The Birth Story :)

We are just sitting in the hospital waiting for them to do the newborn screening and then we are going home! I have a bit of time and Patrick is bringing stuff to the car and baby is sleeping so I thought I would write this out while it's still fresh :)

On Friday the 13th I went in for an appointment at 2 days past due. Baby was moving tons and my fluid looked good so we decided to wait on a NST and see what happens. I was almost 3 cm. dilated and 80% effaced. We scheduled another appointment for 41 weeks and if baby hadn't come by then and there was no progress we would talk induction.

On Sunday we went to the discovery museum with the triplets and then to my parents house for an Early St. Patricks day dinner. That night I had a few BHs but just went to bed not thinking anything of it. I woke up around 3 am with contractions around 7-8 minutes apart. They were not very painful and I wasn't sold it was real yet. I laid around for over an hour and they held steady so I woke Patrick up around 4:30am saying that I was pretty sure labor had started. At this point I needed to get up and keep busy so went downstairs and told him to go back to sleep and I would get him if I needed anything. I did some laundry, took a shower, and cooked breakfast. He came down around 5:30 and the contractions started to pick up a bit. I was fine between them but had to stop for the actual contraction. For the next hour before the triplets woke up we just tried to stay busy and he massaged my back. 

Around 7 am the triplets woke up, I managed to nurse them, and then Patrick fed them breakfast. We told them what was going on but they were so confused. At 7:30 we called his parents because they were going to watch them. By this point my contractions were stronger and closer together at 5 minutes apart so we called my doctor. He knew we wanted to stay home for a while though so it was just to keep him updated. 

Around 8 am his parents showed up and I got in the bath. The bath helped a lot and I stayed in it for almost 30 minutes. When I got out, we started timing the contractions again and they were closer to 3 minutes apart. Patrick wanted to go to the hospital now but I told him it was still gonna be a while and I didn't feel ready yet. So we got his parents set up with the triplets and went for a walk around the neighborhood. During the walk the contractions got stronger. The walk really helped but I started to be uncomfortable between them too so we went home. This was around 9:15 or 9:30. When we got back to the house I told Patrick to start packing the car slowly, that we weren't in a rush yet. I called my doctor again and updated him and told him we would probably head in within the hour. His mom sat with me in the living room and I used my birth ball. I was having to breathe through the contractions and between so I knew it was getting close. 

I could feel the baby moving down and was feeling slight pressure which I was pretty sure was my water, so at 10 we decided to leave for the hospital. Patrick said we walked through the doors at 10:13 am. My mom and sister met us there. My contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart. Once we got into the room and went through all the protocol procedures (monitors, IV, urine sample etc.), the nurse checked me around 10:35 and I was 8 cm and 100% effaced. That was such a relief (but also crazy!) to hear because it hadn't been very long and I was hoping I was really progressed so I didn't have to labor in the hospital too much longer. My bag of water was also bulging so she broke that and called my doctor. He came in about 15 minutes later just before 11 am and I was 9 cm dilated and baby was now at +1 station. They started getting the room ready for delivery.

I started to feel pressure and the urge to push at 11:10, was checked and was 10 cm! So on the next contraction I started pushing. After the first push baby's head was visible and my doctor slowed me a couple times because he didn't want me to tear and for the risk of shoulder dystocia. Let me tell you having the doctor tell you to stop pushing or push "easy" is one of the hardest things ever!! But I breathed and moaned through it and baby was delivered at 11:27 am! Patrick leaned over and immediately shouted IT'S A BOY!!! And we both started crying. Patrick cut the cord, baby boy's throat was cleared and he let out a big cry and was placed on my chest. We both looked at him, looked at each other and knew his name. He was Cormac Niall. They quickly got him cleaned up and weighed and measured. He weighed 9 pounds 13 oz, was 22 inches long, his head measured 14.5 inches and he scored 9/9 on the apgar. Everyone exclaimed how big he was and I didn't tear!! So that pain of having to wait to push and hold back was so worth it!

After he was all cleaned up, I did skin-to-skin and he breastfed for the first time. He latched right away and has done great ever since! My mom and sister left to go get us all lunch and so we could have some time just the three of us.

