I have not fallen off the planet, although it feels like it sometimes, but my computer has decided to die and went to the computer doctor, so I am limited to using the computer when B's home from work and not using his work computer for work. Luckily he's down in the basement working on the reno's so I have some free time with the computer and decided to update my blog....although nobody comments so I don't know if anyone is actually reading this thing any more. No biggy if there aren't any readers, I just want to put it out there that I love to hear from you in the comments section. It always brightens up my day when I see that "1 comment" or more :)
This last week has had it's ups and downs. There was one day in particular that was hard. I cried a lot. Kiwi, I believe, was having a growth spurt and was up multiple times in a row and I was way over tired and safe to say oober grumpy. However, that was just a blimp in the week. The rest has been wonderful. He's so sweet and I love his squishy cheeks. He's had two goopy eyes. which apparently is common in new borns because their tear ducts haven't developed, the solution, to boil water, add salt and keep a container of it by the change table(basically homemade tears). Every time I change his diaper I'm to take a cotton ball and dip it in the water solution and wipe his eye. It has worked really well, but he somehow passed it to the other eye so now I'm doing both eyes...ho hum.
Today we went out on the town, again. Since been given the green light from my doctor to drive I don't think I've stayed home for an entire day. We stopped in at the mall to say hi to a couple of friends and I picked up a onesie with a tie on it (you know, gotta be dressy sometimes). Kiwi is funny once he gets hungry he lets out a little whimper to warn me. Than it just progresses if I don't fill his need. This is terrible to listen to when you're driving on the highway because all I want to do is fill his need. So I have gotten really good at the pull over and sit in the back of the car for a feeding. The windows are tinted limo black so there is no need to feel shy and even so I'm getting pretty good at keeping things discreet anyways. I have a nursing cover but right now don't prefer to use it because it seems to really make him sweat! And I can't see that as being very comfortable.
Kiwi is 10 pounds 8 ounces as of yesterday's weigh in. The nurse was very pleased with this as he's gaining more than an ounce a day which is the ideal. Yay kiwi! You're are one amazing little boy! He has made life so much more interesting and it's going to be so awesome to watch him grow. His little personality has been so sweet so far. He gives many serious and confused looks and changes his facial expressions so often. I love all of them. I know right now it's chalked up to gas, but his little smiles that are given are such a sweet preview of what is to come in the future. I love them so much!
Kiwi had a photo shoot the other day. I had won a free photo newborn photo shoot at the baby fair I went to back in March so I was excited that we were able to use it. She was an amazing photographer, very professional and patient. It was a 3 hour photo shoot and Kiwi slept the entire time with only 2 breaks for a snack. I am so excited to see the photos! She was able to catch a few photo's of him with his big open mouth smile and I was so excited! I am really looking forward to seeing them.
My recovery is still ongoing but it's much better. Almost 2 weeks ago now I got my staples removed and that was so wonderful. I didn't realize that it was the staples that were causing the discomfort so once they were removed I was pleasantly pleased. I do realize when I've done too much in the day because my stomach will be very achy. This has been happening a little less each day that goes by which is good. I find it's most sore at night time. But overall things are going well, I haven't had to use the step stool to get into bed for the last 2 nights!!! (Got to celebrate the little victories!!)
Well, that's about all there is to update on for now...there's a lot more, but this is long enough already!
Michelle
P.S. pictures will be lacking until I get my computer back, sorry
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Things they don't tell you
There were some surprises when I was going through the recovery process that nobody warned me about and so this update is all about the things they didn't tell me.
1. After a c-section you're not allowed to eat anything for at least 2 meals or until you toot. You're on a clear liquid diet. Let me tell you this was torture because by the time I was in recovery I hadn't eaten for over 24 hours and then I had to go for another 2 meals while surrounded by all the yummy snacks that we had brought with us. They accidentally brought me a meal but I wasn't allowed to eat it so B ate it for me. Lucky duck!
2. You will celebrate your first toot and bowel movement like it's a big deal because quite frankly it is!
3. You're going to be stuck in a bed for at least a day, literally trapped in the bed, they had these "stockings" on my legs that plugged into the bed and would compress my legs to avoid any blood clots. It felt like getting my blood pressure being taken from my legs. They would alternate and would start squeezing every couple of minutes. (Makes your legs feel really hot!)
