Here comes the sun...

She's here!
PAIGE ROSALIE CARTY

arrived yesterday on April 28th, 2009 at 2:20 pm (afternoon) after a wonderful labor (once the epidural came!).

She is 20.5 inches long and weighed in at 7 lbs. 4.5 ounces.
She is absolutely perfect!!! And she looks exactly like her daddy and has been calm, quiet, and cool as a cucumber! I'll enjoy that since it likely won't last long! (we can dream, right?)
I'll be back in a few days since I'm still at the hospital...and I'll be sure to post more photos and give you her whole birth story. Again, I LOVED that epidural!!!! I'm already married, but if I weren't, I'd consider marrying the epidural. Here are a bunch of photos from her first day so you can be properly introduced. Cheers friends! We are so grateful and thankful for your kind thoughts and loving words. We are truly SO lucky!!!!!!!!

Here I am just before we got in the car to go to the hospital...hee hee


Here I am as Paige was placed on my belly right after she came out. Sorry, it's a little bloody arm there!


Our first family portrait while I was still finishing labor (ugh).


Her first feeding with Mama!


Her first feeding again!


Family portrait!


Daddy and his little girl


She loves her Daddy!


And finally, her face (sort of) Yummy hand!!!


She's trying to focus and was looking all around. She went off for her first sponge-bath not long after this!


I hope this helps tide everyone over and that you enjoyed the photos. We took a million but wanted to show you some favorites. As for her hair, she's business in the front and party in the back with light brown fuzz on top and then it's much longer and brown in the back and sides. Very cute! And I'm biased, I know. :)
See you soon friends! And thank you again for all your love.

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WOOOO!

At 4:00 this morning (Eastern Time) my water broke!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm almost done gathering my stuff etc. and we are off to the hospital!!!
(They aren't dicking around when they say a "gush" of fluid...this was like taking a bucket...a FULL bucket of water and dumping it upside down and then it goes for a while. And then goes some more. It's crazy!!!) Luckily, the fluid was clear and now the running around by Chris and myself has ensued. I'm shaking and trying to stay calm. I'm having light irregular contractions now, but hadn't been before. I'll add more later on, but had to let my blog family know...this is it! Please pray for us if you can, or send good vibes. I'm scared and excited. I can't believe Little P. is going to be here soon. Our dream is finally coming true! Much love...

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39 Weeks!

Hey friends!
Today marks 39 weeks in my pregnancy! I went in to get checked out today and I've still made no progress...no dilation, no changes. SO, I am to head in this Thursday afternoon where they will insert the Cervidil and I'll spend the night as my cervix ripens. Friday morning, if labor hasn't begun from the Cervidil, I will be induced with Pitocin and then "have a baby." According to my doctor. :)
Looks like we'll have a baby in our May Day basket! My fingers are crossed that it will go ok. I know anything is possible, so I'm trying to not expect anything of certainty. Just that Little P. will arrive and be healthy. I've got a bunch of work to wrap up today, so I'll leave you with that. But I certainly have a lot of thoughts running through my brain and I'll have to check in with you tomorrow! The adrenaline that is running through my veins right now...well...I bet I could throw a schoolbus.

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The latest...

Hey friends!
No baby yet. I'll just get that right out of the way. I WILL tell you I had my delicious Friendly's Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae last night. And DAMN was it good. I will have sexy dreams about it for a while now. But, I'm getting off the point of this message to give you the latest news from the Docs:
I've made NO progress! Woo! I'll put my sarcasm on hold to say that all my stats are the same as last week. NO dilation (tightly closed according to this doctor), 70% effaced, and head kind of high. Poo. Happily, the baby's movement has been crazy today and her heartrate was fab. I'm so glad, because on Tuesday I'd had contractions for over 7 hours and many were painful, but it was false labor. And during the whole day she almost never moved. Just as I was about to go to bed, she finally did several jig-like dances in there which made me feel much better. She moved more yesterday, and now today she's like a party animal. One less thing to worry about!
The doctor told me I will go in for my next NST on Monday and they will check me out...if I've made some progress, they will plan to induce me on Friday morning of next week. If not, I will go in next Thursday afternoon and they will insert Cervadil (a string they insert that has medication to get things started) and I'll sleep the night there, THEN have my induction on Friday morning after some breakfast. So, if Little P. doesn't make her own appearance before then, it looks like Friday May 1st will be the day we get things started! I hope she's born that day too, but I know anything can happen. And, I had previously picked May 1st to be the birth-day (my guess in the family "Little P's Birth-Day Pool")...so obviously I want to win and that is clearly a huge priority. :) I swear I didn't "fix" the game. The doctor told me the days this was to happen and I nodded because I'll do anything to get her out and safely. There was no mention of a pool or anything...I swear! If I'd had a choice I would have screamed "get this shit going TODAY!" I'll keep you all posted if things change, though. One more week!!!

