Everything has been pretty good so far. Dominic is healthy and happy and we are starting to adjust to our new lifestyle. It hasn't all been roses though....there have been a couple of bumps in the road during these first two weeks.
Breastfeeding started out relatively easy with the lactation consultant confirming that he has a strong sucking reflex and should do just fine. Once home, things got a little tougher. The doctor told me to wake him for feedings every two to three hours....which just felt wrong when he was sleeping so soundly. I also felt that his tiredness was making it difficult to get him latched properly. At around 1 week old things go really tough. The doctor suggested we supplement with formula because he wasn't gaining weight quickly enough. He LOVED the bottle and was refusing the breast for a whole 24-36 hours. At my wits end, I considered calling a lactation consultant to come to the house....and honestly, quitting altogether. I was convinced that giving him a bottle so soon had ruined any chance of successful breastfeeding.
As if he could sense my frustration, the next day Dominic decided to do a complete 180. He suddenly latched right on an wouldn't stop eating! He hasn't let up since. We went to the doctor on Tuesday and he had gained 3 oz. This amazing news led the doctor to change his plans about supplementing. I no longer have to supplement with formula or wake him at night. This was the best news I could have asked for!! I am still using the formula to help me keep up with his demand....my poor breasts are WORN OUT! I am trying to limit it to one 2 oz bottle a day....usually right before bed to ensure a longer stretch of sleep for both of us.
Speaking of sleeping...he is pretty good at that. Last night he slept for a solid 6 hours before starting to fuss. This was the longest stretch of sleep I have gotten since he was born. AMAZING!! I am trying not to get to excited because I know this might not last long, but it is nice while it lasts.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
And he is FINALLY here!!!
Dominic Vincent finally made his debut....the eviction was a success!!!
We left for the hospital Tuesday morning at 6 am....after a sleepless night (who can sleep when they know they are going to have a baby in less than 12 hours?) I was checked in and hooked up to fluids and Pitocin by 7:30. I was already 4 cm dilated when we arrived so my OB came in and broke my water at 7:50 am.
Both sets of grandparents were anxiously waiting - even after the nurse let them know that it would likely be another 10-16 hours before he was here. Dominic and I quickly set out to prove her wrong.
Contractions started pretty quickly and I was offered the Epidural soon after. I thought at first I might be jumping for it a little soon, but it turned out to be the opposite. Things started moving so quickly that the Epi was having a hard time keeping up.
Long story short I was pushing by 10:45 and he arrived at 11:14 am.....only 4 hours after check in!! The nurse was speechless and told me later that she had never seen a full term first time mother deliver so fast.
Now that the delivery is behind us and the recovery is underway I feel like a new person. Dominic and I are doing great with breastfeeding and he is such a mellow baby (so far). I feel unbelievably lucky!
Here are a couple of pictures
We left for the hospital Tuesday morning at 6 am....after a sleepless night (who can sleep when they know they are going to have a baby in less than 12 hours?) I was checked in and hooked up to fluids and Pitocin by 7:30. I was already 4 cm dilated when we arrived so my OB came in and broke my water at 7:50 am.
Both sets of grandparents were anxiously waiting - even after the nurse let them know that it would likely be another 10-16 hours before he was here. Dominic and I quickly set out to prove her wrong.
Contractions started pretty quickly and I was offered the Epidural soon after. I thought at first I might be jumping for it a little soon, but it turned out to be the opposite. Things started moving so quickly that the Epi was having a hard time keeping up.
Long story short I was pushing by 10:45 and he arrived at 11:14 am.....only 4 hours after check in!! The nurse was speechless and told me later that she had never seen a full term first time mother deliver so fast.
Now that the delivery is behind us and the recovery is underway I feel like a new person. Dominic and I are doing great with breastfeeding and he is such a mellow baby (so far). I feel unbelievably lucky!
Here are a couple of pictures
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
2 days left...and my last doctors appointment
I have officially passed the 39 week mark and Dominic should be making his appearance any day now.....fingers crossed. Worst case scenario he will be here on June 7th (induction day) which is only one more week. I thought I might have a Memorial Day baby over the long weekend, but NO LUCK.
