Dottie Birth Story

Dottie Lou Lindquist

Born on June 23rd at 5:56 PM

8 lbs 9 oz 

20 inches long 

This delivery was so much different than my first two. Both Cash and Lolli came on their own right on or around their due date. Both of them being born right after having appointments with my OB and getting my membranes stripped. With Dottie, we went in to have this procedure done, but there was nothing more my dr could do to speed the process along. So we scheduled to get induced for June 23rd, a week after my due date. However, Scott and I left my appointment thinking okay, we will just go on long walks and she'll come out anytime now. NOPE. we walked probably at least 20 miles worth that week. NOTHING. We never thought we would make it all the way to Saturday and have to get induced. I guess Dottie must have been pretty comfy and content in there. 

Writing this has been a struggle, because it literally all happened so fast. After just waiting and waiting, BAM baby was out. So here it is:

June 23rd finally came. I was feeling really nervous the whole drive to the hospital, mainly because I didn't know what to expect with getting induced. I had heard horror stories where women were induced and labored for DAYS! I was scared my labor was going to be either super long or so quick that I'd be in pain and not have time for an epidural. 

6:30 AM: As we walked into the birthing center we were greeted by the nurse that was going to take care of us that day, I immediately noticed the hospital water bottle she had in her hand all ready for me with ice and water. Scott laughs that I love my hospital cups so much, but really, besides the baby it's the best thing I get to bring home with me. We were then guided to Suite 1 where we got settled in and I dressed into the hospital gown. The nurse came in to check me to determine how they would start the induction, I was thinking, I've GOT to be at least dilated to a 3 from walking So much. NOPE. Still at a 1. So they inserted a pill to soften the cervix and dilate more. This took about 3-4 hrs, and unfortunately scott and I both didn't even think to bring dvds, computer, headphones, anything really to entertain ourselves! You would have thought this was our first rodeo. 

1:00 PM: the nurse came to check again and I was dilated to a 2. The OB on call decided to go ahead and start me on pitoccin. I had heard the contractions would be a lot stronger and come faster when getting induced with that drug so I wanted to make sure to get an epidural soon but not so soon that I didn't feel any contractions. 

2:00 PM: the anesthesiologist came to start my epidural. Anyone who gives birth naturally is an absolute champion. Me, I need the epidural. Going numb I was able to start to relax!  Soon after getting the epidural my mother in law got to the hospital. Just killing time at this point and waiting. 

3:00 PM: the nurse came and checked me again, I was at a 3 not sure how much longer it would be I called my mom and told her she better head to the hospital. Soon after 

my right leg seemed to be getting a lot more numb than my left to the point where I couldn't move it at all. We adjusted my position to lean to my left side but this made the babies heart rate drop so we had to change my position back to the right side and had the anesthesiologist come back to lower the dosage I was getting. All throughout this Scott, my mom, my mother in law, and I were all playing cards to try to distract and kill time, which to this day scott says he was winning. I started to become really hot and uncomfortable. Scott had to fan me for a while, then the nurse was nice enough to find me a little handheld fan. 

Embarrassingly I told Scott I wanted the epidural adjusted back up again. With the discomfort and medicine I became nauseous and started to vomit (barely making it into the bag). I was confused as to why I was feeling so much discomfort! Surprised by my pain even with the edipuradal, our nurse decided to go ahead and check me again. After looking, she looked up startled and she asked "so are you ready to have a baby?" I had gone from a 5 to a 10 in a matter of minutes. It was no wonder I was feeling so much discomfort and pressure.

5:50 PM: I started pushing. This is the point I was most nervous about, because with both Cash and Lolli I had to push for so long! Near the end of pushing, Cash had his cord wrapped around his neck and lolli ended up having to get vacuumed out. Both scary moments during birth. To our surprise after just 4 pushes she was out. Heaven. If I could play the moment the baby comes out, is handed to me, and is skin to skin over and over I would. There is absolutely no other feeling like it. It really is a little heaven on earth. So much sacrifice carrying and growing a baby for 9 months, so much work and pain bringing the baby to this world, and then the relief and just utter peace when they are out and just soaking up every detail of their face. So innocent and helpless. Completing falling in love with someone instantly that you just met. It's an empowering feeling knowing that you brought them to this earth they depend on you. We feel so blessed with how smooth the delivery went and couldn't love our sweet baby Dot more than we do. 

Dottie Lou ONE month

I'm not sure whether to say this month has gone by super fast or slow. It's kinda just been a whirlwind adapting to having three kids! So glad to have Scott home to help this whole month. Dottie has been a pretty easy going baby, I also think our babies have gotten easier because of our experience, it's like night and day with how much more relaxed I am with my third than I was with my first.

