Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Water Bug

Giving Ella a Bath = Success!! 

Yes I think my little girl already has a love for the water! I really thought there would be at lest some fussing, but not even a little cry.  I was so thrilled by how wonderful she did durning her first bath! :) 


{ I am so in love with this baby girl ! }

Ella's Birth Story

June. 17, 2010 I experienced the greatest day of my life! 
Like I had blogged earlier I was scheduled to be induced on Wed. June 17th at 5:30 am at Mercy.  Weeks before I really frowned at the idea of being induced because I wanted every thing to happen as natural as possible when it came to when she was ready to to be born. Then I hit 40 weeks and with this hot weather, my increasing size and the pressure I felt made the answer easy when my doctor asked about being induced- it was an instant "YES!". 
So Wednesday I spent the day at the office making pending notes and wrapping up projects. That evening I had dinner with my best friend and her son Jace then we went to the park so Jace could play and we could chit chat.  One of the the things that I told Jess was that I was shocked that my water had not broke, I explained that I really felt that my water would have broke...
{ Well My Head didn't make this picture very well but Jess wanted a picture with my full grown belly! }

After the dinner and park I came home and took a much needed shower.  After my shower I put on sweats and went to take clothes out of the dryer.  When I looked down I was surprised to see that I had "Peed my pants" I thought for a moment that it might be my water but I played it off as wishful and thought I more than likely lost control of my bladder.  After the third change of pants I finally was convinced that my water was breaking.  I guess it's confusing because it doesn't happen like you see in the movies, no big gush of water it was more like a "leak" (later I find out thats exactly what it was, a leak).  I was thrilled.  I could not have planned it better! My water was breaking on my due date and I was already getting prepared to go in that next morning to be induced.  So I called my mom and she rushed home and also my best friend Jessica was on her way over to help in anyway she could (because I thought I had til 5:30am and it was around 10pm I still wasn't completely ready!).
My mom had color in her hair I told he to finish because I had clothes in the wash anyway and needed to blow dry my hair.  We finally left for the hospital after midnight and arrived at Mercy a little after one.

{ Jess and I right before I left for the hospital .. my water is breaking in this pic! }

I will say the great thing about going to the ER when your pregnant is that you NEVER have to wait.  My Mother and I walked in calmly and  I explained that my water broke and I was already scheduled to be induced at 5:30am that morning.  They pulled up the schedule and for whatever reason I was not on it! It was also a busy night for them many women where coming in with their water braking...must have been a full moon or something.  I was told that if my water had not broke I wouldn't have been able to induce that morning because they were so full.  Man I was so happy my water broke!! I can't imagine showing up ready to get my labor started and being sent home! 
  Anyway I was then  wheeled chaired to my "first" room where they ran a test to insure that my water was breaking and that turned out positive! I also found out that I was still only dilated at a 2.  So from there the nurse told us that once they had my room ready I'd be moved and they would start the pitocin drip at 5 am.  I asked for some ice chips and as my Mom fell asleep for a little while I sat there eating ice chips as if it was popcorn and starring at the clock that now read 2:00am as if it was a movie.
About an hour and a half passed and I was moved to my room where Ella was going to be delivered. 
I my water was then broken but not on prepose as the nurse went to hook the fetal monitor to the baby's head.  At this point I still was not on any pain medicine and I hadn't had any contracts that I could feel.
The nurses left the room and I sat there again starring at the clock just waiting for the little hand to reach 5 and the big hand to reach 12.
Finally 5:00 am was reached! The nurse came in and checked me for dilating, I was at a 3 by this time. She then started my pitocin drip to induce my labor.  About an hour passed and I started to feel contractions, nothing I couldn't handle just really bad cramps.  Every time I had a contraction my first reaction was to hold my breath and every time my Mom would have to remind me to breath! I guess I should have taken those breathing classes ( But I think I did awesome without them!). 
After an hour of being of the pitocin my nurse came in and told me I was now at a 4. The contractions then started getting worse not horrible though. After another 40 minutes had passed the nurse checked me again and said I was now at a "good 4" which I guess is almost a 5.  She then asked me if I wanted to go ahead and get an epidural, the thought of a needle in my back scared me ! I always thought I would be in so much pain from the contractions that the epidural wouldn't bother me.  I of course said yes and 30 minutes later the anesthesiologist came into the room to administer the epidural.  Did you know the whole process takes about 20 minutes? For 20 minutes I was scared to death and trying to relax and stay still through it all even while I was having contractions, not easy! Finally the epidural was in and after a couple minutes the bottom half of my body went numb.  I was worried though because I could still move my legs and toes that I would feel pain during the delivery. The doctor reassured me several time that I would not feel a thing.  After I was given the epidural they turned the pitocin drip up a little.  
My Family plus my best friend, Jessica then came in to visit with me.  After 30 minutes of talking with them and knowing I was only a 4 and could be while they left for lunch and would return later.
Not even 10 minutes passed before I started to feel major pressure "down there" I told my mom to get a nurse because I felt something going on.  The nurse came in and to our shock she said I had already been dilated to a 9!!!! I went from a 4 to a 9 in less than a hour!!!! I was excited and ready to start the whole pushing process although at the time I didn't really know how, only that I was going to wing it and visualize it the best I could.  My Mom immediately called my sister-in-law and I called Jess and had them turn around and come right back to the hospital.  I had two nurses come in the room and told me that soon we would begin to start pushing.  Christen and Jessica showed up and shortly after the nurses came back into the room. They pulled out the leg stirrups and I felt excitement  knowing this was another step closer to meeting my baby girl. Then nurse told me I would start pushing when they saw I was having a contraction and I would push for 10 seconds then take a breath and do it two more times. I have never been more focused, I pushed with everything in me and visualized Ella's arrival.  I pushed with the nurses for about 20 minutes before my Doctor got to the hospital.  Once my Doctor sat down and I was told to start pushing through the contraction by the second push Ella was here! 
I had never been more Excited, Overwhelmed, or Exhausted in my life! 
I couldn't believe that after only 30 minutes of active labor Ella was born! 


