Everyone hang with me for a sec because this is by first blog post. Thats right the husband is updating the blog.
So last night at midnight Traci's water broke and some small contractions started. While i was able to get some rest she was not. At 5am the contractions were about 5min apart and we headed out to the hospital. Now for those who don't know already, Clara has been quite shy whenever others are checking her out. So it made since that the contractions stopped once we got situated in the room.
We were able to catch a little bit of sleep before we needed to move forward with some way of getting Traci's body back on track. You see once the water has broken it is ideal for the baby to be born around the 24hr time fame. Seeing how we had plenty of wiggle room we opted for one dose of a med Cytotec [spelling]. This helped her body start contractions again and we walked around for a couple hours.
After a while it was decided that it was great the contractions were starting up again, however they we're not quite strong enough to make the changes we needed to happen. This brings us to where we are right now. A very slow Pitocin drip was added in order to work with the contractions that were already taking place. The hope is that this will increase the strength of the contractions and allow Traci's body to pick up the pace.
Currently Traci is trying to get some sleep to prepare for the rest of tonight. That is if i can get her to stop looking at the contraction plot on the monitor. She is such a curious cat!
I can definitely say that this is not what we had planned, however we have seen God work in this situation and look forward to what he has planned for us down the road. He has allowed us to clearly see the direction he has wanted us to go with every turn of this labor and we know that as we trust in Him he will watch over us.
Please pray for safety, strength (spiritual, physical, mental), and endurance as we continue with this miracle in waiting. - Jason
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday update
Clara looked nice and healthy today although she gets a little shy when people try to check for her movements. She will be going crazy when it's just Jason and I and then as soon as she has to get monitored she gets all quiet. Hmmmmmmm......I wonder what that means about her personality? Maybe she will be a little shy like her daddy. :)
Since everything looked good on the ultrasound and monitoring we got the option of having another day and a half to prepare ourselves. After talking and praying together we decided to begin the induction process on Thursday morning (so I will be admitted into the hospital). Now, this does not necessarily mean we will be having her Thursday. They will start us off with a stronger medicine that will further "ripen" the cervix (It's STILL not considered "ready" as of today). They will begin this Thursday morning and it will continue for about 12 hours. Then at night they will take it out and let me rest. I have to stay in the hospital for this because Clara and I have to be constantly monitored. We have a choice between two medicines so please pray for wisdom as to which one to take. Both of them have the possibility of putting you into labor.
If labor does not start by Friday morning then they will start me on pitocin if my cervix is "ready."
We will have our laptop in the hospital so if you want to check back for any updates you can. In the meanwhile please pray for...
Since everything looked good on the ultrasound and monitoring we got the option of having another day and a half to prepare ourselves. After talking and praying together we decided to begin the induction process on Thursday morning (so I will be admitted into the hospital). Now, this does not necessarily mean we will be having her Thursday. They will start us off with a stronger medicine that will further "ripen" the cervix (It's STILL not considered "ready" as of today). They will begin this Thursday morning and it will continue for about 12 hours. Then at night they will take it out and let me rest. I have to stay in the hospital for this because Clara and I have to be constantly monitored. We have a choice between two medicines so please pray for wisdom as to which one to take. Both of them have the possibility of putting you into labor.
If labor does not start by Friday morning then they will start me on pitocin if my cervix is "ready."
We will have our laptop in the hospital so if you want to check back for any updates you can. In the meanwhile please pray for...
- Clara's continued healthiness
- Wisdom to make any medical decisions
- Us to trust and be at peace with God's plan
- My body to respond well to these medicines
- Jason and I to be patient and loving with each other
Monday, July 27, 2009
41 weeks
Ok, last week of posting while pregnant! We won't be making a "42 week" post because we were told Clara will be here by the end of this week, regardless if she wants to be or not. Technically it's Monday as I'm writing this which makes me 9 days past my due date. Tomorrow we are going to get an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid. If everything looks fine then they will do another application of the Prepidil (the gel placed in the cervix) and give us one or two more days to see if labor starts on its own. If for some reason the fluid looks too low they will probably admit me to be induced right away, or in the morning at the latest.
This week has been filled with ups and downs as each day passes. Jason and I really wanted a labor and delivery that had very few, if no interventions. But as each day goes by it becomes more and more of a reality that it might not go that way. The scripture that is totally relevant to us right now is Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." It's very humbling to have to lay down your plans, which is what we have had to do. I have definitely struggled with it off and on. I just got off the phone with the lady who taught our birth class and she said something that really put things in perspective for me. She reminded me that being a parent is all about sacrifice. And that sacrifice a lot of times begins with giving birth to your child. I really liked hearing that because I need to be reminded that this isn't about me and what I want, but what is best for Clara. Plus, once she is here and we can't take our eyes off her we wont care HOW she got here! So I guess this is just the beginning of being a parent. Look, I'm already learning! :)
We will put an update on here tomorrow once we get home to let everyone know how everything went. Only a few more days and baby Clara will be in our arms!
