Welcome Jack!

Jack Henry Arnson

November 20, 2012

2:29 am 

8 pounds 9.4 ounces, 19 inches long

4 am sharp on November 19, I woke up wide awake. I couldn't sleep...I just felt like Monday, the 19th, was the day Jack was going to arrive. After browsing Pinterest for 2 hours, I finally got up because I was too restless. I started sorting laundry, feeling Braxton Hicks contractions. Since I had already been feeling them, I didn't think too much about them...but then around 7am, just after Brandon had left for work, I started realizing the contractions were beginning to come fairly regularly, about every 5-7 minutes. Then I started to smile, and get a little nervous...I knew I was going to be meeting Jack in the very near future. I took a shower and began to time the contractions. About 30 minutes later, I decided to go to Valley Medical Center's triage department and get checked out. I picked up my parents on the way and told Brandon to meet me at Valley. 

Still feeling great, at Valley's triage room

I arrived at Valley still feeling regular, painless contractions. (At this point, I should have known I wasn't quite ready to deliver with painless contractions). I was dilated to about 2 cm. This same morning, I had an ultrasound, non-stress test and appointment scheduled with my OB about an hour later. So triage discharged me and I walked over to my doctor's office. The amniotic fluid during the ultrasound looked great and the non-stress test looked great. It was so fun to see Jack's little profile face one last time through ultrasound before I really got to meet him. And he was still a healthy little active guy!!

My OB checked me and said I was dilated to about 3 cm and ~ 70% effaced, with bulging bags...I was instructed to head back in if my water broke or the contractions were so intense that I was hunching over and stopping. I was disappointed to be headed home. I wanted to meet Jack. When was he coming?? 

I got to my parents house around 12 pm. I was timing the contractions and they began to get painful. Mildly at first, but after a few hours, I was pretty uncomfortable with each one. Brandon encouraged me to take a walk through the neighborhood around 3:30 pm. (The torrential downpour that had occurred all morning had just stopped for awhile). We walked about 20 minutes before my water broke during our walk. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't stop smiling through the shock of experiencing my water breaking. We were off to meet Jack. We walked the few houses back to my parent's house, retrieved our belongings and hopped in the car. We arrived at triage where after about 15 minutes, I was admitted. At this point I was cringing with each contraction. 

At 6 pm. I got my PIV inserted. At this point, I felt like crying (I probably was crying) with each contraction. My nurse asked if I wanted fentanyl or an epidural at this point. By my look, the nurse must of changed her mind because she said, let's just get you started with the epidural. The anesthesiologist was called and within 15 minutes of calling him, my epidural was in place and I couldn't feel a single contraction. It was amazing. I think I got my hopes up that the actual labor and pushing would be masked by my epidural...let's just say it wasn't. 

So from 6:30 pm to 11 pm, I had many visitors. I was feeling great. Around 11 pm, I was getting tired and trying to rest up a bit. My sister decided to drive up from Portland after work. She arrived around 10 pm, and although we all tried to encourage not to (because she worked the next morning), she came anyway. (Which I was thankful for). 

Long story short, I felt the need to push at 1 am, and actively started at 1:15 am. Jack was born at 2:29 am. The best part of active labor was when the OB actually sat down...meaning I was close enough to delivery that she thought she better stay). The few other times she had come in to check on me during active labor was pretty rough when she would say, not quite there, and leave the room...wow...that pressure feeling is quite an intense, unique feeling :) And there's no getting out of it...except to have that baby!

Over all, I had a very awesome delivery. Being a NICU nurse, I was a little nervous that some complication would arise. Right after my epidural was placed, the nurse placed me on my left side, and Jack's heart rate immediately decrease to the 70s. She turned me to my right side, placed oxygen on me and within a minute Jack's heart rate rose back to 130s. That was the longest minute of my life...after that, I was a little obsessed with watching his heart rate the remainder of the delivery. This happened once more during pushing, but within a minute his heart rate returned to normal. The NICU team attended the delivery for light meconium stained fluid, but luckily they weren't needed once he was delivered. Jack came out crying and all was well. 

