A Baby Story

I thought I would be taking pictures like a crazy woman at the hospital but I was wrong, not that we don't have a fair few. I guess I had more important things on my mind :). Here is the story of Ethnie's birth. I must apologize in advance, this might be a little emotional and I may or may not give out too much information. What can I say I'm am raging full of hormones and just thinking about how much I love our little girl has me bawling, this blog is also our family journal and I don't want to leave much of anything out. This is going to be fairly long ;)

(Tanking up on Breakfast before they start the Pitocin)

The Prolgue:
For weeks before little Ethnie's arrival I had been doing anything and everything I could to help her come on her own. The thought of induction terrified me. I am probably the biggest wimp you will ever meet, I mean I cry when I get a sliver, so as a result I tried to move the process along by walking, cleaning, moving large and heavy objects and lots of baking. It felt so nice not to have to baby myself physically anymore but nothing was working. I was destined for induction.

On February 23rd, the day of my induction, Jakob called me at noon saying that the hospital had called and asked if I wanted to go in at 3:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. At this point the wait was killing me so I was all for going in earlier. Jakob wasn't originally going to be able to come and check into the hospital with me because he had a very important meeting to attend, so Mom Tobler was going to accompany me and help me get settled and Jakob would arrive at 7:00 p.m. I called Mom and notified her of the change. She arrived at the house around 1:00 p.m. and as per my sister-in-laws advice we went out to lunch so I could stuff myself. While we were finishing up I got another call from Jakob saying that he had returned home early from his meeting and would be able to take me to the hospital. We went to get another sandwich for him and the ladies behind the counter started to tease us thinking it was for me. When we went to pay they smiled and said "It's on the house." I knew right then and there that we were going to be blessed with amazing people to help us through every step of the process.

(All of our arm bands. Jakob said I could ride any carnival ride I wanted & one was redeemable for a free baby... well not so free.)

Chapter 1: A Waiting Game
Jakob and I arrived at the hospital and they checked me in. It was unusually slow in labor and delivery so we got lots of attention. By 4:00 p.m. they had hooked up my IV and all of the monitors and started me on Cervidil to get me all softened up. I will honestly tell you... this was the worst part of my delivery experience. Having to lay in the most uncomfortable bed imaginable with a numb bum and try to sleep while listening to this super loud monitor pound all night long. Any time we would turn it down, our nurse would come and turn it back up. My tail bone and back were killing me just from being in bed. I was contracting every 3 - 5 minutes but they were nothing too exciting.

(Right after I delivered, my first picture as a Momma. My eyes are all red a puffy from crying so much.)

At 4:00 in the morning they removed the Cervidil and checked me. After 12 hours I was still only 3- 4 cm dilated. They then let me take a shower and eat some breakfast before they started the pictocin. I was so cold and nervous that my finger nails were blue. I didn't eat much because my stomach was cramping from all of the nerves. They hooked me up and upped the dose every 20 minutes. After 4 hours with my contractions about 1 minute - 1 1/2 minutes apart they checked me again to see if they could break my water. I was still at 4 cm and she was floating pretty high. At this point I was getting a little discouraged. I wasn't in much pain, it was mostly mental control I attribute to that. I stayed very calm and relaxed through every contraction and tried to just let my body do it's thing. The nurses kept telling me how great I was doing, I am sure they say that to everyone but they seemed surprised at how calm and quiet I was. I would rarely open my eyes, Jakob had the news on so I had the noise to distract me. I felt very in control.

Chapter 2: Bring on the Drugs
I was at about a 5-6 pain level when they asked if I wanted my epidural. I was torn, on one hand it would be nice to be numb but I could still breathe through the pain and the thought of the needle made my heart rate jump significantly. I decided to wait it out a little bit longer. The nurses then decided to have me sleep on my side thinking that would help me dilate. I'm not exactly sure why but the pain was much harder to breathe through on my side. I wasn't able to relax as well as I could on my back and I instantly became very cranky. After another hour (10:00 a.m.) they checked me again. Still 4 but they decided they were going to break my water anyways. My doctor came into the room (he had just gotten off of a c-section and was in the hospital) and asked once again if I wanted my epidural. I looked and him and asked if I should get it. He grabbed my hand and told me he wasn't trying to pressure me but things were going to get harder after my water broke and he didn't see the point in being in pain if I didn't have to be. So I decided to get it.

