The Story of Ainsley’s Arrival

Yes! Our sweetest little miracle finally made her appearance and she’s much more than our hearts even dared dream.

On Monday, May 24, I was 39 weeks and 2 days and we headed to the doctor for our weekly appointment. Once I started getting closer to my due date I made a conscious decision not to get my hopes up about this little girl coming early or even on time, so I wasn’t expecting too much at our check-up.

My doctor checked and I was still only 1 cm which I had been for two weeks. Our sweet angel was definitely going to take her time it seemed. As we discussed everything my doctor noticed that my BP was somewhat elevated. I have chronic hypertension and was on medication throughout the pregnancy but my BP had been pretty much perfect at each and every doctor appointment. She was a little concerned that it was above what had been normal for me. She stepped out of the room for a moment and consulted with one the high-risk OBs and she agreed….simply as a precaution and to avoid any complications, it would be best to go ahead and induce me.

So, before we left the doctor that Monday they did a non stress test to make sure everything was okay with the baby and things looked perfect. They instructed us to check in to Vanderbilt at 8:30 that night.

Josh and I experienced just about every emotion possible at that point. We were excited, nervous, shocked, over-the-moon happy. All these months of preparation and the time had finally come. It would not be long before we got to meet our baby girl!!

We left the doctor’s office and headed home to get all of our stuff together. We already had our bags pretty much packed, but it was nice to have to time to think clearly about adding anything we were missing. We even vacuumed and did a quick cleaning before we left too!

So, once we had everything ready we said goodbye to the dog and cat and headed out. Since I was allowed to have a meal before checking in to the hospital we ate dinner at Panera Bread. Yummm. And conveniently located next door to Panera….Ben and Jerry’s!! So, of course we made a pit stop there too. 🙂

After that, it was off to Vanderbilt to check in. Once they got me settled in a room, they hooked me up to the monitors to track my contractions and the baby’s heartbeat and got my IV going. Throughout the night they gave me doses of a medicine to get my cervix ready for the induction. And I tried to get some good rest, but it was hard. I was so excited to meet my baby girl.

So, the next morning at about 10:30 the doctors decided I was ready to go and they started me on the pitocin to induce labor. By about noon, I was having regular contractions. They weren’t too bad and I was able to stand them for a few hours. By about 3pm I was between 4 and 5 cm dialated and the contractions were starting to come stronger. I asked for the epidural at this point. Unfortunately, every room in labor and delivery was full and lots of women were having babies, which meant lots of women wanting epidurals. Anesthesiology was backed up and they didn’t make it to my room until about 4:30 and by that point my contractions were kicking my butt.

After they put in my epidural, I had instant relief simply because of the pain medicine they put in my IV. However, we did have a scare right after that. Ainsley’s heart rate dropped really quickly. It was an intense and very scary moment. All sorts of doctors and nurses rushed in the room and they gave me oxygen, had me move positions and worked to get her heart rate back up. Luckily everything went smoothly and returned to normal, but it was one of the scariest experiences I’ve had.

I was great for about an hour and a half after the epidural was administered and couldn’t really feel the contractions. But after that initial dose of medicine wore off it seemed that my epidural was not taking and I was starting to really feel the pain of my contractions again. Pushing that little button they give you to administer extra doses was not helping either. So, at one point I had three different anesthesiologists in my room trying to figure out why things weren’t working right. And finally into the evening they decided that it just wasn’t inserted correctly. They would need to take it out and re-do it. WHAT? Are you kidding me?

So, as my contractions raged on, they made the second attempt at my epidural. And guess what? I still got hardly any relief! Ahhhh why was this not working? I was in some serious pain and was not sure I was going to make it. As we got later into the evening, I was dialated almost 9 cm and there wasn’t much more the anesthesiologists could do for me. Sad face. 😦

I was sort of freaking out. I could not get control. And then this WONDERFUL nurse snapped me back to reality. She asked me if I wanted to end up having a C-section. Of course my answer was NO. She said if that was that case that I needed to focus. Focus on my breathing and focus on getting my little girl here. And to NOT focus so much on the pain. It really hit home with me and I was able to get my bearings again.

By 1 am, now May 26, I felt like I was ready to push and lo’ and behold my epidural had finally kicked in and I was not feeling the contractions as badly. Thank GOD! Because pushing was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I pushed for almost 2 hours and FINALLY at 2:56 am Ainsley Reese McCormack arrived in this world.

