Our Little Miss Piggy

Gabriela really enjoys eating. She eats practically every hour, but only for like 5 or 10 minutes at a time because she totally passes out, drunk on milk. Before each feeding, she gets really excited and starts making these little snorty piggy noises that she only makes when it's time to eat.

Like I said before, she only lost 1.5 ounces from her birth weight, which is really low. When I was at my doctor appointment today, one of the midwives was holding her and commented on how heavy she was. Now, just last Friday Gabriela was 8 lbs 3 ounces. The midwife weighed her, came back and told me to guess how much Gabriela weighed...

....


wait for it...

...

This girl weighed NINE pounds and NINE ounces!!! Now she had her diaper and clothes on, but that can't be more than a few ounces, right?

The lactation consultant said we are doing just fine. Even though Gabriela eats practically every hour during the day, she only wakes up to eat like twice during the night. What a good (big) baby.

We Miss You, Nana!

Nana came for a whole week, and boy did it go by quickly. She took such good care of Lane, Gabriela and me.

Even though I had the whole nesting thing going on, our apartment became quite messy after three days of laboring at home. There were pillows, yoga mats, birth balls, birth books, drinks, and all sorts of other things all over the place. When we walked in our apartment after coming home from the hospital, it was clean as a whistle, there were new sheets on our bed, and delicious dinner waiting for us.

My mom helped me so much with the baby, but also with keeping our house clean, the laundry, and with all the cooking!! She made us carnitas, mole, enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, and all sorts of other delectable comfort foods. Not only that, when she left, she left us with an entire refrigerator AND freezer full of food.

Having her here was so wonderful. Not just to have help with the baby and with the house, but being about to see her with Gabriela and how she just loves her to pieces, and all the visiting we were able to do with each other.

When my mom left yesterday, she mentioned how she never cried when MY nana (who I am named after) would leave after visiting us in California from Indiana, because she was always so grateful that she was able to travel and that they were able to have that special time together. Well, I started crying right when she told me that.

We can't wait for Nana to come back. Thank you bunches for your visit and for everything you did to help us out. Our first week would have been so much harder without having you there with us!

We love you forever.

Maria Elena, Elena Marie, and Gabriela Elena

Auntie Theresa

Auntie Theresa is so creative! Thank you for my lovely green afghan and the beautiful burp cloths that you made for me. My momma uses them every time I eat, which is really often!!

The Birth Story

As you know, my for-real labor contractions started on Thursday night at 7 pm. I did a pretty good job breathing through them, and they kept me up all that night. It was terrible to lie down because I'd wake up for contractions, and they'd be so much more intense than if I were sitting or standing. The worst part was that they hurt so bad, I couldn't move to make it any less painful. We thought for sure we'd be at the birth center the next morning delivering the baby on my birthday.

When we called the birth center, they said we shouldn't come until the contractions were two to three minutes apart... for TWO hours!! I was really concerned we'd have to drive there during rush hour traffic, but the midwife assured me that with first-time moms, labor takes a lot longer and I shouldn't have to worry about that. Boy, was she ever right.

We called our doula who came over on Friday morning with birthday balloons for me (how sweet). We went walking up and down the stairwells in the apartment, walked around the block, and I did tons of laps in the pool trying to bring more regularity to these contractions. They were definitely getting stronger and closer together, but still no consistent pattern. I spent all night Friday in the bathtub - it was the only place I could get semi-comfortable. I'd drift off to sleep in between contractions. We sent our doula home around 5 am, and let her know we'd call when we were headed to the birth center, which hopefully wouldn't be too much later.

The next afternoon I called the birth center very frustrated. On Thursday I was only 1 cm, I had been in labor since then, with no consistent pattern, but one thing was for sure: I was completely exhausted and frustrated, and started to wonder if this baby would ever come out. The midwife on call was fabulous. She was very compassionate and understanding of my frustration. She recommended I eat foods with lots of protein and try to rest up as much as I could. She also said she'd be happy to see me at the center to talk about what else we could do. The midwife said I was between 3 and 4 cm dilated. I was so relieved to hear things were moving along that I started crying. I was sure she'd say I hadn't made much progress. The midwife recommended we focus on eating, drinking, and resting since she thought we'd be back later that night.

After we got home, we decided that we'd try watching something really funny on TV, since laughter is supposed to be helpful in opening things up in labor. The next thing I knew, I was having monstrous contractions. They were much stronger than any I'd experienced so far. Lane was helping me do lunges onto a chair during the contractions to get through them. We read about this pose in the Birth Partner book, which turned out to be very helpful. Since they were getting so much stronger and closer together, I asked Lane to call the Birth Center. No, the contractions weren't 2-3 minutes apart for 2 hours, but they were really close together and the contractions were long - like 2 minutes or more each. The midwife said she wanted to know about this also, because it could be an indication that things were going even faster. Not only this, I was dreading the 20 minute or so car ride over. We called the birth center, our doula, and gathered all our supplies together in between contractions. I even brought a towel in case my water broke on the way there, and a basin in case I threw up on the way. Thankfully, I didn't need to use either.

