This morning I took my brother in law, Bobby, to Ramblewood Apts. to fill out an application for his mom, my mother in law, Adrian's Grandmother!!! so that she can move out here! She's hoping to be on her way on the 27th!
I went to Habitat for Humanity today to check out the furniture situation. I was specifically looking for a king sz bed frame, and maybe a dk wood end table for my living room. No luck on the bed frame BUT...I did get a great deal on a cool couch. I love it...you may say that it belongs in your grandmother's living room but I absolutely love it...so I bought it. It was originally $50 but I got it for $25....light to carry and in perfect shape except for one slit on the bottom of one seat cushion cover! I also got two end tables originally marked at $20 each for $25 total!!!! And best of all....our old neighbors/friends from across the street on Cragmore weren't working, have a truck, AND were willing to come help me move them in to my house!!! Thanks to Patrick and Robert!
Thankfully Adrian is back on his normal sleep schedule of sleeping almost all day! Yesterday he decided he was a big boy and didn't need to sleep anymore...omg...all at once too. I didn't really get anything done. However, staying up all day must have worn him out and he slept all night long. I think he woke twice to eat as usual but he didn't hang out and talk to himself like he sometimes does. And today he was up for a little while this morning hanging out with me but other than that he slept all day!
Yay! We have our DirectTV set up now! I guess that means I have internet at home too...I haven't investigated that yet though.
Very very soon I will post pictures...also if I haven't sent you the snapfish Adrian group room link or if you can't access it let me know.
Goodnight!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
5 Weeks Old
We are slowly getting settled into our new home. We purchased a table for the kitchen! I will have to post pictures when we get internet set up at our house. We're finally getting high speed internet and dish tv. Barry's excited about the tv and I'm excited about the internet. YAY!
I will have to go back to work on the 17th. My cousin, Julie, will watch Adrian at our house for us(and I'll watch her Cavyn when he comes along) until Barry comes home. Then on Wednesdays, Molly will watch him until Barry gets off of work. On Saturdays, Barry and Adrian will hang out.
Adrian is doing great! He still has a dry nose and he screams when I use the booger snatcher. He tracks movement really well. He sleeps well through the night. I didn't wake up until 4:30 last night after going to bed at 11:30 (unless I got up without remembering of course...yes...I tend to not remember when or how many times I get up.) He is making cute noises these days and smiling more! He can lift his head really well, even from laying down on his tummy. He loves to look around. He's so mellow and still rarely cries! Hooray!
I will have to go back to work on the 17th. My cousin, Julie, will watch Adrian at our house for us(and I'll watch her Cavyn when he comes along) until Barry comes home. Then on Wednesdays, Molly will watch him until Barry gets off of work. On Saturdays, Barry and Adrian will hang out.
Adrian is doing great! He still has a dry nose and he screams when I use the booger snatcher. He tracks movement really well. He sleeps well through the night. I didn't wake up until 4:30 last night after going to bed at 11:30 (unless I got up without remembering of course...yes...I tend to not remember when or how many times I get up.) He is making cute noises these days and smiling more! He can lift his head really well, even from laying down on his tummy. He loves to look around. He's so mellow and still rarely cries! Hooray!
Monday, June 2, 2008
New Address
We have officially moved...our new address is 2112 Romney Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80526. We have turned off our home phone line (493-0317) so call our cell phones if you need to reach us.
All else is well. Will write more when we have a computer set up.
All else is well. Will write more when we have a computer set up.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
26 Days Old
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<----Our Sweet Baby!
Our poor baby has a stuffy nose...I hate putting saline drops in his nose and using the aspirator. He screams at me. Other than that he is doing great. He's definitely getting more vocal...although crying is still at an extreme minimum. He coos and gurgles some, awake and asleep. He was pretty grumpy this morning which isn't normal either. I gave him a bath and now he's happily sleeping in the Baby Bjorn. He's doing great sleeping in his little co-sleeper still as well as his basinet during the day. He's a big eater...usually every 2 hours. He'll usually go for at least one 4 hour stretch of sleep without eating a day/night.
Last night we had our first post-partum class...we shared birth stories. It seems that I had the experience closest to my birth plan. It's amazing how much can happen that you don't plan for. I'm just thankful I didn't have to have anything I didn't want (except for stitches...but they're all worth it.) Of course I forgot we had class and another dad called Barry and then I remembered I didn't call the teacher or check my spam mailbox for her email and by then Barry was all set to finally relax and watch Cloverfield after a long day of moving in the rain. I dragged him...he's still sick too. It was awesome to see all the babies. They're all about the same size and age...ranging from April into May. Of course Adrian had the most hair! Funny thing is that all the babies look like their dads...our teacher said that is generally the norm but that as they get older they look like their moms too.
We're moving! It's a slow tedious wet and rainy process. We have lots of stuff...but the house is completely empty. It's so much bigger than what we have now and I have a lot of stuff that does not need to be unpacked...i.e. I'm a packrat. We aren't taking our kitchen table which means we need to find another one. Also we need a bed frame, new dressers-one is broken, a new couch &/or lazyboys, and a nice computer desk. The house is still so empty right now. We have 2 chairs, a piano, an old couch, a dresser, a mattress, and some random book shelves...I would like to update past "college furniture" as Barry puts it. Anyways...we have until the 1st to be out of the old place so I'm taking it easy...I think I overdid it a couple days ago.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
20 Days Old
My best friend from MD came to visit with her son!!! She hung out with us for a couple days.I'm glad she got to see Adrian while he is an infant. We went to Estes to see her family. I got my hair cut at my cousin's shop while we were up there too!
Barry's sister came out to visit! That was fun...She took us shopping and bought some cute baby clothes...talk about the best dressed baby of the world! We took her to Estes! Finally got to see my Aunt and cousin's new restaurant: the Riverside Cafe! And we went to a Rockies' game last night...baby's first baseball game! He slept right through it all except to wake up and eat every hour. Aunt Veronica had to leave today though.
