TW's texts from my labor

The website we created shortly before Dawson's birth is closing in August. The company will no longer be hosting webpages. So I have been sifting through old blog posts and came across Terry's updates while I was in labor. It's kind of nice to have a record of what happened when. That way I know I didn't imagine it. It's pretty long so this one may be more for me than anyone else.

MON 23 JUN 2008

We're off to the hospital By Terry Ward

Well, this is it. We have packed our hospital bag and taken care of all the last minute things (that we could think of) and we are getting ready to load up in the car for our 5:00 pm appointment at the hospital. If all goes the way it should we will be holding little Dawson by this time tomorrow. I can't wait.

Quinn is feeling good. She's a little nervous, anxious and not too thrilled about having to be induced. She was hoping to start everything on her own. But we both agree that the important thing is that Dawson arrives safe and healthy and if being induced is what makes that happen then so be it.

If you didn't get a chance to get on the anouncement list go ahead and e-mail me or text message me at 765-414-4947 and I will get you added. Be sure and tell me who you are in the text though.

We will be at the St. Vincent Frankfort Hospital for the next little while. I will try and update the posting when I can. Just understand that if Quinn is in hard core labor she probably won't appreciate me typing on the computer just to give YOU an update.

4:42 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

MON 23 JUN 2008

Update from the hospital via text By Terry Ward

Update from the hospital via text. Quinn is sleeping and we are waiting to see what happens overnight. I will update again in the morning.

10:58 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

June 24, 2008

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Slipped away to make an update By Terry Ward

Quinn is doing great. She is sleeping right now so I thought I would let everyone know what is going on.

We got to the hospital at 5:00 pm and went straight to labor and delivery. They went over all of the paperwork with us and then put Quinn in a gown and hooked her up to the monitors. One to measure her contractions and the other to monitor the babies heartbeat.

After that they put in an IV in case they needed to give her medication quickly and so that they could give her the pitosun in the morning.

At 6:18 she took her first dose of medicine to help her cervix prep for labor. She was not dilated at all when we got to the hospital. Four hours later they gave her the second dose of medicine and checked her and she still was not dilated at all. They will give her another dose at 2:00 am and then start the pitosun at 6:00 am.

The edicine is causing her contactions to be more regular and intense. They are currently around 10-11 minutes apart.

The wireless internet is not working at the hospital so my updates tomorrow will be logged via text message meaning they will be much shorter postings.

We will keep you updated.

12:30 AM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Update from hospital. Quinn is By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Quinn is having stronger contractions. They are getting more frequent as well.

5:38 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Update from hospital. They gave By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. They gave Quinn the pitosun at 6:15 am and checked her cervix. She still is not dilated.

6:50 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Update from hospital. Quinn's contractions By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Quinn's contractions are about 2 minutes apart.

7:23 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Update from hospital. Quinn is By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Quinn is dilated to a five! 90 percent efacement. She is doing great.

7:59 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Update from hospital. Still dilated By Terry Ward

Update from hospital. Still dilated to a 5 but the head has dropped more.

8:56 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Quinn is finding relief on By Terry Ward

Quinn is finding relief on the big blue exercise ball. Thank you Megan!

8:58 AM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Quinn is still at a By Terry Ward

Quinn is still at a 5. They stopped the pitocin for awhile. The contractions were too close.

9:57 AM | Permalink | 2 comments

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Quinn is currently getting an By Terry Ward

Quinn is currently getting an epideral. The pain got to much for her. She has been so strong.

10:32 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Still at a 5 at By Terry Ward

Still at a 5 at last check. The epidural is working. Quinn is feeling very little pain now.

11:19 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Quinn is getting rest. The By Terry Ward

Quinn is getting rest. The nurse stopped the pitocin because the baby's heart rate was dropping.

12:00 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

The doctor will be here By Terry Ward

The doctor will be here in a little while to check on things.

12:01 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

The doctor came in and By Terry Ward

The doctor came in and broke Quinn's water. They are going to leave the pitosin off to see how she does without

12:45 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

They checked her cervix and By Terry Ward

They checked her cervix and she is actually at a 3. They said they made a mistake earlier.

