Tristan Jude Randall

Is finally here! Well, he was born one week ago, but I haven't had time to blog about his birth yet. There is only so much time when you have a newborn.

Tristan Jude Randall was born on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at 9:42 pm MST. He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 21 inches long at birth. He has a full head of dark hair, has Robbie's nose, and is healthy and perfect!

I had a really good labor and delivery. There were no complications and it was only six hours from the time I was admitted to the time that I delivered him. Of course, I did go to labor and delivery twice before thinking I was in labor. I was, but it was early labor so they sent me home both times. =(

When they admitted me I was 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced. They checked me about an hour later and nothing had changed, so the doctor decided to break my water to make my labor progress faster. It worked. I was dilated to 10 cm by 8:15. They still wanted me to wait 30 minutes before I started pushing because Tristan needed to descend a little bit more.

I started pushing at 8:45. I pushed for 45 minutes, but I couldn't get his head past my pelvic bone for some reason. I was scared that his head was too big, but as soon as the doctor came in she saw that he was posterior, or face up. Luckily, she was able to turn him around safely. Ten minutes after he was turned I had my beautiful baby boy in my arms.

I can't describe the happiness I felt at that moment. Robbie and I both teared up a bit. The first week has been tough to say the least, but it is so worth it. Everyone tells me it gets much easier once mom and baby have some time to adjust. So I'll trust the words of wisdom from other moms that have been giving me advice. I'm just so glad he is here. I couldn't be happier. =)

40 Weeks

"It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary."

Today is my due date, but I am still pregnant. =( Tristan is being a tease. I'll get contractions for hours, but they aren't consistent at all. They will start five minutes apart, then seven minutes, then ten minutes, then 14 minutes, then they stop. I don't know if that's normal or not. They hurt, but they are bearable at least.

I went to labor and delivery yesterday morning because my contractions were really strong and I was having a lot of them. They checked me and monitored Tristan. I'm 2 cm dilated and 90% effaced. There were no problems with me or Tristan, which is good, but they sent me home and told me to come back in when my contractions are four to five minutes apart and I need to time them for an hour.

That was discouraging to say the least. I was really hoping that was true labor, but I guess it wasn't. I hope he comes before my next appointment on the 2nd. My friend, Tannin, told me that her midwife had her take primrose oil tablets to help get labor going. The primrose oil softens your cervix apparently. It's all natural, 100% safe, and no icky side effects like castor oil. So I'm going to try that and see if it helps.

Come on baby boy! I know it's warm and snug in there, but we all love you and want to meet you and hold you. Come out into the world!

And The Waiting Game Continues...

I went to the doctor today. She checked me and I'm still 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced, so she stripped my membranes again! I was really hoping I would have better news this week. I've been trying everything to induce labor. Well, except castor oil, but I refuse to do that.

I have been having stronger contractions since my OB stripped my membranes again, but they aren't consistent at all. They are still really sporadic. =( Ash and I are going to go for a long walk tomorrow and see if we can't help him come out. He is just a really stubborn baby I guess. There is nothing wrong with either one of us. He just wants to stay in there.

I have another appointment scheduled for September 2nd. My doctor said that if I am still pregnant by then we are going to schedule an induction. Please come out before then, Tristan! I don't know if I can handle another week. Everyone keep your fingers crossed!

Tristan's Nursery

Finally! Tristan's nursery is all done! I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Here are the pics...

39 Weeks

"Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath."

Tristan Jude Randall, please come out now. You are fully developed, healthy, and you've already dropped, but I'm still only 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Why must you tease me like this? It really is okay to come out. We all want to meet you!

I went to the doctors office yesterday morning and my OB stripped my membranes (OUCH!) to make contractions start, but nothing has happened yet. Although she did say it could happen within 24 to 48 hours so there is always tomorrow, I guess.

I am so ready to give birth! My hospital bag is packed and ready to go, Tristan's nursery is all done (pics are soon to come), his car seat is installed, I am officially on maternity leave... it's time.

Everyone hope and pray that I go into labor this weekend. I really don't want to be induced if I can help it. =/ Here are my 39 week and hopefully my last pregnant belly pics. Enjoy!

Guessing Game!

