Saturday 21 December 2013

Birth Story

This is a little bit over due (almost 5 months over due) but better late then never.

On July 28th, 2013 at around 8:00am I was getting ready for the day. I was 34 weeks and 6 days pregnant. I noticed some slime on our bed when I woke up and realised I had lost a part of my mucus plug. Well I got all excited and needed to show Ben before we started the day.

Ben's sister Allison was getting ready to move back to Newmarket with some family friends. We had a morning all planned out that Janice and Bob were coming down and we would all go out for brunch and then they would take Allison back home with them. So we all got ready and headed to Perkins for brunch.

While we were eating I was having minor contractions that were slowly getting more intense. We finished up with brunch and headed back to our place to make sure everything was packed up and ready for Allison's grand adventure.

When we got home I decided that I was going to call the hospital and ask if I needed to come in because I was having contractions about 5 min apart and had lost some of my mucus plug. Well because I needed a cesarean section they asked me to come in to get checked. They also did not want my water to break before delivery. So at 3:00pm I asked Bob to take Ben and myself to the hospital and my mom would meet us there.

I got hooked up to all the monitors and my contractions were around 3 min apart so they booked me in for a c-section for 5:00pm.

I got prepped and wheeled into the room for 6:45pm. They then did my spinal and waited for the medication to numb my belly. Well after 10 min or so I could still feel the pinch on my stomach. They tilted me and we waited another 10 min and checked again. At this point I started to panic because I could still feel the pinch. They had to put me under general at this time and my two beautiful girls were born at 7:01pm and 7:02pm.

I am so very thankful they were born safe and sound, but am sad I missed out of the wonder of delivery.

While I was under I had apparently lost a lot of blood due to a complication and was very anaemic following the delivery. I had to have 3 bags of blood to bring my colour back and give me my energy and strength to get to the washroom on my own.

Olivia and Sabrina did not have to spend any time in the NICU and they were both breastfed with a top up of formula to make sure their blood sugar was up.

We were able to come home after just 3 days. So here are a couple pictures of my belly before delivery and of the twins.


Sabrina and Olivia

Olivia and Sabrina

Olivia and Sabrina

Top: Olivia
Bottom: Sabrina

Olivia and Sabrina's feet

Olivia, myself and Sabrina

Our family
Myself and Ben
Sabrina, Miranda and Olivia

Olivia and Sabrina

Sabrina
Olivia

Wednesday 3 July 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 31

Well this took a little longer then I would have liked to post, but I wanted to let you know how my ultrasound went as well! Baby A is still measuring smaller at 4lbs2oz, Baby B is measuring 4lbs12oz. So I am carrying just under 10lbs of baby not including all the other "stuff" in there. Baby A is still breech and is on my left side, Baby B is now laying transverse (across my tummy) with her head on my left. They must really love each other to have their heads to close. Both of their feet are on the lower right side of my tummy, which explains my extremely painful right hip bone. They are rating both babies 8 out of 8 right now, so they are both practically perfect in every way!! I can not wait to hold my two princess' in my arms in a month or so. Grow babies grow!!!

How far along: 31 Weeks
Size of babies: 4 Navel Oranges (Each)
Total weight gain/loss: -2 pounds. Under my pre-pregnancy weight. Total gain is 13 lbs from my lowest weight.
Gender: 2 Girls. We are keeping the names quiet until they are born.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. Wearing lots of dress' because they are the most comfortable and they help me stay cool.
Stretch marks: Only getting new stretch marks on the top of my belly.
Belly Button: The top of my belly button is poking out and the rest is shallow.
Sleep: As much as I can get, which is not very much lately. 
Symptoms: Still battling acid reflux and heartburn. Sore pelvis and belly. Swollen ankles if I am on my feet for more than half an hour. Braxton hicks are in full swing, and painful.
What I miss: Being comfortable. Whether that be laying down, sitting, standing, or anything in between.
Cravings: Nothing extreme this week.
Aversions: None thankfully. But my appetite is not as it should be. I think it is because of the heat.
Best Moment: Seeing my daughter Miranda realize what was on the ultrasound machine.
What I am looking forward to: Holding my babies in 4 to 6 weeks.

