A New Life Update

2009-11-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Happy 16 months Miss Vita G.

2009-05-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Her hair stayed like that for two days.. Even after a bath.. She decided it was funny to smear her peanut butter and jelly sandwich all over her face and eventually her arms.

This is her latest hiding place. (Behind the bookshelf.) IF we can't find something we go to all of her hiding places. Usually finding what we are looking for. Although her daddy's bus pass is still missing.. The last time it went missing I found it in one of her many hiding places.

"I do it." This is the phrase she expresses to me on a daily basis. Miss Independent standing on a Dora the Explorer scooter with no help.

Besides her hiding places she likes to sit in drawers and cupboards. This was taken in the midst of moving while i was packing boxes.

THis is the cheapest toy! Kept her busy for a good 20-30 minutes straight.

We were trying to get her to smile.. Wouldn't have anything of it at the time. I Think she's amazed that we caught her playing the box of goodies.

"Please mom, I don't want to kimchi(smile) for you. I just want to play with the camera." Prior to this picture she was smiling really hard but it soon faded after i told her that she couldn't play with the camera.

No, Miss Vita isn't posing with Mulan and her friend at Disney Land.. She spent a good two hours with her daddy at Sakura Con. You will have to ask her dad about these characters and Sakura Con. I couldn't tell you.. I must say, the costumes were really creative.

We are rapidly preparing for our new little arrival and was surprised to find out he will be coming almost three weeks earlier than planned. Miss Vita has been attached to my hip and senses a big change in her life. She still kisses my belly and looks for "baby" by lifting up my shirt and is constantly rubbing my belly.

Vita Graces amazes us everyday with new leaps in progress and still finds time for naps and bedtime. Lately, she's been watching a lot of soccer and probably does more trash talking and cheering than her dear old mom.(Can we say a bit competitive?) We watched ski racing last weekend and Miss V was imitating their arm movements and was telling them to "Go-Go-Go!" I think we have one sporty girl on our hands. Her love is still with dogs. She has no fear whatsoever and likes to growl at them fiercely.

Children's museum

2009-03-18T14:37:00.001-07:00

We have been offline due to a disagreement with our hard drive but we are finally back up and running.. This last weekend we went to vita's cousin's 2nd birthday at the Children's museum. Vita LOved it! *Notice..we really tried pulling her hair back but it kept coming out... By the end of our trip she had one pigtail instead of two.. This was our third birthday party of the weekend and it was hard to get her to smile really big for the camera....

Vita Grace has been very busy these days and LOves to run and climb. She enjoys going to the bookstore to read with mom and dad and play with Thomas the Tank engine. Vita is very chatty and still calls mom "Tess." She is very excited for her little brother's arrival and is preparing for it by taking care of her own baby dolls at home. Lately, when Vita wants something or doesn't get her way, she says, "Oh poor baby.. oh baby baby. oh baby.. oh poor baby."

Happy end of January

2009-01-27T19:21:00.000-08:00

<

It's been over two months since our last post of pictures and she seems to be changing even more.. Vita grace officially took off running at 10months and has not stopped. She's very chatty and loves to be social.

Vita Grace loves to dance and we caught her trying to boogie down in her stroller...

Finally some pictures from the last month and a half

2008-11-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

2008-11-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

2008-11-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

YEah Pictures!

2008-11-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

AHH!

2008-09-19T15:14:00.000-07:00

For some odd reason the camera is not wanting me to upload pictures today or any either day during the past week. I will have to wait for my technical support. I am guessing we probably need a new cord..So for now, this picture was taken while we were in Canada two months ago. We did it in one of those cute photo booths.. I think I can still find mine that i took in Korea with some of my friends..As my AB puts it, it's rather FOB.. I think she may have one from Korea too..

"My Uncle is a University of San Diego Law School Graduate"

2008-09-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

WE love our Uncle Lioyd. Your favorite niece misses you and hopes to see you soon!

