The Birth Story of Bauer John-Thomas Blalock

I don’t want to forget a thing.  So, here I  write my memories of our son’s birth.  Welcome to the world, Bauer John-Thomas.  You are smart.  You are kind.  You are important.  YOU ARE LOVED.

Baby B. (we chose to be surprised with his gender, so referred to him/her as Baby B. throughout our pregancy) had a few dates, ranging from July 1^st – July 15^th.  Because of his projected size and a few other medical variables, a Cesarean Section was scheduled for the morning of July 10^th.  Grandmama Georgia was especially excited about this date as it is her birthday!

The first week of July I was getting more and more uncomfortable.  Just the usual  stuff – pressure on my bladder, (mostly) mild contractions, back pain and an overwhelming feeling that I was ready to meet my baby!  On July 7^th, Timothy called to check on me from work.  I told him that I was exhausted and was headed to bed.  There was still a condo to pick up, laundry to finish and a stack of thank you notes needing to be addressed and mailed.  They would have to wait.  It was 8PM and I was headed to bed.

Early July 8^th I woke up starving.  I had a breakfast of champions – Goldfish crackers  and a coffee cup of milk.  I stood up and suspected that my water broke.  I woke up Timothy to let him know.  He told me to call the doctor to ask what to do.  I wasn’t so sure, and the last thing I wanted to do was to go to Hospital triage and be told that I had just wet my pants!  I called my mom and she told me to go in as well.  I told her I would call if things progressed.  I hung up and headed back to bed.  And then it happened.  There was no mistaking that my water broke!  I screamed for Timothy.  He jumped out of bed and was greeted with, “My water broke!  I’m sure of it!  LOOK!!”  He ran to me and said, “Let’s go!  Let’s go to the Hospital!”  I told him we still had time and that I would call the Doctor on call.  (My wonderful  OB , Dr. Kent,  who has  been my doctor for my entire pregnancy is on vacation). 

I called my the doctor’s office and reached the answering service.  I was told that Dr. Flora was on call and would call me back.  My friend Heather had Dr. Flora deliver her 5^th baby and told me that Dr. Flora is an amazing doctor and that I would be in good hands with her should our doctor not be available.  She called back quickly.  I told Dr. Flora that my water broke and that contractions were starting.  After some quick arithmetic I was instructed to be at Hoag Hospital at 12:30PM to check in for a 2:00PM C-Section.

I called my parents, who were already in route from their desert house, to tell them the news.  Meanwhile, Timothy and I were frantically getting the house picked up, clothes dried, car loaded, car seat installed – the last of our to-do list.  We took a deep breath, hopped in the car and headed to the Hospital.  We were giddy, had a touch of the jitters, and held each other’s hand tight as we took our last drive as parents –to-be.  There were a few people we had to call to let them know the news.  Grandmama Georgia, and our siblings got the call and a handful of our friends got a text blast telling them that Baby B. is on the way!  A facebook post was posted to keep our friends and family in suspense.

.  We were escorted to a room where vitals were taken, an IV started , fetal monitor set  up and the waiting began.  It felt like Christmas Eve, the night before our wedding and a birthday party all put together.  Timothy and I just sat there in silence and stared at each other.  It was a peaceful silence.  My parents, sister and brother-in-law arrived just before I was headed to the Operating Room.

Dr. Flora and our Anesthesiologist  arrived and introduced themselves.  We laughed at the contrast in their heights.  Dr. Flora is barely 5 feet tall and our Anesthesiologist was just under 7 feet tall!  Dr. Flora looked like Amy Poehler from Saturday Night Live, and had a bubbly and energetic personality.  They gave us the run down of what to expect and all consents were signed.

Timothy put on his bunny suit, shoe covers (which barely fit) and hair cover (which I found comical since he is bald!) and I slipped on my hair cover.  The nurses (who were absolutely wonderful!) gave us the “Go sign” and I was helped out of bed.  Timothy, my IV pole and I headed down the hall to the Operating Room.  A quick, See You Soon  and a kiss, and I was escorted to the O.R. for my Spinal and Timothy was showed where to wait for me.  I wish Timothy could have been there to hold my hand, but I put on my big girl face and hopped on the table and assumed position for the Spinal.

