I'm back!!

Hello!! It's been about 7 months since my last post and I've had numerous people tell me that I have to post. Why??? The people who read this thing already knows what's going on! :) Whatever the case, I'll have to recap the past 7 months.

I had my baby on December 30, 2008. Sophia Isabelle Vuong Angsuco came into this world 6 days late and let us all know that she was in charge from the start. I was in labor for 22 hours, starting with an induction at 6pm on 12/29. After starting and stopping my contractions for 22 hours, I was 10 cm. dilated at 2:30pm on 12/30 and I pushed exactly 5 times and she arrived at 2:59pm. Epidural was administered at 10:30am. I don't know why I waited that long (and the only reason why I remember this exact time is because The Price is Right was on!) but after I got it, I was in heaven. I'm actually glad that I was able to feel contractions because now I can truly tell you that IT HURTS! Oh, man...never in my life have I felt that kind of pain/pressure. Moral of the story: get the epidural.

It wasn't an easy labor experience. Every time I had a strong contraction, the baby's heart rate would drop. I had contracted on my own after the induction medication, but we had to stop the contractions completely out of concern for the baby. Then they'd put me on pitocin, first at a higher dose, but then the contractions came too quickly and too strong. So they stopped the pitocin. They started again with a lower dose, but the baby's heart rate kept dropping, so they stopped the pitocin. Talk about yo-yo! I wasn't ready to push yet because by 12:30pm, I was only 3 cm. dilated. My doc came in and talked about a possible cesarean. Right when he uttered those words, I started to cry uncontrollably! I didn't want a cesarean and I begged my doc to do everything possible to get her out without any surgical measures. So he said they'd try the pitocin again, this time slowly. (I was fine with stopping/starting the contractions b/c I didn't feel a thing! Epidural = my bestest friend) After the started the pitocin once more, the doc came in right before 2:30 and checked my cervix...I had fully dilated in two hours. After that, it was a whirlwind of people coming in my room and the nurse getting me ready. The bed collapsed/pulled apart, spot lights came one, my doc was dressed in scrubs within a matter of minutes. I pushed when they told me to push (oh, and by this time my epidural was wearing out, so I was able to feel something. Still didn't hurt as much, but I still felt it all!) and in 20 minutes, she was out. It was at this point that I noticed how many people were in my room--about 15!! 8 with me, 7 with my baby. Apparently, my doc almost called a crash cesarean because baby's heart rate went waaaay low, but with forceps and an episiotomy, they got her out. She was perfect--Apgar scores were 8, 9 respectively. We were in love from the start!!

And it's all true. You forget about all the pain and everything else once you lay eyes on your baby. She is amazing. We were able to leave the hospital the next night because I didn't want to spend New Years Eve at the hospital. With my doc's ok, and the Pediatrician's ok, we were discharged from the hospital at 7pm on 12/31/09.

The first few days were difficult, but manageable. I think the hardest part was sleeping, not because the baby was crying so much, but because I would constantly wake up to make sure she was ok. Yes, it was hard and we had sleeping issues....especially when Sophia had her days and nights mixed up for about a week. But my mom was with us and so were my in laws, so we had tremendous help. Jerome and I took care of her at night and they all helped during the day. :)

Sophia is 6 months in a few days. She is truly amazing. At six months, she can:

- sit up on her own (starting at 5 months)
- roll over both ways (tummy to back at 3 months, back to tummy at 3.5 months)
- hold her own bottle (starting at 4.5 months)
- laugh, laugh, laugh
- recognize her name
- recognize mom & dad (can even recognize dad on Skype!)
- play with Bella
- eat solids (only rice, sweet potatoes, bananas and carrots so far--starting at 5 months)

She isn't sleeping through the night. She sleeps well, but wakes up 1-2 times a night to feed. She falls right asleep after she finishes though. She is a reletively easy baby and so, so happy. She only cries/fusses when she is tired or hungry. When she wakes up from naps or sleep, she plays until someone comes to get her. Sometimes she will yell if no one is around, but is all smiles when you get to her. She lets anyone hold her and loves to look at faces. She hasn't had any indication of seperation anxiety yet. We are really blessed to have such a great baby. Oh! And I may be biased, but she is DARN CUTE!

As for Jerome and me--we are doing well. Life with baby is definitely different, but we love it. I am currently on summer vacation and in California. Family and friends met Sophia for the first time and everyone loves her. I am getting spoiled as well--my parents are watching her so I can run errands and get things (like going to spa and getting mani/pedis) done. My family is trying to convince me to leave Sophia her so that my life can be "easier" and to pick her up in December. hahaha--no way! It's super nice to see that she is so loved though. I will definitely be taking full advantage of what I have now! It's all back to the real world when I go back to Hawaii!!

I love how everything I talk & write about just goes back to Sophia. *sigh*

Here are some pictures of the bugger. (most are recent b/c the older pictures are on the external harddrive at home)

finally holding her head up

Happy Baby!!

