I just wanted to add that Joe was a great support and help during labor (and always, of course). It's amazing how fast you forget how truly painful labor is, otherwise we wouldn't do it again!
Once active labor started I really counted on Joe to help me (try to) relax during contractions and focus on getting Fiona out. Joe made a "delivery" playlist on the ipod, so I tried focusing on music to distract me. I briefly flirted with the idea of an epidural, but I was hopeful that since this was a second delivery it would be faster than Sofia's. Thankfully it was was faster and we were able to avoid any intervention. Just for the record, I didn't have an epidural only because of the effects it has on the baby. If it didn't have side effects, I would have LOVED one (epidural).
We're lounging in the hospital now, waiting for Fiona's doctor to see her and then we'll go home. My mom will be with us for another couple of weeks, so we'll try and rest up in preparation for really having TWO kids on our own.
Thank you Joey for your support, and cliche as it is, I would NOT have been able to get through it without you. Te amo :)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Fiona Has Arrived!
Fiona Guadalupe Polanco Boyd was born at 9:17 AM Sunday, March 30th. She was 8 lbs. 8 ozs. and 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great - no complications at all!
She was exactly 2 weeks late. We went in for an appointment to start induction Saturday night. They started with something called Cervidil and planned to start Pitocin Sunday morning. Norma went into labor at 4 AM on her own and she gave birth without any pain meds (you go girl). So, a little over 5 hours labor. This was a huge relief because the memory of 38 hours labor with Sofia was still fresh in our minds.
Sofia and Norma's Mom came to visit at the hospital later that day. Sofia was mildly curious to meet Fiona. She was more interested in seeing Mommy, playing with her toys, and watching an Elmo video. Also, Sofia saw Mommy nurse Fiona and wasn't jealous - we were a little worried about that.
I am extremely proud of Norma for the way she handled everything. With several people telling her (me included), "don't be a hero, take the drugs", she held out and did it the way she wanted to do it. Tes, you're my hero and I love you!
- Joe
For more pictures, click here:
Friday, March 28, 2008
Where's Fiona?
In response to popular demand (OK, just one email complaining I'm a tease--Brian M....), I thought I should update the Fiona drama.
Obviously we haven't had Fiona yet. She's decided not to leave the womb, unless by force. So, Saturday night we have a date at the hospital to begin induction. I won't go into the gory details, but suffice it to say that they'll begin with a small intervention meant to try and start labor on my own. If I don't go into labor by 9AM Sunday then they'll start the big guns (Pitocin).
I'm very disappointed that this may be the case since it's more intervention than we want and it'll probably be a lot more painful than a natural, gradual, build-up. Regardless we just want a healthy little girl, so hopefully this is for the best.
According to the non-stress tests I've taken (the last one yesterday afternoon) she seems to be healthy and content in there. As one of my colleagues put it, I "must have pretty comfortable innards".
Keep tuning in for more updates. We should have that new baby Boyd by Monday at the latest!
Obviously we haven't had Fiona yet. She's decided not to leave the womb, unless by force. So, Saturday night we have a date at the hospital to begin induction. I won't go into the gory details, but suffice it to say that they'll begin with a small intervention meant to try and start labor on my own. If I don't go into labor by 9AM Sunday then they'll start the big guns (Pitocin).
I'm very disappointed that this may be the case since it's more intervention than we want and it'll probably be a lot more painful than a natural, gradual, build-up. Regardless we just want a healthy little girl, so hopefully this is for the best.
According to the non-stress tests I've taken (the last one yesterday afternoon) she seems to be healthy and content in there. As one of my colleagues put it, I "must have pretty comfortable innards".
Keep tuning in for more updates. We should have that new baby Boyd by Monday at the latest!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Weekend
Friendly Neighborhood Dentist
On Friday morning, my mom, Sofia and I went to the Children’s Museum. Sofia had a nice time playing with the various exhibits, but since it was Good Friday, the museum was especially full. There were a couple of times when Sofia was trying to play with certain toys and a kid would try to grab it or push her away. I was surprised at the adrenaline rush I got and had to restrain myself from pushing those kids back. Instead I calmly said, “We all have to share…it’s OK…” while the kids’ parents ignored them.
