3 month update, Christmas, & my last blog of the year!

My beautiful baby!! 

Height/Weight

24.25 inches (Birth- 20 inches) = 80^th percentile

16.5 inches (head circumference; Birth- 14 inches) = 75^th percentile

11 pounds (Birth- 7 pounds 12 oz) = 25^th percentile

Size:

Since she’s a bit taller, the 3-month clothes are being put away slowly and she is going into 3-6 months exclusively!

   

Love those lips!   

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! No dairy or gluten!

Book- “Animals!”

12 weeks old :) We like to keep her fashionable!

Song- The POTATO song by Disney Junior! Potato Rock is actually her favorite! Watch this at your own risk! It’ll be stuck in your head FOREVER.

Toy- My boobs.

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- she is happiest when her daddy gets home at 7p! She’s alert and ready to hang out with him.

TV show- Oh my..she’s obsessed. We have to shield her mat with pillows since we hang out in our living room.

Thing to giggle at- Ryan recently discovered that she loves when he blows air through his lips...I can’t really put it in words so here is the video:

Firsts/Milestones:

- She started noticing her hands a little over 8 weeks and every day since then, she becomes more and more comfortable with them...now she’s starting to suck on her hands! Eh!
-She can even hold her rattle and shake it a little!

She's pretty indifferent about tummy time actually. Now that she grabs and reaches for things, she really rather be playing with her toys!

- She started rolling from side to side at 10 weeks then rolled from her tummy to her back at 10.5 weeks!! What a little over achiever!

- Her “giggles” are beginning to become more apparent...they are little squeals now!

- She’s already starting at a young age but she is yelling at me! She is more than comfortable with being very vocal! We love it.

- I started speaking Lao to her in the morning in a very ambitious attempt to make her bilingual and she smiles every time. Maybe she knows my Lao is THAT bad haha

- We experienced the beautiful city of Chicago for the first time as a family....and we realized VERY quickly (with traffic especially) why we won’t be going there again any time soon! Haha But it was fun nonetheless!

- The separation anxiety has officially set in! She knows who she knows and definitely knows whom she doesn’t! As long as she sees our face, she usually is ok but sometimes that’s not enough!

- She is getting over her 2^nd time being sick. It makes us sad seeing her unhappy but she’s still nursing very often and clingy so we are taking advantage of it.

our life...

I realize that I have been MIA on this blog for quite some time now. Between working 15-25 hours a week from home, breastfeeding every 2-3 hours, mid-day naps (hehe), and witnessing all the little new things Estella discovers about herself and the world around her...my blog has unfortunately been kicked to the side a bit (all for good reason of course).

Ryan and I still look at each other in awe that we created this beautiful being that has now flipped our life upside down in a million ways. Yes things that we once thought were easy are now a task. For example, something as simple as eating dinner at the same time. Now it’s...”Who wants to eat first?”

We would both agree that our life together as a family of three is at its PEAK!

Do I miss some things of my previous life?.....hm maybe. Ok fine I’ll admit it...Yes I do miss some things. I miss being able to meet my friends in Chicago on a whim to hang out at all the random get togethers, I miss seeing my family as easily as I wanted to before, I miss being included in invites even though I prefer to spend time at home with Ryan and Estella, and I miss being able to be on time even though everyone in the world knows I won’t. (haha)

Are all those things worth it for me? No..not at all.

baby E is a whole TWO months!

Our little diva already knows how to pose haha

Height/Weight

These are week 7 stats so she’s gained a lot from this in one week (we can visually tell)

23 inches

15.25 inches (head circumference)

            Birth- 14 inches

8 pounds 8.5 ounces

Size:

Gradually transitioning into 3-6 month clothes already! She is almost EXCLUSIVELY in 3-month clothes!

Seven weeks here! :) She is so beautiful. I know,...I'm bias!        

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! No dairy or gluten!

Book- “On the night you were born”

Song- “Beautiful, beautiful” by Francesca Battistelli

Toy- My boobs.

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- any time as long as she’s fed, clean, and napping! She is a lot more alert so she’s in the best mood right in the morning and then again when her dad gets home in the evening!

TV show- She watches a little bit of TV now on her activity mat!

Thing to giggle at- She thinks its funny to stick her tongue out or when she sneezes.

Firsts/Milestones:

-We are starting to hear a little giggle!! So exciting!

-She “talks” to us more and more each day!

-She’s able to follow objects with her eyes and even hold up her head for a couple minutes during our tummy time!

