10 pregnancy facts

So there's this "questionnaire" going around Facebook- your assigned a number and then you list your "facts" about your pregnancy. I was assigned #10. 

1.) My pregnancy with Jacob was planned. 

2.) I had a very easy pregnancy with him, I was only nauseous for about 2 weeks in the beginning, and I worked full-time up until he was born. 

3.) I went into labor thanksgiving day-my due date! 

4.) I knew the sex the entire time, Dan swore it was a girl, but I just had a feeling it was a boy early on. 

5.) We had somewhat of a difficult time deciding on a name. We just couldn't agree, when we came across Jacob it just fit and seemed right. 

6.) I gained 35 pounds. 

7.) Becoming a mom for the first time has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done but the most rewarding and life changing. 

8.) The third trimester was the most challenging for me. I was super uncomfortable. 

9.) I only bought 3 items of maternity clothes throughout my entire pregnancy. 

10.) I arrived at the hospital at an 8, I still opted for an epidural, and it was amazing. :) 

Welcome to the world Jacob Daniel Drwencke!

Jacob's Birth Story

Very few people can actually say they went into labor on their due date. I was due Thanksgiving- November 28, 2013. I had NO signs of labor prior this day and was feeling very confident I was going to have to be induced to get this baby out. I woke up Thanksgiving with what felt like menstrual cramping and I came downstairs to our living room and slept on the couch that morning. I woke up about 9-10am and realized these "cramps" were not going away and continued to happen. I started to time them before saying anything to Dan and realized they were every 8-10 minutes apart. I started to get really excited, nervous, anxious- this could be it!!

After telling Dan I think I might be in early labor I called my mom to make sure I was timing my contractions right. We were supposed to be going to my parents house for Thanksgiving later that afternoon and I started to worry we would have to go the hospital instead. I called my Doctor before leaving for Thanksgiving dinner just to be sure I was in labor. She confirmed she thought I was in early labor (she had done a membrane sweep the day prior) but reassured me I should wait until my contractions were every 5 minutes apart before heading to the hospital- this could take hours/days. So off Dan and I went to Thanksgiving dinner....

During the evening my contractions became stronger and closer together. They HURT- so much so that I couldn't talk through them. Dinner was a wash----I couldn't enjoy anything or barely eat. I ended up spending half the evening in my parents bed just waiting out the contractions. I was verily confident we would be heading to the hospital that evening. Dan and I left my parents house around 9pm and came home gathered our things and headed up to the hospital after calling my Doctor. 

I checked into triage- changed into a gown- monitors were hooked up to my belly- and the nurse checked me. I was completely effaced and only 1cm dilated. WHAT!!!??? I felt exhausted and disappointed. They gave me a couple ambien and sent me home to try and sleep. That night was AWFUL! Ambien definitely knocked me out but Dan said I was waking up every 5-10 minutes moaning in pain- He finally went and slept in our basement just to get some sleep. I woke up that morning in such pain, I actually puked in our bathroom sink- gross. I couldn't take it anymore- I woke Dan up and said we are going back to the hospital!! I didn't even call my Doctor- I didn't even care at that point.

Dan offered to drop me off at the entrance, but stubborn me, I had to walk. I had to stop 3 times walking into the hospital because of contractions so intense they took my breath away. We checked into triage again and everything from that point forward happened super fast. The nurses knew I was in the night before and immediately had me changed and checked me in about 3 minutes. I was 100% effaced and at a 8!! Nurses started rushing around frantically telling me I could have this baby in 20 minutes!! All I remember is they asked me if I wanted an epidural--ummm yes!! Next thing I know they are wheeling me down the hallway into the delivery room with Dan trying to grab our things rushing behind us. 

I was lucky and had my epidural within 5 minutes. **Best thing ever!!** It was also the weirdest thing- I felt so relaxed, I couldn't even feel if I needed to pee or not. During that time Dan and I were able to relax- It for sure slowed down my labor- I even was able to take a nap! Then it came time to push- I only knew I needed to push because my nurse told me. I never felt another contraction. I pushed for 2 hours- pretty exhausting, but to be honest time FLEW! I was so proud of Dan during this time. He is normally very squeemish about anything medical and I seriously though he would need to sit on chair beside me while in labor just to prevent passing out. But he surprised me! He held my legs when I pushed, he encouraged me, he was so excited!

