Don't be afraid of us

I think a lot of people have this perception of new parents at home: they are harried, up all night, unwashed, and generally grumpy. Fortunately, that is not the case for Jonathan and me (at least not yet). Still, the myth persists that we don't want to be bothered and frankly, we are a little lonely. Are you all afraid of visiting us?

If so, put your fears aside. If you are in the LA area, please please please come by and visit Julian (and her parents!). We are up late and open all night so anytime is a good time, just call us and let us know to expect you.

Are you still with me?

Hello readers!
Are you still there?
Surprise, I'm no longer pregnant!

But, I'm now a parent which, as it turns out, means I have a lot of interesting things to blog about these days. Jonathan and I are going to launch a blog about Julian (the fetus formerly known as McNugget now goes by the name Julian Lily) with photos of her progress but it's for a wider audience. We won't be blogging about say, the fact that I just changed Julian and while I was moving her from one diaper to the next, she peed all over her changing table. Those kinds of details I only save for SIP readers!

So, if you're game, we'll still post here when we have the chance and we'll send you the link to Julian's more G-rated photoblog when it's ready.

Thanks again for your love and support leading up to D-day. It was so exciting to find out how many of you read and care about us!

-J, J & J

Your comments

OMG, we just read all of your comments. Who knew we had such a fan base?!
Thanks for cheering us on. It means a lot.

I labored for almost 26 hours (not counting the first 12 hours trying to get labor started). I thought I would be able to blog and post updates but turns out that labor is pretty intense and there is no time to get online!

More about our laboring story later. It was certainly trying (and also quite wonderful) but it's all a blur now that the McNug is here!

We promise more details soon!

She's here!

And she's fabulous!

We know we owe you a lot of updates but we need to spend some time with our new little girl who arrived here at 8:48 this morning.

More to come (plus her own personal blog!!!)

-Jamie

contractions getting stronger

But it's going to be a long day. . .

I'm in labor

This post is quick because I can't reach the computer with the monitors on and they need to monitor me at all time. The contractions aren't so bad. . .yet. They feel like menstrual cramps and like a lot of pressure. I did not expect to be updating this blog but so many of you have asked so I am. Using my blackberry is easier so I might try to post from there but it's slower and less reliable. I will try to have Jonathan update you through here if possible. Right now I am trying to distract myself and this is a good way. We are also watching a horrible episode of the Rachael Ray show. I feel the need to pee a lot. I also feel like a sick person because of the hospital setting. I hate that part.

It's Labor Day!!!!

We are all engrossed in the monitor that Jamie is hooked up to. It's similar to the non-stress test she's taken before, but she's got an added benefit of Pitocin, a drug that is meant to stimulate contractions.

Jamie is a real trooper -- she didn't sleep well in Hotel St. John's and she was barely fed (Jell-o and Graham crackers were NOT on the cruise menu she picked from last night) but she is keeping a positive attitude for the long day ahead.

She's having contractions, and so far they are manageable. Our doula is telling her to "welcome them." Please join me in welcoming her contractions.

-Jonathan

Picture this. . .room 2418

We are BORED and uncomfortable so we are showing you pictures.

Here is the dad-to-be bed Jonathan gets to sleep in and my "work station:"

I have no idea how many more updates we will be able to send. I am supposed to get some sleep. I don't think I will be able to but I will try. For some reason I expected this experience to be a lot more fun than it is turning out to be!

-J

We're in...

Hello, loyal readers!

We are formally checked into the hospital, and our first impressions are really quite positive. The nurses have been very nice and very informative -- they are very focused on educating us about everything they are doing (I think they are being nice but a part of me also thinks the nursing staff are wary of lawsuits and take every precaution they can).

The first "dose" of medication has gone in and will stay in for 12 hours. If labor doesn't begin in the middle of the night, the next "dose" will begin at about 8:30 am tomorrow morning. We were told we'd meet her tomorrow sometime....that's Monday.

Here are some highlights thus far:
1. Jamie got to pick her meals for tomorrow. It felt a bit like a cruise -- they asked you to order one item from each column. For example, tomorrow, Jamie's breakfast will consist of the following: scrambled eggs, rice krispies, a bagel, a banana, skim milk, blueberry yogurt and grits. I think the cafeteria representative forgot to bring me my menu....

