#3 Birth Story

Well, it's taken me only 10 weeks to sit down and actually get this story typed up. Hard to believe that much time has passed since we welcomed Justice into the world! Let's back up shall we, to the Sunday before he came... my due date, April 12th.

Sunday, April 12th, 2015

40 weeks

Everyone at church voiced their joy that I was at church, which was followed by, "could be any day now!". It WAS my due date, and I DID say I thought he might come early. I guess I was wrong! I stayed in the nursery at church for most of the service, mostly to avoid all the questions and comments of "you're still pregnant?". I know they mean well but it really gets tiring to hear after the 10th person says it. While in the nursery I talked with other Moms and mentioned that he hadn't been moving as much the past couple days, maybe his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck? One Mom said she had a chocolate shake before she went into labor and all the sugar in it made baby move a lot. That was enough to get me salivating, so after service was done I dragged my sister along and we drove to the closest place that had the best chocolate shakes. Teddy's Bigger Burgers. It was delicious.


We had planned to have my Mom come over whenever my contractions started coming regularly, but instead of possibly calling and waking her in the early morning hours, she said the girls should just sleep at her place until he came. So after church, we packed some of their things and took them over to my Mom's house. The girls are always overjoyed to sleep at Grandma's house, so it was no problem at all. Shaun and I packed the car up with all our hospital bags and items to take along in case labor started that night. I'm pretty sure we were hoping the act alone would kick start the contractions.

Around 8pm, I could feel some contractions coming but they were spread out about 10 minutes and were very mild. They were coming pretty consistently though so we gave my Midwife a call just in case. She said to keep monitoring them and to call her again when we left to go to the hospital. We were all anticipating this labor and delivery to be quick since it was my 3rd one. I kept tracking the contractions and got frustrated when they started dwindling off and almost stopped coming. We gave my doctor a call around 10:30 and told her we were going to sleep and would call her in the morning.

Ready to drive over the mountains!

Monday, April 13th, 2015
I was able to get some sleep and rest in and when we woke up on Monday morning, I could feel the contractions again. This time I knew it was going to be today, and that baby was finally coming! They were still mild but consistent enough. We got the rest of our things and decided to labor it out on the windward side. We had just had a major traffic nightmare with the zipper lane and zipmobile and didn't want to be stuck in any traffic should something happen and I went into active labor. So off we went driving over the mountains. It was very calming to see the beautiful lush greenery, blue and teal waters and see the clouds rolling in with some rain.

acai bowls for breakfast

We stopped at Jamba Juice to grab some acai bowls for breakfast... contractions were coming every 8 minutes at this point. We decided to give my Midwife a call to let her know the update and that we were waiting out the contractions closer to the hospital. She was working in the office and told us to stop by so she could check my dilation, so after we finished eating we headed over. Turns out I was about 3 cm dilated. She suggested we already get checked in to the hotel hospital and called to let them know we were coming. Since the OBGYN office is right next door, we just walked over and they were already expecting us and prepping the room.

Last pregnant picture!

After we checked in and got our stuff semi settled in the room, I was still feeling really great and wanted labor to move along so we started walking the halls. The nurses were wonderful and lean on the side of natural delivery and doing as much movement as possible. They monitored me every 40 minutes to check on Justice but otherwise allowed me to move as I pleased. They even brought in a wireless system that I could use while walking and was even able to submerge into a warm bath with them on. It was wonderful!

After walking around a while and resting in the room... contractions were still not coming any closer than 6 minutes. They even started spacing out a bit and I was afraid I would get sent home! Good thing I was still dilating... upon getting checked again I was found to be around 5-6 cm dilated and the effacement was progressing as well. The head nurse asked, "Do you always look this relaxed at 6 cm?" They were definitely not strong enough to cause me any pain yet, just discomfort. Here I was thinking that this labor would be quick for sure! I was anticipating it to only take about 5 hours since Faith's was 8 hours long. But boy was I wrong. As the clock ticked and time passed, we tried to get as much rest as we could. Shaun had a much easier time than I did...

