Pregnancy, Labor & Delivery, and After

I think it's important in any given situation to write down what you have learned to reflect on and remember everything you went through to help someone in the future that is going through the same experience. I wanted to write this post to document what I learned and what I'm continuing to learn throughout my own pregnancy, labor & delivery, and after. I know I'm only a first time mom and I clearly don't know everything, this is just MY experience. Keeping in mind that everyone is different and has different experiences and situations, here is what I learned:

(I wrote this as if I were talking to someone that is pregnant.)

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PREGNANCY:

Everyone is going to give you their opinion. Take it with a grain of salt and make your own opinions. 

Do what you want to do. If you want to find out the gender and pick out your name before the baby is born, do it. If you want an epidural, get one. Don't let people make you feel bad for your choices. It's your baby, your body. 

Every pregnancy is different. Don't compare yourself to your friends. I learned that the hard way and worked myself up over some things. As long as your baby is healthy and you are healthy then don't compare your size, weight, kick counts, or how you are feeling. 

Start preparing early. Start buying diapers, wipes, car seat, stroller, etc. BUT don't forget to stock up on things like toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner, etc. Seriously if you find good deals on household items, get them! It will help! 

Buy your crib, stroller, and car seat in gender neutral colors if you plan on having more kids. You don't want to have a girl and buy all pink and then have a boy next and feel obligated to buy new things so your little boy isn't in all pink.

Shop around. Look at the stores, look online, look everywhere! When Trev and I would find something we liked we would look everywhere and would end up finding a cheaper price somewhere. I highly recommend Amazon! We bought a lot from them.

Once the babies are big enough in your belly their kicks start to HURT! Especially when they get under your ribs. But you won't mind it, it's always reassuring to feel their kicks. Even if it may feel like you have the next karate kid in your stomach.

You will have to pee A LOT, but if you think its bad at first just wait until their little head is sitting right on top of your bladder. Emma seriously almost made me pee my pants a few times!

Don't be afraid to call the doctor or go to the labor and delivery if you are unsure about something. I had to call a couple of times and had to go into the doctor once. They made me feel so great and not stupid at all even when everything was fine. Better safe than sorry!

Document your pregnancy! I did mine on here and I'm sure everyone was annoyed by it, but I'm so glad I did it so I can look back on what I was experiencing.

During your last weeks of pregnancy people will constantly be asking if you've had the baby. Don't get frustrated, it means they care. 

Pregnancy can be hard but enjoy it. I was blessed to have a fairly easy pregnancy, but that doesn't mean it was all sunshine and butterflies. It's hard but it's such an amazing experience being pregnant, so try and enjoy it!

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LABOR & DELIVERY:

Pray, pray, pray! I felt like I was saying a continual prayer the whole 18 hours I was there, but it brought me so much comfort!

Ask lots of questions! You'll want to know everything that is going on. 

Take lots of pictures! I was in labor for 18 hours and had to stay 3 days, so I was there for quite some time so I was glad that we took lots of pictures to remember everything! Make sure to designate a couple people to take some snapshots!

Get the oxygen mask. Seriously. I feel like I'm advocating drugs here, but it's so great and makes you feel wonderful!

Swelling happens! I was super swollen during my pregnancy but after I had Emma I was SOOO swollen but only for a couple of days and then it just went away! My face was gigantic though.

If you get an epidural (which I highly recommend!) your legs will feel like a thousand pounds! I would touch mine and it seemed like I was touching someone else's legs! I couldn't move my legs at all except for my right foot. Weirdest feeling ever! Not everyone is like that though. I've heard of people being able to move their whole legs. 

Umm.. contractions hurt. Yeah. Sorry to scare you, but better to be prepared right? I was only dilated to a 5(ish) when I was in so much pain that I needed the epidural. You go mamas who do it without. Ouchie!

You're kind of exposed throughout the whole, ya know, having a baby and such. Get used to it. Sorry!

E had to stay in the NICU for a couple days. If your baby has to stay there don't worry if you cry. I cried a lot. I was constantly worried about her. The nurse told me it was normal to have those emotions. 

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AFTER:

A LOT of people will tell you how hard it is to have a baby. Not a lot of people tell you how amazing and worth it it all is. I guess you have to figure that one for yourself. 

You will miss being pregnant. It's weird to not have the huge belly! I was never depressed about it, but I definitely miss it!

