Images To Capture From Labor & Delivery

As we prep ourselves for the big day I came across this article which recommends certain images that you should take before,during and after labor. The hospital where I'm going to deliver let's us have a total of three people in the room (including myself) I'm sure my mom will be there to partake in such an emotional & special moment, so she will be in charge of taking some of these images. 

Here's the link where I found the article: Article

Below are some examples of the images (none of these pictures are mine, please refer to the source link) 

Hospital Room--Source here

Labor-couple holding hands--Source here

ID Bracelets--Source here

Hands--Source here

Newborn--Source here

Meeting Dad-Source here

Meeting Mom- Source here

Meeting Grandparents-Source here

& then there was three-Source here

The other images it recommends are:

• Final Belly Image
• Clock Capturing Time of baby's arrival
• The Scale
• With doctors and nurses
• Going home

Hospital Bag List

I know I'm still far away from my actual due date but I found this list and I thought it was very practical and to the point. The only thing I would change is the 'birth plan' because I currently don't have one and I'm not planning on making one. I decided to go with an open mind and know that anything can happen. I will do what my body tells me as well as what the doctor recommends is best for Lucas and myself.  I do have three 'must do' that I will talk to my doctor about:

1) I want Daniel to cut the umbilical cord

2) I want to hold the baby as soon as he is born

3) No formula (if possible) I want to breastfeed him

Go here for the list

Hospital Visit/Week 24

Last Thursday was a very scary and concerning afternoon for us. I started feeling minor pains in the morning and as the day went on the pains started to progress. I knew there was something wrong so I called Daniel and told him my concerns and then proceeded to call the doctor. As I told them my symptoms (sharp abdominal pains, my stomach felt extremely tight etc.) the nurse recommend for me to go to the hospital as soon as possible because it sounded like I was having contractions and they needed to verify that I was not going into pre-term labor. I broke down into tears and called Daniel & my mom, I explained the situation to them and they both met me at the hospital. Upon arrival I was sent over to the ‘Triage Room’ and was monitored for about 5 hours. I was having contractions and after taking my pressure, doing a cervical & urine exam they decided to give me a shot to minimize the pain. My biggest concern, of course, was to know if Lucas was doing ok, which they assured me he was. His heart rate was normal and he was moving a lot (active baby means healthy baby).  I was dispatched around 7:30 p.m. and they asked me to monitor my contractions as well as his movements (at least 10 kicks every hour and if the contractions were 5 mins apart I needed to return to the hospital) Over the weekend I had minor pains but nothing like the ones I experienced on Thursday.  The nurse was not sure as to what was causing the contractions (she mentioned it had something to do with my uterus) but I have an appointment this Wednesday so I will follow up with the doctor as to what steps I need to take in order to minimize or avoid any contractions.  To say the least it was a very frightening situation but I feel blessed to have such a wonderful family that was extremely supportive during this time.  Lucas is doing well, still moving a lot and I was able to rest for 4 days which was amazing.

I took some pictures of my belly this week and for the first time I’m showing my bare tummy. I’ve been taking pictures for my reference but I never post them so I decided it was time for me to actually show my progress. 

Symptoms: Contractions but as of today (6/25/13) I haven’t felt any

Queasy/Sick: Cooking chicken!

Best Moments: Knowing that Lucas is doing well after the scared we had

Belly Button: Innie/Outie process

Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained about 10 pounds

Movements: Yes, lots of them!

Cravings: Fruits

Ring: Sometimes it fits other times it doesn’t

Books: What to Expect When You Are Expecting & My Book of Biblical Stories (for Lucas)

Stretch Marks: None as of right now

Miss Anything: Being able to sleep on my stomach and I’m really craving a tall caramel frappuchino

Sleep: Sleeping has been a challenge

How far along: 24 weeks

Maternity Clothes: I've only bought two dresses but I've been buying maxi dresses and skirts (for the summer time)

Are you showing yet: Absolutely!

At the hospital (6/20/13)

Baby Bump

& my funny belly button

My outfit

Skirt: charlotte russe here

Top: target

Sandals/Necklace/Bracelet: forever 21