Madelyn's Birth Story...

Madelyn's birth story goes back several months as I consider it to have "started" from the day I was put on bed rest.  A few days after Memorial Day, my doctor put me on modified bed rest due to low amniotic fluid, pre-term labor contractions and premature aging of the placenta.  For 5.5 weeks, I had twice weekly nonstress tests, weekly ultrasounds (every other week was a full growth check) and weekly appointments.  Also fit in there were two steroid shots to beef up Maddy's lungs should she come early.

5 lbs 14.7 ounces

With my amniotic fluid levels not getting any better, my doctor scheduled an induction for the 8th.  Although I preferred to go into labor on my own, I was so glad to have it scheduled with an "end" date in mind.  My last appointment was on Friday, July 5th where I had a nonstress test and an ultrasound for one last look at my fluid level.  It was discovered during my ultrasound that my fluid was at an all time low (5.22).  According to my doc, anything below 5 would send me straight to the hospital to deliver.  So I was sent home to take it easy and continue bed rest until Monday morning.

 

We arrived at the hospital on Monday morning at 7:30 am.  Everything moved rather quickly and no time was wasted getting things started.  After some brief paperwork, getting settled and chatting with our nurse, I was hooked up to my IV to get started with fluids.  The IV went as expected and I got lightheaded and vomited shortly after it was in.  I only share this as I knew it was going to happen as it did with both other deliveries...definitely the worst part for me. 

 

My doc came in and broke my water around 8:15 am and as expected it was super low as not much came out.  She checked me and I was only 3 cm dilated at this point, 50% effaced and the baby was at -2 station.  I was pretty discouraged after hearing this as I fully expected to be farther along.  They started my pitocin around 8:45ish and gradually increased it every 20 minutes.  Contractions picked up and by 10 am, I was ready for my epidural.  My nurse checked me right before the epidural and I was only at 4 cm...again rather discouraged.

 

The epidural worked like a charm as it did with both other deliveries.  I was super relaxed, able to move my legs and only felt slight tightening during contractions.  My nurse was concerned that baby girl was face up as I had been feeling strong contractions in my back, so she had me alternate laying on my sides every 20 minutes in an effort to let gravity turn her over. 

 

We relaxed for a bit and tried to watch a movie in between Facetiming with the girls and texting some friends.  Shortly after noon, my nurse came in and I casually mentioned that I thought I had felt some light pressure.  She went to check me and discovered that Maddy was on her way out.  She quickly said something along the lines of "code red" into her walkie talkie and nurses immediately flooded our room.  Our nurse Shelby basically delivered Maddy as she caught her coming out (again with no pushing).  My doc arrived shortly after delivery, took care of the placenta and cleaned me up.

We learned that this is called a "precipitous delivery", meaning no doctor present and the bed wasn't broken down.  This of course was our second occurrence and we had even discussed it with our nurse earlier in the morning.  Maddy checked out great, despite the circumstances, and proceeded to cry for about an hour after delivery.  We were told this was because she had some fluid to work out of her lungs.

On our second day in the hospital, our pediatrician raised some concern about Maddy's color and looking a little jaundice.  She requested that the nurses check her bili levels later that evening to determine if she needed to spend some time under the blue bili lights.  Unfortunately her levels came back a little high so she had to spend the night in the nursery under the blue lights (from about 10 pm until they released us around 1 pm the next day).  I had to go down to the nursery to nurse her about every 2.5 - 3 hours while she was there.  It was sad to have her away from us for so long, but we're thankful the lights did the trick and we were able to take her home on time!

Headed home!

Looking so tiny in her carseat!

Fast asleep on the ride home

Maddy meets Family...

Maddy was able to meet lots of family members last week.  Our hospital room got a little crazy at one point when her sisters and cousins all came to visit.  Our sweet girl certainly is loved!

 

Grammy with Maddy

Aunt Kym with Maddy (they share the same middle name)

Grampy and Maddy

Cousin Elli and Maddy

Cousin Connor and Maddy

Look how excited Elli is...she'd been anxiously awaiting meeting her new cousin.

Aunt Ashley with Maddy.  Uncle Scott came to visit later in the week, but we forgot to get a pic of him with Maddy.

Papa with Maddy.
Kensley's face cracks me up as she wasn't thrilled about sharing Maddy.

Nana finally got a turn to hold Maddy, but there were lots of little bodies waiting to take over.

The girls!

Cousins

Madelyn: 1 week old...

It's so hard to believe that a week has gone by and Madelyn is officially 1 week old.  It's also crazy to think that she's not even supposed to be here yet as her due date was next Monday, July 22nd.

 

Maddy's 1 week birthday also coincided with my first day alone with the girls...all three of them!  I am happy to report that we all survived and it surprisingly went better than expected.  After 5.5 weeks of bed rest, I was up for just about anything...regardless of how much effort was involved. 

