The date was September 6, 2011. It was the day after Labour day, here in lovely Canada, and with my son at daycare and my husband at work, I was pregnant and due Sept 7, 2011. Of course this due date was based on my "dates". I had had 2 ultrasounds which gave the dates of Sept 6 and Sept 8 as due dates as well. Frankly, these dates were close enough to the date based on biology, that it did not really matter. I must rewind a bit.
It was December 2010. I had a difficult time at work in November and December 2010 and was feeling the pressure after completing my Masters Degree, to grow and challenge myself, and was beginning to seek new employment opportunities. We knew we wanted more kids (our son was born in August 2008) and due to my biology and previous need for a doctors assistance, we had decided that we would begin to "try". I had trouble with this because I was looking for a new job and who would hire me only to see me leave for a maternity leave. Well, I had to agree with my hubby - if we needed a doctors help, better to get at it sooner than later.
So I notified my doctor in November 2010 of our plans. This was so she could document it and then in 6 months when we had been unsuccessful and based on my history, she would make the referral. I can still remember sitting in the doctor's office and chatting with her about it. Little did I know, the plan was different.
I won't get to graphic but then we got started. Work was terribly stressful and although we had agreed to start this part of our life again, the mood was just not right. I had completely written off December and went on my merry way.
I was training for a 10 km run at the end of the month and was up daily at 5am (yes, I am crazy but I love running) to be at the gym and maintain my routine. I had focus and was attempting to beat my time from April 2010 when I ran a 10 km race but did it in 1 hr and 17 mins. Run Run Run!
Because of the difficulty we had in conceiving our son, I also keep track of my cycles. I mark them on a calendar, keep notes, and so on, as this helps me in planning. Yes, I am a planner! I knew that my friend was due to arrive on Dec 28 and this was 3 days before my run. I stayed positive that the fourth day of cramping, bloating and feelings awful would not impact my running and held out hope that my body would be calm and ready to race.
However, my Dec 31, 2010, my friend had not arrived. This is generally not a problem as I can be anywhere from 28-31 days depending on my body and stress. However, I had other "symptoms". I woke up the day of the race early to go to the bathroom. I knew I had a test and went to get it. It had not expired, so I took it.
OH MY GOD!
My husband was still sleeping upstairs in bed when I took this test. I took the test and headed back upstairs. I entered our room and asked my husband if he was awake? "Yes", was his response.
I took the test and tossed it at him and said, "good cause you are gonna be a dad again."
He bolted upright, fumbled for the test, turned on the lights and said, "really".
So much for my thoughts about December not being the month. The first month actually of trying but then due to other issues, thinking we had missed the mark. I suppose my body and my universe knew better. Girl Power.
We raced to the computer and checked and based on dates, I would be due Sept 7, 2011. Let the fun begin!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
It's been quite the year!
The last time I wrote, I had no idea what the next 12 months had in store for me.
On October 14, 2010, I signed up for my first Half Marathon in Toronto, ON. It would be May 29, 2011 and it was for Women only - I figured I could handle that distance with the training and effort required.
On October 29, 2010, I graduated from my Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University and my son, husband, my mother, sister, nephew, mother in law, brother in law and a wonderful family friend were all present as I crossed that stage! 2 solid years of long hours, and time spent away from my family - sacrifices made for the end goal!
October 2010 - my brother and sister in law moved back to Ontario from Alberta. We were glad to have them back and able to share time with them.
December 31, 2010. There will be something separate about this day, but this day, changed my life direction. I had no idea at the time, but the impact would be great! I am pregnant and due September 7, 2011. I ran 10 kms that night and obtained a personal best by shaving 8 minutes off my time from April 2010. However, the true "personal best" came 10 hours prior to my race, when that test came back positive. Girl Power!
I shared my news with my personal trainer who was supportive of my continued goal of running the Half Marathon and so, I said, Bring on 2011.
February 2011 my family took a trip to Cuba. It was chilly for Cuba and we really had not expected that kind of weather and therefore, were not quite dressed properly. However, it was a great get away with family to spend some great time together!
I was sick throughout this pregnancy more so than with my son. I took time from work.
