Charlotte's First 100 Days

Dear Charlotte,

We thought it would be fun to continue this blog as a way to tell you about your new life experiences.  We've been keeping a written and mental log, and now it's time to put our thoughts in one place for you to read in the future.  You have lived 100 days out of my belly!  Your Daddy and I continue to be amazed by how much you seem to grow every day.  We already feel like we know you so well, and we've spent so much time staring at you in awe.  You are so perfect, and you have made us a family.  We thank God for choosing us to be your parents, and we look forward to every single day as your Mommy and Daddy.  Now, here is a recap of your first week!

You decided to grace us with your presence at 6:28 am.  You had a bit of an intense journey on your way out, so we had to wait about 20 minutes to hold you the first time.  As hard as it was, we were patient and so happy to hear that you were absolutely perfect.  Your Mimi and Aunt Stacey were there with us as you took your first breath.  Everyone cried, including you!

 

 

 

Meeting Mimi for the first time.

Meeting "Sir" Grandpa for the first time.

When they handed you to us, you were wide awake.  You continued to look at everyone that entered the room for the next 6 hours.  You would NOT sleep!  I fed you and we stared and stared at every single inch of you.  Our friends told us that the feeling of becoming a parent is amazing, but it was beyond anything we could have imagined.  We are so blessed.

Our first visitor was your (future) Uncle JJ.  He stopped in for a few minutes, but he wouldn't be able to hold you for a few more days... we were all too in love to put you down!

Our next guests were my childhood friends Stacey and Ginger.  They are both mommies and were so happy that I was now a Mommy, too.  Ginger's family brought you flowers and an "it's a baby girl" balloon.

Your Grandpa ("Sir" as he has decided to be called) made it to the hospital a few hours later, and he held you for the first time.  He had to drive here from Nashville as he was there for work.  He was pretty smitten by you, and you liked how warm he kept you when he snuggled you close.  Grandpa and Aunt Stacey went out and bought us pizza for lunch and got you a cookie cake for your birthday party.  They were both delicious!

We spent most of the day getting to know you a little better.  Your Dad changed your first dirty diaper and gave you your first bath.  Dr. Greenfield came to see you later that day, and you checked out perfectly.  Dr. Ertel came to see Mommy, too.  She wanted to make sure I was feeling okay.  Despite the lack of sleep we were running on, I felt pretty good!

Later that evening, your Pop and Aunt Lindsay made it to the hospital.  They both kept saying how beautiful you were.  You loved being held by both of them, too.  Aunt Lindsay was so happy you were born that day.  She was heading out of town to be a bridesmaid in one of her best friend's wedding, and she had been worried during my pregnancy that she would miss your first day.  

 

Meeting Pop for the first time.

Your Pop was so happy to meet you also.  You had been something for us all to look forward to every since your Nana had passed away.  He told you that you were helping to heal his broken heart.  You really are a blessing.

A short time later, your Uncle Drew and Aunt Whitney came to visit.  They were both nervous to hold you, but they did a great job!  You even pushed really hard and gave your Uncle Drew a few toots!

By the end of the evening, all of our visitors left, and it was just the three of us.  You had finally decided to sleep a little, and we needed our sleep, too.  We decided to send you to the nursery, so we could rest knowing someone would be watching you closely.  We were so nervous to sleep with you there!  The nurses brought you into our room a couple of times to eat.  I loved holding you in my arms!!!

You're first night.

 
The next day was your due date.  Mimi, Grandpa, Aunt Stacey, and JJ came to the hospital early with a ton of Panera bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee.  Thank goodness they kept us fed!

Uncle Drew and Aunt Whitney also came to visit again.  Everyone played cards, watched college football (OU v. Penn State) as it was the beginning of the college football season.  I finally showered for the first time since you had been born, and I felt like a new woman afterwards!  Your Grandpa left for home along with Aunt Whitney and Uncle Drew.  It was so nice having company.

The next day, September 2 was your homecoming!  I woke up early, ordered breakfast and showered.  We waited (not so patiently) for the doctors to tell us when we could take you home.  Aunt Stacey met us at the hospital to take pictures before we left.  You wore an outfit that Sug made for Daddy and all of the Wiencken children have worn it on their way home from the hospital. 

 

Before leaving the hospital.

In the car for the first time.  Heading home!

You took your first car ride, and we video-taped the whole thing (of course).  When we got home, there were balloons on the mailbox.  Aunt Stacey, Uncle JJ & Mimi met us at home.  You met the dogs for the first time, and they loved you. 

