Thursday, August 9, 2012

Zoie's Beautiful Homebirth


Zoie Claire Ellsworth
Born July 4th, 2012
at 4:09 am
9 Lbs 23.25 inches


***Sorry long story, pictures at the bottom

I was so incredibly lucky to have to most beautiful homebirth anyone could ever hope for. I knew from my birth experience with Bella I would be able to have a natural unmedicated birth. I was hoping for it to go fast since Bella’s birth was under 7 hours. There was a lot of stuff happening around my due date so I was hoping Zoie would decide to come early. But Bella was 8 days late so I didn’t think it would really happen. Around 28 weeks, to help my body move along, I began drinking as much red raspberry leaf tea as I could 2-4 cups a day. At 34 weeks I started taking evening primrose oil, 1000mg and bumped it up to 3000mg a day at 38 weeks.  I started taking Birth Prep (a combination of different herbs to help your body prepare for labor) at 36 weeks.  After I finished my birth prep I used homeopathy for a couple of days provided by my midwife.  These are all things to help your body prepare for labor and will never induce you unless you are ready. 

 I had been having cramping for a couple weeks and a couple Braxton hicks here and there but nothing consistent. I went in for my midwife appoint at 39w 3d on July 3rd. Everything was moving along great, I was 3cm, 70% efface, station +1(which was awesome! I was at station 0 when I started pushing with Bella so she was already lower and I hadn’t even started labor yet).  I had a Bishop score of 11 out of 13, this is used to figure how ready your body is, you have to at least be a 6 to be induced. So this was all great news. Since I was only a couple days away from my due date I asked my midwife to sweep my membranes. Normally I wouldn’t suggest such a thing unless necessary but with all the family stuff happening, I needed to get this baby out.

After my membranes were swept I didn’t feel any different, I was hoping to have a bloody show or start having contractions but no. As the day went on I began to feel cramping but nothing to suggest labor would be starting soon. I did tons of research on membrane sweeping and knew it could take 48 hours to be effective. I also did tons of research on full moons, because it was a full moon the night of July 3rd. I guess more woman go into the labor when it’s a full moon.  I got a fortune about a week and a half before that said “Luck will come to you on the next full moon”. I found out if I run around my house… outside… naked… or go swimming in the ocean under the moonlight it is supposed to induce labor when it’s a full moon. But I didn’t do any of those.  

I got ready for bed and was telling Greg all the things we need to do tomorrow like go on a long walk and the festivities we had going on. Nothing strong was happening to make me think I was going to have a baby in a couple hours, so I went to sleep. I woke up a couple hours later at 1am because I needed to go pee (surprise, surprise, that’s always the case). I checked for a bloody show but still nothing, however I was noticing contractions but they weren’t consistent. I decided to download a contraction counter app to use (which is so awesome and convenient!) .  I laid down and was feeling some contractions so I started listening to my hypnobabies. I wanted to relax and go back to sleep and hypnobabies always does the trick. Well after 30 minutes I still couldn’t fall asleep and then Bella woke up. I normally do not check on Bella in the middle of the night and let her cry herself back to sleep but I felt I should check on her. I didn’t know when her sister was going to come but thought it could be in the next day or two. I wanted to spend a few moments snuggling; I didn’t know how much longer she would be my only child. I laid down with Bella for probably 20 minutes and was becoming more aware of my contractions. I was using my hypnobabies techniques and started looking at the clock to see how close together they were. They were still kind of far apart but at 2:06 I couldn’t lay down anymore. I put Bella back in her crib and knew I was going to have a baby soon. But I had no idea how soon. I was thinking probably sometime in the next 5-7 hours.

I went into my bedroom, started listening to my birthing time track. I was standing up swaying during my contractions. At 2:30 am Greg stirred and woke up, he asked “Are you ok?” I answered, “Yeah, I am fine. Things are started to happen just so you know. But you can go back to sleep and I will wake you up when I need you.” Well Greg didn’t go back to sleep he was just watching me as I was timing my contractions. I was going to wait till 3:00 am to call the midwife. I only started timing my contractions 15 minutes prior and I wanted to have a good idea how long they lasted and how far apart they were. Well at 2:45 am I told Greg to call the midwife and doula, which was a really good idea. As Greg was talking to our midwife, Andy, he asked how far apart the contractions were and how long they were lasting. They were 2-3 mins apart, lasting 45 sec- 60 sec. It got pretty intense really fast. (Andy told me after Zoie was born that when Greg told her about my contractions she was putting her clothes on while talking on the phone. She checked me earlier that day and knew it was going to happen fast).

