New Addition to the Family

Meet Cooper. He was a gift for Father's Day, making his entrance into the world 4 minutes before the end of Father's Day. Cooper was born at 11:56 p.m. at a hefty 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 20" long. As with all newborns, he lost some weight by the time we were ready to be discharged at home and is maintaining a weight at 7 lbs. 11 oz. Hopefully, he'll be gaining all that weight back in no time.

I started having contractions Sunday morning. I knew on Saturday that he'd make his arrival sometime soon as he was hanging low on my belly. My contractions started at ten minutes apart, so we decided to go out for breakfast. My contractions started getting closer together in a consistent pattern at 5 minutes apart around 7 p.m. so we called the doctor and they told us to come to the hospital. I was only 3.5 cm dilated at the time of admission.

My water hadn't broken by then, so the doctor broke my water and that's when the contractions were getting much closer together and were really starting to hurt. I couldn't find a very comfortable position when the contractions started and felt like I was going to pass out and became nauseous.

The contractions were getting more painful and more difficult to manage with changing positions and breathing, so at 7-8 cm dilated, I decided on an epidural. By the time they got the epidural in and its effect started, I was already fully dilated and ready to start pushing. Because of my latex allergy, they needed to bring up a special pump to self-manage my epidural dosage; but I didn't need it since the first dose was enough to manage the pain. And Cooper was really ready to come out and wasn't going to wait for that pump to arrive for more pain relief. He'd come whether or not I'd have pain and I'd would just have to deal with it.

I'm glad not to have more than the first dosage anyways because it was harder to feel the contractions for pushing. Towards the last few pushes, the epidural was wearing off and could feel how hard I should push. In less than 10 pushes and he was out! The doctor let me reach down and help guide him out. I was really scared I was going to drop him, but the doctor was very reassuring that he wasn't going to let go!!! So after 15 hours of labor, Cooper finally arrived!

The doctor said he'd welcome me any time for another labor! He was pretty surprised that it was such a quick one. I was more surprised that I delivered an 8 lb. baby as the doctor predicted I'd have a 6-7 lb. baby due to my size.

Cooper is doing well. Initially, he got his days and nights all mixed up. But now, he's sleeping better throughout the night, only getting fussy if he's not properly swaddled. I have to wake him up for his feedings at night and sometimes during the day as he gets sleepy. Being sleepy could be a product of his bilirubin levels, not to mention he is a newborn. His bilirubin levels were up at the first doctor's visit. I noticed that his white of his eyes were a tint of yellow. At the hospital, his bilirubin was up by 1 at the time of discharge; but it did not warrant any treatment. We've been pushing breast milk as well as supplementing with formula just in case he isn't getting enough from the breast. We just got his bilirubin levels checked today and the doctor called with good news. It is going down and no treatment is necessary. Just keep doing what we are doing.

Anyways, we're doing well. Just trying to get adjusted to life with a newborn. Fortunately, we have a lot of help from both sets of parents and for that, we are blessed and really thankful. It's nice having someone take care of you while your taking care of a new human being. I just hope to survive once they all leave and when HB goes back to work! But it has definitely gotten easier as each day passes. I just wish I could nap during the day so I can be more rested!!!

I want to thank everyone for all their well wishes and blessings! I will try to keep everyone updated about Cooper, but I have a feeling I won't have as much time as I did pre-baby!!

Baby Names

It's been hard to decide a name for baby boy. Not one particular name stands out to me. I'm hoping we can look at him and one will come to us. I know for sure that I'm not into having a junior, so there won't be another Chuck. Charles is just too formal for my taste. My Chuck is one-of-a-kind.

Though not a complete list, here's a few names we were considering: Mason, Maximus (Max, for short), Truman, Myles, Cooper, Oliver. What a difficult decision!!

39 Weeks and 1 day MD Appointment

I am officially 40 weeks tomorrow and no baby yet. I went to the ob doctor today and they plan to induce me next Friday if baby boy decides to stay inside until then. For sure, by next weekend, baby boy will in our arms. I guess, he's too comfortable in my belly and wants to stay in there as long as possible.

So far, he's doing well. Baby's heart rate is 148 bpm and he's still moving around. He has slowed down a bit, moving about 10 times in 20 or so minutes last night. The doctor really wants me to watch his movements more closely as he is past due. If he doesn't move 10 times in 40 minutes, then I need to call the doctor. I guess it has to do with the placenta being older.

