Introducing Emma Katherine

So filled with joy to announce Emma Katherine's arrival on July 1, 2014 at 6:48 pm, weighing in at 6 lbs and 15.7 ounces and 20.5 inches long. Wanted to share a little about her birthday as she lays next to me as I write this on her due date...

I decided to be induced at 39+1 as recommended by my amazing doctor, Dr. Brabson, due to some blood clotting factors I have that are treated with daily blood thinner injections (I cannot get an epidural for 24 hours once I give myself my shot). I was hesitant but proceeded because I trusted him and was beyond ready to meet my sweet girl. He said my cervix was very favorable for induction so I was so hopeful for my VBAC.

We checked in the hospital at 5:00 am that morning (I was 2 cm and 70% effaced at my 39 week checkup the day before). We got settled in our room and they hooked me up to monitors that would continually monitor the baby's heart rate and my contractions (this is required for all VBAC patients). Next they started my IV. This is when things got interesting. They have to use a VERY large IV needle  for VBACer's as there is a chance they would need to give me a blood transfusion if there was a uterine rupture (very slight risk of this occurring). The nurse had trouble getting it in and it HURT. Next thing I know, I apparently passed out from the pain and had the nurse and Brandon standing over me waking me up - Brandon looked like he had seen a ghost. It took me a while to come around, and I immediately felt nauseated. I finally got sick and finally started to feel better.  They called someone else in to try to get my IV in and that was successful. I was ready for a popsicle!

My doctor came to see us around 7:00 am and broke my water. A couple minutes later the nurse told me to lay on my side, then 30 seconds later she told me to flip to my other side. Then she laid me all the way back where my feet were above my head. Brandon and I had no idea what is going on at this point, but the doctor and nurse seemed to be scurrying around. They put an oxygen mask on my face.  Next thing we know, 3-4 more nurses were in the room and they told me they needed to give me a shot to stop my contractions as the baby's heart rate had been down for almost 3 minutes. She said if they couldn't get it down, I would have to have an emergency c-section. The tears started falling at this point. Fortunately the shot stopped my 3-4 minute contraction and her heart rate returned to normal. I was so relieved the baby was okay! The nurse stayed with us and monitored us both closely for the next hour. At this point, I was thinking maybe I should have just signed up for a repeat c-section, after all this craziness before 8 am!

They began the pitocin to start my contractions around 9 am or so. I wanted to labor as long as possible before getting my epidural. They very, very slowly increased the pitocin drip (again, because I'm trying to VBAC they want to make sure the contractions aren't too strong to avoid complications). They checked me around 11 am and I was 3 cm and 80%. I tried to stand up and move around as much as I could at this point - but I was hooked up to all kinds of monitors and my IV pole so I was really limited to moving around in one spot as best I could. By around noon, my contractions were very painful and I could barely tolerate them. Brandon was beyond supportive and rubbed my back and was right there by my side the entire day.  I decided to go ahead and get the epidural even though I really wanted to get to 5 cm before getting it initially. The nurses and anesthesiologist assured me the epidural would not slow my progression.

They started the epidural insertion around 12:30 and had trouble getting the epidural cath in. Apparently my back is muscular and I have mild scoliosis (first I've every heard of it!).  We finally (painful experience indeed) got it in, and I welcomed the relief it provided!  The rest of the afternoon I spent in bed, flipping side to side and watching my contractions and Emma's heart rate on the monitor. Her heart rate began to drop below her "normal" range on about 2 out of every 3 contractions after the epidural was in. I knew if they couldn't regulate this, it was c-section time. I was SO discouraged at this point. They checked me again around 2:30 and I was only 4 cm. I was progressing so slowly. Thankfully, around this time, her heart rate returned to normal range with each contraction, so we waited patiently. Luckily for Brandon, World Cup soccer was on!

