5 Months!

This month we started solids. We're starting with the cereals and then moving into veggies and fruits. Let's hope it all goes well!

One more thing...

This was the sort of day I was having Friday. I was walking into work, looked down and saw this. I started laughing. What more could I do. Never get dressed in the dark! Ah, what it is to be a mom in a rush, on little sleep, with a sick baby.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Sick Baby Update #2

On Friday my mom called and freaked me out because she said Andy was falling asleep and his arms started shaking uncontrollably. Scary sight. I figured I better get him to the doc since the night before he had a low grade fever. Turns out the shaking is normal at this age. Also turns out the ear infection is still going strong. So Andy is now on a stronger amoxicillin. Just 2 days in and he's already looking better. Hope this one does the trick.

I'm also gonna try the olive oil trick tonight. Was sorta weary, but after reading about in Dr. Sears I am more confident. Thanks Susie!

Sick Baby Update

I just realized I never posted Andy's official diagnoses from when he got sick over Thanksgiving. Saturday we took him in to see his pediatrician because he was more fussy and had begun pulling on his ear. He also had a lot of crust build up on the outer rim. Turns out he had a double ear infection [I had tons of these as a kid and yes I was breastfed so obviously it doesn't make that much of a difference]. The pediatrician had to dig out wax build up so she could see in his ear, that's how much build up there was. So he was sent home on amoxicillin for 10 days.

That Thursday [last week] he had his 4 month check up. His right ear was still slightly infected and his left was still very infected so he didn't get his shots. We made an appt to return in 2 weeks when his infection should be gone and he could get his shots.

Well he is now done with the amoxicillin but he is still sick! He has developed a cough, he is very fussy, and I get a call from G that Andy has started pulling on his ears again. No good. I do also wonder if maybe he's getting a tooth. I highly doubt the infection is still raging and think maybe Andy just happened to brush his ear. He could have been going for his mouth. Or I read somewhere the pain from the gums travels to the ear. I'm gonna have to check his gums when I get home tonight. Anyone have any tips on how to check and what to look for? He has no fever and he has been drooling a lot more the last couple of days.

Official 4 Month Picture!

4 months 10 days

Picture Post!

I was happy G picked up the camera on Sunday and started snapping pictures of Andy and I. I realize now that we hardly have any pictures together. My favorite are the last two.

Happy 4 Months!

Although considering I'm typing this at 3:41am means it's not really a "Happy" day. After coming home from the babysitter's [aka abuelita's] you took a nap and then ate. You were a happy boy and I even got the nice video that I posted below of you in your Baby Einstein Activity Center. You then went down for a nap and woke up soon after crying. That was red flag #1. Your eyes were very watery and you were extremely congested. You wouldn't eat even though it was time. I put some saline drops down your nose and attempted to suction some boogers, but it was too much. I did what I could. You were tired so dad tried to get you back to sleep while I cleaned the humidifier. While the humidifier got to working, I ran hot water in the shower and brought you in so the steam would ease up the congestion. It worked great, but it was beginning to look like you were now in pain. The rest is one whirlwind of exhaustion.

You have cried more today than ever. You would fall asleep, 5 min later we put you down, you immediately open your eyes and start to screaming your head off. That is so not you! We don't even put you to sleep in our arms anymore. And the crying...you sure gave your lungs a good workout! So this went on from about 4:30pm until after 11pm. No sleeping, no eating, just crying and fussing. The good thing was you continued to have wet diapers so I wasn't extremely concerned. Just felt really sad and hopeless that we couldnt figure out what was wrong. A cold, flu, virus, infection?

Your dad and I narrowed it down to your stomach. There was a lot of grunting, and you only fell asleep when bounced. I could also hear your intenstines having a party. So we gave you a warm bath. You still wouldn't eat or sleep, afterwards, so I made you some camomile tea with some gripe water. That immediately eased your stomach pains. You started farting and burping. But still...no sleep. Actually you slept for 15min and woke up calmly and smiling. GREAT sign. I took your temp and it was hovering around 101 so I gave you tylenol [6:20pm] and continued to try and get you to sleep.Finally, I just put you to sleep on my chest [around 9:30pm]. I let you sleep for an hour before attempting to put you down. Yeah...you woke up. You finally ate about 2oz and fell asleep with your dad just after 11pm.

You pouted and grunted the whole time you slept. At 12:45am you woke up crying again. I got up to wash your bottles and when I returned you were asleep. Again at 2am you woke up crying. I was exhuasted so dad got up and made you a bottle. He kept telling me you felt too warm so I finally got up and took your temp - kept reading around 103! We immediately set into "wipe out fever" mode. We stripped you down to your diaper to get a better reading, but after 10min your temp remained high. Scary high. Tylenol was administered and then you were put in a warm bath. You actually liked the bath. After 15min we took you out and you were smiling again and cooing. Your temp now hovered around 102. I used 2 thermometers and one read 102.6 and the other read 101.8. We left you in ur diaper for a while and then put on a onsie since our place is chilly. You ate 2.5oz and pooped. An hour later [3:20am] your temp had fallen to 100.8. Ideal is under 100.4 but that was great! Plan B was a trip to the emergency room and we all know what kind of torturous acts they perform there.

So now it's 4am and you're asleep with dad again. I hope you sleep a little longer. We are all very tired and have a long day. It's Thanksgiving afterall.

So happy 4 months Andy. I hope the rest of the day gets better. But more than anything I just want to tell you that today I will be giving thanks that we have you. Because no matter what crazy exhausting things we have to go thru everyday, nothing compares to the joy and love you have added to our lives. I am thankful I have been blessed with you. Because when you aren't sick, you are the most amazingly calm and happy baby ever. I love you and I hope you can enjoy your first thanksgiving!

And here's the "before" video. It's very long and might get boring, so feel free to forward it and don't feel obligated to watch it all. :) I was gonna edit it down, but I don't see any free time in my future and I haven't blogged in 19 days!







**Picture post to come soon!

First time in Highchair!

Here we are, Saturday morning. Daddy is at a work meeting and Andy and I are hanging out in the kitchen. I think Andy likes the new views and being up higher. This is gonna help me out to get more done. His happiness in the chair even inspires me to bake! First time since he was born! I think I'll try out a new pumpkin muffin recipe.

14w5d
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Bath Time!

IMG_0199, originally uploaded by geefunk.

This was a few hours ago during bath time. Andy held on to the crocodile and sucked on it almost the entire time. He still loves bath time. It was so cute!

He is 14 weeks today.

Andy Laughs

If only my memory card didn't suck this video would be a little longer. But we finally caught him on camera!

Happy 3 Months!

It's almost 1am and I'm barely getting a chance to post, so this will be quick. I'll also have to post again because my brother refused to edit the pictures he took of Andy today. So that'll be another post.

