Welcome Joshua Olausen Clark!

What a weekend! :) I will try to be brief because I can't get enough of our new little one! Joshua Olausen Clark was born on Friday February 19th at 12:21pm, weighed 6lbs 12oz and was 20 inches long. It was an 18 hour labor if you count the minor contractions that started at 5pm. So I had probably 1 contraction per hour all day Thursday at work. At 5, I started having more regular pain but really didn't feel like my belly was getting tight like I have had during pregnancy. By 7:30 they were regularly to 6 min apart and my belly was definitely getting tight. I paged the doctor at 8 to get his opinion on when I should come in since I was already dilated. But I didn't receive a call back in 30 min so Jeff and I went up to the school so he could play in his intramural game. At about 9:30, the contractions were definitely regular and more intense (I had no idea of what they could become!) We talked to the doctor finally and he said if I couldn't make it through the night because of the contractions, to go to the hospital. But if I did hold off, he would check me in the morning. Well by 2:30am they were bad enough that I didn't want to say anything but just had to breathe through them (so I thought...haha) We decided to go ahead and come on in. I was praying to be dilated more but when we got here, I was only 2.5cm!!!!! Talk about disappointing. We asked if we could go home but they said they wouldn't be able to do anything until the doctor made her rounds at 7am. So all morning long, we walked, watched an office episode and tried to do anything to keep our minds off the contractions. At about 7:30 or 8, I was dilated to 4cm. Praise Jesus that there was change!!! My doctor, Dr. Seward (God Bless Him!) came in at 9:30 and broke my water. Things progressed pretty rapidly at that point. I no longer wanted to move around but sat at the end of the bed and Jeff rubbed my lower back through each contraction. Jeff did an AMAZING job as coach. He would look at the monitor and tell me when the contraction was on its way down. Thank goodness for that. I could no longer breathe through them but did some sort of singing moan. Sorry if that is too graphic for anyone. At about 10:30 I was at 6cm and so thankful. By about 11:30, I went through "transition". The only way I know that was after it was over, I looked back at the monitor and realized for about 5 to 10 min, I didn't really get any break from a contraction. At that point, I started feeling like I needed to push a little. Praise the Lord that when they checked me I was 9cm. If I would have only been 7, I would have gotten an epidural I think. It was about all I could handle. So they paged the doctor to come back in and I started pushing. After about 30 min, a ring of fire, and the most intense thing I have ever done in my life, Joshua was born! The doctor had his head and shoulders out and told me to reach down and pull him out. What an amazing experience. Then Dr. Seward said "It's a boy!" I can't thank Dr. Seward enough. He did a lot of perineal massaging (that was NO FUN) so I only had a second degree tear. Thank goodness Joshua wasn't any bigger. It was the most amazing thing ever. I got to hold him for a little bit while Jeff cut the cord and he got wiped down. He was crying but not like a really high pitched scream so they took him to the warmer and worked on him for a little bit to try to get more of the mucus and gunk out. I loved his little wimpers and grunts. But after a half hour, they decided it would be best to take him to the nursery and put him under some oxygen and get him crying really well. Surprisingly, it wasn't really hard on me because I was under such an adrenaline rush. I kept telling Jeff to go be with him but he wanted to keep checking on me. Such a sweet guy. At about 2:30, they brought him back in with us so I could breastfeed. I can't even describe the amount of love I felt for him. (I know all you moms know what I'm talking about). And I LOVE seeing Jeff hold him and love on him. Such a sap. I hardly cried during pregnancy but since today, my emotions are pretty high. I have cried like a baby every time I look at him. He is just so precious. Breastfeeding is going pretty well. I love that time with him and he loves his hands up by his face. Such a sweet thing. He did that during the last ultrasound too. He has Jeff's hands and nose. Not sure what he has that's mine yet :) Well I'm off to hold and love on him again. Love to you all!! Thanks to everyone for all their love, support, congratulations, flowers, etc!!! It is SO appreciated to know people were praying. I can honestly say that having an all natural labor was nothing short of God's divine intervention on my behalf. So thank you Jesus! Enjoy the pics!!

36 weeks 3 days

I went with my friend Amy to her appointment today since I had the day off (love the Federal Government holidays!)  It was a lot of fun to be able to hang out with her and Jace since I know those times will be changing soon with both of us having newborns any day.  I was going to change my appt from Wednesday to Tuesday just in case I had made progress and shouldn't be going to our away game on Tuesday at Grace.  But the doctor I have been seeing recently isn't in the office on Tuesday so he said he'd just check me today.  Not much as changed.  Just a good 2cm dilated and still 100% effaced.  The baby is at station 0.  So all things seem to be going in the right direction. Just not having any regular contractions.  I am still measuring small (only measuring 34cm).  And I had lost weight :(  Not quite sure why since I have been eating like normal.  So we are going to do another ultrasound next Monday at my appointment to make sure the fluid hasn't decreased anymore.  He said if it's a little lower, we will do a non-stress test to make sure baby is still doing ok.  If it's really low (5 or less), then he would recommend we go have the baby.  So who knows!  I am really praying hard that Satan doesn't get me defeated in the mean time. I just want this baby to be ok.  And I also want to be able to go into labor on my own.  The doctor would be ok with stripping my membranes on Monday if nothing has changed.  By then I would be 37 weeks and 3 days.  I have heard that it's not an incredibly pleasant experience.  I guess I have worse pain to go through during labor :) 

I know our God is powerful and in control. Jeff reminded me tonight to think back on all the times that I had been unsure of the future (possible gestational diabetes, and there are many more) and how faithful God has been to help me through those situations.  So I am going to have to claim some more promises so that I don't let Satan put his thoughts in my head.  

