Finally-the birth story!

Okay- so I am aware that 10 weeks have passed since Tobias Wright Raynor was born, but- that is just how fast and busy life is after a baby is born!  Bill and I were just looking at pictures of when Tobias was just born.  He is already growing so fast!  So, before I get into how he is doing now, I'll back track and give his birth story:

On Tuesday, November 8th, I decided that I should put up some Christmas decorations before Tobias arrived.  So, I proceded to drag out all of the decorations for the colored lights tree and fireplace mantle, and hauled them down from the third floor to the first.  (Actually, I dragged them on the floor)  I spent the morning and afternoon decorating the downstairs of our house for Christmas.  (I feel fairly certain that this is what got Tobias moving)

On Wednesday, November 9th, I did not feel very well.  Throughout the day I had some mild "cramps", but they came and went off and on throughout the day.  They finally dissipated by Thursday morning, and I felt a little better.  Apparently this was "false labor". 

Thursday I had a doctor's appointment, where he said that everything was going great.  He said that I was only dialated 1cm. and that if I had not delivered by the 22nd (I think that was the date that he gave me) that he would induce me then.  I had been told that women walk around for weeks only being dialated 1cm., so I didn't really think anything of it.  At this time, the doctor seemed to anticipate that I would go later than the delivery date. 

On Friday afternoon, I started feeling the same as I did on Wednesday.  By this time, I was thinking that the contractions were just braxton hicks contractions, and had been told that they could last anywhere from days to weeks.  I remember thinking at this time "Good grief- if I have to wait until the 22nd to be induced and have braxton hicks for that long- I'm not sure if I will survive!".  Nevertheless, I got myself ready, and headed to Target and then on to Krispy Kreme.  Apparently, Tobias got excited about Krispy Kreme, and started his journey into this world.

Friday night I was still having more severe cramps, but they were not consistent.  I waited until about 10:00 to start timing the contractions.  I tried to lay down and get some rest, but the contractions did not let up.  They weren't intolerable, but rather just felt like persistent mentrual cramps.  I still thought that they were braxton hicks at this time.  At about 12:30, I told Bill about the contractions and we soon thereafter called the doctor (I don't think that either of them thought I was in labor, although at this point in time, I was).  Well- our doctor was off duty, and we were put in contact with the on-call doctor's midwife (Katie).  She was very nice- she told us that it was up to us if we wanted to come to the hospital and get checked out, but that it didn't sound like I was close to labor- that most first time moms take a long time to dialate. 

About 1:30am Bill and I hopped in our car and trekked off to the hospital.  The hospital was about 40 minutes away, and I knew that I didn't want to wait any longer before starting the trip.  I also knew that I would rather get to the hospital, and have to turn around than to be that far away and be in active labor.  Anyways, we got to the hospital, got checked in (Bill wheeled me around a wheelchair), and was admitted into a room.  The first thing they wanted to do was to check to see how far dialated I was.  The first nurse didn't know for sure, and didn't want to make an assumption (thank goodness). She had thought that I was less than 5cm. dialated. Another nurse came in and couldn't tell either.  So- the last nurse came in, and I was 7 1/2 cm. dialated!!!  They immediately called down for the anesthesiologist so that he could get there in time to give me the epidural before pushing time.  I honestly don't know what happened in a timeframe from 2:30 am to the time I delivered Tobias.  I was a little distracted (to say the least).  I do know that it took about an hour for the anethesiologist to arrive, and then about another hour for the epidural to start taking effect.  It never really took full effect, though.  The epidural definitely helped ease the pain, but gratefully, I was still able to feel enough to help aid in the pushing/delivery process.  It was an odd feeling when Bill would hold my leg and push on it, and I could feel the pressure, but not the pain.  THANK GOD FOR EPIDURALS!!!

The whole time, Bill was an awesome coach.  There was a time, however, when coaching me, that he stated "get a grip, baby, get a grip!"- although we all knew what he meant (for me to grip hard on the side rails), the nurses couldn't help but laugh at that!  I'm pretty sure that without Bill's help in coaching me that I would have found myeslf getting a c-section.  There were two times where the doctor said "if the baby is not out in 15 minutes, we're going to have to do a c-section".  Each time, I dug deeper within the mother's well of strength, and pushed with (really) all of my might.  I made such progress each time, that he kept giving me more chances.  I knew for certain that after having to have an episiotomy that I didn't also want to have a c-section.  For sure.  I knew that I was going to do everything that I could to deliver Tobias right then.  Although I definitely was exhausted and felt like giving up, I kept telling myself "this won't last forever (that I wouldn't have to push forever)".  They did have to suction him twice.  The first time, the suction did not adhere to his head, and popped right off.  (Bill later said that he watched that happen, and that it was very disheartening and a little disturbing).  Apparently, our little baby had so much hair that the suction had difficulty adhering to his head.  On trial #2, it worked, and our little Tobias Wright Raynor was born at 9:13am.  He cried for a little bit, but it wasn't the kind of cry that hurts your ears (thank goodness).  The nurses did their quick primary check of him, and then placed him on my chest.  THAT WAS THE MOST AWESOME, EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE!  It was just so awesome to have the little baby boy that we had waited 9 whole months to see, laying there on my chest, and in my arms.  It was just an overwhelmingly joyous time!  I was totally oblivious to anything else that was going on at that time. 