On the way back from the museum, on MLK, I nailed a pothole so hard that even Sofia said “oh, oh!” A little exclamation mark lit up on the dashboard and I knew this wasn’t good. After getting on the Shoreway and driving for about 10 minutes, I thought I really screwed up the alignment because the car kept pulling to the right. Then I heard a little flapping sound…and then realized we had a flat. Thankfully we were close to an exit and I pulled off and parked right in front of Brown’s Stadium. I haven’t ever changed a tire and considering I’m 9+ months pregnant I didn’t think I should try. I called Joe, but he was at the dentist’s office and actually en route to a lab (with the dentist) to pick up his two front teeth (long story).
After Joe didn’t answer his phone I called the dentist’s office and they called the dentist to get a hold of Joe. Joe and the dentist decided they would stop by to fix the tire before they went to the lab in Elyria. So 20 minutes later they arrived and Joe changed the tire, while the dentist helped supervise. Sofia was very excited by Daddy arriving out of nowhere and the fact that she was sitting in the front seat while we were parked.
Joe eventually got his new teeth and they look great!
Saturday
Sofia had a special delivery on Saturday, from her Nana Nola. Her Easter surprise included a plush frog, a coloring book and a bubble maker. Sofia hugged the frog, tried eating the crayons and went crazy over the bubbles.
We were hanging out in Fiona’s room when the package arrived.
Yummy…crayons!
Sofia loved chasing the bubbles.
On Saturday afternoon Chris and Naomi invited us over to hang out. Sofia has become much more comfortable with Sadie and with their house. She was very excited by the cats and after a while was fine with Sadie trying to lick her face. We brought over some of Sofia’s toys, including a little chick from last Easter, to help entertain her. The chick squeaks when you touch a sensor, and several times Sofia made the chick squeak and would try giving it to Nora. Very good sharing indeed!
Sunday
Sunday morning, instead of a cute Easter dress, Sofia chose to wear an Elmo denim overall/short outfit. My mom filled a few Easter eggs with cheerios and cookies and “hid” them for Sofia. Sofia immediately understood they were for her and that she should place them in the Easter basket.
Basket’s full!
Enjoying a cookie.
Chris’ parents ‘invited us over for Easter Dinner on Sunday afternoon. It was a nice occasion for Sofia to actually wear a dress.
Back in Sofia’s room.
Showing off her dress.
Despite the fact that Sofia refused to nap, she had a great time scolding Chris’ parents’ dogs (saying “No, no, Gigi!!”), running from room to room, playing with the various plush toys in the living room and playing the piano. Dinner was great and the company was even better. The tiramisu was wonderful. Thanks to the Bongornos for the invitation!
Week 41 and counting…
I saw my midwife on Thursday and wasn’t showing any signs of impending labor. No dilation, effacing or nothing! She didn’t think I would go into labor anytime soon, so she scheduled a non-stress test for Monday morning (today). The test is meant to evaluate the baby’s movements, heart rate and contractions. The tech said it was “beautiful” and the baby seems to be fine. My next midwife appointment is on Wednesday. At that point she may recommend an induction date, but it might not be until early next week. In the meantime we’re going to start some acupressure and I probably need to walk more. Castor oil is the last resort!
Week 41 and a day
On Friday morning, my mom, Sofia and I went to the Children’s Museum. Sofia had a nice time playing with the various exhibits, but since it was Good Friday, the museum was especially full. There were a couple of times when Sofia was trying to play with certain toys and a kid would try to grab it or push her away. I was surprised at the adrenaline rush I got and had to restrain myself from pushing those kids back. Instead I calmly said, “We all have to share…it’s OK…” while the kids’ parents ignored them.
On the way back from the museum, on MLK, I nailed a pothole so hard that even Sofia said “oh, oh!” A little exclamation mark lit up on the dashboard and I knew this wasn’t good. After getting on the Shoreway and driving for about 10 minutes, I thought I really screwed up the alignment because the car kept pulling to the right. Then I heard a little flapping sound…and then realized we had a flat. Thankfully we were close to an exit and I pulled off and parked right in front of Brown’s Stadium. I haven’t ever changed a tire and considering I’m 9+ months pregnant I didn’t think I should try. I called Joe, but he was at the dentist’s office and actually en route to a lab (with the dentist) to pick up his two front teeth (long story).
