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Our Birth Story: Welcoming Silas Graham

June 25, 2014 By: Shana2 Comments

Friday was a busy day for us as we wanted to wrap up decorating and setting up the house, plus spend some time with family. Casey’s brother, Rich, had a stopover in Nashville (he’s a pilot) so we met him for lunch at his hotel. Since Rich lives in Arizona, we don’t get to see him very often. We truly enjoyed catching up with him and discussing our future with Baby B. At this point in the day I was having minor cramps occasionally. They had started the day before, but they were few and far between and not at all painful so they were easy to ignore.

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It wasn’t too long after we returned home that my sister, Felicia, and Tailynn, my niece, arrived to pick up Ashlynne for her weekend with her mom. Tailynn was extremely excited to see the new house and was quickly exhausted from trudging up and down the stairs. Ashlynne was excited to show off her room. Even though she’s still lacking furniture, the bright blue/green walls are worth the trip upstairs to see them. IMG_7950Toward the end of their visit I noticed the cramps were a little stronger, but that wasn’t the main thing. I had an unpleasant visit to the bathroom which I had heard was a sign of labor. However, it could be days before labor starts and who knows that I didn’t just eat something bad. It did give me hope that I would be able to avoid the impending induction though.

Once Ashlynne hit the road, Casey went down the road to play basketball and take Minny for a walk While he was gone I thought I would get started on hanging things around the house. I wanted to complete as much as I could before Baby B arrived and by the grace of God, lots of hard work, and good friends, the only thing that was really remaining was hanging a few items that had a place. I was trying to hang a painting in our room when I decided I should time my cramps and felt like I needed to take a break on the bed. That’s where Casey found me when he got home. Contractions were about 11 minutes a part. I’ll let the video explain the what happened next.

 

Casey drove the whole way balancing the urge to fly down back roads and run red lights, the pain increasing, now 2-3 minutes apart. In between contractions we’d laugh as I would tell him to slow down so I wouldn’t puke and then just as quickly tell him to pass someone or approve his request to run a red light. We were headed into the ER by 11:15. The doctor on the phone had made this part sound so easy. “Check in at the ER and we will be right down to get you.” That was the complete opposite of how it went.

First we had to get through security. They checked each and everyone of those bags that we had brought while I curled over in agony. Casey scurried to empty his pockets so he could walk through the scanner, and I did my best to explain why I couldn’t go through it. After making it past security we stood in line to check in. You would think my moans, groans and large belly would queue the two visitors in line before us to move out of the way, but apparently that’s not how things work in the ER. We checked in and the lady at the desk confirmed that someone would be right down. They set me in a chair in the hallway across from the discharge lady. I’m sure she enjoyed my screams as she was trying to work. 10 minutes goes by and no one comes. Casey checks back in at front desk, but makes no progress. More time goes by, more contractions, and now tears as sympathetic passersby encourage me and reassure me that it will be okay. Fed up, the discharge lady heads to the front desk to get help and just a few moments later the triage nurse, apparently the only one on that night, is taking down my info as he coaches me through contractions. He left and a few minutes later we were on our way up to labor and delivery.

They took me up to a temporary room to check me, and I passed the test. They admitted me and quickly hooked me up to heart monitors and began blood draws.

Side Note: I have an undiagnosed condition that causes high potassium and muscle weakness during physical activity that is believed to be a rare condition called hypokalemic periodic paralysis which makes me a high-risk pregnancy.

The resident anesthesiologist began talking to me about the curvature in my spine as we prepared for the epidural. His concern and talk about narrow pathways had me super nervous. That plus the contractions had me begging for Casey to tell me stories for distraction, but he just kept asking me questions instead. The attending anesthesiologist with the fun accent stepped in with neat stories and helped me learn to “just blow it away,” the pain that is. It actually helped, but by the time I mastered it, the pain was gone.

