2 Week Update

My life has changed so much these last two weeks! Every night brings us something new. The last two nights, Sydney only got up 2 times, it was wonderful! The night before, however, was very rough...poor Sydney had lots of gas and was very uncomfortable. She is a very dramatic little girl and will frequently scream out loudly in her sleep and then fall right back to sleep.


Today has been a great day. Sydney and I had our first little outing. We went to the grocery store...Yippee!! She slept the whole time! I think breastfeeding makes outings a little more difficult because I have to time everything around her feedings. I am not pumping yet because I really don't want to introduce the bottle yet. Of course that could change at anytime, but for now, I am holding off on bottle feeding until at least 1 month or more.


Sydney pooped on me for the first time today. It was very funny. Breast fed babies are known to have explosive poops. I thought she was done so I was going to change her quick before we left for the store. I took the diaper off and was getting a wipe when WEW... explosion!! All over the changing pad and all over my white pants!! All I could do was laugh!


I know Sydney is only 2 weeks old, but I feel like she has been in my life forever. I don't know how else to explain that. She just feels so right and when she is asleep in my arms I just feel like this is what my life was meant for...to be her mommy. I cannot imagine doing anything else.

We are working on coordinating a day when we can take Sydney in for her first glamore shots. So those of you waiting for her "arrival announcement"...be patient!!

More Pictures

Our doctors appointment went well. Sydney already weighs 9 pounds...she loves her breast milk!! The doctor is pleased with her progress. Her belly button is still not healed. He worked with it a little and showed me how to get under the scab to clean it well. Pretty ironic that I have a belly button phobia and I end up with a baby that has a herniated belly button!! She is doing very well. She loves her knew baby swing! Here are 2 week pictures!!

Oh, by the way, my friend Jamie had her little girl this week. Her name is Addison Elizabeth...isn't that beautiful!! I saw her pictures for the first time today, and she lives up to her name, beautiful!!

Here is Sydney...

Boy, did she live up to this shirt on this day!!

Here favorite sleeping position during the day

My Angel

One of her many faces when she is asleep

Sydney in her first dress in her new swing!!

Sydney Update

Oh my, where does the time go. It's so much more difficult to keep up with my blog now since I have my little one to watch. She keeps me so busy. I love to just watch her sleep...she makes all of these adorable little faces and loves to stretch with her arms and legs completely stretched out!!! She is doing awesome breastfeeding and loves to eat! She had her first throw up today which scared me some...I called the doctor!! She is doing wonderful at night. She wakes 3 times throughout the night to feed and have her diaper change. I know everyone says to sleep when she sleeps but I really don't feel that tired.

I am healing well. My tummy is almost gone and I can see my ankle bones and wrists again!! I seriously think I lost like 15-20 pounds already just from water weight, Sydney weight, and breast feeding!! We have our next doctors appointment again tomorrow. No new pictures yet but will get some up soon.

More Pictures!!

Pictures

Hi all!!! I am finally starting to feel better and had a moment to update everyone. We are in LOVE with Sydney. We stare at her all of the time. She changes everyday. She looks different from the pictures I am including today. She loves to sleep and stretch and make adorable faces. She has brought so much joy into our lives, more than I ever thought possible. Her daddy is amazing and is helping with everything. I love him more today than I thought possible. We are still trying to develop some sort of routine so we can get caught up on some sleep, if possible! I started breastfeeding with Sydney right after her birth and it's going very well. I will be writing more about her everyday and will probably tire you all of my stories and about how I have the cutest baby in the whole world!!

My labor and delivery was very intense. My first contraction was on Sunday at 9am. My plug broke at 9:30 am and by 6pm my contractions were 5 minutes apart. When we pulled into the hospital parking lot, my water broke. They had me in a room with an epid.ordered by 7pm. Things were moving fast and we really thought she would be with us earlier. Then things kind of went a little sour and there were problems with my epidural working and my contractions slowed and blah, blah, blah. 24 hours later, we have an amazing baby girl and life is just beginning!! Enjoy the pictures.

I will be sending more pictures soon. These are from her first day of life!!

She's Here!!!

Hi all! Little Sydney has arrived!!! We are very excited and very tired. I was in labor for a total of 24 hours and had difficulties with the epidural so I am in a LOT of pain and discomfort right now. Plus, little Sydney wasn't so little, 8.1 lbs and 22 inches!! So please bear with us...I am not really answering phone calls at this point. I will write all about our experience and how wonderful our little girl is very soon. For now, I just really need to focus on healing and being a good mommy. Just know we are all healthy and happy.

It's On!!!

When I woke up this morning I just didn't' feel right. After breakfast, I decided to go lay back down. At 9:15am I woke up to some light contractions and at 9:30am my mucus plug broke. We called the doctor to let them know that my contractions were averaging around 13 minutes apart. It is now 4:30pm and they are averaging anywhere from 10-6 minutes apart. And, wouldn't you know, a realtor just called and requested to show our house!!! Unbelievable!!

We find it quite ironic that today is Aug. 12th, the day we thought I was due!!!

