazing photos of the birth that otherwise would have never been captured.(These photo will not be on the blog) I cannot put into words how grateful we are to of have this happen to us.

Anderson Ryan-Alexander

Anderson Ryan-Alexander Larochelle

Born at 2:01pm 

November 2nd 2013 

7lbs 10oz

21 inches long

We are still baby-mooning (not the vacation kind of babymoon, but the one where a family spends time bonding with a new baby) over here and loving every second of it! Stay tuned for more photos, a short and sweet birth story, and more!

40 Weeks And Officially Overdue

How far along? 40 Weeks. Yes, I am officially overdue. My due date was yesterday (10/31/13).

Total weight gain: 10lbs 

Maternity clothes? Yes.Tops only. I am still wearing my regular pants.

Stretch marks? No new ones in the past week but veins are becoming more and more visible.  

Sleep: Sleeping is so-so. I get a lot of contractions during the night while trying to sleep.

Best moment this week: Finding out that I am 2 cm dilated....progress!

Miss anything? Sleep. 

Movement: Tons!

Food cravings (this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob, pasta, salsa, beans and yellow rice, Kale, green juice.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not queasy anymore...lets keep it that way.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I say boy. 

Symptoms: I am 2 cm dilated and about 30% effaced. I have an ultrasound scheduled for tuesday along with a non-stress test. I am truly hoping I don't make it that far. Although, it would be very temping to find out the sex of the baby.....but I've made it this far without knowing and finding out now would be foolish.....right? 

Belly button in or out? From the front it looks like it is poking out a bit.  

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Happy...but I would be a bit happier if I were to go into labor soon!  

Looking forward to: Having this baby. Deep down inside I knew I would go past my due date. Only 5% of women deliver on their due dates. I wasn't on time for Damien or Amar'e.  I was five days late for Damien and two days late for Amar'e…..I have no reason to think that this baby would be any different. 

39 Weeks

(Sorry, no fancy photo this week)

How far along? 39 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 10lbs 

Maternity clothes? Yes.Tops only. I am still wearing my regular pants.

Stretch marks? No new ones in the past week. 

Sleep: Sleeping is so-so.

Best moment this week: Amar'e telling the baby its ok to come out. She turned on the light and brought over "Goodnight Moon" (as if it was a gift for the baby) and said "it's just me and daddy out here, don't be scared baby". I just about died! 

Miss anything? Sleep. 

Movement: Tons!

Food cravings (this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob, pasta, salsa, beans and yellow rice, Kale, green juice.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not queasy anymore...lets keep it that way.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I say boy. 

Symptoms: I am 1.5 cm dilated and about 30% effaced. I thought for sure after Wednesday/Thursday's false labor scare that I would of progressed a bit more...but I guess that can change within hours. Also, the baby has dropped deep down into my pelvis which means the vicious rib kicks have stopped and I am no longer out of breath. 

Belly button in or out? From the front it looks like it is poking out a bit.  

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: I'm ready to have this baby any day now! I've been happy lately due to not having to wake up at the crack ass of dawn to be at work. I am able to go with my bodies natural rhythm, which means I go to bed when I'm tired and rise when I'm rested. This is wonderful. 

Looking forward to: Having this baby! :) 

37 Weeks

How far along? 37 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 10lbs 

Maternity clothes? Yes.Tops only. I am still wearing my regular pants.  My pants are actually starting to get a little baggy. I dont understand what is going on?!?!?!?

Stretch marks? No new ones in the past week. 

Sleep: Sleeping still sucks for me. I am looking forward to not having to be up and at work for 7 a.m. after next week. 

Best moment this week: Taking maternity pictures! 

Miss anything? Sleep. 

Movement: Tons!

Food cravings (this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob, pasta, salsa, beans and yellow rice, Kale, green juice.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not queasy anymore...lets keep it that way.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I say boy. 

Symptoms: Pelvic region soreness and heartburn here and there. It all depends on what I eat. A cup of soy milk usually take care of the heartburn, indigestion. 