Mimi made us dinner.  It was one of our favorites, broccoli, chicken and rice casserole.  Pop came to visit you again, and he stayed for dinner, too.  After dinner, Mimi and Pop left to go home.  We were alone in our own house for the first time, and we were terrified.  I hardly slept a wink that night, because you made SO many little noises.  You cooed with every breath.  It was so sweet, but so scary! :)

The next days seemed to pass quickly!  You had your first visit with Dr.Fisher, your pediatrician, when you were 4 days old (on Tuesday).  He had good news for us... You were growing well!  You were just 1 oz away from your birth weight at 7 lbs 4 oz and were 20 1/2 inches long (you shrunk!?).  The normal goal is to be back at birth weight by day 10.  You nailed it.  We finally figured out how to nurse!  We took you to Target with us to get a few things after your appointment, and people thought we were crazy for taking such a little baby out in public.  Whoops!

 

Your first day home.  You're wearing a hat my friend Sara made for you!

Later that day, you met Trey and Levi for the first time.  They loved you.  Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Kyle & Pop also came to visit.  This was your first time meeting Uncle Kyle, too.  They brought Italian beef sandwiches for dinner and an ice cream cake for your birthday!  We gave you your first bath at home, and you pooped right in the middle of it! :)

 

The ice cream cake that Pop brought for your birthday!

 

Daddy headed back to work the next day (Wednesday).  Mimi came to stay with me for the day and helped me watch you.  That made Daddy feel much better going back to work, but it was hard for him to leave you.  Mimi and I had to figure out how to install the car seat in her car and use the stroller.  Ha ha!  She made us dinner (Taco Pie).  We made you several headbands because you had your newborn pictures the next day.

We got up early to get ready for picture day, and Mimi held you while I showered .  We went to your photo shoot, and you were a perfect model.  We could not get you to go to sleep for the pictures, so we got some with you wide awake, too!  The photographer thought you looked just like Daddy.  She photographed our wedding, almost four years ago and took our maternity photos.  We met Aunt Stacey for lunch after the pictures, and Ginger made us dinner (tortellini, spinach salad, French bread).

 

With Mimi before your pictures.

On Friday that week, the two of us had our first day home alone.  Daddy wasn't feeling well after work, and it turns out that he had strep throat!  Mommy was very worried, and we had to keep you two apart for most of the weekend!  We did manage to get a family picture in our Bears gear though!!!

In the weeks that followed, you went through so many changes!  You lost your belly button on day 10.  I wanted to keep it, but Daddy and Aunt Stacey convinced me I was being weird.  Maybe one day you will understand when you're a Mommy of your own!

 

Here is your belly button falling off... Gross, I know!

In the next few weeks, you met many family members!  Sug, Aunt Julie, Uncle Joel, Cousin Jolee, Cousin Brooke, and Mony all came to visit.  Everyone was so happy to finally get to hold you.  Here are some pictures from your first meetings...

 

You and Aunt Stacey!

 

You and Aunt Lindsay!

 

You and Uncle Drew!

 

 

You and Aunt Whitney!

 

You and Sug!

 

You and Jolee!

 

 

Aunt Lindsay, Sug, you and me!

 

 

Nanny, Great Great Granny, Daddy, and you!

 

 

Aunt Amy, Cousin Maddie, you, and me!

 

Mimi, Great Grammer, you, and me!

 

 

Great Grammer and you!

 

 

Great Grandpa Shew and you!

 

Great Great Granny and you!

 

Nanny and you!

 

Santa even stopped by for an early visit!

We took you on your first trip out of state at the end of September.  We went to Michigan for Aunt Deana's wedding.  Around the same time, you started smiling on purpose.  THAT was so amazing to witness.  You have been smiling ever since. 

 

At Aunt Deana's wedding reception with your Grandpa and Great Grandpa Shew.

 

 

On the way up to Michigan, we stopped to eat dinner.  It was a very long wait, so we all went into the (non-smoking) bar to grab a (non-alcoholic) drink.  I guess that will be your first and last trip into a bar until you turn 21!  In a first-time-parent mistake, we got kicked out for having a baby in a bar.  Oops!

 

 

Your Daddy holding you in a bar.  Parents of the year!

 



When we got home from that trip, we decided to try giving you your first bottle.  We had waited a whole month because of advice we had received.  You weren't sure about it at first, but you caught on pretty quickly!

 

Daddy giving you your first bottle!

