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1 day ago
Friday, December 23, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Big Sister
Dear Michela,
You are officially a big sister! From the moment you laid eyes on your sister you loved her. You can't give her enough kisses and you always ask about her if you don't see her right away. Last week you went to a party with Daddy and when you came home you ran right passed me and said "sissy, sissy". You didn't miss me one bit; you missed your sister though!
To my surprise you don't have a problem with Penelope breastfeeding. The only thing you have a problem with is if Penelope is breastfeeding and you're not. You want to breastfeed with her! I have breastfed you together a few times and surprisingly it's not that hard! When we have breastfed together you look at Penelope, rub her head, or point to her nose. You will also unlatch every few minutes to give her a kiss and say "awww". Of course, I can't let you breastfeed every time your sister breastfeeds. My solution is to breastfeed while standing up or sitting on the floor playing with you. As long as I'm not on the couch or using the Boppy pillow you're okay.
We are slowly getting in our groove and I'm working really hard to get some Mommy-Meeka time. I'm glad that the adjustment seems to be harder for me than it is for you.
Keep being the loving and happybaby toddler that you are. Penelope is lucky to have you as her big sister!
With all my love,
Mommy
You are officially a big sister! From the moment you laid eyes on your sister you loved her. You can't give her enough kisses and you always ask about her if you don't see her right away. Last week you went to a party with Daddy and when you came home you ran right passed me and said "sissy, sissy". You didn't miss me one bit; you missed your sister though!
To my surprise you don't have a problem with Penelope breastfeeding. The only thing you have a problem with is if Penelope is breastfeeding and you're not. You want to breastfeed with her! I have breastfed you together a few times and surprisingly it's not that hard! When we have breastfed together you look at Penelope, rub her head, or point to her nose. You will also unlatch every few minutes to give her a kiss and say "awww". Of course, I can't let you breastfeed every time your sister breastfeeds. My solution is to breastfeed while standing up or sitting on the floor playing with you. As long as I'm not on the couch or using the Boppy pillow you're okay.
We are slowly getting in our groove and I'm working really hard to get some Mommy-Meeka time. I'm glad that the adjustment seems to be harder for me than it is for you.
Keep being the loving and happy
With all my love,
Mommy
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Full Moon Baby - Labor Story
WELCOME
Penelope Marie Quillinan
December 10, 2011
7:36pm
7 pounds 1 ounce
19.5 inches long
Dear Penelope,
I am destined to carry babies for 40 weeks and 4 days. I went into labor with Michela at 40 weeks 4 days and did the same with you. That however is the only thing that was the same about the two labors. I was in labor with Michela for 30 hours. My labor with you was only 2.5 hours! I have always heard that it is generally faster the second time but I never would have guessed that fast!
On Saturday December 10, 2011 at 5pm I had my first contraction. We were getting ready to sit down for dinner when my first contraction hit. I didn't think much of it because I thought it would be a long haul. My contractions hit hard from the get go. I should have known something was up when I had to stop what I was doing and lean over a chair when the first contraction hit. Early labor shouldn't hurt that much. Little did I know that I would completely skip over early labor and jump right into active labor.
I ate dinner and powered through another contraction or two. While Daddy was giving Michela a bath I lied down on the couch to see if the contractions would go away. They didn't and they started getting stronger. I couldn't lie down during a contraction so I turned to my hands and knees. Simple breathing wasn't helping me get through the pain so I started repeating "mum, mum, mum". That seemed to help. I made a few trips to the bathroom because my body was cleansing itself. To be perfectly honest, I wasn't convinced I was in full blown labor. I thought at least some of the pain was intestinal. Daddy thought I was crazy for thinking that and finally told me "it doesn't hurt that much to poop, you're in labor!" He was right of course. :) I'm not positive but I think my water broke while using the bathroom. There was some green mucus looking stuff when I stood up but I didn't know what it was since I had just used the bathroom. It turns out you pooped while still inside me and that's why I saw green mucus. I guess if your water is going to break at home the toilet is a good place for it to break! I don't know if the contractions got stronger at that point or not, I just know that the contractions hurt and were coming fast.