The Aneshesiologist was amazing.  I had myself all worked up for excruciating discomfort.  It was easy peasy!  Hardly hurt at all! The nurse held my hand and helped me to relax as the Spinal was administered.  It was over before I knew it. 

Timothy was ushered in once I the Spinal took effect.  The Anesthesiologist was at my head the entire time and was always one step ahead of any nausea or pain.  Dr. Flora and her assistant surgeon  started the Cesarean and told me what they were doing every step of the way.  I felt completely calm and kept focusing on the fact that in a few minutes I would meet my son or daughter!

My sweet husband held my hand and held his finger on the camera ready to snap away.  As Dr. Flora pulled out our baby, Timothy revealed, “IT’S A BOY!”  Our sweet boy was here!  He was crying a loud strong cry.  I got a quick peek and then he and daddy were taken to the corner of the room to get cleaned up while I was getting put back together.

Bauer John-Thomas was born at 2:06PM and weighed in at 8 lbs. 9 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.  He was projected to be a 10 pounder, so we were a little surprised by our “small” 8.9 pound baby.  Bauer’s weight was always a topic of conversation with our doctors.  Our first and second trimester we were followed closely for suspected growth restriction.  This is caused from my thyroid levels since I am on total thyroid replacement.  At one point we were told to expect Bauer’s  birth  weight to be 4 to 5 pounds.  He quickly caught up during the third trimester!

Daddy took lots of photos (the first of many).  Then he was ushered to the recovery room to wait with Bauer - sweet bonding time for the both of them.  I joined them soon thereafter.  Bauer was placed on my chest.  He immediately latched on and I nursed him.  I couldn’t believe how alert he was.  I marveled at his big bright blue eyes and the perfection from his head to his toes.  His head was perfectly round (a benefit of not hanging out in the birth canal!) and he had the sweetest chubby cheeks.  Surprisingly he totally resembled his 4D ultrasound.  Technology is amazing!!

Timothy and I had some quiet time as a family of three and were joined by family one by one.  Nana and Papa Oregon and JJ all came back to the recovery room to meet Bauer.  Family was called to announce Bauer’s birth and then it was time to be wheeled to our room.

We joked that we were at Hotel Hoag.  Everything was first class.  We had a corner room with breathtaking views of Newport Beach’s Lido Island and the Harbor.  Our team of nurses were available with just a push of the call button.  They helped me to  get all comfy cozy in bed ( I was completely numb from the Spinal) and was waited on hand and foot!  Timothy took to fatherhood right away and was initiated with many poopy diapers and cries for food.  Bauer gobbled up the colostrum (which we referred to as liquid gold!) and we alternated between syringe and breastfeeding.

Bauer had his first bath.  Our nurse warned us that he would scream.  He didn’t!  Bauer looked like a little peanut in the big pink basin, and just laid back and enjoyed the pampering.  It was precious!  Daddy swaddled him up (and learned the burrito wrap and quickly perfected it!) and patted his back until he fell asleep.  My heart swelled as I watched my husband tend to Bauer’s every need.

After our visitors said their good-byes (Nana and Papa Oregon, JJ, Uncle Mark, Kathi Salley-Randall and Heather Kaufman) Timothy and I said a prayer of Thanksgiving to God for our healthy, beautiful, precious baby boy.  We whispered into Bauer’s ear, You are smart.  You are kind.  You are important.  You are loved.   We drifted off to dreamland.  Our dream came true.  We are a family.  The adventure of parenthood is ahead of us and we are thrilled at all that lies ahead of us.

Coming soon... catching up on blogging.  Check back soon for November - July 2012!!

Baby B.'s Nursery Tour

Timothy and I have been hard at work to get Baby B.'s nursery ready  to go.  It's been a labor of love and I've spent many hours nesting!  Organizing, folding, sorting all the while dreaming of the son or daughter that will soon be calling this room his or her own.