-She is starting to try to blow little raspberries!

-She officially got over her 1^st cold at the end of the 7^th week and gained weight! Yay! We feel that we are finally hitting baseline with her weight and it’s only UP from here!

-Breastfeeding has gotten easier and I actually LOVE it now. It is such an intimate time that I will always cherish with her...plus the little smiles she gives me just melts my heart. She knows that I am taking care of her.

-Managing things around the house has gotten better since she is more tolerable laying down by herself...in her swing...and overall, just in a better mood. Although she still gets stressed if we push it by taking her out for too long or she’s overwhelmed with too many new faces.

-At her very young age...she already shows signs of separation anxiety from Ryan and I...it’s cute NOW but makes us a bit worried for the future. Oh well! We are taking it day by day and enjoying it while it lasts!

5-6 week update: the "weight-ing" game :)

In Rockford at her Baby Dedication :) 

Height/Weight:

22.5 inches

15.25 inches (head circumference)

            Birth- 14 inches

8 pounds 5 ounces

Size:

Gradually transitioning into 3-6 month clothes already! She is almost EXCLUSIVELY in 3-month clothes!

           

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! J No dairy or gluten!

Book- “On the night you were born”

Song- “Beautiful, beautiful” by Francesca Battistelli

Toy- My boobs.

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- any time as long as she’s fed, clean, and napping!

TV show- She watches a little bit of TV now!

Thing to giggle at- She thinks its funny to stick her tongue out or when she sneezes.

her 1st little halloween outfit

Firsts/Milestones:

- Not only does she make eye contact with us, but also she is starting to talk to us! Along with smiling and laughing!! We LOVE it. She is talking more and more! Watch this amazingly cute video of her! Don’t mind my weird conversation I’m having with her about her poop! Haha

-She is starting to try to blow little raspberries!

-We love hearing her big (and little) poops!

-We went to Rockford for the first time and we had her Baby Dedication! We still have yet to receive the pictures (which I will post later). The short ceremony we did at my home church basically was to signify that we are dedicating her to God...that we agree to raise her according to His will...to raise her in a Godly home! It meant so much to us and she had the cutest little outfit on courtesy of her Grandma “Mithu” (my mom) and her auntie Maria!

-Sadly, she experienced her first cold. The whole Dorough household got sick. She’s a pretty good sleeper at night (3-4 hour stretches before nursing then she goes right back to sleep) but for 3 nights, she was so restless and throughout the day she was too. I am still sick but imagine taking care of a restless and clingy baby while I also had NO sleep. Very difficult. She’s doing better now but I’m still checking her temperature like every 5 mins!

Due to the stupid virus (great for her immune system horrible for her weight!), she lost weight (visually) and we got a little concerned. However the following day she started to sleep better and started nursing literally EVERY hour actively...not as much for comfort. Our 6-week doctor’s appointment, she only gained 1 oz since her last appointment around 5 weeks. Although I would have been concerned about a week ago, this time I’m not because she doesn’t have a metabolic problem but she was sick! Her poops are very mustardy yellow (awesome!), she’s peeing a lot, eating well...so we have confidence once she kicks this virus in the butt, her weight will gradually increase! We were also encouraged that she grew in length and head, which in itself takes metabolic processes and energy so she is getting nutrition! Her fat stores may not be filling up but I know in time, she will plump up and become our little chunker!

my baby is 1 month (in this blog) :D

Height/Weight:

 22 inches

8 pounds 4 ounces

Size:

She is officially out of NEWBORN clothes and can fit into her 0-3 months! Some 3-6 month size clothes fit (mainly pajamas) because she’s long!

           

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! J She hates dairy though...goodbye frozen yogurt! L

Book- “On the night you were born”

Song- “Beautiful, beautiful” by Francesca Battistelli (when she cries in the car, I play this from my phone and it usually helps calm her down) I started singing this to her recently and she loves it too :D

Toy- My boobs.

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- any time as long as she’s fed, clean, and napping!

TV show- She watches a little bit of TV now!

Thing to giggle at- She loves giggling and talking when we change her diaper. Strange kid.

Firsts/Milestones:

- Not only does she make eye contact with us, but she is starting to talk to us! Along with smiling and laughing!! We LOVE it.

-We love hearing her big (and little) poops!

-Traveling with her in the car (alone) isn’t as scary as it use to be (for short trips)...I am so use to it now! Granted I hold my breath the ENTIRE time hoping she is comfortable and safe...as soon as I hear a cry...my blood pressure goes from normal to dangerously high! Thank goodness so far, those moments are not that common!

