Chase's Birth Day

I know some of you have been asking how Chase arrived unexpectedly since we had a c-section scheduled for 9/27 and I've been wanting to get on here to share our story but with being in the hospital for 4 days, getting settled at home and having to take Cisco to the vet, things have been a little hectic. I've managed to have a few minutes to myself though while James is feeding Chase.

On the evening of 9/18 we had our 38 week checkup. Everything went well there, his heartbeat was 141 bpm and we did another ultrasound to make sure he was still breech, which he was. On our way home James and I stopped at Saladworks for dinner and once we got home I gave Cisco a bath and did some cleaning. Once I sat down I realized I was having contraction every 3 to 4 mins. I told James and told him I was going to wait an hour or so before calling the doctor. Around 10:30pm I called them and they said to come in.

Once at L&D they hooked me up to the monitors and I was having contractions every 2 to 3 mins but I was only 1cm dilated. To see if I was in true labor or not they started me on fluids, which the contractions did slow down to every 4 to 10 mins. The doctor wanted to monitor me though until 6:30am but basically said I  would be going home. About 15 mins after the doctor left (around 3:15am) the contractions started coming fast and hard, to the point where I was wriggling around in pain. After waiting them out for 45 mins to see if they continued I buzzed for the nurse. After that it was all systems go for a c-section. Up until this point I hadn't been nervous all night but as I was sitting on the stretcher waiting to be wheeled into the OR I got so nervous and started shaking. Not having any sleep didn't help matters.

The c-section wasn't too bad at all, mostly because all of the doctors were so nice and explained every single thing they were doing. I remember lying on the table, James holding my hand and was waiting for them to say ok we are beginning, Instead the next thing I heard was, 'here is your baby boy', and hearing him cry. It all happened so quickly. Hearing Chase cry for the first time was something I can't even describe. I just remember bursting into tears, and looking over to James who was also crying. James did go to the nursery with Chase to see him get weighed and all. Typical me kept telling him, 'make sure you take photos of everything'. Start to finish the whole procedure was an hour. Chase Patrick was born at 5:17am on 9/19/2012, weighing 7lbs 8oz and 20 inches long.

Once I was settled in my room they bought Chase to us. It's just so crazy that one second they are inside you and the next they are out in the world. We are so thankful that Chase has no issues, he is just perfect in every way. He has started to keep his eyes open now and I just love talking to him and seeing the different expressions on his face and staring back at me so intently. I think it's safe to say James and I are both sleep deprived but we are enjoying every little second with our son.

Unexpected News ... 37 Week Checkup

Well this check up has most certainly been the interesting appointment so far that's for sure! I had my blood pressure taken as per usual and for the first time it was high...130/80, but nothing they are worried about. Dr did my internal and said I hadn't dilated at all and basically no changes from last week and Chase was still head down. Next he listened to the heartbeat, which was a nice strong 141bpm and was kicking the doppler which Dr found hilarious. I mentioned something about his butt being under my ribs so Dr pushed around on my stomach and said 'he will be right back'. He came back with the ultrasound machine and what do you know his 'butt' is his head!!!!!
All of us were completely shocked, and I've been feeling this bump for weeks so I think he was think he was this way all along. We went over the options, which other than c-section  and him turning by himself, the only other option was for them to try turning him externally. After hearing the risks of that option James and I immediately decided that wasn't the route for us. We have been so fortunate that Chase has been healthy this entire pregnancy and we aren't about to jepardize that. And that brings us back to a planned c section.
Only in the past few hours have I felt better about having a c section. I was really upset about it last night, to the point where I was up all night. It hadn't even entered my head about having to have a c section and with the longer recovery and not being able to hold my baby immediately I wasn't too thrilled. As the day has gone on though I've become more excited knowing I'll be meeting him in 2 weeks and that he will arrive safely.
Both James and I can't wait for September 27th to get here, to finally meet our little man and see what he looks  like. I feel like a kid at waiting for Christmas to get here, multiplied by 1,000,000.
Throughout this whole journey we have appreciated everyone's thoughts and prayers and would like to ask for them to continue for a safe delivery for Chase, a  speedy recovery for myself and for James to have the energy to take care of us :)

The End Is In Sight....36 Weeks

Hi All, we are now onto weekly appointments!!!!!!!! I was anxious to hear what they would say at this appointment after last weeks trip to L&D. According to my doctor, we have one "very impatient baby on our hands". She said he is head down and extremely low. I am not dialated but about 75% effaced. She said he could stay this way for the next 4 weeks, but she thinks that is highly unlikely and won't make it to my due date. His heart rate was 144BPM, still my strong lil man. With the excitement of him being so low I totally forgot to ask how much she thinks he weighs at this point.

Overall I've bee feeling pretty good.The nurse today told me my blood pressure hasn't changed the entire pregnancy which is really good to know. I have been having frequent contractions but not in regular pattern. Today's contractions have been significantly stronger and more noticeable.