After Joe didn’t answer his phone I called the dentist’s office and they called the dentist to get a hold of Joe. Joe and the dentist decided they would stop by to fix the tire before they went to the lab in Elyria. So 20 minutes later they arrived and Joe changed the tire, while the dentist helped supervise. Sofia was very excited by Daddy arriving out of nowhere and the fact that she was sitting in the front seat while we were parked.
Joe eventually got his new teeth and they look great!
Saturday
Sofia had a special delivery on Saturday, from her Nana Nola. Her Easter surprise included a plush frog, a coloring book and a bubble maker. Sofia hugged the frog, tried eating the crayons and went crazy over the bubbles.
We were hanging out in Fiona’s room when the package arrived.
Yummy…crayons!
Sofia loved chasing the bubbles.
On Saturday afternoon Chris and Naomi invited us over to hang out. Sofia has become much more comfortable with Sadie and with their house. She was very excited by the cats and after a while was fine with Sadie trying to lick her face. We brought over some of Sofia’s toys, including a little chick from last Easter, to help entertain her. The chick squeaks when you touch a sensor, and several times Sofia made the chick squeak and would try giving it to Nora. Very good sharing indeed!
Sunday
Sunday morning, instead of a cute Easter dress, Sofia chose to wear an Elmo denim overall/short outfit. My mom filled a few Easter eggs with cheerios and cookies and “hid” them for Sofia. Sofia immediately understood they were for her and that she should place them in the Easter basket.
Basket’s full!
Enjoying a cookie.
Chris’ parents ‘invited us over for Easter Dinner on Sunday afternoon. It was a nice occasion for Sofia to actually wear a dress.
Back in Sofia’s room.
Showing off her dress.
Despite the fact that Sofia refused to nap, she had a great time scolding Chris’ parents’ dogs (saying “No, no, Gigi!!”), running from room to room, playing with the various plush toys in the living room and playing the piano. Dinner was great and the company was even better. The tiramisu was wonderful. Thanks to the Bongornos for the invitation!
Week 41 and counting…
I saw my midwife on Thursday and wasn’t showing any signs of impending labor. No dilation, effacing or nothing! She didn’t think I would go into labor anytime soon, so she scheduled a non-stress test for Monday morning (today). The test is meant to evaluate the baby’s movements, heart rate and contractions. The tech said it was “beautiful” and the baby seems to be fine. My next midwife appointment is on Wednesday. At that point she may recommend an induction date, but it might not be until early next week. In the meantime we’re going to start some acupressure and I probably need to walk more. Castor oil is the last resort!
Week 41 and a day
Monday, March 17, 2008
Week 40…and still counting!
Sunday, March 16th was my due date, but alas Fiona still seems to be comfortable. I, on the other hand, am not so much. I feel fine, but sleeping is getting a little more uncomfortable every night. Well, it can’t be that much longer. Maybe she’s waiting for our wedding anniversary (April 2nd).
Oh yea, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Oh yea, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Week 39 and 4 days…
Fiona still in Utero
Fiona shows no signs of leaving the womb. My last midwife appointment, on Tuesday, was uneventful. I didn’t have an internal exam, so I don’t know what it’s like down there, but on the surface she seems pretty happy; moving around a lot and a nice, healthy, heartbeat. I have been having more contractions (Braxton Hicks), but I feel perfectly normal.
Mom Arrived
My mom came in last night and we spent a few hours this morning with Sofia before I left for work. Sofia was very shy, initially, but she seemed comfortable when I left, especially because they were watching “Sesame Street.”
Snow Storm
We had a fun weekend despite the snow storm. I was afraid (although half hoping) we’d have a home birth, if Fiona showed up, because the snow was well over a foot high in the driveway. Regardless, Fiona waited.
