Our Fertility Journey

I can't believe it's been almost three months since our precious Paisley Rose came into the world.  We are so blessed and thankful to have her in our lives.  It is amazing that just one year ago we were going through the stages of IVF and FET trying to start our family and now we have it right in front of us.  We can not thank the staff and doctors at Shady Grove Fertility enough for what they have done for us.  They are truly amazing and have made our dreams a reality. 

Below is a video in pictures of our journey through the process and what we 

dedicated our lives to in 2014.  

Nursery Reveal

 

This post has been a long time coming.  I write this as our newborn baby girl, Paisley, is sleeping and I have a few minutes - life has definitely changed since she has been born :).  I had originally planned to post this prior to my due date, but our daughter decided to come 11 days early and forced me to put this post on hold until now.  My husband and I are so happy with how the room came out.  To see the before photos visit this blog post from October.  

 

We decided on a neutral light gray paint for this room in case we have a second child and we need to change the accent color for gender.  We hope you like it as much as we do.

 

Please see the end of this post for a list of items in the room and where they were purchased.

 

 

 

Our fur baby, Figgy loves her nursery. 

This medal hung from my crib when I was an infant.  I decided to hot glue it to felt and place it in an Ikea Ribba shadowbox frame.

 



The amazing closet designed by my Father-in-law - he is super talented!  I painted all the shelving.  

The start of her shoe collection. 

 

 

Drawer organizers - I got this idea from Pinterest.  They are from Ikea and are super affordable.  The best part is that they fold for storing.  

 

 

List of Nursery Items:

•  Curtain, Curtain Rod, Rug - Target
•  Blinds and Carpet - Lowe's
•  Crib, Dresser/Changer, Mirror above crib, Lamb Rocker, Crib Skirt, Crib Bumper (this will be taken out of the crib once she moves into her room) - Pottery Barn Kids
•  Chandelier - Home Depot
•  Book Shelves, Dresser organizers, and Floor Lamp - Ikea
•  Glider - Babies R Us
•  Ottoman - Land of Nod
•  Picture above Dresser/Changer - HomeGoods
•  Wooden Bear on Bookshelf - Made by a worker at the hospital I work at.  For info, please contact Bruce Wolf, P.O. Box 447, Ephrata, PA 17522. 
•  Baskets in Closet - Michael's
•  End Table - Walmart
•  Penguin photo - Etsy seller
•  Frame of my husband and I - Kohl's
•  Basket next to Glider - HomeGoods
•  Diaper Champ - Target

If you have any questions about the nursery, please leave your comments below.  Hope you had a great weekend!



Our newest edition...

 

We are excited to announce the newest edition to our family... Miss Paisley Rose!

I was originally due on New Years Day, but she decided to make other plans and arrived December 21st, 11 days early!  It was the best Christmas present we could have ever asked for. 

 

Her arrival was definitely unexpected.  On the 20th we celebrated Christmas with my in-laws and I was really feeling good and having a good day.  The only discomfort I experienced was back pain, and that was normal for me.  I was a little on the hungry side that day, but nothing out of the ordinary.  Once we got home, we both were super tired and went to bed around 9:30 PM.  My husband got up around midnight and was up when I got up around 2 AM.  I was wide awake and could not get back to sleep.  I felt slight cramping and an urge to go to the bathroom.  I went to the bathroom around 3 AM and something did not feel right.  This is a little TMI, but it felt like water gushing out and I knew it wasn't urine.  After a brief freak out session - I wasn't really sure what to do, so I called my OB/GYN office.  While I was waiting for a call back from the provider on call, my husband decided to do his own research and Google water breaking LOL!  Five minutes later a midwife called me back and told me that my water might have broke and asked how soon could we get to the hospital.  The hospital is about 20-25 minutes away and I really wanted to get a shower before we left.  My husband thought it was a false alarm and left some of the lights on in the house because he thought we would be back. 

 

We got to the hospital at 4:15 AM and I was admitted.  I was 3 centimeters dilated, 95% effaced.  I tested positive for the Group Strep B virus so they wanted to start antibiotic treatment right away before I lost too much amniotic fluid.  The midwife wanted to start Pitocin at 6 AM, but I wanted to wait until our parents arrived.  For some reason I always thought Pitocin would speed up the labor process immediately and I wanted to make sure our immediate family was there with us.  Pitocin was started at 9 AM once they arrived and kicked in pretty quickly.  The contractions were intense and close together, so I decided to go ahead and get an epidural.  I got the epidural at 10:15 AM and was 8 centimeters dilated by Noon.  At 2 PM I was 10 centimeters dilated and ready to push.  I pushed for 3 1/2 hours, but she was not budging.  They said she was positioned too high up under my pubic bone and was unable to get under because she was faced sideways so they would have to do a C-section.  I was so overcome with emotion as I just tried to push her out non-stop for 3 1/2 hours.  I really did not want surgery, but knew that was the only way to get her out.  At 5:30 PM the nurses got me ready for surgery.  They took me to the operating room and gave me more epidural medication that numbed me from the chest down.  I felt a lot of pressure and pushing in my abdomen - it was the weirdest feeling and the drugs had me all loopy.  I kept asking my husband for a root beer or a Frappuccino from Starbucks. 

