DEIRDRE VALERIA BORN AUG-17-2007 8:48PM

After a lenghty labor, a C-section was performed, and at 8:48pm Deirdre Valeria saw the light of this world...


Not little at all, she weighted 8 pounds 15oz. and was 21 inches. When the doctor took her out he seemed surprised at that... Gee... Like I didn't knew what was coming...



Anyway,we has some visitors... Family and friends... LightShadow, Groundel, YoungGranny and the two Youngaunts arrived on Saturday morning, followed by Auntie and MommyDearest in the afternoon. Coriolis made it on Sunday's afternoon, followed by Cook, Cock & the Chicks at night.

Monday morning, finally released from the hospital... Amen!

Will write more details later on... We are all staying at Auntie's place because of my Rosered house issues (bathroom on 1st floor, bedroom on 2nd floor, no water, blah blah...) so after a week I was FINALLY able to login and update this place...



Summing things up, some of everything was beyond bad, some was good and one was great. The mage has been at my side all of the time, taking care of both Deirdre and me with more than diligence... He has made it all bearable, for it all has been pretty rough on me. The hospital experience sucked, they left me with labor pains for almost 12 hours knowing it all would end in a Cesarean, and the original plans for breastfeeding are slowly going down the drain thanks to hospital rules... Been quite mad, quite pissed... Only two people have been able to make me smile through the storm... The mage and Deedee.

10-4

Birth Date Changed to Friday 17

Doctor's appointment today. Everything is fine, but Deirdre is growing fast (as it happens with diabetics) and so she needs to be born ASAP. So, tomorrow will put together everything, and will be early at the hospital on Friday morning. The doctor will try to induce the birthing. Hopefully everything will run "smoothly"... I would hate to have a Cesarean, but anything is possible... Cross your fingers!

WEEK 38

BODY: Colostrum
Two weeks and counting (unless, of course, your baby decides to stay on for the tenth month…). Your body, still a baby-making machine, is fast becoming a baby-delivering one too. Gearing up for the big day, it's going through many changes now in anticipation of labor: some you're aware of, such as your baby dropping into your pelvis (easier breathing, more pelvic pressure) and others that you probably are not aware of, such as cervical dilation and effacement. While you're waiting for D-day to arrive, think of these last weeks as a dress rehearsal for life with baby. Sleepless nights, a little anxiety (or perhaps a lot of anxiety), leaky breasts. Huh? Leaky breasts? Yes, it's true: many pregnant women find that their breasts begin to leak colostrum sometime in the third trimester. Colostrum is a thin, yellowish fluid that is the precursor to mature breast milk. Chock-full of antibodies to protect your newborn baby, colostrum has more protein and lower fat and milk sugar (the better to digest with) than the breast milk that arrives three or four days after delivery. Not all women experience leakage of colostrum, even though it's being produced in the breasts. If you're not doing any leaking, but you're still curious, squeezing your areola may allow you to express a few drops (but don't squeeze with a vengeance — that'll only result in sore nipples). Still can't get any? No need to fret — your baby will be able to when the time comes (if you plan to breastfeed). If you are leaking colostrum, you may want to consider wearing nursing pads in your bra to protect your clothes. And get used to it, too, since this is just a foreshadowing of increasingly leaky breasts (and wet bras, nightgowns, and shirts) to come.

BABY: Approaching the Runway
Only two more weeks (or plus two more, max) before your baby makes his or her appearance. And what an adorable appearance that will be! Your little one isn't so little anymore — weighing in at close to seven pounds and hitting the height charts at the 21-inch mark (or less). As you prepare (best you can) for baby's ETA, he or she is also getting ready, big time. Vernix and lanugo continue to shed from your baby's body into the amniotic fluid. Your baby swallows that amniotic fluid (yum yum?) and some of it winds up in his or her intestines where it — along with other shed cells, bile, and other waste products (triple yum) — will turn into your baby's first bowel movement (meconium) and perhaps your first diaper change. Your baby's lungs continue to mature as more and more surfactant is secreted (remember — it helps prevent the lungs from sticking to each other when your baby begins to breathe…definitely a good thing). All systems, almost go!

