After some false labor on Saturday night, October 23rd, my “true” labor began on Monday night, October 25th. At about 6:30 p.m. I started to feel crampy and uncomfortable and had sporadic contractions similar to the ones I had experienced a few days earlier. I figured it was just another tease, and didn’t get my hopes up too much.
Jay and I went to bed a little after 10:00 p.m. I fell asleep, but kept waking up with contractions and finally gave up on sleeping at about 11:45 p.m. I let Jay keep sleeping. I was restless so I cleaned up the house, folded laundry, and did the dishes. Then I decided to enter all of my billable time for the month of October, just in case. Next, I decided that I would finally fill in my ballot for the November election so I could vote by mail. By that time, it was about 3:15 a.m on Tuesday, October 26th. I still could not sleep so I got on the couch and started watching the first Sex and the City movie, hoping that I would fall asleep at some point. It never happened.
Then, all of the sudden, at 4:45, my water broke on the couch. It almost felt like Joaquin had punched a hole in the amniotic sac – it came out so forcefully and even made a popping noise. Luckily I was laying down on a blanket so the couch was not ruined.
I ran to the restroom to try to clean up and then I woke Jay up. Jay immediately notified our doula, Lorraine and helped me clean up the mess. We finished packing the hospital bag, attended to some last minute work emails, fed the dogs and got ready to go. My contractions began to intensify dramatically about 45 minutes after my water broke, so I focused on breathing through them while sitting on my birth ball in the living room. I was really glad that I had purchased a package of adult diapers just in case my water broke – not the most attractive look, but it was so helpful. I couldn’t believe how much fluid there was!
By 6:45 I decided we should head over to the hospital. We packed up the car, got the dogs, and took off. We made a detour to drop the dogs off at day care, which is conveniently located about 3 blocks away from the hospital.
We got to the hospital a little after 7:00 and were immediately admitted and given a room. My first nurse got my IV set up and did all of the paperwork, which took about an hour. Then I was finally allowed to get on the birth ball for the contractions. They kept getting worse and I was extremely exhausted from the combination of no sleep on Saturday night and on Monday night. Jay was really helpful getting me through the contractions by reminding me to breathe slowly and deeply and by massaging my lower back.
Lorraine arrived at the hospital at around 9:00 a.m. and continued to help me through the contractions. At this point, I was so drained that I would collapse after each one on the pillow set up on the side of the hospital bed. I started to cry because I was in so much pain and was so tired and couldn’t imagine doing it for several more hours. I decided to ask for an epidural sometime between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.
About an hour later, the anesthesiologist came to give me the epi. He saw that I had a doula and immediately offered a “walking epidural”, which I was happy about. I was not anticipating that procedure to be as uncomfortable as it was. It wasn’t that painful, it was just weird. It felt very unnatural and Jay said that at one point my pupils went from dilated to tiny pin points in a split second. Once the epi was in, I started to feel much better. Our nurse immediately said that because I had gotten an epi that she was going to give me pitocin to speed up the labor. We told her we would talk about it. She left, and Jay, Lorraine and I discussed it and decided that we would ask to have progress checked in a few hours before agreeing to pitocin. She reluctantly agreed.
Then, I got to take a nap for about an hour and a half. It was awesome. I woke up feeling much more energized. I got checked again in the early afternoon and was 5.5-6 cm. Yay! No pitocin necessary. I was so relieved.
Then my nurse’s shift was over and I got a new nurse. She came in and immediately scolded me for sitting up in bed. She said that the epi would not work as well if I sat up because gravity would pull the meds down and I would start to feel contractions at the top of my uterus. I told her that sitting up seemed to be helping with the contractions and that if I started to feel uncomfortable I would lie back down. She responded “Trust me. You need to lay down.” And then she put me down and checked me for progress and said I was still at a 6. Hmmmmm…. I actually still don’t believe she was telling the truth. She immediately said that she was giving me pitocin and was going to hook up an internal contraction monitor. Jay, Lorraine and I all said no to the pitocin and said we would think about the monitor. Later, we agreed to the monitor but told her that I was not going to agree to pitocin until I talked to my OB. We knew that would take a couple of hours so we bought some time.
