My Life, As Told Between (Baby Cakes') Naps

As most of you know, Baby Cakes, aka Little Man or Baby J, was born exactly on his due date – Saturday, December 4th! Despite being exactly on time, he still caught T and I by surprise.

During the week leading up to BC’s birth, T and I watched a video on childbirth preparation (having opted out of taking a class) and I lamented the fact that I was showing very few of the pre-labor signs. I was convinced Baby Cakes was going to be days if not weeks late. (Doctors will generally let you go up to two weeks late before they insist on intervention.) However, the evening before BC’s due date, I was excited to find myself showing more pre-labor signs, which generally indicate that actual labor is hours (or sometimes days) away.

Sure enough, my contractions started at 11 pm that night and were about 20 minutes to 30 minutes apart for 2 hours. I was convinced they were false contractions though and went to the other room to allow T to sleep (he was fighting a bad cold). Then they started coming more frequently and hurting more. Still convinced they were false and/or that I wasn’t far enough in the labor process to merit a trip to the hospital, I labored at home until 4am. Then I decided it was worth it to wake T up and go to the hospital even though I was pretty sure we’d be sent home.

T reacted very calmly…I think because he had bought into my deluded conviction this was a false alarm. I was so sure that when we got to the hospital I made T look for a metered spot rather than
valet the car! Turns out I was 3 (out of 10) cm dilated and almost fully effaced (i.e., definately in labor) and would be having my baby that day!

Since it was my understanding that it was better to labor as much as possible before getting an epidural (which can halt labor and require additional drugs to restart it although the drugs sometimes cancel each other out), I labored for several more hours without any drugs (unfortunately by the time I wanted the epidural the anesthesiologist was busy).  The contractions got longer and stronger, but over all not as bad as I had feared. I didn’t get the epidural until 10:30am, at which point I was 4 cm dilated. I had labored for almost 12 hours naturally. The epidural totally made me numb but it also slowed down my contractions so the nurses had to use pertosin to jump start the contractions again. I “labored” with the drugs (ie, napped) until 4 pm. However when the doctor next checked, I hadn’t made any progress.  It appeared the baby was too big to deliver without a C section. So some 17 hours of laboring was for nothing and we headed into surgery.

I was wheeled to the OR around 6pm and Little Man made his appearance at 6:39pm, although it took an additional 45 minutes to sew me back up. T was there the entire time and was amazing. As it turned out, thank good for the C section!  BC had an undetected knot in his umbilical cord.  Had he been born naturally, the doctors said there was a high likelihood he would have been stillborn because the birthing process would have tightened the knot and cut off his air supply.  So Little Man is our our personal miracle and we’re thankful every day for him..even when he’s wide awake and crying for no reason at 3am.  🙂

I started to panic last week when I realized I was due very, very soon and neither T nor I really knew what to expect during labor. For some reason, despite my propensity to over-plan, I haven’t given it much thought. I’d decided early on I didn’t want to take a birthing class…they just seemed so long, boring and expensive!  “How difficult could it be?”  I thought.  The doctors and nurses basically tell you want to do, right?

Well, the more I read about it the more I realized there’s a lot to consider, so I bought a birthing preparation DVD which T and I are slowly working through.  It’s scaring us a bit, but probably better to be scared and prepared than oblivious.

Anyways, 5 days left until my due date, although I’m somewhat resigned to going over.  I don’t appear to be showing any of the pre-labor signs.  =(  Baby Cakes hasn’t even dropped yet.  I have another appointment this Wednesday but doubt they’ll be able to tell me much.  In a spurt of optimism, I bet T that Baby Cakes would make an appearance within 2 days of his due date (December 4th) but T thinks he’ll be a week late.  I was convinced Baby Cakes would be early, but am starting to doubt my convictions.  Logically, I know most first time moms run late, but I’ve heard about/read of so many people delivering their first babies early, I convinced myself that was the norm.  But my doctor brought me down to earth last week and I’m trying to stay realistic.

It’s probably for the best in any case.  I’m miserably nursing a horrible cold right now and am not in the best condition to be giving birth to and taking care of a newborn.  Can’t breathe, can’t sleep, and throat is super sore.  Laying down aggravates the congestion and sore throat while standing/sitting worsens the swelling and water retention (fingers and toes feel puffy and painful).  It’s a no win situation.

This is totally random, but I came across this super cute transformation of an old television entertainment unit into a play kitchen and just had to share.  How much would we have loved this as kids?

Baby Cakes is due in exactly one month today!  Some last minute things we still need to do, like finish packing my hospital bag and picking up some diapers, but otherwise I think we’re as ready as we’re going to be.  Will try to post some pictures of the nursery this weekend!

I have a little under three weeks of work left and my very nice co-workers are throwing me a shower next week.  Our friends and family have been so generous we had a hard time thinking of extra things to put on the registry for the work shower!

