She's Here!

Shannon's Birth Story

Everybody meet my baby girl, Shannon Marie Worthey! Born at Southern Hills Hospital on August 7th at 11:10 am. She was 7 lbs. 3 oz. and 19 inches long.

On August 6th I went to my last appointment with my Dr. where we talked about inducing me later that night. I have to admit that before my due date had passed I was skeptical about being induced. However, I was way over being pregnant, I was still only about 1 1/2 cm dilated and was also nervous that Shannon had her first bowel movement inside. I wanted her to be able to be with me immediately after birth and I had heard that if there is mececonium in the amniotic fluid then they would need to pay close attention to her after she was born.

So around 8:00pm on August 6th we checked into the hospital where they would insert Cervidil near my cervix to try and soften it so that it would jump start labor. I was having contractions, however they were not regular or even that strong. The nurse then asked if my Dr. had told me how long it would take to work... I was like "no, how long?" She said at least 12 hours!! OMG, I couldn't believe that. I looked over at Lee and said "this is going to be a long night."

Well, they inserted the cervidil around 10:00pm and I tried to fall asleep, but couldn't because of all of the excitement. Two hours later the nurse checked to see if my cervix had changed... and... nothing! I was a little irritated but tried to stay positive. Not too long after the nurse checked me my water broke! I called the nurse and remember saying "Um, I'm leaking" and she quickly ran in. She had said that my water broke on its own and the cervidil didn't have time to do anything. Talk about perfect timing! She also noticed that there was meconium in the amniotic fluid. AHH! I didn't want that to happen but sometimes things are out of your control and you just have to move on. So I expressed my concerns with her about bonding with my baby after delivery and she said that I would have her placed on my chest immediately after delivery and then she would go to the bassinet where the nurses would observe her, clean her up and do the apgar score on her. The bassinet was about 10 feet away from me and Lee was right by her side the whole time.

I had talked to my dr about not using pitocin because of the risk of putting stress on the baby. He respected my birth plan but had also talked about that if my water breaks and my contractions are still inconsistent, then it would be best for the baby to start pitocin. So immediately after my water broke they also started me on a small dose of pitocin. Lets just say that my contractions were becoming the real deal and I was just waiting and praying that I would be 4cm dilated so that I could the epidural. Well even with the pitocin my cervix still wasn't dilating and I was in so much pain! I lasted as long as I could and was having contractions that were 4-6 minutes apart. The nurse noticed my frustration and offered me a drug that would take the edge off so that I could rest for a little bit. I had told her that I wanted to wait and see how long I could last and no joke... not even 10 minutes later I called her in asking for it!

So after the drug was given to me, I fell asleep for about 2 1/2 hours. When I woke up it was about 8:30am, I called the nurse in because I wanted her to check to see if I was 4 cm. She came in and as she was checking me I said "please tell me I'm 4cm!" She said "do you want to me to say your 4 cm? Because you're about 3 1/2 cm" I said, "I want to be 4!" She gave in and said "ok, let's say you're 4!" I immediately said, "ok give me the epidural!" And for one of the main reasons why I chose this small private hosptial... the anthesiologist was there in my room 5 minutes later (or at least it felt like 5 minutes later) at 9:00am. The epidural started working moments later and was AMAZING!

Now this is where it gets crazy, not even an hour later the nurse checked me and said that I was 9cm. What! I couldn't imagine how that would've been if I hadn't gotten the epidural. We did a couple practice pushes while waiting for the Dr. and the nurse noticed that her heart rate was rapidly dropping with each contraction and push. Scary stuff!

Once the dr. came he explained that he was going to assist me with each push because her heart rate was dropping way too low. I didn't realize how low it had dropped until after she was born. I probably would've freaked out if I had known that she was going from a 130 down to 50.

6 pushes later, she was born! It was honestly a great experience and I had amazing nurses and an amazing dr! I can't wait to experience it all over again with the next baby.

Lee's Daddy Chair (it folded out into a bed... and was not very comfy)

My hair is out of control, but I could care less at that time.

Proud new Daddy!









2 Days to Go and Staying Busy

Here are my Pinterest inspired baby girl head bands:

I have been trying to stay busy while waiting for my baby girl's big debut into the world. I literally spent the whole morning cutting and gluing these together. I'm not going to lie, it's been hard to not just call the doctor and have him induce me; but I know it's the best to just let her come on her own time. I'm more than ready for her to become part of our family (or as I like to say "join the party!")

