1 month ago
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Camp Cuddles
So the cold season has hit the Berg house! For the past month the family has been fighting a miserable lingering cold, and just when it seems like the snot has cleared.....it comes back with a vengeance! Yesterday was especially stressful because Maelynn is getting her 2-year molars. So on top of the snot....there is the drooling, chewing, tantrums and crying. And that's just from Derek! Just kidding. :)
It's amazing what three cranky kids (at once) can do to a marriage. It felt like our family was falling apart so I decided we were going to move our mattress out to the living room, snuggle and watch movies all night. I was praying a night full of cuddles would erase the bad day. We watched movies till 1am, ate junk food galore, tried to sleep in, and enjoyed the blessings God has given us.
Wondering if it made everything better?
You be the judge. :)
It's amazing what three cranky kids (at once) can do to a marriage. It felt like our family was falling apart so I decided we were going to move our mattress out to the living room, snuggle and watch movies all night. I was praying a night full of cuddles would erase the bad day. We watched movies till 1am, ate junk food galore, tried to sleep in, and enjoyed the blessings God has given us.
Wondering if it made everything better?
You be the judge. :)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tears
There have been a lot the past seven weeks. From tears of joy at the birth of our newest angel Madilynn, to tears of jealously from both Madisyn and Maelynn, to tears of exhaustion and frustration, baby tears and then more tears of joy. This house no doubt is full of estrogen.
The past seven weeks have been a blur of diapers, doctor appointments, play-dates, homeschool, colds, naps, breastfeeding, snacks, spit-up, late nights, early mornings and housework. Never in that particular order. THAT I have finally learned to let go of. Though I have had permission by many that it's okay to let things go and relax, I still find myself trying to get it all done and never relaxing. It's like a sick obsession that I can't break and I fear I will be thought of less if my house is not clean, laundry done, kids bathed. I'm not sure who I'm trying to impress or what I am trying to prove. I do know once everything is done I feel on top of the world. Needless to say I have been quite overwhelmed. I'm trying my best to be a Mom to three completely different little girls.
Madisyn is doing so well in school. Since I have taken on homeschooling she has a whole new respect for me. She is a lot less mouthy and extremely helpful with the babies. She is the perfect little Mommy's helper. We had our first meeting with her Education Specialist (Judy) to make sure she is on track with her schooling and that I am doing what I should be. It went very well and Judy said I was very organized and prepared. First time meetings are usually a disaster she said. That helped encourage me.
Maelynn has done a good job of making up for being the middle child by being very loud....about everything! You always know where she is. She has this high pitch squeal that could shatter glass. After reading up on her personality it has become very apparent that she is the true definition of a strong willed child. She screams to try and get her way. She climbs the furniture and today I found her on top of the table spinning in circles. She rides the cats like horses, re-organizes the pantry every chance she gets, sneaks handfuls of cat food that she somehow finds delicious, pokes the dogs eyeballs and find it hilarious, throws herself on the floor in tantrums, takes off her clothes and diaper, picks on her older sister, runs off every time it's diaper time and pulls my shirt down to poke at my breast while Madilynn in nursing. Her favorite word is "mine!" Everything is "mine." Somehow despite all of this she is so gentle to Madilynn. She loves giving her kisses and hugs. She lovingly pats her back or rubs her head. She covers her up with a blanket or tries to give her the pacifier. It is such a beautiful thing to see. She's a handful of active, wonderful, sweet personality.
Madilynn is changing everyday. She started smiling five days ago and yesterday she started cooing. I love laying next to her and talking back and forth with her. Her blue eyes just light up and she smiles so big when we talk to her. It seems like she is already getting so big and it makes me sad that they all have to grow up so fast. I'm doing my best to enjoy every milestone. She is already at least eleven pounds and a nursing champ. She is having another growth spurt because she wants to nurse every hour which has been quite hard since I have other things I need to tend to. She is a good sleeper though and already has a pattern. I'm very thankful for that.