I ran the Half Marathon in May. My time? 2 hours and 59 mins! YIP...my goal was less than 3 hours and I did it! I was sore the day of the race and after but was fine the next day. However, some of the others in the group, were quite stiff and sore. I thank my personal trainer for pushing me and encouraging me to cross train and lift weights.
So I could not longer run after the race. So walking and swimming it was.
September 6, 2011. My water broke at 4:30pm. I was in Starbucks, but not bought anything. I left my puddle on the floor and headed out the door. In case you are wondering, I did not tell anyone what had happened, other than my friend whom I had been chatting.
My contractions were about every 3-6 minutes apart and were strong. I picked up my son and all of his daycare teachers were mad at me for driving, picking him up and then driving home.
I called my husband, labour support and midwife. Husband was on his way home, Labour Support on her way and midwife said that when they are strong and regular, call back.
After labouring at home, walking, getting in the tub and sitting on the ball. My daughter was born at home on September 7, 2011 at 12:06am. This pretty girl was 9 lbs, 2 ozs and 19 3/4 inches. A couple of stitches, no drugs and the love and support of those around me. She is beautiful and I can say a complete surprise. How much of a surprise? My husband wanted to announce if it was a boy or girl and he said, "there is no penis" and thus, our little girl had arrived! More on the birth story later.
So here we are, over a year after I posted that first entry. Things really have changed but I am looking forward to the adventures of what the next year is going to bring for me and my family.
On October 14, 2010, I signed up for my first Half Marathon in Toronto, ON. It would be May 29, 2011 and it was for Women only - I figured I could handle that distance with the training and effort required.
On October 29, 2010, I graduated from my Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University and my son, husband, my mother, sister, nephew, mother in law, brother in law and a wonderful family friend were all present as I crossed that stage! 2 solid years of long hours, and time spent away from my family - sacrifices made for the end goal!
October 2010 - my brother and sister in law moved back to Ontario from Alberta. We were glad to have them back and able to share time with them.
December 31, 2010. There will be something separate about this day, but this day, changed my life direction. I had no idea at the time, but the impact would be great! I am pregnant and due September 7, 2011. I ran 10 kms that night and obtained a personal best by shaving 8 minutes off my time from April 2010. However, the true "personal best" came 10 hours prior to my race, when that test came back positive. Girl Power!
I shared my news with my personal trainer who was supportive of my continued goal of running the Half Marathon and so, I said, Bring on 2011.
February 2011 my family took a trip to Cuba. It was chilly for Cuba and we really had not expected that kind of weather and therefore, were not quite dressed properly. However, it was a great get away with family to spend some great time together!
I was sick throughout this pregnancy more so than with my son. I took time from work.
I ran the Half Marathon in May. My time? 2 hours and 59 mins! YIP...my goal was less than 3 hours and I did it! I was sore the day of the race and after but was fine the next day. However, some of the others in the group, were quite stiff and sore. I thank my personal trainer for pushing me and encouraging me to cross train and lift weights.
So I could not longer run after the race. So walking and swimming it was.
September 6, 2011. My water broke at 4:30pm. I was in Starbucks, but not bought anything. I left my puddle on the floor and headed out the door. In case you are wondering, I did not tell anyone what had happened, other than my friend whom I had been chatting.
My contractions were about every 3-6 minutes apart and were strong. I picked up my son and all of his daycare teachers were mad at me for driving, picking him up and then driving home.
I called my husband, labour support and midwife. Husband was on his way home, Labour Support on her way and midwife said that when they are strong and regular, call back.
After labouring at home, walking, getting in the tub and sitting on the ball. My daughter was born at home on September 7, 2011 at 12:06am. This pretty girl was 9 lbs, 2 ozs and 19 3/4 inches. A couple of stitches, no drugs and the love and support of those around me. She is beautiful and I can say a complete surprise. How much of a surprise? My husband wanted to announce if it was a boy or girl and he said, "there is no penis" and thus, our little girl had arrived! More on the birth story later.
So here we are, over a year after I posted that first entry. Things really have changed but I am looking forward to the adventures of what the next year is going to bring for me and my family.
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