Well Carter, this post could have easily been me saying that I had one week until I would be induced to have you. Instead, it is telling you that today you are 1 week old!!
When Mommy went to the doctor last Tuesday (May 4th), I had been having contractions for a couple of days. My doctor "helped you along" a little & told Daddy and I that we amy want to wait a little while before driving back to Butler because you may decide to come that night or the next day. We left to go get some food & immediately went to the hospital because I started have very painful contractions. We waited in the parking lot until they were about 4 minutes apart & went to Labor & Delivery. They checked me & I was almost 3cm. They monitored my contractions for an hour & they were 1-5 minutes apart. But, the doctor decided to give me a shot for the pain & send me home. SIGH!! Your sisters and Mimi and Pa Pa and Anna were all ready to go... but I went home and went to sleep until about 3:30.
By 5:30 Wednesday morning, I was up out of the bed, taking a hot bath & getting my things together. I was having SUPER strong contractions that started about 8 minutes apart & got closer & closer together. Daddy took a shower and got ready and THIS time we took your car seat and our bags. We were pretty sure we wouldn't be back home without our Carter-bug. Once in Meridian, Daddy stopped and got Chick-fil-A minis because we figured it may be a long day.
We got to the hospital about 9:30 and they put me in the same monitoring room I was in the night before. The nurse, Deanna, remembered us coming in the night before. She checked me & I was 4 cm and 80% effaced. I stayed in the room for about 45 minutes while they monitored my contractions & were going to call my doctor to see what she wanted them to do. When we were alone, Daddy said, "If they tell us we have to go home, we're gonna lock that door & stay in here until it's time to have the baby." He was so anxious & excited. Thankfully, the doctor said to admit me, get my epidural set up and she would be in to break my water on her lunch break.
We got settled into our LDR room. It was REALLY nice. They had to hook up my IV's order blood work & all kinds of other stuff before I could get my epidural, but I was still doing ok. Finally, about 12:00, they came in to make me feel better! BUT they had to stick me 8 or nine times (which was actually 16-18 times) in order to get the epidural in. It was so painful & a little scary to have a needle in my spine THAT many times. But I kept reminding myself of how much better I would feel when it was in. And I did. Doctor McLaughlin came in about 1:00 to break my water. It was all going to happen soon now!! She said I would probably have you around dinner time. I became really tired, so I went to sleep. I would wake up every once in awhile because I kept throwning up. I would talk to Daddy & he would feed me ice chips & then I would go back to sleep. About 4:00, your sisters & MiMi & Pa Pa & Anna got there & came in to see me for a little while. Nannie & Me Ma were on their way from Birmingham.
About 5:00, I woke up feeling a LOT of pressure. I told the nurse & she checked me & said I was ready!! Everyone came in to see me one last time with you IN my belly. Me Ma & Nannie still weren't there yet. Dr. McLaughlin got there & got everything ready. She said she thought you would be about 6.5 to 7 pounds. Well 4 pushes later... my sweet baby boy was here!!! Dr. McLaughlin said, "Whoa... I was wrong, this is a big baby!" She put you on my tummy and Daddy cut your cord. He was so excited! He went over the the baby table with you while the nurses worked on you & he stated taking pictures. We were amazed to find out that you weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces & were 21 1/2 inches long! WOW!! And three weeks early!?!?! Daddy and I were immediately in LOVE!!!
That's the story of how you got here...
I'm so excited about the journey that lies ahead!!
I love you my sweet, precious, James Carter Dean!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Full term!!!
Wahoo!!! You made it, sweet boy! Today, you are 37 weeks and are officially considered full-term! Mommy is so happy that you decided to hang in there! I have been having a lot of contractions over the past few days. I go back to the doctor today & am very anxious to see how things are progressing. I'm sooo excited to meet you!! I love you baby boy!!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
This may be it!!!
I'm really nervous and excited right now!! I woke up about 6:15 this morning with some pretty strong contractions! They aren't in timeable intervals yet, but they keep coming! I can't decide if I should call MeMa yet & tell her to start heading this way b/c she has the longest way to come. I'm worried that it's not the "real" thing and don't want her driving all this way for nothing. This is so exciting though! I love you sooo much & can't wait to meet you, love!!!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Hanging on...
