Welcome Emily.....

Hi there

I didn't really get chance to update the blog for the past few weeks. A bit of a surprise happened. Little Emily arrived earlier than expected at week 36.5.

Here's me at around 35 weeks watching the Olympics.

At the 36 week check up the OB/GYN (I was back to Dr Callan) did a swab test for GBS  (Group B Strep). The results came on the Sunday and they were positive. I was a little teary because if you are diagnosed positive you have to go on an IV with antibiotics whilst you are in labour. I really didn't want any IV, or drugs as my wish was to be able to walk around.

I had been feeling really uncomfortable on the Sunday 26th August when I met for lunch with a friend. I had found it really difficult to walk, but I suspected nothing especially as the OB/GYN had mentioned at the weekly check up I was due the 20th September and not the 16th which I had previously had in my head. 

Oh and Jab was in Barcelona for a wedding the weekend of the 25th. We even skyped at the party, me and the belly dancing for all our friends.

Skyping with Jab in Barcelona on the Saturday night. I had still been to Yoga that day and to a class on Breastfeeding, not that I remember anything from the class.

On Monday I went to work as usual..... Jab arrived back from Barcelona at midday, all seemed ok that evening before I went to sleep. 

My waters broke just after midnight/ Tuesday morning. It was surreal as I really didn't know what to do. The OB/GYN hadn't got to explaining the process, neither had the doula. Almost everyone had mentioned that first time babies come late, well not this little angel. She wanted out. When my waters broke I was sleeping, Jab tried to convince me (in his jetlagged dream state) that I should come back to bed, but I instinctively knew that this was my waters breaking. I didn't instictively know who to call. Should i call my doctor? I did call the doc's but straight to voicemail so I called the hospital. I think I mumbled something like can I have the pregnancy ward - I couldn't think of labor and delivery ward.......I was calm though. I spent a little bit of time collecting toiletries ( I hadn't packed a bag yet) and some underwear, nighties, a toy for the baby, a lavender heat pack ( I am so glad I packed that) and socks. I had only bought the bag for the hospital on the Sunday.

Meanwhile Jab went and got the car. By 1am I think we were on our way to CPMC (California Pacific Medical Center). It's about 15 minutes away, maybe less as there was no traffic on the streets of SF at that time. When we arrived the triage had all my details so I was straight through to be examined. As I was GSB positive, I was straight on to the IV and the nurse checked my dilation. I was already 3cm, but as my waters had broke I was checked in. I think I was still thinking I would be sent home...that wasn't going to happen. We were then escorted to the 2nd floor to labor and delivery. The first room Claudia (our first shift nurse) showed us, had no windows and we immediately asked to be switched. We were ushered across the corridor to an Emergency room. No amazing view but at least a window, and room was much bigger than I was anticipating. 

The nurse hooked me up to a fetal monitor to measure the babies heart rate and another to measure the contractions. We hadn't really had time to bring any nik naks to make the room more homely. Jab had remembered to bring the Jambox which was really calming in early labour when we were waiting for the contractions to kick in. Once I was all strapped up to the monitors and IV it was a waiting game and time to try and get some rest, e.g. save energy.

I couldn't really feel the contractions, and so after a few hours, around 6am, the doctor came in and recommended that I be given Pitocin to speed things up around mid morning. My biggest dread. Being on the IV and also hooked up to Pitocin meant that I really couldn't move around as I had envisaged......I didn't make any immediate decision and wanted to wait till the doula was present to decide. So more time to listen to music and occasionally go for walks along the corridor and up and down the stairs.


We had been trying to contact our doula Annemarie from 6am, leaving messages, texts and email. She had her cell phone off and hadn't given us her landline number yet. Fortunately our 2nd shift nurse from 6am ish was Heather- Heather was pro natural birth and really took time to talk with us and to encourage me to believe in my body and ability that I could do this. I was really anxious. Here I was with the wish to proceed with no pain medication but also really in shock being in hospital so soon. She sat with us and discussed what was blocking my confidence. After tears and her pep talk, I was ready to move forward. We were so blessed to have Heather there at that time. She mentioned she chose us. She saw  that we wanted a natural birth. That made me cry more. 

Around 11am the doula appeared. I was happy to see her. There was a little bit of discussion between Heather and Annemarie about Pitocin and CPMC's protocol for how long they ideally wanted you to be in the labour room. The protocol being 24 hours. I tried not to feel defeated but to be positive. We could do this. I agreed to have the minimum amount of Pitocin as long as the doc and nurse agreed that if the contractions picked up and I got to 5cm then they would take me off of it. 