Anyone want to guess when Tristan will make an appearance? Robbie and I are both thinking the 22nd at this point. Let the guessing begin!

Still Pregnant at 38 Weeks 1 Day Gestation

Your baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and he's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). He has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

38 weeks and 1 day pregnant and I am still playing the waiting game. I know that I'm not due for another 13 days, but I am ready now! I also know it's not up to me. Tristan will come when he is ready, but I am so impatient! I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing about it from me by now, but it's really hard to concentrate on anything else.

I've been having really strong Braxton Hicks contractions, but they are not close enough together to be considered true labor. Now is the time when I should be catching up on sleep, but it's almost impossible when you sleep on a queen sized bed with a husband, two dogs, and the summer heat. Even when the swamp cooler is on full blast I'm still too hot. I am so miserable! I just keep telling myself it won't be long now and all of this will be worth it.

My OB checked me on Friday. I am now 80% effaced, but I am still only 1.5 cm dilated. It's a little discouraging, but the doctor still thinks that I'm going to go into labor before my due date. At this point I'm trying all sorts of things to make dilation progress faster. I'm walking up and down the stairs a lot, having sex, etc. So we'll see if any of that helps.

I started nesting this weekend. Everyone says that's a sign that he will be here soon. I sure hope so. It is nice to feel this energized for once. I've been so worn out and tired the last few weeks.

Robbie won't let me do much as far as cleaning goes because my feet are so swollen. Don't worry. I got checked for Preeclampsia and Toxemia and I don't have either disease. Tristan is just putting so much pressure on the lower half of my body that it is restricting some blood flow to my legs. My doctor told me to take it easy and keep my feet up as much as possible, which is so frustrating right now! I know it's important that I do what she says though, so I'm being a good girl.

I'll keep everyone updated and let you know once I go into labor for real. LOL! I can't wait!

Weeks 37-Delivery (Month 9): Watermelon

"At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life."

I am officially full term today! Yay! I can have him at any time and he will most likely be healthy and thrive. I feel like I've reached a huge milestone.

I went to the doctor yesterday. She checked me and I'm 1.5 cm dilated and 70% effaced! I know that could mean a short time to delivery, or a long time, but I'm still really excited. It's nice to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that I'll be holding Tristan in my arms within three weeks.

I've been feeling a lot of pressure on my cervix the last few days and it's been a lot harder to do simple things like walk and change positions. My doctor confirmed yesterday that my baby has dropped into the birth canal. I think the fact that he is as big as a watermelon is very appropriate because I feel like I am carrying a watermelon between my legs. The pressure is intense, but at least I can breathe now. LOL!

Since Tristan has dropped, my doctor thinks that I'll be going into labor sooner than later now, but there is no way to tell for sure. I'll just continue to play the waiting game. The important thing is that he and I are doing really well. His heart rate is at 130 BPM, he is still moving around all of the time. I don't have Group B Strep, Gestational Diabetes, Preeclampsia, or any other serious pregnancy complications. Everything is going so well.

Hurry, Tristan! We can't wait to see your cute little face. =)

36 Weeks Pregnant

"Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly."

28 days left until my due date! Aaaahh!!! I'm so nervous. I'm going to be a mom in less than one month. I feel so unprepared. There are still so many things we need to get for him. I know everything will turn out okay and that I'm probably just over reacting, but I worry we won't have everything we need in time.

I had my 36 week appointment yesterday. My OB said they aren't going to check me to see if I am dilated until my next appointment which is on August 7th. She did do the Group B Strep test though. That appointment literally took like ten minutes. The shortest one I've ever had. I guess that's good though, right? That means nothing bad is happening.

His heart rate is good at about 135 BPM and I'm measuring at 35 1/2 cm which is where I'm supposed to be. He isn't too big, or too small, just average. My blood pressure is 92 over 58 which is also normal. My OB thinks I'm going to be pregnant up to my due date if not a few days longer, so I guess we'll see what happens.

I can't wait to meet my little guy. I will admit that I am nervous and a little scared, but I am also really happy and excited. My life is going to change forever, but it will be for the better.

30 Days!

30 days until my due date! I am so excited!!! Just had to share. =)

35 Week Belly Shots

35 Weeks

"Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."

