Pyper's Birth Story

 I've had the pleasure and blessing of experiencing the love a mother has for a child for the past 2 years and 9 months. On May 22, 2012, that love only doubled. My heart is so so full.

Monday, we started the day off with my last OB appointment. Doctor K told me I was dilated to a good 3 and my cervix was still about 70% effaced which was plenty favorable for delivery. We got our instructions for what we needed to do the next morning and we were on our way.

I spent the rest of the afternoon running errands getting last minute things done before our sweet princess made her appearance and hanging out with our precious boy! My parents and sister arrived about 6:30 that evening and we headed to Aubelo's for some yummy Mexican food. My brother met us back at our house where we all visited for a while.

Mom and I waiting on Pyper

Brody and I had planned on an early bedtime as we had to be ready to leave the house by 5:00 am when we called the hospital. We got Wade in bed on time and enjoyed our last night as a family of three snuggling, having story time and prayers. Brody feel asleep quickly, I jealously tossed and turned, surfed the Internet, and played on my phone most of the night. That's the one thing about inductions, you have time to think about what is going to happen, and I was too excited/nervous to sleep. I finally dozed off about 2:45, only to have my alarm wake me 2 hrs later.

Getting anxious

I got up and showered and dressed and anxiously called the hospital at 5 to see what time we needed to arrive. My dear sweet friend works in labor and delivery and since she wasn't working that particular day she requested her sweet friend for me. Since I had requested a nurse that didn't arrive until 7, we didn't have to be there until 6:45. Brody went back to bed for another hour or so and my mom and I sat on the couch and watched TV until it was time for us to go. That's a fun memory I'll cherish, just she and I while the whole house was asleep, visiting and dreaming about what we thought baby girl would look like.

Mommy's first look at her baby girl

Finally, it was time for us to go. We snuck in and kissed Wade's sleepy head, hugged mom and dad and we were on our way. That was a fun/nervous car ride. We didn't really say much, lost in thought about the day. We got there about 7 and they took me right back to a delivery room and got me all changed. They started my IV about 7:15 and asked an array of questions. I was surprised to see Dr. K walk in at 7:40. He checked me and to my surprise went ahead and broke my water. They started my pitocin on a low dose as Dr. K was headed into a c-section with the anesthesiologist.

Just missing Wade

We had asked our families to just wait for our call to come up to the hospital. Brody and I wanted to be able to share some alone time before everyone came up to celebrate and anxiously await Pyper's arrival. Boy was I thankful we had done it that way! My contractions started quick and strong! I was able to breathe through the first 30 minutes of them and the pain was manageable, but they quickly started coming closer together and a lot stronger! I went ahead and asked for my epidural as I could tell I was laboring quickly. The nurses informed me that I was already on the list for one but the anesthesiologist was still in the OR with the c-section. I ended up laboring for a good two hours before I got my epidural. Finally, at 10 I was able to get my epidural. Brody was nervous for me as I'm a huge weenie when it comes to needles, surprisingly I wasn't even nervous about it as this was going to be my 3rd epidural and I knew what to expect. Even if I had been nervous about it it wouldn't have mattered, I was so focused on breathing through my strong contractions that I was shocked when they told me he was done. The nurses check me at 10:15 and I was a good 6. Finally, about 10:30 the epidural really kicked in and I got some relief. We went ahead and told my mom and dad to come up and be with us. They arrived about 10:45 and we visited about the morning and Wade. My mom kept asking me if I was having contractions because i was getting these looks on my face, I told her I couldn't feel anything but strong strong pressure between my legs. She felt like I needed to be checked but I assured her they would be in soon. Brody's mom arrived about 12:05 and the nurses came in at 12:15 to check me. We were all shocked to find out that the intense pressure I was feeling wasn't contractions, I was crowning and it was time to push!!!

Mom quickly got on the phone calling my brother, sister, and father-in-law to hurry up and come to the hospital. Everyone but Brody and Mom left the room. For Wade's delivery it was just Brody and I, this time I really wanted my Mom to be apart of the delivery, I knew it would be a special moment for her and I both!

