Kaitlyn's Birth Announcements

Well, here is the "masterpiece". All I need now are the pictures of the baby.
















I created two sets. One is a card, and the other is a notecard. The cards are going out to the grandparents and great-grandparents.


I may still add something to the notecards, like the diaper pin or a bootie.

Kaitlyn's Birth Story

August 21, I got up at 2:30am with some back pain and cramps. I had been lying in bed awake for about an hour trying to decide if they were braxton hicks contractions, or real contractions. I decided to get up and see if they would pass. After pacing the floor in the living room, it became clear that they weren't going to let up, and I started timing how close together they were. The contractions were pretty steady at 5-7 minutes apart, so I decided to see if we could speed them up by bouncing on the ball for a little bit. At about 3:30 I told Neil that I was having contractions, and that he needed to get as much sleep as possible. Each hour that went by, the contractions were getting more painful, and I told myself that I would wait just another hour before I called my doula, Ashley. At about 6:00 am, I decided that I was too tired to be up anymore, and tried to get some sleep. I dozed off and on, and at about 10:00 am I called Ashley and left her a message saying that today was a good day to have a baby! Ashely arrived at about noon, and we did some pressure points on my back, and decided to get out of the house and take a walk. Neil drove us to Lake Gertrude, and we took a pretty leisurely walk around. Only one person asked if something was wrong with me! :) And as Ashley joked, it was not a torture walk. The contractions were getting kind of painful, and we had to stop and wait out each one. We were really hungry by the time we finished the walk, and I wanted to eat indian at The Tandoor, but we decided to get some thai food at Thai Jasmine. After eating, and driving home, Ashley suggested that we rest, and Neil and I took a short nap. At about 4:00 pm, I was up again, and the contractions continued. Melissa came home from daycare at about 5:30, and I continued to labor through the evening, and night. Ashley lit a candle for me, and used some aromatherapy, and I listened to a Hypnobirthing CD for a little bit. I know I had some really good contractions during that time, but the hypnosis really helped, and I felt very little pain. I believe we decided some time around midnight that I wanted to have Gail, my mother in law, come over to stay with Melissa, because I was almost ready to go to the hospital. The contractions were steady at 5 minutes apart then, and lasting about 30-45 seconds. We finally left for the hospital and arrived at 5:00 am on August 22. They would only allow Neil to come back with me to be checked, so Ashley waited in the lobby while Neil was texting her updates until they got me into a room. I knew that there was going to be trouble when they took me to the recovery room, instead of the triage area to be checked. The nurse told me that they don't allow VBAC at the hospital, and wanted to know who told me that I could attempt it. I informed her that my Doctor said it was ok, and she called him after she checked me. I was 4cm dilated, and 30% effaced. I had to sign another VBAC consent form, and they admitted me. They then attempted to give me an IV, and managed to blow out my vein, and pump a bunch of fluids into my hand making it swell up like a ping pong ball, so they had to find another site for the IV which ended up being 2 inches to the left away from the original vein in my hand. I had a very nice nurse, Gail, after that, and she took great care of us. She got the birthing ball for me to bounce on, and was great explaining everything. I didn't want my water broken, but the doctor insisted that I had to have it done, so he broke it at about 7:00 am, and I had dilated to 5 cm by then. After that point the contractions really picked up. When they checked me again at 9:00 I was still about 5 cm, but about 40-50% effaced. We labored in a few different ways, leaning against the back of the bed, and sitting on the edge. I had horrible back labor the whole time. The doctor had them ultrasound to check the babys presenting part, and position. She was head down, and facing down, in perfect birthing position! He let me labor for awhile longer, and decided to start me on a low dose of pitocin to try and kick the labor up. After the pitocin started, everything is kind of a blur. I was in a lot of pain. I was screaming so loud, they could have heard me in the lobby! Neil was great the whole time, doing anything that I needed him to. Ashley really helped me to work through those painful contractions, reminding me with every one to relax my muscles. I don't think I could have labored so long without her! I felt like I wanted to push, so the nurse came and checked, and said I was only 6 cm still, and it wasn't time to push yet. At around 1:00, the contractions were right on top of each other with no break in between. They were looking like the rocky mountains on the meter, and I was in complete pain. I asked them to give me Stadol to help. I was actually crying for them to give me medicine, but I don't think they could understand what I was saying. It took so much effort just to make them understand what I was saying. After what seemed like hours, but Neil informs me was about 15 minutes, the nurse came in and gave me the shot. I felt like I was in a dream like state. I remember the doctor came in to check back on me, and I heard him say that the baby's heart rate was dropping with each contraction, and that she wasn't dropping down. She was only at 0 station. He wanted to go ahead with the c-section. I was totally drained, but I knew that I tried as much as my body could to labor and birth this baby. I felt at peace with the decision, so I agreed. The nurse gave me a shot to stop the contractions, and they started prepping me for the surgery. I had the same great anesthesiologist that I had with Melissa, and we joked while he was giving me the spinal block. They gave me some antibiotics, zofran, and zantac. I was complaining that the IV hurt, and that it hurt worse than being cut open! He gave me some pain killers to try and dull the pain in the iv, but it was still so painful. At 2:38 pm, Kaitlyn Audrey Phelps was born, weighing 9 pounds 11 ounces. She was just adorable! When they showed her to me I couldn't believe how big and chubby she was! I knew that was why she wasn't dropping down! Her apgar scores were 8 & 9. Neil went with her to the nursery, and she cried the whole time. I rested while they were sewing me up, and a little bit in recovery. I was determined to get out of recovery as soon as possible, so I kept trying and trying to move my legs. The feeling came back much more quickly this time, and I was out of recovery soon! The nursery called saying that Kaitlyn was hungry, and the nurse said that we were on our way out, and that we could meet in the room. I got to hold my sweet girl for the first time then, and she nursed right away. She did not like to be away from me, and every time the nurses came to take her to the nursery to check something, she cried the whole time. She had a little jaundice the next day, and we discovered that she is a little bit tounge tied, and had some trouble latching on. Once we worked it out, and found the right nursing position, she did great, and they released us on Monday.















