Our sweet tiny newborn.... Uhhhh I mean that big 20+lb mobile baby (sheesh!) is turning 8 months on Saturday! Seriously!? He is just a few weeks shy of being on the outside for as long as he was on the inside. I can't even fathom this. I used to sit and feel his crazy karate kicks and wonder and day dream what he would be like. He's even more active now and his personality is even more fun than I ever could have imagined. With every day that passes and with every milestone he reaches I fall in love with him even more. Sometimes I feel like my heart will burst with love.
He has an affinity towards electronics of all kind, wheels and vertical blinds haha. And trust me- he is very mobile now. He will get to all of these thing a regardless of how far away you set him down from them. As much as I feel sad to see him growing up, I feel soooooo proud to see him accomplish new things and actually reach whatever he was striving to get. (Yes even when that means moving him off the blinds for the 100th time).
During my pregnancy I really wasn't sure about this whole parenting thing. Everyone always asked me if I was nervous about labor/delivery. I always said no. And it was the truth. My answer was that I was beyond nervous being entrusted to raise this baby into a boy and a man. The fact is now after 8 months- we are doing a good job. This is coming from the couple who the day we found out he was in my belly we googled "I'm pregnant, now what?"
It's funny but it really did happen. But anyway here is what I've learned:
- there is no right or wrong answer. There are a million parenting questions to answer starting from pregnancy all the way on through. Research everything. And I mean everything. You can not research too much. As long as you have all the information, and both sides of the story- whatever decision you make is the right one for your family. In my opinion the only wrong answer is the one you make blindly without questioning or researching.
- never say never. We were told by countless people and swore ourselves that our children would never sleep in our bed. Never. We even bought an adorable bassinet. We came home 6 hours after he was born and set him in it. He screamed his face off and so slept that first night on my chest. 8 months later and he still snuggles and nurses all night long. I wouldn't change it for a moment. One day I will wish he still did.
Gavin is the happiest baby I know. Even when he is sad or in discomfort from teething you can get him to smile. Honestly we must be doing something right. It is soooooo easy to get caught up wondering if you should have done something differently, if only this or that, or so-and-so do things this way, my coworker'a baby sleeps by himself in the crib all night long etc etc. I'm here and writing this to remind myself (and anyone who makes it through reading all this nonsense) that you (and I) are doing a great job. Raising a child(ren) is the toughest and most rewarding job in the world.
I have spent 8 months exclusively breast feeding. Nursing on demand and comfort nursing. Washing diapers. Changing poopy diapers. Giving baths. Adjusting the car seat straps for the 100th time.
I may not be doing it how the text book says. I may not be doing it how you did. How your parents did. Or how my parents did. But Andre and I are doing it together. As a team. We are raising this sweet baby to the best of our ability and I am so proud of what we've done so far. I am so excited to continue on this journey with Gavin and hopefully any other blessing(s) we receive from The Lord.
I am more passionate than I ever thought I could be on cosleeping, breast feeding, cloth diapering, keeping boys intact, babywearing, natural pregnancy/labor/delivery/parenting. I was MADE for this and I LOVE it.
Thank you Gavin for being the amazing little boy you are. Thank you lord god for trusting him to us!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Sunday, September 22, 2013
First day of autumn... Kinda
When you live in Florida the change of seasons isn't as dramatic as it is up north. I did realize that though it won't be COLD it will get cooler and I was very unprepared for Gavin. He's already outgrown every pair of socks and shoes we had for him. Thank God for consignment. I bought some adorable shoes. We have lots of long sleeve onsies and pants, some hoodies and some wind breaker jackets. Now if only it wasn't still 90+ degrees everyday! Haha I'm not complaining. I'm not ready to give up the pool and beach just yet. But I am prepared now for when "autumn" shows up.
Since my last blog post was mainly a huge thank you to everyone who has made life in Florida a blessing for us, I will give a big update on Gavin now.
Our sweet blessing turned 4 months on the 11th. This was the same day that I found out I was pregnant last year! How can that even be real!? He is developing so well that every day is a new milestone for him. Often I want to cry and take him and freeze time. I'm so proud to see him doing so well but it's just all too fast! Everyone says "they grow up so fast" but man I didn't think it was fast while I was a kid- on this side of the fence it's lightning speed!
Let's see some of the milestones he's already accomplished:
-he's just about 17lbs now. Which means he's gained 6-7 lbs in 4 months time
- he is a social butterfly just like his daddy! He absolutely loves interacting with people but especially other children/babies. He has a friend Toby who was a Mother's Day baby born the day after Gavin!
-he rolls over like a champ! His first roll was from tummy to back which he did every day for a week and promptly went on a rolling strike. About a week later he started rolling back to belly which he will do every single time you put him on his back now. He only rolls over his left shoulder though. He seems to get stuck on his side if he tries to roll the other way.
- he still loves to be outside. He has since day 1. Literally. He's been to parks, the beach, walking around our neighborhood. He is always so good when we are outside and really seems to enjoy it.
- he has gotten great hand eye coordination and brings all the toys he plays with to his mouth.
- we are still exclusively breast feeding! Wooo! We have absolutely no intention to stop anytime soon! Keep on nursing baby boy!
- he has started to get teeth. He's been chewing on his fingers like crazy lately. All the text books say they get their bottom teeth first so I've been checking daily. Well apparently Gavin's teeth didn't read the text books because his top front two teeth have already started making their way out!
Here are some of the things we've been doing with him lately:
He's been wearing his amber necklace 24/7 for about 8 weeks now. I truly believe its making a difference in his discomfort with the teething. We are also doing sign language with him. There is so much research that toddlers have less meltdowns when they can communicate their needs. Babies can sign much earlier than they can speak so we use signs daily. Some of the signs are: nurse, eat, more, change, bath, mama, daddy, dirty, please, sorry, play, ball... Etc. We have also decided to start trying elimination communication. We haven't had a success yet, but we've only just started and I'm sure we will get there soon.
