Reflections, 4 months ago we had a baby....

It's kind of ironic that I finished Mabel's birth story ( you can find it here) a year after we found out we were pregnant for the second time! A year ago we found out we were pregnant and were so excited but we also waited with anticipation and a little anxiety at every OB appt as there were people very close to us who lost precious pregnancies/ babies throughout the duration of Key Lime's pregnancy and birth. There were many days during this second pregnancy that I wondered why my pregnancy continued and others around me didn't. I prayed to God and cried over the blessing of keeping my pregnancy and had tears of loss for my friends. There is no answer to why except that this world is a fallen world and our hope is in Jesus. I know the little ones who left this world too early are in God's arms and even though I wish I could have met them on this earth and watched them grow up I know God's plan is perfect even in this fallen world.

My heart aches and ached for the little ones who never breathed their first breath in this world. Today as I finished Mabel's birth story I also think about those who didn't get to grow up on this earth but who will never be forgotten.

Never take for granted to time you have with your children as you never know how short your time with them may be.

The third (visit to the hospital) time's a charm

The story of Key Lime's arrival

After two previous visits in November to see if it was time for Key Lime to arrive I was not going back until I knew it was the real deal.....well at least that was the plan....

On Sunday November 11, I woke up and felt a "pop" in my upper right abdomen very similar to the "pop" I felt with Wyatt (but Wyatt's was much lower and I did feel a "gush" with his). I didn't feel any "gush" or leaking of fluid, or increase in contractions so I didn't say anything to Matt when he came home that morning from sound check at church. We went to church as a family of three. I went to the bathroom a few times and just thought it was my mind playing tricks on me but I just felt more "moist" than I had before that "pop" in the morning. I told Matt about it while Wyatt was napping and told him I didn't think I would be able to sleep tonight without getting it checked. We called our wonderful sitter down the street and asked her if she could hang out at our house and watch TV while Wyatt napped. Thankfully she was home on a Sunday afternoon and was happy to come over. 

We went in and Jana Myers, midwife, could not confirm SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes), she did not use the amnisure test, which was the only positive result that kept us in the hospital with Wyatt. So, back home we went.

The day before Thanksgiving, November 21, we had an OB appt. By this time I'm 38 and 4 days pregnant (38 and 5 days if you go by the ultrasound at 8wks that made my due date 11/30 instead of 12/1), I'm tired. I had a baby in my arms and headed home from the hospital by this time with Wyatt. Not to mention that I've been feeling braxton hicks contractions since 20 ish weeks and had felt some get regular for 30 min- 1 hr since 35 wks with this little bundle, Key Lime. I was getting tired working 2 - 12 hr night shifts/week and caring for a 2 year old at home. I knew it would be different once our Key Lime was in our arms; but at least I wouldn't be dealing with contractions and shortness of breath going up hill at the end of our trips to the zoo or up the stairs!  Barb Good, midwife, stripped my membranes, told me I was 4 cm and we hoped for the best!

That whole day I had more contractions than normal. Matt had a meeting a the Starbucks in Harrisburg so Wyatt and I went to the Mall and got his photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shop. We met up with Matt and had dinner at AppleBee's. Matt started counting the contractions as I was still having them even with sitting still and drinking water at dinner. I felt like when this baby decided to arrive s/he would arrive quickly so with contractions every 4-6 minutes we headed home and called Andy and Melissa while we drove home. We put Wyatt to bed and were convinced we were going to have a baby!

Well, Dana Shade, midwife, said I was still the same. We walked the halls as I downed cranberry juice and water....2 hrs later she could "stretch me" but didn't feel like I was in active labor. I expressed how nervous I was about going into labor and making sure my son was taken care of and that I felt like this baby was going to come fast when s/he finally decided to come. She said I could talk about a planned induction at my next OB appt on Tues but since I wasn't 39 weeks (at midnight I would be 38 6/7 weeks.....) she wasn't going to do anything tonight to get my labor going......back home we go and apologize to Andy and Melissa since it was Thanksgiving morning after midnight when we got home! Thankfully since it was the holiday neither one of them had to be at work that morning, except to make food for the crazy feast they were having with their family and extended church family. No baby and I was tired of being asked when I was going to have this baby (come on people- I know I went early with Wyatt but I'm not even "over due" yet)! I know everyone was excited about the arrival, but I was getting annoyed..mommy hormones anyone :) I kept telling myself to keep calm and just take one day at a time. We enjoyed Thanksgiving with Andy and Melissa's family and some of our church family at our church social hall. Melissa had Baby Key Lime's pray blanket for people to pray as they made a knot in the blanket. I prayed for this little one to arrive safely, healthy, & naturally because I really didn't want an induction or c-section.