After the nurse left the room, we were all in a bad mood. We decided to call the charge nurse and request that I get a new nurse. I would never have done that on my own, but Lorraine convinced me it was the right move. Boy was she right!
We got a new nurse and she was fabulous! She was so nice and came in to check on progress and said I was at 8.5-9 cm!! Woohoo. That was at about 6:00 p.m. I was thrilled.
The epi did start to wear off a little, so I decided to lie down and rest. I was pretty tired. But, when I was on my side, the contractions decreased dramatically in intensity and frequency. From about 6:00 to 10:00, I stayed at 9 cm, with mild contractions. We were all really tired and getting frustrated. We finally agreed to pitocin at the lowest dose to get through that last cm. I also upped my epi by one notch because my contractions were getting painful again.
At about 11:30 my nurse checked me and I was 9 cm on about half of my cervix and 10 cm on the other half. I was at a +2 station too! Lorraine and the nurse had me lie down in a special position to help dilate the side that was being stubborn. At this point I was really starting to feel the contractions through the epi, so Jay helped me breathe through them and we upped the epi one more notch. Thank god for that yellow button on the epi machine!
Around midnight, I started to feel the urge to push, so we called the nurse back in to check me. She confirmed that I was at 10 cm!! Woohooo! We were all so relieved. We got set up with Jay on one side and Lorraine on the other side, holding my legs to do one practice push with the next contraction. I was told that first time moms with epis generally push for one or two hours.
The nurse and Lorraine were really surprised that I pushed correctly the first time and could tell that I had actually moved Joaquin a little. They were very excited and I was relieved. I was not anticipating feeling pain during pushing because of the epi, but I definitely felt pain that first push, so it was nice to know that I was at least making progress.
We pushed for 2-3 more contractions and the nurse said that she would probably call my OB in about 10 minutes because she thought I would be delivering sooner rather than later. One push later, the nurse changed her mind and called the doctor right away. Joaquin was so far down that I could feel the top of his hand already in between contractions, which was exciting and also really freaky to feel. She then told me to just try to breathe through the contractions without pushing – she didn’t want to deliver the baby without a doctor!
A few minutes later, she called the on-call OB because she wasn’t sure I’d last for the 15 minutes it was going to take my OB to arrive. She also called the NICU team. They had to be present because Joaquin was exactly 1 day short of being considered a “term baby”. The on-call doctor showed up and the NICU team followed, but I was told to continue just breathing through the contractions. At this point, each contraction was extremely painful and it was almost impossible for me not to push, but I tried.
Finally, my OB arrived! I was so happy. I was then allowed to start pushing again while my OB helped with massage to keep me from tearing. I’m glad she did that, but oh boy did it hurt!! About 3 contractions later, Joaquin was born at 12:51 a.m. on October 27th. Jay said his entire body just came out in one motion – which he said surprised him because usually a baby’s head will come out and there will be a pause before the shoulders and body come out.
They put him on my chest quickly and Jay cut the cord. He was purple-ish gray at first. The nurses rubbed him and he started to cry the sweetest little cry I have ever heard. I started to cry too. It was probably the happiest moment of my life. We had finally done it!
He got checked by the NICU team for about 10 minutes. He was healthy and weighed in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces. He was 19 inches long and scored an 8/9 on his Apgars. After I delivered the placenta, my OB told me that I had no tears!! Woohooo!!!
Then they handed Joaquin to me and we started nursing. It was amazing.
The whole experience, while long and exhausting, was so magical. I was so happy that we hired Lorraine and I was so thankful to have Jay there – he was the perfect birth partner in every way. We are both captivated by our beautiful son and thankful to finally have our take home baby.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Frustration... (some TMI information, just to warn you)
This weekend has been a just a tad bit frustrating.
Friday I went to my OB and had an internal. I was 2 cm and after the internal I became immediately crampy and uncomfortable and was also spotting with some clots. I also went to the Chiropractor and got adjusted. By about 8:00 on Friday night, I was feeling really uncomfortable - my entire groin/lower stomach area was in pretty severe pain. Sort of menstrual cramp-like feelings plus a ton of pressure.
Jay was convinced I would go into labor Friday night but I knew he was wrong. He was insistent though so we timed contractions for a few hours before I finally told him I needed to go to sleep, which I did easily through the contractions. Jay, on the other hand, was so anxious he barely slept Friday night.
