3 weeks & Thanksgiving!

                           from our fam[ily] to yours <3                                 

Dearest Giana,

Here we are 3 weeks out from your birthday :) You are growing like a WEED & gaining lbs (love that). You are still the sweetest baby and are loved by so many. 

Current Weight

You do not have a doctors appointment until January (2 month appointment) so we wont know for sure, but I think I am going to buy a scale this week because I am so curious as to how much you are gaining a week! They say you should be gaining 1 ounce a day.. I think you are surpassing that- haha, not going to be mommy's "Peanut" for long :)

Size Clothes/Diapers

You are still in newborn clothes- the oneies with feet, just fit- not snug but just right- they are still a bit baggy, but its oh so cute to see you in outfits that you aren't swimming in! You are still in newborn diapers- gosh they are so cute, looks like you will be for a while little girl :)  

Eating

From day one you have been eating like a champ! I thought I'd forget how the breastfeeding number went, but it was like riding a bike for me and for you it was as if you've been doing it in the womb! You are nursing about 10+ times a day = you LOVE to eat which makes me one happy momma :) 

Sleep

This is what has surprised me the most ~ you enjoy your sleep!! The first night at the hospital I had to wake you up to feed you (because the nurse said so) I hated waking you up, but knew I had to get the milk flowing and the way to do so was to try to nurse you every 2 hours- but when we got home I decided you would tell me when you were hungry- and I'm so glad I trusted my mommy instincts -- you would cry more when I woke you up to eat, but when I let you decide when you only fuss to get my attention and then you are happy and eat well :-D you are sleeping 5 hour stretches at night!! I am a lucky momma :) nap time is about 45 mins- an hour, you eat an want to stay awake a lot longer whig is nice :) I love watching you take in your surroundings. Mommy feels well rested- so thank you baby girl~ keep up the good work :)

Milestones:

You lift your head all the time! No lazy baby sweet heart! When we do tummy time you will lay your head down for a moment but then pick it up look around and lay it back down looking the other way :) no rush on the other milestones- mommy is enjoying her little peanut <3

& now... the photos!

i love you peanut, more than yesterday but not nearly as much as tomorrow <3

Love, Mommy

2 weeks!

Here we are again- 4 days late on this post, but I'm proud of myself for remembering to post period! 

Two weeks & 4 days have passed since Miss Giana Jade was born! Time really flies when you're having fun ;) Our family has really adapted to having another family member added to our bunch - we have a good routine going, and life couldn't be better! 

Dearest Giana,

You are such a joy in my life! Nothing could have prepared me for the love I feel for you my sweet girl <3 You have brought so much love to our family

Your sister, T, loves you so much. Mommy & Daddy did not know how she would take to having to share her parents, but to EVERYONES pleasant surprise, you & T have taken to each other so much already even at such a young age. Jealousy was my biggest fear- I heard HORROR stories of older siblings biting the new baby, or resenting the new baby because of having to share, but lucky for you baby G, your sister loves you so much- and loves caring for you. When you cry she runs to your rescue and either sings to you, if that doesn't work she rocks your rock & play/swing and/or even tries to give you your paci- so gently. I'm not sure how she has grasped that concept  yet- having to be so gentle with you.

 It melts my heart to see you two together. 

You had your 2 week check up on tuesday:: weighing in at 7.25lbs 20.5 inches long! you also have (sadly) already had your first cold :( hearing how congested you were broke my heart! I swear we were in the bathroom 3+ times a day steaming the shower to help relieve your trouble with breathing! thank goodness you seem to be getting over it now! xo

Your sleeping habits are something out of a dream peanut (mommy's nickname for you- not sure if it will stick, but it's cute right now)- I mean really, I feel refreshed in the mornings and you are so happy when you wake up which must mean you are refreshed too!