I am so glad that it was just Bill, Tobias, and me there for the first hour and were able to really enjoy our first moments together as a family.  I am so thankful for Bill and his unwavering support of me throught the delivery.  What an incredible moment that was! 

I will stop right there for now.  This has been a very long post!

5 weeks to go!

Me- 7.5 Months Prego!

I realize that it has been a while since I last posted anything.  We've been scurrying around trying to get any last minute things accomplished and ready for when Toby arrives. 

The month of September brought two great baby showers- one from our friends and coworkers (at our home), and one from the family and their friends (in VA at Bill's parents).  We got so much baby stuff- we were toally blessed! 

The baby shower here in NC went along with our safari theme, hosted by two of my coworkers and my friend Michelle.  We had a beautiful cake, cute decorations, and some fun little baby games to play.  There were about 10-15 people here for that one, and I really enjoyed being with friends and opening all of Toby's fun little gifts!

The baby shower in VA was a tea luncheon and had a baby boy blue theme.  Bill and Gwyn did an excellent job with all of the decorations, and with creating little stations for people to visit (a tea station, a well-wishes station, etc.).  April did a fantastic job with the food (the edible arrangements were probably my favoite).  We enjoyed our time wtih the family and their friends, and were totally overwhelmed at the amount of people there- I think at one time, they counted 51 people!  Needless to say, that it took me two week to write out all of the thank you notes (well worth it- but you can only write so many a day!). 

It was also during our VA trip that I realized that I swell up like a balloon when sitting down for 2 1/2 hours (the amount of time it takes us to get there), and the opposite, when I stand up for any length of time.  Otherwise, I do just fine.

Toby's room right after the VA shower- lots to put away!

So, now today marks my 1 1/2 weeks off of work, and I have been such a busy little bee with finishing Toby's room, writing thank you's, and just some of those things that you really never get around to when you spend 40 hours a week at work (like actually printing out the pictures off our camera).  We have been busy with taking birthing and baby basics classes during the week, and spending time with friends and family over the weekends.  I've also started making full amounts of meals and freezing half of them for those long days that are coming up after Toby arrives when we're hungry but don't have the desire or time to actually cook a homemade meal.  That has been recommended to me by lots of people, and I am definitely taking that advice!

Well, Toby is starting to run out of room in my tummy, so he is no longer doing summersaults, but is still moving around.  Last night was probably the first time when I was able to take Bill's hand and place it on my belly, where Toby continued to move around and Bill could feel him.  Sometimes Toby is a little shy, and stops moving when my belly is touched. 

We're looking foward to what the next month has in store for us!

This picture was taken last month in the hotel that we stayed at for Steven and Hannah's wedding.  So, this was me at 5 months, but my belly has definitely grown since then! I would dare to say that between last month and now, Toby has definitely made it known that I am pregnant!  At the time, I had to wear shirts that explained that I was "expecting", and not just fat! 
This past week we had another ultrasound, and all went well.  The low placenta issue that I had earlier has now dissipated and no longer poses a problem.  Thank goodness!  We received another ultrasound picture, but the one that was taken last time was actually much clearer.  I now move on to seeing the doctor every two weeks until the middle of October, when I start seeing him weekly.  I don't mind the doctor's visits, they just take up a big chunk of the day- we make the appointments for early in the day, but usually have to wait an hour to be seen (at least).  I do have a great understanding and appreciation that the doctor that we see takes the time that is needed with each of his patients- and even more understanding that he has to deliver babies sometimes too- I just am adverse to waiting in the waiting room for an hour every time that I go! 
Bill has gone with me every time as well- but since the appointments are becoming more frequent, I don't think that he will be able to continue to do so.  It has been great to have him there by my side to help ask questions and just to be my support.  I love him, and he is such a wonderful man!
Yesterday I put up some super cute wall decorations in Toby's room (safari wall decals that match his bedding and the letters that spell his name).  I just have to make sure that everything is up on the wall securely, and that they aren't going to fall down and konk Toby in the head one night!  I took a picture of the decor, but I could't seem to find it on the camera today as I uploaded the other one.  Perhaps I will try again later.  Until then, I'm gonna shop online for baby clothes- so much fun!  (can't really go out now- there's a hurricane passing by us!)

Just hanging out!

