Shaun Anthony Martin's Here!!

Wow, what a trek we've been on these last 10 months or so.
Shaun, you finally arrived; albeit 8 days late but you're perfect and we couldn't be happier. I was supposed to be induced Sunday, August 28 but the hospital was too busy so we ended up being called in at midnight. Nothing was really happening though until Dr. Raby came in at around 8 AM. Originally I had hoped they would break my water when we arrived to try to avoid receiving the Pitocin but he was too high and there was a danger of a cord prolapse. So, finally, at 8 they broke my water. Up until then the nurse had been asking me how my pain was from 0 to 10. It was mostly 0 but closer to 8 AM it was around a 2 and I was still able to sleep through the contractions. Once my water broke though, holy cow! Did things ever get started! Within about 5 minutes I got out of bed and was rocking side to side and breathing heavily and deeply. I decided to try the birthing ball and spent at least a couple hours on there. I wanted to lean forward but it hurt so bad during the contractions so I tried leaning back, hanging onto the bed to hold myself up. But I got tired and would lean into Craig for support. His shirt smelled so good! I remember at one point he turned to walk away just as a contraction was coming and I pulled him back to my by his shirt. Eventually the Pitocin had to be decreased a bit because the contractions were coming too close together and I wasn't getting the chance to catch my breath in between.
It's strange, I remember all of this happening but my memory is sort of foggy; almost like a dream.
The nurse suggested a shot of Demerol at noon, right after I threw up all over Craig's shoes, to help take the edge off the contractions. I hadn't wanted any drugs originally but the contractions were becoming more than I could handle. Craig says once I got the shot and the doctor was leaving the room, only then did I say "ow". I guess I was in a lot of pain... When the Demerol came I was 5 cm and 10 minutes later when it had completely taken effect I was up to 9! But the Demerol had taken too long for me and I was begging for an epidural. Craig asked me so many times if I was sure that was what I wanted. It was great to have his support!
Once I was fully dilated, since I'd just received the epidural I was completely numb from my boobs down. It was a wierd feeling. By 4 PM I could feel enough to start pushing. It felt like I had to take a monster poop. I was allowed to push as I wanted and I counted in my head. It only took 45 minutes and felt like much less. When Shaun finally came out it was 4:55 PM and he was 10 pounds 4 ounces! Quite the porkchop!!

Shaun Anthony Martin
August 29, 2005
10 lbs, 4 oz

Way Overdue!!

Taken at my Uncle Danny and Aunt Helen's wedding the day before I was induced at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. I don't remember feeling as huuuuge as I am in the picture but I know Helen commented during her speech at how I looked like I was ready to burst. We headed home early from the wedding so I could sleep a little before all the action started the following day. Little did we know that instead of being called in at 7AM, it would be midnight before we got the call that there was a bed and nurse ready for my (and Shaun's) arrival. We could have danced the night away and maybe brought labor on it's own. Oh well, live and learn!

39 Weeks

39 weeks. Anytime now Shaun; we're waiting for ya.

38 Weeks

38 weeks. I'm ready for this Little Man to come out.

Full Term

So, I finally made it. The pregnancy and Mr. Magoo are considered term. If I was to go into labour now the doctors wouldn't do anything to try and stop it. It's pretty exciting that in less than a month there's going to be a newborn in this house. Pretty amazing that Craig and I made a baby. Sex is wonderful!

So Craig and I are pretty much the only Martins in town this weekend besides Pete and Sheri. Wayne and Leah and Lisa and Matthew are up at Uncle Jim's cottage. They've been there since last Sunday and will leave tomorrow for Lisa's wedding in Las Vagas. I think Wayne and Leah are returning on Tuesday with Matthew.

We've been looking after Felix but he had started spraying in the house so yesterday morning we took him home. He even peed on the rocking chair. I was so upset I cried. We didn't even get to use it and it was ruined already.
Mum and Dad left for Kipawa late last night, 1 AM or something. They'll be gone until next weekend and then they're camping at the Oinery Aug 19-21. There's not too many days left for the baby to come especially since Danny and Helen are getting married August 27. That's only 6 days after I'm due. I hope the baby's here by then so everyone can see him!

