A Day In The Life of Audrey...

It's now day three of Audrey's life and things seem to be progressing well. She is a very healthy, happy baby who LOVES to sleep which we're told is common agenda for the first few days of a newborn's life. I'm sure we have many sleepless times ahead however for now it's a real treat for us when she can manage to keep her eyes open for more then 2 seconds at a time (she's a blue eyed girl for now btw).
The first night was pretty much sleepless, for Mike and I anyway. We got to experience all of Audrey's cooing noises and wimpers and enjoyed every one of them ...I just couldn't take my eyes off of her. Night two we decided it was necessary to take a little nursury break so we could hopefully get more than an hour's night sleep ...we got a total of 3, maybe 4. Last night however was our best yet but only because Audrey wasn't feeding very well. She was really cranky starting around midnight but I did manage to get in a semi good feeding in before she was sent off to the nursury again for a couple of hours. Well a couple of hours turned into more like 6 hours because she had no interest in waking up to nurse. So from 1am to almost 6:00am Mike and I got some good shut eye, well except for the every few hours I'd wake up missing her, trying to decided if I should go back to bed or break into the nursery and steal my daughter back.
Breastfeeding is a challange, for all of us but we are managing and are all very determined to master the task. Mike and I took a class but I'm pretty sure there is nothing that can actually prepare you for the real thing. It's an absolute wonderful bonding experience to have with your child (and husband ...Mike is very much involved in this process too) but at the same time it's probably one of the toughest challanges we have that lies ahead but I am happy to say that every day it's getting better and better. I do believe my milk is coming in too ...ouchy!
Above are some pictures that Mike took of Audrey and I bonding over sleep ...something we both love. Below are a few more random pics from earlier today.

37 weeks and 3 days!

As you all know, little Audrey was comfortable in her breach position. So as of Friday May 9th our doctor gave us 2 choices, the first was ECV (also known External Cephalic Version) which is a technique used to turn the baby into a head down position. Our second choice was to schedule a c-section one week before her due date. Our original thought was to give the version a try, but as the weekend passed we decided the c section was the best option for both mom and baby. So today we were to call the doctor to setup Audrey's birth date for Saturday, May 17th...but Audrey had other plans. When Sally woke up this morning she wasn't feeling well, mostly nauseated with a headache accompanied with some cramping that had started on Saturday afternoon. So instead of calling the doctor to setup the c section date we set up an appointment instead. The doctor visit was short and sweet, as he checked her cervix and found she was already 2 cm dilated...in other words time to go to the hospital! Now 2 cm isn't much, but for baby Audrey being footling breech it was necessary she be delivered prior to the water breaking ...so off to the hospital we went!

At 3:51 pm Audrey Lea Nelson was born via C-section weighing in at 7lbs 1oz and was 19.5 inches in length. Of course we may be bias, but she is absolutely beautiful with a full head of dark hair (hence all of moms heartburn):)

More to come once we get some rest but just wanted to fill you all in on the most important day of our lives!

36 Weeks

So I have to print a retraction from my last blog. Turns out that Audrey is not head down as the doctor had first thought. On Friday we did an ultrasound and sure enough she's breech! Not only is she breech though, she's footling breech meaning her little tootsies would be the first thing to pop out should my water break. This causes a vaginal birth to be really dangerous for her because the umbilical cord could also come out with her feet cutting off her oxygen supply. With that said, it's obvious, that if she doesn't turn head down within the next few days (before Friday) we'll be scheduling a c-section. I'm not sure when yet but I would think sooner rather than later due to the potential harm to her should I go into labor. Of coarse this hasn't help ease my anxiety about giving birth. I'm okay with a c-section if that's the safest way to deliver her but now I have a whole new set of fears regarding her birth. Everyone I've talked about this has been so great with trying to turn this negative into a positive ...and we really do appreciate the support ...however until I have my daughter in my arms I really can't help but have my uncertainties. I'm so ready to turn my pregnancy hat in for the mom one!

Next doctors appointment is Friday morning ...stay tuned!