A Done Deal!

I started labour pains last Thursday around 8:30pm and knew these were the real deal. Contractions were much more painful than the night before. I decided this could take a little while so Liam and I decided to lay down around 11:00pm. I actually fell asleep which was unexpected but great! I woke up around 12:30am almost dying in pain!! LOL I knew I needed to get to the hospital like NOW! I immediately woke Liam and he jumped in the shower while I called Dad to come watch the girls. Liam had an interview Friday morning at 8:30am and there was no way he was going to get any sleep! We were at the hospital about 1:30am and I was 4 cm dialated and contractions were coming much more quickly. Anna had met me in the front lobby of the hospital and took me up to labour and delivery and immediately after checking me they admitted me. When my contractions became 4 mins appart they put us in the delivery room. I was coping quite well and was very proud of myself. Liam was freaking out a little thinking it was much farther away because I was joking and laughing between contractions. I wanted to try the eppideral again in hopes that this time it would have some effect. It seemed forever before I was able to get it but I did and it worked! I was in total heaven then!! Liam would tell me when I was having a contraction at first because I couldn't feel them at all until the pressure started coming. After a discussion with the nurse we figured out that the reason I likely crowned the min after the eppideral was in place both other times was because they had broken my water before they had put it in. This time they waited! As soon as they did break my water though I needed to start breathing through my contractions again and sometimes there was no time at all between two contractions. The nurse kept saying "I will just let you get comfortable" and leaving the room but I knew baby was almost ready. I ended up ringing the bell and calling them in saying "I think it's time". Immediately the nurse and doctor came in, the nurse checked me after a VERY long contraction and said "you are 10cm and ready to push"! So I did... and one contraction she was out! It was amazing!! Tessa Julianna was born at 5:06am weighing 8lbs and 7ozs. After Abigail was born I swore I would not do this again for a VERY long time because the pain was so unbareable... but this time it was great!

Liam made it to his interview on time and was thrilled with how well it went (fingers crossed)! Being a new daddy again must have had him in fantastic spirits even with a total lack of sleep. He was able to get a little nap in in the labour delivery room after Tessa had arrived and while Anna and I got to know this new and beautiful baby.

We brought home Tessa Julianna Porter on Saturday December 6th, 2008 (the day after her birth). Her two big sisters are totally in love with her and she is a sweet little bundle.

Keep updated on our life at "And Now There Are Three!" blog by Natalie Porter. There you will be updated with our family experiences and just every day life. Thanks for following!

Stubborn Girl

Definately a Porter this one is LOL... I started contractions yesterday morning at 4 am. They continued for three hours at 15 mins appart and then they were sparatic all day long. Around supper time they started up a bit stronger and closer together at 4 mins appart. After some convincing from my mother and Liam I went to the hospital. I had a feeling I was not ready but went anyways. I was 2 cm dialated (the same as my last visit a week ago). Contractions were barely happening again and after a little monitoring I walked around for about an hour before getting checked again. When I went back, baby's heart rate was VERY high and mommy was dehydrated. The nurse hooked me up to an IV until she was satisfied with baby's heart rate again and when I got checked again I was still the same. I was sent home! The last thing on earth I wanted was to be sent home.... esspecially after two previous pregnancies you would think I was an expert by now! LOL She was not ready! We got home around 130 am and I dredded that I would never get any sleep for 1. Lilly and my mother occupied my bed and 2. I thought I would keep having contractions all night or have such a baby brian I could never sleep. I ended up sleeping VERY well. I made Liam take Lilly to her own bed and crawled in with mom. I slept in until about 8:30 am or so. When mom got up she sent Liam to our bed for a rest too since he had slept on the couch all night. Mom was great this morning taking care of the girls while we rested and then once Liam was up and Mom had left I went back to sleep for hours! Thanks again so much Mom! We appreciate you a lot!!
So we have esstablished that baby is a stubborn girl... or just maybe... maybe, she was trying to find a way for Momma to rest up and get lots of energy for her VERY SOON arrival! LOL

38 Weeks Today

Just got home from my visit with Dr. Jamieson and it went well. Hopefully I will not need to return to the office again for a long while! I was two cm dialated when I arrived and have now been stretched. I forgot just how uncmfortable it was, but, hopefully well worth it. I can feel baby trying to get lower every min! Dr. Jamieson said her head was very nice and low and because I was already 2 cm it made it easier to stretch the cervix.
I forgot to mention about my Strep B results at my last visit. They were negitive again so I do not need to worry about that at all. No antibiotics during labour needed.
I am a little uncomfortable right now (having cramping) and do have some bloody show which is all VERY normal after such an exam. We will cross our fingers (and toes) and say a little prayer for this baby to arrive quickly and healthy of course! Hopefully my next update will be me in labour or after this new little bundle has arrived. I do have a appontmnt booked for December 5th but hope t deliver long before then!