12:49 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Although things arent moving as By Terry Ward

Although things arent moving as quickly as we thought, she is still progressing just fine.

12:51 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Being here with Quinn is By Terry Ward

Being here with Quinn is an amazing experience. I love her so much!

12:54 PM | Permalink | 2 comments

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Things are moving slow right By Terry Ward

Things are moving slow right now. Really nothing new to report.

2:06 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Newest update By Terry Ward

The nurse checked Quinn not too long ago and she is at a 3.5 to 4. Contractions are about 2 1/2 intes apart. Dawson's head has dropped to a plus one.

Things are moving extreely slow but Quinn's spirits are up and she is relaxed (thanks to the medication).

The doctor will be in shortly after 5 to check on her again.

4:19 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

The doctor just checked. Quinn By Terry Ward

The doctor just checked. Quinn is now dilated to a 6! The doctor assures me it is for real this time.

5:06 PM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Latest check has Quinn at By Terry Ward

Latest check has Quinn at a 6.5. She is feels dizzy, sick to her stomach, and a bad headache.

5:54 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Quinn is now dilated to By Terry Ward

Quinn is now dilated to a 7. The baby's head dropped down to plus 2. Both Dawson and Quinn are doing great.

6:31 PM | Permalink | 1 comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

The doctor checked Quinn again By Terry Ward

The doctor checked Quinn again and she is still at a 7. We should have a baby by July 4th.

7:24 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Not much new to report. By Terry Ward

Not much new to report. Quinn is still at a 7. She is really tired and I am worried about her.

9:03 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Dawson will eventially figure out By Terry Ward

Dawson will eventially figure out a way out. He just needs to use his head. :-)

9:20 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

I want to clarify my By Terry Ward

I want to clarify my post from earlier. It is hard seeing Quinn so tired and uncomfortable. I feel helpless.

10:07 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Quinn is now at an By Terry Ward

Quinn is now at an 8.

10:26 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

TUE 24 JUN 2008

Making slow progress. Quinn is By Terry Ward

Making slow progress. Quinn is now dilated to a 9.

11:31 PM | Permalink | click to add a comment

June 25, 2008

WED 25 JUN 2008

Quinn is exhausted! There has By Terry Ward

Quinn is exhausted! There has been no change for awhile now. It has been an emotional day.

1:33 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED 25 JUN 2008

We just started the pitocin By Terry Ward

We just started the pitocin again to see if we can move things along.

2:13 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED 25 JUN 2008

Quinn's contractions have increased in By Terry Ward

Quinn's contractions have increased in intensity again and she is having alot of back pain.

4:03 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED 25 JUN 2008

Quinn is in alot of By Terry Ward

Quinn is in alot of pain so they are giving her a 2nd epidural to reposition it.

4:22 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED 25 JUN 2008

UPDATE: We are getting ready By Terry Ward

UPDATE: We are getting ready to head into surgery for a c section.

6:36 AM | Permalink | click to add a comment

WED 25 JUN 2008

Welcome Dawson!!!! By Terry Ward

Dawson was 21 and 3/4 inches and weighed 8 lbs 12 ounces. He was born at 7:05 am this morning.

7:55 AM | Permalink | 3 comments

WED 25 JUN 2008

Pictures are up on Dawson's site By Terry Ward

CLICK HERE FOR DAWSON'S SITE

Hey everyone! The pictures of Dawson are now up on his site. Thanks for staying with us as we kept you updated on the birthing progress.

Be sure and keep watching our site for more photos of our growing family and be sure and read our blog in the future as we share what is going on.

Let Quinn know how much you love her by signing our guestbook. It is always good to hear from everyone.

CLICK HERE FOR BABY PHOTOS

10:10 AM | Permalink | 2 comments

WED 25 JUN 2008

Quinn and Dawson By Terry Ward

CLICK HERE FOR DAWSON'S SITE

I just added more photos to Dawson's site. There are now some of mommy and baby.

