Stella's birth story

Stella Dorothy Kaup

8/5/15

6lbs 15 oz, 19 inches

My sweet little Stella is already 2 months old, and i'm JUST getting around to documenting her birth story. I guess that's to be expected with a newborn and a just barely toddler. I just hope I remember everything well enough. SO here we go!

I had a doctor's appointment at 11 am on August 5th. It was just business as usual except I was dilated to almost 4 CENTIMETERS and about 70% effaced. I was SHOCKED. My doctor asked me if I wanted my membranes stripped. It basically will only work if your body is ready. I decided to just go with it, because even though I was TERRIFIED to have her, I was also really excited to meet her. So I went back home and just went about my day with Elsie. I felt a little crampy, but I had been feeling that way for days already so it was nothing new. I put Els down for her afternoon nap and decided to lay down myself. Josh got home from work and we woke up. Josh asked how I was feeling and it seemed like as soon as he did, I started feeling some pretty regular contractions. I couldn't tell if it was all in my head, or if it was the real deal. Josh convinced me to start timing them and they were about 7 minutes apart. I was still sort of in denial because I did NOT expect things to happen that fast. About 20 more minutes of regular contractions and I decided I should call the nurse line and see what they thought I should do. They weren't very helpful, basically just told me that if I felt like I should come in, then I could. OKAY? Aren't you supposed to TELL me what to do. Don't give an indecisive woman OPTIONS lol. So anyways, after much consideration I decided I should probably head in. I drove myself to the hospital because Josh was going to wait at home with Elsie until his mom and sister got there. We wanted to Elsie to be able to stay at home so she didn't have TOO much going on at once. 

This was me driving to the hospital...basically freaking out. 

So I got to the hospital and get everything situated and got into my hospital gown and the nurse checked me. I was dilated to a 5 and 90% effaced so they admitted me! I was going to have this baby TODAY!! Such a surreal feeling! It was kinda scary being at the hospital by myself, but we only live about 15 min from the hospital so I knew Josh would be there soon. 

My last belly shots!! So crazy to think that she would soon be OUTSIDE of the belly. There is just no feeling like that anticipation. It's so exciting! 

So, I got all settled and Josh got there. The contractions were getting really strong and really regular. The nurse told me that the anesthesiologist isn't in house, and is about 30 min away. So I would need to plan my need for an epidural around that. Well shortly after that, we got word that he was going to be coming through the area and we decided that there was no point in NOT having him administer the epidural while he was there. (duh) So we started my IV fluids and waited for the main of the hour to show up! He got there and everything went very smoothly and I was feeling like a million bucks in no time. Cause those contractions were getting STRONG. In reality though, I only had to endure about an hour or 2 of actual labor so it was a cake walk. So, after that is all said and done I was bed ridden. For some reason this time the epidural made me very anxious. My heart rate would randomly shoot up, and I could feel my heart pounding out of my chest and like I couldn't breath very well. It was NOT a good feeling. And I really felt panicked about not being able to move my legs for some reason. I don't know, obviously I enjoyed not feeling any labor pain, but it was not as enjoyable as I remember it being with Elsie. So after that, It was basically just a waiting game. I was progressing nicely, but my water hadn't broken yet so it was going AS fast as it could. And my doctor was not there, so she couldn't break it and the nurses aren't allowed to do so. At this point it was probably about 10pm or so. Another overnight labor, which is NOT fun. You can't sleep a bit, and your sleep from then on is just totally screwed up. So fast forward a few hours and it's about 3am and I am STARVING to death. I mean like stomach growling and everything. I was tired, hungry and miserable! It was so bizarre cause I remember when I first laid down, my belly was big and round and sticking up, so as I was laying down I reached down to rub my belly once more and I felt it and it was like oblong and felt much flatter. I was SO scared, I thought she was probably coming out and I couldn't feel it. Well my doctor finally got there and she checked and my water bag was bulging OUT. She was all startled because she thought it was the babies head! So I started feeling all extra nervous, for some reason the moments just before pushing are the most nerve-wracking for me. I mean, it all just becomes so REAL-you are about to meet this little person that has been growing in your belly! It's the most amazing anticipation in the world, truly nothing like it! So we got everything all situated and the time to push came! AH! I kept saying over and over "I'm scared! I'm SCARED!" So a contraction came and I started pushing. 2 pushes and 1 full contraction and this little one was OUT! It was unbelievable. She was absolutely beautiful, and just perfect as can be. 6 lbs 15oz and 19 inches long. She took to nursing right away and we just laid there for an hour or so nursing and loving each other. There's just nothing like those first moments, you're just on cloud 9 filled with so much emotion and adrenaline. We love her SO much and we can't imagine our lives without her now, She's perfect!! 

