Cora Ann Hardin

She's here! She's here! Cora Ann Hardin is finally here! After 21 LONG hours of labor, many ups and downs Cora was born at 12:05 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2009. She weighed 7 lbs 12.5 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. She has a pretty full head of hair, and is just BEAUTIFUL! I'm not at all biased. :) We have had a good recovery time and Cora is a good eater and has been nursing like a champ from the start. We have had wonderful care here at the hospital and we're very much ready to go home early this afternoon. 

I had the wonderful help of my husband and sister during the long laboring process.  There were moments that I didn't think she would ever come. There were many low moments during the labor process but it is starting to fade (already, I know!) and well, I'm just looking forward to getting to the house so we can get into the swing of things and get into some kind of a schedule. 

I will try to write more later, but at least wanted to get this post up. Thank you for your prayers. They were greatly appreciated. Praise Jesus for this precious bundle. 

Closing and Opening

Today marks a very interesting day for me. One that I have looked forward to with great anticipation and now that it's here, I'm even more excited, but also, well, it's a little strange. You see, today marks the end of a chapter in my life. That chapter would be me in the work force, earning an actual paycheck, working from 9-5 (or 8-5, or 9-6, or...), having coworkers, deadlines, endless emails and voice mails. Who wouldn't miss this? :) It's strange only because this is all I've known. I graduated college, and went directly into the work world. Some of my friends got married and started having kids, not me. I did that much later. For the past 9 years (yes, I've been out of college for 9 years...) my life has been dictated by the alarm clock, the time clock and whatever other clock you can come up with. I've dealt with coworkers who were great, who were stinkers and have some life-long friends from those jobs. I've had jobs I've hated, loved, was indifferent about. I've worked with people from China and people who have never lived anywhere but the town our job was located in. I've worked in Akron, OH, Cameroon, Africa and other places in between. It's been an interesting 9 years. The skills I've learned, the people I've met, the different companies I've learned about--all very different. I started my working career at a mortgage company, having NO IDEA what I was doing and now am finishing at a college as a secretary.

But, today also marks the beginning of a NEW chapter in my life--MOMMYHOOD!! Something I am MOST excited about and have been looking forward to for YEARS! I can't believe it's here. I've waited, dreamed and speculated about what it would be like. And, well, it's here, and I still have no idea! :) That's part of the fun. As with any new job I'm sure I'll begin this one with some fear, nervousness and anxiety. Not knowing what to do and having a lot of on-the-job training. However, I look forward to the beginning of this "job" like no other. You see, I know I am doing what God wants me to do. I know I am right where He wants me and when we're in that place how can you want to be anywhere else? Am I scared? Sure! Am I unsure of what's to come? Absolutely! However, I know this is God's will for my life, for our family, and I know He'll guide and direct me as I need it. It's a bittersweet thing, this closing a chapter and opening a new one, but I am so very excited about it that I know it's all going to be OK!

Now, for sure, my next blog entry will be introducing you to our new baby girl (or boy, if they were wrong with the ultrasound! :) ). I look forward to writing that blog!

Turkeys

Do I have your interest? :) I was thinking about turkeys and how man has put a little white button in a frozen turkey designed to pop up when the turkey is finished cooking. I then realized that my belly button is still inverted and has yet to pop out! Could this be why the baby hasn't been born yet? :) :) Are our belly buttons our God-given "you're done" white button? Interesting thought. :) :) :) Ok, yes, I'm being completely silly, but I need something to entertain myself!