Wednesday 26 June 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 30


How far along: 30 Weeks
Size of babies: Large Cabbage
Total weight gain/loss: 1 pound above my pre-pregnancy weight. Total gain is 16 lbs from my lowest weight.
Gender: 2 Girls. We are keeping the names quiet until they are born.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. Wearing lots of dress' because they are the most comfortable.
Stretch marks: Yes I have around 4 new stretch marks on the top of my belly.
Belly Button: The top of my belly button is poking out and the rest is shallow.
Sleep: As much as I can get, which is not very much lately. 
Symptoms: Still battling acid reflux and heartburn. Sore pelvis and belly. Swollen ankles if I am on my feet for more than half an hour. 
What I miss: My sleep and energy
Cravings: Nothing extreme this week.
Aversions: None thankfully. But my appetite is not as it should be. I think it is because of the heat.
Best Moment: Passing my glucose test!
What I am looking forward to: Baby A hopefully flipping to head down. 

Monday 17 June 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 29

How far along: 29 Weeks
Size of babies: Butternut Squash
Total weight gain/loss: -2 lbs. My body just does not want to gain anything. This is getting frustrating. I am so glad that they are doing ultrasounds and making sure the babies are ok.
Gender: 2 Girls. We are keeping the names quiet until they are born.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. Some of my maternity tops are not fitting as well as they should and my tummy is starting to poke out the bottom.
Stretch marks: My stretch marks are growing. All I can really see is the top of my belly so I am not sure about the bottom. No new stretch marks yet.
Belly Button: The top of my belly button is starting to poke out and the rest is shallow.
Sleep: Around 6 hours at most a night. So not too bad considering. My naps are very important.
Symptoms: Still battling acid reflux and heartburn. Sore pelvis and belly. Lots of kicking from the girls and it is starting to be noticeable by other people. Swollen ankles if I am on my feet for more than half an hour. 
What I miss: Being independent and able to comfortably do anything.
Cravings: Tomato Juice and chocolate (not together)
Aversions: None thankfully.
Best Moment: The time spent with my daughter Miranda before these two come and the time I get to spend with Ben.
What I am looking forward to: Baby A hopefully flipping to head down. We will see on Wednesday at our ultrasound!

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Ultrasound and 28 Week Check Update.

I wanted to post an update on the babies from the ultrasound and my 28 week check up. 

Right now both babies are doing fantastic so far. I had my ultrasound on June 5th, they are measuring around 2lbs 4oz and 2lbs 11oz. They were also breech (head up). At this time because I am 28 weeks now there is very little room for them to flip head down. This pretty much means that I will have to have a cesarean section, it really sucks to know that the chance of a vaginal birth has almost been taken away completely. Right now I am asking for as much prayer as possibly that Baby A will flip, even if it is painful. I am also looking into massages and stretches to help encourage the flip. 

My cervix is still long, although they did not give me a length. So we know these babies will be in here for a couple more weeks. My goal right now is to make it to 35 weeks and then deliver any time after that. 

If anyone has any suggestions to help Baby A to flip I would be very happy to hear any and all of them.

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 28



How far along: 28 Weeks
Size of babies: Iceburg Lettuce
Total weight gain/loss:  lbs. I am finally above my pre-pregnancy weight. But I have gained 16 lbs from my lowest pregnancy weight.
Gender: 2 Girls. We are keeping the names quiet until they are born.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. Some of my maternity tops are not fitting as well as they should and my tummy is starting to poke out the bottom.
Stretch marks: Some of my old stretch marks are turning purple, and growing just a little.
Belly Button: An innie, slowly getting shallow. I never did pop out with Miranda so I am hoping I do this time
Sleep: Around 6 hours at most a night. So not too bad considering.
Symptoms: Still battling acid reflux and heartburn. Very sore belly, I got a sharp pain above my belly button on the right this week. Dr said it is just stretching.  
What I miss: Seeing my feet. I am tripping over everything now.
Cravings: S'mores, but made with peanut butter cups.
Aversions: None thankfully.
Best Moment: `Being able to see my two new princess squirming at my ultrasound.
What I am looking forward to: Baby A hopefully flipping to head down.

Monday 3 June 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 27

How far along: 27 Weeks
Size of babies: Cauliflower
Total weight gain/loss:  -2 lbs. I am down still from my pre pregnancy weight. But I have gained 13 lbs from my lowest pregnancy weight.
Gender: 2 Girls. We are keeping the names quiet until they are born.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. Some of my maternity tops are not fitting as well as they should and my tummy is starting to poke out the bottom.
Stretch marks: Some of my old stretch marks are turning purple, and growing just a little.
Belly Button: An innie, slowly getting shallow. I never did pop out with Miranda so I am hoping I do this time
Sleep: As much as I possibly can. I am so tired even after doing a chore I need to sit.
Symptoms: Still battling acid reflux and heartburn. I am taking Zantac and tums to help that. I am finding that I am getting sore quicker and it is hard to roll over in bed. When I wake my belly is sore. The belly band is helping when going out. Lots of movements, and less fluttering at the bottom of my belly. I am hoping that means the babies are going to stay head down. 
What I miss: My energy! Being able to paint my toes. Balance.
Cravings: Alphagetti`s, brownies, poutine.
Aversions: None thankfully.
Best Moment: Date night out with Ben to the movies on Saturday!! We saw Iron Man 3. AMAZING.
What I am looking forward to: I have an ultrasound on Wednesday to check the babies and how they are growing. Looking forward to seeing them again.

