Emmanuelle Anne - her birth story

Emmanuelle Anne - her birth story

I don't know why I was anxious. I don't know what I was worried about.

She came into this world at the perfect time, in the most perfect of circumstances, right on the dot - at week 39.

I have never gone beyond week 39. She apparently knew that and decided to come out right then.

I started feeling contractions at 11:30 pm the night before. I had been feeling contractions since week 34 - and thus was put on bed rest. This felt different though. But I did not want to jump to conclusions. I had a false alarm 2 weeks prior. I did NOT want to go to the hospital again only to be sent back home.

DH was already in bed.
"I'm having contractions," I said as I nudged him.
"Tell me when they become regular," he sleepily answered and went back to sleep.

Breathing through my contractions. Standing up. On all fours. Taking a shower. Nothing was stopping these contractions. Not that I really wanted them to stop. I was ready to give birth. I wanted to give birth. I was anxious to give birth!

At about 1 am, I woke DH and told him I thought it was time.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm not but let's go anyway. I do not want to wait till my water breaks."

So we started getting ready. He took the camera and laptop. I took my change of clothes. He knocked on my Mom's door to tell her that we were leaving to go to the hospital.

On the way there, there were contractions but nothing I could not breathe through. They were now coming around 3-4 minutes apart, for about 45 seconds each.

DH wheeled me into labor and delivery. The nurse checked me. I was a mere 4 cm! I have been 3 cm dilated for over a month now. I was so discouraged. I thought I was going to get sent home again! The nurse was more optimistic. 4 cm was enough to get me admitted so that's what she did. By then, 2 of the nurses there had recognized me and DH from our previous trips.

At around 5 am, I was 6 cm dilated. They asked if I wanted to walk around. Yes, I eagerly responded. DH and I walked around the hospital floors for about 20 minutes. Contractions were still coming steadily but no change in intensity or duration. I was beginning to think I was going to be in for a longer labor than I expected. They asked if I wanted to have my water broken to hopefully speed up labor. I said yes knowing from previous experience that once my water breaks, I go into active labor in a snap.

My water bag was broken at 7 am. For about 30 minutes, it felt like nothing was happening. And then it hit!

Active labor commenced. Contractions so painful that I wondered why the heck I refused pain meds. I was holding on to DH so tightly, looking, or maybe glaring into his eyes as I breathed through the pain. Through gritted teeth, I managed to yelp a "I want to push!!" In between contractions, I was checked and I was only 8 cm dilated. "Not yet time," they said. "Just keep breathing."

How do I stop myself from pushing?! Short, shallow puffs of breathing.

I told them, "I really want to push now!" This time in a louder, more commanding voice. And it was time!

I was asked to lay on my left side, raise my right leg and push. Whoa! New position for me so I was disoriented for a second or two.
"You want me to push?"
"You said you wanted to push, so push now," the midwife remarked with a smile.

Push...2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
Breathe.
Push...2,3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.
Breathe.
"You're doing well. You're almost there," said DH and the rest of the nurses. "One more."
Push...2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10... and a yell...
and she was out!

8:46 am. 8 lbs. 2 oz. 20 inches.

"It's a girl," DH whispered to me with a kiss.
I hear her cry. They lay her on my chest. And I started crying. Love in my heart overflowing, like it was about to burst. Tears in my eyes freely flowing as I held this little miracle close.
"Shh...baby. Welcome sweet one. I love you dear baby girl."

38 Weeks

38 Weeks

The waiting game continues. In the past, I've given birth anytime between 38 and 39 weeks so this baby is set to be born within the next week or so. The uncertainty is kinda unsettling. It is my 5th but labor is still unpredictable that I get really anxious just thinking about it. The best thing for me to do right now is go about my daily life and just be ready once labor sets in.
We've been told it's a girl but we're still holding out hope for a boy. I'm keeping the site for the discount cigars sale on my favorites tab, just in case DH will need to hand out cigars for the birth of his second son. Haha.
It's amazing how you can love someone you have not met yet, isn't it? I don't know how this baby looks like or who this baby is, yet, the bond and connection is palpable. I love this baby. And I am eager to get to know him/her!

