The Big Day - Welcome Olivia!

So it's been a while since my last post.  The last couple of months of pregnancy was extremely tiring for me and I was trying to clear up my assignments in the office before my maternity leave.

Well here we are finally!  Olivia was born at 41 weeks on May 8th, 2011. Yep, right on Mother's Day.  I had to work hard for my gift!  Since then, it's been 3 weeks of intense sleep deprivation and baby care for me and Rick.  I hope I remember the details as I log this live-changing event!

Friday, May 6, 2011: Clueless

When my May 2nd due date came and went, I started wondering if the baby was ever going to come out on her own.  The doctor measured me at 1cm dilated for a month which basically means that nothing is happening.  Baby Olivia was quite comfortable in my belly!  My induction was scheduled for May 10th so I was doing everything I could to initiate labor.  I walked the dogs twice a day for half an hour each time, I did chores around the house, I worked until a week before my predicted due date but nothing was happening. 

Finally on Friday morning, my mucus plug came out when I went to the bathroom.  I shouted this to Rick and he busted into the bathroom while I was still sitting on the toilet and asked if he can see.  Since he'd be in the delivery room for the birth of his child, I figure this would be a nice little warm up for him.  He snapped some pics (ewww!  I won't post) and was so giddy that I was showing the early signs of labor.  I was a bit giddy too but I still didn't feel anything out of the ordinary.  As the day progressed I felt what I thought was more of the mucus coming out and didn't think anything of it. 

Saturday, May 7th - Suspicions

I woke up Saturday and as I stood up from bed, I felt more fluid coming out but it wasn't enough to cause me any alarm or signal to me that I was in labor.  I thought again that it was just more mucus draining from the lost of the mucus plug.  However just to be sure, I called my doctor asking her if I should worry that my water has broken.  She told me to test it out by wearing a pad and to lie down for 30 minutes.  If I soak the whole pad in an hour after getting up, then I needed to go to the hospital.  If not, then I shouldn't worry and it was probably just regular pregnancy discharge.  I did the test and I did not soak the pad.  It felt like heavier discharge than usual so I didn't think anything of it.  Off to lunch with the mother in law!

By the time Rick and I were having lunch with his mom, I started to feel an achey sensation in my lower abdominal region.  I kept whispering to Rick that I felt like I was about to have a bout of diarrhea real soon and we should cut the lunch short.  He asked if I was having contractions but I told him I didn't think so because it just felt like I was having a stomach ache and needed to use the bathroom.  His mom said if I were having contractions, I wouldn't be able to eat but I was stuffing my face with shrimp pad thai so in my mind, no contractions!  After lunch, I felt a little more achey and I wasn't having success in the bathroom so I texted a few moms out there to see what their experiences were.  This made me finally suspect that I was in the early stages of labor.  By early evening, the cramps were much more consistent although I wasn't doubled over in pain.  Also the "discharge" I was experiencing since the day before had gotten heavier.  I called the doctor again and she told me to pack my bag and stop by the hospital to test the fluid. If it's amniotic fluid, then I would be induced to get the baby out right away. Rick and I took our time having dinner, showering, and packing last minute items.  We made it to the hospital by 9pm and the fluid tested positive as amniotic fluid.

