So my WONDERFUL Sister, Alana, set up a newborn photo shoot with her awesome photographer friend and today was the big day. She set up a preview on her blog and I'm just super excited about these. She even did some "brother" shots. Check them out!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Birth Story...
12:40 AM, Monday March 16th, 2009 - Enoch had been sleeping with his Tutu (grandmother) since I went into preterm labor and he continued to sleep with her even after I was released from bed rest. This particular morning, Bonnie (Tutu) brought Enoch to me because he woke up crying for me. I tried to calm him down and realized he was crying because he needed to hit the potty. So I rush him to the bathroom but we're too late, Enoch has an accident while I'm unzipping the jammies; stupid zipper jammies. So he's now upset because he had an accident - I clean him up and get him into new jammies. The whole time he's throwing a tantrum; kicking, screaming and crying. I'm holding him at this point trying not to get kicked. Joe finally comes in and magically calms Enoch down and we all climb into bed to try and get some sleep.
1:20 AM, the first contraction hits. Its really hard and super strong. Joe is freaking out and asking if we need to go to the hospital and I tell him no, its just one contraction. Then 1:30 AM rolls around and its another hard contraction, only this one is a lot stronger and harder and lasts for about 6 minutes. I thought I was going to DIE. I'm rolling all over the bed and Enoch is freaking out and so is Joe (poor guys) - the whole time I'm thinking, well, if I crawl all over the bed maybe I can get away from the pain! Yeah, that didn't work. From that point on, I had contractions every 4 minutes. Joe quickly got our stuff together and we were out the door, flying down Parker Road at 2 AM. Enoch stayed with his Tutu & Papa.
2:15 AM - we check into labor & delivery at Parker Adventist. They quickly hook me up to the monitors, get an IV with fluids going, check me (i'm at 4 cms) and now we're just waiting for the anesthesiologist to come and save the day. I'm contracting constantly and Joe is being brave beside me while I'm breathing and beating my fist into his leg. SORRY JOE! :D Anesthesia finally comes and relieves the pain - although, the epidural going in was a little painful. My Mom and my Sister Alana arrive sometime around 3 or 4 AM, I can't really remember times specifically. Now its the hurry up and wait part of labor and I get to sleep.
Sometime around 7 AM I want to say, the nurse comes and checks me again and I'm at 9 cms. She's curious as to why my water hasn't broken yet because appearantly, its "bulging". At 8 AM, she comes in to check my again, still at 9 cms but now she's really curious as to why my water hasn't broken and starts FLICKING me! No joke, she's FLICKING my sac! So I start laughing and making jokes about how my kid is going to have brain damage and bruises on his head when he comes out because she's FLICKING me. We all start laughing and I guess I laughed a little too hard because my water broke. :D The nurse said she had never seen a woman in labor make so many jokes.
9 AM rolls around and my epidural machine thingy is beeping and saying my resivoir is low. Huh? Ok, so lets roll in some more happy juice and continue this laboring in happy land thing, ok? No, the nurse comes in, checks me, I'm at 10 cms now and she says, "Lets start pushing!". I start freaking out and telling her there is no way because my epidural juice is low and I'm not pushing with out my epidural! Turns out, it lasts for like 3 hours after the juice is gone so she tells me it doesn't matter, everything I feel from here on out is the same stuff I would be feeling if she reloaded the thing. Dangit! So I'm crying and everyone is consoling me and its finally time to push and I have no way out. Joe is at my head to my right, Alana is at my head to my left, my Mom has my right leg and Bonnie has my left - and we start pushing.
There was a lot of pressure and being uncomfortable but no pain, really. At one point I did look down and saw Travis' head and had to do a double take because I didn't realize it was a head at first. What an amazing thing to experience child birth and labor. Joe did watch, I was shocked. He said it was the coolest thing he'd ever seen. He got to cut the cord as well. Too cool!
And for the curious, there are pros and cons to each type of child birth - C-section and vaginal. To me, they are both natural. A child is being born and what could be more natural than that? I will tell you, the connection I have between both of my sons is no different. I feel just as connected and nuturing to Enoch as I do Travis. The way they came into this world does not affect the way I feel about either of them. I am SO grateful to have experienced both. I truly am. So don't ever tell me that the nuturing hormone is not released when you deliver by C-section. If you go into labor, that hormone is released- its actually the hormone that causes labor. And if you lactate, that hormone is released.
