Vesper Wren's Arrival {3.1.13}

Third birth and we were still so nervous and excited. W and I drove to our midwife's on Tuesday afternoon to get my membranes stripped hoping to start labor. My mother-in-law had arrived the night before and I was really, really hoping to have her here while transitioning to three. We discovered that Vesper was super low and I was already dilated to 4 cm and 75% effaced. It was clear she was coming soon, I just needed those contractions to start...the only missing piece to bringing her out.

We added a few home remedies that evening but nothing was happening by morning. A few days went by and I was certain she'd come on Thursday {just like her brothers}. No dice. At this point I'm kinda getting desperate. I have a few girlfriends who swear by castor oil and gave me some pointers of how to use it. But I chickened out and decided to wait another day to purchase some.

Thursday night, we were just super exhausted. I'm wondering if it was Theo's new molars coming in or if he sensed something was up because that normally happy, go-lucky, independent kid took to clinging like there was no tomorrow. And saying, "mama" a-thousand-and-two times per day. So, W and I headed to bed at 8:30. Which never happens.

But for some reason my body was just buzzing and I couldn't relax at all. I was having a few contractions about every 15 minutes and had the normal signs of aches, chills, and the like. All were very mild, but annoying enough not to get settled into sleep. About 10:40 I called Melissa and checked in since the contractions were regularly coming about 15 minutes apart, lasting approximately 30 seconds each. She told me to call her when they move to 10 minutes and she was off to sleep. Well, those dang things stuck to every 15 minutes the ENTIRE night. Funny, I hoped that I would do my hardest work during the day {which I did thankfully}, but it didn't guarantee a good night's rest. Win some, lose some.

Around 5:30ish in the morning, they finally moved to 10 minutes and were still only lasting 30 seconds. They were strong ones but definitely nothing to get worked up over. I'm finding that I'm really no good at sensing if "this is it." I feel that if the contractions aren't really bothering me, nothing is really happening. Apparently, that's not really true.

I touch base with Melissa and we decide to wait a bit longer. I get up, make some breakfast and wait. By the time the boys and W are up, I lay back down for a bit and the contractions come back. About every 10 minutes again. I'm still not sure if Melissa should come and if I should send W to work. My worst fear, of course, is that I get everyone ready to do this and nothing happens.

Melissa said she'd come over after breakfast and check me to see if we couldn't get things rolling. Sounds like a good plan. I join everyone else downstairs from about 7:15ish to 7:45ish. Contractions are still coming consistently at 10 mins. And some I have to start rocking my hips through them to ease the waves. At this point, I'm hopeful but still not sold this is it.

W decided independently that he would stay home even though I was wondering if he should try for at least a half day. I touched base with my parents about taking the boys after their morning workout. Again, trying to be super causal about it so people's schedules aren't completely uprooted. Melissa joined us around 9:30 and at this point it seems like my contractions are fairly dead again...maybe every 20-30 minutes. But the boys are around and I feel a bit stressed. Shortly after, my parents arrive and take the boys. Things calm some at home and the contractions return.

Timing-wise, things get hazy after this. I'm moving into more active labor so the concept of time lapsing is kinda distorted.  Melissa checks me not to long after the boys leave. I'm around 5 cm but she can stretch to around 7 cm very very easily. Basically, I need some hard contractions and this baby is coming! So, we do what we've done every time: go outside and do laps around our complex.

It was a beautiful and warm day outside. Plenty of neighbors to say hi to and give updates to. My mother-in-law Judy and Doula Kerri joined us as we walk. I can't talk during contractions now, but instead breathe through them. I'm glad the others carry on conversation without me. They made sure I drank water and W timed my contractions. Kerri had me do "step-ups" on the curb while walking which triggered some good, hard contractions.

At some point we came back inside. I was getting hot and uncomfortable. I changed into shorts and continued to walk or rock through the harder, longer contractions. W changed into his utilikilt so he could have it on for her birth. Oy Vey, that husband of mine. ;)

The last few hours with her growing inside me. {41 weeks, 2 days}

 I basically wore a trench into the carpet between our room and the boys' room doing mini-laps. Melissa and Jackie, her assistant, were finishing filling the tub.

