August 14, 2011
August 11, 2011
August 5, 2011
girl, n.: a miracle with giggles on it
Our beautiful daughter, Vivian, was born August 2nd!
As we got closer to the due date (August 1st), I of course got more anxious to meet our little sunshine. I wanted the show to get on the road. So, Sunday I went to get a pedicure, hoping that a massage on the right nerves might start things off. I felt no change. Monday morning I started with my regular breakfast shake but I added in some papaya. I was told that papaya has awesome enzymes that start labor. For lunch I had some very spicy Thai food. Which I was also told that spicy food irritates the GI Tract which induces labor. Once again, I felt no change. As usual, Derrick flew home Monday night but his plane was delayed and he did not get in until 2:00 Tuesday morning. After only a few hours of sleep, I went to work Tuesday morning, still feeling great and no signs of surges or labor. We had a doctor's appointment at 11:00. At the check-up, Renee informed us that we were at 3 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. To me that sounded like we hadn't gotten very far. 4 weeks ago I was at 1 centimeter. That wasn't a huge change in my mind, however she said I was progressing perfectly and that we will probably have a baby in the next week. After our appointment, we went to lunch. Nothing special, just some bar-b-q. Then we did some light walking around IKEA and I got a manicure. We made it home around 2:00pm. I noticed my appetite had decreased slightly but I just figured it was because we had a really big lunch. Well...around 5:00pm I started to feel a little out of sorts so I went to the bedroom to lay down for a nap. I put my birthing affirmations on and began my relaxed breathing. Sure enough, my surges were beginning. They were about every 10 minutes and lasted about a minute. Here we go, I thought. Now how long was this going to last. Well, the surges started to get more intense and frequent very quickly. Derrick came in to help me control my breathing and relax. Around 7:30pm he called Renee to let her know that the surges were at 2-3 minutes apart and were lasting for about 2 minutes each. We were off to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 8:00pm. Derrick and I went straight up to labor and delivery. I don't really remember too many specifics after that until the pushing part. I had my eyes closed most of the time focusing on my breathing and Derrick was really making sure I was focusing on relaxing and trusting that my body knew what it was supposed to do. It was really hard to find a comfortable laboring position. I was on all fours on the bed, leaning on Derrick and on my side. The nurse that we had, Jill, was wonderful. While Derrick was talking me through each surge, Jill was helping me with my long, deep breaths. Around 10:00pm Renee showed up, right on time! She even brought me a Lucky Duck Dahlia from her garden for good luck. The feeling to bare-down or push began. Renee took me to the laboring chair that has a hole so I wouldn't feel as much pressure on my bottom. I did a few pushes there but we were stuck at 9.5 centimeters. So Renee got me into a warm shower. Holy cow did that work! I immediately felt a change! I called for Renee and I got onto the bed on my side. I pushed through about 4 surges and then our baby was on my chest and belly. All in about 6 hours. I looked over at Derrick with a smile, like, 'we did it!'. He was smiling back with tears in his eyes. But wait! We still didn't know if the baby was a boy or girl. After a quick look and some discussion, it was girl! The umbilical cord was cut and I pulled her closer to my chest where she took her time making her way to my breast for her first meal. She needed only a little assistance but eventually found her way. Don't let anybody fool you, the first time you breast feed HURTS. We asked for some privacy so we could have a family moment and discuss what we wanted to name our new bundle. We decided on Vivian. Everyone asks where we came up with her name. It came from nowhere and has no ties to any family. We just thought of it and it sounded perfect. After she ate, Grandma Dot came in to give Vivian her first bath. Everyone did great, not too much fussing. Shortly after, we got settled in our room. That was it. We did it! I made it 9 months. We made it through an unmedicated birth. We have a beautiful baby girl! YAY!!!
A special thank you to my dear Husband. You are truly amazing. Your support through all of my non-traditional ideas was amazing. Thank you for letting me have control of my body and trusting that I knew what was best for me and Vivian. Thank you for loving me completely and helping me bring this new life into the World. Thank you for being strong and positive when I was scared or unsure. I love you!