Saturday during the day I had no contractions at all - not even BH contractions, which was sort of strange. Then, all of the sudden around 7:30 I started having them regularly and they were a lot stronger than normal. I didn't say anything to Jay because I didn't want to get his hopes up.
Also, by Saturday it was pretty clear from looking that the baby had dropped.
We went to bed around midnight and as soon as I got in bed, pain started radiating from my back to my front and I thought - hmmm........
I got out of bed and walked around, started timing the contractions and finally told Jay that maybe he should stay awake too.
I was in constant pain, even between contractions, which were anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes apart and lasting 30 seconds to just over a minute. Our doula, Lorraine, said to just keep timing them to see if they got longer/stronger and let her know when I started to see pink/bloody discharge when I peed.
At about 1:15, after taking a shower, I started to see pink every time I peed. I got in the tub and the contractions got stronger, rather than weaker and were getting closer together.
We called Lorraine and she decided she would come over in about 1-2 hours. We were so excited - we were going to have a baby!
By the time she got to our house around 3:30, I was having contractions between 45-55 seconds every 2 minutes or so. We timed them on the couch and birthing ball until about 5:00 and then decided to go on a walk around the neighborhood.
We went on a walk for about an hour and the contractions stayed about 2 minutes apart but increased in length to between 55 and 75 seconds. She wanted them to consistently stay well over 60 seconds before we went to the hospital.
We went back home and listened to a Hypnobabies track meant for during labor and I fell asleep, but woke up to way more intense contractions, although they hadn't gotten any longer or closer together.
Then over the next hour or so, they just completely stopped. We tried to walk again to get them to start but .... nothing.
I'm not even full term yet, so it's not the end of the world that baby is still safe and snuggled for now, but I had it in my mind that today was the big day and it is just so hard to wrap my head around the fact that I have no idea when this is happening - or that I could go through contractions like that for 9 straight hours and have it just stop.
It's funny because I think if we had not have hired a doula I would have probably gone to L&D around 6 am when the contractions were around a minute long and 2-3 minutes apart, because that's basically when they say you should go. I bet if we had gone, they would have admitted me. And then I would have stalled. And then I would have been given pitocin and an epidural and god knows what else.
So, I am glad I avoided that whole situation if he is just not ready yet.
So now, after taking a nap, we are going to eat some lunch and then run some errands and hope that the activity will help things speed along.
Friday I went to my OB and had an internal. I was 2 cm and after the internal I became immediately crampy and uncomfortable and was also spotting with some clots. I also went to the Chiropractor and got adjusted. By about 8:00 on Friday night, I was feeling really uncomfortable - my entire groin/lower stomach area was in pretty severe pain. Sort of menstrual cramp-like feelings plus a ton of pressure.
Jay was convinced I would go into labor Friday night but I knew he was wrong. He was insistent though so we timed contractions for a few hours before I finally told him I needed to go to sleep, which I did easily through the contractions. Jay, on the other hand, was so anxious he barely slept Friday night.
Saturday during the day I had no contractions at all - not even BH contractions, which was sort of strange. Then, all of the sudden around 7:30 I started having them regularly and they were a lot stronger than normal. I didn't say anything to Jay because I didn't want to get his hopes up.
Also, by Saturday it was pretty clear from looking that the baby had dropped.
We went to bed around midnight and as soon as I got in bed, pain started radiating from my back to my front and I thought - hmmm........
I got out of bed and walked around, started timing the contractions and finally told Jay that maybe he should stay awake too.
I was in constant pain, even between contractions, which were anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes apart and lasting 30 seconds to just over a minute. Our doula, Lorraine, said to just keep timing them to see if they got longer/stronger and let her know when I started to see pink/bloody discharge when I peed.
At about 1:15, after taking a shower, I started to see pink every time I peed. I got in the tub and the contractions got stronger, rather than weaker and were getting closer together.
We called Lorraine and she decided she would come over in about 1-2 hours. We were so excited - we were going to have a baby!
By the time she got to our house around 3:30, I was having contractions between 45-55 seconds every 2 minutes or so. We timed them on the couch and birthing ball until about 5:00 and then decided to go on a walk around the neighborhood.