Towards the end of pushing the nurse said "look you can see his head!" Dan sure enough looked and said he had a full head of hair. My labor/delivery nurse and Doctor were so AWESOME--seriously. They encouraged me until the end- then he was here!! The hardest part was getting his head out and then rest of him just came. They laid him on my chest and I just looked at him in disbelief and cried. Dan cut the umbilical cord and off they took him to be cleaned, weighed, etc. I just sat there in such awe that I just had a BABY!!

after the epidural--relaxing watching some tv.

Hooked up to stuff to keep me hydrated and pitocin so I could feel the contractions to try and push at the end.

And this is what Dan did in between pushing....haha--on his phone.

Happy Daddy holding his son for the first time.

Jacob's luxurious sleeping setup in the hospital.

He is wonderful, beautiful, and our everything!

I'm not going to lie- this first week has been challenging. Lots of emotions going on, no sleep, feeling clueless at times, BUT I am so happy he is finally here. 

Jacob Daniel Drwencke

11/29/2013

5:11pm

9lbs 2 oz, 21 inches

No I am not nursing here and yes I am wearing a shirt. :)

Babies Babies Babies!

My sister in law is due just 4 short weeks after me. So this year we will be having (2) babies join the family, 1 Boy- 1 Girl, (2) Holiday babes- Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Her baby shower was recently- it turned out SUPER cute!! Lots of cute girls stuff. I am so excited for her and my brother!! :)

We went to Dan's good friend Mike's wedding reception. I was unsure if we should RSVP because I knew I would be VERY pregnant and wasn't sure how I would feel- OR be able to fit in anything. I'm so glad we went. We ended up having a great time and the reception and BRIDE were beautiful! I refused to buy a maternity dress (mainly because I think most of them are not flattering at all!) - luckily I found an empire waist dress to hide my big belly at Nordstrom Rack. Hallelujah!

The conversation topics of our table were babies and labor and delivery, it's funny how times have changed.

Clearly Mr. Behr is pretty excited for his new bud to arrive. :)

How far along? 38 weeks and 3 days!!! Last pic I took was at 37 weeks, sorry! 

Total weight gain: 35 pounds

Maternity clothes? Pants yes, shirts no. 

Stretch marks? none! :)

Sleep: Yes, and it has gotten slightly better. But I'm not as tired as I used to be. My body must be getting used to the  little sleep I do get. 

Best moment this week: hospital tour! And Dan's birthday is this weekend. :)

Miss Anything? Shopping for normal clothes and feeling not pregnant. *sigh*

Movement: yes. He has happy feet, a lot. 

Food cravings: milk!! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing

Gender: BOY

Labor Signs: 100% effaced!! Only 1cm dilated, few Braxton hicks. 

Symptoms: so much pressure in my abdomen. 

Belly Button in or out? It's trying to be an outtie but holding onto its innie appearance for dear life! 

Wedding rings on or off? on

Happy or Moody most of the time: anxious as heck- he could literately come any day now! 

Looking forward to: Having him soon!!

Home Sweet Home

We recently had our home painted. I could never stand the outside "greenish-slime" color the previous owners had chose. I always had plans to paint the outside eventually.Originally I thought, "heck, we can do this ourselves with a some hardwork and guidance." Man am I glad we hired professionals. With Dan being busy with work (and not so handy :) and myself being 6 or so months pregnant- professionals painting our house was SUCH a luxury. 

Before- Painters had already removed shutters and done some prep work.

 After- 3 days later

Sorry, patio furniture was still on the lawn.

Exterior: Briarwood- BENJAMIN MOORE

Trim: Dover White- SHERWIN WILLIAMS

Shutters/front door: Obsidian Stone- BEHR

Getting ready for Baby Boy's Debut

My Mom and sister-in-law threw me a absolutely gorgeous baby shower. I am so truly thankful for all the time, effort, and thought that went into this day. It was wonderful.

