Trick-Or-Treat
Happy Halloween!
"What are you going to be for Halloween?" is the latest questions asked to my 3 year old on a daily basis. It's a tough question for her. Why? Because, her mommy has informed her we are not dressing up for Halloween. That we don't participate in Halloween because it is scary. Right now, she seems ok with the response but later? How will it all play out? I am not sure. All I know is I am doing what I feel convicted to do.
You see, growing up at the Dean house, we always dressed up. Dressing up with the funniest part of Halloween. All the candy and sorting candies was the memories I made with my brother and sister. The swapping Hersheys for Snickers because that is my all time favorite candy! All innocent and all fun, right? Yeah - I would say so.
As I got older, I learned some people didn't participate in Halloween. I learned that Halloween was primarily a time when evil and witchcraft took place. Well, great - good for them. I wasn't doing it for those reasons. I was just eliminating those facts. I was adjusting Halloween to my needs, my liking.
I met my husband in college and was all about Halloween. He on the other hand was not. He grew up differently. In Brazil, Halloween is not something many people participated in. Marcos never did Halloween in Brazil. He knew about Satan, witchcraft and the horrible things that took place on that day. But, he adjusted and adapted to my traditions of dressing up and carving pumpkins.
Now rewind to married and with a baby! Oh, I couldn't wait to dress Natalie up for her 1st Halloween!! She was going to be the cutest sheep/pig or princess ever! And that year, she was! :) I met friends along the way and other adults. I learned more people didn't participate in Halloween either. Again, good for them. But we did! :)
One friend in particular had been a great spiritual mentor to me. I admire her and I always was interested in her opinion or her belief on certain matters. She grew up different then me, she didn't participate in Halloween or dressed her kids up. We got on the topic in 2011 after she was debating on allowing her kids to do it that year or not. I was telling her I'd always participated, like her husband as well, and she was thinking of letting her kids in on the action. She seemed to struggle with this decision to do it or not. I responded that, "everyone has their own personal convictions" I personally had never been convicted in this area. I'm very aware of convictions and when I feel convicted the Lord lets me know loud and clear. So that evening outside of Goodwill shopping with her I boldly stated, "Until the Lord convicts me otherwise, we will always do Halloween - I need a reason for not participating - a better reason than witchcraft and Satan."
Be careful what you say! :)
Christmas had rolled in and everyone day I raced to my mailbox to get a Christmas card. It was such an exciting time. I love Christmas! CHRIST-mas. Right. The birth of my Savior, Jesus Christ! The reason for the season!!! Ohh how exciting.
On this day, I ran inside the house to tear open more cards. I tore open and pulled out - "Merry X mas!" Gasp!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gasp!!! Oh no they did not!! Oh no they did not send me a card that said,"Merry X mas" !! You see, these dear sweet friends of mine don't know Christ were taking Christ out of Christmas. I said to myself, "How dare they take CHRIST out of CHRISTMAS!" You can't take Christ of Christmas! -- WAIT FOR IT... Wait for it...
"You hypocrite! You are no better than they are! What kind of example are you setting? You are taking Satan out of Halloween but they can't take Christ out of Christmas? You hypocrite!"
I literally fell to my knees and started crying. (Again my heart pounds and tears fill my eyes writing this) The Lord did it! He convicted me. It was such a profound moment in my life. I hadn't heard from the Lord this strong in a long time. I seriously thought I heard His loud and majestic voice fill my living room with those words! The 1st thing I did was call my friend and tell her the big news!
So, 2012 was our 1st year we didn't participate. For husband, it was no big deal. He never did. But for me - it was hard. But I'm reminded of John 15:19; "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world..."
So as the world carries on their traditions, I sit back and watch. I'm my own person. I've got my own personal relationship with my heavenly Father. He is always watching over me and always has my back. I needed a testimony - a story if I wasn't going to do something, and on that quiet December day, He gave me one.
love & blessings
Jana
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Friday, April 20, 2012
Oh Happy Day...AGAIN?!
I'm BACK! To blogging! AGAIN!
I want to be FAIR right? Fair to whom we may ask?
FAIR to the little and oh so BIG news that came yesterday!
I want to be FAIR right? Fair to whom we may ask?
FAIR to the little and oh so BIG news that came yesterday!
YES! We found that I am 7 weeks and 1 day pregnant with a heart rate of 147. Baby #2 will be expecting around the 1st of December.
Natalie is just thrilled as you can see in the pictures! She loves her baby that will making it's debut in just 8 months.
