Part I: Labor and Birth
It all began Sunday, January 6th, late afternoon. While visiting with friends, I noticed I was having regular contractions. At first, I didn't pay much attention the them, but once my friends left, I realized that I was still having regular contractions. They continued and seemed to steadily be four minutes apart. Unsure if this was the start of labor, I decided to take a warm bath to see if this would cause the contractions to fizzle out. While in the tub, they did spread out to about five to six minutes apart. But, as soon as I got out, they returned to about every four minutes. I felt this was indeed early labor, but knew the contractions weren't strong enough to be active labor.
After several hours of wondering if this was labor, I was tired of timing and just tired in general, so I went to bed around 10:30pm. I was so tired, in fact, that part of me hoped labor wouldn't intensify during the night, but rather "pick up where we left off in the morning", after a full night's rest. I had always wished that I could wake up in the morning and go into labor. I've had all my babies late at night, after a long day, and feeling very tired, so I desired a morning labor.
Well, I got half of my wish. I did officially go into labor in the morning, but I certainly didn't get that full night's rest I had hoped for. I guess my mind was just too focused on the possibility of labor, because I was up constantly during the night. I did maintain regular contractions through the night, although only a couple of them were a bit stronger than the rest.
The alarm clock went off at 5:30 am the next morning because I had planned to take my friends to the airport. Well, with having not gotten much sleep AND knowing I was possibly in labor, I awoke Greg and asked him to take them to the airport. The thought of being stuck in morning traffic and having my water break in the car was an unnerving thought.
Before Greg left, I had already experienced a few harder contractions and started to get nervous about something happening while he was gone. I sat down to post on my blog, and as soon as I stood up, I had a very strong contraction, hard enough to have to breathe through. At this point, I KNEW I was in active labor! I told Greg to get to that airport FAST! I also told him to call me every thirty minutes to check on my progress. As soon as he left, I went into labor preparation mode and finished up last minute things in my room and bathroom. In no time, Greg was home and we called the midwife. I think it was about 8:30am when we called her. She said she would go ahead and come because it was going to take her an hour to get here.
At this point, I pretty much stayed in my room as labor intensified. I tried various positions to find what was comfortable. I was almost overwhelmed with choices! In the hospital, I always did the same thing....I walked and stayed on my feet until it was time to push. Ahh, but here at home, I had choices! Almost too many choices. I couldn't decide WHAT I wanted to do! I walked, I stood, I layed in bed.......I was trying to hold out as long as possible before getting into the tub. I wanted to hold out for that much anticipated relief for transition. It wasn't long before the contractions became doozies, so Greg drew the bath......it was time. I had a couple of contractions in the bathroom so I held onto the counter and had Greg rub vigorously on my lower back. This helped tremendously to ease some of the pain. Tub time!
I had only been in the tub about 10 minutes when Janet, my midwife, arrived. While in the tub, I tried to relax and find a comfortable position. The water WAS a great relief, but I couldn't seem to find the right position during a contraction. I wanted to be upright so that Greg could have access to my back, but I felt like I was having to hold myself up which just exerted extra energy that needed to be reserved for the contraction itself.
Just as I was trying to decide if being in the tub was working for me, I had a HUGE contration and suddenly felt "pushy"! To everyone's surprise, including mine, I began grunting and pushing. Usually pushing affords me some relief, but I wasn't feeling any. But, with the next push, I felt a pop and then MAJOR relief. My bag of water had ruptured. Labor had advanced so quickly that it hadn't even occured to me that my water bag was still in tact.
By this time, my small bathroom had filled up with lots of people: My mom, the kids, my friends, and my midwife. Greg left my back to get into the "catcher's position". In one push, I felt the baby go from high up in my pelvis to crowning. I instictively put my hand on the baby's head to ease her out to prevent tearing. Once her head was out, Janet instructed Greg to check for any cord around the neck. No cord! Before my next push I remember yelling, "I hate the shoulders!" and bracing myself for the next push. The head is not what bothers me, it's those shoulders! Ouch! So, with one final push, Greg pulled our sweet baby girl out and placed her on my belly. She was perfect and breathing well! Our baby was finally here!