We went on a walk for about an hour and the contractions stayed about 2 minutes apart but increased in length to between 55 and 75 seconds. She wanted them to consistently stay well over 60 seconds before we went to the hospital.
We went back home and listened to a Hypnobabies track meant for during labor and I fell asleep, but woke up to way more intense contractions, although they hadn't gotten any longer or closer together.
Then over the next hour or so, they just completely stopped. We tried to walk again to get them to start but .... nothing.
I'm not even full term yet, so it's not the end of the world that baby is still safe and snuggled for now, but I had it in my mind that today was the big day and it is just so hard to wrap my head around the fact that I have no idea when this is happening - or that I could go through contractions like that for 9 straight hours and have it just stop.
It's funny because I think if we had not have hired a doula I would have probably gone to L&D around 6 am when the contractions were around a minute long and 2-3 minutes apart, because that's basically when they say you should go. I bet if we had gone, they would have admitted me. And then I would have stalled. And then I would have been given pitocin and an epidural and god knows what else.
So, I am glad I avoided that whole situation if he is just not ready yet.
So now, after taking a nap, we are going to eat some lunch and then run some errands and hope that the activity will help things speed along.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Check-Up Update
I'm "almost 2 cm dilated."
This tells us just about nothing about how much longer we will be waiting.
This tells us just about nothing about how much longer we will be waiting.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Chili!
I have begun working on a loooong list of recipes to make and store in our brand new deep freezer.
Buying that freezer was one of the best ideas I have had in a long time. It already has a few delicious looking meals from my mom stored inside (although we have already finished the eggplant parmesan and will start working on the italian wedding pasta tonight).
Jay took me shopping this morning and we bought stuff to make chili, which is now cooking away in my slow cooker.
other items on my list are:
Herbed Turkey Meatballs
Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegetable Tangine
Zesty Orange Bread
White Bean Pasta and Swiss Chard Soup
Garden-Style Eggplant Parmesan
Lasagna
Beef Stroganoff
Baked Ziti
(all courtesy of Williams-Sonoma recipes online, except for the cookies).
I think I need to grab a snack - all of this food talk is making me hungry!
Buying that freezer was one of the best ideas I have had in a long time. It already has a few delicious looking meals from my mom stored inside (although we have already finished the eggplant parmesan and will start working on the italian wedding pasta tonight).
Jay took me shopping this morning and we bought stuff to make chili, which is now cooking away in my slow cooker.
other items on my list are:
Herbed Turkey Meatballs
Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegetable Tangine
Zesty Orange Bread
White Bean Pasta and Swiss Chard Soup
Garden-Style Eggplant Parmesan
Lasagna
Beef Stroganoff
Baked Ziti
(all courtesy of Williams-Sonoma recipes online, except for the cookies).
I think I need to grab a snack - all of this food talk is making me hungry!
Ticker Change Thursday - 36 Weeks
Joaquin is 36 weeks today and it is his last week as the size of a honeydew melon. He is continuing to put on weight at about ½ pound each week. This layer of fat will help him regulate his body temperature after leaving the womb. In fact, he will be 15 percent fat at birth. Even in the womb, he can listen, feel, touch and see. His gums are firm with ridges that look somewhat like teeth, though his actual pearly whites won't start breaking through until he's between three months and a year old. He has definite patterns of sleep and wakefulness—opening his eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. He will become alert and turn his head toward light and sound just as a newborn would.
How far along? 36 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I'm up a total of 34 pounds.
Sleep? This changes day by day. Sleeping on my sides is getting OLD. It is really starting to hurt my hip joints. It will be so nice to start sleeping on my stomach again soon.
Best moment this week? It was nice having my mom come up on Sunday and help out and bring us some food.
Movement: Joaquin is moving normally, which is always reassuring.
Food cravings: Neiman Marcus chocolate chip cookies.
What I miss? Agility.
What I am looking forward to? Having this baby (this may stay the same until the baby comes).
Milestones: Each week is its own little milestone these days.
What I'm nervous about: I just got a new deal at work. I'm sort of wondering how that is going to turn out.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Trying to Take One Day at a Time
It seems like every day is a little bit different these days. One day I will have a ton of energy and feel great. The next day (like today), I can barely muster the energy to get off the couch to use the restroom.