The doula then had to go to her work from midday, she mentioned that when the contractions start to kick in to active labour then I should call her. It took till around 5.30pm for things to pick up, Jab called Annemarie and she arrived in what seemed like no time. I think around that time the 3rd shift nurse -Maja- turned the amount of Pitocin up, which I wasn't too thrilled about. I wasn't too thrilled about her. From 6 onwards the contractions steadily grew in intensity. I think my favourite position was sitting on the ball, leaning forward onto the bed with wither Jab or Annemarie massaging my lower back. By 9pm I was at 5cm and the fetal monitor, the IV and pitocin were all taken away from me. Hoo bloody rah!!! I was so relieved as I was trying to hide my frustration of being attached to them.

I was then able to walk around from the birthing ball,  to the shower... When I first sat in the shower, it felt amazing but as the contractions got more intense I would lose patience with other positions. Hands and knees definitely didn't work for me. The lavender heat pack and the wonderful back massages from Jab or Annemarie would become irritating. I think at some point around 8cm I asked Annemarie for drugs but she just laughed as she knitted away making our little one a little hat. 

Around midnight (I'm just guessing) I transitioned from contractions to pushing, the transition was so painful but using my breath I managed to move through.  Most of this part is all a blur. The 1st shift nurse came back and Dr Fang was in and out, even going home for a short while. I think pushing really didn't take that long. I preferred using the bar. Jab was really impressed by the acrobatics :-) I can remember listening to the nurse really intensely as she coached me on when to push and hold my breath.

Pure happiness.

At 2.22pm on Wednesday 29th August, our most precious little angel Emily Annabella arrived. She screamed and latched immediately to my right breast. She was perfect. She arrived over 3 weeks early at 6lb 9oz. Mummy and Daddy love her.

Thank you to the nurses and doctors. Especially Heather, Claudia, Dr Fang and Annemarie Russo.

Here are more photos of our little angel.

36 weeks......4 weeks to go. 3rd trimester tiredness setting in.

Oh my. How did we get to 36 weeks so quickly with only 4 weeks to go to the imaginary due date. The past week or so has been busy with work and it's hard to stay focused when you get to 4pm. At the weekends I generally take a nap around 4 for a couple of hours. I just need a nap to re-energise. 

Last week we went to Bright Horizon's to check out the daycare facilities. All I can say is that I was overwhelmed by how positive everyone was at the centre, from the staff even down to the infants at less than 6 months old. I do hope that everything works out so that our wee one can attend. 

The weekend was pretty intense as J and I went to childbirthing classes Saturday and Sunday day at Carmel Blue. The course was held by a wonderful woman called Sandra Lloyd. Sandra is a doula and practices hynobirthing and was really informative about the process of labour, what to expect at hospital, relaxation and massage techniques. J even watched 4 x births on video without fainting which is an encouraging sign. There was a lot to take in, but I really feel that both of us have a better understanding of what to expect and to have the ability to make informed decisions.

Tomorrow I'm meeting a post-partum doula to look into help for the first few weeks. To help with feeding, making sure all three of us are coping :-) 

 
We still need to take a photo from 36 weeks, the below photos are from 34 weeks prior to our join birthday, engagement and baby celebration weekend. I'm still trying to find a great photo with Jab too. Will upload ASAP.

34 weeks.....leaving my 30's and becoming 40.

So I'm trying out blogging from my iPhone. Let's see how this goes....

I'm now 34 weeks. Time is really flying by. Not only the pregnancy but life. I am now 40 years and 5 days. It's amazing to think that when I was 10 I would of thought 40 was so old, but seriously I don't feel old, nothing but and thank you mum and dad as I think the genes have been kind to me. I am really happy to be moving into my 40's feeling very empowered to really know who I am. Those insecurities from my 20's that sometimes came back in my 30's seem to of disappeared. My only anxiety now is hoping that I will be a good mother to this new being that will enter our life's soon. I want them to be blessed with the life that I have been able to experience. Hopefully they will chose a career that isn't as stressful and all consuming as advertising :-)

Anyways back to the present. The last week has been keeping me on my toes. Work has been very busy, we had a photographer  come up from LA to take photos of bean and my belly plus a celebration at our place to celebrate bean, our engagement and my 40th with a loose 'High Tea' theme.  The weekend really did go by in a blur.


