My Labor and Delivery Story

On June 5th, when I was 31 weeks and 1 day pregnant, Eric and I went into Labor and Delivery to check on the babies. I hadn't felt much movement on the right side so I was a little concerned about Rhett. The heart rates turned out to be great, Rhett was just completely folded in half and hitting and kicking on Cason's side.

Monitoring the heart rates. 

While at the hospital the nurse told me the slow movements that I thought were Rhett sticking his butt out were actually contractions. My contractions were a small tightening with Scarlett and Shayla so it never clicked that those slow movements could be contractions. They didn't hurt, my stomach just made a weird shape (which happens a lot when there are two babies in there). The nurse also checked my cervix, which was completely closed, and did an fFN test. An fFN test is when you swab right behind the cervix and if the test is negative then there's a high probability that you won't deliver in the next two weeks. The nurse didn't get a good sample so we didn't get those results, but since my cervix was closed we were, thankfully, sent home that night. 

Within a day I knew exactly when I was having a contraction thanks to the nurse telling me what they were. Only I suddenly felt it more in my groin and low back. I told myself that they were a little stronger but I was probably just more aware of them now that I knew what they were. With my first pregnancy my water broke and then intense contractions started and the babies came an hour and a half later. These were no where near as painful as that, so I was convinced they were just Braxton Hicks. 

Things continued on like that for another week. I would have Braxton Hicks sporadically, sometimes 3 or 4 times in an hour. They were never consistent so I didn't worry about it. A second week went by like this, but I also had a bunch of discharge every time I went to the bathroom and wiped (tmi?). The discharge was clear, and my brief internet research told me that an increase of discharge is normal in your third trimester due to hormones. 

On June 20th, 15 days after my first hospital monitoring, I started to question things. Was the discharge actually my mucus plug coming out? It's not an exact science, but when your mucus plug comes out you can have your baby in a few hours or a few weeks. And were my Braxton Hicks actually labor contractions? They weren't painless and they weren't unbearable so I was really confused. That night I was up a lot because the contractions were very uncomfortable. I timed them between 3 and 4 in the morning and they were pretty consistently every 5 minutes apart. Eventually I fell asleep and when I woke up in the morning the contractions weren't that consistent. I would have a couple 2 minutes apart or some 10 minutes apart. My discharge turned light red that morning so I was sure it was my mucus plug coming out. 

With all my questions, I wanted the doctor to check my cervix to see if I was dilating. I wasn't about to go into Labor and Delivery because I didn't want to feel stupid if I wasn't dilated. I couldn't tell if I was just a wuss with my "Braxton Hicks" or if they were actual labor contractions, so I called my doctor's office asking if I could come in earlier that day instead of our scheduled afternoon appointment. I told the nurse on the phone that I was experiencing signs of pre-term labor. She told me the office was double booked that morning and booked in the afternoon and then asked why I thought I was in pre-term labor. I told her I lost my mucus plug and my contractions were hurting. She then responded by telling me to take a couple Tylenol for the pain and that they didn't have anything in the office to be able to stop pre-term labor. She also said I could go to the hospital if I wanted, but I still didn't feel comfortable enough to do this. I was pretty annoyed that she wasn't taking pre-term labor seriously and told me to pop some Tylenol. 

I had an appointment that morning at the hospital with Maternal Fetal Medicine to do a non-stress test (NST). Basically an NST monitors the babies' heart rates for 20 minutes to see if there are any decelerations. If there are decelerations in that period of time then they usually send women up to Labor and Delivery for further monitoring like I had to do the week before after one of my NSTs. I got to talking to the ultrasound tech about my concerns with the mucus plug and cervix and she said I should bring those up to the nurse in Labor and Delivery if I was sent there. Luckily there was a deceleration and I went up for further monitoring. 

While in the Labor and Delivery unit the monitoring showed no more decelerations. I was going to be able to go home, but I told the nurse that I wanted to see if I was dilating and I also wanted the steroid shot to help develop the babies' lungs if I did happen to have them earlier than planned. She spoke with the doctor and he said it was okay if she checked my cervix (sometimes checking can start labor so she needed to ask). Before giving me the steroid shot she checked for dilation. Within one second she surprisingly said, "Woah, you're at a 6 and I can feel the baby's head. You need to call your husband right now because you are having these babies today." 

