Yesterday I wasn't feeling all that well and started to get a headache. I was warned by the nurses that if I had a headache that I needed to head back to L&D. My blood pressure read 150/100 manually, but I decided to get a second opinion before jumping the gun. My mom took my BP both manually and by electronic machine and got about the same result. So off to the hospital we went.
This time we were put into triage and just my luck, my BP went back down to 132/84. Great. The poked me for labwork yet again and after getting the results the doctor said I was ok to go home but still on bed rest and low salt diet.
I guess it's not time yet. 16 more days...
Monday, August 8, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Admitted
So during our regular weekly OB visit, the medical assistant took my blood pressure and for some reason it was high. During this whole pregnancy not once did I have an episode of high BP but it was 140/98. I was told to lie on my left side for a few minutes and after doing so it was still at 136/92. Dr. Gabbay walked into the room not long afterwards and next thing I knew, I was being admitted into the hospital. As soon as we stepped into the L&D room I realized: "I hate being a patient!" I'd much rather be the nurse.
From the moment that I sat on the bed I felt confined to the bed. A blood pressure cuff was placed on my right arm and 2 monitors on my belly for Alana's heartbeat and contractions. They asked me to pee in a cup and poked me a few times for labs and to hook me up to an IV. I was not a happy camper. I've never been a patient so I guess it was really good experience for me as a nurse to be able to understand how they feel being in the hospital. There were times when I felt like I didn't even want to pee because of all the wires I was connected to. I gained a totally different view on the hospital experience. I've always looked at it from a nurses eyes, so to have this was actually somewhat of a blessing in disguise. Unfortunately, Francis was completely bored through it all and uncomfortable too. At least I had a bed to lie in, he had an uncomfortable, barely padded chair. They need to put a small couch in there or something! Honestly it wasn't a bad hospital experience though, the nurses were extremely helpful and they treated me the way I would treat my own patients so I can't really complain. I guess I'm just not used to being the patient.
Anyway, after all the tests, they found out I was just dehydrated and gave me a bag of LR through IV. As soon as they did, my blood pressure went back to normal and I was sent home but not without a few warnings. Bed rest and no salt, boo! Before I left though, I was told that I was 1cm dilated, 60% effaced and was having contractions that I didn't even feel. Almost time I guess?
18 days left....maybe sooner if Alana's ready!
From the moment that I sat on the bed I felt confined to the bed. A blood pressure cuff was placed on my right arm and 2 monitors on my belly for Alana's heartbeat and contractions. They asked me to pee in a cup and poked me a few times for labs and to hook me up to an IV. I was not a happy camper. I've never been a patient so I guess it was really good experience for me as a nurse to be able to understand how they feel being in the hospital. There were times when I felt like I didn't even want to pee because of all the wires I was connected to. I gained a totally different view on the hospital experience. I've always looked at it from a nurses eyes, so to have this was actually somewhat of a blessing in disguise. Unfortunately, Francis was completely bored through it all and uncomfortable too. At least I had a bed to lie in, he had an uncomfortable, barely padded chair. They need to put a small couch in there or something! Honestly it wasn't a bad hospital experience though, the nurses were extremely helpful and they treated me the way I would treat my own patients so I can't really complain. I guess I'm just not used to being the patient.
Anyway, after all the tests, they found out I was just dehydrated and gave me a bag of LR through IV. As soon as they did, my blood pressure went back to normal and I was sent home but not without a few warnings. Bed rest and no salt, boo! Before I left though, I was told that I was 1cm dilated, 60% effaced and was having contractions that I didn't even feel. Almost time I guess?
18 days left....maybe sooner if Alana's ready!
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Monday, August 1, 2011
No more work!!!!
I've been looking forward to my maternity leave for the past 8 months and now that it's finally here, I'm BORED!!! I don't know what to do with myself! I've watched TV, taken a nap, and folded some laundry but realizing that I still have 3 weeks until she's born makes me feel so unproductive. I guess this is about the time when the nesting phase starts to kick in, huh?
Everyone has been telling me to take advantage of this time because when the baby arrives there won't be much time to clean, cook, or even go to the bathroom. I know it's true, but I think I'm just so anxious about Alana's arrival I can't help but be extremely impatient. For those of you who have children, think about your first child and the wait that seems like FOREVER!!! It was hard to contain yourself those last few weeks, right? On top of that is the fact that I have carpal tunnel and can't even fit my wedding ring around my finger anymore. Part of me can't wait until I'm not pregnant anymore. The waddling and need to pee every 5 seconds is driving me nuts. I know I'll be busy with Alana, but it will be so worth it when she's finally here!
24 more days...
