2 weeks ago
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Titantic
I really enjoyed the recent mini-series created/produced by Julian Fellowes, the creator extraordinaire of "Downton Abbey." It is interesting as that is how DA series starts in 1912 when the boat sinks & sets off the drama of having a new male heir to inherit the estate, Matthew Crawley, whom the family doesn't know. I love DA & it was fascinating to see some of the same actors in different roles & of course the story of the failed voyage again. It made me want to re-watch the 1997 movie. How young Leo DiCaprio & Kate Winslet were? Reminds me how young I was! : )
RIDICULOUS
This might seem strange as a post, but this is my new favorite word. Since having Jacqueline I feel like I say it OFTEN. There seem to be so many situations where it is the appropriate word to express how I feel, mainly frustrated with something. Sometimes it is funny stuff, but usually it is in response to something absurd! Ironically I also feel like I hear it a lot from other people, even in a lot of TV shows or movies. Strange how that happens - like when I was pregnant I noticed lots of pregnant women. Now that I have a little baby I notice babies often, especially in strollers. I love strollers, especially ones with high handles. We went to the zoo a few weeks ago & I constantly was staring at the different strollers, there are so many. I've gone to a few consignment sales recently & again always looking at the strollers.
That is what is ridiculous! In March I almost bought a double stroller and I thought it was different from one I bought last August. Guess what? When I got home, I looked at the stroller ... exact SAME one! I paid less for it too so if I'd bought it, I would have spent MORE money for something I already have, hadn't used it yet either! RIDICULOUS!
You know what it is not ridiculous?! I went to my favorite consignment sale (POTATO) today & I got 2 Britax car seats for cheap! Such a great deal! Now we have 1 for my mom's car & an extra one for us. Thank goodness, no more shifting car seat from one car to another!
That is what is ridiculous! In March I almost bought a double stroller and I thought it was different from one I bought last August. Guess what? When I got home, I looked at the stroller ... exact SAME one! I paid less for it too so if I'd bought it, I would have spent MORE money for something I already have, hadn't used it yet either! RIDICULOUS!
You know what it is not ridiculous?! I went to my favorite consignment sale (POTATO) today & I got 2 Britax car seats for cheap! Such a great deal! Now we have 1 for my mom's car & an extra one for us. Thank goodness, no more shifting car seat from one car to another!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Jacqueline is 3 months old
HAPPY MONTHIVERSARY!
I cannot believe it has already been 3 months!
So glad you're here, cutie pie, with your sweet smiles & giggles!
You weighed 11 pounds, 25 inches long & 37 cm head circumference.
Lots of growth since 2 month clinic visit, well since you arrived! Amazing!
Jai - insert photo here. please : )
I cannot believe it has already been 3 months!
So glad you're here, cutie pie, with your sweet smiles & giggles!
You weighed 11 pounds, 25 inches long & 37 cm head circumference.
Lots of growth since 2 month clinic visit, well since you arrived! Amazing!
Jai - insert photo here. please : )
Monday, April 9, 2012
Back to work!
First day back to work - yeah! Awesome!
Good day! I ate lunch by myself, no crying children, or the possibility of not eating.
BTW - you'll notice I haven't posted much in past 13 weeks.
Expect shorter posts with few words like above. I do not have time!
Post soon to come I hope is Birth Story (VBAC success)!
I'm sure the elation of being back to work will fade as the week progresses, but it was great to drive to work this morning by myself. : )
Good day! I ate lunch by myself, no crying children, or the possibility of not eating.
BTW - you'll notice I haven't posted much in past 13 weeks.
Expect shorter posts with few words like above. I do not have time!
Post soon to come I hope is Birth Story (VBAC success)!