The birth center doesn't admit you unless you are 5 cm dilated. The first thing they did when I got there in the middle of Saturday night was examine me to announce I was 6 cm! She said 5 was the hardest to get to and it should be smooth sailing from then on out. I cried tears of relief for the second time in one day.

The midwife, Ebony, started filling up the gigantic jacuzzi tub, getting out candles, preparing the birthing ball, and our doula put on some music. They basically told me it was my show - I could do whatever I needed or wanted to throughout my labor. I felt so good about making my last minute switch to the midwives.

I was having a lot of back labor, which usually means that the baby is not in an ideal position for birthing. They suggested I get on my hands and knees in the tub to encourage her to move around. Our doula and Lane took turns resting and supporting me while I was in the bathtub. I'd try different positions, and things seemed to progress, but still not with any regular pattern. Finally, Ebony said that we might need to go to the hospital. She said that because I was almost 8 cm, and still didn't have a regular pattern of contractions, she didn't think it would happen on its own. I wasn't having any urges to push and she thought I might need a little pitocin to jump start labor.

By now it was probably 7 am on Sunday and I was totally open to the idea of going to the hospital. It wasn't at all what I envisioned for the birth, but neither Lane nor I had slept for three nights and I just needed to get that baby out! Before we headed out, Ebony had a talk with another midwife, Nora, who had an idea.

Nora suggested giving me some sterile water injections in my back. They work like acupuncture and not only would it relieve the back labor, she said that she'd never had a baby NOT turn into the proper position for delivery when using them. She also wanted to give me an IV with some fluids to give me a burst of energy. We went for it. The injections stung, but nothing like contractions, and the back relief was almost immediate. I was finally able to lay down and get a little rest while Lane massaged my arms and hands and our doula massaged my feet and legs. I got a second wind of energy and was excited to walk the halls and get labor jump started, but still no consistent contractions and still no urge to push.

We got in the car and followed a midwife to the hospital around 9 am on Sunday. When I got to my room I was immediately complimented on how wonderful my veins were, and then pricked 4 times unsuccessfully to get my IV going. That was special. They were going to give me a full blast of pitocin which makes the contractions come more frequently, and much more intense. I really struggled with whether or not I wanted to get an epidural. This whole time I'd been wanting a natural childbirth, but I never expected to be in labor for as long as I was, and I was exhausted. I decied to go for the epidural. They poked and prodded me a couple times before successfully injecting the epidural needle.

My spirits weren't so high after this. I had to get strapped with two different bands for constant fetal monitoring. They gave me oxygen for the baby, they broke my water bag, and after all this, were still having trouble seeing a consistent pattern with my contractions. Later they had to add an internal pressure monitor, not an internal fetal monitor, but something else to more accurately measure the strength of my contractions. It was kind of ironic that I ended up with practically every intervention I was hoping to avoid. The good news was that I was finally able to get some uninterrupted rest, and because of that, Lane was able to get in a good nap as well.

They finally checked me around 6 pm and we got the news we had been waiting for - I was fully dilated and ready to start pushing. Lane and I both got very teary eyed to hear this news.

I asked them to turn the epidural all the way down because I wanted to be able to feel and control my pushing. After the midwives prepared everything for the baby, they told me I could start pushing whenever I wanted, but that it was a good idea to do so along with the contractions. The midwife was totally awesome and calm. She'd give me tips in between pushes to help me continue to push as effectively as possible. I had Lane on one side of me, our doula on the other, and the midwives were there observing to make sure everything was okay. It took two hours of serious uterus squeezing and breath holding pushing to bring our little baby girl into the world.

When she *finally* came out, they immediately put her on my chest and rubbed her with blankets until she started crying. We just held her and looked at her, in complete disbelief that this was our daughter. She was perfect. The nurse told us not to worry about helping her to my breast to feed, and Gabriela found it and started sucking, with only a little assistance. They didn't weigh her or give her the standard antibiotics until more than an hour after she was born so we'd have plenty of time to bond with her.

In the end, I feel like I had the birth I wanted, and am not at all disappointed with how things resulted. I did all the hard work naturally, and look at it as just having a little break mid-way before starting to push. After three-plus days, I deserved it :) And we'd tried everything else. The most important thing was having a healthy baby, and that's exactly what we got.