Everyone has been telling me to take advantage of this time because when the baby arrives there won't be much time to clean, cook, or even go to the bathroom. I know it's true, but I think I'm just so anxious about Alana's arrival I can't help but be extremely impatient. For those of you who have children, think about your first child and the wait that seems like FOREVER!!! It was hard to contain yourself those last few weeks, right? On top of that is the fact that I have carpal tunnel and can't even fit my wedding ring around my finger anymore. Part of me can't wait until I'm not pregnant anymore. The waddling and need to pee every 5 seconds is driving me nuts. I know I'll be busy with Alana, but it will be so worth it when she's finally here!
24 more days...
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Baby Shower #3
During my last week of work, my coworkers decided to surprise me with a beautiful baby shower! Like I have said before, I feel like this company has watched me grow up and this event was only an addition to the list. You would think that in an office full of women there would be a lot more drama than there is, but it's quite the opposite. Through school, marriage and now a baby, everyone has been nothing but supportive of all the changes in my life. Thank you so much Accredited for your support these past 5 years!!!
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| Surprise! |
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| Janelle and Fedilyn (2 of my 3 planners) Nini: not pictured |
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| Alana's beautiful gifts |
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| Some of my coworkers |
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| They even invited Francis over! |
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| Us and Mang Tony (the winner of the diaper game) |
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| Minnie mouse clothes for Alana |
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The hospital tour
Today Francis and I took a tour of Providence Holy Cross Labor and Delivery and it finally hit us. We're going to have this baby soon, whether we like it or not! Of course I wouldn't have it any other way, but I think it finally kicked things into gear for us. We haven't moved into the Liggett house yet, we haven't packed the hospital bag, we haven't built the crib or set up the car seat! So many things we have been postponing because I don't think it really hit us yet. Until now....
The tour started off with a slideshow of all the renovations that the hospital has made to Labor and Delivery, one of which was a whole new floor! Each L&D room is brand new with more space and new equipment. We were then escorted through the floor by 2 nurses. As beautiful as the rooms were, they couldn't shake my fear of going through labor, and when looking at the bed, that was all I was picturing: me laying on that bed going through the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life. Great!
But the fear soon turned into excitement as we walked past NICU and saw the tiny babies in the cribs. A rush of emotion came over me as I pictured Francis and I holding Alana in our arms for the very first time. I knew at that moment it would all be worth it to have her.
See you in about 1 month L&D!!!
The tour started off with a slideshow of all the renovations that the hospital has made to Labor and Delivery, one of which was a whole new floor! Each L&D room is brand new with more space and new equipment. We were then escorted through the floor by 2 nurses. As beautiful as the rooms were, they couldn't shake my fear of going through labor, and when looking at the bed, that was all I was picturing: me laying on that bed going through the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life. Great!
But the fear soon turned into excitement as we walked past NICU and saw the tiny babies in the cribs. A rush of emotion came over me as I pictured Francis and I holding Alana in our arms for the very first time. I knew at that moment it would all be worth it to have her.
See you in about 1 month L&D!!!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Baby Shower #2 (Posse Baby Shower)
The second that Francis and I found out we were pregnant, our friend Sonny jumped at the chance to throw us an amazing, emotional and memorable baby shower. After that night, I must say that he definitely succeeded.
The shower on July 23 started off with 2 of my bridesmaids Monica and Michelle introducing the night in their bridesmaid dresses as you see below. We started off with a game (guys vs. girls) similar to "Who wants to be a Millionaire". Sonny/Christian, where the heck did you guys get those pregnancy questions?!?!? They were hard! As usual drinking was a part of the game, but how else would you expect the Posse to start off a party??? lol.
After the game were a few heartfelt speeches by Stef and Randy, my sister Heidee and Francis' sister Cristine Mae. Of course the waterworks began as our sisters read letters from our moms. Honestly, the second that I saw our sisters at the shower, I knew that they had gone far to make this night memorable for us. And this was only a fraction of the night. Custom made presents such as a homemade quilt, basket, and shirts for our little family were just a few of the gifts given to us. Looking at the presents, you can tell that more than money was put into it. They actually put the time and effort to make a quilt, paint on shirts, and decorate baskets. In addition, a pack 'n play was given to us so we would have somewhere for Alana to stay at the Palace. Thank you Posse!!! I can't wait until she's born and gets to meet the people who make her Mommy and Daddy so happy!!!
