Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Stella's Early Arrival
Stella Noel Portocarrero was born on Feb. 4, 2010 at 5:00 a.m., weighing 5 lbs. 14 oz. and measuring 21 inches. She made her debut 5 weeks (to the day) early. We are so happy that our little star has arrived and that despite being premature she is healthy and doing beautifully.
I started to go into labor (but didn't know it at the time) on Tuesday night. I was experiencing some bleeding and mild cramps. We went to the hospital where they said I was having contractions but they were irregular and I wasn't dialated. Of course we freaked out beforehand thinking that this was it. I had my bag packed which was good but we were definitely scrambling to get ourselves together. At the hospital, they gave me some medication to stop my uterine "irritation" (what they called it). It worked well and I was discharged at 5:00 in the morning back home without being admitted. The next day was pretty normal until about 3:30 when I went to use the bathroom and just like that my water broke. I was in complete shock! So I made a flurry of phone calls to my doctor's office and they told me to go immediately to the hospital. We both started to really freak out this time because once the water breaks there is no going back. On the way to the hospital we just prayed that she would be healthy. Of course it was very overwhelming because we weren't totally prepared for her to come this early and we were concerned about complications. We rushed to the hospital where I was admitted to the labor and delivery floor.
I started having some contractions shortly thereafter and really wanted an epidural. By then I was about 2 cm. dialated. It came two hours later and boy it was no fun since I was poked at least 3 times in my back while having a monster contraction. But at least once it kicked in I wasn't in pain anymore. Or so I thought....a couple of hours later I started having serious rectal pressure and was given some more pain medication which helped for a bit. We slept a little while but then I was woken up by serious rectal pain and pressure. I was dialated 10 cm. No more epidural for me! I pushed for 2 long and excruciating hours. They had to use a vacuum to get her out because her head wouldn't squeeze through by apparently very small pelvis. It was either that or a c-section. I was so close to throwing in the towel and asking for a c-section but I pushed through the fear and pain (not to be dramatic). Chris watched it all and was such a great coach. He didn't waiver for a second. Then just when I thought I couldn't do it anymore Stella came flying out. I couldn't believe that she had just been inside of me. I was a bit out of it because of the meds but I looked at Chris's face and saw a look that I have never seen before and will never forget. It was a mixture of sheer awe and love. He cried tears of joy! I asked him later how he felt watching his baby girl come into the world and he said it was the most amazing thing he has ever experienced.
Stella initially had some difficulty breathing so they admitted her to the NICU. I was so exhausted after the delivery but couldn't wait to see my little princess. When we went down to see her she had monitors on her but wasn't requiring any extra support to breath. It was so amazing to finally see this little person who we had created. She was ours. Later that night we got to hold her and I can't even put into words how it felt. When the nurse handed her to me she was crying but then I started speaking to her. She opened her little eyes and had this expression of recognition. I felt so connected to her then and obviously so in love. She knew who we were!!! Amazing is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt.
Stella is still in the NICU but doing wonderfully. She had been latching on when I breast feed which is excellent for when my milk comes in (soon hopefully). She is getting supplementary formula which all of the premies get. She is just doing amazingly well. She didn't have any respiratory problems, she's eating all of her formula and the doctors have told us that there are no problems noted at all. The only minor thing is a tiny little birth mark that she has above her lip which is purely cosmetic. My mom put it best when she said that if, considering how things could have been, all we have to worry about is a birth mark we are truly blessed. I couldn't agree more!! Especially when I see so many sick babies in the NICU who you can just tell are going to be there awhile. Stella is just there for monitoring due to being early.
After we fed her today, they told us they would stop all IV fluids and that she was well enough to go to the step down nursery which means she should be discharged hopefully soon. The past two days there has been a massive snow storm so Chris and I fortunately are still in the hospital and able to see her whenever we want. I just can't get enough of her. I miss her every second we're not with her and can't wait to take her home with us and start our lives together as a family. I can't wait for Lilo and Ella to meet her too. They are in for a huge surprise but I know they'll love Stella. So hopefully we'll get some great news that she'll be ready to come home in the next day or two. We'll be leaving the hospital tomorrow morning and my heart aches at the thought of leaving her here. But we'll go home and get everything ready for her arrival. I can not wait!!!!!! I know it is so cliche but she was worth every moment of pain. It was love at first sight and everytime I see her I am in complete awe. I will thank God every day for giving me the greatest gift of all ~ a daughter. I'm a mommy!!!!! Stayed tuned for Stella's baby blog. Also, many thanks to all of our family and friends for your support. We love you.