This weekend we have decided to head to Big Bear for my ten year high school reunion. We have prepared ourselves by purchasing a portable DVD player so the kids can watch movies the entire drive. We are praying this will make the travel much easier. Feel free to send some heavy prayer our way.
Here are a few pictures we had done. Unfortunately getting these was a total disaster. Maelynn went on smile strike and would not have anything to do with sitting down or looking at the camera. The low point came when we tried to bribe her with a lolly and we realized we were defeated when even that wouldn't work. I was frustrated since I planned around nap time and everything. These were the only decent shots we could get. We hope by Christmas she is more open to having her picture taken.
We hope this finds everyone well.
God Bless
The past seven weeks have been a blur of diapers, doctor appointments, play-dates, homeschool, colds, naps, breastfeeding, snacks, spit-up, late nights, early mornings and housework. Never in that particular order. THAT I have finally learned to let go of. Though I have had permission by many that it's okay to let things go and relax, I still find myself trying to get it all done and never relaxing. It's like a sick obsession that I can't break and I fear I will be thought of less if my house is not clean, laundry done, kids bathed. I'm not sure who I'm trying to impress or what I am trying to prove. I do know once everything is done I feel on top of the world. Needless to say I have been quite overwhelmed. I'm trying my best to be a Mom to three completely different little girls.
Madisyn is doing so well in school. Since I have taken on homeschooling she has a whole new respect for me. She is a lot less mouthy and extremely helpful with the babies. She is the perfect little Mommy's helper. We had our first meeting with her Education Specialist (Judy) to make sure she is on track with her schooling and that I am doing what I should be. It went very well and Judy said I was very organized and prepared. First time meetings are usually a disaster she said. That helped encourage me.
Maelynn has done a good job of making up for being the middle child by being very loud....about everything! You always know where she is. She has this high pitch squeal that could shatter glass. After reading up on her personality it has become very apparent that she is the true definition of a strong willed child. She screams to try and get her way. She climbs the furniture and today I found her on top of the table spinning in circles. She rides the cats like horses, re-organizes the pantry every chance she gets, sneaks handfuls of cat food that she somehow finds delicious, pokes the dogs eyeballs and find it hilarious, throws herself on the floor in tantrums, takes off her clothes and diaper, picks on her older sister, runs off every time it's diaper time and pulls my shirt down to poke at my breast while Madilynn in nursing. Her favorite word is "mine!" Everything is "mine." Somehow despite all of this she is so gentle to Madilynn. She loves giving her kisses and hugs. She lovingly pats her back or rubs her head. She covers her up with a blanket or tries to give her the pacifier. It is such a beautiful thing to see. She's a handful of active, wonderful, sweet personality.
Madilynn is changing everyday. She started smiling five days ago and yesterday she started cooing. I love laying next to her and talking back and forth with her. Her blue eyes just light up and she smiles so big when we talk to her. It seems like she is already getting so big and it makes me sad that they all have to grow up so fast. I'm doing my best to enjoy every milestone. She is already at least eleven pounds and a nursing champ. She is having another growth spurt because she wants to nurse every hour which has been quite hard since I have other things I need to tend to. She is a good sleeper though and already has a pattern. I'm very thankful for that.
This weekend we have decided to head to Big Bear for my ten year high school reunion. We have prepared ourselves by purchasing a portable DVD player so the kids can watch movies the entire drive. We are praying this will make the travel much easier. Feel free to send some heavy prayer our way.
Here are a few pictures we had done. Unfortunately getting these was a total disaster. Maelynn went on smile strike and would not have anything to do with sitting down or looking at the camera. The low point came when we tried to bribe her with a lolly and we realized we were defeated when even that wouldn't work. I was frustrated since I planned around nap time and everything. These were the only decent shots we could get. We hope by Christmas she is more open to having her picture taken.
We hope this finds everyone well.
God Bless
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Pictures!
Chillin' with Papa
1st bath and slept through the whole thing!