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 26

Wow it has been a while since I have posted anything. Here is a quick recap of my past couple weeks: I did have a scare on April 26th and ended up in Labor & Delivery to check to make sure everything was ok. I was spotting a little bit and having some cramps. Everything looked great and they sent me home telling me that I should be taking it easy and not to be lifting too much. On May 16th I slipped in the shower and had a tensor on my wrist but the babies are still doing good. Tonight I slipped on one of Miranda's toys. So needless to say I am having some balance issues. I did have to go and get a pregnancy tummy support belt because my pelvis area gets extremely sore if I am out and about walking around. I am using that if I do any cleaning around the house as well, but it is not comfortable while sitting. 

They are sitting in an odd position
My view from up top.

How far along: 26 Weeks
Size of babies: Eggplant
Total weight gain/loss:  -5 lbs. I am down still from my pre pregnancy weight
Gender: 2 Girls.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes. Some of my maternity tops are not fitting as well as they should and my tummy is starting to poke out the bottom.
Stretch marks: No new stretch marks, but the old ones are starting to grow. Not bad though.
Belly Button: An innie, slowly getting shallow. I never did pop out with Miranda so I am hoping I do this time
Sleep: Usually I am sleeping by 3:00 am because the twins love to move at night. Ben has been absolutely wonderful getting Miranda up when he comes home from work and letting me sleep in till 10:30 am or later. I also take a nice long nap while Miranda is napping after lunch.
Symptoms: Way to much acid reflux and heartburn. Some pain in my stomach and in my pelvis.
What I miss: My energy! I am exhausted after bending and picking up toys, that is ridiculous! 
Cravings: Subs, pita's, or any type of veggie.  
Aversions: None thankfully.
Best Moment: Ben felt Baby B kick... finally. He felt Baby A kick a couple weeks ago. Also watching my belly jump with their kicks.
What I am looking forward to: Right now... not being pregnant. I am really excited to meet these two girls and see what they look like, their personalities and hearing their tiny cries.

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Pregnancy Update: Week 21


Well I figure now is as good a time as any to start giving updates on my twin pregnancy. I will try to update once a week, should be on Mondays. We are keeping the twins names quiet for right now and may not announce until they are born.

How far along: 21 weeks
Size of babies: Carrots
Total weight gain/loss:  -11 lbs. I am down still from my pre pregnancy weight, but slowly gaining a pound a week.
Gender: 2 Girls.
Maternity clothes: Completely in maternity clothes.
Stretch marks: One of my previous stretch marks from my pregnancy with Miranda has a purple top.
Belly Button: An innie, slowly getting shallow. I never did pop out with Miranda so I am hoping I do this time
Sleep: This past week there has been a lot of tossing and turning. I am finding that Baby A likes to  sit on my sciatic nerve and that causes a lot of pain. OR if I try to stretch out my legs I get a bad cramp from under my belly then off to the sides.
Symptoms: I am measuring at 31 weeks for a singleton. I am very tired all the time, and the sleep issues do not help. Trying to pick up my 18 month old over and over wears me down very quickly, so I do have to sit and relax a lot. And my belly gets sore when I am walking or on my feet for a prolonged period of time.
What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach. Other than that would be being able to do things without getting sore or tired right away.
Cravings: My cravings change on a daily basis. Some of my cravings have been Sausage rolls, chocolate covered pretzels, McDonalds, and CHOCOLATE 
Aversions: Nothing in specific... mostly everything. But that has slowed down and am finally gaining weight again.
Best Moment: The first time I felt Baby A kick from the outside and then a couple days later felt baby B
What I am looking forward to: Hopefully seeing my belly be kicked into weird shapes and my belly button popping out.

Monday 22 April 2013

Labor and Delivery...