I'm sure the elation of being back to work will fade as the week progresses, but it was great to drive to work this morning by myself. : )
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Stomach Flu/SB 2012/Easter
Whew! This was awful! Not that we were planning to go anywhere for Spring Break as I've been on maternity leave since January 11, but we planned to go to church for Easter today. It really sucked to be sick the week before I returned to work. As a bonus I lost 5 pounds, but I didn't enjoy the time spent in the bathroom or lying on the bed in agony. Julia actually had the bug the weekend before; we cared for her, no problem. A few days later Jai got sick & I'll admit I had little sympathy as I cared for both girls & tried to help him (I really thought he was exaggerating!). Then 12 hours later I succumbed to the torture. So awful! Luckily Jai felt slightly better so he helped me by bringing drinking water & the baby to the bed for me to feed. Thankfully Jacqueline was fine & got tons of time with me on the bed; I mastered nursing lying down which is another nice bonus. Real kudos to breast milk keeping her healthy since that is all she eats & it's easily digestible. Someone was healthy in our house! : )
Verbose
Please God, tell me that a 3-year old who literally does not stop moving her mouth is exhibiting an early sign of genius or high-level success.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Julia goes to the dentist
Today Julia went to the dentist for HER first cleaning. Another big girl moment! It was exciting!
She actually has been once before, in February, so she could see me getting my teeth cleaned. We wanted her to be comfortable for her turn. I'm a geek, I love going to the dentist so I want her to have a positive relationship with this important health provider. I'm been going to see Dr. E & Latisha for years, literally since I was a little girl though not as young as Julia. I think we started going there when I was about 10, maybe younger, but not 3! It's so great to get started early, especially as Jai has some dental issues & even though I'm diligent with daily dental care & 2X a year dentist appointments, I have some challenges with cavities (it's been years thankfully).
Julia had a great time, wasn't scared or nervous about the big chair, equipment (the compressed air tool!!) or even the x-rays. I've never seen the chair lifted so high! : ) She also got to choose from the treasure chest - same exact one my sister & brother & I picked a prize. No issues, basically we need to brush before or after her to make sure she's getting them completely clean. She got a new toothbrush, really cool one that sticks on the bottom to the sink. Overall very exciting day!
She actually has been once before, in February, so she could see me getting my teeth cleaned. We wanted her to be comfortable for her turn. I'm a geek, I love going to the dentist so I want her to have a positive relationship with this important health provider. I'm been going to see Dr. E & Latisha for years, literally since I was a little girl though not as young as Julia. I think we started going there when I was about 10, maybe younger, but not 3! It's so great to get started early, especially as Jai has some dental issues & even though I'm diligent with daily dental care & 2X a year dentist appointments, I have some challenges with cavities (it's been years thankfully).
Julia had a great time, wasn't scared or nervous about the big chair, equipment (the compressed air tool!!) or even the x-rays. I've never seen the chair lifted so high! : ) She also got to choose from the treasure chest - same exact one my sister & brother & I picked a prize. No issues, basically we need to brush before or after her to make sure she's getting them completely clean. She got a new toothbrush, really cool one that sticks on the bottom to the sink. Overall very exciting day!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Flirty Spice ... #2
I thought Julia was a flirt. She had nothing compared to Miss Jacqueline. She is so expressive with her face - eyes, mouth - so very happy to see you. It is going to be SO interesting very soon. I love how much more social she is. Thank you! I've almost survived the 3 months of "Baby Boot Camp." : )
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Aunt Susie visits during Spring Break
Old post - title, nothing else started so winging it again from memory.
It was wonderful to have Susie here in Nashville during HER spring break (MNPS is not until April). Jacqueline is 8-9 weeks old so slightly older than when Susie first met Julia, but we all enjoyed our time together. Julia got some extra attention, really needs it right now as some of the novelty of having a little sister wears thin. Taking care of a small baby is a lot of work even with 2 parents. I do not understand how single parents do this & definitely don't know how you handle more than 1 child. I am grateful for the awesome support from family & friends. We received meals from family & friends for about 6 weeks & it was so great to not have to think about preparing those meals.
Susie is gluten free/vegetarian so we got lots of fun things to eat that we do not buy, like tahini, while she was here. Another gift is her daily green smoothie. Julia likes it, I tolerate it, Jai hates it. I know we're slightly healthier while she's here. A week is never enough time, but I'm happy to have than time with her. Hopefully we'll be able to play tennis when she's here in June for Jacqueline's baptism.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Lesson Learned
She lays on the bed and says "Come here, sweeetie." in a mock child voice.
As she pulls up her shirt she explains its time to feed you, let's see if you will latch on. Finally the look of satisfaction as her favorite lays across her chest to feed.