Getting some shut eye before the big labor comes

Around 1:00 pm, my Midwife came by to visit between appointments and said that if my contractions didn't pick up by 3pm, we should try a breast pump or push a small amount of pitocin to get things moving along. This agitated me a bit since I really wanted to do everything naturally, but at the same time I was so tired of waiting for my labor to pick up, the pitocin sounded like a great idea at the time! Well God knew my heart and wouldn't you know that right around 3:30 pm, my contractions suddenly came along quicker, stronger and with pain that caused me to hold my bed rails and concentrate on breathing. Praise God! We buzzed the nurse to let her know the great news!

The next few hours are a complete blur... I remember wanting to get off the bed. They allowed me to get in the warm tub and just stay in there with a warning that if I felt like I needed to push, I had to get out right away. The tub felt amazing and my body relaxed through the contractions so much easier. I really wish I had that tub in my house! I can barely submerge half my body in our tub. haha

I finally got out of the water because I was feeling too warm, and at that point I didn't care to put any clothes on and just stayed in the nude! My Midwife was waiting in my room on our couch and helped me through the contractions as they got longer and closer together. With each moan and cry, she would encourage me and say, "You're doing so good. Keep breathing." I remember going through transition and needing to throw up. I stayed off the bed as long as possible and labored part way on the exercise ball. The bouncing helped as well as having Shaun apply pressure to my lower back.

Finally around 6pm (i think... wasn't really keeping track of the times here...), I definitely felt like the need to push was nearly there. They moved me onto the bed and my Midwife checked my dilation. I was at 9cm and my water bag was still intact. Earlier I had told her that both girls needed the bag to be broken and asked if she would just break it since it hadn't yet. Her response was that she didn't like to unless it had to be done, so when she suggested we break the bag, I was so thankful. Everything moved quickly from that point... nurses came in with trays and buckets, the bed was lowered, baby heater turned on, stirrups and bar put on and a bunch of hustle and bustle happening. All I could do was pray it went by quickly and try not to think about the contractions and the intense pain it was causing my body.

Getting the stats!

You enter into this delirium towards the end... and when the time to push finally came, I could barely manage to bring my head around to do it. After about 8 minutes of pushing several times, Justice slid out into Daddy's waiting hands and was finally here. His official birth time is 6:25 pm. I didn't realize it, but it took a little longer for him to start crying because his umbilical cord was indeed wrapped around his neck. Shaun said it was a couple minutes, but I don't even remember. I do remember thinking a few days later, that my Midwife didn't tell me to slow down or not to push so as to avoid tearing too much, because she saw the cord wrapped around his neck. We immediately did about an hour of skin to skin, which is now standard hospital procedure, and so nice to have in place. He definitely had a very healthy set of lungs straight out of the womb, and was covered in hair! No matter how many times you have a child, it is still so magical and amazing to hold them for the first time. Wow. Just wow, God... you did an amazing job again! All in all it was about a 12 hour labor and delivery. Longest of my 3. But for the most part, I would say the easiest considering how it went in the beginning.

We had a bunch of family waiting for Justice to be born, and as soon as I was cleaned up and the room was cleared out, they were ushered in. The girls were so excited to see their little baby brother.

I'll try to find time soon to write about the rest of our hospital stay and the details of what happened in the 27 hours we were there before coming home. But for now, more pictures!

Morning after

The Experienced Dad

Such proud older sisters!

Father & Son

Mother & Son

just born

day 1

First pictures of our family of five

Welcome JT!

So... this post is about 2.5 weeks overdue... ha!

WELCOME JT!! Justice made his entrance into this world on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 6:25pm. He was 8 lb. 6 oz. and 21.25" tall! A full head of dark hair with fuzz all over his back, shoulders and arms. He has a healthy set of lungs and apparently was busy tanning on the womb!

