Visiting Santa

Noa visited Santa and Mrs. Clause at the mall. Tiffany bought her the perfect holiday dress, it's red corduroy and along the bottom it has a gingerbread house, Christmas tree, gingerbread man etc... she was the best-dressed little girl thats for sure! Like any other first time mom I stood next to the photographer doing everything I could to get Noa to smile and she finally did on the last shot.

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On The Menu: Carrots

I boiled and purred carrots for Noa tonight... I figured I would go all out for her first night, tomorrow I'll prob open a jar!

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Growing Love

I love my monkey more and more each day.

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Teething?

I'm not exactly sure if she is teething but she is certainly drooling... and the doctor said at about six months.

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Water Toys w/ Cousin Megan

Cousin Megan helped give Noa a bath and introduced her to bath toys... Megan said Noa wouldn't remember any of this but I said we certainly will!

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First Flight to Dallas

I made sure to bring Noa's puppy night-light and musical bear as she falls asleep to them every night. Noa did pretty well on the flights and there were many helpul people. Tomorrow Noa will meet Cousin Alex for the first time... so excited!

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First Cold

Noa woke up with a bad cough and a rash on her arms/legs so I took her to the doctor... she caught a cold from Camp Indigo (the name I have given my sister's daycare) and has a viral rash. Poor lil monkey is miserable when she coughs and there is nothing she can take except tylenol.

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Bath Time Funny!

Been tired all day. Noa doesn't really nap during the day .. I forgot to take her socks off before I put her in the Bath Tub! Written by: Noa's Favorite Cousin Tommy Galindo :D

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Sleeping Through The Night

Noa's pediatrician, Dr. Browne, told me not to brag when she started sleeping through the night... but she's been sleeping through the night for several nights now, and what perfect timing as I just went back to school!  She sleeps in her room and make sure to keep my door open to listen for her... Dr. Browne was right when he said moms don't need baby monitors - we have a keen ability to hear our babies so why would we want to amplify them?!

Noa is 2 months old!

Noa is two months old today and growing, growing, growing - weighing in at 13.5 lbs. and 24 in. - she is in the 95th percentile for height and weight.  She had her first set of shots and her little face turned as red as a tomato as she screamed her head off.  All of her milestone are met and she is thriving!  I watched as she filled out before my eyes and I said to my mom, "she's getting too big already" and that was when she was just a few weeks old!  I look forward to seeing Noa grow and develop but I already wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. 

Noa enjoys her swing, walks around the marina, sleeping on mommy's chest, riding in the car, watching City Council meetings with grandma, bath time, her vibrating la-z-girl chair, going to the theatre (she doesn't really know it's just grandma's big t.v.), and loves her cousin, Tommy!

Relaxing by the campfire with Peggy!

Cousin Tommy feeding Noa!

Thank You, Cheryl

Cheryl, thank you for updating my blog while I was in the hospital.  I appreciate all the support you have given me throughout my pregnancy and beyond!  Thank you for surprising me with a visit... I can't tell you how touched I was, you were so helpful and we had a great time!  Noa is so glad you got her out of the house!

Birth Story

Looking back... my water did break on Sunday, June 12th, it was not a false alarm.  When I saw my regular doctor the next day (June, 13th) I was not leaking fluid and there was plenty of fluid in the amniotic sac, however, later that night I began to leak fluid again and had back pain.  I waited it out til the following morning and then had my mom take me to hospital... I couldn't take the back pain any longer.  I got to he hospital just before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14th. 

