If ever there was an excuse for not blogging, I think a newborn qualifies.
Carter James Jobin was (FINALLY) born on June 15, 2009 at 11:17pm. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces and was 21 inches long. Impressive for a baby induced a week early, and thank God for that. I'm still most definitely recovering from a rough labor and aftermath (and his 15 inch head), but it was a miracle in itself that I didn't have to have a c-section.
Looking back on these first 2 weeks, I can honestly say that I've never spent so much of my life on my knees in prayer. I could NOT have done this on my own, and we are just so thankful for how faithful God has been to us and how much we are blessed.
Top 10 things necessary to survive the first two weeks with Carter:
1. an amazingly supportive husband
2. awesome family and friends
3. pain medicine
4. lots and lots of lanolin, nipple shields, and ice packs
5. fierce determination
6. massive amounts of calories and copious liquid intake
7. a sense of humor
8. a sleep mask and trying to train myself to nap
9. enough humility to toss all of my preconceived notions and ideas about parenthood out the window
10. a really cute baby who loves to snuggle certainly helps!
What I will need should we decide to do this again:
Amnesia.
Thanks to everyone who has helped us through the last few weeks.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
So here we are...
We're running around trying to get every last thing done before we leave. We're going to my parent's house to drop off the dog, eat dinner, and GO TO THE HOSPITAL. Not really sure when we'll get back on, but we'll try to keep you updated as soon as possible.
We're both really excited (Seth in a much calmer way than me, naturally) and apprehensive and all kinds of other emotions. I can't believe that in the next 24-36 hours we'll be holding our son. We cannot wait to meet you, little one.
We're both really excited (Seth in a much calmer way than me, naturally) and apprehensive and all kinds of other emotions. I can't believe that in the next 24-36 hours we'll be holding our son. We cannot wait to meet you, little one.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Not my brightest moment.
I've always struggled with the concept of thinking through consequences as well as the idea of "pacing myself." As a pregnant lady, I've taken that to a whole new level. I do things that are just plain dumb and then 10 seconds later wonder what in the world I was thinking. Usually, this thought occurs just after I've collapsed in a heap on the couch wondering if I'll ever be able to move again.
Yesterday, it started out simple enough (it always does!). I went out to water the palm trees in our front yard. Why we even bother to water them instead of letting them die to match the desolate landscape is a whole different story. Anyway, I watered the first two and moved on to the third. Except, the third was so surrounded by weeds and these daisy weed things and a mysterious ice plant and various other things that I could barely see the palm tree. It seemed perfectly logical for me to strap on some gloves and start doing some yard work right that very second.
My thinking... "what's the worst that can happen? I go into labor... not so bad at all!" And so Stella and I descended on the yard and did not stop for a good two hours, and only then because I ran out of trashcans (after shoving the mass of weeds down over and over and over. I don't think trash cans have ever held such compact weeds).
It turns out that the worst that can happen is not going into labor but taxing every muscle between my shoulders and knees, seriously damaging some ligaments in my pelvis and thinking I'm going to die as I tried to simply roll over in bed. I'll be attending my sister's graduation today with much discomfort, taking the pregnant lady waddle to a whole new level. And, furthermore, not in labor.
Yesterday, it started out simple enough (it always does!). I went out to water the palm trees in our front yard. Why we even bother to water them instead of letting them die to match the desolate landscape is a whole different story. Anyway, I watered the first two and moved on to the third. Except, the third was so surrounded by weeds and these daisy weed things and a mysterious ice plant and various other things that I could barely see the palm tree. It seemed perfectly logical for me to strap on some gloves and start doing some yard work right that very second.
My thinking... "what's the worst that can happen? I go into labor... not so bad at all!" And so Stella and I descended on the yard and did not stop for a good two hours, and only then because I ran out of trashcans (after shoving the mass of weeds down over and over and over. I don't think trash cans have ever held such compact weeds).
It turns out that the worst that can happen is not going into labor but taxing every muscle between my shoulders and knees, seriously damaging some ligaments in my pelvis and thinking I'm going to die as I tried to simply roll over in bed. I'll be attending my sister's graduation today with much discomfort, taking the pregnant lady waddle to a whole new level. And, furthermore, not in labor.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
We're having a baby. Like, a real one!!
