Ginger's first dunk...

a real bath has been accomplished! HUGE kudos to Auntie Shanna for the awesome bathtub she gave us at our shower. This tub has a thermometer gauge on it, and we were surprised at how warm a baby would prefer their bathwater. Being first time parents, we proabably would have errored on the side of caution without it and used lukewarm water, which would have caused Ginger to scream (as she hates being cold). However, we found that with the thermometer we were able to feel good about the warmth of the water, and Ginger LOVED her bath time! She didn't cry once, which we were surprised about (it even warned in the instructions of the bathtub that we might experience some tears.)

The tub also has a system where you run the water continuously, with little plugs on the bottom that drain the soapy/dirty water, and keeps the bath full of clean water. My mom and dad always laugh at us with some of these new inventions (like the wipe warmer-Ginger loves it but my folks crack up about it). But I swear they make life just a little bit easier for new parents!

We gave Ginger her first big bath the night before her photo shoot, which I can't WAIT to share with you. We have the proofing session on Saturday so I don't have anything to share until then, but trust me when I tell you that these photos are going to be AMAZING. The photography studio was absolutely incredible- I'll post more about it when I have the photos back...

until then, a few shots of the splish-splash event!

Cradle bound!!

Exciting news today- Ginger took 2 naps in her cradle this morning and afternoon, and I couldn't be happier. We've been trying different sleeping arrangements, none of which were working terribly well (including some nights conked out in the rocking chair!). This cradle was originally used by my mom, and all of the Harrison babies slept in it. Then it was passed around to Mike and Starr, and Julie and Sean, of which all of their kids slept in it. So now that Ginger gets to use it, it means a lot that she takes advantage of it! We're proud parents today :)

Nap Time

I know, I know, we're too close, she shouldn't be in the bed with me, she needs her space...

but she's a snuggle bunny, what can I say. Don't worry, by 3 months she'll be in the crib. But for now, I feel completely ok with her taking an occasional nap with mommy. And look past the sligh scowl on my face- Paul took this pic when we were dead asleep, and the little beeping from the camera caused me to squint and scowl a bit...dang light sleeper that I am...

What Daddy does while Mommy takes a shower...

Caught! Yep, that's a playstation controller in his hand...I can't blame him, though, she's out like a light and loooooooves snuggling with Daddy on the Boppy (I guess they're not just for mommies!)

Bath Time!

Here are a few photos from Ginger's first bath! We decided not to go for the full dunk, instead starting out with a sponge bath. She is one little drama queen, though! She does NOT like being cold and won't forget to tell you!!

First visit with the Greens!

Ginger had a great time meeting the Green family a few days ago! I can already tell that her Auntie Julie, Uncle Sean, and cousins AJ, Jordan, and Camden love her very much. Here are a few pics from the visit!

1 week old! That means....

...a lot of sleep. Sweet dreams my little munchkin, mommy is celebrating that you are one week old today!

Can you tell she's having one sweet dream?

Thoughts from a new mommy...

First, most will know that new mommies don't have much time to blog, so I'll have to keep this short and sweet. We've been having such an amazing first few days and I still cannot believe how blessed we are with this amazing baby girl.Here are a few unique things I've learned about Ginger so far:

1) She is a day sleeper (which, in turn, means that she is a bit of a party animal at night!) I knew plenty of people who told me that we should enjoy our sleep before she was delivered- they were not kidding! She does enjoy feeding, then sleeping though, so as long as we can figure out why she's fussy at night, then she's quick to solve and we've already had more than a few special nighttime moments.

2) I love seeing her milk drunk. Someone told me this phrase and it couldn't be more appropriate. She is an EAGER breastfeeder, many of the lactation consultants at the hospital even commented on that. I have been blessed with a little girl who likes to eat and eat and eat and she latches well. The phrase "milk drunk" refers to her after state- which includes moments with wide eyes and a euphoric state of mind (it seems, at least). She is so happy after feedings and it makes me so happy to be able to provide for her in that way.

3) Since she's an eager eater, you better believe she is quite the pooper. I even had to ask the doctor yesterday about it, because she poops almost every time I change her diaper. Her first 24 hours at the hospital, she pooped 7 times! She poops at least 7-10 times a day since, but doctor said it's a good thing, that her system is strong and all that milk has to go somewhere.

Here is a new pic of that milk drunk state- she is such a cutie pie!!

Ginger's arrival!

Thanks to everyone for their sincere emails, comments, and phone calls regarding Ginger's arrival. I feel so blessed to have had such an amazing experience, and wanted to share the details as many have asked!

So, on 1/12/09, I had another NST scheduled at the hospital to follow up on the few weeks of low fluids found in my tummy. Again, the fluids were found to be low, at a 5.2, with that pocket being filled with umbilical cord. I was told that I would be induced today, and to go down to Labor and Delivery to be admitted. It felt like de ja vu from last Thursday, when I was admitted then discharged, but because I was already prepared to be induced the following day, I knew this was going to be for real.

