Joe got a call his dad that they will be coming to Bethany's baptism! My in-laws will be arriving in town on Saturday (Sept 19) and will be leaving on Sunday (Sept 20) after the baptism.
Understanding that both Joe's and my parents are out-of-town, it is extra special for us, and of course, for Bethany, that both sets of grand-parents will be here on her big day!
God-mother Annette is almost finished with Bethany's christening gown, and I can't wait to see my daughter in the christening gown!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Bethany is a Mini-Louisa
Ever since Bethany is born, we have been taking pictures of her everyday, upload all the daily pictures to an on-line album and then forward them to friends and family.
When mom first saw Bethany at the hospital (45 minutes after she was born), mom told Joe that Bethany looks just like me. When dad and my two sisters saw Bethany's pictures, they made the same comment as well! A few nights ago, god-parents Barry and Annette stopped by for a visit, and Annette made similar comment! Even Joe's staff told Joe that Bethany looks just like me.
Unfortunately, all my baby pictures are stored safely in my bedroom in my parent's home in Vancouver, and I am not able to find the similarities between Bethany and when I was a baby. Anyway, dad is going to bring out some of my precious baby pictures in mid September. From what I have heard from friends and family so far...
1/ Bethany has my eye colors -- brown / black
2/ Bethany has my hair color -- black, and lots of hair! Well, believe it or not, I had a lot of heartburn during my first trimester! All those discomforts are totally worth it! :-)
3/ Bethany has my nose
4/ Bethany looks just like me in the area underneath the nose and above the lips
5/ Bethany has Joe's eyelashes -- this is one of the traits that I really wanted Bethany to get from Joe when I was pregnant!
6/ Bethany has Joe's ears -- the earlobes are not too small or too big. They are just perfect. As for ear-piercing, I have no plans to drill holes in my daughter's earlobes and she can decide for herself if she wants her ears pierced when she is 16 (yes 16 years old, not 6 years old!)
7/ Bethany has Joe's toes
Joe said that Bethany has his sister's lips. I had only met his sister twice in the last three years, and I do not quite remember how she looks, let alone her lips. So, at this point, I can't concur if Bethany has her auntie's lips.
When mom first saw Bethany at the hospital (45 minutes after she was born), mom told Joe that Bethany looks just like me. When dad and my two sisters saw Bethany's pictures, they made the same comment as well! A few nights ago, god-parents Barry and Annette stopped by for a visit, and Annette made similar comment! Even Joe's staff told Joe that Bethany looks just like me.
Unfortunately, all my baby pictures are stored safely in my bedroom in my parent's home in Vancouver, and I am not able to find the similarities between Bethany and when I was a baby. Anyway, dad is going to bring out some of my precious baby pictures in mid September. From what I have heard from friends and family so far...
1/ Bethany has my eye colors -- brown / black
2/ Bethany has my hair color -- black, and lots of hair! Well, believe it or not, I had a lot of heartburn during my first trimester! All those discomforts are totally worth it! :-)
3/ Bethany has my nose
4/ Bethany looks just like me in the area underneath the nose and above the lips
5/ Bethany has Joe's eyelashes -- this is one of the traits that I really wanted Bethany to get from Joe when I was pregnant!
6/ Bethany has Joe's ears -- the earlobes are not too small or too big. They are just perfect. As for ear-piercing, I have no plans to drill holes in my daughter's earlobes and she can decide for herself if she wants her ears pierced when she is 16 (yes 16 years old, not 6 years old!)
7/ Bethany has Joe's toes
Joe said that Bethany has his sister's lips. I had only met his sister twice in the last three years, and I do not quite remember how she looks, let alone her lips. So, at this point, I can't concur if Bethany has her auntie's lips.
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| From Drop Box |
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Feedings...
I think I have mastered Bethany's feeding schedule for now.
She needs 8 feedings in 24 hours, and that works out to feeding once every three hours. According to the Public Health Nurse, she needs about 3oz of Breastmilk for each feeding. My family doctor put me on Domperidone since last Thursday, and I have noticed that my milk supply has increased.
Anyway, here is Bethay's feeding schedule:
8:30am -- 11:30am -- 2:30pm -- 5:30pm -- 8:30pm -- 11:30pm -- 2:30am -- 5:30am
After spending 12 days with Baby Bethany, I have noticed the following:
1/ Bethany sleeps a lot during the day.
2/ Bethany fusses after the 2:30pm feeding. Sometimes, she stays awake till the 5:30pm feeding. She likes to be picked up, and held closed to my heart or my mom's heart. Sometimes, she will fall asleep in our arms. Sometimes, she will simply look at us, trying to take in everything around her! I can spend hours and hours staring in awe at my precious little daughter! She is just perfect! :-)
3/ Bethany usually gets hungry an hour or two hours after the 8:30pm feeding, and we usually need to feed her again at 10:00pm or 10:30pm
4/ The 2:30am feeding is the hardest as we need to spend a long time waking her up before feeding her. She usually falls back to sleep in the middle of this feeding.
5/ The 5:30am feeding usually is the fastest. Bethany usually wakes up around 5:05am and starts to cry / fuss (hungry cue) a bit until I go and pick her up. Feeding usually starts around 5:10am instead of 5:30am.
6/ A feeding from start to finish, including burping and changing diaper, usually takes about 30 minutes. I like to hold her a bit in my arms before putting her back to her bassinet just to avoid any hiccups!
Because of the incision of my c-section and the ever-swollen-rhino feet, it makes sitting on a couch, feeding Bethany extremely painful. Mom has been helping with the day-time feedings and night-time feedings, while Joe helps out with the 5:30am feeding (he does the feeding, then hops into the shower, then walk Bee Bee, and then off to work). Watching my mom feeding Bethany is an amazing experience... I could almost see myself in my mom's arm when I was a baby myself! Mom is so patient with Bethany. She talks to her non-stop during the feeding, and she is forever patient when it comes to burping Bethany, and holding her for about 10 mins after the feeding before changing her diaper and putting her back to sleep. Mom is so experienced with baby that I feel completely at-ease at home!
She needs 8 feedings in 24 hours, and that works out to feeding once every three hours. According to the Public Health Nurse, she needs about 3oz of Breastmilk for each feeding. My family doctor put me on Domperidone since last Thursday, and I have noticed that my milk supply has increased.
Anyway, here is Bethay's feeding schedule:
8:30am -- 11:30am -- 2:30pm -- 5:30pm -- 8:30pm -- 11:30pm -- 2:30am -- 5:30am
After spending 12 days with Baby Bethany, I have noticed the following:
1/ Bethany sleeps a lot during the day.
2/ Bethany fusses after the 2:30pm feeding. Sometimes, she stays awake till the 5:30pm feeding. She likes to be picked up, and held closed to my heart or my mom's heart. Sometimes, she will fall asleep in our arms. Sometimes, she will simply look at us, trying to take in everything around her! I can spend hours and hours staring in awe at my precious little daughter! She is just perfect! :-)
3/ Bethany usually gets hungry an hour or two hours after the 8:30pm feeding, and we usually need to feed her again at 10:00pm or 10:30pm
4/ The 2:30am feeding is the hardest as we need to spend a long time waking her up before feeding her. She usually falls back to sleep in the middle of this feeding.
5/ The 5:30am feeding usually is the fastest. Bethany usually wakes up around 5:05am and starts to cry / fuss (hungry cue) a bit until I go and pick her up. Feeding usually starts around 5:10am instead of 5:30am.
6/ A feeding from start to finish, including burping and changing diaper, usually takes about 30 minutes. I like to hold her a bit in my arms before putting her back to her bassinet just to avoid any hiccups!
Because of the incision of my c-section and the ever-swollen-rhino feet, it makes sitting on a couch, feeding Bethany extremely painful. Mom has been helping with the day-time feedings and night-time feedings, while Joe helps out with the 5:30am feeding (he does the feeding, then hops into the shower, then walk Bee Bee, and then off to work). Watching my mom feeding Bethany is an amazing experience... I could almost see myself in my mom's arm when I was a baby myself! Mom is so patient with Bethany. She talks to her non-stop during the feeding, and she is forever patient when it comes to burping Bethany, and holding her for about 10 mins after the feeding before changing her diaper and putting her back to sleep. Mom is so experienced with baby that I feel completely at-ease at home!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Weight Loss Challenge
Joe is doing the 8:30pm feeding and my next "pumping" is at 9:00pm.. so I have about 10 minutes to write a new blog entry!
Ok... weight loss challenge.... at first, I was not planning on posting this on my blog. Afterall, it is a super-duper personal thing and I don't need the "world" to know about it. And then, I realized... my website is not costco.ca or amazon.com and I, for sure, do not get thousands of hits everyday! Only a few people (usually family members) follow my blog. So there is no big deal!
I put on 40lbs for this pregnancy (and yes this pregnancy is the first and also the LAST pregnancy! Joe and I strongly believe that quality outweighs quantity!) and I gave birth on Aug 17. Today, 11 days post-partum, I have lost about 17lbs. Hopefully the swelling of both feet will go down in a day or two, and I am sure I will lose another 5-7lbs water weight. It is my hope that I will be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes for Bethany's baptism!
Ok... weight loss challenge.... at first, I was not planning on posting this on my blog. Afterall, it is a super-duper personal thing and I don't need the "world" to know about it. And then, I realized... my website is not costco.ca or amazon.com and I, for sure, do not get thousands of hits everyday! Only a few people (usually family members) follow my blog. So there is no big deal!
I put on 40lbs for this pregnancy (and yes this pregnancy is the first and also the LAST pregnancy! Joe and I strongly believe that quality outweighs quantity!) and I gave birth on Aug 17. Today, 11 days post-partum, I have lost about 17lbs. Hopefully the swelling of both feet will go down in a day or two, and I am sure I will lose another 5-7lbs water weight. It is my hope that I will be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes for Bethany's baptism!
Visit from the Public Health Nurse
Yesteday (Thursday), a Public Health Nurse came to the house for a short visit. Mom told me that when after she gave birth to me 30+ years ago in Vancouver, she also got a visit from the Public Health Nurse.