We will keep you all posted.

More Contractions

We had a very nice Spicy Indian food meal last night with Pap and Jordan. Once we got home and I got comfortable, I started to experience some intense cramping and contractions. They seemed to dissipate at around 10:00pm so I went to bed. Sometime throughout the night, I woke to an intense contraction. It lasted a minute or so and then it went away and that was it! So, today we talk to Sydney some more and try to convince her to come out. She is appearing to be displaying some stubborn behavior...must come from her father!!

...Waiting...

My contractions got going pretty good last night, some were actually painful! But, wouldn't you know, I went to bed and they stopped!!! I hope Sydney decides to come this weekend because I really don't want to be induced!! Either way, at least we know she is healthy and that we will actually get to meet her in a few days!!! Pap arrived in Phoenix yesterday and Nana arrives tomorrow to welcome Sydney into this world. Tonight, we are once again off to enjoy some spicy Indian food to see if we can entice Sydney to come out!!! Wish us luck!

We need everyone who is reading this to send a quick positive thought of Sydney's safe arrival this weekend. If we are all thinking the same positive thought at the same time, she will come!!!

More Confusion!

Again, my doctor was booked up today so I had to see another doctor in her practice. You will all get a kick out of this one...So, when I was first told I was pregnant, my due date from the doctor was Aug. 4th. Later, during my first ultra sound, the due date on the ultra sound pictures was Aug. 12th, so, we assumed that was my changed due date. Wrong! Today when I went in, the nurse said, "You haven't had that baby yet? You are overdue." I questioned her because I thought I was 39 weeks. Well, according to my file, my due date has always remained Aug. 4th, which does mean that I am now considered past due.

To make a long story short, if I don't go into labor this weekend, I meet with MY doctor on Monday and she will schedule me to be induced. I was hooked up to a fetal heart rate monitor for 30 minutes today which did indicate that I am having contractions so it is possible that I could still go naturally this weekend.

I pretty much had a panic attack at the doctors office today. People who know me well know that last minute changes stress me out. I have a strong need to be prepared for things. When the doctor told me I was overdue and asked me if I wanted him to strip my membranes today, I freaked. I have been in emotional protection mode during this pregnancy, trying not to think about labor; therefore, not allowing myself to become overly anxious. Well when the doctor asked me this today, I wasn't expecting it and I was all of a sudden flooded with all of these emotions. Needless to say, we didn't strip my membranes because he couldn't reach them and we decided to hold off on the gel procedure until next week if needed. So now, the flood gates have been opened and I am feeling all of these emotions and I am now freaked out!! Thanks Doc!!

Still at Home

Well, Greg's prediction for August 8th was wrong. Anyone else? This is really hard just waiting. I am not really sure what to do with myself. I have a doctors appointment this afternoon and will fill you all in when I get back. Have a great afternoon.

Successful Marriage

Pregnancy definitely brings knew dimensions into a marriage. I have learned so much during this pregnancy about myself, my husband, and our marriage. I thought I would share two of these insights with you all...

Lesson 1: A Successful Marriage Must be Based on More Than Just Physical Appearances:
Some women say they feel more "womanly" and "sexy" when they are pregnant. I am definitely NOT one of those women! As I have stated in the past, we have definitely learned to have a sense of humor in regards to how my body has changed. My theme song right now is "Bringing Sexy Back"! If you could see how ridiculous I look at night by the time I am ready for bed, you'd see the humor in why I chose this theme song. Of course, I will be sparing you the details of my nightly regime. Let's just say that I have learned that my husband truly loves me for me and not for my appearance!!

Lesson 2: A Good Sense of Humor is a Must for a Successful Marriage:
I have mentioned before that I keep a pregnancy journal for Sydney that includes letters to Sydney in regards to my pregnancy, my hopes & dreams for her/us, my thoughts and emotions during pregnancy, and pictures. I am proud to say that I have done well at keeping up with this journal for her. Yesterday, I put in a picture of myself in my blue bikini at 39 weeks preggo (I thought she'd get a kick out of that when she gets older). As I was looking thru the book, I came across a belly shot from 20 something weeks and it looked so weird. Any ways, last night as we were getting ready for bed (before I started humming "Bringing Sexy Back") I got the book out to show Greg the new picture. I then showed him the weird belly shot I noticed from week 20 and pointed out how distorted my stomach looked. He got this puzzled look on his face and asked me, "Are you serious?" I said, "Yeah, it's weird isn't it?" He then told me to flip the book upside down. Another true testament that "pregnancy brain" does exist... my stomach looked so weird in the picture because I had pasted it into the book upside down!!!! It never occurred to me! Just imagine if you can how strange one of my belly shots would look upside down...remember, I only take a picture of my midsection. We laughed and laughed until both of us were crying our eyes out!! Neither of us could believe how naive I was.

Of course, I have learned so much more and in many ways have become a better person due to my pregnancy experience. I just thought I'd give you all a little laugh at my expense!

So, today is Aug. 8th, the day that Greg said I would go into labor. I have been very active today trying to help things along. The wait continues...

