Birth Day!

My world was completely turned upside (and I haven't slept since) down June 13, 2011 at 8:33 pm when this little girl entered the world:

Hadley Ruth Gibson

6/13/2011

8:33 pm

20 1/4 in. long

7 lbs. 10 oz.

Boy, was that a day. It was quite possibly the LONGEST day of my entire life. Well, no. I take that back. There have been plenty of other days in my life that have been deemed the "longest." But this day was truely the longest in the "most pain ever endured" sense! Here's how it all happened: (prepare this may be a long one...)

June 13, 2011: 5:30 am - check in! As I sat in the waiting room so early in the morning, I looked around and realized there were many other women there for the same reason. Lots of babies were to be born this day! (15 babies to be exact!) They called my name and took me to my room. And so it began...

The morning nurse was great! She got me all set up in the computer, told me how and when everything was going to happen. This nurse's shift was actually about over so I was slightly disappointed. I really liked her. She stayed long enough to start my IV. WELL, to attempt to start my IV. As she inserted the needle into the top of my left hand, she forgot to occlude the vein. I turned to look and blood was running everywhere at that moment. That should have been my first "sign" as to how the rest of the day was going to go. She took the needle out and let the next nurse try. The second nurse was the nurse I had until 7 pm that night. She tried on my right hand this time. She didn't want to do it on top because I am right handed. She said she was going to place in the side of my wrist between to bones. My husband, who is currently a paramedic student, said not do it there because it would be too painful to deal with all day. He insisted she place it in my forearm because you don't bend there. Thank goodness he said that and thank goodnesss the nurse listened (even though, she wanted to put it in my wrist!!).

My doctor came in about 8:30 am and broke my water. She told me that this would be the most painful "check" of the day. She wasn't joking. She did have trouble breaking my water. I'm not sure why. All I know is that it hurt. Bad! They had already started the Pitocin about an hour earlier. My doctor said that about an hour after she breaks my water I should start feeling light "cramps." Then about an hour or so after that I should feel "small contractions." HA! That's a joke. It was 15 minutes and I was having hard, consistent contractions 3-4 minutes apart. Shoot ME!

I was determined to wait until I was a 4 to ask for an Epidural. But the pain was already so intense I wasn't sure I could wait. The nurse suggested giving me Stadol. She said that it wouldn't take the pain away, but was supposed to "take the edge off." She said after giving me Stadol she would slowly start gathering everything for my Epidural. As soon as she gave me the Stadol my head started spinning. Apparently that is common. My head was spinning, I was sweating bullets, and shortly after started vomitting. I'm convinced that stuff did nothing for me except make me feel worse and the pain more intense.

About 30 mintues later the anesthesiologist came in to start my Epidural. This is where the fun begins...NOT! I was only a 3 (with my goal being a 4), but I could care less at that point. It was even 11 am, yet. Lord, help me! I felt sorry for the anethesiologist because you could tell he was b-u-s-y! They prepped me and began. He placed the needle in my spine and I hear "Ok, this one is too short. I need a 4 inch! Ok, Heather hold still and hang on we have to try again." The anethesiologist tries again. AND MISSES! He pulls the needle out. ROUND 3- He sticks the needle in and asks me if I feel it in the middle. I think I do? How am I supposed to know what the middle of my spine feels like? Whatever, dude! He says he will leave it and see if it works. He leaves and they start the Epidural medicine.

Thirty minutes to an hour pass and I realize that only the left half of my body is getting the medicine. I could still feel the contractions on the right side. Craziest feelinge ever. They prop me upward on my left side to help the medicine flow to the right side. I was this way for hours on end. I was so miserable. my back hurt. My hips cramped. Yet, I was told I could not move even the slightest bit because they were worried about the Epidural in my back moving.

Hours pass and I'm still in pain. The Epidural isn't working. Being propped up to shift the medince isn't working. Nothing is working. The anethesioligist comes back in and is very frank with me, "I'm not taking that catheter out of your back and trying again. If I place a 4 needle in your spine I will mess you up." WOW! At the time I didn't think anything of him saying that to me. Thinking of it now, it freaks me out. He came back in and said "I'm going to give you this medicine through your Epidural and we will see if it works." I ask what it is and he puts it so simply, "This is just a mixture that we give women to have C-sections." This was a mixture of Fentanyl and Lidocaine.