2. Our Wi-Fi is NOT working in the hospital but a special shout-out goes to Sarah Wright who helped Jamie score an Aircard to make her time out of the office as "connective" as possible. You can all thank her for this update!

3. Pillow-mania! We were advised by our hospital tour and the nurses to bring extra pillows. My Mom got us some extra pillows and, of course, Jamie's trusty Snoogle is by her side. The point of this story is that all the people in the hallway looked at us like we were Coneheads for bringing all the pillow apparatus in. Anyhow, it's here and I hope it assures us a restful night.

Wish us a good night of sleep, or a bouncing baby girl with an easy labor. Take your pick.

-Jonathan

The end. . .or the beginning?

So here I am blogging still waiting for the McNugget to make her grand entrance. I have made peace with the induction although it is kind of weird to think that the McNugget has an expiration date.

I did everything I could to coax her to greet us today. I walked all over Hollywood, Hancock Park and West Hollywood. I drank raspberry tea. I picked up heavy items. I ate Chinese food. I am debating whether to take some castor oil now. It was a method that worked for my grandmother 60 years ago when she was trying to deliver my aunt but I am not sure I want to go through the um, unpleasant experience without the advice of a doctor and when I am not sure it will work anyway.

Things are looking up though. Jonathan and I have arranged a series of "parties" in preparation for the McNugget's arrival. Tonight is our "labor party" and we are putting Tony Blair to shame. If I had gone into labor on my own at home, my plan was to partake in a "labor project." That would be some fun activity to do while I was having early contractions to get my mind off of the discomfort and get myself in a relaxed mood, or at least get something done before heading to the hospital and delivering the McNugget. Since we probably won't get to do a spontaneous one, tonight we are working on a few labor projects. Our ovens were turned on today so we are baking cookies for the labor and delivery nurses. Our kitchen still isn't really ready for use but we have ovens and running water in our sink so that's pretty much all we need for the cookies. We are also putting away a lot of things in our drawers in the kitchen; we are hoping to get as much done in there as possible before bringing the McNugget home.

We also had our last real date tonight and went out to a nice restaurant in Silverlake. We drove there in the convertible with the top down and wondered when we would next get to drive a sporty car with no car seat to a restaurant you'd never dream of taking a baby to. It was a little sad, in some ways it felt like the last day of camp if that means anything to any of you. I know we're in for an incredible adventure and we're excited for it but it's worth noting that we are in some ways losing a way of life we have enjoyed tremendously up until now. You can tell I really am an emotional pregnant lady, I am actually crying as I am typing this out. I should stop with the waterworks, I have a fun labor party to get to!

The other party starts tomorrow -- Jonathan decided that we will have a slumber party in the hospital. For the first twelve hours I will be given Cervidil which is supposed to help me dilate more (I am now almost 3 centimeters!) and efface since I have not done that yet. The Cervidil is not very invasive so we think that after an hour or so of monitoring, we will be pretty bored. Jonathan has decided we will eat slumber party food and play slumber party games. I don't think he is going to put my bra in the freezer or anything but I think he will finally agree to play cards with me (it should be noted that this is a major concession on his part for which I am grateful). Sadly, the cable TV options in the room aren't up to my standards (no Bravo, no TLC, they don't even have MSNBC!) so we'll need to find something to do.

I'm taking my computer to the hospital and if we have time, we will certainly post an update in this space. If not, fear not, this really isn't the end. We plan to keep a blog for the McNugget so you can check in on her progress and be reminded of the good times we had here! More details on that to come.

Think of us tomorrow and Monday and wish us well!!

Love,
Jamie

Ready, Set...

Today felt a bit like the Bill Murray classic "Groundhog Day" -- we woke up, went to the doctor, went to the hospital for the "non-stress test" that causes lots of stress, and then packed up and went home. However, there were some new twists...