Once the tub is ready, I'm hesitant to go in. I really like walking through contractions because it feels more manageable. Like I can distract myself long enough through the pain. They aren't overwhelming. So I'm nervous to plant myself somewhere because the pain may then take over. But the team encourages me to get in: "the water will feel really good", "you want the contractions to move to overwhelming. That makes her come out.", etc. So in I go, resting on my knees...sometime around 12:30 {?!} Hanging as much of my top half over the edge until another wave comes and I prop my arms up so I can breathe.

I'm still really coherent, talkative and cheerful during rest times. I make a joke about being at a day spa while Kerri and W alternate between massaging my lower back through the hard contractions. Melissa and Jackie check baby girl's heart rate throughout rests and contractions.

About five minutes after the above picture was taken, I transitioned to pushing {around 1pm}. I still had a few super hard contractions during transition. I pushed for about 20 minutes and out she comes. W got to help "catch" her this time. She sneezed then wailed. Thank the Lord that it's over!

Melissa did all the standard heart rate and breathing checks while we did skin-to-skin. 

We, of course, nervously joked through that last half of the pregnancy that we were only told once that she was a girl. We needed verification upon delivery. Both W and Melissa made sure I knew she was, in fact,  our sweet daughter right away. Woot woot! And geez, is she perfect!

Shortly thereafter, I was put to bed and nursed our little one. She had a great latch from the get-go and did wonderfully. The team cleaned up the tub and Melissa checked her stats a few hours later...

Vesper Wren Swenson

Born 1:22pm

7 pounds and 2 ounces

20 and half inches long

Her name...

We both discovered and fell in love with Vesper during my pregnancy with Theo..who obviously wasn't fit for the name. We love that its bold, fits with our other names, and still has a biblical nod {regardless of how slight.} We liked the Latin meaning of "evening prayer" and it made us both think of Vespers. W particularly so with memories of boy scout camp-out days and his leader holding them every evening. There's also a more recent Bond film with a Vesper character who was more of a badass girl than your "damsel-in-distress" type which I thought was sassy and befitting for a girl who has two wild older brothers to contend with. Plus, it's great that she won't be one of the dozen of Sophias or Avas in her generation. As far as Wren goes, I simply loved it this pregnancy so we used it as a middle name. A wren is a petite song bird with a perky little tail. Its got spunk and the name is just sweet.

Afterthoughts...

It's pretty crazy to think that my perspective of this birth was simply: it was normal. Another home birth with another perfect little bundle. Two thirds of our off-spring have now been born into this little house of ours. And definitely my third birth: a few hours after giving birth, I asked someone to check on the pulled pork that I had put in the crock pot during my morning contractions. Clearly, we're gonna be hungry for dinner. ;)

Overall, this time was much more of a gradual build-up. Melissa attributes that to my water not breaking until about 15 minutes before she arrived. I definitely felt it more this time, but it still was bearable until the very end. I liked the water and know it helped with pain management, especially at the end and with pushing. I'm glad I didn't get in any earlier though. I do wish I would have rested my knees between contractions. By the time I was pushing, I was so fatigued in that same position. Melissa coached me during the pushing more this time and I came away without tearing! Yay! Although, I finally felt that ring of fire everyone keeps talking about. Not fun. One of those things you're really thankful for later down the road.

It's still sinking in that we have a daughter. I say "she" but in the back of my mind there's a "he" hiding because that's all we've ever used. And it definitely feels like we've crossed THE threshold. The threshold to being legit. A legit family. Legit parents. No joke. Can't give them back. Zonal defense. Just outside social norms now. They are outnumbering us. We have now added to the population instead of just replacing us. Annnnnd all illusion of control is out the window. ;)

Couldn't be more excited about the chaos, memories, challenges and joys we're about to experience!

