Oh and we'd like to thank my colleagues at work as Baby Aqui got a nice pressie from them...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Aqui is 1 Week Old! Yay!
Baby Aqui is now 1 week old. And yeah, it maybe overkill but can you blame us very proud 1st-time parents? Daddy bought a nice cake as we celebrated this mini milestone today.
Oh and we'd like to thank my colleagues at work as Baby Aqui got a nice pressie from them...
Oh and we'd like to thank my colleagues at work as Baby Aqui got a nice pressie from them...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Aqui Is Here!
14 May 2009
The long wait is over. Aqui is finally here (a bit redundant since Aqui already means “here” but you know what I mean.) Actually, we were in the hospital yesterday, 13th of May, to undergo induced labour but was asked to come back the next day as the hospital was short of staff and vacant birth rooms for. And so we begrudgingly went home. I suppose it was good to stay home as I was able to cross out two more items from my pre-birth to-do-list-- to watch twilight and madagascar 2 on dvd and to do some more washing.
The next day, we were up and about at 5 am and were in the hospital at 8 am. There was no turning back now. I was readied with iv drips and monitored for contractions. There were a few coming but weren't so intense. At around 12, the OB force-broke my waters. It hurt but I was able to endure it with a smile - I think it was the least I can do for the midwives and doctors who were all so nice. The ob was quite surprised that I had little reaction and mused out that I had a high tolerance for pain. That gave me encouragement to go thru labour drug-free. But as time passed by and the contractions became more frequent and pain was more intense, brought about by syntocinin, I realised I could no longer endure the pain. I was blessed to have my husband Ronnel there with me all throughout but even his lamaze massage and words of encouragement were no match for the intense labour pains. And so I gave in. I asked for an epidural. And it was the best decision that I made.
The thing with epidurals is that you have to absolutely stay still when it is applied and it was no small feat especially when contractions were happening every other minute. But Ronnel was there to hold me still and remind me that I won't beable to use my future phone (Yeah, this still works as motivation) if something happens to my nervous system. So it went in without problems and I found my new best friend, Epi the epidural trigger button.
The contractions were happening fast now and I was in full labour but despite that, I was only 5 cm dilated and it remained that way for 3 hours. Moreover, baby was in an anterior position-- in short, however fast or frequent the contractions were, baby won't be coming out right. And so our OB advised that a C-section is the best option and since we trust our OB (we are paying big bucks for her services), we signed all the necessary papers and off we went to the operation theatre.
I was given a stronger anesthetic so as not to feel the cut and as a result, I had the shivers all over. Apparently, with anaesthesia, your body can't tell the temperature properly so you get the shakes. It was the weirdest feeling ever. This was my first operation and I didn't know what to expect. I was aware of the things that were happening around me but I felt my body was too heavy. Ronnel was besideme, holding my hand, trying to stop me from shaking a lot. I felt my stomach being prodded and pushed and saw the reflection from the lights above. It was like a scene in the Saw movies where there was blood all over and the gut exposed. At 10:16 pm, we heard the sweetest sound ever. It was our baby's first cry.
And it's confirmed now - Aqui is a girl.
She was quickly cleaned and brought over to Ronnel's arms. I've never seen him happier. I know in my heart he is going to be the best dad there is for our little Jacqueleen. The first thing he said was, "She looks just like you!" When he brought her over, I couldn't agree more. She had my wide set eyes but she had her daddy's pouty small lips. Let's leave the nose to fate and see what happens. There was only one thing running thru my mind when I saw her, "I love you baby." It was the first time I felt such an overpowering emotion that made me shake all over-- I don't think it was the drugs this time.
The pediatrician did some checks on her and wow, our baby has passed her first test (apgar) with flying colours. Nine out of ten – not bad for her first test! Not only that, she had her first feed with no problems. Even the midwife was amazed how fast Aqui was able to latch and she didn't let go for almost an hour!
We still have to stay in the hospital for a few days for Aqui to be monitored and she's staying in the Natal Intensive Care Unit. I couldn't sleep during that night, babies in the ward kept crying and I keep thinking of my Aqui. Ronnel has gone home since partners around allowed to stay the night. We're both tired and sleep deprived with this longest day of our lives, but it is all worth it.
Here are some pictures we'd like to share...
When the contractions were just starting...
