Weekending + Birth Story

The first weekend of November was filled with perfect weather, grilling with friends, and some extra sleep since baby girl is *thankfully* starting to sleep in longer stretches at night.

Coasters and Book - Kate Spade | Stemless Champagne Glasses - Crate and Barrel | Champagne Bears - Sugarfina
As I mentioned on Friday, there was an extra 30% off sale items at Kate Spade with offer code CHEERS + free shipping. The adorable bathing suit I was eyeing for baby girl was sold out *womp womp*, but I couldn't resist this tee and scooped it up for only $14 and it'll be wrapped up waiting for her under the Christmas tree next month.

Friday brought the return of bubbles and patio happy hours, and on Saturday some friends came over to meet lil' miss. We grilled out, played some corn hole, and had some more bubbles.






Sunday was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed some spiced cold brews (which were DELISH! - I subbed out the sweet cream in mine and replaced it with skim) and some shopping.


Serena's Birth Story

As many of you know, lil' miss was fashionably late and there ended up being a reason why I never went into labor on my own. I had a scheduled induction at 41 weeks, and arrived at the hospital in the early morning to be admitted and start the process. By late that afternoon, nothing was happening still so they decided to move me off the labor and delivery floor and give me something that would help speed up the process overnight and to help me sleep.

Well, about a half hour after I got into my new room I was in excruciating pain and counting down the minutes until I could call the nurse back in for more pain meds never even fathoming that I could actually be in labor. I was in agony pacing around the room, in and out of the bathroom thinking I would be sick from the pain (thankfully I never was), and thrashing around trying to find some relief. I finally hit the nurse call button, and said "I need pain medicine now!" The nurse rushed in, but with a team of others since she must have known I was in labor (which I didn't at the time), and they did a check and sure enough I was in full blown labor *finally*. So they quickly moved me back to labor and delivery where the anesthesiologist came in, and asked if I wanted an epidural. I originally thought I may be able to go without it, but I was in such excruciating pain that I immediately said YES please! I was nervous about the "big needle", but I never even saw it and they numbed the area beforehand and I immediately felt relief and began to look, sound, and feel human again. I was able to carry on conversation with H, my mom, and the nurses and doctors and even enjoy some tv before it was time to start pushing.

They had to break my water which never broke on it's own, and then they had me start pushing which was off and on for a few hours. I was totally oblivious to the fact that no progress was being made, and that the doctors and nurses kept leaving the room to have discussions because the baby's heart rate kept dropping every time I tried to push because she was in distress. Eventually, the doctor sat down with me and said we needed to explore other options. I never imagined having a c-section, and was trying my best to avoid having one. But the doctor highly suggested it as the safest route because even if the baby started to make her way out, she would most likely get stuck because of how my pelvis was shaped. This was why I never went into labor on my own, and she wasn't moving on out after all the pushing. I made the tough decision to have a c-section because it was the safest option for both me and baby girl. As soon as I agreed to the c-section, I burst into tears because it was the opposite of my "birth plan" and a team rushed in to prep me and to dress H up in scrubs so he could accompany me.

The procedure itself was painless, and I just felt a little pressure. H held my hand through it, and neither of us will ever forget hearing the words "She's out!" and waiting for what seemed like forever (it was only a few seconds) to hear her crying for the first time. They held her up so we could see her, and then took H with them to go get her cleaned up, weighed, measured, etc... They brought her back over to me so I could hold her on my chest, and we had our first family picture.


The whole situation was surreal, and I was so loopy afterwards and slept a bit before we were all reunited in what would be our room for the next few days. I cannot rave enough about the nursing staff at the hospital who were a step above any other caregiver I've ever encountered. I'm assuming they have a very rigorous/strict hiring process and only hire the best. I struggled with pain and some other recovery issues while there, and the nursing staff was nothing short of amazing as was H who stepped up and had to take care of baby girl the majority of the time the first few days when I couldn't get out of bed. I already know we're going to be a great team!


Truths ~ Recovery from a c-section is no joke and neither is the sleep deprivation that comes with having a newborn. But I will shout from the rooftops that it's all more than worth it, and it's amazing how quickly all is forgotten while looking into her beautiful eyes.

We've had lots of visitors so far including my parents who were down for the birth, my aunt and uncle who happened to be driving through from the Keys, Emily and K, our fav neighbors, and good friends over the weekend. She can't wait to go to her first BBQ at Emily and K's this weekend and meet more friends.

53 comments:

  1. I am so happy you got through labor safely, even though it was rough! Serena is absolutely beautiful! Congrats again and have a great week!

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  2. So glad that sweet baby girl is here safe and sound! She is absolutely beautiful (just like her mamma)! Love that you're already taking her to do fun things and meet everyone :) happy Monday!

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  3. What a perfect first real weekend back for you!! I'm so happy that you and Serena are safe and sound and that everything may not have gone according to plan, but she's out and happy to be with you!! Yay for champs making a return this weekend!! xo, biana -BlovedBoston

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  4. So glad to hear little princess is sleeping in longer stretches so you can get some rest and I hope the c-section recovery is going smoothly as hard as that is with a newborn but her cuteness is all worth it. Looking forward to see you all this weekend!