My current research is on baby lead solids. The common term is baby led weaning but since I have no intention to wean I don't like that phrase. But we have less than 2 months before he gets his first bite of food so I want to be prepared. The idea of gagging/choking totally freaks me out! I am kinda excited that he can eat some sweet potatoes and stuff with us on thanksgiving though.
Every time he reaches one of these insane milestones I just want to cry. But I am trying to embrace every single stage and step in his life. We are SO enjoying his smile and giggles right now that I want it to last forever. But I know the next stage (eating and crawling ahhhh!!) will be just as fun and enjoyable.
This parenting thing truly is an amazing gift! Thank you God for choosing us to be Gavin's parents!!
Since my last blog post was mainly a huge thank you to everyone who has made life in Florida a blessing for us, I will give a big update on Gavin now.
Our sweet blessing turned 4 months on the 11th. This was the same day that I found out I was pregnant last year! How can that even be real!? He is developing so well that every day is a new milestone for him. Often I want to cry and take him and freeze time. I'm so proud to see him doing so well but it's just all too fast! Everyone says "they grow up so fast" but man I didn't think it was fast while I was a kid- on this side of the fence it's lightning speed!
Let's see some of the milestones he's already accomplished:
-he's just about 17lbs now. Which means he's gained 6-7 lbs in 4 months time
- he is a social butterfly just like his daddy! He absolutely loves interacting with people but especially other children/babies. He has a friend Toby who was a Mother's Day baby born the day after Gavin!
-he rolls over like a champ! His first roll was from tummy to back which he did every day for a week and promptly went on a rolling strike. About a week later he started rolling back to belly which he will do every single time you put him on his back now. He only rolls over his left shoulder though. He seems to get stuck on his side if he tries to roll the other way.
- he still loves to be outside. He has since day 1. Literally. He's been to parks, the beach, walking around our neighborhood. He is always so good when we are outside and really seems to enjoy it.
- he has gotten great hand eye coordination and brings all the toys he plays with to his mouth.
- we are still exclusively breast feeding! Wooo! We have absolutely no intention to stop anytime soon! Keep on nursing baby boy!
- he has started to get teeth. He's been chewing on his fingers like crazy lately. All the text books say they get their bottom teeth first so I've been checking daily. Well apparently Gavin's teeth didn't read the text books because his top front two teeth have already started making their way out!
Here are some of the things we've been doing with him lately:
He's been wearing his amber necklace 24/7 for about 8 weeks now. I truly believe its making a difference in his discomfort with the teething. We are also doing sign language with him. There is so much research that toddlers have less meltdowns when they can communicate their needs. Babies can sign much earlier than they can speak so we use signs daily. Some of the signs are: nurse, eat, more, change, bath, mama, daddy, dirty, please, sorry, play, ball... Etc. We have also decided to start trying elimination communication. We haven't had a success yet, but we've only just started and I'm sure we will get there soon.
My current research is on baby lead solids. The common term is baby led weaning but since I have no intention to wean I don't like that phrase. But we have less than 2 months before he gets his first bite of food so I want to be prepared. The idea of gagging/choking totally freaks me out! I am kinda excited that he can eat some sweet potatoes and stuff with us on thanksgiving though.
Every time he reaches one of these insane milestones I just want to cry. But I am trying to embrace every single stage and step in his life. We are SO enjoying his smile and giggles right now that I want it to last forever. But I know the next stage (eating and crawling ahhhh!!) will be just as fun and enjoyable.
This parenting thing truly is an amazing gift! Thank you God for choosing us to be Gavin's parents!!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Our 1st Florida anniversary
I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged. I guess that is to be expected when you have a sweet baby to play with all day! I'll give some Gavin updates towards the end, but I want to start off by discussing our first year in Florida.
Everyone knows what's been happening: we moved, got jobs, got pregnant, bought a house and had a baby. However, there are a few people who have really, really made this transition a HUGE blessing for us. I want to go through and honor a few select people.
First off, I will start with my cousins Phil and Jeanette. They are basically the reason we are here in the first place. They accommodated us after our honeymoon to tour the area and look at homes. Phil expressed how excited he would be to have a cousin nearby which just made us feel loved and wanted from the beginning. Jeanette has contacts everywhere! If you need a realtor, an AC worker or a direct line to Obama I swear she's the one to go through! And on top of it all, Jeanette picked my mom up from the airport and brought her to the birth center moments after Gavin was born on a moments notice. From helping us find a home, to bringing me lunch on my first week home alone with the baby- I can't thank you enough.
Next I will stick with the cousin trend and send a huge shout out to Connie and Tom. Even though we had never really spent much time together before we moved here, it seems like we've known each other for years. One of the happiest days was when we found out you'd be moving across the street from us. There is no way to express how happy we are to have you so close and for Gavin to grow up knowing his cousins so well. From inviting us over to hang out or eat, to hosting when Serena and Adam came down, to panicked first time mother calls about jaundice you have always been there for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Now, there are a few people who made our pregnancy/labor/birth the beautiful and amazing experience it was.
Miss Debbie, our doula, was a blessed support throughout the pregnancy and labor (and even afterwards as well). She called at random times during the pregnancy just to check on me and make sure I was well. She prayed for us countless times. She came with us to our water birth class as well. The best part, though, is the work she helped me do to labor and get Gavin to us quickly and safely. She encouraged me, prayed for me, massaged me and really worked me from when she arrived at our home at 10am until a few hours after Gavin was born. She even captured our birth photos on her phone for us which we still cherish so greatly.
