6 years later...

Shutting down

2008-04-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Since I am no longer pregnant, I don't need a pregnancy journal. If you still want to keep up with my daily randomness go to: http://mzcelaneous.blogspot.com.

Thanks!

PPD is no joke

2008-02-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

As much as I want to talk about it, I'm at loss for words right now. Postpartum Depression is a bitch and I wish I didn't feel the way I feel.

Great news!

2008-02-09T11:09:00.001-08:00

Great news!, originally uploaded by cel..

Baby M tested NEGATIVE for Galactosemia!! Hooray!!!

Thank you all for your prayers and support!!! I truly appreciate it!

Being a new mother the 2nd time around...

2008-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

Being a new mother the 2nd time around..., originally uploaded by cel..

...should be easier right? Granted, its been six years but I've already been through the leaky diapers, late-night feedings, sore nipples, non-existent sex life, and the colicky cries. So, why does it seem so much harder now?

Maybe it's because back then I was a SAHM for my daughters first year of life. I was her sole provider. Now, with my son, I have to go back to work when he's a month and a half. I'm already dreading returning! I already have seperation anxiety. I'm trying my hardest to take advantage of the time I have with him now, but I can't help but be depressed about it.

With my daughter, I breastfed exclusively for 18 months. In the beginning it was tough because she too had jaundice and was supplemented with formula, but I pumped and bottle-fed her my milk until she got used to the breast (although it took 2 months). Now with my son, it took 9 days postpartum for my milk to come-in and even so, it's not even
enough. I only pump enough to barely cover the bottom of the bottle per double-pumping session. I should be getting at least 1.5 ounces by now. That reason and because we're still pending the results of his Galactosemia test, I've been supplementing with a soy-based formula. It's so frustrating and stressful. I know the stress may be attributing to my low milk supply, but damn I'm doing everything I can! I really do try hard to stay positive, I attempt to nurse at every feeding for half an hour if he latches on, and I pump for 15-20 minutes afterward. I'm even taking some galactogues (Mother's Milk tea & Fenugreek seed pills). Imagine, nursing for 30 minutes, bottle-feeding for 20, then pumping for another 20 minutes 7-10 times a day just to establish my milk supply?!

I AM EXAUSTED!

My goal is to nurse exclusively once the negative test results are in, which should've been yesterday but his pediatrician said it can take another week. Great. I've only got 4 more weeks to accomplish this goal otherwise I'll have to formula feed which is something I really don't want to do. I know formula is just as good as breast milk. After all the Mr. was formula-fed and I know a ton of smart individuals and other kids who were as well, but I feel like like such a failure if I can't even nurse for a few months.

It doesn't help that my son cries bloody murder at every diaper and clothing change or that I have a 6 year old who needs to be driven to and from school 5 days a week. Oh and don't forget having to help with homework too. This is all so overwhelming and I can't imagine how much harder it'll be when I return to work. How do you working moms do it?!

I just want to give up sometimes.

We're finally home!

2008-01-29T17:00:00.001-08:00

We're finally home!, originally uploaded by cel..

Just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that we're finally home!

Ready for the labor story? It's not that interesting, hah.

Late saturday morning (01/19/07) I was feeling ill. My nose was stuffy and my throat was itchy so I decided to stay in bed. At around noon, Miss G was watching cartoons in the living room and was busy entertaining herself and the Mister was...well, sleeping still. I started to have this dull lower back ache. Didn't think much of it, just thought it was because I wasn't feeling too good. It started to get worse and worse after an hour and it seemed to come and go. At this point I'm thinking..."hey, are these contractions?" so I decided to time them. Sure enough, they were 4-7 minutes apart. M woke up shortly after and asked if I was doing ok and I told him I was. I told him I might be having false contractions and that it was nothing to worry about so he asked me if I wanted to help him make brunch. I told him I would, thinking the pain would go away once I got up.

Nope. Not one bit. M told me to call the advice nurse just in case and she told me that it sounded like I was a bit dehydrated and to just drink 4 glasses of water. If within the next 20 minutes after drinking, the pain was getting stronger and the "contractions" were 2-3 minutes apart, just walk into labor & delivery.

Yep. They were getting way stronger and weren't only in my lower back but were wrapping around to my lower abdomen now. I told M "it's time" and he took for-freaking-ever to get ready and leave. Miss G was dropped off at a friends house down the street from the hospital and there I was admitted at around 3:30pm.

