Isla's birth story

For Isla's upcoming birthday I thought it would be fun to write a condensed version of her birth story. (What I can remember anyway.) I really regret not blogging that whole time period, and I feel like I am forgetting a lot of moments when they were babies. I don't scrapbook anymore and I don't really keep up with a baby book, so this blog is more like a scrapbook of our lives. Hopefully I will get better at it.

--2 years ago, 2009. January.
Getting ready to give birth. Pretty typical pregnancy, except for the yucky morning sickness and then gestational diabetes. Had to go on a diet and exercise plan but eventually had to get on glyburide to control it. I had to test my blood 4 times a day. YUK! The last 2 months of pregnancy was pretty hard because I kept having to get stress tests every week. I was also extremely emotional and constantly hungry, and annoyed because I wasn't allowed to eat what I wanted to eat.

--January 19 morning
Went to the hospital for a normal stress test. Had been having pretty strong contractions on and off. The nurse on duty asked if I wanted to stay in the hospital because she said my contractions were starting to get stronger and consistent. I really didn't want to, so I went back home. I remember going to the Seiyu for lunch, but feeling really achy. So went home.

--around 5:30
Felt like the contractions were really strong and painful, so went to the hospital. When the nurse checked me, she said I was only at 4cm (what!), so said I could walk around, or go home. Went back home feeling stupid.

--5:30-10:30ish
The contractions were starting to get really painful. I tried bouncing on a ball, walking, showers, bath, but I couldn't handle it. I didn't think I would be much more than 5-6cm, and didn't wanna go back in. But Jamie brought Kainoa to a friends house anyway.

--10:45ish
Finally Jamie says we need to go back to the hospital. I was in so much pain I was crying and could barely walk. In the car I was crying and yelling at Jamie. haha. Once we got to the hospital I was sooo ready for an epidural. (I had wanted to do a natural birth, but I guess I'm just not cut out for it. LOL.) Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist said it was too late for me to get one. ( I think I was 8 cm when they checked me.) I was soo upset and mad and started yelling and swearing at everyone. So they said I could get a spinal to take the edge off. Right after I get the spinal, I had the urge to push, so they checked and said, yup, I could push. It happened so fast after we got to the hospital.

--11:13
After about 3 pushes, Isla was born. She was born En Caul, still in the sack. My very honest husband said it was the weirdest thing he ever saw; like she was in a balloon. hahaha. The Dr. and nurses were all in awe, and called in a few more nurses to check it out. I guess they had never seen it before. I remember thinking, WTH! But they said it was really amazing and good luck for Isla.

--I was pretty emotional and depressed a little, mainly because I didn't have any family there. My mom and sister couldn't make it to Japan, and Jamie's parents couldn't either. Luckily, I had an amazing bunch of friends who were so helpful and supportive during that time. I didn't have post natal depression, was just a little sad. But I was also super elated to have a cute little family! I really regret not taking more pictures, especially of both kids together, because my husband took most of them and they are all crappy! ha. OH well. Here are a few.