UGGH! My poor baby woke up at 3 Saturday morning to feed, ate a little went back to sleep, didn't think anything, woke up at 5 am, ate a little, i got concerned, but he soon fell asleep, no later than 10 min he is moaning every once in a while. Since he has done this before when he was constipated, we assumed constipation, so Luan spends the next two hours massaging and consoling him. 730 am time to eat again, but now Gio is really warm. Mind you, when he feeds, he is hot and sweaty, but this time, I just sensed something. We take his temp its 100.1 axillary. He is not focusing on us and pale. He is feeding but just not the same. Why? Why? I sit him up to burp and he throws up everything he ate and whatever was in his little tummy. His lips are blue and he is very lethargic. My mother walks in and everything goes crazy. I call the pedi, he said if his temp goes over 100.3 go to ER, no tylenol because it could hide the symptoms, no sponge baths, etc. I ask if we should wait it out, he said absolutely not if 100.3 in a 3 month and younger go to ER. This is the same doc who sent my kid thru all those tests, yes I am thankful Gio is healthy, but still. Luan doesn't trust this guy, I prob shouldn't have called so quickly, but oh well...
The last thing I want to do is take him to ER. I am worried and scared, hubby refuses to go, he was mad I even called Pedi. I am worried about his temp, we start taking rectal, because it is more accurate in a 3 month and below. My baby is only 5 wks old. HIs temp is 100.5, I'm ready to go, Luan still refuses. After the throw up, Gio latches on and eats for about 40 min, his temp goes down and his color is back. Whatever he threw up, he needed to. We spend the day like this, feeding and holding him. If I put him down he would just cry. I am beside myself, ready to go to ER, my mother is hounding me, my husband refuses to go bc temp is fluctuating up and down. I decided that if it goes to 101 we are leaving. Who am I kidding I was ready to go, but in my heart I didn't want to. By 12, my son is back, his color and activity is back. Thank you! He still doesn't want to be put down, he is warm enough that I can't tell normal from fever now. We are taking his temp every 30 min or every hour. I have my mother still hounding me, my persistent husband and I am still in the middle, 80% doesn't want to go and 20% is self-doubt and expecting some miracle from ER, which I know won't happen and scared of potential acquired sickness as well. 5 PM comes around temp 100.5, one more sponge bath and i finally make a call, next temp reading at 7 if at 100.3 or above we are leaving, no matter what, it will have officially been 12 hours. 7 pm- 99.9, later readings go from 99-98. Thank the heavens! Luan was telling Gio lower your temp or we have to leave, show your mom how strong little man u are, To me luan told me to have faith.
I start praying, of course where is my faith? My faith in Gio and God, where is it? I snap out of it! By the way I was really sick and feverish myself, so I had to get better quick. Well when u wake up and your lil man is lifeless looking, you lose it. Even though he looked better his temp was concerning me, the ER trip would have been for me, not Gio, so that my worries would be calmed, did I have to put him through that? Maybe, maybe not. In this case, with him fluctuating, No, I did not have to put him thru that, but with my loving mother hounding me and predicting negative outcomes if we don't, self-doubt slams me in the face. 10:00-99.6- we feed and Gio after a long day falls asleep, as so do I. He sleeps in his co-sleeper in bed, because I was not going to put him in the crib where I couldn't monitor him. 2:45Am I wake up, what he is still not up, I rouse Gio awake, we take his temp 98.6. YES!!!! He is so sleepy and annoyed we are waking him. YES!! He feeds for a bit, back to bed he goes. 6:20 I wake up and seconds later I hear a cry, Gio is up. Temp 98.6. We feed very little and back to bed he goes. I am so happy his temp is up, but his lack of feeding bothers me, I have to remember that he barely slept any the day before and is probably exhausted, but still dehydration can occur. 9:30 am, gio is still sleeping... I text Bernie, she calls and asks about his diapers, poopy and wet? Yes and Yes! Ok then keep an eye on him and he is probably catching up from a sleepless day. 10:40 Gio is up and eating away. Temp 98.5, Gio is alert and eating. I put him in his crib for some playtime.
He is eating, alert, good coloring, pooping and peeing, all signs of a happy Baby. I hear coos and my heart is happy once again. I am thankful for a healthy strong baby who showed his Mommy once again to have faith. A strong Husband who resisted his MIL and crazy wife, and for his strong faith in Giovanni. Yes there will be a time, hopefully never, that intervention is needed, I am totally aware of that. But I also don't want to be the parent who takes her child to ER at first sign of ____. I do believe that some observation is needed then actions can be taken. I feel that observation should have been taken first when we went to hospital when he was first born, but I let it go too far, thankfully we are here to talk about it and get over it. Today I have a smiling baby who is slowly falling asleep for his mid-day nap. I know he is healthy because the minute I put him in his crib, he is awake! LOL! aggh habits are forming. oh well...happy healthy gio is who I love!
Fever is not something to take lightly, but you have to make a decision and stick with it, in our case, luan was strong enough to make it and stick to it. Yes he would have take Gio to hospital at a certain point, if needed to. Thankfully we are home and resting. By the way, Happy 5 weeks GIOVANNI!!! Our strong healthy baby boy!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
AAAGGGHHHCCCCCHOOO!!!!
So what have I been trying to do for the past month...isolating lil Man from sick ppl to prevent him from catching something so young. Well who gets sick? My lovely hubby who never gets sick, comes down with a small cold. I'm holding strong till Tuesday morning i wake up with a sore throat and runny nose! NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! How could this happen??? Oh yea lets see, stress, lack of sleep, agonizing over every last detail because I am an over analyzer. I have forgotten to think for myself and have lost all form of common sense. Hello I have taken seminars and working on my pediatric certification, but with lack of sleep, a small hospital scare and too much input, I have lost all form of mommy intuition. Stress and lack of sleep is the culprit, oh yea and my lovely brain that I work into overdrive. So far Giovanni is fine, please lets keep it that way. He sneezes or starts sounding congested, and i freak out, but oh yes he has done that since Birth, nothing out of the ordinary, psycho mom!
All the seminars I have taken don't prepare you for when you become a mom, nor does a book, it's all about day by day interaction, because Giovanni did not come with a manual and I am a student parent everyday. You are probably thinking I should be sleeping right now catching up on some precious ZZZ's. I would but I have a little space heater sitting in his sling on my chest right now, because as I have previously mentioned, someone is fighting naps and the minute I put him in his crib, 20 min later he is up and cranky. Oh he fought the sling, but is easily put to sleep by some walking around. Yes this isn't a permanent fix, but we need to start somewhere.
Last night I hit a wall...It was only 12, but I had just fed lil man at 10:30. We also got busy and didn't bathe him, which messed up our routine, I believe his bath relaxes him, plus the massage we do afterwards. Anywhoo, I couldn't breathe, was exhausted from lack of sleep, achy all over, etc.....Lil Man was on a feeding marathon and mommy lost it. I had to unlatch him and walk away for a couple of minutes. Hubby mentioned my stored milk, he could feed him to give me a break, but hard headed as I am, I said no, it was very tempting but no. I gathered myself because lil man was wide awake and staring at mommy while eating, I wanted him to see a happy mommy not one at the brink of madness...lol! I totally understood why ppl go to formula, breastfeeding is hard work! Especially if you have a growth spurt or a healthy eater like Giovanni, every 2 hrs on the dot, sometimes 3, if we are lucky. I had upped all my vitamins and introduced some additional ones. I didn't want to take something OTC or get an antibiotic, because it would wipe lil man of all his immunity. So either the new vitamins, me being sick, or something I ate, has bothered his tummy, because earlier in the day he was spitting up left and right, plus lots of gas. At one point, it looked like curd. but I do believe it can also be contributed to the fact that he falls asleep, doesn't burp properly no matter what I do and then spits up later, this has been a continuing issue with us. I start thinking, reflux, overstimulated, etc. Last night he did just fine, he just wanted to eat and eat. Well with two exhausted and sick parents, daddy decides to put Giovanni in bed with us in his sleeper. Guess what? 3 hr sleep cycles, we woke up at 330 and 640. What??? OMG and did I wake up rejuvenated. Not 100% but my sore throat is 70% and I could breathe again. So we went from 12-330-640 then 8, 1040 and now 12. But once 8 hits, I don't care for his wake-ups, I am up and can somewhat manage.
Wednesday, on my vow to pump, did my morning routine, put lil man down for a nap and then pumped, well who knows what I did, because I had it on the lowest setting and man was I sore. Sore enough not to pump at night, or on Thursday. But Thursday, who am I kidding, I had no energy. After talking to my midwife this morning regarding Giovanni's spit-up, my sickness, she insisted I pump for at least 5 min. What 5 min, does she not know how much work goes into pumping. Set everything up, pump, then soak, rinse, air dry. Then to only set it up again later! Yes ppl I am complaining, just needing to vent. I better get used to this schedule because once I go back to work, this will be my life. I started worrying because I can feed him at 630-7ish go to work, well cant pump till 950, then i get off at 12, come home. I was telling Bernie this and she said I need to pump at 12 when I get off, come home and then feed him when he is ready. With the way he eats, I may have to introduce a evening pumping session, just so he has enough to eat when I am gone during work. Oh well see analyzing already. I need to take this day by day. So I hung up with her, lil man was in his crib, I pumped for 7 min-3 oz. Soon as I finished Lil man was ready to get out of his crib.
Giovanni, changes everyday, I was scanning his pics and realized how small he was compared to now. When I put him on my shoulder, he only reached half-way down my chest, now its more than 75%. I have a big lil man! He loved his crib, now only 20 min naps tops. He hated the swing, sometimes he naps, sometimes he doesn't. I put him on my chest to console him, he pushes off, but thats because he is cranky, then he falls asleep. My friend Jennifer F. had commented about this lady who would only console her child by nursing. I thought oh hell no, that's me!! But after a while, I realized no its not psycho, but I am still trying to figure out his cries. Just when you think you have them down, he goes and changes up on me, oh the joys of parenthood. But as my lil space heater naps, snuggled up against me, I wouldn't trade this in for the world!
All the seminars I have taken don't prepare you for when you become a mom, nor does a book, it's all about day by day interaction, because Giovanni did not come with a manual and I am a student parent everyday. You are probably thinking I should be sleeping right now catching up on some precious ZZZ's. I would but I have a little space heater sitting in his sling on my chest right now, because as I have previously mentioned, someone is fighting naps and the minute I put him in his crib, 20 min later he is up and cranky. Oh he fought the sling, but is easily put to sleep by some walking around. Yes this isn't a permanent fix, but we need to start somewhere.
Last night I hit a wall...It was only 12, but I had just fed lil man at 10:30. We also got busy and didn't bathe him, which messed up our routine, I believe his bath relaxes him, plus the massage we do afterwards. Anywhoo, I couldn't breathe, was exhausted from lack of sleep, achy all over, etc.....Lil Man was on a feeding marathon and mommy lost it. I had to unlatch him and walk away for a couple of minutes. Hubby mentioned my stored milk, he could feed him to give me a break, but hard headed as I am, I said no, it was very tempting but no. I gathered myself because lil man was wide awake and staring at mommy while eating, I wanted him to see a happy mommy not one at the brink of madness...lol! I totally understood why ppl go to formula, breastfeeding is hard work! Especially if you have a growth spurt or a healthy eater like Giovanni, every 2 hrs on the dot, sometimes 3, if we are lucky. I had upped all my vitamins and introduced some additional ones. I didn't want to take something OTC or get an antibiotic, because it would wipe lil man of all his immunity. So either the new vitamins, me being sick, or something I ate, has bothered his tummy, because earlier in the day he was spitting up left and right, plus lots of gas. At one point, it looked like curd. but I do believe it can also be contributed to the fact that he falls asleep, doesn't burp properly no matter what I do and then spits up later, this has been a continuing issue with us. I start thinking, reflux, overstimulated, etc. Last night he did just fine, he just wanted to eat and eat. Well with two exhausted and sick parents, daddy decides to put Giovanni in bed with us in his sleeper. Guess what? 3 hr sleep cycles, we woke up at 330 and 640. What??? OMG and did I wake up rejuvenated. Not 100% but my sore throat is 70% and I could breathe again. So we went from 12-330-640 then 8, 1040 and now 12. But once 8 hits, I don't care for his wake-ups, I am up and can somewhat manage.