Get your sleep while you can! I knew I wouldn't be sleeping much, but I had no idea. 

If you don't want strangers to touch your baby don't take them out in public. Yeah that's not going to happen, right? So just plan on strangers touching their little feet and hands. It stinks, I know. Just bring some hand sanitizing wipes or something!

I got the advice one time that it's okay if you aren't gushing over your baby when you first have them because they are pretty much strangers. (Well I guess we did meet in Heaven right? Ha!) I thought that was weird advice, but it was true! I mean I was totally in love with her but it was... Different. She did feel like a strangers baby. She is really mine? Don't worry that feeling goes away quickly, but don't feel bad. 

Breastfeeding can be awkward. In the physical sense of the word, not in the embarrassing sense. You eventually get the hang of it! Keep going! Also it hurts. Sorry again!

When your baby first smiles at you, you will die. Your heart will stop and you will die. Okay obviously not, but it is the best thing in the entire world! I almost cried! It still kills me. 

Laundry and dishes will pile up. Duh! For a couple weeks our house was horrible. Once you get the hang of your new life you will find time for all the tedious household chores. Oh the life of a housewife/stay at home mom! 

Remember your husband (or significant other). Remember they need your love too! Don't forget to tell them how much you appreciate them and tell them thank you for getting up in the middle of the night to change a dirty diaper. Don't let them feel forgotten!

Bringing your newborn home is quite scary! All of a sudden you are solely responsible for this tiny life and it can make you quite nervous. We stayed at my parents house for a week and it helped me get used to having a newborn before I was to be by myself. 

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I hope this post didn't scare anyone and I'm sure a lot of mamas are thinking "yeah this girl is crazy." But I felt the need to write it, if not for someone else's sake then for my own when I have more kids! I know I have a whole lot to learn still but this is what I've learned so far. The whole pregnancy and giving birth and enjoying your new baby is one of the best experiences of your life! It can be scary because the unknown is always scary, but if you have faith, everything will be okay! I love being a mom and I'm so grateful for my little Emma. This whole experience taught me so much and my heart is so full!

40 Weeks - WOAH!

I know I said I wasn't going to do this again but I thought since I actually hit 40 weeks I might as well!

How far along?

40 weeks. I CANNOT believe I am actually here!

Total weight gain? 

30ish pounds. Give or take a few. It is always different.

Maternity clothes?

Yep. Not for long! I wonder how long it will take for me to fit into my old clothes.. That's a scary thought.

Stretch marks? 

YAY! I've made it to 40 weeks with NO stretch marks!! Hopefully they don't make an appearance within the next week. :) I've have some dark veins which creep me out!

Sleep? 

Oh my goodness. Non-existent. I was scared the other night because I heard something outside of my house so I literally didn't go to bed until 7.. 

Best moment this week? 

Not much has happened this week. I've seriously been lying around non stop. I have zero energy.

Miss anything? 

Having the "nesting" energy I used to have. Come back.. pleeeease.

Movement?

She is just not a mover I guess! She scares me so much!! However that night I stayed up until 7, earlier that day she wasn't moving that often and then that night she moved ALL night long. Sounds like I'm not going to be sleeping at night!!

Food cravings? 

Not a lot.. I get so full easily and then I'm miserable so I need to remind myself to eat..

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

There isn't anything in particular making me nauseous.. just plain nauseous.

Gender? 

Girl!! I can't wait to put on all her cute outfits and bows!!

Labor signs? 

I've been having contractions and a lot of pressure. I've been cramping recently as well.. but not anything measurable! It's so frustrating!!

Symptoms? 

Same as the labor signs..

Belly button in or out? 

Oh, it's out. :)

Wedding rings on or off?  

Off and it's weird that I miss it so much!

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Happy. I've had my moments of frustration though. 

Looking forward to? 

Getting to meet and hold my baby girl!! It's going to be an amazing experience seeing her for the first time! I seriously cannot wait!!

This week...

• We pretty much have everything we need. We got a package today with some last minute things that we don't TOTALLY need, but are nice to have. We have everything packed and ready to go! Now we are just waiting on her! Come on E.. teaching me patience already..

• I've been feeling pretty horrible this week. I just feel so dead. It's horrible. I wouldn't expect anything less in the last weeks of pregnancy though. 

