Isaac’s Birth Story

With my pregnancy for Isaac I went to a Birth Center and had a midwife. Since I had a natural hospital birth with Graham I figured I could do it again with Isaac. The birth center is only 10 min. from our house, it was more cost-effective than the hospital, and I liked their philosophy of helping me have a natural birth since I had an easy low risk pregnancy with Graham.

It all began at 5:30 am on March 12th when I lost my mucus plug. I called my midwife because I wasn’t sure if it was my mucus plug, and she said labor could begin today or in a few days. Light contractions began soon after that. but were not very strong yet. Jake thankfully had the day off, so I called my mom to give her a heads up that contractions were consistent, but told her not to rush because I didn’t think Isaac was coming any time soon especially with my slow progression that I had with Graham. My mom got ready and then came over to help with Graham.

We spent the rest of the morning getting things packed, hanging with Graham, and taking walks to hopefully get things moving. I was having flash-backs to labor with Graham…contractions in my back, and slow progression. My goal was to labor at home as long as possible to help break our time up between home and the birth center. I had to take breaks from timing contractions because it would only discourage me that things weren’t getting any closer together.

By 2pm things began to get more intense, and I had a hard time talking through contractions. By this time, contractions were lasting about 50 seconds and about 3 to 4 min apart. I decided to call my midwife, and she said we could come in whenever we wanted. We packed up the car and said goodbye to Graham, which brought tears to my eyes with the realization that the next time we see him he won’t be an only child.

Right before we left for the birth center

We arrived at the birth center at about 3:30pm. They brought us to our room (“the Nest” my first choice for a room). They checked my vitals, and the baby’s heartbeat (I was able to stand up the entire time rather than laying in bed).

Our room. The stars on the ceiling were a nice touch.

For about an hour I labored in the room and we took a walk around the birth center. About 4:30 I decided I wanted to get in the tub, so they checked my vitals again and then I got in the tub. The water brought much relief. I tried to just close my eyes through the contractions and relax. Jacob sat near the side of the tub and I liked having my head near him so during a contraction I could hold his hand. If I wasn’t holding his hand during a contraction it felt kind of lonely in the water like I was in this all alone. Contractions began to get worse, I felt like I was having a hard time relaxing through them, so I called in the midwife for some support. She said if I wanted to I could start pushing since I was feeling a lot of pressure.

The nice thing is that I could just push when I wanted. I didn’t have to wait for a contraction then hold my breath and push three times like I did in the hospital with Graham. The whole process of pushing was so much more relaxed. At one point I felt like I wasn’t pushing very effectively and my midwife said to just rest. She said at some point my body would naturally just push the baby out. This was such a relief and took off the pressure of having to push a lot.

My back labor was so bad it was distracting me from pushing effectively. It felt like I could feel the baby pushing on my spine as he was moving down. I can’t imagine how bad the pain would be if I wasn’t in the water. They said they could give me a sterile water injection in my back. The injection was super painful (like the worst bee sting ever), but it did help with the pain.

Isaac came soon after they gave me the injection. Since they didn’t make me hold my breath during pushing I was much louder this time pushing him out. Jake said it was a good thing they were closed because I screamed so loud. I don’t really know how long I pushed for, but I’m guessing I pushed for a little over an hour. At 6:59pm, Isaac Lee Aase was born weighing 9 lbs. 1 oz. and 21 3/4 inches long. My water sack never broke, so Isaac was born in his sack of water. I guess it’s a very rare thing to be born like this and our midwife (jokingly) said that babies who are born this way legend says that they will become a great leader, or chief. So Isaac’s nickname is “chief.” 🙂 He also came out with his hand by his face just like his brother did.

getting weighed 9 lbs. 1 oz.

Isaac Lee Aase, our blondie

They brought him immediately to my chest. This was so precious, it was so neat to hold and see my son right away. With Graham, they took him away and cleaned him up and did measurements etc. immediately after birth.

