Three Months Later (And Everything Else)

It has been so long since I've posted anything on here. And I am going to try to post on a regular basis, that way I have something to look back on in the future. Rylee is now 14 weeks old. I usually just say she's 3 months old, I've lost track of the weeks by now. She is getting so big so fast. So I am going to talk about what has been happening lately, and how Rylee has been developing. If you'd like to hear about the birth and my labor, I will attach a video to this post, and you can watch it!

Anyway, Rylee has been learning so much these last couple of weeks. She started holding up her head very early, I wanna say around 2 weeks! She is so smart and so advanced. She must take after her daddy because I'm a bit ditzy! ;) 

She is already learning to sit up pretty well, we help her of course, but I feel she will be able to be sitting up in about a month or so! They say that babies usually sit up on their own between 4 and 7 months. I think Rylee will be closer to the 4 month mark than the 7 month mark. 

It seems like all of a sudden, she has been learning all of these things! On February 8th, she found her feet! It was pretty cool, Danny was sitting her up and she was looking at her little feet, she leaned forward and grabbed one! I was so excited. On February 12th, I was taking photos with her on Photo Booth, and I was using the silly effects, of course! Rylee looked so funny, I started laughing at how hilarious we looked. She started laughing also! Not just the usual giggles she does, this was a REAL laugh!! It was awesome. I tried switching it to video so I could catch it on camera, but she had stopped by that time. It was the cutest thing ever. 

She does smile a lot! She giggles a lot as well. She is such a happy baby, I love it. She has really good head control, she always has. Which is really good because it makes it a lot more convenient for us to hold her. 

Her little chunky legs are so strong! When we hold her up, she stiffens her legs, as if she is trying to stand. And she won't bend them until awhile after! She keeps her legs stiff for such a long time. It really is amazing. 

Rylee is such a character! I can't believe how time has flown. She is definitely going to be a drama queen, just like her mama was! Ha ha ha! When she cries, she makes this face... 


Her little frown is just so cute!! It definitely makes me sad when she makes this face though, this is going to be one of my biggest weaknesses, she will probably get away with A LOT when she makes this face! 

She is already starting to develop a personality, it's quite amazing to watch. She is the most precious thing in my life, I wouldn't trade her for the world. She brightens my day, every single day! Her smile makes me so happy, she is always so cheerful and happy. I couldn't imagine my life without her in it. I am so happy that everything turned out the way it did. Danny is an amazing dad, and Rylee is the light of our lives. It makes me sad how fast she is growing!! But it is also very exciting to experience! She is such a smart baby, I am so proud of her. I am going to try 10 times harder to make something of my life, go to cosmetology school, have a great career, and influence my daughter to do the same when she is older. I know I am a good mom, and that's exactly what every child deserves! 

INDUCTION UPDATE: 41 WEEKS PREGNANT

So I'm not quite 41 weeks yet, but on Wednesday I will be, the day before I will be getting induced! I don't know how long I will be in labor for, I could be in labor for well over 24 hours, especially with this being my first baby. So I might make it to 41 weeks. 

I know in my last post I said that we've decided against induction, and that we really wanted to wait until Rylee comes on her own. I have not made any progress yet. Just a few days ago at my last prenatal checkup, I was still only a tight 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My doctor called me a couple nights ago and reminded me that he is going to be out of town this weekend, from Thursday to Saturday. He had warned us awhile ago that he goes out of town for a few days every month for school. 

He gave us two options, I could be induced on Tuesday, November 6th, or I could meet his partner, a doctor I'd never met before, and he'd be delivering my baby if she decided to come while my doctor was out of town. I don't know about other women, but I do not want another doctor delivering my baby. Danny and I have grown to love my doctor, and we want him to be there to deliver our daughter. And especially if something were to go wrong, it'd just be a terrible and stressful situation with a doctor I don't even know. 

So we have decided to go in tomorrow at 2 pm to be induced. I will have to fill out paperwork and all that fun stuff, then my doctor will be there around 3 to get everything going. I am nervous, but excited at the same time. I know everything will be okay. My doctor is an amazing doctor and I have no doubts about his knowledge. 

He will be using cytotec still, but the dose is only 25mg. I've done further research on the subject, and the uterine ruptures have been caused by excessive doses of cytotec. My doctor will not be giving me large amounts of it at once. This is why there is so much controversy on the subject. I can't help but think that it'd be completely illegal to use for induction in any hospital if it were bad. They use cytotec all the time and he said I'll be monitored the entire time. I have a feeling everything will be perfect! Hopefully the cytotec ripens my cervix more and I'll go into labor without needing pitocin. 

