I've been away for a long time, but I've decided to start my blog back up! I decided I needed a new name for my blog, something more fitting. And after waiting and waiting for the "right" name to hit me, it came to me. In a moment of chaos amongst all of my wailing and yelling kiddos "Practicing Patient."
Patience isn't one of my strongest virtues, to say the least. As a mom of 4, and especially two that are under 3... It's really hard to just go with the flow and stay calm and serene. I mean, is that possible?! But nevertheless, I know that it's something I need to work on, not just for me, but also for my children. They are constantly watching me, and looking to me for answers. I am one of their biggest role models at this stage of life, so if I can't keep my cool how can I expect them to? So, I am on a mission... A mission for peace, serenity and patience.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Welcome to the world {little} Eli!
The long overdue birth story of Elias {Eli} Antonio Martinez...
I had tossed and turned all night in discomfort and went to bed with a backache. I had laughed to myself thinking 'woudln't it be great if this backache was early labor pain?' but was only half serious. Around 9 in the morning I was awoken with 'cramping'-- strong cramping that felt like a bad period or like I needed to go number 2! I laid in bed aching, wondering what was wrong- went to the bathroom and had some loose stools, figured that'd be the end of it. However I laid back down and the cramping returned. I started to realize that the cramps would come and go, in fact they'd do this every 4 minutes on the clock. That was enough to convince me I was indeed in early labor. I stayed in bed resting for the big day as long as I could (I was feelign a bit restless knowign what was coming up). I woke Tony up and told him "I think Eli is coming today" he replied with his eyes closed "no, not today" and rolled back over, haha! Him and Bianca were still out and so was Landon, so I packed the rest of my hospital bag, straightened my hair and double checking everything. I texted my doula letting her know that this was it and let her know I'd call when we were ready to go in. I labored around the house for a few more hours, snacking and trying to pay attention to the kids as much as I could between contractions. Around 12-1 pm I decided it was time to take Bianca to Tony's mom's house (my mom was here taking care of Landon) because she was a little worried about what was going onw ith me and it was getting harder to focus on her. We went there and I called my midwife on my cell, since I am GBS positive she had me come to her office to be checked-- I was 3-4 cm. She wanted me to go in and get my first round of antibiotics so that's what we did-- contractions were still nice and tolerable at this point. I called my doula in the car on the way over to the birth center side of the facility; I let her know she had time to get a shower and whatever else because it would probably be a little while before the baby made his appearance. When we got to our delivery room my stomach nerves set in as I looked at all the monitors and other hospital related items, but I tried to swallow that fear and relax. The monitoring part was just awful! All i wanted to do was walk around and get my labor going! Sitting around while contracting HURT! Especially while being asked hundreds of questions! When the time came for them to put my IV in for the antibiotics the nurse had a LOT of trouble and it took a few tries... *sigh* I just wanted so badly to get out of bed an dthat's all I kept saying. Finally after getting that in (and my Doula was now here!) I was able to get up! I first sat in the rocker weighting for all my meds to go through. That was nice, I liked the motions. But then my awesome doula, Nicole suggested I try out the birthing ball-- I feel like I did some of my best laboring on that thing! It was so comfy and helped me to open up. Nicole, my husband and I sat around chatting as I bounced on the ball, soft music was playing on the radio and an aromatherapy machine was giving off a lovely lavender scent-- finally I felt in my comfort zone! Nicole even guided Tony to massage me and that was so nice. Contractions were nice and manageable still, even the bad ones! I felt like I was rocking this labor! Nicole suggested Tony and I take a walk around the halls to get my labor going and to have some time together-- I was all for it but first felt the need to go pee really bad (the first urge of MANY) and every time I saw on the toilette I would have amazingly powerful contractions! And although they were so powerful, I loved it-- it meant progress! Laboring on the toilette was actually, probably my favorite place to labor, THEN the birthing ball-- maybe it was the privacy? Who knows, all I know is it helped! So-- Tony and I took a walk around the hospital and would stop ever 4-5 minutes so I could hold onto his shoulders and rock back and forth-- as soon as they stopped I was back to myself jabbering away. We came back in time for more