I got to enjoy Thanksgiving off but worked the weekend- Fri, Sat, and Sun nights. I had some excitement that weekend including catching new onset stroke symptoms on a transfer patient as soon as he arrived onto our unit from a different hospital. One of my co-workers joked that if that didn't send me into labor, nothing would.....foreshadowing anyone? All in all it was a good weekend and kept my mind of the fact that I was due any day.  

But that's where it gets fuzzy and interesting.....I can tell you that around 2-4 AM Monday morning I noticed a wet spot on my scrubs and feeling more wet....I had been going to the bathroom frequently as I had been downing water like crazy over all three nights of the weekend. I can't tell you if it was Saturday night, Sunday night or Monday morning but at some point I started leaking amniotic fluid.....I remember changing my pad almost every time I went to the bathroom but I thought it was just because my bladder was full and I didn't always get to make it to the restroom exactly when I needed to....but early Monday morning for a split second I thought "hmm that's odd and this changing of my pad all the time seems weird." but again no gush of fluids or painful contractions and working night shift my brain wasn't thinking "Oh, my water might have broken" my brain was thinking, "I only have a few more hours left of work and I can go to sleep" :)

I got home and slept for 3.5 hours since I was off work Monday night and wanted to be able to have a normal night's sleep. I woke up around noon and went about the day hanging out with Wyatt while Matt taught his classes. I had some contractions and just felt like something might be different but still wasn't sure. (side note- I had joked with my coworkers earlier in the month that I was most likely going to go into labor after working the weekend because my body just doesn't know how to do this labor thing well rested.....)

Matt came home from work Monday evening around 6pm and I told him about my morning at work and not so sure if my water broke. He asked if we should stop at the hospital before dinner. I said no- I didn't want to be worrying about keeping Wyatt entertained while we were at the hospital just to be sent home again (secretly I think I knew this was the day and I wanted one more dinner with just my little boy and hubby). So we went to Tulsi Indian Restaurant for dinner- Wyatt had Indian French Fries - veggie fritters with momma and ate some of my Chicken Tikka Masala. On the way home Matt asked if we should stop, I said that we should go home and put Wyatt to bed and then make that decision. We got home around nine I think and then put Wyatt to bed.  At 2300, (11PM) I was looking to contact my friend Dana -(a soon to be certified midwife and a friend from my LDRP days in Wichtia, KS) and saw that I had her blog in my contacts. I pulled it up on my phone while I waited for her to return my text and read about her delivery of her girl in 2010. My jaw dropped- it was very similar to my situation so I knew (and I knew before I texted her) that I had to go to the hospital. I decided to take a bath and make sure everything was manicured if I was going to go to the hospital....I mean I had worked the last 3 nights, so shaving my legs had not been a priority! 

I decided to see if I could check myself like I had with Wyatt. After scrubbing my hands like I was going into surgery I did check myself and felt HAIR! Yep, pretty sure my water broke.... I let Matt know we were definitely going to the hospital and then I called Melissa and told her I was pretty sure this wasn't a false alarm this time. I called the triage line at MayGrant and spoke with Anne Williams, midwife and told her I had no clue when my water broke but that it could have been sometime between 2-4 this AM or earlier and that I checked myself. Of course she wasn't too happy about hearing that I checked myself since my water was broken. I knew I was GBS negative - thank goodness since my water has now been broken for at least for 19 hrs if not longer!

Andy arrived at our house around midnight and by this time my contractions were getting more uncomfortable than earlier in day. The 20 min drive to the hospital was bearable but any longer and it would not have been very fun. We made it to the hospital, got checked in, signed the papers that say "yes I will pay for services rendered and yes please treat me."

Anne Williams, midwife, greeted us in triage a little before 0100 as well as the nurse whom had seen us the week prior. Anne had a PA (physician assistant) student with her and asked if it was okay for her to observe. Of course I was okay with it. We told her about the amnisure being the only thing positive with Wyatt. She did the swab for the amnisure and then placed the speculum. She said "Wait don't sent the amnisure, we have pooling. There's no doubt your water broke." Uh oh....great now me and my unborn baby have significant risks for infection with my water being broken for so long. Anne suggests IV antibiotics and I agree. An IV is placed and blood drawn. I called my mom to let her know what is going on and to double check that I'm wasn't allergic to Penicillin as a child. I wasn't, so time for the Ampicillin. 