Labor of Love is our birth center. I found them by chance when googling birth centers in our area. The website seemed nice and they were friendly when I called to make an appointment. I had no idea at the time just how much I would learn in the time I was in their care. The three midwives Michelle, Andrea and Bea have so much LOVE and knowledge. I emphasize love though. You are not a patient at labor of love. You are family. It's warm, welcoming, inviting, hugs, kisses and conversations. Mellie taught the classes and we learned so much valuable information including how to labor, how to care for the baby, chiropractic care, vaccinations, diapering- you name it. I took lots of notes throughout those classes. The midwives taught me how to care for myself and my baby and to trust in my body and ability. Katie was a student midwife (now a graduated midwife yeah!) She was there for me when I fell down the stairs and was scared to death that I hurt Gavin. She hugged me and reassured me everything was ok. During the pushing phase of labor, listening to his heartbeat and supporting me. She to caught Gavin and be the first person to touch him. Mostly she was there to be an amazing support after he was born. I mean who else will escort someone to the bathroom and shower and check up on you yet also give you the perfect amount of privacy? She was integral in making our experience there perfect.
Lastly, and probably most importantly to me is Lee Anne. When I went to her "contact us" on her photography website I thought I was doing nothing more than inquiring about some photographs of me and Gavin. Little did I know! We met up at Starbucks and chatted. And chatted and chatted. We were there for almost two hours and bless her mother for entertaining her sweet children the whole time! Lee Anne introduced me into a community here in the Tampa Bay Area that is so valuable to me. She joined me in three different moms groups on Facebook. Since then, I've gone to meet ups and play dates with Gavin to get out and meet like minded moms. She spoke to me about her family's decision regarding vaccinations. She spoke to me about breast feeding/ baby wearing/ cloth diapering. All of which we do exclusively now. She was there at labor of love to capture our first
moments with Gavin. When he was only 7 days old she took his newborn photos. She sat patiently while I tried to nurse my sweet baby, but couldn't really get the hang of it yet. She came to our home again to review our photos and help design the perfect way to display them on our wall. I never imagined I would be blessed with a friend, such a strong powerful and wonderful mom and woman when I asked her for pricing on some photos. It's because of her that Gavin and I can get out, meet people and have a community of moms and babies here when we are so far away from the people we would have done that with in New York. I feel encouraged when she is, and so deeply saddened when her family goes through the horrible things it has. She is even the one that taught me about coops and buying clubs which we've since gotten our first share of produce from. With out her, I think I would be seriously lacking the mom community I cherish so deeply.
All of these people seriously made our first year in Florida our best year yet. I know God lead us here and to all of them. We left behind all of our family and friends in search of a better life for our family. The distance hasn't been easy, but the people who love us most in New York have been amazingly supportive as well. We are definitely here to stay and loving our life that we've built. Thank you so much if you've been a part of this huge transition!
And now, as if its not long enough- I will give a brief update on Gavin. He is 14 weeks old now. He loves to sit up and play and see the world. He has an affinity for kids and babies. He just smiles so wide when he sees them. I've been trying to socialize him as much as possible and he really does thrive on it.
When we weighed him a few days ago he was just under 15lbs. That means in 3 months he has already more than doubled his birth weight. He is still exclusively breast fed and is apparently growing a lot from all that great mama's milk! He even drinks from the bottle with daddy when I have to go to work.
Which reminds me- work has been great so far. I enjoy the new hospital and the people there. It was a bit of a transition for all of us for me to be away from Gavin. Andre has done wonderfully in his time with Gavin, and he just adores his father so much. Lots of giggles for daddy!
Now if you actually read all of this (I didn't think it would turn out quite so long!) I appreciate it. This year has been so great and I just can't wait to see what the coming years bring us and our new life.
Everyone knows what's been happening: we moved, got jobs, got pregnant, bought a house and had a baby. However, there are a few people who have really, really made this transition a HUGE blessing for us. I want to go through and honor a few select people.
First off, I will start with my cousins Phil and Jeanette. They are basically the reason we are here in the first place. They accommodated us after our honeymoon to tour the area and look at homes. Phil expressed how excited he would be to have a cousin nearby which just made us feel loved and wanted from the beginning. Jeanette has contacts everywhere! If you need a realtor, an AC worker or a direct line to Obama I swear she's the one to go through! And on top of it all, Jeanette picked my mom up from the airport and brought her to the birth center moments after Gavin was born on a moments notice. From helping us find a home, to bringing me lunch on my first week home alone with the baby- I can't thank you enough.
Next I will stick with the cousin trend and send a huge shout out to Connie and Tom. Even though we had never really spent much time together before we moved here, it seems like we've known each other for years. One of the happiest days was when we found out you'd be moving across the street from us. There is no way to express how happy we are to have you so close and for Gavin to grow up knowing his cousins so well. From inviting us over to hang out or eat, to hosting when Serena and Adam came down, to panicked first time mother calls about jaundice you have always been there for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Now, there are a few people who made our pregnancy/labor/birth the beautiful and amazing experience it was.
Miss Debbie, our doula, was a blessed support throughout the pregnancy and labor (and even afterwards as well). She called at random times during the pregnancy just to check on me and make sure I was well. She prayed for us countless times. She came with us to our water birth class as well. The best part, though, is the work she helped me do to labor and get Gavin to us quickly and safely. She encouraged me, prayed for me, massaged me and really worked me from when she arrived at our home at 10am until a few hours after Gavin was born. She even captured our birth photos on her phone for us which we still cherish so greatly.
Labor of Love is our birth center. I found them by chance when googling birth centers in our area. The website seemed nice and they were friendly when I called to make an appointment. I had no idea at the time just how much I would learn in the time I was in their care. The three midwives Michelle, Andrea and Bea have so much LOVE and knowledge. I emphasize love though. You are not a patient at labor of love. You are family. It's warm, welcoming, inviting, hugs, kisses and conversations. Mellie taught the classes and we learned so much valuable information including how to labor, how to care for the baby, chiropractic care, vaccinations, diapering- you name it. I took lots of notes throughout those classes. The midwives taught me how to care for myself and my baby and to trust in my body and ability. Katie was a student midwife (now a graduated midwife yeah!) She was there for me when I fell down the stairs and was scared to death that I hurt Gavin. She hugged me and reassured me everything was ok. During the pushing phase of labor, listening to his heartbeat and supporting me. She to caught Gavin and be the first person to touch him. Mostly she was there to be an amazing support after he was born. I mean who else will escort someone to the bathroom and shower and check up on you yet also give you the perfect amount of privacy? She was integral in making our experience there perfect.
