So I decided to start this blog to chronical my pregnancy - and that I did. However, I feel its time to move on!
I started a photo site/blog to show off my baby.
Check it out at http://babyleilani.shutterfly.com/
So long and thanks for following!!!
With Love,
Christine
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Her birthday and hospital stay
Well Leilani Ann has arrived!!!!!! 4 weeks ago to be exact. And life as a mommy is amazing. I cant believe I didnt want kids. I really lucked out with how amazing she is.
So onto the info I know everyone is interested in.
We got to the hospital at 5am, and checked in. I was taken to my room around 6 and started on my IV and changed. I was given some meds for my heartburn and than it was time. It seemed like it took forever for them to call me to my room and get me ready. But once fahey came in and told me we were all set -time stopped. The wheelchair ride from my room to the OR seemed like slow motion as I wondered what would happen. And all the while, all I kept thinking was Its finally happening. In a few minutes she will be here, and out of me! And I just cant wait to meet her!!
Josh and I seperated at the OR doors. I got wheeled in and put up on the table. My epideral hurt like a bitch because it didnt go in a smoothly as it should have. And I was scared shitless it wouldnt work. I was worried I would feel something. So I got up on the table, got cleaned and prepped - and Fahey started. They called out all the surgical utensils, and told me what they were doing. They almost forgot to call in Josh, but Fahey remembered. I sat behind that blue sheet waiting to see Josh, scared I would feel something, and hoping she would be ok when she came out. Fahey had to push on my chest ( in a CPR style except around the bottom of my ribs) to try and move Leilani out of my chest. Her head was in my hips (which is the position babies get in for birth) and her legs were in my ribs. They tried for a few minutes to get her out of my ribs and when they could - They had to suction her head up and out to move her shoulders up so she could be grabbed.
What seemed like hours were just minutes and than - I heard her cry.
It was the most amazing feeling to hear everyone cheer and congratulate us. It all meant she was ok. As I cried out of joy, I told Josh to go check on her and make sure she was ok. I wanted him to talk to her and calm her down. I wanted him near her. He came back and sat down and told me she was beautiful with a full head of black curly hair (like I called it). And than the nurse put her on my chest (all the while I am still being stiched up) and she looked right into my eyes. And I just instantly fell in love.
Seeing Josh hold her was touching. And I was sad when they took her to the nursery.
I was sent to the recovery room while Josh and Leilani went to the nursery. I was not released from recovery until I could move my legs and lift myself (even if it was just a little) off the bed. It took 3 long hours! Which meant 3 hours of not seeing my newborn baby! I was determined to see her. So much I didnt sleep lol And I had not slept in about 2 days. But I did not want to waste a second of recovery so I could get to meet my daughter!!!! When I did finally hold her in my arms I just - ahh! There is honestly no proper way to explain the feeling.
I carried her for 9+ months, feeling her move and doing everything I could for her to thrive. I got huge and abused! All for this little person to come out and have me wrapped around her little finger. Her eyes, her smile, her hugs - all of it - is just amazing! And makes me feel complete!
So onto the info I know everyone is interested in.
We got to the hospital at 5am, and checked in. I was taken to my room around 6 and started on my IV and changed. I was given some meds for my heartburn and than it was time. It seemed like it took forever for them to call me to my room and get me ready. But once fahey came in and told me we were all set -time stopped. The wheelchair ride from my room to the OR seemed like slow motion as I wondered what would happen. And all the while, all I kept thinking was Its finally happening. In a few minutes she will be here, and out of me! And I just cant wait to meet her!!
Josh and I seperated at the OR doors. I got wheeled in and put up on the table. My epideral hurt like a bitch because it didnt go in a smoothly as it should have. And I was scared shitless it wouldnt work. I was worried I would feel something. So I got up on the table, got cleaned and prepped - and Fahey started. They called out all the surgical utensils, and told me what they were doing. They almost forgot to call in Josh, but Fahey remembered. I sat behind that blue sheet waiting to see Josh, scared I would feel something, and hoping she would be ok when she came out. Fahey had to push on my chest ( in a CPR style except around the bottom of my ribs) to try and move Leilani out of my chest. Her head was in my hips (which is the position babies get in for birth) and her legs were in my ribs. They tried for a few minutes to get her out of my ribs and when they could - They had to suction her head up and out to move her shoulders up so she could be grabbed.
What seemed like hours were just minutes and than - I heard her cry.
