Porky Pig

Lula had her second doctor's visit today. We discovered that she is eating very well!!! Her birth weight was 6 lbs. 14 oz. Her discharge weight (48 hours later) was 6 lbs. 8 oz. At her check up two days after that she was back up to 6 lbs. 11 oz. Today, one week and one day later, she was up to 7 lbs. 12 oz.!!! Usually the doctors are looking for the baby to be back to his/her birth weight by 2 weeks. Lula won't be two weeks until Friday and she's gained almost a pound more than her birth weight! They were very impressed. Obviously she's getting some good eatin'. Jay was a little concerned because she only feeds for 10 to 15 minutes about every 3 hours, but we noticed her feeling heavier and her little rolls starting to fill out. So I don't think there's any danger! Anyway, everything else looked good too.

Here's a little pic of Lula on her way to the doctor. She's gaining weight, but still pretty small for her enormous car seat!

We thought we'd take advantage of me having make up and "real" clothes on for the first time in a week:

Sweet Little Lula

People have asked how the dogs are doing with Lula's arrival. The answer: surprisingly good! Maggie seems to be protective and jealous at the same time, but she also "gets it." She was a little prima donna before Lula's arrival, but she now realizes that she is no longer queen bee. Proof? On rainy nights, Maggie insists on sleeping with Jay and I and lets up know by barking until we get her. But a couple nights ago during a severe thunderstorm, all that was heard from down below was whimpering. She didn't even bark! This is truly a miracle! Mollie is simply curious and loves to sniff Lula, but she also is very gentle and understands that Lula is not a toy!

Despite the pictures below, where Maggie seems to be trying to smother Lula with her tail, I think she will love Lula and be very protective of her as she is of me.


Jay has been wondering when Lula would start smiling in response to us. She's not quite old enough yet and we're certainly not trying to rush her, but it's so fun when her muscles cause her to smile in her sleep. Jay has tried to capture this on numerous occasions as this seems to be one of the developmental stages he's looking forward to the most.




Below is Lula in her Moses Basket where she spends most of her days and nights. This was one of the best purchases we made! Since all of the bedrooms are upstairs in our house, the basket is easy to move around and put wherever we are at the moment. Lula loves her basket. But she also has started to interact more. It was fun to watch her "play" with Pat yesterday. Grandma Pat came over yesterday to hang out with Lula for a while. She brought me lunch and then had "activity time" with Lula. Lula watched Pat move her fingers around and even reached out to grasp Pat's hands. She seemed to really enjoy the visit...assumption made because she wasn't fussing! Anyway, it's fun to see her interacting more and being more alert and I'm so thankful that Lula has at least one set of grandparents close by.



Why have a kid if you can't pose them and take cute pics!? I never thought I'd be one of those parents that loved taking pictures of my kid and sharing with the world, but she's just so stinkin' cute! I can't help myself!

Lula's first doctor's visit and the last time I left the house! Jay asked me yesterday if I had left the house recently. The answer...not since the doctor's visit last Tuesday! Hey...I'm trying to recover here! I have to say, I haven't missed being out! I'm such a home body, and Lula has been a wonderful full time job so far. So I'm perfectly content. Although I am looking forward to her second doctor's visit today and even put some make up on! Watch out!

Lula's first appointment went very well. She had surprisingly already gained some weight back and we're expecting to hear some significant growth today. We can tell that's she's gained some weight and she's even starting to fill out some fat rolls! Woo hoo! I love chubby babies...but right now she has some seriously long chicken legs like her father! So we're hoping to fill those out soon!

Birth Story

Scheduled to arrive at 6am, Jay and I laughed as we headed to the hospital late for the birth of our daughter...after all, Starbuck's was necessary to get Jay through the trials of labor and delivery. We arrived at about 6:30am, got settled into our delivery room, and began the process. This was all very surreal and I still couldn't believe that in a few hours I would have a child. After two different nurses stuck me 4 times for the IV, they finally started me on a very low pitocin drip around 8am while Jay set up my "Labor Worship" playlist on the ipod, which occasionally kept me sane throughout delivery. But the baby didn't handle the pitocin well at all. Her heart rate dropped almost immediately and several nurses calmly came in, rolled me around, placing me on my hands and knees, and finally stopped the drip altogether. Then Dr. Stamps came in. He decided to break my water, mainly to put an internal monitor on the baby so they could watch her more closely. He explained that if she didn't handle the pitocin this time, I'd be headed to surgery for a C-section. Having birth "preferences" instead of a "plan," I was mentally prepared for them to do whatever was necessary to deliver the baby that day. So they tried the pitocin again around 9am. This time she did absolutely fine with it and her heart rate remained normal throughout the rest of delivery.

