Brynlee Kay Arrives!

On Wednesday, October 15th at 9:20 a.m. Brynlee Kay made her appearance into the world weighing in at 6 lbs. 4 oz. and 19 inches long.

I think it's safe to say, that she looks like she belongs! Ron and I were not concerned about taking home the wrong baby. :)

 All dressed and ready to go home! (10/16/14)

You forget just how small they really are, until you see them dwarfed in the carseat!

The Birth Story

And here it is.

The post that some of you devour and others do anything to avoid.

I called the hospital at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14th and was given the all clear to come in.  Ron and I arrived at admissions just after 8:00 a.m. and were sent upstairs just a few minutes later.  We went straight into a labor and delivery room and after I changed into a lovely hospital gown, they monitored the baby for 20 minutes and then the midwife came in and injected the cervidil gel to hopefully get contractions started.  I was dilated to 2 cm at that point (around 9:00 a.m.). I had to remain lying down for an hour after the injection and then was permitted to get up and walk.  And walk I did!  I walked and walked and walked.  I walked as much as they would let me (in between monitoring checks) from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gel did get contractions started and while they were regular, they were not very painful.

At 4:00 p.m. I had dilated to about a 3.5 or 4, but the baby hadn't dropped much (she was in a -2 position).  I was then started on a very low dose of pitocin.  From then on, I couldn't get up to move anymore (except for bathroom breaks). They started the pitocin low and then moved me up one dose (the numbers they used started at one and went up by one) every 30 minutes if the baby looked good.

During this time, I asked both the midwife and the OB on call to break my water, as I knew that this little girl would come very quickly once that happened.  Neither would agree to do that until the baby had dropped down further, or until I had dilated more as they were concerned about two things.  One, that a fast delivery would stress her out and two, that her small size and higher position would allow the cord to come below her head when the water gushed out. I was very frustrated by this, but as soon as the OB started talking about how if I wanted the baby out quickly, I could always get a c-section, I stopped arguing and decided to wait until the next day when the OB would rotate off.

By the time it was midnight, my pitocin dose was at a 13 and I was feeling the contractions, though still not having to breathe through them.  Overnight, the baby's movement and heart rate went into a sleeping state, so they did not increase pitocin.  I was able to get 30-45 minutes of sleep at a time from midnight to about 6 a.m. and surprisingly wasn't as exhausted as I thought I would be in the morning.

At 6 a.m. the baby started waking up and they continued to increase pitocin, this time by 2 or 3 numbers at a time.  I was quickly at a 18 dose and the nurse was just "sure" that the baby had flipped and was no longer head down as everyone she has worked with that the baby is head down and the dose is at a 18 is screaming in pain.  I was not screaming.  I was, however, breathing through the contractions, but could manage this pain for a while still (I told them I was a 7 on the pain scale at this point*).

At 8:35 a.m. Dr. Vigue, the doctor that initially diagnosed the baby as IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and the Dr. I had been seeing the most regularly through all of my appointments, came in as she was now on call for the day.  She checked to see how far I was (still 3.5-4 cm dilated and baby still at a -2 position) and said to the nurse "hand me the amniotic hook."  She then broke my water and we were on our way. It happened so fast that I almost didn't have time to react, but I knew it was time to get my game on.

My pain immediately increased to an 8 or 9 and began to really have to use all of my "techniques**" to get through the contractions.  I had Ron apply counter pressure on my lower back for most of this time period and that helped a ton. At 9:15 a.m. I had Ron press the call button (moving was not an option for me) as I wasn't ready to push yet, but could tell it was really close.  Dr. Vigue had me switch sides for the next few contractions and then it was time.

Two pushes later, Brynlee Kay arrived! She was tiny and perfect and not as little as the nurses and doctors were expecting.  She did great on all of her tests and they didn't need any of the emergency NICU equipment they had ready just in case. She was born at 9:20 a.m. and was 6 lbs. 4 oz. and 19 inches long.  I was so excited to have her here and to be done!***

*Ron and I have very different ideas of the pain scale.  While I can't truly remember how much childbirth hurts (until I'm doing it again), I know that it is worse than anything else I have felt, so I save that 10 number for when the baby is coming out.  I then gauge everything backwards off of that.  Most of the day we were in the hospital, I was at a 2 or 3 on the pain scale.  That was the honest truth.  At home, I wouldn't have even taken medicine for that kind of pain.  As the pitocin increased, my pain went up some, but I always knew it was going to be so much worse, so I had to save some numbers for the end. :) I will also say that I was very close to asking for the epidural with this one.  24 hours is a long time to labor! If Dr. Vigue would have given me any time to reconsider before breaking my water, I may have caved. Through the entire stay, whenever a new nurse or doctor would confirm that I did not want an epidural they would look at me like I was a crazy person, until I explained that this would be my 3rd birth with no drugs.  Their facial expressions were pretty great though.