4. You're not going to poop for several days and when you do it's the stinkiest poop you will ever smell! They give you a prescription to help with this, use it! It's your friend!
5. Day 3 (I was actually warned about, not by anyone but by reading the information package they give you). Day 3 you become irrationally emotional. I cried, scratch that, I bawled my eyes out because I had to go to the bathroom. Than I cried for no reason while I was nursing Kiwi. B walked into the nursery and I was a snotty mess. Even at the time you know it's crazy but you can't help it. I'm telling you, it was weird. But very normal for day 3.
6. The staples are more of a pain than the actual incision. Once I got them taken out I was pleasantly surprised that they were the cause of the nagging pinching feeling. I just assumed it was because I was cut. Getting your staples out doesn't hurt! There is a very small pinch with each one but nothing major.
7. You will no longer be self conscience about your body after having it displayed for all to see. I always thought I would be a shy mama hiding in a corner, but found that now I'm just comfortable to do the nursing anywhere at any time. I try to cover up(nursing cover)when I know there are going to be strangers around or someone who may feel uncomfortable, but it's not for my sake.
8. Cluster feeding is normal when your milk is first coming in. This means multiple feedings in short periods of time. Not awesome for sleep but awesome for bringing your milk in. Just remember it's only for a short time, you will get through it! Baby is actually working for you, bringing it in, not against you.
9. Keep track of your feedings and diaper changes and what happened in those changes because when you go for your check ups they will ask you and if you're sleep deprived you're feeling good just getting to the appointment let alone remembering anything from the last 24 hours. So I find it helpful to have it all marked down and when they ask me those questions I just open up my little binder and let them see for themselves what has been happening.
10. They also don't tell you just how much your heart is going to fill with love and excitement and joy. He has definitely stolen our hearts and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Michelle
1. After a c-section you're not allowed to eat anything for at least 2 meals or until you toot. You're on a clear liquid diet. Let me tell you this was torture because by the time I was in recovery I hadn't eaten for over 24 hours and then I had to go for another 2 meals while surrounded by all the yummy snacks that we had brought with us. They accidentally brought me a meal but I wasn't allowed to eat it so B ate it for me. Lucky duck!
2. You will celebrate your first toot and bowel movement like it's a big deal because quite frankly it is!
3. You're going to be stuck in a bed for at least a day, literally trapped in the bed, they had these "stockings" on my legs that plugged into the bed and would compress my legs to avoid any blood clots. It felt like getting my blood pressure being taken from my legs. They would alternate and would start squeezing every couple of minutes. (Makes your legs feel really hot!)
4. You're not going to poop for several days and when you do it's the stinkiest poop you will ever smell! They give you a prescription to help with this, use it! It's your friend!
5. Day 3 (I was actually warned about, not by anyone but by reading the information package they give you). Day 3 you become irrationally emotional. I cried, scratch that, I bawled my eyes out because I had to go to the bathroom. Than I cried for no reason while I was nursing Kiwi. B walked into the nursery and I was a snotty mess. Even at the time you know it's crazy but you can't help it. I'm telling you, it was weird. But very normal for day 3.
6. The staples are more of a pain than the actual incision. Once I got them taken out I was pleasantly surprised that they were the cause of the nagging pinching feeling. I just assumed it was because I was cut. Getting your staples out doesn't hurt! There is a very small pinch with each one but nothing major.
7. You will no longer be self conscience about your body after having it displayed for all to see. I always thought I would be a shy mama hiding in a corner, but found that now I'm just comfortable to do the nursing anywhere at any time. I try to cover up(nursing cover)when I know there are going to be strangers around or someone who may feel uncomfortable, but it's not for my sake.
8. Cluster feeding is normal when your milk is first coming in. This means multiple feedings in short periods of time. Not awesome for sleep but awesome for bringing your milk in. Just remember it's only for a short time, you will get through it! Baby is actually working for you, bringing it in, not against you.