I'm asking myself, how did this happen? Ha. You are laughing and saying, well, there is only ONE way for this to happen! Haha... I know I know! However, with it taking my 2 years to get preggo with Natalie and one miscarriage before Natalie at 6 weeks and 2 days - Pregnancy is a long process in my thought process. Marcos and I had started "talking" about baby #2 and had even gone to talk to my Cardiologist about baby #2 getting his thoughts and then following it up with my OB a week later, where we agreed that I would go see A high risk maternal and fetal dr. on May 17th before she we start me back on my meds to get preggo.
Well, this all happened without meds and sometime between those 2 weeks of appointments. I'm actually excited it happened this way. This way I can say, "It's a God thing for sure!" A God thing that all this happened naturally. An assurance for me from the Almighty saying, "Yes, you can have a baby #2 and Yes, I will be by your side and you will be fine just like you were with Natalie!"
I will still meet with Dr. Perry the high risk maternal and fetal Dr. at Baptist. I'm looking forward to the next 8 months taking one a second journey with this time a baby, Natalie, by my side.
Oh, and my OB said, have your ever seen the show, "Pregnant and didn't know it," - YES, Her reply, "You would star in that show!!" My last menstrual was February 2nd! My postive pregnant test was March 29th! And I'm 7 weeks preggo on April 19th?! :)
Well, that's all for now folks!
Just playing fair. I journeyed through blogging with Natalie and I will with this little miracle!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Happy 1st Birthday!
Greetings Friends & Family!
It's 10:04 on June 16th 2011 and in less then 14 hours I'll have a beautiful, healthy, smart and super sweet 1 year old! Oh how the time flies! I had hoped to keep blogging every month Natalie was here but I personally feel that my time was too valuable during the day to keep up with it and at night I was too tired or had something better to do! =)
(--Natalie just woke up and M and I are laying back here in our bedroom as he cradles her and I type away. We will put her back in her crib in about an hour. I think she can feel the excitement of her big day! - ha)
So tonights blog will give you a recap in the eyes of Natalie's first year in this whole new world!
Dear Bloggers - Readers - Followers and what nots,
As my mom stated earlier I was born on Thursday, June 17 2010@ 12:57pm. From that moment on I captured the hearts of everyone around me - especially my mommy and meu papai! There was a lot of crying. I bet you are thinking I was the cry baby - no, I wasn't - it was my momma! She cried all the way home from the hospital in disbelief that I was her beautiful baby. I kept hearing her tell daddy that it was "happy tears". My goodness she cried happy tears the enitre way home from the hospital and I think for the whole 1st month of my life. She must have been really happy!
I ate alot! Every 30mins I was hungry. I bonded with my mommy because she was the only one who could feed me. If I cried - I got her. It was great - I learned I could always lean on her when I needed something - especially food. The first month really wasn't too exciting as I slept and ate and really wasn't sure what else I was suppose to do. I had so many visistors and my great granny kept telling my momma that she was letting to many people hold me too much. My momma said she didn't mind everyone holding me- because she believed you could never hold a baby too much. This might have been a considered a downfall for them because - I did end up liking it alot and never wanted to be put down. =)
At 4wks (July 16) - @ 1 month I was weighing 6lbs 11oz. I had discovered my voice and would coo all the time. Everyone was pretty impressed that I could already lift my head up from lying on my stomach. My dr. said it was probably bc I was so little that it wasn't much I was lifting. I'd like to believe it was just how strong I was. I started going out. I went to Nonnie's house alot, my Aunt Merle, Museum of Natural Science, El Potrillo, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, TJ Max & Olive Garden. I made friends with Ethan Bradley, Will Duncan and Max Nicholson. They were all in love with me - go figure! ;)
At 9 weeks (Aug 20) - @ 2 months I was weighing 8lbs 11oz. Yup .. 2 lbs in one month! I started sleeping in my swing and would sleep up to 6 hours at night. I started eating less - about every 3 hours. I discovered my thumb and would suck it for a second until I missed my mouth and got poken in my eye. Then I'd scream. I was working hard on hand coordination. On August 21st, I had my first bath without screaming. I realized I wasn't going to drown and the water was warm and I liked the feeling of being fresh and so clean! I finally got to go visit my Aunt Dana at her house! My Aunt Priscila from Brazil came to see me too. I was planning on getting dedicated that month however something really sad happened. My mommy and everyone around me was really sad and said that my Aunt Lisa was called home to be with Jesus. I wasn't really sure why they's be so sad about getting to see the big guy - Jesus. I mean, I know all about Him. He formed and fashioned me in my momma's womb. I entered into this world filled with the Holy Spirit - people that stop my momma tell her, "look at that holy ghost smile or that is one sweet spirited little girl - so pure"! I'm sure they were happy she got to see Jesus but just wished they could have both Jesus and Aunt Lisa together. I'll get to see her again oneday so that makes me happy.
