This is IT .... My birth story

FINALLY......

Thursday, October 5th - 36W6d

All started with some liquid leaking on evening after I got home from singing practise with Priscilla, Leanne, Sophie, Alexandra and a short meeting on music things with Michi, Arne, Mary and Susan. Had a pad on my pants and went to bed earlier hoping it will be gone. It's normal at the end of the pregnancy, as experts


Friday, October 6th - 37W

8 am - The layer was wet. There had been some more liquid on my pad. Told Hardy about it but convinced him (and my self) that's normal. My due date was still three weeks ahead. This couldn't be the sign that I will deliver the baby soon. When I had Abigail the water was broken, the leaking was straight forward not slowly. It's all right and normal at the end of pregnancy, I thought. Checked for several times if the baby is still moving.

09.15 - Took Abigail to barnehagen and stayed for a while until she started her music therapy (sounds a bit scary...heee - it's just a music class for kids with non norwegian mother tongue). Abigail also had a trip to her classmates' and teacher's houses today.

9.30 am - Rang the hospital to consult and they suggested me to come for check up when the leaking goes on. Tried to tickle my tummy for several times again and felt relief when the baby was still moving.

10 am - Rang Priscilla to tell her that I couldn't come to the morning group at Leanne’s. She offered to take me to the hospital, but I thought better to wait for a while hoping the leaking will stop. A very kind of her, offering a ride anytime I need to go to the hospital.

Rang Hardy and told him that I might go to the hospital just to make sure the baby is fine. No reason to worry and the due date is still far ahead... but I got my emergency bag ready in case I need to stay at the hospital for the delivery... tried to stay calm and to continue the crochet.



1.30 pm - Saw Abigail with her friends and teachers Doris and Laila passing our apartment. Grabbed my camera to catch them with it, not so clear. I was thinking a lot of Abigail since I dropped her and glad to see her - the smallest one among all kids - with her friends, walked with her small steps and almost running to catch up with her friends steps.

2 pm – Couldn’t stop thinking about the leaking and decided to go to the hospital even the leaking was almost gone. Better had my condition checked up before it's late. Rang Priscilla for help with the ride. Rang Hardy, as well. Agreed to meet up at the hospital.


2.30 pm - Got in the hospital, couldn't find the entrance right away though I had been there for the visit... good it's not the time to deliver the baby with pain and contractions - there's time to go around and find the entrance. Hardy had been waiting there.

Went up to the reception at the 5th floor and waited for fifteen minutes or so. Went into the checking room but they moved me the delivery room as they saw a note 'rask fødsel' or quick birth on my card. Priscilla was off back to her home and offered to pick up Abigail if needed. Had those two wires put on my tummy to monitor the both contractions and baby's heart-beat, had to press another button, too when I feel the baby is moving.

3.30 pm -
Rang Priscilla to pick Abigail up from barnehagen at 4.30 pm and stay with her until Hardy comes home. We wish Uli, my sister was there – as planned, so we don't bother anyone else- but grateful to have friends around.

5 pm - After being monitored for about one and a half hour with no regular contractions the midwife told us that I could go home, but we thought it's better for me to stay in case the contractions get stronger and more often. We'd agreed that if the water breaks, I would rather stay at the hospital until the delivery. Having experience with Abigail's delivery which was so quickly after the water was broken.

5.30 - Hardy decided to go home and I went to the canteen for dinner. Back to the room and waiting. So lucky that they have internet access, telephone, telly, and CD player at the room. Took some pictures. Had some music and made phone calls to check on how Abigail is doing at home - miss her so much. Watched telly and checked emails. No contractions, no sign of the baby's coming.

7.30 - Taken to another room and being checked by the midwives. They weren't sure if the liquid is amniotic fluid comes from the sac.

8.00 - Took a cab to go home. The driver was nice and talked a lot. So glad to meet Abigail and Hardy at home. Missed them so much. Went to bed at 9.30 pm. Better be prepared to have the baby soon.



Saturday, October 7th

3.30 am
Awoke to feel more painful contractions. Not so often, though. Laid awake for one hour to follow the contractions. It came every 25 minutes for 20 seconds.

