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Baby Bruther Watch: Ish is getting REAL!

BY SHR

It’s go time, friends! My Mama has arrived, the diapers have (finally 😅) been bought, the nursery has been (somewhat) finished and maternity leave has begun: BabyBruther watch is officially ON! 😱😱I am currently 38.5 weeks pregnant and my official due date is October 10th. If you’re wondering what our birth plan is then this is the post for you..

WARNING AND DISCLAMER: What follows is lots of nitty gritty REAL pregnancy and delivery talk— if you’re not into that sorta thing or if the V word makes you uncomfortable now would be the time to close your browser! 🤗  I am not a doctor and this post is based  on my personal experience and choices towards labor and delivery and a little googling. Please consult your doctor before deciding what type of birth is right for your family. Oh, and one more thing- notice the quotations around “natural” birth through out the post? Let the record show that there is NO WAY I AM DOING THIS WITHOUT AN EPIDURAL; “natural” just means non-Caesarian in my book. Got it? OK, let’s dive in..

 

Back to the Beginning: Chickie Day

As you might remember, Chickie came to this world after a looong labor that ended in an emergency C-section. It all started on a Sunday night riiiight before Game of Thrones when my water broke. No big SWOOSH- I just went to pee and after I was done peeing, water kept coming.. I wasn’t even sure it was happening, it was more like huh 🤔🤔 this is interesting? After calling the doctor and watching GOT (no way could we have avoided spoilers until after baby!!) we headed to the hospital.. only to come right back home. My water broke that night but labor didn’t really start so they told us to get a good night’s sleep in our own bed and come back in the morning.

Around 11AM Monday morning we headed to the hospital once again. I was still leaking like crazy from my water breaking but was otherwise feeling totally normal- no contractions, cramps or pain whatsoever- so naturally, we were the last thing on the nurses mind that morning, they had bigger (more labor-ry) fish to fry. I didn’t get my first “dose” of Pitocin (the drug they use to induce labor) until around 3PM and it wasn’t until around 6PM when I started really feeling the contractions and they finally gave us a room. Once in our room I walked, I bounced on the ball, I listened to my birth playlist and distracted myself from the pain the best that I could- mostly by making inappropriate vagina jokes to the nursing staff 🤗 By midnight the distraction game had gotten old and I was screaming for an epidural. The epidural was HEAVEN; it was like a switch when I got it at 6cm of dilation- after dyyyying of pain only a second ago, I could hardly feel anything once I got it! I even managed to get some sleep while my body just kept on doing it’s thing.. The epidural did slow down my labor though, which I hear is very common and why I tried to hold out as long as I could before asking for it. I believe my exact quote when I was ready for the epidural was “GET ME ALL THE DRUGSSSSSS!” Yup, patient of the year over here.. 🙋🏽🤰🏽🙈

 

Around 7AM Tuesday morning I woke to the weirdest feeling down there- it wasn’t pain really, it was just a LOT of pressure as if- In Chickie’s words- I really, really needed to go “yucky poop!” 🤣💩 Apparently, this meant that it was time to start pushing. The nurse came in and confirmed that I was now 10cms dilated and 100% effaced- it was GO TIME! I was so excited- this was really happening! Soon after I began pushing. I pushed and pushed and pushed. I changed positions and kept on pushing. For THREE HOURS we did this dance- me pushing, #handsomehubbs cheering me on, the wonderful nurses confirming (upon my asking in between pushes) that I hadn’t just pooped on the table (I totally had) until… I just couldn’t do it anymore. My head was spinning and I was feeling weak. They took my temperature and I had a height fever; turns out so did little Chickie in my tummy! 😭😭😭 Too much time had passed since my water broke (Sunday night) and go time (Tuesday morning), too much time for baby to be without a barrier to the outside world.. the doctor’s were calling it; baby had a fever and it was emergency C-Section time.

