Johnathan Lawrence's Birth Story

Well, the gender of Baby Lozen #2 is no longer a mystery....it's a BOY!!!!  I was shocked, as I really did think I was having a girl.  Not that I am disappointed at all, but I was surprised when Steve announced it was a boy in the delivery room.
It all started on Sunday (12/22), Joey was fine in the morning but when I tried to give him breakfast he took a turn for the worse.  He actually fell asleep on my lap while sitting at the kitchen table at 1030am.  He didn't sleep long but was so whiny and really seemed to not feel well.  We spent the day on the couch with him and he slept on and off on me all day.  Would not eat or drink anything either.  Completely not Joey.  All I could think was if I go into labor today I will have to leave my little boy who is basically attached to my lap because he feels bad.  
Steve came home from showing the Bham house and we decided to give him some Tylenol.  He felt a little warm and I figured if he was having any aches or pains maybe that would help.  He finally ate some pizza and salad with us and then crashed on Steve on the couch.  Anyone that knows Joey, knows he does not just fall asleep anywhere regardless of how tired he is.   He woke up and ended up back on me.  I was having some stronger period like cramps and told my mom I was a little worried.  Joey did a complete 180 and was walking around, chasing Hugo and snacking on everything at like 730pm.  I was relieved he felt better but still nervous about how I was feeling.
Steve helped me with bath time and I told him I was feeling pretty crampy and he decided to call his mom to just give her a heads up to keep her phone by her in case we needed them.  I got Joey bathed, started crying because I was just scared and thinking in my head this was possibly the last night I would be giving Joey a bath without a newborn to care for and then when I gave him his bottle and rocked I was crying.  I just felt like this was the last time everything would be the way it's been for so long and we were in for a big adjustment.  I know all families go through this when adding a sibling to the mix, but it's a lot to process!
After Joey went to bed, I decided to go to bed too since I was planning to go into work on Monday.  I woke up at 1am and felt like the cramping was getting stronger.  I started timing them, even though I wasn't sure what I was doing because I never had contractions with Joey until we were in the hospital, already admitted and my water had broke at home.  I noticed they felt stronger and were getting a little closer so I woke Steve up and said we needed to go to the hospital.  I called the midwife's office and told them I wanted to go to the hospital and they planned to meet me there.  Unfortunately only the doctor was on call so I didn't get to deliver with a midwife.  My parents came to our house to stay with Joey and we headed out.  I told them we would probably be back since I was feeling better since getting up but still wanted to make sure.
We got to the hospital about 1:45am and I was checked in triage.  I was 6-7cm, 80-90% effaced and my water was close to breaking.  I was admitted.  Steve told our parents we were staying and the show was started.  Got to the delivery room and the nurse asked if I wanted them to break my water or wait it out.  I didn't want to force my body to do something it wasn't quite ready to do so I declined.  I labored in bed and on the ball when I started to get more uncomfortable and in more pain.  Dr. Stark checked me and said I was at 9cm and 100%.  I was getting really tired like I did with Joey and told Steve I didn't think I could do it without an epidural.  So they called the anesthesiologist and I got the epidural.  However, I really don't think it did anything.  Steve said he didn't think they even plugged it into the meds until the second to last contraction before Johnathan was born.  I had this crazy urge to push while laying on my side and suddenly my water broke all over.  They were trying to get me and the bed linens cleaned up and I had another strong urge to push and resulted in this feeling that the baby was literally coming out.  I yelled that the baby was coming and the doctor stood up and checked and sure enough the head was almost out so they were telling me to stop pushing.  I literally couldn't and told the doctor as such.  I tried to hold back but my body was in control.  I gave another little push and Johnathan was born at 4:30am.  Steve announced it was a boy and I was shocked!!  They put him on my chest immediately and he was quiet and just looking around.  It was amazing.  This little 7lb 5oz, 20 inches long miracle was here and I had another baby boy to love, care for and watch grow up with his big brother, Joey. 

While the doctor stitched me up (a very small tear), Steve was with Johnathan while he was cleaned up and checked over.  They brought him over and he immediately latched on.  So much better than with Joey.  Johnathan continues to be a great nursling.  Makes my life a lot easier.