After that, I only had a few short weeks to be home with you.  I can't believe how quickly the time went.  You had your 1 month check-up at Dr. Fisher's office.  You weighed 9 lbs 15 oz and were 22 inches long.  In the weeks we had left together, we did a lot of bonding, and I learned so much about you.  I tried to let Daddy sleep at night, and got up with you several times at first.  Slowly, you got into a better sleeping routine and gave me some much needed rest.  You also developed (possible) pink eye, which required another visit to the pediatrician.  I have no idea how you got it!  Here are some pics of you from the time I was home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went back to work when you were 6 1/2 weeks old.  I went back on a Wednesday to make it a short week.  It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  My first two days back, you stayed at home with Mimi.  She was so nice to come to stay with you, and it made my transition back a little bit easier.  Aunt Stacey stayed with you on Friday.  They both thought you were a very good little girl!  I have officially been back at work for more time than I was home with you.  It seems like time is passing impossibly fast. 

 

A picture from your day with Aunt Stacey when I went back to work.

You went to your daycare for the first time on Monday, October 22.  We were so blessed to get a recommendation from a neighbor.  Sandy just adores you.  You seem to like her too... you give her a big smile every single morning I drop you off.  :)  There is a little boy named Dean that goes to your daycare.  He is in love with you.  He gets really excited when he sees you.  He is 18 months old and you are far too young to date!!!

There was a charity walk for your Nana that month, too.  There, you got to meet many of your Nana's old co-workers and friends.  We bundled you up because it was rainy and cold.  We hope to take you back to this event every year.  They raised money for the Humane Society.

 

We took you to your first pumpkin patch in October, too.  It was so much fun.  You met a donkey, goat, pig, and bunnies!  You also went on your first hayride, and we picked out your first pumpkin.  We dressed you in a cute pumpkin outfit and hat that Nanny bought for you.

 

You and your new friends!

 

This was your Dad's idea... You're a vampire and he's a mummy!

 

We are terrible parents... I'm a cow and you're a farmer!

 

On the hayride with Daddy!

 

Our family on the hayride.

 

On the hayride with Mommy.

 

Daddy with you and your first pumpkin!

Before we knew it, it was Halloween and you were 2 months old!  That morning, I dressed you in a "First Halloween" onesie that my friend Ginger gave you.  I also put you in a "Baby's First Boo" hat and ghost socks that your Aunt Stacey bought.  You looked so cute.  Later that night, we had to dress you up!  You were a little bunny.  Your Great Aunt Debbie made your costume for you.  By the time we got you in it, all you wanted to do is sleep.  Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures of you with your eyes open.  We did get some pictures with Trey, Levi, and you, but I think their costumes scared you.  You cried and cried!!!

 

The morning of your first Halloween.

 

 

You were dressed as a flower when I picked you up from daycare!

 

Sleepy little bunny...

 

You were so adorable!

 



Around this time, you had your two month check-up at the doctor's office.  You got shots, and it was so hard on both Daddy and Mommy!  Daddy held your hand the entire time.  You had grown very well since your last check up.  You weighed 11 lbs 12 oz and were 23 3/4 inches.  You were pretty much off the charts!!! I'm so happy you are growing so well.

Thanksgiving was the next big event.  We headed to Michigan to spend it with my extended family.  You didn't get to eat turkey this year, but you still had a great time!  We stayed the night in a haunted castle.  I really do think you saw a ghost... You were crying inconsolably when we got back there on Thanksgiving evening.  Your Grandpa came to the rescue and got you to quiet down.  Mommy and Daddy literally tried everything to soothe you before calling him. 

 

Family photo on Thanksgiving day!

 

A photo of your Grandpa when he was little.  Everyone things you two look alike as babies!

 

Your hair cracks me up in this photo!

 

When we got home, we decorated for Christmas.  You got to see all of your new First Christmas ornaments.

Last weekend we took you to the Children's Museum for the first time.  You rode the carousel and sat on Santa's lap.  Don't worry, we told him what you wanted this year!

 

The official picture from the $40 dollar package we bought (first-time-parent mistake)!

 

Riding the carousel with Daddy!

 

Mimi feeding you a bottle.

Later that night, we tortured you for an hour while we tried to get our Christmas card photo.  Here are a couple of the outtakes.  Don't worry, we didn't let you eat the Christmas lights for long!!!

 

Yummy... lights!

Now we are all caught up!  You have recently discovered your feet and hands.  You will stare and stare at them.  You love to kick your legs really, really fast and pump your fists.  It is hilarious.  Now that you have realized that your hands are attached to your body and you control what they do, you've started putting things into your mouth.  It started with you sucking on different fingers, and now you prefer to have your thumb.  You won't take a pacifier any longer.  All you want is to suck on that thumb!  You may be teething as well.  You drool a lot and chew on your bottom lip.  I just bought you some teethers this week, and we've been trying out different ones.  You HATE the ones that are refrigerated.  I thought it might soothe your gums, but you instantly cried once it went into your mouth.  We won't be using that one again!