As we got closer to the due date (August 1st), I of course got more anxious to meet our little sunshine. I wanted the show to get on the road. So, Sunday I went to get a pedicure, hoping that a massage on the right nerves might start things off. I felt no change. Monday morning I started with my regular breakfast shake but I added in some papaya. I was told that papaya has awesome enzymes that start labor. For lunch I had some very spicy Thai food. Which I was also told that spicy food irritates the GI Tract which induces labor. Once again, I felt no change. As usual, Derrick flew home Monday night but his plane was delayed and he did not get in until 2:00 Tuesday morning. After only a few hours of sleep, I went to work Tuesday morning, still feeling great and no signs of surges or labor. We had a doctor's appointment at 11:00. At the check-up, Renee informed us that we were at 3 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. To me that sounded like we hadn't gotten very far. 4 weeks ago I was at 1 centimeter. That wasn't a huge change in my mind, however she said I was progressing perfectly and that we will probably have a baby in the next week. After our appointment, we went to lunch. Nothing special, just some bar-b-q. Then we did some light walking around IKEA and I got a manicure. We made it home around 2:00pm. I noticed my appetite had decreased slightly but I just figured it was because we had a really big lunch. Well...around 5:00pm I started to feel a little out of sorts so I went to the bedroom to lay down for a nap. I put my birthing affirmations on and began my relaxed breathing. Sure enough, my surges were beginning. They were about every 10 minutes and lasted about a minute. Here we go, I thought. Now how long was this going to last. Well, the surges started to get more intense and frequent very quickly. Derrick came in to help me control my breathing and relax. Around 7:30pm he called Renee to let her know that the surges were at 2-3 minutes apart and were lasting for about 2 minutes each. We were off to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 8:00pm. Derrick and I went straight up to labor and delivery. I don't really remember too many specifics after that until the pushing part. I had my eyes closed most of the time focusing on my breathing and Derrick was really making sure I was focusing on relaxing and trusting that my body knew what it was supposed to do. It was really hard to find a comfortable laboring position. I was on all fours on the bed, leaning on Derrick and on my side. The nurse that we had, Jill, was wonderful. While Derrick was talking me through each surge, Jill was helping me with my long, deep breaths. Around 10:00pm Renee showed up, right on time! She even brought me a Lucky Duck Dahlia from her garden for good luck. The feeling to bare-down or push began. Renee took me to the laboring chair that has a hole so I wouldn't feel as much pressure on my bottom. I did a few pushes there but we were stuck at 9.5 centimeters. So Renee got me into a warm shower. Holy cow did that work! I immediately felt a change! I called for Renee and I got onto the bed on my side. I pushed through about 4 surges and then our baby was on my chest and belly. All in about 6 hours. I looked over at Derrick with a smile, like, 'we did it!'. He was smiling back with tears in his eyes. But wait! We still didn't know if the baby was a boy or girl. After a quick look and some discussion, it was girl! The umbilical cord was cut and I pulled her closer to my chest where she took her time making her way to my breast for her first meal. She needed only a little assistance but eventually found her way. Don't let anybody fool you, the first time you breast feed HURTS. We asked for some privacy so we could have a family moment and discuss what we wanted to name our new bundle. We decided on Vivian. Everyone asks where we came up with her name. It came from nowhere and has no ties to any family. We just thought of it and it sounded perfect. After she ate, Grandma Dot came in to give Vivian her first bath. Everyone did great, not too much fussing. Shortly after, we got settled in our room. That was it. We did it! I made it 9 months. We made it through an unmedicated birth. We have a beautiful baby girl! YAY!!!
A special thank you to my dear Husband. You are truly amazing. Your support through all of my non-traditional ideas was amazing. Thank you for letting me have control of my body and trusting that I knew what was best for me and Vivian. Thank you for loving me completely and helping me bring this new life into the World. Thank you for being strong and positive when I was scared or unsure. I love you!
July 26, 2011
39 Week Check-up
Grandma and Grandpa made it into town safely. It's nice having them here; makes me feel secure in case something should happen quickly. We had our 39 week check-up today. I have been pretty under the weather with a sore throat, laryngitis, congestion and sleeplessness. Not too fun toward the end of pregnancy. At my appointment today, Renee, our midwife, ordered me to be on bet rest until either I recover from this virus or the baby comes. She wants me to have a healthy delivery and have plenty of energy to do so. Now I'm not a workaholic but I do feel I need to be at work a few more days to tie up any loose ends since I won't be coming back. Oh well, I guess. Doctor's orders and we have to do what is most healthy and safe for me and the baby. Because I've been sick I haven't gained any weight, although I am still eating like normal - a lot. When Renee was measuring my belly, she pointed out that I was actually having a contraction. I had no idea. She said that it was normal not to feel the practice contractions but you could definitely see it. My belly suctioned in around the baby so that the baby was all we could see. Check out the ever growing baby bump...
