Dear Jorie,
Yesterday you turned one week old. I know I've been remiss about writing letters to you here, but it's been an amazing week. Both me and your Father are completely, overwhelmingly in love with you. Your Father complains every day he has to go to work that he misses you while he's gone.
You are a wonder. You can already hold your head up for a bit, and are amazingly strong. Your Father calls you his wiggle worm. When you open your eyes, which you don't do very often yet, they are huge and blue. We'll see if you keep the blue. You have a head full of dark brown hair, and long lashes. You are so amazingly beautiful.
Right now you are lying in your bassinet, making soft noises and kicking your feet around. You seem perfectly content to just stare at the world around you.
I suppose I should write about your birth, before the details become even more fuzzy in my head. On Sunday the 10th, we went in to start the induction. They gave me the first pill to soften my cervix and hooked me up to the monitor. After four hours they found that I had progressed too far to give me another pill, and everyone started thinking that you would be born sometime early in the morning. I wasn't really feeling the contractions very strongly, and I think I started to get a little cocky about it. Around 3 or 4 am I was really tired, so I asked for some pain medication to help me sleep. It worked and I was out cold soon after they gave it to me.
Unfortunately, that stopped my labor in it's tracks, so when they woke me up around 7:30 Monday Morning, things weren't moving very fast. Even with a pitocin drip, my labor was moving very slowly, until around 3 in the afternoon, when they decided to break my water to get things moving.
Almost as soon as they broke my water, I started having strong contractions. Not too long afterwards, the contractions were so strong, so painful, that I asked for the epidural. Your Father was wonderful through all of this. Holding me, calming me down, letting me lean on him. The epidural was able to take my pain away, and allowed me to focus on the rest of the birth.
You got stuck turning the corner under my pelvis, and they were worried about your heart rate, after each contraction it would plummet and then sky rocket. So we opted to use a little bit of suction to help you round that corner. As soon as you got past that corner, you came very fast, maybe four or five pushes and you were out. I heard you cry once or twice, and then they put you on my chest. You looked up at me with those big wide eyes and kinda stole my heart. Your father cut your cord, and then they had to take you for measurements and tests. You were 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 inches long.
You were a little Jaundiced, so we had to make an appointment to see your Pediatrician the day after we got out of the Hospital. You gave us a good scare at that first appointment, as they told us you had lost 10% of your body weight. I have never been more afraid than I was then. Fortunately, you gained the weight back like a champ, and by your one week birthday, you were back up to birth weight.
I wish I hadn't gotten sick a few days ago. I feel as if I'm not fully appreciating this wonderful time with you, because I'm too busy blowing my nose.
I love you baby girl.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
38 Weeks
Dear Jorie,
This will be the last letter I write to you before I meet you face to face. Today, at my weekly OB appointment, I was scheduled for early induction. They are concerned that, because of the Gestational Diabetes, the placenta is starting to tire out and not do it's job very well. That would mean that you aren't getting all the nutrients you need, and waste is not getting cleared well enough. So this Sunday, June 10th, I will go into the hospital to start the induction procedure. Most likely you will be born on Monday June 11th.
I am terrified and excited. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. Your father and I have been frantically getting everything ready for when we bring you home. We even decided to board Mojo for a few days to give us some time to adjust to having you home.
Right now I can feel you kicking and adjusting. Last night we were at a small concert and again you were dancing to the music in there.
I'm sorry this letter is so short, I'm still in shock that you'll be here so soon.
I can't wait to meet you baby girl.
This will be the last letter I write to you before I meet you face to face. Today, at my weekly OB appointment, I was scheduled for early induction. They are concerned that, because of the Gestational Diabetes, the placenta is starting to tire out and not do it's job very well. That would mean that you aren't getting all the nutrients you need, and waste is not getting cleared well enough. So this Sunday, June 10th, I will go into the hospital to start the induction procedure. Most likely you will be born on Monday June 11th.
I am terrified and excited. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. Your father and I have been frantically getting everything ready for when we bring you home. We even decided to board Mojo for a few days to give us some time to adjust to having you home.
Right now I can feel you kicking and adjusting. Last night we were at a small concert and again you were dancing to the music in there.