After meeting bestfriend Epi
Prepping for a C-section
Aqui is a Girl!
More of our little Aqui...
The long wait is over. Aqui is finally here (a bit redundant since Aqui already means “here” but you know what I mean.) Actually, we were in the hospital yesterday, 13th of May, to undergo induced labour but was asked to come back the next day as the hospital was short of staff and vacant birth rooms for. And so we begrudgingly went home. I suppose it was good to stay home as I was able to cross out two more items from my pre-birth to-do-list-- to watch twilight and madagascar 2 on dvd and to do some more washing.
The next day, we were up and about at 5 am and were in the hospital at 8 am. There was no turning back now. I was readied with iv drips and monitored for contractions. There were a few coming but weren't so intense. At around 12, the OB force-broke my waters. It hurt but I was able to endure it with a smile - I think it was the least I can do for the midwives and doctors who were all so nice. The ob was quite surprised that I had little reaction and mused out that I had a high tolerance for pain. That gave me encouragement to go thru labour drug-free. But as time passed by and the contractions became more frequent and pain was more intense, brought about by syntocinin, I realised I could no longer endure the pain. I was blessed to have my husband Ronnel there with me all throughout but even his lamaze massage and words of encouragement were no match for the intense labour pains. And so I gave in. I asked for an epidural. And it was the best decision that I made.
The thing with epidurals is that you have to absolutely stay still when it is applied and it was no small feat especially when contractions were happening every other minute. But Ronnel was there to hold me still and remind me that I won't beable to use my future phone (Yeah, this still works as motivation) if something happens to my nervous system. So it went in without problems and I found my new best friend, Epi the epidural trigger button.
The contractions were happening fast now and I was in full labour but despite that, I was only 5 cm dilated and it remained that way for 3 hours. Moreover, baby was in an anterior position-- in short, however fast or frequent the contractions were, baby won't be coming out right. And so our OB advised that a C-section is the best option and since we trust our OB (we are paying big bucks for her services), we signed all the necessary papers and off we went to the operation theatre.
I was given a stronger anesthetic so as not to feel the cut and as a result, I had the shivers all over. Apparently, with anaesthesia, your body can't tell the temperature properly so you get the shakes. It was the weirdest feeling ever. This was my first operation and I didn't know what to expect. I was aware of the things that were happening around me but I felt my body was too heavy. Ronnel was besideme, holding my hand, trying to stop me from shaking a lot. I felt my stomach being prodded and pushed and saw the reflection from the lights above. It was like a scene in the Saw movies where there was blood all over and the gut exposed. At 10:16 pm, we heard the sweetest sound ever. It was our baby's first cry.
And it's confirmed now - Aqui is a girl.
She was quickly cleaned and brought over to Ronnel's arms. I've never seen him happier. I know in my heart he is going to be the best dad there is for our little Jacqueleen. The first thing he said was, "She looks just like you!" When he brought her over, I couldn't agree more. She had my wide set eyes but she had her daddy's pouty small lips. Let's leave the nose to fate and see what happens. There was only one thing running thru my mind when I saw her, "I love you baby." It was the first time I felt such an overpowering emotion that made me shake all over-- I don't think it was the drugs this time.
The pediatrician did some checks on her and wow, our baby has passed her first test (apgar) with flying colours. Nine out of ten – not bad for her first test! Not only that, she had her first feed with no problems. Even the midwife was amazed how fast Aqui was able to latch and she didn't let go for almost an hour!
We still have to stay in the hospital for a few days for Aqui to be monitored and she's staying in the Natal Intensive Care Unit. I couldn't sleep during that night, babies in the ward kept crying and I keep thinking of my Aqui. Ronnel has gone home since partners around allowed to stay the night. We're both tired and sleep deprived with this longest day of our lives, but it is all worth it.
Here are some pictures we'd like to share...
When the contractions were just starting...
After meeting bestfriend Epi
Prepping for a C-section
Aqui is a Girl!
More of our little Aqui...
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Our "Lasts" before Aqui comes out... moved up to Wednesday now!
I got a call from my OB this morning and she told me she was moving up my induction schedule from Monday next week to Wednesday. That's just 5 days to go! I'm now enveloped with a mixture of anticipation, excitement, fear and panic. I still have things to do and prepare. I'm so glad I've started the nesting stage soon enough so at least there are a few things crossed out of my list. Anyway, here are the last things I've/we've done before Aqui comes out....