• I'v been writing down a few things that I've learned throughout this pregnancy. I'll share those on the blog after I have E. I'm sure that I'll have a few to add after the delivery.

• I can't believe I am already at 40 weeks. Sometimes it feels like I've been pregnant forever and then it just seems like yesterday we were buying her first outfit and announcing to our parents that we are pregnant! I can't wait to have this little girl. It is going to be a really exciting/scary experience. I'm so grateful that I get to experience it! Heavenly Father sure has blessed us throughout this whole pregnancy. It's been so nice to have him as our companion and I would die going through this without him!

A few pictures..

Here are a few photos that I'm using for my maternity pictures.. Every time we were going to get them done the weather was horrible or my face was swollen like a balloon. So these will have to do. I actually quite like them. I KNOW they are so cliche with the hands on the tummy.. but whatever. Also my face was still pretty swollen that's why my face is cut off. No one needs to see my face, just the belly right? Maybe I'll post more with my face.. We will see. Enjoy!

38 weeks

How far along?

38 and half weeks!

Total weight gain? 

30ish pounds. ahhhhhhhhh I don't know how I'm gaining so much weight! I've been so good with not eating a ton!

Maternity clothes?

More like hanging out in my robe all day, everyday.

Stretch marks? 

So far none but I hear they can come at the last week! Noooo!!

Sleep? 

Still horrible!! I go to sleep at 3 or 4 and wake up at 12 or 1. I know I can fix it by waking up early and not taking a nap.. but I'm just too tired! 

Best moment this week? 

Getting sealed to Trevor (and Emma, too!) for all time and eternity! It was such an amazing experience! I'm so grateful Emma didn't come before we were able to go through!

Miss anything? 

Bending down normally, skinny feet, skinny hands, and a normal looking face!!

Movement?

I had to be put under a monitor on Tuesday because she isn't moving so much.. Doc said she is okay but it still makes me nervous. 

Food cravings? 

Donuts.. ha! Still haven't gotten one..

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

I can't pinpoint anything but I have been nauseous these past few days!

Gender? 

Girl! Can't wait until she is HERE!!

Labor signs? 

Apparently when I was hooked up to the monitor I was having contractions and I didn't even know it! Since then I've been feeling a lot of pressure and crampy feeling..

Symptoms? 

Nauseous, extremely tired, and going mental!

Belly button in or out? 

Out. Definitely out.

Wedding rings on or off?  

Off and probably not coming back on for awhile..

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Happy but more out of it.. just kind of.. blahhh

Looking forward to? 

Getting this baby here! I miss her!! I was telling my friend that it's like getting to see someone I haven't seen for almost 22 years!! I can't wait until she is here!!

This week...

• One major highlight was obviously going through the Temple and getting sealed! It was such an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back!
• I woke up one day and my face was completely round and swollen! It was quite funny! I miss my old face though! I keep getting these little comments from people about my face and it makes me quite sad and self conscious..
• I've just been trying to get everything in order at my house but I seriously have no energy at all! I feel so lazy! 
• This will probably be my last pregnancy post because I'm hoping she gets here soon! It's been so fun being pregnant. I've definitely been blessed during this pregnancy! Don't get me wrong it hasn't been all fun, I just know I've had it better off than most people. Let's just hope the delivery goes well! If all my pregnancies are like this then I'm having like 20 kids. 

"This is your face.. this is your face on pregnancy"

37 Weeks

How far along?

37 weeks!

Total weight gain? 

25-30 pounds.. yikes.

Maternity clothes?

Yes. Thank heavens for the D.I. and Trevor's closet.

Stretch marks? 

No! So lets keep it that way for the rest of the pregnancy please. :)

Sleep? 

Pretty bad. I sleep in way late and go to bed way late. I keep thinking I need to get into a better routine but then I remember my sleep routine is about to get a lot more messed up, so why try and change it now?

Best moment this week? 

Trevor and I got our temple recommends! Whoo! My mom took me to get my dress and everything else today. That was fun! My mom is the greatest. Also I got my membranes stripped at the doctors today and I am 75% effaced and dilated to a 1! So I'm progressing, slowly but surely.

Miss anything? 

Doing anything normal.

Movement?

She is already causing me to worry. She isn't moving nearly as much and it freaks me out! The doctors keep telling me everything is fine.. I guess she is probably lazy just like her mama. 

