Wednesday, March 31, 2010

2 weeks old today!

Miss julianna is 2 weeks old today! Time is already flying by! She's growinh everyday-- a few of her premmie outfits are too short now. She's also gaining weight. It's carzy to think that she should still be in my belly. My estimated due date was april 3, which is this saturday.

Even though she's growing, she is still wearing premmie diapers. Those diapers are very hard to find! Target doesn't carry any at all but we did find some at wal-mart. About 9 dollars for a pack of 30. We bought 2 packs on friday and we already need to restock.

She went through 3 diapers within an hour today! In the middle of those changes, I got peed on. This has happened several times and it was a suprise. I had no idea that little girls could spray their pee like that!!

Aside from being peed on, I love being a mommy! Josh loves being a dad, too and it has about killed him going back to work this week. We miss him a lot too!

Friday, March 26, 2010

our first week at home

we have now been home from the hospital for one week with our little princess. we are getting into a good routine with her feeding and changing... everything is so far, so good! josh and i are absolutely in love with our precious little girl!

thanks for the support of our family and friends, transitioning into our new life has gone smoothly. charity brough us san felipe for dinner on monday and josh's mom came over on tuesday to cook food for us. we are so grateful!

on tuesday, we took julianna for her first doctor's appointment. her weight was back up to her birth weight... she had lost 5 oz. between birth and leaving the hospital last friday. tuesday she was 5 lbs. 8 oz. everything checked out great but she had a high level of jaundice. we were advised to make sure she got some natural sunlight so we stripped her down to her diaper and sat her by the window in her car seat. she loved it! she was so relaxed!

on wednesday, we went back to the doctor to get her blood drawn again. she still had jaundice but her level was going down. she had also gained weight! she weighed 5 lbs. 9 oz. on wednesday. since she was eating good, pooping good, and gaining weight, they told us to keep up the sunshine and bring her back on friday morning.

friday morning we went in and her aunt shandi had to draw her blood for the third time. her feet looked like pin cushions! poor thing! her weight had gone up again-- 5 lbs. 11.5 oz! shandi called later this afternoon and told us that her level of jaundice has gone down again so no lights for julianna. i'm so relieved that she's getting rid of the jaundice and that she's gaining weight.

we also visited nana today (my mom) because it's her birthday. julianna gave nana a gift card to 1212 salon for her birthday. she loved it! (i would too!)

life is good at the soto house... except for some plumbing issues that we have to get checked out and on top of that josh's car doesn't want to start. no big deal though... those things happen. we have been blessed to have our little one and as long as she's healthy and so are we, life is good!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

julianna's birth story


monday, march 15: i went to my routine doctor's appointment. at that appointment, i found out that julianna was small- in the 7th percentile for her age. i had an ultrasound and non-stress test that day.

tuesday, march 16: went back for a follow-up appointment. i had another non-stress test and another ultrasound. this ultrasound was to see if julianna was practicing her breathing. the ultrasound tech couldn't see her practicing but she told us that sometimes we just catch them when they aren't practicing. then josh and i met with my primary doctor, dr. fogleman. she was going to be making the decision as to what we were going to do next. she was very concerned with julianna's size. she worried that if we didn't induce, whatever was causing a delay in her growth would just get worse. she called the hospital and scheduled for me to be admitted at 7pm that night. i was full of emotions at that point. excited and nervous!

after we left the doctor, i tied up some loose ends at school, let my students know the news, then josh and i headed to h&r block to amend our taxes. we our paying to get the first time home buyers tax credit! we also had our last dinner out as "non-parents"... we went to san felipe. we were both filled with anticipation of what the next 24 hours would bring!

around 7pm, josh and i arrived at the women's hospital in greensboro. we checked in and then were taken to a labor/delivery room. i got to lose my clothes and get dressed in a lovely hospital gown. around 8pm, i had my IV inserted. i've never had one before so this was a less than pleasant experience! around 9pm, the nurse inserted the cervidil to help with softening my cervix. she left it in all night and this was one of the most uncomfortable parts of the entire experience! i didn't sleep at all that night. partially due to the anxiousness but mostly due to the pain i was in. i felt like i was having the worlds worst period! my legs hurt. my back hurt. i couldn't get comfortable and i think i slept for a total of 15 minutes all night. i was even talking to josh while he slept like a baby!

finally i got some relief. the cervidil was removed at 6am and i got to take a shower. i had an itty bitty breakfast that consisted a bowl of cereal that had about 3 bites in it. at 7am, i was hooked up the pitocin to get my labor going. i was having some contractions after that but they weren't too painful.

