Zoe Update: 8 weeks

Zoe is 8 weeks and 3 days old today. She has grown so much and her personality is starting to peak through.

Weight: She hasn't been weighed since her last doctor's appointment but if we could guess she's probably around 10lbs now. Her next appointment is on Nov. 19th so I'm excited to see her growth and measurements. Not looking forward to her first round of immunizations but it must be done.

Typical day: She wakes up around 7am, Marco takes her so I can sleep longer. He feeds her and she usually is up until about 10am. Around 10:30am I come down and make breakfast for Marco and I, feed the dogs and then feed Zoe or pump. She naps for 1-2 hours so I take care of laundry, dishes etc. The rest of the day is playing with her, another nap, more playing and attempts to clean more of the house, diaper changes, make lunch and dinner, take showers, give her a bath and then she begins her bedtime routine around 6:30pm. She feeds around 9:30/10pm and then I either pass her off to Marco to go to bed or if I'm not tired I'll stay up until her next feeding. From then until 8am she wakes me up to feed every 3-4 hours. Throw in some trips to the grocery store, going out to eat or visits from my mom as well :)

Likes: getting her diaper changed, the light/chandelier in the dining area, staring at the sun shining through the windows, rocking in her swing, being on her tummy when laying on mom and dad, standing on her feet while mom and dad hold her, bath time, having mom and dad kick her feet (we call it the bicycle).

Dislikes: being swaddled, she makes it known when she's hungry, dirty diapers, being put down when she's wide awake, fast flow nipples to bottles.

Sleeping: She sleeps 3-4 hours at a time at night from about 6:30pm to 8am. She only wakes up to feed and falls right back asleep. During the day she takes 1-2 hour naps followed by about 2 hours of being wide awake and ready to take in the world.

Feeding: When nursing she feeds for about 10 minutes on each side. She unlatches 1-2 times in between. When from a bottle of breast milk she drinks 4-5oz at a time. When from a bottle of formula she drinks 3-4oz at a time. Typically she feeds every 3-4 hours. Lately she has become fussy when nursing during the day. She will latch but then unlatch quickly and cry. I typically give her a break with her pacifier and then try again. If after a couple times she's still fussy I will give her a bottle. At night and early morning she has no issue nursing. I think she is either not hungry or the flow is too fast.

Playing: We do tummy time in a few different ways. The one she enjoys best is when laying on us. She lifts her head up well and tries to push with her feet and knees to crawl. She enjoys the lights and sounds of her play gym but only for a few minutes. She spends most of her play time giggling and smiling with us when we make funny faces and sounds with her. We communicate by repeating the same sounds she makes back to her, using baby talk in a higher octave and in our calm normal voices as well.

Clothing Size: she just grew out of her Newborn clothing. She's still a little small for 0-3 months but that's the next size up so she's wearing oversized clothing for now. haha

My favorite things: her feet, smile, and rolls. I love watching her sleep and when she's staring at everything with such intensity. We were walking around Boulder and while she was in the body carrier she was looking at everything. At one point we were walking under trees and she was just staring up through the leaves and into the sky. As a child I loved looking up into the trees and sky as well. I also love when she sticks her tongue out in response to us sticking our tongue out at her.

Concerns: I still worry about SIDS so much so that it's hard for me to get a good night's sleep. It's getting better but the thought still burdens me at night. Anytime she sleeps I'm constantly keeping an eye on her. Her left eye waters often and gets build up in the corner. Her doctor wasn't concerned stating that it just means the drain we have in the corner of our eye is closed where as the other one is open and can drain properly. I just worry because I have sensitive eyes and get infections easily. Doctor says to just watch the whites of her eyes. As long as they aren't red there's nothing to worry about. So far they stay white, even when crying. She hasn't been sick or any other health concerns, knock on wood. We praise God for this happy healthy little gift He's given us. She's everything I prayed for while pregnant and more.

Daddy makes her smile and laugh constantly!

Side by side comparison of me (on the left) and Zoe (on the right)

Zoe pushing her body up and holding her head by herself at 7 weeks old.

My spunky little princess sticking her tongue out at me while we play

A little update on my post pregnancy body: I've lost all my pregnancy weight +4lbs. I'm still taking my prenatal vitamins per doctor's request so my hair and nails continue to grow and stay strong. The line that goes down my belly while pregnant is still there, faint but there. Stretch marks are fading but I'm coming to terms with the fact that they will always be there. Small price to pay for my little girl. The bloating and swelling went away almost immediately so my face, feet and ankles are all back to normal.  Now I'm just focused on losing the weight I was working on before I got pregnant and getting some of my strength back. While I'm not stressing myself out with losing weight the goal is to be healthy and be a good example for my family. Little by little!

