A little behind...

I am so far behind on my blog! And we have alot to cover...so let's get to it!

Breastfeeding:
Wow! This is a tough one! Breastfeeding is not for everyone. I tried for one month and unfortunately had to quit. I was just not producing enough milk and with all the pumping and breastfeeding, it was more work for me than anything. Here is the gritty part, so beware. My milk did not come in for at least 8 days. We had to supplement with formula. The first two weeks, I had to deal with cracked nipples, bleeding and shooting pains. I stuck with it though, and even tried Mother's Milk tea, and fenogreek pills to try and get my milk to come in more. No such luck. On the day that Joseph turned one month, I called it quits. I cried. I had no idea I would get so emotional about not breastfeeding, but it was a sad day for me. The bond that I had from breastfeeding was gone. But I know that there are other ways to bond with my son, so I quickly learned it was okay and to gain that bit of freedom back was nice. I didn't have to worry if I had an adult beverage, I didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn to pump, and I could slowly return to myself again. So far...it's been a good decision and Joseph is still growing so I think he is okay with it too! =)

One month:
Joseph turned one month! It has been an adventure. He does great at nights, and not so great during the day. He fights his naps. And if he does sleep, he may only take a 20 minute nap here and there. But seeing that he does great at night, I know I should complain. At one month, we weighed him at 9lbs 1oz! Come on baby...we need some good baby thighs!

Mother's Day:
The day before Mother's Day, Joe and I attended our friends Lukas and Karolina's wedding. It was our first evening out without the baby. It was my first time to let loose and not worry about the baby, as he was in safe hands with his welita and welito (my parents). Let's just say Deanna had a little bit too much fun, so come Mother's Day, she was not in the best of shape. Joe took the baby to church with his family while I was able to stay home and sleep and recover. Later that evening, Joe came home with a dozen red roses and a very sweet card from him and Joseph. As for my mom, we celebrated the next day and were able to celebrate her birthday as well. My mom has been super supportive and helpful when it comes to me and the baby. I feel as if I had a harder time at the beginning...but as each week goes by, with the help of my amazing husband, friends, and family, each day is getting better!

As of today, baby J is weighing in at 10lbs 4ozs! He is growing by the day...and smiling more often. Seeing his smile, literally makes my heart melt! Some days I just stare at him and think....we made him! He was once in my belly, I helped him grow, and now he is everything I had hoped!

I promise to update pics soon! We have to take this blog thing as time permits. =) Time to feed Joseph! Until next time... =)

What a day!

On Monday, March 26, 2012 Joe and I headed to Baylor Dallas. We left around 6:45am and actually arrived on time!! Yes, I will pause for your reaction. =) Love you Joe! Our family was there to keep us company. They first took Joe and I back to our labor and delivery room, I changed into the most awesome open-back gown, and Joe changed into dark blue scrubs. They hooked me and the baby up to a monitor, and I could actually see me contractions coming. Granted, they were only braxton hicks, but it was cool to see their intensity on the screen. We were also able to hear the baby's heartbeat in the background, it was music to my ears! Nurses came in and took my vitals, took my blood, and asked about my medical history. At 9:00am they walked me to the OR, and Joe followed close behind. We walked into the OR and it was all very fast paced from there. Everything started at 9:08am. They had me sit on the operating table, hug a pillow and inserted my epidural. Joe had his hands on my shoulders, and just looked into my eyes, and made sure I was okay. All the fluids they were giving me were cold, so it made me shiver, Joe helped to keep me still while they put the epidural in. Which, by the way, did not hurt. They layed me down, and quickly got to work. Joe held my hand the entire time, and made sure I was okay the entire time. I felt zero pressure, all I could feel was my body kind of being moved from side to side as they took the baby out. That first cry...wow! There is NOTHING like hearing that first cry! It was as if this wave of relief came over me, he was okay, he was breathing and everything was going to be okay. Joe's first words were, "He has hair!" I didn't want to have a bald baby, so hearing him say that made me laugh! After, (from what I can remember), they took the baby over to be weighed, had his foot stamped, Joe was able to put the first diaper on, and after what felt like an eternity...Joe came over and introduced me to our son. He was born at 9:36am, weighed 7lbs 7ozs and was 20 1/4 inches long. He was gorgeous! The most precious baby that I have ever layed eyes on. After, all that, I was able to sit up and hold him as they moved us to the recovery room. We were in there for a couple of hours, and our mom's were able to come back and meet their grandson. Around 12:30pm, we were moved to our room, where we camped out for four days. Joe was amazing! Since I couldn't get up, he changed every wet and dirty diaper. On Thursday, we were able to leave and go home. The nurses at Baylor are awesome!!! So awesome that I didn't want to leave, and when we got home I was super sad that they didn't get to come with me. Note--when we left, Joseph weighed 6lbs 12 ozs...I will get to that part later.