We are very fortunate to have a healthy baby boy. I know we are blessed and I am forever grateful. 

The feeling of Jack being placed on my chest after delivery is a feeling that I'll never forget. It was such a surreal moment..a great moment where my life changed forever. He was perfect. He was so soft and smooth...his skin was perfect and he had such an amazing newborn fresh smell. There are no words to describe how I truly felt. But I was immediately in love. And the best part? He has made me a mother, for which I will be forever grateful and he'll forever hold an extra special place in my heart {xoxoxox}

Lying on my chest after birth

Happy parents (our 1st family photograph)

My nurse was absolutely amazing. I had the same nurse from 7 pm to 7 am. She helped my labor go smoothly and I couldn't have asked for a better one. My nurse, my OB and me were all pregnant. :)

Thank you to all the many family members that stayed up late to support us as we welcomed our bundle of joy!!!! We are so in love. 

Our announcement family photograph later that afternoon

Our big boy, weighing in at 8 pounds, 9.4 ounces

 Going home!!!!

Man the time flies! 

Below are some of my favorites of our little man during his first week of life! We arrived home on Wednesday. And we didn't stop. Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday and Friday, a bath on Saturday, a quick impromtu photo session Saturday, and just lots and lots of snuggles and kisses.

These pictures make me smile because he looks so brand new. He still has all his little newborn blemishes and water weight and I just love them all. It's too hard to pick out just one or two favorites. 

This first week...Jack loves to sleep. He is such a good little sleeper. He is good at breastfeeding, then he falls back to sleep. 

He has the cutest little barely visible blond eyebrows and long blond eyelashes. He was born with a good amount of hair. It is so fun to brush it and just run my fingers through it. It almost makes a mullet, short in the front and long in the back. Ha :)

We just love him. 

 After bath photos

 Precious 10 toes

And....

Jack at 1 week old.

{40 weeks}

We made it to DUE DATE day...November 17th!!!

The bun is fully cooked...but Jack apparently doesn't think so! Where are you little guy? 

This weekend I was supposed to work 36 long hours. I showed up on Thursday morning ready to work 12 hours. By the late morning, I felt strong Braxton Hicks contractions and felt more pressure. I didn't want to be stuck in Tacoma if Jack was ready to meet the world. I left 4 hours early from work. But nothing. On Friday, I was fortunate to receive all 12 hours off of work! And then of course, he didn't show up and I felt pretty good the entire day! 

Today, on due date day, I woke up very early and couldn't go back to sleep. I decided to use paid time off hours and not go into my last schedueled day of work. I can't believe I'm officially on maternity leave now. Taking today off worked turned out to be a good thing. Brandon and I took a walk along the trail to a local restaurant to have breakfast, but I felt pretty uncomfortable walking. Today is the first day I can say I've felt uncomfortable in this pregnancy. Brandon even had to tie my boots....I'm not overly uncomfortable, just feeling like he could make his debut any time now :) 

I'm still feeling the strong, painless Braxon Hicks contractions, but none of the stronger, painful, consistent, every 3-5 minute contractions signaling he is coming and I better get to the hospital. So, we wait some more. If he doesn't arrive by Monday morning, I have an ultrasound and doctor's appointment scheduled, just to double check that everything looks good and he can continue to cook a bit longer :)

Mommy and Daddy can't wait to meet you Jack!!! Hurry up! :)

{39 weeks}

Thinking that this could be my last week pregnant is bittersweet. I have thoroughly enjoyed the 10 month journey into becoming a mother. I am grateful that my pregnancy has been easy thus far..it was far too busy the last 10 months to be nauseous or uncomfortable. I feel very blessed and thankful for this. 