A cuddle with big sissy Madisyn
Thursday, August 6, 2009
She's Here!
Our third precious girl has arrived! She entered this world yesterday (August 4th, 2009) at 12:22am.
Labor started at 5:00am that morning with contractions about five minutes apart lasting 30-45 seconds long. I labored at home and continued on with daily activity. I decided a chiropractic adjustment would do some good so I went in for one. I felt much better even though it did slow my contractions down a bit. It only took them about and hour to pick back up again. I received a call from Dr. Biter checking on my progress. He suggested we come in for a check to see if I was progressing. At around 5:00pm I was 4cm and 90% effaced. I was quite discouraged because it seemed like my contractions were strong but still not on a regular pattern. Dr. Biter and our Doula Terry thought it would be a good idea to go home and get some rest. So I was prescribed an Ambien to help me sleep. The goal was to go home and crash hard from the medication and wake up in full blown labor.
On the way to fill the prescription I got very hungry for once. I have had little to no appetite this entire pregnancy so it was kind of nice to actually feel hungry. I was craving a hamburger and we picked one up. We grabbed my prescription and headed home. The contractions were stronger at this point but still quite easy to get through. I found myself humming VERY deeply and VERY long out and then taking a huge gasp of air in before humming out again extremely helpful and comforting. It made my chest vibrate and the contractions seem very quick and not as painful. I took the Ambien and then set up the webcam so my best friend Mellissa could help me through the labor. I was waiting for the Ambien to kick in.
15 minutes later the contractions changed and I was in full blown labor. There was no sleeping at this point! I don't remember how much time went by but I remember my friend Niah showing up and every time I would have a contraction I would squat and she would put pressure on my lower back. It was just what I needed to get through them. Then I saw Terry in the room and all I wanted to do was get in the bath. I guess I started my own bath and got in. I was only in for about 6 minutes when I felt quite sick and started shaking uncontrollably. I knew I had hit transition. I got out of the bath and the contractions were back to back. I threw on some panties and a tank top and said, "I think we need to go now." Terry agreed and we headed to the hospital.
I guess I had some pretty intense contractions on the way to the car. I remember grabbing on to Terry and just squatting into them. They seemed to go away so fast though and I was still feeling fine. I was worried I would get to the hospital and only be 5cm. Terry followed us in her car and off we went. Every time I had a contraction I would see myself on a little blue quad (4 wheeler) climbing up a mountain as the contraction peeked and then coming down the other side. Derek had no idea until I finally told him today about that and he laughed. He was wondering why I kept chanting "up the hill up the hill up the hill."
About halfway to the hospital I noticed a cop riding along-side us. I prayed to God to just let us get to the hospital. He followed us for awhile and I was surprised he didn't pull us over even after he clearly saw me throw off my seat belt and turn to straddle the front seat. It was the only position comfortable. I guess the cop wasn't up for delivering a baby on the side of the road. We were almost to the hospital and I suddenly had A TON of pressure. I could feel her head and I was trying to hold her in. I could here Derek call the hospital and ask them to have a bed waiting outside for us. We pulled up and they had a wheelchair waiting. I said, "I can't sit in that!" They insisted I did so I was on my side, legs hanging over the wheelchair as to not sit on my bottom. Once we got to the room I tore off my top and panties and climbed up on the bed and straddled it backwards. I then asked if there was just a little something I could get to take the edge off. The nurse said she had to check where I was first. She did and I was 8cm and the bag of water was bulging which explains why I though I felt her head. It was too late to have any medication. I thought I would be angry if I was ever told that but strangely I was fine with it. I just kept asking Terry if this was as strong as it was going to get. She told me it was.