Okay, so now the good stuff. I am not going to sugar coat this...this is something every expectant mother should at least know or be prepared for...as I was not! We got home Thursday, and that evening, Joseph cried for literally two hours straight! We tried everything to calm him down. Swaddling him, skin to skin on me, skin to skin on Joe, "trying" to breastfeed him, and changing his diaper. Nothing would calm this child down. I finally told Joe, maybe we should bring the swing out and try him in that. What do you know...it worked! We were finally able to sleep for at least 3 hours! It has definitely been an adjustment. Nothing can prepare you for this! I am running on hardly any sleep, recovering from surgery, and just trying to remember to take a shower. I literally cried the first 4 days when we got home. Your hormones are on overload, and hearing your child cry, or should I say scream...hurts your heart! I am trying to deal with hearing him scream and not get emotional every time.

On Saturday, we had our first pediatric appointment. The pediatrician at Baylor had suggested we see our doctor to look over Joseph's weight, and his jaundice. He weighed 6lbs 11ozs. They say the norm when leaving the hospital is less than 10%. He had lost a little over 10%, so they suggested giving him an extra ounce of formula at every other feeding since my milk had still not come in. They also heel pricked him to test his jaundice, omg...I balled! His poor cry, wasn't even a cry, it was like he couldn't catch his breath, and when he finally did...the most awful cry came out. We had a follow-up appointment that Monday, and Joseph had gained 5 ozs! Weighing in at 7lbs! They also had to another heel prick, but I left the room this time. Although, I could still hear his screams, and almost lost it again. It's crazy how much you want to protect that little boy and take whatever pain they are feeling away.

As of today, we are slowly getting adjusted to having a new roommate. We ventured out on our first dinner date as a family this past Tuesday to Tupinamba's...and baby J slept the whole time! We also made our first trip to Northpark on Wednesday. I didn't get to introduce him to the Coach store yet...but that will come soon! I also wanted to add that Joe has been amazing! He continues to sleep downstairs with me since our bed is too high and I am still recovering from surgery. He wakes up for every feeding with me, he fixes me lunch and dinner, he helps me with anything I may need. He is an awesome dad and and a great husband...I couldn't ask for a better person to share this experience with!

I will post pics of our newest addition soon as I am typing this blog with one hand and holding the baby in the other. =)

So much to say, so little time!

Where do I begin? Let's start with my last doctor's appointment. On Thursday, March 22, I had my very last doctor's appointment. Everything went smoothly. Being off of work this past week has helped my swelling tremendously! You can actually see my ankles! Blood pressure was good, I gained a pound (to date, total weight gain is 29lbs), baby's heartbeat was in the 130's, and still no dilation. I was measuring a little small, but my doctor didn't seem worried since I was probably "dropping". Later that day, I went and bought my breast pump at the hospital. So after that, we are fully ready! We now have everything! Bottles have been sterilized, and all the parts have been put together! Come on baby!

Here is the next part...I am not going to go into full detail because I feel as if some things should be kept private. I have a scheduled c-section set for Monday at 9:30am. I am not being induced. I had some hesitation about telling people this...but this is something I wanted to share. Because of certain reasons and my medical history, my doctor, my husband and I have decided this is the best route. We have weighed all the options, I have talked to many friends and family who have had c-sections before, and this is what Joe and I decided was best for us. So whether baby Joseph is ready or not, he will be arriving on Monday! And I can't wait!

