Thankful for Baby B

11/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Today marks 3 months and we couldn't imagine life without you.  Your first Thanksgiving is just a few days away and we are beyond thankful to God and all the angels in Heaven that sent you to us. They certainly made the best match. I don't think this Mommy could be anymore in love, however, every time I say that...I fall further in love. You make everything so much better!

This month Mommy has had a lot of energy and is really feeling like her old self again. Although, she wishes she was exactly back to where she started before she was pregnant with you (7 more pounds to go, really isn't that bad for only 3 months, not breast feeding, having a c-section, and not really starting any diet plan yet...besides I think it all went to good places)! So, this month has been jam packed with exciting things. 

Here are some things that you have happened this month:

You have learned the art of mimicking. And like to copy facial expressions and noises people make. But, until today you yelled at yourself in the mirror (today you tried to touch yourself and smiled...finally, I was afraid you were going to be snobby to other babies). 

You had your first Halloween with two costumes, Alice from Alice in Wonderland (Amanda's sister Lauren made it for you) and Cinderella (Auntie Billi, Jerri, and Kylie got that one for you).  And you were the cutest little Alice and Cinderella (I am bias though). 

You went to tea with Glammy, Auntie Billi, and Mommy and wore your first tea hat (Also from Auntie Billi...she got you your second one too...we have to go to tea again soon!). 

You got your three month pictures taken with Daddy and GeeGee (who is now Grand-O) in their firefighting gear. And you also took some Vintage Christmas pictures. You still love the camera and are becoming a bigger ham everyday. 

In addition to Sofia the First you also love Henry Hugglemonster and love the song 'Jazz Claws' from one of the episodes. You love all music! You also enjoy Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and yell at the TV when they do something you don't agree with. 

You officially rolled over on November 21st from your belly to your back. But, you've been rolling over from your back to your belly since you were about a month old (the doctor says that's harder).  You don't really enjoy belly time so we keep working on getting you to enjoy it. You would rather be on your side. 

You love your wubba nub pink bear and sit in your swing or car seat and pet it. And I've caught you holding its hand, it's very sweet. 

You talk non stop and are very bossy (I think these traits you got from me). 

You love tutus and try to dance and play with them whenever I put one on you. 

You went to your first baby shower which was a Sip n See for a family friend. You enjoyed smiling at everyone and showing off. 

You like to exercise in your pack n play, we try not to laugh at your running too much.  

We have dance parties and you love them! 

And Daddy and I swear you say 'Hey' and 'Hello' when your fake cough doesn't get you the attention you want (but I'm sure your not). And we also swear you say your version of 'I Love You'. Glammy thinks we are crazy. But you do say 'uh, goo! For sure. :)

On a more serious note, we had our first trip to the ER which was scary and of course took place at 2 in the morning. Luckily it only took an hour from the time we decided to go to the hospital till we got home, the perks of being only two minutes away from the hospital. You have developed acid reflux and now have to take Zantac. Poor baby! It was very scary for Mommy and Daddy (who luckily was home). But of course when we got to the hospital we looked like the biggest hypochondriacs because Little Miss Personality had to show off and flirt with everyone. And did the same thing at your follow up appointment the next day even showing the doctor how you can roll over. Thankfully now we know what to do and have everything under control.  

So as you can see this has been one crazy, fun, and exciting month! I can't wait to see what adventures we will have next! Your first Christmas will be the highlight I'm sure! -XOX!

Growing Big & Strong: 2 Months Old

10/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Yet another month has passed us by and our sweet little baby is already two months old. The first month seemed to go by much slower, probably because Mommy was healing and feeling a little bit blue (70% of women experience the baby blues but don't talk about it! There is no reason why it should be kept secret-other than judgmental people judging, but we don't care about them), my blues were mild and faded once I healed 99% of the way at 4 weeks (I still have some aches and pains now and then).  But, now Mommy is feeling much better and getting back to normal (other than a sinus infection). The funny thing is all my problems during pregnancy (other than anemia) have gone away and all my previous problems that went away during pregnancy are back, such as, the sinus infection.  Oh well, nothing is slowing us down from learning and growing together! I love you so much.

This month a lot of little things have happened, Mommy got you your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Santa picture outfits, as well as, your Christmas Eve PJ's.  I'm so excited for the holidays with a little one around. Mommy & Daddy have been talking to Santa for you and your first Christmas is sure to be special.  Oh, Jingle Bella joined our family of three (and our fur-baby). Jingle Bella is an Elf and one of Santa's helpers. She will be here to watch you and make sure you stay on the nice list, but how could the world's easiest baby (you hardly ever cry anymore since we handled your colic) not be? 

Here is a few facts about you: 

You have an obsession with fans, so much so we have decided you will grow up to be an engineer or you invented them in a past life. 

Daddy was doing the laundry one night and I walked in holding you and I swear you said Dadda (10/8)! But you for sure say, 'a goo'.

You love to play tricks with your pacifier. You suck it in and out of your mouth so fast that sometimes it pops out and then you try your best to get it back. Sometimes you sound like you are saying, "Just wiggle it!" when you talk with it in your mouth (10/12).  Mommy and Daddy both have heard it several times, we don't know what that means. 

At 6 weeks old on the dot you started sleeping 6 hours a night (sometimes we get lucky and get 7-8). And you've slept in your own room a few times too. 

You have a 'Thumper' foot and it shows up when you are excited! 

One night while you and I were driving home you started singing to one of your favorite songs, Aw Naw. I couldn't believe my ears, as your cooing was on tune! But, it was true you love to sing in the car to Country music with Mommy.  

You love to read and we read every night. Some of your favorites this month have been; Good Night Goon, Vampirina Ballerina (your next years Halloween Costume), and Cinderella Skeleton. 

Every morning when it's time to get dressed for the day you help pick out your clothes. Mommy holds things up and you smile if you like it. You have the same taste as Mommy. And you love clothes! Good thing Daddy doesn't mind we like to shop. -Love to shop!

You love Sofia The First, you light up when you see her. So much so Mommy decided to do your first birthday as Sofia The First instead of Vintage Cinderella (that can wait till your second birthday!). I can't wait to go to Disneyland with you! You like a few other shows on Disney Junior and of course you still love QVC! 