Then I remember hearing Dr. Biter's voice saying I was 10 cm and then my water broke all over the place. I looked down and saw meconium. He reassured me it was light and everything was okay. He told me to push a little because I had just a tiny amount of cervix left. I did and felt her head slide down. It was extremely intense. They kept instructing me to push and I did as much as I could. I could feel her entire body, every little bit. Then Dr. Biter asked if I wanted to touch my baby and I said, "No!" I really just wanted her out. I know I kept telling Dr. Biter to just take her out. Her head was finally out but the cord was wrapped tight. I'm not sure the details yet (I will get them and post them) but all of the sudden there were triple the amount of people in the room and everyone yelling at me to, "PUSH NOW! AMY YOU HAVE TO PUSH HER OUT! COME ON!" I was trying so hard but I couldn't get enough force behind my pushing and then I felt Dr. Biter reach in with both hands and turn the baby around (corkscrew maneuver) and pull her out. He said, "I got it." I turned to sit down (I was still straddling the bed backwards) and saw this little thing so purple, blue and not breathing just laying there and then someone scooped her up and took her to the other side of the room. I kept saying I was sorry to everyone. I felt like I had caused her harm and everyone looked concerned. I kept asking if she was okay and they would try to reassure me she was. I could see Dr. Biter watching as they worked on her for awhile. I don't even remember getting checked for tears or getting cleaned up. All I could see was a bunch of people in yellow paper gowns gathered around Madilynn giving off medical terms. She never even cried. I think she was worked on for about 15 minutes before they handed her over all bundled up. She was so swollen and blue. I just looked at her and felt horrible. Since I didn't even have time to get an IV with antibiotics for the Group B strep, they had to poke Madilynn for blood samples. That's when she cried for the first time. They could not find a vein and her poor little arms and hands are all bruised up from it. I was told she will be okay and that she had the cord wrapped around her neck and then shoulder dystocia. It will take some time for the markes around her neck and her face to heal. Her apgar was 3/8. She was monitored for a few hours to make sure she was breathing well. We were finally transferred to a recovery room around 6am.
Derek and Madisyn headed home to rest and relieve Niah who was watching Maelynn. Madilynn and I got to finally relax and spend some time with each other. I prayed with her to bring healing and relieve her discomfort. I apologized for not spending more time talking to her while I was pregnant with her. I asked for forgiveness for not being more accepting of the pregnancy and her. I needed peace. Holding and looking at her, seeing everything she went through to be with us brought me heartache. After asking her to forgive me I nursed her and she seemed so content. I knew I was forgiven. She is just so beautiful and precious.
We were released with good new that Madilynn's blood work showed no Group B Strep. We got home yesterday around 1pm. Our stay in the hospital was absolutely amazing and everyone was so caring and encouraging. I was asked so many times how it was to deliver drug-free.
Being home is wonderful. Madisyn loves cuddling her baby sister and Maelynn can't smother her enough. Maelynn has taken quite well to the baby however she has put Mommy on her bad people list. She seems a little angry at me. I know that will go away but it still stings a little.
Madilynn is recovering well. She is looking more pink today and less swollen. I can tell because she is nursing better. It has been hard for her to latch well because her face was so swollen she couldn't open her mouth wide enough. She is doing much better today and my milk came in so she is happy. I feel great! I have no tears to heal from and I'm up getting things done like normal. The only discomfort I have is when Madilynn nurses and sets off the after-pains. Now THAT is painful! They tell me is gets worse after each pregnancy and they are SO right! I have no swelling to deal with since I didn't have time for an IV. Having had every type of labor and delivery (long labor with cesarean/long labor VBAC: Vaginal birth after cesarean/drug-free short labor: 6 hours if you count from active labor - 19 hours if you count from first contraction) I would say drug-free is the way to go. It is very intense and painful at times but the body has a way of building a tolerance to the contractions as they get stronger. Pushing without medication however was a different story. That was an out-of-body experience and though I'm so blessed that I was able to experience it, I'm very happy not to do it again.
Derek will be writing his side of the birth story and I will post it with some more pictures of Madilynn. Thank you everyone who supported us and sent us prayers. I could not have done this without everyone's blessings.
Arrival at hospital 11:30pm. Pushed for 22 minutes.