I'm sorry this letter is so short, I'm still in shock that you'll be here so soon.
I can't wait to meet you baby girl.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
37 Weeks
Dear Jorie,
We had another ultrasound this week, just to check your growth and fluids and to make sure you were still happy in there. You are now 6 pounds 3 ounces. You are still a tad on the small size, but I'm ok with that.
Our apartment is full of stuff for you. Clothes and toys and furniture. So full, your Father and I decided we needed more room, so we bought a house. We won't be moving into the house until August most likely, so I've had to prioritize what we absolutely need, and keep everything else packed up. You will be living in our room for the first three months of your life anyways, sleeping in a bassinet where I can reach you easily for all those middle of the night feedings I know you'll need.
I finally put our "go bag" together, filled with all the essentials for when you decide to make your entrance. There are only a few small things I need to gather up from our apartment (like paperwork) and we'll be all ready.
I can't believe we're so close to having you in our arms. It still doesn't feel entirely real. I can't wait to meet you baby girl.
Three weeks, or less!
We had another ultrasound this week, just to check your growth and fluids and to make sure you were still happy in there. You are now 6 pounds 3 ounces. You are still a tad on the small size, but I'm ok with that.
Our apartment is full of stuff for you. Clothes and toys and furniture. So full, your Father and I decided we needed more room, so we bought a house. We won't be moving into the house until August most likely, so I've had to prioritize what we absolutely need, and keep everything else packed up. You will be living in our room for the first three months of your life anyways, sleeping in a bassinet where I can reach you easily for all those middle of the night feedings I know you'll need.
I finally put our "go bag" together, filled with all the essentials for when you decide to make your entrance. There are only a few small things I need to gather up from our apartment (like paperwork) and we'll be all ready.
I can't believe we're so close to having you in our arms. It still doesn't feel entirely real. I can't wait to meet you baby girl.
Three weeks, or less!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
35 Weeks
Dear Jorie,
This week has been a busy one, and it looks like it's going to stay busy. This past weekend, your Uncle Chris was in town visiting from Chicago. He's really excited to meet you soon. He's decided he's going to make you into a triathlete like him.
While he was here, we went to the Lilac Festival. It was very hard for me to walk around, and I had to take a lot of rest breaks. I can't wait until next year, when I can walk around and show you the lilacs, and maybe let you have some funnel cake.
You've been very active this week, and are now strong enough that when you push your feet out, I can feel them and pretend to tickle your feet. Your Dad still gets a huge kick out of getting to feel it when you move around.
The doctor says you'll be a bit on the small side, you're 5 lbs. 1 oz right now, and they're predicting a max weight of 7lbs 5 oz. by the time you're born. Not tiny, but not huge either. I can live with that! Especially after being told there was a chance they would have to induce me early if you started getting too big, due to the Gestation Diabetes. It'll be interesting to see how close they are on the weight prediction!
This Saturday is the baby shower my mother is throwing for us. I'm excited to see what cool gifts you get, although It's going to be uncomfortable being the center of attention again. I can't wait until you're born and you can take the spot light!
Starting next week, We're in the "final countdown" phase with my OB/GYN. I'm now going to be going in for a check up once a week. Which means there are only four weeks left until our Estimated Due Date. Which really means that there's anywhere from two to six weeks until you decide to show up.
This Saturday also marks the start of the 36th week of this pregnancy, which means that if you are born any time after this Saturday, you will not be considered a high risk birth! Even though I'd prefer you to wait until closer to being "full-term", I'd be ok with you coming any time after this Saturday.
I love you Baby Girl.
This week has been a busy one, and it looks like it's going to stay busy. This past weekend, your Uncle Chris was in town visiting from Chicago. He's really excited to meet you soon. He's decided he's going to make you into a triathlete like him.
While he was here, we went to the Lilac Festival. It was very hard for me to walk around, and I had to take a lot of rest breaks. I can't wait until next year, when I can walk around and show you the lilacs, and maybe let you have some funnel cake.
You've been very active this week, and are now strong enough that when you push your feet out, I can feel them and pretend to tickle your feet. Your Dad still gets a huge kick out of getting to feel it when you move around.
