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 :)

Week 37: nesting in full affect

 

This week has been pretty uneventful with the exception of my company officially transitioning over to SanDisk yesterday. I had to drive over 2 hours in traffic to the Longmont office for all day meetings and paperwork. It wasn't as bad as it sounds though with a catered breakfast and lunch and the team seems really nice and welcoming. They gave us Swiss Army laptop bags, coffee mug and spiral bound notebook as well - the swag was appreciated!

 

 

 

I also received my free breastpump thanks to Obamacare as well as an "Itzbeen" timer/alarm. I need to clean the parts and read the instruction manual for the breastpump but it seems fairly easy/idiot proof (especially for those 3am feedings).

(clockwise from top left: changing station in our bedroom, sitting area in our bedroom with vintage cradle, recliner chair and elephant pattern boppy, my new Medela duel electric breastpump, a bouncer and gym for Zoe in our living room)

 

Finally we have finished packing our hospital bags for Marco, Zoe and myself. We also had Babies R Us inspect our car seat for proper installation. Interestingly only about 10% of car seats are installed properly and we were proud to be within that percentage.

 

We are also pretty much done with the nursery. We are still looking for a glider nursing chair to complete the room but it's not an urgent need at this time. I also took this week to wash a lot of her clothes. Since we don't know her size I decided not to wash and take the tags off everything until after she arrives. Here are some photos of the finished product:

Don't worry! The stuffed animals and blanket will be removed while Zoe is in the crib for safety reasons.

I need to put the wallpaper on the back of the changing table but it's pretty much done!

 

So thankful for all the things we received at our shower. That dresser is completely full of clothes thanks to everyone who attended. :)

 

How far along: 37 weeks 6 days (Watermelon: 19-22in, 6.5 lbs) Considered "full term" but still have about 2 weeks until my due date.

Symptoms: restless sleep every night, exhausted in the morning (last night I woke up around 2am and couldn't go back to sleep until 5:30am. Then up at 8:30am.) Bottom of feet hurt like I've been on them all day. Ligament pains when I roll or turn weird. Bleeding/swollen gums, 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: sadly yes. So much for it being hereditary. LIES!! They are very itchy lately too. I just keep putting lotion on them and hoping they fade after Zoe is here. Trying not to let it bother me too much.

Excited for: Maternity leave and holding Zoe for the first time! Also seeing how the dogs react to her :)

 

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: Annoyed at everything and everyone. haha

 

Missing: not being pregnant. It's pretty normal to feel this way at this stage but including the miscarriage I've been pregnant going on a year now. I'm just tired and feeling fat (along with all the side affects of carrying around the extra weight for a 5'2" frame). haha

 

Movement: She moves consistently still but less than previous weeks since she doesn't have too much room left. I can definitely tell she's lower because her feet typically don't kick my ribs anymore.

 

Exercise: sadly none this week. Once September 1st hits we will be walking daily since we want a September baby haha!

 

What the Dr says: Blood pressure is still good. Zoe's heart beat is nice and strong. 60% effaced, 1cm 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. Once I got home and drank water and milk they eased up.

Our bassinet (thanks to Jen and Rich) and hand-crocheted chevron patterened blanket (thanks to John's mom) for Zoe next to our bed. This is where she will sleep until she's sleeping through the night.

 

Her bath set up. Thankfully our bathtub is large enough for Marco and I to both sit in there with her. Our sinks are a little too small for this baby bath.