Dottie loves:

+baths
+eating
+being on her belly
+being held by Cash, she usually will fall asleep on him while he's watching tv
+being in a wrap
+hearing her brother and sister, she likes the noise over the quiet
+being outside
+her snuggle me organic
+being swaddled

Dottie dislikes:

+waiting for her milk
+getting out of the bath
+when Cash and Lolli are all up in her face, but she is very patient
+car rides, unless we are on the freeway
+not having anything on her hands, i.e. mittens or blanket
+vitamin D drops

Mommy loves:

+your round little face
+hearing people say you look like me
+your smiles
+waking up to you
+your chubby rolls
+hearing you coo
+touching your soft head
+kissing you...ALWAYS

Firsts: 

+smiles
+lifting her head up

+cooing a little already!

Facts about you:
+already surpassed birth weight at check up, last weight check was 9 lbs 10 oz
+your nails were so long at birth and I've already needed to cut the several times. 
+you didn't like your binky at first, I persisted and after about two weeks you take it

+always pooping on the towel right after getting out of the bath
+you love to be close to mom
+Lolli said to me the other say, 'don't say dottie, say dot!" 
+already in size 1 diapers
+0-3 month clothes

T W E L V E months

Lolli is the sweetest little girl and I feel so lucky to be her mama every single day. She really is the most easy going happy girl. This year flew by, like really, I feel like she was just born and I blinked and now she is 1. She is wearing size 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers. She's still a petite little thing!

Lolli loves:

+running around with her brother
+being outside, she always is handing us her shoes and jacket
+snuggling into her blanket
+getting into things, especially the bathroom
+climbing chairs, and TABLES...
+being naked
+throwing her food
+eating whatever mom and dad have
+riding cash's scooter
+playing dada
+teasing
+pulling hair
+grabbing faces
+being dangerous
+trying to suck on cords
+biting everything
+animals
+hitting buttons, phones, car keys, and remotes
+playing peek-a-boo
stealing brother's binkies
+chewing on toothbrush and hairbrushes
+drinking water
+sitting on or in anything
+hiding in small spaces and corners
+sticking out her tongue 

Lolli dislikes:

+getting things taken away from her
+being left alone in her highchair
+being patient
+not being able to climb on the table
+getting her picture taken, of course

Mommy loves:

+how little you are
+your soft hair, I love combing it over when you get out of the bath
+your two big front teeth
+rocking you
+when you cuddle
+kissing you

Firsts: 

+6 teeth!
+going to nursery, Scott's a nursery leader so I bring Lolli to nursery 2nd hour...she LOVES it
+drinking whole milk

Facts about you:

+you refuse to drink your bottles by yourself, you make us hold them for you
+no matter how rough Cash is with you, you always want to be around him and love copying whatever he does
+you get nervous easily, especially with strangers

T E N months

  

Ten months young! Lolli is the happiest baby, we really lucked out with her. She would hardly let me take her photos, she loves being on the move and does not like laying still on her back for diaper changes, clothes change, or pictures. She is in 12 month clothes, a little loose, she's my petite babe still. She's in size 3 diapers.

Lolli loves:

+climbing the stairs

+sitting on the first step, I can always find lolli sitting and babbling on the first step

+running away from mom and dad

+putting keys and remotes in her mouth

+stealing Cash's binkys 

+crawling and climbing on us when we are laying down

+pasta and grilled cheese 

+playing peek-a-boo

+watching us brush our teeth

+sucking on ice

+getting into the toilet paper

+showering with dad

+the snow

+when Cash shares his suckers with her

+walking away in a hurry when she has something she's not supposed to

Lolli dislikes:

+getting her diaper changed

+getting her pony taken out

+riding in the car 

Mommy loves:

+kissing your head

+smelling your hair when I'm rocking you

+the way you walk around with your arms out

+when you talk

+you bundled up in your snowsuit

+when you give a loud scream when you're mad, it's pretty funny!

Firsts: 

+FIRST TOOTH!!! Hooray, I thought we were going to have a toothless kid forever

+full on walking everywhere, no more crawling for this girl

+trying pizza and pasta

Facts about you:

+you always touch your feet together when you eat

+Cash singing makes you happy. After playing in the snow all day, when tucking Cash into bed, dad asked Cash what his favorite part about today was. He replied, "singing Lolli ABC'S." (heart melted)

+you know how to throw a fit when we take something away 

N I N E months

Nine months young! Time seems to be flying by. Lolli has developed quite the little personality. She knows what she wants and doesn't want and makes it known. She is taking a few steps by herself and LOVES practicing.