I started to go into labor (but didn't know it at the time) on Tuesday night. I was experiencing some bleeding and mild cramps. We went to the hospital where they said I was having contractions but they were irregular and I wasn't dialated. Of course we freaked out beforehand thinking that this was it. I had my bag packed which was good but we were definitely scrambling to get ourselves together. At the hospital, they gave me some medication to stop my uterine "irritation" (what they called it). It worked well and I was discharged at 5:00 in the morning back home without being admitted. The next day was pretty normal until about 3:30 when I went to use the bathroom and just like that my water broke. I was in complete shock! So I made a flurry of phone calls to my doctor's office and they told me to go immediately to the hospital. We both started to really freak out this time because once the water breaks there is no going back. On the way to the hospital we just prayed that she would be healthy. Of course it was very overwhelming because we weren't totally prepared for her to come this early and we were concerned about complications. We rushed to the hospital where I was admitted to the labor and delivery floor.
I started having some contractions shortly thereafter and really wanted an epidural. By then I was about 2 cm. dialated. It came two hours later and boy it was no fun since I was poked at least 3 times in my back while having a monster contraction. But at least once it kicked in I wasn't in pain anymore. Or so I thought....a couple of hours later I started having serious rectal pressure and was given some more pain medication which helped for a bit. We slept a little while but then I was woken up by serious rectal pain and pressure. I was dialated 10 cm. No more epidural for me! I pushed for 2 long and excruciating hours. They had to use a vacuum to get her out because her head wouldn't squeeze through by apparently very small pelvis. It was either that or a c-section. I was so close to throwing in the towel and asking for a c-section but I pushed through the fear and pain (not to be dramatic). Chris watched it all and was such a great coach. He didn't waiver for a second. Then just when I thought I couldn't do it anymore Stella came flying out. I couldn't believe that she had just been inside of me. I was a bit out of it because of the meds but I looked at Chris's face and saw a look that I have never seen before and will never forget. It was a mixture of sheer awe and love. He cried tears of joy! I asked him later how he felt watching his baby girl come into the world and he said it was the most amazing thing he has ever experienced.
Stella initially had some difficulty breathing so they admitted her to the NICU. I was so exhausted after the delivery but couldn't wait to see my little princess. When we went down to see her she had monitors on her but wasn't requiring any extra support to breath. It was so amazing to finally see this little person who we had created. She was ours. Later that night we got to hold her and I can't even put into words how it felt. When the nurse handed her to me she was crying but then I started speaking to her. She opened her little eyes and had this expression of recognition. I felt so connected to her then and obviously so in love. She knew who we were!!! Amazing is the only word I can think of to describe how I felt.
Stella is still in the NICU but doing wonderfully. She had been latching on when I breast feed which is excellent for when my milk comes in (soon hopefully). She is getting supplementary formula which all of the premies get. She is just doing amazingly well. She didn't have any respiratory problems, she's eating all of her formula and the doctors have told us that there are no problems noted at all. The only minor thing is a tiny little birth mark that she has above her lip which is purely cosmetic. My mom put it best when she said that if, considering how things could have been, all we have to worry about is a birth mark we are truly blessed. I couldn't agree more!! Especially when I see so many sick babies in the NICU who you can just tell are going to be there awhile. Stella is just there for monitoring due to being early.
After we fed her today, they told us they would stop all IV fluids and that she was well enough to go to the step down nursery which means she should be discharged hopefully soon. The past two days there has been a massive snow storm so Chris and I fortunately are still in the hospital and able to see her whenever we want. I just can't get enough of her. I miss her every second we're not with her and can't wait to take her home with us and start our lives together as a family. I can't wait for Lilo and Ella to meet her too. They are in for a huge surprise but I know they'll love Stella. So hopefully we'll get some great news that she'll be ready to come home in the next day or two. We'll be leaving the hospital tomorrow morning and my heart aches at the thought of leaving her here. But we'll go home and get everything ready for her arrival. I can not wait!!!!!! I know it is so cliche but she was worth every moment of pain. It was love at first sight and everytime I see her I am in complete awe. I will thank God every day for giving me the greatest gift of all ~ a daughter. I'm a mommy!!!!! Stayed tuned for Stella's baby blog. Also, many thanks to all of our family and friends for your support. We love you.
