2 weeks!

And things are going really well! I actually get enough sleep which is awesome.. I just have to go to bed at 9 since it takes a good 12 hours in bed for me to get my 7 or 8 hours of sleep. He actually sleeps from about 10pm- 1:30 or 2 AM, then we breast feed, then sleeps again until 3 0r 4, again till 6 or 7, and again until 8 or 9. Not bad! He sleeps later than me! Then I put him in the swing for his morning nap (another 3 hours) while I have coffee and do my emailing and business calls. We will see how long this pattern lasts.

We had our 2 week check up yesterday and everything looks wonderful, he gained 12 ounces in 1 week so he is up to 8. 12 now! He also lost his little umbilical stump the other night so he can have a real bath.. actually the stump is MIA which I don't even want to think about. I guess it fell off when I was changing him in the dark? Eww.

Things can definitely be challenging. The main thing is being trapped in the house. DH is SO busy teaching his new class and with his band. He is doing such a great job and working SO hard, AND he still comes home and makes dinner ( a new thing!) and burps and changes the baby until his "shift" is over around 3AM. :)

There is a new mommy meet up today and I can definitely take him out now, I am just a little nervous about the logistics of the stairs, the bassinet, the stroller, the car seat.. Do I take the car? How do I get everything to the car and carry the baby? Do I just walk with the stroller? What if he starts screaming and I have to stop and find a stoop to sit on and awkwardly breast feed him on the sidewalk??! Not to mention it is getting COLD.. 60s all week. I have to get out before it gets REALLY cold! I am so afraid of this winter. :(

I am also dying to go to Babies R Us with my 30% off coupon, but how? Subway is out of the question. Drive and pray for parking? Not enough time to make it from the meters to the store and back in an hour.. Pay parking.. is the $35 for parking going to be equal or greater than the 30% I save on baby outfits? Hmmm...

1 Week Old

I can't believe that my little man is a week old today. In some ways it has gone by so quickly, yet at the same time I feel like I have had him forever, I can't imagine what it was like not having him. I am so completely enamored by him and I just can't get enough of watching his sweet little face and all the expressions he makes. When I see him make an expression that looks like DH, I am so overcome with love. It is overwhelming. I think severe lack of sleep has also affected me and some hysteria has set in.

Due to the craziest week ever, I only got around 3-4 hours of sleep a night for the last 7 days so I was pretty much losing it. I got no sleep in the hospital, then DH had to go play a show over the weekend, my mom was here but I just couldn't make myself nap or rest ( I am NOT a napper) and as soon as I finally would fall asleep, the baby would be up and need to be fed. I am a slave to the breast and it is exhausting. Now DH is home and I think we will be able to fall into a good pattern. LAst night he was able to make me go to sleep and keep LO occupied for about 4 hours while I caught up. Then nursing for about an hour, getting him back to sleep, then another 3 hours of sleep, although not the most restful. Now I am up and had my coffee.. and he is asleep again. I can't go back to sleep now, so this will be work time. :)

Birth Story! He is here!!!

My Birth Story!

Mason Edward was born on September 15th at 2:50 AM, 7lb 10 oz.

Sunday was my EDD and on Monday I was due for my 40 week OB appointment. My Dad came into town in the morning so we walked around Brooklyn and got bagels, came back to the apartment and had breakfast with DH and we all went to doctor.

We had a quick U/S and everything looked great, then they put me on the monitors for awhile. They saw how strong my contractions were and noticed that the HB was going off the chart during them, so they said we should go straight to the hospital to be admitted! I was so happy!

I got into a nice L&D room and got my epidural and started pitocin. I had been planning on trying natural, but my contractions weren't regulating and some of them were so painful, I had decided earlier in the week that maybe the epidural was better for me after all. After less than an hour on pitocin, the HB started to drop a little so they decided to turn it off and give the baby a break. I was worried that things would slow down and get complicated, but my contrax got stronger and more regular on their own. I guess they just needed a little kick start- next time they checked I was at 7!