Getting prepped. 

At 12:11 pm I called Eric. He rushed to the hospital and was there within 10 minutes. I was questioning whether I should have a vaginal delivery or stick to the plan of another c-section. The nurses were waiting around for me to make a decision. The final deciding factor was when a nurse mentioned that sometimes with twins the first one comes out vaginally and the second has to come out via c-section. I definitely didn't want that, so I stuck with the plan I had for the past 7 months. Switching at the last minute was too hard for me to do. 

They immediately prepped me for a c-section. Once everyone was moving quickly around me I started tearing up because it was all so overwhelming. I'm not even sure what happened, but once the IV was in and they were pumping me with something, I started shaking uncontrollably from the inside out and turned pale. I couldn't stop shaking all the way up to the OR. The OR was FREEZING which didn't help the situation, but once I had the epidural in I was finally able to relax and stop shaking. And the plastic blanket thing filled with warm air that they placed over my arms felt like heaven! 

Finally warmed up and about to get started. 

For my last c-section I had to be put under general anesthesia and Eric was not allowed to be in the room, so all of this was a whole new experience for me. There were some parts I liked about being passed out, like not having to go through all that prep work or feel some of the pressure on my stomach. I had no idea that my arms would be spread out like they were. I could follow the knife along my previous incision, which was a really weird feeling. I did like being awake though. Eric asked if he could look over the curtain and watch everything, and they lowered it so he could see. They asked if I wanted to watch too because they could lower it further and I, of course, responded, "No way." Some things I absolutely do not want to see.

After feeling a bunch of pressure Cason Henry Walker was born at 1:24 pm weighing 4 lbs 6 oz and 17 inches long, squealing like a pig.

Baby Cason

They showed him to me wrapped in a blanket and he was so cute. It was the first time I experienced that instant mother's love. With Kinsey I met her when she already had a mom so I felt a little out of place at the time, and with Scarlett and Shayla I was so out of it that whole day after the anesthesia that I had trouble focusing on their face long enough to even see them. Feeling that instant love was probably my favorite part of the whole experience.

Seeing Cason for the first time. 

Rhett Emerson Walker came out 2 minutes later at 1:26 pm weighing 4 lbs 7 oz and 17 1/2 inches long, but due to lung issues they didn't show him to me and took him directly to the NICU. Getting the steroid shot probably could have avoided the lung issue, but after seeing me so dilated it was too late to get the shot. 

Baby Rhett

After they cleaned me and stitched me up they took us right up to the NICU where the boys were.

Holding Cason for the first time. 

They were both under heat lamps to regulate their body temperature. Rhett had to wear a CPAP mask to help his breathing for a few hours so I still didn't get to see what his whole face looked like!

Rhett with his CPAP mask. 

We were really pleased with how everything turned out. Both boys ended up weighing more than Scarlett did when she was born 3 gestation weeks later. I literally just wanted my cervix checked that day expecting to be dilated to a 1 or 2 only to find out I was ready to deliver. It was quite the roller coaster ride. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn't been sent up to Labor and Delivery that day and if I hadn't started questioning what was going on with my body. Always trust a mother's intuition. It's funny how it all just came together in my mind the night before giving birth.  

We welcomed our baby boys into this world on June 21st at 33 weeks and 3 days and couldn't be happier with how strong they are and all the progress they are making. 

Cason with Mom and Dad. 

Holding Rhett for the first time. 

Rhett with Mom and Dad. 

3 1/2 Going on 30!

In some ways Kinsey is the most mature three-year-old I know, and in other ways she's just a regular little girl full of mood swings. She wants to grow up so fast! Kinsey is happy we are having two babies because she says one is for her and one is for me. She's excited to fall in love with Prince Charming, get married, and have babies. 

It's no wonder this girl is obsessed with baby dolls right now. She brushes their teeth, gives them baths, puts them to bed, feeds them...the works! Kinsey has been wanting to dress Shayla lately, despite Shayla wanting the same, so the effort ends in tears on both ends. The other night I asked Eric if he brushed Scarlett's teeth yet and Kinsey piped in, "I brushed Scarlett's teeth!" Well, okay then. She makes my life easier when she's in her helpful moods. I especially love putting food on the table and asking her to pass it out to her sisters so I can finish getting meals ready. 