First Shampoo

Dr. K walked in a 12:20, I pushed through two whole contractions and at 12:28 PM Miss Pyper, graced us with her presences. The hospital has started what they call kangaroo care, they immediately placed her on my chest and wiped her down. Once Dr. K was done with me, they weighed and measured her. They then placed her in my hospital gown and left us to just enjoy our new baby girl. She latched on quickly and nursed easily. It was so wonderful, they do everything in the room, bath her, do her initial check up, the whole nine, she never left our side.  

all clean

We've been home a week tomorrow and our family feels so complete. Wade wasn't too sure about Pyper the first day in the hospital. He didn't want a whole lot to do with her, once we brought her home though he has warmed right up. He says "I hold it!" And in the mornings he says, "Where is Pyper?" or "Where is sissy?" He is fascinated with her diaper changes. More like disgusted and fascinated all at once, but he is always eager to hand me a diaper and wipes and be a helper in the process. Sometimes he tells me to set Pyper down so I can play with him. It's been interesting figuring out how to make it all work, but I think he realizes that she hasn't taken her place and we love them both the same.

kisses for sissy

We feel so blessed and thankful that the Lord has entrusted us to be this little boy and girl's parents. We pray that we are raising them in a way that is pleasing to Him and that we have already planted a seed in their hearts to be obedient, diligent servant of the Lord.

Pyper Grace Wright

Pyper Grace arrived May 22, 2012 at 12:28 P.M.

6 lbs, 11 oz, 20 inches of perfection!

Tiny Hiney

Trying on bows!

Ready to go home

Proud and smitten Daddy!

Meeting her big brother!

Big Brother warming up to her!

I'll be back soon! I'm soaking up my little bundle of joy!!

Tomorrow we go from a family of three to four!

Well, tomorrow is the big day!! Our sweet baby girl will make her arrival sometime tomorrow afternoon. In some ways I can hardly believe it's already here, in others I didn't think the day would ever get here. 

She obviously has not made an appearance before our scheduled induction date and as many of you know I was pretty apprehensive about the whole thing. For one thing, I wanted her to have plenty of time to finish growing and developing and to come on her own, but also, I know a lot of inductions can end in a c-section if baby and mommy aren't ready to delivery, something I also want to avoid as I've already had an easy vaginal delivery the first go around. However, I really started praying for the Lord to show me what he had in store for us and for his timing and plan to prevail. Needless to say, I've started to feel at peace with this decision over the past week and weekend. For one, I had a REALLY fast delivery with Wade, we're talking a little less than 4 hours from start to finish, so I was worried that my parents probably wouldn't make the trip in time for her arrival. Now, they will be here this evening and be able to help us out with Wade and be apart of the day. 

Big Brother Practicing for his baby sister's arrival!

We had our last OB appointment this morning to make sure that Miss Pyper was still in head down position and to see if my cervix was soft enough on it's own or if I needed to go in for the cervical gel tonight. Dr. K said everything looked good, she was looking good and I am dilated to a 3 and my cervix was plenty soft and very ideal for delivery. He also let us know that her fluid level was getting low, reassuring him and us that we were doing the right thing in intervening and delivering tomorrow. He said it usually means one of two things, 1. my water broke and I didn't know it (highly unlikely), or 2. The placenta is getting tired and not supplying like it should. He felt sure it was the second, which means over the next two weeks she probably wouldn't grow a whole lot more due to the fact that my placenta is slowing down. With all this information I felt even more at peace with our decision, at this point, the best thing for her is to be on the outside with her family instead of another week or two in my tummy.  

Fun at Mr. Gatti's with Mommy and Daddy!

The plus side to being induced is having the ability to be totally prepared. Brody and I took Wade to Mr. Gatti's Friday night for pizza and some fun game time. We really wanted to do as much with him as we could this past weekend. Saturday night, Brody's mom took him to see the Wizard Of Oz that the high school theater group was putting on, so Brody and I rented a movie and ordered in and had a nice date night at home. Sunday, was spent doing last minute moving stuff around here and a nice family evening. 

Pooped after a weekend of fun!

