New blog

http://stephanie-myexpandingfamily.blogspot.com/

bad blogger

I am slacking on blogging these days, I have my hands full with the baby all day and when I have a free minute I look for a job or shower or try to eat.

I know things will get easier someday.

I think I am going to start a new blog just about the little man, this one has so much sadness in it from the past 6 months.

I'll post a link when I get it worked out.

I hope things get better

I went into work on Tuesday to show them my son, at the request of my co-workers. They arranged the monthly office lunch. After eating lunch and having a nice social visit my office manager told me that my job was no longer.

I was laid off. I cannot believe it, I am bummed. I loved working there and was looking forward to going back in 2 weeks - although I admit I was not looking forward to not spending my days with my son - so soon.

We just moved into my mom's house & are in the process of getting a loan to buy it. I hope I can find another job so we don't lose the house and have to move again.

Brendan's Birth Story

D and I had my best friend with us, she was staying at my house until Saturday 1/10 for her mom's funeral and wrapping up final affairs.

I was so nervous, I barely slept the night before and had an upset stomach from nerves. I also felt nauseated from the time I woe up.

D, Jess and I piled into the car, running late to make the 7:30 appointment. We made it to the hospital and checked into labor and delivery exactly at 7:30 am. While waiting to register, I heard the nurse on the phone that the rooms were all full and canceling appointments. They actually tried calling us to postpone, but we were at the new house. I got the last room available that day.

When I was hooked up to the monitors, I was told I was having contractions, although they were not regular, I had not realized what they were. My OB came into see me around and check my progress, I had not changed from my appointment on Tuesday, at 8:30 she broke my water. At 9:00, I was started on Pitocin. After I received the Pitocin I became more nauseated than earlier and got some Zofran for it, which helped it go away for a couple of hours.

I was told again how busy they were and make sure to get an epidural if I wanted one soon. I waited for a couple of hours before requesting it, and I was not in too much pain. I wanted to make sure I could receive it when the time came. I don't really remember what exact time I got the epidural, but I think it was around noon or 1 pm.

Slow with dilation, I progressed from the 1 centimeter I had arrived with to about 5 by 5 pm, the next few centimeters went fast, I was 10 by 7:30 when I was told that I could start pushing. Thee was a point whne the nurse left to go and call my OB to have her come back where I was instructed to push - I got so nauseated I was throwing up the entire 10-15 minutes I was left without the labor nurse.

The epidural had just enough pain relief, but I was still able to feel the contractions on one side of my belly, which helped me know when to push and when a contraction was coming.

I was having an okay time pushing, I was worried about pooping when I did, which the nurse assured me was fine. I had a wonderful labor and delivery nurse - her name is Kimber, she helped D and I get through what I considered to be something I was scared and nervous about.

I was so thankful to have my best friend and D in the room with me. I had wanted to have my mom and D with me when I delivered and my best friend was the next best thing, she is like a sister to me.

I was told that when I pushed Brendan's head would come down then go back up. I was getting tired of pushing after an hour and a half and over 12 hours of contractions and dilating.

My OB gave me the option of using a vaccum suction on his head and giving one last push or get ready for a c-section. By this point I was just wanting my little boy out and told her to try the vaccum suction. The nurse called to check the status of the operating rooms so we could prepare for a c-section.

One big push and the vaccum suction attached and Brendan was out! We were all surprised, the staff did not think it would be so quick. I know I could not have delivered Brendan without my Mom looking over us.

I had Brendan placed on my chest, it was amazing to see my little boy for the first time.

We stayed in the labor and delivery room that night, all mom & baby rooms were full. The nursery was also full that first night.

he's here!!!!!

Baby Brendan
Arrived 1/9/09 at 9:26pm, 8.7 lbs, 20.5 inches. I love my little boy more than I could have ever imagined. Labor story to follow when I have more time.

Baby update

I went to the Drs. on Tuesday to check my progress.

I am starting to dilate more and already effaced to 80%.

The Dr. says Brendan is likely about 8.5 pounds now and will gain .5 a week. If I don't go into labor by the morning of 1/9 I am going to get induced at 7:30 am. She does not want the baby to get too big and my blood pressure is getting higher.

I am very uncomfortable and happy that an end is in sight.

sad

Tonight my best friend came back into town to see her mom. I picked her up at the airport tonight at 10:00pm and took her to the hospital. Having just seen her mom on Monday, I was knowing she is getting worse, well I saw the change from 3 days ago. Her mom was not responsive, she couldn't talk or make eye contact.

Jessica called the Dr. to tell him to put her on a morphine drip until she passes, the same decision I had to make for my own mom. I cannot believe we are losing our moms within a month of each other. We have been best friends and through so much without this happening.

I'm heartbroken for Jessica and her brothers. I am sad that Annette is dying.