**I have no real techniques besides breathing, closing my eyes and relaxing any muscle I can find that will obey. Ron applying counter pressure this time was a new one, but much needed.

***While I was SUPER frustrated with no one on Tuesday being willing to break my water, I know that Brynlee just wanted to come on the Lord's timing and not on mine.  I would do it all again as long as she would come safe and sound. Another side note - our hosptial usually delivers about three babies a day (which was true on Tuesday while I was laboring).  On Wednesday, they delivered NINE!  Brynlee was the first and at one point they had all six delivery rooms full and women were laboring in the waiting room, waiting for a room to open!

And because I know you might want to compare:
Easton's birth story (I love that I talk about how quickly I progress in this one.  Oh, how little I knew!)
Kendree's birth story
Devynee's birth story

38 weeks

The last official picture of this pregnancy:

This is it. The morning that I went in to the hospital to be induced.  Feeling good and not too big, but I guess ready to meet this little darling.

Heartburn has been really ramping up this week, I hope this girl has hair to show for it. I got a lot of things done around the house, meals frozen for when I am all on my own again, and the cleaning people came and made my house sparkling clean!

Grandma and Grandpa Cali arrived this weekend from California and were a big help - especially the day before induction, as I had a hair cut, the cleaning people coming, a doctor's appointment and hospital pre-registration. All the kids were out of school, so childcare was extra appreciated.

Can't believe I'm about to be the mom of 4! Crazy town.

Other baby4 updates: 37 weeks, 36 weeks, 34 weeks, 30 weeks, 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks.

Wanna Compare?
Devynee at 38 weeks
Kendree at 38 weeks
Easton at 39 weeks

37 weeks

37 weeks.  Holy Moly.  It is definitely go time.  Finally, this week's appointment was the one where they would measure the baby again and determine how she has done for the last three weeks. She passed her NSTs this week with flying colors and then did great in the ultrasound for all of the movement markers.  Unfortunately, while she did get bigger, her growth has slowed down (she is smaller than even the due date that I think is correct) and her belly continues to measure a lot smaller than that.  I didn't even have to ask for them to measure things more than once as there was a student who started the ultrasound so she measured and then the full-time tech came in and measured two more times for everything.  Her doppler numbers (which I interpret as the blood flow in the umbilical cord) are also elevated. There was no reason for additional concern, but they still want to induce me.  I scheduled the induction for the 14th and feel very at peace about that decision.  I think the Lord knew that I needed to have some comfort that I wasn't doing the wrong thing. I will be just over 38 weeks (according to me) or almost 40 weeks (according to the doctor).

Checking things off my list continued this week.  I took the truck in to be detailed, which wasn't in any way vital except that it has been on the list for a year.  I also scheduled a company to come deep clean some things before this baby comes.  Little did I know that I actually scheduled them for the DAY before this baby will come. :)

I have never yet had a contraction that I am aware of and continue to feel good.  I'm not sure if it is the fact that I am smaller than I have been with the other kids, but I really don't feel that huge or uncomfortable unless I am rolling over in bed. :)

Now, less than one week to go.  That is insane.

Other baby4 updates: 36 weeks, 34 weeks, 30 weeks, 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna Compare?
Devynee at 37 weeks
Kendree at 37 weeks
Easton [not documented]

36 weeks

And here we are....at 36 weeks. The bi-weekly appointments continue and aside from a not so great appointment on Thursday, September 18th, this little girl has performed with flying colors.  During that appointment, her heart rate and movement were not what they have usually been, which caused the doctor to order an extra ultrasound on Monday.  Thanks to a priesthood blessing from Ronnie and my dad, things have looked wonderful ever since.

Surprisingly, I have been sleeping really well!  I have to wake up to move as per usual, but have been sleeping for long periods of time in one position.  The best.

