Introducing ... Logan Robert Pigott

Because my first child was born via emergency c-section, we decided from the beginning this child would be born via a planned c-section. Everyone told me it was like a day at the spa and I thought they were crazy. There is no way that a surgery where your stomach is ripped open is like a day at the spa. 

On February 13, 2014, we were scheduled to be at the hospital at 9 a.m. to prep for my 11 a.m. c-section. What a different experience all around!

We walked in, signed some papers and were escorted up to triage where we signed more papers and they cleaned and prepped me for surgery - my doctor was going to deliver this baby! As they pushed me down the hall to get my spinal tap, I started breaking down. Tears streaming down my face as fear and panic had set in. What if I can't do this again? What if I feel like someone is sitting on my chest? What if something is wrong with the baby? What if I feel everything? What if, what if, what if??!!

The nurse calmed me down by telling me she couldn't administer the spinal tap if I didn't stop crying and then I would have to stay pregnant. That definitely did the trick!

As soon as everything went numb and cold, my doctor and his nursing staff came in ready to meet the baby. This time, I felt everything. You can't feel the cutting but you can feel movement. I did feel the pressure of my doctor pushing the baby out of my stomach - a very strange feeling! 

The conversations that go on in the OR really are just like the hospital show dramas. I heard about the doctor's vacation schedule and his daughter's college drama. I chimed in this time and asked if they could suction out some fat before they put me back together (clearly, that didn't happen!).

As soon as Little Man was out of the womb at 11:34am, he screamed and didn't stop! That was when I knew he was going to be my loud child. The nurses kept talking about his chin, "Look at that chin!" "He looks like Kurt Russell or John Travolta!" Logan Robert Pigott had the cutest little dimple chin ever and looked just like his daddy! He weighed only 7 lbs and 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Smaller than his sister but also a week early. 

He wasn't breathing right - breathing like he was actually a few weeks younger than they thought so I had to hold him against my bare chest in recovery. It's amazing how laying a brand new baby against his mother's chest to hear her heart beat helps soothe him and syncs his own heart and breaths. It was amazing that after thirty minutes, he was breathing normal. 

This time around I had milk. I was basically a dairy farm and everyone who came to visit saw me topless for three days. No shame here. All he did was EAT. All he has done ever since is EAT.

Here is my sweet boy, Logan.

The End of My Last Pregnancy

I will never be pregnant again. Knowing this during your pregnancy is bittersweet because feeling your baby move and kick and even have hiccups is unlike anything else. It's awful yet amazing. It's hard work. It's exhausting. It's uncomfortable. It's a miracle.

Even though the beginning of my pregnancy with Little Man was similar to the one with Little Miss, it turned out much smoother. I didn't have heart burn (thank God) and knew that he wasn't going to have a lot of hair like his sister. He didn't move around as much as his sister but his feet did like to kick my rib cage and once in awhile get stuck. He never dropped so I wasn't in as much pain.

I did however, gain the exact same amount of weight as I did with his sister. I thought for sure he was going to be a big baby. I mean, I gained 60 lbs again, he had to be right?

I think I just really wanted to enjoy each and every moment because I knew it wasn't happening again, even though I complained because let's face it, I'm the world's most miserable pregnant person.

Little Man's Baby Shower

At first, I wasn't going to have a shower. I mean, is it necessary to have a shower for the second child when you have all of the big items saved from your first? Well, turns out, it was only fair and still important to celebrate another bundle of joy.

I was lucky enough to have a few friends throw a great mustache themed shower. We were showered with diapers, wipes, baby boy blankets and burp cloths and cute clothes! Here are a few pics from the day!

Little Man Cravings

The old adage of dill pickle cravings for boys and sweets for girls was not necessarily true for me.
My pregnancy cravings with Little Man Pigott were not much different than Little Miss.

For breakfast I had to have the bacon and gouda breakfast sandwich from Starbucks. Not an egg mcmuffin from McDonalds or anywhere else, it HAD to be Starbucks' very own which I usually accompanied with a chai tea latte. I know, can you say, "SUGAR!"