As mentioned, we scheduled an induction for next week. I really REEEHHHEEELLY want to go into labor on my own. I'm consistently talking to Baby J about the reasons he really wants to join us in the outside world. Hopefully he's getting the message. We're also praying that I go into labor sooner than Sunday, which I'm sure is the more effective method.
But, if I don't go into labor in the next few days, I'll check into the hospital Sunday night. They'll start with some preparation stuff that night (I'll skip the details here, but I'd be happy to tell you more if you want to know). Then, Monday, my doctor will break my water and eventually start pitocin if needed.
I've gone back and forth on the induction a LOT. The baby is perfectly healthy and ready and my doctor wouldn't induce me if she didn't think there was a good reason to. But already Mommy Guilt is outscoring Rachel. I know what I'm getting myself into. I'm not excited about it and if it was just for my own comfort or convenience, I wouldn't do it. But, the bottom line for us was that I want to avoid a c-section if at all possible. This child is a big baby with a gigantic head and he's only getting bigger. Coupled with the fact that I do not have "birthing hips," I think it's unlikely I won't have to have a c-section, but I still think it's the best shot. We think it's the right, or at least a good, decision.
So, in a week we will be holding our little boy. If not sooner. Wow. But hey, did you hear?! Seth can cut his hair with a vacuum!!
But, if I don't go into labor in the next few days, I'll check into the hospital Sunday night. They'll start with some preparation stuff that night (I'll skip the details here, but I'd be happy to tell you more if you want to know). Then, Monday, my doctor will break my water and eventually start pitocin if needed.
I've gone back and forth on the induction a LOT. The baby is perfectly healthy and ready and my doctor wouldn't induce me if she didn't think there was a good reason to. But already Mommy Guilt is outscoring Rachel. I know what I'm getting myself into. I'm not excited about it and if it was just for my own comfort or convenience, I wouldn't do it. But, the bottom line for us was that I want to avoid a c-section if at all possible. This child is a big baby with a gigantic head and he's only getting bigger. Coupled with the fact that I do not have "birthing hips," I think it's unlikely I won't have to have a c-section, but I still think it's the best shot. We think it's the right, or at least a good, decision.
So, in a week we will be holding our little boy. If not sooner. Wow. But hey, did you hear?! Seth can cut his hair with a vacuum!!
At least I know his priorities...
Yesterday we scheduled Baby Jobin's birth. That's another post and I'll try to get back to that soon. In case I don't, we're still praying that I go into labor naturally before Monday, and would ask for your prayers too, but if not, Baby J will be here Monday. You would think this would be pretty much the most exciting thing going on in our lives at the moment. Apparently not.
This morning, Seth's status was: " words cannot describe how excited i am..." The updated status directly following was: "just got a flowbee."
(in case you don't know what a flobee is)
So, for those of you who missed it, my husband and the father of my child would like you all to know he can now cut his hair with a vacuum.
This morning, Seth's status was: " words cannot describe how excited i am..." The updated status directly following was: "just got a flowbee."
(in case you don't know what a flobee is)
So, for those of you who missed it, my husband and the father of my child would like you all to know he can now cut his hair with a vacuum.
Friday, June 5, 2009
A year ago...
We were tanner, thinner (at least I was), and probably more relaxed... in Kauai. I want to go baaack!! Maybe not right this second since I'm 12,000 months pregnant, but someday. Hopefully sooner than later/never.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Racing the clock...
This is my first official week of maternity leave, and it could not have come soon enough. Granted, I'm still checking my work email far, far too often, but my physical state is such that I do not actually know if I could make it through a day in the office at this point.
So the last 3 days exclusively and few months generally have been devoted to Operation Nesting Frenzy. I should probably add an asterisk here because my desire for complete order and cleanliness has nothing to do with my pregnancy. It's just gained urgency since I know that this baby *could* be here any time now, though it's still not terribly likely. Ever since we got new carpet and had to clear out our entire house, we've been purging and organizing. Our family room and second bedroom have been massive piles of boxes and random junk needing sorting. I'm happy to say our second bedroom is now a nursery! Ready for a baby! And the family room is, well, coming along.