I delivered the placenta and then they got us cleaned up and to our bed. Unlike with Graham I felt so much better after birth: my face and eyes weren’t swollen from straining and just my energy in general was better.  By the time things settled down it was almost 9pm so Jacob ran to Jimmy John’s (one of the few places still open) for dinner for us. At the birth center you must bring your own food. We didn’t sleep a ton that night between nursing and just the adrenaline of just giving birth.

Graham got to meet his brother the next morning. As predicted, he was more interested in the room. He did say that the baby’s hair was soft.

First Family Picture

We spent two nights at the birth center to make sure we got a good start to breastfeeding. I’m so thankful I could give birth there. Everyone was so helpful and it was such a wonderful experience.

Heading Home

The Home Stretch…

I’m 39 weeks pregnant, and we are in the “waiting for baby to come” phase.

Here’s a lame bump selfie mirror picture at 39 weeks. I get tired of asking Jake to take pictures or I forget to ask, so this will do for a 39 week picture.

What have we been up to while we wait for baby #2?

• We got Graham some big boy shoes. He has big, thick, fat feet, so it’s been a challenge finding an affordable pair of shoes that aren’t too stiff and that fit.
• Graham went to his second ever birthday party for one of his friends. It was a dog themed party (with a real dog as a special guest), so he was in heaven!
• Earlier this week we moved some furniture around in Graham’s and our rooms in order to make space for the baby.
• We’re officially down to one nap, but am still working on getting the start time consistent.
• Graham has a cold this week, so hopefully when the baby comes he’ll be over it.
• Last weekend (Friday and Saturday) I met some friends in Madison. It was a fun little girls getaway.
• Jake is working a lot in preparation for a few days off once the baby comes.

So not a lot going on while we wait for baby aase #2. We are looking forward to warmer weather hopefully coming this weekend so we can get outside with Graham.

Pregnancy Update: 36 weeks {baby #2}

36 weeks pregnant with baby aase #2

This is what I looked like when 36 weeks pregnant with Graham

How far along: 36 weeks, 1 day

Weight gain: 28 lbs.

Gender: Boy

Movement: I guess his head is low and is curled up, so thankfully my ribs aren’t getting a beating yet with lack of space.

Sleep: It’s not as good as I would like. I’ve begun waking up to use the bathroom at night, and my pubic bone hurts horribly every time I move. I’ve also started randomly waking in the middle of the night wide awake (I remember this happening with Graham as well in the last month).

Food aversions: none

Food cravings: not much.

Best Moment Recently: having encouraging midwife appointments, and when Graham “says” “I love you baby _____” as he smashes his face into my belly.

What I’m looking forward to: seeing our baby in a few weeks, and being full-term next week!

 

 

Prepping for Baby #2

On my phone, I’m keeping a running list of things to do before baby Aase #2 arrives. Since I shared my To Do List/Packing List for Graham on the blog; I thought I’d share this one as well.

To Buy: It’s been nice living in one place this pregnancy because I’ve been able to slowly buy things when I get coupons rather than waiting till the end to make one big shopping trip. I actually just finished buying my last item this week.

• Diaper bag: I need a bigger on since my current one barely holds all of Graham’s stuff. Thanks to Christmas money I got the “Cadillac” of all diaper bags. It’ll be so nice to have room for everything.
• Nursing supplies: tank, nipple cream etc.
• Short Robe: to bring to the Birthing center and I think it will be handy once home as well.
• Coming home outfit for baby: I’ll be reusing all of Graham’s clothes for this one but wanted to get him a brand new outfit to come home in since I bought Graham a special new sleeper.
• Baby hangers: I needed more.
• Swaddle wraps: we have the larger size that we used for Graham, but no small size since we didn’t start using the wraps till he was a month or so old.
• Aden and Anais swaddle blankets: Graham still uses his as his “blankets” so I needed more for this baby since they are the most versatile blankets ever.
• Three drawer clear plastic storage: I have one of these for Graham and it is so handy since we don’t have a dresser so now each of the boys have one on their side of the closet to store clothes like socks, hats, onesies etc.
• Canvas storage cubes: again nice to have to help organize the closet.
• Soft/warm baby blanket: Graham still uses his soft blue baby blanket sometimes so I wanted to get a different one for this child.
• Baby Carrier: I got the Ergo360 for Christmas and am excited to use it so I can be hands-free sometimes