My back has been feeling a little better, although my hips and legs are hurting more.  Overall, I feel okay, although I hear the last month is the worse.  I am missing my old body (and hope to get a semblance of it back one day) and am super excited to meet Baby Cakes in a month though!

My feet are bloated.  They start out okay in the morning but look like puffy little balloons by the end of the day.  I had to take my wedding ring off because my fingers are a little bloated too, so I’m wearing a fake ring in the meanwhile.  I think my face is getting puffier, but it’s hard to tell since its kind of round to start with.  Not a happy camper.

A little over six weeks left until Baby Cakes’ due date!  In the meanwhile, he’s busy baking and kicking away.  As for me, sleep is getting a little bit harder – more bathroom breaks, leg cramps, and hip pain.  Fortunately, no insomnia yet (keeping fingers crossed).

The days are also getting more uncomfortable.  I am huge and getting bigger every day.  I feel a little bit like Godzilla lumbering down the street.  I swear, cars stop and stare.  Although the ultrasound a couple of weeks ago showed that Baby Cakes is average baby weight, I’m still measuring big.  The doctor at my last appointment (I see different doctors in the same practice) thought Baby Cakes was going to be an eight-pounder.  When I informed my little sister B of this, she reminded me that she was eight pounds.  Between her and the nine pound babies on my husband’s side, I’m a little worried…

Baby Cakes is 30 weeks and 5 days today and appears to be on track for his December 4th due date!  A little over nine weeks left to go!

I was measuring two weeks ahead at my last appointment so the doctor had scheduled an ultrasound during this check-up.  Generally, measuring big doesn’t necessarily signify anything (due date could have been wrong or baby is just sitting high), but there was a slim possibility it could signal something was wrong so I was a little nervous.  Fortunately, Baby Cakes is measuring right on target and everything appears to be okay (cross fingers, knock on wood).  We saw his little chest moving as he practiced “breathing” (a good sign the doctor pointed out) and his little heart pumping. 

Back is still hurting and I’ve developed a few other random aches and pains, but overall I’m feeling okay.  Baby Cakes has been super active lately and kicks throughout the day.  I keep reading posts about people having still births late in their pregnancy, so every kick is reassuring.  (I really need to stop reading these kinds of things, but as I told T, I feel like if I worry about it, it will be less likely to happen.)  I know Baby Cakes’ activity level will likely decrease as he runs out of room to maneuver in the womb, but in the meanwhile, I love feeling (and seeing) him move!  It’s my favorite part of being pregnant.

Said by a co-worker in passing:  You look beautiful today!

What I heard:  Wow, you are getting really roly poly.  Good job just getting out of bed and managing to brush your hair (mostly) this morning!

My suspicions were confirmed later in the day when two other co-workers seperately noted “You’re all belly!” and “You’re walking like a pregnant lady.”

T and I just got back from an amazing weekend in San Jose! We flew in early Saturday morning to attend a baby shower my sisters hosted for us at my friend J’s house.  We were both so touched by how much time, money and effort our friends and family have put into celebrating Baby Cakes’ arrival.  Even in the days leading up to the shower, we were inundated with gifts sent to us by dear friends and family members.  

My sister B cooked for 2 weeks straight (with Sister L serving the role of indentured servant), my Quad friend J opened up her house so we could have the shower there (she has the loveliest, warmest house which everyone always compliments her on so we were thrilled to use it), we had family drive 3 hours to be there and friends totally surprise us by driving 6 hours to come to the shower (we didn’t even send invites to LA or out of state friends as we figured there’s no way anyone would come, didn’t want people to feel obligated to send gifts, and felt bad making Sister B slave another 30 hours and spend another zillion dollars on additional invites).  We were overwhelmed by how generous everyone was and felt truly blessed.  Our only regret was not being able to spend more time with everyone individually!

These pictures don’t do the shower justice, but here are some of the wonderful treats my sisters made, which included: mini beef wellington, chicken pot pies, pizza rolls, pesto bread sticks, ceviche, chicken tarragon sandwiches, hummus, sloppy joes, spinach dip, bruschetta, spinach pies, almond cake, cheese cake bites, lychee panna cotta, caramel apple bites, green tea shortbread cookies, orange cranberry scones, lemon cookies, cream puffs, and little blueberry pies as favors.  Oh, and my mom made some delicious shrimp and carrot puffs that are always a hit.  I’m sure I’ve forgotten something but it was all delicious and beautifully presented!

That night, we met up with some of T’s friends and watched the UCLA game.  My friend C, who wasn’t able to make it to the shower, dropped by to visit, even though she was clearly exhausted (she’d been on a rock climbing trip all day).