I've also spent a good amount of time shopping for the last few (HAHA, few...) things we needed for the baby. Seriously, this kid has so much stuff already. But, if it makes our lives easier, I think (hope?) it's worth it.
So today I'm back to the piles and organizing and cleaning, and hopefully soon things will be manageable and I'll feel like our house is ready. And then Baby J can debut whenever he wants, the sooner the better. Just not for at least one more day.
So the last 3 days exclusively and few months generally have been devoted to Operation Nesting Frenzy. I should probably add an asterisk here because my desire for complete order and cleanliness has nothing to do with my pregnancy. It's just gained urgency since I know that this baby *could* be here any time now, though it's still not terribly likely. Ever since we got new carpet and had to clear out our entire house, we've been purging and organizing. Our family room and second bedroom have been massive piles of boxes and random junk needing sorting. I'm happy to say our second bedroom is now a nursery! Ready for a baby! And the family room is, well, coming along.
I've also spent a good amount of time shopping for the last few (HAHA, few...) things we needed for the baby. Seriously, this kid has so much stuff already. But, if it makes our lives easier, I think (hope?) it's worth it.
So today I'm back to the piles and organizing and cleaning, and hopefully soon things will be manageable and I'll feel like our house is ready. And then Baby J can debut whenever he wants, the sooner the better. Just not for at least one more day.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Who is sick of hearing about my pregnancy? Yeah, ME TOO!
We're still alive, and I'm still very pregnant. Baby J is doing well, although he is quite large, as we expected. A little over a week ago we had a growth scan and Baby J measured around 7 pounds. With 4 1/2 weeks to go... yikes. My doctor did say she thinks he's probably a little smaller than that and growth scans can vary a half pound either way, so maybe he'll only be 27 pounds full term instead of 29 pounds.
Seth and I were both big babies, hovering an ounce under and a little over 9 pounds (I was actually the bigger one), so I figured our babies would be big. I did not, however, consider the size of Seth's gigantic head when selecting a mate. Granted, Seth is quite tall and would look a little silly with a smaller head, but it seems like everyone comments on the size of this kid's head. Like a pregnant woman really wants to hear "wow, he has a big head!" Keep it to yourself people. Let me live in ignorant bliss!
Here's a tip for those of you with gigantic heads:
Resist the urge to play clips from So I Married an Axe Murderer (including but not limited to... "I'm not kidding, it's like an orange on a toothpick!" and "It has it's own weather system!"). Your very pregnant wife who has to birth a baby who inherited your head will likely not find it humorous. Also, trying to rationalize why he will need such a large head won't help much either.
Joking aside, it has been an extremely difficult couple of days/weeks. I'm not going to dwell there because I am incredibly thankful for the gift of being pregnant and the unbelievable blessing that this is to our family. I am praying he comes on his own in the next few weeks, but I will tell you that when my doctor mentioned the possibility of *maybe* inducing at 38 1/2-39 weeks, I practically hijacked her schedule and penciled myself in.
Seth and I were both big babies, hovering an ounce under and a little over 9 pounds (I was actually the bigger one), so I figured our babies would be big. I did not, however, consider the size of Seth's gigantic head when selecting a mate. Granted, Seth is quite tall and would look a little silly with a smaller head, but it seems like everyone comments on the size of this kid's head. Like a pregnant woman really wants to hear "wow, he has a big head!" Keep it to yourself people. Let me live in ignorant bliss!
Here's a tip for those of you with gigantic heads:
Resist the urge to play clips from So I Married an Axe Murderer (including but not limited to... "I'm not kidding, it's like an orange on a toothpick!" and "It has it's own weather system!"). Your very pregnant wife who has to birth a baby who inherited your head will likely not find it humorous. Also, trying to rationalize why he will need such a large head won't help much either.
