Claire's Birth Story

Dear Claire,

While you are only 2 weeks old, someday you might want to know how you entered this world. So before mommy brain completely takes over we wanted to write down your story. We could sum it up in two words “not easily”, but we thought you might want to have a few more details.

Your due date was Friday, February 11 and although we thought you may be late, we secretly hoped you would arrive on time. Early Friday morning mom started having mild contractions coming every 20 minutes apart. We were cautiously optimistic that these contractions were not Braxton-Hicks and you would be making your arrival sometime that weekend. Friday afternoon, mom’s doctor ordered an ultrasound and a non-stress test to monitor your heart-rate. We patiently watched the monitor as it recorded your heart rate and started picking up mom’s contractions. After that we went for an ultrasound, we hadn’t had one since we found out you were a girl in October. You were sucking on your toes; it was adorable. The ultrasound tech estimated your weight at 7lbs 6ozs, give or take a pound. We were surprised by the weight estimate; we assumed your weight would be in the mid 8’s. Mom’s doctor checked her dilation, which was still 1cm, same as the last couple of weeks. We left the hospital hopefully that we would back that night or early the next morning.

By Friday night mom’s contractions had increased to 10-15 minutes apart. While not too painful, the contractions kept mom up all night and in turn dad was up all night as well. By Saturday morning mom’s contractions were 10-12 minutes apart. We thought for sure we would be at the hospital by early evening. By dinner time that night, the pain was intensifying to real discomfort but the frequency had only increased to every 7-10 minutes apart. The doctor's instructions were to go to the hospital when contractions reached 3-4 minutes apart for about an hour. As we were approaching late evening mom’s contractions were 5-7 minutes apart and the pain was growing in intensity. Mom and dad were getting very tired and knew that this would be another sleepless night. Mom was unsure about going to the hospital since the contractions were not 3-4 minutes apart; despite Dad’s best effort to fudge the math. Mom worried they would send us home. Dad convinced mom that going to the hospital was a good idea, just to get checked out. So around 11:00pm on February 12 we went to the hospital. To our delight, mom was 5cm dilated, all the waiting over the last nine months was finally coming to an end. Around 1:00am mom got an the epidural, which made everything much better. :)

We tried to get some sleep but were too excited to get any real rest. At 3:45am mom’s water broke. We thought for sure this was a positive sign and that things would start progressing. At 6:30am, the nurse checked mom - only 6cm dilated. At that time they gave mom pitocin to increase contractions. That was an intense hour; the contractions were coming faster and faster. Although mom had an epidural you were resting on my sciatic nerve (the nerve that runs from your lower back down your leg). The epidural does not help this type of pain, as we unfortunately found out. Each contraction would send shooting pains down mom’s back and into her left leg. Dad massaged mom’s back with each contraction. By 7:30am mom was fully dilated and exhausted, and dad had been on his feet rubbing mom’s back since midnight. The lack of sleep and back pain had finally caught up with mom. The nurse instructed mom to start pushing when she felt the urge. Mom’s epidural had interfered with the urge to push, so the nurse told us she would have to turn off the epidural. Mom was panicked by this decision, but we knew it was necessary to meet you. The first hour of pushing was not very productive; mom had a hard time getting in to the rhythm of pushing. By hour number two things had improved, mom got into a rhythm, but you weren’t moving very fast. Mom asked dad about 50 times if he could see your head with each push. By hour number three, mom was completely spent but still determined, despite pleas for a c-section every third contraction. At 10:15am we were far enough along for the doctor to come in and the warming tray to be brought out. There was a light at the end of the tunnel. Mom mustered all her strength to push you out the remaining way. After 3 hours and 4 minutes of pushing, Claire Rose was born.

The doctor laid you on mom’s chest. We couldn’t believe how adorable you were all pink and chubby. The first thing the doctor’s asked us was: ‘How big did the ultrasound tech say she would be?’ In unison we replied “7lbs. 6ozs, Why?” The nurse asked: “Did you have the ultrasound performed here?” Again in unison “Yes” After they cleaned you up, the nurse put you on the scale, and “9” popped on the screen. We were shocked, 9lbs even. We thought you would be in the mid-eights, but 9lbs?!?!?! After cleaning you up they gave you back to us, and dad held you for the first time while the doctor tended to mom. You scored on 9 on the Apgar scale, dad was hoping for a 10 but your body temp was a little low. We got to spend the next hour getting to know you. Something tells us you may be hearing this story one or two times during your teenage years. We wanted to write it down so we didn’t forget any details of you.

