Pics coming

 Pics of baby 3 and baby 4 coming!!

Presenting our OCTOBER BABIES

 

Jarom Oliver Ferrero

October 6, 2018 at 9:12pm

9lbs 9oz

22’’

 

Our third baby arrived Fall of 2018!  A year after I first brought up the idea of a third child, we were in harmony about the idea … we got pregnant really quickly. Jamison was entering Kindergarten so the world of public school opened up

 

So here’s the story of baby #3!

 

PREGNANCY FOR BABY 3

With Jarom the pregnancy was really smooth. Spencer and his work team had just started at a new company and were swamped, we were also doing school tours for Jamison starting Kindergarten, but I didn’t feel very sick.  Partly because of this I suspected I was maybe having a boy.  I’d felt more nauseous when I was pregnant with a girl.  In July when I was about 7 months along we took a baby moon trip, just Spencer and I, to Slovenia.  It was really fun!  Taylor and Jamison were with my parents.  As we settled back home and Jamison started Kindergarten, it was fun to share with them about what to expect for the rest of my pregnancy and when the baby came. I showed a video from Babycenter.com about what the baby looks like in the womb in the final weeks. We did a gender reveal with Spencer and I using a cake at North Italia, the same location but different Italian restaurant where Spencer and I had celebrated birthdays, the first stop for our engagement evening, and our first date after Jamison was born.  We did a

Powder ball, hit the softball reveal for the kids at Stoner park.  Some friends put on a baby shower for me at Cheesecake Factory.  As the due date of Oct 9 approached, I reflected that it would be the anniversary day 12 years previously that I had moved to LA, and he would be grandchild #12 for my parents! We showed a video to Jamison and Taylor again about how far baby was developed, and then had a plan in place that when ‘baby starts to knock knock knock wanting out, you’ll go to our friends house or be with Nana.’  We had a tissue paper schedule for about a 3 day section that would fit over whichever days on the calendar it applied. So one Saturday morning, October 6, 2018 to be exact, at 5am I was feeling some special ‘real’ feeling contractions. Funnily enough, our first two children were also born on Saturdays! I’d had a contraction the evening before, October 5, and one in the night when I was up with Taylor. Spence was on the couch and I told him. He seemed good to go and knew the drill. At about 5am I got up and packed for the hospital, wanting to be ahead of the game a bit. Around 730 I was feeling the contractions every 40-60min so I called the doctor’s office. There was a recorded message and at the end it included the cell number of the doctor on call for emergencies. I hung up, wondering what the process was to let them know I was likely in labor.  I mulled this over and then I called again about 5min later because I knew I was going into labor and so I wrote down the doctors number and thought well I guess going into labor is an emergency. Lol. I guess I need to chat with the Doctor on call.  I’d had a previous precipitous birth so I didn’t want to wait too long!  I called the number which was for Dr Phillips and he said ‘ok sounds good, let me know when the contractions are 10min apart.’  We called our friends who had other company in town, but said yes bring them over.  We packed stuff for them and placed the little overlay schedule onto our family calendar to set the plan in motion. A little later I called Dr Phillips because the contractions were 10min apart.

We prepped the kids to bring them to our friends the Forsyth’s who had agreed to be on standby if I went into labor before family was in town.  We drove them the few blocks and met Ben at the entrance to their place.  The kids said hello and we unloaded their bags.  Ben asked how I was doing and as I was between contractions all was well.  We handed over our keys to our apartment in case they needed something or to be there, and said goodbye for now!

 

HOSPITAL TIME

We headed to the hospital, this time knowing exactly where to go.  We had even done a hospital tour. We went upstairs to Labor and Delivery.  The nurses checked us in and we went right into the delivery room.  It was about 11am.  The delivery pack was already on the table ready to unbundle.  They commented that this usually wasn’t typical but I had had a precipitous birth last time, so no harm being prepared. I got settled and was walking around to try to move labor along.  I was bouncing on a yoga ball but then my contractions slowed a bit. They said this can happen- the baby gets stage fright a bit … so they said why don’t you head home and come back when the contractions are frequent again. I felt a little disappointed, but Dr Phillips pointed out that a hospital has so many germs. ‘You don’t want to be here more than you need to!’ He said. 

 

HOME BETWEEN ACTS

We got home and walked into the apartment, seeing a neighbor but not visiting as we approached our door.  We texted Forsyths with an update. I took a shower. Spence went to two hardware stores for screws for the crib which was half assembled. I got out of the shower and dressed then laid on my bed to rest. I rested for a while in my familiar bed, and then right when I was starting to wonder what the plan would be and whether I was in labor for real or if things were going to kind of stall I made the motion to get out of bed to get up from my rest. My water broke. It was really cool because it was literally this sound in my ear of a bucket tipping, that sort of gush and slosh sound like water in a big bucket. I was pretty excited (and wet!) and called the doctor. He said to come back to the hospital because once your water breaks things can happen pretty quickly!  I called Spencer and he hurried home.

I was going to maybe make myself some pasta or something, and the thought crossed my mind to do that but instead we just headed right back over to the hospital after grabbing a few more things (more snacks, my flip flops...)