Travis was born March 16th, 2009 at 9:54 AM. He weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 20 inches long. I pushed for 33 minutes. It felt like an eternity. Travis is here and he's healthy and strong. Enoch couldn't be happier to be an older brother. He is so tender and kind and wakes up excited to see his little brother.
I am so grateful to all our friends and family who helped us through preterm labor, bed rest, delivery, the drive home from the hospital and the most recent, my spinal headache I've had since I was discharged. I couldn't say thank you enough for all that you've done and you all know who you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :D We love you all and hope to return the favor in the near future.
Texting during labor - Only Natalie!
1:20 AM, the first contraction hits. Its really hard and super strong. Joe is freaking out and asking if we need to go to the hospital and I tell him no, its just one contraction. Then 1:30 AM rolls around and its another hard contraction, only this one is a lot stronger and harder and lasts for about 6 minutes. I thought I was going to DIE. I'm rolling all over the bed and Enoch is freaking out and so is Joe (poor guys) - the whole time I'm thinking, well, if I crawl all over the bed maybe I can get away from the pain! Yeah, that didn't work. From that point on, I had contractions every 4 minutes. Joe quickly got our stuff together and we were out the door, flying down Parker Road at 2 AM. Enoch stayed with his Tutu & Papa.
2:15 AM - we check into labor & delivery at Parker Adventist. They quickly hook me up to the monitors, get an IV with fluids going, check me (i'm at 4 cms) and now we're just waiting for the anesthesiologist to come and save the day. I'm contracting constantly and Joe is being brave beside me while I'm breathing and beating my fist into his leg. SORRY JOE! :D Anesthesia finally comes and relieves the pain - although, the epidural going in was a little painful. My Mom and my Sister Alana arrive sometime around 3 or 4 AM, I can't really remember times specifically. Now its the hurry up and wait part of labor and I get to sleep.
Sometime around 7 AM I want to say, the nurse comes and checks me again and I'm at 9 cms. She's curious as to why my water hasn't broken yet because appearantly, its "bulging". At 8 AM, she comes in to check my again, still at 9 cms but now she's really curious as to why my water hasn't broken and starts FLICKING me! No joke, she's FLICKING my sac! So I start laughing and making jokes about how my kid is going to have brain damage and bruises on his head when he comes out because she's FLICKING me. We all start laughing and I guess I laughed a little too hard because my water broke. :D The nurse said she had never seen a woman in labor make so many jokes.
9 AM rolls around and my epidural machine thingy is beeping and saying my resivoir is low. Huh? Ok, so lets roll in some more happy juice and continue this laboring in happy land thing, ok? No, the nurse comes in, checks me, I'm at 10 cms now and she says, "Lets start pushing!". I start freaking out and telling her there is no way because my epidural juice is low and I'm not pushing with out my epidural! Turns out, it lasts for like 3 hours after the juice is gone so she tells me it doesn't matter, everything I feel from here on out is the same stuff I would be feeling if she reloaded the thing. Dangit! So I'm crying and everyone is consoling me and its finally time to push and I have no way out. Joe is at my head to my right, Alana is at my head to my left, my Mom has my right leg and Bonnie has my left - and we start pushing.
There was a lot of pressure and being uncomfortable but no pain, really. At one point I did look down and saw Travis' head and had to do a double take because I didn't realize it was a head at first. What an amazing thing to experience child birth and labor. Joe did watch, I was shocked. He said it was the coolest thing he'd ever seen. He got to cut the cord as well. Too cool!
And for the curious, there are pros and cons to each type of child birth - C-section and vaginal. To me, they are both natural. A child is being born and what could be more natural than that? I will tell you, the connection I have between both of my sons is no different. I feel just as connected and nuturing to Enoch as I do Travis. The way they came into this world does not affect the way I feel about either of them. I am SO grateful to have experienced both. I truly am. So don't ever tell me that the nuturing hormone is not released when you deliver by C-section. If you go into labor, that hormone is released- its actually the hormone that causes labor. And if you lactate, that hormone is released.
