She's Here!

Our little girl is finally here! Keira Lee Norton was born on October 15th, 2010 at 9:47 P.M. She was 9 lbs even and 21 inches long! We couldn't believe how big she was! She must be a Norton because Brian and his siblings were all pretty big babies, I've heard. Brian was over 10 lbs!!!

So, here's the story. I had gone in for my check at 38 weeks and my doctor said I was progressing nicely and that I'd probably have a baby by the following week. I was so excited! Then the next week rolled around and I thought I had been having some contractions, so I was excited to go in to my 39 week appointment. (I was hoping I'd go in, and he'd say I was in labor and to go ahead and go over to the hospital) Well, when he checked me, I had little progression and was only one centimeter still. And the baby was still sitting up at a -2 (still very high). So, Dr. Lewis said if it was ok with me, he'd induce me on my due date. I was definitely ok with it!

Wednesday night I was supposed to be admitted to the hospital to get a cervidil placed to prep me for my induction the following day. Wednesday night we were all anxious and excited to get things rolling, BUT when I called in to the hospital, they said that they were WAY too full to admit me to the hospital and that I would have to wait until tomorrow to come in. So, the next day we called in and they said they were still way too full to admit me. :( They said they'd call us if things changed and that we were first on their list of people to call. So, I began doing as much walking and shopping as I could to get things going myself. Unfortunately nothing was working. I hadn't been feeling contractions at all for like a week and I was beginning to think my baby would never come out. She was just content to stay in my tummy forever more. Of course I knew that wasn't the case, but still, I wonder when she would have come on her own if I hadn't been induced. That day (Thursday) I had an appointment with Dr. Lewis and he said I was STILL at a 1 centimeter and -2 and 70% effaced. So frustrating! So, we kept calling the hospital every few hours and it was always the same--too full! It was especially irritating because I asked the nurse what they would do with me if I really was in labor--tell me they were too full?! She said no and that they would have to admit me if I really went into labor. The other thing that was causing me so much trepidation was that I actually needed to get the baby out as soon as possible for the baby's health. I didn't mention earlier that my body was producing antibodies that cross the placenta and when the level gets high enough in my blood, the baby's health could be seriously compromised. It is an extremely rare condition that I had been seeing a specialist for to make sure the baby was ok throughout the pregnancy. Anyways, don't ask me questions about it because it is really hard to explain and you can't even really find information about it online because it is so rare. I hope that didn't make me sound rude by putting that last sentence. So, now you see why the Dr. and I really needed to get the baby out.

Then on Friday, at about 2:30 P.M. they called!!!! Finally! So, we gathered up all our gear and headed out to the hospital. Brian and I couldn't believe we were actually going in to have a baby. It was too surreal. So, they placed the cervidil at about 5P.M. and said for about 95% of patients, the cervidil would soften the cervix over the course of 12 hours. So, we were expecting to spend the night and have the baby on Saturday morning sometime. The nurses let me eat and drink as much as I wanted for dinner, and Brian and I started some card games and stuff to pass the time. Well, when they initially checked me at 5 I was at 3 centimeters, -2(STILL), and 70% effaced(STILL). The nurse said I was having contractions periodically that were pretty weak and insignificant. So, then around 6:30 P.M. I started feeling some uncomfortable contractions. When I told the nurse this, she said that that just meant the cervidil was working and that she didn't think the contractions were strong enough to suggest I was going to have a baby anytime in the immediate future. So, then around 8 P.M., I was beginning to get rather uncomfortable. I was standing up and Brian would rub my back to get me through the contractions. The nurse then came in and said that maybe we'd have the baby by midnight at this rate. She said we could get my pain meds going if I wanted. At that time, I think I didn't want to seem like a wimp, so I foolishly declined. About 15 minutes later she returned and could see the pain on my face and said that she was going to go ahead and prep my for my epidural, as long as I didn't protest. I was glad she just went ahead and got things rolling for me!

The Dreaded EPIDURAL:
Around 8:30 or so, the anesthesiologist came in. Yikes. I just have such a hard time getting epidurals because when I picture that giant needle puncturing my back, I get chills down my spine and shudder just thinking about it. I had had one before so I did have the reassurance of knowing that they don't hurt too incredibly bad. BUT, this time it was different. It seemed like the anesthesiologist was stabbing around in my back for forever. Brian and the nurse kept telling me to relax but I could feel so many jabbing pains in my spine that relaxing was an impossibility. Not fun!!! So, then when he was done, I started to feel a little relief and it seemed that torture wasn't for naught. But then, as I continued to have contractions, I realized I could only feel numbness on my right side. They had my lay on my left side to remedy the problem, but it never worked. I endured that painful, incredibly emotionally stressful, epidural and i could still feel some absolutely brutal contractions.

