My birth story....

After Lydi's visit Danny and I were calmed and convinced that the baby would be another week. Danny asked if I thought it would be ok for him to go play poker. I said, "sure, nothing is going on here". So off he went. I decided to read the "Powerbirth" book my midwife wrote and I stayed up to read it after the boys were in bed. I was up til about 11:30pm. I was awakened about 3:45am with a rush that was pretty strong. I got up to pee and noticed Danny wasn't home yet. I decided to go back to bed. Between 4 and 5 I had several other rushes, most feeling like I had to make a BM. Danny just got home about 5am. I waited for him to get out of the shower and then went in and layed with him. I told him that things might be rolling. Both of us were rather surprised at the timing but were excited. I called Lydi about 6am. She said she would be there in about 30 min. I had some more rushes- about 10 min apart- and I was needing to hold on to Danny now. Lydi called back and said her other mama had called, had rushes one on top the other and her water had broken. She said she would check her and call me back. Lydi called back and told me she needed to stay with her other mama and would call me after the baby and placenta came. Meanwhile, I tried the tub but I didn't like it. I didn't have Danny to hold on to and it really seemed to slow things down. The rushes were easier though. I was still able to smile and laugh at this point. Danny woke Trisha and the three of us were ok with the possibility that we might be on our own. It really was what I wanted to begin with. The only reason I continued with Lydi was because of the chance of twins. We felt ok with it. Actually rather excited. So we went through a few more rushes and then a call from Lydi. Her other mama had another baby to come- surprise twins! So here I thought it would be me with the surprise twins and it was the other mama!! Lydi said she'd be longer and that she'd call when she was on her way. I asked Danny if he wanted me to call Rosie- our wonderful friend who said she'd be here if we needed her. (she was a nurse and had caught several babies before the Dr. could arrive) He said that might not be a bad idea and it would be great to have another hand. Trish called and there was no answer. She called again and Rosie said she didn't have a car available. We were again ok with that. She called back and offered to take a cab over. How sweet! We felt good about that and took her up on that offer. She arrived rather quickly and she was amazing. Meanwhile, Lydi called and said she would be there in 30 min.

My rushes were gaining intensity and it felt good to tone through them. I ranged from grunty to actually singing! I felt close as I could get to God and felt I was remembering my ancient mind. I would take rescue remedy and it would really help me get back together. But, I was having a problem with BM and that was distracting me from trust. I really wished I hadn't used my enema a week earlier when I thought things were rolling. I was feeling more grunty and pushy when Lydi arrived. I guess rushes were 3-4 min apart. Usually I am not "checked" to see where I am- I can usually tell- but I felt so pushy I wanted to know if I could just let loose. Lydi told a surprised me that I was at 4 but completely thinned. Lydi suggested I get on the toilet to relax my muscles. I didn't like it. I couldn't hold Danny. He suggested I sit on his lap facing him and that worked well. I wanted out of the bathroom- too bright- so we went to the beanbag chair. After that I had about 45 minutes of intense rushes. One seemed to last forever. I was grunting (and having BMs- which really distracted me from my altered state) and actually yelled at one point that I "needed a break". I was hot and uncomfortable. I should have gotten in the shower to cool off. Trish sprayed me with some lavender water which felt good. I was leaning forward on the beanbag chair. The rushes continued on- one on top the other. I stood up for a change and Danny swayed with me and held me and made me feel safe. Not too much longer transition hit. I called for the trash can and the vomiting began (which happened every birth!). After that Lydi told me I was "done" and all I needed to do was push the baby out. I was all choked up and excited. I cried with Danny. We were going to see our baby soon!