as i was thinking that this wasn't going to be too bad... enter dr. taavon. he decided to "jump start" things by breaking my water. that part of awkward and uncomfortable but the feeling of peeing all over myself, non-stop was strange! when he broke my water, i was about 2cm dilated. and here comes those horrible contractions that i'd always heard about...

i was in agonizing pain after he broke my water. i was having very painful contractions that seemed to be about 3 minutes apart. after an hour and a half of this, i had enough! i told my nurse that i wanted to go ahead and have the epidural. i didn't want to be in that much pain on such a wonderful day!

around 12pm, i got the epidural! i didn't experience any pain while the epidural was inserted. i felt relief from my contractions within about 5 minutes and i was numb/tingly within 10 minutes. it was amazing!

so after i got the epidural, all i wanted to do was each green jello and cherry popcicles because i was soooooo hungry! i could only have liquids and that little bowl of cereal was long gone. the rest of my labor wasn't painful at all. it was really weird not being able to move my legs on my own but i didn't mind having help. during this time, josh took great care of me! he kept me comfortable and kept me relaxed.

around 2pm, dr. cousins came in to check my progress. i was still between 2 and 3 cm dilated at this point. she felt my belly and julianna was laying transverse and that needed to be fixed so that i could deliver vaginally. she had me lay on the stomach, turned to the side. it was actually a really comfortable position and i took a little nap during this time. i woke up off and on and the last time i woke up, i felt a lot of pressure... like i needed to go to the bathroom. i let the nurse know how i was feeling and she decided to check my progress.

between 2 and 4:30, i finished dilating! i went from 3cm to 10cm within 2.5 hours! i couldn't believe how fast it happened! i started pushing around 4:30 and at 5:14, julianna was born!

the scary thing that happened during the delivery (that i'm glad i wasn't aware of at the time) was that her cord was wrapped around her neck twice! praise the Lord the nurse midwife (tanya bailey) knew what she doing!

the nurse handed her to me right away and i couldn't believe how beautiful she was! it was love at first sight! josh and i were both so emotional... the tears in his eyes made me cry.

i didn't have any tearing. i was so blessed! julianna weighed 5.8 pounds and was 18.5 inches long. right after delivery, my mom, dad, josh's mom, and stepdad visited with us and held our precious little girl. dustin and shandi also were there to welcome our new arrival.

we stayed in the hospital from tuesday evening until friday morning when we were discharged. during our stay, we got a lot of practice with taking care of her. i love that they let her stay in the room with us 24 hours a day.

we are now home and happy! we are so blessed to have our new addition... our little lucky charm, Miss Julianna Hope Soto!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

water is broken

The doctor just broke my water around 10am. I am currently 2-3 centimeters dilated. We are making progress!

2:15 am and I can't sleep!

The nurse gave me the Cervidil around 9:30pm to begin softening my cervix. I felt fine at first...same as I did when I got here and I even dozed off around 11pm. Well, now it's about 2;15 and I have been awake for the last 2 hours. My legs, back, and lower abdomen are cramping so bad! It's the feeling of the worst period you can imagine. I cannot get comfy in this awesome *sarcasm* bed! Then a few minutes ago, I was freezing. I woke poor sleepy Josh up to turn the temperature up and the nurse brought me an extra blanket. I am hoping to get a little rest. They are "waking me up" at 6am to remove the Cervidil, shower, eat a light breakfast, and then start the Pitocin to really get my labor moving along. Based on the discomfort from tonight (well, morning)...I will definitely be granting myself an epidural!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

let the journey begin...

We have arrived at the hospital and I'm wearing my beautiful hospital gown. We are anxious and excited. Wish us luck as we welcome Julianna Hope Soto into the world!

completed nursery (minus the baby... we still need that)




Monday, March 15, 2010

37 weeks, 2 days: appointment update

josh and i just got back from the doctor's office. my appointment began at 2:15 and ended a little after 5. here's the run down:

weight: i've lost 5 pounds since monday, could be due to my nausea/vomitting/diarrhea over the weekend and this morning.

blood pressure: 110/80, better than last week and back to normal.

then i met with the midwife... she did an internal exam, i'm still at 1cm dilated. baby's heartrate on the doppler was good, about 136. then she measured my belly and this is where the appointment got more complicated.

last week, when i was measured i was measuring between 32/33 weeks while i was actually 36 weeks. the midwife i saw last week thought this was due to the baby dropping. today i measured at 34 weeks, when i'm actually 37 weeks. this was a red flag to the midwife so she ordered a growth ultrasound to see how big the baby actually was.