30/31 weeks!!

31 weeks

30 weeks

How far along? I am almost 32 weeks pregnant! WHAT ON EARTH!!!? 

Elsie's 30 week update can be found here! Her 31 week update can be found here!

 Maternity clothes: Things probably aren't going to change from here on out

Stretch marks? Nope! 

Sleep: Sleep is good! My mind has sorta started being flooding with all kinds of stuff right around bedtime (go figure) but it hasn't affected me TOO much thus far. 

Best moment this week(s):  Well we celebrated my birthday and that was SO wonderful. Josh took the day off, it was a perfect SUNNY day, he brought me Chipotle (my favorite) and got me a kuerig!! It was such a nice day and totally unexpected! I also got my hair cut and colored and I just feel like a million bucks! OH and DUH we had an ultrasound to check on some measurements of the little gal, and we ALMOST didn't get to see her little face because she had her foot RIGHT in her face, but she moved it at the last second! She's such a cutie, and I think she looks a bit like her big sister! The tech said she could see her hair and everything! 

KISSY LIPS!!

Miss anything?: Not feeling claustrophobic 

Movement:  She moves A LOT. I guess I don't really know if it's dramatically different than it was with Elsie, but I think with the placenta placement being different it just makes it seem a lot more intense. 

Food cravings: Iced coffee, fruit, ice cream cones 

Anything making you queasy or sick?  When I eat a little bit too much, I literally feel like a gross bloated whale that can't move.   

Gender: little mama!  

Labor signs: Just braxton hicks 

Symptoms: Indigestion horribly! I guess she'll have lots of hair like Elsie! 

Belly button in or out? Level, poking out every once in awhile lol 

Happy or moody most of the time? Ummmm a little mix of both. Josh has been out of town a lot lately and that weighs sort of heavily on my heart when he's away. And it gives me entirely too much time to myself to stew about things that worry me. He's good at talking me off the cliff.   

Looking forward to: The TIME IS GOING TOO FAST!! I don't really want to look forward to anything honestly, I just want to live one day at a time. 

28/29 weeks!

How far along? I am 29 weeks!! Can't believe I'm nearly 30 weeks and I can hardly even stand it. Where does the time go???? 

Elsie's 28 week update is here   
29 week is here!

 Maternity clothes: Dresses and maternity pants galore!

Stretch marks? Not much to report but it suuuure is gettin tight! 

Sleep: We're finally (hush) working on getting Elsie to sleep in her crib and that's been tough for me. Not because she hasn't been sleeping well, but because I feel like I constantly want to be checking on her. So, i've been a little extra sleepy lately

Best moment this week(s):  Well I had a doctor's appointment recently with a doctor that delivers up here, much closer to home. I LOVED HER! It was really a breath of fresh air, so i'm very very happy about that!  

Miss anything?: Having my body back 

Movement:  Her movements are becoming more and more overwhelming at times! It just feels non stop!  And she's had the hiccups A LOT lately too.

Food cravings: Iced coffee like no ones business!!!   

Anything making you queasy or sick?  No I feel great  

Gender: little gal! 

Labor signs: Lots of braxton hicks...all within a safe limit though haha. 

Symptoms: Indigestion like a mofo, fatigue, some more headaches, a lot of anxiousness and nervousness relating to giving birth and having this baby.  

