*38 week check-up & Birth Story*

Tuesday was the 38th week check-up. It was discovered that I have PIH (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension). Dr. Lee suggested inducing the morning of Thursday 4/24. So, I was admitted to the hospital Wednesday @ 5 p.m. to start Cervidil. Cervidil is inserted into the cervix to ripen/soften for inducing. It was pretty painful, but once inside it didn't bother me.

This morning (4/24) at 3 a.m., I woke up to contractions. I was in denial until
5ish when I finally asked for drugs. Shortly after, the Cervidil was removed & Pitocin was started around 5:30 a.m. At 7:30 a.m. I asked for more drugs. The contractions were pretty strong & very uncomfortable. Dr. Lee arrived at 9:30 a.m. & broke my water (I was 2 cm progressing well). At 10:45 a.m. it was time for the Epidural (I was 4 cm). The epi wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be! Maybe it was because my contractions were taking priority over a needle going in my back! Finally at 12:30 p.m.when the nurse came in I told her that I felt lots of pressure & a need to push. She checked me & said 'oh, we're about to have a baby'. That was music to my ears. Not that I was in pain or anything, but what I have dreamed about for so long was about to become a reality.

Addison Claire was born at 1:33 p.m. & weighs 6lbs 6ozs. Blake was a brave daddy & cut the cord! Unfortunately, the cord was around her neck, she was very pale & her heart rate had increased during labor. She was placed on my chest for just a few seconds & then taken away to the NICU. The next time I saw her was when we were moving from the Labor & Delivery room to the post-partum room. She was fussing & kicking (just like she did in my belly). When the dr was removing cord from Addison's neck - it broke. This caused significant blood loss & Addison was in critical condition. Right now Addison is on oxygen, has IV's in each arm & one in her belly going to an artery. Blake & I will see her again at 9 & will hopefully have more answers. Thanks for all your calls & prayers! I will keep everyone posted.
Love,
Dewana, Blake & Addison

37 week ultrasound

*37 weeks*

Today was our 37 week appt! Wow! Addison still wasn't cooperative during the ultrasound today. We did manage a couple of photos & some incredible video of her breathing the amniotic fluid in & out through her nose. She is measuring right on target now @ 37 weeks & is in the 44th percentile. The tech is estimating her weight right now to be 6lbs 9ozs. No wonder I am beginning to feel some discomfort! I have a watermelon in my belly!

*36 week check-up*

Today was another routine appointment. Addison's heart rate was 150 & I have only put on a pound since last week! Nothing else to report :-)

Uncomfortable

I think I did too much today! Blake & I went shopping earlier & ever since we got home I have been contracting (Braxton-Hicks only, I think). I have tried a warm bath, drinking water, laying on left side, walking around, etc. Now I am ready for sleep, so hopefully they will subside & I can rest. Addison is very active, as always. I wonder if she will be this active outside of my belly??? Probably so!

Ankles?

Well, yesterday for the first time, I experienced 'swelling'. I took my shoes & socks off, but my ankles were nowhere to be found! Hope this doesn't last the next 5 weeks. Warmer weather = sandals & capris - BUT not if you don't have ankles. LOL Other than the annoying swelling, me & Addison are doing fantastic.

*35 weeks*

Yesterday was our 35 week appointment. Now we start going once a week until Addison decides to make an appearance. Her heart rate was 145 & so was my weight this time. Dr. Lee isn't concerned at all about how much weight I've gained. I've had a textbook pregnancy without any problems and me & Addy are both healthy. We have another ultrasound scheduled for 4/15. Dr. Lee wants to do another growth check & estimate her size. I sure hope Addison likes cameras more than she likes ultrasounds :)