Days like today are pretty hard - my joints are really starting to revolt against all of the extra weight. My feet hurt from the weight, my knees hurt when I stand up, my hips hurt when I lay down, my ribs hurt constantly from the stretching, and my fingers and wrists hurt from having to push myself up with my upper body strength (what little I actually have). On days like today, I just wish I could blink and make it November.
Hopefully I feel better tomorrow!
Days like today are pretty hard - my joints are really starting to revolt against all of the extra weight. My feet hurt from the weight, my knees hurt when I stand up, my hips hurt when I lay down, my ribs hurt constantly from the stretching, and my fingers and wrists hurt from having to push myself up with my upper body strength (what little I actually have). On days like today, I just wish I could blink and make it November.
Hopefully I feel better tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Grandparents ... now taking name requests
Hi future grandparents! Now is the time when Jay and I are taking requests for grandparent names. If you want to be called something other than the standard "grandma" or "grandpa", please let us know. We hope that everyone can come up with something slightly original so everyone has their own "name".
Jay's parents have pre-reserved traditional Spanish names - Layla & Laylo (I think that is the correct spelling).
Please let us know what you'd prefer!
(If you can - respond in the comments instead of directly to me so that everyone can see what names have been chosen).
It's starting to become official - you are all going to be grandparents very, very soon!!!
Jay's parents have pre-reserved traditional Spanish names - Layla & Laylo (I think that is the correct spelling).
Please let us know what you'd prefer!
(If you can - respond in the comments instead of directly to me so that everyone can see what names have been chosen).
It's starting to become official - you are all going to be grandparents very, very soon!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
One Month Until the Due Date!
One month until I'm officially due! We'll see how accurate that date really is soon enough....
Friday, October 15, 2010
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
Today, October 15th, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
The resolution to declare October 15 a remembrance day passed the United States House of Representatives on September 28, 2006. On this day, parents who have lost a child light candles at 7:00 p.m. in their respective time in memory of what they have lost.
You can read more about this day here and here.
The resolution to declare October 15 a remembrance day passed the United States House of Representatives on September 28, 2006. On this day, parents who have lost a child light candles at 7:00 p.m. in their respective time in memory of what they have lost.
You can read more about this day here and here.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Update from my 35 Week Check-up
I'm 1 cm dilated and 60% effaced.
I can stop taking procardia but I am still on modified bedrest for at least one more week.
We have no idea when Joaquin will make his debut ;-)
I can stop taking procardia but I am still on modified bedrest for at least one more week.
We have no idea when Joaquin will make his debut ;-)
Ticker Change Thursday - 35 Weeks
Joaquin is 35 weeks today and about the size of a honeydew melon. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
How far along? 35 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I'm up a total of 34 pounds.
Sleep? I am waking up about once an hour to pee every night these days. Otherwise, sleep is good.
Best moment this week? Seeing our little boy yesterday and finding out he is growing big and healthy.
Movement: Movement has picked up again. He really likes to kick me when I'm about to go to bed.
Food cravings: Sushi!!!
What I miss? Going out to dinner.
What I am looking forward to? Having this baby.
Milestones: I'm 35 weeks today, which is a big milestone! 35 weeks down, 35 days to go until my due date!
What I'm nervous about: I'm hoping that we aren't waiting too much longer after all of this worrying about going into labor too soon!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Update from our last Ultrasound
Joaquin is measuring 6 1/2 pounds!!! This is fabulous news and we are so relieved to know that he is big enough now to be a healthy baby if he is born a little early.
Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures this time to share. I think it is because he is so big that he is all squished in there and the pictures would not have been very good.
It was fun to get to see him again but we just can't wait to meet him!
I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow and I am hopeful that I will be able to stop taking the procardia, or at least drastically reduce the amount I am taking. I might even be released from bed rest. That would be fantastic.
Unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures this time to share. I think it is because he is so big that he is all squished in there and the pictures would not have been very good.
It was fun to get to see him again but we just can't wait to meet him!
I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow and I am hopeful that I will be able to stop taking the procardia, or at least drastically reduce the amount I am taking. I might even be released from bed rest. That would be fantastic.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tomorrow
Just a reminder that tomorrow we have a growth ultrasound at 8:30 a.m.
The ultrasound is at the high-risk center we have gone to before where we got those great 3D pictures.