2008-08-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Playing with my dog carolyn during nap time.

I am wearing daddy's hat

2008-08-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

2008-08-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

2008-08-11T12:58:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the Olyjmpics

2008-08-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

As a first time mom I find myself trying to figure out where the time has gone.. I am sure many parents can testify to this statement. During the past month our little HOney Bear has changed and changed at a rapid pace. She has such a busy little personality that i wonder how my mom did it with twins.Lol..(mom I know you must be laughing right now.)
My twin and I always would get the regular twin questions and we always thought it would be a great idea to find a way to post the questions with our answers.. It's gets annoying after a while.. But anyways, in the same fashion I will get down and dirty by getting the most popular ones answered here.

* HOw many naps does our little HOney bear take?
-Generally 2-3 a day.. Sometimes none.. It depends on the day and her mood.

* What kinds of foods does she like?
-All kinds of veggies (babyfood of course), some fruits, her little veggie wheels, biter bisquits, cake and ice cream.. (I

* Is V active?
-She is very active.. On the go.. Constantly doing things and causing trouble. Pretty much won't still.

* Did I cut her hair?
No, I didn't cut her hair. It's just growing in thicker..

*(This question comes from her little auntie Sami.) Does V know who Dora Explorer and other cartoons?
-No auntie Sami, I am glad she has no clue.

*Has she gone swimming yet?
-Yes, she did it twice.. The second time, I think it was too bright for her.. The pool was outdoors and the sun was beating down on the pool.

*Does V sleep through the night? And what is her wake up time?
-YEs! Since the last part of the 3rd month.. I know. She usually wakes up between 7 and 7:30 and goes to bed by 8ish..

If you have any more questions please email me and I can answer them for you...

The Star

2008-08-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

I hate to be one of those crazy stage moms but i have to show everyone the latest print of Vita. i was told there will be two other ones of her later on down the road.. Patience...Patience.. That is what i have to keep telling myself.
www.katequinnorganics.com
Click onto the jumpsuit section.. She is in a eggplant colored outfit.. Super cute.. She looks like Daddy..

I will put more regular pictures up of Vita here later on this week.. It has been busy in the cabanita..Currently, She is passed out in her car seat.

Current Vita update..

Two front teeth.. (She won't show anyone her teeth..)
Is starting to crawl.. Has this interesting way of crawling by using her foot as an anchor.
Gets into EVERYTHING
Busy-busy lady
Likes certain sweets
Likes to play independently by herself on the floor.
Understands 15 different Signs
Does 5 signs on her own
LIkes to say Ma-ma, da-da, hi, hello
Probably talks more than her mom
Loves to play with her toes and other people's toes
Tries to like sitting in the stroller while mom does her running.

Enjoy..

A weekend with V in Vancouver Canada

2008-07-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

My first taste of Kimchii and Rice on Robson Street.. Seconds after mom took this picture i spit it out on the table.. Everyone looks like here too.

I am so excited to be at the night market with my mom and dad in Richmond.. I loved touching everyone as we were walking to the different stands.

Hmm.. Shall we buy some candy? Or just keep going...

2008-07-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

huh?

Look at me grow.

2008-07-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

Relaxing.. Notice my pirate scar.. ARRR!

Mommy caught me on my pink potty seat..

Daddy I want a phone.. Plleeaassee!

A week at the beach..

2008-06-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Exhausted from my Busy Day!

2008-06-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

My first foods..

2008-06-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

I love my sweet potatos and peas! At first, I wasn't too sure about the taste but I am really liking them now. These days I am still chatting up a storm, sitting up on my own, screaming for glee, rolling over, and causing trouble while in my crib. Mommy and daddy love to keep me busy during the week. I enjoy my mom and me class and our new play group.

The past couple of weeks with me!!

2008-06-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

I got to play with my Uncle lloyd while he was in town.

Mom and Dad have to buckle me in my swing now because I like to try and escape.

This is me and my special luv-luv in my crib.. I like to put it over my face at night so I can smell it's special scent.