Wednesday, on my vow to pump, did my morning routine, put lil man down for a nap and then pumped, well who knows what I did, because I had it on the lowest setting and man was I sore. Sore enough not to pump at night, or on Thursday. But Thursday, who am I kidding, I had no energy. After talking to my midwife this morning regarding Giovanni's spit-up, my sickness, she insisted I pump for at least 5 min. What 5 min, does she not know how much work goes into pumping. Set everything up, pump, then soak, rinse, air dry. Then to only set it up again later! Yes ppl I am complaining, just needing to vent. I better get used to this schedule because once I go back to work, this will be my life. I started worrying because I can feed him at 630-7ish go to work, well cant pump till 950, then i get off at 12, come home. I was telling Bernie this and she said I need to pump at 12 when I get off, come home and then feed him when he is ready. With the way he eats, I may have to introduce a evening pumping session, just so he has enough to eat when I am gone during work. Oh well see analyzing already. I need to take this day by day. So I hung up with her, lil man was in his crib, I pumped for 7 min-3 oz. Soon as I finished Lil man was ready to get out of his crib.
Giovanni, changes everyday, I was scanning his pics and realized how small he was compared to now. When I put him on my shoulder, he only reached half-way down my chest, now its more than 75%. I have a big lil man! He loved his crib, now only 20 min naps tops. He hated the swing, sometimes he naps, sometimes he doesn't. I put him on my chest to console him, he pushes off, but thats because he is cranky, then he falls asleep. My friend Jennifer F. had commented about this lady who would only console her child by nursing. I thought oh hell no, that's me!! But after a while, I realized no its not psycho, but I am still trying to figure out his cries. Just when you think you have them down, he goes and changes up on me, oh the joys of parenthood. But as my lil space heater naps, snuggled up against me, I wouldn't trade this in for the world!
Monday, February 22, 2010
I survived!
Maybe I should say we survived...
Sunday-Luan's parents hosted a one month celebration for Giovanni. We were greatly surprised with the cute decorations they put time into for the party. Grandparents Nguyen, Hoang Family, Andy, Toan, Yasmin, Eileen, Denise, Danny, Abuelita Maria y Lety all joined in the celebration of Giovanni's one month. We had a great time catching up with everyone. Lil Man did great, he napped most of the time. That morning his tummy was upset and I think he was constipated. I had over packed a diaper bag with extra clothing, diapers, etc.. just in case he got dirty, but nothing for myself. Did Giovanni get dirty? Nope but Mommy sure got all his spit-up on her about three times in a row. I got the lecture of how I should always pack something for myself as well. Yes I do have Burp Cloths, but he managed on all three occasions to miss the burp cloth and get Mommy. He has great aim, =p. Denise helped me clean up and Mr. Giovanni fell asleep finally. I was grateful he got some rest, because lil Man is fighting his day naps and then gets very cranky. We were so happy Denise and Danny were able to make the celebration, it made the day very special for us. Well after a day of being cuddled and loved so much, Lil Man was pooped. We went through our night time routine but when 2AM hit, he was up! He was tired of sleeping and wanted to play. I am starting to notice that he loves 2 AM and PM; It is his awake time no matter what. So Mommy and Daddy took turns with Lil Man till he finally went down at 5 AM. 7AM he woke up again and we nursed in bed and then cuddled till almost 10. Mommy and Giovanni were both very rested and happy.
Monday- I vowed I would pump after putting it off for a week. We nursed around 11 and then Lil Man went down for a nap. I took advantage of the time and started pumping. Not 5 min into pumping, did Lil man wake up, he has great timing. He didn't want his milk being wasted into bottles, I suppose. =p Great Grandmother went to entertain him while I finished. I got 3 oz on my first time, not bad. I was worried that Giovanni would not have milk since I just pumped, although I should know better, because he sometimes nurses every hour during his growth spurts and I obviously have a supply. But you know me, I worry. Regardless, I cleaned the pump equipment and then went off to tend to Lil Man.
My friend Danette had arrived into town and mentioned getting a pedicure. I thought well, I just pumped, maybe I should go with her to catch up and then Luan could introduce Giovanni with his first bottle. I took a leap of faith and decided to go with Danette. I took a nap first with my family, since Giovanni is fighting his naps, I wanted to take advantage of some shuteye.
I slept for 40 min, then snuck out as my men slept. I totally enjoyed catching up with Danette and got a much needed pedicure, girl has to look cute, since I spend my days in sweats, lol. I only called Luan once and ended up waking him up, woops, Gio was still asleep. I felt my milk come in and thought I could make it home in time to feed him, but nope Luan called looking for the bottle nipple, rats I missed his feeding.
I got home to a burping baby with his Daddy. He reported that he downed the 2oz quickly, fell asleep then woke up and finished the last 1oz. I topped him off and then he fell asleep for another nap. Since he didn't eat that much, I pumped again and got 4.5 oz, now stored in the freezer, we have to start somewhere. No problems latching on, Yea! Bernie, suggested I should pump twice daily and only bottle feed if I had too, so that's what I am going to do. I am going to start a back-up milk supply and if I have to step out, I am assured that baby will be ok. I might surprise hubby and go out just the two of us. I know that it's healthy that I have me time, but listen I will have plenty of Tanya time, I assure you I will and I have had lots of me time in the past, these two months is all about Giovanni bc when I return to work, our schedule will be different, so why not enjoy my time with lil man. This morning I pumped only 2.5 oz but it's a great start and I am happy to report we had a great night, still waking up every 2-2.5 hrs but that's normal and someone took a morning nap, yea.
TIme to vent...My grams reported while discussing with my mom regarding gio's first bottle feed that he was left hungry and that I should really leave some formula because he was starving. My expressed milk is not enough and not going to fill him up. She is not the first to mention this, nor the last. I have been given other wonderful tidbits and lectured on my decisions by several. I totally understand that all these wonderful comments are given with love and meant to help and everyone has way more experience than I, hell I've only been a parent for a month! But just like everyone, you slowly learn and become a parent everyday. I am grateful for all the help I receive, it has empowered me at times when I really needed it. With that being said, everyone has different parenting skills and because I may have chosen a different path, I am in no way claiming someones path was wrong or bad, this is the path we have chosen for Giovanni, right or wrong we will learn, it's what we call Life! Therefore, I love everyone, but I am determined to breastfeed Giovanni for as long as I am able too, I will not supplement unless I have too because of health concerns, etc. Nor will I introduce other foods till 6 mo, when his digestive system is ready to break food down. If I veer away from this path, then I do, we are all free to change and grow. I always thought moms who stayed at home were crazy, wouldn't they miss work or need a change of venue? Boy was I wrong, I don't miss work at all, I value every minute I have with my lil man and totally value stay at home moms, and envy them because I have to return to work. My friends think I am crazy, but having a child changes everything and completely transforms you into someone new..a parent, lol (hopefully for me a less selfish person) I know that life is a public forum and we all love to give our opinions, hello I am Queen of Opinions, but I also think that we should all try to sensor our comments especially when it is in really bad taste. I am guilty of this as well, hell we all are, but I am trying to grow.
Sunday-Luan's parents hosted a one month celebration for Giovanni. We were greatly surprised with the cute decorations they put time into for the party. Grandparents Nguyen, Hoang Family, Andy, Toan, Yasmin, Eileen, Denise, Danny, Abuelita Maria y Lety all joined in the celebration of Giovanni's one month. We had a great time catching up with everyone. Lil Man did great, he napped most of the time. That morning his tummy was upset and I think he was constipated. I had over packed a diaper bag with extra clothing, diapers, etc.. just in case he got dirty, but nothing for myself. Did Giovanni get dirty? Nope but Mommy sure got all his spit-up on her about three times in a row. I got the lecture of how I should always pack something for myself as well. Yes I do have Burp Cloths, but he managed on all three occasions to miss the burp cloth and get Mommy. He has great aim, =p. Denise helped me clean up and Mr. Giovanni fell asleep finally. I was grateful he got some rest, because lil Man is fighting his day naps and then gets very cranky. We were so happy Denise and Danny were able to make the celebration, it made the day very special for us. Well after a day of being cuddled and loved so much, Lil Man was pooped. We went through our night time routine but when 2AM hit, he was up! He was tired of sleeping and wanted to play. I am starting to notice that he loves 2 AM and PM; It is his awake time no matter what. So Mommy and Daddy took turns with Lil Man till he finally went down at 5 AM. 7AM he woke up again and we nursed in bed and then cuddled till almost 10. Mommy and Giovanni were both very rested and happy.
Monday- I vowed I would pump after putting it off for a week. We nursed around 11 and then Lil Man went down for a nap. I took advantage of the time and started pumping. Not 5 min into pumping, did Lil man wake up, he has great timing. He didn't want his milk being wasted into bottles, I suppose. =p Great Grandmother went to entertain him while I finished. I got 3 oz on my first time, not bad. I was worried that Giovanni would not have milk since I just pumped, although I should know better, because he sometimes nurses every hour during his growth spurts and I obviously have a supply. But you know me, I worry. Regardless, I cleaned the pump equipment and then went off to tend to Lil Man.
My friend Danette had arrived into town and mentioned getting a pedicure. I thought well, I just pumped, maybe I should go with her to catch up and then Luan could introduce Giovanni with his first bottle. I took a leap of faith and decided to go with Danette. I took a nap first with my family, since Giovanni is fighting his naps, I wanted to take advantage of some shuteye.
I slept for 40 min, then snuck out as my men slept. I totally enjoyed catching up with Danette and got a much needed pedicure, girl has to look cute, since I spend my days in sweats, lol. I only called Luan once and ended up waking him up, woops, Gio was still asleep. I felt my milk come in and thought I could make it home in time to feed him, but nope Luan called looking for the bottle nipple, rats I missed his feeding.
I got home to a burping baby with his Daddy. He reported that he downed the 2oz quickly, fell asleep then woke up and finished the last 1oz. I topped him off and then he fell asleep for another nap. Since he didn't eat that much, I pumped again and got 4.5 oz, now stored in the freezer, we have to start somewhere. No problems latching on, Yea! Bernie, suggested I should pump twice daily and only bottle feed if I had too, so that's what I am going to do. I am going to start a back-up milk supply and if I have to step out, I am assured that baby will be ok. I might surprise hubby and go out just the two of us. I know that it's healthy that I have me time, but listen I will have plenty of Tanya time, I assure you I will and I have had lots of me time in the past, these two months is all about Giovanni bc when I return to work, our schedule will be different, so why not enjoy my time with lil man. This morning I pumped only 2.5 oz but it's a great start and I am happy to report we had a great night, still waking up every 2-2.5 hrs but that's normal and someone took a morning nap, yea.