At 4:00 they checked me and I was 5 cm. We let our family know it would likely be late/early the next morning when she would be born.  I was so bummed I was only 5 cm!  My nurse, Gail, was amazing. She stayed with us most of the day - we sure kept her busy!!

At 6:15 or so my doctor came by to check me. I expected to be about 6 cm, but would have been ecstatic with anything over that.  He told me I was 10 cm and 100% effaced and asked if I was ready to push!  I literally could not believe it!!!  I started crying immediately - so relieved I finally made it to this point, and also wondering if I could do this. I looked at Brandon and asked him if I could really push this baby out!? He reassured me we could do this!!

My nurse wanted to do some practice pushing while Dr. Brabson performed 2 quick circumcisions. The nurses began prepping the room for Emma's arrival and the nurse asked if I wanted a mirror to watch. YES!  Things were getting REAL and I was so excited it was finally time to meet our daughter.

The nurses got the mirror set up and Gail told me exactly what to do and how to push.  She told me to hold my legs behind my knees (which felt like cinder blocks by the way due to my epidural). We did a couple rounds of practice pushing around 6:30 and I could see my baby's head. Watching the progress in the mirror absolutely helped me see what type of pushing was working. I pushed 3 times with each contraction. I asked Gail if she thought I could actually do this and she said I was doing great, and I was absolutely going to be able to do it. 

She got Dr. Brabson back into the room and I kept pushing. I loved watching everything take place, until I saw the episiotomy scissors come out. He had to do a small cut (2nd degree). At this point, I couldn't feel a thing and didn't really mind.  I kept pushing and her sweet little blond head was out. I started bawling, big ugly HAPPY tears. Gail whispered to me to look down between my legs and watch my baby be born. I did and once contraction later she was out and they laid her right on my chest at 6:48. I could not stop the tears - so many emotions running through my mind. It was a feeling I will never forget. Emma was perfect. She seemed so tiny. Her cry was so sweet. I had done it. I birthed my baby the way I had always wanted to. I was so overwhelmed with joy!! I wish I could relive this moment over and over and over. It was just indescribably amazing. 

Thanks be to God for this beautiful, tiny, healthy little baby. Officially Skeen party of 4!

The next morning Hadley came to meet her little sister for the first time. Our dear friend and professional photographer, Kandi, came to capture these precious moments - I will have a separate post with those because they deserve their own blog post! Here are a few other pictures from the next day or two...

The night before...

38 weeks

How far along: 38 weeks #foreverpregnant

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 23 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Absolutely! I seriously am beginning to loathe some of my most worn maternity clothes. I'm sure my husband is too, as are people at work that watch me rotate the 7 things that fit me.

Stretch marks: Think I saw some today :(

Belly button in or out: It's flat/poking out a little, and very weird :)

Sleep: Could be better. My sleep is either really good, or really bad. Had another 1:30-4:30am awake session this weekend. Ate some cereal, did some online shopping whilst drinking my red raspberry leaf tea.

Symptoms: Braxton hick contractions, sore all over, "lightning crotch" as it's so pleasantly called, groin pain (almost like a pinched nerve), cannot get comfortable, lost part of my mucus plug today!!

Best moment this week:  A fun weekend with the family. We went to the zoo on Saturday and made cauliflower crust pizza for dinner. Sunday Brandon played golf so me and Hadley had a Kroger date and lunch date at Taste of Thai - I ordered her what I normally get, rather than the kids meal and she ate it right up!  She is just at the cutest and most fun age right now - I am so enjoying these last few weeks with her!  

World Giraffe Day at the Zoo!

 

 

Miss anything: Sleeping any position I want, sleeping through the night, being comfortable, running, wine, sushi (I'm getting my Nama takeout order ready for the hospital stay).

Movement: Yes! Her movements literally make my entire belly squirm. It's so fun to just watch my belly :)  Baby girl is estimated to weigh 6 lbs 10 oz and is in the 31st percentile for her gestational age.

Cravings: Sweets, fruit, and peanut butter.