Interesting Anniversary, part 2

Interesting Anniversary, part 2

So I got to the hospital safely. The nurses were very attentive to my needs. The doctor checked and said that I was about 3 cm dilated. At first, she said that they were going to give me medication to stop the contractions. After a while, she came back and realized that I was already 34 weeks. At this stage, they do not do anything to stop the contractions nor do they do anything to speed it up. In other words, it was going to be a waiting game. At around that time, my contractions had gotten closer together at around 2 minutes. The doctor said that there could be a possibility that I was going into labor, given that this was my 5th child and that I had a history of precipitous delivery.

I started to worry right then.

The neonatologist then came to see me to talk to me about what could happen if I deliver right then. The baby would no doubt have to go to NICU. How long the baby stays there will depend on how strong the baby is. He has seen babies discharged after only a few days. Then there were also babies that needed several weeks at the NICU. I did NOT want my baby to go to the NICU. The doctor said that I would have to pump my milk and then will have that fed to the baby. I wanted my baby with me. I wanted those first moments with my baby, breastfeeding and bonding. I cherished those times with my other children. I did not want to not have that chance with this baby.

As soon as the doctor left the room, I turned to DH and started to cry. Heck, I'm tearing up right now. I want the best for my babies. I want what's ideal for them. I breastfeed them for as long as I can to give them the best possible start in life. I home-cook their meals to lessen their exposure to preservatives and other chemicals. I've started to use more green cleaning supplies to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals and vapors. I homeschool them so I can give them the best atmosphere as they are growing up, conducive for their minds and heart. Most importantly, I pray for them, knowing that I do not hold their lives in my hand. Only God knows what is best for each of them.

So, that's what DH and I did at that moment. We prayed together. We prayed hard to protect this baby. We prayed hard that my body will cooperate. We called and texted friends to pray with us. I got my rosary and asked for our Mother's intercession as I lay on my hospital bed throughout the night.

And God answered our prayers. My contractions began to be less intense. Then they started to come more sparingly. I was even able to doze off for a few minutes here and there.

By 10 am the next morning, my contractions had become so irregular, coming between 30-45 minutes apart. The doctor felt that the danger of going into labor had passed and discharged me, ordering me on bed rest. Did I have anyone who could help me with our other kids, she asked. I smiled and immediately told her that my parents were coming in that very day. Coincidence? I say God's providence.

Throughout this experience, one phrase echoed in my mind and heart, an assurance of God's loving presence...

"My grace is sufficient for you..."

Indeed, His grace is sufficient.

The waiting and praying is not over yet. I am praying that we will last at least 2 more weeks before I deliver. Better yet if I go full-term.

"My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

This is the weakest and most helpless I have felt in a long time. I am confined to my bed, only getting up to go to the bathroom and to shower. I cannot even sit up for long periods of time because then I start to feel the contractions coming again. I feel so useless. I feel sorry for my husband who has to work hard outside the home and then take care of the kids when he gets home. While he's out of the house, I know he worries about me because he checks on me several times by phoning me. I feel bad for my parents who have to deal with my kids and their own jet lag. And they're older too so I know this must not be easy for them. I feel bad for my kids that they are suddenly confined to staying inside the house.

Yet, the Lord reassures me...

"My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness"

Yes, Lord, Your grace is all I need. I have been made weak. May my weakness glorify You. Use my helplessness to manifest Your awesomeness.

Your grace is sufficient.

Insomnia

Insomnia

Yes, I'm suffering from insomnia lately. My sleep pattern has been something like this: fall asleep at around 12 am, wake up at around 2 am and cannot go back to sleep until 4 am. By around 7 am, my alarm goes off. Of course I hit snooze and do not actually get up til 8ish. Thank goodness for homeschooling! I do not have to get up and rush the kids to school. The kids have adapted to my late morning and sleep in too. Or even if they do not sleep in, I catch them reading or playing in their rooms while waiting for me to get up. Sometimes, they get too hungry and cannot wait for me so they make themselves some breakfast. I've put the bowls and cereals on the bottom shelf so they are able to feed themselves.

