My Birth Story

Well, for those of you who haven't already heard the excitement of Kathryn's birth, I thought I would write a brief summary of the events.

Thursday started off nice and relaxed with my Mom. She treated me to a manicure and pedicure, which was very fun. Then we did some errands, which is when I started thinking I was maybe having "real" contractions. Nothing really painful, but stronger than usual. They started coming about every 20 minutes, and I remember thinking that it was interesting that they were coming regularly. However, I didn't want to get my hopes up that this was "it." We ate dinner and then I decided that maybe I should take a nap, since the contractions seemed more like 10 minutes apart. I figured they would probably go away while lying down, figuring they were more braxton hicks contractions. At 8:30 I got up, and I remember being surprised that I was still having these contractions and started thinking this might really be the real deal. So I called our doula and some friends to tell them that I thought this might be labor. I think we started timing contractions at 9pm, and quite quickly the contractions went from 10 minutes apart to 5 minutes apart to 2-3 minutes apart. At around 9:45 the doula arrived, and we all figured I had hours yet to go, so we hadn't called the doctor. In fact, I still had a list of things to pack in my suitcase. Sometime around 10, maybe a little after, I started feeling a lot of pressure and the contractions were coming consistantly around 2 minutes apart. I remember saying something like, "I want an epidural! Why did I want to do this naturally?" all the while thinking I was only in the beginning stages of labor. Then I think it dawned on all of us that these contractions were only getting stronger and closer together and we still had a 15 minute drive to the hospital. In quite a flurry, Nick and my mom tried to find the rest of the things on my list to pack and got the car ready to go. On the ride over there, I felt like I really had to push. I said, "I have to push! I can't not push. I think I can feel the baby coming out!" My mom went between reciting Psalm 23 and saying "DON'T PUSH!!!" What felt like a looong time later, we pulled up to the emergency room entrance and I stumbled on Nick's arm to the maternity ward. After very calmly greeting us saying things like, "1st baby? And contractions started at 8?" our doula said something like "Yes, her first, but she says she needs to push. I think this baby is coming soon!" They rushed me into a delivery room and a nurse checked me, to find out that I was 10 cm. and ready to push! What a relief to hear that! They couldn't find Kathryn's heart beat and the nurses kind of panicked. The doctor on the floor came in since my doctor had not had time to arrive yet. She calmly assessed the situation and made clear that this baby should come now. So with 3 or so big pushes, out came Little Peanut! Check in to the hospital= 10:55. Baby born 11:04. 9 minutes to spare! Whew! All in all, I think we were all a little shell-shocked at the rapidity of all of the events of the evening. We certainly did not intend to cut it so close! But we were thrilled to see our sweet little Kathryn healthy as can be. I think next time around we will go to the hospital much sooner! :) But thanks be to the Lord for his protection over us and for bringing Kathryn into the world safe and healthy. Thanks for all your prayers!

Kathryn Elisabeth Swan

We're home! We are enjoying our little daughter so much...still can't really believe we're parents! Thank you to all who have surrounded us with prayer and thanksgiving. Here's a picture of our sweet little girl...more to come.

Born 1/25/07 11:04 pm
6 lbs. 9 oz. 20 inches long

Happy Due Date!

Well, I went to the doctor today and he said I'm still 3 cm. dilated. Since today is my official due date, he said he was fine going one more week and seeing what happens. So I'm scheduled for an induction for next Thursday in case the baby decides not to come before then. Between now and then, I have another ultrasound on Friday (just to make sure everything still looks good) and then another appointment next Tuesday or Wednesday. Assuming, that is, that I haven't delivered by then. In the mean time, we have been having a WONDERFUL time with my mom, who arrived yesterday morning. She and I have done some crafts for my cousin Katie's wedding, as well as grocery shopping, Starbucks, and reading. Tonight she made a delicious dinner for us. (Last night she made chocolate-covered strawberries! Mmmmmm) As I told her earlier, I always appreciate her good cooking when we're in Wheaton- But it's a whole new kind of "wonderful" when it's in my OWN house and I don't have to do anything to prepare it! What a blessing she is...I'm so glad she will be here for the first 1-2 weeks after the baby is born!

Nothing New

Well, I'm afraid this has not been a very exciting week...enjoyable, but not exciting. Thus the lack of posts. :) Nick and I have been able to spend a lot of time together this weekend, which has been great. We found some firewood for sale today, so it was nice to build a fire inside to compliment the inch of snow that we got yesterday. I do want to thank all of you who have been praying for us as we approach the arrival of our little one. I have felt particularly lifted up the last few days, as the Lord has given me a wonderful peace and joy as I look forward to becoming a mom. Last week my emotions were a little bit of a rollercoaster, and I was fighting temptation to be anxious about the near future. But it is helpful to remember that I am in the Lord's hands, and he promises to give strength in my weakness. In fact, I will find no greater strength than in Him, trusting the Lord in the midst of this transition. And now as labor is only days (or hours?) away, I am so excited to hold and cuddle our baby! We are so greatful for your friendship and prayers. We'll keep you posted! :)

It's coming...Soon!