then we had the ultrasound done. baby julianna weighs 5lbs. 2 oz. right now (average weight for 37 weeks is over 6 lbs). which puts her in the 7th percentile for her age. she's a tiny girl. then they gave me a non-stress to monitor the baby's heartbeat and my uterine activity. i was already having contractions and the baby's heartbeat sounded good.

while they are finishing up the test, the midwife comes back in to meet with us. she said that she thinks i should be induced and she wanted to go ahead and do it today. but she wants my primary doctor to make the final call. so i have to go back tomorrow morning for another ultrasound, non-stress test, and to meet with Dr. Fogleman. we'll get some answers tomorrow as to when we'll meet our little princess.

i have mixed emotions. i didn't exactly want to be induced. i want things to happen on their own but if the doctor sees that it's necessary for her come now then i want the best for her. just keep josh, julianna, and i in your prayers!

post #2 for today

i got up and tried to get ready. then of course, i got sick. everything i had to eat last night and today is gooone. i felt fine yesterday (as far as the nausea goes) but it's back in full force today.

i wanted to go to work so i called my practice to ask what to do. the nurse told me to take immodium, drink 2 12oz. glasses of water, lay on my left side for at least one hour, and mainly to just relax. i have been having non-stop cramping in my abdomen and lower back. i asked her whether or not i should go to work-- she said she couldn't tell whether to go or not but insisted i would not feel better if i didn't not lay down and rest.

so here i am. at home... still cramping. hungry and scared to eat anything. i moved my appointment time up to 2:15. i just want to know if this is labor related or i'm actually sick. i still have no fever. i'll update when i find something out!

37 weeks and 2 days- appointment this afternoon

so it's about 5am and i can't sleep! i napped A LOT yesterday so i guess that's what it is catching up with me. i couldn't keep my eyes open yesterday. josh's nesting was in full swing sunday afternoon. he worked out in the yard and in the house all day. i'm glad he's doing the nesting for us!

5am... and i'm already enjoying a blueberry muffin and orange juice. i successfully ate a 6-inch sub from subway last night so i think my digestive system is getting back on track for the time being.

afterschool, i have an OB appointment. i can't wait to see how much (if any) progress we've made. i want her to come when she's ready... but i'm ready now. maybe we can compromise!

i'll update this evening!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

37 weeks, 1 day: update

like i said yesterday, i was absolutely miserable! the diarrhea lasted from 8am to 11pm mixed with constant nausea. i was barely able to keep any food down so i was incredibly weak. i took a warm bath to relax around 11:30pm. my body felt incredibly anxious so the bath helped a lot. i was able to go to sleep and remarkably slept through the night.

today, i have definitely felt better. i'm just not close to 100%. all my body wants to do is relax and sleep. i have been able to eat a little more today. i went with josh to lowes hardware and just walking around was very uncomfortable. little julianna has dropped really low so i am seriously waddling around now. i have dealt with constant painful pressure all day and my mid to lower back is killing me!! i have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon. i hope that i am able to muster up enough energy to make it through work tomorrow. or julianna... you can come tonight! mommy's ready!

and as for daddy... he's been nesting like crazy! he won't sit still!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

37 weeks and miserable :(

i woke up this morning with severe diarrhea... about every 10 minutes with abdominal cramping. i called my practice after two hours of dealing with this. i was told to take 2 immodium, take a warm shower, and relax. she said that it might be the onset of labor and my body was trying to clear itself out.

i did everything she told me then i got a new symptom after i ate a few saltine crackers... vomiting. so all day i've had a mix of n,v, and d. i'm miserable. i have no energy.

i hope she's right. i have no fever so she ruled out that it might be a stomach virus.

what the nurse said was confirmed on this website:

http://www.babies.sutterhealth.org/laboranddelivery/labor/

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

36 weeks (4 days) stats!


Total Weight Gain: 40 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: pants are only maternity. dresses. and loooong tops 'cause my belly will show if my shirt is short. i mostly wear non-maternity tops because i have been spending most of my clothes money on jewelry, shoes, and purses these days.

Stretch Marks: still no stretch marks on the belly. just a few elsewhere. beach trip in june won't be spent in a string bikini!

Sleep: sleeping is the most comfortable time of the day!

Best Moment This Week: finding out that i'm already 1cm dilated and i've dropped. i'm ready for her to come!

Movement: she's moving all over the place with very strong movements.

Food Cravings: nothing in peticular this week. just feed me, please!

Gender: it's a girl!

Labor Signs: frequent and uncomfortable braxton-hicks contractions, more pressure, baby has dropped, and i'm 1cm dilated (as of monday's appointment).

Belly Button In or Out: still in!

What I am Looking Forward to: the weekend so that i can relax and my appointment on monday to check our progress.