Joking aside, it has been an extremely difficult couple of days/weeks. I'm not going to dwell there because I am incredibly thankful for the gift of being pregnant and the unbelievable blessing that this is to our family. I am praying he comes on his own in the next few weeks, but I will tell you that when my doctor mentioned the possibility of *maybe* inducing at 38 1/2-39 weeks, I practically hijacked her schedule and penciled myself in.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Happy wedding day
Our beautiful friends Aubrey and Joey are getting married today. It breaks my heart that I am not there to celebrate with them. Alas, I am busy being very pregnant with an already 7 pound baby (more on that later) and the festivities are like 8 hours away.
Aubrey was one of my first friends at UCLA and our friendship has just grown from there. She was one of my bridesmaids and I love her dearly.
(don't you think she's going to be the most gorgeous bride ever??)
Congrats you two, know that I'm there in spirit and we love you!!!
Aubrey was one of my first friends at UCLA and our friendship has just grown from there. She was one of my bridesmaids and I love her dearly.
(don't you think she's going to be the most gorgeous bride ever??)Congrats you two, know that I'm there in spirit and we love you!!!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
35/35!
(I actually wrote this yesterday, but got really sick before I posted it, so here it is now, even though I'm technically a day past 35/35)
How far along? 35 weeks, and 35 days to go! hence the title of this blog.
Stretch marks? not too bad, but the scale and I are not friends. I'm seeing numbers on there that I've never seen before.
Sleep: unfortunately, worse than ever. Saturday night was awful, I swear this baby was throwing a rave in there. I couldn't fall asleep until sometime after 11, was up from 1:30 to about 4, then woke up again a little before 7. I do not understand this at all.
Best moment this week: It's been a decent week, and I haven't updated in a while, so I'll say two- baby shower the weekend before last, and maternity photo shoot by the fabulous mike and rebekah.
Movement: SO MUCH.
Food cravings: nothing comes to mind
Labor Signs: I thought he was lower, but today he seems to be up a little higher. lots of pressure and some contractions, nothing really helpful.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: having energy to match my nesting instinct. There is just so much I want to do, but I physically cannot.
What I am looking forward to: besides meeting this little guy? So You Think You Can Dance. Yeah… I’m addicted to that show.
Weekly Wisdom: every pregnancy is different and you can't use anyone else as your standard. I have been feeling so guilty about going out on leave before my due date, but this morning I was walking down the stairs in absolute agony, trying to hold back tears while my pelvis was trying to splitting apart, and I realized it was probably time. Yes, I wanted to work the whole time and lots of women can do that. But I'm coming to realize that I can't, and that's okay.
Milestones: we're pretty much ready (I think!). We just need to install the car seat and I need to pack my bag. Everything in the nursery is all set and ready for a little inhabitant (which Stella thinks is her).
How far along? 35 weeks, and 35 days to go! hence the title of this blog.
Stretch marks? not too bad, but the scale and I are not friends. I'm seeing numbers on there that I've never seen before.
Sleep: unfortunately, worse than ever. Saturday night was awful, I swear this baby was throwing a rave in there. I couldn't fall asleep until sometime after 11, was up from 1:30 to about 4, then woke up again a little before 7. I do not understand this at all.
Best moment this week: It's been a decent week, and I haven't updated in a while, so I'll say two- baby shower the weekend before last, and maternity photo shoot by the fabulous mike and rebekah.
Movement: SO MUCH.
Food cravings: nothing comes to mind
Labor Signs: I thought he was lower, but today he seems to be up a little higher. lots of pressure and some contractions, nothing really helpful.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: having energy to match my nesting instinct. There is just so much I want to do, but I physically cannot.
What I am looking forward to: besides meeting this little guy? So You Think You Can Dance. Yeah… I’m addicted to that show.
Weekly Wisdom: every pregnancy is different and you can't use anyone else as your standard. I have been feeling so guilty about going out on leave before my due date, but this morning I was walking down the stairs in absolute agony, trying to hold back tears while my pelvis was trying to splitting apart, and I realized it was probably time. Yes, I wanted to work the whole time and lots of women can do that. But I'm coming to realize that I can't, and that's okay.
Milestones: we're pretty much ready (I think!). We just need to install the car seat and I need to pack my bag. Everything in the nursery is all set and ready for a little inhabitant (which Stella thinks is her).
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