 Kinsey is currently in ballet, gymnastics, and preschool. When I try to figure out if she likes ballet or gymnastics better she responds, "I like preschool." She just loves to learn, which is why I felt it would be best to put her in preschool mid-year so she isn't so bored at home. She also loves play dough, coloring with markers, YouTube, and Barbies. 

 Kinsey's personality hasn't changed much over the years. She's still extremely independent but needs lots of love. She has been a bit more sensitive lately--when I tell her not to do something (and I'm not even yelling!) she will break into tears. She's pretty good at sharing, but there are instances every day when she takes toys from her sisters. It's to be expected! 

Overall, Kinsey is a big helper and calls herself the Little Mommy! She loves bossing her sisters around and taking care of them. Some days she only wants to play with one of them, so yes, she does have her favorites! But it changes from day to day. We love these girls so much and are grateful they have each other for the rest of their lives. 

Scarlett and Shayla's Painting Party

We celebrated my baby girls' 2nd birthday the other week. I can't believe how big they are getting! 

Scarlett

Shayla

 I tend to go a little overboard with birthday parties, so I tried to give me and my pregnant self a break this time around and keep it pretty simple. We had mini cupcakes, of course (they are my favorite for kid birthday parties). 

 This year was another family party because the twins have their sisters and haven't really made other friends. Maybe one day they'll get out of their comfort zone! All the kids painted pictures with their own personal paint and foam paper. Scarlett and Shayla loved painting for the first time, so it was a success!  

 Next on the agenda was presents! 

 Kinsey went to the store with me and picked out slap bracelets for her sisters. She was very proud of them. Scarlett liked them too. 

 Scarlett and Shayla had fun opening presents this year and were well-practiced since their birthday is pretty close after Christmas. 

 This bouncy horse was a big hit for all the kids. Who doesn't want to bounce all the time? I thought of Scarlett when I picked it out because she's a little jumping bean. Of course Shayla loves it too! 

 The girls both received a "pet" from their great-grandma. They love having a dog and cat that walk and talk. 

 And Grandma Walker bought them a bunch of Disney princess Barbies. Kinsey was in heaven and thinks they all belong to her! 

 After presents we ate cupcakes. 

 This year was completely opposite from their first birthday. There was no hesitation and no choking on frosting; the girls dug right in and devoured those cupcakes!! 

We love our little 2 year olds. Happy birthday girls! 

The Two Cutest Two-Year-Olds

Scarlett and Shayla turned 2 on February 7th. I can't believe they are so old! I feel like Kinsey was a lot "older" at this age. Maybe because she already had two little sisters by the time her second birthday came around? Either way, it's been an exciting couple months as these girls started chatting up a storm. They repeat everything now and communicate pretty well. The best part is when they talk to each other. They repeat what the other says and even when I have no idea what they are saying, they seem to be on the same page. It's by far my favorite part of having twins. 

They learned how to hit a few months ago so it's been a struggle to keep them from hitting, kicking, pushing, and pulling each other's hair. Toys are also a big issue. If one girl looks happy with a toy, one of her sisters will try to steal it EVERY TIME (Kinsey included). 

They are also a lot cuter in many ways. Whenever Eric goes to work in the morning, the girls demand kisses and hugs by holding out their arms to him. At the end of each prayer, they yell out "Amen!" and spread their arms wide open. Sometimes they will hide from Daddy when he gets home by covering their eyes, other times they follow Kinsey and hide behind the island to surprise him. They've been very attached to him lately and say "Where's Daddy?" right when they wake up and a million times after. They respond with "Why?" to so many things, yet they don't understand reason when I answer. It's a bit repetitive! 

SCARLETT

Scarlett flipped a switch on me a few months ago. She used to be so angelic and cuddly and expressed such innocence in her eyes. Now when she looks at you there is a spark of mischief there. Her new love for climbing is definitely making my job more difficult. She has ZERO reaction to discipline. If you yell, she laughs. If you put her in time out, she laughs. Distraction is the best method for her. 

