In the hospital

Our hospital stay was a bit longer than the typical 24 hours due to the fact that Brylen was born at night and they do not discharge patients at night, so we had to stay an extra night before being released on the second morning.  To say I was ready to go home by the time we were discharged would be an understatement.  I was SO ready to go home, sleep in my own bed (undisturbed by nurses), and be with my sweet family.  In fact, there may or may not have been a few tears shed over the fact that I was READY to go home.  

But we were well taken care of and had a pleasant experience (minus the fact that they didn't have a nursery to send your baby to which meant little to no sleep).  Already in the hospital I could tell my recovery was much better this time around.  I was amazed at how good I felt.  I remember feeling like I got hit by a train after having Alayna and this time around I was dreading that same experience, but to my surprise recovery has gone so much better.  And I think part of that is because this is my second time around and my body knows what to do and the other part is the fact that I didn't have an epidural.  They say recovery is easier if you don't have an epidural and from my experience, I would say it's true.

Enough of the boring details, on to the pictures....

Just minutes old.  Look at that double chin.

And cheeks.

Grandma holding Brylen for the first time.  Look at all her hair.  Although, Alayna did have more, Brylen does indeed have a head full as well.

Kisses.  We can't stop giving her kisses.

Sleeping angel.

Is that a smile I see?!?

Dressed and ready to go home.

Birth story

By the time we made it to the hospital, signed some papers, got dressed and hooked up to the monitors, it was about 5:00 pm.  The nurse checked me and said I was a 4 and 70% effaced and the monitor was reading that I was having some contractions.  I wasn't surprised since earlier in the day I would feel a contraction here and there, but nothing real consistent.

The nurse told me they wanted to try and get the baby's head lower and suggested I walk for awhile to see if we could get my labor to progress on its own.  So Dan and I went to the cafeteria, got a quick bite to eat, and proceeded to walk laps around the hospital parking lot for an hour.

On the way back into the maternity wing, the nurses stopped me and told me that from the front, when they saw me on the security camera, they didn't think I was coming to the right place.  They couldn't believe how I didn't look pregnant until I turned to the side.  (Isn't that the story of this pregnancy.) 

After returning to our room, I was checked again to find that I was still a 4 but her head was a lot farther down and Dr. Guerrero would soon be in to break my water.  I was a little apprehensive about her breaking my water.  Mostly because I didn't know if it would hurt, but also because I knew once she did, then my labor would really start going.  At least one of my fears was lessened when I didn't feel a thing as the doctor broke my water.  But less than 15 minutes later, my other fear was confirmed when I could indeed feel my contractions getting stronger and closer together.  

The nurses then informed me they would monitor me for an hour, and then let me walk for another hour and half, and that would be the routine throughout my labor, alternating between monitoring and walking.    Well, to my benefit, we didn't have to go through many cycles of monitoring and walking before Brylen came.

Once my hour of monitoring was done, at about 8:30pm, I was unhooked and given permission to walk.  By this point my contractions were a lot stronger and I wasn't sure I would be able to walk, but I figured I would try.  Dan helped me get situated with my robe and slippers, but it was soon evident that I was not going anywhere.  If there was any walking, it would be done in my room.  But with each contraction, all I wanted to do was sit down and lean against Dan.  

Speaking of Dan, he was AMAZING!  He massaged my back and helped steady me for each contraction.  He seriously was the perfect support.   We were amazed with how fast and strong each contraction was.  In fact, most of the time I was not getting a break between each one.  

At 10:00 pm my hour and a half was up and the nurse came in to check me to find that I was fully dilated and ready to push.  Within 15 minutes they had the room prepped and got the doctor.  It was at this point before pushing that the pain was quite intense.   I remember turning to Dan and saying, "I don't want to do this anymore."  To which he kindly responded with a chuckle, "I don't think you have a choice."  The contractions were one right on top of another and I was ready to be done.  I then asked Dan to pray for me.  I was scared because I knew I would be pushing soon and I had never done it without an epidural before.  I didn't know if I could do it. 

Just before we were ready, the doctor asked me, "Do you remember how to push?" To which I replied, "We'll soon find out."   And I did indeed remember.  Five pushes later, at 10:51pm Brylen was born!  I was so overwhelmed with a sense of happiness.  Our beautiful baby girl was here!  And she was perfect.

What an amazing and unforgettable experience!  I could not have asked for a better labor experience.  I am so grateful for the miracle of pregnancy as well as the miracle of giving birth.  I am completely grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me these experiences and giving me another precious daughter whom we love to pieces!  There is nothing more beautiful than meeting a sweet little spirit from Heaven for the first time.  I am humbled and so incredibly blessed to be the mother of this sweet little angel.

Now, for some pictures.

Waiting for our little princess to arrive. 

Right after she was born.  Mommy and Brylen meeting for the first time.

Just minutes old.

All wrapped up.  

Mommy and sweet baby.

The before

The days leading up to Brylen's arrival were filled with fun.  Wednesday, April 4th my mom arrived and Alayna was beside herself with joy.  From the moment my mom arrived, Alayna claimed her as her playmate and my mom did a FANTASTIC job of playing and keeping Alayna entertained.

Thursday was filled with last minute errands and fun activities.  It was Dan's first day off his night shifts so we took advantage of him being around.  In the morning my mom and I went to the temple and did initiatories.  For the past year or so, our good family friend, Roberta, has watched Alayna every Thursday morning so I can go and do initiatories at the temple.  I have gained friendships with the sweet older ladies that work there and they have been anticipating the arrival of our little one.  When Roberta offered for me to go one last time before I had the baby, I was thrilled!  And it was neat to go with my mom.  The ladies were so cute and couldn't believe I was still around and hadn't had my baby yet.  (Guess they didn't know about my family's genes of going late.)