We can't wait for: her first flight to California on November 28th to meet the rest of her family and our close friends, the holidays and our trip to Costa Rica!

Family Update: visitors, date nights and unexpected hospital visit

It's been a while since I updated the blog but Zoe's been keeping us busy busy! Before I get into her progress (see next post) I'll start by giving you an update on what's been going on the past couple months.

We've had some family visitors come and stay with us recently to meet Zoe. First my sister Samantha joined us for a quick but great trip as she headed to her new assignment in Texas with her fiance Jake. Zoe loves spending time with her aunt feeding her and making faces at each other. It was nice to get the family together for dinner as well at Old Chicago. Zoe slept most of the time in her body carrier and then was passed around the table for cuddles and pictures. We were sad to see Samantha go but were so grateful for the time to catch up and visit. We hope to see her again around Christmas time. One day later Marco's dad Marco Sr. and his wife Mirna joined us for 2 nights. They were so helpful and kind while staying here. Mirna made lunches and breakfast as well as assisted anytime Zoe got fussy. She made lots of suggestions from her experience in raising her daughters. They took any opportunity to clean the kitchen or take Zoe when Marco and I needed to get ready or have some quiet time. During their visit we took them to Ted's Montana Grill where they enjoyed bison for the first time and we went to Red Rocks and Boulder to walk around and get outside. They did not want to go but they hope to visit again soon. A sweet moment was the night before they left. Marco Sr. stood upstairs before going to bed just staring down at Zoe as she slept in her swing. He told Marco he was "leaving part of his heart here".

At Red Rocks

Zoe with her shades and dog beanie <3

Before the family visits I had another complication from being pregnant. At my 6 week check up my doctor saw that my uterus was larger than it should be. After doing an ultrasound she found residual placenta, which I was told was "extremely rare". Thankfully I hadn't experienced any symptoms of infection so they gave me a prescription for something that should induce heavy cramping and expel the placenta. If that doesn't work I had a scheduled D&C for that Friday. Unfortunately the medication didn't work so Friday morning I was admitted to the hospital, hooked up to an IV, went under general anesthesia for the first time (I was pretty scared about this especially having a newborn baby) and underwent a D&C to get the remaining placenta out. I was woken up about an hour later and told all went well. While recovering my heart rate was abnormally low so I had to stay longer than usual but was feeling fine and keeping food and drink down. Besides pushing recovery back another 2 weeks we are just frustrated by these "extremely rare" things that keep happening when they could have been avoided. We are grateful that so far I've recovered well and pray that nothing else comes up unexpectedly.

Marco and I have been able to get in a few dates alone. One of which was to a concert of our favorite band 30 Seconds to Mars. The other was to dinner and a movie - we saw Runner Runner and really enjoyed it. Most of it was filmed in Costa Rica so Marco appreciated it even more. Speaking of Costa Rica we are planning a trip to visit Marco's family in March 2014. Last time we stayed with family so we are excited to make this more of a "vacation" by staying at a hotel in Arenal (rain forest near San Jose) and an all-inclusive beach resort in Guanacaste. Both of which will have plenty of room for his family and friends to stay with us. We will also have a rental car to visit anyone that is unable to visit us.

Date night at 30 Seconds to Mars

Other than that we've been decorating for Halloween, having friends and family over for football Sundays, Marco's been working roughly 50-60 hours a week, we got our new LG front loading washer and dryer which was long overdue and keeping up with house chores. I have 4 weeks left of maternity leave, the holidays are coming and in the mean time Zoe is growing every moment. It's a very exciting but tiring and some what stressful time in our lives but we feel so blessed to call this life ours. We so our best to never take anything for granted and thank God daily for all the trials and tribulations that help us to grow and become stronger as a married couple, as friends and as a family. We love you all!

My Little Lamb's second week of adventure

 

The many adorable faces of my little lamb. <3

Living in Colorado the last few days has been interesting. Although, I was so cooped up in the house with Zoe and Marco that I didn't realize how bad the flooding was until we accidentally put the news on. Besides the one outing I did yesterday, we haven't been affected by the floods at all which I am so grateful for. Given Zoe and I's compromised immune systems right now it's best that we were hunkered down safe and sound.

