Bethany's Birth

Bethany will be exactly 1 week old at 10:30pm tonight. I thought I'd share her birth story with you since it was at this very moment last week that I was in labor with her.

It was about 7:30pm. I was sitting on the couch watching the rockies when I started to feel kind of crampy. I had felt this before when they had checked how far I was dialated so didn't think much of it. About 10 minutes later the same feeling came over me again except this time it was stronger and longer. That's when it hit me that "these might be contractions!" I quickly gave Brad a text to let him know I thought I felt a contraction. He was at work and wouldn't get off till 11pm. The contractions kept getting stronger and longer as the hour progressed. I knew that this was the real thing now so I called Brad and told him he needed to come home. I had this feeling that we were going to have a baby before midnight.

By the time Brad got home I was pacing in circles and trying my best to keep it together. He called the midwife to inform her about how far I was along. When he got off the phone he said the midwife told me to take a bath. I looked at Brad like he was crazy and said, " I 'm not taking a bath! Take me to the midwifery place!" So we waited another 30 minutes which to me seemed like forever. The contractions were to0 strong to pace and I knew Bethany was almost here.

Brad packed up the car and called the midwife to let her know we were coming. That was a very painful car ride. Sitting is not a good position to be in when you are in the process of birthing a child.

We arrived at the midwifery center. I somehow got myself in the tub and about an hour later we were holding our precious baby girl! After about three hours of labor, Bethany was born at 10:30pm on September 10th, 2010. She weighed 8pounds, 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. We are both so happy to have our baby girl!

September 7th; Biophysical Profile

Yes, they made me go get one because I was 3 days past my due date. This procedure helps to ensure that Bethany was still alive(I knew that), responsive(I knew that too), and in a good environment. If they had detected any problems then they would have made us go to the hospital and induce. So, I spent an hour and a half having Bethany monitored. The ultrasound showed a very healthy baby surrounded by lots of amniotic fluid and a healthy placenta. They couldn't get a shot of her head because she is so low. They also confirmed that she is still a girl!

The next picture is the fetal heart monitor. She did just fine on this too. The reason why I'm showing you this is because I had 2 good contractions but never knew it! I wouldn't be surprised if I've been having contractions like this for the last week. I guess that's what happens when you don't know what to expect. The top line is Bethany's heart. It averaged about 140 beats per minute. The second line records contractions. As you can see I had a good one that lasted about 2 minutes. I guess that means she is ready to meet the family. It may just take another day or two. I have an appointment on Thursday so we'll see what they tell us.

Where Are You Baby?!

Today is supposed to Bethany's birthday! To all of you who guessed early; sorry, you lose! I went in for a checkup on Thursday and the Midwife said everything looked like a go (2-3 cm dilated) and she would not be surprised if I was back within 48hours. Well 48 hours has passed and I feel about the same as I did before I went in. Thanks lady. Way to get my hopes up! I haven't even started having contractions; or if I have they haven't been strong enough for me to notice. So, now we are just waiting around for something to happen. I have been trying to do what I normally do and Brad has been going to work as usual. We've got the entire family on alert and there has even been a rumor floating around at Whole Foods(Brad's work) that I have already had her! HA! So to all of you have put your lives on hold until Bethany arrives, I suggest you get back to living! I will not be convinced that she is coming until I'm on the way to the midwifery place. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of Bethany on her due date. She is still happily tucked away in my belly and doesn't seem to excited to be anywhere else. Happy Due Date Bethany!