I had a glorious massage on Saturday. All the pressure points were pressed, we were sent home with a diagram of the points so David could press them yesterday, which he did, and still nothing. We've gone on walks, I've taken hot showers, sigh, still nothing. I was having pretty steady, harder-then-before contractions last evening, but after a walk and hot shower they were no more. I guess we're still waiting. I have my next OB appt this afternoon, looking forward to seeing if I've dilated any more or anything. We will also be getting the low-down on all the induction stuff--when to go in, how long we can expect it to take effect, etc. My mom and sister will be here after dinner on Wed, David's parents also will be here Wed evening, and we'll all just be waiting. Well, I won't be waiting. I'll be laboring and David will be coaching me and my sister will be there to help us BOTH! But, the grandparents will be waiting...I don't envy them. I remember having to wait for my sister to give birth to our neice and then our nephew. But! It'll all be over soon!!!! I will be sure to post when she arrives and hopefully get some photos up too!!!

Here's to that turkey button popping! :)

Keep Swimming...

I don't know if you've seen the Disney movie, "Nemo," but if you have you have to love the blue fish, Dory. She's the ditz of the movie, the comic relief and apparently, according to my friend S and her husband A, I am like her. :) Not entirely sure what that means, but I don't mind! :) At least I'm not being compared to one of the sharks! :) :) :) Anyway, there's a part in the movie where Dory says, "Keep swimming, just keep swimming." That's how I feel. I would say the baby is still swimming, but at this point she's so tight inside that I really don't think there's much room for swimming! But, I have to keep telling myself to "just keep swimming." No, not literally, figuratively!!! I'm now in my 39th week of pregnany, yes, almost 10 months pregnant, and I have to keep telling myself to "just keep swimming." I'm tired, weary, sore, in pain sometimes and well, just ready to have this child, see her, hug her and hold her. However, I know there is an end in sight and I know I won't be pregnant forever.

If I don't go before, then I will be getting induced on Wed, the 25th in the evening. There has been much discussion as to whether or not this is a good thing to do, but David and I feel confident that it is. I have been told by my Dr. that I have a very tight pelvis and the baby is probably, at this point, closer to 9 lbs. He is afraid that the longer she is inside gaining weight it'll be even harder for her to come out naturally, thus increasing my chances for a c-section. This is something I'm trying to avoid, so with prayer and discussion David and I feel this is the best route to take. Yes, we're still praying the baby decides to come out before Wed, but we trust our Dr and know he is giving us the best advice he can for this situation. I've been doing "natural" things to try to get stuff started. Taking walks, cleaning, and tomorrow I'll be getting a massage done. There are pressure points on the body that are known for inducing labor and my massage therapist (who is a very well-educated woman in all things massage therapy-related) will be doing her best. :) I went to see her a few months ago and she had to be careful to NOT induce labor, however this time, no need! I know things are happening. I'm 2 cm dilated, I've been having "test run" contractions and the baby's movement has slowed down. Although, she was VERY active last night and I asked David if he supposed she was getting ready for the great descent? We can only hope!!

Everyone else is getting ready too. My mom and sister have their bags packed. They'll be the 1st to be here as my sister is acting as a doula for David and I. Mom will be here to watch our niece and nephew so my sister can be fully devoted to helping us! Then, David's parents will be close to follow, and I really hope my dad and brother-in-law will be able to come up soon too. Have I mentioned that this weekend would be PERFECT for the baby to come? :) Well, if she's anything like her mom and dad she already has a mind of her own and will come when she darn well pleases! :) We're ready at the house. Due to being exhausted my sister recommended that I stop nesting, so I'm making David do the nesting for me! :) He's a trooper and has been throughout this whole pregnancy. I have no idea how I would've survived without him. He deserves a great big medal!!!! But, he's finishing stuff up today for me, which I'm very much thankful for!!! I think we've done all we can to be "ready." We're now just waiting!!!!

Maybe my next blog entry will be titled--SHE'S HERE! Wouldn't that be great???

Week 38...