First off, Jamie's doctor decreed that Sunday night the McNugget will start her journey into life on the outside -- unless nature intervenes before that time. We were both disappointed that the doctor didn't feel that letting the McNugget decide her birthday on her own would be an option for us. We had been waiting for the moment Jamie would walk out of the bedroom and exclaim (in the immortal words of Lucy Ricardo) "the time has come." We imagined furiously packing our car full of suitcases and birthing balls and racing to the hospital. Also, Jamie had really wanted to avoid any medical interventions and try to deliver the McNugget in a more natural way. While a natural delivery could still happen despite an induction (when we say natural, we mean one without an epidural or pitocin, at this point we are not expecting a birth by C-section), things inevitably won't end up the way we had hoped or imagined them. However, we are working through our disappointment and trying to focus on the amazing journey ahead. It's been a rough day for Jamie but we're hoping for a brighter outlook on everything tomorrow.

So, while we wanted to keep you all in suspense, unless the McNugget takes matters into her own hands this weekend (which is still a possibility) we expect to announce the arrival of the McNugget sometime on Monday, the 21st. Jamie has always been lucky at Blackjack so a birthday on "21" doesn't sound so bad.

Thanks for all your words of encouragement...we can't wait for you to meet her.

-Jonathan and Jamie

Nope

Still not yet.

Going back to the doctor today. Hoping to avoid being induced. Wish us luck!

Pregnancy: The Extended Plan

I'm still overdue and sans McNugget but I feel an intense pressure to post to this blog to let you all know, lest you think I am in labor right now.

The Chinese food was tasty but evidently didn't do much to bring on labor. After dinner Jonathan and I went for a walk on the beach which according to some Latina women helps to get things started. The walk was nice but certainly not a means to an end. After that, we did what pregnant women do best: eat ice cream.

For the past week or so, my feet have not been very swollen at all. This could be because I drink an insane amount of water. Or, it could be that my body feels so bad for me for going this long that it has decided to do away with the whole Shrek Feet syndrome.

The McNugget still kicks a lot. I think I felt a few contractions last night but since I still am not entirely sure what they are supposed to feel like, it's hard to say. Also, I felt the McNug kicking during some of them and I thought I had heard you don't feel the baby during a contraction. Who knows?

More later. . .

Changing the topic

Ok, so I know this blog is about me being pregnant and the most major thing about my pregnancy these days is that I am waiting to deliver. But, since I have passed the McNugget's D-day, it seems the only topic of conversation right now is when she will come. Frankly, it's driving me a little crazy. So, I'm trying to think about other things to keep my mind off of the fact that we haven't met the McNugget yet.

I'm going to prenatal yoga again today. Even if it does nothing to help the McNugget exit, it's a great way to relax and relieve stress. I have certainly felt a ton of pressure in my pelvis in the last few days (it sometimes feels like I am carrying a bowling ball at the bottom of my stomach) so I imagine the McNugget has really really dropped. I wonder how this will effect my downward facing dogs and pigeon poses. We'll see.

I'm told that walking helps to get labor started but for the first time in my pregnancy, walking is really hard. I mentioned the increased pelvic pressure. With that comes a constant urge to urinate. This makes walking anywhere short of a mall very difficult. I also find that I get tired much faster than I used to while walking.

I'm also going to take a break from the supposed "natural" methods to induce labor because the results have been mostly disappointing thus far. But, they are kind of funny to list so here is what we have been doing behind the scenes so far:

• Eating the famous "salad" I mentioned this weekend
• Eating spicy chili
• Sniffing myrrh
• Pressing four fingers above my ankles on both legs
• massaging the webbed parts of my fingers
• squatting
• "spinning" - a Peruvian technique that seems to induce lots of laughter between Jonathan and me but not much laboring. It involves me lying on the floor on a sheet. Jonathan grips the ends of the sheet, pulling them up around my sides, and then wiggles his arms about so that my stomach shakes and rocks from side to side. The idea is that shaking things up in there might get the uterus to start contracting. It sort of feels like a bad amusement park ride and each time we do it we can't stop laughing.
  
• excessive walking
• excessive cuddling
  

Actually, we are going to try one more tonight: Chinese food. But, to be honest, I never need an excuse to eat Chinese food.

Non-Stress Test?

I know it's been a while, but I'm writing a post now, loyal readers!

Yesterday we went to the hospital for a "dry run." Don't get excited, it wasn't truly a dry run, it was a scheduled "non-stress test" at the hospital -- and I actually found the test quite stressful. But we'll get to that in a bit.

