Our Birth Story...

So, I know I am a bit behind, but here we go...
I had to be at the hospital at 6am on Monday, January 24th to begin the preparations for the c-section. Needless to say, I was starving; since I couldn't have breakfast. The c-section was scheduled for 8am...and the closer it got to the time to go to the operating room, the more nervous I got. This is me waiting to go into the operating room.
Once we go into the operating room, I was given the spinal and laid out on the operating table. Once the doctor started performing the c-section, my husband was brought into the room and he sat by my head. There was a curtain up so we couldn't see anything. It wasn't long before the one of the nurses peered over the curtain and said the baby was about to make his debut. Shortly after that, we heard his first cry. Our boy was here! And we still hadn't decided on a name yet...but, at that moment it didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was here. While they were stitching me up, Dave went with the baby to the nursery where he was weighed and then they both met me in the recovery room. We decided to name him Joseph Delbert Deacon. He was 7lbs, 10ozs. And he was perfect. It wasn't long that the visitors started arriving...while I was still in the recovery room...


We were in the recovery room for about an hour...I had to wait until I had some feeling in my chest and could move my legs a little bit. I was given a private room and was very thankful for it because I was exhausted and didn't need a roommate that would keep me awake (besides the baby, of course!)!


Dave stayed for a while and then I had a nap while he went to go and get some sleep and something to eat. When he came back he brought the girls to meet their new brother. They only stayed a little while because they had to get home and have their dinner and get into bed because they had school the next day. Dave brought the girls and their older brother after school the next day too.




I only had to stay in the hospital until Wednesday afternoon. Originally, the doctor wanted me to stay until Thursday, but I was able to convince him that I was feeling good enough to go home early. The beds in the hospital are terrible and I couldn't get any sleep. In fact, they were causing me a lot of back pain and at times, I could barely walk after I got up from the bed. Needless to say, we were happy to be home.

Another Date Change...

So, the doctor's office called today and my c-section date changed again. It is now on Sunday, January 23rd. I don't know the time yet, and I won't know until Friday. This is turning out to be a busy week. I am going for a mani/pedicure with my Mom tomorrow and then I have to drop off the ownership for my car to the dealership so the plates for the new van can be transferred. Oh yeah, we bought a mini-van and I have to go on Thursday and pick it up...then go and get bloodwork done for my c-section. On Friday I have my last pre-natal doctor's appointment and then my friends from Florida will be here on Saturday. And during all this, I still have to find time to clean the house and do the laundry. Maybe it's a good thing I will be busy all week...it will keep my mind on off of Sunday...

C-Section Postponed!

So, I had my weekly doctor's appointment on Thursday. When I walked into the appointment, I was told by the secretary that my c-section had been moved up to the 17th. Let me tell you, I was beyond happy about this. That meant that I would only have to be pregnant for 4 more days. However, when I saw the doctor, he said he was uncomfortable doing the section that early, so now I have to wait until the 24th. That sucks!!! It started out that I was only going to have to be pregnant for 4 more days (5 less than what I had thought when I left for the appointment), but in the end I have 2 extra! UGH! I can't wait until this pregnancy is over. I, however, am going to try every method available to self-induce labour...except the castor oil...I just can't do that one!

Full Term!

So, I am now about 37 weeks pregnant. That means the baby is now considered full term. I am scheduled for my c-section on January 22nd...but, I keep hoping that I will go into labor early. I am willing to try just about anything to make it happen...almost. The baby has been head down and in position for about a month now and it is very uncomfortable with him sitting so low. I have a plan for next weekend to see if I can get things going on my own...starting with a pedicure. Apparently, there are some spots on the foot that if they are massaged, it can trigger labor. Dave thinks that if I take castor oil, it will bring on labor, but all I have heard about it is that it just gives you gastro-intestinal distress. However, I really don't put too much stock in any of the "tricks" to bring on labor. I think the baby will come when he is ready...or on my scheduled c-section date. I am feeling ok. But, really tired. Some things are starting to get difficult for me to do. I have a hard time with anything too physical or with a lot of bending. There is so much I want to do before the baby is born, but I just don't have the energy to do it. And I know that I won't be able to do much for a few weeks after my surgery. But, I have a year off to get everything done in the house that I want to...I guess there is no rush. I guess the upside right now is that even if the "tricks" to induce labor don't work, I will still be meeting my baby in just over two weeks!!!