FOOD: Your Brain on Choline
Can't remember where you left the car keys — or where you left the car? Showing up on Tuesday afternoon for a Monday morning meeting? Have your desk blanketed in Post-its reminding you to be home for that crib delivery — but managed to miss it anyway? Pregnancy forgetfulness has a way of sneaking up on you without any warning (or maybe you got a warning but you forgot). Here's a slightly unsettling, yet illuminating explanation why you've been having senior moments ever since you started gestating junior. For sure, hormones play a part (the same ones that kick in when you're premenstrual — except they kick in at much higher levels, leaving you in a much thicker fog). But it also turns out — just as you suspected last time you spaced out when you were supposed to turn off the oven and ended up with burnt chicken instead of baked chicken — that your brain has actually been shrinking during pregnancy. Researchers have noted that the brain cell volume of pregnant women actually decreases during the third trimester of pregnancy, only to plump up a few months after delivery. So you're not imagining your brain drain (and you have a valid medical excuse for why you forgot to pay the electric bill until the lights started flickering). But is there anything you can do to minimize the effects of your so-called placenta brain? Luckily, there is — and it's to lean on choline. This essential nutrient helps improve brain function and is the building block for a memory-forming brain chemical called acetylcholine. What's more, choline plays a crucial role in the development of your baby's brain — something occurring at a rapid clip now that you're in your third trimester. Researchers theorize that getting plenty of this brain boosting mineral during pregnancy can boost the cognitive function of both your baby — and you. (Another way to get through your day without leaving your credit card at a single cash register? Load up on those omega-3's like DHA, the other best bud of your and your baby's brain.). Expectant moms are expected to get 450 mg of choline each day. You'll probably get some from your prenatal vitamin (check the label), but it doesn't hurt to get some extra from your diet. You can easily get your share and more by eating such choline-rich foods as egg yolks, beef, milk, soybeans (enjoy them in their crunchy roasted form or steamed in yummy green pods), citrus fruits, wheat germ, and nuts (which incidentally, also pack a memory-boosting omega-3 punch — making them twice as important to remember to eat. And the same goes for those egg yolks, especially if you make them DHA eggs). And don't stop once your baby's born, especially if you're breastfeeding. Not only because you'll need all the memory help you can get then (yes, your brain will be back to its prepregnancy proportions — but you'll still be in a fog thanks to sleep deprivation), but because nursing mothers need even more choline (remember, your baby's brain is growing at a fast clip even after birth) — about 550 mg per day. So keep the choline coming, Mom!

EXTRA: What a Keepsake!
Belly casts date back to ancient times when they were used to commemorate the miracle of life. These do-it-yourself plaster replicas are easy and fun to make with your mate, midwife, or your baby shower guests. Just sit back as your chosen ones apply strips of wet plaster onto your belly (it usually dries within 15 minutes). Once the cast is dry, decorate and display as you like. (Is the dining room table too prominent a spot?) You'll find many resources on the Web; just type "belly cast" into a search engine and sculpt away.

EXTRA: Walk It Off, Baby!
Easy on your knees and ankles, and just plain easy, walking is one of the best exercises during pregnancy. And when you're this close to term — there's another benefit to walking (though at this point, it might be better termed waddling). The side-to-side sway of your hips during walking…I mean waddling…may ease your baby's head into your pelvis, giving you a leg up on labor. And speaking of labor, there are those who swear that a long walk in the park — or on the track — can actually bring on contractions. So keep your sneaks handy as you near your due date (or round the corner past your due date).