Sunday we hosted the OC Dinner Club as a brunch. To our, pleasant, surprise, almost everyone arrived. Some trudged through the snow, even with babies in Bjorns, while others braved the elements in their 4x4s. Thanks Damon for picking up stranded OC diners! Unfortunately I forgot to take photos, so this blog entry will be picture-less. Thanks to everyone for coming!
Fiona shows no signs of leaving the womb. My last midwife appointment, on Tuesday, was uneventful. I didn’t have an internal exam, so I don’t know what it’s like down there, but on the surface she seems pretty happy; moving around a lot and a nice, healthy, heartbeat. I have been having more contractions (Braxton Hicks), but I feel perfectly normal.
Mom Arrived
My mom came in last night and we spent a few hours this morning with Sofia before I left for work. Sofia was very shy, initially, but she seemed comfortable when I left, especially because they were watching “Sesame Street.”
Snow Storm
We had a fun weekend despite the snow storm. I was afraid (although half hoping) we’d have a home birth, if Fiona showed up, because the snow was well over a foot high in the driveway. Regardless, Fiona waited.
Sunday we hosted the OC Dinner Club as a brunch. To our, pleasant, surprise, almost everyone arrived. Some trudged through the snow, even with babies in Bjorns, while others braved the elements in their 4x4s. Thanks Damon for picking up stranded OC diners! Unfortunately I forgot to take photos, so this blog entry will be picture-less. Thanks to everyone for coming!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Counting down…Week 38
We feathered the nest this weekend, getting the last minute chores completed. Last weekend we reorganized the guest room and office, as well as finishing Fiona’s and Sofia’s rooms.
This weekend we packed and Joe installed Fiona’s car seat and set up the co-sleeper. I unpacked Sofia’s newborn baby clothes and put them in Fiona’s room. I cleaned the house from top to bottom, so we are ready!
Sofia hugs Fiona and Mommy at 38 weeks
Tea Time
Sofia and I spent Friday afternoon at Molly’s along with Naomi, Ashley and all the girls (and Will).
Nora, Alta and Mae put up with the paparazzi
Sofia enjoyed playing with Will and his toys.
Playing with cars
Zoo Time
Sunday was a relatively warm day so we decided to go to the zoo and invited Naomi and Nora. We hadn’t been since early fall and it was fun to watch Sofia recognize more animals this time around. She has numerous books with pictures of elephants, tigers, lions, etc. and we tried to get to all the ones she knows. She recognized the elephants right away and made her sign for “elephant.” She also recognized the lions and quickly said “no…no…” and hid her face in Joe’s chest, even though the lions were safely behind glass. She did the same with the rhinos and gorillas, but she would sneak a peek every few minutes. She liked the fish, ducks and small monkeys. We really wanted to see penguins, which she loves, but the zoo closed before we had a chance to find them. We renewed our membership, so I foresee many more afternoons at the zoo this spring and summer.
This weekend we packed and Joe installed Fiona’s car seat and set up the co-sleeper. I unpacked Sofia’s newborn baby clothes and put them in Fiona’s room. I cleaned the house from top to bottom, so we are ready!
Sofia hugs Fiona and Mommy at 38 weeks
Tea Time
Sofia and I spent Friday afternoon at Molly’s along with Naomi, Ashley and all the girls (and Will).
Nora, Alta and Mae put up with the paparazzi
Sofia enjoyed playing with Will and his toys.
Playing with cars
Zoo Time
Sunday was a relatively warm day so we decided to go to the zoo and invited Naomi and Nora. We hadn’t been since early fall and it was fun to watch Sofia recognize more animals this time around. She has numerous books with pictures of elephants, tigers, lions, etc. and we tried to get to all the ones she knows. She recognized the elephants right away and made her sign for “elephant.” She also recognized the lions and quickly said “no…no…” and hid her face in Joe’s chest, even though the lions were safely behind glass. She did the same with the rhinos and gorillas, but she would sneak a peek every few minutes. She liked the fish, ducks and small monkeys. We really wanted to see penguins, which she loves, but the zoo closed before we had a chance to find them. We renewed our membership, so I foresee many more afternoons at the zoo this spring and summer.
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