TIme to vent...My grams reported while discussing with my mom regarding gio's first bottle feed that he was left hungry and that I should really leave some formula because he was starving. My expressed milk is not enough and not going to fill him up. She is not the first to mention this, nor the last. I have been given other wonderful tidbits and lectured on my decisions by several. I totally understand that all these wonderful comments are given with love and meant to help and everyone has way more experience than I, hell I've only been a parent for a month! But just like everyone, you slowly learn and become a parent everyday. I am grateful for all the help I receive, it has empowered me at times when I really needed it. With that being said, everyone has different parenting skills and because I may have chosen a different path, I am in no way claiming someones path was wrong or bad, this is the path we have chosen for Giovanni, right or wrong we will learn, it's what we call Life! Therefore, I love everyone, but I am determined to breastfeed Giovanni for as long as I am able too, I will not supplement unless I have too because of health concerns, etc. Nor will I introduce other foods till 6 mo, when his digestive system is ready to break food down. If I veer away from this path, then I do, we are all free to change and grow. I always thought moms who stayed at home were crazy, wouldn't they miss work or need a change of venue? Boy was I wrong, I don't miss work at all, I value every minute I have with my lil man and totally value stay at home moms, and envy them because I have to return to work. My friends think I am crazy, but having a child changes everything and completely transforms you into someone new..a parent, lol (hopefully for me a less selfish person) I know that life is a public forum and we all love to give our opinions, hello I am Queen of Opinions, but I also think that we should all try to sensor our comments especially when it is in really bad taste. I am guilty of this as well, hell we all are, but I am trying to grow.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Happy One Month Giovanni!!
One Month!!!
You are growing so fast and I wish I could slow down time! Mommy and Daddy love when you cuddle up on our shoulders and fall asleep. Daddy, Mr. Manly Man, claimed that he would not baby you, but he can't help it. He loves kissing your big cheeks and playing with you, just like mommy. I can't help but call you my lil Piggly Wiggly, Space Heater, Sweet Cheeks, Lil turtle and Baby bear because you are so cute, oh and recently mommy's Prince Charming.
At one month you love to eat, sleep and poop. When you aren't fed on a timely manner, you kick your lil feet in the air (piggly wiggly) it is so cute and shake your head side to side (lil turtle) until you latch on, Mommy can't help to laugh. Sometimes during feeding when you have probably dozed off for a few minutes, you quickly peek out of the corner of your eyes as if to see if I am still there and then close them quickly so that I might not catch you doing it =p. You grin as you feed and sleep, which makes daddy and mommy cover you with kisses. We both had gotten lazy about breastfeeding and I was starting to get really sore, thinking I might have gotten thrush, but after watching some latching videos, I realized that I wasn't having you latch on properly, which might have contributed to your hourly feedings because you were not getting enough food. After proper latching all night long last night, we are back on track and Mommy feels a lot better!
You are currently in Size 1 pampers, they are a lil big, but the N pampers are way to snug. We haven't used the cloth diapers yet, because they are too big on you, we will prob incorporate those next month, because you are growing so fast (we need to put that on shopping list). No more 0-3 clothing for you, and some 3 mo clothing need to be put away because they are too short for you.
You love to be:
-swaddled, although if you can sneak an arm out or two, you love napping with your arms close to your head
-cleaned with warm cloth wipes, we use the disposable ones when out and about and i get a mean look from you...
-bath time, daddy said that everytime he lowers you into the tub you look at him for help, but as he reassures you that he is there with you, you calm down and enjoy the warm water
-car rides & walks, you instantly are lulled to sleep by the movement
-carried in the Moby, this is how little space heater came bout, because you are curled up against us and produce so much heat.
You do not prefer pacifiers or getting your nose cleaned for buggers. Baby acne is still present and I wish it would go away! You are starting to coo when happy and grunt at us when we disturb you. We were comparing baby pictures to see who you look like, but it is still up in the air as to whom you resemble the most. So far you have Mommy's eyebrows, mouth and possibly chin; Daddy's forehead, nose and eye shape but bigger like Mommy's =p. Mommy and daddy finally got a semi routine for you but everyday we learn how to be your parents and it's the best new job/lifestyle that we love!
Advice (Wives Tales) given to us during our first month:
1. When hiccups come on-either baby is wet or cold. Place a red string or paper on forehead to stop hiccups. Does it work?? yes and No, is it timing, who knows.
2. Don't cut nails, blow on them because the edges will fall off.
3. Put a cloth belt around baby's mid-section to protect umbilical region from possible herniation or protuding. I have the cloth belts, thanks to great grandmother Maria, but have failed to put it on.
4 . Shave babies hair for increased growth and thickness. Umm No!
5. Trim eyelashes, for longer length. Umm No!
6. In Vietnam and El Salvador, new moms do not bathe for 40 days, to protect themselves from who knows what, yea No thanks.
7. The 40 day diet, u know right...eat oatmeal for increased breastmilk. No sex because can lead to possible pregnancy. Sorry folks after pushing out Giovanni, sex is not our number one priority right now. No spicy foods. etc. the list goes on.
8. There are many more, we will add on to the list as we remember, its hilarious, sometimes annoying, but with lots of love!
You are growing so fast and I wish I could slow down time! Mommy and Daddy love when you cuddle up on our shoulders and fall asleep. Daddy, Mr. Manly Man, claimed that he would not baby you, but he can't help it. He loves kissing your big cheeks and playing with you, just like mommy. I can't help but call you my lil Piggly Wiggly, Space Heater, Sweet Cheeks, Lil turtle and Baby bear because you are so cute, oh and recently mommy's Prince Charming.
At one month you love to eat, sleep and poop. When you aren't fed on a timely manner, you kick your lil feet in the air (piggly wiggly) it is so cute and shake your head side to side (lil turtle) until you latch on, Mommy can't help to laugh. Sometimes during feeding when you have probably dozed off for a few minutes, you quickly peek out of the corner of your eyes as if to see if I am still there and then close them quickly so that I might not catch you doing it =p. You grin as you feed and sleep, which makes daddy and mommy cover you with kisses. We both had gotten lazy about breastfeeding and I was starting to get really sore, thinking I might have gotten thrush, but after watching some latching videos, I realized that I wasn't having you latch on properly, which might have contributed to your hourly feedings because you were not getting enough food. After proper latching all night long last night, we are back on track and Mommy feels a lot better!
You are currently in Size 1 pampers, they are a lil big, but the N pampers are way to snug. We haven't used the cloth diapers yet, because they are too big on you, we will prob incorporate those next month, because you are growing so fast (we need to put that on shopping list). No more 0-3 clothing for you, and some 3 mo clothing need to be put away because they are too short for you.
You love to be:
-swaddled, although if you can sneak an arm out or two, you love napping with your arms close to your head
-cleaned with warm cloth wipes, we use the disposable ones when out and about and i get a mean look from you...
-bath time, daddy said that everytime he lowers you into the tub you look at him for help, but as he reassures you that he is there with you, you calm down and enjoy the warm water
-car rides & walks, you instantly are lulled to sleep by the movement
-carried in the Moby, this is how little space heater came bout, because you are curled up against us and produce so much heat.
You do not prefer pacifiers or getting your nose cleaned for buggers. Baby acne is still present and I wish it would go away! You are starting to coo when happy and grunt at us when we disturb you. We were comparing baby pictures to see who you look like, but it is still up in the air as to whom you resemble the most. So far you have Mommy's eyebrows, mouth and possibly chin; Daddy's forehead, nose and eye shape but bigger like Mommy's =p. Mommy and daddy finally got a semi routine for you but everyday we learn how to be your parents and it's the best new job/lifestyle that we love!
Advice (Wives Tales) given to us during our first month:
1. When hiccups come on-either baby is wet or cold. Place a red string or paper on forehead to stop hiccups. Does it work?? yes and No, is it timing, who knows.
2. Don't cut nails, blow on them because the edges will fall off.
3. Put a cloth belt around baby's mid-section to protect umbilical region from possible herniation or protuding. I have the cloth belts, thanks to great grandmother Maria, but have failed to put it on.
4 . Shave babies hair for increased growth and thickness. Umm No!
5. Trim eyelashes, for longer length. Umm No!
6. In Vietnam and El Salvador, new moms do not bathe for 40 days, to protect themselves from who knows what, yea No thanks.
7. The 40 day diet, u know right...eat oatmeal for increased breastmilk. No sex because can lead to possible pregnancy. Sorry folks after pushing out Giovanni, sex is not our number one priority right now. No spicy foods. etc. the list goes on.
8. There are many more, we will add on to the list as we remember, its hilarious, sometimes annoying, but with lots of love!
Human Pacifier...=p
So Tuesday, was your usual day, Luan went to work, baby and I chilled throughout the day. I actually felt restful, I should have known something was up..... Well Daddy came home early so we decided to go on a walk to Rice and then end it with some shopping at the Village for a bit, for baby's 1 month outfit. Walk was great, everyone marveled at how big our Giovanni was for a one month old. He seems little to us, we don't see it, but he is very long that he is already in 3mo outfits and outgrowing them as we speak. We stopped at Gymboree and found a cute vest and overall. Gap baby was a dud. The previous night I had read "God Gave Us You" and "Goodnight Moon" to Giovanni, thanks to his Godmother Denise. He was so attentive and scanning the pages as I read to him. So I decided to stop by Half-Price to pick up some pop-up books. We were perusing around when Momma Lopez called inviting us to Dinner. I hesitate...Yes that would be fun, but No because Baby is about to wake-up and needs to eat...(mind you I time my outings after feedings, because I know baby is full and I have about 2 hours). Now do I need to buy food for baby? No I am Gio's food source, but that would be my first public breast feeding experience....
So...Ok, I agree to dinner, I need to stop being so psycho, Yes ppl I know it! So we go to Jason's Deli and I feed my lil one who is sound asleep as we wait for my mom to arrive. Giovanni can eat for up to 20-30 min on one breast. Sometimes I cut him off at 15 min, burp, change and then switch, or just let him finish on one side. He is eating and sleeping. Luan takes over to burp him, for the next 30-40 min as we enjoy dinner and chit chat. Breast feeding in public was a success, I had a cover-up and a receiving blanket on top. We finally leave, baby is sound asleep, as I place him in his carseat, spit-up everywhere. I freak out, of course, who wants to see their baby puking up everywhere?? We finally make it home and get ready for bath time. Giovanni is comfy and chilling. We do our night-time feed which is longer than usual and as he finally dozes off, I move an inch...Eyes open and I have a wide-awake baby. This happens over and over...wide-awake baby. Giovanni usually dozes off and he is off to lalalaland, Not Tonight!! We go through the night waking up at 1, 3 and stay up till 5 because one slight movement and he is up for the next 2 hours. Probably going through a growth spurt. Any slight movement and he is awake. Then 640 like clockwork, he wakes up, which is the same time Daddy gets up. This wake-up time I do not mind because this is the schedule we will continue when I go back to work. (Blah lets not talk about that evilness) He feeds and finally sound asleep. I move and wide awake. 815 he usually falls back to sleep to about 850 then we move from crib into mommy's bed and we are out till 10 am. This is my life, if this sounds like complaining, I am not, maybe a lil exhausted, but no complaining here, although I do feel like a Human pacifier, =p I did use a pacifier around 4 am, but it was spit out so many times, that I put it away. Human pacifier to the rescue =p.