30 Weeks!

I am now about 30 weeks pregnant and have about 61 days to go until my c-section date. We are scheduled to meet our baby on January 22, 2011. It still seems so far away, but I know that the day I get to meet my son is really not that far away. I know that December will fly by with all the Christmas festivities and such and before I know it the moment we get to meet the newest member of our family will be here. I cannot wait. I feel fine, physically. But, I get tired very easily and my lower back often aches. I am trying to enjoy the little things like sitting with my feet up and feeling the baby kick. We are still fighting about names, but I think that when the baby gets here, it will be decided upon quickly. Until next time...here are some pictures from my 3d ultrasound. The black and white one is picture evidence we are having a boy.

Del Deacon

I am sad. My father in law succumbed to cancer on October 11th, 2010. I was with him. I woke up that morning (my husband had to work)and felt this need, this pull to go to the hospital. I had to go. I asked my babysitter to sit with my kids for an hour so that I could visit Del. I really just wanted to check in on him because I knew Dave was working and that he wouldn't have time to go and see his Dad before a family Thanksgiving dinner that we were supposed to attend later that afternoon. I wanted to be able to reassure Dave that I had seen Del and he was ok. That was not what happened. I got to the hospital just after noon on the 11th. As I walked through the hospital doors, I got this eerie feeling that something bad was going to happen while I was there. I went up to Del's room and as I walked through the door, I was happy to see that he had his eyes open(as I hadn't seen him with his eyes open for almost a week). I said "hello Del" and soon realized that he wasn't responding to me and that his breathing was laboured and gurgly. I sat at the window seat and cried for about 10 minutes. I then went into the bathroom and cleaned myself up and took a minute to regain my composure. When I came out of the bathroom, I realized that Del's breath was coming slower. Everything happened so fast, I didn't have time to call any of the family...I knew they wouldn't get there in time and I didn't want to leave his side to get a nurse. I didn't want to leave him alone. So, I stood by his bedside and stroked his hair until this breathing stopped. After a minute, I went to the door and flagged down a nurse. The nurse went to get Del's nurse and they came in to check his heartbeat. After a minute, they confirmed what I already knew. I just sat there and cried. I asked them to give me a minute and I called my Mom; who was working at the hospital. She came to help me. I tried to call my Mother in law, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her the news. I had to have the Head Nurse do it. I then went with my Dad to break the news to my husband; while my Mom waited for my Mother in Law. I went and picked up my husband on one of his jobsites and told him the news. We all then gathered at the hospital to say our good-byes. I felt and still feel horrible. I wish I had said more to comfort Del while he was passing...but, I was in shock and couldn't believe it was happening. I wish it had been someone more important to Del who had been with him. I wish I could take away the hurt and pain from my loved ones. But, more than anything, I wish I could bring Del back. He was a great man and I am proud to have known and loved him.

It's Official!

We had a 3D ultrasound yesterday. It was a little disappointing in the fact that the baby hadn't put on enough fat yet and we weren't able to get any good pictures. But, we were able to find out that we are in fact having a boy!!!! I have to admit I am a little nervous at the prospect. I have never had a baby boy and I have no experience with it...we shall see how it goes. We go back on the 27th to complete the ultrasound and will post some pictures then. I put a new poll up and you may have to hover over the names to get the full name because one of them has 2 middle names. Until next time...

What's Important

Well, the biopsy results come back for my father-inlaw and they are not good. He has cancer on several different organs and the prognosis is dire. They are giving him 3-6 months to live. However, if one of the tumors on his brain starts to bleed again, he could go instantly. We are all devistated. This is so not fair. As fate would have it, 6 months would take us to around Jan/Feb...around the same time the baby will be born. Talk about bitter sweet. It has really made Dave and I see just what is important and what isn't. Vacations are nice, but they aren't important. Bigger and better electronics and toys may be fun, but they aren't important. Family is important. There really isn't anything that is more important.
On a happier note, we had another ultrasound today. Everything looked good (as far as I know...the tech wouldn't say much) and the heartbeat was 153 BPM. However, the baby wouldn't open up it's legs...so, I guess baby garlic will be a surprise!

It was raining...now, it's pouring....

A couple of days ago my mother in law called me at work and said that Dave's Dad was being rushed to the local hospital by ambulance...could I go with her? Of course. But, before she got to my work to pick me up, I got another call from her...you better call Dave, Del is being taken to Kingston. He had fallen in the yard when the left side of his body gave out. So Dave and I, and Lisa and Theresa headed to Kingston. After driving around for what seemed like an hour, we finally found a parking spot that was big enough for the truck. I went into the emergency department waiting room while Dave fielded a call from work outside. His Mom came out and told us some terrible news. His Dad had several tumors on the right side of his brain. They appeared to be cancerous and one of them had started bleeding. We found out later that this is what caused the stroke. We visited for a hour or so, and when it was obvious that we weren't going to get any answers that night we headed home with heavy hearts. Dave was devistated. When he finally came to bed at 2am he was still sniffling from crying all night. We got up in the morning and went to work. Dave's eyes were red and puffy and it was clear to anyone who spoke to him that he was terribly upset. I called Dave's Mom (who was already visiting Dave's Dad) to see if there where any updates before we went to see him...there were. Del had had his CAT scan and they had found a tumor in his lung that was about the size of a lemon. We are still waiting on the biopsy to confirm whether or not it is melignant. Please help us pray for good news.

