D-Day (delivery day)

Friday 8am
Today I had my routine 38 week check up.  The doctor checked to see if I was dilated and I was!  3 cm.  He asked if I wanted him to strip my membrane, so of course I said yes...I wanted this baby out of me!  I hoped it would jump start labor.  The doctor did say I was measuring small so he wanted me to get an ultrasound...of course, the next appt wasn't until 1:40pm.  So I headed out to run errands.
1:40pm
Back to the hospital we went.  The ultrasound took about an hour.  The technician measured everything possible to make sure baby was okay.  Unfortunately, since it was Friday and so late in the day my doctor had already left so we didn't get any results.  We hoped for the best and assumed nothing too bad was going on since they let us go.
4:00pm
I had already made plans to go to San Marcos for dinner with 2 of my best friends.  Even though I was 3 cm dilated, the doctor said it could take another week for anything to really progress.  So...off to San Marcos I went!  Jen and I rode together down there and when we got to Nicole's we went to paint pottery.  I had never painted pottery before so I was super excited!  I ended up painting a small plate with surf boards on it to put in Jack's room.  While painting, I had a few contractions but nothing out of the ordinary.  We joked that we had to finish our painting because I could have the baby at any point!
7:00pm
We shut down the pottery place...we were just having too much fun :)  We headed back to Nicole's for dinner.  She made a delicious taco soup!  I must say, in hindsight it was a fabulous last meal!!  The three of us (well mine was just juice...) sipped on our skinny girl drinks and chatted the night away.  Around 8:30pm I noticed my contractions were getting to be about 15 minutes apart.  The doctor said if I have more than 6 contractions in an hour to call...but I was only having 4 an hour so we kept on chatting!  At 9:45pm Jen and Nicole figured it was time for me to get home just in case it was more than we thought.  We joked about me having the baby...ha...but who really thought!!  I drove so of course I was going to drive home.  We didn't even make it out of the neighborhood when I looked at Jen and told her I was having another contraction.  About 5 minutes later...another one.  We both freaked out when we realized how frequent they were coming!  Since we had to drive back by the hospital on the way home, Jen and I thought I should call the hospital to see if they thought I should come in.  Wouldn't THAT have been an adventure!!  When I called and let them know what was going on they told me I have to have contractions every 3-4 minutes for 2 hours.  Ok...no big deal.  But boy were these contractions getting closer and stronger!  (I knew I needed one last girls night...haha I guess Jack wanted to crash the party!)
10:30 pm
I finally made it home and the contractions hadn't subsided.  I took a shower, drank water, laid down...did everything I was supposed to in order to ensure it wasn't false labor.  It had only been an hour at this point but I was hurting!  I had Jon call L&D and let them know my contractions were coming about every 2-3 minutes.  She told him to make sure I ate something and head to the hospital...which is 45 minutes from the house!  Not to mention the fact that this would be our 3rd time there in one day!!  I was in so much pain that I couldn't focus enough to eat so we got in the car and left.  I called my mom to let her know that she needed to be prepared...they were going to plan to be on the first flight out if it was real labor.
12:30am
When we arrived to the hospital I couldn't hardly walk inside.  The contractions were coming faster and stronger and I would have been double over in pain...but that even hurt too bad!  When we got up to L&D they had the doctor check me.  He chatted with me for what seemed to be forever and waited to check me in between contractions.  I'll never forget the way he told the nurse the next part..."She is 8cm dilated...can you check behind me please?".  The nurse obliged and was shocked at how far along I was.  The first thing out of my mouth was "Does this mean I can't get an epidural?!".  They immediately put me into a delivery room.  They put in an IV (which served no purpose other than to give me fluids...it would take an hour for my labs to come back to see what meds I could get).  The baby's heart rate was a little low during contractions so they told me they needed to break my water.  The next thing I know there are 2 nurses, a baby nurse, a resident OB and a supervising OB in the room.  It was probably around 1:00am. They gave me oxygen due to the baby's lowering heart rate.  Other than that...I had nothing...nada...no epidural that I had planned for...no tylenol...no motrin...just oxygen and an uncomfortable IV.  I had the urge to push and so it began.  The light came down from the ceiling and I knew I was in for it.  I will spare you the details, but let me tell you...it was the hardest hour of my life!  At 2:19am baby Jack Cooper Swanson was pushed out into this world; weighing 7lbs 4oz and 18 inches long.  It only took an hour of pushing.  When he came out he wasn't breathing/crying so they took him to the warmer to get the life knocked into him!  They called in a pediatrician in to help get things going and about 2 minutes later he turned pink and cried.  It was the sweetest sound I could have heard.  It was the scariest  few hours of my life, but we survived them and he is the most precious baby boy.
Unfortunately the hospital was busier than ever these last 4 days...not sure what sparked the baby boom!  They didn't have a recovery room for me to move into so we had to make my delivery room comfortable for what turned out to be the next 14 hours!  All I wanted was a new room...new scenery...and to get away from the place I just delivered naturally...YIKES!  I still can't believe I had a baby naturally!
11:00am
My parents finally arrived to the hospital.  It was nice to have the break in the day where I could just sleep.  Up to that point we hadn't slept at all, so we had been up for over 24  hours.  What a crazy, crazy day.  We had so many people calling and texting...it was so nice to share this with everyone!
4:00pm
We finally got the word that we would be moved into our own room!  Yippee!!  After getting settled in, a few friends stopped by to see us.  Baby Jack is so lucky to have so many people love on him.  We wrapped up the day...Jon went home to get some sleep and my mom stayed at the hospital with me.  I am still running on zero sleep, but just this morning the Corpsman told me I was the happiest mom on the floor with the lowest blood pressure!  I figured that was a good sign :)

