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| How can someone so tiny make your heart grow so big? WOW! |
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Introducing Abby
BGB decided at the last minute not to wait for her scheduled induction, and instead gave us a fast and furious delivery, during which they barely got a spinal and epidural in on time. They had to slow down the contractions to give enough time for the IV antibiotics for group B Strep to work their magic and protect her.
It's Day 3 and Abby and I are both doing great. She's pretty sleepy but nursing well and having longer periods of alertness. I'm a little sore and starting to get tired, but managing well. We came home on Sunday afternoon and the four of us have been doing just fine, though the Steve's and my initial burst of adrenalin and euphoria are starting to lose the battle against fatigue. Big brother Jonas is thrilled and Tasha is looking forward to a visit home soon to meet her new little sister.
She's sound asleep watching a movie with her dad and brother right now right now so I think I'm going to try to squeeze in a nap before her next meal.
Cheers!
Abby Mae Lillie Blanchard joined the world at 6:05am on Saturday January 26.
She weighed in at 7 pounds 4 ounces.
It's Day 3 and Abby and I are both doing great. She's pretty sleepy but nursing well and having longer periods of alertness. I'm a little sore and starting to get tired, but managing well. We came home on Sunday afternoon and the four of us have been doing just fine, though the Steve's and my initial burst of adrenalin and euphoria are starting to lose the battle against fatigue. Big brother Jonas is thrilled and Tasha is looking forward to a visit home soon to meet her new little sister.
She's sound asleep watching a movie with her dad and brother right now right now so I think I'm going to try to squeeze in a nap before her next meal.
Cheers!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
BGB Update: A Week to Go
Hello friends!
I've just been reminded that I've been remiss with a blog update. My apologies. I've been on maternity leave for a little over a week, and am quite enjoying not having to go to work. Other than helping Jonas through his daily routines, I've been doing an awesome job of losing track of time. I've napped, watched tv, organized baby stuff, shopped, surfed the net, and hung out with my boys. I've even been doing a little housework. All and all, I'm really rather enjoying myself.
First thing's first - BGB has not arrived yet. Everything is just fine. She seems happy in there and we're both doing great. She's been toying with us for the past week or so, but mostly just lots of Braxton-Hicks. We have started dilating and having some occasional light contractions, but real labour hasn't started yet.
They were initially considering an induction or c-section last week. We kind of expected that to happen a week ago, but our local OB was hospitalized with the flu so was unable to coordinate it. (We chose not to have the baby at Mt. Sinai because it's just too far from home. Otherwise, she would probably already be here.) Since speeding up the time table is more for our peace of mind than any urgent medical need, we've been content to wait it out, while keeping a close eye on her and her activity level. We're kick counting daily and I'm still going for weekly fetal monitoring and appointments with my local OB, but have stopped the commute to Mt. Sinai until after she's born.
The doctors have given us the option of a schedued induction or a c-section. Both prospects have benefits and drawbacks, but after much consideration and back and forth, we've chosen to try using the natural exit route rather than a c-section. (They will be on stand-by for an emergency c-section just in case.) Even though they seem rather routine, and are certainly more convenient (at least initially), we feel that the risks of a c-section are higher than we're comfortable with. I'm not at all looking forward to labour and delivery but it just feels like the right option for all of us.
Unless she gets other ideas of her own, we're scheduled for an induction this on Saturday January 26th at 8am. That's the 40 week mark, and has been her estimated due date all along. So, it looks like we might just end up sharing our birthdays afterall.
We'll keep you posted!
Cheers!
I've just been reminded that I've been remiss with a blog update. My apologies. I've been on maternity leave for a little over a week, and am quite enjoying not having to go to work. Other than helping Jonas through his daily routines, I've been doing an awesome job of losing track of time. I've napped, watched tv, organized baby stuff, shopped, surfed the net, and hung out with my boys. I've even been doing a little housework. All and all, I'm really rather enjoying myself.