I'm not really sure if the bad sleeping habits have an effect on the baby. I hope not. I've been having some contractions lately, mostly Braxton-Hicks I would guess. However, I continue to pray that I reach at least the first week of March before I deliver.

Other than the insomnia, everything has been pretty normal. My blood sugar is well under control. Thank you Lord. I've been taking my prenatal vitamins similar to trimedisyn here. I was a little worried for a while that I'd be asked to take some iron supplements because my iron levels were a little below the normal range. I had to take thos before and hated them because they left me constipated! It was horrible!

So, about 6 weeks to go for this little baby within. We still have not decided on a name. The crib and stuff have not been assembled. I guess I'm not nesting yet? LOL! Or maybe just too tired to be nesting! Haha. Whatever! As long as this baby comes without complications and is delivered normally and healthily, I am happy.

Third Trimester!

Third Trimester!

Yup! I'm on my third trimester of pregnancy and I am feeling it unfortunately!

I have a difficult time sleeping now. Poor sleep coupled with full days are getting to me. I am tired most days. DH is still working non-stop so it's pretty much just me and the kids most of the time. When he comes home from work, he is super tired too that he just plops himself on the couch and falls asleep there.

My tummy is getting bigger and heavier, of course. I've gained about 12 lbs now which isn't bad at all because I was overweight already to begin with! LOL! The controlled weight gain has a lot to do with my gestational diabetes. I've been monitoring what I eat for fear that my blood sugar gets out of control and I will need to shoot myself with insulin. Because I've been controlling my food intake, particularly sweets and carbs, I think I'm actually healthier now than when I wasn't pregnant. I'm hoping that I can maintain this even after I've given birth so I won't have to resort to diet pills like apidexin to lose excess pounds.

The baby is moving a lot. Of course, as with most pregnancies, s/he moves when I am in bed and trying to get some sleep. I'm pretty sure that when this baby comes out, s/he will probably be immune to the noise and sounds of a big family. I know that at this stage, the baby can hear so it's heartwarming to think that she s/he comes out, all our voices will be familiar to him/her.

I'm excited and nervous at the same time with my impending due date. I know this is my fifth but the feelings do not change. I may be a little more confident, at least knowing what to expect already, but I also know that each delivery is different. Each delivery carries a risk. Yes, I am anxious but I try not to dwell on it. I remind myself each day that God has given me this and He will see me through it. It calms my heart when I think that God is in control. Whatever happens, I am at peace, knowing that my Father has me at the palm of His Hand.

Recognizing God's Hand in My Condition

Recognizing God's Hand in My Condition

I've commented that God must have a sense of humor and He must've had such a laugh as He watched us donate our baby stuff over the spring.

Our youth ministry had a spring yard sale and asked for donations. DH and I figured that it was time to donate our baby paraphernalia. We had not used them in 4 years and they were just taking up space in our garage and storage areas and were collecting dust! We thought it would be best to donate them to raise funds for our community's youth ministry.

Well, just a couple of months after we had rid ourselves of these things, in July, we found out I was pregnant! I had to laugh! God must've been laughing too! Who were we to think that God was done with our family?!

Anyway, God has also used this time to just show his divine providence for our family. He has used this time to allow us to experience His love for us through the people that surround us. We have not bought anything yet for this baby and yet we already have a swing and a baby bouncer in our storage room. A friend has also set aside a stroller and car seat combo for us. This is a huge thing because strollers cost a lot these days. Even simple car seat/stroller sets fetch quite a price. Moreso if you look at the more premium strollers like the bob revolution.

Truly, I am humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity and love of people around me. The best thing is that these people are not even close friends who I would normally expect to shower me with love. So, I know that this must be God's hand at work! He is blessing me through these people. He is assuring me that this baby is truly a part of his plan for our family.

With great humility in my heart, I thank God and praise Him for His love for me.