 Scarlett has SO much energy. Lately she runs around in circles over and over and over again. This girl LOVES attention. She is such a stinker and constantly doing whatever you tell her not to just to get a rise out of you. She is currently obsessed with the song Rock-a-bye Baby. She yells "No!" when I try to sing most any other song and requests it over and over again. 

 She tries so hard to talk like Shayla, but Scarlett just isn't quite as articulate. A lot of what she says I just pretend to understand, but "Snack!" is a pretty obvious one. This girl wants to eat ALL the time. A year ago she was my skinny little thing, now she weighs two pounds more than Shayla and the weight is obvious when you pick her up. 

Scarlett has skill at asking for something RIGHT when I sit down, five times in a row. And by asking I mean screaming for it. She is very demanding. If she doesn't like her food, she throws it, mainly because she thinks it's funny. She also thinks it's hilarious pouring her water everywhere. At least she enjoys wiping it up with a paper towel. What a twisted sense of humor! 

SHAYLA

Shayla is definitely my little cuddle bug currently. This girl always has to sit on my lap, which attracts her sisters to my lap as well, creating problems because there's only one of me. She would be content being held all day long just because someone is holding her. She still a major Grandma fan, and it doesn't matter which one! She just loves her Grandmas! 

She's a little hoarder. On a daily basis she must be carrying her baby doll (which is her obsession), a blanket for the baby, a cell phone, a notebook, and occasionally a purse or backpack full of stuff. Then she gets frustrated when her sisters get up the stairs so much faster because she is holding all this stuff and refuses to part with any of it! At nap time and bed time Shayla is very particular about which baby she sleeps with. If you get it wrong she says, "Other baby!" 

 One fun fact about my Shay Shay is she is a professional pick-pocketer. Her obsession with carrying cell phones (it used to have to be a real one but she's relaxed a little and is okay with toy ones now) led her to reach in people's pockets until she found one. Most of the time people don't even realize what she does until they see her running around with their cell phone. She's a sneaky little thing. 

 Shayla is a bit more sensitive than Scarlett. When she gets pushed or hit she cries immediately and runs to me. Her favorite song right now is "I'm a Little Teapot," but she's been attempting lyrics to other songs too. She's more open to new songs so she rarely screams at me when I sing like Scarlett does. 

These two are hilarious and challenging, but some days they just play with each other and I don't have to do anything! Those are good days when I can be really productive :) They are very interested in babies and I know they will love the new babies when they join our family!

Christmas Festivities

We had a busy Christmas this year because Holly (Eric's sister) and her family came to town. That meant all the Walker grandkids were together again! We started off Christmas week with Santa visiting and then the kids acting out the nativity scene. Scarlett and Shayla were adorable shepherds.  

All the kids played their roles as good as can be expected for ages 6 months to 4 years old. 

Christian was Joseph and Kinsey was Mary. Kinsey was the cutest Mary because she took her job very seriously. She did not take her eyes off baby Jesus aka Kate. 

Then we all had pizza for dinner. I love that the kids are old enough to be at their own table. It makes my job a lot easier and they are just so dang cute!

The next night we all went up to Salt Lake City to see the lights at Temple Square. My girls had never been to the SLC Temple before so it was a first time for us! It's a fun tradition to do when you live in Utah, just very cold! 

We spent Christmas Eve at my Mom's house eating treats, opening presents, singing songs, and watching the nativity. My girls are obsessed with the piano so I love how they sat on the bench when Grandma Fullmer was playing a song. 

The next morning the five of us had our own Christmas together at our home. We went small this year because, why spend a ton when your kids don't know the difference, but they still got tired of presents before we got to the end! 

My Scarlett showing off the goods from her stocking. 

I love Shayla's "excited" face. She loves chocolate. 

Kinsey was happy to find gold coins in her stocking, too! 

The girls giving Daddy his present. 

After giving the kids a break, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Walker's house for brunch and more presents. 

Everyone was a little spoiled this year!! 

Walker cousins! 

Shayla and Scarlett are going to have so much fun riding their tricycles in the Spring. 

There were so many presents we didn't even get to the stockings until we went home, took naps, then came back again for dinner! It's convenient living two streets away.  

It's great being back in Utah and spending the holidays with family. We're grateful to be so close to many of them! Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!