4 months old

5 months old

Mommy & me

Daddy & me

For more pics, go to my profile on Facebook. Here's a link to the album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=91345&id=648845189&l=723ad8ad14

Alrighty--that's all for now. Hopefully, I can keep up this blogging!! TTFN!

10 days to go...

I had my weekly dr. appointment today. Zero cm. dilated. nothin'...nilch.

Good thing b/c Jerome won't be home until later this week. We had a talk with Sophia last night..."stay in, baby. Wait for Daddy to come home."

Think "stay in" thoughts until Friday!!

My mommy is coming in on Wednesday!!!!!!!!! :)

38 weeks pregnant and it's finally happened...

So....it's happened. I got the dreaded stretchmarks on my tummy. :( It's so ugly! I can't even see them because they're between my belly button and pelvic bone, so I can only see them in the mirror. BLAH. I've been so good with the belly butter, vitamin e....oh, well.

We're 2 weeks away from my EDD. (expected due date) I still feel pretty good--well, as good as I can be at 38 weeks of pregnancy. Sitting on the floor is no longer an option, my feet are no longer normal size, (thank goodness for Hawaii and being able to wear my slippahs to work everyday!) I get winded just getting into bed, and my back is achey, but manageable. But other than all that, I'm still walking around nicely, able to cook dinner (by choice!), and get things done at work and at home. Christmas shopping is finished and gifts are wrapped and are being sent out tomorrow! I feel good...

Last week we got another ultrasound because my doc thought I was measuring too small. It kinda freaked me out a bit, but it all turned out well. Our baby is small--she's in the 35th percentile, but not small enough to be of concern. The doc predicts she'll be about 6.5 - 7 lbs if she goes all the way. We got more pictures and this time Jerome was able to be there! We also got reconfirmation that it's a girl! :) She was moving so much that it was difficult for the technician to get pictures of he needed.

We're just about ready for her. We're stil getting furniture moved around, but it should all be finished by tomorrow. I just need to wash her clothes, get some diapers, and pack my hospital bag. Our generous friends and family have sent us everything that we need. My mom is coming in next week!! It's all coming together so quickly...I just want my baby already!

My birthday has come and gone. It was very quiet this year--I actually got really sick on my birthday and slept for most of the day. We eventually went to get a Christmas tree in the evening, but that was all I was up for that night. The next day, however, I felt great and we were able to celebrate then. The house is now all decorated for the holidays...inside and out. :) That's how I celebrated my birthday...my phone and email was bombarded and that's all I could have asked for. I didn't mention it at work at all because I didn't want anyone to make a big deal (my kids made enough of a deal!) and also because my work gave me a baby shower, so I didn't want even more attention. :) I had a great day, even though I was sick--it was just as it should have been.

Here's my belly at 38 weeks. Apparently, it looks like I've dropped today, so picture my belly a bit lower....

And here is Bella in front of our tree. :) Why, oh why, do I love to torture my dog...??

34 weeks, 2nd Anniversary

Many changes occuring these days--including Jerome being home now! After being gone for almost 2 months, he's finally home now. Life is now getting back to how things used to be, although I have to admit that since he's been back, it has been a bit difficult for me! It's just so weird to not have to do everything for myself anymore....it's refreshing, so I'm not complaining. :)

So I'm 34 weeks pregnant this week...that's 8 1/2 months! Just 3 more weeks and I'm officially full term. How scared am I!? Jerome and I went on the hospital tour today. We will be delivering at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children. It was a great experience and now my mind is a bit at ease as to what to expect. The Labor and Delivery room was really nice! I think Jerome was a bit overwhelmed, but who wouldn't be?

We've also purchased all of the necessary baby furniture, including some not-so-necessary. We had to rent a van to purchase and take home our crib, dresser, and a glider. (the glider was our luxury purchase and I LOVE it!) It was a huge weight off my shoulders, as I've waited for Jerome to come home to get that all done. Jerome's finished building everything (I love him) and now we're just going to have to move some furniture around the house. And when I say "we", I really mean Jerome and his friends. :)

Today is our 2nd wedding anniversary--Veteran's Day! The greatest thing about getting married on a holiday? We both get the day off! The bad part? The restaurant we were SO LOOKING FORWARD to eating at today was CLOSED! Oh, well. We found another restaurant and was very happy with that decision. It was a great day--nice and relaxing, ending with a great dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Happy Anniversary, Jerome!

Oh, and that means Bella's birthday is in 2 days! :)

Here is the long awaited picture of the belly...at 34 weeks. Enjoy!