Other daily must-have items were: cinnamon applesauce and mustard potato salad. What can I say, Little Man loved apples and potatoes.

There were many weekends that I made Paul drive me to Costco just to get a hot dog.

We must have had pepperoni pizza for dinner at least three times a week. To this day, Little Man loves his pizza!

Things People Say to Pregnant Women

I know I've been pregnant before, but some of the things that people say to pregnant women still amaze (and yes, even offend) me. I get it, some people just don't know what to say to a pregnant woman. Guess what? You don't have to comment on her pregnant status at all! 

"You don't look pregnant at all!" - Considering I've gained 20 lbs and am in my second trimester, there is no way I don't look pregnant at all.

"Wow, you're huge!" - Really? Is it ever okay to say those words in a sentence to a woman?

"You're glowing." - I never understand this one. If by glowing you mean, hot and exhausted with dark circles, then yes, I guess so.

"You still have a long way to go." - Why thank you. What you mean is, you're already that big and still have your last trimester ahead of you in which the most weight is gained. You're going to be huge (is how this is understand in pregnancy hormones).

"Are you going to eat all of that?" - Yes, I am. Don't think about trying to take food from my plate or comment any further about how much I just ate. I'm growing a human.

Here we are at 22 weeks!

Oh boy, It's a BOY!

Of course everyone wants to have one of each sex. I mean, it is the best of both worlds. From the minute I knew I was pregnant, I was calling the baby a boy. Paul said there is no way we could be so lucky and was pretty sure it was a girl.

Well, the only thing we could see at the 20 week ultrasound was a little weenie! Little Man would not cooperate to show us his heart, brain, organs - you know - the important stuff, but did show us what he is. 

Paul may or may not have done a happy dance in the ultrasound room. 

How did Ashlyn react to the news of a baby brother? "No, Mama, I have a sister!" We are trying to get her used to the idea but she now refers her baby as "Mama's baby." We're hoping when he arrives, she will like helping out and love him instead of torture him (as I did to my little brother and Paul's sister did to him). I guess it runs in the family and payback might be coming.

                                                                         19 weeks

Ashlyn is going to be a big sister!

It's been a while since I've updated the blog, I sure have missed it! Ashlyn turned 2 this year and is definitely full of personality. Some of her favorite things include:
Elmo
Abby Cadabby
Barney
Cinderella
Playing with her baby dolls
Reading books
Playing make believe (which is so fun for me to watch)
Popsicles (orange and grape flavored)
Playing at the park
Watering our garden


Paul and I had been talking about having another baby. Little did we know we were already pregnant...oops! I went to the doctor in August for my "confirmation" and we saw a 3 month old baby inside. We are so excited to expand our little family.

                                                       Ashlyn at her 1st birthday party.

                                                                  Our 2 year old!

The Arrival of Ashlyn Lenee Pigott

On August 13, 2011, my due date, I was laying on the couch reading a book (Mary Higgins Clark, of course). I started having some contractions and thought I should probably time them, just in case. As I got up from the couch, my water broke. If you have experienced this, you know how crazy it is. Paul went into work that day, assuming he would be missing work the following week as we were going to be induced. I called him for 30 minutes and got no answer. I then called my parents in Vegas and got no answer. I called my aunt and got no answer. I called my brother, he answered! My aunt and brother went to my parents house to let them know to get on the road to meet their granddaughter! While waiting for Paul to get home, I packed my hospital bag (much better idea to pack ahead of time like every book tells you) and took a shower. The most important thing you are supposed to do before heading to the hospital which I completely forgot, is to EAT!

My water was still breaking on the way to the hospital. The nurses got me set up and checked my dilation to find I was still barely at a 1 so they gave me medicine to help induce labor. Hours went by, and nothing, except the arrival of my mom and aunt from Vegas. I was checked a few times and each time, no progress. After 10 hours of labor, I finally broke down and got the epidural. The epidural had to be done twice because the needle didn't go in correctly. Yes, it hurt and I cried and Paul had to calm me down and convince me that I want the epidural and to try again. Hello, have you seen the size of that needle?!