“Don’t worry! She’ll be fine!”

I really hate people saying that to me.

Okay. I know that is just a way to help reassure me...make me feel better...but in very specific circumstances thus far- my mommy intuition is RIGHT. Hearing that phrase just makes me feel as if I am wrong. Yeah yeah...sensitive little ol’ me.

Estella has been having issues gaining weight to the point of our pediatrician giving us an actual time limit to get her to boost her weight before he “called in the troops”. Although everything else appeared normal and healthy, the only two things that were out of the norm was her weight AND her yucky green poops.

I knew there was something wrong. Not the typical “Oh she’ll just catch up and have a big growth spurt!” but the “HOW CAN I FIX THIS?!”

We spent the weekend tweaking things here and there with the breastfeeding...discovered quickly that my overproduction of milk is actually a SUCKY problem to have...worked on that and BOOM! Our baby girl gained 9 ounces in THREE days. Amazing.

That is when I felt like a good mom for the first time. Not only was I able to provide nutrition for my growing little girl but I was able to use my “motherly instinct” to fix the problem!

She is still growing slowly but she is so healthy...and that is what makes us happy and reassured.

So all you moms out there...even you first time mamas like me...LISTEN to YOUR intuition. Don’t ignore it.

That inner voice that is embedded in you the moment you delivered life into the world is vital to your growth as a person...a mother...and the health of your beautiful baby.

I get to "decorate" her now but only in time, she won't want my fashion advice anymore:(

one month favorites!!

I found some things I can't do without (so far) for the first month and other than the obvious necessities, I narrowed it down to these NINE items.

3 weeks :)

Height/Weight:

 21 ¼ inches

7 pounds 14 ounces

Size:

Newborn!

Since she’s “tall” the pajamas with little footsies don’t fit!

           

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! J

Book- “On the night you were born”

Song- “Beautiful, beautiful” by Francesca Battistelli (when she cries in the car, I play this from my phone and it usually helps calm her down)

Toy- My boobs.

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- any time as long as she’s fed, clean, and napping!

TV show- she doesn’t get to watch any yet!

Thing to giggle at- She loves laughing and smiling in her sleep! She is starting to look at us in the eyes now and sometimes she will throw us a little grinJ

Firsts/Milestones:

- Blowouts & farts are still HILARIOUS.

- Her FIRST road trip to Michigan (normally a 3.5 hour trip) and her first wedding of our beautiful friends, Matt & Emily!

-THREE-week doctor’s appointment:

Our little girl gained some ounces but still has not gained what our pediatrician (and us) was hoping. It was a bit of a downer of an appointment. Our pediatrician had me nurse her while in office and to weigh her immediately after to see how much transferred and she weighed 8 pounds meaning she took in 2 ounces! The only thing that we’re thinking could be a possibility is that my overproduction of milk is causing her to have an imbalance of foremilk and hindmilk (the fattier milk with calories). She could be getting too much foremilk, which she just poops out and causes her poops (lately) to have a green tint (mustard yellow is normal for breastfed babies). It could also be from food sensitivities so I cut out gluten and dairy recently hoping that will help (she’s also had some colicky nights). We have our 1-month appointment on Friday and hoping she gained more weight. It is a bit disheartening because I feel like a failure for her since she depends solely on me...but I am trying to keep my spirits up! On a positive note, her pediatrician did a full exam on her again and everything still is super healthy!

through his eyes...

September 20, 2012 at 4:16 a.m. The time I looked at my phone wondering if this was actually the day. To be honest, the day before, I would have bet money that my wife was going to go into labor that evening. However, the prodromal labor had tricked us before. I knew this time was it but I wasn’t in any hurry because I knew the process was going to be long. I felt nauseous and fatigued. No way I am getting sick right now…

We were on the road by 4:30 a.m. Bags were already packed, snacks were loaded and I just had to sneak her push gift into the luggage. The drive was quick and easy (for me) despite erratic, yet consistent contractions. We were admitted and escorted up to our floor just as the contractions started up once again. This was about to get real. Regardless, I knew we were not leaving this hospital without our little girl. Our first nurse was very friendly. She hooked up the IV, started a Non Stress Test to monitor mom and baby and let us know that Mimi was 4 cm dilated. Contractions still intense, consistent and erratic. I was prepared to see my wife in pain. With our birth plan, pain was the only option.

