Introducing Sawyer Travis Barry: Birth Story

Sawyer Travis Barry 

Born Wednesday, February 24 2:44 P.M.

6lb 11 oz 19 3/4 in

It's hard to believe I've officially been a mom for a whole week. I know the expression "It just goes so fast" couldn't be more true. Now that we are settled in at home I found some time to write the beautiful story of how my son came into this world.

The last pregnancy picture

Tuesday, February 23: I had a 39 week appointment. I knew going in that day that there was a good chance we would be scheduling an induction. My BP had been getting a little higher at the end. I just remember going in praying and hoping we had progressed even more. I just wanted him to be safe. Luckily I indeed did progress. I had dropped and we were dilated from 1 to a 2. My doctor gave me options to either come in that evening or the next. Travis and I opted for that evening. Thank goodness we did because there was a snow storm the next morning. We arrived at St. Mary's at 7:00 P.M. to start antibiotics since I was GBS+ and I was also given cervdyl just to help speed up the process overnight. That night was pretty relaxed. Both our moms had came for the night not knowing if my body would go into labor on its own. I was having decent contractions but nothing too painful. Apparently I kept telling them I wasn't tired and then I would be snoring 2 minutes later (typical Lewis). 

Wednesday, February 24: The next morning my doctor arrived and broke my water at 7 A.M. At this point I was at a 4. He let me know I could get an epidural whenever I needed. I decided to hold off for an hour since I wasn't having much pain. In that hour is when things really got started. My contractions crept up quickly and steadily. Around 8 A.M. I called for my epidural knowing it could be awhile before they made it to the room. Thank goodness for those. It wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world but it was totally worth it. I was relieved instantly. Shortly after I started to feel very light headed causing me to black out a bit. My mom had given me a wash rag and a nurse had rushed in turning me from side to side. I was terrified not knowing what was was going on. I was given an oxygen mask and kept asking for reassurance. It turns out Sawyer's heart rate had gone down to 30bpm. They decided to insert a fetal monitor for a more accurate reading and kept a very close eye. The next few hours I was in and out of sleep. My contractions fizzled out for a bit so they gave me a low dose of pitocin to speed things up around 11 A.M. At 12 P.M. they upped the pitocin. Then around 1 P.M. I started to feel an immense amount of pressure. A nurse came in to check me and asked when the last time I had been checked. I told her it was around 9 A.M after my epidural. The nurse let me know that I was dilated at a 10 and the head was very low. He was making his way down. She told me I probably wouldn't need to push for very long. In the next hour nurses were rushing in and out setting up for the arrival of our little boy. He was coming! Sawyer was going to be born! My midwife came in and let me know my doctor was on his way in. I let her know that I really needed to push but I kept breathing as the pressure escalated. After my doctor arrived he joked about why I wasn't pushing already. That's when things really took off. This is when God blessed us. I started pushing as the doctor and midwife laughed about which contraction you would come out in. They made me feel more comfortable and we had such a great experience. It was about 6-8 contractions and a total of 20 minutes before you were born. Our perfect little prince had made it into this world. I cried and we all fell in love! You were absolutely perfect in every way. God gave us you.

I may be a little biased but you are the most beautiful baby boy. You are everything we prayed and could have asked for.

XOXO (love you so much)

A new mommy (:

It's getting closer

Am I really almost 33 weeks pregnant? How did this happen? Not long ago I remember being 7-8 weeks pregnant and feeling horrible. I remember thinking I can't do this. I am not strong enough. I didn't believe anyone when they said it would go away. At the time it just didn't seem possible, Thankfully each week got a little better and by 24 weeks I was able eat regularly. I'm officially at 2 week appointments which seems to make the time go extra fast. 

This is what it's been like leading up to 32 weeks.

