Lydia's Birth Story

Here is the crazy story of how sweet little Miss Lydia entered the world. This story is very different from my last delivery, which I will back track and do a post about soon. 

So, this was my second pregnancy. The whole pregnancy was different. I got pregnant first try, which did not happen last time. I was sick this time. I made it to my due date this time. All in all, it was just a different experience. Boy vs girl pregnancy? Maybe. I think every pregnancy is just different. 

With my son, I made it to week 39 and then he came into the world. Lydia was not coming early. I was due on Thursday, April 18 and honestly shocked when I made it to that day and went in for my 40 week appointment. My doctor is truly amazing (Dr. Patel at UTMB if you are looking for a great doctor) and she wanted to be supportive and do whatever I felt was right. She did tell me I couldn't go more than a week overdue. She gave me the option to come in that night or Sunday night or Monday.... as long as I did it soon. I was so torn. I was scared, honestly. My water broke the last time and I was still induced with Pitocin  but I have heard horror stories about inductions and I just wasn't sure. The husband and I headed for a Target run and discussed it. (Doesn't everyone go to Target when you are stressed? LOL)

Luckily, we had packed bags just in case. We started thinking about our options. We ultimately decided to go ahead and go into L & D that evening after one last good dinner. We headed to Chili's (this turned out to be a bad idea later) to have dinner with his parents and Landry before heading to the hospital. 

We arrived at the hospital and I was in the room at 7:30. We met the doctors that were on duty that night and I was hooked up to a monitor. Immediately the nurse noticed something that didn't look right. She told me the baby was having a variable in her heart rate. Her heart rate would take a dip and stay there for a minute or two and then go back up. I was also having crazy long contractions- 5-6 minutes long. I really wasn't feeling these. These drops in heart rate were happening with the contractions. This is when the doctor came in and started explaining other options to us, in case we had to go that route. I knew then that this was not going to be easy. The plan was to give me some medication to help my cervix prepare for birth, but they chose not to go that route and use the bulb to help open it up instead. That was inserted. The heart rate drops continued to happen. My doctor arrived. We discussed more options. They had to stop making me contract, so they gave me some medicine for that. Everyone was so supportive and wanted to let me know we could keep trying for a vaginal birth. My doctor knows me. She knows I can't make a decision. She knows I just need her expert advice. She was honest and told me she felt the baby would not handle the stress of labor. It could be caused by so many things. She could be holding on to the cord, the cord could be wrapped, etc. The main problem was contractions. I have to contract to be able to give birth and when I did, the heart rate dropped. It wasn't likely going to work. We began to talk about a c-section. I am not one of those moms that goes in having an elaborate birth plan. I don't get my hopes up or stress out when things don't go as planned. I just want a healthy baby at the end of it all. Whatever you have to do to make that happen, I am game for it. Tyler and I talked it over and we chose a c-section. The chances that I would endure 12, 14, 18 hours of labor and then have to have an emergency c-section in the end were high, so we chose not to wait on that and have it be a panic situation. We chose to just go ahead and opt for it. We wanted to get the baby here and not put her through anymore stress. 

As soon as the decision was made, things happened very quickly. They started prepping me for the OR. Tyler got ready. They took us down to the OR and set me up. I was given a spinal tap and it began. No more than 10 minutes after it started, at 11:16 p.m., Lydia was crying and it was over. The scary part was that the cord was not only wrapped, but wrapped THREE times around her neck. I would not have been able to deliver her without causing her stress and likely a c-section would have happened anyways. We made the right decision. 

I think of what could have happened. What if I had waited a few more days? What if I had chosen to keep trying for a vaginal birth? What if...what if... I know God was guiding us in the right direction. I am so thankful that we went that night. I am thankful that I had an amazing team of doctors and nurses that took great care of me. I am thankful Dr. Patel is so amazing! I am thankful that my baby girl is here with us, unharmed, healthy and happy. 

The worst part of my recovery to this day was throwing up that Chili's after the c-section. This was caused by the anesthesia. It was awful. If I could go back, I wouldn't have eaten. Other than that, I am on the mend. I have to take it easy and can't lift things or do much. That is hard for me to do, but I am trying. I plan to do more posts about vaginal vs c-section, the differences in my pregnancies, etc. More to come. 

