Wednesday, December 9, 2009

39 Week Visit= Finley Cole Harker

Now for the catching up..... I went for my 39 week visit on Novemeber 23 and my BP was slightly elevated still so my CNM decided to check me and see how far dilated I was to see if I was favorable for labor at this point. When she checked I was 3cm, which is "favorable" and decided at this point we should probably admit me to the hospital and have a baby!!!! She let me go home, take a shower, eat, get my bags and wait for Chris to get home from work and then go to the hospital. By the time I got all of that done, I checked into the hospital around 5pm. They monitored me in Maternity Admissions and drew lab work and all that good stuff and finally it was time to go to Birthing Suites. My friend Melissa was going to be my nurse until my friend Nicole on night shift got there at 7pm. They let me pick my room, which I picked 162 because it is big and has a walk in shower... Special treatment #1. When I got to L&D I was greeted by so many smiling faces of co-workers and friends wishing me luck and  got lots of great hugs!!!
  Once I was admitted, all the paperwork done, and settled in Tanya CNM came by to see me and placed a Cytotec beside the cervix which helps soften the cevix and get it ready for labor. This medicine makes you cramp... and that I did. I only needed 1 dose of this which is good, lots of times people usually get at least 2 doses, but I was contracting away! I progressed slowly at the beginning, I was dilating a 1/2-1 cm a hour. Tanya came and broke my water at 12:42am and then is was on... The Contractions started  picking up and I was starting to hurt. I had a lot of fluid, and it was very uncomfortable after that.  My friend Nicole who was taking care of me, suggested a epidural around 4:30am and I think I got it at a perfect time. After the epidural I was able to rest and get ready for the hard part. My mom and dad came back around 7am and Chris of course was still there and we were able to talk about when mom was in the hospital having me and the girls, and just enjoy each other. Melissa my friend was back to care for me that morning and she brought her camera to take pictures of him after he was born... she does an amazing job! Tanya came back to see me and Dr. Taavon and I was 7 cm dilated around 9am. Tanya told me that we would have a baby around lunch time.  At this point I was feeling a lot of pressure in my bottom and I kept feeling I needed to push, but it wasn't time yet! Labor nurses like to have their patients "Labor Down" which means once someone is completely dilated to 10cm, you allow the body to push the baby down and it allows mom less pushing and also is easier on her body... Not to mention less work for the nurse too! I had told Melissa I wanted to labor down, I wasnt wanting to push for hours and she was happy about that. well...  Around 12:20pm I was feeling so much pressure I could hardly sit still. She checked me and I was 10cm and she said lets push, He is right there!
I started pushing at 12:20 and Finley Cole Harker was born at 12:41pm Novemeber 24, 2009. It was AMAZING!!!! I cried, Chris cried, Mom cried, Hannah Cried... Everyone even the nurses and Tanya had tears, It was Beautiful!

 He weighed 7lbs 10oz, he was 20 and 1/2 inches long and a headful of brown hair. He was Perfect! Everything went perfect and better than I ever expected. Chris surprised me with Diamond earings after he was born and I cried some more. I can honestly say, I was in love instantly! We had to stay in the hospital 2 days, and we were discharged on Thanksgiving Day! Just in time to go to grannys for Lunch! We are so happy and each day we look into his beutiful eyes and  are just in amazement of how Great our God is and How can you not believe in God! The miracle of Life is more than I can even imagine! Thank you Lord for Finley Cole Harker!




Just the 2 of us!

Finley Cole


So happy!



7lbs 10oz..... Big Boy!



The outfit my friend Miranda put him in after his bath!

Proud Daddy!

Sweet Face

  Going Home!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

38 weeks...Full of Great Things!

So I am 38 weeks now...Wow It is almost here! I had a Ultrasound and visit with my doctor on Tuesday to follow-up from the hospital visit last friday. All of my labs came back normal, my BP was back down. They did a Ultrasound on me as well and he is growing right on track, Just the right size around 7lbs 2oz now. I feel sooo much better this week than I did last week.. Of course I am still tired, but I have no more  horrible headache which makes me happy! I go back to the doctor on Monday for a routine check and to see if this little boy is going to come out before Thanksgiving! I am crossing my fingers!! My feet are now continusouly swollen, even after sitting on the couch and resting, SO.. No hope for them! I went and got my toes done this past week and the little nails guy insisted that I get my toes painted blue for the baby! Lets just say they now are fat AND look like they have lost all circulation due to the polish color.
  The girls at work gave me a baby shower last night at work and it was soo much fun. We worked and ate all night. The food was good, the laughs were Fun and the Friends I have there are wonderful! I got some really cute gifts, lots of sleepers, some outfits, cute little Christmas bibs, some bath toys and a cute little robe for him! I enjoyed this shower and really am very fortunate to work with such a great group of Girls and LOVE WHAT I DO!!!!