Pregnancy Update

Pregnancy Update

I'm 23 weeks now. One more week and I am officially on my third trimester. No wonder I feel like a huge whale now! I have not had a full night's sleep for a while simply because there is not a sleeping position that feels comfortable. Add the countless trips to the toilet. Do you suppose this is nature's way of acclimating the pregnant mom to the sleepless nights that are to come once the baby arrives?

Not everything is bad news. There was a bright sparked that has lit my last 2 weeks. I was given a reprieve from my daily glucose testing! Yahoo! My fingers thank you, my medical practitioners. I still need to test my blood sugar four times a day. Instead of doing this daily, I just do it 3x a week.

I had my doctor's appointment this morning. I've actually been coming to see him every 2 weeks because they want to closely monitor gestational diabetes patients. It's become such routine that it's almost a hi-bye thing. I get checked in by the nurse. She takes my vitals. I go into the room. He comes in and checks my chart, asks if I have any concerns or problems, measures my belly, listens to the heartbeat and declares that everything looks good. Good thing that he is such a good doctor that I really do not feel rushed at all. It's just that there really aren't too many changes that happen in 2 weeks. I guess having nothing to discuss is better than having to discuss complications.

Anyway, one thing I noticed today was the footwear of the nurses. It seemed like they were all wearing mbt shoes. I first saw these as Reebok shapeups (?). They're supposed to be help you with your posture and helps tone your muscles because they're not flat like regular shoes. You kinda have to keep your balance. A few years back, many of the nurses I came in contact with were wearing crocs because they were just the most comfortable things ever when you're on your feet a lot. Accdg. to the nurse I spoke with, wearing the shapeups has gotten rid of her back pain because she has better posture now. Interesting, right?

I wonder if that will help me get back in shape after I give birth.

Just Say No

Just Say No

In a lot of gatherings and get-togethers here, it is quite normal to come home with doggy bags. It almost seems a "sin" not to bring home any of the left-overs! Since we are a bigger household than normal, we usually are asked to bring him the most food. Normally, this is a good thing. Sometimes, the food we bring home is enough for lunch or dinner that we don't have to cook. That is always a welcome respite.

However, due to my gestational diabetes, I've asked that we don't bring home any more dessert. Just say no. "No one else will bring it home," they say. Well, that is not our problem quite frankly. Declining to bring home these sweets is not just a matter of aesthetics. It's not just because we need to be on a diet or that it's causing me acne that body acne treatments are in order. It is a matter of health. I cannot be around sweets as it will be devastating for my health and the health of my baby. Yes, I do not have to eat it but isn't it rather inconsiderate to give me something and tell me that I cannot have it because it is only for the kids? Lead me not into temptation, I ask.

So, from now till March, if we are invited to your party, please do not be offended that I decline bringing home any of the desserts you offer. I am not being rude. I am just being conscientious. I am simply saying no.

19 Weeks ...

19 Weeks ...

Can you believe that I am 19 weeks pregnant already?! I am halfway there. It's crazy how fast time flies, doesn't it?

Here's an excerpt on what is happening to my body and baby right now.

"During weeks 16 to 20, your umbilical cord grows and gets thicker. This is the cord that carries blood and food from you to your baby. Your baby is now able to pass urine, and your baby's first stool (meconium) is starting to collect in its intestines. Hair is also beginning to grow on your baby's head.

Sometime between 18 and 22 weeks, you will start to feel your baby move. At first, these small fetal movements feel like fluttering or “butterflies.” Some women say that they feel like gas bubbles. As the baby grows, these movements will become stronger.

Around your 18th week, your baby will be about 8 inches long and weigh about 8 ounces. You will start to "show," so that you look pregnant to people around you. You may also notice some changes in your skin, such as itchy spots on your palms or acne on your face."

I sure hope this does not mean that I will need to get some acne cream soon. :( I'm definitely looking more pregnant now. I will have to do some shopping since my clothes are getting a little too tight now. I don't have any more of my old maternity clothes because I gave them away already. Haha.

