Abigail's Arrival

Abigail Ann Barber

7 lbs. 3 oz.  

20 in.

Born June 27, 2011 3:53 a.m.

Posted several pictures on facebook, but I didn't want to leave out my blog.  And since I have a few "quiet" days in the hospital before I go home, I thought I would quickly post.  Won't be doing much of that for awhile in the next few weeks-I'm guessing.  Anyway, the exciting news is I went into labor on my own!  Well, the best news is Abigail is here and healthy and everything went well.  But I guess she did not want to be induced, so she decided to wait until the last minute before induction and then come on her own.  Sunday afternoon around 4:30-5:00, I started having contractions that were fairly distinct-as in a definite start and an end.  Oh, and the backs of my legs had been hurting for several hours before.  Very crampy everywhere.  So, like everyone says, after awhile, you will know...the contractions didn't stop.  Steven was in Chattanooga teaching a class for his dad at his church.  Diana and Stephanie were on their way to our house from Chattanooga with the kids.  I called mom to give her a heads up that she and dad might be driving me to the hospital.  So, that's pretty much what evolved over the next few hours.  I had time to see my children (thankfully) for about 30 minutes.  Got in touch with Steven right before we pulled out.  On the way to Huntsville the contractions were still about 8-10 min. apart, but getting stronger when they would come.  I was still scared they would turn me away because they weren't close enough together.  My hope was that they would let me stay on the basis of my being already dilated at least to a 3 (hoping at that point maybe I was a 4) and that I was supposed to be there at 6 in the morning anyway for an induction.  I was right-based on that information, the nurse said come on in-we'll keep you.  Although, I do love labor details, for the sake of time, I will just tell you that I was admitted and when they checked me, I was about a 5.  Again, the contractions were getting more painful, but still plenty of time to rest in between.  Waited for an epidural.  It went well, continued to dilate to about a 7, and then things slowed down a bit.  Things creeped by after about 1 a.m.  Finally ready to push, it only took a few contractions to push through and she was here!  

I am in love for a fourth time.  It never gets old!  And I think my other children are in love too.

"...my cup runneth over"

READY for Abigail

Closing in on the last week of pregnancy.  More than likely forever.  Can't believe this chapter of my life is almost over.  But....I think as I typically do, when I grieve over something, it will be much later.  Right now, I would really like this baby out.  If I could ask her nicely, I would ask her to please not move anymore.  At all.  But she might like to ask me the same thing.  I went to my 39 week appointment on Monday (although I'm officially 39 weeks today), and I was almost 3 cm dilated!  I'm kinda proud of myself, because I've never been that dilated on my own.  I could now have an epidural if I wanted one.  IF I go into labor on my own, which would be so cool and a first.  But my doctor said, if you don't have this baby by Monday, would you like to come in and we'll induce?  When I'm not this pregnant, I always say, I want to wait and see if I go into labor on my own.  But then I get this far along and I remember why I've always said, "yes, let's get this baby out."  Especially since my last induction went so very smoothly.  Anyway, Lord-willing, we will have a baby by Monday.

Mom and I have been planning yesterday and today to work on my house.  You know, whip it into shape before all chaos breaks loose for about 6 weeks (and beyond) and you're doing good just to get a shower every now and then.  Although, she mainly did the "whipping".  My mom is so good at that.  Is it a mom thing?  Probably.  Also my energy level has pretty much flat-lined.  I get out of bed in the morning (still trying not to throw-up, but not always successful) wondering when I can get back in it.

I finally have a few pictures of some, well, actually only one sewing project, to show.  I am especially excited about it, and thoroughly enjoyed doing it.  I splurged on Amy Butler fabric a long time ago and was determined to finish this "Everything Bag" out of her Little Stitches book.  If anyone who is reading ever decides to make it, there is an error in one of the instructions.  It will save you lots of time and frustration if you go to the website and look up corrections before you get started sewing.  Also, the handles are a little too short.  I would like to go back and make them longer.  Not quite long enough to throw over your shoulder. The pictures are darker now that they are on my blog.  Frustrating.

I actually got two great diaper bags from friends at my church.  Definitely not hurting for cute things to carry all my stuff in.  I say "my" stuff, because for the last 2 years my diaper bag has become my purse.  Sad, really.  Andrew is 2 1/2 and I still carry around his diaper bag.  Mom suggested I save one of them and let her use it as an overnight bag when she gets older. Decisions, decisions...