Here are a few photos from the weekend. It was wonderful and very blessed to have found lovely friends to share our happiness with in San Francisco already.

Sandra taking snaps. 

Jab took this pic from his iPhone, the light in the apartment was perfect, so I'm really looking forward to the pro-snaps from Sandra.

High Tea including more cupcakes!

Wonderful cake from Miette. 

31 weeks.....

All is growing and moving at a rapid rate. Bean is now the size of 4 navel oranges. 


It's been a busy time for purchasing for Bean.  There is so much out there, but we are pretty decisive and as long as things most importantly practical and well designed, J + I have similar tastes. 


We have bought the crib, no hesitation really. We opted for the Ouef Sparrow in grey which comes with a conversion kit for when wee infant grows into a toddler. Bean I hope you like it. Also ticked of the list is the stroller, which comes with a handy bassinet from Uppababy The bassinet is great, it fits not only to the stroller but also a stand so we can use that initially for Bean so that he (we still don't know that) can sleep next to us. The bassinet comes with a detachable screen which will deter the kitties from wanting to nestle in with the baby. It's already set up in the room and the cats aren't interested in it at all.  And lastly for this week we bought the Mico car seat from Maxi Cosy which will attach to the Uppababy which is super handy. It's super light weight but all importantly safe. If we decide to birth in the hospital you have to have a American Safety standard car seat to take the baby home in. 


My restaurant reviews are kind of non existent nowadays, we are eating out but not so much in the evening. So before I forget I have to give a little mention to Le Garage. At the weekend we ventured out to this wonderful restaurant in Sausalito with our Brazilian friends for Brunch. It reminded me very much of open concept restaurants in Amsterdam. Le Garage is set in 'yes you guessed it' an old garage. A French Bistro vibe on the water. I'll be back there again soon, great setting, great food and company. 


I guess another development is that we are also considering a home birth. Yep late in the game with 2 months to go, but I'm feeling more and more that I want a natural birthing experience and not sure that will happen in hospital. We are just exploring. We hope to meet the midwife at the weekend. The only downside I can see is that insurance won't cover home birth, which is mind boggling when you think of how much it costs to give birth in the hospital, yet the insurance co is happy to pay for that. It really is eye opening as Ricki Lake researched......in the USA being born is a business. 


Oh and bean is definitely head down. Our doula popped by at the weekend to chat about our wishes and surprised us by offering to feel the baby, measure the fundal height and listen to the heart beat. It was nice to be at home lying on the couch whilst she checked me and bean out. Bean is head down, with his legs happily kicking me in between the rib cage. Very softly though. That's when I think, maybe it's a girl ;-P


Highlight of the week so far was a shoot with Chester the Cheeto puppet. He wanted to feel my belly!

Chester and Bean

30 weeks. 3/4 of the way there.....

3/4 of the way there till the Estimated Due Date. It feels like the baby's head has moved downwards, so my belly looks much bigger. This week I had another check up, this time with a rather cheerful fella called Dr Dinsdale. As I might of mentioned a while back I'm doing the rounds at the clinic just in case my preferred Doc is not on call when I'm ready to deliver the baby. All is fine. I'm now at 143lbs. The belly button is 3/4 of the way out. The only wee niggling thing is that on my right side above what was my stomach there is a harsh burning sensation on my skin. Apparently this is just my nerve endings charged up as my skin expands. 


Work is picking up again which is good as with all the spare time on my hands I was getting a little far ahead of myself with searching for wedding locations and drawing up a guest list! Eeek.


We have been thinking though of perhaps moving out of the city. It seems that we do spend most weekends over the bridges - one being the Golden Gate Bridge and the other being the Great Grey Bridge AKA The Oakland Bridge as the weather is usually sunnier and much warmer over there, and of course less crowded. San Francisco is a tourist mecca. We are looking around Mill Valley at the moment which is approximately 25 minutes drive from the centre of SF. Lots to think about as it's a big change, but you get so much more for your buck. Let's see.

@Stinson Beach. 10 mins from Mill Valley. Tempting.

The Engagement Ring- Rough Diamonds

Here it is. The engagement ring called Grace. Yep my middle name.

