The Arnolds

Henry. Is Here. (more on that later) He is BIG. He is a week shy of being 5 months old and is in 12 month clothing and size 3 diapers. I looked at him today with just his diaper on and thought he is big. Real big. I weighed him just because I was curious and I got 18 pounds 5 oz. Last time I did his height (last week) he was 29 inches. I'm scared. The End.

Our little/big baby Henry is here!

The night before (post before this) I stayed up and wrote Henry a letter. I couldn't sleep knowing that the next day our lives would change forever. Lane on the other hand, being the calm man he is, fell asleep immediately.

As I sat in bed, feeling Henry move, I couldn't help but get emotional at the thought of only being able to feel him in my tummy for a few more hours. Very surreal and strange realization.

We woke up early on that Wednesday and I got ready by taking a shower and putting on makeup. I for some reason wanted to look cute (but the pictures of that day clearly show I didn't look as cute as I thought I did!). My parents (The O'Briens) were here and woke up with us. They didn't leave with us but were going to come to the hospital later after we checked in etc.

Lane and I took a few pictures before we left and again the realization of leaving the house for the last time without our little dude set in. The drive to the hospital was short. Literally. It is just about 3 miles from our house. I kind of went into this state that I get in when something huge is about to happen. I remember it the day I was marrying Lane. I get really uncharacteristically calm. As we walked in to the Labor and Delivery unit with our bags, I stayed calm and was ready. The same kind of ready I was to become Lane's wife. We walked in, checked in, and got to our room. It was a big room with a window and on the back hallway (room #16). I got in my gown and waited for the nurse to come in.

She came in and I immediately loved her. I don't know what it was about her, maybe her calmness, but I could tell this was going to be good. I got in bed and just waited taking it all in. The resource nurse came in and started my IV. She did a great job and got it first try (something I always hope fore when starting them on my patients). It didn't even hurt. I was suppose to be started on Pitocin but when I got hooked up to the monitor I was contracting on my own. Every 5-7 minutes or so but they weren't too painful yet. After answering a lot of medical questions, she checked my cervix and I was 5 to 6 cm dilated and I think 80/90% effaced. She was shocked as was I, because you NEVER have inductions that are that far dilated. My doctor, Dr. Romberg, came in around 9ish and she broke my water. After that, the contractions started to become more painful but I was still able to get through them because they were far enough apart. They still didn't start Pitocin and so I was able to get up and walk around and not be monitored continuously. Before I went in, I really really didn't want to have to use Pitocin. I hate the stuff and wanted to do things as "on my own" as possible.

I walked around the unit, some with Lane, some with my dad. I had to stop a few times to breathe through the contractions but was trying to move things a long. During one of my walks, Lane's parents came and so my parents, Lane's parents and Lane were there room just hanging out with me. When the nurse came in, everyone would leave. So 9 AM the doctor broke my water and around noon (I think) they came in to check me. I was 7 cm and still rocking so I continued to walk and breathe through the contractions. When I would have a contraction everyone would stop and stare at me and it was really awkward! Then I would say "don't look at me" and everyone would turn their head away! A few hours later I was 8 cm and decided at that time that I should go ahead and get an epidural. I probably could have made it further but the thought of feeling the actual birth and possible rip freaked me out. So I sat up got the epi and felt great. The doctor that did the epidural was really nice and reminded me of Lane's cousin John. It was more painful than I imagined (I have done A TON of them with my patients) but now I know what it really feels like which is better than the contractions but still uncomfortable.

I laid back down and my friend Danielle (a labor and delivery nurse I work with) had come up for the day was in the room at one point with the nurse. I think it was about an hour later, around 4 PM. Danielle and my nurse watched Henry's heart rate on the monitor and he had a small variable. A variable is a sharp decrease in fetal heart rate that indicates cord compression. As long as the heart rate comes back up quickly there is no reason for concern. It was the only one he had the whole day and my nurse said, "ok, lets check her". She did and I was 10 cm, 100% and +2 station! That means PUSH TIME! When Jenny said that I was excited and nervous as I know that pushing for "prime eps" (first time moms) can take hours. Jenny was to leave at 5 PM because her sister was in Austin (Jenny's hometown) from London and she was going to see her that night. So, we started pushing instead of laboring down because I think Jenny wanted to be there for the delivery. I would have preferred to labor down but oh well. I still wasn't on Pitocin. Jenny set up the bed and I began to push.