I tried pushing backwards on the beanbag. I was too worried about the darn BMs and couldn't give a good push. Shucks! I asked Lydi "what do I do" and she suggested I push the beanbag up against my back and push without my feet on the floor so I was directing my pushing toward Danny who was ready to catch. She would hold my one foot and Rosie the other. I wasn't really comfortable, but it did press my rear end against the floor so I felt I would poop on my husband or the baby. I had a hard time feeling the pushing rushes. I think I must have been sitting on a nerve. I would push and the baby's head would bulge and then go back in. Bulge and back in. I just wasn't comfortable for pushing. Patricia was there the whole time, saying just the words I needed to hear. Danny asked me if I wanted to get up. I should have said yes- I had even gotten up to pee and should have squatted or even stood or asked Lydi about the birthing stool. I just wasn't quite with it feeling rather week after the vomiting. I got back on the ground and was ready to go again. I pushed but again the head would go back in. I couldn't feel the rushes. Weird. Danny broke the bag of waters (I'm not sure why Lydi told him to. I think it was tight on the baby's face without forewaters and she was concerned the baby would breathe in the veil.) I was determined and so with the next sort of rush, I pushed and her head crowned and was born. There was a pause- no other rush. Lydi seemed to become concerned about the baby- who Trish said was silver- and started pulling gently on her shoulder. I told her to "stop pulling!" and she told me well then PUSH! So I did. I didn't want any pulling!! She came right out. Lydi said the cord was folded in half. Our baby was born!

Danny caught her and proudly put our new baby girl on me. Oh, joy! She wasn't limp but she wasn't pink yet. Still a little "silver". She was coughing and whimpering a little. She had vernix covering her, but it was on top of peeling skin- sign of early and late. Lydi was rubbing her to help her pink up and I again asked her to stop and use a baby blanket instead of the chux pad she was using. She kindly stopped altogether. Rosie brought me the flower essence cauliflower and I put some on her soft spot. It is THE birth essence for spiritual connections. I had been taking a drop every two hours on behalf of the baby. She was suctioned with the bulb syringe and it helped a bit, although she didn't like that. Lydi asked if I wanted her to suction her with the tube suction. I thought, ok, but then Lydi started to cut the cord to do it and I said "NO". I wanted to keep the cord as long as possible. I really had wanted a Lotus birth where the baby kicks off the cord instead of it ever getting cut, but Danny objected and I was a little worried about sleeping with Gabriel, baby and a placenta. (as it turned out, the clamp was 10 times worse then a placenta as it kept hurting her.) Anyway, our Baby Jessica Louise pinked up, cleared herself out and was just adorable! The placenta was born and eventually Danny cut the cord. I told Jessica it was coming and she didn't flinch or cry. Phew. I was worried about severing that spiritual connection. But all was well. Lydi showed me the "heart-shaped" placenta. She said there was another lobe that had joined to the other. I guess since the lobe was really a lot smaller it looked more like a mushroom or tree, but I liked the lopsided heart idea much better. Danny Trisha and I concluded that that was because of our "disappearing twin". We were all ok with that, although it was a little hard to accept at first. Jessica is more then a dream- she is pure love!

We all were exhausted. The three boys came in and fell in love with their baby sister. They had been excitedly playing with the new stuff in the birth box. The baby loved them too and was obviously excited to see them, too. Patricia now had her little sister and grinned for hours! Danny, Jessi and I took a well needed nap. Trish took care of the boys. Our baby had arrived and Danny said, "you look like you are welcoming home an old friend". It felt like that. He also said he loved seeing me so happy. He was wonderful. I know we could have done it alone. I think Danny knows it, too. I'm feeling complete, so there probably won't be a next time, but if there is, he's my midwife with assistant Trish! I may have to revise or add to this, but that's it for now!

Funny faces

More photos

Birth story soon...Mama needs her babymoon...

