Monday, July 10, 2017
Not goodbye, but see ya later
On Thursday we got to spend time with Q,A, baby E, and grand parents. We had a nice chat. Richie, the girls and I got to snuggle Baby E. We said our see ya later. And of course there were a lot of tears. This family will always be special to us. The hope is to remain in contact.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Our Birth Story
We were scheduled for an induction on Sunday (7/2/17) and we were to arrive at the hospital at 6pm. Rich and I got settled in and Q&A along with Q's parents arrived shortly after. The plan was to start cytotec since my cervix was still closed. Around 720pm the nurse came in and checked my cervix which was still closed and she placed the cytotec next to my cervix. Yet again the cervix was still closed, high, and thick.
We were all able to sit and visit then Q&A and grandma and grandpa went to their hotel. Rich left to let our dog out. While everyone was gone I started to have regular contractions every 3 minutes or so. (I was not expecting contractions this quickly). Contractions were in my lower back and tail bone. I was due to have a second dose of medication at 1130, but because of the contractions I was unable to get that dose until contractions slowed down. At 130am the nurse came in and placed Cervidil. Contractions increased in strength and I became very uncomfortable. At 240am I asked for pain medication (Fentanyl). I got a little relief. Rich got up and was AMAZING!!! I got another dose of Pain medication and was able to get on the birthing ball. That helped my back pain. At 430 I got up to use the restroom and my water broke. I didn't want to get off the ball until I could have more medication. So at 5am I got a dose of pain medication and the nurse checked my cervix... This was the most painful thing EVER. But was I at 2cm. I asked for the epidural! We notified Q&A as to what had taken place and they decided to get ready and head over.
At 620 I got my epidural and it was amazing. The parents and grandparents arrived and I was much more comfortable. Dr Growney came in the room around 8 and I was still 3cm and baby was facing up. At this point I was irritated because I felt like I should have been further along. My nurse put a ball between my legs and said it helped to turn the baby. I decided to try to get some rest. Everyone went down to get breakfast and I tossed and turned for a while. Rich came up and my nurse came in the room and checked me. She said I was still a 3cm but baby had turned. Over an hour or so span I felt awful and my nurse kept checking. She said I was 4cm, I kept saying I didn't fell well, she checked again and I was at 5cm.
At 935am I was a good 5cm. I was talking to Rich and the Grandma and Grandpa (mom and dad went to register baby down stairs) I was talking to them and about 20 minutes later I asked the nurse to come in because something felt different. She check me and told me "don't push, we are going to have a baby" I was 9.5cm and baby was right there. We called the parents and told them to come up now!!. They called Dr Growney. I was doing my best to not push, but my body was pushing. Dr Growney got to the room. Everyone was in place and it was go time! A few pushes later and she was out.
Baby "Edie" was 4lb 3oz and 17inches.
Baby "E" was placed on my belly and "A" got to cut her cord. Baby was crying and looked great, but was small. They took her to the warmer and she got a thumbs up. She was able to do skin to skin with her mommy in our room. I was still in bed and waiting for the placenta to deliver. After 15 minutes Dr Growney told me I had 15 more minutes before he got it out himself. And of course this is what happen. The placenta didn't want to detach so Dr had to manually do it. I lost a lot of blood. around 1000ml. I almost passed out between the blood loss and the pain. It is estimated I lost around 1/3rd of my blood volume.
Once all was good grandma and grandpa came in the room. Baby was still in there and doing great. I have to say everyone involved was AMAZING. Rich was the best support anyone could ask for. Q&A and his parents were so supportive and great. My Dr, nursing staff and everyone involved was the better than anyone could ask for.
Our girls met baby "E" Tuesday and spent some time with them. I was discharged home and am doing well besides feeling sore and tired
I have had several calls, texts, messages to check on me. I know everyone is worried how I will be since there is no baby to take care of. And I'm doing great right now. I know hormones are yet to come. but Seeing them with their baby is worth everything I've been through.
We will get to spend time with them tomorrow before they go home.