 

 

HOSPITAL TAKE 2

When we got back up to the hospital 2^nd floor they said, ‘you’re back!’ ‘you changed your outfit!’ ( I was wearing a stretchy blue and white striped short dress.) They asked if I’d eaten and I said no!  shoot.  Too late though now that I was in labor and at the hospital. We settled back into the same room and they checked with a little q tip swab and chemical test to ensure my water had in fact broken. The test came back negative! Bizarre. I was sure my water had broken! They said it may have been liquified lubricant from what they used when they checked my cervix earlier, or it could have been urine (?) I was pretty sure it was just a faulty test, though. Dr Phillips came in and they tried to get to the bottom of things, and he said just for the record they wanted to show they’d done this test. Anyway, a little while later they did it again and it came back positive. Strange.

 

By around 4:00 my contractions were still fairly mellow but more frequent- every 5-7 min or so. We watched a bit of Spider-Man but then the contractions started to be more intense so we turned it off. We listened to a ‘birth music’ series on YouTube, which was nice and calm but somewhat energetic piano music and was perfect. Also we had the lights turned down a little lower.  We saw the sunset out the window and it was beautiful!

 

It was the first women’s session scheduled Saturday evening for church general conference and I kind of wanted to be there and when Spence asked if I’d like him to pull it up online I said no I feel pretty empowered as a woman right now. But it was fun to text a few friends as they asked if I was going to the conference broadcast at the church and if they could bring my baby gift, etc and I said I’m in labor!

 

I’d texted my parents and they called around 8:00... they had just been at a friend’s wedding! We chatted and they were excited then I felt a pretty strong contraction.  Mom reminded me to breathe and said, ‘OJ (my Dad’s nickname,) it’s Linds and she’s having a big contraction!’… and then the contraction went alright. It was nice to feel their support.  I also texted a friend who had given birth sans pain medicine and she said, ‘yes try to relax your whole body, even your eyebrows!’  I tried to.

 

I alternately moved, went somewhere else in my mind, vocalized, or rode with the contraction. They brought me a peanut ball that went between my legs and I really tried to relax. The contractions got intense but I tried to relax and focus on just being. Not trying to be aware of everything. The music was nice and the lights kind of low. The contractions got more

intense and maybe slightly closer together. I was hungry but wasn’t allowed to eat yet.  I did have some broth and liquids though.  I was prepared that maybe a different Doctor would deliver baby because my Doctor, Doctor Nishio, had a dinner event and might not be able to be the one to deliver baby. I felt a little sad but knew things would work out ok.  I think things even slowed down slightly for me as I subconsciously thought oh it might help for her to be able to come if go time is later. Sure enough a little later they said that the timing worked after all and she would be able to be here to deliver the baby.

 

Amanda, a tallish long blonde haired woman was my nurse then. At one point a contraction was especially hard.  I asked Spence to draw on my back for one of the earlier, hard ones.  I also kept telling myself, my body knows what to do.  This contraction was difficult so I asked Spence to get the nurse.  Amanda came and I said, ‘remind me what I’m trying to do?’  She said, ‘Relax, even the muscles in your face.  Breathe.  When you go natural, this part is hard.  It helps to go somewhere else in your mind.  Do you want me to stay with you through this next contraction?’  ‘Yes’ 

 

DELIVERY

Just then Dr Nishio came, yay!  She was very attentive and seemed to be tuning in to how I was doing, but also saw that we had something good going and so she didn’t intrude, she stayed in the hall looking through the doorway.  She said she’d be just right out in the hall.  I smiled at her but kind of stayed in my own little bubble too.  The next contraction came and it was tough but I used my hypnobirthing practice and really relaxed.  Even my face.  I leaned into the intensity but also ‘went somewhere else’ (to our Slovenia trip!)  Baby was still pretty high up.  Spence and Amanda were watching me closely and after the contraction Amanda was like, ‘That was AMAZING!’ I was also proud of myself for breathing through it.  The next contraction was intense again but I tried to keep up the relaxation.  The next one was intense and I thought, ‘ok baby’s coming now!’  So I said something and Dr Nishio came in.  If I remember right she asked the nurse who was checking me if there was a mucous type discharge yet.  Nurse said ‘no.’  Dr Nishio said, ‘ok it’s not QUITE time yet.  Lindsay, do you think you can hang in there for another few contractions?’  ‘Yes.’  So I did.  

 

It was then time. I asked for the big standing mirror that helps me see what’s going on with the birth.  They rolled it in and it was at the foot of my bed.  They put my feet in the stirrups.  More people came in.  I pushed/ let me body push and saw something through the opening when I looked in the mirror.  ‘Is that his head?’  Dr Nishio replied, ‘Yes.  Do you want to touch it?’ ‘yea’ I reached over and touched it which was so encouraging!  Almost there!  ‘Hi Baby Boy!’ I said.  Then I didn’t look at the mirror anymore because I could feel everything.  I felt his head coming out.  And pushing more (as coached,) his whole body.  It was amazing.  I leaned forward and reached out for him.  They laid him on my chest and we snuggled and Spence and I talked to him.  ‘Hi Jarom!’  I said.  He kind of cried and it was amazing to see him.  A BABY!  We bonded and snuggled.  Spence cut the chord. A nurse took pics.  They asked how Jarom is spelled.  Dr. Nishio stitched me up.  She said it was nice baby cooperated and could arrive when she was also able to be at the hospital to deliver him.  Dr. Nishio’s great! Calm and also very take charge/ knowledgeable.  There were comments on how things progressed quickly.  I held him and said no when they asked if I wanted a diaper on him.  I was so excited to have him fully in my arms.  We admired his cuteness.  I held our new cutie.  We sang him Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and he kind of cried and adjusted, as if saying, ‘Phew!  That was pretty wild!’  The birth was beautiful and so calm and awesome.  After a while Jarom started rooting and then began to nurse.  He latched well and we continued enjoying each others company, Spence and Jarom and I getting to know each other.  They checked him and a little later we were moved to the recovery room.  