Bring it on.

eeeeeek.

On Your Due Date

Dearest Dulci,

Today marks your estimated time of arrival which we all saw come and go. Although it was a pretty typical day, here's what you missed because you're still baking away in Mama's womb...

We all took Papa to work this morning because he was tired and it was so cold. Then your brothers and Mama stopped off at the park to do more laps in the hopes that it would encourage you to come out and join us. Immediately after, we headed over to the doctor's to check your heartbeat and to tell them you were still cooking. 

Back at home, we had a lovely visit with a friend from church, ate lunch and had naps. Then you helped Mama prep dinner {"chicken-pot-pie-and-I-don't-care"; a family favorite} and hung out with the boys while they watched Mary Poppins. Papa biked home, we had supper, and off the boys went to bed. 

Mama and Papa caught up on shows while you danced in Mama's tummy. And helped us check on Theo since he's been having trouble sleeping with his sickie congestion. Poor brother. Maybe you're wanting for everyone to get over their colds and for your parents to get better sleep at night?! If so, that's very thoughtful of you, but we're ready to meet you. And figure lack of sleep will be the new normal for awhile. We'll make do! Please come out and join us soon!! We are all very excited to meet you and love on you!!  

We looooove you already,

Papa, Mama, Big Brothers Ezra + Theo

Come Join Us

We are finally ready for this little one! Well, okay, we still need to put that car seat in, but other than that, we're ready. I had my 39 week doctor appt. last Tuesday and he was really rough with the cervical exam. Definitely sent my body into pre-labor status for the rest of the afternoon and into the night. By morning, all had quieted down. But since we weren't sure, we finally got the rest of the baby stuff from the attic and had our midwife on call. 

W also unpacked our birth kit and laid everything out on our dresser for her. Makes it easier for her to grab and go. It amazing how much your brain graciously allows you forget...all the soreness, extra absorbent supplies, and time it takes to recover from such an event.

Even though we've done this twice already now, it surprises me just how tiny they once were. I loooove seeing all her tiny outfits and newborn diapers taking over our room.

Third pregnancies definitely make you feel like an old lady. My body has been so much more achy all around this time, even though I'm measuring the smallest out of all my previous pregnancies. My pelvis, hip bones, and surrounding areas feel like they're being stretched and pulled in ways that normally shouldn't hurt so much. Like I'm either severely out of shape {which I am} or I'm like 80 years old. And the exhaustion has been hightened the past few weeks; making mothering to my other two loves that much harder.

I'm anxious to meet our little girl and give her a name and lots of love. I'm ready to not be pregnant for a looooong while. I'm excited to even the score and get some estrogen back in this house! I'm sure the initial transition won't be smooth, but we're praying that we can take it in stride. We also continue to pray for a healthy and smooth delivery of a healthy and adorable baby girl. And that I don't labor and have her at night... I know I know, Theo's birth was like a fantasy birth, but I'm really hoping not to lose too much sleep again. ;) A pregnant, hormonal girl can still dream, right?!

We've Been Busy!!

Projects. Projects. Projects have been filling most of our weekends. We tackled quite a few since I've been on a nesting kick to get things done before I pop. One such project was our downstairs tv situation. It had become quite a situation...

{the before... all manner of bad.}

We got a tv as a birthday gift a few years ago from my parents. We don't have basic tv but sure enjoy movies and hulu. So, it's been sitting on this small entertainment unit right from the beginning. One of those "temporary solutions that quickly turned permanent" as the years piled on. Enter Theo: our tornado toddler. He would get into the DVDs and fiddle with our player every.single.day. It was getting old. Quickly.

So, W found a great deal on Amazon for a tv wall mount and I hunted craigslist {like it was my part-time job} looking for a dresser that would fit our mini-wall's dimensions without being a road obstacle for foot traffic. Found a dresser, but didn't love its look so I knew immediately when we bought it that I'd be re-doing it. But it had a veneer finish. My quick search online led me to chalk paint.