I was very excited about this visit. The nurse came to the house at 11am, and we chatted for a bit about my post operation condition, my emotions and my energy level. Then we weighed Baby Bethany.
1/ Post operation condition: EXCELLENT! With all the yummy food and soup mom made, I think I don't need 4 weeks to recover completely. Probably three weeks will do the work!
2/ My emotions: Other than the major meltdown last week at the hospital (when I noticed that Bethany had lost 9.02% of her birth weight by day 3 and that she was not feeding properly on my breast), I was doing fine this week. I chatted with my elder sister twice in the past week, and she gave me a lot of words of encouragement. Dad calls everyday to make sure Bethany and I are doing ok. With mom here with us, this really makes a great difference.
3/ Energy level: Other than only getting 3 hours of sleep every night (1.5 hr from 11:30 to 1am and than 1.5 hr from 2:30am to 4am), it is not too bad. From time to time, I get power-afternoon naps for an hour. During the first few days, I was totally exhausted, but as week 2 is nearing the end, I find that sleeping for only 3 hrs a night is tough, but manageable.
4/ Baby Bethany: She got weighed yesterday by the nurse -- 7lb 1.5oz!!!! Her birth weight was 6lb 15oz and she lost 9.02% by day 3. She put back 28 grams last friday when we took her to her first doctor's visit. The doctor ordered us to "beef her up". After a week of "beefing her up"... she now weighs 7lb 1.5oz. According to the nurse, it usually takes two weeks for a baby to go back to her birthweight, and it only took our little Bethany 10 days to go back to her birth weight plus a bit more! Though I am a first-time mom, and pumping is hard, watching her little chin getting rounder and rounder day by day, all the hard work really pays off! :-)
The nurse stayed for 1/2 hr and she left me with an information packet which it is super useful!
I was very excited about this visit. The nurse came to the house at 11am, and we chatted for a bit about my post operation condition, my emotions and my energy level. Then we weighed Baby Bethany.
1/ Post operation condition: EXCELLENT! With all the yummy food and soup mom made, I think I don't need 4 weeks to recover completely. Probably three weeks will do the work!
2/ My emotions: Other than the major meltdown last week at the hospital (when I noticed that Bethany had lost 9.02% of her birth weight by day 3 and that she was not feeding properly on my breast), I was doing fine this week. I chatted with my elder sister twice in the past week, and she gave me a lot of words of encouragement. Dad calls everyday to make sure Bethany and I are doing ok. With mom here with us, this really makes a great difference.
3/ Energy level: Other than only getting 3 hours of sleep every night (1.5 hr from 11:30 to 1am and than 1.5 hr from 2:30am to 4am), it is not too bad. From time to time, I get power-afternoon naps for an hour. During the first few days, I was totally exhausted, but as week 2 is nearing the end, I find that sleeping for only 3 hrs a night is tough, but manageable.
4/ Baby Bethany: She got weighed yesterday by the nurse -- 7lb 1.5oz!!!! Her birth weight was 6lb 15oz and she lost 9.02% by day 3. She put back 28 grams last friday when we took her to her first doctor's visit. The doctor ordered us to "beef her up". After a week of "beefing her up"... she now weighs 7lb 1.5oz. According to the nurse, it usually takes two weeks for a baby to go back to her birthweight, and it only took our little Bethany 10 days to go back to her birth weight plus a bit more! Though I am a first-time mom, and pumping is hard, watching her little chin getting rounder and rounder day by day, all the hard work really pays off! :-)
The nurse stayed for 1/2 hr and she left me with an information packet which it is super useful!
Bethany's first gift from Gong Gong & Pao Pao
In the chinese culture, it is very common that babies receive jade jewllery from their grandparents as the first gift. Gold, on the other hand, is generally not given to any new born babies at all.
Last thursday when we got home from the hospital. My mom gave Bethany her very first gift. My parents got this gift in Hong Kong when dad went to HK in March. Bethany received her very first Jade necklace and a bracelet. This reminds me that when I was a baby, I also received those two items from my grandparents. I guess Chinese traditions pass from generations to generations!
Last thursday when we got home from the hospital. My mom gave Bethany her very first gift. My parents got this gift in Hong Kong when dad went to HK in March. Bethany received her very first Jade necklace and a bracelet. This reminds me that when I was a baby, I also received those two items from my grandparents. I guess Chinese traditions pass from generations to generations!
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| From Drop Box |
Bethany's Baptism
In between feedings, I have about 20 mins spare time and I have decied to update my blog.
Bethany's baptism is scheduled on Sept 20 at 10am at St. Andrews Parish in Barrhaven. Bethany has one godfather (Barry, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus at St. Andrews Parish) and two godmothers: Annette (wife of Barry) and Virginia (a good friend of mine).
We are going to have a brunch gathering right after the Baptism. Party invitations were hand-delivered to all guests earlier this week. We requested that all guests to RSVP by Sept 14. My talents coworker / cake decorator, Manuela will be doing cupcakes for this event. We thought about ordering an ice-cream cake but it would be pretty messy when cutting the cake. I do not like the traditional sheet cake as it does not sit well with my stomach. Joe and I are particularly grateful both sets of grand parents will be able to attend Bethany's first important event. Dad will be flying in a few days prior to the baptism. My in laws, Carl and Sandy will be driving in from Saint John probably on Friday / Saturday prior to the baptism.
Bethany's baptism is scheduled on Sept 20 at 10am at St. Andrews Parish in Barrhaven. Bethany has one godfather (Barry, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus at St. Andrews Parish) and two godmothers: Annette (wife of Barry) and Virginia (a good friend of mine).
We are going to have a brunch gathering right after the Baptism. Party invitations were hand-delivered to all guests earlier this week. We requested that all guests to RSVP by Sept 14. My talents coworker / cake decorator, Manuela will be doing cupcakes for this event. We thought about ordering an ice-cream cake but it would be pretty messy when cutting the cake. I do not like the traditional sheet cake as it does not sit well with my stomach. Joe and I are particularly grateful both sets of grand parents will be able to attend Bethany's first important event. Dad will be flying in a few days prior to the baptism. My in laws, Carl and Sandy will be driving in from Saint John probably on Friday / Saturday prior to the baptism.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Bethany has a chinese name -- 彭 雅 妍
In the chinese culture, the grandparents are responsible for naming the grand-children. When I went home to Vancouer in February, I asked my dad to give Bethany a chinese name. Bethany is half Chinese and half Caucasian, and it is important to me that Bethany has a chinese name and that she can carry on the chinese heritage in her blood. Dad came up with three names which I was not allowed to find out until Bethany made her grand appearance. All three names are absolutely beautiful and the one that Joe and I picked is:
彭 雅 妍
雅妍是雅緻慧妍的意思
「雅」：粵音 AH， 國語音 YA。是形容威儀文采適當，清高不俗。
「妍」：粵音 YIN， 國語音 YAN。是形容美麗，非常的美麗。
彭 雅 妍
雅妍是雅緻慧妍的意思
「雅」：粵音 AH， 國語音 YA。是形容威儀文采適當，清高不俗。
「妍」：粵音 YIN， 國語音 YAN。是形容美麗，非常的美麗。
The Birth Story
Unlike some of my friends who gave birth earlier this month... with hours of labour and pushing... Bethany's birth story is a rather simple one.
Friends who have been following my blog probably remember that Bethany was in breech since 33 weeks. External Cephalic Version (ECV) was ordered by my OB/GYN and was performed when I was 35 weeks. It was a rather painful procedure. I was ok for the first two minutes, and then I broke into tears for the rest of the procedure. It took my hubby Joe like 5 minutes to realize that he should be holding my hand instead of just sitting there watching me in pain from a distance!
When I was 36 weeks, my OB/GYN and I agreed that a planned c-section was inevitable to ensure a safe delivery of Bethany. I had abdominal surgery seven years ago and I knew what a c-section would do to my body. As much as I hate having yet another scar on my not-so-perfect tummy, knowing that Bethany would come out safe this way... I quickly signed all the consent forms.
Although my due date was Aug 24 (today!), my OB/GYN decided to have a planned c-section on Aug 17 (when I was 39 weeks pregnant). In this way, the chance of me going into labour and then have an emergency c-section would be minimized.
A few days prior to to the scheduled c-section, I woke up with cramps one afternoon. The cramps lasted for about 10 minutes. I was not quite sure if I was going into labour that day, so we had to cancel my mom's birthday dinner reservation at Oggi Restaurant in Manotick. The following day, I had cramps again, and I woke up in the middle of the night, sweating and panting heavily. This time, the cramps lasted for only 5 minutes. The next day, I went to see my OB/GYN and mentioned those cramps to her. She told me they were normal and I would probably have more of those during the weekend. And if became the 5-1-1 rule (contraction is 5 minutes long, 1 minute apart and lasts for an hour), I would need to go to the hospital and have an emergency c-section.
I hate surprises! I do not do well with surprises! All my life, things happened in my life, are well-planned. Knowing that I might need an emergency c-section simply sent shivers to my bones! Understanding that there was no way of me competing with Mother Nature, I decided to take it easy and relax as much as I can. Amazingly, I did not have any cramps the weekend prior to the "big" day!
The day before the scheduled c-section, mom, Joe and I went to Cora's for brunch. I had a tough time sitting comfortably in the chair, and I barely touched my food. We ended up packing my food (which was 3/4 of a plate) home. After brunch, we did a quick stop at Zellers and picked out a sleeper for baby Bethany, and a change pad for a friend who is due at the end of October.
Aug 17 (the day that changed my life forever)
4:30am I woke up... hopped into the shower. Having a last longing look of myself with a 39 week pregnant tummy in the mirror.
4:50am Joe woke up... took a shower
5:15am Joe and I walked Bee Bee. Joe and I chatted a bit about his conversation with his mother the night before. Discussion about Joe's mother has always been and will always remain a sensitive topic between us. We do not normally talk about Joe's mother as there is not much to talk about, and that we are leading our lives in two different directions. I did, however, know that Joe had a 2 1/2 hrs conversation with his mom the night before (I wonder what was so secretive that he had to make the call from his cell phone outside the house!). I was not going to bring up the topic as emotionally and physically, I was not in the state to deal with yet another Joe’s family debacle. At the same time, I was worried about the well being of my husband. I was relieved that Joe brought up the topic himself. Though he did not go into much details (which I was glad he did not anyway!), judging from what he had told me, things were quite ok. Long sigh!