As I sit here...it is 12:56am. Our son will be born tomorrow. I think the nerves and anxiety are starting to set in. I am not scared of the surgery, I am not scared of taking care of our son, I am becoming nervous of losing our freedom to come and go as we please. I enjoy my time with just Joe. But I know, once I see Joseph's face, all that will change! This is something that we have wanted and prayed for! It's funny, I was staring at my belly today, and watching Joseph "try" and push for more room...and I started thinking. You carry this miracle for 40 weeks, you watch your belly grow, you go through all the symptoms, all the emotions, you become closer with your partner...and by tomorrow we will get to meet this miracle. I am definitely going to miss being pregnant. Not the lower pressure, swelling, or shooting pains...but all the rest!

Since this is my last pregnancy blog, I feel as if I should thank my mom! She has been a great support system. As well as my family and friends. But nothing compares to the support and love of your mom. She let me complain to her as much as I wanted, she came over to take care of me when I was sick with a high fever, she has bought me countless items, and she has called EVERYDAY the last two weeks to see how I am. =) That is what a good mother does and I can only hope to be a great mother like her. I think she has done a pretty good job in raising me, and I can only hope to raise my own child in the same way. So mom--thank you for being there for me, thank you for being one of my very best friends, thank you for EVERYTHING! You are my world!

Tomorrow (technically today) is the day before we meet our son. So Joe and I are going to spend the whole day together. No friends or family...just us two. We will sleep in (for the last time), go eat breakfast, spend the afternoon lounging around, and eat our "last supper" together. One last night of just him and me. I can't wait to begin this next chapter with him. I ask that you pray for Joe, the baby and myself tomorrow. Pray that all goes well with the surgery, that Joseph is healthy, happy and thriving.

Last but not least, here is my last pregnancy belly pics! 39 weeks and 4 days preggo! I hope you enjoy! Thanks for being such great readers, and my next post will be...AS A MOM! =)

All our love,
Deanna, Joe and Joseph

Playing catch up!

Let's see, where to begin. I have two doctor's appointments to catch you up on. So we will start with my 37 week appointment. Baby's heartbeat was beating in the high 130's. I gained 1.5 lbs. Blood pressure was good, surprisingly! Now, my cankles, that's another story. My feet and lower legs were very swollen. So my doctor decided to put me on partial bed rest. I would work half days in the mornings, and then come home and work the rest of the day from my couch. Which, I have to say was pretty nice! She also checked my cervix, which I had not dilated at all. Which was okay, as long as baby Joseph was okay, that's all that mattered. On March 15th, I had my 38 week appointment. Joseph's heartbeat was beating in the high 140's to low 150's...and as always hearing his heartbeat is music to my ears! I gained a pound. No dilation or effacement. My doctor was amazed at how great my blood pressure was with my swelling. She asked me, "What can we do to limit your activity?" Well, Friday was my last day of work, so I would be home after that. She was very happy with that answer, telling me I needed to be resting alot and not do any nesting. Lucky for her, that's all done. Everything is ready for baby Joseph's arrival! After that appointment, I went and did my last blood work for the big day! We have our official last doctor's appointment this Thursday, and then that Monday we get to meet our sweet baby boy! 9 days and counting!!!!

Friday, March 16th, was my last day of work! It is nice to come home and be able to just relax. I will be off for 3 months, and will only be thinking of my new family! I will not be stressed about checking emails, or wondering if they are doing okay at work without me, I am solely concentrating on starting my new family.

People consistently ask me, are you nervous? Are you excited? I am not nervous. And the reason being, is because I have a GREAT partner by my side. Having Joe be there for me, puts my mind at ease. He is my crutch, and no matter what I need, I know he will be there to help me. He helps me every morning put on my socks and shoes, he comes up at midnight to turn on the fan for me that I have forgotten to turn on, he helps me up from the couch, the chair, the car, the floor, whatever I happen to be sitting on, he runs out to get me chocolate frozen yogurt, candy, strawberry banana smoothies from Starbucks, and whatever else I may need. He has been one amazing husband during this whole process and I love him very much. Am I excited? HELL YES I am excited! Honestly, these past 39 weeks have gone by pretty fast! And I only have 9 more days to enjoy touching my belly and watching Joseph push and move around in my belly!

