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Sherry's Journal
Expecting December 2005
Mon Dec 19, 2005
48 Hours later...
It has been an awesome 48hrs with our new baby boy … he’s a little sweety and we’re all in love … the girls are not enjoying having to share him with anyone and can often be heard saying “It’s my turn to hold him” … LOL! Dylan is torn between loving him and wanting to hold him … and competing with him for equal nursing time. This is causing a bit of a struggle but I’m sure we’ll work through it.
Aiden's birth was pretty short but very intense … I don’t have all the details clear in my head just yet … have to take some quiet time and try to gather my thoughts and perhaps compare ‘notes’ with my husband and 15yo son, and even the girls to get their take on things.
He was born in the pool, in front of the Christmas Tree in our living room as planned … with our whole family present (minus Dylan who had fallen asleep in the bedroom about 20 or 30 minutes prior to the birth) …
Once again we planned to video tape the event and just before he was born, about 4 minutes before the actual birth, the battery ran out and we didn’t get it on tape … which may be a blessing because Aiden was born with the cord wrapped tightly around his neck (twice) and he was quite dark and limp … he actually looked so dark that, to me - he could have been mistaken for an African-American baby … he came around quickly and pinked up after I unwrapped the cord and started rubbing him and talking to him (and PRAYING of course) … but it was very intense for that brief time when we were not sure if he was ok.
I think I’m still processing that aspect of the birth … I'm not sure if it was my fears that I've had this pregnancy that caused me to jump to the conclusion that he was so limp at birth ... compared to Dylan, who came out of the water kicking and screaming ... Aiden did appear lifeless ... but only for a few seconds and when I removed the cord from his neck and put him on my chest, rubbed and kissed and talked to him ... he breathed and cried a little and pinked up. I think I have a lot more prayer and processing to do with this part of the birth ... it definitely affected me in ways that I can't explain.
I did measure the cord and found that my suspicions were correct … it was VERY long … 40 inches (100cm) long (not counting the few inches where we cut/tied it) … it also seemed thinner than Dylan’s cord but I didn’t think to take pictures of that one, or measure it so I really can’t be sure. Aiden was VERY active and I have read that a more active baby leads to a longer cord … and the longer the cord, the more of a chance of having a knot or tangled baby, etc. Christopher, our first born … had the cord around his neck when he was born but it was draped, like a necklace … not tight around the neck like Aiden.
My milk came in about 40hrs after he was born … usually it takes 2 days (48hrs) but it was actually flowing last night … perhaps because of our little nursing toddler helping things along. Aiden is a great little nursing boy … a real pro and already quite addicted!!! LOL!!!
Jeff was only able to take Saturday off … he worked for 2 hrs last night and will go back and start back to his regular schedule tonight … so I’m praying that I’ll be able to handle things on my own here. I am very achy and sore and tired so I won’t be able to take on too much this week. We are all looking forward to Christmas with the very best Gift we ever received!!!
Sat Dec 17, 2005
Introducing...
Aiden James Perkins
Our second Unassisted Family Birth ... born in the water, in front of the Christmas Tree in our living room ... Saturday, December 17, 2005 ... 6:26am
Weighing 9 lbs 12 oz and measuring 21 inches long.
It's a BOY!!!!!
It’s a BOY!!!!!
We haven’t decided on the name but are leaning toward Aiden (or Aidan) James Perkins
He was born just before 6:30 this morning … weighing in at 9 lbs 12 oz … not sure of the length yet.
Cord was wrapped twice around his neck and pretty tight … more on that later but he’s fine and pink and healthy and beautiful … full head of dark hair … BEAUTIFUL!!! Such a huge blessing!!!
Fri Dec 16, 2005
Friday, Dec. 16 - Lots of Contractions
Not sure if they will lead to labor, or I’ll end up getting to sleep and having more contractions tomorrow … I’m ‘due’ this weekend so it could be … but I don’t want to count on it or get my hopes up just yet.
The contractions are strong ... and yet they feel like the same contractions that I've had off and on for the past couple of weeks which never led to labor. They are coming every 2 - 3 minutes but not getting closer together, or stronger as the hours pass.
We'll see what The Lord has planned for our family this weekend.
Sun Dec 11, 2005
39 weeks
I had a little meltdown yesterday ... whining and crying because the house is a mess and kids have colds and there is SO much to do. Looking at it now, it sure doesn't seem like THAT much to do, but when you want to nest and your body is so big and uncomfortable it doesn't make it easy ... I guess it can throw an expecting mama into major meltdown!