At 13 weeks (Sept 17) - @ 3 months I was 10lbs 7oz. I was really loving life. I could laugh out loud and it was awesome. On Oct 13 , I finally figure out how to roll over one way - from my stomach to my back . I got to go the the MS state fair and smell all the yummy food that my momma kept saying I'd get to eat next year. I can't wait. That elephant ear is so mine. I mastered my fussy frustrated sounds and also could squeal with delight. My momma said I could say, "aaaa-acm". =) Yea, that's me - don't be jealous!
At 17 weeks (Oct 17) @ 4th month I was 11lbs 8oz. I was sleeping good - waking up at 2am and 4 am. My cousin Fairley Lola Dean was born on the 27th. She was really cute. I love her! I finally mastered the other way to roll - back to tummy. I got my first bad cold that the dr. had to give me medicine. It helped me breathe better!
@ 5 months (Nov. 21) I weighed 13lbs! I could tuck my knees under and push. I had started my army crawl. Meu papai loved when I started saying, "Da - Da - Da". It had a cool ring to it and I got a lot of attention from papai so I did all the time. :)
12-03: slept from 8pm - 845am.
12-05: Say Da Da
12-09: Discovered my hands
12-18: crawled ONCE! ;)
12-23: An official scooter!
I must say I was on a roll that month!
@ 6 months (Dec. 20) I weighed 14lbs and 1 oz. My mommy said I couldn't be stopped. I could go anywhere I had my mind set on. I crawled every where and it was a blast. I also turned into a SuPeRMoDeL. Yes, a SUPERMODL. Well, I know I'm beautiful but that is not the reason why. It was my new pose. The "side pose". You see when I crawled and was finished, I couldn't really sit up. So I'd strike my pose. When I finished scooting I'd stop and lean on my side. No worries people - we've got tons of photos of this. I gained an entire Brazilian community and recieved my passport for my future trip to Brazil.
@ 7 months (Jan. 17, 2011) - 15lbs 2 oz. I was still waking up through the night because I was teething really bad. I had been teething since around 4months but now my teeth were getting ready to break through! I was now taking some formula during the day and only using my mom in the morning and at night. I finally started eating baby foods. It wasn't that my parents hadn't tried - they tried I just didn't like it. Now I was eating more chunkier foods and just skipped the whole puree thing. I started clapping my hands all the time. I'd clap my hands and mommy and daddy would cheer! Well, because of their reaction I did atleast a 100 times a day! They'd even sing, "Parabens!" which is Happy Birthday in portuguese! Not only did I start clapping but I could do the big girl crawl. Crawling off my tummy and sitting up without support. I also starting pulling up, like in my crib! My newest cousin arrived too - Jordan Leigh and I was so impressed with all that dark hair. You see - I was born with no hair! I also had my first case of the stomach bug. It was gross but didn't last long!
@ 8 months - 16lbs (Feb 17) My two bottom teeth broke through. My mommy and daddy officially put me in my crib. You see I had been sleeping with them in their bed. How did this happen? My argument was this: God created everything - humans and animals. Well, when animals are born their parents don't go put them in other trees or far away from them - do they?! Nope, they cuddle their babies and keep them right by their side. So that's what I preferred. I had just entered this world so why would they want me away from them? I couldn't understand that and they couldn't either. They loved me right by their side and I loved being right there with them. But now I was a big girl. No longer needing mommy- finally on formula 24/7 and had 2 teeth! I was ready for my bed.
@ 9 months - 16lbs 7oz (Mar. 20) I was a great sleeper. I was laid down in my crib around 7pm and wouldn't even cry. Why would I need to cry it out? I was tired and I was used to bedtime. I knew it was time to sleep and I was ready. I met my friend Ethan Frontiera at a soccer game. My momma and his mommy are good friends. They were pregant around the same time but Ethan was born in March! Our daddies play soccer together and they had come down for a tournament. I had started standing alone and trying to walk but just couldn't get the nerve to take a step.
We finally put my passport to use and I took a big trip to brazil to visit my Vovo and Vov^o! It was really hot in brazil but I loved all the attention I was getting. I was even dedicated in Brazil and had my 1st Easter in Brazil. I went from being SuperModel striking poses to a Celebrity getting cheers and claps and people wanting to shake my hand. I'm thinking I need to get an agent? Tio and Tia were trying to teach me to walk and I took my first steps in Brazil!
@ 10 month - 17lbs 2oz (Apr 20) I'm an offical walker! I can walk everywhere I want. I'm still wobbly and have fallen. When I fall my mommy gets scared and even cries sometimes with me. She prays immediately for my falls and that my bruises leave me swiftly. And Praise God - they do! =)
@ 11 months - 18lbs (May 17) I visited my friend Ethan in Chattanooga. It was a blast. We stayed up way past our bed times. At food all day long and played with his dog Sam. I was really sad to leave me. My two top teeth started breaking through. You can feel them but can't see them quite yet.