We can still see that Cute Nose!


Me and my friend Leigh Anne!


Me and Some of the Girls... Some of them were actually Working!




My Yummy cake.. It had Strawberry Filling!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Maternity Pictures!


We had some maternity pictures taken when I was around 33 weeks  pregnant at the Bicentenial Gardens in Greensboro. We thought they would be nice to have later down the road, looking back to this special time in our lives. A friend of a friend took these pictures and did a wonderful job! Chris and I had fun during this session, It was sooo cold that day, my belly was freezing, but we made the best of it! 3 years ago around the same time these  pics were taken, we had our engagment pictures taken there!  We have so many great memories there!!!










Saturday, November 14, 2009

Friday the 13th!!!!!

I had my routine appointment, my 37 week appointment, Friday afternoon and had woke up with a headache that morning around 1am. I had tried everything cold rags, dark roon, Tylenol, caffeine... Nothing was working. At my appointment they took my BP and it was elevated, so she wanted to send me over to the hospital to run some labs, monitor the little (Big) guy and give me some medicine to help with the headache and bring my BP down. When I got there it was so weird checking into the hospital and laying there being the patient. I continuously watched the monitor, and could not get my head out of "Nurse mode" and just be the Patient. Anyways... After a little while of being there, fluids, dark room, a shot of medicine that burned "horribly" going in, and monitoring, they called my doctor and she gave me orders to stay out of work on Monday and rest, come to office for Ultrasound, monitoring, and more labs on Tuesday... They sent me home. All I kept telling Chris is that I didn't want her to admit me and I didn't want to deliver on "Friday The 13th". I feel much better today and hope all will go well on Tuesday. I really would like to hold him in a little longer and be able to enjoy my work shower on Wednesday! I guess I have no choice in that matter! Oh yes... And I officially have Cankles!!!! Yikes, it is time for him to come!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

36 Weeks and Counting!!!

We had our 36 week visit this past Wednesday. The visit was pretty routine this visit. I am measuring 2 weeks ahead now, He has dropped a little lower into the pelvis, my Doctor said which is good at this point. They also gave me the good news that I am already 1centimeter dilated already, Yeah!!! She is saying that I will probably go between 37-38 weeks!  When she was listening to his heart rate this time, I was complaining about my belly button wanting to poke out now... She said that means the "Turkey is Done"!!! So hopefully this little turkey will be done before Thanksgiving ( I am supposed to work this thanksgiving too)! 
  He is now I think, " running out of room".  He is sticking his feet and arms up under my ribs, which really doesn't feel too pleasant at times. Sometimes I have to sit down and press on his little feet to dislodge them from my ribs! Ouch!!  I am still having contractions daily, nothing regular but some of them are actually getting a little on the painful side. I am not liking those too much.They are musch stronnger when I am at work.. Why is that???  I am definately tired at this point, but I can't say that I am  ready for this experience to be over with. Sounds kinda crazy coming from a 8 month pregnant person, but I can honestly say that I have had a wonderful pregnancy and have enjoyed it!  I have been blessed beyond measure! Now I might be changing my mind next week, but for now,  the discomforts, aches, stretch marks and all the other beauties of pregnancy have not made me "wish by" this wonderful experience of my life!
We Have chose a name, however Chris and I  have decided to keep it as a surprise for when he arrives. I have been asked so many times if it is hard to keep it a secret, and I don't really think its been that hard. Sooo many people want me to tell them the first letter, or some people say " Just tell me, I won't tell anyone." Ummm.... No!  I cant tell one person and keep it from everyone else. So no one knows but Chris and I. My mom has named him Baby George, Pat has named him Oliver, and one of my friends just named him Baby Harker! But he does really have a name and  not too much longer and everyone will Know!
 I go back to the doctor this week and will continue weekly visits until he arrives! I started packing my bags this week. I dont have much in them yet, which is worrying me, but everyone tells me I dont need to pack alot to have a baby! Well, anyone that knows me, knows that when I pack to go anywhere, I pack a little on the heavy side! I am always worried I might forget something, so I am reading the books and asking different people " What should I pack?" I am getting lots of different "must haves" from people. I WILL have a full bag by the time I go in! Now I am trying to get Chris to pull his bag out!