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  5. Yay for a real weekend and you know I"m ALLL about the yay for the champs!

    Hope your recovery continues to go well, lots of love to you, sweet friend.

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  6. Oh sweetie, so glad you enjoyed a wonderful weekend..LOVE that pic of Serena with mommy and daddy!! I am so sorry labor was rough but the end result is so amazing and you are one tough cookie!!! Heres to the week ahead to both you beautiful girls!!!

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  7. So happy you guys are getting just a bit more sleep. Everybody needs it! Yay for everyone being happy and healthy. It's tough when you can't follow your birth plan but so happy it all turned out well in the end

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  8. Hey ! Your collections are too good !! But you can bring Step out in this wear-anywhere dress from B Darlin, with a standout print and chic handkerchief hem.https://www.boutiqueken.com/cat/juniors

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  9. You are such a tough cookie! At least the painful part is over and now you can enjoy every moment with sweet Serena! She is so gorgeous--just like her mom!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  10. I hope that your recovery is going well, I have had a few friends tell me they have forgotten how awful the last few weeks of pregnancy and recovery after are already and their kids are only around a year old now so that's always good. Makes you think you could do it again if you wanted to haha! She is such a cutie, so precious!!! Sounds like she has lots of fun planned ahead :)

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  11. Loved reading your story and glad she is here! You are a trooper!! She's adorable. And happy to read your weekend too.

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  12. I can't wait to meet little miss! She definitely made her entrance into the world known! :) And love the return of Friday happy hours :) <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  13. Loved reading your story, thank you for sharing your experience with us.. She is absolutely beautiful too!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  14. She definitely let everyone know it was her day, huh?! So glad she's here and that you're both doing great! I always love to read birth stories... though they usually terrify me for the future! ;)

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  15. glad you're feeling a bit more back to "normal" after all of that - what a trooper you all are! and my birthday twin - i'll never forget her day haha. i am so excited to meet her - and see you too it's been forever :)

    xoxo cheshire kat

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  16. Serena is beautiful! So glad everything worked out and you and your little angel made it through safe! Also I LOVE that you have a patio happy hour! I need to do this when its warm again. Ain't nobody got time for happy hour in the soon to be snow.. lol

    Trish
    www.thetrishlist.com

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  17. So glad that you and Serena are safe and healthy! I'm sure the whole experience was overwhelming, but you are a champ and got through it. So awesome that you and your hubby make a great team, too!

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  18. I'm so happy to hear that you and Serena are both healthy and happy. She is such a little doll. My friend had an emergency C-section as well so I know how difficult and overwhelming the first few weeks are. You are a rockstar tho as is little Serena. I just love that name. Hugs.

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  19. First off it sounds like you had a great weekend and cheers to the bubbly again! I love the family pic of you kissing her head! Heart eyes all around. Birth is such an amazing and scary thing at the same time. I'm sorry to hear it didn't go as smoothly as you would have hoped for, but she's here and she's perfect and you're both ok which is the important part. Enjoy that wonderful baby smell and all those newborn snuggles! It goes by so fast xo Beautifully Candid

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  20. I'm so glad that you and sweet Serena are both healthy! She definitely made a grand arrival. She is so darn precious! I've taken care of plenty of mom's who have c-sections...and they all say it's horrible pain. I absolutely hated going in and checking for the fundus, I would just wince with them. Definitely take it easy and don't lift anything heavier than babygirl! Love and hugs!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  21. I know it wasn't what you planned, but I'm just happy that you and Serena are safe and healthy!! Looks like y'all had a great weekend, and I just LOVE those gold glitter coasters - adding them to my Christmas list ;)

    Meg, Borrowed Heaven

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  22. She is perfection <3 So glad that you and Serena are doing great!!

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  23. Love seeing that you are back to your weekending with friends with the baby. :) Thanks for sharing your birth story! It sounds like you handled each twist and turn so well, and I am so glad she is here, healthy, and doing well.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  24. She is the cutest little thing!! Thanks for sharing the birth story with us lady. So glad y'all were both safe even if it had happen via C section.

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  25. This is so sweet :) loving your blog layout as well!

    http://abbysaylor.com/

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  26. What a beautiful story. I too had a birth plan of a natural delivery (even with twins), but went into labor early and had an emergency c-section. They are painful for sure. I am so glad you are doing better and recovering!

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  27. YAY for the return of champagne! I'm so happy that you are able to be positive about your sweet baby even though everything didn't go according to plan. You're a champion!

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  28. Baby girl just wanted to make the entrance even more grand :) I'm glad you're both OK and all went well, despite being different than originally planned!