When the Dr. checked me, I was already 5 centimeters dialated and 100% effaced. Hot damn, great timing for an epidural!!! I swore I'd go all natural again, but these back contractions were a pain I've never experienced in my life. Abdominal contractions with Miss G felt like horrible menstrual cramps. After blood work which seemed like an eternity (2 hours later!), I finally received that miracle of a drug. You do not know how relieved I was! I was ready to take a nap and wait until later that evening to go into active labor.

But no no no. 15 minutes later, the Dr. checks me again just to make sure and there I was 10 centimeters dialated and fully ready to push this baby out!!! 4 or 5 pushes and 15-20 minutes later, at 5:57pm, Baby M is here.

Yea. Crazy stuff.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyway, the whole time at the hospital I was in freak-out mode. First they suspect a heart murmur (later an EKG proved he's fine), then he fails to latch on properly the first day (he was totally un-interested in the boob), and the next day the Dr. says our blood type incompatibilities may cause jaundice. The day after, he's admitted into the NICU for phototherapy. Ugh.

But that's not it. Yesterday, the Dr. suspects Baby M has Galactosemia, a serious rare condition that can cause speech delay, growth problems, cataracts, poor motor control, and learning disabilites. Two urine tests were positive so a blood test was sent out and the results of that doesn't come back until next week.

Please pray/think good thoughts/send good vibes/cross your fingers for baby M. We really hope he doesn't have this condition. I've been an emotional mess since then and I'm really trying my hardest to stay positive.

Thank you.

_________________________________________________

View more photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mzcelaneous/sets/72157603791617571/

9 months...

2008-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

...and STILL FREAKIN PREGNANT!

I've got 11 more days until my due date but I've been trying anything and everything to speed up the process. At my last dr's appointment on tuesday, I was 2 centimeters dialted but barely effaced. Ugh.

I ate half of a (fresh) pineapple, ate spicy food, had sex, walked a ton but NOTHING is working. N-o-t-h-i-n-g. Any suggestions ya'll? I'm desperate.

No baby yet

2008-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd check in to let everybody know that nope, no baby here yet. Although my due date is in 13 days we expected baby M to arrive early just like his sister but no. Last weeks appointment (@ 37 weeks) everything was the same -- not dialated/effaced at all and no contractions. Yesterday at my 38 week appointment I found out that I'm 2 centimeters dialted. Woo-hoo for some progress!!! No "real" contractions yet and not effaced enough. Boo.

My next appointment is the day before my due date which is the 28th. Hopefully, I'll have the baby before then!

36 weeks & 5 days

2008-01-06T00:37:00.000-08:00

I'm ready already.

Super ready.

Want. This. Baby. Out. Now.

I'm soooo tired of being pregnant!!!

I got some maternity photos done :)

2008-01-04T12:46:00.001-08:00

I got some maternity photos done :), originally uploaded by cel..

1. Baby On The Horizon, 2. Cel(ly)'s Belly, 3. Sweet Mama Cel, 4. Cel

ETA : (more photos)
Thanks to the lovely pumpkinoodle, Penelope's Loom, & Diyosa.

Also check out Deirdre's photos of myself.

You guys are awesome :) Thanks so much!

A little scare

2007-12-21T15:33:00.000-08:00

After my company Christmas dinner last night, M & I decided to stop by the mall to exchange a gift that he purchase. On our way out of the mall, I felt a mild gush of fluid seep out. I went to the bathroom to check it out and it was a lot more fluid than expected. I was also having some contractions (not painful though & not at frequent intervals). Since G was born at 37 weeks (I'm 34 1/2 wks right now), I was a little concerned. I called the perinatal nurse who after asking a few routine questions, advised me to go to Labor & Delivery to have everything checked out.

To my surprise, my regular OB/GYN was there and available to see me. She checked me out down there and stated my cervix looked "tightly shut" but took samples of the fluid to determine if it was indeed amniotic fluid and yep, it was. She did an ultrasound to determine if there was enough fluid in the placenta and everything was fine.

I was given medication to stop the contractions and was told to take it easy. Apparently I was over-exerting myself which I was. The whole day yesterday was spent walking all over Downtown, playing Santa, delivering candy dishes/mugs to a lot of our colleagues for 3-4 hours. I joked that I wouldn't be able to finish my christmas shopping without over-exerting myself and she replied in a stern tone: "Amazon.com -- Dr's orders". Great.