I'd heard of the stuff but didn't really know much beyond the words "chalk paint" "shabby chic" and "Annie Sloan". So after a mini-lesson {there are a lot of posts out there on it}, I learned about its "chalky" or thicker properties, zero prep-work benefit, and that it adheres to pretty much any surface without hassle. I also learned the price point of AS chalk paint. Yikes! So when I found I {Heart} Naptime's homemade recipe, I figured "why not?" All I had to buy was my normal paint in the colors I wanted + plaster of paris. Easy enough.

4 T Plaster of Paris to 2T HOT water

Mix in container until all the clumps are gone

Mix into 2 cups of paint

At the store, I bought my Plaster of Paris {$6}, my normal gallon of classic white, and then four sample sizes of a paint card I liked: graduating shades of mint. I went with a half batch of chalk paint in each of the five colors because my dresser had so many different colors and not much of each. Worked like a charm.

I did minimal sanding since I didn't really want a distressed look for the dresser. I then covered it in a polyurethane protective coat that we already had on hand. I would love to try the wax finish sometime. Heard it really finishes off the piece nicely. Next time. ;)

We mounted the tv, put the dresser in {after drilling a hole in the back of the top drawer for cords}, and mounted my antler project: ebay antlers + white spray paint + gold craft paint

We are loving the extra storage {currently the bottom two drawers are still empty! So huge for us. ;)}, and the simple fact that T is not creating a mess nor are our movies out for all to see {tacky!!} Definitely one of those "feels so good" projects.

Celebrating 5 Years

{attempting to catch-up before something big happens..like a baby arriving. hopefully, we'll be up to date soon and back to regularly scheduled blogging. Ha!}

This year was a fabulous anniversary year! On our actual anniversary, we swapped gifts {of wood, since we follow the traditional gift list.} and went to eat at a lovely place downtown {read: it pays to hold on to gift certificates until you can actually use them}. 

Then the first weekend of this month, we headed into the city for a combined anni/babymoon getaway. We've been wanting to see the Lion King for.ever. I'd seen it when I was in 8th grade on Broadway with my parents and remember how AMAZING it was. So, we splurged and got great seats a few rows back from the stage. Worth.every.penny. And then some. 

Beyond the performance, we ate great food, napped, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of just being the "two of us" {+ baby in utero, of course}. It was absolutely marvelous and I'm glad we sneaked it in before she comes.  Count down has definitely started!

Bump Progression {31 weeks}

Slacker. I know it. I have yet to take one picture of miss Dulcinea's growing bump with my fancy camera. Oh yeah, I haven't even mentioned she has a nickname already. All thanks to my parents' trip to Spain. It means "the sweetest thing" and is the name a sweets bakery there. And of course it's stuck because they were in Spain when we found out and like to suggest girls names to us every once in awhile. 

So, in a last ditch effort to save Mama-face, I've compiled all the phone bump pictures I've taken so far. Here she is...

 Woot woot! 

I'm feeling ever so EXHAUSTED these days. I want to sit on the sofa with my feet up, drink a hot beverage and eat sweets. I don't want to clean, cook, discipline, or anything remotely work-related. Oh well. Not gonna happen.

I definitely feel less motivated to actually birth a baby right now too. And I'm acutely aware that this is a mental sport. :/ Please join me in praying for mental strength and motivation when the time comes. {Cuz I just did all this hard work not all that long ago, yo!} And that I'll magically bypass all the normal, horrible recovery {read: nursing issues} that I face each and every time for the following six weeks.

Other than that, things are pretty normal around here when a baby is just a few months away. Still loads and loads to do while time keeps ticking.

Seriously can.not wait to meet this little girl!! Praying for curls a second time around. ;)

So, We're Having...

A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!

So I got this silly idea to have a cake party for baby #3. Had to show her some loving since I **thought** she'd be a boy and may feel like, well, the third boy. Figured it'd be a fun way for us to find out this time. 