 

I've been telling the girls for several days now that we're going to have lots of "girls days" and kept asking them what all they wanted to do.  I figured we'd try anything once and determine what exactly is doable with two toddlers and a newborn.  We ended up going to the pool this morning for about an hour.  The rule was that we had to stay in the kiddie pool as Mommy is unable to swim yet and we of course had Maddy with us.  I also consider it a small victory that I managed to get everyone fed (multiple meals), napped (all four of us), dinner and cookies made with minimal tears and fights today.

Maddy lounging at the pool while big sisters swim

 The past week also brought lots of first for Maddy.  Here are a few in pictures...

 

First trip to the park on Wednesday (after getting home from hospital)

First doctor visit.  This is her relaxed face after she projectile pooped on me at the beginning of her appointment.
Stats at 4 days old:
Weight: 6 lbs (7%)
Height: 18.75 in (20%) - This was definitely off as she was longer at birth.
Head: 12.5 in (1%)

First boat ride

First dinner out with Mommy & Daddy (PS...the bib was just for picture sake to show the girls)

 Other outings not pictured: trips to the pool (3 this week!), walks with Mommy (two times), several trips to the park and her first picnic.

 

And just because she's cute...a few random pictures and first captured smirk.



I can already tell time is going to fly by too quickly with our sweet girl. 
Happy 1 week, Maddy Joy!

Sisters...

The girls (Kensley specifically) were super excited to meet their new baby sister.  We've been talking about Maddy for months so the girls were anxiously anticipating her arrival.  Since Maddy was born in the early afternoon, the girls were able to come to the hospital after naps to meet her.

 

Kensley was and continues to be obsessed with Maddy.  She refers to her as "her baby" and does not like to share her with anybody.  She is constantly asking to hold her and needs to know where she is at all times.  Avery is very sweet with Maddy and loves to give her kisses.  She likes to hold her as well, but usually only when big sis wants to.  Both girls have been great helpers so far.

 

 

Both girls holding Maddy's hands

First family pic...best we could do!

I caught the flash off of some one's camera, but again the best picture we got of the three.

She's in love!

 

Kisses for Maddy!

A close second to Maddy...Mommy's water bottle.



Introducing...

 Madelyn Joy Roberts

 

Maddy joined our family on Monday, July 8th at 12:10 pm.  She weighed in at 5 lbs 14.7 oz and was 19 inches long.  She is a tiny, little thing with a strong set of lungs!

  

 

Maddy is getting lots of love from her big sisters.  Lots more posts to come including meeting big sisters & family, birth story and her first week at home.  For now though we are taking advantage of family naps and resting while we have the chance!



Avery's Stats: 2 Years Old...

We had Avery's well check appointment on Friday afternoon.  Fortunately Jeremy was able to go with us since I "technically" wasn't supposed to leave the couch.  The appointment started out rough as Avery melted down when the nurse tried to get her weight and height.  He had to hold her down on the table to get her height measurement as she refused to stand against the wall.  She did great though when the doc came in to examine her.  Kens was so sweet with her as well as she kept saying "It's ok, sweetie" and "You're doing great, Aves."  No shots this appointment and Avery checked out great.

 

2 year stats:

Weight: 24 lbs 8 oz (20%)

Height: 33.5 inches (39%)

Celebrating our "Big Girl"...

We had a fun week celebrating our big 2 year old last week.  Our plans were slightly modified due to my bedrest situation.

 

Tuesday night, Jeremy took Kens to the store to pick out cupcakes and donuts for Avery's birthday.  Aves loves her "dough-nies" so she was thrilled to start her birthday with them. 

 

I wanted to make sure Aves had a special day on her actual birthday (Wednesday). Since I am unable to do much, Grammy and Grampy were gracious enough to cart us all around for the day.  We spent the morning at the park, the girls playing while I watched from my bench.  We had a picnic lunch and then after naps, we went to the splash park.  Again the girls played while Grammy and Grampy chased after them and I sat comfortably in my chair.  Jeremy brought home dinner and we had a fun little party with the girls...eating cupcakes, opening presents and playing with new toys.

 

We had a small family party for Aves last weekend.  Fortunately Nana and Papa came on Thursday evening to help get ready for the party.  Nana made lots of food and cleaned the house while Papa entertained the girls.  We had a fun weekend and were thankful for everyone making the trip to help celebrate our big girl.

 

Aves seemed to have a good time, but was more interested in playing with her cousins and being a part of the action...rather than the center of attention.  She tore through her presents and loved trying out her new toys and gifts.  A big thanks to daddy for taking lots of pictures!

We tried to get some pictures of the birthday girl before the party...she wasn't thrilled.

I guess this is how she really feels about turning 2!

Sneaking a taste of her cake

Her classic "funny face"

Trying to coax her to do a "real" smile

Connor digging into his cupcake!

Her favorite part of any treat...the icing

Aves is a hugger...thanking Elli for her gift.

This is what present opening looked like...Aves had lots of helpers!

 Thanks again to all of our family that made the trip to celebrate our girl.  A special thanks to  our moms for helping to make and provide all the food!