I never intended for Michela to see me in that much pain. I tried to carry on with our normal bedtime routine by breastfeeding her before we read a few books. That session ended abruptly when another contraction hit. I felt terrible because your sister was obviously upset and she knew I was in pain. I stood up and put my hands on the seat of the couch through the contractions. Michela sat on the couch in front of me and pulled tissues out of the box. She pulled a tissue, wiped her nose, wiped my nose and put the tissue on the table. She repeated this the entire time we were at the couch. It was her way of taking care of me and it actually helped me stay somewhat distracted from the pain.
Meanwhile Daddy called Grammy to let her know that labor had begun and we would let them know when it was time to head to the hospital. Five minutes later Daddy called again and told her we needed her to come over. Grammy arrived around 6:45pm. By that point my contractions were lasting a minute and coming every 1.5 - 2 minutes. That means that I was only getting a 30-45 second break between contractions. I kissed Michela goodbye and headed to the car in the garage while Daddy gathered everything. I wanted to shoot him when he realized he forgot his wallet in the house. Luckily we hadn't left yet and he knew right where he left it. While he was getting everything in the car and running back in the house to get his wallet I stood in the garage holding onto the passenger seat.
That was the longest 5 minute drive ever! I had at least 3 contractions in the car and I desperately wanted off the seat! We found a close parking spot for moms in labor. Daddy ran to get a wheel chair while I powered through another contraction. Between contractions I hopped on the wheel chair and Daddy quickly wheeled me into the emergency room. When we reached the doors of the emergency room we noticed that there was a line so Daddy made an executive decision to keep pushing me through to labor and delivery. I had another contraction while he pushed me passed everyone in the emergency waiting room. I remember looking back and seeing people stare at me as we passed through. I just thought, "yup, I'm in labor and in pain!"
While checking in with labor and delivery I had another strong contraction. The receptionist had me sign something then took us to observation room B. She said that we could get settled and she would bring us papers to sign in the observation room. Thank goodness she did that! I was barely able to stand up from the wheel chair before another contraction hit. There was no way I was going to be able to lie on the gurney so I bent over it instead. I remember looking at the hospital gown and an empty cup sitting on the gurney. I asked Daddy, "Do they really expect me to pee in a cup when I'm in this much pain?" Daddy gave a good answer for my rhetorical question. He replied, "I think they have it there for standard procedure, you don't have to pee in it." At this point I couldn't even undress to put on the hospital gown.
I think we were in the observation room maybe 5 minutes, possibly less when I had a slight urge to push. I told Daddy and he ran out to get a nurse. Two nurses ran in our room and I begged for drugs. They told me I could get some pain relievers after they checked my cervix and found your heartbeat on the monitor. They helped me undress and I reluctantly lied down on the gurney when another contraction hit. The contractions came right on top of each other and I found myself asking for drugs again. I don't know who checked my cervix - a doctor, nurse? I didn't care who checked me as long as I could get it over with so I could get something to ease the pain. The doctor or nurse said I was 8 centimeters. I remember thinking, "thank God!" and "holy moly (okay so moly wasn't the word that I thought of at the time) eight centimeters already?!"
I don't know how long it took for them to cover me up and start wheeling me down the hall to our labor and delivery room. All I know was that it was fast and while we were in the hallway I had an uncontrollable urge to push. By uncontrollable, I mean I couldn't stop my body from pushing even if I tried. I heard the nurse say that "we may have to deliver this baby on the gurney". However, between contractions I was able to scoot myself from the gurney to the bed. I pushed again while someone was checking my cervix and she said I was 10 centimeters. Actually I don't know when they checked me. For all I know they checked me in the hallway but it was probably in our room. After my second push the nurse called the doctor in the room because you were crowning already.
The doctor asked if I wanted to touch the top of your head. I thought about it for a second and said yes. Your head was so soft but I didn't think about your soft head for too long because it hurt having you there! I asked the doctor if you were going to come out with the next push. I think I said it differently though. I said, "She's going to come out with the next push right?" The doctor said, "Yea probably." Sure enough we were right. I kept my eyes open and watched you come out. You had the cord wrapped around your neck twice. I watched the doctor unwrap your neck. I asked immediately if you were okay because it took you a second or two to cry. You were perfect of course and I quickly thanked you for coming so fast since there was no time for drugs.
