Over the Moon for Baby Adalynn

She came into this world without hesitation.  She was ready - I, however, was taken a bit by surprise.

Adalynn Mercy born at 4:33AM on 8/10/14

One month before Adalynn's due date, I was contracting and the doctor said she would likely come early.  During this time,  I suffered three displaced ribs.  The pain of moving them back into position was unsettling…but thankfully successful.   As the therapist pulled them back into place, my contractions were strong.  With healing, during the next few weeks, the contractions slowed.  It appeared Addie was comfortable exactly where she was.

Friday, August 8th, more than a week before my due date,  I worked at channel 2.  I reported on jet skiers lost on Utah Lake.  My photographer cringed every time I took a deep breath.  "I don't want to have to drive you to the hospital, Brittany.  Please don't go into labor," he begged.

I was going to be fine.  My other two babies came with inductions.  My body just didn't seem to start labor on it's own.  Little did I know, just 30 hours later, I would be holding my new baby girl.  

Dr. Haskett, my obstetrician, was leaving town over my due date.  He offered to induce me on Saturday, August 9th.  He is a wonderful doctor.  But I wanted Addie to come when she was ready.   I was confident she would come after he arrived home from his vacation.

So I canceled the induction….and she was born the next day.  

I spent Saturday wearing one of Jody's t-shirts.  It is a blue baseball tee with the number 32 on it.  

And it was the only thing that fit me.  

Well, fit without tugging or pulling in uncomfortable or awkward areas.  

I cleaned, DEEP cleaned our kitchen that day.  Bending over, reaching high to put dishes away…all (usually) easy tasks….seemed to take my breath away.  I was round, swollen and enjoying heartburn 24/7.  As I was still going strong cleaning; scrubbing the kitchen tile floor, the 10 o'clock news was on.  My colleagues were talking about the Supermoon that was so impressive.   The full moon happened at the same time as the moon's closest approach to the Earth.  A force of nature that the nurses at the American Fork Hospital later told me caused quite the busy rush in Labor and Delivery.  NASA called the moon on August 10th, 2014 - an "Extra Supermoon".

What a super day it was!  

I went to bed around midnight.  I woke up, catching my breath at 2:30 am.  Intense pain.  I went to the bathroom….and my water broke.  Or did it?  The doctor had broken my water with my other two children, while I was numb - so knowing whether this was the real deal or not....I wasn't sure.   I didn't want to wake Jody up if this was just a false alarm.  So I breathed through contractions in the bathroom….all while googling "when your water breaks".  Jody (bless his heart) finally came in and said - "I think we need to go the hospital." 

"Really.  I'm good.  I am still in this #32 baseball tee…maybe I could just shower really quick and…….."  (insert major groan and hunching over)

Jody's expression was one I will never forget.  "Come on Brittany, let's go," he said.  

My contractions were 2 minutes apart.  I called my mom at 3:08 am from our house…. my dad came over to sit with Gracie and Sienna.  

Jody drove like a warrior to the hospital.  Panicked, Excited, Full of Adrenaline - what a ride.  Jody told me to call the hospital while we were in route, so they would be ready for us.  Talk about the definition of multi-tasking.  I was trying to find the number - and breathe through contractions - it felt like my insides were on the outside.  My whole body curled with each contraction.  Jody later told me he thought he might have to deliver the baby in the car.  

Jody pulled into the hospital roundabout and rushed around to open my door. I limped into the hospital lobby.  The overnight security guards yelled, "good luck!"

We walked in a labor and delivery hospital room at 3:58a.m.  Two nurses were asking me questions.…address, phone number….when I went into labor with my other two children….SO many questions.  I did fill out the pre-registration documents so that we wouldn't have to go through this.  So now I am ripping my clothes off - chucking that over sized #32 baseball Tee across the room...Get me in that hospital gown and someone check me.  They told me to hop on the hospital bed, and as I did…biggest contraction yet.  Blood, liquid…all sorts of liquid, on the bed and streaming down my legs.  I had no idea that much stuff could pour out of me.  For those of you moms, who have labored unmedicated - you know that your body makes way for baby - releasing - letting go - it's quite incredible - the process.    And in the same breath I kept saying "Oh.....Oh my... Oh dear. Oh my."  It was like someone kept dumping a large bucket of water beneath me.  Seriously.  Ice Bucket Challenge - every contraction.  

The nurse checked me.  "Okay.  You're at an 8 and moving fast."

I couldn't believe it.  I had labored to an 8 at home.  And it was at that point I realized an epidural may not happen.  The nurses told me it was too late.  But the anesthesiologist gave me a spinal block, which took effect immediately and in time for me to push.  The scariest part was the unknown….knowing I hadn't planned to have a baby naturally - and it was close to a reality.   It was miraculous to feel my body doing the work - progressing on it's own.  The doctor said I was at 9 cm right before the spinal block.  That blessed spinal block!  My mom tells me, while she was in labor with me,  she asked my dad, 

"Stan - just make a fist and punch me in the face.  Please knock me out!!"

