Today my coworker walked into my office and asked me, "So you're 30 weeks already?!" I excitedly responded yes, but with the stomach turning feeling that I had no idea what would be happening to me in 10 short weeks. What started as a one-on-one conversation became a mommy gathering in my office with stories from each mother. Some had C-sections and epidurals, others episiotomies, and one brave soul took no medication whatsoever with her 2 kids. As nurses they all agreed that as a nurse, there is a little more anxiety because of the fact that we actually know what's going on. When they call for certain things at the bedside (medications, instruments) or when they say something, we know whether to panic or not. I'm one of the lucky few to have my mom who is a labor & delivery nurse at my side so hopefully things go smoothly. At the end of our conversation, all they could tell me was, "Everyone is different".
All the emotions and thoughts during the last few weeks feel like a rollercoaster!!!
I feel nervous when: I think about how short 10 weeks really is. What will happen? Will there be complications? How bad is the pain? Will I get an episiotomy or C-section? Who will take care of her when I go back to work? Will I want to leave her? Will we be good parents?
I feel sad when: I think about how she will no longer be in my tummy everywhere I go. I think I'm really going to miss being pregnant! I know it's uncomfortable, but feeling her kicks, hiccups, and everything in between makes it so worth every uncomfortable moment. (And everyone spoils you!!)
I feel excited when: I look down at my belly when Francis crouches down to kiss her and all I can think of is how he is going to be an amazing father and how we are moving onto the next chapter in our lives. I just can't wait till we hold her in our arms.
I feel happy when: I look at my life and what it has become. I have a stable job that allows me to provide for my child, i've married an amazing man who supports EVERYTHING that I do, I have a wonderful family and friends who love me unconditionally, and Francis and I are expecting a beautiful, healthy baby girl that we once thought was almost impossible because of my complications. Life couldn't be better <3
69 more days...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Mommy and Daddy go shopping....
Since Francis wasn't able to come with us for the first shopping trip, I decided to hold off on buying certain things that I needed his opinion on so we could shop at Target. I held off on all the electronic stuff, the high chair, the car seat, the stroller, and some clothes.
I don't know why the setup is this way but Francis pointed it out and I had to agree. All the displays of the strollers, carriers, and pack and plays were all on the second shelf which is pretty much unreachable for a pregnant lady. The heavy boxes that can't be examined were all on the bottom shelf. I guess I understand a little bit because it's easier for the employees to stock up on the items being on the bottom and easier for the customers to load onto their carts, but it's just horrible when we're trying to take a look at the items and have to take them off of the top shelf. Sadly we couldn't even really examine the pack and play that we chose because it was too heavy and big to take down. Hopefully my trust in Graco items wasn't misplaced.
Our Registry at Target: http://www.target.com/registry/baby/2HO2RZQ4OAK7D
For the first time, I finally felt like Francis and I have really started our journey to become parents. We walked through the aisles examining what would be best for Alana and made decisions. Yes I know, these are just little things, but just the planning process in itself and talking through our daily routines to see what we needed made me feel like a parent. I can't wait until she's finally here!!!
... 74 days
I don't know why the setup is this way but Francis pointed it out and I had to agree. All the displays of the strollers, carriers, and pack and plays were all on the second shelf which is pretty much unreachable for a pregnant lady. The heavy boxes that can't be examined were all on the bottom shelf. I guess I understand a little bit because it's easier for the employees to stock up on the items being on the bottom and easier for the customers to load onto their carts, but it's just horrible when we're trying to take a look at the items and have to take them off of the top shelf. Sadly we couldn't even really examine the pack and play that we chose because it was too heavy and big to take down. Hopefully my trust in Graco items wasn't misplaced.
Our Registry at Target: http://www.target.com/registry/baby/2HO2RZQ4OAK7D
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| Francis testing out the Graco Alano Travel System. Poor Daddy was tired after lifting so many carriers. Time to work out with Bobby and Johnny!!! |
... 74 days
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Baby Shopping :o)
After work today, Pam accompanied me to start my baby registry at Babies R Us in Porter Ranch. With all that's been going on, I haven't had time to shop for anything for our little one. But I had to set aside time, especially since the invitations for the baby shower have already gone out without the registry!!! Sorry everyone! Here's the website:
http://www.toysrus.com/registry/search/index.jsp?_flowExecutionKey=_c1632FA4F-D625-779D-09E9-ABBEF906DBF7_kEB3D8A24-34D1-842C-FB54-2F2A4C85D867&overrideStore=TRUS
When walking through the aisles, I found myself asking Pam a million questions, half of which were, "What is that?!?!" and "Do we need that?!?!?" Pam laughed at me, probably thinking, "Poor Alana." hahaha. But regardless, we had a good time while we window shopped for swings, toys, toothbrushes, towels, pumps, bottles, bouncers and Pam's favorite: blankets. Through all the anxiety with the thought of childbirth, blood and needles, its nice to take a step back and see what I have to look forward to. The other day, my patient said, "There's nothing like the feeling of holding your child in your arms for the first time." I can't wait for that moment!!!!
