Allison Claire Birth Story

December 23, 2016 at 4:23am Allison Claire Riser joined the family!  I will admit I am not a writer.  I have a hard time putting words to such an event, but having a record of this monumental time is invaluable. It must be done.

Background to the birth:
From a physical perspective the pregnancy went very well until week thirty five.  Alexis and I went to a routine exam at thirty five weeks to find that the baby was in a breech position.  The midwife sent me for an ultrasound right away to see how much amniotic fluid I had- this would determine whether or not I was a candidate for an external version.  We found a 5 lb 13 oz. baby and plenty of fluid.  I was scheduled for the version at Mission the following week.  In the meantime I was told to invert myself three times a day for fifteen minutes.  In addition to following this advice I went into full hippie mode, signing up for acupuncture, applying moxa every other day, chiropractor appointments, lots of lavender essential oil, ice/heat treatment, and praying around the clock that I would avoid a c-section.  Josh was a good sport.  It took him back to his childhood- still he joked that he would come home one day to find me walking around in Birkenstocks. 

Loooooong story short two days following this appointment I began to have consistent contractions and because they didn't want me in labor with a breech baby I was in the hospital for the version the next day.  Went to the version to discover via ultrasound that she was head down!!!  Went home and stopped all the baby flipping treatment. 

37 weeks- sure that she was breech again- Josh attended this appointment.  As the midwife was setting up the ultrasound machine I remember saying "I'm 50/50 on this position thing, let see if I'm right"  She applied the gel and put it on the lower part of my belly.  The second it touched me I knew.  The tears start flowing.  Another version was scheduled. I pulled myself back together, walked out of the office, and went back to hippie girl making it, once again, my full time job to flip the girl.

38 weeks- before the second version I got smart and went to the office (instead of the hospital) for yet another ultrasound.  Head DOWN!!!!  For the next two weeks I continued the acupuncture and chiropractic care to support the position. 

Now the actual story!
It is December.  Kate, Jason, and Abe flew in from Mexico so Kate could be at the birth.  I am so so glad she was there.  Leading up to the birthday there were lots of contractions.  For a solid week I texted Kate to say "maybe this is the day??". 

December 22 I woke up thinking this may be the actual day.  It was a clear crisp morning.  Even though it was cold, the sun was shining.  I decided a walk around Lake Tomahawk sounded good.  Our rental house was only a half a mile away but I drove in case my water broke or I ended up in some sort of distress on my walk alone.  My intention was another natural unmedicated birth.  I spent the three mile walk praying for the birth and releasing my fears-this sounds like weirdness, but it actually helped!  An hour later, home from the walk, we loaded up the kids for haircuts and a last minute shopping trip in downtown Black Mountain.  Side note- the guy that cut Josh's hair had been in business at the same location for 45 years!

At noon with contractions 15 minutes apart and pretty strong, I went to what would be my final acupuncture session.  She gave me the induction treatment.  I was relaxed, but didn't sleep like I had in the previous sessions. After the acupuncture I made a trip to Whole Foods for some clary sage essential oil.  Clary sage is disgusting.

I came home at 3pm.  Since it was a warmish day we headed out to Montreat park with the kids.  Last time Alexis was a the park she discovered a path- I walked with her on the path as she lead the way.  We eventually made our way back to the boys on the tennis court where the kids jumped in a giant leaf pile.  I was in love with the simplicity of the day. 

I had planned to cook dinner but I was feeling more like Mexican.   We made it to the Mexican place where I, for the first time in the day, beginning to track contractions on the app. It was apparent that the birthday will be soon.  Half way through dinner Josh admits his failure as a birth coach in not questioning my choice of Mexican.  It was really bad Mexican food too- Ole's Guacamoles in Black Mountain- yuck, don't go there. 

After dinner Josh began the bedtime routine with the kids alone while I bathed in a potion of essential oils.  The bath didn't last long because I was afraid I would stop the contractions.  Josh called his parents to give them a heads up since they were on call to watch the kids.  I called Kate who said she would come to the house.  At this point I am really afraid that I'm causing a bunch of drama.  What if it's not for real?!