So all the baby shopping is done. We have everything we need and more! Lisa loaned us a ton of clothes. Three boxes! We ended up keeping about a box. There was so much the baby would never get the chance to wear it all. I still don't feel like the room's done but I can't put my finger on what it is that's incomplete. Once I figure it out I'll have to take a picture.

We visited Chad last night. Tom was there too. It was nice to touch base. So Chad's going to be our messenger when the baby's born. He'll call everyone and let them know. It's great that he's so interested. Tom and Chad felt the baby's hiccups too. They thought that was pretty cool!

36 Weeks

36 weeks and the stretch marks are comin'!

No Break From the Heat!

I never did get back to that entry the other day. I had every intention to though.

Once again this week has been stifling hot. It reached 35.3C yesterday and that was without the humidity. The temperature was similar today. I heard on the news last week that June was the hottest June on record. Thirteen days were above 30 degrees and 10 days broke records! Now I can truly say I was pregnant during the hottest summer ever. I wonder how July will compare. If these temperatures keep up, I have no doubt that July will break records too. So much for enjoying a cool, rainy summer like last year.

It rained this afternoon for the first time in over a month. I've taken advantage of the temporary break in the heat to do a bit of work on the baby's room. It's been such a mess since the shower but I haven't had the stamina to even get in there because it's been so stinkin' hot and humid. I'm considering rearranging it... but how? Maybe I'll just leave it as-is. Less work. Better get back to work before I have to pick up Craig from work.

Countdown

The weeks left until my due date are quickly becoming days. Fourty-one days to be exact. I only have 9 days of work left. That's scary. No more alarm clock, no more curriculum sheets... it's going to be really strange.

Baby Shower

So it's not that I haven't wanted to write, I've just been so busy with so many other things lately. Things like the baby shower that was last weekend at Sheri's. We received so much wonderful stuff for the baby; I said to everyone that it's a little overwhelming that there's so many people who support our having a baby. Many babysitters and advice givers. Donna bought us a playpen. We think we're going to leave it with Mum and Dad since we really don't stay overnight anywhere else. Everybody in town, even if they babysit, is close enough to either come here, or we can set the baby up on the floor or surrounded by pillows on the bed.

Today Craig and I are going to Niagara Falls with Wayne and Leah and Lisa and Matthew. Leah has packed a picnic lunch for everyone. The weather's supposed to be beautiful.

Only 7 weeks to go... hard to believe!!

31 Weeks

31 weeks. Where are the days disappearing to??

Ohhh, the heat!

This week has just been brutal weather-wise. Every day has been 28 to 30 degrees Celcius with the humidex in the high 30s. It's 38 today. I've been managing but really suffering. The poor cats. Kitty just came into the baby's room panting. I brought her outside and she peed in the garden. Maybe she was panting because she was so desperate to pee. I'm going to see Dr. Raby on Thursday this week. Hopefully by then it'll be a bit cooler outside. Things are supposed to get back to normal on Tuesday... let's hope! Now Pokey's laying in the dirt in the garden - must be cooler in there.

Feeling Bittersweet

Wow, June already. It seems like spring just arrived and now in 2 1/2 weeks it'll be summer. It's funny that on one hand, this pregnant feels like it's lasting forever and all I want to do is meet our new baby, but on the other hand, 29 weeks is done already. I'll never have those back. It's sort of sad.

So the results came back from my urine test. Turns out I have a bladdar infection. Strange because when I was little I had one but I actually was uncomfortable. This time I wouldn't even have know. Good thing I said something to Dr. Raby though because my book says it can bring on preterm labour. That would have been okay, maybe in early August, but not now. It's too early.

I've been running around to hardware stores for the past couple of days trying to find pieces for the change table. No luck so Craig finally just screwed it together last night. It looks wonderful!

I did the glucose tolerance test yesterday. The sugary drink you take is ust orange pop. I was expecting something horrid since they give you 5 minutes to finish it. I was thirsty, too. It was pretty yummy.

So there's 7 weeks left until I begin maternity leave. Tonight I hope to write the letter to Shelley explaining the reason for my LOA and then next June I have to let her know when I plan on returning, if at all. I'll have to double check on the internet for all the time requirements for filing for maternity leave. I've checked it before but I can't remember all the details.

