Veda is one week old!

Last night was great! Still fighting a fever but we gave up on the bassinet - she was not having it - and moved the "Close and Secure Sleeper" into bed with us. Bingo! She slept from 12:30 to 7:30 with just one break at 3 am for feeding, burping, and changing that ended at 4. I woke refreshed with just 6 hours of sleep and then took another late morning nap. THANK YOU to Joe and Heather for making sure we had this necessity and to Betsi for making sure I had it on my registry. Let's hope night number two goes as well. It's tight in the bed but I'm willing to sleep with my rearend hanging off the side if it means I actually get to sleep.

I wasn't feeling so hot come dinner time but I did have an appetite for the first time in a week so Todd brought me dinner in bed. Macaroni and Cheese with Kielbasa and grilled peanut butter and jelly and a big glass of cold milk. Some of my childhood favorites. Wierd requests but Todd made it anyway and he made himself a hamburger - ha ha. At the Dr. yesterday I learned I've already dropped 17lbs of my 29 lbs of pregnancy weight. I'm pretty sure I just put at least 5 back on!

Here's a pic of her on her surf board for tummy time and a pic of her in her Auntie Janice Loves me onesie that she wore until she peed on it while I was chaning her around noon. For the record, she also pooped on me today. We've found that if we dilly dally during changes we are likely to get a second helping so we have to be on guard;)

Day 3 of No Sleep....

Big Day. Veda had her first Dr. Appt. It was really just a weigh in. She is at 7lbs 11oz which the Dr. was quite happy about. We were scolded for admitting to not having tummy time with her yet - I don't know when we'd have time for tummy time - we are just trying to fit in feeding, sleeping, and pooping time! Here's a pic of Todd in the waiting room at the Dr. office. Veda also got a bath today. We tried a little one yesterday and got peed on ; ) I had a Dr. Appt too. The Dr. wanted to see me because of my fevers. He sent in for some tests and we should hear back tomorrow - he thinks it might be related to the Tetnus shot they gave me right before I left the hospital on Friday. I just hope he figures it out and gives me some more meds because it's bad enough being up all night and tired - having the aching chills too makes it almost unbearable.

Last night our friends Geoff and Lori came with gifts and dinner... they brought Veda her first tummy time "surf board"; ) Geoff thought it was only appropriate given that she is a southern cal girl. Another excellent visit with friends and much appreciated. We were pampered and just sat on the couch while they served us!

Auntie Melissa (my cousin's wife) also stopped by today and gave me some much needed help with some equipment - I won't go into it here;) Melissa - we forgot to get your pic with Veda!!

Take note of the picture of Todd holding Veda with her legs up in the air. She's usually wrapped in a blanket so we haven't noticed that her legs still pop up when they aren't bound. A result of months in the womb with her feet above her head. The Dr. has asked us to continue to double layer her with diapers to keep her legs tight and pointed downward. It's hard enough getting one diaper on her...;)

Update Day 3 at Home

The last couple of days at home have been an adventure. Todd has been taking care of all of the cooking, cleaning, and diaper changing. I'm really quite amazed. We decided he's making up for the last 4 years of our relationship all at once! Really - I am very lucky to have such a helpful husband;)

We've made it through the nights but last night was a little rough because I was fighting a fever and the chills and couldn't get out of bed. Todd had to pull double duty. I called the Dr. thinking I might have an infection since my temp got up to 100.8. He said as long as I didn't have any major pain I was probably ok and by morning my fever had gone. Our friend Cory said it is probably hormonal hot flashes. Fun fun.

Our friends Steve and Jennifer brought over dinner last night. Bruschetta, salads, lasagna, dessert, wine, champagne, AND cigars for the boys. They went above and beyond and we can't thank them enough. Especially in the absence of family near by these visits from friends are really appreciated. Our neighbors also have stopped by to see bean and bring gifts - it's good to know we have help close by if we need it.