In my stuburness, I wanted to keep trying. I wanted to give birth and I was SO CLOSE, I wasn’t about to give up now- the nurses were yelling out her hair color for G’s sake! My thoughtful husband knew exactly what I needed even before I did- he brought in my mom and my sister into the room and left us alone. I sat in the labor and delivery room with my mom and my sister and cried my eyes out, mourning my “natural” birth…it was heartbreaking. Until it wasn’t. My baby was on the other end of this regardless of how we get there- it took that moment alone in the room with my women with mascara running down all of our cheeks to remind me of that. In came #handsomehubbs and off to the operating room we went, just us two. About 15 minutes later Chickie Lou was here (all 9 pounds 10 oz of her!) and the world was never the same 💕✨

 

To VBAC or Not to VBAC?

Fast forward two years and four months later and here we are.. with BabyBruther fully cooked in my belly and a big decision ahead of us: to VBAC or not to VBAC? If you’re not familiar with the term a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) it’s exactly that- trying to labor and have a “natural” birth after having gone through at least one C-section. There’s some risks associated with it, mainly your scar rupturing and a higher risk of something going wrong if you do end up needing an emergency C-Section- but overall, it’s done quite a bit here in the US and doctors don’t generally consider it overly risky, if you’re a good candidate for it.

I am very thankful Chickie’s birth ended the way it did- with a healthy, chubby baby that we got to take home after just a total of 3 days in the NICU- but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was sad to go into the operating room for a C-Section that Tuesday morning. It felt like I was entering motherhood in someone else’s terms. Even before seeing the doctor for baby number two, after the positive pregnancy test I started thinking about the delivery… would I get a second chance at child birth? Would I want it? I make big babies (and big bellies!), even if I try for a “natural” birth who’s to say it doesn’t end up in an emergency C-Section again? So. Many. Unknowns.

Thankfully, my doctor was amazing about it. She didn’t put any pressure on me one way or another and simply talked through the different options with me- I could give up on labor all-together and schedule a C-Section for week 38 of pregnancy, I could go all-in on trying a VBAC and not schedule a C-Section at all or I could take a middle ground and schedule a C-Section for week 40, giving myself some time to labor and avoid inducement by just skipping to the Cesarean if I hadn’t given birth by my due date. The last option is what I went with..

On October 10th, 2018 at 2PM I have a C-Section scheduled but my hope is to give birth “naturally” before then. Does it feel a little like I’m taking the easy way out? Maybe.. Considering my prior almost 10-pound baby, the chances of me delivering “naturally” after 40 weeks are not great, in my (and my doctor’s) opinion so the 40 week cut-off seemed to strike a good balance between trying to deliver “naturally” while still being conscious of the risks associated with a VBAC and not pushing them. Do I hope I go into labor before 10/10? You bet.. Am I terrified of both scenarios? ABSO-EFFING-LUTELY.

Anyways.. there you have it, my friends- the ramblings of a very hormonal mama waiting to meet her forever boyfriend while savoring the last weeks (days?) with just babygirl and #handsomehubbs… and Peter.

Please know, if you had a different experience with childbirth, that I am in no way passing judgment on it. There’s no doubt in my mind that you did/chose whatever was right for you and your babies. The point of this post (and every post here on LTL) is to be open and honest about my experience to encourage open dialogue on a topic that is not talked about enough- or at least not honestly. Please keep our little family in your thoughts and send good vibes for a healthy baby boy.. Oh, and if you’re a nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital- my apologies in advance, there’s a whole lotta crazy heading your way soon!

PS- as of Friday morning, I am 2cms dilated and 50% effaced.. this baby might be coming sooner than we think! (JINX MUCH?) 😅😅😅 See you on the other side, my friends..