Today...wait...yesterday Andy turned 3 months old. How time flies. We are now:

- sitting on our own...falling over so you need pillows.
- drinking 4-5oz of formula every 3-4hrs
- not sleeping thru the night..although you did drop a night feeding.
- everyone says you are chubbier and bigger than a few weeks ago...I suppose I agree.
- You love smiling and laughing out loud with your Tia Nancy. She's so funny when she sings the Itsy Bitsy Spider.
- you are currently taking power naps thru out the day [about 30min each], but you still have one long nap [about 2hrs].
- You go to sleep for the night between 7-9pm, wake up to eat between 2-4am, and then again between 6-8am.
- you have this crazy internal alarm that wakes you about 10 mins before 7am. It's pretty reliable...except when I need it. You slept in the day I was counting on you. :) Sleep is nice though.
- You're favorite book is Guess How Much I Love You, although 8 Silly Monkey's is a close second. It's great how much you love being read to. You can be fussy and upset, but as soon as I start reading and you see the book...you're a happy camper.
- I think you're officially over wide neck bottles. You seem to hate drinking out of the Born Free glass bottles. You drink much better out of the Dr. Brown's 8oz BPA free plastic bottles.
- You have been wearing size 3-6 months for almost a month now. Some 3-6 months [Old Navy] are already getting tight!
- You're tiny feet have grown a size...growing out of size 1.
- You're baby hair is falling out like crazy!
- Could be due to the cradle cap. But I rub 100% pure olive oil on your head on brush of the dry skin. I think Aveeno did this to you [even though they say it isn't caused by allergies]. We are back to solely using California Baby products.
- You are definitely making eye contact with people you know, and not so much with those you don't. Sorta funny that you show preference.
- You are playing more with your toys and bringing everything up to your mouth.
- You found your hands about a week ago. I found you in the morning staring at your hands. It was cute!
- If left on your side you will unwillingly roll onto your belly. Since you hate tummy time this really makes you mad.
- Your head and neck are very strong now. We can lift you over our heads and you keep your head up and look at your surroundings.
- You're legs are also very strong, ever since your 2 month check-up you have been grasping our hands and lifting yourself up. You will even stand for a bit.
- You are also developing a temper. You're still the best baby ever but it's pretty entertaining when you get upset. We can really distinguish your different cries now.

I guess I had a lot to say! I'm sure there is more, but this is all I can think of at 1:15am. Good night!


13w2d

Milestone: Laughter & Gripping/Reaching

One word: Amazing!

I can't even begin to describe what it is like to see your little creation grow before your eyes.

Today Andy got a bath.

Today Andy laughed out loud while in his bath.

It was the funniest moment. We put him in his bath and began pouring water over his body. G accidentally splashed a little water on Andy's face. I laughed a little and began to wipe his face and suddenly Andy was laughing. That baby chuckle that happens over and over. G and I looked at each other in amazement and began to laugh. As soon as we laughed Andy stopped. But as soon as we stopped he started up again. It was crazy considering we weren't expecting this milestone for another month or two. I mean every book/website says that babies don't laugh until their 3rd or 4th month. I now wonder if this was a one time thing or if he'll continue. He definitely wasn't freaked out by the sound of his laughter. We'll see!


Andy is also reaching for things and gripping. I have put some of those plastic, colorful rings on his car seat and his bouncer. We were at lunch today and he began reaching for the rings in his car seat. He would actually grip them and bring them up to his mouth.

These are amazing milestones. Early milestones. Add this on to the way he "talks" back to G and the fact that he now sticks out his tongue thanks to me (I did it as a test to see if he would mimic me and he did!)....I think we have one smart baby on our hands! I felt a wave of panic for a second today thinking that this cannot be ignored. We must feed the brain! I need more stimulating toys! I need to spend more time playing with Andy and reading to him! I can't ever go back to work! LOL! I wish.


10w1d
(2m1w2d)

2 month checkup

Andy had his 2 month checkup today and it went great.

Weight: 12lbs 1oz
Height: 23in

Doc was amazed at his strength and told me to watch out because he might roll over soon since he's so strong. Go formula! LOL.

He also had his first set of shots today. 1 oral, 2 in one thigh, and the painful shot in the other thigh. He did surprisingly well! Thank gawd I had remembered reading about a mom who breastfed her baby while he got the shots, so I gave Andy his bottle and sat him on my lap to get his shots. He got the first 2 shots and cried out a little but quickly carried on eating. Then he got the painful shot and he screamed in such a sad painful tone. That lasted about 5 sec and he carried on eating. It was wonderful. I held him for a few minutes and then got him fully dressed. He was all smiles as I dressed him. He's such an awesome baby!

He passed out on the way home and slept about an hour and woke up hungry. He ate and went right back to sleep and slept on my chest for about 2 hours. He was awake for a while and then ate again and passed out in bed with dad. He slept for almost 6 hours and then woke up to eat. He hasn't even been fussy! He has been his normal happy babbling self. Around 9pm we did notice he felt warm. I wasn't home so I gave him 1/2 the tylenol dose. When I got home I took his temp and he has 101 fever. I gave him the rest of the allowed dose and now he's eating and falling asleep. I'm gonna have to take his temp in another 30 min. I don't want to go to sleep without knowing his fever is decreasing.

But other than this he has been great. Just more sleepy than usual. I pray that everyone has an easy time like this! Feeding during the shots was the best advice ever!

And don't worry Andy - no more doctor's (hopefully) for 2 months!


9 weeks 4 days
(2 months 5 days)

Night night

G sent me this audio file earlier today, and it is THE ABSOLUTE CUTEST and FUNNIEST thing ever! At least to us. :)

It took me forever to figure out how to get it from my phone to here... 3 hours later here were are. Enjoy!

And remember...Andy is just 9 weeks! He amazes us so much everyday.

Happy 2 Months!

Please disregard my mismatched socks. It's hard to find plain white socks for my tiny feet!

Sharing secrets with Mr. Sock Monkey.

2 months
[8 weeks 6 days]

8 Weeks

Andy turned 8 weeks on Sunday. He is smiling at G in the picture. Here are the latest and greatest:



- He knows G and I. We are the only people he will instantaneously smile to at first sight. G is loving this as Andy gives him a huge grin when he gets home from work.



- Size 1 diapers are becoming increasingly tight. I wonder how much he weighs since size 1 should fit up to 12lbs. I've also used some size 1-2 diapers (got a box at our baby shower) and although those should work up to 14lbs they aren't much better.



- Speaking of growing - he is currently fitting perfectly in size 0-3 clothes. I don't think he'll make it another month in this size. I'm already preparing the 3-6 clothes. Size 3 from Carters fits good right now with a bit of room to grow.



- He's eating 5oz at least 1 feeding a day.



- We had a few nights where Andy skipped a night feeding sleeping from 9pm-3am. It was great (and would've been greater if we went to bed before midnight) but its been 4 days since he last did that. So yeah. Lately, he must be going thru a growth spurt because he is eating every 2 hours. That sucks at night.



- The cold I gave him is still lingering. He has developed a mild cough and is still pretty congested. He sleeps longer when propped up on the boppy or a pillow on the couch with us. He doesn't sleep more than 30 min in the bouncer so I don't even try that. The cutest thing - he use to get so mad when I put the saline drops down his nose, but now he fights it for a few seconds, notices he can breath easier, and then smiles at me. I love it. He's such a smart guy! He even smiles after I suction out his boogers. :)



- He also has more controlled movements of his arms. When his nose is stuffed up he puts his little fists up to his nose in an attempt to rub it. Cute and sad at the same time.