Lastly, and probably most importantly to me is Lee Anne. When I went to her "contact us" on her photography website I thought I was doing nothing more than inquiring about some photographs of me and Gavin. Little did I know! We met up at Starbucks and chatted. And chatted and chatted. We were there for almost two hours and bless her mother for entertaining her sweet children the whole time! Lee Anne introduced me into a community here in the Tampa Bay Area that is so valuable to me. She joined me in three different moms groups on Facebook. Since then, I've gone to meet ups and play dates with Gavin to get out and meet like minded moms. She spoke to me about her family's decision regarding vaccinations. She spoke to me about breast feeding/ baby wearing/ cloth diapering. All of which we do exclusively now. She was there at labor of love to capture our first
moments with Gavin. When he was only 7 days old she took his newborn photos. She sat patiently while I tried to nurse my sweet baby, but couldn't really get the hang of it yet. She came to our home again to review our photos and help design the perfect way to display them on our wall. I never imagined I would be blessed with a friend, such a strong powerful and wonderful mom and woman when I asked her for pricing on some photos. It's because of her that Gavin and I can get out, meet people and have a community of moms and babies here when we are so far away from the people we would have done that with in New York. I feel encouraged when she is, and so deeply saddened when her family goes through the horrible things it has. She is even the one that taught me about coops and buying clubs which we've since gotten our first share of produce from. With out her, I think I would be seriously lacking the mom community I cherish so deeply.
All of these people seriously made our first year in Florida our best year yet. I know God lead us here and to all of them. We left behind all of our family and friends in search of a better life for our family. The distance hasn't been easy, but the people who love us most in New York have been amazingly supportive as well. We are definitely here to stay and loving our life that we've built. Thank you so much if you've been a part of this huge transition!
And now, as if its not long enough- I will give a brief update on Gavin. He is 14 weeks old now. He loves to sit up and play and see the world. He has an affinity for kids and babies. He just smiles so wide when he sees them. I've been trying to socialize him as much as possible and he really does thrive on it.
When we weighed him a few days ago he was just under 15lbs. That means in 3 months he has already more than doubled his birth weight. He is still exclusively breast fed and is apparently growing a lot from all that great mama's milk! He even drinks from the bottle with daddy when I have to go to work.
Which reminds me- work has been great so far. I enjoy the new hospital and the people there. It was a bit of a transition for all of us for me to be away from Gavin. Andre has done wonderfully in his time with Gavin, and he just adores his father so much. Lots of giggles for daddy!
Now if you actually read all of this (I didn't think it would turn out quite so long!) I appreciate it. This year has been so great and I just can't wait to see what the coming years bring us and our new life.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The birth of Gavin Luis
It's still so surreal that I am lying in bed nursing my sweet boy. Everything happened so quickly we didn't even have time to process everything. I don't plan on censoring the details of his birth, so if you don't want to read all the gory stuff I suggest you stop reading.
Lets start with Friday May 10th. I got home from my very last shift of work at 8:30am. I had so many plans of things to do in the two weeks we had until my due date. I was going to get my toes done, go to the pool and swim, and take an adventure with Andre while we still had the chance. I got home went to sleep a few hours and awoke excited to start my time off. We planned a beach day with our next door neighbors for noon the next day. Saturday was predicted to be 90 degrees.
When Andre got home from work we went to a pizza place for dinner, did some food shopping and rented a movie from red box. A very typical business as usual night.
Saturday mornings Andre goes to karate. He has his special sparring session at 8 and class after. Our plan was to spend the morning there, then head off to the beach. I woke up around 6am and decided to take a shower and get into my maternity bathing suit. I went back to lay in bed after my shower to wait for Andre to wake up. At 7 he got up and started stretching for karate. I took the dog for a walk and when we came back in I told Andre my bathing suit was too tight, it was giving me cramps. I went upstairs and put on a comfy sundress. We were about to leave for karate and I still had cramps so I realized I guess I needed to use the bathroom. I do that and we head off.
In the car ride I'm still getting cramps and Andre suggests I time them "'just in case". I would not believe my own eyes when my contraction app showed the most consistent two minute apart contractions lasting 30 seconds each! We get to karate and I can't sit. He starts padding up to spar and I step outside to call Debbie our doula. After a few questions she thought she should come over to check on me. I apologize profusely to Andre and his sparring partner but tell them we need to go back home.
At that point I remember we don't have any prepared food to bring to the birth center so I whip up a quiche and let it bake in the oven. While its baking I call Michelle the on call midwife. She's glad to hear the doula is coming and said it sounds like early labor. What!? I call my mom and tell her I'm in early labor. She asks if I'm sure and at that point I'm very very sure. A few minutes later Serena texts me asking "is this really happening!?" To which I told her "if this is not labor, kill me now."
I ask Andre to get the birthing ball from the garage and find if I go on hands and knees draped over the ball, the contractions were manageable. This is where I was when Debbie finally arrived. I think it was around 10am. She had us go in the backyard and walk with me leaning on Andre rotating my hips like the hula with every step. The next few hours are a blur from laboring in a squat, on the ball, climbing stairs, draped over the bed or ball and in the shower. I think it was around 12:30 when I asked if I could take a bath. She let me have a few contractions in there but asked me to get out and take a few contractions on the toilet. This was by far my least favorite. It hurt! My contractions have been two minutes apart getting longer and stronger for nearly 5 hours. I'm exhausted. I want a rest. I want a nap. But nope, laboring on the toilet holding onto Andre vocalizing a lot. After 4 or 5 there I tell Debbie "I don't want to be here! I hate it!" Of course she told me that this is exactly where I want to be. My body is working so well and we are going to meet our precious boy.
