Introducing: KYAN NICHOLAS BRITTEN - Oct 13th 2007 - 8lb 6oz / 53cm

BIRTH STORY:

Saturday Oct 13th 2007 is the day I was booked in for my c-section. I woke up feeling so nervous and very emotional. I couldn't wait to see my baby but I was feeling so scared about having the c-section, I was so teary-eyed! I arrive at the hospital around 9 am and was taken straight to my room. The procedure was booked for 10:30am but they must have been held up because it wasn't until 11:30am that it was done. I changed into my hospital gown and then my hubby & I were taken up to the theatre room. Nathan went to change into his hospital scrubs (I think he looked so gorgeous in them lol) and then I met the anaesthetist and the midwives who would be looking after me during the procedure. I got the drip/needle in the hand (which hurt so bad!) and then it was time for the epidural to be administered. I was scared out of my wits and wanted so bad for it to be over. My legs were shaking as I sat on the operating table and I had to hunch over so the the local needle could be given into my back. This didn't actually hurt like I though it would. It just stung a little, kind of a blood test. When the actual epidural was being put in it didn't really hurt but felt really weird and uncomfortable. It felt like it took ages to get in, but it really didn't. Before I knew it my toes and legs started to feel tingly and so did my butt cheeks! The midwives helped me to lay down on my back and I even though I could feel everything going numb I could still feel their hands resting on my legs but I couldn't actually tell what they were doing. Then they ran ice up my legs, over my tummy and I couldn't feel anything until it reached my shoulders. That's when I started to relax as I knew that nothing could be felt. Nathan was sitting beside me holding my hand and then the nurses put the large drape up in front of me so I couldn't see anything. I started getting nervous again as I knew this was it! I asked my OB to not tell me what was happening throughout the procedure because I'd probbaly get anxious if they told me when they were going to be things like cutting etc yuk! Before I knew it I heard the doctor ask Nathan if he wanted to see the baby come out...this was definitely it! I started to feel a little excited and before I knew it I heard a couple of little cries and a gurgle - my baby boy has been born! I started to cry a little and Nathan went with our son to cut the cord. Then he was bought over to me and placed on my chest - this was the most wonderful moment of life (as corny as it sounds) but I seemed so surreal, almost like I was dreaming. This is the moment that every pregnant woman yearns for, to hold her baby for the 1st time! We had a cuddle for about 5 minutes or so and then Nathan went with our little Kyan & the pediatrician to clean him up etc. I was stitched up and I kept drifting off to sleep during this time and then I was taken to recovery for about 20-25 mins. I was monitored and cleaned up a little and then finally I was taken to my room where I had Kyan, Nathan, my patents & in laws waiting for us. We were in hospital from Saturday to Wednesday and the staff of nurses, midwives and doctors were wonderful. Feeding has been going so well and I've had a lot of help from the midwives to ensure that I got it right with him latching on. I was very nervous about breastfeeding but I've found it to be wonderufl and such a great bonding experience between Kyan and I. I so ready to come home though & since being home we've had so much fun getting to know our little son. He's a great sleeper - last night I fed him at 11:30pm and then he didn't wake me for another feed until 5am, and then again at 9am. He has made the early stages of parenthood so enjoyable and it's been a wonderful way to settle in with our new baby boy! We've taken so many photos of him he's probably going to turn into a model lol! Well that's all for now as we have visitors about to come over!!

My hubby Nathan & I on our wedding day : March 13th 2004

Nathan & I on our honeymoon in Europe - March & April 2004

On our trip to Hawaii last year Nov 2006 - This is when we started trying for a baby. After 2 mths it worked!

Spunky hubby!!

Hi ladies I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and I've just found this web site. This is the 1st pregnancy for my hubby & I and we are just so excited! We've been married for 3 years but we had only been trying for a baby for two months when we discovered our little bundle! So far, so good - hardly any morning sickness and any 'off' feelings that I had seem to be easing off now. I'm really looking forward to reading everyones comments over the coming months and hearing all about your wonderful and crazy experiences!