No, this is not Tara feeding Jacqueline. This is the scene of Julia breastfeeding her stuffed bear, Sawyer.
As she pulls up her shirt she explains its time to feed you, let's see if you will latch on. Finally the look of satisfaction as her favorite lays across her chest to feed.
No, this is not Tara feeding Jacqueline. This is the scene of Julia breastfeeding her stuffed bear, Sawyer.
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Weights of JSS
Another old post, relying on memory for my original intent ...
It has been an interesting experience the past few weeks as I watch Jacqueline grow & grow she has.
After my stressful/scary times with Julia's weight challenges, I was prepared to have a similar experience with Jacqueline, especially as she was smaller at birth. Ironically my anxiety created a very vigilant attendant to feeding & making sure she was on the breast often. The scale (we bought one when Julia was 6 months old, best purchase EVER!) keeps saying she is gaining as do the number of diapers we change. However, for many reasons I cannot relax, continuing to not believe the scale or reassurances from family, friends, LLL leaders. I mark the daily chart religiously in case I need the information to discern when & where the problem began & how to fix it. I also pump most mornings & evenings in case I need extra milk. Really there never has been a problem other than in my head &. Also I have a freezer FULL of breast milk ... another post on that situation/dilemma. It's a good dilemma to have actually, but a potential conflict at times too.
Keep growing healthy, strong & beautiful, Jacqueline. You're doing an awesome job & I thank you.
It has been an interesting experience the past few weeks as I watch Jacqueline grow & grow she has.
After my stressful/scary times with Julia's weight challenges, I was prepared to have a similar experience with Jacqueline, especially as she was smaller at birth. Ironically my anxiety created a very vigilant attendant to feeding & making sure she was on the breast often. The scale (we bought one when Julia was 6 months old, best purchase EVER!) keeps saying she is gaining as do the number of diapers we change. However, for many reasons I cannot relax, continuing to not believe the scale or reassurances from family, friends, LLL leaders. I mark the daily chart religiously in case I need the information to discern when & where the problem began & how to fix it. I also pump most mornings & evenings in case I need extra milk. Really there never has been a problem other than in my head &. Also I have a freezer FULL of breast milk ... another post on that situation/dilemma. It's a good dilemma to have actually, but a potential conflict at times too.
Keep growing healthy, strong & beautiful, Jacqueline. You're doing an awesome job & I thank you.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Beyonce in the news again!
It's been 2 months since B had her baby girl, days before Jacqueline was born. This time the headline was about Beyonce breastfeeding in public. http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/05/how-beyonces-public-breast-feeding-changes-the-nursing-in-public-debate/
So interesting how this is a big deal. It is! Beyonce is a HUGE celebrity as well as as woman of color. NIP is such a hot button subject for debate. Should you do it? Should you cover yourself? The funny thing about it is that I have seen no pictures of Beyonce feeding the baby, but even if there weren't, it is still awesome that it's gotten people talking about it. It doesn't matter to me, I'll breastfeed in public no problem. However, some people are more shy or concerned about possible confrontation.
The law states that you can feed your baby any public location you are allowed to be. Private locations like someone's home are different, but I feel like if you're at someone's house & they give you grief about feeding your baby, then you need to leave anyway, you're not really welcome there. However, if I'm at at a restaurant, the park, my daughter's school, I can feed my baby where I am, not asked to leave or go to the bathroom. That gets me, with pumping at work, too, when people suggest the bathroom. Do YOU eat in the bathroom? No, so why should my child have to eat there?
I don't try to call attention to myself, but I also do not want to hide myself because you might possibly see part of my body & realize a baby is at my breast. There is also the possibility that you will skip a feeding because you cannot find a private space. That is not good for your baby or your milk supply. This could lead to possibly not being able to breastfeed your baby as long as you want or is recommended by AAP or WHO (at least 1 year). This happens & it's a public health & economic issue when children are fed formula instead of breastmilk.
Then there's the person of color factor. That's huge! Not just about NIP, but as an example of breastfeeding. We all need to see people who look like us, saying it is possible, showing that it's OK to feed your baby this way, most definitely in the black community. Our numbers are low, really low, for initiation definitely, but even after that for continuing for 6 months, much less for 1 year. So many people, black, white, other, are amazed that I breastfed Julia for a year +. We all need support, encouragement, role models, but especially in the African-American community.