I'm feeling pretty good today ... have been having lots of contractions, which I'm welcoming (unless they're keeping me up nights) ... Jeff keeps reminding me that each one I have now is one less I'll need for labor-day! :)
I feel enormous ... I don't remember my belly ever being this large before. I watched the video of Dylan's birth-day and seeing me in labor at 40 1/2 weeks ... I think my belly is much bigger now. I can only imagine this will be a big baby since Dylan was 10lbs. Then again, maybe it will be a nice small 8lb baby this time!!! I admit, a small baby would be nice ... they are much easier to sling and carry around when they are lighter!
I've gotten all of my Christmas shopping done ... most everything is wrapped and separated and ready ... the tree is half decorated again ... between Dylan and the cats pulling the lower ornaments off ... well, it isn't looking that great! I'm planning to set up the birth pool in the living room, so I'll have the pretty twinkle lights on the tree to focus on through contractions ... while praying and listening to some soothing music. These are my plans anyway ... only The Lord knows how it will all really play out!
Sun Dec 04, 2005
38 weeks
Two more weeks until my due date!
I have my birth supplies all prepared ... (birth pool, air pump, hose, adapter, etc ... and a few other misc. supplies) ... I folded over 2 dozen newborn diapers last night (I sewed 3 dozen diapers when I was expecting my last baby so it was fun pulling those out and folding them last night) ... I've got lots of little tiny, unisex baby clothes ... my Christmas tree is up and mostly decorated ... I've stocked up on food for the family, and for Christmas day should we have any company ... I do have some minor Christmas shopping to do and gifts to wrap but not much...
and yet ...
I still don't feel emotionally or mentally ready to give birth. I was talking to DH last night and said, "I remembered that it was a lot of hard work and quite painful ... i'm not sure I wanna do it" LOL!
I guess I feel there are a few things I still need to get done ... I also know that I've given birth to my other babies between 39 1/2 and 40 1/2 weeks so it's not likely I would have the baby before next week anyway.
Still ... I can't get the feeling out of my head that there is something holding me back ... maybe it IS the dreaded feeling of laboring and all of that hard work. It's strange to think that because I welcomed it last time ... was smiling in the birth pool 90 minutes before Dylan was born ... Hmmm... I don't know.
If I do have any last minute fears or worries or concerns ... I want to work through them, hand them over to The Lord and move on ... but I'm just not sure if I do or what they are!
I have the Girl Scout Investiture Ceremony coming this Friday afternoon ... and would really like to be there for the girls as they officially become Scouts. They are so excited about it! I just don't think that is what is causing this feeling of being 'not ready' for labor/birth ... I feel as if something is holding me back but just can't put my finger on it.
Tue Nov 29, 2005
37 weeks
I have been a bit miserable ... having regular contractions for almost 24 hrs ... they have been regular enough that I haven't slept ... yet not strong enough to do anything to send me into labor. I'm grateful for that because I'm not really 'ready' for labor ... I only wish that they would let up enough so that I could enjoy the rest of my pregnancy and do all of the nesting that I want to without having to rest and breathe through contractions every 2 to 3 minutes!
Ok, complaining over ... I'm so thankful that I am still feeling this sweet baby move and thump inside ... so grateful that I'm giving birth during the holiday season ... it's such a fun time to be expecting.
We're going to the Philadelphia Zoo tomorrow with a bunch of homeschoolers ... that should be fun and hopefully not too exhausting. I'm just praying for a good night sleep tonight with little to no contractions!
Tue Nov 22, 2005
36 weeks
We're having Jeff's father over for Thanksgiving so it's a busy week for us, preparing the house and shopping list, etc. We're also trying to get so much done around here at once ... Jeff painted the hallway yesterday and wants to paint the living room and kitchen before Christmas ... lots to do!!!
I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable and almost getting to that point where I'm ready to be done being pregnant ... as much as I'm trying to cherish the last weeks, I'm also tired of not being able to bend over this big belly ... or get up and move around with ease the way I normally can... My hips have been aching and it's getting more difficult to help Dylan get dressed or tie his boots. I've been having lots of 'regular' contractions ... sometimes coming every 3 minutes for over an hour or two ... nothing alarming and pretty typical for my last month of pregnancy ... but it just adds to the feeling of being near the end!
I went to the chiropractor on Friday ... didn't need an adjustment but Jason did the Webster Technique which I'm hoping will help alleviate some of the aches and pains I've been feeling. Some days I just feel as though I'd like a vice grip to push my hips together as far as possible!