Only five weeks left until my due date! That's 35 days! I'm getting closer and closer to being a mom. He might even come sooner. As long as he is born between 37 and 40 weeks he is considered full term, so he could be here in as little as two weeks. Aaaaah!!! I can't wait! =)

We have almost everything we need to finish Tristan's nursery. We set up his crib yesterday, we have his swing, his pack and play, his bassinet, and changing table. His dresser, my rocking chair, and his bedding are in the mail, so they should be here soon. It's all coming together. I'll post some pics of his nursery when it's all done. =)

It's starting to get real now. I'm going to have a baby boy in a month. Starting next Friday I will be going to see my OB every week until Tristan is born. I'm ready for him. Come out, come out! We want to meet you!!! =)

34 Weeks

"Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies."

I have 41 days left until my due date, so just over a month. I wish that time was here. I am so ready to be done. The summer heat is brutal! I had to open my baby shower gifts outside yesterday and it was over 100 degrees! I thought I was going to pass out.

Speaking of my baby shower, with the exception of the scorching heat, it turned out really nice. A lot of people showed up and we got a lot of Tristan's essentials which makes me and Robbie very grateful and happy. There are still some big ticket items that we need to go buy, but not as much as I thought.

I just found out yesterday that my dad and step-mom bought all of the furniture for Tristan's nursery that we don't have yet. We should be receiving it in the mail within a few days. So that means that we'll be getting his dresser, my rocking chair, and his bedding. I don't know what came over my dad because he usually isn't that generous, but I am so thankful that he's doing that for us.

I find it impossible to get comfortable these days no matter what I do. I can't breathe, I can't sleep, I have the worst heartburn, my lower back hurts if I sit for too long, which isn't good for me since I work at a desk job. I just keep telling myself that I have less than six weeks to go now and it will be so worth it once Tristan is born and I can hold him in my arms.

The good news is I have all of my appointments scheduled up until expected delivery. =) I only have to see a different doctor at my next one, July 31st, since my OB is on vacation till August 4th, but after that I'll be seeing my doc the rest of the time. Hopefully Tristan will decide to stay put until she gets back.

Jenny didn't take my pregnancy pics yesterday like we had planned, but I'll post some pics of my 34 week belly soon. I'll keep you all posted. =)

Weeks 33-36 (Month 8): Honeydew

"Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month."

Holy crap! Tristan is now the size of a honeydew and he's going to get bigger! That is so crazy to me. Somewhere between 4 and 8 weeks I am going to be a mom. It is coming so fast and I don't feel prepared at all. The baby shower with my friends is at my house today and the one with my family is next weekend at my aunt's house, so hopefully that will help a lot. Then I will know what else I need to buy for my little guy.

My ribs and back have been feeling much better. I had my last physical therapy appointment yesterday and she did some more work on my ribs and spine. I was really sore afterwards, but now I feel amazing. She said that if the pain gets really bad again I just need to call. I'm so grateful my OB referred me to her, or I would still be in excruciating pain not knowing what to do with myself.

When Tristan moves I can see little feet, little knees, little elbows, and sometimes little hands trying to poke through my belly. LOL! He is doing so well. My next appointment with my OB is in three days. The appointments are always so short, but I look forward to hearing his heartbeat each time I go. That's my favorite sound in the world at the moment.

I'll be going on maternity leave in six more weeks! YAY!!! My last day will be August 21st and I will be going back October 19th. Well, as long as everything goes according to plan and Tristan doesn't decide to make an appearance before then. LOL! I am getting so anxious and excited! I can't wait to meet him!!! =)

32 Weeks Gestation

"By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth."

I'm 32 weeks pregnant today. There are only 8 weeks left until my due date. Even though I've been pregnant since November I still think, "Oh, my God! I'm pregnant!" everyday. When I roll out of bed (yes, literally roll), when I look at my ever growing belly in the mirror, when I feel him move around, or see his little foot when he is kicking me, I still can't believe it.

I think I'm feeling that more so now because in a few short weeks I will be a mom and I will be responsible for this little person's life. It's really exciting, but also nerve wracking and scary at the same time. I worry about money like most new parents do, but I also have to raise him, teach him, care for him 24/7.