DH and I played music and talked, I slept a little bit.. next time they checked I was at 10 with just a lip of cervix! They said to let them know when I felt like pushing. I think I fell back asleep, DH was reading, and some other doctors came in and said it was time to push! My OB came back, I don't know who those other people were.

I didn't really feel like pushing, but I was able to feel what I needed to do. We did pushes though about 4 or 5 contractions, and he was out! It was such a calm, amazing, and even peaceful experience. I can't even describe it. There was some pain when he was crowning, but I just pushed through it and tried not to psych myself out.

He had the cord wrapped around his neck 3 times, which is why he had been dropping off the monitors but he was totally fine, 9/9 on his Apgars.. So beautiful.

I only had one tiny tear with 1 stitch so recovery has been good!

The worst part was spending the night in the hospital. I had a horrible small shared room and DH had to go home. I didn't want the baby to go to the nursery, and it was really hard being by myself with him all night, with no sleep. The nurse that night was mean and not very helpful. Luckily, my OB said everything looked great and we could get an early discharge. We got home Wednesday evening and everything is absolutely amazing.

He has been nursing non stop, which is painful but very fulfilling. He is such a sweet little angel, I love him so so much!

40 Weeks

Annnd I am still here.

Night before last I was having cramping, bleeding, and what I thought was my water breaking so the OB had us come in to L&D. 6 hours of some very uncomfortable time in Triage, a mean nurse, tons of monitoring and no amniotic fluid. Very easy to get in to the hospital, VERY difficult to leave. We would be dressed and out the door.. not so fast, another 20 minutes on the monitor. FOr no reason. Everything is perfect, the baby just isn't coming out today. Just protocol, back on the monitor. We got home around 6:30 AM, I had contractions all day yesterday and last night but still nothing.

Apparently I am in early labor, which usually means labor starts within 24 hours, but mine seems to be lasting considerably longer.

One problem with all this is that it is making me considerable MORE terrified of the pain of giving birth. The contractions are already SO painful, I am constant fear of the next one. If it had come on suddenly, like in the movies, I feel like I would be so surprised, rush off to the hospital, and do what I have to do. Days and days of pain with only a vague end in sight is truly torturous.

39 weeks, 5 days

:::Tapping fingers on counter::

So much for my maternal premonitions of having an early delivery. Sigh.

Wednesday night was total hell. I had contractions throughout the day, which turned into painful stabbing from about 9 to midnight. I couldn't sleep at all. DH got home from band practice around then and we started timing. They were anywhere from 4 - 12 minutes apart and varied from being stabbed in the crotch pain to just uncomfortable tightening. I was crying, and being SO mean to DH. Poor thing. I eventually got into the bath and had some wine and that slowed things down. DH did all the dishes and packed the rest of my bag, just in case. He is so sweet. :) By 5AM they must have stopped because I fell asleep, only to be woken back up at 7 with more.. But they never got time able and they eventually ended.

So, yesterday we were pretty optimistic and ran around getting all our errands done on 2 hours of sleep. I had a few contractions throughout the day and by dinner the stabbing pain started again and I was so exhausted, I broke down. I couldn't take another night like that. I called the OB and she said it isn't labor if it isn't time able and that I could take half a Benadryl to sleep. I guess that worked, I don't remember anything after that until waking up at 8:30 this morning (late for me!)

I know the baby is on his own schedule, and he isn't even late yet. I have to keep telling myself that. Every day is one day closer, but it doesn't feel like that. Every day and I feel more hopeless instead. I just feel so pressured, even though everyone is doing their best to not make me feel that way.

Here is the thing. MIL was in town all week..for business of course, but also hoping to be here for the birth. She is coming back Monday hoping to meet the baby. My dad has arrived on Long Island for his conveniently timed Lifeguard Reunion. He will be here in Brookyln Monday and Tuesday night hoping to meet the baby.. His facebook status even said he is coming to NY to " help birth his first grandchild"! I am not sure what that is supposed to mean, he is not going to be in the delivery room even if he is here, but whatever.. Anyway, they both say they are happy just to see us, but otherwise they won't see the baby until Thanksgiving so I would just love for it to work out.