After the temple I went straight to the doctor for my final check up where I found I was a "good 3" and 80% effaced.  We were still on schedule to be induced the next day (my due date).  I found out I was second on the list, but I could call at 8 am and find out when they would take me.

With all that being finalized, I decided one last trip to the Gingerbread & Co. (a super cute craft store) was in order.  And then on to get a pedicure with my mom.  (It was her first time EVER getting a pedicure and I think she enjoyed the experience. :) But before we did that, we took Alayna to McDonalds for lunch for a fun little outing.  She had a great time.

Then later that night, my mom volunteered to watch Alayna while Dan and I went on one last date....to see the Hunger Games.  We both enjoyed the movie and had a great time spending a little extra time alone.  Although I will admit, watching a movie in the theater while a day away from your due date, was not the most comfortable experience.  I kept repositioning, trying to get more comfortable, which caused poor Dan to be a little bit on edge and continuously asking if I was ok.  But it was fun nonetheless.

Friday, April 6th.  My due date.  I called the hospital in the morning to find out that they were, and I quote, "Kind of a little bit busy."  And they would call me in the afternoon.  Well, I ended up calling in the afternoon to find out the status and they said there were a few ladies in preterm labor and they were still busy.  They said they would call me in the evening, which never happened.  And I decided to let it go because I would rather sleep in my own bed.

Saturday, April 7th, we awoke to Alayna coming in our room.  Since it was Easter weekend, we told her that somebody came in the middle of the night and left surprises for her.  Then we asked her who she thought it was.  And she exclaimed, "The baby!" (If only it were that easy.)  Then we realized that maybe that was a little misleading. We told her the baby hasn't come yet, but the Easter Bunny came in the middle of the night and left some surprises.  (More on that later.)

So, we had our Easter celebration and Alayna went to an Easter egg hunt at the church that morning as well, while I got ready and called the hospital to find out what the status was.  They informed me they were aware of me, but they still were pretty full and they would call in the early afternoon.

We dyed Easter eggs, spent time as a family, and napped/relaxed while we waited for the phone call that didn't happen.  So I called at 4:00pm and was given the go ahead to come in.  We left a somewhat apprehensive girl (crazy how kids can sense when things are about to change) at 4:30pm and were on our way to have a baby!

And here are my last belly shots at 40 weeks.  You know I love you when I show you a picture of my belly like the one below.  I was slouching and not in the most flattering position, but we thought it was funny how it made my belly look.  I truly carry my babies all.out.in.front.  And this picture proves it.

    

Excited soon-to-be big sister.

A close up.  While this may not be all that flattering, it's reality.  My belly at 40 weeks.

At home

Some family members have been wanting more pics of Miss Brylen and we are happy to oblige.

Here's a few pics from her first few days at home. 

Cuddling with daddy.

Cuddling with mommy.  We've got a snuggler on our hands.

Look at those cheeks.  I believe we have a similar picture of Alayna.  :)

Grandma and Brylen.

He adores her.

All wrapped up after her bath.

Rest assured there is more to come.  :)

She's here!

Miss Brylen

arrived April 7th

10:51 pm

7 lbs. 11 oz.  

19in. long

We are in LOVE!

A few pics to tide the family over.

Big sister holding Brylen for the first time.  Alayna was in heaven!

 First family pic.

 First time holding Brylen at home.  Um, is this not the cutest picture ever?!?

Strapped in and ready to go home!

More pictures to come.   (Trust me there's lots more.)

As if she didn't already have enough

I know you were all concerned that this baby won't have enough bows, so I took it upon myself to make a few more.  

My hands were begging to do something while watching conference this weekend, and this is the result.

39 weeks

One week left.  EEK!  It is a matter of days 'til we meet this little one.  We're excited and a little nervous.  It seems like it has been FOREVER since we've had a newborn in our home and I feel like there is so much I have forgotten.....yet at the same time I vividly remember a lot of things as well.  Some things you never forget.  :)


I don't know if Dan or Alayna is the most excited.  (They might be tied.)  Dan is quite anxious this time and I finally asked him why he was, and he sweetly said, "I guess it's because I don't really get to be a part of things until she's actually here.  You get to feel her all the time, but I don't get to play a role until she arrives."  Oh how I love that man.  He is SUCH a good father and he is SO excited to have another Daddy's girl.   (Which I am sure she will be.  I mean how can she not?)


Alayna is constantly talking about "when her baby comes".  And apparently she thinks the baby will come in the form of a UPS package because today when I said, "It won't be very long before Mommy goes to the hospital to get our baby and then she can live with us."  And she said something to the effect of, "No.  We get our baby when they ring the doorbell. "  That's logical right?  I can completely see how that makes sense to her.  Almost all of our other "presents" come that way.  Why not our baby?  Oh, if it was only that easy.


Now, for the details.  I am dilated between a 2 and a 3.  And we are tentatively scheduled for induction on Friday (my due date) or possibly the day after.  The doctor says things are looking good enough to be induced.  They will just double check to make sure everything is still good at another doctor's appointment on Thursday.


My mom is flying in tomorrow and Dan's last night shift is tomorrow as well.  So (fingers-crossed), the timing of everything may work out.  If Dan didn't have such a crazy schedule and we didn't have to schedule my mom coming (due to us living so far away), I probably would just hang on and let this baby come on her own.  But who knows, she might just do that anyway.  It would be great if she was like Alayna and my water breaks on the day of induction.  Then I would know she was ready to come anyway.  I don't want to rush her too much.  :)