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!

35 Weeks Pregnant, 33 Days to Go!

Only 33 Days to go now. Went to see Dr. Jamieson yesterday and all is well. BP is normal. Urine is normal. I am messuring 37 cm this week and baby's heart beat is strong and normal. I will return to the hospital in two weeks time again but will see Dr. Chamberlin instead but only for one visit and then I will be back on Jamieson's schedule again. Dr. Jamieson said that if I delivered baby now that everything would likely be okay and that I would be able to take baby home with me right away. She thinks by this time baby is pretty much full term and there are not usually too many complications after the 35 week mark.

I spent today getting baby's clothes all put away and packing my bag for the hospital. I am starting to feel a bit more organized and we are doing a pretty good job of keeping the house clean (besides the untidied girls bedrooms). Tuesday the girls will be headed to Chantelle's and I will be able to really get things done!

All About Baby
At 35 weeks, baby is considered full-term and she looks developed. The soft, fuzzy hairs that once covered her body begin to disappear. She continues to add fat layers, which will help her stay warm once she's out of the womb. During these last weeks, baby has developed sleeping patterns (and they often have little to do with night and day!)

How Big Is Baby?
Baby weighs in at about five pounds, 10 ounces and stretches to around 12 inches (crown to rump).

Actually Motivated... WOW!

Felt great this afternoon! I got so motivated that the girls and I spent hours upstairs getting my room cleaned out. I pulled out all of the summer clothes from the drawers and closets, cleaned and organized all drawers and closets and got a storage unit ready for baby's clothes (which I have not put in yet beacuse they smell too good and I want them fresh as can be)! I was able to get rid of about a garbage bag and a half of clothes again. I wish Liam was willing to part with more than he does (total pack rat). I was even so motivated that when the girls had their bath and were playing I washed the bathroom sink, toilet and floor and the tub I let soak for Liam to tackle. He is the one will the muscles to get that deep stuck on soap scum off! Now, I will tackle Abigail's bedroom and try and weed out some toys for some room for Christmas ones (well tomorrow I mean). Then upsairs will be done besides the vaccumming I will need to do and dusting the ceiling corners where all the dust webs gather. We are getting there slowly but surely.

I talked to Chantelle (girls sitter) today and we have set things up so that the girls will go there for 5 hours every Tuesday starting next week. It will give me a break and some cleaning time (nap time once baby arrives)! I would like them on a regular schedule and it will be good for all of us I think. VERY looking forward to that. The awesome thing too is that she is just around the corner making it super convient for drop off and pick up!! Lilly says she really likes Chantelle so that is reasuring! LOL Plus I am sending them there on a day that Zander (her little guy) is there so that Lilly and he can play together!

Still counting down... only 37 days to go!

ONLY 39 Days left! OMG!!

When you look at time in weeks it still seems pretty far off. But, when you look at the time in days... well that is craziness! I cannot believe I have been rushing this and now time is ticking quickly and I almost feel like freaking out a little! I have the craddle up in our bedroom and plan on cleaning it tomorrow. Most of the infant clothes are washed... only one more load (then I need to find a spot to put them all)! I still need to pack for the hospital and clean my house. I conquered my livingroom and Lilly's room today... tomorrow the kitchen and our bedroom. Liam is working on the bathroom this weekend so that will be my last job... slowly but surely we will have the house sparkling and ready for babe... will it stay that way?? Doubt it. Will I try to make everyone keep it that way? Bet your butt I will!

I go to see Dr. Jamieson on Friday again and we will see how I am feeling by then. I get to look forward to the lovely strep "B" test... anyone who has been pregnant in the last few years will know what I am talking about. It is far from thrilling (discusting actually)! Joy to the world! LOL Both other times I was negitive and didn't have to worry about anything. If you do show possitive it is no big deal really... except as soon as your water breaks they hook you up to IV with antibiotics to keep anything from passing on to baby.

Well... time is flying by now. Soon Christmas will be here and we will be blessed with three beautiful little girls so share our day with and hopefully enough sleep :) We bought our first Christmas present today... better start shopping soon!

Not Such a Great Sleep...