And you win a prize if you read this entire post!

Our First Week

Gabriela had her first sponge bath on Friday. She wasn't too thrilled about it. In fact, when we put her on her tummy to wash her back, she stuck her little bottom up in the air and started moving her legs back and forth trying to make a run for it.

Her day got even more difficult when we went to the pediatrician later that afternoon. Gabriela did not appreciate having her clothes removed to be weighed and measured. She let us know this by sobbing hysterically. I'd never heard her cry so much! We were surprised to find out that at 5 days, she had already grown half an inch. Newborn babies usually lose between 6 and 10 ounces of their birth weight, but Gabriela had only lost 1.5 ounces. Her pediatrician was very sweet and gentle with her, and listened well to all my questions, and I didn't feel rushed at all with her. She is the other doctor in the practice that we hadn't met before, so I was really pleased. The extra added bonus is that she is from Peru so she was also able to give us travel tips for when we go in October.

Here she is on her pink blankie that Nana crocheted for her. Nana also brought this cute little teddy bear to keep Gabriela company while she naps. Gabriela is such a good little sleeper. Sometimes I wonder if she sleeps too much! Last night, we put her to sleep around 10 pm and she didn't wake up until 2, and then not again until 6. Everything we read says she should be waking up every two hours or so. If she hadn't gotten such a good report from the pediatrician, I'd be worried she's not eating enough.

Her daddy is making sure she develops good music tastes and plays her Beatles, Rolling Stones, and blues music while she sleeps.

We've noticed little dimples in her cheeks when she smiles in her sleep. We can't stop staring at her beautiful little face and are completely enamored with each stretch, sigh and little smile.

Thank You

Thank you, Auntie Meliss for the beautiful quilt you made for me. Auntie Adie & Uncle Ian and Claire & Natalie, I love my new outfit, and got lots of compliments on it when we were at the doctor yesterday (for our non-appointment).

Baby Boot Camp

Dude, my baby's badass! David, you better brush up on your boxing coaching skills. (make sure you turn the sound up when you watch this video!)

My Momma Brain and my Fabulous Husband

We were so prepared for our doctor appointment today. We planned to leave early, accounting for any traffic we might run into, and/or any baby feeding/changing delays that may have fallen upon us. Gabriela was a total doll and just hung out happily until it was time to leave, she stayed awake for the car ride and didn't make a peep, and fell asleep as soon as we got there. I was so proud of us for arriving early. Well, little did I realize we were a whole 30 minutes AND ONE WEEK early for our appointment. Whoops.

It wasn't an entirely useless trip. We went to this lounge area that they have and talked with a breastfeeding peer counselor for some tips. During that time, a couple of the midwives stopped by. I got to introduce my mom to the midwife who stayed with us all through the labor at the birth center and then the midwife who stayed with us all through the labor at the hospital (more later on the glorious birth story details). The midwives got to visit with us and the baby.

The best part though, was the report the Ebony gave to my mom about Lane. She said how wonderful he was supporting me through my labor - so much, that she wanted to record him to show to other dads that THIS was exactly what you were supposed to do. She also said if he's anything like he was during labor, that he was going to be a fabulous daddy. Of course, this was when I started crying.

Not only that, Lane brought his famous cookies to share with the midwives, which she said was the icing on the cake. Even more impressive though, was the fact that Lane made them racing back and forth from the kitchen and living room to help me through contractions every 5 or so minutes.

Man, I love that guy.

Our first few days

Gabriela was up all night her first night at home. It was kind of hard not knowing the best thing to do, and also because Lane ended up having to go back to work the next day and wake up at 5 am. Nana came to the rescue and helped us figure things out in the middle of the night.

We decided Gabriela must have been really gassy or something because she slept soooo much better last night. I felt more rested, but Lane was more tired. This was because he just couldn't stop looking at her, singing to her, or taking little videos of her instead of going to sleep.

Can you blame him?

We got a little adventurous yesterday and took a trip to Costco. Today we have an appointment at the Birth Center and tomorrow one at the pediatrician.

When I have more time, I'll post about our birth story.

Sleeping Gabriela

Here's Gabriela sleeping like a little baby.

And Nana holding her for the first time.

She's Finally HERE!

Baby Gabriela Elena Grover arrived on Sunday evening at 8:43 p.m. She was 8 lbs, 4.8 oz. and 21 inches long.

We think she is the most precious little girl ever.

Birth Center Update

Well, folks I called the midwives to tell them I was exhausted - the only sleep I've gotten in the past three nights has been drifting off to sleep for maybe 10 minutes at a time in between contractions and how frustrated I was and to ask what the heck I could do to get things going in the right direction.