Hours went by and still, nothing. I woke up from a drug induced stooper and knew something was wrong. I felt really hot and had the worst headache of my life. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were now in the room with my mother, aunt and Paul. The look on each of their faces said it all. There were 4 nurses checking my vitals and the baby's. The doctor came in and said, we need to get the baby out now. I had an infection and my blood pressure and the baby's blood pressure were both WAY too high. Within 30 minutes, Paul was dressed for my emergency c-section. At 9:36am, we welcomed a healthy 8lb 5oz and 21.5 inches long baby girl, Ashlyn Lenee Pigott.

Because of the delivery circumstances Ashlyn was sent straight to the NICU with daddy as I was put back together. I was in recovery for 8 hours because of how sick I was. Finally I got to see my precious baby girl. Paul stayed with Ashlyn and my mom stayed with me. What a crazy experience!!! But, is anything in my life ever simple? But, it was all worth it!

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting at 40 weeks

Well, this week's appointment did not go as I had hoped. Still only 1 cm dilated and 90% effaced. Our baby girl is getting big and doesn't want to come out. She has officially been given her eviction notice and if I don't progress naturally by next week, we will be induced next Wednesday night. We've heard the good, the bad and the ugly from everyone but we fully trust my doctor and his opinion for my health and the baby's health.
He stripped my membranes to see if it would help me dilate and contract on my own, but so far, nothing new to report.

I guess it is a good thing that we have another week since the car seat doesn't fit in our cars and we have to figure out a creative plan to all three fit. Oh fun! Looks like mommy will be in the backseat squished with baby. Everything else is ready and waiting anxiously for our little girl's arrival! As you can see in the picture, I'm not sure my stomach can stretch much further without rupturing! Stay tuned for pictures and the announcement of Little Missy's name!

39 Weeks & Counting!

So much for having Little Missy this week! I guess it is still possible but I'm not holding my breath. Here is an update from this week's Dr. appointment:
-I am 90% effaced but still only 1 cm dilated.
-Baby Girl is still in good position for a natural delivery (with drugs).
-She also grew and now the Dr. thinks she will be over 8 lbs when she is born. YIKES!!
-Dr. said everything looks good and healthy and it's just a waiting game...just what I wanted to hear!

Today was my last day of work and I'm so excited to relax tomorrow and do everything possible to help move labor along...if any of the wives tales are true!

As you can see, we are dropping lower and lower. Come on Baby Girl!!

Three More Weeks!

I think I'm starting to go crazy! I went from being terrified of labor and delivery to wanting and trying to get there! The last month truly is the hardest. Everything hurts. I hurt in places and ways I never knew existed! When the pain first started, I was almost in tears just trying to get up to go to the bathroom. Now, I can't tell if the pain has let up or if I've gotten used to it.

We took our full day crash course birthing class last weekend. When we left I was more terrified of giving birth then when we started the class. There is no reason they need to show us an episiotomy or a c-section. We did learn some good techniques to cope with the pain and have been using them ever since which do seem to help for a moment. We also toured the hospital while we were there. I have always hated hospitals and learned that so does Paul. Keep in mind, we are delivering at Sharp Mary Birch, a women and newborn hospital. At one point during the tour, Paul leans over and mentions he isn't feeling too well (dizzy and nauseous). I look up at him and he is sweating also. I hope that during labor, Paul is standing and calming me instead of passed out in the bed next me!

37 weeks

One More Month!!

This week everything became very real. My doctor said that since I'm at 35 weeks they don't stop me if I go into labor. Part of me was terrified while the other part was hoping I do go into labor because I am over being pregnant! My feet hurt, my ankles hurt, my thighs hurt and I could really get more done if I moved my office into the bathroom since I'm there every 10 minutes.

My doctor gave me a sonogram last week to make sure all the fluids were good and he did confirm we are having a girl! Yes, I was having nightmares that the baby could be a boy and I washed and folded all the girly clothing. She is head down and in position (hopefully she is ready to see the world and isn't too comfy in there). I have started getting contractions and they aren't necessarily painful but more very uncomfortable. My doctor told me how to monitor them and when to go to the hospital. The best news of all was that if I'm dilated at my August 1 appointment and am done being pregnant (which I am now), we can discuss being induced. This will also help ensure my doctor will deliver our baby girl.