You also laugh all the time.  All we have to do is talk to you, and we usually get a really cute laugh.  Sometimes you even do a happy scream.  It really is the best!  Your usual laugh sounds like a cough.  You will open your mouth really big and a cough sound comes out.  I need to get it on video so we can always remember it.  You smile a lot too.  You do this adorable move where you will smile and have to look away.  It's like it is almost too much for you to handle. 

You coo and talk a lot, too.  It's amazing how interactive you are.  You love to look around (especially at the TV).  You will track people in and out of the room, and the ceiling fan is your best friend.  One of your favorite things to do is play on your activity mat.  You will punch and kick at the animals hanging there and play with rings.  Your swing is also one of your favorite things. 

You're trying to stand, and you can hold your head up all on your own.  We will hold you under your arms on our laps, and you quickly lock your legs.  You are so proud of yourself.  We will say "look what you're doing," and you will laugh and smile while craning your neck to look all around you. 

You love to have your hair played with just like your Mommy.  You've got this really long strand that grows more quickly than the rest.  It's on the left side of your head and has been there since you were born.  It's got a slight curl on the end of it.  I just love that hair. 

You love baths... thank goodness!  Your neck rolls seem to collect every ounce of spit up.  No matter how quickly and thoroughly we wipe your face and neck, you still collect this gross goo there that ONLY comes out when we bathe you. 

You REALLY enjoy seeing yourself in the mirror.  Here is the first time it happened, and it's been LOVE ever since!

I've also started calling you "Bird."  I don't know where it came from, but I think it's going to stick.  Daddy calls you "Stink."

Well, it's almost time for me to go.  You just woke up from a nap and really want to eat.  You keep laughing at your Daddy when he talks to you.  It is SO cute!  You also tooted about 10 times.  I think it's Daddy's turn to change you. :)

I love you so much and cannot wait to keep writing about how much you've grown.

Until next time my sweet baby,

Mommy



Alright, now I'm back because you just did this! 

Trying VERY hard to rollover.

Please stop growing!!!


Love you,

Mommy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Birth Story

Our birth story actually begins long before the labor and delivery.  I had done a lot of research and spoken to several friends, and we decided to try to have a natural childbirth.  I wanted to be complete drug-free to give our baby the best start I could in the world.  I know it is not for everyone, but I was committed pretty early on to try my hardest to do it naturally.  We started intense Bradley Birth Method classes last spring.  Our class met one night a week for eight weeks total.  Each class was 2 hours long, and we met in the class instructor’s basement.  Josh was definitely skeptical at first.  I have to admit that it was interesting to meet in someone’s home.  After our first class, Josh was committed to the idea as well.  We were in class with 10 other couples, and most of the other husbands admitted to being worried about the pain their wives/partners would experience during the labor and delivery.  Josh’s sentiments were felt by all.  Fortunately, we graduated those classes in late July feeling very prepared.  Josh’s main job in the room would be to coach me through the process.  He was nervous but very confident he could do it!  I could not have asked for a more supportive partner throughout my entire pregnancy, and I knew he would be just the husband I needed during the birth.  He did not disappoint!

One thing that made us a little nervous during our classes was the instructor’s insistence we would be working against the hospital in our wishes to deliver naturally.  We thought we were making the best choice for our baby by delivering in a hospital with a NICU in the event something went wrong.  Our instructor explained that the hospitals are in the business of making money, and they often use scare tactics to get you to do what they want in the end.  After some additional research, we decided to hire a doula (labor coach) to help us decipher what was negotiable and non-negotiable if any issues were to arise during Charlotte’s arrival.  It was hands-down the best decision we ever could have made!  Our doula actually worked for the hospital, and she was matched to us based on our personalities.  She was a godsend for both Josh and me during our time at the hospital. 

I think that mostly sums up the birth story prequel.  Feel free to read below to hear how everything happened on August 30^th & 31^st.

Our perfect little girl was born at 6:28 in the morning on Friday, August 31. My water broke at 10:55 pm the night before.  My legs were shaking because I was so nervous.  Even though we were just 2 days away from our due date, I still could not believe things were happening. We immediately called our doula to get her advice on what to do next, since I hadn't begun having any contractions. She asked if my water was clear.  Once I said it was, she told us that calling the hospital would begin the 24-hour clock during which our birth would have to occur (hospital policy), and they would want me to come in and get admitted immediately.  The danger with getting admitted so early at the hospital is pressure to try different interventions if labor doesn’t progress quickly enough during the 24 hour period.  I was already nervous about being induced, etc., and I knew I didn’t want to go to the hospital so early. 