October 18, 2011
We arrived at the hospital at 1:35am, and as soon as the security man saw us he showed us where to get registered. I signed all the papers and we were off to the maternity ward.
When we got to the maternity floor the put us in a room and checked me to make sure that my water broke and then hooked me up to a machine to check my contractions. After 20 min on the machine they checked everything, I was only 3cm dilated, and then off to the Labor and Delivery room I went. 
The nurse told me to walk a bit to progress my labor, and showed me a couple of different ways to labor. So after about half an hour I started to have really bad back labor. We then decided to try the walking thing. Down the hall we headed and we got to the elevators, I turned to Ben and said “I think I am going to puke”. We found a recycling bin and I braced myself over it. Nothing happened so I said I was fine and we headed back to the L&D room so I could lay back down. We took maybe 5 steps and up came my dinner, all over the floor and wall and Ben and my feet. Ben went to the Nurses Station and asked if there was a mop or anything he could clean up the mess. The nurses told us to just go back to the room and they would clean it up.
We get back to the room and again I threw up. Every time I moved I threw up. The contractions pain was so intense that was all I could do to stay sane. The nurses gave me two shots of Morphine and one shot of Gravol. It really didn't help. By 5:00am I was begging for an epidural. The nurses told me that I had to wait till 8:00 am at the earliest because that was when the Anesthesiologist would be at the hospital. Every time I had a contraction I would start to shake.
At 8:00am I finally got the epidural, I was still at 3cm dilated. Then they started pumping Oxytocin through IV. About 5 minutes into the epidural medication I felt nothing. I was so relieved. I could hardly feel the contractions. They had to replace the epidural medication twice before my angel arrived.
Ben called my parents and his mom around 8:30am and my parents came right away. My mother was in the room with us. We then made sure that the rest of our family was told right after. My younger sister and her bf came shortly after, and then the rest of the family came later in the evening when I was almost ready to deliver.
couldn't believe how slow my labor was progressing. At the nurses shift change, around 6:30pm, I was at 8 cm and the new nurse got me to start pushing. I was pushing for an hour and a half before my doctor came in the room at 8:00pm. I was so exhausted by this time.
My Dr. gave me some more freezing and then gave me an episiotomy. Ben said he couldn't believe how much blood I lost. Then at 8:56pm my little Miranda Grace was born.
For anyone calculating how many hours I was in labor from when my water broke… 21 hours. More than worth it!!

Saturday 20 April 2013

Preparing for the Hospital...


(Continuation from last post) This post is very descriptive and is not for the easily grossed out. Read at your own discretion.
October 17, 2011When I got home from my parents I started to “nest”, which is cleaning up and getting ready for baby. I also was doing my thank you cards from the baby shower. I went to the bathroom, at 11: 50 pm, and noticed slime in the toilet (TMI), then realizing that I just lost part of my mucus plug. I immediately rushed to my computer to check how long it takes to go into labor once you lose your mucus plug. The site I was looking on someone had said they went into labor 2 weeks after they lost their mucus plug. I was devastated that it could still be another two weeks but very excited that my little angel was on her way.
About 5 min after my water broke… all over my couch. I ran to the bathroom because I thought I just lost control of my bladder. By the time I got to the bathroom my PJ’s were soaked and the hall had wet spots leading to the bathroom. I was so excited but didn't want to get up till Ben came home from work (He works till midnight). 
After my water broke I had the most painful contractions I could have imagined. They lasted about a min and were about 5 - 7 min apart. I started to pack my hospital bag and was freaking out because I was so excited. Ben calmed me down and let me know that it might be awhile till she came. So, we decided to play some Lego: Batman on the Xbox for a bit until I could not handle the contractions.
At around 1:30am I could not handle them any longer. So I had a shower, we finished packing the bag and off to the hospital we went.

Friday 19 April 2013

The Road to Labor...

I will start by telling the story of the birth of my first daughter Miranda. This will be done in three parts.


***WARNING - To all expectant mothers, this was not the easiest L&D but worth every moment***


October 17, 2011
I woke up very impatient for Miranda’s arrival. For a couple weeks I had been in a lot of pain from Braxton Hicks and just the weight of her pushing down on my bladder and being so far out front. I was also concerned about Miranda coming on Halloween.
I couldn’t spend the day in our apartment, so I called my sister Candice to see if she wanted to do anything. Maybe walking would help get my darling daughter out. 
Candice picked me up and we went to the mall. While walking around I told her that I found online that pineapple would help start labor. On Friday Oct. 14th we had my Baby Shower and my parents had a lot of pineapple left over. So, we decided to go and raid my parents fridge and I would eat all of the pineapple.
After eating dinner at the mall we headed to my parents house. I started eating the pineapple and jokingly said “If I go into labor tonight I will laugh”. No one had ever heard of pineapple starting labor, so my family kept telling me that I was only making my mouth raw and nothing would come of it.