EXTRA: Fill That Freezer!
Have visions of yourself, newly delivered domestic goddess, whipping up gourmet meals in those postpartum weeks? Dream on. Cooking will be the last thing on your mind or your to-do list during those first few weeks (make that months) after delivery. Trust me, fitting in a three-minute shower will trump it for sure, as will using the bathroom when the urge strikes. To avoid serving Cheerios for dinner on a nightly basis (realistically, there will be nights when you will), plan ahead. Stock your freezer now with individually packaged, simple heat-and-serve options that you (or he!) can get on the table in a flash. Label carefully, so you won't be left with UFOs (unidentified frozen objects). Good candidates for the freezer include hearty soups, stews, and casseroles, as well as mini-meatloaves. Have the baking itch? Satisfy it, and stash away several trays of bran muffins (don't ask, you'll need them). Another plan-ahead tip? If you don't already have your favorite takeouts on speed dial, now's a good time.

DAD: Deal Yourself In
Despite the billions of babies that have been born into this world, labor is still an unpredictable event. It can be as fast as a half-inning of baseball or as long as a two-day cricket match. So come prepared. Pack a backpack or carry-on with a selection of distractions: cards, games (hand-held electronics if she enjoys them), puzzles, books, magazines, music. You can relax together with these distractions during lulls between contractions — and there could be a lot of lulls. Remember, the operative word here is "together" — it would be a bad idea to be absorbed with the Game Boy while she's breathing her way through contractions. Also remember: Whatever she decides in advance, be sure to ask again during labor. It may have sounded like a good idea to play a few rounds of Texas Hold 'Em — until the contractions actually started.

The AntiPaladin Warmage strikes back!

Good for her... bad for me... Got fever, nausea, dizziness, headache, overall crappiness... Someone is having fun. The little alien keeps moving from right to left, from left to right... always against my sleeping position soooooooooo I cannot sleep well because she counter-weights me! Having fun already? Just who do you think you are? Hmph!

WEEK 37

And so, WEEK 37 arrived, by now 37 with 3 days. So far, I've gained only 17 pounds and both my sugar levels and Deirdre are doing well. All efforts have paid off.

(info from www.whattoexpect.com)
BODY: Effacement and Dilation
Only three more weeks to go (can you believe it?). Actually, now that you're 37 weeks, your pregnancy is technically considered full-term — which means you can safely go into labor any day now. The big mystery, of course, is just when labor will actually begin. It's anyone's guess when your baby decides to make his or her appearance (sociably early, or fashionably late — or precisely right on time?), but that doesn't stop your practitioner from taking a shot at it. Unless you specifically request otherwise, most practitioners will perform internal checks of your cervix to assess your readiness for labor. Just what is he or she looking for? First, for dilation, or how far your cervix has opened (it needs to open to ten centimeters for the baby to pass through into the birth canal). Next, for cervical ripeness (making you wonder, perhaps, is this a cervix or a peach?), which is the consistency of the cervix. (It starts out being firm like the tip of your nose and softens to the same texture as the inside of your cheek). Next he or she will check for effacement, or how thin your cervix is (it'll be 100 percent effaced before you push your baby out). The position of your cervix (it moves from the back to the front as labor approaches) will also be assessed, and last but not least, your practitioner will measure the station (or position) of the baby in relation to your pelvis (the lower down your baby is, the closer you are to delivery). Although it all sounds very scientific, it's actually not at all. Having a cervix dilated to three centimeters or being 50 percent effaced is no indication that labor is imminent. You can be very dilated and not have your baby for weeks. Or your cervix can be high and closed during an exam one morning, only to be open and ready for business — and labor — by noon.

BABY: Light at the End of the TunnelWith just three more weeks to go and at about six and a half pounds (though weight and height vary from fetus to fetus), your baby is doing just fine. You can expect weight gain to be about half an ounce per day. (Boys, though, are likely to be heavier at birth than girls. And here's a bit of boy baby trivia to back that one up: Moms carrying boys tend to eat more than moms carrying girls — a foreshadowing of teenage refrigerator raids to come.) Since your little one is considered full-term now, if your baby was to leave the wet nest this week, he or she would likely thrive. That's because Mother Nature and you have done such a fine job. So what's keeping your little one busy while waiting it out until D-day? Practice, practice, practice. Your baby is simulating breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking on his or her thumb, blinking, and pivoting from side to side (one day you feel the tushy on the left side, another day it has swung around to the right side). All these are skills needed for his or her next gig — starring as newborn. Here's an interesting fact: Your baby's head (which, by the way, is still growing) will, at birth, be the same size circumference as his or her hips, abdomen, and shoulders. And guess what's making an impression (literally) these days on those shoulders and hips: fat — causing little dimples in those cute elbows and knees, shoulders and hip, and creases and folds in the neck and wrists.

