The birth story

**I'm still babymooning. I may edit & update details as they come to me....and as time allows.**

With the induction scheduled for 9/23/09 I had tons of last minute "chores" to get done! I wanted the laundry caught up, the house clean, the meals set up....it all had to be done!! The days before seemed so short....so much to do, so little time!

The night before my body just couldn't rest the way I knew I desperately needed. It was so hard to think that my baby was coming! As much as I was ready I kept thinking "am I really ready"? It was actually harder to know when the baby would make his/her debut!! I tossed and turned all night until 5:30 AM when my day began. My nerves were getting the best of me, it's odd that I had all these butterflies when I've done this twice before! I just never had the time to think so much about it!
For at least a week prior to the induction I tried a few natural ways to get this baby OUT....spicy food, fresh pineapple, red raspberry leaf tea, walking, bouncing on the ball & of course the very thing that got me here!
This baby just did not want to come so we followed through with the eviction....oh I mean induction! hehehe

Before we left the house I kissed my boys, held back some tears and jumped in the car! Matt & I stopped off at the gas station for some snacks I knew I'd need later! And yes I ate even though I was told not to....such a rebel!

We checked in to the hospital around 7:30, just 30 minutes late! hahaha Or should I say 8 days 30 minutes late!! hehe

The receptionist said I was the 5th one today! YIKES!! Somehow I still managed to have the best L&D room!!! #5......the same one I've had before!! Now my fingers were crossed to have the same nurse I had with Matthew & Marc!!! Kelly!! I was a bit bummed she wasn't working but luckily the nurse that introduced herself seemed suitable! Her name was Judy & she had tons of years experience which eased some fears. Around 8:25 we started some IV and got the pitocin drip going not long after starting out at 6. The doc came in about 2 hours later, I was still only 2-3cm, and we decided to go ahead and break my water to get things moving along. I must say it's much more comfortable when this happens naturally! Every 30 minutes Judy increased the pit by 2. I was growing impatient as we still haven't had a good pattern with my sporadic contractions. Same thing first time around, second time around- why would this be different?? Around 1:30pm I was about 5 cm. My contractions were growing much more intense, as they should with the pit up to max at 20!!

I was able to tolerate the pain much better out of the bed standing up or rocking in the rocker. Unfortunately that wasn't doing any good in getting the babe to move down further, which of course wasn't putting pressure on my cervix possibly stalling the contractions. I had to hop back into bed. Doc put my bed in some funky position (I'll post that pic, just can't explain it!) He said let gravity do it's job! OH that it was doing. Babe was for sure moving down. The contractions were insane. I tried to be strong, I really did. I couldn't relax and find comfort, yes I know I'm in labor. I went back & forth thinking about the epidural. And finally I said I needed something. I actually asked for tylenol- hahaha. The nurse said she didn't think it would help, no one's ever asked her before! She suggested stadol, which I turned down. I've had that crap before....what a waste!! I just went with the epidural. At about 2:30 the anesthesiologist arrived. I remember her face, her name, the way she talked, her scent.....I'll never forget it.

She gets me all prepped. Asks me to move into a better position & stay still. Fine, I've done this before. But she hardly lets me get through a contraction- hello look at the monitor, hell take notice to ME!! She's at my back several times. Then I swear something went in me that made me shriek with pain. It was a shooting pain all up my left side. Matt stood in front of me holding my hands as I tell him "something isn't right, I can't breathe" and the tears just start rolling. She said she hadn't even administered the medicine yet. Well she sure as hell had the needle in there. The nurse had zero compassion. I knew what I felt & I knew what I felt just wasn't right. It hurt & it hurt bad.

I did let her finish. And I did get relief. My whole belly was numb....everything was numb, my toes were tingling. This I didn't remember with my previous epidurals, but they assured me things were fine. I didn't take my eyes off the monitor. I had to be sure the baby's heart rate was still A-ok. It was. Mine was. I had to be calm and be positive. That I did.

Finally now that the pain was minimized I enjoyed my last few hours of labor. I think now that I was relaxed & thinking good thoughts my body knew it was time. My contractions are 2 minutes apart lasting 60 seconds & it's finally consistent!! In less than 2 hours I went from 5-10cm. Yipeee!

