anna j family

Lauren is 2!

2012-01-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

Vaccinations Update

2011-09-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

Back when Lauren was first born, we researched vaccinations and decided to follow Dr. Sears Alternative Vaccination schedule. We were not concerned that Lauren would become autistic due to the vaccines, but we did not want to bombard her little body with multiple vaccines all at once so we spread most of the vaccines out accofding to Dr. Sears Alternative Vaccine Schedule. There were a few other rules Dr. Sears suggested, such as only one live virus vaccine at a time and picking brands that use the lowest dosage of aluminum. I checked out his book, The Vaccine Book, at the library and found it very helpful. Here is the original post I wrote about Lauren's vaccines and the schedule we were going to try to follow: http://annajfamily.blogspot.com/2010/03/vaccinations.html

It has really helped to have a flexible pediatrician and helpful pediatric office staff. They've been able to schedule us for 'nurse only' visits in between the regular physical visits and the wait for the appointments has been very reasonable.

Lauren's vaccinations and when they were given:

2 months: DTaP
3 months*: Hib & PCV
4 months: DTaP
5 months*: Hib & PCV
6 months: DTaP
7 months*: Hib & PCV

10 months*: IPV
15 months: IPV and MMR - - - - - - note: Lauren got a mild case of the measles from the MMR vaccine - it was awful for about a week.
18 months: IPV
* shot only visit
--------------------------
I was on schedule for most of her vaccines, but got a little behind after she turned 1 yr.

Here are the rest of the vaccines she needs and when I'm going to take her in to get up to date according to the US 2011 vaccine chart (minus the vaccines we've declined: Hep B, Rotavirus, Influenza (Flu), and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines):

20 months*: Hib & PCV
22 months*: DTaP
24 months: HepA ?? I emailed my pediatrician asking about this one and if she really thinks it is necessary.

After these vaccines are given I do not have to worry about the next round of important vaccines until Lauren turns 4-6 years old.

If you are researching vaccines online, google Dr. Sears and vaccine name and you'll get lots of helpful info in language you'll easily be able to understand!

Here is a link to the vaccine schedule recommended by the government (CDC):
http://www.immunize.org/cdc/schedules/

18 Months - Shaver Lake 2011

2011-08-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Great Grandparents Briasco, aka Gi-Gi and Pa-Pa
Family Picture 2011
Playing in mud and making sand castles.
"Faster, faster!! Bumps, bumps!!" Lauren's exclamations during her first boat ride.
The RV. We loved it. Great for 'camping' with a baby/toddler.
Lauren had dirt on her face most of the trip.
After a swim.
Playing by the rocks.

17 months

2011-07-10T21:39:00.001-07:00

At Aunt Jessee's in the back yard.
Cousin Tyler and Garrett.

My cutie with Garrett's blue dinosaur. She loves dinosaurs.
Grandpa and Cousin Tyler in Woodland Park.
Grandpa, Tyler, Blue Dinosaur and Lauren.
At the hungry bear restaurant with Garrett.
Jumping on the trampoline in Jessee's back yard.
Cousins!

15 Months

2011-05-06T20:54:00.001-07:00

Lauren's Easter dress (she ended up wearing sweatpants on Easter because it was very cold here):
Lauren is enthusiastic about mealtimes:
I saw a baby picture of Lauren's Aunt Laura and I think they look similar in this picture:

Lauren likes to help out around the house (unloading the dishwasher, loading and unloading the washer and drier, sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming):
Lauren's special Saturday treat with daddy is watching Sesame street song videos on youtube. Her favorite is the one about the number 4.
Almost lost her balance running to mommy:
In her new play room:
At the Buena Vista Library park with her friend Grace:
In her new play room:
Breezing through the kitchen:

At the Buena Vista Library Park:
The week we moved into our new house, Lauren had a reaction to her MMR shot. Fever at around 7 days post shot and full blown rash at 10 days. The rash was mainly on her trunk, but also showed up a little bit on her limbs (even her little feet). The rash lasted about 4 days and she was very fussy and clingy during that time.

Brushing her teeth:
Playing with water in her new backyard (we are still waiting for the pool solar cover before we can swim):

14 months

2011-04-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

9 months

2010-10-22T20:10:00.001-07:00

What is she doing now?
* saying ma-ma-ma, da-da-da
* has 4 teeth now (2 top, 2 bottom) & her own toothpaste and toothbrush
* crawling
* standing up in her crib
* playing by herself (likes to look at her books)
* willingly eating solid foods (mostly veggies, some fruits, grains - barley & millet & rice cereal, yogurt (small amounts)) No meats or egg yet.
* laughing
* loves to swim (supported of course)
* mostly taking 2 naps (9am and 1pm), but sometimes only takes 1
* still nursing and nursing to sleep for naps and night time
* going to sleep at around 7:30pm (depending on naps and waking up usually between 6:30am-7am)
* sometimes sleeps through the night, but typically wakes 1 time for diaper change and nursing to sleep

8 months

2010-09-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

7 months

2010-08-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is how I get around (rolling):

This is my newest smile - straight across and usually biting down on my two bottom teeth.

I like to explore the limits of my play area... like the TV stand.
the books on the coffee table are fun to pull down and spread all over the place... and chew on.
My high chair is so cool.

An incentive for mommy to keep the floors really clean.
I'm checking to see if mommy cleaned the floors.
My first vacation to Santa Barbara. I had so much fun!!

I love swimming.

6 months

2010-08-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

Lauren at the park

She now sleeps on her tummy most of the time. I lay her down on her side and she eventually rolls to the tummy positon.
At the Americana in Glendale.
I love her feet.

First experience with solid food (sweet potato puree).

With my dear friend Stephanie Sanderson and her sweet daughter Susie.

Finally, Lauren seems to have settled into a regular schedule with longer naps and easier bedtimes. I'm so relieved... for now... I know things constantly change.

New at 6+months:
* a tooth (bottom right)
* rolling onto her tummy at night
* rolling back to front, front to back and trying hard to crawl
* splashing in her bathtub
* loves dogs (gets super excited to see them during our stroller walks)
* squeals and does a few fist pumps when daddy gets home from work
* loves water - lakes, pools (went swimming for the first time in Uncle Greg and Aunt Vicki's pool)
* went on first 'camping' trip in an RV at Shaver Lake
* started solid foods (just a few bites for now... sweet potato, sweet green peas, zucchini, apple)
* attended her first 'play class' at St. Joe's Mommy wise class... she was so into the bubbles, story time, music time and parachute game

She is off the charts for weight (20+ pounds) and 90% for height (forgot the number)... she is a big baby! I have to carry her around! Yes, my back is starting to hurt now and I pray it holds up for another pregnancy sometime in the future, Lord willing.

The biggest relief for me is that Lauren is now nursing so much easier (less fussiness and wiggling around) and going down for naps so much easier (9am and 1pm - usually 1.5 or 2 hours... sometimes 3 hours long). She doesn't need the 3rd nap anymore (most of the time).

5 Months Old & Father's Day

2010-06-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Wearing "My Daddy Makes Me Smile" T-Shirt. True, true.

Lauren likes to taste her books. She also likes to taste piano keys and pretty much everything.

My chub, chub.
Double chin chub.
Check out my hair.

Tummy time at the park.

Someday I'll be able to use that equipment.

Lauren is now 5 months old. Here are some things I've learned:

* People said things would get easier at 3 months. I think things started getting easier (with sleeping and eating) at 4 or 4.5 months. I can see how things might be a little easier with a 2nd child because of everything learned with the 1st child.
* I like the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Weissbluth as a reference for information about sleep needs for different ages. This book seems to advocate the cry-it-out method, but for now my hubby and I don't plan on using the cry-it-out method. When mom is sleep deprived, any tips on how babies sleep and how to get them to sleep on a schedule is super important... at least to me it is. Two very important things I learned from this book: (1) young babies can only take around 1.5 to 2 hours of awake time before then need to take a nap (especially in the morning), and (2) a late afternoon nap or early evening nap might actually be babies bedtime (try for an earlier bedtime).
* I find myself choosing between reading my Bible for spiritual growth and refreshment and napping... While I know that my spiritual growth is more important than my physical needs, sometimes I choose a nap over reading and lately the naps haven't been refreshing. God's word is always refreshing. I hit a peak of tiredness this week... one peak of many. This proverb jumped out at me in one of my daily Bible readings: Prov 20:13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. Well, I'm one of those people who love sleep and get really cranky when I don't get enough sleep. All I can say is... my poor husband has found a way to deal with me (and encourage me) despite my crankiness.
* When people said 'nap when your baby naps', I didn't take it seriously at the beginning. I remember painting my toe nails at 3am after a feeding when Lauren was a weeks old... who's tired?? not me!! BUT now I realize that 'nap when your baby naps' is REALLY IMPORTANT!
* Taking care of my home (keeping it clean) and taking care of myself are both part of taking care of my husband and baby. I was separating the two before... but my hubby reminded me that it is OK to let Lauren play by herself while I eat lunch or do some laundry. He is a wise hubby. Initially I was trying to play with her, teach her and talk to her all the time. I have a problem feeling guilty if I leave her for a few minutes to vacuum or do laundry. I don't want her to get bored... BUT, she'll be crawling soon so I need to vacuum. And her daddy needs clean clothes!! And she will appreciate a clean house (not perfectly clean, but good enough).
* Changed my cleaning goals from 'big' ones per day (vacuum on Monday, bathrooms on Tuesday, Laundry on Wednesday) to little ones (vacuum one room, clean one bathroom, do one load of laundry). These smaller daily goals still make a difference and don't leave me wiped out for the baby bedtime routine (6:30 bath and nurse till around 7:30 or 8pm) and then spending time with my husband.
* My husband is a wonderful daddy. He is very protective of her. When he is home he usually volunteers to help with changing diapers and playing with her. He wakes up early before work to spend time with her. He always supports me and encourages me.
* We both love her so much. We pretty much enjoy talking about her all the time. We even like watching videos of her after we put her to bed (every now and then).
* This thought crosses my mind a lot: "How will I be able to handle more than one baby?" And when I'm in tears because I'm tired or discouraged, I wonder if my hubby would even let me have another one. Of course he will!! But the thought still crosses my mind. I can be very wimpy... but I wish I was strong. Then I'm reminded that the Lord gives grace every day and He has been answering prayer after prayer after prayer. He says: "My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness."
* Hearing Lauren laugh is the most beautiful and sweet sound. She gives smiles all the time, but a good belly chuckle and squeal only happens a few times per day.
* Lauren reminds me a lot of her daddy. She is very ticklish like he is. She has his eyes. She has his upper lip curve. When she raises her eyebrows, she looks just like him. What a sweet treat that my baby reminds me of my hubby. I LOVE it!
* Lauren gets angry when I try to burp her before bed and she wants to keep eating. I know what is best for her (get the air out!), but she protests. She also throws her little fist down when she gets mad about something. Sometimes when I let her start nursing again after she has gotten worked up because I tried to burp her she'll throw a few open palms into my chest.
* Lauren is big enough to stretch out her arm and put the palm of her hand on my face while she is nursing. She likes to rest her open palm on my chin and mouth. She also likes to play with her daddy's beard when he holds her. She reaches her little hand up to his chin and touches his beard.

Lauren at 4 months

2010-05-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Lauren had her 4 month doctors appointment yesterday. Her stats: 16 pounds, 14 ounces and 24.5 inches long. She is in the 95% for weight and the 50% for height. The doctor said she'd lean out later and since she is exclusively breastfed, we don't need to worry about her weight. She also received her DTaP shot (2nd round) and did just fine. So far she has gotten the following vaccinations:

2 months: DTaP
3 months: Hib, Pc
4 months: DTaP

She'll go in again at 5 months for the 2nd round of Hib and Pc. Spreading out the vaccines like this is working well so far. The 3 months, 5 months and 7 months visits are nurse only where she just goes in for the shots.

Lauren smiles a lot, but you wont see many in pictures because I have a camera that shines a bright red light when taking a picture. As soon as Lauren sees that light she stops everything. We need to look into getting a more discrete camera to capture her personality. Till then here are some of the blank stares she gives the camera:

Trying to communicate:

Does not like the Ave Maria played on the cello by daddy:

Playing with her toys in her bumbo chair:

Lauren at 3 months

2010-05-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

Lauren sucking her thumb... mommy helped her find it since she usually likes to suck thumb and first finger but that doesn't work as well as just the thumb.