Adrian is doing great...he now fits into more of his 0-3 month clothes which means he must be growing. Last Thursday he was up to 8 lbs 2.5 oz. I'm sure he's bigger now. He basically has his schedule that he sticks to pretty consistently: I get to bed between 10 and 11 and he wakes up to eat around 1:30 and again around 4:30 and then in the morning at 6:30, 8:30, and 10:30. I shower while he sits in his bouncy chair and listens to a Raffi CD or other kid music and looks around (that's what infants do) . Then I eat and he eats again and then by 12 or 1 he goes back to sleep for the rest of the day unless he's hungry which he wakes up for. Sometimes in the evening he's up for an hour or so besides eating just to hang out. He's still so mellow. Right now we all have stuffy noses probably from allergies. It's so sad when I have to use the nose aspirator to pull his boogers out...he cries...but he can breath afterwards at least. He poops ON me daily...I just don't think he ever stops so I guess there's no good time to change him when I'd be safe. He's always moving, especially his hands. He barely ever cries and when he does it's usually just a baby dinosaur wail (like the raptor that hatches in Jurassic Park). He's so alert too! He doesn't like his binky and rarely takes it...nobody's tricking him with a fake! He smiles so much, right after he's eaten and getting ready to nod off! It's the cutest thing ever...sometimes it looks like he's laughing but no sound comes out. Same with crying. He coos once in awhile and he makes little squeaks and sighs when he sleeps. He's so precious!
I started moving things today with Bobby and his friend's assistance and truck!!! They are helping me with moving all week since Barry is working. Then Barry will get his friends and brother to help with the big stuff on this weekend and the next! HORRAY!!! We're gonna move!
Barry's sister came out to visit! That was fun...She took us shopping and bought some cute baby clothes...talk about the best dressed baby of the world! We took her to Estes! Finally got to see my Aunt and cousin's new restaurant: the Riverside Cafe! And we went to a Rockies' game last night...baby's first baseball game! He slept right through it all except to wake up and eat every hour. Aunt Veronica had to leave today though.
Adrian is doing great...he now fits into more of his 0-3 month clothes which means he must be growing. Last Thursday he was up to 8 lbs 2.5 oz. I'm sure he's bigger now. He basically has his schedule that he sticks to pretty consistently: I get to bed between 10 and 11 and he wakes up to eat around 1:30 and again around 4:30 and then in the morning at 6:30, 8:30, and 10:30. I shower while he sits in his bouncy chair and listens to a Raffi CD or other kid music and looks around (that's what infants do) . Then I eat and he eats again and then by 12 or 1 he goes back to sleep for the rest of the day unless he's hungry which he wakes up for. Sometimes in the evening he's up for an hour or so besides eating just to hang out. He's still so mellow. Right now we all have stuffy noses probably from allergies. It's so sad when I have to use the nose aspirator to pull his boogers out...he cries...but he can breath afterwards at least. He poops ON me daily...I just don't think he ever stops so I guess there's no good time to change him when I'd be safe. He's always moving, especially his hands. He barely ever cries and when he does it's usually just a baby dinosaur wail (like the raptor that hatches in Jurassic Park). He's so alert too! He doesn't like his binky and rarely takes it...nobody's tricking him with a fake! He smiles so much, right after he's eaten and getting ready to nod off! It's the cutest thing ever...sometimes it looks like he's laughing but no sound comes out. Same with crying. He coos once in awhile and he makes little squeaks and sighs when he sleeps. He's so precious!
I started moving things today with Bobby and his friend's assistance and truck!!! They are helping me with moving all week since Barry is working. Then Barry will get his friends and brother to help with the big stuff on this weekend and the next! HORRAY!!! We're gonna move!
Friday, May 16, 2008
15 Days Old
Adrian is doing great! He sleeps A LOT! Actually he's been staying up for longer periods occasionally but he still sleeps more than some other infants I've known. He's a great sleeper though and he'll sleep through anything. He most loves to sleep in someone's arms but he also does great in his little co-sleeper bed that fits into our bed or his bassinet that rocks.
He's doing great with breastfeeding, so am I. A little sore at first but that's normal I guess. I think my stitches are healing pretty well. I've been more able to do things around the house. I've also been getting out a lot. I can't stand being home all day. We've been shopping, to visit my work, to visit dad at work, to Estes with my best friend who came to visit, and today we are going to the doctor. I don't really want to go but I think it's too late to cancel the appointment and I do want to know how much he weighs now. I think he looks bigger every day.
He's doing great with breastfeeding, so am I. A little sore at first but that's normal I guess. I think my stitches are healing pretty well. I've been more able to do things around the house. I've also been getting out a lot. I can't stand being home all day. We've been shopping, to visit my work, to visit dad at work, to Estes with my best friend who came to visit, and today we are going to the doctor. I don't really want to go but I think it's too late to cancel the appointment and I do want to know how much he weighs now. I think he looks bigger every day.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Update
Hospital stay was 2 nights b/c we had to stay for 30 hours...so Adrian could get his bilirubin test (jaundice screening). The nurses were great in helping with breastfeeding and any other information we wanted. It was nice getting all the attention in the world, my vitals were checked every couple hours, food was brought up to me, if I needed anything all I had to do was push a button. It was awesome (no I didn't abuse the button but I've never been in a hospital before.)
We took Adrian to the lactation consultant the other day and he had gained back 2.5 oz of the 4 he lost....they usually lose weight after birth....and yesterday at the doctor's visit...he had gained back all 4 oz...he was exactly his birth weight at 6 days! It's normal to gain back the weight in 10-14 days! He's a good eater. He's also a great little sleeper and he doesn't startle at anything! He passed his hearing screening at the hospital, his jaundice levels were 5.3 (I guess they worry as the level nears 10).