Very few of the pieces in Baby B.'s nursery are new.  We searched Craigs List like crazy to find a rocking chair (a vintage find for $25) and a crib (which still had the tag on, was just what we wanted and was over 75% retail price!) and used my old bedroom set to compete the room.

A basket full of my favorite stuffed friends.  A bear from high school, some beanie babies from my college collection, a "first bear"  for Baby B. that, a bear from our Honeymoon and a few other guys.  

Our family wall of photos.  Lots of empty frames to fill with photos of Baby B.!

Our family bookshelf.  We've been blessed with so many books for Baby B.  We look forward to reading many favorites of our friends and family during our family story time!

Here is our mini crib in our room.  We gave Baby B. the Master Bedroom, so we have a "mini nursery" for B. close to us.  A diaper stacker, mini sleep sheep, mobile and soft and cozy bedding (~which, coincidentally, matches our bedding!)  Yes, we are aware of the recalls of bumpers in cribs.  We, however, are okay with them for now.  B. won't be rolling over right away, and the bumpers are thin enough to make us feel okay with them :).



I LOVE this sweet mobile.  It was a shower gift from our friends The Morettas.  It's gender neutral and doesn't involve the typical yellow ducks!

This guy is Baby B.'s first BlaBla doll.  It was a Christmas gift from Nana Oregon.  They are handmade and from Peru.  Isn't he cute?

The Sleep Sheep.  I've heard rave reviews on these.  We have a big one (thanks, JJ) and a mini one (thanks, KSR).  We've done a few demos and the white noise or beach sounds put us to sleep! 

Our sock monkey family.  Papa monkey was made by Nana Oregon, Mama Monkey was a gift from Cookie and Baby Monkey was picked out special after a great search for the perfect addition to our Monkey Family. (Ha!)

My mom (Nana Oregon) made both of these beautiful quilts!  I picked out the fabric for the one above and she surprised me with the beautiful one below.  Precious and a beautiful keepsake for Baby B.

Our Hospital Bags are packed!  I love my Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag!  It's full of clothes (gender neutral and hair bows / headbands in case we have a Beatrix!) and all things baby.  I must have packed and repacked that bag at least half a dozen times.  Can you say EXCITED!

This is Baby B.'s corner in the living room.  Grandmama Georgia gave it to us for a gift and Timothy put it together!  It's full of clothes, toys, blankets and essentials.

This week we are hoping to find a swing for Baby B. and to... rest... We have been very intentional with our time lately.  Indulging in dinners out, lingering while doing errands, sleeping in, having uniterrupted conversations... all things that we know are going to change once we bring Baby B. home.  We wouldn't have it any other way, but are cherishing these last few days as a party of two!

34 Weeks

34 weeks now.  I had my last ultrasound this week.  Baby B. is now considered, a big baby.  We prayed and prayed that s/he would grow (at one point there was worry that s/he was too small and growth restricted) and now s/he has more than caught up!  GO BABY B.!! 

I. am. tired.  Not tired like first trimester tired, but tired.  When I'm not working or nesting (which is in full effect) you can find me on the couch watching Dance Moms, 48 hours or a Lifetime Movie. :)  

I had to have a few belly pics, just to remember my belly by.  Sometimes I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror or my reflection in a window and I think I really AM pregnant!

Blessed by this experience and blessed to be Baby B.'s mama.

PS.  Majority says Baby B. is a BOY.  We shall see!

32 Weeks

32 weeks ~ 2 months more for Baby B. to grow.  Hard to imagine that my stomach will get bigger (and my thighs, face, chest etc... LOL).  Everyone is telling me that I will get even more uncomfortable. 

If Baby B. is typical  s/he is 3.75 pounds (but is measuring around 5 pounds by ultrasound) and is the size of a large jicama.

I'm still sleeping well at night.  Of course, there are frequent trips to the bathroom... but I say that's God's way of preparing me for middle of the night feedings.