2007-12-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Eight months

2007-12-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

He's comin' soon, ya'll!

Eviction & 32 week appointment

2007-12-11T22:08:00.001-08:00

Seriously. That's how I feel. I'm tired of being pregnant.

My appointment on friday was pretty mundane. She did the usual and everything is fine. The baby is at a perfect size and isn't too big (a common side effect of gestational diabetes). Her guesstimate is that the baby is 17 inches long and 4.5-5 pounds. Good god. G was 17 inches and 4 lbs. 15 oz. at 37 weeks. This is going to be a big (for me) baby.

Liz Lange Maternity for Target

2007-12-01T10:35:00.001-08:00

Momma finally got a haircut, originally uploaded by cel..

Love, love, love that line. Cute and affordable. I mean, who wants to spend tons of money on something you'd only wear for 9 months? Am I right? I got this top for about $20!

Oh, and I got a haircut too. Finally!

2007-11-20T23:43:00.000-08:00

Seven Months

2007-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Just a few more weeks!

28 week prenatal appointment, kick count card, & gestational diabetes, oh my!

2007-11-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

On friday I had to take the dreaded 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and unfortunately I failed it :( The first time I took it a few months ago, I was only glucose intolerant. So, I got a call on monday afternoon stating that 2 of my readings were high so I had to schedule a gestational diabetes class which was yesterday. Man, it's a strict diet. Not too bad, but you really have to be aware of what you're eating. It's almost like an Atkins diet but we don't completely rule out carbs. Just gotta cut down on it and spread it out throughout the day. Worse part for me though: no rice and less fruits!!! I also have to check my blood sugar with a Glucometer 4 times a day. I'm so bummed, but hey, I gotta do what I gotta do for this babester, right?

My appointment went well. Everything was fine. I'm finally gaining weight and my fundal length is right on the mark of where I'm supposed to be. The baby's heart beat is perfect as well.

I started my kick count card this week. I'm supposed to time the baby how long it takes for him to move/kick 10 times and then record it. So far it's only taking him 10-20 minutes. Such a boy, right? ;)

Baby Shower

2007-11-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

My baby shower was a success :) Thanks to my best friends Kat and Lan who hosted the event. Photos can be found here: www.flickr.com/gp/48306360@N00/304nq4

Buddy's my guinea pig, part 2

2007-10-30T23:00:00.001-07:00

Buddy's my guinea pig, part 2, originally uploaded by cel..

Here's another one, except with the Ergo. I must say, the Peanut Shell and the Ergo get two thumbs up from me so far!

Buddy's my guniea pig

2007-10-30T14:43:00.001-07:00

Buddy's my guniea pig, originally uploaded by cel..

Love it and I hope the babe loves it too. My cat didn't want out and fell asleep in it, hah. I ended up receiving this style (the first style from this post) instead of the purple one. Thank goodness for baby shower registeries!

Birth Day

2007-10-23T10:51:00.001-07:00

I was watching Birth Day on the Discovery Health Channel this morning. This woman was fully dilated and ready to push but oh no no. She gets up into sitting position and her baby starts crowning! The Doctor told her she didn't have to push at all. He just pulled the baby out. No epidurals, no pain, no pushing. Tell me how is that possible?! Crazy.

Six months

2007-10-11T10:15:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by cel.

Here's me approaching my last trimester (already!). Don't I look the same as last month though?

24 week prenatal appointment

2007-10-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

My check-up this morning went relatively well. Although I've only gained 6 lbs total this pregnancy, fundal height is perfect therefore the baby is growing normally. Heartbeat is fine and we reviewed the photos from my ultrasound and everything is going right on track.

We talked about my problem down under and got some meds for that however, she found some glucose in my urine sample. Not good. At 27 weeks, I have to do the dreaded 3-hour glucose test again. Ugh!

Anyway, I finally have a date for when I start my maternity leave which is on Christmas eve, 12/24. Whoo-hoo! I'll be 36 weeks then. Hopefully I won't give birth early (G was born at 37 weeks). I want to use my maternity leave to it's fullest!

Warning: TMI post ahead

2007-10-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

One word and one word only: hemroids.

The end.

Nesting

2007-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in full nesting mode. Yesterday after work I cleaned our whole place until I was fully satisfied. Mind you, it usually takes me a whole day to clean and I usually clean on the weekends, but yesterday boy oh boy I was on a roll! I'm so proud of myself :)

F. you Braxton Hicks

2007-09-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm having braxton hicks contractions. While they aren't painful or harmful, they are quite annoying. So, yeah. F you Braxton Hicks!