I love playing with my shape sorter!

2008-06-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Vita's special luv-luv..

2008-05-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

Vita and her luv-luv. This is her favorite thing to sleep with during nap time and at night. (The white kitty in her hand.)

Calm with the Loud

2008-04-30T16:38:00.001-07:00

IMG_0537
Originally uploaded by exportryan

So she's been moving away from her usual low-intensity. For the longest time she's dealt with loud areas, (like us having lunch at the Elysian during this afternoon) but she's starting to get more preferential to calmer environs.

Summertime is near, Vita will need to bear with more.

Talons

2008-04-30T16:35:00.001-07:00

IMG_0601
Originally uploaded by exportryan

Look at those hefty baby claws ready tear your heart out!

Profile

2008-04-30T16:34:00.001-07:00

IMG_0607
Originally uploaded by exportryan

Vita still scratches her pretty face on accident. Hopefully, motor control will get better over the next couple months.

Happy Birthday Vita Grace Israel Soo-Jung C.

2008-04-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know.. We picked a Korean name for Vita (Soo-Jung).. Thankyou to our Halmoni for helping us find the right name for her..

Today we spent the morning at the doctor's office for her 4 month check up.. The visit included her smelly poop explosion, second series of shots, mommy spilling her coffee on her white pants,a blood draw in the heal, and getting to see a great doctor..

I tried to capture the moment when we arrived in the exam room.. Vita didn't like the idea of me taking a picture of us..

This was while waiting to get her shots.. The nurse came in twice.. By this time, Vita was ready to fall asleep.. She ended up falling asleep soon after this picture and was immediately surprised by the pokes in her cute little chubby thighs..

"Who"

2008-04-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

After posting some of these pictures last night I realized that they were sideways.. I decided to just post her two "Who" pictures..

2008-04-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

pictures from the last two months..

2008-04-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

back on track..

2008-04-14T23:29:00.000-07:00

I promised Devin that i would keep updating the blog with pictures..... I realized it has been a few weeks..So almost a month.. Oops.. This week I will take some more pictures and post them. >We have been in the midst of complete chaos..(moving and I feel like everything that could go wrong has gone wrong the past three days with our new little home.)

Anyways, here are a few Vita Updates..

*She has a bald spot on the back of her head due to her laying on her back..It's rather cute..

*Her little bassinet is getting too small for her.. Does anyone have a crib mattress?

*Vita is sitting up with little assistance. I got her a blue chair to sit in but I think she is still a little unsure about it..

*Ma! Ma! And she tries to use the sign for mom by putting her fist up by her chin..

*Devin is convinced Vita only likes to be around others that look like mommy..(koreans) I must disagree...

*I think she will be a soccer player.. She's got my crazy big calves.. (Sorry Vita.)

*Vita LOVES to TALK! She talks to just about anyone.. The apple does not fall far from the tree..

*Pacifiers are no longer needed.. It's just the thumb..

2008-03-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Daddy with the girls!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Do you just LOVE my dress? I celebrated my 3 month birthday today. I am growing everyday. My mommy and daddy love watching me grow.

Scoping Out the Scene

2008-03-21T11:13:00.001-07:00

Scoping Out the Scene
Originally uploaded by duke it up

SPECIAL UPDATE: 9:53am Our on the scene mom is now reporting that the baby recognizes being able to touch objects on purpose.

For the first time, the baby dish chair had the optional toy board mounted onto the top. This seems to have created some kind of sensory catalyst. The baby began to touch each colored toy item with precarious precision.

It is believed that full motor control is still not present, but the utilization of both right and left hands for use in tandem or unison is in dramatic escalation at this point.

More reporting on this phenomenon as the story develops.

"Kimchi!"