Yup, I'm still here. I went to the doctor today and she said I'm 3 cm. dilated and 80% effaced! So things are looking like they're progressing right along. It's so fun thinking about holding our baby any day now. We can't wait to find out if its a boy or a girl!!! I do have a recital for my students this Saturday, so it would be nice to be able to keep that engagement. But other than that, I think I'm ready. I'm planning on sending out an email and/or updating the blog when I go into labor and again when the baby is born (someone will, if not me). We'll post pictures as soon as we can once "Speck" makes his/her debut in the world. :) Still feeling great...walking and sleeping well. How kind of the Lord to allow such a smooth pregnancy. I pray that the labor and delivery will follow suite. Love to you all!

Nesting Instinct

As my aunt Becky mentioned in her comment from the last post, the "nesting" instinct has definitely been part of the last weeks of pregnancy for me. Let's just say that Nick has loved it! I finally cleaned out the trunk of my car (which hadn't been clean since I started driving it 2 1/2 years ago) and meticulously scrubbed all interior car surfaces with armor-all. Why the car, of all things, I'm not sure. :) And Nick looked at me a little funny when he saw me bleaching the blinds that go in front of our sliding door. For whatever reason the grime started to bother me. Oh, and the doors that go to our laundry closet. Those got bleached too. The walk-in closet that had been my "put everything that doesn't have a place" storage room has now been miraculously organized, as well as our outside storage closet with all of our moving boxes. Hey, I needed room for the jog stroller, so I had some motivation. :) I guess I'll just keep looking for projects until I run out of time or run out of things to do. :)

Baby update...

I went to the doctor today and I'm now 2 cm. dilated! :) Still could be a few weeks, but hey, that's 2 cm. less to worry about later! 2 weeks and counting.

The Final Countdown!

Well, I must say that this week has been a bit of a rollercoaster emotionally. Upon getting home from vacation, I had this overwhelming feeling that there was SO much to do before the baby came and that I could never get it all done. However, by Wednesday I couldn't remember what it was that felt so urgent or why I had been overwhelmed at all. And now I really feel that all that I'd like to get done before the baby comes is done. Thank you notes are written, the car is cleaned out, the carseat is installed (which took longer than I thought), the house is mildly clean, the crib is ready, the yellow and green clothes are washed, my eye and dental appointments have been made. So I think I'm ready! I'm getting really excited to meet this little alien inside of me. :)

37 1/2 weeks along

At my doctor's appointment last Tuesday, he said I am 80% effaced and 1 cm. dilated, which I know doesn't really mean much, but at least things are getting started. The head is down as well, a good sign. I had an ultrasound on Thursday (and NO, I didn't find out the sex, for those of you wondering!), and according to measurements (which can be wrong), this kiddo already weighs about 7 lbs. 2 oz! It must be that big old noggin. :)

Snapshots of Christmas

The first leg of our Christmas travels brought us to Muncie, IN to be with Nick's family. I flew out on Tuesday the 19th, and Nick drove out on Wednesday. We had some nice quiet days with Dennis and Marilyn (Nick's parents) while the other siblings finished up work for the week. Swan traditions include breakfast with the extended family on Christmas Eve morning. Then we give gifts Christmas Eve night while enjoying delicious Pizza King pizza and eggnog.

Sarah, Pat, Stacey, Sean, Nick, me, Dennis, Marilyn

Then on Christmas morning we drove to Wheaton, about a 4-4.5 hour drive. No one was home when we got there, so we were able to relax a bit after the drive. The official festivities started up on the 27th, with brunch at Grandma Taylor's house. I think we had about 50 people (only a fraction of the total number in the family, though!). This year we did a "used and loved" gift exchange, as each person brought something in good condition from their house to exchange. It turned out great, and Nick and I walked away with a nice bread box and a CD boombox (to replace one that we have that skips CDs). Then we had Christmas dinner, also at Grandma's. Needless to say, there was plenty of yummy food to be had!

Meredith, my 2 year old cuddly niece

We celebrated Christmas with our immediate family on the 28th, and everyone was able to be there, including Stephen who had just recently gotten back from a semester in Italy, and Gram, my mom's mom from SC. I was thinking about how next Christmas will be a bit more "lively", since there will be 3 more babies! Kristen is due in April, and Nancy is due in June. What a blessing to welcome these new little ones soon.


On Friday the 29th, we drove back to Indiana to celebrate New Years weekend with Nick's extended family. Every year we rent cabins in Brown County State Park, a much loved tradition. (Nick especially likes the fire-making). The ladies threw me a baby shower, which was very fun, and we all enjoyed time relaxing as a family.

Nick and I send our New Year's greetings and blessings to you all. And as we reflect on Christmas and look ahead to the beginning of a new year, may we remember that the greatest gift we have received is the gift of our salvation through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. There is no greater hope than knowing that we will spend eternity with Him, not by any merit on our parts, but by his saving grace alone. Only by placing faith in Jesus's atoning work on the cross are we saved from the wrath of God that we so justly deserve. And if that's not a new beginning that fills my heart with joy, I don't know what is. :)