My parents are arriving tomorrow. I really want my mom to cook me some filipino food because I'm craving some home cooking.

39 Weeks

It could be any time now. I thought I was having contractions this afternoon, but I think it was intestinal issues. I changed iron pills and this one doesn't still as well with my gi tract, so that could of been it. Or it could of really been contractions. Either way, it stopped. I called HB at work, thinking it was the "real thing", and I've never seen him answer his phone so quickly. I think he's getting anxious and nervous, ready to go at any time because lately when I call him he's been so quick to answer it.

Anyways, I'm just plain ready to give birth. I guess I can wait at least 3 more days until my parents arrive on Thursday night. My in-laws have been in town for over a week now. I feel bad because I haven't been a good host. I've just been plain lazy and just staying at home, being a big couch potato. And poor HB is working right up until I start having contractions. I'm pretty sure he wants the show to get on the road so he can take a vacation from working! Oh and of course, spend time with the little one.

I have my last scheduled ob appointment on Thursday. Who knows, I might have to schedule another one if this baby decides not to come out. Maybe the ultrasound was right and my due date is the 23rd instead of the 19th. Which means that I could be pregnant until the beginning of July!!???!!! Eeek!!! I hope not because poor Jennifer is only here for 4 days starting the 23rd or 24th of June. Oh please baby boy, please come by then so your first-time auntie can see you....that's the whole reason why she is flying down here!

How Far Along: 39 weeks and only less than 1 week left to go....I hope!!!
Total Weight Gain: 33 lbs.
Maternity Clothes: Yes.
Sleep: I got around 8 hours last night. I think I woke up a few times, but didn't have a problem going back to sleep.
Best Moment of the Week: Can't say until it's more confirmed. 2nd best moment has to be making it to the 39th week.

Movement: Slowing down since he's getting bigger, but still moving. Tightens in a ball distorting my belly and making me really uncomfortable.
Food Craving: None at the moment.
Food Aversions: Not really.
Morning Sickness: Nope.
Gender: It's a boy!
Labor Signs: Just Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Belly Button: More outie than innie. Not all the way outie though.
What I Miss: Deli meat. Triple shot tall Americano. Sushi. Hasn't changed since I found out I was pregnant. Weirdly enough, I have not been craving alcohol at all.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Giving birth!!!!
Weekly Wisdom: You can never really be prepared for what life throws at you. Just taking it day by day.
Milestones: A week to go!!!! Hopefully less, I hope!

38 Week MD Appointment

Just got back from my ob appointment, the 2nd to last one...that is, if I don't go over my due date. HB came with me to this one as he hasn't been to one in awhile. So far, I'm progressing right along. I am 1/2 more cms dilated at a whopping 3 cms!! Only 7 more to go. I asked the ob how many cm could I be until I show signs of having regular contractions and she said around 5 cms. So that means I could be at 40+ weeks and still not be in labor...boo! I'm so ready for him to come out because I'm tired of being pregnant. Well, I guess he'll arrive when he darn well pleases and I'll just have to be patient.

He's doing pretty good. His heart rate is normal and still in a head down position. He continues to move around in there though there's not much room, so he's pretty much just shifting around in there.

Anyways, I'm signing off because I'm just plain tired and may take a nap. I got a good 7 hours of sleep, but my eyes are tired.

38 Weeks

I am really tired of being pregnant and really can't wait until he makes his arrival. I have my ob appointment tomorrow and will be really happy if I'm dilating more. Yesterday, I have had more Braxton-Hicks contractions and thought maybe I had actual contractions, but it was really hard to tell. Either way, they weren't really regular and knew it wasn't time.

I've been more tired than normal. I think it's because I haven't been as active since I'm not working anymore and have been lounging too much. Though I woke up a few times, I slept a total of 9 hours today. I really forced myself to get out of bed and wash some dishes. I'm feeling awake now, but I know in a couple hours I'll be tired again.

On the upside, Chuck and I found a new place to live. We were debating between 2 apartments, but finally decided on one. It came down to location as it's closer to Chuck's work. It is a bit more expensive, but we have a lot of space. The apartment is a little over 1,000 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We even have a trash compactor! But the three best things that we were really lacking in our current apartment that we'll have are a dishwasher, a/c and on-site laundry facility...on the same floor!! The other apartment we were looking at had a washer and dryer in the apartment, but the commute and traffic really were the downside...at least for Chuck.