It started with Nurse Ratchet from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" checking Jamie into her room and barking orders at her. We told her we were there for a non-stress test and she said "what are you monitoring for?" I thought, "Oh no, I don't know. How am I supposed to know? The doctor just told us to cross the street and go take this test. Do I look like a medical professional? Does Jamie?" I'm already stressed.

Once we ascertained that Jamie is taking this test to determine the efficacy of letting the McNug cook longer in a safe placential environment, she was strapped onto a monitor (it basically looked and felt like a very unstylish pair of elastic belts with an ipod attached to it) and then the real stress began. . .

Jamie had to lean on one side and wait for the baby to be monitored. She was facing away from the monitor (which incidentally, I had no idea how to read, and yes, I've taken several classes and no, it wasn't covered in class) so I was the official "scorekeeper." I had to tell her how the scores varied, and they did vary as the baby moved around and we kept a little running track of the highest and lowest (sounds lame, but it was pretty boring in there so we had to do something).

We did this for about 45 minutes until a very friendly nurse came back, congratulated us on our great scores, and sent us on our way.

Since we were in a labor & delivery suite, I'll give you my marks, as if I'm rating one of those hotel response cards at the end of a hotel stay:

Cleanliness - 10 (that floor was gleaming)
Staff - 7 (Very friendly nurse + Somewhat mean and unpleasant nurse = 7)
Amenities - 8.5 (flat screen TV, glider, etc are nice. The Dad's bed/bench could be cozier...)
Food - 8 (The greasy burger joint across the street is amazing and California Chicken Cafe, a favorite, is a close walk. Neither are actually hospital food but they are close...)

Overall -- we're looking forward to our stay.

Wish us luck, we hope it comes soon!

-Jonathan

Overdue

Tuesday morning, still no baby.

I am sort of confused by the fact that the McNugget has not appeared yet. I am always on time and often early in everything I do. Working in news I am great with deadlines; I don't miss them. I have never even so much as turned in a library book after it was due. So, I assumed the McNugget would be just like me and we'd be napping together right about now.

Since she's not, I am trying to reassess the process. I did make some progress yesterday so I'm trying to refashion the term "due date" for myself. Perhaps I should look at it as a date that indicates when early labor is due to start, since it did, and work from there.

I think I felt some contractions last night, so I thought for sure I would wake up in the middle of the night or early morning in active labor but no such luck. I really don't want to rush the McNugget out but since I feel so ready for the process to begin, I am getting a little impatient. Maybe it will happen today.

Week 40 update

Here we are at week 40 and I finally have some progress to report! No, I do not have a baby yet but I did see the doctor today who told me I am now 1.5 centimeters dilated, as opposed to the "barely a centimeter" I had been stuck at for the past two visits. There was also another indicator that things are starting but it might be a bit too gross for some of you new to pregnancy to read about. If you really want to know, feel free to ask me about it.

The doctor performed some tests to make sure it's safe to continue the pregnancy for a little while longer and all signs pointed to yes. I then went across the street to the hospital for a "non-stress" test (an experience Jonathan promises to blog about later) and everything went fine. In fact, one of the nurses explained that the results were "beautiful." It was quite relieving to get this news and head on home.

Actually, before I got home, I stopped by my parents' house to go for a swim. It was fantastic. I am feeling some signs of early labor and I am kind of excited, though nervous. I wonder when things will really start to happen.

In other news, this is my 100th post. I had no idea I would keep blogging for this long. I hope you have enjoyed reading with us!

Will the McNugget storm the Bastille?

Here we are on July 14th, the McNugget's due date. As many of you know it's Bastille Day and we were kind of hoping for a revolutionary baby. At this point, it does not seem likely. I'm feeling pretty good and so far I have only had one contraction (my first) and it came yesterday (before the magic salad). We were hoping this would be the McNugget's birthday so we could take her to Paris to celebrate. However, this child is clearly looking out for our economic well-being. Considering the high price of the Euro, Paris doesn't make a lot of sense at the moment.

I go back to the doctor later today. Perhaps I'll have more news at that time.

Oh baby, no baby (yet)

It's Sunday afternoon and we are still sans McNugget.

However, Jonathan and I are having a fantastic day getting the house in order. We are prepared for this kid to be born tomorrow since that's her due date and we have nothing else to go by. We are moving through the house like a whirlwind taking care of the tiniest errands that we won't want to think about once the McNugget is here.