I was group B strep positive so they wanted me on antibiotics while I labored but there was not time. In fact, they put an IV in my arm for pain medicine and pitocin AFTER you were born. The pain medicine was to help with the stitches since I had a second degree tear. The stitches still hurt. I was given pitocin after you were born because I was bleeding more than they wanted. Before the IV was put in they gave me a shot of pitocin in my thigh. The pitocin was used to help my uterus contract to help slow the bleeding. Since I was group B strep positive and did not get antibiotics they kept us in the hospital for two nights to keep an eye on you. You of course are perfect and didn't contract it from me. Yay!
You are my little full moon baby and I'm happy you chose December 10th to be your birthday.
I love you Penelope!
Mommy
I look pretty good considering this picture was taken 1 - 1.5 hours after your birth!
Picking your nose already!
Big Sister and Little Sister
Our beautiful family of four.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Contraction Data
On December 10, 2011 contractions began at 5pm. We started taking data at 5:51pm. We stopped taking data when Grammy arrived to take care of Michela at 6:50pm. Arrived at the hospital at 7pm. Started pushing at 7:30pm and delivered Penelope Marie at 7:36pm. Below is the data we collected using an Iphone app. Pay attention to the change in frequency! It still blows me away. I'll post our fast labor story a little later.
StartTime
|
EndTime
|
Duration
(mm:ss) |
Freq.
(mm:ss) |
Intensity
|
Dec 10, 2011
5:51 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
5:53 PM |
01:12
|
00:00
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
5:59 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:01 PM |
01:15
|
07:57
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:06 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:07 PM |
01:07
|
06:18
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:14 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:15 PM |
01:03
|
08:02
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:19 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:20 PM |
01:06
|
05:15
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:20 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:22 PM |
01:21
|
01:23
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:22 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:23 PM |
00:32
|
01:54
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:24 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:24 PM |
00:24
|
01:41
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:26 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:27 PM |
01:19
|
01:39
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:27 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:27 PM |
00:29
|
01:19
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:29 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:30 PM |
00:32
|
02:06
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:31 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:32 PM |
00:46
|
01:44
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:34 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:35 PM |
01:01
|
03:01
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:35 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:36 PM |
00:30
|
01:36
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:37 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:39 PM |
01:34
|
01:37
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:39 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:39 PM |
00:41
|
01:35
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:42 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:43 PM |
00:47
|
03:10
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:44 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:45 PM |
01:08
|
01:47
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:45 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:46 PM |
00:57
|
01:35
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:47 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:48 PM |
00:27
|
01:55
|
-
|
Dec 10, 2011
6:48 PM |
Dec 10, 2011
6:48 PM |
00:44
|
00:30
|
-
|
Friday, December 9, 2011
Eviction Notice Served
Dear Little Pea,
We had our appointment yesterday afternoon (40 weeks 2 days) and it looks like you are much too comfortable in a space that is getting much too small for you. You are still sitting high and from our ultrasound yesterday it looks like you're sunny side up. You are still head down but you're looking the wrong way. You should be checking out my butt but you're looking forward instead. What's wrong with my butt? :) You still have time to turn around and the doctor said many babies turn during labor. That just means that you may give me some serious back labor if you stay sunny side up. Please turn!
We set our induction date - your eviction date - for December 20th. That will put us at 42 weeks exactly. Please don't stay that long. I love having you as an inside baby but there comes a time when you must explore new adventures and you have to be an outside baby to do that. The doctor stripped my membranes yesterday and tonight is a full moon. Maybe things will get started? I'm thinking that the membrane sweep didn't work because I haven't had any cramping. Boo! It didn't work with Michela either.
I guess I need to continue to be patient and know that you will come out when you come out! I just hope we don't have to take measures into our own hands on the 20th!
Love you baby girl! Come out so we can see you!
With all my love,
Mommy
We had our appointment yesterday afternoon (40 weeks 2 days) and it looks like you are much too comfortable in a space that is getting much too small for you. You are still sitting high and from our ultrasound yesterday it looks like you're sunny side up. You are still head down but you're looking the wrong way. You should be checking out my butt but you're looking forward instead. What's wrong with my butt? :) You still have time to turn around and the doctor said many babies turn during labor. That just means that you may give me some serious back labor if you stay sunny side up. Please turn!