We can't wait to meet our little miracle!
We can't wait to meet our little miracle!
July 16, 2011
Viva Las Vegas
Well, it's official, we are moving to Las Vegas. I have notified my employer that I will not be returning to work and Derrick has moved in to the new house. Check it out...
Of course, since the baby is due in about 2 weeks, we will be waiting until the end of August to get the whole family down there. The nursery furniture is on it's way down so Derrick can at least get that set up. We are so excited for our new adventure. Lots of wonderful things are happening in our lives right now and we are very thankful for everyone who has supported us along the way and who have celebrated our successes with us.
You are welcome to give us a call the next time you are in Vegas, we would love to see you and have you meet our ray of sunshine!
July 11, 2011
Milestone Week 37
Today we reach a milestone: full-term. Baby is now able to thrive on his/her own no matter when the little sunshine decides to make an appearance. Nesting is also in full effect and helpful right now since we have to pack for our move to Las Vegas. Baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his/her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. Can't wait for Derrick to be around for that one. :-) Baby is blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping successfully - getting ready for the outside world.
I'm trying to stay as active as possible. Still walking, although slower and shorter walks. I try to alternate between the elevator and stairs but i prefer to take the elevator. The stairs plus getting up from bed and off the floor with this extra weight is really making my glutes work. I might come out of this with a better tush!
My sweet husband comes home tonight. It will be our last few days as just the two of us. After this week, visiting of excited grandparents commences and we will have a joyous baby to share life with. It's bittersweet. We have a doctor's appointment Wednesday morning, otherwise we'll probably take it easy and just enjoy the company of each other.
I'm trying to stay as active as possible. Still walking, although slower and shorter walks. I try to alternate between the elevator and stairs but i prefer to take the elevator. The stairs plus getting up from bed and off the floor with this extra weight is really making my glutes work. I might come out of this with a better tush!
My sweet husband comes home tonight. It will be our last few days as just the two of us. After this week, visiting of excited grandparents commences and we will have a joyous baby to share life with. It's bittersweet. We have a doctor's appointment Wednesday morning, otherwise we'll probably take it easy and just enjoy the company of each other.
June 30, 2011
36 weeks
We have finished baby class and are officially qualified to be hypnobirthing parents. I look forward to the peaceful, calm birth of our baby! I also attended a breastfeeding class this week.
We had our 36 week check up on Tuesday! We are on schedule to welcome our sweet little one the 1st of August. I had some final tests done to make sure there is no risk at birth for things like Group B Strep. Baby is head-down and Renee, our midwife, said I have a great pelvis....uh, thanks? I guess it will be helpful come delivery day.
We also got the hospital bag ready. It's full of everything we need and possibly things we don't need but it's better to be over-prepared. And hey, if it all fits in one bag, why not?
Needless to say, it's been very active and I hope to have everything finished up by the time Grandma and Grandpa make their arrival on the 19th.
We had our 36 week check up on Tuesday! We are on schedule to welcome our sweet little one the 1st of August. I had some final tests done to make sure there is no risk at birth for things like Group B Strep. Baby is head-down and Renee, our midwife, said I have a great pelvis....uh, thanks? I guess it will be helpful come delivery day.
We also got the hospital bag ready. It's full of everything we need and possibly things we don't need but it's better to be over-prepared. And hey, if it all fits in one bag, why not?
Needless to say, it's been very active and I hope to have everything finished up by the time Grandma and Grandpa make their arrival on the 19th.
June 26, 2011
Oregon Baby Sprinkle
This makes baby shower #3, so I suggested we take it easy. My dear friend Monica, along with her mom and sister, hosted a baby sprinkle for our little sunshine. Instead of traditional baby gifts, we asked the guests to bring their favorite childhood book to help start Baby's library. It really turned out wonderful!
June 22, 2011
6 Weeks Left
Things are still going great! Feeling good just a bit uncomfortable when sitting. We had our 34 week check-up this week and managed to sneak a peek at the baby. The midwife was curious if the head was down yet and she couldn't tell by feeling so we got a bonus ultrasound. Of course we didn't get to watch in case she rolled over the 'you know' parts. She found the head - it's down already! That's good news. And we came home with a picture of a foot. You can really tell a lot from a foot. And we could tell that the baby is perfect! We are getting more and more excited the bigger I get and the more the baby moves.