Lauren with her toys:

Lauren about to go on a walk:

Lauren is a joy to us. She is now over 3 months old and we are having so much fun spending time with her and watching her grow. I have been learning so much about her and how to keep her happy and healthy. Our daily routine goes something like this:

7am... Lauren wakes up, eats, plays with mommy (toys, books, jungle mat)
8:30am... Lauren is yawning and ready to take her first nap (45 minute nap)
mid morning walk... 30 minute walk around the neighborhood
11:30am... afternoon meal and nap (nap usually includes a mid-nap nursing and comforting in order for her to sleep for longer than 1 hour)
afternoon play time (books, toys, dancing with mommy, walking outside in the baby bjorn)
4pm... early evening nap (around 45 min and usually in conjunction with nursing)
5:45pm... evening stroll around the neighborhood (30 minutes or less)
6:30pm... bedtime bath
6:45pm-7:45pm nursing/comforting to sleep
8:15pm... more nursing/comforting
1am... 1st evening meal
5am... 2nd evening meal
(or just one meal at 3am sometimes)
7am - starts all over again!

My top priorities are taking care of Lauren, playing with Lauren, enjoying Lauren, and making sure I am getting enough rest to continue staying healthy and being able to nurse her well... and trying to be a good wife to my husband. I feel pretty tired because even though Lauren wakes up once or twice at night to eat, I wake up at least 4 times to go check to see if she is grunting because she is hungry or because of some other reason. I flip the covers off, walk to her room, assess the situation, place a hand on her belly... and then wait till she settles to return to bed or to nurse her and then return to bed. I've started trying to go to bed as soon as she goes to bed so I can get a longer stretch of sleep (4 or 5 hours instead of 2 or 3). House duties are second priorities compared to all listed above... my friends with babies all say that dishes can wait and cleaning can wait, but babies grow up super fast so enjoy each moment with them. My husband knows I'm doing the best I can at this time. What would life be like with 2 children or more? I don't know yet, but right now I only have one baby and I'm going to enjoy her as much as I can.

Cute things she is doing:
* smiling at us
* chuckling and laughing when we nibble on her thighs or tickle her belly
* she loves when we change her diaper
* she smiles at the ceiling a lot which leads me to believe she likes our light fixtures
* she likes to chew on her toys
* she makes the cutest noises... especially after she eats a good meal
* she kicks and splashes during her bath
* she looooves her daddy and smiles at him a lot
* when she is unhappy, her upper lip disappears and her lower lip sticks out in a pout
* cooing & laughing
* her cries when she is fighting sleep... very cute little cries

Now, Lauren is a big baby. Rest assured, I've done lots of research on google and also in books and it is 100% normal for a breastfed baby to be chubby. You can't overfeed a breastfed baby... if they are hungry, they will eat. If the are not hungry, they wont eat. It's that easy! In the book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, this topic is addressed in a section called "The Baby Who is Pleasingly Plump". In this section, the author states that a totally breastfed baby who is "overweight" is not necessarily overfat or obese. "Still, in a weight-conscious world, even baby fat is suspect, and the mother of a plump, fully breastfed baby may be told that her child should be put on a diet." The author goes on to say that heredity plays a definite role in determining a child's growth pattern. Another interesting quote: "It must be remembered here that fat accumulated in the relatively inactive pre-toddler state is preparatory for the highly active time when the busy toddler hardly has time to eat... We have found that by age two or three, the heavyweights among the tiny tots usually slim down beautifully." (from the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding)

There! See! ANDShe's not 'fat'... she is pleasingly plump and we LOOOOVE kissing her cheeks. Oh, and did I mention that she is now wearing her 6 months outfits and a size 2 diaper?

Sucking her thumb:

Playing on her jungle mat:

Reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear:

Talking to daddy about her day:

My Little Sweetie is Growing Up!

2010-04-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Cute sleepy face & extra chubby cheeks:

At the Bridgeport pool when my mom was visiting:
Daddy loves me so much and he is so fun to play with:
I can grab my giraffe's leg and put his foot in my mouth!

My baby's precious 'sleepy' hand:

Asleep in my crib. Hello chubby cheeks!

My whale bath tub... lots of fun.

My daddy is the best:
Carla, Veronica and Lauren:
With mom at the park:
First time sitting 'big-girl' style in my stroller. I laughed the whole time mommy strolled me up and down Riverside Drive.

I've spent the last week alone at home with my little girl while my husband is working long hours in Switzerland. Hopefully the volcanic ash from Iceland won't postpone his trip home. My mother-in-law came over 3 days this week to help me and I'm so thankful for that.

My focus this week was to learn more about my little girl's sleep patterns, what she needs (sleep-wise), and how to best prepare her for bedtime. We have made improvements since the beginning of the week. Tonight, although she woke up 2 times after I put her down (hopefully that was the last of the wake ups), there was really no crying or fussiness. This was our routine tonight:

*Last nap ended at around 4pm (I've been putting her in her crib at the first signs of sleepiness (usually yawns) and a few minutes later she sleeps... I also use nursing sometimes to help her fall asleep to nap)
*Nap/nurse at around 5:30pm (she rests and takes a long time nursing)
*Bath at around 7:20pm
*Nursing to sleep and in crib by 8:15pm
*Wake up #1 8:30pm (nursed back to sleep)
*Wake up #2 8:45pm (nursed back to sleep)

I don't mind nursing her back to sleep at night as long as she doesn't wake up too many times to do it - for her sake - I want her to get some good sleep! She usually only wakes up one time in the middle of the night (around 3am) to eat and she has been going right back to sleep.

I'm having bad dreams as usual... a plane crash and a car crash are the most recent dreams. I'm copying down scripture to help me battle my anxious mind. Here is one:

"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." from Psalm 16

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me... Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Sleep... for me and baby.

2010-04-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from my mom's visit, from Lauren's first drs appointment, a bath, and a walk (Lauren at 2 months old):
My sweet mom. By the way, my mother is from Bolivia, South America so Lauren is 1/4 Bolivian. My mom has a sweet nick name for Lauren... Laurenita (sounds like Lorenita).

Lauren's 2 month doctors appointment. At this visit, Lauren was 9 weeks old and weighed in at 13 pounds, 8 ounces and 23 inches long. This put her in the 90% for weight and 90% for height for her age. The pediatrician said it is normal for breastfed babies to be chubby until they hit around 9 months of age. At 9 months they are supposed to lean out more.
Our pediatrician had a cold so she wore a mask during the visit. Lauren did great during the exam.
After the 'diaper area' exam, I got her diapered back up.
A bath in the sink before we finally bought a baby bath tub. The baby bath tub makes baths so much easier!! Lauren loves her bath tub (picture of that coming soon).
On a walk around the neighborhood across the street from my condo. California Street.

Um, chubby cheeks. Well, the car seat accentuates her chubby cheeks.

My mom was here to witness Lauren's first successful attempt at sucking her thumb. She usually sucks on her hand but this time she got her thumb and sucked it in.
Sunday dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Briasco's... well, actually it is Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Briasco's to Lauren.
Cousin Danielle, my mom and Great Grandma with Lauren.
The Grandma's: L to R: Grandma Bonnie, Grandma Checha, Great Grandma and Lauren.

After keeping a log of Lauren's daily naps, awake time, poops, pees, feeding and walks with me, I see a pattern developing. I also started reading "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Weissbluth and I learned what to be more aware of Lauren's sleepy signals so that she does not become overtired. I've seen Lauren in an overtired-wired state and I don't want her to get to that point anymore. Sleep-topics of interest to me:

naps
sleepy signals (yawns, staring off into space)
duration of naps
timing of naps
bed-times
how long baby should sleep at night
feeding at night
soothing techniques

more to come... baby woke up...
OK, I'm back.

I really like the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child book. For young babies, the author does not recommend crying it out, but offers many 'soothing' techniques. My hubby is good at night soothing so he usually gets this job with Lauren. Lauren seems to hate her crib at night (not during day time naps). Unless she is in a deep sleep before we put her in there at night, she gets so upset. I think when she is an older baby (which I think is around 4 or 5 months of age) we can start doing more sleep training where we let her cry a little.

Personally, my favorite way to lull Lauren to sleep is to nurse her until she is really sleeping. I get to look at her face, stroke her hair, hold her little body close to me (I use my brestfriend breastfeeding pillow and I hold her close). Sometimes she can stay on for 45 minutes... she keeps sucking in a 'pacifying' state at the end (not much milk towards the end). This really relaxes me too. Then I try to put her in her crib and if this doesn't work, I can pass her on to my hubby. He usually holds her in the football hold or on his chest and walks her around the condo... and if that doesn't work, we put her in her swing till she falls asleep and then he transfers her carefully to her crib! I know eventually we won't be able to use the swing, but for now, it works great to sooth her and calm her if she gets upset because we tried to put her down in her crib.

What is her schedule now? It varies, but on average it is this:

Bedtime sleep at around 9:30 or 10pm (much later on a bad day where she fights it)
Night feeding 3am
Wake time at around 8am
Morning nap at around 2 hours after wake time, lasting for about 1 hour
Afternoon nap varies a lot, but I'm trying for 2-4pm

I would like to get her into bed earlier, between 7-8pm for her own sake. She stays up more hours in a row after her afternoon nap and gets to the point of being overtired if she doesn't go to bed by 9pm or earlier.

Dr. Weissbluth lays out the following example schedule (I like this one, although I know lots of people do not like set schedules... I feel like I can use it flexibly):

*Wake 7am
*Morning nap 9-10am
*Afternoon nap 12-2pm
*3rd nap - optional and depends on bed time. He recommends an earlier bedtime versus a 3rd nap for older babies
*Bed between 6-8pm
*1st night feeding
*2nd night feeding

Lauren's Laugh

2010-03-20T22:51:00.000-07:00

She's been much more vocal lately and also giving smiles and even laughs:

Lauren with mommy:

Lauren with her new Peacock toy:
Lauren with her suped-up lamb chair (I added extra dangly toys to it):

Lauren smiling in her sleep in her crib:
A corner of our living room. Lauren likes her rain forest toys mat and also bouncing on the the exercise ball while listening to music. Notice the cute little baby sock on the coffee table.
Lauren taking a nap at the park near our house.
Lauren's hand:
Lauren's feet:

I finally cleaned the breast pump equipment but I'm kind of reluctant to use it because I like having Lauren with me all the time and I like nursing her:
Hanging out at the park:

Vaccinations!

2010-03-19T13:24:00.001-07:00

Here is the link to the 2010 vaccine schedule on google docs (just copy paste):
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:IA0c93Y9CCEJ:www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/6-105.pdf+2010+vaccine+schedule&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESi-MG69le_NbpFYrTNlm-sBle6lAuNjwR6qnbwYou5v-e7rYM_NEj7xWryAgKkdK3jPSsbT3G84AoLmWgoDegkgxar4q2rk0SQ-szUdqholTCCczIXgn8peUbwvzhHQW8-XE2FV&sig=AHIEtbSVrgCpNNUN-STRdDxNDE9jM1dfWw

I'm starting with this and focusing on the 2 month recommended vaccines... then going to read in Dr. Sears The Vaccine Book to figure out what to do... more to come:

At 2 months, the recommended vaccine's from the Center for Disease Control are:
RV
DTaP
Hib
PCV
IPV

So now I'm researching to see what we will do for Lauren. Dr. Sears has a modified vaccine schedule which is more conservative than the CDC's.
------
3-21-2010 update

I've read parts of the Vaccine Book (plan to read more as I have time) and have decided to use Dr. Sears' alternative Vaccine Schedule. I'm not a doctor, so I don't know what is best for your child, but this is what I'd like to do for mine. I sent this email to my doctor to prepare for this Friday's 2 month appointment and see what she thinks:

Hello Dr. Malawa,

Lauren has her 2 month appointment this coming Friday.
Question 1: I'd like to give her 2 vaccines at this 2 month appointment: the DTaP vaccine by Daptacel (Sanofi Pasteur) & the Rotavirus vaccine (although we can skip the Rotavirus vaccine if you don't think it is as important - I think you said that last time we met. Lauren is breastfed and is not in day care).
Question 2: For the DTaP, can we give her the Daptacel brand (Sanofi Pasteur)? I do not want to give her the Infanrix brand of DTaP which contains double the amount of aluminum as Daptacel.

Can you email me back to let me know if I need to call the office about this question instead of using this email?
I included the big picture vaccine schedule for Lauren below (Polio vaccine would not be given until 9 months).

Thank you,
////

This is the vaccine schedule I'd like for Lauren:
Dr. Sears' (modified by me) Alternative Vaccine Schedule (only one aluminum-containing vaccine at a time and only one live virus vaccine at a time)
2 months: DTaP, Rotavirus(?)
3 months*: Pc, HIB
4 months: DTaP, Rotavirus(?)
5 months*: Pc, HIB
6 months: DTaP, Rotavirus(?)
7 months*: Pc, HIB
9 months: Polio, Flu (mercury free flu shot)
12 months: Mumps, Polio
15 months: Pc, HIB
18 months: DTaP
21 months*: Flu
2 years: Rubella, Polio
2 years, 6 months*: Hep A
3 years: Hep B, Measles, Flu
3 years, 6 months*: Hep B, Hep A
4 years: DTaP, Polio, Flu
5 years: MMR, Flu

* the 3, 5, and 7 month vaccines occur during a "shot-only" visit

Lauren is Growing!