The contractions started pretty quickly but not too bad at first and of course my water was also broken so it was kind of a double whammy! My family (consisting of my parents, Jay's mom and her husband, and Evie) came in for a while, but I started getting into serious contractions pretty quickly and needed to focus. Jay was wonderful and helped me breathe and we tried different pressure points. My mom also helped with pressure at various times. Finally they were getting too intense and we asked everyone to leave. I could not have made it through this process without the advice and coaching of Julie White. While I had always planned to have an epidural, she helped us prepare for the contractions before hand and also in case the epidural wasn't possible for whatever reason. She had explained how to completely relax and moan through the contractions. I was embarrassed to do so at first, but as the contractions became more and more painful, I put my pride aside and went for some cow lowing! My family said they could hear me in the hall as they all stood with their ears to the door the entire time! Jay also video-taped one contraction which is rather embarrassing, but again, wouldn't have made it without the animal noises!

It was also tremendous help to have my worship music playing. Many times as my mind began to focus on the pain, I would instead turn my attention to the lyrics of the song playing. I tried to impossibly explain to Jay today that it was like I was physically lifted above the pain when I focused on the music. It was a very bizarre experience...maybe what meditation feels like.

I was amazed at how quick and strong the contractions were coming and felt like a wimp when I asked for an epidural since I'd only been laboring for an hour or so. But the nurse checked me and said I was at 4cm and the contractions were steady and stable. So they ordered the epidural and thankfully he came quickly because I progressed VERY quickly! Just like with the IV, the anesthesiologist had trouble placing the catheter and I suffered through at least 10 minutes of excruciating contractions while he worked on my back and I tried to remain as still as possible. After the epidural she checked me again and I was already at 8! This happened in about 2 hours: from 4 to 8! So it's no wonder I was struggling through my contractions and they were so strong. I was pretty proud of myself when I found that out! We figured I was probably around 6 or 7 when they put the epidural in. Thankfully I asked for it when I did or it might have been too late! I had no idea I had progressed so fast as the nurse didn't check me that much because she wasn't expecting it either!

It took a while for the epi to kick in and I was starting to get nervous because I was still having to breathe through and concentrate on the contractions. So we kicked it up a notch. Finally I could feel nothing and it was absolute bliss! My family came back in one by one and laughed at how unbelievably happy I was with the epidural! I even thought about naming the baby after the man who invented it! So I relaxed for a while and thankfully the contractions didn't slow down and the labor progressed just as quickly. Jay kept his eye on the monitor and noticed when I went into transition contractions and finally pushing contractions none of which I could feel.

Then came the hardest part...pushing! Woo! I pushed for over 2 hours and could feel quite a bit of it, especially the baby coming out. Apparently the epidural does not cover this particular part of the process as much. They had me do the hold your breath method which made me feel like I was going to pop a vein! So Jay calmly and nicely asked if I could breathe through them as our birthing instructor Julie had suggested. The nurse was absolutely wonderful, Praise the Lord! We loved her. Anyway, she let me try that for a while too. It took about an hour for the baby to get past my pelvic bone and start making real progress. Once that happened it moved pretty quickly. At one point Jay also asked if gravity would help as they had my legs up in the air and things simply did not progress at first. So we took a break, they dangled my legs and let me sit up for a while. I pushed when I felt the urge, but not with the same intensity. Anyway, when they came back, I had progressed significantly and we were able to make real progress after that. It was amazing how much I could feel. My contractions started to get strong again...but they had also turned the pitocin up a bit. All of this was absolutely exhausting.

Once the baby got past that certain point, things moved so fast that they had me stop pushing to make sure Dr. Stamps was there in time! I could easily feel her coming out and the urge to push was pretty strong. It also helped with the pain when I actually pushed. It took the pressure off of the contraction. Anyway, when Dr. Stamps came in, he went right to work and not a moment too soon. I think I only pushed 2-3 times with him there before she came out! A friend who had a C-section wanted very specifics on what this felt like. This is going to be gross...I apologize, but the fact is, it feels like you're having the biggest bowel movement ever...only in a different spot. That's truly the best way to describe it and that thought actually crossed my mind once during labor! In any case, he did an episiotomy and didn't even ask, possibly because the baby was in distress. It's incredibly painful. They said it was a second degree with a four being the worst. Thankfully it wasn't worse than that.

She was in distress when she came out. They were going to lay her on me immediately when she came out and even had a sheet prepared on my belly, but instead, as soon as she slid through, she was handed off to the nurses who very quickly called in a high risk specialist because she wasn't breathing and was unresponsive. Obviously we were rather worried, but there was so much going on with Dr.Stamps finishing me up and all the people working on her that I wasn't sure what was going on. When I realized that something was wrong, I asked Jay to tell the family to pray, but he had already sent a text saying, "Baby is here. Please pray." which of course sent them into a frenzy. Finally, they got her stable and gave her to us. The specialist really didn't answer our questions directly. We were simply looking for a "she's fine...nothing to worry about." That ended up being the case however.