Kate came over with a plan for what we should do.  I loved that because I was really wishy washy on what I thought I needed.  She had a list of things to prepare so it wasn't a last minute rush.  After loading the car with a couple things we headed downtown for a walk to get things going a little more.  It worked!   The town was decorated for Christmas.  I tracked contractions on my app while we walked.  We talked a lot, which was just the distraction I needed.  They were getting stronger, lasting 30 seconds and 7-8 minutes apart.  After an hour of walking we drove back home. 

We got back at 8:30 or so.  At this point I was convinced that the labor will not go away.  Being GBS positive I knew that I couldn't show up at the hospital at the last second to deliver, but couldn't remember exactly when to come in.  I called and the on call doc said to head that way when they are five minutes apart lasting one minute.   Not there yet- I briefly got in a bath then found myself back in the living room laying over the birth ball.  We were all practicing our roles through these easier contractions.  Kate and Josh were observing me and telling me where I needed to relax.  I was relaxing through them.  At one point, after returning from the bathroom Josh said "you're handling this very well"  I was happy to hear that, but I knew I had a long way to go and it was going to get waaaaay worse.

Somewhere around the 9 o'clock hour Josh called his parents to come over.  I moved to the master bedroom to labor, but not for long because  after they showed up it was time to head to the hospital.  I remember thinking how much I wish I didn't need those rounds of antibiotics because I knew I wasn't far along in the labor at all.

The ride to the hospital was not terrible.   Contractions picked up as we headed off the hospital exit.  We arrived at the hospital at 10:30 pm.  It was cold now.  Really cold.  I got out of the car.  As I was walking in a contraction hit. I wanted to make it inside because it was so cold, but the contraction stopped me in my tracks and I was in a panic as to what to do.  I made it over to a concrete post where I leaned until it was over.  I had settled into a ritual for each contraction at home.  All that was disturbed getting in the car and now at the hospital.  I knew I needed to get to a room fast, be left alone, and find the new ritual. 

The triage room upstairs was terrible.  The checked me in at 5 cm and asked me the questions.  I couldn't find a good position.  I wanted a room!  I had planned to labor in a water works room- meaning big jetted bath tub.  All they had available was a regular room with a small bathtub.  At this point I didn't care, I just knew I needed to be in the water and fast. 

We made it to the room.  The ultrasound machine came in to check position one last time!  Still head down and not posterior. The nurse put in the IV.  After her first try I screamed "that hurts worse than a contraction!!!"  She sarcastically replies:  "Well, that makes me feel really good"  Stupid nurse.  I was there to have a baby not make her feel good! She was the only bad nurse I encountered, everyone else was wonderful.  After a couple more times the IV was in.    It was at that point that the doc insisted that she check me again. I thought this was unnecessary.

11:30pm- 8 cm.  I was shocked, scared, and relieved that I was that far along.  3cm in an hour is pretty good progress.  It hit me that  I'd be pushing the baby out soon.  That was scary and I believe it was a combination of fear and the stressful environment that kept me in labor so long.  I stayed in transition stuck at 8 cm for a long time.  It was torture.  I was in and out of the tub.  Frustrated that the water wasn't deep enough to cover my belly and the tub was too tiny to find a good position in.  I couldn't get comfortable in there.  At one point in the tub I could feel the baby moving down.  We told the nurse who found a doc to check me.  The doc came in saying "get her out of the tub! get her out of the tub!!"  I said "Everybody calm down.  I'm not gonna have the baby in your tub"  They checked me- still 8cm.  It went on this way for a while.  I would convince myself of progress and have them check me still at 8.  Looking back, what I needed was for someone to rip the clock off the wall and tell me they weren't gonna check me anymore. 