2 month mark is just around the corner! Time flies, indeed.



8 weeks 2 days

(1 month 3 weeks 6 days)





Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Smiles

7 weeks today and Andres is all smiles. Well almost all smiles. My favorite thing is he'll be sad and almost crying, but he'll see me smile and smile right back. I love it! He changes so much suddenly. Today he has been copying facial expressions (when he's happy). It's so cute when he wakes up and I change my facial expressions from happy to surprised and sad and he does too.

He is also learning to cry like a normal baby. I've mentioned before he isn't a crier and hardly cries. He just kind of let's out a shriek. Sorta sounds like a cat. But now he totally cries. It's cute. Maybe because it's new.

It has been a while since I last posted. We've just been busy enjoying our time together before I return to work in early October. I seriously wish I could be a stay at home mom! I would love it! I can stay at home unlike most women that need a job. I so don't. I want to be with this baby all the time. It's gonna suck when I go back to my boring ass job. I'm gonna see what G feels every day when he has to leave us. :-( Enough sad thoughts.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

1 Month Appt Update

Andres continues to grow strong, as is evident by his almost 4lb weight gain since birth!

Weight: 9lbs 14.5oz
Height: 21.5in

Head measured good. I think it was a little on the bigger end. And I think the doc said he is a little on the shorter side. Other than that he is perfect!

After our appt we headed to the Santa Anita mall since we were right there. Like a minute away. I figured I could use the exercise and the retail therapy. The best part was spending around $200 and not paying a dime! I puffy heart giftcards. Saved for times like these...when money is tight. I bought Andy some clothes and a stuffed monkey at Macy's. I bought G 2 shirts at Macy's and one at AE. I then bought my refill of the Stella perfume (my fav!) at Sephora along with a lip brush and some blotting sheets. Good times. Oh I did spend some money...on my iced latte and the $1.01 at AE.

And how was Andy at the mall? Well that's him at the mall in the picture above! He slept the whole time! And we were there for about 2hrs. Woke up once and ate 1oz and then passed out again. I'm so happy he loves being in his carseat and stroller.

It is so great to be out and about again. I was so scared to go out with him by myself. It just seemed so daunting! I was totally holding out. So on saturday I decided to spend the day with my sister at my parents house since G was working till 8pm. I did have G help us out to the car, but then later that day Andy and I went to Target; just the two of us. It was great! I don't know why I was so scared! So today I felt totally brave taking him to his appt and then heading to the mall. Watch out G! I've been cut loose! Let the fun part of this maternity leave begin! :)

5w2d
(1 month almost 6 days)


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Cutest Thing Ever

To find my babies sleeping. <3
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Happy 1 Month Birthday!

Today, Andres turns 1 month. We'll have to settle for this crappy cell phone picture. I'm a bad mother and still can't find my camera charger cables and have not bought a new camera or borrowed someone else. Tomorrow I'm stopping by my parent's house to use their camera. But of course tomorrow he'll be 1 month and 1 day. Unless...I take the picture before 6:07pm...when he was born...then he'll still be 1 month! Ha!

Anyway...

Happy birthday Andres. This morning you goo'd for the first time. I was very excited. It happened while I was changing your diaper. You also smiled at me for the first time. It wasn't your usual drowsy half asleep smile. You actually looked at me and then smiled. I almost cried. You did it twice. :-) And then I did cry when I was cutting your thumb nail and pinched your skin accidentally. I felt SO bad!! You got all sad and were about to cry, but I held you tight and appologized [and cried] and you were fine. I just felt terrible. Sorry...again. Today you also decided you weren't going to nap and eat on your normal schedule. As a result you have been a very fussy boy today. But of course, it's your day and you need as much attention as possible. I see where this is headed.

Next Tuesday we find out how much you have grown in a month...well...more like in 5 weeks. I'm sure you'll be past the 8lbs mark. Your clothes fit you so good now. I really can't see how the 0-3 month clothes is gonna make it to 3 months at the rate you're growing. Hopefully you slow down because you still have a lot of cute clothes to wear! I think you might be going thru another growth spurt. For the last 2 days you have been gobbling down 4 oz of formula and not your usual 2.5 - 3 oz. Crazy guy.

Your receding hairline is also getting worse....as seen in the picture above. You look like a little man with that hair do! And your double chin is only getting worse as you fatten up. But I love all your new little rolls...on your arms and legs. So cute! I wanna eat you up!

You are now reacting to the sound of our voices. You try to turn to where the sound is coming from....you look for dad and I. It's awesome. We get so excited. Especially when you are looking at one of us and the other comes in the room and starts talking and you turn to look. You're totally not a newborn anymore! Amazing how fast you grow. Abuelita also gets super excited when she talks to you and you turn to look at her. You did it for the first time during your fever hospital stay, but now you do it all the time.

Amazing is the word of the day.

I can't believe how fast a month has gone by. Seriously doesn't feel like that long. In 6 short weeks our time together at home will be over. I'll be returning to work then, but we don't have to think about that now. Your dad and I truely cherish every second with you. Everyday you suprise us with something new, and everyday you grow and change so much. Your dad and I have to learn to put you down and let you be on your own. It's hard, but you need to hang out on your own too. But I never stop talking you. I make sure you don't get bored.

So here's to many many more months to come. I just ask one favor of you, Andres - don't grow up too fast...please. :-x


1 month
[4 weeks 3 days]

Postpartum Pains

In Mexico, when women give birth they are to stay indoors for 40 days and 40 nights. If you think about it, it's the 6 week recovery period given in the states. But it is much more strict in Mexico. You cannot do anything! You are practically bed ridden. As hirrible as this sounded to me in the early days postpartum, it now sounds like heaven.

I have been plagued with many random pains since giving birth. The first of my aches were joint pain. Very painful joint pain that I had attributed to the cold A/C indoors and the hot weather outdoors. But ALL my joints hurt. So bad that I was beginning to think I had developed arthritis. I was to learn later this was part of this postpartum recovery period. Rare, but it happens to a few women. Of course, my mother, blamed the fact that I was not taking care of myself. Whatever that meant. Leaving the house too soon? Being up and about as soon as I got home? Sleeping with fans when the A/C wasn't on? This fan one was to come and bite me in the ass.

My worst ache came in the form of trapped air in my upper back. The first time I felt this I blogged about it. It happened after my first trip to L&D pre-baby. It was HORRIBLE. During my hospital stay postpartum I learned that this pain was related to trapped air in the body. When the nurse advised me not to hold in my farts she mentioned this back pain. It hits you between the shoulder blades and hurts like a mofo! The second time this hit I also blogged about it. It was about 2 weeks ago. That was the day I wanted to die. And then I remembered my beautiful baby and decided passing out and having G call an abulance would be enough. That's how much it hurt. G said I was speaking in tongues. I was in that much pain. I vocalized thru the pain and felt no relief.