After the pep talk I stand up only to notice that I've lost my mucus plug and have quite a bit of bloody show. My contractions are now two minutes apart lasting two minutes when I'm lucky. Sometimes they are two or three contractions right on top of each other. I'm moaning and singing Gavin's name to stay focused. I beg them please, please can we call Michelle now!? She listens to one of my contractions and says she's an hour away from the birth center. Lets plan to meet there at 2:30. So it's 1:30 now, Andre starts packing the car and Debbie and I go downstairs. She asks me to take a few contractions standing or leaning over the couch. I took less than half of one like that, dropped down to my hands and knees, screamed out and cried that "I can't do this! I can't, I can't!"
While I said the words it triggered a memory from class. Many women start talking about how they can't do it etc when they are in transition. There is no possible way I'm in transition! It's too soon. This all just started. Then I freak out completely that I'm not in transition and I'm already wanting to give up. What will it be like when I hit transition!!
Michelle calls. She's twenty minutes from the birth center. We should leave the house now. I quick get into the car before another contraction hits. I sit in the front seat, totally ok. The second one comes on, I jump out of the car, drop onto my hands and knees and tell Andre there is no way I can ride like that. No! We switch cars with Debbie. I get in the back of her mini van, straddle a chair backwards hugging it. Andre drives off and I ask Jesus to will the contractions away until we get there. Or at least don't make us have to stop for any traffic lights.
We are half way to the birth center when I realize my body is pushing. I'm not pushing. My body is pushing. Dear Jesus do not let me deliver this baby in a car!! I scream to Andre "I'm pushing, I'm pushing!!" He's trying to tell me to breathe and taking big deep breaths to help me focus and NOT push him out in the car. We get to the birth center and Andre runs out yelling "she's pushing! She feels like she needs to push" and I said "I'm not pushing! My body is!!"
Michelle is running around like a crazy person setting everything up for the birth. She asks me to lay down so she can check me. Fully dilated, baby's head it right there. ("Oh my gosh that really was transition before! How on earth did I manage to complete my whole labor at home!?")
She calls out "2:35pm, complete. Bulging bag of waters". I beg her to let me get into the tub. I don't care it's still filling. Please. I get in and she yells out "2:37pm water broke, clear with vernix". I didn't even feel my water break. All I felt was my body bearing down. It's incredible how when your body wants to push, it just pushes! Andre hops in the tub behind me, Katie the student midwife shows up and I'm pushing involuntarily. All the while, the tub is still filling with water. Katie starts listening to Gavin's heart beat on the water proof Doppler. His heartbeat is 140s. Which is where is has been from day one. He is handling labor perfectly. Michelle keeps telling me to go with my body, listen to my body and let it push. Katie is supporting my perineum and says that his head is less than a finger tip to crowning. He's going to be here so soon.
I was in the tub on my knees with my top half draped over the edge of the tub. The contractions start to space out a bit and with every one I can feel him moving down while my body is pushing him out. His decent was made very slowly. It felt like he was "almost crowning" forever. They ask Andre if he wants to catch his baby, he says no so Michelle starts coaching me to stay low in the water, push him out and then to sit back and lean on Andre's legs while they hand me my baby. I have one huge strong push and out he came, head, shoulders, body. All of him in one big push. Katie caught him and fMichelle announced that it was 3:04pm. I lean back into Andre and Katie places him on my belly. He had a very short cord so I couldn't pull him to my chest. I hear Andre cry behind me and the two of us just hug our son. We did it! He's here! He is completely covered in vernix, he is perfect and he is screaming his little lungs out. He didn't need suction or anything. Michelle told me to confirm he was a boy and he certainly is!
Katie pulls the plug on the drain and lets the water out of the tub. We are all still skin to skin and they put a hat on Gavin's head to keep him warm, with a warm towel over our bodies. They let his cord stop pulsing before they cut it and we can bring him up to my chest. We all just stay there in the tub together until I delivered the placenta. That's about the time our birth photographer arrived. Everything happened so fast she missed the good part. At that time we got out of the tub, showered off a little and got right into bed to continue skin to skin. Andre took his shirt off and got skin to skin time with his son as well.
After about two hours, he finally decided to nurse for the first time. He was very sleepy after that fast and hard labor (and so was his mama!) We laid in bed, ate and cuddled as a family of three for a while. They weighed him after a while and he was a tiny 6lbs 14oz. Later on when they did his newborn exam, he measured 20.5 inches long.
Michelle wanted to check for tearing but I was so swollen and sore that it hurt so bad even for her to examine me. She numbed me with a few shots of lidocaine just for the exam and decided there were two places I tore. One place was internal and needed a few stitches. The other place was external and was more cosmetic. She asked me if I wanted her to stitch it. I figured, if she was going to be down there she may as well fix it all.
Right at that time Mommy and Jeanette showed up! Jeanette picked mommy up from the airport and they flew over to the birth center in record time. They loved on Gavin while I was getting stitched up. Once I was put back together, we went home! It took forever to figure out how to get this teeny tiny little baby strapped into his car seat. They finally got it and we got home to spend our first night as a family of three.
It has been an incredible blessing to have this little baby home. We can not get enough of him. It's so fun learning all of his signs and different cries. We love all the funny faces he makes, his new baby smell, his big kissable lips.... everything!
Lets start with Friday May 10th. I got home from my very last shift of work at 8:30am. I had so many plans of things to do in the two weeks we had until my due date. I was going to get my toes done, go to the pool and swim, and take an adventure with Andre while we still had the chance. I got home went to sleep a few hours and awoke excited to start my time off. We planned a beach day with our next door neighbors for noon the next day. Saturday was predicted to be 90 degrees.
When Andre got home from work we went to a pizza place for dinner, did some food shopping and rented a movie from red box. A very typical business as usual night.
Saturday mornings Andre goes to karate. He has his special sparring session at 8 and class after. Our plan was to spend the morning there, then head off to the beach. I woke up around 6am and decided to take a shower and get into my maternity bathing suit. I went back to lay in bed after my shower to wait for Andre to wake up. At 7 he got up and started stretching for karate. I took the dog for a walk and when we came back in I told Andre my bathing suit was too tight, it was giving me cramps. I went upstairs and put on a comfy sundress. We were about to leave for karate and I still had cramps so I realized I guess I needed to use the bathroom. I do that and we head off.