We were all moved to our Alternative Birth room. Of course I hadn’t brought all the bags up when we first were admitted. I had only grabbed the snacks to keep Mimi’s energy up. I didn’t want to carry all the bags from room to room. So, I had to run down to the car to get the other bags. “Babe, don’t forget the polka dot bag with the birth plan in it. And the diaper bag. And Xander has his back pack, a cooler with his food and his clothes.” Ok, no sweat. 

I see one of our friends from our birth class in the hallway that had given birth the day before. We are both heading down so we started chatting as we wait for a nurse to buzz us out (someone has to let you in/out of the floor for security purposes).  I ask about their birth and let him know how Mimi is doing. About 5 minutes pass by… I’m playing it cool thinking “Why the hell is no one here to let us out.” 

Finally, 8-10 minutes later a nurse shows up. We get down to the main floor. I was told I have to use the other entrance because the door we came in was closed until 6 a.m. We just came in that door… ok? So I had to go outside and run around to the other side of the building in which we had parked. I grabbed the 7 bags and get 50% of the way. S#$@! This is some serious weight. It’s hot. I didn’t eat. But my wife was in labor. How could I even be complaining knowing what she was going through inside. I realize once I get to the parking lot that it would have been smart to move the car. Too late now.

I pile all the bags in a wheel chair and head upstairs. “I hope you are bringing that wheel chair back down once you are done,” the guy at the reception desks yells to me in a tone trying to sound tough. I yell back,”yes, sir!” in a sarcastic tone. Thinking “you #$85, my wife is in labor and you are surrounded by wheel chairs. I’m not bringing this back down in spite of you.” I get to the room and unload the bags. “Babe, will you get my phone. I think it’s in the car?” No problem. Ok, this time I move the car to the correct side of the hospital. Back up to the room within 5 minutes. Oh, and I did bring the guy back his wheel chair.

I get back to the room. The contractions are not decreasing in intensity. Sucks for her. But good for the process. I want this process over for her sake. It has been a long, somewhat miserable two weeks leading up to this process. I start massaging her back and telling her how strong she is, how her body was meant to do this and that I knew she could do it. None of that was a lie. I knew it was going to be a long road. But I knew baby Estella was coming out drug free. I never doubted my wife’s strength.

Metta shows up after us being in the room for 1.5-2 hrs maybe? She says a prayer. Mimi gets more focused. I provide counter pressure on her hips and it offers her significant relief. Fantastic. Finally something I can offer to provide some relief. Every time a contraction came so did the counter pressure on her pelvis. Even if I was getting her a drink or something to eat… I was commanded to stop, drop and get my butt over there. Shirley gets there. Things seem to be progressing. Mimi wants to get in the tub so Shirley gets it prepped. “It will be about 45 minutes” Shirley says. I say “ok” thinking “how can it takes 45 minutes to fill a tub of water.” Doesn’t matter. It seems like her labor is progressing into transition phase. Mimi is staying strong but the contractions are starting to wear at her. One hour later we get in the tub… It seems to offer relief. Shirley checks and Mimi is 8 cm. Gets back into the tub. She decided to push a little to see if any progress is made. Nothing. Contractions are coming erratically. Metta is helping by pushing on her left side as I push on the right. With the types of contractions and 8 cm dilated I am positive this baby will be here within the hour. At this point it was 9 something in the morning.

big NURSERY reveal!

ESTELLA'S AMAZING NURSERY!

Finally right?! Sorry it took so long. Taking care of Estella has taken precedence over everything and my internet sucks so this has been prolonged for good reasons :)

I will post WAY more pictures on my FB but here are my favorites! 

Enjoy!

2 week update + my baby blues

Height/Weight:

 21 ¼ inches

7 pounds 11.5 ounces

Size:

Newborn!

           

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! J

Book- “On the night you were born”

Song- “Jesus loves me” although her daddy sang “Still Fly” by Big Tymers to her and she really liked it haha

Toy- My boobs.

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- any time as long as she’s fed, clean, and napping!

TV show- she doesn’t get to watch any yet!

Thing to giggle at- She loves laughing and smiling in her sleep!

Firsts/Milestones:

- She started trying to roll onto her belly from her back! She’s a bit of an over achiever.

- Blowouts & farts are still HILARIOUS.

- She is making eye contact with us when we talk or sing to her and little faces! Yay! Can’t wait for her to interact with us more and more.

