Evie Parker Green

She's here! 

Evie arrived Friday, February 17th at 5:13 pm
Weight: 7 pounds 4 ounces
Length: 19.75 inches

I was due on Valentine's Day and had been having Braxton Hicks nearly every day for one week. I was certain she was going to arrive early or on her due date. I felt so defeated at my OB appointment (on my due date) when he said I was only dilated one centimeter. We opted for induction, which they typically schedule one week from the due date. My OB suggested inducing sooner given my hip complications. We scheduled the induction for midnight that night. However, we rescheduled for February 17th after we got home and had to chance to talk it through. I was hopeful she would arrive in those three days, but no luck...

We arrived at the hospital at 11:00 pm on Thursday, February 16th and my induction was scheduled for midnight. I got one dose of misoprostol at midnight. The nurse said it typically takes one dose every three hours for a total of three doses so she suggested I rest while the medication kicked in. I responded very quickly to the first dose and had strong contractions immediately. I didn't get any rest and ended up just getting the one dose. 

It was a long day

My contractions stayed strong and regular (every 5 minutes), but I was still progressing so slowly. I dreaded each cervical exam when they would tell me how dilated I was... I think I was stuck at 3 centimeters for 4 hours. The birthing ball and jacuzzi were surprisingly helpful. I got one dose of fentanyl, which only lasted one hour then one dose of nalbuphine, which lasted two hours before I asked for an epidural. My OB advised against an epidural given my hip complications - he thought the hip may be further injured during delivery since I wouldn't be able to feel if I extended it too far. 

We met with the OB, midwives and nurses to discuss a plan of action. I showed them how far I could move my leg before feeling hip pain and we decided on different birthing positions that would put less pressure on my right hip. The midwife broke my water then I finally got my epidural around noon. Things progressed quickly at that point. I started to feel the pressure from the contractions every 3 minutes and I went from 6 to 10 centimeters within a few hours. 

I was exhausted and delirious at this point. I hadn't gotten any sleep  in 36 hours and I had been laboring for 16 hours before it was finally time to start pushing. 

I asked for a c-section several times, but after one hour of pushing Evie was here! We had a little scare when she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and chest, but the midwives were great - they quickly cut her cord and handed us our beautiful baby girl. We left the hospital a little after noon the next day and we've been enjoying every moment at home with our daughter💗

A few minutes old

Looking a little rough, but this was the best feeling

First family photo and you can't even see Evie

My loves

Diaper change the next morning

Smitten

Ready to go

Car ride home with our girl

Weekly Wardrobe

I missed a day of work last week, but here's what I was wearing at 39 weeks pregnant...

Monday

GAP Maternity Tank

Club Monaco Sweater (old, similar)

James Jeans Maternity Pants

Tieks

Tuesday

GAP Maternity Tee

JCrew Cardigan

DL1961 Maternity Pants

Sam Edelman Flats

Thursday

GAP Maternity Tee

Anthropologie Shawl (old, love this!)

GAP Maternity Pants (old, similar)

Tieks

Friday

Liz Lange Maternity Tee

All Saints Cardigan

James Jeans Maternity Pants

Bernie Mev Sneakers

Bump Day

40 Weeks...

I'm officially overdue. 

Yesterday was my due date and I was so hopeful! I've been feeling pretty rough for the past week, but yesterday was much worse - I had stomach upset, back pain and (irregular) contractions all day and night, but nothing happened. I went to my OB appointment and found out that I'm only dilated ONE centimeter😩. I was honestly expecting at least two to three. I felt totally defeated. 

We initially scheduled my induction for midnight, but after going home and talking to my sister I called back to reschedule the induction for Thursday. I really want to be done, but I don't want to risk anything and I would much rather do this naturally. Now we're back to the waiting game and trying every old wives' tale in the book...