2 days old ~ my beautiful little angel
Last belly shot
Last pic of just the two of us
First photo with daddy
First Family Portrait
My little munchkin resting after a nice meal
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
My Baby Shower
I had my baby shower this past Saturday. I'm currently 8 and a 1/2 months. The shower was perfect ~ I could not have asked for a better one. Unfortunately we had a freak snow storm that day so I was over an hour lateand some people didn't' show because of the snow. But in the end, everyone I wanted to be there was and I had such a wonderful time. My mom, Miriam, and Yasemin threw it for me. They all worked so hard and I could tell how much thought and love was put into every aspect of it. Words can not describe how loved I felt and how blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I'm so grateful for all of the awesome presents.... but more importantly I'm so grateful that my friends and family braved the snow to celebrate Stella and me. I'm also so grateful to my friends who couldn't be there and sent me a present to let me know they were thinking of me. Saying thank you just doesn't seem enough.
It's so strange now because I had all of these events to look forward to before my due date, the last of which was the shower. Now that it is over, there is nothing left to do but wait for my little star to arrive. I feel so ready at this point. Thanks to everyone's generosity, we have everything we need pretty much and my bag is packed! I'll be resting and nesting from here on out, which I'm happy about. I'll be full term in 16 days so she can come anytime after that!! It still seems so amazing that in a few short weeks she will be here. Now I just pray for a complication free delivery and a healthy baby.
It's so strange now because I had all of these events to look forward to before my due date, the last of which was the shower. Now that it is over, there is nothing left to do but wait for my little star to arrive. I feel so ready at this point. Thanks to everyone's generosity, we have everything we need pretty much and my bag is packed! I'll be resting and nesting from here on out, which I'm happy about. I'll be full term in 16 days so she can come anytime after that!! It still seems so amazing that in a few short weeks she will be here. Now I just pray for a complication free delivery and a healthy baby.
~ Shower Pictures ~
Mommy & Me
Chris & baby Noah
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Kaiya
Today is the one year anniversary of Kaiya's passing. I can't believe that one year ago today Chris and I went through the most devastating experience of our lives and here we are now about to welcome a new life into this world. I still think about her every single day and miss her as much today as I did back then. I wish so much that she was here to welcome Stella but I truly feel that Kaiya will be Stella's guardian angel. I love you baby girl.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"She's Having a Baby"
I just saw "She's Having a Baby," which is one of my all time favorite movies. I haven't seen it since becoming pregnant. My favorite part is the montage of the pregnancy that shows her body changing and all of these cute little pregnancy scenarios like having morning sickness and doing lamaze class. I always loved watching that part and thinking about how it would be when I became pregnant. Now it's here!! It has been such an amazing experience and definitely one of the most precious of my life. I look at my body and it feels so beautiful because of who is inside of me. To see my body blossom as nature intended makes me feel like I'm fulfilling this greater purpose. Sure it's not easy and there are times when I can't wait for it to be over. Just today I was complaining about how uncomfortable I am. But at the same time, I have never felt more in love with my body. For me, as a woman, I truly feel like this is my purpose in life - to be a mother. That doesn't mean that I still don't have aspirations and goals. I'm still very much looking forward to starting my career as an attorney and becoming successful. But more than anything, I want to be able to support my family. I want my children to have all of the opportunities that I had and then some. I want Stella to eclipse and out shine Chris and I in every way. To want someone else to be more, achieve more, love more, live more than yourself is something that is really only shared between parent and child. The love I feel for this child is already something greater than I ever anticipated!!! I can't even begin to imagine how I will feel when we first meet her....
And to my darling Chris ~ I couldn't have asked for a better husband. I know that you will be the most amazing father because you are the most amazing husband, friend, brother and son. I can not wait to see you with your daughter and I am so glad that we get to experience this amazing journey together. I love you so much.