Monday, March 8, 2010

36 weeks. 2 days. OB appointment

I just got back from my weekly OB visit. Today I saw a nurse midwife, instead of regular doctor. I really liked her... she was personable and informative at the same time. If a baby Soto #2 ever comes along, she would be my first choice.

Blood Pressure: 130/84-- which is high for me. The midwife seemed a little concerned about this because I'm also having some swelling in my ankles and hands.
Weight: 167 (beginning of pregnancy 128)
Baby's Heartbeat: 128
Measurement: I should be measuring around 36 cm this week, but my measurements have dropped to 32 cm--which means Julianna has dropped and she's getting ready!
Dilation: I have officially dilated 1 cm!

As the midwife was examining me, she said, "I'd say it's going to be sooner than later." So maybe Julianna won't be fashionably late afterall. We're making progress!

My next appointment will be next Monday and I'll get to meet with the other nurse midwife. I'm trying to see any many physicians as possible since I really don't know who will be delivering my little one.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

9 months/36 weeks today!

Wow... I'm already at 36 weeks! And I'm ready! Josh put together the car seat this morning so let's install it and have a baby! I just have a feeling princess Julianna will be fashionably late! I guess, we'll see! I have another appointment on Monday. Now on to the photos: the cake is from my school baby shower and then my weekly belly pics.

Friday, March 5, 2010

35 weeks. 6 days. i'm exhausted!

My To Do List:

•Finish maternity leave lesson plans
•Install car seat (it arrived today!)
•Double check my hospital bag

What We Still Need:

•Changing pad for our changing table
•Changing pad cover
•Baby home safety kit
•Diaper pail for disposing of diapers
•Car window shade
•Bath rinser
•Bedding
•Mobile

My list is getting smaller! Josh and I are thankful to the wonderful family and friends that we have. I was blessed with goodies at both of my baby showers as well as some much needed contributions. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Now the plan for the weekend is to put away everything from the shower at school, install the car seat, and RELAX! I'm sooooo exhausted!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

31 days to go... many things to do!

This post may be more for organizing my brain around what I need to do/what I need to buy. My brain is running around like crazy!

So not knowing exactly when she'll be here, I have been wondering if I'll have a "Shamrock Sweetie" or an "April Due Drop??"

My last day of school will be April 1st (if she doesn't make her debut sooner than that). Good Friday is April 2nd, Easter is April 4th, and Spring Break is scheduled for April 5-9. We've had so many snow days this winter so I don't know how much of Spring Break will really exist but regardless, I'll be on maternity leave (hopefully by that point with my little Easter bunny).

Also, Josh and I were blessed to find out on Sunday night that his dad was going to purchase our car seat/stroller travel system and help us with the pack n play. With the money my mom gave us at my baby shower, it was all taken care of. What a relief-- we are so thankful! All three of these items are in transit to be shipped by Babies R Us. We also got the matching swing from Josh's mom... it took Josh forever to put together because he didn't understand the picture instructions. I'm ready to get everything setup!

My To Do List:
  • Finish maternity leave lesson plans
  • Install car seat
  • Double check my hospital bag
  • Prepare my birth plan

What We Still Need:

  • Changing pad for our changing table
  • Changing pad cover
  • Glider (would love to have one, but not sure if we're going to be able to get one)
  • Steam sterilizer for bottles
  • A few more bottles
  • Bibs
  • Bathtub
  • Boppy pillow (I've been told that this is an absolute must!)
  • Hooded towel
  • Wash clothes
  • Baby home safety kit
  • Diaper pail for disposing of diapers
  • Car window shade
  • Onsies with feet for sleeping
  • Bath rinser
  • Bedding
  • Mobile

I'll be having another baby shower at school tomorrow with my co-workers. Anything that I don't receive, we're going to purchase ourselves. We wanted to wait until the baby showers were over before buying a lot of stuff since we didn't know what we would be given. We need to save up every penny we can right now since I have to take several weeks with with no pay at work. It's worth it though... I couldn't imagine leaving my newborn baby after six weeks. Josh and I will make it work. :)

Monday, March 1, 2010

35 weeks 2 days: doctor & baby shower pictures!

I just got back from my visit at the OB. I saw a different doctor at the practice today. I'm going to try to see as many of them as possible since I really don't know who'll be delivering Julianna. My blood pressure was 106/64, weight was 167, belly is measuring at exactly 35 weeks, and my internal exam confirmed that Julianna is still head down (yay!) and my cervix is still closed. I'll go back again next Monday and at that visit I'll meet the nurse midwife at the practice.



And now for the baby shower pictures...