2008-03-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

I got these pictures done a week ago at the local JcPennys. The experience was interesting..A little too much "sighing" and "eye rolling" from the sales lady while trying to pick out the right pictures..(NOt that much of a variety at the time.. The sales lady was trying to get me to get the digitally enhanced photos.. To me it really wasn't worth it. Anyways, check out what we have..I have some other ones but have not scanned them.. This sweat pants wearing mom needs to take a break from the computer..) Vita tried to smile.. I waited too long in the day to have them taken. Overall, I think we take better pictures than Penny's.. Devin agrees too.

Pink with Grins

2008-03-18T16:34:00.001-07:00

WARNING: This baby will smile at you now.

At nearly 3 months on Vita is getting giddy every day. We're extremely surprised at how happy she is when she wakes up everyday. Whenever we go up to her in the bassinet ,or pick her up after hearing her morning mumbles, she just smiles.

Luckily, since she can't move very well yet, I've been laying down on the couch, laying her on top of my chest with her feet against the back of the couch, and letting her lounge - look - play - talk. I'm groggily nodding my head and mumbling back at her. This usually happens at 7 a.m.; mind you, I don't usually go to work until 10 a.m. most days.

One thing thats really amazing is she will match the tone of your voice or expression with her own soundings. I was trying to hum her to sleep last night and she turned it into a game by matching the tone of my voice with her cooing. (Much to my chagrin I was thinking, "I'm trying to go to sleep too....") She'll do the same with certain vocal verses of music that are uncomplicated. "Across the Universe" the soundtrack has been added to put a little remix on The Beatles tracks we play daily.

Overall, her exploratory mode is increasing with herself and her surroundings. She's discovered she can extend just one finger with her hand, or use both hands to hold something up - i.e. her bottle. This is usually clumsy or awkward, but nonetheless it is MONUMENTAL to be cognizant of both hands. Keeping one hand open or closed is a big hit right now too. For some of you, being able to type over 20wpm was a big benchmark, for me - i will get a big kick out of her learning how to point at things.

Our Honeybear

2008-03-17T12:46:00.001-07:00

DSC07345, originally uploaded by duke it up.

Mommy loves her honey bear. For some reason we have 3 bear suits. When summertime comes we may have to switch into different animal gear.

ARGHHHHH!!!!

DSC07384, originally uploaded by duke it up.

Honeybear is mad! She's become very vocal now when irritated. Still, she does not have a colic problem... yet.

HONEYBEAR BROWNIE

DSC07377, originally uploaded by duke it up.

This is the brown bear suit. She's filled into it fully now. Big happy honeybear.

Baby Serenades

2008-03-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

The baby is getting really good at responding to sound. Unfortunately, the sound of my voice has been less than clear due to a hard cold. So what do you do if you're suffering headaches and a raspy voice? Sing some Cutting Crew. ...obviously.

We were at my nephews birthday early on. It was okay. My Aunt Linda fortunately upgraded their microphone system. It was awesome.

I throw out a little Lennon too.

Rockin Baby Clothes : a

2008-03-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

In good conscience I could not justify buying a onesie for $29.95

Rockin' Baby Clothes : b

2008-03-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

We saw these walking downtown from a window. If you have a baby and are walking down Post Alley by the market, DON'T, you might be tempted to blow money on these. I almost did.

Unicorn Grrlzz

2008-02-26T08:22:00.001-08:00

Unicorn Grrlzz, originally uploaded by duke it up.

I don't know these girls, I just wanted to take a picture with them and the baby because they looked really cool.

As J-Rock as they look, I believe they're actually American Asian kids with a Goth/Punk slant. I was asking them for extreme anger or extreme smiles. To no avail; their apathy was tremendous. (Yes, I heard one of them say they do that hair themselves at home.)

Still, don't dress like The Misfits and not expect attention. Hopefully, next time we go downtown we'll see Jem & The Holograms instead.

(Taken at Unicorn Crepes. Good Good Good snack food.)

After we left they must have been raging in their passive aggression, "Silly man-child, don't exploit us or notice us, we're too cool for that."

2008-02-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

2008-02-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

Please no pictures!