I was having contractions all weekend, but they weren't very painful. I was getting nervous on Monday because they were 5-7 minutes apart for almost an hour. Then they gradually started to slow down and eventually stopped altogether around 8pm.
Late pregnancy misery continues as the weather gets hotter and hotter.....this week it is supposed to be in the upper 90's. My hands have started to swell a little when I get really warm....causing me to have to take my wedding rings off. :(
The good news is that yesterday was MY LAST DAY OF WORK!!! I am thrilled to know that - while I may never actually have this baby - I don't have to get up in the morning to go to work. :) I treated myself to a pedicure over the weekend and have a hair appointment this afternoon. I am hoping I will have to cancel because of labor, but at least I have something exciting to look forward to.
Nesting might have kicked in a little. I pulled the classic desperate pregnant lady move Sunday and scrubbed the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. I am a little sore, but it was so worth it. I don't think my floors have ever looked so good. The laundry is all done, the dishes are clean, the sheets have all been changed.....I am feeling good.
My doctors appointment wasn't a total disappointment. I was at 2cm and 50% effaced. The doctor stripped my membranes again (this time it was much more intense). It has been about 24 hours and I have not had any serious contractions so I am not convinced it worked this time either. About the only thing I have going for me right now is tonight's full moon and a chance of thunderstorms. My doctor played along with the old wives tales and said that both are said to lead to more deliveries. I think she probably just saw the desperation in my face and could sense my need for hope that this baby would in fact escape at some point. We shall see what the evening brings. Everyone cross your fingers for me!!
I was having contractions all weekend, but they weren't very painful. I was getting nervous on Monday because they were 5-7 minutes apart for almost an hour. Then they gradually started to slow down and eventually stopped altogether around 8pm.
Late pregnancy misery continues as the weather gets hotter and hotter.....this week it is supposed to be in the upper 90's. My hands have started to swell a little when I get really warm....causing me to have to take my wedding rings off. :(
The good news is that yesterday was MY LAST DAY OF WORK!!! I am thrilled to know that - while I may never actually have this baby - I don't have to get up in the morning to go to work. :) I treated myself to a pedicure over the weekend and have a hair appointment this afternoon. I am hoping I will have to cancel because of labor, but at least I have something exciting to look forward to.
Nesting might have kicked in a little. I pulled the classic desperate pregnant lady move Sunday and scrubbed the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. I am a little sore, but it was so worth it. I don't think my floors have ever looked so good. The laundry is all done, the dishes are clean, the sheets have all been changed.....I am feeling good.
My doctors appointment wasn't a total disappointment. I was at 2cm and 50% effaced. The doctor stripped my membranes again (this time it was much more intense). It has been about 24 hours and I have not had any serious contractions so I am not convinced it worked this time either. About the only thing I have going for me right now is tonight's full moon and a chance of thunderstorms. My doctor played along with the old wives tales and said that both are said to lead to more deliveries. I think she probably just saw the desperation in my face and could sense my need for hope that this baby would in fact escape at some point. We shall see what the evening brings. Everyone cross your fingers for me!!
Friday, May 27, 2011
And another week down.....39 weeks
We have made it to the 39 week mark and have no signs of jumping off this train any time soon. I have had some contractions, but nothing timeable or too painful. At least I am headed into a nice 3 day weekend.
My original plan was to have today be my last day of work, but I feel guilty now. I have decided that if I have no labor signs by Tuesday morning I am going to come in to work. I am showing a movie in both of the classes I have that day and I have my last doctors appointment (near school) at 2:30 that afternoon. I feel like it will be easier to pass the time at work rather than sitting on my couch wishing labor would start. Hopefully that appointment will produce some good news that the baby is at least THINKING about making his entrance.