She suggested I take a warm shower and try to get some rest.  One of my childhood friends was actually staying the night with us at our home that evening, and she helped calm me down and get me ready for the hospital.  Within 45 minutes of my water breaking (around 11:40 pm), my contractions had started.  Thank goodness!  Labor was progressing, and I wouldn’t need to be induced.  I continued to rest and labor at home until about 2:45 am, when my contractions became more intense and were 4-5 minutes apart.  Josh had put his shoes on and was ready to go the minute my water had broken.  He was very diligent about timing and writing down every contraction I was having, and he was the one to call the doctor when the contractions got close enough for us to head into the hospital.  He was definitely the calm confident husband I needed in that moment! 

We left for the hospital, and almost hit a deer on the way.  We can laugh about it now, but I was in the middle of a contraction when Josh had to slam on the breaks to miss it!  My sister met us at the hospital, and once we arrived, she came out to collect me and our bags from the car.  Josh went on to park in the parking garage and met us in the lobby while I continued to have contractions on a couch.  We eventually made it up to the maternity floor and checked into the triage at a little after 3.  They hooked me up to two monitors, one to measure the intensity of my contractions and another to measure the baby’s heartbeat.  The nurse asked me various questions in order to get me admitted.  It seemed impossible to talk to her during the contractions at times, and I had to keep pausing to take breaks.  She confirmed my water had broken, and my doula arrived to meet us at triage.  I had to stand to change into a new gown, and every simple act seemed like it required super human strength to accomplish.  I was thrilled to hear I was 4 cm dilated, 90% effaced, and baby was at a 0 station. At my doctor's appointment the day before, I was 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and baby was at a -2 station. The contractions were still manageable at that point, but I was feeling very nauseous.  My doula gave me peppermint oil to breathe in, and it helped immediately. 

 

Here I am, signing all of the required paperwork before they moved me to my room.  She was born less than 3 hours later!

 

 

Smiling between contractions...

 

 

Josh is helping me through a contraction in the triage area.

 

 

Coaching me along!

Next, I need to move to my labor, delivery, and recovery room.  My nurse met us in the triage area to start the walk down the hall.  I didn’t get 2 feet out of triage before I had a pretty painful contraction.  Nurse Shannon let me hold onto her body for support while I rocked back and forth through it.  They eventually got me situated in room 4208 about 4:30 am, and things progressed quickly from there. Shortly after we got into the room, I began vomiting and having the most intense pains in my back even between contractions.  I tried nearly every position we learned in class to help the progress and ease my back labor. I stood and rocked, used a birthing ball and rocked, got on hands and knees, tried lying in a sideline position, etc. I have to say the ball was the biggest help in terms of helping me to dilate quickly. My mom also arrived shortly after we got to the room.  I remember knowing she was there, but I was so focused on laboring that I couldn’t even look at anyone.  Josh stayed by my side, held my hand, and continued saying encouraging things over and over again.  He was my rock during the whole process.  My sister and Mom helped get cold compresses and rub my back, fix my hair, etc.  Our doula stood on my other side offering advice and encouragement as well.  Lastly, our nurse (who incidentally was a big fan of natural childbirth) applied counter pressure to my aching back.  I had an amazing birth team in that room and know that I could not have done this without any of them!!!  I also prayed to Melanie, a lot.  I kept asking her to give me the strength to get through it, and I told myself over and over again that if she fought so hard for so long, I could certainly endure this temporary discomfort. 

 

Finally laboring in the room!

Within 30 min of being in my room (around 5 am), I was 6 cm, and after another 45 minutes, I was 9 cm. Within minutes of getting confirmation that I was at 9, I felt an overwhelming urge to push. They had already paged my doctor, but she took an eternity to arrive. After another check, they confirmed I was 10 cm and baby was at +1. The room quickly filled with people.  The nurses begged me not to push until our doctor was present, but my body had a mind of its own at that point. Waiting out 4-5 contractions for the go ahead seemed nearly impossible, but I successfully waited until the doctor arrived.  My doula actually whispered to me while we were waiting for the doctor that if I need to push, I should just push.  That made me feel better to know I had the option. 

 

My sister was nervous about being there, but she was a big help, too!

I began pushing at 6:05 and pushed 3-4 times unsuccessfully.  The baby was in distress. The doctor told me I had one more try to get her to move down before she was taking me for a C-section. I had worked so hard for a natural birth up to that point, and it seemed inconceivable that I could lose it all in that moment. I pushed with everything inside of me to get her to move, and it worked!  Next, my doctor told me she had to perform an episiotomy and insert a vacuum before the next contraction.  Although that wasn’t in the birth plan, I just wanted to get this baby out quickly and make sure she was healthy!  I heard them call for NICU for the next couple of pushes.  I was scared, but I gave it all I had.  I pushed for a total of 23 minutes, and Charlotte was born.  She was a very healthy 7 lbs 5 oz and 21 inches long, with a full head of medium brown hair! 