Last night was a little rough (to say the least). I could not sleep to save my life. I tossed and turned for hours before I decided to head downstairs for some quiet time. I checked some e-mails, etc for a few mins and was just about to start some catching up on my Y&R when Abigail started calling for me. Abigail does call out in her sleep occasionally but never usually wakes up. She was REALLY awake last night tho and continued calling for me and Liam until I went up to sit with her. I am not sure what was going on really but she was pretty certian that we should all be awake and head downstairs. I sat with her for about an hour in her room before I made her go back to sleep. I then had to listen to her crying "Mommy" over and over again until she finally faded off. It was a really sad cry too and reminded me of the visit to the OR when she had her day surgery... so sad! So last nights rest consisted of about 2 hours solid rest... brutal!

I cannot belive that I am 34 weeks tomorrow! Only 6 weeks (or less I hope) to go!! I am writing a list tonight of everything I will need once baby arrives and plan on washing baby clothes once the girls are tucked into their cozy beds tonight. Maybe I Awill even pack my bag for the hospital... we will see.

All About Baby
Baby's muscles are maturing along with the rest of her body. She can hold her head up and turn it from side to side. She'll practice this newfound muscle tone by stretching out her arms and kicking her legs. I can assure you the practicing is going well as I am consistantly getting more uncomfortable with every move she is making inside me!

Baby's eyes are now open when awake, and closed when sleeping. Most of the lanugo is gone and replaced with a thick coat of vernix (remember that yucky white cheese both girls were born all covered in?).

How Big Is Baby?
This week baby is about 12.8 inches (crown to rump) and weighs nearly five pounds.
Just about ready to emmerge... or at least I can hope!!

Oh My Aching... Everything!

Last night we made a short trip to Walmart to get a few new baby sleepers. Liam tried to convince me 101 times to get those onsies but I refused. He said look how cheep they are and I said it's no wonder... they have no legs! I NEVER used them with either of my girls and do not want to start now. I think they are so silly. Esspecially since baby is going to be born in the winter and will need her legs and feet covered! I can see using them in the summer when it is hot but not the winter!! Come on now! LOL

There is just something about Walmart that makes me ache all over. By the time I leave that store I can barely walk! I waddle all the way out and need to rest for the evening! It happened with both other pregnancies also. The floor there is killer!

I think baby is starting to make her way into my pelvis because my groin and hips are killing me and I can barely lift my legs even to walk this morning! I am glad the aches and pains have held off for the most part until now, but it is now I really need to get things done and can barely move to save my life. Fingers crossed I will be remotely pain free in the next few days and get things in order. I have re-organized all the clothes bins and pulled out the infant stuff but now I have 7 clothes bins sitting in my family room that I cannot put away myself. LOL And then, the craddle that I need up in our bedroom is all the way in the basement... yet another job I am unable to do myself! Looks like Liam has some work cut out for him... I better get on him... LOL I am completely kidding of course since Liam works all week and then he let me rest all weekend to ensure I didn't catch this silly cold from the girls. Thankful to him I am still cold free and plan on staying that way (knocking on my head)! Better to have an aching groin and pelvis than to have a cold while trying to take care of two sick little girls!!

Nothing Too Exciting...

Yesterday at the OBGYN everything checked out to be fine. I am loving the nice short visits! I am down one pound and still messure 36 cms so I am not growing too much which makes me happy. My urine was fine, blood pressure too. I go back in two weeks this time... hopefully not too many more times left since I only have about 6 and a half weeks left to go and plan on going early! I complained to Dr. Jamieson about being so tired that I feel like I could sleep all day long. She checked me out and feels it is the lifestyle of a mother with two little busy children who is pregnant and exausted. She didn't seem concerned, just told me to rest whenever I get the chance to. Liam was off work today so I had two naps... FANTASTIC!

More Maternity Pictures

Maternity Leave Has Officially Started

After the last shift I worked I realized that I am done. Done like a dinner and totally stuffed! LOL I worked a night shift (which is was less work load) and by the time the shift ended I knew I could not return to work. I had Braxton Hicks contractions all night and the tightening was unreal. I was suppose to work three more shifts before I was done so I got them covered. I have already applied online for EI so I just need my ROE to take in to make it complete. I am so tired lately also and have a ton to do so it will be good to not have to worry about working on top of it all.