We set our induction date - your eviction date - for December 20th. That will put us at 42 weeks exactly. Please don't stay that long. I love having you as an inside baby but there comes a time when you must explore new adventures and you have to be an outside baby to do that. The doctor stripped my membranes yesterday and tonight is a full moon. Maybe things will get started? I'm thinking that the membrane sweep didn't work because I haven't had any cramping. Boo! It didn't work with Michela either.
I guess I need to continue to be patient and know that you will come out when you come out! I just hope we don't have to take measures into our own hands on the 20th!
Love you baby girl! Come out so we can see you!
With all my love,
Mommy
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Christmas lights
Dear Michela,
You and Daddy are currently taking a walk down the street looking at all the Christmas lights. You love looking at the decorations during the day so Daddy thought he would take you out after dinner. I'm sure you're having a blast! I took these pictures just before you left all bundled up.
With all my love,
Mommy
You and Daddy are currently taking a walk down the street looking at all the Christmas lights. You love looking at the decorations during the day so Daddy thought he would take you out after dinner. I'm sure you're having a blast! I took these pictures just before you left all bundled up.
With all my love,
Mommy
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Due Date
Dear Little Pea,
We have reached our due date. I was hoping you would be one of the 5% of babies born on their due date but it looks like you will be tardy like your big sister? How tardy? I don't know.
I had a little talk with your daddy about asking me every 30 minutes, "any contractions?" He has since stopped asking the direct question but has started a new question - "How are you feeling?" He admitted that it was simply another way to find out if I was contracting. I told him that he will be the second person to know if I have a contraction - I will be the first. Technically he will be the third to know since you and I will be the first and second. :) I guess you can say that he's excited to meet you, kiss you, and cuddle with you. In fact, we're all ready to meet you, kiss you, and cuddle with you!
If you're not here by Thursday the doctor will strip my membranes to help encourage labor. She stripped them three times with Michela and they all failed so my hopes are not high for Thursday either. We shall see!
This morning Daddy and I took Michela to Christmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose. It was chilly but fun to walk around and watch Michela dance in the street! I think it was a fun way to celebrate 40 weeks of pregnancy. We went strawberry picking when we reached this milestone with Michela. We couldn't really go strawberry picking in December so Christmas in the Park was it!
With all my love,
Mommy
Now for our last monthly check-in:
How far along?: 40 Weeks
Total weight gain?: Too much! At last week's appointment I was up a total of 35 lbs! Yikes!
Maternity clothes?: Yup.
Stretch marks?: Nope, nada, zilch! YAY!
Sleep?: Last night I slept "well". I didn't wake up in pain as much as I have the last month or so. I hate waking up every 45 minutes to an hour with leg and pelvis pain!
Best moment this week?: Beside reaching 40 weeks I would have to say filming you in action. I decided that it was time to take a video of you dancing in my belly. I need to edit a few blurry sections out of the video but it's pretty fun to watch.
Movement?: Yes.
Food cravings?: None at the moment. Daddy had a burger craving yesterday and I gladly indulged with him.
Labor signs?: Nope. But I'd love a sign or two!
Belly button in or out?: In but it's shallow.
What I miss?: Being able to dance while holding your sister in my arms. I can still do a modified dance but I can't bounce around too much because her weight on my belly just doesn't feel good.
What I'm looking forward to?: Your Birthday of course!
We have reached our due date. I was hoping you would be one of the 5% of babies born on their due date but it looks like you will be tardy like your big sister? How tardy? I don't know.
I had a little talk with your daddy about asking me every 30 minutes, "any contractions?" He has since stopped asking the direct question but has started a new question - "How are you feeling?" He admitted that it was simply another way to find out if I was contracting. I told him that he will be the second person to know if I have a contraction - I will be the first. Technically he will be the third to know since you and I will be the first and second. :) I guess you can say that he's excited to meet you, kiss you, and cuddle with you. In fact, we're all ready to meet you, kiss you, and cuddle with you!
If you're not here by Thursday the doctor will strip my membranes to help encourage labor. She stripped them three times with Michela and they all failed so my hopes are not high for Thursday either. We shall see!
