Emerson Danielle was born at 12:51 p.m. on Monday, June 30th, 2008.
I thought today (July 8th) would be the perfect time to write the final blog entry. After all, today is Emerson's official due date. =)
Mike and I checked into St. Joseph Hospital, Kirkwood, on Sunday night. I was feeling pretty nervous about being induced, but knew there was no other way out. =) They inserted the cervidil around 5:00 p.m. Mike and I just hung out and watched t.v. that night. I did take a sleeping pill, but can't say I slept well.
The next morning (birthday) they removed the cervidil and started me on pitocin around 6:00 a.m. I started feeling cramps, but nothing serious. Around 8:30 a.m. Dr. Boveri came in. I was only dilated to 1 cm at this point. He broke my water to get things moving. Within the next hour I felt contractions steadily getting more intense. I didn't mind feeling the contractions. I wanted to get an idea of what labor was like before they gave me my epidural. Not long after they broke my water I was at a point where I didn't want to know how much worse it could be. I had felt enough. I was ready, where was the epidural angel?!?
I received my epidural around 9:30 a.m. It was amazing! Our nurse (Melanie) checked me immediately after the epidural. Much to her surprise I was already dilated to 6 cm. She looked shocked! She said she had best call Dr. Boveri just to give him the heads up. Things were moving....FAST! By 11:30 the room had been transformed from the Holiday Inn into the "delivery room."
After pushing for about one hour, Baby E (E is for Emerson too!) was born at 12:51 p.m. They placed her on my chest, and it was a moment that I will never forget. She was screaming her little head off, and to us, she was perfect. She weighed 8 lb. 3 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long.
Mike, Dr. Boveri and Melanie were awesome. They were all so encouraging to me throughout the entire delivery. I could not have asked for a better experience. It was everything I had hoped for. I feel very lucky.
So finally, Baby Emerson is home with us. Mike and I are both on cloud nine with this little lady. Thanks to everyone for keeping up with us throughout this awesome experience.
There is truly nothing better. Was there life before Emerson?
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Countdown = 3 days
38-39 weeks:
Today is my last day at the office before Baby Ehrler's arrival! It is also the last blog entry before Mike and I are officially parents! I am very excited for Monday.
I have to be honest, I am a little scared. I think that is only natural.
I went to my last Dr. appointment and non-stress test yesterday. Everything is looking good. I am still only dilated to 1 cm. The plan is that Sunday night they will start me on cervidil to thin my cervix (he also mentioned a possible sleeping pill to ensure I relax and get some zzzz's). Dr. Boveri said they will start pitocin very early Monday morning. After that, he will come in around 8:30 to check me, and at that time may break my water. Once he does that, there is no turning back! (there really is no turning back at this point anyway, I certainly don't want to stay in this condition forever!)
Physically I am very tired, and baby E's movements are becoming more and more uncomfortable to me. She is so big now that I just feel "full of baby" and like she could just rip through my skin at any moment. It has to be so cramped in there for her.
I am also a little emotional. The excitement, fear and anticipation is getting to me just a bit. I am a little more teary than normal. Last night I was over tired and over thinking things. Wilson and I shared a moment (Mike was sound asleep on the couch, and dogs are great listeners). I was thinking of how I can't wait for baby E to be here, and I looked at Wilson and thought about the big change that is getting ready to happen in our house. I couldn't help but be a little emotional. Happy, scared, excited, terrified....etc. All sorts of feelings were flowing!
A funny story I should share: On Wednesday I went to Target. I will admit that my parking job was not 100%. However I was in between the lines, and my tires were not anywhere close to the white line. When I came out someone had parked so close to my car that I could not fit into my driver's side door. I tried every angle. I tried to sit in backwards, I attempted it turned sideways, nothing was working. Finally, I put my purse and bag in the backseat (I had to get serious about this). I considered just climbing over the center counsel. In all honesty, that did not look any easier. I can barely lift a leg to put pants on these days. So, I toughed it out through tears (hey, I told you I am a little more teary than the norm.) and SQUEEEEEEEEZED into the car door. It was a bit painful, and probably not the smartest thing I have done since I have been pregnant. I am sure Baby E wondered what the heck was happening! Her space was certainly reduced for a moment. I kept thinking "this is going to make a really funny story after I am not so ticked off. "
I couldn't help myself, so I parked in a different spot where I proceeded to write a nice note to the wonderful owner of the vehicle that had just shot my self esteem, and threw me into a crying jag. Needless to say the letter was probably an immature action on my part, but it sure did help me to leave Target with a big fat smile on my face. I felt so much better.