Daddy cutting the cord

We had another scare as Miss Ainsley arrived. She ingested meconium (her first bowel movement) into her lungs during labor. So, right after delivery she was a little shell-shocked and had some breathing problems. It’s one of those things you don’t envision for your delivery. While we got to hold her for a moment, they had to work to clear her airway and make sure she was 100% okay. So, it wasn’t long after these pics that she was whisked away to the NICU to be taken care of.

Before we were moved to a postpartum room, Josh and I got to stop by the NICU and hold our sweet baby again.

Once we got settled in our new room, Josh and I tried to get some rest. It was hard with all the nurses coming in and out. By about 9 am, we were ready to go see our baby girl again since she was still in the NICU. I got to breast feed her while we were there too. And talk about amazing. Watching this little tiny human know exactly what to do sent chills through me.

Unfortunately, we had to leave her in the NICU a bit longer. When checking her out, they discovered a heart murmur and had to do an EKG to check out what was going on. Turns out it was a VSD (ventricular septal defect), which is a defect (or small hole) in the septum. After Ainsley’s tests were run, the cardiologist informed us that the hole was a very small one and would most likely heal on its own.

Finally by about 5 pm, our sweet angel was cleared from the NICU and brought to us in our room! It was such a relief to finally have her with us.

There are no words for the joy that this tiny little human being has brought to our lives. It is truly amazing how in one instant all your priorities can shift to something completely different. It’s already hard to remember our life before Ainsley Reese blessed us with her presence.

So many times throughout the day I’ll look at her and think about all those kicks and turns and movements she made while inside my belly and it takes my breath away to think that here she is now – so perfect and beautiful. An incredible mix of me and my best friend in the whole world.

May 26, 2010 — definitely the best day ever.

Blessings Abound

I’m an incredibly thankful gal today.

The past year and a half has definitely been a struggle. To say that it has been uphill battle trying to find a permanent job in the current market is a major understatement. Even with a masters degree I found it hard to distinguish myself from all those with so many years of experience who were out of the job in my field. So, last February I signed on with a temp agency to find work – ANY work. And it has been a roller coaster of emotions.

But today, after a year of many ups, and many more downs, I was offered a permanent position. Praise the Lord!

It’s far from my dream job, but it’s a JOB. And anyone whose been without one in this crazy economy understands the pure joy I feel today. I don’t have to constantly worry week to week, wondering just how many paychecks I have before I’m waiting – unpaid – for a new opportunity. With a baby girl on the way, that is truly the best gift I could ask for.

Baby Lowdown

So, along with great news about my job, we continue to get good news about little Miss Ainsley.

I had a doctor’s appointment last Friday. It was for my gestational diabetes test. That’s when you get to drink that nasty, sugary glucose drink, wait around a hour and then get mutilated with a needle to give blood. I haven’t gotten my results back yet but I’m hopeful and every thing else was perfect and right on track.

I’m measuring perfect, my blood pressure is perfect and baby girl’s heartbeat is perfect.

Like I said, I am one thankful gal today.

My dear, sweet Ainsley

24 weeks and 2 days. That’s how long you’ve been growing inside me. That means we’ve got 15 weeks and 5 days until we get to see your sweet face. I can’t believe I’m already this big and only going to get bigger as you grow even more.

You are moving all the time now. All. The. Time. A few nights ago I fell asleep on the couch. When I got up to move to the bed, I didn’t go back to sleep for almost 2 hours because you were so active. I think you were having your own little dance party in my belly! I don’t mind at all though. All that moving tells me you are right on schedule and healthy as can be — I would never ever complain about that.

Your daddy and I went on a little shopping spree this past weekend to Carter’s to get you some clothes (Um, LOVE their coupons). We got quite a few cute little outfits for you. In fact, I probably went a little bit overboard. But that’s what mamas do. Plus, all those little girly outfits are too hard to resist sometimes.

Here’s just a couple of the things we got you…

Later, after we put up all your clothes, your daddy and I sat on the floor in your room and I got out one of the diapers we already have ready for when you get here. I won’t lie. Your dad was a bit baffled. I tried to explain just exactly how they work. I even suggested we bring the cat out for practice. He’s never changed a diaper in his life, so try and bear with him as he learns. I know he’ll be a pro in no time. He better be anyway because we need some help don’t we?