Her crib (which was Ellie's and then Ada's) is set up in the corner of Ellie's room and Ellie has already started sleeping back in her room again, and grins excitedly sometimes at how soon Abigail will be in there with her.  Even though I have explained that she will probably not actually be sleeping in there for awhile.  The bedding is the Isabelle pattern from Pottery Barn that I found on Ebay.  It coordinates with Ellie's bedding, but not matches and I could not be happier with it.

For awhile she will be in our room next to our bed, where her little corner is all set up just like it was for Andrew.  He stayed much longer than I had in mind.  Hoping Abigail will be a better night sleeper!

Plenty of these...

So excited about all the little girl clothes I have been able to pull out again after 6 years!

A few other little things besides baby stuff that I've been occupied with.  I LONG to have a garden.  But for a number of reasons, it can't happen this summer.  My aunt gave us some cucumber seeds in April and we planted them in a large pot on the deck.  This is what we have now and it makes me soooo happy. 

I have several containers right now of growing things.  Some have worked much better than others.  This one is the best and my favorite.  I love, love sweet potato vine.  I thought it was super easy to grow anywhere, but I'm learning that it does best without direct sun.

Cilantro and Basil...

And a little friend that seems to be enjoying all of this stuff too.  He had made his home underneath a little shovel we had up on the ledge.  But my mother HATES frogs.  She said "If you love me, you will get rid of it."  And we do love her and really need her help after I have this baby, so I moved the shovel and the frog has not been back.  It looks like a toad to me, actually.  Not sure how to tell the difference.

So that is it.  Trying to keep my children very occupied and out of the house until Friday when they will go with Steven to Chattanooga to visit his family.  Just a few more days.  My house is NEVER this picked up and with all of us here, it takes about two seconds for it to be a complete mess again.

Also, highly anticipating Cars 2 in theaters starting Friday.  Anyone else making big movie plans for that this weekend?

Last belly shot--39 weeks.

A Few Nights Out and 37 Weeks

Steven and I had two nights out in a row without our children.  It made me feel really spoiled and a little guilty.  Why is that?  I think it's because we have so much help and I know there are moms who don't ever get that break.  We have some dear friends in our church who will often ask to keep our children.  Their children are grown, but they do not have grandchildren yet.  Ellie, Luke, and Andrew adore them and adore going to stay at their house.  They say it is a joy for them to do it and I know they mean it.  That was Thursday night.  Then last night, they stayed with mom and dad, while we went to dinner with our community group from church.  Andrew rarely has a problem with me leaving him, but I think two nights in a row was too much.  As I was telling him bye, he dropped his chin, and said in a really pitiful voice, "No...I sad."  Of course, it made me sad.  I took advantage of getting some good sugar.  He doesn't willingly let me do that as much anymore.  Mom snapped some shots.

Everything worked out fine.  Charlie came home.  My kids call my dad by his first name, Charlie.  Have I ever mentioned that?  Anyway, Andrew loves him and once they got a game of croquet going, he was all good. 

 

 And because I love to see other pregnant bellies-especially full term ones-I will show you my "take a picture in the mirror" picture.  It seems everyone does that and makes it look really cute.  It took me FORever to get one right.

 

Tonight's Dinner Struggle

You would think I was making Andrew eat brussel sprouts.  It was homeade macaroni 'n' cheese.  But he prefers it out of the box.  And Andrew refused to eat the real stuff.

Last time I posted, I said that summer was on its way.  Well, it is now here.  We have gotten a lot of use out of our pool over the last week or so.  I am trudging through these last few weeks of pregnancy in the 98 degree heat.  Some nights I am so tired, I really don't think I can go one more day.  But then the next day comes and there are three children that are up (usually before me) that still have needs to be met.  Funny how that happens :)

On Monday we were able to have a 4D ultrasound and see Abigail's little face.  It was the first time we have been able to do that and it was pretty amazing.  She looks very familiar.  Like one of my babies.  Can't wait to see her in person.  Also, she measured fairly small.  Only about 5 lbs. 7 oz.  So, hopefully she will pop right out-no problem!

I have been nesting like crazy.  Tonight mom and dad helped me get the crib set up while Steven took the kids to a baseball game.  It always feels like I am officially ready when I tie the bumper pad to the crib.  Hope to be back before her arrival.  Still really want to show some of my completed projects and Abigail's crib all set up in the corner of Ellie's room.