After all the speeches and crying, I thought it was all over, but they had something else in store for us. A whole play was choreographed/filmed/performed for us and it couldn't have been more entertaining! In short, the story starts off with Alana in high school struggling to find herself. Her awesome aunt's stepped in and told her the story of her parent's struggle. Throughout the play were, of course, some things I'd rather leave in my past, but were hilarious nonetheless. Francis' geeky side and my rebel side were displayed along with song and dance. I couldn't believe how much effort went into this night. At the end of it all, they had Francis and I sing to Alana. Best part is that the whole night was filmed for Alana to watch as soon as we were ready to show it to her!!! I can't think of a better gift :)
I think the most difficult part of this baby shower is knowing how to say thank you. My sister said it best when she said, "This is the best baby shower I have been to". I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, I love the normal baby showers with the diaper games, food and giveaways, but this baby shower was just at a different level. It made me feel like Francis and I are ready to be parents emotionally. Having gone through the struggled that you guys so creatively displayed made me feel like we had always been parents, we just needed Alana to prove it. Thank you Posse for making us feel like the most special parents in the world. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
Last but not least, thank you Sonny for organizing this baby shower. This baby shower meant the world to Francis and I and when Alana watches that video and understands us that much more, we will have you to thank. We love you so very much!!!!!
"Tell You Something"
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| Mocha Black and Deeky White our hosts for the night |
After the game were a few heartfelt speeches by Stef and Randy, my sister Heidee and Francis' sister Cristine Mae. Of course the waterworks began as our sisters read letters from our moms. Honestly, the second that I saw our sisters at the shower, I knew that they had gone far to make this night memorable for us. And this was only a fraction of the night. Custom made presents such as a homemade quilt, basket, and shirts for our little family were just a few of the gifts given to us. Looking at the presents, you can tell that more than money was put into it. They actually put the time and effort to make a quilt, paint on shirts, and decorate baskets. In addition, a pack 'n play was given to us so we would have somewhere for Alana to stay at the Palace. Thank you Posse!!! I can't wait until she's born and gets to meet the people who make her Mommy and Daddy so happy!!!
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| My sister reading my mom's letter trying not to cry |
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| Francis' little sister talking to Francis and I |
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| The best quilt ever :) |
After all the speeches and crying, I thought it was all over, but they had something else in store for us. A whole play was choreographed/filmed/performed for us and it couldn't have been more entertaining! In short, the story starts off with Alana in high school struggling to find herself. Her awesome aunt's stepped in and told her the story of her parent's struggle. Throughout the play were, of course, some things I'd rather leave in my past, but were hilarious nonetheless. Francis' geeky side and my rebel side were displayed along with song and dance. I couldn't believe how much effort went into this night. At the end of it all, they had Francis and I sing to Alana. Best part is that the whole night was filmed for Alana to watch as soon as we were ready to show it to her!!! I can't think of a better gift :)
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| Francis and I with our Hosts |
I think the most difficult part of this baby shower is knowing how to say thank you. My sister said it best when she said, "This is the best baby shower I have been to". I couldn't agree more. Don't get me wrong, I love the normal baby showers with the diaper games, food and giveaways, but this baby shower was just at a different level. It made me feel like Francis and I are ready to be parents emotionally. Having gone through the struggled that you guys so creatively displayed made me feel like we had always been parents, we just needed Alana to prove it. Thank you Posse for making us feel like the most special parents in the world. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
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| Sonny (the guy that made this baby shower happen) |
Friday, July 22, 2011
Nursery
Whenever I look through baby magazines, stores, websites, I'm constantly bombarded with ideas about how a nursery should be decorated. Being artsy, I have always had this huge dream about how I want my first child's nursery to look like, and then I get a little sad that we won't be able to provide that for Alana.
Now don't get me wrong, I am blessed to have amazing parents that are willing to house us while we save up for a house of our own, but I always envisioned myself having a home prior to having a child. Our situation is a little off though because of the fact that we do technically own a home with other people, but it's not an environment that's fit for a child. With parties thrown at least once a week, loud music in the middle of the night, and visitors constantly in and out, it's a wonder that any of us get much sleep. I couldn't put Alana through that. And to disturb the roomies with a baby crying in the middle of the night wouldn't be fair.
I've been trying to plan for Alana's nursery and I think that I can make do with what we have though. I've picked out a quote that I want to post near her crib and there are already clouds on the ceiling so hopefully a few more personal touches and the room will be baby friendly :) Now to get the shelves off the walls and the TV mounted and we're all set.
Now don't get me wrong, I am blessed to have amazing parents that are willing to house us while we save up for a house of our own, but I always envisioned myself having a home prior to having a child. Our situation is a little off though because of the fact that we do technically own a home with other people, but it's not an environment that's fit for a child. With parties thrown at least once a week, loud music in the middle of the night, and visitors constantly in and out, it's a wonder that any of us get much sleep. I couldn't put Alana through that. And to disturb the roomies with a baby crying in the middle of the night wouldn't be fair.
I've been trying to plan for Alana's nursery and I think that I can make do with what we have though. I've picked out a quote that I want to post near her crib and there are already clouds on the ceiling so hopefully a few more personal touches and the room will be baby friendly :) Now to get the shelves off the walls and the TV mounted and we're all set.
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| The quote to be posted above Alana's crib :) |
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