monitoring, and then there was more birth ball bouncing, bore bathroom trips, more walking (with Nicole this time!) And I was informed when I got my 2nd dose of antibiotics I would be checked by the midwife and if I wasn't progressing we'd talk about breaking my water. I kept telling Nicole and Tony how STARVING I was and got myself some nummy food ordered! Pesto Chicken, Rice Pilaf, cup of fruit, cranberry juice and chocolate ice cream with angel food cake! MMM! Soon, I was checked and I was still only 4-5, I was SURE I would have been at a 7 by then! It felt like I was laboring forever! This was around 7ish I think? It's a little foggy what time everything took place and in what order, but I'm trying! After weighing the pros and cons of artificial rupture of the membranes (breaking my water) with the midwife, nurse and my doula-- I finally decided that I would do it. I was far enough that it was SO unlikely that I would go long enough that this would be an issue, plus the bag was very tight and didn't seem to be budging and this seemed to be what was stopping me from progressing more quickly. The breaking of the water was painless, but the mess was icky! I stood up and greenish water was everywhere, only to find out it had meconuim in it, which scared me a bit-- but my midwife was totally at ease about it which quickly calmed my nerves! A few contractions later I feeling the labor more than ever! I was so ready for the tub to be filled! When I had got in it was instantly relaxing, the aromatherapy machine was now sending out peppermint scents, mmm. Although the warm water and jets brought such nice relief, the tub was very hard and awkward and I could not get cozy whatsoever. I sensed it early on. I was feeling some pressure and my midwife told me to go ahead and give some little pushes if it made me feel better, so I did. But the uncomfortable-ness of the tub was making it so hard. As I started feeling more and more pushy the discomfort was only worse! I felt like I was going to slip back in the tub and I didn't know where to put my legs. The midwife checked out was was going on and noticed I still had a lip of cervix and the baby's head couldn't get passed it-- and this was one of the worst parts-- she pulled back my cervix (yikes!) and had me push as hard as I could. Over and Over, trying to get Eli's head out--- ow ow ow ow!!! I kept calling him, "C'mon Eli, c'mon baby let me see you!" I was losing my cool, I was freaking out and trying so hard to just focus on Eli to make myself keep on going and keep pushing no matter how hard it hurt to push! The longer I tried the more clear it was that i was NOT going to do this in this tub! If I wasn't comfortable how in the world could I focus on birthing a baby? So, even though everyone thought before I should stay in and keep trying, that was it, and Nicole agreed-- enough was enough I was getting out of this tub! They helped me out and I made a dash to the bed in between the pushy contractions! (YES! You can walk in labor!) Immediately I was so much more comfy and ready to go! His head came out before I knew it, they wanted me to feel his head crowning but it hurt so badly I just couldn't! And I thought after pushing that big noggin out the pain was gone- wrong! His shoulders were wide and the body didn't "slide" out as they usually do-- pushing those shoulders and that body out took everything I had in me, and as soon as he started to come out I reached down and grabbed my beautiful boy and pulled him up to my chest/stomach-- I couldn't believe I did it and he was here! I felt so filled with joy and emotion and all kinds of feelings! We did skin-to-skin contact for so long, it was amazing, I didn't get that "freezing" feeling either that I had gotten with my other two, he was keeping mama warm and I was keeping him warm! :) It was lovely. The tearing and stitching however.. was not. And during all of this, during the hard moments I kept saying that I was never going to do this again, and why did I do this... but now, as all moms know, I know that it was all SO worth it and the pain is so temporary, it's nearly forgotten! I gladly take those statements back, I would never deny such a beautiful blessing from happening again one day. :)
Elias was 8 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches. He was born at 10:16 pm on August 9th, 2011. <3