While I was waiting for Andy to come I got in the shower. It felt so nice to have warm water on my back. During some of the contractions I would lean up against the wall and sway or I was on all fours swaying with the water on my back. I was getting really tired; I decided to get out and try to lie down for a little while. On my way back to my bed Greg “danced” with me (He held me during some contractions and it was like we were slow dancing). I was laying down on my left side on the bed and it was surprising comfortable for a little while. I was in my deepest state of hypnosis during this time and it helped me stay relaxed and calm. Greg asked me if I wanted my mom to come, we had decided earlier not to have anyone there besides the midwife and doula, but Greg knew I wanted my mom to come. Greg called my mom at 3:15am and she was going to come right over.

Andy probably got there around 3:20ish along with the assistant and my doula, Aracely. They were getting everything set up and filling up the tub. I was planning on having a water birth. I labored in the tub most of the time when I gave birth to Bella so I knew I would really like it this time. As soon as the water was deep enough to make a difference, I got in. Greg got some cold wash cloths to put on my forehead which felt really nice. After my first contraction in the tub it wasn’t as comfortable as I hoped for. But I was thinking I just need to get in a deeper state of hypnosis. I kind of got out of it as I was moving from my bedroom to the bathroom and didn’t have a chance to get back to where I was. During my next contraction Greg was getting something and Aracely was getting something so I was alone. And my goodness it was not comfortable. It was the only time I was mad cause I had no one there to help keep me calm but I got through it. The next contraction came and I said “Get me out, get me out” and I jumped up. I wanted out of the bath tub so bad. It was so uncomfortable! So I stood up and leaned against the bathroom counter swaying back and forth. Greg and Aracely put pressure on my back and Aracely was pushing my hips together. It felt so nice, it was the best thing I could have asked for. 

Meanwhile Andy, the midwife, and her assistant were behind me getting all set up. I, of course, did not realize this was going on. Greg let me know when my mom got there, otherwise I would not have noticed. At about 3:50 I felt like I needed to push and I let Andy know. She decided to check me for the first time since she arrived. I was fully effaced and 9.5 cm. Wahoo!!! I could not believe it. Andy said we can just wait for my body to dilate completely or she could help my cervix along with the next contraction. I opted for her help, I was ready to get the baby out. Andy helped push my cervix back with the next contraction and said I could start with little pushes if I wanted to. Since I wasn’t complete yet, I couldn’t give “real” pushes. I started pushing while I was still standing up during a couple contractions and then I moved down to a squatting position during a couple. I was so exhausted that I laid down on my side but once a contraction came I said, “I can’t this anymore, I need to change positions”. I lifted my body up and pushed on all fours. So I pushed for a couple minutes then out came my baby girl at 4:09am. Only 1 hour 30 mins of active labor and 3 hours total, I was shocked!

When she came out everyone asked what her name was and I said Liberty, cause it was 4th of July. Everyone thought I was serious till I said I was joking.  She also came out sucking her thumb, so Andy was surprise she came out so fast and easily. When she was born I was full of joy, she was finally here and I couldn’t believe it was only 4 in the morning. I felt like I had just woken up with weak contractions. I held her on my chest and just savored the moment of her being here. Greg was able to cut the cord, he did the whole thing while Andy walked him through it.  I nursed her for the first time and we got to spend probably an hour together with Greg right next to me. My wonderful doula made me a delicious breakfast and I while I was eating they decided to get our Baby girls measurements. Zoie weighed 9 lbs and 23.25 inches. I could not believe it! I had no idea I had such a big baby inside of my belly. I had no tearing, it didn't even feel like I had a baby. (I never had to use a peri bottle when I when pee) After she was weighed I got up and took a shower. It was an amazing shower. After I laid down in my bed and it wasn’t even 6 am yet.  

