Ada's Birth Story

41 weeks and 1 day! That is how long this little girl took to grace us with her presence. I really thought I was going to be pregnant forever!

I started having early labor/false labor on Sunday morning (Mother's Day) and Nick and I really thought we were going to be heading to the hospital later that night. The contractions kept up throughout the night but subsided Monday morning. Monday night was a repeat of contractions about 15-20 minutes apart with nothing continuing during the day. Once again, they came back on Tuesday night and actually stayed throughout Wednesday but were always 15-20 minutes apart and not incredibly painful. I was desperate enough that I actually tried using the breast pump to get some action but nothing happened.

I had my 41 week appointment on Wednesday as well as a NST. Baby looked great and still seemed to be in a good position. My midwife said I could try castor oil but also warned that is a nasty nasty way to labor. I told her I wasn't that desperate yet but I also didn't think I would try the breast pump either so we will see. Later that day, I went to Meijer with Madelyn to pick up some castor oil and talked to my doula on the way. She agreed that while it is effective, it is not exactly a pleasant experience and to make sure I was really willing to labor with stomach pains. I bought the castor oil and figured if I made it through the weekend, we would give it a shot on Sunday night.

Fortunately, the baby must have heard all this going on and decided she didn't want to be born that way because my contractions kept up all night long. I was able to sleep sitting up on the couch in 20-30 minute increments. In the morning, the contractions were still going but had gotten to more 10 min apart. I told Nick he wasn't going to work that day and called my mom to come get Madelyn. We decided to send Ben to school and figured we would have Caleb come get him when we needed to head to the hospital. Around noon, the contractions were 5 min apart and Nick and I were running out of ideas and things to do. I found that if I sat down, the contractions would space out but if I was up walking around or standing, they got closer together. We called our doula and she decided to head over. Around 3pm, I decided to try getting in the shower again just for something new to do. The contractions were 3-5 min apart with the weird spacing when I sat down.

Well the water must have triggered something because within 10 minutes of being in the shower, I was climbing the walls. The contractions were on top of each other and I was finding it about impossible to manage them. Our doula came in and said it sounded like we needed to head to the hospital so she sent Nick to get Ben and was going to help me get ready to go. I told her there was no way I could get out of shower and she told me I could and had to. I ended up getting out of the shower and sitting on the toilet. I remember begging her to tell me this was transition because if it wasn't, I couldn't take anymore. She said she was going to grab a glove from her car and check me because she believed I was past transition and needed to decide whether or not to get to the hospital by ambulance or car. After checking, turns out I was at a 10 but the baby was high enough she felt safe getting there by car but she was going to ride with us just in case. She also called ahead and had a stretcher waiting for us at the door.

The ride to the hospital was ridiculous. Our poor doula was literally riding in the trunk space of the car because we had all the carseats in the back seat. She is trying to coach me to not push while Nick is trying to navigate Ann Arbor traffic to the hospital.

When we got to the hospital, the staff helped me onto the stretcher and off we went. Sort of....

UofM built a new women's hospital and it has only been only since March. Well, they are still working out the kinks and I ended up on a roller coaster ride throughout the floors of the hospital. One of the elevators didn't fit the stretcher. Another one of the doors was locked. Meanwhile, I am lying on this stretcher going back and forth through the lobby while the nurses are running TV style. I am wearing my sunglasses. Yes, I am. And still trying not to push, which is not a quiet process. Poor people stuck watching this charade.

Finally we got up to the room, skipping triage (yay! no 20 min strip for me!) and I can start to push. At this point it is around 4pm.

I remember a few things from pushing. Once, the midwife started talking to me about the HepLock and giving me some story about just in case. I told the nurse we could do it in between the next set of contractions and then told her the same thing a few more times. She told me later she realized the IV wasn't going to happen so she just gave up.

They also had a hard time getting the baby's heartrate when I was standing and kept wanting me to lay down. I wasn't opposed to laying down and it actually ended up being the way I delivered but I couldn't figure out how to actually get myself into that bed. They tried telling me that they were going to do an internal monitor on the baby's scalp if they couldn't get a good reading. Apparently, the honesty in me was flowing full force and I told them that was NOT going to happen. I'm trying to get a baby out, you're not about to start sticking things up there.

I also remember my water breaking and freaking out over what it was. There was meconium, but I figured that would be the case since I was over a week late.

The student midwife kept telling me that this was a safe place and the pooping was a natural part of childbirth. I told her, I understand and I am not afraid of pooping - I am actually trying to!

Finally, the baby started crowning and I was able to get the head and neck out but her shoulders were stuck in my pelvis. Fortunately, I was in my own head at this point and didn't realize what was happening. Our doula said that the midwife had called to whoever the expert baby removing team is and they were on the way but by shoving what felt like an extra 10 hands into me and shoving on my belly and pelvis, they were able to get the baby out in about 45 seconds and the team wasn't necessary.