Madilynn Marie Berg
Born 8/4/2009 at 12:22am
Weight: 8 pounds 11 ounces
Length: 20 inches
Madilynn home safe (1 day old)
CONTRACTION TRACKER
Start Time End Time Duration Frequency
10:55:25PM 10:56:18PM 1 m, 39 s
10:53:46PM 10:54:37PM 2 m, 24 s
10:51:22PM 10:52:26PM 8 m, 31 s
10:42:51PM 10:44:00PM 2 m, 54 s
10:39:57PM 10:41:04PM 4 m, 13 s
10:35:44PM 10:37:02PM 1 m, 48 s
10:33:55PM 10:35:02PM 2 m, 4 s
10:31:52PM 10:32:42PM 1 m, 58 s
10:29:54PM 10:30:41PM 2 m, 16 s
10:27:37PM 10:28:36PM 2 m, 29 s
10:25:08PM 10:25:56PM 2 m, 23 s
10:22:45PM 10:23:50PM 2 m, 13 s
10:20:32PM 10:21:31PM 2 m, 39 s
10:17:53PM 10:18:41PM 2 m, 28 s
10:15:25PM 10:16:24PM 2 m, 60 s
10:12:25PM 10:13:26PM 2 m, 38 s
10:09:47PM 10:10:42PM 2 m, 36 s
10:07:11PM 10:08:13PM 8 m, 55 s
9:38:16PM 9:39:05PM 3 m, 47 s
9:34:29PM 9:35:25PM 9 m, 48 s
9:24:42PM 9:25:37PM 3 m, 60 s
9:20:42PM 9:22:04PM 4 m, 50 s
9:15:52PM 9:16:58PM 3 m, 43 s
9:12:09PM 9:13:12PM 4 m, 24 s
9:07:45PM 9:08:59PM 4 m, 50 s
9:02:55PM 9:04:15PM 3 m, 30 s
8:59:25PM 9:00:24PM 3 m, 36 s
8:55:50PM 8:56:35PM 1 m, 41 s
8:54:09PM 8:54:53PM 2 m, 10 s
8:51:59PM 8:52:34PM 3 m, 46 s
8:48:13PM 8:49:23PM 5 m, 22 s
8:42:51PM 8:44:26PM 3 m, 58 s
8:38:54PM 8:40:07PM 3 m, 53 s
8:35:01PM 8:35:43PM 4 m, 7 s
8:30:54PM 8:32:10PM 2 m, 15 s
3:38:39PM 3:39:29PM 5 m, 31 s
3:33:08PM 3:34:04PM 5 m, 36 s
3:27:32PM 3:28:26PM 2 m, 28 s
3:25:04PM 3:26:12PM 5 m, 41 s
3:19:23PM 3:20:17PM 5 m, 33 s
3:13:50PM 3:14:45PM 5 m, 21 s
3:08:30PM 3:09:12PM 4 m, 4 s
3:04:26PM 3:05:05PM 7 m, 53 s
2:56:32PM 2:57:54PM 9 m, 36 s
2:46:56PM 2:47:52PM 7 m, 25 s
2:39:31PM 2:40:32PM 7 m, 57 s
2:31:34PM 2:32:41PM 9 m, 57 s
2:21:38PM 2:23:56PM 7 m, 49 s
2:13:48PM 2:15:05PM 7 m, 55 s
2:05:54PM 2:06:51PM 6 m, 15 s
1:59:39PM 2:00:24PM 3 m, 55 s
1:55:44PM 1:56:24PM 4 m, 18 s
1:51:26PM 1:52:00PM 3 m, 60 s
1:47:26PM 1:48:07PM 4 m, 28 s
1:42:58PM 1:43:46PM 3 m, 15 s
1:39:43PM 1:40:29PM 6 m, 6 s
1:33:37PM 1:34:43PM 5 m, 52 s
1:27:45PM 1:28:36PM 4 m, 8 s
1:23:37PM 1:24:04PM 3 m, 37 s
1:20:00PM 1:20:57PM 5 m, 9 s
Labor started at 5:00am that morning with contractions about five minutes apart lasting 30-45 seconds long. I labored at home and continued on with daily activity. I decided a chiropractic adjustment would do some good so I went in for one. I felt much better even though it did slow my contractions down a bit. It only took them about and hour to pick back up again. I received a call from Dr. Biter checking on my progress. He suggested we come in for a check to see if I was progressing. At around 5:00pm I was 4cm and 90% effaced. I was quite discouraged because it seemed like my contractions were strong but still not on a regular pattern. Dr. Biter and our Doula Terry thought it would be a good idea to go home and get some rest. So I was prescribed an Ambien to help me sleep. The goal was to go home and crash hard from the medication and wake up in full blown labor.