My midwife team left around 6 am and it was just the 3 of us, but not for very long. Bella woke up at 6:30am and met her little sister for the first time. She wasn’t sure what to think at first and then took no interest in her new sister and wanted to watch TV instead. But later on that day you could tell Bella loved her little sister.  

It took us about a day to figure and decide on the name. We were debating between Zoie and Scarlet, we obviously decided on Zoie. She just didn’t look like a Scarlet to me or Greg. Then it took another day to figure out her middle name, which is Claire. 

I am so thankful for everyone who helped me achieve the perfect birth, I am so lucky and it could not have gone any better. I am so glad I had my baby at home, it is so so nice! I loved not having to leave to go to the hospital and never having to leave Bella overnight. I think it helped Bella transition instead of wondering where mommy and daddy are and then coming home with this new thing that takes all of mommy’s time. I will definitely be having the rest of my babies at home, I probably wouldn’t even make it to the hospital anyways!

Words cannot describe the feelings you have when bringing a child into this world. I honestly cannot describe the instant love, the feelings of family and motherhood, knowing that I am now responsible for this sweet life that came from my Heavenly Father. I am so thankful for the blessings of eternal families and the knowledge I have in knowing I can be with my sweet little family forever. 


Right after Zoie was born

Joy, happiness and the sense of relief that labor is over
Admiring our baby girl

Greg with his new daughter
We just love her
I am just happy

We cannot believe how big she is!
This is how she came out, sucking her thumb!

Beautiful Princess Zoie

Bella isn't sure what she is looking at

So funny!

Now Bella is smiling and starting to like her


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Miss Bella

Bella has been very entertaining lately. It is amazing how much happier she is now that she isn't sick and doesn't seem to be teething. Bella is now only taking 1 nap a day, I miss my morning nap now more than anything! She is super busy and I have to get out of the house at least once a day sometimes twice when Greg is gone. I just do not have the energy to entertain and play with her like Greg. I especially feel like that now because Greg was gone all last week and he just left today and wont be home till Saturday night. Then of course he will be leaving again on Sunday or Monday for a few days. The sacrafices you made when you are starting up your own business.
Bella is understanding sign language a lot better now. She uses the signs food and drink all the time when she is ready for meals or snacks.We are teaching her a lot of other ones and seems to be picking them up quickly. Bella can talk a lot more too, my favorite is to teach her animal noises and motions. She knows cow, duck, fish, elephant, lion (her fave), monkey, chicken, owl, and a couple others but I cant remember. Bella knows exactly what we are saying, she will nod yes or no when we ask questions. She asks "whats that or whos that or wheres that" all the time! She also says this when she has found what she was looking for. Bella is a non stop talker... it is just a matter of time till she is saying full sentances and we can communicate a lot better.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Updates

Wow... I cannot believe it is almost May?! Where did the time go? Little Bee has been pretty much sick since the beginning of March till now. First she just had a cold, then got a fever and then she would get better for a couple days and it would start all over again! She did get 2 of her bottom molars so that is part of the reason. Over Easter she got the worst, the night before she had 101 degree temperature and it got worse from there. So unfortunately we didn't have a wonderful Easter, but she did get her Easter egg hunt a week later. I still need to put her dress on and take pictures. The Monday after we went to the Dr. and she had an ear infection and conjunctivius (sp?) so we got antibiotics. Within a few hours you could tell she was feeling better. Bella still has a cough and a slightly runny nose but I can see the end is near. I cannot wait, it is no fun taking care of a grumpy toddler!
My cloth diaper endeavour has been wonderful! I totally enjoy it and am totally obsessed. They are just so cute! I have some more on order and cannot wait till they get here. I am also stocking up on fabric to make some of my own, I am just waiting for my serger to get here (hopefully tomorrow) so I can start. I have definitely learned A LOT and I am still learning. I best thing is I am apart of some co ops which are groups that moms put together to buy products at wholesale prices for not only diapers but a ton of stuff for babies and moms.
My pregnancy is going well... I have been so horrible this time around and I haven't taken even one belly shot... ugh! I feel bad. I always plan on it but then my shirt gets dirty or I forget... I will get at least 1 before she comes. I definitely feel "done", I am lucky and have pretty easy pregnancies but things are getting uncomfortable and I am dealing with things I didn't before. Example: vericose veins in my hoo ha....yeah no fun. I have to wear this stupid band strap thing to hold it up so I can walk and stand. Otherwise it swells... I cannot wait till this is over haha. Sorry for the TMI. But things are on track with prepping using hypnobabies. I passed my glucose test... yay! Now I need to prep for baby to get here. I have a class in a couple weeks that will tell us all about preparing our home and what we need to get for the home water birth. I cannot wait and get more excited about having this little girl at home when I think about it.I think it will make transition really easy for Bella and I really hope she is there when her little sister is born. It is going to be so awesome!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Cloth Diapers