So I guess I would appreciate any prayers that our baby is doing well and that labor will just start on its own when it should.  And while you're at it, prayers that Amy's labor would start on its own before Greg would have to leave for the tournament would be great too!  Thank you all!

I don't have a picture right now but I'm hoping to post one soon.  

Hope everyone has a great week!

Baby news!

Well I had my appointment and ultrasound today.  I had been measuring a little small the past 2 appointments so we had an ultrasound today and Jeff came with me.  The ultrasound was so cool!  I can't believe it's only a few more weeks?? until we have the baby!  The baby's head is down and "very low".  The doctor was a little surprised at how low the baby's head was.  He had a hard time getting a good 3D picture of the head because there was only about an inch of space between the outside and the baby's head.  The ultrasound goes down about 2 inches so it was hard to get a clear picture.  But it's little lips and nose are ADORABLE!!! I think this baby has a Clark nose.  We will see soon. 

So back to the update...

The baby is approximately 6lbs 13 oz right now!  The abdomen is measuring at about 37+ weeks and the rest of the baby is about 36+ weeks but he hasn't changed my due date.  The heart rate was 139.  My fluid is on the low side of normal which is probably why I was measuring a little small from the outside.  But the doctor definitely didn't think our baby was on the small side.  The baby had hiccups while we were doing the ultrasound :) So cute!

Since the baby's head was so low, he decided to go ahead and check if I was dilated or effaced at all.  Well, it turns out I am 100% effaced and 1-2cm dilated already.  And in his words "the baby's head is right there".  YIKES...talk about unexpected news!  I realize that may not mean much and I may stay that way for a few weeks but it is promising that we might have a baby before the trip to Branson and then all of us can go and enjoy the tournament!!!  He seemed pretty confident that this baby wouldn't stay inside for the full 40 weeks.  If my fluid level remained low or even lower, he would probably want to induce me around 38 weeks and since I am already 100% effaced and dilated a little, he said that inducing me should be relatively easy.  He would start with stripping my membranes to see if that got things moving.  I would rather not be induced at all of course, but if the fluid got too low, I would obviously not want to put the baby in any danger.  So, we'll just have to wait and see.  

Here's a couple pictures of the diaper cake my Aunt Jen made me, the house decorated in a basketball theme for another shower I had and a picture of the baby in 3D (it's a straight on picture of the face...cutest nose I've ever seen!) And me at 35 weeks 5 days. 

I will keep you updated.  The car seat base is in the car and I'm going to start packing a bag here in the next day or two.  

Maternity Shoot

I had a good friend take some pictures of me on Sunday.  Amy's sister-in-law, Amanda, is a mother/baby photographer in the making! It was so much fun doing these with her!  They are funky and WAY COOL (in my opinion of course).  It made for a great memory and I can't wait to make a photo album to show this baby someday!  Here's a few of my favorites.  Thanks so much Amanda! I really LOVE them!  If any males read this, beware....there is a lot of bare belly! I am 34 weeks (and 2 days if we are counting days) in these pictures.

In other news, the nursery is ready if this baby comes! I have had some great showers!! The basketball team moms organized a surprise shower for Amy and I.  It was SO sweet of all of them!!  We got our pack-n-play so now when we go to Branson, we will have a bed for baby :)  And my work ladies did a great job of throwing me a "basketball baby" shower.  My aunt hosted a shower for me a little over a week ago and it was so much fun!!!  Thank you to everyone for all your generosity!  We are blessed! 

Doctor Update

Just a quick update...

I had my doctor's appointment today and it went well! I met a new doctor and really like him! He was totally ok with me going to Branson. He said he would want to check me right before I left to make sure there wasn't anything brewing but if all is good before I leave, then he said just take my records with me and I should be fine if I happen to go into labor down there.

He said the heartbeat was in the "140s". I am still measuring small...I was measuring 32 weeks and I am now 33 and 1/2 weeks. So he said this is a good excuse to do another ultrasound just to check things out. But he said not to worry! So we will have an ultrasound in 2 weeks at my next appointment. I told him we DO NOT want to find out what we are having so he won't even go looking down in that area. But we are both pretty excited to see this baby again! It's been so long!!! (18 weeks to be exact since we've seen him/her). So Wednesday, Feb. 10th is the day :) And Jeff will get to go to that one too so I'm happy!

I had my family/friends shower this past Saturday. My Aunt Jen hosted and it was beautiful! We had so much fun and I got so many wonderful gifts!! All very practical :) So thankful! I have a shower with co-workers tomorrow at my house and I am looking forward to that!

I'll update with pictures soon. Baby is moving a lot and I love it!