We texted or called all of our family and close friends and called Patricks parents. The triplets had gone down for a nap and they would bring them right after. My parents and sister came back with lunch and they hung out until the triplets came They arrived around 3 pm and were a bit shy at first. I had Patrick hold Cormac and gave them all some cuddles and them they were interested. They all got to hold him and they all kissed him! They stayed until about 4:30 and were starting to get crazy so my parents took them back home. Patrick hung out for a bit longer and then went home around 6 to have dinner with the triplets and put them to bed. I told him to just stay with them but he didn't want to miss the night with me so after they were asleep he left them with my parents and brought me dinner around 8:30 :) We enjoyed the night together and Cormac did really well! He woke up several times to eat but slept well in between. But we'll see how tonight goes! Patrick went back in the morning before the triplets woke up, had breakfast with them and then came back here around 9. He is so amazing. We should be home in about an hour and them the real crazy begins! We are parents to 4 kids under 2 and couldn't be more thrilled :)

We Are Thrilled to Announce the Arrival of...

Our new baby...






........






BOY!!!


This morning at 11:27am, we welcomed our newest baby boy into the world! I had a successful unmedicated VBAC and everyone is doing great! The triplets came to meet him after their naps and did so well! They were a little hesitant and shy at first, but quickly warmed up after some mommy cuddles and all wanted to hold and touch him! Baby is nursing like a champ and is just perfect. We are so in love.

We are hopeful to go home tomorrow and I will post a more detailed story then, but without further ado, I'd like you to meet...

Cormac Niall

9 pounds, 13 oz. and 22 inches long.

It's Time!!!

Baby is on the way!! Contractions are 5 minutes apart and started around 3 am! I am still at home and they are still manageable, but definitely getting stronger. Im doing lots of walking and about to get in the bath. The triplets are a little confused but happy daddy is home with them too. Patricks parents are on there way over to watch them and then we will head to the hospital when I really can't handle them.

I can't believe it's really time and we are about to meet this little one! Wish us luck, hopefully everything goes smoothly and I will update when I can!

Triplets: 20 (.5) Months Old!

This is a slightly late post because they are closer to 21 months now, but I want to get something up before the new baby arrives! (Still pregnant by the way) Anyways, the triplets are so excited to be big siblings and can't wait to meet their little sister or little brother! They are growing so much and I can't believe they are almost 2! Time goes by way too fast. We have been very busy lately and have tried to do a lot of fun outings with them before we add another baby and can't get out as much. Although we will still go to the park every day! Today we went to the Discovery Museum and they had a blast. We also went out to the beach yesterday, it was such a nice day!!

Declan

Owen

Evelyn

Weights and Lengths: Not really sure but I think the boys are around 25 pounds and Evie around 24. As for height, I think they have hit a growth spurt and the boys may be closer to 34 inches now and Evie 33!

Eating: They eat 3 meals and a couple snacks. They are still going strong on the nursing, but they all are limited 3 times a day. We have been working towards that (mostly Owen) in preparation for the new baby. So now they just nurse when they wake up, before naps and before bed.

Sleep: They still go to sleep around 7:30pm still and are up around 6:30 or 7am. And they are taking one nap from around 12:30 or 1- 3pm.

Clothes Size: All in mostly 2T/24 months now and some 18 months.

Milestones: Lots of climbing and running around, they love to go to the playground and just go crazy! They are getting more independent and don't need as much help so it's much easier now to let them roam! Just in time to add another one :) They are talking so much now and are using more and more sentences (2-3 words). It's so fun to see them grow!

Making Progress... But no baby yet!

Well my due date is tomorrow and baby is still cooking. I had my hopefully last appointment today, but I have another on Friday afternoon if nothing has happened by then. Last week I said I was feeling pretty good and was ok with still being pregnant. Well those feelings are gone haha. I am just about done. I am so ready for this baby to arrive and done with all of the pain and exhaustion. Im ready to become a mom of 4 under 2 even though that will be a whole new kind of crazy! I feel bad for Patrick but he is so amazing. I definitely have a short temper and am probably not the nicest to him but he is doing everything for me without batting an eye. Im sure he is exhausted too. Both his mom and mine have been over a lot and are helping with the triplets and dinner.