Then, of course, DHs band is booked for a big festival the weekend after the EDD. This was booked before I got PG and he has told the band all along that they can't go if the baby isn't born yet. Still, it is a huge deal for them, it pays well, they are on the big stage this year, so many big bands will be there.. His sister already booked a flight to be there..I will be so upset if he misses it. The tour van has to be cancelled by Tuesday if they aren't going. No pressure.

Not to mention, my mom is coming to stay with me while DH is gone. No baby, and mom will have to get a hotel instead (she offered thank God) and pretty much be here waiting around.

I know a lot of people induce on or near their due date. I am actually shocked at how many women on the bump are saying their OBs are offering inductions after 37 weeks, just because the baby is supposedly done growing. This just isn't true by the way! We talked to the OB about it, and we are absolutely not going to induce the baby unless medically necessary, and she lets you go to 42 weeks if all is well. DH says the show means nothing compared to our child's entire life and we want him to get the best start possible and come out when he is ready.

I just can't help but feel stressed. I am such a planner and I have trouble giving up my ideas of how I picture things perfectly in my head. I just have to stay calm and positive and remember that what will be will be. Here's to another day closer to having our sweet baby.

39 weeks, 3 days

I have to say my OB appointment yesterday was disappointing. I have been having very painful contractions for days so I thought for sure something would be going on down there. I even got a pani/pedi beforehand just in case we needed to go right to the hospital! But no, no progress at all. "Barely a fingertip" dilated, but the cervix is soft (it should be, we have been having sex every day!) I know things can change in a day, but when she said she would let me go to 42 weeks I got a little bit depressed.

Luckily, MIL is in town and her favorite medicine is shopping! We met up with her in Soho (where my OB is) and helped her pick out some things, then we went to Bloomingdales and got a new outfit for DH. Ludacris (the rapper) was totally there buying jeans too. I don't think anyone else recognized him, but I am sure it was Luda. :)

Then we went over to Giggle and MIL bought us the Baby Bjorn travel crib which was SOO nice of her. She was going to get it for us for Christmas, but she thought we may need it sooner for Thanksgiving or any other trips we are taking. It is really cool and has the best reviews.

She really wanted to get me something for myself, but I was just feeling too fat and crappy. I can't believe I turned down a dress at Jill Stuart (my FAVORITE) but I can't try anything on and I just don't know what I am going to look like after all this is over. It may have something to do with the fact that I managed to gain 3 pounds this week. Maybe all those cupcakes weren't such a good idea. Ugh, anyway, gifts for DH and the baby make me happier than something for myself. The only gift I really want right now if for the housekeeper to come more often. How I would love weekly cleaning. Aren't I acting like a selfless mother already?! Haha

After all that shopping we went for an amazing dinner at Kelly and Ping. Yum, fried banana with green tea ice cream for dessert!

MIL has been reading up on MIL issues and grandparent issues (she is an academic and a writer) and actually read that a common problem is MILs coming to "help" after birth, but they end up just wanting to hold the baby, which is what the new mom really wants to do. Then the mom ends up doing the cooking and cleaning and not getting to hold her baby and is miserable. She swears she will not do this and she will come and actually help if we would like her to. SO nice, if a little intense.

39 weeks today!

Madame Zaritska's reading

Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience.

What she senses for you

The day you deliver, outside will be warm. Your baby will arrive in the morning.
After a labor lasting approximately 3 hours, your child, a boy, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and will be 18-1/2 inches long. This child will have blue eyes and dark hair.

I finally gave in and did this online birth prediction, and I must say I like it! Haha, how awesome would a 3 hour labor be?!