I had tossed and turned all night in discomfort and went to bed with a backache. I had laughed to myself thinking 'woudln't it be great if this backache was early labor pain?' but was only half serious. Around 9 in the morning I was awoken with 'cramping'-- strong cramping that felt like a bad period or like I needed to go number 2! I laid in bed aching, wondering what was wrong- went to the bathroom and had some loose stools, figured that'd be the end of it. However I laid back down and the cramping returned. I started to realize that the cramps would come and go, in fact they'd do this every 4 minutes on the clock. That was enough to convince me I was indeed in early labor. I stayed in bed resting for the big day as long as I could (I was feelign a bit restless knowign what was coming up). I woke Tony up and told him "I think Eli is coming today" he replied with his eyes closed "no, not today" and rolled back over, haha! Him and Bianca were still out and so was Landon, so I packed the rest of my hospital bag, straightened my hair and double checking everything. I texted my doula letting her know that this was it and let her know I'd call when we were ready to go in. I labored around the house for a few more hours, snacking and trying to pay attention to the kids as much as I could between contractions. Around 12-1 pm I decided it was time to take Bianca to Tony's mom's house (my mom was here taking care of Landon) because she was a little worried about what was going onw ith me and it was getting harder to focus on her. We went there and I called my midwife on my cell, since I am GBS positive she had me come to her office to be checked-- I was 3-4 cm. She wanted me to go in and get my first round of antibiotics so that's what we did-- contractions were still nice and tolerable at this point. I called my doula in the car on the way over to the birth center side of the facility; I let her know she had time to get a shower and whatever else because it would probably be a little while before the baby made his appearance. When we got to our delivery room my stomach nerves set in as I looked at all the monitors and other hospital related items, but I tried to swallow that fear and relax. The monitoring part was just awful! All i wanted to do was walk around and get my labor going! Sitting around while contracting HURT! Especially while being asked hundreds of questions! When the time came for them to put my IV in for the antibiotics the nurse had a LOT of trouble and it took a few tries... *sigh* I just wanted so badly to get out of bed an dthat's all I kept saying. Finally after getting that in (and my Doula was now here!) I was able to get up! I first sat in the rocker weighting for all my meds to go through. That was nice, I liked the motions. But then my awesome doula, Nicole suggested I try out the birthing ball-- I feel like I did some of my best laboring on that thing! It was so comfy and helped me to open up. Nicole, my husband and I sat around chatting as I bounced on the ball, soft music was playing on the radio and an aromatherapy machine was giving off a lovely lavender scent-- finally I felt in my comfort zone! Nicole even guided Tony to massage me and that was so nice. Contractions were nice and manageable still, even the bad ones! I felt like I was rocking this labor! Nicole suggested Tony and I take a walk around the halls to get my labor going and to have some time together-- I was all for it but first felt the need to go pee really bad (the first urge of MANY) and every time I saw on the toilette I would have amazingly powerful contractions! And although they were so powerful, I loved it-- it meant progress! Laboring on the toilette was actually, probably my favorite place to labor, THEN the birthing ball-- maybe it was the privacy? Who knows, all I know is it helped! So-- Tony and I took a walk around the hospital and would stop ever 4-5 minutes so I could hold onto his shoulders and rock back and forth-- as soon as they stopped I was back to myself jabbering away. We came back in time for more monitoring, and then there was more birth ball bouncing, bore bathroom trips, more walking (with Nicole this time!) And I was informed when I got my 2nd dose of antibiotics I would be checked by the midwife and if I wasn't progressing we'd talk about breaking my water. I kept telling Nicole and Tony how STARVING I was and got myself some nummy food ordered! Pesto Chicken, Rice Pilaf, cup of fruit, cranberry juice and chocolate ice cream with angel food cake! MMM! Soon, I was checked and I was still only 4-5, I was SURE I would have been at a 7 by then! It felt like I was laboring forever! This was around 7ish I think? It's a little foggy what time everything took place and in what order, but I'm trying! After weighing the pros and cons of artificial rupture of the membranes (breaking my water) with the midwife, nurse and my doula-- I finally decided that I would do it. I was far enough that it was SO unlikely that I would go long enough that this would be an issue, plus the bag was very tight and didn't seem to be budging and this seemed to be what was stopping me from progressing more quickly. The breaking of the water was painless, but the mess was icky! I stood up and greenish water was everywhere, only to find out it had meconuim in it, which scared me a bit-- but my midwife was totally at ease about it which quickly calmed my nerves! A few contractions later I feeling the labor more than ever! I was so ready for the tub to be filled! When I had got in it was instantly relaxing, the aromatherapy machine was now sending out peppermint scents, mmm. Although the warm water and jets brought such nice relief, the tub was very hard and awkward and I could not get cozy whatsoever. I sensed it early on. I was feeling