Brasen's Birth Day

...and here it is...Brasen's birth story...



Monday, the 18th, we had our weekly checkup. I was still dilated to a 4 at 90% effaced. My doctor knew I wanted a natural delivery, and since nothing was wrong with my vitals she didn't even mention inducing. So it was still a waiting game. Kyle was a little disappointed that I wasn't any more than a 4 after a whole week. There was nothing we could do so we just said when it happens, it happens! I was a little down too because after all the squats and walks and everything...no progress.

So Tuesday I asked if Mom and Allie wanted to go with me to Little Rock to take back duplicates I got from the shower to Babies R Us and WalMart. We ate at Shipley's that morning and walked around the store picking out things in place for the return items. My lower back had been kind of hurting but nothing bad. It was more of an uncomfortable feeling on and off. We ate lunch at Applebee's, where I didn't have much of an appetite. I had about 1/4 of my chicken and ate most of the veggies. We decided to go on home since our shopping was pretty much done, with the exception of Hobby Lobby. We stopped there in Conway. All of us had to pee, so we darted to the bathroom first thing. I no more than walk out and looked at Allie and said, "I have to pee again! I hope I'm not getting a UTI!" Allie ran to mom and told her she thinks I'm in labor because I had to turn right back around and go back to the bathroom. :) My back was getting a little more uncomfortable at this point. I picked out a solid color for the rocker for Brasen's room and we were out. I asked mom to drive on home so I could stretch out.

I felt a contraction at 3:15. I had been having Braxton Hicks on and off for about a week, so each time I had one I would look at the clock just in case it was the real thing. Nothing was ever consistent. Then at 3:35 I had another one, each lasting about a minute. I had one more at 3:55 and quietly told mom, "I think I better just call Kyle and see where he is." To which my mom replies, "Why? Did you have a contraction?" "Yes, I have had 3, 20 min apart." Mom goes into panic mode. I tried to explain they are not painful but they are consistent. No need to panic! We made arrangements for Kyle to meet us in Danville and then we were going to head back on towards Conway if they got more frequent. Well, they didn't. They stayed at 20 min apart for a good 4-5 hours. We went to eat (I still had not appetite) and WalMart. Still 20 min apart. So we called the dr on call to just let him know what was going on and tell him how far away we lived from hospital. His advice- go home and take a shower. Lay down for about an hour or so and come back if contractions are still there. I knew if I went at 20 min apart they would send me back home. So I had it in my head to go back when they were 10 min apart. Which happened at about 10 pm. And quickly moved from 10 min to 4 min, to 3 min. About Morrilton I told Kyle to step on it. We weren't driving fast enough.

They admitted me about 12 a.m. and wouldn't you know, I was "almost a 5." I looked at Kyle and said, well crap. I've had contractions all day and only progressed "almost a centimeter." I was doubting whether or not I could do this without help if it takes me that long to progress. He said, let's just wait and see- you can do it. (I had previously told him whatever I said when I was in there to remind me what I really wanted and tell me that I can do it!!) They let the family in (all grandparents and siblings, and my aunt and uncle). They stayed with me for a good while helping me through the contractions and laughing when I got a break from them. At this point, they were painful but totally bearable. Nothing too bad. About 3 am, I had to use the restroom. My nurse (who was WONDERFUL) unhooked everything and made sure I got in the bathroom ok. This is where it began to escalate!

My water broke in the bathroom, and I knew something wasn't right. It had meconium in it. I had the nurse come help and she said her main concern now was if Brasen was ok and tolerating the sac still. She made everyone leave and hooked me back up. The little champ was making it just fine- no signs of distress whatsoever. She informed me that now the contractions will be closer and more intense. And at this point I was already to an 8. From this moment on, I don't remember a whole lot. I remember bits and pieces but I had my eyes closed and would rest when I wasn't contracting. Kyle was so amazing- feeding me ice chips, rubbing my back, putting my hair up, turning the lights down, connecting my headphones, and yes, even wiping my snot! I got sick at my stomach twice during delivery, so thank the Lord I did not have an appetite earlier in the day. To me, things progressed quickly. It was really over about 2 1/2 hours. I finally looked at Kyle and said, "I either need to push or go to the bathroom!" To which the nurses all came and prepped the room for Brasen's arrival. I heard, "Hang on, we're just waiting on the doctor!" After he got there, I pushed for probably 20 min or so and our sweet baby was born at 5:27 am. He is a perfect miracle.

