Birth story

While daddy is on baby duty, i am finally going to update you on the birth of our lil man.

On Thursday, October 2, we went in for our growth scan ultrasound. Because of my gestational diabetes, they were worried he might be too big. The next day, I got a call from my doc, and they say that the ultrasound read that he was only 5lbs 8oz. She said that basically my uterus was tired and wasn't allowing him to grow and that we needed to get him out ASAP and wanted to induce me that day. So, I went to my other doc appointment, called Tim and the other barage of people involved to tell them the startling news.

We got to L&D around 3:30p, checked in and started the exam. By 7p, I was in my labor suite, getting my pill to soften my cervix. Because I was only 37 weeks along, and he hadn't dropped into my pelvis yet, we had to start from beyond 0. So, we got the magical lil pill started, which started contractions. Actually, it just softened my cervix so that he would drop into the birth canal.

Then, the docs put this catheter type tube in my cervix that had a donut sized balloon inside and blew it up and hung it off my bed. They said that when it fell out, I would be dilated to 3 cm. Within the hour, the balloon fell out. They checked me again an hour later and my cervix had gone back to being a zero! So they put the balloon in again, and I felt it was going to fall out, and when she tugged, it did. I was finally on my way. Four hours later, I was still sitting at 4 cm. The anesthesiologist came in and did a allergy prick test just to make sure I was in fact NOT allergic to bupivicaine. While he did the test, we sat and watched part of Dodgeball. Shortly after he left, my parents finally came.

We sat around watching TV for about two hours waiting for words from the doctors on how I was progressing. Around 930p there was no new news, but my contractions were getting long and strong. So, because I wasn't progressing, my parents left for the night. We'd told them we'd call if anything changed. The next 12 hours or so that passed were spent catching Zz's, getting checked for progress every 4 hours, and being turned from one side to the other to get him more adequate oxygen. Another anesthesiologist came in around mid afternoon and started the epidural. The contractions were getting wicked bad, but I just kept breathing through them. After about a half hour, there was very little to no pain, which made me very happy. They also started the pitocin right around the same time. I had this amazing clicker button where if I pressed it, every 15 minutes it would add an extra shot into my epidural. It came in quite handy since I had to lay on my side because the baby wasn't moving as much as they would've liked. Finally, I was starting to make progress. About four hours after my epidural, I was finally progressed to 6 cm! Then on to 10! My mom had stayed with Tim and I most of the day, getting snacks, running around, and keeping me entertained. Finally around 1030, while we were sitting at 10, they told us that we'd be pushing within the hour, that they wanted him to drop naturally, and not force him down. So, my mom gave my dad a call and told him that it was time. We waited til my dad got there. He finally arrived at 1115p. After hunting down docs and nurses and getting everything set up, at 1130 we were ready to push. I was bright and numb at this point and wanted to get the show on the road.

Tim and a nurse held my legs as I started to push. I pushed three times in a row, took a break to be put on oxygen and wait for the next contraction and started again. After three sets of three for pushing, on the 4th push the doctor yelled "we're having a baby!" I looked at Tim and he was crying. Next thing I know, I hear the bright cheers and the sound of our baby crying. It was amazing. Mostly because I didn't feel a thing the entire time. At 1145p he was born. Tim was able to cut the umbilical cord and as soon as he did, David started peeing on everyone in the room, sans Tim and I. They rushed him off and got him cleaned up and checked out. He was a hefty 7lbs, 6oz and 18 and a half inches long. I only needed two stitches, which was amazing, especially considering how quickly he came out. While he was getting cleaned, Tim went and told my parents the good news. After he was cleaned up and checked, they finally brought him over to me. I sobbed like a school girl on christmas day. It was the best moment of my LIFE. After I was taken care of and had him in my arms, we brought my parents in. They both cried. It was amazing to see that moment with them, especially my dad. (David is named after him, after all).

He's here!

After many grueling days, weeks and months, our precious baby boy is here!

I will be posting details of the labor and delivery during my next "sleep shift" (unless Dad adds something before then).

But, he is 7lbs 6oz, 18.5 inches long. He was born Saturday, October 4 2008 at 1145p. I was in labor 27 hours from 0cm to 10cm. It only took 15 minutes of pushing. He is absolutly perfect, with blonde hair and dark blue eyes.

His name is

David Gary Harshbarger Transue

No, he is not hyphenated, Harshbarger will be his second middle name.

Again, will post details later. Must get sleep, this lil man takes a lot out of us!