 

Paisley Rose was born at 18:24 - 6:24 PM.  Weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long. After they delivered her my blood pressure dropped extremely low (66 over 42), so they gave me a drug to help stabilize me. 

 

Since I had a C-section I was given 4-5 days to stay in the hospital, so that put me through until Christmas.  My doctor did give me the okay to leave Christmas Eve.  If it was a normal week and not a holiday week I would have stayed the extra day - it was much needed, but we decided that we wanted to have her home for Christmas. I was instructed not to lift heavy objects or walk up steps frequently for two weeks, and I am not able to drive for four weeks.   

 

Paisley had a bit of jaundice before leaving the hospital so that needed to be monitored over the next week.  The pediatrician had us go into the lab for testing twice after Christmas.   We had a nurse home visit scheduled for Monday and her doctors appointment was scheduled for Tuesday.  Both appointments went well.  Paisley passed the bilirubin test but will need to go in on Friday to be re-weighed.  She was 6 pounds, 7 ounces when she was born and when we left the hospital she was 6 pounds, 2 ounces.  The pediatrician weighed her at 6 pounds, 4 ounces and they want her weight to increase to her birth weight by tomorrow.  I am not quite sure what they will suggest if she does not meet her birth weight, but we are crossing our fingers. 

 

We can't express how excited we are to have her home with us.  She is the love of our lives.  After all the treatments and years to have her she is finally here <3

 

We love you Paisley Rose!!

 

 

37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks! At the end of this week, Baby Bean will be considered full term.  She is as big as a winter melon - not quite sure what that is, but it sounds big. 

Total weight gain/loss: 29 pounds, I gained about 2 pounds this week.  The doctors said that they were happy with my weight gain, average is 25-35 pounds. 

Maternity clothes? I am running out of options.  Shoes are my current issue.  None of my boots, shoes fit for work.  I have to wear flats, moccasins, or UGGS.  My feet are so swollen these days it is hard to get anything over my ankles.  My flats are being stretched to the max too.  It is like having a wide foot. 

Stretch marks? No, I am still using Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion morning and night and I have been adding their oil to my routine as well.  I definitely like it more than BioOil.  It costs less and has the same great quality.  For info on the Palmer's oil click here.

Symptoms:  Still back pain.  It is honestly my only real complaint these days.  Everything else just comes with the territory and is tolerable.  The back pain is just constant and annoying.  

Sleep: Sleeping is just uncomfortable in general with the back pain I am experiencing.  I toss and turn all night long to find a good position.  I have been having night sweats too.    

Best moment this week: Getting presents wrapped - it was a big accomplishment for me and getting our car seat checked.

Have you told family and friends: Yes

Miss Anything?  Wearing cute shoes.  

Movement: Kicks in my side and shifting around which can be a bit painful at times. 

Food cravings: I was craving a hotdog this week and I am not a huge hotdog fan.  The smell of it was just awesome.  I did not have one though.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Have you started to show yet: YES!    

Baby is a: GIRL! 

Belly Button in or out? Half in and half out.    

  

Wedding rings on or off? Surprisingly they are still on.  With the amount of swelling I am experiencing in my legs and feet, I am surprised I am not swelling in my hands.    

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, I have my hospital bag packed and ready to go. 

Looking forward to: Spending the weekend with family and Christmas with my Mom and her boyfriend :)  

36 weeks

How far along? 36 weeks - OMG...9 months!!!! I can't believe how fast this pregnancy went. 
 Baby Bean is now as long as romaine lettuce. 

Total weight gain/loss: Still 27 pounds, didn't gain any weight this week.

Maternity clothes? Oh how I wish I could wear sweats all day everyday, they are so comfortable.  I don't have many that fit right now since most of them are yoga style with the band across the top, but I have a few that have been wearing pretty consistently.  I pair them with a tank top and zip up sweatshirt.

Stretch marks? Nope, I am still using Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion morning and night and I have been adding their oil to my routine as well.  That stuff is awesome.  I think I like it more than the BioOil.  For info on the Palmer's oil click here.

Symptoms: Nothing has really changed since last week.  I am still having constant back and sciatic pain.  The sciatic pain increased and I am limping more.  The doctor associates my back pain with the baby facing towards my back.  She thinks I will have mostly back labor - we shall see...fun times!!! 