27 + 28 weeks on the final stretch (literally)

The weeks are going by really fast. I'm in my 3rd trimester with 12 weeks to go and the reality that I am carrying a baby inside of me (that will be soon outside of me) and that we live on the other side of the globe is making me a little anxious. I have to be honest it's overwhelming. I'm trying to not look so far down the line, but as we have few friends here and no family I have been wondering what life would be like once the wee one is here, it's quite daunting but one can't feel sorry for yourself, just good to get out and meet people.


I've joined a meetup of new mums that are expecting in Fall which is great. Just nice to have the support of expectant mums who are going through the same thing. I never thought I would be one of those pregnant women who would surround herself with other pregnant women, but it is the support I need here without so many close friends and family. We meet twice a month and a few of us have formed a break out group so to speak so we can touch base more often. 


Thinking past the birth, I went to a class on Saturday at Carmel Blue about how to calm a crying baby. We learnt the teachings of Dr Harvey Karp. Pretty handy. There are 5 S's. I've promptly ordered the DVD for Jab to watch. Take note.


1. Swaddling- pretty explanatory
2. Sucking- dummy or breast
3. Stomach/ Side- laying the baby on it's side or stomach in your arms
4. White noise (shhhing). My friend Mia vouched that the hairdryer or the vacuum cleaner put her wee one to sleep
5. Swing


I've also signed up for daycare. Although we aren't sure a. will I go back to work b. will we go with a nanny or c. need daycare. Essentially I've registered for daycare close by as the waiting list can be long, one centre in my neighbourhood has a waiting list of 18 months! I've registered for Bright Horizons so at least we have that as an option in case we need to put the wee one in Day Care when I have to go back to work after 4 months. They offer a Montessori approach which I've always been interested in although day care at 4 months....... I'm really not sure right now. Seems so young so I'm also exploring a nanny. I'm meeting a lady who organises finding the right nanny in a couple of weeks. Let's see, it's good to explore all options.


Bean is growing. My next appointment isn't with the doc till next week so not sure whether he/ she's growth is on track, but I feel like he/she is definitely growing and lots more movement in the past few weeks. I'm now at 140llbs/ 63kg. Which is 26lbs/ 12kg heavier than pre-pregnancy. Oh and minor detail, but fun, my belly button which was a deep set inny is now half way to being an outie. 


I think from next week I'll start to update you on all the beautiful products out there. So much to chose from. I've compiled a pretty comprehensive list of essentials that we can start to purchase once Jab is back from holidays. Exciting. 

27 weeks

27 weeks, oh yeah!

25 weeks, Maui and romance

We are just back from a fantastic week in Maui, Hawaii. The hotels, the beaches, the weather and the food were all amazing.

Sunset from the Serenity Pool

We decided to split the trip in two and spend 5 days in Wailea on the South West coast and 3 days in Hana to the East. Wailea is pretty much home to all the top resorts on Maui. We stayed at the Four Seasons which was wonderful. It's my first time staying at a 'resort' so to speak but was pretty impressed and I'm afraid that I will have very high expectations from hotels from now on. We were fortunate to get an upgrade to an ocean view room where we could watch sunsets every evening.

Big Beach

Wailea is on the dry part of the island, and approx 30 minutes away you can be walking on eerie lunar landscape, the lava remains of the last volcanic eruption on the island. Each day we would venture along the Western coast from Lahaina the old port or South to the amazing beaches such as Big Beach and Makena. One day we ventured on a scary road to North East- I would give this a miss as the best road is the road to Hana. Not so scary and the rainforest is much more spectacular.

Bean on the Beach

 Hana is the on the wet side of the island. It takes 2 hours to drive straight there, but if you stop at the many waterfalls, observation points, beaches on the way....it's more likely 4 hours. It's one of the most beautiful drives passing through the wonderful rainforest and it's delightful vegetation. Hana is real Maui, remote, tropical, lush and unspoilt. We stayed at the Traaverse which used to be the old Hana Maui hotel. The grounds are spectacular and quiet overlooking the Pacific. At night it took time for me to fall to sleep as the only sound was the waves crashing.

One of the many waterfalls along the road to Hana

Lava rocks on the way to Hana

Tranquility at the Traaverse in Hana

Oh and if you are to visit Maui, make sure you visit Mama's Fish House. It's at the start of the Hana Highway past Pa'ia. The best seafood experience I have had in a long time, maybe ever.  It was really special too as Joakim proposed to me on a quiet beach looking out at the ocean. It was a big surprise. No date set as the wee one is the priority for now but hopefully next Summer.