Pregnant at Christmas time was just a tease. Next year we can't wait to have you here and really start enjoying all the magical moments kids bring. I'm finally realizing people will say anything that comes to mind. The week leading up to Christmas I was approached in the elevator at work by two middle aged women. It started out with the normal when are you due with the big eye glares(referring I'm small). I reassured them how I wasn't able to eat much in beginning and it was my first. Then getting off the elevator one of the women said "I can tell you are close because your nostrils are widened". I was a little thrown off just decided to laugh and continue to walk. Most people that know me know I have a very distinct nose also referred to being a family joke as a pig nose. It's okay it's also shared by my bigger brother. I like my nose and am not ashamed by it. In the same week I reached a new time high of clumsiness I managed to hit my head on the ceiling jumping down the stairs. Yes, picture that without laughing. Of course being 7 months pregnant my hormones gave a much different response. The next night I was WALKING down the stairs and my ankle gave out. There was a much similar response. I was home alone so I crawled up the stairs to our bedroom with my now throbbing ankle. I had received my first sprained ankle the day before Christmas Eve. Luckily the swelling/pain went down in a few days and it was only minor. As you can see it had been an interesting month. You just can't make all that up.

We have finally completed your nursery! Can't wait to post pics and show it off. We also get to shower you tomorrow. I can't wait to see everyone. Then we can get the last of what we need and impatiently wait your arrival. I have been in the stage of nesting. Organizing rooms, closets, and well everything. I went through some of Trav and I's child hood stuff. I found my official stats and first year firsts. Here are some of my stats.

Born: 8lb 9oz 21 3/4 in long (big girl)

First smile: two months 

First tooth: five months 

First full night of sleep lol: 8 months

First steps: eleven months

 

We expect that you will be long and well rounded. Either way you will be perfect. I get more anxious each day goes by. I am getting more nervous as d-day draws near but I know you will be well worth the wait. I have no feeling on if you will be early or late. I did read on my app that delivery/timing can be hereditary to your mother. If that's the case then you could be 1-3 weeks early. Your Mimi went early with us. I really am just enjoying pregnancy and the last weeks we have left with you all to myself. I struggled in the beginning but I'm in a good place right now. I know I will miss this time where you are always with me. Your dad wants you here so I can share. I guess our days together are numbered. It won't be long now little guy, hang in there.

XOXO

Your mommy to be

Merry Christmas and my home stretch

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Currently 30 weeks pregnant and 3 days

Well once again life happens and I've been MIA. So this pregnancy is flying by. It's definitely had its ups and downs but I am finally feeling my best at this stage. It's been a roller coaster but so far third trimester is treating me well. I know everyone says the second trimester is their favorite but so far I disagree. Yes, I loved finding out the sex and feeling him kick for the first time. I also didn't really get extra energy till the last few weeks of the second trimester and took my nausea medicine (that was very much needed) up until 24 weeks. That was the time I stopped sleeping well I knew it would happen but not that soon. Luckily it lasted about a month and I'm sleeping pretty well again. I only get up 1-2 times a night, small victory.

Month 5/6 (November)

At 6 months we had the joyous gluclose test. Your great grandma Marne came so I didn't pass out. I found out that I have 0- blood which basically means I'm a universal donor but can only receive my type of blood. I then was informed that since I have negative blood I had to have injection of RhoGam. It helps stop the development of antibodies to the RH factor. I will most likely be getting another injection after you are tested after birth if you test positive. It was one of those scary moments where they told me I had to get a shot and it was going in my rear (more like hip). I had a couple days to let it soak in. Never Google things like that because it just makes it worse. I took Mimi with me for moral support. Even though she was more scared than me. It was a huge needle and went in slow. It stung a little but thankfully I didn't have any side effects. I also made a call to my doctor to find out I passed my gluclose test! One less thing to worry about. We even had your aunt Ashley take a few photos for our Christmas cards. 