P.S. If any of you were at Target the other day, and ended up with a nice note on your windshield, it must just be a coincidence.
More to come after Baby Ehrler's birth day...
Today is my last day at the office before Baby Ehrler's arrival! It is also the last blog entry before Mike and I are officially parents! I am very excited for Monday.
I have to be honest, I am a little scared. I think that is only natural.
I went to my last Dr. appointment and non-stress test yesterday. Everything is looking good. I am still only dilated to 1 cm. The plan is that Sunday night they will start me on cervidil to thin my cervix (he also mentioned a possible sleeping pill to ensure I relax and get some zzzz's). Dr. Boveri said they will start pitocin very early Monday morning. After that, he will come in around 8:30 to check me, and at that time may break my water. Once he does that, there is no turning back! (there really is no turning back at this point anyway, I certainly don't want to stay in this condition forever!)
Physically I am very tired, and baby E's movements are becoming more and more uncomfortable to me. She is so big now that I just feel "full of baby" and like she could just rip through my skin at any moment. It has to be so cramped in there for her.
I am also a little emotional. The excitement, fear and anticipation is getting to me just a bit. I am a little more teary than normal. Last night I was over tired and over thinking things. Wilson and I shared a moment (Mike was sound asleep on the couch, and dogs are great listeners). I was thinking of how I can't wait for baby E to be here, and I looked at Wilson and thought about the big change that is getting ready to happen in our house. I couldn't help but be a little emotional. Happy, scared, excited, terrified....etc. All sorts of feelings were flowing!
A funny story I should share: On Wednesday I went to Target. I will admit that my parking job was not 100%. However I was in between the lines, and my tires were not anywhere close to the white line. When I came out someone had parked so close to my car that I could not fit into my driver's side door. I tried every angle. I tried to sit in backwards, I attempted it turned sideways, nothing was working. Finally, I put my purse and bag in the backseat (I had to get serious about this). I considered just climbing over the center counsel. In all honesty, that did not look any easier. I can barely lift a leg to put pants on these days. So, I toughed it out through tears (hey, I told you I am a little more teary than the norm.) and SQUEEEEEEEEZED into the car door. It was a bit painful, and probably not the smartest thing I have done since I have been pregnant. I am sure Baby E wondered what the heck was happening! Her space was certainly reduced for a moment. I kept thinking "this is going to make a really funny story after I am not so ticked off. "
I couldn't help myself, so I parked in a different spot where I proceeded to write a nice note to the wonderful owner of the vehicle that had just shot my self esteem, and threw me into a crying jag. Needless to say the letter was probably an immature action on my part, but it sure did help me to leave Target with a big fat smile on my face. I felt so much better.
P.S. If any of you were at Target the other day, and ended up with a nice note on your windshield, it must just be a coincidence.
More to come after Baby Ehrler's birth day...
Thursday, June 19, 2008
37 weeks
Here we are, Baby E is officially full term!
I had a Dr. appointment this morning. Dr. Boveri says I am dilated to 1 cm and 60% effaced. He said he could feel the baby's head!
He also found that I have a bladder infection. I read that this is caused from the baby putting pressure on the bladder and urethra. Dr. Boveri prescribed an antibiotic. We are still on schedule for our June 30th induction.
I can't believe the final days are really here. On one hand it feels like I have been pregnant forever. On another hand it seems like it flew by. I am very excited, a little nervous, but very excited. My goal is to stay positive. The thought of labor and delivery is certainly scary, but I want to try and overlook those thoughts, and look at the big picture...there is an awesome little baby girl on the way!
I went out to dinner with Katie last night. She is 26 weeks pregnant, and she looks adorable! Her little boy will be here before she knows it! We decided to go out for our "last supper before we are parents." It is just wild to think that next time I see her, "Baby E" will be here.
Mike and I are working on locking in on a name for our girl. We like, Heidi, Emmerson and Meg. Now we just have to pick. We may have to see her first?!? For now we can just stick with "Baby E."
I had a Dr. appointment this morning. Dr. Boveri says I am dilated to 1 cm and 60% effaced. He said he could feel the baby's head!
He also found that I have a bladder infection. I read that this is caused from the baby putting pressure on the bladder and urethra. Dr. Boveri prescribed an antibiotic. We are still on schedule for our June 30th induction.
I can't believe the final days are really here. On one hand it feels like I have been pregnant forever. On another hand it seems like it flew by. I am very excited, a little nervous, but very excited. My goal is to stay positive. The thought of labor and delivery is certainly scary, but I want to try and overlook those thoughts, and look at the big picture...there is an awesome little baby girl on the way!
