Taylie Hope: Our Party Girl

After the twins people would assume we were done having children. We always knew that we were not but the discussion of when we should have another one was one of great concern. It took almost a year to have the twins but Lydia was our honeymoon baby. We finally decided that we would start trying for another baby when the boys were about 16 months. They would at least be two years apart but we were hoping that it would take a little longer so that the space between them would be greater. I learned that when you plan, God laughs.

June 6, 2009 Alex's 26th Birthday

A positive pregnancy test.

After only one month of trying.

Surprise!

Alex made me take 2 more tests just to be sure. We did the math and by our calculations our baby would be born February 11, 2010. Just a week after the twins and 2 days after my birthday. Wow, not quite what we were expecting but we were happy none the less. I thought it would be fun if she was born on my birthday or Valentines day. Just not on the boys birthday, they already had to share.

We decided that we would wait to tell family until we knew what the sex was and how many just in case. My pregnancy went like my others, very sick in the first trimester. So sick that I wasn't able to hide it from my coworkers. That and I was so emotional they knew something was up, and I finally had to confess. I was so tired with this pregnancy that instead of taking my 1/2 hour lunch break, I would go into an exam room, set an alarm on my phone and would take a nap.

We were nervous for our first appointment with Dr N. Would their be one baby or two? As we reviewed my history he asked about my other deliveries. I told him about Lydia and when I got to the twins and mentioned the emergency c section his response was. "Oh I remember that, it is never a good thing if a Doctor remembers your delivery." I wasn't sure if I should be proud or worried.

He started the ultrasound and we were excited to find that we were just having one, and I just knew it would be a girl. We hadn't even told our children but I soon found Lydia asking me when we were going to have another baby, she said my belly was growing like it did when we had the boys.

I found her telling my parents that mommy's belly is getting bigger. I had to lie when they asked if I was pregnant. But soon enough we told the kids we were going to have a baby and that we were taking them with us to find out if it was a boy or girl.  The verdict a GIRL!!!. We bought pink balloons and announced it to my family. It was Alex's Dads birthday so we decided that we would sign the card and baby girl . It took a few reads but they were so excited.

This pregnancy was different than the twins, I was working full time again. It was fun being with my friends, having them feel the baby kick and showing them my ultrasound pictures. I soon found out though that as much as they love me they wouldn't be willing to deliver my baby for me.

February 2010

Dr N. is concerned about my blood pressure and wants to induce me on February 4th, I was able to talk him out of that day as it was the twins birthday but he made me promise to come in that night to be induced and deliver on the 5th. I took what I could get and promised I would.

February 3, 2010

The night before the boys birthday we decorated the house so that they would be surprised when they woke up the next morning. My job as I was much too big to do anything else was to blow up a pack of balloons. A pack of 72 balloons. It mimicked pushing, so I thought it was a good idea to keep it up. To remind myself how it was, prepare by body. Bad idea.

February 4, 2010 the Boys 2nd Birthday

I woke up to my last day of work, I was excited and nervous to be started. I had gone into labor by myself with my others so this would be something new. I remember brushing my teeth and feeling the most painful cramp in my life. It only lasted about a minute and then stopped. I was surprised at the intensity of the pain as my other contractions had always happened in my back. Let me tell you abdominal contractions hurt MUCH worse. It happened twice on my way to work. Oh Crap, I though please not yet I have a party to go to tonight. As I walked from my car into my office at the hospital I thought I was going to have to flag a passerby to get me wheelchair because they were so bad I was doubled over in pain unable to walk. Somehow I made it, I put on a brave face and said hi to my lovely friends. And headed to my office next to theirs. Luckily it was just me and the doctor and because he is a specialist his appointments lasted about an hour. I was able to sit and track my contractions. Every 3-5 minutes and would last about 2 minutes. Oh no, this is really happening. I wonder if I can make it until the end of the day.

Another contraction and I am doubled over my desk eyes closed counting when I hear my dear friend Jamece yell "OMG! I am getting Ruth!" I am not I yelled at her retreating foot steps. Ruth came and looked at my numbers, she said to give it a little more time. I was soon greeted by my other nurse friends Faith and Kelly who told me to get my but to labor and delivery because they didn't want to have to deliver me in the office. They even told me they would take me there in a wheelchair if necessary. I told them I would go as soon as I could tell the Doctor.

I called Alex and told him I was in labor, he thought I was joking with him. He said do you know what today is? I told him of course I did I was doing the same thing two years ago, but trying to stop a baby from coming when they want to is like trying to stop a train at full force. He told me to go to labor and delivery and see what they said and then call him back.