Here is me at 36 weeks

I'm very glad to say the nursery is ready and we have everything we need for Chase. I am so pleased with the way the room turned out and I had some help getting it done. David painted the room for us and then Leona helped me finish it off by putting up the decals and picking out curtains when she was in town for the shower.

After today's appointment I  made sure the hospital bag is ready to go....we will keep you all updated!

Shower Weekend & 34 Week Update

Just a little update on our guy Chase from our 34 week appointment. He is doing really well and his heartbeat was as strong as ever, which I always so grateful for. It was varying between 131 bpm and 140 bpm depending on if he was lying still or moving around. Our doctor is 99% sure that his head is down, which I think I have dropped over the past week and and I've felt a lot more pressure down that way. She did say she thinks he will be closer to 8lbs instead of being in the low 7's.

Overall I've been feeling great. Unfortunately the nausea, morning sickness and food aversions have returned, so much so I've had to take the zofran a couple of  times in the past week. Thank goodness there is only 6 more weeks to go.

This past weekend was very busy as it was our baby shower. We are are thankful to those that helped plan such a wonderful afternoon (Leona, Jen, Anna & Mom). The food was delicious (meatballs, cold cuts, dips, fruit and lots of cake), we played a few games and opened gifts. James and I are beyond grateful for all of the gifts for Chase, and for those who took the time out of their weekend to spend time with us. After going through all of the things we received, Chase will not be in need for anything so thank you all so much. I can't wait for him to meet all of you!

With running around so much this weekend I did have some braxton hicks contractions so the time is getting near :)

Here are some photos of the shower and me at 34 weeks.

The fruit baby and carriage Leona  made

34 weeks along

The blanket my Mum made

Guests playing games

The big 30

We are at week 30 folks, I feel like the countdown is certainly on now, only 10 weeks left. I am just amazed at how the weeks are flying by.

Our appointment today went very smooth, which thankfully they all have been so far. Getting to listen to his heartbeat never gets old. Today it was at 141bpm, so a little faster than it has been, might have had something to do with the mint chocolate chip klondike bar I ate before the appointment :) Our doctor said I'm measuring right at 30 weeks which makes me very happy knowing we don't have a huge baby in there. I'm up 2lbs since our last appointment so that puts me at a total of gaining 21 pounds so far.

I have been feeling great and really don't have any complaints other than some insomnia every now and then. Last night I was lying awake and could feel the little guy having hiccups, its blows my mind that I can feel that.

30 weeks

Hello Third Trimester

As the third trimester begins I'm both excited and a little sad. Excited of course to finally meet my little boy and see what he looks like and begin creating a life time of memories with him. On the other hand, I absolutely love feeling him kick and turn and will certainly miss that. The back pain that has started and the vomitting that has returned, will certainly not be missed.

We had  our 28 week appointment today and it went very smoothly. Our doctor said he sounds great, heartrate of 130bpm and she thinks we are looking at a  7 1/2 lb baby. This I am very relieved to hear as big babies run on James' side of the family and was seriously worried about having to pop out a 9+ pounder. I'm up 18 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy, thank goodness all I crave is fruit. After failing the one hour glucose test, I did have to take the 3 hour one, which I'm happy to report, I passed, so no 'diet' for me. Our baby appointments now will be every 2 weeks.

These last couple of months are going to fly by. We  have so much going on between now and when Chase makes his arrival. I ordered some items off of etsy to finish decorating his room with and will put the finishing touches in place with the help of Leona when she is in town. James and I have taken a few days trip and are planning a weekend away in August, and basically trying to make the most of the time we have left just the two of us. We think Cisco is realizing his time as the 'only child' is coming to an end soon as this past week he has started sleeping on our bed every night.

As always here is a photo of the ever growing bump at 28 weeks

24 weeks

Here I am with another update on our little boy. It's hard to believe I am 24 weeks already, time is certainly flying by! This puts me in the 6th month of the pregnancy and at the tail end of the second trimester.

Our check up this evening went smoothly. My blood pressure and weight are normal (I've gained a total of 14lbs so far) and today was the first time they measured my stomach which is measuring at exactly 24 weeks. Chase was very active and was hard to get a reading on his heart at at first but the doctor got a reading of 138bpm. Over the next 2 weeks I have to go for a glucose test.

I've been feeling really great the past few weeks and have really started getting things ready for Chase's arrival. My brother David came down a couple of weeks ago and painted the nursery for us. We are going with a jungle animal theme so we painted the walls a kakhi color. We also now have a dresser, thanks to Mom and Bill. My Mum has been busy on the other side of the world preparing for her grandson by knitting; she has made him a crib blanket and is now onto hats and mittens :) He is going to be one spoiled boy thats for sure.

With every week that passes I'm so thankful that he is still in there cooking away, and is healthy. Thank you to everyone who prays for us.

Here I am at 24 weeks