Today, I've run lots of errands and done several things around the house to prepare for tomorrow. I hired Brody's Mom's sweet cleaning lady to come and clean and disinfect the house really well this morning since Wade had the stomach bug last week. I've done all the laundry, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher, changed all the sheets, emptied all the trash, washed, vacuumed and gassed up the car, installed the carseat, loaded Pyper's bag and Wade's gift from Pyper in the car, charged the camera up, and stocked up on groceries. The rest of the afternoon will be spent with my little man until my family arrives this evening. 


Tonight, we'll all go out for dinner and enjoy all being together. Brody and I have to be dressed and ready to go by 5:00 AM tomorrow morning. I'm #2 on the induction list so we'll probably get things going around 5:30 or 6. My sweet parents will get BIG BROTHER all ready in the morning and take him to the babysitter's until sister makes her arrival. 


Prayers for a smooth, easy vaginal delivery and a healthy baby girl and momma are greatly appreciated. We absolutely can not wait for our new addition. 


I'll be back with pictures soon!

37 Weeks!

How far along: 37 Weeks! FULL TERM!!!

Size of baby: According to thebump.com Pyper is the size of a winter melon. She measures between 18.9 to 20.2 inches long and weighs between 6.2 to 9.2 lbs. Baby is gaining 1/2 an ounce a day. 

We went for our last 4D sonogram Thursday and they said she was measuring at 6 lbs 3 oz. So I'm guessing she weighs about 6 lbs 6 oz.

Total weight gain: 29 lbs. I'm getting to the point that I'm ready to stop seeing those numbers climb. I didn't want to go over 30 so hopefully, I can stay a few lbs within that goal.

Loving on this belly while i still can!

Gender: IT'S A GIRL!!!!

Movement: Movement is still good. I can tell she is running out of room, they aren't sharp quick jabs or kicks anymore, mainly just big ole bulges and her pushing her little hiney out. I can still feel her head butting my cervix.

Sleep: Sleep is as good as can be expected. I'm staying up somewhat later in order to fall asleep quickly when I actually do get in bed. I'm up every two hours to pee.

What I miss: Feeling somewhat cute in clothes and having clear skin. My hormones are in full swing and my face is broken out like crazy!

Cravings: peach chicken wrap from McAlisters, Cereal. 

 

Symptoms: Extra sore boobs, leaking a little colostrum, random contractions, lots of pelvic pressure, I've hit the really tired even though I'm not doing much stage again. Funny how pregnancy starts and ends that way.

 

Maternity clothes: Still a few normal pieces of clothes but mainly maternity.

Best moment this week: Saw our sweet baby girl again yesterday. She looked right at us on the screen! I can't wait to kiss that cute little nose I saw!!!

-Still no change. Still dilated to a 2, he didn't tell me if I was effaced anymore, I'm assuming no. 

-If I haven't had her by Monday I'm on the schedule to be induced Tuesday morning. I DON'T want to be induced so we are praying she comes on her on this week sometime! See previous post for more on this topic. 

Have so enjoyed every second of this pregnancy!! Trying to savor each kick and roll and my belly!

-Feel extremely ready this week.  I've been spending all my spare time with Mr. Wade and enjoying it being just the two of us while I can. But I feel like if she came today I would be totally at peace with Wade becoming a big brother. Praying that the Lord's timing will prevail!

Mother's Day and a Pyper Update

I had an awesome Mother's day yesterday! It was low key and and relaxing, just what I had hoped for. 

We got up Sunday morning and I made a yummy breakfast casserole and we just lounged around and ate. Then it was time to head off to church. Brody and I were so excited to finally go to church. We've missed the last three weeks due to life. The first two weekends we missed due to us moving and working, and last weekend we missed because Mr. Wade had tonsillitis and double ear infections. Needless to say, we were so excited to finally get there and worship with our church family! Have I mentioned our church rocks! We love our awesome church family and the support system that they provide. 

He was showing me his new dinosaur shirt!

