Cookie's First Valentine's Day

Cookie celebrated her first Valentine's Day!  She had 2 wardrobe changes during the day...first one was after a bit of a diaper accident, the second one was to get back into the original outfit after Cookie threw up on the second wardrobe change and all clothes were washed.  Such is the life of a 2 1/2 week old.



I wouldn't let mommy get a good shot of the onsie so you can read it - it says "You can call me Sweetheart".  This is just before I threw up all over it.  Hence the second wardrobe change.



This was the original outfit I had the blow out in, mommy washed it and after I threw up in the second outfit, I was put  back into this outfit.  It says "My First Valentine's Day".



2 Weeks Old!

Today was Cookie's 2 Week Birthday.  I can't believe she's been a part of our lives for 2 weeks now.  We had our 2 week follow up appointment with the Pediatrician.  Cookie is still 21 inches long, but has gained to 9 lbs even.  I was worried she wasn't getting enough to eat because she'd only nurse for roughly 10 - 15 minutes and wouldn't switch sides, but I guess I haven nothing to worry about.  Probably way TMI, but I'm also making a TON of milk.  I now pump twice a day because I get so uncomfortable and pump 8 - 10 oz after her feeding in the morning and at night.

Anyhow, we're still doing well.  Nick goes back to work tomorrow so it will be the first day Cookie and mom fend for themselves.  The only downer right now is Cookie's Circadian rhythm is completely off.  She likes to sleep from 3:30AM to 9 PM with small bouts of wakefulness, but then likes to be completely alert and party like a rock star from 9 PM to 3:30 AM.  Ugh.  We tried to explain to her that mommy and daddy are old and we partied like rock stars when we were younger, but she won't listen.  Pediatrician noted that Circadian rhythm will right itself by 4 months...umm 4 months?

We've been doing some work to try to help her along...waking her up at regular intervals and trying to keep her awake and keeping things dark and quiet at night.  Hasn't worked so far, but I keep reminding myself she is only 2 weeks old.

Another side note, yesterday was Cookie's due date.  It was a weird day to think she was supposed to arrive on that day and we'd already had the joy of her for 13 days.




Totally stealing this idea from my friend, Rachel, who did this with her first.  Look for a monthly shot to track Cookie's growth.

 

Pregnancy Symptoms I'm Thankful I Did NOT Get...

I just wanted to share some of the terrible pregnancy symptoms I'm thankful I didn't get while Cookie was still holed up in my belly...

• Gas - Nick would beg to differ, but it really wasn't any different than pre-pregnancy.  I did have a phase where I burped a lot at the end of the first/beginning of the second trimester, but some of my girlfriends have told me stories about their gas and let's just say Nick should be very, very, very grateful.
• Stretch marks - I did get those minimal ones on my hips and the inside of my thighs, but they were VERY small and few and far between...I'll take them.  On tragedy...after delivery I noticed a few very small ones on my stomach (the bottom left quadrant).  Not optimal, but I'll still take it to the road map I was expecting.
• Facial hair - I don't personally know anyone that had this, but I've read about it and I'm very glad it didn't happen to me.
• Excess drooling - I did wake up with a wet pillow a few times, but it was reserved for night time.  I didn't notice any difference during the day.
• Something called "lightening crotch" - I read it's like your lady parts were used for batting practice.  Can't really imagine what this would actually be, but thankful this did not happen to me.  Although after the delivery there's a whole new ball game going on that's not very fun.
• Tinkling in my pants - now I had quite a few close, close calls, but managed to keep it in.
• Round ligament pain

Now everything in the blog is not everything that happened to me.  I had quite a few gross pregnancy things that occurred that no one tells you is going to happen, not even in the books.  Especially the recovery part.

The Package Has Landed!

Most of you already know, but for those of you who don't, Cookie has arrived!  And for those of you who have been waiting on baited breath for a name...

Sweet Cheeks Muscolino
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
8 lbs, 5 oz
21 inches

Good lord she is a big baby.  The 6-7 lb deal I thought we were making in utero did not come to fruition...thank goodness she came 2 weeks early!

My water broke at 1:30 AM on January 26th although I didn't know it was my water breaking.  It wasn't the traditional gush that you see in the movies for me...I actually thought I was tinkling myself for about 45 minutes.  Now I thought, "Is this my water breaking?" since that moment is supposed to get an immediate call to the OB, but just couldn't be shure.  I actually woke Nick up at around 1:45AM and said, "I think my water broke, but I'm not sure - just go back to sleep." And he did.

At 2:15 PM the contractions started.  And, yes, there's no mistaking what a contraction is - I can't believe I thought I could ever not know.  Now, from what I understood, I would most likely labor at home for hours so I didn't even worry about starting to count them (although the possible water breakage was always in the back of my mind).  I woke Nick up at about 2:30 PM and told him, "I'm having contractions."  I never seen someone shoot out of bed so fast.  I explained it would be a while, but I wanted to let him know and he should go back to bed.  And he did.

