Saturday, January 31, 2009

Dress Rehearsal

UPDATE: I don't want to leave anyone hanging. Monster Jam was great. Jackson was over the moon happy. And there was no sloshing. Pictures tomorrow.

Yesterday was quite eventful. I had gotten it in my head that I hadn't been feeling the baby move around enough, so I began calling my doctor's office at 7:45, asking to be seen. My doctor had said over and over again to come in for any reason. So I thought I would take him up on it before the weekend came. Apparently their phone system was down and that was causing all of their phone calls to be routed to an answering service. By 3:00 I was ready to just drive to the satellite office closest to me and take my chances. So I did. There was no doctor there, but my regular nurse checked the baby's heartrate with a doppler and said she sounded perfect. Great! Now I could let my mind rest.

Mom offered to take Jackson for the evening so that Curt and I could go out. I was very happy to take her up on that. Jackson had had one of those days that made me feel like a drill sergeant. He was understandably bored since we couldn't go anywhere while I waited for the doctor's phone call that never came. He was getting into everything and not responding to any form of discipline. Date night sounded great.

We dropped him off with some pajamas and headed to a Cajun seafood restaurant called Pappadeaux. Curt isn't a seafood person, but he lets us go there on occasion. The place was packed and the atmosphere was great. I've never been to New Orleans, but I felt like we were there. I had fried shrimp and a baked potato. (Curt is allergic to shrimp. Poor thing.) What I really wanted was some bread pudding for dessert, but mid-way through our meal we had decided that I was in labor and needed to call the doctor. I thought I should probably forgo the bread pudding.

So yeah, labor. We were on our way to the restaurant when we started timing my contractions and they were every five minutes. That lasted over an hour and a half. Mind you, I had basically been sitting on the couch all day. I'd done nothing to provoke this. Curt timed me with his cell phone during our dinner. I wondered if the people at the tables next to us realized we were counting contractions and planning our our next moves. It was actually really fun and exciting, especially since Jackson was already with my mom. Plus, I was having a great hair day and that would be perfect for pictures.

We spoke to the nurse on call as we drove home and she said not to mess around with that, especially with it being my second, and to go to the hospital. We spent the next hour packing like crazy and getting our house ready. To our surprise, we found that at some point in the day Jackson had locked the guest room door (which we don't have a key for). Awesome. What is up with the drama in that room? When my in-laws came they would just have to stay in our room. Again, no clean sheets! Ahhh!

So off we went at about 9 p.m. On the way, Curt kept asking me if I was still feeling the contractions. For the last hour I hadn't paid attention because I'd been running around. I wanted to say yes, but they had started to change. Sad!

We got to the hospital and checked in. We admitted to the nurses that we knew we might be going home. I had to change into a gown and put on a monitor and all that jazz. Our sweet nurse, whom I fell in love with, had to go through the list of 100 questions before she ever checked me. Bless her heart. (But now it's done and next time I won't have to do it.) What I find totally unbelievable is that I did not have one contraction the ENTIRE time I was laying in the bed with the monitor on. Bless my heart too! Scratch that, I actually had one right before we left. And my cervix is apparently made of steel because it has not budged one bit. Awesome. (But I'm very thankful and blessed that it's strong.)

Our nurse was so sweet about it. She said she wished she could keep us and hoped we would get her again when it was really time. I got dressed and we headed to my mom's to get Jackson. Actually, we went to Sonic first so I could get some ice to crunch.

So it was an exciting night of having a great meal with the Hubs and getting to do a dress rehearsal of going to the hospital. I was minorly bummed, but it was actually kind of fun and I feel a lot more peaceful about how this is all gonna go down. It was nice to meet the nurses and see a labor and delivery room. And now we have the Suburban already filled with the things that can stay packed.

I have no idea how I'm going to know it's time. It's really hard. This morning I just told the Lord that I'm entrusting myself to Him. That's all I can do! I hope He'll make it obvious to me. Since I was induced with Jackson, I have no idea when my body would have actually gone into labor on its own or what it would have been like. That's where it's tricky for me.

Tonight we are taking Jackson to Monster Jam. It is going to be the best night of my son's almost-three-year life. I will not elaborate about it at this moment since that will need its own post. I'm just hoping my water doesn't break while we're there. I'm really not a monster truck show kind of girl and I'd just hate to have that be in my princess's birth story forever and ever. The Lord may want to humble me though. I've seen a variation of this saying before, but I might make and wear a sign that says, "If my water breaks at Monster Jam, drag my sloshing self to Neimans."

60 comments:

bethany said...