The midwife on call was at the birth center and suggested we come in to talk about what we could do. She also said this was very typical for first time moms, and not to be TOO surprised or upset if I hadn't progressed much from my last exam on Thursday. Before we walked in the door Lane and I talked about how we shouldn't be focused or frustrated by what the midwife said. My focus was getting some tips from her.

She said I had gone from 1 cm Thursday to between 3 & 4 today, and that getting to 5 was the hardest part. After I'm there, I can be admitted to the center. My cervix is super duper soft and the baby is down low. She said she wouldn't be surprised at all if I was back there to deliver before the night is through. Let me just tell you that I burst into tears. I was so unprepared for GOOD news that I didn't know how to react. What a relief.

She says to focus on resting, eating every 2 hrs and drinking 8 oz every hour and sent me off with a big hug.

Baby isn't in the *best* position right now, but she gave us some tips to help encourage her to scooch into the right one.

And there you have it. Keep thinking those good thoughts - they are working!

Who Knew?

I knew labor would be really intense and difficult, but who knew the first stage could be SOOOOO long?!? We still haven't gone to the birth center yet.

I'm not even in active labor yet, although I have a feeling that's really close and very hopeful that once we get there everything will progress much faster.

Spent all night in the bathtub because I couldn't get comfy laying down and contractions were way too intense laying down.

Our doula was here from 9 am yesterday to 5 am today. We had her go home to take a little break, hoping we'll meet at the birth center sooner than later.

Lane has been wonderful.

More soon.

The Real Deal

We've been up all night since I started having contractions at 7 pm. Man, they stink.

After hearing that things weren't really progressing, Lane and I pulled out all the stops. We went exercising in the pool, went for a walk, climbed six flights of stairs, ate spicy foods, and did some other things.

We did it all on our own throughout the night and decided to ask our doula to come this morning. We're both pretty tired and mostly sleeping in between contractions.

We should go to the birth center sometime this afternoon.

Not sure when you'll hear from us next.

False Alarm

So, apparently I'm just having "pre-labor" contractions where my uterus is getting ready for the big day. It has to figure things out.

It's kind of disappointing and frustrating that this isn't the real deal.

I was having a lot of contractions last night and was waking up every half hour or so because of them during the night. They are pretty uncomfortable. I have to take a step back and breathe deeply. And it makes me wonder what things are going to be like when I'm actually in REAL labor.

Wish us luck.

Still home

My contractions aren't regular yet. I took a nap, and am trying to stay really hydrated. Lane's still at work.

Our doula says lots of births happen on the full moon. Sometimes, labor and delivery and emergency room departments even staff up on the full moon in anticipation of this, apparently.

Well, I checked to see when the next full moon is, and it's July 18th. Happy Birthday to me. I'm hoping Baby Grover will make an appearance before then.

I'm just taking it easy for now. When Lane comes home, maybe we'll go for a walk together or something.

Today *might* be the day!

I think I slept about 2 hours last night. My mind was racing and I was having what I can safely call contractions throughout the night. They weren't too frequent, but certainly more uncomfortable than what I've been experiencing until now.

Lane was exhausted from Monday and went to sleep at 8 pm (thus no belly picture). I thought it was important for at least one of us to get some good rest. He went to work today. I told him I may call and ask him to come home before the day is over.

This morning I put together our co-sleeper (already) and I'm going to go try to get some rest. We'll see what happens!!

The Good Ol' Times

One thing I really miss about being away from my family are the fantabulous bbq's my brother David used to host in Gilroy. Every night was a feast. We'd have good eats, share some wine, and lots of laughs.

This guy saved me during Hurricane Katrina when I was working ridiculous hours and coming home exhausted and zombie-like. I'd stop at his place, eat dinner, and then bring a plate home to Lane.

Well, the bbq master is back in town! He and Tatiana and Luis Carlos are here for a week. David swapped houses/apts with a lady in Woodley Park for the week so he's staying in a super sweet 100 yr old house for the week for free. Last night he had us over for dinner and it was just like the good ol' bbq days in Gilroy.

We shared grilled shrimp marinated in fresh lime zest and juice with some garlic, grilled steaks, garlic bread, grilled and marinated squash, some orzo cooked in chicken stock with fresh parsley and onions, and a delightful caesar salad with avocado. We ate outside on the patio, the boys had some wine, we stayed up late and talked and laughed, it was fabulous. It was even worth the couple of bug bites I got.

I haven't made any fabulous kitchen creations lately, so this was definitely a welcomed treat.

We also came to the realization that Lane and David are just like my dad and HIS brother-in-law, my Uncle Dale. Those two are best buds, always have a great time together, and sometimes even get into trouble together.