You are nursing about 10+ times a day= lots! You love to eat, absolutely love it which is fine by me: mommy loves chunky babies 😘 you got ahold of the "latching on" right away! I thought I'd forget what I was supposed to do, thought I'd need the lactation consultant at the hospital to show me how to help you again, but nope-- it was like riding a bike! We are a good team :)

You are still in newborn clothes- they fit perfectly for length width they are a bit baggy, but not too bad. Never in my life did I think people would say "your daughter has long legs":: haha! I am 5'3"(on a good day) and your daddy is 5'9"= not very tall parents so hearing the word "long" to describe a child of mine is a bit shocking! Keep those long legs coming-- mommy is already jealous haha - xo -

You are noticing shadows lately which is neat to see - not really focusing on faces but you love when people sing to you- I don't have a wonderful voice, but I try my best. The song I sing to you is "isn't she lovely" by Stevie Wonder :: you and your sister both have your own song I sing to you! I sing to you all the time, and as soon as soon as I sing your song you instantly stop crying/squirming whatever you are doing you stop and listen, it's beautiful vi started singing to you when you were in my belly at about 6.5 months and looks like the song has stuck :)

I love you sweet girl - more today than yesterday, but not nearly as much as tomorrow

xoxo,
Mommy

1 week old (and 2 days)

I finally got her birth story posted, and now I am 2 days late on her first week home- talking about my sweet perfect Giana <3

1 week old <3

I don't know why or how I have had now TWO children who are so mellow and easy going- this momma is getting 4 hours a night at a time, I feel rested & refreshed when I wake up - and enjoy waking up in the middle of the night just to peak at her <3

She was born 11.01.12, and we checked out 11.02.12... call me crazy, but we we're clear and I figured what's the point? D&T were thrilled to go home, I couldn't wait to get our life going again :) 

Giana is so easy going, I don't even know how to describe it. She eats, sleeps, poops (alot) and is easily soothed. She is so extremely alert and calm - I am so lucky. The adjustment with her & T has been UNBELIEVEABLE. T is so in love with her baby sister, the first day (at the hospital) she was a bit jealous, but that is the ONLY day we have had, and it wasn't bad- she was just confused as to how is G out of mommy's belly- but now... she wants to help and kiss and hug- she's just so proud to be a big sister. 

When we left the hospital G weighed 6lbs 9oz (lost 4oz, which is normal) and since I was leaving a day early they scheduled her first doctors appointment for Sunday ~ at that appointment she had lost more weight 6lbs 6.5ounces, I was getting nervous, why is my sweet baby NOT gaining weight!? We scheduled another appointment for that Wednesday- I was determined to get her to gain some weight, and boy did she make her momma proud- gained 8 ounces in 5 days- wahoo! We are on a great eating routine, and really have gotten the hang out our newest addition <3 

Until next week baby girl, we love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow <3 

Birth story :)

Well here we are Tuesday November 6th, 2012 (election day) ~ I am sitting at the desk with T eating her breakfast watching Dora, D& Keela passed out on the couch, Luna running around the house and...  Miss Giana Jade swinging her swing sound asleep <33 I did not think these days were coming where our family had our newest addition and things were so smooth. She's here.. she's really here and I don't think I could not love her more, but I then again, I bet I will love her even more tomorrow. Ahh, mommy's love <3

Before I get into the birth story, I just want to say T has done SO well adapting to G being here, sharing with mommy & daddy. T is so in love with G it makes me tear up thinking about it. She sings to her, smooches her, begs to hold her ~ we have not had (knock on wood) one break down of jealousy or anger. T has been amazing- I was always optimistic about how she would react because her confidence in herself and her knowing she is so special to me (her "best mommy fwend" <3) 

*~*~*10:09am, break time- G is hungry!*~*~*

Well here we are again- it's Wednesday afternoon - I tried to get back on here after G was done eating, but life had other plans  :) - life of a busy momma <3

Anyways, the bond I see forming with T & G already melts my heart, I really can't wait to see how things are once G is a bit more mobile and able to interact with T.

Okay- birth story time!