 

Right after Charlotte was born.

 

If you look closely, you can see Josh crying.  So sweet!

 

Proud Mimi!  She's also crying.

 

 

Charlotte Ann Wiencken

 

During her journey, her heart rate had dropped to 50 and shot up to 200. I wasn't really aware of what was going on until after she was born, but the ultimatum she gave me made me do whatever it was going to take to get her out safely. I'm not entirely sure I was pushing correctly up until the C-section threat, but I will know what to do the next time.

Afterwards, the doctor cut the cord "because of the circumstances." I felt terrible for Josh, but I could hear our baby girl crying.  I knew she was healthy, and that’s all we wanted in the end.  They whisked her away to a warmer in the room and worked on her for about 20 min after birth delaying our skin-to-skin.  Thankfully, she didn’t have to spend a second in the NICU.  We have been snuggling with her every minute since. Her Apgar Scores were 8 & 9, and she is managing perfectly.

 

Holding our baby for the first time! (Please ignore my hair)

 

Our first time together as a family!

 

I can absolutely say it was ALL worth it! I had a nearly perfect pregnancy and labor and delivery.  I feel my body was made for this, and we feel so blessed!  The total labor from my water breaking to delivery was only 7.5 hours. This experience was by far the most powerful and rewarding thing we have ever been a part of in our entire lives. Charlotte is healthy and strong. She didn't close her eyes for her first nap for nearly 6 hours after her arrival.

Although things didn't go exactly according to plan, she arrived safely and naturally. We are over the moon!!!

 

My view during our snuggle time!

***Josh’s Additions – I am truly a changed man.  This was the most amazing experience of my life, nothing has compared.  I’ll just add that when our doctor mentioned the C-section, my heart absolutely sunk.  Sara remained so focused and I have never been more proud of her.  When Charlotte made her debut, my body was in shock.  I continued to hold Sara’s hand as my wide eyes began to produce tears that rolled down my face.  She was so precious, and that is a moment that I will never forget.

 

Until our next post,

Josh, Sara & Baby Charlotte

Week 39 & Some of Week 40



 

Sara has been furiously studying for a test she has to take for work by October 2.  She was really anxious about taking it after Charlotte has arrived, and the early maternity leave has given her the time she needs to study.  Fortunately, she was able to schedule the test for this past Thursday, August 23.  Unfortunately, because she wanted to take this test ASAP, she had to drive to Lafayette to take it.  I was a nervous wreck that she would go into labor and be over an hour away from home by herself.  We are happy to report that Charlotte decided it still isn't time to come out, and Sara has passed the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist designation.  She feels a huge weight lifted off her shoulders!

We spent a large part of this weekend cleaning/nesting.  Sara talked me into buying a new (expensive) vacuum, but I have to say the purchase was worth it.  Our house is spotless.  Sara and I finally got the carseat in the car this weekend, too.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute.  I think we are in denial that this is actually happening. 

We are now in the week of our due date, and Sara continues to clean the house every single day (just in case).  She has a childhood friend coming to visit tomorrow (Thursday), and she's hoping she doesn't go into labor before then.  We had another visit to the doctor this Wednesday as well, and things are pretty much the same as last week.  She is still dilated to 1cm and 50% effaced (an improvement over last week).  The baby is still at a -2.  The doctor told us she stripped Sara's membranes which made Sara pretty upset.  She was not wanting any type of an "intervention" including those that don't include medication.  She is anxious this will make her go into labor.  She has a busy day planned with some friends tomorrow, but we know this baby is going to make an appearance some time soon!

Below are the pictures from 39 weeks.  The average baby is measuring at 20 inches, and 6 lbs 16 oz.  She is definitely getting ready for life in the outside world.  Labor or ruptured membranes (water breaking) could occur at any time now. 

 

 

Update: Sara enjoyed a nice day with her friends on Thursday, August 30.  They went to lunch and dinner and visitied most of the day.  Sara got home that evening around 7:45, and walked to the neighborhood park with her friend Stacey and her son Sam.  My fantasy football draft started about 8:30.  When Sara and Stacey returned home from the park, they hung out in the living room while I was drafting my steller fantasy football team.  The draft ended about 10:40, and we all headed upstairs to bed.  Sara brushed her teeth, washed her face, and when she went to lay down, her water broke immediately.  It was 10:55 pm, and our lives were about to change.  Read onto the Birth Story for all of the details!

And now we wait...

Week 38 has arrived and there is no room left in that stomach.  I am writing you from my Dad's couch as the whole family is here today for a Sunday dinner.  Even Nan and her 95 year old mom (Granny) are here!  I am hoping that we might get some guest input on this blog from my family members as they are anxiously awaiting Miss Charlotte's arrival as well.