40 Weeks

Well, it's 40 weeks, and I'm still pregnant!

I'm starting to have regular "tightening" of the uterus. Really, they are contractions, but I hesitate to call them this because they don't hurt at all... at least not yet. Trust me, I know they are going to!

I've decided to start my maternity leave, even though there's no baby in sight yet. I figured this time will allow me to rest up, clean up, prepare and organize a little more, and also give me time to help coax this baby out.

Today I have high hopes of organizing our room more, cleaning the kitchen, cooking and freezing some food, and going for a walk... in the pool. I'm sure after doing just one or maybe two of these things I will need a nap, but that's the beauty of it all. I'll be able to rest no problem.

Think good thoughts. Pictures to come later, when my photographer gets back from work!

Midwife Visit Report

I went to an appointment yesterday and after the new patient orientation spent TWO hours one-on-one with a midwife. We went over my chart, I had a couple tests done that weren't completed before, she answered my questions, we reviewed my packet they gave me to complete about giving birth at the birth center, she gave me an exam, explained the results, and introduced me to the one midwife I hadn't met yet, and we just chit chatted and got to know each other a little bit.

The level of care is SOOO different than from the obstetrician. For example, all this time when I've been getting exams, and they've told me nothing was happening, no one ever explained it like the midwife.

So there are several ways that labor starts progressing. The cervix starts getting soft (CHECK), the position changes from pointing towards the mother's back to moving forward (CHECK), the cervix starts thinning (1/3 of a CHECK - they said I was about 30% effaced), the cervix opens - I'm only 1 cm dilated, but something is happening, and the baby starts descending through the pelvis. The descent level goes from a -4 where it's highest up to 0 to +4 where it's showing and about to come out. The midwife said I was at a -1.

This is WAY more information than "your cervix is closed, g'bye".

We talked about some other things that I tried discussing at the doctor's office previously and I was much more satisfied with our discussions. For example, the whole induction thing. Now I know there comes a point where it's just not safe for the baby to be inside anymore, but I also know that if you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, that point is not 38 weeks, or even 40. The midwife explained that if the baby wasn't born by the 22nd, we'd do a Bio Physical Profile, which would include an ultrasound, measuring the level of amniotic fluid, and some other things to ensure it's still a safe environment. If by the 25th, I'm still pregnant, I should go in for a non-stress test where they'd monitor the baby's heart rate for about 20 or 30 minutes and how it reacts to contractions. And if after all this and the baby STILL hasn't arrived, we may do an induction on the 28th. They even mentioned they'd be willing to hold out another week until Aug 5, if that was what I wanted.

I felt comfortable with the 28th. My doctor's discussions about getting an induction involved making sure we got a spot on the calendar, and I felt I was being pushed into something just as a matter of convenience for the doctor; they didn't even mention anything about tests to make sure the baby could safely stay in the uterus longer.

I really feel like I did the right thing by switching to the midwives. And maybe, I subconsciously wasn't letting myself progress with labor because I felt so uncomfortable at the other practice. who knows.

Saturday

Lane and I had a very relaxing Saturday. We slept in and just chilled out most of the morning. I got some reading and a little cleaning done while Lane "tested" a computer game with my brother, Matthew online.

David, Tatiana, and Luis Carlos are in town for the week and they came over for some late afternoon bbq. This was our first time meeting little Luis Carlos, who is Tatiana's three year old son. As soon as they arrived, the boys left for a little grocery store run. Lane must have already made an impression, because Luis Carlos was asking, "Dónde está mi tio Lane?" Of course, Lane was a huge hit - he always is with the little kids. We hung out outside by the pool, and had some delicious watermelon and bbq hamburgers. David got crazy and put grilled jalapeño peppers on them. They were pretty tasty, and definitely spicy - I figured some spicy food can't hurt when you're nine months pregnant. We even went swimming later on.

Later that evening, Lane and I were watching a movie when we started hearing these big blasts outside. At first I thought it may have been thunder, and then we realized it was probably fireworks. We went up to our rooftop to check things out. Apparently, the city of Alexandria was celebrating its birthday. We had no idea. We just sat in the lawn chairs, in the warm summer night with the refreshing breeze, and Lane massaged my feet while we enjoyed our own personal fireworks show.

This may possibly have been our last Saturday together before Baby Grover arrives. It was a wonderful and relaxing way to spend it.

2 Days Left - or not?

Not much to report here -

Today I walked back and forth in the pool for a while. It's much more comfortable than going for a regular walk.

I have an appointment at the Birth Center tomorrow for new patients. How much you wanna bet I'm the only new patient whose due date is the very next day?!?!

I may or may not have my belly cast tomorrow, depending on our doula's schedule.

