Wanna know what chaos is? Trying to do a newborn shoot of your chunky son who is now 9.5 pounds a week after his birth and can't fit into any of the props you bought specifically for the session. Add in a tired and cranky toddler and a prima donna preschooler running around the studio trying to play with props and backdrops. And a woman who technically isn't supposed to be working.
Memories in the making?
Here's a link to a few of the shots: http://www.stephanieleblancphotography.com/2013/06/meet-drummond/
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Drum's Birth
I'm going to try and write all of this down so I don't forget in the future.
I had been having prodromal labor for a little over a week. Drum was breech (again) and the contractions were moving him into a favorable position. It was a pain, but it was worth it. I figured that every contraction I had before active labor was one less one that I would have during. They were time-able and I was uncomfortable, but that was life. I figured I'd go overdue for sure since Tony was an early bird.
People kept asking when he was coming and my crystal ball kept failing and life went on. My 39 week appointment came and went. Wednesday I tried to get work done in the studio. I refused to sit down and see how far apart the contractions were actually getting at this point. I was in denial.
Thursday morning came and Beau started getting ready for work. Tony got up and tried to kick me out of bed, so I put a pillow over my head and hid. Auds came in and I sent her right back out to ask her dad. Then.... I felt it. That unmistakable "pop" and gush. No. No, way.
I rushed to the bathroom where B came to check on me before going to work. I told him "Yeah, you're not going to work today. My water just broke." He asked if I was sure and I told him I generally don't make a habit of peeing on myself. He set off to get the kids ready while I called the midwife and the sibling doula. Half an hour later we were ready to go.
On the road I got an inquiry for maternity portraits - phone and email. I politely responded that I couldn't since I was in labor myself. And we drove. The birth center is across state lines (our state is really backwards regarding out-of-hospital births, so we had to drive about 2 hours) so we drove for a while. As we were driving through a remote area, we saw my midwife on the side of the road. She saw us and called my cell - her tire blew out.
So, we made illegal use of the "emergency vehicles only" turn arounds to go get her. We were going to the same place after all. We got Drum's car seat out, got her in, and got on the road. About half an hour later we arrived at the birth center. We unloaded the kids and the stuff. Did a round of vitals and got to business. I did some aromatherapy, took cottonwood bark every 15 minutes, pumped about 3 or 4 times, all that fun stuff to encourage active labor. I would have had to transfer to the hospital if I didn't deliver within 24 hours, and I didn't drive across the state border for a hospital birth!
In between I watched the kids as they played with the sibling doula we hired. That was the best decision ever! The kids got to be there and be a part of the birth experience, but had entertainment so they wouldn't destroy the place. They had stickers, did chalk, went for ice cream, painted piggy banks, etc. They even covered my belly in stickers for Drum. I ate pizza and chocolate and even napped. Now, THAT's a labor experience!
I had only progressed from a 2 (which I had been at for a month) to a 4, so my midwife locked Beau and I in the birthing suite without our iPhones with the instructions to focus and visualize getting Drum in a good position - he was ROT, needed to be LOP. So, I sat there on my birthing ball and focused. And progressed to a 6. Time to get in the tub!
We filled up the tub and things really kicked off from there. I went to 10 and transition super quick. I could feel the urge to push and felt his head moving down so I told Beau to go get our midwife. So, dilation and transition was done and he was in the birth canal after 12 hours. Then came the fun part.
Twenty two and a half minutes of active pushing. Yes, you read that right. This was continuous pushing because I was hemorrhaging so much that my midwife thought the placenta was detached - which can mean bad news. So I really had to work so make sure that he wouldn't be oxygen deprived. Holy ring of fire. I remember the ring of fire with the others, but they were so small it was over in an instant. I even grunted. Once, but it was something. I am not a loud laborer. I internalize everything and you may hear me breath, but that's it. I was almost embarrassed that I did grunt, which is pretty funny in retrospect.
But, he came out without any interventions. I turned around and picked up my baby. I was so blissfully happy with the little miracle in my arms. Thankfully, the placenta was not detached, so there wasn't any problems. I did, however, hemmorage. A LOT. My midwife told the assistant that if you can shine a flashlight in the water and see the bottom, everything is okay. My water could have been the Red Sea before Moses got to it - ain't nothing was parting through that. I got kicked out of the tub.
Got in the bed and delivered the placenta, nursed, and got covered up so the kids could come in. They LOVED him and were so excited to meet him. After some bonding, we sent them out so B could cut the cord (then he got kicked out, too - he's squeamish about that stuff) and they could assess the situation. Everyone was trying to be cool, but we were working hard to prevent a hospital transfer. It took 2 vials of Pitocin and some amazing Chinese herbs to stop the bleeding. I also had 4th degree lacerations which took so many stitches that we lost count.