We were all able to sit and visit then Q&A and grandma and grandpa went to their hotel. Rich left to let our dog out. While everyone was gone I started to have regular contractions every 3 minutes or so. (I was not expecting contractions this quickly). Contractions were in my lower back and tail bone. I was due to have a second dose of medication at 1130, but because of the contractions I was unable to get that dose until contractions slowed down. At 130am the nurse came in and placed Cervidil. Contractions increased in strength and I became very uncomfortable. At 240am I asked for pain medication (Fentanyl). I got a little relief. Rich got up and was AMAZING!!! I got another dose of Pain medication and was able to get on the birthing ball. That helped my back pain. At 430 I got up to use the restroom and my water broke. I didn't want to get off the ball until I could have more medication. So at 5am I got a dose of pain medication and the nurse checked my cervix... This was the most painful thing EVER. But was I at 2cm. I asked for the epidural! We notified Q&A as to what had taken place and they decided to get ready and head over.
At 620 I got my epidural and it was amazing. The parents and grandparents arrived and I was much more comfortable. Dr Growney came in the room around 8 and I was still 3cm and baby was facing up. At this point I was irritated because I felt like I should have been further along. My nurse put a ball between my legs and said it helped to turn the baby. I decided to try to get some rest. Everyone went down to get breakfast and I tossed and turned for a while. Rich came up and my nurse came in the room and checked me. She said I was still a 3cm but baby had turned. Over an hour or so span I felt awful and my nurse kept checking. She said I was 4cm, I kept saying I didn't fell well, she checked again and I was at 5cm.
At 935am I was a good 5cm. I was talking to Rich and the Grandma and Grandpa (mom and dad went to register baby down stairs) I was talking to them and about 20 minutes later I asked the nurse to come in because something felt different. She check me and told me "don't push, we are going to have a baby" I was 9.5cm and baby was right there. We called the parents and told them to come up now!!. They called Dr Growney. I was doing my best to not push, but my body was pushing. Dr Growney got to the room. Everyone was in place and it was go time! A few pushes later and she was out.
Baby "Edie" was 4lb 3oz and 17inches.
Baby "E" was placed on my belly and "A" got to cut her cord. Baby was crying and looked great, but was small. They took her to the warmer and she got a thumbs up. She was able to do skin to skin with her mommy in our room. I was still in bed and waiting for the placenta to deliver. After 15 minutes Dr Growney told me I had 15 more minutes before he got it out himself. And of course this is what happen. The placenta didn't want to detach so Dr had to manually do it. I lost a lot of blood. around 1000ml. I almost passed out between the blood loss and the pain. It is estimated I lost around 1/3rd of my blood volume.
Once all was good grandma and grandpa came in the room. Baby was still in there and doing great. I have to say everyone involved was AMAZING. Rich was the best support anyone could ask for. Q&A and his parents were so supportive and great. My Dr, nursing staff and everyone involved was the better than anyone could ask for.
Our girls met baby "E" Tuesday and spent some time with them. I was discharged home and am doing well besides feeling sore and tired
I have had several calls, texts, messages to check on me. I know everyone is worried how I will be since there is no baby to take care of. And I'm doing great right now. I know hormones are yet to come. but Seeing them with their baby is worth everything I've been through.
We will get to spend time with them tomorrow before they go home.
 |
| She's coming out |
 |
| SHE IS HERE |
 |
| 4lbs 3oz 17inches |
 |
| I think he knows me!!! |
Saturday, July 1, 2017
To The Ince Girls
Ince girls,
Hi girls, my name is Karen Roeb, and I have had the pleasure of getting to know your
mom over the last year. Your mom has asked me to write to you to talk about her surrogacy journey from my point of view, and I could not be more honored. As I write this letter, your mom is about a week away from giving birth to her surrogate baby.