Friday, October 30, 2009

34 Weeks

This past week we had our 34 week visit, and we also had a Ultrasound to see how much he is weighing and check the fluid level around him. Everything went well at this appointment, not too much weight gain at this visit, BP is still looking good. I am now having Contractions on a daily basis, usually starting around 5:00 am mostly while I am working. The girls at work tell me thats when I am going to go into labor! My hands are still swelling, I am down to 1 ring on my finger, and I am not sure how much longer that one will last.
  Chris wasnt able to make the ultrasound this time, so mom went with me. He was very active during the Ultrasound, He would hardly let the sonographer scan me, He kept moving oppposite of what she wanted. Fluid level looked good, he is still head down, and he is weighing 5lbs 13oz at 34 weeks! Big BOY!!! My doctor told me that she doesnt see me going to my due date, because of his size. Which at this point I am fine with, I am starting to get a little tired!
 At my next visit at 36 weeks they will do a test for Group B Strep wich is done on all pregnant patients, and once that result somes back she said she will start making a plan! Kinda Scary!!! I will post the Ultrasound pics, but they are really bad, the sonographer did not do very good, My 30 week pics are better than these. At 36 weeks I start going  to the doctor every week until delivery!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Williamsburg Trip




Chris and I decided to take a trip, just the two of us, to kinda get away and just enjoy each other! Chris chose Willamsburg. We went for 3 days and just relaxed, shopped (of course), and did a little sight seeing. It was about a 3 1/2 hour drive, which called for about 8 bathroom breaks. We hung out at the outlets for the most part the first day. They had a great outlet mall, and we bought some stuff for us, for christmas ( I love buying Christmas gifts early), and stuff for the little guy. We ate great dinners at Outback 1 night, Carabbas the next night, and Chris found a Dairy Queen that he hit up for a yummy Carmel Sunday- He shared a few bites with me:)


 Willamsburg was nothing like I  was thinking. It was a historic little town which Chris loved, and had lots of little specialty shops downtown that we went to 1 night and just enjoyed walking it and enjoying the nice cool weather. I think the only entertainment near us was Busch Gardens, and a minature Golf place and thats it. Since roller costers is definately out, we chose the golfing. It has been a long time since I have played, but I still beat Chris. I got the only Hole in 1 !!! We got behind this one couple that Chris and I about went crazy over. Each time the man didn't get the ball in on the 2nd to 3rd time he would say "Do Over" and would start all over. Playing a 9 hole game took us twice as long to play because of this crazy guy. We finally just started yelling out " Do Over" for him, I dont think he was too amused with us.  Chris decided not to listen to the Garmin on the way back and go a different way, which took even longer to get home- which added more bathroom breaks.  We had a great time it was a nice quick trip that we enjoyed.   It was nice just getting away from Greensboro and relaxing. A much needed trip for the two of us.






Chris Concentrating!

My Hole in One!

Friday, October 9, 2009

32 Weeks!

This week we had our 32 week visit and our last Birthing Class which was a "breast feeding" class. Chris was able to go to both of these with me which was great. At our Dr. appointment is was a routine appointment, checking the same things as usual, weight, BP, Heart beat, urine and Measuring my belly. When she measured me this week, she said " You are all baby". I am now measuring 3 weeks ahead! YIKES! Chris' eyes got really big when she told us this. She scheduled me a ultrasound with my next visit to check the fluid level around the baby, and his weight. She then proceeded to say" You  probably arent going to make it to Thanksgiving". Wow!  Time is really ticking. When we left the Dr,  Chris and I kept talking about how that is not much more time. I think it is really starting to sink in now. I am now starting to make list of things around the house that we need to do, which Chris loves (lol). Getting ready for my shower coming up, which I am really excited about, and just keep finding myself thinking about how much our lives are getting ready to change in a wonderful, but scary way!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Birthing Class!