What a day we had!  But we all survived and the love we have is amazing for each other.  I am surrounded by my sweet, precious baby boy, my amazing husband who held my hand the entire way, my parents, and amazing friends.  Baby Jack makes this all complete and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

*I am still at the hospital, so I will upload pictures to this once I get home!!*

It's Raining! Oh wait...it's just a baby shower :)

The other week (yes I know, I am SO late on posting!!) Stacey hosted a shower for me with my best girlfriends out here in Cali!  It was so nice to have all of us together for an evening of fun, games, and food!  They all spoiled Baby Jack...I know how loved he already is!!  One thing we are realizing is that we are TERRIBLE about group photos!!  However, here are a few snap shots of the evening :)

Best idea....a book for Jack
signed by all of my girlfriends!

Cute deccorations!!

Edible Arrangement my mom sent :)

Diaper Cake that
Stacey made!

What?  You are shocked I was
happy about cake? lol

Gifts from the ladies.
Spoiled. Rotten.

Delicious "virgin" punch...but there was
booze to add to it :) !

In other news

Spent the day on the beach...my happy place!

I have had a week off of work now and I still haven't stopped!  Although I am really not surprised.  I always wondered what it would be like to not work.  So far, I am going stir crazy.  I am starting to relax though and enjoy this peaceful time while I can.  This week was full of fun and friends.  I was able to have lunch with my best girl friends (minus Jen G :( ) over the course of the week and even have a bonfire to close it out right.  It is so nice to have friends I consider family to lean on.  The one thing the Marine Corps lifestyle has taught me is to embrace friends as family because you never know how far away your real family will be when you really need them...and riding the roller coaster of pregnancy is when you really need them!!  Starting a family away from family is the most difficult thing a new mom can face.  It was easy to move away when we first got married because we settled into our own routines.  With a new baby it is difficult.  You want them to be cuddled by your family instantly.  That opportunity is taken away when you move so far from family.  But what we do have are wonderful friends that we have made and grown relationships with.  I am blessed to have them all in my life and Jack will be just as blessed!  (He may even get a few puppy kisses and snuggles from all of the kiddos!).  However...lucky for Jack, his Tutu and Papa will be on a flight as soon as labor starts!  Oh and for the curious minded, we decided to call my mom Tutu because of her Hawaiian roots...LOL!  She was born on the Marine Corps Base in Honolulu so she swears she's Hawaiian...plus it's a catchy name.
Best. Gift. Ever.
And last but definitely not least...the most thoughtful and beautiful gift Jack has received thus far!  My cousin, Matt, is an absolute mastermind when it comes to building things.  For my 16th birthday he made the hope chest that was filled with lots of love and gifts to get me on my way in life (it's a southern thang, y'all!).  For Jack, he made him a music box that was a replica of the hope chest he made me.  All of the detailing is gorgeous.  His wife chose the song, Claire de Lune, and my Aunt helped sew the fabric inside of it.  Gorgeous is an understatement for this wonderful gift!!
*The original hope chest was delivered by Matt in the back of his truck.  It was in a HUGE box with "snow weight" written on the top...he had me believing it was to keep his truck from flipping in the snow...haha and I believed him!*

Pregnancy Brain...and only 4 weeks to go!

