Emily Kate's birth story!

Emily Kate Baer

June 14, 2016

7lbs 13oz

19 inches long

 Apparently life got crazy because I am just now updating this blog, 8 months later! Gracious! Life with two is a little harder than expected but we have starred to find our groove. Praise the Lord! I'll go ahead and share Emily's birth story so I have it in the books...

At my 39 week doctor appointment, my blood pressure was pretty high even after laying on my side, so of course they mentioned being induced and I gladly accepted. Steve and I went into the appointment expecting them to want to induce me, probably for high blood pressure and also since Ellison was so large. So my midwife, Marilee sent me over to L&D with a smile on her face saying "we're gonna have a baby today!" I was MORE THAN HAPPY to have her out and super excited that more than likely Marilee would be delivering her. I just love her! So I walked over to L&D quite nervous which was strange since I had already been through this before. Steve had dropped Ellison off at Grandma and Grandpas and ran to Target for some snacks since we were running too late to do it before my appointment! He showed up just as I was in my hospital gown and in the bed, perfect timing. The nurse started me on my fluids so we could start pitocin. I loved her, she was so encouraging and said when she left that I was going to have a great delivery! She started my pitocin at 2:15pm. Marilee said when she left that she would be back at 3pm to break my water and get things going so if I wanted an epidural I should probably get it before then. Well I didn't feel like I needed one so she showed up and said well it's going to hurt and contractions are going to get more intense. She was right. She broke my water at 3pm. I told the nurse to go ahead and call in the epidural. He came in to give it to me at 4pm. I have sculiosis so he had to do it a couple times and took forever to find the right spot. It was awful, especially during contractions!! When he finally got it right, it was amazing though! Woo! Praise Jesus for drugs! Haha! The only thing is I get kind of nauseous and light headed for an hour or so after getting it. I didn't have that with Ellison, but I was glad I didn't have the crazy shakes like I did with Ellison! They checked me around 6pm and I was at about 4-5cm. The nurse put a peanut ball between my legs to help her descend. When the nurses shift changed at 7pm, the sweetest girls came in and decided to flip me to my other side with the peanut ball still between my legs.  That must have been the game changer for Miss Emily because only about 10 minutes after the nurse left (after I had told her I probably wouldn't need or bother her for a while, haha) I felt intense pressure and super nauseous. I thought I needed more drugs in my epidural (dumb!) so I hit the button. It didn't go away so I called the nurse in. I told her I was feeling a ton of pressure and so she checked me around 745pm. She felt her head and I was fully dialated! Wow!!! She said she was going to call Marilee to come deliver her. I seriously felt like I wouldn't be able to keep her in. She let me push a couple times and said to stop because she was close. That was SO hard! Marilee showed up at about 7:50pm and got ready. I pushed about 4-5 times and she came right out at 8pm on the nose!! What a difference from Ellison's birth. I pushed for almost 2 hours with that big girl!! Praise God because that was the hardest part! The cord was around her neck so Marilee had to cut it. She acted like it wasn't a big deal but Steve said she was purple/blue! Ahh! I was able to hold her right away and I asked Marilee how big she thought she was. She said in the 7lb range. I was pretty shocked! I did skin to skin for about 45 minutes which was so sweet. Steve later told me he was bummed he wasn't able to hold her until like an hour after she was born. Poor daddy! It was such a sweet delivery and I thank Jesus  that he has entrusted us to raise this sweet little girl. He is so good! I can't believe we have two sweet girls! He is so faithful! Here are a few pictures from the hospital...

39 weeks... Almost there!