Lately I have been making plans a few days out to try and give myself something to look forward to other than having a baby. This technique has worked so far - so I am going to keep it up. I am planning to get a pedicure this afternoon (and begging the nail technicion to hit those labor inducing pressure points), tomorrow we have friends from out of town visiting with thier two children and then Sunday we are having dinner at my mother-in-laws. Monday I plan to relax and get any last minute cleaning and organizing done (or maybe sleeping all day). If I am still fat and happy by Tuesday I will have to start a new plan.
A note for anyone who may be reading this blog in mental preparation for thier own ride on the maternity train: The last weeks of pregnancy are THE WORST!! I don't feel like anyone warned me about this. Don't let anyone tell you it is the "most beautiful time fo your life"...thats garbage! You feel bloated, tired, cranky, impatient and out of control. Everything is swollen and it is hard to walk, let alone do any other kind of physical activity. Your body has a mind of its own and could be a special on National Geographic.....I will spare you the details there.
Don't get me wrong - I have enjoyed pregnancy for the most part and consider myself one of the lucky ones, but the last couple of weeks are MISERABLE! The magical part will be when I hold this little angel in my arms and "mom-nesia" kicks in. I will forget all about how uncomfortable I am right now and start dreaming of having another - well maybe not right away. :)
My original plan was to have today be my last day of work, but I feel guilty now. I have decided that if I have no labor signs by Tuesday morning I am going to come in to work. I am showing a movie in both of the classes I have that day and I have my last doctors appointment (near school) at 2:30 that afternoon. I feel like it will be easier to pass the time at work rather than sitting on my couch wishing labor would start. Hopefully that appointment will produce some good news that the baby is at least THINKING about making his entrance.
Lately I have been making plans a few days out to try and give myself something to look forward to other than having a baby. This technique has worked so far - so I am going to keep it up. I am planning to get a pedicure this afternoon (and begging the nail technicion to hit those labor inducing pressure points), tomorrow we have friends from out of town visiting with thier two children and then Sunday we are having dinner at my mother-in-laws. Monday I plan to relax and get any last minute cleaning and organizing done (or maybe sleeping all day). If I am still fat and happy by Tuesday I will have to start a new plan.
A note for anyone who may be reading this blog in mental preparation for thier own ride on the maternity train: The last weeks of pregnancy are THE WORST!! I don't feel like anyone warned me about this. Don't let anyone tell you it is the "most beautiful time fo your life"...thats garbage! You feel bloated, tired, cranky, impatient and out of control. Everything is swollen and it is hard to walk, let alone do any other kind of physical activity. Your body has a mind of its own and could be a special on National Geographic.....I will spare you the details there.
Don't get me wrong - I have enjoyed pregnancy for the most part and consider myself one of the lucky ones, but the last couple of weeks are MISERABLE! The magical part will be when I hold this little angel in my arms and "mom-nesia" kicks in. I will forget all about how uncomfortable I am right now and start dreaming of having another - well maybe not right away. :)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Rude? Maybe....but it made me laugh
I read this note a pregnant woman wrote to her family and friends and it made me laugh. I think it would be terribly rude to actually send to people, but I think every first time mom would wish they could. Here it is for you to enjoy.....
Hello to all of our generous and loving family and friends. If you are reading this than we consider you to be very special and expect to see you soon after the baby arrives to introduce you the new Center of our Universe. The following is a list of things that we are slightly concerned about and would like to share with you in an effort to avoid unnecessary fighting and hurt feelings. Some of them might seem obvious or rude to mention, but they may be things visitors might forget or not think about.
1. Please do not come to the hospital or to our home unannounced. While we are anxious to see you, the little one and I will been getting to know each other and need our privacy to do so. I would hate for someone to show up unannounced and be scared by the sight of me learning to breast feeding or trying to get to the bathroom. You may be thinking that this would not bother YOU....but it will in fact bother ME.
2. Wash your hands or use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer before you pick the little one up. And please wait until we offer for you to pick him up, rather than just taking him from our arms or any other place he is resting comfortably. It may have taken us a good amount of time to get him that content.
