Birth Story

Wednesday, March 16, 2016.

My contractions started around 8am. I noticed the first one when I was feeding C her breakfast. I didn't think anything of it, surely a fluke, and went on with my morning. C and I drove into town, shopped trip at Target, grabbed lunch at Jimmy Johns and headed home. I had 5 time-able contractions during the 11 o'clock hour and I started to think maybe this was in fact early labor. When J came home for lunch I told him this might be it, but that if things were anything like they were the first time around it would be Saturday before we had a baby and not to worry. 

I was able to nap that afternoon when C did, but at least 3 contractions woke me up. When I got up with her they started back again regularly.

By 4-5pm the contractions had increased in intensity and were getting closer together. I'd texted our friend, Molly, earlier that we might need her to spend the night if contractions turned out to be real and we were in touch over dinner. I felt better knowing she was on base already for a volleyball game and had an overnight bag with her. But still, I tried to ignore contractions, thinking we were maybe days away from real labor and ate dinner; J's favorite that night, Luke Casserole. 

By 630 the contractions were pretty bad. I tried to do my normal part in C's bedtime routine, but I only made it for a few minutes before I had to let J take over. I kissed her and then around 730 they were 2-3 min apart and very painful. I headed for the bathtub. Once C was in bed J called our doula, Rhonda, and was timing contractions. Rhonda said she thought we should head to the hospital sooner rather than later.  

Ellie Peterson, a fellow squadron wife, came over for a bit after C was asleep until Molly was done with volleyball; then Molly spent the night with her and Thursday morning. J's Mom, Cathy, flew in from FL a day early and then took over at the house.

Meanwhile J and I got to the hospital at 830pm. We drove into the emergency room after hours entrance and I was wheeled up to labor and delivery. I was in a lot of pain; 6-7 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and 0 station. By midnight not much had changed. I spent at least an hour sitting on the edge of my bed while they tried to start an IV. I've never had trouble with that before, but it took the guy from anesthesia to start a line finally. By then I was beyond wanting to move or use the shower. I tried the birth ball a little while, but my contractions were intense without breaks. I begged for an epidural. Which I got and miraculously worked this time. Praise the Lord!

The only "complication" during my labor was that baby's heart rate kept dropping. I was on oxygen a lot of the time and they kept a pretty close eye on things.

Thursday, March 17, 2016  *St. Patrick's Day*

We hung out until about 2am with HGTV on in the background. Still no progress. I was becoming terrified of being stuck at 6cm like I was with C for days. Discouraged I had Dr. Wildey break my water. I tried to rest, but I was getting a second dose of antibiotics for +GBS and it burned like crazy. I started feeling more pressure by 3-330. When I was checked around 345 I was complete and +2 station. By the time they'd started setting up to push, not actually ready for a delivery yet, baby was crowning! The Dr delivered him with his bare hands running into the room. One push.

Everyone was stunned. J and I were shell shocked. Dr. Wildey just confusedly held baby for a minute before putting him on my chest and finishing the delivery. It was so fast, and so different from the first time. I'd been feeling more pressure and despite the epidural stronger contractions; but I'd kept telling myself it was going to be a while and to just relax and wait. Then suddenly we were holding a baby boy (hereafter JM)! 7 pounds, 1 ounce, 18.5 inches long and born at 4:02am. I remember thinking it was funny both my babies were born in a 4 o'clock hour. 

We got lots of skin to skin time, JM breastfed for the first time, I was drinking Coke and water and actually feeling really good. Totally different that I'd felt after delivering C. The only "problem" was that my right leg was super numb and I couldn't get up and walk as quickly as I'd have liked. 

We went over to the recovery room and got settled. When we walked, or in my case, were wheeled, into the room we saw the very early morning and everything covered in snow. It had been snowing all night while I was in labor. J and I both shut down and just went to sleep. We woke up late morning, I ordered lunch (hospital food is disgusting), J left to go home and do C's nap time routine and take another nap. I ate, got a shower, and went back to bed on and of the rest of the day. 

J passed out at home and his Mom finally woke him up around 7pm when I called. He put C to bed and then came back into town stopping to get me a steak dinner from Texas Roadhouse on the way. He stayed pretty late helping sooth a very alert and cranky new baby. But he went back home. I wanted him to, I wanted C to have one of us around. But I hated that he left too. I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. 

Thankfully JM passed all his newborn screenings, I checked out fine and both our doctors let us leave 24 hours later. We were gone by lunch Friday.

March 10th

I wrote this earlier this month, but never posted it. So here is our other big news!

It has been a busy week.

We found out we are moving this summer. I've been hesitant to say anything because we still don't have official orders. But really, with the military, until you've unpacked at the other end it's never a sure thing.