In that time I did get a catheter (skipped this with Matthew & Marc as I refused)

I felt tons of pressure around 4pm, she removed the catheter and we were ready for business!!

In one push the head was out...."stop pushing, hold on" Dr. B suctioned out the little mouth & with one more push our baby was out!!

They announced we have a baby GIRL!! I couldn't believe it & I'm not sure I did! It took awhile to sink in...I was just elated that my baby was here, I hadn't even focused on the gender.

They put her on my chest and I instantly feel so in love with this tiny little bundle. I think I start to cry, this time the tears are happy....filled with sugar and spice.....and everything nice!

She scored 9/9 on the apgars....she is just perfect- healthy & beautiful!! Born at 4:07pm
7lbs 15oz. 22.5in

Her birth was incredible! The hospital staff left Matt & I to adore her, we enjoyed our quiet moments and couldn't wait to introduce her to her big brothers!
Matthew & Marc met her later that night..........finding out they had a baby sister was priceless!
We named her Megan, after choosing between Meadow & Autumn. Her middle name we went back & forth between Jade & Lilly. Matthew helped us pick it with a coin toss. Jade it was!

Megan Jade Makowski - sounds just as gorgeous as her!

We were released from the hospital within 24 hours, as per my request! That I was thrilled about! We couldn't wait to go home with our new baby.
Our family is complete!
We're so blessed!

40 week appointment...41 week appointment....

At 40 weeks I was 2cm and induction was discussed for 9/16 but I backed out! I had hopes that something, anything, would happen before my next scheduled appointment on 9/21. But nothing! I was still 2cm and no signs of labor! I gave in to the induction. I was beyond DONE! Having two little tots at home was wearing me down & I just wanted my little babe in my arms!!!
The induction was scheduled for 9/23/09. I was anxious, nervous, but most of all excited!
Couldn't wait to have our 3rd baby!!!

40 weeks

40 weeks

big belly!!

38 weeks!! I'll update with my 40 week picture tomorrow!

Baby's room

Here's Trish in action!!

Final work!! Trish did an amazing job!! I'm so thankful of her hard work! Jack & boys played so nicely too!!

I've been slacking here!! LOL

So the last 2 OB appointments went ok. I'm actually a bit surprised with myself that I made it to a 38 & 39 week appointment at all, then for them to say that not a thing is going on!! Baby is still head down, high up there & my cervix is completely closed! At my appointment on 9/8 I wasn't even at the point to talk induction! I'd prefer to steer clear of that route again anyhow, unless of course it's necessary. I'm even saying that just one day shy of 40 weeks!! whoo hooo go me!!
Honestly I didn't think my induction with Marc (nor the pit. involved with both labors) was bad at all, but I'd rather things just progress naturally.
Another appointment tomorrow!

37 weeks!

OB appointment went well today! I made these shirts for the boys for when they meet their little bro or sis! Now I must get a pedicure & the bags packed and we're all set!

Peanut's best shot!

36 weeks 1 day- appointment today!

NADA!! Cervix is closed, no dilation & baby is high up there! BOO- doesn't look like he/she is coming early!!
I had an u/s since doc couldn't feel the head & he wants to be sure baby is still head down.
Yup still head down, just up there!
He/she is estimated to be 6lbs 5oz.....& growing! I had a little "pocket" of fluid but the numbers were good- nothing to concerning he said.
I go back in a week! Drop baby, drop!!

36 whopping weeks today!

36 weeks! Appointment with the doc tomorrow!
Big bad Marc is 22 months today!

Stone Harbor

Mommy & Marc crabbing

Matthew just relaxing

catching some zzzz's

Boardwalk fun!

How cute are these chairs?

Sand crabs!

35 week appointment

Everything looks good! YIPPEE!

There's me, brave enough to wear & post a pic in a suit!! About 34 weeks 3 days.

Stone Harbor vacation!