Slowly making my way back...

It has been a little while! Here is a little of what has been going on in my life lately that has slowed blogging down for me. 

1. I took a social media detox and successfully went without Facebook or Instagram for the Lent season.
2. I read and studied my bible daily during that time and am still continuing to do so.
3. I was busy at work getting everything prepared for my maternity leave, which I am now on.
4. I was busy at home doing the same- getting the nursery completed, house cleaned and organized so we would be ready for baby girl Lydia's arrival.

I plan on trying to blog as much as possible while I am home, but I can't make any promises! Mommin to 2 kids is busy and that is my priority! 

Blog topics coming up:

Lydia's birth story
Nursery tour- maybe I will finally get to this
Breastfeeding story

Those are just a few topics that I have in mind for the near future! Hope to be back for a blog really soon! 

Just bloggin.....update

So, I still have a couple blog topics that I want to cover in regards to babies, BUT I keep forgetting to take pictures of Lydia's nursery so that one will have to be put on hold. I also want to do one on fav baby items, but I figure I will combine the two so.... to be continued on that. 

I am just going to do an update on life in general today:

Update on my Lent challenge: I have not been on Facebook or Instagram since March 6. I can't describe the feeling it brings. Less drama, less worry, less care.... more time for other important things. I have read so many books, spent more time with my son and family, been happier overall. I have a new outlook on things. While I will not give it up permanently, I do know that my time spent on social media will be MUCH LESS when I do return. Life is so much more important than the social world out there. I truly needed the break and the detox and I am beyond glad I took it.

I have also been reading my Bible passages daily and still keeping up with my First 5 readings as well. I love taking time to reflect on His word and feel good about how close it makes me feel to Him.

Family update:

I am almost 38 weeks pregnant with baby girl, Lydia Jo. Things are going well. I don't feel any closer to labor than I did last time. With my son, my water broke in the middle of the night and that was it. Off to the hospital and 23 hours later, he was here. He came at 39 weeks. I hear so many different things from people about how their second labor was different from the first. It's hard to tell what this baby will do, but I am find waiting and letting her come when she is ready. 

Landry can tell something is going on. We talk about the baby and while I think he somewhat understands, I don't think he gets the whole idea. I don't know that he will until she is here. I do know he is attached to us like no other right now and going through a bit of a 2 year old phase where he thinks he is the boss. He is just pressing the limits and learning how to be a little person and we are trying to be patient and stern at the same time. Toddler life is tough!

Work update: I am still working and will be until this baby pops out! I am very fortunate to have a job I absolutely LOVE and has been much easier on me this pregnancy. 

Business update: Ever has been great lately. They have been having a lot of great monthly specials and just set up another one. Business has been good! The new foundation they put out is AMAZING and my fav! As always, if you'd like to check it out: www.everskin.com/with/melissaanderson

Feel free to email or message me for more info, coupons, etc.

msenseney05@aol.com

Hair: I cut my hair over the weekend! I LOVE IT! Right before I had Landry, I cut my hair off and it was so easy to manage with a baby, because you know you don't have time for yourself much the first few weeks. 

Have a fabulous Tuesday folks! 

Spending time with Landry before baby #2

Last week, I talked a little about the fears that come with having a second baby. I don't think I am different than any mom in that I fear the change, fear the added responsibility and how I will juggle it all, fear how it will change life for my 2 year old. While there are fears, there is also excitement! I can't wait to see Landry be a big brother and to see the bond he and his sister will share. Our little family will be complete and it makes my heart happy! 

I have been taking some time to focus on Landry more in the last weeks of my pregnancy. I know these are the last weeks that we will have with him as an only child. I want to make the transition as easy for him as possible. I want him to feel loved and cared for. I don't want him to feel as though the baby came along and took his place. He is and will always be the boy who made me a mom and my first baby. Here are some of the things I have done with him, as his sister's arrival approaches:

1. I have included him in setting up her room. We talk about the baby. He comes in the room with me when I am working to organize and set things up. He gets excited about it and says "ooooo momma, look!". I tell him that this is his baby sister's room. Lots of things we have are his old baby gear and toys. I let him explore with them and play with them as he wants to. I tell him that those are for the baby and he is now a big boy. He seems really interested in the room and excited (for now- lol).