It was the most amazing feeling to hear everyone cheer and congratulate us. It all meant she was ok. As I cried out of joy, I told Josh to go check on her and make sure she was ok. I wanted him to talk to her and calm her down. I wanted him near her. He came back and sat down and told me she was beautiful with a full head of black curly hair (like I called it). And than the nurse put her on my chest (all the while I am still being stiched up) and she looked right into my eyes. And I just instantly fell in love.
Seeing Josh hold her was touching. And I was sad when they took her to the nursery.
Leilani Ann Smalley
Born August 19th at 8:17am
8lbs 15oz and 21 3/4in long
I was sent to the recovery room while Josh and Leilani went to the nursery. I was not released from recovery until I could move my legs and lift myself (even if it was just a little) off the bed. It took 3 long hours! Which meant 3 hours of not seeing my newborn baby! I was determined to see her. So much I didnt sleep lol And I had not slept in about 2 days. But I did not want to waste a second of recovery so I could get to meet my daughter!!!! When I did finally hold her in my arms I just - ahh! There is honestly no proper way to explain the feeling.
I carried her for 9+ months, feeling her move and doing everything I could for her to thrive. I got huge and abused! All for this little person to come out and have me wrapped around her little finger. Her eyes, her smile, her hugs - all of it - is just amazing! And makes me feel complete!
The next day -August 20th- was my birthday. I turned 23. And when I woke up and looked around, I realized I had recieved the greatest birthday gift. A beautiful and perfect little girl. And not to many remebered my birthday, but I know thats how it will be for now on. She is so much more important!
My days consisted of feeding and changing and holding my little girl. Visitors came in and out, and I was made to walk, shower (Thank God) and attempt breastfeeding. Sadly she never took to breastfeeding. But she is still thriving.
On Friday, august 21st, Fahey said I would go home the next day. Unfortunatly, an hour later the hospital pediatrician came in and said Leilani's biliruben levels had gone up and she had a case of jaundice. They did not expect it to get worse. However by Saturday morning the levels had risen and she had to go under the blue light. To make my worries worse - I was going home and she was staying in the hospital. I was devistated, and cried all day and night.
But by the grace of God, she was released on Sunday the 23rd - and came home to a very happy and anxious mommy and daddy!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
tomorrow morning
Well these past 5 days have been crazy!
At about 9pm Saturday I started early labor. I started having contractions earlier in the day, but didnt realize the procession until around 9 when I started timing them. They seemed to be about 5 min apart and by midnight had gone to about 3 minutes apart. So my mom and I talked, and decided she would come over around 2 if they continued. She got here around 230 as did Josh from work. We packed up and headed down. By the time we got to the hospital - my contractions were 2 minutes apart. Than, being stubborn like me and realizing we were at the hospital, the contractions stopped! I mean WTF baby?!?! So, I was checked and no dialation. =( Which really sucked. But the doctor on duty followed my doctors rule, and got me an Ultrasound to see just how big this little girl is. Turns out that was a hard task. Her head is in position for birth, and so a proper reading was hard. But from what they could tell she is 8lbs 8oz (holy shit!!!). After the ultrasound the contractions started up again, but they were not strong enough to keep me. So I went home early Sunday morning.
I have been uncomfortable ever since. It hurts to sit, stand or even lay down. And it got to the worst point when I couldnt sleep last night. Now, Ive spent plenty of nights not being able to sleep but last night was rediculious!!! MY back, chest and belly all hurt! I was up almost all night until I finally took some asprin (which have always avoided through this pregnany) and josh massaged my back til I passed out.
Than, Fahey decided that she wanted a second opinion and had me come in for my scheduled ultrasound this morning. We got to see her little face, and finally got a confirmed picture of her girly parts! No junk there =) They had the same problem with her head and estimated 7lbs 6oz. Fahey got the report at her other office and within 10 minutes had Annette call me in for an appointment. Her concern was she could not believe Leilani is that little, but she doubts she is that big. So a Csection was scheduled. Fahey is worried if she is around 8lbs, my hips (with pins in them) wont be able to handle a natural birth. So I happily agreed to the Csection.
It is scheduled for 730am. And I have to be there at 530am for my blood work and epideral.
We are just so excited!! Its hard to believe we will finally be meeting our daughter tomorrow. and its a great early birthday gift! (my birthday is the 20th, and hers will be the 19th)
So when you check back next week you will get to hear all the fun stories of Leilanis first week of life =)
just 11.5 hours to go...