As I made my way to labor and delivery I instantly regretted not taking them up on the offer for the wheelchair. It probably took me 20 minutes to walk there. Once I got their and the nurses examined me they said I wasn't going anywhere that the baby was on her way today.

I pulled my cell phone out to call Alex and just as I did I got a text from my office manager with a picture of a cake and telling me they were having a surprise shower for me in the lunch room and to come join them. I told her I would love to but that the nurses weren't letting me leave labor and delivery. She was so excited! I guess in the commotion I forgot or assumed the others would tell her they made me leave so they wouldn't have to deliver me. (You know I love you ladies)

I called Alex and told him to call my mom to watch the kids and cancel the party because we were gonna have a baby. It was just after this that the nurse decided to inform me that Dr N was in a surgery and so they couldn't admit me and get me a room until they spoke with him. This was about noon. This also meant that I couldn't have my epidural, even though I was at 5 almost 6cm. I decided to chat with the nurses to take my mind off my contractions. And mentioned to them about the shower I was missing on the 3rd floor. And to my surprise they pulled some strings and got me a room so that my work could bring the shower to me. She also was able to give me a morphine shot to help relieve some of the pain from the contractions. It was great except when I had a contraction I could still feel them but I was very relaxed in between. My office came and brought my presents and balloons and we had a great time in my little private room. Alex arrived and I could see the look of disbelief. We were going to have 3 kids with the same birthday. WOW!

Dr N finally got out of surgery at 4:30 and came in an broke my water and okayed the epidural. Alex had always wanted me to try and have her at home because it would be cool if he could deliver her. Thankfully Dr N said he would let Alex help him and 2 hours after my water broke we were ready to have a baby! Almost. She was posterior like her older sister. But Dr N worked miracles and was able to turn her and at 6:51pm Taylie Hope Turner entered the world with the help of her Daddy.

She weighed in at 7 lbs 1oz and was 20 inches long.

She has been loved from the moment she arrived by everyone.

Our Little Family

She stole our hearts from the moment she has arrived. I remember when we brought her home I had to have her nap in the bassinet in the room the kids were playing because the boys were worried about "their baby" they always had to know where she was and even if Alex or I left the room with her they would cry for their baby. It was so cute. And Lydia she loves having a little sister to dote on Taylie loves each one of them. She never wants to miss anything. Especially a party.

I am sure many wonder if we are done now that we have 2 of each. 

Only time will tell.

Oh and if you are ever in need of inducing labor try blowing up balloons, it worked for me!

Super Bowl Baby #2: Austin Olegovich

Again as in with some previous posts, this will contain some very emotional and spiritual experiences for me that I feel need to be documented for my posterity. Please be respectful of them.

**June 2005  Alex: What will we name this baby (Lydia) if it is a boy?
                       Me:  How about Austin?
                      Silence.... I can see that he is deep in thought.
                      Alex: No, that is to be our 3rd child's name.

Austin Olegovich 2/4/08

February 4, 2008

Nurse: We still can't locate him.

 Dr N: Well find someone, we have 5 minutes to get this baby out or we lose him.

My heart sank,  please don't let anything happen to my baby I prayed. Please. In my mind (or maybe out loud I couldn't tell you for sure) I would pray, Please don't let them cut me open, I am still awake, Please let the baby be okay. Over and over. I am sure the nurses probably thought I was going crazy. I was beginning to feel weak, dizzy even though I was lying down, I felt like I wanted to slip into unconsciousness but was unable to because of the overwhelming fear and commotion around me.

Dr N: Tracie, Baby A's placenta is trying to deliver before Baby B. You are hemorrhaging (bleeding) quite a bit, I know your epidural has worn off and that you can feel everything. We don't have time to wait until it makes you numb again so we are going to have to put you to sleep. It will be best for you and the baby.

Hemorrhage, Oh please heavenly father let them get him our in time. Please let him be okay and let me be able to have more children.

I am still awake, I am still awake, I am still awake. I remember repeating. I felt like I was going to die. My heart was racing, I was in a cold sweat. I remember thinking that this is more than I can bear. And then I remembered being taught in Church that we would never be given more than we could bear. I turned to my Father in Heaven and had probably the most humble sincere talk with him. I told him that I have born this burden, my heart is heavy and I can no longer bear this burden so I would be turning it over to him. Matthew 11:28 ^aCome unto me, all ye that ^blabour and are heavy laden, and I will give you ^crest.