Please wish us luck that Joaquin is growing on track (or ahead of schedule!) and that everything else looks good. We will share the pictures tomorrow.
The ultrasound is at the high-risk center we have gone to before where we got those great 3D pictures.
Please wish us luck that Joaquin is growing on track (or ahead of schedule!) and that everything else looks good. We will share the pictures tomorrow.
What a Difference a Year Makes
One year ago today, Jay and I officially lost our first child. We had known that our baby was no longer living for a few, extremely painful, days, but on October 12, 2009, I had a D&C and our pregnancy was officially over.
I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of pure agony and sadness that I felt as we drove home after the procedure. Until that moment it really had not hit me that it was all over. I cried uncontrollably. I had no idea what to do next, how I was just supposed to move on, go back to work, function normally and try again, knowing that I would be risking experiencing this pain again if I did. Nothing could have possibly prepared me for the devastation that I felt.
Very slowly, I started to feel like myself again. But I don't think that anyone who has gone through that experience is ever really the same again. It is not something that is possible to forget. But, I gradually went from thinking about our loss every minute of every day to every hour, to a few times a day and now I think about it probably every other day, but the feelings are not as raw.
Today, one year after our loss, Jay and I are so incredibly happy to be where we are. We are only a few weeks away from welcoming our son into this world and have never been so excited about anything before. And, while neither of us believes that bad things happen for a reason, we do believe that people have the ability to find some good in a bad situation.
Because of what we went through, we have absolutely no doubt that we are ready to be parents. We appreciate how lucky we are in a way we never would have before. We are more sensitive to other people who have experienced a loss or had trouble trying to have children. We are truly grateful for what we have. It is a lot harder to feel sorry for yourself when you are stuck at home on a beautiful day due to bed rest when you went through hell just to get (and stay) pregnant in the first place.
When Jay and I finally decided we were ready to try to start a family in July of 2009, I never would have guessed that we would have this experience. I certainly would never have guessed that my body would either be pregnant, or be recovering from a pregnancy for over a year before I would actually have a baby to take home. But I have a feeling that when we finally meet our little Joaquin, we will know that this was all worth it.
I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of pure agony and sadness that I felt as we drove home after the procedure. Until that moment it really had not hit me that it was all over. I cried uncontrollably. I had no idea what to do next, how I was just supposed to move on, go back to work, function normally and try again, knowing that I would be risking experiencing this pain again if I did. Nothing could have possibly prepared me for the devastation that I felt.
Very slowly, I started to feel like myself again. But I don't think that anyone who has gone through that experience is ever really the same again. It is not something that is possible to forget. But, I gradually went from thinking about our loss every minute of every day to every hour, to a few times a day and now I think about it probably every other day, but the feelings are not as raw.
Today, one year after our loss, Jay and I are so incredibly happy to be where we are. We are only a few weeks away from welcoming our son into this world and have never been so excited about anything before. And, while neither of us believes that bad things happen for a reason, we do believe that people have the ability to find some good in a bad situation.
Because of what we went through, we have absolutely no doubt that we are ready to be parents. We appreciate how lucky we are in a way we never would have before. We are more sensitive to other people who have experienced a loss or had trouble trying to have children. We are truly grateful for what we have. It is a lot harder to feel sorry for yourself when you are stuck at home on a beautiful day due to bed rest when you went through hell just to get (and stay) pregnant in the first place.
When Jay and I finally decided we were ready to try to start a family in July of 2009, I never would have guessed that we would have this experience. I certainly would never have guessed that my body would either be pregnant, or be recovering from a pregnancy for over a year before I would actually have a baby to take home. But I have a feeling that when we finally meet our little Joaquin, we will know that this was all worth it.
A request
For all of the family members who plan on visiting when Joaquin is a newborn, we have a request. There has been much talk lately about whooping cough and its potentially lethal consequences to newborn babies.
Jay has gotten his vaccine for whooping cough (pertussis) and I will be getting mine at Hoaq following the birth.
We would greatly appreciate if those of you planning to visit with Joaquin regularly would also obtain this vaccine. We had no problem getting the vaccine for Jay from his primary care physician, so I don't imagine that this should be difficult for others to obtain as well.
Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
A brief article on Pertussis can be found here.
