Introducing Ava Marie

Ava Marie Pitcher

Sunday, February 2, 2014

3:33 p.m. EST

Indianapolis, Indiana

Weight: 5 pounds, 14 ounces; Length: 17 1/2 inches

This post is coming later than I'd have liked, but it's not for a lack of love or attention our youngest daughter has been getting. As parents, mine and Matt's time is now split between our children three ways. But whatever attention Ava could possibly lack from us, her big sisters make up the difference. Skylie is especially attentive to Ava and wants to hold her ALL THE TIME.

Ava's Birth Story

I'd been having regular, somewhat strong contractions on and off for about a month, so when contractions started Sunday morning about 9 a.m., I hoped but didn't expect this to be the real deal. Contractions continued while we got ready for church. Matt suggested we go to the hospital, but I held off saying that the contractions weren't strong enough.

At noon I decided we could at least go check it out. Some friends agreed to take Skylie and Kaitlyn to church, and Matt and I said that we'd probably meet them there. (Actually, Matt was betting we'd have the baby instead.) More than once as we drove the 15 minutes to the hospital I second guessed myself, and as we walked into the hospital I told Matt that I thought there was a 60% chance they'd send us home.

After admittance, the nurse checked me and confirmed that I'd be having this baby soon! Contractions were two minutes apart, and I was dilated to almost a seven. Even after moving to a delivery room and getting hooked up to IVs, I was still in disbelief. Nurses reassured me that soon the doctor would  break my water, and then contractions would get more painful.

They were right! I'm a sucker for pain and within an hour I opted for an epidural. The anesthesiologist arrived about 2:45 p.m. to administer it. I still felt a lot, but I was thankful for some pain relief! At about 3:25 I frantically told Matt to call the nurse because I thought it was time to push. It seemed like it took forever for the doctor to arrive, but in reality it was less than five minutes.

I like to know how long things are going to last. Hard things seem a lot more doable if I know there's an end in sight. So when I asked the nurse and doctor how long they thought I'd have to push, they laughed at my question of, "Will it take less than half an hour?"

Three pushes and less than three minutes later, our baby girl was born.

The nurse said it was the easiest delivery she's seen in a long time. I'm fortunate. It was pretty quick, but I won't say that is wasn't without pain! :)

I'm positive there's no one on earth besides Matt that could make me burst out laughing mid-contraction or moments before pushing a baby out of me. I'm so glad he is mine and that Skylie, Kaitlyn, and Ava are his. We are lucky girls.

 My three babies during movie night last night. When Skylie was an infant I'd sometimes hear moms refer to their older children as babies. I naively thought, "Those aren't babies! They're toddlers and kids." But I think I understand a little better now: A mother's baby is always her baby.

We are all adjusting to our new life well. Ava is great. Skylie and Kaitlyn adore her, and I feel better than I have in nine months. Life is good.

32 Week Pregnancy Picture

Taken December 29, 2013 at 32 weeks pregnant

 This picture was taken almost four weeks ago. Saturday I'll be 36 weeks--precisely how far along I was when Kaitlyn arrived. I'm trying to prepare myself for the possibility of being pregnant for another entire month, but I have my doubts that will be the case. My OB told me today that I'm dilated to a four, 80% effaced, and that the baby is positioned quite low, at -1. 

I've been feeling good lately and for the most part have been sleeping alright. I know it's best for the baby to cook a little more inside, but I'm also excited to get this baby out of me and to have my body back.

I caught Matt laughing unmercifully at me on Sunday when I tried, unsuccessfully, to reach over and pick up a toy that'd fallen off the pew at church! Kaitlyn's deemed me the Mommy Hippo, and on Monday Skylie drew a picture of our family with "Mommy and a BIG belly". I love all the sympathy I'm getting around here! :)

24 Weeks Pregnancy Picture

These pictures are six weeks outdated. I'm now 30 1/2 weeks, and these were taken at 24 weeks. But it may be another six weeks until I get around to taking or posting another pregnancy picture, so here goes.

Trust me when I say that my belly's bigger now than in these pictures. Just a few weeks ago an older person at the gym asked, "Did you get this big with your other two girls?! And there's only one baby in there?"

Too funny! Gotta love the comments, right?!

On November 3 at 24 weeks pregnant

Skylie wanted in on the action.

Skylie will regularly hug and kiss my belly. If I try to hug her back, she's quick to retort, "I'm not giving you a hug, Mom! I'm huggin' the baby!"

I'm feeling pretty good now. Often I feel like I have half a brain and that I have "Project ADD" (I start something then move on to something else before finishing it). A good nights sleep is incredible, and when I get one I feel like I can take on the world. 