Anyways, we move in on the 20th and have our current apartment until the end of the month which will make moving easier...especially since we have family in town to help!! It's really going to be a very busy June!!!!!

How Far Along: 38 weeks and only 2 more to go...or less!
Total Weight Gain: 33 lbs.
Maternity Clothes: For sure.
Sleep: I got around 9 hours last night, but it was broken up since I needed to pee and eat.
Best Moment of the Week: Finding a new place to live!

Movement: Slowing down since he's getting bigger, but still moving. Tightens in a ball distorting my belly and making me really uncomfortable.
Food Craving: None at the moment.
Food Aversions: Not really.
Morning Sickness: Nope.
Gender: It's a boy!
Labor Signs: Just Braxton-Hicks contractions....maybe real ones, though can't tell. It'll be any day now!!!
Belly Button: More outie than innie.
What I Miss: Deli meat. Triple shot tall Americano. Sushi.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Family visiting, giving birth.
Weekly Wisdom: You can never really be prepared for what life throws at you. Just taking it day by day.
Milestones: Making it to 38 weeks!

37 Week Pregnant Belly

Here's my belly at 37 weeks which was taken last night. My tank top is totally getting stretched out to the max and you can see stretchy band!

A rattle that I crocheted for the baby. I made a multi-colored one, but had an extra point that wasn't supposed to be there. So, I patiently crocheted another one.

37 Weeks

I had my ob appointment this morning and the baby is doing well. I don't know why I scheduled my appointments in the morning as I don't have to be up that early for work and finding parking is a pain in the butt in the morning. But I did and oh well, I just have 2 more appointments...unless I go into early labor. Though I really hope I don't because I scheduled an appointment to see the ENT doctor on the 14th. That's not the only reason why it would be nice for baby boy to make his entrance on time....finding an apartment, starting the moving process, my parents arriving a day before his "due" date are other ones.

Anyways, baby boy is doing well. His heart rate is a normal 144 bpm and continues to squirm around in my belly. He likes to punch me with his hand and it's so fun to watch. I can't help but "punch" (more like a nudge) him back. Pregnancy-wise, I'm doing well. I tested negative for Strep B, so no antibiotics...yay! My blood pressure is my typical 100/60 mmHg and I've gained another 2 lbs. since last week. I'm also 2 1/2 cm dilated, but no change in effacement! My doctor asked if I'd had any contractions, but I've only had a couple of Braxton-Hicks ones.

The next few weeks and beyond are going to be really crazy busy. The in-laws, and I mean the whole family, will be arriving this weekend. Chuck's parents are staying for a month, but his brother and family will only be here for a week. My parents are staying for 2 weeks starting on the 18th and my sister will be here a little less than a week on the 24th. It'll be nice to see the family again and to have their support when the little on arrives, that's for sure!

How Far Along: 37 weeks and only 3 more to go...or less!
Total Weight Gain: 31 lbs. Looks like I'll be in my target weight gain range of 30-35 lbs.
Maternity Clothes: Can't wait to put them away in storage!!
Sleep: I got around 5-6 hours last night. Went to bed earlier, but got up around 6:30 a.m. because I was hungry. Tried to get back to sleep as I was still tired, but couldn't fall back asleep. Just laid in bed being lazy until I had to get up for my appointment.
Best Moment of the Week: Just hanging out with my HB.

Movement: Shifting around in there throughout the day.
Food Craving: None at the moment.
Food Aversions: Not really.
Morning Sickness: No. Acid reflux is gone. Still have a nagging sensation in my throat, but think it's my stupid tonsil.
Gender: It's a boy!
Labor Signs: Not for 3 weeks, + or - 2 weeks.
Belly Button: More outie than innie.
What I Miss: Deli meat. Triple shot tall Americano. Sushi.
What I'm Looking Forward To: Family visiting, giving birth.
Weekly Wisdom: You can never really be prepared for what life throws at you. Just taking it day by day.
Milestones: Being 2 1/2 cm dilated! We're on our way!!!!!

P.S. I've been a bit lazy on taking my weekly photo. Will try not to be so lazy this week and get one taken before the 38th week!