I go to the doctor again this Friday for a check-up and to take my gestational diabetes test and make sure my blood sugar isn’t too high for you. Hopefully, everything will go as smoothly as it has gone so far.

I love you more and more each day, little girl. We are anxiously awaiting all the wonderful things to come.

Love,

your mom

Dear Ainsley,

What a week it has been. Your daddy and I have had quite a few things test our faith this week. And I’ll be honest, there were a few times I thought the situation might get the best of me.

But in all the low moments I’ve had this week, the one thing that has gotten me through it all is you. Just when I’d get wrapped up in my own little pity party, I’d feel you moving all over. Snapped back to reality, I was instantly reminded what was really important. The thought of your sweet face, your ten tiny fingers and toes….that can get me through anything.

While we may have had a trying week, we’ve also had some great times too. Thursday, we took you to your second big concert in my womb. The first one (Widespread Panic in October) probably didn’t even phase you because your little ears hadn’t fully developed yet. But, Thursday night, I could tell you were rocking out to some Gov’t Mule inside my belly. I hope you really did enjoy it as much as we did. How could you not love Warren Haynes like your mama?

The other exciting event this week: snow!! And lots of it.

Yesterday, I made it to work all of 30 minutes before your daddy came back to get me and take me home because the roads were already getting bad. We spent most of the morning curled up on the couch, watching the snow come down hard. In the afternoon, we bundled up and ventured out around the grounds of our apartment to check out the snow. We had a mini snowball fight and I wrote out our initials in the snow. Buddy came out with us and he had some fun too!

This week we also got a sweet package from your grandma, Lolly. She sent a pretty pink blanket, a couple of bibs (one with a pretty pink ‘A’ on it), and a sweet pair of booties. We had so much fun putting things up in the dresser that your Mamaw and Papaw bought for us. With each little outfit, blanket or diaper we receive, we get more and more excited about your arrival.

We already love you so much and we haven’t even met you yet. I can’t imagine the strength of that love once we finally do.

Love,

Your mom

The ABC’s of Meeeee

So I stole this one from a blog I read. I thought it was kinds of a fun one…

A – Age: Enjoying the last year of my 20s.

B – Bed size: Queen…but we’ve been eyeing those King mattresses

C – Chore you hate: vacuuming and most of all I despise the trips to the grocery store . Blech.

D – Dog’s name: Buddy

E – Essential “start your day” item: Before I was pregnant, COFFEE.  While preggers, a bowl of Raisin Bran Crunch. 🙂

F – Favorite color: blues and greens

G – Gold or Silver: I definitely prefer silver, but I have a lot beautiful vitage gold jewelry too.

H – Height: 5′7″

I – Instruments you play(ed): ummm…the recorder in fourth grade.

J – Job title: Currently a temporary contract worker, so the titles are varied and plentiful. And it’s not as glamorous as it sounds.

K – Kid(s): One sweet Ainsley Reese on the way.

M – Mum’s name: Deborah, but she’s goes by Debbie

N – Nicknames: Tisten Littlebits from my dad (for Kristen Elizabeth) and then there’s the always popular Pedro from high school. That one came from James Holbrook — I sure miss you, friend.

O – Overnight hospital stay other than childbirth: None so far, thank the good Lord.

P – Pet Peeve: I could go on forever with this one….people who cut in any long line, saying “axe” instead of “ask”, people who don’t return or answer phone calls, texts and emails, just name a few.

Q – Quote from a movie: “I always tell the girls, never take it seriously. If you never take it seriously, you never get hurt. You never get hurt, you always have fun. And if you ever get lonely, you just go to the record store and visit your friends.” from Almost Famous

R – Right- or left-handed: Righty

S – Siblings: Yes, the sweetest little sister in the whole world.

T – Time you wake up: Usually around 6:15 on the weekdays and 8:30 on the weekends. All to change very soon when this baby comes along.

U- Underwear: Really? I don’t think so.

V – Vegetable you dislike: brussel sprouts are really the only vegetable that kind of gross me out

W – Ways you drink your coffee: cream and sugar, puhlease

X-rays you’ve had: Teeth, back (I have scoliosis) and yes, THREE different x-rays on my left foot. Poor foot.