It's a girl

Beautiful birthing

Beautiful baby....more later

Lydi's visit

Lydi came today. Danny was there for the visit, too. Lydi checked the usual- pee, fingerprick, heartbeat, blood pressure. Everything is perfect. She asked if it would be ok to do an internal. I don't usually get internals, but with being so "late" I thought it might be enlightening rather then discouraging and invasive. SO she checked me at just what I thought- 3cm- and the cervix is still a bit thick. She could feel the baby's head in a good position. She asked me if I wanted her to separate the membrane, which could trigger birthing. I agreed (I had done that when pregnant with Gino.) and she did. I had some bleeding and some mucus, which Lydi said I would have. She explained how this could help things move a bit. She also told me that the baby seemed "small" compared to my others. That it may reach 8lbs but most likely much less. She said "this is seems like a dainty little girl". (which made Danny and I grin thinking we couldn't have a dainty anything in this house!) She said also that by the way my cervix felt that it could be another week. I think that really helped Danny to hear that. She wasn't worried or pushy or fearful. She basically said that I just take a little longer to gestate a baby. Danny and I had a great conversation about just letting go and allowing the pressure to be off ourselves and not worry about "when" but know that the baby and I are both healthy and everything will work out as it's supposed to. We took a great walk after dinner and then Danny went to play poker. The kids were allowed to also relieve some of their pressure by choosing an item out of the birth box each day for each person. Trish chose the movie Spiderwick. I felt a huge amount of tension removed from the house. I felt like I had to sweep up all the tension!!!! The house feels clear and peaceful now. Lydi brought like a clearing spring rain to our house. I feel good and I feel good knowing that all is well.

Castor oil failed

So, my midwife suggested I take castor oil. She has another mom who is due and she checked her to find she is 3 cm and 95% effaced- pretty much ready to start at anytime. Lydi called to tell me that I could take the castor oil last night instead of the morning to see if I could go first, so she could attend to both births. I was feeling a bit reluctant as I really think each baby is on his or her own time but my family is so desperate I decided to give it a try. (the stress around here is getting worse each day). Last night at 9:30pm I took it. I slept until 3am when the rumbling started. Mostly rumbles until 5am when the diarrhea started. I had 4 episodes between 5 and 9 and then nothing. I had a few rushes but nothing strong or long lasting. Danny went to work. He has a meeting in town until around noon and then may have to go to Mt. Charleston (45 minutes away). He's going to call to see how things are going before he heads up there. I'm frustrated, of course, but I am NOT going to take more of that vile stuff.

My acupuncture was great and has kept me rather calm and un-worried. The baby's heartbeat sounds wonderful. Lydi comes today.

I keep getting a weird feeling that this baby is telling me that he or she doesn't want to be born in Las Vegas. I'm going to try to communicate with this little one that all is well and that we won't be here forever.

Last night....

So, last night at about 11pm I lost the mucus plug. Yippee! I got very excited and things really seemed to be going. I had lots of good pressure ones coming on. I would squat and the pressure would be greater. I walked and brought some on. I even woke up Trish about midnight. It wasn't long after midnight when things slowed. The rush would only last 15 seconds instead of 30. Eventually things just "stopped". I told Danny and Trish to go to bed and I tried, too. My mind didn't stop though. I couldn't sleep. I ended up getting in the bath tub with some clary sage and listening to some meditations. At about 3am I finally went to bed and fell asleep. I had several rushes during the sleep but nothing huge. I woke up and decided I still wanted to keep my acupuncture appointment. So Rachel came over and took me. It felt good and I had some rather strong rushes during the treatment. Dr. Lee also gave me some herbs to take. He didn't make an appointment for next week. He also told me to clear my head and breathe. (I know I really just need to calm down!) Danny is at Mt. Charleston today and the kids have Tae Kwon Do and water polo. I'd love to go take a nap. I'm tired from last night. Tomorrow is my sister's birthday. She is definitely willing to share!!!

Lydi visits today- cancelled

Today Lydi comes at around 4pm. I'll update then.

It's flooding by Lydi's house. She called to cancel. Of course, she'll come if things start for me but she didn't want to make a trip in the flood. She's coming on Friday, unless something starts before then, of course.

42 weeks update

So in 1976 when mom told me she was having another baby due January 1, 1977 I was so excited! I told her, "Wow, maybe the baby will be born on MY birthday! (Jan. 23rd)" She protested saying that for certain the baby will be born before then! Well, days passed by and the new little one didn't arrive until Jan. 26th- 25 days late! My darling little sister was born and everything, of course, was well. It wasn't the first time my mother went so far past. My brother was also late. I think he was also 4 weeks passed. So, I suppose it just takes longer for the Schwartz women to bake a bun. I have an appointment with Lydi tomorrow. She's not worried. Today is actually day 300 since my last menstrual period. (286 days since ovulation). I am actually on the last day of being on time as shown throughout history. It really isn't until tomorrow that I am "officially" late. That was a nice piece of information to find out about. The baby is moving well and the heartbeat is around 132 bpm- still sounding nice and strong. My belly is getting heavy to carry around. I've had some more pressure on my coccyx bone when I walk alot. I asked Lydi about Danny's question- if the baby couldn't engage because of the cord being wrapped around. She said no. The baby would still descend and the birthing part would just be irregular and longer. So that's put to rest. I am feeling good resting on the birth ball and just taking it easy. I don't feel like cleaning or scrubbing or doing laundry. I just want some rest. The kids are playing outside in the sprinkler today. Ahhh, nice and peaceful in the house.