As for how I am feeling... pretty good. I am finally over my cold/flu symptoms! To date, I have gained 28 lbs. My belly button is still an innie...just proves that I have the never ending innie. I have avoided stretch marks, and am hoping to keep avoiding them. I still have shooting pains in my belly and braxton hicks. I am now waking up at least 4 times a night to pee. And turning from side to side while I sleep is getting harder and harder.

I am including the final nursery and bathroom pictures for you, and my 38 week belly pics. Until my next appointment, enjoy!

38 weeks...holy cow!

38 weeks, covered up is better!

Getting close!

Well, last week didn’t go as planned. I got sick! Like very sick. And as much as Joe was doing a great job taking care of me, sometimes you just need your mom. So Wednesday, I left work early to work from home. I started feeling pretty bad, and knew being at work was just not gonna work. That evening, I called my mom around 7pm to come over and make me my favorite “sick” food, and to just lay with me as I tried to sleep. She came over, I ate a little bit, and my fever continued to spike. Reaching almost 102. My mom read in the “What to expect when your expecting” book, and it stated to call your doctor. So I called the doctor that was ‘on call’. She stated that if we weren’t able to bring my fever down, we were going to have to make a trip to Labor & Delivery to do a flu swab and to see if they could get my fever down. I immediately took some Tylenol, and within a few minutes I was sweating! The fever was finally breaking. That night I went to bed, and took the next day off from work. Luckily, I had a doctor’s appointment the next day, and Joe was able to stay home from work and take care of me. At my doctor’s appointment, my blood pressure was good, I gained ½ a pound, the baby’s heartbeat was beating in the high 140’s to low 150’s, and everything with the baby seemed okay. My doctor still wanted to do a sonogram to make sure he was okay. He of course, is now full on breach, and no longer transverse. Although, I think he switches back and forth every now and then. Stubborn already! But Joe and I were able to see him closing and opening his mouth, and watch his chest rise up and down. It was pretty cool! He is weighing in at about 5lbs 10ozs give or take a pound. Even though I feel like crap on the outside, he is still growing and having fun on the inside! Whew, that appointment definitely made me feel better!

Saturday, even though I was still sick, I put on a brave face to attend our couple’s baby shower….hosted by my Uncle Mario & Aunt Robyn, Uncle Martin & Aunt Patty, and Dan & Margaret Jones! Wow—this was by far one of the BEST baby shower’s I have ever attended. Joe and I are pretty lucky to have such great family and friends! My Uncles made sure everyone’s glass was half full, and that shots were evenly distributed out. The food was awesome! We definitely raked it in as far as gifts! Joseph is going to have everything he could possibly need! I was pretty proud of myself, as I stayed up and partied until 12:45am! As for Joe he passed out on the couch about 12:15am, seeing as he never drinks anymore, I think he had too much fun for one night. We all had a great time, and I’m pretty sure I would have more babies just to have another shower just like that one!

I have another doctor’s appointment tomorrow, I am weekly now folks! I will have updates as to what’s going on with that appointment. I only have 7 working days left from work, and 19 days until baby Joseph will be here. Oh yea, left that part out—if I don’t go into labor on my own, we have an induction date set for March 26. So whether he is ready or not, he’s coming! And I am ready! Just trying to get myself better before then. Other than that, Joe and I are going to enjoy this weekend with nothing planned! And just try to finish up a few last minute things before the baby gets here. Until then…Happy Hump Day!

It's my party and I will cry if I want to!

Well, I think it's safe to say that the fun is over. I have been very lucky these past 9 months...I have had a very easy pregnancy thus far. No morning sickness, no nausea, my "girls" did not hurt in the first tri-mester, I did not have any unusual cravings...all was great! Until I reached week 35. Minus the braxton hicks that started at week 28, I now have some very painful lower pressure, I have shooting pains across my whole belly and down below, I have the dreaded hemorrhoids. I'm not gonna sugar coat this for you, I am in some pain. If I am on my feet too long, my cankles swell and double in size. The other night, I had to wake up Joe, because the shooting pains were so bad I couldn't get out of bed to pee. So he had to hoist me up, and roll me out of bed. I think him hearing me grunt and breathe heavily is now normal to him. =) I can honestly say, I am ready to meet Baby Joseph! The pains hurt in my belly, and the pressure hurts, so I kind of walk with a limp, so it basically looks like I'm waddling from place to place. I am now accepting the fact, that I do in fact, waddle. But with less than 32 days until the big day, I will have to wait it out, and try to make myself as comfortable as possible.

