In which Sheri gives birth to a boy named James

So it all began 9 months ago when finally, FINALLY, we decided the time was right to have a kid. I'd been not so patiently waiting for about 2 years. I mean, come on, babies! We'd thought about it before and even tried a month or two... then I would kind of freak out and decide it wasn't really the time. But one of these attempts ended in an early miscarriage in March 2010. But 6 months later I was ready to try again and the timing was better. Jamo would be a college graduate and we'd have a more time, energy and resources to take care of this kid. So after one month of trying, we were pregnant. I think it was God not letting me have time to freak out and second guess this time. It just had to happen quick.


Fast forward 9 months (we've read all the in betweens). June 26th came on a Sunday. Did the usual, church, nap, dinner. But dang it, I was bound and determined this kid would come soon. I tried all the tricks... ball bouncing, walking, mexican food, and we even walked up and down our apartment stairs for while. And then we worked some more on the babies room, getting the clothes all in order and unpackaged. We went to bed. And then I had crazy dreams, cause I do that. And I thought I might have felt a few contractions during the night. That's nothing unusual as I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions since about 26 weeks. But in a half dream, half conscious state I had one and I thought the kid might have kicked me really hard too. And at 10:30 am I woke up, was going to change sleep position, and thought I pee'd myself. I ran to the bathroom and by the time I got there I decided I had just better stand in the tub. And a good thing I did. My water had officially broken. So I yelled for Jameson to wake up. I took a shower and we got ready to go.

I was admitted directly. And a cervical check concluded that I was STILL sitting at 2 cm. So then we got to hang around the hospital while the contractions picked up. I sat, walked around, stuff like that. And after 5 hours there I was sitting at 3 cm (woo, one whole cm more). So they gave me the option to get potocin to speed the process along. And can I say that that stuff hurts! It sure does speed along and make the contractions crazy fun (hard and made me want to cry). So about an hour after that we had them start the epidural. At this point I am crying. K, I'm kind of weak sauce, but at least I know it. And then 10 minutes later I wasn't feeling a thing. It was kind of amazing. And then the waiting began, the slow waiting. No contractions to distract me anymore. The epi did have a few side effects I didn't realize, or maybe it was just me. Man was I cold. So I'm all cuddled in blankets during labor. And a wee bit shaky, cause of the coldness. But overall, I wouldn't change it, it was crazy smooth and I was awesome.


They told me I could start pushing at 10:30 pm. They lied. There was another person who had to have an emergency c-section right before me. So I got to wait until Midnight to start pushing. But once I got going, it took about 50 minutes. Jamo got to be more involved than he had planned on being. They had him hold on my legs when the contractions came and it was time to push. The interesting part is that I had been in the same laying position for quite a while there at the end of labor and my back starting to kill me. And then my bladder kind of hurt. And so when I was actually pushing I could tell when to when my bladder hurt extra bad on the left side. But man, I didn't feel anything else really, which was pretty awesome.

At 12:50 am, June 28th, James Rigby Pulley was born.

And boy was he the most amazing thing you could have ever seen in your life. And guess what? I MADE him. I grew that thing in me for 9 months and then all of a sudden, he was there! A real live person. And isn't that AMAZING?

And then they put him on me. And then they cleaned him. And checked him. And then gave him back again. And I got to hold him some more. And I cried. And it was awesome. And I had a baby boy. And you know what? He's pretty dang cute. And I'm not just saying that cause he's mine. But as far new borns go, mine was ridiculous cute. Not all swollen and puffy and blotchy. Just perfect. That's all.