It was the most amazing peaceful feeling that I can't even begin to describe. I was at peace, he took my burden and gave me rest. I knew He loved me, was there with me and that though I felt alone in the chaos I wasn't. I have often heard that a women is never closer to heaven than when she is bringing Gods children into this world. And I have a testimony of that. For the next thing I knew the veil was thin, looking to my left were Alex and AJ had been earlier I saw the figure of man. He was leaning against the counter and was looking at me with a smile on his face, I could feel the love for me, I could see it in his eyes. I could feel his excitement. And I could here him say "I love you Mom, you are doing great. Everything is going to be fine."

I looked back to the ceiling only to see the face of a new doctor. He introduced him self as the anesthesiologist and told me he would be putting me to sleep and that he would be with me the whole time. My response, don't let them cut me open while I am still awake. As he promised he wouldn't I drifted off into unconsciousness.

Austin Olegovich 5lbs 9 oz  18 in born at 1:19pm

Lydia seeing her brothers for the first time

Everyone seeing the boys for the first time, top right is the twins with my twin brothers.

You are probably wondering where I am in these pictures. I am in recovery, I remember waking up as they where wheeling me there and asking them 3 questions. 1) Is the baby okay? yes he is perfectly healthy. 2) Can I have more children? Yes, they were able to save your uterus. 3) I WANT MORPHINE!!! (okay so the last wasn't a question more of a demand but hey you try having babies from both ends and tell me how you feel)

For a long time I was very depressed about no one being there when Austin was born and if it would have any effect on him the future. I was depressed that I missed Lydia seeing her brothers for the first time, the joy of the grandparents, great grad parents and Aunts and Uncles faced when they did too. Thankfully my wonderful hubby had someone tape it all and take some great pictures. But it isn't the same. I was the last person to hold my babies. But worse, I don't remember it.

But I realize how blessed we were, we had 2 perfectly healthy baby boys. Babies who didn't even . spend one minute in the NICU, who were allowed to come home with me on Friday when I was discharged. Boys who make me fall more in love with them every day.

Me holding the boys and Lydia for the "first" time.

AJ (L) and Austin (R)

Austin (L) and AJ (R)

Coming Soon! Taylie the Party Girl!

Super Bowl Baby #1: Alex Joshua (AJ)

AJ Turner 2/4/08

Sunday February 3, 2008

I woke up to a very cold, windy, snow storm. Church was canceled, and my mom and I spent most of the morning preparing food for our Super Bowl Party. We made some awesome spicy food, sweet food, tons of dips, appetizers. I don't remember who won, let alone who was playing. I just remember the food was delicious.

Starting around the 2nd quarter I started to experience back pains and stomach discomfort. I would constantly try changing positions, using Alex as a back brace or massage. They would last about a minute or two every 5 minutes. I didn't think much of it, I was pregnant with twins there was bound to be discomfort.

My dad on the other hand did not agree. I think he spent more time watching me than the game. He kept telling me that I was in labor and needed to go get it checked. I would push it off telling him "Dad, I am not in labor." A few minute later he would say "I really don't think you should be eating that.....(spicy meatballs)" and of course I would tell him I was fine.

The game ended, but the pain continued. Around10:30 I noticed something was wrong. Spotting. A LOT of spotting. It was time to concede. My dad was right, I needed to go the hospital to get checked.  After asking my to watch Lydia we headed out into the snow storm to the hospital. We had always talked about when I went into labor we would use the toll bridge and get to the hospital 5 minutes earlier. For some reason we didn't. It was a very slow, scary ride with almost no visibility.

By the time we arrived at the hospital it was close to midnight. We were going to a different hospital and I wasn't sure which entrance to use for Labor and Delivery I tried 4 different doors. Once I finally was checking in and answering the normal questions. When asked when my c section was scheduled for  I told them I wasn't, Dr N said I was going to labor. They didn't say anything but I did see their sideways glance at each other.

After being roomed we waited to hear from the doctor. I was told that he wanted to try my on an IV medication to stop labor to see if we could keep them in a few days longer to give their lungs a better chance. I was told to get some sleep and they would check on me in a few hours.

Waiting for the okay to stay.

Monday February 4, 2008

Around 6 am they checked on me and I was still laboring despite the medication and was at 5cm. I was finally officially admitted and was put on pitocin to help my contractions start back up. My epidural this time went much better. This anesthesiologist numbed my back first, so even though it did take him 4 tries I didn't feel a thing.  I was finally able to relax and get some rest. They broke my water about 9 am but trying to kick my labor back to where it was the night before.