Lost weight and inches- good sign?

I was surprised this morning to weigh 139 and measure 39 inches. A "tell"? I've been a pound and an inch more. (I know it doesn't sound like much, but for me it is a big difference). I might just be dehydrated- which actually is suggested as a natural induction. To fast for 12 hours. I'm on my 11th, but I'm so darn thirsty I can't wait anymore. It wasn't on purpose anyway. I have trust that my body and baby know the right timing. I feel good. I woke up around 6am but managed to go back to take a nap until 10am. That felt necessary. I got a chance to talk to my Dad, brother and sisters yesterday. They were at my Dad's for my nephew's first birthday party. I loved being able to talk to everyone. I wanted to be there and have them touch and talk to my belly. I miss them.

Come on, Baby!

I'm still feeling like things should be rolling. I feel good yet anxious. I think I am going to try a castor oil pack on my belly. I'm not feeling the need to drink it yet! I took a nice bath last night in some clary sage and watched "Hot Shots". I thought it would be funny and I'd laugh the baby out, but it really wasn't that funny. The bath totally relaxed me but didn't bring anything about. Gino didn't feel so well last night so I was up with him. I definitely need a nap.

Storm didn't bring baby

Still waiting....

I am feeling like things might go this weekend. Still haven't had any "show". I am quite restless and feeling like I really can't wait any more. I'm trying to calm myself down a bit, but I am feeling anxious. I just want to hold this baby.

Great day, great night, the great wait....

Acupuncture was terrific yesterday. The best part was that my dear friend Rachel and I went together- what a great day. I was a little nervous about driving to Maryland Parkway- especially after the session- and Rachel called to "save the day". She had an appointment, too! The treatment was great and Dr. Lee was as kind as ever. I asked him after the treatment if he could tell if there was one or two babies from my pulses. He felt and and felt and pondered and then said, "Maybe two." Then he said, "Bigger on this (right) side". Hmmmm, just when I thought I'd put that idea to rest, it's back up again! Trisha grinned but really wanted to hear a definite one way or another. Danny laughed and said, "YOU asked!" I can't decide if this little baby is the ultimate joker or if it wants to really communicate! I had a great night sleep. I am feeling good. Hungry as could be. My back is a bit tight. I think I slept funny. But my dogs are driving me nuts. I can't stand the constant barking. It has gotten so much worse! I really don't like being awaken by a barking dog. I think I'm going to look in to the device that sends off a song in reaction to a bark. It's called the K-9 Kalmer. It's supposed to be humane and calming instead of a harsh sound reaction. I really want to get it for when the baby is born and needs to sleep. Of course the baby will sleep through the barking, it's really me who will need it!

So the great wait continues.... Today is my brother in law's birthday. Maybe he will share his day!!

Acupuncture today at 10:30am

Yesterday I tried the eggplant parm my sister Teri has recommended. Tasted good, but no baby. Danny also talked to me to find out what else I might be wanting before the baby comes and I told him I've had a craving for flan since I first was pregnant. He took me to a Cuban bakery in town and I actually had some flan. It was tasty and it certainly satisfied the craving. But, no baby. So today I am heading to Dr. Lee for acupuncture. Danny is at Mt. Charleston today but it was his suggestion to go. Hopefully Dr. Lee will give me that energy I need to work with the baby to get things rolling. Danny reminded me that I went with each boy right at the end and it made things happen. Sounds good! I am excited!

Our 14th Wedding Anniversary is today!