Your best friend (besides Mommy of course) is your little stuff Cinderella. You have full conversations with her. It's very cute. So cute Glammy had to go buy you the other Princesses for your Trick or Treat bag, you will get those on Halloween. This year you are Cinderella and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. Yes, you have two costumes!

You also got some of your shots at your eight week check up, Glammy and GeeGee went with Mommy since Daddy had to work.  Glammy got teary eyed because she felt so bad for you.  She declared it shot day and you snuggled and watched Lifetime all day. And got a new toy! You were just a little fussy and needy for a few days. But, we love snuggle time with Brookie. And you are getting bigger, 11 pounds now (46% tile!). 

And here is a funny story for you, Mommy, Glammy and you were coming home from a shopping trip in Roseville and stopped to get a coffee, you started screaming while we were in the drive thru (like we have never heard)...we knew something had to be wrong...oh there was...your headband was covering your eyes! You didn't like that one bit! You had to be there (and you were) but we hadn't laughed that hard in a while. 

And here are a few facts Mommy learned this Month:

It's embarrassing  to be married to a firefighter and have to call the fire department so don't burn the popcorn in the microwave! Thank goodness Daddy was home! Now I know never to walk away while popping popcorn! The best part is, something similar happened with Glammy when Unkie was about your age (it involved a fire place though). 

But, the biggest lesson Mommy learned was Platex bottles with the linners are the best! Glammy said what Mommy was doing was too hard when we went out so we got all new bottles and going out is much easier, one bottle, a few extra caps and some formula. Easy as that!

We finally have a routine down, but we don't run on a schedule (Mommy refuses to have one of those!). On most days we are ready for whatever the day brings by 9:30 (Mommy dressed-full makeup and hair, You dressed and packed, bottles washed and sterilized, house picked up-if needed and Paisley fed). Other than having to feed you every 3.5 to 4 hours we go with the flow and that's what works best for this Mommy. 

I can't wait to see what the next month will bring! Life with Brookelynn is simply amazing! -XOX!

One Month Old Already!

Blog

9/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

It's been a couple weeks since I have wrote to you, but I have been having too much fun with you. Where has the time gone? Today you are one month old and you have already grown so much, however, you are still a little pip-squeak. At your two week check up you were in the 37% tile, for height you were in the 44% tile and your head measured in at 66%. Yet, those headbands are still too big for you! 

You are a smart little cookie, you have already rolled over several times from your back to your tummy and your tummy to your back. You also lift your head up on your own on a regular basis and you have been doing both of these since you were about two weeks old. The first time you lifted your head while on your tummy was at your doctors appointment. I think you were showing off your new skill. And at three weeks old you learned how to suck your thumb. And you are trying to talk and getting closer to it every day. 

After two weeks of the witching hour (horrific screams and long nights) and our visit to the doctors we switched you to soy formula and you are doing so much better (Mommy had to be on soy too and the doctor says it's genetic...by the way you have the same doctor as Mommy did).  However, now you have a problem pooping and poop solid little turds and now we are switching back to regular formula.  Now we wait and see if it gets better...I hope I don't have to give you 'butt medicine'...everyday you are more and more like me. But, I'll save that story for later. (Crossing my fingers you don't start screaming again and your colic is better!)

At three weeks old we had our first trip away from you to attend a wedding and even though it was just a few hours I missed you soo much.  You had a lot of fun and were spoiled by Glammy and GeeGee (Or Grumps...yet another new name). 

You love your swing that your Great Great Uncle Rick and Aunt Nina got you. It really is a life saver for Mommy and Daddy too. You also love your pink Wubbanub bear and like to snuggle with your Taggie zebra. Your other favorite thing is bath time, you love the water trickled down your face and you love to get your massage afterwards. You also enjoy shopping and girl nights with Mommy and Glammy and you like to be included while we talk.  And you love kisses from Paisley and she is soo proud of her 'baby' she walks so proudly behind the stroller. 

Daddy went back to work and it's been a little hard for Mommy sometimes, you don't like to let me sleep much with you gabbing late at night (I think you'll be promoted to your own room soon!) But, thanks to Glammy and GeeGee Mommy is able to relax. Glammy is a great teacher!-XOX!

Ps.  You have the worlds coolest GeeGee he will get pedicures with you, have tea parties and have a treasure drawer full of presents for you whenever you come over. 

Life With Brookelynn

9/8/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

Today, you are two weeks old. I'm pretty sure that if I wouldn't have been induced you still would be inside me. And though I enjoyed our 39 weeks and two days together, where it was just me and you; I'm so very happy that you are here in our world. Not just because I feel incredibly healthy after feeling sick for nine months but because I absolutely adore you.  And though the scent of heaven is slowly fading and the smell of stinky dippers and formula now feel the air at our home there is more love in our lives than ever before...even if I have to share you now and I am no longer the only person who can feed you and feel every little move you make, I will never be that close to you again but our hearts will always belong to each other. 

At two weeks old you already have a personality that emerges in between your sleep. And that cute, spunky little personality has  made it impossible not to give you nicknames already. Besides, Brooke, Brookie and Brookie-Lynn...and our Sweet Sleeping Beauty, we have Tudie (for Miss Attitude).  You are truly your Mother's daughter, not only are you an exact replica of me as a baby; my mini-me, your personality is very similar. You know what you want and you make it known (I  believe its a great personality trait to have, despite what others may think). Then there is Piglet, you just can not get enough food and you need to eat every couple of hours (another trait you got from me). You make the weirdest noises and grunts as you eat and you even hold your bib up so you don't get milk on your clothes. It really is the cutest thing 

And of course there is the expected nicknames, Princess, Pumpkin, Sweet Pea, and the little bean as GeeGee (or should we call him Gramps, Grand-Dad, Grandfather or Grandpa...It still changes daily) likes to refer to you. 

