Why everyone should hire a photographer for their birth

Seriously. I feel so strongly about this that I am devoting a blog to it. That probably seems a little weird, but what an amazing day and most of us settle for half ass pictures or whatever pictures our family and friends can snap. When I was pregnant with Sawyer I wanted to hire a doula that also did photography. Chris never warmed up to the idea and I will admit while I was disappointed I let it go. Chris and the medical staff were the only ones in the delivery room and while it was exactly what I wanted looking back, I know it was a lot of pressure for Chris. Not only was he experiencing birth for the first time, his first child, being a support person for me and then I hand him a camera and tell him he better not miss out on getting good pictures. Wow, no pressure there. So while he is counting and breathing with me, trying to hold a leg, waiting and watching for a glimpse of his first son he is also wrestling a camera and probably going back and forth between experiencing and being in the moment and trying to get pictures. Fast forward to this pregnancy...I knew there would be a better way. Having become friends with Ciara over the past year or so Chris seemed more ok with the idea. He was sort of like well, it’s your body all out there and if you are ok with it then it’s great. I am not sure if it’s because this was his second go round so he knew what to expect or that there was less pressure on him but he was so much more supportive and much less intense. Perhaps it was a combination of both.

Ciara was amazing! I went into this totally ready and no worries...then as it got closer I will admit I was a little nervous about having a photographer in the room. I mean birth is probably one of, if not the most raw and intimate experiences in our lives. Would I be comfortable in front of her?? What if I yelled and lost control in front of her (which I totally did)??? Would she think I was a super freak?? Then I started to think...she is a professional...this is her job. Not to toss in the fact that she is also a woman and a mom that has delivered 3 babies of her own. When it came down to it I was not only comfortable with her there but I honestly forgot she was there! She sprang to my rescue with some gum I was desperate for. Occasionally I apologized for my crazy outbursts which she assured me I was being totally sane...what a sweet girl she is ;) and other than when I looked for her she just snapped away. She took pictures of things most of us wouldn’t think to shoot, the machines, the environment, stuff us normal people don’t think to take pictures of but I love that she did! The fire alarm went off when I was pushing (I had no idea it was the fire alarm) and for a split second I thought DAMN that girls flash is bright! ha ha, yeah it was the alarm on the wall! She hung out for awhile to be sure to get some pictures of our first moments as a family. I honestly can’t speak highly enough of Ciara or my experience.

We hire photographers once or twice a year for family photos, we pay hundreds and even thousands for wedding photos and we totally forget about our births! What’s the deal?!?! Not that I am having any more babies BUT if I did I would definitely do the same. I will recommend it to all of my friends and families! I even think it would be an amazing gift for a baby shower!

I will not only cherish the photographs forever, but the experience of being able to completely trust someone else to take care of this so that Chris and I could focus on the birth of our 3rd baby was completely priceless.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Ciara.

If you are expecting or know someone that is get in touch with her asap! You don’t want to look back and wish you did this!

You can find Ciara via email CiaraHammonds@yahoo.com

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Baby O is here!

and is a 

BOY!!!!

Yes, we have another little boy in our house.

Dexter Mason Oxford made quite the entry into this world November 16 at 11:28am weighing 8 lbs 7 oz and 21.25" long.  

I have always had this idea of just how I wanted my labor to go.  I am not sure why it is something I put so much value on or that I have such a specific idea of how I want it to go.  Ever since I had Karly though I have had this vision of what my labor and birth experience would be.  Karly's was FAR from it,  Sawyer's was closer and Dexter's was as close as I will ever get since he is our last (according to Chris).  I will say there is very little I would have done differently.  I truly got most of what I had envisioned.  I always wanted to go into labor on my own preferably in the early morning hours when the house is still quiet.  I imagined myself puttering around the house, baking something tasty to keep my mind busy and to bring to the nursing staff breathing through contractions as needed.  Waiting at home as long as possible, getting to the hospital and delivering just a few hours later.  I knew I wanted to pull this baby out myself and immediately be the first to hold him and see what sex he was.  Well, it went just like that...ok, sort of...

Here is my story!