9. Keep track of your feedings and diaper changes and what happened in those changes because when you go for your check ups they will ask you and if you're sleep deprived you're feeling good just getting to the appointment let alone remembering anything from the last 24 hours. So I find it helpful to have it all marked down and when they ask me those questions I just open up my little binder and let them see for themselves what has been happening.
10. They also don't tell you just how much your heart is going to fill with love and excitement and joy. He has definitely stolen our hearts and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Baby News
The baby has arrived and it's a BOY!! His name I will not reveal here, in order to protect his identity I will still refer to him as Kiwi on my blog. He is so stinkin cute and we have had our hearts stolen by this little guy.
On Thursday morning, June 7, my actual due date, at 6:50am I woke up to a dream I was having. I was dreaming that B and I were sitting on the couch and I suddenly had to go to the washroom where I started peeing out water balloons that would burst and paint colours were coming out. When I woke up I realized that my water had broken. I went and woke up B and told him that he wouldn't be going into work that day. Since he had worked so late the night before he was excited but seriously tired. Of course I needed to clean up my mess and decided that washing the sheets and bed cover were a top priority and tried doing it myself between contractions. I had been having contractions since the Monday but nothing pattern related. Now that my water had broken they were coming regularly and getting stronger. At about 10 or 11am (I'm a little fuzzy on the exact time line) we headed to the hospital where once we got there I stood in the parking lot with another big puddle underneath me (apparently when I would move I would gush more water). We walked into the hospital, my flip flops squeaking with each step. I cried to B, I'm like that girl in the movie ("What to Expect when you're expecting") when her water breaks inside the hospital doors. When we got up to the maternity ward they looked at me and because I was wearing a dress didn't think too much until I uncrossed my legs and they saw the water marks. We all kind of laughed and they did a check. They said I could stay or I could go home for a while and labour where it will be more comfortable. They gave me some drugs and I went home and tried to rest.
4 hours later we were heading back to the hospital. This time when I arrived they said they were keeping me. So I got settled into room one on the labour and delivery side of the maternity ward. Because I was having such extreme back labour (due to Kiwi being sunny side up as they call it) the only position that was comfortable for me was sitting on the loo. I basically sat there the entire time, except for when I had a shower so I could put my hair up in a braid (you know, priorities). The heat from the water on my back helped as well.
When 6pm came around I asked them if I could have an epidural and they decided they would check me first. They checked and said I only had 2 more cm to go and I was almost there and the worst was over so I should tough through but they would give me some more femera? (I'm really not sure on the drugs names). So I agreed and continued on our journey. At 8pm I felt I needed to push. I began pushing, and pushing and pushing and by mid-night (yes 4 hours later) we decided to take an epidural, rest through the night and re-access in the morning. He was just not able to come out. That part, waiting for the epidural was the most torturous part. Only because I was told not to push anymore and just breath through the contractions. (Easier said than done my friends!) Finally when I got all hooked I up I was able to rest. The epidural made my contractions go slightly infrequent so they put me on another drug to get them restart in a pattern. Even though the epidural took the cramps away, I could still feel the intensity need to push with each of them and had to do some serious breathing through each of them every 5 mins from 3 am until 8am when my doctor would be coming back. So needless to say "my rest" time was not very restful.
The next morning when my doctor arrived she said it looks like Kiwi had made his way down and we were ready to get pushing again. We started the pushing process and then my doctor said she wanted to the specialist to take a look really quick. He came in and jiggled my tummy around and told me that because of Kiwi's position we would get the head out, but the shoulders will get stuck. So he advised to get an emergency c-section. (This has happened in my family before and the outcome was nearly horrific so I didn't even bat an eye and agreed to having the c-section). That conversation happened shortly after 8am.