The thing was, the contractions hurt pretty badly and felt like they were coming pretty frequently so I decided to start timing.  My OB told me to call the office if I had 6-8 contractions for 2 hours straight.  After 1  hour I'd had 20 contractions about 2-5 minutes apart all lasting any where from 20 secondds to a full minute.  Then I had a gush - which convinced me my water broke.  I woke up Nick and we called the OB's office.  The answering service didn't even page the OB on call and said - go straight to the hospital.

We brushed our teeth, got the bags together and I grabbed my wallet - at the last minute I ran back in the house to grab a sweatshirt (it was cold outside at 4AM!).  We drove to Scripps La Jolla - it's about 10 - 15 minutes away with no traffic.  We parked, started to get out and I realized I forgot my wallet.  The ONE piece I was responsible for was at the house still.  We got back in the car and drove home, picked up the wallet, and headed back.  So with that detour we didn't make it up to L&D until 5 AM.  The car rides were horrible - contractions sucked. 

Now for those of you who have asked, you know that I was going to fell out the labor process and try to go natural if I could do it.  About 15 minutes into my contractions at HOME I knew I'd be getting drugs.  Those were the beginning contractions and they were terrible for me.  I think the issue was I had been under the impression that I would have more time between them...like 5-10 minutes in the early phase of pregnancy...mine were right on target at every 2-3 minutes.  Not much of a break!

Got to the hospital and I made it until 7 AM until I made the epidural call.  I probably could have gone longer, but the anesthesiologist had a c-section and if I didn't get it at 7 AM I'd be SOL until 8:15 AM (and that's as long as everything went well).  I wasn't going to wait that long.

Epidurals are HEAVEN!  I labored well until about 2 hours before pushing and I started getting this intense pressure...everyone says pressure.  What no one told me is that the "pressure" is the same sensation as wanting to go number 2!  I wasn't fully dilated so I had to lay around for 2 hours with the sensation of having to go to the bathroom.  As we got closer, the sensation gets more intense.  And then all of sudden it was time.

Wow - pushing felt so good...only problem was, when I stopped pushing I still had the intense pressure.  It also gets more intense as the baby descends down.  I pushed for about 3 hours, 10 minutes.  Cookie was a bit bigger than any one anticipated.  At 2 hours the OB was favoring c-section, but noted I was in no distress and Cookie was in no distress so I could push for another hour if I'd like (you could see she wasn't convinced this baby was going to be delivered vaginally).  I wasn't convinced I could do it, but the nurse told me that she was pretty close to crowning and she thought I could do it...so another hour of pushing.

In the end, we ended up with a vaccum assist, I was told by everyone in the room that I was an impressive pusher and both the OB and nurse were impressed I pushed that well for 3 hours.  Cookie born without the c-section I was hoping to avoid.  When I saw the size of her after, I'm shocked I did too.

Now my fellow ladies, you can read all the books you want and be as prepared as you can be, but no one really prepares you for the ugly after.  I'm not going to share that with everyone, just know you're girl parts - very, very, very unhappy after.  I'm glad I had friends to lean on and grill about it because I was prepared with some supplies. 

Cookie if officially 1 week old today and considering what I felt like when we were discharged last Friday, I can't believe how quickly it all starts healing.  I'm still pretty swollen, but I think that's starting to go away because the scale is starting to lower each day 2-3 lbs.  My carpal tunnel is gone in the right hand, but rearing its ugly head in the left (I think it's actually worse).  I'm going to call the OB today because it's really hindering how I can hold Cookie.

Here's some highly anticipated photos...she's pretty incredibly cute I must say.  Look at those cheeks!  She looks just like her mommy with the exception of the really dark hair - that's all daddy!



So happy for the epidural and my ice chips.





Already tuckering mommy out...




The family...think Daddy's tired?




Little Mookie still isn't quite sure what to make of Cookie.






 

37 Weeks

So I don't know if this is a "WOOT WOOT!" or a "YIKES!"  We've changed fruits again, no more honeydew (which I don't like any way) and become a watermelon (which I love)...but this is the last fruit and the watermelong will now be squeeze through a jar opening.  Mixed feelings right now.

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: Had the OB visit today...weight has tapered off and we didn't gain ANYTHING.  Whew.  That 5 lbas in 2 weeks really scared me.  We're sitting pretty at about 30 lbs total gain.

MOVEMENT:Very frequent, big movements - now getting painful about a third of the time. My stomach actually gets lumpy at times. Hiccups are continuing every couple of days.  You can also see a little wave roll across my tummy.  I think it's her little bump swishing back and forth.