Here are some of the favorite pictures from my belly shoot.
Here are some of the favorite pictures from my belly shoot.
May 29, 2011
Baby Celebration
Thanks to everyone that was able to celebrate Baby with me this weekend. It was wonderful company. A special thank you to my mom who managed to pull everything together with the help of my aunt, cousins and grandma. You ladies did a fabulous job!
Everyone had to guess how big the belly was but before they guessed they had the opportunity to give the belly a hug. Grandma Elaine came the closest at only 1/4 of an inch off. Alaina came in second with a guess of 36 inches. Way to go Alaina!
Most of the ladies at the shower already know what it's like to be pregnant. But just to remind them, we played a balloon relay where everyone had to put a balloon between their legs and waddle from one side of the yard to the other. The last person had the honors of popping the balloon by sitting on it.
Mom's baking skills were put to the test. My ultimate request for the baby shower was that there was Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Mom pulled through and even added some flare with the carrot shavings placed perfectly on top.
We got lots of great gifts from everybody. I was surprised to see that everything was different. Baby is set with cute outfits and fun toys. Of course mom and dad got some stuff too.
Too Perfect! Mom is already the Smart Cookie, Dad is already the Cookie Monster and now Baby is the Tough Cookie! :)
Stroller
Everyone got a ponytail palm as a thank you for coming gift. This was Mom's idea. You see, when I was born she received a baby ponytail palm. She has kept it as the years have gone on. Now, 27 years later it is still in a pot. She refuses to plant it in the ground in case she moves. So as a symbol of life and her baby having a baby, every guest received a ponytail palm for. Pretty cool, I think.
What a great time I had with the best family and friends anybody could ask for! See everyone again soon, when I'm a momma!
Everyone had to guess how big the belly was but before they guessed they had the opportunity to give the belly a hug. Grandma Elaine came the closest at only 1/4 of an inch off. Alaina came in second with a guess of 36 inches. Way to go Alaina!
Most of the ladies at the shower already know what it's like to be pregnant. But just to remind them, we played a balloon relay where everyone had to put a balloon between their legs and waddle from one side of the yard to the other. The last person had the honors of popping the balloon by sitting on it.
Mom's baking skills were put to the test. My ultimate request for the baby shower was that there was Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Mom pulled through and even added some flare with the carrot shavings placed perfectly on top.
We got lots of great gifts from everybody. I was surprised to see that everything was different. Baby is set with cute outfits and fun toys. Of course mom and dad got some stuff too.
Too Perfect! Mom is already the Smart Cookie, Dad is already the Cookie Monster and now Baby is the Tough Cookie! :)
StrollerEveryone got a ponytail palm as a thank you for coming gift. This was Mom's idea. You see, when I was born she received a baby ponytail palm. She has kept it as the years have gone on. Now, 27 years later it is still in a pot. She refuses to plant it in the ground in case she moves. So as a symbol of life and her baby having a baby, every guest received a ponytail palm for. Pretty cool, I think.
What a great time I had with the best family and friends anybody could ask for! See everyone again soon, when I'm a momma!
May 25, 2011
30 week check-up
Well, I'm holding steady at 142 pounds but the baby did grown a bit. My appointments are pretty uneventful and quick these days. That's a good thing, otherwise something would have to be wrong. Baby and I are both happy and healthy. The midwife pointed out different body parts just by feeling around. How do they do that? A foot feels the same as a hand or an elbow to me but I'll buy it - it was totally a foot, I could even feel the toes. ;-)
I'm getting pumped up for my trip to Florida to see friends and family and to party it up at my awesome baby shower! I'm packed and ready to go. Dyno is all set for his vacation at the doggy day care. I'm nervous about leaving my dog for 6 days, I can only imagine how I'll feel the first time I leave Baby.
Don't forget to vote whether you think Baby is a boy or girl. Boy is in the lead by only one vote. You have less than 10 weeks to decide.
I'm getting pumped up for my trip to Florida to see friends and family and to party it up at my awesome baby shower! I'm packed and ready to go. Dyno is all set for his vacation at the doggy day care. I'm nervous about leaving my dog for 6 days, I can only imagine how I'll feel the first time I leave Baby.
Don't forget to vote whether you think Baby is a boy or girl. Boy is in the lead by only one vote. You have less than 10 weeks to decide.