That day I blamed the window fan. It was set up in the baby room to bring in air to the apartment. During the first night feeding I went in and adjusted the fan because it was blowing air toward the mobile. Of course, the air hit my straight on. Felt great! It was hot and I thought nothing of it. Until about 45 min later when I was crying in pain in my living room. A pain that even vicodin couldn't numb.

So this weekend it happened again. And for no damn good reason! We were waiting for Andres to wake up for his late feeding before heading to bed. I passed out on the couch. I woke up and realized Andres was still out, so I headed to bed. As soon as I hit the pillow I felt that familiar stab in my back. I immediately teared up at the thought of what was to come. Sure enough, within minutes I was in crying from the actual pain. Although it didn't hit as bad this time. Maybe because I didn't get out of bed. I don't know.

Instead of not getting super painful, it just didn't go away. It hit at 2am [always hits at 2am...weird...] and at 9am I called my mom in tears. She immediately called my godmother who knows all kinds of remedies. She like the curandera of the family....the medicine woman. she knows all about the herbs. So my mom convinces me to head to her house. By the time I arrive the special tea will be ready. It was chocolate [cocoa] and an herb mixture. Instresting but I'll tell you, that thing worked miracles!!! With 20 minutes I was no longer rocking myself in the fetal position. My mom also massaged my back with pure olive oil and eucalyptus oil. That also felt great. But it was that tea...miracle worker.

So what caused it this time? My mom says that the air is already there now. Trapped. And it'll flare up. Great....now I live in fear. I will be bringing this up to my doctor at my 6 week check-up, but really....what can she do? I don't want to live on pain killers that don't work. I know if I head to the hospital all they'll do is dope me up. No thanks.

So every night when I go to bed I pray to my lucky stars that I don't wake up at 2 am in pain.

As soon as my cousin posts the tea recipe I'll post it here. It works wonders!

So aside from this how am I feeling? Well my incision hurts more than it did the first few weeks. Its like a pinching stabbing pain. Not bad...not all the time...but it's there...and it bugs. I think the incision is healing good. I can't really see it since I still have the surgical strips on. We'll have to wait till my 6 week check up on the 9th.

Also, in the last few days I've been getting the epidural pains I've heard so much about. I've been feeling a pinching pain in my back where the epi was administered. It hurts. My back has also been very sore since the back pain on Saturday. One of my cousin was saying that she gets bad back pain when ever she does something that would make her back sore. ever since the epi. So I guess the soreness is setting off the epi pain.

Good times! But I still love being a mommy.

And because I know you are all picture whores...here's Andy getting some tummy time in this morning. He so didn't like it. But we'll work on it everyday until he does. Although he does like laying on his tummy in bed. For a little while. He really gets a good break from his back.




4w1d

4 weeks

Happy 4 weeks Andres. I'll take your "official" monthly photo on the 27th which is this Wednesday.

I love this picture because this is pretty much the only time we see him smile...when he's falling asleep. My brother got home from work and found Andres had set up camp in his room. Andres was half asleep and my brother started taking pictures of him. I uploaded the rest to flickr.

You'll also find pics like this one that were taken a week ago Sunday. He was wearing his cute little wayabera (sp?) and white linen pants outfit my sister gave him. My Cuban step-mother-in-law loved his outfit!

On to an update on Andres. He is growing big and strong. He is still eating every 2.5-4 hours [mostly every 3 hours]. He eats between 2.5 - 3.5 oz of formula. I'm thinking of switching his formula again because this Similac Isomil Advance Soy is giving him really bad gas, something he didn't have. Last night he had it bad and he fell asleep with me rubbing his belly. When it's this bad even those gas drops don't work. Earlier in the day my mom had rubbed his belly and back with pure olive oil which helped a little. I need to make a trip to whole foods to buy some. I guess I'll see how this week goes and maybe wait to till his 1 month check up next week to ask about switching formula.

Speaking of...the little guy is awake. Time to feed him and then we can all go to bed. I'll post tomorrow about my recovery. I had an awful weekend, but I am doing much better.


4 weeks

Balding Baby and Firsts

I know babies must loose their baby hair, but why must Andy's hair fall from the front first? Poor A and his giant forehead.

I took this picture this morning after he ate. We were watching the Woman's Olympic Volleyball Team beat Italy. He likes starring at the TV. Don't think that's a good thing.

I was just looking at him sleeping in his crib, and it amazes me to think that in a short time he will be up and about talking and walking...becoming his own person. To think that G and I will be shaping this little person to become a contributing member of society. Amazing this whole parenting thing is. I love it more than I would have ever imagined.

Falling in love with this little person has definitely been a process. It isn't love at first sight. I mean it is because this person came from you....was made by you...but it takes time. I feel that Andres and I both had to get to know each other. The moment I was in love happened on our 2nd day in the hospital [Monday after A was born]. I had been a little upset all day because visitors were beginning to come and everyone was holding and feeding and changing him. I still hadn't done much since I was bound to my bed for the first 24 hours, and I had been letting G feed him so he could bond. By the end of the day I felt as if everyone knew my baby better than me.

So that night after everyone left I asked G if I could feed him. I was sitting there, holding him in my arms and Andres was sucking away at his bottle when he suddenly stopped sucking and looked straight into my eyes. We starred at each other for what seemed like an eternity. It was at that moment that it instantly clicked - he was mine and I was his. He looked at me like he had known me forever, given he was only a day old. But he looked straight into me like no one else ever had, and I lost it. I started bawling at that moment. Tears of joy, love, excitement, fear of what lay ahead. It was the single greatest moment of my life. And it didn't happen the minute he came out of me.

That is what I want to make clear. It doesn't need to happen at that time....you don't have to feel those intense feelings right away. It can take time. You have both just been thru a lot! You have to have that moment with your baby, and this was our moment. I sat there thru his feeding with tears running down my face and so much love running thru me. I looked up and saw G looking at us with tears in his eyes. He witnessed history...he witnessed our moment....and he was beyond moved.

I sit here typing this with tears, once again, running down my face. Could be the hormones, but this motherhood thing...is pretty damn awesome. Just sayin'.

Happy 3 weeks Andres.

You would fall in love if you saw this face everyday. <3

3w 2d

Update

I'm way too sleep deprived to do a full update so here's the short version.



After 2 failed attempts at the spinal tap by the ER doctor last night, Andy was admitted to pediatrics. He has had no fever and the preliminary blood work looks normal, but since he is so young he is being kept for observation. Assuming he does not get a fever by tomorrow morning we will be going home. Some time at the crack of dawn we will be getting the blood and urine cultures (takes 24hrs).



Worst case scenario - his temp spikes and he will immediately get the spinal tap, and IV and antibiotics. A whole lot more tests will be done to figure out what's causing the fever. And at minimum he will stay here for 48 hrs more. But that's worst case.



Right now he is perfect except for the congestion in his chest. But he is eating like a champ, peeing, pooping, sleeping. He's alert. Pedi was amazed at what a calm baby he was. Even with a poopie diaper he didn't cry or fuss. And he is growing like a weed!! It's awesome.