In the car ride I'm still getting cramps and Andre suggests I time them "'just in case". I would not believe my own eyes when my contraction app showed the most consistent two minute apart contractions lasting 30 seconds each! We get to karate and I can't sit. He starts padding up to spar and I step outside to call Debbie our doula. After a few questions she thought she should come over to check on me. I apologize profusely to Andre and his sparring partner but tell them we need to go back home.
At that point I remember we don't have any prepared food to bring to the birth center so I whip up a quiche and let it bake in the oven. While its baking I call Michelle the on call midwife. She's glad to hear the doula is coming and said it sounds like early labor. What!? I call my mom and tell her I'm in early labor. She asks if I'm sure and at that point I'm very very sure. A few minutes later Serena texts me asking "is this really happening!?" To which I told her "if this is not labor, kill me now."
I ask Andre to get the birthing ball from the garage and find if I go on hands and knees draped over the ball, the contractions were manageable. This is where I was when Debbie finally arrived. I think it was around 10am. She had us go in the backyard and walk with me leaning on Andre rotating my hips like the hula with every step. The next few hours are a blur from laboring in a squat, on the ball, climbing stairs, draped over the bed or ball and in the shower. I think it was around 12:30 when I asked if I could take a bath. She let me have a few contractions in there but asked me to get out and take a few contractions on the toilet. This was by far my least favorite. It hurt! My contractions have been two minutes apart getting longer and stronger for nearly 5 hours. I'm exhausted. I want a rest. I want a nap. But nope, laboring on the toilet holding onto Andre vocalizing a lot. After 4 or 5 there I tell Debbie "I don't want to be here! I hate it!" Of course she told me that this is exactly where I want to be. My body is working so well and we are going to meet our precious boy.
After the pep talk I stand up only to notice that I've lost my mucus plug and have quite a bit of bloody show. My contractions are now two minutes apart lasting two minutes when I'm lucky. Sometimes they are two or three contractions right on top of each other. I'm moaning and singing Gavin's name to stay focused. I beg them please, please can we call Michelle now!? She listens to one of my contractions and says she's an hour away from the birth center. Lets plan to meet there at 2:30. So it's 1:30 now, Andre starts packing the car and Debbie and I go downstairs. She asks me to take a few contractions standing or leaning over the couch. I took less than half of one like that, dropped down to my hands and knees, screamed out and cried that "I can't do this! I can't, I can't!"
While I said the words it triggered a memory from class. Many women start talking about how they can't do it etc when they are in transition. There is no possible way I'm in transition! It's too soon. This all just started. Then I freak out completely that I'm not in transition and I'm already wanting to give up. What will it be like when I hit transition!!
Michelle calls. She's twenty minutes from the birth center. We should leave the house now. I quick get into the car before another contraction hits. I sit in the front seat, totally ok. The second one comes on, I jump out of the car, drop onto my hands and knees and tell Andre there is no way I can ride like that. No! We switch cars with Debbie. I get in the back of her mini van, straddle a chair backwards hugging it. Andre drives off and I ask Jesus to will the contractions away until we get there. Or at least don't make us have to stop for any traffic lights.
We are half way to the birth center when I realize my body is pushing. I'm not pushing. My body is pushing. Dear Jesus do not let me deliver this baby in a car!! I scream to Andre "I'm pushing, I'm pushing!!" He's trying to tell me to breathe and taking big deep breaths to help me focus and NOT push him out in the car. We get to the birth center and Andre runs out yelling "she's pushing! She feels like she needs to push" and I said "I'm not pushing! My body is!!"
Michelle is running around like a crazy person setting everything up for the birth. She asks me to lay down so she can check me. Fully dilated, baby's head it right there. ("Oh my gosh that really was transition before! How on earth did I manage to complete my whole labor at home!?")
She calls out "2:35pm, complete. Bulging bag of waters". I beg her to let me get into the tub. I don't care it's still filling. Please. I get in and she yells out "2:37pm water broke, clear with vernix". I didn't even feel my water break. All I felt was my body bearing down. It's incredible how when your body wants to push, it just pushes! Andre hops in the tub behind me, Katie the student midwife shows up and I'm pushing involuntarily. All the while, the tub is still filling with water. Katie starts listening to Gavin's heart beat on the water proof Doppler. His heartbeat is 140s. Which is where is has been from day one. He is handling labor perfectly. Michelle keeps telling me to go with my body, listen to my body and let it push. Katie is supporting my perineum and says that his head is less than a finger tip to crowning. He's going to be here so soon.
I was in the tub on my knees with my top half draped over the edge of the tub. The contractions start to space out a bit and with every one I can feel him moving down while my body is pushing him out. His decent was made very slowly. It felt like he was "almost crowning" forever. They ask Andre if he wants to catch his baby, he says no so Michelle starts coaching me to stay low in the water, push him out and then to sit back and lean on Andre's legs while they hand me my baby. I have one huge strong push and out he came, head, shoulders, body. All of him in one big push. Katie caught him and fMichelle announced that it was 3:04pm. I lean back into Andre and Katie places him on my belly. He had a very short cord so I couldn't pull him to my chest. I hear Andre cry behind me and the two of us just hug our son. We did it! He's here! He is completely covered in vernix, he is perfect and he is screaming his little lungs out. He didn't need suction or anything. Michelle told me to confirm he was a boy and he certainly is!
Katie pulls the plug on the drain and lets the water out of the tub. We are all still skin to skin and they put a hat on Gavin's head to keep him warm, with a warm towel over our bodies. They let his cord stop pulsing before they cut it and we can bring him up to my chest. We all just stay there in the tub together until I delivered the placenta. That's about the time our birth photographer arrived. Everything happened so fast she missed the good part. At that time we got out of the tub, showered off a little and got right into bed to continue skin to skin. Andre took his shirt off and got skin to skin time with his son as well.