Although the delivery experience wasn't nearly as great as with Joey, it wasn't too bad.  I just wish I could have delivered with the midwives.  Since I knew more of what was going on it wasn't bad but I definitely had a better experience the first time around.

Welcome to the world baby Johnathan Lawrence!!!!

39 Weeks and Dr Appointment

Had my last weekly doctor's appointment before my actual due date.  I skipped getting checked because I don't want to aggravate anything and I just don't want to be told when they think I will go into labor.  I'm already really having anxious and overwhelming feelings about when, how, where, etc.  I worry about having to say bye to Joey or will I have not seen him all day and then go into labor?  It's just always on my mind.  The baby's heartbeat was 150's and since I am still measuring 34 weeks, the midwife asked if I had time to do an NST.  Basically I had to sit in a recliner with a monitor on my stomach which watched how often the baby moved (heartbeat will rise suddenly and then level out again) and if I was having any contractions.  The baby was very happy and I was on my way!  We will see if I make it to my next appointment or not.

How far along: 39 weeks

Weight gain/loss: No gain this week

Maternity clothes: Making it work with what I have, not too much longer!

Stretch marks: Using the cocoa butter and oil every day

Symptoms: No new symptoms.  Just feeling uncomfortable and ready to not be pregnant.  I have noticed more period like cramping but nothing that stops me in my tracks or anything.

Sleep: Good, with the exception of waking up a lot to pee and just try to get comfortable.

Best moment this week: Next week is Christmas and I am excited to see Joey open his gifts and just be around family.

Gender: We will know soon enough!

Belly button in or out: Still in 

Food cravings:  Fruit, oatmeal and yogurt is about it.  I just don't have much of an appetite and when I do, it doesn't take much to fill me up!

Movement: Baby had a quiet day on 12/22, maybe the day is approaching??

What I miss: Not having a basketball in front of me 24/7.


What I'm looking forward to: Christmas is next week!

38 Weeks and Dr Appointment

How far along: 38 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Still up about 19lbs

Maternity clothes: Not a thing.  I really miss shopping for cute clothes.

Stretch marks: Keeping up with the cocoa butter and oil.  If anything it helps with the itchy belly feeling!

Symptoms: My bladder pretty much can't go more than an hour or two before needing relief.  I'm also thirsty a lot!  Period like cramps here and there and Braxton Hicks contractions all the time.  When I go from sitting to standing I just feel sore and achy.  Definitely have slowed way down the last week or two.  I just can't hang anymore!

Sleep:  Not as good lately.  My mind is always thinking and it's hard to get comfortable or not feel pains when I try to switch sides.  

Best moment this week: We took Joey to see Santa on Sunday (12/16) and he did pretty well!  Steve and I had to sit with him in the picture but at least there were no tears or screams for us.  I can handle that!

Gender: Continues to be a mystery.  It's going to be very different this time in the delivery room.  Everyone said boy with Joey and I figured it had to be a boy so when he entered the world I wasn't the least bit surprised.  I mean I was but almost felt like if he had a been a girl I would have been more shocked.  This time around is more 50/50.  Although my pregnancies have been pretty much the same, so people assume boy.  

Belly button in or out: Still in 

Food cravings:  Fizzy drinks.  I like having a sip of Steve's pop when he has one and I really like Lime flavored sparkling water.  I haven't had as much because it makes me feel more bloated but I guess you could say I 'crave' it.

Movement: Much less this week.  I think baby is running out of room and sleeping more to gear up for the big arrival.

What I miss: Having my own body back.  It sounds silly but I just want to be able to bend over and not have a basketball tummy in my way.  Or hold Joey and not have to lift him so he sits up over my belly.  It's the little things.  

What I'm looking forward to: Christmas is next week and I can hardly believe it.  I would really like to get through Christmas before this baby arrives.  It's something I can't control but am hoping for.  Above all I want a healthy and happy baby but if I could ask for one more thing it would be an after Christmas baby.  

