30 Day Shred

After Leyla was born, I think I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight and clothes, like, immediately. This time around, though, the weight has not come off. I gained more with Lucas and those extra pounds want to stick around! Everyone says I look good, but there's just one little problem: none of my clothes fit! I had one pair of maternity jeans that fit me and that was it.

My friend Amanda cut out sodas and has lost weight eating healthy and exercising. I am so proud of her! And she inspired me to exercise as well. She has been using Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred program, so I decided to look it up. I was impressed with the results I saw in several others, in photos. I decided to give it a try...

The program works like this: there are 3 levels of workouts that you do every day for 10 days each. Ten days of level one, then up to level 2 for another 10 days, then finally level three. When you finish, it's been 30 days. Each one includes a warm up and 3 circuits of 3 minutes strength training, 2 minutes cardio, and 1 minute abs, plus a cool down. It's the cardio that kills me. And that last 3 minutes of strength training that is the hardest. I am currently on DAY 15, half way through!! Proud of myself and a little surprised that I have been that disciplined. Haven't skipped a day! It is hard, especially since I am mostly sedentary - and especially since you aren't allowed a break. But, I have already started seeing results, so that motivates me to keep going.

I've lost 4 pounds just in the first 10-11 days. I haven't retaken my measurements, but the pants I borrowed from a friend of mine are already loose, and she loaned me several other (smaller!) sizes. They are a mix of sizes, mostly juniors, so I believe I am now between a size 6 and size 8. Also, at my doctor's appointment, my pulse was down to 72. That was very exciting, since my pulse has never been under 80-90.

So, in 15 days, hopefully, I'll fit into my jeans again. And I'll post my results.

Little Lucas: My VBAC Birth Story

My beautiful baby boy was born yesterday, February 20, 2013, at 12:58 pm, faster than I even had time to prepare for! Everything went so well and I feel so incredibly blessed! This will be a long post because obviously it was a very important moment for me :) and the fact that I was able to successfully VBAC meant a lot to me too.

My due date was the 21st. My doctor's policy is not to let VBAC patients go past their due date, so I was scheduled for an induction at 6:00 am Friday morning. At my appointment last Wednesday, I was dilated to 2 cm and 50% effaced. I was excited that my body was doing something on its own! Every day, I waited and wondered if I was advancing, or if the random pain and pressure I felt could possibly maybe be a contraction!

By the time Tuesday rolled around, and nothing had happened, I resigned myself to the fact that I would be induced Friday. So I got on the phone to let everyone know that Marcos would be arriving in the morning and to just plan on coming Friday as the most likely. We decided that Marcos's friend Josh would pick him up at the airport at 9:30, and then we would meet them for brunch/lunch. Then we'd go together to my appointment at 1:00. I was just hoping for a 3 cm or something.

Well, of course, you can't plan labor! All week I had been just waiting for it to happen, knowing I couldn't predict it. So when I finally made a plan, baby decided to throw a wrench in it!

I woke up at 4:00 am and after awhile realized that the pain I was having were, finally, this time, contractions! I decided to get up and do some packing just in case, and then try to time them. I thought they would slow down if it was only false labor. When I started timing them, they were 5-6 minutes apart and consistently 40 seconds long. I went to lie back down to see if they would slow down, and I had two 8 minutes apart. Then Leyla woke up and in that rush I had some that were only 2 minutes apart. So, they were kind of irregular, but always lasted 40 seconds. When Beth and Cliff woke up, we decided to go to the hospital because they weren't slowing down and my doctor had said to come in when they were 10 minutes apart.

We took one last picture...and headed out the door!

I thought my contractions were pretty intense, but they were irregular, and the first ones I felt so I didn't think I was very far along. I could still talk through them somewhat, too. When I got to the hospital and checked in close to 8:00, I was 3 cm and 80% effaced. Progress! Dr. Salter came in to discuss options - he had to go out of town that night and wouldn't be back until Thursday night (that's why the induction was scheduled for Friday). Of course I would go into labor the day he has to be out of town! He was not very happy because he didn't want to miss it. So he wanted to speed it up to make sure I had the baby by 4:00 pm because he had to fly out at 5:00. I was admitted and had some labs done so they could break my water. Something else kind of scary to think about: the nurse went to set up the OR just in case of an emergency.