March 30th 2007 - 11 weeks pregnant

April 22nd 2007 - 14 weeks pregnant

Hi girls - so far I've had 2 appointments: 1 at 10 wks and 1 at 14 wks (2 days ago) I can't believe how much our baby has grown in just 4 weeks! Everything is going very well and bubsy appears to be growing beautifully and healthy. I asked my doctor is there was any way of telling the sex of the baby (even though it's still very early) and she said "YES" although it's still early so there may be a chance that it's inaccurate. She had a look at different angles and felt quite confident that our baby was a GIRL! There was no signs at all of any dangly bits and if it was a boy then she said all of his genital organs would be formed by now. We'll be checking again at my next scan in a few weeks to make sure, so we won't be going over board buying anything just yet. I have to say I was really surprised, I really thought we'd have a boy but I guess I was proven to be wrong!

May 12th 2007 - 17 weeks pregnant

I am 17 wks and 1 day and I've just started to feel the baby move. At 1st I didn't realise what it was - it felt like someone was blowing little bubbles in my belly but last night I felt it again but a little stronger and I just knew what it was (certainly not gas). The movements not only felt like bubbles but little waves rocking back and forth inside my abdomen - pretty cool! My next scan is in 1 week (May 19th) and we can't wait to get another look at our 'bubsy'! We've already been told that it's a girl but we'll see what the next scan shows. I've been feeling quite good but I've been getting afew headaches, they're not too bad but just annoying. I back is now starting to ache- not my lower back like you'd expect but near my ribs and shoulder blades. But hey, if this is the worst that I have to deal with then I'm not complaining at all! Hope everyone is feeling well : )

IT'S A BOY!! (not a girl lol)

His little 'boy bits' hehe! Right in the middle of the scan pic are his 'bit': the bigger clircle is his scrotum and the little circle attached to it is his little willy lol!

May 19th 2007 - 18 weeks pregnant

I had a scan done today and we're definitely not having girl....it's a BOY!! Hubby and I are very excited! I always wanted to have a boy 1st so I'm really stoked and I think hubby is as well...he probably can't wait to teach him how to play soccer & football and every other sport! His heart rate was 152 bpm & he had all of his fingers and toes -phew lol! During the unltra sound we could see him opening and closing his mouth, sticking out his tongue an touching his toes...so cute and such a bizzar, crazy experience watching this little being inside you! It was such a proud moment and we can't wait to meet our little man. A few names we like are: Kyan, Kaelin and Jayden. We just have decide which one!

June 8th 2007 - 21 weeks pregnant

Today I had my 21 week scan and I was just so proud to see my little fella! Last scan we found out he was a boy and well, he made sure everyone knew it & showed off his 'bits' for the world to see! He was very active and was bouncing off my uteris walls. His favourite position seemed to laying on his back with his hands resting casually behind his head - like a true Aussie lol. His weight today is at 14 oz (408grams) and his full length is approx 22cm. We could see him swallowing amniotic fluid and playing with his toes and fingers - oh so cute! It's amazing how clear the 3D/4D images are, you can out so many facial features - just beautiful! Below is the latest pic of my boy, not a real lot of change since the last scan, but for hubby & me it's just as exciting!

Our little guy 21 wks-we'll probably call him Kyan Nicholas.

July 27th 2007 - 28 weeks pregnant

Hi everyone! On monday (July 23rd) I had the glucose screening test. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be: you see, I'm pretty fussy when it comes to food and different tastes etc so i was a lil nervous about drinking the sugary liquid drink. However much to my delight it was quite yummy and kind of tasted like really sweet, but flat lemonade. I have a very big sweet tooth so the fact that it tasted like it was loaded with sugar didn't worry me at all, but I can see how some people think it's a bit sickly. After I drank the liquid we had to wait one hour until they do the blood test, so hubby and I went for a walk around the shops to pass the time. I'e not heard anything yet, but I see my very soon. I think if the results come back bad then they usually contact you pretty soon so I guess no news is good news? I start to feel my boy move around heaps now, reallittle kicks that feel like someone is poking me on the inside of my belly, and I feel the kicks the most when I'm either sitting or lying down. This week I've also noticed that my belly moves slightly when he moves, makes me giggle every time! Well that's all for now but I promise to update again soon. Take care : )

PASSED THE GLUCOSE TEST yay!!