 

RECOVERY

I was starving!  I missed lunch and dinner, lunch from partly my own fault and dinner because I was in  labor.  I gave Spence my order for In n Out, ‘Ok so you’re heading for the food?  Can you get me a hamburger, protein and animal style?’  the nurses knew immediately which restaurant he was planning to go to and laughed a little.  Good idea though since the hospital cafeteria was closed.  He left to get me some food.  The line was huge for IN n Out so he got me a burger from Café 50s.  It was so good!  This late dinner was gratifying after my hard work.  Spence stayed the night then went to take over watching the older two kiddos.  Thanks to Forsyth’s!  My Mom and Spencer’s mom also came in the first few weeks to help.  Those first few days I stayed another little while to make sure nursing was going really smoothly.  Taylor and Jamison and Spence came to visit and Taylor and Jamison enjoyed meeting Jarom.  They noticed how he had a poopy diaper and we changed it.  Taylor held him and we took pictures.  She came another time with Spencer too when Jamison was at school.  We were discharged around school pick up time when Jarom was a few days old.  Taylor rode on my lap as I was wheeled out, and baby was on there too.  Lol. We were home for a little while all together and then Spence went to get Jamison from Kindergarten.  We had grown from 4 to 5!  Man to man defense (parents to children) to zone defense!  So fun Jarom’s here!  Some songs are ‘Jaroby, Jaroby, Jaroby,’ and others… ____________________________

 

One night at home I was heading into our bedroom Spence passed Jarom to me.  I held him and said ‘whee, you had fun with Daddy!’  Jarom continued to look at Spence then SMILED.  So cute.  Spence grinned back.  So cute.  We love our Jarom.

 

Margaret Paige Ferrero

October 5, 2023 at 11:55am

9lbs 9oz

21’’

 

 

She is a darling.

 

PREGNANCY FOR BABY 4

Again it was my idea to have another baby and again Spencer needed time.  About a year and a half worth of conversations yielded him being game to try getting pregnant.  One year later, I took a pregnancy test and recited the mantra, ‘the universe is conspiring for my greatest good,’ and saw that it was positive!  I told Spencer the news with a little word puzzle and we did a little treasure hunt for the kids.  My pregnancy was smooth.  As ‘AMA’ or advanced maternal age there were a few more steps to complete during the 9 months but nothing too involved.  I enjoyed the pregnancy meditations on headspace and in the last few weeks listened to the podcast, ‘Birth Hour’ hearing womens birth stories told in their own words.

 

LABOR

My doctor recommended that I be induced at 39 weeks, as an AMA but I said well let me think about it.  What if we see how I’m feeling and maybe I go in at 39 ½?  She said well you can also just tell me screw you and your data I’m going to stay pregnant.  I said yes.  And I wanted my body to be really ready.  So we decided for me to go in the evening before my due date.  Spencer and I went into the hospital at 9pm on Oct 4.  A nurse named Tammie checked us in. We got settled in our room and for the first time I had actually written out my birth plan. So it was especially easy to answer the questions with my prepared answers…

 

My birth partner will be spencer…

Environment- calm, maybe will play some nice music

Pain Management- planning to go without pain medicine and I can tolerate up to an 8 out of 10 pain level before re assessing

Birth Positions- I’d like to use the yoga ball, be on hands and knees, lean

 