Anyway...around the 1am hour with no progress my sister asked about breaking my water which they couldn't do until after the second dose of antibiotics at 2:30am.  Time passed and we pressed them about breaking the water again.  The doc talked to her boss who said the pediatrician would require the baby to stay for observation for 48 hours, keeping us in the hospital on Christmas day.  So there I was in transition, awake for the last 23 hours, having to make a choice of  how long I wanted to be in the hospital.  We decided not to have it broken.  I asked for meds- the nurse says I can't give you anything in your IV because your baby will come out too sleepy.  I opt for the epidural which was administered at 2am.  RELIEF.  I was happy with this.  Josh, still nauseous with a stomach thing, was happier. 

After the epidural we all rested.  That part was wonderful.  Unfortunately with every intervention there is a high risk of more interventions.  I woke up all of the sudden feeling nauseous.  My blood pressure dropped- a common thing with epidurals.  The nurse said "ok, I will give you some ephedrine".  I quickly remembered this happening with my first birth and asked her to please flip me instead of medicating to see if that would help.  I flipped and thank God it worked. 

The doctor came to check me around 4am.  At this point the final dose of antibiotics was in.  My water was still intact.  She broke it and not long after I began pushing.  I remember before pushing I said " I have two requests: #1 Do not shout numbers at me and #2 I have birthed two children with no tearing- please do not cut me"  She says "I'll do my best" to which I replied "I'M SERIOUS: DO NOT CUT ME!!"  I didn't know when to push exactly.  They told me when.  I pushed and nine minutes later at 4:23am she was out.  Allison is first baby I felt any emotion with immediately following the birth.  It was amazing.  Kate's reaction was equally amazing.  I was surprised to feel emotional.  They gave me the baby who looked identical to Alexis.  There was meconium in the amniotic fluid, but thankfully we avoided the NICU- she was fine.

I was not released from the labor and delivery room until 3 pm that afternoon because they were full of moms and babies on the recovery floor.  Finally, Allie and I made it up there.  Shortly after I arrived I noticed on the board it said I was to be discharged on Christmas day.  I would not accept this announced to the nurse that I changed the birth that I wanted in order to leave on December 24th.  She patiently explained that she would do everything in her power to make that happen. 

The kids and Josh came to visit.  There are a few moments in life that are forever remembered and as I stood there watching the big kids look over their baby sister I remember thinking I don't want to miss one single detail.  The kids oohed and ahhed over Allie. Cameron had questions about where my belly went and Alexis thought that I had another baby in there.  They were in love with the Allison holding her very gently and doing everything we asked of them.

Allie had a boarder-line temperature of 100.4 that first night, but despite this we were still able to go home!  I was never so glad to be leaving.  My previous hospital experiences were spa like compared to this one.  I know a lot of people love Mission, but I missed my Omaha hospitals- Methodist Womens and Bellevue Medical. 

The perfectionist in me sees all the things that could have been done differently but at the end of the day, when it is all said and done, I am thankful to have avoided a c-section.  I am even more thankful for the very healthy 7pound 4 ounce Allison Claire Riser. 

Halfway

Four months in the states and halfway done with pregnancy #3!  

While I am in NC keeping the children busy,  Josh has been busy back home with work and preparing our house for baby.  Bunk beds for the big kids, double bed back to the crib, and cleaning things he never knew had to be cleaned.  I highly suggest nesting through someone else :)

Despite the separation and missing our favorite neighborhood friends in Puerto Rico we are enjoying the States.  I especially love the efficiency.  Fast food is really fast, lines are short, and my pre natal appointments are 20 minutes from start to finish.  

Soon we will settle into life as a family. Last week the kids and I made yet another "Daddy chain" to count down the days until he returns.  We are all looking forward our travels up the east coast to the DC area where we will explore, visit family, and (because its next to the hotel) eat a lot of Chipotle.  We will return to Marion to enjoy all things fall, then December 7th move to the neighboring town of Black Mountain, NC.  Black Mountain the town where I grew up in the younger years. It is much closer to Asheville where baby will be delivered.  