I'm gradually collecting things for the baby: diapers, wipes, shampoo. I still need washcloths, bibs and all the baby's clothes still have to washed. I'll have to buy some Ivory Snow laundry soap for that... less irritating to baby's skin.

Having Contractions Already!

So I think Craig jinxed me yesterday morning. I told him I had an appointment at 10 and he jokingly said he'd see me at the regular time. Turns out, Dr. Raby DID have another delivery and I finally got to see her at 2, after I dropped Craig off.
I had been having contractions all morning but not the kind that women in my prenatal class describe. Their's wrap around their belly and mine were just in my uterus. Dr. Raby ended up doing an internal exam to check my cervix. It was still really thick and closed, just like it's supposed to be.
She is sending me for a urine test for a bladdar infection and for the routine blood tests. The blood test is an hour long because I have to drink a sugary drink, sit around, then have my blood drawn and hour later. I guess it's to see how well my body processes the sugar. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.

Cancelled Appointment

So much for seeing Dr. Raby this week. Every time I had another appointment scheduled she had to leave to do a delivery. Tuesday - 11 AM, Thursday - 10:15, 11:30, Friday - 10AM. Now I have another one for Monday at 10:15. There's no way another woman will be delivering. As it was, I was surprised that 3 of her patients delivered this week (the 4th was an on-call delivery).
Today was our first of 2 days of prenatal classes. Just like we thought, I didn't learn too much but I know that Craig did. We figured that the classes would help hom more that me. After seeing him in action supporting me when I wasn't even in labour, just faking, I know he'll be a terrific support. I predict we'll use a lot of "in your face" supporting and focusing. I just know I'll be fine as long as he's calm. If Craig doesn't freak out, I won't. We'll see... 12 weeks to go.

Stupid Parents!!

This morning was another appointment with Dr. Raby. Craig got to come this time because it was a bit later in the morning than usual - 11 AM. When we got there the waiting room was completely full so I knew she was behind. There was this moron of a woman in there with a child who was at least 2 1/2. Probably closer to 3. The child was whining and complaining the whole time. The mom kept giving threats but never followed through on even one of them and she would get into yes-no battles over everything. It's mind boggling to me that a parent as spineless and retarded as she was would choose to have another child. The most frustrating for me was that this child was named Faith. I would assume by that name that the parents just spoil her rotten.

Poor Craig was getting so frustrated just listening to them go at it, we ended up waiting in the hallway outside the office.

By the time I finally got weighed (I was 175) and into the examination room we had waited 45 minutes and then Dr. Raby got called to deliver a baby so we had to leave and reschedule. It was a really frustrating morning.

So my next appointment is for this Thursday at 10:15. Hopefully she's not behind that early in the day... let's hope.
I've been using the Terbinafine cream on my face since Friday morning. Actually, maybe Thursday - anyway, it seems to be working well. I called Dr. McKinnon to make an appointment to get a refil but since I haven't had my initial consultation with him yet, they're just going to call in the prescription. Works for me.

Oh, I almost forgot: we should get the crib and change table this weekend. YAY! And Grandma, Ciocia, Helen and Natasha are all coming to the shower. DOUBLE YAY!!

27 Weeks

I haven't had another dizzy spell since that one in Home Depot. Hopefully I won't get anymore. Probably wishful thinking.
It's Friday of the May long weekend. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous for all day Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be a bit cool and cloudy but 2 out of 3 days isn't bad.
You've been extremely active for the past 3 days or so, baby. You must be taking advantage of the space you have to move around. It won't be this way for much longer.
Everything I read says you weigh about 2 lbs and are 14 inches long. Amazing that just 6 months ago you were the size of a poppy seed and smaller! In just a few months you'll be 7 lbs and just busting out of me.
The prenatal classes start next weekend on Saturday and continue for the first Saturday in June. I'm anxious to get them over with. I hope they don't scare me! Grandma and Grandpa Jambor are coming tomorrow for dinner. They're going to a wedding in Hamilton first and will be here around 4 or so. It'll be nice to see them... and show them how much you've grown!