This morning Daddy and I took Michela to Christmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose. It was chilly but fun to walk around and watch Michela dance in the street! I think it was a fun way to celebrate 40 weeks of pregnancy. We went strawberry picking when we reached this milestone with Michela. We couldn't really go strawberry picking in December so Christmas in the Park was it!
With all my love,
Mommy
Now for our last monthly check-in:
How far along?: 40 Weeks
Total weight gain?: Too much! At last week's appointment I was up a total of 35 lbs! Yikes!
Maternity clothes?: Yup.
Stretch marks?: Nope, nada, zilch! YAY!
Sleep?: Last night I slept "well". I didn't wake up in pain as much as I have the last month or so. I hate waking up every 45 minutes to an hour with leg and pelvis pain!
Movement?: Yes.
Food cravings?: None at the moment. Daddy had a burger craving yesterday and I gladly indulged with him.
Labor signs?: Nope. But I'd love a sign or two!
Belly button in or out?: In but it's shallow.
What I miss?: Being able to dance while holding your sister in my arms. I can still do a modified dance but I can't bounce around too much because her weight on my belly just doesn't feel good.
What I'm looking forward to?: Your Birthday of course!
Sisterly love
Time to come out sissy!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December
Dear Little Pea,
This is the month we have been counting down to for the last nine months! I have been looking forward to December and I'm happy that we're finally here! Lots of great things are happening in December this year - Christmas, Mommy and Daddy's 3rd wedding anniversary, and best of all your birthday! Luckily we don't have to save the best for last because your birthday is going to be before all the other great things. We get the best present first - YOU! I can't wait to see which day in December you choose as your birthday.
We had our 39 week appointment today and saw no progress from 2 weeks ago. We are still 1.5 cm dilated and you're still on the high side. The doctor said that your head is lower but still not engaged. Surprisingly, I'm okay with that. I would have been thoroughly disappointed when pregnant with Michela but this time I kind of expected it. The doctor said that IF I make it to my next appointment next week (Thursday) she'll strip my membranes. I simply told her, "see you next week!" I think it helps that I was 5 days overdue with Michela. If she came before my due date I may have a different attitude. For now, I'm enjoying the last few days or weeks with you as my inside baby. I know that once you come out you will never be my inside baby again. We will be opening a door for new adventures. I can be patient. :)
Keep growing strong little one.
With all my love,
Mommy
This is the month we have been counting down to for the last nine months! I have been looking forward to December and I'm happy that we're finally here! Lots of great things are happening in December this year - Christmas, Mommy and Daddy's 3rd wedding anniversary, and best of all your birthday! Luckily we don't have to save the best for last because your birthday is going to be before all the other great things. We get the best present first - YOU! I can't wait to see which day in December you choose as your birthday.
We had our 39 week appointment today and saw no progress from 2 weeks ago. We are still 1.5 cm dilated and you're still on the high side. The doctor said that your head is lower but still not engaged. Surprisingly, I'm okay with that. I would have been thoroughly disappointed when pregnant with Michela but this time I kind of expected it. The doctor said that IF I make it to my next appointment next week (Thursday) she'll strip my membranes. I simply told her, "see you next week!" I think it helps that I was 5 days overdue with Michela. If she came before my due date I may have a different attitude. For now, I'm enjoying the last few days or weeks with you as my inside baby. I know that once you come out you will never be my inside baby again. We will be opening a door for new adventures. I can be patient. :)
Keep growing strong little one.
With all my love,
Mommy
Monday, November 28, 2011
7 days to go
Dear Little Pea,
We are officially 39 weeks! When I was pregnant with Michela I started to get discouraged at this point because of my lack of progress. This time, I don't care about progress or lack there of. I'm simply enjoying the last couple of days or weeks with you as my inside baby. I'm not looking for any signs of labor or looking up the next way to encourage labor naturally. I'm just going day by day and happy to feel you roll and stretch inside. With that said, I have had a ton of braxton hicks contractions the last two days. I'm having several braxton hicks in a day and have them when ever I switch sides at night. I'm pretty sure they're braxton hicks contractions and not labor contractions because they neither hurt or are rhythmic. I'm curious to see what the doctor says on Thursday when we go to our next appointment. I certainly look forward to meeting you and my excitement continues to grow as we get closer to our due date. You take your time and come when you're ready.