11:30am. I was only 6 cm dilated, I was very anxious. I was about to increase my family size from 3 to 5. How can I do this? I was worried about how the delivery would go. I was so anxious I started to make myself sick. the nurse came in and gave me something for the nausea that would also make me a little drowsy. She told me not to worry that it was still hours away and to get some sleep so I could have my energy.

Alex ready for delivery, and my nurse.

 12:30pm. She wakes me up to check me. To which she then informs me that I am at 9.5cm and that it was time to move me to the OR. (It was a requirement that I deliver in the OR in case of emergency) My reaction was one of shock, what?!? Wait?! you said I had hours left to prepare. I am not ready for this. The doctor was called and they started wheeling me down the hall. I started vomiting again. I was shaking so bad! And it was at this point I realized that I could feel that my leg was asleep. Not like the feeling from an epidural but like the pins and needles from sitting on them to long asleep. I told this to my nurses and they told me that was normal. To which I responded, no you don't understand. My epidural is worn off I can feel everything.

They transferred me from the nice comfy bed to the hard operating table. As they did this I felt the most unusual pressure. I told the nurses this and they told me it was my body telling me it was time to push. Dr N was there and had me start to push.

It was the most awesome experience feeling him move through my body, painful, very painful, but amazing. I pushed though the pain and the next thing I know after only 3 pushes Alex Joshua was born. He weighed in at 5lbs 2 oz and was 18.5 in long at 1pm.

He didn't cry at first, but by the time the cord was cut he was howling. He was beautiful.

I remember Alex saying "oh that isn't normal is it"

Dr N: Call anesthesiology and get them here now we are going to have to put her under general. Get him out of here.

General? Wait, why general what is going on? Why won't any one tell me what is going on? The operating room became a flurry of activity. Nurses running, taking my baby with them and telling Alex he had to leave. He turned to follow AJ without question. My heart ached to go with them, or at least have my husband by my side.

Nurse: We can't find the anesthesiologist.
Dr N: Well find him get someone here now. We need to get this baby out quick.

More running of nurses, no one answering my questions. I knew what general meant. They had to put me to sleep. Something had gone wrong. But why won't anyone tell me what is going on? They started to prep me for my C section. I could feel the coldness of the beta dine and the roughness of the razor against my belly. This brought on a whole new fear. Please don't let them cut me open when I am still awake. I can feel that.

Nurse: We still can't locate him.
Dr N: Well find someone, we have 5 minutes to get this baby out or we lose him.

Birth Story: Lydia AnnaLee

Lydia 3 days old

Lydia is our honeymoon baby. She was born 9 months to the day we got married, we were married the first weekend in March and she was born the first weekend in December. She is very strong willed but very loving from the beginning and always a Daddy's girl. But she always does things on here own time.

On the last day of our honeymoon Alex and I decided to stop for Pizza, while there he asked if I would like some buffalo wings. I HATE buffalo wings. HATE THEM. He ordered some for himself and we decided to go to the beach and eat. On the 5 minute drive to the beach they smelled SO GOOD. I asked if I could try just one. And then another. And another. And before we got there I had at the whole dozen. Alex didn't even have one. I apologized over and over telling him I really don't know why I ate them, I really like don't like them usually but these just tasted amazing. Alex will tell you that is the one and only time he has ever seen me eat buffalo wings in our almost 7 years of marriage.

Prior to our marriage Alex had convinced me to join our local Fire Department with him. They are also the first responders for medical calls in our area and working as a nurse in a Doctor's office this interested me very much. I had been trained on their procedures, putting gear on in under a minute, and how to "catch" a hydrant. In the last week in March I finally qualified for my own gear. We went together to find some that would fit. The gear was used but in good quality but as they continued to fit me I found myself feeling more and more sick. I finally had to have Alex take me home. The guys at the station were joking I was pregnant but we just blew them off. 2 days later, the day before Easter we found out we were expecting. Or should I say Alex told me we were. He stole the test because he was so excited.

We told everyone. Grandpa Nana was very excited. Grandma Nana was a little more nervous. Her only daughter had just got married and now she was going to be a Grandma. It didn't take long though before she was buying cute outfits and toys for you.