This week has been interesting...we thought we were getting on somewhat of a routine but then the curve ball. 

My aunt sent this cute Costa Rican outfit for Zoe a couple months before she passed away. I know she was very excited for our future and would have loved to meet her.

Stuff no one tells you #1:

Newborns can be born with or sprout a tooth or two within the first few weeks of life. Zoe was one of these very lucky babies. While they aren't breaking through completely you can see little white dots on her gums and if felt they are definitely teeth. We were told teeth pain and growth come and go so thankfully she won't be "teething" for the next year but the routine we thought we had going has been interrupted and she's back to being up at night or at least sporadic fussy sleeping at night and passed out during the day from being so tired at night. 

She also roots around like she is hungry but after warming 2-3 oz of milk we come to find that she's not hungry (just wasteful) and simply wants to suck on her hand, my finger, anything...this combined with the teething adventure we've introduced a pacifier to sooth her especially in the few minutes right before she falls asleep. We were worried about "nipple confusion" as all the articles and advice have taught us but it hasn't seemed to confuse her one bit. She still wants to latch to me, will take a bottle and seems to know the difference between the bottle and pacifier. 

She tries to hold her bottle during feedings. Such a little independent mini-me. heehee

Which leads me to Stuff no one tells you #2:

Even with pretty consistent pumping or feeding my milk supply seems to have gone down within the last 24hours. I was pumping almost 8oz total and now I'm finding it's gone down from 4oz to 3oz...I am now trying to pump more frequently to build it back up but am only at 2oz total each time. The articles say your body knows what your baby needs and will produce it...LIES! But because of this we will be removing formula for the next few days (we used it once at night so she'd sleep more soundly.) I found myself feeling pretty defeated last night with this milk production annoyance but am hoping with some of the things I'm trying that it will go back up. I will not be happy if we have to go to only formula before the 1 month mark plus I wanted to breast feed longer if possible. But just like pregnancy, every woman is different and I have to accept whatever comes and know Zoe will be happy and healthy regardless. Plenty of children are raised on formula and are just fine.

Besides that Zoe is growing and doing so well. She smiles in her sleep and we find that she's awake for longer periods of time now. She loves staring up at the ceiling fans and recognizes our voices. :)

Dr Says: 

We went for her 2 week follow up appointment. Zoe now weighs 7lbs 14oz which the doctor was very happy about. We can now let her sleep for longer periods of time (if she will stay asleep) since she's gaining weight beautifully. Dr had no complaints or issues with anything. She said whatever we're doing keep doing it which made us feel good. :) She had to do her newborn screening again (heel prick) and get her Hep B shot. She didn't appreciate the pain but recovered quickly and has since forgotten about it. Next appointment is at 2months which will include her first round of immunizations. 

As for Me:

I was able to put my wedding rings back on again this week. They are a little snug but not cutting off any circulations so I'll take it. My shoes fit me again and my pre-pregnancy jeans almost fit again...I have about an inch or two left to lose from my butt and hips to get them to button again. In time! Marco tells me daily he can see changes and reassures me that I'm looking good. He was glad to see me back in my Converse and feeling more like myself again.  

I developed a weird pregnancy rash called PUPPPS about 3 weeks before I had Zoe. It started on my stomach and found its way to my arms and legs. Luckily that is almost gone and not nearly as itchy as it was. I'm healing all over and feeling better everyday. I can tell my immune system is still low and perhaps a little anemic but I'm doing my best to get my sleep in and taking it easy. With Marco working long days and nights right now I take the night shifts, he gets up with her in the morning while I sleep a little longer and then I take her on for the rest of the day but calling on Marco for help when needed. While she's asleep I take care of house chores and shower. During the weekend Marco takes night duties calling on me for help when needed. Lazy weekend days have been nice - we just all sleep on the couch in between football games and try to get out for a walk or a car ride!

While our lives have changes over night and so drastically we feel so blessed and honored to be her parents. We look forward to everyday seeing her personality develop and can't wait to guide her through her beautiful life. I pray nightly for her protection and that she lives a long, healthy and joyful life. 