CRAVINGS: Nada.

SYMPTOMS: Emotional ups and downs, major forgetfulness, missing feet, crazy dreams, mild heartburn, spicy food aversion, very frequent urination, mild constipation, lower back pain, frequent hip pain while sleeping, middle of the night insomnia from the 3-4 times I wake up every night to pee, swelling of the feet and hands, uterine discomfort, faint linea nigra, minimal stretch marks on left and right hip and left and right inner thigh, mild fatigue, mild shortness of breath, general feeling of uncomfortableness, carpal tunnel. 

Two things I've been forgetting to mention, but have had for several weeks - gorgeous, gorgeous pregnancy hair.  I haven't had it cut since my first trimester and it's this shiny, silky beautiful hair.  I'll be sad to see it go.  I'm going to be seeing Kevin Ray for a cut this Saturday.  I don't want it all to fall out post baby, but I know it will happen.  Second thing, what is up with this nasal congestion?  I blow my nose at least twice a day and I get snot that must be attached to my brain.  When it comes out that's where it feels like it ends!

Still only that one episode of the Braxton-Hicks contractions.

New this week - menstrual like cramping...OB said it was contractions, yikes!  They don't particularly hurt, just uncomfortable...just like that time of the month.  So now I get to be swollen, fat, uncomfortable and now I feel like I'm getting my period.  Still, I wouldn't trade it for how I felt the first trimester!

BELLY BUTTON: I think it's somewhat of an outtie now. You can see the top half poke through my shirt now...the bottom is just beginning to start to become an outtie.  It's not as terrible as I had imagined it would be.  The carpal tunnel is worse.

PREPARATIONS: Carpet for family room is ordered, but won't be installed until it's received...two weeks from now.  *sigh*  We didn't plan that one very well.

Car seat is in, San Diego Highway Patrol will do a check on Saturday.  We'll see how well Nick & I did.

Nick started installing baseboards...since labor has technically kind of begun, he's working in high gear now.

MILESTONES: As noted above, OB visit today.  75% effaced (thinning of the cervix), 1 cm dialated (in one week!), Cookie has moved 1 cm closer to the outside world since last week. 

Nick was so adorable, he's so excited.  It's infectious and there was no true panicking on my part this week.  It's really great to have him home.

WEEKLY WISDOM: Make the right choices for you and your labor.  The best you can do is what you think is right for you and your baby.  Stick by it and don't let others sway you otherwise, only you know what's right for you and your labor and delivery.

36 Weeks & Cookie has Dropped!

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: Had the OB visit today. We're now going to weekly...I've gained 5 lbs in 2 weeks.  Yikes!  Nurse was quick to point out that my ankle swelling (and with my additional hand swelling) some of the weight gain can be attributed to the water retention.  I told her I liked that logic and I was keeping it.  That makes total weight gain to 30 lbs.  Ugh.

MOVEMENT:Very frequent, big movements - now getting painful about a third of the time. My stomach actually gets lumpy at times. Hiccups are continuing every couple of days (still loving them).

CRAVINGS: No cravings still.  My friends whom I'm staying with this week have been so wonderful and have been cooking for me all week.  Clem cooked last night and I had brussel sprouts for the first time since I was 7.  Clem's way is definitely not the boiled mush mess my parents used to make.  I absolutely LOVED them and can't wait to make them for Nick when he gets back!

SYMPTOMS: Emotional ups and downs, major forgetfulness, missing feet, crazy dreams, mild heartburn, spicy food aversion, very frequent urination, mild constipation, lower back pain, frequent hip pain while sleeping, middle of the night insomnia from the 3-4 times I wake up every night to pee, swelling of the feet and hands, uterine discomfort, faint linea nigra, minimal stretch marks on left and RIGHT hip and left and RIGHT inner thigh (hopefully we won't have any more), mild fatigue, mild shortness of breath, general feeling of uncomfortableness.  I was told that that the hand joint achiness and tingling at night is carpal tunnel - yea me.  OB promised it would go away after the baby was born - pure pregnancy related only.

Still only that one episode of the Braxton-Hicks contractions.

BELLY BUTTON: We have a flat belly button now...it hasn't popped out though

PREPARATIONS: I pulled the car seat out of the box today and put the infant bar on the Bob - but base has not been put in the car still.  Ordered the last few things we needed (including the changing pad for the changing table).  OB today has kicked me into gear - no more lounging (see the Milestones).  Still no movement on the family room - but Nick has been on the East Coast for work this week.  I'm currently being baby sat by our dear friends Clem & Tara (I refer to them as Clara).

Concrete patio is FINALLY being poured on Thursday...so says the contractor!