 

Month 6/7 (December)

We scheduled a fun 3D/4D appointment earlier this month. It was amazing. We got a good sense of what you look like. You have a mixture of our noses depending on the angle. It's funny as I remember early on having a vivid dream seeing you look like your daddy and still think there is resemblance from what we did see. It's crazy what God shows you in dreams and how real they are sometimes. It was confirmed that you had lots of hair, toes, fingers, llimbs and completely healthy. That makes this momma proud. You are so active in my belly sometimes I think you are trying to be a kung fu fighter. I love watching you kick and move from the outside. Your Mimi and Poppy both felt you kick for the first time. They are both so excited to meet you and so are we. 

I still can't believe how we got here. Each week flies by. I'm anxious to bring in the new year because it's the year you will be born and we can really start our life as a family of three. The next few months will be filled with family and friends impatiently waiting your arrival. We are so close little one keep growing and letting me know of your existence. 

As we continue to celebrate Christmas with family we are reminded of how blessed we are. We don't forget the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

With love, XOXO

The Barry's

Pregnancy update + life happenings

Fall update: another season almost through 

Well it's been awhile since I've posted. A lot has happened. Here is my current bump situation and the last 6 weeks. I have certainly grown.(life sometimes gets in the way) 18-23 weeks

We have celebrated a wedding welcoming a new cousin and mourned the loss of our sweet grandmother Lucy.

My best friend welcomed her second bundle of joy another one of Sawyer's Bffs. She is perfect. The best part about holding her and having baby fever is that I will have my very own in a few short months.

There has been so much going on I feel like I haven't had a moment to take in the FACT I'm 24 weeks which means we are 3 1/2 months away from holding our baby boy. We are over half way and it's starting to sink in. 

20-21 week appointment: Sawyer was a little stubborn and didn't want any part of the picture process. He was not shy about spreading his long legs and confirming his manhood. (Haha) let's be honest it was relieving to know you were still a little guy and we didn't have to make any returns. They estimated you at about a pound which was a little over the average but I know it's just an estimate. We aren't expecting a little baby anyways since your daddy and I were well rounded babies. Nothing wrong with that. It just means there is more of you to love.

Sickness: I finally feel like the nausea/sickness is completely gone (around 22weeks). I am still taking my Diclegis at night because after a few horrible days of skipping I was at a downward spiral again. I was ordered more pills and got the OK from the nurse. I am planning on stopping very soon. I am getting up regularly in the middle of the night and I finally purchased a pregnancy pillow to hopefully help my ribs and back. The aches started at 19 weeks and still very apparent as soon as I lay down. Yoshi sure approves of the extra cushion. Thank goodness for our king size bed because this pillow is like adding a third person. 

Body changes: I have finally put on weight for all the people telling me how little or tiny I am you're welcome. To be honest I'm proud of my little bump and I'm sure by the end I'll be wishing I was still hearing how tiny I am. I finally have an appetite but no serious cravings. I am eating anything spicy while I can. I know I'll miss it later.

Movement: I felt you move at 16 weeks but I felt strong kicks at 19. You are a strong kicker and your daddy felt you the same week. He insisted that he reads to you regularly since you hear my voice all day. It melts my heart.

Nursery (Coming soon..): It is completely painted and all furniture has been assembled. (A huge thank you to my in-laws) I'm in love. It has became my little art project and by far my favorite room in our home. It feels like Christmas with all these packages arriving in the mail. I get so excited for each and every delivery. I constantly check the tracking throughout the day. It is about 80 percent complete. I can't wait to show off the final result. Here is my newest addition. 

The days and months are flying by. We read to you each night and talk about how much our life will change for the better. You are our missing piece. I can't wait to meet you. Just keep growing and kicking me like you do. We love you so much already all 1-2 lbs of you).

XOXO

Your soon to be mommy

Baby Barry Gender

He or She what will it be??

Yesterday we had the pleasure of announcing the gender of our first born. It was kind of perfect. We had such a good turnout and the weather was beautiful. 