They checked me and I was at 8 centimeters around 9. Then, around 9:15, I was experiencing the most intense pain of my life. Brian and my mom were there trying to calm me down and tell me to breathe. This did help a little. I think I remember saying some pretty pathetic things like, "I hate life" & "I'm NEVER having another baby."

The DELIVERY:
At about 9:25 I told the nurses I couldn't take it anymore and that I had to push NOW! I could feel so much pressure and PAIN like you wouldn't believe that I just kept saying that. And they wouldn't let me because the doctor was in the middle of a C-section. So, they had to call another doctor to come from home to come in. They told me he lived close and to wait as long as I could. But they said if I couldn't wait any longer that I shouldn't worry because they deliver babies all the time. Well, I didn't want the nurses to deliver me so, I just waited--about 15 terrible minutes and then, another Dr. arrived to save me! She just happened to be in the hospital at the right time to deliver Keira. I'm not really sure why she was even there. The doctor they called from home had still not arrived, so Dr. Kannappan delivered our baby. I really liked her, too. I went to school with her daughter, Aarthy, ironically enough. Aarthy was a genius girl who was in several of my classes at Stockdale High. Her mom said she was in her OB residency right now.

Once she told me to start pushing, it didn't take too many pushes to get her out. When she first came out all the nurses were saying how big she was. I couldn't believe it! I mean, well, I guess I could believe it because it hurt like the devil pushing out that head and shoulders! But once she (and the placenta) was out I felt immediate relief. The kind of feeling I imagine a marathon runner might feel after completion of the race.

The pain was over and my sweet baby girl was in my arms!!! She had huge lips when the set her on me for the first time. I couldn't believe how different she looked compared to Avery. Keira was (and is) so beautiful in a totally different way. I think I was just so shocked to finally see her, that that first time I held her was so special in a way I can't describe. She was mine. My little angel. Having a baby is the most unique and precious experience. I am so glad Brian and I have been so incredibly blessed with 2 absolutely amazing and beautiful girls. Children must be the greatest blessing the Lord gives us in life. I am so beyond grateful to be a mother!! Now I am in mommy heaven with my new precious baby!

Long overdue current photos

Still no baby

I am 39.5 weeks along and am SO ready for this baby to come!!! I now know the meaning of uncomfortable. I thought I knew but really I had no concept before last night. I kept waking up out of painful sleeping positions. Not fun. I am starting to think my sleep will surely improve when the baby comes. I mean, at least I can sleep without torturous stomach and back and pelvis pain while the baby sleeps--even if it is a limited amount. Brian has been so busy lately and hasn't been doing a lot of photography lately because of work and school. Although that is sure to change when the new baby comes. He'll HAVE TO take lots and lots of pictures of our new baby girl. Well, I think I'll go shopping now and see if I can't get things moving along. I already went on a walk with Brian this morning. I heard it was helpful to walk with one foot on the street and one on the sidewalk to help the baby come down. Sorry I've been slacking with my blogs!

By the way...we're pregnant

Hello! So, like most people already know, we are going to have another baby. I am 16 weeks along already. Well, maybe I shouldn't put 'already.' It has been a very difficult and slow pregnancy thus far. I have been feeling like I've had the flu for about 3 months or so. Not fun. And on top of it all, I've had 2 terrible colds these last 2 months. Yikes. Anyways, don't worry about me--I have high hopes my morning sickness will go away in a month or so. Then, I will get to maybe enjoy being pregnant for a minute.

Anyways, Brian and I are extremely excited for this new addition to our family. And we think Avery will be pretty excited to have a new brother or sister to play with. We find out the sex of the baby on May 21st. We are so excited to find out!! Then, the real name choosing shall begin.

Lately Avery is getting really good at walking and she is loving her new little talent. She also loves to dance! Her little dance moves always bring a smile to my face. Today she said a new word: Tigger..lol. She said it more like Tidder, but it was so cute. She attempts words when she feels like it but it seems she never will say a word of hers on command. She only says her few little words when she wants to--not when we want her to. She is discovering her own little autonomy and enjoying herself.