Unfortunately, through all the excitement of scanning items and having an awesome conversation about motherhood, I forgot to take pictures of Pam and I shopping. :( All I have are a few items I got as a gift from the store.
http://www.toysrus.com/registry/search/index.jsp?_flowExecutionKey=_c1632FA4F-D625-779D-09E9-ABBEF906DBF7_kEB3D8A24-34D1-842C-FB54-2F2A4C85D867&overrideStore=TRUS
When walking through the aisles, I found myself asking Pam a million questions, half of which were, "What is that?!?!" and "Do we need that?!?!?" Pam laughed at me, probably thinking, "Poor Alana." hahaha. But regardless, we had a good time while we window shopped for swings, toys, toothbrushes, towels, pumps, bottles, bouncers and Pam's favorite: blankets. Through all the anxiety with the thought of childbirth, blood and needles, its nice to take a step back and see what I have to look forward to. The other day, my patient said, "There's nothing like the feeling of holding your child in your arms for the first time." I can't wait for that moment!!!!
Unfortunately, through all the excitement of scanning items and having an awesome conversation about motherhood, I forgot to take pictures of Pam and I shopping. :( All I have are a few items I got as a gift from the store.
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| All the moms out there will probably laugh at me, but when I saw how little this diaper was I got so excited! And it's Winnie the Pooh :) |
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| Our registry book to keep us organized |
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| Free Stuff!!! |
Monday, June 6, 2011
Are you having a boy?
Today I had a check-up with my NP since my OB was on vacation and she asked me something that got me a little nervous.
She's been a NP for about 30 years in her practice and after listening to the baby's heartbeat, she asked me, "Oh, are you having a boy?" Of course I told her no, but she suggested that during the next visit I ask Dr. Gabbay to make sure. She said she's been wrong before but just wanted me to double check. To add to this....I kinda gained a little more than I should have for a 4 week period and she definitely noticed. I was told to avoid takeout, sodium, and all those foods that I know are bad for me. Back to salads and chicken breast!!!
After the visit, Francis went to get an estimate on the door/sideview mirror of his car while I spent some time with my parents and my aunt visiting from Virginia. Thankfully my Tita Belen made me feel a little better by telling me that I look good pregnant (definitely a comment I took happily after the NP telling me I gained too much weight).
She's been a NP for about 30 years in her practice and after listening to the baby's heartbeat, she asked me, "Oh, are you having a boy?" Of course I told her no, but she suggested that during the next visit I ask Dr. Gabbay to make sure. She said she's been wrong before but just wanted me to double check. To add to this....I kinda gained a little more than I should have for a 4 week period and she definitely noticed. I was told to avoid takeout, sodium, and all those foods that I know are bad for me. Back to salads and chicken breast!!!
After the visit, Francis went to get an estimate on the door/sideview mirror of his car while I spent some time with my parents and my aunt visiting from Virginia. Thankfully my Tita Belen made me feel a little better by telling me that I look good pregnant (definitely a comment I took happily after the NP telling me I gained too much weight).
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Round is a shape, right?
I keep telling myself that I need to stay active and stay in shape throughout this pregnancy but it's a little hard when I find myself looking at the pen I just dropped on the floor contemplating whether I really need it. These days it's hard to just bend over and get something and sometimes even sleep at night.
The swelling is starting to get worse as the days go by...my toes look like sausages!!!! It's not too bad but I feel like one of my patients and the whole "elevate your legs" thing hasn't been helping. I sleep with my legs up, I sit at a desk all day with my legs propped up on the computer tower. Still, no relief to the swelling :( My feet barely fit into my flats. If you're a nurse you'll understand, if not, sorry: I keep pressing on my shin bone hoping not to see pitting edema but it never fails. I know it's normal during pregnancy but I get a little nervous, especially since my dad has cardiac problems.
On top of it all, I'm starting to develop acid reflux. For the past 2 days I've been trying desperately to hold my food in during the day. For some reason dinner is the only meal that doesn't upset me too much. Maybe it's because I'm more relaxed at home. Oh last trimester how you bother me so.
84 more days...
The swelling is starting to get worse as the days go by...my toes look like sausages!!!! It's not too bad but I feel like one of my patients and the whole "elevate your legs" thing hasn't been helping. I sleep with my legs up, I sit at a desk all day with my legs propped up on the computer tower. Still, no relief to the swelling :( My feet barely fit into my flats. If you're a nurse you'll understand, if not, sorry: I keep pressing on my shin bone hoping not to see pitting edema but it never fails. I know it's normal during pregnancy but I get a little nervous, especially since my dad has cardiac problems.