Tuesday morning I went to my scheduled obgyn appointment and the doctor asked me how I was feeling- at that point, my feet were the size of bricks, barley fitting in my shoes, my back ached more than ever and the heart burn was at it's all time worse. He looked thru my notes and said, "after all you have been through, I would like to get things rolling for you" I feel like someone hit pause because I just sat there for a good 30 seconds staring at him.. "what did he just say?!" and then a huge smile came on my face... "tell me what I need to do/sign etc to get this ball really rolling".. after a few moments of conversation we agreed to do the Cytotec (a modern drug used in stomach ulcer treatment. The drug has been successfully proved in numerous clinical trials and now is considered to be one of the most widespread and reliable medications. Due to modern formula of Cytotec, treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcer passes successfully and softly, delivering to the patient no inconveniences) Wednesday morning at 8am. WAHOO! I went home smiling ear to ear thinking.. "oh my gosh, I'm going to have a halloween baby.. she's going to be here TOMORROW-- holy $%^&!" I went to sleep.. barely able to close my eyes because I was full of -- well Wednesday morning came, I checked in, got all hooked up to the monitors heard that wonderful heartbeat <3 and waited for the man of the hour ~ he arrived, put the cytotec in and he said "well, now the waiting game- I'll be back to check you in 2 hours"... I tried napping, watching TV, blogging even, but nothing kept my attention long enough- I was just so eager -- Lots of people have different responses to Cytotec, for me- it made me crampy like the first day of your period... those annoying pains you want to take midol/Tylenol for, but of course I couldn't. Well the hours past by dr. came back to check.. and.... no.change. WTF?! he said he'd come back in 2 more hours to check, but if no change then, i would be sent home to see if regular activity could get things going, or if maybe the cytotec would do nothing.. well I'm sure you could guess what happened.. yep your right, noon came around and he checked and NOTHING.. finger tip dilated 70% effaced.. damn damn damn! So I gathered my thoughts, clothes & hospital bag and went home :( -- but along with the things I gathered, I also brought the cramps ah! 
**As a side note, I wasn't too angry to go home, it was Halloween after all and in our town trick-or-treating at the mall was that night, and I really was sad that I was going to miss T trick-or-treating -- but I didn't have to! I knew the walking may help so I was all about it.

*~*~*~*~ break time ~*~*~*~*

Friday- 11/09/12 -- did not think it would take me 3 days to type this, that's IF I finish today- haha - but all jokes aside, I need to finish so I can post about our 1st week home!!

Walking around the mall, carrying T really had things going in the cramp department. Before I left the hospital they said- cramps are a good sign, hopefully we will see you tomorrow, if not you are to check in Friday morning and we will start pitocin. -- booo! When we got home from the mall the cramps were unbearable- I tried laying down on the couch to rest since T had passed out. I laid there for 30 minutes and woke up in so much pain, I curled up into a ball and tears started to fall from eyes- *side note again I have ZERO pain tolerance.. they littlest pain really effects me = I'm a big baby.*  I woke up around 6:45pm rocking back & forth trying to relax and then told D I needed to call doctor 

*~*~*~*~ here we are again, another day- it's Saturday @ 1:15,both girls went down at the same time so there is no reason I can't get this done.. right?~*~*~*~*~*