I pushed for 2 hours total. The first hour, my contractions were spread out and so I would have a couple then not have one for 5 minutes or so. Jenny left at 5. I was sad. We made plans to become friends on Facebook and then Heidi (the nurse who was there for the delivery) came in. She got report from Jenny and then pushed with me. I at that time became the annoying dreaded patient who asks after every push, "did he move?!". Poor Heidi. She would say, "we've got some work to do". Or, "yes, but he hasn't come past the pubic bone". I forgot, the second hour we started the Pitocin to get the contractions closer. It helped. And I was ok because it was the best case scenario. At one point I think she got frustrated with me and offered me a mirror. To my surprise, I said, "yes". NEVER thought I would but once I got that mirror, I could tell what I was doing and within the next hour gave birth to our sweet baby Henry. I do remember feeling the contractions - I didn't feel the intense pain but I could feel them coming. At one point I got nauseated which is also normal when the baby's head is way down on a nerve. Weird.

Dr. Romberg put him on me and I just remember thinking, "oh my gosh, he is so red and acting like a normal newborn". I have no idea what Lane was doing or what else was going on. I was in a moment that stood still. Once Lane cut the cord, they took Henry over to do his assessment and give him his Vitamin K shot and eye goop. Lane was over there by him and I just though wow, look at this moment. It felt like I was watching a movie. I was happy that I was still alive! I got the shakes pretty bad (which are normal) and just sat there watching everything going on.

It was so neat. So so neat. The next hour was full of repairs, the nurse doing things, family members coming back in the room to see us, and trying to breastfeed. More on that later. I was down in L&D for an hour and it was a very very very fast hour. I got my catheter removed and into a wheelchair to head to the wonderful land of postpartum.

**I have to say one of the things I was most excited about which is so weird is getting a catheter. The thought of having something drain your bladder so you don't have to get up really made me excited. I am blaming getting up every hour during pregnancy to go to the bathroom on this excitement!

Now introducing:
Henry O'Brien Arnold. 8 pounds 12 ounces. 21 3/4 inches with little blonde fuzzy hair and dimples!

Here we are on the eve of meeting our little guy.

I am overwhelmed to the max.

I am going to write Henry a note tonight.

I went to my Dr appointment on Friday at 11. I was 4 cm and still 80% effaced. I sat down on the table and my Dr listened to Henry's heartbeat. It was a little low this time at 110/108 and she looked a little concerned. I said, "its a little low huh" and she said yeah but it's not scary low just lower than it has been so she ordered me to have a sonogram.

I was a little nervous but had been at work the last 2 nights and it had been busy and I was on my feet the whole time without much water and food. I saw down and she started the sono. She looked at his heart and brain, fluid, etc and measured him. He measured 8 lbs 12 oz and his heart rate was still a little low. It was really worrisome for me but I tried to stay calm and knew God was in control. She shocked him with a fetal acoustic stimulator and his heart rate went up to 140's and then 120's. I felt him move and feel ok. After the sono we went by my Dr's office to talk to her and she said for us to go ahead and induce Wednesday.

Wednesday is her on call day, I was measuring a week a head and it is just time.

Tonight is Tuesday. Tomorrow is Henry's arrival. There is too much to type. Too many thoughts going through my head. I don't really know how to handle this but I do know all the people I love will be by my side and I will get to hold my little boy soon.

Life is good.

So now I go to the Dr every week.

Today, I went in and had my what should have been quick appointment but lasted longer. Not because anything was wrong....but because my Dr. has been on her honeymoon/wedding and this week has been crazy busy for her.

I walked in and waited. The nurse Heather called me back and I pee'd in a cup (sorry TMI) so they could check it for protein (for PIH). Then I sat down and got my blood pressure taken. 118/74 - Perfect.

Before I sat down I got on the scale and saw that I am now 213 pounds - HUGE but only a 43 pound weight gain from the start. I am tall. ok. But plan on getting down to the 150's after he is here. (yeah right).