DH and I had the nicest day yesterday playing tourist. We picked up our CSA then went to the Jeep repair place in the city (way over on 11th avenue and 51st street) to repair the damage done by me/the bus on Thursday night. Since we had tons of time to kill, we went for lunch, then walked down to the Intrepid battle ship museum, then out on one of the piers where they had water fountains and kids running around.. Then we walked over through Hells Kitchen and got organic smoothies, then over to Times Square. I don't think I have been to Times Square in years! They have the roads blocked off now so it was pretty fun walking around and gawking at everything! Then we walked over to 5th avenue and hung out in Barnes & Noble for awhile. All together I must have walked a few miles for SURE, I was dying! If this doesn't start labor (combined with all the sexy time we have been having), I don't know what will!

This was a bit of a set back money wise, the bill came to $2000 because we also needed new brakes, pads, roters, whatever. We are just looking on the bright side - good thing I hit that bus and we had to come in and get the car checked. Otherwise, the brakes could have given out with the baby in the car.. disaster averted. Still a difficult pill to swallow.

When we got home I took a long bath and we made home made pizza which was delicious. I think I was asleep by 9:30!

And now today we are 39 weeks.. WOW. I have my prenatal massage in an hour and I will be sure let her know that if she is aware of any labor-inducing pressure points she may feel free to press on them by all means. :)

Full moon? Contractions? Single Digits?!

Wow, I am due in 9 days. That is SO crazy. I went out last night to a show, DH was playing at the this awesome show at Bowery Ballroom, and I just couldn't stand the thought of missing seeing him up on that big stage in front of all those people, plus staying home alone again? Ugh! Boring! Who knows when I am going to be able to go out again? I wish I had an invisible cloak for times like this. I managed to find a white baby doll dress that actually fit over my bump. I was hoping it was minimizing, but I know I actually just looked like a giant marshmallow. I tried to lurk in corners but I was still a bit of a spectacle, plus the door guys and the bouncers were totally freaking out worried about me and trying make me sit down. They were worried someone was going to knock me over.. Embarrassing! Luckily, DH sang the 3rd song. I was actually starting to get some pretty bad cramping/contractions so I decided to leave after that (to the relief of the venue staff). We decided I would take the car home and DH would take a cab later since he was drinking.

Well, maybe my contractions were a little distracting because I somehow managed to crash into the back of a city bus. It wasn't really a "crash", I just sort of turned too soon and turned into the back of the bus as he was going straight... It's hard to explain, but these buses are really two buses linked together, so they are very long.. Anyway, I pulled over and the bus pulled over. I crushed my two front turn signal lights out and the front is a little dented. No damage to the beastly bus.

When DH got home I told him what happened (no need to freak him out while he was having fun at the show) and he was just SO relieved that I am OK, but has decided that my pregnant driving days are now officially over. Great, now I am stranded at home until this baby arrives!

After that my contractions got pretty painful and actually time able for the first time. They were around 1 minute long about every 10 minutes from about 2AM - 4AM. Ouch! I had a little bit of wine and eventually fell asleep. That was a bitter reality check of how much this is going to hurt when it actually happens.

SO, tonight is the full moon. Famous for breaking the water of pregnant women every month. I still think it is early for me, but I am going to wash and straighten my hair JUST IN CASE.

Also, it turns out MIL is going to be in town all week next week for work. What a coincidence! I knew she would somehow end up being here to see the baby first.. As long as she doesn't try to come into the delivery room or hang around the hospital while I am in labor I am more than happy for her to be here. :)

Nursery Pics!

Well, it's not totally done but this is close enough! We still need to put up the canopy and get the rocker. We have our eye on a Mission rocker at the antique store, we will see...


The crib and changing table are Argington Sahara, the bedding is Dwell Charlotte.

I found the book shelf on Ebay (PERFECT fit for the tiny space, and we have a lot of other cottage white antiques in the room).

The red swords hanging from the hook were brought back from Japan by my ILs - they are soft cotton and they squeak!



Some of the stuffed animals are a little strange, but a gift is a gift, right? :)

The baby scale was the first thing we bought for the baby, we got it at a flea market up in the Catskills at least a year before we started TTC. It was just too cute and it has been waiting in the closet until now.




In other news, I had my 38 week OB appointment today and my cervix is "low" and fingertip dilated. Hmm. Kind of anticlimactic after all the crampiness I have been having, but still good news.