3. Don't make any unfavorable remarks about the baby or me. I just got done laboring him out and the last thing I want to hear is how awful I look or that he has a cone head. He will look perfect to me and I will not be concerned with how I look, so your remarks about any abnormalities are likely to reduce me to a sobbing mess.
4. Be mindful of how long you visit. 30-45 minutes is plenty of time. So, unless you are helping with chores or cooking us a meal I will be overwhelmed. Also keep in mind that if the little one starts to cry it is probably because he is hungry or needs a nap. While you may feel totally comfortable with me breastfeeding in front of you, I will not and will not be going into hiding because you are visiting. Kindly take this as your cue to exit.
5. Lastly, don't be a know-it-all when it comes to the baby or how I should be behaving during this time. Please remember - he is new at this, I am new at this and we are learning. Think of it this way...if your teacher gives you all the answers to the test how much did you really learn. And I don't need you reminding me that my bathroom isn't clean or that the dishwasher needs to be run.
Thank you for caring enough to read this whole letter. It can mostly be summed up by saying....please be positive, reassuring and supportive and if you don't have something nice to say....DON'T COME OVER!
Hello to all of our generous and loving family and friends. If you are reading this than we consider you to be very special and expect to see you soon after the baby arrives to introduce you the new Center of our Universe. The following is a list of things that we are slightly concerned about and would like to share with you in an effort to avoid unnecessary fighting and hurt feelings. Some of them might seem obvious or rude to mention, but they may be things visitors might forget or not think about.
1. Please do not come to the hospital or to our home unannounced. While we are anxious to see you, the little one and I will been getting to know each other and need our privacy to do so. I would hate for someone to show up unannounced and be scared by the sight of me learning to breast feeding or trying to get to the bathroom. You may be thinking that this would not bother YOU....but it will in fact bother ME.
2. Wash your hands or use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer before you pick the little one up. And please wait until we offer for you to pick him up, rather than just taking him from our arms or any other place he is resting comfortably. It may have taken us a good amount of time to get him that content.
3. Don't make any unfavorable remarks about the baby or me. I just got done laboring him out and the last thing I want to hear is how awful I look or that he has a cone head. He will look perfect to me and I will not be concerned with how I look, so your remarks about any abnormalities are likely to reduce me to a sobbing mess.
4. Be mindful of how long you visit. 30-45 minutes is plenty of time. So, unless you are helping with chores or cooking us a meal I will be overwhelmed. Also keep in mind that if the little one starts to cry it is probably because he is hungry or needs a nap. While you may feel totally comfortable with me breastfeeding in front of you, I will not and will not be going into hiding because you are visiting. Kindly take this as your cue to exit.
5. Lastly, don't be a know-it-all when it comes to the baby or how I should be behaving during this time. Please remember - he is new at this, I am new at this and we are learning. Think of it this way...if your teacher gives you all the answers to the test how much did you really learn. And I don't need you reminding me that my bathroom isn't clean or that the dishwasher needs to be run.
Thank you for caring enough to read this whole letter. It can mostly be summed up by saying....please be positive, reassuring and supportive and if you don't have something nice to say....DON'T COME OVER!
Guess he just isn't ready....
If I hear this statement (or any version of it) again there is a good chance my head will explode! The last couple of days have been rather miserable (backaches, contractions, an overall feeling of yuckiness) and hearing others tell me to relax and let him come when he is ready is easily the most irritating thing for a SUPER pregnant woman to hear. I am well aware that he will come in time and that there really isn't anything I can do to speed it up - but I don't need you to rub it in!
::Takes a deep breath::
My at home labor induction techniques have been a massive FAIL! My doctor had a good laugh at my expense yesterday when I told her that I had eaten two entire fresh pineapples in 48 hours. Apparently this is not a technique recognized by the medical community......and it didn't work. Walking non-stop has made the baby drop considerably more, but has not led to more dilation or effacement. I even tried a glass of wine with dinner last night....NADA. I officially give up! I will have to accept that I really do have NO control in this situation and that Dominic is officially the boss of me :)
My appointment yesterday was a huge disappointment as there has been absolutely no progress made in the last week.....make that 2 weeks. The good news is that my induction has been scheduled for June 7th at 7am - although I hope I am not still pregnant on June 7th! Maybe just knowing that his eviction notice is on the way will get this baby moving a little faster.