2008-02-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

2008-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

2008-02-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

Ha!

2008-01-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Battery charger has been located.. IT never really was lost. If we looked where we usually put it.. We would have found it. OH well..

**Notes.. ** baby turned over on her belly today. I think it was due to pure hunger looking for me..

Arghh!!! Technology...

2008-01-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

We have been pretty frustrated lately because we can't find the battery charger for our camera. This is one of the few times I wish we had a standard AAA battery camera.

In description, baby has gotten cuter - she's a little bit longer - her hair is edging over her ears - and her eyes are getting wider by the day. She's filling into some of her 3 month old clothes now, although she is only 1 month+ in age.

Hopefully, we will find our battery charger soon because she's starting to be big enough to put into the really cute clothes.

Please let this image suffice as part of a delayed baby update.

Bath Time: part 3

2008-01-21T16:20:00.001-08:00

DSC06989
Originally uploaded by duke it up

She was finally relaxed for the first time before, after, and during her 3rd bath.

She peed in the tub and on my blue jeans. It's okay, her waste products smell like flowers still.

We're testing the water with the back of our hands. I think we got the temp right now.

It's still a tag team event. Mommy has to hold baby in the tub and above it while daddy wipes and soaps.

Maybe next time she'll poop on us.

Refreshed

2008-01-21T16:16:00.001-08:00

DSC06987
Originally uploaded by duke it up

She's been keeping her eyes open and looking around for up to half an hour lately.

The Alki Walk

2008-01-16T13:30:00.001-08:00

DSC06923
Originally uploaded by duke it up

We dropped onto the Alki strip this weekend. It was one of the first times that the sun decided to grace us in weeks.

I considered commemorating the birth of our child with a giant HAWK emblazoned onto my chest. The artist had other convictions about angels and dragons. We kindly declined his counter offer of skin art.

"Jimmy, I don't think a caricature of the baby with wings slaying a red dragon is the image I want to convey. Strong, but wrong."

Star Wacks

2008-01-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

DSC06851
Originally uploaded by duke it up

I found myself offended and marginalized by the Starbucks on Alki.

In the attempt to care for my child by cleaning her dirty diaper I was sexually ostracized by the conventions of society.

There is NO Diaper Changing table in the men's room of this cafe.

Much to the defeat of my pride and the stink of my child's behind, a woman saw my anxiety and let me into the ladies room while watching the door for me. The agony. Have we not progressed in the world enough to realize that men do baby work too now?

Starbucks is Wack!

(My apologies to the 8 women waiting in line outside of the Starbucks on Alki bathroom at 3:18pm last Sunday.)

Arghhh

2008-01-16T13:27:00.001-08:00

DSC06842
Originally uploaded by duke it up

Some dumb lady in the bathroom line thought she was a boy because she was wearing brown.

Sexual Discrimination is rampant on Alki!!!

Here Comes The Sun

2008-01-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

DSC06877
Originally uploaded by duke it up

A pretty day in the park.

2008-01-16T02:52:00.000-08:00

I heart the Beattles..

2008-01-16T02:51:00.000-08:00

Hey good look'in... Are you free in about 15-16 years

2008-01-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

We're pooped from all the excitement..

Help! I am the only girl here..

2008-01-16T02:48:00.000-08:00

our birthing class reunion.....everyone had good looking babies..

2008-01-13T22:39:00.000-08:00

2008-01-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

2008-01-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

2008-01-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

2008-01-13T22:33:00.001-08:00

2008-01-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

Happy three weeks Vita Grace!

2008-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

She's Always Sleepy

2008-01-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

We always love holding Vita pretty often. A lot of the time we trick her into sleeping in the bassinet by heating it up. At night or in the morning we'll take her out just to lay with her.

She likes sleeping with mommy.
She likes sleeping with daddy too.

Luckily, she doesn't mind that daddy is snoring.