To make a long story short, that medication did end up working for me --- but only for about 2 hours at a time. You see, the anethesiologist came back in and said that since I am so short (4' 11'' 1/2'' - the 1/2'' DID matter) he wasn't sure that he even had the Epidural in the right spot. When it only worked on half my body, then the C-section medicine only lasted 2 hours he realized it was in the right spot, just not far enough in!

Two hours later I got a second dose of the C-section medicine. Then a couple hours later ANOTHER dose of C-section medince. This 3rd dose of medicine did NOTHING. Absolutely nothing. I did not even touch the pain. But they didn't want to give me anything else. They explained that a person's body can quickly build up a resistence to Lidocaine and that they were afraid that's what was happening.

With the 3rd dose not working, this was OF COURSE the time I was in the strongest labor of all. And I was practically laboring with no medication. I was sweating, vomitting, crying, screaming. Everything. It was embarrassing. I did NOT want to be one of those crazy women you hear about or see on tv acting psycho because of the pain. But I was. And I couldn't help it. (I later, repeatedly, apologized to the staff for acting crazy.)

So to add it all up: throughout the day I got 3 Epidurals and 4 (yes FOUR!) doses of C-section medication. The 4th dose of C-section medicine was given to me by a different anethesiologist around 7 pm. He came in and acted concerned that previous 3 doses weren't working. I explained to him that they did work they just didn't last. He then informed us that the other anethesiologist was only giving me half doses each time. The 4th dose of medicine was the most glorious thing I've ever been given. Honestly, it changed my life. The nurses were more excited than I was that it worked! LOL. They said you could hear me screaming down the hall. Again-- embarrassing.

The medicine got me through the end of my strongest contractions and I finally got to a 10. They called my doctor. I originally said that during delievery I only wanted Lee in there. At the last minute I decided that I wanted my Aunt and Mother-in-law to stay. They were both over joyed to say the least.

I was so numb when I was trying to push that I couldn't feel anything. They ended up having to use the vacuum/suction thing to help pull her out because we both got tachicardic and my oxygen level was 89. Either way, after 15 minutes of pushing. She was here. Finally.

She scared everyone a little bit because she wouldn't cry a lot. She cried a little, but not a lot. Come to find out everything was fine, she just didn't feel like crying.

Tracey resorted to covering with a towel. They said the a/c was turned to 62 because I was so hot!!!!

Contractions were the death of me. This was an "in-between" moment.

Me getting to hold her for the first time.

Me looking at her wearing her "Hadley" hat. This hat is how we announced her name!

First time rocking in her glider at home. Hanging in her nursery is a picture of Tracey holding Lee and my mom holding me from this same position/angle.

I will not have another kid. I can't. LOL. She is pretty perfect. She is enough.

40 weeks!!!!!!!

~How far along: 40 weeks TODAY!
~Weeks remaining: 0!!
~Size of Baby G:  "Watermellon." I was told she was weighing 6.9 at my appointment last Thursday. But the doctor said she could be "off" by a pound either way.
~Weight Gain/ Loss: 19 lbs total
~Maternity Clothes: MAXI DRESS :) maternity shorts
~Movement: She doesn't "kick" so much anymore, but I hear that's normal the further you get into pregnancy. She mostly just rolls, tosses, and turns!
~Cravings: Nothing specific
~Symptoms: lower back stiffness and burning; cramping all the time
~Newest Discovery:  I am pregnant with the most stubborn child...EVER!
~Biggest Accomplishment: Making it to 40 weeks!

It is kind of weird. I actually made it to be 40 weeks pregnant. No one thought I would be able to do so. Well, of course, except my doctor! She insisted I would go to 40 weeks easily! Recently, I've known very very FEW women who make it to their actual due date much less longer. Everyone around me "just knew for sure" I wouldn't go until 40 weeks. I'm so short that there was "no way possible!!!" Yet here I am today, 40 weeks pregnant! Since turning 35 weeks until NOW I feel like I've been made out to be some freak because I was still pregnant at 35 weeks, then 36, 37, 38, 39!!!! Heaven forbid someone ACTUALLY go to 40. People are supposed to go 40 weeks. Chill out. Geeez. All I know is that I'm pregnant with the most stubborn child in the entire world. She doesn't like it when people (even me) touch my stomach -- Much less come out and people wanting hold and touch her. She is pretty content. Leave her be! I'm being induced Monday bright and early. We can see her then.