2010-03-11T08:22:00.001-08:00

Lauren is dressed up for church:

Lauren's friend Samantha was born a week after Lauren. Sam's parents are in our Sunday school.
Lauren really likes this toy (see video below).
Lounging on the breastfeeding pillow:

Lauren continues to melt our hearts. Her little personality is showing up in various ways.

* How she crys out in the early evening when she wants her milk and mommy is trying to get dinner cooked or trying to take a little break from the 'feeding frenzy'. The cry isn't one of pain or helplessness... it's one of demand and I think it's kind of funny.

* She coos and 'talks' when we sit on the bouncy exercise ball together and sing. I think she is showing me how she enjoys this activity.

* She smiles while looking at us.

* She follows me with her eyes when I walk into a room or when I walk by. She knows when I'm in the room and when I leave (she crys when I leave).

* I know she likes to be held (what baby does not). She is content and happy when I'm holding her. I can put her in her bouncy chair for awhile, but then she wimpers a bit... I pick her up and she is happy again.

* She is growing! She wears 3 month outfits and will probably grow out of them soon.

* She likes her new toy:

Lauren's Unofficial Schedule

2010-03-06T09:47:00.001-08:00

Last night was a wonderful night for mommy because Lauren slept for 5 hours straight! After a feeding frenzy starting at around 6:15pm and going until 11:30pm (with a break for a walk around the neighborhood which turned into a mini-nap for Lauren and small breaks to hangout with daddy till he couldn't keep her from sucking on his arm or shirt), Lauren slept from 11:30pm until 4:40am! Then she slept for another 3 hours... but those weren't as restful for me because although she was sleeping, she was making lots of little noises in her crib. She makes lots of grunting/chirping noises in her sleep.

We haven't inforced a schedule for her, but so far looks like she likes the following:

rise and shine (between 6:45 and 7:30am)
mid-morning nap (at around 10 or 11 am for about 1 or 2 hours)
afternoon nap (any time between 1 - 4pm lasting for about 2 or 3 hours)
eating before bed (between 7-11pm)
bedtime (at around 10 or 11pm)

This works well for us because daddy sometimes doesn't get home till 7pm... so an early bedtime would be bad for daddy since he wants to play with his little girl when he gets home.

I hope that the night feedings will continue to be like last night:

feeding #1: 5 hours after bedtime
feeding #2: 3 hours after feeding #1

I'm really not as demanding as I look... "I want my milk now!":
Grandma Bonnie likes to come play with me:
Ms. Debi is the sweet lady who set my mommy and daddy up on their first date! Without her, there wouldn't be a me!
My first big girl outfit (I no longer wear NB size):

Early mornings with mommy:

Lauren's Life at Home

2010-02-28T07:52:00.001-08:00

Lauren was born during a storm. Here is a rainbow from our kitchen window after another rain storm at 5 weeks of age:

Lauren lounges in her chair after breakfast at 6:45am. This gives mommy a chance to eat her breakfast.
Daddy is gaga over Lauren. Well, so is mommy.
My chubby, peaceful baby:
After a bath I put her in this outfit to warm her up:
Pink bear outfit... sitting in little lamb chair:
The milking station:
Valma Klein... good friend from SJM. She brought us the most delicious pastries from Chez Nous.
Friends reunion. Tea and pastries... what could be better?
Valma and Thomas with Lauren:

Video of Lauren sleeping in her crib:

Aunt Jessee's Visit

2010-02-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

Jessee is my twin sister and my best friend. She visited Lauren in early February. She loves Lauren just like I love her two boys, Tyler and Garrett. We all had a wonderful time together!

Valentine's day at Chez Nous in Touca Lake:
Valentine's Day with Aunt Jessee and Lauren:
An open eye!
Aunt Jessee... Lauren is so comfortable with her!

Week 5 --- Breastfeeding is hard, but I'm sticking with it

2010-02-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

[Update: Met with Lactation consultant today (Roxy Sims from Glendale Memorial Hospital) and all is well. Lauren weighs over 10 pounds! Wow we were surprised by that. She ate 3 ounces during our lactation visit. Her latch is just fine. According to Roxy, she sucks in air due to excessive letdown at times... she pulls back a bit and then loses the latch momentarily. She's been doing better lately and I'm not as stressed about it, especially now that I've gotten the OK from Roxy... Lauren is doing just fine!]
Roxy Sims, lactation consultant from Glendale Memorial:

Look at those chubby cheeks!

This is where I feed her and a few of the pillows I use:
Lauren's giraffe toy and her little lamb chair. Happy and chubby.
Lauren loves her daddy so much:
One of her favorite positions:
Chubby cheeks:

Breastfeeding was easy at first... but has gotten harder the last week (week 4-5) mainly because I think Lauren has a shallow latch sometimes (especially during the middle of the night feedings) and she sucks in air sometimes and I can hear the air bubbles going into her tummy :(.

I started out the morning in tears for a few reasons:

1. I'm really tired
2. Lauren was fussy the night before due to gas... which I suspected she was getting from ME (not my foods, but from breastfeeding - is it an improper latch, a weak latch?)
3. Lauren was fussy in the morning and was sucking some air
4. I have 5 pillows, one "my brest friend" aide, and a love seat and I was frustrated trying to figure out how to best set up for feeding Lauren. Is this normal to have so many pillows and to feel awkward when getting set up and trying to get a good latch?

So today I spent some time on the internet looking for info and videos on breastfeeding. These videos helped (you tube) and I got a good latch this evening from one little tip (a slight rotation so the chin rotates away from the areola getting the "asymmetrical latch"). Asymmetrical latch means that the lower lip is farther away from the nipple and the upper lip is closer to the nipple. The lower lip massages the milk ducts and the baby gets the fatty hind milk if she can stay on for around 20 minutes. Lauren doesn't usually make it to 20 minutes unless I coax her and try to keep her awake and alert. Well, instead of me explaining all of the breastfeeding tips I found useful, I'm going to create a link list to my favorite helpful breastfeeding sites and videos. Breastfeeding is very rewarding and I am sticking to it. Tomorrow I have a lactation appointment (my last free appointment at Glendale Memorial Hospital) and then I'm going to become a regular at the GMH breastfeeding support circle which meets every Thursday from 1-3pm... it's free and I need the support right about now!

Also, I got a lot of great encouragement from friends including my friend Crystal L., mother of 3 little ones. One reason I love using facebook is all of the encouragement I've gotten from my mommy friends, including Crystal. Here is the facebook post from Crystal that really encouraged me:

"I made a mental note to self about a week and a half ago, that I would re-assure my daughters when they have children - that nursing takes time, and not to give up - it took Judah and I a good 2 1/2 months to get in sync - and often - you are more than likely doing just fine - and it doesn't SEEM like it. They are hardwired to nurse - and it does get easier - we PROMISE!" - Crystal

Love my friends for the encouragement. Also, my hubby bought some mylicon drops to help Lauren if she has swallowed air and needs some gas relief. We were going to get Gripe Water, but Target was out. Those were the two medicines friends recommended for gas relief.

Did I mention how tired I am? I'm not sleeping very soundly... to be honest, I'm having nightmares that Lauren is in my arms while I'm sleeping or that I'm squeezing my breast while she is nursing (in my sleep) or other anxiety/baby related topics my mind chooses to go to while sleeping! I need to pray about this and get rid of this anxiety before sleeping.

Off to feed Lauren!

Lauren is 4 Weeks Old and I'm Exhausted!

2010-02-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Photos by Emma Harasick Photography (Emma goes to Grace Community Church and she came to our house to do a photo shoot):

Well, Lauren is on my chest right now in her Moby wrap. We were taking a nap and she woke up with a little cry and kept on crying... she needed a diaper change! And now she dozed back off. She's been staying awake for large portions of the day. Yesterday was a very hard day because she was pretty much awake from 3am until 5pm for some reason... I think it had to do with the famous "3 week growth spurt". During this time, babies are supposed to be more fussy at the breast, can go for marathon feedings, and are more fussy in general. I can expect the same thing at 6 weeks and there are a few more growth spurt times according to my lactation information packet. If I didn't know about the 3 week growth spurt, I might have been worried. OK, here are the growth spurt times in my lactation packet:

1 week
3-4 weeks
5-8 weeks
3 months
5-6 months

"Your baby will suddenly eat more frequently and become fussy at the breast. You may think this fussy behavior and frequency in feeding is due to an inadequate milk supply. Don't worry, this behavior and the frequent feeding increases milk production for the baby's growing needs. Growth spurts will last approximately 4-7 days."

I was breastfeeding the other day and trying to read from Dr. Sears Baby Book. I've always been a "book smart" type person and now I'm wanting to read all about babies so I can be on top of everything for Lauren. There is so much to know. So far the topics that have interested me are: breastfeeding, sleeping, diaper rash, nutrition, wearing your baby (sling... for me the moby wrap).

Last night after telling my hubby that I needed more help (due to the 3am-5pm marathon awake session), my hubby took care of her and stayed with her till around 1:30am and let me sleep except to feed her. I felt refreshed after sleeping all of the late afternoon and I took over for the night feedings feeling ready for it. I think Lauren needs more time being burped and more time being rocked to sleep so last night our feeding sessions went from 12am-1:20am, 3:50am-5:30am, 7am-7:50am. She is waking me up when she is hungry and usually eats for about 8 minutes and then poops... then we change her diaper, blow dry her butt, apply the diaper cream and if I'm lucky, she won't pee on herself after the diaper cream step. But she likes to pee when her diaper is off and she's clean. Then we go back to the living room for more eating. The lactation consultant told me that she needs to eat for about 20 minutes on one side in order to get the fatty hind milk that will satisfy her hunger for longer periods of time. I think she is getting plenty of hind milk because she poops almost every diaper and she probably weighs 9 pounds. The lactation consultant let me know that you can't overfeed a breastfed baby, so I'm not worried about that.

Everything is going great if I take into account that she is only 4 weeks old. Yes, I'm supposed to be tired and exhausted. No, I'm not supposed to have everything all together right now (my hubby reminded me of that yesterday). Yes, it's OK to leave the laundry for another day and to clean the bathrooms another day. I love being a mom. I love Lauren so much. Her little face and everything about her just melts my heart. She melts my hubby's heart too.

I hope for another night where we can have a stretch of sleep like we did last night from 1:20am until 3:50am. Wow, that was a good stretch.

Well, here we are in my moby wrap today:

Lauren is 3 Weeks Old!

2010-02-09T22:38:00.000-08:00

We stopped at the tennis courts on a walk with Lauren. Mommy and daddy love tennis so we will definitely be teaching Lauren how to play.:

We saw this horse on our walk. We live in the rancho equestrian neighborhood so it isn't uncommon to see horses on a walk in our neighborhood:

Daddy and Lauren are so precious to mommy:

Lauren's first trip to Starbucks (we stayed outside while daddy ordered):
The swaddle and football hold:
Lauren's first walk in the neighborhood with mommy:
Lauren and tired mommy:

Tomorrow, Lauren turns 3 weeks old. I just finished feeding her and now I'm hoping she'll make it for her 3 hour stretch at night. During the day, I feed her and then count 2 hours from the end of her feeding until the beginning of her next feeding. At night, our lactation consultant (Roxy Sims at Glendale Memorial Hospital - we LOVE Roxy) said we could wait 3 hours from the end of her feeding until the beginning of her next feeding. This extra hour (usually turns into less than an hour) helps me get more rest. But last night little Lauren was up from 1am until around 3:30am... fussy and awake.

I need to hop into bed (I was going to twice, but when I set Lauren in her bassinet, she squirmed and complained), but I want to quickly jot down some thoughts on these first three weeks.

* I love our lactation consultant. She has really helped me with nursing properly and she has been an encouragement from day 1. I had 3 free consultation appointments after checking out of the hospital and I've gone to 2 appointments. One more left before Lauren turns 6 weeks. Roxy has helped me with the proper latch, weighing the baby before and after feeding to make sure she is getting enough milk (she is... 3 ounces the first apt and 2.7 ounces the second apt), understanding why they can be fussy at the breast (growth spurts), understanding diaper rash...

Lauren in her "milk coma" and mommy burping her:

* I'm really tired. Really, really tired at night, but very, very happy when morning comes and my husband is home and we can all hang out at home as a family. It's just more lonely in the middle of the night with a sometimes fussy newborn.