(Ethnie & Tasha)

As soon as I decided to get the epidural I started bawling. I was terrified, but with the rationalization that it's just a poke and then I'll be fine I tried to keep my composure. I hate crying and I was almost sobbing. I would now like to give a shout out to our nurses. They were beyond incredible. We went through several shifts so we had quite the collection but Tasha and Jill were the one's through the delivery and I was so grateful for them. Tasha was our RN and Jill was a student. They were both trying to comfort and reassure me that I was doing great and that they were really impressed with how long I held out for. Dr. Yea came into the room and they were trying to get me to breathe to stop my shaking. Jill held my hand and Tasha grabbed my shoulders. Dr. Yea was wonderful! Quick, funny and made me feel comfortable considering the circumstances. I think I broke one of Jill's fingers I was squeezing so hard! It didn't hurt per say but it was uncomfortable.

(Ethnie & Jill such a wonderful woman!)

Julie Dyer (a friend of ours) is also a L&D nurse. She was telling me about which anesthesiologists were good and which ones to watch out for. "The guy with the pony tail" was number one on her list. I couldn't remember any names but when Dr. Yea was done I asked him if once upon a time he had a pony tail. He looked at me puzzled and said yes he did. I explained about Julie and he laughed, he then said "Most of the time after I finish giving epidurals, the mothers sigh and say "Yeah." That's how you can tell your a good doctor, when they say your name when your done." He was super funny.

Chapter 3: 4-9 in 2 1/2 hours

After I had gotten my drugs I was back to my chipper self. The nurses were constantly saying how funny I was. I really didn't think I was all that entertaining but why be all doom and gloom when I felt great and I was about to be a mother?! They broke my water and then I sent Jakob home to get showered and eat something while I went to sleep. He came back and I got a 2 hour rest! Whoohoo! I was stoked! Tasha came back and informed me that she was going to check me again and if I hadn't progressed to at least 5 that they were going to do some internal monitoring. I was at 9. Halle-stinking-lujah! She went to call the doctor I instantly had the urge to push. I thought it was rather strange since I couldn't feel much of anything, how would I know I needed to push? Tasha came back followed by Jill and I informed them of my situation, Tasha checked me again and I was in fact ready to push. Tasha left to rush Dr. Martin and Jill started explain to me what was going to happen and what I needed to do. Seriously who need birthing classes when your getting drugs and have awesome nurses?

(Jakob's first picture with our little love bug. It doesn't get much better than seeing your husband adore your child.)

Chapter 4: Poor Jakob
Tasha came back into the room and Jakob took his position behind my bed. I didn't realize how much bodily fluids bothered him. I guess there is a reason why he's majoring in business finance and not in the medical industry. He had informed me well before delivery that he wanted nothing to do with cutting the cord or watching our little girl make her grand entrance. I was fine with that as long as he stayed in the room. Tasha looked at Jakob and said I need you to hold a leg so they don't flop all over. He looked at her with big eyes and said "That's okay I'll just stay here." Tasha then said "NO! I need you to hold a leg so I can watch her push." He didn't have much of a choice and poor Jakob took his position. My first contraction came and I pushed. After I was done I looked at Jakob... white as a sheet. I told him to go and drink his juice box so he wouldn't faint. He stumbled over and guzzled it down before my next contraction. I looked at Jill and asked if I had done a good job and what I needed to improve on. She just laughed at me saying I was doing great. I looked at her with a serious face and said "No Jill, seriously... I need to know if that push was alright or if I need to do something different." For some reason they thought I was just funny. Next contraction I started pushing, 3 sets of 10 seconds, pushing as hard as you can without taking a breath is a long time. By second 7 of round three I heard Jakob say "Oh Sh!t." That's right.... he totally swore. I finished pushing and took a swat at him. I started laughing, he was still super white and had caught a glimpse of Ethnie crowning. I honestly thought he was going to pass out. Next contraction I start pushing and in between my 10 second intervals I'm looking at Jakob and saying "Breathe!" He'd gasp for air the same time as me while I pushed. The nurses said if I didn't stop laughing Ethnie was going to be delivered from me laughing instead of pushing. Poor Jakob... what a trooper.

(Jakob getting ready for his first diaper change as Daddy. They offered him gloves and he gladly accepted.)(Getting all fresh and clean! Way to go Daddy!)