And to my darling Chris ~ I couldn't have asked for a better husband. I know that you will be the most amazing father because you are the most amazing husband, friend, brother and son. I can not wait to see you with your daughter and I am so glad that we get to experience this amazing journey together. I love you so much.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
32 Weeks ~ 8 months!!!
I can not believe I'm 8 months pregnant! In some ways, this pregnancy has flown by and in other ways it seems like I've been pregnant forever. On Tuesday, we had an ultrasound to check Stella's size and the amniotic fluid level. Everything checked out great. She weighs approximately 4 lbs. 12 oz, which is above average for a 32 weeker. Actually, now I think my due date is off by a week or two. Either that or we may have a little sumo wrestler on our hands :) The doctor said that everything looked wonderful and she is right on track. We couldn't ask for better news!! We got to see her mouth opening and closing which was cool. She had her hand on her face. Aapparently she was sleeping pretty deeply because she didn't want to move despite the prodding of the ultrasound tech. Now there is much less space in my uterus so we weren't able to get any good pictures of her face. But we got to see her heart beating and her internal organs which we were assured look good. I will probably have one more ultrasound done before the big day arrives, but at this point I know she is healthy and that is all that matters.
We've been working on the nursery more and everything is coming together nicely. At this point, I'm trying to wind down a bit and tie up any loose ends. I washed some of her clothes tonight and have been getting everything together for the hospital. It is so much fun looking at her little clothes and imagining her in them. My little peach. Sometimes Chris and I go into her nursery and are so overwhelmed with happiness and excitement. At the same time, we still can't believe that in less than two months we'll be parents! It's hard to believe that soon we'll be bringing this little miracle into the world and she will be the ultimate expression of our love. Our lives will never be the same!
I've also been having the most vivid dreams lately. One dream I had was that I went into premature labor and was so upset because my hospital bag wasn't packed! Random but I guess it's just my subconscious anxiety. For all of the excitement I feel, I'm also pretty nervous and anxious. I feel like I won't get everything done in time. But in the end, she is going to come whether or not everything on my to do list is checked off and I have to accept that. I guess now would be a good time to practice letting things go.
Next week is my baby shower! Can't wait!!
We've been working on the nursery more and everything is coming together nicely. At this point, I'm trying to wind down a bit and tie up any loose ends. I washed some of her clothes tonight and have been getting everything together for the hospital. It is so much fun looking at her little clothes and imagining her in them. My little peach. Sometimes Chris and I go into her nursery and are so overwhelmed with happiness and excitement. At the same time, we still can't believe that in less than two months we'll be parents! It's hard to believe that soon we'll be bringing this little miracle into the world and she will be the ultimate expression of our love. Our lives will never be the same!
I've also been having the most vivid dreams lately. One dream I had was that I went into premature labor and was so upset because my hospital bag wasn't packed! Random but I guess it's just my subconscious anxiety. For all of the excitement I feel, I'm also pretty nervous and anxious. I feel like I won't get everything done in time. But in the end, she is going to come whether or not everything on my to do list is checked off and I have to accept that. I guess now would be a good time to practice letting things go.
Next week is my baby shower! Can't wait!!
Monday, January 11, 2010
31 Weeks
I have been sooooooo tired lately it is unbelievable! They say energy starts to wane in the last trimester but I didn't realize it would be practically nonexistent! Plus now I just feel HUGE. I have to practically hold my belly up just to walk....or waddle I should say. It's like having a bowling ball strapped to my abdomen. Apparently bones in the pubic region start to get softer to get ready for baby's arrival. It's painful and uncomfortable because my hips feel like they're going to pop out of their sockets! Not to mention the fact that I live in the bathroom because my bladder is now the size of a postage stamp.
But we're getting closer to meeting our little princess so it's all worth it. I'm also in serious nesting mode. I feel this overwhelming compulsion to get everything ready for her arrival. I'm constantly thinking of everything we have to do, making lists, looking in her nursery, messing with her clothes. The nursery is coming together nicely. We still have a few things to do but my vision is coming to life and I couldn't be happier. I have never felt the need to have something so perfect!