Jay has gotten his vaccine for whooping cough (pertussis) and I will be getting mine at Hoaq following the birth.
We would greatly appreciate if those of you planning to visit with Joaquin regularly would also obtain this vaccine. We had no problem getting the vaccine for Jay from his primary care physician, so I don't imagine that this should be difficult for others to obtain as well.
Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
A brief article on Pertussis can be found here.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Ticker Change Thursday - 34 Weeks
Joaquin is 34 weeks today and still about the size of a honeydew melon. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. The great news is that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
How far along? 34 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I'm up a total of 31 pounds.
Sleep? Sleep is becoming much harder these days. I think I just do not expend enough energy during the day anymore to feel really tired at night.
Best moment this week? College football on Saturday was great - UCLA won, Notre Dame won and USC lost. A rare "perfect day."
Movement: In the last day it seems like his movement has slowed down a bit. Hopefully it is just because he's getting too big and running out of room.
Food cravings: Eh - I barely have an appetite these days. I only eat because I know I am supposed to.
What I miss? Leaving the house!!
What I am looking forward to? I have a baby book themed work baby shower coming up, which should be fun and a chance to escape the house for at least a tiny bit. Also - our u/s next Wednesday morning.
Milestones: One week away from 35 weeks - which is when my OB will not stop labor!
What I'm nervous about: I'm nervous that I'll go crazy in the next few weeks being stuck at home all the time.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Modified Bed rest is ... Interesting
It's funny how people who have not been on bed rest will express jealousy over someone's mandatory laziness. Bed rest has never been something that sounded even remotely pleasant to me - I'm just not good at sitting still or remaining inactive. So, I knew on Thursday night that this would be tough for me.
It's been two full days so far, and I have noticed that my contractions are less frequent. So, between the increased medications and the resting, something is working. I am very grateful for that and hopeful that at least the next 2-4 weeks will remain relatively uneventful
But, oh boy, this is tough. Those who know me well probably have seen me in action at home. I'm not good at letting things wait until later. Dishes, laundry, jackets draped over chairs - these things drive me batty. It is difficult for me to truly relax until I have accomplished at least a few things around the house. So you can just imagine how sitting on the couch for 80% of the day makes me feel.
But, there are good things about it too. Most importantly, it is giving Joaquin every opportunity to grow big and healthy. But also, I am reminded all over again what a great husband I have. Jay has really been awesome. He is cooking, cleaning, taking care of the dogs and not complaining at all. I am so lucky. I would never be able to relax the way I should without all of his help.
Tonight, Jay made dinner. It was a simple dinner - grilled chicken and rice. After a few mishaps with the rice, we ate a delicious dinner and Jay admitted that it was really stressful juggling making dinner. Trying not to burn the chicken while figuring out the rice is not as easy as it looks. And then he said he had a whole new appreciation for what I do (or at least used to do when I cooked dinner on a regular basis).
So, even though this is tough on both of us, we have each been reminded of how much we do for each other. We are very lucky.
It's been two full days so far, and I have noticed that my contractions are less frequent. So, between the increased medications and the resting, something is working. I am very grateful for that and hopeful that at least the next 2-4 weeks will remain relatively uneventful
But, oh boy, this is tough. Those who know me well probably have seen me in action at home. I'm not good at letting things wait until later. Dishes, laundry, jackets draped over chairs - these things drive me batty. It is difficult for me to truly relax until I have accomplished at least a few things around the house. So you can just imagine how sitting on the couch for 80% of the day makes me feel.
But, there are good things about it too. Most importantly, it is giving Joaquin every opportunity to grow big and healthy. But also, I am reminded all over again what a great husband I have. Jay has really been awesome. He is cooking, cleaning, taking care of the dogs and not complaining at all. I am so lucky. I would never be able to relax the way I should without all of his help.
Tonight, Jay made dinner. It was a simple dinner - grilled chicken and rice. After a few mishaps with the rice, we ate a delicious dinner and Jay admitted that it was really stressful juggling making dinner. Trying not to burn the chicken while figuring out the rice is not as easy as it looks. And then he said he had a whole new appreciation for what I do (or at least used to do when I cooked dinner on a regular basis).