Travis was born March 16th, 2009 at 9:54 AM. He weighed 7 lbs 2 oz and was 20 inches long. I pushed for 33 minutes. It felt like an eternity. Travis is here and he's healthy and strong. Enoch couldn't be happier to be an older brother. He is so tender and kind and wakes up excited to see his little brother.
I am so grateful to all our friends and family who helped us through preterm labor, bed rest, delivery, the drive home from the hospital and the most recent, my spinal headache I've had since I was discharged. I couldn't say thank you enough for all that you've done and you all know who you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you. :D We love you all and hope to return the favor in the near future.
Texting during labor - Only Natalie!Pictures of Travis
Travis Lawrence Huapala
Modeling the WORKING pooper! 
Meeting Mom for the first time. Just a few minutes after birth.
Success!
Enoch meeting Travis for the first time. He just fell in love!Monday, March 23, 2009
?
For those of you who are waiting for an update and pictures - Travis is doing well, he's a healthy baby. Natalie has been dealing with a pulled muscle in her neck from labor and a spinal headache from her epidural. We'll be going to the hospital today to hopefully repair that.
Pictures and full story coming soon! Nati is going nuts not being able to do much.
Pictures and full story coming soon! Nati is going nuts not being able to do much.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Travis Lawrence Huapala Doxey
Travis is here! Natalie started having hard contractions - 4 minutes apart - at 1:20 am today. Joe drove her to the hospital - they arrived at 2:14. The contractions were coming hard and fast but they got the epidural in pretty quick. Nati dilated to an 8 at 7 am and her water broke while her nurse was checking her. It actually broke because the nurse was making her laugh! Natalie only pushed for 33 minutes! Travis made it here by 9:54 am and weighs 7 lbs 2 oz and is 20 inches long. He was 4 weeks early so who knows how big he would have been had she carried him to term!
We will post pictures as soon as Joe gets his laptop here. Travis looks a lot like Enoch and has lots of dark curly hair!
We will post pictures as soon as Joe gets his laptop here. Travis looks a lot like Enoch and has lots of dark curly hair!
Friday, March 13, 2009
36 Weeks!
(Enoch wanted to be in the photo too!)I saw my Dr on Wednesday for my 36 week check up and things went well. I was measured, weighed, we listened to the heart beat (which never gets old) and that was about it. Everything looks good. She said now that I've reached 36 weeks we're in the safe zone and if this little guy tries to come again they won't stop him. She would like to see me to get to 38 weeks but doesn't really see that happening and that's not really a bad thing.
I was released from bed rest that day but still took it easy once I got home. Now Thursday was a different story. Joe's cousin Olivia flew in that morning for a funeral this weekend and needed to make a trip to the store so Enoch and I eagerly got dressed and drove her to Hobby Lobby and Target. Then we stopped at Jamba Juice on the way home for a little treat. Let me tell you, after not being able to do ANYTHING for a week and 1/2, it sure felt good to drive and be out in public. I had a lot of fun.
Last night was our birthday party for the Relief Society and one of my good friends was dancing so I went to that as well!! You'd think I would be over doing it but it just felt so good. I was a little more tired last night and hungry but other than that, I can't complain about anything.
A few things that I was able to accomplish on bed rest:
1. I took the final exam for my medical transcribing course! (results are due on 3/25)
2. I've gotten a little further on an old cross stitching project
3. I actually started reading the Twilight series...a sweet friend dropped off a few gossip mags for me AND the series and told me I wouldn't regret reading them...so far I don't!
4. I got a TON of naps!
5. I felt special because everyone was just so quick to do anything for me.
6. I spent time at my parent's house...WITH my parents. :o)
7. I got to see my WONDERFUL sister more than ONCE in a week!!!
8. I learned to appreciate family and friends more. :o)
2. I've gotten a little further on an old cross stitching project
3. I actually started reading the Twilight series...a sweet friend dropped off a few gossip mags for me AND the series and told me I wouldn't regret reading them...so far I don't!