     Chris and I attended a Birthing class this past weekend at Womens Hospital. With my insurance through work, we are required to attend three classes, the first we attended in June was " Our changing Body", the one we attended this past weekend was a two day class and it was "Birth and Baby" and the last one we have to attend is "Breastfeeding". By attending these classes we have awesome Maternity Benefits. We receive all of our prenatal care, hospital stay, Baby stay, procedures, and Postpartum care for $100. We call him our "Clearance Baby".
    These classes have been pretty good so far. As far as the Labor and Delivery part I knew alot of it, however when it comes to baby- I have no Clue!!!  Chris seemed to have been the class clown at times, especially when the instructor played a CD of a baby crying and handed a babydoll to Chris and told him to tell the class what he would do to make the baby stop Cyring and he paused, and then handed the baby to ME! Everyone in the class laughed- except me. We learned everything from timing contractions, learning when the right time to go to the hospital, breathing techniques, labor and delivery to diapering babies, burping them and bathing them. Lots of information in a small amount of time.
   We have been attending our birthing classes with a friend that I work with and her husband Josh. She is due Nov 1st, so we have been able to share alot of the same things together this pregnancy. Chris and Josh had a great time showing us how to take care of babies and learning all the crazy things about childbrith. I now know why  God made women to have babies not Men. They couldn't do it!!!



Chris and Josh Holding their Babies!

Me and Leigh Anne



Its that easy...
You just go Pick out your Baby!
Too Funny!



Learning our Breathing!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

30 week visit and a little More!

  Wednesday night I was at work and had a really busy night and didnt really stop until about 5:00am. I was so tired and just needing some time off my feet! Sooo... I have some really great friends down in Ultrasound that I have known for years from working with them through nursing school and one of my friends called me and told me to come down and she would scan me and try to get me some really good 4D ultrasound pics. I was so excited because I havn't had a Ultrsound since 18 weeks for anatomy. Rountinely the Dr. doesn't order additional ultrasounds  unless there are medical reasons.  I have been wanting to see him again and compare the difference in his development with the pictures from before, and 4D is just awesome! I went down and she immediately told me he was still head down, so I was still glad about that. He didn't really want to cooperate during the U/S, he held his right hand/arm in front of his face the whole time, no matter what we did to try to move it.  She did give me some shocking news... He is weighing about 3lbs 11oz now, which is  about 2 weeks ahead. I was like WHAT???? I can't have a big baby. She laughed and told me to chill out! She was able to tell that he has hair, and big feet too. I told her I didn't doubt the big feet thing since Chris wears size 13's.  She and I laughed and talked about everything from work related things to the amazing Miracle of Life we were looking at on the screen. Tears and smiles were abundant in that room. It was great not only to see him again but to share that time with a good friend I haven't seen in a while.
      Thursday morning when I got off work I went to the Doctor for my 30 week appointment. My Provider was back so it was nice to see her again. At this appointment it was just a routine OB appointment including: Weight, BP check, Measuring my belly and listening to his Heart Beat ( which I Still love to hear)! Everything was good. She said I was measuring a little over a week ahead. I didn't mention my "freebie U/S" I had the night before.  I asked her about how much she thought he weighed and she said he "should be" almost 3 lbs now.  I just smiled and said " I think he feels bigger". She said since I was measuring ahead she wants to do a U/S at 34 weeks, so  we can see then how Big he is. Another U/S... Yeah!!!!! It was a nice short visit and will return again in 2 weeks.
 I went home and asked Chris again how much he weighed when he was born. He and I both weighed only 6lbs, nice size babies. I joked with Chris telling him at least I have something to blame my weight gain on!!! Afterall, chuncky babies are Cuter right?


           Amazing!!!

His Long legs and Big feet!



Just For Chris!





Look at that Nose!

Monday, September 21, 2009

1st Baby Shower

Yesterday Chris and I had our first baby shower for our little guy and had a great time. Grandma Pat and  Aunt Michele planned this shower at Rocky Knoll Baptist Church for us. We had many sweet ladies come and give us lots of great presents. Chris and I used to go to church at RKBC, and have not been there in a while, so it was great seeing many people and knowing the love and support for Chris and I during this exciting time in our lives is still the same.  Mom and Hannah helped me organize all of the presents last night and put them in their place in his nursery and I enjoyed  opening them again for the second time. I love presents!!!! We got so many outfits, diapers, wipes and a beautiful blanket made by one of the sweetest ladies in the church.  I dont know how, but she always makes her blankets smell like baby???   I love it! We had such a great time and appreciate all who came and and gave us these wonderful gifts!! Thank You! I told Chris it was crazy because yesterday while I was opening those gifts, I had a flashback of 3 years ago sitting there in the fellowship hall, opening wedding gifts around the same time of year!!! WOW- we are blessed and have so much to be thankful for.
























Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Just a Few more Sips!!!!