Around 2am I was pretty aware I was having contractions, but I had been having similar ones for weeks.  I was dozing off in between them, but very aware when they would start.  Around 3am I was realizing this was probably the real deal and decided to get out of bed.  I was tossing and turning trying to get comfortable so I moved to the couch and turned on the news and started timing them.  (FYI there is an app for that ;)  Contraction Master...pretty handy little app I tell ya').  Chris woke up at 4:30a to get ready for work.  He was very torn on whether he should even go in.  Knowing I could stay at this point for HOURS he decided to try to go in for a few hours.  I was having contractions about 5 minutes apart lasting about 45 seconds long.  I was fairly uncomfortable but nothing miserable at this point.  The kids were both asleep so it was just me.  I had always wanted to have a few quiet hours alone to just focus and rest.  Chris left for work and I immediately worried he should have stayed home.  He called me at 6am to tell me that they were trying to find a replacement for him and that he would leave at 7 whether someone came in or not.  I said ok and hung up.  I called him back 10 minutes later and said I thought he should head home.  My contractions were about 4 minutes apart lasting 45 seconds to over a minute.  I was really getting uncomfortable at this point.  Karly got up for school but ended up staying home, I called our cousin Tammy to watch the kids until my mom could get here.  I hopped in the shower thinking it would make me a little more comfortable...not really helpful for me.  I attempted to get ready but barely got my hair dry.  Chris was home at this point packing up last minute stuff and I finished packing.  We hopped in the truck and headed for the hospital.  It felt like I had contractions the ENTIRE way there!  I seriously was so miserable sitting in the truck, I wanted to flip around in my chair so badly. We finally got to the hospital and into a room at 8:30a.  I was 5cm dilated and contracting about every 3 minutes for around a minute.  Things went very quickly from this point forward.  My photographer got there right behind us, my mom at some point an hour or so later.  I broke down (again) and wanted an epidural.  I could not sit still when they were trying to place it and they couldn't get it in right.  My right foot was completely numb and that is it!  Another epidural that didn't work.  I was at 8cm at this point.  I was really upset and very overwhelmed.  Next time they checked me I was a 10 and since the epidural hadn't taken and I was a 10 there wasn't much point in attempting another one.  We decided to just get to pushing. Pushing went VERY fast...thank goodness!!!!  I would guess less than 15 minutes but honestly I couldn't even tell you.  I rarely noticed the clock.  Almost 3 hours to the minute after walking into the hospital I was holding my baby.  As soon as I could see him I pulled him out of me and onto myself.  

Intense doesn't even begin to describe how this experience felt.  It felt much faster than 3 hours, I think I opened my eyes maybe 5 times in 3 hours until it was time to push.  I seriously chewed a piece of gum with my eyes closed attempting to pull my belly up begging my brain to slow down and attempt to gain some composure.  It was the only thing that provided ANY sort of relief and it was minimal.  I wish I could tell you that I stayed calm and rationale but I was the screaming lady with no control.  Unfortunately I did tear badly again, but not as bad with Sawyer.  Dexter's head was over an inch smaller than Sawyer's but they weighed the exact same weight!  We only had a few visitors and just relaxed for the rest of the day.  Chris came home to be with the kids that night and they let me us go home around noon the next day.  One problem, the baby still had no name!  They literally came to our room and told us the birth certificate lady was leaving within the hour and wouldn't be back until 3 so if we wanted to leave we had to pick a name or we would have to wait for her to get back.  Soooo Chris and I each gave a little on what we wanted for a name choice.  

My recovery has been 100% better this time than last.  6 weeks after having Sawyer I was still fairly uncomfortable.  I am amazed at how much better I have done this time around.  I am beyond thankful for it.  I was very concerned about having a newborn and chasing a toddler if I could hardly sit or get to standing without being in serious pain.  

I sit here typing this with an almost 2 week old Dex sleeping on my chest.  He is absolutely perfect in every way.  I can't even imagine our family without him.  Tell me he isn't perfect!

39 weeks!

39 weeks with Baby O!

(S)he is almost here!  This pregnancy has flown...ok... until the last few weeks it has flown by!  The last few weeks have been rough but they have still gone by quickly.  I went to the doctor yesterday and was still a 2.  I am really, really hoping this baby decides to come out this weekend!  I went and had a massage today...amazing.  Thinking a pedicure may be on my agenda tomorrow!  I am still scheduled for the induction but am really leaning towards just waiting.  Chris and I sort of totally don't see eye to eye on this.  I'd love for it to just start on it's own before then so I don't even have to worry about it!  I am so excited to see what it is!!  The doctor guessed the weight between 7.5-8 pounds already so looks like another chunkster! Heartrate was 135.  Oh and I should add we still don't have definite names!  This poor baby will be named brother or sister if we don't start agreeing on some things...you know, like a name ;)

Here is what (s)he is up to!

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is fully formed and ready to be delivered, however some babies may want to stay in the womb for one or two additional weeks. (After 42 weeks pregnant, your baby is considered “post-term” and your doctor will induce labor, or perform a c-section, to get your baby out.) 

Since your baby is fully mature at pregnancy week 39, he or she has reached his or her birth weight and length. Your baby may weigh anywhere between 7 and 7.5 pounds, though some babies may weigh more and others less. Your little one is likely to be between 19 and 21 inches long at this point in your pregnancy week by week. 

Your baby’s eyes are fully developed by pregnancy week 39, but the neural networks continue to mature. As a result, your baby’s vision will be fuzzy in the first few weeks after birth. 

Were you a hairy baby when you were born? If so, there’s a possibility that your baby will be born with a full head of hair! But you never know, your baby might only have a few wispy strands, or no hair at all, at 39 weeks pregnant and when he or she is born. 

Since your baby is situated low in your pelvis during pregnancy week 39, you probably have relief from any upper abdominal discomfort. However, in its place, you may feel lots of pressure on your bladder . . . that means, lots of restroom breaks! 