My Last Day at Work
Packed and Ready to Go
Our Last Walk in Town
Our Last Movie Date
Nel's Last NBA Xbox Game with Buddy Romil
My Last All-Out Cooking
I've prepared 10 different meals and stocked the in the freezer in anticipation of the sleepless nights/days and exhaustion.
So there you go. Tomorrow, we'll be doing our last panic buying of baby stuff. At least we know that we still have a few days left to prepare!
So excited to meet our little Aqui!
My Last Day at Work
Packed and Ready to Go
Our Last Walk in Town
Our Last Movie Date
Nel's Last NBA Xbox Game with Buddy Romil
My Last All-Out Cooking
I've prepared 10 different meals and stocked the in the freezer in anticipation of the sleepless nights/days and exhaustion.
So there you go. Tomorrow, we'll be doing our last panic buying of baby stuff. At least we know that we still have a few days left to prepare!
So excited to meet our little Aqui!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Due Date Bumped to 18th of May!
So needles aren't really that bad...
I've been really strict with my diet for the past months due to gestational diabetes but it turns out that it's not good for the baby since we're not gaining the extra weight we need. It's a real Catch 22- darn if I eat a lot, and darn if I don't. So the doctor told me to just eat more and they'll just give me insulin shots.
To celebrate my first insulin shot, I had a chocolate cake! Wow, drugs really do wonders. My blood sugar was still in a low range even after that sumptuous slice. And since I'm on insulin now, I cant go beyond my due date (22May) which means I'll be induced a week before. This is good since we'll be able to meet Aqui sooner! And I realized one thing too -- 18 May would have been my birthday if I wasn't born 2 months early! How great is that!
AND IT'S A BOY...... NOT!!!!
So, a few months back, we were told that we will be having a boy - although with the caveat that it's not definite. When we went for a scan a week ago, we were told that we were having a girl. Hmm, so which is which? Anyway, we've been calling our little one "Aqui" so we'll stick with that -- Joaquin Israel for a boy and Jacqueleen for a girl.
I've been really strict with my diet for the past months due to gestational diabetes but it turns out that it's not good for the baby since we're not gaining the extra weight we need. It's a real Catch 22- darn if I eat a lot, and darn if I don't. So the doctor told me to just eat more and they'll just give me insulin shots.
To celebrate my first insulin shot, I had a chocolate cake! Wow, drugs really do wonders. My blood sugar was still in a low range even after that sumptuous slice. And since I'm on insulin now, I cant go beyond my due date (22May) which means I'll be induced a week before. This is good since we'll be able to meet Aqui sooner! And I realized one thing too -- 18 May would have been my birthday if I wasn't born 2 months early! How great is that!
AND IT'S A BOY...... NOT!!!!
So, a few months back, we were told that we will be having a boy - although with the caveat that it's not definite. When we went for a scan a week ago, we were told that we were having a girl. Hmm, so which is which? Anyway, we've been calling our little one "Aqui" so we'll stick with that -- Joaquin Israel for a boy and Jacqueleen for a girl.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Household Lunch / Baby Shower
Thanks to our good friends for holding this for us. Enjoyed it a lot. Ronnel got to practice his diapering skills... ha ha
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Birthday and Prepping for Birth-day
Mystery Solved!
Finally, baby has opened his legs to reveal his jewels. Yup, it's a boy and so, Ronnel has the privilege to name him. He'll be known as Joaquin Israel T. Rodriguez. At least I get to pick his nick name "AQUI". Aqui from Joaquin, translates to different meanings in three languages. In Bicol, Aqui/Aki means "child" or offspring. In Spanish, it means "here" and in Japanese (yes, blame our anime and jap drama addiction), Aki means Autumn or Fall which coincides with the season he'll be born.
Hopefully, we won't get any surprises on d-day. Scans are not 100% accurate so there's still a tiny chance that it's a girl. Will we call her "Aqua" then?
Things We Learned From Ante-Natal Classes
A couple of months to go and we'll be holding Aqui in our arms but before that, Ronnel and I both know that we have to prepare for that day. Unfortunately, our family members won't be here when I give birth so it's just up to us two. Sure, we'll have friends to help us out but there's only so much you can ask of a friend (I couldn't really ask a friend to wash my perineum right? haha).