Antenatal testing

So today was our Antenatal testing appointment. They checked his amniotic fluids via ultrasound and did fetal heart monitoring for over twenty minutes. We asked to see if we could see his boy parts, just to make sure. His amniotic fluid was right on track, his heart rate was strong and he is getting chubby. We werent able to verify his boy parts because he was being "modest". Hah! We have another ultrasound for his growth scan on thursday, which will tell us how big he is, weight and height. Again, hoping to verify boy parts. Monday is our next baby appointment, and on that day we will know if/when we are being induced. I am thinking that if he's at the right weight, he's going to be induced that week. I want him out now. I want to meet the little man who's been practicing being a soccer star on my rib cage. Tim wants him to brew as long as he can, get nice and healthy, getting a leg up on life. Either way, we want a happy, strong, and healthy baby. I will post a new blog after the growth scan, and of course after the Monday appointment. Wish us luck!

36 weeks and counting!

Yesterday we had our 36 week checkup and had to see a new doctor due to the gestational diabetes. His name is Dr. Joe. How wicked is that? Well, Dr. Joe said that little David is growing just fine and is the right size for how far along she is (yeah, it's Tim writing this one). He also checked to make sure that David is actually head down and pointing the right direction, and he is. The last thing he did was set us up with Antenatal Monitoring. Basically they want us to go in for an ultrasound and heart rate monitoring every week.

On the personal side, we want him out! Eviction notice, he can't stay there anymore. We just want to see and meet the little guy. Anyway, that's about all for now. Stay tuned for more info at a later time.

Possibilities and relief

So I had my 34 week checkup today and it was probably the most enlightening/nerve wrecking of my LIFE! The appointment went great. A few weeks ago they found out I do in fact have Gestational Diabetes (GD). My last appt my numbers were all over the place, this appt went much better and my numbers were under control. So, good news there. David's heart beat was strong and I was measuring right at where I should be for as far along as I am.

I finally got to speak to the anesthesiologist regarding my allergy and the birthing. They are going to be able to make the drug I can use at the hospital, so there are no worries! I might be induced around 37/38 weeks so they can control the birth and to make sure my Doc and the anesthesiologist are on the floor at the same time.

I got the birth plan today, so we start planning. I am also pre-admitted into the hospital and got the paper work for his birth certificate.

Other than that, Tim has been in Twentynine Palms since Sunday and should be back on the 21. Cross your fingers he comes home early. I have to call radiology tomorrow to schedule a growth scan (special thanks to the GD) and see how big David is getting. Again, cross your fingers Tim can be here for the ultrasound.

Thats all going on here. I'm sure I've forgotten a LOT but I need a nap. This lil guy is taking a lot out of me and Bear (the dog) keeps yelling at me :)

Maternity Pictures

Labor & Delivery

Baby shower/Baby news

So saturday was my baby shower and I must say it was more than I could have ever imagined it to be. My best friend and my mom threw the most amazing party. It was small, quaint and perfect. The people I care most about in my life were there, and if they weren't they were there in spirit. (i know, life happens). I had the best surprise guest ever!! It was my long time pal, Genevieve! We've known each other since we were....oh I'd say 9 or so, and she and her bf totally surprised it to me! I had to admit, I was really worried, but it was awesome! (worried only cause I didn't know who it'd be!) We were also joined by our kick a** neighbor, Lacey, Tim's Gunny Amy (aka Gny Curran), and Ashley popped by for a few minutes. We got some GREAT gifts! Lots of clothes, blankets, baby necessities. It was sooo nice being able to share this with the people who matter most, I am just kicking myself in my head for not getting a single picture of my mom or even worse WITH her! I'm a terrible daughter. Although, all the pics taken were taken by her. God, I love her.

On to baby news. We had a wonderful lil scare sunday night when I was getting off work. I started having contractions during my last two hours, and they were pretty intense. L&D told me to come down so they could monitor me. Come to find out, they were indeed contractions, because I have a yeast infection that won't clear up, and ANOTHER UTI! Oooooh the joys of pregnancy. So, the two infections, on top of work, stress over having to do 4x a day diabetes testing and the baby shower and just living life, it apparently got to me. But David is doing great, has an incredibly strong heart beat and is a happy, happy baby.

