10 Days old!

Today Brynnlee is 10 days old and doing great so far! The first few days were tough, but after we got into a routine it is getting better. While at the hospital and for the first few days at home feeding was rough. Brynnlee wasn't eating much, and about half of what she was eating would come right back up. After trying different bottles and lots of patience things got better. She is not spitting up nearly as much as before. She is also eating about 3 ounces at each sitting! Sometimes its a little less and sometimes its a little more. Usually she eats about every 3-4 hours. The night time routine is a little tricky still. She stays up for awhile each night, but Jeff has been great and staying up with her. We have been taking turns feeding and diapering her.

Introducing Brynnlee Renee!

Well I was about to post the 38 week update, but life sure changed quickly!

On Thursday we had an ultrasound scheduled and a doctors appointment. I felt like it was going to be a wonderful day. I was going to see the little one, have another wonderful appointment and then have only one day left at work! The ultrasound went pretty good. We weren't able to see Brynnlee's face, or double check her gender! The ultrasound tech mentioned that Brynnlee had a beautiful heart and that my fluid levels were low. She didn't seem one bit concerned, but was convinced that I would be giving birth sooner then my due date. Jeff and I headed home for a lunch break before the doctor's appointment. At the check up the doctor told me that I was 2 cm dilated and that things looked great, until she read the paper from the ultrasound tech. Apprently my fluid levels were dangerously low, they were at 6.7 cm, optimal is 9-10 cm and anything less then 5cm means the baby could be still born at birth. So her suggestions was to be induced as soon as possible to make sure my levels didn't get too low. The next available time was the next morning at 7am. We agreed of course, and were very shocked to hear the news. As the doctor went to schedule the induction I began to cry, and it didn't stop until well into the next morning. We were so worried about her safety and what the next day would bring. We knew it was all in God's hands and the only thing we could do is pray for our safety.

After the doctor's appointment we ran to my work to tie up a few loose ends, I was expecting to have Friday to finish the work. We told Leslie and all my coworkers about what was happening. I then left work for the day and we headed home. For the first few hours we were in shock, crying and hoping for her safety. We then got our buutts into gear and started to get things around for the rest of our lives to begin. Jeff worked hard to pack and prepare for her arrival. Unfortunately the power went out and caused an issue for the evening. It made it hard to clean and work on the house in the dark. After a few hours we finally headed to bed. Jeff set his alarm for 5am, and I planned to get up at 5:30, but neither of us truly slept because we were so concerned.

Friday September 17, 2010:
We arrived a few minutes late to the hospital and registered at the emergency room. I cried the entire morning, the drive to the hospital and the entire time registering. At 7:45am Dr Gardner began the induction by apply gel, if this procedure didn't work we would be trying the pitocine through an iv. For hours I waited, some contractions came and went but nothing major. A few hours later they hooked me up to an iv drip of pitocine to speed up the process. Shortly after it began my contractions started to increase in strength and consistancy. About an hour after the iv began they started my epidural. I was terrified of the procedure, but the doctor was amazing! He ran the line and explained everything as he did the work. Once the epidural kicked in I felt amazing. The contractions picked up, but I couldn't feel a thing! I took a nap, watched some tv, updated everyone on my phone. It was wonderful!! The doctor broke my water, which wasn't much due to the low fluids. Hours passed, but still no baby! We waited and waited, but no baby. My contractions were not what they needed to be. They were either too strong, too weak, not consistant enough or too consistant. They had to be careful to not harm the baby, but not stop labor either. After hours of moving, waiting and pushing I was unsuccessful. The doctor opted to use the vacuum due to her head being tilted. Without the assistance i'm not sure I would have been able to deliver her.

At 4:52 am Brynnlee made her way into the world. 22 hours after being induced she made it. Everything about her is perfect, she is healthy, happy and we are enjoying every second we have with her.

Brynnlee Renee
7.6 pounds at birth; 7.2 pounds when we left the hospital
20 inches long
Head was 14 inches
Chest was 13 inches

She is currently eating decently, we are hoping she starts to do better. For awhile she was spitting up almost everything she ate, but we found out she swallowed some fluid and that was upsetting her stomach. She was able to get most of it out, but still some of it is bothering her. She is starting to eat much better and of course she is sleeping the majority of the day. Jeff took this entire week off to spend with us, so far its been a blessing. We are taking turns taking care of her and resting.

37 Weeks!

How far along: 37 weeks 6 days
How much weight gained: Lost a few pounds this week
Symptoms: About the same as last week. I still have some back aches and acid reflux. Swelling in my ankles occurs a lot during the week and when it is really warm out.
Sleep: I have been getting up about once each night to use the restroom and let Remington outside. I am enjoying the windows being open because its nice and cool in the morning, but I did have a cold for a few days that made it slightly uncomfortable to fall asleep .
Best Moment of the Week: The majority of the work on the house has been completed! We have the kitchen and bathroom painted and wood flooring installed. The new sink base and faucet are also in the bathroom. All that we have left to do is install trim throughout each room, stain cabinets and replace hardware. Those minor things can wait! We are so excited to have things almost done, and it looks amazing!
Cravings: Still none, my appetite has gone way down.
Movement: Her movement is still less then a few weeks ago. She has her moments where she kicks and about takes my breath away, but for the most part she is pretty quiet.
Milestone of the week: Another excellent doctor's appointment. I will be heading in for an ultrasound on the 16th, followed by a doctor's appointment. They will be checking her size at the ultrasound. The doctor asked me today if I am a patient person and didn't mind waiting until my due date. So I am assuming that they don't plan on me going into labor sooner.

36 Weeks!!

How far along: 36 weeks and 6 days!
How much weight gained: I lost track! I stopped paying attention this week, but I do know I gained a few more pounds since last weeks visit.
Symptoms: I am getting acid reflux often at night, some slight cramping, but the back pain is no longer consistant and my sleeping pattern has been pretty decent.
Sleep: I notice that I toss and turn a lot in my sleep, but I am falling asleep quickly and waking up easily in the morning.
Best Moment of the Week: Jeff came home in one piece from his camping trip! It has been a pretty quiet week for us. My weekend was filled with rest and some cleaning.
Cravings: None, not even ice cream! My appetite is still decreasing so I don't get hungry for many things.
Movement: Her movement has slowed way down the past few days. Last week I had some pelvic pain, so I think she slid down a little and she doesn't have nearly as much room. When I lay down at night I am able to get my kick counts in, but it takes longer then ever before.
Milestone of the Week: My weekly checkup was today and everything went well. My blood pressure was slightly higher then normal, but still in the good range. I gained some weight again. The baby's heart rate was 146, so that was also good. The doctor said I am a finger tip dilated and 70% effaced. So things are starting to progress, but she believes we are still on target for the due date.

This weekend will be filled with renovations on the house. Jeff is going to start painting the bathroom and kitchen tomorrow. Hopefully by the end of the weekend the new floor will be done and we will be in the final stretch of the renovations! I plan to finished clearing of my office, and the left over items in Brynnlee's room this weekend. I am hoping to paint her room next weekend and hang up the final details! Things are slowly, but surely, coming together.


Only 22 days left!