Thanks, Beyonce, for being a celebrity role model. Thanks, Jessie, who is a white friend, for sending me the article. Inspiration comes in all forms! : )
So interesting how this is a big deal. It is! Beyonce is a HUGE celebrity as well as as woman of color. NIP is such a hot button subject for debate. Should you do it? Should you cover yourself? The funny thing about it is that I have seen no pictures of Beyonce feeding the baby, but even if there weren't, it is still awesome that it's gotten people talking about it. It doesn't matter to me, I'll breastfeed in public no problem. However, some people are more shy or concerned about possible confrontation.
The law states that you can feed your baby any public location you are allowed to be. Private locations like someone's home are different, but I feel like if you're at someone's house & they give you grief about feeding your baby, then you need to leave anyway, you're not really welcome there. However, if I'm at at a restaurant, the park, my daughter's school, I can feed my baby where I am, not asked to leave or go to the bathroom. That gets me, with pumping at work, too, when people suggest the bathroom. Do YOU eat in the bathroom? No, so why should my child have to eat there?
I don't try to call attention to myself, but I also do not want to hide myself because you might possibly see part of my body & realize a baby is at my breast. There is also the possibility that you will skip a feeding because you cannot find a private space. That is not good for your baby or your milk supply. This could lead to possibly not being able to breastfeed your baby as long as you want or is recommended by AAP or WHO (at least 1 year). This happens & it's a public health & economic issue when children are fed formula instead of breastmilk.
Then there's the person of color factor. That's huge! Not just about NIP, but as an example of breastfeeding. We all need to see people who look like us, saying it is possible, showing that it's OK to feed your baby this way, most definitely in the black community. Our numbers are low, really low, for initiation definitely, but even after that for continuing for 6 months, much less for 1 year. So many people, black, white, other, are amazed that I breastfed Julia for a year +. We all need support, encouragement, role models, but especially in the African-American community.
Thanks, Beyonce, for being a celebrity role model. Thanks, Jessie, who is a white friend, for sending me the article. Inspiration comes in all forms! : )
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Smiles begin
I'm guessing that this is when Jacqueline started smiling, but it is awesome! It seems a bit earlier than Julia, but we figure she was really hungry so not so much up for smiling. : ) Jacqueline is a really happy baby, not that Julia wasn't, but her sister seems really content. Part of it could be me, I'm much more relaxed parent, second baby syndrome I guess.
Plus our house is pretty busy with a 3 year old and a dog plus both parents home often. Jacqueline is on a crazy ride, hanging out for the fun times. She definitely observes the busy activity level, seems so easy going, maybe just see what happens next. The smiles are great!
Plus our house is pretty busy with a 3 year old and a dog plus both parents home often. Jacqueline is on a crazy ride, hanging out for the fun times. She definitely observes the busy activity level, seems so easy going, maybe just see what happens next. The smiles are great!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Pumping with Julia
This is another back dated post of course.
The funny part is that not much has changed in terms of Julia's interest.
I haven't pumped all summer while I am home until now (I have 3 more weeks at home) & yet when she heard me mention "pumping" she immediately asked "what does the pump say?"
waddaomp or something like that
She doesn't remember me pumping for her as I stopped at her 1 year birthday 2 1/2 years ago.
However, Julia has been fascinated since late January when I started pumping to boost/maintain my supply & store some milk for when I returned to work. She wants to touch everything naturally & I explained that I need her to respect the pumping area & bottles, etc & not touch any of it for cleanliness reasons & to keep Jacqueline healthy. Amazingly she's been really good about it.
Then of course there have been the comments:
"When I'm older, I'm going to pump milk for my baby."
Sometimes she says she's not going to breastfeed, only pump, but then she was feeding her baby doll the other day & talking to me about also feeding her stuffed bear, Sawyer too.
She also loves to say we'll go to La Leche League meetings (she LOVES to go with me) together when she's older & pregnant with a baby in her belly.