I called the doctor and even just by my breathing he said, head on over they will be expecting you. At this time it was about 730pm, I hated the idea of going in and just being sent home AGAIN, I cried, like a baby, to D complaining saying- what if we get sent home again, I'll be so discouraged- he convinced me to go take a warm bath first and see if that helped -- I'm so glad I listened, after some fight (haha- I'm stubborn what can I say?) - I sat in the tub for about 30 minutes and felt okay- I started contracting, but the water was so soothing, I didn't want to get out, but knew I needed to. Once I got out, got dressed I decided I was going to drive myself to the hospital (crazy I know, but it's only 5 minutes down the road), just in case they did want to send me home, I didnt have to get D&T out- if they were going to keep me they could get there stuff together at their pace and be okay.  I got to the hospital up to the 5th floor (maternity- gosh do I love the security they have on the maternity floor, you just feel safe when you walk thru the doors) - the nurse came out and said "ma'am, everything okay" and I said "I called a little while ago to let you know I was on my way..." all with heavy breathing, holding my back with both hands, haha I bet it was quite a sight- the nurses eyes got large and said "is your husband or boyfriend with you!?"- "no ma'am, it's just me".. apparently she's never had a mom check herself in- no bags no nothing- I literally walked in with the clothes on my back and my car keys- I was wearing a brown nursing tank-top, sweat pants & flip flops.. it was 40 degrees outside - yup. After things got situated and the initial shock of being on the maternity floor again after 2.5 years I got hooked up to the monitors, and waited for the doctor to come in. The nurse ended up checking me to see if I had any change- she said if I had shown some change I would probably be admitted -- oh those minutes of waiting felt like eternity.. and then.. "well, I would defiantly give you 2 maybe 3 cm".. AH! I screamed "REALLY!?" the nurse started laughing at my excitement- Nurse's name was Barbara, she was so sweet - middle aged kind woman, she found me to be hilarious ;) about an hour later, my mom showed up and behind her was the doctor-- "we are going to admit you, and let you get some pain medication then start the pitocin".. oh my word, G is coming, no if's, and's or buts- sh was coming... now it was all if she was going to beat the clock, was she coming on HALLOWEEN or NOVEMBER 1st?!!? At this point, I didn't care, I was just so excited for her to come- mind you the time was now 930pm. I called D to let him know and I could hear the smile on his face " really, we're going to have a baby today?!.." "yes, babe- get everything together please see you soon"- he was there bags & T in tow within 30 minutes, so proud <3  The waiting game began.. along with the contractions. I told my doctor ahead of time I want the epidural ASAP - I am not messing with all natural birth- give me the drugs! After about 3 or 4 hours after dealing with the pain I finally got the epidural and then ah HEAVEN- I played with Tia - moments I will never forget- throughout the entire pregnancy I wanted to make sure she felt apart of the whole experience and even playing in the delivery room- cash register of course - the waiting game continued- My sister and Aunt where in the room as well keeping me company and waiting as well, but they were getting t.i.r.e.d- my poor aunt flew in the same day from Seattle so she was extremely tired and my poor sister had to go to class the next day at 8am- at about 230am I told them to go home and sleep- I didn't think she was coming anytime soon- I would try to sleep too.. that's if T decided to sleep- yup, the after trick-or-treating nap she was WIDE awake .. until 430AM!... she finally fell asleep and the doctor came in to check me- mind you I was feeling NOTHING, gosh I love the epidural - he checked.. stood up and said "okay, let's start pushing." WHAT!?!?!?! START PUSHING!?!? he said I was fully dilated and 100% effaced .. pushing. really pushing!! well after a bit of pushing, I had to stop because I COULD NOT FEEL ANYTHING, I had to actually ask for the nurse to turn down the epidural because I could not get the hang out what I needed to do because I (AGAIN) could not feel anything. After that was turned down, I got the hang of it, pushed for about 45 minutes and BAM 6:27am 

GIANA JADE entered the world <3 

 

6lbs 13 oz, 20 1/4 inches long <3

  ah, so much love in my heart, it doubled in size 

 <3 

love at first sight

sweet girl <3

SO alert!

 

we did it, really did it.

first family photo <3

 

She's here!!

Miss Giana Jade Modern, born on November 1st, 2012 @ 6:27am :) my heart has doubled in size with the amount of love I have for my TWO girls <3

Birth story to come soon!!

39 weeks!!

39 weeks... again.. 39 weeks... wow. I feel like I have been dreaming these last few weeks- I post every week about how things have been going, but to look back and read how things were 10 weeks or so ago, I get so teary-eyed because it really went so fast! How is it October 29th right now?!?!?! I found out I was pregnant on March 3rd, which feels like only a few weeks ago- ah! my brain is doing summersaults trying to wrap my mind around the idea of that much time has passed. I have 5 days until my EDD-- days... the final countdown.. could count on one hand- double wow... okay, reality has settled in...

This week was good, aches and pains were manageable, G is still moving like crazy which I love so my worry/stress load isn't AS high because some people say movement slows down because it gets so tight in there, but not G- she finds ways to move.. and when I say move, I mean move- haha! This past weekend alone was I (along with D) was so productive and I feel really good, ALMOST can say "I'm really ready for G to come now" -- we cleaned the house.. top.to.bottom... I smartly planned two weekends to get it down so I wouldn't over do it, and thank goodness I did. Last weekend I tackled the upstairs bathroom, our bedroom & the half of the kitchen- probably should have done more,  (but couldn't get myself to- whoops!) oh well ~ but I paid for it this weekend- our to-do list was so long! But happy to say there are only 5 things left on it- out of 30! The house is ready. Just some little up keep here & there is all that is needed, G's clothes- ready, car is cleaned, laundry is underway- did 9 loads this weekend folded and put away thank you very much (washing, drying & folding not bad its the putting away I hate). Only things left... Keela & Luna need their baths & flea treatment, swing needs to be put together, sheets need to be changed on the bed, refrigerator cleaned out & grocery shopping! Looking at the list you would probably think giving K&L their baths would be the worst, but that will be the easiest (my animal children behave so well when it comes to bath time, they (Keela) may not LOVE it, but they never give me a hard time ~ it's the grocery shopping that I don't want to do and dread it- but I need to stock up the house because I don't plan on leaving for at least a week so we can adjust and get a routine going on. ah! I'm so excited- this week is going to fly by. 