Yesterday we had our L&D tour at the hospital. It went really well and we got all the important questions answered. We will have a private delivery room, a private MIS (Maternal Infant Services) room, unless they get full and we need to double up. The baby can be in the room with us from birth, for circumcision and all! No need to go to the nursery, unless requested or medically needed. I'd only be in the hospital for two days after birth and then get to go home. We are allowed two visitors at a time. Tim and I have started deciding on the birth plan. I have no problem with visitors during labor, but when the doctor comes in for delivery, everyone but Tim, the doctor and nurses must go. We want a quiet delivery room, and don't want a lot of crazy hub-bub and screaming around the baby. Everyone can come back when I get moved up stairs to MIS when baby and I get stable. Tim will be able to spend the night in the hospital with me and the baby, as a matter of fact, he doesn't have to leave either! We don't have to go to the hospital until I am 4cm or when my water breaks. I am no required to get an epidural, I can get pain meds (ie morphine and Demerol) to cut the edge of the pain, so we don't have to worry about any numbing agents going into my body and me dying. :)

After the tour, Tim and I started getting the baby bag ready with all the necessities. After the scare on sunday, were not taking any risks. The nursery is almost ready, although there are a few things we need for when the baby comes home (ie a pack-n-play, breast-feeding supplies, baby monitor, etc). So we're saving up our pennies! Tim leaves in less than a month to go to 29 palms for two weeks. I'm scared but it's prep for when Tim leaves for Iraq.

Other than that, life is good. Tim is doing amazing and is proving day after day that he's going to be a great daddy!

Baby update - 29 weeks and counting!

So the baby shower is this weekend, and I'm getting further excited by the day! We just got back from Ohio yesterday and had an amazing trip. It was so nice to be able to see Tim's family on pleasant terms. Tim's Grandma Phyllis gave us a great baby gift, as well as his Mom. Gma Phyllis made us two blankets, one for the bassinet and a larger one. She also gave us a bunch of baby clothes. Mom gave us some really cool toys, car seat toys. It was so nice, and unexpected!

So in baby news, he's growing by the day, and taking up plenty of room. My acid reflux/hiatal hernia is acting up again. I finally had it under control until about two weeks ago when the radiating heartburn started up. I've been getting real sick because of it. My doctor says because of the hernia, there's unfortunately nothing to do but take Tums or Mylanta. We've also had to take the gestational diabetes test several times. The first time we took the test my levels were a little elevated, so we had to do the 3-hour glucose test. Both times we took it, it was blown. I had gotten sick after both tests. But other than those two minor hiccups physically, the baby is doing really well. He kicks up a storm and makes Tim smile every time.

Baby appointments and anniversaries

We had our baby appointment on he 15th, which was also Tim's 26th birthday. David is doing incredibly well, his heart rate is continuously strong. He kicked the Dr.'s sonar machine. Our next appointment isn't until 32 weeks (5 weeks from now). It's crazy how quickly time is flying by.

On saturday, it was mine and Tim's one year anniversary. We drove up to Littlerock and had a wonderful BBQ with my folks, and my dads friend, Steve George was there. I haven't seen Steve in nearly 4 years, and Tim has never met him. It was such an amazing time, I couldn't have asked for a better anniversary.

I'm sure Daddy will be posting a blog soon.

Love love!

Mom & Dad Harshbarger

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From your grandson, daughter and son-in-law. We love you!

It's all down hill from here!

So theres only 18 weeks left until we get to meet our favorite little man and we get more excited every day. Today we had our 22 week check up. He was sounding as healthy as a horse and kicking away. We had the quad screen at the last appointment and all the results came back normal. There is no chance he will have cystic fibrosis, down syndrome, mental retardation, or neural tube defects. There was some concern initially only because we don't know a lot of family history, but David has been marked with a clean bill of health. I started school today, so hopefully the stress won't get to me. Tim is doing remarkably well. We had a wonderful fathers day. I made him breakfast, ran some errands and spent the rest of the day lounging about the house and watching "The Bucket List". So other than that, life is good. He s growing by the minute and so am I. Our next baby appointment is on the 15th (Tim's birthday). On the 9th, we have our labor and delivery (L&D) tour and group class. Until then!

Charli & Tim

Prenatal classes and kicking

So our baby boy is starting to kick and move up a storm. I can tell when he's asleep and when he's not because around those same time's, I also get incredibly drowsy and/or terribly alert. Tim has also felt the baby move and has figured out ways to agitate the baby to get him to kick him.

Other than that, we had our first prenatal class. We learned tons of new information, such as good and bad fish, what we should be worried about, and all about weight gain and exercise! We're both getting very excited and Tim lights up like a christmas tree whenever he gets to feel the baby move. Our next baby appointment is on the 16th and we should have lots more good information then.