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  @ALittleTooLoud
It’s Opening Day in America’s (and my husband’s) most beloved ballpark this week ⚾️🎟️🔥👏🏽 Planning on taking the kids this spring or summer? Don’t worry - I got chuuu Mama! 🥰❤️ Tips and tricks for a successful trip to Fenway Park with your littles: 

⚾️ Sign your kids up for Red Sox Kid Nation to score them a free ticket! The first tier (rookie) membership is free and also gets them some @redsox swag 👏🏽 Sign up for the newsletter while you’re at it to be notified of kid/family friendly ballpark events or special games 🔥

⚾️ Enter through Gate K (for kids!) to access @fenwaypark ‘s Kids Concourse where you’ll find fun games and activities for your littles! Think face painting, balloon art, more kid friendly concession stands, etc.. 

⚾️ Wally’s Clubhouse is a great spot for little humans to stretch their legs and partake in some ballpark fun of their own: Lego blocks, a toddler playground, magic shoes and in inning 3, photo ops with Wally himself 🥰 

⚾️ Although game goers are limited in what size bag they can bring in, diaper bags get a free pass so don’t fret about the size (just leave pocket knifes at home.. 😅😅). Small, umbrella type strollers are also allowed in the stadium 👏🏽 

⚾️ Family bathrooms are located near the Customer Service booth at Gate E and next to the elevator in the Big Concourse, on the Pavilion Level under Pavilion Box 14 and on top of Pavilion Box 2 🔥🔥 @fenwaypark also features clean and private pumping/nursing stations 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Note: every bathroom (not just family bathrooms and regardless of gender) has changing tables 🫰🏽 

⚾️ If you are worried about drinking, purchase tickets in the CVS Family Section located in grandstands sections 32 + 33. No alcohol is allowed here and this is strictly enforced. 

⚾️ HAVE FUN!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 

What’s your happiest Fenway memory?! Mine might be the snapshots compiled in this video — the kids’ first time in a place that means so much to my #handsomehubbs and family 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
.. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr ba .. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr bathroom dance party, I don’t know what does 😜😂💃🏽 Click the link in bio to shop @harperwilde 15% off 👏🏽🔥 

🎥 Items shown: 

☝🏽 the BLISS bralette in the “take up space” edit in size S 🫰🏽

✌🏽 the LOUNGE RIBBED TRIANGLE bralette in size S 

👌🏽 the BLISS TRIANGLE BRALETTE in color beige, size S 

And not pictured 🩲, to spare my dad 🤣: 

🫰🏽 no show high waste brief in size S 
🫰🏽no show bikini in size S 

code GOWILDESTEPHANIE gets you 15% off 🥰❤️ What’s your fave?!?
🐰 PSA 🐰 Easter is two weeks away 💓 🥚🌷 Swipe for cutie, unique Easter basket ideas that will make it your 🐇 on time 👏🏽 and click the link in bio to shop 🫰🏽✨ HAPPY SPRING, friends! 🌷💫
🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same 🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same again thanks to @tooletries_hq 🔥🙌🏽 #gifted 

Products shown: 

🫰🏽 The Harvey & Oliver Set (mirror + caddy) 

🫰🏽 The Arnold (2 pack of hook tiles that can hold up to 4 pounds - we were SHOOK when we realized our heavy towels stay up, even when wet!!) 

🫰🏽Silicone body scrubber 🧽 

Thank you @tooletries_hq for upgrading our shower game, BIG TIME 👏🏽🔥😋
Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the sid Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the side straps?! The bag can also hold skis, too, if you can believe it 😱 I LOVE that it’s a 🎒 because we need hands free to carry the little’s bags ($30, also linked in bio!) and other gear 🙌🏽 We’ve used these for our last 2 ski trips and they are a game changer ✅ 