And TODAY - June 17, 2011 I am now 12months old!! =) I've made it a full year in the life and so far I love it. God gave me incredible parents that tend to my every need. They love me unconditionally and that is all that matters. Tomorrow is my BIG Party and I can't wait to eat some cake - a cupcake to be exact! Also, my 2 front teeth are becoming more visible! I guess I'll see everyone tomorrow for my PaRtY!
Bless Out!
Natalie
It's 10:04 on June 16th 2011 and in less then 14 hours I'll have a beautiful, healthy, smart and super sweet 1 year old! Oh how the time flies! I had hoped to keep blogging every month Natalie was here but I personally feel that my time was too valuable during the day to keep up with it and at night I was too tired or had something better to do! =)
(--Natalie just woke up and M and I are laying back here in our bedroom as he cradles her and I type away. We will put her back in her crib in about an hour. I think she can feel the excitement of her big day! - ha)
So tonights blog will give you a recap in the eyes of Natalie's first year in this whole new world!
Dear Bloggers - Readers - Followers and what nots,
As my mom stated earlier I was born on Thursday, June 17 2010@ 12:57pm. From that moment on I captured the hearts of everyone around me - especially my mommy and meu papai! There was a lot of crying. I bet you are thinking I was the cry baby - no, I wasn't - it was my momma! She cried all the way home from the hospital in disbelief that I was her beautiful baby. I kept hearing her tell daddy that it was "happy tears". My goodness she cried happy tears the enitre way home from the hospital and I think for the whole 1st month of my life. She must have been really happy!
I ate alot! Every 30mins I was hungry. I bonded with my mommy because she was the only one who could feed me. If I cried - I got her. It was great - I learned I could always lean on her when I needed something - especially food. The first month really wasn't too exciting as I slept and ate and really wasn't sure what else I was suppose to do. I had so many visistors and my great granny kept telling my momma that she was letting to many people hold me too much. My momma said she didn't mind everyone holding me- because she believed you could never hold a baby too much. This might have been a considered a downfall for them because - I did end up liking it alot and never wanted to be put down. =)
At 4wks (July 16) - @ 1 month I was weighing 6lbs 11oz. I had discovered my voice and would coo all the time. Everyone was pretty impressed that I could already lift my head up from lying on my stomach. My dr. said it was probably bc I was so little that it wasn't much I was lifting. I'd like to believe it was just how strong I was. I started going out. I went to Nonnie's house alot, my Aunt Merle, Museum of Natural Science, El Potrillo, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, TJ Max & Olive Garden. I made friends with Ethan Bradley, Will Duncan and Max Nicholson. They were all in love with me - go figure! ;)
At 9 weeks (Aug 20) - @ 2 months I was weighing 8lbs 11oz. Yup .. 2 lbs in one month! I started sleeping in my swing and would sleep up to 6 hours at night. I started eating less - about every 3 hours. I discovered my thumb and would suck it for a second until I missed my mouth and got poken in my eye. Then I'd scream. I was working hard on hand coordination. On August 21st, I had my first bath without screaming. I realized I wasn't going to drown and the water was warm and I liked the feeling of being fresh and so clean! I finally got to go visit my Aunt Dana at her house! My Aunt Priscila from Brazil came to see me too. I was planning on getting dedicated that month however something really sad happened. My mommy and everyone around me was really sad and said that my Aunt Lisa was called home to be with Jesus. I wasn't really sure why they's be so sad about getting to see the big guy - Jesus. I mean, I know all about Him. He formed and fashioned me in my momma's womb. I entered into this world filled with the Holy Spirit - people that stop my momma tell her, "look at that holy ghost smile or that is one sweet spirited little girl - so pure"! I'm sure they were happy she got to see Jesus but just wished they could have both Jesus and Aunt Lisa together. I'll get to see her again oneday so that makes me happy.
At 13 weeks (Sept 17) - @ 3 months I was 10lbs 7oz. I was really loving life. I could laugh out loud and it was awesome. On Oct 13 , I finally figure out how to roll over one way - from my stomach to my back . I got to go the the MS state fair and smell all the yummy food that my momma kept saying I'd get to eat next year. I can't wait. That elephant ear is so mine. I mastered my fussy frustrated sounds and also could squeal with delight. My momma said I could say, "aaaa-acm". =) Yea, that's me - don't be jealous!
At 17 weeks (Oct 17) @ 4th month I was 11lbs 8oz. I was sleeping good - waking up at 2am and 4 am. My cousin Fairley Lola Dean was born on the 27th. She was really cute. I love her! I finally mastered the other way to roll - back to tummy. I got my first bad cold that the dr. had to give me medicine. It helped me breathe better!