Y – Yummy food you make: Every darn thing I make. Right, Josh? 😉

Z – Zoo favorite: AT the Nashville Zoo, BY FAR, the clouded leopards. I’d own one if I could.

All That Fun Girly Stuff

Before we found out whether we were having a boy or girl, there were many different reasons I had for wanting each.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted girl was for shopping moments like these….

Ummmm how freakin’ cute is this?? Since Ainsley is coming along near the end of May, I could not resist this sweet little summery dress. I had to bring it home.

So much more fun to go!

What an amazing day….

This morning when I woke up, I had no idea whether this little life inside me was a boy or a girl. For the past four and half months we’ve lovingly referred to our little munchkin as “it”, “he or she” and just the general “baby” when in conversation. I felt like I was already getting to know our child even though I hardly knew anything.

Now…..wow.

Today, Josh and I headed up to the Vanderbilt clinic for a doctor appointment and an ultrasound. Yes, THE ultrasound. What us preggos refer to as the BIG ultrasound.

And boy, was it big. Wait. Or should I say girl, was it big! Yep. In just a few short months, Josh and I will welcome our daughter, Ainsley Reese, into this amazing world.

So, in just a few short hours I’ve already created a whole new bond with this sweet little girl I’m carrying. Josh says she’s already got him wrapped around those little fingers of hers, and I can tell you, she TOTALLY does.

What an amazing day…

Oooohhhh….and in other amazing day  news, my most sweetest husband in whole wide world bought me (well, us 🙂 )a brand new Macbook. So I hope to blogging much more now that I’ve got this wonderful new machine to do it on.

Here’s my excitement captured on the built-in web cam:

Baby Buzz

Bad blogger, bad! I really wanted to do better about posting regularly, and I’ve been letting a little too much time pass between posts.

A few fun things to update though!!

• I went to the doctor last Monday and everything is looking great. My blood pressure is right where it needs to be and so is my weight gain. This visit was the not-so-fun one where they have to take care of all those womanly things. I did get to hear the heartbeat though, which was AMAZING. Josh was sick as a dog and home from work that day so he didn’t make it to the appointment and was crushed. 😦
• I also scheduled my next appointment which is the BIG ultrasound. On January 15th, we’ll find out if it’s pink or blue!! I can’t wait to start picking out all sorts of “gender specific” stuff. It will make this whole life-changing process that much more real.
• A couple of weeks ago, we picked out a crib! We went with black because we already have some great black shelves that will be perfect for the baby’s room too. Here it is:
• Today, I felt the baby move for the first time. Earth-shatteringly surreal. Okay, so it just felt like out-of-control gas bubbles, but it WAS the baby moving around in there. And there’s just not many words to describe how incredible that is. If all these little pregnancy milestones are as good as that one I know I’ll run out of adjectives to describe them all.

Well, that’s all for the moment. We’re heading home to Mississippi for Christmas on Wednesday, so here’s wishing everyone a wonderful holiday week!

Baby Bump – 15 weeks 4 days

Yep, there it is. The infamous baby bump. I still don’t really feel that it looks like I’m pregnant, but instead packed on a few pounds right in the gut area. Oh well. The good news is that I’ve hardly packed on any real pounds even though my stomach is noticeably bigger. So, I’m doing good so far.

I ended my contract at McGraw-Hill about a week and a half ago and I’m still not at all happy about it. I start a new assignment through the temp agency this Monday and the only thing that excites me in any way is thought of a regular paycheck coming at the end of each week. I’ll have A job and that in and of itself is HUGE these days. I’m trying really hard to be positive because I know God has a plan, and he knows better than I. That certainly isn’t easy though.

I have a doctor’s appointment Monday, so I’ll be back to update if there’s any news on the little munchkin.

Thankful

I am thankful for a place to call home and food to put on the table (we’ve come a long way in just one short year).

I am thankful for the most loving and supportive parents and in-laws a girl could ask for in her life.

I am thankful for my amazing husband who is my best friend in the world. I cannot imagine life without you.

I am thankful for each and every “adventure” life brings….even those bumpy rides as they only make me stronger in the end.

But most of all this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for this perfect little life growing inside me. It is truly humbling to have so much love for someone you’ve never even met.

We’re off to Jackson this afternoon. Wising everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.