Still feeling those kicks? All of your baby’s movements at 39 weeks pregnant are helping build his or her muscle strength, as well as helping with coordination. 

Vagina Monologues

Baby O 38 weeks big!

Hey, your little one isn't so little anymore, weighing close to seven pounds and measuring 20 inches long.  Fetal development is nearly complete as your baby tends to a few last-minute details like shedding the skin-protecting vernix and lanugo. He's also producing more surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs in his lungs from sticking to one another once he starts to breathe. Most of the changes this week are small but important: He’s continuing to add fat (so he can take advantage of all those photo ops by sporting a round, cute baby look!) and fine-tuning his brain and nervous system (so he can deal with all the stimulation that awaits him once he makes his entrance into the world).

Personal run down

I went to the doctor yesterday and was still only dilated to a 2!!  I have to admit that even though I know it doesn't mean anything I was a little disappointed.  I have had so many contractions that I really thought I'd at least be a little further than last week!  Rationally, I know that it can go from 0 to full blown labor or sit at 4 for a month but I guess I just got my hopes up!  I do feel a little guilty that I am sort of rushing this baby out.  I also know that while it's inside it is MUCH easier to take care of.  The way (s)he is sitting is just miserable!  I have the worst fire burning nerve pinching sensation that I am really looking forward to being over.  Soooo here is my dilemma....  I really, really have always wanted to go into labor on my own.  I have been induced with both of my kids thus far.  I was going to be induced a week before my due date this time but the date it falls on doesn't work so they can only do it 2 days before my due date.  The drive for a week early is that Sawyer was 8.7 lbs with a 14.5" head.  A week probably doesn't save me much in size, but the hope is that it saves a little :)  I don't think I need to remind you what kind of damage Sawyer did.  So here I am, scheduled to be induced 2 days before my due date or tough it out and hope it happens not too far after my due date.  I sort of feel like the fact that they couldn't do it when I wanted is maybe sign that I should just let it happen.  

Thoughts??  Opinions??

37 weeks with Baby O

Congratulations! You've got what is officially considered a full-term baby, even with three weeks to go. That doesn't mean he's finished growing — in fact, he's still packing on about a half pound a week (at this age, the average fetus weighs about 6.5 pounds). That makes it a little crowded in your uterus, so he’s probably not kicking as much, though he’s probably stretching, rolling a bit, and wiggling (all of which you’ll be able to feel!). Right now, your little superstar is busy rehearsing for his big debut, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid (to get the lungs ready for that first breath), sucking his thumb (to prepare for that first suckle of milk), blinking, and turning from side to side.

Not much changes in these last weeks other than Baby O chubbing up a bit!  I am really exhausted with pregnancy.  I have had a great pregnancy and feel bad for even complaining, but these last few weeks my body is just exhausted.  My cankles have returned and my ligaments feel like they can't support my body :)  I am ready to feel better but not really ready to be mom to THREE!!!  Not sure if that even makes sense but that is where I am!  I have wrapped up most of my house projects, but I have a few still in limbo.  Today, I am hoping to get the carpet cleaned in the babe's room and all the infant stuff washed and ready.  I am not bothering with the clothes...if it's a girl I won't need them and if it's a boy I'll deal with a few loads of laundry when we get home!  I am so excited to see what this little one is!  I actually set up a little online thing if you want to go over and enter your guesses for sex, size, etc...

click below to play:

GUESS BABY O'S STATS

I went to the doctor yesterday and had my first internal (blah) but I was happy to hear I am almost dilated to a 2!  I am very realistic that this doesn't mean anything.  I could sit at a 2 for another month or go into labor today.  I am honestly hoping I go into labor on my own about a week early (as long as baby O is ready of course!)  Baby O's heartbeat was 150 and other than the swelling I am healthy as a horse!  Now we just need to name this kid!  Poor nameless child!

Did any of your kids remain nameless at the time of their birth?

35 weeks = 35 more days of pregnancy!

Down to the wire!  I feel like I have so much left to do and not much time to do it!  I have some serious goals of things I want to get done and am thinking I need to actually write them down so I can see what is the most realistic and important.  I had an appointment this morning, Baby O's heart rate was 150 and seems great.  I am measuring about a week ahead which is usual for me.  With Sawyer I was consistently 2 weeks ahead so no biggie.  I go back next week....blah.  So far my blood pressure and swelling is all in check!  Woo Hoo!  Other than the fact that my pelvis feels like it's breaking this pregnancy is so much easier than last time.  We also have decided on a girls name...you know, unless an amazingly better one comes along ;)  No boy name still!  We have such a hard time agreeing on names!

Here's what Baby O is up to...

Your baby already weighs about 5 pounds, 5 ouncesbut this week begins your baby's most rapid period of weight gain — about 8 to 12 ounces each week! Fat is being deposited all over your baby's body, especially around the shoulders.

Because of this increasing size, your baby is now cramped and restricted inside the uterus — so fetal movements may decrease, but they may be stronger and more forceful. If your baby is in a headfirst position, his or her head will rest on your pubic bone in preparation for labor.

Now...almost 34 more days left!