Sunday, May 24, 2009

Norah Update

Thursday night we had a false alarm. I'd been contracting most of the day. Once we went to bed, the contractions felt "crampier." I remember with Audrey that I had wanted to "experience" some of the more intense contractions before the epidural. Man, they got intense quickly! I was afraid I would get past the point of no return with this one so I nudged Matt around 10:30. My parents traded off Audrey & Reid duty and we headed to the hospital. 

They hooked me up to all the wires and L&D paraphernalia:

  • the clothespin on my left middle finger that was supposed to monitor my heartrate and oxygen levels (but I swear they just wanted to squeeze my finger until the circulation was cut off)
  • the blood pressure cuff of doom that hugged the life out of my right arm every 30 - 45 minutes
  • the fetal heart monitor that had to stay in the exact right place or else 
  • the monitor that measured the contractions that had the same parameters as the fetal heart monitor
  • not to mention the towel made of sandpaper laying beneath me that gave my bottom a facial
Normally, if true labor and birth were inevitably on the not-so-distant horizon, these wouldn't bother me. However, when I was checked upon arrival I had progressed very little from my doctor's appointment.  I was barely over a 1 and still only 50% effaced. Ugh. As I lay there for the next two hours, I just knew they were going to send me home. This made all of the above monitors, etc. especially annoying. 

The most comfortable position for me was my right side. Unfortunately, the wire attached to the clothespin on my left hand was too short. I had to wriggle my way (without disturbing the fetal heart monitor & contraction monitor) onto my right side while keeping my left hand towards the left side of the bed. It was a terrible game of L&D Twister. I eventually discovered I could put my left hand on my face and this provided a little bit of comfort. 

I had finally settled into a somewhat comfortable position at around 1 am. I couldn't wait to fall asleep.  And then, the cuff. The plastic bore a perfect impression around my right biceps. No rest for the weary. Meanwhile, Matt snoozed annoyingly well in the recliner. 

The nurse came in an hour later to confirm my suspicions. I had made very little progress. After forcing a small dose of Ambien on me, she let me go, saying, "I'll probably see you this afternoon!"

Well, that was Thursday and it's Tuesday. 

Honestly, it's been nice to have the break. Matt took the weekend off just in case. This has provided a sweet retreat for our family before the madness begins. Definitely a blessing in disguise. 

I've included a picture below taken right before we left for the hospital. I pretty much look the same. (This one's especially for my sister-in-law Tiffany :) )


If nothing happens between now and then, I will be induced on Friday morning - a week before Matt is scheduled to be speaking in North Carolina at Advance '09.

20 comments:

Colored With Memories said...

love, love, love your description of all of the monitors and wires...you are so funny!

sorry for your false alarm...she'll be here soon enough it sounds like! so excited for y'all...we'll be praying that all goes perfectly!

debra parker said...

you look great!

Liz said...

Well, Lauren...I don't know what to say except that I am praying that Norah will make her awaited appearance very soon...like today!!!!
You look lovely, as always. And I am glad that you all enjoyed your family time.
Prayers and blessings!

Crystal Malek said...

You look beautiful! Not 9 months pregnant, for sure. I do hate those false alarms. Especially when you're sooo ready to meet your little one. We'll keep you guys in prayer this week as you prepare to meet sweet Norah.

The Bobo Buzz said...

How CUTE are you?!! Seeing this picture, makes me miss you that much more for some reason..I'm praying for a quick and easy delivery!! :) Love you and miss you...and can't wait to meet ms. norah!!

Amanda said...

Lauren, I'll be praying for you this week! Hang in there!

Kari said...

You look great! I'll be praying the baby comes sooner rather than later...a week old and 2 others and a husband out of town...yuck.

rachel said...

Hi Lauren!
My husband & I recently started listening to The Village podcasts, and I was so excited when I saw you had a blog! Your family is adorable. Best wishes with the last couple weeks of your pregnancy!
God bless.

Colleen said...

You don't look 9 months pregnant one bit!!! You look amazing Lauren!!! :) I hope that she gets here soon!!!

The Shaffers said...

I don't ever want to see an electric blood pressure cuff again in this lifetime! I swear it was going to cut my arm off everytime it squeezed. I will definitely be praying for you and your family, especially understanding about the hubby having to go out of town. Let me know if you need ANYTHING while he is away!!!!

Pioneering In India said...

I know you guys can't wait to meet Nora....she will definitely be worth the wait!! Praying for your family as well as your labor.

Anna said...

You don't know me:), but I emailed you at Themchandlers@gmail.com when I read this post!!!

Jaime said...

You look so adorable and so tiny!

We are so disappointed to miss Advance 09. I have a c/s scheduled that weekend. Our church has a crew of people headed down to Durham for the conference. You are a rock star to be sans hubby with a one week old. We will be praying for your family!

Elizabeth said...

You are too cute!! I can't wait to see pictures and find out when she makes her debut!! Sending all the hugs and love we can from Austin!!

David said...

Looks like the quilt and bumpers are finished;)
Love you and we are praying for you all!
Love,
Keri

Nominate someone or something in need said...

hang in there:) we are praying for you guys:))

jaredstill said...

My wife & I are praying for you & your family Lauren!

Anonymous said...

Girl, I feel your pain. I had all those horrible monitors on for 30 hours before my boy finally showed his face. No sleep at all.....
Glad she's here and you're all safe and sound!

Ashley said...

Congrats Lauren! I just read your Twitter. Can't wait to see the pics.

christina said...

Wanted to say that I am praying for you and your sweet family! May God keep you and baby Norah in His hands- Safe & Sound!