Chapter 5: Hmm... That's Not Good
I pushed once more and then all of a sudden Tasha and Jill got super nervous. I looked up a the monitor and saw this significant drop on the screen. I figured it had to Ethnie's heart rate so I inquired as to what was going on. They reassured me everything was fine, but they were terrible liars. I knew something was up, the cord was wrapped around her neck and every time I would contract her heart rate dropped... a lot! At this point I felt completely at peace. I knew she would be fine. I had received a blessing saying that all would be well, I felt love and comfort from our Father in Heaven and I was completely calm about the situation. They rolled me on my side to stop her from coming any further into my birth canal and once again tried to rush Dr Martin. (His office is approx 15 minutes away with all green lights, most of the time... all the lights are red ;).) They had another nurse come in to check my monitor and all of a sudden they lost her heart rate. Pretty sure the monitor just slipped but they couldn't find it again so they paged for help in a very panicked voice and had started flipping me upside down. I'll admit... I was a little bit anxious at this point.

Chapter 6: A Moment of Eternal Bliss
A few seconds later Dr. Martin marched into the room. He was all smiles and asked me if I was ready to have a baby. I looked at him and replied with "Well, I don't see many other options." It lightened the mood significantly. He started scolding the nurses asking them why they were so nervous, everything was fine and he didn't want me freaking out. I told him I was good and he set straight to work. I felt so bad for the nurses, they were doing what they thought was best for me and the baby and here is Dr. Martin just teasing them. I can honestly say I had the BEST team in the world to help me deliver Ethnie! Good gravy, I am soooo blessed!

(Dr. Martin & Ethnie, this man is incredible!)

Dr. Martin asked me to push again so I did. There was lots of chatting a joking around I was super happy and super calm and it just blew everyone's mind. I couldn't fathom why, how could I not be happy?!

(Ethnie's First Picture)

I pushed once more and she was here February 24th, 2012, 1:17 p.m., 7lbs 9oz, 20.5 inches, purple as could be. He flopped her on my stomach and I began to sob. I will never forget that feeling of love for this little girl and such an overwhelming feeling of love from our Father in Heaven. For just a moment I had a glimpse into eternity and it was perfect. I more fully understood the love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior. I understood the plan of Salvation and I was so grateful that Ethnie was mine forever. I tried to memorize every little feature, engrave that moment into my memory forever. She was perfect and I couldn't have been happier. Dr. Martin then got the chord ready for Jakob to cut. He called him over and I explained that he didn't want to. Dr. Martin laughed and said "Oh yes he is!!!" Secretly I'm grateful Dr. Martin pushed Jakob, it freaked him out but he did it!

(The first time I got to hold her)

They whisked her away to try and get her to breathe. She wasn't not breathing per say but she was taking her time getting her lungs to open up. Dr. Martin did an excellent job of distracting me while Jakob watched them work over our little girl. At the sound of her first little cry I once again tears of incomprehensible joy fell from my eyes. Jakob was taking pictures and I could tell Ethnie had him smitten already. It took them what seemed like forever to get everything done. They asked me if I wanted to hold her again before they bathed her. I told them no, I knew once they gave her back to me I wasn't going to let her go. After an eternity she was once again placed into my arms and I was just enchanted. She looked exactly like Jakob. I could hardly believe it.

Chapter 7: Pure Bliss, Embarrassment and Visitors
I was super alert after the delivery, they brought me some food and I just began to chomp on anything and everything. They stopped my epidural and slowly the sensation began to come back to my body. Jakob was just glowing holding our baby girl. I swear every nurse on staff came into our room to see her. It was incredible. I wanted to show her off to the world. At one point we had 13 people in our room. We waited a little while before we sent out the word of her arrival via text and phone calls. We just wanted to soak it all up.

(Calling Oma and Opa van den Berge in Canada)

An hour and a half after my epidural had stopped I wanted to use the rest room. The nurses came in to assist me, really all I wanted to do was get out of bed! I was going crazy. My legs were fine but I had zero bladder control, freaking humiliating! I made such a mess and I felt SO bad. I asked if I could clean it up and they both looked at me stunned! Once again I had surprised them, not only was I out of bed right away, (apparently that is uncommon) but I wanted to clean. I think it has something to do with being my mothers daughter. I wanted to walk around a bit but they didn't want me pushing my luck, back to bed I went... but this time I had a baby to cuddle.