First thing's first - BGB has not arrived yet. Everything is just fine. She seems happy in there and we're both doing great. She's been toying with us for the past week or so, but mostly just lots of Braxton-Hicks. We have started dilating and having some occasional light contractions, but real labour hasn't started yet.
They were initially considering an induction or c-section last week. We kind of expected that to happen a week ago, but our local OB was hospitalized with the flu so was unable to coordinate it. (We chose not to have the baby at Mt. Sinai because it's just too far from home. Otherwise, she would probably already be here.) Since speeding up the time table is more for our peace of mind than any urgent medical need, we've been content to wait it out, while keeping a close eye on her and her activity level. We're kick counting daily and I'm still going for weekly fetal monitoring and appointments with my local OB, but have stopped the commute to Mt. Sinai until after she's born.
The doctors have given us the option of a schedued induction or a c-section. Both prospects have benefits and drawbacks, but after much consideration and back and forth, we've chosen to try using the natural exit route rather than a c-section. (They will be on stand-by for an emergency c-section just in case.) Even though they seem rather routine, and are certainly more convenient (at least initially), we feel that the risks of a c-section are higher than we're comfortable with. I'm not at all looking forward to labour and delivery but it just feels like the right option for all of us.
Unless she gets other ideas of her own, we're scheduled for an induction this on Saturday January 26th at 8am. That's the 40 week mark, and has been her estimated due date all along. So, it looks like we might just end up sharing our birthdays afterall.
We'll keep you posted!
Cheers!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Baby Gear
So, the labour watch is on. Today is my last day of work and we see our local OB next week to schedule and induction. I can't believe that we're so close!
In the meanwhile, the boys did a great job emptying out Tasha's room so the renovators could FINALLY fix the ceiling. (It's been a 6 month battle with our condo property manager.) They did most of the work on Wednesday, and the final touches will happen in the next day or two. Once that's finished, the room will be ready for paint and furniture to transform it into the baby's room.
In the meanwhile. I've got bags and boxes of stuff for her, just waiting to move in there. We've been given some pretty cool stuff, and have also discovered a few other goodies that we've added to our shopping list. I love it all, and since my nesting instinct is kicking in, I thought I'd share with you a few of the things that either didn't exist or we didn't know about when Jonas was a baby.
Cheers!
The Organic Kidz 4 oz Stainless Steel Baby Bottle that converts to a sippy cup:
http://www.organickidz.ca/browse-products/4oz-narrow-necked-baby-bottles/
Enfamil Ready to Feed Formula - Just add the nipple!:
https://www.specialtyfoodshop.ca/sfs/p-1033-mead-johnson-nutrition-enfamil-a-nursette.aspx
**Before anyone gets on their soap boxbreast feeding, we do plan to breast feed but, things happen so we're staying flexible. We may end up pumping or swtiching to formula.
Super Winterized Baby Bunting Bags that go over the entire car seat/bucket/stroller:
http://products.mystrollers.com/7_am_7_a_m_enfant_le_sac_igloo_baby_bunting_small_in_red_1141691321.php
Jogging Strollers with car seats:
http://www.mamacheaps.com/2012/05/hot-deal-110-shipped-baby-trend-jogging-stroller-and-infant-car-seat-after-sale-and-gift-card-offer.html
And finally, just for giggles, one that will likely never see the inside of our house. I give you, the iPotty. http://www.coolmomtech.com/2013/01/web_coolness_ces_2013_new_tech.php
In the meanwhile, the boys did a great job emptying out Tasha's room so the renovators could FINALLY fix the ceiling. (It's been a 6 month battle with our condo property manager.) They did most of the work on Wednesday, and the final touches will happen in the next day or two. Once that's finished, the room will be ready for paint and furniture to transform it into the baby's room.
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| Soon to be BGB's Room, waiting for the final touches on the ceiling |
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| A fresh coat of paint awaits... |
In the meanwhile. I've got bags and boxes of stuff for her, just waiting to move in there. We've been given some pretty cool stuff, and have also discovered a few other goodies that we've added to our shopping list. I love it all, and since my nesting instinct is kicking in, I thought I'd share with you a few of the things that either didn't exist or we didn't know about when Jonas was a baby.