First, let me tell you a little bit about myself, and the role I play in your mom’s life. For twenty years of my life, I was a nurse in the field of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. Every day, I had the privilege and honor of watching parents’ dreams come true. I had the chance to witness thousands of births,
I had the honor of sitting alongside thousands of parents as they heard their child’s heartbeat for the first time, and I had the privilege of sharing the most intimate moments with these parents. Throughout my time as a nurse, I also witnessed some not so happy days. I was in the room as women were told they would not be able to have children. I performed ultrasounds on women, only to not hear a heartbeat. Through my experiences, I realized that I wanted to create a place where parents, who could not have children on their own, could come to make
their dreams become a reality. This is when I opened Fertility Miracles—a third party
reproductive agency. As a mother, I could not imagine my life without my children. My children are the greatest gifts of my life, and I know your mother feels the same way, and your mother decided to give that gift to someone else.
When your mom told you she was going to become a surrogate, it may have been the
first time you have heard that word. You may have been very confused as to why-or how- your mom was going to carry someone else’s baby. The medical field has made wonderful advancements.
The decision to carry a child for someone else is one of the most selfless decisions a woman can make. When your mom decided to become a surrogate, she decided to
give the most precious gift—the gift of life. Your mom also agreed to potential morning
sickness, back pain, feeling generally uncomfortable, and taking time off of work.
I think the very decision to become a surrogate shows a woman’s true character—and that is a woman made up of compassion, love, selflessness and the desire to give back. Your mom chose to work with a couple that was unable to conceive on their own. Your mom chose to make their dreams, become their reality, and I hope you know how special that is.
Your mom’s journey has not been the easiest, or most comfortable. You may have
noticed a difference in your own life, as your mom was put on bed rest. This may have been some what shocking for you, and your everyday life. I want to thank you for being patient, and understanding of the process. By allowing your mom to rest, you, also, have contributed to giving the greatest gift.
Your mom’s spirit has never changed; despite being put on bed rest. Your moms zest for life has not weakened. Your mom’s selflessness is as evident as ever. Every day, woman such as your mother inspires me, and I hope you are too. Women like your mother make this world a better, brighter place, and I am lucky to know her.
If you ever have any questions about the surrogacy process, I would be happy to talk.
All my best,
Karen Roeb
Hi girls, my name is Karen Roeb, and I have had the pleasure of getting to know your
mom over the last year. Your mom has asked me to write to you to talk about her surrogacy journey from my point of view, and I could not be more honored. As I write this letter, your mom is about a week away from giving birth to her surrogate baby.
First, let me tell you a little bit about myself, and the role I play in your mom’s life. For twenty years of my life, I was a nurse in the field of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. Every day, I had the privilege and honor of watching parents’ dreams come true. I had the chance to witness thousands of births,
I had the honor of sitting alongside thousands of parents as they heard their child’s heartbeat for the first time, and I had the privilege of sharing the most intimate moments with these parents. Throughout my time as a nurse, I also witnessed some not so happy days. I was in the room as women were told they would not be able to have children. I performed ultrasounds on women, only to not hear a heartbeat. Through my experiences, I realized that I wanted to create a place where parents, who could not have children on their own, could come to make
their dreams become a reality. This is when I opened Fertility Miracles—a third party
reproductive agency. As a mother, I could not imagine my life without my children. My children are the greatest gifts of my life, and I know your mother feels the same way, and your mother decided to give that gift to someone else.
When your mom told you she was going to become a surrogate, it may have been the
first time you have heard that word. You may have been very confused as to why-or how- your mom was going to carry someone else’s baby. The medical field has made wonderful advancements.
The decision to carry a child for someone else is one of the most selfless decisions a woman can make. When your mom decided to become a surrogate, she decided to
give the most precious gift—the gift of life. Your mom also agreed to potential morning
sickness, back pain, feeling generally uncomfortable, and taking time off of work.
I think the very decision to become a surrogate shows a woman’s true character—and that is a woman made up of compassion, love, selflessness and the desire to give back. Your mom chose to work with a couple that was unable to conceive on their own. Your mom chose to make their dreams, become their reality, and I hope you know how special that is.
Your mom’s journey has not been the easiest, or most comfortable. You may have
noticed a difference in your own life, as your mom was put on bed rest. This may have been some what shocking for you, and your everyday life. I want to thank you for being patient, and understanding of the process. By allowing your mom to rest, you, also, have contributed to giving the greatest gift.