* My husband has been able to take a lot of days of and we absolutely love being home together just hanging out and watching sports - the Kings (hockey), the Lakers, and the Super Bowl. We are teaching Lauren about sports early. Watching sports is a relaxing past time for me and something I can share with my husband.

My baby is sleeping so I'm going to write more later!! I'm off to bed.

OK, I'm back and it's the next day at around 11am. Lauren eats again at 11:30am so I have a few minutes to write in. Lauren had a good night of sleeping last night (I was so happy about that). My thoughts are scattered so I'll stop writing and post some pictures and videos instead:

Birth Day Story

2010-01-31T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hanging over the head of the hospital bed (head of the bed at an incline, arms draped over the head of the bed, knees on the bed):
Standing and swaying/rocking through contractions:
Right after she came out, they put her on my chest:
We were instantly in love and in awe:

Lauren getting used to the 'outside' right after birth. She nursed right away for over 1 hour:
Daddy J giving Lauren her first bath. She didn't like it, but Daddy did a great job:

With Nancy our doula in the Post-Partum Visit:

Birth Story:
Contractions started at 8am on Tuesday, Jan 19. They felt just like monthly cramps, but I had not felt anything like them since I was pregnant. I did not have Braxton Hix contractions during my pregnancy. Daddy J left for work at around 10am and told me to keep him posted, but I was not getting my hopes up. I thought the contractions would go away. I had a doctors appointment on Wed, Jan 20 at 10am so I thought that I could always ask the doctor about the 'cramping' the next day. I also had a pregnancy massage scheduled for Jan 20 at 3pm and I was very excited about that. Daddy J gave the massage as a gift to me for Christmas. At around 11am I decided to time the contractions and see how long they lasted. They were about 10 minutes apart and lasted about 30 seconds. Hmm... something was happening! But I was still trying not to get my hopes up. Our Bradley teacher told us to eat a hearty breakfast and hydrate as soon as you think you might be in labor. You can do this at home, but once you get to the hospital, they probably won't let you eat or drink. So I made 2 eggs and peanut butter on toast even though I wasn't very hungry. I also started drinking my coconut juice, recharge, and lots of water. I knew that I might be preparing for the 'marathon' of labor. At around noon I decided to call our Doula, Nancy Connelly (see: http://annajfamily.blogspot.com/2009/11/29-weeks-we-hired-doula.html). She had mentioned that she liked having a long lead time so she could arrange child care. I talked to her and told her that it might be nothing, but I was having contractions and I'd keep her posted. She encouraged me to eat a good lunch so I warmed up a leftover turkey taco. I had 3 contractions while trying to eat my taco. Every time I had a contraction, I ran to the birth ball and draped myself over it so I could rock back and forth on my knees (arms and chest on birth ball, knees on the floor). I spent more time in this position than in any other during labor. Hands and knees was much more comfortable than laying down. Also, constant rocking and movement was what I desired during these contractions. I called my husband on the phone in the afternoon and told him what was going on and that it might be nothing. I was totally fine at home and didn't need him at this time. He called at around 6:30pm and said he was heading home and at that time I told him that I really needed him... perfect timing. I had a contraction while we were on the phone together and had to run to the birth ball. When my hubby got home, I showed him some of the contraction data and he told me, "We better pick out a name for our baby!" We had not picked out a name for her yet. I continued to labor in the living room on the birth ball on my knees while he ate leftover turkey tacos and watched Steven Colbert and hockey. I encouraged him to relax and watch his programs because I knew it could be a long night and it could be a false alarm. I realized after the contractions got harder that I could not stand to even listen to the TV while having a contraction so I had to ask him to mute the sound during contractions. Then, at around 8pm, things progressed to me holding and squeezing his hands during contractions. I also noticed the 'bloody show' (mucus plug) during one bathroom break. Contractions seemed to be triggered by changes in position like going to the bathroom or trying to lay down on the couch. I decided just to stay on my birth ball, but I also added sitting on the birth ball as a good position for contractions. I'd sit on the birth ball and sway back and forth or bounce up and down. Finally at around 11:30pm, Daddy J realized that my contractions were coming at 4 minutes apart or closer and lasting for one minute or longer. I also had a contraction where I told him, "I don't think I can do this"... but then I quickly corrected myself and said, "Wait, it's too early for me to say that." Little did I know that I was probably heading into Transition at that point so it was about the time most women say "I can't do this". Other signs that I was heading into transition: burping, hiccuping, trembling legs. Looking back, I think I was in the following stages of labor at the following times:
Stage 1: Labor
Phase One: Early Labor: 8am - 4pm....0-3cm
Phase Two: Active Labor: 4pm - 9pm...3-7cm
Phase Three: Transition: 9pm - 4:30am...7-10cm
Stage 2: Pushing: 4:30am - 5:08am

Daddy J wisely suggested we head to the hospital after realizing that I was probably in transition. He loaded up the car while I labored in the living room. Then we headed to the car and I had a contraction before we left. I had my eyes closed and had another 3 contractions in the car. The hospital (Glendale Memorial Hospital) was only 10 minutes away, but since it was around 12:30am, we weren't sure where to park. We found good street parking and walked into the ER. I had a contraction when we walked in and I knelt down onto a chair and started my deep breathing and moaning. The other ER patients must have been amused by this. The lady behind the desk looked at me and said to Daddy J, "It's time." So she brought a wheel chair and wheeled me up to L&D. I was told to take off my clothes and put on the hospital gown. The nurse checked me in between contractions and I'll never forget the sweet words out of her mouth, "She's at 8-9cm". WHAT!!! Oh YES YES YES!! Oh, we had not called the doctor yet. Oops. The doctor had wanted us to call him when contractions were 5 minutes apart, but I never called because I kept thinking it was a false alarm. The last thing I wanted to do was to get to the hospital too early. I wanted to try to avoid getting to the hospital early to avoid interventions or begging for pain meds. At 8-9cm, I realized that there was no turning back and I was not going to ask for the epidural - too late for that!! They put a hep lock on my left hand, hooked me up to the blood pressure cuff, and hooked me up to the contraction and fetal heart rate monitor. As soon as I could, we raised the head of the hospital bed up to around a 60 degree angle (as if to sit upright in bed) and I flipped around on the bed and draped myself over the head of the bed for the coming contractions. I swayed left and right during and in between contractions. I took deep breaths in and low vocalizations (moaning) out for each contraction. I must have burned a lot of calories that night because I never stopped moving the entire time. Daddy J called the doula and told her 8-9cm and she sped over to the hospital. She was worried she wouldn't make it in time, but I still had a few hours to go. The doctor arrived and checked me and said I was at 7-8cm and then asked if he could break my water. He broke my water and then left me to labor. The nurses received a copy of our birth plan and they honored it - no offering pain meds, allowing us to labor at our own speed. Nancy, our doula, arrived and the three of us labored together for a few hours. The nurses checked in every now and then. Nancy had me in various positions: standing and holding the side of the bed, standing next to the bed and draped on the birth ball, sitting on the birth ball, draped over the head of the bed, sitting on the toilet, and sitting propped up on the bed. I also remember her cheering for me every time I told them I was having a contraction... Nancy would say, "Yay! Great! Now picture the baby sliding through the cervix and picture the cervix melting away. Picture the cervix going over the baby's head like a turtle neck sweater." I remember thinking it was a strange reaction for her to cheer at my contraction, but it really worked! I was very encouraged by her reaction... I needed to welcome the contraction because that was how we were going to get to the pushing stage. Finally at around 4am, the nurse checked me again and said I was fully dilated except for a cervical 'lip' on the right side. The doctor came in after that and had me push while he pushed the lip out of the way. This was the most painful part of the whole labor and the first time I screamed. Then the doctor informed me that I was ready to push. I don't think I ever really got the urge to push, but I went ahead and pushed during the contractions. Everyone cheered me on. Well, against the instructions of our Bradley Class, they had me laying flat on my back for the pushing. Oh well. At that point, I was just following instructions and it seemed like things were going well because of the encouragement and cheering from everyone. "We can see the head!"... What? Really? "Do you want to touch the head?" No thank you! So during contractions I had to pull my legs back and push with all my might. I squeezed my eyes shut and pushed as hard as I could. I thought for sure I was going to poop on the hospital bed, but I did not. Whew! The nurse was awesome and did the perineal massage so I would not need the episiotomy (I didn't need the episiotomy and only had a slight tear on the right and a tiny tear on the left). I pushed like that for around 3o minutes and then the doctor was called in. I couldn't believe it... they were prepping me for holding the baby on my chest!! Wow!! I pushed my hardest while everyone counted to 10 for me... each contraction I'd push 3 times for counts of 10 each. Then I'd rest. Towards the end, the doctor held the baby down in the birth canal by pushing a little on my stomach (probably where her feet were) so that she wouldn't slip back up between contracions. Then he was able to massage the head out during a push. The head popping out didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. There was a little sensation of the 'ring of fire' I had heard about, but not nearly as painful as I thought it would be. Everyone cheered and I could tell Daddy J was so excited. Later he told me that when Lauren first opened her eyes, she made direct eye contact with him. The doctor told me not to push again and suctioned her mouth and nose. He was waiting for her to turn her shoulders. As soon as she turned, he told me I could push again and she slid out. This part was also not very painful like I thought it would be. The next moment, she was placed on my chest, crying and crying, and my husband and I were in awe and in love!! What a high!! What an amazing moment! I was super excited when I felt the placenta come out and I knew that labor was over. Whew! I made sure to tell everyone who would listen that I cant believe people do this more than once. Of course, now that time has passed, I know I will want to do it again and again (maybe 2 more times). I told everyone thank you sooooo much and also praised the Lord for the delivery.

Lauren weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces and she measured 19 inches long. Lauren nursed for over 1 hour right after birth. The nurses left us alone to bond and feed her. She was very alert. After the placenta came out, they hooked me up to a Pitocin (or oxytocin?) drip to help the uterus contract. The doctor gave me a few stitches on the right (around 3 stitches) and a few stitches on the left (around 2 stitches). We were moved to the recovery area and had awesome nurses again. Lauren was born 1/20/2010 at 5:08am and we left the hospital on 1/21/2010 at around 1pm.

I was on an adrenaline high for 4 or 5 days afterwards and I had a really hard time sleeping. I almost felt 'manic' - talking a lot, excited, ... on a high. Now I've crashed a bit and had tears over feeling tired and overly sensitive. But things are going well. We put together Lauren's vibrating Little Lamb Chair and I got an extra 2 hours of sleep this morning. I feed her every 2.5 to 3 hours (she eats and then gets hungry again after 1.5 or 2 hours).

Thank yous:
Nancy our doula was an awesome support... we will definitely hire her for the next birth
Glendale Memorial Hospital - awesome nurses!! Amy, MiYoung, Evelyn; lactation consultant Roxy
My hubby, of course
Dr. Frields
My in-laws - they came to the hospital at 7am to see us. My mother-in-law was especially supportive and helpful and she showered us with baby gifts.

Here are the tips that helped me through labor in no particular order:
* Think of one contraction at a time. You can handle one at a time. Dont think too far in the future.
* Deep breathing and low vocalization
* Constant movement and hands and knees positions. I cant imagine going through contractions flat on my back laying down on the bed.
* Hire a doula - we were very reassured Nancy Connelly (nsconnelly@earthlink.net) was there and she was super encouraging, knowledgeable, skilled with massage, and a calming presence to us. Cost $800 for a shorter labor, $1000 for longer, and $1400 if it goes over 24 hours. We paid $800
* Take a Bradley Method Class... I loved our teacher and class: Kathy Killebrew (empower4birth@hotmail.com) Cost: $350 for 10 weeks, 2 hours each class
* Exercise during pregnancy. I took pilates up till I couldn't lay on my back anymore and then I took low impact aerobics up until the end of December (I was 8 months preggo)...
My hubby and I also walked together at least once a week and we hiked Griffith Park a few times too.
* Eat healthy... I tried to eat really healthy and barely ate out at all. Besides a few in and out burgers and domino's pizza, we did not eat fast food at all but mostly ate at home. I did eat sweets (cake cookies chocolates), but tried not to over do it. I gained 40 pounds during pregnancy so I definitely ate sufficient quantities
* It's true that once you get to 7cm, the contractions don't increase in intensity. If you can handle them up to 7cm, you are fine for the rest. Our Bradley teacher told us this and I realized during labor that she was telling the truth. This is encouraging when you are in labor and the contractions are really bad, but not continuing to get worse and worse.
* Savor the breaks in between contractions. The breaks were great even if they were only a few minutes long. I definitely felt better during each break.
* Labor at home as long as you can... it's more comfortable and you can eat and drink.
* Hydrate before labor and as soon as you know you are in labor - drink lots of water. My doctor said that if you are dehydrated, your body will not have productive contractions.