I went back to the room, undressed from the waist down and waited. And waited. And let me tell you, sitting straight up at 37 weeks is very uncomfortable. Sitting any way is uncomfortable but I eventually laid down on the table like a big beached whale! I am not complaining. Just thinking about how I must have looked when Dr. Romberg walked in.

She came in, told me I am GBS - (yay! no antibiotics during labor for me!), listened to Henry's heart rate which was caught during an acceleration (L&D dork out reference) at 144 bpm and then she checked my cervix. Still 3 cm, 80% and -2/3 station. It is mid-positioned and very soft she said which is good! I actually love when my patients have a cervix like this because it is very easy to find. TMI - probably.

I am so thankful for such a wonderful pregnancy. I have had a really reaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllly great pregnancy. I am so blessed. God's timing is so perfect. God is perfect.

I love being pregnant. Although I am tired and uncomfortable, I know that I only have a few more weeks/days of feeling our first baby moving all around. I love my belly and people are SO nice to me. Especially Asians. They LOVE pregnant people! I can't believe it is almost over. I can't believe I'll never be pregnant again with my first baby. How sad! I am ready to meet him and can't wait to see what he looks like. When I think about it, I start to cry and get an overwhelming love for Lane that I can't explain.

Henry has stopped getting the hiccups as often. I actually haven't felt them in a few days at least. I am finally accepting the stretch marks and know they will fade. I am thankful they aren't as bad as a lot of women that I have seen. I am thankful for a March baby. We were curious as to whether he would come early at the end of February or if he would stay put until March. When I think of March, I think St. Patricks Day and Spring. So I am excited about this month which use to be my least favorite season - Spring. Now, it may be my favorite.

Henry, I love you. I am scared and nervous but I love you.

37 week pictures:


The donut hole that I got from the Asian lady at the donut shop - She gave it to me because she saw my stomach:



Henry and I waiting for the Dr.

This week started my weekly Dr. appointments. I will go every week until Mr. Henry arrives!

This week our Dr. wanted us to have a growth sonogram because she was curious as to how big Henry is as she said at my 34 week appointment that I was measuring ahead. (As mentioned in my previous post).

Lane went with me which I was happy about and it was the last time we will get to see him on sonogram before he comes! Sad and weird and crazy and exciting and scary all at the same time!

He was just hanging out like always and measured 6 pounds 12 oz which was about 37.1 weeks so not even a week ahead. I was a little relieved because the doc said he wouldn't be 10 pounds which I have thought all along he would be since his father was 11. I was 7 pounds 9 oz so if he stays in until his due date he would probably be around 8 or 9 pounds or so (that's just my guess).

However, she checked my cervix and I am already 80% effaced (the thinness of your cervix for all you non OB people out there - 100% is the goal - and I am 2-3 cm dilated. Now, there are plenty of people who go weeks walking around like that so it really doesn't mean anything but the fact that things have already started and I am just about 37 weeks means that I 1. Probably won't make it to my due date (although it is totally possible I could) and 2. Won't need anything like cervidil to get the cervix going if I am induced.

We got our stroller, nap nanny (Cat pushed me over the edge to get this since her baby Ava loves it) and I got another changing table for downstairs (thanks again to Cat for the suggestion since we both have 2 story houses). We don't have any other big ticket items to get and with just a few small things left to do are pretty much ready.

I am still working although lesssssssssss than ever. I have called in sick twice the last month because of not feeling great. I have been feeling lots of pressure and nausea more so then I have the entire pregnancy. Although this week I feel better. Last week I didn't. I was working last night and they let me go home at 10 pm so that was good. I only have 4 or so more shifts probably before he comes. It is very uncomfortable to be at work and has been since about week 33/34. All the pressure and pains I have been feeling from being on my feet 12 hours are for sure what has gotten my cervix where it is today. Maybe genetics since my mom was 3 cm at 7 months which I wonder how long I have been like this.

Lane and I have gone on a few walks although after finding out about my cervix I am going to stop those until March. I stepped on an uneven part of the pavement and fell down on my knee the other day but I was ok. That is the second fall this pregnancy! I'm such a fool!