Brasen Kyle Klober
03.20.13
8 lb, 11 oz
20.5 inches

No complications whatsoever and I had the delivery I had been preparing myself and praying for. It was by far the most work I have ever done in my life but I am so proud of our sweet baby. My husband is such an amazing man and daddy. I could not have made it in there without him helping me through. For those of you that know him, and his weak stomach, it is a testament to say that he did all he did in there. He watched his sons birth and cut the cord, 2 of the things he said he wouldn't be able to do. I am so blessed to have him. :)

We prayed for this child, and the Lord granted us what we asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

36 weeks

To Our Sweet Baby-

Wow! A lot has happened in one month! You have had lots of people showering you with gifts galore! Your room is almost done (when it's all ready I'll post some pictures). We are certainly ready for you to be here. What have you been up to? You still get the hiccups about 2-3 times a day. You are growing and growing, which makes mommy grow and grow! You should be fully developed by now and ready to meet the world. We are just waiting on you to make your grand entrance!

What's mommy and daddy been doing? Resting, writing thank you cards, cleaning, resting, walking, resting...you get the drift. Yes, we have been super lazy. We are just taking everyone's advice when they say, "You better get your rest now!" That includes ordering out for dinner as well. No shame. Mommy got a massage and pedicure yesterday and it felt oh so nice.

At your 36 week checkup last Monday you weighed almost 6 pounds. My blood pressure was still good- staying around 110/75. Weight...well, I just keep gaining as you keep gaining. :) The doctor checked me and I was dilated to a 3. I got a little nervous that day but now (since it has been almost a week) I am thinking you could drag this out for weeks! I've only had Braxton Hicks contractions so far, and maybe some small contractions but nothing consistent. Your daddy is oh, so excited and asks all the time if I'm having contractions. He's anxious to meet you! Any day now, baby, we are ready. Bags are packed, and car seat is in the car! Hopefully next time it's time to post I can post a picture of your sweet face. We love you so much already!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Belly Laughs

I have never been more thankful for some things in my life. I read the book Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy a few weeks ago. While it had some language in it...I literally laughed out loud for most of the book. Hilarious. She said that everyone makes pregnancy out to be a beautiful thing (and it really is), there are also some really weird and not so pleasant things that go on that no one tells you about. Which is also true. If you are pregnant, I recommend reading it for a good laugh. If you are waiting on your little miracle, I have the book and will let you borrow it once yours is on it's way. :)

Here is a list of my own things that I have noticed saying or thinking since I've been pregnant. More so, within the last few weeks when I feel like a big whale.

1. Never have I been so happy to find clean granny panties....I had to buy some when we had our sibling pictures taken for mom because stupid me wore black undies under a pink dress. And while they swallowed me then, I am DIGGING for those things now. Praying they make it through the laundry quickly.

2. I make a beeline for the handicap bathroom. If it's open, that baby is my first choice...there's more room in there!

3. If it looks like my pants are painted on, I just throw a dress on and it becomes a tunic with leggings.

4. I'm thinking there needs to be "pregnant sinks." It's bad when all you want to do is wash your hands but in order to do that, you have to bend your knees and then reach for the soap and to turn on the water. Either make it a shorter sink or cut out an indention for the bellies to fit!

5. Don't tell a pregnant lady, "you'll never make it til April" What does that mean? That I'm huge? On the other hand, don't say, "oh, you're tiny still to be due in April" Um, no...I'm not tiny. I've worked hard for this baby and I want you to be able to see it! Bottom line? If you're going to ask when a pregnant girl is due, leave your opinion to yourself on her size. :)

32 weeks

Baby Brasen-

You only have just a few short weeks and you will be here. I cannot believe how fast time has gone, yet how long it has taken us to get you here! At your last appointment, you weighed 4 lbs, 8 oz. Doctor said you looked perfect and are so sweet. We agree! You are likely over 17 inches now (according to my app on my phone!) You continue to grow and should gain about half a pound a week until you are born. You are now mostly just on the move. Not many kicks anymore. It really feels like you are just trying to stretch out or get comfy in there. Occasionally you don't like the position I'm in and kick your way out of it. That's always fun. :) You already have a way of getting your point across!

What's mommy up to? Well, I have been stretching and getting ready for you to come. Due to the cold weather lately, I haven't been walking much so I bought a video. Daddy laughs at me trying to keep up with the "other pregnant women" in the video. I am wearing mostly maternity clothes with the exception of a few things like long dresses and baggy shirts/tunics. I am getting up during the night about 3-4 times to use the restroom and each time I lay back down I guzzle more water because I am so thirsty!