The other big thing that happened this week was we went to visit two of our friends who have babies. Chris's friend has a 10 month old and it was fun to see what they're like at that age. Then we went to see Missy who had her little peanut before Christmas. When we got there she was nursing him. Then she gave him to me to burp and I felt so nervous and awkward holding him, which I expected. But I also got super emotional and started to cry a bit. Holding a baby that tiny was so precious and made me so excited to hold my own little Stella. It made it feel so real because I can now really picture myself holding her. Chris was so cute because he was too scared to hold the baby. He touched him a bit. I couldn't stop talking about how nice it was to hold him. Plus, it’s crazy to see how much life changes after baby. People say it all of the time but it’s nothing like witnessing it. But we’re ready. More than ready I think.
Missy was also so great about talking to me honestly about the birthing experience. As we get closer I’m getting a bit anxious about giving birth. I do have my entire birth plan mapped out which has somewhat reduced my anxiety. It's still very scary though since it's my first time and I don't really know what to expect. Like what do contractions feel like and how will I know it's really time? But I definitely have very strong opinions on how I want things to go. However, I also understand that things don’t always go as planned and so I need to be flexible. So I realize that all I can do to control the uncontrollable is be as knowledgeable as possible and make sure that I communicate my desires.
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But we're getting closer to meeting our little princess so it's all worth it. I'm also in serious nesting mode. I feel this overwhelming compulsion to get everything ready for her arrival. I'm constantly thinking of everything we have to do, making lists, looking in her nursery, messing with her clothes. The nursery is coming together nicely. We still have a few things to do but my vision is coming to life and I couldn't be happier. I have never felt the need to have something so perfect!
The other big thing that happened this week was we went to visit two of our friends who have babies. Chris's friend has a 10 month old and it was fun to see what they're like at that age. Then we went to see Missy who had her little peanut before Christmas. When we got there she was nursing him. Then she gave him to me to burp and I felt so nervous and awkward holding him, which I expected. But I also got super emotional and started to cry a bit. Holding a baby that tiny was so precious and made me so excited to hold my own little Stella. It made it feel so real because I can now really picture myself holding her. Chris was so cute because he was too scared to hold the baby. He touched him a bit. I couldn't stop talking about how nice it was to hold him. Plus, it’s crazy to see how much life changes after baby. People say it all of the time but it’s nothing like witnessing it. But we’re ready. More than ready I think.
Missy was also so great about talking to me honestly about the birthing experience. As we get closer I’m getting a bit anxious about giving birth. I do have my entire birth plan mapped out which has somewhat reduced my anxiety. It's still very scary though since it's my first time and I don't really know what to expect. Like what do contractions feel like and how will I know it's really time? But I definitely have very strong opinions on how I want things to go. However, I also understand that things don’t always go as planned and so I need to be flexible. So I realize that all I can do to control the uncontrollable is be as knowledgeable as possible and make sure that I communicate my desires.
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Her crib!!!!! We're going with a vintage theme. So cute!!
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This is the fabric I chose for the nursery. So whimsical! The funny thing is that my mom has a pillow with the same fabric that she's had for like 15 years. I didn't even remember and this just happened to be the one I fell in love with. It made my choice that much more special.
Monday, December 28, 2009
29 Weeks
The holidays have flown by!! Chris and I had a wonderful Christmas with my family. It was the first Christmas Chris and I ever spent together. It was so nice having him with me and made it extra special for all of us. We all kept saying how exciting it's going to be next year with baby Stella!!! I can not wait! The good news I received before we left for Christmas is that I do not have gestational diabetes. I'm so glad that I don't have that to worry about. The other cool thing that happened is that my friend Missy had her baby boy Noah last weekend. What a great Christmas present! I started to get teary eyed looking at the pictures of her perfect little prince. I can not wait for that to be us!
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
Third Trimester ~ 7 Months
I went to the doctor on Tuesday and had a million and one questions about SUA. I was once again reassured everything looks great with Stella and we shouldn't be concerned. I will get another ultrasound in 4 weeks. Then I get hit with the news that I "failed" the glucose tolerance test which is a screening test for gestational diabetes. I mean seriously? So I had to go for a 3 hour glucose test to see whether or not I have diabetes. Not fun. Basically I had to fast and then they took blood 4 times after making me drink this syrupy drink. I was starving and cranky. Hopefully everything will come out alright. The last thing I need right now is a diagnosis of diabetes. It is fairly common - really just the body's response to the pregnancy. But then I will have to be on a diet (or possibly insulin if I have a bad case - which I'm sure I don't). How much would it suck if I had to go on a diet while pregnant!!!!! But I think everything will be fine because my glucose level was only 11 points over the cut off. It could have been from dessert the night before. So I remain hopeful that this is just another small bump in the road. Get the results next week.