Admission paperwork completed, Antibiotics infusing, and Matt ran to the nearby Sheetz to get himself some food since it was going to be a long night and he needed more than vending machine nutrition :) 

By 0300 we are in the room and I can't stay in the bed. My antibiotics has infused and I think I want to try to whirlpool. Things are still okay but getting intense. Matt and I find a rhythm with my contractions in the whirlpool with him applying counter pressure on my hips with each contraction. Things seem to be getting real at this time but nothing like when I had to have pitocin with Wyatt. Anne comes back around 4:30 to check me. I make it back to the bed she says I'm a 5 and breaks my forebag of water....me and my 2 bags of water in both pregnancies. Once that bag is broken life goes into the fast lane. I debate on if I want Nubain and Benadryl. I'm so tired as I have only had  3.5 hrs of sleep in almost 24 hrs and hope that if I get the meds I might be able to sleep (like I did with Wyatt's labor) before Key Lime arrives. As my nurse is giving me the meds I tell her I know things are moving fast as I just felt a rush a fear go through my body with the shakes, as soon as I feel that I also feel the Nubain go through my veins. I am now drugged while I am sitting/rocking on the bed. I have to lie down. It's only been 5-10 min since Anne checked me and I feel my body pushing. Anne comes back and tells me I'm complete and can do whatever I want. I tell her I want to rest and let my body take over. She and Matt sit on either side of me while I lie on my side. I now lie with my eyes closed letting my body take over to allow our baby to make it through the birth canal. At some point Matt looks down and tells Anne "Hey, I think I see a head." Anne checks and our baby is crowning. I again find that the squatting position/hands and knees is the most comfortable position to deliver this baby too. Anne asks Matt if he wants to help deliver his baby. He is excited to and after Anne finishes delivering the head with a hand presentation and a cord. Matt is allowed to deliver our baby GIRL. SHE arrives into this world on 11/27/2012 at 5:05 AM....just a few hours after we arrived into our labor room! Thanks to Anne's technique and allowing me to push as I felt the need, even with Miss Mabel Wren having a hand presentation there was no trauma or tearing involved in her birth! I was one very thankful momma.

Very proud and tired daddy cutting Mabel's cord

Thank you Anne for being our midwife

I can't believe I have a daughter! I am so blessed!

I think she just wanted to cuddle with momma.

My two amazing nurses! Sara (blue scrubs) was my labor nurse and was around 20 wks pregnant herself!

She's over 4 oz heavier than her brother was at birth! 

My awesome labor partner that is one awesome daddy of two kiddos now!

My precious baby girl I am so in love with you!

Our little Key Lime
Mabel Wren Skillen
born November 27, 2012 at 5:05 AM
7 lbs 9.9 oz 21 inches

Thank you to Anne Williams CNM and all the nurses who were part of our delivery!

Has it really been almost 2 yrs?!?!?!?

Wait, what, where has the time gone?

 This time in 2010 we were excited, anxious, scared, elated, and naive! This year it is the time to reflect and think about celebrating a second year with an amazing little boy who is working on his role as becoming a big brother (Lord willing!). 

I am so blown away on all the changes we have experienced- physically, socially (yes, it happens), emotionally, and spiritually. Wyatt is growing, Matt has lost 40 plus pounds, and I was close to my pre-pregnancy weight and then after a few months we found out Wyatt would be a big brother come 12/1/12!  We don't have a young married couple social calendar anymore. We do have date nights; but we have more family trips out to Hershey to the park, gardens, chocolate world, Hershey Story, museums around the area, and just outside playing. Our emotions go up and down as we all learn each new phase of toddlerhood- I'm currently reading The Happiest Toddler on the Block and learning even more about how to communicate with my boy!  Bringing a child into this world has opened my eyes even more to God's love of His children. I know life hasn't been the same since Wyatt entered our lives and life is about to change even more in the next 3.5 months. And I am so excited and to be honest a little nervous how we are going to balance our lives; but it will happen. :)

In late August, early September 2010 we picked out one boy and one girl outfit. I can't wait to pick out two new outfits for Baby Key Lime! 

On Sept 25, 2010; the day before my 30th birthday we had maternity photos taken. It was so amazing to start taking photos of our soon to be family of three! Becoming new parents has been the best and scariest time of our lives. I remember when we were taking these photos that I couldn't believe we were going to have a baby- and now I can't believe we are doing it again! We are planning to have maternity photos of our potential family of 4 come early November!