A Visit With Dr. Chamberlin

Just got home from my appointment with Dr. Chamberlin. I am offically "full term" as they say and could go into labour anytime now. My blood pressure was great as well as baby's heart beat and I weighed in at the exact same as two weeks ago and messured the same as well. Baby's head is way down now and Dr. Chamberlin said they could sweep my membranes (Yippee) at my next weeks appointment which will fall on Wednesday this time. She said she doesn't like to try and bring on labour at 37 weeks but that they have no problem doing it at 38 weeks! I was surprised when the doctor reccognized me right away. I knew she has been sharing the practice with Jamieson for some time now but I think I actually only saw her one time when I was pregnant with Abigail! Guess it helps knowing people in the office (IE. Auntie Wendy being the retired receptionist for Dr. Jamieson)! Dr. Chamberlin mentioned that if my water breaks that I should head straight to labour and delivery as well as soon as my contractions start becoming at all regular. She said that with the shortness of my last labour I could prbably expect the same if not shorter this time around! I was glad she mentioned about my water breaking because both times they had to break my bag of water while I was in the hospital and I was meaning to ask what I should do if that occured. I really hope it doesn't occur because I would hate to be worrying about cleaning up that mess when I needed to be headed to the hospital. Anyhow all is hunky dorry and I may even look forward to my next appointment although I would love to go into labour on my own before then!

Hurry Up Baby!

I am feeling SO much pressure today that I am keeping quite comfortable in the sitting position. If I stand up I feel like baby could fall right out! LOL When I walk I feel as though I have to keep my legs open and look as though I have a stick up my rear end! I am ready!! House is clean and I have everything I need... Even took the girls for a play in the snow this morning so they have had there fill for a few days at least. No braxton hicks today yet. Anyhow, I don't know just how ready baby is yet. 20 days left according to our due date to go... any guesses as to when she may arrive?

All About Baby
At 37 weeks, baby's body is developed enough to survive outside of the womb. Her lungs, now filled with amniotic fluid, are ready to take her first breaths of air. Her eyelids flutter open and shut preparing for her first view of Momma.
This baby is just about done growing inside of me. That means it could be anytime now!

How Big Is Baby?
At nearly six pounds, six ounces and 14 inches in length (crown to rump) baby can come any day now!

Momma Bird is Nesting!

I cleaned up all the dust webs in every ceiling corner of my house (excluding the basement). I vacuumed the whole house and under furniture. I even vaccuumed all the little corners of the stairs where all the dirt and dog hair gather. Cleaned the bathroom, bathed the girls in between and did laundry. Cleaned the kitchen. Did more laundry and I even windexed the mirrors. Everyone is in bed and asleep except for me and I am the one who had no steam at dinner time thinking I just may have to have an early night. It is 11PM and I am still thinking about going back into the living room to dust the top of the picture frames on the wall but think then I might have to vaccuum again since you are really suppose to dust before you vaccuum... maybe I will leave that job for tomorrow! Hmmmmm... nesting?? I think maybe I am. I am ready for baby at any moment but am pretty sure she is not quite ready yet. Only time will tell :)

The Pressure

I had a rough night last night trying to get a good nights sleep. My right hip was killing me!! When I actually woke up this morning and came downstairs I had so much pressure in my pelvis. Mostly on the right side. It has finally subsided a little bit thank goodness, because it felt as though this baby might just fall right out! LOL I am tired this afternoon. Had a pretty good morning but now wish I was cozy in my warm bed sleeping away (hibernating) until baby arrives! I will try to tire out the girls here so that maybe they will nap this afternoon... wish me luck!
The contractions continue. I am getting them daily but not too often. Baby is practicing for a safe arrival soon!