4. I got a TON of naps!
5. I felt special because everyone was just so quick to do anything for me.
6. I spent time at my parent's house...WITH my parents. :o)
7. I got to see my WONDERFUL sister more than ONCE in a week!!!
8. I learned to appreciate family and friends more. :o)
I am sore today, I've had a couple of contractions; nothing hard or consistent. A few of my friends don't think I'll make it past the weekend but we'll see. Joe thinks I'll pop before Monday too. Thanks for the faith people! ;0) No, its okay, I think I would prefer it sooner rather than later.
Enjoy the plump photo of me at the top. I feel pretty darn plump right now and that's okay. I am looking for walking buddies for this spring and summer so e-mail me and let me know if you're interested! I'm ready to have this little guy and get back into the regular groove of things. :0)
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We love ya!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Check Up & Surviving Bed Rest
I had my visit with my Doctor today. It was the 34 week check up. All went well. I'm measuring normal, the baby is in good position, I've lost a pound but I guess its normal sometimes to lose weight towards the end?? Also my Doctor said it might be due to stress. We talked about my hopes for a VBAC, she's positive but you just never know until you're in the situation. I also asked her if she had any idea why I go into preterm labor. She said some babies get to a point where they're just done and ready to come. She also said that she's delivered several babies born at 36 weeks that were 7 pounds and never had to go to the NICU and need any further assistance. I guess also my body just hits that boiling point and says Okay! Lets have a baby! She said there is no true answer as to why our bodies go into labor when they do (early anyway) and that I shouldn't worry or be concerned.
As far as surviving the bed rest, my inlaws gave me the best birthday gift this year ever. Its the full body Boppy maternity pillow. I absolutely adore it. Its really helped keep me comfortable throughout my pregnancy and with this whole bed rest thing, its made it really comfy. So for future preggos, get the boppy full body pillow! Its awesome. Love it.
Also, I've been stocked up on reading material and a few gossip/fashion mags to keep me busy. I've been well fed thus far and my son is in good hands at all times. :D I do miss him a lot but I couldn't imagine taking care of him on my own while being restricted to my bed and bathroom only.
My husband has also been wonderful. Just loving, kind, patient, understanding and thoughtful. I couldn't have asked for a better companion. :D
Well, enough of my endless typing. Can you tell I'm bored? I'm off to catch a few zzZZZzzz's.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers and for your concern. Take care!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Preterm Labor....Again?
Well - I was discharged from an overnight stay at the hospital today. At 9 am yesterday, I was getting ready for church, preparing my sharing time and getting the kiddo dressed when my mucous plug fell out.
The mucous plug is what blocks the opening of your cervix to protect the baby from bacteria. When that falls out (and it doesn't happen for every pregnant woman), your cervix is dilating and it means labor is either hours away or days/weeks away. It's just not a sure sign of anything really. I lost my mucous plug with Enoch and went into preterm labor that day, they put me on a mag drip for 24 hours, sent me home on bed rest and Enoch was born a week later. I was 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant when Enoch was born.
I ended up calling my Dr yesterday because the MP (mucous plug) had blood in it. My Dr told me that just losing the MP wasn't much concern but since it had blood and my previous pregnancy ended in preterm delivery, she wanted me to come in for monitoring. On the way to the hospital my contractions were 4 minutes apart. I had also been contracting since 4 pm Saturday and they were 15 - 20 minutes apart.
So we made it to the hospital by 11, they started an IV for fluids and antibiotics for the GBS that I hadn't been tested for. Then they gave me a steroid shot for the baby's lung development in case he did decide to make an appearance, they also gave me a shot and a pill to stop the laboring. After 3 shots and 4 pills, my contractions were still breaking through every 4 minutes.
I was also dilated to 3 cms. Yikes. So after all the other efforts, they gave me a morphine sleep to relax my body to see if that would stop the contractions or just let me labor in my sleep. I didn't sleep and it didn't stop the contractions. Then they tried fentinol. That put me to sleep but did nothing for the contractions. So the plan from there was to get through the night, hope I didn't dilate further and the contractions would stop so they could send me home.