Oh the irony...

Last week I had written a post about American Idol.
More specifically I wrote about how I could not stand James Durbin.
I wrote it last Wednesday after watching the contestants perform.
I read my post to my husband and he said I should post it.
I decided NOT to post it until I watched the elimination episode Thursday.
OH the irony of that post, looking back on it now...

As we were watching the elimination, Lauren was called FIRST!

I'm sure my jaw hit the floor.

I love Lauren.

She has been my favorite the whole time, but she can't really perform well.

So I was shocked to say the least.

I just knew she would be the one going home that night.

But I was wrong!!!

Then the whole show takes a turn and Haley is called!!!

WHAT??????

ONLY 1 BOY LEFT????

This is not what I had predicted at ALL!

Once again, I love Haley.

But I was still so shocked!

Then Scotty!

Oh Scotty!

I have nothing to say about him.

:)

Poor James.

He was left there.

Alone.

Crying.

You see, I was NOT a James Durbin fan to say the least!!!

I wanted him to go home.

I didn't want him to win.

But after watching the elimination episode last Thursday, I am sad for him.

American Idol is kind of funny to me this year.

Here are some examples:

~Lauren: I've never heard a voice as pure as hers. She is great, but the poor girl can't perform!

~Haley: Hand's down has the best voice (musically speaking) than anyone on the show. But the girl has an attitude. I can't really say that her attitude is a negative because honestly I kind of like it ;)

~Scotty: Oh heavens. Bless his heart. He should have been kicked off weeks and weeks ago. NOT because he doesn't have a good voice. He has a GREAT voice (minus the fact that he sounds like most other country artists around). But his voice is so good that he will be signed no matter if he wins or loses. Therefore, just boot him and let the others actually compete who might not get signed otherwise.

~Then there was James: I couldn't stand him. I couldn't stand his style. I couldn't stand his choices of music/songs. I couldn't stand his pitchiness all the time that the judges always seemed to over look. I couldn't stand that people just liked him and voted for just him because "He has tourette's and it's so amazing he can do this..." Blah, blah, blah! BUT the boy could perform. He out-performed every other contestant on the show week after week. He always did what was true to him. He always seemed to put in the most work. So now that he is gone, I'm sad for him. I still don't really care for him for the reasons previously listed, but he should have made the top 3. Truthfully, he probably should have made the top 2!

My husband didn't really like James either. But I don't know if anyone else remembers this comment or not, but on an episode awhile back Steven Tyler asked James why he hadn't sang an Aerosmith song yet. James replied, "I'm saving it for the finale and you're singing with me!" Steven Tyler agreed. Whether he was joking or not, my husband was looking forward to that possibility. So now HE is also super disappointed that James is gone only based on the possibility of seeing Steven Tyler perform with James. LOL.

All that to say -- I'm glad I didn't publish my post that I wrote last week. I would have been speaking too soon.

my little jungle woman

This is my cousin, Grace Ann. She is six years old.

I know the video is not the best quality.

It is from my cousin's, Sierra, phone.

And the second video kind of repeats a bit of the first,

but the whole video wouldn't fit into one email.

And I also know that when Grace talks it is hard to hear.

Please, bear with me and the video if you can.

It is hilarious!!

So to sum this up in case you didn't catch it all:

Grace was moving out into the bushes out back.

She packed a gift bag of things she might need to survive out there.

This included: toys, paper plates, and "play" food.

When Sierra asks why she doesn't just stay home (after her bag breaks) she replies:

"Sugar doesn't like me."

Sugar is their itty bitty tiny yippy dog.

Sugar barked at her one too many times that day.

So Grace decided the dog didn't like her so she would pack up and move out.

Grace decided to stay when Sierra reassured her that everyone else in the house liked her.

Afterwards:

When my aunt, Deanna, asked Grace why she was going to move out without pants and shoes,

She replied: "I was moving into the jungle.

They don't wear pants and shoes in the jungle.

And once I got there, I was going to tear my shirt, because that's what jungle people do!"

Update.