The doctor says you'll be a bit on the small side, you're 5 lbs. 1 oz right now, and they're predicting a max weight of 7lbs 5 oz. by the time you're born. Not tiny, but not huge either. I can live with that! Especially after being told there was a chance they would have to induce me early if you started getting too big, due to the Gestation Diabetes. It'll be interesting to see how close they are on the weight prediction!
This Saturday is the baby shower my mother is throwing for us. I'm excited to see what cool gifts you get, although It's going to be uncomfortable being the center of attention again. I can't wait until you're born and you can take the spot light!
Starting next week, We're in the "final countdown" phase with my OB/GYN. I'm now going to be going in for a check up once a week. Which means there are only four weeks left until our Estimated Due Date. Which really means that there's anywhere from two to six weeks until you decide to show up.
This Saturday also marks the start of the 36th week of this pregnancy, which means that if you are born any time after this Saturday, you will not be considered a high risk birth! Even though I'd prefer you to wait until closer to being "full-term", I'd be ok with you coming any time after this Saturday.
I love you Baby Girl.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
34 Weeks
Dear Jorie,
Today, Your Father and I got to see your face for the first time. We had an ultrasound scheduled to check on your growth and on those nasty fibroids that caused so much trouble a while back.
You are measuring right on track, and weigh 5 lbs. 1 oz. You still have a bit of growing to do before you're ready for the outside world! It was a huge relief to me that you were measuring normally, it lessens the chance that they'll need to induce me early. I would prefer you got the chance to come out on your own terms.
You are head down already, which I suspected based on where the strongest kicks are (near my ribs.) The ultrasound tech walked us through where all your parts were, confirming that you have your feet wedged firmly in my ribs.
The big surprise today was the 3d ultrasound. We wern't expecting them to do one, but they did. They had to try a few times to get a good picture of you, since as usual you were moving and shaking around in there. But after a few tries, we got to see the most beautiful sight.
I can't believe how big you are already, and how much you really finally look like a real baby.
Not too much longer now, baby girl. Can't wait to kiss those adorable cheeks.
Today, Your Father and I got to see your face for the first time. We had an ultrasound scheduled to check on your growth and on those nasty fibroids that caused so much trouble a while back.
You are measuring right on track, and weigh 5 lbs. 1 oz. You still have a bit of growing to do before you're ready for the outside world! It was a huge relief to me that you were measuring normally, it lessens the chance that they'll need to induce me early. I would prefer you got the chance to come out on your own terms.
You are head down already, which I suspected based on where the strongest kicks are (near my ribs.) The ultrasound tech walked us through where all your parts were, confirming that you have your feet wedged firmly in my ribs.
The big surprise today was the 3d ultrasound. We wern't expecting them to do one, but they did. They had to try a few times to get a good picture of you, since as usual you were moving and shaking around in there. But after a few tries, we got to see the most beautiful sight.
Not too much longer now, baby girl. Can't wait to kiss those adorable cheeks.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
33 Weeks
Dear Jorie,
This week I am 33 weeks pregnant with you. We're getting close to the end of the pregnancy! I'm starting to get excited about finally meeting you.
This week your father and I had Belly pics taken by your Uncle and Aunt. I also had Henna done on my belly, while they took pictures of the Henna getting applied. You kicked like crazy when they were flashing the camera close to my belly. I'll bet you didn't like the flashes too much.
This past week I've also been helping your Grandmother plan my shower. She's really exited about it! The shower will be on May 19th, so you better stay put until after then! On May 19th I will be 36 weeks, so really, you need to stay put at least that long, and maybe a few weeks longer.
You father and I are slowly getting the apartment ready for you. We've washed almost all the clothes we have for you, and put away a bunch of them. I'm sure there will be a lot more for us to wash and put away after the shower.
Your kicks are getting really strong. Sometimes when you kick now, you keep pushing for a while, and I can grab at whatever part of you it is poking out. You also respond when I poke you, kicking back at me.
I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Wednesday, so I'll get to get a peek at you again then. I can't wait to see your little face again, and see how much you've grown since the last ultrasound.
It's amazing to think that in less than two months, I'll be holding you in my arms.