Workouts:  Going to barre about 3-4 times a week and now just doing interval walking several days a week. 

Looking forward to: The big day, although I am wondering when that will be!  I pretty much have completed everything on my to-do list finally. I've got bags packed for all of us, 10 meals in the freezer, nursery is ready, took a breastfeeding class and purchased new pump parts, tiny clothes and linens are washed and put away, and now we wait....

I keep envisioning how it will be, and the look on Hadley's face when she meets her sissy for the first time. I have the sweetest conversations with Hadley about what it's going to be like having a sister, and I have no doubt she will be the best big sister in the world!  I'm trying to enjoy the last few weeks of my pregnancy and not wish them away, because these are really the end of a chapter to our story. We've been making so many great memories that I will cherish forever!
 

38 week bumpdate!

37 weeks

How far along: 37 weeks - full term!

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 22 lbs as of Friday 6/13

Maternity clothes: Absolutely!

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - although I can't see my feet so there could me some hiding.

Belly button in or out: It's flat/poking out a little, and very weird :)

Sleep: Could be better. My sleep is either really good, or really bad. I woke up at 2:30 am last night and never went back to sleep (maybe for 30 minutes around 4:30, then my alarm went off at 5:00). Today should be interesting.

Symptoms: Lower back pain (pretty intense yesterday), random contractions, sore all over, cannot get comfortable.

Best moment this week:  1) Celebrating Father's Day with my 2 favorite people!  We had fun yesterday making the day all about Brandon. I love this pic of Hadley and him - can't wait to make him a daddy again in a few weeks - he's the best!

 
2)  Pool party at the Bennetts' on Saturday - great company, perfect weather, and the kids had so much fun. Hadley slept till 8:00 AM - that's UNHEARD OF!   

3)  My C-section scar ultrasound went great and I can try for my VBAC. PTL!  Little girl looked great at my 36 week ultrasound last week - 6 lb and 5 oz, 45th percentile! The sweet ultrasound tech turned on 3D and got a quick peek at her profile :)

 
Miss anything: Sleeping any position I want, sleeping through the night, being comfortable

Movement: Yes! Her movements literally make my entire belly squirm. It's so fun to just watch my belly :)  

Cravings: Sweets, fruit, and peanut butter.

Workouts:  Going to barre about 3-4 times a week and now just doing interval walking several days a week. 

Looking forward to: D-day. I've enjoyed my pregnancy so much and in a way I am sad for it to end because it is such a special time, but I am ready to meet baby girl.  Everyday I wake up and wonder if this is the day :)  I packed baby girl's hospital bag this weekend and I just cannot wait to slip this on her and snuggle her ALL DAY.

37 week bumpdate!

Warning - bare belly picture!

 

 

 



 

36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks, 9 months today folks!

Gender: GIRL! Think we've picked a name :)

Weight gain: 22 lbs as of Friday 6/6

Maternity clothes: Um, yes! 

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - although I can't see my feet so there could me some hiding.

Belly button in or out: It's flat/poking out a little, and very weird :)

Sleep: Could be better. I was up from 2am-5a one night this weekend. Don't worry, I at least finished the grocery list and ate a bowl of cereal while I was up.

Symptoms: Lower back pain, trouble bending over, get out of breath easy, contractions, sore muscles, fatigue

Best moment this week:  We had a wonderful and productive weekend! Hadley stayed with Brandon's parents this weekend and had so much fun with her cousins. We put our house back together as the painters finished this week (absolutely LURVE our new look!!). My mom came over on Saturday and we did some serious work organizing 27 piles of Hadley's outgrown clothes and getting the baby's room cleaned and ready to go. Brandon and I got facials (his first and he loved it!) and had 2 dates over the weekend at Cru and Lakeside Tavern!
 
Miss anything: Sleeping any position I want, sleeping through the night, being comfortable

Movement: Yes! All the time! She is getting cramped - I can hardly bend over as I feel like I'm squishing her.  