And then the fun for me began. The part where they make you get up and go the bathroom. And they clean up while you're up. And holy moly do they need to clean up. I'm just glad that I was at the top end of all of this. But back to the bathroom. At this point I'm shaking like crazy. I don't know what exactly it was, I think it was maybe my body went into a bit of shock after delivering and maybe partly a fever I had going. But I could not stop shaking. And I couldn't pee. Do you know what happens then? Tmi? They catheter you. Drain you right out. Good stuff. And then if you've ever had a baby you know what kind of fun bathroom routine you get to enjoy for a while. And then they stood me up. And then I got really HOT, like burning up all over. And then everything was going black. And then I'm sitting back on the toilet, clothed and trying not to pass out. Meanwhile, the nurses are asking me all sorts of questions to which I just stare at them. Which leads them to ask, "Are you still with us?". In which I give a slight head nod in reply. I mean really, all my energy is being focused on not passing out, I don't have time for all your questions. And really, you're going to ask me if I can walk to the bed? When I can't even talk? Eventually I got enough strength to make it to the bed, while almost passing out again. A little bit later I was still freezing and shaking and they got me some more meds. The motrin finally kicked in at about 5 am and I was sweating like a beast for the next couple of hours. Baby was sent to the nursery during this. I couldn't hardly function. But after a few hours of sleep and my fever breaking, I got my baby back.


The next couple of days went by in a kind of blur. Medication every few hours. Family and friends coming to visit. Napping with my baby. I put on real clothes and just hung out. I was set to leave Thursday. And we would have gotten out earlier in the day, but around 10 am I started getting killer pains in my bladder, like stabbing, making me cry they hurt so bad, kind of pains. After convincing them it wasn't just my uterus contracting, they decided to once again, catheter me. I didn't think I had been fully draining my bladder. And you know what? I was right. They said that normal people have about 150 mL of pee left in them after going. They drained 400 mL out of me. That's pretty much a full bladder people. Needless to say, I felt a bit better after that (and when the pain meds kicked in). And the tested and I had a UTI, no big surprise considering my history. So they sent for meds and then I waited around for them to discharge us. And so at about 5 pm we were finally freed.

And then we had a baby with us. We sure didn't come to the hospital with one of those. But we sure were leaving with one. W-E-I-R-D.

But we're home now and enjoying every stinkin' minute we have with this little guy. And it still doesn't feel real. But we love him.

PS - I'll bombard my blog with pictures of baby for all to drool over soon.

39 Week Update

Super Quick Update?

I had an appointment on Tuesday with my doctor. And I was sitting at 2 cm for the 3rd week in a row. I'm pretty sure I could sit here for another 3 weeks, but hopefully I won't. So we have an appointment set again for next Tuesday, where I will be 40 weeks and 2 days. I guess we'll see what she says then. But I'm opting for not waiting forever. There are days I wish she was more into the induction thing. But I will sit and wait patiently. There are plenty of things I probably should do before then anyway. Now to find some more motivation.

Also, my feet get really swollen by end of night. It's quite impressive actually.

37 Week Appointment

Today I went in for my 37 week appointment. Can you believe that, 37 weeks! And for you who are not so baby savvy, that means I am officially FULL TERM. Crazy eh?

So. Doctor's appointment. Went in, did the usual, bp, weight, pee, heartbeat (which she said was 140). Then I actually got to see my doctor. I haven't actually seen my doctor in a full 2 months. The past couple times I was supposed to see her she had some emergency surgery and births. I guess it's good to know those will take precedence when it's my time. So we talked and stuff, not much exciting there, just when to come in and how I was feeling. Then (TMI time?) she did the cervical check. Last week when I went in I was "softening" but not dilated. This week, I was 2 cm dilated! And I know I could sit at that for weeks and weeks, but gol dangit, that's progress that is. But while there, she couldn't tell if he was head down or not. She said she felt the membrane and didn't want to accidentally break my water. And with that, and combined with the fact I haven't gained any weight, she wanted me to have an ultrasound done. And she wanted it, if we could be fit in, done today. And of course it's the time I forget my cell phone. So I used the office phone, called Jamo, left a voicemail telling him to get his butt up there and waited to see if they had room for me. And they did! So I called Jamo again (from the office phone) and he said he was on his way. I kind of freaked him out with my voicemail so he came really fast (sorry Jamo!).

And so in to the ultrasound room we went. They gooped me up and took measurements. I thought I might pass out a time or two. I haven't laid on my back in a few weeks and for good reason. That baby sits right on your spine and that big ol' vein that runs down your back and cuts off the circulation. Not very comfortable at all. Anyway, then she showed us our awesome kid and told us what the heck we were looking at. And we got some pictures to take home! Super exciting stuff. And I had her confirm that he was still a he. And he is!