- We are followers  of “attachment parenting” and it has really worked for our little family- whether we have support concerning it or not!

- TWO week doctor’s appointment (10/5/12): Estella only gained ½ of an ounce which is quite strange since she has about 6-8 poopy diapers, nurses like a little piggy, and also pees a lot! Our pediatrician did an exam and according to our facts thinks the scale is off (from last week or this week) and would like us to come back in a week to get her weighed and checked again. He thinks she is progressing well otherwise and really thinks we’re doing a great job. Although he has full confidence in my efforts to keep her healthy and thriving...I still feel guilty or disappointed in myself..that I could have done more or something. We came home and weighed her on our scale and it said she was clearly over 8 pounds...so we’re hoping there was a technical gliche at the office today. Plus a couple of her newborn outfits are getting a little snug...so there’s no way our little piggy is not gaining proper weight!

Estella's 1 week update

"I <3: mama's milk and sleeping on daddy's chest; I am 7# 11oz and 21 inches"
"I helped mama pass Part II ND Boards when I was in her belly! Good luck charm!"
(Sorry they are hard to read!)

Height/Weight:

21 inches

7 pounds 11 ounces

Size:

Newborn!

           

Favorites:

Food- BREASTMILK! 

Book- I’ve read “On the night you were born” to her and she loves it J Well that’s what I think at least!

Song- She loves when I sing “Jesus loves me” to her.

Toy- My boobs. Seriously. Haha

Non-toy toy- My boobs.

Time of day- Well all she does is sleep right now so every minute of the day seems like her favorite unless she’s hungry, tired, or DIRRTY

TV show- she doesn’t get to watch any yet!

Thing to giggle at- She loves laughing and smiling in her sleep!

Firsts/Milestones/Memories:

-She already holds her head up on her own! My strong baby girl!

-BLOWOUTS are very common! And I never thought I would think they were so cute! J

-FARTS are so adult like...LOUD! At one point, we (my mom and I) thought Ryan farted but it was Estella! Haha

-First doctor’s appointment on 9/27/2012 and her first day out with mommy & daddy!                         Boy was it....interesting.

-Estella had tons of hiccups in utero which I was always worried about but she still has TONS of hiccups now after nursing! They’re cute but I bet annoying for her.

-We had our first morning (Thurs 9/27/12) alone since my mom had to go back to Rockford earlier than planned and I was SCARED. But we managed. I fit a shower in, got ready, got our bags ready, and ate lunch all before Ryan came home to go to her first doctor’s visit! Accomplished!

 -Oh and YES...MY BABY IS MY GOOD LUCK CHARM! I passed Part I ND Boards with her 8 weeks pregnant in Feb (nauseous and everything) THEN recently PASSED PART II ND BOARDS with her 8 1/2 MONTHS PREGNANT! I am still in shock but I owe it all to her!

(BTW I found out by mail 4 days after she was born! Thank goodness I passed...I think I would have had a nervous breakdown! ha!)

How can I sum up our first week in one word? CHALLENGING.

a baby story...

If you’ve read my previous posts (Prodromal labor pains & Early labor pain), you can tell that this “LABOR” process has been quite the journey.

You know the stages of labor you learn in birth class?! Well...for some reason, I happen to be that small percentage of people that experience everything you DON’T learn in class. 

Just to quickly explain labor stages so you’ll better understand my story-

1^st stage- Early and Active (can be very long and it is the stage where your cervix is at least 4cm dilated and continues to open; contractions gradually increase in frequency and intensity)

Transition- HELL phase. Shortest but the most painful because contractions are on top of each other without a break (generally should last between 15-30 mins)

2^nd stage- Pushing!

3^rd stage- Delivering the placenta

Early labor can vary for everyone...it can last from hours to days! Well for me it was days but my contractions were not regular. They were changing with every one that came so I still question if I was actually in early labor. I was only barely 2 cm dilated at my appointment when the pain all started (Tuesday 9/18/2012). I had the “blood show” that started Monday night and went until I actually went into labor. It wasn’t a one-time deal. My anxiety only increased...with every trip to the bathroom I kept wondering if my water was going to break!

I doubted myself. I took the Tylenol PM Tuesday night so that I could get sleep. My contractions were anywhere from 7-15 minutes apart...they were very irregular! I started feeling discouraged...like here we go again. The pain I was experiencing was DEFINITELY different than all my contractions during prodromal labor.