I did make it through the night without any hard contractions and no further dilating. They gave me one more steroid shot for the baby's lungs and sent me home on bed rest until 36 weeks. I'm 34 weeks and 4 days right now so if I make it to 36, I can get off bed rest and go back to normal behavior to try and go into labor. Haha.
So, hospital stay but no baby. He tried really hard to come yesterday but didn't make it, thank goodness. They say white males need all the time they can get in the womb. Its just better for them to bake longer. ;o)
Enoch was very excited when he found out yesterday that his little brother might be here soon. He even asked me when I got home today where the baby was. It was so sweet. I missed him terribly while I was away. Its hard being away from your children! It drives me bonkers.
And in case you're wondering, I am following orders and laying in bed right now. I'm posting this from my phone. Its hard to not get up and try to finish getting ready for this baby but Joe is doing a great job and he's even washing newborn clothes from storage. I love this guy! He's also setting up the bassinet and taking care of little extra's like packing another overnight bag for when this boy actually makes his appearance.
So thank you to everyone who has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it. We'll keep you posted!!!
The mucous plug is what blocks the opening of your cervix to protect the baby from bacteria. When that falls out (and it doesn't happen for every pregnant woman), your cervix is dilating and it means labor is either hours away or days/weeks away. It's just not a sure sign of anything really. I lost my mucous plug with Enoch and went into preterm labor that day, they put me on a mag drip for 24 hours, sent me home on bed rest and Enoch was born a week later. I was 35 weeks and 5 days pregnant when Enoch was born.
I ended up calling my Dr yesterday because the MP (mucous plug) had blood in it. My Dr told me that just losing the MP wasn't much concern but since it had blood and my previous pregnancy ended in preterm delivery, she wanted me to come in for monitoring. On the way to the hospital my contractions were 4 minutes apart. I had also been contracting since 4 pm Saturday and they were 15 - 20 minutes apart.
So we made it to the hospital by 11, they started an IV for fluids and antibiotics for the GBS that I hadn't been tested for. Then they gave me a steroid shot for the baby's lung development in case he did decide to make an appearance, they also gave me a shot and a pill to stop the laboring. After 3 shots and 4 pills, my contractions were still breaking through every 4 minutes.
I was also dilated to 3 cms. Yikes. So after all the other efforts, they gave me a morphine sleep to relax my body to see if that would stop the contractions or just let me labor in my sleep. I didn't sleep and it didn't stop the contractions. Then they tried fentinol. That put me to sleep but did nothing for the contractions. So the plan from there was to get through the night, hope I didn't dilate further and the contractions would stop so they could send me home.
I did make it through the night without any hard contractions and no further dilating. They gave me one more steroid shot for the baby's lungs and sent me home on bed rest until 36 weeks. I'm 34 weeks and 4 days right now so if I make it to 36, I can get off bed rest and go back to normal behavior to try and go into labor. Haha.
So, hospital stay but no baby. He tried really hard to come yesterday but didn't make it, thank goodness. They say white males need all the time they can get in the womb. Its just better for them to bake longer. ;o)
Enoch was very excited when he found out yesterday that his little brother might be here soon. He even asked me when I got home today where the baby was. It was so sweet. I missed him terribly while I was away. Its hard being away from your children! It drives me bonkers.
And in case you're wondering, I am following orders and laying in bed right now. I'm posting this from my phone. Its hard to not get up and try to finish getting ready for this baby but Joe is doing a great job and he's even washing newborn clothes from storage. I love this guy! He's also setting up the bassinet and taking care of little extra's like packing another overnight bag for when this boy actually makes his appearance.
So thank you to everyone who has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it. We'll keep you posted!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Joe the Photographer
I think I've mentioned Joe's passion for pictures before so I wanted to post some. I feel bad though because I told him a long time ago to pick his personal favorites, edit them, and put them in my blog folder on my computer so I would know which ones to post. He did this almost the day after I asked him to and its been about two months since then and I'm just now posting them.
So - I would love to hear feedback on his photos. These 2 photos have some editing differences. There will be more to come! Enjoy!
So - I would love to hear feedback on his photos. These 2 photos have some editing differences. There will be more to come! Enjoy!
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