Lauren's snore and Robyn's visit

2010-01-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Robyn came and visited us today. I love Robyn. Robyn is pregnant and due in early July. She'll find out soon if she is carrying a boy or a girl.

Lauren's snore:

Lauren's first assignment...

2010-01-27T08:12:00.000-08:00

Lauren's pediatrician, Dr. Zea Malawa, assigned Lauren her first assignment... 10 minutes of tummy time per day. Kind of looks like she was sleeping on the job. She is very strong though and can lift her head up when I burp her over my shoulder.

Tummy time:
My first try with Fuzzibunz washable cloth diapers. These are size small, but look too big. However, they have various snap positions so on the tightest setting, they fit Lauren great. She already tested out 3 of them and they absorb great and haven't leaked yet.

Hiccups and Daddy's Birthday

2010-01-26T04:12:00.001-08:00

Daddy's 32nd birthday:

Lauren at 5 days old

2010-01-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are so in love with our little girl. My sister asked me, "so what do you guys call her?"... well, besides Lauren, I call her peanut, precious princess, pumpkin, sweetie pie, my precious baby, etc... etc... I love her so much. Now I know what it feels like to love like a mother loves.

We've been praying that the Lord would protect our baby girl. Also, our number one prayer for her is that she'd come to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart. Our hearts are overflowing for love for our Lord in how he has blessed us with Lauren.

Welcome Baby Lauren Grace J

2010-01-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

Stats: 7lbs, 12oz, 19 inches long, born 1/20/2010 at 5:08am

Daddy J helping me through labor. We got to the hospital and I was already at 8cm. We did it with no pain meds and no epidural. It was painful, but amazing and I'd do it again... but not right away. I used the birth ball a lot and my 'pain relief' was constant movement (rocking, swaying, deep breathing and low vocalization). I was in labor for around 19 hours; active labor lasted from around 8pm-4am and pushing went from around 4am-5am.:
Lauren at the hospital:

My amazing husband with Lauren. Couldn't have done it without him ;). He was an awesome labor support... comforting me, cheering me on and reassuring me. He's an amazing daddy too.

Lauren in her bassinet.
Aunt Katie with Lauren on Aunt Katie's 25th birthday:

Grandpa Bob with Lauren:
Grandma Bonnie with Lauren:

Lauren at home:

39 Weeks!

2010-01-17T15:46:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm dilated to 1cm and 80% effaced (cervical thinning). That doesn't guarantee a delivery date - it could still be days away... but it was good news! Last night I think I felt my first Braxton-Hix contractions... a tightening in the upper abdominal muscles right below my ribs. The baby was moving a lot too. Felt like some kind of progress was being made. I was able to sleep really well despite feeling a few contractions, 2 bathroom breaks and lots of baby movements. This is very, very exciting for us!!

At church we are learning about worshiping the Lord and having intimate prayer with the Lord. Both of these topics remind me of the sweet, sweet fellowship I had with the Lord when He first saved me (July of 2004). I'm desiring the same fellowship now. I know the Lord hasn't changed toward me. I know that if I seek Him with all my heart our relationship will be restored to what it used to be. That is my prayer. It's easy for me to be distracted by all of these wonderful things that are happening in my life (marriage, a baby and motherhood), but I want to be disciplined to prioritize my 1st love... the Lord.

38 Weeks!

2010-01-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

This week I will have an 'exam' at the doctor's office and I guess he'll check to see if my body is getting ready for labor. I think this will include checking if I'm dilated at all. I've heard of some people being dilated to 3 or 5 cm before even going into labor. Wouldn't that be nice!

I'm definitely feeling anxious and emotional about this. My husband has been taking excellent care of me and I know this whole process has deepened our love for one another.

The baby feels bigger when she moves and kicks inside of me. She also feels more centered in my body. For most of the pregnancy, she favored my right side, but now she is centered.

Last night I made a gift bag of Trader Joe's treats for the nurses who will be helping us at Glendale Memorial Hospital Labor and Delivery. I've also started packing my bag. It's so strange and amazing to be packing a little hat, socks, blankets and clothes for my little baby. I don't know how big she'll be and I found out that the size designations don't always match up with how big the clothes are. I have a tiny little white onesie for her and I think it may be too small for her... so I'll bring something a bit bigger too.

Today I watched the "Happiest Baby on the Block" video where I learned how to use the 5 S method to calm a crying baby. Swaddle, Side Laying, Shussing (white noise), Swinging, Sucking. It was very helpful!

I'll sign off with this video I just watched on You Tube. It made me cry and was inspiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuM8dzDcraI

Through the anxiety of the unknown... I'm trying to give all of my anxious thoughts and feelings over to the Lord and trust Him for this big event coming up. I want to be more faithful to pray for the day this all takes place. I especially want to pray for the baby's health and safe delivery.

Belly Growth Progression

2010-01-01T23:52:00.001-08:00

At 17 weeks before our San Diego get-away:

At 18 weeks... It's a Girl!!
Feet are up by baby's forehead... can you see her leg and feet bones?

Her cute little baby face:

At 21 weeks... I'm feeling big, but they say I'll get much, much bigger:

At 23 weeks... I think I look bigger than I am, but my hubby assures me that the picture is an accurate representation of my size :)

At 25 weeks:

At 28 weeks... having a little back pain now. Can't believe I'm going to get any bigger.

30 Weeks

34 Weeks

36 Weeks

36 Weeks

2009-12-31T14:55:00.001-08:00

I am feeling really huge at this point. My ankles have been swollen pretty much every day by the end of the day. I showed the doctor at my 36 week appointment and he said, "That's nothing! You should see some of the really bad ankles that come in here." So that made me feel better. He said the ankle swelling would go away approximately 5 days after birth. He said as long as your blood pressure is still good (mine is) that it's just a normal part of pregnancy.

Kankles... I can't believe I'm posting this picture... but I hope it gives someone a good laugh... and some sympathy for me:

36 weeks:

According to the doctor, the baby's head is down, but she is not "engaged" yet. So she hasn't moved down yet. This makes me feel like she'll probably not be coming early... I think she'll come on her due date or a few days later. But the Lord knows! On the way home from our yearly trip to Mammoth, my hubby and I listened to sermons by J. MacArthur titled "Anxiety Free Living". I downloaded these sermons to prepare for labor and delivery and because I have been feeling a bit anxious about what will happen. The sermons were a great reminder to me that I can trust God for the Labor and Delivery. He already has a plan for us for how He is going to use us in this world, for how long He wants us here for His purposes, for how He is going to provide for us (food and necessities). I can't add an extra day to my life and there is no sense in worrying.

Luke 12:29-32
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

I like to emphasize the "your Father" part because it reminds me that He cares for me. I have trusted in Him as my Savior, I'm His child, I depend on Him for everything, and He'll be right there with me through this labor, delivery and then parenting and...life and then eternity!

California Christmas 09

2009-12-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

I just went on a walk around the neighborhood across the street from our condo. It is around 2pm and in the high 60s with humidity of 20%... beautiful. Daddy J is at work and I have a few things to do at home before the Christmas festivities begin. First, I wanted to post a few pictures that I'll title "A California Christmas". I do not have a permanent home where I grew up because I'm an airforce 'brat'. We went to three different high schools and after I left home for college, my parents made another move from Texas to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is a nice place to visit, but I didn't grow up there. I didn't really grow up anywhere specific... I grew up all over the place... but if I had to choose one place, I guess it'd have to be Texas (San Antonio, Georgetown, and Del Rio).

Well, I'm so very happy that I've now placed roots in California. My husband was born and raised here. My husband's parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (most of them) not only live in California, but they live just a few minutes drive away. We will be spending Christmas Eve with Grandma J and the J side of the family first, then with the Briasco/Cragnotti side of the family for dessert, then at Emmanuel EV Free church for Christmas Eve service. We'll spend Christmas at Bob and Bonnie's (my in-laws) also with Katie (my sis-in-law) and then Christmas dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Briasco's with our Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. I definitely married into a family with strong family ties and traditions... and I count it a blessing!

These pictures were all taken on Christmas Eve, 2009:
Hubby and I pick lemons from this tree... you can see the Warner Bros building ahead and the street sign is "California St":

Love California Palm Trees:

A beautiful, sunny Christmas Eve on one of my favorite tree lined streets:

This looks similar to some of the hills hubby and I like to hike in:

We have trees that change colors in the fall:

Pictures of the fruit trees I see on my walk around the neighborhood:

A picture of our condo building:

34 Weeks!

2009-12-14T13:51:00.001-08:00

Now I'm feeling the pressure of getting a lot of things done before the baby comes.

Diapers:
I just ordered some fuzzi bunz diapers online. Don't know how well they'll work, but I like the idea of washable, but easy to use reusable diapers. I will also purchase disposable diapers just in case, but I'm hoping that the fuzzi bunz work great and I can then use them with any future children we have too. This should hopefully save money, be softer on their bums (supposed to be less diaper rash with these), and be friendlier on the environment. Although I have read arguements that state that the energy used by frequent washing machine cycles and drying can counteract the environmental benefits. Well, I'm going to try it anyways. http://www.fuzzibunz.com/

Baby's room:
Baby's room still needs some organizing. I might need some shelves to put up her books and toys and clear off the dresser countertop which will be her changing station.

Dresser:

Dresser after progress has been made:

Bed with stuff on it (the bed will stay in the room for guests, but we are moving it against the wall to make more room for the crib):

Future site of crib. This desk will be moved out of the room and into our bedroom and the crib will be placed here:

Toys and books on dresser need to be moved... possibly to shelves on the wall:

Baby clothes. I had fun folding and organizing her clothes. We received everything we need from our friends:

Baby books:

Newborn diapers:

Hospital Paperwork:
I have the paperwork to fill out (pre-register), but haven't filled it out yet. I need to fill it out and drop it off at the hospital. If I get it in now, we won't have to worry about doing paperwork when we arrive and I'm in labor.

Birth Plan:
I need to complete a simple one-page birth plan to give to my doctor, my doula, and the nurses who will be assisting me during labor. This birth plan will have details like, "I prefer intermittent fetal monitoring (not full-time monitoring)", "I do not want to be offered pain medication. If I want it, I will ask for it." etc...

Send Christmas Cards and Gifts:
It's that time of year!!

Clean the House & Organize:
Now is a good time to do that. When the baby comes, I hear it's hard to get much done at first.

Well, there is probably more, but this is a good start. This week I have my 34 week appointment on Wednesday. Not sure what will be done at that appointment.

We finished our last Bradley class on Sunday. The last class was on baby care. One fun fact I learned is that breast-milk can be used to help open a clogged tear duct... just apply a few drops to baby's eye. A few drops of breast milk can also be put into baby's nose if she has a cold and then suctioned out. Breast milk helps break up mucus and also helps fight infection.

Tricky Ultrasound

2009-12-02T11:32:00.001-08:00

An example of a 3D ultrasound picture done at 20 weeks (note: this is not Baby J... just an example I pulled off of wikipedia)

Just had my 32 week doctors appointment specifically to have an ultrasound to check on the baby. I had one at 12 weeks and one at 18 weeks. If I could do it over again, I would have declined this 32 week ultrasound. The doctor even told me at 30 weeks that he'd like to do an ultrasound at 32 weeks, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. He just likes to do it to check the size of the baby and the amniotic fluid levels and blood flow to the baby. I thought to myself, "If it's quick and its the 2D kind, then I guess it's OK."

Well, it ended up not being so quick... I got light headed from laying on my back... so he said I could turn onto my left side and continue the ultrasound. Before turning, I could see the ultrasound screen and it was definitely taking 2D pictures so I felt comfortable with that. But after I turned to my left side, I couldn't see the screen anymore. The doctor told me he wanted to try to get a picture of her face so I could send it to my hubby (hubby is out of town in Switzerland for work). I assumed it would be a 2D shot... but he switched the machine onto 4D and took a picture that way. This made me really upset, but I didn't say anything at the time because I realized that I didn't specifically remind him not to do a 4D. Now, what's the big deal about a 4D ultrasound? Most people say there is nothing wrong with them and they haven't been proven to be unsafe. But they also haven't been proven to be safe and the FDA recommends against them unless there is a medical need. A photograph of the baby's face is definitely not a medical need. So I was upset and even started crying on my drive home. I don't want to do anything that would harm the baby. My hubby also asked me to tell them not to do a 4D ultrasound because he had also heard from an Electrical Engineer PhD friend that they are very powerful and may cause heating in delicate tissues (like the brain). So I had to tell him about the 4D face picture (too bad it was her face and not her foot or something less delicate). Also, you can barely make out her baby face features in the picture... she looks distorted in the picture. I'm going to see her in a few weeks... so why do I need to see her face now if it isn't medically necessary to expose her to strong ultrasound waves? This all made me sad.