Belly button in or out? From the front it looks like it is poking out a bit.  

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Pretty happy these past couple of weeks. I am really starting to get excited about having this baby. I have mixed emotions on giving birth again, but I am trying to keep my thoughts positive. I've also been doing my squats as much as I can.

Looking forward to: My last day of work, which will be October 18th, washing the cloth diapers, and getting everything in order for this little one to arrive. 

36 Weeks 6 days

(Sorry about the terrible picture quality. I ran out of time to get this 36 week post up because I am 37 weeks tomorrow (full term, woot-woot!!!).  I also had to rely on Damien to be my photographer. He did his best and I am thankful for his willingness! Love you Damien! I also had NO time to edit or anything like that)

How far along? 36 Weeks 6 days 

Total weight gain: 10lbs 

Maternity clothes? Yes.Tops only. I am still wearing my regular pants.  

Stretch marks? No new ones in the past two weeks. My generic Cocoa Butter lotion is doing a great job.

Sleep: Not good at all! I am sleeping horribly. I hope this changes because I'd really appreciate a good night sleep at this point. 

Best moment this week: Amar'e helping me rub lotion on my belly every night. She also kisses my belly often and seems really excited for the baby to arrive. Damien is really excited too!  

Miss anything? Being able to put socks and shoes on without almost dying in the process. Now that it is cooler out, (especially in the mornings when going to work) I have to put shoes on that aren't sandals (boots). This is not easy to do with this belly in the way. 

Movement: Tons of movement! I love to watch it in a mirror. It's intense at times.

Food cravings (this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob, pasta, salsa, beans and yellow rice, Kale, green juice.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not queasy anymore...lets keep it that way.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I say boy. 

Symptoms: Pelvic region soreness. 

Belly button in or out? In but flattened right out. 

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Pretty happy these past couple of weeks. I am really starting to get excited about having this baby. I have mixed emotions on giving birth again, but I am trying to keep my thoughts positive. 

Looking forward to: My last day of work, which will be October 18th. During the time between my last day of work and the arrival of the baby I am going to work on crocheting a beautiful blanket for him/her. I have to finish the one I started for Amar'e first. I'm also going to be trying to get everything in order for this baby's arrival. I just cant seem to find the time to do it, start to finish, without a million and half interruptions.

 

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 9 lbs. Lost a pound since last week.

Maternity clothes? Yes.Tops only. I am still wearing my pants...unbuttoned of course. 

Stretch marks? Yes, but my generic Cocoa Butter lotion is doing a great job.

Sleep: Not so good the past weeks. Think I got 1 hour in the course of 48 hours. 

Best moment this week: Amar'e shining a flash light into my bellybutton. As you can see above.

Miss anything? Breathing normally. Still short of breathe a lot. Stable emotions. 

Movement: Out of control! Sometimes it feel like the baby is sitting on a nerve and the numbing pain shoots down my leg....stopping me in my tracks. 

Food cravings (this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob, pasta.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not queasy anymore...lets keep it that way.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I say boy. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, shortness of breath, slight swelling. Headaches. 

Belly button in or out? In but flattened right out. 

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Still mostly happy for the most part. Some sadness....and a few emotional ups and downs. 

Looking forward to: Next appointment and doing lunch before with Andrew and Amar'e.....Cucumber and Avocado rolls at Delaney's!!! YES!!!!  

I came across this article and wanted to share it. This article is about doing squats and how this will help with strengthening your pelvic floor. I am one of those people who hates doing those Kegel exercises and once I came across this article I was relieved. Not that doing squats is easier....but I enjoy doing squats more than doing Kegel exercises! Happy squatting pregos and non-pregos. 

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 10lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes.Tops only. I am still wearing my pants. 

Stretch marks? Yes. I am officially out of bio-oil and now using some generic Coco Butter lotion that I've had for a million years. It works and it's not tested on animals....win-win!

Sleep: OK, I guess.  

Best moment this week: Amar'e helping rub lotion on my belly. She is so into this. It is beyond cute.  

