Last night we told my parents our good news! I put the T shirt on Ian. My mom noticed it immediately as we came up the stairs. She looked at Ian, and said “Oh, what do you have on ‘I’m gonna be a big…..Oh my GOSH’!” It was so cute. She was really happy for us. It took my dad a bit longer to catch on. He was riding his bike. I brought Ian down to see him, and I told him to read the shirt. Ian kept repeating “I’m gonna be a big BOY”, so my dad thought that was was the shirt said. After a few minutes I said, “NO…read the shirt!” and he finally got it. They were both thrilled for us. It was fun to tell them, although on the way over I told Scott I was having second thoughts about telling them. I kind of felt like waiting until after the wedding. I don’t really want to have to deal with everyone asking me about it, and congratulating us. But, I know it is too late now. My mom CANNOT keep a secret!

This morning we went skiing. Emma had her first lesson and it worked out GREAT. She had a really nice teacher, and she got to go on the magic carpet. Emma was thrilled. The teacher was the one that Jen had recommended…what a coincidence. I set up lessons for the next 4 Wednesday mornings. I think it will be great for her. It will be fun to see her skiing on her own. Ian skied with my mom and I, but he didn’t have that much fun today. He has a bit of a cold, and I don’t think he was feeling well. But they both had a great time eating hot dogs and fries afterwards!!

Scott went out of town again this afternoon. I am really feeling sorry for him lately! He is working so incredibly hard. He has been staying up late at night and working all day, and he has been gone SOOO much. Tons of traveling lately. But, I know it is what he needs to do for our family right now. He is a great dad, and great husband. I really love him and am so lucky to have him!!

January 16, 2006

I tested again this morning, and the line was definitely darker. I am sure that I am pregnant! I told Scott this morning. I was going to try to wait and do it in some cute way, but I just couldn’t. I am no good at secrets! He was being silly and said something about making a baby, and I just looked at him and said “You already took care of that.” He looked at me kind of confused, and then he got it. He gave me a big hug, and he seemed really happy. I am not going to tell anyone else yet. I don’t know why I feel like waiting this time, but I just do. I ordered the cutest shirt for Ian to wear to help us announce. It says “I’m gonna be a big brother.” (but it won’t say Caden on it
Now hopefully I can keep it a secret until I get the tshirt!! That will be a feat in itself for me.

I still can’t really believe that it is true and that I am pregnant. I am excited, but it still seems like a dream to me. I am also a bit worried about miscarriage. I have been on both previous pregnancies too, but this one seems worse. Maybe because it happened so fast this time. Maybe it is also because this is my 3rd pregnancy, and I have never has a miscarriage before. I feel like I am pushing the odds, I guess. But, things seem to be going well. I have been feeling a little nauseated, and I am waking up a lot to pee in the night, and then I can’t sleep. Those are all good pregnancy signs. I am going to try to relax, and just enjoy it. I love being pregnant, and I know this is my last one

January 15, 2006

I found out today that I am pregnant! The line was super light, but a line is a line. I am really excited, and surpised. I was charting my cycle, and we tried a lot in Maui but I just didn’t think it was going to happen this month. This was my first ovulatory cycle since I had my IUD removed at the end of November. Since the line was so light, I am going to wait and test first thing tomorrow morning before I tell Scott. But, since I am so bad at keeping secrets, I am not sure if I will be able to wait.

IAN JAMES has arrived!

Wednesday morning I got up, and continued to have surges. I knew that it was real labor, just early. I had Scott stay home from work. I was scheduled to see Marcia at 11:00am for my regular appointment. We took Emma over to my parents and we took all of our stuff with us, in case we needed to stay. My appointment was a bit of a disappointment. Marcia said I was only 50% effaced and about 2 cm dilated. She had me schedule an NST for Friday at the U of U and make another appointment with her in a week. But…inside I knew that this was real labor, it was just a matter of how long it would take.

I just took it easy all day. Scott went to work, and I left Emma at my parents house. I took a nap, and just relaxed. I continued to have uncomfortable surges, about 4 minutes apart all day. In the afternoon I decided I wanted to walk to try to get the baby to move down a bit. I went to the outlet stores with my mom and Emma and we just walked around. It was a nice sunny day, but cold.

Around dinner time, my surges started to get closer together and I started to have to pay more attention to them. My parents came over and brought Wendy’s for dinner. I thought about having them take Emma home with them, but decided we would just wait. Around 9:00pm my surges were every 2 minutes and quite strong. I decided it was time to go to the Birthing Center. My mom and dad came over and got Emma, and we went.