We are heading to the East Coast, Dover AFB in Delaware to be exact. The base where our Air Force journey began almost 10 years ago. How is it possible it's been that long already?

Jared is going back to the world of AMC (air mobility command) and flying the C17 once again. He is thrilled and nervous, as am I. He's nervous about learning to fly again. I'm nervous about returning to the pace of having him gone from home frequently with two little ones. But we're both thrilled to have him doing something he loves again; it makes the hard parts easier.

We're also excited to be in the same time zone as most of our family, and within a half days drive.

We weren't sure when he was assigned to the globalhawk if we'd ever see a "real" airplane or another flying assignment again. So this is momentous news. Fantastic news.

That said, it's also immediately distressing news. Because in less than 6 weeks he's headed back to our home away from home, Altus AFB in Oklahoma to begin almost 3 months of re-training. I know that he's anxious about getting back into a cockpit after more than 3 years, and the learning curve that entails. He's the only one though; he's brilliant and I know without a doubt after his first flight or two he'll settle back in and be amazing. As always.

The biggest wrench for me is that he's going to be leaving a baby only a few weeks old, leaving me without his immense help and support, leaving C who is already going to be dealing with a lot of life change. Basically our family glue is being taken away just at a moment we most need him. And that's hard. I'm sure it's hard for him as well; I know he doesn't want to leave us either.

I'm not going to lie; I've cried a lot about it in the past few days. Attribute it to the situation in general or pregnancy hormones, it doesn't really matter. It just stinks. I hate it right now.

On the bright side this is a quick exit from ND. Definitely not spending another winter in the subarctic tundra. Not even really another summer. We are lining up our amazing families to come out and help me into May and then the kids and I are heading to Ohio until J is finished with school. We'll come back and pack up our house and be gone. Hopefully find a new home and be able to settle in by the end of July.

We are hoping to have the second part of summer together, without looming upheaval and separation. We're looking forward to a chance to settle into a new home, a new normal, and to get to be a family of 4 together.

I'm praying when we arrive in Delaware the first words we hear aren't "deployment".

I know in the grand scheme of things this is just a hiccup. In the military world this isn't unheard of, not even particularly traumatic. But right now it seems so big and ugly and hard in our little world.

Please keep us in yours prayers. That baby would come early and healthy and we'd have a peaceful time together as a new family before J leaves. That my recovery would be smooth. That C would adapt well. That we would all feel peace in a situation that seems turbulent. 

Happy Birthday!

What went on in February

• 02-01-16

We had a warm weekend and C got to be outside a lot. J was off yesterday and helped clean house. We made pizza. 

Today it's supposed to start getting cold again and J has two meetings despite being "off work".

C and I are heading to music group shortly.

• 02-03-16

Happy birthday to my brother!!

We've been outside a lot lately. We all went out yesterday afternoon, but it was about 6 degrees with the biting wind. Mommy and Daddy made C come inside to much protest!

J's days off go so fast. Probably because he's working half of them... But I'm trying not to complain and dwell on something we can't change.

Not much to report from today. Did housework, I'm making BBQ pork for dinner, staying inside. C just went down for a nap. She's not been taking a very long one lately. So I better go fold those clean sheets!

• 02-04-16

It decided to snow for several hours yesterday afternoon. That was a surprise to me. It didn't amount to much. Other than to coat the ice from our recent "thaw" and cause J to fall in the parking lot at work. He has finally listened to me and put the special apparatus for his boots on to prevent falling. I had visions of him with a broken leg last night... Not what we need right now!!

J works 9-9 today. So he's playing with C now. I think she and I will probably head to play group at 9:30.

• 02-05-16

We had quite a day yesterday. I figured out after dinner it is this same tooth taking forever to cut through. A dose of Advil later and C was in fine form for bath and bed.

She had fun at play group in the morning despite the tooth.

The only good thing about J working last night was I caught up on another episode of Downton Abbey. It's so good this year!

We were invited to a super bowl party Sunday. But they live about 45 minutes away and the thought of packing C up and doing all that driving is not worth the party. So we're staying home, making pizza and keeping things low key.

I think C and I will mosey over to town and go around Target just for something to do this morning. I don't go on the weekends, so that leaves today. She was all for a car ride and shopping trip when asked. 

• 02-08-16

The big general who J was planning a visit for canceled on Friday. So he actually gets all of his days off, off! And he's home out of the nasty weather again today.

Our super bowl "blizzard" has consisted of less than an inch of snow, but such horrible winds it's all getting blown around so you can't see. It is icy; Saturday we made 40 degrees and lots of melting happened right before our storm. C and I were outside and I had windows open that day!