I am almost at the end of my 38th week--tomorrow will be the last day and TH will begin week 39. I can't believe how fast this has gone, yet there have been days when I didn't think the end would EVER come! :) I had my OB appointment yesterday (Mon) and am dilated to 2 cm!! I'm also effacing, which is a good thing as well. The baby's head is down where it needs to be, and everything seems to be going as planned. The doctor feels the baby is about 9 lbs now and is very concerned about letting her stay inside until my due date, which is March 30. He mentioned that my pelvis is tight, and he's afraid that with a big baby there may not be room even now for her to come out naturally, making my chances for a c-section greater. Because our goal is NOT to have c-section he has recommended that if she's not here by next Wed (the 25th) that I get induced. This freaked me out a bit, but after talking with him more and having my questions answered I see that this is the best decision for us. I really want to avoid a c-section, and this seems to be the best way to go about doing it. So, my understanding is that if I've not given birth by the 25th I'll go in, take 1/4 of a pill (can't remember the name) that will start the laboring process. This pill releases the same chemical that my body would naturally release to start labor. It's not petocin...darn it! Why can't I remember? I'm OK with all of this. At first I wasn't, but after thinking and praying I am becoming more and more at peace with it. I do pray that this baby comes naturally on her own time before Wed., but am thankful for a doctor who is looking out for both the baby and myself and wants to help me be successful in delivering naturally and not via c-section. I would ask that you pray with me (and David too!) that this baby comes before next week. Although, if you're my friend S you are OK with the baby being here on the 26th! :) :) I'll see what I can do S! :)

Ranting Ahead!

I feel the need to rant. Why is it that people feel the need to tell me to "enjoy having the baby where it is now because when she's born life will never be the same?" Really? I had NO idea (insert very sarcastic tone). I would just like to know what's wrong with being excited for what's to come??????? I mean, isn't that why you have babies? Because you want them? Of course, we'll all answer yes to that, and I believe most women do think this. However, I have encountered some folks who seem to think that having a child is just another part of life, like getting a new car or something. How silly!!! Now, I'm not so naive to think that everyone is thoroughly excited to be a parent. I understand things happen in life that we don't plan. But, please, why would you tell an expectant mother they're cute now, but wait until they're older. As though that should make a difference. It's like people who say they like kittens/puppies but not cats/dogs. Very strange to me.

This whole train of thought bugged me when I was dating and engaged. Oh, enjoy your engagement, you'll never have this part of your life again--GOOD!!!!! Isn't the point of being engaged? To get married? And if I said yes to the engagment isn't it OK to be even more excited to be married??????? Seriously folks--there's nothing wrong with being excited for what's coming.

Please, save a breath and stop telling me to just enjoy being pregnant--which, BTW, is something I have NOT enjoyed at all--as though this is the ultimate. Sorry, the ultimate is having this child, watching her grow into a toddler, a little lady, a young lady, a woman. If you can't be excited for what's to come I have to wonder if you're excited at all about what is actually happening. I might be being too harsh, I don't know. It just irritates me to be told to enjoy the now because life will be so different when you're married, or the baby comes, or...Hey, guess what? I KNOW!!!! That's the whole point!

Warning: Irrational Pregnant Woman Ahead

I was COMPLETELY irrational yesterday. David and I always drive separately to my OB appt as I'm coming from work and he's coming from home. After the appt I left and thought he would follow, but he turned and went a different direction. I figured he had discovered a "faster" way home and was trying to beat me home. I got home and he wasn't there so I was pleased I had beat HIM! :) Well, I called his phone, no answer. I thought that was kinda weird, but maybe he just didn't get it out of his pocket in time. I called again, still no answer. I called probably 5 times with NO answer any of the times and he still wasn't home. All I could think was he had left me in this hell hole with a baby and a dog. I KNOW!!!!!! Completely irrational!!!! I have NO IDEA why I thought this, but I did and of course the longer he was gone and the more times he DIDN'T answer the more frantic I got. I called one last time and he answered, of course completely oblivious to my state of mind (BTW, he had been in a "dead zone" and had no clue I was even trying to call). I asked where he was, he didn't know, I said what do you mean, and he explained that what he thought would be a shortcut ended up getting him lost! He was home shortly after. He walked into the door, saw my face and asked if I had been crying. I said, as I burst into tears, "MAYBE!!!!" I was then crying and crying and crying and then suddenly started laughing as I realized just how ridiculous it all was!!!! Poor guy. He just hugged me and held me and probably wondered what alien creature had overtaken his wife's body...Oh! These blessed hormones! :) :) :) We got a good laugh out of it anyway. Seriously, I have NO idea what I was thinking--clearly I was off my rocker for a time... :) :)

Anytime now!