4.30 am
Awoke Hardy and told him that I felt some painful and stronger contractions which I'd never had before. Still every 25 minutes for about 20 seconds. Had early breakfast, prepared some food to take with to the hospital. Prepared the bag and all things needed in the hospital. Tried to go to toilette with success.... Found some blood spot came along with it.

5 am
Rang the hospital telling them about the blood spots. Could it be the sign of labor?
The midwife at the other end told me that's normal and no need to worry, besides my due date is still three weeks ahead and there wasn't any pattern of contractions yet, neither some pressure down to my cervix, a bit surprise to me but it could be right. Took a nap again with some contractions every 25 minutes.

8.30 am
Awoke by Abigail after a beauty sleep, so did Hardy. Didn't remember any contractions while sleeping. Had breakfast.

9.30 am
Watched cartoon together with Abigail and Hardy. Felt more painful contractions. Hardy took note on them. I thought that I was into labor at that time. The contractions were getting more intense. Tried to be positive and felt good that we'll get to see our baby three weeks early.
9.37 - 20 sec
9.45 - 20 sec
9.52 - 20 sec
10.06 - 20 sec
10.20 - 20 sec
10.20 - painful
10.30 - more painful

After the movie, tried to walk in the house and did the crochet. Felt more often, more painful, stronger and longer contractions.
10.38 - painful
10.42 - 20 sec
10.44 - not so painful
10.48 - not so painful
10.52 -
11.00 -
11.05 -

Laid down, read book and felt more painful contractions. I had a lot of pain in my cervix, It hurt a lot when I walked and when I went to sleep. Tried to take a deep breath when the contractions come. Try to thank God for being with me and helping me, and I would sustain my pain. It'd be over soon.
11.16 - painful - 40 sec
11.33 - painful - 1 min
11.40 - painful - 50 sec
11.45 - painful - 30 sec
11.48 - painful - 55 sec
11.52 - painful - 55 sec
11.56 - painful - 1 min

12.15
Rang Priscilla and got ready to the hospital. The contractions were getting stronger and longer and painful. Couldn't remember that I had such kind contractions with Abigail.

12.45
Priscilla and Gunnar came. Off to the hospital a s a p. Gunnar drove us to there. Tried to smile when he made a joke that this painful of labor is women's fault.... Couldn't bear the pain... go go go faster faster but mind the bumps, please...

1 pm
Got into the hospital and straight to the 5th floor. That was the worst waiting time ever... why it took so long for the midwife to come?? Hardy asked for a wheel chair but they seemed not to notice him. I moaned through my pain and Hardy asked me to higher my voice so they could hear me and come quickly, I couldn't ... I was in lots of pain. It was the longest, hardest, more painful fifteen minutes in my life.
Finally the midwife - the one I met in the evening before - fetched me. It was the most hard walk I'd ever had - just from the waiting room to the delivery room but needed to stop for several times and leaned on Hardy because of the heavy pain. I couldn't think of anything else, I just want to push push push and let the heavy burden in me through... as I felt the pressure down to my cervix were getting stronger and unbearable.

Finally, I got into the føde stue or delivery room. The midwife checked me and said that the cervix was fully dilated. She seemed to be a bit panic and didn't say anything - called another midwife to help out. Time to push now... and I forgot how to do it right until the other midwife - the young one who speaks English - came. Couldn't think of speaking norwegian in those time. I tried hard to push and breath and push again. Had the mask on, but didn't help so much to relieve the pain... Changed position, got on my knees and push again... Hardy was there too and ready with water. I took a sip several times... and back to my work... grabbed everything I could to share the pain... (includes Hardy - later on he told me that he hurts a lot...)





2.10 pm
FINALLY, our baby boy, Jonah, was born!!!
After a big and powerful pushing the baby came out!! I could feel once the baby were stuck in my cervix and after the next push I could feel it through... and it was a huge-giant relief. Couldn't believe that it's over, so did Hardy. Didn't expect it went so quickly but it's true. I heard the baby's crying. Thanks God!! I had the baby on my arms right away. Hardy cut the cord and got some blood spilled out on his sweater. He grabbed his handy cam and camera right away. Didn’t want to miss any of those special moments.




Had some stiches, which I didn't care at all, had rested and eaten. Jonah was being measured, the weight (2,775 kg), height (47 cm) and the blood sugar (3,7) - because his weight is under 3 kg. Jonah tried to feed as well.