YES, I definitely will go to LLL meetings with Julia when she's MUCH older & has a baby to feed. I need to get a photo of her feeding "Pretty Girl" (that's the name of the doll!) or Sawyer the next time. Usually I'm feeding Jacqueline when she's feeding her babies. I'll remind Jai to capture this moment before it's too late!
The funny part is that not much has changed in terms of Julia's interest.
I haven't pumped all summer while I am home until now (I have 3 more weeks at home) & yet when she heard me mention "pumping" she immediately asked "what does the pump say?"
waddaomp or something like that
She doesn't remember me pumping for her as I stopped at her 1 year birthday 2 1/2 years ago.
However, Julia has been fascinated since late January when I started pumping to boost/maintain my supply & store some milk for when I returned to work. She wants to touch everything naturally & I explained that I need her to respect the pumping area & bottles, etc & not touch any of it for cleanliness reasons & to keep Jacqueline healthy. Amazingly she's been really good about it.
Then of course there have been the comments:
"When I'm older, I'm going to pump milk for my baby."
Sometimes she says she's not going to breastfeed, only pump, but then she was feeding her baby doll the other day & talking to me about also feeding her stuffed bear, Sawyer too.
She also loves to say we'll go to La Leche League meetings (she LOVES to go with me) together when she's older & pregnant with a baby in her belly.
YES, I definitely will go to LLL meetings with Julia when she's MUCH older & has a baby to feed. I need to get a photo of her feeding "Pretty Girl" (that's the name of the doll!) or Sawyer the next time. Usually I'm feeding Jacqueline when she's feeding her babies. I'll remind Jai to capture this moment before it's too late!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Funny Quotes
New Girl - there are too many! Season 1 is hilarious! Best new show!
Parks & Recreation - "Not as beautiful as my sister, but you know the law."
The Office - "The only premature baby in the room is the baby THIS baby ate!"
Also called "Little Kevin"
Downton Abbey - I love the Dowager played by the great Maggie Smith, favorite line at end of season 2 in response to Mary's rude fiance who said something about leaving ... "do you promise?" Impeccable timing!
Parks & Recreation - "Not as beautiful as my sister, but you know the law."
The Office - "The only premature baby in the room is the baby THIS baby ate!"
Also called "Little Kevin"
Downton Abbey - I love the Dowager played by the great Maggie Smith, favorite line at end of season 2 in response to Mary's rude fiance who said something about leaving ... "do you promise?" Impeccable timing!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Joyful Julia
Julia wears her emotions on her sleeve. Here she truly enjoys a winter afternoon on her tricycle.
I wont say genius but...
Julia is already on the academic fast track. Today she was moved from the older 2's/younger 3's to the 3's classroom at her Parent's Day Out program.
She is now on the fast track to a life of ridicule and difficulty finding boys to date...
She also gets her first taste of life at Wellesley... her class is all girls, giving her plenty of time to "just say no" to the all women's experience.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Mealbaby.com
Subject: Meal Help
OK, Friends & Family –
This is new to me so I apologize if there are any glitches.
I think it’s supposed to be pretty simple.
I’m sending this to many people so thanks for any help with anything!
Cannot hurt, right? All the books say to ask for help!
If you cannot help, no worries! : )
Feel free to forward to anyone else too.
THANKS!
This link allows your registry to be made public. Anyone who clicks on this link will be asked to login or create an account and will be able to view your registry.
BTW - if you want to keep in touch QUICKLY, email Jai at bmitd67@gmail.com or text him at this number (773-372-1262) (text only, no calling he said).
Love, Tara, Jai & big sister Julia
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Jacqueline's Birth Story
Well you know Jai has written a few posts about the labor & contractions, but I haven't yet (it's July now). I don't know why - busy probably constantly feeding a baby. I know I wrote Julia's story much sooner, but I also have 2 children now so everything is slightly harder to complete sometimes. I kind of wish I had because it's harder to remember, but really you don't need all the gritty details.
From Jai's posts you see that the process was a bit longer, but some of that is ignorance. I didn't realize I was in labor, having contractions as early as I did with Julia; this time I knew what was happening. I also felt like it happened really quickly with Julia & I was at work for many of those hours & I didn't want to be at a school if I progressed super quick. That however was not the case & I wonder if being more aware made me less relaxed & prolonged the labor/contractions process. Who knows & with everything related to having another child, you realize they are different so therefore labor & delivery was also. Thank goodness delivery was different! I had a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearan).