I have had such wonderful support from friends with watching the girls during my 2-3 hour appointments.  I am so grateful for each of them and don't know what I would do without them!

Still no consistent food cravings, but I have been indulging in chocolate a little more than usual since my babies have never tolerated it while nursing.  People call me crazy when I say that, but the difference is super noticeable with me, so I go on a no chocolate diet for at least six months after the baby is born.  And that means no chocolate.  Not even one chocolate chip.  Oh well, I suppose there are a lot of worse things that I could have to deal with. :)

I've been knocking things off my to-do list.  The swing is set up (in the basement) just waiting to come upstairs when we need it and the bassinet is doing the same thing.  I've also packed my hospital bag and a bag of things for Ron to bring to the hospital after the baby is here and it is time to go home.

Other baby4 updates: 34 weeks, 30 weeks, 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna Compare?
Devynee at 36 weeks
Kendree at 36 weeks
Easton at 36 weeks

Instagram: September 2014

First day of preschool!  This little girl gets to enjoy a one day a week school with some of her favorite church friends.

She insisted on an outdoor, no-jacket shot on her rainy first day of preschool.  Unicorn shirt also a Kendree must-have. #sheknowswhatshewants

Spent the afternoon with a good friend, crafting this beauty. Felt good to stretch a different set of crafting legs.  On a side note, why are "back to school" decorations so hard to find? I can only do pumpkins and fall leaves for so long...

You're just jealous that you don't have a BYU helmet to wear while you watch the game.

Finished a Halloween table runner last night!  I've had the fabric for over two years (man, that sentence sounds familiar). Obviously this was a super important before-baby-comes to-do item.

Baby4 sure does have a cute footprint!  The reason I got this look yesterday isn't quite as exciting.  My uterus and (upon more measuring) her stomach are measuring small and just like that I am scheduled for bi-weekly doctor appointments, non-stress tests, and ultrasounds. Right now she is checking out fine and the docs just want to be cautious.  So grateful for good doctors.

Usually, my standard promise of "I'll put it on your wish list" is enough to stop any store tantrum.  Today, only a picture of the item would suffice. #devydidntwantthewatch #justthejewelryboxitwasin

Last baby4 sewing project completed! Minky blanket and lovey sized one as well. #whew!

Quilt #2 for Baby #4

I decided to go with a chevron quilt for the "fancy" quilt for this little girl.  To be honest, I just wasn't up to making another ruffle quilt.  Also, the ruffle quilts aren't super great to actually use, so there is that as well. I found a new and easier tutorial online that doesn't have you piecing or cutting triangles and went on my merry way!

I'm always surprised how quickly baby quilts come together.  That smaller size really makes things just hum along. I machine quilted this on my beloved Bernina, following the seams, but a little outside of them.  It was perfect. I also did the binding on my machine, I just don't have the patience for hand binding!

Instagram: August 2014

A little pre-swim lesson foot soaking.

The five amigos at the Children's Village.  Apparently my kids need to work on their silly faces.  #Devyneeisjustpouting

Hawaiian Shaved Ice with cousins! (It's a good thing that I just tried this place for the first time, as I WILL be going back).

 Easton and Ron enjoying the Broncos game!  I'm enjoying a quiet house. ;)

 Quilt #1 for baby4 is done!  This will be the quilt that comes everywhere with us.  Love it.

I'd say that someone enjoyed their spaghetti... #everylastnoodle

Two more baby4 projects done! Crib skirt and bumpers are ready to go, now onto the second quilt.

After a lovely two day getaway, Ron and I have to say goodbye to the gorgeous Grand Tetons. #nofilter #jacksonlakelodge

First day of 1st grade!  He was so excited!

First day of school ice cream treat.  Totally worth the mess.

The final quilt for baby4 is complete!  Just a few sewing projects left.  Two months to go. #pleasesomeoneslowdowntime #theendalwaysgoesthefastest

One of my favorite places on earth. #snowflearanch

When you camp, you fully embrace the dirt... #idontknowhowsheseesthruthoseglassessometimes

Find the goggles mom got on clearance [check]. Wear until they are so foggy you can't see anything [check].