My lil one is 1 month old tomorrow and I will not get these days back, so we are using Attachment Parenting skills. We carry baby, co-sleep for a lil bit and breastfeed on demand. Not so attached as others, but this works for us, except for slight movement=wide-awake baby, this is new. Today is Ash Wednesday and we went to mass at 12 with the Abuelitas. Giovanni was nice and comfy in the Moby. He slept during the whole mass and as we were leaving, I had ppl place their hands on him, through the Moby, I smiled trying not to pull away. lol. My dad was supposed to meet us at church to meet baby. He still hasn't met baby because he refuses to enter our house, old issues with mom I suppose...his loss. He didn't show up but was waiting outside. Well Baby Gio woke up crying and the visit was cut short. My dad got emotional meeting him, but I feel that he has brought that upon himself, he isn't banned from the house, he has chosen that path. Oh well, we finally make it home and guess what feeding time. When we are done, daddy joins us for our daily walk where we run into my neighbor Mary, new mom of a 5 mo old. She had her baby at a birthing center as well and breast feeding only. She told us that her child will not take a bottle at all. She will only take it from a tube if she has too. Mary is practicing Attached Parenting (AP), baby is never put down, always carried, uses homeopathic remedies for sickness and a stay at home mom ready to return to work. It was great talking to her and she invites us to a play group this Friday.
Will I go...prob not, we need one more month of building up our immunity before meeting other kids, just in case. I know, I know, but sorry, nope. This Sunday, Luan's parents are throwing a traditional Vietnamese one-month celebration. Baby will be around a large group of ppl and obviously carried around. I am hoping that people use common sense and if they are possibly sick, not to come. What? Sorry? I have to take precautions. I was telling Luan about how I felt about the upcoming scenario, he of course doesn't understand. That didn't go well to an overprotective mother, but it's over with.
In 23 hours, my lil one is one month old, crazy. Time sure flies, when you are in love with Giovanni who has mommy wrapped around his lil finger. Yes ppl, I am hooked and loving it!
So...Ok, I agree to dinner, I need to stop being so psycho, Yes ppl I know it! So we go to Jason's Deli and I feed my lil one who is sound asleep as we wait for my mom to arrive. Giovanni can eat for up to 20-30 min on one breast. Sometimes I cut him off at 15 min, burp, change and then switch, or just let him finish on one side. He is eating and sleeping. Luan takes over to burp him, for the next 30-40 min as we enjoy dinner and chit chat. Breast feeding in public was a success, I had a cover-up and a receiving blanket on top. We finally leave, baby is sound asleep, as I place him in his carseat, spit-up everywhere. I freak out, of course, who wants to see their baby puking up everywhere?? We finally make it home and get ready for bath time. Giovanni is comfy and chilling. We do our night-time feed which is longer than usual and as he finally dozes off, I move an inch...Eyes open and I have a wide-awake baby. This happens over and over...wide-awake baby. Giovanni usually dozes off and he is off to lalalaland, Not Tonight!! We go through the night waking up at 1, 3 and stay up till 5 because one slight movement and he is up for the next 2 hours. Probably going through a growth spurt. Any slight movement and he is awake. Then 640 like clockwork, he wakes up, which is the same time Daddy gets up. This wake-up time I do not mind because this is the schedule we will continue when I go back to work. (Blah lets not talk about that evilness) He feeds and finally sound asleep. I move and wide awake. 815 he usually falls back to sleep to about 850 then we move from crib into mommy's bed and we are out till 10 am. This is my life, if this sounds like complaining, I am not, maybe a lil exhausted, but no complaining here, although I do feel like a Human pacifier, =p I did use a pacifier around 4 am, but it was spit out so many times, that I put it away. Human pacifier to the rescue =p.
My lil one is 1 month old tomorrow and I will not get these days back, so we are using Attachment Parenting skills. We carry baby, co-sleep for a lil bit and breastfeed on demand. Not so attached as others, but this works for us, except for slight movement=wide-awake baby, this is new. Today is Ash Wednesday and we went to mass at 12 with the Abuelitas. Giovanni was nice and comfy in the Moby. He slept during the whole mass and as we were leaving, I had ppl place their hands on him, through the Moby, I smiled trying not to pull away. lol. My dad was supposed to meet us at church to meet baby. He still hasn't met baby because he refuses to enter our house, old issues with mom I suppose...his loss. He didn't show up but was waiting outside. Well Baby Gio woke up crying and the visit was cut short. My dad got emotional meeting him, but I feel that he has brought that upon himself, he isn't banned from the house, he has chosen that path. Oh well, we finally make it home and guess what feeding time. When we are done, daddy joins us for our daily walk where we run into my neighbor Mary, new mom of a 5 mo old. She had her baby at a birthing center as well and breast feeding only. She told us that her child will not take a bottle at all. She will only take it from a tube if she has too. Mary is practicing Attached Parenting (AP), baby is never put down, always carried, uses homeopathic remedies for sickness and a stay at home mom ready to return to work. It was great talking to her and she invites us to a play group this Friday.
Will I go...prob not, we need one more month of building up our immunity before meeting other kids, just in case. I know, I know, but sorry, nope. This Sunday, Luan's parents are throwing a traditional Vietnamese one-month celebration. Baby will be around a large group of ppl and obviously carried around. I am hoping that people use common sense and if they are possibly sick, not to come. What? Sorry? I have to take precautions. I was telling Luan about how I felt about the upcoming scenario, he of course doesn't understand. That didn't go well to an overprotective mother, but it's over with.
In 23 hours, my lil one is one month old, crazy. Time sure flies, when you are in love with Giovanni who has mommy wrapped around his lil finger. Yes ppl, I am hooked and loving it!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day and Lunar Year!
Giovanni you are currently 3 weeks and 4 days old. OMG u are almost a month old this Thursday. You are currently sleeping one or two 4 hours stretches. Amazing. Mommy is slowly adjusting to 3 hr naps survival skills, although at 5-8 am it's really though, after that, I am good. Let's see in this past week you have managed to pee on Daddy several times and after an impromptu birthday suit photo shoot, daddy was picking you up and it must have been time for your bowel movement, because it went everywhere. It was hilarious! For mommy you have gifted me with spit-up all over my black tank tops, pjs and shoulder which I welcome! I rather it be on me than in your tummy disturbing your sleep. Although on one certain diaper change as mommy was changing you, another bowel movement was immediately caught with the cloth towel I was using to cleanse you.
The cloth towels are awesome especially in the towel warmer. I totally recommend using those for anyone. Cold disposable wipes are not baby friendly especially, if your baby just woke up or is still napping while you change them. You had semi irritation at 2 weeks old, and Dee our NP recommended Baby Aquaphor by Eucerin to be used at each diaper change, to prevent diaper rash and protect from the acidity of the urine. I love it and lather you with it daily. Your right eye tear duct has finally cleared up after two weeks of massaging. You started getting baby acne and we had to finally mitten your hands because you were scratching your bumps and have cut yourself.
Daddy and Mommy stepped out on a Starbucks run while you slept. Well you must have sensed our departure, because you woke up and Abuleita Lety y Maria y Umer could not calm you down. They tried a pacifier, diaper change and cuddling, but you would not relax. I was told that you yanked the pacifier out with your hands or spit it out. LOL. Your abuelita's were shook up as they don't like to see cry. I heard your cries as we pulled up. I instantly calmed you down as I picked you up and fed you. I was lectured on leaving bottles for feedings when I leave. I am going to start pumping, but how would I know that in a 15 min venture you would wake up, after being fed.
This weekend we were visited by your Godfather Jeremy and Auntie Lindsay. They arrived Saturday and chilled with us at home, since Mommy is not ready to take you out into crowded public areas just yet. We caught up and took a nice walk around the neighborhood. Sunday-Valentine's Day, I was surprised by tulips and a card from you via Daddy in your crib. Of course, I cried, hello I am so in love with both of you, it's hard not to be. You got valentine cards from Daddy and Mommy, Abuelita Lety, Jason and Darlene Vanderford as well. It was a gorgeous day after a rainy week and we took family pictures in the backyard thanks to our wonderful photographer Lindsay. After Lindsay and Jeremy left back to Dallas, we went on a family walk at Rice. You of course enjoyed your stroller and car ride, and waited to get home to eat. We finally got a new swing for you, since your first one did not recline, you love this one and take 2 hr naps in it.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day and Happy Lunar New Year.
The cloth towels are awesome especially in the towel warmer. I totally recommend using those for anyone. Cold disposable wipes are not baby friendly especially, if your baby just woke up or is still napping while you change them. You had semi irritation at 2 weeks old, and Dee our NP recommended Baby Aquaphor by Eucerin to be used at each diaper change, to prevent diaper rash and protect from the acidity of the urine. I love it and lather you with it daily. Your right eye tear duct has finally cleared up after two weeks of massaging. You started getting baby acne and we had to finally mitten your hands because you were scratching your bumps and have cut yourself.
Daddy and Mommy stepped out on a Starbucks run while you slept. Well you must have sensed our departure, because you woke up and Abuleita Lety y Maria y Umer could not calm you down. They tried a pacifier, diaper change and cuddling, but you would not relax. I was told that you yanked the pacifier out with your hands or spit it out. LOL. Your abuelita's were shook up as they don't like to see cry. I heard your cries as we pulled up. I instantly calmed you down as I picked you up and fed you. I was lectured on leaving bottles for feedings when I leave. I am going to start pumping, but how would I know that in a 15 min venture you would wake up, after being fed.
This weekend we were visited by your Godfather Jeremy and Auntie Lindsay. They arrived Saturday and chilled with us at home, since Mommy is not ready to take you out into crowded public areas just yet. We caught up and took a nice walk around the neighborhood. Sunday-Valentine's Day, I was surprised by tulips and a card from you via Daddy in your crib. Of course, I cried, hello I am so in love with both of you, it's hard not to be. You got valentine cards from Daddy and Mommy, Abuelita Lety, Jason and Darlene Vanderford as well. It was a gorgeous day after a rainy week and we took family pictures in the backyard thanks to our wonderful photographer Lindsay. After Lindsay and Jeremy left back to Dallas, we went on a family walk at Rice. You of course enjoyed your stroller and car ride, and waited to get home to eat. We finally got a new swing for you, since your first one did not recline, you love this one and take 2 hr naps in it.
We hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day and Happy Lunar New Year.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Week 2-3
Giovanni, wow you still amaze me that you are my son!!!
I am a Mom of a gorgeous little man, who I can't stop to admire and cuddle. Between 1.5-3 hour naps and feedings, days pass me by. Daddy and I are still trying to balance your lovely night time routine. I feed and daddy changes and burps you. We might have over done it on changing you after each feedings which wakes you up, and then we are sitting and playing with a wide awake baby at 1-5 AM. It's hard work but it's amazing what Mommy and Daddy will do for you. So we took you back to the Pediatrician for your hospital stay follow-up, everything was fine. Mr. Giovanni loves his car rides and especially loves to be held. Do we hold you too much, do I not let you cry it out??? What to do??? Books argue. let them cry it out, others say not to. I am under the philosophy that you are yet to young to fend for yourself, you have three basic needs: Eat, Sleep and Poop. We are here to nurture your life and I will do everything possible to help you out. During my breaks I am reading the giganto Baby Book by Dr. Sears. It has really helped answer some questions and allowed me to relax my anxieties. Yes ppl, I am an anxious person. I try to relax, but that's Why I am have an awesome Hubby who is there for me and our son.