@ 5 months (Nov. 21) I weighed 13lbs! I could tuck my knees under and push. I had started my army crawl. Meu papai loved when I started saying, "Da - Da - Da". It had a cool ring to it and I got a lot of attention from papai so I did all the time. :)
12-03: slept from 8pm - 845am.
12-05: Say Da Da
12-09: Discovered my hands
12-18: crawled ONCE! ;)
12-23: An official scooter!
I must say I was on a roll that month!
@ 6 months (Dec. 20) I weighed 14lbs and 1 oz. My mommy said I couldn't be stopped. I could go anywhere I had my mind set on. I crawled every where and it was a blast. I also turned into a SuPeRMoDeL. Yes, a SUPERMODL. Well, I know I'm beautiful but that is not the reason why. It was my new pose. The "side pose". You see when I crawled and was finished, I couldn't really sit up. So I'd strike my pose. When I finished scooting I'd stop and lean on my side. No worries people - we've got tons of photos of this. I gained an entire Brazilian community and recieved my passport for my future trip to Brazil.
@ 7 months (Jan. 17, 2011) - 15lbs 2 oz. I was still waking up through the night because I was teething really bad. I had been teething since around 4months but now my teeth were getting ready to break through! I was now taking some formula during the day and only using my mom in the morning and at night. I finally started eating baby foods. It wasn't that my parents hadn't tried - they tried I just didn't like it. Now I was eating more chunkier foods and just skipped the whole puree thing. I started clapping my hands all the time. I'd clap my hands and mommy and daddy would cheer! Well, because of their reaction I did atleast a 100 times a day! They'd even sing, "Parabens!" which is Happy Birthday in portuguese! Not only did I start clapping but I could do the big girl crawl. Crawling off my tummy and sitting up without support. I also starting pulling up, like in my crib! My newest cousin arrived too - Jordan Leigh and I was so impressed with all that dark hair. You see - I was born with no hair! I also had my first case of the stomach bug. It was gross but didn't last long!
@ 8 months - 16lbs (Feb 17) My two bottom teeth broke through. My mommy and daddy officially put me in my crib. You see I had been sleeping with them in their bed. How did this happen? My argument was this: God created everything - humans and animals. Well, when animals are born their parents don't go put them in other trees or far away from them - do they?! Nope, they cuddle their babies and keep them right by their side. So that's what I preferred. I had just entered this world so why would they want me away from them? I couldn't understand that and they couldn't either. They loved me right by their side and I loved being right there with them. But now I was a big girl. No longer needing mommy- finally on formula 24/7 and had 2 teeth! I was ready for my bed.
@ 9 months - 16lbs 7oz (Mar. 20) I was a great sleeper. I was laid down in my crib around 7pm and wouldn't even cry. Why would I need to cry it out? I was tired and I was used to bedtime. I knew it was time to sleep and I was ready. I met my friend Ethan Frontiera at a soccer game. My momma and his mommy are good friends. They were pregant around the same time but Ethan was born in March! Our daddies play soccer together and they had come down for a tournament. I had started standing alone and trying to walk but just couldn't get the nerve to take a step.
We finally put my passport to use and I took a big trip to brazil to visit my Vovo and Vov^o! It was really hot in brazil but I loved all the attention I was getting. I was even dedicated in Brazil and had my 1st Easter in Brazil. I went from being SuperModel striking poses to a Celebrity getting cheers and claps and people wanting to shake my hand. I'm thinking I need to get an agent? Tio and Tia were trying to teach me to walk and I took my first steps in Brazil!
@ 10 month - 17lbs 2oz (Apr 20) I'm an offical walker! I can walk everywhere I want. I'm still wobbly and have fallen. When I fall my mommy gets scared and even cries sometimes with me. She prays immediately for my falls and that my bruises leave me swiftly. And Praise God - they do! =)
@ 11 months - 18lbs (May 17) I visited my friend Ethan in Chattanooga. It was a blast. We stayed up way past our bed times. At food all day long and played with his dog Sam. I was really sad to leave me. My two top teeth started breaking through. You can feel them but can't see them quite yet.
And TODAY - June 17, 2011 I am now 12months old!! =) I've made it a full year in the life and so far I love it. God gave me incredible parents that tend to my every need. They love me unconditionally and that is all that matters. Tomorrow is my BIG Party and I can't wait to eat some cake - a cupcake to be exact! Also, my 2 front teeth are becoming more visible! I guess I'll see everyone tomorrow for my PaRtY!
Bless Out!