Thought I'd share this with you guys, I didn't really feel like making a vlog about it, I've been a little busy and very exhausted lately. This week has kicked my butt. I might make a video about it later on, though. I will definitely make a vlog about my labor and delivery story, I promise! 

WEEK 41

This week has been so much harder on me than previous weeks, but that's no surprise I'm sure. I'm nearly 41 weeks and I am so much more tired. Danny and I have been continuing taking walks with our dog, Skyy, but I can't walk as far now because I get the WORST round ligament pain. It's so uncomfortable and there's nothing you can do to ease it, besides stop walking. So it has definitely been a lot harder on my body! I feel larger than ever as well, and that is uncomfortable on it's own. 

Many of you may be wondering about stretch marks, I do have a few on my belly finally. These last couple weeks I have gotten a few, I don't remember if I have already mentioned that in last week's post or not. But I don't have many at all, like I said, just a few. And they aren't too bad at all! I'm actually rather satisfied with my body! We will see how my postpartum body is, though. I've recently started using Tummy Butter from The Spoiled Mama, and it's AMAZING! It's all organic and natural, and I heard it works wonders. I will be reviewing it after using it for a little while longer! But so far I am loving it and it IS helping!

I have been having to wake up a ton in the middle of the night to pee. And it sucks, that's all I really have to say about that. I am glad to say, though, that I have not gotten any swelling in my feet or ankles, so that's one thing I'm happy about! 

I have had some really bad contractions, or what I thought were contractions, a few nights ago. I'd get really bad cramping in my lower abdomen, kind of like menstrual cramps, then my belly would get rock hard while I felt the pain. I was also having really bad lower back pain, and later on I found out that it's because Rylee was in the posterior position, where her back is up against mine basically. And it is so painful. 

Anyway, I am extremely exhausted, and I need to rest before going to get induced tomorrow. So just wish me luck and keep my family and I in your thoughts and prayers! I will keep you updated very soon. Thank you! 

INDUCTION UPDATE: 40 WEEKS PREGNANT

If you've seen my 40 week vlog about my induction plan, then you know that I was supposed to get induced with cytotec today. Today is my due date, officially 40 weeks pregnant! So first of all, I'd like to say, that I have changed my mind. For the first time, I did some research on cytotec and the risks that come along with it. I don't know why it never crossed my mind before! At my last visit with my OB, he told me all about it and what it's meant to do. I sat there and listened as he gave me all this useful information. He is very informative and thorough when explaining something to me, that's what I really like about him. He didn't want to put me on pitocin because since I am still only 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, I would most likely have to have a c-section because I probably wouldn't progress fast enough. 

However, with my pregnancy brain, it didn't even occur to me that there MUST be risks, as there are risks with everything. So this morning I wake up thinking about it, being today's the day I am supposed to be induced with cytotec. I researched the drug, and I found that there are a lot of women who have had great labors and deliveries after being induced with it. But there are also women who have not had good experiences at all with it. I understand that some women and their babies are perfectly fine after taking cytotec, but I definitely don't want to be one of the ones who has a terrible experience. 

The risks that I've read about are terrible. Some women's babies have actually died, as well as the women themselves. Here is a quote from a website someone left on my 4 week pregnancy vlog, and thank you for sharing this, even though I already read about the risks, this was also helpful. It is some information about the drug, as well as someone's actual experience with it. I'll just quote the information, though, click the link below to see the whole story. 

"Cytotec® can cause abnormally strong uterine contractions (hyperstimulation or tetany) so strong that the uterus ruptures, resulting in severe injury or death of the mother and child.  It can cause such heavy bleeding that to save the mother's life, her uterus must be removed (hysterectomy),  leaving her incapable of bearing another child, and disrupting her natural hormones.  The violent contractions it provokes also increase the risk of amniotic fluid emboli that can result in a stroke or death.  Many, or maybe most doctors and nurses using this drug do not know."

Passage is from here: http://community.babycenter.com/post/a32376961/cytote%C2%ADc_is_a_powerful_drug_my_story

After reading all these terrible things about it, I decided to contact my OB, I told him how concerned I was and all the risks I had read about. He told me that I will be fine, as well as baby, and that I will be monitored the whole time to make sure that nothing goes wrong. He said that they do this everyday and everything will be okay. I just don't feel like I should chance it. You only get one life and it's not worth chancing for something like this. 