Daddy and I watched the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD by Dr. Karp. It concentrates on 5 specific aspects: Swaddling, Side Holding, Shushing, Swinging and Sucking. Let me tell you, we have tried it and it works. It relaxes you instantly! Your grandmothers prefer not to see you swaddled, but when you are not swaddled, your little arms scare and awake you from your slumber. I preferred not to use a pacifier, because I didn't want nipple confusion, but you have managed quite well and spit it out on occasions. We actually haven't used a pacifier much. You do like to be held and I think that is your pacifier, =p. Bad habits start early, but if you saw my little man you wouldn't let him cry it out either. I agree with Dr. Karp, that for the first 3 months baby is in the 4th trimeter and needs our attention.
We finally received your crib, its so pretty and you sleep wonderfully in it. Daddy put it together as well as your swing, which is not your favorite, 30 min tops and you are out. We took you and Louie out for a walk in the neighborhood, you slept so good and finally relaxed with Mom and Dad. Each night around 730ish we give you a bath and you love it. You sit and stare as we bathe you. I love watching as you fall asleep in my arms as you eat. Breastfeeding has been so enjoyable, yes a formula bottle would be easier and include more restful nights, but I love that I can provide for your daily meals, plus its our time. My heart gets bigger and bigger daily as I see you in your daddy's arms. He arrives exhausted from work and trying not to fall asleep, but when he sees you, his exhaustion disappears and you are his main focus.
Grandma took us to see Bernie for our two week post visit. You passed your hearing test and was weighed at 10 lbs 20z, now 21 in long. We opted out of the circumcision, after much discussion, it wasn't a priority for us and we chose not to. It's a tough decision for every parent to make and to each his own. Everybody can't get over how big you are getting, I don't see it, you are so small in mommy's arms. We had to go through your clothing and take out clothes that are too small for you, its more of a length issue. Ok maybe you are growing bigger, either way, you are so precious. We have taken so many pictures, but haven't had time to upload them, even though everyone is asking for them so sorry! Will do soon! Mommy has called and emailed her mommy friend's for advice, thank you ladies so much!
Gotta run, I hear Giovanni ready to awake from his nap! Thanks for all the love! My Baby is three weeks old Tomorrow, crazy how time flies!
I am a Mom of a gorgeous little man, who I can't stop to admire and cuddle. Between 1.5-3 hour naps and feedings, days pass me by. Daddy and I are still trying to balance your lovely night time routine. I feed and daddy changes and burps you. We might have over done it on changing you after each feedings which wakes you up, and then we are sitting and playing with a wide awake baby at 1-5 AM. It's hard work but it's amazing what Mommy and Daddy will do for you. So we took you back to the Pediatrician for your hospital stay follow-up, everything was fine. Mr. Giovanni loves his car rides and especially loves to be held. Do we hold you too much, do I not let you cry it out??? What to do??? Books argue. let them cry it out, others say not to. I am under the philosophy that you are yet to young to fend for yourself, you have three basic needs: Eat, Sleep and Poop. We are here to nurture your life and I will do everything possible to help you out. During my breaks I am reading the giganto Baby Book by Dr. Sears. It has really helped answer some questions and allowed me to relax my anxieties. Yes ppl, I am an anxious person. I try to relax, but that's Why I am have an awesome Hubby who is there for me and our son.
Daddy and I watched the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD by Dr. Karp. It concentrates on 5 specific aspects: Swaddling, Side Holding, Shushing, Swinging and Sucking. Let me tell you, we have tried it and it works. It relaxes you instantly! Your grandmothers prefer not to see you swaddled, but when you are not swaddled, your little arms scare and awake you from your slumber. I preferred not to use a pacifier, because I didn't want nipple confusion, but you have managed quite well and spit it out on occasions. We actually haven't used a pacifier much. You do like to be held and I think that is your pacifier, =p. Bad habits start early, but if you saw my little man you wouldn't let him cry it out either. I agree with Dr. Karp, that for the first 3 months baby is in the 4th trimeter and needs our attention.
We finally received your crib, its so pretty and you sleep wonderfully in it. Daddy put it together as well as your swing, which is not your favorite, 30 min tops and you are out. We took you and Louie out for a walk in the neighborhood, you slept so good and finally relaxed with Mom and Dad. Each night around 730ish we give you a bath and you love it. You sit and stare as we bathe you. I love watching as you fall asleep in my arms as you eat. Breastfeeding has been so enjoyable, yes a formula bottle would be easier and include more restful nights, but I love that I can provide for your daily meals, plus its our time. My heart gets bigger and bigger daily as I see you in your daddy's arms. He arrives exhausted from work and trying not to fall asleep, but when he sees you, his exhaustion disappears and you are his main focus.
Grandma took us to see Bernie for our two week post visit. You passed your hearing test and was weighed at 10 lbs 20z, now 21 in long. We opted out of the circumcision, after much discussion, it wasn't a priority for us and we chose not to. It's a tough decision for every parent to make and to each his own. Everybody can't get over how big you are getting, I don't see it, you are so small in mommy's arms. We had to go through your clothing and take out clothes that are too small for you, its more of a length issue. Ok maybe you are growing bigger, either way, you are so precious. We have taken so many pictures, but haven't had time to upload them, even though everyone is asking for them so sorry! Will do soon! Mommy has called and emailed her mommy friend's for advice, thank you ladies so much!
Gotta run, I hear Giovanni ready to awake from his nap! Thanks for all the love! My Baby is three weeks old Tomorrow, crazy how time flies!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
week 1
Day 1-Friday
We finally wake up from a hectic night, we had to wake Giovanni up to feed because he was so sleepy from birth. Poor little guy, it also didn't help that his mom and dad kept prodding him throughout the night to see if he was breathing and ok. He slept in this co-sleeper right between us. As much as I needed rest, I couldn't stop staring at him and nothing could stop me from trying to listen to his breathing. He was just so precious to turn away from.
Ba Noi (Luan's Mom) arrives early in the morning and drives all by herself to our home for the first time. She usually doesn't drive past a 6 mile radius from her house, because she gets lost easily. By the way we live 45 min away from her, so this was a big step for her. She meets her grandson and immediately cuddles him and he is officially in her arms. I try to get some rest, but I'm on this adrenaline boost that won't stop. I am constantly being forced to drink liquids and eat thanks to my loving husband, because with a cute little bundle of joy in your presence your forget everything else. We get ready because we have to take Giovanni to his first Pediatrician appointment, Mom, Dad and both grandmas in tow. We meet Dee the Nurse Practioner, she is very warm and easy to talk to. Dr. Wolens is great as well, but its nice to have a mom who can relate. He checks out great and we are sent home with a followup visit on Monday. Later in the day, Lucy, Iliana, Adolfo, Toan, Yasmin and Om Noi (Luan's Dad) arrive to meet Mr. Giovanni. He does well with all the visitors, but I think I overdid it and exhaustion kicks in quickly.
Day 2-Saturday
Another crazy night, we have to get used to fast, because our lives are forever changed in the best possible way. My loving husband is amazing, I feed and he burps and changes Giovanni, so that I can get some rest. He once again slept between us, but we couldn't rest comfortably...lol. We couldn't help ourselves, from staring at him to making sure he was ok, sleep was out of the question. Ba Noi arrives once again and takes her little grandson for safe keeping in her arms. My poor mom is running from work to home and back to work. Luan makes sure I soak in my herbal bath, because exhaustion, pain and soreness have finally kicked in big time! My neck, back and thighs burn with exhaustion and pain. It finally hit me and I need help moving about because I feel so weak. Lucy and Iliana arrive again. We spend the day in and out from feedings and attempted rest.
Day 3- Sunday
Wow, Nights and Days go by so fast, I am still in some pain, but its all worth it once I look at Giovanni. Ba Noi arrives in the morning and then later Om Noi. They take the lil man for some grandparent time. I try to soak, eat and rest while they are entertaining him. Bernie arrives for my 48 hr postpartum visit. She does Giovanni's Newborn Screen and examines me. I am lectured that I need to soak more and now to start walking at least 30 min a day. Umm sure, i'm swollen and pained in that area, walking is out of the question. While she is examining me, Luan's Cousin Uyen and her family arrive. They are excited to meet the baby, and I am trying to pay attention to Bernie as they come in and out trying to see him. Finally Luan brings them the baby, as we finish up with Bernie and then I'm done. I chat with Uyen and Scott as Luan plays with Olivia and Ethan. Where my hubby has all that energy is a surprise to me. We eat dinner, as I watch TV as my lil guy feeds, I was watching the Little Couple and thanked god that my baby was healthy and not in the NICU at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) where Dr. Jen Arnold works at in the show. I am overcome with anxiety, I just want everything to be perfect for my lil guy and only wish to be a good mother. Luan calms me down as he usually does and I continue to breathe. Giovanni finally falls asleep later that night, to only wake Mommy and Daddy up every hour to feed, he is finally hungry. He has latched on amazingly and has not complained with my colostrum and new addition of milk that is slowly coming in.
Day 4- Monday
Luan goes back to work, poor guy, we barely got any sleep with hourly feedings. I'm excited because my cousin Danny and BF Denise are arriving today to meet my lil man. My mom brings me breakfast in bed and I tell her about my anxieties, she reassures me that it is normal and once I get more rest, I will feel better. We hurry about because we are running late to our pedi appt. We arrive 15 min late and warned that next time we will be bumped to another day. Woops. Dee greets us and guess what Mr. Giovanni has gained weight now 8lbs 5oz. Not bad. She assured me that I was doing a great job, because most newborns lose 10% weight in first two weeks and then regain it. I have a list of questions for her and she answers them all. I expressed concern that I had gotten a cold sore and if it was contagious to him, she said nope keep breastfeeding, but well check him out thoroughly. She starts examining him, everything is fine and then she gets to his mouth, she is using a tongue depressor and then excuses herself. She brings back Dr. Wolens, to take a second look. They explain to me that they have found two sores in the back of his mouth and are concerned. Dee calls in a referral to doc at TCH to confer the situation. She then starts to tell us, that we should go to the ER at TCH immediately for some tests to be run, to ruleout possible Herpes or Meningitis. What? My heart stops and my world is turning upside down. My freaking cold sore, that I get when I stress or become dehydrated has caused all this, I have brought all this upon my child. She assures me that this couldn't have been prevented and that its better to be safe than sorry, because if we wait for symptoms to arise it could be too late. What, but everything was looking good, she had just mentioned how perfect he was. She takes me out of the room to talk as my mom holds Giovanni, she calms me down and all I want is to go home with my baby. I need Luan immediately. Giovanni starts to cry and I feed him, but Dee tells us to hurry up and go because the wait in the ER can be long. I call Luan, but only get voicemail, he finally calls back and I tell him to rush to TCH ER, he takes it in stride and tells me he will be right there. What turned out to be a routine follow-up is now a nightmare.