Sad

So, today is my birthday. Normally a day I love and look forward to. Not this year. I could care less. Besides feeling like shit for something I don't want to talk about about, this will be the first birthday for as long as I can remember that I won't have Nan call me and wish me a Happy Birthday. It was always a highlight. The best part (in the later years) was when she would call and wish every person in the family a happy birthday before she finally got to my name (she always had such a hard time with names)! Hopefully, next year will be better.

A Little Scare

So, I had some spotting last week and went to the doctor about it. He immediately put me off work for a week and ordered an ultrasound. Dave couldn't go with me, so I asked my cousin Emily to go. (she seemed more intent on trying to convince the ultrasound tech that I was having twins...which I am not) The baby looked fine and the heartbeat was strong. Still no word on what we are having. I will find out at the anatomy ultrasound on September 8th. I am back to work now, but have been ordered to reduce my hours and my workload...and if I start bleeding again, I am to go home immediately. So, we shall see what happens. Other than that, I have been feeling ok. I am still having sleeping issues. I am dead tired, but can't sleep at night. Hopefully, this soon will pass. On a brighter note, I am able to feel the baby's movements. Dave and are busy moving bedrooms around and are (soon) going to get started on baby "Garlic's" nursery. With back to school fast approaching, it is becoming a really busy time at the Deacon household...and I don't imagine that will let up anytime soon...before we know it the Christmas holidays will be here and then it will be baby time!!!
Here is the latest ultrasound pic...

Broken Record

I know I sound like a broken record, but I am tired. I have never been this tired in my life. I cannot summon up the energy to do anything. I feel useless because I am so tired. UGH! It's very frustrating to have so much to do, and no energy to do it. I don't remember being this tired when I was pregnant with the girls...but, they say every pregnancy is different. The familiar back pain has started though. I knew it would. It happened when I was pregnant with both the girls, so I was expecting it. I can't stand or walk for long periods of time without pain in my lower back...I guess, it's just another excuse to rest!!!
I stole the following from the What to Expect message board and I thought it was really funny, so I am passing it along to you...

What to Do and what NOT to do while pregnant:

1. You may hike “but not on uneven terrain or at high altitude”…so you may NOT hike? Confusing.

2. Don’t leave the house without eating and/or packing a 5 course meal. You will get sick. Very, very sick.

3. A waffle with ice cream is not an acceptable dinner for baby. Baby will make you throw it up. 5 times.

4. Drink plenty of water…like GALLONS of water…and eat tons of fruit and veg. If you don’t, bad things will happen in the pooping department. Trust me, bad things happen when you drink gallons of water AND eat tons of fruit an veg. So you can imagine…

5. Schedule naps or you’ll be at the will of narcolepsy.

6. Don’t jump up from a seated position. Sudden movements will lay you flat on the floor until your vision comes to and the blood reaches your head.

7. Don’t downhill ski, no matter how much you want to. Only uphill skiing is acceptable behaviour at this point.

8. Don’t jump or dive into pools due to the high risk of this behaviour. Oops…

9. No bicycling on wet pavement. At least it does not say anything about motorcycles.

And last but definitely not least,

10. Don’t try on your skinny jeans. You will cry. For that matter, don’t even try on your fat jeans or you’ll cry harder.

Not Much

There isn't much that is new. I am still tired, grumpy and hormonal...but, other than that...everything is great! I did find out that I cannot switch doctors once I reach 27 weeks. I was a little disappointed, but had already guessed that would be the case. My check up went well, but he didn't even attempt to find the heartbeat. I was really disappointed in that. I was sure that they could find it after you were 12 weeks...and I was just over 13 weeks when I saw him last. Oh well, I know he will at the next appointment...I will be 17.5 weeks by then. I am really not feeling well today, and I wish I didn't have to work. Oh well, only 4.5 more months to go (until Maternity leave)!

Tired!

I did not think it was possible to feel this tired. I am tired...ALL THE TIME! My body feels heavy and lifeless. I had forgotten about this stage. Although, I don't think I had it this bad before. I generally get up by 6:30am (during the week), and by 9am I could go back to sleep...and sleep until noon. I doubt that even after all that sleep, I would have a hard time falling asleep at 9pm! Oh well...only 27 more weeks to go...

