This is us at Halloween! Yes, I know I am HUGE. I wish I could say that it was part of the costume, but no....
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Halloween Costumes
This is us at Halloween! Yes, I know I am HUGE. I wish I could say that it was part of the costume, but no....
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tex Ren Fest
As you can see, we finally made it to the Texas Ren Fest and it was a hit. I pretty much over did it, but it was worth it. By the time we got back to our vehicle, I felt my feet throbbing and aches and pains all over. We will probably go again next year when I will NOT be pregnant.
I have been wanting to go for years. My mom, sister & brother have been raving about it. A bunch of my friends here said I should definitely go. I heard that lots of people dress up, the performers are talented, and that there is lots of shade trees. I asked my mom about restroom facilities because I imagined port-a-potties, which do not appeal to me normally & certainly not when I am pregnant. Still, I didn't know quite what to expect. I would have to say that it was nothing like the make-shift festival I had originally envisioned. I guess it would be closer to a Disney-type setting, which is strange for an event that is only 8 weekends out of the year. There are lots of shows, street performers, shops, restaurants, and restrooms.
The costumes were definitely interesting. I would have to say that hot-pants/tights are quite unattractive at least 99% of the time. Kilts are fine as long as the guy does not keep announcing that he is going commando. Cleavage is also something that shouldn't always be shown. When they have to be lifted from the waistline to be shoved into a corset, perhaps modesty is a better route. The festival seems to attract a lot of the strange people from Houston. Coming from Miami though, we found most of the people, costumes, and shows rather mild (this is the Bible Belt).
We had a great day. I think next year will be even better, at least for me. We will probably even dress up the kids for added fun.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Snippets
While being a SAHM is the best (& lowest paying) job I have ever had, I have to admit that I don’t always feel like I have exciting things to share with others. When blogging or friends and former co-workers send me an e-mail asking how things are going, I don’t want to bore everyone with tales of toddler craft making and trips to the playground. Then again, it is not like working is all that thrilling either. What did I tell people back then?
Instead of a great entry, I am just going to share little snippets of life and things I have been thinking about.
1. 8 weeks to go before I push this baby out... funny, but that seems like FOREVER!
2. We have been invited to share Thanksgiving with some great friends that are like family. Actually, I practically lived at their house during a year of high school. My friend no longer lives around here & probably will not be back for Thanksgiving, but I am friends with her siblings and parents too. Yippee for Holiday gatherings with family-ish people!
3. Last night while sitting on the couch, I told my husband all about an article I read at the OB’s office. It was about sex during pregnancy. Most of the article was the standard blah, blah, blah. There was one thing that stood out though. The point of the article was that most men find the curves of a pregnant woman very feminine and attractive. I laughed so hard I almost cried. I find it funny because it feels more like a huge uncomfortable beer belly to me. Suddenly, I mentioned that he can’t say that I never talk dirty to him. Of course, his comeback was that I talked so dirty that it was gross!
4. At the breastfeeding class last week, there was a chic about to have her 4th. She was invited by the LC to talk about some things that have worked for her. She mentioned that her favorite way of dealing with having several kids and a new baby is a sling. My sister-in-law, who is about to have her 5th, has been annoying me with sling talk for years. Since the class, I have been thinking a lot about chasing a toddler while taking care of a baby and trying to get some things done around the house. Plus, I have a friend struggling with this issue now. New babies just love to be with their moms (ALL THE TIME). I had two different carriers with Lexi. She loved them, but both were uncomfortable for me. With a little research and asking around, I have stumbled on this sling. It is also supposedly great at helping moms breastfeed discreetly. I bought it, so we’ll see. By the way, I am thinking 4 to 6 months at the most (not the 2+ years they advertise).
5. Saturdays have pretty much lost their excitement. They are more like normal days because my husband often ends up working that day (for at least half the day). Back in my working days, it was always the highlight of the week. Even when he worked, I didn’t. I have used the last few to scrub the house because no play dates are scheduled. It is just another day to entertain the wild toddler. Sundays often take him away too, but I feel it more on Saturday.