Oh, and the ultrasound results you ask? Yup, he is head down! And he weights approximately 7 lbs 4 oz. (give or take 20%). And I'm 2 cm dilated. Holy moly. Do you know what this means? I'm going to have a baby... and like... soon! You should all be jealous of my awesome life that is happening right now.

a Couple of Things I've Forgot

Pregnancy brain is real my friends. And I'm blaming it on all the things that I keep forgetting lately. It's a bit out of control. I really need to start writing things down. But while I may forget the daily things, like what it was I was getting from my bedroom, or what I was supposed to pick up at walmart, or more important things like giving talks, there are something that I just plain forgot pregnant or not. And here are two of them that I remembered... are you excited?

I've forgotten what 6 am feels like (at least on this side of sleep).
I've been up since about 5:00 am after going to bed at the relatively normal hour of 11:30 pm (did you see the part where it said pm?). But when I got to bed that early I tend to not sleep for very long. And then have to take a nap later in the day. Which I'm super excited about by the way. Anyway, so here I am up and can I say that it is a most glorious morning. The temperature is about 58 degrees, it's sunny and there is dew on the grass. I think the word dew is appropriate for it. It's so short lived and small and simple and perfect. It makes everything sparkly and is good and refreshing for bare feet. Also, there are lots of birds out chirping and I'm not even yelling at them for waking me up at 6 in the morning! So today, with waking up on my own, with no time table, with no where to go, I accept 6 am for all it's wondrousness.

I've forgotten what my toenails look like.
This may seem like a silly thing and I suppose it is. But being of the female gender and having a fond devotion to having colors on my toes at all times, I forgot what it was like to have toenails. Like BARE toenails. This whole being pregnant thing is catching up with me hardcore. I haven't painted my toenails in weeks (months?). It's not that I can't reach my toes, I can. It's more of the effort it now takes to reach them for extended periods of times. Talk about uncomfortable, breathless fun. And so my nail polish was all chipped, half way gone and not very polished at all. So yesterday I took it off. And I didn't put on a new coat. So all of yesterday I was completely weirded out when I looked down at my toes. But this morning I came to accept them? But this, by no means, means that I am about to do this naked nail thing for the long term. I mean, they do look completely naked. And thou shalt not show thy nakedness? So as soon as I get up enough energy, I'm going to paint them. I'm thinking going crazy and going red this time.

And end post.

Baby Shower

On May 7th, I had my baby shower. It was a day filled with joy and joyness. There was lots of good food, lots of good people, and of course, lots of good presents. As far as baby showers go, I think it went pretty well (aside from the stinkin hot weather, oy).

And here is a big thank you to all of you who helped put this together. And another big thanks for all of those that came and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside from all the love.

These are my awesome cupcakes. Aren't they pretty?

Here's the spread of food.

Everyone sitting around talking cause we're awesome.

And then we played a couple of baby shower games. In this one they had to cut a string to the size they thought my belly was. There was A LOT of over shooting on string size :). Winner out come... one of my primary kids.

Here, we're playing a guess who knows Sheri best kind of game. Emily one this one. And it had some hard questions on it.

Sheri poses for cam-er-a

Everyone gets to sit and watch while I open presents, yay!

Here I am opening presents. There really is no good pictures of me opening presents, which is kind of ridiculous considering the amounts of photos of me doing this. That's what you get with a point and shoot though, delayed reactions and me looking ridiculous. But yay for presents, which btw, I got tons of cool stuff.

Anna looking over exciting. She makes the same face in every photo taken of her. It's kind of an "I'm constipated" look... nice huh?

While this was not from my shower, Jamo's work did throw him a little something something. Presents, food, good times. One of his co-workers made this diaper cake for us. It's awesome. And I'm pretty sure that's the most rockin' elephant in existance.

34 Weeks 5 Day Photo

Here is the photo from 34 weeks and 5 days...