I finally decided to take the plunge and cloth diaper. I am actually really excited and I cannot wait to start. I received most of the items I ordered today which are 6 diapers with inserts. I have 2 styles of diapers so far, you would be shocked how many different styles of cloth diapers there are. I purchased 4 "all in 2s" or "AI2" with multiple inserts. This allows you to keep one shell till its soiled and change out the inserts for each change, super easy I'm thinking. Then I purchased 2 pocket diapers, I will stuff them with inserts but once I change her I will need to wash the entire diaper. I got these ones for night time, I will be as to get more absorbency in them I think.
I decided to go with cloth diapers for a couple reasons. First I figure since I will be diapering 2 kids at once I think cloth will be easier and a lot less expensive. Second, I have no idea where the economy is going and I don't want to depend on purchasing diapers every month. I look at it as preparing for the future and not relying on receiving goods from someone else. Third, it makes me feel sick putting all those diapers each week in the landfills and I like to do whatever I can to help the environment and provide a beautiful place for my future family to live.
Those are the main reasons I have decided to cloth diaper and I cannot wait to start. I have to prepare them and I am still waiting on the sprayer. It's a sprayer that attaches to the toilet so you can spray off all the poop. Ha, how awesome is that?!?! The only downside is Greg won't change any diapers now but hopefully once he sees how easy, economical and it's really not that bad he will help with the diapers. Wish me luck... I'll be sure to update once it actually begins.

Friday, February 24, 2012

5 Years

Wow, I cannot believe Greg and I have been married for 5 years. Time goes by way to fast! It seems like yesterday we were sealed for time and all eternity in the San Diego Temple and at the same time I feel like we have been together forever. Funny how that is. We have accomplished a lot the last 5 years. Greg graduated from college, we have a beautiful litttle girl and we have another on the way. Greg is growing his business so we can finally move out on our own...again... haha. Life is constantly changing and moving so fast, I don't think it will ever slow down. I am so thankful for my wonderful family and could be more grateful for Greg and all his hardwork. I love him more than I could ever express and I am incredibly lucky I found him.




Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Be Prepared

I have finally begun to do things to help prepare my family for the toughest situations. Greg and I both feel we need to beef up our food storage and learn important skills to help us survive any sitaution. Especially now with prices of food, gas and everything else going through the roof! I am taking an active roll every day to learn something new to help us save money now and not need to worry about spending it in the future. I think every family and every individual needs to better understand how important this is, especially since we do not have any idea what the future holds.
Today I was sitting around trying to figure out what to make for dinner and I really need to go to the grocery store. I have hamburger patties but no buns, then I decided why not make hamburger buns? So I went online and found this recipe. (Bread is actually very easy and quick to make when you have a mixer, it just takes planning because you need to wait for it to rise. I make bread once or twice a week with meals. Lately I have been making extra to freeze and use later so I dont have to make it so often.) I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe but there are some changes that need to be made to make it better. I suggest mixing the water, yeast and sugar together and let it bubble before adding the remaining ingredients. Our buns were a little dense and didn't rise very much. Next time we have hamburgers I will make these changes. Just because we are on a budget and learning how to use what we have in our food storage doesn't mean we can't eat delicious food.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

It's Another Girl!

I knew right when I found out I was pregnant, it was a girl. I just knew! When we went and received the ultrasound I was not surprised at all. The ideas I have are endless for matching outfits. I have already purchased material to make some. I am glad I have a few months to stock pile clothes because we all know I wont have time once baby girl gets here.

Of course there is always a chance it isnt a girl, but I think this picture is pretty obvious.