August 17th 2007 - 31 weeks pregnant

Hi everyone I had my 31 week check up today but this morning I was lucky enough to have one last ultra sound...my hubby works in the medical imagine department at our local hospital (a different one to where I'm having bub) so I've gotten a couple extra scans done from the sonographer that my hubby works with. My boy must be a bit shy because he just wouldn't move his hands from in front of his face, the pics are still cute though! We got another special pic that proves he's a boy hehehe! He also weighs 3lbs 15 oz - doc showed me a growth chart & he measures perfectly, right in the average/middle section for what his growth should be. I also started my ante natal classes this week and it was really good, I'm looking forward to the next 3 classes!

His little "boy bits" in the 1st pic! In the 2nd scan pic it looks like his feet are detached but they're really not haha!

His little face behind his hand! I just love his little lips!

August 24th 2007 - 32 weeks pregnant

Exactly 8 weeks (56 days) to go! My due date definitely seems to be coming by very fast, I can't believe I'm this far into my pregnancy. I kind of feel like I should only be about 5 months, not 8 months! So far I've 13kg (28 lbs) but I feel as though I've gained a 100 lbs! I'm just starting to feel the extra weight and I have to slow down a lot when doing things because I get worn out just by doing the simplest things. I only have 3 more weeks of work left and then I have 7 months of maternity leave WOO HOO! My belly seems to be getting bigger by the day - I don't know how our skin can stretch so much! I have my baby shower coming up on Saturday September 1st, my mum and my mother in law have planned it together & have been out buying decorations and thinking up some games to play, so I'm very excited. My nursery is almost finished, I just have a coupleof things left to get for it and then it'll be complete but pics will be up as soon as I'm done. I'll post pics from my baby shower.

Our 1st born son, Spiffy!

September 1st 2007 - 33 weeks pregnant

This afternoon is my baby shower! I'm so excited and will post back in the next day or so to let you all know how it went. I'm starting to feel VERY pregnant these days - my feet get sore so easily and I'm starting to get some swelling in my hands, feet and ankles. I feel like I'm carrying a lot of fluid cos I feel so heavy! Other then that (lol) I'm not doing too badly. Only 2 1/2 weeks til maternity leave...please hurry up Sept 14th!

September 4th 2007

Only 45 days to go! HOLY MOLY! Where has the year gone? I honestly don't know how we got this point already??? My baby shower was so much fun, my mum & MIL did such a beautiful job and it was great to see all my family and friends there together as some of them I haven't seen for a while. My little baby is one spoilt little boy...he got lot's of beautiful gifts and we didn't get any double ups, so that's a bonus! Hope everyone is feeling well : )

Baby shower pics! (more in photo book)

September 7th 2007 - 34 weeks

I had my 34 weeks doctors appointment today & everything seems great YAY! My doctor is really happy with my weight gain so far and says I look really good (always nice to hear lol!) My blood pressure was good and baby's heart beat was about 158 bpm and he's lying in a good position - doing everything he's supposed to be doing: what a good boy lol. I only have 6 weeks left til my due date, it's so weird to think that he could come at any time now if he wanted to. I'll be packing my hospital bag this week just so that I'm all ready to go if anything were to happen. My sister was booked in for a c-section at 38 weeks but went into early labor exactly 1 week early (at 37 wks) and she hadn'tpacked her bags, so I figured I'd be moreprepared just in case! I can't believe how fast the weeks & mnths are flying - it's almost time to meet my lil fella!!!!!