So from the doctor’s orders the nurse got me started first with some Cytotec, a tablet which I dissolved slowly under my tongue.  They put in my IV.  I did two doses of the cytotec, 4 hours apart. At about 6:30 am they checked me and my cervix was softer and I had progressed from a 1 to a 3 dilation.  Earlier when we checked in it was funny, the first nurse took down the notes for my birth plan.  I was saying I’d like to go natural, no pain medication, that Spencer was my birth partner, that I planned to use different birth positions, visualization, relaxation, breathing and meditation to manage pain.  I was saying, ‘I’d like the lights to be low and a little low and calm music.’  She loved it and was like, ‘cool, all vibey.’  Later there was loud music in the next room and she’s like ‘are those speakers they’re using? Oh man we have already failed! My patient needs CALM, people!’ Lol!  Haha – later on a nurse commented ‘I like the energy!’ and another nurse was encouraging of my plan to go without pain medication, saying, ‘you can do it!’  Other aspects of my plan (this is the first time giving birth that I wrote it all down ahead of time!) was to have the mirror at the foot of my bed, delayed clamping, no cord or placenta collection, skin to skin right away, I plan to nurse her… so I rested and read a but, wasthce a dlitle Disney Plus during the night.  Around 7 am my doctor came and said she wanted to break my water.  I was like, ‘oh! Ok’  she said, ‘well you have progressed to a 3…’ and it did feel like a good move so I let her break my water.  When she walked in the room there was a nurse she didn’t expect, covering for an hour for Mia and Val (Val is training Mia and they were at a lecture.)  The nurse said, ‘Nish!’ and explained she was covering for the nurses for a bit.  Dr Nishio was like, ‘oh, ok I was wondering if I was in the wrong room…’  they chatted while I used the restroom.  I guess all the nurses have Dr Nishio as their OB.  She is everyone’s favorite.  She is so great, I love my doctor.  She noted that the front part of my tummy was a little flat, and that baby might be posterior.  A lot of fluid came out when Dr Nishio broke my water.  They waited an hour just to see what happened naturally.  Doc said let’s see what your body does on its own for a bit before Petocin.  I ate breakfast and then they got me started on Petocin.  I walked around the hospital loop with my little IV rolly.  There was a funny ghost picture on the wall that said, ‘how dilated are you, Boo?’  It made us laugh.  I set a goal to walk ten times around the loop. Spence walked the first few with me then I told him he could go back in the room if he wanted.  I got a little tired and took a quick break but did it!  One loop was maybe about a ½ block length.  I was reading a little from my books and magazines but by this point was focusing pretty strongly on my pain management plan of meditation, visualization and doing different birth positions.  I told the nurse, ‘it seems like we are deep into labor now!’  Nurse Mia (Trainee) and Nurse Val (Trainer ) were my nurses.  At one point Nurse Mia was so helpful getting me in my new socks when after a contractions a bunch of fluid came out and soaked the bed cover and my gown and socks too!  I was in a position over the edge of the bed and we were kind of making it up as we went.  Mia said whatever is comfortable.  Then she grabbed Val and Val suggested a side position with one leg straight called the SIMS  - We think this is when Baby shifted from Posterior to Anterior.  Val says it works every time!  Then they left and I draped over the yoga ball and had a crazy strong contraction deep in my pelvic floor that was more intense than Ive ever had.  There was major pressure.  I asked Spence to buzz the nurses and Mia came in. I said can we turn down the petocin and get me an epidural?  In my mind I was thinking the pain level of the last contraction was an 8 out of 10 and I had said earlier when asked that 8 was the maximum pain level I would tolerate.  Nurse Mia asked me what the pain level was and I said a 7 (just to try to be tough.)  She said she would go check on turning down the petocin and/or getting an epidural.

 

A little earlier one of the nurses brought out the delivery pack and said, ‘4^th baby, we’ll put the delivery pack out now to be safe’- and this ended up being about 15 minutes before she came!

 

I moved over to the bed and laid kind of on my right side.  I instinctively knew that it was go time I guess, because I started using the breathing for active labor. I had watched a youtube video a few days earlier about  stress reducer breath, calming breath and J breath, the J breath being for when it is time to push baby out… you take a breath then exhale like your sweeping the breath down and out the birth canal, with a low moan, and you’re recommended to practice it while having a bowel movement, when no one else is home… which I did the previous week.  I had also filed away my pelvic floor PTs mentioning elongating exercises...   So while on my side I was doing this breath as I had a massive contraction.  I felt the breath sweep through me, the baby slide down a couple of feet, and also apparently turned the right direction.  I felt baby move so quickly down the birth canal and was pretty sure her head was even out a little.  I did the moan for the first part and a bit of a wail for the second portion of this mega contraction.  Spence came over to me from the other side of the room and the nurses came running in and helped me remove my bra under my gown so I was ready for skin to skin soon.  I said, ‘I think her head has crowned.’ They checked me and said her head was half way out.  I was kind of surprised but I really had felt her move through me- she’d been posterior but was now anterior.  I think she twisted as she moved down.  It was all very remarkable but also I felt a little out to see since my doctor was not yet present.  Then I think I was prepared in birthing position- maybe they had disassembled the bed and put my feet in the stirrups. But I was just laying back and still a bit surprised that I was just a couple pushes away from meeting my baby.  Then nurse Val I think said something like ‘ok, time to push.’  I had to kind of mentally wrap my head around that for a moment, because the hard contractions had been so short in time frame! She said, ‘Ok let’s get this baby earth side.’  That kicked me into gear even though it wasn’t the voice of my doctor.  I took a quick moment to think of the movements I needed to do.  I needed to take a breath and then push.  I took a big breath and pushed and her head was born, they said.  I pushed again upon their coaching and her shoulders were born and then I think one more small push and she was born and there in the room!  The cutest babe! They placed her on my chest and I got to snuggle her.  What a miracle.  The baby nurse, Chloe, squeeze bulbed her nose and mouth and she cried more. I started talking to her and saying, ‘Hi Margaret!  So nice to meet you! You’re here!’ We sang you are my sunshine.  A little while after that I distinctly recall them bringing her to me from the area where they did the tests.  She was all aglow and so proud to have arrived.  So present and delighted.  It was like we were really connected and she knew they were bringing her to me and that’s where she wanted to be.

Viva la Vida

Viva la Vida

Coldplay

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning, I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing
Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can't explain
Once you go there was never, never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

It was a wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People…

Down to the River to Pray

C
As I went down to the river to pray
         F                  C
Studying about that good old way
            
And who shall wear the starry crown
     G7    F           C
Good Lord  show me the way

G7        F        C
O sisters let's go down
F       C     G7      C
Lets go down  come on down
G7        F       C
O sisters lets go down
            G7       C
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way

O brothers lets go down
Let's go down come on down
O brothers lets go downu
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the star and crown
Good lord show me the way

O fathers lets go down
Let's go down, Come on down
O fathers lets go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord show me the way

O mothers lets go down
Come on down don't you wanna go down
O Mothers lets go down
Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the star and crown
Good Lord show me the way

O sinners lets go down
Lets go down, come on down
O sinners lets go down 
Down in the river to pray

Fun song

Edelweiss

G     D     G    C
Edelweiss, edelweiss
G      EM         Am7   D7
Every morning you greet me
G         D        G         C
Small and white, clean and bright
G        D7       G
You look happy to meet me
D                       G
Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow
C          A7   D  D7
Bloom and grow, forever
G    D      G    C
Edelweiss, edelweiss
G        D7       G
Bless my homeland forever

BABY TAYLOR LOUISE

BABY TAYLOR'S HERE!!!