Around 11:00, he checked me - I was 6 cm, 90% effaced, and at 0 station! He actually said, wow! So then he broke my water. I can't believe I dilated THAT quickly, and without pitocin. What's more, my contractions were not coming closer together and were still irregular in their intensity, although I felt them as more intense.

Then we started talking about epidurals. The plan was to go natural, but as I thought about it, I changed my mind. Marcos would arrive at the airport and come straight to the hospital, and I wanted to be able to greet him, talk, and be comfortable and enjoy the birth with him since it was happening so fast. Also if I had to have an emergency c-section, having the epidural in place already would make it easier. So we went for it. It took awhile to take effect and my blood pressure dropped, but then I was okay. She checked me again I think around noon, and I was 8.5!! They started setting up for delivery and called the doctor.

I thought, this is crazy, I'm about to have a baby. I just got here and I'm almost done. I had no time to process it!! I could not believe how fast it had happened.

I started pushing and they brought in a mirror so I could see his head and his/my progress. I pushed for I think 3 contractions. Then his heart rate went real low. They waited and decided to use a vacuum to help pull him out, and an episiotomy. I pushed with the next contraction and there was his head! He suctioned his airways and I pushed one more time, and he was born :) They immediately put him on my chest and then cleaned him up.

(I forgot about the oxygen mask on my head.... I guess I was kind of preoccupied!)

 It was incredible to watch him being born and to have Marcos right there, and to hold him immediately. It is a beautiful experience. He let out a cry immediately, it was sweet!

Jonathan Lucas
7 lbs, 12 oz

21 inches long

14 inch head circumference

Big boy!

 The "stars aligned" for me that day - I got everything I wanted and none of my worries came true. I had so many things in my head that couldn't happen or my risk of uterine rupture would increase: slow labor, failure to dilate, pitocin, high blood pressure, etc. NONE of that happened. God was right there, moving things along, doing everything possible to give me an amazing birth experience. I really feel blessed, loved, and supported - that God wanted it to be this way.

He has chubby fluffy legs :)

 Silly big sis :)

I had quite a bad tear since they had to get him out so quickly (his cord was wrapped once, as it turns out), and that is the only complaint I have. Otherwise it could not have gone better! I had the BEST doctor and the BEST nurses and the BEST care, it was so great, and such a different experience, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped me and was there for me.

He came out looking JUST like his ultrasound pictures. And the first thing we both said was, wow he looks just like Leyla did! His hair is a bit darker, I think, and he has more of it - although she had a head of hair, too! He is more than a pound heavier and 2 inches longer too. She is so proud of him and loves to hold him and kiss him, too.

We love our little boy!!

39 Weeks & Making Progress!

I was SO excited to hear my doctor today say, "Two centimeters dilated and about 50% effaced - and I can feel the baby's head!"

Music to my ears!

He seemed to be confused at first, so I thought he was going to say, "Well you're starting to dilate...wait, no, not really" or something of the sort. So when he said 2 cm I thought, was the confusion between 1-2 or 2-3?? Either way, I'm happy! Last week I had no changes so I can safely say that in one week I have dilated to 2 and started effacing. I wonder if that's considered quick or not? I know a lot of women who stay at 2 for 2-3 weeks so I'm not exactly expecting to go into labor tomorrow, but I am still excited that my body has started the process naturally. Even if I have to be partially induced in the end, being already somewhat dilated gives me a better chance of success (unlike with Leyla, being 0% effaced and 0 cm dilated, induced, and ending in c-section). My blood pressure was also still low, at 110/70.

I keep thanking God that everything is going so smoothly so far :) I have been waiting for something to happen and to be told I won't be able to VBAC and will need an immediate c-section, or something. But so far I feel really good and confident that God is supporting me and has put such great people in my life who support me too. I feel extremely blessed and excited that I just might be able to do this!

These ultrasound pictures look just like Leyla's! And he has chubby cheeks and fat lips! He apparently weighs 7 lbs, 12 oz already and his head - although still big - is no longer ahead of schedule. I'm happy about that! Can't wait to meet him.

Two weeks to go!