Then there is peanut, you gained a little weight since coming home, weighing in at 7 pounds but your still too small for all your clothes and headbands. You are still in newborn clothes. Mommy just can't wait to dress you up! And believe it or not it seems you have the fashion gene as well. You get excited to put on shoes and you light up when something regarding fashion is on TV (at least it seems that way). And after we took some newborn pictures of you, we quickly learned your a little diva. Most newborns sleep through their first pictures which is what I was hoping for (I wanted sleeping angel pictures) but no you had to pose and strut your stuff. You even showed off your Princess  wave.  

And as you did in the womb you have a love for music, specifically Blake Shelton. And of course you love your theme song, 'Hey Pretty Girl' sung by Kip Moore.  You also love to listen to the movie Pitch Perfect as you eat. Maybe it's bad that Mommy and Daddy already let you watch the TV (people can judge if they want to) but it works for us. 

Your growing so fast, you lost your umbilical cord stump and you are already attempting to roll over, you've done it twice (but, I'm sure it was a fluke). I know you can't stay this size forever but I wish you could stay in each phase just a little bit longer. 

Did I say I wanted you to stay in each phase just a little bit longer? Maybe I should say, you can get over your colic phase ASAP! 

Ever since you were one week old you've had colic and every night like clock work you scream at the top of your lungs and Mommy and Daddy feel helpless. But we have some new tools to use and the last two nights we actually got to sleep before 3 AM. We have the cold humidifier on, your bassinet is now next to my side of the bed (Daddy had to have you next to him the first week in a half because Mommy's incision made it hard for her to move quickly), we have a ultrasound doppler playing as white noise, we give you gas drops at your last three feedings for the night, and sometimes Mommy has to hold you for two hours before putting you down to sleep (by the way you can not spoil a newborn). We also have a bedtime routine where you get a bath and a massage. And Mommy and Daddy have a feeding schedule and make sure you stay up right for 20 minutes after each meal. I hope I didn't just jinx our luck. 

Life since you arrived has changed significantly but we wouldn't change it for the world! Life with Brookelynn certainly changed us for the better, at least I know I have a lot more patience and the little things don't seem to bug me as much...as long as the house stays picked up. Week 3 adventures here we come! -XOX! 

The Birth Story-Part 2:

Part 2:

It's now Sunday, August 25th at 12:05 AM and I'm needing yet another pump from my epidural. Now I am beginning to get nauseated. At 12:20 they gave me some Zofran and 12:25 I needed yet another pump from my epidural. At 12:55 my epidural is not working. They are beginning to think I have had it for too long and may need a new one inserted. At 1:00 I am checked again and I'm at a 5.  At 1:08 they give me Lidocaine. At 2:14 they provide more medication to my epidural and up the Pictocin to a level 10. By 2:30 my epidural needs to be upped again and more Lidocaine is given to me at 2:45. 

While I am experiencing the worst of my labor (throwing up and all) Rachelle is peacefully sleeping on the couch in the delivery suite. We are all shocked she hasn't been woken up. By this time Daddy's thumb has no feeling left from Mommy squeezing it. 

By now I'm pressing the epidural button every 15 minutes on the dot. At 3:15 they place an internal catheter to monitor the strength of my contractions. They have to do this to determine if my contractions are strong enough to create a change in my cervix. I'm still at a 5 and have been having enough contractions that something should have happened by now. At this time Rachelle wakes up just in time to release Glammy who has to run out of the room before she gets sick. 

At 3:46 they gave me D5LR which is a type of saline with sugar to give me energy and hydrate me more because they are hoping I'm going to be pushing soon. By this time I have thrown up six times. 

The doctor comes in to check me again and realizes you may be stuck in the birth canal. Your head is beginning to cone and when that happens so soon it usually means the babies head is too big, the pelvis is to small or the cervix cannot dialate beyond the point it's at. We now have to be monitored for a few hours to see what is happening and the Pictocin game begins. 

At 4:17 they up my Pictocin to increase contractions, they need to be measured at 200 for the cervix to dialate. They are reaching that level but with no change to the cervix. By this time, I know I'm going through this for nothing and I'm going to have a c-section. I've known all along. At 4:22 I begin pushing the epidural button again. And at 4:38 they give me more epidural medication because they are increasing the Pictoin again. At this time they flush the catheter as well. Let me tell you, back labor is a bitch!

At 4:51 they pump more fluids through me and I am pressing my epidural button religiously every 15 minutes. At 6:27 the doctor comes in and there is no change we decide its time for a C-section.  At 7:00 I was rolled into the operating room and that's when things went from bad to worse. 

They decided to take my epidural out since I had, had it for nearly 24 hours and it was no longer working (they even put spinal block medication through it at one point and it didn't do anything for me). They complete the spinal block which was not as bad as the epidural. And as soon as they layed me flat I mustered to say, 'I can't breath.'  They told me I was breathing but I had a high spinal and it makes you feel like you can't breath.  It was getting worse. I couldn't talk or breath. I was having a full on panic attack in my head and an out of body experience. They give me oxygen but its not helping. My lungs were paralyzed. I just know I'm going to die when my hearing goes out. The anesthesiologist asks me if I want to take a nap, I shake my head yes and that's the last thing I remember before I saw you.

Unfortunately because my c-section turned into an emergency  because of the high spinal neither Daddy or myself got to see you be born at 7:11AM. I remember coming to and beging able to breath more easily but my throat hurt from being intubated. I remember seeing you but not knowing where you came from. By 8:00 we are in the recovery area. Everyone says you are the most perfect baby they had ever seen.  Daddy even over heard them while we were in the operating room. One of the nurses said, 'you have to come see this baby, she is perfect.'  

In recovery they gave you a bath and Glammy, GeeGee, Unkie and Rachelle were able to come visit us.  And by 10:30 we were taken up to our official recovery room. We finally got to hear our lullaby. 

I'm so amazed at how much you look like me and Unkie when we were babies.  And I'm so ready for some real food. So when the nurse tells me I need to fart you can bet that's what I did. By 3:15 I was eating solid food. And at 4:13 Daddy was on diaper duty as you passed your first meconium.  You had three more of those surprises for him. 

The 25th was the happiest and scariest day of my life, I am so thankful everything turned out ok and we are both healthy and strong. 