I can't tell you what a blessing it was to be surrounded by loved ones to share this miracle with us! I always love the sounds of all the people around me after giving birth. The shouts of joy, the praising, and the laughter. It's priceless!
Genevieve Julee was born January 7th at 9:52am. She was milky white (with vernix) and absolutley beautiful! The birth was amazing and Genevieve was strong and healthy! Best of all, Greg finally got to deliver one of our babies! God is good!
Part Two
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Meme
I've been tagged.......again!
Okay, here's six not-so-important things about me:
1. Growing up I was a complete tomboy! I really had no use for girls and the things girls did. Boys were much more fun.......they played rough sports, weren't emotional and didn't care what my hair or clothes looked like! In sixth grade, I played Little League baseball. My positions were first base and catcher. Later, I went on to play (girlie) softball in highschool where I made MVP. Those were the days! My sophmore year in highschool, I played football. Yes, football. On the boys team! I told you I was a tomboy! My positions were split end and defensive back. I was good and I loved the game. I even made front page news in my hometown. And NO, I would never let MY girls play......are you crazy......football is dangerous and SO unlady-like! ;-)
2. Also growing up, I always said I was never getting married and NEVER having kids........
3. I cringe when people sneeze near me, especially behind me! It gives me the heebie-geebies!
4. Josh Groban's music can bring me to tears. Not much else can!
5. Having many children has mostly cured my germ phobia. Although, I still have occasional issues with restaurants and what employees do behind the scenes!
6. I have several OCD's. One is, the four pillows on my couch HAVE to be placed with the pattern sitting vertically with the seam down. It irritates me when someone places them any other way but this way! I'll spare you from rest!
I think everyone I know has been tagged except Adrienne.
Okay, here's six not-so-important things about me:
1. Growing up I was a complete tomboy! I really had no use for girls and the things girls did. Boys were much more fun.......they played rough sports, weren't emotional and didn't care what my hair or clothes looked like! In sixth grade, I played Little League baseball. My positions were first base and catcher. Later, I went on to play (girlie) softball in highschool where I made MVP. Those were the days! My sophmore year in highschool, I played football. Yes, football. On the boys team! I told you I was a tomboy! My positions were split end and defensive back. I was good and I loved the game. I even made front page news in my hometown. And NO, I would never let MY girls play......are you crazy......football is dangerous and SO unlady-like! ;-)
2. Also growing up, I always said I was never getting married and NEVER having kids........
3. I cringe when people sneeze near me, especially behind me! It gives me the heebie-geebies!
4. Josh Groban's music can bring me to tears. Not much else can!
5. Having many children has mostly cured my germ phobia. Although, I still have occasional issues with restaurants and what employees do behind the scenes!
6. I have several OCD's. One is, the four pillows on my couch HAVE to be placed with the pattern sitting vertically with the seam down. It irritates me when someone places them any other way but this way! I'll spare you from rest!
I think everyone I know has been tagged except Adrienne.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Business of Being Born
The Business of Being Born
Greg and I (and Genevieve) attended a private screening last night to view this AMAZING documentary about birth and how women's view of birth has changed over the decades. We were floored by many of the statistics, both nationwide and local, concerning infant mortality rate (in hospitals) and the C-section rate in the U.S. We learned, that in Bexar County alone, the C-section rate is 50% for those on Medicaid!
And on this birth note, I've been working on our birth story and should have it posted soon!
Greg and I (and Genevieve) attended a private screening last night to view this AMAZING documentary about birth and how women's view of birth has changed over the decades. We were floored by many of the statistics, both nationwide and local, concerning infant mortality rate (in hospitals) and the C-section rate in the U.S. We learned, that in Bexar County alone, the C-section rate is 50% for those on Medicaid!
The Synopsis of the Film:
Birth: it’s a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth experience with her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to examine and question the way American women have babies.