Well I am 38 weeks pregnant now and had an appointment a couple days ago that was a tad depressing. No changes. Not dilated, at all, yet. I have been a little concerned though because I keep "measuring small" even though they go on and on about the baby having a big head and being big. So I had to have another ultrasound to check his measurements. At 38 weeks I should have measured 38 cm but was only 33. Odd. But according to the ultrasound he is still on target and is now 7 pounds, 2 ounces. He gained an ounce. I however gained 2 pounds, ha. I'm okay with that though - I'd rather him not gain much more. Still it's odd that I would measure so small, and I don't feel like my stomach looks any bigger than a few weeks ago, and definitely not as straight out as Leyla was. They said it may just be his position, or that he is all curled up in a ball. He still moves plenty. Yesterday right at my belly button I had this very strange tiny round pointy thing pop-up. It was so strange and freaked me out because that's normally where his butt is!! The only thing I can figure out is it may have been a heel. Although I'm not sure why it was at my belly button - unless he has dropped lower and his butt is now lower so his feet are lower. He's just a strange little thing...I can't figure him out! I don't have that bowling ball feeling yet but Beth said she thought I did look a little lower. Who knows!!

 Here is Leyla and a couple kids from church in a 60's corvette :) Some friends of Beth and Cliff's brought it to church to show off - apparently he had been working on it for a few years. Pretty nice!

 We had home-made chicken pot pie one night and Leyla got to help Beth roll out some of the dough. She made heart "cookies" with her dough, then we made the pie. I caught her eating the leftover part of her dough, though! You can probably guess that after that she didn't eat much supper, ha.

 

 Here's my cutie-pie on the rocking horse in the bedroom. She puts a hat on herself and the horse and says she's a cowboy!

37 Weeks Update

I had an appointment yesterday with my doctor for my 37 week check up. Got to have an ultrasound! It was fun to see him again for the first time since before I left Honduras. I got to see the (long) hair on his (big) head and his cute little fists up around his face. His head is still measuring big, at about 38 weeks and his abdomen has caught up a bit and is now at 37 weeks exactly. At 31 weeks there was a two week difference between the two measurements and my doctor (in Honduras) was concerned that he wasn't gaining weight. I am hoping his head doesn't keep growing and he will maintain his current weight, ha! She estimated it at 7 pounds, 1 ounce. That's a good weight for a newborn but I've still got 3 weeks to go!!! However I'm holding out hope that the ultrasounds are never that accurate anyway, ha.

I also had quite a scare when I went into the exam room and the nurse asked me if I had diabetes. I was like,  no!?! Apparently my glucose levels were high, but the doctor reassured me that it was only because of the orange juice and breakfast I had eaten right before my appointment. Whew. He also said the outer part of my cervix has started dilating but it is still closed on the inside, which is a normal place to be at my stage in the pregnancy. I am just happy that there is SOME activity down there. Crossing my fingers to go into labor on my own before an induction is necessary.

After the appointment I had a tour of the labor and delivery area at the hospital and talked to the lactation consultant. I was very impressed and feel very calm and relaxed about delivering there. This will be my first experience delivering in a US hospital and I feel very confident that they give good care and know their stuff. She explained to me that they have a nursery but they never use it! They do 100% rooming in and actually do most of the tests on the babies while they are lying on their mothers' chests. I thought that was pretty neat. And of course I will be able to walk around and move or shower as I please. So excited! I just pray that everything will go as planned - I know you have to "expect the unexpected" during labor - but everything seems to be falling into place and so far everything looks good! Unless the baby goes into distress during delivery or labor lasts just insanely long I feel like I have a good chance of a successful VBAC.

Today we went to IKEA with Beth and I spent $40 - two cutting boards, two wooden shelves for spices, popsicle makers, kiddy bowls, cups, and silverware, 2 spatulas, a strainer, and a set of beige plates and bowls that were $0.79 each (to replace all the ones Maria broke). I'd say I got a steal! Now I'm exhausted and trying to rest while Leyla watches TV. Maybe all the walking will send me into labor...

Still Pregnant

So I was 36 weeks two days ago and had my first doctor's appointment her in the USA. My dad drove us to Dallas Wednesday and we moved into Paula's house. I met Paula while I was working at Predisan and we have had lots of fun staying with her. The appointment was Thursday morning and unfortunately, the ultrasound technician was sick so I was unable to have an ultrasound still. I did see my doctor which was most important!