Once I was able to get comfortable, despite the web of wires I was hooked up to, I was able to join Casey who was already sound asleep. My sleep wouldn’t be as sound as I dealt with the constant squeeze of my blood pressure cuff and the cyclical visits from nurses and physicians. I wasn’t feeling contractions though, not even, the slightest cramp so I assumed the pain meds had slowed my labor, something the nurses would later confirm.

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They wouldn’t check me again until 5am. 8-9 cm 90% effaced. What? We were all shocked. 10 cm is pushing time. The nurse confirmed my contractions had slowed which increased their shock of my quick progress. Even still they expected it to be a few more hours before I was ready. Back to sleep. I wanted to get as much sleep as possible knowing baby would be here soon.

I woke up about 3 hours later feeling pretty lightheaded. I called the nurse asking for some apple juice, assuming my blood sugar was low. Before the juice arrived my blood pressure alarm went off and the cardiologist monitoring my telemetry monitor notified my nurse that my heart rhythms were out of sync. Next thing I know my room was full of anesthesiologists, nurses etc.
“Are the blood pressure drops associated with your contractions?”
“I wouldn’t know. Am I having contractions?”
They were shocked to find I hadn’t been feeling anything. They let me know I have a case of premature contractions with my heart which apparently aren’t that big of a deal. Finally some answers! That was helpful considering none of my blood work was showing anything.

They decided to go ahead and check me ahead of schedule since they were already in my room and I was awake.  “Your baby has a full head of hair” was the next thing I heard.
“Excuse me? You can see the baby!?”
“Yes, ma’am. This baby’s ready so you might want to wake up your husband.”
I woke Casey up. “Casey, baby will be here soon. Time to wake up.”

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As I was coaxing Casey from his slumber the nurse was calling for the room to be prepped for delivery. Before I knew it the room was shifting and my legs, which I could have swore weren’t attached, were by my ears.
“Okay, you’re going to push with your contractions.”
“Well you’re going to have to tell me when I’m having a contraction.”
Again, they were shocked that I couldn’t feel anything, not even pressure.
“Okay. Go ahead and push. Stop pushing!”
I didn’t even think I had started pushing before she was calling for the doctor to come in for delivery.

Next thing I knew my room was packed with med students, residents, and attendings. One of the residents would be “catching baby” under the supervision of the MFM physician. Casey positioned himself on my right leg and was soon fighting passing out at the sight of what was happening, but regained his composure. I reminded the doctors of my total lack of feeling so they could tell me when contractions were approaching. They had me push for 10 seconds, 3 times per contraction. Still no pain or even pressure. “Push” they’d say and “breathe” Casey would say. He probably hated seeing me not breathe, but I had to try hard to focus on the doctor’s commands, not his. Just 15 minutes or so and 3 contractions later I heard the squeal of our baby as the doctors placed him on my chest and Casey proudly proclaimed “It’s a boy!” with a huge smile on his face. I was in awe. It had all happened so fast, and there I was with my precious son on my chest.

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More post-delivery updates to come so stay-tuned! 

Let the Chaos Begin

June 16, 2014 By: Shana3 Comments

The week of chaos is finally here and surprisingly I feel a pretty strong peace and calm. We’ve done everything we can to plan for baby and the move. Weeks ago we made two long lists and we’ve slowly been tackling each item. We are as ready as we can be for baby. The essentials box is packed, hospital bags packed, there’s a plan for Minny and a plan for Ashlynne. We are ready for the move with almost everything packed. Movers, painters and carpet cleaners are all booked and everything is in line for closing. I’ve written down a master schedule with all the contact information needed so that if baby decides to come someone has the plans. The floor plans are in place and ready for the movers. Ashlynne’s new bed and dresser have been ordered. I’m so thankful for the progress we’ve made. I suppose that’s probably a big part of where my peace has come from, but ultimately with this much chaos, it has to come from the Lord.