He smiles in his sleep, sometimes it looks like he's laughing but no sound comes out. Yesterday he cooed for the first time...and he sighs like I do (actually Barry and I both sigh a lot). We're so in love with him....it's the most amazing thing we've ever done...and I think we're still surprised everyday by how perfect he is. I'm so happy Barry took off this entire week!!!! He saved his vacation time and used a couple sick days for the 1st and 2nd last week also. We're all going to be sad when he has to go back to work on Monday :( He's been so amazing and confident! Also my parents have been amazing! They are here until Tuesday: they've cleaned the house and cooked for us and let us nap. I'm so glad Adrian came a couple weeks early...they've had more time to spend with him. I don't want them to leave :( Barry's sister is coming out from the 17th until the 21st!!! Yay...Aunt Ronnie! I think it's amazing how much help everyone has given us with Adrian! I appreciate all my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends who've brought us food, support and company!!! Thank you all! I love having people over by the way...and if I need a nap, everyone is more than happy to hold a sleeping baby and I'm more than happy to let them!
I wish I had more pics to post BUT our camera decided to stop working the day after he was born! At least our warranty was still good for another month! I've been using my dad's camera but we still have no way of transporting the pics to my computer (I think my cousin has a card reader so hopefully soon I'll post pics).
We took Adrian to the lactation consultant the other day and he had gained back 2.5 oz of the 4 he lost....they usually lose weight after birth....and yesterday at the doctor's visit...he had gained back all 4 oz...he was exactly his birth weight at 6 days! It's normal to gain back the weight in 10-14 days! He's a good eater. He's also a great little sleeper and he doesn't startle at anything! He passed his hearing screening at the hospital, his jaundice levels were 5.3 (I guess they worry as the level nears 10).
He smiles in his sleep, sometimes it looks like he's laughing but no sound comes out. Yesterday he cooed for the first time...and he sighs like I do (actually Barry and I both sigh a lot). We're so in love with him....it's the most amazing thing we've ever done...and I think we're still surprised everyday by how perfect he is. I'm so happy Barry took off this entire week!!!! He saved his vacation time and used a couple sick days for the 1st and 2nd last week also. We're all going to be sad when he has to go back to work on Monday :( He's been so amazing and confident! Also my parents have been amazing! They are here until Tuesday: they've cleaned the house and cooked for us and let us nap. I'm so glad Adrian came a couple weeks early...they've had more time to spend with him. I don't want them to leave :( Barry's sister is coming out from the 17th until the 21st!!! Yay...Aunt Ronnie! I think it's amazing how much help everyone has given us with Adrian! I appreciate all my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends who've brought us food, support and company!!! Thank you all! I love having people over by the way...and if I need a nap, everyone is more than happy to hold a sleeping baby and I'm more than happy to let them!
I wish I had more pics to post BUT our camera decided to stop working the day after he was born! At least our warranty was still good for another month! I've been using my dad's camera but we still have no way of transporting the pics to my computer (I think my cousin has a card reader so hopefully soon I'll post pics).
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Adrian's Finally Here!!
I can't believe my baby is here! I love him sooooo much! This really is my biggest dream come true!
He's a sweet baby, very peaceful and quiet. He's a healthy baby, no problems whatsoever from the moment he was born! I'm holding him in my arms right now as I type.
So on May 1st I woke up at 6:30 to Barry's alarm. I had work at 8 and needed to find out where my training was to be held. As I rested on my hands and knees trying to keep Adrian's weight off my back which had been hurting terribly all night and waited for the shower, I felt a POP! I thought 'No Way...it doesn't actually feel like a pop!' but nevertheless, hurried off the bed just in case. Then I leaked my way into the bathroom and told Barry that I think my water just broke. He said ...hahaha....'no you just peed your pants'....hahaha. Then it kept happening! I called the nurse line since the doc was closed. They said to go the hospital and check in. So I took a shower, Barry started to pack the hospital bag and walk around in dazed circles saying 'I am calm' but he was so disoriented, then I got dressed, Barry walked in more 'calm circles'. An hour later, we were packed in the car and on the way to the hospital. I was feeling the contractions more than the nights before now.
We checked in to the third floor at the hospital and set up camp in our room! YAY...we got a room with a jacuzzi tub! My cousins, Julie and Christie showed up with flowers, video cameras, McDonalds, donuts, fruit, juice, and lunch fixins' for later! My parents showed up after them! (They got into town from Maui the day before and when they came for dinner couldn't believe I was in labor and so close!)
After eating breakfast and sharing my birth plan with everyone that walked in the room and meeting my doctor and nurse, we just hung out. The contractions felt stronger and Barry encouraged me to drink lots of water! Eventually I spaced out and just rode with each contraction and I don't know how so much time passed from when we got there till 2p but around 2ish the doctor checked my progress, I was only 2 cm! She strongly encouraged me to get moving so that I wouldn't have to be induced. She said that because my water broke so early, the risk of infection would drive them to induce me with pitocin. I said there was no way they were giving me pitocin. She didn't argue but she told my cousins and parents that they needed me to move...now! They basically made me get out of bed and marched me around the birthing center and women's care unit! The nurses at the desk kept asking if I needed at wheel chair in womens' care but my cousins practically shouted 'no! doctor's orders are that she moves'! Then when I got back I got into the jacuzzi tub! The contractions got really strong then and after being in the tub for awhile they checked me again and I was at 5 cm. From there the contractions were flying by and lasting 2 minutes. When Barry told me that, I couldn't believe that they were actually lasting that long! But they sure were the most intense cramps I've ever felt! and ever since being in the jacuzzi bath, I'd been having back labor! FUN!!