I will have to take some time later (when it's not so late at night) to write out my labor and delivery story. And soon, before I forget it all or get the details all confused with the first two kids'! But I didn't want to take too long to formally announce his arrival here on the blog.

He has been a joy so far, and brings so much love into our hearts. Grace and Faith are loving sisters and adore him. We are blessed with 3 wonderful kids... blessed indeed!

39 weeks 5 days

Went to the doctor today and I am currently 4cm and 50% effaced. My midwife went ahead and stripped my membranes (very painfully) which resulted in my mucus plug coming out when I got home! Hopefully this means labor is coming soon. The back pain has been intense recently, and although I have a lot of braxton hicks, there are no real contractions with pain. I never thought I would pray for painful contractions.

Although we haven't reached the 40 week mark yet and our due date, the waiting has already been brutal. I got so restless the other day and nesting kicked in majorly. The day ended with a re-arranged living room (don't worry, I used furniture sliders!) and a clean house. The ONLY room I didn't clean was the girls' room. Trying to get them to keep a clean room has been a difficult process that we're still working on. They don't make their bed, leave clothes all over the floor, books and toys everywhere. It drives me nuts but I want to teach them to clean up after themselves.

Recently, Grace has been acting out at school. Pinching, slapping, licking food on other kids' lunch plates... her teacher has been really great at communicating her concerns and we're praying on how to get a handle on it all. We know that the transition of Justice coming into the world is a trigger and pray that it returns to normal after he arrives. It's not like her, and maybe there is some influence from other kids in the class, but we know that she's going through some emotions she doesn't know how to express. I'm worried, as a Mom, that maybe we're putting too much pressure on her. "When Justice comes, you need to set a good example..." and other lines we've said over the past months. It's our fault for not emphasizing the importance SHE has to us as our firstborn, and I pray that she realizes that we still treasure her and won't love her any less once he is here. These are some of the things you don't realize are so difficult, until you're in the situation yourself. Been praying a lot for the Lord's guidance in this.

As we wait anxiously for Justice to come, we're excited for this next chapter in our lives. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness has no end!!!

2 weeks to go... or less!

38 WEEKS! The whole pregnancy has gone by pretty quickly, but the last couple weeks have been dragging! Since the girls were both late, I am praying that Justice isn't late as well. Today at my appointment, I mentioned that I felt selfish for hoping he comes out soon. The midwife told me it wasn't selfish at all and gave me the go ahead to try whatever I wanted to get labor started. Alrighty then, let's get it started! Grace was 6 days late and a couple of the last notable things we did prior to her labor starting, was eating teppanyaki and playing a game of monopoly. It has become a tradition that we will be doing again tomorrow evening. I am inviting my friend Maria to join in, because she's due a few days before me and we're both itching to hold our babies in our arms!

My official last day of work before I go on maternity leave is April 3rd... I wonder if I'll make it? Partially hoping I don't. But at the same time, I'm dreading leaving my wonderful co-workers.... they bring so much joy and laughter to my life along with the stresses that work brings. I can't believe that May 1st, I will have been there for 3 years. That really went by fast! Life goes by fast when you're having fun!

Bags are packed, carseat and stroller are ready, plan is set for taking care of the girls... come on, Justice. We're ready for you!

37 week update

We welcomed the 37th week of pregnancy with an eventful weekend!

My doctor's appointment this last Friday was quick and normal... they prefer not to check the cervix and dilation until it's either my due date or past my due date. It makes sense, you could be dilated for a while with no signs of labor, so why even fret about it? And apparently, since this is my 3rd pregnancy, I won't "drop" until it's time to deliver... really? Shaun will notice if I look a little lower... so we'll see how that goes. The pressure is definitely becoming more evident as each day passes.