Belly button in or out? Level

Happy or moody most of the time? I've been pretty emotional lately. It comes in waves and it doesn't really affect my daily life. But I am just trying to come to grips with the fact that Elsie won't be an only child for very long, and I guess I would use the word "sad" to describe how I feel about that. It's just A LOT to take in.   

Looking forward to: I get to see the little one in an ultrasound this week, so that'll be neat! 

25 weeks in a NEW PLACE!

How far along? 25 weeks!! I seriously can't believe how fast it's going!!! If ever I needed a pregnancy to go a liiiiittle bit slower....lol. Also, you'll notice we have a new backdrop for our bumpdates! Sad!!

Elsie's 25 weeks update can be found Here!  

 
Maternity clothes: Nothing much has changed on that front. 

Stretch marks? Nope!

Sleep: Even with transitioning into a whole new environment, it hasn't really affected my sleep at all. Other than my random "night terrors" where I'll wake up yelling for Josh and scaring the bejesus out of him. Poor guy...lol 

Best moment this week: Well we OFFICIALLY closed on our home and moved!! We are getting nice and settled in now. Still so crazy that we are homeowners!! We love it so far, and Elsie seems to like her new house, too! 

Miss anything?: I've been good! 

Movement:  Oh man she's getting STRONG!!! 

Food cravings: Nothing really actually!  

Anything making you queasy or sick?  I've been SO good! It's awesome  

Gender: Baby GRRRRRL

Labor signs: Nope!

Symptoms: This indigestion is killer....no pain, just a gross constant full, burpy feeling. Especially at night, it seems like it takes all night long to digest my food.  

Belly button in or out? It's teetering on the edge lol

Happy or moody most of the time? Now that i'm done with moving I am SOOOO HAPPY!!! 

Looking forward to: Gettin on the lake!! Now that i'm so close!! Oh and I guess my first Mother's Day!  :) 

21 weeks with baby #2!

How far along? 21 weeks! 
If you'd like to read about my 21st week with Elsie, feel free to click here!!

Maternity clothes: Meh i'm slowly adding more and more to my daily outfit. But I still fit in all my pre pregnancy clothes, it's more just about comfort and making everything look a little bit smoother. haha 

Stretch marks? Still no issue

Sleep: No problem! 

Best moment this week: I have to think a bit backwards since i'm so behind again this week. But I would have to say Easter! We stayed in the cities and celebrated with Josh's family. It was a really nice time! Elsie got lots of cute little Easter gifts, it was a wonderful way to celebrate our babe's first Easter! :) 

Miss anything?: I really can't think of anything specific! 

Movement: Ohhhh yes, she likes to focus all her strength directly on my bladder lately. I definitely think I can feel her more than I did Elsie. And she's STRONG!  

Food cravings: It's really just random things. I'm trying to get my fill of as many of my favorite "city" things that I can before we move! It's definitely more slim pickins up in homeland! 

Anything making you queasy or sick?  I've done WONDERFUL on this front lately!! (knock on wood)    

Gender: A little lady bird

Labor signs: Nope 

Symptoms: Horrible indigestion lately. No pain, but just feel like none of my food makes it past my chest. Just feels constantly lodged. Really uncomfortable!  

Belly button in or out? It's still hangin' in there!

Happy or moody most of the time? HAPPY!!! 

Looking forward to: Getting this move over and done with and getting settled!! I'm so nervous. 10 days!! AHHHH!!! 

15 weeks with baby #2

How far along? 15 weeks! 
If you'd like to read about my 15th week with Elsie, you can find it here

Maternity clothes: Still the same ol routine, luckily my work wardrobe consists of yoga pants and sweatshirts ;) Can't wait until the dress code changes to sun dresses and swimsuits!!! I don't feel like i'm showing as fast as I assumed I would this time around! 

Stretch marks?  None to report!  

Sleep: Sleep isn't an issue here! 

Best moment this week: Well my baby turned 6 months old, so that was pretty exciting! My little lovey sure is growing up fast!! 

