{Meeting Emmett}

So we snapped pictures of everyone meeting Emmett for the first time and holding him. Obviously, I, Pierce, my mom and Liz got to meet him the moment he came out but I was the only one who got to hold him before they took him to the nursery & since it was the next morning and both our dads and my sister had been waiting all night long to meet him, they got to go in and see him before having to go to work and school. Troopers!

Here is everyone else (my brothers, Mindy & my grandparents) meeting him and everyone getting to hold him for the first time later that night!

{Birth Story: Part 2}

My night nurse, Rachel was awesome. She realized that the day nurse hadn't been making me switch sides every hour to help dilate me quicker so she started doing that & I started progressing much quicker so I was thankful.

Around 11 pm, I was getting so tired and was in hour 12 from the Pitocin and was stuck at an 8. I don't really remember what we were doing but from about 11 pm on, the hours started going so slow. By 12:30 the nurse told me that all that was left was a little rim around my cervix that we needed to break through to get part of the head out so we could call Dr. Smith.

We pushed for a couple hours (till about 2) and the contractions were so painful, that I begged for the anesthesiologist to come in and give me something more than the drip from the epidural. He did and it helped a ton, I asked for about 30 mins to just try and sleep so that I could continue on. Around 3:30 am, I was able to push for another hour before the pain came back worse. I just came to a point where I wasn't sure that I could push anymore. We hadn't called Dr. Smith yet and I was about to just ask for a C-Section because I was so tired and frustrated that I couldn't get that poor baby's head to pop out & Rachel talked to Pierce about preparing himself for a C-Section because she was worried I was just literally stuck.

The hours were all pretty blurry because I was just exhausted. Finally, I pushed enough for the nurse gave us the OK to call Dr. Smith. It was my birthday and it was 5 am. I quickly asked for some more meds at one point because the pain was so bad- I really have no idea how people have natural births! He came in right and drugged me with some great stuff right before Dr. Smith got there. With those meds, I went from just crying to a smile on my face and I was SO ready to push that baby out!

Once the Dr. got there, it felt like it went so quickly- Dr. Smith mentioned that we were shortly coming up on 24 hours since my water had been broken and that at that point they would need to do a C-Section because of the risk of infection. Dr. Smith asked them to get the forceps and vacuum out just in case. But the contractions were coming so quickly and strong and I was able to push about 4 times per contraction but the head was still so tough to get out. All of a sudden, the head was coming and Dr. Smith just grabbed a good hold on it and pulled Emmett out.

The nurse had told me earlier in the evening that they would hand me the baby & if they couldn't get the baby to cry within a few seconds, then she would give the baby over to the respiratory and nursery nurses. She meant it as a precaution but they handed me Emmett, I couldn't even get a glance at him, really because of the position that I was in but Rachel quickly took him away and I knew that he was struggling. Pierce stayed with me as they cleaned me up and Liz and Cheri went over to Emmett and they finally got him to cry. It was such a sweet sweet sound that he was going to be ok. Silent prayer answered. 

Surprisingly, I didn't need an episiotomy or the forceps or vacuum. It was another miracle that I didn't end up in a C-Section. Again, another silent prayer of mine answered.

I was so tired and Emmett was struggling a little bit with his lungs and had so many bruises. They needed to take him to the nursery to be looked at; they quickly let me hold him for a minute and then took him. Pierce didn't even get to hold him before that so I was worried but confident that they knew what they were doing.

 (right after labor- beauty, I know!)

He was born Wednesday May 30th at 6:15 am. 7 pounds 14 ounces, 21 inches of pure happiness and perfection. He had hair the color of Pierce's and big long hands and feet. We were in love instantly.

{Birth Story Part 1: Emmett Jeffrey Walker}

The past 2 weeks have been crazy! We thought that Sunday we would be induced, we got to the hospital and they did the ultrasound and my amniotic fluid levels had gone up which was awesome but the nurse took my blood pressure and it was really really high. I had been swollen for weeks during this pregnancy and my Dr. had just been waiting for high blood pressure or protein in my urine to show any other indication of preeclampsia but I always had "perfect" blood pressure. So the fact it was really high was shocking.... they took a urine sample and found a trace of protein in my urine. Second bad sign. I also had a headache that morning but I don't know if it was from being tired or what. My Dr wasn't on call on Sunday so they called the Dr who was and he said to send me home on bed rest and to see Dr. Smith on Tuesday when their offices were open. Needless to say, I was frustrated but it looked like they weren't going to induce me anyway and the Dr on call obviously didn't know my history of the swelling and that my mom had preeclampsia with all 4 of her pregnancies like my Dr. did. Pierce was pretty upset with the nurse and we both left frustrated and confused.

