Labor + Delivery

On Wednesday night we went to bed with the anticipation of waking up the next morning to be at the hospital at 8 am to be induced into labor. However, our baby decided to spice things up a bit and my water broke early Thursday morning at about 1:50 am! Luckily our bags were packed and ready to go since we were planning to be at the hospital later on that day. I immediately called labor and delivery and told them my water broke and they told me to come to the hospital right away. By the time we arrived at the hospital I still hadn't had any contractions. They put us in our labor room and put the fetal heart rate monitor on me and told us to try to get some sleep. That's when my contractions began, while Devin was sound alseep. Since they were still bearable I let Devin sleep and I eventually somehow fell asleep myself for an hour or two. As the contractions got worse, the baby's heart rate continued to take a dive during each contraction. They had me on oxygen and I was getting more and more dilated and had reached 7 cm. They told me once I hit 5 cm I would likely dilate 1 cm each hour. Unfortunately, I stopped dilating once I hit 7 cm. The contractions were getting very painful at this time and I started to hyperventilate/have an anxiety attack. My hands, face, and legs were tingling and my hand muscles were contracting, (on top of the increasingly painful contractions) so I decided it was time for the epidural. Once that came I could relax a little bit. Then they had to put a device on the baby's scalp to monitor the heart rate closer because it was continuing to dive with the contractions. The other problem was that the baby would not come down low, he was up at -1 so my doctor told me they may have to do a C-section. I was in shock when she told me that. I was in no way mentally prepared to hear that, I was so scared! Devin was so great and such a support through the entire labor. My doctor talked with a few other doctors and they all agreed that with my situation a C-Section was safest for the baby. They took me in for surgery very soon after telling me this news, and the baby arrived shortly after! Finally seeing little Colton was one of the happiest moments of my life. Devin held my hand through the surgery and he videod the baby being pulled out. Colton is such an angel, he's the perfect baby. I don't want him to grow or change at all, I wish he could stay like this forever! He is so precious and we love him so much. We are constantly entertained by the faces he makes. He is our pride and joy and we are soooooo HAPPY! I am still very tender and sore, but Colton keeps me smiling. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father who sent us this beautiful baby boy and we feel so blessed!

Introducing Colton Scott Dickson!

Colton Scott Dickson

Born: July 2nd 2009

@ 4:49 p.m.

C-Section Delivery

Weight: 7 lbs. 11.3 oz.

Length: 20.47 in.

Mommy and baby are doing great! Colton is such a blessing and we are so excited that he joined our family. We will give details about the labor and delivery later.

Thank you friends and family for all of your love and support!

Overdue Baby Update!

Alright, June 29th was the baby's due date and my birthday. I had a prenatal appointment yesterday with my midwife and she told me I was still about 70% effaced and had reached 3-4 cm dilated. So there has been some improvement. She also set an induction date for the baby...it's TOMORROW! (July 2nd) So, today I'm going to try to walk this baby out but if he doesn't get here in time, I am supposed to be at the hospital at 8am tomorrow morning to get induced! Devin and I are so excited, he didn't sleep well last night. He's been so distracted at work always waiting for me to call him if I go into labor. I can't believe tomorrow we are going to be parents!

My birthday:

I had quite the awesome birthday weekend. On Friday we went to Johnny Rocket's with my family. On Saturday we saw Transformers with Devin's family. And on Sunday we got both families together for lunch and cake. Devin sure did spoil me this year! In addition to the cute cake Devin's mom had for me, Devin went to the Cheesecake Factory and got me a whole fresh strawberry cheesecake. So when they sang "Happy Birthday" to me I got to blow out candles on 2 cakes! He also surprised me with my a cute pink tennis racket and some tennis balls, plus an ipod shuffle with a itunes giftcard, the movie "Baby Mama", and some shopping money. Thanks to everyone who made this birthday so special and fun!

Only 5 More Days!!!

Alright, the countdown continues! I had another prenatal appointment with my midwife yesterday and (after a painful examine) she determined I was dilated to 2 cm and about 70% effaced. She said that the baby wasn't very low and was worried that because I'm so narrow that I'd probably end up getting induced. (If you know me, my hips are anything but narrow so I don't really understand.) She is planning to have my induction date around July 5th so I need to get this baby out before then! I went on a long walk today but I still haven't had any contractions. I've had braxton hicks contractions where I can feel my stomach tightening, but no painful contractions. Is this baby ever going to come? Right now I'm sitting on a birthing ball, hopefully it's doing something helpful. Did I mention I weigh in at 133 pounds? Yes, I thought my weight had hit a plateau at 129, but last week I had gained 4 pounds! I'm still feeling great though. I'm definitely ready to not be pregnant anymore though. I'm over all this extra weight!

