Keeping Busy: Trying To Induce Labor

I think everyone has high hopes as they near the end of their pregnancy that each time they go in to their doctors appointment to be checked they will have changed significantly from their last appointment. I did not have any of these hopes this time.

Monday morning began with Dara and I going to my scheduled O.B. appointment. (My last appointment I was a 2+ and 70% effaced.) Michelle checked me today and I was 4cm and 80%. As she checked me she stripped my membranes, and said "hopefully by this afternoon we will get some action." I was excited to say the least. We then headed to Merri's house to let Azlyn, Kade, Ryan, and Rylee play and get some energy out. Later in the afternoon Dara and Azlyn headed down to Tucson to get Azlyn settled in at Dara's parent's home. Merri and I headed to San Tan Mall to find the kids matching outfits for our upcoming family pictures, and to walk around as much as possible in hopes of inducing full on labor.

Kade, Rylee, and Ryan trying on their matching outfits at Children's Place for our family pictures.

After Children's Place we let the kiddos play at the toddler zone, and then took them into the pet shop to look at all the cute dogs. Kade was playing with this dog and fell in love, they chased each other through the glass.

Kade, Ryan, and Rylee looking at the cute puppy.

After leaving the pet shop we headed back to Merri's. I was having some pretty gnarly contractions, and cramping pretty bad. I knew it was time to head in to the hospital. We had done it! All that walking finally did the trick. I was in full blown labor. It was a little chaotic trying to get everything in order with the kids so we could head into the hospital. Rich was at work (go figure this month he was working nights). My Mom was driving up from Sierra Vista, but was still in Casa Grande. And Dara was down in Tucson, on her way up. Merri called her friend Katie (who had a brand new baby as well as two other small children) to see if she could come by and stay with the kids for a while until Rich got off of work. She rushed over with her baby and Merri and I were off to the hospital. Natalie rushed to Merri's house to help Katie get the 3 kids to bed and later met us at the hospital.

Here I am right after getting to triage at Banner Desert. My last picture pregnant.

Here I am getting my I.V. started in triage. Can I just say that my I.V. was the worst part of the whole delivery!!! The penicillin made me feel as though I was being stabbed in my shoulder and made my whole arm hurt. The pain was up there with one of the worst pains I have ever experienced.

When I got to the hospital I was 6cm with a bulgy bag of water. Good thing everyone was on their way to the hospital!!! Liam was coming, and this time it was for sure. I was admitted, started on my i.v. penicillin for GBS, and booked into room #23 the "Princess Suite" they call it. It earned its name from being the biggest and the best room that Banner Desert has to offer. Both my sisters Tiffany and Merri delivered in this room also.

Liam's heart rate remained beautiful throughout the entire process. Look at those beautiful accelerations. (I love that I sound like I know what I am talking about. With my sister Merri and Dara the adoptive mom both being Labor and Delivery nurses, I pick up on all the terminology quite rapidly.)

My delivery room was filled with almost all of my favorite people. I could not have asked for more or better support. Tamy (who was in tons of pain from tearing a muscle in her leg, and needs surgery was still by my side the entire time. She is one of the most amazing selfless people I have ever met, and I will love her for all eternity.), Dara (Azlyn and Liam's adoptive Mom, and one of my best friends), Me, my sister Merri, my Mom, my sister Natalie, and my sister Tiffany (via Skype on the laptop. She lives in Colorado, and was unable to be here physically.) I am so thankful that I did not have to do this alone. This wonderful group of people I call my family have been there for me every step of the way, and I would not be where I am today without the love and compassion that each one of them has shown me throughout this pregnancy. Thanks everyone!!!