Sunday, May 8th - Labor & Delivery

I have never ever been admitted to a hospital before and I've been so fearful of the whole labor and delivery process.  I was a nervous mess knowing that the baby was coming out one way or another!  Since labor had already started naturally for me, Rick and I were hoping that I wouldn't need to be induced but the doctor checked the cervix again and it was still at 1 cm!  Because my water had broken for quite some time now, they needed to speed up my labor.  At 11pm on Saturday, Rick and I were set up in the birthing room and at 1am on Sunday, the pitocin was dripped into my IV.  The nurse said if I started to get uncomfortable, she'll get me an epidural.  My contractions were definitely getting stronger but not unbearable.  I remember telling Rick that it wasn't as bad as I thought.  By 2:30pm, I was barely able to talk but because I was so afraid that getting an epidural too early would increase the chances of a c-section, I gripped the bedrails and dealt with the pain.  Rick was so supportive and did the breathing exercises with me until he told me he wanted to pass out from doing them.  I told him to stop but 2 minutes later yelled at him to breathe with me.  By 3:30am, I was begging for an epidural.  My contractions were long and extremely close together so I felt like I wasn't getting any break from them.  I was screaming in pain and sweat through my hospital gown.  The nurse came by, looked at me, and commented, "You seem to be getting more uncomfortable now."  Uncomfortable?  I guess that's the term they like to use instead of "messed up" or "extreme pain" or "tortured".  She told us that the anesthesiologist got pulled into the operating room to set up a c-section so it would be about half an hour before they could stop by.  I felt so helpless then and wanted anything to get rid of the pain but there was nothing so I screamed and screamed while waiting for my epidural.  Rick was so annoyingly calm then seeing me in pain but what could he have done? 

The anesthesiologist showed up at 4am and it was like the door opened, light shined through and he floated towards me with angel wings.  Hallelujah!  After the epi, which was another painful fiasco on top of the existing pain, I felt the contractions slowly diminish and fell asleep until 8am when the doctor came in with a nurse and greeted us with, "Good morning!  Are we ready to push?"  I actually felt a bit sad that this experience is coming to an end - the entire pregnancy has finally arrived at the big finale but we were ready to meet Olivia. 

The doctor told us that there is a 3 hour pushing limit before I will need to be reevaluated and have to get a c-section.  Rick and I looked at each other and I reassured him that I would pop her out within those 3 hours.  I did not want to be cut open after all this!  It took longer than I thought.  Good thing I slept some or I wouldn't have the energy to keep up with the pushing!  The process was, curl up in sit-up position and push 10 times with all your might, take a breath, and repeat for a full 3 sets (yet I still have a post pregnancy belly after all those sit-ups).  I did this with Rick helping me into sit-up position for 2 half hours.  I kept looking at the clock thinking time's almost up!  Olivia finally made her appearance at 11:20am on Mother's Day.  I cried when I heard her cry and we bonded immediately when she was placed on top of my chest.  It was the best gift ever and she is just perfect.  Rick and I were such proud parents that day!

Tights Rolling Down on 5th

Today Rick and I attended our dear friends Sarah and Kingston's baby daughter's Baptism.  Since it was held in the Taj Mahal of Catholic churches - Saint Patrick's Cathedral, I decided to wear one of my two maternity dresses and stuff my swelling legs into some tights to complete the outfit.  Since I've stuck to my uniform of black pants and leggings this last trimester, I didn't realize that I outgrew my maternity tights.  The entire hose was too tight and it was really a mission putting them on with a basketball getting in the way of the task.  The worse part was that the elastic waistband could've given me an instant C-section had I not quickly taken a pair of scissors to it.  Having done enough DIY tailoring for various articles of clothing for dance, I figured this would work.  I figured that the tights were so darn tight they will not fall off even without the elastic waistband. 

All was well until Rick and I got to the train and I felt this rolling sensation under my dress.  Luckily with my long coat for cover, I was able to reach in to yank it up... again and again.  The efforts were futile as the tights acted like they were in quicksand - a slow but definite descent causing me panic.  How embarrassing would it be to have your tights rolled down to your knees for all to see??  Yes my coat was long but it wasn't that long.  We finally got to our 5th avenue station and made it to street level with me gripping my waistband and my coat flapping open.  The usher at Saint Patrick's Cathedral was nice enough to show me to the bathroom so I could adjust myself for the Baptism ceremony. 

