Late Baby

Late Baby

"He's late, he's late, he's late!"

Kai is officially 4 days past his estimated due date, estimated being the key word here. I'm over being pregnant there I said it, I want to be a mom. Dave and I have waited three years to meet our baby and now I'm dealing with the most stubborn kid ever. Never mind the fact that I am stubborn it's irrelevant. 

Last week at my appointment my doctor stated that Kai was -3 station which threw me for a loop, because he was just -2 two weeks before. I knew my son was sitting high but I didn't think he was that high up. My doctor expressed her concerned for his station by dropping the lovely c-section bomb. "Maybe there is a medical reason as to why he is so high up and if that is the case we may need to c-section him out." The horror of that sentence must have shown on my face as she quickly stated that a c-section wasn't a definite but she did want to let me know the what ifs. So what have I spent the last few days doing???? Trying to have a baby that's what. I have tried all of the following and still Kai has not shown his cute chubby little face...

• Sex 
• Waking 2 miles each day instead of 1
• Nipple stimulation 
• Squatting
• Drinking 2-3 cups of red raspberry tea
• Taking EPO orally and vaginally
• Bouncing/rolling on the ball hourly
• Spinning baby methods 

I honestly don't know what else to do. I have a BPP/NST ultrasound appointment later on today. The biophysical profile looks to see if Kai is moving appropriately. Whereas the non stress test looks to see if his amniotic fluid levels are good. I must admit I am getting nervous, because I know these test can derail my natural birth plan that I had my heart set on. I know that a natural birth is not THAT important in the grand scheme of things, I mean having a healthy baby in my arms is what my end goal is. I will update later on as to what my doctor decides in regards to my appointment today.

Birth Plan

Birth Plan

I have a birth plan. A plan that I would love to see executed the day my little one comes into the world. In my Bradley Class our instructor talked about the importance of having our wishes/desires written down on paper, however I saw it as homework and tried hard to get out of doing it. Don't get me wrong I want a drug free birth and the extensive planner in me wants a perfect birth. I just don't want to have to think about the day in and of its self, because lets face it plan or no plan I can't control what goes on the day Kai arrives. So after reading several examples online I began to type out the plan I wanted implemented the day I would meet the baby I have waited three years to meet. Here is the plan I have for Kai's Birth...

To: Caregivers at (insert hospital name)

We are very pleased with our choice of Dr. Timmins and (insert hospital name) for our upcoming birth.

We are well-prepared and educated and have done everything we can to stay healthy and low risk during this pregnancy. We are looking forward to a beautiful, natural birth and would appreciate all of the kind, encouraging care that you can provide.

Since this is a very special event in our lives. We have some preferences that may be different than your standard routine. We respectfully request that you consider our wishes as outlined below in the course of a normal labor and delivery thank you in advance for any and all assistance you can provide us with during our stay. We would appreciate if you:

·         Don’t offer us any pain medication we will let you know if we need it.

·         Allow only Mom, Dad, and Doula present during labor and during delivery. Anyone else should be directed to the waiting room.

·         Would use a heparin lock for IV so that mother can still move around and walk as needed during labor.

·         Would only give updates on dilation progression to Dad and Doula as the mother would like to focus on laboring and progressing.

·         Allow freedom of movement both in and out of the bathtub or shower, and walking in and outside of our room during labor.

·          Permit various ways of pushing when the time comes (Hands and Knees or Lying Sideways position) Dad and Doula may hold mothers legs during pushing. (please no stirrups)

·         Place baby directly on mother’s chest for bonding and breastfeeding after birth.

·         Delayed cord clamping and have dad cut the cord after it stops pulsing.

·         Allowed for Placenta to be taken home after birth.

·         Could make sure no bottles, pacifiers, or formula are given to our son without our consent as we will be attempting to exclusively breastfeed.

These are our preferences in the case of an uncomplicated labor. If a complication (medical emergency) does arise, we will, of course, do whatever is necessary to keep mother and baby safe.

Hospital Bag

Hospital Bag

One thing I have not looked forward to doing since I became pregnant is packing my hospital bag, to me it's so final and it being packed makes me feel as if Kai will come soon. I know that may sound weird but it has been overwhelming  to think about getting Kai's, Dave, and my things together. I have had many sleepless nights dreaming about labor starting and having nothing packed and ready to go. I have even had crying fits over all the  items I need to pack and gather into the bags. Of course my husband doesn't understand why I am acting so strange and feels that I am working myself into a fit for nothing. He will never fully understand how my mind works and how I need things to be DONE.

It is nice to say that our bags are just about packed and I only need a few last minute items to complete this task.