Quinn is doing great. She has been getting very much needed rest today. I am so proud of her. She handled everything over the past few days like a champ.

Everyone - thank you for all of the wonderful supportive text messages and online comments and guestbook entries. It is great to have family and friends that are so supportive.

A year ago...

As Dawson's first birthday approaches I can't help but think about where I was a year ago especially after reading Nikki's blog post today. Her due date is very close to mine (only a year apart). Anyway I remember I was due on the 21st (a Saturday) and when I went into my appointment on that Friday Dr. V said if I didn't go into labor over the weekend they would induce me on Tuesday.

I was desperate to go into labor on my own so we tried just about EVERYTHING to bring it on but Dawson wouldn't budge. I was sooo uncomfortable and super swollen. I was scared to death but everything worked out all right in the end and now I have a beautiful baby boy who is almost one. I can't believe it.

Me on the way to the hospital to be induced.

I remember being so worn out from labor and the surgery (Nikki I won't share those details until after you have your little one, k?) and trying to breastfeed Dawson, which is unbelievably hard -- who knew! and he was fighting me with his little tiny hands and I was struggling to get everthing working when I said something to him. I don't even remember probably something like 'hey bud, just calm down" and he stopped fighting me, his little head snapped up and he met my eyes with this pure look of joy on his sweet little face, like there's my mom. And that was it, that was THE MOMENT when I just fell completly in love with my brand new baby.


That was probably the first time he heard my voice after he was born because I was like the 50th person to hold him. At first I was all bummed out because I never got to push and I wasn't the first one to hold him but it didn't matter because I was the one he was looking and listening for.

Wide Stance

When TW and I lived in Arkansas we loved to hang out at Barnes and Noble because we could pretend like we weren't in Arkansas ( you know somewhere where people actually like to read j/k, kinda). Anyway one Saturday I was in the bathroom at B&N when the lady in the stall next to me started waving toilet paper at me under the stall partition.

I decided to ignore this strange behavior because I had nooo idea what she wanted. Next thing I know she's sticking her foot under the divider and over on my side. I was like oh my better hurry up and get the heck out of here. Then she starts rubbing her shoe against mine and I was like get me outta here! And she says, "Sorry, I have a wide stance." As she giggles hysterically in her stall.

I responded with a gasp, I think. And then silence.

Then I hear, "Charlotte?!? Charlotte?!? Charlotte where are you," panic streaked through her voice.

"I'm over here mom," Charlotte responded.

"In the stall next to me," mom asked hopefully.

"Nope over in the corner stall," she said.

"Oh."

This was followed by nervous laughter for all of us. By this point I was coming out to wash my hands and Charlotte and her mother apologized profusely and explained she was making fun of the Sen. Larry Craig bathroom incident. I laughed and laughed. I thought it was great, strange but very funny.

TW was waiting for me outside and thought it was very strange when I walked out with these ladies all of us laughing. And he got a kcik out of it too when I explained.

So this one goes out to Charlotte's mom whoever you are, wherever you are, you made my day with your strange bathroom behavior and good sense of humor. Thanks for the foot rub!

T.W.

I must have the BEST HUSBAND in the world! Find out more about him here.

Greeting the Day

My sweet pea's birthday month is here! A year has really flown by so quickly. Dawson has changed and grown so much in such a short amount of time. He was 8 lbs 12 oz at birth and has quickly grown to 27 lbs at 11 months! He wears size 5 diapers and 18-24 month clothes. He is a BIG boy. He has 7 teeth and two more about to come through.


And he has learned so many new skills. One Sunday morning (May 3 -that's for me to remember such an important date) I came in to get him up from his nap and there he was laying on his stomach with the bumper pad pulled down so that he could watch the kids jumping on the trampoline outside his window. His bedroom is on the second floor and both windows look down at the play area, a trampoline, swing set, etc. Anyway, I thought this was probably the cutest thing ever. So I stood him up and helped him hold onto the crib so he could see them better. He got so excited and started yelling and smiling at the kids.