The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.
Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?
And on this birth note, I've been working on our birth story and should have it posted soon!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Helping Children
Always ready to help.......I think?
The scene this morning:
Celeste runs upstairs to check on the little ones. You know.........when it's TOO quiet, something's up! She finds Seth, Sophia and Ethan in the bathroom. Ethan has no pajamas on and NO diaper.
Celeste: What are you all doing in here?
Sophia: We're trying to get Ethan pottied!
Celeste: He's not ready yet! Get his diaper and jammies on right now!
So then Sophia comes running to the stairs and shouts down to me, "Mommy, Ethan WANTS to be potty trained!"
Me: Oh really! Well, we'll have to think about that one! (Shaking my head, I send Celeste back up to get Ethan dressed.)
The funny thing is, the little ones probably COULD "get Ethan pottied"! I have to admit......I do love their enthusiasm!
The scene this morning:
Celeste runs upstairs to check on the little ones. You know.........when it's TOO quiet, something's up! She finds Seth, Sophia and Ethan in the bathroom. Ethan has no pajamas on and NO diaper.
Celeste: What are you all doing in here?
Sophia: We're trying to get Ethan pottied!
Celeste: He's not ready yet! Get his diaper and jammies on right now!
So then Sophia comes running to the stairs and shouts down to me, "Mommy, Ethan WANTS to be potty trained!"
Me: Oh really! Well, we'll have to think about that one! (Shaking my head, I send Celeste back up to get Ethan dressed.)
The funny thing is, the little ones probably COULD "get Ethan pottied"! I have to admit......I do love their enthusiasm!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Stop the Time
Someone please stop time......
It's hard to believe it's been one whole week since Genevieve was born! I know children are supposed to grow and all, but time is going by WAY too quickly! We are enjoying this sweet baby so much! We're also enjoying our visit with my mom. All the kids have attached themselves to her, and I always love any chance to spend time with my mom. She is so much fun to be around and always a trememdous help! I'm not ready for her to leave this Friday......although, I'd never be ready for her to leave! I wish time could just stand still.....just for a little while!
Well, here are a few more pictures of our sweet girl. The little ones love to hold her and love on her........
And here's our precious little girl at one week......
The birth story and more pics soon to come............
It's hard to believe it's been one whole week since Genevieve was born! I know children are supposed to grow and all, but time is going by WAY too quickly! We are enjoying this sweet baby so much! We're also enjoying our visit with my mom. All the kids have attached themselves to her, and I always love any chance to spend time with my mom. She is so much fun to be around and always a trememdous help! I'm not ready for her to leave this Friday......although, I'd never be ready for her to leave! I wish time could just stand still.....just for a little while!
Well, here are a few more pictures of our sweet girl. The little ones love to hold her and love on her........
And here's our precious little girl at one week......
The birth story and more pics soon to come............
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
All is Well
All is well and we're singing praises........
Hello to all of our precious friends and family who shared in our joy and our slight scare via the blog! I read each and every comment and so much appreciate your love and concern. All is well now and we are very much enjoying our sweet baby girl. She is a gift!
I will be posting the birth story along with many more pictures very soon, but for now I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your prayers, emails, and calls. I'm so sorry to those of you who were supposed to be present at the birth but did not make it, and thank those of you who were there. Everyone played such a vital role in the birth and we thank you for being apart of our miraculous day!
Thank you to Aubrey for running all over town to hunt down Liquid Chlorophyll, which made all the difference. Thank you to Shannon for the wonderful pot of Chicken Soup and all the goodies you brought. Thank you to Stacey, Shannon, and Tiffany for taking pictures. And thank you to everyone else for helping where help was needed! I love you all and was so glad you were there! I also want to sing the praises of Janet and Holly, the two midwives, and their apprentices, for their quick actions, their professionalism and their sweet spirits in the midst of a difficult situation. They were AMAZING!
In the end, God was faithful with His protection and gracious in His blessing of a new baby who was delivered into the arms of her Daddy! Stay tuned........more to come soon!