After about two hours, he finally decided to nurse for the first time. He was very sleepy after that fast and hard labor (and so was his mama!) We laid in bed, ate and cuddled as a family of three for a while. They weighed him after a while and he was a tiny 6lbs 14oz. Later on when they did his newborn exam, he measured 20.5 inches long.
Michelle wanted to check for tearing but I was so swollen and sore that it hurt so bad even for her to examine me. She numbed me with a few shots of lidocaine just for the exam and decided there were two places I tore. One place was internal and needed a few stitches. The other place was external and was more cosmetic. She asked me if I wanted her to stitch it. I figured, if she was going to be down there she may as well fix it all.
Right at that time Mommy and Jeanette showed up! Jeanette picked mommy up from the airport and they flew over to the birth center in record time. They loved on Gavin while I was getting stitched up. Once I was put back together, we went home! It took forever to figure out how to get this teeny tiny little baby strapped into his car seat. They finally got it and we got home to spend our first night as a family of three.
It has been an incredible blessing to have this little baby home. We can not get enough of him. It's so fun learning all of his signs and different cries. We love all the funny faces he makes, his new baby smell, his big kissable lips.... everything!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
36 weeks 6 days
On Saturday our very precious bundle of joy will be 37 weeks (aka term!). This means legally Labor of Love can deliver him at any point in the next 5 weeks. There are lots of bets going on about what day he will be born. As much as I joke about evicting him, I do know that the longer he is on there, the better. Please keep reminding me of this when I'm suffering from horrible contractions. Lol
We have had a bit of an eventful week. Starting Monday night around 5pm until about 8:30am Tuesday morning I had very painful and sporadic contractions. When I told midwife Michelle about this at my appointment on Wednesday morning she said "oh yay!!" I know my body is doing what it needs to prepare but I don't think I would say yay.
After a great check up with her (iron and vitamin D are up and I'm GBS negative) I gave us all a bit of a fright when I fell down some stairs onto the tile floor that same evening. We were laying on the couch upstairs watching Idol when I thought I'd go down to the kitchen to take my iron and get ready for bed. I'm not sure if it was too dark or I was just exhausted, but I missed that last step. I fell really hard on my knee/foot right on the tile floor. Andre came running and we thought the impact may have broken my water. Needless to say I was scared to death that I hurt Gavin. My knee and foot are pretty banged up but I just wanted to know he was ok. The midwife said my cervix is closed, waters are in tact and his heartbeat was perfect. Thank God! I will definitely need some time to recover from that whole ordeal though. Yikes!
Anyway. Gavin's bag is packed and as long as I'm not in too much pain I'll try to get mine packed in the coming days. Then he can make his appearance whenever he is ready!
Here is our survey
How far along? 37 weeks!!
We have had a bit of an eventful week. Starting Monday night around 5pm until about 8:30am Tuesday morning I had very painful and sporadic contractions. When I told midwife Michelle about this at my appointment on Wednesday morning she said "oh yay!!" I know my body is doing what it needs to prepare but I don't think I would say yay.
After a great check up with her (iron and vitamin D are up and I'm GBS negative) I gave us all a bit of a fright when I fell down some stairs onto the tile floor that same evening. We were laying on the couch upstairs watching Idol when I thought I'd go down to the kitchen to take my iron and get ready for bed. I'm not sure if it was too dark or I was just exhausted, but I missed that last step. I fell really hard on my knee/foot right on the tile floor. Andre came running and we thought the impact may have broken my water. Needless to say I was scared to death that I hurt Gavin. My knee and foot are pretty banged up but I just wanted to know he was ok. The midwife said my cervix is closed, waters are in tact and his heartbeat was perfect. Thank God! I will definitely need some time to recover from that whole ordeal though. Yikes!
Anyway. Gavin's bag is packed and as long as I'm not in too much pain I'll try to get mine packed in the coming days. Then he can make his appearance whenever he is ready!
Here is our survey
How far along? 37 weeks!!
Total weight I'm up to 148 making the grand total 23 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Absolutely!
Stretch marks? One thing I managed to escape
Sleep: after the fall last night I didn't sleep a wink. Otherwise same old
Best moment this week: My birthday with Andre! We went to hibachi and it was soooo delicious!
Miss Anything? My body. I miss having complete control of my body.
Movement: thank God for his constant moving or I would have been a complete wreck afte that fall. Feeling him move was keeping me slightly more sane.
Food cravings: Nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: I keep forgetting that bananas are very acidic and they keep giving me heartburn.
Gender: I KNEW he was a boy!!! Gavin Luis Genao!
Labor Signs: lots of contractions but nothing "real" just yet.
Symptoms: Heartburn and contractions. Not to mention the exhaustion...
Belly Button in or out? It's definitely on its way out.
Wedding rings on or off? Off :( I haven't been able to get them on for a week or so now. Hands are definitely swollen.
Happy or Moody most of the time:happy!!
Most looking forward to: meeting this precious angel! Any time now!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Coconut baby 35 Weeks!
We are officially less than two weeks to term! How is that even possible!?
Today we had our 35 week checkup and we are going every week from here until his birthday! She's checking up on my iron again to see if we've made any progress on that front, and we did the GBS swab today as well. I'm really, really praying to be GBS negative, because I don't want to have to take any antibiotics during labor. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
We've had lots of fun things happen. We took our maternity photos with our very talented photographer a week ago, Saturday. I was exactly 34 weeks for the shoot. She had wanted to try taking some pictures in water, and I was a little weary about what kind of gators/snakes/fish etc I would be in the water with... but it wasn't bad at all. The sneak peek picture that she posted is beautiful and I can't wait to see all the rest of the photos! (Man, I didn't realize how big my belly really was until I saw that picture too- so crazy)
The day after that, last Sunday, my mother in law, aunt in law and a family friend came to visit with us. It was a very short but sweet stay. I miss them all and are glad they finally got to see our house! They are also insanely generous and gave me birthday presents, and gave Gavin lots of goodies!