1 week ago: 7lbs 19.5in

Today: 7lbs 15oz 22in



The pediatrician came in not too long ago and he thinks it might be a virus, nothing bacterial. It sounds like an upper respiratory infection because of all the chest congestion. Good thing is it hasn't traveled south to his lungs. So nothing bad. And we have no idea how he could have caught this. No one sick has been around. We mention the contact with BIL with the staph infection and he said that wouldn't cause a fever and he would have needed to be directly touched.



So my short update is pretty complete. Sparing all mundane details. We've slept about 2hrs in the last 24hrs so you can imagine how we feel. But we're just hanging out. Not worried as much.



Thank you all who have texted, called, sent twitter messages, posted good vibes over on the SAL board. It's amazing how much love and support you can feel from not just family and friends, but from total strangers or "internet friends. " :-p We greatly appreciate it.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

2w 2d

Sad Picture

This how we spent our night/morning. A full recap to come once I've gotten some sleep. We're still at the hospital. Waiting...and waiting. Check the side of the blog on my twitter to read what's been going on.



Long story short Andy had a 100.5 fever at 830pm. We got here at 930pm and at 415am we r still waiting on test results. The good news is he hasn't had a fever since we've been here and he's been completely normal. But since he did have a fever they went ahead and ordered blood and urine tests and a chest xray. Since he hadn't had the fever here he (thankfully) didn't get a spinal tap done.



So we wait. Hopefully soon. Docs keep getting code blues and trauma patients that come first. Sucks. I'm just praying to be in my bed by 5am. Its looking slim though. I got my second wind around 330am but my eyes are starting to burn again.



We were also gonna take...fuck! Nurse just brought in the spinal tap kit. Looks like I'm gonna cry again. Wtf. Ok doc is coming. :-(

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Picture taken @ 2w 1d

Hello. My name is Mr. Irresistible

Taken @ 6 days old

Sleepy Time

I think Andres is the cutest sleeper ever! He loves to sleep with his hands up by his face. But every now and then he'll throw them up over his head like this. It wasn't till I took this pic that I notice his legs were also crossed. He's sleeping in the bassinet in our room here.

Last night Andres decided he was gonna try a new more annoying sleeping schedule. Wake up every 1.5 - 2 hours. Horrible. After being awake for almost 5 hours (he usually eats and passes out) just before bedtime, he decided he wanted 2 oz of milk every 1.5 - 2 hours. Suffice to say we slept like shit. I seriously think he must be going thru a growth spurt. That is a lot of milk! And he is hungry and awake! But it's tapered off thru the day and he is back to 3 hours or sleep. Hopefully it continues thru the night and maybe even gives us a good 4 hour stretch. First day I was exhausted and actually took a good nap.

I'm gonna have to write tomorrow about how I'm feeling. My insides are so effed up. If you've had a c-section please tell me this is normal. My sister can't seem to remember but she had a harder recovery than I did.

It's past midnight and Andres will be up in less than 2 hours. I better squeeze in some sleep!

1w 4d

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

1 week appt update

First off, I think La Leche League did find me. But they're trying to be slick by posting on my regular blog. I can feel the pin stab from the scarlet letter "F." I'm alright with this though. I will embrace it just as Demi Moore did. I am/was fully educated and aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. I read all the books. So please know I am making an educated decision. For the record - I will NOT be breastfeeding. This is my choice and I am happy with it. Our pediatrician is happy with it. She says his formula [Similac Advance] is the best he can get right now so he'll be fine. After many days of going back and forth and trying to get Andres to latch on unsuccessfully, I have made my decision.

Thank You

On to better news.

Andres is growing strong!! He is now 7lbs even and has grown a half inch. Doc says he is gaining about 2oz per day. They like to see a 1/2 - 1 oz per day so he is way past that. He is in the 25th percentile for all 3 measurements - head, weight, and length. He was so good at the appointment. Only cried at the end because he was really hungry and we didn't have his bottle. But he quieted down and patiently waited for me to finish his paperwork. I love this kid. <3

We also made our visit to my parent's house. It was soooooo nice to get out! I was totally getting cabin fever. Although G is pretty damn paranoid about everything. About me being out, about Andres being out, about driving with Andres. I never thought he would be so paranoid and I would be soooo laid back. I can't believe how laid back i am. I'm a total control freak and now i'm just so chill about parenting. Weird. Wonder if it'll change. Actually, maybe it's just the Vicodin making me so laid back. Hmmmmm. But G just freaks out about everything. Last night he fell asleep all late because every time Andres made a sound in his bassinet G would get up to check on him. I mean it's totally cute and it makes my heart melt, but that is crazy. G has totally become "one of those" parents that checks on his kid every 5 minutes to make sure he is breathing. I just pass out when i go to bed. But for some reason I'm the only one who hears when Andres starts waking up. I have to wake G up.

One thing I am having trouble with is sleeping during the day. No matter how tired I am I cannot sleep during the day. I know what people say, but I can't rest. I can't stop finding things to do. Tomorrow I will try reading when Andres is napping in hopes that it'll make me fall asleep.

Speaking of sleep, I' effing tired! I must go to bed.

1 week 1 day

Broken Boobs

So my boobs must be broken because my milk NEVER came in. So formula it is. I got the colostrum, which I was able to give to Andres a few times. Even leaked that a tiny bit once, but it was never seen again. I kept waiting for my boobs to get all huge, engorged, hard, painful, etc. and nothing. Nada. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. I mean I would get Andres to latch on. There was just nothing for him. Oh well. I wanted to breastfeed so bad I'm surprised I wasn't more upset about this. I think it's because we have really fallen into a schedule with feedings. And I love that G can feed Andres anytime. Andres seems perfectly happy with formula. We've had no issues. I hope the Leche League doesn't read this and come pin me with a scarlet 'F' for formula...or failure...either way.

In other news, Andres has his first pediatric visit today. It'll also be mine and Andres' first time out since coming home! I am SO getting cabin fever! I am ready to be out and about and enjoying my maternity leave with Andres. I know it has only been a week and a had a c-section. But my recovery has been awesome. I'm sore and have some pain and discomfort, but nothing outta control. I don't even take my vicodin. Just ibuprofen every now and then. OMG we should totally go have sushi for lunch tomorrow! GAWD I MISS SUSHI!!! RAW SUSHI!!! SASHIMI!!! And we can introduce Andres to Jimmy our sushi chef! Maybe we'll just get it to go as Andres may be too young to go out. Hmmm...better ask his pedi tomorrow.

Last night I also had my 1st postpartum beer! It was soooo good. I missed alcohol. Especially toward the end of pregnancy. The summer heat just makes a cold one look so much more appealing. I celebrated the end of trying to breastfeed with no milk and the end to pain meds. Also to the beginning of parenthood.

Alright it's almost 1am and Andres will be up in 2 hours. I was so tired earlier...I don't know what happened. Damn internet. I hadn't been on in forever and now I can't get off. It's an illness.