I got some more maternity photos from Jess which I will post in a seperate post after this one.

All About Baby
Baby's senses continue to develop. If you talk to your baby, she can hear you. In fact, her world is full of sounds. In addition to peoples voices, she can hear my stomach growling and my lungs taking in air, along with the reassuring vibrations of my heart beating. Also, baby's skin has turned from red to pink and she has started preparing for life outside the womb by storing iron in her liver... so that's why I am tired (stealing all my iron)!

How Big Is Baby?
This week baby stretches to around 12 inches (crown to rump) and weighs in at about four pounds, eight ounces.

Maternity Pictures

I know some are not the most flatering shots but my pregnant belly none the less. I am trying to deal with the naked belly shots and thought posting them might help! LOL I don't think I will ever love my body... esspecially pregnant!

Only 8 Weeks and 1 Day Left!

All About Baby
Our unborn baby is establishing a daily routine. At times baby is active and wiggly, while at other times I can't feel her movements. Once baby's born, she'll most likely continue with her in-utero pattern which I am plesantly looking forward to since she is moving a lot at bed time. Along with a routine, baby has favorite positions too.Her favorite is to have her head down, rump up towards the ribs. Conveniently, the perfect position for labor but the most uncomfortable for Mommy when she is trying to sit comfortably.

How Big Is Baby?
Baby weighs around four pounds and stretches to over 11 and one-half inches in length (crown to rump).

Time is flying! By the time Liam gets home from his trip I will only have 7 and a half weeks to go! There are still a few things we will need to get but I am not worrying too too much about that. I am not working very much these days and will have lots of time (fingers crossed) to get things done. I am totally procrastinating the clothes thing. After Liam settles home for a day we need to get over to storage to bring out the clothes for me to start sorting and washing! I cannot wait to smell that baby detergent again!

Photo Shoot

Jessica came over yesterday late in the morning to do some maternity shots of me with the girls. I was not exactly thrilled about the idea of having my belly naked for some photos so depending on how they look I may post some. It looked like she could have got some cute shots. She did take some of my clothed belly also so if all else fails I will post at least one of those! I am getting VERY big and with a third pregnancy not feeling so beautiful. Jess will be doing some editing over the next few days or so. It could take longer because she has another shoot she is working on also, although I promise as soon as I see anything that is decent I will post it for all to see.

Pain Free?? Afraid Not!

OMG! I was hurting last night after work. They had be up on the heavy reception again last night and that is killer. Not just because the resident load is heavier but also because their is a lot of portering to do and the dining room is so far away. My stomach was pretty tight by the end of the night and my feet were killing me! I waddled myself all the way out of there at the end of my shift. One bennifit is that you keep so busy up there that the night flies by! Nights like this though make me think I am done for this pregnancy. Not too many shifts left to go. I have decided I will be done after the first week in November.

Once I got home I could not settle right away so after a quite restless night I was awaken by Abigail at 7am! She had done a great job of sleeping in the previous days and I had been spoilled. Seems any night I get to bed late... the kids wake early! Better luck tomorrow morning I hope... I tired her out today!

Labour Dreams

It took me quite awhile to settle last night. Probably because it was the first night with Liam away. It was really windy and rainy out and a branch kept hitting the roof making a loud banging noise... not consistantly enough to make me fall asleep of course, but just annoying enough to keep me awake!

When I finally did settle I slept hard. I kept dreaming about being in labour! It was a wild and crazy dream actually and it was taking forever! I was at the hospital but had only had one really big contraction which hurt like hell. I am thinking that maybe I had a pain in my sleep triggering this dream. They were getting a bed ready for me in the hospital though so I must have been in active labour LOL Hope this does not mean premature labout for me. They kept telling me they wanted for me to be at least 38 weeks before I delivered...

Where do dreams come from anyways? And how can they make no sence at all sometimes and we still have to remember them? Anyhow, I am feeling pretty good still (besides the hips at night). I work another 8 hours tonight and then am off until next Sunday midnights. I hope tonight goes smoothly enough and that I remain pain free for the evening!