Natalie
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Post Partum...No not post partum depression Lexie! =)
The day before my best friend from childhood called to ask if I had wanted her mother, Jennifer, to be there for the delivery. She was there for my sister and I remember her being such a great coach. She has known me since I was little. I told her I would love for her to come if she was available. On the day of the delivery I called her and she was driving from the Coast all the way to make it on time. Well, she arrived right when I pushing so she wasn't really able to help - that is what I thought atleast. I felt bad that she had driven all the way down only not able to be in the delivery. Remember, my delivery went VERY fast.
So, the angel, Jennifer, spoke and said look her blood pressure is dropping and then Jennifer, who doesn't work at the hospital immediately pulled back the sheets and well that is when they realized there was a problem. She ran out of the room and told all the nurses who were gathered in the hallway that I was hemmoraging and was needed ASAP. Jennifer is a labor and delivery nurse and used to work at River Oaks. Everyone ran in and started pushing on my stomach. I just remember feeling all the stuff coming out of me. But the more the pushed the more I was feeling a little better. If they hadn't caught and "let me go to sleep" I could have hemmoraged to death. I had lost all my color and my lips were as white as my skin. My Dr. arrived all shooken up ready to step in but by then it was to late, they had everything in control. It was pretty scarey.
To give you an idea of how serious it could have been, I'll ask you this question. Has your OBGYN ever shown up at your door? Well, mine did! =) Not only did she show up but she brought us chicken salad from NEWKS and iron pills. Talk about a guilty conscience and not wanting a lawsuit. My mom was pretty upset with her but I look at it as a mistake and everyone makes mistakes and hopefully it was a lesson well learned for her. She is young and she is all about buisness. She delivered Natalie assumed I was small and baby was small and there wasn't much blood and didn't take the time to get everythng out. She was probably in the delivery room for a total of 7mins.
After all that drama, things were better. I was really weak and lost a lot of blood so I needed my blood levels to build back up which can take over a month. I've dizzy and lighthead and it hasn't been very fun. The iron pills are suppose to help and they have helped some.
Natalie is a breastfeeding champ. Talk about a girl who knows what she is doing. She latched on so easily on one side and the other has been a challenge but she can do it. I read a lot of nursing and breastfeeding books. Jeane who works at River Oaks is a God sent too! She was really calm and postive with everything. I don't thnk I could have done it without her encouragement and such praise of what a great job I was doing as a new mom. That really helps. My friends mom, Jane, is a lactation nurse in TX and she was able to help with questions as well. She described the one side Natalie wasn't latching on to well as an apple. It's hard to bob for apples right? The are round and firm. Well, since I was so full and firm it's hard to grasp. So expressing some before will soften things up and allow her to do what she needs to do. Ding! A light went off. That made perfect since and well that worked! =)
We had many friends and family come and visit. My in-laws from Brazil arrived the day after the delivery and my father-in-law stayed a week and then left. My mother-in-law has been here ever since and will be leaving in August. This has been another whole experience that has it's up and downs for me. I'll go into detail of that in my next post about the month or first 4 weeks with Natalie. This should be interesting! =) Stay Tuned
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Natalie Kate Rodrigues!
There is so much to talk about now that Natalie has arrived. I want to first talk about the whole childbirth expereince... my experience and the funny things that happened up until she arrived. We will start at where I left off... 39 weeks!
39 Weeks!
Natalie was born at 39 weeks and 3 days. I was expecting her to be atleast 7.5lbs but to my surprise she was very little.
June 16, 2010
For my last meal I really wanted to eat Jason's Deli chicken alfredo and ceasar salad! It wasn't M's favorite, but it wasn't about what he wanted to eat - right?! It was really good and just what I wanted. =) Marcos and I spent Wednesday night preparing last minute things for the Dr.'s appointment the following morning. We made Tshirts for the Grandparents and him. Proud Grandaddy, Proud Nonnie, Vovo^, Vovo' and then Marcos' shirt that read his new saying, "Dude to Dad 2010". It was about 11pm the time we finished and I was exhausted. I took a shower and volumized my hair and blow dried it so it would be perfect in the AM and I wouldn't have to spend to much time on it since I had to be at the Dr's at 830.
June 17, 2010
We got up at 730AM and start loading the car and I started getting ready. I wasn't really nervous but anxious wondering what the day would be like and how long all this would take. Marcos and I had hoped to eat breakfast together but time didn't allow which not knowingly would be a good thing for me in the future.
We arrived a little after 830 and waited to see the Dr. We went to our normal appointment where she check to see how much progress I had made. Well, I was still at 4 centimeters and she was ok... Today is the day. Did you bring your stuff - we are going to admit you. She immediately got on her Blackberry called and said, "I need a room set up for Jana Rodrigues and she has requested to have an epidural right away so please put the order in". I was relieved to hear her say that b/c that meant business and I thought I wouldn't have to wait long for it.