I called Paul, who had been trying to stay at work as long as he could, as he and I planned on him taking 2 weeks off once Ginger arrived. At this point it was about 4pm, and he left work, went home and fed the dog, and arrived at the hospital. Of all days, I forgot my cell phone at home, so I couldn't send out any immediate text messages and the hospital phone only called out to a radius of 5 miles away (which is so lame, isn't it?)

Paul arrived and had called my parents, sister, and his mom, and his mom actually beat him to the hospital she was so excited (mind you, she doesn't drive, so she convinced her friend to bring her over right away) The doctor came and checked me, and put together a plan of cytotec first (a pill that is inserted to soften your cervix), then pitocin. I was 2 cm dilated at that point, and both she and the nurse prepared Paul and I for a looooong night, telling us that because this was our first and she was only 60% effaced, we could be looking at between 8-10am as "normal"...it was 9pm at this point.

So the cytotec was inserted and and 2 hours later, I was checked and was dilated now to 2.5 cm. Big whoopie :) Even so, they decided against another round of cytotec (YEAH!) and we went straight to the pitocin. Once administered (around 11pm), I began contracting pretty immediately every 1-3 minutes with strong contractions. It was 1am when the doctor came back and checked me again, and I was only dilated to 3.5 cm. I was advised by both doc and nurse to continue with more pitocin, as well as pain medication, vs. starting the epidural, as once that was started, it could slow down my labor progression even further. On the earlier advice I had been given by so many women, I decided to push for the anesthesiologist to be contacted because I'd been told that I shouldn't wait until the last minute and that I could miss my window. THANK GOODNESS that I did this, as it took about 45 minutes to get the epidural, which was complete by 2am.

Something was strange for me- so many women had shared with me that once I got the epidural, life would be easy street. No pain, numbness, and generally a return to good spirits. Not for me, within 30 minutes I was still feeling a strong pressure (although the worst pains of the contractions were gone) and I actually thought they hadn't given me a big enough dose of meds for the epidural. I asked my nurse about it at 2:45am or so, and she said let's keep an eye on the contractions, as no I should still feel a bit of pressure, it wouldn't ALL go away because then I wouldn't be able to push at all. I told her again at 3:15am or so that I knew this epidural wasn't working, as I was still feeling a ton of pressure when I was contracting. She said she would have the doc check me, and upon doing so, it was determined I was 10 cm fully dilated, and Ginger's head was already beginning to pop out!

The doctor actually had to ask me to hold Ginger in for a few seconds, she was not prepared to deliver and had to get her gear on, and call in the support crew. I literally felt the urge to push and it took everything in me to wait! Doc was ready in no time, and it only took 3 pushes for Ginger to come! In fact, on the first push, our nurse told us "you know, she's coming on her own, you really don't even need to push very hard...just try to get her going down there a little bit".

At 4:02am, Ginger was delivered, and was set on my tummy for some skin to skin time. Paul, Shanna and I were all crying and joyful and all of us couldn't believe my luck/blessings that it was such an easy exit. Other than the 2 hours of contractions on pitocin which required a focal point and breathing techniques, the rest of the experience was pretty darn normal, or easier than normal. She is 7 lbs, 14 oz, is 20 inches long, and is quite a beauty, if I do say so myself!

Here are a few pics of Ginger- she is now 2 1/2 days old and doing just wonderfully. She's taken to breastfeeding and we are experiencing no challenges there, which is another blessing I am so thankful for. She's a day sleeper, which has made for an interesting few nights with Paul and I, but luckily my parents have been staying over and my mom is a night owl, so she's been around for backup rocking, singing, and cuddling.

We are so blessed!

3 days to go...

Paul can't wait to meet his little girl...

False alarm....

After getting my hair done (wayyyy too early) this morning, I drove over to Kaiser to have my standard, twice weekly NST test completed today. If you recall, when I started these NSTs, it was because my fluids were determined "low" at an AFI of 5. Subsequently, the following tests presented results of 7.4, 10.5, and then 14, which is actually a really strong showing. So, today, as I arrived, I was more interested in thinking about what I would have for lunch, then anticipating any change with the progression so far.

Well, turns out that after 45 minutes of fetal monitoring and blood pressure tests, my ultrasound determined that my fluid levels were back to 5. I was pretty shocked- so was Rosie, my NST nurse, who called Lisa in for backup, to conduct a 2nd reading just to confirm. Sure enough, Lisa also found I was at about a 5, finding NO FLUID at all on my entire left side. They called the doc, and I was ordered to Labor and Delivery to be admitted.

Mind you- I arrived to this test on my own today- I wanted Paul to stay at work since he'll be taking 2 weeks off once the baby arrives. So, I called Paul, my parents, and sent out a group text that today could be the day. I was given the bracelet, the hospital gown (which I was a little pissed about putting on, I have my 2 gowns that I bought for the occasion in my car!) and was assigned a room. Holy cow, I really was surprised at how fast everything happened- in no time at all I was hooked up to monitors, blood drawn, and sitting alone, thinking "this could be very real". Good thing I sent out the group text- while I waited for Paul to get there, I was comforted by a lot of you, so thank you!!