To help us prepare, we've enrolled in Ante-Natal classes which we found really helpful especially for first time parents like us. There were about 11 couples in class and I think all of us are 1st time mum and dads. My preggy friends outside NZ are asking if these classes are worthwhile and what we get from them so here goes....
Session 1:
>Class was shown things to buy and not to buy - which are must-haves and nice-to-haves such as:
Some must-haves:
Car Seat / Capsule
Merino Sleeping Bag (esp for NZ winter)
Bath Towel
Breathable mattress (must not be plastic or foam - note that optimal temperature for babies is 17Cdeg. To check, feel baby's back. Make sure your hand's not cold!)
Nappy liners - can be used as bathing sponge
Nice to haves:
Reusable Nappies (You'll be too tired to wash so just go for disposable during first few weeks)
Wool blanket
Session #2
Class was shown different types of baby clothes
Class was advised on what to bring to the hospital
What must be in your hospital bag:
Food! (especially for the dad)
Loose Clothing
Thick Sanitary Pads
Camera and back up camera just in case
Lip Balm
Old underwear (you'll be throwing them away after anyway)
Toiletries
Socks
Car seat
Mobile phone
Mum and Baby's Clothes for leaving hospital
Optional:
Entertainment stuff (a good book, relaxation CD, PSP?)- just in case labor lasts for hours
Danger Signs during Labor
> High temperature/fever combined with swelling and vomiting
> Leaking blood (1 tsp of blood is ok but more than that, call doctor/midwife)
> A presenting baby (he's ready to get out and you cant go to the hospital anymore)
Session #3
Watched Birth DVD
More tips on labor
> Go to hospital when contractions are 3-5 in 10 minutes
> Don't wait for your water to break to go to hospital
> Labor induction is done when you're 10 days overdue
- Labor-inducing stuff: Castor Oil rubbed on tummy, Evening Primrose oil rubbed in cervix, Clove Oil in bath, eating fresh pineapple, raspberry tea
Session #4
Learned Baby First Aid: CPR, Choking - Baby heimlich maneuver
Session # 5
Labor Exercises - pelvic tilts
Breastfeeding Techniques
Session #6 - missed this one coz we spent the whole afternoon in the hospital for my gestational diabetes sessions but this one was just a get-together class-closing session.
There are 2 more sessions after we all give birth (in June?) so there are still a lot to learn.
My Birthday
Yaiks! I'm another year older! Too bad we had to spend my birthday in the hospital since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. But it's not too serious (I hope) - I think I was just over a bit (9 is the cut off and my results were 9.6). As a result, I have to monitor my blood sugar which meant pricking my finger for blood 6 x a day! It's also good that the government subsidizes the gadgets and medicines for this (yay, tax in action). Anyway, back to my birthday. We didnt really have the time (& energy - after being in the hosp for hours) to celebrate so Ronnel and I just had a simple dinner at home.
I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I have gest diabetes. Now, I really have to take what I eat seriously - especially that there is a chance that I might have it again in the future (on account of my family history of diabetes). I've created this nifty carb counter and Blood Glucose Level spreadsheet which tracks what I eat and my levels. This is not only good for diabetic people but also for those who want to go on a low-carbo diet!
PS Thanks for all the bday greetings sent in via email, friendster and facebook :-)
Finally, baby has opened his legs to reveal his jewels. Yup, it's a boy and so, Ronnel has the privilege to name him. He'll be known as Joaquin Israel T. Rodriguez. At least I get to pick his nick name "AQUI". Aqui from Joaquin, translates to different meanings in three languages. In Bicol, Aqui/Aki means "child" or offspring. In Spanish, it means "here" and in Japanese (yes, blame our anime and jap drama addiction), Aki means Autumn or Fall which coincides with the season he'll be born.
Hopefully, we won't get any surprises on d-day. Scans are not 100% accurate so there's still a tiny chance that it's a girl. Will we call her "Aqua" then?
Things We Learned From Ante-Natal Classes
A couple of months to go and we'll be holding Aqui in our arms but before that, Ronnel and I both know that we have to prepare for that day. Unfortunately, our family members won't be here when I give birth so it's just up to us two. Sure, we'll have friends to help us out but there's only so much you can ask of a friend (I couldn't really ask a friend to wash my perineum right? haha).
