Welcome Ivy Colette

Just a quick post to let you all know that we had our little girl on Tuesday October 20th at 1:38 pm. My labor started at around 1 am that night and the contractions were about 6-8 minutes apart. Relatively strong, but nothing too bad. I just read, did some laundry, played on the internet. By 7am, they felt a little stronger, but still 6 minutes apart. I called my midwife and she suggested I come in to get checked out.

We called my mom to come watch Chloe and got to the hospital at 10:38 am. I checked in and my midwife checked me and I was at 7cm! I felt great and was surprised I was so far along. I had to get some bloodwork done and some initial monitoring and was finally able to go over to the birthcenter for my water birth at around 12:30 pm. I got in the tub and it felt really good, but after a few minutes, the contractions were definitely very strong and fast. After about 20 minutes, my water broke and I immediately felt the urge to push. I pushed for less than 10 minutes and out she came. It was the most incredible experience and I loved being able to do it without drugs. I felt so alert and awake in between contractions and when she was born, it was the most incredible rush.

I had some tearing so it took about 1 hr to get stitched up, but I am feeling OK right now. When they weighed her, I didn't believe that she weighed so much. She weighed 10 lbs 3 oz! They actually went and got a second scale to double check!! She was 20.5 inches long, so she is a inch shorter but over a full pound heavier. It took us a couple hours after she was born to determine her name. With Chloe we worked through the name list to cut it down before she arrived, but since labor was so fast this time, we still had a long list. Ivy was the one name we kept coming back to after meeting her. She just seemed to look like one. Just like with Chloe, it wasn't my first choice from the list, but it was the one that fit her.

Breastfeeding is going well and at her 2 day pediatrician visit, she was down to 9lb 7oz, so well within the allowable weight loss for a newborn. She seems to like to sleep more during the day, so I have to work to see if we can get more of that sleep at night, but otherwise, she is a very good baby.

Snuggling at home


Getting ready for the wheelchair to leave the hospital

Hanging with Daddy

The official weighing

She has great lungs!

Making the best use of my time

Well, since I am now 3 days overdue, I have been trying to make the best use of my time. I have been really crampy and having contractions infrequently, but nothing consistent. I guess this girl is just like Chloe and in no big hurry to make her entrance. I have a dr. appt on Wednesday so I might have my midwife sweep my membranes and see if that gets anything started if it doesn't happen before then.

I have finished the main part of Chloe's costume and I am surprised at how easy it was and how good it turned out. In fact, I went out today and bought some more fleece to make her some jammies from the same pattern since it was so quick and easy. All I have left to make for her costume is the hat with bunny ears and a little tail. I will probably also make her a little trick or treat bag as well, since I have plenty of scrap fleece.

As for me, I am huge and ready for this girl to come out. Like I did with Chloe, I took a picture on my due date, so here are some pictures from a recent trek to Lyman Orchards, pumpkin painting and my due date photo.


I think we got more paint on her hands then the pumpkin.

My little picasso

Here I am on my due date.

Hanging with my girl at Lyman Orchards (I was 38 wks)

Getting a ride from daddy.

Here is Chloe modeling the costume.





She liked it so much that she didn't want to take it off!

Am I nuts?

Or just bored waiting for this baby to arrive. I went to the fabric store today and bought some patterns and fabric to make a halloween costume for Chloe as well as a couple of outfits. I figure, hey, I like to sew, it is cheaper than buying it and it will give me something to do. Yeah, well we will see how it turns out. I am basically making an ivory fleece one piece PJ which will become a sheep costume. Hmm. Sounds like a good idea at the fabric store.

Wish me luck.

Wow, has it been that long?

It seems like forever and according to the date on my last post, it has been. Well the last few months have been hectic, what with a toddler, work and getting ready for baby #2. I am now officially on leave, my last day of work was Thursday and I am hoping that baby hangs out for a little longer so I have some time to relax and get stuff ready (like packing my hospital bag, washing the baby clothes, etc.) I guess with #2 the sense of urgency is a little less. I mean, I have a place for her to sleep, what more do I need?!

I feel huge, but as far as weight gain, I am only up 21 lbs. I only have another week and a half to go, so that is pretty good. I gained 31 with Chloe so I am keeping my fingers crossed that maybe this one will be a little smaller than my 9lb daughter was. I am getting everything ready for my natural delivery at the Birth Center, but a little part of me is concerned that I won't have the option for pain meds. Well, I technically do, I could ask to be transferred to the maternity ward if I really want, but I think not having the option should help. I mean, I know I can do it and that takes the temptation away.

Chloe is getting more aware that the baby is coming and she asks about her baby sister and when she will come and give her a necklace. We promised her that the baby was bringing her a necklace when she was born so she is very excited for that. Otherwise, Chloe is doing great. She is only going to daycare 3 days a week while I am on leave, so I have a couple days with her at home and still some days with her at the sitter, which will be very good when the baby arrives to allow me to get some rest. She is still sleeping all night and napping most days. Her potty training is great. She is in underpants all day with no accidents (except the random occasional one) and most mornings, she wakes up dry too, although we still wear a diaper or pull up at bedtime just in case. She talks up a storm and knows how to count almost to 20 and knows just about the whole alphabet. It amazes me how smart this kid is. Sometimes she says stuff or remembers things and I just marvel at what little sponges they are.

I had a couple 'sprinkles' which are little showers for second time moms. I really was not expecting it but it was so nice to feel loved by my family and co workers. My mom threw me one with my family and then they had a surprise party for me at work. Mostly what I needed was warm clothes for the baby, since Chloe was born in the spring, all her 0-3 and 3-6 month clothes are summer items and this baby will be a winter babe. I think I am pretty well-stocked now thanks to all my generous family and friends.

Work has been going great and I actually miss not going every day. I am lucky to work with people I really enjoy and do work that I find challenging and enjoyable so it is kind of weird to be at home, hanging out, just waiting for this baby to arrive.

Craig's work seems to be doing a little better and he is less stressed now that he has a good handle on his workload. He still works late some nights, but he is always here in the morning and has breakfast with Chloe and I which is really nice.

The weather has taken a turn for the cooler and I love it. Fall is my favorite season and all the leaves are turning and the crisp air makes me want to go for long walks. Of course, walking is good for me right now and helps move things along. I generally get some contractions while walking but nothing consistent. I am hoping that this baby is on time and not a week late like Chloe, but I am also OK with her not coming early. I still have stuff to do!

Hopefully now that I am home, I should have a little more time to post and I promise to post soon after the baby arrives!