I checked in and went to labor and delivery and was checked again for amniotic fluid.  The test came back positive so the nurse said I would be staying... but the same doctor (from Sunday) was on call and still not convinced my water was broke.  He felt the need to examine me and check for a third time... it wasn't until he almost got amniotic fluid all over himself that he was convinced I was 'grossly ruptured'!  I was only dilated to a one but my back pain was so bad that I couldn't lie down so I was given an epidural right away.  At about noon I was dilated to a four but 13 hours later, and after being on Pitocin, I was still only a 4 so the doctor recommended a c-section.  By this time I was after 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning and I was exhausted and had started to feel the contractions in my back again, so I was actually relieved to have a c-section since since I would not have even had the energy to push.  I don't know what the anesthesiologist gave me in the surgery room but it took all my pain away and I remember just melting on that table... pain free and so exhausted that I just closed my eyes and I didn't care what was going on.  I do remember the doctor talking about somebody buying a $90k dollar bottle of wine and tipping a waitress $10k... I thought that was a little strange but whatever.  Noa was sunny-side up which is why I had back labor. 

I was able to leave the hospital on Friday but chose to stay until Saturday.  Come Saturday night I questioned  my decision and thought I should have stayed til Sunday but there was no turning back at that point!

Looking back on my pregnancy my biggest complaints were the constant need to pee and the feeling of having done the splits... I felt immediate relief of both after having her.  I was surprised by how swollen my feet/ankles were after delivery, it took a little over a week for that to subside. Final weight gain was 17 lbs. 

Noa was born at 1:53 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15th, 2011, she was 15 days early.  She was 8 lbs., 21 in. long and had hair.  Grandma accompanied her to the nursery for a bath while I went to recovery.  We finally got to our postpartum room and got settled at about 6 a.m.  My mom and I were both exhausted but Noa was left in our care.  The only babies that are cared for by the nurses are those that are in the NICU. 

An update on breast feeding

So Dena has been having a hard time with BF, she's talked with L.L.L( La Leche League) and been to the BF specialist. She's not producing, sore and just over all guilt of what's best for Noa and not able to provide it for her. As easy as people make it seem BF does not come "naturally" for most moms and it is hard and sometimes painful in the beginning. Whatever she choices will be ok.It's hard to tell a mom that though, she needs to find closure with it and only she can do that for herself. I'm trying to support her the best I can from 15hrs away=/ knowing how hard it is in the beginning from personal experience. I keep reminding her things will get easier, and whatever she choices it's ok and will be what works for them. Every baby and situation is different and you have to take every ones advice and use only half of it to stay sane sometimes....=)
~Cheryl

Noa with Grandma

Dena's doctor visit

Dena got her staples out today. Lost all baby weight except three pounds and she is pumping while trying to heal. Everything is going well!

Latching well

Dena met with the BF consultant and was able to latch properly. They weighed Noa before and after and she weighed 3oz heavier  and had a nice poop =)so she is definately getting mommy's milk! She has a full belly and fell asleep,both Mommy and baby are happy.

Weigh and jandice check at the doctors office

Spoke with Dena and they are off to the doctor this morning to check Noa's weight and jaundice. She was down a lb. but the doctor wasn't concerned. She is still a bit yellow but because she is peeing, pooping, and active they aren't worried. Dena is going for a breast feeding appt. this afternoon at 4 pm which will be a big help!

Pain and lack of sleep make for a cranky baby and tired mommy

The past few days have been a bit hard, Dena has been a sore and it seems Noa wasn't latching properly which has caused Dena to have some sores and bleeding which hasn't been fun. Lack of sleep and Noa being cranky because she was hungry didnt help either.She is using shields til she heals and learning how to use the breast pump.

on their way home

She's so beautiful!!!

Waiting for test results

Just spoke with Dena and the pediatrician came in to see Noa and said she may be jandice. So they are still at the hospital awaiting blood test results to see if the need to stay another day. I'll update as soon as I know something!~Cheryl

How to visit a new Mommy, and have her still love you afterward

Dena and Noa are doing great! They will be coming home today and settling into their new routine. When she's ready for company here's a few things to remember:

1) Call beforehand and ask what you can bring her to eat

A new Mom, especially if she’s breastfeeding, is hungry! Ask her what kind of food she likes and bring something over.