The other day I went to the grocery store.  I had been running errands all day and it was my last stop.  I got the groceries I needed, checked out and went on my way.  When I was loading them into the car I realized I forgot the milk I paid for.  I went back inside, and didn't see the milk.  I asked the bagger if he had seen it, but said no.  He did however hand me the bag I left with my strawberries and english muffins in ...but no milk.  On my way out he told me I better look for my wallet too!  (hardy har har sir).  So I went to the car to double/triple check and it wasn't there either!  I checked my receipt...and I did pay for it!  So who knows what happened to my milk.  A few days later, Jon and I decided we wanted hot dogs for dinner.  On the way home from shopping for baby, I ran into the store.  I only needed hot dogs and buns...I walked outside of the store with everything BUT hot dogs and buns!  This time I just laughed at myself...gave Jon the other groceries and marched right back inside to get what I originally needed.  Holy - preggo - brain!!

It has been a busy few weeks for me!  This last week, I was promoted to Store Manager of my store, yippee!!  I have been working towards this for a long, long time and my hard work has finally paid off!  I am starting to get really tired at work and running around for 8 hours a day is starting to take a toll on my body.  I think up to this point I have been running on adrenaline...and it is slowly disappearing!  And as of yesterday, I am no longer working.  It's time to start organizing this house, getting things put where they belong, and prepare for baby Jack to take over!

Jack is really sitting low right now and adding a lot of pressure when I walk!  My goal is to keep him in as long as possible...but we will see what happens!  My mom keeps betting on 10-11-12...I am okay with that, but I feel like everyone in the world will try to deliver that day...so I definitely wouldn't be happy to have to share a room at the hospital because of it!

Belly photo

35 weeks 2 days
(that darn belly button has a mind of its own now!)

Less than 7 weeks to go...

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post...time is flying by and I barely have time to stop and take a breath!  Over the last few weeks a lot has happened.  Jonathan and I went back to NC because my grandfather passed away.  While the circumstances were unfortunate, it was nice to see my extended family again.  We hardly ever make it back to Greensboro anymore.  My parents and siblings were able to feel Jack kick...what an amazing experience!!

After our trip to NC, we had already planned a mini vaca to San Francisco with two other families over Labor Day weekend.  We all stayed together in a typical San Francisco Flat...how cool!  We had 2 full days there and saw EVERYTHING on our lists!!  I  may have walked waaaay more than my doctor would have liked, but I survived and we had a blast.  It was definitely worth doing before the baby comes.

We rode on public transportation...standing room only...for 30 minutes just to find out it was ZERO visibility!! So worth it though! 

I had my 32 week appointment right before we left for San Francisco.  Everything is still on track.  Working so much on my feet is definitely starting to take a larger toll than I ever could have thought though.  We will see how long I make it!

We already have a nickname for the baby..."Jumping Jack".  One day while quietly sitting on the couch, I felt kicks on  ALL sides of my stomach.  I made the comment that it felt like jumping jacks were being performed inside of me...not realizing he is literally a Jumping JACK!  He likes to roll around and nudge me all the time.  Lately, I have been able to feel a little foot or hand pushing up against me.  It really makes me realize how tiny he is and that soon....sooner than I could ever prepare for...I will have a little baby in my life.  I have prepared so long for this, and yet it still feels like it isn't real.

Well, I don't really have much else to say...just trying to soak up all of the time I have with friends and my husband before my life is thrown into a blender...turned on high...without the lid on.  Sounds like a typical day in my life though :)  So at least I will have a cute little boy to thank from now on!!
Belly shots

32 weeks 5 days

30 weeks 3 days

"You are SO cute"

That's what I hear...client after client...day after day.  But today, I swear I heard it 20 times.  While I am glad other people think I am "cute", I feel like a beached whale!  It is funny to  hear comments while at work though.  At 30 weeks pregnant, you would think I would stop getting the "oh my gosh, you are pregnant?" comments...

"What are you...like 4 months pregnant?" ... try 28 weeks!
"Oh my gosh!  You are pregnant?" ...noo...I just ate a HUGE breakfast.  *this is an EVERY day occurrence*
Client: "I think this looks too big on me.  Kind of like a maternity shirt?  I definitely don't want that" ...umm ok... "Oh my gosh!  I didn't realize you were pregnant!  I am sorry...but once you have kids, you will not want to wear anything that looks maternity!" (this was today)

But the winning comment..."You look like you are about to pop!!  How much longer do you have?" ... "11 weeks" ... "Are you sure there is just one baby in there?" haha, totally contradicts everything I hear EVERY day.