How far along: 20 weeks

Weight gained: 12.8 lbs

How big is baby: about 10 inches long/ 10 ounces

Best Moment of the week:  Finding out the gender

Looking forward to: Seeing the ocean this week

Father's Day Questions 2016

Father's Day is quickly approaching!  Our kids will be traveling to Puerto Rico with my sisters family and are fortunate in our situation be spending Father's day with Josh.  In honor of the "holiday" we present the annual Q&A:

Alexis 5 1/2 Years old:

How old is Daddy?- 33 

What is Daddy's favorite thing to do?- Umm Eat oreos 

What do you love to do with Daddy?- Go to the Build a Bear store

What does Daddy do at work?- He works

What does Daddy like to eat?- Oreos

What is his favorite sport?- Soccer

What does Daddy not like?- Bad Guys

What is he good at?- Chasing bad guys

Why is Daddy special?- Because he's our Daddy 

Daddy makes me laugh when... He does this "Slaps hands on face and sticks out tongue"

Cameron 3 1/2 years old:

How old is Daddy?- 2

What is Daddy's favorite thing to do?- Play with my train set 

What do you love to do with Daddy?- Pretend those mans are toys and bad guys

What does Daddy do at work?- Shoot BAD GUYS

What does Daddy like to eat?- Vegetables!

What is his favorite sport?- Soccer ball

What does Daddy not like?- Yelling

What is he good at?- Shooting bad guys

Why is Daddy Special?-because he loves me

Daddy makes me laugh when..he scares you.

Surprise!

Our family is expecting baby #3 sometime around December 22, 2016!!  I'm not sure where exactly to begin with this story.  Let's begin on March 31st, the day we left Puerto Rico for Atlanta.  Our plan was to join Josh while he worked for ten days and then continue on a family tour while Josh returned to work in PR.  Little did we know we were leaving and would not return for a veeeeery long time.  I had suspicions of a pregnancy while Josh and I were together, but a test later I determined this not to be true and continued with life as usual.  Blue cheese, lunchmeat, feta, wine. All the bad stuff...

Life is full of surprises, especially ours.  A week later on April 15 in my brothers apartment bathroom I took another test confirming a pregnancy.  I announced to Josh via FaceTime in the bathroom, miming the whole conversation because I was terrified someone would hear us.  Josh replied with excitement and reassurance.  My mind was reeling with details.  I felt nothing, sure that excitement would show up sometime.  

That weekend we were able to announce to my Mom, Brother, and Sis in Law again via FaceTime.  A  few days later to Josh's family, and finally to the kids when we were reunited in May.  We got the best reaction out of Alexis!  I'll post the video when we get around to shortening it.  IT IS PRICELESS.  Cameron didn't have much to say except to guess the ultrasound picture was a bird, pretty cute.  They are going to be wonderful older siblings.  

The days that followed were full of details.  For those who don't know the CDC has recommend that pregnant women do not travel to Zika infested areas.  My midwife's husband happens to be the leading expert in Zika for the state of NC and with their help we decided it is best to complete the pregnancy in the States.   Everything has fallen in to place wonderfully.  I couldn't have planned it better myself.  Except for Josh, we have everything we need and more.  Alexis is attending a local magnet school where she will be in a Spanish immersion program.  How great is that!!  Cameron is attending preschool but will take a break from Spanish until next year. I am ok with because I was a little stressed with his mix up of vowel sounds, wondering how he will ever master reading in either language.  So I get to teach English sounds and he can figure the rest out later...

How far along: 12 weeks

Weight gained: 4.2 pounds at the appointment last week...because I can not stop eating!

How big is baby: A ripe apricot.  Not just an apricot, a RIPE one :)

Best Moment of the week:  Watching Cameron return from his swimming regression.  He is back to full time swimming!  Also, not feeling sick 100% of the time.  

Looking forward to: Visiting Kelly and other friends in Omaha next week.

