Little Alex is just over a week old and I think he's going to eat me out of body and home! I'm nursing, so I have no clue how much he's actually getting, but he eats every 2 hours when he's asleep and every HOUR when he's awake! He lost the customary body weight and was 6lbs 4oz last Friday. We go back tomorrow to see how much of it he's gained back. I swear I wouldn't be surprised if this kid isn't 7lbs by now.
He really is an amazing baby. Words can't express how blessed I feel to have my children.
I think I'm gonna shut this blog down now. It was all about documenting my pregnancy with Alexander, and that pregnancy has ended. I'm going to go back to my original blog, A Buncha Randomness and continue blogging there. I wish I had been into blogging when I was preggers with Gabrielle so she'd have one to look back on someday.
So please feel free to start (or continue) reading my other blog. I'm sure I'll have more crap to say.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Week 38 Update - D(elivery) Day!
This blog post is rated "M" for Mature. It contains subject matter relating to the...well, the birth of my son! It's not gory or anything, but reader discretion is advised.
Since I was still pregnant, we had our 8:00am ultrasound and our 8:50am appointment scheduled. Seeing as how my maternity leave started the day before, I was kind of dreading getting up that early. I figured it was a day like any other, but Kenny was making preparations as if we were having a baby that day. The bag was in the car, a bag was packed for Brie, and all other arrangements were made. Well, except for the two teenage girls we had sleeping on our futon...but that's another story. Besides, they're pretty self-sufficient.
Kenny dropped me off for the ultrasound so he could get Brie squared away at Mie-Mie's. The tech took all of the measurements and said that Baby Alex was measuring at 6lbs 13oz, but the doc would want to talk with me because my amniotic fluid was low. Kenny was back and in the waiting room by them, so I texed him to come back to the ultrasound room.
A few minutes later the doc came in and said "Guess what you're doing today?" to which I replied "Um...having a baby?". I was right on the money. She had already contacted my doctor with the results and they both agreed that I should skip the 8:50 appointment altogether and go right over to the hospital. So, off we went. Good thing my Mom had Brie and her carseat...we were having a baby after all!
We got over to OB Triage and I got all hooked up. I was very comfortable with the whole situation. If you've been keeping track, going into labor freaked me out most of all. I'd never "gone into labor" on my own, so I had no idea what to look for or expect. The one time I thought I was in labor with this little one it stopped after a few hours. I was very familiar with being induced in a hospital so I was well prepared. They checked me out and I was 3.5 cm dilated.
Around 10am I noticed that I was having contractions. At 10:34 I decide to time them, just for the heck of it. Turns out they were 8 minutes apart! They continued and we were taken up to labor and delivery about an hour later, room 10. Brie was born in room 9, so the fact that we were right next door was comforting. I was still having contractions and I asked my nurse Stacey if I was in labor. She said "if your cervix is changing then you're in labor." Dr. Swarup came in to check on me and said that he recommended induction because of my low fluid level, but I still had the final decision. For me it wasn't even an option. I was there to have a baby, so let's have a baby! He checked me out and I was 5cm dilated! He broke my water and said that if I hadn't progressed any further in a couple of hours they'd start the Petocin to progress labor. He also said I could have my epidural at any time. Kenny was off getting my glasses and something to eat, so I wanted to wait for him. The doc then told me that by the time the IV fluid was in me I'd probably want the epidural, so I told him to go ahead and call the anesthesiologist. I then called Kenny and told him he could head back at any time!
By the time Kenny got back the bag of fluid was in and the anesthesiologist was on his way. The contractions were bad at this point and I realized I needed him to get through them. I had a couple while he was away and what focal point did I use? THE CLOCK. BAD IDEA. Contractions last about a minute and they hurt like hell, so the last thing I should've been staring at was a clock.
I got my epidural and was feeling MUCH better. About an hour later Stacey checked me again and I was close to 7cm. Guess I wouldn't need Petocin after all. I hopped on Facebook for a few minutes and waited. I was having some pressure, but no pain. At around 2:15 I got off of the computer so I could take a nap. Kenny reminded me of all of the strength I was about to need.