Miss anything? Breathing normally. Still short of breathe a lot. Stable emotions. 

Movement: Some days the movement is non-stop and I and convinced that this child is trying to break a rib, and other days the baby is a little quieter. 

Food cravings (this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been getting occasional nausea. Probably because my stomach is being squeezed by the little human I'm growing. I am getting third trimester morning sickness (anytime sickness). Like I can afford to be losing calories at this point. Yikes... 

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I say boy. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, shortness of breath, slight swelling, nausea, vomiting. 

Belly button in or out? In but flattened right out. 

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Pretty happy for the most part. Some sadness....and a few emotional ups and downs. 

Looking forward to: Next appointment this coming Wednesday. They may offer another ultrasound if we want to do it in the case I am concerned about my lack of weight gain. I am not concerned but we'll see.....so tempting.   

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 9lbs- a little on the low end. I guess I should be up in the high teens low 20s This by no means is intentional. Baby is growing fine because I am measuring big (as you can see above).

Maternity clothes? Yes, I've had to dig out the wonderful maternity clothes I got when I was pregnant with Amar'e. I am so thankful for them. I am still wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned. 

Stretch marks? Yes. Getting some redness on the top of my growing belly. I've picked up the use of my bio-oil.

Sleep: Much better than last week. 

Best moment this week: Amar'e singing to my belly and saying she would be mad if the baby was a boy. 

Miss anything? Breathing normally. I've been a little short of breath on occasion. 

Movement: Some days the movement is non-stop, and other days the baby is a little quieter. 

Food cravings(this will be an ongoing list I will add to) : Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water with lemon. Salad and corn on the cob. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I have been getting occasional nausea. Probably because my stomach is being squeezed by the little human I'm growing.  

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I have been watching the DVD of the ultrasound, and I have a suspicion that we are having a boy. I am in no way trained in gender determination of ultrasounds, so I am extremely uncertain. We still will be picking out a boy name and a girl name. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, shortness of breath, slight swelling, nausea.

Belly button in or out? In but flatten right out. 

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Pretty happy this week. 

Looking forward to: Another pregnancy massage from the best massage student in town and keeping up my daily walking routine. 

28 Weeks

How far along? 28 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 9lbs

Maternity clothes? Yes, I've had to dig out the wonderful maternity clothes I got when I was pregnant with Amar'e. I am so thankful for them. Not only stylish but oh so comfy too! 

Stretch marks? No new ones, but I've been using my Bio-Oil occasionally. 

Sleep: Sleep.....funny! I am still having trouble in this area. This probably wont get better until this little bundle is 2 years old. Yay!

Best moment this week: "You have a big baby in your belly.....look, me too!" -Amar'e
She is still convinced she has a baby in her belly too. She has been feeling my belly when the baby kicks and her reaction is priceless. 

Miss anything? Sleep!!

Movement:Yes, yes, yes. Lots of movement. Kicks are getting stronger. Sometimes, while I am sitting down at work I have to stand up and move around to get the rib kicks to stop for a bit. 

Food cravings: Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls, water...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Pretty much over this part of the journey.I hope.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I have been watching the DVD of the ultrasound, and I have a suspicion that we are having a boy. I am in no way trained in gender determination of ultrasounds, so I am extremely uncertain. We still will be picking out a boy name and a girl name. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, back ache, loss of memory, concentration and the worst part of all my exhaustion is back and in full force!!!! NOT GOOD! Speaking of, is it nap time yet???

Belly button in or out? In but flatten right out. 

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Still getting some mood swings on and off. If I get hungry...watch out.

Looking forward to: Another pregnancy massage from the best massage student in town...thanks Andrew! :)

I am happy to report that I have pulled out all of the newborn baby clothes I stored. I've washed them, folded them, and neatly put them away. I've also started to pack my hospital bag. Yah, I know I am a little early on this but I have to take advantage of when I have Andrew around to get the stuff I need to go through from the basement, and when I have energy to do it. I've also started to get the baby equipment out, washed up, and ready.


Don't forget to check the handmade giveaway going on here. 