One week without the computer while on vacation.....I have to admit I was having some withdraw but the beach sure beats the web!!! Some of the days reminded me of the times when I was a kid! We'd pack it up & plop on the beach ALL DAY! The boys were such troopers- they loved it! I guess that's what you get when you take your oldest to the beach at 3 weeks old! Marc was 4 months, and for that lucky duck it was Florida!
Here's a breakdown of what I can remember!
Saturday 8/1
Basically just a busy day getting there! Drama with the car on the way. The house was not clean- ewww, I actually broke out some bleach!! (believe it!) Took the boys to walk on the beach after all the hype of going to the "beach"! Matthew's been looking forward to it for, according to him, 40 weeks! Funny thing is it's almost been that- of course he has no clue, just loves the #40! Macks pizza for dinner of course!
Bed time was a struggle. Thanks Emily for that pack n play- phew! My Marc is cRAzY!
Sunday 8/2
Hit up the beach early since the weather didn't look promising. Met up with Mare (Matt's mom) & her friend Denise & the sun surprised us so we stayed for a good bit. Another funny (although Matt didn't find it to funny) Mare & Denise left before us & had our bag with the keys in it so we had to walk a WHOLE 3 blocks back to the house to find them sitting on our porch! Matt had to go back to pick up his car! Then the rain hit! Luckily it let up as we were all done showers and ready for the next adventure! We took the boys crabbing a bit! Fun, Fun!
Monday 8/3
Breakfast bay front at Polly's place! Then beach, beach, beach!! We got to meet up with Aunt Bon, Uncle Phil, Phil & Molly w/ little Sep and Jenn!! That was cute to see the kids play!! Matthew loved all the attention from his GodMommy Jenn!! Later that night we met up with Mare & Marty (Matt's dad) to take the boys to Wildwood! They loved it! And I got funnel cake....everyone was happy! :)
Happy Birthday Mare!!
Tuesday 8/4
Spent nearly all day on the beach! Hit up a new yummy Mexican restaurant in Avalon for dinner! Oh we swung by coffee talk that morning for coffee- I just love that place, reminds me of the set of Friends!
Wednesday 8/5
Another early day to the beach! We left sometime in the afternoon- the joy of not watching the clock!!! While Marc & Mommy napped Matt took Matthew fishing on Grandpops boat.
Thursday 8/6
Iffy skies= no beach today :( We did do some shopping & walking on 96th. And also "building golf" aka roof top mini golf. It was clearer by afternoon so we had a successful time crabbing! Got about 7 keepers! We ordered some yummy seafood for dinner to go along with! DELICIOUS!
Friday 8/7
We pulled another all dayer on the beach! Hiding our lunch from the seagulls was challenging but we managed! Pizza on the beach for dinner- that was fun! Matt & I did that pre-kids so it was a bit different than um say 5 years ago!
Saturday 8/8
Bittersweet end! Now by this time I was missing my house, mainly my BED!! OMG the bed was rock hard!! We turned down another rental that was super in other ways b/c of the master bed. Apparently we didn't try the bed here since the owners were there when we did the walk through back in January.....bad move!! Who can sleep like that???
We cleaned the place ourselves to save $$ on hiring some cleaning service and now I know something very important after 10 years
HE CAN CLEAN, HE CAN CLEAN!!!! hehehehe our house is next!!!
The drive home was uneventful, good I guess! It was so nice to walk through the door!! It felt so spacious & homey!! I appreciate my house so much more since vacation! There was always something I was thinking of doing to the place or w/ this or that, but I think the time away made me want to just sit back, relax and enjoy what I have!! :)

I'm so glad we were able to take a week long family vacation! Looking forward to next year....maybe a different place though! :)

Pics to follow!

Gifts from the IU girls!

I work with a ton of wonderful ladies! It was super thoughtful of them to host a baby shower for the 3 of us all due w/in months of one another. I couldn't make it to the celebration but I'm still thankful for all the well wishes and sweet gifts!
I just adore everything! I can't wait to have this little babe to meet all of the Upper Bucks girls! Thanks so much!

33 week ultrasound

Today I had my ultrasound!!!!! And yes Mommy's intuition was right.........
NO POLYHYRAMNIOUS!!!!!! Oh I'm so relieved!! I can labor at home longer now!!
(well fingers crossed for that!)