That sounds like Ronda, right?!  Love her!  I was pleased that no swear words were said, and there were no requests to be punched out during my labor pains with Adalynn.   Laboring is called laboring for a reason.  I think women who choose natural delivery make that choice partially because the experience is HUMBLING and yet EMPOWERING in the same breath.  But let's be real - motherhood is humbling and empowering every single day following the delivery.  So if women want an epidural - that's a fine choice.  I did for 2 of my children's births and pain meds for the pushing part of delivery for Addie.  But with this taste of vulnerability and authenticity - I felt like Addie's birth was perfect.  

I really love Adalynn's birth story - how it played out.  When people asked me if I was going to be induced - I kept saying I wanted her to come on her own.  Well - I got exactly what I asked for:  the unexpected and uncomfortable pains which tore me from my bed, the rush; the white knuckle drive to the hospital.  (There's a reason I enjoy working in the news industry - perhaps I thrive on the adrenaline rush a bit.)  But looking at Jody and knowing he would do anything to help me in that moment - it was raw and tender.  And Adalynn arrived safely and healthy.

Such a blessing.  

As I was pushing - another soon-to-be mom was delivering next door.   She was screaming loudly.  It was like she had a megaphone and was next to my bed.  My nurse, who couldn't ignore the outbursts, said, "she didn't get an epidural or spinal block….it was too late."  

I pushed through three contractions, and Addie wasn't budging.   She was Occipital Posterior or her face looking up instead of looking at the floor, as it should be.  Face Up is like delivering a baby that weighs a full pound more - it's difficult because the baby can't flex it's head on the exit.  It's not impossible, but definitely takes longer because pushing is not as effective.  As Addie was crowning, Dr. Watabe recognized this - reached up and flipped her.  That probably would have felt...errrrr….(thankful for the spinal block especially then!)   After that - it was pushing through two more contractions - one for the head, another for the shoulders and body -- and she was ours.

But it felt like she had been part of our family forever.   

She arched her back as the doctor held her up.  

She looked beautiful.  

She came into this world a mere 35 minutes after we made it to the hospital.

Adalynn was my smallest baby weighing in at 6 lbs. 9 oz and 19 inches long.

Baby girl had blonde hair with a hue of red.  She was so sweet.   After visitors had left for the day, it was just me and baby Addie.  I looked out the big hospital windows and saw that glorious supermoon.  It was absolutely majestic - so bright - a sight I had never witnessed before.  

I held in my arms, my own celestial light; my unique slice of heaven.  

I had the moon.

Little Feet that will do Big Things...

The First picture as a family of FIVE.

Sisters

Grandma W. was awake at 3 am when I called her in labor.  She was working on her Relief Society Lesson still...at 3AM!  She is the most prepared teacher ever -  She was the first to see and hold Baby Adalynn.

Aunt Kylene and Summer 

Sienna has been a 100% Involved Big Sister since day 1. 

So Happy to Meet You.... Little One.

Photographers in the Making...

February 16, 2014
14 Weeks Pregnant with Adalynn 

We came home from church in mid-February, and Gracie and Sienna wanted to take pictures of us.  Gracie was telling us to pose...and then she and Sienna snapped a few without us knowing.  Ha ha!

We Have Some News....

Chocolate didn't look good.
My brand new liquid eyeliner suddenly smelled like a beef stick...so I buried it in a drawer.
The scent wall plug-in's in my home that used to smell so good - sent me running for the bathroom to throw-up.

Something was happening to me - I was pregnant!



I found out I was expecting the end of November 2013!  I was thrilled.  We had been trying for nearly a year, with some medical complications and a miscarriage mixed in between - so this was great news.

The foods I look forward to at Christmas Time weren't nearly as appetizing.  There were days I sipped on sprite and ate 2 saltines...and avoiding throwing up every time I brushed my teeth was one of my main priorities. 

I started prepping the girls by asking Gracie when we should have another baby.

"Probably when I'm ten," she replied.  "That sounds like a good time.  I just don't want you to get a giant tummy, Mom...okay?"

Well - that was a problem.  The giant tummy was inevitable.  And months later (when I was 9 months pregnant) she was singing a different tune.  Gracie was very complimentary about the expansion in my mid-section.  She told me, all the time, that I looked great.  It made me feel happy.  She was very sweet during my pregnancy, and now that baby Adalynn has arrived, she is a great helper.

Sienna was also excited.  In the beginning, she insisted we name the baby 'toothbrush' or 'twilight sparkle'.  She gave my tummy kisses nearly every day.  We had these pictures taken in November - soon after I found out I was expecting.  Our little family was about to grow.

We would later find out we were expecting our THIRD girl.  Another sister to love and make memories with.  Look at these two; such different personalities...yet even in the moments where they disagree - we all know they could never live without each other.  Sisters have a special bond.  I never had a sister growing up.  I love being the mother of little girls.