9 of you were wrong....

2007-09-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

9 of you were wrong....
Originally uploaded by cel.

It's a boy!

20 week prenatal appointment

2007-09-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterdays prenatal appointment was pretty uneventful and routine. I was in and out within 15 minutes which is rare at my Dr.'s office.

Appointment was at 3:30pm, got there at 3:25pm to check in, went to the bathroom to obtain a specimen sample, and was called in immediately. They checked my weight and I've only gained 4 lbs! I was concerned but we'll go into it later. After that the medical assistant checked my sample - which was fine and took my blood pressure - fine as well. When my Dr. arrived a minute later, she measured my uterus, checked his/her heartbeat (found it quick this time! No ultrasound needed), we discussed my nipples - they're fine now, the AFP test I took last time - no problems or defects known, and then my weight which isn't a big concern to her. I was overweight pre-pregnancy and the baby is growing normally so no need to worry she says. Her theory is that I most likely lost some pre-pregnancy weight and gained weight with the baby which cancelled each other out. Makes sense cause I lost a few pounds during the first trimester. Doc says I might even weigh less post-pregnancy than pre-pregnancy. Hah! We'll see about that. Anyway, my appointment was done and I was in the parking lot ready to head home by 3:45pm.

This friday we find out the peanut's sex. I'm so anxious!

Boy or Girl?

2007-09-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

Thar she blows...
Originally uploaded by cel.

We find out this friday ;)

Peanut Shell

2007-09-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

So I really want to purchase a Peanut Shell. My friend Diyosa really likes it and I've tried it on at stores and it was fantastic.

My only dilemma is: which pattern?

This one:

OR

This one:

Please help me choose :) Thanks!

Butterflies in my belly

2007-08-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read elsewhere, I officially felt the baby move last night. What I thought was gas before was definitely the baby :) Just a few moments ago, I put on a Lonnie Liston Smith CD and the baby was groovin, er, relaxing to Garden of Peace. It was quite lovely :)

My big o belly

2007-08-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yup, 'tis I. Click for bigger photo.I don't believe I'm all belly. Part bloating, part belly fat, and the rest baby :)

Don't Touch Me!

2007-08-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Found this on the Best of Craig's list postings. I'm sure you fellow mommas can relate ;)

16 week appointment

2007-08-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

It was basically the same exact thing as my most recent appointment. She checked for protein in my urine, blood pressure, weight, and tried to detect a heartbeat which then led to her bringing in the ultrasound machine. The only thing different was that she measured my uterus, prescribed some topical medication for my cracked nipples (TMI...I know) and I took the AFP test. Hopefully, that goes well.

Not my belly

2007-08-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

Diamonds & Pearls
Originally uploaded by cel.

It's my best friends, L's belly. I took shots of her for fun and here's what we got. More photos here.

Are you sure?!

2007-08-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Get ready for my first pregnancy related rant.

My mom had a little get together for her birthday yesterday and we had a few friends and family over to celebrate. Everyone commented on my belly and asked if I knew what gender the baby is. Then some random lady, who I don't even know and have never met in my life, asked "Are you sure?!" after I told her I was almost 4 months along. I believe her exact words were "Are you sure?! 4 months? I looked like YOU when I was SIX months!!! You cannot be that early!"

Well, uh, yes ma'am. I must be wrong. My Doctor must be wrong as well. You're the professional and I must at least be 6 months pregnant.

*rolls eyes*

My baby @ 13 weeks & 4 days

2007-08-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

My recent prenatal appointment took place last monday, 07/30/07. Everything is fine. The baby is growing at the rate it's supposed to and the pregnancy is going well. I was a bit freaked out when she brought out the doppler and couldn't detect the heart beat after a few minutes. She took in the ultrasound machine and performed a transabdominal sonogram and again, found difficulty in detecting the baby. She did find it though after what felt like years and we both saw the heart beat which the doctor said was fine and healthy. That put a huge smile on my face. Thank goodness. Don't ever scare me like that again, woman! Doesn't she know I'm emotional?! :)

My sentiments exactly

2007-08-07T10:14:00.001-07:00

15 weeks & 3 days

2007-08-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

I had a prenatal appointment on Monday the 30th that I will blog about later (along with some new pics!) but I just had to say thank the powers that be that my morning sickness has finally subsided!!! I'm so thankful!