My beautiful baby girl was placed in my arms. I couldn't believe how beautiful and perfect she was. What an amazing moment. We finally let the family in and they all took turns passing her around. Then Jay and I had a few moments to ourselves and we discussed her name, but didn't get very far. I also tried to nurse, but she wasn't alert enough after her rough entry into the world. We were then moved to our room where I would begin recovery. Oh yeah! I forgot about that part! After all, having the baby had been the main focus all along and no one discussed that I would be in a lot of pain and physically exhausted for days. But that’s how it works! Imagine going to the bathroom with stitches and what feels kind of like a really severe rug burn! Not so fun! But of course, the baby is totally worth it and makes the pain very dim in comparison.

I tried to nurse again that night, but wasn’t very successful as the nurse was rather rough with the baby as she tried to “help” her latch on. It was really stressful. Jay and I were so tired that we gave in and gave her formula that night, determined to get her through her sugar level tests and to get some rest, knowing I could try again in the morning. It’s amazing how many of the issues I was adamant about beforehand completely changed once in the situation! I knew this was a possibility though, so I didn’t beat myself up about it.

The next day was much better and Lula Mae has been nursing very nicely ever since and now refuses to take a bottle! It’s wonderful to have her home and I just love looking at this little one and discovering her more and more every day. She is such a blessing and I can’t imagine my life without her. And that’s my story!

Last Update!

Not much to tell today. I had my last doctor's appointment and am at the same place as last week: dilated to 2cm and effaced 90%. It's a little disappointing I haven't progressed more, but at least I'm at that point instead of 0 everything. We report to the hospital Friday morning at 6am. My doctor warned me to be mentally prepared for a long day as this was normal for first time moms. He'll probably start me on pitocin and then break my water if that isn't working well. I'm still pretty nervous about being induced and all the complications it can cause. So please keep praying that she'll decide to get here on her own before Friday. That's about it! In 72 hours or so we will have a baby!

Mark Your Calendars!!!

I'm so excited I can't hardly think straight...and yet I'm rating on line and writing a blog! The date has been set. Unless Running Bear decides to come on her own terms (and that's what we're praying for if you'd like to join us), I will be induced on Friday, April 17! Here's the story with all the details.

I had my my non-stress test and fluid ultrasound as usual. The baby was pretty quiet and her heart rate actually dropped a couple of times. But the technician came and "zapped" me with this little machine to get the baby moving. She also told me to think about something yummy that I hadn't had in a long time. That wasn't too hard! I immediately started dreaming about Andy's concrete with melted chocolate chips, and the baby started kicking! She's looking forward to some sweets too (So I gave her two oreos when I got home...don't worry...I counted the carbs and we're safe!) Dr. Stamps didn't seem too worried about the drop. He asked if she'd been active at home, and she has. So I guess I just need to keep watching her movement as I have been.

He checked me and said I was dilated past 1 but not quite to 2 and I was effaced 90%, which I thought was pretty amazing! I haven't been taking Primrose Oil this week. So that all happened naturally. He also said whatever he was feeling was bald despite the fact that the ultrasound last week indicated a head of hair! Maybe she has patches, or maybe he was feeling her face or something! I am at -2 station...0 station meaning she's engaged and ready to start coming out. That's pretty good too since anything less than -4 means she's floating still. So he made it sound like I could go into labor at any time and gave me some brief instructions if I did.

After all of this, Dr. Stamps said he wanted to see me again next week and we'd make some decisions then about inducing and what not. He said he preferred not to induce, but that we wouldn't go past my due date. I have a feeling I could have talked him into not inducing, as he asked me how my sugar levels were. Since they're good, I'm not on medication, and all the stress tests are good, there's really no reason to be induced. But Dr. Dix was insistent and Dr. Stamps is following suit. Despite the fact that I don't want to be induced, I couldn't help but get excited when he started looking at possible dates! Call me selfish, but I kind of want to see my baby!

So as he was wrapping up without anything concrete for me to go with, I asked him what I should tell my parents, explaining that they are in Maryland and we were trying to figure out when they should come, etc. He sat back down and started looking at his computer. Then he said, "What about Monday?"!!! He said that would give them time to get here over the weekend. Wasn't that thoughtful of him?! He's also on call on Monday...so it's also convenient for him! Anyway, I got SO excited and almost agreed! This Monday! But I calmed myself down and thought about it rationally.