The second week of February 2014 - we surprised Grandpa and Grandma Tait with our news.  Jeff, Lacey and their girls and Greg, Kylene and Summer were there too for the announcement.  Gracie and Sienna were WAY excited to tell everyone.  I was 13 weeks.  My talented friend from High School, Kelsey Behrend, made these darling cookies.  Gracie & Sienna offered everyone a cookie...and waited for their reaction!

   We shared the good news on Social Media when I was 15 weeks along.

34 Weeks

Feeling Hot * Hot * Hot *

We traveled down south to St. George to spend a few days baking in the sun with Jody's family. We enjoyed boating, swimming and a hike around Zion National Park. Jody and the rest of the family are really good at wake-boarding and slalom skiing - so it's always fun to watch them show off their skills behind the boat. It was 113 degrees during the days we were there...Hats off to all the pregnant women who live in St. George. I was a puddle the entire time - melting and hot!!

In Baby News - I am feeling spoiled. These are the moments when I get to feel my baby girl move when no one else knows it's happening. It's such a special bond.

The doctor says I'm measuring right on; he also told me, at my last appointment, that I am anemic. This explains the nausea, dizziness and feeling tired & weak ALL the time. I'm now taking triple the iron supplements - and it does seem to be helping. Only seven weeks left until my due date! I know a big transition is coming; going from one child to two. We are excited and humbled to meet this new little one.

Just Call Me "Gus Gus"...

Does this look familiar? Minus the gnome-like hat, fur and mouse ears...it's what I see when I look in the mirror.


Jody has a new name for me - Gus Gus! (You know, the mouse from Cinderella) I roll out of bed in the morning and my shirt has rolled up - exposing my baby bump.

"Good morning Gus Gus," Jody says.

"Good morning Jody," I say...and then I think; "When did this nightshirt shrink? Why are shirts that used to act as tents now hanging on for dear life - trying to cover my tummy??"

And then I feel the most surreal feeling ever - my little one moving inside of me. A little person growing in my tummy, and I get to feel her move. The thought is, at times, overwhelming and so beautiful.


I kind-of like my new nick-name! :)

I Want To GLOW!

We've all witnessed it...a darling pregnant woman walks into a room, when someone exclaims, "Look at You - You're Just Glowing!"

And She Is.

I Want To Glow.

I'm glowing on the inside. I just think there are other pregnancy-related dominant physical factors that are smothering my potential radiation. The acne that hasn't gone away in four months, the outbreak of cold sores, frizzy hair, dark circles under my eyes, not to mention that some days Gracie and I are hiding in the house when someone rings the doorbell at 3:00 in the afternoon...because we are still in our JAMMIES.
(Yeah, that's definitely not helping me to GLOW.) :)

I heard the baby's heartbeat again yesterday. AMAZING.

And I felt like I was glowing.

In fact, it's the Best Feeling in the World! It's a sound I will never get tired of hearing. 153 was the heart rate number. It will be so exciting to take another peek at the baby next month at the 20-week ultrasound. Can't wait!

Best News of the Year!

In six months, "Our Tait Trio" will be adding another special member to our family.

We are Expecting a Baby!!!

And We Couldn't be Happier!!

The most recent ultrasound shows our little one arriving on September 25th. Here's a peek at Baby Tait #2 from a sonogram done at 12 weeks.


I'm now 14 weeks along. This pregnancy has been different than my first. I have been exhausted and nauseous. (More so than with Gracie...or did I forget? I can't remember.) :) Even the most simplistic of tasks have seemed like climbing a mountain. Gracie has been very patient with her less than mediocre mother these past three months, and Jody has picked up middle of the night duty with Gracie - giving me a chance to rest.

But even in the moments when I've been lifeless on the couch - I'm excited - I'm thrilled - and I'm blessed. No amount of sickness could take away the joy I feel knowing I get to be a mother for a second time. Having Gracie has changed both my and Jody's lives for the better - we can't imagine what bliss this new baby will bring!!

Here's a picture of my mom and me on her Birthday a few days ago. I'm already showing a baby bump. Everything seems to be happening faster the second time around. We've made it to the 2nd Trimester, and we're looking forward to September!

How This Little Pumpkin Has Grown...

Gracie will be 11 Months in just a few days! The time has simply flown by, and everyday is a blessing. I remember a year ago during October...that was when I really started feeling the effects of my pregnancy. Most of the day I couldn't breathe, and my stomach just kept stretching! But I couldn't wait for our own little pumpkin to arrive. Because I love the fall season so much, and the latter part of my pregnancy was during that time of year, I wanted Gracie's middle name to be "Autumn"...However, when she came out looking exactly like Jody - we both knew "Jo" was more than fitting!

LAST OCTOBER...


THIS OCTOBER...


Really...She just wanted to eat the Hay! Talk about a True Taste of the Season...Right?!!