2) Please come fragrant free
Newborn babies have sensitive skin. Some of them break out when they are held by someone with a lot of synthetic perfume on.

3) Wash your hands

Neither Dena nor Noa needs your germs. Wash your hands first and then ask if you may hold her . Please leave sick/tired child at home.=)

4) Be helpful!
Ask if she needs anything picked up at a store, offer to do dishes, laundry or make a quick snack. Breastfeeding mommy's need lots of snacks and water.

5) Keep your visit brief

Dena's new job is to rest and bond with Noa. Ask to hold Noa perhaps while she uses the bathroom, then give her back. Dena will be is tired, recuperating from surgery and above all needs to rest and learn about her new baby.  She doesn’t need to play hostess so please don’t stay more than about 15 minutes unless you’re her close relative, and even then, please keep it brief.


Thank you everyone for supporting Dena and Noa in motherhood=)
~Cheryl

Mommy's milk is best

Nursing is such a wonderful part of being a mommy. What a wonderful time to relax and bond with your baby! It's really amazing when you think about it, that our bodies can do such a wonderful thing, giving us the ability to provide them with the perfect nourishment to grow and be healthy. Noa is nursing well and Dena is a bit sore, she said Noa is getting bossy when it's time to eat ha ha. She is lucky that she has a good nurser from the beginning!

A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three. ~Grantly Dick-Read

Sweet Baby Noa welcome to the world

Happy Birthday Noa

Day before delivery




 

Welcome to the world Baby Noa

Very exciting news!!! I recieved a message from Dena's sister Jayme at 3 am, Noa was born at 2 am by C-section. She's beautiful, health and Dena's great!!! Can't wait to see lots of pictures!!!!! I don't have all the details yet but I know she weighed 8lb!!! Can't wait to see your sweet little face Noa=) Congrats Dena your a Mommy!!!

Anxiety and exhaustion setting in

Well i recieved a text from Dena arround midnight, she's very tired and having anxiety.She is considering C-section as things aren't progressing like she wants. Only she knows what shes feeling so whatever she chooses, it's the right choice for her.

Hurry up and wait

It's 6:15 pm and the doctor just came in did an exam, put an internal monitior in, and says not much progress has been made, Dena has been on Petocin and is still 2 1/2-3 centimeters which she has been since noon and Noa may possible be sunnyside up, there is now talk of c-section. I know this must be discouraging, but whatever way Noa decides to enter the world the important thing is both Dena and Baby are ok.However the doctor did say if she can get to 4 centimeters then things should progress on there own.So with that said we will just have to wait and see what happens=)

Three centimeters and counting...

OK, Dena is all checked in and was at 3 centimeters at 1:15pm. She was up all night and couldn't lie down.She just had her epidural and is looking forward to some much needed rest. Hopfully she progresses quickly and can nap now that the epidural is in place. Thats all for now!=)

This is no false alarm

Hello,
It's me Cheryl sharing Dena's thoughts and updates while she is in labor =)
So I recieved a text from Dena about 10:15 am and heres the news: "I'm in the hospital staying since my water broke". What exciting news to recieve this morning! It's been really hard for me being so far away and unable to be there during her pregnancy journey. I was so honored when she asked me to update her blog as she transitions from being pregnant to becoming Noa's Mommy! More to come so stay tuned!!!=)

False Alarm

I had the typical 'first time mom' false alarm on Sunday.  I was in the kitchen when I leaked fluid and then an hour later there was blood in the toilet... so I thought maybe my water had broke.  Went to the hospital to be checked out and the test came back positive, however, the doctor felt it was a false-positive stating the blood probably through the test off.  Contractions were seen (but not felt) on the monitor but I was sent home. 

It's not Tuesday morning at 4 a.m. and I have been up all night with contractions... ones that I can feel!