5:30am Mom, Joe and I left for the hospital
6:00am We arrived at Civic Hospital 4th Floor in F-Wing
6:05am We entered the Observation Room and I was told to change into the hospital gown.
6:15am The nurse came into the room, took vitals and stuff. She is one weird nurse. Not only did I not understand her (she mumbled!), she told me she did not want to start my IV???
6:25am Another nurse came in, started the IV. She did another ultrasound to ensure that baby bethany was still in breech
6:40am I pee'ed the fifth time since I arrived at the hospital. I was not allowed to have any fluid intake since midnight... the IV must be working then
07:00am The anesthesiologist came in for a meet and greet. He was super nice and he went through all the risks on spinal anesthetic. He also drew marks on my back
07:15am Still waiting in the Observation Room
07:30am A resident came in and told me to sign more consent forms. I felt as if I was signing my life away.
07:40am I had gone through two bags of IV, and now they were hooking the third bag!
07:50am The OR nurse came in and took me (yes I walked to the OR myself!) to OR. I gave my mom a big hug and asked her to go get some breakfast. Mom asked Joe to give me a hug. Joe would be joining me at the OR in about 10 mins. Mom was worried, as this was my third abdominal surgery in the last 10 years.
07:55am The anesthesiologist in the OR had a cute scrub cap (red cap with fortune cookies!) and he administered the spinal and within seconds, I could feel a warming sensation in my feet. The anesthesiologist told me it was perfectly normal. The sensation was weird though. I was numb from the chest down but I was wide awake. An oxygen tube was placed on my nostrils, and I was also hooked up to a blood pressure machine.
08:05am Dr. Dy came into the OR and said Hello to me! I was relieved to see her.
08:10am Joe entered the OR, and I am glad that it did not take him long to hold my left hand.
08:25am I asked Dr. Dy if she had seen the baby yet, and she said no. I began to worry a bit as it usually takes about ½ hr from the 1st incision for the baby to come out. She told me that I had quite a bit of scar tissue from my first abdominal surgery and she had to clean up those scar tissue before making the second incision.
08:35am I felt a lot of pulling and tugging (but no pain!)… It felt weird!
08:50am Bethany was born. When she came out, she did not cry. The OR nurse explained that she had a bit of meconium on her face and she needed to be cleaned up. In about 15 seconds, the OR nurse signaled Joe over to the baby’s station. Within seconds, I heard the baby cry, and Joe cut the cord! Dy. Dy told me Bethany is a girly-girl! I was relieved to know that Bethany is a girl. Two things came to my mind: 1/ we can keep all the pink outfits! 2/ Joe can finally give the “Mother Mary & Baby Jesus” Picture back to his mother, as during my first meeting with Madame Vautour, she explicitly told that if Joe did not have a son, he would need to give the picture back to her so that she could give it to Joe’s nephew. (what a nerve! This comment really left me with a lot of ill feelings) Now, knowing that we have a precious daughter, I was more than happy that we could finally return the picture to Madame Vautour!
09:00am Joe came back to me, and the nurse brought over Bethany! It was the first time I held Bethany in my arms. The nurse told me she has 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. She is just perfect! To be able to hold the baby and see the baby makes it so much more than kicks in my belly. Chills and excitement came over my body as I started to feel a new chamber in my heart growing. Joe’s face glowed like he had seen the gates of heaven open, and we stared in awe at the most beautiful thing God had ever given us!
09:30am I was wheeled to the Recovery Room with Joe and Baby Bethany. After the nurse told my vitals, Joe immediately took Baby Bethany to my mom in the waiting room. It is so sweet that Bethany was being held by her Pao Pao (grandmother)!
Life is great! Life is going to be great! I have plans for this precious little girl. I would fill her with so much love that she would be able to conquer the world. Watching my husband glow with love also took my breath away. After seeing my husband’s face, I have 100% confidence and faith in both of us that we will make great parents for Bethany, and that Joe will always put our daughter first over anything!
Friends who have been following my blog probably remember that Bethany was in breech since 33 weeks. External Cephalic Version (ECV) was ordered by my OB/GYN and was performed when I was 35 weeks. It was a rather painful procedure. I was ok for the first two minutes, and then I broke into tears for the rest of the procedure. It took my hubby Joe like 5 minutes to realize that he should be holding my hand instead of just sitting there watching me in pain from a distance!
When I was 36 weeks, my OB/GYN and I agreed that a planned c-section was inevitable to ensure a safe delivery of Bethany. I had abdominal surgery seven years ago and I knew what a c-section would do to my body. As much as I hate having yet another scar on my not-so-perfect tummy, knowing that Bethany would come out safe this way... I quickly signed all the consent forms.
Although my due date was Aug 24 (today!), my OB/GYN decided to have a planned c-section on Aug 17 (when I was 39 weeks pregnant). In this way, the chance of me going into labour and then have an emergency c-section would be minimized.
A few days prior to to the scheduled c-section, I woke up with cramps one afternoon. The cramps lasted for about 10 minutes. I was not quite sure if I was going into labour that day, so we had to cancel my mom's birthday dinner reservation at Oggi Restaurant in Manotick. The following day, I had cramps again, and I woke up in the middle of the night, sweating and panting heavily. This time, the cramps lasted for only 5 minutes. The next day, I went to see my OB/GYN and mentioned those cramps to her. She told me they were normal and I would probably have more of those during the weekend. And if became the 5-1-1 rule (contraction is 5 minutes long, 1 minute apart and lasts for an hour), I would need to go to the hospital and have an emergency c-section.
I hate surprises! I do not do well with surprises! All my life, things happened in my life, are well-planned. Knowing that I might need an emergency c-section simply sent shivers to my bones! Understanding that there was no way of me competing with Mother Nature, I decided to take it easy and relax as much as I can. Amazingly, I did not have any cramps the weekend prior to the "big" day!
The day before the scheduled c-section, mom, Joe and I went to Cora's for brunch. I had a tough time sitting comfortably in the chair, and I barely touched my food. We ended up packing my food (which was 3/4 of a plate) home. After brunch, we did a quick stop at Zellers and picked out a sleeper for baby Bethany, and a change pad for a friend who is due at the end of October.
Aug 17 (the day that changed my life forever)
4:30am I woke up... hopped into the shower. Having a last longing look of myself with a 39 week pregnant tummy in the mirror.
4:50am Joe woke up... took a shower
5:15am Joe and I walked Bee Bee. Joe and I chatted a bit about his conversation with his mother the night before. Discussion about Joe's mother has always been and will always remain a sensitive topic between us. We do not normally talk about Joe's mother as there is not much to talk about, and that we are leading our lives in two different directions. I did, however, know that Joe had a 2 1/2 hrs conversation with his mom the night before (I wonder what was so secretive that he had to make the call from his cell phone outside the house!). I was not going to bring up the topic as emotionally and physically, I was not in the state to deal with yet another Joe’s family debacle. At the same time, I was worried about the well being of my husband. I was relieved that Joe brought up the topic himself. Though he did not go into much details (which I was glad he did not anyway!), judging from what he had told me, things were quite ok. Long sigh!
5:30am Mom, Joe and I left for the hospital
6:00am We arrived at Civic Hospital 4th Floor in F-Wing
6:05am We entered the Observation Room and I was told to change into the hospital gown.
6:15am The nurse came into the room, took vitals and stuff. She is one weird nurse. Not only did I not understand her (she mumbled!), she told me she did not want to start my IV???
6:25am Another nurse came in, started the IV. She did another ultrasound to ensure that baby bethany was still in breech
6:40am I pee'ed the fifth time since I arrived at the hospital. I was not allowed to have any fluid intake since midnight... the IV must be working then
07:00am The anesthesiologist came in for a meet and greet. He was super nice and he went through all the risks on spinal anesthetic. He also drew marks on my back
07:15am Still waiting in the Observation Room
07:30am A resident came in and told me to sign more consent forms. I felt as if I was signing my life away.
07:40am I had gone through two bags of IV, and now they were hooking the third bag!
07:50am The OR nurse came in and took me (yes I walked to the OR myself!) to OR. I gave my mom a big hug and asked her to go get some breakfast. Mom asked Joe to give me a hug. Joe would be joining me at the OR in about 10 mins. Mom was worried, as this was my third abdominal surgery in the last 10 years.
07:55am The anesthesiologist in the OR had a cute scrub cap (red cap with fortune cookies!) and he administered the spinal and within seconds, I could feel a warming sensation in my feet. The anesthesiologist told me it was perfectly normal. The sensation was weird though. I was numb from the chest down but I was wide awake. An oxygen tube was placed on my nostrils, and I was also hooked up to a blood pressure machine.
08:05am Dr. Dy came into the OR and said Hello to me! I was relieved to see her.
08:10am Joe entered the OR, and I am glad that it did not take him long to hold my left hand.
08:25am I asked Dr. Dy if she had seen the baby yet, and she said no. I began to worry a bit as it usually takes about ½ hr from the 1st incision for the baby to come out. She told me that I had quite a bit of scar tissue from my first abdominal surgery and she had to clean up those scar tissue before making the second incision.
08:35am I felt a lot of pulling and tugging (but no pain!)… It felt weird!
08:50am Bethany was born. When she came out, she did not cry. The OR nurse explained that she had a bit of meconium on her face and she needed to be cleaned up. In about 15 seconds, the OR nurse signaled Joe over to the baby’s station. Within seconds, I heard the baby cry, and Joe cut the cord! Dy. Dy told me Bethany is a girly-girl! I was relieved to know that Bethany is a girl. Two things came to my mind: 1/ we can keep all the pink outfits! 2/ Joe can finally give the “Mother Mary & Baby Jesus” Picture back to his mother, as during my first meeting with Madame Vautour, she explicitly told that if Joe did not have a son, he would need to give the picture back to her so that she could give it to Joe’s nephew. (what a nerve! This comment really left me with a lot of ill feelings) Now, knowing that we have a precious daughter, I was more than happy that we could finally return the picture to Madame Vautour!
