It was Wednesday June 16th. Daddy had worked the overnight in the ER the previous night and didn't get much sleep. For some reason, he didn't nap that day either. I was getting very anxious to get you out. I went on two walks and had been eating spicy food for days to help you along. At this point, I was convinced I'd have to be induced and would be pregnant for at least a week more. Daddy and I decided to go to bed at about 9:30pm. I had been having trouble sleeping anyway but tried anyway. At 10:15pm, I felt a pop and then a gush of water. It was almost like I was going to the bathroom but couldn't stop. I remember saying something to Daddy but he was in a deep sleep so he didn't respond. I ran to the bathroom and the water kept gushing. I started to think that this was actually my water breaking. I went back into the bedroom and said to Daddy "I think my water just broke". He replied "Are you serious?" He smiled and remained calm. Or so I thought. I was having a mini meltdown but tried not to show it too much. I quickly found some clothes but it all was a whirlwind. I really did not think that my water would break on it's own. Everything I had read said that the odds were very against it. I had figured that contractions would start, and I would have to occupy myself for a few hours at home. Instead I was walking around the house in a trance trying to remember everything I wanted to bring. Daddy got dressed, grabbed the camera bag, my bag and hid the key for when Grandpa came to get Prudy. At this point, I was still trying to function while in the middle of my mini-meltdown. I remember crying a bit simply because I was scared. I really had to go through with this. How would I do? Would everything be ok? What if it wasn't my water breaking and something was wrong? We packed everything into the car much to Prudy's confusion. She thought she was going somewhere with us. Daddy called the hospital on the way just to warn the ob department that we were on our way, even though we just live across town and would literally be there in minutes. It was on the drive that my back started to hurt. Then the pain would go away.
Daddy asked "Are you having contractions?" I thought, "Oh, so that's what they feel like!" At this point they were fairly tolerable. We checked into the hospital and headed right up to the ob department. I changed into the gown and Nurse Carol hooked me up to all sorts of things. My contractions were about 2 1/2 minutes apart and still fairly tolerable. They checked to make sure that my water in fact did break, and I remember NOT liking that test which was really silly when comparing it to what my body was about to endure. Nurse Carol informed us that yep my water had broken and we were about 3 cm dilated and still very well effaced. I remember her saying that our baby's birthday would be June 17th and her guess was that you would arrive by 4am. It was getting pretty surreal. Now it was basically a waiting game. I had the go ahead from Dr. Leino that I could have an epidural the moment I arrived at the hospital. Daddy and I decided to wait just a bit since I could tolerate the contractions and we just wanted to ensure that things were progressing along nicely. So Daddy folded out the little bed in the room and we both tried to rest. Daddy didn't tell me at the time, but now he admits that all he was thinking was "Man I just want to sleep!" It was time to get hooked up to an IV. I got poked three different places before Nurse Steph came up from ER and got it right away. Contractions started getting rougher. I was not doing a very good job relaxing during them. I would tense everything up. Nurse Carol and Daddy worked with me on some breathing exercises. They worked for a while. Daddy tried to sleep more and I tried to relax. By about 1am, I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted the epidural. So I woke up Daddy and he agreed. Nurse Carol checked me again and were we were to about 4 or 5 cm. They started fluids because I needed that for about 20 minutes before NA Bob could come and start the epi. This seemed like the longest 20 minutes of my life. I knew relief was coming but I wanted it right now. I had no patience for anything. Everything Daddy did was the wrong thing. None of his jokes were funny. I just wanted this pain to end. Finally NA Bob arrived. I don't even remember feeling a poke. I remember getting a bunch of stuff taped to my back and then my legs started to get a little heavy and tingly. I got repositioned in bed so I could rest for a while and my contractions became much more tolerable once again. Daddy's jokes weren't as annoying anymore. (That's how he could tell I was feeling better!) I could tell they were happening on my left side, but I could breath and rest normally through them. My right side was completely numb. It was about 2 am. Daddy went back to sleep and I rested. There was a little too much on my mind to actually sleep, but I was able to rest. I was checked once more and things were still progessing nicely and I was about to 8 cm. At 5am, Nurse Carol checked and we were at a 10. Time to call Dr. Leino and get ready to push. Daddy went to call Grandpa