After church we headed over to Brody's parent's house for lunch with the whole family. Wade enjoyed running around with his cousins and we enjoyed a delicious lunch and lovely company. After the sweet boys cleaned up we loaded back up and came home. Thankfully, Wade was worn out and willingly laid down for a nap. Brody and I decided we were equally tired and needed a nap to. Well, I think exhausted is the word I should be using, we ended up taking a 3 1/2 hour nap. It was heavenly. 

Loved spending the day with this sweet boy!

We ended the evening with a long walk around the neighborhood and a hodge podge supper. It was so nice to spend the day with my boys. I was constantly reminded of house blessed and lucky I am to be Wade's mother and soon Pyper's. The Lord is oh so good!

Pyper Update

I had an appointment this afternoon with my OB. I was really hoping to have made some sort of progress, unfortunately I had not. I'm still at a 2. Dr. K said all looks great with Pyper and she is growing as planned. He did stress some concern about me going much longer. He said with my small frame and build he really doesn't want me to have a big baby. I asked if he would just strip my membranes today and he said he wanted to wait until next Monday. He then informed me that I'm on the books to be induced next Tuesday. Needless to say, I left very overwhelmed and in tears. I have said all along I DON'T want to be induced. I just feel like it's a much harder labor than it happening naturally, plus, there is just something about the surprise of going into labor and the unexpected. 


I'm also torn because I don't want to have her if she isn't ready. I want her to be able to grow as long as she needs. I know God already has her birthday planned and he knows exactly what needs to happen. I see Dr. K again on Monday and he will strip my membranes then. I'm just praying she comes on her own sometime this week. From the sonograms we know she is a good size and she has had the steroid shots for her lungs two weeks ago and we are FULL TERM tomorrow whoo hoo! Hopefully, she will decide to grace us with her presents soon. If not I have a big decision to make by Monday afternoon. Praying that the Lord's timing will prevail!

36 week

How far along: 36 weeks and counting!

Size of baby: According to thebump.com Pyper is the size of a honeydew melon.  The doctor said she was weighing between 5 1/2 to 6 pounds yesterday. We go Thursday for our last 4D sonogram so we will have a better idea of how big she is!

Didn't realize how dirty my mirror was!

Total weight gain: 28 lbs

Gender: IT'S A GIRL!!!!

Movement: This little girl is moving around like crazy! She is down on my cervix and head butting really hard!

Sleep: Sleep is as good as can be expected. I'm going to bed a little later so I'm good and tired and Wade has me up between 6:45 and 7:30.  Still up to pee every couple of hours.

What I miss: Feeling somewhat cute in clothes and having clear skin. My hormones are in full swing and my face is broken out like crazy!

Cravings: Bananas, peach chicken wrap from McAlisters, Cereal. 

Symptoms: Extra sore boobs, leaking a little colostrum, and my sides are sore when I wake up in the morning, and BH contractions, pelvic pressure.

Maternity clothes: Still a few normal pieces of clothes but mainly maternity.

Best moment this week: Getting to see our sweet baby girl twice this week!


-We got a good report at the doctor yesterday. I was a little disappointed that there was no change, I'm still a 2 and 70% effaced. Dr. K said he felt like I still had at least a good week in me maybe two. 


-My emotions are all over the place this week. I'm so anxious and excited to hold and meet our baby girl period. With that said, one minute I'm sitting around wishing I was contracting or showing some sign of labor and the next I'm thankful I'm not so I can enjoy Wade by himself longer. It's all bittersweet really. I know when she gets here our family will feel even more complete and all will be well, but I'm not wanting Wade to feel pushed out or less important. I want him to understand that even though he will have a sister we still love him the same, more even and the he is important to us. I know that sounds crazy, it's just different excitement and emotions with the second child i guess. So, I know when she comes it will be perfect because that's when God wants her to join our family. I know Wade and I will both be ready and it will be perfect!


-I think if one more person calls or texts me to see how I feel or if i'm making any progress I might just turn my phone off. I know everyone is SO excited to meet Pyper, we are too, it's just I feel so much pressure when people call or ask and really, you can only be asked how you feel so many times before you just want to bite someone haha!