All of California is pregnant

2007-07-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

It's true when they say when you're pregnant, everyone else is too.

I know 8 ladies online:

L, fellow blogger

T, fellow voxer/myspacer/specktra-ette

D, fellow specktra-ette

I, fellow flickrer

M, fellow blogger

M., fellow voxer/specktra-ette

S, fellow flickrer

J, fellow flickrer

And 12 ladies in real life:

L, BFF

P, high school friend

G, high school friend's GF

H, high school friend's GF

R.E., high school friend's sister

R, high school friend's sister

K, BFF's sister's friend

J, high school friend

T, co-worker's GF

O, co-worker's wife

K, high school friend

D, childhood friend

But check this out: they've all conceived in California. My question is Dude, what's in the California water?!

ETA @ 08/06/07: Added THREE more people who are due this fall/winter! Geez. It must be the water

Pregnancy Survey

2007-07-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

I found this survey somewhere on the internet.

_____________________________________________________

1. What's the one thing you would change about pregnancy?
Morning sickness

2. What was the most surprising symptom?
Excessive nasal mucous

3. What's something every pregnant woman should know?
Spicy thai food will kick your butt a few hours later (heartburn, indigestion, constipation)

4. What's the funniest thing that's happened to you while you're pregnant?
I can't think of anything yet.

5. What is the one thing that annoyed you the most during pregnancy?
Not being able to eat sushi!!!

6. What's the one thing you couldn't get enough of?
Sleep

7. What is the one piece of advice every pregnant woman should have?
If this is your first child, enjoy the time you have alone for now. Once the baby is here, those alone times are far and few.

So emotional

2007-07-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

I've been crying a lot at just about any reason under the moon.

I was watching reruns of Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School. When Sapphyri said her speech and she found out she won, I was bawling. G asked me what was wrong and I told her that Mommy was just happy and that I was crying happy tears.

After that, I watched Scott Baio is 45 and Single and I started to cry when he was telling his girlfriend that he can't see her for the next 8 weeks.

I'm such a wimp now.

Exhausted

2007-07-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

I am so gosh darn tired all. the. time.

I sleep for 8 or so hours, but I'm still groggy and fatigued out of my mind.

Must.

take.

a.

nap.

After work.

Reason 32

2007-06-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Ugh!

2007-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

So, nausea has taken the best of me and I feel like crap most of the time. I will say again, thank goodness it's not as bad as it was when I was having G. I'll take this pregnancies morning sickness over my previous one any day.

It just plain sucks.

Scents that make me want to puke:
Fried foods
Too much cologne/perfume
Toothpaste
Coffee
Sunscreen

Foods that I can grub on without getting nauseous:
Crab
Sinigang
Kare Kare
Pineapple
Strawberries
Blueberries
Kiwi
Peaches
Lettuce
Pickles
Cherry tomatoes

Bleh. Can't wait till my first trimester is over.

Gestational Diabetes

2007-06-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last friday I had to take a glucose test because diabetes runs in my family. I got a call this monday that my results were high :( I needed to come back the following tuesday to do the 3-hour glucose testing.

This time I needed to fast for 10-12 hours, they would draw my blood, drink another concoction with a higher dosage of glucose, and then every hour after that for 3 hours, they would draw more blood. It was horrible. How dare they starve a pregnant woman! I came into the laboratory first thing in the morning and I was already feeling sick. The drink made it worse. I wanted to collapse because I was so nauseous and dizzy.

BUT I got the great news a few minutes ago that I do not have gestational diabetes! Yay! *has happy feet* To be on the safe side, I do have to watch what I eat and meet up with a registered dietician every monday so my sugar levels will remain normal. Thank goodness everything is well though!

8 weeks!

2007-06-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

There's my little peanut! So tiny, but there! My due date is January 29, 2008.

Yay!

And the official news is....

2007-06-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm pregnant!!!

Yay! I'm not sure how far along I am since I haven't had my first appointment yet. I'm just hoping for the best and that I'll make it past the first trimester :)

3 "pee on a sticks" later

2007-06-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't be telling people because I could quite possibly just set myself up for disappointment but I couldn't help myself.

3 positive pregnancy tests! Three!

I'm trying not to get too excited though, I keep asking myself "What are the chances of a false positive?", but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that this is true. I won't know the "official" results until tomorrow afternoon. Please send some good thoughts this way!