32 Week Pregnancy Picture

Yesterday marked 32 weeks.

It is probably due to the crazy month we've had, but I can't help but feel like this pregnancy has not been quite as easy as Skylie's. (Don't get me wrong. I know I've got it way better than most.) Good thing all that back pain, sore feet, and sleeplessness results in a cute baby!

I'm now officially at the weight I was when Skylie was born (at 38 weeks). Awesome, right?!

20 Weeks Pregnancy Picture

One more belly shot. We're more than half-way there and the belly is growing! I'm trying to focus on appreciating the miracle of pregnancy, despite the adverse affects on my body. The reward at the end is totally worth the belly.

13 Weeks Pregnancy Picture

Here's the belly at almost 14 weeks.

I thought about sliding that skinny black dress on, so I'd be clothed exactly the same as the picture taken at 13 weeks during my first pregnancy. But who am I kidding!? My belly is much huger this time around. It's true what they say: the belly does pop out sooner on subsequent pregnancies. (At least that is what I keep telling myself to make me feel good.)

February 13, 2011
13 Weeks Pregnant

February 21, 2009
13 Weeks Pregnant

Here's to a growing waistline for the next six months!

Rambling Update

1. I have to say, having a baby is the most incredible experience, ever. There’s nothing like it. Everything relating to labor, delivery, and post-pregnancy adjustment seemed easier than I expected it to be. I’ve had my moments of crazy emotions (one—two—maybe three depending who you ask), but all in all it’s been great :). Having a baby really has changed our lives. I can still do most activities I did sans baby, but some of my favorite things—running or going to the gym—can’t happen unless someone else is watching the little one. Come spring a jogging stroller will be a must.
2. Within a week I found out a few of my best friends are pregnant. I came home and told Matt, “All my friends are pregnant. I want to be pregnant, too.” He justifiably reminded me, “Erin, you have a three week old.” Point noted.
3. I honestly thought I’d be bored having a baby. What was I thinking?
4. I’m a web developer for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and on Monday I start working again. I’ll work for two weeks entirely from home, and after that I’ll work from home half the time and be in the office half the time. (We’ll see if I can stand to be away from Skylie that much.) Knowing she’ll be in the capable hands of LeiLani and Kristelle is making it easier.
5. I start teaching turbo kick and spinning on Monday. The plan is to teach three times a week, but with working full time and taking care of a baby I may have to nix those from my schedule. It stinks because I love it, but I have a feeling that something’s gotta give—and I can fit in early morning workouts easier.
6. Matt and I ate lunch at Taste of India for my birthday. That night he surprised me with an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and made me dinner. Mmm, yum. The best surprise is what he wrote for Skylie—but she won’t get to read it until she’s 12. How cute is that?
7. Our friend from our college singles ward, Ben Tanner, came through Des Moines and stayed with us last night. Thanks for coming to see us, Ben!
8. I want to get back into running some races. Anyone know of some good ones coming up?
9. I rented and am reading/listening to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families and Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years. They might become "must haves".
10. We're excited to see some of our family in a couple weeks for Skylie's baby blessing.

Last Belly Picture

Some guy told me a few days ago that I look ready to pop. At first I thought he was rude for saying that, but now I'd have to say that I agree. Here's the belly a few days shy of 39 weeks.While we had the camera out I tried to get a cute shot of Matt and I together. It's kind of hard when half the people in the picture are making weird faces, so this is the best I got. :)
Life is good. Driving home after work yesterday I couldn't help but think that life is pretty great. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I hope the dice keep rolling in my favor.

P.S. I think this baby is sucking the brains out of me. Seriously.

As requested...

Last Sunday a few friends made bets on when Baby Pitcher will arrive. The winner gets an amazing prize. Want to join in the fun? My due date is August 31 or September 2, depending on the calculation method.

Aug. 18 - Amanda R.

Aug. 19 - Mark E.

Aug. 22 - Auprielle E.

Aug. 23 - Gavin R.

Aug. 24 - Jamie O.

Aug. 26 - Matt P.

Aug. 27 - Nikki H.

Aug. 28 - Eric L.

Aug. 30 - Amber O.

Sept. 3 - Erin P.

Sept. 4 - Kristelle L.

I've waited 23 years...

...for a baby.

(Doesn't every little girl want a baby of her own?)

So why do the last few weeks have to pass so slowly?

Confession:
Before becoming pregnant I told Matt all the time that I'd never complain and just be happy to be having a baby if I was ever pregnant. I thought all the whining of pregnant women was a little overdone (No offense—it's all about perspective, right?).