Hello, my sweet baby boy! Well, Mommy oficially stopped my medication at 10 this morning & you still haven't made your appearance. I was really worried last night, because I was having some pretty strong contractions & they got pretty close together. Obviously, they weren't the real thing, because I eventually went to sleep.
I'm so torn about your arrival. Part of me wants you to go ahead & get here. I'm so ready to meet you. And if I'm going to be home from work, I'd rather be home with you! BUT, I want you to be as strong, healthy and chubby as you can possibly be. So, I don't want you to come out too early. The truth of the matter is, you'll get here when you get ready. Or May 19th, which ever comes first. So at the VERY MOST, I will be holding you 18 days from now! That's exciting news to me!!
I go back to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon. I'm anxious to see what, if any, progress has been made. You just hang out in there as long as you need to sweet baby! Mommy wants you as healthy as can be when you get here! I love you sooo much!!
I'm so torn about your arrival. Part of me wants you to go ahead & get here. I'm so ready to meet you. And if I'm going to be home from work, I'd rather be home with you! BUT, I want you to be as strong, healthy and chubby as you can possibly be. So, I don't want you to come out too early. The truth of the matter is, you'll get here when you get ready. Or May 19th, which ever comes first. So at the VERY MOST, I will be holding you 18 days from now! That's exciting news to me!!
I go back to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon. I'm anxious to see what, if any, progress has been made. You just hang out in there as long as you need to sweet baby! Mommy wants you as healthy as can be when you get here! I love you sooo much!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Whew!!
Well, Carter I haven't posted in quite awhile, but I have so much to tell. Let's back up...
Our 2nd 4D ultrasound didn't really work out either. We were excited to get to see you again, but she couldn't get really good pictures, so we decided just to let it be.
Daddy worked so hard in your room. Once your furniture was here, he would shut himself in your room & put a piece together each night. He loved every second of it. We are both so proud of the way your room turned out. It's just as I imagined it... PERFECT!!
We had our first baby shower on March 27th at Carl's house. It was given by Bethy, Chas, Carl & George. He had lots of friends and family show up to shower you with love and gifts. We ate burgers & had some DELICIOUS cake. We had a great time!
Mommy had another doctor's visit on March 30th. You were measuring fine and all looked great. We scheduled to induce you on May 19th, because my doctor will be out of town on your due date. Mommy & Daddy were so excited to know your birthday!! I was looking forward to having a "planned" trip to the hospital instead of going into labor somewhere & having to rush to get Daddy and me there. After this, my appointments are every two weeks! We're getting close!!
On April 12, Mommy had some low blood pressure issues and almost fainted several times. I had a doctor's appointment the next day, so I stayed home from work.
April 13th, I went to the doctor & everything looked fine. It was a quick & easy appointment.
April 15th at about noon, Mommy started having VERY strong pains. They weren't like my usual contractions. I put up with them for a couple of hours & debated whether or not to call the doctor. Finally, at the end of the school day, I called my doctor, but she was gone until Monday. So, if I went to be checked, I would have to go to the hospital. I took a little while to make the decision, but decided I should go and have it checked out. So, I headed to the hospital & Daddy left work to come meet me. I got to the hospital & they signed me in and I had to go to Labor & Delivery. It was a little scary, b/c it was so soon and was too early for you to come. You were only 34 weeks and 2 days along. I was still by myself when I had to go into one of the actual delivery rooms like where I will have you. I had to put on the gown, answer a million questions, and be hooked up to a lot of monitors. Daddy got there soon after. We had to wait for over and hour as they observed my contractions. I was dilated 1 cm, which means the contractions were real.
They gave me 2 shots and some oral medication to stop my contractions. I was given a list of things to do and not do, medicine to take every 4 hours & was told to stay off my feet as much as possible, but that I could try & go to work.
I went to work Friday & tried to take it easy. After work, we had to go to Birmingham for our family baby shower.
Our baby shower was fun! We had it at Nannie's house. We ate BBQ and yummy cupcakes. We played a lot of fun games and everyone seemed to really enjoy it! Again, I tried to stay off my feet as much as possible, but I don't know if I did a very good job at that. I started really hurting Friday night and it continued Saturday when I woke up. Daddy had gone to play golf & I was supposed to help give Sondra's shower, but I just didn't feel well. When Daddy got back from golfing, I told him I was ready to go home. I was worried you were getting ready to come. So, we drove home & I vowed to plant myself in the bed or on the sofa & not to get back up.