Finally on day 2 (Wednesday afternoon) without getting much sleep for 2 previous nights, 2 nights my mom spent the night in our guest room, 2 trips to midwife to be informed I was 2 cm (Tues, Claire) & 5cm (Wed, Linda) & soon I would have a baby, not sure about who would be watching Julia as it depended on day & time, I was done. I decided that this baby was getting out of my body somehow that day/night. Like I was going to get more rest with a newborn! However, at least I wouldn't be having contractions.
Here's the timeline:
4pm I called midwife, said we're headed to hospital
We put Johnders in back yard, called Kris to ask/tell her to pick him up after school
4:30pm We dropped off Julia at Anne Marie & Kevin's house for her "slumber party"
5:00pm We arrived at Vanderbilt Hospital, admitted to L&D floor (contractions are more intense)
5:30pm Midwife (Lauren) checked me & I'm 6.5 cm (contractions are intense)
6:00pm Called my mom & asked when she's getting here, soon she arrived
7:30pm Midwife (Claire) checked me & I'm 7.5 cm (contractions are really intense)
I tell her to break my water, I'm done with this slow progress & I know it will bring me completely to 10.
7:45pm Break water
8:00pm I say "I need to push!"
8:43pm Jacqueline Suzanne arrives!!
HALLELUJAH!
Details
Oxygen was involved - I couldn't regulate my breathing with pushing & baby's heart rate was fluctuating.
They kept saying "I see hair" but I couldn't understand why no baby was out!
Vacuum was involved - again concerned about baby's heart rate.
Some major tearing so some repair work that seemed to take forever.
Recovery nothing like with C-section thankfully.
Oh, also had to have "nitrous oxate" as the adrenaline kicked in & I was shaking majorly.
Good stuff, really helped calm me down.
Jai got to hold Jacqueline almost immediately & he cut the umbilical cord.
Bonnie got to hold her after Jai.
So much better than the surgery route!
I joke that if Julia had been born vaginally, I doubt Jacqueline would exist.
It is amazing to push your baby out of your body, but it is majorly intense.
You cannot understand until you do it & I'm glad I did.
Definitely no more Jai & Tara babies coming out of Tara's body.
: )
From Jai's posts you see that the process was a bit longer, but some of that is ignorance. I didn't realize I was in labor, having contractions as early as I did with Julia; this time I knew what was happening. I also felt like it happened really quickly with Julia & I was at work for many of those hours & I didn't want to be at a school if I progressed super quick. That however was not the case & I wonder if being more aware made me less relaxed & prolonged the labor/contractions process. Who knows & with everything related to having another child, you realize they are different so therefore labor & delivery was also. Thank goodness delivery was different! I had a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesearan).
Finally on day 2 (Wednesday afternoon) without getting much sleep for 2 previous nights, 2 nights my mom spent the night in our guest room, 2 trips to midwife to be informed I was 2 cm (Tues, Claire) & 5cm (Wed, Linda) & soon I would have a baby, not sure about who would be watching Julia as it depended on day & time, I was done. I decided that this baby was getting out of my body somehow that day/night. Like I was going to get more rest with a newborn! However, at least I wouldn't be having contractions.
Here's the timeline:
4pm I called midwife, said we're headed to hospital
We put Johnders in back yard, called Kris to ask/tell her to pick him up after school
4:30pm We dropped off Julia at Anne Marie & Kevin's house for her "slumber party"
5:00pm We arrived at Vanderbilt Hospital, admitted to L&D floor (contractions are more intense)
5:30pm Midwife (Lauren) checked me & I'm 6.5 cm (contractions are intense)
6:00pm Called my mom & asked when she's getting here, soon she arrived
7:30pm Midwife (Claire) checked me & I'm 7.5 cm (contractions are really intense)
I tell her to break my water, I'm done with this slow progress & I know it will bring me completely to 10.
7:45pm Break water
8:00pm I say "I need to push!"
8:43pm Jacqueline Suzanne arrives!!
HALLELUJAH!
