what we've been up to

No matter how hard I try, it seems like I am not able to blog consistently every day. Sorry for that. I usually get things done on the computer at night, but lately I've been so drained and exhausted that I pretty much crash on the couch the minute Elliot is asleep. I feel ready to pop!!

So, what have we been up to?


Well, Elliot has been getting better at entertaining himself, particularly in the morning. Lately he's been finding more exciting things than toys to play with, like boxes...


He also likes to carry his blankets everywhere, especially in the morning.

... and he's been busy making messes while I'm cleaning/organizing/trying to get things ready for his little brother's arrival. Aw, how nice of you, Elliot!


I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant and I've been working on the nursery. We rearranged things, added some new furniture, and hung some new things on the walls this weekend :) I'll post some pictures soon!

I had an OB appointment yesterday, and I'm happy to say that little brother has FLIPPED! I used some of the tips/tricks in the following article:

If you are pregnant, you must read this!
Optimal Fetal Positioning For a Better Birth by Doula Momma.

We also saw on ultrasound that he is thankfully not posterior and his head is fully engaged, as low as it can go. Hopefully that means I won't have terrible back labor this time. But we'll have to wait and see! My cervix is very thin, and my OB was nervous to check me because she thought it might break my water. Sooo, I have no idea how dilated I am. But that's okay. Either way, this baby will be here soon!

Can't wait to meet you, baby brother! ♥

My Birth Plan

I still have not published my birth story with Elliot. I did not have a birth plan with him, because I knew going into it that, because of his birth defect, I would not be allowed to do things the way I wanted. Boy, I was right!
During my labor with Elliot, he was continuously monitored (with THREE external monitors and one screwed into his scalp). I wasn't allowed to walk, and they made me stop bouncing on the birthing ball {even though it was really helping} because it was "disrupting the monitors." They started me on pitocin almost immediately, because with his condition, it was too risky to have a prolonged labor. The pitocin made my contractions 500x worse, and they made his heart rate drop. The nurse kept asking me if I wanted an epidural, even though I made it clear that my plan was not to get one. I had extremely intense back labor, and all I wanted to do was get up and walk (but they told me no) or to stay on my hands and knees, but the stupid nurse kept fiddling with my monitors and asking me to change positions so I really wasn't able to manage the pain the way I wanted. After twelve hours of labor, I stalled at seven centimeters and, feeling hopeless, finally gave in and opted for an epidural. My epidural experience was terrible. There were over a dozen doctors present for my delivery. He was taken away immediately after he was born, prepped, and rushed to the NICU. I could go on and on... but basically, the only thing they did right was allow me to have my husband, mother, and father present for my labor and delivery.

This time I'm hoping to take charge of my labor and do things my way. So here is my tentative birth plan!

BIRTH PLAN:

{attendants}

- husband, Aaron Gougeon
- there may be others, not sure yet because everyone lives so far away? to be completed later.

{amenities}

- ipad + headphones (for music)
- camera: I plan to take pictures during my labor and possibly delivery
- phone and laptop

{hospital admission}

- I plan to labor at home for several hours after my water breaks before going to the hospital.
I can labor more comfortably at home, without the stress, sterility and noise of the hospital.

Once admitted, I'd like:

- to wear my own clothes {I think, still trying to figure out what that would be to allow easy access?}
- my husband with me at all times
- to be able to walk, bounce on the birthing ball, and move around as much as possible, until the contractions become too painful
- to try laboring in the birthing pool/tub, with my own clothes on (a tank top)
- to eat small snacks, if I wish to (I'm not sure that I will)
- to try to stay hydrated by drinking water on my own before needing an IV

{Medical Interventions}

As long as baby Sully and I are doing fine, I'd like:
- intermittent monitoring rather than continuous
- to be allowed to progress on my own without strict time limits
- absolutely NO PITOCIN!!
- My goal is to bring this baby into the world naturally, without medication. Please do NOT keep asking if I want an epidural. If I decide that I want one, I will let you know.
- I do not want an episiotomy, and would prefer to tear on my own

{Pain Relief}

I'd like to try:
- to KEEP MOVING!
- acupressure
- bath/shower
- breathing techniques
- hot/cold therapy
- massage
- again, please do not offer me pain medication. I will ask for it if I need it.

{Pushing}

I'd like to try:
- semi reclining {how I pushed my son out}
- hands and knees
- whatever feels right

{Birth}

during delivery,
- I would NOT like to view the birth using a mirror or to touch the baby's head as it crowns.
Both of these things were very distracting and not helpful at all while giving birth to my son. I did not like either!
- I'd prefer to push the placenta out rather than having it pulled out

{After birth}

- I'd like the lights dimmed
- I'd like to hold baby on my chest right away
- to allow the cord to stop pulsating before it is clamped and cut
- I'd like to breastfeed immediately
- I want some "alone time" with my newborn before he is taken away for his newborn screen/exam
- please no eye ointment or Hep B shot. I've never had an STD and my son isn't going to be sexual active anytime soon, so neither are necessary.

{Feeding}

- I plan to breastfeed exclusively
- Do not offer my baby formula, sugar water, or a pacifier

{Circumcision}
- I do not want my son circumcised.

He's Here!

Elliot Reid ♥
Born on December 16th, 2010 at 10:08am, weighing 6 lbs 3 oz and 19.3" long.

It's go time!

I AM IN LABOR!
In anticipation of my induction tomorrow, we drove down to Grand Rapids today and spent the day Christmas shopping at the mall. Right after I ate a huge plate of chinese food, we got ready to leave and my water broke {around 6:45pm}.
We went straight to the hospital and I was 3cm dilated and 80% effaced.
I'm all settled into my room now. I'm contracting regularly right now {about every 3 minutes} but it's not too painful yet. My mom and husband are here, and my dad is on his way.
I am so happy that I was able to experience going into labor naturally and able to skip the induction altogether. I didn't think it was a possibility anymore. :) Now let's see if I can do this without the epidural, too!
I guess my little man just didn't want to wait that extra day!
I'll do my best to keep you all updated!