The next day, after a gut-bustingly huge lunch (my parents grilled up an insane amount of food) with my family, we  flew home (on our two year wedding anniversary!) and basically crashed.  I’d already told T I hadn’t bought him anything and didn’t intend to make a big deal of the anniversary – we never made big deals of events like anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations growing up so I’m still one one to celebrate them much – but T got me a very thoughtful gift and the sweetest card.  I have a wonderful husband and I’ve loved every minute of marriage!

(On the way up to work this morning. Wearing a shirt that makes me look extra-big.)

Random woman on the elevator: How far along are you?

Me: I have three months left.

RW: Congratulations! Is it a boy or a girl?

Me: A boy. Our first! We’re really excited.

RW: We’re having a girl. (Pats tiny tummy.) It’ll be our first too!

Me: (Looking over at very petite Asian woman) Congrats! How far along are you?

RW: I think I’m about two weeks ahead of you.

Me: (Silence)

Me: But…but…you’re so little!!

RW: (Laughs) It’s just what I’m wearing.

Me: (On verge of breakdown) But, I’m HUGE! And you’re so LITTLE!!

RW: (Says something vaguely reassuring. Gets off elevator.)

Me: (Crying on the inside.)

Hi All (two of you who read my blog)!  Sorry to leave y’all with such a downer post.  You’ll be happy to know this week has been much better (knock on wood).

One of the things T and I have been focused on lately is getting a glider/ottoman for the nursery.  It’s been super difficult to find an inexpensive glider that fit both T and I – always a problem whenever we need furniture because of our height disparity.  Really nice gliders that are made to last can cost upwards of $1,000 or more (as we found out when we went to the LA Rocking Chair Store).  Even moderately nice, large gliders from a chain store (which appearantly often break down after a couple of years) can still run $500-700.  Smaller and/or cheaper gliders can cost anywhere from $100-400.

Ideally, we wanted to buy one of the nicer gliders used.  Towards that end, we’ve been stalking Craigslist.  T found the perfect glider/ottoman (pictured without the matching ottoman below) for $150 on Craigslist Saturday. 

We immediately called and were able to schedule an appointment to see it that same day, so we headed out to Malibu (wondering the entire time why anyone who could afford to live in Malibu would bother selling stuff on Craigslist…). 

We loved the glider!  It was comfortable for both of us, had thick cushions and an automatic locking system, was in good condition, was 1/4th its original price, and even fit our color scheme.  In short, it was PERFECT…except that it squeaked!  T’s not one to let something like that bother him, but we both thought there was a high probability it would drive me nuts.  So we hemmed and hawed, debated, flipped-flopped and considered a ton of other gliders in all price ranges.   

Finally, I decided (T basically left the decision up to me as he knew I’d be harder to please) that I would ask if the seller would accept $100 for the glider and ottoman – figuring at that price I could either tolerate the squeaking or we could buy another glider later if it really drove me nuts.  To my surprise, the seller quickly agreed (this is evidently the bonus of buying from someone who can afford to live in Malibu – she didn’t really seem to care how much she sold it for, she just wanted to get rid of it quickly) and T and a friend picked up the glider and ottoman the very next day!   It’s currently sitting in our nursery, where it barely squeaks at all (maybe because its on carpeting and not in the garage, as it was when we saw it).  I’m so thrilled with our purchase and am totally in love with Craigslist.  =)

The nursery itself is still a mess, but it’s shaping up.  Once I convince T to part with the guest bed and we get the crib, I can start decorating for Baby Cakes!

This has not been a good week for me.  I’m so glad it’s almost done!  I made a mistake at work (which was relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, but no one likes mistakes) and have been struggling with a project that is taking too long and going nowhere.  I messed up with my baby shower.  On top of that, I belatedly realized it’s planned for the weekend of our 2 year anniversary so we’ll be spending our anniversary traveling.  I got mad at T for something relatively minor, causing him to (very sweetly) cut his bowling game short and rush home because he knows I tend to stew over things and make them worse if left unattended.  I still feel guilty about it.  I had my doctor’s appointment and found out I’ve gained more weight than I thought, although that explains why I’ve been feeling so awkward and uncomfortable lately.  My back hurts, my knuckles have swollen so I had to take my wedding band off (although the engagment ring, which was always kind of big, still fits), and I can’t concentrate on anything these days. 

I feel better getting that off my chest.  Hopefully next week will be better!

Me:  I think I’ve reached the point where people are comfortable asking if I’m pregnant.  I’ve had three strangers ask when I’m due today.

T:  You’ve definitely got a baby bump.  I don’t think you can hide it even with your stealthy all-black clothing technique.

Me:  I don’t think I look that pregnant from the back though so I still have one safe angle!

T:  No, you can tell.  You’ve got a little waddle going now.  Maybe if you were standing still.