I wake up starving every morning.  I'm allowed to gain one pound a week at this point, (half of a pound would go directly to the baby) but so far am behind on that.  Seems crazy, since I am starving all of the time and eating to satisfy (and *sometimes* beyond) my hunger pangs.  

We continue to feel so blessed that we are having an uneventful, low stress, pregnancy.  I have perspective, since I've seen many micro-preemies (as little as 15 oz.!) from my work in the Neonatal ICU.  Keep on growing, Baby B.!  Mom and Dad will endure the hormone swings, discomfort and sacrifices ~ they are all small when we think of what a miracle we have growing inside of me!

And Baby Makes Three

Yes, you read right. Timinda is going to have a baby!

July 15th 2012 is our due date.

We're not quite what to think just yet. It happened fast for us. And although we are thrilled for this blessing, we didn't think it would happen so soon. (As in within a month of being married!)

I took a pregnancy test early this morning.  I had a few dollar store tests and thought, what the heck... I'm sure it will be negative but what if two lines DID show up?

Timothy was fast asleep (and snoring logs) and I waited for the control line to show up in the window.  Bright pink line #1.  And within seconds bright pink line #2.  I was in shock.  I read the box again.  2 pink lines = positive pregnancy.

I screamed.  Out loud.  I shook Timothy until he woke up.

Baby, we're going to have a baby!  I'm PREGNANT! 

He stopped snoring but was still slumbering.

That's nice, babe.  I'm sleeping.

I shook him some more and kindly requested, Sit up, babe!  I don't think you heard me.  I took a pregnancy test and I AM PREGNANT!!

OK, awesome.  And then back to snoring. 

Not exactly how I envisioned the whole reveal going.  But what did I expect?  It was the middle of the night, and Timothy was fast asleep.  Did I think he was going to jump out of bed all bright eyed, swing me around and jump up and down?  (OK, maybe I did envision that.  A little. :) )

I was wide awake and my adrenaline was pumping.  Pregnant?  I'm going to be a mama?  Timothy and I are going to be parents?  Tears streamed down my face and I held tight to the love of my life.

I drifted off to sleep.

I heard Timothy up in the morning.  I said, Hey do you remember what I told you in the middle of the night?  He said that he remembered something about me being pregnant.  I showed him the white plastic test with the two pink lines.  Timothy laughed and said he'd believe it when I took a non dollar store test.  They've got to be more reliable! :)

I kissed my baby daddy (oh, how I've always wanted to be able to say that) and I headed to an all day work event a few hours from home.  I couldn't concentrate much at all.  I was still trying to grasp my news and the wheels in my mind kept churning with all that is left to be done before baby gets here.  So much for just enjoying the moment.  I've already jumped ahead 9 months and wondering how all of the logistics will work out.

After work I headed to Target to buy a real pregnancy test.  I bought three real tests for good measure and to appease my Sweet T.  I took care of business in the ladies room and watched as two lines appeared on all.  three.  tests.  I felt a little more reassured now that there were 4 tests to back up the validity of me being prego.

I called Timothy and shared the results x 3.  Poor guy.  I don't think he was prepared for all of this.  I mean, of course we knew how it happened but doctors had told us that we would most likely certainly have a lot  of trouble getting pregnant unassisted.  Funny how we make plans and God just laughs.  Moving into a bigger place, having a bigger nest egg, having a year of marriage under our belt... well some of that will have to be on hold.

I called my older sister and broke the news to her.  She was elated.  I made her take a vow of secrecy.  And I knew that she would.  She is a good secret keeper.

Minutes later my mom called.  First thing out of her mouth?  So, are you pregnant?  I told her it was a possibility and that I'd know this week.  That woman has some memory.  I couldn't not tell my mama.  She too was overjoyed.

We'll wait until after our first ultrasound / doctor's appointment to make the big reveal to our friends and family.  Well... maybe a few of our close friends and family will just have to know before then. :)

First doctor's appointment for me and Baby B. is December 2nd.

And this, is just the beginning.  Stay tuned for more Baby B. news!  WOOOOOOOT!!!!