I went out to dinner with Katie last night. She is 26 weeks pregnant, and she looks adorable! Her little boy will be here before she knows it! We decided to go out for our "last supper before we are parents." It is just wild to think that next time I see her, "Baby E" will be here.
Mike and I are working on locking in on a name for our girl. We like, Heidi, Emmerson and Meg. Now we just have to pick. We may have to see her first?!? For now we can just stick with "Baby E."
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dr. Appt.
36 weeks
I had my first exam today. Dr. Boveri did a strep B culture and checked my cervix. It seems my cervix is still closed, but it is thinning just a bit.
Dr. Boveri officially scheduled for me to be induced on June 30th. I go in to the hospital on Sunday, June 29th at 4:00. Just 2 short weeks from this coming Sunday!
Guess I should do this little gal's laundry and get ready.
I also had another stress test this morning. Baby E had the hiccups while they were monitoring her. I still enjoy going to the hospital for the tests. Every nurse I've had has been awesome!
My mom surprised us yesterday and brought baby E's glider (rocker) to our house. It was waiting for us in the baby's room when we got home. I had no idea it was going to be so cute! It is pink, green and white plaid (great pick Mom!).
Mike and I sat in the baby's room for a while last night (I think Mike really likes that glider). I showed him how to put a diaper on a teddy bear. We skipped our last 2 child birth prep classes (bad!), so we gave ourselves our own lesson at home. hee hee!
All is great! I am just a little more tired than usual (I know, I know..I don't even know what tired is, just wait until the baby comes.) =)
I had my first exam today. Dr. Boveri did a strep B culture and checked my cervix. It seems my cervix is still closed, but it is thinning just a bit.
Dr. Boveri officially scheduled for me to be induced on June 30th. I go in to the hospital on Sunday, June 29th at 4:00. Just 2 short weeks from this coming Sunday!
Guess I should do this little gal's laundry and get ready.
I also had another stress test this morning. Baby E had the hiccups while they were monitoring her. I still enjoy going to the hospital for the tests. Every nurse I've had has been awesome!
My mom surprised us yesterday and brought baby E's glider (rocker) to our house. It was waiting for us in the baby's room when we got home. I had no idea it was going to be so cute! It is pink, green and white plaid (great pick Mom!).
Mike and I sat in the baby's room for a while last night (I think Mike really likes that glider). I showed him how to put a diaper on a teddy bear. We skipped our last 2 child birth prep classes (bad!), so we gave ourselves our own lesson at home. hee hee!
All is great! I am just a little more tired than usual (I know, I know..I don't even know what tired is, just wait until the baby comes.) =)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Baby E's Furniture is here!
...finally! I will say, it was well worth the wait. I love the way it looks. It is a very dark espresso color. We have a crib, chest of drawers and a changing table that turns into her dresser when she gets older (her bed also converts into her "big girl" bed).
Last night Mom and Mark helped put the crib and room together. I have the changing table fully stocked and ready. I've washed all blankets, towels, wash cloths and burp cloths. I still have to wash her clothes and hang some things on the walls (I will work on it this week).
We set up the "Pack and Play" and her swing in the living room. The "Pack and Play" is going to be great for downstairs. It has a changing table on it and everything. We are set! I asked my mom if she thinks it is too early to have all of this baby stuff sitting out all over the house. She informed me I only have 3 weeks, it is not too early. Baby E is officially full term next week. When I think of it like that, it is just unbelievable. Our baby certainly has her place in our house. Now all we need is the baby! I cannot wait!
As for how I am feeling physically; all I can say is, Wow! I am so tired. I could just lay around and snooze all day long. I just don't have much energy at all.
I go to the Dr. Thursday. I will write more then.
Last night Mom and Mark helped put the crib and room together. I have the changing table fully stocked and ready. I've washed all blankets, towels, wash cloths and burp cloths. I still have to wash her clothes and hang some things on the walls (I will work on it this week).
We set up the "Pack and Play" and her swing in the living room. The "Pack and Play" is going to be great for downstairs. It has a changing table on it and everything. We are set! I asked my mom if she thinks it is too early to have all of this baby stuff sitting out all over the house. She informed me I only have 3 weeks, it is not too early. Baby E is officially full term next week. When I think of it like that, it is just unbelievable. Our baby certainly has her place in our house. Now all we need is the baby! I cannot wait!
As for how I am feeling physically; all I can say is, Wow! I am so tired. I could just lay around and snooze all day long. I just don't have much energy at all.