I have to say that my favorite part of that whole story is that you were okay with going into labor because you were having a good hair day...FUN-NY!!
Praying you won't go into labor at the Monster Truck Rally :) But when you do REALLY go into labor, you will know...believe me!!

Kiki said...

I'll pray for a great hair day for the right day!

3girlsmom said...

You had a good hair day AND you were going into labor AND Jackson was already with your parents? Wow. Someone in the heavens was smiling down on you.
I have had 3 kids. I was induced with the 1st and 3rd and went into labor all by myself (at 34 weeks) with the 2nd. Let me tell you how you'll know. YOU'LL JUST KNOW. There's no mistaking true labor. Your body will tell you and your MIND will tell you. It woke me out of a dead sleep at 3:30 AM. I sat straight up in bed and said to my husband, "I'm in labor, let's go." He murmured something about "are you sure" and "it's probably just Braxton Hicks" but by then I had already put my shoes on.
You will know, my friend. You will know.

bethany said...

Your hair will be beautiful...no worries! Pretty eventful evening I must say...all of this is a bit too stressful for me so probably in God's great plan that I will most likely not deliver a baby in my lifetime!

Debra Kenney said...

Oh Amanda! I so felt for you when I read this post. When I was pregnant with my second child I had several 'dress rehearsals' so I could really relate.

Enjoy the Monster trucks!

Big Mama said...

I going to go out on a limb and say that there are a lot worse sights to see at a Monster Truck show than a woman's water breaking.

Also, I'm betting baby girl shows up before the week is out. I realize that's not really a stretch considering you're 39 weeks pregnant, but I just want to go on record with my prediction.

Marc and Charity said...

Hi Amanda,
I know what you mean. I'm 39 weeks tomorrow and this being my 3rd, I still feel clueless. There have been 2 times I thought I was going to have this kid this past week- even one time was on the phone to the midwives at the hosptial (you have to call here in the UK before going anywhere and discuss your situation)...anyway, I had 2 hours of contractions, 5 min. apart and just as i was calling the midwives it all stopped. I'm scared to death that I'll just deliver this kid at home- being my 3rd- my midwife thinks she will just pop out! And, I was induced with my second so I forgot what it was like to go into labor! thankfully the Lord knows her birthday so I will just rest and trust Him to know when to go in!!!!

All that to say, I'm in the same boat and slightly, ok a lot, jealous you are in an American hospital.

Charity

Toknowhim said...

I was getting excited for you thinking you might be having that precious baby girl, but I figured with a title like "dress rehearsal" it was a false alarm... It is getting close, and soon you will be a family of four.

Blessings Amanda...

valerie said...

With our first child I was in labor forever because I'm pretty sure we went way too early. They kept me anyway and the next morning the dr. broke my water along with all of the other six ladies in labor. Wow...
I didn't have my son until early that night.

When the second one came along, I started timing my contractions as hubby slept. We had a 19 mo. old we'd have to drop off at Grandma's. I don't think anyone believed me that it really was time to go to the hospital. It was late and my mom drank coffee because she just knew she'd be awake all night like before.
I had that baby girl so fast the doctor barely made it there in time.
I'll keep you in my prayers. It's gonna be just fine. I'll pray that you know that you know that you know when it's time. ;)
Have fun tonight! ;)
Valerie

R said...

amen on the great hair day! it's fun when the stars align like that. :0)

Mocha with Linda said...

Oh wow. Hope even the real thing is still a dry run until you get to the hospital!! LOL

One of my babies slowed down in movement a day or so before labor - I had to go in for a non-stress test. They say sometimes they rest up before the big day.

Hoping tonight is eventful for Jackson but not for you!!

Holly said...

This made me smile: Pappadeaux (YUM!)
This made me smile bigger: Plus, I was having a great hair day and that would be perfect for pictures.

This just flat out made me laugh: "If my water breaks at Monster Jam, drag my sloshing self to Neimans."

Praying for you. Praying that God lets you know it's time and gives you a great hair day. I'd come and clean and wash for you, if I could. Really, I would. Nonetheless, everyone who comes to see you will not care at all about the sheets or anything else like it. They love you so much!

PS I had two "dress rehearsals" with out Kylie. She came on the third one. :0)

Theresa said...

Amanda:
I found your blog through Lysa's blog. I am a faithful scripture memorizing Siesta and I'm thrilled that I found "Baby Bangs". I feel like I have a little secret place to get more updates on you guys. I am praying for you, Curt, Jackson and of course the "Princess". May God's blessings and favor pour over you as the time draws near for her royal heinesses arrival. Enjoy these last days as a trio.....and start praising and celebrating the beginning of your quad.
Blessings,
Theresa

Dionna said...