Food cravings? 

I'm not really craving anything.. I actually need to be better at actually eating! I have to remember I'm starving someone else when I don't eat! I've stayed the same weight for like 3 months! The doctors aren't worried about it though. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Still only when I get nervous! That's normal though. 

Gender? 

Emma is a girl. I keep thinking what if they were wrong and she comes out a boy! That would be crazy!

Labor signs? 

I've had some contractions. Lots of pressure. Lots of braxton hicks. 

Symptoms? 

Just feeling like a big pregnant lady!

Belly button in or out? 

Oh it's definitely out now.. it's quite funny.

Wedding rings on or off?  

Totally off. Now I just look like I'm 16 and pregnant because I don't have a wedding ring!

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Happy Happy Happy.

Looking forward to? 

Going through the temple on Friday! I get to be sealed to my wonderful husband and baby Emma! I'm extremely nervous but extremely excited! Hopefully Emma will hold off for a few days.. You can do it, Emma!!

This week..

• Trevor and I sanded and painted this old dresser! It was in poor shape when we got it. Really weathered. Trevor did most of it and he did such an amazing job! Every time I pass Emma's room I peek in there and look at it. It's just so beautiful! We really enjoyed working on it and we are excited how it turned out, so we plan do a lot more work on other things.
• We are getting a few last minute things before Emma comes! I feel a little more prepared.. but I don't think I will ever feel totally prepared. 
• I'm so excited to go through the temple this Friday! It is going to be such an amazing experience! I can't wait to be sealed to Trevor and Emma (and our future children) for time and all eternity! I swear these past few weeks have gone by incredibly slow waiting for this to happen

36 Weeks along with Emma June!

How far along?

36 weeks!

Total weight gain? 

Like 25 pounds.. ahh I KNOW.

Maternity clothes?

Ummm. YES. 

Stretch marks? 

No! If there are any they are really faint because I can't see them!

Sleep? 

I am SO exhausted lately! I was totally in the "nesting" period and had so much energy and now it's ALL gone. My sleep schedule is completely messed up. I guess it's good because it's going to be a LOT more messed up! It's all worth it though. I have to pee like every other hour, I can't wait for that to go away! 

Best moment this week? 

I went to the doctor for my first exam and I am 50% effaced so that means I am coming along. I have been having some stomach pain and the doc said that's a good thing and that I'm progressing along!

Miss anything? 

Running, bending down normally, not having to pee every 5 minutes, and sleeping on my stomach. 

Movement?

 Her movement is decreasing and I HATE it! The doctor said everything is fine but it still scares me!

Food cravings? 

Not a whole lot.. Mostly just sandwiches..

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Only when I'm nervous for something..

Gender? 

Girl and it's so much fun! She has SO much clothes and I'll probably buy more! Oh well! At least she will be cute! 

Labor signs? 

I've had some contractions. They are super far apart and don't happen too much but I've definitely been feeling some pain and a LOT of pressure!

Symptoms? 

No energy at all.. I just want to sit all day but then I have SO much to do still!!

Belly button in or out? 

Out on the top part.. it's weird ha!

Wedding rings on or off?  

It is officially off! I started wearing my engagement ring instead of my wedding ring because it's two sizes bigger but I couldn't even keep that on! My hands, feet, and face are soooooo swollen. Super embarrassing when I see people I know! ha

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Happy and excited!!

Looking forward to? 

Getting to hold my baby! and going through the Temple in 2 weeks! Hopefully anyway! This girl seems like she wants to come soon! Hold off baby Emma!!

Sadly we had to get rid of Sgt. Pepper. It was really quite sad.. at first. We tried to keep him outside but he couldn't handle it and got in a lot of fights with other cats so we decided we better just give him away. We put an ad on Facebook for him and I was absolutely bawling while I did it. A lady came and picked him up two days later and he absolutely FREAKED out on Trevor. Hard core. So it was definitely a bittersweet goodbye! Poor Trevor.. his arm was torn up! He will be missed but I just didn't want him around my baby. People think I'm rude for doing it but that's okay. I want whats best for Emma and I felt this is what I had to do!

Last night with Pepper :(

Last night with pepper and when he was a cute kitten

34 Weeks

How far along?

34 weeks

Total weight gain? 