It's been so hot this summer so I have been swimming whenever I can and it feels so good on my stiff, pregnant body and truly helps relieve water retention!

35 weeks

Do I like Pregnancy?

I was asked today if I like being pregnant. It is such a loaded question. I mean, think about, who really likes being pregnant? You say yes, you're a liar. You say no, you feel guilty for not liking it. Pregnancy is just such a different experience and truly does affect everyone differently.

1st Trimester: I threw up everyday, multiple times a day. I could barely drag myself out of bed to go to work or do anything. Did I like being pregnant then? NO.

2nd Trimester: I started to feel better and eat a lot, but I still didn't really look pregnant. This was the first time we felt Little Missy move and it was amazing. Did I like being pregnant then? I wouldn't say I liked it, but it was not such a bold NO answer as the first trimester.

3rd Trimester: WHOA, I've been hit by a truck! I am exhausted. I have to get out of bed to pee 4x a night. Getting out of bed is a trial in itself. I'm pretty sure Paul wakes up each time I get up from my strange maneuvering and groaning. By the end of each work day, my feet and ankles are swollen and in pain. I can no longer get up off the couch without help.The anxiety level is higher than ever right now: freaking out that we will have a baby soon, freaking out over labor/delivery and freaking out that we still have to wait for her to get here. Little Missy does move a lot and she responds to both Paul and I when we talk to her which is pretty cool. Do I like being pregnant now? Not particularly.

Don't get me wrong, I love feeling the baby kick and move around like crazy and can't wait to meet her. Having a good excuse to eat a lot is also not so bad. All in all, do I like pregnancy? Not really.

33 weeks

Showers Galore!

We are so lucky to have had two baby showers thrown for us: one in Las Vegas and one in San Diego. Between the two of them, we have pretty much everything we need. Paul commented that the baby already owns more things in our house than he does...I sure hope this is not a sign of what is to come! For such a small little thing, she does have a lot of large items to make her happy!

Here are some pictures from both showers - Enjoy!

30 Weeks and Counting

I can't believe we are already 30 weeks into the pregnancy yet still 10 weeks away!

Today I had a doctor's appointment and I left so excited (happy, excited).
Here is what we learned:
-I'm about to start retaining a lot of water. Note to self: Try to get pregnant in the summer next time and deliver in the winter.
-Because of the water retention that is about to take place, I'm going to gain more weight whether I diet or not. Hence, my doctor said it's my call to eat healthy or go crazy with sweets and carbs (yes, he might be the most awesome doctor ever). Don't worry, I'm not going to crazy since I know this baby weight must go away and it won't be easy.
-Baby Girl is head down already - woohoo! But, I'm sure there is still a chance she can turn upside down and scare us a little. We'll see.
-Doctor said if I we go until 40 weeks, she will be between 7 and 7 1/2 lbs. Let's hope this estimation is correct because mommy and daddy were much bigger babies...YIKES.
-Technically, I'm not supposed to have any more ultrasounds, but Dr. said to remind him at my next appointment and he will give me one (once again, yes, the most awesome doctor ever).

The closer we get, the more excited we become (and nervous)! Little Miss Pigott will be here before we know it!!

30 weeks and growing

Third Trimester Begins

Wow, I can't believe we are in the third trimester already! Even though it feels like we are never going to meet our baby girl, it is definitely flying by!

Here is a snapshot of what has been going on in our world.
-I failed the gestational diabetes test and had to take the three hour miserable test, which I passed!
-We've decided to not name the baby until we see her. We have a few names that are our favorites but will not make the final decision until we see her little face!
-I've entered the uncomfortable phase - achy hips wake me up in the night and my sciatica flares up after days when I'm at my computer all day.
-No, we don't have the nursery ready. The only thing we have set up is the crib and bedding. We are waiting to see what we get from both baby showers and will go from there. Can you believe I've been so good and only bought one baby outfit?!