First Week of Life

This Week's Highlights
Day 2: Doesn't like being swaddled.
Day 3: her first car ride. She didn't like being put in the carrier at first but once in the moving car she was out.
Day 4: Loves her swing rocker that her aunt got her. We put her in that for bed time instead of the bassinet. Doesn't cry when jets pass over or when dogs bark.
Day 5: Doesn't cry when the TV is loud and we're cheering for the Broncos. Tries holding her own bottle.
Day 6: Went on her first walk. She loves being outside and looked around the whole time.
Day 7: Watched her first USC game.
Day 8: Sleeping habits becoming more consistent. Only woke up once in the middle of the night. Second sponge bath.
Day 9: Her umbilical chord stump fell off. Drinking 3-4oz at each eating session every 4 hours. Stayed awake for about an hour with eyes open looking around.

Maa'ma feeding Zoe on opening day of football season!

The family's first walk since Zoe joined the gang. She loved being outdoors!

After bath time in her shark robe. <3

As For Me...

I'm still in some pain in various areas of my body. I'm on ibuprofen for swelling and percocet for pain.The percocet I only take as needed. My uterus is shrinking pretty quickly (cramps are not fun), I'm thirsty and hungry quite often which is normal when breastfeeding and we're doing our best to get on somewhat of a schedule. I handle night shifts since Marco has to work during the week. I am just starting to get into my maternity leave but enjoying not having to worry about work.  

Zoe's birth story

I began feeling strange pressures and discomfort (more than usual) on the night of August 31st. Around midnight on September 1st there was cramping that would last around a minute so Marco and I began timing these contractions. First about every 10 minutes apart but slowly became more frequent. The second hour was then 4-6 minutes apart and around 2am we called the after hours line to page the doctor on call. Dr. Corbett called me back almost immediately and suggested we time for another hour. If they don't subside or become closer together then okay to make our way to the hospital. We timed for another hour while also packing up our last few items and taking showers. I even had time to blow dry and straighten my hair. At 3am, with contractions 4-5 minutes apart we called the doctor again. She okayed us to go to the hospital and had already informed the ER front desk that we would be coming in.

Leisurely we took care of the dogs, packed up the car and made our way to Sky Ridge Medical Center with the idea that hopefully we would be admitted but also knowing we could be told to go home if still too early. At the ER around 4:30am they took us over to triage and hooked me up to heart and contraction monitors, took my blood pressure, checked my temperature and checked my cervix which was dilated to 2cm. For the next hour they monitored my contractions but when they came back in they asked if I was experiencing any because the monitor wasn't picking up on them. Yes but they aren't horribly strong; they readjusted the monitor and began seeing some varied patterns. At 5:30am the nurse informed me they would most likely send me home but wanted to check my cervix again. Within an hour I went from 2cm to 4cm so the doctor okayed me to be admitted up to Labor and Delivery. We were so happy at that point and felt like we could finally relax, we were in good hands.

At about 6:15am we were brought up to Labor and Delivery, given an amazing room that was one of the biggest rooms in the whole ward. We called our family to let them know we were in labor. My mom said she'd get up and ready and head over shortly to sit with us. Our head nurse, Rachel began her shift at 7:00am and did such an amazing job taking care of me. I couldn't be any happier; I hope I can request her the next time around haha. The anesthesiologist, Jim, came in to chat with us about my requested epidural. He informed me I could get the epidural before 8:30am or after about 11:00am because he was going into a c-section with twins shortly. I informed him I would take it now to get it over with. During the process he was having a hard time finding a good spot to inject. I informed him I had slight scoliosis and that might be part of the issue. He made his first attempt but it missed the mark. The second time was a success and the pain and discomfort dissipated where I could just enjoy the time with Marco. Jim informed me that with the first miss it could cause a headache in 24 hours and to keep an eye on it. If needed they could do a blood patch to correct it. I thought nothing of it at the time as I was obviously distracted. Throughout the next several hours we had some visitors and lots of texts to keep us distracted. Time really did fly by.

There wasn't much progress being made so they did hook me up to Potosin and kept the epidural light. Finally a few hours into the process I went to about 6cm. Dr. Corbett came in to check my progress but Rachel was the one staying with me most of the time. She was having a busy day but assured me Zoe and I were doing great and there was no concern to push us any further along or rush anything. At about 3:00pm she checked me again and I was about 8-9cm along. I was beginning to feel pain again so Jim increased my epidural slightly to take the edge off. She kicked everyone out as I only wanted Marco there and they prepped me for delivery. At 3:30pm I began pushing during contractions, 3 10second pushes per contraction. With Rachel, Marco and I only it was so calm and I was able to focus 100% on the task at hand.  Dr. Corbett came in for the final pushes and after 6 groups of 3 10second pushes per contraction (18 pushes total) Zoe came into our world at 4:01pm.