What's daddy up to? He has been reading the birthing book I asked him to read. And he's made a special note in his phone named "Brasen's Arrival Day" with tips from the book to help me during labor. He has been working in your room, helping Papa put together your baby bed, and painting all the trim. He says if he catches you with a crayon in there, he will bust your hiney. :)

We have a busy few weeks ahead of us, which will make it go by that much faster. I hope you are kind and make your arrival in a timely manner! We are all waiting patiently for you!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

4D

Well, at this very moment, sweet baby Brasen has the hiccups. :)

We went last week for our 4D ultrasound. It was neat, and we got to see lots of facial features, but not much fluid was around his face so it was hard to get some good pictures. I'm not sure we will pay for that again in the future since it really depends on the cooperation of the baby! Here are a couple of images from our session

What a sweet little face. Can't wait to see him. We also found out at that ultrasound that his weight (based on the measurement of his femur) was 4 lbs, 6 oz. He kept his hand by his face the whole time and Kyle kept saying what a good quarterback he will be with his arm up like that. But when we found out how much the little stinker weighs, Kyle said, "Well, maybe I should have been hoping for a linebacker instead of a quarterback..." He still has 9 weeks to grow! I am hoping he will decide to meet us a little early (not too early, just a week or two!).

The nursery is sort of at a standstill...all is painted with the exception of the doors. The bed is completed; dad is just waiting on the hardware to come in to put it together. The changing table and night stand are done (with the exception of drawer pulls!). The bedding and curtain are currently being made. The wall decorations are almost all bought, but none put up yet. It will all come together. 

At all of my checkups, everything has looked good so far. I have already gained 32 pounds...and I can feel it. Mostly in my feet when I get up in the mornings, and my back. I am having to wear Kyle's tshirts to sleep in. He is thrilled, haha. He has had the flu the last few days and today is my first day back at home. I steered clear while he was running fever so I didn't get it. When I came home today, everything was sanitized, and all the sheets, pillows, and comforter were washed. What a good hubby I have.

Last weekend we had maternity pictures made by Jennifer Goodman. She did an excellent job. She is also going to do Brasen's newborn pics. Go here to check out her website. 

I suppose I need to be productive and go pay some bills. :)

Faces of Grace

One of my very best friends from OT school just had her first baby on December 30. I am so excited that our babies will be close in age. I know they won't be as close as we are but just having someone to share stories with will be fun!

Grace Elliot is a little cutie, with big puffy cheeks that you just want to kiss over and over. She has many little faces and her lips and eyebrows have a little mind of their own with lots of expressions. The whole family is doing well and her Aunt Alana is super excited she is here. :)

 (Get ready for some more "friend's babies" posts, because there are a few of us who will be having babies very shortly!)

7 months

Baby Brasen-

This week you are 28 weeks old. Mommy and daddy are confused sometimes with the "math" of a pregnancy :) 40 weeks is full term, yet it's 10 months. And a typical pregnancy is 9 months. So we don't really know how many "months" we are. We just know we have a few more weeks before we can meet you and we are so excited! You are about 16 inches and weigh about 2.9 pounds. At your last ultrasound you weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces which is a little ahead of your tiny peers the same age. We have a 4D ultrasound scheduled for the end of the month, and then we go to the doctor every other week to check on you.

Mommy has gained quite a few pounds for you to only weigh nearly 3 pounds. But that's ok. We'll get out that jogging stroller as soon as we can! My blood pressure has been almost picture perfect every visit, around 108/72. Doctor says that is great! You are such an active little one. At times, I feel like you are in karate class. My belly will jump around and I can feel and see your arm or leg move across.  You like to keep me up at night with your tumbling skills. I can't wait to see you and be able to see those movements in person.

Your room is coming along slowly but surely. It has taken a village to get ready for you but everyone is happy to help (or seems to be!). Daddy says you have more shoes and clothes than him already (I do agree that you have more shoes...clothes...not yet!). Right now your things are taking up space in his deer room but he doesn't seem to mind too much. I went to visit Whitney and Grace and while I was gone, daddy texted me that he was in your closet looking at all of your things. :) You have a great daddy who already loves you so much. He asks about you all day, making sure you are still as active as you usually are. Which is typically a YES every time!

We are so thankful for you and often wonder what we would be doing if you were already here. For now, we'll nap when we can, sleep in when we can, and be lazy as much as we can. We know when you get here you will be the boss of the house but we are ok with that. I continue to pray for your development. Although I read almost daily what is going on with you inside of me, I know that God is knitting you together each day and even as we speak. I pray he blesses you beyond measure. I pray for you to love Him above all else. And I thank Him every day he chose us to be your parents.

Can't wait to meet you, sweet baby.

Mommy and Daddy