Miss anything?:  Not having to walk on eggshells to disturb my stupid head. UGH. 

Movement:  Still feel the little bubbly flutters here and there. 

Food cravings:  hmmm....
Mexican food, white castle, and charleys subs. It wasn't a very healthy week lol

Anything making you queasy or sick?  I had a really rough week in terms of nausea. Felt like I was back to square one with feeling sick every morning and even sometimes all the way through the day. So over it!!!  

Gender: Not sure still! Still totally gettin the girl vibe! 

Labor signs: No! 

Symptoms: Still being utterly tortured with migraines. My doctor finally gave me a prescription of Fioricet, so i'm PRAYING that will work. I'm reaching my wits end, literally the only thing that I can do to NOT get a headache is to lay completely still in bed all day. (HAHA) I can't pinpoint any specific thing that triggers them besides literally just living my life. It's HARD!! 

Belly button in or out? Still in!  

Wedding rings on or off? Off 

Happy or moody most of the time?  It's hard to be real happy when I feel so crummy all the time, but i've got a pretty sweet reason to be happy! 

Looking forward to:  Finding out what this baby is! 

13 weeks #2!

Figured big sister should be featured as well! 

How far along? 13 weeks!!
I feel sorta bad for this babe, because their bump updates are going to be a lot less "glamorous" than they were with Elsie. (when I actually had a reason that I needed to look presentable everyday) You're all lucky I at least showered and put some clothes on ;) 
 If you'd like to see my 13 week update from my pregnancy with Elsie, you can find it here

Maternity clothes: None yet! 

Stretch marks?  Not much stretching is occurring in general quite yet. haha

Sleep: Sleep has remained pretty much the same, which is a GOOD thing. Els lets me get a lot of good sleep, which helps IMMENSELY! 

Best moment this week: Well I had the ultrasound for the genetic testing, which again we opted for just so we could see the little bambino more or less. So it was a lot of fun to see the little monkey bouncin around in there, definitely made things that much more REAL for us! haha We got the results back from that today actually and it was nothing but good news- 1 in 10,000 for down syndrome and trisomy 13 so that's wonderful! We got a couple cute ultrasound pictures too! :) 

Look at those stretched out legs! Certainly cozy in there! haha

Hi mom! :)

Miss anything?:  Having the energy to do more than just taking care of my little lovie. 

Movement:  Nope, not yet!! 

Food cravings: Salad!! I found the Olive Garden salad dressing and I've basically been obsessed. So i've been eating TONS of salad and sliced cucumbers! Could be worse, right?? 

Anything making you queasy or sick?  It's touch and go, somedays I can make it though without any, and others i'm smacked in the face with it again. No rhyme or reason. Sigh. 

Gender: Still don't know that! I'm still thinking totally has to be a girl!! 

Labor signs: No! 

Symptoms: I had a horrific, hideous migraine last night. I felt it building as I was getting ready for bed, so I promptly got to bed and thought I could beat it by just sleeping it off. NOT so much. I woke up at about 3:45 from a dream that a doctor was telling me I had a brain bleed. YEAH.....It was freakishly bad. I took some pain reliever and some dramamine and laid as still as I possible could until I could fall back asleep. Thank GOD it was gone when I woke up in the morning. In a weird way, I was grateful that it happened in the middle of the night. Yes, it disturbed my sleep, but I would rather deal with it by myself in the wee hours of the morning than be absolutely worthless to my daughter during the day. I just can't believe this is happening all over again like clockwork. I would rather deal with daily nausea than one of those headaches, it's scary! I'm basically on my knees in prayer that this doesn't start happening daily again.

Belly button in or out? It's still in

Wedding rings on or off? Off actually, but not because i'm swollen, but cause my rings are too BIG! I lost quite a bit of weight after I had Elsie (somehow) and they don't fit very well at the moment! 

Happy or moody most of the time?  I've been happy for the most part

Looking forward to:  Spring time, and hopefully finding our home soon!! 

16 weeks!