Lately I have really been feeling the weight of the pregnancy. I am nearing 160 pounds which is 30-35 over my normal range. I can't even believe how my hips are handling it! Actually my back has been killing me. And my belly is ginormous! I wonder how I will look to months from now. Yikes! But it is all worth it so long as my baby Stella is a happy and healthy baby;) I really can't wait to meet her. We've been working on the nursery and it makes me so happy. I know that I am ready to be a mother because of the simple fact that this year for Christmas all I want is stuff for my little princess!! I am definitely in the nesting mode now and just want everything to be perfect in preparation for her arrival;)
Lately I have really been feeling the weight of the pregnancy. I am nearing 160 pounds which is 30-35 over my normal range. I can't even believe how my hips are handling it! Actually my back has been killing me. And my belly is ginormous! I wonder how I will look to months from now. Yikes! But it is all worth it so long as my baby Stella is a happy and healthy baby;) I really can't wait to meet her. We've been working on the nursery and it makes me so happy. I know that I am ready to be a mother because of the simple fact that this year for Christmas all I want is stuff for my little princess!! I am definitely in the nesting mode now and just want everything to be perfect in preparation for her arrival;)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The scare of our lives....
I went for another ultrasound this past Wed. morning. I was a day away from being 27 weeks. It was great - I don't think it can ever get old seeing your baby while she is still inside of you. She looked great and we even got to see some cool 4D pictures of her (below). Everything seemed to be going well. We were told by the tech that she looked good, my placenta appears to no longer be in the danger zone, and Stella is approximately 2.6 pounds (which is 3 oz. over the average for a 26 weeker :). Then the doctor came in and nonchalantly told us that I have a single umbilical artery. Well she didn't even name it that - I found out later what it is called. Basically, most umbilical cords have 2 arteries and 1 vein. They don't know why, but some cords form having only one artery. No big deal right? Especially because she glossed over it and basically said that the baby appears healthy so its nothing to be concerned about.
I updated my mom who called later and told me to do some research on the SUA. Boy was I scared after reading up on it. First of all it occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies (scary in and of itself). They have no idea why it happens (because of course I was wondering what I did). Most importantly, they say that babies with SUA can be more at risk (25%) for all kinds of abnormalities, including heart problems! Of course I started freaking out and crying just imagining the worst. But the good news is that babies who have otherwise normal test results, such as the high level ultrasounds I've had, are probably fine.
So I called my doctor and had to wait until yesterday morning to speak with her. Of course this was after much sadness, anxiety, and fear on my part. Chris, as usual, was very positive about the whole thing. While I, as usual, was scared out of my mind! My doctor basically said that the only real concern they have with babies who have SUA is growth restriction, and that is a theoretical concern. She said that clinically that has never been her experience. When I asked about the litany of other problems I had read about, she told me that those would have definitely been picked up on ultrasound. From the report, she said, the baby looks great. She said they will continue to monitor me via ultrasound every 4-6 weeks, which is great because otherwise this would have been the last one I had. So all is well again. This ordeal made me realize that nothing else matters but the health of my baby. It really puts every other worry or concern in perspective. She is such a perfect little peach and I can't wait to see her in a few months. But I know that only when I see her will I stop worrying, well actually then a whole new wave of worrying will just be beginning- for the rest of my life! But that comes with the territory of being a parent. I just thank God that she is doing well!
I updated my mom who called later and told me to do some research on the SUA. Boy was I scared after reading up on it. First of all it occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies (scary in and of itself). They have no idea why it happens (because of course I was wondering what I did). Most importantly, they say that babies with SUA can be more at risk (25%) for all kinds of abnormalities, including heart problems! Of course I started freaking out and crying just imagining the worst. But the good news is that babies who have otherwise normal test results, such as the high level ultrasounds I've had, are probably fine.