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38 Weeks

Hey friends!
Here is a version of my torpedo belly at 38 weeks. And it stretches out further as the day goes on. As you can see, my shirt doesn't quite fully cover me anymore. By the end of the day it covers even less! My NST went well yesterday. She's moving around less, but her heartbeat is nice and reactive still. I'll get checked on Thursday to see if I've made any progress in terms of further engagement or dilation. I'm getting very excited! As of today there is 13 days left until my due date. I'm still keeping busy during the day...still distracted so the time is going by pretty quickly. One majorly important task I must complete: get to Friendly's to have the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Sundae. It's my favorite and I haven't had one in a few years. Not that I can't have one after Little P gets here...but I need to have it UNINTERRUPTED you see.
Everything is ready for her arrival...all is washed and put away and organized (as it never will be again). I've been giving her encouraging pep talks about coming out to meet us and how we aren't really all that bad. She seems content though, and that's fine by me I SUPPOSE. :)
End of pregnancy milestone:
I've been waking up about every two hours or so each night to use the ladies room. Sometimes it's every hour. I wouldn't mind so much if it were my non-pregnant body, but since I'm big in the middle and have no stomach muscles it takes an act of God, a crane, several helper-monkeys, and the momentum of gravity to help me untangle from the bedding, lean over, swing my legs over the side of the bed, and sit up. Then, I need to catch my breath for a while and let my hips settle into position before hoisting myself up onto my feet and waddling/stumbling/shuffling to the bathroom (grimacing at the electric shocks of my hip tendonitis and praying I don't fall). So, this happens all night long. I've heard lots of "well, this will prepare you for getting up all night with a child." Yeah, yeah. I just want to get out of the damned bed like a normal person and not wish for a Vicodin every time while praying I don't pee on myself en route to the facility. Having it difficult to move is one thing, but add in the severe pain of tendonitis and the fact that your pelvic bones are SEPARATING and crackling...OUCH! And when I get frustrated with how difficult and painful something as simple as getting out of bed is, I remind myself that I'm very lucky to have this issue and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I also remind myself of all the people out there with challenges that are very severe and they suffer and triumph over them every day of their lives. Mine has an end-date. It's nice to stop and try to gain perspective when small things seem to grow abnormally large. It's important to me to remember to always feel grateful and thankful even when I least feel like it. Because that's when you need it most.

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Baby Shower

Hi friends!
My Aunt Pat sent me some awesome baby shower pictures she took, so I picked out a few to show you and give you and idea of what it was like. These were taken when I was just starting week 35 of my pregnancy and I'm now at week 38. Anyhoo...
Here is how the tables were set up, what the cake and favors looked like... I've blurred out Little P's name on the cake so you can't see yet. The little cookies were the favors and there were 4 delicious frosted versions shaped like onesies. I loved them! As you can see, the cake is in the shape of a baby carriage.



Here is the gift pile and a section of the gifts. My friends and family were way too generous...we are so lucky to have them all in our lives. Little P is one lucky baby! She now has everything she needs for day-to-day life and fun!


Mmm. The buffet. *drool* Here I am loading up my plate. The food was very delicious and quite a selection!

Here is my mother and myself...thanks for throwing the shower Mom! And there is my great friend Sue and myself...thanks for helping to throw the shower and for doing so much to organize it Sue!


Here are some gift-opening moments:
The Oriole's onesie is a little something she can wear for when Chris wants to watch the baseball games. He's a big fan and was delighted to see this when I showed him.

Here I am crying as I open this Willow figurine depicting a Mom, Dad, and a newborn baby. A friend of mine had given us a Willow figure at Christmas time of a pregnant woman. And here is the version with the father and baby with that same woman. I burst right into tears when I saw this...I managed to say "It's a family!" when I held it up. (Oh, now I'm crying again....)