{ Ella's First Pictures }



{ The Happiest Moment of my Life! }



{ Instead of being around 7lbs like we thought she was almost 9lbs! }



{ This Face makes me smile }



{ The Romano Family with the newest addition }





Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Update

So I know I have not blog on here in awhile, being a new first time mom and a busy job! I have never been more happy than I am right now having Ella in my life.  She is hands down THE BEST THING EVER that has happened in my life.  I knew when I was pregnant that I'd love her more than anything, but after having have it's so much more than that.  It's amazing how much love I feel for this little baby girl! I can't ever imagine my life without her in it, I'd do it all over again in a heart beat! 
I am still working on Ella's Birth Story because it's amazing and was the greatest day of my life! However here lately I have been feeling awful.  Bad Stomach aches and fevers.  I went to the doctor today and got an antibiotic so I pray I will be feeling better soon!  The stomach pains I have been having are the worst stomach pains I think I have ever felt, so bad that I can't even stand up straight at times! This recovery process has been really hard on my body and I am ready to get to feeling "normal" again!  Ella has been so great and patient with me through this recovery! She really is the best baby ever born, I believe that to be 100% true.  She is so clam and patient, the greatest blessing ever. 
Well I'm off to bed for a couple of hours. Her Birth Story should be posted soon! :) 


{ My Sweet Little Baby 4 Days Old }

Friday, June 18, 2010

Ella Joy's Birthday!


Ella Joy Was Born Yesterday, June 17th at 12:20. She weighed a whopping 8lb 14oz! 

Story to come.... 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

TOMORROW....TOMORROW!!!

I can't believe I am now hours away from meeting my daughter! My baby, I am having a baby! It still stocks me! I go in tomorrow at 5:30am to induce my labor! I Pray it goes by fast! 
These past couple days I have filled my hours with wrapping stuff up at the office and then hanging out with friends in the evenings. I don't think the reality of it all will hit me until I get the hospital gown on...
Wish me luck! My Next post will include Ella !!! :) :)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Light At the End of The Tunnel!


{ 40 Weeks Pregnant } 

Well I have made it to the end! 40 weeks! I went to my doctor today and was told that we are inducing Thursday! Yes, in 3 days I'll be a Mom!!! I am soooo freakin excited! Wow, I can't believe she is almost here!!! I don't know how I'm going to sleep at all this week! 

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sunday Bloody Sunday...