This last trimester is the best...when you just see Little Bean move from side to side, or up and down...or just kick a leg out...when your stomach suddenly becomes lopsided. I was fortunate to have most of my 3rd trimester during the early part of fall, when the weather was still nice. It's only been these last few weeks where it has been more difficult deciding what to wear. I avoided buying 'maternity' bottoms since I could wear dresses and skirts most of the pregnancy. But if I had to go through the winter pregnant, I would be stocking up...but these last few weeks, I've decided to tough it out with leggings!

Dinner at Red House, which we hoped would be our last night out sans Jack!

 

Although, I am a little sad to no longer be pregnant and feel the internal movement, we are ecstatic to actually meet him, hold him, cuddle him, kiss him, see him. I just can't wait any longer!!!!! The million dollar question. When will he delight us with his presence?   

{38 weeks}

We made it to 38 weeks. FULL TERM :) 

I took the weekend off of work....and relaxed. I slept in, attended a friend's baby shower, and worked on the art for Jack's room. 

  

On Sunday, I attended my first game of the season!!! The Newgards came with us. And the game did not disappoint!!! We arrived early for a little tailgating....and from the first quarter on...we were screaming (and scared at first)...then cheering the remainder of the game. Seahawks won 30-20. And I did not go into labor :) It was the Newgards last game with us. They are moving to Hawaii next month, and have been our football companions the last couple years. They will be missed at any future games! Thanks for a fun, last game! 

 

 Getting our prefunk on ;)

   

A Seahawks win!

 

 Soon to have a future Seahawk {little} fan on our hands!

{37 weeks}

Our 37th week flew by. It was welcomed by our maternity shoot and a Halloween party! My friend Meagan offered to do some maternity pictures for us to commemorate the final weeks of pregnancy before Jack arrives. Although I finally relaxed {a little] in front of the camera, I don't think she'll being calling me for other photo shoot opportunities....I either smile or don't...nothing in between...or so I feel. But, with the million or so she took, I hope there are a few cute ones. Thanks Meagan! I had a great time. These are a few she sent me as a preview....

Saturday night was my 5th annual work Halloween Party! It was a little harder to plan this year's couple costume with Brandon. Finally, we went with the good vs. evil theme. He went as a priest and I went as a devil. I still managed to dance quite a bit of the night away.....thanks Amy and Pat for hosting again. :)

The next morning Brandon was exhausted...but he had a surprise baby shower thrown for him by Doug. Many of his friends came over to watch the Seahawks...lose. But, he had a great time and came home with many packages of diapers. :)

This week has been good. I have been feeling many more Braxton Hick's contractions. I went to the doctor on Monday and everything looks good. His heart beat is normal and I am measuring well. We continue to wait for his arrival. 

The East coast was hit badly by a Hurricane Sandy Monday night. Praying for all the people that were horribly affected by the storm's devastation. 

Finally, I worked Halloween and Thursday....I was in the ICN, although not as physically demanding on my feet as it had been the prior weekend. I can't wait to take a work break and spend time with Jack.

Friday, I had to attend a 3 hour class session at UW. We discussed delivery room emergencies and how to manage and treat the infants. I enjoyed the class, felt like I knew much of what was discussed and feel like this quarter is going by quickly.

I met up with Ana for dinner after class to have dinner and catch up. It still seems weird that I can still just leave the house on a whim without much thought or preparation. I am enjoying all these last days of dinners, meetings, gatherings...knowing that soon, it will all change...in a good way.

All in all a busy {good} 37th week.  

{36 weeks}

Entering my 36th week of pregnancy has been my hardest to date. I entered our 36th week of pregnancy smack dab in the middle of my 4 12 hour work stretch...in the ICN. It ran me ragged. By the 2nd 12, my feet were stinging by lunch, I felt my hands swelling, and I was just exhausted. The atmosphere of the ICN is just so different than the NICU; mostly because the babies under your care take more time and parents are often at the bedside for hours of the day. It just means that I cannot sit as often as downstairs (albeit, there are days in the NICU that you don't sit down either). By Saturday evening, as I ended my 3rd 12 hour shift (on my first day of 36 weeks), I was exhausted. My feet STUNG! I don't think I have felt this bad ever in the entire pregnancy. Luckily, I was able to have an easier day Sunday, which made the day seem better. I am fortunate I do not have any more 4 day stretches left of pregnancy!! 