Sleep: These days I don't get much sleep.  I will fall asleep early at like 9PM and then be awake at midnight/1AM to use the restroom and then I am up off and on the rest of the night.  

Best moment this week: Getting our couch and Christmas tree.  I also had my first weekly doctors appointment - everything looked good and I am progressing well.  

Have you told family and friends: Yes

Miss Anything?  Not having back pain.  I really have been blessed my entire pregnancy so if this is what I have to deal with for a few more weeks, I think I can handle it.  

Movement: Lots and lots of movement.  I feel her laying on my bladder now too. 

Food cravings: Root beer and peppermint - I have been downing candy canes like it's my job.   

Anything making you queasy or sick: Eating too much.

Have you started to show yet: I would say yes - I had someone ask me how far along I was while I still had my winter coat on!    

Baby is a: GIRL! 

Belly Button in or out? Well I am not sure it will ever come out.  It is almost there though.    

  

Wedding rings on or off? Still on, the swelling in my hands has increased though.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and moody - it has been a great combination this week.

Looking forward to: Finally posting a nursery room update next week.   

35 weeks

How far along? 35 weeks - 5 more to go!!!  Baby Bean weighs as much as a honeydew melon and my back is really feeling it. 

Total weight gain/loss: Total 27 pounds - gained 4 pounds this week.  It is amazing how fast I can gain a few pounds.

Maternity clothes? Yes.  I have been wearing dresses mostly to work because they are the most comfortable, but at home I lounge in sweats. 

Stretch marks? No, still using Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion morning and night and I have been adding their oil to my routine as well.  Awesome product and reasonably priced - for info click here.  It has helped a great deal with itching.

Symptoms: Back pain, back pain and more back pain and now throw in some sciatic pain too.  It is hard to get comfortable at night and sitting for most of the day is hard too.  The sciatic pain started last week and has increased this week.  I feel it more when I sit for long periods of time.

Sleep: My snoogle has helped, but with my belly getting bigger it has been hard to get in a good position to sleep.  I have been tossing and turning a lot.  I think I am driving my cat and husband crazy.

Best moment this week: My co-workers threw me a shower this week.  I am so grateful and blessed for the people I work with, they are amazing to me and really are like family.  

Have you told family and friends: Yes

Miss Anything? Bending over or sitting on the floor and getting up without struggling.

Movement: She likes to kick my ribs.  I think she is pretty crammed in there and is struggling to stretch out.  I feel a foot kick me in the side every so often.    

Food cravings: Still root beer and sweets.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Have you started to show yet: I am all out there!    

Baby is a: GIRL! 

Belly Button in or out? Still in.   

  

Wedding rings on or off? On, but the swelling has increased this week and I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to wear them.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: I wish they had an option for stressed.   I am happy most days, but getting a bit more anxious now with her arrival around the corner.

Looking forward to: Getting our Christmas tree this weekend and our couch.   

33 weeks

How far along? 33 weeks.  According to the BabyCenter app, Baby Bean weighs as much as a pineapple.  I feel it too. 

Just so you know, I blog a week behind, so I am actually 34 weeks today.

Total weight gain/loss: Total 21 pounds - lost 1 this week.

Maternity clothes? Yes - dresses, leggings and tights this week.  I love the tights I got from Old Navy - they fit great and are super comfortable. 

Stretch marks? Nope, still using Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion morning and night.  I think I need to pick up some Bio Oil though, the lotion is not cutting it.  My skin is super itchy and tight during the day and I keep scratching my belly.

Symptoms: Back pain - mostly upper back pain.  I think it is from sitting most of the day and being top heavy too.  My only relief is taking a warm bath.  I am so glad I am able to start doing this again, I really enjoy them.  The water feels amazing and helps with the pain. 

Sleep: I tossed and turned a good amount this week and have been getting up to use the rest room more.  She likes to lay on my bladder.    

Best moment this week: Despite being sick, my husband hung the shelves in the nursery.  We are really happy with the way they turned out.  I plan to do a nursery update this week, so stay tuned. :)

Have you told family and friends: Yes

Miss Anything? Shaving with ease.

Movement: She is definitely moving a lot more and she gets hiccups a couple of times a day too.   

Food cravings: I craved a cheesesteak this week, which was a little different for me since I have been staying clear of most meats since I got pregnant.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Have you started to show yet: Getting bigger!    

Baby is a: GIRL! 

Belly Button in or out? I can't believe it is still in.   

  

Wedding rings on or off? Still on.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, I had a bit of sore throat this week which made for some miserable days, but still in good spirits. 

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving and decorating for the holidays.