It is not amazing on account of the end of day baggy shirt thing going on. Also, my old lady arms. This is probably the worst angle for them I could have possibly gotten. But that really isn't the focus of the photo is it? Is it? Quick, everyone look at how big my belly is! Life is super hard with a belly like this. I make more noises just moving my body that a room full of geese. It's actually quite ridiculous and a little entertaining, while completely annoying. Flipping over at night is rough, and trying to get out of bed or off the couch from laying down is nearly impossible. And thing is, I still have over 4 weeks to go, I'm going to get bigger! And at my last appointment the nurse came in and looked at me all cockeyed and went on about how small I was. And compared the women I've seen on the birth boards, I am. I even think this picture gives my stomach more mass than it actually has. It's the only time you don't mind those 10 extra pounds the camera puts on you, cause for me, it's all belly.

Also, I haven't blogged in a while. There are going to be multiple posts coming up soon. You ever have so much going on that you have no time to blog about all the cool things you're doing? That's me. But now, since things have officially settled down for the most part, I properly blog them. Also, thank you cards will be written this week.

The end.

A Name and Some Frames

So I don't think that I have officially said on my blog yet, thought most people know. We are naming out baby boy James. And because I have boredom, time, and pent up craftiness this is what I made of the past couple of days. Totally cute right?

Originally I was just going to go traditional with this with the big letters with scrapbook paper on the front. Instead, while at Michael's, I found these unfinished frames, unfinished letters and a bottle or two of paint. All of which was still cheaper than just the big letters would have been. So I took them home, painted the frames white and painted the letters brown. Then I spent more time than I care to admit on photoshop making these little papers to go in the middle of the frames (I couldn't find any scrapbook paper I liked). But aren't they amazing and just what you would want? Yes. I put them in the frames. And finally I glued on the letters. And they look a little something like this...

Totally awesome and I can't wait to hang them up.

31 Weeks 2 Days

Here I be at 31 weeks 2 days. I don't think it looks all that different from the last two photos. But again, I feel bigger. Also, the kid is riding up into my ribs the past week or so. Oh, and this is one of the short sleeved shirts that I bought from Motherhood. And did I mention the sweet deal I got on gaucho pants and how it was meant to be? So since my post about clothes, I have been on the hunt for another pair of gaucho pants. And the only place I could see was online and the cheapest was $8, not including crazy shipping. But Jamo and I were at Target the other day filling his prescriptions and so I ventured into the clothes section. I went to the clearance rack, cause let's be honest, that's pretty much were I do all my shopping. And while looking at the 75% off rack, Jamo found a pair of gray gaucho pants in my size... and then he found another one! And if this wasn't amazing enough, they were $2. And the best part of it, was that these were gauchos bought online and returned to the store, cause they don't carry them in the store, dumb. So they weren't even supposed to be there! I was super excited. The lady working there kind of laughed at me and how excited I got. Oh well, it was totally meant to be. So I got two new pairs of gaucho pants. And that should last me through the next 9 weeks of pregnancy.

A Week of Sleeping Injuries

First Sheri complains in her blog, mostly about pregnancy related things?...

1. My Stinkin' Gallbladder - I finally have some energy after the past couple of days of being in pain due to my gallbladder. And it sucks when you don't know exactly what caused it. And it sucks that you can't do anything about it. It kind of ruined Easter for us around here. Although I did make myself get up and go to church. I made it through most of Sacrement Meeting before it hurt too much and we gave up and went home, where I proceeded to lay in bed for the next 4 hours, and the next 6 after that on the couch. We did do a puzzle though! I like puzzles.

2. Ow, My Rib - I'm pretty sure my rib is bruised, yesterday I would have said broken. I woke up Saturday morning and man did it hurt. I guess that's what I get for sleeping? I have no idea if I got karate chopped in my sleep or if this kid is just trying to break my silly ribs. Either way, it's dumb when it hurts to breathe. But it's feeling better tonight, so hopefully when I go to bed I won't injure it again.

3. Pulled Ligaments? - All the websites and boards say that the pain you feel is round ligament pain. Well if that is true, then I sure as heck pulled mine. I flipped over in my sleep, from my right side to my left side, about a week ago (again with the sleeping... maybe I should try and avoid it from now on?). And it hurt like crazy. It's like my muscles were being torn. And since then I have to sit down to get dressed. I always have to stand on both feet. It hurts to bend, squat or pretty much make any movement that involves my legs. It's quite silly.