It was hard to leave the bath but Barry was getting restless hanging out in the bathroom for hours and I probably needed a change of scenery as the contractions were getting serious and coming so close together! When I repositioned on the bed hanging over the back of the bed (those hospital beds can be repositioned in about 20 different ways), I rode the strongest contractions yet! Then suddenly I felt like pushing...I didn't say anything for the first two times since I was not sure if that was what I was really feeling but then I said that. Everyone was surprised since I was only at 5 cm when I got out of the tub. Barry called the nurse and the nurse called the doctor and checked me. I was at 9 CM!!!! Hurray...almost there! Then a few contractions later, the nurse said to push when I felt like it. I tried. It was hard and a little scary being so close to get into the rhythm of pushing. They wanted me to hold my breath while I pushed and I had not imagined that I would do that...I thought I should breath so that was also hard but when I did it their way, it worked better since there was more power. After repositioning into a half laying position so I could control my legs and use more features of the bed to push...I finally got into the rhythm of it. They brought a mirror out so I could see also. OMG...seeing his head for the first time made me think...'it's littler than I thought but also... no way that is coming out'. After pushing for about an hour, amidst a crowd of at least four doctors and my nurse, the baby's nurse, the hospital's on call pediatrician, and who knows who else, Adrian was born!
He came out like superman, hand first! I tore pretty badly and needed 3 packages of stitches, an obstetrician specialized in tears to diagnose it as a bad 2nd degree tear. Some of the doctors thought it was a 3rd degree. Whatever the degree, it hurt and still does. It was all worth it though... and it was worth not getting an episiotomy also!
I didn't get any pain medication!!!! Which was my goal. After the bath they did give me sterile water blocks in my back to help with the back labor. They shoot 4 bubbles of water to interfere with the nerve signals to the brain from the back. I'm not sure they worked but they may have since the back labor didn't get tooooooo much worse. Had I not had them, they may have gotten worse...who knows...at the time, I didn't think they worked. I also used the TENS unit in the beginning. I highly recommend it, especially since it distracted me and gave something to focus on during the contractions. After I got out of the bath however, we forgot to put it back on. I wish I had. I was against getting an IV but after discussing with the doctor that it would only be used in an emergency and with my discretion then I agreed to get it put in. We never had to use it. I got to drink and eat lightly the entire time, whenever I felt like it. I was monitored but not overly and they also used a wireless external fetal monitor. Only at one point did they think that the baby's heart rate was too low and it went back up after the next 15 minutes.
My doctors were all so awesome, my nurses were amazing! Everyone was understanding and respectful of what I wanted. I felt in control and most of all I had an amazing partner! I couldn't have done this without Barry! The childbirth classes really paid off and Barry felt in control and empowered to stick up for what I wanted. He did great! Also everyone else that was there helped me out a lot.
I'll write more later about the rest of the hospital stay! I'm just so happy that I had the experience but more importantly that it is now over and the rest of the journey is just beginning!
He's a sweet baby, very peaceful and quiet. He's a healthy baby, no problems whatsoever from the moment he was born! I'm holding him in my arms right now as I type.
So on May 1st I woke up at 6:30 to Barry's alarm. I had work at 8 and needed to find out where my training was to be held. As I rested on my hands and knees trying to keep Adrian's weight off my back which had been hurting terribly all night and waited for the shower, I felt a POP! I thought 'No Way...it doesn't actually feel like a pop!' but nevertheless, hurried off the bed just in case. Then I leaked my way into the bathroom and told Barry that I think my water just broke. He said ...hahaha....'no you just peed your pants'....hahaha. Then it kept happening! I called the nurse line since the doc was closed. They said to go the hospital and check in. So I took a shower, Barry started to pack the hospital bag and walk around in dazed circles saying 'I am calm' but he was so disoriented, then I got dressed, Barry walked in more 'calm circles'. An hour later, we were packed in the car and on the way to the hospital. I was feeling the contractions more than the nights before now.
We checked in to the third floor at the hospital and set up camp in our room! YAY...we got a room with a jacuzzi tub! My cousins, Julie and Christie showed up with flowers, video cameras, McDonalds, donuts, fruit, juice, and lunch fixins' for later! My parents showed up after them! (They got into town from Maui the day before and when they came for dinner couldn't believe I was in labor and so close!)
After eating breakfast and sharing my birth plan with everyone that walked in the room and meeting my doctor and nurse, we just hung out. The contractions felt stronger and Barry encouraged me to drink lots of water! Eventually I spaced out and just rode with each contraction and I don't know how so much time passed from when we got there till 2p but around 2ish the doctor checked my progress, I was only 2 cm! She strongly encouraged me to get moving so that I wouldn't have to be induced. She said that because my water broke so early, the risk of infection would drive them to induce me with pitocin. I said there was no way they were giving me pitocin. She didn't argue but she told my cousins and parents that they needed me to move...now! They basically made me get out of bed and marched me around the birthing center and women's care unit! The nurses at the desk kept asking if I needed at wheel chair in womens' care but my cousins practically shouted 'no! doctor's orders are that she moves'! Then when I got back I got into the jacuzzi tub! The contractions got really strong then and after being in the tub for awhile they checked me again and I was at 5 cm. From there the contractions were flying by and lasting 2 minutes. When Barry told me that, I couldn't believe that they were actually lasting that long! But they sure were the most intense cramps I've ever felt! and ever since being in the jacuzzi bath, I'd been having back labor! FUN!!
It was hard to leave the bath but Barry was getting restless hanging out in the bathroom for hours and I probably needed a change of scenery as the contractions were getting serious and coming so close together! When I repositioned on the bed hanging over the back of the bed (those hospital beds can be repositioned in about 20 different ways), I rode the strongest contractions yet! Then suddenly I felt like pushing...I didn't say anything for the first two times since I was not sure if that was what I was really feeling but then I said that. Everyone was surprised since I was only at 5 cm when I got out of the tub. Barry called the nurse and the nurse called the doctor and checked me. I was at 9 CM!!!! Hurray...almost there! Then a few contractions later, the nurse said to push when I felt like it. I tried. It was hard and a little scary being so close to get into the rhythm of pushing. They wanted me to hold my breath while I pushed and I had not imagined that I would do that...I thought I should breath so that was also hard but when I did it their way, it worked better since there was more power. After repositioning into a half laying position so I could control my legs and use more features of the bed to push...I finally got into the rhythm of it. They brought a mirror out so I could see also. OMG...seeing his head for the first time made me think...'it's littler than I thought but also... no way that is coming out'. After pushing for about an hour, amidst a crowd of at least four doctors and my nurse, the baby's nurse, the hospital's on call pediatrician, and who knows who else, Adrian was born!