Monday I found some strength and purged, purged, purged. My mom came over and took bags of old paperwork (my entire 4 years of nursing school paperwork/binders/tests/study notes/homework/CARE PLANS) to the trash....at first I started to rummage through the papers...but after the first load was dumped, I started to feel happier, and the rest of the purging was easier. I could purge a little more (especially in my closet), but I made a big dent and everything feels organized in the office. 

I also had my 36th week OB check up on Monday. Luckily, little Jack is a good baby and his head down!!!! I haven't dilated, which I'm happy about. I have a few more things I need to accomplish before he comes. Plus, I am taking some pregnancy pics this coming Saturday (at 37 weeks). 

On Tuesday, I worked on nursery decorations. I have alphabet letters I want to paint to place above the crib. With the help of Tiffany, I cricuted jungle animals to frame above the changing table/dresser. And I found cardboard letters to spell Jack. I'm not sure if I'll leave them on the windowsill or hang them on the wall....but everything is coming together!! I'm excited to have it all done!

Then came Wednesday morning...the beginning of a 2 day work stretch. I had two babies that each weighed 1.5 pounds each. I clocked in at 0700, and hit the ground running. I don't think I charted my first 0800 assessment until about 1600...yes, another busy day. I loved the day...caring for 2 micropremies is amazing...but again my feet are DONE working. I am getting to that point of just being done with work....

Then on Thursday morning, I awoke at about 2 am with heartburn. What? This has never happened before...ugh, it's not fun, and it lasted about 45 minutes....just in the middle of really good sleep. But somehow ~ I am not sure how ~ I received a call at 0505 on Thursday morning, letting me know I could have the day off. What? This has been unheard of since about July! This MADE my day. It turned out that I was able to get the entire 12 hour shift off! I slept in. When I stood up for the first time, my feet ached...what is wrong with them? But I was able to relax, do some school work, and do other things around the house.

Tomorrow, Friday, I am making final preparations to get things ready for the maternity photo shoot on this Saturday. I'm a little nervous, but super excited to get some last minute pictures before little bean arrives! :)

{35 weeks}
 

The 35th week of pregnancy is here :) I kicked off the 35th week by seeing Wicked, the musical on Saturday. Christine and I had surprised our mom with tickets and dinner for her birthday. I probably would never have seen it if it wasn't for my mom wanting to see it so badly. Well, it did not disappoint and I highly recommend it! It was amazing. Probably my favorite musical EVER! 

 

 

This has been the week of baby :)

Sunday, I was treated to a fabulous baby shower hosted by my mom, sister and mother-in-law. I have been preparing for baby and seeing him grow each week, but it made the whole pregnancy seem more real....everyone talking about Jack and seeing baby things he will soon use... I felt very blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who showed so much love and support to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you mom, Christine and Nancy for hosting a beautiful event for me. I can actually say I am starting to believe that a baby will be here in almost 1 month!!!

 
 

At Dinner Club on Tuesday, I was spoiled with a few more baby gifts and love by friends in the club. (Oh and one of the girl's mom is a fancy caterer...and she cooked for us this time while teaching us some of the tricks of the trade). It was FABULOUS!

As the week of baby continues, I just returned from a baby shower with my coworkers. Jaime and Tiffany threw me a wonderful shower. Thank you to both of you! ...Again, I am just in awe from the wonderful support I received from all my friends for Jack and me. I can really say that Jack is already spoiled...and I am ready for baby!!!! (in 4 more weeks though, not any sooner please...and when I finish his laundry!!)

 

 Thanks Jaime and Tiffany for organizing my awesome baby shower!

 I don't know what's happening here...but blame it on being preggers!

As I finished hanging up all the new clothes and putting away all the other treats, I can't help but smile. I still find it surreal that in ~ 1 month, an actual baby will be using all this great stuff. I can't wait!!!!