some pressure and my midwife told me to go ahead and give some little pushes if it made me feel better, so I did. But the uncomfortable-ness of the tub was making it so hard. As I started feeling more and more pushy the discomfort was only worse! I felt like I was going to slip back in the tub and I didn't know where to put my legs. The midwife checked out was was going on and noticed I still had a lip of cervix and the baby's head couldn't get passed it-- and this was one of the worst parts-- she pulled back my cervix (yikes!) and had me push as hard as I could. Over and Over, trying to get Eli's head out--- ow ow ow ow!!! I kept calling him, "C'mon Eli, c'mon baby let me see you!" I was losing my cool, I was freaking out and trying so hard to just focus on Eli to make myself keep on going and keep pushing no matter how hard it hurt to push! The longer I tried the more clear it was that i was NOT going to do this in this tub! If I wasn't comfortable how in the world could I focus on birthing a baby? So, even though everyone thought before I should stay in and keep trying, that was it, and Nicole agreed-- enough was enough I was getting out of this tub! They helped me out and I made a dash to the bed in between the pushy contractions! (YES! You can walk in labor!) Immediately I was so much more comfy and ready to go! His head came out before I knew it, they wanted me to feel his head crowning but it hurt so badly I just couldn't! And I thought after pushing that big noggin out the pain was gone- wrong! His shoulders were wide and the body didn't "slide" out as they usually do-- pushing those shoulders and that body out took everything I had in me, and as soon as he started to come out I reached down and grabbed my beautiful boy and pulled him up to my chest/stomach-- I couldn't believe I did it and he was here! I felt so filled with joy and emotion and all kinds of feelings! We did skin-to-skin contact for so long, it was amazing, I didn't get that "freezing" feeling either that I had gotten with my other two, he was keeping mama warm and I was keeping him warm! :) It was lovely. The tearing and stitching however.. was not. And during all of this, during the hard moments I kept saying that I was never going to do this again, and why did I do this... but now, as all moms know, I know that it was all SO worth it and the pain is so temporary, it's nearly forgotten! I gladly take those statements back, I would never deny such a beautiful blessing from happening again one day. :)
Elias was 8 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches. He was born at 10:16 pm on August 9th, 2011. <3
Friday, August 5, 2011
It's been a while!
Picture overload!
Now that we're all caught up visually... ;)
Let's talk about breastfeeding. After lots of research I've discovered the reason why I wasn't able to breastfeed my first two children, and since it's so hard to find any doctors or LC's who know enough about it, I self diagnosed myself. I have IGT, insufficient glandular tissue. My breasts went through very little change during pregnancies, and in fact i didn't develop properly during puberty either. It's not necessarily about the size of your breasts, it's other factors such as spacing, shape and asymmetry-- all of which I fit. And it's amazing to see these stories online from women like me who went through exactly the same thing: with their milk supply not increasing no matter how hard or long they've tried. But luckily now i have a target; I have a REASON and knowing what the problem is, lack of mammary tissue, I can better SOLVE it. I had already had plans of co-sleeping, skin-to-skin contact, frequent nursing, SNS if supplementation is needed, lactation cookies, fenugreek, LOTS of water-- but now I have two herbs that are said to increase breast tissue; these herbs have been helping women with my problem to exclusively breastfeed!!!! It's a miracle as far as I'm concerned! I just really hop it works just as well for me.
So this is my main focus right now, preparing to nurse baby Eli. Praying this works, I really, really want this.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Pregnancy Update-- Getting closer!
32 Weeks Pregnant!
The Bad; morning sickness has seemed to return. I feel terrible in the morning, and then again at night. It's getting very obnoxious! No vomiting, just annoy nausea that can't seem to be relieved. Heartburn has been at an all-time high, along with acid reflux. I feel like a freakin' fire breathing dragon! Not only when I sleep, when I bend down to pick up toys, when I wake up, when I sweep... now even when I'm vegging on the couch! It's becoming a continual all-day thing and I'm really not sure what to do! I've tried apple cider vinegar and it didn't do much, but I think I'm going to try again. I'm going through way too many tums. I think I'm going to buy some papaya enzyme tablets and see if it helps. So, aside from all of that it also seems the baby is trying to claw his way out of my cervix-- and that my friends is not a happy feelings. SO ready for this pregnancy to be over with!