Anyways, so at the appointment today, I was 2-3 cm dilated and about 80% effaced. So good progress from 38 weeks and only 2 cm and 50%. Baby is also now at 0 station as opposed to -1 last time. I guess that would explain my basically constant need to pee. I've been having slightly more regular contractions the last couple of days which i'm hoping mean real labor is near but it really is just a waiting game at this point. Baby still looks good and had a healthy heartbeat. My doctor gave me the go ahead to try to get things started naturally so we will be doing several things. Nothing too crazy though. On Friday if things don't seem to be getting going, we may strip my membranes and check fluid levels as well as do a non-stress test. Hopefully things happen though! We are all so ready to meet this baby!!

Pregnancy Update: 38 Weeks! Preparing for Baby!

We're in the home stretch! My due date is in 10 days!!! It's crazy how fast its gone by. I definitely am feeling a bit anxious and like a first-time mom. Prepping for labor and having the unknowns of natural labor is a little scary! The baby is doing well and still measuring very big. I was checked and am about 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. But really that means nothing in terms of how close labor is. I have gotten more real contractions this week but no patterns. My doctor thinks I will go at least another week. We talked a bit about what our plan will be and he is still very confident in me having a VBAC. Baby is head down and has dropped so it's very unlikely for a flip this late. He is only slightly worried about the size if I go past my due date. He knows I want to avoid induction and doesn't want it either but we will need to look at our options if I pass my due date. 

I am feeling pretty good for being 38 weeks and besides being exhausted I'm not miserable. Im not quite to the get this baby out of me stage but it is coming. I just can't wait to meet this little one and find out who it is! The triplets are getting so excited and know the baby will be here soon. They talk about it constantly. They are at such a cute age and I love seeing them get excited about becoming big siblings! I can't believe they wont be the babies anymore! We are almost ready too! The room is mostly set up and all the clothes, diapers, blankets etc. are washed. All the gear is set up and Ive been cleaning and cooking all the time.

Patrick is finally slowing down a bit at work. He passed his tests and is officially licensed! He is loving it and I am loving that his work hours are a bit more set/flexible. It's really nice that he can be home around 5 (or sometimes earlier!) everyday. Ive definitely needed it this week and it will be great with a newborn. 

Here's my 38 week update!

Sorry for the terrible picture with the awkward waistband line, i needed a picture and just took this before getting in bed!

How far along: 38 Weeks!

Size of Baby: A Leek! This one is kinda weird...

Total weight gain/loss: Friday I was up 26 pounds but i'm definitely slowing down in weight gain these last couple weeks.

Gender: We don't know and won't be finding out! (but we have our guesses and the family is all over the place!)

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes, but that is when I actually get dressed. I'm to the point now where I am living in t-shirts and sweats or yoga pants and I am totally ok with that.

Stretch marks: The ones from last pregnancy have gotten darker and I think they may be slightly longer but I can't really tell. 

Belly Button: It's almost popped. Its weird actually because it seems like it pops further out as the day progresses. Its not nearly as far out as with the triplets though.

Sleep: Its basically non existent. Im trying to nap with the triplets which helps because I don't sleep long stretches anymore. Im up every couple hours either to pee or because i'm in pain. I can't really get comfortable or stay in one position too long.

Symptoms: I have a lot of aches and the round ligament pain is back. My back hurts especially if I hold the triplets a lot. I definitely need to take it easy and try to stay off my feet when I can.

What I miss: My sleep and energy. I want to do so much more but I just can't most days. Thankfully we have lots of family to help or else we would go crazy.

Cravings: Ive been really wanting anything sweet. Girl scout cookies could not have come at a better time. I have also been really hungry all the time.

Aversions: Nothing! Yay! Im so glad I don't really get these past the first trimester.

Best Moment: The baby dropped last week and it has been great to not get kicked in the ribs all day and struggle to breathe sometimes. Also because there really is no more room, the baby isn't really kicking as much as just rolling. Its really fun watching the full belly movements and this baby is active! The triplets have noticed and they are mesmerized (and slightly weirded out) when it happens.