Things I've been looking at

Here is a peek at what I've been reading:

I'll be back with a pregnancy update  and a real post soon! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

-Desiree

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 Weeks 

Total weight gain: 8lbs

Maternity clothes? Nope 

Stretch marks? No new ones!

Sleep: Sleep.....what is that? I can not get comfortable. I can't stay asleep. Not doing so good in this area right now. 

Best moment this week: My sciatica adjustment follow up....being cracked never felt so wonderful. Happy to report that my horrible sciatica has disappeared for the most part! I've been seeing this wonderful doctor who has changed my quality of life in this area....it seems she has helped my shoulder as well. I never knew how important stretching was! Daily stretching is key. 

Miss anything? Sleep!!

Movement:Yes, yes, yes. Lots of movement. Kicks are getting stronger.

Food cravings: Fruits and vegetables,lemons,tomatoes,nachos,chocolate chip cookies, salt, this chickpea concoction that Andrew whipped up one day for lunch, Brussels sprouts lot and lot of brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, Mangos,Watermelon, cucumber and avocado rolls...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Pretty much over this part of the journey.I hope.

Gender: We will not be finding out the gender until the day the baby arrives. I have been watching the DVD of the ultrasound, and I have a suspicion that we are having a boy. I am in no way trained in gender determination of ultrasounds, so I am extremely uncertain. We still will be picking out a boy name and a girl name. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, back ache, loss of memory, concentration and the worst part of all my exhaustion is back!!!! NOT GOOD! Speaking of, is it nap time yet???

Belly button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time: Still getting some mood swings on and off. If I get hungry...watch out.

Looking forward to: My next appointment with my midwife...I love hearing this little baby's heart beat! 

Officially Weaned

As of mid-April, Amar'e has completely weaned. To my surprise, this went remarkably smooth. She hadn't been nursing a whole lot so the transition was natural and pretty easy. It involved very little tears or an upset toddler, which was ideal because I wanted the wean to be as easy on her as possible. I truly never had a set idea of how long I was going to nurse her, I just let it happen. I wrote about the thought of weaning and a little bit about my breastfeeding experience here.  I am not sure what caused her to give it up in the end. I am assuming it was a mix between the taste of my milk getting salty because of the hormonal changes my pregnant body is going through, and me suggesting another activity when she would ask for her bubba. She was always willing to give the other activity suggestion a try and forgot all about wanting to nurse. One day I realized that she hadn't nursed in over a week. At this time I do believe I gave into a request of hers to nurse, I guess to just give it a try after a week of not doing it, and it was extremely uncomfortable for me. That must of been my turning point of physically not being able to nurse her anymore. Probably due to the hormonal changes once again, and the thought of tandem nursing is frankly overwhelming to me.  I give those mother who nurse a baby and a toddler credit because I don't think I would be able to handle doing that. How would I get anything done? Other than nursing children? Although, if Amar'e were still nursing when the baby arrived, I'm pretty sure I would be a tandem nursing mother, most likely, not getting anything done (besides feeding children) and that would be OK.

Anyway, I could not be more happy that the wean was done smoothly and without any problems. I also could not be more proud of myself for nursing my lovely little baby for over two years. Nursing doesn't come instinctively for every mother, but it did for me (don't get me wrong, it wasn't overly easy to learn). I am very happy that I never was met with any negativity about our choice of extended-breatfeeding(I guess it's the official name for nursing a child after the age of one). Maybe it isn't viewed as harshly as I thought it was viewed. I'm pretty sure seeing that Time magazine that featured an article on extended nursing set my mind on the course of thinking that is was thought of as negative. Or maybe it is, and I  never found myself in a situation where I noticed negativity about nursing a toddler. Either way, when it comes to what's best for my family, I let my feelings guide me and not the opinions of others. Now I have four more months until I start the next chapter of nursing another child.

This is the outcome of an exclusively breastfeed vegan child:

Results: Perfection!!!!

I want to hear your story...did you breast or bottle feed. Were you happy with your decision? Any regrets?