So my girlfriend, Cami, make two cakes. One of each color. And brought them to our "party" {which was basically our community group}. I invited everyone to wear a blue or red shirt to "vote" for their gender. When we arrived, I passed over the envelope from the technician which contained gender pics and a filled out card...

She sneaked to the bathroom, found out, and then placed the right cake in front of us to cut open with everyone. 

{they were all so excited to find out too! can't you tell?!}

And then we cut the cake...

And I totally cried. I'm blaming it all on the extra hormones! So much shock, joy, surprise, and excitement to contain.

This had to be one of my favorite moments and favorite ways to find out. It just all turned out so perfect. More than I imagined. A night I'll always remember with such delight.

A special thanks to Cami who did an amazing job on making two cakes for us to enjoy, to Elizabeth for hosting our little shindig {and making sure we didn't wait until our normal Saturday night gathering time}. And all our family and friends who were there in spirit {via social media/texts}. :) Since my parents are roughing it as they travel through Spain, they also got the joy of email notification! I'm pretty sure it was an early 6:30am when they responded.

Here's to our growing family of FIVE!!!

<---- Gender Poll

It's up! Finally! I was having major issues with the poll from blogger so went to a third party poll place. You have exactly ONE week to guess what we're gonna have before we know!

So take a moment to vote on the left side bar what we should expect: more loud and rowdy battles or perhaps cozy, dandy parties this time! 

{source}

16+ weeks

So, it's obvious. Third babe already just has the odds stacked against him for micro-moment attention. It's all good though. We'll just start saving now for those hoooooours of therapy. But at least he'll be able to take on a loud, rowdy, semi-chaotic crowd easy-peasy. Cuz that's kinda what our family is like these days. Mastering life skills already, this one. 

We got away for a date night last week for some drinks and dessert. Just a little sliver of loveliness. I'll take any time I can get with this stud. 

{the pumpkin gelato was a.MA.zing!}

This pregnancy hasn't really been all that different from the others. Granted, it took me a bit longer to figure out I was pregnant in the first place since I was still nursing T. Ha! I definitely don't have the monster appetite I did with the boys. And I actually tossed my cookies a few times this go around during the first trimester. Probably my least favorite activity of all time. Would rather hit my head against a wall.

No major cravings although Mexican food always sounds good. So does the bread and butter pickles. I haven't gained as much this time but I also wasn't completely and comfortably fitting back into my pre-baby clothes either. So I'm sure it'll all even out and be the same in the end. I do know that I must be in the worst shape ever in my life. Where'd all my muscle tone go?! Got lots of work cut out for me post-third. {Elizabeth, I'm joining your gym and you're FORCING me to go with you!} 

It's going by so fast. Especially with the fall and holiday seasons jumping up on us. I'm going to have another sweet adorable baby in my arms in no time flat! And although I have some anxiety about it, I don't think it would really be any different if we had waited. With each new little family member that's added, there's some worry about family adjustment and change in dynamics anyway ya slice it. 

The other day, I finally felt the lil' guy move and it was so perfect. Loved feeling that squirm and was reminded that these days are precious and they are few. I really can't soak them up enough. I can't wait to meet him and get to know his BIG personality: Swenson quirks and all. {I'm pretty sure now that we just don't have "blob" babies..you know, the ones that just sit there passively and quitely, you almost forget they're there. Not possible with these genes.} And he will be dearly loved just like his brothers.

Three weeks left until we can confirm what this guy's gonna be...

On Having A Home Birth {Part Two}

 {FINALLY! This part II has been in my queue for.stinking.ever. Either half way finished, waiting for concluding thoughts or finished, waiting for W to give it a look-over. BUT better late than never. Here it is 5 weeks a bit late!}

The two best things about this birth experience was having Theo during the day and having him at home. I seriously think all children should come during daylight hours the same day you start labor--that way no one loses sleep and you're already off to a great start. If only!