The next day (8/26) they removed my catheter and when they told me they would have to insert it again if I didn't urinate so much in 6 hours I made sure I did, by 8:30 I had gone more than half of what they expected. I even took my first bowel movement which really impressed the nurses that day since most people don't go for a week after they go home.  But, I had an amazing surgeon, Dr. Moreno-Hunt and I didn't really even notice I had just had surgery other than the bandage around my lower stomach. I was lucky too, to only have internal stitches.  The only problems I have is some hearing loss from my high spinal. Hopefully it gets better over time and as the swelling in my body goes down. 

We got to go home on August 27th, just two days after you were born, Mommy is healing quickly and is so in love with you.  We did it, we made it through together. Uncle Scott was right, everything would be ok and you look just like the baby he showed me in my dream before you arrived in my belly. Welcome to the world Princess Brookelynn.  And proving there is a heaven. You are absolutely perfect all 6.14 pounds and 20.25 inches of you.  -XOX!

Ps.  This first week has been eventful I must say but Mommy and Daddy are getting the hang of it (slowly)..,and since Daddy has to help out so much, maybe you could let him sleep a little more. We love you to the moon and back again pretty girl!

The Birth Story-Part 1:

9/1/2013

Dear Brookelynn, 

Part 1:

You're finally here!  You were born on Sunday, August 25th at 7:11 AM at Kaiser, Roseville.  It's a day I will never forget, it was the happiest and most frightening day of my life.  But, before we discuss your arrival we must back track a couple days to tell the whole birth story. 

On Friday, August 23rd we arrived at the hospital at 5:45 AM for an appointment to be induced for the second time.  Mommy was much more nervous than the first time (and as you will see for good reasons).  When we arrived we were told they had, had a lot of emergencies overnight and needed to postpone my appointment for a couple hours.  The charge nurse suggested we go to breakfast and relax.  Relaxing was the furthest thing from my mind even though I had only gotten a few hours a sleep the night before (my nerves and you crazy movements were keeping me wide awake).  GeeGee, Glammy, Daddy, and Mommy went to Mel's to kill some time. We arrived back at the hospital around 8:45 and still had to wait until 10:30 to get to our birthing suite. We were the only appointment they kept for the day, even scheduled c-sections were rescheduled.  

By 10:50 AM I was getting my IVs. Then the let down came over the coarse of the last two weeks prior to our second attempt there was no change to my cervix.  This meant we had to start all over again.  At 11:30 I was given my first dose of Miso (a pill taken orally to help soften the cervix). So the waiting game began! 

At 1:30 PM I ate lunch a bagel and grapes.  And my nurse brought in a thick egg crate for my bed so I didn't have to be uncomfortable waiting for labor to begin. By, 4:30 it was time for the second round of Miso. Then, I got a craving for McDonalds at 7:45. Finally, at 10:15 it was time for a third round of Miso. 

That night I slept as much as possible.  Daddy, Glammy, and Rachelle (even on her birthday) kept me company in between. GeeGee stayed at the hospital but slept in the waiting room and in his truck. Unkie went home to sleep and take care of Paisley. 

It was Saturday, August 24th and it was time to see if the Miso was working. At 7:30 AM I was checked.  We cheered when they told us I was 40% effaced and 1 centimeter dialated! The nurse thought that was historical that we would be so excited about such a small milestone but it seemed huge to us. 

At 8:00 the doctor decided to give me an epidural for the procedures that were to come.  Only Daddy was allowed to stay with me when i got the epidural. It was not painful at all. It just put a little bit of pressure on my spine. It was a good thing I couldn't feel what was going on. At 9:15 a balloon catheter was inserted into my cervix to help dialate me further. The balloon would fall out when the cervix dialates to 4 or 5 so yet again a waiting game. At that time they also inserted a catheter in my bladder since my legs were numb and I couldn't get out of bed to use the bathroom.  I looked up at Daddy and said, 'Are they even doing anything?' I highly recommend the epidural and a good doctor (Dr. Garvey was the best)! 

The only down fall at this time was that I could only have clear liquids.  I then decided to make a list of everything I wanted to eat that you couldn't during pregnancy. 

The balloon was still firmly in place at 3:30 so they gave me a 4th dose of Miso at that time.  At 4:23 I wanted to smack your Dad as he sat there and sniffed a package of cookies before he ate them (he says he was checking for freshness, but it still pissed me off). We decided labor must be nearing because I was getting snappy. At 6:09 I had to push my epidural button for the first time to give myself a boost because contractions were becoming more noticeable and painful. 

By this time we are growing frustrated and every time they played the lullaby when a baby was born we would get mad, where was our baby?  Rachelle had resorted to calling babies little fucks. She was beyond frustrated and feeling sorry for Mommy.  It was discouraging to know all these women were coming in and popping out their babies and here I was on day two and there was no sign of you coming.  We are all getting delusional. 

Finally, at 7:20 it happened the Fully bulb that was inserted on my cervix came out! At 7:40 PM we began Pictocin at level 2. And by 8:19 I laughed about a joke we were going to play on GeeGee.  We were going to send a picture of my belly button to him in an email titled Brookelynn.  He has a phobia of pregnant belly buttons. As I was laughing I experienced a large gush and when Daddy and Rachelle looked we knew it was my water that had broken, my mucus plug was also there (guess I hadn't lost it as I thought before). But, my nurse at the time said it was discharge (she was wrong).  At 8:25 they increased my Pictocin to a 4.  And at 8:38 I snapped at Rachelle and she began jumping for joy because she knew you must be arriving soon. At 8:52 I pushed my epidural button for the second time. Finally, at 9:14 they increased my Pictocin to a 6. By this time, I can determine I'm going to have a contraction because every time one is about to start I have a silent little fart. We are all laughing at the observation I've made. 

At 9:25 the doctor comes in to check me again and I am dialated to a 4. The doctor also confirmed that we were right my water had broken. By 9:42 I needed a third pump from my epidural button. And at 9:58 they increase my Pictocin to a level 8. My pain is increasing and at 10:07 I'm needing another pump from my epidural button and again at 10:22 and 10:44. The pain was becoming worse by the minute. At 11:00 the nurse calls the anesthesiologist to give me higher meds in my epidural because I shouldn't be experiencing so much pain at this point. I'm beginning to get worried. 