I called my doctor Monday & they had me come in Tuesday morning. I was dilated 2 cm and you were still trying to work through the medicine I was taking. I was 35 weeks and the doctor said she wanted you to stay in until at least 37 weeks. I was put on bed rest for at least a week & was given ANOTHER medication to take along with the first. Now I have to take medicine every 2 hours.
So, I've been spending the past few days in the bed, praying for you to stay put and get your lungs as strong and healthy as you can. I love you so much and can't wait to see you, but I REALLY don't want you to have to go to the NICU. I can't even imagine having to come home from the hospital without you. My mind won't even let me. I told your Daddy that if it did happen, I would sleep in my car so I could be close to you. We live 45 minutes from the hospital & that's just too far away!
So, I hope you're a good boy and you just stay snuggled up inside Mommy for at least a couple more weeks. I'll keep you all to myself for now. :0) I love you my precious baby!!
Our 2nd 4D ultrasound didn't really work out either. We were excited to get to see you again, but she couldn't get really good pictures, so we decided just to let it be.
Daddy worked so hard in your room. Once your furniture was here, he would shut himself in your room & put a piece together each night. He loved every second of it. We are both so proud of the way your room turned out. It's just as I imagined it... PERFECT!!
We had our first baby shower on March 27th at Carl's house. It was given by Bethy, Chas, Carl & George. He had lots of friends and family show up to shower you with love and gifts. We ate burgers & had some DELICIOUS cake. We had a great time!
Mommy had another doctor's visit on March 30th. You were measuring fine and all looked great. We scheduled to induce you on May 19th, because my doctor will be out of town on your due date. Mommy & Daddy were so excited to know your birthday!! I was looking forward to having a "planned" trip to the hospital instead of going into labor somewhere & having to rush to get Daddy and me there. After this, my appointments are every two weeks! We're getting close!!
On April 12, Mommy had some low blood pressure issues and almost fainted several times. I had a doctor's appointment the next day, so I stayed home from work.
April 13th, I went to the doctor & everything looked fine. It was a quick & easy appointment.
April 15th at about noon, Mommy started having VERY strong pains. They weren't like my usual contractions. I put up with them for a couple of hours & debated whether or not to call the doctor. Finally, at the end of the school day, I called my doctor, but she was gone until Monday. So, if I went to be checked, I would have to go to the hospital. I took a little while to make the decision, but decided I should go and have it checked out. So, I headed to the hospital & Daddy left work to come meet me. I got to the hospital & they signed me in and I had to go to Labor & Delivery. It was a little scary, b/c it was so soon and was too early for you to come. You were only 34 weeks and 2 days along. I was still by myself when I had to go into one of the actual delivery rooms like where I will have you. I had to put on the gown, answer a million questions, and be hooked up to a lot of monitors. Daddy got there soon after. We had to wait for over and hour as they observed my contractions. I was dilated 1 cm, which means the contractions were real.
They gave me 2 shots and some oral medication to stop my contractions. I was given a list of things to do and not do, medicine to take every 4 hours & was told to stay off my feet as much as possible, but that I could try & go to work.
I went to work Friday & tried to take it easy. After work, we had to go to Birmingham for our family baby shower.
Our baby shower was fun! We had it at Nannie's house. We ate BBQ and yummy cupcakes. We played a lot of fun games and everyone seemed to really enjoy it! Again, I tried to stay off my feet as much as possible, but I don't know if I did a very good job at that. I started really hurting Friday night and it continued Saturday when I woke up. Daddy had gone to play golf & I was supposed to help give Sondra's shower, but I just didn't feel well. When Daddy got back from golfing, I told him I was ready to go home. I was worried you were getting ready to come. So, we drove home & I vowed to plant myself in the bed or on the sofa & not to get back up.
I called my doctor Monday & they had me come in Tuesday morning. I was dilated 2 cm and you were still trying to work through the medicine I was taking. I was 35 weeks and the doctor said she wanted you to stay in until at least 37 weeks. I was put on bed rest for at least a week & was given ANOTHER medication to take along with the first. Now I have to take medicine every 2 hours.
