Monday, July 29, 2013

The Arrival of Norah Leona Wisely

I am so incredibly excited to introduce Miss Norah Leona Wisely, who arrived last Tuesday at 3:12pm!






I can't believe our bean has finally arrived! Just a bit earlier than expected; I still am having a hard time believing all that's happened this week. And because it must be noted, here is my story from the top.

Tuesday morning I was woken up at about 4:30am because of some cramping. At about 6:00 when Bryan woke up, I rolled over to him and told him not to freak out, but I thought I was having contractions-- pretty regularly, fast, but pretty light. "Crazy!" we thought. "These things are false alarms all the time," we assured ourselves. So I went ahead and poured myself a bit of breakfast and continued on our morning; timing my contractions on an app I had on my phone (yes, there is an app for that). 


I had been having contractions about 45 seconds long about every two minutes. They only felt like menstrual cramps, so I figured I would go to work, sit it out and see how things progressed. Bryan and I took our walking break at 9:45, and at that point I was thinking that it was time to get ahold of my doctor-- things were getting more powerful, not subsiding! After a chat with my doc they decided I should come in when I could no longer talk through my contractions. That ended up being at about noon. After some hilarious hours of being at work and trying to have normal interactions with coworkers (nothing quite like, "Hey! Good morning! I am walking down the hall and secretly breathing slowly because I'm having a contraction at the moment. Trying to look calm."), we decided it was time to head to the hospital per my docs orders. (The waiting commenced also, because of my tiny breakfast surgery would be on hold until 8 hours after-- dang Honey Bunches of Oats). 

After a quick trip home to pick up some things, we met my mom, who took care of our first born (Walter went to stay with my parents while we went to the hospital)-- and we all met up at the hospital. At that time, I was definitely feeling that it was go time. Super regular, strong contractions-- it was happening! After being admitted, they told me I was 4cm dilated and 100% effaced (as our nurse put it, not an 'emergency' but the were going to have to work quickly to get me ready for surgery quickly or baby would be coming too soon!) I had one more quick ultrasound to check and see if baby had flipped out of her breech position (she hadn't, sadly), I was prepped for surgery.




Bryan and my mom called the phone tree of family and friends, and I was wheeled in to the operating room. Everyone was extremely wonderful, the staff was great (not to mention, we almost had the on-call doc help us, who's name was "Dr. Hu"--Dr. Who-- which gave us a giggle). After being prepped, anesthetized and readied, Bryan joined me in the operating room and we prepared to meet our little one. The procedure was absolutely the strangest thing I've ever felt; and I'd have to say I would have preferred many more hours of contractions/laboring to doing that again. Extremely uncomfortable and a bit terrifying. Lucky for me soon after I was introduced the the most beautiful face I've ever seen, our sweet, sweet baby girl.

(Even uncomfortable, it was hard not smiling and having a few tears after meeting Norah)


Our sweet girl was 8 lbs, 12 oz, and 20 inches long. Not to mention, sporting one of the most beautiful, thick heads of hair I've ever seen! They stitched me up, and Bryan brought our gal back into the room to meet the family, after being weighted and looked over. 





The epidural left me all shaky and unable to sit up-- so I wasn't able to hold our baby very well for the first few hours, which was a bit sad for me. But with such great family to hold her while I shook away it definitely made it easier. After everyone got to say hello, we had an hour to ourselves with just Norah, Bryan and I, where I got to breastfeed our little one and have a bit of quiet time. It was wonderful to get to reset for a bit after all that craziness. 

Tuesday was absolutely one of the most amazing days I've ever had. I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it all. Every day since then I have become even more attached (I didn't know that was possible); and even throughout all of the craziness I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. We spent two more days in the hospital, where we learned a lot about sleep, diaper changing and how our lives would be oh-so-very-different. Different in a good way, that is.

To say that things have been extraordinary would be putting it very lightly. Being home has been fantastic and a bit scary, but totally amazing because of our wonderful, supportive family and friends. Having a husband who is extremely active and helpful has also made things much, much easier. I don't see how anyone does this on their own (props, single ladies). 

Bryan has two weeks off, so we spent the last week adjusting and spoiling our little one. I am so happy he gets to stay home with us another week. Every time we do something different, we learn a little something-- and life feels like it can one day be normal again. I have millions of photos, thank you to my talented sister (thank you SO MUCH Amy!!) so I will try and keep them coming. 

Looking forward to updates with all sorts of stories, cuddles and adventures. I promise to keep you posted!


Much love,

The Wiselys'
Bryan, Sara, Norah and Walter

Baby Wisely: Week 39

How far along? 39 weeks, the size of a mini-watermelon (certainly looks that way!)

The good?: Holy energy, Batman! ( I am writing this retrospectively, which makes it a bit more hilarious)-- I heard that right before you go in to labor, you are given a spurt of energy. Kind of a 'candle burns brightest before it goes out' scenario) At the time, as I was running about/walking full speed and full of chipperness, I was definitely feeling that the time was approaching...

The bad?: Nothing too bad at all, really. Feeling really great. It's crazy that the 39th week felt better than 38th and before.

The New?: Nothing too new to report; still waiting to see if she flips over (feeling less likely by the hour)

Movement: Still the same happy hiccups/kicks, still loving it!

Nursery update? Done and done!

How's the belly? Feeling quite watermelon-y.