We rush off to the ER, my baby is sound asleep and I am going crazy inside. Luan finally arrives and we are escorted to private room. My healthy baby is now surrounded by sick people. I worked so hard to bring him into this world safe and natural and now he was going to be prodded and poked thanks to me, I kept apologizing to Luan for bringing disease and misfortune to our son. Luan was in total shock as I, and he was so reassuring that this was out of control and that our child was ok. The ER resident finally meets our son, we tell her the situation and she examines Giovanni...she sees nothing. I tell her to call our Pediatician because they made us come and I want to make sure this is nothing so we can go home. She returns with her supervisor and they examine him again, they finally see what the sores in the back of his palate. They are not alarmed but have to talk to Infectious Disease to confer the diagnosis. They explain that this is not a common presentation of herpes, usually there are sores or blisters around the body in a newborn, but that it is very fatal and they must check to make sure. They finally return and yes Giovanni, must be tested and stay for observation. My heart breaks again. They are going to take a urine sample using a catheter, blood, and a lumbar puncture. I was mortified, i didn't even get an epidural and my poor son had to go through a lumbar puncture. The nurses and residents in the ER did their best to do everything right the first time. The LP took twice to perform and my poor son was so strong, his cries broke my heart. They put an IV in his left hand to administer the acyclovir that would be given for the next 48 hrs. The antiviral medicine would take out any possible herpes or meningitis, if he had it. We were told that we would be in the NICU and that I might not be able to stay with Giovanni. i stayed calm knowing this would be crazy i was not going anywhere!
Day 4/5 Tuesday- We go to the NICU, our nurse Lisa, allows us to stay with him, she is wondering why we are here. The resident on duty tells me well we are here because of you not the baby. My heart sinks. I have brought this all upon him. He is sound asleep and in a jail looking like crib. I can only hold him if I am awake. I can't keep him in my arms if I am sleeping. I am given a recliner and Luan is given a wooden rocker. We are in a corner by ourselves surrounded by crying babies, who have been left with only the nurses to take care of them. The night or early morning slowly drags on. Our new morning nurse Faylee arrives, I ask for a private room if available and ask the new resident as well. Luan goes home to change and get some supplies, since this was so unexpected. Thankfully my baby continues to thrive in the midst of chaos and his mom growing phobia of him contracting something in the hospital. Around 12, the resident comes by and gives me the best news ever, we got a private room!!!! Luan is back and we hurriedly pack everything up. Yes we are still in the hospital, but a private room just us three.
We spend the rest of the day more rested despite our surroundings. They have a pull out bed and we snuggled up together. The Director of Infectious Disease arrives to examine baby. She suspects with his continued health and no other symptoms that this might have been a injury by a tongue depressor or when they cleaned him out during birth. If all tests are negative, we can leave...so another 24 hr wait. My heart is giddy with excitement, I am certain my baby is healthy, but what else do u do when they give u such a negative possibility, you rule it out. last thing you want to say is we should have....
Day 6-Wednesday, Luan and I use this time to rest and spend 100% with Giovanni as we wait for the results. Around 3 pm, two residents walk in and announce that all tests results were negative. Nothing was wrong with my child!!! We are free to go home. His IV is taken out, we pack and call my mom to pick us up. We are overjoyed and the stress is finally lifted from my heart and shoulders. My mom arrives to pick us up and as we are on our way home, I silently pray as I have been and Thank God for taking care of us. We drive up to our home and welcomed by It's a Boy Signs and Congrat Banners. We settle into our home and keep thanking god for such a strong and healthy boy.
Day 7-Thursday. Giovanni is a week old. We survive the night and I am ready to put this awful experience behind me, although to be honest I am traumatized. I have to take Giovanni in for a followup in 4 days and dreading it, He was scheduled for his circumcision on Friday, we are still so unsure on whether we want to do it, that Bernie suggests we take a week to de-stress and enjoy our son. Luan decides we should go look at his crib that we have been eyeing especially since we got all these coupons to use. But how are we going to leave him, I am his only source of food. Luan said to bring him. I at first never wanted to take him out unless doctor appts for the first month. But after what we had been through, I said ok, It's a fresh start. So we are cleaning up room, packing his diaper bag, We wanted to leave house by 1pm. Well naps, feedings, cuddling him turned out to be a departure time of 4pm. We go to Target first, my heart is racing with anxiety, what if he gets sick, what if someone coughs on him or near him. I put on my Moby wrap and place him close to my chest. He is of course sound asleep and all snuggled up. I start to breathe easier. but then I feel like he might overheat, so we take off his sweater. Im getting tired as we walk along, I am still recovering from delivery and decide we should leave. We pick up some Jamba Juice and then head to Babies R Us. He is the Moby once again, but I start getting a panic attack. Then Giovanni wakes up ready to eat. We rush into the Mother's room for feeding and I slowly calm down. He finishes up and this new mom walks in. Luan departs so she can feed her child and I change Giovanni. She asks about his age and gasps when I say he is a week old. She lectures me and tells me to go home and rest, I should not be walking around and he should be home. My panic attack begins again, I find Luan and we leave. When we are finally home, I am more settled, but in tears. What if my child gets sick. Luan calms me down, I can't think like that, but he reassures me that we do not have to take him out till he is a month old, if it makes me feel better.
Giovanni, Mommy is truly sorry that you had to endure everything in your first week of life, especially since you had a wonderful birth. We love you my dear so much and strive daily to provide you a wonderful life!
We finally wake up from a hectic night, we had to wake Giovanni up to feed because he was so sleepy from birth. Poor little guy, it also didn't help that his mom and dad kept prodding him throughout the night to see if he was breathing and ok. He slept in this co-sleeper right between us. As much as I needed rest, I couldn't stop staring at him and nothing could stop me from trying to listen to his breathing. He was just so precious to turn away from.
Ba Noi (Luan's Mom) arrives early in the morning and drives all by herself to our home for the first time. She usually doesn't drive past a 6 mile radius from her house, because she gets lost easily. By the way we live 45 min away from her, so this was a big step for her. She meets her grandson and immediately cuddles him and he is officially in her arms. I try to get some rest, but I'm on this adrenaline boost that won't stop. I am constantly being forced to drink liquids and eat thanks to my loving husband, because with a cute little bundle of joy in your presence your forget everything else. We get ready because we have to take Giovanni to his first Pediatrician appointment, Mom, Dad and both grandmas in tow. We meet Dee the Nurse Practioner, she is very warm and easy to talk to. Dr. Wolens is great as well, but its nice to have a mom who can relate. He checks out great and we are sent home with a followup visit on Monday. Later in the day, Lucy, Iliana, Adolfo, Toan, Yasmin and Om Noi (Luan's Dad) arrive to meet Mr. Giovanni. He does well with all the visitors, but I think I overdid it and exhaustion kicks in quickly.
Day 2-Saturday
Another crazy night, we have to get used to fast, because our lives are forever changed in the best possible way. My loving husband is amazing, I feed and he burps and changes Giovanni, so that I can get some rest. He once again slept between us, but we couldn't rest comfortably...lol. We couldn't help ourselves, from staring at him to making sure he was ok, sleep was out of the question. Ba Noi arrives once again and takes her little grandson for safe keeping in her arms. My poor mom is running from work to home and back to work. Luan makes sure I soak in my herbal bath, because exhaustion, pain and soreness have finally kicked in big time! My neck, back and thighs burn with exhaustion and pain. It finally hit me and I need help moving about because I feel so weak. Lucy and Iliana arrive again. We spend the day in and out from feedings and attempted rest.
Day 3- Sunday
Wow, Nights and Days go by so fast, I am still in some pain, but its all worth it once I look at Giovanni. Ba Noi arrives in the morning and then later Om Noi. They take the lil man for some grandparent time. I try to soak, eat and rest while they are entertaining him. Bernie arrives for my 48 hr postpartum visit. She does Giovanni's Newborn Screen and examines me. I am lectured that I need to soak more and now to start walking at least 30 min a day. Umm sure, i'm swollen and pained in that area, walking is out of the question. While she is examining me, Luan's Cousin Uyen and her family arrive. They are excited to meet the baby, and I am trying to pay attention to Bernie as they come in and out trying to see him. Finally Luan brings them the baby, as we finish up with Bernie and then I'm done. I chat with Uyen and Scott as Luan plays with Olivia and Ethan. Where my hubby has all that energy is a surprise to me. We eat dinner, as I watch TV as my lil guy feeds, I was watching the Little Couple and thanked god that my baby was healthy and not in the NICU at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) where Dr. Jen Arnold works at in the show. I am overcome with anxiety, I just want everything to be perfect for my lil guy and only wish to be a good mother. Luan calms me down as he usually does and I continue to breathe. Giovanni finally falls asleep later that night, to only wake Mommy and Daddy up every hour to feed, he is finally hungry. He has latched on amazingly and has not complained with my colostrum and new addition of milk that is slowly coming in.
Day 4- Monday
Luan goes back to work, poor guy, we barely got any sleep with hourly feedings. I'm excited because my cousin Danny and BF Denise are arriving today to meet my lil man. My mom brings me breakfast in bed and I tell her about my anxieties, she reassures me that it is normal and once I get more rest, I will feel better. We hurry about because we are running late to our pedi appt. We arrive 15 min late and warned that next time we will be bumped to another day. Woops. Dee greets us and guess what Mr. Giovanni has gained weight now 8lbs 5oz. Not bad. She assured me that I was doing a great job, because most newborns lose 10% weight in first two weeks and then regain it. I have a list of questions for her and she answers them all. I expressed concern that I had gotten a cold sore and if it was contagious to him, she said nope keep breastfeeding, but well check him out thoroughly. She starts examining him, everything is fine and then she gets to his mouth, she is using a tongue depressor and then excuses herself. She brings back Dr. Wolens, to take a second look. They explain to me that they have found two sores in the back of his mouth and are concerned. Dee calls in a referral to doc at TCH to confer the situation. She then starts to tell us, that we should go to the ER at TCH immediately for some tests to be run, to ruleout possible Herpes or Meningitis. What? My heart stops and my world is turning upside down. My freaking cold sore, that I get when I stress or become dehydrated has caused all this, I have brought all this upon my child. She assures me that this couldn't have been prevented and that its better to be safe than sorry, because if we wait for symptoms to arise it could be too late. What, but everything was looking good, she had just mentioned how perfect he was. She takes me out of the room to talk as my mom holds Giovanni, she calms me down and all I want is to go home with my baby. I need Luan immediately. Giovanni starts to cry and I feed him, but Dee tells us to hurry up and go because the wait in the ER can be long. I call Luan, but only get voicemail, he finally calls back and I tell him to rush to TCH ER, he takes it in stride and tells me he will be right there. What turned out to be a routine follow-up is now a nightmare.
We rush off to the ER, my baby is sound asleep and I am going crazy inside. Luan finally arrives and we are escorted to private room. My healthy baby is now surrounded by sick people. I worked so hard to bring him into this world safe and natural and now he was going to be prodded and poked thanks to me, I kept apologizing to Luan for bringing disease and misfortune to our son. Luan was in total shock as I, and he was so reassuring that this was out of control and that our child was ok. The ER resident finally meets our son, we tell her the situation and she examines Giovanni...she sees nothing. I tell her to call our Pediatician because they made us come and I want to make sure this is nothing so we can go home. She returns with her supervisor and they examine him again, they finally see what the sores in the back of his palate. They are not alarmed but have to talk to Infectious Disease to confer the diagnosis. They explain that this is not a common presentation of herpes, usually there are sores or blisters around the body in a newborn, but that it is very fatal and they must check to make sure. They finally return and yes Giovanni, must be tested and stay for observation. My heart breaks again. They are going to take a urine sample using a catheter, blood, and a lumbar puncture. I was mortified, i didn't even get an epidural and my poor son had to go through a lumbar puncture. The nurses and residents in the ER did their best to do everything right the first time. The LP took twice to perform and my poor son was so strong, his cries broke my heart. They put an IV in his left hand to administer the acyclovir that would be given for the next 48 hrs. The antiviral medicine would take out any possible herpes or meningitis, if he had it. We were told that we would be in the NICU and that I might not be able to stay with Giovanni. i stayed calm knowing this would be crazy i was not going anywhere!