Many of you were aware that pretty much since I've started to think about having babies I've wanted to give birth at home. E's birth had a complication that led us to the hospital, but many people knew it was a planned home birth. This time around we did things a bit differently. We basically kept completely silent about where we were planning on giving birth. If people asked, we'd either totally ignore the question or just reply with, "We're still on the fence." Both W and I had learned from last time that many people have opinions about topics they know very little about. And while most of the time, this can be just mildly annoying, for a such an apparently "hot topic", people seemed to think it was okay to tell us where we should or shouldn't give birth. We totally understand that some of these people genuinely love us and were concerned; we also realized that many just didn't have enough information/experience to make educated suggestions that were constructive for our decision-making. That and we really weren't asking for their advice. I mean, my own mother didn't even know we were thinking about a home birth until she saw me ordering our birthing kit online a few weeks before my due date. She's full of love...and well, like any mom: full of worry. ;) That's just how silent we were. That's only half of the reason.

The other half was...well, honestly, I was still on the fence about it in my own mind. For part of the pregnancy, I'd convinced myself that I'd be just as happy birthing at Kaiser, using their tub, and hiring Melissa as only a Doula. I was nervous about how this birth would go. What about complications out of our control? What about unnecessary intervention? What about Melissa's experience? I felt so much calmer and at peace at home, but would the hospital be a wiser choice? E's birth was traumatic {mostly, once we reached the hospital} and we had zero experience then. I was so torn mentally between what I knew to be true and what I feared. The whole emotional vs. the mental. 

Up until 2 weeks before my due, I was still unsure and had only paid Melissa the Doula fee.

Then W and I finally carved out some time for a heart-to-heart. This pregnancy had gone by so quickly that even I didn't have enough time to really process and pray through my concerns, wishes, and hopes for this birth. And W's my go-to guy for helping me process the jumble that rumbles through my head. We booked a Saturday appointment with Melissa and drove out together to talk. I laid out my fears and together, we went back to beginning....we went over all the reasons why we wanted to be a home, the benefits of being at home, addressed the "what-ifs" of being a home, and once again came to the same conclusion: home birth is our choice and we wouldn't want it any other way if everything is low-risk and healthy.

We finalized our decision then and there.

And I am so glad we did.

Now, having had both a hospital and a home birth experience, I hope to never enter the hospital again...Lord willing. When I was chatting with the midwives as they first arrived, Sunshine stated, "You are the queen for the day. Anything you need, we'll get!" And that's truly how it was. 

I had freedom. I could walk, sit, or stand if I wanted to. I could do walking laps outside in the sun and fresh air. I wore my own clothes that weren't exposing me in the back. I had my own toilet, room, and comfy bed where W could lay right next to me. I could drink water. No one came in and out during the night or woke us up.

I had service. The three ladies and W were so amazing at tending to my needs. I was their one and only patient for the day. Right after Theo was born, my stomach growled so loudly--clearly, I was hungry. Kerri asked what I wanted and fixed me up with some toast, peanut butter, and jam. They took care of every detail for set-up and clean-up. We didn't have to go anywhere; they came to us to care for us. Melissa also came to our house for the follow-up check-ins. She came the following day and on Sunday.

I had peace, calm and comfort. Most of the time, the midwives talked in hushed voices. They were smoothing, calming, and totally controlled. There were no weird, loud or foreign sounds outside my room. No harsh lights. Nothing was rushed {although things moved super fast during that last hour of labor} and I never experienced any panic besides those beginning moments of pushing. I didn't feel like we were fitting into someone's time table. After the birth, things moved slowly from one activity to the next like getting me food, getting me into the bath, and getting Theo's stats. It was comforting and relaxing to do everything at home.

I'm so thankful that the Lord wrote that day as he did. He could have written it entirely different, but he blessed us with a great experience. Pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and raising children are all such personal things.  And this was, personally, just the way I wanted it to be. Who knows what the 3rd will bring? ;)

::Special Thanks::

Giving birth is never a one-woman event. Many supporting roles are essential to its success. I'm so thankful for...

The Lord-- without Him none of this would have been possible! His role in all this definitely trumps all of ours.