Our house is decorated for Christmas and your room is about 98% completed. We just need to do a couple finishing touches and it will be perfect! Of course the finishing touches can't be completed until your arrival because it involves your name. :)
Keep growing strong Little Pea!
With all my love,
Mommy
-------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 2.25.12
Dear Penelope,
Daddy had the week off of work for ski week. We finally completed your name and hung them in the nursery. I love them and hope you do too! Oh and the backpack mentioned in the earlier letter; it didn't work out so well so we ended up spending the $200 for the giant diaper bag. :)
Love,
Mommy
We are officially 39 weeks! When I was pregnant with Michela I started to get discouraged at this point because of my lack of progress. This time, I don't care about progress or lack there of. I'm simply enjoying the last couple of days or weeks with you as my inside baby. I'm not looking for any signs of labor or looking up the next way to encourage labor naturally. I'm just going day by day and happy to feel you roll and stretch inside. With that said, I have had a ton of braxton hicks contractions the last two days. I'm having several braxton hicks in a day and have them when ever I switch sides at night. I'm pretty sure they're braxton hicks contractions and not labor contractions because they neither hurt or are rhythmic. I'm curious to see what the doctor says on Thursday when we go to our next appointment. I certainly look forward to meeting you and my excitement continues to grow as we get closer to our due date. You take your time and come when you're ready.
Our house is decorated for Christmas and your room is about 98% completed. We just need to do a couple finishing touches and it will be perfect! Of course the finishing touches can't be completed until your arrival because it involves your name. :)
The stocking on the left is merely holding the place of your personalized stocking. After your birthday we will take that one down and hang yours.
The little socks above your stocking is our new advent calendar. There will be little goodies inside for you and your sister starting December 1st.
And a picture without the flash.
This will be where you rest your head in your room. One of Daddy's students brought you that blanket. Her Grandma made it especially for you! I love it!
Above the window Daddy is going to hang wooden letters to spell your name. The purple and pink rectangles are going to have photographs of you and our family. You can also see a backpack on the rocking chair. That is my new diaper bag. I need something extra large to hold enough cloth diapers to keep you and your sister clean when we are out and about. I thought my college backpack would be the perfect solution since the diaper bag that I thought I wanted is nearly $200!!!
Keep growing strong Little Pea!
With all my love,
Mommy
-------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 2.25.12
Dear Penelope,
Daddy had the week off of work for ski week. We finally completed your name and hung them in the nursery. I love them and hope you do too! Oh and the backpack mentioned in the earlier letter; it didn't work out so well so we ended up spending the $200 for the giant diaper bag. :)
Love,
Mommy
Watch Me Dance!
Dear Michela,
You are our dancing queen. You also love watching yourself in videos. So we made a silly video of you dancing! :)
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
You are our dancing queen. You also love watching yourself in videos. So we made a silly video of you dancing! :)
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Drawing
Dear Michela,
I am your mother so know that I'm giving an unbiased opinion! ::wink wink:: Let me tell you why you are an advanced toddler. You love to draw. Your drawings may look like scribbles to some but you are an artist. You will draw something and tell me exactly what you drew. This morning you drew an airplane and a flower. You kept coming back to the airplane to tell me that you drew an airplane. You knew exactly what you were drawing and wanted to make sure I knew it! I would scan your masterpiece and share it in this letter but our scanner isn't working properly.
You also hold your crayons with a modified tripod grasp. I thought it was early for you to be holding a crayon that way so I hopped on the computer for some quick research. I Googled age appropriate grasps and according to multiple websites you are holding a crayon like a 3-4 year old! Yea I know that websites can give false information but I'm sure these are facts! You can't go wrong with diagrams like this one! :)
I am your mother so know that I'm giving an unbiased opinion! ::wink wink:: Let me tell you why you are an advanced toddler. You love to draw. Your drawings may look like scribbles to some but you are an artist. You will draw something and tell me exactly what you drew. This morning you drew an airplane and a flower. You kept coming back to the airplane to tell me that you drew an airplane. You knew exactly what you were drawing and wanted to make sure I knew it! I would scan your masterpiece and share it in this letter but our scanner isn't working properly.