How far along? I'm 16 weeks! 

Maternity clothes: I went shopping at my favorite thrift store and got a nice little starter set of maternity clothes, it's still not COMPLETELY necessary yet but i'm definitely getting there. Better to be prepared! ;) 

Stretch marks? Still holdin up! 

Sleep: Sleeping okay, not so much this week but in general sleeping well. 

Best moment this week: I don't really know to be honest because I had an absolutely AWFUL week. Starting Monday I came down with a horrific migraine which then migrated into an awful awful sickness of some kind. I had a low fever, headache, chills, and absolute non stop vomiting. On Wednesday I started to feel improved as far as the "bug" went but they think I was so badly dehydrated and starving that It just started re-triggering baby nausea all over again and my body just couldn't catch up. So Wednesday evening after not eating or drinking anything since Monday it was decided that I needed to head to the ER to get IV fluids.  She pumped me full of fluids and nausea medication and I felt SO much better. I have felt good ever since so lets hope and pray something like that NEVER happens to me again. I feel like I could cry just thinking about it. Miserable. So I guess I could say my best moment was when I didn't feel that way anymore! 

Miss anything?: Can't think of anything at the moment! 

Movement: It's really hard to say! Every so often I feel a little gas bubble type sensation that maybe COULD be the flutters? But i'm really not sure obviously cause I have nothing to compare it to. Could just be actual gas LOL. 

Food cravings: I haven't really eaten enough this week to even KNOW what i've been craving lol. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? This is becoming a bit redundant but again,considering most of the week EVERYTHING made me sick, it's hard to say. 

Gender: 2 weeks until we (hopefully) find out!! AHHH I can't wait! 

Labor signs: Nope 

Symptoms: achey head, that can stop any time and that'd be alright with me!   

Belly button in or out? Still in

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? This week i've been BLAH. 

Looking forward to: I'll give you one guess!!!! C'mon April 7th!!! 

15 weeks!

How far along? 15 weeks! Just truckin' along!  

Maternity clothes: Still not wearing any yet. I have a few pairs of pants that are just laughable at even the thought of trying to squeeze into them. But I have a lot of jeans with a good amount of stretch in them. So i'm good still. 

Stretch marks? No sign of 'em yet! But I have noticed a lot more itchiness so I'm definitely stretchin! I've been enjoying that oil that I ordered. It has a nice light smell and even though it is an actual OIL and goes on much like a tanning oil-it doesn't feel OVERLY oily. Which I like! It absorbs into your skin really quick and you don't feel like you've been at the beach all day and need a shower. And it washes off your hands easily too. So far so good! 

Sleep: Sleeping really well lately! Well..besides the OUTRAGEOUS dreams I've been having. Honorable mention (in condensed version because it went on FOREVER): Josh and I got a large pet snake and we decided to play the snake charmer song for it. Which then caused the snake to go berserk and proceed to push one of my nephews down the stairs on a chair. I was then terrified of the snake and tried to get Josh to give it away but he wouldn't because he had grown too attached. (Which is REALLY bizarre because Josh HATES snakes-not this one I guess) The only other parts I remember were me letting it out to go to the bathroom and it coming up to me and rubbing its head on me to get pet like a cat. SO SO weird. 

Best moment this week: I had a routine OB appt this week and everything seems to be going very well. We listened to the heartbeat which is in the 150's, and she told me she has seen no significant truth to the wives tale about the heart rate, so I guess I won't take that one TOO seriously. And then we discussed our next ultrasound which will most likely be the last one we have and the one that we'd find out the sex of the baby. They typically do that one around 20 weeks. I hesitantly asked my doc if there was ANY way we could have it done during my 18th week because Josh will be out of town for work during my 19th and 20th week. I was expecting her to say no, that she'd prefer that I wait, but to my surprise she said that would be NO problem- that's something we should definitely be together for! I was SO happy and excited. I LOVE my doctor! 

Miss anything?:  I still miss not getting these recurring headaches, but otherwise nothin! 