Before finding out the sex of baby Barry we debated on how to announce it or if we wanted to find out at the appointment/at the party. Me being very impatient and wanting to have much control of the situation "We" opted to find out at the ultrasound. I am so glad we did. It was probably one of my favorite days of my life aside from our wedding and learning we were expecting. Before knowing it was a little guy we had talked many times about what we wanted in an ideal world. Surprisingly we both actually wanted a little boy first even though we would have loved a girl just as much. Growing up I had a big brother that looked up to and admired and still do. I like the idea of a big brother to be the protector to his future siblings. After becoming pregnant my desire for what the sex of the baby quickly faded away. I realized how much of a blessing from God a baby is and to be honest really only wanted a healthy baby (Travis agreed). Either way we were so excited to have our first born cooking in my belly. In the beginning I had a strong feeling it was a boy and even had a vivid dream reassuring our little boy would look just like his daddy. You got to love those crazy pregnancy dreams. If you want to go off of "The Old Wives Tales" 90% of them told me I was having a girl (not very accurate if you ask me). 

The ultrasound:

Well we had a gender scan and we were there not more than 45 sec with the tech telling us "It's a boy". I was the only one who heard her so I questioned to make sure I heard correctly. Sure enough there was our proof. 

Flash forward a week and half to yesterday where we finally revealed what the sex of our baby was. I would say 80% people told us they believed it was a girl.We loved listening 

all the assumptions. It was so fun to hear what people "thought" we were having. 

It's a boy!!!!!!

For this child we have prayed and we shall call him "Sawyer Travis Barry".

Thank you for all the love to our friends and family. We love you all! ❤️❤️❤️

XOXO

Sawyer's mommy 

16 week update

Baby Barry Update:

+

Wow, the last few weeks have came and gone. I feel like this pregnancy is going so fast already. I am a little past due from my last post. A lot has been going on and we are busier than ever.

It seems like a blur weeks 11-14. We gave in a bought a new bedroom set (King Size included). This makes this soon to be mommy very happy. It gives us so much more room for us and the pups. 

I finally gave in and purchased a few maternity wear clothing. I am still wearing normal clothing but I do love my new Jessica Simpson Maternity Jeans and black leggings from Motherhood. They both fit great and are so comfy. I also attempted to start running again but after a few months off I decided it's just not going to happen this pregnancy. 

Oh well, I will settle for long walks with the pups.

I have finally arrived to the 2nd trimester and so far I feel a ton better with a few bad days here and there. My biggest struggle is cooking and housework. I just want to sleep most weekends and lounge around. I am waiting on that extra energy boost to catch up.

Sickness: Tired, allergies, and nausea off and on but not every day

15 Weeks:

One of my favorite weeks so far. We had a gender scan and even brought along Grandma and Mimi. Oh we are so filled with joy! You were so adorable. You even smiled and yawned. I can't believe how active and formed you were this time. It even looked like you were doing yoga. I seriously couldn't help tearing up knowing that's my baby. It felt so much more real. I'll cherish those moments forever and the many more to come. The best part is we will get to see you again in 4 more weeks. Sonograms are easily my favorite part of this process. It makes all the morning sickness worth it.

We are going to finally announce your sex this weekend at our gender reveal party. I can't wait to finally just say she/he instead of "it". It's been so hard but I am proud of standing my ground.

16 weeks: 

We have started the long process of doing your nursery. I want it to be perfect. I won't post until the process is completed. I have so many ideas and projects I need to start doing. It will keep me busy in these long cold months coming up. I even felt you move around the other day. It's such an indescribable feeling. I know it might be a faint ticklish flutter but I know in a few weeks it will be a lot stronger and that makes me extremely excited.