Details
Oxygen was involved - I couldn't regulate my breathing with pushing & baby's heart rate was fluctuating.
They kept saying "I see hair" but I couldn't understand why no baby was out!
Vacuum was involved - again concerned about baby's heart rate.
Some major tearing so some repair work that seemed to take forever.
Recovery nothing like with C-section thankfully.
Oh, also had to have "nitrous oxate" as the adrenaline kicked in & I was shaking majorly.
Good stuff, really helped calm me down.
Jai got to hold Jacqueline almost immediately & he cut the umbilical cord.
Bonnie got to hold her after Jai.
So much better than the surgery route!
I joke that if Julia had been born vaginally, I doubt Jacqueline would exist.
It is amazing to push your baby out of your body, but it is majorly intense.
You cannot understand until you do it & I'm glad I did.
Definitely no more Jai & Tara babies coming out of Tara's body.
: )
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The waiting is the hardest part
Tara is laboring but we can't get to the breaking point.
Contractions are hovering around every 10min. They are getting more intense but not more frequent. If something doesn't give this will be the 3rd night of labor.
I have to say for all of Tara's low tolerance for discomfort (Its too cold, its too hot, etc) she is a monster at handling these contractions. Her focus and concentration are awe inspiring.
Contractions are hovering around every 10min. They are getting more intense but not more frequent. If something doesn't give this will be the 3rd night of labor.
I have to say for all of Tara's low tolerance for discomfort (Its too cold, its too hot, etc) she is a monster at handling these contractions. Her focus and concentration are awe inspiring.
Boomerang Contractions
We got down to 8min apart but they slowly went back up to 20min apart and now they are back around 8. Damn you mother nature! Finish what you start please.
Baby coming, baby coming
Tara's been having contractions at a rate of 1 every 9min. We're aiming for 6 or 7 min for an hour before we go to the hospital.
So we might be having another middle of the night, rainy day baby.
So we might be having another middle of the night, rainy day baby.
Monday, January 9, 2012
We're all followers, aren't we.
Yesterday Beyoncé (Ingrid Jackson) and Jigga had a baby. Big up to them on the birth of their baby girl.
Today Tara says she feels weird, not labor necessarily but weird none-the-less. Is it time? I'm sure if Beyoncé hadn't had her baby Tara would feel fine, right? Riiiight.
Today Tara says she feels weird, not labor necessarily but weird none-the-less. Is it time? I'm sure if Beyoncé hadn't had her baby Tara would feel fine, right? Riiiight.
Monday, January 2, 2012
37 & 38 week vist
I go to the midwife every week now so I decided to combine the blog post for 37 & 38 weeks, mainly because I hadn't written anything for last week yet! : ) Also not much has happened or changed in a week!
On Dec. 27 my appointment was with Soheyl who is our primary midwife this pregnancy & last one with Julia. It was wonderful to see her, especially as I hadn't seen her in MONTHS! 1 reason is that my appointments were more spread out this pregnancy, every 5-6 weeks instead of once a month. Another reason is the schedule, which days she works with when I scheduled my appointments. Also there are a few new midwives in the past 3 years & they really want you to meet them all if possible before you deliver as you never know who will be on call at your time. Amazingly Soheyl was on call when my water broke & we went to hospital last time, she'd just started her shift too so she saw us through the whole process though relatively short since I'd been in labor all day the day before!
Soheyl was excited to see Julia & Jai since they came with me today. She hadn't seen Julia since my 6 week follow-up visit in January 2009. Julia looks quite different now! : )
Nothing major to discuss, blood pressure is good as usual, lost 2 pounds which is not unusual at this point in pregnancy (despite holiday eating!), talked about heartburn of course, the bane of my existence currently. Baby's heartbeat was higher than usual. We talked about VBAC plan some, actually I asked what would happen if someone decided to have a C-section again. Would they still be able to be a patient of midwifery practice? She said that if you changed your mind as you got closer to delivery, then you could stay with practice, but if you decided from beginning, then they would refer you to an OB. Different circumstances, makes sense; not applicable for us since I'm not choosing surgery. If everything is attempted during L&D & VBAC is not possible, then OK, but I'm not going to start out choosing a C-section.