On top of it all, I'm starting to develop acid reflux. For the past 2 days I've been trying desperately to hold my food in during the day. For some reason dinner is the only meal that doesn't upset me too much. Maybe it's because I'm more relaxed at home. Oh last trimester how you bother me so.
84 more days...
Daddy desperately trying to hear Alana's heartbeat
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
More time please
These days, I hardly find room to breathe (literally thanks to Alana's butt in my belly). Every year that passes, I think to myself, we'll I can't get much busier than this, and every year I'm proven wrong. From LVN to RN school, to a job, to planning a wedding and now having a child, I just wish there were more hours in the day. Every day it's work, meetings, home health visits, dinners, something to plan, all while trying to maintain my relationships with my family and friends. I'm a little worried about how things will be once Alana is here!
At work, I literally have my planner propped up on a stand all day, knowing that I'm going to have to jot something down on it. When I see a week empty, I know that it won't stay that way for long. There's always something to do. On top of it all, I'm still trying to find time to squeeze in a few extra visits with Accredited to save up money for my maternity leave. (I'm told by just about everyone that I won't see those checks till I'm about ready to go back to work) I thought that these visits would be easy, but being farther along in my pregnancy is proving to be a little difficult. I can't lift patient's legs to take care of wounds, I can't sit comfortably anywhere in their home because I know I'm going to have trouble getting up, I can't help my patient's ambulate because I can't lift anything heavy and if they fall, I won't be physically capable of catching them. It's so limiting and I hate this feeling of having to ask for help.
However, I think about what I will be getting in return for these minor inconveniences and I still sometimes can't imagine the feeling of actually holding her in my arms but I know that none of these problems will matter once she's here. The only thing I'm really nervous/scared about is the labor/delivery. I told my mom that we will either make really good or really bad patients. Both being nurses, and her an L&D nurse, those nurses at Providence Holy Cross will have their work cut out for them. My only request of my mom is that she make sure that I don't see the epidural needle.
85 more days...
At work, I literally have my planner propped up on a stand all day, knowing that I'm going to have to jot something down on it. When I see a week empty, I know that it won't stay that way for long. There's always something to do. On top of it all, I'm still trying to find time to squeeze in a few extra visits with Accredited to save up money for my maternity leave. (I'm told by just about everyone that I won't see those checks till I'm about ready to go back to work) I thought that these visits would be easy, but being farther along in my pregnancy is proving to be a little difficult. I can't lift patient's legs to take care of wounds, I can't sit comfortably anywhere in their home because I know I'm going to have trouble getting up, I can't help my patient's ambulate because I can't lift anything heavy and if they fall, I won't be physically capable of catching them. It's so limiting and I hate this feeling of having to ask for help.
However, I think about what I will be getting in return for these minor inconveniences and I still sometimes can't imagine the feeling of actually holding her in my arms but I know that none of these problems will matter once she's here. The only thing I'm really nervous/scared about is the labor/delivery. I told my mom that we will either make really good or really bad patients. Both being nurses, and her an L&D nurse, those nurses at Providence Holy Cross will have their work cut out for them. My only request of my mom is that she make sure that I don't see the epidural needle.
85 more days...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Family time at Disneyland
This weekend, Posse planned a cruise to Ensenada, and because of my pregnancy, Francis and I decided not to attend. We found out later that we would have been unable to attend the cruise anyway because you have to be 25 weeks or less to board the ship. Being 28 weeks, I'm a little past the cutoff line.
So to appease our boredom and feeling of being left out, we decided to plan a mini vacation to Disneyland :) For the next 4 days we will be staying at my sister's condo in Diamond Bar and it's all family time from there.
Friday: Arrive in Diamond Bar
Saturday: Disneyland, Francis' Mom's Birthday (watch Bridesmaids/eat at Joe's Crab Shack)
Sunday: Disneyland
Monday: Shabu-Shabu with Ate and Matt, Disneyland
As happy as I am to be going to the Happiest Place on Earth, I'm still a bit sad to be missing out on all the fun in Ensenada. I think the worst part about missing these kind of trips are hearing all the inside jokes when they get back. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing the stories, I just get sad that I wasn't there.
But on the flip side, it is nice having the extra time to spend with my family :)
So to appease our boredom and feeling of being left out, we decided to plan a mini vacation to Disneyland :) For the next 4 days we will be staying at my sister's condo in Diamond Bar and it's all family time from there.
Friday: Arrive in Diamond Bar
Saturday: Disneyland, Francis' Mom's Birthday (watch Bridesmaids/eat at Joe's Crab Shack)
Sunday: Disneyland
Monday: Shabu-Shabu with Ate and Matt, Disneyland
As happy as I am to be going to the Happiest Place on Earth, I'm still a bit sad to be missing out on all the fun in Ensenada. I think the worst part about missing these kind of trips are hearing all the inside jokes when they get back. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing the stories, I just get sad that I wasn't there.
But on the flip side, it is nice having the extra time to spend with my family :)
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