WE LOVE HER!!  Was so fun for many family members to meet her this last weekend at Uncle David's Wedding!

the delivery story-

Felt contractions regularly starting about 8am Saturday 5/23... just the night before Spence and I had wondered when baby would come and what scenarios we might have

Labored at home (I checked in with my doc and she said to come in when the contractions were three Min apart)

We went about our business and I guess I have a high pain tolerance because when we got to the hospital the contractions were really intense. Still roughly 3-5 min apart but sometimes less. Actually, on the way from dropping off Jamison at my sisters and headed to the hospital I had to have spence pull over during one of them- it was that bad!  (Dropped off Jamison at my sisters about 1-1:30pm... as we got in the car to leave my nephew Chrish  (Christian) asked where we were going.  I said, 'the hospital to have the baby!'  Chrish, 'oh yea, that's right! )
Got to the hospital and were checked in my 2:30- they had to clean a room

Was a 5, 80% and -2... 

Moved from triage to labor delivery. Asked for an epidural . Not long after we checked in I asked for an epidural but the anesthesiologist  was in a c section so couldn't come Right then ... Spence wondered if he should move the car from the front area to Parkin and decided to wait until after i got the epidural

Then things happened FAST! She wanted out!

The contractions started coming every min and strong!!! the nurse hardly had time to check me

Again... She had been putting in my I V and stuff to prep for the epidural... Nurse called in reinforcements when they came she didnt know what i was at... they checked: a 10!

She said good news: baby's coming fast: bad news: No time for an epidural!!

They started to get the bed and room ready for delivery.  My body was shaking and when i Asked why the nurse is like , 'your body's thinking, 'oh wow!  I'm about to have a baby!!''

I was kind of nervous to suddenly enter active labor and not have an epidural.  One nurse I dont even know who, said, 'you got this Lindsay!'  that's all I needed and I felt reassured.

They set me up then said to push... wow good job...  and when i was pushing and Crying out nurse said

'Chanel that energy into pushing' so I pushed again.  They they said wait! Your doc
Isn't here yet- (there were the docs on call but they knew my doc would
Want to be there) and by waiting a little with the pushes it lessens the chance of tearing

My doc arrived and two more pushes- we met Taylor!!! 1.5 hrs after getting in my hospital gown!!  They gave her to me and when I saw the umbelical chord I thought she was a boy but then a doc said, 'it's a girl.'  I didnt believe them!!  haah not fully, until about an hour later when I saw for myself.

Called family- yay!  Mom was helping at a wedding and was so happy, 'it's a girl'  she didnt hear anything more either, just that it was a gril, then I texted the details. haha.

I was glad my doc
Could see it and so crazy how fast it happened... basically  it was FAAST!! that sums it up/ they said come in sooner next time because i progress fast.

jamison had a blast with his aunt uncle and cousins.  Meliss and the boys came to the hospital sunday morning!  al of them came in and it was so fun!!

nana was here the first week!. 

Talked about her name right after birth- Taylor means Schneider in German, Lake Louise after my mom's middle name named after the lake near Banff where her father lived...

Timed her birth well nana there

Dr Wong who basically delivered me was pregnant herself- first trimester and as luck had it was not nauseous that day

Taylor Louise

5.23.15 9lbs 8oz

20.5''  4:04pm

SOME FUN FACTS
i told Spence I was pregnant by putting a bun in the oven.  I asked him to check if I left anything in there and he gasped and asked, 'does this mena what i think it means?'

the pregnancy was super easy but had to go gluten free otherwise my tummy would be upset... felt slightly more nauseous at first too, than with Jamison

I gained 35 pounds with TL and 50!  with J

we didnt know how to ge tto the hopital exaclty while i was in labor so we had to look it up on our phones... J was born at Cedar Sinai and TL at UCLA Santa Monica

spence would have missed the delivery if he had gone down to move the car from the front drop off area to park it

we checked in at 230 and she was born 4pm.. TL and J were both born on staurdays- she was 4pm ish he was 4am ish

the nurses and everyone guessed her weight and everyone was off!  she was chubbier and bigger than she even looked

i always wanted to name my daughter Taylor since I was a little girl and found out SCHNEIDER (my maiden name) means TAYLOR.  Schneiden means to cut.  My ancestors lived 70miles southeast of Berlin in Droskau and emigrated in 1904

LOUISE is my moms middle name and my mom is named after the famous lake louise in Banff, alberta, canada in the canadian rockies

we didnt find out her gender becsause of the show call the midwife thats my fave- set in london 1950s and they never knew the gender.  i also love surprises.  spence was a sport about it and let me have my way

Jamison... the story of the day(s) you were born!