37 Weeks and Dr Appointment

I had my check up on Friday last week and growth ultrasound.  The baby was measuring 6lbs 9oz (44th percentile) and the heartbeat was 146.  Baby is head down and seemed happy and content which is good.  The midwife who I had the Monday before I delivered Joey on Thursday had guessed Joey to be 7.5lbs.  She said this one she is guessing 7lbs 3oz.  We shall see!  I'm measuring 34 weeks which is pretty much how I measured with Joey too.  They took a sample 'down there' to test for Group B strep and I'll have those results this week.  I have another appointment on Friday and every Friday until my due date.  If I make it to 40 weeks, they will do an ultrasound, NST and check for progress.  

How far along: 37 weeks

Weight gain/loss: No gain since last appointment, up 19lbs on my scale

Maternity clothes: Bought a couple more pairs of yoga pants at Old Navy for now and after baby.

Stretch marks: Cocoa butter and oil every morning and night!

Symptoms: Peeing around 4-5x a night which is not fun.  Braxton Hicks and some period like cramps on and off.  My breathing seems to be better since baby has dropped some.

Sleep:  It's okay just need more of it.  Kind of tough to change sides and get comfortable.  

Best moment this week: Saw baby on Friday for my growth ultrasound and got to hear the little heartbeat!

Gender: Haven't had any more dreams since last week.  I am looking forward to finding out though!

Belly button in or out: Still in 

Food cravings:  No cravings.....eating my usual.  Some days I really could go just eating breakfast.  Other days I seem way more hungry!

Movement: Baby has been quiet these last couple days.  Not nearly as many rolls and turns in my stomach!

What I miss: Being able to do more with Joey and not having to maneuver around this basketball in my tummy.

What I'm looking forward to: Maybe seeing Santa on Sunday and then celebrating the Lozen December birthdays at Kruse and Muer on Sunday night.

36 Weeks

How far along: 36 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Doctor's appointment on Friday

Maternity clothes: Still wearing what I can with what I already have.  It helps that I don't work full time so on my days off I'm in yoga pants and comfy tops.  Maternity pants are bothering me a lot more than I remember with Joey.  I don't like the feeling of the panel on my upper stomach.  So the yoga pants are perfect!

Stretch marks: Cocoa butter and oil every morning and night!

Symptoms: Continue to get Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the day, feel tired/fatigued pretty easily and that's about it so far.  I did notice some period like cramps the last couple days but drinking water helps.  And I am always thirsty it seems!

Sleep:  Steve has been snoring a lot or maybe I'm just not sleeping as soundly.  Either way I've been waking up at 3 or 4am and going to the other room to sleep.

Best moment this week: I can't think of anything exceptional that happened this week.  Although with all of the tantrums and whining I've been dealing with, Joey and I had an amazing day on Saturday.  He was happy, let me put him down for his nap and slept really well.  I LOVE those days!!  I've also been putting together some freezer meals so when this baby comes we won't be completely out of home cooked meals.  I feel like I have so much to do still!!

Gender: Had a dream on Saturday night it was a girl.  We shall see!

Belly button in or out: Weird looking but still in

Food cravings:  Fruit is about the only thing that I have to have every day.  I love applesauce.  The grapes aren't as appealing anymore.  And sparkling water is good.....for some reason the carbonation is appealing.

Movement: A little quieter the last couple days.  Or maybe I've just been busy and haven't noticed as much.

What I miss: We went out with a couple of Steve's high school friends on Saturday night and I would have liked to have a real drink.  But I didn't feel as strongly about it as I did with Joey.  I wanted alcohol so bad when I was pregnant with him.  Maybe because I drank more before then.  I haven't had a full drink in years, literally.  I obviously didn't drink when I was pregnant with Joey, hardly had many sips when I was nursing (13 months) and then, surprise, was pregnant again.  And hope to nurse again which means I won't really drink much after this baby is born.

What I'm looking forward to: Planning to take Joey to see Santa on Sunday.  I don't think he is going to be as good or content as he was last year.  He's way more aware of things now that he's almost 21 months.  

35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Haven't checked and next appt is 12/7

Maternity clothes: No purchases and I'm just trying to make do with what I have

Stretch marks: Staying strong!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks contractions, pressure like feeling down low, not easy to get up out of bed and just generally uncomfortable.  

Sleep:  Steve has been snoring like every night and I have to pee all the time so I've been getting up and sleeping in the other room.  I get so thirsty too at night so I get up to use the bathroom and drink a lot of water which just continues the cycle.