May 18, 2011
Great Minds Think Alike
I just learned that Jessica Alba, who I like a lot, has decided to use the same birthing method as we are, Hypnobirthing. It's about time Hollywood caught on. :)
May 14, 2011
Wonderful Visits!
After making a surprise visit to Miami for Nonno's 99th birthday, my cousin's college graduation, and Mother's Day, Derrick came home for his first visit since he left for Vegas. He was here for three days! We had a wonderful time doing nothing special, just being together. Baby said hello to its Daddy by giving him a few hugs and kicks. It was cute, Derrick would chuckle every time he felt Baby. We now have a set schedule where Derrick comes home on Monday nights and goes back to work on Wednesday nights. Then, before we know it, we will be a family of 3!
Nonno gets birthday kicks from the baby
Baby Belly in a Bikini - boy do I miss the warmth the sunshine brings
Derrick, Baby and I sharing some frozen yogurt
Catching up on some ZZZs
Nonno gets birthday kicks from the baby
Baby Belly in a Bikini - boy do I miss the warmth the sunshine brings
Derrick, Baby and I sharing some frozen yogurt
Catching up on some ZZZs
May 2, 2011
Third Trimester Treats!
Our third trimester brings lots of fun things to look forward to, here are some of my favorites:
~ We get to learn a ton about preparing for baby at our birthing class,
breastfeeding class, cloth diapering class, and CPR class. Information
overload. I hope it all sinks in.
~ My bellybutton will become an outie. How funny.
~ I get to take beautiful pictures of my beautiful belly!
~ I'll have to buy a cute new pair of sandals since putting socks on and tying
my shoes will become a complete chore or just impossible.
~ Baby and belly will be blessed for a safe and gentle birth with a
traditional henna tattoo.
~ I get to celebrate with family and friends at my baby shower.
~ Baby arrives!
April 23, 2011
Approaching 26 Weeks
Not much is new this week. Baby is very active. I have continued to walk and do yoga everyday. Baby really likes the yoga. I think it's the deep breathing and the stretches that open up the belly and give Baby more room. The walking is getting a bit more challenging; I am winded by the end of my walk. Dyno and I have been going to the park two to three times a week to play 'soccer' so he can get his wiggles out. Sometimes it's just easier to let him run around than it is to walk him. Derrick is doing great but he hates the heat that Las Vegas has to offer. As he put it, "It's hard to stay cool when you work in a greenhouse." I say bring on the heat. I haven't felt it in over 6 months and my body is screaming for some vitamin D. Dyno and I did get a treat today with sunshine and 68 degree weather, but back to the typical Portland weather tomorrow. Stay tuned.
April 12, 2011
Our latest check up was Tuesday. Baby and I are doing a fabulous job. I've gained 17 pounds and my uterus (down my belly over my belly button) is measuring 25 centimeters. I'm actually measuring one centimeter bigger than I should but it's nothing to worry about. When I laid down for the Doctor to measure me you could clearly see where Baby was. It likes to hang out on the left side near my belly button. Our next baby appointment is May 10th. Baby and I are very excited because Daddy Derrick will get to come!
I also had the privileged of going to a chiropractor on Wednesday. I have been having some pain in my upper back between my shoulder blades. The doctor fixed me right up. He said it is probably from 2 different things. One, I am used to sleeping on my belly which is obviously impossible right now so it's throwing my body off trying to get comfortable. Two, the added belly weight is pulling me forward and down so my body is constantly trying to auto-correct and make me straight again. This is making the muscles work really hard. He gave me a few exercises to do to strengthen the muscles. I will be going back next week to follow up.
Baby is moving more and more. It's fun to have a secret when I'm amongst 'normal' people that I have a wee one playing in my belly. ~I know something you don't know.~
Birthing classes start April 19th. I will report back on that soon. I'm sure you will be interested to know how Hypnobirthing works.
April 8, 2011
April 1, 2011
March 29, 2011
Shower the Ones you Love with Love
Invites have gone out for the Baby Shower. If you didn't receive one and were looking forward to coming, let me know - I'm sorry I missed you. It will be at mom's house on May 28th. I can't wait to see everyone!
March 27, 2011
A Moment
Gradually I have been feeling the baby more. It started out feeling like little bubbles swimming through my belly. Slowly the feeling has been stronger and more solid like little 'bump bumps'. Well today I could feel Baby moving around and I looked down at my belly. My belly was moving in the spot Baby was wiggling around in. It was quite a moment we had! How fun!
Not quite like this but we're getting there.
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