Yesterday I had my 28 week check-up which also included the Diabetes Test. Special Instructions are given for this test for accuracy. I was told not to eat anything for 2 hours before the test, and that I would be given this sweet drink in the office I would have to drink and then have blood drawn a hour after I finished. Chris was able to go to this appointment with me so it made the time go by nicely. As I sat in the lab and drank this "drink" Chris was watching me through this window, giving me thumbs up, and mouthing things like "You can do it", " Only a few more Sips", " Your almost done". I just gave him a "look"- Ya know the,"Your not helping things look", and took the final sip. It wasnt bad while drinking it, however it started to make me sick while I was in the exam room waiting on the Dr.  I think hunger pains and that sweet orange drink did not mix well. Luckily I passed the test- No Diabetes for me. So it was all worth it.
 I was seen by a different Dr. this time while mine is out on medical leave. His heart still sounds great, Weight check... Umm we won't go there, He was head down yesterday which was a change from last week, and I am measuring a week ahead now.  I now start going to the Dr. every other week until 36 weeks, then weekly. As for now, I coudn't ask for anything more.... Well maybe some sleep!!!!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

From Small Beginnings Come Great Things...

Hello Everyone,
                As most of you know Chris and I are 26 weeks pregnant and expecting a beautiful bundle of joy this November. I decided to start this blog to journal about this pregnancy and share it with important people in our lives. I know a little late starting!! Quick  Bringing Up to Date: We found out we were pregnant on March 25 and we both just were so surprised and excited at the same time. Before Our 10 week appointment I was discussing with my mom that we were going to hear the heartbeat for the first time at this appointment, and she explained to me the joy, and feelings She had when she heard all of ours the first time and everytime therafter, she explained it to be a "indescribable feeling "you get. Being a Labor and Delivery Nurse of course I immediately think, I hear Baby's Heartbeats every day I probably will not even have those feelings.... WRONG!!!! Tears streamed down both Chris and My face as she placed that doppler on my belly and We heard that Bounding Heart rate beating 160 beats per minute. My feelings at this point were Indescribable!!!!
                On July 1st at 18 weeks we had our BIG ultrasound  to find out the sex of the baby. Chris was running late for this appointment and I was so nervous He was going to miss her telling us the sex. I asked her politely if she could scan everything but that "area" until Chris arrived. She was so sweet and took her time, and explained everything she was looking at and how it all looked normal and healthy. Chris Finally got there about 30 minutes into the U/S and she slowly placed the probe over the area to tell us.  I immediately said... Thats a Boy!  Chris said how do you know? I said Look Chris Its obvious! The U/S lady said YEP... Its A Boy!!!!  Chris was smiling from ear to ear, and I on the otherhand was Shocked! I was really thinking it was going to be a girl. I got over that quickly and am thrilled to death to be having a Boy! After this appointment and still to this day, I am buying little boy things everytime I see something I just cant resist. Chris calls it a "Addiction" I call it "Preparing".
                 On July 12th at 20 weeks we were sitting in church,while the preacher was preaching, I felt this crazy "fishlike " movement in my belly. I whispered to Chris" I think he just moved". Chris wanted to feel, however I didnt think people would find it too appropriate for Chris to be reaching up my dress to really feel this movement. I would only feel it very quickly and lightly for a few weeks after that. Now, on the other hand, He is still "feeling the Spirit" from the preaching that day at church and  is continuously moving. That also is a "indescribable feeling" that I love. Not long after that did the Belly begin growing Beyond measure and there was no questioning if I looked pregnant. I quickly moved out of regular clothes into maternity clothes.
                Many Needle sticks, Urine samples, weight checks,and nauseated days/nights later.... Here we are Almost 27 weeks, still growing, and feeling Wonderful!!!!! I could not have asked for a better pregnancy thus far! I have been Truly Blessed!   Chris and I are preparing for him everyday. We are almost finished with his bedroom, just a few last minute touches and it will be ready. I have departed from my beetle with much sadness and moved to a "Mommy-mobile". We got a new car that will hold more than just me and has room to grow! We bought a Honda Odeyssey a few weeks back and really are enjoying it so far. My friends at work pick on me and call me "soccer-mom". My next appointment is the Diabetes Screening, which I have  heard good and bad stories about, so we will see.
                 Overall this had been a wonderful year, filled with many surprises, laughter, tears and excitement. We are SO blessed and Thank God everyday for this Miracle that will be here soon! I will update this blog as things change, events happen and memories are made.. Stay Tuned...  Love- Beka