OUR LITTLE ONE IS HERE!  He's ADORABLE!  the story of how this came to be is neat and I wrote it down so we can retell it in the future with details.  It's long, but I broke it into chapters.  Enjoy!


before

The first part of the first day

 

So on Thursday, June 13, (J’s due date)- I took care of stuff at home then stopped at Melissa’s and said hi to my parents.  In the afternoon I went to Spencer’s work around 1:30 to see him officially receive his Bronze medal for placing 3^rd in the nation in all his CIRA testing. Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor.  He would have received it at the annual Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference in Chicago, but it was just before the baby’s due date, so he opted out and Tom, his boss’s boss, who is a member of the board at this conference, presented the award there at the office. We joked about how Jamison was coming fashionably late, and wanted to make an entrance!

 

It was a huge honor Spence received- go SPENCE!   His boss, Nick, was hilarious with the photo shoot he did, taking pictures of Tom and Spencer for the board newsletter.  He tried to be all professional photography- ish and it was funny because overall the presentation ended up being love key.  You’d have to meet these guys.

We had martinellis to celebrate and then I hurried out (late for my appt ) and I walked across the street to my Doc appt.  I had driven Spencer’s car and parked it at his building  my parents were there to meet me, having taken my car.

 

DOC APPT

It was really fun to see my parents at the doctor’s for moral support, and when we were called in and Dr. Daneshgar saw us, I introduced my parents, mentioning that my dad is a n anesthesiologist.  Dr. Daneshgar then said that for sure Dad was probably encouraging me to get an epidural.  I confirmed this and said I was going to do that.

He said that my blood pressure was still really high and that it had been all wekk.  I was also having mild headaches, a sympton of preeclasmpsia (along with high bloo pressure.   Id’ also been watching for blurred vision) He said that he was sending me to the hospital, with a note for Dr. Nassir, the Doc on call, that my bloodpressure was high, he feared preeclampsia or gest. hyperstension, and I should be induced jus to be safe.  I was at 40 weeks. So that was the best option.  I was super excited!  The day had finally arrived!!! He got things started a little by starting to strip my membranes, and then away I went with the note!!

 

 My parents drove me over to Spencer’s work- the front driveway type area and I called Spence.  ‘They are sending me to the hospital to be induced.  My blood pressure is high.’ I had veen told earlier – starting week 38, that I needed to watch this- lower satl, take it easy- rest on Left side half hr inmorning, half hr evening… id been doing that.  My blood pressure had otherwise been normal thru preg except maybe abut 5-6 monyh mark one time.

I asked Spencer how much time he needed.  I knew that he had been leaving all his projects this last week in a state where he could take off… he’d been on call all  week to drive me to the hospital.   ’10 min,’ he said.  Whee!!

 

He came down with his stuff- one more baby gift and his computer, and we headed over to where I’d parked his car.  I explained more about what the doctor had said and we talked about what we had to do before going to the hospital.  We’d head home, change clothes and pick up our bags that were already packed and then stop briefly at Ralphs for a few things.

DRIVE TO AND CHECK IN AT HOSPITAL

 

We were on our way to the hospital in rush hour traffic but luckily we made pretty good time!  Spence dropped me off and parked, then came to meet me so we could go up to labor and delivery together.  We got to the desk and there was this man complaining to the nurse on behalf of his wife who wanted to be admitted but had been refused.  I started breathing deeper and dramatically… trying to plead my case a litte and hop the line of one. Spence asked if I was having a contraction and I winked at him.

 

The nurse wrapped up with the fellow ahead of us and she took my I.D and insurance cards, filling out the necessary forms.  She then explained that they had  aunique situation at the moment.  They had no beds!! – they were so busy, everything was full, but we culd wait in the hall.  We walked thorugh the doord to the labor area.  The staf were friendly with us saying hi, but all they could do was pull up a chair and it was me and another pregnany lady who was at 30 weeks waiting to be able to get a bed and lie down!  The other lady I guess said she had no cervix left pretty much.  She’d need to have an emergency c section.  We waited a little longe trand everyone in the staff was friendly as theywalked by, greeting us and applolgising.  A third lady then came in whith her husband to wait.  They then said there was a spot that opened in Labor delivery… they;d skip triage and said I was next… The nurse who brought us right into Labor Delivery was named Ashley.  She was hilarious and fun/ Nurse Ashley. She checked my blood pressure and did a few tests.  She said they;d admit me and sent my urine to test for protein- if there was then it could mean I had preeclampsia.  She and I chatted a lot and she shared a few tips and breathing techniques, when to ask for epidural, and just about herself too when I asked. 

She showed Spence how to unhook the blood pressure cuff and heart monitors so I could use the restroom when needed easily as my stay progressed.

 

She tried to reach our doctor but by then it was a little after 6:00 and from 6-7 the doctors are doing their reports of their work for the dya and cant be reached.  So we played  a bit of a waiting game. She reported to the next nurse about what was happening with us.  She Gave her email to me saying she wouldn’t be back for another shift in a while and was sad she’d miss seeing my baby!  She said to send picsJ

 

 

Our next nurse, Genevieve, kept things moving along.  They finally reached the doctor on call- it had taken a little while because there was some questi as to who WAS the doctor on call- they’d changed the schedule.  It was not actually the doctore I expected, it was a completely new one in the group tha ti didn’t know about.,  He said to first make sure the baby was not breach.  Nurse

 

 

 

 

 

found somoen to bring in the equipment for the ultrasoundsand a resident to take care of reading the ultrasound.  They took the ultrasound and said he was vertex.  I couldn’t really tell much more that tat since he was so squished in there….Yes we could go ahead and induce.  Good news!