Ok, I think I am done ranting about my various injuries this week. It's like my body hit 30 weeks and started to fall apart. Everything was all peaches n' creme before (except the tiredness which will never go away) and now my poor body is under attack by a foreign being. But I will say that all of it is totally worth it and I wouldn't trade of second of it. While it's annoying he sticks things up in my rib so I can't sit properly, it's totally awesome to know he's there and to feel him kicking me, sometimes rather hard. Either way, my kid is awesome.

And I was going to post about the craft project I've been working on tonight, but this is already getting long. Plus it's not quite finished anyway. I should invest in some varnish or something.

29 Weeks

I know I posted this pic on facebook, but for those who only see my blog, here is my 29 week 3 day photo. I don't think it looks much different from my last photo though, at least belly size wise. I'm think this is due to either 1) the kid is growing upward and not outward, 2) it was taken in the morning and not the evening, which maybe could make a difference?, 3) the shirt, or 4) I'm simultaneously growing belly bump, but losing belly fat, therefore evening it all out. Of course, I would love to think it was #4. I do think I look smaller in it than my last photo, but maybe it's just the cute of the shirt. Also, I love that I can still fit in this shirt, as it's not one of my maternity shirts. Fits a lot differently than it used to :), but I love it.

I also bought some new shirts online that I am currently waiting for in the mail. I am in desperate need of some short sleeved shirts to wear in public. But man can being pregnant be expensive. And after looking at store after store, a motherhood sale turned out to be my best option. Sad though that they didn't have any of my size in the actual store. Oh well, hopefully they should be here by Saturday or Monday. I also bought some tank tops at Rue 21 that are nice and long for a change. And I figure I can still wear them for the next month or so and then all the time after this kid is born. I could use a pair of shorts or capris though. I have one pair of goucho pants that I'm in love with in the hot weather, but that's it. Maybe I should look for another pair of those and call it good.

Diagnosis: Awesome

The doctor's office called me back today. And it seems I have passed my 3 hour glucose test! So no gestational diabetes for me. They said they would just watch the sugar levels in my urine to make sure it doesn't do anything crazy. So yeah, all free and clear. Now if only my inner elbow wasn't quite so bruised and sore.

Failed, but not epically.

So I got a call from the doctors office this morning, they left a voicemail. My first thought, "doh!". Apparently that whole no news is good news thing didn't work for me. My blood came back fine, but I failed my 1 hour glucose test. She said the cute off is 139, and I had a 146. So not that much over. But tomorrow I get to go to the doctor at 9 am (oy, that's early for Sheri) and take the 3 hour glucose test. And after some reading, only about one-third of all the people who tested high on the first test were actually diagnosed with gestational diabetes. But if I happen to be of that lucky third, I'll be with a good crowd because about 2-5% of pregnant women get it, making it one of the highest pregnancy problems. And I guess mostly I would just have to watch what I eat, even more than I have to with this stupid gallbladder. And then after I have the baby, it goes away. Pregnancy is so weird. So yay for sitting in a doctors office for 3 hours and getting poked in my poor arm yet another 3 or so times (every hour). I think I'm going to need my books and music tomorrow. Sigh.

Glucose and Books

Today I had my 28 week doctor appointment. I thought it was just going to be a normal one. But when I went in the lady asked me if I was taking my glucose test that day. And I was like, no one told me about it. They asked if I had the time to do it, cause it takes and hour and I said yes. So I got to drink their special drink. It was fruit punch flavored and tasted a lot like that Hawaiian Punch drink in the blue can. And then I had the rest of the regular part, then got to wait in the waiting room. It's a good thing I thought to bring a book with me today, cause it came in handy. Then they drew my blood and sent me home. It was a woozy afternoon... lack of food, blood drawn and lack of sleep. I tried to takes some naps... my birds were annoying today though. Oh, and if I don't hear back from the office, it's good news. Other wise I should here back tomorrow or by end of week if I have either Gestational Diabetes or Anemia. Yay!

So I'm currently reading two books at once. The first being Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austin. I bought her entire collection a few weeks ago as I was tired of having to keep renewing books at the library (or more like forgetting and racking up fines :). I read her at night before I go bed. And during the day I've been reading Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass. I like the reading.

And life pretty much rolls on as busy as ever.