I found myself talking to you quite often, I also found my self sick multiple time a day. It was so bad that the Doc's at work made me get and IV for dehydration. Water made me sick but Gatorade wasn't much better. Alex was very supportive, he would hold my hair, pull over while we were driving, and would stand in the bathroom door eating apples while I would lose my lunch. He also bought me Olive Garden because I was craving it (it was a stretch on our newlywed budget) and didn't complain once when I took one bite and lost it.

Once the sickness subsided I found myself once again craving foods unusual for me. Anything smothered in BBQ sauce. We use to by chicken nuggets and sit under our tree. Another favorite was Carl's Juniors Western Bacon cheese burger and root beer. When we found out "it" was a she Alex and I had been fighting all day. But after that we couldn't stay mad. We went to dinner to celebrate our little girl.

Daddy and Lydia, 1 week old

Summer turned to fall and we started to get her room ready. Winnie the Pooh themed. Alex would stand by the crib every night and turn the Mobile and pretend to put her to sleep. It was so precious. I found myself sleeping on our couch to help with back pain and Alex would push the love seat against the sofa so we could sleep together. It was so sweet. Our lease was over on October 31 and we found a house to rent. So while I was at work Alex moved us into our new place and redecorated your room.

With just weeks left I was getting more nervous, but then a unexpected sad event gave me hope. (For more on that click here to read about the passing of Alex's birth mom.) Thanksgiving came, then my due date. December 1st. That evening we waited. And waited. Nothing happened.

December 2nd I walked a mile, googled ways to induce labor and tried every one of them. Castor Oil, Prim Rose oil, bumpy car rides, exercise, and jumping on the bed just to name a few. We even watched Father of the Bride part 2 where she has the baby. Nothing happened.

December 3rd 2am.
I awoke with severe back pain, which wasn't uncommon but this was different worse. It came and went and I just couldn't get comfortable. So I got up and started cleaning. I dusted, organized and every 5 minutes would double over in pain unable to move. I thought labor was always in the abdomen, I never realized it could be in your back so it never even crossed my mind. I knew I was starting to "nest" though which was a good sign. Nesting is cleaning and preparing your home most pregnant women go through this close to their do date.

5am.
Alex gets up to go to work and finds me on the floor leaning over the dishwasher trying to load it. Thinking we must of killed the baby trying to induce labor he insists on taking me to the hospital. It was snowing and several cars were slid off the road. I would squeeze his hand with every pain and they were about 3 minutes apart. Luckily the hospital is only 12 minutes away.

6am
We are told we aren't going anywhere, I was 5 cm dilated and could have my epidural at anytime. Yes Please! However the doc who did it is old fashioned and doesn't numb your back first. It took him 20 minutes and 4 insertions to get it right. I was in tears squeezing my mom's hand (Alex the fireman he is was curious to how it was done) I learned later when it was time for the epidural to wear off and one leg was more numb than the next that the nurses call it Patel Syndrome after the doctor who did it. Apparently I wasn't the only it happened to.

I labored all day with slow progression even with pitocin and breaking my water. I was having trouble keeping my oxygen and blood pressure up so I was made to lay down with oxygen on most of the time. Family and friends would stop by and see me wondering how close I was coming. Delivering at the hospital I work in their was quite a few.

4pm
I was allowed to start pushing. I pushed long and hard. Alex and my nurse were great with encouragement. My Doctor though seemed more content chatting it up with the student he was training about volleyball and Hawaii. It frustrated Alex very much.

5pm.
I am exhausted, not wanting to go on but knowing I had to started to wear me down. I was so close to saying "That's it! I am done! Take me to the OR and get this baby out!" But I just kept asking how close, how many more pushes. To which the answer was always no more that 15 minutes. I can do 15 I would tell myself.

6pm
Still pushing, doctor is still chatting away. I am almost delirious from exhaustion. Family outside was beginning to worry. Once again I asked how close. A few more pushes.

6:11pm
Lydia AnnaLee enters the world posterior (head first, body just facing the wrong way) with the cord around her neck with help of a vacuum. 7lbs 5oz and 20 inches long she was beautiful! But most of all even the long delivery and the cord caused no problems she was perfectly healthy, so worth all of the work and waiting. I was so weak and shaking so bad it was hard to hold her. Which was okay with everyone else because they couldn't get enough of her.

Lydia and Mommy, One week old

I loved having her at Christmas time! I would sing her Christmas songs for lullaby's and change her under the lights of the Christmas tree. Some of my best memories. She is an angel. My Christmas Angel.

Happy 6th Birthday baby girl! I can't imagine my life without you!
Love Mommy