We got there about 9:30pm. Marcia checked me and said my cervix was much softer and more effaced, but I was still only about 2 cm dilated. She put me on the monitor and we got the 20 minute tracing she needed. I was having surges every 2 minutes and breathing and working on hypnosis with all of them. She watched me for about an hour and then rechecked my cervix. I was still a 2, so she felt that I wasn’t in active labor yet, and that we should just go home and rest. Scott and I both felt like we should stay, but we didn’t really push the issue. I reminded Marcia about how fast I was with Emma, but she still felt that home was the best place for us.

The car ride home was not enjoyable! My surges were even stronger. I told Scott that it felt like I had a grapefruit in my uterus–and I started to feel a lot of rectal pressure. I guess that should have been my first clue! When we got home it was about 11:15. I got in bed and listened to my Rainbow Relaxation CD. I was working VERY hard at staying relaxed, and Scott asked if it was time to go back then, but I thought we would just stay home a bit more. He was GREAT. He just sat next to the bed and rubbed my arm and my back. It was so comforting.

Scott decided to get in bed and get some sleep. About 1:00am I felt a pop and my water broke! I elbowed Scott ad I jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Now Scott was worried! Last time from water breaking to Emma being born was only 10 minutes. Scott called Marcia and told her we were on our way. I walked out into the hall and had another surge. I got down on all fours because it seemed to relieve the rectal pressure I was having. I felt the urge to push! I told Scott “I think we are going to have this baby NOW!”. He didn’t think that was a good idea

We hurried and got into the car, and called Marcia and told her we may not make it. As we pulled out of the driveway I had another surge and was sure I couldn’t make it to Salt Lake. I told Scott to go back in, and let’s just have the baby in the house. I didn’t want to have him on the freeway! But, Scott said “you just have to make it 15 surges”. 15!?! It only took 3 for Emma to be born, but off we went. It was a really terrible car ride! I kept my legs together and panted and groaned a lot. I could feel the head crowning with each surge, and it was so hard not to push. Pushing felt great.

Scott was a great driver! We made it to the Birth and Family place door in 23 minutes. Marcia met me at the door and cheered that we had made it! Scott walked back to the car to shut the door and grab our bags. By the time he got in I was undressed and on the bed and Ian’s head was coming out. His head was out after 1 contraction, and I pushed out his shoulders with one more push. He was born within 4 minutes of our arrival!

We laid him on my chest immediately and he was beautiful! I just rubbed him and looked at him. He was perfect. What an amazing feeling just after giving birth. We waited for the cord to stop pulsing and Scott cut the cord. I delivered the placenta easily. I had a bit of a tear, along my old scar from last time. Marcia stitched me up, while I nursed Ian. He did great! He latched on an nursed for about 45 minutes. The nurse and Marcia laughed–I had to move and he was almost hanging upside down and he was still latched on!

After everything was all cleaned up, Scott and I and Ian got into bed together. It was so nice. We just all cuddled and fell asleep. It was so nice to all be in bed together. The birth center was such a nice soothing experience. What a great–and exciting–birth!

This is it!

I am finally in labor. YAY! Emma woke me up about 2:00am crying, and I have been having VERY regular, strong surges ever since. It is about 4:00am now. I am sure this is it I listened to my Birth Practice CD as soon as I woke up. I was just trying to relax and hopefully fall back to sleep. It was really nice, except Emma was in our bed and every few minutes she would talk or say “drink” or “pickle” she is so funny and tries everything! Finally at about 3:15am I told Scott I was in labor and to take her back to her own bed. She went right back to sleep. I laid in bed a while, just resting, but I couldn’t sleep. I decided to just get up and sit o\n the birth ball and get on the computer for a bit.

My surges feel really great! I am so excited that I will be meeting my baby and holding him in my arms soon I really do look forward to each surge–am I weird or what?

Last night I watched some TV, sitting on my birth ball the whole time trying to get the baby to drop. Then Scott and I tried to naturally speed things up…Ha Ha. Then I went to sleep….maybe that is what got things going.

Yesterday I went to SLC with mom. I brought back the changing table covers that didn’t fit, and got a gift for Burke’s baby (our Grizzlies ticket rep). Mom wanted to return a sports jacket for Dad, and get a different one. We walked around the mall a bit, and it felt good. I could feel quite a bit of pressure down low–and I was happy about that. I wanted to keep walking! We went to Albertson’s, and I bought some food for dinner. I came home and cooked. I just felt like cooking. I also bought the stuff to make corned beef and cabbage–YUM! I was going to make it tomorrow, but now I hope it will have to wait

I think I may try to get some more sleep. I am sure I am going to need my energy!