Ben to come get Prudy. Dr. Leino arrived and Nurse Steph came up from the ER to help. I was actually pretty relaxed at this point. I couldn't really feel anything below my belly button. I wasn't sure what pushing was going to feel like though. How would I know what to do? I remember the news was on the tv. (I actually watch a lot of local news, and this newscast just happened to be KARE 11's.) They got all the tools out that they would need for delivery and we just started pushing. I could somewhat tell when contractions were because there was kind of a tightening in my belly, but it didn't hurt. I just waited for the nurse to tell me when to go and I did. They warned me that the average push time for a first baby is an hour and a half, so I didn't let myself get too worked up about time. I remember that we had totally normal conversations in between contractions because I was relaxed. I think this really helped me give it all when it was time to push. About 45 minutes into pushing, your heart rate dropped a tiny bit. They gave me some oxygen. I was a little worried at this point, but they really didn't seem to be. Within a few minutes, you were back to where you should be. I remember asking "Is everything still going ok?" after about every push. By about 6:15am, Dr. Leino told Daddy to get his scrubs on and get ready to catch. Nurse Steph just got called out of the room to the ER. She was a little disappointed that she couldn't be there for the actual delivery. Daddy had worked with her quite a bit on the overnights. By 6:22am, Ty was in position and delivered you. You were placed on my tummy as Dr. Leino took over and Daddy grabbed the camera. I couldn't believe that this baby just came out of me. I didn't even look to see if you were a boy or girl. Someone else looked quick and told us we had a boy. They quickly weighed you and checked to make sure everything else was normal. You were a screamer when you were born and you had your hands up by your face. (You still like your hands like that. ) I remember the Nurses commenting that you had huge hands. They wrapped you up and gave you back to me. Someone asked Daddy if we had a name and he replied "McCoy". Within an hour, we called family and friends and they started pouring in by lunch time. And that's the story of the day you were born!
Other things to note about June 17th:
*This was the day of all the horrible tornadoes in MN. I really didn't know exactly what happened until the evening of the 18th because the cable went out in the hospital right after supper on the 17th. We have some newspapers saved from the 17th and 18th so we can show you what really happened.
*You also share this day with a relative. (We aren't exactly sure how you are related, some sort of cousin, something removed probably?!) So your Daddy and his cousin Nick were born about two weeks apart. They both got married about a month apart and had purple and green for the colors of their weddings. Nick's wife Angie and I were both due on the 15th of June. You were born at 6:22am on the 17th and Baby Claire was born at 10:30pm on the 17th. Crazy world!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Dear Baby Helland: (Of 40 weeks)
Dear Baby Helland: (Of 40 weeks)
So, we've made it through another church service, both Michael and Wilson's Grad Party and Daddy's battle this past weekend. It's time for you to leave hotel mommy. I've cleaned the oven, the microwave, the kitchen, dusted, washed all of the clothes, rewashed/folded organized all of your clothes and even cleaned both sinks with a toothbrush. It's not that I want to do all of the organizing/cleaning. I'm just trying to find ways to pass the time. I'm done having people ask "You're still around??". I'm done having my sensitive belly button being rubbed. I'm done waking up at 3am and having just wrestle with the body pillow to find a comfortable position to POSSIBLY get back to sleep. Mommy's getting cranky.
Every time you move I think "Oh is that the start of a contraction??" and then it lasts about three seconds and I can visibly see that it's just your foot trying to stretch out. I haven't felt a single contraction yet. Some say it feels like a charlie horse in your stomach, others say it's like menstral cramps or explosive diarrhea. I'm sure once it starts hurting every few minutes....I'll know it's contractions.
There really isn't too much new. I just need to vent.
Hopefully see you sooner rather than later.
Mommy
So, we've made it through another church service, both Michael and Wilson's Grad Party and Daddy's battle this past weekend. It's time for you to leave hotel mommy. I've cleaned the oven, the microwave, the kitchen, dusted, washed all of the clothes, rewashed/folded organized all of your clothes and even cleaned both sinks with a toothbrush. It's not that I want to do all of the organizing/cleaning. I'm just trying to find ways to pass the time. I'm done having people ask "You're still around??". I'm done having my sensitive belly button being rubbed. I'm done waking up at 3am and having just wrestle with the body pillow to find a comfortable position to POSSIBLY get back to sleep. Mommy's getting cranky.