In other news, it turns out my due date has been off all along. It is only off by 1 day, so it doesn't matter much....but I am actually due June 3rd. They have been jipping me a day this whole time!
I feel it appropriate to mention how wonderful my husband has been over the last week or so of pure misery....well, the whole pregnancy for that matter. He has been so supportive....he takes me for long walks, lends a patient, sympathetic ear when I am cranky and tries his best to make sure I am as comfortable as I possibly can be. I honestly don't know what I would do with out him.
The countdown officially begins with only 10 days remaining until my due date. I have decided to make a conscious effort to relax and enjoy the next 10 days (or less hopefully) before my little one makes his grand entrance.
::Takes a deep breath::
My at home labor induction techniques have been a massive FAIL! My doctor had a good laugh at my expense yesterday when I told her that I had eaten two entire fresh pineapples in 48 hours. Apparently this is not a technique recognized by the medical community......and it didn't work. Walking non-stop has made the baby drop considerably more, but has not led to more dilation or effacement. I even tried a glass of wine with dinner last night....NADA. I officially give up! I will have to accept that I really do have NO control in this situation and that Dominic is officially the boss of me :)
My appointment yesterday was a huge disappointment as there has been absolutely no progress made in the last week.....make that 2 weeks. The good news is that my induction has been scheduled for June 7th at 7am - although I hope I am not still pregnant on June 7th! Maybe just knowing that his eviction notice is on the way will get this baby moving a little faster.
In other news, it turns out my due date has been off all along. It is only off by 1 day, so it doesn't matter much....but I am actually due June 3rd. They have been jipping me a day this whole time!
I feel it appropriate to mention how wonderful my husband has been over the last week or so of pure misery....well, the whole pregnancy for that matter. He has been so supportive....he takes me for long walks, lends a patient, sympathetic ear when I am cranky and tries his best to make sure I am as comfortable as I possibly can be. I honestly don't know what I would do with out him.
The countdown officially begins with only 10 days remaining until my due date. I have decided to make a conscious effort to relax and enjoy the next 10 days (or less hopefully) before my little one makes his grand entrance.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
38 weeks.....only 12 days to go
I have reached the 38 week mark....against my gut feeling. The little one seems to be cooking away....with no fear of getting burned. While I am feeling blessed that he is healthy and safe, I can't help be feel the frustration of the final weeks of pregnancy.
10 ways you know that you are ready to HAVE THIS BABY
1. Going to bed at night is a real ordeal. I now require 4 regular sized pillows, my snoogle body pillow and a small travel pillow to be comfortable.....well reasonably comfortable. I take up roughly 70% of the bed so the husband and I take turns sleeping in the guest room so he doesn't fall out of the bed.
2. Speaking of sleep....who needs it? I wake up roughly every 90 minutes to pee or to put out the heartburn fire. Once awake, my achy hips tend to keep me up for at least 20 or 30 minutes. I guess this is my body's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights to come.
3. All family and friends answer the phone on the first ring....now with "are you in labor?" rather than "hello".
4. Co-workers stop by your office every morning to see if you are still preggers. The also keep asking....."So, how much longer do you have?"
5. Perfect strangers stop you in the store, in the parking lot - anywhere.....and ask when you are due and whether you are having a boy or a girl. Several have even tried to guess for fun. They are remarkably nice for the most part - always smiling and holding doors open for me.
6. Everyone you speak to that has had children feels the need to tell you about the birth of each of them and how magical it is going to be. Listen folks, I am sure it will be magical once he is a few weeks old, but I am confident I won't find it magical while in the throws of labor.
7. The only thing you can think about (or Google) is natural ways to induce labor, foods that make you dilate and subtle signs you are in labor.