Shrek Foot

Greg and I had to run some errands yesterday so I was on my feet for awhile. I had on some white flip flops that by the end of the day barely fit because my right foot swelled up so bad! I tried to get a picture to show you the extent of the swelling but it was hard to really get a good one. The swelling went all the way up my calve. Greg rubbed it last night for me and it looks better this morning. Keep in mind, the left one is pretty swollen up also compared to what my feet looked like before pregnancy!

I had some contractions yesterday but nothing significant. Greg still thinks that Sydney will be coming on Wed. I am finally starting to get nervous and anxious about the whole labor and delivery and the fact that our lives are about to change FOREVER!!! People now approach me when I am out and about and say things like..."Wow, when are you due!" because my stomach is just sooo out there right now. I think people are afraid that I might go into labor in front of them!!

Late Night Cereal Date

During my 3rd or 4th visit to the bathroom last night, I ended up waking Greg due to the noise I made...usually he sleeps right through. I then could not fall back to sleep and neither could he. Plus, I was starving! So, we went downstairs at 2:30am and each had a bowl of cereal. I have to say that out of the 10-11 years we have been together, this is the first time we have had a 2:30am cereal date. I can't say it was that romantic but it was funny! Of course, then the dogs had to get up and see what we were doing. It was raining so they wouldn't go out their doggy door. Greg had to take them out back instead. Poor dogs, they were so confused...they thought they were getting fed too. Once they realized they weren't, they headed back up to bed and under the covers...they have such a "ruff" life!!

Every night this past week I have had this dream about going into labor. I then wake myself up to see if I am having contractions. It's driving me nuts!!

This is Funny...

So, I was sitting downstairs watching TV and I could hear Greg upstairs laughing. I just assumed he was on the phone with someone. He then came downstairs and told me what he was laughing at. He was organizing my belly pictures on the computer for me so they were all in one file and in order from the beginning to most recent. He was laughing at my beginning shots and how little my stomach was but how big I thought it looked at that time. We just had to share this with you all...

6 Weeks Pregnant...oooooh, just look at how big I was!!!!

39 Weeks Pregnant...

Now that's funny!!!

Week 39 Picture

Well, here is week 39...(Week 37 for comparision)

By the way, I am not standing here with my hands on my hips to be sexy or sassy...it's to hold my stomach up!!! It is very heavy and uncomfortable. In fact, when I sit down my tummy now rests on my thighs!! Lots of pressure today. I can't tell if she has dropped any yet or not. I really hope we go soon!

Still Waiting....

I kept having dreams last night that I was having contractions. I would then wake myself up and lay in bed to wait and see if I truly was having contractions or if I was just dreaming it. I'd soon realize that I wasn't having the contractions but that I did, of course, have to go to the bathroom, 5 times!!! I am still having contractions but they are very light and sporadic.

As I wrote yesterday, since I have increased my iron, I have much more energy. Yesterday, I did some light arm weights and squats and this morning we went for a walk. I will continue to work with my yoga ball and do squatting with the goal of gravitation doing it's thing and helping Sydney drop more into the birth canal. Obviously, I am not looking forward to labor but I am looking forward to meeting my little girl. I feel like everything in my life is on hold right now...which is driving me nuts!!!

No Will Power

I have been a BAD girl...yesterday I made a small pan of cheese cake brownies and they are already gone!!! Now, I can't take all of the credit because Greg had at least 4 of them last night, but I did polish them off early today because I was bored! I never would have thought of doing something like that a year ago! Although, a year ago, I never would have made the brownies to begin with:) I really need to have this baby soon and to be able to start working out again so my will power isn't so ridiculous!!

Tomorrow is Greg's birthday. We really don't have anything planned at his request. And, there is just not a lot to do when you are almost 39 weeks preggo and can barely move!! Needless to say, I will not be making a birthday cake because I would eat the whole damn thing!! Maybe a nice dinner out?

I think today I will do just a little exercise to get this baby moving and to help with my guilt for eating all of those brownies!!!

Doctor Followup

I went to the doctor this morning. Very frustrating!! had to see a different doctor whom didn't have a clue as to what happened on Monday. Once I filled him in, his facial expressions and his words led me to believe he disagreed with the doctors decisions from Monday. He didn't feel my platelets were so low that I needed to be seen again today already. He said the swelling in my foot is completely normal and that my stats are all normal. He did an exam and said that my cervix is softened. He said I lost 3 pounds but that is probably due to my water weight fluctuating day to day. All in all he said this seems to be a normal pregnancy and to just keep track of my contractions and to come back in a week. I did increase my iron by an additional 18mg a day which has really helped with my fatigue! However, with additional iron comes additional GI problems...so back to the good old stool softeners!!

I love my female doctor but she is in high demand due to her good reputation here in the valley; therefore, for last minute appointments I usually need to see other doctors in her practice. I am sure these other doctors are very competent and good at what they do but I just don't like the inconsistency. Oh well, it's almost over!!

So, rest, water, and foot elevation are what the doctor ordered for the next week.