Around 2:30 I started to feel pain in my left butt cheek. It wasn't pressure, but pain. I had a little blue button I could press if I wanted more epidural drugs, so I pressed it. The pain was not only happening with the contractions, but lingering after. I felt like a baby calling the nurse, but Kenny said to do it anyway. Stacey came in to check me and just started to laugh. She pressed to the left and said "Is that where your pain is?" to which I replied yes. She said "that's 'cause that's baby's head. You're complete. It's showtime."
WHAT!?! SHOWTIME?!?!? What are you talking about? It's 2:30! I've only been in this room for three hours!! It's isn't time yet?? Is it time? OMG, IT'S TIME!!
Stacey proceeds to break down the bed and call the doc. She said that she wanted to do a 'test push' to see where I was. Kenny and I told her about my last birth and how when the nurse asked for a 'test push' she yelled for me to stop because otherwise the doc would miss the delivery! She then decided against the test push.
The doc came in and I was moved into position. To me it felt like everyone around me was moving in slow motion, so finally I said "Um, I'm not actually doing anything, but I feel like he's coming out on his own...what's going on?" Sure enough, he was doing just that. The doc told me to push. I pushed for one contraction and my little Alexander was brought into this world. I cried, Kenny was excited and Alex wailed on cue. It was the third happiest day of my life.
The best part? The nurse calling from my doctor's office to find out why I'd missed that morning's appointment! LOL.
Since I was still pregnant, we had our 8:00am ultrasound and our 8:50am appointment scheduled. Seeing as how my maternity leave started the day before, I was kind of dreading getting up that early. I figured it was a day like any other, but Kenny was making preparations as if we were having a baby that day. The bag was in the car, a bag was packed for Brie, and all other arrangements were made. Well, except for the two teenage girls we had sleeping on our futon...but that's another story. Besides, they're pretty self-sufficient.
Kenny dropped me off for the ultrasound so he could get Brie squared away at Mie-Mie's. The tech took all of the measurements and said that Baby Alex was measuring at 6lbs 13oz, but the doc would want to talk with me because my amniotic fluid was low. Kenny was back and in the waiting room by them, so I texed him to come back to the ultrasound room.
A few minutes later the doc came in and said "Guess what you're doing today?" to which I replied "Um...having a baby?". I was right on the money. She had already contacted my doctor with the results and they both agreed that I should skip the 8:50 appointment altogether and go right over to the hospital. So, off we went. Good thing my Mom had Brie and her carseat...we were having a baby after all!
We got over to OB Triage and I got all hooked up. I was very comfortable with the whole situation. If you've been keeping track, going into labor freaked me out most of all. I'd never "gone into labor" on my own, so I had no idea what to look for or expect. The one time I thought I was in labor with this little one it stopped after a few hours. I was very familiar with being induced in a hospital so I was well prepared. They checked me out and I was 3.5 cm dilated.
Around 10am I noticed that I was having contractions. At 10:34 I decide to time them, just for the heck of it. Turns out they were 8 minutes apart! They continued and we were taken up to labor and delivery about an hour later, room 10. Brie was born in room 9, so the fact that we were right next door was comforting. I was still having contractions and I asked my nurse Stacey if I was in labor. She said "if your cervix is changing then you're in labor." Dr. Swarup came in to check on me and said that he recommended induction because of my low fluid level, but I still had the final decision. For me it wasn't even an option. I was there to have a baby, so let's have a baby! He checked me out and I was 5cm dilated! He broke my water and said that if I hadn't progressed any further in a couple of hours they'd start the Petocin to progress labor. He also said I could have my epidural at any time. Kenny was off getting my glasses and something to eat, so I wanted to wait for him. The doc then told me that by the time the IV fluid was in me I'd probably want the epidural, so I told him to go ahead and call the anesthesiologist. I then called Kenny and told him he could head back at any time!
By the time Kenny got back the bag of fluid was in and the anesthesiologist was on his way. The contractions were bad at this point and I realized I needed him to get through them. I had a couple while he was away and what focal point did I use? THE CLOCK. BAD IDEA. Contractions last about a minute and they hurt like hell, so the last thing I should've been staring at was a clock.