Belly at 34 wks 3 days (more in photo book)

September 12th 2007

This afternoon I started getting some really painful braxton hicks contractions. It'smy 2nd last day of work before I start maternity leave & from 2:30pm I started getting them. They were coming every 4-5mins and the pains were in my very lower pelvic area...kind of felt as though bubsy was goona fall right out! I'e not had any kind of show and my waters have not broken yet either so I decided not to call my doctor yet, as I've heard that it's really common for false labor to happen. It's now about 7:30pm and the BH are not as frequent but still painful. In the last couple days people have been saying that I've 'dropped' but I'm not sure if I have or not as this is my 1st pregnancy. I'll wait and see how I go over night and then if i'm still getting the BH I'll call my doctor. I don't seem to have any other symptoms that would suggest it's labor so I'm not too concerned. I guess I'll know soon enough! Besides I'm not ready to meet my lil guy, I'd rather he kept on cookin for at least another 3-4 more weeks! I'm not ready to share him with the rest of the world just yet lol : P

34 wks 5days

Sept 21st 2007 - 36 weeks pregnant

I had my 36 week check up and doctor couldn't be happier! He said that I'm making his job much to easy cos whenever he sees me there's no problems and i'm in & out so quickly lol. I've noticed that a lot of women in the forums are talking about how dilated they are & how effaced etc, well I have no idea because here in Australia they don't do internal exams late in the pregnancy if there'sno need to. It's probably a good thing though cos just because I might be dilated doesn't mean anything will happen sooner. My only annoyance is the majoy swelling in my feet and ankles! I can't wear my wedding rings any more because my fingers are swelling a little bit now - I feel so naked and lost without my rings : ( Getting around is starting to get harder now, I feel like a little old granny hobbling around and getting up from a sitting or lying down position is pretty hard too. It's starting to get hot here in Queensland now and it certainly isn't helping the swelling in my feet - my feet look like they belong to Bigfoot lol! I'm so not kidding, they're massive and the only shoes that still me are my thongs (flipflops). Ahh the price we pay for our little angels. My hubby & I are getting a little nervous about our new addition: he's more worried about what happens when we bring bubsy home but I'm more worried about the labor/birth! I only have 4 weeks (28 days) left and more and more people comment on my belly now. I guess it's because I'm not just a 'normal' pregnant woman now but a heavily,almost due pregnant woman with a HUGE belly! It's still strange to think that there will be a new little person living in our house soon!

September 29th 2007 - 37 weeks pregnant

Yesterday was my 37 week check up which went quite well. My blood pressure, urine & weight were great - I didn't even put on a quarter of a kg! Although everyone was telling me that it looked as though my baby had dropped, I haven't. My doctor said that my baby was definitely sitting down lower but he still wasn't engaged and my doctor is concerned that bub might not fit through my pelvis. My doctor is on holidays for the next 2 weeks so I have to see another doctor while he's away and if the baby hasn't dropped by 39 weeks then I may have to have a c-section. I know mind how my baby is born as long as it's the safest option at the time but I will be disappointed if I don't get to experience labor/birth. My doctor also doesn't like to induce unless you're at least 1 week overdue and seeing as though his induction day is a thurs, that only puts me 6 days over due so I have to wait until the following thurs which will be Nov 1st and I'll be 13 days overdue. The good part about that is my doctor says he's be very surprised if I'm still pregnant by then and it gives me more time to go into labor naturally. The reason he doesn't like to induce too soon ie bcecause if the cervix is not ready etc then the risk of needing forceps,ventouse or ending in a c-section is greatly higher. That'sfine with me, what's an extra week or 2!?!?! Although ask me again when I'm 1 week over & sitting around waiting lol. In the end, my baby will hopefully come in his own time and he'scompletely ready. The longer the stay in my uteris the stronger he will be.

October 3rd 2007

Hi mums & bumps - Well today I had to redo my entire VIP page,probably like most of you had to because the site must have crashed or something - what a major pain in the A_ _ lol!! I'm still doing well, but my feet are so incredible swollen and really sore to walk on. I've also been getting a relly sore pelvic area, maily the bones which I believe is the pubic symphasis. It hurts aches really bad even when I'm laying in bed and have to roll over or reposition myself and getting up to walk hurts pretty bad too. It kind of feels like my vagina bones are broken in half lol. Only 2.5 weeks til my due date so not much longer until I get to meet my little boy and hopefully get rid of some of this fluid in my body cos it's driving me nuts. I've been having trouble falling asleep now too, once I get to sleep i'm fine and I always have a pretty good night sleep but I don't usually fall asleep til about 3-4am. It's very warm and muggy here in Brisbane so I'm very glad to be having my baby in the spring time before summer hits. I really do feel for those who will be heavily pregnant during the summer months because our summers here in Australia get very hot and humid. Well, that'sall the news I have for now, I'll update after my next appointment on Friday. Until then, see you in the forums & take care : )