1 week old

1 Week

Happy 1 weeks birthday Andres!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Birth Pictures

Here is a slide show of the pictures my brother took. He also made an awesome video that makes me tear up every time I watch it. Complete with editing, captions, and a soundtrack. He's the best that brother of mine. But watching the video and seeing the pictures makes me realize how shitty I looked! LOL Seriously, I looked like crap during my 14 hours of labor and after. My friend A commented how "different" I looked. I know what you really meant A. I looked like crap! Hahaha. It's cool.

Enjoy!

We're Home!

We've been home from the hospital for about 5 hours and things are great. So good to be home! It's been like being at the hospital but with more space and no nurses. Andres has eaten twice so far and has gone right back to sleep each time. Doesn't he look tiny in his crib? So cute! G and I have also mastered the art of swaddling (i.e. the burrito wrap). I hope our night goes this easy. I've also taken a nap which never happened at the hospital. I'm about to take another!

3 (almost 4) days old

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Going Home!

We have officially been OK'd to go home. Andres is perfectly healthy. Already past his birth weight, eating almost 2 ounces every 2-3 hours, and pooping and peeing a lot! I just got my staples removed, I pooped yesterday for the 1st time, showered for the 1st time, and I haven't had any crazy pain.

I just got my breakfast delivered. I'll be eating and pumping some liquid gold for Andres' next feeding around 10. We'll then get ready to go home. It's both exciting and terrifying. But last night we went against the nurses advice of sending Andres to the nursery for our last night and roomed with him and everything went great. We're so ready. Just not ready for life outside the hospital. Here we just focus on Andres and my recovery. At home it's a whole other ballpark.

I guess I'm also worried about the influx of visitors. Being as its our first baby, G and I have decided to "close shop" on Friday. We need at least one day to ourselves to adjust to life at home. Of course, if you would like to bring us food then we can't refuse! ;-)

Wish us luck!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Day 1 - Pt.1

Daddy got to feed him for the first time with the formula. G really enjoyed this. Highlight of his day.

Just started pumping today. Got some of that yellowish liquid out. Tiny bit. It's a start since my milk hasn't come in. The lactation consultant promised me we could re-train Andy to take the boob once my milk came in. I trust her. So hopefully my milk will come in soon.

Today Andy was moved to a bigger "tanning bed" for his bilirubin. He's getting all day light treatment in hopes it'll get rid of the bilirubin fast. And this little guy is really strong! He loves sleeping on his side when not swaddled. He moves around a lot and can take off his special "tanning bed" mask. He's already impressing the girls with his strength. :-p

As far as recovery for me, I'm good. Way better than I thought I would feel. I don't have any bad pain. It is all mild. And I can lift myself with mcuh effort but really no pain. Except now that I have more gas it's getting painful. But I'm being a good patient and letting it all out. ;-) so I just got a light dose of non-narcotic pain meds in my IV. Can't remember the name.

I'll update again tonight. Oh, and so far no visitors. Sorta like having the morning/afternoon to ourselves since I'm still not out of bed. Not allowed to yet. Nurses keep coming by to clean me up and all that goos stuff. But I'm not saying dont come. Just don't come early. :-P

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Day 1 - Pt.1

Daddy got to feed him for the first time with the formula. G really enjoyed this. Highlight of his day.

Just started pumping today. Got some of that yellowish liquid out. Tiny bit. It's a start since my milk hasn't come in. The lactation consultant promised me we could re-train Andy to take the boob once my milk came in. I trust her. So hopefully my milk will come in soon.

Today Andy was moved to a bigger "tanning bed" for his bilirubin. He's getting all day light treatment in hopes it'll get rid of the bilirubin fast. And this little guy is really strong! He loves sleeping on his side when not swaddled. He moves around a lot and can take off his special "tanning bed" mask. He's already impressing the girls with his strength. :-p

As far as recovery for me, I'm good. Way better than I thought I would feel. I don't have any bad pain. It is all mild. And I can lift myself with mcuh effort but really no pain. Except now that I have more gas it's getting painful. But I'm being a good patient and letting it all out. ;-) so I just got a light dose of non-narcotic pain meds in my IV. Can't remember the name.

I'll update again tonight. Oh, and so far no visitors. Sorta like having the morning/afternoon to ourselves since I'm still not out of bed. Not allowed to yet. Nurses keep coming by to clean me up and all that goos stuff. But I'm not saying dont come. Just don't come early. :-P

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Welcome Andres Gerardo G!

A longer post will come later with the complete birth story. But here is the short version with some medical updates.

After laboring for 8 hrs I got the epidural. Best stuff ever! Baby never decended past -1 station and I got stuck at 4-5cm. After 14.5hrs of labor, I opted for a c-section. He was stuck. Doctors even had a hard time getting him out of my belly during the c-section. And it IS a BOY! On Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 6:07pm Andres Gerardo Garcia emerged to this world at 6lbs 5oz and was 19 inches long. He is so small! But surely the most beautiful baby boy ever (no offense PJ & A). He scored a 9-9 on his Apgar.

On the medical side, we just found out Andy has very high levels of Bilirubin in his blood. Basically, too many red blood cells. This causes Jaundice, that yellow color to the baby's skin. Since his levels are very high this isn't a mild case. Very high levels that go untreated can cause brain damage. Worst case scenario of course. They just fed him formula and put him in the special rave neon lights bed. We're just hoping that since he's already spending time in the bed that he'll be able to go home with us whenever that may be.

What caused this? #1 it was my O+ blood and his B+ blood being enemies. Our bloods don't get along. Inner gang violence. #2 Hispanics have a higher rate of having Jaundiced babies. But really it was our special bloods. That's why tests were done early to check for this before Andy even showed signs of Jaundice.

So I mentioned Andy was formula fed. Andy has decided he doesn't care to suck...my boob that is. He opens up, sucks once or twice and then just waits. So breast feeding has not been successful. But we're still trying. He is now receiving formula so that he doesn't get dehydrated. This is very bad with Jaundice. I just hope and cross my fingers and pray that he'll start sucking and that today he's just tired from his long day.

So thanks everyone for all the messages! We get them all but can't reply to all.

More updates to come!


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

C-section

So I haven't left 4-5cm in 6 hours. C-section it is. Baby isn't coming all the way down either. Sorta bummed but whatcha gonna do.

Wish me luck!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

I'm in LABOR!!!

Had my bloody show. That's mucus tinged with blood. And then some more blood.

Contractions are closer together and regular at about 2-3min apart.

I just showered.

We are getting ready to leave to the hospital. Calling them now.

Please send me baby dust and labor dust! I am eerily calm....obviously i'm blogging between contractions. I swear if there was cell reception in the labor delivery area I would live blog!

Next time I blog I better have a baby in my arms!!

Thanks everyone for all your support thus far.

See ya on the flip side!

TIming Contractions

It's 3:48am and I'm sitting in my living room timing contractions on contractionmaster.com. For the last hour they have been 8 min. apart. And this time they are totally regular. Although the last few times they have been about 3-4 min. apart and lasting just over a minute. So I'm not sure if they're becoming irregular because they aren't much more painful. I've had a few "stop me in my tracks" painful one's, but the rest have been pretty mild.