Once we got that taken care of, I took a shower while my midwife did the newborn exam. B got to help weigh him - 8 pounds, 10 ounces! My biggest baby by 2 pounds! He was 20 inches long, 14&1/4 head circumference, and a head of BLONDE hair!
I had to stay at the birth center for a while for monitoring to make sure I was okay, and we ended up being able to leave around 1 in the morning. Our midwife and sibling doula live by each other so they drove back together - we didn't abandon her!
We stopped once about an hour in to nurse and made it home about 3:30am. Since then I've been recovering and we've been bonding as a family. B has had me take it easy to I don't pop a suture or tear or bleed again. The kids have been their active selves and Drum has been nursing around the clock.
He nurses so much that at his postpartum home visit today he weighed in at 9 pounds. 9 pounds at not even a week old. He's a big boy!
Of course, I brought my camera to the birth center and took pictures. I even handed it over to the assistant midwife so she could get some pictures with me in them. Don't worry, there's no shots of the actual birth or hemorrhaging or stitching up. But, it's pretty sweet.
I had been having prodromal labor for a little over a week. Drum was breech (again) and the contractions were moving him into a favorable position. It was a pain, but it was worth it. I figured that every contraction I had before active labor was one less one that I would have during. They were time-able and I was uncomfortable, but that was life. I figured I'd go overdue for sure since Tony was an early bird.
People kept asking when he was coming and my crystal ball kept failing and life went on. My 39 week appointment came and went. Wednesday I tried to get work done in the studio. I refused to sit down and see how far apart the contractions were actually getting at this point. I was in denial.
Thursday morning came and Beau started getting ready for work. Tony got up and tried to kick me out of bed, so I put a pillow over my head and hid. Auds came in and I sent her right back out to ask her dad. Then.... I felt it. That unmistakable "pop" and gush. No. No, way.
I rushed to the bathroom where B came to check on me before going to work. I told him "Yeah, you're not going to work today. My water just broke." He asked if I was sure and I told him I generally don't make a habit of peeing on myself. He set off to get the kids ready while I called the midwife and the sibling doula. Half an hour later we were ready to go.
On the road I got an inquiry for maternity portraits - phone and email. I politely responded that I couldn't since I was in labor myself. And we drove. The birth center is across state lines (our state is really backwards regarding out-of-hospital births, so we had to drive about 2 hours) so we drove for a while. As we were driving through a remote area, we saw my midwife on the side of the road. She saw us and called my cell - her tire blew out.
So, we made illegal use of the "emergency vehicles only" turn arounds to go get her. We were going to the same place after all. We got Drum's car seat out, got her in, and got on the road. About half an hour later we arrived at the birth center. We unloaded the kids and the stuff. Did a round of vitals and got to business. I did some aromatherapy, took cottonwood bark every 15 minutes, pumped about 3 or 4 times, all that fun stuff to encourage active labor. I would have had to transfer to the hospital if I didn't deliver within 24 hours, and I didn't drive across the state border for a hospital birth!
In between I watched the kids as they played with the sibling doula we hired. That was the best decision ever! The kids got to be there and be a part of the birth experience, but had entertainment so they wouldn't destroy the place. They had stickers, did chalk, went for ice cream, painted piggy banks, etc. They even covered my belly in stickers for Drum. I ate pizza and chocolate and even napped. Now, THAT's a labor experience!
I had only progressed from a 2 (which I had been at for a month) to a 4, so my midwife locked Beau and I in the birthing suite without our iPhones with the instructions to focus and visualize getting Drum in a good position - he was ROT, needed to be LOP. So, I sat there on my birthing ball and focused. And progressed to a 6. Time to get in the tub!
We filled up the tub and things really kicked off from there. I went to 10 and transition super quick. I could feel the urge to push and felt his head moving down so I told Beau to go get our midwife. So, dilation and transition was done and he was in the birth canal after 12 hours. Then came the fun part.
Twenty two and a half minutes of active pushing. Yes, you read that right. This was continuous pushing because I was hemorrhaging so much that my midwife thought the placenta was detached - which can mean bad news. So I really had to work so make sure that he wouldn't be oxygen deprived. Holy ring of fire. I remember the ring of fire with the others, but they were so small it was over in an instant. I even grunted. Once, but it was something. I am not a loud laborer. I internalize everything and you may hear me breath, but that's it. I was almost embarrassed that I did grunt, which is pretty funny in retrospect.