On the way to fill the prescription I got very hungry for once. I have had little to no appetite this entire pregnancy so it was kind of nice to actually feel hungry. I was craving a hamburger and we picked one up. We grabbed my prescription and headed home. The contractions were stronger at this point but still quite easy to get through. I found myself humming VERY deeply and VERY long out and then taking a huge gasp of air in before humming out again extremely helpful and comforting. It made my chest vibrate and the contractions seem very quick and not as painful. I took the Ambien and then set up the webcam so my best friend Mellissa could help me through the labor. I was waiting for the Ambien to kick in.
15 minutes later the contractions changed and I was in full blown labor. There was no sleeping at this point! I don't remember how much time went by but I remember my friend Niah showing up and every time I would have a contraction I would squat and she would put pressure on my lower back. It was just what I needed to get through them. Then I saw Terry in the room and all I wanted to do was get in the bath. I guess I started my own bath and got in. I was only in for about 6 minutes when I felt quite sick and started shaking uncontrollably. I knew I had hit transition. I got out of the bath and the contractions were back to back. I threw on some panties and a tank top and said, "I think we need to go now." Terry agreed and we headed to the hospital.
I guess I had some pretty intense contractions on the way to the car. I remember grabbing on to Terry and just squatting into them. They seemed to go away so fast though and I was still feeling fine. I was worried I would get to the hospital and only be 5cm. Terry followed us in her car and off we went. Every time I had a contraction I would see myself on a little blue quad (4 wheeler) climbing up a mountain as the contraction peeked and then coming down the other side. Derek had no idea until I finally told him today about that and he laughed. He was wondering why I kept chanting "up the hill up the hill up the hill."
About halfway to the hospital I noticed a cop riding along-side us. I prayed to God to just let us get to the hospital. He followed us for awhile and I was surprised he didn't pull us over even after he clearly saw me throw off my seat belt and turn to straddle the front seat. It was the only position comfortable. I guess the cop wasn't up for delivering a baby on the side of the road. We were almost to the hospital and I suddenly had A TON of pressure. I could feel her head and I was trying to hold her in. I could here Derek call the hospital and ask them to have a bed waiting outside for us. We pulled up and they had a wheelchair waiting. I said, "I can't sit in that!" They insisted I did so I was on my side, legs hanging over the wheelchair as to not sit on my bottom. Once we got to the room I tore off my top and panties and climbed up on the bed and straddled it backwards. I then asked if there was just a little something I could get to take the edge off. The nurse said she had to check where I was first. She did and I was 8cm and the bag of water was bulging which explains why I though I felt her head. It was too late to have any medication. I thought I would be angry if I was ever told that but strangely I was fine with it. I just kept asking Terry if this was as strong as it was going to get. She told me it was.