(I just love Mom's facial expression here! The perfect first reaction!)

Mom and Dad Tobler were the first to see our little girl. It was an incredible experience just letting them soak up something so precious. I was so happy! I am so grateful to have some family close. I don't know how Jakob and I would have managed on our own. I tried to hold back the tears as this overwhelming feeling of gratitude encompassed my entire being. Man, I was an emotional wreck!


Chapter 8: The End of Day 1

(James and Ethnie)

It took awhile to move me to our recovery room. Once they did a darling nurse came in to explain to me some paper work. I really appreciated her but I wanted nothing to do with what she was saying. I hadn't really slept in over 26 hours, we had company, my phone was ringing off the hook, I wanted to be with my little girl and I was foggy. After 20 minutes of explanation she finally let us be. James was the first non family member to see our little girl. I am so thankful for such wonderful family and friends. It felt wonderful to show her off and watch her bewitch anyone who came near her.

(Our first family photo)

At 9:00 p.m. it was just the three of us. Our first real moment at a family and we were all so exhausted. Ethnie slept like a machine, which was wonderful.

We are so happy to have such a precious and healthy baby girl. Thank you to all who helped along the way and still continue to help and support us. Words cannot do our gratitude justice.

Here She Is!

We Welcome With Love

Ethnie Lauren Tobler
February 24th, 2012
1:17 PM
7 Pounds 9 Ounces
20 1/2 Inches

Crafty Corner

Ever since we found out we were having a baby girl back in October, I've been busily crafting away. There are so many cute ideas out there via Pinterest and Etsy that it has been difficult to contain myself. Above and below we have an Owl Taggy. Apparently these little guys are really good sensory toys for little ones, I'm not sure if I entirely believe that but heck I think it's cute!

I mean honestly, who doesn't love Minkie fabric? These little guys cost anywhere from $8 - $20 via Etsy. I figured I could make them myself with supplies I had on hand. I'm so pleased with how it turned out.

Hair bows! Need I say more? As soon as we found out Ethnie was a girl all I could think about were dresses, tutus, and hair bows. I may or may not have gone a little bit over board. Here are a few of my favorites.

This one is my personal favorite :).

While exploring the internet I stumbled upon this free dress pattern and I just had to make one. (I'm sorry I can't find the link, but there are tons of free patterns via Google)My first attempt was much too small. It'll be a nice dress for a preemie or one of Ethnie's future teddy bears. I expanded the pattern by 8 stitches and I think this time it'll fit. If not... I'll just make another one.

I am very pleased with the end result. Don't worry we'll keep her modest by putting a onesie underneath. :)

I love to crochet. I think I've crocheted 6 different hats and diaper covers for new born photos. I didn't want to spoil the surprise. I'll be posting those once our little lady is here to model them for us. :)

I also made some burp cloths and soother tags. I wasn't about to spend $5 on a soother clip when I had all the supplies on hand! It's been a ton of fun and an excellent way to keep me busy. I can hardly believe we'll have our little one here in less than 48 hours. It's so hard for me to wrap my head around!! I am so stinking excited!

Ready To *POP*

Since I will not officially be making it to my 40 weeks I thought I'd post about week 39 for my final pregnancy update. We are scheduled to be induced Thursday the 23rd at 5:00 p.m. so ready or not she's coming. I really hope she decides to make her grand entrance before then... as if labor doesn't sound bad enough... forced labor sounds 100 times worse!

How far along? 39 Weeks.