I got my epidural and was feeling MUCH better. About an hour later Stacey checked me again and I was close to 7cm. Guess I wouldn't need Petocin after all. I hopped on Facebook for a few minutes and waited. I was having some pressure, but no pain. At around 2:15 I got off of the computer so I could take a nap. Kenny reminded me of all of the strength I was about to need.
Around 2:30 I started to feel pain in my left butt cheek. It wasn't pressure, but pain. I had a little blue button I could press if I wanted more epidural drugs, so I pressed it. The pain was not only happening with the contractions, but lingering after. I felt like a baby calling the nurse, but Kenny said to do it anyway. Stacey came in to check me and just started to laugh. She pressed to the left and said "Is that where your pain is?" to which I replied yes. She said "that's 'cause that's baby's head. You're complete. It's showtime."
WHAT!?! SHOWTIME?!?!? What are you talking about? It's 2:30! I've only been in this room for three hours!! It's isn't time yet?? Is it time? OMG, IT'S TIME!!
Stacey proceeds to break down the bed and call the doc. She said that she wanted to do a 'test push' to see where I was. Kenny and I told her about my last birth and how when the nurse asked for a 'test push' she yelled for me to stop because otherwise the doc would miss the delivery! She then decided against the test push.
The doc came in and I was moved into position. To me it felt like everyone around me was moving in slow motion, so finally I said "Um, I'm not actually doing anything, but I feel like he's coming out on his own...what's going on?" Sure enough, he was doing just that. The doc told me to push. I pushed for one contraction and my little Alexander was brought into this world. I cried, Kenny was excited and Alex wailed on cue. It was the third happiest day of my life.
The best part? The nurse calling from my doctor's office to find out why I'd missed that morning's appointment! LOL.
Alexander Kenneth Jordan
April 20, 2010
2:55pm
6lbs, 13oz. 18.5in.
Happy Birthday Little Man! We love you.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Week 37 Update: Movin' and Shakin'...or maybe not
We went to our weekly appointment and the nurse asked the customary "feeling baby move?" question. I had to think for a second to realize that I hadn't felt him move yet that morning, so I said "not yet". I had been drinking ice water since 8:00, so he should've done something...
The doc checked my cervix and said I was 3cm...up from the 2cm of last week. He wanted to put me on the monitor to check baby's movement. They hooked me up and told me to press the button every time I felt him move. After 10 minutes I became VERY aware that I hadn't had to hit the button yet and started to cry. I don't know why, really...we were doing the EXACT SAME THING with Brie at 37w 2d. I was induced and she's perfectly wonderful.
The came in and gave me a Capri Sun for some sugar to help wake him up. Pacific Cooler flavor is NO JOKE. Damn is it sweet! I drank about half of it and in another ten minutes he had only moved twice. So off to OB Triage I'm sent to monitor and assess the situation. Kenny threw the hospital bag in the car for such an occasion. At Brie's appointment we were caught totally off guard and he had to rush home (aka do 90mph) to get the bag and come back. I think from here on out we'll just throw it in the car for every appointment. We can't just leave it in there...this is Arizona. All of the toiletries will melt.
So we get to OB Triage and they hook me up to monitors and tell me they want to do an ultrasound for a BPP assessment (biophysical profile, if I remember correctly). It's basically to see if he's moving, breathing, has good muscle tone and to measure the amniotic fluid around him. Ultrasound got tied up so long story short we were there for about 5 hours.
He scored 8/8 on his BPP and after they gave me juice and graham crackers (he went CRAZY when Kenny crinkled the bag to open it...don't ask) he started moving like his normal self. With everything looking good they sent me home to rest.
I'm 37w 3d as I type this. This is the longest I've ever been pregnant. We're having our family and friends over tomorrow for a barbeque to help celebrate Alex's sooner-rather-than-later arrival, so I'm glad I'm still pregnant. He can come any time after everyone leaves. :)
Next week I have an ultrasound before the doctor's appointment to check his size. They might have something to say about going to get him if he's small like Brie was. I guess I'll just wait and see...if I make it that long.
The doc checked my cervix and said I was 3cm...up from the 2cm of last week. He wanted to put me on the monitor to check baby's movement. They hooked me up and told me to press the button every time I felt him move. After 10 minutes I became VERY aware that I hadn't had to hit the button yet and started to cry. I don't know why, really...we were doing the EXACT SAME THING with Brie at 37w 2d. I was induced and she's perfectly wonderful.