I rested the rest of Sunday with intentions of resting Monday as well for Memorial Day. I called my friend Tara and she was going to come and watch a movie with me in bed but that morning I got a call from an unknown number so I didn't answer it. They left a voicemail. Pierce and I listened to it before he went to work and it was Dr. Smith. He said that last night he realized that the hospital never called him with my results and he called them late last night and was really upset to hear that they sent me home with high blood pressure & that I needed to call Labor and Delivery immediately to schedule me to be induced Tuesday morning! What!?!?! I really wasn't planning on having my baby for another few weeks. But I called and they set me up for 7:30 am Tuesday May 29.

My Dr. said that I pretty much didn't need to worry about bed rest because I would be induced that next day, so Pierce didn't go to work so we could run a bunch of errands and clean the house to get ready for our baby! Part of me still thought that Tuesday morning would come and that they would end up sending us home again for some reason but we still prepared for baby Emmett.

Tuesday morning we got up early at like 6:30 (I don't think we slept very much the night before from anticipation) and I couldn't eat breakfast so Pierce said he would fast the whole time with me.... cute guy.

We got to the hospital, they took us to our delivery room and we said once we got the Pitocin started, we would call my mom, sister and Pierce's parents over to come hang out for the day. The nurse checked me and I was only effaced a little bit and dilated to a 1. They warned me it would be a long labor! Dr. Smith came in to break my water and as soon as he did, the baby's heart rate dropped so low and the machine started beeping that horrible beeping noise. The nurse asked me to turn on my side and she gave me some oxygen through a mask. A bunch of nurses came in and then the anesthesiologist came in and started asking me a couple questions. Panic struck in and I just looked at Pierce and his face was pretty scared as well. After a couple minutes, the heart rate went up and they said that they could clear the OR room and we didn't need to go do an emergency C-Section anymore. They can only let the baby go 10 minutes with low oxygen and we went about 5 minutes. A prayer was answered right then that our baby was ok.

We called our posse to come hang out and my mom, Bree & Pierce's parents got there and we let them know about the scare but that everything was ok now. They needed the baby to "recover" for a couple hours so they couldn't start the Pitocin until 11 am so we were guessing the baby would come right before midnight or Wednesday morning- which was my birthday.

(Bree- my personal hair stylist during Labor)

The rest of the day was hanging out, watching a couple movies, my dad and grandparents from Arizona came for a bit to say hi and I got an epidural. That was the majority of how I would describe 11 am to about 7 pm. I slowly was dilating but it was S.L.O.W. I think I was at a 5 by 7 pm when the nurses changed shifts.

{life as a preggers: update & to-do list}

I may or may not get a chance tomorrow to take a belly shot. We have a lot to do in order to prep for the possibility of our baby arriving THIS Sunday! 

My baby has been measuring pretty big (as I've posted) for the last who-knows-how-long.... So my Dr. yesterday ordered a Ultrasound to determine if the baby was actually gestationally big or I had a lot of fluid (he thought the latter). This morning, we got to go in at almost 37 weeks and had the ultrasound. Our baby has an average head, even though Pierce and I thought it looked huge haha! But our little guy is measuring at about 37w4days which is about 5 days sooner than my original due date- but this far along, they don't care to change the DD. But his body and legs are in the 90% and up percentile.

The concerning part of the ultrasound today, is that my placenta is starting to calcify. Meaning it's just getting old and growing older quicker than the baby is. The placenta (I know- gross) makes the amniotic fluid, which cushions the baby and is what the baby breaths. So if it's calcifying, it clearing will stop giving Emmett the fluid he needs for a few different functions.

So we go into Labor & Delivery on Sunday where we will have another US and then monitor the baby's heart rate. If the levels are still really low (I was a 6 on a scale of 5-24) then they will talk inducing us that day!! If everything is looking ok, then I go to my Dr. on Wednesday (also, my birthday) and just get checked on every few days. 