What to pack for the hospital

After my cerclage was removed and I found out my progress I decided it would be wise to come home and get the last minute things prepared before Pyper arrives. One of the things on my to do list was to pack her diaper bag and my hospital bag so when the time does come we can just grab and go. A sweet reader asked if I would mind doing a post about what all I packed. I'm sure I haven't thought of everything and am open to suggestions if you see I've left something out. Here are the things I have put together!

Pyper's Bag:
- a good yet cute swaddling blanket

- one or two gowns (they are easier for quick diaper changes, and you know their little bodies 
are sore too from delivery, so the less you have to unbutton and snap the better in my opinion) 

- Of course I still packed two or three cute onesies, and sleepers

-Bows, hats, and headbands to match all her sweet clothes.

-The carseat is in the car and fastened securely.

-Her baby book so we can have her foot prints put in them! 

My Hospital Bag:
-My own pillow, it's important to be completely comfortable while in labor and your first few nights as a new mommy!


-My cellphone and charger. There are lots of phone calls and text messages to be made to keep family and friends informed. 


-Camera, camera charger, and a new or cleared off camera card. Make sure that battery is charged and ready to go and that the memory card is cleared off so you aren't having to delete improtant pictures to capture you child's birth. 


-Toiletry Bag. This bag you may have to add to as your walking out the door so keep a list of all the things you want to add so you don't forget something. My toiletry bag consist of tooth paste, tooth brush, shower gel and sponge, shampoo and conditioner, a towel because the hospitals are small, face wash, hair ties, makeup, deodorant, lotion, chapstick, blow dryer and curling iron or straightener. 

-Several pairs of comfy pajamas that you feel comfortable having visitors in preferable nursing pajamas if you plan to nurse. A good nursing cami is nice too. 


-A good nursing Bra and comfy undies even thought the hospital will issue you some lovely net looking undies to accommodate the after math.


-Clothes to go home in, keep in mind not everyone is a freak of nature so you more than likely won't be back in your size 2 skinny jeans so make sure you bring comfy big clothes or maternity clothes to go home in.


-Shoes that are easy to slip on and off around the hospital room.


-A boppy or breast friend pillow to help with nursing.




I'm sure this is in no way all that you should or might want to take, but these are the important things i have in my bag and things I remember being really glad I had when I have my first baby. Hope this helps!

35 weeks!

How far along: 35 weeks, cerclage free, 70% effaced and 2 cm dilated. This girl could literally come at any time!!!

Size of baby: According to thebump.com Pyper is the size of a butternut squash. She is between 17.2 to 18.7 inches long and weighs between 4.2 to 5.8 pounds!

Total weight gain: 27 lbs

Gender: IT'S A GIRL!!!!

Movement: This little girl is moving around like crazy! She is down on my cervix and head butting really hard!

Sleep: Sleep is as good as can be expected. I've actually slept fairly hard this past week and weekend due to being tired from moving. Still up to pee every couple of hours.

What I miss: Feeling somewhat cute in clothes and having clear skin. My hormones are in full swing and my face is broken out like crazy!

Cravings: Bananas, peach chicken wrap from McAlisters.

Symptoms: Extra sore boobs, leaking a little colostrum, and my sides are sore when I wake up in the morning, and BH contractions. I've had lots of cervical pain due to the stitches.

Maternity clothes: Still a few normal pieces of clothes but mainly maternity.

Best moment this week: Oh my goodness there were so many wonderful moments this week!


-We got all moved in and got Miss Pyper's Nursery for the most part set up and decorated and ready to go. My aunt will be here at the end of the week or beginning of next week to paint some cute stuff on the walls, other than that it's pretty much ready!


-The cerclage came out at 10:00 AM this morning! Talk about painful. It wasn't enough to make me cry but it sure was uncomfortable and I was thankful when it was over. Poor Brody can't stand to see me in pain and he turned really white and sweaty before it was all said in done with! He went ahead and checked me and I'm 70% effaced and dilated to a 2 already so she could literally come any time now! CRAZY!!!

-Got her diaper bag packed and working on packing my own hospital bags! 

-The swing, bouncer, and bassinet have all be washed and set up for Miss Priss!

Now I'm just enjoying my last few days with my first baby before she arrives!