Best moment this week: Seeing my mom after her surgery.  She had it on Monday and my sister and I went to visit Tuesday after work.  It was hard to see her like that but she is doing very well.

Gender: It continues to be a mystery.  And I somewhat wish we had found out and either a)didn't announce the name or b)didn't tell anyone the gender.  It's tough!

Belly button in or out: Still in so far

Food cravings:  This pregnancy continues to be like my first in that I really don't have crazy or strong cravings.  I still love yogurt and frozen blueberries, homemade granola and really anything fruit.  But that's me pregnant or not.  My appetite is a little better than it was but I still am not very hungry overall and get full pretty easily.

Movement: I think this little one is going through a growth spurt because I can feel a jab on my left side near my ribs at the same time as another jab to my right hip.  It can be pretty uncomfortable at times.  

What I miss: Having more energy and ability to do more.  I struggle spending a full day with Joey because he's going through a phase where he just lets loose with only me.  He can be happy and easy going with everyone, except me.  Of course we have a lot of good times but the 'bad' times really are tougher for me now.  And maybe it's just the hormones and all that are making it seem worse but I hope he gets through this phase or whatever it is, quickly.

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing my mom this weekend.  She should be coming home either Friday or Saturday.  It's hard not being able to see or talk to her when we pretty much communicate in some way every day.

34 Weeks and Dr Appointment

How far along: 34 weeks

Weight gain/loss: Scale says up 18.5lbs, gained 1lb since last appointment which is perfect

Maternity clothes: Haven't bought anything and trying to wait until after baby now.  

Stretch marks: Hoping to avoid these again....time will tell!

Symptoms: Nothing unusually different.  I have more soreness/pressure down below especially when I stand up or start walking around.  I'm trying to do some stretching and ab exercises every day but it doesn't always happen.  I also think my stomach has dropped a little.  I still feel full a lot but not nearly as out of breath as I had been.

Sleep:  Not much has changed since last week.  Except turning over from side to side is getting a little more difficult.

Best moment this week: My parents took Joey out on Saturday morning so I had a couple hours to get some things done.  Steve and I also went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping on Sunday while Joey stayed at the Lozens and visited with Baba and Dedo from Ohio.  I missed being with Joey as much this weekend but it was nice to get some time to myself and with Steve.

Gender: Not as many people guessing this time around however since I'm carrying the same and there isn't a ton different this time around, most of the family say boy.  But not everyone has really weighed in.  I am getting super anxious to know now though.

Belly button in or out: Weird looking but still in

Food cravings:  Nothing really ever sounds good except yogurt with frozen blueberries.  I've also been eating bread with Baba's peppers and some feta cheese.  But really I never am very hungry or excited to really eat anything.

Movement: Baby has active and quiet moments.  Movements don't seem as intense as with Joey.  I remember him jabbing my ribs regularly and it would actually hurt.  I feel this little one more on my left side and occasionally my right hip.  Literally it feels like he or she is hitting or kicking my hip bone.  Little one also gets hiccups all the time and I always feel them on my lower left side.

What I miss: Being able to do more especially with Joey.  It takes a lot out of me after being with him all day.

What I'm looking forward to: I'm off until next Monday and we are spending Thanksgiving Day with my mom's side and then Friday with the Lozens.  

I saw the midwife today (Wednesday) and everything was good.  I forgot to ask her how I was measuring but I'm guessing I've grown since last appointment.  My ultrasound last week was fine which she told me and also my thyroid results were within range.  It was 1.64 which is great.  So I'm continuing to take that until my first postpartum visit.  Hopefully I'll be able to get off of them after that.  The baby was pretty quiet at the appointment but the heartbeat was 140bpm.  The midwife told me the baby was measuring in the 43rd percentile and if I went full term it would mean a 7lb baby which is good.  Joey was 7lb 7oz and I delivered him 6 days early which makes me think this little one might be a little smaller.  She said she wants to do another ultrasound at my next appointment on 12/7.  I'm going to call and ask if this is truly necessary because they aren't cheap and my insurance doesn't cover the total cost.  Obviously if she thinks it is a good idea, I will have one but if it's just to see, then I might forgo it.