Cravings: Sweets, fruit, and peanut butter. I may or may not have eaten half a jar of peanut butter last week. By myself.

Workouts:  Going to barre about 3-4 times a week and now just doing interval walking several days a week. Brandon and I went on a 3 mile "wog" (walk/jog) Sunday morning with Riley. I get lots of strange looks when I run these days :)

Looking forward to: 

1) Meeting our precious baby girl!  We've been waiting 36 long weeks and I can hardly wait to meet her.  I am so looking forward to her birth and Hadley being a big sis! :)  I'm having fun gathering items for Hadley 's"Happy Big Sister Day" bag she'll get on baby sister's birthday.

 

2) Also on Wednesday, I have my big ultrasound where they will look internally at the C-section scar on my uterus to make sure it is thick enough for me to attempt a VBAC. FINGERS CROSSED Y'ALL!    

3) Father's Day this weekend. Brandon has dominated fatherhood and I want to make it a special weekend for him! 

 

36 week bumpdate!

work bathroom selfie, allsome!

 

 

Just for comparison, look how huge I was with the Hadster at 34.5 weeks and 37 weeks, respectively...wowza! I currently (at 36 weeks pregnant with #2, weigh the same as I did when I first got pregnant with Hadley - insane!)

 

 

 

35 weeks

How far along: 35 weeks

Gender: GIRL! Still nameless though...

Weight gain: 22 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Um, yes! 

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley. I've heard these last few weeks could be when this changes.

Belly button in or out: It's flat/poking out a little, and very weird :)

Sleep: Could be better, 2-4 am is my most difficult time period

Symptoms: Lower back pain, trouble bending over, get out of breath easy, contractions, sore muscles, fatigue

Best moment this week:  Sorry can't pick just one!

1) We had a wonderful weekend, with no planned events which is SO nice sometimes! Pool time, sprinkler fun in the yard, homemade muffins, lunch with Brandon's parents after church, washing baby clothes, perfection!
 

2) Had a fun work baby shower at Litton's - thanks to all who came to celebrate baby girl and also for the generous gifts!

3) Last week I read somewhere that if you sing the same song to your baby frequently before birth, when she makes her debut, she might recognize the song when you sing it to her when she is finally here. I told Hadley this and asked what song we should sing to her each night. She picked Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and for the past week we've been singing to my belly each night.  Yesterday morning Hadley crawled into our bed at 6 am, and within a few minutes got right next to my belly and started singing Twinkle Twinkle, totally unprompted.  It was literally the sweetest thing and I started crying immediately just hearing her precious voice singing to her sister. I was overcome with so many emotions - joy and excitement as we prepare to welcome a little baby into our family and also a little sadness as our chapter as a family of 3 is about to end. I'm trying to savor each of these last little moments with my Hadley Bear!

Miss anything: Sleeping any position I want, eating/drinking anything I want, being comfortable

Movement: Yes! All the time!  I hope in all these movements I feel, she is still head down. 

Cravings: Sweets, and peanut butter of course.

Workouts:  I believe I am finished running. It's just getting so hard on me. Still going to barre about 3-4 times a week and now just doing interval walking several days a week.
 

Looking forward to: Hadley is spending the weekend with Brandon's parents and I can't wait to have one last weekend with just the hubs. One last fancy dinner and maybe a couple of facials in store :)

  

 

35 week bumpdate!

 

34 weeks

How far along: 34 weeks

Gender: GIRL! Still nameless though...

Weight gain: 21 lbs 

Maternity clothes: Um, yes! 

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley. Need to be better about using every night though.