Not much else to share since the last time that we posted!  Baby Raynor has been busy growing- he's now about 2 lbs. and over the past few weeks has really been kicking and punching his way around!  It makes me smile every time that I feel him move around- it's just so amazing that this little guy is growing inside me!  I just pray that Bill and I will be good parents to him!
After several sleepless nights- I gave up sleeping on my left side only (as some people recommend).  Although, the doctor just said not to sleep on my back and to stay raised up some. I have moved several pillows into our bed, and have been sleeping well ever since!  Hopefully this continues, at least for a few more weeks.  As I understand, the later in the pregnancy, the harder it is to get sleep- but such will be life after baby Raynor comes, also!
The nursery is almost done - we have the crib, dresser, changing table combo, and the bedding/curtains put up.  We will be using the recliner from our study- but we're waiting to move that until the last minute (well, Bill will have to find someone to help him move it)- but right now we enjoy sitting in it and watching the fish in our tank, and relaxing.  I've been trying to pick up some baby essentials when I am out and when they are either on sale or if I have a coupon.  Who knew a baby could need so much?  Thankfully I have family and friends who are already helping out! 
This weekend and in the next week we will be revealing Baby Raynor's name (we have to keep some suspense!), so we'll post again once that happens!

New things!

It was Bill's ingenious idea to give his mom and aunt's a mission for Baby Raynor.  Their first mission was to find baby books and Veggie Tales DVD's.  At Bill and Gwyn's B-day party a few weeks ago, they accomplished their mission as we received several books and DVD's.  Now I can read to Baby Raynor when he arrives and he will be very smart!
Their second mission was to pick up some diapers.  April started the trend and purchased a whole case of the super cute denim jean diapers that Huggies makes.  This past weekend, we received some more diapers from Troi and Gwyn, as well as (what I like to call) a toy doughnut stacker, a bib, and a set of receiving blankets. Woohoo!  Baby Raynor will needs lots of everything- so we definitely appreciate their giving in starting our diaper stock!
This week, Bill and I discovered that the BEST time to go shopping at Target is July 4th night.  If there were crickets in the store, I'm sure that I could have heard them.  It was totally deserted, and the perfect time to create a baby registry.  Unfortunately, though, a big storm was passing by, and we had several hiccups with our scanning device.  It took us over an hour to register for baby items, and we weren't even able to register for everything.  I guess I'll just have to have more fun adding them online! 
Yesterday, I headed to Southpoint- which is a great area near Durham with a fantastic mall and shopping centers around it.  There I registered at Babies R Us.  It was really fun to just take the time and look around and scan lots of things.  This was the first time in my life that I think that I have spent 2 hours in just one store!  Bill was at work, and didn't go on this extravaganza with me- and it was probably to both of our enjoyment that it worked out that way.  He is very supportive and is great to be there to give advice, but he simply is just not a shopper.  He'd rather do it all online.  I also purchased our baby boy's first batman onesie and monkey sleeper (very cute, if I do say so myself).
So, we are now registered at Target and Babies R Us.  It takes alot of effort to register for baby stuff (much more than registering for a wedding)- alot more research to figure out what might work best and what has the best reviews.  Although clothing and cute stuff is definitely welcomed, I just hope that people check out our registry when buying stuff for Baby Raynor.  Really, though, any help in getting ready for our baby boy is greatly appreciated!

The best thing about registering, though: all of the fun little samples and coupons that you receive!  Such fun!

It's A....

Last week we had another Dr.'s visit.  Although the doc. was 2 hours late (he was in a car accident), we were as excited about this visit as we were the first one- this was the appointment where we could find out the gender of our baby.  As soon as the doc. slathered me in gel and placed the ultrasound monitor on me, he immediately asked if we wanted to know the gender.  Two seconds after we said that we did, he said IT'S A BOY!!!  We were super excited to hear the news! 

Although it didn't matter whether it was a boy or a girl, I had a sneaking suspicion that it was a boy.  The only slight concern at this point in the pregnancy is that the placenta is laying low.  I don't have placenta previa, just a low lying placenta.  The doc. said that usually the placenta will shift upward as the baby grows, towards the greater blood supply, and that it will not go any lower.  I will have another ultrasound at 28 weeks that should give more detail as to whether or not it has shifted.  If it hasn't shifted, there is a greater potential for a C-section.  Right now, baby Raynor has lots more growing to do, and we have no real worries.

On to the reveal...

This weekend we had both sides of our families over for our annual 4th of July celebration.  While we had a scheduled Dr's appointment for the week after the 4th, we asked the doc. if we could do it the week before, and thus we did.  All along our families thought that our Dr.'s visit wasn't until the week after the 4th.  So, Bill and I decided that we would tell our families this past weekend (since they would all be together and would know at the same time)- what we were having.  So-I had ordered a cake from Blue Moon Bakery in Cary, and had the inside icing tinted blue.  Right before we served lunch, I grabbed the cake from the refrigerator and had Bill's mom to cut in to it.  Once the family saw that it was blue icing, the screaming and excitement ensued!  They all seemed very extatic to have been a part of that very special moment with us!  (it didn't hurt that the cake was pretty tasty too!)

Updated Due Date!

I almost forgot to add to the previous post that there is an updated due date.  Our Dr. had taken two ultrasounds - one said that we were due on November 17th and the other said November 13th.  So the Doc said this time that the due date is November 15th.  Really what that means is...nothing.  The baby will come when it's ready to come (which is what I say, not the Doc.), but if it is more than a week later than the 15th and the baby hasn't come yet, then I will be induced.