Birth; I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I had a decent experience with my 2nd born child, but I definitely had some hang ups during transition and pushing. I've read so much more now than I had before so I have some new goals about this labor and delivery-- make low pitch moaning sounds and grunts, high pitch sounds cause more pain and less progress, low pitch sounds tend to help with the pain much better. Keep my lips and face) "loose". If I tighten my mouth and clench my face, my whole body will tense up-- not only that but I will break all of the blood vessels in my face during pushing just like last time! This time I plan to restrain from using my facial muscles at all and make an "O" shape with my mouth and continuing with the low pitch sounds so I don't tense up. I'll have my husband and my Doula to remind me-- thank goodness! The last difference would be the fact that I am having this baby in the water. My first water birth! I really hope this helps with the pain, I've heard it's wonderful and a much smoother transition into the world for the baby! I've also discussed delayed cord clamping with my midwife's NP and they are totally down for that! They also suggested having Tony help catch the baby... he however isn't too keen on this idea. I'm hoping he'll change his mind!
Breastfeeding; this is a sore subject for me, things went horribly wrong with my first two. I tried for *so* long and it never happened for us. It really destroyed me and made me feel like a failure. That all being said, i'm a bit nervous-- okay a LOT nervous about nursing this baby. However I've been reading about skin-to-skin contact and letting the baby lead the breastfeeding while in a slightly reclined position rather than sitting straight up and I'm so ready to try this all out! I also will be making lactation cookies very soon! I'll post a recipe and review when I do!
In other news; we sign the new lease and start moving on the 1st. Baby Tres' car seat came and I *love* it thus far. It fits perfectly in our backseat, 3 across, with room to spare! It's almost July now which means August will be here before ya know it and Baby Eli will be in our arms. How exciting! I really can't believe how fast time has flown by.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
30 1/2 weeks!
A quick mini update for ya! (As my heartburn radiates my insides)
We have a place! PRAISE GOD! We move in the beginning of July-- this is such a relief and a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders! It's a cute place in the same neighborhood we're in now (I sooo didn't want to leave so this is great!). It's seriously one street over! It's a bit smaller than this place, but that's okay! It'll be cozy. :) And while we still won't have central air, since it's smaller and a ranch style home it'll be much easier to cool than this old two story house! A huge plus is-- it has gas heat! YAY! No more expensive electric heat! It's 3 bedrooms and has a cute little eat in kitchen-- and nice tiling as well. The kids loved it as well!
I love my Doula! We hit it off very wonderfully-- she's the epitome of awesome! She had really cool dreads and felt so earthy and raw-- I love that! I cannot believe she is doing this for me pro-bono! How awesome is that? So my next issue is trying to think of a really special gift to show her how much I appreciate this! She'll be taking pictures of the labor and birth as well and burning us a cd-- how neat! I couldn't be happier!
I finally ordered little bambino tres' car seat! We decided to go with the Combi Coccoro for a few reasons: It's compact, and we need to fit 3 car seats across our backseat. This thing is literally tiny! It's smaller than most infant seats (the Coccoro is a convertible seat)! It doesn't have the best height and weight limits BUT it RF's till 33 lbs and while that's not th ebest ont he market it should at least RF until he is 2! Another reason we chose it is because it got such good reviews! Last but not least, it's ADORABLE! Cutest little thing ever! They have so many colors to choose from, too; we chose Key Lime! We ordered the seat from Albee Baby and got a huge discount with free shipping and no tax! It has a stroller frame it locks into as well, so we really want to get that too asap! That's right-- a convertible seat that can be used in a stroller! SO COOL! Check out the Combi website for more info on the Coccoro!
So, it is REALLY hot outside! And my pregnant behind was getting pretty darn sick of jeans and leggings in this nasty heat wave! So I finally went to Motherhood and bought a pair of denim shorts! And what's great about these shorts is there is no belly panel and I can totally see myself wearing them after I'm not pregnant anymore! The back pockets are so cute with cute designs and they have that "destroyed" look that I love! So not your typical maternity wear! My biggest thing is not looking like a granny, ya know? I'm completely satisfied. :) Not the greatest picture at ALL and they are way cuter in person but, here they are!