Here we are 14 years ago- we were married at the chapel at the Univ of MD. So today we celebrate 14 years of gained wisdom. We have learned a lot about each other, life and spirit. We have 4 nearly 5 amazing children and are still pursuing our dream life. It's great to have Danny with me by my side the whole ride. So, no baby yet. Hmmm, tonight?

41 weeks photos

Here are some new belly shots. I really thought I would go last night. After a great walk with Danny in the evening I came back to lots of pressure. I was restless but decided to try to sleep anyway. I fell asleep and things "stopped" as far as I could feel. I woke up feeling great and ready for another day.

I decided to take Trish to the bookstore today to spend her birthday giftcards. It was a pleasant trip. Everyone cooperated! I am feeling relaxed and confident that all is well and will happen when it's supposed to.

Not yet....

I thought early this am that things were rolling... but not yet. I woke up and cryed. I felt nausea and overwhelmed. Danny saw me and said, "I know that look- how are you feeling?!" I still feel "different". I wanted to walk but it's so hot out I went to the grocery store and Vitamin Shoppe instead. One good thing is that I should have enough food that I don't have to go until after the baby! I'm not sure if I should lay down or walk around. I'm feeling that I just want to lay down. It's just so hot upstairs and too loud downstairs. I've been taking naps and meditation by laying around in my underwear and spraying myself with lavender water under the fan. It's still a bit uncomfortable, but maybe that's what's calling me! I'm having sort of strong pressure right now. Just doesn't last. I'll go talk to the baby, perhaps Baby Jade will have the answer!

So, maybe the 5th DeArmas born on the 5th???

Gino was the third DeArmas born Oct. 3, Gabriel was the fourth DeArmas born on the 4th, so perhaps this one is waiting to be the fifth DeArmas born on the 5th??? Last night Danny set off some fireworks. I actually had to back up from the street because the baby kept jumping at the loud noises! It only happened 3 times until I learned how far to be away. I felt bad about that. I apologized! I'm loosing weight and inches, though still hungry. I feel good. I still have the cramping and practice going on. Seems like Gabriel's birth all over again. Perhaps this one is a boy. I was crocheting to keep a bit busy and noticed I was using blue yarn. Hmmm, maybe a boy. A boy would be nice,too. I have said that if it's "late" it must be a boy, as all my boys were. Either way, I really am looking forward to holding this little one. Ahh, the wonderful feeling of the warmth of a baby sleeping right there on my chest. Soon.....

I had a weird dream. A child and I (didn't look like any of my children currently) were escaping from our home. Something domestic had happened and we needed to run away immediately. So we packed up a backpack and started to run. We ran and ran. We eventually made it to the meadow and into the forest. Phew, we had escaped whatever it was in our house that was not treating us well. I felt safe.

Still waiting....

I really felt yesterday morning that things were going to start happening, but not yet. I had some pressure last night, though. This morning I feel some "cramping". I feel good and I am very excited about meeting this baby! I talk to the baby all the time, it's nice to have someone to always listen! Trisha's birthday was fun yesterday. We have Tae Kwon Do today and swimming. Sigh. I really don't want to leave the house. It's to be 112 today. Maybe this baby will get things rolling before then. I don't want the kids to miss their classes. They really love them, but I just don't want to go. But who knows, maybe I should just go and see if that can be what gets things rolling! This baby is really filling up my belly- getting nice and big!!!

UPDATE: Danny came home early and is taking the kids to their classes! Yippppeee! I'm going to go lay down. Phew, it's hot out there 114!

40 weeks and update

40 weeks today. It's actually 42 weeks since my last menstrual period. Weeks are calculated differently on different web sites, providers, etc. I like to go from when I ovulated. (less "panic" since I'm really not 2 weeks "late") I feel ok. I have a touch of a sore throat. The kids have been a bit sniffly so it may be a little cold trying to stick to me. It's already on the way out. Baby still doing lots of moving. I love to listen to the heartbeat, which is so strong! I have had some nausea and still feeling mighty hungry. My belly seems smaller since I'm so low now. I've lost some weight. I am still "practicing" and feeling some pretty strong waves throughout the day. I feel strong and confident.