Well, the most blessed week 37 is here!!! I am now allowed to have this baby any time! :) She is "allowed" to come, it won't induce panic if she does, we won't be medically worried if today is to be the day, etc. I know I'm being like all other moms--especially 1st time moms--VERY ANXIOUS TO HAVE THIS BABY!!!!! I think as a 1st time mom there's a lot of worry, anxiety, etc just due to the simple fact that I'm entering into the BIG world of the UNKNOWN!!!!! What will it TRULY be like to be a mom? How will I be a mom? Will I be a good mom? How badly will I screw up my kids? :) These questions can't be answered until I'm BEING a mom. I find with my friends (2 of whom are due 2 weeks after me--one is having baby #4, and the other is having baby #5) that they are JUST as anxious to have their children as I am.

This weekend was spent doing some major nesting. I can't help but think about Big Bird and his GIANT nest on Sesame Street. Every time someone has mentioned "nesting" to me a scene from childhood days comes to mind. How strange--I know! :) I do envision myself flitting about collecting stuff to fill our "nest" much like a big bird! :) :) :) It actually makes me laugh. I'm just so glad I haven't been subjected to sitting on eggs for all these months. :) In any case, David and I cleaned the house, put stuff away, packed the bag and after all this was done I felt ready. I feel the baby can now come. The "nest" is in order and her little cradle is ready and waiting.

Despite being ready on the world out here, maybe SHE's not ready! I have to keep reminding myself that my due date isn't until the 30th of March and she could come 2 wks after that! Oh sweet Jesus, I pray NOT, but it IS a possibility. My prayer has been that she comes when she's done "cooking." Of course, I would love for that to be THIS WEEK, but our good Lord knows when the right time is and will prompt our little one to come then. Isn't it neat to think that even the day we're born the Lord has orchestrated? I mean, he's created every little thing in/on our little girl and he's even set aside the day for her to enter this world. It's very overwhelming to me to think about.

As I've been going to bed each night my prayers have changed a bit. I've been praying for continued mental and physical preparation as the time comes closer. I know God has designed my body to give birth, he has equipped it with everything it needs to bring this "little" girl into the world. I have been praying that I WILL have the strength to do this without pain medication and will just let nature take its course. I know the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment will be huge in the end!!! I know, all of you who have used the pain meds are telling me there is still satisfaction and accomplishment. I believe you, I really do! And, I, in no way, am making light of anyone's experience. But, this is important to me, to do this naturally. With the help of my husband and sister I know I can. I say all this bravely, but to be honest I DO reserve the right to change my mind! :) I have also been praying that this 1st birth of mine would go smoothly without anything out of the ordinary. I don't know, maybe this is a selfish prayer? All in all, though, I know the Lord will be with me, and I have been praying ultimately for his peace to reign in the delivery room and to reign in me and my husband.

So, though I know it's safe for this little girl to come anytime now, I'm not holding my breath. I mean, it IS cold out here so I can't blame her for wanting to stay inside where it's warm! :)

One day at a time

I'm tired. That should just be the end of my blog post today. Simply, I'm tired. I'm so glad we're only required to take one day at a time. God tells us not to worry about tomorrow, it has enough troubles of it's own! But, we silly humans like to think about the future and fret and worry about it and I can't help but wonder, does that make us more tired? We waste so much energy on thinking and worrying about things that haven't even happened yet that we exhaust ourselves. Now, that's not to say we shouldn't plan ahead or prepare for things in some ways, but I don't think we ONLY do that. I think we plan/prepare and then fret and worry and say it's OK because I can't be caught unaware! How silly we are and how silly we must appear to our Father.