Cheers!
The Organic Kidz 4 oz Stainless Steel Baby Bottle that converts to a sippy cup:
http://www.organickidz.ca/browse-products/4oz-narrow-necked-baby-bottles/
Enfamil Ready to Feed Formula - Just add the nipple!:
https://www.specialtyfoodshop.ca/sfs/p-1033-mead-johnson-nutrition-enfamil-a-nursette.aspx
**Before anyone gets on their soap boxbreast feeding, we do plan to breast feed but, things happen so we're staying flexible. We may end up pumping or swtiching to formula.
Super Winterized Baby Bunting Bags that go over the entire car seat/bucket/stroller:
http://products.mystrollers.com/7_am_7_a_m_enfant_le_sac_igloo_baby_bunting_small_in_red_1141691321.php
Jogging Strollers with car seats:
http://www.mamacheaps.com/2012/05/hot-deal-110-shipped-baby-trend-jogging-stroller-and-infant-car-seat-after-sale-and-gift-card-offer.html
And finally, just for giggles, one that will likely never see the inside of our house. I give you, the iPotty. http://www.coolmomtech.com/2013/01/web_coolness_ces_2013_new_tech.php
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Decisions, Decisions
It's funny how things can change in a day. We woke up yesterday morning thinking that BGB would arrive sometime, anytime, in the next 4 to 5 weeks. Tomorrow is my last day of work, and then I figured I'd have a week or two before the big day. After our appointment at Mt. Sinai yesterday, it's safe to say that she'll be here within the week or two. WOW!
The specialist at Mt. Sinai has recommended that we induce labour in the next week or so. Everything is fine. BGB is doing great. My blood pressure, and possibly my blood sugar, have had a few glitches over the past few weeks. Nothing significant, but enough that the consensus seems to be that the risks of kicking her out early are less that keeping her in there for a couple of more weeks and letting her decide when to come.
Both Steve and I are on-side with that reasoning. Circling a firm date on the calendar is convenient, but knowing that she'll enter the world in a more manageable way is very reassuring. After 21ish week of being on pins and needles, we're both looking forward to her arrival, no matter when that is.
Now comes the big decision - do we want to try for a natural delivery or a c-section? Both doctors agree that the best option is the one that we're most comfortable with. The are many valid arguments on both sides of the coin. 10 years ago, an elective c-section wasn't something we would consider, but there's been a lot of water under the bridge since then. Decisions, decisions.
She may yet arrive on her own timetable. We've got to coordinate an action now. I'm not going to deliver at Mt. Sinai so we need to get our local team on-side. My local OB is currently in hospital with the flu, so I've been seeing her back-up. I'll call this morning to make an appointment with him so we can figure out what our next step is.
Cheers!
The specialist at Mt. Sinai has recommended that we induce labour in the next week or so. Everything is fine. BGB is doing great. My blood pressure, and possibly my blood sugar, have had a few glitches over the past few weeks. Nothing significant, but enough that the consensus seems to be that the risks of kicking her out early are less that keeping her in there for a couple of more weeks and letting her decide when to come.
Both Steve and I are on-side with that reasoning. Circling a firm date on the calendar is convenient, but knowing that she'll enter the world in a more manageable way is very reassuring. After 21ish week of being on pins and needles, we're both looking forward to her arrival, no matter when that is.
Now comes the big decision - do we want to try for a natural delivery or a c-section? Both doctors agree that the best option is the one that we're most comfortable with. The are many valid arguments on both sides of the coin. 10 years ago, an elective c-section wasn't something we would consider, but there's been a lot of water under the bridge since then. Decisions, decisions.