My thoughts on all this news are: excited and anxious. I still am not dilated and while that can change over a few hours, I really would hope that Emmett would be able to come when he is ready. He seems pretty content in there for now too which my Dr then said inducing me would just cause a longer labor and increase the chance of a C-Section. Obviously, I am ready for Emmett to be here, I am just not sure if Emmett is ready to come and I would hate to put him into stress. I want what's best for Emmett's health and hope that the fluid levels aren't putting him at risk. 

Fun and exciting to think that Sunday might be the day we could have our baby but anxious all at the same time.

More for me, this is the list I made at week 30 and it's nice to see that I have gotten a lot of it done, although new things continually seem to pop up onto the mini list as well!

1. Wash baby's clothes

2. organize nursery

3. buy a mattress 

4. attend baby showers (my favorite)

5. pack hospital bags

*still need a few treats for the hospital 

6. register at the hospital

7. clean the house/ get puppies groomed and ready to meet you

*puppies get groomed tomorrow and cleaning my house tomorrow- hopefully that can induce labor naturally if I scrub the house!

8. get pre-natal massage(s)

9. celebrate daddy's birthday, mother's day, my birthday and 2nd anniversary 

*well 2/4 is 50% so it's all we can ask of Emmett right now!

10. set up the porta-crib, put car seat in the car

I also have on a growing Saturday Errands List:

11. DI run

12. Ikea

13. Put some things into storage

14. Hang cork board/organize office space

15. Sew curtains & hang them in Emmett's room

{life as preggers: week 35}

Week 35:

A great joy is coming.

 No one told me that being pregnant was easy, in fact, people warned me how hard it truly is. Exhausting, emotional, challenging, overwhelming and yet, the most spiritual and empowering thing I've experienced in my 21 years of life. 

On the eve of our little one coming, I find myself scared to become a mother. It's all I've ever dreamt about in life, yet- could never picture it until, even now at 36 weeks. It still often feels surreal because you don't know what this tiny human looks like. I am terrified and it's ok. I know that I can thrive as a mother because of the love and support that I have from Pierce, he wants this just as much as I do and together we can do it. 

As I am sure we will learn more than ever in the next month: A great adventure is coming, the greatest adventure is coming.

{life as a preggers: week 34}

All my pregnancy posts are starting to become a lesser priority as we have busy weeks and I have less energy. Did anyone else feel like your energy levels plummeted in the last few weeks-- maybe it's preparing me to have a newborn and be tired, no? Anyway this week was super jam packed and fun but Saturday and Sunday all I wanted to do was nap!

We had 2 lacrosse games for Pierce's team this week. They played Bingham on Tuesday and lost by 3, the only loss for them this whole season. Bummer. However, it might work to their advantage in the playoffs, we will still have to see. Friday, they had their first playoff game up in Park City against Skyline- they won like 13-6 I believe. It was a great game and now they are playing Park City at Juan Diego on Tuesday this week. Can't wait!

Wednesday was Pierce's birthday, which I posted about already. As you can tell, he was super busy last week and I hardly even saw him on his birthday. It's ok though, once Lacrosse is done, he will be around more and I can get my time in :)

Thursday, Pierce's Lacrosse Team put on a team dinner/shower for Pierce, Emmett and I. I really like all the girls on his team and their moms are all awesome so it was pretty fun!! Here is a picture of the adorable and delicious cookies that someone made for them!

The team got us our super cool ExerSaucer. I love it! Also, they got Emmett a lacrosse stick and some fun clothes.

Friday, like I said, we had a lacrosse game. But Pierce gave me my mother's day gift early (he hates waiting to give things lol), this beautiful diamond pendant! My first mother's day, even though Emmett technically isn't here quite yet! I love it and he got one that mimics my wedding ring so that when my hands aren't as chubby, I can wear both! He also got me gifts from "Jack and Izzy"-- some books that I am looking forward to starting!

Saturday, we went over to my mom's house and saw my sister go to Prom. She looked great and her date looked awesome as well. I know they had a fun time!

Sunday, Pierce surprised me with breakfast in bed (chocolate chip waffles and eggs) and then later that night rubbed my back and feet for me. What a great guy!

So as you can see this week was BUSY- so fun but BUSY. We don't slow down for the next week or so either, so Emmett, June 15th is sounding ok with mommy at this point!