6. I have been dying to go to the Texas Renaissance Festival for years. Now, that we live here it is a must do. Between Steve working and the heat, I have yet to go. I am pushing for this weekend. Hopefully, he’ll be off and the weather will cooperate. I don’t know how I will do on my feet all day, but if we wait much longer I know it will be too tough.
See nothing too exciting, but a few things going on.
Instead of a great entry, I am just going to share little snippets of life and things I have been thinking about.
1. 8 weeks to go before I push this baby out... funny, but that seems like FOREVER!
2. We have been invited to share Thanksgiving with some great friends that are like family. Actually, I practically lived at their house during a year of high school. My friend no longer lives around here & probably will not be back for Thanksgiving, but I am friends with her siblings and parents too. Yippee for Holiday gatherings with family-ish people!
3. Last night while sitting on the couch, I told my husband all about an article I read at the OB’s office. It was about sex during pregnancy. Most of the article was the standard blah, blah, blah. There was one thing that stood out though. The point of the article was that most men find the curves of a pregnant woman very feminine and attractive. I laughed so hard I almost cried. I find it funny because it feels more like a huge uncomfortable beer belly to me. Suddenly, I mentioned that he can’t say that I never talk dirty to him. Of course, his comeback was that I talked so dirty that it was gross!
4. At the breastfeeding class last week, there was a chic about to have her 4th. She was invited by the LC to talk about some things that have worked for her. She mentioned that her favorite way of dealing with having several kids and a new baby is a sling. My sister-in-law, who is about to have her 5th, has been annoying me with sling talk for years. Since the class, I have been thinking a lot about chasing a toddler while taking care of a baby and trying to get some things done around the house. Plus, I have a friend struggling with this issue now. New babies just love to be with their moms (ALL THE TIME). I had two different carriers with Lexi. She loved them, but both were uncomfortable for me. With a little research and asking around, I have stumbled on this sling. It is also supposedly great at helping moms breastfeed discreetly. I bought it, so we’ll see. By the way, I am thinking 4 to 6 months at the most (not the 2+ years they advertise).
5. Saturdays have pretty much lost their excitement. They are more like normal days because my husband often ends up working that day (for at least half the day). Back in my working days, it was always the highlight of the week. Even when he worked, I didn’t. I have used the last few to scrub the house because no play dates are scheduled. It is just another day to entertain the wild toddler. Sundays often take him away too, but I feel it more on Saturday.
6. I have been dying to go to the Texas Renaissance Festival for years. Now, that we live here it is a must do. Between Steve working and the heat, I have yet to go. I am pushing for this weekend. Hopefully, he’ll be off and the weather will cooperate. I don’t know how I will do on my feet all day, but if we wait much longer I know it will be too tough.
See nothing too exciting, but a few things going on.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Bah, Humbug
For the past few years, Steve and I have been spoiled during the holidays. Two years ago, we spent Thanksgiving with my immediate family in Texas and Christmas with his in Florida. Last year, we went to see his extended family in Virginia and then to California for Christmas with my immediate family. I always enjoy spending time with family members for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
This year will be different though. None of our relatives live in Texas and I will not be able to travel. Perhaps, I should have considered that when planning this baby. Actually, fertility just doesn't work like that for us.
You can bet that I thought about getting my family to come to us this year, but it isn’t going to happen. All of my brothers live in a little town in Montana and so they will be surrounded by family. I would still make an effort to talk them into coming, but one of them has a baby coming right about Thanksgiving time. (Party poopers!) I seriously tried to talk my mom into coming. Her husband has a daughter that lives on the north side of Houston. We could all have a happy Thanksgiving here with the bonus of my mom cooking. Unfortunately, she is a nurse on call for both holidays.
I don’t mind cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I have done it several times, but it is a lot more fun when family is around. We divide up the cooking responsibilities of menu and then once it is done everyone digs in. The talking, laughing, and crazy antics last the entire time. Cooking a big meal like that for just us is rather non-festive feeling. I cook everyday, so Thanksgiving just has more side dishes.