Hello to all of our precious friends and family who shared in our joy and our slight scare via the blog! I read each and every comment and so much appreciate your love and concern. All is well now and we are very much enjoying our sweet baby girl. She is a gift!I will be posting the birth story along with many more pictures very soon, but for now I just wanted to take the time to thank you for your prayers, emails, and calls. I'm so sorry to those of you who were supposed to be present at the birth but did not make it, and thank those of you who were there. Everyone played such a vital role in the birth and we thank you for being apart of our miraculous day!
Thank you to Aubrey for running all over town to hunt down Liquid Chlorophyll, which made all the difference. Thank you to Shannon for the wonderful pot of Chicken Soup and all the goodies you brought. Thank you to Stacey, Shannon, and Tiffany for taking pictures. And thank you to everyone else for helping where help was needed! I love you all and was so glad you were there! I also want to sing the praises of Janet and Holly, the two midwives, and their apprentices, for their quick actions, their professionalism and their sweet spirits in the midst of a difficult situation. They were AMAZING!
In the end, God was faithful with His protection and gracious in His blessing of a new baby who was delivered into the arms of her Daddy! Stay tuned........more to come soon!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Finally Nursing
Mama and Baby G are both doing fine. Candace is very stable and her BP hasn't taken any big dips in awhile. She is now eating chicken soup and sipping on a VERY large bottle of chlorophyll! Janet will continue to monitor her for a few hours.
G has nursed several times now like a pro. She likes to suck on those fingers when she's not nursing.
Thanks to all who have been checking in by blog, email, or phone. Your prayers have meant the world to Greg and Candace. Keep them coming!
This will be my last post for them. Hopefully Proud Daddy will be able to post some pics soon.
-Aubrey for all here
G has nursed several times now like a pro. She likes to suck on those fingers when she's not nursing.
Thanks to all who have been checking in by blog, email, or phone. Your prayers have meant the world to Greg and Candace. Keep them coming!
This will be my last post for them. Hopefully Proud Daddy will be able to post some pics soon.
-Aubrey for all here
Update
Baby Genevieve is 7lbs 14oz. 20 1/4in long.
Mama is better. She is sitting up and eating a few bites of egg and drinking some juice. BP is looking much better now. Janet is even smiling and joking now. She still has not been able to nurse yet but we are hopeful that will be very soon.
I wish you could smell this house! Shannon came over right after the birth and is making a huge pot of soup. The smell has reached Candace all the way upstairs and she cant wait to try it.
More later, Aubrey for all here
Mama is better. She is sitting up and eating a few bites of egg and drinking some juice. BP is looking much better now. Janet is even smiling and joking now. She still has not been able to nurse yet but we are hopeful that will be very soon.
I wish you could smell this house! Shannon came over right after the birth and is making a huge pot of soup. The smell has reached Candace all the way upstairs and she cant wait to try it.
More later, Aubrey for all here
Please Pray...
Pray for Candace. Janet and Holly finally have her in the bed. She had a partially detached placenta and fainted quite a few times. Thank goodness for oxygen! Janet is now sure she has gotten it all but is being cautious. Candace just smiled at me and told me to post so that is a good sign! Baby G is sucking hard on her first finger and thumb, waiting patiently to nurse! Update again soon.
-Aubrey for all here
-Aubrey for all here
Genevieve Julee
Her name is Genevieve Julee. She is lovely and doing just fine. Mama is hanging in there after a little blood loss and a fainting spell. Janet is taking terrific care of her. Weight still to come when Mama is taken care of.
-Aubrey for all here
-Aubrey for all here
Its a GIRL!
9:52am
She went from a 6 to pushing in about 5 min. Baby girl is crying and Mama is happy and exhausted. Dad did get to deliver. Weight and name to come!
-Aubrey for all here
She went from a 6 to pushing in about 5 min. Baby girl is crying and Mama is happy and exhausted. Dad did get to deliver. Weight and name to come!