• Nursing tops ordered from H&M
• Photo card for new camera hubby brought for me this Christmas
• A robe
• Going Home outfit for me (looking for a cute sweatsuit)

My hospital bag was purchased from Urban Outfitters in 2013 and is a doctor bag, I no longer see it on their website. However I adore this bag so much I have it in two colors (beige & black).

What am I bringing to the hospital for me:

• Maternity jeans and shirt to go home in
• Robe
• Shower Flip Flops
• Sports bra (laboring in tub)
• Ace Velcro Bandage (Postpartum)
• 2 pillows  
• 2 nursing tops
• 2 pajama sets (button top and matching bottoms)
• Socks
• Slippers
• Toiletries (Dave and myself)
• Heating Pad
• Hair ties
• Chap-stick
• Camera 
• Kindle book
• Ziploc bags (wet or soiled items)
• Baby gift bags (for packing all of my freebie hospital goodies away)
• Boppy Pillow
• Medela Breast Pump (So I can get help form the lactation consultant on how to use)

My Timi and Leslie Charlie diaper bag is the bag I packed for Kai. It's a pretty large and stylish diaper bag and I have secretly wanted one since I started TTC 3 yrs ago and spotted Jessica Alba with it. I placed it on my baby registry and was presently surprised that my uncle and hid wife purchased it for me. I love it, the picture below does it no justice so if you have the time Google "Charlie Diaper Bag." I think this bag will be perfect for cloth diapering which is what we're doing, because it is so large.

What I am bringing to the hospital for Kai:

• Aden & Anais swaddling blankets
• Two outfits for him to come home in I couldn't decide
• Nipple cream
• Birth book
• socks
• mitts for his hands

Maternity Pictures

Maternity Pictures

I am a terrible person <gasp> I waited until the very last minute to schedule and take my maternity pictures. To be honest as I got bigger and bigger and the weeks kept climbing I was debating whether or not to even take pictures. I kept going back and forth and Dave was just as bad as I was about "caring" about such mundane things. In the end I am really glad that I went ahead and scheduled the shoot as our pictures turned out fabulous.

I chose to use the same photographer my sorority sisters and I used to take our 10 year AKAversarry pictures Daniel T. Davis Photography in Houston, TX. I One of my biggest fears was the weather, January maternity pictures just didn't appeal to me and I figured they would turn out blah. However, Sunday Jan 12th was the perfect day to take pictures as the weather really cooperated with us and it was not too cold or windy. Even though I am 37 weeks in the pictures, I will go ahead and toot my own horn by saying that I look really good to be so far along in my pregnancy. I remember various women, Dave's mom and mine, saying how my nose would spread and how I would be enormous (which is the perfect thing to say to a pregnant woman).

The location of Herman Park was chosen by Dave and if I do say so myself it was a really lovely location.

Bradley Birth 12 Week Course Review

Bradley Birth 12 Week Course Review

I thought it would be great if I blogged about the birthing class we chose to take and how we plan to birth in the next few weeks. Dave and I attended a 12 week birthing couse called the Bradley Method. I am proud to say that we never missed a class and that as the weeks came and went we really felt more prepared for Kai's arrival.

If you are unfamiliar with the Bradley Method here is a quick overview. As I mentioned earlier it is a 12 week course that emphasis the role of the dad as a birth coach. I chose this course, because I really wanted Dave to be apart of the birthing experience, I didn't want him to feel as if I was having a baby when it should be WE are having a baby. I searched all over Houston for an instructor that would fit our schedule, we wanted Saturday mid-day lessons, and who was relatively close as Houston is a large city. Well it really wasn't a difficult decision after I ran across Total Natural Childbirth: Bradley Method website through a Google search. Johanna was our instructor and the course content was great. Lots of people often complain that their instructor was boring or that they felt they were being lectured, but that was not the experience I had with Johanna. I thought she had many real-life stories that added to our class and as a mother of 5 she had so many tips and tricks first time moms like me need to hear. Our class consisted of 7 couples all FTMs with the exception of one and all at various weeks in pregnancy. In class we learned proper food & nutrition, relaxation techniques, exercises that can help during labor, and several birthing positions. However, I must mention that if there is one thing I would change it would be the outdated Bradley Videos, I understand that natural birthing hasn't changed in the general sense but can we get a video that was made in this decade. I mean really the babies being born in the Bradley videos must be grandparents themselves now.