2008-01-12T14:12:00.001-08:00

Vita Libre

2008-01-03T17:05:00.000-08:00

Vita Sleeps

2008-01-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Vita Awakened

2008-01-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time

2008-01-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

Vita + 2 Days

2008-01-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

Post-Delivery Pics

2008-01-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

Crying for Joy

2007-12-24T09:45:00.001-08:00

DSC06329
Originally uploaded by duke it up

A Fresh Family

2007-12-24T09:42:00.001-08:00

DSC06337
Originally uploaded by duke it up

Happy Parents

2007-12-24T09:41:00.001-08:00

DSC06347
Originally uploaded by duke it up

We're both really relieved and overly happy about how our Christmas has turned out.

Face to Face

2007-12-24T09:39:00.001-08:00

DSC06359
Originally uploaded by duke it up

Mommy and Baby see each other for the first time!

Baby Is Here!!!

2007-12-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to God for:

Vita Grace Israel Cabanilla
2:20pm
12/23/2007
only 45 minutes of pushing
8.1LBS

SHE LOOKS LIKE MOMMY!!!

She's so quiet (but healthy!) her parents must just be too loud.

Goal & 10

2007-12-23T12:23:00.001-08:00

DSC06291
Originally uploaded by duke it up

MOMMY IS FULLY DILATED!!!

The nurses have agreed that around 1pm we will begin pushing.

(I predicted baby at 2pm.)

As you can see the contractions have been frequent at every minute now. Her body is working really hard. She's been alternating back and forth from side to side -- the anesthesia will numb one side of the body - hence the movement.

Ironically, the nurses' daughter is named Vida - the spanish alternative spelling of "Vita". There is definitely an act of grace and fate in this.

Unless, for some odd reason the child we have been expecting as a girl comes out as a boy.... hmmmm we will know with the next couple hours!

Mommy has switched the top ponytail to a sideways ponytail.

The Little Things

2007-12-23T11:41:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately because of the IV and the epidural mommy can't have any food until post labor. We do have some post labor food ideas....

Her sister is fixing her hair a little more, because she should be a little more stylish than just a ponytail.

Everyone else has been wonderful by supplying a snack fest of granola bars, fruit, and coffee.

I'm not noticing the hospital smell anymore.

They've removed this fishnet underwear pamper thing for the amniotic drip. It simply feels gross. (Imagine phlegm drip.) ewwwWWw.

Its a misty day with light rain coming down. We have a full eastside viewpoint and can see our neighborhoods and the old family church Immaculate.

1st & 9 - Goal Close

2007-12-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

The cervix is at 9 centimeters. Happily, she feels no pain. She's stopped grimacing at me and is happy to have me back after my hour break. Overall : CALM. (that's probably because the room is nearly empty now.)

I stopped at the nearby family house to clean up. Speedstick, Barbasol, and Colgate have made me feel refreshed and smelling like my grandpa. (I felt really gross after sleeping on the hospital floor and straining over the initial pains.)

There is a good crowd of other mothers here having kids. Grandpa heard a baby crying walking down the halls. I heard what I believed was a banshee on the way to the bathroom, but ended up just going back into the birthing room.

All the women have bounced out, and it is just daddy and grandpa waiting around. Grandpa wants to go shopping soon for the last minute deals.

The cord blood donation people are here to spread our genes to others in need, time for mommy to get poked more.

Rock It

2007-12-23T08:50:00.000-08:00

It is party on here now. A girl pillow fighting party, with anesthesia. Sisters have brought in Us Magazine. My sister is here talking about the party to my family: she is acting as my communications manager.

Amazingly, the cervical progress is only 4-5 centimeters.

We have confirmed that the cordblood is going to PSBC like we mentioned earlier - since it is open to a real pool of people and children who need donations to help their conditions. Fred Hutch may be more prone to spinning my genes in tubes.

More Help

2007-12-23T08:13:00.001-08:00

DSC06283
Originally uploaded by duke it up

This is grandpa. He came along after all the great stuff. He's working wonders with helping me keep the women civil.