Woke up in the middle of the night with a horrible ache in my hips/thighs.  I think it’s sciatica, which is apparently common during pregnancy (although usually in the third trimester – and I’m still 3 weeks away from the third trimester!).  My hips ached a little once or twice in the last couple of weeks, but last night was the first time it was so bad I couldn’t sleep. Woke up at 3am and was still awake at 4am, when T woke up to get ready for work.   When I discovered sitting up helped, T propped me up in bed.  After half an hour or so, the pain faded enough for me to lie down again and go back to sleep.  Still a little sore this morning, but no where near as bad as it was last night.

It kind of sucked.  Although, on a brighter note, Baby Cakes was awake with me and kicking up a storm.  I’ve noted, during my multiple bathroom breaks in the middle of the night, that 3am is one of his favorite times to be up and moving.  I love feeling him kick – it makes the whole thing worthwhile.  =)

On a non-baby related note, had a great time this weekend!  T’s mom was in town, so we got to spend a lot of time with her and T’s brother.  I made Louisiana Pasta for dinner Friday, we went to the Outdoor Cinema Food Feast Saturday (where we joined a couple of my friend, watched the Princess Bride and ate too much junk food), and then went to a beach party on Sunday with T’s co-workers (where we again ate too much junk food).  T and I are detoxing this week.  I made shrimp and spinach last night and am making salmon and broccoli tonight.

Check out these cute invites my sister made for our baby shower next month. I think they’re going in the mail today – can’t wait to hear what people think of them! She’s so creative!

In addition to deep cleaning our carpet this weekend, we installed this super cute fan in the nursery.  It took forever – we are not handy people – and poor T’s shoulders were killing him but we got it done.  I love it and can’t wait to get the rest of the nursery set up!
We also saw Salt this weekend, but it wasn’t nearly as exciting as the fan.

T:  Hey, do we have any plans this weekend?

Me:  I was thinking I’d really like to go to Home Depo to rent a carpet cleaner.  And maybe we can check out some rocker/gliders for the nursery?

T:  The fun never ends around here, does it? =)

Felt the baby kick for the first time this morning!  I think I’ve been feeling Baby Cakes moving around for a few weeks now, but today I felt two solid kicks on my right side (a little weird since Baby Cakes primarily likes to hang out on the left side) that woke me up at 6am, an hour before my alarm went off.  I immediately woke T up so he could feel it too, but Baby Cakes quickly settled down.  Although I kept feeling some tiny bumps for another minute or so – I think he had hiccups – they weren’t strong enough for T to feel.  Nevertheless, I was so excited I couldn’t go back to sleep! 

Speaking of sleep, I’d been waking up with really bad back pain recently.  After a little research, I bought a Snoogle pillow last week.  The silliest looking thing ever, but it has worked wonders!  No more back pain (well, in the mornings anyways, it still comes on during the day at work) and no more waking up in a panic because I’m on my back (bad because the pressure could decrease blood flow to the baby) instead of my left side (the recommended side because of improving blood flow, etc.).

More than half-way done baking!  Today, T and I went in for our anatomy ultrasound, where they measured Baby Cakes and checked out his organs.  All seems to be well so far.  (*knock on wood*)  I’m at 21 weeks, 4 days and have gained about 14 pounds, which puts me on track to be at the upper end of the recommended 25-35 pound gain!  I was somewhat reassured when my very petite, very slim co-worker told me she had gained 50 pounds with her second child.  

Anyways, I could stare at Baby Cakes all day, but during the ultrasound, he covered his face with his hands a couple of times.  I think he was telling us he wanted some privacy.  I imagine he knows he’ll be the center of attention in about four months so he’s enjoying his privacy while he can.  =)

Oh, and in case you’re wondering why we call the baby Baby Cakes, it’s because we were originally calling the baby by whatever size fruit the baby was being compared to on any given week on The Bump.  At one point, the baby was apparently the size of an onion and neither of us found the name Baby Onion appealing.  T thought of that line in Shrek about both onions and cakes having layers and…well…Baby Cakes was born.  He’s been Baby Cakes ever since.  

(I’m always so hesitant to post anything about the baby because I’m paranoid and superstitious.  On the other hand, I also want to be able to look back on my blog and remember this time so I’m trying to overcome the superstition.  After all, left unchecked, my paranoia would have me wait until the baby is born before we start the nursery or buy anything…)

5: 30 pm email exchange at work.

Coworker A (to Coworker B and I):  I’m going to bring Baby A in at 6:30 today if you guys will be around and want to see her.

Me:  I would love to see her, but am STARVING and may have to head out at 6.  Otherwise, I may start gnawing at my desk.

Coworker B:  I’d love to see her too, but am heading out to a spinning class.  Will you and Baby A be around until 7?

Me:  Really Coworker B?  You had to follow up my email, wherein I threaten to eat my desk in hunger, with your email about going to spinning class?  I may have to hate you a little.  =)