Lucas Birth Story

October 6, 2013 I was 39 weeks, it was that day when I felt Lucas was going to be joining us. I went up to Daniel like around 10:30 pm and told him "Babe don't freak out but I think my water broke!" We called our doctor and he recommended for me to go to the hospital. We grabbed the hospital bag and we took off. At this point I felt extremely calm and extremely happy that Lucas was finally coming. The rash & the heavy load of my belly was becoming a bit too much for me so I was anxious to meet our little guy.

Once we got to the hospital they sent us to the triage room and they measured me and told me I was only 4 centimeters dilated but they were going to contact my doctor to see if I should stay or go (Oh & by the way my water did not break--the doctor actually broke my water and it felt NOTHING like what I had in mind.) After almost two hours of waiting the doctor finally decided that it was best if I stayed and they were going to induce me. 

I was moved to a delivery room around midnight and at 7am the doctor came, broke my t water and contractions started immediately. i must applaud every single mother out there who is able to deliver w/o an epidural because i broke down and i needed the doc ASAP! such a tremendous amount of pain but i knew at the end it would all be worth it.

at 12:00pm i started to push (i pushed for 3.5 hours) and at last our baby was born. he was 9lbs!! for those that know me i'm a pretty short & small gal' so having a baby this big was such an accomplishment for me lol! as soon as i held my son i couldn't contain myself and tears just came down my face! it was such an emotional & surreal experience.

now we are a party of three and i'm loving it.

First month favorites

1. Boppy Pillow- great way to nurse your baby. It was so easy to use and a great tool for 1st time mommies like myself, plus you can still use it as they get older for tummy time, sitting down and propping.

2. Bouncer- Lucas loves it because it makes him feel all bundled up plus & it soothes him.

3. Humidifier- my poor baby has had a congested nose so after speaking with the pediatrician she recommend for us to buy a humidifier  (we bought the frog one at Target, in my opinion it looks cuter, go here) and Little Remedies Nasal drops go here

4. Nosefrida- great tool to help baby breath when congested (I only found this item at Babies R'us)

5. Swaddles- these came in handy the first 2 weeks because Lucas loved to be all bundled up. Now he enjoys stretching as much as possible when he sleeps..he was a big baby and I'm sure having that extra space to stretch makes him very happy.

6. Mittens- Lucas tends to touch his face when I nurse him so it was very great to have mittens to avoid any scratches in his little face + they are great to keep their little hands warm and cozy.

7. Pacifier & clip- Lucas loves the pacifier after a meal. It soothes him and puts him to sleep fast. The clip comes in handy because the pacifier won't be all over the place. 

8. Baby Burt's/ Johnson & Johnson lotions & body wash- Lucas loves to take baths so these came in handy.

Another useful item has been the "Little Remedies Gripe Water" because at times he get colic's.  I have modified my diet (no dairy products--milk (now I drink coconut milk, this is a great brand So Coconut Milk), cheese, butter, no beans, broccoli, citrus fruits) but whenever I see him grunting I give him those and it helps him. Little Remedies For Tummies you can buy them at Target.

*All these items were bought either at Target or Babies R'us*

Happy One Month Baby

When you have a baby people usually tell you to cherish every minute because time flies...THEY WERE NOT KIDDING! My baby is a month old and I couldn't be happier to have him in my life.  Now I will like to take this time to write a little something to the boy who stole my heart:

Dear Lucas,

You have changed my life in the most magical way possible. Your dad and I are always saying how you have become the love of our lives. I want you to know that you can always count on your mama y papa no matter what. Please forgive me for any mistakes I make along the way but I can assure you that I will always do my best to make you a very happy baby and love you unconditionally.  Here are some facts about you:

• You love to eat & at this point in your life I can honestly say this is your favorite hobby ;)
• You were born with THE MOST AMAZING HAIR!
• You weigh 11 lbs
• Every time you fall asleep you make the cutest grumpy face 
• You love to see your surroundings & you are obssessed with fans and lights
• You are a very strong baby (when you were a week old you rolled all on your own, you push yourself up when we hold you and boy oh boy do you have a great set of lungs)
• You smile after every meal and that's how I know you have a 'happy tummy'
• When you eat you make the cutest noises and they always make us smile & laugh
• You like to sleep on your left side--that's how I slept most of my pregnancy so you got use to it

I love....

• how you snuggle in my chest. It honestly melts my heart!
• how you admire your dad when he talks to you
• singing to you even though I'm not the best at it but somehow it calms you down 
• your chubby cheeks
• the way you sleep and how peaceful you look
• every time we pick you up you perk your butt and it looks adorable
• how you are loved by so many
• that Jehovah has blessed us with the greatest gift. You have made us so happy, we love you chubs!

Here are Lucas one month pictures. 

The not so glamorous picture!

Lucas Nursery

I was finally able to take some pictures of the nursery. It's still a work in progress but we'll get there, eventually. Having Lucas in my arms has been the most fascinating & emotional experience ever. I LOVE HIM DEARLY.

• The dresser belonged to me
• Rocking chair was my grandfather
• Letter L, laundry and brown basket--TJ Maxx (I painted it myself)
• Ottoman-Target
• Small red baskets--Dollar Store :)

Week 37 & 38

The countdown has begun--10 days left before my due date! I haven't been able to take pictures of my progress is the last two weeks but I've had several symptoms I would like to share (in case others are experiencing the same)

Latest Update:

• I'm actually measuring 41 weeks instead of 38--the nurse recommended for me to get an ultrasound to see how much the baby weights
• I'm 2 centimeters dilated
• Cervix has thinned out 50%
• About two weeks ago I started experiencing an immense amount of itchiness around my stomach and I currently have PUPP (also known as Puritic Urticarial Papules & Plaques) read more here. The rash has been extremely uncomfortable and at times it gets really red. I've been using Aveeno Anti Itch cream and it has been a salvation for me! The rash has stayed on my abdominal area so I'm thankful for that.

The ultrasound went well, based on what the nurse told us she said Lucas can be between 7-9 lbs but at the moment it seems he's 8 lbs. I always had a strong feeling he was going to be a bit on the big side so we will have to wait and see. I thought it was adorable to see how much hair he has. 

Other than that everything has been good. My Braxton Hicks have been a bit stronger and more regular and I'm hungrier than usual.

Latest Buys

As I prep myself for Lucas arrival I decided to make a list of things that I must have before he gets here.  I've read a few blogs and a few mom's have told me what they wish they had before the baby got here.  I still need a few more things but I bought most of them already.

1. Boppy Pillow + Cover
2. Health & Grooming Kit
3. Changing Pad
4.Bottle Drying Rack
5.Swaddle (I still need to purchase this)
6. Bouncer (I still need to purchase this)

Other than that I think we are pretty set. We were fortunate enough to receive a lot of gifts and I'm sure this will be a learning experience for me and Daniel--can't wait.

Week 36

Four weeks before my due date, time does fly!  Everything is pretty much the same as far as symptoms, the only extra things have been:

• More movement
• Leg cramps
• Hungrier
• Nesting Stage
• Braxton Hicks

I have two weeks left at work before I go into maternity leave so I'll be able to get all the final details ready. I'm almost done with the hospital bag and now I'm working on the diaper bag & finishing the nursery. I did a "birth plan" as well as "What if Naeli Goes Into Labor" (either at work or if I'm at the house already).

I'm very excited to see my grandmother who will be coming from Puerto Rico to see her first great-grandchild and I can't wait for her to cook for me, yum!

This was before I left to the baby shower.