You also hold your crayons with a modified tripod grasp. I thought it was early for you to be holding a crayon that way so I hopped on the computer for some quick research. I Googled age appropriate grasps and according to multiple websites you are holding a crayon like a 3-4 year old! Yea I know that websites can give false information but I'm sure these are facts! You can't go wrong with diagrams like this one! :)
You are also one very creative little girl. For nap time I have removed access to all toys and books by placing them in your closet and shutting the door. You haven't figured out how to open the closet just yet so this strategy works for now. I do keep your stuffed doggie out because he has become your cuddle toy. Since all of your toys are out of reach you have found other ways to keep you awake during nap time. You decided that the nursing stool that used to be in your room (I took it out a few days ago) is fun to stand on in different parts of the room. You also like the bins your diapers are in so I have to put them on top of the changing table when it's time to take a nap. Lastly, you love pulling your blankets over your head. I'm surprised at how long simply covering your head with a blanket will keep you entertained. I'm glad you are able to find joy in the simplest of things, even if you should be settling down for a nap.
I love you my little advanced baby. Keep learning and exploring.
With all my love,
Mommy
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Dun Dun Dun
Dear Little Pea,
We had an appointment on Thursday and got to see you via ultrasound! We didn't have any pictures printed because you are just too big to get a clear shot. We could see your heart beating strong and your head in the "go" position! It was kind of a distracting appointment though because your poor sister had her 2nd flu shot dose just before. Poor baby flipped out when ever the nurse or doctor came in and she did not want them any where near me! So after we saw you on the ultrasound machine Daddy took Michela outside while the doctor finished with me.
I had the Group B Strep test done and the doctor checked my cervix for dilation. The Group B strep test is just an easy swipe with a long Q-tip. I learned that I am 1.5 centimeters dilated. I know I can be 1.5 centimeters dilated for weeks but at least I'm 1.5 centimeters closer to 10! :)
Today I received the results for the Group B Strep and I tested positive. I emailed the doctor to see what this means for me exactly but I believe I will simply receive antibiotics while I'm in labor to help prevent you from contracting the bacteria. I also guess that they will test you once you're born to see if you have it and treat you if necessary. I haven't heard from the doctor yet because it's Sunday but I suspect I'll hear from her or one of her colleagues in the next couple of days.
Keep growing strong and know that I love you!
With all my love,
Mommy
We had an appointment on Thursday and got to see you via ultrasound! We didn't have any pictures printed because you are just too big to get a clear shot. We could see your heart beating strong and your head in the "go" position! It was kind of a distracting appointment though because your poor sister had her 2nd flu shot dose just before. Poor baby flipped out when ever the nurse or doctor came in and she did not want them any where near me! So after we saw you on the ultrasound machine Daddy took Michela outside while the doctor finished with me.
I had the Group B Strep test done and the doctor checked my cervix for dilation. The Group B strep test is just an easy swipe with a long Q-tip. I learned that I am 1.5 centimeters dilated. I know I can be 1.5 centimeters dilated for weeks but at least I'm 1.5 centimeters closer to 10! :)
Today I received the results for the Group B Strep and I tested positive. I emailed the doctor to see what this means for me exactly but I believe I will simply receive antibiotics while I'm in labor to help prevent you from contracting the bacteria. I also guess that they will test you once you're born to see if you have it and treat you if necessary. I haven't heard from the doctor yet because it's Sunday but I suspect I'll hear from her or one of her colleagues in the next couple of days.
Keep growing strong and know that I love you!
With all my love,
Mommy
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Full term
Dear Little Pea,
Today we are 37 weeks which means that we are officially full term! You can come at any time and be perfectly healthy! YAY! Now we are simply waiting for you to send the signal to my body saying that you're ready to be an outside baby. Your signal will jump start the whole laboring process.
This weekend Daddy is going to install your carseat in the car and I'll pack my hospital bag. I'm trying to be on a cooking spree but it's been a little challenging with your sister the past week so I haven't had much energy to cook. All in all, we have some meals in the freezer and I have plans for more. I think we'll be pretty well stocked by the time you arrive.