10 Days To Go!

At my doctor's appointment two days ago,Wednesday, they told me the same thing as last week! Still at only 1/2 cm dilated and 80% effaced! I'm not super ready for the baby to come, but I am super ready to not be pregnant anymore. I'm running out of clothes that fit and I don't want to go buy more when I could have the baby any day now. The reality of it still hasn't hit! (I know I've said that a hundred times) I can't believe I could really go into labor anytime! Since the reality hasn't hit I haven't really gotten nervous or anxious. I'm just curious and excited for this whole experience of having a baby! It just doesn't feel real! Tonight Devin and I are going on a date night and just want to enjoy a weekend at the beach since this could be our last chance to relax before the baby comes and the sleep stops. What if the baby comes on Father's Day? Who knows! I can't wait to kiss my baby's face all over!

Belly Shot + Baby Update

On Saturday we went with Devin's family to see his sister Kiki's choir concert at UCLA. Before the concert we all met up with Uncle Chris and Anna and enjoyed dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.

Baby Update:

I am in my 38th week of the pregnancy. Today I went in for a check up with my midwife and she told me I was dilated to 1/2 cm and 80% effaced. She estimated that the baby was about 6 lbs. The baby is in the head down position. (Which means I have to urninate everytime I stand up.) Besides that I haven't had any other signs of labor. I have been so thirsty + starving and feel like I eat every 10 minutes! The odd thing is, my weight hit a plateau a few weeks ago and I weighed in today at 129 lbs. Last week I weighed 130 lbs at my appointment but my doctor told me the baby is growing because my belly measurements have increased. I feel great! I haven't been sleeping as well the past few nights and my hips get a little sore from sleeping on my sides. The belly is definitely not comfortable and the baby jabbing me has been a little painful, I think he's bored and wants to come out. Just to remind everyone the due date is June 29th. (Which is on my birthday.) Devin has been a great husband and helps me relax when I get anxious about the baby coming. I just want everything to be perfect for when he comes and I've gotten almost everything bought and organized. I'm so excited for him to get here, it just doesn't feel real yet! We still haven't picked a name yet. We need to hurry up though!

Baby Shower From Natalie!

My sister-in-law Natalie is wonder woman! She just had her 4th baby less than 2 months ago and she was somehow able to throw me an amazing baby shower! I don't know how she does it, she sure sets the bar high! Thank you Natalie, the shower was so perfect, you are a sweetheart!!!

The shower was at my Aunt Tammy's house and she helped out so much and made an awesome cake! Dawn provided the funniest game that was a version of "memory" with baby terms. If you got a match, you got candy that coordinated with it. For example, if you got a match of "OBGYN" you got a butterfinger candy bar. Get it? Or for a match of "hospital bill" you got a 100 grand candy bar. It was alot of fun! My mom made a couple of really cute diaper cakes for decoration. My cousin Amy made a cute sign-in book with a bunch of maternity photos in it. Opening presents wasn't as easy as you'd think since my lap space was limited by my protruding naval. The shower was so awesome and I really appreciate all those who made it come together and all who attended. Thanks!!!

Baby Shower From Becky!

Once a week I get together with my 3 best friends from high school. Two weeks ago, Becky threw me a baby shower at BJ's Pizza with Tawny and Jessica. They gave me baby gifts there and Becky had me wear a tiara and a sash that said "Mommy-to-be". Becky also had a cute cake for me! Earlier that day Becky took me to get a pedicure, she sure knows how to spoil me! Thank you so much!!!

Belly Pics!

Yesterday I went to the Fullerton Arboretum to take maternity pictures. My cousin Amy got to try out her amazing new Nikon camera and needless to say, she's an awesome photographer. She is so talented! Thanks Amy!!!

Belly Update:

I am in my 35th week of the pregnancy and feeling grrrreat! (My 8th month of pregnancy!!!) I think my body is making up for the dreadful first trimester by giving me a mellow third trimester. Besides the general discomfort of the extra weight I don't have much to complain about. I weighed in at a whopping 129 pounds as of my last prenatal appointment. The baby's kicks are getting quite powerful and sometimes even a little painful. I've been swimming laps about 4 days a week and feel healthy. Last night was our third childbirth prep class and we still have two more. Watching those graphic videos makes me a little anxious but I've been pretty relaxed for the most part. I'm anxiously excited to meet our baby boy! We still haven't decided on a baby name yet, I sure hope we can pick one soon!

Brand New Car!