Your mom’s spirit has never changed; despite being put on bed rest. Your moms zest for life has not weakened. Your mom’s selflessness is as evident as ever. Every day, woman such as your mother inspires me, and I hope you are too. Women like your mother make this world a better, brighter place, and I am lucky to know her.
If you ever have any questions about the surrogacy process, I would be happy to talk.
All my best,
Karen Roeb
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Slight change in plans....
Had my last appointment today! :)
All looked well. Insa w a different Dr since mine is out of town. She checked my cervix and the damn thing is still high and closed. So rather then go in Monday morning, I get Togo in Sunday night to help get the cervix going. Hopefully this is not the never ending induction.
All looked well. Insa w a different Dr since mine is out of town. She checked my cervix and the damn thing is still high and closed. So rather then go in Monday morning, I get Togo in Sunday night to help get the cervix going. Hopefully this is not the never ending induction.
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
It's The Final Countdown!!!
Yesterday was my last appointment with MFM in Springs. Baby did grow some. She now is an estimated 4lbs 2oz.
It is so nice knowing I don't have to drive to Springs every Tuesday. For the past 13 weeks I have had to make the trip for weekly ultrasounds.
In the last 13 weeks I have had:
13 ultrasounds in Springs
10 ultrasounds in Pueblo
12 NST's in Pueblo
11 appointments with Dr Growney
Saw MFM Dr's a handful of times
It is so crazy to think tomorrow is my last appointment before Baby "E" comes. Hopefully it is an uneventful appointment and next few days. Induction is still set for July 3rd at 38w2d.
My girls still don't understand what is going on. But they do come up and pat my belly and say "mommy you are eating too much, you need to exercise". Every now and again they say there is a baby in there.
36w3d (I think)
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Monitoring continues in the final stretch
This week of course I drove to Springs on Tuesday for the Doppler. Everything looked perfect and normal.
Thursday I had to go to the hospital for my BPP since Dr. Growney is office was booked. Of course they were running behind comma so I sat around forever. Luckily the baby was fully cooperative this week and passed with flying colors. Went across the street to my doctor's appointment, was hooked up to the NST and again she passed that quickly. Met with Dr. Growney and discussed the induction on the 3rd. Everything is still set comma he did check my cervix and it is still closed :-(
Baby just needs to stay put until next week when Dr. Growney is back in town. But I wouldn't mind if the cervix would make progress before the induction so it isn't the world's longest labor.
Some exciting news is we learned the baby's name this week. So it has been nice to not call her "Baby" or "Fetus"
Q&A plan on coming to town around the 1st, along with his parents.
Thursday I had to go to the hospital for my BPP since Dr. Growney is office was booked. Of course they were running behind comma so I sat around forever. Luckily the baby was fully cooperative this week and passed with flying colors. Went across the street to my doctor's appointment, was hooked up to the NST and again she passed that quickly. Met with Dr. Growney and discussed the induction on the 3rd. Everything is still set comma he did check my cervix and it is still closed :-(
Baby just needs to stay put until next week when Dr. Growney is back in town. But I wouldn't mind if the cervix would make progress before the induction so it isn't the world's longest labor.
Some exciting news is we learned the baby's name this week. So it has been nice to not call her "Baby" or "Fetus"
Q&A plan on coming to town around the 1st, along with his parents.
Friday, June 16, 2017
Hello contractions!
On Monday night we picked up the girls from daycare and we're going to take them to go eat dinner. I felt perfectly fine and a few minutes into the drive noticed some lower belly cramping that radiated up into a tightening belly. I didn't think anything of it but did make note that this felt different than the Braxton Hicks contractions I have been feeling I continue driving and a few minutes later got the same feeling. Again just ignored it not thinking anything of it, and a few minutes later the same thing. At that time I took note of the clock period 3 to 4 minutes later this feeling came back again, and three to four minutes after that again, and again, and again period I told rich I thought I was having contractions but I didn't know for sure since I have never really felt contractions period we went into the restaurant ordered our food and I was continuing to have contractions. I told rich I was going to go lay in the car with the air conditioner on and I continue to monitor. After an hour they were still there with me drinking a lot of water and resting. I called Labor and Delivery and they told me if it continued to head on in. We got home and I took a nice warm bath and they continued.
