Charlotte (Charlie).

Charlotte Anne Boeke!

Charlotte was born on Saturday, February 25th at 10:52 A.M.  She had a long road to get here but has been doing very well.  Here is the birth story in a shortened version.  I am hoping that my memory starts to fade so I will want to do this again someday.  She is definitely worth all of the work and pain that came with her delivery.  I am healing slowly and although I look like a member of the Twilight cast right now I am feeling okay. 

Thursday, February 23
5 pm-  Talking to Shannon on the phone and felt my first contraction
6 pm- Paul came home from the gym and the contractions started to be between 10-15 min. apart
11:30 pm-  We went to the hospital hoping that this was it!  Contractions were about 4-6 min apart for a couple of hours

Friday, February 24
1:30 am-  got discharged from the hospital because contractions slowed down
*had contractions all day long
3:00 pm- went to get checked at dr.'s office and he was willing to break my water
4:00 pm- got to hospital, got water broken and waited (story of our lives!)

Saturday, February 25
7:15 am- was finally fully dilated and started to push
*still pushing.....
10:00 am- turned to Paul and asked if this was headed anywhere.  He hesitated and told me that there hadn't been much change in her position.  Dr. said it was up to me and I felt it was time for her to be born.
10:30 am- went in for c-section
10:52 am- Charlotte came! 

We are all trying to figure out how to get as much sleep as possible and enjoy our time with her.  Paul has off of work this week and he has been amazing helping with diaper changes and all of the things that I am not able to do.  I wish he could have more time off!  We are looking forward to lots of time with friends and family as they come to visit.

41 weeks and 2 days...

Still no baby.  I am not sure if she has the same fear of hospitals as I do or if she is just stubborn like me.  Either way I am sure she is going to be a challenge!  Ironically my New Year's resolution was patience.  I guess it is being tested. 

I have been having contractions (mostly in the middle of the night) and horrible cramps this week.  I keep thinking the more pain I am in the closer I am to going to the hospital.  I have to collect my urine for the next 24 hours and I will have another non stress test tomorrow.  As long as she is doing okay and all my tests are normal it is looking like Monday will be the day to get induced if nothing happens over the weekend.  As cool as it would be to have a Leap Year baby, I don't think I can emotionally or physically handle that extra day or two. 

Hopefully I will have something to good to report soon!

40 weeks and 2 days...

I guess Baby Boeke wasn't that excited about arriving on Valentine's Day.  Maybe she wanted Paul and I to have a date night before she came.   Our doctor wants us to wait until 42 weeks before trying to induce so we might have to wait a couple of weeks to meet her.  Hopefully she comes soon!

How far along? 40 weeks and 2 days

Total weight gain:  was at 35 but after the box of Girl Scout Thin Mints it could be more
Maternity clothes? same sweatpants, tshirts and jeans.  can't wait to wear normal clothes again!
Stretch marks? just the tiny ones on my hip. 
Sleep:  still not great but tylenol pm might be my new best friend.

Best moment this week:  dinner out at Bonefish for Valentine's Day

Miss Anything? running (although I am sure I will change my mind when I can again)wearing normal clothes, being able to bend over to tie shoes
Movement: lots of  movement most of the time.  I had a non stress test  and she wasn't moving at all until I drank some juice.  She went crazy so I think she is still doing okay.

Food cravings:  fruit, smoothies, thin mints, can't get enough ice
Anything making you queasy or sick:  spicy and/or fried food
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: some contractions.  feeling the nesting urge to clean, have food on hand, and be organized.

Symptoms: pretty much the same - heartburn, swelling in the feet, hip and leg pain, some sharp pains every once in awhile  (hoping this means progress)
Belly Button in or out?  still flat and stretched out. 
Wedding rings on or off? off.  I was walking yesterday on the treadmill and my hands started to turn purple.  I guess it was just a matter of time.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy but tired.  Made it to the due date and it really can't be too long now!

Looking forward to: baby girl's arrival, seeing her with Paul, introducing her to family and friends

39 weeks and counting...

Paul and I are expecting our baby girl any minute now.  I am 39 weeks today and have way too much time on my hands.   If it wasn't for Pinterest, Facebook and Bravo I would be lost!  I wanted to make sure to write down everything that happens this year, for Paul and I to remember, and for friends and family to be able to keep updated on our lives.  I love reading other blogs and figured at the very least my mom and Julie will want to see pictures of their granddaughter. 

We will have 4 months here in Des Moines before we move to Columbia, Missouri for Paul to start his opthamology residency.  We are so lucky to have this time here (surrounded by doctors and a quick walk to the hospital) and to get some much needed help from everyone as we try to navigate parenthood.  Paul is working at Blank Children's Hospital this month and is on night shift this week.  As long as Baby Boeke comes after Friday he will get to take a week off work to be home with us. Hopefully this pediatrics rotation won't scare him off!

I have been horrible about taking pictures and writing down things during my pregnancy.  I have seen this on other blogs and wanted to at least do it once before she comes.

How far along? 39 weeks today!

Total weight gain:  who is counting anymore???
Maternity clothes? more like Paul's clothes.  I have one pair of jeans, one pair of sweats and Paul's t-shirts to wear now.  Thank you Raygun for making long soft t-shirts!  They should have their own maternity line.
Stretch marks? found a few underneath the belly.  luckily they are small.
Sleep:  in 2 hour increments, on the couch, chair or bed.  So sick of people telling me to get sleep now while I can.  It isn't happening!

Best moment this week: Being out downtown Des Moines and having fun with the Broadlawns crew. 
Miss Anything? being comfortable!, sushi, beer, wine, margaritas, gin and tonics, wearing normal clothes
Movement: lots of  movement still.   She kicked our doctor at the last appointment.  We might have a little soccer player!  I have seen hands and feet as there is less and less room for her
Food cravings:  frozen grapes, avacado, chocolate, Jube Jell Valentine hearts!
Anything making you queasy or sick:  spicy and/or fried food requires a bottle of Tums now
Gender: Girl (although I have had a lot of dreams that she is a boy)
Labor Signs: have definitely noticed some contractions in the last week.  She has dropped pretty low which has been amazing for my ribs but not so great for my bladder.
Symptoms: heartburn, swelling in the feet (cankles are not a good look!), hip and leg pain
Belly Button in or out?  pretty flat and stretched out.  Paul laughed the last time he saw it so that gives you an idea of how it looks.
Wedding rings on or off? on
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy for the most part but getting impatient.  Moody with people that stare!  I might be huge but I am guessing you have seen a pregnant person before!

Looking forward to: baby girl's arrival!  and getting labor over with.