September 28, 2005

Today might be my birthday. My mom has gone into labor and is 5cm dilated. No pain so far, so I'll try and make it easy for her. We'll see how it goes, thanks to all for sending us your 'good vibes'...we'll keep you posted!

Finding My Cloud Nine!

Try to sit really still in a comfy chair and think of all your muscles relaxing and becoming warm and loose. Really visualize yourself in the most serene place you could imagine - floating on a cloud. Stay in that state as long as you can, the cervix will open slowly and every time you have a tinge of discomfort, think this is a cue to further relax.

People can have dental surgery with no needles if they practice imagining themselves in a very serene location.

These words are from someone who has experienced it all first-hand, without the use of drugs. I was having a discussion with my aunt J this morning; she was asking me how I was feeling. Initially, I said I was fine, but then told her about my anxieties. I hate waiting, and as the days pass, the more nervous I am becoming. I would like to think myself as being strong and able to tolerate pain, after all, I have passed kidney stones several times, that should count for something. But, the thought of giving birth is really scaring me now. I am fearful of the unknown, of the pain I will encounter! So, after sharing my concerns, my wise aunt J gave me a few words of encouragement and shared some tips on relaxation techniques that helped her through a sans-epidural delivery not too long ago – she is a psychologist.

“The process happens in stages,” she said. “The first being the opening of the cervix, this is not painful; just imagine the door opening down there.”

The door opening down there? Isn’t that how I got myself into this situation to begin with? I am not concerned about the door opening…rather, how much it can open is what I am apprehensive about.

“That could last awhile and you can sit quietly or move around, but do not get tense. Every time you feel yourself tensing (you can do chores, swim, bathe, whatever) just say I'm going to sit and go on my cloud. This can last for several hours as the cervix is opening, all is healthy and normal,” she continued.

“Your water might or might not break as the cervix is opening, it knows what to do, it’s just like a gush between your legs, warm and watery, all good and peaceful.” YIKES!

She continued by telling me to just imagine any twinges of discomfort as way off tiny specks on the horizon, smaller and smaller. The discomfort of the birth is not necessary to attend to because it will be born naturally on its own, I shouldn’t misinterpret the pain as an indication that something is wrong, it is good discomfort, it means I’m getting closer to obtaining my goal.

Apparently, when my water breaks, at that point usually I will start mild contractions, but again I must stay calm…I must focus. Cloud....floating....breathing...cloud....floating....breathing… Cloud....floating....breathing...cloud....floating....breathing…

According to my aunt, the worst enemy of labor is misinterpreting it as bad. It isn't. It's like the discomfort at the dentist; you don't really have to pay attention to it, so why not focus on relaxation at the beach!

There you have it folks. It’s proven and attainable.

If anyone is looking for me, I am off searching for my cloud, making sure there's a comfy spot available right next to me for my coach!

On-Call And On High-Alert

It’s Sunday morning. I feel as though this week took forever to get by. Every morning I wake up and wonder ‘Is today the day?’ I am hoping the little guy is waiting for Tuesday to arrive, that’s when his grandma will finally get here.
I am feeling the same as usual. Nothing different has happened except every night I go to bed wondering what the next day has in store. Friday night, V and I went to a local Mexican restaurant called Mariachisimo. We had the regular steak, with frijoles, nachos, guacamole, and my favorite dessert! After that hearty meal, I felt it was a bit too heavy in my stomach so I washed it down with two glasses of limonada-mineral. What a mistake that was. Needless to say, I got up several times that night and huddled the toilet as the food made its way back up! I felt terrible. V was partially awake checking to see if I was ok. After several hours, I decided I would put on a pair of cozy pajama bottoms to help me fall asleep again. I made my way to my packed carry-on (ready for the hospital) and opened the top to get my pjs. When ALL OF A SUDDEN, V jumped up and soared out of bed (picture it in slow motion) yelling “Is it TIME?” As crappy as I felt, I couldn’t help but crack up. I laughed so hard. It’s good to know he is alert and on the ball! For someone who normally doesn’t wake up with much ease, I was totally impressed. I guess that was sort of like a dry run.
Now, we are truly ready for the real thing!