So even though it has worked for some women with no issues, I do not feel my life, OR Rylee's life is worth risking. She will come when she's ready, and hopefully that's within the next 10 days, because my OB doesn't let his patients go 10 days past their due dates. He will induce me once I am past that. But hopefully she will be here within the next week! I know that this is the best decision I am making for my family and I.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I really appreciate it. 

38 Weeks Pregnant and Induction

I only have 1 week left!! I'll be 39 weeks tomorrow, but I will talk about week 38. Symptoms for week 38 are pretty much all the same. Although, I have been sleeping a lot. I've been sleeping about 12 hours every night. That is crazy to me! Normally I am fully awake after 8-9 hours of sleep. My body has just been so exhausted this week. 

I don't have any new stretch marks. I've also been using my Palmer's stretch mark cream again, a lot of you might think it's pointless, but it can't hurt, right? No swelling in the ankles or feet, which I am super stoked about. I've been having some Braxton Hicks contractions here and there, but not too much, which makes me really think I won't go into labor anytime soon. Not only that, but I really don't think Rylee has dropped yet. It doesn't look like she has! 

So tomorrow (Wednesday the 24th), we have another doctor's appointment. Once again, he will check for dilation and effacement, yay! Hopefully I've been making progress. Dr. Eiland also told me that we'll talk about my birthing options, as far as waiting beyond my due date and being induced. I told him I will most likely choose to be induced on my due date. OH, before I go any further, my original due date (the one that's actually on my pregnancy verification form) is October 23rd, that's today!! The reason we've been saying October 31st is because when they did the first ultrasound, based on the baby's measurments, they said Halloween is the due date. But based on my last missed period, it's technically today. So who knows really! Due dates always seem to be off, anyway. 

Now, continuing on with my reasons for wanting to be induced... for one, my doctor told me he won't let me go 10 beyond my due date, he'll induce me 10 after my due date if I decide to wait for Rylee to come on her own. He said the reason for that is because there are dangers for waiting beyond your due date. I don't remember everything exactly that he said, but there are definitely risks. Also, I don't feel like pushing out a baby that is over 8 pounds, the baby will continue to grow half a pound each week. The placenta degrades when you go beyond that point, so I definitely don't want to have any issues with my baby because I waited too long. There is a lot of useful information on the internet that you can read about, and I'm sure it will make a lot more sense than the way I am trying to explain it! But, there are tons of things that can go wrong! And if I am actually supposed to be due today, then I definitely don't want to wait past the 31st! 

I know that the labor pains will be more intense if I get induced, and I am fully ready to take that on. Labor is no joy ride in the first place. Many women get induced without an epidural as well, so I'm hoping for the best and hoping that everything goes as planned. I know that the risk of having to get a c-section is increased if you get induced, but like I said, I'm just hoping and praying for the best! Obviously some women don't have a good experience being induced, but some women do. Everyone is different and everyone will have a different outcome, that is true with everything. If my doctor didn't believe that Rylee and I would be safe, he wouldn't offer an induction. I trust my doctor, and he is an EXCELLENT doctor! So glad to have him!

I hope you guys understand my decisions, and I am so happy to have Rylee here soon! I appreciate all of the support and lovely comments. Thank you!

Birth Plan: UPDATED

I've been getting a lot, and I mean a lot, of questions about my birth plan and whether or not I will still be doing a water birth. I am no longer able to do a water birth due to the fact that I will be delivering in a different hospital than I thought I'd be delivering in. Danny and I have moved a couple of different times and the hospital near our house does not do water births. 

I really, really wanted a water birth. It was planned because I wanted to go natural and that seemed like the ideal way for me. I wanted to be relaxed, with candles lit, and soft music in a nice, relaxing and warm bathtub. I was never planning on doing an at-home birth, I wanted to be in a normal birthing center and do my water birth there. It was totally possible when I still lived in the Portland area, obviously much more things are possible in larger cities.

Since I live in a smaller town now, there are not as many opportunities like there are in cities of course. So I will just be doing a natural birth in a regular ol' hospital bed, which I am actually okay with. I have come to terms with this awhile ago. I figured leaving Portland, I wouldn't get to have the water birth I'd hoped for. But I am perfectly content with my birth plan now. I do not plan on having an epidural. Women's bodies are meant for this, we are meant to give birth. I don't feel it's necessary to have an epidural, especially with all of the risks that come along with it. I am not against epidurals, nor will I ever try and talk someone out of having one, and I'd appreciate the same from others. I am strong minded, and I know I can do this without any pain relief! The pain is only temporary, and it will all be worth it in the end!