Well I'm coming up on week 40 of being pregnant... I fell like I'll forever be pregnant. I am so ready to get labor behind me and start this new life! In the mean time I am just waiting... 
Today I went and hung out with one of my best friends, Tiffanie who was in town from Dallas along with her brother Chris and our friend Emily.  So it was good for me to "get out" for a couple hours today.  I hate no being able to fill up my day with busy things to do.  Yesterday I thought my water might brake I had never felt so much pressure "down there" I had to hold my belly up while I walked! My water however never broke.  I got a little bit of last minute shopping done then I treated myself to a Manicure and Pedi. So I now feel completely ready! My bag is packed, Ella's outfit is picked out, I got my hair done this week, and now my toes will look pretty in those awful stirrups, and my nails are all cute and maintained to hold my precious little baby! Today I am taking it easy and staying inside the air conditioned house! I is so hot and humid outside today, ugh!
Now as I write this I all the sudden feel tired.
I guess I will go take another pregnant nap.....






Friday, June 11, 2010

Birth Day.

With every passing day I wonder when Ella's Birthday will be!! I mean this will not only be the day I go into labor but also the day that we will celebrate her birthday every year! I love birthdays! I think celebrating Birthdays is one the greatest things in life!!! I mean whats not to love? CAKE, CANDLES, BALLOONS, PRESENTS, and HAPPINESS! 
AND NOW I'LL HAVE A DAUGHTER OF MY OWN and BE ABLE TO CELEBRATE AND PLAN BIG BIRTHDAY SURPRISES! YAY!!!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Joy, my Mame

{ Mame and I Christmas 2006 }

Two Years Ago Today My Loving Mame Went to Heaven. Her name was Joy Kay.  She was my rock, I went to her for everything! Joy was my Mother's aunt but we grew up knowing her like a Grandparent.  She loved my Siblings and I probably more than humanly possible. I remember growing up the four of us kids would take turns on the weekends spending the night at "Mame's and Papa's." Almost every weekend she had one of staying with her.  I remember even fighting with my brothers saying,
"This isn't your weekend, it's my turn to go stay with Mame!!"
We loved spending our weekends with her.  I realize now more than ever how much she loved us and how invested she was in our lives.  At one point when I was 11 or 12  I even had my own room there! I had a water bed and hung up my "JTT" posters.  I was spoiled! As we grew up we still loved spending time out at Mame's, just going over there to have dinner and staying up to watch CSI and the Evening news was so enjoyable. I loved going over there because she was always so interested in how I was and what was going on in my life.  I loved talking to her because I could tell her things that I couldn't tell my own Mother (like kissing boys). I still can hear her voice so clearly and see her face so vividly.  
My favorite day of the year (besides my birthday) was always Christmas Eve.  I would spend the night on the 23rd and help get everything set up for family and friends to come over Christmas Eve Night. When I was about 17 Mame would give me a Styrofoam Cup with wine in it so my mom wouldn't know what I was drinking, although she caught on real fast (but it still happened every year).
I Can't Believe it's been two years, It really seems longer. 
When she died it was the biggest void I had ever know in my life, right now as I right this tears can't help but flow from my eyes... I had never been so crushed and til this day it's still hard to talk about her without getting tears, I miss her so Damn Much!
While in the process of moving I found a card that my friend Lindsey wrote to me.  Lindsey and I have been friends since middle school and she also knew Joy really well. 
{ Card from my Sweet Friend, Lindsey }

In her card she wrote,
"Just Remember all that she's taught you over the years and she will forever live through you and consequently your children and so on..." 
I found this card after I had already named my daughter "ELLA JOY." 
This card means more to me than she could ever know. I only wish Ella was able to know the woman that I named her after. I am so blessed to have known such an amazing woman who brought so much Joy into my life. 
{ Tattoo in Memory of Joy }

Growing up my Mame told me I was part of a tribe.  A tribe that was ruled by Women.  Our ancestors would walk around barefoot with feathers around their ankles.  When my Papa would walk in the house we had the hand motion we would do and say "Wewoompthem."
At her funeral her daughter, Angela, my mom, my sister and I all wore feathers around our ankles and walked in barefoot.  It was in honor of our "Tribal Chief" I just wish I could have seen my Mame's face, I know she would have love it!! Months after her death I got the feather tattoo in memory of her. 

"Wewoompthem
Wewoompthem
The Kamasockee battle cry.
To the last of the truly great chiefetts We're going to do as it is written and 
go on, but you'll always but in our hearts " 

 -Angela (Joy's Daughter) , In memory.    

Monday, June 7, 2010

Getting Closer...


I went to the doctor today and was told that I am 2cm Dilated ! 
Ella Joy will be here any Day Now ! 

UnEventful Sunday..