Total weight loss/ gained? +38 lbs (158 lbs)
Name? Ethnie Lauren Tobler
Maternity clothes? I just love being in sweats and a hoodie. Let's be serious, nothing I wear looks flattering right now. :)
Stretch marks? They have migrated from my belly button to my other hip. Everything is still super small for which I'm grateful! I thought I was going to have it a lot worse than I did.
Sleep? Still tossing and turning and dreaming all night long!! I do feel rested though, I honestly feel wonderful. Still so spoiled... I'm sure I'm going to pay for it soon however, no one can be this lucky ;).
Best moment this week? Our photo shoot was so wonderful! Jenna is amazing and we had such a wonderful time, that was then followed up with going to the temple with Mom and Dad. The session went by so fast!! It was so nice to go, it has been tooooo long!!
Missing anything? Not having to crawl out of the car, being able to wear high heels, clothes that fit, sleeping on my back, being able to hug and cuddle with Jakob without my belly getting in the way, being able to put my pants on without effort. I sound so selfish but I'm just ready to be done at this point. Dear Ethnie, Daddy wants to hold you too!!
Movement? Monday she was just a bucket of wiggles! Good gracious! She moves quite a bit still, it's a good thing because every time she stops I have a mini panic attack.
Food cravings? COOKIES! I made 7 dozen Momma van den Berge cookies and I cannot get enough! So good!! Don't worry they aren't all for me.
Anything making you queasy/ sick? Nope.
Labor signs? Contractions!!! I'm doing everything I can to try and get things moving but she's rather stubborn! Good gracious. Monday I moved two dressers, did 5 loads of laundry, scrubbed the bathroom, vacuumed, and was organizing like a crazy woman and still no baby! I've gone hiking, I walk for at least an hour or more every day, and I relax in between. Nothing is working. I really do not like not knowing what day she's going to make her grand entrance! I know she'll come when she comes and if not Thursday the 23rd it is!
Belly button in or out? Out.
Wedding rings on or off? I took them off just to be safe and I don't think Jakob likes it very much even though I am wearing them around my neck. He's always liked playing with my wedding rings while he holds my hand. They still fit but I'd rather be safe than sorry!
Mood? Sunday I was being such a brat. I knew I was cranky and I just wanted to scream because I knew I was begin irrational and there was nothing I could do to stop it. It didn't help either when Dad and Jakob both said that I was allowed to be grumpy. No I'm not, I had no good reason to be. Lol just thinking about it makes me mad. Other than that I am still for the most part happy. I know I have a super short fuse but I'm trying to keep that under control. No one needs to put up with my drama :). For the most part I am just super anxious!!! COME ON LITTLE GIRL!!
Any fun symptoms? Sleepy, moody, heartburn (more formally know as the fire breathing dragon! It's all in my throat and mouth, yuck) and HUNGRY! I could eat enough food to feed an army! Good gravy!
Looking forward too? Her arrival, have I mentioned that yet? LOL. We are so excited to meet our little girl. I cannot wait to watch Jakob hold her, I'm sure my understanding of love will be redefined as I see the look on his face. I am so grateful for all of the love and support we have received from family and friends. Thank you soooo much!

T-4 days and counting. I can't believe it!!!

Just A Trim

A haircut and a "trim". You may want to think twice before asking Mom for a "haircut." ;)

Shortly after his haircut Jakob and Dad started playing "Let me whisper in your ear," a Tobler family favorite. Just thinking about it gives me the heebe jeebies. :)

Maternity Photos

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside... when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone." ~ Author: Unknown

This weekend Jakob and I had the opportunity to meet with Jenna for some maternity photos. As I have mentioned before Jenna is an amazing photographer who does a wonderful job just playing around. Once she decides to go professional she'll be unstoppable!! Check out her photography blog at Let It Shine. Thank you so much Jenna!! Are you ready for a picture overload??

I wanted to include this picture simply because it has balloons in it. We went and got balloons as a prop for some photos but it was too windy originally. Once the wind calmed down I sent Jakob to go and get the balloons, he set down the bag they were attached too and they came lose and flew away. It was funny.

Of course Jakob had to have his signature photo. I must admit, he's got this shot down to an art!

I absolutely adore the little shoes! Gosh darn it they are cute! The only thing that beats heels are little shoes.

This is one of my personal favorites!

Jakob really wanted to stick out his belly too... he's gained some sympathy weight. ;)

Not that I'm trying to be vain or anything but I must admit... I {love} this picture!! Sometimes you have have "good eye" days. Thankfully my eyes decided to be super bright that day!

We're already imprisoned by her :).

No Photo shoot would be complete without some bloopers. Here are just a few.

This is Jakob's "Blue Steal" picture.

This is Jakob's personal favorite. He toted that little suitcase around for quite awhile.

Yup that would be my bad! I got to the "h" and thought I was spelling my name. Ooops :)

Jenna asked Jakob to be in love and this is what he came up with. As you can tell I'm not so impressed. I didn't include some of the pictures... boy that man makes me smile!

Once again a huge thank you to Jenna!!! You are incredible!!