To Do: (the ones crossed off are the ones I’ve already completed)

• Organize the boys closet: thankfully the closets are a nice size with a shelf and a rod so each boy has his own side.
• Organize all of Graham’s toys. I now have a specific toy shelf in the living room for him and a tub in storage with more toys that I rotate in and out periodically.
• Hang Family pictures
• Get baby gear from the garage (carseat, swing, sleep rocker)
• Set up pack n play with accessories (i.e. raised mattress with diaper changing station)
• Make Graham’s 15 month well baby check up
• Get a haircut
• Pack diaper bag
• Pack Birth bag:
  • a change of clothes
  • pillows
  • Jammie pants
  • nursing tank
  • nursing bra
  • robe
  • socks
  • two tennis balls
  • rice heat bag
  • sports bra
  • baby coming home outfit
  • baby blanket
  • phone charger
  • hair band
  • change of clothes for Jacob
  • water bottle
  • snacks and something to drink in addition to water (they don’t provide meals there so we have to bring our own food)
  • Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush etc.)
  • Chapstick
• Make four freezer meals (we don’t have a lot of room in our freezer (it’s small) so I’m only going to make a few)
• Write instructions for Graham’s care while we’re at the birth center
• Vacuum/clean out the car
• Install car seat
• Deep Clean the apartment (still deciding what I need to do in addition to my monthly cleaning duties).
• Put all cleaning supplies up high
• download contraction app and baby feeding tracker app
• put pictures from phone to computer to free up space on phone for more pics

Pregnancy Update: 30 weeks

Only 10 more weeks to go! We’ll see if he’s as punctual as his big brother.

30 weeks and 1 day pregnant with baby Aase #2. Here is my bump picture with Graham at 29 weeks.

How far along: 30 weeks

Weight gain:  Prob about 20 lbs. I go on Tuesday for my next Dr. appt.

Belly button:  Out

Gender: Boy, and we’re so excited to have another little boy. They are so fun!

Movement: Yes a lot. This stage is fun because I can feel from the outside more distinct knee or arm or foot jabs and kicks.

Sleep:  It’s still pretty good. I’m having a good amount of pubic bone pain so it makes getting comfortable hard but once I fall asleep I’m fine.

Food aversions: Sometimes food just isn’t appealing. Like  at my parents NYE party I ate one small bar even though there was a lot of yummy food. Unlike with Graham I felt like I was always hungry and would eat anything. At the same time small “meals” are better to keep the heartburn at bay.

Food cravings: chewy foods and peanut butter sandwiches.

Best Moment Recently:  Hitting the last trimester

What I’m looking forward to:  starting to check off things from my “before 2nd baby comes” list.

What I’m not looking forward to:  more aches and pains as I get larger.

 

Upcoming posts in the near future: 1. My preparing for baby lists. I posted one for Graham and think it will be interesting to see the differences (this one’s a lot smaller). 2. an update on Graham. He’s at such a fun age I miss documenting some of it.

 

25 weeks Pregnancy Update {baby #2}

25 weeks 3 days pregnant with baby Aase #2. Here is my 25 week update with Graham.

How far along: 25 weeks and 3 days

Baby size: according to Baby Center he is about 13 1/2 inches long and weighs about 1 1/2 lbs. At my ultrasound a few weeks ago the Doctor said I was measuring a week ahead, but they’re going to keep my March 12th due date the same.

Weight gain:  Like 15 lbs.

Belly button:  Out

Maternity clothes: yes, all maternity now. I caved and bought some warmer maternity clothes a week or two ago because I was so cold trying to make my summer shirts and one pair of jeans work. I’m much more comfortable now.

Names:  We have a name (first and middle name) and if you want to know the name you have to get it out of Graham (assuming you can understand his gibberish).

Gender: Boy

Movement: Yes a lot.

Sleep:  Pretty good, a lot better than with Graham at this point in the pregnancy. I think it helps that I’m sleeping in my own comfy bed.