Alas, I'm still tired. I'm not sleeping well, which at this stage in pregnancy it's amazing I can do much of anything. DEFINITELY in the whole beached whale stage! Sitting, standing, laying down, it doesn't matter, it's all uncomfortable. I find it a chore to breathe, let alone walk and breathe, or talk and breathe. It'll be nice when the baby drops so I have a little less pressure on my lungs (of course then the pressure is elsewhere). I am certain God allows a woman to feel so uncomfortable at the end so she's willing to do just about anything to get the baby out! :) He knows there will be pain and work ahead (they don't call it labor for nothing), but I think it might all pale in comparison to the daily discomfort one feels at this stage. I'll let you know! :) Despite feeling so tired, I do get bursts of energy (save for today, I do believe). I was tired when I got home from work last night, but suddenly had this burst of energy and got a lot done! I find it funny how that's working!!

Anywho, I'm one week closer to holding this baby and SO thankful for that!!!! Hopefully, I won't fall asleep at my desk today! :)

Large and In Charge

Well, I have been feeling large as of late. Could it be due to the fact that I'm at the END of my pregnancy???? Yes, I suppose so! I've been getting the usual comments of "my, you're getting huge/so big/etc!" Why is it that just because a woman is pregnant everyone seems to think they can say whatever they want? As though being pregnant means you no longer have feelings. Au contraire my friend!!!!!!! Anyone who's ever been pregnant knows you're even MORE full of emotions and feelings during pregnancy. However, I just smile and nod and think "what an idiot" when people say such mean and obvious things. Would you like me to tell you "My, you sure are getting big/huge/fat!" Or, "my! Your makeup sure looks terrible today!" or any other such thing? Ok, so maybe I'm being a bit sensitive, but seriously, most of these insensitive comments come from WOMEN who have been pregnant. Do we forget so quickly? I sure hope not, but apparently so! The next time you see a pregnant woman say some of these nice comments that I have been told, "you look so great!" "you're glowing!" "you look radiant!" See, much nicer. We'd all love to be told these things instead. I would love to say to a person who says I'm getting "so big"--REALLY? I hadn't noticed! Duh...

ANYWAY! I went to the dr yesterday for my 36-week check up. He comes in and looks at me and says, "We have a big baby in there!" This is before he's even done any examining!!! Great...I was expecting to be told that the baby is about 7 lbs or MAYBE 7.5 lbs, but after a thorough exam we find out she's AT LEAST 8 LBS!!!!!!!!!!! Omigoodness!!!! The dr then informs me that she will more than likely be over 9 lbs, depending on when she's born. OK baby! come SOON!!!!! The longer she's in the oven the bigger she'll get. However, I must say, I'm thankful that all is well, she and I are both healthy and doing just fine. I am 1 cm dilated and my cervix is softening. I was hoping this would be the case, but didn't want to get my hopes up high as I also knew it might not be happening yet.

We are so thankful for the health and good pregnancy the Lord has blessed me with. I have had very little water retention, just the usual aches and pains. Even with puking up my guts the first 16 weeks was normal and I survived! :) I really can't complain. Yes, we've had a few things like my low iron and now my thyroid is wacked out, but these are also things that are VERY treatable and not anything to get too worried about. God is so good. My prayer now is that I have a smooth and normal labor and delivery and don't have to have a c-section. However, I am coming to peace with the thought that if I DO have to have a c-section God will still be with me even then, and I have a very capable dr who will do his best.

The next time you see a pregnant woman tell her how beautiful she is and not how big she's getting. She knows she's big, but she probably doesn't feel too beautiful!