2. I have been taking more time after school and on weekends to spend time with him doing whatever he wants to do. We go outside and play, we go to the store, we play and read, and we cuddle- lots of cuddling. I know many people think you are supposed to stay home with a new baby for like ever at the beginning, but I think this time around will be much different. I cannot lock Landry and I up in the house because we have a new baby. He is a 2 year old and needs to get out and explore the world. While I will take precaution to protect my baby from germs, she will also have to learn to roll with it, because I don't want Landry to feel that the fun is gone because baby is here. We will learn to manage and do things together as a family. Luckily, I have two very supportive babysitters- my mom and mother-in-law, who will come with me and help me out as I need it.

3. This one isn't a fun one, but I have had to teach Landry a little more responsibility and discipline. When he is the only one that I have to focus my attention on, it's a little easier to let some things slide, but as we get ready for a new baby- I have had to get serious about some things. He helps me with things that he can help with- picking up, going to get himself a bottle of water, he even tries to feed the dog and is pretty good at it. I have also had to be stricter with rules. He has had to learn that no means no. It's a tough transition at 2 but he is getting it. I need him to be safe and good while I give the baby attention. He really is a good boy and does a great job.


I cannot wait to see how things work out with a new baby girl in the family. I know it's going to be a whole new adventure!

What things did you do to prepare your child or kids for a new baby?

The fear of having baby #2

This week has been a little busier than I expected. As a mom, especially a working mom, you never really know what the week will bring. I haven't had the chance to blog too much this week, so some of my blog posts will have to wait until next week. Today I am going to talk a little about having baby #2 and the fears that come with having another baby.

Lots of people never talk about the fears that come with having a baby. Yes, it is a blessing. Babies are wonderful. But, there are some scary things that come along with that. 


To have another baby or not.....
I am not going to lie. We contemplated having a second child. Landry made us so happy, we weren't sure we wanted another child. I know deep down, I knew I wanted to have another, but it is something you have to really think about. Being responsible for another little person. What changes will that mean for your family. So many things to think about. In the end, we left it up to God. I had a little bit of a hard time getting pregnant with Landry, so we decided just to try and if it happened, it did. If it didn't, we would be perfectly happy with our amazing son. Well, first try I was pregnant, so I am guessing that was God's way of saying YES!


How life changes......
You get so used to your routine and life with one. As they grow older, things get easier. The thought of starting over with another seems intimidating. Waking up all night, breastfeeding again, being restricted to what you can eat and drink, pumping, the demands of a newborn, and so much more. Landry is in such a good place right now. He has independence. He can feed himself, play by himself, tell me what he wants and needs.... we are in a good spot. AND we are about to start over again. Sigh. It no longer seems so daunting of a task. As we get closer and closer to the due date and Lydia's arrival, the more excited I get thinking about having another little person to love. I remind myself that everything with a baby is just a season. It doesn't last forever. In fact, it goes by so fast!


The world we live in.....
I think all the time about this crazy world we live in. Bringing kids into the world today is no easy decision to make. I worry about things people believe in, say and do. I worry that my kids will be surrounded by things that we just don't believe in. There is no more of the "good ole day" mentality or there are very few people who believe in that. Who believe in God first. Who believe in what the bible says. Who raise their kids that way. Instead, we are surrounded by those who believe in political correctness, gender neutral, science or spiritual but not religious, and so much more. It's scary. I decided that while I can't shield my kids completely from that world, the best thing I can do is to help them learn about God, take them to church, teach them everything I can, and pray for the best. The world is not changing for the better, but I hope my kids can remain solid in their foundation and focus on the most important things, even amidst a crazy world! 