Well, we are almost there people! Praise Jesus! It is looking like Tuesday could be the day. I went to my appointment last Tuesday and my blood pressure was high. Boo! Seriously thought I was out of the woods for the high blood pressure craziness this pregnancy! But NOPE! It landed me in triage to be monitored, where my mama met and sat with me for over an hour. All was well so they sent me home. I went back for a follow up appointment on Friday and sure enough, it was high again. BOO! They sent me to triage saying if it didn't go down they would induce me. This time I was all alone because Steve had Ellison and every one was at work or busy. I survived and the same thing happened. Everything came back normal and they sent me home. I'm on modified bed rest, whatever that means with a 2 year old. Trying to take it easy, but really wanting this labor to get started. I am at a 1 (have been for a couple weeks now) and about 70% effaced. I'm really wanting to go into labor on my own as I've been having inconsistent contractions for the last 2 weeks or so but I'm starting to think I'm just going to have to be induced on Tuesday. I will be 4 days away from my due date, and HOPEFULLY at a 2, so we need to get this party started! So ready to meet Emily Kate! 

I forgot to update on my appointment last Tuesday besides my high blood pressure. I had a sonogram to check how big Miss Emily is at this point. They wanted me to do this from the beginning since Ellison came out so big without anyone suspecting it! Well, last Tuesday she was measuring 7lb 10oz and right on my due date. They usually grow about a half a pound a week so I'm assuming if they were correct that she will be just around 8lbs when she comes. I can handle that! Hahaha! 

(I never finished this post!! ahh! I'm about to post about her birth story, only 8 months later! Ahh!!) 

35 weeks... Home stretch!

Well, I am a tad frustrated because all that I had typed somehow disappeared!! Let's try this again! This week has been a pretty good week! My round ligament pain is gone for the most part so I am thankful because that pain is treacherous! I was feeling very weak and faint at school a couple weeks ago so I left early and ended up feeling that way a couple days. It ended up I was dehydrated! So I have upped my water intake and it has helped a ton, probably also with my ligament pain! 

I also had two sweet showers thrown for me. One by my sweet Lauren and another by friends at church. They went above and beyond of course and I was so blown away by everyone's generosity. Emily Kate was celebrated for sure! I was so thankful to have my Aunt Donna in town for a shower, it meant a lot and wa super special. I will share some pictures from my shower at the end of this post.

How far along? 35 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Oh yea! 
Stretch marks? None so far!
Sleep: I've just come to accept that I am not going to sleep well until I'm not pregnant anymore! Then I'll have baby girl to keep me up, but I'd much rather that! Every time I switch sides because I'm in pain, I feel sick because she switches positions... And heartburn of course! Oh well. 

Best moment this week: well, I had a doctors appointment with Julie who I love! I was excited to find out she's head down and that my blood pressure was normal! Woo! Praise Jesus! I also had a couple showers/sprinkles a few weeks ago which were so special! I felt so loved!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Walking without waddling and sleep! 

Movement? She's still moving but not quite as much since she's getting bigger. She just likes to poke her back and booty out. Also loves to punch my bladder which doesn't feel the best! 

Food cravings: Nothing really still!
Anything making you queasy or sick: If I eat too much or too little, it's kind of a predicament!!
Have you started to show yet: That's obviously from the pic! :)
Gender prediction: We know, GIRL! 
Labor Signs: No way
Belly Button in or out? Officially out!

Wedding rings on or off? Off but only because since I was pregnant with Ellison, rings make my finger break out in a rash which is super sad!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time! Hormonal for sure... I cry more often lately haha! Steve's ready for this baby to come out! Haha! 
Weekly Wisdom: I don't really have any!

Looking forward to: with it being the last week of school, I'm looking forward to being done and home with just Ellison for a little while. 

There are more pictures, I just don't have them on my phone. I will have to add some to another post when I get them! :) 

30 Weeks!

I can't believe we have hit the 30 week mark! This last 10 weeks have flown by! Emily Kate is kicking like crazy and causing this mama some major pain below the belly! Totally relying on the Lord for strength most days because having a two year old that wants mommy to pick her up throughout the day is wearing on me! I am thankful that the Lord continues to sustain me! I also have started having shortness of breath due to her being up high I suppose... All worth it.