When people say “You’ll know when you have real contractions...” Well...I thought I knew but then it wasn’t following anything we learned. I started getting a little freaked out that if this isn’t it...then will I be able to take the pain when it is IT?

I was able to sleep OK Tuesday night although I got up here and there to pee and the contractions were strong enough to wake me up from time to time. Wednesday I woke up at 9am and had this surge of energy...uh oh nesting time. I did all the laundry. Cleaned. Went for a long walk with my mom and Xander. Did more work. Etc etc. Again..the contractions were still irregular...6-10 minutes apart.

welcome Estella!

1st picture- 38 weeks! 2nd picture- Estella is 3 days old :) ["41 weeks"]

Introducing for the first time on my blog, my beautiful daughter....

Estella 

Malisone Dorough

She is the LOVE of our lives! 

We are so blessed with her and cannot wait to share her own mini-chalkboard updates! 

Thank you for being so patient. Our first week as a family of three has been...interesting and there is a definitely a huge LEARNING CURVE so my blog as well as many other things have been put on the back burner (of course!) 

I hope I can post her "1 week" update tomorrow although she is officially ONE WEEK today! :D 

Stay tuned....

waiting game update & request!

Courtesy of Dr. Coe while waiting for my acupuncture appointment!

I broke my new years resolution.

I started this blog January 1st as a NEW YEARS RESOLUTION to myself to set my mind and heart on the positivity in my life rather than all the negative. A blog a day was my GOAL.

I have to be honest...I didn't think I would make it this far and I didn't think anyone would even care about my daily rants! :) I was wrong.

Everyone has been so supportive. I made it MORE THAN half the year writing a blog a day. And after finding out we were expecting, it was the best way to keep everyone updated...create memories for us and our baby...and receive love and support during the tough times.

So thank you.

But as Monday hit...so did the exhaustion and moderate cramps. All I wanted to do was sleep which I couldn't because of the increased in pain...this could be it is what I kept thinking...hence why I have no blog post. I guess focusing on breathing through the pain was more important to me than writing a couple words! ;)

Then Tuesday...a MAJOR difficult day. Prenatal appointment was positive in that the non-stress test shows my baby girl is healthy and super strong...but the exam showed I am have NOT progressed enough to be admitted into the hospital although I am experiencing GUT RIPPING pain at regular intervals.

I was instructed to go labor at home...take some Tylenol PM to get sleep for the marathon to come...and try to relax.

Being a Naturopath...I cringed when she said Tylenol PM...really!? why!!! She actually recommended it the night before..I didn't listen & was up from 2am until 7am..slept for an hour with pain...then woke up at 8a. So I learned quickly why she recommended it.

Prodromal labor for more than 2 weeks.

Now I get to be one of the lucky ones to experience EARLY labor for days rather than hours. Boy do I have good luck! ;) 

I guess we ARE getting to the finish line...eventually. I have to continuously remind myself that God knows His plan is perfect and true for us & trust He is in control. For a person who feels comfortable with control...imagine how crazy my mind is going!

I need to continue to focus on the physical signs that are apart of EARLY LABOR...that I am experiencing them...longer than some other people but that I need to have confidence in the body that God has made...that my body is doing hard work.

So yes I went home. Took Tylenol PM at 2pm. Woke up an hour later due to the pain. Went back to sleep. Woke up after another hour due to the pain. Went back to sleep. Well you get the drift.

Sleep was okay last night but I'm only in the first couple stretches of this marathon & physically I am tired BUT mentally, I am more exhausted. 

My lack of blogs & fb posts apparently stirred up some thoughts that I was actually in the hospital in active labor! So I had to write a fb status to dispel it because my text inbox was getting full...my fb inbox was getting overwhelmed...which left me feeling super pressured.

I think that is also a difficulty for me mentally...the PRESSURE. My family and all of you have been on standby as the days have rolled by and I am still not holding my little baby girl. weirdly enough..it makes me feel bad that my body is not responding or something!

I am THANKFUL for the love and support. I really am. I feel so full of the LOVE we are receiving...and how much you guys all love her already.

So thank you.

A couple Bible verses I have been reflecting on:

"He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress. I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:6 - one of my favorite verses but I think little Baby D may be holding true to this verse too! haha!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

From this point on, I just ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts..pray for us..pray for her health and mine..and Ryan's ;) 

Don't worry, I will update you when we make our way to the hospital and I'm sure you will be soon annoyed of all the pictures of her flooding my facebook and blog posts.