Then I remember hearing Dr. Biter's voice saying I was 10 cm and then my water broke all over the place. I looked down and saw meconium. He reassured me it was light and everything was okay. He told me to push a little because I had just a tiny amount of cervix left. I did and felt her head slide down. It was extremely intense. They kept instructing me to push and I did as much as I could. I could feel her entire body, every little bit. Then Dr. Biter asked if I wanted to touch my baby and I said, "No!" I really just wanted her out. I know I kept telling Dr. Biter to just take her out. Her head was finally out but the cord was wrapped tight. I'm not sure the details yet (I will get them and post them) but all of the sudden there were triple the amount of people in the room and everyone yelling at me to, "PUSH NOW! AMY YOU HAVE TO PUSH HER OUT! COME ON!" I was trying so hard but I couldn't get enough force behind my pushing and then I felt Dr. Biter reach in with both hands and turn the baby around (corkscrew maneuver) and pull her out. He said, "I got it." I turned to sit down (I was still straddling the bed backwards) and saw this little thing so purple, blue and not breathing just laying there and then someone scooped her up and took her to the other side of the room. I kept saying I was sorry to everyone. I felt like I had caused her harm and everyone looked concerned. I kept asking if she was okay and they would try to reassure me she was. I could see Dr. Biter watching as they worked on her for awhile. I don't even remember getting checked for tears or getting cleaned up. All I could see was a bunch of people in yellow paper gowns gathered around Madilynn giving off medical terms. She never even cried. I think she was worked on for about 15 minutes before they handed her over all bundled up. She was so swollen and blue. I just looked at her and felt horrible. Since I didn't even have time to get an IV with antibiotics for the Group B strep, they had to poke Madilynn for blood samples. That's when she cried for the first time. They could not find a vein and her poor little arms and hands are all bruised up from it. I was told she will be okay and that she had the cord wrapped around her neck and then shoulder dystocia. It will take some time for the markes around her neck and her face to heal. Her apgar was 3/8. She was monitored for a few hours to make sure she was breathing well. We were finally transferred to a recovery room around 6am.
Derek and Madisyn headed home to rest and relieve Niah who was watching Maelynn. Madilynn and I got to finally relax and spend some time with each other. I prayed with her to bring healing and relieve her discomfort. I apologized for not spending more time talking to her while I was pregnant with her. I asked for forgiveness for not being more accepting of the pregnancy and her. I needed peace. Holding and looking at her, seeing everything she went through to be with us brought me heartache. After asking her to forgive me I nursed her and she seemed so content. I knew I was forgiven. She is just so beautiful and precious.
We were released with good new that Madilynn's blood work showed no Group B Strep. We got home yesterday around 1pm. Our stay in the hospital was absolutely amazing and everyone was so caring and encouraging. I was asked so many times how it was to deliver drug-free.
Being home is wonderful. Madisyn loves cuddling her baby sister and Maelynn can't smother her enough. Maelynn has taken quite well to the baby however she has put Mommy on her bad people list. She seems a little angry at me. I know that will go away but it still stings a little.
Madilynn is recovering well. She is looking more pink today and less swollen. I can tell because she is nursing better. It has been hard for her to latch well because her face was so swollen she couldn't open her mouth wide enough. She is doing much better today and my milk came in so she is happy. I feel great! I have no tears to heal from and I'm up getting things done like normal. The only discomfort I have is when Madilynn nurses and sets off the after-pains. Now THAT is painful! They tell me is gets worse after each pregnancy and they are SO right! I have no swelling to deal with since I didn't have time for an IV. Having had every type of labor and delivery (long labor with cesarean/long labor VBAC: Vaginal birth after cesarean/drug-free short labor: 6 hours if you count from active labor - 19 hours if you count from first contraction) I would say drug-free is the way to go. It is very intense and painful at times but the body has a way of building a tolerance to the contractions as they get stronger. Pushing without medication however was a different story. That was an out-of-body experience and though I'm so blessed that I was able to experience it, I'm very happy not to do it again.
Derek will be writing his side of the birth story and I will post it with some more pictures of Madilynn. Thank you everyone who supported us and sent us prayers. I could not have done this without everyone's blessings.
Arrival at hospital 11:30pm. Pushed for 22 minutes.