I had a doctors appointment last week. Everything went well... I only gained a couple pounds so I'm hoping that means I'm slowing down. I think that happened with Ellison as well. I gain more in the beginning then begin to plateau. Whew! I found out sweet little Emily is transverse, meaning she is horizontal in my belly... I kind of had an idea that was the case. My doctor said that's probably making me uncomfortable, so I'm praying she moves head down sooner than later! My blood pressure still looks perfect, so continuing to be thankful for that and praying it doesn't rise towards the end like it did with Ellison. I did have a little glucose in my urine, but they didn't seem too concerned. She said it could be what I ate (strawberries and cereal) for breakfast and the test also said I needed to drink more water which I didn't do this morning. Thinking that's what caused it. Note to self: drink more water for next appointment and eat more protein for breakfast like I should anyways! 

Also, I have been reflecting on how perfect the Lord's timing is lately. I remember when we were trying to get pregnant, I was so bummed that it took a few months. Little did I know how perfect a June baby would be with having a month after school ends to prepare. I would be so much more overwhelmed right now if I was due before school ended! I am so thankful that the Lord knows WAY better than me!! Thank you, Jesus!

Well, that's about it. Here's the bumpdate on week 30...

How far along? 30 Weeks

Maternity clothes? The majority of clothes I wear are maternity!
Stretch marks? Nope. Hoping to stay that way haha!
Sleep: still not great. Uncomfortable. Heartburn is worse, but I'm loving the new Publix brand tums that aren't as chalky and kind of taste like sweet tarts! Haha! 

Best moment this week: Last Monday, my sweet moms threw me a shower at school. I was overwhelmed with their generosity and I felt so loved. Also, meeting our sweet niece, Lillian Jane, who was born April 8th :) she's such a little cutie and I love her so much already! 

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Feeling normal... Ha!

Movement: Same... This girl loves to move!! She also loves to move very low most of the time... I don't think Ellison did this, it's kind of uncomfortable! She seriously must be having a dance party in there at times... It's crazy!

Food cravings: Nothing really still. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really!
Have you started to show yet: That's obviously from the pic! :)
Gender prediction: We know, GIRL! 
Labor Signs: No way
Belly Button in or out? Officially out!

Wedding rings on or off? Off but only because since I was pregnant with Ellison, rings make my finger break out in a rash which is super sad!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time! Hormonal for sure... I cry more often lately haha!
Weekly Wisdom: Give thanks in ALL circumstances! 

Looking forward to: showers at the end of this month and beginning of May... Having a month to prepare for Emily after school ends.

24 weeks with EK!

Overall, this week has been good! I've had some days with horrible round ligament pain and others where it seems to disappear and give me some relief! I have my glucose test this coming Monday which I am so not looking forward to... Praying it goes well and I pass it! My levels were close with Ellison, so it makes me a little nervous. Trusting the Lord and His plan though! Teaching is beginning to wear on me a bit... I find myself sitting at my desk most the day which is hard, but it helps my belly to sit down more than walk around like I normally do. Giving myself grace and hoping my kids do as well! Haha! I've been thinking about what Emily is going to look like lately! I just wonder if she will look like Ellison or have her own look! I just can't wait to meet her!!! Well, here's a little 24 week update...

How far along? 24 Weeks

Maternity clothes? The majority of clothes I wear are maternity!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Same... Heartburn and uncomfortable! Thankfully tums takes care of the heartburn! I wake up randomly with crazy pregnancy thoughts as well! Eek!

Best moment this week: Going to a consignment sale and getting some cute clothes for the girls! I'm sure there were other great moments as well!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Feeling normal... Ha!

Movement: Same... This girl loves to move!! She also loves to move very low most of the time... I don't think Ellison did this, it's kind of uncomfortable! 

Food cravings: Not too many cravings at this point! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really!
Have you started to show yet: That's obviously from the pic! :)
Gender prediction: We know, GIRL! 
Labor Signs: No way
Belly Button in or out? Pretty much out at this point, but still not showing through shirts, whew!

Wedding rings on or off? Off but only because since I was pregnant with Ellison, rings make my finger break out in a rash which is super sad!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time! :)
Weekly Wisdom: don't over-do it while

preggo... It's easy to do these days, teaching and having a toddler to chase around!
Looking forward to: Having this baby... Although I still have a ways to go! Haha! Also the ladies retreat with church next weekend! 