He came out like superman, hand first! I tore pretty badly and needed 3 packages of stitches, an obstetrician specialized in tears to diagnose it as a bad 2nd degree tear. Some of the doctors thought it was a 3rd degree. Whatever the degree, it hurt and still does. It was all worth it though... and it was worth not getting an episiotomy also!
I didn't get any pain medication!!!! Which was my goal. After the bath they did give me sterile water blocks in my back to help with the back labor. They shoot 4 bubbles of water to interfere with the nerve signals to the brain from the back. I'm not sure they worked but they may have since the back labor didn't get tooooooo much worse. Had I not had them, they may have gotten worse...who knows...at the time, I didn't think they worked. I also used the TENS unit in the beginning. I highly recommend it, especially since it distracted me and gave something to focus on during the contractions. After I got out of the bath however, we forgot to put it back on. I wish I had. I was against getting an IV but after discussing with the doctor that it would only be used in an emergency and with my discretion then I agreed to get it put in. We never had to use it. I got to drink and eat lightly the entire time, whenever I felt like it. I was monitored but not overly and they also used a wireless external fetal monitor. Only at one point did they think that the baby's heart rate was too low and it went back up after the next 15 minutes.
My doctors were all so awesome, my nurses were amazing! Everyone was understanding and respectful of what I wanted. I felt in control and most of all I had an amazing partner! I couldn't have done this without Barry! The childbirth classes really paid off and Barry felt in control and empowered to stick up for what I wanted. He did great! Also everyone else that was there helped me out a lot.
I'll write more later about the rest of the hospital stay! I'm just so happy that I had the experience but more importantly that it is now over and the rest of the journey is just beginning!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Almost there...
Went to the doctor:
I'm 1 cm! 80% effaced! The baby is REALLY low! AND last but not least...I'm having contractions every 2 minutes! They're not really intense and I've been having them since last night! Went to work today, then cleaned my house like crazy b/c my parents are here from Maui! They just got in today!
Wait to here more! Hopefully sooner than later!!!
FYI
Click this link:
PVHS Babies
Then Click on Poudre Valley Hospital
Then you can search by 'Family Name' Mother's Last Name: Leili-Biss
Or you can search by Hospital: Fort Collins, CO
Then Poudre Valley Hospital
Then the date
A picture should be posted of the baby!!! I don't know how long it takes to post though.
I'm 1 cm! 80% effaced! The baby is REALLY low! AND last but not least...I'm having contractions every 2 minutes! They're not really intense and I've been having them since last night! Went to work today, then cleaned my house like crazy b/c my parents are here from Maui! They just got in today!
Wait to here more! Hopefully sooner than later!!!
FYI
Click this link:
PVHS Babies
Then Click on Poudre Valley Hospital
Then you can search by 'Family Name' Mother's Last Name: Leili-Biss
Or you can search by Hospital: Fort Collins, CO
Then Poudre Valley Hospital
Then the date
A picture should be posted of the baby!!! I don't know how long it takes to post though.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Today Cont...
So today, Barry and I went on a scavenger hunt for his birthday present! He picked out the GPS he wanted: a Garmin Vista HCX!!! Hurray!!! We're waiting till next friday at REI since they're having a really good package deal sale on it including the case, a topographical U.S. software CD, but not an SD card...still about a $100 cheaper altogether!!! (He was however looking at Walmart and found it even cheaper but REI has a lifetime guarantee on everything so we'll have to weight that out.)
<---37 Weeks
<---38 Weeks
Could this child possibly grow anymore?
<----Today!
I think he did get bigger actually! I can't even finish a whole meal...there's nowhere for it to go.
<---37 Weeks
Aaawww!!! How Cute!!!!
<---38 Weeks
Could this child possibly grow anymore?
<----Today!
I think he did get bigger actually! I can't even finish a whole meal...there's nowhere for it to go.
38 Weeks and 2 Days
Holy Cow...I'm such a HEFALUMP! I can't bend over anymore. I can't sleep anymore. It hurts to move, turn, roll, anything....I've been discussing with Adrian the possibility of him coming early...actually encouraging it. I seriously have to pee twice an hour, which is hard when I'm working...I just ask to use clients homes...I don't mind though some caseworkers do...I think it's a good chance to see the rest of the home and I think I have a good enough excuse! So walking is more comfortable than sitting BUT I sit all day at my job...either in the car (drove over a 100 miles yesterday for visits) or at my desk or in trainings. Walking too much hurts my back though...so it's a lose-lose situation at this point. I used to say, "he'll come when he's ready" but now I say "no time like right now!"
Must keep my mind and self occupied till he decides to show up though:
Barry's Birthday (#30) is on Monday!!! I think I'll take him out to get his gift this weekend! It's a GPS!! He has no idea. I kind of need his assistance in picking out the right one that he'll want...and if we do it this weekend then he can use it!!! (http://www.geocaching.com/)
Our friends are coming to Ft. Collins and we'll go out to dinner next week sometime!!!
My parents are coming on Wednesday!!!
I have an doc appointment on Wednesday!!!
I have a cool DV (domestic violence) training on Thursday all day!!!
Of course work on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, AND Fri is scheduled should nothing interfere!
Last Wednesday, I was totally effaced and he was 'engaged'! That means I can start dilating at any time and he's in the right position and stuck there!!! hahahaha!
I've got everything else ready to go...almost...still working on packing that bag although there is a pile of stuff in the livingroom and the baby's bag is packed and the carseat is set up in the car. The house is an endless whorlwind of clean clothes and dog fluff! (Yay for shedding season!)