Past Bump Days: 14 Weeks, 16 Weeks, 18 Weeks, 20 Weeks, 22 Weeks, 24 Weeks, 26 Weeks, 28 Weeks, 30 Weeks, 32 Weeks, 34 Weeks, 36 Weeks, 38 Weeks

Weekend Update

My mom arrived this weekend! Now, we wait...

I couldn't sleep Friday night so I worked out early Saturday morning. The one perk of these sleepless nights is all the sunrises I'm catching... silver lining.

Sunrise over the Cascades

Another early morning spent watching infomercials

The best part of my day. My mother-in-law recommended this combo and I'm obsessed.

We went on a few walks with hopes of inducing labor, but no luck. My mom and I ran errands on Sunday and enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

Walk, walk, walk

Feeling like Spring at the grocery store!

Sunshine, fresh air, tulips

The Highlights of My Hospital Bag

I've had two nights this week where I really thought I was in labor -so disappointing when nothing progresses. I had regular contractions for two hours on Sunday night. I woke Brady up and we both got overly excited thinking "this is it!" The contractions slowly started to get weaker and further apart and finally stopped. On Tuesday night I had intense (but irregular) contractions and a lot of stomach upset. I only slept three hours... between the waves of nausea and contractions I couldn't sleep a wink. Once again, nothing progressed and I'm more anxious than ever to deliver...

(I think) I have all the essentials packed, but most of it is pretty boring. I followed this list, which I found on Pinterest. Here are the highlights from my hospital bag. I pretty much just packed all my favorite things with the hope that it will make this experience a bit more comfortable. 

Boppy Pillow (with this cover)

LIVLY Baby Outfit  

Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets

Gilligan & O'Malley Robe

Calvin Klein Essentials Pants

Calvin Klein Bralette

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan

Ugg Cluggette Slippers

Havaianas Flip Flops 

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Weekend Update

Another quiet weekend (surprise, surprise)...

The weather was awful - tons of rain and even snow on Sunday. I only left the house for a quick Target run on Saturday morning. 

I didn't sleep well on Friday night, which is a reoccurring theme lately. I finally got out of bed at 4:30 am and started my day. I worked out, cleaned the bathroom, wrote thank you cards, and ran errands all before 10:00 am. It was very productive, but then I crashed around noon and napped on the couch.

5AM workout = infomercials 

Chai latte and thank you notes

Need to figure out our new camera

So much cute stuff at Target (and so many sales)!

Just chillin with babe in morning 

The Panera salad craving returned

I spent the rest of the weekend watching The People v. O.J. Simpson on Netflix and online shopping. I'm trying to soak up the last few days of quiet around the house, but I'm also eager to meet my baby! 

January Favorites

Beauty

1 | MAC Hush was the best Christmas gift from Brie. I've worn it every. single. day. It's a natural, creamy highlight that I'm addicted to. A quick swipe over the cheekbones, nose, and cupid's bow leaves you with that "lit from within" glow.

2 | Lavanila Healthy Deodorant is surprisingly good. I was skeptical at first, but figured it was worth a try (I'm usually one for deodorant + antiperspirant). I've been wearing this every day and saving my antiperspirant for workouts.

3 | R+Co One Prep Spray does it all - detangles, smoothes, softens and protects from heat. Plus, it smells amazing! I only use this spray followed by the The Living Proof Full Thickening Cream then blow-dry and that's my hair routine done. 

4 | Formula X Nail Polish is currently on sale (can't beat $5 these days) and is quickly becoming my favorite polish. I love the formula - it goes on smooth and opaque and lasts all week. I picked up two new colors last week. 

5 | Sephora Pro Flawless Powder Brush is another item currently on sale! I'm a big fan of the Sephora Pro brushes - they hold up so well and don't shed. It's been ages since I got any new brushes and this one is so soft. I'm anxious to upgrade all my brushes now :)  

Fashion

1 | Burberry Bowpark Trench is the best thing I've bought in a long time. I've been coveting this trench for over a year and it was sold out everywhere. I finally found it at Seattle Premium Outlets. I love the material, the color (navy), and the cut (still fits my 9-month pregnant belly).