Lolli loves:

+feeding herself/finger foods
+crawling up the stairs
+grabbing ornaments off the tree
+staring at the christmas lights
+watching Cash run a muck
+being worn
+going on walks
+the snow
+playing with dad
+being tickled
+babbling
+putting one foot up on her tray when she's eating in her high chair
+ritz crackers, buys me some quiet in the car...but also leaves a mess. WORTH IT

Lolli hates:

+cuddling, she pushes us away and wants to be held outward. ALWAYS
+being strapped in her high chair

+Cash petting her hair, which he does ALL the time ha
+getting her nails cut

Firsts: 

+snow fall
+says 'mama' 'dada'
+seeing christmas lights
+pigtails!
+parade, Cash's first parade too
+seeing Santa Claus
+cookie, compliments of brother

Mom loves:

+your soft little body
+watching you sleep on the baby monitor
+getting you after your naps, you are nice and warm and happy
+your straight up ponies

Facts about you:

+STILL no teeth. C'non. At this rate she will be walking before she gets a tooth
+you love teasing
+you are a wiggly worm and rarely sit still
+you refuse to sleep anywhere besides your bed
+I have to cut your nails twice a week
+your hair is fluffy and long
+you are the messiest eater, like really.

E I G H T months

I probably say this every month, but I can't believe she's eight months now. Probably because she is so petite, even with her standing, crawling everywhere, and on the verge of walking she does not seem 8 months to me. I also only have the comparison of her brother at her age, he was a tank. Lolli is in size 9 month clothes and is in size two diapers. Lolli is seriously the happiest baby and she brings so much love and happiness to our family.

Lolli loves:

+getting into anything and everything she is not supposed to. Cords, remotes, phones. You name it.
+standing, we have learned she loves doing all things standing...bathing, eating, playing.
+her brother, Cash can make Lolli laugh like no one else
+grabbing Cash's binky out of his mouth
+rubbing her face on soft surfaces
+being carried and worn outward
+going on walks
+being outside, even in the cold
+fruits and veggies, not a fan of meat purees
+kisses
+apples and avocados
+music
+minnie mouse

Lolli hates:

+not getting her way. Seriously, she knows how to throw a fit
+being left alone in a room
+her carseat
+being in the stroller too long, she prefers being worn

Firsts: 

+standing alone
+first time eating avocados
+tried a sucker, now multiple times. Cash loves sharing

Mom loves:

+your little love handles
+your scrunchy nose
+when you rub your eyes when you are ready for your naps
+when you jump up and down in your crib when you wake up
+how you always crawl to me, because I'm your favorite :)

Facts about you:

+STILL no teeth. C'mon
+you have a tiny mole on your bum that mom and dad always try and wipe off thinking it's poo. HAHA
+you get extra giggly when you are tired
+you only want mom when sleep is involved 

S E V E N months

I can't believe Lolli is 7 months already, I think mostly because she is a petite baby girl. She's petite but she is so strong. She is already pulling herself up on everything, we are going to be lowering her mattress crib soon. She is such an active little girl and I think it's because she sees her brother running circles around her! 

Lolli loves:

+puffs, it took her a couple of days to figure out how to mash them in her mouth, but now she loves them!

+mickey mouse

+playing in Cash's room (the designated toy room)

+pulling herself up and standing

+crawling

+our bathroom rug

+doorstops

+going on walks being faced outward

+funny noises

+singing

+grabbing hair

+pinching faces...OUCH

Lolli hates:

+being in her bumbo, she tries to get out

+when we take things from her that she shouldn't have

Firsts: 

+crawling

+standing up

+pulling herself up

+pumpkin patch

Mom loves:

+your huge smile

+kissing your chubby cheeks super hard

+your stick straight up pony tail

+getting you when you wake up, you are stand/sitting and happy

+cuddling you before you sleep

Facts about you:

+you are still up once to eat at night, mom has been super easy on you. 

+your nails are razors, even though I cut them every week!

+you are only satisfied if you are on the move or standing, I think you will be an early walker

+still no teeth

S I X months

Lolli is in size 2 diapers and wearing 6 month clothing. We have her checkup next month so we will find out her stats then. She has been flemmy and super droopy lately so I think she is going to get her first tooth pretty soon! Lolli is an easy going happy baby and brings so much happiness to our family!

Lolli loves:

+looking upside down, she thinks it's so funny

+being worn outwards

+pears, apples, and sweet potatoes

+being tickled with her clothes off

+her brother, she adores Cash. She giggles and smiles whenever he gives her attention

+watching her brother be crazy, which is all day

+anything she can chew/suck on

+jumper

+rolling around

+shopping, she loves looking around

Lolli hates:

+sitting still for too long

+being in the car for too long

+getting her face cleaned

Firsts: 

+trying watermelon

+getting up on her hands and knees and rocking

Mom loves:

+your little ponytail that sticks straight up

+your chubby thighs

+seeing you discover yourself in the mirror

Facts about you:

+you are very wiggley, you love to be upside down, sitting up, rolling around

+you need to be buckled in anywhere I set you (bumbo, mamaroo, bouner) otherwise you would wiggle yourself out!

+you'll only sleep for about 40 min at church

+you're a rolly polly, if I leave the room and come back you are usually a couple feet away from your blanket

+you are a messy eater! You shove your hands and feet in your mouth after spoonfuls

+you are still waking up 1-2 times a night to eat