Please respect this difficult time for us as a family & refrain from texts, phone calls, or messages asking "So any baby yet?!"
However- Encouraging words are definitely welcomed all the time...seriously, I need them at this point.

Although, I give you full permission to bother my family and friends about baby updates! Just not us. haha

The confidence and prayers you have all sent our way really has made a huge difference to help me push through. 

You all will be notified in due time. 

NOTE: This will be my LAST post before I share a picture of my beautiful baby girl when we get to meet her.

Thank you.

going on my 10th month :(

pregnant for a COMPLETE 9 months....wow.

 How far along? FORTY weeks 

Total weight gain? 1 # (Total: 30#)

Maternity clothes? YES! except I wear mainly non-maternity clothes. woowoo
Stretch marks? None! :) 

Sleep?  BARELY any. Laying down increases my contractions.....I wake up then fall back asleep....wake up then fall back asleep....etc etc. I wake up usually between 4am-6am then sleep until 9am.

Best moment this week? Talking to Xander (my amazing 2 year old nephew) about the baby and using her name :D

Miss Anything? Yes! A lot of things!

Movement? so much! I love it so much. I love that she responds to us but I am so ready to meet her and give her a ton of kisses!

Food cravings? Still random...this week = OREOS and I always love me some GRINGO tacos from the Fire it up truck and dark chocolate ice cream! 

Anything make you queasy or sick? pain!
Gender? Well she is ALREADY late (since it's almost 10pm on my actual due date 9/16) so a diva!!!

Symptoms? CONTRACTIONS!!!!!!!! As I am typing, I have pretty strong contractions...they've been regular ALL DAY so hoping she is coming in the next couple days! 

Belly button in or out? Still in! :) That little thing is NOT coming out! Yay. 

Wedding rings on or off? I don't even wear the band anymore! :( So sad. My hands are SWOLLEN. My feet are a little bit but not as bad and painful as my hands!

Happy or Moody? MooOoOody! Especially if I'm hungry...past two weeks have been atrocious to spirit :( 

Looking forward to? the actual day! I am begging for more pain as I get contractions and I'm basking in the pain. 

I think the last 3 weeks of posts have said something like "I hope this is the last post I write to you before my birth story..."

Well...I can't say that ENOUGH at this point.

My next prenatal appointment is Tuesday & I am praying that I actually don't make it to the appointment...and that the next time I see my midwife will be in labor & delivery! 

It's amazing to think that 4 weeks ago, I was still cringing at the PAIN I am about to endure.

After two weeks of prodromal labor *on & off contractions & then some* plus today's regular strong contractions, I am WELCOMING the pain.

BRING IT ON! 

I'm begging for pain to slap me down to the ground and bust my water so I can get this process over with! 

It's a feeling I never thought I would have but I guess God knows me better than I know myself.

He knew if I didn't experience this annoyance of a "pre labor" process, I might not go through with my natural goal...well at this point, I'm NOT scared of the pain.

I can't wait to challenge it. 

Bring it baby! :)

Praying & hoping I get the best gift soon....

"prodromal" what?!

It could be pregnancy brain. Or the fact that I didn't always pay attention in class.

BUT I don't remember the discussion of this evil thing called PRODROMAL labor in graduate school OR my Bradley classes!

No not...FALSE labor or BH contraction..but the thing in between false and REAL labor.

Yup. That's PRODROMAL labor. 
That is what I've been experiencing for 14 DAYS straight.

It's when your body starts "practicing". You get REAL contractions (confirmed btw!) that are not consistent but are slowly preparing your body for the big SHABANG.

It really sucks. I get the point of it...I do.
But every night I go to bed thinking..wondering...hoping that the next time I wake up, I either have a huge wet spot on my bed from amniotic fluid OR I am in agonizing and wretching pain. (SAD huh?)

Because all day long, I'm in complete discomfort (times 14 days). The first couple days....ok I was getting excited...this could be it right?! Then after about the 5th day, I started to lose hope but my body continued to rip me apart. (ok ok I get to be a little dramatic, just let me)

Even my midwife said to me at my last pre-natal appointment, "HOW ARE YOU STILL PREGNANT?!" Yeah.....I wonder the same thing.

My poor family and husband are just hanging on by a thin thread (as am I) as they are on standby that any second or minute, I'll go into full blown active labor! (please...)