Amanda - bless your heart. Your cervix is made of steel - what a great comment! HA HA

I was induced with my first daughter too - never even knew if I had any contractions so I was totally perplexed as to know what to do with my second. Let's just say by the time I started wondering if things were starting to happen and I had a little "show" - I was starting to breathe pretty good. My daughter came an hour after we got to the hospital.

The best thing I can tell you is to get your mind situated that the unexpected could happen and it may not go according to plan. This way if it does go according to plan - you will feel blessed and if it doesn't you can be flexible internally and won't panic and freak out like I did when I couldn't have any pain medicine because there was no time. :)

I think it's so neat how every birth has a story behind it. However your little blessing comes into this world - I just pray she and mom are both in perfect health when all is said and done. And I just know you are stronger than you think you are - you will do GREAT. :)

The Wootens said...

The good hair day thing helps....I remember after my water broke at home with my first, standing in the bathroom fixing my hair while my husband kept calling, "Are you ready YET?" I kept telling him--it doesn't even hurt yet, so I'm gonna go ahead and do hair and makeup!

KRISTEN'S PALACE said...

i love the part about the dress rehersal, so cute! :) Best of Luck.

Mary H. said...

I am sorry it was a false alarm, but like you said you got to practice. I hope you have a great time at the Monster Jam!

I love reading your blog. You make me laugh!

God bless you!!!

Lauren said...

Oh man. My favorite part of this whole post was "my cervix is apparently made of steel."

Laurie M said...

Girl, I have totally been there. Knowing you're actually in labor, when you are really WANTING to be in labor, is a tough call. And they ended up having to induce me with my 2nd. Ugh.. So worth it though! I was able to shower and have great hair in the pictures, very unlike the 1st time around.

My man and oldest are heading to Monster Jam as well tonight...I have never braved this show myself. I am quite sure it'll be an experience.

fuzzytop said...

I agree with Bethany - the fact that you were ready for labor with great hair is just hysterical!!! But I'm sure you will have a beautiful hair day when the real thing rolls around :D

Hope y'all enjoyed the monster truck show... Jackson will probably talk about nothing else for days! I remember one vacation we ate at restaurant that had a monster truck parked outside, and James spent the entire meal with his nose against the window staring at that thing. I have a photo of him standing inside the wheel rim of the truck, and he looks like a midget. That thing was HUGE!

Hugs,
Adrienne

Missy said...

SO exciting! The real deal will be here soon and now you are extra prepared. :)

twinkle said...

I'm so excited for y'all! Loved your mom's post and you deserved all her praise!
I spent this morning putting together your surprise from the Southern Siestas. It was so much fun! UPS has it in their care and they say it should arrive at LPM on Thursday. I say earlier. It is addressed to you and Curtis from the Southern Siestas so keep your eyes on the lookout, okay! Much love and prayers for all your baby drama, little mama...

"Miss" Clair said...

I'm just praying that if you have contractions at the the monster truck show you'll be able to feel them!!:) Your princess can't be born there!!

Just Call Me Grammy said...

"Plus, I was having a great hair day and that would be perfect for pictures." Made me laugh out loud!

debra parker said...

this makes me so excited!

Anonymous said...

What an exciting evening you had! You cracked me up with the good hair day. :)

Jessie said...

if it makes you feel any better at all I've totally been there done that with the false pregnancy thing...with my third I called and they advised me to go the hospital... with my forth I waited until I was absolutely sure before I called cause I didn't want to go through that awkward, "I'm not really in labor" experience - and after over 5 hours of consistent contractions they abruptly ended. It is frustrating! I pray that the next time for you is the real thing!

petrii said...

WOW what an eventful night Amanda!!! I have so been praying for you and baby girl, Curtis and Jackson. This is such an exciting time for ya'll.

Nine months pregnant and monster trucks really? =) You are a REAL woman let me just tell ya. Your child is going to be beside his little self.

Can't wait to hear more.

Have a Blessed Lord's day,
Dawn

Fran said...

Oh Amanda...I was dying over here reading every last word, but knowing you were obviously not having a baby because you were blogging! I CANNOT wait....for you.

I said on the LPM blog that I'm not envious of the girl thing for you (have 3 boys) but I'm envious of the "mom thing" that you are about to do. Soak it all in...if this is your last...soak every ounce of it in. Its a beautiful time.

I love ya. I'm praying for you. That baby girl is getting ready though. I bet its soon!

Hugs,
Fran

Lauren said...

Awwww, the real thing will come soon. Patience is a virtue :) :)

Callie said...

you, my friend, make me laugh. Here's me praying that you aren't sitting in a puddle of slosh at Monster Jam!

ilovepink said...