The came in and gave me a Capri Sun for some sugar to help wake him up. Pacific Cooler flavor is NO JOKE. Damn is it sweet! I drank about half of it and in another ten minutes he had only moved twice. So off to OB Triage I'm sent to monitor and assess the situation. Kenny threw the hospital bag in the car for such an occasion. At Brie's appointment we were caught totally off guard and he had to rush home (aka do 90mph) to get the bag and come back. I think from here on out we'll just throw it in the car for every appointment. We can't just leave it in there...this is Arizona. All of the toiletries will melt.
So we get to OB Triage and they hook me up to monitors and tell me they want to do an ultrasound for a BPP assessment (biophysical profile, if I remember correctly). It's basically to see if he's moving, breathing, has good muscle tone and to measure the amniotic fluid around him. Ultrasound got tied up so long story short we were there for about 5 hours.
He scored 8/8 on his BPP and after they gave me juice and graham crackers (he went CRAZY when Kenny crinkled the bag to open it...don't ask) he started moving like his normal self. With everything looking good they sent me home to rest.
I'm 37w 3d as I type this. This is the longest I've ever been pregnant. We're having our family and friends over tomorrow for a barbeque to help celebrate Alex's sooner-rather-than-later arrival, so I'm glad I'm still pregnant. He can come any time after everyone leaves. :)
Next week I have an ultrasound before the doctor's appointment to check his size. They might have something to say about going to get him if he's small like Brie was. I guess I'll just wait and see...if I make it that long.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Week 36 Update - The Home Stretch
I had my appointment this week and everything seems to be moving along according to plan. I'm already 2cm dilated and 80% effaced (I think that's what he said) and Alex doesn't seem to be much bigger than Brie was. The doctor said IF I'm still pregnant at 38 weeks (IF?!?!?!?!) he will want to do another ultrasound to check Alex's size. No one seems to think I'll make it that long...
I've been going to physical therapy for the past few weeks to try and manage some of the back and hip pain. It's going all right, I guess. I just figure if I weren't going I might feel a hell of a lot worse, so why not? My last appointment is Thursday, so I'll need to decide then if I want to go for another week or so.
It hurts to sit, stand, walk and lie down. Um...what's left? I'm ready physically, but not mentally. Kenny put the crib together yesterday (it's gorgeous!) and the dresser was delivered today. I have to go add more items to the hospital bag since we'll be needing it sooner rather than later. I have to make sure everything is squared away at work. There's still so much to do! I know that when it happens, it happens...and I'll be as ready as I'll ever be.
If I'm not induced, I'm a little freaked out about the prospect of going into labor. With Brie it was drug induced and (relatively) fast. I have no idea what it's like to labor at home and have to figure out when it's time to go to the hospital. I'm sure Kenny will be at work and it'll be up to me to decide when it's time and call him. Knowing me, I'll try to wait as long as I can. Knowing him, that will piss him off.
We're definitely in the home stretch now. The train is speeding down the hill...I'm just along for the ride.
I've been going to physical therapy for the past few weeks to try and manage some of the back and hip pain. It's going all right, I guess. I just figure if I weren't going I might feel a hell of a lot worse, so why not? My last appointment is Thursday, so I'll need to decide then if I want to go for another week or so.
It hurts to sit, stand, walk and lie down. Um...what's left? I'm ready physically, but not mentally. Kenny put the crib together yesterday (it's gorgeous!) and the dresser was delivered today. I have to go add more items to the hospital bag since we'll be needing it sooner rather than later. I have to make sure everything is squared away at work. There's still so much to do! I know that when it happens, it happens...and I'll be as ready as I'll ever be.
If I'm not induced, I'm a little freaked out about the prospect of going into labor. With Brie it was drug induced and (relatively) fast. I have no idea what it's like to labor at home and have to figure out when it's time to go to the hospital. I'm sure Kenny will be at work and it'll be up to me to decide when it's time and call him. Knowing me, I'll try to wait as long as I can. Knowing him, that will piss him off.