This little babe is measuring in at 4lbs 9oz! We're right on track!
I'm feeling really good that things are going to go very smoothly the next 7 weeks and during labor! The power of positive thinking! :)
It was nice to have Marc's reassurance today- when Matt asked Marc during the ultrasound if the baby is a boy or girl he said
"baby's fine!!"

OH I LOVE HIM!!!

spreading the word!!

small details

Not the greatest pictures, but here are some small details for the baby's room!! Switchplate cover & memo board to match the bedding & curtains!!

Hopefully more to come.

pony rides

Matthew out golfing!

60 days to go!!

Holy crap only 60 days until baby is here!!!!!!!!!

31 week appointment

31 week appointment went well! Once again the boys tagged along & heard their new little siblings heartbeat!!! Matthew understands as much as a 4 year old does. Marc not as much, he'll tell you where the baby is but it doesn't go much further. Funniest thing when he heard the heartbeat he had the cutest little smirk but was looking & pointing at the machine where as Matthew knew that sound was coming from Mommy's belly!
My doctor is the best! He's engages both boys...got a smile out of Marc & makes Matthew laugh with his wiggle hand shake!
I go back in 2 weeks for an ultrasound due to my previous polyhyramnious with Marc. I think (fingers crossed) I'm in the clear, but we'll see. He was going to make it in 4 weeks then I reminded him that Matthew came at 36 weeks. I told him we'd be on vacation during my 34th week so we can't have a baby until after that!! HAHAHA He's on vacation that week too so he said he'd give me his cell #!! Honestly he's so dedicated! I had his cell after having Marc since I drove myself home from the hospital.....he even made me call to make sure I got home no problems! I think he REALLY wants to deliver this baby, he said he feels like he got jipped since he missed the last 2!! I'll do my best to make that happen.......but no promises!! Baby makes the call!!
My guess is 9/9/09 ........wouldn't that be cool?? And 7lbs 9oz & 20 in.
What's your guess???

30 weeks

Here's a shot of me at 30 weeks.
You're lucky....most of my shirts my belly shows!! LOL

the missing chapter

So with this being my 3rd baby I haven't felt the need to open one of those pregnancy books, although I will say there are things I certainly don't remember.....OR WAS I NEVER TOLD???

Let me fill you in on exactly what I'm talking about, this would be the last chapter of what to expect when your expecting (yet another).

By 30 weeks (or before)
-rolling over from one side to another may require 2 people... all while taking breaks
-shaving legs, if it occurs, will be interesting
-painting your own toe nails will not be pretty...or fun
-sneezing, coughing, or laughing might be embarrassing
-just because a shirt fit last week, doesn't mean it will this week
-the scale is NOT your friend
-being in your 3rd trimester during the summer months should have people wondering if you have completely lost your mind (twice for me!)
-the insomnia that people say is your body's preparation for sleepless nights is SO not necessary
-the stretch marks that you may dodge after baby#1 or 2 will come....goodbye bikinis!!
-you will be over OCD in all capacities!

Fish Hatchery

Daddy had off on Friday so we enjoyed the day doing local fun things!! Here's the boys at the fish hatchery!

I want to win

Loving this site! http://www.mamacheaps.com/
I'm a little bummed that I just missed the Hersey park ticket by $2.11. (An offer Giant had when you spent $40 in participating products) can you believe I was that close?? I guess that's what happens when you shop w/o a calculator w/ 2 crazy kids!! Actually I'm surprised one of the many things snuck into the cart weren't the right products!! LOL

Hopefully I'll win the sun & earth giveaway...if not me- then YOU!!!