Fortunately, Christmas will include my sister. In this case, I see her more as a captive though. I don’t have a lot of faith in my ability to pull off an amazing Christmas seeing as though I will have probably just gotten out of the hospital. I am sure I will have all of the shopping and preparation ready, but Steve and Paige may have to do the cooking and create a lot of the excitement.
This year is a big Bah, Humbug! I'm glad it is for a good cause though.
This year will be different though. None of our relatives live in Texas and I will not be able to travel. Perhaps, I should have considered that when planning this baby. Actually, fertility just doesn't work like that for us.
You can bet that I thought about getting my family to come to us this year, but it isn’t going to happen. All of my brothers live in a little town in Montana and so they will be surrounded by family. I would still make an effort to talk them into coming, but one of them has a baby coming right about Thanksgiving time. (Party poopers!) I seriously tried to talk my mom into coming. Her husband has a daughter that lives on the north side of Houston. We could all have a happy Thanksgiving here with the bonus of my mom cooking. Unfortunately, she is a nurse on call for both holidays.
I don’t mind cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I have done it several times, but it is a lot more fun when family is around. We divide up the cooking responsibilities of menu and then once it is done everyone digs in. The talking, laughing, and crazy antics last the entire time. Cooking a big meal like that for just us is rather non-festive feeling. I cook everyday, so Thanksgiving just has more side dishes.
Fortunately, Christmas will include my sister. In this case, I see her more as a captive though. I don’t have a lot of faith in my ability to pull off an amazing Christmas seeing as though I will have probably just gotten out of the hospital. I am sure I will have all of the shopping and preparation ready, but Steve and Paige may have to do the cooking and create a lot of the excitement.
This year is a big Bah, Humbug! I'm glad it is for a good cause though.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Because I Don’t Want Breastfeeding to Suck …So Much
Yesterday evening, I attended a breast feeding class. I have been thinking about going to one since I was pregnant with Lexi. Actually, I really wanted to, but with my father’s death 2 months before she was born and working full time, I just didn’t feel I was up to it. Plus, I felt it was more important for us to do the birthing class. Scheduling time for that was about all I could handle at the time.
As many of you know, the first time around, breast feeding did not go so well. By the time we left the hospital, I was cracked and bleeding. Then came engorgement. I had no idea how horrible that was going to be. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the breast pump and reunite that love every 3 hours. Let’s just say that I did NOT have a problem with production (quite the opposite).
There were many factors that made that time in my life a living hell including working at home trying to put in 40 hours with deadlines at the crazy point of the year in marketing, knowing that I would be back in the non-pump friendly office in a few short months, my husband losing his job less than a month after she was born, and numerous 2-hour trips to visit my mother-in-law who was in and out of the hospital and well on her way to losing her battle with cancer. While, I was so happy to have my sweet little baby I will freely admit that was a nightmarish time of life. Needless to say, the stress of breast feeding was just another issue for me to deal with, so I pumped and Lexi was fed breastmilk in a bottle for 3 months.
Since then, I have been bound and determined to have a much better experience the second time. It would be pretty impossible to have a similar or worse experience, so my odds are great. In general, I feel optimistic because I am not working, none of our close relatives have terminal cancer, and life is just going better. Breastfeeding will work this time, right? Well, I am not going to give up easily. Hopefully, this baby is a great at latching and if not, I have a lactation consultant that lives close by.
As many of you know, the first time around, breast feeding did not go so well. By the time we left the hospital, I was cracked and bleeding. Then came engorgement. I had no idea how horrible that was going to be. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the breast pump and reunite that love every 3 hours. Let’s just say that I did NOT have a problem with production (quite the opposite).
There were many factors that made that time in my life a living hell including working at home trying to put in 40 hours with deadlines at the crazy point of the year in marketing, knowing that I would be back in the non-pump friendly office in a few short months, my husband losing his job less than a month after she was born, and numerous 2-hour trips to visit my mother-in-law who was in and out of the hospital and well on her way to losing her battle with cancer. While, I was so happy to have my sweet little baby I will freely admit that was a nightmarish time of life. Needless to say, the stress of breast feeding was just another issue for me to deal with, so I pumped and Lexi was fed breastmilk in a bottle for 3 months.