Every time you move I think "Oh is that the start of a contraction??" and then it lasts about three seconds and I can visibly see that it's just your foot trying to stretch out. I haven't felt a single contraction yet. Some say it feels like a charlie horse in your stomach, others say it's like menstral cramps or explosive diarrhea. I'm sure once it starts hurting every few minutes....I'll know it's contractions.
There really isn't too much new. I just need to vent.
Hopefully see you sooner rather than later.
Mommy
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Dear Baby Helland: (Of 39 weeks)
Dear Baby Helland: (Of 39 weeks)
Just got back from another doc appointment. TMI: 1-2 centimeters dilated, 70 % effaced and membranes majorly stripped again to get things going. Measured right on, and weight didn't change from the last appointment. TMI done.
Dr. Leino warned us that there is a possibility we might have to be induced. Everything is looking perfect for delivery, but she just likes to warn people and I could be just one of those people who doesn't go into labor on their own. I really hope we go into labor on our own. We have one more appointment next Thursday, and if you haven't arrived yet, we start setting up the dates. Her hope is that we set things up and prepare for induction and then you just decide to make an appearance on your own. I work that way too. I am currently scheduled to play for a service this Sunday and next Wednesday in hopes that I won't be able to play for the Wednesday one because you are on your way, or have just recently arrived. It's not that I don't enjoy playing, I just figure if I plan stuff, you're more likely to show up!
Speaking of labor, if I said I was looking foward to it, I would be a huge liar. To be quite honest, I'm scared. People keep saying "You must be getting so excited!" Excited to find out your gender-yes, to take you home-yes, to highlight my hair and have a beer-yes, to wear pants iwth a zipper-yes. To have days worth of pain-no. Like I said before, the worst pain I've had was an infected root canal. How on earth am I going to handle hours upon hours of the worst pain I've ever felt. Will I get drugs? Yes. No doubt. But then there is the pushing thing. That could be a few hours too. Gr. Some people worry about taking you home, I worry about getting you out!!
Last night both Daddy and I had dreams about you. His dream was about changing your diaper. I guess you were wearing a size 6 (which is like enormous, wait do they go up to that size?!) and couldn't figure out what size to put back on you, at which point I suggested a size 2 1/2 (pretty sure they don't make 1/2 sizes!). Then you started making a poopy mess and Mommy ended up taking care of it. Oh and in his dream, you were a boy. Mommy had two dreams recently. In one, it was delivery time, but the nurses were basically no where to be found and Daddy ran off to get something and never came back. I wasn't sad or mad in the dream, I was just frustrated that I was left alone! Then in last nights dream, I was at today's appointment and was ditched again. Dr. Leino and Daddy left me naked to go take care of another delivery. In my dreams I never got through delivery so I'm not sure what sex you were.
Remember before when I said I thought you were a girl? Well, now I'm starting to rethink that. No idea why. Still don't care either way. But as of today, my guess is that you are a boy.
And I'll take a gander as to when you'll arrive...........either the 14th, 16th or 18th. Do I have a thing with even numbers? Yes. Does it really matter? No. I won't be like Pam on "The Office" and try to hold you in until midnight hits. Your cousin Allie would like if you arrived the 18th because then she gets a dollar. She's not sure who it's from, but she remembers someone saying she'll get a dollar, so she's hoping for the 18th. I'd be ok with that. Then you'd share your birthday with Frauntie Naomi.
Mommy's belly is making things noticibly more difficult. I pull up a chair to the table where I normally would, and then have to back it up because I don't quite fit. If I try to turn to sleep on the other side in bed, I have to lift myself all the way up and flip over. Even getting off the couch, I need to scoot all the way to the edge and then push myself up. Am I complaining? Not really, just stating some facts. If this is the way things have to be for you to be healthy(which Dr. Leino says you are) then so be it. Just don't be surprised if I ask Daddy to get me some chocolate because it's too much work for me to do it myself.
I don't think I've quite nested yet. Yesterday however, I filed all the paid bills, paid all the June bills so I didn't have to think about them the rest of the month, balanced my checkbook and organized some music in binders. Is there more to be done? You bet. The oven is a disaster and the shower could use a scrubbing. Actually all the floors could. Maybe I'll tackle that tomorrow. On today's schedule: Make Hudson some lunch (he's been staying over while his parents take cousin Wilson to orientation at Iowa State), get hair cut (it's driving me nuts and I do not do well with long hair!), and hopefully go to the Ice Cream Social at Aunt and Uncle-Jodi and Dave's church (the BEST turkey salad sandwiches).