8. You anxiously count the days until your next appointment (only 1 week away) because you get to find out whether things are "moving along"....and then are frustrated because you know nothing the doctor tells about your "progress" can predict whether or not labor is near.
9. You walk (waddle) around the block daily (rain or shine) in a effort to get the baby to "drop" - hopefully leading to active labor.
10. You are no longer concerned with researching baby products online....because you have diligently researched EVERY possible baby product EXTENSIVELY in the last few months.
And here is this weeks picture and survey:
How far along? 38 weeks
Baby’s Size: 19 1/2 inches (about the length of a leek)
Baby’s Weight: about 6.8 pounds. However, the doctor says he is on the small side and probably won't be more than 7 or so pounds total
Sleep: No sleeping
Symptoms: Heartburn has gotten better since he dropped, strong Braxton Hicks and frequent trips to the potty
Labor signs?: Still only 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced and baby is at -1 or -2 station. His bags are packed but he is in no hurry to leave his comfy little home.
Weight gain/loss: No additional weight gain at my last appointment. Holding steady at 20 pounds so far
Movement?: More stretching than kicking and punching, but still moving quite a bit
Belly button in or out?: I think I will maintain the innie belly button
Food cravings/aversions: Sweets - Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, candy, fruit
What I'm looking forward to: Labor to begin!! I want him OUT!
10 ways you know that you are ready to HAVE THIS BABY
1. Going to bed at night is a real ordeal. I now require 4 regular sized pillows, my snoogle body pillow and a small travel pillow to be comfortable.....well reasonably comfortable. I take up roughly 70% of the bed so the husband and I take turns sleeping in the guest room so he doesn't fall out of the bed.
2. Speaking of sleep....who needs it? I wake up roughly every 90 minutes to pee or to put out the heartburn fire. Once awake, my achy hips tend to keep me up for at least 20 or 30 minutes. I guess this is my body's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights to come.
3. All family and friends answer the phone on the first ring....now with "are you in labor?" rather than "hello".
4. Co-workers stop by your office every morning to see if you are still preggers. The also keep asking....."So, how much longer do you have?"
5. Perfect strangers stop you in the store, in the parking lot - anywhere.....and ask when you are due and whether you are having a boy or a girl. Several have even tried to guess for fun. They are remarkably nice for the most part - always smiling and holding doors open for me.
6. Everyone you speak to that has had children feels the need to tell you about the birth of each of them and how magical it is going to be. Listen folks, I am sure it will be magical once he is a few weeks old, but I am confident I won't find it magical while in the throws of labor.
7. The only thing you can think about (or Google) is natural ways to induce labor, foods that make you dilate and subtle signs you are in labor.
8. You anxiously count the days until your next appointment (only 1 week away) because you get to find out whether things are "moving along"....and then are frustrated because you know nothing the doctor tells about your "progress" can predict whether or not labor is near.
9. You walk (waddle) around the block daily (rain or shine) in a effort to get the baby to "drop" - hopefully leading to active labor.
10. You are no longer concerned with researching baby products online....because you have diligently researched EVERY possible baby product EXTENSIVELY in the last few months.
And here is this weeks picture and survey:
How far along? 38 weeks
Baby’s Size: 19 1/2 inches (about the length of a leek)
Baby’s Weight: about 6.8 pounds. However, the doctor says he is on the small side and probably won't be more than 7 or so pounds total
Sleep: No sleeping
Symptoms: Heartburn has gotten better since he dropped, strong Braxton Hicks and frequent trips to the potty
Labor signs?: Still only 1 cm dilated, 20% effaced and baby is at -1 or -2 station. His bags are packed but he is in no hurry to leave his comfy little home.
Weight gain/loss: No additional weight gain at my last appointment. Holding steady at 20 pounds so far
Movement?: More stretching than kicking and punching, but still moving quite a bit
Belly button in or out?: I think I will maintain the innie belly button
Food cravings/aversions: Sweets - Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops, candy, fruit
What I'm looking forward to: Labor to begin!! I want him OUT!
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