So, I've been spending the past few days in the bed, praying for you to stay put and get your lungs as strong and healthy as you can. I love you so much and can't wait to see you, but I REALLY don't want you to have to go to the NICU. I can't even imagine having to come home from the hospital without you. My mind won't even let me. I told your Daddy that if it did happen, I would sleep in my car so I could be close to you. We live 45 minutes from the hospital & that's just too far away!
So, I hope you're a good boy and you just stay snuggled up inside Mommy for at least a couple more weeks. I'll keep you all to myself for now. :0) I love you my precious baby!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Happy 30th!!
Today you are 30 weeks along! Only 10 (or less) to go!! I just can't wait!
Daddy and I went to the doctor to have our 4D ultrasound yesterday. Your face was too close to the placenta to get a good picture. We were able to see you some though and oh my are you precious!! You seem to have your Daddy's lips and nose & have really chubby cheeks. We are going back tomorrow after noon to try one more time. I really hope it works this time! I had hoped that seeing ou would get me through the next several weeks until you get here, but it only made me want to hold you even MORE!!
Mommy is home for spring break this week. I just happened to find out that your furniture is going to arrive on Thursday. It wasn't even supposed to ship until sometime next week. So, I rushed to work on painting the trim in your room. It took me quite ahwile. However, I think it looks good! We are getting your chair rail tomorrow and Daddy still has to finish the last coat or paint. We hope to get your furniture put together as soon as it gets here. I think your Daddy is as excited about it as I am.
I can't wait to see you again tomorrow! I love you with all my heart!!
Here are the pictures from yesterday...
Daddy and I went to the doctor to have our 4D ultrasound yesterday. Your face was too close to the placenta to get a good picture. We were able to see you some though and oh my are you precious!! You seem to have your Daddy's lips and nose & have really chubby cheeks. We are going back tomorrow after noon to try one more time. I really hope it works this time! I had hoped that seeing ou would get me through the next several weeks until you get here, but it only made me want to hold you even MORE!!
Mommy is home for spring break this week. I just happened to find out that your furniture is going to arrive on Thursday. It wasn't even supposed to ship until sometime next week. So, I rushed to work on painting the trim in your room. It took me quite ahwile. However, I think it looks good! We are getting your chair rail tomorrow and Daddy still has to finish the last coat or paint. We hope to get your furniture put together as soon as it gets here. I think your Daddy is as excited about it as I am.
I can't wait to see you again tomorrow! I love you with all my heart!!
Here are the pictures from yesterday...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Update...
Hello, sweet boy! I just wanted to update that all is well with you! I passed my 3-hour glucose test on Saturday. Although, it was excruciating to fast, be pricked 4 times with a needle (YUCK) and watch your daddy and Sissy eat fries & drink sweet tea when I could have none... it was worth it to know that we are ok! I was actually so grateful to Daddy and Sissy for coming along b/c they helped the time pass much quicker.
You are growing so much and are constantly moving. Daddy woke up in the middle of the night the other night and was feeling you. He said he couldn't believe how strong your movements were and how much you moved. He was amazed that I slept through it, but I'm really used to it and I LOVE it! You have discovered my ribs though & they are becoming your new favorite place to put your feet.
We get to go for our 4D ultrasound on Monday. Daddy is taking the day off. We are both really excited about seeing you! I hope we can get some good pictures of you!
Your bedding came in last week & we bought the paint for your room on Saturday. We've prepped, primed, and painted the first coat "All American Blue". We still have to paint another coat & the trim. We ordered your furniture and it should ship out after March 22. It's getting so close!!
I can't wait to meet you sweet boy! Only about 10 more weeks! I love you with all my heart!!
You are growing so much and are constantly moving. Daddy woke up in the middle of the night the other night and was feeling you. He said he couldn't believe how strong your movements were and how much you moved. He was amazed that I slept through it, but I'm really used to it and I LOVE it! You have discovered my ribs though & they are becoming your new favorite place to put your feet.
We get to go for our 4D ultrasound on Monday. Daddy is taking the day off. We are both really excited about seeing you! I hope we can get some good pictures of you!
Your bedding came in last week & we bought the paint for your room on Saturday. We've prepped, primed, and painted the first coat "All American Blue". We still have to paint another coat & the trim. We ordered your furniture and it should ship out after March 22. It's getting so close!!
I can't wait to meet you sweet boy! Only about 10 more weeks! I love you with all my heart!!
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