Yesterday I thought I was gonna lose it.  I felt pretty good all day and could not think of anything to do or find anyone to hang out with.  I kept thinking, 'I'm 39 weeks pregnant and there isn't much I can do!' 
I wanted to take a walk but it was way too hot! So I jumped in my car and started to drive to my favorite area, Nichols Hills.  I pulled into the Panera Bread that was across the street from the house I lived in 2 years ago.  I miss living in that area sooo much! I love the "western" area.  The houses all have there own personality, the restaurants are so good, and it just makes me happy... I ordered a sandwich and a large green tea then sat down and begin reading "The Geography of Bliss."  It's a book about a journalist who travels the world in search of the happiest places.  I thought it was ironic that I had drove to my favorite part of town to a Panera Bread 20 minutes away from my house to read this book that was kinda exactly like what I was doing.  The book is not about happiness being a mind set but more about our surroundings  being the cause of our happiness or lack of.  I think it's a mind set but I'm loving the book, learning about different countries and their cultures. 
After a couple of hours reading and sipping on my green tea I drove around the Nichols Hills houses.  Looking forward to the day I can move back into the area.  I fall in love with several of the houses and wonder what the inside looks like... I can't wait to buy a house and make it my own for Ella and I. 
After driving around I thought I'd continue on this quest I was having by myself for the little things that make me happy and drove to the Cheese Cake Factory.  There I order a Red Velvet Cheesecake! It was delicious! I finally made my way back home that evening and was able to cross off another day closer to meeting Ella! :) 

Pug and Brown eyed baby!!!

Okay any one who knows enough about me knows I love pug dogs!!!! This is the cutest YouTube EVER! It melts my heart! 
This girl is pretty much what I always pictured my little girl looking like and the pug and her seem like best friends! 
Makes me wanna get a pug for Ella :) Watch this clip and tell me your not in love with these two! 




Sunday, June 6, 2010

Vaccination is Not Immunization


So I finished reading book last week, Vaccination is not Immunization by Tim O'Shea.  I posted it on my facebook wall and got a lot of feedback on both sides of this controversial issue. I had never give much thought to vaccines before.  And I did not even realize that a child in American now receives their first vaccine that day they are born! And its for hep B, which after reading research on what hep B is I wonder WHY the hell are we giving a shot with 30x's the safe amount of mercury for a 180lb person to a newborn!!! I am an open minded person and I am willing to listen to both sides but really since when did the FDA and Government stop worrying about money and truly have the people's best interest in mind! The answer is THEY HAVN'T. I encourage every parent to read this book.  Think about this do you really think it's safe to combine 3 vaccines into one shot and then give it to a child all in the same day?? Should we really believe what the FDA tells us as 100% truth or should we question and research what we are being told?!!? I believe that our future children are at risk if we as parents just lay by the waste side and do whatever we are told by Doctors,  The TV, The Food Companies and Corporate America. We are so lazy in this Country! We went a quick fix to everything and industries are always coming up with the "answers" we are looking for.  The great thing about living in American is we got get to make up our own minds.  We get to choose if we want to live a healthy life style or not.  We have the choice the workout, smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, eat healthy food, ect.  Everyone has their own views on what is okay for them and their family and respect that.  I feel confidant in the direction I'm headed and the choices I am beginning to  make for me and my family. 

Friday, June 4, 2010

Googled it....

"Natural Ways to Induce Labor"

My Results:
  • SEX
  • WALKING
  • CASTOR OIL
  • SPICY FOOD
  • HERBS
  • ACUPUNCTURE 
  • MASSAGE 
  • PINEAPPLE
Well.... I have been walking, getting acupuncture, and eating some what spicy foods. The Sex method is not an option for me and the Castor oil I can't do (heard horror stories , ugh!).  I will keep walking and getting acupuncture and I will have to try eating pineapple. OH! and I'll schedule a message for this weekend.

Keep your fingers crossed! I am so uncomfortable and the heat is really starting to murder me!!! I would Love to see beautiful Ella sometime next week! :)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

BitterSweet...

I am really excited that my Best Friend is going to be able to be in Oklahoma when Ella is born!!! She is currently driving to Oklahoma this week from Washington State.  It's bittersweet though because she is going through some family stuff right now and traveling back "home."  My heart goes out to her, I love this girl so much and hate to see her sad.... But on a selfish note I am looking forward to her being able to at the hospital when I have Ella just like I was able to be there when her son Jace was born.  It really amazes me how much we have been through...