Baby could come any day. I’m 38.5 weeks pregnant. Baby is due in just 11 days. We move in 6. Casey keeps trying to talk baby out. He’s anxious to meet his precious son or daughter. I am as well, but I’d much rather baby wait until after the move. We are also in the middle of exams for Ashlynne which is occupying quite a bit of time. You know, if only we could plan when baby will come.

I must say that this pregnancy seems to have gone on forever, but at the same time, I’m shocked that baby is going to be here in 3 weeks or less! Crazy how it can seem to take so long and come so fast all at the same time. I don’t think I’ve had much time to think about the fact that baby will be in my arms soon. The house and school for Ashes has been a major distraction. I know it has kept me from being anxious about delivery or over thinking motherhood, but I hope it hasn’t stolen my joy when it comes to anticipating baby. I really am beyond excited to meet our baby, but my mind is so wrapped up in the move. Plus the idea of having our baby in my arms soon seems so abstract. It just doesn’t seem real, even though it’s active in my belly and tangible in that way. It’s so fun to watch baby move around or hiccup in my belly, even though sometimes it can be quite painful. It’s just a miracle from the Lord and amazing how it all works.

Even with all the preparation and planning, all we can do is pray that God has grace in his timing, allowing us to get through the move before baby comes.

Originally written March 18, 2014. 

Forced to Write: Catching up on life

May 19, 2014 By: Shanacomment

I’m being forced to journal and get a foot massage. Casey literally just pulled me off my computer and over to the couch with pen, journal and ice cream in hand. Then he took my boots off and stuck my feet in the foot massager.

If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been neglecting writing lately, which means I’ve been neglecting my soul. I was doing great for a while there. I had committed to 15 minutes or 3 pages of writing every day for Lent, but sadly, life got in the way. That’s a polite way of saying it. I suppose 3rd trimester, plus moving prep, plus bronchitis, plus new clients all got together at the same time and hit me like a Mac truck. I did a terrible job of protecting my writing time and didn’t feel right about stealing time to write, stealing time for me, when I would look at my to do list and see how behind I was each day.

Even now as I try to write, life is getting in the way. I just got interrupted with a text about the softball banquet for Ashlynne’s team. Did I forget to mention I’m coordinating all the volunteers for that? As soon as I responded and picked up my pen again Ashes came up here to chat. It never stops and it will only get crazier once baby gets here.

That could be soon! In just 2.5 weeks I’ll be 2 weeks away from my due date AND it will be a full moon. If baby wants to come early, Mother Nature will be more than happy to help. Early wouldn’t be too bad. It’s on time that worries me. We close on our house the 21st, move the 23rd, and baby is due the 29th. So 2 weeks early or due date and beyond is okay. Not too much to ask, right?

Baby has really been fun lately. The hiccups are a little annoying, but cute at the same time. Casey put his head on my belly to listen to them the other day. It was precious. Everything has changed in the last couple of days. I have pelvic and lower back pain whenever I’m standing, baby’s kicks are super painful, and my calves and feet hurt from swelling. I went to the doctor today and they said all was normal and I should expect it to get worse. Not what I wanted to hear, but I suppose it could be worse. I’m not on bed rest, although at times I think that might be good for me haha.

In other baby news, I think we have finally decided on names. We are definitely set on first names, but the middle names have been up in the air for a while. I think we are officially settled on first and middle names now. I suppose we will see as time goes on, but we do have favorites, as of now.

The baby shower was this weekend, and it was perfect! Our friends did a fantastic job planning it and of course, our dear friend catered it, which was delicious. We had so much fun with the water balloon toss, diaper relay, chasing chickens, and so much more non-traditional baby shower fun. Baby B is so blessed to have such an amazing community!

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Ashes is doing really well too! Her grades have been steadily improving, and softball is finally over. Praise God! We all enjoyed that she played, but were definitely ready for the season to end. That everyday commitment was a lot to handle on top of managing her homework and chores. It’s definitely been an adjustment, but now we are settling into a calmer routine, just in time for summer to get here, the move, baby and everything to change. Yes, temporary calm, but it will be a nice calm before the storm.