So I called my doctor and had to wait until yesterday morning to speak with her. Of course this was after much sadness, anxiety, and fear on my part. Chris, as usual, was very positive about the whole thing. While I, as usual, was scared out of my mind! My doctor basically said that the only real concern they have with babies who have SUA is growth restriction, and that is a theoretical concern. She said that clinically that has never been her experience. When I asked about the litany of other problems I had read about, she told me that those would have definitely been picked up on ultrasound. From the report, she said, the baby looks great. She said they will continue to monitor me via ultrasound every 4-6 weeks, which is great because otherwise this would have been the last one I had. So all is well again. This ordeal made me realize that nothing else matters but the health of my baby. It really puts every other worry or concern in perspective. She is such a perfect little peach and I can't wait to see her in a few months. But I know that only when I see her will I stop worrying, well actually then a whole new wave of worrying will just be beginning- for the rest of my life! But that comes with the territory of being a parent. I just thank God that she is doing well!
Her profile. She has her little face resting on the placenta.
Her perfect little foot!
Her profile. Little nose!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
26 Weeks....
26 Weeks: My little girl has been practicing some serious karate moves lately!! Seeing my stomach move from the inside sure is strange. We just got back from my parents for Thanksgiving. Chris's parents also came. As always, it was great spending time with family. Chris and I kept being amazed that this time next year baby Stella will be joining us for the holidays. Everything will be new for her....her first of everything! I can not wait to experience it with her. What an amazing gift!!!!
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Like a having a little alien inside of me....
Today, while at my temp job, I looked at my stomach because I was feeling Stella kick and I actually saw the kick from the outside! It was the strangest thing to see my stomach moving like that. So awesome! I so feel pregnant and am definitely loving it. The other perk - today someone gave up their seat on the metro during rush hour. So loving it....once you get past the hump of adjusting to all of the changes your body goes through it really becomes fun. I mean I still feel achy at times and experience many of the unpleasant aspects of pregnany but at least now I have all of these wonderful things to balance that out.
So ladies, when you get pregnant my advice would be - hang in there!! There will come a time when you will truly enjoy being pregnant. It might take a couple...or even five months, but it will happen. And the sheer excitement of meeting the precious little miracle inside of you is the greatest part! It's like every day I have that same excitement and anticipation I used to have for Christmas when I was a child. And Chris too is like a little kid - he talks to my stomach and gets so excited when he can feel her kick. He has been so amazing and I am so grateful for him. He is going to be the best daddy!!!
So ladies, when you get pregnant my advice would be - hang in there!! There will come a time when you will truly enjoy being pregnant. It might take a couple...or even five months, but it will happen. And the sheer excitement of meeting the precious little miracle inside of you is the greatest part! It's like every day I have that same excitement and anticipation I used to have for Christmas when I was a child. And Chris too is like a little kid - he talks to my stomach and gets so excited when he can feel her kick. He has been so amazing and I am so grateful for him. He is going to be the best daddy!!!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
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22 weeks and counting!
I am now 5 and a 1/2 months....time is flying by!!! This past weekend my parents came into town and we bought baby furniture. That made it feel so real!! It was so great spending time with them and sharing in the excitement of the new baby. And they bought us so much! It was so sweet - we feel truly blessed to have such wonderful parents. I have never seen them this excited before.
The other huge milestone was that I started to feel the baby kick last week. Real kicks, not just little movements. It has got to be the strangest sensation I have ever felt. It was nice because once when Chris had his hand on my stomach he was able to feel the baby move too. I was so excited that it wasn't just my imagination. I think the best way to describe it is that it feels like someone poking me but from the inside. She is way more active at night - at least that is when I feel her more. Especially after dinner. Last night I didn't feel her as much when I was sitting watching tv and of course became concerned (since I am always looking for something new to be anxious about). But then last night when I woke up she was kicking away. The kicks are not strong enough to wake me up but once I'm up it is harder to get back to sleep. But it could also just be because I love to feel her!