This week I am 33 weeks pregnant with you. We're getting close to the end of the pregnancy! I'm starting to get excited about finally meeting you.
This week your father and I had Belly pics taken by your Uncle and Aunt. I also had Henna done on my belly, while they took pictures of the Henna getting applied. You kicked like crazy when they were flashing the camera close to my belly. I'll bet you didn't like the flashes too much.
This past week I've also been helping your Grandmother plan my shower. She's really exited about it! The shower will be on May 19th, so you better stay put until after then! On May 19th I will be 36 weeks, so really, you need to stay put at least that long, and maybe a few weeks longer.
You father and I are slowly getting the apartment ready for you. We've washed almost all the clothes we have for you, and put away a bunch of them. I'm sure there will be a lot more for us to wash and put away after the shower.
Your kicks are getting really strong. Sometimes when you kick now, you keep pushing for a while, and I can grab at whatever part of you it is poking out. You also respond when I poke you, kicking back at me.
I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Wednesday, so I'll get to get a peek at you again then. I can't wait to see your little face again, and see how much you've grown since the last ultrasound.
It's amazing to think that in less than two months, I'll be holding you in my arms.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
30 Weeks
Dear Jorie,
This week, I am 30 weeks pregnant with you. About a week and a half ago, you gave us a big scare. I started having contractions and had to go to the hospital. Luckily the contractions died down and everything has been fine since then. I think you're as impatient to be born as we are to meet you, but you need to wait just a little longer!
You are certainly a mover and shaker now. And you're getting really strong! Your Dad still loves feeling when you kick, and he got to feel one of your new tricks the other day, where you push out against my tummy and then slide sideways.
I've been trying to be good with the Gestational Diabetes Diet, since it's not just my health at risk, although I've had a few days of high blood sugar. I saw the doctor today and she said my levels don't worry her, and you're measuring right on target (31 cm), so it looks like you're doing fine in there, even if it means I have to forgo Chocolate Cake >.<
The weather has turned cooler around here, so it looks like I'll still be spared the hottest days of summer while pregnant with you. Although it still seems like it will be plenty warm when you're born.
Your Dad and I have been slowly working on getting your Nursery together, although you won't be spending much time in there right away. Yesterday I organized and put away all the clothes we have for you already, we washed a giant load of baby clothes this weekend!
I've decided that I'm going to get belly photos taken, by your Aunt who is also an amazing photographer. We've talked about having a friend of the family do some Henna on my belly for the photo shoot. I think the photos will be an amazing keepsake of my pregnancy. I can't wait to show them to you when you're old enough to be amazed that you fit in my belly.
I can't wait to meet you baby girl. Only 10 more weeks to go!
This week, I am 30 weeks pregnant with you. About a week and a half ago, you gave us a big scare. I started having contractions and had to go to the hospital. Luckily the contractions died down and everything has been fine since then. I think you're as impatient to be born as we are to meet you, but you need to wait just a little longer!
You are certainly a mover and shaker now. And you're getting really strong! Your Dad still loves feeling when you kick, and he got to feel one of your new tricks the other day, where you push out against my tummy and then slide sideways.
I've been trying to be good with the Gestational Diabetes Diet, since it's not just my health at risk, although I've had a few days of high blood sugar. I saw the doctor today and she said my levels don't worry her, and you're measuring right on target (31 cm), so it looks like you're doing fine in there, even if it means I have to forgo Chocolate Cake >.<
The weather has turned cooler around here, so it looks like I'll still be spared the hottest days of summer while pregnant with you. Although it still seems like it will be plenty warm when you're born.
Your Dad and I have been slowly working on getting your Nursery together, although you won't be spending much time in there right away. Yesterday I organized and put away all the clothes we have for you already, we washed a giant load of baby clothes this weekend!
I've decided that I'm going to get belly photos taken, by your Aunt who is also an amazing photographer. We've talked about having a friend of the family do some Henna on my belly for the photo shoot. I think the photos will be an amazing keepsake of my pregnancy. I can't wait to show them to you when you're old enough to be amazed that you fit in my belly.
I can't wait to meet you baby girl. Only 10 more weeks to go!
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