26 weeks and a crazy life

Life sure is crazy. Jamo has unheard amounts of homework this semester. I feel like I never see him. I mean, I see him, he's just doing homework. I try not to bug him (too much). Sometimes I succeed. And I have a feeling it's going to be this way (or worse) until May 15th comes.

We're on a job hunt. So far, unfortunately, unsuccessful. We're just not sure where to look or really, even what to look for. His major is kind of broad. I'm sure we'll figure it out eventually. In the meantime, we keep looking and praying.

Jamo is dieting though. And he pretty much rocks. For the most part (aside from Chicago) he has kept up with it. Maybe I should have done progress pictures, like I have with my pregnancy :). He's looking better already. I think he's at 19 lbs. lost so far. Yup, he rocks.

And other than that, we're just living. Work, homework, school, eat, getting ready for baby. Fun times. Oh, but the weather was beautiful today. Which is good and bad. The hotter it gets, the more our stupid apartment smells (we have smelly neighbors and it seeps in). But when the weather is like this, we can open up all the windows for beautiful fresh air. I will say though, that I am not ready for summer. I have a fondness for the spring and chilly rainy days.

And because it's been a couple weeks, a photo of me. Here I am at 26 weeks!

24 Week Doctor's Appointment

Today I had a doctor's appointment. I got to meet my new doctor. My old one switched practices and I didn't feel like following her to her new one, even though I liked her quite a bit. The drive would have been like 20 minutes longer and I would have deliver at a different hospital. So, I decided to stay with the practice I'm at. And I'm quite fond of my new doctor. She seems to actually listen to her patients. So I had all the usual routine stuff done (weight, blood pressure, pee in a cup and listen to baby's heartbeat). Then we got to talking about my gall bladder. And she actually listened to me (unlike every other doctor). It probably helped that I expressed how frustrated I was with the ER doc and his complete lack of doing anything and a general frustration that this has been going on for years and no one has felt the need to help past one appointment. Anyway, so she had me do a blood test there in the office. They were checking umm, liver enzymes or something? And also checking for celiac disease, just to make sure it's not a gluten problem making me so sick. And there were a few other things, general blood test stuff to check my levels. And I have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow morning to check my gall bladder. She said there's another test that I can take after I've had the baby... some sort of gall bladder function test. And to check if it's inflamed? Cause the ultrasound might not show anything if there aren't gall stones or anything. Also, she gave me a referral to a gastroenterologist, so I have to call him up and set up an appointment. She said sometimes they don't see pregnant women, but in my case to go to him and tell him I've been having these problems for year and that I want to start figuring it out. If nothing else, get everything ready for when I'm not pregnant anymore.

So yup, hopefully things are now moving in that department and we can figure this out. Is it sad I'm excited to so the gastro guy? Finally someone knowledgeable who might actually be able to help. In the meantime, I go to my ultrasound tomorrow and wait for my next appointment. She said we'll discuss the results then (in 4 weeks).

2 weeks, 2 pounds and a "pop"

It really is amazing at how much your body can change in just two weeks while being pregnant. Heck, even a week made huge difference. I really feel like I didn't grow at all, baby belly wise, for the first 22 weeks or so of my pregnancy. But somewhere in week 23 I "popped". And now I can almost look pregnant if I wear the right clothes and act pregnant. I think I've gone from the "oh, she's just fat" to the "is she fat or pregnant?" stage. And I can't wait to get into the "she's totally pregnant" stage. So here is a picture taken at 23 weeks 4 days...

And if you could see the side by side of the 21 week 4 day, you would know what I am talking about. So that's pretty exciting. And I'm hoping to have an awesome bump by 27 weeks. Although, I do think I have put on a couple of pounds. I think I'm almost to pre-pregnancy weight. So I should probably try and eat healthy things now.

On a slightly different note... Baby has been kicking up a storm. And boy is the boy kicking low. It's like my bladder is being assaulted. Luckily he's not big enough at the moment to make much of an impact. But this past week I've been feeling him kick or probably punch me higher. A few times it even went above the belly button. This mostly happens when I'm laying down. Maybe his arms are strong enough now for me to feel. Either way it's totally awesome and people should be jealous. So far, even with the crazy morning sickness, I think pregnancy is awesome.