Dylan is still nursing a few times each day ... mostly naptime and bedtime, and then once or twice in the early morning. I was sort of hoping that he'd wean while I was pregnant but he still seems to need it when he's really upset, hurt or tired. He has been really trying my patience lately ... and everyone else's patience too. It seems I cannot leave him for two seconds without him getting into something, drawing on the walls, making a mess ... it's more than frustrating right now but I'm trying my best to be patient and understanding ... he's not quite 2 1/2 yrs old and just so curious and adventurous. It's as if his mind wants to do so much more than his body will allow ... he thinks he's Sara's age or something! Hopefully he'll settle into a better routine once our lives settle back down a bit.
Kaylie and Sara have been a big help to me lately ... helping so much with Dylan when I can't bend down or over ... helping me around the house with chores, etc. They are both so excited about the new baby, too.
Chris has been mostly doing his own thing ... although I'm sure he's excited in his own way ... he's 15 and very self motivated lately. I'm sure he'll be a huge help to me when the baby arrives ... and of course I can always count on him if I need him. One nice thing about having a teen son while pregnant ... it's like having an extra man around the house to help with the heavy lifting and carrying. He laughs and calls himself a pack mule!
We're planning on decorating the house and Christmas Tree on Friday ... it will be nice to have it all decorated and set up for the holidays ... this year I'm really looking forward to the holiday season, unlike the past few years where it seemed more of a drain than anything. This year, because of our new baby ... it just seems extra special and exciting!!!!
Wed Nov 16, 2005
He's Still The One
I talked to Elaine last night for a long time … she said she was thrilled when she heard the news of our newest baby ... she mentioned how … when I got pregnant with Christopher, everyone said it would never last between Jeff and me because we were so young, unmarried, inexperienced, etc … and now she looks at us, expecting our fifth baby and still in love and happy and she’s SO proud of her brother. She said we are probably one of the only couples she knows who have been together this long (17 or 18 yrs)… it made me feel good that we have been able to prove everyone wrong. I know people had doubts because of our age, etc … I’ve always known that and understood why … most marriages end these days, and when you have a baby at 19 and 20yrs old, it’s understandable that people would have had us doomed for disaster. I’m just thanking God for keeping us together. Jeff and I laugh and blame it on the two of us being too stubborn. LOL!
Anyway, there is a song by Shania Twain "You're Still The One" where she mentions that people said “I’ll bet they’ll never make it” and then she goes on to sing “Look at what we would be missin’” and it just makes me so thankful to The Lord for keeping us together, otherwise look what we WOULD have been missing … all these years together, all these beautiful children … God is SO good!!!! Anyway, it makes me appreciate The Lord, Jeff and our marriage and all of our blessings every time I hear it so I think I’ll keep it playing a lot!!!
----------------
"You're Still The One"
(When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after
all this time, you're still the one I love.)
Looks like we made it Look how far we've come my baby We mighta took the long way We knew we'd get there someday
They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night
Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'
They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night
Mon Oct 24, 2005
32 Weeks Pregnant
I’m down to the last eight weeks and getting really excited. Last Saturday my mother and sister, with the help of Kaylie and Sara and my friends threw me a surprise baby shower … totally shocked me. Now it is even more ‘real’ to me that we’re having a baby soon. They gave me such lovely little baby clothes and gifts and now I have all of this stuff in front of me, as a reminder that we’re going to have another little one in the house very soon. It’s a strange feeling … I’m looking forward to it so much but also trying not to rush it as this is likely my last pregnancy.
Jeff and I have been getting stuff done around the house to prepare for winter, Izzy, Christmas, etc … he replaced the kitchen ceiling fan light with a new, brighter light and has another matching light for the other side of the ceiling … we also peeled the nasty wall paper and he is going to prime and paint the kitchen. He cleaned out the shed yesterday, got rid of lots of stuff we don’t use or need … I cleaned out the living room closet and put a bunch of stuff up in the attic, and got rid of some old baby stuff that we don’t need anymore. It feels great to be getting stuff done.
Last time I checked, Izzy was head down … I checked with the fetoscope to be sure after feeling the hiccups very low and sure enough, that’s where I heard the heartbeat … very low in the belly, toward the pubic area. Last week I could clearly feel the head at the top of my uterus (as well as the heartbeat and hiccups up high or at belly button level) so I’m glad the baby went back to being head down … it’s more comfortable for me and nice for Jeff to know we don’t have a breech. He doesn’t want any added complications and to him, a breech birth is a complication. It’s funny because for months the baby has been vertex, and I felt the hiccups down low, very deep inside … and then sometime after my shower on Saturday and Tuesday night, baby was breech … I guess he or she decided that breech wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and decided to flip back to a more comfortable position.
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