Home sweet home

Yesterday was a big day. Lots of visits from Drs. and nurses at the hospital before we were discharged. Insurance would have allowed us to stay until Sat but Mom was getting restless. When I settled down for sleep in my bed at home I was desperately missing the electric adjustments of the hospital bed, the built in light switch, and the TV that hangs from the ceiling and adjusts to any position (see photo of Todd;). Luckily Todd has been a good stand-in as nurse - running up and down the stairs to refill my water and grab this and that - so far no complaints;)

Veda is eating very well and making lots of diapers - we have become expert changers. Her umbilical cord is a little pussy so we are watching that closely and have already talked to the Dr. We hope to avoid a trip to urgent care if we can. Yesterday I bit off her finger nails while she was sleeping. We were told to avoid the clippers as the chances were pretty good that we would take the tops of her fingers with the nails. She didn't seem to mind my nawing on her hands;)) She is not a fan of the little mittins so it was necessary;) We've also discovered that she loves to look out the window. Her chaning table is next to the window and we've positioned her bassinet so that she can gaze outside as well - she seems mezmorized by the light - it's quite cute. We might try a bath later and some tummy time as long as the umbilical cord won't rub against anything.

Pictures are of our going home adventure and one of Uncle BJ's visit to the hospital.

Veda's Debut Movie...

Trademark Infringement....

So, I think I have a case here. I know Louis Vuitton has been using this for years, but I ran it by Kathy and we definitely think it's more appropriate for Veda. Maybe she will be like Prince and just go by a symbol instead?

Introducing....

"Bean" born at 2:46pm PST today. She weighed 8lbs. & 2oz. and was a little over 20" long. Kathy handled it like a champ despite the last minute curveball from the doctors. After 8 hrs of labor, our doctor determined that "the Bean" was breach which required a last minute C-section. Both Mom and "Bean" are doing well and are resting at the moment.

...and no, I am not trying to be cute by continuing to call her "Bean"....we are still negotiating a name and should have an update tomorrow. Can't share all the fun at once!

Tidal Wave....

Kathy's water broke at 2am last night, so we headed to the hospital to begin the fun. I was sure happy that I stayed up till 1am watching the US Men's Gymnastic team waste away their silver medal to eventually win bronze. This pretty much ensured that we were both as tired as possible. Should be a good taste of what the next couple months will be like.

Kathy's fine now...she tried to take the high road and go without an epidural for oh, about 30 min. worth of contractions. Now she's good and ready to take on the labor process. Since her water broke before she started having contractions, the dr. said it would probably be a while till she was ready, at least 6-8 hrs. More to come.....

Which is stronger?

Todd made a lemon chicken dish for dinner the other night. The recipe (compliments of Kel and Chris) called for the chicken to be pounded to thin patties. In absence of a meat tenderizer we opted for a can of lima beans. I returned to the kitchen later to notice that the can was smashed but that it was the garbanzo beans instead. When I asked Todd what happened he said that he smashed the lima beans and thought the garbanzo beans would be stronger. Makes sense - right????? We bought a meat tenderizer at target the next day.

Yummmm....

Yesterday we received an overnight package from Todd's parents... real Iowa sweet corn from his Aunt's farm. I'm so excited I'm going to go eat some right now;)

iPig

I can't really add much to Kathy's pregnancy comments, so I thought I would pass on my great discovery of the day....it's an iPig to dock your iPod. Sweet huh! You can control the volume by touching his ears?

With all the comotion going on, you might have forgotten it's my birthday soon? Hint, hint?

http://amethyst.net.cn/eng/product_show.asp?info_id=45

Sigh.....

Another Dr. Appt and another report that NOTHING is happening. "I'll see you next week," my Dr. says with a cheery grin. Ughhh.

12 days and counting

I'm growing quickly - have I dropped? Brooke and Kelly posing with the going home outfit... a onesie Grandma Laabs made at my baby shower that says "welcome to our world, love Grandma."

Weekend visitors

Todd's sister Kelly and our good friend Brooke were in town from Scottsdale this weekend. We had a great time and are already missing them! We love it when people come visit. Friday we ate at Neptunes in Malibu and then spent a relaxing evening with my cousin and friends at their campsite on the beach. BJ serenaded us all night long - for those of you that were at our wedding you know what a treat this was! Saturday our good friend Christina (due in Oct with twin boys) had a baby shower and in perfect Soria style... a baby shower after party at their pool- the pregnant ladies made sure everyone else was having fun by serving up the jaeger shots;) Brooke and Kelly helped me pack my hospital bag and pick out the baby's coming home outfit. Good times. Who's coming to see us next?!