They prepped me and took me downstairs and got me set up with a spinal because it would only take 2 minutes to start the surgery with a spinal rather than filling up my epidural which would make us have to wait 20minutes. The doctor cut into me without me even knowing they were beginning. Than, because I had been pushing for so long earlier my uterus was too hard to get into so they had to give me another drug that made me feel very funny, lightheaded and out of it slightly. This drug helped my body to relax and then they could cut in. When they were trying to get Kiwi out his head had gotten stuck and they had to really pull hard on him. I heard the surgeon grunting several times and I could feel my body being tossed around a bit but it didn't hurt at all. Then suddenly he was here. They took him over to clean him up and do all the checks and I could only see his feet up in the air, all 10 toes! His cry made me cry and I was so over joyed. B was the one to tell us if it was a boy or girl which I thought was really cool...because we asked, what is it, what is it? And the nurse said, Dad's going to come over here and tell us! B's arms went straight up in the air like he just saw the best goal of his life and said it's a boy. We cried and rejoiced together. I couldn't believe he was actually here. There was an actual baby inside of me. They unstrapped one of my arms so I could have him placed on my chest and I could hold him for a couple of minutes before they took him upstairs. It was the best moment!
Than I was taken to recovery for what they said should be an hour, it ended up being more like 2 1/2 hours. The recovery nurses laughed at me because they said, most new moms come in here hyped on adrenaline but I went to sleep. 26.5 hours of labour, 4 hours of pushing and a c-section takes a lot of energy. Besides I told them, once I go upstairs I won't have time to sleep again! Have to take advantage of the moment. My nurses and doctors were amazing! They were so caring and sweet. We were in the hospital until the Sunday evening. And our sweet little boy is now home with us.
Michelle
We love you so much Kiwi! You are an answer to prayer!
Love mommy
On Thursday morning, June 7, my actual due date, at 6:50am I woke up to a dream I was having. I was dreaming that B and I were sitting on the couch and I suddenly had to go to the washroom where I started peeing out water balloons that would burst and paint colours were coming out. When I woke up I realized that my water had broken. I went and woke up B and told him that he wouldn't be going into work that day. Since he had worked so late the night before he was excited but seriously tired. Of course I needed to clean up my mess and decided that washing the sheets and bed cover were a top priority and tried doing it myself between contractions. I had been having contractions since the Monday but nothing pattern related. Now that my water had broken they were coming regularly and getting stronger. At about 10 or 11am (I'm a little fuzzy on the exact time line) we headed to the hospital where once we got there I stood in the parking lot with another big puddle underneath me (apparently when I would move I would gush more water). We walked into the hospital, my flip flops squeaking with each step. I cried to B, I'm like that girl in the movie ("What to Expect when you're expecting") when her water breaks inside the hospital doors. When we got up to the maternity ward they looked at me and because I was wearing a dress didn't think too much until I uncrossed my legs and they saw the water marks. We all kind of laughed and they did a check. They said I could stay or I could go home for a while and labour where it will be more comfortable. They gave me some drugs and I went home and tried to rest.
4 hours later we were heading back to the hospital. This time when I arrived they said they were keeping me. So I got settled into room one on the labour and delivery side of the maternity ward. Because I was having such extreme back labour (due to Kiwi being sunny side up as they call it) the only position that was comfortable for me was sitting on the loo. I basically sat there the entire time, except for when I had a shower so I could put my hair up in a braid (you know, priorities). The heat from the water on my back helped as well.
When 6pm came around I asked them if I could have an epidural and they decided they would check me first. They checked and said I only had 2 more cm to go and I was almost there and the worst was over so I should tough through but they would give me some more femera? (I'm really not sure on the drugs names). So I agreed and continued on our journey. At 8pm I felt I needed to push. I began pushing, and pushing and pushing and by mid-night (yes 4 hours later) we decided to take an epidural, rest through the night and re-access in the morning. He was just not able to come out. That part, waiting for the epidural was the most torturous part. Only because I was told not to push anymore and just breath through the contractions. (Easier said than done my friends!) Finally when I got all hooked I up I was able to rest. The epidural made my contractions go slightly infrequent so they put me on another drug to get them restart in a pattern. Even though the epidural took the cramps away, I could still feel the intensity need to push with each of them and had to do some serious breathing through each of them every 5 mins from 3 am until 8am when my doctor would be coming back. So needless to say "my rest" time was not very restful.