It's overwhelming when I think about it. I just try to think positive and know that everything will work out and that I'll be the best parent I can be to Tristan. I can't wait to meet this baby boy that has been growing inside of me for the last 8 months. =)

31 Weeks

"This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy."

He is kicking a lot! His kicks are up high now so I'm guessing he is in the head down position which is where he needs to be. I'll probably find out more at my next appointment on Tuesday.

Apparently all of his organs are fully functional except for his lungs now although his brain is still growing. I've been trying to continue to eat healthy, but all of my pregnancy cravings involve fried foods, ice cream, and sushi! All are things I shouldn't be eating a lot of if at all. Stupid cravings. At least Robbie is helping me resist the temptation. LOL!

I'm down to a single digit countdown now...9 weeks to go and I will be a mom! =)

30 Weeks Pregnant

As of yesterday I am 30 weeks pregnant. Only 10 weeks left! My due date is getting so close. Robbie and I have started guessing when Tristan will actually arrive. Robbie thinks that he will be one week early, August 22nd. I think he is going to be six days late, September 4th. I hope Robbie is right, but I just have this feeling that he won't be in a hurry to come out into the world.

Since yesterday morning I have had the worst back pain that just won't go away no matter what I do. It hurts so bad and I can't find any relief. I've taken Tylenol and that doesn't help at all. I put a hot pad on it when I'm home, but as soon as I take it off it hurts again. I don't know what to do. =(

My next appointment is on June 30th. After that I have to start going in every two weeks. Ahh! I still can't believe that it's almost time. It's so surreal.

Everything is going fantastic so far. Tristan moves around everyday, I'm doing great, I've had a very normal pregnancy, and I am so glad. Here are my 30 week baby bump pics. Enjoy! =)

Weeks 29-32 (Month 7): Squash

"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments."

Baby Shower Postponed

My baby shower has been postponed until July 18th. There aren't a lot of people that can make it on June 27th and some things have come up.

My mom is finally going into treatment for her alcoholism and her addiction to methodone. She'll be there for about three weeks and I want to be sure that she can make it to my shower.

Also, my grandma and my aunt Kylee are throwing me the shower and they are low on funds until then, which I understand.

Honestly though, I'm still not happy about it. I was hoping I wouldn't be having my baby shower so close to my due date, but oh well.

28 Weeks

I should have posted this yesterday, but I was so busy that I had no time at all. I left my house at 8:20 in the morning and didn't get home until 11:30 at night. Yeah, it was crazy.

Anyway, as of yesterday I am 28 weeks pregnant. I am officially in the third trimester. There are only 12 weeks left! Well, hopefully. It is very unlikely that Tristan will be born on his due date, but I think he is going to be late. Don't ask me why, I just have this feeling.

We had our first childbirth class yesterday. I thought I knew quite a bit from my reading, but I learned so much. For instance, the nurse told us to make sure that we don't go to the hospital unless I'm in active labor. So, my contractions would be about three to five minutes apart. The reason being, once you get to the hospital you can't eat anything until after you deliver the baby. They also said if you stop to eat something before you go in make sure you only eat carbs, fruits, or vegetables. Otherwise you will be really sick while you are in hard labor and who wants that? Not me.

I also learned that if I want to control how much medicine goes into the epidural, I can. They give you a little hand pump and you disburse the medicine when you need it. They have it set up so that you can't give yourself too much, so I won't be completely dead. I want the medication to be light I have decided. I don't want to feel pain, but I do want to feel pressure so that I know that I am pushing.

I also learned breathing exercises and distraction techniques. The nurse said that they will be helpful even if I'm getting an epidural because the anesthesiologist isn't always ready right away. Also, you have about three contractions while the needle is being placed. Robbie learned some massaging techniques to help me through labor too. So, to make a short story really long, I'm glad I signed up for this class. LOL!

I passed my glucose test. My score was 77 which is normal. Woo hoo! I have mild anemia though, which I expected. My iron score was 32.2 and it's supposed to be above 36 when I'm pregnant. So I have to take 65 mg of iron a day. No big deal really. I'm very thankful that I don't have to take the three hour test. Love ya, Ash. LOL!

There is a lot more that happened yesterday, but I'll stop here and blog later. =)