EATING: Protein, The Supermodel With SmartsProtein is the cover girl of nutrients these days, getting raves from many successful dieters. Since you know weight-loss diets are downright dangerous for expectant moms and their babies, you need to appreciate protein on a deeper level — for the brain power behind the beauty. While it's not just another pretty face, protein is made up of the amino acids that build your baby's adorable face — and every cell below it. Your baby's brain, in particular, needs these raw materials to transform itself into the wondrous organ that will help your baby breathe, walk, talk, and gleefully flush your car keys down the toilet in the years to come. During pregnancy, you need three servings of protein every day (the equivalent of about 75 grams). Most people have no trouble reaching this goal (especially if they've spent any time on the low-carb bandwagon), although if you're a vegetarian or vegan you may have to work a little harder. Getting your full protein quota is never more important than it is during this final trimester, when your baby's brain is developing fast and furiously — but it's also a great time to focus on protein sources that are extra high in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA (another must-have nutrient when it comes to baby brains — plus, one that's known to lower your risk of postpartum depression). Get your protein from all of these foods, but choose the starred (*) ones for their DHA star power: Lean meat, Grass-fed lean meat*, Poultry, Fish* (fatty fish, like wild salmon, anchovies, and sardines contain the most brain-boosting fatty acids, but all fish have some; see A Fish Tale) to learn which fish you can safely eat when you're expecting), Eggs* (choose DHA eggs for an omega-3 boost), Milk and other dairy products. Vegetarian options include: Beans, Tofu and other soy products (such as edamame and soy pasta), TVP (texturized vegetable protein; check the label for the protein-to-calorie ratio to make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your nutritional buck), Peanuts, peanut butter (check first with your practitioner if you or the baby's father has a history of food allergies), other nuts and seeds* (walnuts* pack the biggest DHA punch), Wheat germ, Whole-grain baked goods, Whole grains; an especially high protein variety is quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). It's also a good idea to chase your protein with an adequate supply of pyridoxine. Never heard of it? It's the vitamin also known as B6, and its job is to help your body — and your baby — use all that protein to do its cell-building job. (Think of it this way: If protein is the brick, B6is the mortar.) And B6 plays an especially big role in the development of the brain and nervous system. Like folic acid, it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. You'll find B6 in prenatal vitamins and also in bananas, avocados, wheat germ, brown rice, bran, soybeans, oatmeal, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, watermelon, and meat (see, there's overlap with your protein sources, making your job even easier).

EXTRA: Your Feel-Good Kit
D-day is getting close, so it's time to pack your hospital bag (if you haven't already). Along with necessities, be sure to stash these feel-good items inside: lip balm (your lips will become very dry, even before you start panting), bands or scrunchies to keep your hair back, a brush (tangles are inevitable, plus having someone brush your hair may feel relaxing), massage oil, warm socks and slippers, moisturizer, mints, and a warm robe. They just might make your labor, delivery, and overall stay more comfortable. Remember, don't bring or wear anything you really love (like your favorite pj's or that fancy negligee) — it may get lost or ruined.