Baby update

Just returned from the Dr. The best part about the appointment was that I lost a pound and a half. I don't know how that's possible considering how much I eat but apparently it's true. Unfortunately I found out that there is no progress in baby's entry into the world. She must be super comfy in there because he said she's still sitting up high and there is no indication that labor is in my near future. He's predicting that it will be sometime around my due date. So... sit and wait time - boo.

Earthshake!

We had an earthquake today as I'm sure you've heard by now if you've watched any of the news channels. I thought it was stong here in Camarillo and we are a good 75 miles from the epicenter. The phones are down but I was able to email Todd and his office is closer and he said they had cracks in their building and the floor rippled. I was standing at the time and thought I was having another pregnancy fainting spell - it didn't take me long to figure out what was going on and I ran to the dining room to hold up the buffet where all my glassware is. I suppose standard procedure is to run outside??? Scary stuff - not quite as bad as a tornado in Iowa though!

"Waterworld"

So, last night we went to see Kevin Costner and his band perform for free in downtown Ventura with BJ and Melissa. He apparently grew up in Ventura and decided to do a concert to promote his new movie "Swing Vote". His singing was about as entertaining as his movie "Waterworld", but had the crowd of an Obama rally in Berlin...guess they love their hometown guy? Of course Kathy disagrees with my review of his performance.....you can decide for yourself?
http://www.myspace.com/kevincostnerandmodernwest

Imelda Marcos...

I just want to report that my friend K (who shall remain nameless for her sake) told me that she read my post about the baby's shoe collection and thought they were cute but didn't know who the designer Imelda Marcos was so she didn't know if that was a big deal or not that I had Imelda Marcos shoes....???? Hummm. I'm betting there are a few of you out there who know who K is - don't you - ha ha.

Rub Down

I travelled to Eagle Rock to spend the evening with J&C since Todd was still overseas. We had dinner in Pasadena and then C arranged for pregnancy massages at their house... awesome! I was disappointed to learn that there are very few places the masseuse was willing to rub for fear she would send me into labor... I tried to explain to her that it would really be just fine now that I'm technically full-term... I think she spent a little more time on my feet than she would have as a compromise. The best part is that C stole her from Burke Williams (a super fancy chain of LA spas) and so getting her services at home cost us only half of what we would have paid! C you Rock!

LA

I don't watch the local news here and I've figured out why... tonight the lead story was Brittany and KFed's custody deal. It's so bizarre to turn on the radio to get the traffic report and hear that we should avoid the 101 S because of the X files premire. Oh wait... the news is still on and now they are talking about Brangelina.... and now... I am not kidding.... an update on the Bachelor London Calling - the announcement of the break-up between Shane and Matt. I have to believe that there are more important things going on in LA - like gang violence and the homeless - but shockingly they get little pub. I'd rather get my gossip from TMZ than the local news...

Todd's Abroad

Todd's in Switzerland all week for work. We were a little nervous about his trip - you never know if the baby could decide to come three weeks early! His flight went well - P&G employees get to fly business class when they travel internationally - pretty fancy - he got to sit in those seats that recline all the way like beds. I just spoke with him and he's bored in his hotel room. There are only a few English TV channels and they are all London news... he was watching cages being built for Rhinos somewhere in England? Everything is expensive over there... a hamburger costs $35 and if he wanted to order an in-room movie it would be $23 - and that's for a PG film;)))

I had a Dr. Appt yesterday. Nothing exciting to report. The Dr. ordered blood tests because I've been having headaches but he doesn't think it's anything serious. Unfortunately, there wasn't any discussion about the actual delivery. I start going once a week now so hopefully we'll make some progress next week. I'm headed to Eagle Rock this evening to hang with C&J - Can't wait for an evening out of the house!!!

Friends

Our good friends Jon & Christina, Steve & Jennifer, and Megan paid us a visit this weekend. My cousin's wife threw me a shower on Saturday so everyone came up for dinner on Friday night. J&C spent the night because they live all the way in Eagle Rock (which is near Pasedena) and Megan lives in San Diego. I forgot to take a photo at dinner but here are some other pics of the group from a recent night out in Hollywood. When told that we would be having a shower at the house my cousin's four year old son said... "but she could use our bath instead." Smart child.

Imelda Marcos?

6 lbs

Cranshaw melon = Crenshaw melon Notes: This large, popular melon is a cross between the Persian and Casaba melons. According to my babycenter.com weekly updates the baby now weighs in at 6 lbs - the weight of this specific melon. Four weeks to go.