We are already in love with your adorable little self. Keep growing and moving around in my belly. I can't wait to hear you again on Thursday. :)

XOXO
Your Mommy

I'm growing a human

Oh baby,

I decided to keep a journal to reminisce later on when I can't remember what and how I was feeling. I figure it will help with future pregnancies and any other expecting mothers that need a little motivation. It's been a rough couple weeks, to say the least. First you are overwhelmed with excitement and some fear. Then all of sudden all you can think about is running to the restroom hoping you make it in time. One word of advice I was given every day for weeks is that it does go away. I am getting closer to the end of the dreadful first trimester and feeling stronger each day. At one point I thought how do people do this? I would cry and think I'm never going to feel normal. I hear 2nd trimester is the best. Thankfully 5 weeks later, hard to believe, it really gets better. Sure, I still have bad days but a lot less often. I am excited to focus on all the good things that are about to happen and soak in all "first time pregnant" memories. 

Your first care package from your Auntie Kara. Thankfully this was before I was feeling sick so I was able to enjoy the cookies.

I haven't written to you in awhile I just re-read your 5 week post. Wow, how so much has changed in a month. Pretty much 5 days later it all hit me sweats, nausea, shakes and all. I was miserable that week. It was like eating was a job. I couldn't get much in my stomach and every 1-2 hours I was starving again. After throwing up for a few days (all day) I called my Doctor for a prescription. I was prescribed Diclegis. It took a few days to start seeing the results but oh man it keeps me going. It's been a life saver. We had already planned a trip way in advance to Nebraska that upcoming weekend. It's where most of your grandma and grandpa's family live and where they grew up. I slept pretty much 6 out of 8 hours in the car, thank goodness. By the end of the trip I was feeling decent.

Your Poppy turned 50 so what better way than to surprise him with a new grandchild. Best gift ever...right? 

Symptoms: Exhausted, nauseated, vomiting before medicine (only vomited two times since meds..small victory) no appetite, mood swings, emotional, irritable, lots of heartburn already 

After getting back from our trip it was back to work. Mornings were not my friend at this time. I just took each day at a time.

Week 7 - I started feeling a little better, surprisingly. I did have a couple rough days but I was making progress. It was actually that week I started feeling worse in late afternoon/evening. Bedtime was about 8p which I didn't mind one bit. Your fur sis and bro have been clingy, even more than usual. It's like they know I'm growing a human.

Symptoms: mild nausea, still very tired, heartburn subsided mostly, headaches, crazy dreams, no appetite but eating 

*This is the week I dreamed that Jordin (your aunt) gave birth then I gave birth twice right after with no medicine..(yeah right). It was all the talk with Travis wanting twins.  

Week 8/9 - We had your first visit with the Doctor. This is our first sonogram. (8 weeks 5 days)

You were so active moving around. Daddy wanted twins but we were assured only one healthy baby. I was totally okay with that. You look like a gummy bear. Your sweet little arms and legs were starting to sprout. You had a very strong heartbeat (169 to be exact). Everything looked great. We thought your date would be March 2, but we were a little farther along. The official due date is February 28, 2016 on a leap year! Yikes! I hope we miss that day, for your sake.

Symptoms: pretty much the same, some days better than others 

We celebrated your Mimi's 50th birthday this last weekend! She was also shocked to hear a few weeks prior of your existence. I think she's pretty excited.

Week 10 - I am finally seeing the light within the tunnel. We decided to reveal your existence to the rest of the world. We have wanted to share our great news to our friends for so long. It's been hard not to shout it from the mountains.Travis has been doing his homework and reading all the necessary books trying to prepare both of us. It's so cute how excited he is. He lights up every time someone asks about you. You are really lucky to have him as a father. We aren't sure of the sex but we will find out in less than 5 weeks. We have a girl name we love and couple boy names we are leaning towards. I just want a healthy baby. I had a dream about you being a boy and having lots of hair. I still can't get that face out of my head. You looked so much like your dad. It seemed so real. I woke up with a big grin on my face. You are our baby and we love you so much already.Thank you God for making this beautiful creature.

Symptoms: Fatigue and random spurts of nausea; I am feeling the best this week as I enter into 11 weeks

XOXO

(A soon to be mommy)

Mallory