Madilynn Marie Berg
Born 8/4/2009 at 12:22am
Weight: 8 pounds 11 ounces
Length: 20 inches
Madilynn home safe (1 day old)
CONTRACTION TRACKER
Start Time End Time Duration Frequency
10:55:25PM 10:56:18PM 1 m, 39 s
10:53:46PM 10:54:37PM 2 m, 24 s
10:51:22PM 10:52:26PM 8 m, 31 s
10:42:51PM 10:44:00PM 2 m, 54 s
10:39:57PM 10:41:04PM 4 m, 13 s
10:35:44PM 10:37:02PM 1 m, 48 s
10:33:55PM 10:35:02PM 2 m, 4 s
10:31:52PM 10:32:42PM 1 m, 58 s
10:29:54PM 10:30:41PM 2 m, 16 s
10:27:37PM 10:28:36PM 2 m, 29 s
10:25:08PM 10:25:56PM 2 m, 23 s
10:22:45PM 10:23:50PM 2 m, 13 s
10:20:32PM 10:21:31PM 2 m, 39 s
10:17:53PM 10:18:41PM 2 m, 28 s
10:15:25PM 10:16:24PM 2 m, 60 s
10:12:25PM 10:13:26PM 2 m, 38 s
10:09:47PM 10:10:42PM 2 m, 36 s
10:07:11PM 10:08:13PM 8 m, 55 s
9:38:16PM 9:39:05PM 3 m, 47 s
9:34:29PM 9:35:25PM 9 m, 48 s
9:24:42PM 9:25:37PM 3 m, 60 s
9:20:42PM 9:22:04PM 4 m, 50 s
9:15:52PM 9:16:58PM 3 m, 43 s
9:12:09PM 9:13:12PM 4 m, 24 s
9:07:45PM 9:08:59PM 4 m, 50 s
9:02:55PM 9:04:15PM 3 m, 30 s
8:59:25PM 9:00:24PM 3 m, 36 s
8:55:50PM 8:56:35PM 1 m, 41 s
8:54:09PM 8:54:53PM 2 m, 10 s
8:51:59PM 8:52:34PM 3 m, 46 s
8:48:13PM 8:49:23PM 5 m, 22 s
8:42:51PM 8:44:26PM 3 m, 58 s
8:38:54PM 8:40:07PM 3 m, 53 s
8:35:01PM 8:35:43PM 4 m, 7 s
8:30:54PM 8:32:10PM 2 m, 15 s
3:38:39PM 3:39:29PM 5 m, 31 s
3:33:08PM 3:34:04PM 5 m, 36 s
3:27:32PM 3:28:26PM 2 m, 28 s
3:25:04PM 3:26:12PM 5 m, 41 s
3:19:23PM 3:20:17PM 5 m, 33 s
3:13:50PM 3:14:45PM 5 m, 21 s
3:08:30PM 3:09:12PM 4 m, 4 s
3:04:26PM 3:05:05PM 7 m, 53 s
2:56:32PM 2:57:54PM 9 m, 36 s
2:46:56PM 2:47:52PM 7 m, 25 s
2:39:31PM 2:40:32PM 7 m, 57 s
2:31:34PM 2:32:41PM 9 m, 57 s
2:21:38PM 2:23:56PM 7 m, 49 s
2:13:48PM 2:15:05PM 7 m, 55 s
2:05:54PM 2:06:51PM 6 m, 15 s
1:59:39PM 2:00:24PM 3 m, 55 s
1:55:44PM 1:56:24PM 4 m, 18 s
1:51:26PM 1:52:00PM 3 m, 60 s
1:47:26PM 1:48:07PM 4 m, 28 s
1:42:58PM 1:43:46PM 3 m, 15 s
1:39:43PM 1:40:29PM 6 m, 6 s
1:33:37PM 1:34:43PM 5 m, 52 s
1:27:45PM 1:28:36PM 4 m, 8 s
1:23:37PM 1:24:04PM 3 m, 37 s
1:20:00PM 1:20:57PM 5 m, 9 s
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