Oh ya, I also turned 26 this past week. Now I'm closer to 30 than I am 20!
This week has been filled with ups and downs as each day passes. Jason and I really wanted a labor and delivery that had very few, if no interventions. But as each day goes by it becomes more and more of a reality that it might not go that way. The scripture that is totally relevant to us right now is Proverbs 16:9 "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." It's very humbling to have to lay down your plans, which is what we have had to do. I have definitely struggled with it off and on. I just got off the phone with the lady who taught our birth class and she said something that really put things in perspective for me. She reminded me that being a parent is all about sacrifice. And that sacrifice a lot of times begins with giving birth to your child. I really liked hearing that because I need to be reminded that this isn't about me and what I want, but what is best for Clara. Plus, once she is here and we can't take our eyes off her we wont care HOW she got here! So I guess this is just the beginning of being a parent. Look, I'm already learning! :)
We will put an update on here tomorrow once we get home to let everyone know how everything went. Only a few more days and baby Clara will be in our arms!
Oh ya, I also turned 26 this past week. Now I'm closer to 30 than I am 20!
41 weeks
Whoa!!!!!!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
40 weeks!
Yes, I'm still pregnant. No, I'm not miserable. And no, we're not planning on being induced (yet). If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked these questions over the past week I think I'd be rich. :) I will say this time has definitely been a time for testing our patience. Me being tested with people asking me over and over "where is she?" along with getting all kinds of "advice" to make her come (like we really have control over that. Ha!) while Jason is fighting to not go crazy STILL waiting for her. I have quickly learned to simply smile and respond "she'll come when she's ready." (Although I was a little more blunt with my mom. hehe. love you mom!) I told Jason tonight that I vow to NEVER ask these questions to a pregnant person to preserve their sanity!!! HAHA. We have had a pretty good attitude about it though, but I won't say we haven't made fun of some people and their comments/questions. :)
Jason and I had a really good talk tonight reflecting on the past year. It has been so amazing to see where we were exactly a year ago from now. How God brought us through 2 miscarriages and blessed us with this unbelievably awesome pregnancy. How could we ever complain and be impatient after all He has done!? I've been really having to remind Jason to savor these last days because it will literally be at least 20 years until it's just us again! It's so crazy to think about that.
As far as the plans for this next week, if anyone is wondering, we have our next appointment this Wednesday. As long as Clara is thriving and happy in her little womb (which she seems to be) there is no reason to get her out just yet. We are hoping and praying she will come on her own, but if for some reason she doesn't, we will have to have some help. They typically don't let you go 2 weeks past your due date so we will find out any sort of "plan" for that this week. Please keep us 3 in your prayers regarding this and that we will trust and be at peace with whatever God has planned.
This past week Christy, Amber and I went to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. It was amazing!!! Other than that, Jason and I have just been a boring married couple hanging around the house relaxing (or in Jason's case, working around the house). I know I'm trying to soak up all the freedom I have! That's the one piece of advice I don't mind taking :)
Here is my 40 weeks picture even though it looks the same to me. My tummy hasn't grown in size in about 3 weeks or so, which is nice. The second picture we just had to put up. Last night Jason told me he was going to vacuum. I told him we needed to brush Dakota out before he did since she has been shedding so much. I left the house for a bit and when I came back they had this surprise for me. This is all of Dakota's hair from one brushing thanks to this AMAZING brush called the "FURminator" (not joking, that's really what it's called). We thought it was hilarious.
40 weeks
Jason and I had a really good talk tonight reflecting on the past year. It has been so amazing to see where we were exactly a year ago from now. How God brought us through 2 miscarriages and blessed us with this unbelievably awesome pregnancy. How could we ever complain and be impatient after all He has done!? I've been really having to remind Jason to savor these last days because it will literally be at least 20 years until it's just us again! It's so crazy to think about that.
As far as the plans for this next week, if anyone is wondering, we have our next appointment this Wednesday. As long as Clara is thriving and happy in her little womb (which she seems to be) there is no reason to get her out just yet. We are hoping and praying she will come on her own, but if for some reason she doesn't, we will have to have some help. They typically don't let you go 2 weeks past your due date so we will find out any sort of "plan" for that this week. Please keep us 3 in your prayers regarding this and that we will trust and be at peace with whatever God has planned.
This past week Christy, Amber and I went to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. It was amazing!!! Other than that, Jason and I have just been a boring married couple hanging around the house relaxing (or in Jason's case, working around the house). I know I'm trying to soak up all the freedom I have! That's the one piece of advice I don't mind taking :)
Here is my 40 weeks picture even though it looks the same to me. My tummy hasn't grown in size in about 3 weeks or so, which is nice. The second picture we just had to put up. Last night Jason told me he was going to vacuum. I told him we needed to brush Dakota out before he did since she has been shedding so much. I left the house for a bit and when I came back they had this surprise for me. This is all of Dakota's hair from one brushing thanks to this AMAZING brush called the "FURminator" (not joking, that's really what it's called). We thought it was hilarious.