I opened the window and got the kids' attention. Caleb, Patience, Josh and Brys saw him and got all excited too they waved and yelled hello to him. He LOVED this. (He LOVES his older siblings very, very much and they feel the same way about him) And then it all began. His crib, once just for sleeping became the best toy ever. Patience and Brys and then Josh too came up to see him and Dawson thought this was awesome. Grandma Gina and Rita came to watch too. This kid is at his best with an audience. He took off falling and bouncing in his crib, kicking his legs, pulling himself back up only to fall all over again. The more people laughed and cheered him on the wilder he got. He had a blast. And when he hit his head on the bars he would just laugh and get back up. I marvel at what a tough little guy he is.

A couple of weeks ago we gave him corn on the cob. I took a bite to show him what to do and then let him try some. Dawson LOVES corn on the cob. He couldn't get enough. It was so cute and so funny. He went to town on that corn. I love his excitement for learning new skills and about new things in his world. He is so full of wonder for everything. Like TW says he can give me a such a fresh perspective on the world.

This morning when he woke up I came in to get him. I picked him up and was ready to hurry down the stairs to mainline some coffee but he cried when I went towards the door. Right now his vocabulary is pretty limited (mama, dada and a few other phrases we think sound like words but we're not too sure) so it's always a guessing game to figure out what he wants. I thought maybe back in the crib to play? Nope. Down to play with his toys? Nope.

And then I remembered. He loves for me to scoot his crib back so that he can stand by the south facing window and look outside. Once I did that he was happy. He stood pounding the window and smiling.

At bedtime I always hold him and we look out the west window and say goodnight to the day. "Night-night trees, night-night birds, night-night grass, night-night trampoline, etc..."
Then we read our stories, listen to music, rock in the chair while he nurses and then it's off to dreamland.

After he goes to sleep I have to confess I love to look at him. He looks so sweet. Booty in the air, his sweet little cherub mouth and those long lashes against his adorable chubby cheeks. I can't get enough of him. Before I leave the room I always look out the west window one more time. It has the best view of the fading day.

Our night-night routine is one I've established and his morning routine of looking out the window is one he has established. I guess that's just his way of greeting the day.

Harrison House

Goodbye Harrison House, I shall miss thee. . .

Your gleaming hardwood floors, beautiful old woodwork and the immediate charm you offer upon crossing your threshold

Spring evenings spent on your wide front porch watching the day fade and the abundant pink blooms on the trees swaying in the breeze

Evenings cooking in the kitchen sunlight streaming in the west windows, music blaring and the occasional dance with Dawson

Evenings grilling on the back deck nestled amongst tall maples

Greeting TW Everyday for lunch and after work

Waiting on the front porch to see my TW walk down the sidewalk home from work

We had many happy times under your roof little yellow house

My dear little Dawson this is the house we brought you home to from the hospital, so tiny and new, we were so proud ( and still are of course) of our sweet little man. This is the place of many firsts for you. Just so you know when you grow up...this was your first home.

Pesto, St. Paddy's Day, Sisters and Wine

Last week my sister Shauna and her two boys Vonn and Kingston came to visit us at Harrison house. It was great but all too short a visit. When they left I was sad and wished my sisters both lived closer!!

Dawson must have been sad too because he was super fussy after they left. And when it was time for me to leave for my Friends of the Library meeting he didn't want to be with anyone but his mommy. I think it was those darn teeth. They hurt him so. My poor baby was really fussy the rest of that week. : (

Shauna and I were super bad and had a glass of wine with our pesto quesadillas. YUM! This is a lovely creation I came up with on St. Paddy's Day.

Pesto + Tomatoes + Mozz Cheese in a quesadilla = sooooo GOOD!

I was feeling very Irish and festive after watching Meredith and Al Roker in Ireland. So I made corned beef and cabbage. We sat out on the back deck because the weather was unusually mild and so beautiful. We drank a little wine and I felt like we needed an appetizer so I whipped those up in a pinch. TW and Dawson shared a grilled cheese (this is D's fave food.)

And we listened to a great playlist Kiera10906's (All irish songs) http://www.playlist.com/playlist/2958298379

our fav was the one about the drunken scotchman -- very funny!