09:00am Joe came back to me, and the nurse brought over Bethany! It was the first time I held Bethany in my arms. The nurse told me she has 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. She is just perfect! To be able to hold the baby and see the baby makes it so much more than kicks in my belly. Chills and excitement came over my body as I started to feel a new chamber in my heart growing. Joe’s face glowed like he had seen the gates of heaven open, and we stared in awe at the most beautiful thing God had ever given us!
09:30am I was wheeled to the Recovery Room with Joe and Baby Bethany. After the nurse told my vitals, Joe immediately took Baby Bethany to my mom in the waiting room. It is so sweet that Bethany was being held by her Pao Pao (grandmother)!
Life is great! Life is going to be great! I have plans for this precious little girl. I would fill her with so much love that she would be able to conquer the world. Watching my husband glow with love also took my breath away. After seeing my husband’s face, I have 100% confidence and faith in both of us that we will make great parents for Bethany, and that Joe will always put our daughter first over anything!
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| From Drop Box |
Monday, August 24, 2009
Bethany's World
Last Monday (August 17) at 8:50am EST, I had graduated from a mad-mom-to-be to a mad-mom!
Our precious daughter, Bethany Priscilla Pang Vautour made her grand entrance to this world, and it marked the beginning of parenting journey for Joe and myself.
Bethany weighed 6lb 15oz and measured 20 inches long when she was at birth. She is just perfect!
It was a very emotional day for Joe and myself. I could not believe I am a mom! My mom was with us at the hospital. When Joe brought Bethany to my mom, she was very emotional and Joe later told me that there were tears in my mom's eyes when she held Bethany in her arms.
Joe and I spent quite a long time to come up with Bethany's middle names. Growing up, Joe has always believed that a girl borned into the Vautour's family should have Marie as the middle name. While a boy borned into the Vatuour's family should have Joseph as the middle name. For some reason, I did not really like the name Marie. After much discussion and consideration, we had decided, as a couple, to name our baby after her grandmother (a.k.a. my mom). My mom and I have a very tight-knit bond as far back as I could remember (I was a breast-fed baby!) and naming our baby after my mom seemed to be the right thing to do. Also, my mom's birthday is Aug 12 and with my original due date of Aug 24, Joe and I both thought that this would be the best birthday present we could ever get my mom! :-)
Baby Bethany and I stayed at the hospital until Thursday Aug 20. Joe spent monday night at the hospital rooming in with us. Poor Joe, he slept in a cot and pulled his back while helping me with breastfeeding on Tuesday. He got rushed to ER by a nurse in the maternity ward. The ER doctor gave him a shot of Advil and gave him a prescription for anti-inflammatory pills. Knowing that Joe wanted to help out as much as he could, having a pulled-back simply would not do any good for Bethany and me, so I simply sent him home so that he could rest. Joe, being a first-time daddy, felt particularly awful and he cried.
Bethany and I got moved to a private room (with minimal or no A/C) on Tuesday afternoon. I survived tuesday and wednesday nights with Bethany alone in the room. Being a first-time mom, I had no idea what to do with Bethany other than change her diaper and feed her once every two hours. Mom came to the hospital twice a day (noon and early evening) to bring me home-made meals . I am a super fussy person and hospital food does not agree with my stomach, so I gave all the hospital food to Joe, while I had all the yummy home-made chinese post-partum food made by Mom!
Monday afternoon, Bethany received her very first present from Pao Pao (grandma Priscilla) -- a flower arrangment made with long stem pink roses, rested in a pink piggy vase!
Monday evening, godparents Barry and Annette came to visit us. They brought us a lovely flower arrangement! Joe slept for a straight 7 hours in the cot, and I got around 2 hrs of sleep.
Tuesday early afternoon, my OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Dy dropped by to say hello! I really like Dr. Dy and I am glad that she delivered Bethany!
Tuesday afternoon, I learned from the nurse how to give Bethany a bath. Too bad that Joe was recovering from the back pain at home, he missed Bethany's first bath.
Tuesday evening, my friend Marie-Eve (who is expecting also) and her hubby Shaun came for a short visit, and brought Bethany a Noah Ark's piggy bank.
Tuesday night, I recieved a breath-taking flower arrangement from the Costco's Fresh Foods team! Joe went home around 10pm. I had 2 hrs of sleep.
I told the day-nurse that I needed to see a lactation consultant as Bethany had trouble latching on properly, and I was worried that she did not get enough breastmilk. The day-nurse did not even bother to make an appointment for me! I HATED HATED her!
Wendesday: Bethany had lost 9.02% of her birth weight (losing between 7-10% of birth weight by Day 3 is normal) and being the queen of worrying, I worried that Bethany was not getting enough breastmilk. Worrying turned into a semi panic attack in the wee hours of Thursday... and this translated to NO SLEEP!
Wednesday midnight: Recieved a flower arrangement from Godmother Virigina!
Thursday: The semi panic attack had progressed to a full-blown panic attack. I was frustrated and Bethany was frustrated. My heart ached when she was crying as she was hungry. It seems that she was not satisfied with my breastmilk. I felt that I had failed miserably as a mom and that my baby was starving and I could not do anything to take the hunger away from her! At 5am, after trying feeing Bethany for 45 mins, I cried with my daughter for half an hour as I felt so helpless. The night nurse was absolutely terrible and she did not seem to care if Bethany was latched on properly or not. All she wanted me to do was to give Bethany formula instead of breastmilk!
Thursday late morning: I got a new day nurse today. She came in to check my vitals and prepare for the discharge. I mentioned to her about my breastfeeing problem. She observed my techniques, and after 5 mins, she asked, "Have you considered seeing our lactation consultant?" I was like, "YES YES ! I have been asking the other nurse Eleanor for this for the last two days, and she kept saying I was doing fine! And NO I am not doing fine, and NO I am not emotional! And YES I am worried about my daughter!" At 10am, Joe and I met with the lactation consulatant, Nancy. She is a sweet lady, and she gave me a few pointers on different lactching positions. Too bad that at this point, my nipples were sore and were bleeding, and it made breastfeeding extremely difficult. At 2pm, Nancy suggested that I explore the option of getting a breast pump. Ok... breast pump it is then. If this is the solution and that Bethany will no longer be starving... I do not care if the breast pump costs $300 or even $3000! First time in the last 9 months, I felt the despair and desperation in myself and I worried about someone else more than myself. I guess this is the magic of mother-hood!
We got discharged around 5pm. Rushed home for the 5:30pm feeding (I pumped 1.5oz breast milk at the hospital), and then Joe and I went to Shoppers to get a Breast Pump. Being the queen of Google and competitive shopping, I did not even bother to compare prices and simply grab a Medela Battery Operated Breast Pump (Swing). This marked the beginning of my new career -- a pumping mom!
Friday am: Surived the first night with baby at home! It was not too bad. I had not been sleeping at all, and it seems that my body had quite adjusted to the lack of sleep. On the other hand, Joe still managed to get 6 - 7 hours of sleep every night! Men, they can really sleep through everything!
Friday noon: Baby's first doctor appointment. It is a normal procedure that the baby needs to be seen by a family doctor or pediatrician within 48 hours after discharge from the hospital. The doctor appt lasted for 45 mins and Joe and I asked tons of questions... and the doctor (our family doctor) is very patient with us and answered all our questions.
Friday evening: My in-laws Carl and Sandy called! Carl talked to Joe for a few minutes, and I spoke with Sandy for a few minutes. They asked how I was doing after the c-section and then how Bethany was doing.
My dad calls everyday to make sure I am doing ok. Other than the lack of sleep, everything was going great. I had a major melt-down thursday afternoon. I was really frustrated and diappointed at myself at the same time, that I felt I had failed my daughter in providing her nutrients through my breastmilk. After a long chat with my sister, I felt much better. I have learned to accept that fact the expressing breastmilk by pumping is an alternative way of breast-feeding. Though it is not ideal and can be time consuming, it is still better thatn formula-feeding.
Perhaps it was the post-partum hormones, I find that I am super sensitive these days... one stupid comment would simply send me to the land of tears... so Joe (if you are reading this blog...) bear with me... and stop questioning about why we need a bottle / nipple rack in the kitchen, and why I want only Bambino receiving blankets!
Our precious daughter, Bethany Priscilla Pang Vautour made her grand entrance to this world, and it marked the beginning of parenting journey for Joe and myself.
Bethany weighed 6lb 15oz and measured 20 inches long when she was at birth. She is just perfect!
It was a very emotional day for Joe and myself. I could not believe I am a mom! My mom was with us at the hospital. When Joe brought Bethany to my mom, she was very emotional and Joe later told me that there were tears in my mom's eyes when she held Bethany in her arms.
Joe and I spent quite a long time to come up with Bethany's middle names. Growing up, Joe has always believed that a girl borned into the Vautour's family should have Marie as the middle name. While a boy borned into the Vatuour's family should have Joseph as the middle name. For some reason, I did not really like the name Marie. After much discussion and consideration, we had decided, as a couple, to name our baby after her grandmother (a.k.a. my mom). My mom and I have a very tight-knit bond as far back as I could remember (I was a breast-fed baby!) and naming our baby after my mom seemed to be the right thing to do. Also, my mom's birthday is Aug 12 and with my original due date of Aug 24, Joe and I both thought that this would be the best birthday present we could ever get my mom! :-)
 |
| From Drop Box |
Baby Bethany and I stayed at the hospital until Thursday Aug 20. Joe spent monday night at the hospital rooming in with us. Poor Joe, he slept in a cot and pulled his back while helping me with breastfeeding on Tuesday. He got rushed to ER by a nurse in the maternity ward. The ER doctor gave him a shot of Advil and gave him a prescription for anti-inflammatory pills. Knowing that Joe wanted to help out as much as he could, having a pulled-back simply would not do any good for Bethany and me, so I simply sent him home so that he could rest. Joe, being a first-time daddy, felt particularly awful and he cried.
Bethany and I got moved to a private room (with minimal or no A/C) on Tuesday afternoon. I survived tuesday and wednesday nights with Bethany alone in the room. Being a first-time mom, I had no idea what to do with Bethany other than change her diaper and feed her once every two hours. Mom came to the hospital twice a day (noon and early evening) to bring me home-made meals . I am a super fussy person and hospital food does not agree with my stomach, so I gave all the hospital food to Joe, while I had all the yummy home-made chinese post-partum food made by Mom!