{life as a preggers: week 33}

I honestly had to look at my iPhone app to know exactly what week of pregnancy I am in. I am losing count because it's going so fast, we have been super busy and I have been more tired than I think I was in the first tri. This week's Dr's appt went well and Emmett is slowly evening out in his weight and size, so maybe our big guy won't be early like we thought before....darn! Also, I have my last 2 appt in 2 weeks (now 1) and I get to start being checked for signs of labor and dilation and all that fun stuff. I'm excited but heard from some people, it hurts so I guess it will be good prep for labor!

(yes my hair was like this for 4 out of the 5 weekdays this week) 

My mother-in-law, Liz and my mom threw a "grandma" shower for people from both wards and family friends this week. It was so much fun and I was shocked at how many people showed up!! We were loaded with gifts and I am now starting to feel like we can bring a baby home and I *might* know what to do- might is the key word. 

(some of the awesome gifts we got: diaper genie, bath tub, bouncer, diapers, wipes, clothes and my have- my Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag)

(another cute gift we got-- a shark hooded towel. Shark bait- woo ha ha!)

{pregnancy: end of week 32}

Here we are at the end of Week 32 (sorry this post is a little late- we were busy this week). I am feeling pretty good and we had some really nice weather a few days this week. I can't wait to take Emmett on some walks with the dogs. There is the best belly photo I could muster-- my shirt is pre pregnancy and you can probably tell because it doesn't come all the way over the bump lol.

I forgot to post that my dad got married 2 weeks ago in Maui. I wish we could go to Hawaii- a vacation anywhere would be great but it probably won't be happening til next year lol. We really like my new stepmom Mindy and think Emmett will be lucky to have another person to love and spoil him.

On Monday this week, I threw a bridal shower for a good friend from high school Erika! She is darling and we were on cheer for 3 years in high school and is marrying her sweet missionary Kelton. I didn't get any good pictures at the shower but here are some water bottle labels I made for it!

On Tuesday and Thursday this week, Pierce had 2 Lacrosse games. They won both of them by landslides (like 17-6 and then 16-1). Their team is still undefeated and I am so proud of my husband and his team. Here's hoping to winning State this year!

BABY SHOWER:

On Wednesday night, Pierce's good family friend Karey Law threw me a little get-together shower with some of their close long-time friends. We had delicious food and a TON of fun! Emmett got some great gifts from blankets and toys to some clothes and butt paste. Thank you to those who came and spoiled us!

 Not the best angle of me but it helps show how big the bump is getting!

 Karey, Me, Emmett & Granny Liz

One of the shower activities we did was wishes for Baby; everyone filled in their wants & hopes for Emmett and I just had to share a few!

I hope you learn to flush - Granny Liz

I hope you learn to compliment- Karey

I hope you learn acceptance- Auntie Nikki

I hope you learn to play lacrosse- Rosie

I hope you learn to be funnier than your dad- Great Grandma Pat

I hope you ignore whatever Papa tells you- Granny Liz

I hope you ignore criticism- Nancy

I hope you ignore the dishes- GG Pat

I hope you ignore Daddy when he's naughty- Jenn

I hope you aren't afraid to pee on mom- "Aunt" Jenn

I hope you aren't afraid to try new things- Karey

I hope you aren't afraid of bugs- Nikki

I hope you aren't afraid of the dark- Rosie

I hope you get to come to Granny's all the time- Granny Liz

I hope you get your daddy's sense of humor - "Aunt" Jenn

I hope you get laid (after you get married)- Nancy 

I hope you get long eyelashes- Karey

I hope you get brothers and sisters- Laura

I hope you respect mommy & daddy time- "Aunt" Jenn

I hope you respect the "Law"- Karey Law

I hope you respect your grandparents- Rosie

I hope you respect yourself- GG Pat

I hope you laugh at life- Nancy

I hope you laugh at danger- Karey

I hope you laugh a lot.- Auntie Nikki

I hope you laugh when things get tough- Laura

I hope you never forget your underwear- Karey

I hope you never forget your worth- Auntie Nikki

I hope you never forget your name- Rosie

I hope you never forget to respect your mom- GG Pat

I hope you become a badass- Karey

I hope you become a success- Rosie

I hope you become a leader not a follower- GG Pat

I hope you become a man like your daddy- Granny Liz

I hope you become the person you dream- Nancy

I hope you grow to be kind and giving- Auntie Nikki

I hope you grow flowers- Rosie

I hope you grow old with the love of your life- Laura

I hope you love chocolate- Rosie

I hope you love your heavenly father- GG Pat

I hope you love life and all that comes with it- Laura

As you can tell-- I couldn't hope or wish for anything more for Emmett myself... even growing flowers haha!