I am currently awaiting the arrival of the Icky Baby "Take Me Home" outfit I ordered off of Zulily (click the link and sign up! If you sign up using THAT specific link-- I get 15 dollars when you make a purchase!) -- I cannot wait for it to get here so I can post pictures! It's the cutest vintage disney (101 dalmations) little outfit with a cap and booties! It's gorgeous and soft and so BABYish. It was originally $36, but thanks to Zulily I got it for like $11 + shipping & tax! INSANELY AWESOME! :D
Well, that's all for now lovelies! Toodles!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Pregnancy Update-- Third Trimester already!
Cravings: Sweet Tea, Fruit and Maple Oatmeal at McDonalds, S'mores, Ginger Ale, Sour Cream, Taco Bell, MILK SHAKES/ICE CREAM!, Muffins.-- It's safe to say my healthy eating plan hasn't been going as well as I had hoped. :/
Complaints: I pee every. Single. Time. That I stand! Hearburn, owww! Exhaustion. Crampy/painful contractions when I walk too much, haven't had enough water, etc. and sometimes just because my uterus wants to annoy me! ;) Tons of pressure thanks to baby M being head down already, measuring big and super low!
Solutions: Just got a maternity support belt (by Medela) today, hoping it'll help with the frequent urination and pressure(midwife suggested it)! TUMS. Lots of them. For heartburn obviously.
Complaints: I pee every. Single. Time. That I stand! Hearburn, owww! Exhaustion. Crampy/painful contractions when I walk too much, haven't had enough water, etc. and sometimes just because my uterus wants to annoy me! ;) Tons of pressure thanks to baby M being head down already, measuring big and super low!
Solutions: Just got a maternity support belt (by Medela) today, hoping it'll help with the frequent urination and pressure(midwife suggested it)! TUMS. Lots of them. For heartburn obviously.
I start seeing the midwife every 2 weeks now. YIKES! I can't believe how close I am to being a mom of 3! Insane. I love my doctor office and my midwife and her nurse practitioner, We're planning a water birth, and that is so exciting for me! I meet with my Doula this Saturday- YAY! I hope we hit it off, I'm a bit nervous! I want to talk to her about my anxiety over the transition and pushing phases of labor and also breastfeeding.
I've been adding wheat germ to nearly everything I eat-- for fiber and CHOLINE! :D It's so good in vanilla yogurt, mmm! Choline is supposed to help with brain function and memory! It's a nutrient that is required for normal cell function, healthy nerve and brain function, transporting nutrients throughout the body, and liver metabolism. You can get choline from eggs, soybeans (although I don't recommend over-doing soy, especially while pregnant, there is some controversy over that), beef, lentils, salmon and more! I like to use the wheat germ, as I don't always include choline foods into my everyday diet. I've also been trying to eat more avocado for some good fatty-acids!
We have the baby name that we LOVE picked out. And while multiple (okay quite a few) have been told the "most likely" name we haven't OFFICIALLY announced it. I changed my daughter's name last minute and was so sick of hearing "What happened to Lydia?!" as if they preferred it to the name we gave her. Annoying! But I really think this IS the name. So I might as well mention it here, since I love it so much! His name is going to be (most likely!) Elias Antonio Martinez. We will (and already do) call him Eli for short! We love it/ it's perfect. I twas the perfect compromise when we just couldn't agree on a name. And now it doesn't even feel like a compromise! It just feels "right"- it feels like it's HIS name. Elias is just a name we like, and it is also biblical which is a HUGE bonus! Antonio is my husband's middle name, which was very important to us that we used it. Elias means "the Lord is my God" and Antonio means "Priceless". Love it. :)
We are moving out of our rental home (landlord is selling) and that is just beyond stressful this late in pregnancy! Ahhh! I'm hoping we get our "dream house" we applied for, but we're up against a few other applicants so it could go either way. :/ We have 2 other places we like as well-- so if we don't get this place it'll be time to apply to the other's. We find out Monday... I'M SO NERVOUS!
I went shopping! I was at Kohl's last night and bought the baby two outfits to add to the rest of the collection I have been trying to build and I think that they are just TOO cute!
Third Trimester-- the home stretch! Goodness! :)
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