I had a doctor's appointment on Friday- cervix had not really changed, dilated about fingertip (which I have been for 3 weeks) but everything looks good! We did talk induction~ seeing as the amount of pain and agony I went thru this entire pregnancy, my doctor said it is something we could defiantly do. I was shocked.. last week my BP was a little raised (I'm usually pretty low, around 107/68) 143/94- he wasn't too alarmed, but said that also grants discussion for induction. I am not opposed of it what so ever, actually would appreciate the ability to semi-plan for T and everything else~ I go in again on Tuesday to see how things are looking (I'll be 39 weeks 3 days) and if everything still looks good.. Wednesday morning.. G will be my HALLOWEEN baby :) :) How could I say no to that? It's fate right?! My 1st baby is my forever Valentine (born 02.14.10) and to have my 2nd on another holiday.. I mean.. common :)  Guess we will have to wait and see ~ keep your fingers crossed!

Lastly to discuss, my (potential) last days with it just being life with T:: makes me get really emotional... the love my life and purpose for living ~good God, I love this girl- I am determined to make them some of her best days (hopefully she will remember) her & and I had our Mommy&T dinner date (photo below- excuse my miss preggy <no typo- it's miss piggy & pregnancy put together <-- cleaver huh??> face)- she loved it! We went to Bug-a-boo creek where they have the talking animals and what not, she acted like it was the circus and behaved so well. We are (if weather permits - hurricane Sandy is coming.. :/) going to see Finding Nemo 3d hopefully Tuesday and then have a night of window shopping (will have to get SOMETHING(S) of course) at Toys R Us- she already loves that store :) She is going to be the best big sister, I can feel it. I'm sure we will have to adjust of course, it's not going to be perfect or easy, but I am 100% sure we will come out on the other side just fine :)

mommy&t dinner date :)

just look at this profile & those CURLS <3

THIRTY-NINE WEEKS!

Baby is the size of a (n): WATERMELON!

Are we there yet? You’re probably feeling like you want to get this baby the heck out of you. We’re not sure, but the impatience and discomfort many moms feel around 39 weeks (and beyond!) might be nature’s way of getting you mentally prepared for delivery. Remember how freaked out you used to be about it? Now, at week 39 you probably don’t care what you have to do, you just don’t want to be pregnant anymore!

New Symptoms: Nothing new!
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 13.5 lbs... --   

Maternity Clothes:  same: not much to choose from, but I'm working with what I got- leggings are my savior and oh so comfy!
Stretch Marks: looks like I do have about 3 of them, but so worth it :)
Sleep: Missing it, but it's okay- this week I have not been able to stay asleep, but not feeling too many repercussions ;)

Movement: same:: SO MUCH MOVEMENT- did not think this far in I'd still be feeling so much, but it's nice to feel her moving around, I don't have to worry (as much) haha  <3

Food Cravings/Aversions: spicy of course, but then sweet immediately after (at about 345am <today> I had been up for little over an hour messing around on FB on my phone in bed.. and was dying for something spicy.. since we need to go shopping my choices were limited.. but chips&salsa&sunkist did the trick, but then I IMMEDIATELY wanted Oreos & milk... VERY strange.  

Gender: GIRL :)
Belly Button In or Out:Inish.. lol/flat!
What I Miss:   having more options for clothes!
What I am Looking Forward To: TUESDAY'S APPOINTMENT!- AHH!!

That wraps of the 39th week post.. (strange to see that number.. STILL).



Happy Monday :)