Oct 5th 2007 -

38 weeks pregnant

Hi everyone - I had my 38 wk check up today and it was different to my previous visits. All my last check ups have very simple, easy and only lasted about 5-10 mins as there have not been any problems. My doctor is away at the moment so I'm seeing the midwife in his office. As sson as I walked in for ym appointment the midwife commented on the size of feet & ankles (they've been very swollen for a few weeks now, but even more so this week). My blood pressure was quite high (it's normally very consistent and as hasn't been high a single time) and protein was found in my uirne. She immediately told me that were key signs for Toxemia/Pre Eclampsia. She sent me to get some blood tests and the to the labor ward to have the baby monitored for half an hour. Luckily my blood work came back ok and the baby was fine so I don't have pre eclampsia but apparentsly I'm border-line so I've been given strict instructions to rest and put my feet up - this will be easier said then done!! I have to go back Monday morning to have blood pressure taken again. If it's still high there may be a chance that I could be admitted and induced (i will be 38 wks 3 days by then). Fingers crossed that doesn't happen as I really want my baby to come naturally, but what ever is in the best interet for my baby is fine by me. It certainly put things in perspective for my hubby & I and made everything seem very real! But I feel fine - apart from the horrid swelling in my feet, ankles and legs - and my baby is fine as well so I guess we just have to take things 1 day at a time. I'll update again on Monday : )

Oct 8th 2007 - 38 wks 3 days Pregnant

Today I went for my follow up appointment. At my last appointment there were concerns of me having pre eclampsia as I have had severe swelling in my legs, ankles, feet & hands. My blood pressure was also right up and I had protein in my urine. I was put on bed rest for the whole weekend which was not much fun...it's not as easy as it seems to stay off your feet ALL the time. Anyway I was very glad that today my blood pressure was back to normal and I didn't have any traces of protein oin my urine sample. It's more likely that my swelling is a combination of me carrying fluid and the awful heat that we get here in Queensland...it's just a good thing that I won't be pregnant during the upcoming summer!! The next concern however is that there have also been concerns over whether or not my baby will fit through my pelvis. We did an ultra sound and it was determined that 'no', my baby is not gonna get through there. He's still sitting very high up and doesn't look like there's any sign of him lowering. C-section it is then! Seeing as though my doctor is away this week I'll be meeting with one of his colleagues who takes over his patients if my doc is away. Tomorrow we'll work out a date this week which suits us both but it will most likely be Friday or Saturday - I'll be right on 39 weeks pregnant on Friday. I'm feeling a little nervous about having a c-section but I know it's in the best interest for my baby. I definitely would NOT have liked going into labor or being induced and then finding out after 20hrs of labor that it's nor progressing & that I'd have to have an emergency c-section anyway. I much rather have a plan and this way we get to be completely organised and get some last minute things done over the next couple of days. Well, that's all for now, I'll update tomorrow just to let everyone know what date i'll be having my baby. Until then, take care and keep smiling : )

October 11th 2007 - 38 weeks 6 days Pregnant

Hi mummies & bumps! Well, it's official - this coming Saturday, October 13th 2007 I will be having my baby boy by c-section. At my doctors appointment on Tuesday it was decided that my baby probably would not fit through my pelvis. Baby's predicted weight is about 8 lbs so not too big (not that it matters now!) and my doctor decided that it would be too risky to go natural. We talked over all our different options but basically decided together that delivering my baby by c-section was the safest option for him. The procedure is booked for 10:30am so he'll probably be born somewhere between 10:30-10:45am. I'm feeling very nervous about the procedure, especially having the epidural as I'm a big wimp when it comes to needles (especially when they're in the SPINE!!) Luckily I've got a lot of support around me with my sister and cousin both needing c-sections when they had their babies and a couple of friends have also ended up up with c-sections, so I've gotten lots of wonderful advice. Even though I'mquite calm about the situation I'm still a little scared as this is my 1st baby, but not to worry! It will all be worth it when I see my little boy. I can't wait to see what he looks like and just stare at him & watch him for hrs & hrs. My hubby is getting nervous too but also can't wait to meet our son. I just can't believe it's happening this weekend, in 2 days time!!