Week 37: Watermelon

From a poppyseed to a watermelon... this baby is full term!  My official due date is not until June 30th but I'll be induced on the 25th if she hasn't already come on her own.  Why?  For no other reason than me just being a big complainer!  I am proud to say though, I have not used one sick day during my pregnancy and I plan on finishing out the rest of the school year.

My feet are swollen and my lady parts continue to ache but knowing I have a date greatly reduces my anxiety.  The baby has not yet 'dropped' but the doctor said things are progressing.

Weight gain so far: 19 lbs. 

Five Baby Showers!

Noa and I have been so blessed... I had five baby showers.  My dear friends Tiffany and Rhea each had a shower for me.  Lifelong friends of my moms, Pat and Jean, had one for me.  The Special Education and General Education staff each had one for me!  I received handmade, beautiful blankets that Noa will surely have throughout her entire life, lots of clothes, an infant car seat, gift cards, a crib, books, diaper bags, picture frames, bath toys, music, breast-pumps, a mobile, handmade cloth wipes from cousin Jennifer, and many, many other useful items! 

I appreciate having such supportive family and friends to share this joyous moment with!

Hospital Tour

My mom and I attended the hospital tour last week.  Noa will be born in Ventura at Community Memorial Hospital where approximately 300 babies are born each month!  I was able to pre-register and have a few questions answered so it was worth going to.  I plan to take part in Kangaroo Care where mom and baby remain skin-to-skin for the first 90 minutes of life, after that routine procedures will resume.

Kangaroo Care:
A mother's desire to keep her healthy newborn near her is instinctive. Research indicates this is exactly what mom and her baby need. Infants who remain with their mothers after birth make an easier transition to life both physically and emotionally. Some of the benefits to the mother include distraction from discomfort, more confidence in caring for her baby, less anxiety and strengthened attachment to her baby which is believed to decrease the incidence of post partum depression. Some of the benefits to the baby include improved ability to maintain temperature, decreased incidence of low blood sugar, less crying and increased success with breastfeeding which can decrease the chance of the baby developing jaundice.

33 Weeks: Honeydew

33 wks -

For the 8th month (weeks 33-36) the baby remains the size of a honeydew melon.  My pregnancy continues to be right on track: Midnight All-night trips to the bathroom?  Check.  (I pee so often I don't even flush anymore!)  Leg cramps?  Check.  Shortness of breath?  Check.  I am trying the lovely maternity band to see if that helps take the pressure off the bladder but have not given it enough of a chance to give an opinion yet.  So far, my tummy doesn't look like anyone has taken a red sharpie (dark stretch marks) to it, but it's not over yet. 

Weight gain so far: 17 lbs.  6.1 wks to go. 

A big thank you to Aunt Cheryl for always helping with the pictures:-)

32 Week Update

I had a follow-up ultrasound yesterday and baby is in the head-down position, chances are she will probably stay that way.  She weighs approximately 4 point something pounds, I can't remember what the doctor said.  Results of my glucose monitoring showed that I'm borderline diabetic so I have to meet with a nutritionist, but at least I don't have to test 4x a day anymore.  I have what my doctor refers to as 'pelvic floor' pain, this pain in between my legs that feels as though I've accidentally done the splits. 

Weight gain so far: 16lbs. - I'm going to have to get a handle on this.  I have no idea what makes me think I can eat whatever I want, I've never been able to.  I can't even blame it on cravings... I haven't had any.

In Memory of My Sister, Vicky

My sister, Vicky, passed away unexpectedly over spring break.  Knowing her health was fragile, I had planned on taking Noa to see her soon after her birth.  I'll still be flying out with Noa, but my visit will be bittersweet... we were very close and I will miss her dearly.  Vicky died at 54, same age our father passed away.

McALESTER — Vicky Lynn Lucas, 54, of Savanna, died Saturday, April 16, 2011, at her home.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Frink Baptist Church with the Rev. James Collins officiating. Burial will be at Savanna Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bishop Funeral Service of McAlester.