Good news: we've managed to pay of some of our stupid credit card bills!!!! HURRAY!!! Don't use credit cards! Also, we're going to sign our new lease this weekend!!!
Well...Have a good weekend!! Wish happy thoughts for Adrian to come soon!
Must keep my mind and self occupied till he decides to show up though:
Barry's Birthday (#30) is on Monday!!! I think I'll take him out to get his gift this weekend! It's a GPS!! He has no idea. I kind of need his assistance in picking out the right one that he'll want...and if we do it this weekend then he can use it!!! (http://www.geocaching.com/)
Our friends are coming to Ft. Collins and we'll go out to dinner next week sometime!!!
My parents are coming on Wednesday!!!
I have an doc appointment on Wednesday!!!
I have a cool DV (domestic violence) training on Thursday all day!!!
Of course work on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, AND Fri is scheduled should nothing interfere!
Last Wednesday, I was totally effaced and he was 'engaged'! That means I can start dilating at any time and he's in the right position and stuck there!!! hahahaha!
I've got everything else ready to go...almost...still working on packing that bag although there is a pile of stuff in the livingroom and the baby's bag is packed and the carseat is set up in the car. The house is an endless whorlwind of clean clothes and dog fluff! (Yay for shedding season!)
Good news: we've managed to pay of some of our stupid credit card bills!!!! HURRAY!!! Don't use credit cards! Also, we're going to sign our new lease this weekend!!!
Well...Have a good weekend!! Wish happy thoughts for Adrian to come soon!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Baby Shower Picture Catch-Up Blog
So I guess I should post those baby shower pics! I had so much fun and everything was soooo cute! I love my turtle theme! Of course after Barry saw the cake, he hacked off the head and ate it. :( It was so cute, I couldn't watch.
16 Days and Counting...
So I thought I was tired last week...but really I'm tired this week...it's harder to fall asleep now and to stay asleep once I've fallen asleep. Any aches and pains I complained about before weren't as strong as now. The other night was half asleep from 3-5:30 with cramps!!! But I haven't felt any (besides Braxton Hicks) since then.
On Sunday, I set up a baby area in the bedroom. One bookshelf with diaper/bath stuff and books. Another with all the clean clothes: one box of 0-3 month and another with mostly 3 month, a box of socks, and a box of hats! This kid has more hats than Barry and he wears them daily. I washed all the blankets and cloth diapers and swing/chair covers! The swing is set up in the livingroom, which I also rearranged and reboxed all the stuff we won't need till after we move. The car seat is in the car. And I'm ready to go!!! (except for that hospital bag) Can we say 'nesting?'
So the hospital bag deal: If I pack it, I'll need it right? So why not wait till everything at work is settled and then I'll feel better about being ready. Physically I feel ready but there's so much still to do like a phone tree, finding someone to care for the dogs, waiting till my parents get into town (next wednesday), and finishing at least one more week of work.
Doctor visit tomorrow! Hopefully I've progressed a little more. Adrian is still head down as far as I can tell and not able to move as much any more...running out of space. He still kicks and I felt his foot for sure the other day. I was so amazed because it was a perfect outline and so tiny! It was cool! He's been using the space under my ribs to stretch into...which is awefully uncomfortable and just a little painful. Poor guy has no more room.
Work is going well! Still training, lots of observation. I think I'll learn a lot more as I get cases and clients to work with. Still figuring out how the system runs with so many aspects to keep track of. I saw a little baby at work today, a caseworker just had him last week. SOOO tiny! I can't wait!!!!
Our friend is about 3 weeks behind us and they just had a baby shower for little Miles this past Saturday! They had a BBQ at their new house! It was 70+ degrees out and I got a sunburn. I'm so excited we'll have playdates with kids all around the same age! I look so huge compared to her. However, I'm not wearing maternity clothes.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
37 Weeks and counting...
Doctor's appointment went well today. I am 50% effaced and the baby is head down! Next appointment is next Wednesday.
Otherwise all is going pretty well. New job and training is keeping me busy. Also still trying to catch up on my to-do-before-baby-comes list: ie. pack hospital bag. Feels like whenever I get one thing done, two more get added to the list. How does that work? Whatever...it'll get done eventually. I'm getting more tired during the days as we get closer to D-Day!
Baby shower was awesome this past sunday! I'll have to write and post pics later since I'm about to pass out from fatigue in two seconds.
Otherwise all is going pretty well. New job and training is keeping me busy. Also still trying to catch up on my to-do-before-baby-comes list: ie. pack hospital bag. Feels like whenever I get one thing done, two more get added to the list. How does that work? Whatever...it'll get done eventually. I'm getting more tired during the days as we get closer to D-Day!
Baby shower was awesome this past sunday! I'll have to write and post pics later since I'm about to pass out from fatigue in two seconds.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
36 Weeks and 2 Days...
36 weeks means that next thursday Adrian will be considered a full term baby and could come at any time! I'm freaking out now...nothing is ready...my bags aren't even packed for the hospital. I have no idea how to get ahold of my doctor if I go into labor at nighttime. My parents are coming and my house is a WRECK! We have to move and I have nowhere to put stuff if we start packing. I'm willing to get rid of stuff that Barry still wants and Barry's willing to get rid of stuff I still want...so we have are left with a ton of 'stuff'. I have to work until Adrian comes which leaves me no energy to clean my house when I get home. I'm running out of things that fit me comfortably but even then, everyone tells me I don't look as far along as I am. And ... I can't stand looking at these stupid pink walls anymore. Who coerced us into that idea anyway?? AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the non-freaking out note:
I had fun at my training Thursday and Friday! I learned a lot about interacting and building relationships with families, as well as moderating feelings that might come up in working with tough clients. The hotel bed was rather comfortable...and even though I signed up for a double to share with someone they ran out and I wasn't charged to be put into a single!!! Yay for my own room. Ate lunch at Rocket Johnny's burger joint at the mall, then dinner at Piatti (awesome authentic italian place in Cherry Creek if you're ever there), and lunch on friday at Chez Jose (very good and cheap). Our trainers: Bunny and Cassie were absolutely fun and amazing! They kept us entertained with coloring while we listened, group activities, role playing, and food! They had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and I look forward to the other two classes in this series.