--35 weeks--

I should have just waited to post a 36 week pic now that I'm 35 wees and 5 days ;)

Baby "Bump-Date"
*Also with help from my "What to Expect" app*

~How far along: 35 wks and 5 days
~Weeks remaining: 4 wks and 2 days
~Size of Baby G: Large Cantaloupe; not sure on weight- I have an appointment tomorrow!
~Weight Gain/ Loss: (Lost another pound) 19 lbs. total
~Maternity Clothes: Well since it's getting hot (I hate summer, btw! Pregnant or not!) I'm loving my maternity shorts and Maxi Dresses!!!
~Movement: Lots of movement, but there is less "jabs and kicking." I've read/heard this happens when the baby runs out of room.
~Cravings: Nothing specific. Just hungry! LOL
~Symptoms: burning achy hips!!!! I swear my hips wait until I try and sleep to get wider so then I can't sleep! Also, lots of rib pain!! I'm to the "completey uncomfortable" stage.
~Newest Discovery: I learned LOTS more about the actual Labor process. Oh Geez!
~Biggest Accomplishment: I don't know if this is a personal accomplishment, BUT I'm officially dialated to a "1" as of last week! Everyone was kind of surprised since I was still 5 weeks out. But I was pleased. The sooner I dialate, then quicker baby comes and the quicker I'm done being uncomfortable! ;)

And my random tid-bits for the day because I love these completely OPPOSITE videos: For your viewing pleasure!!!

slacker.

I can admit it. I'm a slacker. I actually enjoy being lazy on a daily basis. But I have not updated in what seems like ages. THIS is exactly why I should have never started a blog! ;) I feel like I have nothing to say, but then my sister in law ever so lovingly reminds me about all these things that have happened that I have yet to document about on here. :-/  I just can't keep motivated to keep blogging. I religiously read everyone else's blogs. In fact, I feel as if I don't know what's going on in the world if I haven't read in a few days. But as for my own? I'm pretty negligent. Another reason I didn't want to update is because I like adding pictures to things that I'm talking about in the post. The problem is I haven't upload the pictures to my computer from my camera... See the vicious cycle that's forming here? Oh well...

So here are a few things that have been happening in the past few weeks:

April 3rd: I had my first baby shower. My aunts/cousin/best friend threw me a shower at my home church in Owasso. It was really fun, but also slightly awkward. As I wrote about in a previous post, I am not good with showing my excitement. Therefore, I often fear that people will think I don't like their gift or I'm unappreciative. Neither of those is true! But oh well, I try to just  awkwardly smile :) I got lots and lots of really cute clothes at that baby shower! I got a few "big" items too, which was nice!

The following weekend (April 9th): I had a second baby shower! This one was hosted by my sister in law, Launi, and my husband's cousin, Katie. This baby shower was in Bixby and was more of a "family/close friends" shower. It was fun too! I think all of Lee's family was able to attend that day. My grandma and cousin came too. I was also really excited that my close girl friends from college all piled in a car and came! Once again, we got lots and lots of cute clothes!! Thankfully, we were also given the rest of the "big" stuff that Baby girl needs (i.e. car seat/stroller, pack~n~play, bathtub, high chair, etc. You get the picture!) We have been so blessed to have such sweet and gracious and giving friends and family! One thing that I received at the shower was a baby book. I had not picked one of these up yet! Katie bought it for me! It's so cute too! I'm still really excited about this present in particular because I haven't started filling anything out yet, but I can't wait too! This baby book is so detailed compared to some that I've seen in the past! It also continues all the way until the baby's first day of kindergarden. As many times as my friends told me to journal during pregnancy...I didn't! I'm hoping now that I remember enough and jotted down enough here and there to fill the baby book with plenty of details.

***I've GOT to remember one of these days to pick of some "Thank You" cards at Wal-Mart!!!***

Baby "Bump-Date" (stolen from Erin because I thought it was cute!)
*Also with help from my "What to Expect" app*

~How far along: 33 wks and 3 days, as of today. (8 mo., 1 week, 3 days...right? I think so???)

~Weeks remaining: 6 wks and 4 days left!!

~Size of Baby G: Pineapple :) At my last appointment (April 21, Thurs) my dr. said the baby weighed about 4 lbs. / 8 oz.