Dr. Salter is wonderful. I met him at Predisan also, during one of the brigades. I translated for his surgeries and observed a couple of them. He was super nice and offered to attend me in my next pregnancy, after I told him my story. So he gave me his information and when I found out I was pregnant in June, I let him know! It was great to see him and have some questions answered. He has a very calming effect! My blood pressure was still low and they tested my urine for protein too (there was none). So that is GREAT. He did not do an exam, so I don't know if I've started effacing or dilating yet, but he did measure the height of my uterus and said I was measuring small. It could be though that the baby is already low, dropped, or just sitting low. At every other appointment I was right on track so it doesn't worry me. His heartbeat was 160!

Now I just have to figure out last minute details, where the hospital is, maybe tour it, and figure out the whole insurance business. Since I delivered Leyla in Honduras I really do not know the processes here in the US at all so some of it is a bit overwhelming. But I am confident things will go well and I couldn't have a better doctor!

I have felt a few things that I didn't feel with Leyla, like hip and general pelvic pain or soreness. It makes me wonder if he has dropped, is in the process, and if that means I may have started dilating OR will dilate on my own. I don't know what to expect since I was induced with Leyla before I had started dilating on my own! I am excited though to find out, I have my next appointment WITH ultrasound on Wednesday. :)

I told her to "smile for Daddy" in order to get her to smile, and it worked! So, this was for you Marcos!

35 weeks...at home in Nashville!

Oh goodness I am getting really bad about updating. Well, we are in Nasvhille and have been here since just after Christmas. We have had lots of fun but I've spent WAY to much money already and still have 2 months  to go!
So far I've bought ALL the baby's things, clothes, blankets, bedding, and a few rattles. I tried not to go overboard but it still seems like a lot!
For Leyla and me, of course we had to buy winter clothes - so I have spent a bit on maternity clothes and long sleeve shirts and sweaters for her. I bought a few nursing tops too, for later. We bought a computer also, so that was a bit pricey! Probably the most expensive thing I bought. I had to get my licensed renewed and my bank account switched to something that worked better for us. We bought Leyla a baby doll, some books, and a few videos to keep her entertained. Mom had bought her some puzzles, playdough, and a dollhouse, which she LOVES. And I guess I've been eating a lot too! So from now on I'm going to try not to spend anymore money unless it's on groceries, until Marcos gets here and then I can blame him if we run out, ha!

 We had lunch with Mauricio at his restaurant - this picture really makes me look like I swallowed a watermelon!

 Leyla and her mommy-me at Mama-Dena's house.

 playing badminton in the yard at daddy-dee's house!

 playing tea party and birthday party at mommy-me's - one of her favorite things to do!

eating spaghetti at Fazoli's! yum!

I always end up slacking on maternity pictures; tried to take one every 4 weeks and I think I've only gotten a 4, 9, 12, 19, 28, ad 34 week picture! OH well. Anyway, I think I am pretty big but still not as big as I was with Leyla at the end. I was sticking straight out with her! So I've got at least 2 inches to go with this one. I am starting to get really tired now and am not able to put my shoes on comfortably. Now I'm starting to think about post-pregnancy and how I will shed the weight. I did nothing with Leyla and the pounds just came off, thanks to breastfeeding. But I am afraid I have gained so much in the last few weeks just from being in the USA that I may have a harder time losing it all. We'll see how it goes, but, I will definitely have to exercise some just for my own health and energy. I HATE running but I know that exercise gives you more energy instead of zapping you of it - it is had to get started though. I have always liked to do core exercises and when I found out I was pregnant I had found some great routines that I tried to do a couple times and then stopped because of the pregnancy (they were too intense). I think I will go back to those routines afterwards. I definitely feel out of shape, and not just because I'm pregnant!

Next week, we will be driving to Dallas for my first appointment with my US doctor, at 36 weeks - then it'll be wait, wait, wait!

The past month or so...

It has been about a month I think since I updated, so this is going to be a long one!
I tried to update a few weeks ago but had exceeded my upload limit, so, I have been trying to fix it and was only just now able to.

#1: First, Leyla had her 3rd birthday and got exactly what she wanted: a Tasha Backyardigans piñata and cake. She had so much fun! I tried to put her down to nap before it got too late, so she would be in a good mood for the party, but she wouldn't sleep! I put her to bed and she played in her bed. Then when she came out she had changed entirely out of her clothes and had chosen the dress to wear for her party.