Sandra Farms

Jarrod and Christina (our first visitors)  recommended a  coffee farm here in Puerto Rico.  They were also so kind to leave us a bag of coffee.  One sip of the coffee and I knew I had to visit this majestic farm!

Our first visit was in early October.  We spontaneously packed the car one Sunday afternoon and headed up through the beautiful treacherous mountains.  The trip itself was a great adventure and one I was happy to share with my best friend, Kelly.  So thankful she squeezed in a visit before baby 4's arrival, the laughs we shared on this journey are memorable!

Carmelo, our tour guide, greeted us and began to explain a little about the farm.  We were able to see all the crops with the main focus on the coffee making process.  He was so patient with our children through the tour, explaining on their level at times.  The tour ended at the house of the farm owners- Sandra and Israel.  We sat on their balcony with a 180 degree view of the mountains while Carmelo prepared the coffee.  Yum..

This trip was such a rich experience we knew we had to share with Oma and Opa on their visit as they are both nature and coffee lovers.  Into the mountains we ventured once again!  This time was much the same the only difference being a history from Sandra herself on their personal journey from  mainland professional jobs to Puerto Rician coffee farmers.

Israel, Sandra, and Carmelo are wonderful hosts.  Interesting people with many stories to share in their wilderness oasis.

Go here to order the best coffee of your life:
http://www.sandrafarms.com/

Coffee Bean

Cameron loved exploring!

I can not remember what this is!

It was tasty!

The kids really enjoyed Carmelo

Swinging

Gorgeous setting

Trip #2

This is where saffron comes from

Selfies and the mountains

The four of us

Cameron turns Three!!

Cameron is a BIG three year old!  We had an exciting birthday week with a few celebrations.

This year Cameron has grown so much.  I have noticed many things I am proud of him for, but the one that I love the most is the way he wants to keep everyone safe around him.  
At times when he has sensed danger he has been quick to grab someone to "save".  
Ex:  At the beach when the big waves are crashing, and most recently in a bounce house when the air was deflating he helped a little girl get out.  Those are just two examples that stick out the most.  He is so much like his Daddy!

 Cameron's favorite question is "Are you ok, Mommy/Daddy/Alexis?" 

And now, some photos of the birthday week...

Three candles in an egg muffin

Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Enjoying a cupcake at school

Birthday Tree

Opa helps set up the fishing rod

Oma and Cameron with the fishing game

Favorite gift- Superhero mini potato heads

Our Family

Pinata time!

Three Year Old Survey

Favorite Color- Blue
 
Favorite Animal- Giraffe
 
Favorite Food- Chicken and rice
 
Favorite thing to do- Play "aminals" with Alexis
 
Favorite thing to wear- A shirt
 
Favorite Game- Zingo
 
What do you want to be when you grow up?- I don't know

Who do you want to marry when you grow up?- A girl.
 
Favorite TV show- Football (We were all watching football with Josh)
 
What are you proud of? Alexis, Daddy, and YOU!

Christmas 2015

Christmas 2015 was a hit!  Easy, laid back, lots of family time...just what we needed.  The Christmas season began shortly after arriving home from Aguadilla.  We showed up at Ft. Buchanan ready to buy a live tree, took one look at the looooooong line and said FAKE IT IS!  Our first fake tree. 

Part of what made this season so fun is the outside time.  Our kids have so much fun outside where they have freedom to do what they want! 

We had many activities leading up to Christmas day- Parties, Girl Scout caroling, cookie making, new movies.  The time just flew by!

 Christmas morning we ate a light breakfast, read the Christmas story, opened gifts, and later had brunch with our good friends who are here with us from Omaha.  That evening we walked over to a neighbors house for dessert.

Pictures of the fun below:

Decorating

Movie night by the tree

Kids with Santa at Ft. Buchanan

Cotton Candy at a neighborhood Christmas Party

Grinch Snacks

Grinch Snacks

Ho Ho Ho

In the dress my Grandma made!

Off to a work Christmas Party

Party time!!

Reading the Christmas story

Excitement

Calm and methodical