Love,
Mom & Dad

Thanks Grandma & Nana!

Our first two weeks home we were so fortunate to have Grandma (Cory's mom) the first week and Nana (my mom) for the second. They cooked, cleaned, did laundry, changed diapers, soothed Claire during fussy periods, let us get away for date nights, and calmed first-time parent nerves. It let Cory & I get some much needed sleep and enjoy time with Claire without having to worry about household responsibilities. We can't thank them enough for the help they provided us these last two weeks.



On Friday night Claire officially initiated me into motherhood by providing me with my first projectile spit up. After a very full feeding I attempted a rocking-burping move twice. About 1 minute later, she quickly let me know that she did not enjoy this move and promptly spit-up her last feeding all down the front of my shirt and jeans. Just when I thought she was done she let another one go. Luckily her smile afterwards was too cute.

Afternoon with Dad

Taking a nap on a snowy afternoon with dad.

Eyes wide open

First doctor's visit

Claire had her first doctor's appointment today. She was so good and hardly fussed. Her weight is still 8 lbs. 11 oz., so the same weight that she left the hospital. We were relieved that she hadn't lost any additional weight. Our pediatrician would like her back to her birth weight of 9 lbs. by her next appointment, which is a week from today. Now that we have a better handle on the whole breast-feeding thing we should be fine or at least making good progress.

For her doctor's visit I packed a small diaper bag with 3 diapers and a few wipes, since it was such a short trip. When they weighed Claire we had to take off her diaper and it was just a little wet. I decided to give her a new one. Right after I put it on Cory picked her up and felt a rumble in her diaper, she had quite the explosion. So we changed it again. As we were waiting for the doctor Cory was holding her and again felt a rumble in her diaper - apparently she wasn't finished - so we changed it again. That left us with no diapers or wipes. Luckily the visit the quick and we live pretty close, but we learned our lesson you can never have too many diapers on hand.

1 week old

Mom's reflections on this week:
I am surprised at how well we can function on less than 3 hours of sleep.
The Keurig coffee maker is our new best friend (I limit myself to one cup in the morning, Cory limits himself to 13).
Babies create a TON of laundry, although everyone tells you this, I never imagined how many loads could be done in one week - between poop, pee, breast-milk, and spit-up we are a 24 hour laundry service.
Breast-feeding is harder than I thought it was going to be, but thankfully just as rewarding.
Claire was a VERY long labor; from the first regular contractions on Friday morning until her birth on Sunday morning. Cory likes to remind me it was 51 hours. Thankfully I have forgotten at least 30 hours of it already :)
On Saturday Grandma Linda watched Claire so Cory I could have night out (Walmart and wing city - very romantic). I got weepy on the car ride home, because I already missed her.

Dad's Reflections...
Being in the hospital for Dad is similar to camping, rustic accommodations and a lot of walking, plan accordingly.
The inflatable camping mat worked like a dream to make that awful fold out bed more acceptable.
Bring Gatorade, lots of it. Not for mom, but for you.
Buy a Keurig if you drink coffee, if you don't drink coffee, start and buy a Keurig. I like my diet pop as much as the rest of them, but it's no substitute for coffee.
Buy beer for the house for after the delivery, cheep beer for guests (so they don't stay too long), good beer for you.
And finally...Babies come with hats.

We are in love with our little bundle of joy!

Uncle Dan & Cousin Dexter visit

Today Uncle Dan and Cousin Dexter came to visit Claire. This morning I told Cory I was surprised she hadn't peed through a diaper yet. Well, I spoke too soon because Uncle Dan had the privilege of being her first diaper explosion. Thankfully the cuteness factor can make up for being peed on.

Claire passed yesterday's jaundice test with flying colors. They had to prick her little foot twice to get enough of a sample :( She slept through the entire thing, I think it was harder on us than for her.

We have been getting a few questions on visitors to the house. Now that we feel a bit more comfortable at home, the house is open for visitors. We just ask that you contact Cory or I and we can find a time that works best for us.

First Sponge Bath

We gave Claire her first sponge bath tonight, she wasn't too pleased during the whole process, but was very happy and content afterwards. Tomorrow we have our first trip since coming home - back to the hospital for a jaundice test follow-up.

We are home!

It feels so good to be home. Claire is doing excellent, mom and dad have showered and even managed an afternoon nap thanks to Grandma Linda and Aunt Becky. We updated the Flickr feed with new photos.

Claire Rose

We are happy to welcome Claire Rose on 2/13/11 at 10:34 am. She weighed in at 9lb even and was 21 inches long.
Both mom and baby are doing well.