I keep all 4 ski bags packed with: boots, socks, waterproof layers, head/face coverings, helmet, goggles + mittens - essentially everything but base + inner layers. When we get back from a 🎿 trip, I immediately wash (regular), dry (air, no dryer) and repack 💥🫰🏽 It’s so beyond helpful to be able to grab and go knowing we’re not leaving anything behind. 🙌🏽🙌🏽 See you next year, babies 🎒🎒❤️‍🔥
One last 🎿 weekend before welcoming in the🌷🌸🌺🌼 ✨ In like a lion, out like a lamb 🫰🏽 Peace out #skiszn ✌🏽- we *really* gave it our ALL this year 🙌🏽🔥🎿✅
A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D R E A M Y ✨ happily ever after 👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️💍🌴💓 We love you guys!!!! 💫💫💫💫
A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS 🦠🤮🙃💚 Made the best of 72 hours in San Diego with the stomach bug, fina cortesía de mi Chickie Lou ☠️☠️ Bug or no bug, so thankful to be a part of your forever - ain’t no thang gonna keep us from celebrating our best guy finding his forever gal, @hayhaywilliamson 💓🙏🏽✨ Que vivan los novios!!! 👰🏼🤵🏼‍♂️🫶🏽
It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sw It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sweatybetty sure knows how to make ‘em! Click the in bio (or visit the blog and click to shop my Instagram) to shop my favorite base layers at 50% off! 🎿🔥


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It’s Opening Day in America’s (and my husband’s) most beloved ballpark this week ⚾️🎟️🔥👏🏽 Planning on taking the kids this spring or summer? Don’t worry - I got chuuu Mama! 🥰❤️ Tips and tricks for a successful trip to Fenway Park with your littles: 

⚾️ Sign your kids up for Red Sox Kid Nation to score them a free ticket! The first tier (rookie) membership is free and also gets them some @redsox swag 👏🏽 Sign up for the newsletter while you’re at it to be notified of kid/family friendly ballpark events or special games 🔥

⚾️ Enter through Gate K (for kids!) to access @fenwaypark ‘s Kids Concourse where you’ll find fun games and activities for your littles! Think face painting, balloon art, more kid friendly concession stands, etc.. 

⚾️ Wally’s Clubhouse is a great spot for little humans to stretch their legs and partake in some ballpark fun of their own: Lego blocks, a toddler playground, magic shoes and in inning 3, photo ops with Wally himself 🥰 

⚾️ Although game goers are limited in what size bag they can bring in, diaper bags get a free pass so don’t fret about the size (just leave pocket knifes at home.. 😅😅). Small, umbrella type strollers are also allowed in the stadium 👏🏽 

⚾️ Family bathrooms are located near the Customer Service booth at Gate E and next to the elevator in the Big Concourse, on the Pavilion Level under Pavilion Box 14 and on top of Pavilion Box 2 🔥🔥 @fenwaypark also features clean and private pumping/nursing stations 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Note: every bathroom (not just family bathrooms and regardless of gender) has changing tables 🫰🏽 

⚾️ If you are worried about drinking, purchase tickets in the CVS Family Section located in grandstands sections 32 + 33. No alcohol is allowed here and this is strictly enforced. 

⚾️ HAVE FUN!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 

What’s your happiest Fenway memory?! Mine might be the snapshots compiled in this video — the kids’ first time in a place that means so much to my #handsomehubbs and family 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
.. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr ba .. and if that doesn’t call for a @badbunnypr bathroom dance party, I don’t know what does 😜😂💃🏽 Click the link in bio to shop @harperwilde 15% off 👏🏽🔥 

🎥 Items shown: 

☝🏽 the BLISS bralette in the “take up space” edit in size S 🫰🏽

✌🏽 the LOUNGE RIBBED TRIANGLE bralette in size S 

👌🏽 the BLISS TRIANGLE BRALETTE in color beige, size S 

And not pictured 🩲, to spare my dad 🤣: 

🫰🏽 no show high waste brief in size S 
🫰🏽no show bikini in size S 

code GOWILDESTEPHANIE gets you 15% off 🥰❤️ What’s your fave?!?
🐰 PSA 🐰 Easter is two weeks away 💓 🥚🌷 Swipe for cutie, unique Easter basket ideas that will make it your 🐇 on time 👏🏽 and click the link in bio to shop 🫰🏽✨ HAPPY SPRING, friends! 🌷💫
🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same 🚿 Showering in #CasaRice will never be the same again thanks to @tooletries_hq 🔥🙌🏽 #gifted 

Products shown: 

🫰🏽 The Harvey & Oliver Set (mirror + caddy) 

🫰🏽 The Arnold (2 pack of hook tiles that can hold up to 4 pounds - we were SHOOK when we realized our heavy towels stay up, even when wet!!) 