I go to the Dr. Thursday. I will write more then.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
35 weeks
I gave in and went for the 3D ultrasound. I wasn't going to do it, but then I broke. I am so glad I went. It was awesome to see her little face on the screen. I felt so much when I saw her. I love this little baby! It is so different seeing her with actual features as opposed to the normal ultra sound you get. The tech and I got a kick out of her cute chubby cheeks.
I know it is REALLY hard to say, after all, the pictures aren't the greatest, but I think I see a little resemblance to Mike. Isn't that usually how it works anyway? The mom carries the baby, goes through labor and delivery, and the baby comes out looking just like it's daddy. =) It looks like she may have lots and lots of dark hair!?!? We will find out soon enough.
I am still going for my non-stress fetal monitoring 2xs a week. All is going well (I still love the nurses at St. Joe's). I have a Dr. appointment next Thursday, and I go every week after that. Next week he starts exams.
Mike and I worked on the baby's room last night. Everything is in place, except the things that can't be put away until we get her furniture...we are still waiting for the infamous furniture to arrive! I still need to wash all of the blankets, sheets, clothes etc. I keep putting it off. I guess I will get busy on that within the next week. This little gal has lots of clothes already. Mike says her closet looks as bad as mine. Welcome to living with 2 girls Mike! =)
Mike's mom and dad are coming down for the weekend. We are really looking forward to their visit. I bet the weekend is going to fly by!
I know it is REALLY hard to say, after all, the pictures aren't the greatest, but I think I see a little resemblance to Mike. Isn't that usually how it works anyway? The mom carries the baby, goes through labor and delivery, and the baby comes out looking just like it's daddy. =) It looks like she may have lots and lots of dark hair!?!? We will find out soon enough.
I am still going for my non-stress fetal monitoring 2xs a week. All is going well (I still love the nurses at St. Joe's). I have a Dr. appointment next Thursday, and I go every week after that. Next week he starts exams.
Mike and I worked on the baby's room last night. Everything is in place, except the things that can't be put away until we get her furniture...we are still waiting for the infamous furniture to arrive! I still need to wash all of the blankets, sheets, clothes etc. I keep putting it off. I guess I will get busy on that within the next week. This little gal has lots of clothes already. Mike says her closet looks as bad as mine. Welcome to living with 2 girls Mike! =)
Mike's mom and dad are coming down for the weekend. We are really looking forward to their visit. I bet the weekend is going to fly by!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Non-Stress Test
I had my first monitoring appointment this morning. I actually really enjoyed it!
The staff at St. Joseph Hospital were so nice to me. I didn't want to leave (probably because I was headed in to work after the appointment.) ha ha!
I had to lay in bed and a nurse put the monitors on my belly. Each time I felt the baby move I pressed a button. Afterwards, a Dr. came in to read my results. He called my results in to Dr. Boveri, and I was done. The purpose of the test is to see that the baby's heart rate goes up with her movements. This shows that she is healthy. They said the baby looks great!
I will go 2xs a week for these tests. My next one is Monday. Dr. Boveri said he thinks it is going to be over-kill. He is not really too worried about anything, but he wants to keep a close eye on the baby. Sometimes with blood clotting issues and pregnancy the placenta can stop working as good as it should. The shots I am on help keep the placenta healthy. The monitoring is just taking extra precaution. I have no problem with playing things as safe as possible. I appreciate that Dr. Boveri is taking such good care of us. I feel like I am in the best possible hands I could be in. Plus, who wouldn't want to lay in bed for an hour and just listen to their unborn baby's heartbeat while be served refreshments by the nursing staff! =)
The staff at St. Joseph Hospital were so nice to me. I didn't want to leave (probably because I was headed in to work after the appointment.) ha ha!
I had to lay in bed and a nurse put the monitors on my belly. Each time I felt the baby move I pressed a button. Afterwards, a Dr. came in to read my results. He called my results in to Dr. Boveri, and I was done. The purpose of the test is to see that the baby's heart rate goes up with her movements. This shows that she is healthy. They said the baby looks great!
I will go 2xs a week for these tests. My next one is Monday. Dr. Boveri said he thinks it is going to be over-kill. He is not really too worried about anything, but he wants to keep a close eye on the baby. Sometimes with blood clotting issues and pregnancy the placenta can stop working as good as it should. The shots I am on help keep the placenta healthy. The monitoring is just taking extra precaution. I have no problem with playing things as safe as possible. I appreciate that Dr. Boveri is taking such good care of us. I feel like I am in the best possible hands I could be in. Plus, who wouldn't want to lay in bed for an hour and just listen to their unborn baby's heartbeat while be served refreshments by the nursing staff! =)
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