At about 9pm Saturday I started early labor. I started having contractions earlier in the day, but didnt realize the procession until around 9 when I started timing them. They seemed to be about 5 min apart and by midnight had gone to about 3 minutes apart. So my mom and I talked, and decided she would come over around 2 if they continued. She got here around 230 as did Josh from work. We packed up and headed down. By the time we got to the hospital - my contractions were 2 minutes apart. Than, being stubborn like me and realizing we were at the hospital, the contractions stopped! I mean WTF baby?!?! So, I was checked and no dialation. =( Which really sucked. But the doctor on duty followed my doctors rule, and got me an Ultrasound to see just how big this little girl is. Turns out that was a hard task. Her head is in position for birth, and so a proper reading was hard. But from what they could tell she is 8lbs 8oz (holy shit!!!). After the ultrasound the contractions started up again, but they were not strong enough to keep me. So I went home early Sunday morning.
I have been uncomfortable ever since. It hurts to sit, stand or even lay down. And it got to the worst point when I couldnt sleep last night. Now, Ive spent plenty of nights not being able to sleep but last night was rediculious!!! MY back, chest and belly all hurt! I was up almost all night until I finally took some asprin (which have always avoided through this pregnany) and josh massaged my back til I passed out.
Than, Fahey decided that she wanted a second opinion and had me come in for my scheduled ultrasound this morning. We got to see her little face, and finally got a confirmed picture of her girly parts! No junk there =) They had the same problem with her head and estimated 7lbs 6oz. Fahey got the report at her other office and within 10 minutes had Annette call me in for an appointment. Her concern was she could not believe Leilani is that little, but she doubts she is that big. So a Csection was scheduled. Fahey is worried if she is around 8lbs, my hips (with pins in them) wont be able to handle a natural birth. So I happily agreed to the Csection.
It is scheduled for 730am. And I have to be there at 530am for my blood work and epideral.
We are just so excited!! Its hard to believe we will finally be meeting our daughter tomorrow. and its a great early birthday gift! (my birthday is the 20th, and hers will be the 19th)
So when you check back next week you will get to hear all the fun stories of Leilanis first week of life =)
just 11.5 hours to go...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
big baby
Today I went to this weeks doctors appointment. I was told everything looks good =)
My blood pressure is normal, my weight gain was fine and babys heartbeat sounds strong. So I wonder -
WHY AM I STILL PREGNANT?!?!?!?!?!
Ugh. I feel huge. She has no room and it hurts when she even moves an arm, let alone stretchs out and bares down.
I am still not dialating. And once Dr. Fahey measured my belly we estimated she may be about 8 pounds. Holy Sh*t! So we scheduled an ultrasound for Tuesday to get a look at her weight. Than, when I go back Thursday Fahey will decide what we do. Im quite sad its getting this close and still not even a sign of dialation =(
Oh well. She will soon be here. I hope!
Im starting to feel like she will never come out.
10 days to go...
My blood pressure is normal, my weight gain was fine and babys heartbeat sounds strong. So I wonder -
WHY AM I STILL PREGNANT?!?!?!?!?!
Ugh. I feel huge. She has no room and it hurts when she even moves an arm, let alone stretchs out and bares down.
I am still not dialating. And once Dr. Fahey measured my belly we estimated she may be about 8 pounds. Holy Sh*t! So we scheduled an ultrasound for Tuesday to get a look at her weight. Than, when I go back Thursday Fahey will decide what we do. Im quite sad its getting this close and still not even a sign of dialation =(
Oh well. She will soon be here. I hope!
Im starting to feel like she will never come out.
10 days to go...
Friday, August 7, 2009
WTF lady
I cant believe I onky have 2 weeks to go!
Now I cant say time flies because there were some times where I felt I would never make it to August. But I did finally make it, and now time is going incredibly slow!!!!
I keep being told to enjoy what little time I have left of piece and quiet. But the pain and discomfort is keeping me awake or waking me up anyways. Id much rather have her out than be dealing with the pain! Plus, I cant wait to meet her. And I cant wait to have my body back to myself.
Today is my nephew Nathans birthday =) He is 1 years old! He is going to be an amazing big cousin to Leilani. And I cant wait to see how they interact and what traits they share. We have his birthday party on Sunday so it will be fun to see everyone in my family one last time before I explode! Well, I better not explode before than. This is the one time in August Josh and I keep telling her to stay put! She likes screwing with me - bearing down and causing light contractions. But we keep telling her she is not allowed to come out til after the 12th. We want her to have her own special day...and this month is LOADED with birthdays.