ME time

So this weekend was a hit!! For me anyway!! It sure wasn't anything spectacular to the average person I suppose but it's enough to make me happy. It's the little things people, the little things!
I got a few hours of all alone ME TIME!! Yes I said HOURS!! If I could dance I would have been...maybe I should have, who would have seen me??
The hubster took the kids to his cousins annual 4th celebration. I passed it up, the other option of being alone surely surpassed it! When they walked out the door I looked around at my incredibly messy house and for just one split second thought about cleaning it, then I believe I may have come to my senses! Screw that!! I grabbed my keys and went for dinner & a pedicure!
Now how is it that when I'm out alone not looking for any conversation, just wanting to be left to ponder life's mysteries, I get caught up blabbing away with any old stranger?? The women next to me insisted she had the greatest, never wrong, gender predictor....she just needed my thumbs. Whatever take a look lady! She for sure said BOY! Now it had me wondering, is that after she learned damn near my social security number (j/k) or could she really be right??? Will I have my little Jace?? I figure time will tell!
Funny thing is when I went for my dinner, the best general tso's chicken, the women said Whoa that's a boy belly there! WHAT? Are these people psychic?
Another hour or so of ME time followed the next day at prenatal yoga. I thought after the 3 flights of steps this better be good.....and it was! My car acting funky, being stuck in heat in the center of town sure was not fun, but we'll skip that part!
And now today finally the boys have managed to play nicely together for about 40 minutes....
the sun is out, the sun is out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The sun is a magical thing.

thinking pink???

Oh good God this not knowing crap is getting to me!! I've been such an emotional wreck lately I just wonder....could this be a GIRL??? I never got this emotional with the boys this late in pregnancy. With Matthew it was mostly the 1st trimester...ok all of the 1st trimester! With Marc I'll admit I had some rage issues (just a hint)- LOL. That does explain some things, the crazy little guy he is!! hehe

What is going on? I sure can't deal with this for another 3 months!

28 week appointment

Can you tell I think we're having a boy?? I just had to buy these!

Baby's little heartbeat sounded so cute once again!
My glucose test came back great, thank the good lord!

My weight is still ok, with 12 weeks left it looks like I won't top the 60 lb weight gain I had with Matthew. PHEW! The doc says "measuring slightly larger than average", but I totally ignored it- to me that means nothing. I measured HUGE with both boys & they weren't monsterous. If anything it's the length, we'll thank my hubby's genes for that one! Marc was 22in at birth & Matthew 20.5in (at 3 weeks early) maybe this babe will right between- we'll see.

hmm what else....my blood pressure was fine.....well of course it was- I left the kids at home!!

hehe

Father's Day

Here's the picture that the boys put in the "noisy" card.

Cabella's

Matt's 5th Father's Day!!! Amazingly the boys slept in...until 9AM!! Well Marc was up at 7 but I managed to get him to snuggle up with me in bed & fall back to dream land!! NICE!

We went out to breakfast (well technically brunch) , then off to Cabella's. We were there for 5 HOURS!!! Enjoyed lunner (lunch/dinner) there then headed out. We attempted Maggie Moo's for ice cream but it was super crowded so we went home instead. Matt picked up ice cream from the store- he found the blue bunny chocolate lovers for me!! He's a great husband and an even better Daddy!!!

Happy Father's Day!

13 weeks to go!!

27 weeks!!

Only 13 weeks to go!! I really should get moving on some things! I have plans on going through some of Marc's old baby clothes just to take inventory of what I have & need. I got rid of so much stuff, so I'm hoping to get a shopping soon! I must start a list!! It's going to be tough buying gender neutral! Anyone who knows me knows I HATE anything with characters...precious moments, winnie the pooh, etc. It's fine for anyone else, but I can't do it!! I'm also not a big fan of ducks so I'm limited here! One thing I have to get within the next month is the car seat! And ahhemm husband of mine are you out there??? My ergo or beco is calling!!! LOL

no need for lip injections- lol

So last night Marc & I were snuggling up on his rocker. Silly Mommy got him all fired up while I cuddled & kissed his cute little self....his giggles were priceless!! Then all of a sudden he wham- head butts me right on the mouth!! (Now keep in mind my children are half polish, they've got heads of steel!) I was so shocked I just began to pretend to cry, really I could have- but I didn't want to scare him. He leans back, looking very sorry but only says "what?" I then whimper some more & tell him that it hurts. He gets this little look on his face, pauses briefly and yells out......
"MEATBALL"
He has me hysterically laughing, then he joins in....just what he wanted!! Little bugger!! See how early these boys learn the ropes!!
So needless to say no need for lip injections for me, my lips are nice & plump!!

that 70's picture

Awhile back I mentioned I had this picture of Marc that had me cracking up thinking how 70's it looks- here it is!!

It always makes me smile!! He looks a lot like me here!

(He's 12 months so it's a bit old! But I'm happy to share it!)