Jay was hoping for a Friday so I could be in the hospital over the weekend and he could take vacation days while I'm home. So when he mentioned Friday, the 17th, I agreed. Besides the fact the 17th is closer to her due date and she'll be more prepared for the world! He will also be on call that weekend and said that should work because no one wanted to deliver their patients on Friday! In other words, there would be plenty of room because other doctors wouldn't be scheduling on that day for other inducements. Obviously it's convenient for him...but if we're picking a date, it's convenient for us too. So that's just fine with me! He said unless I heard otherwise, plan on the 17th! I'll still go in for my appointment next week to see where I'm at and get final instructions. I'm still really hoping and praying she comes on her own and will be doing whatever I can to make that happen, but I'm SO excited to have a final day and see the end in clear sight. Woo hoo!

Birth Preferences

Some of you were curious about my specific birth plan. So I thought I'd just post it here. I'm titling it "Birth Preferences" because I've heard enough birth stories to know that nothing ever goes completely according to plan! Therefore I'm flexible, but these are at least my hopes.

I might as well comment on how I'm feeling as well since that seems to be the most popular question of the moment. Here's my honest answer...I feel pretty crappy. I've been nauseous lately, very very tired, unbelievably heavy - sort of like a house on stilts, terribly sick of my diet and having to cook constantly, achy, and just generally miserable. That's all just been in the last few days and I don't expect it to get better, but hopefully all of these feelings are pointing towards this baby getting here very soon. And because of that, I'm dealing with it. So there you have it!

Birth Preferences - Sarah Sandidge

Due Date: 04/21/2009
Patient of Dr. Stamps

Pediatrician: Dr. Michael Hanks
Scheduled to deliver at Cox South

Dear Dr. Stamps and Staff:

I am looking forward to the birth of my daughter and know you will help me make it a successful experience. Following are my preferences for labor, delivery, and after birth. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'd like to follow these items as closely as possible with the awareness that things don’t always go according to plan! I appreciate all of your hard work.

Sincerely,
Sarah Sandidge

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LABOR.

· I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.

· I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.

· I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.

· I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.

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LABOR AUGMENTATION/INDUCTION

· I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially without my consent, please.

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ANESTHESIA/PAIN MEDICATION

· I would like to have a walking epidural (low dose).

· I would like to have the epidural once established in active labor, 4cm at the earliest, preferably at 5cm and even later if possible.

· I am a lightweight with medicine and would like to start with a low dose.

· I would like the catheter placed after the epidural takes affect.

· I would like the epidural eased when necessary to push.

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CESAREAN

· Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.

· If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.

· I would like Jay present at all times if the baby requires a Cesarean delivery.

· I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia

· If the baby is not in distress, the baby should be given to Jay or me immediately after birth.

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EPISIOTOMY

· I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.

· If possible, I would like to use perineal massage to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.

· I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy if I am not numb from an epidural.

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DELIVERY

· I would like to avoid using high stirrups and/or have my legs higher than necessary during delivery.

· I would like to have my epidural reduced so I can push.

· I would like to have the baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

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IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY

· I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.

· I would like to hold the baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.

· If the baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, Jay or some other person I designate will accompany the baby at all times unless there is a medical emergency where non-staff is prohibited.

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POSTPARTUM

· I would like a private room, if available.

· I would like to have the baby "room in" and be with me at all times.

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BREASTFEEDING

· I plan to breastfeed the baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.

· I do not wish to have any bottles given to the baby (including glucose water or plain water).

· I do not want the baby to be given a pacifier.

· I would like to meet with a Lactation Consultant.

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PHOTO/VIDEO

· I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.

· I would like to make a video recording of labor and/or the birth.

Brief Update

I had my final appointment with Dr. Dix today, the perinatologist. I also had another ultrasound. They measured the baby and said she was weighing in at 6 lbs. 10 oz.! So they're predicting that if I go the full three weeks, she'll be about 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds at birth. The lady also said she had a full head of hair and very chubby cheeks! I'd already seen the cheeks, but it's funny to think of her with hair. I had an inch of jet black hair when I was born. So it looks like she's taking after me quite a bit so far. Everything looks good. Dr. Dix is happy with my sugar levels and was encouraging about being near the end. She also confirmed that I would not go past my due date, that she would tell Dr. Stamps, and that he would do what she told him to do!!! So that's that! Jay is hoping (and praying) that she'll come on the 10th so she can be a little Easter bunny...and so I'm in the hospital on Good Friday and over the weekend while he's off. There had to be a rational reason too! And that's about it for now. We'll keep you posted.

Here's a picture of me on my first day of life. Jay said I looked like a sumo wrestler! I only weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. but I was chubby and had LOTS of hair! And below is a picture of our baby. I've posted it before, but you can compare the two pics.