Marcos and I went upstairs about 915AM and filled out some paperwork and next thing I knew I was in THE ROOM! My nurse was named, Lauren who was pregnant as well and having her second son in 10weeks. Marcos left to get the stuff from out of the car while I got prepped w/ Iv's and blood taken. I asked to wear my Maternity gown and they let me wear it! I was styling and happy now. By this time it was 945AM and my Dr. had come back to the room. I was still be poked and prodded and didn't know what she was doing until I heard her say, "And here comes the WATER" OMG! She BROKE my water! I wasn't prepared at all for this. Where was my epidural? Why didnt' she tell me what she was doing? Then she just walked out of the room. I sat there in shock not understand all what happened, expect that now it was 10AM and my water was already broken!!! I got on the phone and called everyone ASAP telling them they broke my water. Everyone said, "Ohh well you will have her around the evening about 3 or 4 cause you are still just 4 centimeters". People were planning to stop by and say Hey during their lunch hour. Which was fine for me... so I thought!?
11:15AM I felt like I had to go to tinkle. So they put a catheter in which was not fun. With every contraction now it was very uncomfortable. I told my nurse and she was trying to figure out what I was talking about. By 11:45AM she had the Epidural man come back in and they figured out that my epidural was working on the right side but not on the left side. So I laid on my side for the meds to flow over that way. During this my nurse Lauren check me I was 6 centimeters. I was having a contraction and she said push with the contraction while she was checking me. Well, what ever she did I went from 6 centimeters to 8 centimeters to almost fully dilated. She got up and told me that we'd probably have a baby soon. I wasn't sure what that meant.
It was 12pm and everyone had shown up because they were taking a lunch break. Grant it, I had just been checked was almost fully dilated whatever that meant. Well, let me tell you what that meant. I held on to the bars and starts crying - I am going to POOP!! Please, someone help. I am going to POOP! =) Yes! I couldn't care less who was in the room - All I knew was that it felt like was goign to POOP all over the table. The nurses came in and said, "Ohh baby you don't have to it's probably the position of your baby". I'm begging them to please let me get up and sit on the potty! My nurse couldn't help me so another nurse came in. She reassured me I wasn't goign to poop but if I needed to then poop on the table. I cried harder! NOO! I don't want to poop on the table I want to PooP in toilet!! My tears came harder and she decided to see what was going on. She checked me and said, "OH LORD, This BABY is coming NOW". Then everyone started running in! The nurse informed me that I would feel better if I pushed and that if I laid on my back and pushed the pain would go away. Well, PRAISE GOD. That was so much better. Why didn't some tell me that when it started! Everyone was in teh room and I started practice pushing around 1230PM. The Dr. arrived at 1245PM and said, "Let's have a baby!" And so we did. With about 6 pushes a tiny tiney baby arrived. The love of my life!
12:57PM Natalie Kate Rodrigues with 5lbs 13oz and 19 1/4inches long. She was perfect!
-- I'll post pictures later and update up on the AFTER birth - It was scarey - I hemmoraghed.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
38 doing Great!
I've made it half way through 38 weeks and things are looking great.
We've been very busy cleaning aka nesting and getting everything prepared for Natalie's arrival. Today I was quite nervous about my Dr. appointment because last week I was at 3 centimeters and I was afraid my dr. would be "induced happy mode" and would want me to have her today. I prayed this morning for God's timing and His will to be continued through this entire pregnancy and for Him to give Dr. wisdom and knowledge of what should be done.
Praise God! I had a great appointment. I am now 4 centimeters... which means I can have epidural ASAP! =) I am 70% effaced which means I should have a pretty easy delivery the time she is ready to get here..only 30% left and I'm sure I can work on that this weekend and before next Thursday - June 17th. I am -2 station which means Natalie has lowered more and is getting is game mode. This is all such exciting news. I was very pleased and relieved the dr. didn't try to rush anything. She thinks I'll have her before Thursday but if not I will most definitley have her at my next appointment 39 weeks and 3 days on June 17th. My appointment is set for 9AM so I should have her by that evening. We are looking forward to her arrival. =) YeaY!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Weeks 34-37 - A Girl w/ Her own Agenda!
Child birth Classes begin! (Well, they began while we were in Florida so we started on the second class). It was fun - very informative. We learned about dilating and the stages of labor.
We had an uneventful Dr. appointments. I was tested for Strep B or something and it came back Negative so no worries for when baby is born and having to take antibotics. My husband was worried I'd have Natalie soon therefore when Dr. asked if there were any questions my heart starts racing because I never know what will come out of my husbands mouth. Well, this time it was, "How do you know Jana isn't going to have this baby tomorrow" Well, my Dr. says, "Lets just see" Next thing I know - I'm being checked! OMG. Seriously, M?! Ha. Dr. says, "This baby isn't coming today or tomorrow!" I was closed up and doing just fine. So, thanks baby!