It's a quite funny joke God is playing on me. Almost the entire pregnancy..even through all my natural birthing classes and pep talks from my amazing husband, I kept fearing the inevitable...the PAIN. But now, I am so freaking annoyed that I AM SOOOOO READY. I mean SUPER SUPER ready. BRING IT ON is what I say to myself every time my contractions get stronger then 2 hours later..."JUST KIDDING!"

EHH!

Don't bother giving me advice on how to induce naturally. seriously...DON'T! Not only have I done my research...learned many ways in school...but I have TRIED everything BUT castor oil (which I refuse to try until I am WAAAY OVERDUE).

Just let me rant. Be frustrated. then BREATHE. I know my beautiful baby girl will be in my arms any day now and very soon I'm sure, but I can't help but be frustrated.

Ok. I'm done.

Thank you for reading this far as I complain. I actually do feel better now getting that off my chest.

Back to drinking my Raspberry Leaf tea, bouncing on my physioball, and eating spicy food...and everything else;) I might even moxa my acupuncture points again..or what the hey, I should just needle myself (haha)

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts...especially my little baby. Please continue to pray she is remaining healthy and growing and that I remain sane! I love her so much...I just want to meet her already!

<3

quite the experience

I am still very pregnant.

Prodromal labor for 2 weeks SUCKS.

getting close...

had my third acupuncture appointment today.

*crossing my fingers!*

yup

you got it!

I am STILL pregnant.

eviction notice!

Had my prenatal (hopefully last) appointment today.

Not much progress unfortunately...which I was told doesn't mean a whole lot. 

Got the OK to get acupuncture today to stimulate birth!

Thank goodness I know some pretty smart & talented people- thank you Cynthia! 

Hopefully after a couple more appointments..this little girl will arrive!

blessings.

The countdown is ON! 

I am so blessed & spoiled by my amazing family.

My mom came to stay with us since last night and along with her came my favorite little man, Xander since she's his main babysitter during the day. 

(an unbelievably huge sacrifice from my brother & sister-in-law [also my doula!])

Testing out Baby D's stroller! :) 

I got to sleep in today. Work on a couple things. Play with Xander and have conversations with him...he's amazingly smart & amazes me. Seriously one of the coolest kids ever!

Went on a long walk with my mom, Xander, and Oliver to the park. 

My mom made me lunch and made us dinner.

Got to take a long nap. 

I didn't even realize it, but it's really what I needed.

The waiting has been excruciating...along with the constant *behind the scenes* contractions that have been constant for over a week now....all this help from my family..husband...has just been exactly what I needed. 

My two favorite boys! 

And now I'm waiting for my husband to come home with a bunch of yummy goodies from patients and reps that LOVE Baby D too! :D 

(hopefully) going to my LAST pre-natal appointment tomorrow and waiting patiently as Baby D decides to arrive on her own time...

thank you for the love. We are so excited! <3

39 wks = I'm going crazy but still fabulous.

Keeping it fabulous...until D-Day! 

How far along? 39 weeks 

Total weight gain? 0 # (Total: 29#)

Maternity clothes? YES! (No that dress is actually NOT maternity but way better to wear pregnant because it made me LOOK pregnant the only other time I wore it!)
Stretch marks? None! :) woowoo!

Sleep?  BARELY any. Laying down increases my contractions.....I wake up then fall back asleep....wake up then fall back asleep....etc etc.

Best moment this week? Celebrating Ryan's 30th birthday with him 3 days straight...and especially watching him enjoy himself at the Windy City Wine Festival! :D

Miss Anything? Yes! A lot of things!

Movement? so much! I love it so much. I love that she responds to us talking to her..especially when her dad sings to her! She loves it :)

Food cravings? Still random...but I am loving these pumpkin drinks!!! Yum Yum. Oh I craved Crazy Bread the other night....weird!

Anything make you queasy or sick? the pain has made me nauseous....only hinting what is yet to come!
Gender? Girl! 

Symptoms? CONTRACTIONS!!!!!!!! discomfort...muscle aches...joints hurt because my hands are actually more swollen than my feet...I feel like a little old lady with a big belly...or a rolly polly...or a combination of all of that sounds about right.

Belly button in or out? Still in! :) That little thing is NOT coming out! Yay. 

Wedding rings on or off? I don't even wear the band anymore! :( So sad.

Happy or Moody? MooOoOody! Especially if I'm hungry. Don't mess with me when I'm hungry. For real....ask Ryan. haha

Looking forward to? Holding our little girl in our arms and smothering her with kisses while she tries to push me away...and kissing her little baby feet! I love baby feet. Yeah that moment..and many more to come :)