Monday afternoon, Bethany received her very first present from Pao Pao (grandma Priscilla) -- a flower arrangment made with long stem pink roses, rested in a pink piggy vase!
 |
| From Drop Box |
Monday evening, godparents Barry and Annette came to visit us. They brought us a lovely flower arrangement! Joe slept for a straight 7 hours in the cot, and I got around 2 hrs of sleep.
Tuesday early afternoon, my OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Dy dropped by to say hello! I really like Dr. Dy and I am glad that she delivered Bethany!
Tuesday afternoon, I learned from the nurse how to give Bethany a bath. Too bad that Joe was recovering from the back pain at home, he missed Bethany's first bath.
Tuesday evening, my friend Marie-Eve (who is expecting also) and her hubby Shaun came for a short visit, and brought Bethany a Noah Ark's piggy bank.
Tuesday night, I recieved a breath-taking flower arrangement from the Costco's Fresh Foods team! Joe went home around 10pm. I had 2 hrs of sleep.
I told the day-nurse that I needed to see a lactation consultant as Bethany had trouble latching on properly, and I was worried that she did not get enough breastmilk. The day-nurse did not even bother to make an appointment for me! I HATED HATED her!
Wendesday: Bethany had lost 9.02% of her birth weight (losing between 7-10% of birth weight by Day 3 is normal) and being the queen of worrying, I worried that Bethany was not getting enough breastmilk. Worrying turned into a semi panic attack in the wee hours of Thursday... and this translated to NO SLEEP!
Wednesday midnight: Recieved a flower arrangement from Godmother Virigina!
Thursday: The semi panic attack had progressed to a full-blown panic attack. I was frustrated and Bethany was frustrated. My heart ached when she was crying as she was hungry. It seems that she was not satisfied with my breastmilk. I felt that I had failed miserably as a mom and that my baby was starving and I could not do anything to take the hunger away from her! At 5am, after trying feeing Bethany for 45 mins, I cried with my daughter for half an hour as I felt so helpless. The night nurse was absolutely terrible and she did not seem to care if Bethany was latched on properly or not. All she wanted me to do was to give Bethany formula instead of breastmilk!
Thursday late morning: I got a new day nurse today. She came in to check my vitals and prepare for the discharge. I mentioned to her about my breastfeeing problem. She observed my techniques, and after 5 mins, she asked, "Have you considered seeing our lactation consultant?" I was like, "YES YES ! I have been asking the other nurse Eleanor for this for the last two days, and she kept saying I was doing fine! And NO I am not doing fine, and NO I am not emotional! And YES I am worried about my daughter!" At 10am, Joe and I met with the lactation consulatant, Nancy. She is a sweet lady, and she gave me a few pointers on different lactching positions. Too bad that at this point, my nipples were sore and were bleeding, and it made breastfeeding extremely difficult. At 2pm, Nancy suggested that I explore the option of getting a breast pump. Ok... breast pump it is then. If this is the solution and that Bethany will no longer be starving... I do not care if the breast pump costs $300 or even $3000! First time in the last 9 months, I felt the despair and desperation in myself and I worried about someone else more than myself. I guess this is the magic of mother-hood!
We got discharged around 5pm. Rushed home for the 5:30pm feeding (I pumped 1.5oz breast milk at the hospital), and then Joe and I went to Shoppers to get a Breast Pump. Being the queen of Google and competitive shopping, I did not even bother to compare prices and simply grab a Medela Battery Operated Breast Pump (Swing). This marked the beginning of my new career -- a pumping mom!
Friday am: Surived the first night with baby at home! It was not too bad. I had not been sleeping at all, and it seems that my body had quite adjusted to the lack of sleep. On the other hand, Joe still managed to get 6 - 7 hours of sleep every night! Men, they can really sleep through everything!
Friday noon: Baby's first doctor appointment. It is a normal procedure that the baby needs to be seen by a family doctor or pediatrician within 48 hours after discharge from the hospital. The doctor appt lasted for 45 mins and Joe and I asked tons of questions... and the doctor (our family doctor) is very patient with us and answered all our questions.
 |
| From Drop Box |
Friday evening: My in-laws Carl and Sandy called! Carl talked to Joe for a few minutes, and I spoke with Sandy for a few minutes. They asked how I was doing after the c-section and then how Bethany was doing.
My dad calls everyday to make sure I am doing ok. Other than the lack of sleep, everything was going great. I had a major melt-down thursday afternoon. I was really frustrated and diappointed at myself at the same time, that I felt I had failed my daughter in providing her nutrients through my breastmilk. After a long chat with my sister, I felt much better. I have learned to accept that fact the expressing breastmilk by pumping is an alternative way of breast-feeding. Though it is not ideal and can be time consuming, it is still better thatn formula-feeding.
Perhaps it was the post-partum hormones, I find that I am super sensitive these days... one stupid comment would simply send me to the land of tears... so Joe (if you are reading this blog...) bear with me... and stop questioning about why we need a bottle / nipple rack in the kitchen, and why I want only Bambino receiving blankets!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Week 39 -- August 17, 2009
Week 39 -- August 17, 2009
Today is going to be a GREAT day in the Pang-Vautour Family! Today is going to be a milestone for both families as Joe and I are about to become first-time parents. My parents are about to become first-time grand-parents. My in-laws (Carl and Sandy) are about to become fifth-time grand-parents.
While everyone is waiting anxiously for the arrival of baby Bethany, I would like to take a moment to reflect on my pregnancy journey in the last 9 months.
1. We found out I was pregnant a few days before Christmas 2008. The news was the BEST christmas presents for Joe and myself.
2. We found out I was carrying a girl when I was about 20 weeks. The news brought tons of joy to Joe and myself. I always have a super strong bond with my mom, and by having a daughter, I would be able to experience this strong bond as a mom. A lot of people keep telling me that a daughter is the most comforting gift in a mother's heart.
3. Joe has been super patient with me all along! He has changed in the past 9 months. He has changed to become a better person, a better husband, a better soul-mate, and most important of all, a better daddy-to-be, and today, he will become a great daddy!
4. Our marriage has also strengthened in the past 9 months. Joe and I had weathered a few storms which came our way, and together, we stand united as husband and wife, that no one could shatter.
5. My parents have been very supportive and caring in the past 9 months. Being first-time grand-parents, dad had spent a considerable amount of time coming up with a chinese name for baby Bethany. Being half chinese, we feel that it is important for baby Bethany to have a chinese name so that she can carry on the chinese heritage in her blood. Mom had been super busy in the last little while, sewing all the beddings for Bethany. Mom had been giving me a lot of advice throughout this pregnancy, and I feel that my relationship with my mom had evolved to a new level that only a mother and an expectant mother could relate to.
6. My in-laws, Carl and Sandy. They have been, as always, very supportive. My relationship with my mother-in-law had grown in the past 9 months.
As I am just about to enter a new phase in my life-journey, I thank God for providing this wonderful opportunity for Joe and myself to become parents. I thank God for His love, support and guidance for the last 9 months!
Today is going to be a GREAT day in the Pang-Vautour Family! Today is going to be a milestone for both families as Joe and I are about to become first-time parents. My parents are about to become first-time grand-parents. My in-laws (Carl and Sandy) are about to become fifth-time grand-parents.
While everyone is waiting anxiously for the arrival of baby Bethany, I would like to take a moment to reflect on my pregnancy journey in the last 9 months.
1. We found out I was pregnant a few days before Christmas 2008. The news was the BEST christmas presents for Joe and myself.
2. We found out I was carrying a girl when I was about 20 weeks. The news brought tons of joy to Joe and myself. I always have a super strong bond with my mom, and by having a daughter, I would be able to experience this strong bond as a mom. A lot of people keep telling me that a daughter is the most comforting gift in a mother's heart.
3. Joe has been super patient with me all along! He has changed in the past 9 months. He has changed to become a better person, a better husband, a better soul-mate, and most important of all, a better daddy-to-be, and today, he will become a great daddy!
4. Our marriage has also strengthened in the past 9 months. Joe and I had weathered a few storms which came our way, and together, we stand united as husband and wife, that no one could shatter.
5. My parents have been very supportive and caring in the past 9 months. Being first-time grand-parents, dad had spent a considerable amount of time coming up with a chinese name for baby Bethany. Being half chinese, we feel that it is important for baby Bethany to have a chinese name so that she can carry on the chinese heritage in her blood. Mom had been super busy in the last little while, sewing all the beddings for Bethany. Mom had been giving me a lot of advice throughout this pregnancy, and I feel that my relationship with my mom had evolved to a new level that only a mother and an expectant mother could relate to.
6. My in-laws, Carl and Sandy. They have been, as always, very supportive. My relationship with my mother-in-law had grown in the past 9 months.
As I am just about to enter a new phase in my life-journey, I thank God for providing this wonderful opportunity for Joe and myself to become parents. I thank God for His love, support and guidance for the last 9 months!
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| From Drop Box |
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Sunday Aug 16
Since this is the last sunday before baby Bethany arrives, without prior discussion, we all sort of slept in, knowing that we will all somehow be sleep deprived in the next few weeks or months.
We went to Cora's for brunch. Mom and I shared a plate (Bobby Button) and Joe had the Fourth of July. After brunch, we went to Zellers to pick out a baby shower's gift for my girlfriend who is due at the end of October, and a gift card for a friend's daughter who delivered a baby five weeks early.
In the afternoon, Joe did some finishing touches in the baby's room (putting Diaper Genie refill bag in the Diaper Genie, taking Slumber Bear out of the box and attached it to the crib, putting green alphabets on the wall, putting up the draperies made by Pao Pao!) The room looks amazing! :-)
Sunday Aug 16
Since this is the last sunday before baby Bethany arrives, without prior discussion, we all sort of slept in, knowing that we will all somehow be sleep deprived in the next few weeks or months.