But, he came out without any interventions. I turned around and picked up my baby. I was so blissfully happy with the little miracle in my arms. Thankfully, the placenta was not detached, so there wasn't any problems. I did, however, hemmorage. A LOT. My midwife told the assistant that if you can shine a flashlight in the water and see the bottom, everything is okay. My water could have been the Red Sea before Moses got to it - ain't nothing was parting through that. I got kicked out of the tub.
Got in the bed and delivered the placenta, nursed, and got covered up so the kids could come in. They LOVED him and were so excited to meet him. After some bonding, we sent them out so B could cut the cord (then he got kicked out, too - he's squeamish about that stuff) and they could assess the situation. Everyone was trying to be cool, but we were working hard to prevent a hospital transfer. It took 2 vials of Pitocin and some amazing Chinese herbs to stop the bleeding. I also had 4th degree lacerations which took so many stitches that we lost count.
Once we got that taken care of, I took a shower while my midwife did the newborn exam. B got to help weigh him - 8 pounds, 10 ounces! My biggest baby by 2 pounds! He was 20 inches long, 14&1/4 head circumference, and a head of BLONDE hair!
I had to stay at the birth center for a while for monitoring to make sure I was okay, and we ended up being able to leave around 1 in the morning. Our midwife and sibling doula live by each other so they drove back together - we didn't abandon her!
We stopped once about an hour in to nurse and made it home about 3:30am. Since then I've been recovering and we've been bonding as a family. B has had me take it easy to I don't pop a suture or tear or bleed again. The kids have been their active selves and Drum has been nursing around the clock.
He nurses so much that at his postpartum home visit today he weighed in at 9 pounds. 9 pounds at not even a week old. He's a big boy!
Of course, I brought my camera to the birth center and took pictures. I even handed it over to the assistant midwife so she could get some pictures with me in them. Don't worry, there's no shots of the actual birth or hemorrhaging or stitching up. But, it's pretty sweet.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
He's here!!!
Drum was born via water birth Thursday night at 7:52pm weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces, 20 inches long with a head of blond hair.
I have an amazing birth story for this big man, but it'll be a little bit before I can post it and pictures. I hemorrhaged and had 4th degree lacerations and am on postpartum bed rest right now. I can post a little from my phone, but can't get to the computer in the studio.
The good news is is that the Bradley diet and my good prenatal care and awesome midwife prevented a hospital transfer and everything is healing perfectly. It'll just take a little longer to get around this time.
But we're all doing fabulously. :)
I have an amazing birth story for this big man, but it'll be a little bit before I can post it and pictures. I hemorrhaged and had 4th degree lacerations and am on postpartum bed rest right now. I can post a little from my phone, but can't get to the computer in the studio.
The good news is is that the Bradley diet and my good prenatal care and awesome midwife prevented a hospital transfer and everything is healing perfectly. It'll just take a little longer to get around this time.
But we're all doing fabulously. :)
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Irony of My Life
So, we're en route to the birth center because bright and early this morning my water broke. While getting gas I got a call and sent it to voicemail. What was it, you may ask?
An inquiry from a mom who is due "any day now" and wants to sneak in for maternity portraits. Only a professional photographer would get a call like that while she's IN LABOR! Haha!
Expect a full update soon. :)
An inquiry from a mom who is due "any day now" and wants to sneak in for maternity portraits. Only a professional photographer would get a call like that while she's IN LABOR! Haha!
Expect a full update soon. :)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
PA Letter
Sometimes it just feels good (to the flesh) to be a little passive aggressive and whiny. Now, I know it's better to die daily and put your big girl panties on, but I don't think anyone will ever read this, so it's more of a catharsis than something I would actually tell anyone.
Yup, it's a passive aggressive letter regarding the negative statements/questions that I've been getting lately.
Yes, I am still pregnant.
No, I am not due yet.
No, I am not blessed with twins.
Yes, I am sure.
Yes, I know how big I am. But my midwife is actually concerned about me NOT gaining enough weight. I am not worried about the baby weight. But, thank you, for pointing out how much bigger I've (not) gotten since yesterday.
Yes, I do already have a boy and a girl.
Yes, we are excited about the addition of another one.
No, I'm not going to induce.
No, I'm not scheduling a section to make it easier.
No, I'm not going to a hospital.
Yes, I am seeing a midwife just to make you uncomfortable. Shall I give birth in your living room to add a cherry on top?
Yes, my midwife is a knowledgeable professional.
No, I'm not putting my baby in danger.
Yes, I am planning on going without an epidural. I've done it before and look forward to again. My body is made for this.
No, I don't care if you think it's the best thing since sliced bread.
If you are having bad feelings/premonitions/dreams/concerns about me and the baby - DON'T tell me. That is not something you tell a woman who is about to deliver and needs positivity.
If you're certain that I'll have to have a section because you did - keep it to yourself, please.
