There's a great story behind these photos. They were very impromptu and probably shouldn't have happened. But I am SO glad they did! After a wonderful first day at school, I was exhausted! I went to fill up and realized I must have left my wallet at school. I was so tired, I didn't want to drive back to get it, so I just went on thinking I would have Nick fill me my car later in the night and I would get my wallet tomorrow. Little did I know there would be a wreck on 275 that would make my 40 minute drive home an hour and a half! So I creeped along 275 on empty, with no wallet, and by now you know I had to pee, all the while having Braxton Hicks contractions. Needless to say, this was not one of my top 5 favorite moments! I made it home on fumes and filled up my car after Teddy went to sleep.
I went to bed early, prepared to get a good night's sleep to get me through the second day of school. Teddy woke up at 1 am, but went quickly back to sleep. I on the other hand did not. I had a little bit of cramping and all I could think about was if this turned into labor I wouldn't have my wallet or insurance card! That kept me up until 5 am and when my alarm went off at 5:40, I was a mess. I should have called off, but I wasn't prepared for my sub yet and I still had some things to do. As luck would have it, I got stuck behind a bus that was having some issues and I was late for school. I got there after the students arrived (like 5 minutes) but it was long enough for my fellow teachers to fear the worst and they were in a panic by the time I arrived. I was so stressed and tired it was all I had just to get it together to greet my students.
Another teacher and I decided to take the kids to the intermediate playground for a quick recess. If you've been to my school, you know this is not a short walk. When we came back in, I of course had to go to the bathroom. That's when I discovered I had some active bleeding. The last time I had active bleeding I was holding Teddy in my arms 14 hours later. True story!
So I was 100% positive this was it! I was going to meet Petey that night. I was kind of excited because if he was born after midnight, he would be born on August 25th, Teddy and Petey's shared due date. I called my substitute, Bonnie and she rushed into school for me. I let the office know I was leaving because I was pretty sure I was in labor and I rushed to Belinda's to get Teddy. I'm not going to lie, I was a HOT MESS. I had been up since 1 am, the only food I could find in my room was oreos. Albeit, they were doubled stuft and super delicious...but not exactly labor fuel. I didn't know how I was going to do natural labor on this little food and sleep.
I called my mom and sister and let them know what was going on. At this point, I couldn't stop crying. When Missy asked me if this was it and if she should come down, I said, "I don't know but I NEED YOU." That's all she needed to hear. She packed up the car, arranged child care for the kids and told our mom that she was coming to pick her up in 15 minutes, if she couldn't get off work, then she would have to drive separately! Now that's some sisterly dedication!
After I got home I quickly ate some healthy foods to power me up for labor and I got into bed. I prayed for a couple of hours of sleep before, as I like to call it, "Sh** gets real". I was able to sleep by doing my meditation/hypnobirthing relaxation cd. When I woke up, I was ready. Let's do this! I got up and started cleaning, doing squats and mentally preparing for labor. And that's when...nothing happened. I was still bleeding, but I had no contractions or even Braxton Hicks. Nick and I took Teddy on a stroll around the neighborhood, but my ligament issues and the fact that it was 90 degrees prevented us from going too far.
My mom and sister arrived. After dinner, Missy and I went to Meijer, thinking a cooler environment would be better to walk in and help move things along. I could barely walk at Meijer. My ligaments were just not cooperating. I'm sure the employees at Meijer were like, get OUT before you have that baby in our store!
We all went to bed early, hoping to get woke up in the middle of the night with some serious "real" labor pains. No such luck. After breakfast Missy and I were just sitting there talking and she says, "Get upstairs, throw on some make up, put on something cute and let's take some pics!" If you've known me for any amount of time, you already know that I bounded upstairs and did as requested!
Below is the amazing result of the maternity photo session that probably shouldn't have happened! Enjoy!