Week 35
Child birth class was about how to relieve pain - using medicine or natural remedies. Well, that night I had a dream I was in extreme pain. Lower back pain, mentrual cramps it was horrible and I was begging for an epidural. Well, I woke up from the dream and was in that real pain. It was horrible. I swore I was in labor. After many trips to the bathroom, I layed back down and said if I go back to sleep and it doesn't stop we are goign to the dr. Well, I woke up the next morning and I was fine. So, I wasn't sure what that was!
Another SHOWER! My sweet Aunt Gigi gave me the sweetest shower! It was just perfect, words couldn't describe how great it was to be apart of a feel good shower!! This shower was mostly my family and my mom's bunco group. The ladies that have been around since I was just a baby. I got some awesome things, like a bathtime spa tub for Natalie, the little lamb craddle swing (the one Kendra & Kourtney both have) and some really exquisite dresses and blankets. Marcos came to this shower and was in charge of taking pictures. He did an OK job, lol - considering his photos focused on everyone who was at the shower and what they were doing. Week 36
3 Year Anniversary!!!
Marcos and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary early on Tuesday instead of Thursday because I wanted to eat at the Melting Pot for our anniversary and it is located in New Orleans. Once again, we were back in New Orleans for our anniversary. Ergh, I must say I am getting tired for celebrating in New Orleans but his job is like clock work and there we were back in New Orleans cause he had WORK. But this time, I was goign to plan better and choose a place I wanted to go to really bad- the Melting Pot. Ever since I saw photos of it, I knew I had to go.
It started off great the rough then great. Ha. We stayed at the Sheraton on Canal...that was a plus! BUT I spent all evening at my house figuring out what I wanted to wear on our 3yr anniversary being pregnant and all and what Marcos was going to wear. I finally came out with something and had it laid out. We got to the hotel and I asked, where are the clothes that were on the hanger. Marcos was puzzled. OMG! We left the clothes at the house. I was so irritated. Totally sulked and pouted and acted like a brat and laid on the bed not wanting to go the Melting Pot. I finally got over my funk but I didn't take time to do my hair or makeup because I was mad.
We arrived at the Melting Pot and all my madness left. It was awesome. More the I expected. I had only wished then that I had taken time to do my makeup and hair instead of pouting. But oh well. The food was fabulous and my smile came back on my face and Marcos and I had a great time.
36 Week Appointment
My weekly Dr. appointments begin. I was really excited about my weekly appointment. I was bracing myself for being checked because now she checks you weekly for progress. Well, I was just check at week 34 because of my darling husband's concerns and there was no progress. This time it was different. Dr. says, "Wow, I can feel the head" and "You are dilated 1 centimeter!" I couldn't believe. I was really excited. But, I know you can stay at 1 centimeter forever and it didn't really mean anything. However, I have been praying that when I go into labor I want to be atleast 4 centimeters, so I can get an epidural ASAP.
Last Child birth class that night was after birth and how to take care of your body and what to expect.
Week 37
Holy Moly - 3 Centimeters!
We had our Dr. appointment Thursday and to our surprise, I was now at 3 centimeters. Again, PRAISE the Lord! I'm determined to have a "pain free" childbirth and by doing that I'm counting on the Lord to get me to 4 centimeters or more with out feeling and then once the water breaks I go in and get my epidural and be one happy, free from pain momma! =) So far... so good!
The Dr. talked about inducing and Marcos and I have mixed feelings about this. I really believe at the rate I am going at she will come on her own. Dr. had given us the dates June 15,16 or 17. I had mentioned the 20th but that was a Sunday (Father's Day) and she said No, but the 22nd.
Marcos' parents leave Brazil on the 17th and arrive here on Friday the 18th at 945AM. I had really wanted his mom to be apart of the whole birthing experience. In Brazil, C-sections are the norm. Everyone has C-sections. His parents are reminded every day they I am not scheduled for a C-section on the 21st. They seem to forget this every day. Ha.
So, we've decided to tell the Dr. we will be induced on the 22nd if she has not made it on her own by then. This way she either comes on her own before the Rodrigues' get her or she could come on the 20th Father's Day if she chooses. But for sure she will be her on the 22nd and if is induced on that day I will be 40 weeks and she should be ready come anyways. The Rodrigues' will be apart of it too! How exciting. So as of right now, Marcos has me on bed rest. LoL. He doesn't want me lifting a finger or walking because he wants Natalie to sit tight a little longer. We shall see...
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