My Aunt Pat and cousin Jennifer gave me this pink bathtub filled with baby products, toys, and the like. It was STUFFED! And when I got toward the end/bottom, my Aunt sat next to me and showed me how to take the clothes out. One by one, each article of clothing zig-zagged out of the bathtub and I quickly noticed they were attached with clothespins! It took several people to help unravel it and by the time it was done stretching out...well, it went clear across the ENTIRE banquet room! What a fun idea! It was a neat presentation and was fun to be able to see all the little outfits at once. The photo only shows my little end, but you get the idea. It was so cool!

Thank you again to my family and friends who came all the way out to celebrate with us. You were way too generous with your gifts, time, and efforts. We are so grateful for everything and it was so special to me that you could be there. I always wondered if I would ever have a baby after all we went through, and the day of Little P.s baby shower was such a special and important milestone for me. My heart overflows.

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37 Weeks and 3 days

Hi friends!
I'm back today with the latest info from my doc and a belly pic. It's much less "torpedo" than yesterday. Big, but not jutting out like a missile. Maybe later after snacks and a nice dinner?
So, I'm not dilated at all. Oh well. But, she mentioned that my cervix is 70% effaced so that's something, right? She said the baby's head is higher up at a -2 station. Not exactly engaged. But it's still early so we shall see what pans out! She told me that due to the 2-vessel cord, they will not allow me to go past my due date (thank you God!) and that if they need to induce, they will do it closer to the due date to make good use of the ripened cervix. Of course, all will change if she finds the head still hasn't engaged later on. (this could be due to many things, like my T-shaped uterus or if the baby is extra big.) But, again, it's a wait-and-see game. I guess my next check will be next Thursday. In the meantime, I take comfort in knowing there is 18 days left until my due date and I will not go past that (and could go earlier!). I can do it! Today's exam was my first cervix check of this pregnancy and holy *&ck did it hurt! I knew it would be uncomfortable but GEEZ! I've also developed a nice case of carpal tunnel syndrome (pregnancy related) in my left hand. I haven't felt anything in my left index or middle fingers for 2 weeks now. I guess it's due to the swelling of fluid in my arm that is pressing the nerves. She assured me it would likely go away about a week or so after giving birth. It's a good thing I don't use my left hand for any sort of detailed handiwork...like disarming bombs or performing heart surgery. It's a good thing I don't work for Jack Bauer...for after a huge explosion I would have to explain "Sorry Jack, it's this darned pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel! It's a real bitch! I hope that building didn't house important documents or hostages you needed..."
So that's the latest update! While I wait to give birth I still have lots of little things going on to keep me busy. I've got a few wedding clients left where I'm wrapping things up...programs, menus, and the like. I've got to pack Little P's bag for the hospital..oh yeah, and my own. I'm sort of procrastinating on that because I figure what do I REALLY need besides a few toiletries, a robe, and a coming home ensemble? The hospital provides most of what is needed.
And when I find I'm out of things to do, I glue liners into the birth announcement envelopes I'll be using. Might as well do what I can while I have the time! Isn't my life riveting? Alrighty folks, I'm off to do more wedding work and perhaps some cleaning. And we wait!

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quick update

Hi friends! Just a quick update to let you know that nothing new is happening. I'm sorry I've been MIA. I always hate that in pregnancy blogs I read...when no updates come and it's getting close. You'd think I'd follow my own peeves and update more! I'm 37 weeks and 2 days along and still uncomfortable as ever! Nature is taking it's course and I'm just excited for things to move along. I've "dropped" and my stomach is sticking out like a torpedo. I could add a propeller to my belly button and it would look like the front of a small plane. My next non stress test is Thursday and hopefully I'll get to see a doctor who can tell me something about what's going on. I don't know her position or if she's too big or average...I'm not sure on what her estimated weight is. I just feel like I'm flailing around now with no information. Nobody has even touched my belly to measure it or feel around for several weeks. So, I'm ready for some sort of clue as to what's happening in there! I'll be sure to update you once I find out something of note. :) And just fyi, when I DO go into labor, I plan on sharing everything here as soon as possible. This is a shared journey and I certainly won't leave you out! I've appreciated all of your comments and support and my blog family deserves to be a part of the celebration too. I won't leave you in the dark! I'll be back soon with a proper post and a photo of the torpedo...I mean, belly.

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Dear Little P...