We're definitely in the home stretch now. The train is speeding down the hill...I'm just along for the ride.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Week 33 Update
I can't believe it's been so long since I've been here! I hate having computer issues. Little Alex is doing just fine and should be about the size of a pineapple...
We had an ultrasound two weeks ago and he was right on track...weighed 3lbs 9oz and should be a nice, average-sized baby! He was already head down, so we didn't get any good pics...just a really clear one of his boy-parts. Of course he wants to show THOSE off!
I start physical therapy on Tuesday. The pain in my hips and my *ahem* nether-regions is so bad that the docs think maybe strengthening my muscles will help. Hopefully they're right. It's painful to move...especially getting up from a seated position, moving in bed or walking around...you know, all major stuff I kinda have to do.
We also have another ultrasound in two weeks. They want to check him and his amniotic fluid level to make sure everything is ok. Brie's fluid was on the "low side of normal" and I had to sit in a tub for 20 minutes every morning. I'm usually in the tub every morning anyway to try and decrease the first-thing-in-the-morning pain.
We're painting the nursery this weekend. It was purely coincidence, but the names of the colors I chose are Milk Paint, Hot Chocolate and Fudge! Hopefully I won't get the urge to lick the walls...and neither will he!
Our hospital tour is next week and our childbirth refresher course is a week after that. It's really time for me to pack this hospital bag, too. I don't have his going home outfit! I feel like there's so much to do and so little time. I organized two of our kitchen cabinets this past weekend...nesting has finally set in!
I start physical therapy on Tuesday. The pain in my hips and my *ahem* nether-regions is so bad that the docs think maybe strengthening my muscles will help. Hopefully they're right. It's painful to move...especially getting up from a seated position, moving in bed or walking around...you know, all major stuff I kinda have to do.
We also have another ultrasound in two weeks. They want to check him and his amniotic fluid level to make sure everything is ok. Brie's fluid was on the "low side of normal" and I had to sit in a tub for 20 minutes every morning. I'm usually in the tub every morning anyway to try and decrease the first-thing-in-the-morning pain.
We're painting the nursery this weekend. It was purely coincidence, but the names of the colors I chose are Milk Paint, Hot Chocolate and Fudge! Hopefully I won't get the urge to lick the walls...and neither will he!
Our hospital tour is next week and our childbirth refresher course is a week after that. It's really time for me to pack this hospital bag, too. I don't have his going home outfit! I feel like there's so much to do and so little time. I organized two of our kitchen cabinets this past weekend...nesting has finally set in!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Week 26 Update
I can't say that I've ever had an English Cucumber, but that's how long (tall) my little man is right now.
He's also 1 2/3lbs, give or take.
He's still really active, which I still love. I really think I'm starting to nest though. I saw that I "only have 97 days left!!!" of this pregnancy and I feel COMPLETELY and TOTALLY unprepared. I feel like there's so much we have to buy, so many things to do. Even though this is my second child, I feel like I am completely unprepared and don't really know where to begin. It's not a good feeling.
Otherwise things are good. I have my glucose test a week from today and if my calculations are correct I should be going to the doc every two weeks from now on.
My maternity clothes are falling apart. My mom bought me a pair of pants from Old Navy with the adjustable waist. Well, the button on the left side came off so one side is no longer adjustable. They won't stay up. Then I found out today that there's a hole in the butt right by the pocket! Looks like Old Navy is not the move to make when it comes to wanting a pair of pants that will last. Not maternity pants, anyway.
Things could always be worse, so I won't complain too much. :)
He's still really active, which I still love. I really think I'm starting to nest though. I saw that I "only have 97 days left!!!" of this pregnancy and I feel COMPLETELY and TOTALLY unprepared. I feel like there's so much we have to buy, so many things to do. Even though this is my second child, I feel like I am completely unprepared and don't really know where to begin. It's not a good feeling.
Otherwise things are good. I have my glucose test a week from today and if my calculations are correct I should be going to the doc every two weeks from now on.
My maternity clothes are falling apart. My mom bought me a pair of pants from Old Navy with the adjustable waist. Well, the button on the left side came off so one side is no longer adjustable. They won't stay up. Then I found out today that there's a hole in the butt right by the pocket! Looks like Old Navy is not the move to make when it comes to wanting a pair of pants that will last. Not maternity pants, anyway.