Before- totally unaware

Before- I am still unaware whilst taking this photo.  Jab asked me to come over and sit next to him facing the sea and that's where he proposed.

After- still teary but very very happy. 

My lovely.

I'm a very blessed girl.


Anyways back to the wonderful pregnancy (so far so good) and the search to where to give birth continues. Lots of options here.


Prior to Maui I did go to a meet and greet at St Lukes Hospital. St Lukes is known for it's natural approach to childbirth with one of the lowest rates for intervention and C sections. The meet and greet with the midwifes/ ob/gyn's was lovely, I liked them and their philosophy but I was slightly underwhelmed by the appearance of the maternity ward. Very dark, circa 1970's furniture, dirty windows (hiding a wonderful view of SF) to the empty beds. There was not one person delivering in the ward. Very strange. So I am in doubt about registering there.


In the meantime I'm scheduled to view CPMC (California Pacific Medical Center) on Monday, so fingers crossed.


Last week I visited my OB/GYN but decided to see another doctor other than Dr Callan at the practice. That way I get to know all of them as you never know who will be on call when I go into labour! All was good. A strong healthy heart beat. I also had to do a glucose tolerance test. The test is to see whether you have diabetes and also anemia which can develop during pregnancy. You have 5 minutes to drink a small bottle of sweet solution, you wait an hour and then the nurse draws blood from you. Fingers crossed all is good with the test results. Oh and I was weighed, I'm at 139lbs/ 63kgs. The nurse actually said 'wow'. So far I've put on a healthy 24lbs/9kilos.


I've also signed up for Childbirth Classes after much review searching online. I've opted for Carmel Blue in North Beach. I had thought about joining Natural Resources as recommended by my Doula and Yoga instructor but the girl there was so unwelcoming and rude that I decided to look elsewhere. The classes aren't till August so hopefully the baby doesn't decide to come to early, one wants to be prepared!


This weekend we have ventured to many baby supply stores. My favourite being Aldea Ninos in The Mission- most of the furniture there is all sustainable plus they have great practical designs. It's good to lookaround though so also popped into Sprout on Union and Buy Buy Baby over near Walnut Creek.


Anyways I'm now filling in a Nanny request form! "Already?" you ask. Well those mum to be's are very organised here plus nannies and day care are thin on the ground.


That's it for now.  Oh except I have to share our touristy photo from Maui.

22 weeks already....

Gosh the past couple of weeks have flown by. Work has been hectic with the prospect of travel to Europe in the next month, let's see. It's also been a sad time. My nanna died on the 9th May.......her name was Rosemary (Mary) Whitehead. Although my nanna was 86 years old and had a series of medical issues for sometime, it still came as a shock. It's hard to be so far away at this time when you want to be back with family. I will always remember a strong independent woman with Marilyn Monroe hair. It's sad that little bean won't get to meet her, but she lives through me to the wee one.


In the meantime the bump is growing and I'm now at 130lbs/ 59 kilos. I started to feel the wee thing wiggle inside at 21 weeks. It's a funny feeling, a strong ripple, especially in the evening after I've eaten.

I have joined a expectant Summer/ Fall expectant mum group which is lovely. It's great to be able to have the support from a small network of women who are all expecting their first child.


Oh and Jab is already preparing......... 

;-P

19 weeks- nearly half way

At the weekend Joakim and I stayed in Mendocino with family visiting from Buenos Aires. I love Mendocino, it's a 4 hour drive or so from San Francisco, away from the hoards of tourists. Mendocino is a quiet town on the cliffs edge of the Pacific Ocean. It's a beautiful place to visit. Highly recommend a casual yet great dinner spot Mendocino Cafe

This week we had another ultrasound (sonogram). It's an opportunity to find out whether the tiny human is male or female. Joakim and I had been wanting to keep the sex a surprise, but in the cab ride to the hospital we discussed letting the physician find out and give us the news in an envelope so we could perhaps share with family later on. Unfortunately baby was in on our initial plan and decided to keep his/ her legs well and truly closed as he was happily sleeping, so we couldn't get a peek. So a surprise it will be. The good news is that all looked good on the sonogram and we even were able to get a 3D image where you can make out his/ her face. Looks like the wee bean has Joakim's forehead and my nose :-)

A foot!

Bump is definitely getting bigger. Here's a shot from Mendocino. I'm weighing in around 124.5lbs which is around 57 kilos.