Since then, I have been bound and determined to have a much better experience the second time. It would be pretty impossible to have a similar or worse experience, so my odds are great. In general, I feel optimistic because I am not working, none of our close relatives have terminal cancer, and life is just going better. Breastfeeding will work this time, right? Well, I am not going to give up easily. Hopefully, this baby is a great at latching and if not, I have a lactation consultant that lives close by.
Monday, October 08, 2007
10 Week Countdown
When I was working, several of the younger girls asked me why I would want to go through pregnancy again knowing that it is uncomfortable and then very painful at the end. I told them that after being so uncomfortable for a while, you look forward to giving birth. It is not only about having a new baby, but moving out of the big belly stage. They seemed so fearful and fascinated that I had to point out that about half of the world's population is women. Most of them give birth at least once. Many of them go on to do it several times. It is part of life.
I am already at the stage where I am looking forward to giving birth. I have started watching "Birth Stories," A Baby Story," and "Bringing Home Baby," which I haven't done since I was pregnant with Lexi. I have also gone back to look at pictures and read what I wrote about giving birth to Lexi. I'll post it again for those feeling fascinated by this lately too:
Lexi's Birth Story
Thursday morning, we got up to go to the hospital. I had only slept 4 good hours and perhaps 1 more if you add up all the cat naps. I was just too excited. Steve seemed like he was taking forever. I made a breakfast burrito for him and packed our bags in his truck to speed things up as much as possible. He even wanted to stop at Starbucks to get himself a cup of coffee, but I told him I was just too insane right now for that. I was trying my best to act calm, but inside I was nuts. He was getting excited too, but was calm and wanted to live in the moment. I had tried to warn him the night before that I would be like this. Even if it had taken a total 1 minute to get there, I would have been crazy. I know how impatient/neurotic I can be about some things.
As soon as we got into the administrative office to sign papers, I was completely relaxed (which is how my crazy impatient-ness always goes). There was another couple in there and the wife was sitting in a wheel chair. She was already suffering from contractions and doing some of the breathing techniques. They started talking to us. I whispered to Steve not to tell her how dilated I was because she might be jealous that I am not in pain. They signed their papers and were sent to their room. We signed ours and were told to go to room 5, which was a mistake because that was their room. We were switched to 3 and the process began.
I changed into the gown (sounds so elegant). My doctor checked and found out that I was 5.5 cm dilated and everyone was amazed that I felt so good. My doc said that she was happy that I was being induced because without the pain, I could end up having the baby at home or in traffic on the way to the hospital. I was just happy that I had progressed to that level with virtually no pain. I started thinking about my grandma, Lorena (the one Lexi is named after), and about all the stories of her great tolerance for pain. I hoped that this would carry me throughout the birth, but knew better than to believe in it. It only took a few minutes for me to realize that was not going to be the case. Having my water break proved that. It was quick but agonizing. Plus, that was Steve's first ick moment. He handled it well.
The nurses hooked me up to the monitors, took blood, inserted the IV into my hand and started the pitocin drip. I started feeling the contractions right away and the pain gradually increased over the next few hours. Steve plugged in our CD player with a Sarah McLachlan CD to set a nice atmosphere. I have to admit that the contractions never got unbearable. When the nurse told me that I was dilated to 7 cm, I still said that I was ready for the epidural. I wanted to be able to relax before the pushing came. For some reason, I had a feeling that would be difficult. The anesthesiologist came in and sent Steve out. While they prepared and did the epidural, the anesthesiologist and nurse talked about how amazed they were that I didn't ever complain and was so calm. They decided that I just handle pain well and they wanted to clone me. I sat there not saying much and just kept thinking that things had been fine, but that this wasn't over yet.
I had the typical epidural story. Having the IV put in my hand hurt worse than the epidural or the catheter. Once it was in, Steve and I talked and joked for the next hour and a half. He told me that he wanted to run to his truck to get a Tums. I said that I was feeling something weird down there like I have to poop. He said he would be quick.