Melissa and her team-- such an amazing midwife who has helped us each step of the way; truly top-notch customer service and care.

My wonderful birth partner and hubby-- I can't share the most of what makes him so amazing during birth, especially this last one, but he is a source of constant support, encouragement, and practical help that I'll forever remember. Having done this together twice now has given me an entirely new level of respect for his sacrifice and love.

My parents-- for putting on a great face even with choices that make them so very nervous, for being such fabulous grandparents and for always being there when we need them!

How We Met Theo {Part One}

Prelude: So, in processing through this whole thing called "giving birth", I felt like I really should do two separate posts. One being solely about little Theo's entrance into the world and another just focusing on my reactions to our unique experience of giving birth at home. Also I should caution you: while the pictures in the post are rated G, they are by no means "clean and pretty". :) 

What a rad and awesome experience!! I honestly don't have the words to truly describe just how beautiful, freeing, peaceful and wonderful this whole birth was. I, also, don't think I'll ever get over just how quick Theo's birth went too. Here's what took place {the novel-length edition}...

Hindsight is a funny thing; sure helps to get a fuller picture, then you can start to understand the details. I'm going to start during the night before only because I now have a fuller picture and now realize that the whole process was actually starting then. :) During the early morning, I experienced some super dull lower back pressure as well as some in the abdomen. I honestly thought nothing of it--other than Theo was putting on so much pressure that I thought "surely, he's going to rupture my water with all this action." Then I proceeded to try to sleep.

The morning was very normal. W had a break in work and joined us for breakfast before heading off again. I had some contraction action during this time, but again, thought nothing of it. It was so super light that I even googled "true contractions vs. Braxton hicks" to get a refresher course on what to look out for. After breakfast, E and I took laps around the complex and played. 

I called my midwife, Melissa, during this time just to check in since I had an afternoon appointment. I told her about my last Kaiser appt on Tuesday. Also, I thought I had started to pass my mucus plug {reminder the champagne analogy?! The plug is like the cork} on Wednesday so I shared that too. I didn't really feel up to driving up to her {and honestly, figured it would just be a normal/uneventful visit} so she said just to keep her posted. 

After walking/biking, we headed inside to get ready for nap time. I was continuing to have contractions, but not really noticing them or timing them. They were still really 'soft' and short. When E was on the potty around 11:15, I have a few contractions and basically felt like I was peeing a little bit. I know this happens when you cough or sneeze, but I wasn't sure about contractions. So I texted Melissa asking her if that was normal. She calls me and as she is doing so, I literally wet my pants. I'm laughing at this point: E is sitting stranded on the toilet, I'm on the phone, and completely not in control as I 'pee' on myself. I wonder out loud on the phone as Melissa chimes in: bags of waters broke.

Melissa asks if it's been progressing and in the moment I blurt out, "Yes!" {when all I can think about is getting E to my parents and getting W back home} She ends with "I'm on my way." I called my parents, texted W, somehow clean myself and E up, and start to pack E's bag all the while trying to stay calm as E is still with me. I didn't really know what to expect from my body before everything and everyone was in place. 

W gets my text and immediately thinks the water heater broke and that he has to come home to a big 50 gallon watery mess. Then realizes that "no, it's the baby coming". My parents pick up E and reluctantly leave me alone while I wait for W and the midwives to show up. I totally brushed off their concern simply because nothing has picked up. During the next 45 minutes or so while I wait and keep myself busy with tidying up the house, I have only 4 or so contractions-- they definitely felt stronger but not very long. I could still do things through them. I'm actually a bit concerned at this point that I've cried "wolf" and the midwives will be just hanging out with us all day as we wait for this little boy. W doesn't really rush home either so he shows up at 12:30ish, two of the midwives: Melissa and Sunshine with her 2 year old, Penny, come around 12:45ish. 