-Aubrey for all here
In Labor
I'm definitely in labor! Contractions are about 3-4 mins apart and getting stronger! I've called the midwife to update her and I've been preparing my room and bathroom. Please pray......I'm a little nervous. I'll probably be making phone calls real soon!
Update
It's Getting Closer
My mom is now 5cm!! The contractions are getting stronger, and they're still
about 3-4 min apart. I will post again in a little while.
Please pray!!!!
My mom is now 5cm!! The contractions are getting stronger, and they're still
about 3-4 min apart. I will post again in a little while.
Please pray!!!!
Long Night, No Baby Yet
It's 6 am, and I definitely had a long night! I continued to have contractions through the night, more spread out, but fairly consistent. This morning I feel more pressure and have already had a couple of stronger contractions just being up and on my feet.
Greg is getting ready to drive our friends to the airport, so I'm praying nothing happens while he's gone. He should be home by 8 am. I'll start timing contractions again in the meantime and pray that my water does not break while he's gone.
At this point, I would be VERY surprised if this baby isn't born today! Please pray for us!
Greg is getting ready to drive our friends to the airport, so I'm praying nothing happens while he's gone. He should be home by 8 am. I'll start timing contractions again in the meantime and pray that my water does not break while he's gone.
At this point, I would be VERY surprised if this baby isn't born today! Please pray for us!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Not Much Change
Since out of the tub, I was having contactions every 3-4 minutes apart. In the last 30 minutes they seem to have spread out slightly. Since they're not getting any stronger, and I'm feeling really tired, I'm going to bed now just in case this is early labor. It will be interesting to see what happens during the night, if anything.
I wish I had more exciting news to report at this time......I'll definitley post again, or make phone calls if there are any changes. Otherwise, I'll talk to you tomorrow! Signing off.........
I wish I had more exciting news to report at this time......I'll definitley post again, or make phone calls if there are any changes. Otherwise, I'll talk to you tomorrow! Signing off.........
Still Not Sure
Well, I just got out of the tub. While in, my contractions were about 4-6 apart. I'm still not convinced this is actual labor so I still won't make any calls. I'll just continue timing and I'll post again if and when there's any change (to include fizzling out). I think it's gonna be a long night.........
Could This Be?
I'm not saying I'm in labor yet, BUT, I've been steadily having contractions about every four minutes for about the last hour. I don't want to get my hopes up, or anyone else's, so I'm not even making phone calls yet. I'll post again in an hour or so with an update. It's about 7:10 pm. We'll see........
Saturday, January 05, 2008
No News
No news.....yet.......
......except that my mom arrived safely yesterday afternoon. It is SO good to have her here and I'm so thankful she made it in time for the baby! Now I'm ready!!!
So far, nothing has been happening. I have an appt with my midwife this morning and after that we plan to be VERY active. ;-) Thank you to all of my sweet friends who have been calling to check on me! It's so exciting and I LOVE that the people around us are excited too! Hopefully, we'll have news very soon!
Have a great day!
......except that my mom arrived safely yesterday afternoon. It is SO good to have her here and I'm so thankful she made it in time for the baby! Now I'm ready!!!
So far, nothing has been happening. I have an appt with my midwife this morning and after that we plan to be VERY active. ;-) Thank you to all of my sweet friends who have been calling to check on me! It's so exciting and I LOVE that the people around us are excited too! Hopefully, we'll have news very soon!
Have a great day!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Family Update
Just some updates.........
Can you believe I'm just FOUR days away from my due date? I can't believe it! The funny thing is.......I'm still in no rush to go into labor. I think it's because I REALLY want to hold out until my mom gets here on the 4th. Just rwo more days........I think I can hold on! ;-) Initially, she was only able to stay one week, but thankfully, she was able to extend her stay to TWO WEEKS! Yippee! Now I feel like we have time..........time to visit, time for the baby to come, and time to enjoy the baby once he/she arrives!