But now I'm eating my words.
I TAKE IT ALL BACK.

Matt's heard me complain about pretty much everything! (And the worst part of it is that I know I've had the easiest pregnancy in the world so I have ZERO room to talk.)

My latest moanings have been about how S-L-O-W these last few weeks are going. It's not so much that my body's uncomfortable (although it is that, too); I'm just so impatient and want to hold our daughter in my arms at last! I'm hoping she comes any day, but I'm trying to get used to the idea that it could still be almost four weeks before she makes her debut.

At 36 weeks I was dilated 2 cm, and now (as of Wednesday's 37 week appointment) I'm at 3 cm and 90% effaced. It's cruel, really cruel, when the doctor says, "You could go in to labor tonight or it could be a few more weeks." Dah!

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, because I am—really grateful. And I know that a couple weeks of waiting really is NOTHING. I guess I'm just...really, really ready for our baby to come.

P.S. That nesting urge people talk about—it's INSANE! This week I've maxed out our freezer capacity preparing over a dozen dishes, and I can't go to bed at night without picking up the house "just in case".

Baby Shower

Two great friends, Kelly and Sara hosted an awesome baby shower for me the other weekend. Everyone has been so thoughtful and has helped us more than we deserve.

Here's some pics:

The food

My sister, Amber and I

Mariah and Robyn

Shalise and Margaret

Kelly

Charlie and I

Cassie and Jamie

Amanda and Nikki

Kristelle

Auprielle and Teairsa

Sara managed not to get in any pictures, so here's one of her I stole from their blog.

{She's the adult, not the one-year-old.}

All the loot I came home with:
{Click to enlarge. Notice the cute diaper cake in the middle that my sister made for the shower. I don't think that was caught in any earlier pictures.}

I can't get over how cute baby stuff is and how crafty so many people are. {I am definitely behind the game in that arena.} This girl is going to be the cutest baby the world's ever seen!

While I'm at it I'll showcase some stuff from Grandma and Grandpa Zane:
On top of all of that, so many friends and family have given or lent us baby items, hand me down clothes, money, etc., etc., etc. People have been so generous to us, and we definitely owe everyone big time.

Thank you. Thank you! THANK YOU!

Now if this baby would just do me a favor and get here soon! :)

36 Weeks and Baby Update

Belly Pic:

Here I am at 36 1/2 weeks. I'm really wondering why I ever thought it was a good idea to post pregnancy pictures on here where the whole world can see my massiveness.

Baby Update:

She's a shrimp.

Since the fundal height has been measuring exponentially smaller than is normal (I measured about a month behind at my 34 week appointment.), the doctor had me get another ultrasound to make sure everything's okay.

Everything looked good during the ultrasound; our baby's just tiny.

As of 35 weeks:

• Overall she's in the 14th percentile.
• Her abdominal circumference is in less than the 2nd percentile.
• She weighs 4 lbs. 6 oz. (Average weight at this point it about 5 lbs. 4 oz.)

It's hard to believe our bambina could be here this month and that she'll definitely be here early next month!

On another note:
We're not getting any closer to coming up with a name for our little one. Any suggestions? PLEASE!

Spoiled

We've been spoiled lately. (Mostly me.) :)

#3 Spoiling:
Finally giving in to my wish to not have all the walls in our apartment totally white, in May we painted our living and dining room light beige; "hopsack" to be exact. It only took four trips to Wal-mart to get the color right (Who knew you could return paint to Wal-mart!? So cool!), but in the end it was worth it. Due to our lovely floral couches, we had to go pretty neutral. But I'd say it's still better than white. (Photo coming soon.)

#2 Spoiling:

Nathalie, Jenni, Megan, Erin, Kelly, and Amanda

About a month ago a few friends—some of whom are moving this summer :( —had a little get together and gave the baby the cutest baby goods. Thanks Amanda, Kelly, Megan, Jenni, and Nathalie! You girls are too nice!

#1 Spoiling:
My parents came into town over Memorial Day weekend, and they indulged our stomaches, my wardrobe (Now I have maternity clothes!), and the baby. (We're talking super cute blankets and clothes.)

Here's a couple pictures of us at nearby rose gardens.

I love this picture of my mom and dad.

I'm not sure what Matt and I were doing here, but it must've been amazing.