My Cross to Bear

My Cross to Bear

Sigh. Unfortunately, as with my previous pregnancies, I have developed gestational diabetes. This, in itself, was not a surprise at all. However, unlike the previous times I've developed it, this time, my doctor wants me to monitor my blood sugar at home. This means that I have to check my blood sugar four times a day everyday until I deliver. This amounts to about 700 finger pricks!!! UGH! Lord have mercy on me. Sigh...
In previous pregnancies, I also had to keep an eye on my diet and exercise regularly. During those times however, I would simply have my blood sugar tested every time I went for my check-ups. It was a pain but no match for the discomfort I am enduring now with the home monitoring of blood sugar. I am crossing my fingers that my gestational diabetes will be under control with just diet and exercise. I really do not want to have to inject insulin!!!
I have told friends that I do not really enjoy my pregnancies because instead of being able to eat all I want as much as I want when I want, I have to adhere to a strict diet. I suppose it's my way to quick weight loss. Believe it or not, I am actually a little lighter now than I was before I got pregnant. Weird right?
So, won't you please keep me and the baby in your prayers. Please pray that we do not encounter any more complications during this pregnancy. Thanks!

Not for the faint of heart

Not for the faint of heart

Hello! Hello!
We're home now... sleep-deprived(as expected) but we're fine otherwise. This one-hand typing takes time getting used to but I couldn't wait to start getting back online anymore.

First off, thanks for all your congratulations and warm wishes. Thanks to all you bebots. Can't wait to get back to the forums - maybe within the next week or so. Can't wait to get back into scrapping too. But there are just too many things that need more immediate attention now of course so everything that I'd really like to do will have to wait.

Here I am with Angela. This was taken after I had stopped crying and had started to calm down. Maybe I should start from the beginning... but I warn you, read on only if you want to be taken for a thrilling and suspenseful ride! LOL.

If you read back in my previous posts, you'd know that I had been 3 cm dilated for about a week. I did not get to blog about my false alarm. But yes, I had gone to the hospital the day after I was first told that I was 3 cm dilated already. the contractions by then were about 10 minutes apart. When we got to the hospital and hooked up to the monitor, they came at 5 minute intervals. But when the Dr. checked how far along I was, there was no change from the day before. He gave me the option of staying in the hospital, try to walk it out then get rechecked after 2 hours or go back home and come back when the contractions get stronger, etc. We opted to go home. When we got home, everything stopped. No contractions! The next few days, I was having them now and then but nothing regular or strong enough to merit going back to the hospital. On Wednesday, I had another Dr. appt. My Dr. checked if I had progressed... and sure enough - NOTHING!!! No change! Argghh...My Dr. suggested that I start walking around more. He said that the baby's head wasn't wedged yet and the baby was still bobbing up and down. He thought that maybe that was why the cervix wasn't opening up because there was no pressure from the baby.
So, a-walking we went. DH and I walked around the block that evening. Then in the morning, the whole gang - me, DH, my 2 girls and my mom - walked to the park and let the girls loose in the playground. We walked back home in time for lunch. I took a nap. I woke up at about 1:30 pm feeling some contractions and heaviness. The contractions were clearly stronger than before. I timed them and they were starting to come at 10 minute intervals. I woke up DH and he picked up DS from school early so we would not have to worry should we need to go to the hospital already. When they got back home, the contractions were getting stronger. I took a shower. The contractions continued. So at about 3 pm, we drove to the hospital. And we could not have picked a worse time to go - RUSH HOUR traffic at the 10 freeway! Then my water broke! And I started to feel pressure! OMG! It was painful! No, it was excruciating. Then add a whole dose of anxiety and you'd have a clue as to what I was going thru right then. I was trying to breathe thru the pain and not push. It worked for a while but the pain was getting too intense that I kept telling DH to pull over already because I knew the baby was coming out anytime soon. He did not want to pull over. He started driving like a maniac on the shoulder just so we could get through. He was honking his horn, flashing his lights - anything and everything to get us to the hospital. It seemed forever particularly since I could see the exits we were passing and kept thinking, "Oh my God, we're not even close! We just passed Azusa!" DH had called the ER and asked them to make sure a wheelchair was out because he was bringing me in - one of the advantages of working in the ER! LOL! So we got to the hospital. There was no time to park the car. He just stopped right in front of the ambulance area, got the wheelchair, I sat on it and run DH did! He said that for a second he thought of taking me to the ER but decided to run me to labor & delivery. So he was running while I was screaming. Why? Because I could feel the freakin' head coming out!!! When we came out of the elevator, I could feel the baby crowning already. We rounded the corner over to the nurse's station. They had a room right in front. I was barely in the room, still on the wheelchair. They pulled down my pants and everything came gushing out. I tell you, I do not even remember pushing this baby out!!! Yes, I gave birth in the wheelchair!!! Someone was right there to catch the baby, thank goodness! But it was a sea of fluids and blood in the room. I really don't recall anything much of those first few moments because I was just crying and shaking. I was still sitting on the wheelchair, they put the baby on my chest to show me she was okay. I heard her crying. Everyone kept reassuring me the baby was fine and healthy and that we were all doing well. But all I could do was cry and cry and cry. DH cut the baby's cord. The nurses started wiping and cleaning me up. And they led me to the bed which was like a step or two from the wheelchair. They then started me on the IV, I pushed the placenta out, watched my baby getting cleaned and listened to her cry. They had to stitch me up down there because I had some tears but the worst was over! And boy was I glad and thankful to God that everything turned out well. This here is my little angel who could not wait to enter this world. And she wanted to come out in a dramatic way no less! LOL.
I've had fairly quick labors before but this one takes the cake. It took less than 3 hours from start to finish. Contractions started becoming regular at 2 pm. We left for the hospital at 3 pm. By 3:40 pm, she was out! How's that for a speedy delivery?!
DH brought the other kids over later that evening and this was our traditional family photo with the new baby picture.