Dan had a "Diaper Party." I had gotten the idea from a girlfriend at work and didn't think he would be into it- but he totally was! I guess it gave him an excuse to invite the guys over. I even left the house and gave him free reign and spent the evening hanging with my parents.

Dining room all set for the "Diaper Party" aka. Poker with diapers.

Thanks for all the diapers guys!!

Odds and Ends::: Getting Ready

 His new pack n play/bassinet

I originally thought he would just sleep in his bedroom in the crib from the beginning. But recently, with the No-Sleep strike my body is on I have re-evaluated my options. Especially since I am planning on breastfeeding I would much rather have him close. 

Pretty psyched to have purchased a boppy. :)

The ONLY thing I absolutely- positively- truly- WANTED! A running stroller. Thank you so much to Dan's parents and brother for purchasing this combo for us.

True Michigan Fan

Thanks DAD!!! :) Can't wait to put these suckers on him! 

Just about ready now---COME ONE BABY BOY!

Time flies when your having fun!

How far along? as of today 36 weeks! One more week until I am full term! YIKES!!

Total weight gain: I kinda quit stepping on the scale- I think at my last Dr's appt it was 30-35 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Just maternity bottoms---still rocking my normal shirts (getting very snug!) along with a few maternity tops.
Stretch marks? none! :)
Sleep: Yes, but not sleeping well at all. So uncomfortable, unable to lie on my back without suffocating lol...no really, unable to get comfortable on my sides. I pee 4-5 times a night (and that's a good night for me.) 
Best moment this week: Knowing I am ALMOST done!! Really wish my little man would come slightly early for me.
Miss Anything? Feeling comfortable, eating and enjoying food, no acid reflux, sleeeeeeeeeep!!
Movement: constant- his little feet are constantly getting lodged up into my ribs on the right side. HURTS!!
Food cravings: Sweets :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: Braxton hicks
Symptoms: holy back pain :( :( acid reflux (tums are my best friend), braxton hicks, always going to the bathroom...the list goes on...
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Honestly---tired, moody, anxious, nervous, excited
Looking forward to: Having him soon!!

Bannan Wedding

We attended a BEAUTIFUL wedding in Onsted, MI this past weekend. My friend Amanda married her sweetheart on the lake and it was beautiful. Perfect weather, perfect location, just perfect. I am so happy for her and so excited for them to start their lives together!

Congratulations Jason and Amanda!

Happy Anniversary to my Hunnie!

4 years ago we were married. 4 years ago I started on the most incredible journey with an incredible man. So happy I get to call him mine. 

:)

I am a little behind on my pregnancy updates. I am really enjoying being pregnant besides the weight gain, backaches, and now swelling in my legs, BUT I feel great. I love feeling our little boy move- what a amazing experience this has been so far. :)

How far along? 27 weeks and 3 days

Total weight gain: 20-25 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yes. Maternity bottoms- I really thought I could make it to the end without them. I finally had to cave and purchase some maternity scrub bottoms for work- I bum around most of the time in yoga pants, but I really need some maternity jeans for going out.
Stretch marks? none! :)
Sleep: Yes, so sleepy lately. I have been getting to bed around 930-10 because I am so exhausted. I wake up 4-5 times nightly to pee...that is getting old my friends. 
Best moment this week: Baby boy kicked my ribs! It hurts- but made me so happy.
Miss Anything? Working out and being able to wear my jeans.
Movement: all the time. kicks, punches, sometimes a weird roller-coaster feeling (I think that may be him turning or rotating completely).
Food cravings: CAKE!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing
Gender: BOY
Labor Signs: None.
Symptoms: back pain, swelling in my legs when I've been on them too long.
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and tired.
Looking forward to: Hitting the third trimester mark!

Gifts for the BABE!

Since little man is due to arrive in late November- its freezing here in Michigan. I am so happy I found this and plan to bring him home from the hospital in it. Ah- love the ears on the hood. :)

 Dan's sister and brother in law sent this awesome rocker and Sophie the teething Giraffe to us all the way from Tennessee! What a nice surprise!! We love them both already and can't wait to use them!