Tonight we are going out on what could be our last date as a two-person family. We are going to Caioti Pizza Cafe, one of our favorite restaurants which also just happens to serve a salad that is supposed to help pregnant women go into labor. The urban legend is that you will go into labor within 48 hours of eating the salad. I am pretty skeptical but their food is fabulous so we decided to go there and give it a shot any way.

I have no plans for my life post July 14th. If the McNug is not here by then, I don't know what I will do with myself. I am a big time planner and I hate having nothing to do. I am sure I will find something. . .

No, not yet

It's Friday night and there is still no baby. . .but there is a blog post!

I decided to go to prenatal yoga today to see if I could stir up the McNugget's cozy home at all. It was a great experience. I haven't been in weeks (maybe even months) and while I was no longer able to do some of the poses, I really enjoyed the relaxation from the breathing and the slower parts of the class where I was able to lean into cushioning bolsters. I am hoping the stretching and squatting will help get the McNugget's navigation system pointed South.

Two people (strangers) asked me today when I am due and I told them "Monday." They were both totally shocked. I am not sure why. I feel like I am HUGE. Did they think I was going to answer "November" or something? Maybe they are just shocked that I am out and about so close to my due date? (After yoga I went shopping with Jonathan and his mom and to a picnic in a park in the later afternoon). I guess people expect that when you are about to deliver you are at home on a bed with your feet up. I am afraid if I did that, the McNugget might never want to come out! I actually really enjoy the time out of the house, I enjoy that I can still drive (even though I have a hard time getting in and out of the car these days) and during yoga today I was reminded that I really do like being pregnant. While I long for the days of regular clothes (I have really run out of maternity clothes that fit) and being able to bend down, it is kind of fun to sport my belly and have random people smile at me. I also enjoy the little kicks or waves of movement I get from the McNugget. I think we connected today.

I wonder how people will respond if I don't have the baby on Monday and I have to answer that I am due "last week." I also think it's funny that people think I should "take it easy" because I am almost 40 weeks. What's the worst that could happen? I go into labor? I should be so lucky!!

Other thoughts I have been having and have meant to blog about but never remembered when I was in front of my computer:

I really need to work on packing my hospital bag.

For the past few weeks my nose has been very greasy. I wash it and wash it and still the oil continues.

I miss taking baths when I was smaller and fit in the tub better.

For the past few weeks I have been having dreams that just replay things that actually happened in life or are expected to happen with minor changes to the storyline. Sometimes they seem so real I can't remember if the thing actually happened or if it was just a dream.

One dream that didn't follow that mold and was more of the fantasy variety actually had me a little sad when I woke up because I realized it wasn't real. A few days ago I dreamed I was staying at someone's apartment for the weekend and the apartment was attached to a See's Candy/LeSportSac store. Those are two of my favorite things. As a guest at this apartment, I was able to ask the salespeople for as many samples of chocolate as I wanted and I was able to browse the plentiful sale racks at the three story LeSportSac store. I was in heaven (yet I remember being very overwhelmed by it all). I wonder if that is a feeling that will continue when the McNugget arrives -- a combination of total bliss slightly marred by fear and concern.

It's funny to me that I decided today that I like being pregnant because I have had a few thoughts over the last few weeks that led me in another direction. At particularly low points I began to wonder how people have younger siblings because I had decided I was never going to go through this again and hated the process. At the time it must have seemed agonizing and endless but today I feel like these 10 months flew by and I haven't had enough time to reflect on them.

The early bird may get the worm but the McNugget will likely get a new kitchen

I went to the doctor today to check on the McNugget's plans for a change of scenery. I have decided that this kid is a true foodie. She has made no progress since last Wednesday in her moving plans which makes me think she really wants the kitchen to be done before she arrives. If she holds out until the end of next week, she will likely get the chef's kitchen she desires. I go back on Monday (the McNugget's due date) for another check-up and some tests to make sure she's doing all right in there.

I realized that as of Monday I will be TEN MONTHS PREGNANT. Isn't that crazy?!?!

Home stretch update

No baby yet. I go back to the doctor tomorrow to find out if I am any closer than I was last Wednesday. I can't tell if I am. A part of me thinks the McNug has dropped more but I really have no idea.