Since I'd be leaving work halfway through the day, I decided to just stay home and try to get some things done. I have a lot of things I want to get ready and cleaned up, but I get so tired after just the littlest thing!

No Baby Yet - Part 2

I figured I may as well start posting daily so you all know if something is (or isn't) happening.

Here's what it all comes down to:

Still pregnant.

Baby Grover and I went swimming today. It was such a relief to not have all that belly pressure. I started to get out of the pool at one point but decided against it when I felt the enormous pressure in my belly the instant it left the water.

Maybe we'll go for another swim tomorrow.

You might think I'm crazy...

But at 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, I've changed doctors. I had just had enough at the other place. I knew they weren't a perfect fit a while ago, but thought I could make it work. After I got home from my ordeal on Tuesday, I called the DC Birth Center and made an appointment to go there today, thanks to Lane's suggestion.

It was worlds different meeting with a midwife. She talked to us for at least an hour - probably longer than all my other visits put together over the past 8 months. She also felt my belly, told me what position the baby was in, and most importantly, I felt so comfortable and at ease.

When she looked at my belly she said I was having a contraction. She said she could tell just by looking at it because it was all tight and the baby was sticking out so far. She showed Lane and had him feel the difference between my contracted and non contracted belly. When she told me that was a contraction, I told her I must have a lot of contractions, because that happens all the time. I had no idea. They are the practice Braxton Hicks kind.

I felt so relaxed and calm after we left. We are going back on Monday for another appointment. Now I can safely call the other doctor office and cancel my upcoming appointment AND the induction appointment at the hospital.

phew.

Do yourself a favor if you're ever pregnant and go straight to a midwife.

No Baby Yet

Hey everybody,

I just want to keep you posted as we get closer and closer to the unknown date of Baby Grover's arrival. She's still fairly cozy inside.

We are getting lots of phone calls, emails, messages, and comments from everyone. Thanks for all the love.

I was pretty restless last night, and right now I feel a tiny bit crampy. Could this be a sign? I don't know. But we'll definitely share any new developments on the blog!!

Week 39

Okay, I took a nap and ate a delicious dinner and I'm feeling much better than earlier today. Baby Grover keeps growing and moving all around. She's practically done in there. But I'm such a good hostess she doesn't want to leave her cozy little home.

We're ready to meet you, Baby Grover. Come out, come out, where ever you are!

bleh

Today I feel like crap. I have no clothes left to wear. Nothing fits, I get SOOOO sweaty and hot and uncomfortable - and this is inside a well air conditioned building, not to mention outside in the 90 degree humidity.

After all this induction appointment business I got a phone call from the doctor's office that they needed to cancel my regular doctor appointment for this week. They had practically no slots left for the entire week, except for one the same afternoon. It didn't really fit in my schedule, but did I have a choice? The lady actually asked me if I was going to show up for the appointment. I asked if she had any other suggestions - there's one appointment, I'm 39 weeks pregnant. Did she think I should skip it?? So I went. I asked them to confirm my induction date, but waited on hold forever until I just decided to ask when I got to the office.

The lady responsible for scheduling the inductions said she couldn't do anything with my request until Dr. Picco came back to town (Thursday) to verify that this was okay. Dr. Picco is the one who TOLD me to make the appointment, who said I needed to, and I needed to by Monday. So I rushed around trying to make all these changes on this deadline and this is what the lady told me. She said Dr. Picco had to make sure it was okay that I wanted an induction. Hello!! I don't want it. I was just trying to follow their stupid rules. She said I had to talk to the doctor I was seeing today about what to do.

Then I waited ages and ages for my appointment. I tried to calm myself down, knowing they are going to take my blood pressure and not wanting them to make any decisions based on an elevated reading.

The doctor was in and out of that room faster than you would believe. He basically told me that my cervix is closed and nothing else is going on. When I tried to ask something he kind of cut me off saying that's it, and was out the door before I could ask him anything else. I went to his office afterward, but by then I was over the fact that I had questions. I figured anything he told me would be rushed and not the kind of detail I was looking for anyway.

So the doctor starts telling me I need to consider scheduling an induction. What is wrong with these people?!?! I told him I already tried doing that, but was given a run around. ANd when I told him the date I wanted he just flat out said I couldn't do it that date. He said only the 21st, the 23rd (our wedding anniversary, by the way), or the 24th. He then proceeded to have the nerve to TELL me he was laughing at me because I thought I could plan everything and you can't plan anything when you have kids - he should know, he has two grown ones.

So I basically felt cornered into picking a new date after all this. I picked the 23rd. Only because the 24th he'd be at the hospital and I don't want him delivering our baby, the 21st was too early, and that left me with the 23rd. By this point, I was just trying not to burst into tears in his office.

