Sweet, Sweet Jacob

Hi everyone -

As everyone probably knows by now Jacob Daniel was born on November 17th. He was born at 7 lbs even and is 19 1/2 inches long. His delivery was pretty eventful and somewhat trying at times, but having him finally here makes everything worth it.

For those who are interested in the details of his delivery, here is a summary of the chain of events. I went in to the doctor on Friday (Nov 16th) for a blood pressure check and was taken straight to the hospital after my blood pressure would not go down. Once checked into a labor and delivery room, I was officially diagnosed with Preeclamsia. I was immediately given a mix of IVs to help treat it and the doctor on call (Dr. Nord was out of town) recommended induction of labor. I was given medication every few hours over night to begin to get my cervix ready. I was already dilated to 1 cm, but he said it would be easier for me if it was more prepared when he broke my water in the morning. Once my water broke, the contractions intensified and were coming about every 1 1/2 minutes. I got an epidural around 3 cm dilation which was the greatest thing ever. They started to notice that that every time I had a contraction, Jacob's oxygen level dropped too low. It was quickly decided that a c-section was the only option for both Jacob's and my safety and the rest is history!

I was dead-set against a c-section, but now I see why people opt for one. Sure the healing time is longer, but it went quick and I don't know how well I would have done through a long labor. Now the next time we will be able to plan the birth a lot easier and my nerves are already severed, so might as well go that route again :)

Now onto the more important reason for this blog! Jacob is doing so well and we just can't get enough of him. I could literally sit and watch him all day. We feel so blessed that we were given this precious gift after such a long time wanting this. Other than a couple of fussy bouts in the hospital the first couple of nights, he spends his time sleeping when he isn't nursing or pooping. I was very lucky that he took to nursing right away and it seems to be his pacifier. Dan jokes that I will continue to feed him food long into his teenage years everytime he cries just to make him feel better. Dan took most of last week off and it has been so nice to have him home during these first few days at home. Dan now considers himself a professional diaper changer and I will miss having him here when he goes back to work on Monday. We seem to have everything in control at this point and it almost seems too good to be true!

He is definitely Dan's baby! He has so many of Dan's features and is unmistakenly a smaller version of him. We have taken lots of pictures of him and I plan on creating an online album to share with everyone sometime soon. In the meantime, here is a link to the hospital's web site if you would like to take a peek at him. http://www.bromenn.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=275&action=detail&ref=88681

Well, I have gone on and on and should probably attend to Jacob now, not that I mind!! I'll let you all know when I have pictures up online to view and thanks to everyone for your warm wishes.

Angela

Getting Closer!!

Hi everyone -

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. I am now 36 1/2 weeks along and feeling every bit pregnant. I was officially taken off of bed rest on Sunday and was able to also stop taking the medicine that was preventing contractions. I really haven't felt any contractions since then, although I do get crampy from time-to-time, which is normal.

I had a check-up with my doctor yesterday and discovered that my blood pressure was high. They had me lie down to retake it and it returned to normal, but Dr. Nord is still concerned because this is the stage where Preeclampsia can occur. I have been experiencing a few signs of Preeclampsia on a minor level - dull headaches, swelling, weight gain - so he has once again assigned me to rest. I was so excited about getting to do normal things again like clean the house (of course with Dan's assistance) and even put the Christmas decorations out this weekend since I know that this won't happen once the baby arrives, but once again my plans are put on hold.

The good news is is that we are definitely ready for the baby's arrival. The nursery is mostly done, baby supplies are purchased, baby things are washed and put away, hospital bag is packed, car seat installed, child care is basically set up, pediatrician chosen, etc.... The only thing that Dan and I would like more time on is getting our work at our jobs in better shape before I go into labor. I also found out that Dr. Nord will be out of town for a week starting this Saturday, so our new goal is to make it to the 38-week mark, which is Sunday November 18th. Of course, we know that this isn't in our control and if the Preeclampsia develops fully, I will have to be induced right away because the only cure for it is to deliver the baby.

We're hoping to make it out this weekend to celebrate our 7th anniversary. Hard to believe that it has been seven years! Nothing more exciting planned other than dinner and a movie. I have been craving Olive Garden a lot recently and Dan wants to go see the new Bee movie (he got free tickets). We're a couple of party animals!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the fall colors. The trees seemed to really have turned this week as the temperatures have become more fall-like recently. It's really pretty to be out driving around town and being able to see all of the pretty trees. We are just thankful at this time of year that we don't have large trees that dump lots of leaves that need raked every other day!

Well, hope everyone is doing well and maybe the next post will be a baby announcement :)

I have attached a picture of myself that was taken at 35 weeks for those of you who have been wanting to see how big I have gotten. It's not a pretty sight!!

Take care,

Angela