The kids loved shooting the .22 and it was a great opportunity to talk about gun safety. #snowflearanch

34 weeks

Things sure have livened up in this pregnancy.  I went in for what I would call my 34 week* appointment and the doctor I saw that day (there are 7 in the office, and you don't choose who delivers you) measured my uterus and I was measuring at 32 weeks.  She wanted an ultrasound to check the baby's movement and measurements and it so happened that the ultrasound was open right then.  So, Devynee** and I made our way to the ultrasound room and proceeded with a 30 minute ultrasound where they were looking for specific movements (both body and lungs) as well as measured the baby's head, femur, belly (around the outside of her body) and stomach (organ).  Her head, femur and belly were all measuring within days of where I think I am, but her stomach (organ) was only measuring at 30 weeks. They also checked my fluid, which looked good and my placenta, which had normal calcification. During the 30 minutes, the baby did not try to exercise her lungs (not concerning) and also was not active at all (concerning).  That is not normal for this babe, but nothing I did would convince her to move.

Next, the doctor sent us to a non-stress test (NST) room.  I was hooked up to monitors and had to sit for another 30 minutes.  During this time, the baby did fantastically.  Her heartbeat was steady and accelerated several times and she was moving around like crazy.  That helped to ease both the doctor's and my concerns.  The doctor then came in and said that due to the stomach (organ) size, the baby may not be getting the nutrients she needs from my placenta.  They wanted to start seeing me twice a week (Monday and Thursday) for NSTs and then an ultrasound every Thursday as well.  If things continue to look okay, they plan to induce me on October 11th*** so that they will no longer have to worry that my placenta won't last for the entire pregnancy.

Since that appointment (Thursday, September 11th), I have had my first NST, and the baby did great again.  Great heart-rate with accelerations and great movement.

Aside from general concern for the baby, my biggest stress is that my estimated arrival for this little doll has moved up about three weeks!  I am now constantly paying attention to movement as that will be one of the first indicators that my placenta may be starting to give out.  I have had great support from friends that have offered to watch the girls while I spend an extra 3 hours in the doctor's office every week. :)

Let's focus on some normal stuff, shall we?  I continue to feel good, just more sore and achy after doing things like cleaning the basement. I am sleeping pretty well and have even slept through Devynee coming into our room in the night (she goes to Ron's side, bless her little heart).  We continue to discuss names, but right now, the ones that remain on the list (in alphabetical order) are: Angilee, Brynlee, Eislee, Hallee, Kamree and Kimber. We're always on the look out for new suggestions!

*You may remember (but probably don't) that my doctor and I have differing due dates.  I think I am due October 27th, which would put me right at 34 weeks.  They think I am due October 18th, which would have put me a few days past 35 weeks.
**Devynee was an ANGEL during all of this.  She played quietly with the toys in each room and cleaned up after herself. It was like I had brought I different child with me.  I was so blessed!
***They would like to induce at what they think is 39 weeks.  My concern is that according to me, that would really be inducing at 37.5 weeks. Obviously we will see how things continue to look and I don't want to endanger the baby by keeping her in, but also don't want to take her out unnecessarily early.

Other baby4 updates: 30 weeks, 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 34 weeks
Kendree at 34 weeks
Easton at 34 weeks

Crib Bumpers for Baby #4

Again, I've now made six sets of these bumpers, and yet every time I have to re-make the calculations on how to divide the pattern to let me have three patterns for the inside of the crib. I wrote them down this time. :)

The pink flower fabric will be on the outside of all of the bumpers.

Now these are safely packed away until we actually put the baby in a crib (around 4 months after the baby is born).

Everyday Quilt for Baby #4

As with the other kids, I kept this quilt very simple. I even made Ron happy and used a "pattern" instead of my usual quilt randomness that drives him crazy.

I quilted this one parallel to the seams and did not pre-wash the fabric for a little shrinkage.

30 weeks

10 weeks to go! I continue to feel really good.  I am sleeping pretty well and have minimal aches and pains.  What aches I do have seem to change on a daily basis.  Sore hips one day, sore leg the next, etc. I haven't really had any food cravings with this pregnancy.  In fact, I feel that food in general is just okay most of the time. If I've eaten anything semi-consistently, it is cheerios and ice cream.

The kids are very funny and love telling me about everything they will do for the baby when she gets here. I think I will be running a pretty constant defense around the house.  My appointment went well and things continue to look good with both the baby and me. She moves all of the time and is usually the most active between 10 and 11 p.m. I know that the weeks will fly by now, especially with school starting next week.