Sleep?: Not too bad!

I know this is a late post, I just wanted to end on another photo! Exciting post to come...

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Nursery and Maternity Shoot

Woo! Finally have a few photos to show. I can't believe this room used to be a man cave a few months ago.






It feels so good to have everything together. I find that I just wander in there and rock in the rocking chair. Just enough girly I think, but not too much! 

As well as the nursery being done, we also had our maternity photos finished and given to us! Here are a few of my favorites:






Tara, our wonderful co-worker and photographer, was so much fun and wonderful to work with! Check out her website if you get a chance, she is incredibly talented. This was a few weeks ago, and I'm so happy we did the shoot then! (Right now I'm not up to much trail hiking anymore!)




Baby WIsely: Week 38




How far along? 38 weeks, about the size of a leek

The good?: Life is back to normal in our household. And I think we are (can you ever be?) feeling ready for our bean's arrival-- it's been nice only having to worry about sitting back, relaxing, and staying cool.

The bad?: I think my body is officially starting to give up on me a bit. It's a bit strange wishing I didn't have to walk anywhere. I have all this energy and no body to use it with. Not to mention, if I lay down or sit too long it takes me a minute or two to not move like a 90-year old woman...

The New?: After a chat with our doc last week, we have a plan. Doc decided that she was extremely unlikely to turn, so we decided against a version (manually flipping her). She says it only works about half the time in a 'normal' case; but in my case she's far too large, and my fluid is too low. Not good odds for an extra treatment and extra stress on little one. We scheduled the c-section on Monday the 29th (I will be at 40 weeks exactly), to hopefully give her the most time she can to flip just in case. Not originally my plan, but she is still happy and healthy the best we can tell, and that's the best we can ask for.

Movement: She loves the flashlight! One of my 'tricks to flip' is putting a flashlight under my belly, thinking she will go try and check it out. It's sad though-- I can literally feel her trying to push her way down with her arms, but no go. Poor thing!

Nursery update? Done and done!

How's the belly? Large. Very large. 

Sleep?: Interrupted by massive bathroom runs, and painful to turn over, but still sleeping well. (Sounds feeble... but I've heard so many stories of pregnancy insomnia and other horrors that I still feel lucky.)

Only two weeks left! I can't really believe it. We are packing our hospital bag tonight (just in case!), have the car seat in the Mazda. Only thing left to do is take it super easy (minus my flipping exercises!), and wait for her birthday-- which is on my Omi's! (And a day after my dad's :) She is destined to join my lovely bunch of Leo's!)

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Baby Wisely: Week 37



How far along? 37 weeks-- full term!-- and as long as a bunch of swiss chard

The good?: Baby is still happy, kicking and healthy!

The bad?: Been a bit of a rough week. Walter ran away in the heart of firework festivities (so thankfully, he is back!!) Ended up running around town all of fourth of July; my body still feels a bit pissed about it (hiking trails, walking everywhere else, driving/putting up flyers)... back feels full of pinched nerves and is making me wobble; stark difference from last week.

The New?: Found even more ways to try and turn a breech baby-- if you need me, I will be the one awkwardly flipped upside down on my couch/floor/bed. Or stretching. Or bouncing around on the exercise ball. You know, typical 'I'm full-term and hoping my baby flips' behavior.

Movement: Quite peppy still, one less thing to worry about :)

Nursery update? Everything? Received! Putting the last touches on a mobile I'm making. Happy to share pics this week!

How's the belly? Officially getting a bit uncomfortable. Between the stretching and the heat, I'm definitely feeling a bit more awkward. 

Sleep?: Sleep is still thankfully wonderful. Turning around is a bit of an ordeal, but sleep has been fabulous and restful. (Knock on wood!!)

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday, that will be the day we decide what's up. My actual doctor will be back, and we will talk about what we can do to get this baby turned (ECV, which seems scary at the moment but might be an option; also whether or not I will be scheduled for a c-section). Hopefully it will answer a few questions we have at the moment. It sure would be nice if little one decided to turn on her own... keep happy flippy thoughts for us!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Baby Wisely: Week 36


How far along? 36 weeks-- and never mind the crenshaw melon, we found out today that our gal is 7lbs 14 oz already (as estimated by our ultrasound tech that is). CRAZY. She is bigger now than Bryan was when he was born. ?!?!?!

The good?: Had a wonderful date weekend with hubby, which was much needed! We didn't realize how busy we've been with life/baby things until we took a break. It was a fabulous weekend of delicious food, putt putt golf and relaxing. So wonderful.

The bad?: Our little bean is still breech. I was told today that a c-section might be in our future. A bit of sad news for me (lord knows I didn't carry these hips around my whole adult life for nothing), but we are happy she is healthy and happy regardless!

The New?: *Officially* figured out what braxton hicks contractions were, especially after last week. Turns out I've been having them for weeks! Whodathought.

Movement: Still all sorts. Caught her chewing on her feet today on the ultrasound. I love it!

Nursery update? Waiting on a small pinch of things to arrive in the mail, then we are officially DONE. I hope to post pictures next week!

How's the belly? Great! Big, and still great. Am having a hard time believing that I've avoided stretch marks so far (knock on wood).

Sleep?: Lack of sleep is mainly due to the heat these days! Although a lovely window AC unit from my sweet sister and hubby is making life so much better!! (Thanks sister!!)