I notified Q&A as to what was going on. I got to labor and delivery and they hooked me up to the monitor. 15 minutes later the nurse came in and said she wasn't seeing anything, I told her I was still having that feeling and she readjusted the monitor. About 20 minutes later she came in and said she was seeing some activity that was coming and going. I let her know that the same feeling was happening, but it wasn't as frequent. At that point she checked my cervix and it was closed. I stayed on the monitor while she discussed with the doctor. Since I was supposed to get steroids this week anyway the doctor decided to go ahead and do the first dose that night. The nurse came in gave me the shot told me she would watch me for 15 minutes and send me home. During that 15 minutes I was laying there and again started noticing the cramping and tightening coming and going every 3 to 4 minutes. The nurse came in and asked how I was feeling, and I told her that I was having what I thought we're contractions again. She said in the last 10 minutes she had recorded 3 contractions every 3 to 4 minutes. She said they would continue to monitor and assess after that. The doctor was in a C-section at that time so the nurse was going to wait until she finished. The nurse came in several times to check on me comma and said the monitor wasn't picking anything up but I assured her that I was continuing to have contractions. She continued to adjust the Monitor and was picking up bits and pieces of the contractions. Once she discussed with the doctor what was going on the nurse came back in and rechecked my cervix and it remained closed, which is a great thing. A few minutes later the nurse came in and said they were going to give me a shot of terbutaline to try and stop the contractions. All I can say is Holy Smokes that was not a pleasant shot. After the shot naturally I got really jittery, experience they come from where contractions and then they stopped. Once they had stopped I was able to come home.
It was definitely an eventful evening, I was in labor and delivery for almost 5 hours. It definitely open my eyes at this baby can come at any time period I was taken aback that the contractions started out of nowhere and we're so close together. From now I guess I will take it more easy and keep my fingers and legs crossed that this baby will make it until July 3rd so that her parents will be here for the delivery.
I notified Q&A as to what was going on. I got to labor and delivery and they hooked me up to the monitor. 15 minutes later the nurse came in and said she wasn't seeing anything, I told her I was still having that feeling and she readjusted the monitor. About 20 minutes later she came in and said she was seeing some activity that was coming and going. I let her know that the same feeling was happening, but it wasn't as frequent. At that point she checked my cervix and it was closed. I stayed on the monitor while she discussed with the doctor. Since I was supposed to get steroids this week anyway the doctor decided to go ahead and do the first dose that night. The nurse came in gave me the shot told me she would watch me for 15 minutes and send me home. During that 15 minutes I was laying there and again started noticing the cramping and tightening coming and going every 3 to 4 minutes. The nurse came in and asked how I was feeling, and I told her that I was having what I thought we're contractions again. She said in the last 10 minutes she had recorded 3 contractions every 3 to 4 minutes. She said they would continue to monitor and assess after that. The doctor was in a C-section at that time so the nurse was going to wait until she finished. The nurse came in several times to check on me comma and said the monitor wasn't picking anything up but I assured her that I was continuing to have contractions. She continued to adjust the Monitor and was picking up bits and pieces of the contractions. Once she discussed with the doctor what was going on the nurse came back in and rechecked my cervix and it remained closed, which is a great thing. A few minutes later the nurse came in and said they were going to give me a shot of terbutaline to try and stop the contractions. All I can say is Holy Smokes that was not a pleasant shot. After the shot naturally I got really jittery, experience they come from where contractions and then they stopped. Once they had stopped I was able to come home.
It was definitely an eventful evening, I was in labor and delivery for almost 5 hours. It definitely open my eyes at this baby can come at any time period I was taken aback that the contractions started out of nowhere and we're so close together. From now I guess I will take it more easy and keep my fingers and legs crossed that this baby will make it until July 3rd so that her parents will be here for the delivery.
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