Day 4/5 Tuesday- We go to the NICU, our nurse Lisa, allows us to stay with him, she is wondering why we are here. The resident on duty tells me well we are here because of you not the baby. My heart sinks. I have brought this all upon him. He is sound asleep and in a jail looking like crib. I can only hold him if I am awake. I can't keep him in my arms if I am sleeping. I am given a recliner and Luan is given a wooden rocker. We are in a corner by ourselves surrounded by crying babies, who have been left with only the nurses to take care of them. The night or early morning slowly drags on. Our new morning nurse Faylee arrives, I ask for a private room if available and ask the new resident as well. Luan goes home to change and get some supplies, since this was so unexpected. Thankfully my baby continues to thrive in the midst of chaos and his mom growing phobia of him contracting something in the hospital. Around 12, the resident comes by and gives me the best news ever, we got a private room!!!! Luan is back and we hurriedly pack everything up. Yes we are still in the hospital, but a private room just us three.
We spend the rest of the day more rested despite our surroundings. They have a pull out bed and we snuggled up together. The Director of Infectious Disease arrives to examine baby. She suspects with his continued health and no other symptoms that this might have been a injury by a tongue depressor or when they cleaned him out during birth. If all tests are negative, we can leave...so another 24 hr wait. My heart is giddy with excitement, I am certain my baby is healthy, but what else do u do when they give u such a negative possibility, you rule it out. last thing you want to say is we should have....
Day 6-Wednesday, Luan and I use this time to rest and spend 100% with Giovanni as we wait for the results. Around 3 pm, two residents walk in and announce that all tests results were negative. Nothing was wrong with my child!!! We are free to go home. His IV is taken out, we pack and call my mom to pick us up. We are overjoyed and the stress is finally lifted from my heart and shoulders. My mom arrives to pick us up and as we are on our way home, I silently pray as I have been and Thank God for taking care of us. We drive up to our home and welcomed by It's a Boy Signs and Congrat Banners. We settle into our home and keep thanking god for such a strong and healthy boy.
Day 7-Thursday. Giovanni is a week old. We survive the night and I am ready to put this awful experience behind me, although to be honest I am traumatized. I have to take Giovanni in for a followup in 4 days and dreading it, He was scheduled for his circumcision on Friday, we are still so unsure on whether we want to do it, that Bernie suggests we take a week to de-stress and enjoy our son. Luan decides we should go look at his crib that we have been eyeing especially since we got all these coupons to use. But how are we going to leave him, I am his only source of food. Luan said to bring him. I at first never wanted to take him out unless doctor appts for the first month. But after what we had been through, I said ok, It's a fresh start. So we are cleaning up room, packing his diaper bag, We wanted to leave house by 1pm. Well naps, feedings, cuddling him turned out to be a departure time of 4pm. We go to Target first, my heart is racing with anxiety, what if he gets sick, what if someone coughs on him or near him. I put on my Moby wrap and place him close to my chest. He is of course sound asleep and all snuggled up. I start to breathe easier. but then I feel like he might overheat, so we take off his sweater. Im getting tired as we walk along, I am still recovering from delivery and decide we should leave. We pick up some Jamba Juice and then head to Babies R Us. He is the Moby once again, but I start getting a panic attack. Then Giovanni wakes up ready to eat. We rush into the Mother's room for feeding and I slowly calm down. He finishes up and this new mom walks in. Luan departs so she can feed her child and I change Giovanni. She asks about his age and gasps when I say he is a week old. She lectures me and tells me to go home and rest, I should not be walking around and he should be home. My panic attack begins again, I find Luan and we leave. When we are finally home, I am more settled, but in tears. What if my child gets sick. Luan calms me down, I can't think like that, but he reassures me that we do not have to take him out till he is a month old, if it makes me feel better.
Giovanni, Mommy is truly sorry that you had to endure everything in your first week of life, especially since you had a wonderful birth. We love you my dear so much and strive daily to provide you a wonderful life!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Giovanni The Nguyen!
Warning: This will be long, detailed and prob TMI! It's for my memory sake and so Lil Giovanni can read about his entrance to this world!
So Wednesday 1/20/10 Due Date, I was pretty tired and frustrated, you can read my previous entry to know what I am talking about. 5pm finally came by and I went home exhausted and tired. Baby was still Posterior, so I was doing my exercises of being on my hands and knees for 10 min at a time. That was wearing me out and I could not get comfortable. Luan finally came home from work and we just chilled. As I tried to take a nap he put up the laundry so when baby would come we wouldn't be running around looking for stuff. I was craving milkshake and fries and was thankful to my lovely mom who brought me some. I was laying on the floor, moving around, doing exercises and could not get comfortable due to my achy body and what I thought were Braxton Hicks. 11pm finally came bout and I told Luan I think this isn't false labor anymore, I think this might be the real thing, should I call Bernie (midwife)? He said no lets wait a little, he pulled up a contraction counter online and we timed my contractions. They were present but not ready yet. So I tried to sleep, but let me tell u, its incredibly hard to sleep I was so uncomfortable and laying down was not helping. 2am, my contractions were getting stronger and I finally gave in and called Bernie. She said once they get to 1min long every 3-5 min call me back and try to get some rest. Sure uh huh, like that was going to happen, at the time they were ranging from 30sec-50 sec every 4-7 minutes. Rest was out of the question, so I went to take a hot shower and my contractions slowed down, so I thought false alarm. I went back to bed and they started all over again. We timed them again at 6am, when Bernie called me back worried because she hadn't heard anything from us. Well it was time they were close and long, she told me to come right in. We got the last minute things because everything else was in the car, I told my mom we were leaving and then took off.
1/21/10-7:30 AM-We got to the birthing center, Bernie checked me out, I was dilated to 3 cm and baby had moved to anterior, Yea! She gave me a strong dose of pregnancy tea that would increase my contractions and then sent me off to get breakfast and to walk. I didn't want to eat, I was in pain and I was exhausted. We were looking for an IHOP, I was in pain, we passed up Wal-mart told Luan to pull in, there is a McDs and we can walk. I ran to the restroom as he went to go order food. I tried to eat but nope, I couldn't even sit down, my contractions were non-stop no breaks in between. So after a failed attempt to eat, we started walking up and down every aisle, I got nauseous and waddled as fast as I could to the RR. Then resumed walking, I told Luan I can't do this anymore take me to the nearest hospital and give me some medicine, I was so tired. He just smiled, rubbed my back and told me to breathe. He was timing my contractions this whole time. I saw mother's walking around with their newborns and thought how the hell are they moving about, how can they be out here, were they not in pain. I told Luan this is our only child, I am not doing this again. An hour passed by and I couldn't take it anymore, I was getting dizzy from exhaustion and because I hadn't eaten. We called the center and told them we were coming back because I was so tired.
9:45 AM We got back to the birthing center and I was sent back to my birthing suite, Connie (midwife resident) introduced herself and let us know that she would be assisting Bernie with the delivery or vice versa. Ok whatever, let me rest. I got in bed and she checked me out-4cm dilated. Thank you Jesus. She told me to get comfortable and rest. I tried every position but I was so uncomfortable and in pain. It's not an unbearable pain, its just plain uncomfortable and nothing would make me feel better. Luan massaged my back and adjusted me while I moved about. Bernie came in to check in on me I'm assuming an hour later and said if I didn't progress she was going to send me home to try to rest. I looked at her and told her NO, this baby was coming out today and I wasn't going anywhere, She smiled and said ok. Luan got me out of bed and sat me on a stool facing the bed and guess what, it felt somewhat more comfortable. Luan sat behind me massaging my back, and doing some acupuncture points. Checked again later 5cm, time to get in the tub.
12ish/1pm-The birthing tub was so nice and warm. I lay there for a while, contractions were still nonstop, no breaks in between, Bernie came in and told Connie to turn on the Jets, it would help stimulate my contractions even more. They did, contractions were stronger but the water allowed me absorb it in and relax. I dozed in and out, moved in different positions, to keep baby moving. Oh yes by they way baby and I were being monitored every 30 min, and we were doing great. Luan made me drink as much as possible and he finally got me to eat a Kashi Bar because I had gotten nauseous prior to that again and he needed me to eat, so I could have some energy. My mom had called to check in on us since we hadn't called back. Luan called her and told her to come when she could, but that I was in labor. I told Luan she was more than welcome but had to stay in waiting room. She had to take my grams to a dr's appt bc she wasn't feeling well and would come right afterwards.
Luan kept rubbing my back and talking to me throughout the whole process, he kept saying how strong I was and that I could do this. He would direct my breathing and kept me focused as I dozed in and out of naps.
3pm- I got the urge to push. I told Connie, she checked me I was about 8-9cm but my cervical lip was still present on the babies head. My water bag was still intact. Connie gave me the birthing stool and placed it in the water, she said gravity might help. So I sat on the stool and once again I felt some relief. Eventually, Luan made me get out of the water because he said I had been there long enough and that it could stall my labor. He was right, this is all the information I had given him and he was reminding me of it. Before I got out, Connie checked me, I was 9 cm and I asked her to break my water. She did and then I got out and got back into bed because the baby had rotated again.
4pm-The real pain starts.....Bernie comes in and they lay me on my side. I had to push when I felt a contraction and then relax when it stopped. Laying on my side hurt so much, it was unbearable, I was doing so well with my breathing thanks to Luan, but then I couldn't take it anymore, I just started screaming. They quieted me down and reminded me of my breathing and I was able to focus again. The screaming took up too much energy and I had to focus. Luan had my upper leg and Bernie had my lower leg and I pushed as hard as I could. Connie would direct my pushing and I pushed wherever she told me too. I was on both sides then I got on hands and knees while my upper body rested on a yoga ball. Wow I was in so much pain but being upright felt alot better. I pushed and pushed and finally they moved me again to my birthing stool that was my new best friend.
5pm-I looked at the time and said we are having this baby by 6. I kept repeating I can do this, Dilate fully to let this baby out and kept breathing. At one point, Connie put a mirror for me to see my progress as the head descended. It started off as this small opening and just kept getting bigger and bigger, but it seemed like time just slowed down. 6pm rolled around and still no baby, I could see the head getting closer but no baby. At one point Luan left my side and then he came right back, my mom had just arrived and dropped off some things and went straight to the waiting room. I kept on pushing and then the opening just widened, I had kept my eyes open the whole time as I pushed to see the head and on this one final push, I closed my eyes and pushed the hardest I could.
6:40pm-I heard here is the head and now the body and I opened my eyes and there was my baby. Pain what pain, it was all gone. I looked at him and cried out My baby, I looked and my baby was a boy...Giovanni, honey mommy is here. He was moving about but not crying. Bernie and Connie rubbed him down, Bernie started suctioning his mouth and nose. I asked why he wasn't crying, Panic overcame me, they both apologized but clamped his cord and took him away. They laid him on the bed behind me and worked on him. I was becoming hysterical, it felt like ages, I just kept repeating his name, They told me to keep talking to him, because he kept moving his head towards me. I held onto Luan, I wanted to get up to run towards him, but couldn't, then finally I heard his cry. I was praying, I was crying, I was calling out to him and then his cry. Thank you Jesus. I kept thinking I've waited so long please don't take my baby from me. And then finally they placed a baby in my arms as Luan held onto a breathing tube that allowed oxygen to flow into his face. He was breathing and getting pinker as time passed by, my placenta just fell out at one point.