I spent yesterday swimming which was such a great feeling. I felt so light in the water and I am sure my body enjoyed the break from the weight of the McNugget. I was not able to tread water though. I have no idea why. Perhaps because I am just too big? The weirdest part about swimming was stepping out of the swimming pool when I suddenly felt all of the McNugget's weight on me again. I am looking forward to hauling her around in new ways in a few weeks because I am getting pretty sick of our current set-up.

Jonathan is on the way home from the airport with his mother. She will sit with us while we wait for the McNugget to hatch. Jonathan's father will join us on Friday. This is exciting for a few reasons, one of which is because his presence here means we will have a M.I.T.-trained engineer to put together everything for the McNugget that comes in a tiny box and is supposed to actually take up lots of room.

I think they are here, more later. . .

Week 39 Update

First to the most important part of this update: no baby yet.

I am amazed at how little time I have to worry about when the McNugget will arrive. So much is going on in our house with improvements to the kitchen and elsewhere everyday that I haven't even thought about when the McNugget is going to appear. To be perfectly honest, I am hoping she is a little late so we can have a few more things ready for her when she gets here. But of course, we will take her whenever she comes!

Last night Jonathan and I went to see Stevie Wonder at the Hollywood Bowl. I wasn't sure how the McNugget was going to take it but I felt pretty good for the whole concert. And, fortunately, I was so tired by the end of the night that I actually slept for a while. Lately I have been getting up in the middle of the night and staying up for several hours. I assume this is to get my body adjusted to middle of the night feedings and no uninterrupted sleeping time in the near future? The only downside to last night's concert (outside of the two songs I wished Stevie would have performed) was a recurrence of Shrek Feet when I came home. I spent a lot of time walking and standing yesterday and my feet wanted to show me how they felt about it. Thank goodness today is back to normal (for now).

This week also marks my first week of official maternity leave which means I am trying not to think about work. It's sort of difficult to do but I'm trying to let go and focus on the McNugget (right now I am mainly focused on our house but I am sure thoughts of the McNugget will take over soon). I am thinking about going swimming today. I went swimming last week and it's a neat feeling to swim with the McNugget in tow.

This weekend we did some of the McNugget's laundry which means her entire closet now smells like "baby." It also made us think that soon all of those nightgowns and onesies will be filled out by an actual baby (which is frankly very hard to imagine).

I started packing a suitcase for the hospital a few weeks ago but have completely forgotten what's in it. I think I'll work on more packing this week. I am running out of things to do pre-McNugget so I guess that means the end is neigh. . .

I'm at the stage where I am no longer buying green bananas

I remember my grandparents joking about being so old, they were no longer going to buy green bananas (if you don't get the joke, it's because they claimed to fear the bananas would ripen only after they themselves "expired"). I think I'm at the same stage in my pregnancy. When I think about things I need to get done, I start planning them out in my calendar and picking days in the future. Then I realize, I can't exactly plan to do something next Thursday. If it needs to be done, it needs to be done right now or else it's totally possible that it won't get done for a few months. You can imagine this is very difficult for a planner like me.

This post is being written at close to 3 AM. The insomnia continues!!

One down, nine to go

So this is the problem with self-diagnosis: you're totally sure of something, and then you go the doctor and find out you're all wrong and you have to reevaluate your planning and expectations.

Here's what happened to me. I was so sure the McNugget had dropped a week or so ago. I had lots of swelling, and lots of pressure lower down so I assumed that all signs pointed to me getting ready to deliver. Well, I have been feeling better the past couple of days, (much less swelling, etc.) and I went to the doctor today to find out what's up in McNuggetland.

As it turns out, while the McNugget may have moved a bit, she has not dropped into position, she's too far up for me to be close to delivering her. What's more, I am only (warning, some of you might consider this next part TMI so please stop reading if you don't want to know too many intimate details about this pregnancy) 1 centimeter dilated (the magic number is 10) which means the McNugget will likely stay put for a little while longer. How long? No one knows for sure but I am thinking I will make it to my next doctor's appointment next week still a pregnant lady.

To be honest, I have always assumed the McNugget would be right on time or arrive late but I was getting caught up in everyone else's diagnoses (and impatience!) and was enjoying playing doctor.

It looks like all of you can look forward to a few more posts to this blog before the big announcement!