6 pm - Moved to barsel rom - maternity room and had supper with Norwegian flag. Risgrøt (rice porridge) with sausages.

7.30 pm - Hardy went home, tired but excited, I guess. Wish Abigail could be there and see her little brother.

It's over now. Our tiny baby boy is here. He is ten days old today and it’s amazing to watch him growing, what a miracle... He is a peaceful and sweet baby. I feel all right and looking forward to meeting my sister Uli who is coming today.

Abigail plays her role as a nice and sweet big sister. She is more getting used to Jonah's existance. She is so alert and care for Jonah, though it was a bit tough at the beginning.






He is a bunch of joy to our big family and friends, epecially Hardy's parents, Ompung Siantar, Amangboru & Bou Stephani, Amangboru & Bou Laura, Uda Tony and Bou Vera. Amangtua & Inangtua Dominique, Tulang Sindak and Tulang Sadrak.
It made a perfect birthday present for my father Ompung Medan, who shares the same birthday with our baby and a perfect present for Uda Saibun & my sister Inanguda Uli Sirait who celebrated their first anniversary on October 7th.
Ompung Medan gave a name ‘SUJUD’ and another name will be given by Ompung Siantar soon. We call him JONAH. For sure, he is SIAHAAN.

I'll update when I get the chance but with another story. My diary about Jonah. Thanks for all prayers, thoughts and supports. To God, to Hardy and Abigail, our parents, all families and friends.

Hope you will enjoy sharing in all the challenges that each time brings for us, as much as Hardy, Abigail and I have been enjoying.

Everything is here

Finally after waiting for one week, I've got the changing table. Not a new one, but still good. Everything is almost settled up for the baby. The baby cot, clothes, nursing tea, nursing pillow.... Time to think of my self, Hardy and Abigail now. The emergency bag, nursing jumper, nursing t-shirt, baby doll for Abigail and enough food in the fridge for Hardy - are on the to-do-list now.
I get back to do my crochet after a long break... sit back and relax!!
Excited, excited, excited...

Mye liv

36W3d

Had an extra check-up today with the midwife and took Abigail with me. It's amazing how the baby grows in one week. The measurement of my tummy catch up with the curve again. Thank's God.
My blood pressure is good also. 100/77. My weight remains the same.

'Mye liv' noted the midwife. Lots of movements, showing that he is alive and awake. That's right. The baby moves strongly and oftenly. I think he awakes mostly at the evening.

Will have another check-up with her in two weeks.

Slow down

...Week 36

I think, it's time to slow down. Do less, take more rest, go to bed earlier and just wait...

To day I played for the last time at the service. I got a beautiful-thank you-flower from the congregation. Will get back next year, I guess.

One at the service said that my tummy has dropped lower. Other can tell that I am having a baby boy looking at the shape of my belly.

I feel good, in good mood and shape... Excercising is one you don't want to miss if you want stay fit and have an easy delivery, so I try to do it while watching telly. A massage is still a nice routine.


YOUR BABY THIS WEEK

You will probably visit your health care provider on a weekly basis now—a sign that the delivery day is drawing near. Although your appointments will be frequent, they''ll also be short; bring a list of any questions you have, particularly about labor and delivery.

Your Baby: Nearly 21 inches (53 cm) long and weighing in at 6 pounds (3 kg), your baby is rapidly approaching her birth weight. You may notice your “belly” seems to have dropped and may seem slightly smaller. That’s because your baby has dropped lower in your pelvis, relieving some of the pressure on your abdomen. While she may still move around a bit in the weeks to come, generally she''ll settle comfortably in the lower part of your uterus. In the meantime, baby''s brain tissue continues to develop, and finally, the lungs and respiratory system are nearing maturity.

Your Body

Well there’s no getting around it—you’re feeling like a beach ball! Driving will become more difficult, as will sitting in the front seat of a vehicle; going up and down stairs will start to feel like climbing a mountain! Even though you have a few weeks to go, your weight may stabilize around this time, so you won’t get much larger. Stay off your feet as much as possible to minimize swelling and cramping, and rest when you can.

Does size matter?

35W3d

Had a check-up with the 'jordmor' the norwegian word for midwife.

Weighed 63,7 kg.
My blood pressure is low 96/63 and my tummy's size is bit under the curve.
Need to have another appointment next week to see its growth.
If the size is still and much more under the curve then I have to get ultrasound check-up to see if the baby is ok.

