A Most Precious Gift

Mike and I returned home Saturday night from the hospital with our daughter in tow. It was such a wonderful feeling to strap her in the carseat and finally bring her home.

I was a week and one day overdue and I didn't think I'd ever go into labor on my own. My doctors had scheduled me for an induction on Thursday night, so I was happy. However, to my complete surprise, my water broke on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. and the contractions came quickly after. Mom and I took a one mile walk around our neighborhood to make sure it was the real thing. When I got back, I had lost a lot more fluid and Mike called the hospital. They told us to come in right away.

I got to the hospital around 5 p.m. They checked me to find out I was only 2 cm dilated. But since my water had broken, I was admitted. My contractions intensified throughout the night and I thought I was going to die before they gave me the epidural around 3 a.m.

To make a very long story short, I dilated very slowly so they gave me pitocin. This brought on strong contractions. Unfortunately, the umbilical cord was wrapped around Abby Kate's neck and every time I would contract, it would tighten and her heart rate would plummet. So they'd have to back off the pitocin drip. This resulted in a 25-hour labor with very ineffective pain relief due to the position they had me in. The epidural numbed my legs, but nothing else. As we came up on the 24th hour, Mike and I could tell we were headed for a c-section. At that point, I wanted the pain to end so bad that I didn't even care. But thanks to our WONDERFUL labor nurse, and his confidence in me and encouragement, I delivered her naturally at the 25th hour. I only pushed for 29 minutes and she was here. He was able to cut the cord and then we were holding her in our arms not long after. Mike was a great help through the whole labor process. He never left my side and encouraged me at every step. He was in awe as she came into the world. I'll never forget the pride and absolute joy in his eyes as I delivered her.

We spent the next two days recovering in the hospital and getting to know our daughter. She is such a wonderful gift. We just stare at her in amazement and thank God for giving her to us. My heart melts every time I look at her. Sometimes I have to remind myself that this isn't just a dream and she's really ours to keep!

I'm feeling pretty good now that we're home and Abby Kate is doing great. She nurses like a champ now and sleeps just as well. She doesn't cry much, but when she does, it breaks my heart! Mike has been the best support I could ask for. He has taken to being a father like I never imagined. Abby Kate and I are so lucky to have him taking care of us. I didn't think I could love him more, but seeing him with our daughter makes it possible.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers. Finally, I'm excited to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Abigail Kate Wallace...

Miss Abby Kate has arrived!

Hi everyone,
I am Casey's friend, Sommer Tucker and it is my pleasure to announce that Casey gave birth to a beautiful baby girl at 3:59PM today (Thrusday, Oct 26th). She is 6 pounds 15.6 ounces and 21 inches long. Both Casey and Abby Kate are healthy and currently resting from a long labor that I am sure Casey will fill you in about later. A big congratulations to Casey and Mike! It is an exciting time for the both of them and I just know they are going to be wonderful parents. Abby Kate is very lucky to have them as her new mommy and daddy!

Will this EVER end?!

Yup. I'm still pregnant. Five days past due and still no progress. No contractions, and I'm still only dilated 1 cm. We went to the hospital Saturday where they told me I had low amniotic fluid, but it wasn't low enough to warrant an induction. We were told to come back today to check it again and my fluid level was back to normal. I was hoping they'd induce me today, given that I'm almost a week overdue. But it looks like I may be waiting until the end of the week or the beginning of next week before they'll induce (hospital policies and such). I'm feeling fine, which is good, but it's SO FRUSTRATING!!!

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. I'll post again once I know more. For now, it's back to squats and spicy food!

Entering Our 41st Week

Well, my due date came and went and we're still waiting for this baby to make her way into the world. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and sadly I'm still only 1 cm dilated. I'm hoping to be induced this weekend, but we'll have to wait and see how I've progressed by then. I still haven't felt any true contractions.

Please pray that Abby Kate decides to come on her own before the weekend!

The $2 Look

So many of you were willing to pay the two dollars for a look at the Lady Freak that I thought I should abide. With a lot of help from the lighting of our back window, I hope this is somewhat tasteful. At least it gives you an idea of the monstrosity I'm dealing with here at 40 weeks pregnant.

Although sometimes this form is quite functional. My belly gives Junah a little seat to sit on when I pick him up. And it also serves as a great cup holder. Plus it can hold a handful of candy corn or other treats for easy-access snacking. Thankfully, while there were plenty of opportunities, Mike has not taken any pictures of me eating junk food off my stomach! Love him.

Nevertheless, I will be happy when this jolly belly is gone!

In Case You Were Wondering...

Yup, still pregnant.

My due date is tomorrow, but I'm not feeling like it'll be Abby Kate's birthday. No 'real' contractions yet. I have an appointment tomorrow morning, so I'll let you know what my progress is after that. I think this baby wants to be our Christmas present! Maybe I should warn her about being on Santa's naughty list. Ha, ha. :)

Labor: Bring it On! I'm Ready!

I've been trying all kinds of things to get Abby Kate OUT! Here are the numbers...

2 - times I've had my membranes stripped (Don't worry, I won't explain this procedure)

100 - squats I've done today

8 - miles I've walked in the last few days

6 - cups of disgusting raspberry leaf tea I've consumed, blech!

3 - hospital bags we have packed ready to go (one for baby, one for me, one for Mike)

1 - phone # of the air traffic controller I carry with me to get Mike out of the sky and home to me (just in case)

1 - centimeters I'm dilated as of Wednesday

1,000,000 - thoughts I've had about labor

10,000,000 - thoughts I've had about our daughter

39.5 - weeks I've been pregnant

276 - days I've been pregnant

4 - days until my due date

0 - real contractions I've had


...but it won't be much longer. If I go past my due date, Dr. Branton will induce at 41 weeks. So we're looking at 1.5 weeks at the most until she'll be here! We're so excited. I'll continue to keep you updated on our progress over the next few days.

$2 for a Look at the Lady Freak

It's official. I'll be among the carnies on the next carnival tour. I am a freak of nature. Yes, I realize that lots of women go through this body-changing experience, but I am astounded at the disproportion this baby has wreaked on mine. I watch that show, Biggest Loser, and I think 'my gosh, how can those people even get out of bed with all that weight?' I'm having trouble just picking up dirty socks off the floor and tying my shoes with an extra 30 lbs. How can they get out and do crab walks across the sand carrying 100+ extra pounds?! I'm amazed at their determination.

I hope I can muster the same determination to shed this monstrous belly in the upcoming months. I'll be so excited that first day I can take off running!!!

Nine days and counting until my due date!


... Oh, what, were you looking for a picture? Ha! Yeah right. (That'll be $2. You'll find me in the tent next to the Siamese Kangaroos.)

Entering Our 39th Week

Yep, that's right... week 39 (out of 40) begins Wednesday! (I'm due Oct. 18.) We are so close, it could be any day now as I am considered full term at this point. I have a feeling I'll go on or after my due date, though.

We went to our weekly OB appointment this morning. Everything looks great. The baby's head is down and I'm 1 cm dilated. There's a procedure the doctor can do to speed the onset of labor, but we decided to wait another week because Mike needs to finish up a few more flights before taking leave for the birth. I haven't had any painful contractions and I'm feeling very good. Dr. Branton is fairly confident that I'll make it to our appointment next week.

Some additional stats:

- Blood Pressure: 111/70

- Weight gain: 30 lbs so far

- Fundal Measurement: 36 cm

- Baby's Hearbeat: 130 bpm

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers as we count down the remaining days!