32 Week Belly Picture

Hello All!  Not much to say right now.  Things are going well! I am feeling really good.  The wildcats won their 13th straight game on Tuesday against Taylor.  I have a couple showers coming up here in the next week and a half and then it will be crunch time to get everything set up.  Jeff's aunt sent us our high chair.  It was incredibly generous of them!  Jeff put it together for me tonight...so cute!  It's starting to sink in that there is a baby coming but I think I'm still in a bit of denial :)  I just keep going about my business as usual. 

I am actually planning on going to Branson, Missouri for the National Basketball Tournament assuming the rest of the season goes well for the Wildcats.  I am due the day of the sweet 16.  I have checked into the hospital down there and it is in my network. Now I just need to make a few phone calls to the doctors down there to chat with them.  At my doctor's appointment next week, I will be chatting with one of them about going.  I know a lot of you might think I am crazy.  And I very well may be!  But I can't let Jeff miss that tournament and I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE TOURNAMENT.  Seriously, it has always been such a fun experience and I just love the games.  So I just keep praying for the Lord's will to be done.  I know it may not be my timing but I want what's best for this baby.  And I know this baby wouldn't want to miss those games!!  So we'll see what happens.  Maybe I'll go early and we'll just take our first vacation to MO.  

I have not been sleeping very well lately but the last 2 nights have been great!  I had Monday off and made up 4 meals to freeze, went to infant CPR, did some housework, met a friend for breakfast, got new wiper blades for our cars, and made dinner for us and some friends.  So I think all that work pooped me out so I have slept great the past 2 nights.  One of our players, Will (thanks Will!!! It looks great!), finished painting the baby's room and our bedroom ceilings so now I can get a lot of work done in the baby's room setting things up.  I can't wait to meet this little one!!!  I hope to post a picture of the nursery soon.  Hopefully before baby Clark comes :)

Here's a picture of my 32 1/2 week belly.  Enjoy!

Long Overdue Belly Picture

Well, I think the last picture I posted was of 25 weeks.  A lot has happened in the past 6+ weeks.  The IWU Wildcats have won 10 games in a row! Jeff and I both had the stomach flu.  And just last night I got another round of it.  Thankfully no throwing up but just the other stuff.   Greg and Amy had it last night/today.  Jeff has been spared for the second round.  We had a great time with both families at Christmas time.  All of our nieces got the same outfit for Christmas and we got a picture of them all.  So cute!!  From left to right, Emery (2 years 3 months, Elena (~9 weeks), Lilly (16 weeks), and Hannah (8 months).  Sisters, I hope I have those dates right!

The day that I got the stomach flu, I was supposed to do my glucola test.  Obviously, I did not do it that day since I couldn't hardly keep much down.  But I did it the following Monday.  The test came back and my glucose was too high. I was definitely bummed out!  So I had to go in for the 3 hour test this past Thursday. I can honestly say I was really disappointed in myself. Even though it wasn't for sure that I had gestational diabetes, it was still difficult to think that I might have it.  I know people develop gestational diabetes and have perfectly healthy babies.  But Satan really tried to convince me that I had failed and had done something wrong.  After talking with several people, they all helped me realize that this was not something I needed to blame myself for.  And even if I did have gestational diabetes, the Lord would help me through it and myself and the baby would be fine. Plus I only have a few more weeks to go.  Needless to say, I had a heart to heart with God the night before my test.  That same night, Jeff had to leave to go to Michigan with the team so they could avoid all the snow that came the next day. So I was alone with my thoughts for most of the evening. Before bed, I was reading a book called "Promises of Joy" that my parents had gotten me for Christmas.  One of the verses I came across was Psalm 30:5 "Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning."  It was incredibly appropriate for my feelings at the time.  I fully believe God keeps His promises, so I decided to claim that promise as my own that there would be joy after this test.  I continued to pray that promise and not to worry.  I can honestly say God definitely eased my worries.  I slept very well and woke up feeling pretty good.  I brought a book with me to read during the 3 hours I was in the lab (all alone except for the lab tech).  It was a Karen Kingsbury book called "When Joy Came to Stay".  Not having a clue what it was about (I just knew I hadn't read that one yet), the first verse of the book was Psalm 30:5.  I knew at that moment, that God was there with me and was encouraging me to keep believing that promise.  The test went smoothly (the four needle sticks didn't hurt nearly as bad as I had expected).   On Friday, I called and the results came back normal!  (WELL below the cut offs for each hour).  Praise the Lord!  Jeff and I were so excited :)  Thank you to everyone who prayed for us!   I go to the doctor tomorrow for my regular appointment.  It's always exciting to hear the heartbeat.  The baby weighs over 3 pounds now and is about 16-17 inches long. I am feeling baby's kicks much stronger and they are more like jabs and rolls.  Sometimes up in my ribs!  But I love it.  I never get tired of putting my hand on my belly and feeling the baby.  Sorry for such a long post. I will try to post more frequent here in the next few weeks.  Hard to believe how fast time is going!!! Enjoy the pics.  These are actually a few weeks back (at Christmas time) when I was about 29 weeks.  I'll try to update this next week with a more recent pic.