MILESTONES: Still exploding in size. Saw the OB today...Cookie has dropped.  I didn't feel it and I don't think I look different, but I think that's because I was carrying low to begin with.  50% effaced, no dilation.  Can we say YIKES!  A little scared and overwhelmed right now.  My body is getting ready whether my mind is ready...although my heart is.  I can't wait to meet this little girl I've bonded with these last 36 weeks (she's been my partner in crime).

Officially started our 9th month yesterday.  Another YIKES!  I still wonder what happened to the first and second trimesters (although I acutely remember how terribly I felt during that first trimester!).

WEEKLY WISDOM: Hmm...I have all the wisdoms I've already shared flowing around my mind.  This week's is actually two repeats from previously - your partner and your friends.  They've taken such good care of me...I know I couldn't have gotten through these weeks with out them.

Also - a special shout out to my friend in TX who I stole the inspiration for this blog from (she's due exactly two weeks before me). 

Candice - it's been fun going through this process with you and talking about everything that's been going on...I wish we lived in the same area - but it will be fun sharing with each other about our adventures in new motherhood.  I also can't wait to find out if Bebe is a boy or a girl!

Now...Week 36 belly pic!  The only other one you'll get if 40 Weeks (and that's if Cookie doesn't arrive before then)...wow!

35 Weeks (very, very late)

Very, very, very late in posting this week (sorry everyone).  Motivation has been dropping and I've been spending a lot of time watching TV and sleeping after work...during work I remain pretty distracted.  I feel like I have ADHD.

Funny pregnancy story...last night when I was leaving work, I couldn't find my car keys.  I spent 20 minutes looking for them all over my office and the entire Q office, even asked the  building security guard if someone had turned keys in that day.  Called Nick, but he wasn't answering his cell phone.  Called five times in a row and now answer (glad I wasn't in labor).  FINALLY found my keys in a random drawer in my desk.  Don't even REMOTELY remember putting them there.

TOTAL WEIGHT GAIN: OK, this is really, really, really sad...I don't remember how much I weighed at the last OB visit so I'm not exactly sure...BUT I'll be back at the OB on Wednesday.

MOVEMENT: Very frequent, big movements. My stomach actually gets lumpy at times. Hiccups are continuing every couple of days; however, since Cookie is head down, the hiccups make me have to pee very badly.  Another bonus this week, the movements are so big and powerful they can be quite painful at times.

CRAVINGS: Still no cravings and now my hunger is a yo-yo.  Some days I'm ravenous some days I have to force myself to eat.

SYMPTOMS: Emotional ups and downs, major forgetfulness, missing feet, crazy dreams, mild heartburn, spicy food aversion, very frequent urination, mild constipation, lower back pain, frequent hip pain while sleeping, middle of the night insomnia from the 3-4 times I wake up every night to pee, mild swelling of the feet and hands, uterine discomfort, faint linea nigra, minimal stretch marks on left hip and left inner thigh (these are still holding steady), mild fatigue, mild shortness of breath, general feeling of uncomfortableness.

Still only that one episode of the Braxton-Hicks contractions.

New this week:  Hand joint achiness, worse in the morning.  Also, my hands fall asleep a lot when I'm sleeping (which doesn't help with middle insomnia - I wake up with tingling hands).

BELLY BUTTON: Still half in, half out - very, very shallow now.

PREPARATIONS: Nothing really this week.  Nick has to travel for work next week so we spent most of our time together since we won't be together next week.  Nick is making me stay at a friend's house the whole week in case something happens.  He's pretty anxious about leaving me for a week...I'm pretty sure we'll be fine - even the OB told him not to worry too much.  Worse case scenario, he jumps a plane and is home in 5-6 hours.

Funny pregnancy story in preparations...I was in Target and found a lamp and bought it for Cookie's nursery.  I showed it to Nick all proud because it was on clearance too.  Nick said, "I thought we were using the lamp that we broke the shade on and were just going to buy a new shade."  Wow, totally forgot that...Cookie made Daddy return the lamp.

MILESTONES: Still exploding in size.  Other big milestone?  Nick now has to tie my shoes for me every time (unless they're my slip on shoes).  He also had to help me put my socks on the other day...I made the mistake of putting my jeans on first and just couldn't get my foot far enough to get the job done.

Also, last week of our 8th month - yikes!

WEEKLY WISDOM: Yup...still no wisdom.  More just a million thoughts flowing all around.  We're getting down to the wire...only five more weeks (technically almost four) until D-date.  Then we're responsible for an entire human being...this being expects us to know all the answers and make everything great.  I won't go far as to say Cookie's a bit screwed since we don't really know anything, but I'd wager to say the first few weeks to months of her life may be a little bit of a rocky start.  I AM confident we'll get the hang of it...just not sure about our learning curve.

Stay tuned for next week...Week 36 belly shot to debut.  I'm still told I look a little small, but I feel like a huge cow.