    And I wish I lived near you, because you're always having fun weekends :)

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  29. Your birth story sounds exactly like my birth story with Jacob, except for the fact that my docs thought my pelvis WAS big enough to get him out so they didn't suggest the c-section. Then Jacob ended up damaging my pelvis when I pushed him out (after three hours of pushing nonstop - ugh). I STILL have back and joint problems to this day from it. I just thought I would share that with you so it might make you feel a little bit better about your birth plan going awry. At this point, I wish mine HAD ended up in a c-section because I would have avoided a lot of issues with my own body.

    It definitely sucks that things didn't go the way that you wanted them to, though, but she is perfect and gorgeous and she's here!! And hooray for the return of champagne! Wasn't that first sip heaven after these nine long months?!

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  30. I'm so sorry things didn't go how you wanted them, but I'm also so glad that you can see the bright side in that getting her here safely was the most important thing!! And seriously, sleep deprivation is NO JOKE! We are going through the 4 mo sleep regression right now and it's like having a newborn all over again - all the coffee! Hope recovery continues to go well and you guys enjoy all those snuggles :) xoxo

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  31. Oh my goodness, I can't even imagine how scary that was to hear that things weren't going right and that a c-section would have to be the answer, especially since it wasn't your birth plan. I'm so glad that both of y'all are all right though, and that you're getting back to normal everyday life with a newborn!

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  32. I'm so glad Serena is sleeping in longer stretches for you! I can't imagine how scary it was to hear that her heart rate was dropping and that you needed to alter your birth plan! I am so glad both you and Serena are OK! :)

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  33. Oh gosh, that had to have been so scary for you, but I'm so glad to hear that it went fairly quickly once the process started. She's absolutely beautiful!

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  34. I am so glad to hear both you and Serena are safe, healthy and doing well after all the unexpected turns. The exact same thing happened to my cousin's wife when she had her first -- each time she pushed, the baby's heart rate went down and after pushing for hours, they ended up doing the c-section. What a sweet picture of the three of you! That's great Serena is sleeping in longer stretches now and that weekending is back!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  35. Girl that sounds so scary especially because it deviated from your "plan". If you're anything like me, that would seriously throw me for a loop. I'm glad to hear after all you went to, you and little miss Serena are doing well and recovering. I've heard from many momma's that a c-section is no joke, but if it's what is best for the baby, you gotta do what you gotta do!

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  36. Such a fun weekend. And I love reading birth stories they're all so different and have the sweetest ending. She's so precious! Hope you feel better soon xx

    Amanda Kids and Cabernet

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  37. oh hun. i am so sorry it wasn't what you planned, but i am so happy the doctors were aware of what was going on and you and Serena are both okay :) i hope recovery gets better and baby sleeps through the night asap ;)

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  38. I am sorry your birth plan did not come to fruition. It happens more than you think. I am glad you are recovering and she is sleeping a little for you. What a fun weekend! and I love that little Kate Spade T!

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  39. I'm sorry that happened...but at least you are both okay! And it's so fitting that Fashionista Junior was fashionably late. :)

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  40. Always love reading birth stories! Sorry that it didn't go as planned but glad that you both were fine and are still doing well!

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  41. Omg she is such a beauty!! Congratulations! So sorry to hear you had to have a c-section but I am sure it was worth it to keep that little cutie safe!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  42. Thanks for sharing your story... your photos are amazing! Congratulations on your beautiful bundle of joy! =)

    - Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

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  43. Loved the post, thanks for sharing!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    NEW POST: WEARING MY AUTUMN BASICS
    DON'T MISS: NAVY JUMPER FOR AUTUMN

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  44. Labor is an event that carries so many emotions. Fear, pain, excitement, etc. In the end you get a beautiful baby, so it's all worth it. Thanks for sharing and glad your happy hours are back, so fun! She's beautiful!

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  45. I'm so happy for you guys- you must've been so scared/worried/confused during the whole labor/not labor/c-section process (especially because it wasn't in your initial birth plan), but I'm so glad to hear everything went well and you guys are doing great!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  46. Happy to hear everything went well!
    Dora www.BangsBang.com

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  47. Congratulations on your baby!!!! Hope you have a quick recovery! Loving the coasters and that baby outfit with the tutu -- so cute!!!

    Sarah Bell
    Trendy & Tidy

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  48. I was seriously worried when I didn't hear anything (not that you were going to run right to Instagram and post a pic) haha, but I'm so glad you're all safe and sound. YAY for champagne and that beautiful baby girl...she's so sweet :)

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  49. Loved reading your story! I'm glad everything went well and you're doing great! Your photos with Serena are so sweet! Enjoy every moment!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  50. Recovery is definitely no joke. You did awesome, and so did your husband. You guys rock and Serena is adorable.

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  51. I love a good birth story and I am so glad everything worked out for you! You look amazing and I hope your recovery is going well mama! XO

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  52. Oh honey. I'm so glad everything turned out okay. That must have been so overwhelming. I'm glad the epidural and everything went so smoothly. Take care of you and don't overdo the c-section recovery. That's the best advice I can give you from all my friends. Hugs! Serena is perfect.

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