37 weeks

As far as "things" go... we are READY! I've done so much laundry washing the blankets, sheets, burp cloths, clothes recently... it's amazing. I normally detest doing laundry. Funny how having a baby can change things. =) The co-sleeper, pack and play and bouncer have been set up... scored a used bumbo and tray off a facebook community page for only $15... diapers and wipes are on subscription from Amazon... and the diaper and hospital bags are packed and ready to go. We just need contractions to kick in!

Friday-Sunday, Shaun and I were fortunate to go to a marriage retreat sponsored by the Air National Guard. All expenses paid for the weekend at the beautiful Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Waikiki. The sessions were great! We learned a lot about communication between spouse and family in the military, "hot spot" triggers and how to address them with each other, fidelity while deployed, sex, and other great tools and tips for keeping your marriage healthy. We even got a quick lesson from a massage therapist! She pointed out a couple pressure points to help labor along once it starts... woohoo! There was a "Romantic Dinner" night with candlelight, photobooth and dancing to our wedding songs... and needless to say, great sleep in great hotel beds. =)

As I prepare to deliver Justice and bring another life into this world... my prayer is that we would be great parents to this son we've been anticipating and praying for. People tell me having a boy is so different, easier than girls, and to be prepared. What do they mean? Be prepared for what?! I know it'll be different so I guess we just need to wait and see what it'll be like. Will he be mellow or active? Loud or quiet? Kind or rowdy? I especially pray that Grace and Faith adapt and transition smoothly. AND I pray that Justice comes sooner than later. =)

Until the next update... 

Pressure, Pain, Pangs

Last week's doctor's appointment went well and there wasn't much to report except that I have gained a total of about 11 lbs so far (from my first weigh-in). Doctor didn't do anything different during the appointment, but checked my uterus measurement and asked if I wanted the Tdap (which I declined, we'll get into that later). I did however, finally get around to filling out the admission form for the hospital I plan to deliver at. The doctor's office had the forms so it was convenient to just fill it out there instead of go down to admissions next door.

Lately this past week, Justice has been sitting low on my pelvic area and causing pressure, pain and pangs! He will kick and move and jab and roll... and they all cause some sort of discomfort in one way or another. Oh the joys. I don't remember the girls doing this to me as much as he is. Everyone says it's because he's the boy and it doesn't stop when he's born. ;0) At least I know that he's growing healthy and roasting in the belly!

Since I'm now 36 weeks and 5 days along... I've already started saying he's only a few weeks away from being born. It is so hard to believe that it's so soon! Since I'm working full time during this pregnancy and haven't done this since I was pregnant with Grace 6 years ago, I really feel like the time has passed quickly. Every day that I come in to work is another day closer to Justice being born. I do have to say that I do not feel prepared as far as setting things up at home, and getting everything I need. We don't even have diapers, wipes or burp cloths! Which reminds me, I didn't update on my baby shower! That will be an entry in itself full of pictures. Back to my rant... I decided that since we have Amazon Prime, I would try out their subscription service for the diapers and wipes. When I price matched between Costco (where we would normally get them from) and online at Amazon, price points were cheaper on Amazon. So we'll see how it works out and if the timing of the deliveries work with our needs. I really wanted to go organic, or use the adorable Honest Company diapers, but shipping to Hawaii is crazy on top of the cost of their products! I'm grateful that Costco at least sells the Honest Company brand shampoo and body wash - it smells like Orange Dream. Delicious.

I have another doctor's appointment today and will be sure to update a little sooner than a week later like last time! Will need to get into the groove of updating the blog regularly so I can keep track of the littlest one's progress.

Shaun and I will be staying the weekend in Waikiki from tonight until Sunday afternoon for the Air National Guard's Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat. Blessed to have a short baby staycation free of charge for us, while concentrating on our marriage - which is the core of our family (aside from our personal relationships with the Lord). The girls are staying with my Mom and family, and they are stoked to say the least. =)

Until my next update.... aloha!

35 week update!