Looking forward to tomorrow and the baby shower! I have to go clean my house and get ready to babysit tonight.
*** My parents are coming on the 30th not the 20th.
On the non-freaking out note:
I had fun at my training Thursday and Friday! I learned a lot about interacting and building relationships with families, as well as moderating feelings that might come up in working with tough clients. The hotel bed was rather comfortable...and even though I signed up for a double to share with someone they ran out and I wasn't charged to be put into a single!!! Yay for my own room. Ate lunch at Rocket Johnny's burger joint at the mall, then dinner at Piatti (awesome authentic italian place in Cherry Creek if you're ever there), and lunch on friday at Chez Jose (very good and cheap). Our trainers: Bunny and Cassie were absolutely fun and amazing! They kept us entertained with coloring while we listened, group activities, role playing, and food! They had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share and I look forward to the other two classes in this series.
Looking forward to tomorrow and the baby shower! I have to go clean my house and get ready to babysit tonight.
*** My parents are coming on the 30th not the 20th.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
35 Weeks and 6 Days
So I ended up not babysitting for anyone this past weekend....but we had a lovely dinner at my cousins and celebrated Barry, Bobby, and Judah's birthdays! Babysat monday and tuesday, went to a meeting at work yesterday and a benefits meeting today. Yay!! I get benefits!! Dental will only cost about $3/month if I get it. I think that's amazing!
Tomorrow I'm going to a training in Denver for two days (if the incoming storm doesn't close Denver public schools)...they pay for a hotel and food and we'll take a county car. Three of us are going to that and I hear that the trainings are pretty fun so I'm excited!
Except...last night I had some aweful shooting pain in my back and then my hip hurt all night. Today my whole pelvis hurts. Fun Stuff! I hope the beds are comfy at the hotel.
I'm looking forward to the baby shower this sunday also!!!
:) GOOD NEWS!!! I just got an email that my parents are coming out from April 20th to May 13th!!!!
Otherwise all is well and busy as usual. I really need to pack my bags for the hospital soon. Adrian has been moving a lot considering how cramped his space is growing! He was head down last time I was at the doctor and tends to hang out like that for longer periods during the day and night than he did before but he still moves around. Right now he is head down; I can tell because he's got hiccups right now! I can also tell when he's tickling me with his hands or kicking with his feet or knees. He's getting so big. I can't tell if I'm growing bigger but a good indication could be that my clothes are getting tighter and my shirts are getting shorter. Hhhmmmm.....I've gained a total of 28 lbs so far. Not too bad, hopefully I'll lose it just as easily. Childbirth classes last for one more week. Then we wait till after all the babies are born and we meet four more times. Barry and I have a Parent's Preview Tour of Poudre Valley Hospital on the 19th! Anyways...I need to go rest...I feel like I could pass out right here at the computer.
Tomorrow I'm going to a training in Denver for two days (if the incoming storm doesn't close Denver public schools)...they pay for a hotel and food and we'll take a county car. Three of us are going to that and I hear that the trainings are pretty fun so I'm excited!
Except...last night I had some aweful shooting pain in my back and then my hip hurt all night. Today my whole pelvis hurts. Fun Stuff! I hope the beds are comfy at the hotel.
I'm looking forward to the baby shower this sunday also!!!
:) GOOD NEWS!!! I just got an email that my parents are coming out from April 20th to May 13th!!!!
Otherwise all is well and busy as usual. I really need to pack my bags for the hospital soon. Adrian has been moving a lot considering how cramped his space is growing! He was head down last time I was at the doctor and tends to hang out like that for longer periods during the day and night than he did before but he still moves around. Right now he is head down; I can tell because he's got hiccups right now! I can also tell when he's tickling me with his hands or kicking with his feet or knees. He's getting so big. I can't tell if I'm growing bigger but a good indication could be that my clothes are getting tighter and my shirts are getting shorter. Hhhmmmm.....I've gained a total of 28 lbs so far. Not too bad, hopefully I'll lose it just as easily. Childbirth classes last for one more week. Then we wait till after all the babies are born and we meet four more times. Barry and I have a Parent's Preview Tour of Poudre Valley Hospital on the 19th! Anyways...I need to go rest...I feel like I could pass out right here at the computer.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Adrian got to hear lots of new voices today.....because...
I started my new job today: Life Skills Case Aide. I got to shadow other case aides during visitation between parents and children, set up my computer, email, phone line, check out my desk, get fingerprinted and set up all my paperwork at HR, and meet the rest of my team. I feel like a grown-up with my own desk and phone line! Next week I have a training in Denver, for which I'll spend the night, all hotel and food expenses paid. I feel a little overwhelmed today with all the information but overall the job looks to be exciting and the people I work with are awesome! Lots of incentives for working with the county: paid gas milage, food at all the trainings, county vehicles to use instead of your own car, trainings of all sorts: I'm a dork: I love taking classes and going to trainings.
Anyways, long day...and another tomorrow...Then I babysit Maddie on Saturday and Monica and Daniel on Sunday! Sunday evening we are celebrating Judah's B-day and Christie, Ty, Melissa, and Tom's return from Italy in Longmont! I think I'll go celebrate my bed right now though.
I started my new job today: Life Skills Case Aide. I got to shadow other case aides during visitation between parents and children, set up my computer, email, phone line, check out my desk, get fingerprinted and set up all my paperwork at HR, and meet the rest of my team. I feel like a grown-up with my own desk and phone line! Next week I have a training in Denver, for which I'll spend the night, all hotel and food expenses paid. I feel a little overwhelmed today with all the information but overall the job looks to be exciting and the people I work with are awesome! Lots of incentives for working with the county: paid gas milage, food at all the trainings, county vehicles to use instead of your own car, trainings of all sorts: I'm a dork: I love taking classes and going to trainings.