To help us prepare, we've enrolled in Ante-Natal classes which we found really helpful especially for first time parents like us. There were about 11 couples in class and I think all of us are 1st time mum and dads. My preggy friends outside NZ are asking if these classes are worthwhile and what we get from them so here goes....
Session 1:
>Class was shown things to buy and not to buy - which are must-haves and nice-to-haves such as:
Some must-haves:
Car Seat / Capsule
Merino Sleeping Bag (esp for NZ winter)
Bath Towel
Breathable mattress (must not be plastic or foam - note that optimal temperature for babies is 17Cdeg. To check, feel baby's back. Make sure your hand's not cold!)
Nappy liners - can be used as bathing sponge
Nice to haves:
Reusable Nappies (You'll be too tired to wash so just go for disposable during first few weeks)
Wool blanket
Session #2
Class was shown different types of baby clothes
Class was advised on what to bring to the hospital
What must be in your hospital bag:
Food! (especially for the dad)
Loose Clothing
Thick Sanitary Pads
Camera and back up camera just in case
Lip Balm
Old underwear (you'll be throwing them away after anyway)
Toiletries
Socks
Car seat
Mobile phone
Mum and Baby's Clothes for leaving hospital
Optional:
Entertainment stuff (a good book, relaxation CD, PSP?)- just in case labor lasts for hours
Danger Signs during Labor
> High temperature/fever combined with swelling and vomiting
> Leaking blood (1 tsp of blood is ok but more than that, call doctor/midwife)
> A presenting baby (he's ready to get out and you cant go to the hospital anymore)
Session #3
Watched Birth DVD
More tips on labor
> Go to hospital when contractions are 3-5 in 10 minutes
> Don't wait for your water to break to go to hospital
> Labor induction is done when you're 10 days overdue
- Labor-inducing stuff: Castor Oil rubbed on tummy, Evening Primrose oil rubbed in cervix, Clove Oil in bath, eating fresh pineapple, raspberry tea
Session #4
Learned Baby First Aid: CPR, Choking - Baby heimlich maneuver
Session # 5
Labor Exercises - pelvic tilts
Breastfeeding Techniques
Session #6 - missed this one coz we spent the whole afternoon in the hospital for my gestational diabetes sessions but this one was just a get-together class-closing session.
There are 2 more sessions after we all give birth (in June?) so there are still a lot to learn.
My Birthday
Yaiks! I'm another year older! Too bad we had to spend my birthday in the hospital since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. But it's not too serious (I hope) - I think I was just over a bit (9 is the cut off and my results were 9.6). As a result, I have to monitor my blood sugar which meant pricking my finger for blood 6 x a day! It's also good that the government subsidizes the gadgets and medicines for this (yay, tax in action). Anyway, back to my birthday. We didnt really have the time (& energy - after being in the hosp for hours) to celebrate so Ronnel and I just had a simple dinner at home.
I guess it's a blessing in disguise that I have gest diabetes. Now, I really have to take what I eat seriously - especially that there is a chance that I might have it again in the future (on account of my family history of diabetes). I've created this nifty carb counter and Blood Glucose Level spreadsheet which tracks what I eat and my levels. This is not only good for diabetic people but also for those who want to go on a low-carbo diet!
PS Thanks for all the bday greetings sent in via email, friendster and facebook :-)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Last Outing before the big "Out-ing"
In 2007, Ronnel and I spent Christmas at a friend's bach at Waikawa beach. This year, we came back with reinforcements. We brought our friends along as an experience like that was really something worth sharing. Problem was, the weather wasnt on our side. We were having second thoughts the morning we left because the skies were dark but we consoled ourselves to the thought that there were lots of DVDs to watch in our friend's place anyway.
With Joel, Agnes and their cute baby Liway Megan, we trudged the sand in search of the beach. This time around, we took the bridge to get to the sea. Last year, we didnt realize there was a bridge and had to wade through the river! We got a bit lost in search for the sea (Ronnel was our navigator!) but we found it eventually. The water was freezing though so we just enjoyed basking in the scenery.
With Joel, Agnes and their cute baby Liway Megan, we trudged the sand in search of the beach. This time around, we took the bridge to get to the sea. Last year, we didnt realize there was a bridge and had to wade through the river! We got a bit lost in search for the sea (Ronnel was our navigator!) but we found it eventually. The water was freezing though so we just enjoyed basking in the scenery.
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