This morning your sister pulled up my shirt, said "hi sissy" and kissed my belly. She then gave you (my belly) a big hug. I can't wait to introduce you to her and see how you two interact as you grow.
I love you baby girl and have enjoyed our journey thus far having you as our inside baby. As far as I can tell you are still head down. Your hiccups are really low so that tells me you're in the "go position". I'm ready for you when ever you say go! Take your time and send your signal when you're ready. Just don't wait too long or we'll have to get things going with your help.
With all my love,
Mommy
Today we are 37 weeks which means that we are officially full term! You can come at any time and be perfectly healthy! YAY! Now we are simply waiting for you to send the signal to my body saying that you're ready to be an outside baby. Your signal will jump start the whole laboring process.
This weekend Daddy is going to install your carseat in the car and I'll pack my hospital bag. I'm trying to be on a cooking spree but it's been a little challenging with your sister the past week so I haven't had much energy to cook. All in all, we have some meals in the freezer and I have plans for more. I think we'll be pretty well stocked by the time you arrive.
This morning your sister pulled up my shirt, said "hi sissy" and kissed my belly. She then gave you (my belly) a big hug. I can't wait to introduce you to her and see how you two interact as you grow.
I love you baby girl and have enjoyed our journey thus far having you as our inside baby. As far as I can tell you are still head down. Your hiccups are really low so that tells me you're in the "go position". I'm ready for you when ever you say go! Take your time and send your signal when you're ready. Just don't wait too long or we'll have to get things going with your help.
With all my love,
Mommy
Friday, November 11, 2011
Nap battles
Dear Michela,
This week we have had the battle of naps. You skipped 3 naps this week and cried for an hour before going down for one. So needless to say you have been sleep deprived. Last night you fought bedtime for the first time but eventually fell asleep after a 20 minute battle.
I have been doing a lot of reading about naps this week and I may have a solution. Everything I have read says that when a toddler drops from two naps to one nap we should move your bedtime earlier. You have been down to one nap for a few months now and we didn't bump your bedtime up because you go to sleep pretty early as it is. It sounds like you have been deprived of much needed sleep and this week it finally caught up to you. So my new solution is to bump your bedtime up so you're in bed by 6:30. That will hopefully help you get the extra sleep you need at night and keep you from being overly tired for your nap. I don't know, we'll give it a try for a week or two to see if there is any improvement on the nap front.
This morning you went to the store with Daddy and fell asleep in the car at 9am. We left you in the car and put the baby monitor with you so we could hear you when you woke up. You slept for over 2 hours!!! I of course had to worry about you in the car (I guess it's a mom thing) and didn't trust the monitor so I kept peeking in on you. Normally we try to prevent you from sleeping in the car because it messes up your naps. Since your naps have been sporadic lately we let you sleep. You need the rest!
I love you baby girl! Get some rest and continue to be my happy girl.
With all my love,
Mommy
This week we have had the battle of naps. You skipped 3 naps this week and cried for an hour before going down for one. So needless to say you have been sleep deprived. Last night you fought bedtime for the first time but eventually fell asleep after a 20 minute battle.
I have been doing a lot of reading about naps this week and I may have a solution. Everything I have read says that when a toddler drops from two naps to one nap we should move your bedtime earlier. You have been down to one nap for a few months now and we didn't bump your bedtime up because you go to sleep pretty early as it is. It sounds like you have been deprived of much needed sleep and this week it finally caught up to you. So my new solution is to bump your bedtime up so you're in bed by 6:30. That will hopefully help you get the extra sleep you need at night and keep you from being overly tired for your nap. I don't know, we'll give it a try for a week or two to see if there is any improvement on the nap front.
This morning you went to the store with Daddy and fell asleep in the car at 9am. We left you in the car and put the baby monitor with you so we could hear you when you woke up. You slept for over 2 hours!!! I of course had to worry about you in the car (I guess it's a mom thing) and didn't trust the monitor so I kept peeking in on you. Normally we try to prevent you from sleeping in the car because it messes up your naps. Since your naps have been sporadic lately we let you sleep. You need the rest!
I love you baby girl! Get some rest and continue to be my happy girl.
With all my love,
Mommy
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