My husband reassured me that she's probably just fine and that there will be much bigger trials we'll have to face in the future - like the first time she falls and hits her head. I'm going to have to toughen up in order to do a good job at dealing with this new precious life I'm responsible for. I want to protect her from everything!

Oh, and Baby J is in the transverse, spine down position with her head, hands and feet all on my right side! Time for some inversions (see pregnancy links "Helping turn a breech/transverse baby 1 & 2" in my list of Helpful Pregnancy Links).

An excerpt from one of the articles on the dangers of using 4D ultrasound for "portraits":

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-03-27-prenatal-portraits_x.htm

"Even worse, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine warns that although there are no confirmed biological effects from prenatal ultrasounds, possible problems could be identified in the future, especially because these unregulated scans are longer, use more energy and can be more frequent.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce diagnostic images of developing babies.

Two-dimensional ultrasound has been around since the 1960s, helping doctors diagnose birth defects, fetal growth and position, and more. Millions of fetal ultrasounds are done each year, and more than 30 years of research and practice have found them to be safe.

In recent years, medical technologists have developed 3D ultrasound systems that determine the volume of the fetus and then reconstruct the image in three dimensions. The 4D ultrasounds take those 3D pictures and turn them into moving images.

Outside of obstetrics, ultrasound is widely used for an array of diagnostic and therapeutic reasons, from heating and healing tissue to locating gallstones.

"Ultrasound is a form of energy, and even at low levels, laboratory studies have shown it can produce physical effects in tissue, such as jarring vibrations and a rise in temperature," the FDA said. Because of this, "prenatal ultrasounds can't be considered completely innocuous.""

Week 32! Bradley Class Notes on Breastfeeding

2009-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

It's week 32. Tomorrow I have an ultrasound scheduled. I think the doctor is going to try to estimate the weight of the baby, check blood flow to the baby, and check to make sure everything looks OK. I heard that it is a good idea to drink a lot of water before the 3rd trimester ultrasound so that your water levels (amniotic fluid levels) look good. If you are dehydrated, it may show up on the ultrasound.

Bradley Class Notes on Breastfeeding:
* Advantages: bonding, involution, immunities, brain growth, less colic, cheaper, easier; Helps Prevent: SIDS, constipation, tooth decay, allergies, skin disorders and respiratory illnesses

* Supply/Demand: the more the baby nurses, the more milk the mom will have. When bottles begin to be added, the breast slows down its production. The stimulation of the breast by the baby causes the pituitary gland to initiate more milk production.

* Colostrum: yellowish pre-milk rich in nutrients. Causes early evacuation of first bowel movement called meconium. This makes the baby hungry and therefore a more vigorous nurser. Set up the right bacteria in intestines for digestion, high in protein, gives antibodies. Flushing out meconium prevents reabsorption of bilirubin, therefore reducing chances of jaundice. Milk will come in by end of 2nd or into the 3rd day unless baby is not nursing often enough.

* Nutrition: mom should be eating healthy foods, no junk food or sugar; drink lots of water, no soda, no coffee; eat fish, whole grains, keifer, yogurt (if baby can tolerate dairy)

* Don't introduce the bottle until 6-8 weeks after nursing. Bottle feeding is much easier for baby than breastfeeding so if they start bottle feeding too early, they may not want the breast.

* Don't introduce solid foods until after 6 months... babies can be 8-10 months old before starting any solids. Wait for baby's cues. Why? Solids are inferior to breastmilk.

Breastfeeding mothers should get 1500 mg of calcium each day. If you can't eat milk products, here are calcium substitutes:

Cereals, Cereal Flours, Fish, Fruits (Figs, Oranges, Rasins), Legumes and Seeds (Soybean curd, beans, garbanzo beans, sesame seeds, almonds), Syrups and sugars (black strap molasses), Veggies (Broccoli, Collards, Spinach), Fortified OJ, Soymilk

What is so special about Breastmilk?
* FATS: rich in brain-building omega 3's (DHA and AA). Formula does not have DHA, cholesterol or lipase.

* PROTEINS: Rich in brain and body-building protein components AND contains sleep-inducing proteins

* CARBS: Rich in lactose and oligosaccharides that promote intestinal health

* IMMUNE BOOSTERS: Rich in living white blood cells, millions per feeding. Rich in immunoglobluins

* VITAMINS AND MINERALS: Better absorbed iron, zinc, and calcium (50-75% of iron is absorbed as opposed to only 5-10% if using formula)

* ENZYMES AND HORMONES: Rich in digestive enzymes, such as lipase and amylase. Rich in hormones: thyroid, prolactin, oxytocin, and over 15 others. The processing of formula kills digestive enzymes and hormones (which aren't human hormones anyways).

* TASTE: varies with mother's diet; by taking on the flavor of the mother's diet, breastmilk shapes the tastes of the child to family foods.

* COST: $600 per year extra food for mother vs. $1200 per year for formula (or up to $2500 for the more expensive food)

According to our teacher, if you have the baby latch on correctly (wide open mouth, top and bottom lip open wide), there shouldn't be a lot of pain associated with breastfeeding. Also, inserting a finger in their mouth to decrease the suction when removing the baby helps a lot. If we are experiencing lots of pain or trouble, it's best to meet with a lactation consultant as soon as possible so that the baby doesn't develop bad habits.

Glendale Memorial has an excellent lactation consultant and even a mother's nursing support group:
"The Nursing Mother's Circle" meets every Thursday from 1-3pm
Location: Breastfeeding clinic in the waiting room on the basement level of Glendale Memorial Hospital, 1420 S. Central Ave in Glendale, (818) 507-4191

Lactation consultant: Roza Baghdassarian, (818) 353-7446, moreserlactation@yahoo.com

Baby J moving around - her favorite side to kick and move is my right side.

31 Weeks!

2009-11-23T18:38:00.001-08:00

Bradley Class Lesson highlights from Sunday:
* Children's vaccinations. I'm leaning towards finding a pediatrician who will allow us to spread out Baby J's vaccinations. I'm going to try to check out the Vaccination Book by Dr. Sears and read more about it. We've got both Autism and Auto=Immune Disease (Lupus) in our families so we want to carefully research vaccines and what will be best for Baby J.

* Newborn procedures done at the hospital. What really needs to be done right away? What can wait? What isn't necessary? I think we'll decline the Hepatitis B shot (not needed for a newborn and it's really strong) and the intramuscular injection of Vitamin K (not needed unless there is a history of bad blood clotting in the family). She wont need the erythromycin eye goop either - if you have been in a monogamous relationship and you know you don't have chlamydia or gonorrhea, the baby doesn't need this. We'll allow the P.K.U. testing (60 tests for certain genetic disorders) and Daddy J will stay with the baby for the heel prick and blood draw for this test. But we'll delay this test until after Baby J has been able to nurse. Daddy J can also go with the baby for the hearing test - she'll need to be asleep for this test. Also, Daddy J will be giving Baby J her first bath. Warms my heart just thinking about it. I have total confidence in Daddy J and his ability to care for Baby J. He has a lot of experience with babies... probably more than I do!

* Delayed Cord Clamping. It's best to delay clamping the cord for at least 2 minutes after delivery. You can actually feel the cord pulsing, still delivering red blood cells and blood stem cells to the baby after delivery. Babies do a lot better if the cord is not cut immediately. At home births, some people wait up to 20 minutes before clamping and cutting the cord.

I had an amazing baby shower on Saturday thrown by my friends at Emmanuel Church. I was overwhelmed by the love and generosity of each and every person. Baby J was showered with gifts - lots of cute pink outfits, baby onsies, footies with hoodies, wash cloths, toys, bedding, stroller, high chair, pack-n-play, and lots more. Daddy J and I were seriously amazed and delighted at the love everyone showed us by attending the shower and offering sweet gifts for our baby girl.

On Friday, November 20th, I first noticed... the dreaded... swollen ankle! Yes, it was only one swollen ankle - the left one. And it was combined with a little pain in my left shin... felt like a vericose vein wanted to pop out. Daddy J confirmed that the left ankle was swollen! I've been eating lots of salt (we both love salt) so that, combined with being on my feet cleaning and cooking for dinner guests probably did it.

Thanking the Lord for His care during this time... only a few more weeks to go!

30 Weeks!

2009-11-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

I had my 30 week doctors appointment today and everything went well. Waiting in the waiting room takes the longest (50 minute wait) and seeing the doctor only takes a few minutes. I have my blood pressure measured, urine sample tested, and weight measured by the nurse. Then the doctor comes in and measures my belly, listens to the baby's heart rate, and asks me if I have any questions! Today I told him that I think the baby's head is down because I can feel her hiccuping really low in my abdomen. He checked by feeling around and confirmed that the baby's head is down! Yay! That should be one obstacle out of the way for labor and delivery.

I barely have back pain anymore and I think it's because I've improved my sleeping habits. I always sleep on my side and push a pillow under my belly to prop my belly up a little. And I use another pillow between my knees. This has almost eliminated all of my hip pain and back pain! My husband puts up with all the pillows because he knows it's making me feel better. I sleep with one pillow under my head, one on my right, one on my left and one between my knees. I think this system is just as good as the pregnancy pillow system if not better because I toss and turn a lot. I heard that sleeping with a pregnancy body pillow can feel like wrestling with a snake under the covers if you have to pull it with you each time you turn.

We sold my little S2000 today... my husband drove it to the bank for the transaction with the buyer and I followed him in the honda minivan. On our way there, I was admiring the S2000's curves and perfect design. I definitely have good memories with that car. Now I'm ready to make new memories with the minivan.

30 Weeks!

An encouraging letter about being a mom...

2009-11-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Amy sent me this letter about being a mom. Amy and I were friends in high school back in Del Rio, Texas. We played tennis together. Amy is married and has 2 girls and 1 baby boy.

Four Things I Wish I'd Known As A Young Mother:
(Taken from a letter written by Laurel Foster)

I've been a mother for 18+ years. Jeff and I have nine wonderful children. But as a wise man once said, "The more I know, the more I know that I know not." My heart is drawn to mothers, especially mothers with young children. When our first baby, Christie, was on the way I was really scared. I wanted so much to do a good job. The responsibility I felt was almost crushing. My purpose today is a very limited attempt to fulfill Titus 2 where it says that older women should help younger women to love their children. Verses 3 through 5 read "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." My goal is to share with you some things I wish someone older and wiser had shared with me when I was a young mother.

#1: The Most Important Job In The Universe

Mothering is the most important job in the universe. How I wish every mother felt that in the depths of her inmost being. This is no second class calling. It takes every ounce of intelligence, energy, creativity and unselfishness for one person to raise another to successful adulthood. I wish we honored and revered mothers as they deserve. I wish there were tax breaks and other incentives to reward and recognize that laying your life down daily for little children is a career of the highest, most important caliber. I wish every night every mother would be told by every father that her work is essential and appreciated.

I was a registered nurse until I was promoted to full-time motherhood. I struggled for a year to feel important in my new career. I think it was Christie's growing ability to communicate to me that I was her whole world that began to give me the confidence that I wasn't wasting my life.

My belief, that motherhood is extremely important, has grown stronger and stronger through the years. If it is of any comfort to you, I have never regretted spending my life this way. One of the great cries of the human heart is to be needed. Your children need you. Your work is of immeasurable, eternal value. It is worth the high price of your life.

#2: Precious Little To Spare

I wish someone had told me you can't raise children well in your spare time. It might not have been such a shock to find out I was required to be available anytime, day or night, to help my child. I t might have helped me deal more patiently with giving up plans because of unexpected interruptions. If I had gone into motherhood with the expectation of serving 24 hours a day, perhaps I would have been grateful for every hour I did get to sleep, instead of resenting the three hours in the middle of the night that baby needed company.

I honestly thought that children did not require much time, but they do. People exclaim when they hear I have eight children, "Boy, I bet you're busy!" But the truth is that although eight children take all your time, two children take all your time. There is always something more that could be done for one of your little ones.

Laying down your life daily means being inconvenienced. It requires being very flexible. Please, give yourself a hug every time you are patient. Pat yourself on the back when you do successfully conquer selfishness to help your little one. Don't beat yourself up if you get angry at that sixth interruption during a project. Strive to improve but don't be harsh with yourself. Remember that the mother of your child has a very difficult, demanding job and be kind to her. Speak words of encouragement to her when she blows it.

Giving up your time is giving up your life. It is a requirement of motherhood but it is not an easy thing to do. One thing I have found helpful is to keep things as simple as possible. Be willing to bring store bought rolls to the potluck instead of homemade ones if that will keep peace in the family. Another hint is to ask for help. I got really discouraged a few years ago and my husband willingly took charge of the children from after supper until bedtime. I believe the Lord will bring necessary relief but we may need to ask for it. Older women should consider whether they are following the Scriptural mandate to help younger women.