I feel worry but the midwife said it's ok as long as I feel the baby's movement. Besides, the curve was made according to the European size, not Asian size.
I still feel worried, though, and feel that my tummy now is smaller compared to the size of my tummy on my first pregnancy on the same stage.

When I told Hardy about the result, he rushed into the store, bought lots of food, cooked them and asked me to finish them all. Which was really nice and very thoughtfull but I couldn't eat them at once. The space for food in my tummy is getting smaller.

Rang my mom and consulted with her about my condition. Her tummy was not so big either, she said. Don't worry too much. That was a relief and I try not thinking too much about it, then.

I just can cross my fingers and asked Him to protect me and my baby.

2nd visit to midwife

30w4d

Met up with the midwife at 09.30 this morning. Had to take Abigail with me on bus as she is free from the playgroup today. It went well and I got there just on time.

I am 61,2 kg. 11,2 hb. Bloodpressure 120/109.
The baby is in head-down position. That's good. I am still feeling quite lots of movement. I can imagine the baby inside me and kicking his legs. Ask her about stretch-mark, hoping she could recommend one for me... but there is none!! Hmmm. I used a stretch-mark oil from Avent when I had Abigail, but didn't help!! Just need time for curing and go on with the moisturizer I am using now, I guess.

Popped in at Astri's for lunch and had tempe goreng with sayur pecel. Yummy........ Thanks, Ast!

I bought lots of baby stuff this month, all shops really cut down the prices this month. Just the right time to get some supplies. Most summer items but some all seasons ones.

We've got a nice boy name for the baby since two months ago and Abigail has been saying his name in her prayer before going to bed and having meal. She mentioned toys Simba and Ceetah, as well. She likes to sing for the baby and kiss my belly, too... that's a sweet sista!

What's Going on with Your Body?

You may begin to feel some significant discomfort now. Weighing more than ever, you may even wonder how much bigger you could possibly get! But your tummy will continue to grow, much faster now than in the previous months, and you’ll continue to gain, about one pound (0.5 kg) a week, for at least the next 6 to 8 weeks

Sleeping is not as beauty as before :(... sometimes I awake at six in the morning and can't go back to sleep. It wasn't like this before... Lucky me, I can take a nap later during day time...

Back-pain especially after sitting position. Can't sit in front of the computer too long... But Hardy gives me a long massage every night...

What's Going on with Your Baby?

The fetus is packing on the weight now! In the last two weeks, she’s gained almost 12 ounces. She’s a wrinkled little thing, but getting more "baby-like" by the day.

Now that your baby weighs about 3 pounds (1.3 kg) and measures about 17 inches (43 cm) in length, you’re beginning to feel that your tummy will pop if she keeps growing!

Your little cherub is starting to look more like a chubby little cherub, growing plumper and cuter every day. Her hair is growing thicker on the scalp and those lashes are lengthening. The hands and feet are now fully formed and baby's head and body are closer to normal proportions. Overall, your baby is beginning to look similar to how she will look at birth—just tinier. To prepare for her big entrance, your baby is now starting to control her own body temperature!

Check-up with midwife

26W3d

Today at noon, I had a check-up with meadwife for the first time. I gained 2 kgs which makes me 60,2 kg. Blood pressure 110/63. Had a nice and quite long talk with her. The check-up itself is not different with the one with the doctor which is the heart beat checking, taking measurement and urine test.

The baby is moving stronger and more often now. I feel great. No complaints at all. Try to drink a lot and stay away from the sunshine tho the summer is really beautiful and I want to stay outside.

We went to buy the present for Abigail's 3rd birthday right from the health center - which was unplanned at all. The wheather was so nice and we had been planning to dine out to celebrate her birthday. We got a nice bike on offer for Abigail, great window shopping for me - with some purchases for me, the baby and Abigail, and nice dinner for all of us at EGON.

That's all for today. It's been a nice and busy day.

What's going on with your baby?

The fetus may weigh two pounds now and is busy growing a bigger brain! The lungs are beginning to make surfactant, which keep the lung tissues from sticking to each other and help protect against infection once baby is born.

This week, your baby may now be able to open and close his or her eyes.

The baby’s length is about 9.25 inches long (head to rump).