Right after he left (seconds), the doctor came in and said that I was dilated to 10 cm. They started setting up the room and I was anxiously waiting for Steve to return. He still wasn't back when they wanted me to start pushing. My doctor and nurse told me to grab my legs and they started cheering me on. We did the typical 3 sets of 10 seconds of pushing during contractions. We went through this twice before Steve got back. When he walked into the room, he looked a little frustrated and nervous about what he had missed. Apparently, he had been out in the hall trying to convince the security guard that his wife was in room 3 and not in room 5. It wasn't long before the next contraction started and he had to quickly join in by grabbing a leg and coaching on my right side.
The pushing went on for about 30 - 45 minutes with the doctor going to check on the woman in room 5. Then, the doctor came in and apologized because she had to perform an emergency C-Section. She told us that she called another doctor from her office to come and take over and that he would be here shortly. We all were listening, but as she turned around to walk out, Steve asked where she was going. I said to do the C-Section and he let out a big sigh of relief. He told us that he thought she was going to do an emergency C-Section on me. That explains why he suddenly looked so startled and nervous.
Anyway, the pushing continued and the other doctor showed up. Lexi actually moved down and crowned quickly, but then made little or no progress after that. He decided that they needed to turn off the epidural because he wanted me to push harder. He told me that it would take about an hour to wear off, but that I would get stronger & stronger as it did. That began what I consider as the next stage of pushing. The doctor pushed on my perineum to try to move delivery along. After several contractions, he told me that he needed to make a little more room for the baby to come out. I think that was a nice way of saying that I was getting an episiotomy. Unfortunately, I knew exactly what he was going to do.
We continued with the endless pushing and my original doctor came back to take over. She joked that the baby was waiting for her. By then, I was getting really tired and the epidural had disappeared. What could we do, but continue on? Everyone else in the room was getting excited. Steve had touched Lexi's head and was really into his role as coach. It didn't take long for the doc to say that I was pushing very well and she was surprised that I hadn't delivered already. She said that the cord must be wrapped around the baby's arm or leg. She pulled out the scissors and made even more room. By then, I was in so much pain that tears were rolling down my face. The nurse grabbed my hand and had me feel the top of Lexi's head. Even with that, I wasn't sure I could take any more of it, but I kept my mouth closed and pressed on. They all coached like crazy and her head finally popped out.
Although that was amazing progress, it didn't get any easier. I was fully bawling from the pain and each new step including delivering her shoulders and the rest of her body was excruciating. They plopped her on me and I barely had the awareness to care. The doctor announced that the delivery was so difficult because Lexi's umbilical cord was too short. She also said it was a good thing that Lexi wasn't born next week because the extra weight would have made an emergency C-Section probably the only option. Thank goodness, they induced me.
Next, I saw Steve cut the umbilical cord and he looked so happy. Unfortunately, I still had to deliver the placenta, which was fast, but horrible. Steve was torn between comforting me and wanting to look at Lexi, so I told him to go hold her. I was in agony as the doctor stitched me up. She took about 20 minutes. Steve looked down to see what was taking her so long. He held up his fingers to let me know that the cut was about 2". I asked the doctor how many stitches I was getting. She thoughtfully avoided the question and said it was several layers. Right then, I knew recovery was going to be hard.
I finally got to hold Lexi when the stitching was done. I removed the night gown and she latched on to my breasts fairly quickly. It was nice to be at that stage. I had her with me for about 30 minutes and then they took her to the nursery to be cleaned up and checked. I sent Steve with her. For 2 hours, I sat in the room trying to comprehend it all. My friend (Amanda), who was in the waiting room, came to talk to me. That was nice to have her there. We talked about all that happened, which I think was emotionally healthy for me.