They start to set up shop, W pulls out the Espresso maker to make the midwives lattes, and I get lunch ready for W. The two of us are super laxed and thinking we're in it for the long haul. My contractions started to increase in intensity at this point: I have to stop while making sandwiches and walk around downstairs. Once everyone feels at home Melissa checks baby's and my stats and I'm ready to kill some time so W and I headed outside to do some laps. Our complex is in a circle and with Ezra's birth, we seriously walked around like 50 times before I was over it. Poor, poor William. He's such a trooper as we head out the door, thinking about the next 49 laps he has to go. :) 

Four and half times around and I'm over it. It's hot. I can't talk or don't like be spoken to during contractions so we head in so I can change into shorts. It's about 2 pm now. Kerri, the last assistant, shows up. The best word I have to describe me at this point: a bit irritated. Ha. I'm thankful for William's kindness and hospitality at this point because I don't really greet Kerri. I'm still in complete denial/ignorance about my actual progress. If we had planned a hospital birth, we would have been pulling off on the side of the road because at 2 pm, I'm still not thinking "this is it!"...our hospital is a 30-45 minute drive away. It never crosses my mind that he's coming soon. Not because last time took awhile, but really, it's not hard work yet. 

Melissa is getting the tub ready in Ezra's room while I'm changing in our room. By this time, my contractions are starting to get a bit heavier and it takes a bit more focus to work through them. Melissa {the entire time knowing that this will go fast} has Kerri stay with me. I no longer like walking so Melissa has me kneel over our oversized chair in our bedroom. Kerri massages my back and legs. William is right next to me. Then it hits.

The next 4-6 contractions are way intense. I call them "dry cry contractions". Some women do a low moan, I literally dry sob {for lack of a better term} through them. They are strong, intense, and you'd do anything to avoid the next one coming. Between them, I manage to say that I don't like my position anymore and try to lay on the floor. This is worse. I have the faint awareness that I'll need to bear down soon {meaning push}. Melissa suggests the bed or the tub. There's no way I'll make it to the tub down the hall since I can barely imagine climbing the bed. With the help of William, Kerri, and Melissa, I'm able to get on the bed in the all fours position. And my body has just transitioned to pushing.

I became concerned, only because I thought it was way to early to be pushing. Based on the facts that I've only had 4-6 unbearable contractions and that this was similar to last time: the nurses told me not to push even though my body was forcing me...I didn't think it was okay to. Melissa said that my body knows what to do, listen to it, and the pushing will help dilate me faster. So push, I do. Let me just say that pushing is way better than just trying to relax during contractions. You actually get to do something with your body instead of just give in to what its doing. Pushing is a great stage! :) 

After about 3 short 'push sessions', Melissa checks my progress for the first time. She announces, "No more cervix, you're all clear!" I was really thankful that she said this, because any fear I had was now gone. He was on his way and my work was almost done. I had only maybe four more push sessions and at 2:59 pm, Theo was here!   

The midwives had me roll over to William's side of the bed, put Theo on my chest, checked everyone out and got to work cleaning up. 

Theo had a little facial bruising and a smashed nose from coming out so fast. 

What's awesome is that my mom texts William just then giving us an Ezra update and asking for an update on our side. W was able to text her a picture of her newest grandson! :)

So, I didn't get my water birth experience simply because Theo came faster than the prep work for the tub. Afterward, Melissa said I should get in anyway since it was all set up. It was the perfect 98 degree warmth to clean up and relax while Theo got his stats recorded. 

Theo getting weighed...

 He's already got over a half pound on his brother's birth weight!

Papa got some great bonding time in with Theo. Cuddling...

 And cleaning up a massive mess {oh, those Swenson boys!!}...

{and yes, I just posted a poop picture on our family blog!}

Gpa, Gma, and E came over a few hours later to check out the newest addition...

 See what I mean about newborn supply overload?! And to see how Mama was doing...

By 7:30, the house was entirely clean and in order, the bed had new sheets, a load of laundry was going and everyone was gone. It was as if it never happened at home. All that was left was just Papa, Mama, and little Theo with no interruptions and a comfy queen-sized bed to get some sleep {in between staring at this new little butterball and feedings!}