Yesterday I had a little scare, I wasn't feeling her move as much as she had in the past. I woke up feeling kind of weird and didn't think anything of it. I had breakfast and then just relaxed on the couch (watching the Olympics) and still no movement. About an half hour later I chose to drink some juice and have peanut butter pretzels and some fruit and went back to the couch to lay down on my left side... still nothing. Well, I then started to freak out a bit because this was so out of the ordinary for her. She is an extremely active baby and I thought it was weird that she didn't even squirm after I had the juice. I called Lee and told him what was going on and then called my Dr. He had me come in right away.
They got me in right away for an ultrasound to make sure their was a good amount of fluid around her and that her heart beat was nice and strong. Thankfully she looked amazing and her heart beat and fluid amounts were all where they should be. They then hooked me up to the fetal monitoring machine where it measures my contractions and the baby's heart beat (and stress level).
Needless to say, everything looked good and my dr couldn't figure out why she wasn't moving as much. He had said that towards then end of pregnancy, the baby's movements tend to slow down. He was thankful that I had called just to make sure everything was ok. He said that if it happens again the next morning to give him a call and just go into the hospital to get ready to deliver.

Well it's the next morning and she's moving so much that my ribs are more sore than ever. So it's all good and I'm still very pregnant! I've read and tried many different techniques of naturally inducing labor. I've read some pretty funny techniques. I remember a list that had a couple that I thought were odd. One said, "Let the baby know that it's safe to come out now." (No Joke!) Well I have tried this jokingly and since I think she's just like Lee I also tried reverse psychology. "Stay in there baby Shannon!" ... and still nothing!

Come out baby girl! 

J/k 5 more days to go...

This has been an eventful week to say the least. Last Monday I had a Dr's appointment and expressed to him that I have been feeling her punch my cervix and that I was getting anxious about seeing her (like every new mom feels). He checked to see if I was dilated and I was about 2 cm. Now, this is where he kind of through me off a little... He said "do you want to have her next Monday?" (YES!!! I screamed in my head but actually said "that would be great!") So if I hadn't gone into labor before today Monday August 30th then he would send me to the hospital. A couple days after my appointment, I was having contractions ever 10 minutes apart and so I tried calling my dr's office and it wouldn't go through to the answering service. It was a bitter sweet feeling when my contractions started to die off because I was excited to actually be going in to labor however, I was glad that it was false labor because I couldn't even reach my Dr!
I have to explain what kind of doctor I am seeing. He is a perinatal specialist and is used to dealing with high risk pregnancies and extremely nervous mom's to be. At no point of time during my pregnancy have I ever thought about inducing labor just for my convenience. However, when he suggested that we could have her today... I got a little too excited. Of course, I would love to see my baby girl today. Who wouldn't! But I do find that I get caught up in my emotions and don't necessarily think everything over in all of the excitement.
After talking it over with the hubby and family, we chose to wait and let her come on her own time. (Unless I am way over due, then I would like a little help).
So... here I am, 39 weeks 2 days and still pregnant. I'm not so uncomfortable that I can't do anything. I'm just so anxious, excited and a little nervous of what's to come. Hopefully now that I am actually allowing myself to relax mentally and physically she will decide to come and join the party!

My last week of being pregnant

38 Weeks Preggo!

I can't believe I am 38 weeks pregnant and super close to holding my baby girl in my arms. I have been going to the Dr's once a week for the past two weeks and he seems just as excited to meet baby Shannon as I am. Everytime I have had an appointment I get to see a little glimpse of her on the ultrasound and each time the Dr. always says how cute she is and points out her chubby little cheeks and her puckered lips. I'm just dying to see her in person!
Well today I had my weekly checkup with my Dr and he said that I am close to 2cm dilated and could go into labor any day now. He also said that if I don't go into labor on my own by next Monday that he's going to just send me to the hospital and assist the contractions along (What!?! Super excited!!!) I explained to him that this past week was the hardest week of the whole pregnancy because I am literally at home just waiting for her arrival. The nursery is set up ready to go, my bags have been packed, and the car seat is installed in our car. I am literally at home, eating and resting and trying to time my contractions (which by the way are 20-30 minutes apart but still sporadic). Lee and I are both so anxious it's driving us crazy! Whenever Lee comes home he always says "are you going to pop yet?" We are both just ready to meet our little girl!
So this is literally my last week of pregnancy! It's kind of a bitter sweet feeling. I am excited to get my body back (and have her stop punching my cervix) and to hold my baby girl. However, I am going to miss her kicking and hiccuping in my belly. This has been the best pregnancy I could ask for. I have tried to embrace every moment of it, from surprising our parents to aches and pains I'm feeling now. Hopefully, by my next post I will officially be a mom!

If you are wondering what I am holding it's a picture of my mom in a sombrero. In June, my mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer and has just recently started her chemo treatment. Since she is confined to her home and occasional Dr's appointments, my cousins thought it would be a fun idea if they made "Lisa on a Stick" (it's like Flat Stanley, where people take "Lisa on a Stick" and document her adventures. They then post the fun adventures she had with people on the Lisa on a stick adventures facebook page. I thought this was a fabulous idea! Thanks Tara, Shelby, Justin, Jackson and Aunt Cheryl!
If you could please pray for my Mom that would be greatly appreciated. Specifically that her white blood cell count would be strong and high enough for her to travel and be able to hold her first grandbaby!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 3 year Anniversary to the most wonderful man in the world! I can't believe it has already been 3 years since our wedding day (7 years since we've been together). I'm so blessed to have you in my life and so thankful that Shannon will have an amazing role model in hers! I love you so much!