I made her a Tasha cake that I thought turned out really well! I was very happy, and I only came up with  the idea on a whim, when I couldn't decide what kind of cake to do. The main problem was she wanted a pink cake, but the  character Tasha is not pink! So I made a pink on the inside cake with pink accents in the icing. She was happy.

#2: Now, in baby news, I am now 29 weeks and in 3rd trimester! Hard to believe, but I am getting  more and more anxious and ready for this baby to be here. I can't wait to get to the US and relax somewhat, shop for the baby, and enjoy being with family and friends. These pictures are from about 27 weeks.

 This is his sweet little face! If you turn your head to the left, you can see it. Where it says "carita," right  underneath are his eyes, then his chin is on the right. I think the cord is running right in front of his nose, because there are a couple odd-looking stripes there.

 Pretty straight bones!

#3: Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays! I don't know why some pictures won't rotate, even if I've saved them, but anyway, here is Leyla helping to decorate the Christmas tree after Thanksgiving lunch! I made a turkey and dressing, and we went to Joann and Dwight's to share a meal with some other friends. It was all very yummy.

  She put all the ornaments in the same spot, on the same branch.

 We went to Tegus for my birthday and to take advantage of Black Friday sales. Here is Leyla posing with the big teddy bear at the huge Christmas tree in the new mall. She loved it.

 We bought her a little table and chairs that she LOVES; she sits there to color, paint, create, eat, and watch TV. It has been great for her, and just what I had in mind.

 I also bought her this new bedding set and a curtain (should have bought another panel...). It looks a little grown-up so it won't need replacing, plus it ties in all the colors I have planned for the room perfectly. Not sure still if we will be able to paint the walls, but, the baby's things will be blue and green, and the furniture will be white with accents. The bookshelf is the only piece we have so far, with the blue inside panel. Next up is a changing table and a cube shelf-bench for the other wall for toys and a reading corner. I plan on painting it white and the inside of half the cubes blue, pink, and green. Can't wait to get it all done!!

23 Weeks and Other News

Well, I am past the half-way point now! Incredible! Now that I am not working, I am busy making a few preparations for the baby and getting the house in order!

First, I finished the baby blanket :)

I made the giraffe first and the blanket to match. I think they turned out perfect! The blanket is thin with lots of breathable holes and is a teddy bear pattern. Of course, for Honduras, I didn't want a super thick blanket!

 
 October 17, Loyda had her baby! His name is David and he weighed 6 lbs and 2 oz. She was a week overdue and ended up having a c-section, but he was born healthy and she is recovering very well.

My next project: I had been wanting to do this for awhile and finally decided to just go or it! Here is the before and below is the after: 

it would not load the right direction!!! but, there it is. I had problems getting the oven door to stay upright but for the most part it turned out the way I wanted! Leyla has been busy making cakes :) Now the next project will be to make her some felt food! Her birthday is on Monday so I will post about that next!

Half-way there!

It is hard to believe I will be 20 weeks tomorrow. It has already gone by so fast! I feel like I started showing WAY soon (mostly because of the bloating, ha) but since I got in the 2nd trimester my waist hasn't changed too much. I was worried at first that my weight gain would continue but it has stabilized, thankfully. I have started feeling him move too! Just little movements - different from Leyla though! When I first felt her move I remember she had hiccups a lot, and her movements were like tiny punches. This one seems to "slide" from one side to the other in my abdomen, and I will feel hard spots low, below my belly button, but I only occasionally feel the little punches. It could be because I am feeling him sooner though. I don't remember exactly when I first felt Leyla move but I remember waiting for what seemed like forever and I know it was at least 20 weeks if not past - I've been feeling this one for a week maybe two now.

The latest picture I took at 19 weeks. Definitely got a bump, pants don't fit, and I'm up a bra size!

I made Leyla some play-dough this week to have some fun with her and help her learn her colors - we made such pretty little balls, pink, yellow, orange, green, and blue! We made a caterpillar, too.

Then Roger and Loyda came over and played too - and next thing I knew....

The two kids had a big green blob :(

 Roger helped me out by cleaning the pila, since Marcos had to go to the mountains and hadn't had time - so then he was tired, there was no electricity, and it was unbearably hot - so he was trying to rest and Leyla came along and decided to play doctor! She wouldn't leave him alone and kept giving him "medicine" and poking him everywhere. :)