Yesterday we went to Disneyland and California Adventure again as a family. It was a lot of fun. Avery enjoyed the rides but got pretty querulous in some of the longer lines. I noticed a lot of disgruntled parents at the parks yesterday. A lot of jaded, frustrated parents who did not seem to be enjoying their children's tantrums, whining, wandering off, etc. I'll be the first to admit parenting is no easy venture, but I couldn't help but feel like some of these parents had lost some of themselves because they were too busy seeing the hardship of child rearing. I heard comments like: "I'm so mad at you, I wish I could just kick you across the park" or "No! Stop it! What are you thinking?!" "Get back it that stroller!" "You're staying on this leash the rest of the time, young man!" One lady had that disgruntled look but didn't have any kids around her. But I just knew she was a mom who was fed up with her kids. She looked tuckered out, had a stern look on her face, and was walking with a chip on her shoulder. I followed her for a minute or 2 with my eyes only to prove myself right. A minute later, I saw she had 2 kids with the dad pushing the stroller. I turned to Brian at one point and pointed out all the things I had observed. So, we then promised each other we would never turn into one of those kinds of parents. And after that little promise, any time Avery would act up, I would just try to laugh it off. Taking that attitude helped me through the rest of the day. Well, I think this blog is plenty long, so I'd better end it! So, just as Tigger would say--TTFN! (Ta Ta for now) :D

Disneyland and the Beach

We had some great times together as a family going to Disneyland and the beach a few days later. Brian and I couldn't stop smiling about how cute Avery looked in her little tankini. Even though she is getting big, she is definitely still a baby. (Especially to us) Avery is still crawling right now, but we can tell she thinks about trying to walk sometimes. She just isn't brave enough to actually try it yet.

Today Avery and I had a little girls day out while Dad was working. We went to a bunch of fun stores at South Coast Plaza: H&M, Banana Republic, Gap, and of course, Baby Gap. I LOVE Baby Gap's baby clothes!!!!!! If I could have my way, I would buy all of Avery's clothes and shoes from there. They had these cute little baby espadrilles that were just a little too small for Avery. I was bummed I couldn't get them for her.

Brian and I are preparing for our Spring OCMCO concert. (We are in the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization's professional adult choir) Our concert is March 31st and I am SOOOOO excited for it. It is going to be so beautiful. Our director composed an Oratorio with the text from 3rd Nephi3-17. It is genius!! I absolutely love the music and am stoked we are recording a CD so I can have it for my own personal collection. Well, Avery is getting mad because I'm not playing with her, so I guess I'll cut this blog off. If you want tickets for the show go to ocmco.org.

Busy busy busy

So, I have been so busy with the stake production lately, I have all but given up on blogging. This will be a simple blog, since I do still have some costume work to do today on my day off. However, I just thought I would post these new pictures taken of Avery because she looks so adorable in them! Avery loves her little outfit Grandma made her. She will be 9 months in one week. I can't believe it! Right now she is about to get teeth # E & F. She has # O & P already. Dental jargon--she will be getting her two front teeth for Christmas after all. Her other tricks include: scooting around a little and pulling herself up to a standing position using my hands. She can say: dada(dad is happy she finally learned that one!), yaya, baba, and mama(her first sound) and she says some "s" sounds a lot, too. Avery is such a happy little baby. This photo shoot was so fun. I'm sure everyone at the park was laughing hysterically at me as they walked by because I was jumping, dancing, and singing to get Avery's attention and to keep her from eating the grass and leaves she was sitting on! We got her to smile a lot using an Elmo book her Aunt Sandy gave her. She loves it when we talk like Elmo and move him so she thinks he is talking to her. It is so cute--Thanks Aunt Sandy!
Lately, Avery has become very aware of the cats. She loves to watch them and touch them, when she can. Moglie has learned to run for it whenever Avery starts to reach for him. But Jasmine is so sweet and a lot of times will let Avery touch her--even though Avery bats at her and pulls her fur out. Jaz is so cute and doesn't really mind it.
Well, I have had so much fun doing this stake play! I have gotten to dance my little heart out and let loose! Although the politics of the play are a bit annoying, I am so glad to have been able to be a part of this musical production.Thank you to my wonderful husband for helping out so much and letting me enjoy this new experience! I love you, my deer! Opening night for Curtain Up is this Thursday!

Almost 7 months

I know I haven't blogged in forever...so I figured it was time to do so. Avery is at such a fun age now. She is curious as a cat, very happy & giggly, playing with things all the time, and so responsive to the world around her.

Avery has been starting new foods. She is a great eater, I must admit. We have tried: prunes(as seen above), rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, bananas, applesauce, & peaches. I'm not sure which is her favorite, since she eats whatever is given to her without any resistance. Hopefully this remains the same after I begin vegetables!

Lately I have been enjoying having my husband back! While he was taking his class, I felt like I was a single mom--not fun. But now we have been able to go to the beach a lot, hang out with friends, etc. I love my little family so much.

One thing that's new with me is I'm going to be in our stake play. We'll see where I am cast... It is a Broadway medley entitled "Curtain Up." It will be nice to be involved with something new where I can meet new people and perform..lol. I'm not sure how well I can act or dance, but I am sure going to try.

Today at church, I was in awe of how beautiful Avery is. A friend of ours held her for most of sunday school, and I was in mommy heaven just watching our little baby. She was just smiling and playing, loving life. I seriously think she couldn't be any cuter. I could be just a little biased though. :-)