This passed weekend, Andre went to New Orleans to celebrate the bachelor party for John. I really hate having him gone, but I had a great time with my neighbors and cousins. I was also very productive and got the car seat in the car and ALL of the cloth diapers prepped and ready to go!
With the help of Velcro Command strips, I finally got Serena's beautiful letters hung on Gavin's wall.
That's it for now. Let's do our survey update :)
How far along? 35 weeks
Today we had our 35 week checkup and we are going every week from here until his birthday! She's checking up on my iron again to see if we've made any progress on that front, and we did the GBS swab today as well. I'm really, really praying to be GBS negative, because I don't want to have to take any antibiotics during labor. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
We've had lots of fun things happen. We took our maternity photos with our very talented photographer a week ago, Saturday. I was exactly 34 weeks for the shoot. She had wanted to try taking some pictures in water, and I was a little weary about what kind of gators/snakes/fish etc I would be in the water with... but it wasn't bad at all. The sneak peek picture that she posted is beautiful and I can't wait to see all the rest of the photos! (Man, I didn't realize how big my belly really was until I saw that picture too- so crazy)
The day after that, last Sunday, my mother in law, aunt in law and a family friend came to visit with us. It was a very short but sweet stay. I miss them all and are glad they finally got to see our house! They are also insanely generous and gave me birthday presents, and gave Gavin lots of goodies!
That's it for now. Let's do our survey update :)
How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight I'm holding steady at 147lbs. I thought that pepperoni and cheese I keep snacking on would have made that go up a little, but I'll take it!
Maternity clothes? Absolutely!
Stretch marks? Thank God, no!
Sleep: Ughhh sleep. Well- I get up to pee at least 3 times (sometimes 5-6), and I just don't sleep well in general.
Best moment this week: Maternity photos, getting the car seat in the car and diapers washed... All three things together means we are SUPER close to meeting this karate kid!
Miss Anything? My body.
Movement: Our karate kid never stops! Saturday was a real crazy day for him, but he is always on the go!
Food cravings: Nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: No :)
Gender: I KNEW he was a boy!!! Gavin Luis Genao!
Labor Signs: I do get occasional Braxton hicks and rarely a little bit of downward pressure. I think changes are starting! Lets get ready for labor now!
Symptoms: Braxton hicks, a little bit of downward pressure, occasional heartburn etc
Belly Button in or out? It's definitely on its way out.
Wedding rings on or off? On and off, on and off... For some reason my wedding band fits better than my engagement ring these days- so if I can get it on, I just wear the wedding band alone. I can't sleep with rings on any longer though.
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!!
Looking forward to: Maternity leave lol 19 work days left!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
33 weeks 5 days
I am so officially ready and excited for this little boy! He will be born next month!!! (Assuming he doesn't stay cooped up inside until June).
We had our 33 week check up on Monday. Our little karate kid is still measuring right on track. And a huge thanks and praise to the chiropractic team that helped move this precious munchkin from keeping his butt pressed up into my ribs. He is officially in position for birth! I was shocked when the midwife showed me where his head is. It's so low down already! I really can not say enough about these midwives and the birth center as a whole. Everyone really really cares about me and Gavin. It's been such a blessing. They recommended the chiro to release the back pain and help change Gavin's position. Both of which were more than successful. They suggested drinking coconut water daily for electrolytes and hydration. Let me tell you it's a billion times better and more natural than Gatorade and its actually really yummy. AND I told her about my heartburn. She suggested taking papaya enzyme. Again another natural fix and my goodness it works on the spot!
Our classes have been going great. We have only one birth class and our breastfeeding class left. We've learned so much already and I just keep getting more excited dreaming about my peaceful natural birth. I have so much faith in myself, my baby, God and our entire birth team. There is no safer place :)
I have officially submitted my short term disability claim for maternity leave and we are still trying to figure out what kind of work schedule I will be doing after the leave is up. I know God has a perfect plan for us. Oh! And speaking of maternity leave- I'm so excited to be taking a family trip with our little threesome to New York at the end of July! My mom is organizing a 90th birthday party for my grandma and all the Florida cousins are going up for it too. I can't wait to introduce Gavin to friends and family while we are up there.
Here is our latest survey :
How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight holy cow! I weigh 147lbs which is a grand total of 22lbs so far. Crazy!
Maternity clothes? Yes of course. I am almost completely out of growing room in my work uniform hahah every time I can't imagine this belly getting bigger- it sure does!
Stretch marks? Nope :) still a veiny belly but no stretch marks at all. Hopefully I'm in the clear by now.
Sleep: the more exhausted I am the easier sleep is. I still get up to pee a lot but I sleep sooo soundly otherwise.
Best moment this week: I finished all of Gavin's baby clothes laundry. Everything is washed, folded and put away. It makes me think we are that much closer/ ready for him
Miss Anything? One thing that surprises me is that my lung capacity has gone way down so that I can't really sing well anymore. I love singing but I get so breathless now. I wanna sing!
Movement: the movements are definitely different now. He is still a crazy moving karate kid but he's running short in space and stretches out a lot and often kicks a foot or two out on my left side. He still favors the right side of my belly. Luckily for me his butt and head at in center and lined up perfectly.
Food cravings: Not really
Anything making you queasy or sick: no. But acidic fruits and fruit juices definitely give me heartburn. Serena thinks this is good news and he'll be born with hair.
Gender: I KNEW he was a boy!!! Gavin Luis Genao!
Labor Signs: I do get occasional Braxton hicks and rarely a little bit of downward pressure. I think changes are starting! Lets get ready for labor now!
Symptoms: Back aches, pelvic pain/pressure, shortness of breath- and that BIG belly!
Belly Button in or out? It's on it's way out for sure. It is 100% flat and starting to head outward! Turkey is almost done cooking!
Wedding rings on or off? I had just a few swollen days but they seemed to have passed and the rings are still on 24-7 :)
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!!
Looking forward to: our maternity session with our awesome photog on Saturday, my in laws coming on Sunday, graduating our classes on Thursday and meeting my little man!!
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