Week 38 + 6 Days: (Week 39-Is This Finally It?)

8/22/2013

Dear Brookelynn, 

This week you are about 7.25 pounds and 20 inches long, the size of a mini watermelon! Although the doctor said you are about 7.1 pounds but it could go a pound in either direction at this time. You are ready for the outside world.  You are continuing to develop a layer of fat and loosing the vernix and lanugo that protected you in the womb, it was interesting to see that shedding in the ultrasound. My placentas are still hard at work providing you with antibodies at this time. We are ready for you to meet us!

This week has been long as we anticipate your grand entrance, we are hoping we don't have a repeat as we did before. My beautiful tan has faded from the medicine they gave me to induce labor now but I have been graced with awful headaches and nausea.  In addition, I have been having consistent cramps since Saturday night (almost a week). It's been a rough week but I keep thinking about your chunky cheeks and how happy I will be once you are in my arms.  I just can't wait! 

We will be arriving at Kaiser, Roseville at 6:15 AM to begin round two of induction. I have been hard at work making sure my cervix is ready for round two!  I have been doing squats, walking around a little, eating pineapple pizza and spicy food.  I have been having more contractions but nothing too serious. I just am hoping for 2 cm! So we can start the pictocin! Fingers and toes crossed! 

Hopefully, the next letter I write to you will be about your birthday! (Auntie Rachelle will be so happy if you arrive on the 23rd so you can share birthdays!). -XOX!

Week 38-A Failed Induction

8/16/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

At 38 weeks you are about 6.8 pounds and 19.75 inches long the size of a leek! This week has been the most eventful yet...

Every last detail was ready for your arrival, the floors were mopped, the sheets were washed, the yards were clean, Paisley was sent to GeeGee & Glammy's house, and I was mentally prepared, however, I wasn't prepared to not have you due to a failed induction.  I was so confident that I was already experiencing early labor signs before our planned trip to the hospital. We went to the hospital in Roseville on Saturday (August 10th) at 6:00 PM and by 8:00 PM I was started on an oral medication to help ripen my unfavorable cervix. By this time I was so confident since my pelvic exam went so smoothly (with a male doctor even, a first for me) I just knew with the help of my hypnosis and meditation practice you would be here within 24 hours as the doctor had hoped.  

The nurse suggested that everyone go home to get rest. Your Daddy stayed with me and was pretty miserable, I told him to suck it up since I have been miserable for nine months!  And he did. Glammy was unsure if she should leave me but I wanted everyone to get a good nights rest since nothing exiting was going to happen that night. 

By Midnight when it was time for my second dose of medication I was having consistent contractions (12 per hour), though they were not painful and I only really knew I was having them because of my continuous monitoring. 

My night doctor came in and gave me benedryl through my IV to help me go to sleep it took effect immediately but of course I was uncomfortable with contractions every three minutes, a hard bed, and with nurses checking on me every 30 minutes so I didn't sleep.

It was finally morning and I had to get a blood test, I was extremely nauseated so they gave me Zofran through my IV, I instantly felt better.  At 7:00 AM the nurse gave me my third dose of medication since my contractions were finally slowing down and then that's when things changed...nothing was happening.  

GeeGee, Glammy, Unkie, and Rachelle all came back to the hospital anticipating you would be arriving later that day (the 11th) or early the next morning (the 12th). Glammy & Rachelle decided they better go get lunch (Unkie went along ) and they went to the cupcake shop to get your birthday celebration items leaving me with GeeGee and your Daddy. 

At 2:30 PM a resident came in to check my cervix and that's when I knew the induction wasn't working! The exam was the most painful experience of my life, you had moved and were so far up in my abdomen that the doctor couldn't even feel my cervix, it burned so bad I just wanted to scream but I held it together as best as I could. She said I hadn't dialated at all and my cervix at best had only effaced to 50%. 

Glammy and Rachelle returned and I immediately started crying because I thought it was my fault that the exam didn't go as well as the first.  They said they weren't going to leave me again and would be there for me for the next exam. 

At 4:00 PM my nurse from the night before was back and I told her about my experience and she said that she was going to find the best doctor around when my next exam was needed or she would do it herself because she too knew how well I did with the first exam. She gave me another dose of medication. 

I took a shower, Rachelle gave me an up-do and a foot massage, and I ate a sandwich from Panera.

Around 9:30 PM my nurse asked if I was ready to be necked again although nothing was happening and I was very discouraged. I was scared from the second exam but agreed. And she was right, she found a great doctor (Dr. Hernried) who was able to explain to me that the pain I was feeling was not from my anxiety but because of your position inside me. She checked me and with Glammy and Rachelle I was able to get through it much better even though it still hurt. Your Daddy had to leave the room this time because he felt so bad for the pain I experienced earlier. That's when we had to make the decision to call the induction a failure.  I had been given the maximum dose of medication to ripen the cervix before Pictocin would be given and nothing had changed.  If I choose to continue it would be up to 6 days of unnecessary pain and would end in a c-section. I decided to go home to be comfortable and your Daddy agreed.  We had an ultrasound and got to see you which was very reassuring. 

The good news was after being monitored for two days we learned my preeclampsia was well managed and reduced to a standing of mild. You were also perfect and not even phased by the contractions I had, had. You just were not ready to come out. We made it home and were in bed by early Monday morning around 2:30 AM. 

On Tuesday we went back and saw the specialist in Roseville (The first doctor to check me, Dr. Mentakis...he is a miracle worker in my opinion). My NST showed I was still having consistent contractions.  Dr. Mentokis then checked my cervix via ultrasound and said it was still not dialated and was effacing on its own now...but we were finally told why the medicine didn't work.  As if Mommy didn't have enough problems, my cervix is apparently thicker (much thicker) than average.  On Tuesday it was finally effaced to what the average women starts with. He checked my fluids which are more than enough and then he measured you and found you are in the 78% growth range...now I'm scared to death you may be too big to come out...but we will see at our next appointment on Monday. 