Update

So now I have no choice but to wear maternity clothes...at least maternity pants and shorts. I feel tired...very, very tired. And of course, the morning sickness is still here. How very frustrating that is. In my last 2 pregnancies, I had morning sickness for the first 8 weeks and then it went away. This pregnancy, I had very little morning sickness until week 11 and since then I have been getting sick almost daily. I just keep telling myself it is all worth it in the end. Thanks to my good friend Shawna, we will have many of the baby items I was stressing about last week. She has a crib, bassinette, swing and clothes (for both sexes). I mean, I am going to need some new stuff, but at least most of the big stuff will be taken care of. And if I get any of those things new as gifts, then we have Shawna's stuff for my parents and Dave's parents house. To be honest, I was mostly stressing about the crib. I was having a really hard time finding one that was a decent price! As for baby names, I will keep the polls going until we decide on a name. I will take the results of the polls into consideration, but we will name our child what we want. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I will not name any of my children after anyone who is living, so if this baby gets named after anyone...it will be someone who has passed away and has meant a great deal to me. Also, we won't tell anyone what we have decided to name the baby until he/she arrives...and we won't be telling anyone what the sex of the baby is...until after he/she is born. If I get any bitching about this...I may not even tell anyone when I am scheduled for the c-section...I will just call everyone after the baby arrives! So watch it! Don't push a crazy, hormonal woman's buttons!!! On another note, I am so excited that my friend Lisa will be coming up from Florida for the birth of our sweet babe. (she better book that plane ticket soon...or else)

Reality

Ok, so reality has started to sink in...I have NOTHING for a baby!!! We got rid of all of our baby stuff long ago. We weren't expecting this and we are so unprepared. How are we going to come up with the money to buy everything we need? Ok, deep breath! We will be fine....I hope...
On another note, I am sooo coveting the "Annie" hospital gown from this website: http://annieandisabel.myshopify.com/collections/all . I think this is an excellent idea and would make the hospital stay a more comfortable one. Until next time...I am off to rethink our budget and beg for baby items...!

Morning Sickness

Dear Morning Sickness:
Thank you so much for showing up when I am almost 11 weeks pregnant. You know, around the time you are usually subsiding. Anyway, thanks for making an appearance, but, it's time for you to go now.
Bye

Doctors

I need advise. I am currently seeing Dr. Adu-Poku for this pregnancy, but he is not my doctor of choice. I really wanted to see Dr. O'Brien. Unfortunatly, Dr. O'Brien does not see patients until they are 27 weeks pregnant and my family doctor does not see pregnant patients at all. So, I had to choose someone right away. I chose Dr. Adu-Poku because I had him with I was pregnant with "A". He didn't deliver her, Dr. Thomas did (he no longer practices in Belleville). I saw Dr. O'Brien when I was pregnant with "M" and I loved him. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor, especially during my c-section. I really, really want him to deliver this baby. Would it be really wrong of me to see Dr. Adu-Poku until I am 27 weeks pregnant and then transfer to Dr.O'Brien? I mean, shouldn't I be comfortable with the doctor who is operating on me? I like Dr. Adu-Poku, but I am just really more comfortable with Dr. O'Brien. Help! What should I do?

Exhausted!!!

I am exhausted! Who would have thought that growing a person would be so tiring! I can barely keep my eyes open all day; everyday! I told Dave I was going to lay down for a half an hour on Sunday and ended up sleeping for almost 3 hours. I guess I must have really needed it. Other than that (and feeling sick to my stomach and light-headed all the time) the only other thing that is really bugging me is the round ligament pain. If I move to quickly, I get a sharp pain in my side. Oh well, that is the joy that is pregnancy. I just keep reminding myself, it is all worth it in the end.

Due Date

I went to see my OB today because I have been feeling really light-headed and nauseaus. He said that it was common and to drink lots of water and to get as much rest as possible...umm, ok...I guess he forgot I have 3 kids at home! He told me if I start to feel light headed to put my head down for a few minutes and hopefully it will subside. He offered me something for the nausea, but I feel as though it is manageable right now and I don't feel comfortable taking medication when I am pregnant. But we do have a due date! The baby is due February 2, 2011. I have to have another c-section, so the baby will be born a week before he or she is due (unless the baby decides to come early!) That means they will probably section me around January 25, 2011. My next appointment isn't until right after the August long weekend, but I am looking forward to it because I will get to hear the heartbeat again. I didn't get to at the doctors office today becuase it was too early to hear it with the doppler; but, at least I got to hear it during the ultrasound!