Let's just say most of my face is taking the weight gain. Blahhhh

Maternity clothes? 

Oh yes. It's so much fun having only 3 outfits to wear. 

Stretch marks? 

No, thank heavens.

Sleep? 

I've been sleeping a lot! I slept in until around 10 today, then took a 3 hour nap, and I'm still sleepy!!

Best moment this week? 

My baby shower was so fun! I definitely got spoiled. It turned out just how I wanted it! So fun.

Miss anything? 

Sleeping on my tummy.

Movement? 

She isn't moving AS much. She definitely is getting cramped. She kicks if there is anything on my stomach. I had to go to the doctor because of an issue I was having.. and they had to put me on a monitor for half an hour and she did NOT like it. Its something they put on my stomach and its kinda tight and it tracks her kicks and heartbeat and she was kicking like CRAZY! Trevor and I were laughing pretty hard.

Food cravings? 

Chocolate and rice and beans.

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Only when I'm nervous for something..

Gender? 

Girly girl. I love it. 

Labor signs? 

No.. I have had some Braxton Hicks though.

Symptoms? 

No energy, always hungry.

Belly button in or out? 

Out most of the time now.

Wedding rings on or off? 

It's on but I can't wear any other jewelry. Especially my cheap forever 21 rings. It gives me the worst rashes! I wore my watch one day to work and it left the biggest rash for a week!

Happy or moody most of the time? 

Happy.. just tired and out of it!

Looking forward to? 

Getting to hold my baby!

Baby Shower!

I had so much fun at my baby shower! I felt so incredibly loved. My mom helped me soooo much. I couldn't have done it without her. She is so generous! I had so much help from other friends as well. I was filled with gratitude! I had fun preparing for it and getting all the cute decorations. Overall it was definitely a success! (except that half my invitations didn't make it to their destinations..)

31 weeks and other things!

How far along?

31 weeks!

Total weight gain? 

Wow.. I really hate this question. Let's just say.. a lot. 

Maternity clothes? 

I definitely can't fit in to most of my shirts, but I've made it work with only a few maternity shirts and leggings. Thank heavens for thrift stores. Seriously.

Stretch marks? 

No and I'm wondering how that is possible because I swear one day I just blew up like a balloon. 

Sleep? 

Oh it's been HORRIBLE!! My sleep schedule is so messed up. I guess that it's a good thing that it's happening now so I won't be TOO surprised by the sleep changes when the baby comes. 

Best moment this week? 

It was mine and Trevor's 1 year anniversary this week! We got to go to the temple to do baptisms! I've missed it so much. It was so fun to go with Trevor! Also, Trev and I registered! It was fun. 

Miss anything? 

Hmm.. hot tubs, running, sleep, eating what I want.

Movement? 

She is going to be a little runner, I swear. Or a black belt in karate. She is starting to hurt this mama!

Food cravings? 

Anything salty. Probably because I'm trying to lay off the salt because my face, hands, and feet are soooo swollen!!

Anything making you queasy or sick? 

Only when I'm nervous for something..

Gender? 

Girl! Can I say how fun it is to shop for girls? I have a hard time stopping myself when I see something cute! She already has a huge chest full of clothes. Spoiled already. 

Labor signs? 

No, I don't think so.

Symptoms? 

No energy.

Belly button in or out? 

It totally depends on her position. Sometimes it sticks out way bad, and then other times its in.

Wedding rings on or off? 

On for now.. but it's getting to the point that I may have to take it off!

Happy or moody most of the time? 

I've had a couple of days of being cranky, but other than that I've been so extremely happy!

Looking forward to? 

My baby shower! It's in a week and a half and I am getting so impatient! I just love decorating for parties, so it's been fun finding all the cute pink things :)

 Luke, Trevor, Me, & Breanne. It was so much fun to go back and do baptisms! It was so fun being there with Trevor. Don't mind my nasty hair.. Also I looked like a hippo in my jumpsuit! It was quite funny.

 Registering at Target! The best place ever!

 We went to fiesta fun.. Trevor was like a kid.

 Hitting baseballs at fiesta fun!

 We went to Sakura for our anniversary dinner since our favorite place Samurai 21 closed. They are pretty close to the same thing though so we were satisfied. 

 My beautiful flowers Trevor bought me! They are still alive and look just as beautiful!

For our girls night we made these fun crafts!