Finally, I had another NST today and there are no contractions. So at this point I am not sure where we stand. I hope there is some improvement before our next attempt but I guess we will learn next week as our adventure continues! 

Dr. Mentokis says with a good epidural I'll be fine and we are going to attempt a vaginal delivery one more time, but at least this time I won't have to do the walk of shame since if it fails I will have a c-section. At least I can leave with more than an arm full of bruises.  In all seriousness though it was a blessing you got to stay in a little bit longer so you were not considered a late preemie. The right time will be here soon-XOX!

Week 37-Full Term: The Nest is Ready!

8/9/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

I can't believe we are here, we made it to full term!  I think we make an excellent team.  Being full term means all of your organs are fully developed and prepared for the world outside Mommy's tummy!  At 37 weeks you are the size of a Swiss chard, weighing 6.3 pounds and 19.25 inches long. This week the specialist measured you and you were measuring exactly to your due date and weighed 6.1 pounds, so you are perfect. We also discussed having you early, so we are scheduled to be induced on Saturday evening at 5:15. I'm a little nervous about the unknown, but I know we have the best medical team and an amazing support system to help us through, we are tough girls! And Mommy has her secret weapon, hypnosis.  

It's a good thing they decided to induce us early because I don't think it would be much longer before you arrived on your own. I have many of the pre labor signals.  An increase in vaginal discharge-Check,  'engagement' or the sensation of the baby dropping-Check,  Braxton Hicks (and major cramping)-Check,  slight weight loss (down 1.5 pounds)-Check,  Dull lower back pain-Check,  Frequent bowel movements-Check,  Building pressure and cramping in the pelvic/rectal area-Semi Check,  A feeling of restlessness-Double Check, and the last sign of approaching labor will have to be discovered at the hospital, softening, thinning, or dilation of the cervix...although my guess is that it is effaced and dilated at least to some degree considering my cervical contractions and loss of the mucus plug.  

Everything is ready for you to arrive!  Our little 'nest' is all prepared!  I can't wait to write about your birthday and the events leading up to it! -XOX! 

Week 36-The Stork is on its Way!

8/2/2013

Dear Brookelynn, 

We have made it to 36 weeks, you are the size of a Crenshaw melon about 18.75 inches long, weighing about 5.75 pounds.  On Monday we will get a more accurate measurement via ultrasound. You are all developed and Daddy and I got to see your lungs.  The specialist was very happy when he looked at you and said, "Thank you, Baby!" because your lungs were our last concern for development but they are perfect! By the end of this week you will be considered full term...and you may make your grand entrance into the world since Mommy has begun to develop another high risk condition, we will also find this out on Monday as well. 

Your due to arrive on August 30th, but the specialist scheduled for us to be induced on August 23rd because he doesn't feel going to term is necessary given Mommy's placenta issues.  However, Mommy has what's called pre-preeclampsia.  My blood pressure goes from high to low, I'm extremely dizzy, my nausea is increasing again (I even threw up), I have persistent headaches (and since I'm allergic to Tylenol, it's pretty miserable), my hands and feet are becoming more swollen each day, as well as my face now, and I have shortness of breath every night. These are all signs preeclampsia but to confirm my diagnosis Mommy had to collect her urine for a full 24 hours to be tested for protein.  The test results show that I'm developing preeclampsia. Unfortunately the only cure for this is to deliver the placenta or in my case the placentas. This means you are getting evicted!  The specialist believes we should move the induction up before things get worse and we will finalize our game plan on Monday when we see him! I'm all for delivering next week before things get any worse, I hate to say this but I need my body back so it can repair itself.  

Speaking of repairing my body, Daddy bought me a very fancy Pilates Machine.  I can't wait to use it and get back into shape. It's my pre-push present, since Mommy's fingers are like little sausages I have to wait for a little while before I can get my real push present! 

Oh, the good news is I at least don't have to have a round of penicillin while delivering since the Strep B tests came back negative.  Mommy officially doesn't have two pregnancy issues now.  

In addition to the development of preeclampsia this week, I have officially lost two chunks of my mucus plug, it's not as gross as everyone says, but the good news about that is my body is already preparing for labor on its own which will make induction a little bit easier. I have started to have contractions as well, nothing too horrible but I can feel things changing which is also great news. And you have significantly dropped which means you are ready to meet us too! 

So, in preparation of your birthday Daddy also set up an appointment for Mommy to be hypnotized!  I truly hope it helps me to relax and keep my muscles from tensing up so the process of bringing you to your birthday is as easy as cutting your birthday cake, which Glammy is in charge of bringing to the hospital!  The hypnotist specializes in fear and anxiety so I believe it's worth a try! I go tomorrow in the early afternoon...it's also your Unkie's birthday tomorrow and he can't wait to meet you...but I'm ok waiting till next Friday! So don't try to surprise us! 

Here's to Monday and finding out are new game plan!  Hopefully, the next time I write to you, you will be in my arms staring up at me with your bright big eyes! I can't wait! -XOX! 

Week 35

7/25/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are the size of a honeydew melon 18 inches and 5.25 pounds. We are almost full term, only two more weeks to go!  The best news is that today marks a huge milestone in your development, at this point all of your major organs are complete.  There is no need for medical intervention if you decided to join us early, the doctors wouldn't try to stop you, but with that said you can hang out for another two weeks, but I won't complain if you decide to come before we reach the 39th week mark...I'm not really looking forward to being induced, but...if we have to we will get through it just like we do everything else, but hey at least the doctor doesn't want me to go all the way to 40 weeks! 

A big event in the news occurred this week your future husband was born, he's a little Prince. Prince George Alexander Louis was born in England to Prince William and Kate Middleton.  I'm sure you will find your very own Prince one day but it is kind of special that you are born in the same year as the first Royal baby for the family. 

As for Mommy I'm pretty sleepy these days, I continue to go to the doctor twice a week and have had some funny experiences.  I may have lost a small part of my mucus plug this week as well but I'm not quite sure. I do know that I'm having more contractions according to my non stress test but I continue to only feel them in my cervix, the nurse said that's good because it will make induction easier if my cervix is dilated. Fingers crossed! And my belly has dropped a little. 