40 Weeks

Dear Baby B,

In case you didn't notice, today is your due date. I understand that first babies tend to be late. You are probably very warm and comfortable in there, but your Dad and I would really like to meet you. For the past 9 months you have been our 'inside' baby and now we are ready for an 'outside' baby. So if you could help move this process along and try to make an appearance this weekend or early next week we would really appreciate it.

Love,
mom + dad

My non-stress test and ultrasound were both fine; they are estimating her weight around 7lbs, 6ozs. During the ultrasound she was sucking on her toes, I am not sure how she was able to manage that acrobatic feat. I started having contractions early this morning, they are still very irregular. If she doesn't make her appearance by Tuesday (2/15), an induction is scheduled for that morning!

Doctor's appointment

No progress......she seems very comfortable in here and has no immediate plans to leave. The good news is that she still has a strong heartbeat and is measuring right on target. This Friday (2/11, my due date) I am going for a Non-Stress Test (NST) and an ultrasound. The NST is a non-invasive test that monitors the baby's heart-rate in response to contractions. My doctor routinely orders an NST as a precaution when you don't deliver by your due date to check on the baby. If I don't deliver by early next week, he said we will discuss her eviction notice....I mean induction options.

Chocolate Chip Scones

Continuing with the chocolate theme, I made these for Sunday brunch. Compared to most store bought scones these are super moist.


Chocolate Chips Scones from Bon Appetit
*The original recipe calls for lemon peel, which I omit. You can substitute chocolate chips with craisins, blueberries, or nuts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) chilled unsalted butter, diced
• 3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup chilled buttermilk*
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Milk and turbinado sugar* for glaze
  

Directions:

Butter and flour baking sheet. Sift 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into large bowl. Add butter; rub in with fingertips until butter is reduced to size of rice grains. Mix in chocolate chips. Whisk buttermilk, egg yolk and vanilla in small bowl to blend. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients; mix until dough comes together in moist clumps. Gather dough into ball. Press dough out on lightly floured surface to 8-inch round; cut round into 6 wedges (I cut mine into 8 wedges). Transfer wedges to prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Preheat oven to 400°. Brush scones lightly with milk; sprinkle with turbinado sugar* (regular sugars works). Bake until scones are crusty on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Serve warm.

*don't have buttermilk, add 3/4 tablespoon of white vinegar to 3/4 cup of regular milk for 10 minutes

*turbinado sugar aka 'sugar in the raw' - grab a couple of packets from a coffee shop :)

I need to have this baby soon or Cory is going to have roll me out of here......

Cake Pops

I made my valentine's goodies a bit earlier this year, hoping that Baby B will here by then :) This year I made Bakerella's famous Cake Pops. I used chocolate cake mix and semi-sweet chocolate to satisfy for my new craving for anything chocolate. They are not difficult to make, just a bit time consuming.


Bakerella's Cake Pops:

Bake a boxed cake mix (red velvet or chocolate) according to the directions and let cool completely.

In a mixing bowl combined cooled cake and 1 can of cream cheese frosting.

Using an ice cream scoop, roll the mixture in to balls and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Depending on their size, you will have 45-50 balls. Place baking sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.

While the balls are in the freezer melt chocolate in a double boiler until smooth. You can use any kind of chocolate you want.

When the chocolate is melted, take the balls from the freezer and place a lollipop stick in the middle. I don't take the whole baking sheet out of the freezer, but rather work in small batches. Tip: place a little of the melted chocolate on the end of the lollipop stick before inserting it in to the ball, it will help it stick.

Dip the ball in the melted chocolate to coat. This step is always a trial and error for the first few balls. Adjust the temp of your double boiler to get the chocolate to the right consistency. I use a little bit of vegetable oil to help smooth the chocolate.

After you dip in chocolate decorate with sprinkles or leave plain.
Place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet to dry. I placed half of the batch lollipop side up.

And the other half I stuck in styrofoam. When doing it this way you have to tap off the excess chocolate to avoid drips.

Once dry you can serve them on a plate or wrap each cake pop in a cellophane.

For the other batch, I placed styrofoam in a vase and stuck the cake pops inside.

39 Weeks

This is what I feel like - the end in sight, it is just the waiting game, and I am not being patient.


I am still 1cm dilated, but now I am 50% effaced, so I am making some progress. My doctor keeps reminding me that with your first baby you can go from 1cm one day to in labor the next. He ends each of our appointments by saying 'I'll see next week or at the hospital'. My next appointment is Wednesday afternoon.