Baby Stella....we decided (meaning Chris begged me) to name her Stella instead of Tristan and save that name for when we have a boy. I have always loved Stella and actually picked it awhile ago, so its not a total loss. Plus, Chris agreed that I would choose the future names. Not a bad deal;)
The other huge milestone was that I started to feel the baby kick last week. Real kicks, not just little movements. It has got to be the strangest sensation I have ever felt. It was nice because once when Chris had his hand on my stomach he was able to feel the baby move too. I was so excited that it wasn't just my imagination. I think the best way to describe it is that it feels like someone poking me but from the inside. She is way more active at night - at least that is when I feel her more. Especially after dinner. Last night I didn't feel her as much when I was sitting watching tv and of course became concerned (since I am always looking for something new to be anxious about). But then last night when I woke up she was kicking away. The kicks are not strong enough to wake me up but once I'm up it is harder to get back to sleep. But it could also just be because I love to feel her!
Baby Stella....we decided (meaning Chris begged me) to name her Stella instead of Tristan and save that name for when we have a boy. I have always loved Stella and actually picked it awhile ago, so its not a total loss. Plus, Chris agreed that I would choose the future names. Not a bad deal;)
ME AT 22 WEEKS PREGNANT
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Almost to the half way point!
This weekend we went out with our college friends. We hadn't seen most of them since we left for California. It was such a great time seeing everyone and they are all so happy for us. It was nice to unveil the growing belly (pictured). Of course I was the only sober one by the end of the evening which meant that everyone was rubbing my tummy like it was communal property. But I didn't mind. It was nice to bask in so much attention. Eat it up right?
I also went to a baby shower. Besides the beautiful pregnant mama we were celebrating my other good friend is also pregnant so it was nice to compare war stories. It was also fun to see where I will be in the coming months. There were a ton of kids there too, which sorta bugged me out. I still can't believe that is going to be me! The recurring theme is complete disbelief that I'm actually going to be a mommy! Especially now that I am nearing the half way point. Actually the half way point is tomorrow – 20 weeks!! There is no stopping this train.
Today we went to our new OB and got to hear the heartbeat again. She is sounding strong and healthy. Our little princess. I just can't wait for her to start kicking me in the ribs....as weird as that sounds. They say that when that happens the fireworks go off and it really starts to sink in.
I also went to a baby shower. Besides the beautiful pregnant mama we were celebrating my other good friend is also pregnant so it was nice to compare war stories. It was also fun to see where I will be in the coming months. There were a ton of kids there too, which sorta bugged me out. I still can't believe that is going to be me! The recurring theme is complete disbelief that I'm actually going to be a mommy! Especially now that I am nearing the half way point. Actually the half way point is tomorrow – 20 weeks!! There is no stopping this train.
Today we went to our new OB and got to hear the heartbeat again. She is sounding strong and healthy. Our little princess. I just can't wait for her to start kicking me in the ribs....as weird as that sounds. They say that when that happens the fireworks go off and it really starts to sink in.
Friday, October 9, 2009
First (Perceptible) Movements!!!
All of the literature says that at about 16 weeks is the earliest time when you can feel the baby move (I am now at 18 weeks as of yesterday) but that those feeling (also called "quickening") could feel like almost anything innocuous such as butterflies, gas or hunger pains. I feel like mine up to this point might have been hunger pains because I would feel them when I wasn't hungry (i.e. after just eating). But then early this morning, Chris and I just happened to be awake and he was touching my belly when I felt a rolling sensation on the right side of my belly. Like a hand or foot or some other little part!!!! It was very cool and exciting! I can't wait to feel more of the baby's movements.
We were talking yesterday about all of the milestones we are experiencing almost daily. It is soooo amazing to find out the sex of your first born and then to feel those first perceptible movements. Yesterday, I also felt so very pregnant for the first time. Up to this point, it has seemed a bit unreal. But now, I can't even believe how happy I am!!
We were talking yesterday about all of the milestones we are experiencing almost daily. It is soooo amazing to find out the sex of your first born and then to feel those first perceptible movements. Yesterday, I also felt so very pregnant for the first time. Up to this point, it has seemed a bit unreal. But now, I can't even believe how happy I am!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
More Sonogram Pictures
Granted it's a little hard to tell what some of these pictures are of (even though they are labeled), but it was very clear when we saw the sonogram in action. Can't wait for an even better view at 28 weeks!!!
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