Dear Little P.,
Your 36th week of living in my tummy is coming to a close in a few days. You will be considered full-term soon, and that means you can come at any time! Not that I'm pressuring you. I'm just excited to see you in the flesh and know you are safe into the world. Now that it's closer to your arrival, I find myself terrified that something is going to go wrong. We've gotten so close now, and I just want to know that you will get here safely and everything will be ok. It's so reassuring when you wiggle around inside; reminding me that you are fine...that I don't have to worry so much. So thank you for that, I appreciate that you "call home" and let me know how you are doing. I've started nesting and getting all of your belongings ready for your use...it's nice to have some extra energy for once! I've now washed all of your clothes, blankets, bibs, burp cloths, sheets...pretty much everything made of fabric.

I've also washed all of your bottles and bottle parts, pacifiers, and anything else that will touch your mouth. When I finished hanging up your outfits that you got from your shower I had to step back and marvel that these weren't just baby clothes...they're YOUR baby clothes. We'll actually get to SEE you in them. Since then, I go up and peek into your closet just to be that much closer to you visually. It seems silly, I know...to get emotional at a bunch of hanging clothes. I guess it's the symbol of what it all means. As I was feverishly washing and sorting through your onesies (everything is also organized by size because the nesting instinct knows no boundaries) I came upon this one...freshly washed and ready to be folded. It's the only item of clothing that has these words, the first time I've seen these words and know that I'm the one they mean:

I had to sit down as my throat tightened. Fat tears slid down my cheeks. A little piece of pink cloth with some simple words on it never meant so much to me. You are almost here, my precious Little P. Please know that Mommy loves you more than anything and I would sew that on a trillion pieces of cloth to prove it.
Love always, forever and please be careful,
Mama

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36 weeks

Hi friends! I'm sorry I've been away so long! No, I haven't been giving birth...I've been doing all the things on my "things to do before the baby comes" list. You know, putting baby stuff away, organizing, obsessing over thank you notes, resting, eating cheeseburgers...the necessities. This past Sunday was spent having false labor through much of the day (contractions both painful and non-painful with a side of nausea) so I can't help but wonder if the time is coming soon! I'm already 36 weeks, so she'll be here soon enough anyway, right? There's only 27 days left until my due date. Physically, I'm feeling awful...just in a lot of pain in my hips and pelvic area. I think my pubic bone has separated a little so it cracks at night when I try to roll over. This is not an enjoyable sensation by any stretch and it's not an area I'd ever imagine to generate a cracking sound. I have to say a little prayer before I roll over each time at night because the pain will be bad. BUT, it's all worth it of course. Break both my arms and legs if needed; I will handle it if it means my little one is coming and is ok. Little P checked in well at her latest NST. Her heart response seems to be getting better and better...she's so reactive to her movements. I hope she'll be athletic like her father. I was athletic as a kid, but who knows where that went to. She has a good chance to get his genes that have a penchant for sports. I don't know if she'll play football like he did, but hey, whatever floats her boat. After the NST yesterday I came home and went outside on the front porch in the rain to see why the mailman's truck was parked in my driveway (it was as if he was hanging out there or something). He was driving away down the street by the time I'd found myself having fallen down the full flight of wooden steps. I slipped up at the top and tumbled backwards and sideways the whole way down to the sidewalk (about 10 bumps and tumbles). Miraculously, I did not hit my belly. The rest of me was banged up a bit but I didn't break anything and am ok. But of course, it was BACK to labor & delivery to get another check up and another NST. Not more than 2 hours after my last one! I've now been in every labor& delivery room at the hospital and quite prefer room 2. Not that I'll get to pick, but I can hope! Little P. tested just fine and everything has been great. Such drama! I have to say it was terrifying to think Little P was in danger. One of the worst feelings in the world. I was hysterical at first, not because of the fall and my own pain, but because of the unknown. Because of the terror that I was unable to protect her. I'm just so relieved it all ended up just fine. I'd now like to strap myself to a bed and quarantine myself until she gets here. I can't take any more near misses like that. It's bad enough that when I drive I feel like every car around me is a potential missile coming after me. I find myself yelling "bitch" and "dirty bastard" at everyone in their cars who commit the tiniest infractions...all because it might endanger my unborn. I've gone off the deep end a bit, I will admit. But that's ok. I am allowed for now... so if you see a crazy-eyed woman in a white Honda Pilot, try to be understanding. She's a little worried, over-protective, and sleep-deprived...(much like most driving women today). Her belly happens to be crammed in front of the wheel, her pelvis feels like it has been smashed with a giant mallet as her crazed and plentiful hormones hold a frat party and that makes all the difference between them and her. Be gentle, you never know when you will encounter her or one just like her.

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