Speak of the devil, here comes Uncle Drew...

"Charlotte, I really hope that your arrival doesn't interrupt my Fantasy Football Draft this year.  Also, I hope you are "Humble" and "Some Pig."

Well, I was hoping for something a little more profound, but that will have to do.  We had our maternity pictures yesterday with our wedding photographer.  We haven't seen her in nearly four years, so it was nice to catch up with her during another milestone event in our lives. 

Let me fill you in on Sara's last doctor's visit on Tuesday, August 14.  She was still measuring right on target and was already 1cm dilated!  That was exciting news for us to know that things were already moving in the right direction.  More importantly, due to the swelling in Sara's feet and legs, our Doctor decided that it was time for her to shut it down at work and stay home and rest.  This takes stress off of me too, because I didn't want to get the news and have her be at some work appointment.  After our appointment, we went out to dinner to P.F. Chang's to celebrate.  Most of you probably know that is where we got engaged and has become our "celebration spot" ever since.

Oh wait, here comes Aunt Whitney...

"I hope that your actual arrival isn't as scary as I am envisioning it to be.  Also, to lose my reputation as Druncle Whitney, I am working on my sobriety so that I can make it to the hospital for your birth."

Again, these interviews have been a little underwhelming so far.  Things are about to turn around, here comes sweet Aunt Lindsay...

"Charlotte, I am anxiously awating the call from your Daddy saying that you are on your way! I can't wait to hold you and spoil you rotten!"

Much better, thank you Aunt Lindsay.  Charlotte is still developing in Week 38.  She has really plumped up now weighing in around 6.8 pounds and measuring over 19.5 inches long.  She now has a firm grasp with her hands so she should be able to give out handshakes when she comes out.  Also, her organs are now fully developed and are ready for life on the outside.  The question is, are Sara and I ready ready for her to be on the outside??

Hold on, here comes Charlotte's wonderful Great Grandmonther (my Nan), let's see what she has to say...

"Can't wait for little Charlotte to be born.  It is always such a miracle to happen.  Will wait for the phone call saying Sara and Charlotte are doing fine.  Also daddy Josh."

Thanks Nan, we can't wait for you to meet her

Below are the pictures of my beautiful pregnant wife from weeks 36-38.  I'll also give some insight on how Miss Charlotte is developing each week!

Week 36 - Our baby is still getting fatter and plumper.  She estimated to be about 5 lbs 13 oz and 18.6 inches long.  Her toenails now reach the ends of her toes.  Most of hte lanugo (fine hair) has now disappeared.  The amount of amniotic flud has decreased somewhat, but the baby continues practicing breathing exercises.  She is almost fully mature; only 1 week si left for her to be considered full-term.  She is about the size of a crenshaw melon (whatever that is).

Week 37 - This week she is technically considered full-term and is the size of swiss chard!  Her organs are fully developed and she is ready for the outside world. She is still gaining about an ounce a day and is measuring approximately 6 lbs 5 oz, and 19.1 inches in length.  She is in head down position and beginning to run out of room.

 

 

Week 38 - We are now well into the normal delivery zone, and she is the size of a leek.  She continues to gain about 1 oz a day and is measuring about 6 lbs 11 oz and 19.6 inches long.  She takes up most of the space in Sara's uterus and has a full head of hair.  By now, most of the lanugo is gone, and the vermix (white petroleum jelly-like coating) is starting to disappear as well.  She actually swallows a lot of the lanugo and vernixk which becomes mecuonium (the first stool) in her intestines.  Under the influence of high amounts of estrogen in Sara's blood, breast buds have appeard on her little body.

 

Until next time...

Josh & Sara



Charlotte's web is almost spun...

Long time, no blog!

I promise it was worth the wait.  We are inching very close to this big day and couldn't be more excited.  We have been touring childcare locations, packing hospital bags, scheduling maternity and baby pictures, and practicing reading lots of children's books!  I love having an excuse to read these great books again. Not going to lie, I am looking forward to the trips to children museums and Disney movies in my future.

My beautiful wife is going to be such a great mother, I can't wait to see her with Charlotte!  We both are counting down the days to meet this little booger.  We are exactly one month from our due date now and our Doctor visits will be once a week from here on out.  This coming Wednesday we will have an Ultrasound to see if she is positioning herself head down (fingers crossed for Sara's sake!). 

The Bears play the Colts in Week 1 of the NFL season this year (Sept. 9th) so I have her Bears onesie, Bears hat, and Bears socks all laid out.  Charlotte and Andrew Luck will both be crapping their pants when they see the Bears Defense this year.  I just hope she craps at halftime.