2 | All Saints Dahlia Cardigan is on mega-sale! This cardigan is so cute and comfortable - I wore it three days in a row. I'm seriously tempted to buy it another color. Plus, it washes really well (delicate cycle, air dry). 

3 | Calvin Klein Bralette is so good I had to buy three. I had one, but packed it in my hospital bag. I kept taking it out to wear so I bought a few more. These bras are so comfortable - definitely my delivery bra. 

4 | Calvin Klein Essentials Roll Waist Pants are super soft and bump-friendly. I envision these pants on repeat during maternity leave. Loungewear is my life these days and Calvin Klein is killing it - definitely worth looking into. 

5 | Lacoste L2737 Eyeglasses have been a lifesaver the past couple months. My eyes have been very dry, which apparently will only get worse while nursing (according to my optometrist). Taking out my contacts and putting on glasses is the first thing I do after work. This pair is my current favorite. 

Miscellaneous

1 | The Crown was my January Netflix binge. This show is addictive - informative and entertaining. I love anything related to the royal family. I finished the entire series in a week. 

2 | Chia Seeds were recommended by my mom and I've been sneaking them into everything... smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, salads.  They're full of vitamins, fatty acids, and fiber - healthy addition to my diet to counteract all the carb cravings. 

3 | Tazo Chai Tea Latte Mix was recommended by my mother-in-law (in addition to the Breville Milk Frother) for the best at-home chai lattes. This is now my favorite part of the day. Five ounces of chai with six ounces of unsweetened almond milk is perfection. 

4 | Ello Travel Mug was much needed. I had been using my old travel mug for years and it was falling apart. I love this one keeps my coffee/tea hot for several hours and it's dishwasher safe! Very cute design too.  

5 | MyPublisher Photo Books are amazing quality - thick paper, lay-flat pages, crisp images. I've been making yearbooks since we got married and love looking back on the memories. I finally got caught up and finished 2016. I'm ready to make a baby book next.

The faves of the faves

Bump Day

38 Weeks...

Weight gain: 

35 lbs.

Symptoms:
I was very swollen last week. I had to stop wearing my ballet flats because people kept commenting on my swollen feet. For some reason it's been better this week. Hip pain hasn't been too bad lately... knock on wood. I can walk normally day-to-day, but I have to avoid walking too far or sitting too long otherwise it gets really stiff and painful. 

Cravings/Aversions:
I've been into smoothies lately - really loving the combination of chocolate protein powder, peanut butter, banana, and almond milk. Everything else is the same. I have oatmeal for breakfast every morning. I take an apple, greek yogurt, goldfish, and mix of strawberries/blueberries/cucumbers/cherry tomatoes to work. The evening is my downfall - I've been good this week and eating scrambled eggs with spinach and salsa, but I had paninis and brownie bites several times last week. 

Maternity Clothes:
Shopping for nursing bras is the worst experience. I ended up hating the two that I ordered a couple weeks ago (I mentioned them in the last Bump Day post - Bravado and Cake). I went to Nordstrom to try-on different styles. I didn't love anything that I tried on, but ended up ordering a couple different options from Rosie Pope. Also seeing myself in three (full-length) mirrors was incredibly depressing.  

Exercise:
Elliptical x 15 minutes then Tone It Up Five Daily Moves - I do this four days/week.

Sleep:

Still using the pregnancy pillow, but most nights are restless. I'm just too uncomfortable. After a few sleepless nights I'll have one really good night of sleep.

Special Moments:
 A surprise baby shower at work last week. It was really sweet. 

Past Bump Days: 14 Weeks, 16 Weeks, 18 Weeks, 20 Weeks, 22 Weeks, 24 Weeks, 26 Weeks, 28 Weeks, 30 Weeks, 32 Weeks, 34 Weeks, 36 Weeks