One month later, we are doing great! I have been cleared to resume normal activity, and the baby is up to 13 pounds! She is still nursing about every 2-3 hours, and generally happy. Melissa loves her to death! Things are slowly getting back to normal here, and we're all adjusting to having one more baby in the family!

Happy 3rd Birthday Melissa!!

From such a tiny little baby to a pretty little girl! You bring such joy to our lives every day! I hope all your days are as happy as you are!

No More Calls

No, I haven't had the baby. The ESTIMATED due date is 8/15. Anywhere up to 2 weeks after is still considered to be within the term. Stop calling and asking me if we're going to the hospital, or if we're in the hospital. I said I would call. Do you think we're NOT going to call you? We may just keep the baby a huge secret until it turns 16! How about I call you every time I'm up in the middle of the night? Oh its just me, its 3:00 am and I had to pee, just calling to tell you I'm not in the hospital. Oh its 5:00 am, Melissa was up, and now I can't sleep, but I'm still not going to the hospital. Or maybe this will work. Everytime you call and ask me that, I'm going to pretend I can't hear you.

Niagra Bottling Local Water

I have been following this story for awhile now. This is just absurd. The article in todays paper just blew me away. Along with this article from a few weeks back. It sickens me to think that we are going to allow this company the right to pump billions of gallons of already low water supplies to SELL. We have desalination looming on our shoulders now, will our children end up paying for it so we can make a buck now?

