Friday, April 29, 2011

Wellness check-ups

Ryland has had 2 wellness check-ups since we brought him home.

The first appointment was last Friday, he was 4 days old.  Everything check out just fine.  He lost 6% of his body weight, which is normal.  He went from 8 lbs 3 oz to 7 lb 11 oz and apparently he shrunk to 20.5 inches (not sure I believe that).  He's perfectly average, in the 50th percentile.  His head circumference measured 36.5 cm.

His second appointment was today, at 11 days old.  He gained back all the weight he lost!  He went back up to his birth weight and length, at 8lb 3oz and 21 3/4 inches.  His head circumference measured 37 cm.  They also took some blood from his heel for the second newborn screening.  I felt so bad for the little guy, his face turned bright red and he let loose a heart-wrenching scream when they poked him.  I was happy to get him back in my arms and home after that. 

Juju holding Ryland 4/27/2011

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Ryland's debut

At my week 39 appointment we set a date to induce.  I was still hopeful that our baby boy would come on his own, but then 40 weeks came and went and so we anxiously awaited for our induction on Monday April 18th. 

Sunday evening we made sure we had everything ready to go and went to bed at a reasonable hour (10:30pm).  I couldn't fall asleep until midnight or so due to all the excitement.  4am came quickly. We both actually woke up 10 mins before the alarm went off.  We ate a breakfast taco, checked our stuff for the 5th time and then we were on our way out the door by 4:30am.

It was surreal heading to the hospital that early.  No one was on the road. It was a nice peaceful trip to the women's center...not the crazy scurrying and adrenaline rushed panicked ride to the hospital that I had envisioned.  We checked in at 5am but they weren't quite ready for us.  Apparently the full moon that night had sent tons of women into labor (not me), and they asked us to wait in the waiting room.  Twenty mins later they took us to our labor and delivery room where I changed and waited for the nurse.


The nurse arrived at 7am, just as we were falling back asleep, to hook up my IV and go over what would happen next.  I signed a few consent forms and at 8am they gave me Pitocin.  I started having some good contractions, although I couldn't feel them.  I remember thinking at this time that it was a bummer I still wasn't feeling anything. Oh Christina, how I regretted thinking that later...

At 9am my Dr came in and checked me (3cm) and broke my water.  My parents showed up shortly after the Dr left the room.  Within 15 mins I could feel the contractions.  Right off the bat they were coming every 2 mins.  They started off weak and then became stronger.  After 1 hour I was really feeling them and squirming quite a bit.  The nurse asked me if I was ready for my epidural, I was at 4cm.  I told her I wanted to wait maybe 1 more hour, I figured I could handle it.  Boy was I wrong.  Within 15 mins of that I was in so much pain that my eyes were watering.  I asked for the epi and they said 20 mins...OK, I could do 20 mins.  That was the worst 20 mins of the labor.  The intensity of the contractions were so strong that I actually threw up!  My dad had to leave the room, I don't think he liked seeing me in that much pain.  I told the nurse I couldn't wait anymore (it was past the 20 mins they originally said) so they gave me some other pain meds to sustain me until the anesthesiologist could get there, there were 2 of them working and both in high demand.  The drugs they gave me took the edge off a bit, I could still feel the contractions but I was so loopy that I didn't focus on them as much.  The anaesthesiologist showed up about 15 mins later (11am) and I wasn't hesitant at all to get that epi.  I was practically begging for it.  I didn't even feel the poke and the instant relief was a godsend.  How did women do this before the invention of drugs?  Forget that, I'll take the drugs!


After the epidural :)


Life was much easier after the epi.  I could relax and even take a few cat naps here and there.  I could feel the pressure of the contractions, but not the pain.  The Dr checked me around 1:30pm and I was still at 4cm.  That surprised me.  They decided to take me off the Pitocin to see if that would reset my body, I was at the highest dose they could give so they dropped it by half.  I was having 5 contractions every 10 mins.  About an hour later the Dr rechecked me and I had gone from 4cm to 8cm!  Wow, huge jump.  That made me happy.  That's when we hit our snag.  I stayed at 8cm for the next 4-5 hours.  :(  At 5pm the Dr came in and I already knew what she was going to suggest.  It was time for a c-section.  The baby hadn't dropped at all and I was stalled out at 8cm even though I was having steady contractions.  OK, let's do this.  I always knew that a c-section was a high possibility.  My mom had to have one for my brother and me and my cousin had to have one for her kids.  I was a little disappointed, as I had hoped that maybe I could deliver vaginally, but what mattered was having the baby safely.  Baby was still happy and doing great, but we didn't want to wait it out and take any chances.