 

The urine test came back for protein… none… so it was gestational hypertension I had, not preeclampsia.  Phew!  The blood pressure cuff kept checking me every 15 minutes or so and I had to make sure my arm was straight.144

 

We were happy we were admitted and happy that they got a hold of the doctor and were going to start inducing… but there was a lot more waiting ahead!

 

The first part of the inducing procedure was to use something called Cervidil to get thigns moving along.  It’s like a tampon and sits in there for 12 hours.  By now it was 9pm.  So we bunked down for the night.  I slept fairly well and watched a few movies in the morning.  Our next nurse was Jocelyn.  Genevieve told her proudly that I was independent and could unhook and rehook myself up to go use the restroom.  One time though, when I used the restroom and brushed my teeth, I guess I pushed my luck, because they came nby to see what was taking me so long to hook back up, and if everything was ok.  Mostly though it was a handy and helpful thing.  Spencer mostly took care of the unhooking and rehooking, recuffng… but if he was out I was independent.

 

DAY 2

I watched a few movies in the am and docs kept coming in and out.

 

They checked me at 10am or so and the cervidil had moved things along so they gave me an hour break before the next procedure and I was allowed to have a ‘regular diet’  yum!  Spence brought me an omelet.mmmmm.

 

My parents came to see us and it was great to visit with them.  This helped me to keep a positive attitude and hang in there during this unexpectedly long wiat time.  I had hoped they’d see the baby but they had to fly home that afternnon, so we talked about when they’d come next.

 

The doctor’s started me on Petocin and along we continued…

 

Early in the afternoon I told Spence how I felt like my body had let me down by not going into labor naturally and by having high blood pressure - I said if t weren't for these things we would not have to stay here in limbo!

 Everyone said I just had to hang in there. Nurse Violet  was super steady and awesome. She layed out the facts.                                                               

 

The doc showed up and said that if things did not progress we would have to do a c section…( however, that was a long way off.)  If it came to that, he said it would be partly my decision and partly his.

 

Soo…

I rally started visualIzing then and thinking open thoughts.  I wanted to meet my baby!! I was also praying. We were so close!

 

They Broke water- again a resident was located and she came and took care of it.  It was a satisfying gush.

LABOR

I started feeling the contractions and when the nurses walke din one time I was laughing.  They thought that was pretty crazy that the contractions made me laugh!  It wasn’t the case, though.,.. hah… Spence had just said something funny;)

The contractions started coming more often and stronger.

 

Spence snuckin jello from the cafeteria when they ran out in the labor delivery area!

At this point things were feeling uncomfortable and I found comfort in listeneing to Jamison’s heart beat from the monitor.  I asked them to turn it up and it not only drowned out other beeps, it also gave me a comforting focus.

Epidural, ‘Epiduaral when 4-5 level pain is what they recommended.’  So I asked for one… it took a while getting it all started with me because there was a patient who had a breakdown in --her epidural medicine had suddenly stopped working!  The doc came tho and did a fine job!

 

The pain still got quite stong though and so I pushed the button for stronger dose too and then doc came to up it a little more bc pain was still really relaly  bad!!

Artound this time Violet was one of the nurses who was middle aged and affrican American and so so sweet… one of my faves!  She had stayed on past her shift bc they were so busy, and was just there present in my room during this time as things really started happening.

 

DAY 3

It was the middle of the night andit was so nice to have my nurse pretty much constantly in the rrom because Spence was asleep.  She was working from the computer.

They had me get settled in a side postion with my legs up and said to let me body do its’ thing.  Nurse Dawn was the one in charage and she said to tlel her when the contarctsions started to be to the point wehere there was a constant pressure.  This was called  bearing down.  At one point they also had me with an oxygen mask.  During this whole time we would also hear new babies being born every 2 hour sor so!! Thered be a cry and it was so cool!

 

ACTIVE LABOR/

PUSHING

 

Now I said it was a constant pressure- so they set things up in the room for delivery.  I was starving as I’d had only broth, jello, ice pops and juice for the last 14 hours.  I kept asking for food and they kept saying no.

they had me Start pushing, andi did for a while, Spence and a nurse holding my legs.  It was about 4 am.  They said to push like i was pooping.  They said to go with the contaractions and to breathe.  Iawas really focused and I also knew about those poop muscles because they are the ones I use when I sing.  They’re low and STRONG.  they called the doc and he came over- lives close by.  He ws pretty chill and hands off,  and was actually there for longer than usual.  I guess he’s usually just there the last ten min before delvieery.  I was doing a good job pusning but the length o time it took will be explained later.  He was a little laid back, letting the resident and med student do a lot of the work. 

 

There was also a baby care lady there in case of problems, so there seemed to be a lot of people.

 

After pushing for  a while the nurse said she could see the head!  Spence looked and saw it too.  So exciting!  I asked for a mirror and then a little while later was able to see the head myself.  It was so incredible!  Seeing his dark hair and a fair bit of it gave me great motivation to keep pushing.  I got a little tired at times, but was mostly focued and totally excited to see the little one.