Well, my attempt to update regularly has not been so productive. Things have been happening so quickly, time is passing like a flash and we are only 4.5 weeks out from meeting baby Justice! A couple Sundays ago, I even had people come up to me and say, "I didn't even know you were pregnant!" and were extra shocked to find out how soon I was due... I guess my attempt to wear regular clothes and look normal was working... up until recently. Definitely been feeling the extra weight and heaviness of the baby bump. Nights have been getting harder to get through with a straight shot of sleeping, and the bladder constantly insists I stop at the bathroom. I have however, started to gain some weight which is good since I lost so much in the beginning. A couple appointments ago, I weighed the same as I did in August!

Here are some bump pictures to catch up....

21 - 23 - 25 weeks

26 weeks

29 weeks

35 weeks

I am now 35.5 weeks along, and tomorrow will mark the one-month count down exactly. Here's a picture I took today...

35.5 weeks

People have been passing down so many clothes and other baby items... we are so blessed! We were even over and abovely blessed by a brand new Stokke Scoot stroller. The family that gifted it to us somehow got a replacement for theirs and didn't need it, so they passed the blessing on to us. What an amazing Father we have! With the over abundance of clothes, I've been able to go through them and bless several other families I've found in need through a community page on facebook. 

While the clock ticks down and we get ready for his arrival, I'm nervous, anxious, excited and partially worried that I won't want to come back to work full time. Please pray that we get the child care situation figured out. There's a good chance my loving Mother will not be available to watch him, so that leaves us to find someone who we trust, is reliable, and is in our budget (which isn't much)... we really need the Lord's guidance to find someone suitable who understands our parenting style and especially someone who loves the Lord as we do. 

Will update later this week with more pictures and news... I see my doctor on Friday and will be taking my stress test, and then I'm excited for my baby shower on Saturday! 

Catching Up... Week 22

So my attempt to blog again has gotten off to a rough start, to say the least. I am now 22 weeks! Here's a little update to catch up to this week....

The morning sickness i mentioned in my last blog entry escalated to slight constant nausea. It was horrible, and it was my first indication that I was probably having a boy. The girls gave me an easy time and hardly brought any nausea, so I knew this one was different! I was easily nauseated by smells around me and would get sick at the though of certain foods. Thank goodness that it went away around week 18 and is now hardly there anymore. Because of the nausea and picky tummy, I haven't been eating as much either, as I did with the girls. The excuse of "I'm eating for two!" hasn't been used since there haven't been many opportunities for me to need it. I actually lost several pounds in the beginning because of my limited appetite. Haven't noticed any evident cravings.... not yet, anyway!

Over the past couple months, I've had a couple appointments. We are on track and looking good! I have my 1-hour glucose test coming up later this month, not looking forward to it. But at least it'll give me a good reason to sit and not move for a whole hour! Can someone say, "tsum tsum frenzy"? :0) We had a 3D ultrasound where we got to find out the gender of the baby... and we found out that we're having a boy! His name will be "Justice Kazuichi Kawakami". We've had the name "Justice" in the back of our minds for a couple years, just waiting for a son to join our family. "Kazuichi" comes from a couple generations.... it was the name of Shaun's grandpa who was a great man, influential in government while he was alive. It's also a combination of Shaun's Step-Dad, "Kazuto" and my Dad, "Seiichi".. the meaning behind this japanese name is "Harmony One" or "Peace One". One also being symbolic of being the first son and grandson on both sides of the family. We are overly excited for Justice to be born! 

Shaun is so excited to have a son. He's already planning on jiu jitsu training and dreaming of the adventures the two will have. He'll probably start boy scouts, just cause his Daddy is such an Eagle Scout and always prepared and LOVES it. Shaun turned 30 on 11/28 and I'm excited to see what God has in store for this next decade of his life. Here is how we closed out the last day of his 29th year...

He's been an amazing part of the pregnancy, and does little things like being home Starbucks on a cold and rainy night after running some errands because I had a rough day... love him! 