Belly button in or out: It's flat/poking out a little, and very weird :)

Sleep: Could be better, 2-4 am is my most difficult time period

Symptoms: Lower back pain, (not as pronounced this week, thankfully), trouble bending over, get out of breath easy, contractions, sore muscles, fatigue

Best moment this week: A 3 day weekend - we had so much fun visiting with our friends from Kingsport on Saturday. Their little boy Oliver (18 months) and Hadley had fun at the splash pad and then we grilled out for dinner. On Memorial Day we went to a pool party/cookout at the Mcmahans - the kids are just at the sweetest ages and it is so fun to watch them play and grow! I think the kids are going to outnumber the parents one day though :)

Miss anything: Sleeping any position I want, my figure. I feel about as big as a bus these days.

Movement: Yes! Getting a little cramped in there though. At my appointment today, baby girl is an estimated 5 lbs 1 oz! And has some hair :)  I cannot wait to put her in this adorable outfit we picked up for her over the weekend....
 

Cravings: Sweets, and peanut butter of course. We must have at least 4 kinds of ice cream/bars in the freezer.

Workouts:  I've cut back to 1-2 runs a week and doing 1-2 high incline/interval walk a week.  Still going to barre about 3-4 times a week.

 

Looking forward to: We are getting the house repainted this week - painters came this morning. So excited and little nervous to go home and see things tonight!  Also, my mom is going to help us get the nursery prepped this weekend. I am excited to get things in order for baby girl!  I really feel like the countdown in on!

 

In other news: I switched doctors - at 33 weeks - crazy I know!  I just was not feeling my current practice was very keen/supportive of my desire to VBAC. I've had sooo many girls tell me Dr. Brabson was wonderful for VBACs and all other kinds of births people might want. So I sent them an email last Monday just after lunch....the nurse called me back within 20 minutes and she was so incredibly sweet and understanding. They asked if I could come that day to meet Dr. Brabson and that it was not too late to switch.  I couldn't believe it - I went later that afternoon and I just had so much peace after meeting him and the other staff in the office. I had my 2nd visit with him today and I again felt so relieved when I left. He is just the berries, y'all! 

 

34 week bumpdate!

32 weeks

How far along: 32 weeks, 8 months!

Gender: GIRL! Still nameless though...

Weight gain: 20 lbs as of my appointment 3 days ago

Maternity clothes: Um, yes! 

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley. Need to be better about using every night though.

Belly button in or out: It's flat/poking out a little, and very weird :)

Sleep: Could be worse, could be better.

Symptoms: Lower back pain, trouble bending over, get out of breath easy, and some loveliness where the sun don't shine.

Best moment this week: Celebrating Mother's Day. My mom went to our church with us and then we enjoyed a delicious brunch at Cru. After Hadley's nap we took her to the splash pad and let her run wild for a while.  

Miss anything: Being comfortable and sleeping in any position I want. Would also give my right arm for a good bottle of red and a chef's platter of sushi.

Movement: Yes! Getting a little cramped in there though.

Cravings: Sweets

Workouts:  I've cut back to 2 runs a week (3ish miles each) and doing 1 high incline/interval walk a week.  Still going to barre about 3-4 times a week.

Looking forward to: I am getting so excited about our family of 4. I can't wait to introduce Hadley to her baby sister and spend 12 weeks bonding with this little blessing.

I saw this prayer on another mom-to-be's blog and it's something I've been praying for too (tweaked for our situation as I've been torn whether I should try a VBAC or schedule a repeat c-section). I long to experience a "normal" labor and delivery the old-fashioned way, but do not want to put baby girl or myself at risk if it's not safe for us.  
  Prayer for Baby Girl: 
 Dear Lord, Thank you for helping me make it this far in my pregnancy. Please help Baby Girl come at just the right time and bless my labor and delivery. I'm still deciding whether to try for a VBAC or schedule a repeat C-section. I know it is in your hands so I pray for peace in knowing you will bring our sweet girl into the world they way YOU have planned. Give the doctors and nurses wisdom to make the best decisions for us and keep us safe. Help me to be strong during delivery and trust in You. I pray that your presence would fill the room with joy as we welcome Baby Girl into the world. You are so good! Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. - Psalm 37:7
 

32 week bumpdate!