Tomorrow night I think Grandpa Ben is going to bring the changing table/dresser. I have a feeling you won't arrive yet because you know how badly mommy wants to organize everything in that room (for about the 18th time).
Well, I'm going to try to get some pictures up of Wilson's ceremony quick. Maybe see you within a week???
Mommy
Just got back from another doc appointment. TMI: 1-2 centimeters dilated, 70 % effaced and membranes majorly stripped again to get things going. Measured right on, and weight didn't change from the last appointment. TMI done.
Dr. Leino warned us that there is a possibility we might have to be induced. Everything is looking perfect for delivery, but she just likes to warn people and I could be just one of those people who doesn't go into labor on their own. I really hope we go into labor on our own. We have one more appointment next Thursday, and if you haven't arrived yet, we start setting up the dates. Her hope is that we set things up and prepare for induction and then you just decide to make an appearance on your own. I work that way too. I am currently scheduled to play for a service this Sunday and next Wednesday in hopes that I won't be able to play for the Wednesday one because you are on your way, or have just recently arrived. It's not that I don't enjoy playing, I just figure if I plan stuff, you're more likely to show up!
Speaking of labor, if I said I was looking foward to it, I would be a huge liar. To be quite honest, I'm scared. People keep saying "You must be getting so excited!" Excited to find out your gender-yes, to take you home-yes, to highlight my hair and have a beer-yes, to wear pants iwth a zipper-yes. To have days worth of pain-no. Like I said before, the worst pain I've had was an infected root canal. How on earth am I going to handle hours upon hours of the worst pain I've ever felt. Will I get drugs? Yes. No doubt. But then there is the pushing thing. That could be a few hours too. Gr. Some people worry about taking you home, I worry about getting you out!!
Last night both Daddy and I had dreams about you. His dream was about changing your diaper. I guess you were wearing a size 6 (which is like enormous, wait do they go up to that size?!) and couldn't figure out what size to put back on you, at which point I suggested a size 2 1/2 (pretty sure they don't make 1/2 sizes!). Then you started making a poopy mess and Mommy ended up taking care of it. Oh and in his dream, you were a boy. Mommy had two dreams recently. In one, it was delivery time, but the nurses were basically no where to be found and Daddy ran off to get something and never came back. I wasn't sad or mad in the dream, I was just frustrated that I was left alone! Then in last nights dream, I was at today's appointment and was ditched again. Dr. Leino and Daddy left me naked to go take care of another delivery. In my dreams I never got through delivery so I'm not sure what sex you were.
Remember before when I said I thought you were a girl? Well, now I'm starting to rethink that. No idea why. Still don't care either way. But as of today, my guess is that you are a boy.
And I'll take a gander as to when you'll arrive...........either the 14th, 16th or 18th. Do I have a thing with even numbers? Yes. Does it really matter? No. I won't be like Pam on "The Office" and try to hold you in until midnight hits. Your cousin Allie would like if you arrived the 18th because then she gets a dollar. She's not sure who it's from, but she remembers someone saying she'll get a dollar, so she's hoping for the 18th. I'd be ok with that. Then you'd share your birthday with Frauntie Naomi.
Mommy's belly is making things noticibly more difficult. I pull up a chair to the table where I normally would, and then have to back it up because I don't quite fit. If I try to turn to sleep on the other side in bed, I have to lift myself all the way up and flip over. Even getting off the couch, I need to scoot all the way to the edge and then push myself up. Am I complaining? Not really, just stating some facts. If this is the way things have to be for you to be healthy(which Dr. Leino says you are) then so be it. Just don't be surprised if I ask Daddy to get me some chocolate because it's too much work for me to do it myself.
I don't think I've quite nested yet. Yesterday however, I filed all the paid bills, paid all the June bills so I didn't have to think about them the rest of the month, balanced my checkbook and organized some music in binders. Is there more to be done? You bet. The oven is a disaster and the shower could use a scrubbing. Actually all the floors could. Maybe I'll tackle that tomorrow. On today's schedule: Make Hudson some lunch (he's been staying over while his parents take cousin Wilson to orientation at Iowa State), get hair cut (it's driving me nuts and I do not do well with long hair!), and hopefully go to the Ice Cream Social at Aunt and Uncle-Jodi and Dave's church (the BEST turkey salad sandwiches).