Movement: Not yet!! Can't wait for that. 

Food cravings: The only thing I can think of that i've pinpointed specifically that I want lately has been Granny smith apples. Love love love. 

Anything making you queasy or sick? Still morning mouth and brushing my teeth. The only other time I feel sick is when I have a bad headache. 

Gender: We will find out April 7th!!! The countdown begins! Literally.....21 days, 20 hours 18 minutes. ;) 

Labor signs: No thank God. 

Symptoms: Still getting the headaches and the occasional floods of nausea. Otherwise I'm feeling really good!  

Belly button in or out? Still in

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? Most of the time i've been happy!

Looking forward to: Our ULTRASOUND!!! Cannot.WAIT!!! Now we just have to pray that the little peanut will let us see the goods!! :) 

14 weeks! HELLO 2nd trimester!

How far along? 14 weeks!! (OFFICIALLY, INDISPUTABLY IN THE 2nd TRIMESTER!!) 

Maternity clothes: Still not yet, I wore a maternity shirt the other day. But before I got pregnant I bought some jeans at a thrift store that were just a LITTLE bit too big so that might be why I'm not needing the pants yet.

Stretch marks? None still. I ordered some Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil last night. I'm all about reading reviews on things, and this one got mostly all positive reviews. We shall see how it works for me!

Sleep: Sleeping alright. I've started having the really weird dreams. Also, I ALWAYS wake up and i'm sleeping on my back. I know it probably isn't SUCH a big deal in this early stage, but I have to train myself somehow to not do that.It's hard because that's one of my favorite sleeping positions.

Best moment this week: Well it started out pretty lame, I had jury duty. But I guess in hindsight it wasn't SO bad, I only had to go 2 days, and at least I know i'm guaranteed exemption for 4 years. Then we got our very reassuring NT screening results (if you missed it, I posted about it here.) And I had a very good weekend! Saturday was allegedly "International Women's Day" and Josh really allowed me to soak that up for all it was worth. He took me on a shopping trip to Hobby Lobby (which by the way was AWESOME) and then got my car all washed and detailed.

Miss anything?:  I miss not getting headaches damn near every day, AND being able to take something that is actually effective for them.

Movement: Nope, but I have been able to HEAR movement on occasion with my doppler which is pretty dang cool!

Food cravings: I recently got these little instant mashed potato cups that come in all kinds of flavors like loaded baked potato, 4 cheese, etc. And they are SO good. I sprinkle a little shredded cheese and sometimes a little hot sauce on them and it is like my new favorite snack. I ate all the ones we bought so I find myself craving those. Other than that, no notable cravings besides just food in general still. I feel like a ravenous beast.

Anything making you queasy or sick? This is going to sound really gross potentially but "morning mouth" makes me gag and sometimes even heave a little EVERY morning lately. And it's not like I have wretched morning breath or anything, it's just that dry mouth, congested throat feeling that literally makes me gag. Okay that's far enough of that.

Gender: Still no clue! My gut is still totally screaming "boy" though. I'm hoping that since Josh has to go out of town around my 19th/20th week that my doctor will let us have the anatomy scan near the end of my 18th week. And if that's the case, only 1 month until we find out what we're having!! CRAZY!

Labor signs: Uh no

Symptoms: I think i'm finally starting to perk up. Don't feel SO exhausted all the time anymore (still plenty tired though) My only real negative symptom as of late are these headaches. I've been drinking water basically all day ever day, and i've tried basically all the tricks in the book. But to no avail! If anyone has any surefire tricks that I may not have tried, PLEASE send them my way. I ordered something strange called Zandu balm (which also got good reviews) It will probably make me grow hair on my chin or something, but i'm willing to try anything at this point.  

Belly button in or out? Still in

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or moody most of the time? Half and half i'd say. I've just noticed that annoyed tinge in the back of my neck on occasion the last couple days. (does that even makes sense???)

Looking forward to: My next routine OB appt will be sometime this week so I suppose that's something to look forward to. Still lookin forward to that spring fever too of course!!