It’s My Time for Reflection

With so many different feelings and emotions I think it’s important to note that a wonderful thing is about take place in V’s and my life. Today is our 3 year wedding anniversary and I am trying to make it the most memorable yet. For 12 years, we have been everything to each other – experiencing new adventures, taking on challenges, and always supporting one another with life decisions! And, by next week, a baby’s cry will be something new we will share together. I think to myself how things are going to be different. Although I know with everything inside me that we are going to have an absolute blast as the little angel arrives, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness. Vince and I will no longer be together alone……

We are going to share our love with another being who will be with us constantly on a daily basis. It’s funny because I don’t really know what it’s going to be like. I was having a conversation with a dear friend last night, and was able to compare the situation with the addition of a new puppy. V and I always say how much we love our dogs, Rock & Roll, and how we can't remember what life was like without them around. I can only imagine we are going to feel the same when the baby is born. The feelings will obviously be on a much grander scale but in a very similar way.
I just hope we CAN remember “What life was like before the little guy came around” because even though new beautiful memories will be made….V and I also share amazing moments together that deserve to be remembered a lifetime….after all…isn’t that what created the miracle inside me?

Happy Anniversary Babe!

He's On His Way!

PANIC
A sudden, unreasoning, hysterical fear.

I would say that’s a perfect word to describe how I am feeling today.

I went to the Dr. to have another exam. I am 2-3cm dilated and can have this baby any day now. Was I expecting it THIS soon? Not at all. Our original due date of October 11 is definitely not going to be met. So, as nature takes its course over the next few days (or week)….so does my mind – it has automatically been set to panic mode. I rushed home and started to pack my bags….underwear, pajamas, a book and some other essentials. I also packed a few necessities for the baby, including one bottle (in case I am unable to give him my boob right away).

V and I decided to ‘sterilize’ the bottle. It was a sight worth seeing. We boiled some water….put the bottle in it and waited for a few minutes. I called my mother-in-law to ask if we were doing it correctly as I had a sudden vision of plastic melting all over the stove. Laughingly, she advised us we were doing it properly. Wow. Our first ‘baby task’ has officially been completed with flying colors! Good job us!!

We are now playing the waiting game. When will this miracle take place?

Only time will tell...

My Belly Story

The countdown has begun.....this picture was taken at 33 weeks! (August 22-28)

I am feeling much better. No longer walking around like a penguin, rather, the weight of my belly is simply slowing me down. These days, all I keep hearing is “Ay Dios mio, pura panza!” *Translation – “Oh my God…..you’re all belly!”

My due date was originally October 11th however it seems to be changing. According to my Dr., he thinks it may be 2 weeks sooner which brings me to the end of this month - END OF THIS MONTH!

I can honestly say I am ready – or am I?

Up until now everything seemed so surreal. The belly growing, the contractions, weight gain etc…. none of it made me realize the truth of the situation – we are HAVING A BABY! Ok…..I am in panic mode now……

We had a tour of the hospital a few weeks back and much to our surprise were shocked to see there were NO PATIENTS & NO BABIES on that specific day. Vince asked the nurse if Mondays are usually a ‘don’t-have-your-baby-today’ siesta days in Mexico? Seemed a little odd to us, don’t you think?

In The Womb

Here are some pictures of baby Perri chilling out in mama's belly! These 3D images were taken week 33.

The first picture shows him sleeping....with his mouth wide open (just like his aunt). The second one has him smiling. I wonder what he's dreaming about? Who knows if he will look anything like these images, but it's funny how both families have already started taking ownership of his features... "His lips look just like Vince's!" and "He has your grandfather's nose!"

We won't know for sure until he makes his way into this world..but for now, I think he's pretty cute, if I may say so myself!!

Painting Can be Fun

Last week we began working on the baby's room, our theme is 'Under the Sea'. We had to paint over Toy Story images (from previous owners) to presonalize it for our little guy. Vince did a great job creating the waves. Once the waves were done, I began drawing fish and other creatures. The dolphin is Vince's favorite. For a first time painter, I must say I did a pretty good job!
See below to witness the rest of my beautiful artwork.....

Baby's Room is Under the Sea!

The End!