Food aversions: none

Food cravings: I get random cravings like I craved chipotle a few weeks ago.

Best Moment Recently:  Finding out the gender a few weeks ago. We ask Graham where baby _______ is, and he points to the ultrasound picture on the fridge.

What I’m looking forward to: Third trimester, I say this with a chagrin because I know the misery of aches and pains toward the end, but that means we’re getting closer to seeing our little baby boy.

What I’m not looking forward to: more heartburn.

 

The 2nd Child and Letter to Self…

Things that are different with the second pregnancy compared to the first:

• We found out last Tuesday that we are having a BOY! With Graham I had a blog post and facebook status posted within hours after we found out. With this one it wasn’t till the next night that I got around to making a quick facebook status announcement. Admittedly, Graham was sick with a fever so I was very distracted.
• With Graham I read the weekly pregnancy/baby growth posts from several websites. With this one I once in a while will look at an update.
• All of the aches and pains are very familiar and don’t come as a surprise.
• I already feel prepared (supplies wise) for this second one which is freeing. I’m looking forward to reusing some of Graham’s baby clothes.

Dear future postpartum self:

• Having thoughts of exhaustion and wondering if you’ll ever get sleep again? It does get better. You might not get a full night’s sleep till a year has past but soon you’ll only be getting up one or two times a night and you’ll feel like you got a lot of sleep.
• Enjoy the cuddles and sleepy baby days. Don’t worry about getting him on a sleep schedule; no matter how many times older ladies ask you at three weeks postpartum what’s the baby’s sleep schedule or when they’re surprised he’s still waking up several times a night. Don’t rush it…he’ll catch on eventually, just enjoy the cuddles.
• Your stomach will take a really long time to go back to its new normal. Don’t be bothered by the stretch marks. They are there to stay, but they will lighten and things tighten back up. And your skin may freak-out on you and become super crazy dry…lavish on coconut oil…your hormones will settle down after 4ish months.
• Just relax. It’s okay to cry about everything and nothing. They grow up fast (aase’s especially grow quickly) so enjoy the little tiny baby. There will always be a new challenge, so go with the flow.

20 Weeks Pregnancy Update

My first official pregnancy update with a picture with Graham was at 20 weeks, so I’m going to try to keep it the same with this pregnancy.

How far along: 20 weeks

An end of the day 20 week picture.

Baby size: about the size of a banana

Weight gain: about 6 lbs. I started out about 6 lbs. lighter this pregnancy than with Graham so I’m back up to what I was per-pregnancy with Graham.

Belly button: In

Maternity clothes: I just started wearing a few maternity clothes because they’re more comfortable, but most of my maternity clothes are baggy still. I have one pair of regular jeans that I don’t have to use a rubber-band with yet.

Names: I’m not even thinking about names till we know the gender.

Gender: Not sure yet. We don’t have our ultrasound until November 11th. We’re so excited to find out.

Movement: I’ve been feeling movement since about 16 weeks. I’m more aware this time of the movement, and I feel like this baby is super wiggly. I feel kicks all the time…my favorite part of pregnancy!

Sleep: Besides the fact that I have an almost 12 month old who hasn’t been sleeping well, I’ve slept fine for the most part. I’ve started to get hungry in the night when Graham wakes up. I’ve had to stock up on easy night-time snacks; otherwise, I have a hard time falling back to sleep with a hungry stomach.

Food aversions: I feel like I’ve had more food aversions this pregnancy (esp. in the first trimester). I can’t use my crock-pot because the smells are repulsive.

Food cravings: Cravings are stronger this time too. Nothing unusual though. What we eat for dinner has been greatly dictated by my current craving of the day.

What I miss: Not having to use the bathroom all the time. It’s the number one thing I dislike about being pregnant, but it’s also the number one thing I noticed was different right after I had Graham.

What I’m looking forward to: Our ultrasound…such a long wait!