Here is the actual outline of course content week-by-week:

• Class 1. Introduction to The Bradley Method
• Class 2. Nutrition in Pregnancy 
• Class 3. Pregnancy, Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy and Birth
• Class 4. The Coach's Role 
• Class 5. Introduction to First Stage Labor 
• Class 6. Introduction to Second Stage Labor 
• Class 7. Planning Your Birth 
• Class 8. Variations and Complications / Postpartum Preparation 
• Class 9. Advanced First Stage Techniques 
• Class 10. Advanced Second Stage Techniques 
• Class 11. Being a Great Coach / Are You Ready? 
• Class 12. Preparing for Your New Family 

Overall I loved my class and the experience I had. I would highly recommend taking a natural birth class if your desire is to have a natural birth.

28 Weeks

Baby Kai and I

28 Weeks

How far along? 28+4 Weeks (3rd trimester I am sooo blessed)
Total weight gain/loss: 196
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Yes on the lower parts of back :(
Sleep: Lower back issues
Best moment this week:Taking photos with my sorority sisters for our 10 yr AKAversary
Miss Anything? I want a glass a wine
Movement: Kai kicks all the time
Food cravings: Beef its what's for dinner LOL
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Yes!
Gender: Boy!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? Out and its so cute
Wedding rings on or off? Off :(
Happy or Moody most of the time: Nervous
Looking forward to: meeting the new man in my life come on Jan 2014

Yesterday I had my baby shower, will post about my big day later on, and today I took pictures with my sorority sisters. I can't wait to get the photos back, because we came up with some cute and unique ways to capture our time together as sisters. I am also so happy that they all traveled near and far to be in Houston for my baby shower and spend time with me. Even after all these years I have nothing but love for my sorors and cant wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for us.

UPDATE: Our pictures are back and they look AMAZING...

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Kappa Nu Fall 2003

Celebrating the moms to be, my Link and I are 5 weeks apart

My LSs

Being goofy and still cute

Facebook Post

Facebook Post

We did it, we posted our Facebook announcement last Sunday(16w 3d) and now the world knows about peanut.  Well not the world, but all 300+of my friends and family.  The picture above is the photo we used to announce that a new Lokey is on the way and we had so much love from everyone about our news. Facebook isn't really the best way to announce to close family members a new addition, so I sent out a mass text message at week 15 to let everyone know. It's over and it's out there  and now I can't take it back, peanut I pray you continue to grow healthy and strong there are so many people who want to meet you.

Telling my "Sisters"

Telling my "Sisters"

Since I had been keeping peanut a secret from everyone I wanted to tell my sister first. I know some may say why not my mom "grandma to be" but my sister and I are BFFs we laugh, we cry, we scream, and we fight but always together. I couldn't imagine giving her such life changing news over the phone, seeing as she lives in Dallas, so I drove 4.5 hours to tell her she would be an aunt. When I arrived at her apartment I handed her a cute hallmark card that included a short letter from peanut and his/her week 11 ultrasound picture. My sister was so excited for me and hugged me several times telling me over and over congratulations. She strongly wants peanut to be a boy and refers to peanut with that pronoun whenever she calls to see how we are doing. She will be throwing my baby shower in November and am excited to see what she comes up with.

At the Breakfast Klub celebrating my brother going away to Marine boot camp 

I don't know how old we are in this pic but we are only a 1.5 apart

My next stop in Dallas was a visit to my sorority sisters house to tell her the good news as well. My line sister and link, LaTisha, is my "sister" from another mother. She is my BFF and has been one of many who have prayed for our little miracle so telling her after my sister just seemed right. When I arrived at her house I held my purse in front of my stomach (dumb disguise I know) and we greeted each other with big hugs and big smiles. She and her husband were staring at me smiling and I was staring back at them smiling, which eventually led to me asking her if she needed to tell me something to which she replied "Do you need to tell me something?" So I did, I told her all about peanut and they were both excited for us and told me to call Dave so they could congratulate him as well.  So I put Dave on speaker phone and they both congratulated him on our pregnancy and then asked if we wanted to be the godparents of their baby. It took me a minute to respond and then I looked at Link (we call each other link and it can get very confusing to those who don't know us) and screamed "Are you pregnant too?"  She nodded yes and I cant believe we are going to be pregnant together. Obviously this is my first, but link is a veteran as she has two kids already. I'm super excited to be a godmother and even more excited to have our kids grow up together.