They asked Luan to hold the baby as they helped me into bed and cleaned me off. I must have been bleeding profusely because they gave me a shot of Pitocin to help my uterus contract and stop the bleeding. I got into bed and watched as my Husband became a Father. Bernie came to me and hugged me, I asked if the baby was fine and she assured me he was and that he was going to be ok. Luan put the baby back in my arms because they wanted me to feed him, but he was uninterested, he just stared at me as I spoke to him. I told Giovanni that I had waited 11 years, 2 months and 1 day to meet him and that he was perfect. My mother walked in and I introduced her to her grandson. Luan took video of us and then passed it to my mom to film us and we held our child. I eventually got up to use the restroom and my mother held onto Giovanni, while Luan and Bernie helped me move about. I got into bed and Giovanni was ready to be with his mother again. Connie helped me position him and he finally latched on, Thank you Jesus again and again. He latched on to both sides and then dozed off. My mother went and prepared some food for us and made us eat. Bernie had me drinking juice and water because I hadn't eaten anything solid all day and needed my energy to go up ASAP. I ate and then finally made Luan call his parents to tell them the wonderful news. Connie and Bernie finally took Giovanni again after he ate, to finally weigh him and complete his physical. He was 8lbs, 2 oz, 20.5 in long. They took his footprints and checked him all over. My mom took some pics as I fed him again.
10:30pm-I was cleaned up, the baby and I were doing fine and we were ready to start out journey home. They packed the car and dressed Giovanni while Bernie dressed me. They gave us our final instructions for maintenance of me and the baby and off we went. He slept the whole way home and was welcomed by his great grandmother, Omar and Louie who had been waiting for all of us.
It was the longest day ever, but the best day, my only regret, we didn't take enough pictures at birth. But I am thankful for a healthy baby, a loving husband, a wonderful supportive family and friends. I am also thankful and grateful to Bernie and Connie, who took great care of me and were very skillful in helping my baby in time of crisis, which felt like an eternity, but Luan said it was a couple of minutes. We are so happy Giovanni The Nguyen has entered this world and have made two people so grateful to be his loving parents.
Giovanni, Daddy and Mommy Love You So Much!
So Wednesday 1/20/10 Due Date, I was pretty tired and frustrated, you can read my previous entry to know what I am talking about. 5pm finally came by and I went home exhausted and tired. Baby was still Posterior, so I was doing my exercises of being on my hands and knees for 10 min at a time. That was wearing me out and I could not get comfortable. Luan finally came home from work and we just chilled. As I tried to take a nap he put up the laundry so when baby would come we wouldn't be running around looking for stuff. I was craving milkshake and fries and was thankful to my lovely mom who brought me some. I was laying on the floor, moving around, doing exercises and could not get comfortable due to my achy body and what I thought were Braxton Hicks. 11pm finally came bout and I told Luan I think this isn't false labor anymore, I think this might be the real thing, should I call Bernie (midwife)? He said no lets wait a little, he pulled up a contraction counter online and we timed my contractions. They were present but not ready yet. So I tried to sleep, but let me tell u, its incredibly hard to sleep I was so uncomfortable and laying down was not helping. 2am, my contractions were getting stronger and I finally gave in and called Bernie. She said once they get to 1min long every 3-5 min call me back and try to get some rest. Sure uh huh, like that was going to happen, at the time they were ranging from 30sec-50 sec every 4-7 minutes. Rest was out of the question, so I went to take a hot shower and my contractions slowed down, so I thought false alarm. I went back to bed and they started all over again. We timed them again at 6am, when Bernie called me back worried because she hadn't heard anything from us. Well it was time they were close and long, she told me to come right in. We got the last minute things because everything else was in the car, I told my mom we were leaving and then took off.
1/21/10-7:30 AM-We got to the birthing center, Bernie checked me out, I was dilated to 3 cm and baby had moved to anterior, Yea! She gave me a strong dose of pregnancy tea that would increase my contractions and then sent me off to get breakfast and to walk. I didn't want to eat, I was in pain and I was exhausted. We were looking for an IHOP, I was in pain, we passed up Wal-mart told Luan to pull in, there is a McDs and we can walk. I ran to the restroom as he went to go order food. I tried to eat but nope, I couldn't even sit down, my contractions were non-stop no breaks in between. So after a failed attempt to eat, we started walking up and down every aisle, I got nauseous and waddled as fast as I could to the RR. Then resumed walking, I told Luan I can't do this anymore take me to the nearest hospital and give me some medicine, I was so tired. He just smiled, rubbed my back and told me to breathe. He was timing my contractions this whole time. I saw mother's walking around with their newborns and thought how the hell are they moving about, how can they be out here, were they not in pain. I told Luan this is our only child, I am not doing this again. An hour passed by and I couldn't take it anymore, I was getting dizzy from exhaustion and because I hadn't eaten. We called the center and told them we were coming back because I was so tired.
9:45 AM We got back to the birthing center and I was sent back to my birthing suite, Connie (midwife resident) introduced herself and let us know that she would be assisting Bernie with the delivery or vice versa. Ok whatever, let me rest. I got in bed and she checked me out-4cm dilated. Thank you Jesus. She told me to get comfortable and rest. I tried every position but I was so uncomfortable and in pain. It's not an unbearable pain, its just plain uncomfortable and nothing would make me feel better. Luan massaged my back and adjusted me while I moved about. Bernie came in to check in on me I'm assuming an hour later and said if I didn't progress she was going to send me home to try to rest. I looked at her and told her NO, this baby was coming out today and I wasn't going anywhere, She smiled and said ok. Luan got me out of bed and sat me on a stool facing the bed and guess what, it felt somewhat more comfortable. Luan sat behind me massaging my back, and doing some acupuncture points. Checked again later 5cm, time to get in the tub.
12ish/1pm-The birthing tub was so nice and warm. I lay there for a while, contractions were still nonstop, no breaks in between, Bernie came in and told Connie to turn on the Jets, it would help stimulate my contractions even more. They did, contractions were stronger but the water allowed me absorb it in and relax. I dozed in and out, moved in different positions, to keep baby moving. Oh yes by they way baby and I were being monitored every 30 min, and we were doing great. Luan made me drink as much as possible and he finally got me to eat a Kashi Bar because I had gotten nauseous prior to that again and he needed me to eat, so I could have some energy. My mom had called to check in on us since we hadn't called back. Luan called her and told her to come when she could, but that I was in labor. I told Luan she was more than welcome but had to stay in waiting room. She had to take my grams to a dr's appt bc she wasn't feeling well and would come right afterwards.
Luan kept rubbing my back and talking to me throughout the whole process, he kept saying how strong I was and that I could do this. He would direct my breathing and kept me focused as I dozed in and out of naps.
3pm- I got the urge to push. I told Connie, she checked me I was about 8-9cm but my cervical lip was still present on the babies head. My water bag was still intact. Connie gave me the birthing stool and placed it in the water, she said gravity might help. So I sat on the stool and once again I felt some relief. Eventually, Luan made me get out of the water because he said I had been there long enough and that it could stall my labor. He was right, this is all the information I had given him and he was reminding me of it. Before I got out, Connie checked me, I was 9 cm and I asked her to break my water. She did and then I got out and got back into bed because the baby had rotated again.
4pm-The real pain starts.....Bernie comes in and they lay me on my side. I had to push when I felt a contraction and then relax when it stopped. Laying on my side hurt so much, it was unbearable, I was doing so well with my breathing thanks to Luan, but then I couldn't take it anymore, I just started screaming. They quieted me down and reminded me of my breathing and I was able to focus again. The screaming took up too much energy and I had to focus. Luan had my upper leg and Bernie had my lower leg and I pushed as hard as I could. Connie would direct my pushing and I pushed wherever she told me too. I was on both sides then I got on hands and knees while my upper body rested on a yoga ball. Wow I was in so much pain but being upright felt alot better. I pushed and pushed and finally they moved me again to my birthing stool that was my new best friend.
5pm-I looked at the time and said we are having this baby by 6. I kept repeating I can do this, Dilate fully to let this baby out and kept breathing. At one point, Connie put a mirror for me to see my progress as the head descended. It started off as this small opening and just kept getting bigger and bigger, but it seemed like time just slowed down. 6pm rolled around and still no baby, I could see the head getting closer but no baby. At one point Luan left my side and then he came right back, my mom had just arrived and dropped off some things and went straight to the waiting room. I kept on pushing and then the opening just widened, I had kept my eyes open the whole time as I pushed to see the head and on this one final push, I closed my eyes and pushed the hardest I could.
6:40pm-I heard here is the head and now the body and I opened my eyes and there was my baby. Pain what pain, it was all gone. I looked at him and cried out My baby, I looked and my baby was a boy...Giovanni, honey mommy is here. He was moving about but not crying. Bernie and Connie rubbed him down, Bernie started suctioning his mouth and nose. I asked why he wasn't crying, Panic overcame me, they both apologized but clamped his cord and took him away. They laid him on the bed behind me and worked on him. I was becoming hysterical, it felt like ages, I just kept repeating his name, They told me to keep talking to him, because he kept moving his head towards me. I held onto Luan, I wanted to get up to run towards him, but couldn't, then finally I heard his cry. I was praying, I was crying, I was calling out to him and then his cry. Thank you Jesus. I kept thinking I've waited so long please don't take my baby from me. And then finally they placed a baby in my arms as Luan held onto a breathing tube that allowed oxygen to flow into his face. He was breathing and getting pinker as time passed by, my placenta just fell out at one point.
They asked Luan to hold the baby as they helped me into bed and cleaned me off. I must have been bleeding profusely because they gave me a shot of Pitocin to help my uterus contract and stop the bleeding. I got into bed and watched as my Husband became a Father. Bernie came to me and hugged me, I asked if the baby was fine and she assured me he was and that he was going to be ok. Luan put the baby back in my arms because they wanted me to feed him, but he was uninterested, he just stared at me as I spoke to him. I told Giovanni that I had waited 11 years, 2 months and 1 day to meet him and that he was perfect. My mother walked in and I introduced her to her grandson. Luan took video of us and then passed it to my mom to film us and we held our child. I eventually got up to use the restroom and my mother held onto Giovanni, while Luan and Bernie helped me move about. I got into bed and Giovanni was ready to be with his mother again. Connie helped me position him and he finally latched on, Thank you Jesus again and again. He latched on to both sides and then dozed off. My mother went and prepared some food for us and made us eat. Bernie had me drinking juice and water because I hadn't eaten anything solid all day and needed my energy to go up ASAP. I ate and then finally made Luan call his parents to tell them the wonderful news. Connie and Bernie finally took Giovanni again after he ate, to finally weigh him and complete his physical. He was 8lbs, 2 oz, 20.5 in long. They took his footprints and checked him all over. My mom took some pics as I fed him again.
10:30pm-I was cleaned up, the baby and I were doing fine and we were ready to start out journey home. They packed the car and dressed Giovanni while Bernie dressed me. They gave us our final instructions for maintenance of me and the baby and off we went. He slept the whole way home and was welcomed by his great grandmother, Omar and Louie who had been waiting for all of us.
It was the longest day ever, but the best day, my only regret, we didn't take enough pictures at birth. But I am thankful for a healthy baby, a loving husband, a wonderful supportive family and friends. I am also thankful and grateful to Bernie and Connie, who took great care of me and were very skillful in helping my baby in time of crisis, which felt like an eternity, but Luan said it was a couple of minutes. We are so happy Giovanni The Nguyen has entered this world and have made two people so grateful to be his loving parents.
Giovanni, Daddy and Mommy Love You So Much!
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