So, even though this is tough on both of us, we have each been reminded of how much we do for each other. We are very lucky.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Family & Friends
I didn't think I would have to draft this post for a while longer, but I guess at this point it's becoming more and more likely that we have to start actually planning for a birth. That is exciting and scary at the same time.
Jay and I appreciate all of the support that each and every one of you has provided throughout this process. It is so comforting to know that we have so many people in our lives who are just as excited to meet Joaquin as we are.
Many of you have asked about things like visiting the hospital, being present for when he is born and visiting our house after we come home from the hospital.
Here is some preliminary information for everyone:
I will be delivering at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. The Hospital is between Superior and Newport Blvd, just up the hill from PCH. The Labor & Delivery department is located on the 5th floor of the main building of the hospital, opposite the main parking structure. The hospital also offers complimentary valet parking. You can go straight up to the 5th floor without checking in with the main desk on the first floor. The hospital has free wifi access, so you can also bring your laptops/iPads. They also allow cell phones.
Either Jay or our doula, Lorraine, will try to periodically update any one who decides to wait at Hoag on our progress throughout labor to the extent possible.
The hospital has a policy that no family members may visit with the new parents/baby for at least 1 hour after the baby is born. This policy is meant to ensure that the baby gets some "skin-to-skin" time with mom and the staff has a chance to complete their basic tests and so forth.
Assuming all is well, we will be moved to the 7th floor of the hospital 2 hours after delivery. This is the "mother-baby" unit. So if you want to forego the waiting room and come to visit later, this is where you will find us. Under normal circumstances, mothers stay on the 7th floor anywhere from 2-5 days. You can call Hoag directly to check that I am still there and able to take visitors, or you can give Jay a call on his cell phone.
After we return home, Jay is planning to take 2 weeks off from work, so I will not be alone. We plan to use this time to bond as a family as much as possible and also to allow me to recover physically. Visits from family members are welcome at this time, but our home is just far too small for any overnight visitors in the guest room. So, for our out-of-town family members who would like to visit, we highly recommend the Best Western Newport Beach, which is walking distance from our place. If you'd prefer a nicer hotel that is only a 5 minute drive away, we recommend the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, which is just north of our place on PCH.
If you have any questions, please let either Jay or me know. We hope that anyone who wants to visit will be able to do so!
Jay and I appreciate all of the support that each and every one of you has provided throughout this process. It is so comforting to know that we have so many people in our lives who are just as excited to meet Joaquin as we are.
Many of you have asked about things like visiting the hospital, being present for when he is born and visiting our house after we come home from the hospital.
Here is some preliminary information for everyone:
I will be delivering at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. The Hospital is between Superior and Newport Blvd, just up the hill from PCH. The Labor & Delivery department is located on the 5th floor of the main building of the hospital, opposite the main parking structure. The hospital also offers complimentary valet parking. You can go straight up to the 5th floor without checking in with the main desk on the first floor. The hospital has free wifi access, so you can also bring your laptops/iPads. They also allow cell phones.
Either Jay or our doula, Lorraine, will try to periodically update any one who decides to wait at Hoag on our progress throughout labor to the extent possible.
The hospital has a policy that no family members may visit with the new parents/baby for at least 1 hour after the baby is born. This policy is meant to ensure that the baby gets some "skin-to-skin" time with mom and the staff has a chance to complete their basic tests and so forth.
Assuming all is well, we will be moved to the 7th floor of the hospital 2 hours after delivery. This is the "mother-baby" unit. So if you want to forego the waiting room and come to visit later, this is where you will find us. Under normal circumstances, mothers stay on the 7th floor anywhere from 2-5 days. You can call Hoag directly to check that I am still there and able to take visitors, or you can give Jay a call on his cell phone.
After we return home, Jay is planning to take 2 weeks off from work, so I will not be alone. We plan to use this time to bond as a family as much as possible and also to allow me to recover physically. Visits from family members are welcome at this time, but our home is just far too small for any overnight visitors in the guest room. So, for our out-of-town family members who would like to visit, we highly recommend the Best Western Newport Beach, which is walking distance from our place. If you'd prefer a nicer hotel that is only a 5 minute drive away, we recommend the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, which is just north of our place on PCH.
If you have any questions, please let either Jay or me know. We hope that anyone who wants to visit will be able to do so!