It's been fun interacting with clients everyday, but sometimes I wish I could tattoo a few simple facts on my forehead.
My due date is Oct 25
It's a boy, and yes we have a name for him.
Yes, it's my first.
and of course I am excited!  Should I respond no to that question?

28 wks 5 days

Nothing too new to announce lately.  No new cravings or aversions.  I haven't really had too many.  I do LOVE pretzel m&m's though.  I have tried to stop eating as much pineapple even though I do sorta crave it.  Every time I eat it I have contractions.  I learned that it helps to induce labor, so maybe I will save up for October!!  Every night I feel a few contractions and some during the day.  I think it has a lot to do with me being on my feet for 9 hours a day.  I still feel great but I do start to crash at work after about 6 hours.  I am hoping that I can make it until my due date!!
Jonathan and I have been working to complete the nursery.  Everything is hung up on the walls and ALL of his laundry is done and put away!! 
We scheduled our maternity pictures (yay!) and decided they should be on the beach to embrace our "cali" lifestyle right now!  

Palm Desert Getaway

Putting the pack n play together....and it was a success!!  No extra parts :)

28 down...12 to go!

28 weeks

I had my 28 week doctor appointment yesterday.  They took blood work to test for gestational diabetes.  I passed!  Everything is on track and the doctor even said I am having a boring pregnancy...he also said boring is good!  I am keeping my weight on track so far...no sodas and I am drinking mostly water.  I have had a few indulgences but for the most part I have been able to keep my diet healthy!  I think walking daily has helped too.  Baby is moving ALL the time now.  It is so exciting to feel him and know that he is okay.  The longer I carry him inside of me, the more I praise the Lord that we were blessed with this little miracle!  I cannot wait to hold him in my arms.  The nursery is still coming along.  I can't determine what decorations I want to hang on the walls but all of the furniture is in place and the crib is put together.  We are definitely ready to make room for baby!!  

This verse has been on my mind this week...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Baby Kicks

Cutest little (teeeeeny tiny) shoes I have EVER seen!

I think I am going to give birth to a soccer player in October...as much as I don't like soccer, never watched a game or let alone ever kicked the ball myself...I am pretty sure he is going to be amazing at the sport.  Every day when I wake up he gives me a good kick.  After dinner and right before bed I feel him too.  It is a nice relief to know my baby boy is okay in there, but holy toledo...I feel like I have the next David Beckham in my belly (and for the record, I just googled "famous soccer player" to remember his name...AND if he looks anything like David Beckham I will lock him in a closet as if he were my 16 year old little girl!).  


I am now able to see him kick and can't wait for Jonathan to see too.  Not much has changed over the last few weeks, I just feel SO much bigger!  I haven't experienced any swelling yet, but I do my best to keep my feet propped up and I drink a lot of water.  Next week I have my 28 week appointment and do my gestational diabetes testing.  Crossing my fingers that it goes okay!!  Only 2 more days until I hit my third trimester!  Time is FLYING by!!  27 weeks down...13 to go!


Last week was a crazy week at work.  We had a huge corporate visit and I clocked over 50 hours.  Oh and did I mention I had a cold?  And that I couldn't take anything except for cough drops....but we NAILED the visit and I was able to catch up on sleep after it was over!  I took on a much lighter load at work this week and I am catching up on R&R.  Jonathan comes home Saturday and the next weekend we have a last minute, mini "babymoon" planned.  Just the two of us (well 3 I guess!).  I can't WAIT!  I might just leave the iPhone's at home!  Sorry honey...

Ready for our Corporate Visit!  Rocking the bump...and the "bathroom portrait"

I am trying to keep up with emailing friends and family, but if you haven't received anything it's because I don't have your email address!!  Message me if you want to be added to my list!  I thought I covered everyone...but I am still getting a few messages.  We are registered at Babies R Us (search Sara Swanson/San Clemente).  Anything ordered through our registry will be delivered to our house :-)  Also, we won't be traveling back east until after he is born...mama gets too uncomfortable on the airplane now!!


Belly shot

Jon's gone so it's my best attempt at a self portrait!
26 wks 5 days