Fast forward almost 2 years later and I am making plans for a 2 yr birthday party! School starts on Monday for Matt- but he's already been teaching at bridge program last week and the beginning of this week, meetings, and writing articles/updating everything for his mid tenure review oh and we are preparing for Baby Key Lime so I decided late August would be a good time to order the invitations. 

Wyatt loves the butterfly house and The Hershey Gardens.

My little guy loves the owl sculpture.

What does an owl say, Wyatt? "Hoo hoo!"

Our little Baby Key Lime

At 8 weeks we had a dating sonogram due to some weird cycles late in 2011 and Wyatt has still not completely weaned.  We got to see a beautiful heart fluttering on the screen and are so excited! Due date is 12/1/12!


Note- this post was typed on 8/31/12....got a lot of catching up to do!

Sunny and Warm on February 1st!!!

Wyatt slept in until 10:00!  Which meant we got to go outside during the warmest time of the day and we had a blast!  We had so much fun exploring the fun fort at our local park!  The last time Wyatt went to the park he couldn't walk yet so today was so much fun.  We walked around meeting new friends and finding new places to explore!

I love playing with Wyatt and watching him explore and learn. Today was such a gift from God- sunny, upper 50's, and not too windy.  We had so much fun and I can't imagine what spring and summer are going to be like with this fun loving little boy!  Can't wait for some playdates with some friends with a picnic at the park!

watching the big kids on the swings- he started talking to them.

Women are so important in my life and Wyatt's life

Today was such a special time. We, Wyatt and me, got to check out a new play place, The Playhouse Cafe. It was so much fun we will surely be back. We hope to take daddy out to lunch there sometime soon!

It was so nice to see some mommas that we haven't been able to connect with in the last months due to work/weather/the holidays. All of the babies are growing up so fast and we are becoming seasoned mothers- whatever that means.  It is so amazing to see how we have grown as women, mothers, and friends. I am so blessed to have such a great support system of women around me and around Wyatt. I miss my sisters, cousins, aunts, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and especially my mom; but since we don't currently live near them I am so thrilled to have such wonderful women in my life. There are times when I have given support and encouragement and then there are times when I'm the one needing the support and encouragement!

My life truly would not be the same without all of you!

Thank you so much to all the women in my life!

Now, Playhouse Cafe, why haven't I known about you for the last 15 months!!!!

We got to the Playhouse Cafe a little early to scope out the place!  

I should have snapped some photos of Wyatt playing in the Tot Spot, but I was enjoying watching him, talking with the other moms, and actually getting to eat lunch!

Sitting down with a friend to have lunch.
My little boy is getting so big, no need to use a high chair when they have a kid's table! 

He loves grilled cheese and is able to feed himself. Momma is learning when to let and go and let him grow! He surprises me everyday with what he can do! Today it was sitting in a chair all by himself!

Yummy

Sittin' so big!

Having fun with his friends.

Wow....Elmo is so tall!

Wyatt loved the music being played when Elmo came out.  He even enjoyed hanging out with Elmo for a bit. 

Happy and relaxed.
I had to take him back so Elmo could see the other kids. He was content just to hang out and watch everything from Elmo's arms.

Wyatt's lovey and his newest form of entertainment

For Christmas Wyatt received many blessings, and so did Momma and daddy!  But there were two gifts that have kept giving even until now!

My little boy loves Snoopy from Gm2 (Great grandma Jo). He only goes to be with his snoopy, his blankie animals are no match for his snoopy.  I'm thinking we might need to get a spare just in case the unthinkable happens! Thank you so much Gm2 Jo- he wakes up every morning hugging his snoopy. Every nap at home and every bedtime he has snoopy. Even if he falls asleep in my arms I lay him down and he curls his arms around his snoopy.

These shots were from Christmas day. He had opened Gm2 Jo's gift on 12/23 and had grown attached to Snoopy from the very beginning. We took Snoopy to Christmas Eve service for hopes to keep him occupied from talking too much during the service. It worked!

Such a sweet boy

My silly boy

On 12/23 Wyatt also opened his gift from Gm Deah. He absolutely loves his race car ramp. He puts the cars in it, he puts his socks in it, he puts other toys in it, and he also loves to sit in it himself. Though I think he is disappointed that is doesn't spin when he is in it!

One last photo of a boy and his stuffed doggy.  I just love this little guy!