 

 

 

30 weeks

How far along: 30 weeks

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 20 lbs as of my 28 week appointment

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley.

Belly button in or out: It's flat, and very weird :)

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights, overall good though. I have really struggled getting back to sleep if I wake up around 2 though.

Symptoms: Lower back pain, trouble bending down, exhausted by the end of the day, pelvic/groin pain, leg pain. 



Yep, this hits the nail on the head!

Best moment this week: Enjoying a low key weekend at home with my family. The weather was phenom and we had fun just relaxing, playing outside, and grilling out.  

Miss anything: Bending over without getting out of breath, being comfortable.

Movement: Yes, baby girl is getting bigger and her movements change each week. I can tell she's getting a little cramped in there.

Cravings: Any and all fruit, any and all sweets, peanut butter.

Workouts:  Running is starting to get really difficult and i'm not sure how much longer I can keep it up. In week 30 I ran 3 times, 3 miles each run.  Still going to barre about 3-4 times a week (love the 6 am class during the week so I can keep my nights free for family).

Looking forward to: I can't believe I am already 30 weeks.  I'm getting so excited about meeting our baby girl and introducing Hadley to her.  I wonder what she will look like, what her little cry will sound like. I can't wait to kiss her little cheeks and study her tiny feet and hands. It's just so amazing the little life that God is knitting in my womb right now.

I feel like I have a ba-zillion things to do in the next 10 weeks - I haven't done much except buy her a few odds and ends I've found while shopping. Need a name for this child desperately. Need to get the nursery ready, stock up on diapers/wipes, new pumping supplies, line up a photographer, get everything transitioned at work for my maternity leave, etc.  I think it's time to make a list....shew!

  

 

30 week bumpdate!

 



29 weeks

How far along: 29 weeks

Gender: GIRL!

Weight gain: 20 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes! 

Stretch marks: Still haven't noticed any - been using my mama belly oil I used while pregnant with Hadley.

Belly button in or out: In, but very stretched out!

Sleep: Good nights and bad nights, overall good though.

Symptoms: Lower back pain (esp by the end of the day), trouble bending down (I literally get out of breath putting Hadley's shoes on), exhausted by the end of the day, pelvic/groin pain, and a few contractions. 

Best moment this week: 1) Got to see baby girl at our ultrasound this week, weighing in at 2 lb 13 oz! Passed my gestational diabetes test - time for a cupcake!!  2) We had a wonderful Easter weekend! Neighborhood egg hunt, a great afternoon at Riverview Family Farm, egg coloring, meeting our dear friends' newest addition--sweet baby Eden, Easter service at our church, and a wonderful time with family for Easter dinner!  The kind of weekend that makes you feel so very blessed!



28 weeks and 3 days



Neighborhood egg hunt

Fun at Riverview Family Farm!

 

 
Miss anything: Bending over without getting out of breath, normal clothes, not feeling like a blimp.

Movement: Yes, baby girl is getting bigger and seems very active! I was in a meeting earlier today and she kicked me so hard I swear it made my whole body move!

Cravings: Any and all fruit, any and all sweets, peanut butter.

Workouts:  Running 3x a week, about 3 or so miles each time, and still going to barre about 3-4 times a week. Workouts are getting much tougher these last few weeks but I do think they help keep some of the aches and pains away, as well as keep me sane. Baby girl is going to come out pulsing and tucking!

Looking forward to: Hopefully a quiet weekend!  The last couple of weekends have been so jammed packed that Monday has been my day of rest, when I can finally sit down and breath. Brandon pulled out Hadley's old newborn and 0-3 month clothes so I want to go through everything and get it all ready for baby girl soon, along with working on getting the nursery in order. Oh, and picking out a name so we don't have to call her baby girl :)  All of the sudden it's all getting very real and I feel like I do need to make a to-do list - only 10ish weeks left!