"Dick Batchelor, a political analyst and former state representative who led a recent rally against Niagara's request, said water-bottling companies "have a great scheme" because they are pulling water for free from the ground, bottling it and then selling it.He proposes that beverage companies — including water bottlers, fruit juicers and breweries — be charged by the gallon for water they pull from the ground."The water supply belongs to the people of the state of Florida," he said "But our water supply is limited. That's why cities and counties are now being asked to find alternative sources for their water supplies." "

Now our governor, who I voted for, signed this bill into law that stripped the board members of power to protect the water use permits, and placed the power in the hands of and idiot who has no interest in what the public wants. I certainly won't forget Charlie Crist when I go into the election booth in November. Nor the other fools who voted for this bill, Marlene O'Toole and Alan Hays. And I'll be watching you Carey Baker to see if you live up to your promise to fix this next session.

Check out these links for the whole story, and prepare to be annoyed. Perhaps you should consider boycotting bottled water?

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/lake/orl-lklake-groveland-niagara-06280062809jun28,0,3207680.story

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/3/20/groveland_tries_to_drum_up_support_in_fight_against_niagara_bottling.html

http://www.defendgrovelandsfuture.com/

Belly Pics

I called a local photographer about getting maternity pics done, and was quoted a price over $500 to include prints, so I attempted a photoshoot at home. Got a couple of decent ones, with the help of photoshop. :)

Deal A Day

Ever since finding Baby Steals, I have been obsessed with these deal a day websites. I became aware of Diamond Shark and their sister site, Chrono Shark through work, and then discovered that Ebay has special deals as well. Over the weekend, I located several other sites that I have been checking too. Woot, Mama Bargains and Todays Goodie.

In fact, I found a great site that lists out all the different deal a day websites. Who knew that there were so many? And who knew that there was such a huge market for Horse Supplies that you need a deal a day?

We are now in position!

Ready to be born, head down.



I did an inversion, and had been hoping that the baby was going to turn. I knew exactly how it was laying, because I could feel the kicks and where the head was. I think it turned when I was sleeping.

I start with the new doctor on 7/1, and I am hopeful that he will be as receptive as he was on the phone to a VBAC.

Coming up on the Home Stretch!

The insurance is ready to be switched, the doctor is waiting approval with the new insurance. I've gotten the baby clothes out and washed, and the binder is sitting her getting ready to be put to use with calendars, and packing lists, birth plans and La Leche League contacts. I'm brewing up some more Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, and pulled out the Evening Primrose Oil. The baby has made its way to head down, finally! Poor little thing had hiccups last night, which was so cute! Melissa never had hiccups in utero. Then this morning was rubbing little feet into my ribs. Going to try and start getting in some walking if I can stand this sweltering heat! I have another appointment tomorrow with the doctor, which should be my last visit with that practice, and then on Thursday a sizing ultrasound to check growth. We may be able to finally pin down the sex!

I was doing a little bit of searching on the Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (RRL), and found an excellent blog post about it here. Just wanted to post a snippet of the beneficial properties.

Beneficial Vitamins and Minerals Found in Red Raspberry Leaf:
-Rich concentrations of vitamin C
-Vitamin E
-Easily assimilated calcium and iron
-Manganese and magnesium
-Vitamin A
-Vitamin B complex
-Many minerals including phosphorous and potassium

I also found an article that says that in addition to RRL, there are other herbal teas that should be avoided during pregnancy. Who ever heard of Chamomile Tea being dangerous, or even Hibiscus? I have used the RRL throughout this pregnancy, and have had no problem whatsoever. I find it is a little bitter, and needs a lot of sweetening though. It would have never crossed my mind to ask the doctor about other herbal teas. I have had loads of chamomile too especially to help me sleep. I think its just typical of western medicine to ignore and discredit anything they disagree with.

Or even the AMA's attempt to create a "non-compliant patient" code. When it's not the patient that is "resistant" but the treatment that is failing them. The fact that this failed is because they are trying to get this "non-compliant" label so they can legally get you to DO WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO DO, rather than revamping THEIR treatment style to fit YOUR needs.

Just goes right along with my fight for VBAC. Found a great article through my local ICAN chapter, even by a local doctor about the safety of VBAC.

Nasty Storm

We had a pretty bad storm here last night that broke a huge limb off of our tree, and knocked out power for several hours.

Here's my attempt at taking a picture in the dark....don't do it, it doesn't work.