Baby was born at 6:10pm. It was such a relief to not be pushing that it took me a minute to even ask what we had. Finally, I asked Nick. What is it? He gives me this look of shock and says "it's a girl". I said "girl?" He goes, "yeah". I then say, "we don't have a name!"

She had pinked up and started crying before the pediatric team had even gotten her to the warmer so I got her right back for skin to skin.

I ended up with with 3 second degree tears but it is still way better than a c-section recovery.

Stats:
Ada Elizabeth Barish
9lb 10oz
21"
6:10pm

Madelyn's 18th Month

My sweet girl is already a year and a half! She is amazing me everyday with all her accomplishments.

She is still loving books and music! Favorite foods right now are falafel, blueberries, bananas and yogurt.

I found a play structure on Craigslist and she has already mastered climbing the ladder and loves going down the slide. I've got a fashion diva with constantly skinned knees - love it! She is the right combination of little girl and tomboy!

She loves baby dolls and her new ball pit as well. We usually hit up the library playgroups a couple of times a week plus we have her Fun at One class on Thursdays. Her favorite part of class is the bubble song. Her independence is shining through and she won't stand next to me when we move around the circle - she is going to do it on her own.

Bonus! Molly finally got her to say that a cow says moo! We've been working on that one for awhile - her answer was always "rar" or "meow".

40 weeks!

It's official - I only have postdate babies. Nick says they get their punctuality from my side and I have to agree with him.

I had a midwife appointment yesterday and baby is in the perfect position. Head is engaged, back on the left side and butt sitting right at the front of my belly. Go #2!! I am hoping this means an easier labor this time around - I guess we'll see.

Nick was hoping he wasn't going to have to work this week and has had us walking every night when he gets home from work. I've been taking Evening Primrose Oil and drinking Red Raspberry Leaf tea. I've noticed after drinking the tea, I have some crampiness but it doesn't turn into anything. My midwife said I can use the breast pump during the crampiness and see if we can get anything started but I don't plan on doing that. At the end of the day, I believe babies show up when they are good and ready and no amount of wives tales and tricks will get them here sooner.

If I make it to my appointment next week, I have to start NSTs and at 42 weeks I have to consult with the OB's. Let's hope it doesn't come to that!

Miss M. has caught on that something is about to happen. She likes to "bang" on my belly and say "be be" over and over. Her nights have gotten a little wacky lately and I'm not sure if it is because she senses the baby coming or because it is still light out when she goes to bed. She's been waking up a lot after sleeping a few hours and we've just been bringing her into bed with us. We both agree, there is no point in trying to start a new routine or to keep her in her bed at this point since her whole world is about to change and any routine we start is likely to be modified in a few weeks anyway. The one thing we have tried is keeping her up later and not putting her to bed until closer to dark. It seems to have helped so that's good.

Ziggy has also been extra clingy today. He hasn't left my side since I woke up - hopefully he knows something we don't know!

Again, I do have a picture for this week but it's on my phone and I will update later!

Last Minute Thoughts

The last week or so has brought on some crazy emotions regarding the mega change about to happen in our lives. I think it has finally hit me that this baby will be here soon. Very soon. As in, any minute soon. While it opens a whole new chapter in our lives it also means we are closing the Madelyn's chapter as my only baby. I am over the moon excited to meet this new baby and having Madelyn makes it that much more exciting. I have already seen how much you just fall for these little ones and how much they bring to your life and I can't wait to do that again.

On the other hand, I am sad that I won't be able to devote all of my time and attention to Miss. M anymore. I have been reading up on bringing new babies home and at some point Madelyn is going to feel unhappy (for lack of a better word) about the situation. Having siblings is awesome. I love being able to call my brother or sister up and chat. It is someone that knows exactly what you mean when you need to vent about your parents. (Sorry Mom and Dad) And growing up, it's basically a partner in crime! But I know the adjustment period is going to be tough on my little girl and that makes me sad.

Nick and I have been soaking up every possible moment with Miss. M and I get a little weepy thinking this could have been our last weekend, just the 3 of us. I have spent more time reading books, stacking blocks and dancing around the livingroom. Nick spent 3 hours just laying on the couch Saturday afternoon while Madelyn snoozed on his chest. We've been walking to get ice cream, bringing her into bed with us first thing in the morning, and chasing the dog outside.

At the end of the day, I know she will be fine and will be a fantastic big sister. She has recently gotten obessed with her dolls and brings them to me to wrap them in blankets and then she takes them for "walks" around the house in her doll stroller. I've caught her rocking them giving kisses the same way I do with her which is the cutest stinking thing ever. She even pulled out the baby's cloth diapers so I could put one on her baby. My latest mission is to find a baby cradle because I see her mimicking me when it comes to this baby. I guess we will see in a few weeks!

Nursery Reveal!