Steve came back and we were transferred to one of the little rooms. Apparently, all the suites were full for the night. While lying in that room, I suddenly realized the extent of the pain of the stitches. I couldn't focus on anything, but the pain. I am not usually one to ask for things or complain, but I was at my wits' end. I called for the nurse to bring something to take the edge off. They called the pharmacy and got Motrin. They also gave me witch hazel pads and cream. It took a while to kick in, but the second I was able to think I suddenly became very sad that Lexi wasn't with us. I got up and made Steve walk me to the nursery to get her. They wheeled her to us and we headed back to our room. As I gingerly sat on the bed and held her, I felt a love that I never thought imaginable. My heart swelled and hasn't been the same since.
I am already at the stage where I am looking forward to giving birth. I have started watching "Birth Stories," A Baby Story," and "Bringing Home Baby," which I haven't done since I was pregnant with Lexi. I have also gone back to look at pictures and read what I wrote about giving birth to Lexi. I'll post it again for those feeling fascinated by this lately too:
Lexi's Birth Story
Thursday morning, we got up to go to the hospital. I had only slept 4 good hours and perhaps 1 more if you add up all the cat naps. I was just too excited. Steve seemed like he was taking forever. I made a breakfast burrito for him and packed our bags in his truck to speed things up as much as possible. He even wanted to stop at Starbucks to get himself a cup of coffee, but I told him I was just too insane right now for that. I was trying my best to act calm, but inside I was nuts. He was getting excited too, but was calm and wanted to live in the moment. I had tried to warn him the night before that I would be like this. Even if it had taken a total 1 minute to get there, I would have been crazy. I know how impatient/neurotic I can be about some things.
As soon as we got into the administrative office to sign papers, I was completely relaxed (which is how my crazy impatient-ness always goes). There was another couple in there and the wife was sitting in a wheel chair. She was already suffering from contractions and doing some of the breathing techniques. They started talking to us. I whispered to Steve not to tell her how dilated I was because she might be jealous that I am not in pain. They signed their papers and were sent to their room. We signed ours and were told to go to room 5, which was a mistake because that was their room. We were switched to 3 and the process began.
I changed into the gown (sounds so elegant). My doctor checked and found out that I was 5.5 cm dilated and everyone was amazed that I felt so good. My doc said that she was happy that I was being induced because without the pain, I could end up having the baby at home or in traffic on the way to the hospital. I was just happy that I had progressed to that level with virtually no pain. I started thinking about my grandma, Lorena (the one Lexi is named after), and about all the stories of her great tolerance for pain. I hoped that this would carry me throughout the birth, but knew better than to believe in it. It only took a few minutes for me to realize that was not going to be the case. Having my water break proved that. It was quick but agonizing. Plus, that was Steve's first ick moment. He handled it well.
The nurses hooked me up to the monitors, took blood, inserted the IV into my hand and started the pitocin drip. I started feeling the contractions right away and the pain gradually increased over the next few hours. Steve plugged in our CD player with a Sarah McLachlan CD to set a nice atmosphere. I have to admit that the contractions never got unbearable. When the nurse told me that I was dilated to 7 cm, I still said that I was ready for the epidural. I wanted to be able to relax before the pushing came. For some reason, I had a feeling that would be difficult. The anesthesiologist came in and sent Steve out. While they prepared and did the epidural, the anesthesiologist and nurse talked about how amazed they were that I didn't ever complain and was so calm. They decided that I just handle pain well and they wanted to clone me. I sat there not saying much and just kept thinking that things had been fine, but that this wasn't over yet.
I had the typical epidural story. Having the IV put in my hand hurt worse than the epidural or the catheter. Once it was in, Steve and I talked and joked for the next hour and a half. He told me that he wanted to run to his truck to get a Tums. I said that I was feeling something weird down there like I have to poop. He said he would be quick.
Right after he left (seconds), the doctor came in and said that I was dilated to 10 cm. They started setting up the room and I was anxiously waiting for Steve to return. He still wasn't back when they wanted me to start pushing. My doctor and nurse told me to grab my legs and they started cheering me on. We did the typical 3 sets of 10 seconds of pushing during contractions. We went through this twice before Steve got back. When he walked into the room, he looked a little frustrated and nervous about what he had missed. Apparently, he had been out in the hall trying to convince the security guard that his wife was in room 3 and not in room 5. It wasn't long before the next contraction started and he had to quickly join in by grabbing a leg and coaching on my right side.