 Here is our "bad ass" pose-- hopefully Emmett's will be better!

 The great grannies for Emmett-- Pat and Rosie!

The Ellison Ladies: Nancy Martin, Nikki Ambler, Jenn Breinholt and Laura Ellison! Love them!

And lastly, they made me wear all the ribbons from the gifts! Funny guys :)

{pregnancy: 31 weeks}

Geez, here we are at the end of another week and I have to say-- 8 weeks longer may be too long for me. 

Luckily, we are super busy in the coming weeks and I think that should help the waiting game.... This week was rough-- my wrist had been bothering me all week and weekend, I took the weekend and Monday off from working (typing a lot) to see if it would help- nada. 

I went to the Doc yesterday and yup, carpal tunnel which is common in pregnancy due to swelling. They think I am bound to get preeclampsia (yay). Nothing I can do except wear a wrist brace and take Tylenol- I swear my baby is going to be addicted to that stuff haha! My awesome husband ordered me a gel pad to rest my wrists on while typing and got me a brace, can you say great guy!?

While also there, I've been getting pricked for Gestational Diabetes because I failed the test a few weeks back by 2 points, which isn't bad but could develop into GD which then would be bad for me AND baby. 

Yesterday I was a little higher on the blood sugar count than the previous time and have gained a few too many pounds the last 2 weeks than I should be so I was feeling a little defeated. 

I feel like this whole pregnancy I've been trying to eat healthy and not pig out on too much of anything and I've been swimming for about 2 months now pretty much 3-4 times a week... more than I think I was doing before getting pregnant (OK not think--know), and now I feel like I am HUGE and now possibly having a pregnancy that could be unhealthy and result in complications and possibly mean a C-Section (which to save me and Emmett is great- no count but I would be heartbroken to not get to experience labor). 

I wish Emmett wouldn't grow so quickly-- I've had 3 people in the last 4 days ask if I am due in a week or so instead of 1.5 months! So I know I am looking as big as I feel. All around I feel like what I am doing isn't enough and don't know how to do much more to not gain weight/swell up and neither does the Doc.... Enough about the venting, all in all- as long as Emmett and I are healthy in the end that's all that matters but it's hard feeling like you are just waiting to be GD or become toxic. 

Here's to 8 more weeks-- yee haw!! 

{life as a preggers: 30 weeks}

Wow! Cannot believe we are actually here at the end of week 30! 

In a way, I never thought it would come with this baby or any baby-- in fact, it was always just a dream that I would be a mom one day and have a baby that is actually my own-- and now it is my reality. 

Sure glad it's happening.  

I am intimidated & anxious but thrilled & tickled; calm but terrified and antsy but ecstatic! So many emotions and I am sure they will continue to surge these next few weeks. 

The orange is because Baby Emmett weighs as much as 4 of these guys (3 pounds)-- of course I couldn't hold 4 nor did I want to buy 4! 

Some things we still have to do in the next 10 weeks:

 1. Wash baby's clothes

2. organize nursery

3. buy a mattress  bought this last night!!

4. attend baby showers (my favorite)

5. pack hospital bags

6. register at the hospital

7. clean the house/ get puppies groomed and ready to meet you

8. get pre-natal massage(s)

9. celebrate daddy's birthday, mother's day, my birthday and 2nd anniversary

10. set up the porta-crib, put car seat in the car

As you can see, I kind of crammed more than 10 things into my list but there is still a lot to get done and hopefully it will help pass the time!

Here is to the countdown even though I know it's up-hill from here!

{life as a preggers: week 29}

So I am halfway into week 30, so I am definitely late in posting this, but we had a busy and way too much fun filled weekend for me to sit down and blog!

Week 29:

Major Milestone which really isn't but it was haunting me forever-- I finally found and ordered bedding (that should be coming today or tomorrow!!)

Take a looksie:

I love it! So fun and we are going to add animal themed stuff in the accessories! I've really been liking some finds for other things, like:

Hamper 

Book Ends

Lamp 

Coin Bank

 or  for a mobile

Wall Art

and my fave... the Zebra Head!! 

I also found some great organizational boxes and things from Target, here are a couple:

 

Can't wait to start nesting his room into a nursery!!