The point of this post is that today, I discovered the most comfortable pair of maternity hose ever!  I went to Saks after the ceremony to get a new pair and was introduced to Mama Spanx.  These pantyhose come with support for the belly and thighs in a wide almost seamless elastic that contours the belly.  This is very unlike the maternity tights I got where the elastic sits above your belly but creates a muffin top right by the bra line.  Yuck. That's why I usually wear them underneath the belly but then the elastic cuts into me.  The Mama Spanx is on the pricey side for pantyhose.  If I weren't so desperate, I never would've brought them to try them out but I don't regret owning the pair!  At $28, the belly support really does the job and it's super comfortable.  I don't feel restricted at all.  The leg of the hose is sheer but strong enough where it won't snag so easily like Leggs.  Still, you need to be careful since it is a sheer hose.  I was so relieved after I put it on in the dressing room!  I was so happy that I told the sales lady I'll be coming back for more although maybe not since I only have 5 more weeks to go and I'll be back in my black pants uniform starting Monday. 

The Final Strrretch!!

Only 8 weeks left before Baby Ma arrives!  My doctor felt my belly yesterday and told me I'm getting close.  Baby is already head down although that can always change up to the last minute with her tumbling around in there.  Rick looked at me last night and remarked, "Wow honey!  I'm so excited!  You're so plump and ready!"  I didn't want to burst his bubble of excitement there but I had to tell him not to remind me of my plumpness.

And plump I am!  I am well-padded and each evening I rub on that cocoa butter, I remind myself of a turkey getting basted.  At this point in the game, I am just letting my body take over.  This is the baby's growth spurt and I wouldn't want to hinder her in any way.  Let her get ready for her debut! 

It's really amazing what the woman's body is capable of!  My body has been changing everyday since conception but the third trimester is the time I can actually grasp all that has happened.  Aside from my watermelon size belly, I am experiencing aches and pains from my neck down.  These pains crept up on me some time last week and I can't even pinpoint exactly what's hurting.  Everything aches and I can no longer walk far without the little bones in my feet threatening to crack under all the pressure.  The ankle that I shredded up last winter from dance feels like it's about to cave again. But as I lay out on my couch each evening and feel Baby Ma's kicks and squirms, I know I will miss this whole experience once it's over.

Doctor's Appointment and the Bitter Pill

I am in a major bad mood as I type this!  I went to my monthly doctor's visit today, looking forward to hearing any new developments about the baby.  It was very routine:  I peed in a cup, the nurse called me in, she tested my pee and blood pressure and lastly, had me stand on The Scale.

That scale that stands quietly alone in the corner of the exam room, staring at and waiting to expose each pregnant woman's weight gain.  I happened to be its next victim and I thought I'd be able to pull a defensive move by yanking off my Timberland boots (Come on, don't they each weigh about 10 pounds at the very least??!  Had to remove them.)  I watched nervously as the nurse fidgeted with the balance on the scale.  Her arm blocked my view and right before I could catch a glimpse, she quickly slid the balance back to 0, typed something in the computer, told me the doctor would be right with me and left the room. I went over to the computer to see what she typed in but she had exited out of the previous window.  Smart. 

I sat on the exam table and waited about 2 minutes before Dr. Jin came in.  She asked me how I felt and told me how great I look....the usual formalities.  She went to the computer to pull my file, studied it and asked, "So what are you planning to do about your weight gain?"  Me, "What do you mean?"  Dr. Jin, "You've put on 8 pounds in a month.  That's pretty high.  What are you doing different?"  Me, "Nothing.  I eat my three meals a day, I don't overeat and I have no cravings."  Dr. Jin, "I'm going to ask you to eliminate carbs and stick to fruits, vegetables and protein.  You can always try to increase your activity level as well."  At this point, I felt tears welling up in my eyes.  I was embarrassed and felt irresponsible and unhealthy.  I had to blink hard to get rid of the tears.  Dr. Jin told me to lie down so she could listen to the baby's heartbeat.  She told me she didn't want me to end up gaining 50 pounds at the end of all this.  Heck, I don't want to gain 50 pounds either!  The doctor scheduled me for a glucose test either tomorrow or the day after to test for gestational diabetes.  She told me again I look great and that she will see me in 3 weeks.