The funniest story for the week was when I was icing my hoha because it was swollen (one of the many joys of pregnancy) and when I got up to go to the bathroom my pants were soaked! As well as my underwear. I was pretty sure that my water did not break because my panty liner was not wet on top. And my pants were hard where it was wet from the starch of the corn. Ha, ha! But Glammy, Unkie, and Mommy had a good laugh. GeeGee and Unkie were concerned still so they investigated the bag of corn I was using and it did have a hole in it!  I don't think I have ever seen your Unkie laugh so hard before. 

In other news I went shopping again and got you, your 6 month picture outfits!  I couldn't resist! -XOX! Here's to a few more weeks before we get to meet you! 

Week 34

7/19/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are 17.75 inches long and the size of an average cantaloupe, weighing in at about 4.75!  You sure are getting big!  The waxy protective coating called vernix is getting thicker now.  Your lungs are continuing to develop to prepare you to breath outside the womb. 

As for Mommy, I'm exhausted but I keep moving...every night I have to wrap my feet, put my stomach band on, wrist band (due to my new symptom...loss of feeling and tingling in my right hand. The doctor says its normal...I have just about every normal pregnancy problem and they keep multiplying), and I have to ice my hoha, feet, and hand! Every inch of my body is swollen and the doctor says I could easily have 10-15 pounds of water retention! 

This week we had two doctors visits and NSTs. Everything still looks good but you are quite the mover.  You only cooperated the entire time when Glammy went. It was interesting to see the small contractions happening in my uterus but Mommy doesn't feel them yet. The nurse said its quite possible that I won't and I will only have cervical contractions (those I feel, but they don't hurt...they just shock me), however, I don't think Mommy will be that lucky considering everything else we have gone through.  Pregnancy just isn't for Mommy, but that's ok we can still have a little brother named Blake he just might not come to us the same way you did, but we will love him just the same! 

It's crazy to think we are only 3 weeks away from full term! Fingers and toes crossed we make it to 35 weeks so your lungs can finish developing! -XOX! 

Week 33

7/12/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

You are getting bigger by the week and we are getting closer to your birthday everyday.  I'm getting more excited for that day to come but I'm also a little afraid, because we don't know exactly what will happen.  And as you know Mommy is a planner and likes to know what to expect before things happen.  But, that's ok, we will get through it just like we have everything else so far. I truly believe it will be a fairy tale ending to this long and scary baby bump story and it will mark the beginning of our next chapter together...Life with Brookelynn! 

At 33 weeks you should be the size of a pineapple, 17 inches and 4.25 pounds, however, my sweet chunky monkey you are still measuring one week larger which is amazing considering our complications!  So, since you are measuring 34 weeks in size you are the size of an average cantaloupe, 17.75 inches and 4.75 pounds.  But, we will stick to our schedule for now since things can change as we are continued to be watched.  The doctors say you will continue to gain half a pound a week from now until birth if things continue as they are. Your skeleton is also hardening with the exception of your skull, which will not fuse together completely but will overlap to allow you to grow all the way until,early adulthood. 

As for Mommy, the nurses say I'm really tiny but as you grow so will Mommy's weight. I will gain about a pound a week...it's hard to lug around this extra weight for me since I'm not used to it, but I did get a belly band that seems to be helping my muscles a lot!

This week has been entertaining and full of appointments.  Mommy and Daddy took an 8 hour Lamaze, labor and delivery class which was very long, boring, and not very helpful! We tried to make the best of it.  We learned one breathing technique that will work for me if I have to use one, its kind of a game that can be used as distraction. We also learned there are only two birthing positions that can be used with an epidural and once it is inserted you can't have food. Basically, the class focused on natural birth and breast feeding which just isn't Mommy's thing. 

I have been pretty tired this week and my eyes are becoming puffy which is also a normal pregnancy symptom.  I think I just about have or have had all of them. We met with our regularly gynecologist and she said everything looks great and we also had an ultrasound this week, you are so cute.  Even the technician said.  I think you look just like Unkie Jessie when he was a baby.  The specialist said everything looks great but that we will still keep up with our two to three appointments per week. 

After all those appointments I had my first Non Stress Test (NST). Well, you cooperated for five minutes before you went MIA.  Then they tried to find you again but couldn't. So they called a more experienced nurse in who said that I was too small for the straps and they had to cut them (I liked hearing that!). Well, they found you after a while but you only cooperated for another ten minutes.  The nurses then tried to talk to you, I told them that wouldn't work because you stop moving whenever you know anyone other than me is touching my belly. I have to snap my fingers to signal anyone to feel you move to out smart you.  Then they put a vibrating paddle on my belly and that pissed you off royally!  You threw a fit! The doctor luckily didn't make me wait another 20 minutes! And the best part is we get to do this twice a week until you arrive, it should be interesting! 

Well, 49 more days or less until your grand entrance into the world! -XOX! 

Week 32

7/5/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week has been a little bit more eventful than last.  We have a lot to share with you, nothing to exciting, but we are defiantly getting closer to meeting you...I just can't wait! 

You are now about the size of a large jicama (16.7 inches and 3.75 pounds).  You are really starting to plump up, although you already had a lot of baby fat...but there is nothing as cute as a chunky monkey baby.  The thin lanugo hair that formed earlier in your development has started to shed now, as well. Your hair and skin will begin to become soft, I just love the smell of new babies, nothing comes close to it except for maybe puppies.  

This week I sanitized everything for you, it only took three hours and was quite the job.  It was nice to get that off the to do list.  Glammy and I made 20 custom burp rags for you too. They turned out pretty good for our first time. Mommy had to take a break because my ankles became really swollen, that has been a problem lately. It doesn't help that we have been having a heat wave and temperatures are as high as 109. Ugh!

Your Daddy and I attempted to set up your sleep monitor and video monitor in your nursery but that ended with a return!  There were too many cords.  So $300 more later we got something we liked much better for your room.  We got a wireless video monitor and a sleep monitor that is much more high tech and more efficient.  It's going to give Mommy more peace of mind and now I don't have to figure out how to conceal all the wires.