EXTRA: A Special Rub
Anxiously waiting for the big day to arrive? Don't just sit there — massage your perineum! (Say what? Trust me, there's good reason for this piece of advice.) Perineal massage may help to gently stretch your perineum (that area of skin between your vagina and rectum), which in turn can minimize the "stinging" that occurs when baby's head crowns during childbirth. It may also help you avoid an episiotomy and tearing. Here's how to massage your way to an easier (and looser, if you're lucky) labor: First make sure your hands (or your spouse's, if he'll be taking on the task) are clean and nails trimmed. Next, lubricate your thumbs or index fingers (here's where the K-Y jelly can come in handy — literally — again) and put them inside your vagina. Press down (toward your rectum) and slide your fingers across the bottom and sides of your perineum. You can do this daily until D-day (and you can even continue the good work — or have your practitioner take over — during labor itself!)…or not at all if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

DAD: Unclutter Your Nest
Funny, that overstuffed closet never bothered you before, but now you just have to organize it. And that cabinet over there really needs clearing out. Not to mention the basement…. Congratulations, your nesting instincts (dads have them, too, throughout the animal kingdom) have kicked in. Don't be surprised to suddenly find the energy (and the enthusiasm) for compulsive cleaning, painting, and organizing. Run (and dust) with it — it's nature's way of assuring that you'll have a comfy, clean nest for your baby when you all come home. Plus, it keeps your mind off your pre-delivery jitters. Your partner may be in nesting overdrive, too, but don't let her overdo it. (Keep her off ladders, okay?) On the other hand, fatigue may be her overriding instinct right now.

Gifts from the Umbrella Co. Crew...

Finally reached the pics from the mage's baby shower at his workplace, the Umbrella Co. Wheeee! :P Small crew that surprised the mage, making him turn red and bashful... LOL I'm glad that he got a taste of having a moment and feeling special. It's all not about me or Deirdre, daddy needs attention too.

Pressure, Scraps, Deedee and Friends

Slow day… Thankfully. Waking up in the mornings is becoming quite a heavy burden… literally. The weight of the baby is evident each time I move sideways. Sleeping on the right side leaves me with a dormant leg for almost half an hour. Sleeping on the left side although is the recommended position, is quite uncomfortable for me. Sleeping on my back leaves me with no air as the baby pushes herself upwards. Lately the viable solution is to go seat on the couch, which has been previously filled with pillows… And then the neck gets strained. Neverending story… Going upstairs is becoming more than a nuisance… I get to the first step and look up, and all I can do is sight and go step by step, one by one, slowly, so I make certain I don’t slip if it is wet. Reaching the upper floor deserves a standing ovation… The mage (and everyone else, as a matter of fact) is enjoying watching my “penguin walk”… yes, it looks funny… Feeling the pressure of the head in the lower abdomen is not a funny matter, though… Mostly it is that pressure that makes me completely uncomfortable and grouchy. I need to walk around and stand in order to do things, and now I’m forced to stay seated or laying back… Everything is a mess and how can I put things together without balance and strength? Yes, everything is VERY frustrating.

Got some scrapbooking papers and stuff so I know I’ll be very entertained at home for those 3 months I should stay confined. I received the bundle of wedding pictures, which also have the honeymoon pics and some other pics of the travels around the isle. I should put most pregnancy pics together so I send them to the photo place as soon as possible, so I can do the beginning of the baby scrapbook beginning with the ultrasounds. Been collecting ideas, gotta do some journaling so I don’t forget some details and so I know exactly what should go where… It will be fun keeping track of all the firsts after Deirdre is born… the arrival home, first Halloween (VERY important!), first Thanksgiving, first Xmas… and all the other firsts that are corny but cute.

Deirdre is moving a lot, side to side. On the last visit to the doctor I was quite blah and sad thanks to everything that has been going on… but the doctor has a nice empathy and says things that fits the picture to perfection even if he has no idea of what the problems are. Yes, only God keeps promises and is always there unconditionally. He mentioned he expects the birthing to be without complications… hopefully a Cesarean will be avoided, if things keep normal. Deirdre is in the right position, and I have turned out quite stable. If there are no hidden surprises, piece of cake… sort of… My diabetes has me nervous, but I know everything is under control. I’ve followed the rules… and strayed only occasionally. From 218 I went down to 213 when I began the nutritionist diet, and then have gained weight appropriately until now, that I am at 228. Fifteen pounds so far… Not bad at all. Now I should try to take care and not let it go any further, so things keep on in control… It’s just that and moving is such a hassle! I don’t get how women let themselves blow up 30-40 pounds!