She may yet arrive on her own timetable. We've got to coordinate an action now. I'm not going to deliver at Mt. Sinai so we need to get our local team on-side. My local OB is currently in hospital with the flu, so I've been seeing her back-up. I'll call this morning to make an appointment with him so we can figure out what our next step is.
Cheers!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: First Mom and Son Adventure of the Year
I'm a bit limited these days as far as adventuring in the outdoors with Jonas is concerned, and both have a bad case of cabin fever. So, we decided to not let the fact that I'm nine months pregnant and it's cold and snowy outside stop us. We found a nice compromise this past weekend. A tiny "hike", a nice hill, and a good 'old tree let us combine tobogganing and camping to make for a darned great afternoon!
Cheers!
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| We baked a little bannock at home to take with us. It's not as good baked in the oven as it is over a campfire but it was yummy! |
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| There was just enough fresh snow that it wasn't a slippy walk for this preggo. |
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| Jonas got his fill of throwing himself down the hill on his new GT Sno Racer. |
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| He practiced his snow ball making and throwing. |
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| Climbed a tree. |
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| We brought a backpack filled with Mr. Noodles, hot chocolate, a couple of army mess cups, spoons, a kettle, water and a little camp stove. |
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| And brewed up a little hillside snack, camping style. |
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| Mr. Noodles, Jonas's current favourite, after good old KD, of course. It tasted pretty good with the bannock dipped in the broth. |
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| He ate on his GT Sno Racer. |
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| I had a wool blanket and padded seat to keep my butt warm. |
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| After he got his fill, it was time to head home. |
Monday, January 7, 2013
Bedroom Campout
In follow-up to yesterday's "Big Brother in waiting" post, I had to share this from last night. Jonas slept on the floor again, but this time used his camo fleece blanket to make a lean-to to sleep under. Says he can't wait to teach his little sister how to make one. LOVE THAT KID!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Big Brother in Waiting
A couple of days ago, Jonas started sleeping on his bedroom floor instead of in his bed. I asked him why and he said "Because it reminds me of camping. I miss camping and I know we're not going to get to go for a while." It made me a little sad initially, but then I realized that he's not really sad about it at all. He seems downright optimistic about it. He misses it but is clearly trying to make the best of it.
In that vain, I took him tobogganing yesterday and we worked in a little camping-style snack on the hillside while we were at it.. He got his fill of sledding, tree climbing and snowball throwing while I sat beside a big 'ol tree at the bottom of the hill and whipped up his current favourite - Mr. Noodles in his army canteen cup - on one of our camping stoves. OK, so it wasn't camping, but it was a pretty good compromise. He didn't even care that we were only maybe a couple hundred meters from where we parked the Jeep. I don't think there was a moment when he didn't have a smile on his face. (Except maybe I made him take his sucker out of his mouth when he got on his GT.)
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| Eating his current favourite food - Mr. Noodles - on his GT Sno Racer between runs down the hill. |
Cheers!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The Waiting Game
37 weeks! After about 24 weeks of being on pins and needles, trying to stay healthy and optimistic, BGB will be considered full term at the end of this week. I honestly never imagined that we'd ever get to this point. WOW!
Now it's a waiting game to see when she'll arrive. We all know that babies have their own timetables, and short of a scheduled c-section, there's just no reliable way to predict when they'll arrive. I've been having more frequent and intense Braxton-Hicks contractions and my hips are telling me that she's making her way towards the exit, but there's just no crystal ball. We do know that if she's not here in 5 weeks max. they will induce labour, so we have an absolute end date circled on the calendar. Of course, that doesn't mean that's when she'll arrive.
Our places of employment are on labour watch. Unless she comes early, I've got 5 more days at work. I've been scaling back there and expect this to be a very non-demanding week. With two doctor's appointments and a non-stress test this week, I won't be putting in a full week despite the five early mornings, and this is the week where we're going to make sure that my co-workers can fly on their own without me. I should be like a fairy Godmother this week,working but leaving the tough stuff to everyone else.