The Room is Done!

Finally, your room is finished! Daddy and I did the very last of the painting this afternoon and it looks terrific! Slowly I'm beginning to picture you in here... your crib, the way it will smell (good most of the time I hope!). The idea that in 3 months we'll be daddy and momma is starting to sink in.
We were at Home Depot today picking up some wall outlets and faceplates and I got another dizzy spell; just out of nowhere. It was a bad one too. It lasted about 5 minutes. Again, I have no idea what triggered it. All I can thikn of is that my pants (the first ones I bought from Thyme) were too tight or the smell from the aisle we were in (we were looking for baseboard). Other than that, I'm stumped. Hopefully though the distance between spells lengthens. It's been 3 1/2 weeks since my last one.

Friday The 13th

Ooohhh, it's Friday the 13th. I'll have to make a trip to the cemetary and... gimmie a break. All this spooky Friday the 13th stuff is garbage. What a joke and a waste of time!
I never mentioned - Craig called Dr. McKinnon last week and asked the receptionist if the Dr. would take you and me on as new patients. She called back a day later and said that was fine. So now I finally have a real family doctor here in Kitchener. He seems pretty cool, too. Craig really likes him. So I have an initial visit with him on June 1 to go over some paperwork and sign consent forms so he can get all my records faxed over from Dr. Hawthorne. You know, it hurts a bit that I'm not going to be able to continue seeing her. She's been my doctor since moving to London. I have a lot of history with her. Oh well. I'll be seeing plenty of Dr. McKinnon and I guess I can make a history with him.
Aaron from across the hall was talking to Craig yesterday and mentioned that they have a baby swing for us. We're giving them the futon frame so it's more than a fair trade. I'll have to see the swing before accepting it, of course, but they seem to have pretty nice stuff so it'll probably be a good one. I seem to remember Melissa saying that Alexander hated the swing. Maybe they're counting on baby #2 hating it also. Whatever the reason, they don't want it.
I've been feeling pretty good these past few days. Very tired and achy but remember I've been painting too. Tonight I hope to finish all the painting - closet, trim and hopefully the ceiling. Once that's all done the room can be put back together. It looks so cozy in there at night when the hockey night light is on. It's going to be a great room.
Grandma and Grandpa Jambor are hoping to come before the end of May to pick up the matress and boxspring and then Auntie Sheri will bring your crib and change table. That's all your room needs besides a toy box and that can come a little later anyway. Everyone's doing so much just for you... not that you don't deserve it!!

Another Dr. Appointment

I've decided to leave this book in plain sight so hopefully I'll write in it more frequently. It seems to be working so far.
I had another appointment with Dr. Raby today. My weight was up 4 pounds from my last appointment. It was 171. That's okay. I just have to remain conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth and decide if it's the best choice I could make, or not. My blood pressure was normal, as it has been throughout the pregnancy and my belly measured 25cm, right on target. (It's 1cm per week we can expect it to grow.) Dr. Raby showed me the results from the bloodwork and echocardiogram. The echo was normal, as she expected. Bloodwork was also normal except for my thyroid. She said I'm on the very low end of normal for thyroid (whatever that means). She said we'll keep an eye on it. As far as the dizzy spells, I haven't had one in over 2 weeks but Dr. Raby said that if they change (frequency, I pass out, etc.) or if they start to really worry, to come to her right away. You know, she's a no nonsence doctor but she's growing on me.

25 Weeks

So here I am, 6 months pregnant, feeling absolutely huge but enjoying this time with you more than I ever thought. Yesterday I went for the echocardiogram. It was amazing to watch my heart pumping and see the blood flowing through the valves and vessels. God truly created wonderful things. It's so surprising that people can see stuff like that and still believe in evolution; like everything has come about by chance.
The condo corporation is having a huge yard sale tomorrow and we've also rented a great big bin for larger items like beds, furniture, BBQs, etc. It'll be nice to clean out the basement finally. I'll have ot go through the house tonight and see if there's anything worth selling tomorrow or if it's all going in the dumpster.
Mother's Day is on Sunday. Lisa, Donna and Grandma Irma are coming for lasagna. Hopefully it's good!