I have been SO lost without our digital camera! It broke some time ago and I've realized it's not as much fun posting on the blog without pictures to go along with some of the posts. I'm sure we'll replace it soon, but before the birth! We do have a video camera, and a stock pile of disposable cameras, but without a digital, I can't zip out pictures of the baby to friends and family right away! SOOOOO, if you're coming to my birth (and you know who you are), will you PLEASE bring your digital camera with you? At least that way you all can email me the pics and I can email those out! I would really appreciate it!
A few friends have asked about the latest on our house situation. Well, as you know, we have not sold our current home yet, so the possibility of moving is looking slim. Although the new house is still not completed, we received a phone call the other day from our sales rep telling us that the "head honchos" want to cancel our contract because we have not sold our house. Honestly, we couldn't help but just laugh about it! If they want to cancel before the house is even finished, so be it! Our sales rep is still trying to fight the big guys and convince them to hold onto the contract until the house is done (at least another month), so we'll see what happens. In the end, it really doesn't matter though. God in in control and He already has a plan for the Sabo family so we'll just sit back and watch what He does in this situation. In the meantime, we'll just focus on the arrival of this sweet baby and enjoy my mom being here. I guess the only thing we may do if the contract is canceled is take our house off the market so we can rest and enjoy the baby without the hassel of showings!
Please keep in prayer the Cambron family! Many of you know already that Charles is leaving for Iraq for the second time in a couple of days. He'll be gone for four months. Please pray for his safety while he's away and the peace of knowing his family will be taken care of. Pray for Stacey and the kids as they wait for his return. May God fill them with His peace and comfort and may those of us around them minister to them daily! We'll miss you Charles! Thank you for all that you do to protect your country!
I guess that's all for updates. Hopefully my next post will be labor and baby news! Happy New Year!
Can you believe I'm just FOUR days away from my due date? I can't believe it! The funny thing is.......I'm still in no rush to go into labor. I think it's because I REALLY want to hold out until my mom gets here on the 4th. Just rwo more days........I think I can hold on! ;-) Initially, she was only able to stay one week, but thankfully, she was able to extend her stay to TWO WEEKS! Yippee! Now I feel like we have time..........time to visit, time for the baby to come, and time to enjoy the baby once he/she arrives!
I have been SO lost without our digital camera! It broke some time ago and I've realized it's not as much fun posting on the blog without pictures to go along with some of the posts. I'm sure we'll replace it soon, but before the birth! We do have a video camera, and a stock pile of disposable cameras, but without a digital, I can't zip out pictures of the baby to friends and family right away! SOOOOO, if you're coming to my birth (and you know who you are), will you PLEASE bring your digital camera with you? At least that way you all can email me the pics and I can email those out! I would really appreciate it!
A few friends have asked about the latest on our house situation. Well, as you know, we have not sold our current home yet, so the possibility of moving is looking slim. Although the new house is still not completed, we received a phone call the other day from our sales rep telling us that the "head honchos" want to cancel our contract because we have not sold our house. Honestly, we couldn't help but just laugh about it! If they want to cancel before the house is even finished, so be it! Our sales rep is still trying to fight the big guys and convince them to hold onto the contract until the house is done (at least another month), so we'll see what happens. In the end, it really doesn't matter though. God in in control and He already has a plan for the Sabo family so we'll just sit back and watch what He does in this situation. In the meantime, we'll just focus on the arrival of this sweet baby and enjoy my mom being here. I guess the only thing we may do if the contract is canceled is take our house off the market so we can rest and enjoy the baby without the hassel of showings!
Please keep in prayer the Cambron family! Many of you know already that Charles is leaving for Iraq for the second time in a couple of days. He'll be gone for four months. Please pray for his safety while he's away and the peace of knowing his family will be taken care of. Pray for Stacey and the kids as they wait for his return. May God fill them with His peace and comfort and may those of us around them minister to them daily! We'll miss you Charles! Thank you for all that you do to protect your country!
I guess that's all for updates. Hopefully my next post will be labor and baby news! Happy New Year!
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