The pushing went on for about 30 - 45 minutes with the doctor going to check on the woman in room 5. Then, the doctor came in and apologized because she had to perform an emergency C-Section. She told us that she called another doctor from her office to come and take over and that he would be here shortly. We all were listening, but as she turned around to walk out, Steve asked where she was going. I said to do the C-Section and he let out a big sigh of relief. He told us that he thought she was going to do an emergency C-Section on me. That explains why he suddenly looked so startled and nervous.
Anyway, the pushing continued and the other doctor showed up. Lexi actually moved down and crowned quickly, but then made little or no progress after that. He decided that they needed to turn off the epidural because he wanted me to push harder. He told me that it would take about an hour to wear off, but that I would get stronger & stronger as it did. That began what I consider as the next stage of pushing. The doctor pushed on my perineum to try to move delivery along. After several contractions, he told me that he needed to make a little more room for the baby to come out. I think that was a nice way of saying that I was getting an episiotomy. Unfortunately, I knew exactly what he was going to do.
We continued with the endless pushing and my original doctor came back to take over. She joked that the baby was waiting for her. By then, I was getting really tired and the epidural had disappeared. What could we do, but continue on? Everyone else in the room was getting excited. Steve had touched Lexi's head and was really into his role as coach. It didn't take long for the doc to say that I was pushing very well and she was surprised that I hadn't delivered already. She said that the cord must be wrapped around the baby's arm or leg. She pulled out the scissors and made even more room. By then, I was in so much pain that tears were rolling down my face. The nurse grabbed my hand and had me feel the top of Lexi's head. Even with that, I wasn't sure I could take any more of it, but I kept my mouth closed and pressed on. They all coached like crazy and her head finally popped out.
Although that was amazing progress, it didn't get any easier. I was fully bawling from the pain and each new step including delivering her shoulders and the rest of her body was excruciating. They plopped her on me and I barely had the awareness to care. The doctor announced that the delivery was so difficult because Lexi's umbilical cord was too short. She also said it was a good thing that Lexi wasn't born next week because the extra weight would have made an emergency C-Section probably the only option. Thank goodness, they induced me.
Next, I saw Steve cut the umbilical cord and he looked so happy. Unfortunately, I still had to deliver the placenta, which was fast, but horrible. Steve was torn between comforting me and wanting to look at Lexi, so I told him to go hold her. I was in agony as the doctor stitched me up. She took about 20 minutes. Steve looked down to see what was taking her so long. He held up his fingers to let me know that the cut was about 2". I asked the doctor how many stitches I was getting. She thoughtfully avoided the question and said it was several layers. Right then, I knew recovery was going to be hard.
I finally got to hold Lexi when the stitching was done. I removed the night gown and she latched on to my breasts fairly quickly. It was nice to be at that stage. I had her with me for about 30 minutes and then they took her to the nursery to be cleaned up and checked. I sent Steve with her. For 2 hours, I sat in the room trying to comprehend it all. My friend (Amanda), who was in the waiting room, came to talk to me. That was nice to have her there. We talked about all that happened, which I think was emotionally healthy for me.
Steve came back and we were transferred to one of the little rooms. Apparently, all the suites were full for the night. While lying in that room, I suddenly realized the extent of the pain of the stitches. I couldn't focus on anything, but the pain. I am not usually one to ask for things or complain, but I was at my wits' end. I called for the nurse to bring something to take the edge off. They called the pharmacy and got Motrin. They also gave me witch hazel pads and cream. It took a while to kick in, but the second I was able to think I suddenly became very sad that Lexi wasn't with us. I got up and made Steve walk me to the nursery to get her. They wheeled her to us and we headed back to our room. As I gingerly sat on the bed and held her, I felt a love that I never thought imaginable. My heart swelled and hasn't been the same since.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Pink Ribbons Galore
Tomorrow is Houston’s Race for the Cure. I have participated in the Miami events for the past several years and have really enjoyed them. In fact, I am quite sad that I will not be doing the Houston one this year. I love walking and running, but a 5k feels a little too difficult this late in pregnancy (in my next life I’ll make sure I am younger when I have kids).