I was hooked up for about an hour and a half, where they continued to monitor Ginger's heart rate, contraction rate, and blood pressure. I was given two HUGE cups of water with ice to drink, and told that they would conduct another ultrasound in about 90 minutes to confirm fluid levels. At that point, if I was still a 5, I would be immediately induced. Good thing Paul got there quickly, I couldn't have sat there alone without him for much longer than the few minutes I had to!

After the 90 minutes was up, the doctor came in and pulled the ultrasound machine up to the bedside. She sat on my bed, with Paul next to me, and we watched the screen as she ran the control all over my lubed up tummy. Well, Ginger had moved around since the test earlier, and it turns out she wanted to keep the fluid pockets all to herself in the first round. This time, with her in a new position, we easily determined that my fluid levels were around 10, which made everyone happy. Doc went to confirm with another doc, and we were granted the right to go home.

Paul and I are actually grateful we got this test run, despite the fact that we were beginning to mentally prepare for this to be 'it'. We know now that we have a few things we need to take care of, such as get his bag with my bag (just a few things- contact solution, etc), make a spare key in case we need to send my folks or Shanna over to my house to take care of Woody, etc.

So, the waiting continues. I go back on Monday for a final NST, and then as long as all looks well, then I go in at 8am Tuesday to be induced. Of course, this all is dependent on Ginger wanting to stay put through this weekend- we'll see!

39 week doctors appointment

Well, it's official- we have a delivery date arranged! This morning I went to see my doctor for the 39 week appointment, and she says I am looking good. 2 cm dilated, the baby is a healthy weight, and I could go at any time. She did discuss with me that this is the 3rd visit in a row that I've lost between 1-2 pounds, mysteriously. I have noticed a BIT of swelling decreasing in my ankles, but I also felt like that was because I haven't been working full time in the past few weeks, and have had the chance to relax more. Even so, with the fluid scare we had earlier, Dr. wants to be cautious about any further weight decrease, so she has scheduled me for an induction on January 13th unless Ginger wants to come on her own sooner.

That means we have 6 days. It is really, really real now. What can I manage to accomplish in the next 6 days? Paul is working like a mad man trying to get a sand rail project done before Ginger comes, it's a huge side job that will bring in much needed supplementary income to my disability income, so let's hope he can get it done in time!

Funny side note- I am not superstitious in the least, but I can already imagine sharing this news (the 13th being her due date) with Paul's mom, who is the most superstitious person I know. I'm already prepared with the number of Fridays that Ginger's birthday will fall on Friday the 13th by the time she is 18- it will happen 4 times (age 3 in 2012, age 8 in 2017, age 14 in 2023, and age 17 in 2026). Now, of course, I could be induced on the 13th, but not actually deliver till the 14th, depending on how everything works out. But it was funny that this is something I'm already preparing to discuss with Paul's mom- she's a funny one. :)

I'm going to try to post one more pic of my ginormous belly before next week- I want to make sure to capture the FULL scope of the girth that is Ginger Lauren in my tummy...I'm getting my highlights touched up tomorrow (as I'm pretty sure I won't have a lot of time after she's born) so maybe we'll take some shots after that!

She'll bake a little longer....

The bag was packed and loaded in the car.

The carseat was installed.

I was showered, blow-dried, and picture ready.

Paul locked the hot rods in the garage.

We were ready.

But Ginger was not.

Today, we went to the hospital fully prepared to deliver this baby girl, but it turns our all of the water I've chugged actually made a difference. You wouldn't believe how much water I've taken in- at times I feel like I'm loading toxic amounts into my system. But doc said at least 15 full glasses (or water bottles) a day, so that's what I've been doing. Which means sometimes, I have to take 1-3 full glasses of water at a time. Surprisingly, it's much easier to chug lukewarm tap water, than cold bottled water, and I rarely drink tap water anymore. Go figure.

I arrived and completed the fetal stress test first, Ginger has a very predictable heartbeat (135-140) that was solid for 30 minutes. Blood pressure again slightly elevated, at 134/86, but the nurses still called it "not something to worry about yet". (I still do, though, because throughout this pregnancy I've been around 120/80).

Then we move to the fluid testing, and hallelujah, I've managed to increase my fluids to a level of 10.5. The NST tech said that was a very strong showing, and had the docs seen this level originally I would not have been put on this additional testing requirement. However, they want me to continue resting and staying hydrated, and on Monday we'll go at it again. Then I'll see my doc Wednesday morning, where we'll determine a game plan from there.

Although I was very eager for this morning's visit, I am very relieved that I didn't deliver today. I've wanted Ginger to make it as close to her due date as possible, and it looks like we'll get another few days out of this, at least. I also would prefer to go through a more traditional approach to delivery (I'd LOVE to have the whole water breaking scene and rush to the hospital already dialating), vs. walking myself to Labor and Delivery and getting shot up to get contractions started. If there is no other option, than of course that's what we'll do. But I had a sneaky feeling that I would be coming back home today, and I'm happy that it worked out this way.