Today's appointment was with Lauren whom I'd met earlier in my pregnancy. She's new since Julia's birth, very nice, seems young, but competent. Today I got there early & they weren't busy so didn't have to wait long, good since Jai & Julia were with me again this week. Again nothing major to discuss, blood pressure is good as usual, same weight as last week (woo hoo!), baby's heartbeat was lower than usual.
We talked about heartburn again of course - it's SO uncomfortable. I really have more compassion for habitual sufferers - I don't know how they deal with it. I considered getting some Tums last week, but when I looked at the ingredients (red dye 5, yellow dye 24, etc.), I couldn't do it. That's disgusting! The papaya enzyme pills will have to be it for the next 2-3 weeks. Hopefully the baby will settle into my pelvis soon. I already go to the bathroom a lot now anyway. I don't think Julia dropped - probably why she flipped to breech position at last minute. Last week & today the baby was head down, last week face down, today sideways. Lauren estimated baby is about 6 pounds now, so if I go to 40 weeks, baby probably will be 7+. It seems like this baby is bigger, but who knows!
Stay head down, baby! Until next week - week 39!!! I'm finally in the due month - so very exciting!
Lauren suggested taking it 1 day at a time which is smart; it could be 17 days or less or more. I cannot really make plans for anything or if I do, know that it could change if the baby decides it is his or her time to emerge.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! : )
On Dec. 27 my appointment was with Soheyl who is our primary midwife this pregnancy & last one with Julia. It was wonderful to see her, especially as I hadn't seen her in MONTHS! 1 reason is that my appointments were more spread out this pregnancy, every 5-6 weeks instead of once a month. Another reason is the schedule, which days she works with when I scheduled my appointments. Also there are a few new midwives in the past 3 years & they really want you to meet them all if possible before you deliver as you never know who will be on call at your time. Amazingly Soheyl was on call when my water broke & we went to hospital last time, she'd just started her shift too so she saw us through the whole process though relatively short since I'd been in labor all day the day before!
Soheyl was excited to see Julia & Jai since they came with me today. She hadn't seen Julia since my 6 week follow-up visit in January 2009. Julia looks quite different now! : )
Nothing major to discuss, blood pressure is good as usual, lost 2 pounds which is not unusual at this point in pregnancy (despite holiday eating!), talked about heartburn of course, the bane of my existence currently. Baby's heartbeat was higher than usual. We talked about VBAC plan some, actually I asked what would happen if someone decided to have a C-section again. Would they still be able to be a patient of midwifery practice? She said that if you changed your mind as you got closer to delivery, then you could stay with practice, but if you decided from beginning, then they would refer you to an OB. Different circumstances, makes sense; not applicable for us since I'm not choosing surgery. If everything is attempted during L&D & VBAC is not possible, then OK, but I'm not going to start out choosing a C-section.
Today's appointment was with Lauren whom I'd met earlier in my pregnancy. She's new since Julia's birth, very nice, seems young, but competent. Today I got there early & they weren't busy so didn't have to wait long, good since Jai & Julia were with me again this week. Again nothing major to discuss, blood pressure is good as usual, same weight as last week (woo hoo!), baby's heartbeat was lower than usual.
We talked about heartburn again of course - it's SO uncomfortable. I really have more compassion for habitual sufferers - I don't know how they deal with it. I considered getting some Tums last week, but when I looked at the ingredients (red dye 5, yellow dye 24, etc.), I couldn't do it. That's disgusting! The papaya enzyme pills will have to be it for the next 2-3 weeks. Hopefully the baby will settle into my pelvis soon. I already go to the bathroom a lot now anyway. I don't think Julia dropped - probably why she flipped to breech position at last minute. Last week & today the baby was head down, last week face down, today sideways. Lauren estimated baby is about 6 pounds now, so if I go to 40 weeks, baby probably will be 7+. It seems like this baby is bigger, but who knows!
Stay head down, baby! Until next week - week 39!!! I'm finally in the due month - so very exciting!
Lauren suggested taking it 1 day at a time which is smart; it could be 17 days or less or more. I cannot really make plans for anything or if I do, know that it could change if the baby decides it is his or her time to emerge.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! : )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