We went to Cora's for brunch. Mom and I shared a plate (Bobby Button) and Joe had the Fourth of July. After brunch, we went to Zellers to pick out a baby shower's gift for my girlfriend who is due at the end of October, and a gift card for a friend's daughter who delivered a baby five weeks early.
In the afternoon, Joe did some finishing touches in the baby's room (putting Diaper Genie refill bag in the Diaper Genie, taking Slumber Bear out of the box and attached it to the crib, putting green alphabets on the wall, putting up the draperies made by Pao Pao!) The room looks amazing! :-)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Friday Aug 14
Nothing particular happenend today! I woke up at 4am.. went back to sleep at 7am... slept till 9:30am. Went for a nap at 2pm... woke up at 4pm. In the past week, all I have been doing is sleep, sleep more, eat and eat more! No wonder I look and feel like a beached whale with swollen feet!
Saturday Aug 15
Woke up early to make waffles for breakfast! Joe mowed the lawn and washed two cars and had all these done before noon! Mom and I were super-duper impressed! :-)
In the afternoon, we went to Home Depot to buy curtain rods so that we can finish hanging the drapery mom made for Baby Bethany.
Tonight... we are going to have BBQ (striploin steak, spinach salad with bacon, mandarin organges, eggs, walnut, baked potato, corn on the cob... and Dairy Queen icecream cake!)
I look and feel like a beached whale... my feet are way too swollen that it is actually a sight for sore eyes!
40 more hours... I will be able to see Baby Bethany! :-) YAY!
Friday Aug 14
Nothing particular happenend today! I woke up at 4am.. went back to sleep at 7am... slept till 9:30am. Went for a nap at 2pm... woke up at 4pm. In the past week, all I have been doing is sleep, sleep more, eat and eat more! No wonder I look and feel like a beached whale with swollen feet!
Saturday Aug 15
Woke up early to make waffles for breakfast! Joe mowed the lawn and washed two cars and had all these done before noon! Mom and I were super-duper impressed! :-)
In the afternoon, we went to Home Depot to buy curtain rods so that we can finish hanging the drapery mom made for Baby Bethany.
Tonight... we are going to have BBQ (striploin steak, spinach salad with bacon, mandarin organges, eggs, walnut, baked potato, corn on the cob... and Dairy Queen icecream cake!)
I look and feel like a beached whale... my feet are way too swollen that it is actually a sight for sore eyes!
40 more hours... I will be able to see Baby Bethany! :-) YAY!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Thursday Aug 13
I woke up at 4am! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I won't have cramps at 4:58am!
Wed am, I woke up with cramps at 4:58am.
Wed pm, I woke up with cramps at 4:38pm.
I am a systematic person and I like to find correlations of events. So, if the pre-labour cramps happen once every 12 hours, the next wave of cramps might be hitting me in 16 mins!
So the scheduled c-section has been moved up to 8am on Aug 17 instead of 10am on Aug 17. We will need to get to the hospital at 6am. Surgery will take about an hour, and I will be staying at the hosptial (I got myself a private room with a TV! YAY!) for three nights. So, Baby Bethany and I will be discharged on Thursday (exactly one week from today). Baby Bethany's first doctor appointment will be next Friday Aug 21 at 11:15am.
Thursday Aug 13
I woke up at 4am! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I won't have cramps at 4:58am!
Wed am, I woke up with cramps at 4:58am.
Wed pm, I woke up with cramps at 4:38pm.
I am a systematic person and I like to find correlations of events. So, if the pre-labour cramps happen once every 12 hours, the next wave of cramps might be hitting me in 16 mins!
So the scheduled c-section has been moved up to 8am on Aug 17 instead of 10am on Aug 17. We will need to get to the hospital at 6am. Surgery will take about an hour, and I will be staying at the hosptial (I got myself a private room with a TV! YAY!) for three nights. So, Baby Bethany and I will be discharged on Thursday (exactly one week from today). Baby Bethany's first doctor appointment will be next Friday Aug 21 at 11:15am.
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Wednesday Aug 12
Mom and I went for my "last" pre-natal appointment this morning. Heart rate of Baby Bethany 145 (so she must be a girl right?). She has not "dropped" yet! The doctor said that at this point, chances of Bethany be head down is highly unlikely, so me being under the knife on Monday Aug 17 is inevitable!
Mom and I then drove to the hospital from home so that she knows how to get to the hospital next week. We then went to Glebe Meat Market to get Greaves Jam! Mom loves Greaves Jam (our wedding favor was Greaves Jam and it was mom's idea... and it was a brillant idea as most of our guests love the wedding favor... some actually asked for seconds!) and we managed to find some at Glebe Meat Market.
We then went dim sum in Chinatown and did a bit of grocery shopping to make sure we have all the ingredients for the traditional chinese post-natal diet: ginger with vinegar! (yummy!).
It was Mom's birthday today so Joe and I planned to take Mom out for dinner. I made a reservation at Oggi Restaurant in Manitock (as mom loves italian food) and I asked the chef to prepare a slice of cake for my mom as birthday cake. All things were set to go!
I went for a nap at around 2pm... woke up with intense cramps at 4:38pm. Cramps and lower backpain lasted for 10 mins and it was gone. I was timing myself as I need to get to "5-1-1" before going to the hospital. "5-1-1" means, contractions are 5 minutes apart, each contraction lasts for a minute, and this pattern needs to continue for an hour. I had cramps the night before, and when I mentioned that to the doctor, she told me it is normal as my pregnancy is nearing the end. She told me that I would probably experience some cramps for the next few days! Well I DID! and it felt yucky!
We decided to cancel the dinner plan and stayed in for the evening just in case I had more cramps (and I did not!). Joe came home around 5:30pm and brought mom a nice bouquet of flowers (brownie points!). I felt bad about not being able to take mom out for dinner on her birthday. Mom told me that the purpose of her trip is to support Joe and myself and help out in looking after baby Bethany. Being able to celebrate her birthday is a bonus but not the main purpose of the trip! Anyway, we got her two birthday cards, one from Joe and me, the other one from her grand-daughters (baby bethany and bee bee), a bottle of Estee Lauder's Beautiful Perfume. After dinner, Joe went out and got mom a Dairy Queen's icecream cake! Though the day did not turn out the way I expected, we all had a great time. Mom was happy, I was happy and Joe won a lot of brownie points!
Wednesday Aug 12
Mom and I went for my "last" pre-natal appointment this morning. Heart rate of Baby Bethany 145 (so she must be a girl right?). She has not "dropped" yet! The doctor said that at this point, chances of Bethany be head down is highly unlikely, so me being under the knife on Monday Aug 17 is inevitable!
Mom and I then drove to the hospital from home so that she knows how to get to the hospital next week. We then went to Glebe Meat Market to get Greaves Jam! Mom loves Greaves Jam (our wedding favor was Greaves Jam and it was mom's idea... and it was a brillant idea as most of our guests love the wedding favor... some actually asked for seconds!) and we managed to find some at Glebe Meat Market.
We then went dim sum in Chinatown and did a bit of grocery shopping to make sure we have all the ingredients for the traditional chinese post-natal diet: ginger with vinegar! (yummy!).
It was Mom's birthday today so Joe and I planned to take Mom out for dinner. I made a reservation at Oggi Restaurant in Manitock (as mom loves italian food) and I asked the chef to prepare a slice of cake for my mom as birthday cake. All things were set to go!
I went for a nap at around 2pm... woke up with intense cramps at 4:38pm. Cramps and lower backpain lasted for 10 mins and it was gone. I was timing myself as I need to get to "5-1-1" before going to the hospital. "5-1-1" means, contractions are 5 minutes apart, each contraction lasts for a minute, and this pattern needs to continue for an hour. I had cramps the night before, and when I mentioned that to the doctor, she told me it is normal as my pregnancy is nearing the end. She told me that I would probably experience some cramps for the next few days! Well I DID! and it felt yucky!
We decided to cancel the dinner plan and stayed in for the evening just in case I had more cramps (and I did not!). Joe came home around 5:30pm and brought mom a nice bouquet of flowers (brownie points!). I felt bad about not being able to take mom out for dinner on her birthday. Mom told me that the purpose of her trip is to support Joe and myself and help out in looking after baby Bethany. Being able to celebrate her birthday is a bonus but not the main purpose of the trip! Anyway, we got her two birthday cards, one from Joe and me, the other one from her grand-daughters (baby bethany and bee bee), a bottle of Estee Lauder's Beautiful Perfume. After dinner, Joe went out and got mom a Dairy Queen's icecream cake! Though the day did not turn out the way I expected, we all had a great time. Mom was happy, I was happy and Joe won a lot of brownie points!
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| From Drop Box |
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| From Drop Box |
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| From Drop Box |
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| From Drop Box |
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| From Drop Box |
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 - Aug 10-16, 2009
Tuesday Aug 11
Did not do much today at all! Woke up at 6am when Joe's alarm clock went off. Took a shower at 7am. After the shower, spent 1/2 hr reading "What to Expect in the First Year". At 9am, went back to sleep, woke up at 12:30pm, feeling a bit dis-oriented.
The day went by so fast that I did not really do much! In the afternoon, mom and I re-arranged all the baby clothes in the closet and noticed that we need to get more sleepers for baby Bethany!
Tuesday Aug 11
Did not do much today at all! Woke up at 6am when Joe's alarm clock went off. Took a shower at 7am. After the shower, spent 1/2 hr reading "What to Expect in the First Year". At 9am, went back to sleep, woke up at 12:30pm, feeling a bit dis-oriented.
The day went by so fast that I did not really do much! In the afternoon, mom and I re-arranged all the baby clothes in the closet and noticed that we need to get more sleepers for baby Bethany!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10-16, 2009
Monday August 10 (Part II)
Mom and I went to Timmies for breakfast this morning, and then we did a bit of shopping at Walmart. When we got home around 11am, there was a message from the doctor's office that the c-section has been scheduled on Aug 17 (next Mon) at 10am!
Last week I was sitting on pins and needles as I knew I would be having a c-section, but the not-knowing-when part was just killing me. Now that I know, I would be able to plan this week much better!
Knowing that my daughter's birthday will be Aug 17 simply puts a smile on my face!
One week from today... I will be a MOM and Joe will be a DAD!