Marco immediately broke down and I got teary-eyed after it was over and I heard her cry for the first time. They laid her on me and cleaned her off; she was so beautiful from second one and the relief of concern about her safety and any possible issues with birth immediately came over me. I was so distracted with her that I didn't even notice the delivery of the placenta or the fact that the doctor was stitching me up from the small cut she had to make (1 stitch only thank God).

The proud and happy new dad with his pride and joy <3

We had a good hour together to have dinner and gush over Zoe before they moved us to our Postpartum room around 7:00pm. My mom and neighbors came to visit for a bit which was so nice. After that we had around the clock checks on myself and Zoe. We both were doing great with no complications. A hearing test was performed on Zoe and she passed, her pediatrician and my OB made visits to check on us and a photographer came in to take newborn photos. Marco and I took turns sleeping/napping and taking care of her. On the 3rd we were discharged but I had a dull headache. I didn't think anything of it but soon discovered something wasn't right. My dad flew in from California as well to visit with his new grand-daughter.

Day of discharge. She loved wearing a new outfit :)

Top: my dad with me the day I was born. Bottom: my dad with Zoe

Long story short when they missed on the first attempt for epidural it caused a "wet tap" which basically empties out my spinal fluid causing headaches, lethargy, vertigo and backache. On the 4th after throwing up 4 times I went to the ER. There they performed a "blood patch" to correct it. This procedure involves them taking blood from a vein, performing another epidural and injecting that blood into the spinal column to clot the area to allow my spinal fluid to build back up. A wet tap complication occurs in less than 1% of epidurals so it was quite a surprise to everyone that this happened but thankfully I'm feeling so much better and back to caring for Zoe with no issues, besides the standard recovery.

Zoe Dean Segura

2 hours old

Introducing: Zoe Dean Segura

Zoe Dean was born on September 1st 2013 at 4:01pm. She weighed in at 7lbs exactly and 19inches long.

These photos were taken on the 2nd at the hospital by a photographer that works on the maternity floor.  We are so happy we had the opportunity to get these taken! :)

That smile already melts our hearts

This bear was mine on my first day of birth. I'm so happy I was able to keep it in good condition to pass down to Zoe.

Her first photo rockin' the USC colors. Proud mama! haha

Our first family photo. I'll never forget <3

Week 38: aren't you done yet?

This week Marco and I finished our 4 week preparation classes, had a doctor's appointment and I attended the Grandparent's class with my mom. Our 39 week appointment is on Wednesday - we're praying for progress progress progress!!!

Week 8 vs. Week 38! Time to make your grand entrance Zoe! :)

How far along: 38 weeks 5 days (Watermelon: 19-22in, 7lbs) Considered "full term" but still have about 1 week until my due date.

Symptoms: restless sleep every night, exhausted in the morning but I've found that going to bed a little later allows me to sleep until my alarm goes off without tossing and turning for hours. Bottom of feet hurt like I've been on them all day. Ligament pains when I roll or turn weird. Bleeding/swollen gums, very itchy, swollen feet and having to urinate every 15-20 minutes. Very uncomfortable!!!

Aversions: none

Cravings: still milk!!!

 

Wedding Rings: off

 

Belly button: out

 

Stretch marks: some on lower belly under belly button

Excited for: going into labor and holding Zoe.

 

Fears: that I won't know when it's time to go to the hospital vs. just random contractions/false labor. And still delivery and recovery.

 

Mood: Calm but uncomfortable. Just want to sleep all the time.

 

Missing: being pain free.

 

Movement: Movement is less obvious but still consistent. She doesn't have much room now so it's not so much jabs and kicks as just small movements, feet repositioning etc. She's probably just as done as I am.

 

Exercise: none. Starting Sept 1!

 

What the Dr says: Blood pressure is still good. Zoe's heart beat is nice and strong. 60% effaced, between 1 & 2cm dilated, station -1. She's staying head down.

 

Pre-labor signs: Braxton Hicks or false labor contractions consistently yesterday. Not painful at all and with no pattern but just a tightening of the uterus. Mucus plug is out. Increase in hormones and Zoe is obviously lower.

Our Maternity Photo Shoot

Thank you again to kelseysteindler.blogspot.com for our beautiful photos. We can't wait to meet our little one and eventually be able to share these great memories with her :)