 

I pushed for 45 minutes and they had me dictate when the contractions were happening because the machine was a little delayed.  The epidural had worn off just the right amount so I could gfeel them… the timeng worked well/

 

 

The doc said- after about 40 min that they’d need to ge tout the vacuum to suck him out.  Just then  I said I felt like throwing up.  Nurse Dawn got a bucket and away I went three times.  ‘And that’s why we don’t eat!’  Then they said they didn’t need a vacuum after all.  Puking has the same effect.

 

I guess it took a little lnger ppusing because he was posterior.  Sunny sifde up./  they don’t tell people theat in the moment because it can be discouraging. They let you know after the baby’s in your arms.

 

 

Doc said, in the final stage, I’d tear for sure and he’d snip me.  I shook my head.  One more push, I said.  I wanted no delay and I also thought that maybe I wouldn’t tear.

 

 

 

WELCOMING HIM 4:44 am

Suddenly there was another little person in the room.  They held him up for a moment, facing me, and he blinked and looked around, crying softly and just a little.  I was amazed at how present and perfect he was.  He was a complete little miniature person with every part to the finest detalil.  He was so sweet with a whole personality all his own.  I was in awe. Spencer cut the umbilical chord and they rushed him over to me for skin to skin time.   We looked at our son for the first time closely and fell in love.  He was so alert and seemed to appreciate that we were talkin to him because everything was so new.  We talked and told him where we were and that we were so glad to meet him.. he looked up at us in a friendly way with his big blue eyes.  We cuddled and talked and Spence and I sang, ‘you are my sunshine.’  We bonded and noticed how his hands were so big! He was our Liittle Guy fresh from heaven.  I had worried for a moment something was wrong beacseu he had not cried loudly like I’d expected when he came out, but it was just that he’s so chill!  It was such a beautiful, spcial time to get to know Jamison. That’s when Spence said, ‘yes, Jamison,’ and we decided for sure that this was the name that suited him.  We smile and talked and got to know each other.  He was so awake and adorable and little.  We examined his perfect fingers, toes, ears, mouth, nose… laughed at his bundle of hair, smiled, had lot sof eye contact, and enjoyed every second.

After an hour that flew by= of our smiles and joy and rapture, they took his weight- 8.64, hright- 21.5 in, and gave him a shot and eye drops.  Then tey bundled him up, offered congrats, and we prepared to head to post partum.  They sewed me up while we were bodngin with Jamison, becayse I’d torn, but I hardly noticed that they were doing this.,, I was so in love with my baby!  Again there was a change of shift right as we were changing rooms, but we got everything settled alright. (mostly)

POSTPARTUM

Nurse dawn ordedd me a turkey sandwich but it was takng forever!  I was STARVING!  I also needed ice because I was in pain from tearing!  It took a while to settle in completely with a new shift right at the moment we moved to postpartum , but they worked quicklyand did their best.

I ende up waiting 4 hrs for food and

About 1 hr for ice (some immediate but couldn’t have it on wheelchair so onec in room I had to wait forever!.)

 

BUT the food they brought was my fave!  BREAKFAST! French toast!

 

This was  a time of incredible excitedment and wonder as we spent morr time with our baby and leanred how to care for him. I oculd barely walk, but I didn’t really need ot goa nywere.

They broughy us a huge gift basket and apologized that we had to wait for a bed when we first arrived at the hospital!

We called family and shared the happy news.  We learned so many things and met many more great nurses….

Early that afternoon Puentes came to meet him and it was so special to introduce him to some of his family!  The boys were not admitted in as theyw ere under 12 and not siblings, but Spence brought them candy in the lobby.

Day 4 (Sunday)

At one point in the night they asked if I wanted them to take him to the nursery so I coud get some sleep.  I finally agreed since I was super tired.  We settled on a time when they’d bring him back… it was a little past the time and I missed him!  I asked fo them to bring him back…. It was nice but a little funny, They said,’you were fine in there but Mommy misses you so we are bringing you back.’

Another time when they took him for his other tests they said to him as they brought him back, say hi… and he wnet ‘ah!’  ADORABLE…. He was being held up towards us. 

Sunday was really special as we continued to tell family the news AND it was Father’s day!  Our first full day with our little one.

The previous day I didn’t really get out of bed but today I took a shower and in the early evening we took a stroll out of the hospital room.  We pushed Jamison in his little bed and walked along the hall.  As we turned a corner I saw someone who looked vaguely familiar.  I suddenly recognized her and said, ‘Sarah!’  She was one of my coworkers and she and I were 2 of the 5 pregnant ladies at our work- the two with the closest due dates.  I couldn’t believe it!  It was wonderful to see a familiar face.  As we blathered on about our deliveries and babies we realized they were born exactly 1hour and 45 min apart from each other on June 15!!  WOW! 

Day 5

We again had to wait around for the pediatrician to come discharge Jamison.  But… in due time, we got everything packed and we were suddenly…

 

TAKING HIM HOME!

 

Finally we were dischargfe and they took off the enormous ankle bracelet he had on (which would sound an alarm if he was taken past a certain point in t he hospital) and we put him in his cut elittle white outgit and got him in his carseat.  We had to hustle a little becuas eonece again it was almost 7 and time for the change in shift.

As we were wheeld or walked- depending – out the door I saw ashely at the desk chatting with the receptionist!  I said hi to her and she came down the elevator with us, laughing and talking and sayin how cute Jamison was.

after

We settled him into the car and went home!

J thanks doctors and nurses ashely genevieve, Jocelyn Joy Robbim Violet Dawn Jovie Anna Jocelyn