October 12th 2007 - 39 weeks Pregnant

Well, it's 1:30pm Friday morning, the day before I have my baby! I can't believe that in about 33hrs my baby boy will be here, no longer inside of me! It's an amazing feeling and I'm feeling all sorts of emotions: happy, excited, overwhelmed, amazed, scared, nervous, anxious - everything! I look forward to not having a HUGE baby belly anymore or the grossly swollen feet and legs. It'll be nice to wear a lot of my old clothes again and be able to walk on my feet without them acheing and not feeling as though my pelvic area is breaking in half every time I move! However even with all the little annoyances I have loved almost every single minute of being pregnant and I just hope my next pregnancy will be as smooth sailing, stress free and enjoyable as this one has been (just not the month lol!) I will be in hopsital from Sat - Wed so I won't be able to update until I et home but as soon as I do I promise to post piccies of my new son and also my experience of the delivery and stay in hospital. It still doesn't seem real that I'm going to be a mum tomorow! So weird haha!!

"C - SECTION DAY!!! "

October 13th 2007 - 39 weeks 1 day Pregnant: Well everyone it's 2:00am Saturday morning and today is the BIG day! Hubby & I eave for the hospital at about 8:15am to have our baby! The c-section is scheduled for 10:30am and I'm pretty nervous! This is my 1st baby and because I've never done this before I'm scared. Scared of the needles, scared of being awake during surgery, scared of the long recovery & even scared to be a mum - I just hope & prey that I do a good job & I'm a good mummy to my precious baby boy. Although I'm scared I'm also very very EXCITED! I an't really explain the emotions that I'm feeling because there's just so many of them! What an incredible life changing situation! Hubby is also excited, yet scared, nervous anxious and all the other feelings as well but I know deep in my heart that we're ready for this or we never would be in this position. We planned this pregnancy because we couldn't wait to share our love with a child...a child that came from us! We're more then ready to meet our son and shower him with all the love,security, protection and adoration in the world! I will be in hospital from Saturday til Wednesday but I promise to update when I get home with lots and lots of piccies of my new son!!

ABOUT YOU

Name: Carla

Age: 25

Height: 5'4"(162cm)

Pre-Preg Weight: 52kg (115lbs)

ABOUT THE FATHER

Name: Nathan

Age: 27

Height: 5'9 (175cm)

Are You Still Together: Yes - married for 3 & 1/2 yrs

ABOUT YOUR PREGNANCY

1st pregnancy: Sure is

When Did You Find Out You Were Preg: Feb10th 2007 (I was 4 wks)

Was It Planned: Sure was (only took us 2 months)

What Was Your 1st Reaction: Total excitement & amazed it happened so quickly for us!

Who Was With You When You Foud Out: Hubby

Who Was 1st Person You Told: My parents, then his parents, then my best friend Katie

How Did Your Parents react: Very excited!!

1st Symptoms: Beasts very sore & a little enlarged (yay!)

What Is Your Due Date: Oct 19th 2007

Do You Know The Sex Of Your Baby: BOY!!!

Have You Picked Out Names: Kyan & Jayden

How Much Weight Have You Gained: About 17kg (37lbs)

Do You Have Stretch Marks: A couple on my hips & bum

When Did You 1st Feel Baby Move: At about 17 weeks (May18th 2007)

ABOUT THE BIRTH

Home or Hospital Birth: Hospital - without a doubt!

Natural or Medicated: Medicated - I'm a huge chicken & don't handle pain too well!

Who Will Be In Delivery Room: Hubby but mum & MIL wil help throughout labor

Will You Breastfeed: I'll give it a go

What's The 1st Thing You'll Say To Baby: Hi!

Will birth Be Videotaped: Hell No! There'll be enough people down there thanks!

Are You Excited or Scared About Birth: Both!