Monday August 10 (Part II)
Mom and I went to Timmies for breakfast this morning, and then we did a bit of shopping at Walmart. When we got home around 11am, there was a message from the doctor's office that the c-section has been scheduled on Aug 17 (next Mon) at 10am!
Last week I was sitting on pins and needles as I knew I would be having a c-section, but the not-knowing-when part was just killing me. Now that I know, I would be able to plan this week much better!
Knowing that my daughter's birthday will be Aug 17 simply puts a smile on my face!
One week from today... I will be a MOM and Joe will be a DAD!
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Week 38 -- August 10 - 16, 2009
Monday Aug 10
Woke up at 6:15am when Joe's alarm clock went off! Went to bed early last night as the evening progressed, my feet seemed to get swollen by the hour. At the end, my feet was just a sight for sore eyes so I decided to go to bed and call it a night.
Joe and I went to a cloth diapering one-on-one consultation yesteday afternoon. Early on during the pregnancy, Joe and I did not really talk about cloth diapering. We just assumed that we would go with disposable diapers. Therefore, we had two costco-size Huggies Size 1 diapers. One huge bag of Pampers Size 1 diapers and two bags of New Born diapers.
When I was 32 weeks, one night while we were sitting down for dinner, like any other normal evening, Joe said, "Why don't we try cloth diapering?" His comment totally struck me by surprise. Joe is into recycling and stuff, but cloth diapering? C'mon... for some reasons, I can't connect Joe and cloth diapers as one image. Being the queen of Google, I googled about cloth diapering and were flooded with loads of information out there. I also spent some time chatting with other expectant moms or new moms who are planning to cloth diaper or are already cloth diapering thier babies, and got a feel on this new terrritory. After spending about three weeks reading up on cloth diapering and chatting with other moms, I was convinced that cloth diapering is a good thing.
I went to an one-on-one consultation three weeks ago, and got all the basic information. Yesterday, I scheduled yet another appointment as I wanted Joe to participate in the discussion and bring his knowledge on cloth diapering up to speed. There are different types of cloth diapers out there and what we got out of the consultation yesterday was to identify the type of cloth diapers we are most comfortable in and understand the time and $$$ involved in this project.
Monday Aug 10
Woke up at 6:15am when Joe's alarm clock went off! Went to bed early last night as the evening progressed, my feet seemed to get swollen by the hour. At the end, my feet was just a sight for sore eyes so I decided to go to bed and call it a night.
Joe and I went to a cloth diapering one-on-one consultation yesteday afternoon. Early on during the pregnancy, Joe and I did not really talk about cloth diapering. We just assumed that we would go with disposable diapers. Therefore, we had two costco-size Huggies Size 1 diapers. One huge bag of Pampers Size 1 diapers and two bags of New Born diapers.
When I was 32 weeks, one night while we were sitting down for dinner, like any other normal evening, Joe said, "Why don't we try cloth diapering?" His comment totally struck me by surprise. Joe is into recycling and stuff, but cloth diapering? C'mon... for some reasons, I can't connect Joe and cloth diapers as one image. Being the queen of Google, I googled about cloth diapering and were flooded with loads of information out there. I also spent some time chatting with other expectant moms or new moms who are planning to cloth diaper or are already cloth diapering thier babies, and got a feel on this new terrritory. After spending about three weeks reading up on cloth diapering and chatting with other moms, I was convinced that cloth diapering is a good thing.
I went to an one-on-one consultation three weeks ago, and got all the basic information. Yesterday, I scheduled yet another appointment as I wanted Joe to participate in the discussion and bring his knowledge on cloth diapering up to speed. There are different types of cloth diapers out there and what we got out of the consultation yesterday was to identify the type of cloth diapers we are most comfortable in and understand the time and $$$ involved in this project.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9,2009
Sunday August 9
Woke up at 8:30am! Woke up only once at 3:30am (for some reason.... 3:30am is always the time I get up in the middle of the night. I really believe that somehow baby Bethany will have a feeding or diaper changing at 3:30am!) but managed to go back to sleep at 4am!
Joe went to church while I stayed home with mom. Last sunday, Joe and I went to church and there was no ventilation at the church that it was so stuffy, I thought I was going to pass out. So this week, I skipped church and will resume going to church after baby is born.
As usual, I had an afternoon nap for about 2 hours. Woke up with very swollen fingers and not-so-swollen feet. Long sigh.... one thing I won't miss about this pregnancy is the swolleen fingers and elephant feet!
Sunday August 9
Woke up at 8:30am! Woke up only once at 3:30am (for some reason.... 3:30am is always the time I get up in the middle of the night. I really believe that somehow baby Bethany will have a feeding or diaper changing at 3:30am!) but managed to go back to sleep at 4am!
Joe went to church while I stayed home with mom. Last sunday, Joe and I went to church and there was no ventilation at the church that it was so stuffy, I thought I was going to pass out. So this week, I skipped church and will resume going to church after baby is born.
As usual, I had an afternoon nap for about 2 hours. Woke up with very swollen fingers and not-so-swollen feet. Long sigh.... one thing I won't miss about this pregnancy is the swolleen fingers and elephant feet!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Saturday Aug 8
I managed to sleep till Bee Bee woke me up this morning at 7:30am!!!! I woke up at 3:30am for my usual bathroom break, but for once, I was able to go back to sleep without much tossing and turning! This was a MIRACLE! Woke up feeling really relaxed, and first time in the last 6 weeks that I was not grumpy when I woke up! :-)
Joe and I went for a breastfeeding seminar at Civic Hospital this morning from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Though the seminar was long and the RN (registered nurse) was not too computer savvy (and it took her about 20 mins to start a powerpoint presentation), the seminar was very informative and I managed to get a lot out of it. I think I had mastered the two breastfeeding position: football hold and alternate arm cradle hold!
On our way home, we stopped at Costco to pick up a few items. We also got the Baby Einstein Exercise Mat for baby Bethany. When we got home, mom had finished a pink sweater for baby Bethany! :-) It is the cutest baby sweater I have ever seen!
Together, mom and I put bedding on the crib. Now that the nursery is 98% ready... all is left is for Joe to put the draperies mom made for the baby!
Saturday Aug 8
I managed to sleep till Bee Bee woke me up this morning at 7:30am!!!! I woke up at 3:30am for my usual bathroom break, but for once, I was able to go back to sleep without much tossing and turning! This was a MIRACLE! Woke up feeling really relaxed, and first time in the last 6 weeks that I was not grumpy when I woke up! :-)
Joe and I went for a breastfeeding seminar at Civic Hospital this morning from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Though the seminar was long and the RN (registered nurse) was not too computer savvy (and it took her about 20 mins to start a powerpoint presentation), the seminar was very informative and I managed to get a lot out of it. I think I had mastered the two breastfeeding position: football hold and alternate arm cradle hold!
On our way home, we stopped at Costco to pick up a few items. We also got the Baby Einstein Exercise Mat for baby Bethany. When we got home, mom had finished a pink sweater for baby Bethany! :-) It is the cutest baby sweater I have ever seen!
Together, mom and I put bedding on the crib. Now that the nursery is 98% ready... all is left is for Joe to put the draperies mom made for the baby!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Friday Aug 7
MOM IS HERE!!!! YAY!!!!! :-)
Woke up at 3am! AGAIN! I wonder if this is going to end soon! Went back to sleep at 7am and then woke up at 9:30am when Joe brought home a gif (two story books and a few Tommy Girl outfits) his staff put together for baby Bethany!
Mom and I went to chinatown for dim sum. After dim sum, we did some grocery shopping. It was one very relaxing day!
Friday Aug 7
MOM IS HERE!!!! YAY!!!!! :-)
Woke up at 3am! AGAIN! I wonder if this is going to end soon! Went back to sleep at 7am and then woke up at 9:30am when Joe brought home a gif (two story books and a few Tommy Girl outfits) his staff put together for baby Bethany!
Mom and I went to chinatown for dim sum. After dim sum, we did some grocery shopping. It was one very relaxing day!
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| From Drop Box |
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Thursday August 6
Mom is arriving tonight! YAY! Joe and I have been looking forward to my mom's coming for a few months now! Now that mom is here... we are ready for baby Bethany to come out any minute now!
My car did not start yesterday. Joe suspected that the battery died. We called CAA last night and had them towed my car to the shop I usually take my car in for sevice.
So I was home-bound all day today! I did some last minute tidying and cleaning up in the house. Mom's room is newly painted and decorated and the guest bathroom is also stocked with toiletries and clean towels. Everything is set to go!
I went for an afternoon nap (2.5 hrs) as I have been waking up at 3am lately. One thing I have noticed that the phone keeps ringing every time I nap... gosh... preggos need beauty sleeps and usually in the afternoons!
Thursday August 6
Mom is arriving tonight! YAY! Joe and I have been looking forward to my mom's coming for a few months now! Now that mom is here... we are ready for baby Bethany to come out any minute now!
My car did not start yesterday. Joe suspected that the battery died. We called CAA last night and had them towed my car to the shop I usually take my car in for sevice.
So I was home-bound all day today! I did some last minute tidying and cleaning up in the house. Mom's room is newly painted and decorated and the guest bathroom is also stocked with toiletries and clean towels. Everything is set to go!
I went for an afternoon nap (2.5 hrs) as I have been waking up at 3am lately. One thing I have noticed that the phone keeps ringing every time I nap... gosh... preggos need beauty sleeps and usually in the afternoons!
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| From Drop Box |
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Wednesday Aug 5
Doctor appointment this morning at 10:15am. Joe was supposed to meet me at the doctor's at 10am. At 9:30am, I cumbersome-ly walked to my car. At 9:35am, I noticed that my car would not start! At 9:45am, I told out my cell phone to call Joe, then noticed that my cell phone did not work either. At 9:50am, I was back at the house, calling Joe. At 10:10am, we were sitting at the doctor's office. At 10:30am, we were still waiting at the waiting room. At 10:45am, we were still waiting. At 11:00am, we were still waiting. At 11:15am, I was getting very impatient as the chairs were not comfry! At 11:25am, we were finally called into the examination room. At 11:27am, I noticed that I only put on 1lb since last visit (yay!). At 11:35am, my OB/GYN finally greeted us!