*This post was written over 2 days, in between nursing and diaper changes, napping and snacking. I still have a lot to write but those will have to wait as I have to get back to mommy duties. I hope to write back soon - because I really do not want to forget these thoughts and feelings I have. I know that later on, I'd be glad that I took time to write them.

Presenting...

Presenting...

ANGELA
born: 1/18/2007, 3:40 pm
8 lbs, 19.1 inches

*pictures (and dramatic birth story) to follow. We're still in the hospital. Just sneaking in here to share with you the good news! I'm using the hospital computer. I hope I don't get caught! LOL!

He's out!

He's out!

Jack Bauer, that is! Not the baby! LOL!

DH had actually text messaged that to a good friend of ours who is also a fan of the show, "24", last night during the show's season premiere. And boy was she livid after! LOL! DH had sent the message separately. His first msg read "He's out!". Immediately after, we received a call from her. Well, we did not answer the call so she left a msg. And while leaving her "excited and happy for you" msg, she receives the 2nd text msg that says "Jack Bauer, not the baby" and we got her reaction recorded! LOL! It was hilarious! She so happened to be with another friend of ours and my SIL so we could hear them at the background too. So, friends, if you are reading this post, LOVE YOU! You've just experienced the prankster side of your dear Kuya! Hehehe...

Anyway, back to baby news...

Yup, no baby in sight yet! Argh!!! It's actually getting kinda frustrating already. On Saturday night, we had a false alarm. We had actually gone to the hospital already because my contractions were 10 minutes apart and on the way and while at the hospital, they were 5 minutes apart. But alas, when I was checked, there was no change from the previous day - still at 3 cm!!! The doctor gave me the option to stay at the hospital or go home and come back when I feel the baby's coming already. We decided to go home. I didn't want to stay in the hospital with nothing to do. Well, what do you know? The contractions stopped! Silly baby! There were contractions here and there but nothing regular. Yesterday was spent walking. DH and I went to Fry's to get a new graphics card for the desktop. Then off to Michael's to buy some Wilton candy melts that I will use for DS' bday treats that he's handing out to his classmates tomorrow. Then we were off to Ralph's and Stater Bros for some grocery shopping. When we got home, we got the kids dressed and headed to the mall. Got some shoes for DS and DD1. My mom got some books for DS as his bday present. Then we just walked and walked around the mall. It was the outlet mall we went to so it was huge and I got a lot of walking done. I'd have to stop now and then when the contractions were too strong to walk through. But still, nothing regular. We had dinner out and when we got home, I passed my mucus plug so that's a good sign. I couldn't sleep and was up till about 3 am, I think. When I fell asleep, there weren't any contractions that woke me up, unlike previous nights.