Devin has been car shopping for quite some time. He was very patient and waited for the best deal and we came across the 2009 MAZDA CX-7 and fell in love. It's a beautiful pearly white color and it's awesome for our baby on the way! Devin says it's "my" car but I tell him it's "ours" and he can use it whenever he wants. It is so sweet that he wants me to have the new car.

Baby Name Poll

I just added a poll (on the top right) for everyone to vote on their favorite baby Dickson name. Devin and I can't come to a conclusion on our boy's name. We only have a couple more months to decide so I'm hoping the voting will help us in our decision.

Baby Stuff

Baby Update:

I am in the middle of my 31st week of pregnancy. I am still feeling great and I've been sleeping well, minus the leg cramps that are creeping up on me every now and then. My hips are generally sore when I wake up from the extra weight being put on them from sleeping on my sides. I've noticed that I've been alot more thirsty lately and I am hungry all the time. The weird thing is I will be so hungry but feel so full after barely eating much. So I have to frequently eat small meals which is alot harder than you'd think! At my doctors appointment last week I weighed in at my all time record of 123.5 lbs. The doctor said the baby was measuring right on target and his heartrate was strong. We are going back and forth between 3 names right now. Brody, Maddox, and Colton. It's such a hard decision! So far I'm loving the third trimester...I think the first trimester was the worst because of the nausea and vomiting, the second trimester was alright, after the first half of it, since I was still sick and had low energy, and the third trimester has it's discomfort with my growing belly, but I'd take these aches and pains anyday over nausea and vomiting! (I realize my opinion may change as I reach the 8th and 9th month of pregnancy!) The baby has been quite distracting with all of his judo chopping and kicking. I feel like he never stops moving! I can't believe there's only a couple more months left!

Learning to Photoshop

I love to photoshop pictures! I kept seeing cute edited photos on other friends blogs and so I asked Jonna how she did it and she told me the secret! It was so easy and I'm addicted!

Baby update:

I feel like my belly has reached its maximum stretching capabilities...can I really get any bigger? Today I began week 30 of the pregnancy which means about 8 weeks until I'm considered full term. I have been enjoying swimming a few days a week now that the weather has permitted it. I had to go back for the 3 hour glucose screening test last week...what a nightmare! They haven't called me so I'm assuming everything is okay. I have been working at my old job in Huntington Beach as the office manager just for a couple weeks while an employee is out of town. I'm finding it hard to find clothes that fit me. I'm so excited to have the baby! My sister-in-law Natalie just gave birth to her 4th child early Saturday morning. Devin and I went to visit her and her cute baby girl, Kyla, and it hit me that the next time I'd be in the hospital holding a newborn would be when I deliver. Holy moly! It just doesn't feel real. When does the reality of it all finally hit?

6 months and growing!

I start the third trimester tomorrow! Holy Cow! I weigh a whopping 120 pounds! I am feeling great! I have had high energy and I haven't felt sick or tired at all. I am not looking forward to future aches and pains that come with a growing belly, but for now I am enjoying the pregnancy. Today I took the glucose screening test, (where they make you drink the orange nasty sugar water that tries to fake you out like it will taste like cactus cooler soda and really tastes likes flat soda barf!) and also had blood work done to check if I am anemic. Hopefully everything will look as good as I feel. The bottom picture is from Saturday when Devin and I played some tennis with his sister, Chanel, and his parents. It was so much fun and I was not too shabby for a pregnant gal.

Phantom of the Opera!

Phantom at the Venetian
The Bellagio water show

Grandma and Grandpa Dickson

On our way home from Utah we stopped in Vegas for a few days to visit Devin's grandparents that live there. While we were there we celebrated Grandma Dickson's birthday and enjoyed dinner with them at PF Chang's. Another night Grandma bought Devin and I tickets to see Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. It was a great musical and my favorite Vegas show yet! Thanks Grandma, you sure did spoil us!

Utah to visit Devon + Whitney

I love the picture of my brother below. We had just finished watching the movie Australia and were soooo tired. Gotta love those "cheeky bulls" and "ms. boss"!

We finally made it to Utah to visit my brother Devon and his awesome wife Whitney. We were supposed to go up there for a family vacation right after Christmas but couldn't make it because of my crazy morning sickness. They live in a super cute duplex in Provo and we had a lot of fun hanging out with them for a few days. The Devin/ons went snowboarding, we did some shopping, and my favorite was when we ate at the brazilian steakhouse Tucano's. Thanks you guys for letting us party with you! We also got to see a few Hawaii friends; Jared, who's living in Provo now, and Dan, Jonna, and baby Brighton who were visiting family in Bountiful.