Anniversary

This week marks the one year anniversary of Jerome and I moving to Hawaii. I can't believe it's already been a year--it went by so quickly! My 13 months in South Carolina felt like fooorrreeevverrrr and these 12 months on the island has just FLOWN by. In one year, we've done so much. Jerome made rank and has gotten his dolphins (yay!). I found a great school to work at that treats me just like ohana and I love going to work. We're expecting our first baby in about 10 weeks. We've made some really good friends who I'm starting to be able to depend on and trust more. Jerome's career as a sailor is in full force and I'm adjusting (much better than I had imagined) to the Navy/deployment lifestyle. We've had numerous visitors, so home is never too far away. Life is good--and a year ago today, we were scared to death coming to the island, to a new life. I look forward to the next couple of years to see what this Navy life and island has to offer us.

On an even more cheerful note, WE'RE HALF WAY THROUGH THIS DEPLOYMENT!! WEEEEEE!!!

Almost half way there...

I'm on my Fall Break and so far, it hasn't been that bad. I'm also almost half way through this deplyoment--this weekend was great because I was able to talk to Jerome all weekend. He had a port call in San Diego, so he arranged to take leave and spent it in LA. I was so jealous!! I *almost* booked a flight home last minute just so I can be home for my break and to see Jerome. (bonus!) But, I didn't....must save money for baby. Jerome had a great time at home, though, so I'm glad it all worked out.

I'm in my third trimester!! I'm officially 29 weeks this week...it's been going by so quickly. I had my glucose test last week and I passed...no news is good news! :) (btw--the test was not THAT BAD. My drink tasted like concentrated fruit punch and my doctor's office chilled it, so it was doable. When you have to take the test, request your drink to be cold!) So yay for no Gestational Diabetes for me!

The baby has been kicking like no other these days. She kicks, rolls, hiccups, punches...it's all really weird, but cool at the same time. Not so cool when I'm trying to sleep, but it's fun to be able to feel her. Sometimes I can see the movement really well on my stomach, and that really freaks me out. It's so alien like! I hope this isn't an indication of how she's going to be outside of the womb. Wishful thinking, I guess.

I'm more tired these days. I can't really do much before I need to rest. Coming home is all about putting up my feet and resting. Bella and I nap on the couch all the time. :) Speaking of Bella, she's been so attached to me. She follows me everywhere I go in the house--as if she's afraid that I'd leave her like her daddy did. She misses Jerome so much--when he was talking to her on the speakerphone, she was freaking out, running to the door and whining. She's always looking out the window for him...poor thing. She misses her play pal!

Sorry, no picture yet. I just haven't thought about it. I promise, once I get to it, I'll post one up. :) I just feel fat and from my end, I'm huge. Others tell me that I don't look that big and that all my weight is in my tummy. I sure don't think so!!

Hope everyone out there is doing well!

I'm surviving Jerome's deployment and so far, it's not so bad--however, this past week was extremely busy, so that was a huge factor. I'm not so sure I like being SO busy, though. I am so exhausted by the end of the day, I feel like I'm neglecting Bella and there's no time to relax. Seriously, I am not cut out for a job that works until 5pm--when do you find time to do anything?? Thank goodness for getting off at 2:45pm everyday. :)

So since Jerome left, of course, several things have needed his attention, but he's not home to attend to them. It's inevitable that it happens this way, but I think it's just a test for me. :) I used to be so independent and ever since I've gotten married, I've come to depend on Jerome a lot...so now it's a test for me to find myself again! Anyway, the night Jerome left, we found that the crack on our Civic's windshield has spread, so the car now sits in our garage to prevent it from getting worse in the sun. (I usually drive that car when Jerome is not home so we can save gas...) So now I get to call our insurance company to see how we can get that fixed. I've also either chipped my molar or the filling has come off b/c it's not feeling quite right. I blame that one on the pregnancy b/c my teeth has not been the same ever since. Baby stuff have come in the mail to be assembled, and of course, I'm not going to wait for Jerome to come home to put it together! Yes, I put together the baby's swing and a Pack 'n Play and if I do say so myself, it all looks great. (of course, Jerome will have to double check...just in case! for baby's sake.) Also, I'm trying to finalize dates and such for maternity leave and need Jerome's input...but that can wait for when he comes home. Oh, and then there's Bella's food running out--we made a mental note to get some more before he left, but we both forgot. We usually get a 50 lb bag, but that's not going to happen, so I just got a little bag for her for the time being. :)

None of it is really a big deal, but when you're lazy like I am, it's pretty darn hard to get anything done. The 2nd trimester energy burst is slowly going away and I'm back to daily naps to get me through the evening.

I'm almost at my 27th week, so that means just 1.5 weeks until my 3rd trimester. Crazy, isn't it?!?? I feel huge, but people say I don't look it...so I guess that's good.

Jerome's emailed me twice and it makes my day when I get an email from him. He passed his dolphin boards, so now he's a fully qualified sailor!! I'm so proud of him--yay! He will be in port in San Diego soon and will probably be able to take leave and to go LA for a few days (since Tijuana is off limits for them now!) so hopefully he'll be able to see some friends and family when he goes home. Too bad I can't be there too!!

I will try to take a picture of myself one day...one day, when I remember to bring the camera upstairs. (dude, once I'm upstairs, I don't go back down until the next morning!)