Other baby4 updates: 28 weeks, 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 30 weeks
Kendree at 30 weeks
Easton at 30 weeks

Crib Skirt for Baby #4

I'm working away on my projects.  Little by little I'm determined to whittle that list away!

As I was sewing up this crib skirt, I started calculating how many I have made.  This was my 6th, so I'd say that I about have the pattern memorized. Clean lines and simple, just the way I like it.

28 weeks

Third trimester!  Crazy town. Physically, I am feeling great and I actually mean that.  I continue to sleep through the night (hallelujah!) and aches and pains are minimal.  I am starting to be winded if I walk up and down the stairs a few times in a row, or if I bend over to weed my garden for a while. I informed Ronnie on Saturday, that it was my last time weeding.  We'll see how that goes over.

Mentally, I am trying to remain calm, while freaking out a little bit.  I am almost done with quilt #1, but still have another quilt, a lovey blanket, crib bumpers, and crib skirt to make.  I have to figure out where to find room for kid #4 (well, not the kid really, but the swing, clothes, other equipment, etc.). I know it will all work out and if I don't get my "crafts" done it will not be the end of the world. Really. In other news, I bought the kids their Halloween costumes this week (yes, bought them) and it made me feel infinitely better. Thank you Sams Club.

Baby continues to look good and I am measuring right on, so I don't know that they will do another ultrasound like they originally thought to check the baby's size.  Heart rate is good and my blood pressure is good.  I even passed my glucose test! I have gained the least amount of weight with this pregnancy, but started about six pounds heavier than with the other three kids, so I think that is the reason. ;)

I'm down to an appointment every two weeks, which means that the rest of this pregnancy will fly by!

Other baby4 updates: 24 weeks, 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 28 weeks
Kendree at 28 weeks
Easton at 27 weeks (scroll down)

24 weeks

As much as I hate to sound like a broken record about this, I'm really happy to sound like a broken record, you know?

Things continue to go well.  Baby is moving all of the time and so much that there is no way to forget that I am pregnant anymore. I continue to be able to move fairly easily, but getting off the couch or out of bed are a little slower than normal.  With Devynee potty trained (for the most part), I'm not down on the floor nearly as much, and that is very nice.  This marks the first time since December 2007 that I have not had diapers in my house.  It's not much of a break, but it is something! Bending over is not my favorite and I informed Ronnie that he may be the main weeder pretty soon.  He was super excited about that. I am still not craving anything specific, but food in general is good!

I haven't even begun a single baby project and as I thought about my life the next few months, that stressed me out a little bit.  I may need to make a trip to the fabric store a priority at the beginning of next week.

With this pregnancy, I've been surprised at the comments I get.  There is a big difference between your 3rd and 4th child as far as the "world" is concerned.  I get a lot of, "Was it a surprise?" (no, thank you for asking), or "You do know how babies are made, right?" (yes, obviously, thank you), or "You sure are going to have your hands full!" (I always say "We have a lot of fun at our house!" to this one) or "How many are you going to have?!?!?" (we take it one at a time, and you are a complete stranger, so I don't care to tell you anyway). Sometime, someone is going to get me on a bad day and I'm going to come back and ask them about their family planning and how they came about deciding how many children to have and how their religion played into that decision.  Do you think that would shut a few people up? :)

Sorry for that rant.  I'm done. :)

Other baby4 updates: 22 weeks, 20 weeks, 16 weeks

Wanna compare?
Devynee at 24 weeks
Kendree at 24 weeks
Easton [not documented]

Instagram: June 2014

Two 2 year olds on the tramp (they just walk around in bouncy circles) and the older ones in the sand. A perfect summer day!

I can't believe it, but the year is over justlikethat! He even made it through without loosing any teeth (much to his dismay)!

Easton and his teacher after Kindergarten "Graduation." (Does anyone else find the whole thing ridiculous?) However, Easton's teacher was fantastic for him this year. We love our school!

This boy is getting to be the spectator for a sibling for the first time. He thinks mom's snacks aren't such a bad deal.

Kendree hits! (Tee ball is my favorite)

Easton, Kendree and Devynee are getting a...

This is how we are spending the next few days. I forget how tedious it is every time!

Easton finally lost his first tooth. That pesky permanent tooth was coming up behind it and not really helping the baby one get out.  He is THRILLED!