Cousin Nathan - August 7th
Grandma Jane - August 11th
My Birthday - August 20th
Grandma Pat - August 24th
I went to the doctors yesterday. I love Dr Fahey, but she is kinda flighty! LoL She told me 2 weeks ago when I went in for early contractions to rest to avoid dialating. I came in yesterday and she told me she heard from Annette (the main nurse and Lauras mom) that I said I was on bedrest...but she never said that. Josh and I were like WTF lady seriously? But whatever. I am enjoying my time away from the stress filled hell hole of a job at Steak n shake. Thou it is a very tough month financially with Josh switching jobs and me not working.
She said I am not dialating yet, but they are worried about my blood pressure. It was high, and Ive been experiencing headaches - which are 2 out of 3 signs for preclampsia. However, I dont have swelling, and my test came back ok so its probably just stress. So far there are no signs of complications to come. So my plan is after this weekend to start taking walks early in the morning and than after dark once it cools down. Im going to continue to go to the pool too =) and hopefully that will move her along. I go back next week (38 weeks) and if I dont deliver by the week after we will get an ultrasound to see how big she is! But I really do hope she comes before that.
Speaking of...Josh finally left Steak n Shake =) I am so proud of him. He started work at Brunswick Bowling Alley 2 weeks ago. He works the snack bar, doing what he did at Steak n Shake in something the size of a closet- and is getting paid MORE! He was going to work both jobs for a month or so. But after walking into a hot mess for a week straight Josh couldnt take it anymore. He talked to the night managers, stayed late to speak with the GM, and told employees they couldnt leave. And in the end no one did their job. Everything was being left for him to clean on overnight, and thats not fair. He may not be as busy on overnights but he is pretty busy and all by himself; and now you expect him to clean EVERYTHING(which apparently not even a 6 person staff can do). not cool. So he left the mess for the morning shift (who normally leaves a mess for the second shift, who inturn leaves it for Josh). They always walk into a clean store and if its not clean they get Josh introuble, yet no one paid for not doing shit for Josh. I am not bothered that he left Steak n Shake - even though it has made things tough for us financially. Luckily I have some awesome friends who have really helped me out. And hopefully I wont be so stressed, and my headaches will go away too.
So thats whats been going on. its been a busy 2 weeks and yet so boring at the same time. I will write again next week =)
Until than Im going to read up on my mommy books and get as much advice as possible before the little one arrives
2 weeks to go...
Now I cant say time flies because there were some times where I felt I would never make it to August. But I did finally make it, and now time is going incredibly slow!!!!
I keep being told to enjoy what little time I have left of piece and quiet. But the pain and discomfort is keeping me awake or waking me up anyways. Id much rather have her out than be dealing with the pain! Plus, I cant wait to meet her. And I cant wait to have my body back to myself.
Today is my nephew Nathans birthday =) He is 1 years old! He is going to be an amazing big cousin to Leilani. And I cant wait to see how they interact and what traits they share. We have his birthday party on Sunday so it will be fun to see everyone in my family one last time before I explode! Well, I better not explode before than. This is the one time in August Josh and I keep telling her to stay put! She likes screwing with me - bearing down and causing light contractions. But we keep telling her she is not allowed to come out til after the 12th. We want her to have her own special day...and this month is LOADED with birthdays.
Cousin Nathan - August 7th
Grandma Jane - August 11th
My Birthday - August 20th
Grandma Pat - August 24th
I went to the doctors yesterday. I love Dr Fahey, but she is kinda flighty! LoL She told me 2 weeks ago when I went in for early contractions to rest to avoid dialating. I came in yesterday and she told me she heard from Annette (the main nurse and Lauras mom) that I said I was on bedrest...but she never said that. Josh and I were like WTF lady seriously? But whatever. I am enjoying my time away from the stress filled hell hole of a job at Steak n shake. Thou it is a very tough month financially with Josh switching jobs and me not working.
She said I am not dialating yet, but they are worried about my blood pressure. It was high, and Ive been experiencing headaches - which are 2 out of 3 signs for preclampsia. However, I dont have swelling, and my test came back ok so its probably just stress. So far there are no signs of complications to come. So my plan is after this weekend to start taking walks early in the morning and than after dark once it cools down. Im going to continue to go to the pool too =) and hopefully that will move her along. I go back next week (38 weeks) and if I dont deliver by the week after we will get an ultrasound to see how big she is! But I really do hope she comes before that.