I left the office in a really foul mood.  I was just plain old upset and wanted to cry.  I called Rick up immediately and told him what happened, "I told you I turned into a fatso!  I always knew it!"  I felt like blaming someone for my weight gain and I told Rick that he seems like a pretty good scapegoat right about now.  He should've kept check on me!  He should've motivated me to exercise more!  He should've woken me up each evening when I crashed on the couch!  He let me chew his ear off until I got back to work.  It was past lunchtime and I was starving so I picked up a salad with chicken and asparagus for lunch.  Might as well get started on eating healthy!  I hope I pass the glucose test.  I think I'd be hysterical if I'm told I have gestational diabetes.

My Private Summer

So I've heard from many women about how hot you can get with that furnace of a belly during pregnancy and how lucky I am to not be pregnant during the summer months.  I would always smile but not quite get it.  I just figured I was lucky to be pregnant during the winter so I can cover my now well-padded body with clothing!  I can't imagine being in shorts or anything too revealing in my current state - I've got enough cottage cheese to put Breakstone out of business!  And to think I was a toned dancer before.  That now seems like a such a lifetime ago!  Sigh.... sorry, I digress... getting back to body temperature.....

So pre-Blizzard of 2010, I got myself a warm quilted maternity coat to survive this winter.  I also got a thick cozy scarf because I freeze whenever my neck is exposed.  I was so happy with my purchases and I really made use of them.  Post Blizzard of 2010, I have no idea what happened.  I no longer feel the need to wear the scarf and even my new coat feels a bit too warm. Each morning when I watch Good Day New York, Mike Woods forecasts temperatures in the 30s with windchill and all yet, I head out every morning with just my coat and feel fine.  No more scarf or hat and even my Uggs make my feet sweat!  The train rides to work have become a beast in itself with the crowds and not being able to find a seat or offered a seat.  I leave my coat  unzipped because it's sooooooooo hot in the train.  I have sweat beading on my forehead all the time and thank goodness for Secret Shower Fresh or I'd arrive at work with moons under my arms.  I know it's just me and my belly furnace because all around me, people are wrapped up in their scarves, hats and gloves and they all look quite comfy in their gear. 

At night, Rick and I conflict about having the windows open when we go to bed. He claims it's freezing but I scream that it's hot and I'm going to pass out if I don't get air. I somehow always win this battle and we go to bed with the windows open - Rick cocooned in the comforter and my legs sticking out of them. 

Now I fully understand why some women tell me it's better to be pregnant during the winter months.  I can't imagine being in 90 degree weather if I'm already sweating in 30 degree weather!  I assume that I will get warmer as the baby grows bigger with more blood pumping through my body.  Is this why they call it a bun in the oven?  Sure feels that way!

Welcome!

Hi all!  So yes, it took me a while to decide to start blogging our journey to parenthood.  Rick had suggested that I document everything from the very beginning since this is my first pregnancy but I had mixed feelings about it.  I guess 1) I was a hormonal mess in the beginning and too tired to concentrate on creating a blog, 2) I didn't want to jinx anything because there's always that big What If so early on, and 3) I didn't want to be the kind of person who is always force feeding pictures of their kids and pets to everyone even though I know I am that type.  Now at 24 weeks (6 months), I'm hoping that the baby stays put and remains healthy, and we all go in for the long haul together. 

Has this been an easy pregnancy so far?  I can't say that it's been terrible.  I must thank my lucky stars that I was not hugging the toilet or retching in every dark street corner.  I had my fair share of extreme all-day nausea in the first trimester but overall, I felt okay.  The one thing that did wipe me out was the exhaustion.  I don't think I've ever been this tired in my life and the only past experience I can relate the exhaustion to is the jetlag I got from my China trip.  It's the same exhaustion as when I came back from China and slept for 2 days, waking up to drink and pee only.  Except the pregnancy exhaustion in my first 3 months never went away in 2 days.  It gradually went away by my 5th month and even now, I can't stay awake when I watch TV in the evenings.  But again, it hasn't been terrible and I feel good overall.  Maybe that's natures way of tricking us.  Otherwise, why would women have more children if the first experience was so gosh darn awful?