The next morning when my doctor arrived she said it looks like Kiwi had made his way down and we were ready to get pushing again. We started the pushing process and then my doctor said she wanted to the specialist to take a look really quick. He came in and jiggled my tummy around and told me that because of Kiwi's position we would get the head out, but the shoulders will get stuck. So he advised to get an emergency c-section. (This has happened in my family before and the outcome was nearly horrific so I didn't even bat an eye and agreed to having the c-section). That conversation happened shortly after 8am.
They prepped me and took me downstairs and got me set up with a spinal because it would only take 2 minutes to start the surgery with a spinal rather than filling up my epidural which would make us have to wait 20minutes. The doctor cut into me without me even knowing they were beginning. Than, because I had been pushing for so long earlier my uterus was too hard to get into so they had to give me another drug that made me feel very funny, lightheaded and out of it slightly. This drug helped my body to relax and then they could cut in. When they were trying to get Kiwi out his head had gotten stuck and they had to really pull hard on him. I heard the surgeon grunting several times and I could feel my body being tossed around a bit but it didn't hurt at all. Then suddenly he was here. They took him over to clean him up and do all the checks and I could only see his feet up in the air, all 10 toes! His cry made me cry and I was so over joyed. B was the one to tell us if it was a boy or girl which I thought was really cool...because we asked, what is it, what is it? And the nurse said, Dad's going to come over here and tell us! B's arms went straight up in the air like he just saw the best goal of his life and said it's a boy. We cried and rejoiced together. I couldn't believe he was actually here. There was an actual baby inside of me. They unstrapped one of my arms so I could have him placed on my chest and I could hold him for a couple of minutes before they took him upstairs. It was the best moment!
Than I was taken to recovery for what they said should be an hour, it ended up being more like 2 1/2 hours. The recovery nurses laughed at me because they said, most new moms come in here hyped on adrenaline but I went to sleep. 26.5 hours of labour, 4 hours of pushing and a c-section takes a lot of energy. Besides I told them, once I go upstairs I won't have time to sleep again! Have to take advantage of the moment. My nurses and doctors were amazing! They were so caring and sweet. We were in the hospital until the Sunday evening. And our sweet little boy is now home with us.
Michelle
We love you so much Kiwi! You are an answer to prayer!
Love mommy
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
D-Day?! Nope not yet
One more day until my due date! So crazy! I still remember finding out I was pregnant and how exciting that was. And now we're here, at the end already. I have really enjoyed having kiwi in my tummy. I'm also really ready to meet this little person. Is it a boy or girl? What colour eyes? What does she/he look like? What's their little personality going to be like?
Last night my stomach was hardening up almost on top of itself. As soon as it would release it basically went hard right away again. I thought this might be it. But alas I woke up with a big belly still :) We went for 2 laps around the neighbourhood last night in which my stomach was rock hard the entire time. It was so cold out last night too. What is that about, isn't it June?
We also bought some Raspberry tea leaves and I had a cup of tea before bed. Didn't do anything, except it was tasty and relaxing.
Yesterday was a crazy cleaning day. I went from room to room and if there was a surface it got cleaned. I did 6 loads of laundry (basically if it could be washed it did). Even the closet doors got a good clean down as well as the bath mats, because you know, that's rational?! Seriously it was like I was racing against time, was the feeling I had the entire day. Then I went to my sign language class, probably my last one for a while. I love that class it's so informative and fun.
Bird update: Inigo and Fezzik are hilarious! They made up a new game this week where one will hang on the outside of the cage beside the one that's on the inside and then they will peck at each other through the bars. They also have discovered the extension cord and they like to climb up it and just hang out at the top where it plugs into the wall. Fezzik's wings are still too short for him to fly but he tries his hardest. He looks more like a grasshopper when he does it but I give him an A for effort.
Well, here's hoping in the next few days will bring a new little person!
Until next time
Michelle
Last night my stomach was hardening up almost on top of itself. As soon as it would release it basically went hard right away again. I thought this might be it. But alas I woke up with a big belly still :) We went for 2 laps around the neighbourhood last night in which my stomach was rock hard the entire time. It was so cold out last night too. What is that about, isn't it June?
We also bought some Raspberry tea leaves and I had a cup of tea before bed. Didn't do anything, except it was tasty and relaxing.