🫰🏽Silicone body scrubber 🧽 

Thank you @tooletries_hq for upgrading our shower game, BIG TIME 👏🏽🔥😋
Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the sid Best $70 we’ve spent in a WHILE 🔥 See the side straps?! The bag can also hold skis, too, if you can believe it 😱 I LOVE that it’s a 🎒 because we need hands free to carry the little’s bags ($30, also linked in bio!) and other gear 🙌🏽 We’ve used these for our last 2 ski trips and they are a game changer ✅ 

I keep all 4 ski bags packed with: boots, socks, waterproof layers, head/face coverings, helmet, goggles + mittens - essentially everything but base + inner layers. When we get back from a 🎿 trip, I immediately wash (regular), dry (air, no dryer) and repack 💥🫰🏽 It’s so beyond helpful to be able to grab and go knowing we’re not leaving anything behind. 🙌🏽🙌🏽 See you next year, babies 🎒🎒❤️‍🔥
One last 🎿 weekend before welcoming in the🌷🌸🌺🌼 ✨ In like a lion, out like a lamb 🫰🏽 Peace out #skiszn ✌🏽- we *really* gave it our ALL this year 🙌🏽🔥🎿✅
A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D A little recap of Mr. and Mrs. Williamson’s ✨D R E A M Y ✨ happily ever after 👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️💍🌴💓 We love you guys!!!! 💫💫💫💫
A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS A weekend away from the kids.. but not their GERMS 🦠🤮🙃💚 Made the best of 72 hours in San Diego with the stomach bug, fina cortesía de mi Chickie Lou ☠️☠️ Bug or no bug, so thankful to be a part of your forever - ain’t no thang gonna keep us from celebrating our best guy finding his forever gal, @hayhaywilliamson 💓🙏🏽✨ Que vivan los novios!!! 👰🏼🤵🏼‍♂️🫶🏽
It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sw It’s a snowstorm eve miracle! 😂❄️💓 @sweatybetty sure knows how to make ‘em! Click the in bio (or visit the blog and click to shop my Instagram) to shop my favorite base layers at 50% off! 🎿🔥
Another week, another library trip 🫶🏽Really Another week, another library trip 🫶🏽Really excited about this week’s picks! 

🔥 Stella Never Gives Up by @andominguezzzz ft. a Latinx girl who wants to save the ocean while on vacation — sound like anyone you know? 😂❤️‍🔥 Chick is bound to love this series 🤞🏽🤞🏽 

🔥 Anisa’s International Day by @reemfaruqi centers Pakistani culture 🙌🏽 as we follow Anisa’s adventures introducing her culture to her classmates! 

🔥 The Lemonade Series grabbed Chick immediately! It humorously covers themes of sibling rivalry and conflict resolution. She was laughing out loud while reading this morning 😂😍

🔥 The Invincible Girls Series are shorter chapter books geared towards the 7-10 age group. Chick devours them in *literally* one sitting 🥲 

🔥 Say it Out Loud by @allisonvarnes is one we will try to read together as it’s more advanced (and longer!). The main theme is bullying and the consequences of staying silent. It looks really interesting and has great reviews ❤️‍🔥 

She likely won’t read all of them - I never know what will grab her attention! — but I loaded UP this week because most books are on the shorter side ❤️

Links in bio!! 🫶🏽🫶🏽
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