20 week! We're having a...

GIRL!!!! It's another sweet little girl, Emily Kate Baer! We were shocked as usual... For some reason we like to always think we are having a boy! Haha! We are beyond thrilled to welcome another baby girl and give Ellison a sister! She is already telling strangers that she "has a baby sister". Talk about melting this mama's heart! I am so ready for June to be here!! Here's a little 20 week update... A few weeks later, but better than never! 

How far along? 20 Weeks
Maternity clothes? The majority of clothes I wear are maternity!
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Heartburn and uncomfortable! Thankfully tums takes care of the heartburn!

Best moment this week: Finding out we are having another little girl!

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Bending over easily, haha! Also my lower abdomen and back not killing me by the end of each day... :(

Movement: This girl loves to move!! She also loves to move very low most of the time... I don't think Ellison did this, it's kind of uncomfortable! 

Food cravings: I want anything and everything... Not really craving specific things anymore!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really!
Have you started to show yet: Oh yea! I had my first person say "what are you having?" assuming I was pregnant! Ha! 
Gender prediction: We know, GIRL! 
Labor Signs: No way
Belly Button in or out? Almost out! Not all the way.. But very close!

Wedding rings on or off? Off but only because since I was pregnant with Ellison, rings make my finger break out in a rash which is super sad!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time! :)
Weekly Wisdom: I have no motherly instinct when it comes to the gender of my children, haha!
Looking forward to: Sprinkles that my friends are throwing me in April and May! So blessed.

16 week Bumpdate!

How far along? 16 Weeks
Maternity clothes? Maternity pants and Bellaband.... Mostly my regular shirts along with a few maternity! 
Stretch marks? Nope.
Sleep: Sleep has been harder this pregnancy from the beginning. I seem to wake up a lot and I can't get comfortable!

Best moment this week: Doctor's appointment

Have you told family and friends: Yes!
Miss Anything? Feeling normal :)

Movement: Yes! In the last week, I KNOW I have been feeling the baby. Up until then, I couldn't quite tell!

Food cravings: Burgers (which is funny because I hated those when pregnant with Ellison) and pretty much any red meat!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Overall, not really. Just have to eat often.
Have you started to show yet: Yes! I feel like a popped out this week.
Gender prediction: Boy since I have craved different things, but other than that I really don't know. 
Labor Signs: No way
Belly Button in or out? In but more shallow than normal. I don't think it will be in for too much longer!

Wedding rings on or off? Off but only because since I was pregnant with Ellison, rings make my finger break out in a rash which is super sad!
Happy or Moody most of the time: i think happy, finally feeling better from first trimester yuckies!
Weekly Wisdom: nothing I can think of! 
Looking forward to: Feeling more movement and finding out the gender on Feb 1st!!

So I finally went in for my first official baby doctor's visit on Monday! It went great! I think I've only gained around 5 lbs which I was thankful for because with Ellison I know I had gained at least 10 by this point! I guess chasing a toddler around really helps keep the weight gain under control! Haha! The baby's heartbeat was 148 bpm so it went down from the 183 bpm at my first appointment. We are really thinking it's a boy because we have the theory that if it's high then goes low, it's a boy and if it's low then high, it's a girl. My midwife laughed at me Monday when I told her our theory, but that's okay it seemed to have been correct on most of our friends! Just a fun little theory! We scheduled our anatomy scan to find out the gender for February 1st, which is now less than 4 weeks away so that's super exciting! We cannot wait to find out... We will be super excited either way but it's just so much more real to find out what the Lord is adding to our family. I am so thankful for a good report and excited to see what's in store for the next few months. Trying to cherish these last months with just the three of us, but looking forward to what's to come! 

Also I forgot to share how I told my fourth graders that I was pregnant! I did a hangman game. It was SO fun to see their reaction. They are so excited and I am already looking forward to telling them the gender in a few weeks! :)

I will update more later... :) 

Sarah