So I will still be having a natural birth if everything is okay and if there is no need for an emergency cesarean section of course, but it definitely won't be a water birth. 

I have also gotten questions about breastfeeding. I've done tons of research on breastfeeding because I wanted to know all of the benefits. I will be breastfeeding. My goal is to breastfeed for one year. That is usually the recommended time to breastfeed for. It is also recommended that you exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, meaning that the baby only feeds on breast milk, and no other foods or liquids. I am confident that I can do it, I am aware that it will be painful, though. There are many reasons I choose breastfeeding over formula feeding my baby. Of course it's great that breastfeeding will help me lose the baby weight, but it's so much more than that. It's so much healthier for myself AND baby. It decreases any risks of ovarian and cervical cancer for the both of us. Breastfeeding decreases the chances of baby getting any kind of illnesses. It decreases the chances of baby ever getting obese. ALSO, a big one I like, breast milk goes through baby's body faster, making baby dirty diapers faster, and I know that doesn't sound too exciting, BUT, formula sits in baby's stomach longer so the baby feels more full for a longer period of time. This can cause constipation. 

So basically I just want what's healthiest for my baby!

Here is a message to everyone who leaves me sweet comments telling me they believe in me and they know I'll do great with a natural birth, also to everyone who tells me I inspire them to have a natural birth: 
Thank you so much! I don't know if you guys realize this, but I DO read all of your comments on YouTube, even though I may not always be able to write back to all of them. Your encouraging comments mean a lot to me. I love all of you! And for the soon to be moms out there who tell me I inspire you to have a natural birth because of the way I am approaching it, just keep in mind that your body is fully capable of giving birth with no medications! Of course labor is a scary thing to approach, but we just have to go in to that hospital with the right attitude and remember that we CAN do this, and that it will all be over sooner than later. Also remember that all the pain we'll endure will all be worth it in the end when we have our babies in our arms! 

37 Weeks Pregnant

Symptoms for week 37: 

• Acid reflux almost everyday
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Sciatic nerve pain
• Getting up every few hours to go pee

I still have yet to get swelling in my ankles and/or feet! As for stretch marks, at the very end of week 37, I found one on my lower left belly! It's a very faint pink shade. I'm very surprised that I haven't gotten more at this point. I'm very lucky I haven't. Of course I can still get more, but usually at this point people seem to have a ton already. I have stopped using my stretch mark oils and creams, which I forgot to mention in previous weeks. My stomach has been pretty itchy once in awhile also, and I do scratch it sometimes! I don't scratch it very much, but I'm pretty sure scratching only makes it worse! Like I've stated before though, I'm not too worried about stretch marks either way. They will fade a little bit, also considering I barely have any and the only one I do have is pretty faint!

DOCTOR'S VISIT!

Danny and I went to see my doctor again this week, and this time I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced! We will go to see him again on Wednesday, the 24th, when I am 39 weeks. We will discuss our options with him, as far as induction goes. He won't let me go 10 past my due date, which is good, baby only gets bigger! I might get induced on the evening of the 30th if Rylee hasn't come yet. My decisions and choices have been well thought out, and they are best for me and my family. We are excited to have Rylee here in the next couple weeks! Also, I will be walking A LOT these next couple weeks to try and help labor start on it's own. I'm hoping she comes sooner so I don't have to be induced, but we will see! Either way, Danny and I couldn't be any more excited!!

Thanks for being so supportive! I appreciate all the wonderful comments you all leave me. <3

36 Weeks Pregnant

For week 36, symptoms are pretty much the same as week 35. I have been having A LOT of acid reflux, and it is so uncomfortable! I find that chewing ANY kind of gum relieves my acid reflux. I'd recommend it if you have it also, it really does work! As well as acid reflux, I've been having a lot of lower back pain, but we finally bought a yoga ball, yay! The yoga ball definitely helps, as soon as I sit on it and rock back and forth, or even side to side, my back feels so much better! 

I had a lot of sciatic nerve pain in week 36. It feels like a sharp stabbing pain, and it is SO painful, it makes it hard to even stand. I have been waking up more in the middle of the night to pee also. I feel like I've been waking up every 2 hours! I try to look at the time when I do wake up, but sometimes I am just too tired. 

DOCTOR'S VISIT!

Danny and I went to the doctor's office this week, just like we do every week now, and I was a fingertip dilated, which is less than a centimeter dilated! I knew those Braxton Hicks weren't happening for nothing! It was kind of painful when he was checking for dilation, but it wasn't too bad, just something I wasn't used to. 

Thanks again to everyone who is following and supporting me, you are all awesome! <3