Turned out that the EVC procedure was not successful yesterday. Yesterday's ultrasound shows that the baby was still in breech. She had one leg over her face, and the other one is sitting low in my pelvic area. At some point during the pregnancy, most babies would be in breech position, but by 37 weeks, most babies have turned and are settled for a "head down" position. Only 3% of the babies will remain in breech positions. I guess baby bethany is in this 3% category and she truly is one of a kind. Since she is no longer in frank breech (both legs over the face), at this point, delivery via vaginal birth is no longer an option. Today during the appointment, the doctor discussed with us about a planned c-section which did not take us by surprise. She also explained to us the possible risks associate with c-section. In Canada, about 30% of the babies are delivered via c-section.
Our plan is that the baby will come out between 39 and 40 weeks. My expected due date is Aug 24, and the doctor is hoping to schedule the c-section in the week of Aug 17. As I get closer to the due date, the chance for me going into labour also increase accordingly. Therefore she does not want to wait till I am in 40 weeks for the c-section. Apparently, the month of August is a baby's month, and the OR in Civic Hospital is booked solid on Aug 17 (monday). So, at this point, I do not have a confirmed date of the c-section yet. Hopefully will get a call for the doctor's office tomorrow.
On a positive note, the baby was measured at 5lb 11oz yesterday at the ultrasound, and the amniotic fluid index was also within the normal range. Heart rate was between 138 to 145. My blood pressure was also normal!
Wednesday Aug 5
Doctor appointment this morning at 10:15am. Joe was supposed to meet me at the doctor's at 10am. At 9:30am, I cumbersome-ly walked to my car. At 9:35am, I noticed that my car would not start! At 9:45am, I told out my cell phone to call Joe, then noticed that my cell phone did not work either. At 9:50am, I was back at the house, calling Joe. At 10:10am, we were sitting at the doctor's office. At 10:30am, we were still waiting at the waiting room. At 10:45am, we were still waiting. At 11:00am, we were still waiting. At 11:15am, I was getting very impatient as the chairs were not comfry! At 11:25am, we were finally called into the examination room. At 11:27am, I noticed that I only put on 1lb since last visit (yay!). At 11:35am, my OB/GYN finally greeted us!
Turned out that the EVC procedure was not successful yesterday. Yesterday's ultrasound shows that the baby was still in breech. She had one leg over her face, and the other one is sitting low in my pelvic area. At some point during the pregnancy, most babies would be in breech position, but by 37 weeks, most babies have turned and are settled for a "head down" position. Only 3% of the babies will remain in breech positions. I guess baby bethany is in this 3% category and she truly is one of a kind. Since she is no longer in frank breech (both legs over the face), at this point, delivery via vaginal birth is no longer an option. Today during the appointment, the doctor discussed with us about a planned c-section which did not take us by surprise. She also explained to us the possible risks associate with c-section. In Canada, about 30% of the babies are delivered via c-section.
Our plan is that the baby will come out between 39 and 40 weeks. My expected due date is Aug 24, and the doctor is hoping to schedule the c-section in the week of Aug 17. As I get closer to the due date, the chance for me going into labour also increase accordingly. Therefore she does not want to wait till I am in 40 weeks for the c-section. Apparently, the month of August is a baby's month, and the OR in Civic Hospital is booked solid on Aug 17 (monday). So, at this point, I do not have a confirmed date of the c-section yet. Hopefully will get a call for the doctor's office tomorrow.
On a positive note, the baby was measured at 5lb 11oz yesterday at the ultrasound, and the amniotic fluid index was also within the normal range. Heart rate was between 138 to 145. My blood pressure was also normal!
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| From Drop Box |
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Tuesday Aug 4
Last night was one restless night! Although I went to bed around 10pm, I did not really fall asleep till Joe feel asleep. I finally fell asleep around 12am with hubby snoring and bee bee snoring in the background. Woke up at 1:50am (yes I checked the clock everytime I woke up to map out a potential feeding schedule for baby bethany). So far, I have a rough idea that I will be up for feeding at 2am, 3:30am and 5:20am. In a few weeks, I will know for sure if my speculation is correct.
Woke up the same time as Joe did this morning. Baby Bethany must be up all night doing exercises. Between her kicks and my bathroom breaks, I gave up on sleeping when Joe's alarm clock went off this morning,
MSN-ed with my sister Loretta for a while, and we ended up chatting on the phone for over an hour. I always feels good chatting with her as she is so far away!
With the three-hr time difference between vancouver and ottawa, I need to wait at least 10 more minutes to call home. Wanna call mom before heading out for the aversion procedure at Civic Hospital this afternoon! :-)
I am keeping my fingers tight crossed that the aversion will be successful and that my water won't break during the procedure and baby bethany gets to stay inside and keep mommy awake all night for two more weeks!
Tuesday Aug 4
Last night was one restless night! Although I went to bed around 10pm, I did not really fall asleep till Joe feel asleep. I finally fell asleep around 12am with hubby snoring and bee bee snoring in the background. Woke up at 1:50am (yes I checked the clock everytime I woke up to map out a potential feeding schedule for baby bethany). So far, I have a rough idea that I will be up for feeding at 2am, 3:30am and 5:20am. In a few weeks, I will know for sure if my speculation is correct.
Woke up the same time as Joe did this morning. Baby Bethany must be up all night doing exercises. Between her kicks and my bathroom breaks, I gave up on sleeping when Joe's alarm clock went off this morning,
MSN-ed with my sister Loretta for a while, and we ended up chatting on the phone for over an hour. I always feels good chatting with her as she is so far away!
With the three-hr time difference between vancouver and ottawa, I need to wait at least 10 more minutes to call home. Wanna call mom before heading out for the aversion procedure at Civic Hospital this afternoon! :-)
I am keeping my fingers tight crossed that the aversion will be successful and that my water won't break during the procedure and baby bethany gets to stay inside and keep mommy awake all night for two more weeks!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Week 37 -- August 3 - 9, 2009
Monday Aug 3
37 weeks! Three more weeks to go! If Baby Bethany decides to make her grand appearance this week, she would be considered as a full-term baby! A selfish part of me wants her to stay inside for two more weeks so that she can pack a bit more weight! :-)
It turned out that today was a great sunny day! Joe got up early to seal the driveway and I rewarded him with french toast and banana smoothie for breakfast.
By mid morning, I had a craving for Dairy Queen Dipped Cone. Joe was done with the driveway by noon, so we went out for icecream! Yay!
I did not do much today. I did only two loads of laundry (and yes! I finally washed all the cloth diapers!) and put items away from the baby's shower!
Monday Aug 3
37 weeks! Three more weeks to go! If Baby Bethany decides to make her grand appearance this week, she would be considered as a full-term baby! A selfish part of me wants her to stay inside for two more weeks so that she can pack a bit more weight! :-)
It turned out that today was a great sunny day! Joe got up early to seal the driveway and I rewarded him with french toast and banana smoothie for breakfast.
By mid morning, I had a craving for Dairy Queen Dipped Cone. Joe was done with the driveway by noon, so we went out for icecream! Yay!
I did not do much today. I did only two loads of laundry (and yes! I finally washed all the cloth diapers!) and put items away from the baby's shower!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Week 36 July 27 - Aug 2, 2009
Week 36 -- July 27 - Aug 2, 2009
Saturday Aug 1
Garage Sale (or should I say Garbage Sale) this morning. It was the first garage sale Joe and I had ever done! Throughout the years, we had accumulated a lot of "junk" (Joe is a pack rat and getting him to throw away stuff is just like pulling teeth!) With my mom coming next wednesday and baby bethany making her grand appearance in about three weeks' time, we agreed that it is time to "clean house" or de-clutter.
We spent most of friday night getting items out of our storage room and basement and pricing them! Saturday am, Joe got up super early (6am) to get the garage sale ready. By 7am, when Joe was setting up the garage sale on our driveway, a lady came by and asked us what we had! I have no idea that people start so early in the mornings!
It was a successful garage sale (we started at 7am and finished at 11:15am) and we made about $160. All the stuff that were unsold at the end of the day, we simply left them in a box at the end of the driveway, marked "free to go"!
Sunday Aug 2
We went to the 9am mass (as my pregnancy is nearing to the end, I find that going to mass is getting harder and harder. First, the chair is not comfortable. Second, the highschool gym is super stuffy!) I told Joe that this would probably be the last sunday's mass I will be able to go until baby bethany is born.
We went for breakfast after mass. With the baby sitting right next to my rib cage, downing a big meal no longer sit very well with my stomach. For the first time in my life, I ordered off the kids' menu! I had kid's size french toast with strawberry syrup and a glass of kid's size milk, and a decaf coffee! For the first time in many months, I was able to finish my plate! :-)
Saturday Aug 1
Garage Sale (or should I say Garbage Sale) this morning. It was the first garage sale Joe and I had ever done! Throughout the years, we had accumulated a lot of "junk" (Joe is a pack rat and getting him to throw away stuff is just like pulling teeth!) With my mom coming next wednesday and baby bethany making her grand appearance in about three weeks' time, we agreed that it is time to "clean house" or de-clutter.
We spent most of friday night getting items out of our storage room and basement and pricing them! Saturday am, Joe got up super early (6am) to get the garage sale ready. By 7am, when Joe was setting up the garage sale on our driveway, a lady came by and asked us what we had! I have no idea that people start so early in the mornings!
It was a successful garage sale (we started at 7am and finished at 11:15am) and we made about $160. All the stuff that were unsold at the end of the day, we simply left them in a box at the end of the driveway, marked "free to go"!
Sunday Aug 2
We went to the 9am mass (as my pregnancy is nearing to the end, I find that going to mass is getting harder and harder. First, the chair is not comfortable. Second, the highschool gym is super stuffy!) I told Joe that this would probably be the last sunday's mass I will be able to go until baby bethany is born.
We went for breakfast after mass. With the baby sitting right next to my rib cage, downing a big meal no longer sit very well with my stomach. For the first time in my life, I ordered off the kids' menu! I had kid's size french toast with strawberry syrup and a glass of kid's size milk, and a decaf coffee! For the first time in many months, I was able to finish my plate! :-)
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