Tuesdays have inevitably end up being the day of the week when I cry. I thought those crying Tuesdays would be over with our childbirth classes. Those days are just so long that I get impatient and tired and grumpy. But don't worry, folks. I came through. I just sat on a bench outside and cried and cried because I was so frustrated with my whole day of doctor office dilemmas. Can't they be a little nicer and more caring with ladies who are 39 weeks pregnant in the middle of the summer?!?!?!?

Two for Two

In two weeks we've taken two trips to Costco, been approached by two random strangers, each professing the gender of our baby (male), and each equally crushed, baffled, and flabbergasted when we've informed them otherwise.

Tentative B-day for Baby Grover

So, I'm really not on board with this whole induction thing, but I'm playing by the rules and scheduled a date - the farthest away that I can get away with- in hopes that my many other efforts and pep talks will encourage Baby Grover to come on her own terms before then. Her momma's uber punctual, so I'm hoping she will be too.

The date I've scheduled is July 25th. It's a Friday, which means Lane and I can be at the hospital and his few days off from work can be spent with us at home, instead of at the uncomfortable and unfamiliar hospital. I am supposed to go in the night before for Cervadil gel and then the following morning have my water broken and get pitocin. oh joy.

My mom changed her flight to stay an additional week, leaving August 5th. I'm glad she'll be here. It's such a pain in the butt though to make all these arrangements based on a date that may or may not be "the one". After all this careful thought about which day to pick, making alternate arrangements, and what not the baby could (and hopefully will) come much sooner than that, making all this fretting and planning unnecessary.

I haven't actually received confirmation yet about the date, so put it on your calendars - but only in pencil - my fingers are crossed that this little girl will grace us with her presence before then.

The Final Countdown!

WOW! Only nine days (or so) left! I can't believe we are in the single digits. I remember when being half way there, or having fewer than 100 days to go sounded so close, but this is the real deal.

Last night we went for a long walk and Lane gave me a foot massage and I drank some raspberry leaf tea, which may or may not help kick the uterus into gear.

I woke up this morning feeling some minimal but frequent tightening of the tummy, feel a little crampy, and noticed that my weight hasn't gone up in the past week and that I'm less swollen in the night. Usually I wake up every few hours and my hands are so swollen, I can hardly make a fist. Today it was hardly any.

I'm starting to look at every little change and thinking it might be the very beginnings of labor. Only time will tell.

We'll definitely keep you updated on the blog.

Alphabet Tag

Crystal "tagged" me ages ago. I'm finally getting around to responding. check it out, yo.

A. ATTACHED OR SINGLE? Very attached to my husband of 8 years – we’ve been together for 12, and friends since about age 12.
B. BEST FRIEND? Lane Russell.
C. CAKE OR PIE? I love me some homemade farm fresh summer fruit pie – you know, blackberry, strawberry rhubarb, fresh cherry…a treat I don’t often eat.
D. DAY OF CHOICE? Saturdays – sleeping in, eating delicious homemade breakfasts. Mmm.
E. ESSENTIAL ITEMS? These days, a big water bottle, sunglasses, and a cell phone!
F. FAVORITE COLORS? Shades of Green and Blue
G. GUMMY BEARS OR WORMS? Not so into the gummies, but if pressed, I think I’d go for some worms. Sour gummy worms, now that I think about it.
H. HOMETOWN? Gilroy, CA Garlic Capital of the World, baby.
I. INDULGENCE? Coffee ice cream with chocolate covered almonds
J. JANUARY OR JULY? July!! My b-day, our wedding anniversary, and b-day of our soon-to-be-born baby girl. And I love the summer heat.
K. KIDS? One coming any day now.
L. LIFE ISN'T COMPLETE WITHOUT? Laughter, family, friends, and good food!! M. MARRIAGE DATE? July 23, 2000
N. NUMBER OF BROTHERS AND SISTERS? 3 bros, 2 sisters (and 6 sisters in law, 3 brothers in law!!)
O. ORANGES OR APPLES? Apples. The tart crispy and delicious kind.
P. PHOBIAS OR FEARS? I’m pretty easy going. No phobias for me. But I do get really scared and nervous when we have to drive by a semi truck on the highway. Yikes.
Q. QUOTE? no quotes for me.
R. REASON TO SMILE? Lane, feeling a baby move around in my tummy
S. SUPERMAN OR WONDER WOMAN? No superheroes for me, thanks.
T. TAG 5 PEOPLE: Katie, Scotty, and anyone else who feels the burning desire to complete this.
U. UNKNOWN FACT ABOUT ME: I can memorize nearly anything.
V. VEGETABLES? Mmmm. Love ‘em. Spinach, cucumbers and sugar snap peas are my faves!W. WORST HABIT? Buying way too many things online.
X. X-RAY OR ULTRASOUND? Ultrasounds – seeing little babies squirm around is fascinating
Y. YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? My mom’s feta cheese veggie pasta, which thankfully Lane has mastered, tamales, homemade pizza, and Thai food.
Z. ZODIAC SIGN? Cancer