Born Dec. 2, 1956, in Santa Paula, Calif., she was the daughter of Roger Alexander and Donna Jolita (Dunn) Spencer. She married Dennis Lucas on June 8, 1979, in Savanna. She worked as a secretary for Forlines Sanitation.

She was a member of Frink Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis Lucas, of the home; daughters, Amanda Lucas-Wade and husband Edward, of Savanna, and Mashell Burton and husband, Chris, Smithville, Tenn.; son, Jason Lucas, of Savanna.

Also, grandchildren, Brysen Wade, Riley Wade, Jeron Burton and Haden Burton; brother, Roy Brand and wife, Jessica, Seattle; sisters, Jamye Lerma and husband, Steve, Oxnard, Calif., and Dena Spencer, Oxnard.

And, stepmother, Maryann Spencer, Oxnard; mother-in-law, Ellen Lucas, of Antlers; aunts, Margaret “Bendy” Eley, of Tahlequah, Mary Henderson, of McAlester, and Mary Cartlidge, of McAlester, and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Spencer; her mother, Donna Brand; grandparents, Sam and Edna Forlines, and grandfather, James Spencer.

Home Glucose Monitoring

My doctor wanted me to have the three-hour glucose tolerance test since I flunked the one-hour test.  I just couldn't do the three hour test, I know I would pass out... so I am testing my sugar levels at home, for about a week.  Testing doesn't hurt it's just more of an inconvenience than anything... according to Kaiser's Lab, a reading <130 is acceptable.  This is one of those times when knowing too much is not a good thing.  Only a couple of my readings have been too high but when they are, it freaks me out.  I certainly don't want to be told I have gestational diabetes:-( 

Enduring The Third Trimester



29.0 wks

 My third trimester is underway and I'm over being pregnant.  A couple of weeks ago, I was in bed thinking to myself 'what a commitment this is' - it seems obvious on the surface, but if you really think about it, how many other commitments do we make that we can't really get out of?   

I'm 30 weeks now, the fetus is the size of a squash.  You can actually see what looks like an earthquake taking place when she moves.  Recent blood tests show my iron is low and sugar is high - low iron is easily fixed by taking an iron supplement.  Diet and exercise should help the high sugar but this has to be addressed at next office visit.  I usually walk with a co-worker at lunch but I've been on spring break, and on my second day of vacation I fell and hurt myself... feeling better now and will resume walking tomorrow. 

Total weight gain: 13lbs.  I see the doctor every two weeks now and he will induce me at 39 weeks, 8.4 wks to go but who's counting?! 

Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mom

I just finished Amy Chua's book, Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mom.  If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll pass the book along.  This is Amazon's description of book:

All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way-and the remarkable results her choice inspires.


Here are some things Amy Chua would never allow her daughters to do:
• have a playdate
• be in a school play
• complain about not being in a school play
• not be the #1 student in every subject except gym and drama
• play any instrument other than the piano or violin
• not play the piano or violin

The truth is Lulu and Sophia would never have had time for a playdate. They were too busy practicing their instruments (two to three hours a day and double sessions on the weekend) and perfecting their Mandarin.

Of course no one is perfect, including Chua herself. Witness this scene:
According to Sophia, here are three things I actually said to her at the piano as I supervised her practicing:

1. Oh my God, you're just getting worse and worse.
2. I'm going to count to three, then I want musicality.
3. If the next time's not PERFECT, I'm going to take all your stuffed animals and burn them!"

But Chua demands as much of herself as she does of her daughters. And in her sacrifices-the exacting attention spent studying her daughters' performances, the office hours lost shuttling the girls to lessons-the depth of her love for her children becomes clear. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is an eye-opening exploration of the differences in Eastern and Western parenting- and the lessons parents and children everywhere teach one another.