There are still a few more details to finish up but #2's nursery is mostly ready to go! We kept it pretty simple and I love it!!

This is just a general look at the room - the glider will go to the left side of the crib in the corner. I am still looking for a yellow pillow to go with the glider.

I spent hours on Etsy looking for "You Are My Sunshine" word art and couldn't find anything resonably priced that I loved. Or I would find parts of the song but not the whole thing. I ended up convincing Nick to create the artwork and I love love love how it turned out. At the end of the day it cost $4.00 to print the 4 pages and I scored each frame on clearance at Michael's for $3.99. Not bad considering the average Etsy price was $20-$30 for 2 prints, without frames!

My mom made all the bedding! We spent forever trying to find fabric and she ended up having to order it online. I found organic cotton gray sheets at Target and bought a queen size set that my mom is going to convert into crib sheets and possibly a changing pad cover. The crib is from Target and is the Graco Somerset. I ended up getting $70.00 off the price of the crib because the first one arrived broken and the second one also had some damage (that Nick was able to fix). The rug is from JcPenney and we were able to purchase it with gift cards we've accumulated over the years.

The dresser is from Target. Everything else is Babies R Us. Pretty basic set up here.

If you remember, this used to be a built in desk. Nick tore out the desk and built in some shelving. I found the containers on clearance at Target for $5 each. I was planning on DIYing some bins since they are some pricey but I wouldn't have been able to do it for 5 bucks so I bought these instead. The side is dry erase and I can label what is in each bin. Hi Madelyn!

My mom made the window treatment - love! The rods are going to be fabric book pockets once my mom gets the project done. I wanted to keep the books low in here so that Madelyn has something to do when I am taking care of the baby. I liked the look of the pockets over shelves and am hoping it will stay a little neater that way.

We are ready for you little one - come out whenever you're ready!!

37 weeks!

**I have a picture but am too lazy to get it off my phone. I'll add it later but I figured I should publish this post before it is outdated!

Full term! Only 5 more weeks to go! (or less)

I am beginning weekly visits with my midwife. We finished birth class and have met with our doula. Next doula visit is on Monday.

Group B strep test was negative! yay! My midwife recommended I take evening primrose oil a couple times a day and drink oodles of red raspberry tea. I have been drinking "pregnancy tea" for the past couple months which includes red raspberry leaf and nettles so we are good there. I submitted my birth plan and she said everything looked good. The only two potential issues are intermittent monitoring vs. continuous. Basically, it is up to the midwife on duty based on the initial 20 min strip in triage. Provided the strip comes out well, intermittent monitoring shouldn't be an issue. The second is having my doula present in the event of a c-section. I guess this one is up to the doctor.

My doula recommended I see a chiropractor since Miss. M was posterior and although this little one is anterior his/her butt is on the right side which could cause him/her to go posterior during labor. I am trying a new one since the last one I saw was unimpressive. My appointment is scheduled for Monday morning.

Nursery details - everything is done! (almost) My mom is working on the bedding and we are waiting on the glider but other than that, we are done! Once I get the bedding, I will do a reveal.

Madelyn's 17th Month

This could be Miss. M's last month as my only little one - (insert sad mama face).

She is turning into quite a little fashionista, running into her bedroom when she knows I'm picking out her clothes for the day and can't wait to get dressed in the morning. After she's dressed, she runs straight to the mirror so she can check herself out. She also knows that no outfit is complete without a great pair of shoes.

Madelyn is loving music this month and will turn her cd player on in her room during the day. She has also pulled out some instruments she's had for awhile and loves playing with them. The Easter bunny brought her some shaker eggs and she loves playing with those as well.

She is obsessed, and I mean Ob.Sessed. with putting things in baskets and boxes. We still have all the Easter eggs out because she likes to put them in her basket and walk around the house with it. She is definitely working on those fine motor skills. She has been this way since she was about 10 months old.

Being outside - loves it. I can't get her to draw with crayons or markers on paper but give the girl a box of sidewalk chalk and she will draw for at least 30 minutes. She loves the uneven ground of our yard and likes trying out little steps. Most walking is done at a run now.

Nick taught her what an elephant says this month, complete with throwing your arm up in the air like a trunk.

There was some more teething going on this month and she came into our bed a couple times. Once, she decided it was playtime when she got in our bed. I looked at her and said "you either lay down and go to sleep or you are going back in your crib". Miss. Smartypants laid down instantly and didn't make a peep until morning. She has also started leaving her pacifiers close to the edge of her crib and I will catch her throughout the day becoming ninja baby and swiping them out of her crib to suck them. Big no no in our house. She doesn't fight me when I make her put them back in her crib so I think it's just a game for her.

Also, the other day she actually walked into the kitchen and said "ni ni" (night night) and then went into her room. I didn't get in there fast enough to put her in her crib so she started crying and came back into the kitchen. The second she was in her crib, she was a happy camper and asleep within minutes.