I'm sorta getting tired of this contractions all the time business. I had been crampy all day yesterday. Probably due to my crazy sleepless night with back pains. But these contractions tonight actually woke me up and made me start timing them. I just wish all this damn contracting would brings on some progress. Painful one.........now.................omg...........................ok....holy crap that one hurt!! I am such a wuss! I am sooo getting an epidural!! This one lasted 2.5 min and hurt like real bad. And to think this is suppose to get worse. OK. I'm really having contractions now. OMG another painful one. And these are totally in my butthole! Serio. Feels like so much pressure on my butthole.

Ok. Gonna go wake up G. I wanted to let him sleep in case it was another false alarm. But here comes another. Ok. Better go get him. Wish me luck peeps. Hope this isn't another false alarm!

1st trip to L&D and more

Let me tell you about my fuckedup night.

When I got home from dinner at my mom's I had the sudden urge to take a huge dump or throw up. So I took a small [tmi] loose dump and my stomach immediately started hurting really bad. I laid down and my back started hurting. I couldn't tell if it was contractions or just overall pain. But I was in pain. Lot's of it. I chugged some water and immediately threw up. It was like I was auditioning for the exorcist. I felt like shit. I laid down again and my back pain became more intense.

And then the contractions started. There were some I couldn't even talk thru and were really close together. I wasn't sure what was going on though. I kept texting my cousin who is a postpartum RN for advice. She finally said I should call L&D. Of course, they have no useful info and just told me to go in if I'm worried. I felt like a lame ass going in because I really didn't think I was in labor and didn't want to go in for nothing. But 2 hrs later my mom convinced me to go in and get checked out just to make sure everything was ok.

We arrived at L&D just before midnight. I felt so stupid being there as [of course] I was no longer in pain. Maybe the nerves of going magically made the pain disappear. So they hooked me up to the machine. My BP was high but then the 2nd take was low [this has been happening at every appt]. Absolutely no contractions while I was there. [Although there was a girl next door in A LOT of pain. I'm sure she's holding her baby today.] Baby was sleepy and not moving much so the nurse used this "stimulator" that buzzed my belly and made baby's heart rate shoot up. Poor guy! It must've freaked him out. It was so sad.

So after an hour and a half we were home. Contractions were brought on by vomiting. Tea for stomach pain and low-dose tylenol for back pain and cut down on salt for BP. Had some tea and tylenol and headed off to bed.

As soon as I tried to lay down my back pain returned with a vengeance. It hurt so much that I couldn't even cry. It hurt standing, sitting, walking, and especially laying down. OMG did it hurt laying down. And I couldn't breath when I laid down because the pain was so intense. Finally busted out the heating pad which only took the edge off. I was so tired I would fall asleep while it was on and when I removed it the pain was still there just as intense. I would just cry thru the pain. DH finally passed out at 4:30am when I fell asleep for about 20 min. But I woke up in pain and was up until 6:30am. I couldn't take the exhaustion anymore so I laid down in pain and sucked it up. Found a spot that it didn't hurt as much and I could breath and eventually fell asleep. I woke up at 9:30am to my mom calling and was not in pain anymore. Slept till 12:30pm.

LONGEST SUCKIEST night ever. Now I'm crampy. :-(

And it didn't help that the nurse told me to ONLY sleep on my [dreaded] left side.

After last night I am SO ready to be done!

But of course baby isn't. Nurse said I am still 1cm, thick, and high. Baby is nowhere near descending.

OH! And did I mention we had company when all this began? Yeah we eventually left my brother my keys so they could lock up and go home if we took long.


39w

38 week appointment update

No. further. progress.

Still 1cm and barely thinning. So much for those contractions. Doc says this will definitely be an August baby. Although we all know that labor is a mysterious thing that can happen at any moment no matter what the odds. So we'll see!

I am still having contractions on and off. Although non today. And it's not like I'm even taking it easy. I am out and about doing things everyday. So I am walking and still no progress. So now I really won't be taking it easy. We are totally ready to meet baby G! And totally ready to not keep his name a secret! It's such a build up....not like there could be a disappointment.

The next part is a total rant. I bought this customized print for baby G's room. It's the alphabet in brown letters and then within the alphabet [and in different colors that match his room] is his name. His name pops off the print. So I go to buy a frame only to realized that no such size frame is made. Fuckityfuck. You know what that means....custom framing....and you know what that means...money...lots of it. That print is now at Aaron Brother's getting custom framed. We went the cheaper route [if you can even call it that] and got a big frame and are custom matting the print. Then they have to throw in the special glass and all that shit they sell you on. I just said yes. So I am now paying 3 times more than I thought I should. Moral of the story: don't buy odd shaped prints if you're tight on money.

38w 5d

Contractions?

It's just before 5am and I've been very crampy since just before 3am. Just after 4am the crampiness actually became contractions...irregular but noticeable.

Yesterday, I was at a b-day pool party and I started getting very irregular contraction around 6pm. Thought nothing of it till about 7:30 when it was still happening. Nothing painful but I felt it from my back to my lower belly. And also in my butt hole like I had to go #2. My cousin the postpartum RN was all excited telling me it sounded like real contractions. Around 8pm I started chugging water in case I was just dehydrated. Got home about 9ish and it all seemed to go away. Chalked it up to dehydration.

After getting up to pee 3 times before 3am [has never happened!] I became crampy just before 3am. Just felt like period cramps so I wasn't sure what was going on. The suddenly around 3:45am I had a painful one, but then I totally had to take a dump. LOL. I ended up taking my first middle of the night dump! Weird. Is my body preparing for something? I don't know but now I'm wide awake and trying to time myy irregular contractions on this website.

G just left to work during my dump and he was all worried and nervous.

I've been up for a while so I just had some lucky charms. Really wanted a PB&J sandwhich but our bread was starting to mold. :(

Also, Baby G is moving a lot. So maybe he isn't quite descending into the birth canal just yet.

Don't some women have mild contraction FOREVER before going into labor? Maybe these are just the "practice" ones? I don't know, but being at this point is crazy! I mean...I'm finally here!

Watch me still be over due in 2 weeks. LOL

To be continued...

38w2d

37w Appointment Update

I had my 37 week check up today and had quite a scare. My BP was really high - 153/97. Although I've had it high the whole pregnancy [normal for me to be in the upper 130's to low 140's] the doc hadn't been concerned because it was steady. But today she was really concerned and talked about sending me straight to the hospital to have tests run and if toxciema came up i'd be induced within 24 hrs. You shoulda seen the scared look on G's face.

So she went on to do my first internal. I am 1 happy cm dilated. She didn't mention effacement and I was too worried to ask. She did say it was good that I was starting to dilate because then I could try to have a vaginal delivery and not a c-section if worse comes to worse. She also said that although I am petite i have a nice wide pelvis so I'll be able to deliver vaginally without a problem. yay!

So we went back out and she had the nurse check my BP manually. THANK GOD it had gone down! 129/90. I was so scared it was gonna be higher since I was freaking out a bit. So no trip to Labor & Delivery. Baby G is gonna keep on baking!