I found your blog through Kelly's. I am due with my 2nd child Feb. 13th. I almost did the same thing last Fri night! My first child (almost 3 now) came 2 weeks early, quickly with very little warning. I am like you in that I am scared that I won't realize when the labor starts this time. I barely made it to the hospital the first time! I will keep checking your updates. Good Luck!

Moose Mama said...

You poor thing.

I'm betting you don't make it to February 12th... and hopefully the hair will be just a perfect as it was yesterday.

I'm sure you aren't feeling the Princess move as much, cuz she's all cramped in a small space now. She'll be wanting some freedom VERY soon.

Melana

lori said...

When your mom said you were going to monster jam, I thought what a great story for baby girl that moms water breaks at truck show.

By the way the new blog is beautiful

Amber said...

oh man. sounds exciting....she is coming sooooooo soon! yippee!

Andreea said...

I will add a great hair day to my prayer list ;) LOL that you were okay with going into labor b/c you had a great hair day.

Traci said...

Monster Jam is so a perfect place for your water to break- what a great story- and you know what your mom says- "easy lives don't make great stories" - take a bottle of sprite and have a ball! I'll pray specifically that your hair holds up on labor day so your pics are beautiful- don't worry- He'll so be faithful to that- I tell myself- He's the only man that truly understands the power of a good hair day!

Missy said...

Shepherd went to Monster Jam last January. And then he asked a total of 776,789,234 times when he would be taken to Monster Jam again, which just happened a couple weeks ago.

It neeeever got old.

Tabaitha said...

What an eventful way to start the weekend! I had a false alarm with my son. My contractions were 4 minutes apart for over 10 hours and then just stopped. I was so disappointed. A few days later I was induced, so like you I don't know what it really feels like to go in to labor on my own. I'm hoping I will have a clear sign this time around with my little girl, that is coming in 8 weeks. I'll be praying for you and glad to hear Monster Jam was fun tonight.

Kristin said...

Glad you made it home from Monster Truck Jam w/o sloshing all over yourself! :) After your last post about contractions I have felt the need to pray for you and your labor all day!
I so know what you mean about not knowing when your really in labor. I was induced with my first also and felt that way with my second. When it happened though, I thought oh yeah I remember this now!!! And the Holy Spirit totally promped me to take a shower and wash my hair before bed when I was pregnant with my twins...only I didn't listen and then my water broke in the middle of the night and it was another 4 days in the hospital with a c-section before I could have clean hair!
Praying for a good hair day on her birthday ~ Kristin

jennyhope said...

I can't wait girl!!!!
I was hoping the monster truck show would crank up the contractions.

AugsburgDaisy said...

I love the way you write. So precious! With your body practicing so hard, it could be soon!

JottinMama said...

We are just gonna HAVE to take our 2 year old to a Monster Truck show. He would love that. (And so would his daddy!) Glad yall enjoyed it:)

I was induced with my first one too - so like you, I've been wondering how the whole thing is gonna go down this time! Either way, I hope I'm having a good hair day when it does!

Blessings to you,
Kate :)

Shelly said...

I just wanted to give you a little word of encouragement. I have four small children. I had no false labor with my first, but with my second it happened several times. Fortunatly (or maybe unfortunately), my husband refused to take me to the hospital. He would say, "I've seen you in labor, and this isn't it." He was always right, though. I even had the nerve to call my parents at three in the morning sure I was going to have him, only to have the contractions stop an hour later. Hang in there, I know how annoying the end of pregnancy is. You know the drill, right? Spicy food, thrilling movie and being intimate all within a couple of hours. It might at least get your cervix kick started! Best wishes for an easy delivery and a healthy, beautiful baby.

barbara head said...

Amanda, having a baby girl to shop with, do make-up with and giggle with is absolutely fabulous. BUT I must tell you having a big ol' 16 year old boy come up to his mama in front of many people and lean down and kiss her and tell her he loves her is heart-poundingly good. My baby boy used to do that and now at 36 he still does that. Boys and girls are both great and having one of each is even better. I have a strong feeling Jackson will be that kind of boy.

Katie said...

This is my first time posting, but I couldn't resist as I am remembering the days before my little boy was born. I was induced with Ella and didn't know what to expect the second time around. We had just moved to San Antonio and knew very few people when Dawson came 2 weeks early! I remember feeling a bit off and just spending a day lounging around. I thought I was having Braxton-Hicks and called a friend who had been a labor and delivery nurse. She said to do something active and if the contractions got worse to got to the hospital. I got up to clean a bit and couldn't believe the pain. It was about 4pm and Dawson was born soon after 7pm (can't believe I don't remember the exact time!). Hang in there! Your sweet princess will be here soon!