Things could always be worse, so I won't complain too much. :)
Friday, January 22, 2010
Week 25 Update
I can't believe I'm almost in my third trimester already. This is definitely the home stretch, and I feel like I've done nothing (outside of make him) to prepare for his arrival. His room is full of Brie's toys because the kids playroom is currently a makeshift guest room. Maybe I'm nesting early.
I'm feeling all right. Sleep eludes me more and more these days (or nights, I should say). I either wake up in pain from laying on my side or I just wake up and get back to sleep. I know Alex must be kicking the hell outta me while I'm sleeping because I'll wake up and try to drift back off, but he's going crazy in there! Kenny's said he's had his hand on my belly while I'm sleeping and Alex has been moving up a storm.
We were laying in bed the other night and he asked me if it felt weird. I told him it did, just because these little (and big) rolls and movements come out of nowhere sometimes, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Brie was never this active. Or if she was, she was just too small for me to feel it. She's definitely making up for lost time tho!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Week 24 Update
These "size of your baby references" are starting to get a little corny...
I think my son is probably bigger than that, anyway. At our appointment Dr. Reyes-Hailey said that our 20 week ultrasound had our little guy growing in the 83rd percentile. I swear I almost passed out. I don't even know what the 83rd percentile looks like in the womb, but I have a pretty good idea of what it looks like out of it...and all I can say is I'M NOT READY!!
Everything else is okay. Found out that my massive pain when belching is in fact Esophageal Reflux, but Zantac is perfectly safe for me to take. Finally some relief! We go back in three weeks instead of four and I will have my glucose screening then. Three years ago it wasn't bad at all, so I'm not worried. Things usually get better...not worse.
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Everything else is okay. Found out that my massive pain when belching is in fact Esophageal Reflux, but Zantac is perfectly safe for me to take. Finally some relief! We go back in three weeks instead of four and I will have my glucose screening then. Three years ago it wasn't bad at all, so I'm not worried. Things usually get better...not worse.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Week 23 Update
Mmmm, mango...
He's gettin' pretty big, huh? That's pretty evident from the way I feel him punching around in my belly all of the time. I love to feel him move though. I'm sure that feeling will fade once he has a few pounds on him, though.*
This has been a good week. I have gas all the time, of course...and now I can add a weird esophageal pain to the mix. I think it's my GERD that I rarely ever suffer from. Everyone I've asked if it could possibly be heartburn has answered with a resounding "NO". I guess I have yet to "feel the burn", as it were.
Otherwise things are progressing nicely. I go in for my checkup on Tuesday. It should be pretty routine. I'll get to hear Alex's heartbeat, get felt up a little and be sent on my way. In a month the fun begins...glucose testing!
*probably not
This has been a good week. I have gas all the time, of course...and now I can add a weird esophageal pain to the mix. I think it's my GERD that I rarely ever suffer from. Everyone I've asked if it could possibly be heartburn has answered with a resounding "NO". I guess I have yet to "feel the burn", as it were.
Otherwise things are progressing nicely. I go in for my checkup on Tuesday. It should be pretty routine. I'll get to hear Alex's heartbeat, get felt up a little and be sent on my way. In a month the fun begins...glucose testing!
*probably not
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Week 22 Update
My little Alexander is the length of a spaghetti squash and weighs almost 1lb. Kenny says that he still can't feel most of the kicks, but he can see my belly jump when they happen! Seeing as how Brie was so small, I wonder if he will be small or big(ger). If I hadn't caught the stomach flu, we may not have had the ultrasound to show that Brie was still measuring small. I don't think I'll have another ultrasound with this pregnancy.
I'm glad that everything is progressing normally, but I miss not seeing him monthly the way we had to do with Gabrielle. I feel like I have no idea what's going on in there. He moves every day and the movements are getting stronger. I'm sure everything is moving along just as it should.
For the past four days or so I've been feeling "sickly". I'm not full-on sick, but I have a cough that won't go away, my throat feels funny more often than not, and sometimes I feel like I'm having an allergy attack. I think if I weren't pregnant I would've gotten really sick and been over it by now. I hate the lingering. Just do what you're gonna do and be done already! Jeez...
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