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

That's what Baby Grover is. I keep going to the doctor thinking she'll announce what wonderful progress I've made and that labor is just around the corner. But every week I get the same report - nothing. I guess Baby Grover likes her own little space in there. Pretty soon there isn't going to be much more room.

I am starting to get a little nervous about her not coming in time. I want her to arrive - not because I'm SOOOOOO done being pregnant, because I still don't feel that way. I just am dreading the possibility of going in for an induction appointment. The earlier labor gets started, the less likely I will have to keep that appointment I need to make for an induction. I'm procrastinating making it because I feel like making the appointment is resigning to the "fact" that I'm going to have a birth with all the interventions I've been hoping to avoid (pitocin, constant fetal monitoring, limited mobility, and possibly more interventions because of these). And of course, I'm getting excited and anxious to meet her and hold her already.

Think good thoughts to help me coax this baby outta here.

Report on Last Weekend

We just chilled out on Friday and watched some Netflix. Saturday we got up early to attend an Infant and Child CPR class, and on the way back, stopped at FOUR different grocery stores. That's right. It was a little out of control. We kept forgetting items, or a store was out of something we needed. When we got home, we installed the car seat, lugged all the groceries upstairs, put them away, and promptly collapsed and napped for several hours. After we were well rested, we hung up baby stuff on the walls, and I finally made a decent dinner.

I've just been pooped this last stretch of the pregnancy and I'm not really into the whole cooking thing. What's funny is Lane's co-workers are even noticing. He (almost) always brings his delicious smelling leftovers, and they are very surprised if they see him actually buy his lunch. So yeah, I look back on those days of fabulous weeknight dinners fondly. They probably won't be returning any time soon.

Anyway, Saturday night Lane bbq'd some chicken and I sautéed some fresh spinach greens with balsamic vinegar, I also cooked this delicious whole grain mix from Trader Joes - brown rice, black barley and some other lovely grains in a garlic chile sauce and chicken stock. We had a scrumptious salad that was almost like dessert - spinach, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, pecans, bleu cheese, and a citrus berry vinaigrette, courtesy of Lane. It was impeccable.

We sat down for dinner, and through the blinds, it suddenly looked like a strobe light was flashing outside. It was immediately followed by an enveloping, ridiculously loud and very long monstrous clap of thunder. It wasn't even raining outside. Moments later, the pouring rain began. The sky constantly lit up throughout the rest of the evening. We put the blinds up all the way, lit some candles and enjoyed our dinner along with the amazing thunder and lightning storm.

Sunday morning brought us outside a little earlier than we had anticipated - 5:30 to be exact. Yes, that's when the fire alarm went off in our building and I walked down 12 flights of stairs. After a little more rest we prepared for our afternoon of gaming fun. Some friends came over for games and lunch. We all had a great time. I figured it was probably our last chance to entertain for a while.

Week 38

Well, I made it through one more week. I still don't have that "Get this baby out of me, I'm SO done being pregnant" feeling. Although, I am starting to get a little antsy. When my mom made her arrangements to come out, I thought a week past my due date was plenty of time. Now that it's getting closer, I'm starting to think of how I can encourage Baby Grover to come in time.

My brother David and his wife Tatiana will be in DC the week of July 12th - 19th. He has advised me that I must have the baby during this time, so he can be the first to meet Baby Grover. I'll see what I can manage. :-D

We had an interesting experience last night, as we tried leaving for the last of our child birth classes. I started getting annoyed that Lane wasn't unlocking the door for me to get in the car. But the reason he didn't was that he couldn't - the battery was dead!! This is because we forgot to turn the light off in the car when we installed the car seat on Saturday. Luckily, our neighbors Sean & Jessica came to the rescue by letting us borrow their car. They were so sweet and told us they were going to keep their phones on all night and to call if we went into labor and needed them again. Even more luckily, this happened when we were getting ready to leave for a class, and not the hospital.

I can't help but wonder if every little weird feeling I have is a hint of labor to start soon. So antsy.

For your viewing pleasure, here I am 30 weeks ago. I can't believe how different I look!! Baby Grover has grown tons!! She is still managing to move around a lot inside. Although it's more of a shifting around instead of kicks and rolls and somersaults.