The bottom line, however, is a mother's attitude. For me things work best when my expectations are very low concerning "free time". Your work is important and very time consuming. You can not do such an essential job in your spare time. I wish I had known and accepted that fact years ago.

#3: Change Your Tomorrows Today

It would have helped me if someone had encouraged me to develop skills and good habits as early in my marriage as possible. Hoping we would have more children, I began storing Christie's clothes when she was an infant. Somehow, about four babies later, I had this closet full of clothes that were difficult to use because they were not sorted by size. I am developing a system of boxing clothes according to size, season and gender but I could have saved myself much frustration if I had started this system when Christie was a baby. The same is true of washing dishes. I confess to you that when Jeff and I were first married I sometimes did not wash dishes for days. Now, with a family of ten, we must wash after every meal or the consequences are immediate and overwhelming.

The Laurel of today can be the best friend or the worst enemy of the Laurel of tomorrow. It is true you are very busy, but as the Lord gives you time, consider what habits you can develop while you have one child that will help you when you have three children. There are so many areas where this advice would have helped me. I wish I had the habit of putting photographs in albums or even getting film developed quickly. It would help if I wrote one short note a day instead of letting correspondence pile up. I have yet to come up with a system of dealing with clutter other than to have one large box in which to put it. You will be shocked to know I do not clean shelves, closets or even my refrigerator on a regular basis.

Even so, I have had success in some areas. I have learned to change a diaper when I first smell it and then to throw that diaper in the trash. I have learned to start Christmas shopping in November. The kids and I pick up the house almost every day. I actually wrote out these thoughts days, not hours, before we got here this morning.

There is always room for improvement in skills and habits. Wherever you are, remember that what you do today will affect tomorrow. Unfortunately, that is much easier to see with eight children than with two. If something is needing a little attention now, I encourage you to really stop and consider how to conquer it before your family gets bigger or busier. If not dealt with effectively, a small problem tends to become a big problem. As time allows, without being harsh with yourself, develop good skills and habits and be your own best friend.

#4: Be Content With 80%

Although it is true that we need to strive for improvement, it is also true that we need to accept gracefully the limits of time and energy. I rarely get to finish projects to my satisfaction. Even in something as basic as laundry, it seems there is always one more load to do. That is why I wish someone had told me long ago to guard against perfectionism.

Much of my anger stems from situations where I almost complete something and circumstances force me to quit. One little saying that gives me some comfort is "Be content with 80%." Life is much more fun when we congratulate ourselves over the ten Christmas cards we did send, than when we mourn over the fifty we did not send. If your child is sick and you're up all night, please sleep late the next morning without guilt. If a sticky-faced toddler interrupts your devotions and you only had four more paragraphs to read, be patient with him and with yourself. God understands that you tried.

Deuteronomy 33:12 says in part, "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him..." There is tension between striving for perfection and resting in the Lord. God knows your heart and, if you look carefully, you know your motivation. You know if uncompleted work is the result of being lazy or if it is due to your first priority (Baby) bumping your second priority (housework). The simple answer is to ask the Holy Spirit how to best spend your time and energy in each situation. I am more relaxed and pleasant to live with since I began to grasp that earthly work does not have to be done perfectly. Frequently, 80% is good enough.

So, if we had a chance to talk, and you asked me to share some insights that the Lord has given me over the years, I might tell you to realize that motherhood is the most important job in the universe, to expect little "free time", to strive today to make tomorrow better, and to be content with 80%. Then I would hug you and tell you that God and I both appreciate every effort and sacrifice you are making to raise your children. I would assure you that you are not wasting your life. May God give you hope and help as you daily lay down your life in this high calling.

29 Weeks & We Hired a Doula!

2009-11-13T00:03:00.000-08:00

I'm at 29 weeks now! Baby is moving around. I love to see her moving under my stomach skin. Matt woke up the other night talking in his sleep about the baby... both of us have the baby and labor/delivery on our minds. I still haven't chosen a crib or crib mattress, but I hear it's important to set them up and air out the room before the baby comes. In the USA, our crib mattresses have to be treated with a chemical flame retardant... so airing the mattress out is important.

Oh, we've hired a Doula to help during labor. She came highly recommended to us by a couple from church and by our Bradley Method teacher. She has attended 350 births and has been certified as a Doula for 9.5 years. She's going to help me with managing the pain and sticking to the birth plan. Our Doula's name is Nancy Connelly. During labor, it'll just be me, Matt and Nancy. She'll meet us here or at the hospital once I think I'm in active labor (about the 4-1-1 stage).

The Role of the Doula (from Kelli Way, ICCE, CD(DONA) 1997
Doulas do:
* Provide physical comfort
--- massage or soothing touch; hand-holding
--- help with breathing and relaxation techniques
--- suggest positions or techniques for comfort and progress
* Provide emotional comfort
--- reassurance of normality, coping ability, etc.
--- encouragement
--- validation of feelings
* Inform clients
--- answer questions with accurate information
--- seek out information when they don't know the answers
* Act as an extra pair of hands for the parents
--- go out for food for the partner
--- get extra pillows, blankets, ice chips for the mother
--- take pictures
* Encourage self-determination
--- support their clients' goals
--- make sure their clients understand their choices
--- translate jargon when necessary

Doula's don't
* Practice medicine
--- do exams or procedures
--- make diagnoses or prescribe treatments
--- give second opinions
--- assist physician or midwife with medical care (adjust IV, administer oxygen, etc.)
* Make decisions for clients
--- advise or persuade clients to follow a particular course
--- talk about the clients outside their presence
--- withhold approval for using or avoiding pain medications
--- speak on behalf of their clients to the medical staff

Our Doula:
Nancy S. Connelly
Certified Doula (DONA)
Certified Lactation Educator
Home (626) 359-6310
Cell (626) 841-3783
nsconnelly@earthlink.net

Oh, and Nancy is a Christian!

Mama-mobile!!

2009-11-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

My current car: Honda S2000 from 2003, Roadster, convertible, 75,500 miles, going up for sale very soon. The very first car I bought on my own. I learned how to drive stick on this car. People race these types of cars, but I never did.

My future car: Honda Odyssey Minivan!! This is the one we've been looking at. It'll be my car and a good one for camping trips and children.

I'll be sad to say goodbye to the S2000, but I'm looking forward to family trips in a minivan. I think I'll feel much safer in a bigger car too. Goodbye little roadster and hello mama-mobile!!

Week 28

2009-11-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

I pinpointed where the pain in my back is coming from. It is in the center of the thoracic portion of my back on the right hand side. You can feel a piece of hardware (maybe a hook?) in that location. Good news is that I think thoracic pain isn't as bad as lumbar pain... and I have minimal lumbar (lower back) pain. My body is getting used to all this extra weight in front!

Week 27 doctors appointment went great. Good blood tests, good weight gain (6 pounds in 4 weeks), good belly measurements, good heartbeat. I go back at 30 weeks for another checkup and then again at 32 weeks for an ultrasound. I haven't had an ultrasound since 18 weeks. I think the 32 week ultrasound is to check the baby's weight (according to my Bradley teacher, ultrasounds are not very accurate at predicting/measuring weight) and probably look at the baby's position. A friend at church said her baby didn't turn until 38 weeks. I think I'll ask at the 30 week appointment if the 32 week ultrasound is necessary. In any case, I'll ask him to make it a quick one!

Week 28:

For the Baby

2009-10-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite foods during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy (besides my Sunday donut and Sunday night pumpkin pie). I didn't really like food much during the 1st trimester... but I sure did eat a lot during the 1st. Hope Baby J develops a liking for these things early on:

OJ, Organic Milk, Eggs:

Good portable snacks. Prunes & Almonds:

Canned Atlantic Red Salmon (Wild Caught). I use this instead of canned tuna or farm raised salmon.:

Cereals (notice the "Hemp" Plus Granola... says on the back that there is only 3 parts per million of THC... not a significant amount):

Bananas, Fuji Apples, Tomatoes, Peanut Butter, 2% Plain Greek Yogurt, & Cheese:

Veggies going into my salad:

Red Bell Pepper, Orange Bell Pepper, Tomato, Carrot and Celery Salad with Balsamic Dressing:

Spinach, celery, carrot salad:

Other ways I'm preparing for this baby:

Childbirth Education Series coverpage (Teacher: Kathy Killebrew):

Phases and Satages of Labor:

Transition... this is where almost all ladies will ask for and really want an epidural, but you can see in my notes that our teacher said that if you can get to 7cm, it doesn't get any harder after that and you are "almost done!"... "Think about one contraction at a time". Are those tears coming out of the corners of the ladies face? I'll probably be begging for pain relief, but hopefully my "coach" (hubby J) will refuse my request:

Taking lots of notes... now I'm a student of Pregnancy and Childbirth:

Nutrition, Labor, and Technology Choices:

On Becoming Baby Wise, Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep:

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth:

My Exercise Ball (I just sit on it... it's supposed to help with Labor):

Aches and Pains:
* I've been having some thoracic back pain. Mostly near the most acute part of my curve and I think I can feel a hook or bump in that area. I think this is due to my surgery and all the extra weight in front. If I stretch or lay down, it feels better and usually doesn't start till mid day.
* Right pelvic/hip pain. I think most people would call this sciatica, but I read today that sciatica is more of a pinched or injured nerve and causes pain down the leg. I have no numbness or pain down the leg, but just a pain in my right illiac crest (upper back pelvic) region. It's right where my 2nd back surgery scar is (where the doctor took bone from my illac crest to put it next to my spine for fusion.
* Stomach aches... mostly when I eat heavy (creamy) or sugary foods... I think. I haven't pinpointed the exact foods yet. This isn't too bad.
* I'm thirsty all day long... which means I'm drinking all day long and going to the bathroom all day.
* Waking up at 3am to go to the restroom. This is normal and good practice for when the baby wakes up at night to eat.

A poem by Amy Carmichael:

2009-10-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm almost done with the book A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot about the life of Amy Carmichael, missionary to India. I love this poem she (Amy Carmichael) wrote expressing her acute sense of the need of forgiveness and help. This poem is beautiful:

The shadows of the underworld
Compassed about my guilty soul,
And thunderbolts were on me hurled,
And lightnings flashed; and on a scroll
Was written down, without, within,
The secret of my hidden sin.

Without, within, I saw it stand,
In clearest words accusing me;
Till, as it were, a wounded hand
Annulled its record, set me free;
With that the stormy wind did cease;
A voice commanded; there was peace.

O Savior, striken for my sin,
O God, who gavest Him to grief,
O Spirit, who didst woo and win
My troubled soul to seek relief,
O Love revealed at Calvary,
Thy glory lights eternity.

Week 26: Milestones

2009-10-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Milestones:
#1 We both listened to a John MacArthur sermon yesterday... I used one iPod earbud and put the other on my lower abdomen for her. She kicked! I think she liked it. The sermon series is on "Self Discipline". Never to early to start learning about self discipline... Seriously, the sermon was for me. I just happened to have an extra earbud because I was laying on my side and only using one.

#2 I felt her hiccup for the first time last night at around 5am. I went to the restroom and after getting back in bed, I felt a rhythmic movement for a few minutes. I was pretty sure it was hiccups and when I looked it up this morning online, I confirmed that feeling hiccups is very common in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Babies can even get them in the 1st trimester, but babies are so little in the 1st that moms can't feel them yet.

My next doctors appointment is on October 28 and I'll write more then.

Bradley Class #2

2009-10-18T22:41:00.001-07:00

Before I forget, I wanted to write down some of the most important things that I remember from today's Bradley Method class:

1. www.spinningbabies.com is a great resource to learn techniques to move the baby into the proper position for birth before birth. From Transverse or Breech position to head down... from posterior position (ouch, back labor) to anterior position. One interesting suggestion by our teacher was to place something cold on the top of your belly because babies do not like cold, and then put some headphones with music on the bottom of your belly because babies like music (baby turns from breech to head down). Or you can do headstands at the pool (baby turns from breech to head down). The pelvic tilt (done on all fours) helps the baby to rotate from posterior to anterior position (can be done during labor too).