Yesterday was a crazy cleaning day. I went from room to room and if there was a surface it got cleaned. I did 6 loads of laundry (basically if it could be washed it did). Even the closet doors got a good clean down as well as the bath mats, because you know, that's rational?! Seriously it was like I was racing against time, was the feeling I had the entire day. Then I went to my sign language class, probably my last one for a while. I love that class it's so informative and fun.
Bird update: Inigo and Fezzik are hilarious! They made up a new game this week where one will hang on the outside of the cage beside the one that's on the inside and then they will peck at each other through the bars. They also have discovered the extension cord and they like to climb up it and just hang out at the top where it plugs into the wall. Fezzik's wings are still too short for him to fly but he tries his hardest. He looks more like a grasshopper when he does it but I give him an A for effort.
Well, here's hoping in the next few days will bring a new little person!
Until next time
Michelle
Monday, June 04, 2012
Sometime Soon - I hope
Today I went to the doctor and everything seems good. Kiwi can come at any time. She told me that she doesn't expect me to make it to the end of the week. Crazy! I guess that means I should clean the house. In the last few days my lower back has been really sore, not in the middle but just on either side. I told my doctor this and she said this is a good sign, it's my body getting ready for labour. Yay?! Let's just say the heat pack has been a life saver as well as hot showers! Except hot showers after a while knock the wind out of me. So weird! I remember growing up having the hottest of showers and afterwards the bathroom feeling like a sauna it was so hot in there. I can't handle such hot showers any more. Especially being pregnant I am already feeling like a roaster. I have been taking advantage of "shower time". Everyone says to enjoy it now before kiwi comes because showers will never be the same...long and luxurious. So I have to say I've been doing the things people say to take advantage of.
I joked with my doctor today saying Kiwi needs to come by Wednesday or wait until Saturday evening. She laughed and said, you know that Kiwi's going to come right in the middle of your plans right? haha. I have things to do this week though. It's funny really it's one of my most social packed weeks. I have a girls party to go to on Wednesday evening. Friday I have a grad party I'm invited to, Saturday we have a family friend's wedding as well as a 2 year old birthday party to attend. So you see you know Kiwi's going to come smack in the middle of it all :) I'm so very excited to meet Kiwi! I'm anxious now to know if it's a boy or girl. I also want the labour part to be over. I'm not afraid to ask for the drugs. As B puts it, "you would be crazy not to. Would you get a root canal done without freezing?"
I had a dream last night that I was in the hospital and told the nurse B's theory and she liked it so much I could hear her saying the same thing to other patients. It was really kind of funny.
Well, hopefully I will give you a fun update soon! Don't worry I will leave the gross details out. I say this because I've had friends give minute to minute updates on their labour process on facebook which I think is a little bit too much information, but that's my deal. I think some things are better kept private because you all don't need to know the very inner most details of my journey.
Looking forward to meeting you kiwi! -Love mommy-
Michelle
I joked with my doctor today saying Kiwi needs to come by Wednesday or wait until Saturday evening. She laughed and said, you know that Kiwi's going to come right in the middle of your plans right? haha. I have things to do this week though. It's funny really it's one of my most social packed weeks. I have a girls party to go to on Wednesday evening. Friday I have a grad party I'm invited to, Saturday we have a family friend's wedding as well as a 2 year old birthday party to attend. So you see you know Kiwi's going to come smack in the middle of it all :) I'm so very excited to meet Kiwi! I'm anxious now to know if it's a boy or girl. I also want the labour part to be over. I'm not afraid to ask for the drugs. As B puts it, "you would be crazy not to. Would you get a root canal done without freezing?"
I had a dream last night that I was in the hospital and told the nurse B's theory and she liked it so much I could hear her saying the same thing to other patients. It was really kind of funny.
Well, hopefully I will give you a fun update soon! Don't worry I will leave the gross details out. I say this because I've had friends give minute to minute updates on their labour process on facebook which I think is a little bit too much information, but that's my deal. I think some things are better kept private because you all don't need to know the very inner most details of my journey.
Looking forward to meeting you kiwi! -Love mommy-
Michelle
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