15 Things I Love About Pregnancy

1. Seeing and feeling the baby move.
2. Having an excuse to shop and get great deals. The baby needs stuff and so do I, and shopping's the only way to fulfill that.
3. Zero moodiness. I don't think I could be any happier than I am right now.
4. Checklists. I love lists! Sometimes when I'm bored I make lists, just for fun. Online there's nine million checklists for pregnancy. Call me crazy, but it's so fun checking off those lists. Matt's not quite as gunge-ho on this checklist thing, though. He thought my idea of installing the car seat last week was a bit over the top. (Maybe he's right. Maybe.)
5. When I go to the gym and people say I'm in great shape for still working out. (They're just being nice and lying like crazy, but it makes me feel good.)
6. Feeling like super woman because I can still keep up with Matt on our runs. This won't last much longer. He's turning into Mr. Speedy.
7. Pulling the "I'm pregnant" excuse.
8. Not feeling lazy for napping, sleeping in, or going to bed early.
9. Even though I don't like my body getting bigger EVERYWHERE, it's definitely better than having my body get bigger and not having pregnancy as the excuse.
10. Even more pampering from Matt.
11. Thinking about our little one. Wondering what she'll look like and what type of personality she'll have.
12. All the sweet things that friends and family do for us. It makes me feel so loved!
13. Watching Matt interact with the baby. I love how he'll patiently wait to see or feel her move, and eventually he'll begin poking, prodding, or making funny noises to get her moving. The other night he was listening to her with his stethoscope, and she pushed up right against it. It was pretty cute to see his reaction. It makes me really excited to see him as a dad.
14. Having something other than school and work to blog about.
15. Realizing that just as with any really great thing in life, pregnancy is totally worth the waiting, the discomfort, and the sacrifice. (If I end up having a colicky baby and don't get to sleep for three months, someone remind me about this, okay?!)

Six Random Thoughts

Random Thought #1:
Thanks everyone for your comments and help with the baby bedding! (Matt is appreciative, too. Trust me. When I told him how much my favorite crib set cost, he didn't say anything but I know he was thinking I'd lost my mind.) I love getting any and all baby tips you have to offer because really, I'm clueless.

My friend, Amy, posted some awesome advice about baby goods on her blog. I love it! And I want more of it from anyone and everyone. What advice do you have for me, a first-time expectant mom? What was your best baby purchase? Your worst? Any awesome parenting books I should read? (P.S. Remember Sara, I'm borrowing that one book from you sometime, okay?) Things I should plan for on the big D-Day? You get the idea, right?

Random Thought #2:
My sister emailed this to me the other day:

(It's got pictures from our ultrasound.) Thanks, Amber!

Awesome, huh?! She has a digital scrapbook store and blog, which I love and am get into more and more. Check it out. There's some good freebies.

Random Thought #3:
I screamed like a baby last Wednesday and raced to the bedroom where Matt was studying.

He thought I'd seen a spider. (Wondering if I'm really that pathetic? Yes. Matt's seen me during the middle of the night frantically throwing on lights and ripping off bed sheets because I'm sure I've felt a spider.)

But this time my screams were because this guy, Adam Lambert had landed in the bottom three on American Idol.
I was ecstatic. He's a great performer and has a good voice, but I don't get why the judges are always drooling over him and praising his weird screamy songs.

Later in the show I went running (and squealing) to Matt again when this guy,

(P.S. If I wasn't happily married I would so have a crush on him…:))
Kris Allen was sent to safety leaving Adam in the bottom two. So cool.

What do you think? Who's going to be the next American Idol. I'm betting Danny Gokey, even though I'm a big fan of Kris.

Random Thought #4:
Matt felt the baby move on Saturday. We were watching Harry Potter, and Skylie (that's what we call her for now) was moving like crazy. So I had Matt put his hands on my belly, and every time he felt her move he was like, "Ooh! Ooh!" So cute. (His "Ohh"s are a lot cuter than the poking and prodding I get at other times when he's trying to get Skylie to move around. Haha!) :)

Random Thought #5:
June 26 used to be the big day when Matt would take boards, but today he bumped it back to July 13. He figures he'll get bored with an entire month off while I'm at work and could definitely use the extra time to study. Fun stuff. ;) I'm just glad it's him and not me.

Random Thought #6:
I love spring.

Which do you like better?

PURPLE

OR PINK ?

OR FLORAL?

The top two are my favorite so far, but the bottom one is much cheaper. Where are some good places to look for new or used baby stuff?

We're having a...

GIRL!

I can't wait to dress her in:

Tiny Shoes

Fluffy Dresses

Big Bows

We're so excited! Matt and I both secretly (or not so secretly on my part) hoped for a girl. Now for a name. Any suggestions?