Now comes the hard part, picking a name. I have a few on my list but I still don't know. Before I was pregnant with Bella Eve I knew her name so I never had this problem. I don't think we will know till she arrives... hopefully it is July 4th, how awesome would that be?!


Side note, Scott will be leaving on May 23rd, he finally received his actual mission call. So excited!


Also, this is a hilarious article. It totally made my day! http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2012/1/17/porn-for-pregnant-ladies.html

Happy Hump Day!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Australia Perth Mission

My little brother, Scott received his mission call this week....kind of. So here is the story. Scott sent his papers in and waited around for his call, it normally takes 2-3 weeks to receive. Well he waited and waited and waited and still no call... Almost 4 weeks pass. So this past Friday he receives a letter from the travel department in Salt Lake. We were confused on what was going on. Scott opened the letter and it contained all the information he needs to get his Visa and such and it was from Australia! We didn't even know what mission he would be in... Then about a half hour later he finds an envelope that says Australia Perth Mission. But he still hasn't received his call, the stake president is calling Salt Lake tomorrow since today was a holiday. We think it must have gotten lost in the mail with all the holidays over the last month. We don't know when he is leaving but he is beyond thrilled. He almost passed out when he read Australia cause he was so excited. I should post the video, it's hilarious. I know Scott will be an amazing missionary and I am so happy with the choices he has made. Hopefully we find our when he is leaving next week!!!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Alone Once Again

Greg travels a lot for work, the next couple months he will be gone a lot. This morning Greg left for Illinois, he doesn't get back till Saturday night. Bummer!!! Then he needs to go to Utah and Arizona so he will be gone for another week. Let's just hope he doesn't have to be gone next week too. Bella and I will have lots of mommy time that will consist of Disneyland, the park, maybe the beach and anything else I can think of. We will have some fabulous adventures but wish he was here with us!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Crunchy, Hippie, Granola Kind of Mom

As I was driving today I started to think about how I live my life. I realized that I am what you might consider a hippie. Haha. I had never really thought about it before but it's true with a lot of stuff. And this is why...
- All about natural unmedicated birth, even home birth. (Hypnobabies is awesome!!!) Of course they should be assisted by a certified midwife, only if low risk. Medical interventions are great, when needed.
- I think exclusively breast feeding is very important, to wait 6 months before solids and child led weaning. If Bella is still nursing when I give birth then we will tandem nurse.
- Co-sleeping, it makes those first couple months so much easier.
- I enjoy baby wearing and think its great for mom or dad and baby to bond.
- Making baby food... Bella totally skipped this stage she only wanted solids but I did make a lot for her try.
- Organic when possible, especially hormone free milk and meat
- Cloth diapering. Now I am all about this, weird I know. Greg vetoed this idea but I think I might do it. It's great for baby (few if any rashes), cost effective and helps the environment. I think it's great if we can all do a little.
- Homeopathic remedies or other alternatives instead of traditional drugs.

Things that are a little different from some hippies...
- I am pro vaccine, but I may delay some depending on when and why.
- I am conservative, no liberal here!
- I'm not a vegetarian, we eat junk food and watch too much TV.

These are the main things that I agree with but I'm not all out "crunchy", at least I don't think. I just think its funny how much I have changed in the last few years. Knowledge is power!!!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Surprise, Surprise!!!!

I know we are! Well if you haven't heard, Bella is going to be a big sister! This definitely came as quite a shock to us. I didn't even know I could get pregnant since I haven't had a period since February 2010 (my last one before I got pregnant with Bella) because I have been nursing. But you obviously ovulate before you have a period. It took 5 tests and a good month for it all to sink in. My hands were literally shaking and I almost cried. I just lost all the weight by the end of summer and now I'm going to gain it back. And I'll admit, I am nervous because of the difficult challenges I had with Bella. However i am grateful I get the chance to be pregnant and even more grateful ut takes 9 months for the baby to get here. But we are very excited to have them close together and it will be a fabulous adventure!
Below is a copy of our Christmas card, this is how we told our friends. The next picture is Bella wearing her Big Sister shirt. It says, "Merry Christmas to me because I'm a Big Sister to be!" Bella looked absolutely adorable as you can see.