Started grouping all the things we’ll need at the hospital. Baby stuff is ready, and mommy’s stuff is almost ready. I’m so minimalistic, but I don’t envision an expedition. I trust it will be two days at the hospital, to say the most. Will keep the pillow and the warm and cozy comforter close at hand in the car… I cannot be without a comforter. Need to figure out how the breast pump works so it won’t be another on-the-spot nuisance.

I’m very happy with all the stuff that was gathered for Deirdre one way or the other. I was worried about not having been able to buy her anything, but between the baby showers and what the failed committee got, it all is more than enough. Yes, it is all very pink (and I hope that in the end it is not a boy or he’ll have some mild pinkish trauma! LOL), but both the used clothing and the new items are perfect. I see most things as commodities, I only expected being able to cover the basics. People have been very generous, to my surprise. The only things that are left to be found are a cradle and a changing table, but that is not disturbing me. Right now, I have very little space and I know Deirdre will be staying in our room until Xmas. If the cradle doesn’t appear, I’ll just get a twin bed and fence it up. I think that in the long run it is the best decision so money is spent wisely. I hope that the windows-A/C-bath are done soon enough, to at least do something to the designated growing up room… Feng-shui should be followed… And the kitties shall be free one month from now. I’ll figure out what to do with the room’s décor… May give some wooden planks to Groundel so he draws the cartoons I may need for that endeavour… I like murals, but should keep things changeable simply because I like so many different things… StrawberryShortcake, HK, Skelanimals, CareBears, RaggedyAnn… Wooden planks will make decorating easier. Gotta put up the closet, another project for the mage.

Things will never be perfect, but they can always become bearable. For me it is the people who works that magic, not the possessions. Somehow that small thing gets lost in translation whenever people try pleasing me in any way. I don’t care about expensive gifts, I don’t care about the razzle-dazzle. I care about warmth and feelings and presence and creating special memories. I care about traditions and values. For someone who is such an anti-social loner, I like being around some special people just because. I don’t understand why if I can make the time to do so, most simply won’t do the same. I understand the haste of today’s living, but… there must always be time to roast marshmallows… there must always be time to watch a sunset… Throughout the years, I’ve watched how things have changed so much all around me. I recall friends meeting friends in a weekly basis, to share joys and woes… and it didn’t matter if there was pizza or just bread and water. Distance should not be an excuse... this is an island. We are close no matter where we are. Family should not be an excuse… Friends are the family you choose through your lifetime, for better or for worst. I don’t understand why small things destroy such special bonds… small stupid things that could be fixed with such ease…

I have always had an alien view of reality… The more years that people know me, the less they pay attention to who I am, to what matters the most for me. The surface seems so unstable… so rippled… But I am as I have always been. My dreams have not changed that much. My belief in my friends have not changed that much. I understand many things about all the people that I care for, and most of the times it seems I’m the only one who sees all that they are capable of achieving. I’ve always been the silent watcher. From the shadows I see everything… and I may even make some miracles happen, just because… getting no credit for them, but plenty of joy simply because I made things happen… Always the human guardian angel of those I love the most. And even if disappointment breaks me, I know more than just to take things lightly or as an absolute. How can I go through life being heartbroken? The phoenix brings strength and hope simply by existing. It is immortal simply by letting its passion consume it... so it’s reborn. And as such, I am. Maybe someday those around me will see me as I really am, instead of assuming or judging based on what they perceive as the truth about the witch… Maybe someday they will learn to read the truth from the blood, from the depths… from the reins zenith… As it should be. In the meanwhile… I’ll just keep the wishful thoughts of dreaming of knights and courage and loyalty and faith. Hopefully some of it will stick in Deirdre's subcontious...

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