~Weight Gain/ Loss: Gained 21 lbs, but found out I lost a pound at my last appointment. Total = 20 lbs

~Maternity Clothes: As suggested, I haven't really bought many maternity sized clothes. I've just bought a bigger size than normal. That way, AFTER delivery/pregnancy I can still wear them while my body changes back to its "new normal." I love my maternity shorts and jeans though :)

~Movement: When she moves, she moves like a crazy person trying to escape! When she isn't moving and is probably sleepy, she is no where to be found. The only people that have got to feel her move are Lee and Launi and NOW Nammy (Tracey). It's funny because at first Lee never felt her move because she would stop moving every time he would try, but now she usually moves ONLY for him. Although we discovered the other day that Baby G really likes her cousin Tatum because when Tatum talks she goes crazy! (I think Baby G can also hear my thoughts because as I wrote this about Tatum she started kicking. haha!)

~Cravings: Nothing really at the moment. I haven't actually had very many cravings.

~Symptoms: Sciatica! -- This nerve pain will be the death of me, soon! I'm sure of it! -- I've also got a severe case of "Pregnancy/Mommy Brain" going on these days. I cannot remember anything for the life of me. If I do so happen to remember something, I can't remember the fine details. (i.e. I remembered having a convo with Lee, but I couldn't remember anything he said during the convo! Ooopsie!)

~Newest Discovery: Dry Eyes! I read on my What to Expect app that having uncommonly dry eyes during pregnancy is normal. Most women find it more comfortable to wear their glasses during pregnancy than their contacts. I had no idea! I thought that I was just going to have to give up my contacts all together!!!! I was relieved to find out that the dry eyes should go away after pregnancy.

~Biggest Accomplishment: I quit biting my nails! I know...I know... Disgusting habit. I get it! Lee tells me all the time how many germs, infection, and junk we carry around on our hands. But I can't help it. I've always done it. Well, I quit biting my nails (momentarily at least) long enough to get a french manicure! This was the first time I've ever had nails long enough to get a manicure and it look good. I'm pretty excited about this! I have this theory that if I keep them painted and look nice then I'll quit biting them for good? It's a theory. I've got lots of theories about lots of things though... So who knows if it will actually work! ;)


Well, there we have it! I finally updated! Maybe I'll update again soon with some pictures of the COMPLETED nursery and goodies from her shower.

Phone Calls.

I'm not sure, exactly, how I feel about being pregnant.
I don't hate it.
But I don't necessarily "love" it, either.
(Does that make me a bad mother? eh..)
I mean, it's alright.
It's weird. That is for sure!
It's strange because I was always under the impression that being pregnant was something women either completely loved or totally hated.
I never knew anyone who was just hanging in between those two feelings.
The weirdest part, though, is learning so much about your body that you never knew.

For example:
I am an A- blood type.
I was told my whole life that I was A+.
Needless to say when my first sets of blood work came back, confirming that I was pregnant & confirming A- blood, I was very shocked. By BOTH findings.
With me being A- blood type and Lee being A+, I also found out that I carry the Rh-Negative factor.

---For those who DO NOT know---
This means that little Baby Gibson could inherit being A+ and Rh-Positive from Lee.
When Mother and Baby have conflicting blood types and Rh factors, problems can develop.
Problems such as: I can develop antibodies in my blood to fight against the baby.

This means at 28 weeks I my blood was tested for antibodies and everything came back normal.
Also, at 28 weeks I was given my Rhogam injection.
Rhogam will keep me from creating these antibodies the further I get into pregnancy.
After I have the baby, she will be tested and I will be given another Rhogam shot.
The Rhogam, usually, is there to protect you and baby in your SECOND pregnancy.

ALLLLL of that to say:
It is stuff like this that makes it hard not having my mom around anymore.
I've yet to have an "emotional break down" of needing my mom since becoming pregnant.
(which is honestly surprising to me!)
But when things such as being told I am a different blood type then I thought and I am Rh-Negative, I wish she was still just a phone call away.
You see, I am not one of those women who had never heard of the Rh factor in pregnancy.
My mom was Rh-Negative, as well.
So with stuff like this, I feel like my life would be much less complicated, or there would be more clarity, if she was still alive.
I would then have the option to call and ask her.
Sure, I can ask my family, but that doesn't guarantee they 100% remember.
Luckily, being Rh-Negative is not life treatening.
It is easily dealt with, with the Rhogam medicine.
I never experienced panic or worry.
But I am sure. POSITIVE!...
that after I have this baby SOMETHING will happen, and I will need my mom.