I do, however, have Joseph's bag packed, his carseat is now ready, and I am slowly but surely packing my bag. I asked my friend, Margaret, if she would carry the baby for me until he was born, but seeing as she has a 4 1/2 month old little girl, she is kind of busy.

This weekend we are celebrating Gregory's 2nd birthday at Chucky Cheese, and I am looking forward to watching him run around like a mad man and eat pizza! Joe is looking forward to being a kid again. Other than that, I don't have any updated pics just yet. I promise I will take some more soon. Or you could google whale, and see a picture of me. =)

Until next time, lots of love from Baby Joseph and I!

DUE DATE!

Hmm, where should I start…?

Well, this past Monday I woke up feeling some lower pressure. As the morning went on, it got worse, I started to feel some back pain as well, a little cramping and some sharp pains every now and then. So I decided to work from home, and call my doctor. The nurse asked if I could stay off my feet, since the back pain had subsided. I told her yes and she said to stay hydrated and that my doctor would be calling me back first thing in the morning.

As I was laying there trying to rest, I started thinking…we are no where near ready for baby Joseph’s arrival! So what do I do instead of resting? I get up and wash all his clothes, pack a bag for him, I unload the dishwasher and load it, because who wants to come home from the hospital with a sink full of dirty dishes? Not me! My friend, Margaret, begged me to pack my bag as well. So this weekend, I am heading out to buy some nursing bra’s and nursing tank tops, and some good ole’ granny panties. Joe and I are also going out to buy (with the help of my parents) our stroller. Why would we buy our stroller, it’s not that big of a deal to buy right now, right? Well, when the car seat comes with the stroller it turns in to a MUST HAVE! After we get all that bought and out of the way, I think I will then be able to rest better knowing we WILL BE READY for the baby’s arrival should he come sooner than later.

That next morning, the doctor called me, and asked to see me that morning in lieu of my original Thursday appointment. Once I get there, she does a cotton swab test to test the lining of my cervix and checked my cervix. All seemed well…and closed! I asked her if she could tell how much the baby might weigh now. She started moving my belly around, and goes, “Well, he is transverse. That gives me enough reason to do a sono; I want to make sure he is okay in there.” Transverse means he is lying horizontally in my belly, instead of head down, which could be the reason I was experiencing the symptoms I was having. So off to the sono tech I went…and everything looked great! I couldn’t see Joseph’s face, his hands and feet were covering his face. But I did get to see his cute, little tiny toes in my ribs! And he is showing that he is weighing in at 5.5lbs already! Holy cow, that’s a big baby! And I am measuring a week and 3 days early. Yikes! But all in all, everything is still good…blood pressure is good, weight is good, and urine was good.

Now, let’s get to my due date. It gets kind of complicated, so I will try and explain well. When I first became pregnant, the sonographer did a sonogram and measured the baby and said my due date was March 27^th. My doctor used one of those wheely things, and went by my last period and said my due date was April 2^nd. Ummm, that’s a 6 day difference. So I chose a date in the middle, my due date would be March 30^th. =) Now, what have I been measuring my weeks by? The sonographer’s date. So from her date, as of yesterday, I was measuring at 34 weeks. So technically I am only measuring ahead by 3 days. Now my doctor’s date, she has me measuring (as of yesterday) at 33 weeks and 2 days, which means by the sonogram I am measuring ahead by 1 week and 3 days. I think I will take my original date of March 27^th; it seems to be more accurate. And I really don’t want to be measuring ahead that much with a 5.5lb baby at 33 weeks! Yikes!

So I think that’s it for now. We finally got our 2^nd living area aka the playroom all set up. And other than feeling those symptoms on Monday, I seem to be feeling better. My next appointment is set for March 1. And I have my work baby shower this Friday, which I am super excited about!!!!

I will post more pics soon! =) Happy Wednesday!