Mom & Dad Transue

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Like father/grandfather... like son

So we knew the baby was going to be ornery, but its just like its daddy and grandpa. The baby was not only playing with himself, but flipped off the ultrasound. I had to say,  I was a little disappointed, but we are very happy that the baby is happy and healthy. Before he flipped us off, he had his hand by his head and looked like he was waving. Looked similar to momma but has daddy's nose. Now for the pics we've been waiting for.

Wobbly Bits/Baby Meat!

For those of you who are curious, we now know the sex of the baby.  But instead, let me start by saying that the baby's pieces parts are all in the right place.  There's no cleft palate, extra parts or missing parts.  I gotta say, I got what I wanted which is a healthy, happy baby!  But for the rest of you, we're having a boy.  Yes that means Tonka trucks, and GI Joe's and mud.  So long as there is rain and dirt, we will have a toy for a boy.  This brings me to the next part, we're registered at Target and soon to be at Toy's R Us.  We're going to go put clothes, blankets, and all that good stuff on the registries shortly.  All and all, I'd have to say that today has been awesome, even though we were nearly the only ones that lost the baby bet (Thanks for going down with us on that one Becca :) !)  More updates later as we get them.

18 week update

So, we had our 18 week update checkup today. Everything is looking A-OK! We did our Quad Screen, which we should know the results in two weeks (unless something bad shows up). Baby decided to be ornery and the doc had to chase the baby around my belly to get the heart beat. We'd hear the heart beat for a second and then disappear. She was finally able to corner it to listen to it for the appropriate length of time. But baby was alive and kicking. Quite a bit actually! I still feel like I swallowed a cell phone, but now Tim can feel it. In the morning when I wake up, baby will be on one side of my belly, making it look lopsided, so we both play with my belly, getting the baby to an appropriate spot so I can get out of bed.

We also spoke to the anesthesiologist today, and we have stumped yet ANOTHER doctor. Apparently I am something like one in 100 Million with my allergies. He wants to do further allergy testing and test all numbing agents on me to see what we can use for an epidural. Other than that, Tim is getting progressively more excited (hence yesterday's blog). Thats all thats going on here!

Tomorrow

Ok, so this post is from Tim, the husband and proud father in all of this.  Tomorrow, we go in for another appointment.  This one's (supposedly) important in that they will be taking blood draws to find out if the baby has any genetic disorders.  For those of you that ask, the only reason we would want to know about any of this is so we can prepare accordingly.  Next tuesday, we get to find out the sex of the baby (finally!).  Now to answer the next question that next question that I know all of you are thinking, which would we prefer.  Personally, I prefer a baby.  On top of that, a healthy one.  So that's what's going on here from the husband's front.  Got some cool and free stuff from the mother-in-law that will prove useful.  Anyway, that's about all for now.  There might be an update after the doctor's appointment or maybe not.

No baby meat yet

Hello all!

We had our baby appointment today, but special thanks to miscommunication between my doctor and appointment staff, we were two weeks too early. But on the plus side, we were able to hear the baby's heartbeat and the baby kick. We have to now schedule an appointment with the radiologist to get the ultrasound, which might be taking place in JUNE! Not to happy about that, so we're going to see what we can do about getting an ultrasound around the same time as our next appointment. Our next appointment is in three weeks, so wish us luck! We'll post pics soon, I promise.

Love you all!

C&T

Day late and a dollar short

Hey there all! Welcome to our lil blogging preggo space of the world. We might be a day late and a dollar short starting this up (seeing as how I am 14 weeks, 6 days) but better late then never! Our next baby appointment is Monday and we will HOPEFULLY get the answer to that question, hotdog  or hamburger (we're hoping for a girl!) 

We're (yes, Tim has made it a "we thing") in that wonderful stage of pregnancy that you kid about when your a teen. "I just wanna be pregnant so I don't have my period!" Oh if life were so simple, but yes, we are at that phase where I am pleasantly plump, tired all the time but no longer have morning sickness, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach...Oh wait thats a pepto ad. Wonderful. Last few weeks, we have been feeling the vibrating, those times when I have my phone in my pocket and I think I might be getting a text message or email, but to no avail, could be the baby (or really mean gas).

Our first ultrasound went marvelously well. Baby has all its parts, and then some! So we will be attempting to update the blog every week with new developments. So, family and friends, enjoy! Call often, laugh often and smile!!