Beyond feeling like this is a good cause, I have been hit with news about breast cancer twice this week. The mother of one of my closest friends passed away. She had a double mastectomy 17 years ago. That was only the beginning. From then until now, her cancer battle has been nonstop. She has been the strongest fighter I have ever and probably will ever know. Her will to live completely boggles my mind. I can’t even fathom the pain, treatments, and heartbreaking news that she has encountered for that long. Doctors had written her off so many times that her family couldn’t even keep count. My heart breaks for my friend and her family and all they have been through including losing her.
This week, I also got a letter from my grandmother informing me that my aunt (dad’s sister) was just diagnosed with breast cancer. The letter wasn’t very informative, but my grandmother lives in her own little world in the mountains of Idaho. I doubt she understands much about cancer or the stages. Basically, she said she is praying that my aunt lives for quite a while rather than go quickly like my dad. The sad thing is that I don't think she has anyone to take care of her in anyway no matter if she only needs a simple procedure or more radical treatment. It will not be easy.
While I will not be physically participating tomorrow, my heart will be at the 5k. I will just have to nibble on pink M&Ms this year. Next year though, I will be there in full force with the jogging stroller and actually running for the cure.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Hibernating Hermit
I am not quite sure how or why it has happened, but upon my return from Virginia I have morphed into hibernating hermit. Yes, I am a bit of a shut-in. Sure, we have gone out, but during the week (without Steve) it mostly consists of hour-long morning walks and quick trips to the grocery store. This certainly isn’t normal for me considering that I usually get cabin fever within half a day. I have been thinking about the reasons for me to act so out of character and I have come up with a few.
First, I feel like I have been pregnant for years. I have heard that the second pregnancy feels longer, but I don’t think my back or belly realizes that there was a break between Lexi’s birth and this pregnancy. I wish they would stop sending complaints to my brain. There is nothing I can do about it, so shut up! ...and, what is with the sharp pains shooting up from my tailbone? I don’t really care for those.
Second, it is now October. I would really like to experience a day when the temperature doesn’t hit 90+. I want to do outside activities, but the third trimester and heat just don’t mix well. I have even found a bunch of different festivals and fall events that look fun in decent weather. I have made it a new habit to check the 10 day forecast on weather.com almost every day. Please weather gods give this pregnant Houstonian a break soon before I am just too big to enjoy it.
Third, Lexi came back with a cold. It isn’t that big of a deal unless you consider that most of my friends have new babies. There is no way that I want to subject them to that, because they’ll probably want to return the favor in a few months. I would rather avoid it.
I think this streak is going to have to end soon though. The longer we stay inside the more wound up Lexi gets and the more exhausted that makes me. Help... I have fallen and I can’t get up! Next week, I will work on crawling out of this huge hole I have somehow dug during my lazy streak.
First, I feel like I have been pregnant for years. I have heard that the second pregnancy feels longer, but I don’t think my back or belly realizes that there was a break between Lexi’s birth and this pregnancy. I wish they would stop sending complaints to my brain. There is nothing I can do about it, so shut up! ...and, what is with the sharp pains shooting up from my tailbone? I don’t really care for those.
Second, it is now October. I would really like to experience a day when the temperature doesn’t hit 90+. I want to do outside activities, but the third trimester and heat just don’t mix well. I have even found a bunch of different festivals and fall events that look fun in decent weather. I have made it a new habit to check the 10 day forecast on weather.com almost every day. Please weather gods give this pregnant Houstonian a break soon before I am just too big to enjoy it.
Third, Lexi came back with a cold. It isn’t that big of a deal unless you consider that most of my friends have new babies. There is no way that I want to subject them to that, because they’ll probably want to return the favor in a few months. I would rather avoid it.
I think this streak is going to have to end soon though. The longer we stay inside the more wound up Lexi gets and the more exhausted that makes me. Help... I have fallen and I can’t get up! Next week, I will work on crawling out of this huge hole I have somehow dug during my lazy streak.
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