40 weeksMonday, July 13, 2009
39 weeks
T minus 5 days til the due date! I think everyone (including me) thought she might be here by now so it does seem like it has been a long time waiting. I've been staying busy though with walking a lot and going to water aerobics with my pregnant friend Jessica. This past week was especially busy with high school youth events, helping throw Jessica's baby shower, hanging out with friends, working out as much as possible and getting to see 3 of my senior girls get baptized! They made a personal decision to profess their faith in Jesus by getting baptized during the youth service. It was really awesome!
Jason just informed me that he thinks Clara will come the 16th. Apparently this has been his "prediction" all along although I never remember hearing him say it. :) Who knows, maybe Clara WILL come on my birthday (the 20th) and it will be the best present ever!!!
The youth event this past week was ladies and guys night. The girls did a photo shoot competition while the boys went and played paintball. Each grade had their own theme, the senior girls had "Old Hollywood." We dressed up, had our pictures taken and then awards were given out. Here are some of the pictures! I love these girls to death!
Jason just informed me that he thinks Clara will come the 16th. Apparently this has been his "prediction" all along although I never remember hearing him say it. :) Who knows, maybe Clara WILL come on my birthday (the 20th) and it will be the best present ever!!!
The youth event this past week was ladies and guys night. The girls did a photo shoot competition while the boys went and played paintball. Each grade had their own theme, the senior girls had "Old Hollywood." We dressed up, had our pictures taken and then awards were given out. Here are some of the pictures! I love these girls to death!
39 weeks 
Foxy Halley
Precious Kristin, won award for "best smile" (baptized this weekend!) 
Beautiful Alyssa, won the "top model" award (baptized this weekend!)
Sweet Reanna (baptized this weekend!)
Christy (best friend and co-leader) as Audrey Hepburn. Could she be anymore perfect for the part?
And of course me in my pregnant glory
Us girls at the baby shower
Me (and Clara) and Jessica (and Madilyn)
Double chins, trying to look as unattractive as possible. haha
Sunday, July 5, 2009
38 weeks
My appointment this past week went great, everything was measuring right on track. My friend Amber went with me and then took me to get a pedicure. What a good friend! :)
Another thing I forgot to mention is that I got an early birthday present from Jason, a new camcorder! It's really cool because it stores everything on a disk so you just upload it to your computer like a digital camera. Now we will be able to make Clara DVD's for everyone! Woo Hoo!
Jason and I are really getting excited. Not that we weren't before, but I guess since it literally could be anytime we are just waiting in anticipation. Jason especially is verbalizing his excitement. Yesterday when he told me he can't wait to play with her (which he tells me a lot) I asked him what he was going to "play." He said things like "play barbershop and tea party." It was so cute cause he was so serious! HAHA. I told him he's gonna be an amazing dad.
I feel I have especially grown in my faith during the past few weeks. The birth classes we are taking have really taught us to just trust God with the whole labor and delivery thing. I feel like the Lord has really replaced my fear and anxiety with joy and excitement. Don't get me wrong, I know it's gonna be a lot of pain and hard work, but I just feel like I have completely surrendered my fear, which is what I wanted more than anything. I think it really hit me this week when I started having discouraging thoughts that maybe I wont deliver "on time" and have to be induced (which is one of my bigger fears). But then I realized that God knows and has planned the exact day and hour He'll bring Clara into the world, even if that means being induced at 42 weeks! I know whatever plan He has is the best and is better than anything I could come up with. In the end, all that matters is that she gets here healthy and that He is glorified! I am sooooooooo excited to hold our little girl.
38 weeks
Another thing I forgot to mention is that I got an early birthday present from Jason, a new camcorder! It's really cool because it stores everything on a disk so you just upload it to your computer like a digital camera. Now we will be able to make Clara DVD's for everyone! Woo Hoo!
Jason and I are really getting excited. Not that we weren't before, but I guess since it literally could be anytime we are just waiting in anticipation. Jason especially is verbalizing his excitement. Yesterday when he told me he can't wait to play with her (which he tells me a lot) I asked him what he was going to "play." He said things like "play barbershop and tea party." It was so cute cause he was so serious! HAHA. I told him he's gonna be an amazing dad.
I feel I have especially grown in my faith during the past few weeks. The birth classes we are taking have really taught us to just trust God with the whole labor and delivery thing. I feel like the Lord has really replaced my fear and anxiety with joy and excitement. Don't get me wrong, I know it's gonna be a lot of pain and hard work, but I just feel like I have completely surrendered my fear, which is what I wanted more than anything. I think it really hit me this week when I started having discouraging thoughts that maybe I wont deliver "on time" and have to be induced (which is one of my bigger fears). But then I realized that God knows and has planned the exact day and hour He'll bring Clara into the world, even if that means being induced at 42 weeks! I know whatever plan He has is the best and is better than anything I could come up with. In the end, all that matters is that she gets here healthy and that He is glorified! I am sooooooooo excited to hold our little girl.
38 weeks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)