Link and I in Las Vegas 

Hanging out in a limo in Las Vegas

Updates and Concerns

Updates and Concerns

Today I am 9 weeks into my pregnancy, the 9 week cloud will always hang over my head as this is the week I lost my little bean last year. I haven't updated in weeks and for that I am sorry, its been a whirlwind summer for me so far. At 7 weeks I decided to drive to Dallas with my mother to visit my younger sister who just got her first place. I spent most of the trip helping her move not so heavy things and skirting the issue of why I wouldn't lift anything too heavy. Lucky for me she figured I was lazy and didn't really want to help, which let's face it at 7 weeks isn't far from the truth. So after a whirlwind of activity I came home Sunday afternoon and late in the evening had a bright red bleeding scare. I immediately emailed my doctor about my concerns and she had me come in on Monday at 7w 4d to see my little peanut on the big screen. I was so pleased to see that peanut had a heartbeat of 154 and looked to be in good health. I was then given the news that I had some slight bleeding behind the sac and if I were to have sex or do anything strenuous I would again bleed bright red. So with my fears of miscarrying we (my doctor and I) decided it would be best if I go on a sort of modified bed rest. The next big event for me was an interview for a teaching position closer to home and after two interviews I was given the job. I am looking forward to beginning this new job opportunity, but at the same time I am nervous to go into a new job with a pregnancy. I have not mentioned my pregnancy to my new employer, hell I haven't said anything to family or friends, and most likely wont until September when things start to die down at my school. This past week has been a whirlwind for me, I have had symptoms come and go leaving me with anxiety that things may be heading south. I have recently begun cramping it started towards the end of the 8th week and has progressively gotten worse (total of 3 days). I will be honest I am not eating very well, I don't want to cook and my husband refuses to learn so that leaves me eating out an awful lot. I also haven't been drinking very much water which I can now see is a BIG MUST. So with cramping for the past 3 days I can now add a bout of diarrhea to my list symptoms. I have emailed my doctor again for peace of mind, I don't expect to be called in for my current woes but I wanted to make sure that what I am experiencing is normal. Tomorrow is my 29th birthday, last year I was pregnant on my birthday as well, but I didn't know it. I pray that this year brings me all the joys and love a woman can ask for. I pray that I can celebrate my 30th with a toddler on my lap.

Scared!!!

Scared!!!

My fear after experiencing my first miscarriage was that I would have to experience a second one. I am so thankful that I am pregnant now, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that history will repeat itself. My husband keeps telling me to stop worrying, but that is easier said than done. With my first pregnancy I was so carefree I never bothered to check "What Not to do While Pregnant" list or websites, now I find myself wanting to check constantly to make sure I am doing/eating something that is deemed safe for pregnant women. At church on Sunday my Pastor talked about faith and believing in God once he sets things into motion. My faith in God is what has sustained me through the loss of my first baby, then my aunt, and even my own father. I AM SCARED that I am going to lose this baby and that I won’t make it to January. I am angry that I am finding myself to have so little faith. I know I need to let go and let God, but I so want to be in control of this. After intercourse with my DH last night I am experiencing brown/yellowish discharge which has got me in a panic. I am also feeling cramping but it is very mild, Friday cannot get here fast enough as I have so many questions for my OBGYN. I will close this post with a prayer and I ask all who read my blog to send good vibes my way as I will do the same for you.

Dear God I am calling on you to help me understand that this pregnancy is not in my control. Please help me to realize that I can't live this pregnancy in fear and that you will do what you deem is right for me. Please allow me to focus on the joys of this pregnancy and take away my worry. I am now turning my pregnancy over to the Lord, continue to watch over me and my family as we take it day by day.

Positive HPT

Positive HPT

People always say that life can change in an instant and that is so true. Last week on Monday I decided to take a pregnancy test because my menstrual was due to arrive that day, well after taking it I didn’t see the line immediately appear so I figured BFN. I then began the waiting game, days came and went and I didn’t see AF. However, I was too nervous to test. Seeing a BFN is heartbreaking and even more so when your days late.  Well on Saturday morning my Injectable medicine arrived and it was at this point my husband decided enough was enough we needed to know what was going on so he went out and brought a pregnancy test. I began testing Saturday night as I had a pretty busy Saturday morning and to my surprise I got a BFP. Well after one positive test I decided to keep testing, four test total, just to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me. I even went through the bathroom trash searching for the test I took Monday; it now showed a faint line too. It’s all surreal to me and I am just so grateful. I mean last month I received such devastating news that I never thought I would ever achieve a BFP on my own again, I just assumed that if I were to get pregnant it would have to be with the help of a doctor. I feel so blessed and extremely happy that God is giving me this opportunity, I can’t stress how thankful I really am.  Now that I am pregnant the hard part is going to be staying pregnant. I sent an email to my doctor over the weekend to ask if he believes progesterone would be good for me and if he would allow me to come in and get my beta levels taken. Well I heard from the nurse that he is still thinking about my first question, but he will allow me to come in and get my beta taken today. Dave and I decided that we would not tell anyone about our BFP until we make it safely out of the first trimester and I have sort of held true to that, I'm sure he's okay with you all knowing. If anyone is reading this please continue to pray for our sticky bean and I will update later on about the beta results.