We watched the super bowl. Definitely a defensive game. But I'm glad for Peyton.

It's still blowing and started to snow again this morning. Everything is on a 2 hour delay.

I don't think we have any big plans unless the weather clears out. No music class today even; the leaders kiddos are sick.

I'm off to get a cup of hot tea. And I think I'll put a roast in the crockpot.

• 02-11-16

Since music group was cancelled Monday because of sick kids. I think we'll just skip play group today and try and avoid whatever is going around!

The plan instead is to bake daddy chocolate cupcakes for Valentine's Day. C is always a fan of helping in the kitchen.

We had a good, uneventful day yesterday. I took a nap, which I needed. But then I slept worse than usual last night. I think I'll stay awake this afternoon and attempt to start quilting the baby quilt. Now what to quilt.... ?!

No other news here. J is the supervisor so he's got very short meal breaks and won't be home until after 8. Booo.

• 02-12-16

We had our baking day yesterday. C was also more than happy to help daddy dig into his chocolate cupcakes at dinner!

It was cloudy and snowing yesterday, but the sun is out this morning. I'm debating going to town. Nothing pressing on the list, just something to do and the weather is nice.

But we're thinking about going in with both cars on Monday. We need to clean out J's car really well and install two car seats soon! Our Terrain is leased and goes back to the dealer end of the month. We're waiting on deciding about the next car until we hear something about moving. Hopefully next month.

Two of my friends have had their babies in the last two days. Amazingly enough I found it all out without Facebook. I'm logged off there until Easter. No worries about emails; I get all my worthwhile news this way.

With football officially done for the season it is time to concentrate on golf. I just can not get into basketball. Although I watched a lot of baseball when C was born because they replay games in the middle of the night. ;-)

I started quilting my quilt yesterday. Last time I did this I stenciled the entire quilt top. There was just no way I was doing that again. It took forever! So I'm going for it free form. I think it's not too bad. I'm excited to be getting close to the finished product.

Well, I think that's it for now. J works Saturday as usual. Then will flip to nights next week.

• 02-15-16

We had a dusting of snow Saturday night and Sunday. They've been running the plows etc. ever since. I would love to live somewhere with less snow. Orr at least less frequent/ quieter snow removal.

It's been a quiet weekend. Cold! It warmed up into positive temperatures yesterday with the snow however. J made us waffles for Valentine's breakfast and I made us pizza for dinner. I got two gorgeous bouquets of tulips from J. 

He's got today and tomorrow off. But he's trying to ease into night shift. So he was up until 1:30 last night and is still sleeping.

The plan when he wakes up is to go to town. We need to clean his car, run a couple of errands, and are planning on lunch out.

We cleaned the house yesterday. And I tore apart the pantry; threw away a bunch of expired things and washed the shelves and floor. I feel better. But after that I didn't have much energy; so no quilting. Maybe today.

• 02-16-16

Everybody is back to work and school here today. C is happy because there are lots of trucks and school buses to watch from the front window this morning.

J went to bed at 4. I've been awake pretty much ever since. I hate night shift. He's not actually working yet, just trying to slowly adjust to go in Wednesday night.

It was ugly but warm yesterday; above 30! We were all hot in our coats running around town. We got some groceries, I went to the chiropractor. The Acadia got cleaned inside and out. And we had hamburgers for lunch.

The Acadia is now my car. Although in a few weeks it will be the only car. Two car seats are installed. It's rather frightening!

C and J played outside for awhile yesterday. Took a walk. We had leftovers for dinner.

Not sure what the plan is today. Tacos for dinner. And trying not to wake up J.

• 02-18-16

C voted for grocery shopping over the library. Practical girl.

When we got into the Acadia instead of the normal car she wasn't too sure. Then she saw the other car seat and got excited and started saying "baby". I hope she's as happy when the seat is occupied.

Then she got a Valentine's treat from the lady who bags groceries; a heart sucker. The child has never had a sucker in her life. Never had any candy. But somehow she knew it was "yummy" and managed to open it and start eating it on our drive home! The clever monkey.

J worked last night. Poor guy. 8pm-8am is not a fun shift. And he's still not home...

But it is surprising how much you can get done in the kitchen when your child wakes up before 6 and you know you can't do anything loud after 8!

We are going to play group to get out of the house. I'm hoping we don't bring back the plague. Regardless, C always has fun.

Not much else to report... We're looking for warmer weather. I just hope the wind isn't too bad so we can go outside! 

• 02-19-16

J brought home two awards yesterday; instructor pilot of the YEAR and instructor pilot of the quarter. Both things are from 2015, but we now officially have the trophies. We're so proud of him!!