No, I will not be in Facebook while I'm in labor, delivering, or nursing for the first time. I'm okay with not sharing the details of my cervix with you.
No, I will not be calling you immediately after the birth. We will call close friends and family after we are home and have begun to rest and bond as a family.
No, I don't think you are entitled for me to call you as I push the baby out.
Yes, we are going to have the kids there.
Yes, they are excited.
No, you may not come over as soon as we get home. We will call when we are ready for visitors.
I'm sure there are more responses, but that's a pretty good list for now. Why is it that people seem to think that this precious time in life is open to comments from the peanut gallery. Just hush, crazy people!
Yup, it's a passive aggressive letter regarding the negative statements/questions that I've been getting lately.
Yes, I am still pregnant.
No, I am not due yet.
No, I am not blessed with twins.
Yes, I am sure.
Yes, I know how big I am. But my midwife is actually concerned about me NOT gaining enough weight. I am not worried about the baby weight. But, thank you, for pointing out how much bigger I've (not) gotten since yesterday.
Yes, I do already have a boy and a girl.
Yes, we are excited about the addition of another one.
No, I'm not going to induce.
No, I'm not scheduling a section to make it easier.
No, I'm not going to a hospital.
Yes, I am seeing a midwife just to make you uncomfortable. Shall I give birth in your living room to add a cherry on top?
Yes, my midwife is a knowledgeable professional.
No, I'm not putting my baby in danger.
Yes, I am planning on going without an epidural. I've done it before and look forward to again. My body is made for this.
No, I don't care if you think it's the best thing since sliced bread.
If you are having bad feelings/premonitions/dreams/concerns about me and the baby - DON'T tell me. That is not something you tell a woman who is about to deliver and needs positivity.
If you're certain that I'll have to have a section because you did - keep it to yourself, please.
No, I will not be in Facebook while I'm in labor, delivering, or nursing for the first time. I'm okay with not sharing the details of my cervix with you.
No, I will not be calling you immediately after the birth. We will call close friends and family after we are home and have begun to rest and bond as a family.
No, I don't think you are entitled for me to call you as I push the baby out.
Yes, we are going to have the kids there.
Yes, they are excited.
No, you may not come over as soon as we get home. We will call when we are ready for visitors.
I'm sure there are more responses, but that's a pretty good list for now. Why is it that people seem to think that this precious time in life is open to comments from the peanut gallery. Just hush, crazy people!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Busy busy
We live pretty busy lives. Not saying no one lives a busy life. But when you're a minister's wife, it's a different kind if busy. My husband basically works the equivalent of one over-time job (he's a lawyer) and one regular job (being a preacher).
Which, is good and bad. Good in that it keeps me busy and not really focused on when Drum will come. Bad in that I'm constantly asked when he's due by a lot of people. Lol
Anyway, last weekend we went to visit our former pastor coz his son was having a graduation party. I remember before he was a teenager! It was crazy, but good to see everyone again. That small country church certainly helped mold us for the work we're doing now.
This past weekend, I convinced (or kidnaped) my husband late Friday afternoon to go out for a family ice cream date. There's an old-fashioned parlor down the road from his office that serves only locally made desserts. We hadn't been since T was about 8 months old.
The kids loved it! Then we went walking around our downtown antique district before heading to lead youth service at church. Yesterday we had a great afternoon after church playing out in the backyard and walking down out cul-de-sac. I would have taken pictures, but Auds got a new bubble set in Sunday School for excellent behavior, so I spent my time blowing bubbles for everyone's enjoyment. That and we played keep away with the kids. That sure is a fun, if a little mean, game. Haha
I wonder how many more weekends we'll have with just two kids.
Which, is good and bad. Good in that it keeps me busy and not really focused on when Drum will come. Bad in that I'm constantly asked when he's due by a lot of people. Lol
Anyway, last weekend we went to visit our former pastor coz his son was having a graduation party. I remember before he was a teenager! It was crazy, but good to see everyone again. That small country church certainly helped mold us for the work we're doing now.
This past weekend, I convinced (or kidnaped) my husband late Friday afternoon to go out for a family ice cream date. There's an old-fashioned parlor down the road from his office that serves only locally made desserts. We hadn't been since T was about 8 months old.
The kids loved it! Then we went walking around our downtown antique district before heading to lead youth service at church. Yesterday we had a great afternoon after church playing out in the backyard and walking down out cul-de-sac. I would have taken pictures, but Auds got a new bubble set in Sunday School for excellent behavior, so I spent my time blowing bubbles for everyone's enjoyment. That and we played keep away with the kids. That sure is a fun, if a little mean, game. Haha
I wonder how many more weekends we'll have with just two kids.
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