Agony & Ecstasy

2007-12-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

DSC06280
Originally uploaded by duke it up

It took 10mins for the floor anesthesiologist to come in. The screaming was intense, and the obsessing need for medication was satiated. (I have the recordings.)

The picture speaks for itself. Suffice to say, the anesthesiologist may like his job too much. Mommy is not yelling at me to be quiet anymore.

I may need more sleep.

New Dawn

2007-12-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

DSC06282
Originally uploaded by duke it up

With the new day, we got new nurses. And not one -- but TWO gals: June & Karen. Thank you for realizing the pain and screaming must be managed by a team.

We have yet to see the doctor since getting in. The uteral monitor (contractions) was hitting 80 early on.... then we started getting to 120-130. That got bad. Mommy confirmed that she was hardcore on tolerance. Grandma shut her down and brought her the truth. Mommy told Daddy to shut up.

Oh well.

Moving Along

2007-12-23T07:01:00.001-08:00

DSC06274
Originally uploaded by duke it up

So we are now a little rested after sleeping a little. The nurse and mommy have agreed to start a low level introduction of pitocin.

Why? Well, the labor contractions have stayed pretty low and they wanted to push things forward a little bit faster. There is no active pattern yet.

There has been no checking on cervical progress (the size of the baby's birth canal). Because the water has broke they don't want to push around there until labor is a lot stronger.

People are now starting to wake up.

Inpatient Admit : Childbirth

2007-12-23T04:20:00.001-08:00

DSC06268
Originally uploaded by duke it up

In the healthcare world there are two visit types: Outpatient and Inpatient. We have been admitted inpatient, and there are dozens of notes and datum to be generated by staff going over our visit.

Our labor OB/GYN doctor has come in. She's not our normal doctor that we've been seeing. Its Christmas time and unfortunately the regular is on vacation. We shook hands with this new doctor and she left by telling our nurse Brooke, "Okay, i'm going to sleep - call me if you need me."

We are disheartened by it, not knowing her personally, but all I care about is that she is capable and smart enough to deliver for us. That is all that matters. Its to be expected anyways, and this was established by our doctor from the beginning that things won't turn out completely how we want it.

After a while you recognize that this is a real instance of care that nurses do most of the work, and the doctor takes all the credit. (Very common.)

In the room I have grandma laying down on the stretch couch, mommy is being monitored, and daddy (me) - is waiting for the next update or development.

So far, we are relieved to have finally passed the first stepping stone to real labor. There are a few things we clarified to the nurse as important:

- how late/early can anesthesia (epidural) be administered? :: for this facility, it is never too late. there is an anesthesiologist always on call.
- when does pediatrics see our child? :: within 24 hours post-birth, YES your own doctor can be called in. Our pedriatic guy is the bomb, he speaks like seven languages and can rock the deaf hand talk.
- we want to donate our cordblood, can we decide where that goes? :: the baby's cord blood can be donated to the Puget Sound Blood Center or the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Cord blood donation was very important to us from the beginning of our pregnancy. A co-worker of mine mentioned it to me, in addition to fun things to do with the placenta. Then I found a couple family members did the same. Most of all, mommy and i know many people through work and our lives that are afflicted by genetic diseases that can be treated with the cells found in umbilical cord blood. Some people can bank the cord blood for themselves. We don't roll like that. Among Asian people, there is a low level donation for ethnic and/or mixed ethnicity among Americans.

Anyways, contractions have moved up to about every 7 minutes again.

We are going to rest for a while.

Triage #10 - The Season Finale

2007-12-23T01:08:00.000-08:00

This episode leaves us with a nurse update confirming
- amniotic fluid good
- cervix dilated 3-4 centimeters (still?)
- SHE IS ADMITTED.

(out of the blue, two friends have shown up, I'm guessing they were clubbing on the strip. Please don't come here drunk. =P We love Paul/Carol, they will be here later for sheezy.)