At 6pm I was wheeled into the OR.  Everyone was really nice and friendly.  Malek changed and came in with his scrubs, hat and mask.  Boy was he good looking...my own McDreamy.  I was tempted to tell him to bring the scrubs home for later.  ;)  It was weird being awake for surgery, I could feel all the pressure and tugging, plus I was shaking uncontrollably.  The Dr was impressed with my ab muscles, she said they were really firm and she was having to really work at getting around them.  Malek chimed in and told them it was because I'm a runner. :)  A few minutes later I heard our baby boy crying.  He was finally here, born at 6:38pm!  I got all choked up listening to him, to my baby.  The doctor brought him around the side for me to get a glimpse of him before they whisked him off to be cleaned up.  He didn't cry for long, apparently he's a very calm little guy.  Malek kept going back and forth between me and Ryland to give me all the updates.  First thing he mentioned was that Ryland had blue eyes! Yes, yes I know the majority of Caucasian babies are born with blue eyes and they can change up to 6 months of age...but I was happy to hear blue.  ;)  I asked Malek if he had any hair?  He said "I have no idea!" and off he went to find out.  Turns out baby Ryland has a TON of dark hair just like me.  All the doctors and nurses were amazed when they saw his head of hair, not to mention he had a substantial cone head!  He measured in at 21 and 3/4 inches (including cone head) and 8 lbs 3 oz. 


Daddy went with Ryland to the nursery for the rest of his examination and bath while the doctors finished up with me and moved me to recovery.  Mom, Dad and hubby all came to visit me while I recovered.  Right before moving me to my post delivery room they brought Ryland in and I was able to hold him for the first time.  I was in awe and in love with my little man.  His sweet little coos are delightful and his face mesmerizes me.


Turns out I had to have the c-section.  Ryland was face-up (posterior position) and apparently I have a flat pelvis.  That's why baby couldn't drop and why I never went into labor.  There was just no way he was fitting through!

By the time we made it to our room it was 10pm. We managed to fit in a few photos before everyone headed home.  It had been a long day and everyone was exhausted.  It was all worth it though to finally hold Ryland in my arms - Our sweet little boy.



Malek family photo - 4/18/2011

Opa and Juju

More babies in the family!

I can't believe I forgot to blog about my cousin's baby! 

On Feb 22, 2011 at 7:43pm my cousin Amy gave birth to her first child, April Renee.  She was 8lbs 9oz and 21 inches long.  How my 4'11" cousin had that big of a baby we will never know.  :)  If I have my relationships correct (because lets face it, it gets confusing), then April is my 1st cousin once removed while Ryland and April are 2nd cousins.

Congrats to the proud parents Amy and Rob!  You can read more about April on their blog Tales of the Goodreaus.

April - 2/22/2011

A new cousin for Ryland!

Over the weekend we took Ryland back to the hospital to meet his new baby cousin, Blake.  Congrats to the proud parents, Sara (Malek's sister) & Dana.  Blake was born Saturday, April 23rd at 9:36am.  Ryland and Blake are only 5 days apart.  :)  I'm looking forward to all the play dates!


Blake O'Mara Barney - 4/23/2011
Barney's



Malek w/ his new niece, Blake



Cousins - Ryland and Blake


Saturday, April 23, 2011

He has arrived!

We are proud to announce the newest member of our family -
Ryland Carter Malek!!

Ryland - 4/18/2011
Born: Monday, April 18th
Time:  6:38 PM via C-section
Weight:  8 lbs 3 oz
Length:  21 3/4 inches

More updates coming soon.

1st family picture 4/18/2011


Sunday, April 17, 2011

Tomorrow everything changes

The moment a child is born,
the mother is also born.
She never existed before.
The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new.
Rajneesh


Having a baby is like falling in love again, both with your husband and your child.
Tina Brown


It was the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into.
Terri Guillemets

Friday, April 15, 2011

40 weeks - official end of pregnancy...

40 weeks!  I honestly didn't think I'd make it all the way, I really thought baby would come earlier. Guess he didn't get the memo and prefers to be fashionably late.  I read about half of all pregnancies go past the 40 week mark.  Ugh!

I head off to my last weekly Dr appointment this morning.  Finger's crossed for some progress!

How I Look - 40 weeks worth of belly!  Sometimes I see a body part (most likely a foot) sticking out on the right side, it really freaked Malek out last night.  My belly is all kinds of distorted when baby moves around, like its doing the wave or in an earthquake.
How I Feel -  Belly is super tender/sore.  There's no more room in there for you little guy!  You need to exit the premises. 
Weight -   +31.5 lbs  
Symptoms -  Where are the contractions?  I haven't felt anything besides the baby moving and some slight discomfort/pressure in the pelvic region.  
Cravings -  Ice cream and crawfish!  I'm trying to fit in as much crawfish as possible before I'm house bound.
Exercise -  I'm up to 2 walks a day and still no labor activity!  Wed night I tried jumping around and squatting on the ground (knees to chest/ears).  That didn't last very long as it was super uncomfortable. 
What I'm Looking Forward To -  When I can actually go to the hospital (any day now right!?!?!), get an epidural and meet my little guy!
What I'm Not Looking Forward To -  It was labor but now I just want this pregnancy done, bring it on!
Odds and Ends - My parents arrive this Saturday to help out around the house and meet their grandson.  I bet baby forces me (us) to wait all weekend before making his grand appearance.  No matter what, this kid will be here by Monday!