The last 3 or 4 nights/days I have been having contractions. I am not sure if they are just Braxton Hicks or if some of them are real. My face gets really flushed when I am getting them and they come about once an hour or so and don't go away with position change/sitting down or drinking water. Some of them are a little painful but they are very mild. I am sure they would show up on the toco if I were hooked up.

Belly Shots:


Changing Table Shots:


Stroller: City Select

Last weekend we, scratch, Lane did a ton to get the nursery in working order. We, scratch, Lane installed the car seat and so I am feeling more ready than ever! It feels nice to have some things done and know that if he were to come now we would be decently ready. Henry's nursery still needs some work (like pictures in the frames) and other touches to add some flare to the mix. Right now it is a little boring and Lane seems to think if I add anything else it will "junk it up". I disagree. Lane had a great idea to add fishing lures as pulls for the fan. It turned out cute!

Lane and I on Saturday morning feeling our little guy shake it:

To the car we go!

All finished!

Nursery


We got a leather laz e boy recliner to rock Hank in. It is amazing.

I am waiting on a changing pad cover much cuter than that blue terry cloth one. I am having someone on Etsy make it.

We also got a different lamp for the changing table. That one was hard to turn on and off because it is so compact.

Henry, Lane wants to hold you!


We also had dinner on Valentines. We went to Luby's. That's right. I am a romantic and still think Valentines Day is GAY. Really, you think you are special because your boyfriend/fiance/husband buys you 2 dozen red roses and tells you he loves you? C'mon, get real people. And off my soap box I jump.

I worked the night of the 13th which was also my Dad's birthday. Happy Birthday DAD! When I got home and went to sleep, this was on my pillow. It was a letter from Lane. I cried.


The special, oh yeah!

It actually was crowded. We were one of a handful under 50.

Thats a lot of carbs. And one of the biggest chicken fried steaks I've ever seen.


We came back to the house afterwards, took a few belly shot photos and then went and sat in Henry's nursery. We like to just go sit in there and look around. I put Mona in his crib to test it out. She hated it. Yes, I rewashed the sheets.

35.2 Belly Shots


Mona got really stiff and wouldn't move.

A little update on Henry and I.

Last week when I went to my Dr. she estimated him around 6 pounds based on Leopolds maneuvers. Which are not reliable. But she ordered for me to have a sonogram next appointment which is when I'll be 36 weeks and so we get to see him again! YAY! They will check my cervix and do a GBS screen (they do on everyone). Then I'll start going every week until he comes! I can't believe it is the final countdown. Man that went fast.

My blood pressure is good. No protein in my urine. And she only mentioned (again) that I need to watch the carbs and sweets. I had gained 41 pounds so far. OOPS.

I am getting really nervous about the L&D part. I know too much.

I am still afraid I am going to die.

I get leg cramps in which I always think its a DVT and as soon as I get up it will dislodge and I will die. (doesn't help that I have had a patient in the last few weeks with one of these).

My stomach is huge. And I have a few stretch marks below my belly button which I am really bummed about. They aren't bad but it is causing my skin to itch like crazy. It could be a lot worse.

I am tired because I don't sleep all that well. I toss and turn every 2 hours and go to the bathroom about that often too. I sleep with a million pillows. Last night, Lane and I decided to have a slumber party in the guest room. I woke up in the middle of the night and he had all the pillows. I was so uncomfortable so I abandoned him and came upstairs to my massive amount of pillows including a body one that is my best friend. Besides Lane and Mona of course.

Work is getting really really hard. Being on my feet 12 hours and working L&D which is a lot of physical torture makes carrying this extra weight and belly almost impossible. Not to mention I am very forgetful and absent minded right now and as a nurse that is B-A-D.

I waddle.

Henry moves a lot. Still!

In fact, tonight he is moving A LOT! I am videoing my stomach moving and sending it to my friend Danielle at work. Here is a shot: (dont mind the blonde belly hair being highlighted by the computer screen)

Will try to post it later. I dont know how to post videos!

He still gets the hiccups a lot.

If you push on his body part, he will move it!

I love you H! Just a few more weeks!