I learned how to play with the monitors. So I'm disconnecting and reconnecting for recording of the baby pulse and uterus contractions.

The baby pulse is steady at 150-160.

We have been introduced to our official nurse for the labor: Brooke.

NOW OFF TO THE ROOM

WATER!!!!

2007-12-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

So we were finally able have something definitive happen.

In the bathroom there was an exclamation of, "I think my water broke!"

I rushed to my bag, got a plastic glove and the nitrazine strips.

At first test, the paper turned brown/black soggy, I told her it was negative. But the drip continued, and she persisted with the belief that it really broke. We tested on another strip on her mom's tongue to be triple sure.

So I tested it on my own saliva, it turned blue - the right color, then I redid the strip again on her fluid. It turned blue finally after several seconds.

Quotable: "Its like phlegm, I can see it!"

We are now in the hospital triage again, and WE DO EXPECT to be ADMITTED. Thanks to God!

Contractions on Hold

2007-12-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

The morphine has worn off. Contractions have settled to 10 minutes apart, but as we get more active this can escalate.

Since we had the time we went to Uvillage to take pictures with Santa. Her family filled this little cabin in front of Crate n' Barrell.
With the morning wearing down we'll see how the day progresses.

Nurse Consultation Update!!! (Visit #8)

2007-12-21T15:15:00.000-08:00

We are in Pro-Dromal Labor.

Because we are stuck under 4 centimeters we have to wait. Even though we have progressed, it is still not sufficient.

Quotable: "Your body has conked out again. For first time moms this is very normal." -Swedish Nurse Lady

What does this mean? Walk more because the baby is on the edge of making that dilation go past 4 centimeters.

When can we come back? When the contractions are THREE minutes apart for an hour while resting we are good. (Because we only have contractions while actively moving.)

Current gameplan? Go sleep and come back again late late tonight.

Nurse is convinced though: BABY TOMORROW.

How do you know its gonna happen? (Visit #8)

2007-12-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of different signs that can indicate labor. We have gone through dozens of false starts over the last two weeks, but this is definite. Two words can demonstrate what should be consistently going on : pain & anger.

The American Pregnancy Association has the official signs of labor listed.

Unfortunately, we have a habit of having really hard contractions outside of the hospital, but going infrequent when we get to triage. Its a little annoying.

Triage Visit # 8

2007-12-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

We are now back in the hospital. The 5th floor at Swedish is waiting for us to be fully admitted.

Contractions are every 3-4 minutes, which is very good.

No admission has been made, but the comfort level is very low right now.

Please comment or question via this site.

Quotable: "I don't care how long it takes! We're walking all the way there." - Teresa

Walking Trip Time

2007-12-21T11:40:00.001-08:00

Our monitoring has ended. We are now going out and 'walk the baby out'.

Because we are 38 weeks into pregnancy - they will not induce the labor.

So check you guys again soon in two hours when we come back to the triage.

Triage Visit #7

2007-12-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, this now marks the seventh time we have been to Swedish Medical Center.

The triage composes 4 medical exam rooms and a rotating staff of helpful nurses. We have been in all four rooms, yet, the nurses have not classified us as 'frequent fliers'. The Childbirth Center is overall, the bomb.

Previous episodes here have included mucal plug discharge, false amniotic fluid, and just plain hurting. We are getting by, but she is getting very angry. Hence the quotable, "I feel like beating somebody up."

Last night, after visits 5 & 6, we were introduced to the wonders of morphine. The morphine has since worn off having only an effective period of 4-6 hours. Besides weird dreams and extreme grogginess, it can help induce labor by giving rest to the mother and child.

With great joy she is HAPPY TO NOW BE AT -3 CENTIMETERS!!!
(Trust me this is a big deal for her.)

I will try to update every 2 hours, messaging and emailing you all individually is very very tedious. Please forgive us for not responding back to you promptly or immediately. There is a lot going on and our priority is not being social right now.