The only bad thing is we have more awards than we know what to do with. We've started relegating them to a drawer in the spare room. J now refers to it as the drawer of his awesomeness. :-)

He slept badly despite Catherine and I being gone most of the day. So a really long night for him. I'm drugging him to sleep today!

It's warmed up here. But the wind, predictably, is horrible. We might brave it for awhile outside anyway. Otherwise I'm deciding whether to go to Target before the weekend... And Catherine is going to help me make my birthday cake. I got a new angel food cake pan for Christmas and I'm excited to try it.

I rarely call maintenance here. For good reason. They've been, gone, and are coming back today. I believe by the end of things I will have a new kitchen sink. It's a very ridiculous story, but I'm hoping to have a working sink over the weekend at any rate.

I've been quilting. Slowly but surely it's getting done. It hasn't left me any energy for reading or blogging. 

• 02-22-16

Our weekend was quiet. After a really warm day it was cold. A few flurries. Mostly grey and gloomy.

My birthday was quiet but nice. J is on nights, so sleeping during the day. But I made pizza and then Andy came over and we had cake after. I got lots of nice presents too. I've been coloring in my new coloring book ever since. Ha!

J had last night off. He's off until Wednesday. So he's going to sleep"early" around 4am to try and be up more during the day.

C has been having trouble with her last couple of teeth. I heard her singing around 345 this morning. But she put herself back to sleep again.

Maintenance is coming this morning, for the third time! This is supposed to entail shutting off water etc. He wasn't interested in finishing things on a Friday afternoon... Hmmmm. Whatever.

I think C and I will escape and go to music group.

My quilt is half quilted. I might have finished... But my coloring distracted me.

We've got lots of leftovers, so I think I'll skip the kitchen for today.

Almost March?! Yikes!!

• 02-23-16

Music group was crazy yesterday. There were a lot of kids and mine was bouncing off the walls. It's February and cabin fever is in full effect.

The day started with snow and ended up sunny and 38. So J took C outside after her, brief, nap. She loved that. I opened the windows and enjoyed fresh air and some very rare sunshine.

We got some cleaning done around the house. Otherwise it was a low key day. No cooking.

Today I have a doctor's appointment so poor J has to drag himself out of bed early. Luckily it's a day, I should say night, off so he could go to bed earlier.

I'm thinking I'm going to try a new bbq chicken recipe for dinner.

In as aside: C slept until 730. 12 undisturbed hours. And she was soaked this morning. I was changing her pjs. In an effort to keep her warm I started putting pants on before socks. She stopped me and said, "socks!" So I got out socks and started putting them on. She nodded her head yes and patted my arm like "good job mom, this is how it works, socks before pants." It cracked me up.

• 02-25-16

My doctor appointment Tuesday was uneventful. Baby is in the right position and now weekly visits commence and we wait.

Yesterday was frosty, but sunny in the morning. It's been so cloudy lately here any sunshine is nice. It warmed up in the afternoon and J took C out for a bit.

C and I went to the commissary for essentials before lunch. J made us a pancake dinner last night.

J is back to work. Not that we notice much difference with him on nights. I'm sure he does.

No play group today. It's been combined with a big base event and that's just way too many people and germs and hassle. I think we'll just have a movie day...

• 02-29-16

We went from being in the 40's Saturday to -2, feels like -17 and snow this morning. The wind is ridiculous and has been all night.

I'm getting over my cold but C now has it. She's so stuffy. On top of which she's getting another tooth. Yuck. She didn't really nap yesterday, couldn't breathe. But I think although restless, she got some sleep last night.

J had last night off and the next few. He can sleep earlier and get up earlier and take care of her at night if he needs to. I'm not sure if night shift is worse for him or me... Or Catherine. By 430 yesterday I couldn't keep her contained. She was beating down our bedroom door yelling "daddy"!

C and I are going to miss music group and take the cats to town to be groomed. Just as well since she's sick. My plan is to pick up lunch on our way home. Then we all have chiropractor appointments this afternoon. Maybe he'll help drain C's sinuses. And my dinner plan involves picking up pizza and taking it home. No cooking.

We did bake yesterday. C loves helping in the kitchen. So we made two and a half dozen soft batch chocolate chip cookies for daddy. They're half gone already.

Tomorrow is another doctor appointment. Routine. And also March. Hard to believe. Lots happening that month for us this year. We're hoping to have orders in the next few weeks for a move this summer... We shall see.

Worked on the quilt. I have a few places to go over, but the free motion quilting is basically finished. :-) Now for some straight stitching around the boarder and to decide on my binding. I can't wait to wash it and see the finished product.

I got out bags and started making piles to pack for the hospital... 36 weeks this week! Yikes.