After several weeks of feeling Justice roll around in my tummy and the occasional kick while stretching, Shaun was finally able to feel him move. That never gets old, no matter how many pregnancies you have. It's amazing, that a baby is growing inside my belly! Wow God!

The girls have been blossoming into young ladies and are constantly amazing me. While they do argue and aren't the perfect angels ALL the time, they have moments of pure bliss and I thank God for giving me such great girls. I know they're going to be great older sisters... although they said they don't want to change diapers. shucks! 

(free dinner at Costco!)

(at our church christmas party)

 

(Shaun talking to Justice... 20 weeks)

(Justice at 21 weeks... on my way to work)

Hopefully my next entry will not be as spaced out as the last. Will try my best to keep up!!!

Ultrasound Picture!

Went to see my Doctor this past Tuesday, on my 29th birthday, and the ultrasound was positive for a baby! I was relieved that this time around it was able to pull up an image. Through the Doctor's calculations, he estimated that I was 7 weeks 2 days that day. So every Sunday marks my week-iversary. Estimated due date is April 12, 2015... but with my history of late borns, I'd rather say that I'm due the 2nd week of April!

Cravings have been different day to day... one day I might want thai food, and the next day it turns my stomach. I'm not experiencing really bad morning sickness, but constantly feel a little uncomfortable. If I think of certain smells or foods, it could be enough to make me gag. I've only had one instance of actual throwing up, and I'm relieved that's all it's been so far. Having a few people at work know that I'm pregnant has helped a lot! They don't question my choice of food or drink, or point out the fact that I no longer drink coffee....

COFFEE! So in the beginning I was trying to stop drinking coffee because I didn't want to intake too much caffeine, but eventually the taste of the coffee didn't sit well with me anymore. It was a struggle in the beginning because I was exhausted! I would make a cup and only drink a quarter of it. It's gotten better recently... my body's getting used to the less caffeine intake.

More updates to come.... =)

Blogging again...

It's been a long while since I've last blogged anything... but I felt like it's time to start it up again. Several reasons, but one being that we just found out last week that we're expecting #3 baby around March/April of 2015!

Life has been a whirlwind from the time we got married in 2008... having Grace in 2009, then Faith in 2010... it's been a nice break from diapering and potty training. With both in school now, we've given it a thought to have another but I was always content with our 2 girls. Shaun on the other hand, was dying and begging to try again to have a boy. #3 wasn't planned, but God definitely planned it!

I took a couple tests at home on two separate days, and both times the positive was a little faint. I decided to go in to see my OBGYN and take their test. Went in last Saturday (exactly a week ago) and it was definitely positive. The ultrasound was inconclusive, probably since I'm too early to see, so I have another appointment this coming Tuesday. We aren't set on how far along I am or when my due date is, but that will all come.

Emotions are high... I didn't allow myself to be excited until I knew for sure I was pregnant. But now that we know, I've been doing a lot of remembering and planning in my head. Past experiences and purchases gone wasted are being remembered and we know what not to bother with this time around. Like a big travel system stroller... =) I'm doing research on the best umbrella stroller we can use from birth.

We've told our families, and some close friends. I informed my direct boss at work so they're prepped for me leaving on maternity leave. I'm blessed to work with the company I do, they're so flexible, understanding, and like family. This will be the first time I take maternity leave and will have to return to work after giving birth, and it scared me a lot at first. But after talking it over, they assured me that it will be fine and they know I'll be out more than usual but they understand. So blessed! It's the best company I could have thought of being with, to return to full-time work after giving birth.

Shaun just recently changed positions within the Air National Guard and is now a Chaplain's Assistant. He is supposed to go to tech school for a couple months, but we don't know when yet. Praying that it's soon before I'm really pregnant and before I give birth!

I will update with progress reports as we go along. Thanks for joining our family in this journey of growth!

love,
Izumi