She did order me to stop working immediately. So I am officially on maternity leave. :)

What a day.

OH YEAH! Also lost 1lb bringing my total gained so far to 15lbs. :)


37w 5d

37 weeks

I just gave into a craving. We went shopping at Trader Joe's and there were a bunch of stuff I had been thinking about for a while. I ended up giving into my "antipasto" craving. The first thing I picked up is a pregnancy "no no" but i never feel those apply to me. OK not never....but sometimes. Like unpasteurized cheese. I know...bad...but is it really that bad when you've eaten it all your life? I've had panela [the cheese with the orangey-red rhine]....straight from Mexico....all fresh and good. ANYWAY....besides the point. Back to TJ's.

I had to have salami. Sooooo good! So i got that and some fresh [pasturized] mozzarella cheese, and tapenade for the olives. I also got some of those little mozzarella balls in the olive oil and herbs. Love it! TJ's was outta bread so we went to Albertsons and got the softest french bread. I ate like 1/4 of it on the way home. Once home I cut up some cheese, salami, bread, and got the tapenade dip and went to town! Even had some pellegrino with a lime wedge to complete the meal. Did I mention this was at 9pm? LOL! I ended up eating just over half [barely over] of that loaf of bread. I am soo stuffed right now that I can't go to bed. But it was soooo good. I must officially name this my 2nd pregnancy craving. I mean 3rd. We won't talk about that big mac at 1am. :-p

So 37 weeks = full term. This baby can come anytime now and be perfect. I'm finally here. We're finally here. Things are really falling into place. Wednesday I'm going to my moms to wash the baby clothes in her fancy washer. After that I can get everything sorted away and pack that hospital bag! I need to get some easy nursing gear to take to the hospital, so I think I'm gonna have to go shopping for this. I don't have any nursing bras yet. I'm afraid of the size I'll have to buy....how much further down the alphabet can I go? I don't really want to know.

One thing still missing in the "nursery" is a dresser. I can't seem to find the right size and height to put the changing pad on. I was really hoping to find something cheap at Ikea but it's not that cheap. And the matching dresser to our crib is $400 at BRU! That is insane. And it doesn't feel any sturdier than the Ikea ones. I don't know. I hate to be so thrifty when it comes to this, but cash is tight these days.

Also, earlier today my MIL came over from BRU with the Dr. Brown's bottle sterilizer and a suprise. The suprise was our stroller - the Chicco Cortina. She swears she didn't buy it but she also isn't saying who did. So for now, since she brought it I'm thanking her. I don't know why it has to be such a big secret. But I am so happy we don't have to buy this. And Diana - I know you love your bugaboo...if we had the funds I'd be all over it, but we take what we get right now. :)

P.S.
My camera seems to be missing. I haven't seen it since we moved. So no pictures yet. :( I know. My camera is old. Maybe it's time to buy a new one before baby G arrives.


37w2d

Crib Bedding Update!

Thank you to whomever lit a candle this morning to the Virgincita because we have found our bedding! I told G to call the GAP at The Grove today to ask if they had any, since they're suppose to carry the entire nursery collection, AND they DID have it!!!!!! WOO-HOO!! I had asked G to do this back in June but he never did. So I reminded him. I can't believe they actually had it! I guess I coulda called but since he works there....it's easier for him. Whatever. It's on hold and we are heading over there when I get off work to buy it! I can't wait! I gotta find my camera!

I love that everything is just falling into place for us. First the car seat....we just happen to stroll into Babies R Us to check out our other car seat options and what do you know...there is a whole new stock of our beloved recalled-base car seat with the right base. So happy! We bought it right away. And now the bedding just happens to be sitting at The Grove waiting for us. Assome. I'm so happy right now!

Crib

We are slowly chipping away at the baby's room since the move. We finally got it clear of boxes and my parents brought the crib and mattress over. Here it is all done with a blanket my mom got us that matches our Safari theme and a little giraffe that my friend A got us.


It's finally gonna start coming together! Tonight G will build the glider and matching ottoman. As for our bedding....well...please light a candle tot he Virgincita that GAP stocks the safari bedding by at least the end of the month! I am sooo willing to wait but it's getting harder.

Gender Issues

So we had our final u/s this morning and the good news is he is head down and I don't have a gigantic baby. Doc estimates around 6lbs right now. The not so great news that could be nothing but we still can't help to focus on is that...well here's the conversation:

Doc: So it's a girl, right?
Me: Ummm...no...you said it was a boy...
Doc: Oh! well then it must be. The machine is just saying it's a girl.
Me: Huh? So it's not a boy?
Doc: I'll check right now to make sure.
G: [trying to pick jaw off the floor]
Doc: Well it's too tough to see anything. Things are tight now. But if I said boy then it is. I've rarely been wrong.
Me: Well the big u/s gave us a damn clear picture.
Doc: Then don't worry. The machine assumes girl when it can't see anything else. He is really squished in there right now. So don't worry.

So now we can't stop thinking that we might have a surprise after all! And our room is sooo not gender neutral. Now all the cute last minute boy stuff I wanted to buy I'm having second thoughts about. Maybe I should wait? I'm thinking happy boy thoughts. That big u/s picture was too clear to not be a boy. I'm not buying it....for now.

I am really trying so freakin hard not to think that it might not be a boy. But come on! We have so much boy stuff! G was soo looking forward to this appt. Poor guy. Obviously a healthy baby is first, but still. Plus, that big u/s pic is so clearly a boy. Crazy doctor. I even forgot to ask her if I should work up until my due date.

In other news, everything else was good. I gained 3lbs in 2 weeks bringing my total to 16lbs. I am now going weekly, but my internals don't start till next week.

And last, here I am last night at 36w4d. Cell phone pic since I couldn't find my camera. with weird shiny eyes.
36w 5d

Work Shower!

I knew something was up! I got to our work lunch and the conference room was a decked out in Noah's Ark decor. It was really cute. My boss said it was his first baby shower (and he's an old guy!), and my cousin Chris won the "guess how big my belly is" game without even trying.

We had some great food catered in by "El Portal" (handmade tortillas for carne asada, carnitas or chicken tacos and all the fixings). Our housekeepers are super sweet and bought me gifts! Got some diapers, washcloths, onesies, hot/cold police rubber ducky, fetal sounds bear, and a Target gift card. I totally wasn't expecting anything so it was nice to get some stuff. And another CW said she ordered us a copy of the "Happiest Baby on the Block" dvd. Said it saved her daughter from a colicky baby.

Good times

When I came h ome I went thru and sorted all the baby clothes we have received at our showers. It is soooo much! I made stacks for sizes. Starting with newborn, 0-3, 3, 3-6, 6, 6-9, 6-12, 9, 9-12, and one 18m outfit. It's a lot and not even counting the clothes G has bought at work along the way. I guess the next thing to do is wash it all! Actually looking forward to doing that. I'm also gonna picked up a ton of baby clothes hangers at Target when I go tonight. Fun!


Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T