Sara is still working every day, but has cut down her traveling and has been staying closer to home.  She has been experiencing contractions these past couple of days, but nothing too serious.  Charlotte is still moving around like crazy like she part of the Team USA Women's Gymnastics team.

I will try to be better about posting updates as we near the end of this awesome journey.  Please keep praying that everything continues to go well, we would really appreciate that.

This little girl is about to change my life, so please pray for me as I will eventually be the third smartest person in this family.  I seriously can't wait.

Here are some pictures to show how Sara's beautiful belly has grown in these last few weeks:

We can't wait to tell her about you Nana Mel!  (Thanks to Drew and Whitney for creating an unbelievable book to guarantee she never will!) 

We love and miss you Mom.  I feel your love everyday and know that you are still with us.

Talk to you guys soon!

Love,

Josh, Josh's Baby Mama Sara, & Miss Charlotte

We Get to See Charlotte Today!

Hi Sweet Girl,


It's your Mommy, and I just wanted to write you a quick note to say that I cannot wait to see you in 2 hours. In fact, I could hardly sleep last night because of the anticipation. All morning long, I have been texting Daddy an hourly countdown to our ultrasound appointment.


Of course I am excited to count your fingers and toes and to make sure you are officially a girl... But I'm most excited to see your sweet face! I.cannot.wait.


You have been very active all morning, and I'm hoping you don't wear yourself out before 2:30. Only time will tell :). We will be back later tonight to post come pictures and give a play-by-play to all our friends and family.


Love you!

Charlotte (or Charles?)

Hello everyone!


It has been a few weeks since our last update, mostly due to the fact that my family has endured another loss.  This time we lost our Rock, the glue that held us all together.  We had to say goodbye to my mother Melanie Lynne Wiencken (Nana) on the morning of June 19th.  Even though life somehow goes on, things just do not feel right without her here.  I miss her every day.


However, this blog was something that my Mom encouraged me to update frequently because it filled her in on everything going on with her Granddaughter.  So I will continue to update this blog up until Charlotte is born, because she would want me to.  Hopefully she is smiling as I type these words.  We have continued to take pictures each week so that we could track Sara's progress and you will see her belly growing below.


Before I update you on Charlotte's developments over the last few weeks, I'll fill you in on our current busy schedule.  Tomorrow we have our 3D/4D Ultrasound at 2:30 followed by our regular doctor visit at 4pm.  Because of the skepticim we had when we found out the sex, tomorrow will give us that peace of mind that Charlotte is Charlotte, and not Charles.  We should have pictures to share after tomorrow.


As Charlotte grows, so does Sara's belly!  Sara gets a little more uncomfortable each time her stomach expands, but she is still getting along fabulously.  We have had both of our Baby Showers now (pictures to come), and we have to say that Stacey, Lindsay, and Whitney outdid themselves.  Both showers were amazing and Charlotte reaped the benefits by aquiring new books, clothes, furniture, etc.  Thank you all who were able to come!


Here are the developments in Charlotte that have taken place since the last post:


Week 28:  By this week, Charlotte is weighing in at 2 1/4 lbs. (size of a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels.  She can blink her eyes which now sport lashes.  With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through Sara's womb.  She is also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.


Week 29:  Charlotte was tipping the scales at 2.5 lbs this week (like a butternut squash) and measures a tad over 15 inches.  Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain.  To meet her increasing nutritional demands, Sara has been getting plenty of protein, Vitamin C, folic acid and iron (really testing my cooking skills!).  Because Charlotte's bones are soaking up lots of calcium, Sara is getting lots of dairy in her diet (250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in Charlotte's hardening skeleton each day.)


Week 30:  She weighs almost 3 lbs this week and weighs in at 15.7 inches.  A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in Sara's uterus.  Her eyesight continues to develop, though it is not very keen;  even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day.  When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light, but will have 20/400 vision (just like her Aunt Whitney!)


Week 31:  This week she is weighing about 3.3 lbs and measures over 16 inches long (picture carrying 4 navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt.  She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as fat accumulates underneather her skin.  She is moving a lot too, which is starting to mess with Sara's sleep schedule.  We are told to take comfort in the fact that she is moving around a lot, it's just a sign that she is active and healthy.


Week 32:  Finally, our current week!  She is weighing 3.75 lbs this week and is about 16.7 inches long.  Sara is gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to Charlotte.  In fact, Charlotte will gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (she also got a baby mullet wig at one of our showers just in case)!  Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.




 Now, here are the pictures of Sara and Charlotte over the past few weeks...

We are getting closer!  Talk to everyone soon, love you guys!

Adios,

Josh, Sara, and Charlotte (Charles?)