About the Author

Amy Chua is the John M. Duff Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Her first book, World on Fire: How Exporting Free Market Democracy Breeds Ethnic Hatred and Global Instability, a New York Times bestseller, was selected by both The Economist and the U.K.'s Guardian as one of the Best Books of 2003. Her second book, Day of Empire: How Hyperpowers Rise to Global Dominance-and Why They Fall, was a critically acclaimed Foreign Affairs bestseller.

Me at 25 Weeks 2 Days

Week 25: Eggplant

For the entire 6th month, the baby remains the size of an eggplant with an average fetus being 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.2 lbs.  Speaking of pounds, I gained 5 pounds last month, clearly more than any pregnant woman should gain in a month.  I admit, I do not keep my mouth shut and/or say "No" as often as I should.  So, weight gain so far totals 11 pounds. 

The doctor was much nicer at my last visit.  Hopefully, we continue to have a good rapport.  Driving to Woodland Hills would be more than my mom could handle?!  lol

I can see literally see my tummy move if I'm flat in bed... it's creepy.  I have one student that comes up to me, touches my tummy and says, "baby." 

Week 23: Papaya

The baby is now the size of a papaya with an average fetus being 10.5 to 11.8 inches and 12.7 to 20.8 ounces.  Supposedly I'm to watch what I say now since the baby can hear outside noise from the womb... can you believe there are some women that will really filter what they say now?!  lol 

Everything looked fine at the typical '20 week ultrasound' where they checked the anatomy of the baby.  The tech was running late and was all business.  She captured over 100 images, printing 3 crappy ones for me. 

I spent time doing errands with YaYa today.  She told me that she told the ladies in her 'secret club' I was pregnant... and went on to say "I told them, before you get too excited she went to the sperm bank!!"  She said, "well I didn't want them to think you just went out and screwed someone." 

Holy Crap!

Last night, after just writing about how I had been feeling twitches, I absolutely, positively felt the baby move!  I had just crawled into bed and had my hand on the right side of my tummy... and the next thing I knew I felt a ball roll, right underneath my hand... I said, "Holy Crap!" and called my mom!  

Today, I am 21 weeks and the baby is the size of a banana.  Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, if baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth).

Week 20: Cantaloupe

Visited my ob/gyn last week and I was not very happy... he dismissed my concerns and put words in my mouth.  I was pretty surprised as I've always had a good rapport with this doctor, but I won't hesitate to change if I need to... it's not like I had a laundry list of unreasonable concerns. 

This week the baby, whose name I believe will be Noa, is the size of a cantaloupe.  I can feel, what I think is her  moving...  it feels like an eyelid twitch.  The only 'complaint' I have continues to be the constant urge to pee.  I can pee, and on my way back to my classroom, feel like I have to pee again?!  Weight gain so far, 6 pounds... 6 more than the doctor wanted!  I'm just thankful that you can tell I look pregnant, and not just fat!

Week 18: Sweet Potato

I'm 4.5 months pregnant and wore my first pair of maternity jeans today - all of a sudden I just popped and truly look like a pregnant lady!  Another teacher and I have started walking during lunch and I feel so good about that... hopefully it pays off. 

Results of my amnio came back fine and I'm thankful.  Unfortunately, many people assume that someone will terminate a pregnancy if the amnio shows chromosomal abnormalities, however, some people want concrete results in order to prepare and plan for a child that may require special care. 

It's a Girl!

"You're going to have a princess," said the doctor.  It was then that my mom and YaYa were excused from the room so that I could have the amnio.  They could have stayed but my mom would have been too nervous, and I didn't want there to be any gasps that could have startled the doctor.  The procedure was quick with a instantaneous cramp (that took my breath away) once the needle punctured the uterus.  According to the doctor it was an easy amnio (2 min.) and the baby was nowhere near the needle, however, the baby was noted to be very active. 

It took me awhile to process the fact that I was having a girl.  I will follow-up with this doctor in one month for a typical 20 week anatomy scan.