2. It is good for a woman in labor to eat and drink for the first two stages of labor (before reaching transition). So up until you reach 7cm dilation, you can and should be drinking fluids (juice, water, electrolytes) and eating light, easy to digest food. This means that you really do not need to be hooked up to an IV as soon as you get to the hospital. Getting hooked up to an IV means you have much less mobility to move around and be active in labor. If you have to get an IV, request a heparin lock (allows you to easily hook up to or unhook from the IV). I couldn't imagine doing a 'marathon' (labor has been compared to running a marathon) without food and water for energy, especially if you labor for 24 hours (not uncommon for 1st time delivery). Imagine being in labor for 20 hours without food and water (maybe hooked up to an IV) and then getting to the stage where you need to push... where do you get your energy at that point? Nurses may tell you that it is hospital policy that you can't eat or drink once you are there, however, our teacher encouraged us to bring a cooler with drinks and food. OR... even better... she encouraged us to use the 4-1-1 rule (see #3)

3. The 4-1-1 rule. This one makes really good sense and I really hope I can do this. OK, the 4-1-1... this means that you should try to wait to go to the hospital until these three conditions are met:
condition 1: your contractions (from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next one) should be 4 minutes apart.
condition 2: one contraction (from the very start to the very end) should last 1 minute long
condition 3: let the 4 minutes apart, 1 minute long contractions continue for 1 hour and
THEN... go to the hospital. Hopefully at this point you are at about 5cm and getting close to transition (7cm). Using the 4-1-1 rule allows you to be at home (more comfortable than the hospital setting) where you can move around, get in the bath tub, eat, drink, and take a walk (keep distracted/entertained).

4. Once you reach 7cm, a lot of women will ask for the epidural or some kind of pain relief. Our teacher encouraged us to remember that after you reach 7cm, the contractions will continue, but they will not get any stronger. Most stories I've read and people I've talked to really, really want drugs at this point even if they were dead set on going natural. That is where your husband-coach and/or a doula helps you to continue on and resist the drugs.

5. You really don't want to be induced. Natural contractions caused by our own hormones are much easier on the body and give you more resting time in between each contraction. Pitocin induction will give you harder, faster contractions. Try to avoid being induced.

6. If you feel contractions coming on for the first time, take a warm bath. Sometimes the contractions will stop and then you know you weren't in true labor. Sometimes, first time mothers freak out when they feel contractions coming and they end up going to the hospital only to be sent home... they weren't in true labor yet!

Well, we learned a lot about nutrition and exercises too. But the 6 points above are the ones that stuck with me the most today. I taught high school anatomy and physiology for 2 years so I really love learning about this and I think it will be very useful once January comes.

Along with this 'knowledge' I'm receiving, I'm also asking the Lord to help me to not be anxious about the labor and delivery. One reason why I am anxious is because I had back surgery 10 years ago and my back is fused from T3 to L1 (for scoliosis). I recovered nicely and haven't had any back trouble since the surgery. I was even playing tennis with no problems. My vertebrae are not only fused, but I have 2 rods and hooks (Miami-Moss system) along my T3-L1 vertebrae. I really, really do not want to mess any of this up with an epidural and I've read many bad stories on the internet about people with the fusion having unsuccessful attempts at getting an epidural. I pray that I can avoid the epidural and keep my spinal fusion untouched... and pray that I do not get back labor (posterior positioning of the baby)...

At the moment, I think Baby J is transverse or breech. Today she gave me lots of big kicks on the right side of my belly and I felt a few movements down around my bladder. This isn't worrying me at all because I'm only at 25 weeks. I think it is at 33 weeks where you can start doing the exercises and tricks to try to get them to turn if they haven't already turned.

Baby Shower at Robyn's

2009-10-17T18:29:00.001-07:00

Veronica, Carla, Steph, Suzie, Leah, Amber, Kristine, Avery, Cory, Robyn
Pink polo tennis dress:
Beautiful cake:
Baby booties:

Avery Mittman (Kristine's little girl):

Suzie Sanderson (Steph's little girl):

I'm overwhelmed by the love I received today from my sisters-in-Christ. One of my dear friends, Robyn, threw me a baby shower at her house today. The food was delicious and the games were fun. The cupcake/cake creation matched the invitations she sent out. Needless to say, Robyn excels in hospitality, generosity and kindness. My close friends from my old church were there to celebrate with me. I love each and every one of these girls (Cori, Veronica, Carla, Amber, Kristine, Leah, Steph, Robyn). Also, two baby girls were in attendance... Suzie Sanderson (1 yo) and Avery Mittman (8 mo). Seeing these precious little baby girls made me even more excited to have a little girl of my own. Didn't hurt that they were both very well behaved the whole party!

Cute Baby Girl Gifts:

I remember before the Lord Jesus Christ saved me, I had very few close friendships. I was living in the city of Santa Clarita and I thought that there weren't any other girls nearby in my situation - single, young, hungry for friendships. The Lord, by His amazing mercy and grace, revealed Himself to me in July of 2004 (through the Bible and hearing the preaching of the gospel at Grace Community Church) and He totally turned my heart around (repentance and faith in Him). It was like chains were lifted off of me. I was made a new creation in Christ. At the same time, the Lord lavished friendships on me. Pretty soon, I met each one of these precious ladies at Grace Community Church and I've known most of them since 2004. The Lord provides for us more than we can even ask Him or imagine. He knows exactly what we need. The #1 most important thing I needed was to know Him and trust Him as my Lord and Savior. All the rest, friends, peace, joy, my husband, my baby, are extra blessings that I do not deserve, but I happily accept as kindness, mercy, and love from my Savior... more than I could ever ask for or dream of.

25 Weeks...

2009-10-13T11:45:00.001-07:00

October 13, 2009. It's a gloomy day outside and we got rain. I made a high protein breakfast this morning (1 egg, 1 cheese, 1 toast with peanut butter and jelly) and then headed off to aerobics. I love that class. The teacher is super nice and she always makes sure I'm doing OK. It gets my heart rate up to around 140bpm at the peak... and I can slow it down any time I want. I'm probably in better shape now than I have been the last few years. But I weigh about 20 pounds more than before preggo! I feel good because I'm eating healthy, exercising and getting plenty of rest. I am having fun planning healthy menus and picking out healthy foods to eat.

Matt's trial starts tomorrow and he has been gone now for 3 days. He always tells me he is praying for me and the baby. In memory of him, I'm wearing his sweat pants, white t-shirt and sweat shirt today. Today is a clean, read, cook, and rest day. My sister-in-law and cousins (Sue and Danielle) are coming over for dinner and a movie tomorrow.

I have my first baby shower this Saturday at my friend Robyn's! It'll be a small group of close friends. I can't wait to see everybody and catch up.

Bradley Husband-Coached Childbirth Classes starts tomorrow!

2009-10-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited about starting the Bradley Husband Coached Childbirth classes tomorrow. Our teacher, Kathy Killebrew, was highly recommended to me by 3 couples from our church. She teaches in Pasadena and La Canada. On a sad note, my hubby went out of town today for 2 or 3 weeks for a trial in Norfolk, VA. I'm so sad that he is gone. We've never been apart for this long. (Both of us realize that this amount of time is nothing compared with what our troops have to go through when deployed... I can't imagine being apart from my spouse for a year or more like our troops go through.) When I first moved to California I lived alone for 2.5 years so I know what it is like to live alone. Life is just much better when he is here. I eat better (I cook more), I laugh more, I sleep better, and I just feel better when we are together. I think I might be sad tomorrow to attend the first class by myself, but I'm good at writing "meeting minutes" and will send him the info he needs to know to 'coach' me during delivery. And the class runs for 10 weeks so he'll get a good chunk of the classes. Classes are Sunday's from 1-3:30pm... so he is having to DVR the football games on Sunday (we love DVR). Baby J is keeping me company by kicking me periodically to remind me that there is a sweet baby on the way. I love the fact that I'm carrying around my hubby's genetic information. I'm so thankful to the Lord for the blessings he has given me. I know that my Heavenly Father is always with me and always desires a relationship with me so I'm never really alone.

Kathy Killebrew's info:
Kathy Killebrew, B.A., C.C.E., Birth Doula 1986-2000
Empowering birthing couples for 27 years
626-797-7833
empower4birth@hotmail.com

24 Weeks...

2009-10-07T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today I took the 'modified' blood glucose test. The original one my doctor wanted me to do is the routine gestational diabetes blood glucose test: fast for 8 hours, then drink an ultra-sugary drink, then get your blood drawn an hour later to see if your body responds properly. I asked the doctor if I could do something else because I don't want to drink the ultra-sugary drink. I told him I would go ahead and follow the gestational diabetes diet. Doctor said that everyone should be on the gestational diabetes diet because it is a super healthy diet. He said I was allowed to decline the original test. So I declined it. Instead, he had me do the following:

* 8 hour fast (midnight to wake time in the morning - easy)
* blood draw
* eat a regular meal and wait 2 hours
* blood draw to test glucose

We'll see how this goes. In the mean time, I'm going ahead and writing down what I'm eating throughout the day: Breakfast, snack 1, lunch, snack 2, dinner, snack 3... and I'm trying to follow the gestational diabetes diet. In the handout they gave me about the gestational diabetes diet, the nurse circled the 2000 calorie diet where you are still allowed carbs, but they should be things like whole grain bread, cereals, brown rice, and high in fiber type carbs... eaten in moderation. The handout says I can eat the following:

carb starch (15g) - 9 servings
[examples: 1/2 cup cereal, 1/2 cup pasta cooked, 1/3 cup rice cooked, 1 piece (6") of corn on the cob, 1 small potato, 1 oz slice of whole wheat bread, 1/2 pita pocket 6" across]

carb fruit (15 g) - 4 servings
[examples: 1/2 banana, 1 apple, 15 small grapes, 1 orange, 1/2 cup of OJ, 3/4 cup pineapple]

carb milk (12 g) - 3 servings
[examples: 8oz low fat yogurt, 8oz Milk 1%]

carb veggies (5 g) - 4 servings
[examples: 1/2 cup cooked veggies = 1 serving, green beans, broccoli, carrots, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, etc...]

meat and meat substitutes - 6 servings
[examples: 1 oz cheese, 1 oz turkey/chicken, 1/4 cup cottage cheese 4/5% fat, 1 oz lean beef, 1 egg, 1 oz pork]

fat - 5 servings
[examples: 1/8 avocado, 2 tsp peanut butter, 1 slice of bacon, 1 tsp butter, 1 tbsp coffee cream]

Lots of foods are allowed, but in small portions. Processed and sugary foods are out, but some of my favorite foods, like peanut butter, cheese, fruit, and milk, are still OK... in moderation. In the GD diet, you are supposed to eat small meals with regular snacks so you don't let your blood sugar drop or spike throughout the day. Another key to avoid gestational diabetes is to exercise regularly. Of course, if you are pregnant, you need to be careful not to over do it... keep your heart rate below 140bpm, drink lots of water, and don't exercise more than you were used to before becoming pregnant.

Now, to be honest, the first week I tried the gestational diabetes diet, I ate a few bites of tiramisu on Tuesday, a delicious crossaint on Wednesday, a piece of cherry pie on Friday at lunch, and strawberries dipped in chocolate on Friday at dinner, and a cupcake with ice cream on Sunday night. Hmmm... this week I'm doing much better and sticking to the diet... except for the piece of pumpkin bread I ate last night... oops... :)

Test Results
blood glucose test results for 'modified' test = I passed!!
Note: The day of the test, I had my blood drawn after 8 hours of fasting, then I ate flax plus cereal with milk and a banana and then waited 2 hours and then got blood drawn to test for glucose.

23 Weeks

2009-10-01T22:16:00.001-07:00

Purpose for this Blog:
* Keep in touch with family & friends
* Keep a record of new baby stuff
* Share pictures with family and friends

Update: October 1, 2009
I'm at 23 weeks now in my pregnancy. We know we are having a baby girl. I feel her kicking all the time. I love feeling her kick. The first 16 weeks of pregnancy were difficult because I had stomach aches all day, but I never had nausea... so I guess it could have been worse. I've been feeling great because I'm getting plenty of rest and spending lots of time with my husband now that I'm staying at home. I love my new job - preparing for the baby and taking care of my husband and my home. I've also had time to join an aerobics class on Tue & Thurs and use the city swimming pool to swim laps a few times a week. I've been able to swim 20 laps in 30 minutes (nice and easy). We haven't picked out a name yet, but even if we do, we are going to keep it a secret until she is born.

Things I'm super excited to do with Baby J:
* hold her
* kiss her
* feed her
* walk around the block with her
* take lots of pictures of her
* teach her how to play tennis
* teacher her how to play piano
* teach her how to swim
* teach her to love, fear and serve the Lord

A few pics in chronological order:

At 17 weeks before our San Diego get-away:

At 18 weeks... It's a Girl!!
Feet are up by baby's forehead... can you see her leg and feet bones?

Her cute little baby face:

At 21 weeks... I'm feeling big, but they say I'll get much, much bigger:

At 23 weeks... I think I look bigger than I am, but my hubby assures me that the picture is an accurate representation of my size :)

At 25 weeks:

At 28 weeks... having a little back pain now. Can't believe I'm going to get any bigger.

30 Weeks

34 Weeks

36 Weeks