Well, I am wondering if today could be the day. Last night I COULD NOT sleep! I went to bed around 10:30pm and I just laid there wide awake until about midnight. Then I got up and laid on the couch and watched “The Majestic” for about an hour. I just wasn’t tired at all. I was having some surges, but nothing major. I wasn’t uncomfortable, just awake! I felt like I laid awake all night. Sometime in the middle of the night I started having pretty regular surges. Around 5:30am Scott was us to go to work. I got up and talked to him and was having really regular surges. I went back to sleep until about 8:00am when I heard Emma. Surges were about 4 minutes apart. I listened to my Birthing Affirmations CD and then got up. I decided to get dressed, put some last minute things in my bag, and get all ready to go, just in case today is the day. Now that I am up and around, I am not having surges quite as regularly, but they are still there. So, we will just have to wait and see!

There is a Grizzlies game today at 1:00pm, and we are planning on going to that. I might as well be in early labor there, as sitting at home. We are going to take Emma to my parents for the game, and take all our stuff for the birthing center just in case.

Scott got his big job out, so that is a relief for him. He is on his way home now, and we are going to make a belly cast I have been wanting to do it and I don’t want to wait until the belly is gone! It should be fun. I am not sure what we will do with it, but I want to make it.

Yesterday we went sledding with Emma and the Weaver’s. Chad is here on business again. We went to Mountain Dell and it was a lot of fun. Emma liked it, but we went around noon, and it was time for her nap. She was tired! Scott took her down a bunch of times and she thought it was really fun. She kept saying “more”. Last night we met them for dinner at Loco Lizard. It was a fun time! I had scallops diablo–I tired the spicy food thing, but I am not sure if it worked or not

Today is my DUE DATE!! But…no baby. NO big surprise!

Scott went to work and I got up and had lots of energy. I got Emma dressed and ready and we went out to do some errands. I got the mail, paid bills, went to the scrapbook store, sewed a cover for the changing table, returned a video, and worked on Emma’s scrapbook…..whew, I am getting tired thinking about everything I did. Scott hung up the pictures in Ian’s room. They look so nice!

Went to the Grizz game tonight. I was really excited to be able to see them retire Gord Dineen’s number. It was a really nice show they put on. I even got choked up over it! I wasn’t sure if I’d make it….I thought maybe I would have had the baby We left Emma with my parents, and it was nice. We actually got to watch the game. After, they had the public skating, and Scott got to skate.

I have had lots of surges today, but I haven’t timed any of them. They haven’t seemed regular enough to time. On the way home from my parents house they started to seem really close together and stronger. So, we will see. Maybe he will come soon! Marcia will be back tomorrow morning, and Scott said he is mostly done with his big project, so the timing wouldn’t be too bad. But it would still be better for him if I waited until Monday afternoon. I wonder if they got things back together at the Birth and Family Place after their leak?…

I feel like I am so good about keeping this updated, but somehow every time I look at it it has been 4-5 days! Sheesh.

Saturday was my baby shower. It was really nice. Mom did a great job. She ordered really good food from a catering place. We had chicken salad sandwiches, scallop tarts, chips with artichoke dip, cheesecake! and really yummy punch that she made. We didn’t get a huge turn out, but it was still really nice. We mostly just sat around and talked. We played one game where we measured my belly with ribbon. Everyone made theirs too big! Except Stacey Meza–I thought hers was way to small, but she won I got a few nice gifts, and some to return

Sunday Scott was sick. He slept most of the day. Emma kept crying that she wanted to “go see Daddy” while he was sleeping. She was banging on the bedroom door, because I wouldn’t open it. I decided to take her somewhere so he could rest! I went to the outlets to exchange gifts at the Gap, Carters, and Osh Kosh. I got some cute things, and some credits. I also went to Motherhood and got a sleep bra. I can’t find the one I had last time. I want it so I can wear breast pads at night, so I can try not to leak all over our sheets this time!

Scott had a hockey game at 5:15pm. I didn’t think he should go, but he did anyway. He was really exhausted after! On our way home my parents called and invited us over for sandwiches for dinner. It was perfect, we had just been discussing what to do about dinner. We just ate and came home

Yesterday I had another appointment with Marcia. Nothing really new except my bp was up a bit–114/72 and my previous highest was 100/60. I also gained 1 1/2 lbs in a week–now I am 168 1/2. Marcia was a bit concerned, but since I am not retaining water, and I haven’t had headaches, she wasn’t too worried. She decided not to check me. She said she didn’t want to stir things up until she is back from her trip. She is gone now until Sunday morning. She said that his head is still really high. So, we just play the waiting game. I had surges all night Sunday night, and almost all day yesterday. Nothing too regular, but all day–I thought maybe it was going to be time! This morning I haven’t really noticed any. That is the way it goes!