Daddy and I also went on our hospital tour in Roseville.  It was very informative, we learned a lot and what to expect when your birthday arrives!  Next week should be a busy one as well, we have a check up with Dr. Claus, a non stress test, and an ultrasound with the specialist.  Tomorrow should be entertaining as well we have an 8 hour child birth class in Roseville! Wish us luck! -XOX!

Week 31

6/28/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are the size of four naval oranges (16.25 inches and about 3.3 pounds), I remember when you were just the size of one orange.  You are growing more and more and it continues to amaze me. This week you will gain more weight as your baby fat begins to fill in. Your irises can dilate and respond to changes in light, as well. 

This week we have continued preparing for your arrival, but Mommy has had some sick days this week with tiredness and severe nausea, but we are almost there! I can't wait for your arrival.  -XOX!

Week 30

6/21/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week we have reached a huge milestone, 30 weeks! Only 10 more to go before we get to meet you.

You are the size of a cabbage (15.7 inches and about 2.75 pounds). However, at our ultrasound this week with the specialist you were a little chunkier than that and are measuring about one week bigger, which is very good given the condition if Mommy's placenta. You are quite the little lady, every time we see you, you have your chunky little legs crossed at the ankles. We also found out that you are head down, which was a huge relief to me since I thought you weren't.  Besides, my almost passing out at the ultrasound appointment from laying down too long the appointment went well. I liked this specialist a lot and appreciated him finally providing us a game plan.  He told us that his goal is to get us as close to your due date as possible, but we will have to start being monitored twice a week along with all my other appointments, so I will pretty much be living at the hospital over these final weeks.  It's a good thing I'm so organized and have everything done and ready for you.  At these appointments they will make sure you continue to grow and that both you and I are doing ok.  If they see any concerns they will send us to the hospital and I labor will be induced. We are at an increase risk for a c-section so that is still a possibility, and that's ok...we will do whatever the doctors tell us to.  Either way it will be ok and we will all get through it together.  The good news is we know for sure that we won't go pass your due date so we will for sure be meeting you on or before August 30th.  

This week we also had our second 3D/4D ultrasound.  You are beyond cute in my opinion.  You have my cheeks, a cross between mine and Unkie's nose and we think your Daddy's lips. And we may have spotted some dimples when you were smiling.  You seem to be a very happy little baby in there. And when you were all done being photogenic you put your hand in front of your face and wouldn't move it at all!  You already have attitude (another trait you gained from me).  

This week Mommy has had some more rough days, nausea, throwing up a couple mornings, and I am beyond tired.  You are like a little vampire sucking my energy.  But, luckily your Daddy has been on vacation this week and getting all the deep cleaning done before you decide to arrive.  He also built, your pack n play, high hair, swing, bouncer, and is working on setting up the video monitor in your room. 

This week we also learned that salsa makes you crazy and we had to play the disney love song soundtrack again to calm you down!  And Mommy has had a major sweet tooth thanks to you, it's consisted of some things I love like Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream and some things I don't really care for like sour patch kids and almond joys! Oh well, we are still within our recommended calories per day and haven't gained more weight than necessary. But, I do have to say once you come out and before Mommy's diet starts I am going to eat all the foods I wasn't allowed to eat or stayed away from! 

I can't wait to see what week 31 brings! -XOX! 

Week 29

6/14/2013

Dear Brookelynn,

This week you are 29 weeks! You are 15.25 inches long and weigh 2.5 pounds, the size of a butternut squash. You are going through a major growth spurt. 

And what a week...we have been super busy preparing for your delivery this week.  We have been to all four hospitals where we could have you this week; Kaiser: Roseville, Walnut Creek, and Vallejo, and North Bay in Fairfield (that one is if there is a major emergency and can't make it to any of the Kaiser Hospitals).  We trimmed how long it takes to get to each and found out exactly where we go once we arrive. Glammy and I also finished getting all the items for my hospital bag ready so we are officially ready for go time.  

This week I had a doctor appointment with my regular doctor, she said you seem to be doing great at this point, however, given the condition of my placenta she is surprised at just how well you are developing and how well I am doing.  But, now we will start to be monitored every two weeks after our next appointment where we will do a non stress test. She also told us your birth my not go as planned and to keep an open mind so we our not disappointed with the experience.  There is a possibility that I have to go to the hospital immediately from an appointment if there are any signs of danger. 

At my appointment I also received a tetanus booster shot with whooping cough to give you some of those antibodies. It really knocked me out.  Within a couple hours after receiving it I was exhausted and nauseated the next day. Once it got through my system I was ok, but I wasn't expecting to have any side effects since I hadn't in the past. Other than swollen feet and ankles I'm doing much better. 

I also asked the doctor why my muscles are getting so sore by the end of the day, she said that a chemical called relaxin is being produced to help my muscles to relax during labor which in turn causes the soreness. Some days are worse than others.  

This week I also took my CPR class, so I am now certified to preform CPR on an adult, child, or infant and I can also use an AED. It provides peace of mind for me that I am taking every precaution I can to make sure you are ok. The video monitor we got for your nursery has a pad that goes under your mattress to help make sure you are breathing, etc. we also got a travel monitor that is placed on your diaper to monitor the same thing.  And of course we are saving your cord blood and tissue. Just having the peace of mind that we have done everything we can is worth every penny we have spent! 

Your Dad has been held in at work all week, this is the second time this month that he has been gone for over a week.  That is something you will have to learn, but we have each other and Paisley and of course; GeeGee, Glammy, and Unkie are near by.  Next week he is on vacation so he will be busy putting all of your electronics together. That is something Mommy is not very good with, but I'll learn. 

Next week will be an eventful week, as well.  We meet with another Pernitologist and have an ultrasound to see how you are doing and to discuss our game plan more in detail.  I still feel strongly that a c section is the right thing to do, but of course I have to take into consideration what the doctors say.  And no, I'm not 'too posh to push' and I'm not afraid of labor pains I just strongly believe that given the condition and problem with the placenta it's the safest and right decision for both of us.  We also have our next 3D/4D ultrasound and a small maternity shoot at their studio. I can't wait to see what you look like now that you are more developed. I already know you will be adorable! -XOX!