Sleepless Nights & a Plea for Empathy

May 12, 2014 By: Shana4 Comments

After much searching, Zillow watching, house visiting and number crunching, it’s finally happened. Last night, Casey and I made an offer on a new home. Through God’s truly divine orchestration, we first saw this home about a week and a half ago and have been waiting patiently, or maybe not so patiently, for the homeowner and their relocation company to select a realtor. As soon as we got the name yesterday I called to make an appointment and was sitting with the realtor within a few hours. What a relief it is to have an offer on the table! Although the timing is terrible (moving a few days before baby is due), the house is just what we need long-term and is going to be a fantastic home to raise our family in. I guess I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, would be a fantastic home 😉 This is just the beginning of a long 3-month process. Right now, it’s in the seller’s hands. All we can do is pray for God’s favor and guidance. We are of course hoping the contract stage moves pretty quickly and have set the timeline as such. We are hoping to have a contract before the house goes on the market. I can’t keep the house off my mind though.

I’m sure it’s Baby B’s jabs that keep waking me up at 4 am, but it’s definitely thoughts of the house that keep me up. Everything from what their counter offer will be to how we could decorate it. It’s 6:30am now and I’ve been awake since 4 and up since 5. Maybe this is just my new sleep schedule, but I sure hope not.

Everyone keeps telling me how this is just God’s way of preparing me for baby. I hope they realize how totally unhelpful that statement is, even though it’s probably very true. The last thing I want to hear when I’m exhausted is how there’s no end in sight and it’s only going to get worse. Gee thanks people. Sometimes I think the mommies of the world have forgotten what it’s like to be pregnant, at least on the emotional front. We need to be real with each other, but that doesn’t mean we need to squash the hope and joy of all the little mommies-to-be in the world. It’s okay to still have empathy instead of proudly boasting your battle scars to all the rookies and carrying around a “you just wait” attitude.

You are full of wisdom and true empathy that we need, especially during a time when the ones we are closest to, like our husbands, struggle to relate to our emotional and physical changes. So please, put down your battle flags, your “I knows,” “just waits,” and words clouded in hopelessness and please, pickup your loving arms, encouraging words, and bring it all down into the pit we’re in. Because if you were to think about it for a moment, when your toddler is potty-training or shall we say, peeing in the floor, or your little one has just puked in the backseat, I’m pretty sure the last thing you want is the mom you are seeking understanding from saying “oh you just wait. It gets worse.” Oh joy. Thanks for the pep talk, friend.

Originally written March 12, 2014

Sneak Peek at Maternity Pictures by In Color Creative

May 6, 2014 By: Shana2 Comments

Can I just tell you all that I am absolutely in awe that we were able to squeeze maternity pictures in during the chaos of moving?! I thought for sure we would just miss out on photos this time around, but thanks to our good friend, Kevin Banks, we made it happen!

We just took the pictures on Saturday so it will be a few more weeks before we get the full load of pictures, but Kevin knew how excited I was to see these so he sent me a SNEAK PEEK to share with you all!

Despite the fact that I feel huge, Kevin did a fantastic job making me feel beautiful! I can’t recommend his work enough so head on over to In Color Creative to see more of what he’s capable of and drool over his incredible travel pictures!

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Remember how I said Kevin is awesome?! He also took the time to capture some cool shots of Ashlynne doing what she loves the most. Check these out!

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Meet the Wife

Hi! I'm a semi-newlywed living in a small town outside of Nashville with my husband, Casey, our baby boy, teen niece, and hyperactive dog, Minny. I'm a new mom and marketing consultant at BeEngaging.com that loves Jesus and won't eat anything with 4 legs. I talk about marriage, pregnancy, parenting and everything in between. I believe real growth only happens through transparency. Join me on the journey. Read More…

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