Went to the MOMs movie yesterday too, with Emma and Mom. It was “Cheaper by the Dozen” and really funny. Heather came with Zoe and Mason. Then we all went to eat at the Mayan. Thanks Larry Miller for the entertainment package

I picked up the Blazer too. Ugh. $1900!! Dad paid for it, which was so nice! But, now after putting all that money in it, it seems silly to sell it for $5000. Our ad is expired now too. I need to go get it detailed and then take some pictures and put up flyers.

Today I may go to SLC with Mom–she has to go to the dentist. Or, I might just stay here and rest. I have a few errands to do, but nothing major!

Another midwife appointment today. It went well, only it was a bit busy there. We checked my iron levels and they are better–I was 39 up from 35. I knew I had more energy! I gained another 1 pound, so I am doing fine in the weight department, although I’d like to stop gaining now The baby was in a good position today–at least he wasn’t posterior. He was laying on his right side with his back along my right side. But, Marcia said he was really high. She seemed concerned about it and said he should be lower since I am this far along. Well, maybe he will drop soon. I told her about all of my surges, but since his head is so high, they are really not getting my cervix ready. She also checked me and said I am still closed and firm. Darn it! So I just need to be patient now

Mom came with me to my appointment. I wanted her to entertain Emma. I knew my appointment would be a bit longer today. I went over my birth plan with Marcia–that was sure easy!! It took about 2 minutes and she said that everything looked great. Mom and I and Emma ate lunch and then came home.

Tonight we are going out with Jenn Powderly and Bryan to the Happy Sumo for sushi. YUM! I kept wondering when I would get an email about the VIP club from them, so I could get the discount card. Well, we made plans to go out tonight, and I checked my email this afternoon, and there it was! Funny!

We have had a few calls about the Blazer, and one guy came to look at it. I really hope it sells soon. I don’t want to have to be dealing with that when the baby comes.

Yesterday I went to Moms club at Jordan Commons. They were showing Mona Lisa Smile. It was so good! After I went and did a few errands–returned the outfit from Gymboree from the Gonzalez, and the blanket to Nordstrom from Chris and Jenn. I was holding Emma during the movie and I felt really emotional. I was just thinking about how much her life and her world are going to change. I felt sad for her that she will no longer be the center of attention. I know it is going to be hard for her. I am sure she will do fine with it, but it is a huge change! And, I started thinking about how she isn’t my little baby anymore. Sob. She is getting so big!

I also thought about more practical things, like how intense it was having a newborn. How I just nursed and held the baby and changed diapers with little time left for anything else. I realized that I need to enjoy these last days of it just being the 3 of us–soon it will never be this way again!!

Friday night Scott and I watched Bad Boys II. I was having tons of surges, and they were really regular–about 3 minutes apart. They lasted almost all night and into Saturday morning. But they stopped Saturday about 10:00am. Darn!

So Saturday morning I decided it was time to get the stuff down out of the attic and finish up the room. The most important thing was the infant seat–we couldn’t be climbing up there to get it on the way to the birth center! We got the car seat, and the swing, and the baby seat, and bath tub. I went through some of Emma’s clothes. I didn’t want to get all the bins down, so I just did it up in the attic. I was freezing!! I probably missed some things, but I got most of it. I found a bunch of onesies and a few gowns and a few outfits. I am totally set, and definitely have all the clothes we need for the beginning–provided he is not huge

We also finished up some stuff in the room. Scott put up the lights that I bought at Wal-mart. They look great for $6 a piece! He also put up the dimmer switch, and hung the quilt clips. Mom and Dad came over to see Emma in the afternoon, and they thought the room looked great! I really like it too. Now I just need to hang some pictures.

I found frames for the artwork on eBay. They are great! They are 11×14 natural wood, and then I also found mats on eBay too. For around $40 I got 4 frames and 4 sets of double mats, and will have 4 really nice pictures. I am psyched, I got such a great deal!! They will really look nice in the room.

Friday we woke up to TONS more snow!! About 2 feet in our driveway. Wow! I went out as soon as I got up, before Scott left and started snowblowing. I got ours done, and saw our neighbors out shoveling, so I went over and did their driveway too. It was kind of fun. That started off my very productive day.

I got so much done! I took down the Christmas tree and all the decorations. I got everything packed away. It was good to get that done before the baby comes too. Then I just did a bunch of other little things that I have been needing to do.

So, now I am just waiting, hoping I don’t go past my due date. I feel even more anxious to have this baby than I did last time, and I am still 2 weeks from my due date. I have been taking EPO–2 500mg capsules at night–since 36 weeks. I will start using the EPO internally tonight. I have been using the ball A LOT, trying to get Ian to turn. I really think that he is laying on his right side, on the left side of my belly. That is where I feel him the most. That would be OK, but it would be good if I could get him to turn onto his stomach. I will keep working on it! Tuesday I go to see Marcia. She said something about checking me before she goes out of town, maybe I can get her to check me this week.