Speaking of...Josh finally left Steak n Shake =) I am so proud of him. He started work at Brunswick Bowling Alley 2 weeks ago. He works the snack bar, doing what he did at Steak n Shake in something the size of a closet- and is getting paid MORE! He was going to work both jobs for a month or so. But after walking into a hot mess for a week straight Josh couldnt take it anymore. He talked to the night managers, stayed late to speak with the GM, and told employees they couldnt leave. And in the end no one did their job. Everything was being left for him to clean on overnight, and thats not fair. He may not be as busy on overnights but he is pretty busy and all by himself; and now you expect him to clean EVERYTHING(which apparently not even a 6 person staff can do). not cool. So he left the mess for the morning shift (who normally leaves a mess for the second shift, who inturn leaves it for Josh). They always walk into a clean store and if its not clean they get Josh introuble, yet no one paid for not doing shit for Josh. I am not bothered that he left Steak n Shake - even though it has made things tough for us financially. Luckily I have some awesome friends who have really helped me out. And hopefully I wont be so stressed, and my headaches will go away too.
So thats whats been going on. its been a busy 2 weeks and yet so boring at the same time. I will write again next week =)
Until than Im going to read up on my mommy books and get as much advice as possible before the little one arrives
2 weeks to go...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Im having a what...
So I went to work Sunday, not looking forward to the night. I just did not want to work and I fekt uncomfortable and weird. About an hour in, I started having some serious pain. Turns out I started having contractions! I sat in steak and shake for an hour and a half having contractions...all about 15 minutes apart. They continued til about 2 am when I was finally able to fall asleep.
I got called into my doctors office Monday morning once they heard I experienced contractions during the night. Turns out Leilani has dropped into position, and I am getting close to ready. I am not dialated, but my cervix is thinned out and the next step is dialation...which is what happens due to the contractions. I can be experiencing these contractions for a week or more until she comes...in which I have - EVERYDAY! LoL I have had a few hours a day where I experience contractions, and they havent really been any closer than 14 min apart. So its going to be a long time. Unless she pushes her way out quicker LoL
So we shall see... 4 weeks to go!!!
I got called into my doctors office Monday morning once they heard I experienced contractions during the night. Turns out Leilani has dropped into position, and I am getting close to ready. I am not dialated, but my cervix is thinned out and the next step is dialation...which is what happens due to the contractions. I can be experiencing these contractions for a week or more until she comes...in which I have - EVERYDAY! LoL I have had a few hours a day where I experience contractions, and they havent really been any closer than 14 min apart. So its going to be a long time. Unless she pushes her way out quicker LoL
So we shall see... 4 weeks to go!!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Stay at home mommy
So I am so excited to announce I have a new stay-at-home job!!!!
It was a fantastic idea I had one night while thinking where my life will go.
Melissa, my amazing friend who shot the Baby Bump photos is restarting her photography business - new name and all! However, she has a full time job as a property manager and cant really quite get started. So I figured I could help! I will be marketing, answering emails, checking out inquires, updating the blog, and just jump starting the business so all Melissa will have to do is meet the clients, be amazing, and shoot the weddings. Im hoping that with more business, I will learn the editing and be able to help her there too.
I wasn't sure if she would be up for it. But she loved the idea as much as I did. I am super excited, because its something I feel I can make a nice little career out of! And I get to work with an amazing best friend. More so, I can do it any time day or night, and it can all be done from home! So no need to worry about what we will do once Leilani arrives. Another added bonus is the fact that Josh and I have been living off me working part time, so I can either do just this, or eventually go back to work and have a double income. Either way. I hope to make this my full time, one and only job that I can stick with.
Now im not sure if you can sense it, but I am so0o0o excited! Its a fantastic opportunity and I hope it works out well =)
Less than 6 weeks
It was a fantastic idea I had one night while thinking where my life will go.
Melissa, my amazing friend who shot the Baby Bump photos is restarting her photography business - new name and all! However, she has a full time job as a property manager and cant really quite get started. So I figured I could help! I will be marketing, answering emails, checking out inquires, updating the blog, and just jump starting the business so all Melissa will have to do is meet the clients, be amazing, and shoot the weddings. Im hoping that with more business, I will learn the editing and be able to help her there too.
I wasn't sure if she would be up for it. But she loved the idea as much as I did. I am super excited, because its something I feel I can make a nice little career out of! And I get to work with an amazing best friend. More so, I can do it any time day or night, and it can all be done from home! So no need to worry about what we will do once Leilani arrives. Another added bonus is the fact that Josh and I have been living off me working part time, so I can either do just this, or eventually go back to work and have a double income. Either way. I hope to make this my full time, one and only job that I can stick with.
Now im not sure if you can sense it, but I am so0o0o excited! Its a fantastic opportunity and I hope it works out well =)
Less than 6 weeks
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