Sigh... I had suspected that I had long first stages of labor with my previous pregnancies but I did not realize that they spanned several days!!! Once I'm on active labor, it takes me 2 hours tops to push the baby out. It goes by pretty quickly but this initial stage of labor seems to be taking forever!!!

I think my Dr. jinxed me when he predicted I was going to give birth during the weekend after my pelvic exam on Friday! LOL! Sisihin ba daw ang doctor?

My friend's theory: the baby must be a girl because it's taking forever to make its grand appearance - still getting itself prettied up! LOL!

My own story: It's just too darn cold. Why leave the confines of a comfy and warm womb to face the extreme cold snap plaguing California?!

LOL!

Okay, that's all the baby watch news for now. Hope to have real news for you soon!

Baby shower

Baby shower

Some friends from the community threw me a baby shower last night. It was really sweet of them. Wasn't really expecting one since this is baby #4, and everyone's been really busy and all. But on Tuesday, they called and asked if we were available on Friday for a baby shower. I checked with DH and he didn't have to work so the date was set. I was especially touched that people actually came despite the short notice! My SIL was the only single woman there. It may have thrown her off a bit but she's such a trooper so I know she was ok with it. She took care of the games, and the games were fun! Thanks girlie! Oh, and the hubbies were there too. Since everyone else was married with kids, the shower got to be a small party. The hubbies joined us in the games and the kids played on their own. In all, I think everyone had a great time. Here are some photos!
This was the first game - pass the pacifier down the line using only the chopstick in the mouth. It was fun! We had to hold our giggles and laughs though to keep those chopsticks in our mouths.





The sweet girls who threw me the shower.



Me and some of my "loot"! My baby gets new stuff and not just hand-me-downs! Whoopee!


A nice snapshot of SIL and I.


Yes, this was taken last night, not on Christmas! We were getting ready to go home already. We've gotten into the habit of getting the kids in their jammies before heading for home. It makes for a much easier time when we get home. The kids usually fall asleep in the car. And since they're all in jammies with teeth brushed already, we just carry them to bed and everything is well.

No insulin for me!!!

No insulin for me!!!

Last week, during my regular Dr.'s appt, my fasting blood sugar was over what the Dr. wanted. They want to keep it below 100, mine was 106. The previous time it was 103. So, he tells me to come back today to have my blood sugar checked again. If it was still above 100, I'd have to get insulin at night! Yikes right?
At first, I kind of stressed about it. But then I figured that I am ALMOST at the end of the pregnancy. I figure I have about 2-3 weeks left, so it really would not be so bad. DH, who is an RN, can administer it to me should I need it.
Yesterday, DH was ribbing me about it. I just rolled my eyes and said that it's out of my hands. I do what I can with my diet and stuff but it's really hard to stick to it, given that it was the holidays. But harder because taking care of the 3 kids really take a toll, y'know? More often than not, it's just easier to eat what's easy to cook or go grab something to eat at a fastfood because I'm just too tired to do anything else. And don't get me started on the exercising. Where, oh where will I fit that in? By the time DH is home, it's dark out and too cold to go walking. And I really don't feel like going to the gym just to get some walking in the treadmill or something. I'd rather just lay down. So I do what I can... I walk up and down the stairs, hoping that it would count for some exercise even if it isn't consistent.
Anyhoo, I've gotten a little long-winded here... went to the Dr.'s this morning... and my blood sugar was 97!!!! Woohoo! So no insulin for me. Whew! Thank you GOD!