 For our anniversary we decided to go to the Bellagio's Sunday brunch by the fountains. This was our 2nd time going and we absolutely love this place! It's all you can eat (amazing food and desserts) and all you can drink champagne. I of coarse enjoyed all you can drink water!

College

This was a year after we started dating. We actually met on Valentines day, when I was a senior in high school and Lee was a freshman at Fresno State. Thank you Joe and Amanda for bringing us together!

Our Wedding Day

The most amazing day of my life! On July 10, 2009 I married my best friend! I will never forget this perfect amazing day.

The Start of Our Family

Now we're about to experience the next chapter in our lives together. I can't wait to have our little family of 3 (+Flynn).

I love you so much!

Babymoon in Cayucos

A couple months ago, we thought it would be important for us to take a vacation to the beach to not only have our last trip with just the three of us but to also give Lee a break from his ongoing busy schedule. We enjoyed every second in the 70' weather (nice change from the 100+ in Vegas) It was absolutely gorgeous weather and surprisingly not too crowded. Here are a couple of pictures of our Babymoon:

This is one of my favorite pictures! You should've seen us try and get flynn ready for it (pretty funny!)

Flynn became such an explorer this trip. He was climbing rocks, tree stumps and chasing after squirrels.

I thought this picture summed up our vaca. Soon it'll be four footprints in the sand.

Update on Nursery and more

Sorry for the long time no post! Here's my attempt to update you on the last couple of months. (just FYI you might need a while to read all of this)

As of today I am 36 weeks and I am ready to meet Baby Shannon. I can't believe the pregnancy is almost over and I'll be a mom soon. (It still hasn't fully hit me yet).
Lee and I have been working very hard on the nursery and completing any home projects before the baby girl's arrival. It's funny becuase people have been asking me if I am nesting. Truthfully, I feel like I have nested during my whole pregnancy. I don't know how I have enough energy or time to complete our ongoing to-do list, but somehow I do.
Here is a messy version of the nursery... I made the mobile and the canvas' from a pin on pinterest. The quilt and pillow on the chair are the bedding for the crib from pottery barn.  The wall decals (which are my favorite!) are from etsy.com, and I hot glued ribbon and the flowers to a cheap lamp from target. We're almost done with the decorating, we're just waiting for the matresses.

Also, some other exciting news! On the 4th of July, Lee and I traded in his black Toyota Tacoma for my Mommy car! It was sad to see the truck drive away but was quickly replaced with the excitement of the new vehicle. We were torn between two different types, the 2012 FJ and the 4Runner. I test drove both of them and honestly had a hard time choosing between them. Lee and I literally, went back and forth just sitting in each car trying to decide. Well (drumrole) we chose...

The 4Runner!

We absolutely love this car! As soon as we made a decision, we knew it was the right one. It's not too big for me to drive and it has so many cool little gadgets. I'm still learning what all of the buttons do.

I just have to say that I have truly been blessed by so many people. My coworkers and close friends from school threw me an amazing baby shower and blessed me (and Shannon) with many gifts. Here's some pictures: (sorry for the bad quality)

A teacher at school made this cake! It matches the nursery decor!

This is my good friend Michelle, we're the mischievious ones at school.

Thank you Tammi for making the cute little bird houses that I now have hanging in the nursery!

Here are some of my favorite people... Maria (left) is my pregnant buddy and is 9 weeks behind me, Tara (middle) is one of the most amazing bosses and friends I have ever had, and Jess (right) have all been great friends to me and I will miss seeing them every day!

I was very overwhelmed when I saw this massive box from the White family. Michelle couldn't wait for me to open it. They bought me the travel system we wanted. I am so very thankful for this family in particular because they supported me throughout the whole school year. I will definitely be staying in touch with them.

There are more people that weren't in the pictures that I wanted to thank. Lindsey, Barbara, Amanda, Kara, Madeleine, Cynthia, Nissa, and Jo thank you so much for making this baby shower and my time at Dawson absolutely amazing and memorable.

THEN.... (I told you I had a lot to catch you up on)

After Lee and I came back from our relaxing vacation to Cayucos, Ca (next post) we were blessed with a surprise baby shower (Lee was in on it, but I didn't have a clue). I wish I had more pictures to post because they decorated our house beautifully.

Thank you Crystal (far right) for putting this all together for us.

How amazing is this cake! They even added flynn (and all of his markings) to the cake!

Again, we were blessed by all of our friends! Thank you so much for helping us prepare for our baby girl! We love you all!

I think that's pretty much it for now. Here's some pregnancy pics even though they were almost a month ago:

Flynn loves to give my belly kisses. I think he knows what's going on with Mommy.

I'll have a more updated belly pic for you soon because next Tuesday is our 3 year anniversary and we are going out to our favorite restaurant Fogo de Chao. We'll take a picture before we leave!