Steve has only been working scant part-time hours over the holidays, and goes back full-time on Monday. There is a plan in place for the management of his store when the time comes. We're going to play that by ear when a little bit. He's definitely going to take time off but what that time looks like is going to depend on how things play out at the hospital and at home.
Tasha 's employer doesn't do so well with impromptu schedule changes and she's getting anxious about it. They're building a schedule right now and want to know when she's planning to be here, but we just can't give them an exact date. Even a one or two day last minute trip during the first week or two could prove a challenge for them. Oh the joys of being a part-time retail employee!
Jonas goes back to school on Monday, so we're trying to make the most of our quiet time together while we can. My mom and BFFs are on Jonas-sitting stand-by for when the time comes. In the meanwhile., things have been entirely relaxed around the house while he's been off on Christmas break. He's being spoiled with lots of video game time with Dad, board games, tobogganing, late nights, and one-on-one/two-on-one time with Steve and I. We all know that that time together is going to be at somewhat restricted once this little girl arrives.
We're all looking forward to that day. (Ok, I'm not looking forward to labour and delivery, but I can't wait to hold her in my arms.) It's exciting to think that there's a whole new life waiting for us on the other side of this pregnancy!
Cheers!
Now it's a waiting game to see when she'll arrive. We all know that babies have their own timetables, and short of a scheduled c-section, there's just no reliable way to predict when they'll arrive. I've been having more frequent and intense Braxton-Hicks contractions and my hips are telling me that she's making her way towards the exit, but there's just no crystal ball. We do know that if she's not here in 5 weeks max. they will induce labour, so we have an absolute end date circled on the calendar. Of course, that doesn't mean that's when she'll arrive.
Our places of employment are on labour watch. Unless she comes early, I've got 5 more days at work. I've been scaling back there and expect this to be a very non-demanding week. With two doctor's appointments and a non-stress test this week, I won't be putting in a full week despite the five early mornings, and this is the week where we're going to make sure that my co-workers can fly on their own without me. I should be like a fairy Godmother this week,working but leaving the tough stuff to everyone else.
Steve has only been working scant part-time hours over the holidays, and goes back full-time on Monday. There is a plan in place for the management of his store when the time comes. We're going to play that by ear when a little bit. He's definitely going to take time off but what that time looks like is going to depend on how things play out at the hospital and at home.
Tasha 's employer doesn't do so well with impromptu schedule changes and she's getting anxious about it. They're building a schedule right now and want to know when she's planning to be here, but we just can't give them an exact date. Even a one or two day last minute trip during the first week or two could prove a challenge for them. Oh the joys of being a part-time retail employee!
Jonas goes back to school on Monday, so we're trying to make the most of our quiet time together while we can. My mom and BFFs are on Jonas-sitting stand-by for when the time comes. In the meanwhile., things have been entirely relaxed around the house while he's been off on Christmas break. He's being spoiled with lots of video game time with Dad, board games, tobogganing, late nights, and one-on-one/two-on-one time with Steve and I. We all know that that time together is going to be at somewhat restricted once this little girl arrives.
We're all looking forward to that day. (Ok, I'm not looking forward to labour and delivery, but I can't wait to hold her in my arms.) It's exciting to think that there's a whole new life waiting for us on the other side of this pregnancy!
Cheers!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
BGB - 36 Week Update
36 and a half weeks already, and only a few more to go. BGB and I are doing very well. Mom is VERY pregnant and exhausted, but Esmerelda seems to be nice and cozy in there. She hasn't dropped yet so we're not on labour watch yet. I have been having more frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions, but mostly we're maintaining the status quo.
Only 6 more work days (after today) left for me before I go on Maternity Leave. I have to admit, I'm quite looking forward to that. Labour and delivery? Not so much, but I can't wait to hold this little girl in my arms.
Cheers!
Only 6 more work days (after today) left for me before I go on Maternity Leave. I have to admit, I'm quite looking forward to that. Labour and delivery? Not so much, but I can't wait to hold this little girl in my arms.
Cheers!
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