Venti Skinny Decaf Please

Everyone always asks me what I've been craving during this pregnancy and the truth is - not much. I will admit however that I've put my thriftiness aside lately and have become a regular at Starbucks. I'm not a huge fan of milk so I figure my morning latte gets me my daily dose of much needed calicium - and yes mom - it's decaf. It also gets me out of the house first thing in the morning. I'm normally travelling at least every other week and now that I'm grounded at home I'm working hard to maintain my sanity. Any excuse to leave the house helps!

Class

Todd had research tonight in Santa Monica which means he won't be home until about 11 so I decided to enroll in one of the many prenatal classes available at the hospital. This one focused on caring for your baby once you bring it home. I learned I have a lot to learn. I guess we are suppose to be reading/talking to the baby by now. Todd will be excited when he gets home from his long day of work and I assign him to nighttime story telling;)) I also learned that the five dudes that were in the class can pamper and swaddle a baby much better than I! Maybe we should have gotten a dog instead.

Speaking of dogs. Todd's sister sent us this link http://www.arizonapugrescue.com/. There is a pug named Barkley that needs to be rescued but the only catch is that he likes to eat rocks so he needs a home with a rockfree yard. Funny.

Claustrophobic

Five weeks to go.... she's running out of room in there!

Sweet Moves...

As Kathy said, last night was our first "birthing class" at the hospital...I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but it was actually quite entertaining. Aside from the extremely graphic movies, I learned some really sweet moves. The picture above demonstrates one of the common positions for "pushing." I actually thought it was quite reminiscent of my college days dragging roomates home from the bar, assuming it wasn't me being drug. This was only one of the interesting positions, the other one was the "fireman's carry" that I learned back in Jr. High wrestling class...I knew those classes would come in handy one day.

The Fireman Hold

We had our first birthing class last evening. Todd was having way too much fun. Many of the breathing positions reminded him of highschool wrestling holds and he was quick to point them out. I think his favorite is the fireman hold - I'm glad I can't demonstrate that one for you and I hope Todd doesn't get the opportunity to try it out on me... he's just looking for an excuse. The hospital was very nice. Someone told me yesterday that they are going through renovations in the maternity wing and that when her friend delivered there two weeks ago she had to share a room. That is not going to be cool with me so we'll be inquiring about that during our hospital orientation on Sat morning!

When we got home from our class Todd surprised me with this fabulous "pregnancy present" to be used to help me time my contractions. He's a keeper!

Baby Furniture

I'm especially proud of our super bargains in the baby furniture department. I discovered Craigslist.com and out here in LA it is pretty popular. It's like a garage sale online. We bought our crib and mattress for $200 and the furniture for the baby's room for $55!!!! We spent another $45 on all the paint and materials to spiff things up and we also bought new handles for the dressers. Here are a few preview pics... we still have a few more things to do.

28 lbs

Had another Dr's appointment yesterday. I'm up to 28 lbs. Awesome. I feel it in my hips. I guess the only benefit of the weight is that everytime I walk I'm giving my legs a work out;) I'll have some big cows by the time all of this is over. Five weeks to go. We have our first birthing class tomorrow night and then we tour the hospital on Sat and pre-register. Probably a good thing that we get to the hospital this week as Todd has never been there and doesn't even know where it is. I Mapquested it once and drove by it just in case...;)

4th of July weekend in Iowa - against Dr's orders...

We travelled back to Iowa for the festivities. Of course my Doctor told me I wasn't allowed to travel after June 15th but I wasn't about to sit at home in California by myself. The flights weren't as horrible as some of my previous trips have been. The fatter I get the harder it gets to breath and I have to make many trips to the bathroom on the flight which isn't always convenient!

Todd's sister had her wedding reception in Clear Lake on the 5th so we spent the week at the lake with Todd's family and then partied with close to 200 of their friends! I didn't get to play in all the reindeer games (boating, testicle toss (he he), late night golf cart rides, golf and closing down the tiki bar) but I did get to shuck the corn;) We enjoyed Gary Laabs' annual shrimp boil and just the good life at the lake. Really can't wait to get back next year... my year!!! We also made an appearance in Iowa City with Ma and Pa Sayre... and an unexpected overnight in Minneapolis with little Cade Sherman when we missed our flight at LAX. What a treat!