Anyways, long day...and another tomorrow...Then I babysit Maddie on Saturday and Monica and Daniel on Sunday! Sunday evening we are celebrating Judah's B-day and Christie, Ty, Melissa, and Tom's return from Italy in Longmont! I think I'll go celebrate my bed right now though.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
April 2nd
Happy Birthday to Judah!
Last night I went to my friend Molly's and we ordered Chinese food! I'm eating leftovers now :)
Went to the doctor this morning but had the rest of the day off. All is well! Adrian is head down now (although this morning he wasn't until we got to the docs). What a show-off! He sure is wiggly still though. And I can totally feel the extra pressure on my bladder...maybe I should invest in those adult diapers...eeewwww...I don't want to. I got my finger pricked to do the hemoglobin test-I'm not anemic!! She wanted to see me in a week and every week hereafter but she is out of the office Mon thru Wed, and I've got my new job on Th/Fr....so it won't be until week 37 that I see her again.
After the doctor I went to get a new copy of my birth certificate, but I didn't have a check or cash with me so I'll do that tomorrow since I'll be in the area anyway for work. Then when I went to check my car for a checkbook, I locked myself out....thankfully they had a hanger and my window was open half an inch.
Went to the library, shopping, to visit my coworkers and children at the daycare because I miss them, and to get gas-I was below E. Then I came home and made a pan of lasagna for our neighbors who just had a little baby girl!!! I got to hold all 9lbs of her-9 lbs is tiny considering....Then I made a pan of lasagna (gr. beef, spinach, roasted red peppers) for B and I.
OMG-Ronnie sent out my belly! It's here safe and sound. She couldn't resist throwing in a Beattle's guitar rendition of songs that came with a puppet and rattle, some musical instrument bath squirters, 3 new Horton Hears A Who Onesies, and 2 maternity T's for me!!!! Thanks for spoiling us Ronnie! Barry says: "how does she know I love the Beattle's so much?"
So last night I woke up at midnight and it took me 3 hours to fall back to sleep...and all I was doing was worrying about 'what if I go into labor now?' I tried to relax but then I got hungry and had to get up to eat a snack. Then the dogs woke up and wanted out. I also peed about 5 times. Hopefully I"ll get some sleep tonight since I have a full day tomorrow 9-5. So yes...I start my new job tomorrow! I'm nervous but excited!
I've been having crazy dreams lately. I actually saw the baby's face the other night...he had big ears that stuck out, big round brown eyes, cute little mouth and lips and a very distinguished nose. He was cute though. I didn't know he was being born until I felt a tickle on my hip and it was his hand. That was weird. The night before I had a dream that he was under my shirt but he wasn't in my belly anymore...tada...I wish it were that easy!
So since yesterday was April Fool's Day I had to call Barry while he was at the bar watching the Yankees game with a guy he met in our childbirth class. I told him he better come back home now. I was really calm but he freaked out anyway...hahahaha. I didn't lead him on too long, that would be mean. I could have had him come all the way home...ahahahaha..
Last night I went to my friend Molly's and we ordered Chinese food! I'm eating leftovers now :)
Went to the doctor this morning but had the rest of the day off. All is well! Adrian is head down now (although this morning he wasn't until we got to the docs). What a show-off! He sure is wiggly still though. And I can totally feel the extra pressure on my bladder...maybe I should invest in those adult diapers...eeewwww...I don't want to. I got my finger pricked to do the hemoglobin test-I'm not anemic!! She wanted to see me in a week and every week hereafter but she is out of the office Mon thru Wed, and I've got my new job on Th/Fr....so it won't be until week 37 that I see her again.
After the doctor I went to get a new copy of my birth certificate, but I didn't have a check or cash with me so I'll do that tomorrow since I'll be in the area anyway for work. Then when I went to check my car for a checkbook, I locked myself out....thankfully they had a hanger and my window was open half an inch.
Went to the library, shopping, to visit my coworkers and children at the daycare because I miss them, and to get gas-I was below E. Then I came home and made a pan of lasagna for our neighbors who just had a little baby girl!!! I got to hold all 9lbs of her-9 lbs is tiny considering....Then I made a pan of lasagna (gr. beef, spinach, roasted red peppers) for B and I.
OMG-Ronnie sent out my belly! It's here safe and sound. She couldn't resist throwing in a Beattle's guitar rendition of songs that came with a puppet and rattle, some musical instrument bath squirters, 3 new Horton Hears A Who Onesies, and 2 maternity T's for me!!!! Thanks for spoiling us Ronnie! Barry says: "how does she know I love the Beattle's so much?"
So last night I woke up at midnight and it took me 3 hours to fall back to sleep...and all I was doing was worrying about 'what if I go into labor now?' I tried to relax but then I got hungry and had to get up to eat a snack. Then the dogs woke up and wanted out. I also peed about 5 times. Hopefully I"ll get some sleep tonight since I have a full day tomorrow 9-5. So yes...I start my new job tomorrow! I'm nervous but excited!
I've been having crazy dreams lately. I actually saw the baby's face the other night...he had big ears that stuck out, big round brown eyes, cute little mouth and lips and a very distinguished nose. He was cute though. I didn't know he was being born until I felt a tickle on my hip and it was his hand. That was weird. The night before I had a dream that he was under my shirt but he wasn't in my belly anymore...tada...I wish it were that easy!
So since yesterday was April Fool's Day I had to call Barry while he was at the bar watching the Yankees game with a guy he met in our childbirth class. I told him he better come back home now. I was really calm but he freaked out anyway...hahahaha. I didn't lead him on too long, that would be mean. I could have had him come all the way home...ahahahaha..
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