What’s different this pregnancy compared to the first: With Graham I had a ton of headaches and this time I only get one every so often. I feel a lot more relaxed about what’s to come with this baby. It could have something to do with the fact that this pregnancy we’re not living in three different places with three different obgyns…what an idea. 🙂

 

The 2nd time around…

I feel like I just did this whole pregnancy thing (oh wait I did!), but it’s worth it for the end result. I’m seriously not one of those lady’s that just loves being pregnant. At least with Graham I had a pretty easy pregnancy and this one seems to be the same. I can’t really complain, and as I said above, the end result is worth it.

It may be a busy time of life having two under two, but I think it will be fun having them close in age, especially as they get older. Whenever I get overwhelmed I just think back to my mother who had a two year old, and preemie twins in California far from her family…my life is much easier. 🙂

What I’m looking forward to…

• the 2nd trimester
• not being exhausted (i.e. 2nd trimester)
• having a baby in the spring. I think that will be better because then we’ll go right into summer which is better than a depressing winter. I’m one of those people that need my vitamin D.
• being more comfortable (than last time) with the care of a baby
• putting my glorious amount of stretch marks from Graham to good use.
• Giving birth at a birthing center (see below for more thoughts on that)
• Not having to buy a ton of stuff for the new baby. We already have everything we need. Prepping for the baby is going to be so easy.
• Having only one care provider rather than three with Graham due to our moves.

What I’m not looking forward to…

• sleepless nights/sheer exhaustion in the beginning
• trying to nurse again. Honestly, this is my biggest fear that it won’t work out again. At least this time I know it’s going to be SUPER hard and as long as he/she isn’t losing weight I’m sticking with it this time around. I have ideas of how I can be more proactive this time in hopefully increasing my milk supply.
• Deciding on a name especially if it’s a boy. There are just no boy names I like right now.

What’s new this pregnancy…

• The biggest change is that I’m going to be working with a midwife at a birthing center nearby. I had a natural birth with Graham, and if possible I would like to do the same with this one. I had a wonderful experience at the hospital with Graham, but like the fact that the midwives are there to help you have a natural birth. I don’t have to worry about being pressured to get an epidural etc. It’s a nice home like setting except they have awesome tubs. The stay is shorter at the birthing center as well which with Graham we requested an early discharge. I also like that it’s smaller so they know their client base better and actually had read all of my health history before my first appointment. We’ll see how things go as this pregnancy progresses, but it should be interesting this 2nd time around.
• I feel like I’ve been more sick this pregnancy than the last, but thankfully I don’t remember a ton from the first trimester with Graham.
• They had no problem hearing the heartbeat at my appointment. Does that sound ever get old? It’s music to a mama’s ears.
• The due date is March 12, 2015

So that’s my first pregnancy update for Aase baby #2. I’ll do sporatic pregnancy updates once in awhile.

Graham 10 Month Update…

This crazy kid is 10 months…we’re almost to a year!

Clothes: still in 18-24 months but some 18 month clothes are getting short.

Diapers: He moved up to size 5! The kid is so long he grows out of them in the length.

Height, weight length: honestly I’m not sure. I never measured this month. 😦

Sleep: he still takes two naps a day and wakes up once at night (we will e working on weaning that night time bottle this next month).

Eat: Two solid meals a day with a combination of pureed and some finger foods. drinks four to five bottles a day.

This boy is going to be a big brother come March 2015!

Firsts and Favorites…

• He started pulling himself up to standing and can move along holding onto furniture
• Bath time is his favorite…he loves his Duck. and says “Duck, duck, duck” the whole bath. And throws a fit when we’re finished with bath time.
• He had his first experience going to a lake. He loved splashing in the water and eating the sand (he thought the sand was tasty).
• He has a total of eight teeth now. Four on the bottom and four on the top.
• He loves his blankets
• He went to the state fair for the first time and got to see some animals. He liked the horses the best.
• If your laying on the floor he likes to climb all over you.
• His water cup. He figured out how to hold it this month and drink. He thinks it’s fun to drink his water.

He’s our goofy little trooper. He’s pretty content doing whatever we’re doing. It’s fun to see his personality come out…he brings such joy to our lives.