Birthing Mantras I ran across this week: 
  • Courage, faith and patience.  (Yeah right, I'm sooooo impatient!  :P)
  • I am ready and prepared for this.  (Is anyone truly prepared?)
  • Believing makes it happen.  (I really like this one, but here I am at 40 weeks and no baby yet, this also leads into the next one...)
  • I am in complete control of what is going on around me (seriously? even my friends and family would roll their eyes at me on this ones)
  • I see myself handling everything beautifully (ha! I'm a spaz)
  • I deserve this birth!  (Hellz yeah!)
  • Relax  (me? high strung? nah)
Yup, this is what you get at 40 weeks, me dressed to the nines!  :Þ
Comfy clothes, no makeup, barefoot. 

40 weeks - 4/15/2011

 

Friday, April 8, 2011

39 weeks

How I Look - The same as last week, I'm all belly. 
How I Feel -  Anxious, nervous, excited, tired...READY!! 
Weight -   +30.5 lbs  
Symptoms -  My lower back has not bothered me this week.  Yay!  Still waking up every 2 hours at night to pee.  Boo!  Belly feels tight all the time.  I have not noticed any contractions.  ** sigh **.  The bottoms of my feet hurt when I stand or walk around too much.
Cravings -  Ice cream
Exercise -  Walks and a few other extra curricular activities to try and get the baby moving.  ;)
What I'm Looking Forward To - Only 1 week to go and then it's HELLO BABY!!!  I wonder what you will look like?  Super excited to finally see your face.
What I'm Not Looking Forward To -  Labor, it sounds kinda scary.  I think it's the pushing part I'm wary of.
Odds and Ends - Dr appointment went well this morning, almost 3 cm dilated, BP good, baby's heartbeat is 156.  I will be working remote next week in anticipation of our little one.  No reason for me to be driving if I could go into labor at any moment.  Wed night I made these labor-inducing lemon cupcakes that were in the news...so far nothing.  :(  Maybe I used the wrong recipe?  I did make them with real lemon juice and lemon zest, which the article hints to as being the reason they work.  Oh well, baby will come when he's ready.

Let's get this show on the road!  :)  It could be any day now...any day...
39 weeks - 4/8/2011



Friday, April 1, 2011

38 weeks

How I Look - Belly is all I see (and feel)!  I'm starting not to care about what I'm wearing.  It's mainly jeans and a short sleeved shirt and tennis shoes at work.  Then at home I lounge around in sweat shorts and my hubby's shirts.
How I Feel -  Pelvic pressure, uncomfortable, stretched....so ready for this to be over. 
Weight -   +29 lbs  
Symptoms -  Slight swelling in my fingers, usually when I'm outside.  I like to think it's because it's getting warmer now (we are in TX and it is HOT here), but more likely its due to pregnancy.  :Þ  I can still wear my wedding ring, however it has become more noticeably snug.  I probably should stop wearing rings all together.  The past couple of days I've had a pinched nerve in my lower back, it gets me when I turn funny or bend over too fast.  I'm also waking up every 2 hours at night to pee....how annoying.  Guess that's my body's way to prepare me for nursing and checking on the baby at night.
Cravings -  Ice cream and Haribo gummy bears. 
Exercise -  Evening walks with the doggies and hubby.
What I'm Looking Forward To - Being done with this pregnancy and moving onto the next stage - meeting my baby! 
What I'm Not Looking Forward To -  Labor and if my water breaks at work or in bed or anywhere for that matter.  I'm sleeping on a towel at night because I'm worried that my water will break while in bed and ruin the mattress. 
Odds and Ends - I'm still 2 cm dilated.  My Dr told me on Thursday that 'it could be any day now.  Based on that and the fact that I only have 2 weeks left, I will start working from home more often.  Heck I just had a co-worker tell me to just stay at home the last 1.5 weeks, that it's not worth the risk of something happening while I'm driving to work.  I keep hitting things with my belly because I'm not allowing myself enough room.  :/  Apparently from week 38 and on my belly size should remain pretty constant.  Whew!  I really hope I don't stretch anymore...I can't imagine getting any bigger!  I also wonder what color my baby's eyes will be...I'm very curious if he'll get/keep my blue eyes or have my hubby's chocolate brown eyes.

Hurry up baby!  All your organs are ready for life outside the womb, don't force me to evict you.  ;)  We're ready to meet you!


38 weeks - 4/1/2011