Here is another post about this---- it is obviously something many women struggle with. 
https://www.scarymommy.com/i-was-scared-to-have-a-second-child/

I know when Lydia gets here, my heart will explode. I will love watching her and Landry grow up together and all will be right in the world. I am not ashamed to share my fears though. Did you have fears having another child? How did you deal with it? 

All The Little Children book review and movie review of Green Book

Over Spring Break, thanks to my social media detox, I had plenty of time to read and watch movies. Amazing what can happen when you aren't glued to social media all day.

The book I read over the week was "All The Little Children" by Jo Furniss. Here is the summary from Good Reads. I use Good Reads often to find books that I might like to read. 

Struggling with working-mother guilt, Marlene Greene hopes a camping trip in the forest will provide quality time with her three young children—until they see fires in the distance, columns of smoke distorting the sweeping view. Overnight, all communication with the outside world is lost.

Knowing something terrible has happened, Marlene suspects that the isolation of the remote campsite is all that’s protecting her family. But the arrival of a lost boy reveals they are not alone in the woods, and as the unfolding disaster ravages the land, more youngsters seek refuge under her wing. The lives of her own children aren’t the only ones at stake.

When their sanctuary is threatened, Marlene faces the mother of all dilemmas: Should she save her own kids or try to save them all?

Ever since watching "The Walking Dead", I enjoy the post apocalyptic type book every now and then. This book was kinda on that wavelength. I won't spoil it for anyone who might want to read it. It was a quick read. There were parts of it that kept me reading. Overall, I would say it was a 3 out of 5. There were no zombies or anything like that. There were times when it really made you think like a mom and wonder what you do if you were in Marlene's shoes. The best part about it was that it was free with my Prime subscription. Do you have Prime? Do you read the free reads? I am actually already on to my next read- "Say You're Sorry" and that one is one I can't put down! Excited to finish it.

Now, on to the movie I watched. Green Book.

AMAZING. I loved this movie! If you have not had a chance to watch this, do it! It is based on the true story of Don Shirley, a classical and jazz pianist. It tells the story of the journey he took to play down south during the 60s and his relationship with his driver and bodyguard, Tony. It really evokes emotion about that time and what he had to go through. I truly enjoyed it and both actors in it- Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen were amazing! I love Ali anyways from True Detective, but he really did a great job in this movie and Viggo- he was so funny and so raw. 

Have you seen any good movies lately? Read any good books?

SPRING BREAK!

I'm baaaaaack! I knew I wouldn't get the chance to blog much over Spring Break and I sure didn't get to once. It was a very busy break. 


Lent Challenge
I am still reading my Bible passages daily as part of what I am adding in to my Lent time. I also continue to read my first5 passages daily as well. I really love daily devotional time and feel very connected to God.

I am also still on my social media detox. I don't use Facebook or Instagram right now. Some things I have done in place of wasting that time: cooked, spent more time with Landry, gone outside more, worked out, read a book over the break, spent time with my husband, watched several movies.....just had more time where I am not distracted by other people's lives and I actually get to live mine. I honestly don't miss it. It isn't as hard as I thought. I know I won't completely stay off of it forever, but I do know my time with it will change drastically after the Lent season is over. I am still determining what that will look like, but I will be talking about it soon.


A couple of topics that I will be writing about this week:

• The book I read and movies I watched over spring break
• Time with Landry before baby #2 comes
• Nursery for Lydia
• Baby favorites

My side gig has a great deal going on right now if any of you readers are interested! 

This deal is only good until the end of the month- order a regimen and you will get the complexion quickie ($115 set) FREE! I love it all. 

www.everskin.com/with/melissaanderson

Feel free to email me with questions! 

OHHHHH I almost forgot! The husband and I celebrated 4 years of marriage this week! We went to the Houston Rodeo and saw Kings of Leon. It was a great time. Funny thing, we forgot it was our actual anniversary a few days later- LOL! I guess you can say that we are in a "busy" season of life. We are blessed with a great marriage and truly feel we are married to our best friend. We don't do gifts or anything. Instead we try to share time and experiences with each other around that time. What do you and your spouse do for anniversaries?

I look forward to a great week of blogging! :)