Tomorrow night I think Grandpa Ben is going to bring the changing table/dresser. I have a feeling you won't arrive yet because you know how badly mommy wants to organize everything in that room (for about the 18th time).
Well, I'm going to try to get some pictures up of Wilson's ceremony quick. Maybe see you within a week???
Mommy
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Dear Baby Helland: (Of 38 weeks)
Dear Baby Helland: (Of 38 weeks)
This may be a short post, and might have a little too much information, so if it gets to a part that you are uncomfortable with.......just skip a few lines!
Today was Mommy's last day of school with kids. Tomorrow is just the clean-up/check-out day. I got a lot of it done today so tomorrow should be nice and easy. It's been a fun year and I look forward to what next year has in store.
Today was another doc appointment. We measured right on (which means we actually jumped from 36 to 38, but 38 is where we are supposed to be so it's ok) and everything else looks good. Here comes the TMI portion: We are dilated at 1 cm, 50% effaced, sitting at -1 station and your head is nicely in position to head right out. Dr. Leino also stripped my membranes just to jump start the process, but it doesn't really mean you'll make an appearance right away. It just helps things along. Done with the TMI.
Your bag is all packed. I think I go through it about every day. Not that I change what's in it, I think I'm just excited and like to look at your stuff. Mommy's bag is packed too. It's just the waiting game. Well, I guess we haven't put the car seat bases in the car yet, but I think Daddy could quickly figure that out if he needed to do it in a pinch.
This weekend we have two of your cousin's graduation from high school. Cousin Wilson graduates from Hutch and has her party on Sunday too. Plus it's her birthday. Cousin Michael graduates from GFW but is having his party next Saturday. Will you be out and about by Michael's party, or will you want to spend that day hanging out in Mommy's tummy still??
Every time I put my clothes on, I wonder, "How many more times will I really wear this shirt?", "How soon can I go back to my 'not-so-oversized' t-shirts?"
Tuesday was a bit of a rough day. For some reason, I was just uber uncomfortable. I was trying to stand up to change into some comfy pants and had a hard time standing on one leg. I actually said "are you for serious right now?!?!" outloud as I had to grab the wall to support myself. It was just one of those days.
This past weekend Daddy took some maternity pictures for mommy. Mommy isn't the most photogenic person and felt really silly posing, but Daddy did a nice job being creative.
Man you are a mover right now........like at this minute....maybe that means it's time for supper.....
See you soon,
Mommy
This may be a short post, and might have a little too much information, so if it gets to a part that you are uncomfortable with.......just skip a few lines!
Today was Mommy's last day of school with kids. Tomorrow is just the clean-up/check-out day. I got a lot of it done today so tomorrow should be nice and easy. It's been a fun year and I look forward to what next year has in store.
Today was another doc appointment. We measured right on (which means we actually jumped from 36 to 38, but 38 is where we are supposed to be so it's ok) and everything else looks good. Here comes the TMI portion: We are dilated at 1 cm, 50% effaced, sitting at -1 station and your head is nicely in position to head right out. Dr. Leino also stripped my membranes just to jump start the process, but it doesn't really mean you'll make an appearance right away. It just helps things along. Done with the TMI.
Your bag is all packed. I think I go through it about every day. Not that I change what's in it, I think I'm just excited and like to look at your stuff. Mommy's bag is packed too. It's just the waiting game. Well, I guess we haven't put the car seat bases in the car yet, but I think Daddy could quickly figure that out if he needed to do it in a pinch.
This weekend we have two of your cousin's graduation from high school. Cousin Wilson graduates from Hutch and has her party on Sunday too. Plus it's her birthday. Cousin Michael graduates from GFW but is having his party next Saturday. Will you be out and about by Michael's party, or will you want to spend that day hanging out in Mommy's tummy still??
Every time I put my clothes on, I wonder, "How many more times will I really wear this shirt?", "How soon can I go back to my 'not-so-oversized' t-shirts?"
Tuesday was a bit of a rough day. For some reason, I was just uber uncomfortable. I was trying to stand up to change into some comfy pants and had a hard time standing on one leg. I actually said "are you for serious right now?!?!" outloud as I had to grab the wall to support myself. It was just one of those days.
This past weekend Daddy took some maternity pictures for mommy. Mommy isn't the most photogenic person and felt really silly posing, but Daddy did a nice job being creative.
Man you are a mover right now........like at this minute....maybe that means it's time for supper.....
See you soon,
Mommy
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