28 weeks

Getting Ready for Baby P

We are lucky enough to have two baby showers: one in Las Vegas and one in San Diego. Both will be held in June and have made me realize we need to start getting things in order. Trying to figure out what to add to a baby registry is hard! We live in a 2 bedroom apartment with hardly any storage space so we don't want too much crap but we know there are some larger items that we need. The registries are stressful to say the least! I think we've finally narrowed down the lists but then again I'm very indecisive these days.

The nursery will eventually be where Paul's office/man-cave is now. It is currently filled with a large desk and computer, a keyboard and guitar, a bed, and signed Star Wars autographs and a light saber (all of which must come down!). A lot of work has to be done - and yes, I realize we do have 3 months until she arrives.

All of you know my favorite color has always been purple. So it should come as no surprise that Little Missy's room will decorated in purples (and some green for daddy). I had a breakdown over bedding because all of the bedding we both liked and agreed on was out of stock or unavailable. Finally, we found a set and just got the email that it has shipped! WHEW! 

27 weeks

 

New Discoveries

Well, Little Miss Pigott has been to Maui and snorkeled with Hawaiian Green Turtles, beautiful coral and tropical fish. Not sure if she liked flying or not, but she didn't stop kickboxing the whole flight! We had a fabulous time and enjoyed one of our last trips as just the two of us for a while.

Here are some of my discoveries during pregnancy:
1. I LOVE Caesar salad.
2. I definitely do have a coffee addiction because I can't wait to have coffee again. I go downstairs in the mornings at the office after the coffee has been brewed just to smell it.
3. Swollen ankles are not fun.
4. People are much nicer to pregnant women.
5. People stare at pregnant bellies.
6. I'm hot all of the time.
7. My feet grew an entire shoe size.
8. I have lost all ability to concentrate on one task from start to finish.
9. I'm thirsty ALL the time.
10. Sitting like a lady with my legs crossed is a thing of the past and it is very annoying to be unable to cross my legs.

As you can see below, Little Missy has grown since our last photoshoot. Here we are at 25 weeks.

Sweet Cravings

I am officially hungry all of the time! I gained my biggest weight gain this month but my doctor said I was due for a bigger gain since I haven't gained much yet. I'm sure if I gain another 10 lbs next month, he won't be as nice about it!

Little Miss Pigott already has a sweet tooth (I can't be solely blamed for this considering her father also loves his Reeses).

Here are some of latest cravings:
Snickers
Blizzards from Dairy Queen (yes, they must also be Snickers)
Tootsie Rolls
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easter Candy: Starburst jelly beans are amazing and I've always loved the mini chocolate Cadburry eggs - SO good

Don't worry, I also still eat regular food as well:
Turkey sandwiches (I think I've eaten more turkey sandwiches in the past 5 months, than I've ever eaten in my entire life!)
Potatoes: potato cheese soup, mustard potato salad, and even egg, cheese and potato burritos (very strange considering I've never been a big fan of them and only eat them during the Holidays)
Mexican Food (I could eat salsa with a spoon right now)
Salads (believe it or not, I do usually opt for a salad at lunch meetings)

23 weeks

Holy Bump-a-licious!

21 Weeks

Well, I think you can finally look at me and say, "She's pregnant!" I was at an event yesterday and a man walked up to me and asked when I was due. I was shocked at first since people are a little timid to ask the question. My boss who was standing there when it happened said later, "You definitely do look pregnant now." He then went on to tell me that I'm walking pregnant. Really?

Later on that night at home I was trying on some clothes to see what fits and realized I definitely do look pregnant. Paul is ecstatic and LOVES the belly.

I've started feeling some of the movement that I see during each ultrasound. The other day Little Miss Pigott did not stop moving from the time I got to work in the morning until I went to bed that evening. Let's hope she gets the busy body out of her when she's born so mommy and daddy don't miss out on too much sleep! I know, wishful thinking. :)

Our next doctor's appointment is next week - we will let you all know how it goes! Hopefully, I don't get scolded for my weight gain. :/