The Schmidt Family said...

Wow my sweet friend! Hopefully the next one will be real!

Moose Mama said...

Let's hear an "AMEN" for not only the happy Tod, but also, and maybe more importantly..NO SLOSHING.

Melana

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Didn't read all the comments but can I just say girlfriend, when you are in labor YOU WILL KNOW! :))

And I'm SO with you on the good hair thing. I was butt ugly when my oldest was born since I labored for 23 hours. Luke's grandmother told me she showed my pictures to her friends and - get this! - prefaced them by saying, "Lisa is normally a very pretty little girl.." Whatever! I had to repent for wanting to slap Granny!

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

You really do have a great attitude about it being a dry run, Amanda!

I have had 4 and it really is just a hit or miss kind of thing. My sister and I call it the Labor Game.

So excited for you!

Kelly said...

Oh I worried so much about when I would go into labor. I was so thankful for that inducement! :-)
Can't wait to see that sweet baby girl - she is going to be BEAUTIFUL!!! Wish she and Harper could be friends!

Gayle @ thewestiecrew said...

Ugh... I wish they had an *edit function with comments. Anyway, my original comment ended too soon with the "hit or miss" thing because I meant to say that while I had a few dry runs myself, when it REALLY was time, I always got there in plenty of time.

Nicole - Life in Progress said...

I was induced with my first baby too so I worried with #2 that I wouldn't know the "real deal" when I felt it. Like you, I had contractions that would strenghten and be very regular then they would go away. Several times I was certain we'd be heading to the hospital soon, but then, the contractions would relax.

Then one night (about four days past her due date) I woke up with contractions that were DIFFERENT. I don't know how else to describe it, but I knew it was for real. After a VERY swift delivery, Miss Charlotte was here. So, the Lord let me know when things were gettin' serious.

BTW, my hubby has informed me that if there's a next time, there will be no shower and dawdling and primping.

Alana said...

I am so with you on the good hair day thing. People do not realize that there are going to be a million pictures of you! I'm praying that God makes me look like I just stepped out of a Pantene commercial the day mine comes...ha ha. I'm with you on the whole knowing when to go to the hospital thing...I just don't know what to expect. I had to go to the hospital last night and got released this morning. I think little man is just playing tricks on me now....I'll be praying for you! I know how excited you are!

Emmy said...

That is hysterical! I love your last line...

I am so excited for you all- I am about to pop myself! So fun! Praying!

Emmy : )

Mitzi said...

Praying for you to have a smooth labor and delivery. I'm just impressed that you went to a monster truck rally at 39 weeks. I love my boys, but by 39 weeks, they were lucky if I got off the couch, much less took them to a loud crowded place where I had to sit in crowded,tiny seats!! :)

Heather said...

Can't wait to hear about your monster truck adventure! (and see pics!) Praying for baby girl and her arrival!!!

Terri_in_Alabama said...

Amanda,

Yesterday would have been a great day for your baby girl to make her debut!!! That was my baby girl's 7th birthday.

I have had three... and I PROMISE, you will know!!!!

Still Praying!!!

Terri in Alabama

Unknown said...

You are hilarious! I love that sign idea.
With my last child (#3) I ended up going to the hospital 3 times in one week---so sure that I was in labor. Of course, like you said, the minute you hit the hospital doors you are fine.
I ended up being induced with all of mine so I'm no help for you there. But I'm guessing when you are miserable and want to pull your bottom lip over your head then there is no looking bad & it's time to get to the hospital pronto!

Unknown said...

Oh Amanda,

Actually, your dress rehearsal will last longer. If you read my post on your water-breaking in public post over at LPM then you know my story.

I was induced twice before going into spontaneous labor with my third and it happened two days after my due date... Every mother and her body is different, but the docs got this down to a science

(My sis-in-love is waiting to get her medical license and gave birth a year ago this month. She said it is very nearly an exact science these days. Her water broke, by the way, while she was doing rounds at the hospital for her residency! Talk about awkward!)

I'll be praying for you and your sweet, precious delivery. God is going to show Himself in this thing - just you watch!

When my third was born the nurses were so convinced that I was far from the real deal (my contractions were very strong, but I was breathing fairly normal and not apparently in much pain) so they sent my father and husband off for breakfast while they checked me in... The men returned a half hour later to a very courageous new mother and baby... And all of that before 6 AM - you tell your Curtis that no matter what the nurses tell you - HE's Staying Put. No breakfast 'til there's a baby in the room! (WINK, Smile).

Enjoy these moments, and keep writing about them. We love it!

Blessings.