Back on Track

I have taken a long blog break. All is going well. I am back into my work routine and Adeline is adjusting well to daycare. She is happy and sleepy in the evenings!

As of November 16, Adeline is 4 months old. She weighed in at 11lbs 1 ounce and is in the 5th percentile for weight. She is a tiny thing, but has more than doubled her birth weight. The doctor said she looks great and is meeting all her milestones. She is almost rolling over and is baby talking like crazy. She is drooling too which makes me think she will have some teeth soon! Gabriel had teeth at four months old! She has changed so much in the last month from a crabby baby to pure delight. We think that she is much happier now that she is on Prevacid for her reflux.

We tried Adeline on cereal this weekend, but it did not agree with her. So we have decided to wait until she is 6 months old or is demanding more food. Right now she is drinking 4.5 ounces every 3 hours!

Gabriel is doing great too! He can count to 20 and is learning to write letters. He is really into movies like his daddy! They went to see Megamind last weekend. His vocabulary has really increased over the last few months and he is such a chatter box.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have so much to be Thankful for! Here is a picture of Adeline’s first Thanksgiving!

Cousins

This past weekend we had a visit from Leilani, Cohen, Cale, and Chase. It was a very special visit for Gabriel because he is finally old enough to really enjoy playing with his cousins. On Friday afternoon they played football and watched Iron Man 11. They got up early Saturday morning to go on a nature walk in the woods, followed by more football, played superheros, and then Golden Corral for all you can eat desserts. Sunday they played outside for most of the morning followed by an afternoon of soccer, hockey and lacrosse and then dinner at the Chinese buffett. The boys surprised Gabriel with a goalie net and some other sports paraphernalia.

They truly enjoyed spending time together. Cohen slept in Gabriel's room! The boys are five+ years older than Gabriel, but when they were together age did not matter. We cannot wait for our next visit in December. Enjoy the pictures!

Nine Weeks and Excuses

Adeline is now nine weeks old. Things have been crazy the past few weeks, but more about that later. Our little Addie is growing like a weed at her last apt she weighed in at nine pounds. According to the ped she is exceeding all her milestones. She is quite good at lying on her tummy and holding her head up! Her sleep is getting better and she is doing close to seven hours each night. She is drinking 3 ounces every 3 hours and sometimes asking for an extra ounce here and there. She is also smiling and cooing which just melts your heart!

Now on to the reasons for my delay in posting. Adeline had colic from about 3 weeks until 8 weeks. The colic was extended periods of crying usually in late day early evening. Nothing would soothe her tummy. However, we have seen great improvement with nutramagen (hypoallergenic formula), gripe water, zantac for reflux, and Dr. Brown's bottles. Also, after her periods of colic she refused to sleep lying down in a bassinette..well she still has that problem, but we are just relieved she is sleeping better. Also, I was having recurring symptoms of my cardiomyopathy!Poor Gabriel has been sick on off since he started preschool/daycare. And this past week he brought home a stomach bug which landed me in the ER on Tuesday because we were concerned it could jump start my cardiomyopathy since one causes can be virus. Luckily with some nausau meds I was fine and no heart issues. And how could I forget Gabriel is still adjusting to his little sister. He has had a really hard time even though we know he loves her. Things seem to be calming down a bit. I am looking forward to some fun fall festivities with my wonderful family!

4 Weeks Old

Adeline is four weeks old today! Happy Birthday sweet baby girl! She continues to be a great baby. She is having a little trouble with her nights and days. She is up each evening from 2-4am, however, we switched her formula to soy and are hopeful that will resolve her upset tummy! She has her 4 week apt next week and I think she will weigh over seven pounds. Her PKU came back normal...so thankful for a healthy baby!

My nuclear stress test revealed insufficient blood flow to the lower portion of my heart. In two weeks I will be going for a heart catherization to determine if there is a blockage which is preventing sufficient blood flow. My cardiologist explained this is from the cardiomyopathy and cholesterol. Both of which were caused by my pregnancy. I have been very concerned about the procedure, but we decided it was a better option then a possible heart attack at 33. I am confident that the procedure will be able to resolve the problem and continuation of my medicine will help me to resolve the cardiomyopathy within the year!

Gabriel is having some adjustment issues with his new sister. He is very loving to her, but is demanding extra attention from mommy! He is starting his new preschool next week! Hooray for mommy!

Swimming Lessons and a picture of Adeline

Gabriel had his first swimming lesson today. He started out shy, but by the end of the 1/2 hour he was in the water kicking and blowing bubbles. He even made two new friends. I am very proud of him.

Home Sweet Home!

We brought Adeline home on July 19 and we could not have been happier. However, as the week progressed I was having shortness of breath and difficulty just walking up stairs or taking a shower without losing my breathe. I thought that it was from all of the pain pills I was taking due to the c-section so I stopped taking them. O was not able to sleep because it hurt to lye down. I even woke up one night thinking I was having a panic attack. I did not want to leave the baby or Gabriel to go to the doctor. But by Friday morning it was so bad I had no choice. I called urgent care and they recommended I go to the ER because I would need testing that they did not have available at their facility. So I went to the ER and they took me right away and did a million tests...my x ray came back that my lungs were full of fluid and one of my blood tests that was supposed to be at 500 came back at over 5000 (showing my heart was functioning like a 75 year old). The ER doctor wanted to admit me to the hospital for conjestive heart failure. I was crying and begging her to let me do further testing outpatient becasue I could not leave my new baby. She pulled some strings and got me in with her friend the local cardiologist for Friday afternoon. He had me come in for a heart ultrasound and consult. The heart ultrasound showed that my heart was only functioning at 40% capacity and it should be functioning between 55-75%. The cardiologist told me that I needed to be admitted to get the fluid out of my lungs and get on medication to improve the heart function. I was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy. It basically is a weakness in your heart caused by pregnancy usually caused in late pregnancy or postpartum. The doctor said it could be why Adeline had decels the week before, but I still believe it had to due with cord compression.

I spent the weekend in the hospital. I basically cried from when I was admitted Friday night until they released me on Sunday. I was given a bunch of medication to remove fluid and get my heart back to speed. Eveytime I stood up I was dizzy and nasuous and I could not eat. I missed Gabriel and Adeline terribly. Lucklily my parents stayed at our house to help Hubert so that he could come visit me. It was a really difficult weekend.

I was released yesterday and could not be happier. I have not cried since I left the hospital so I hope that means and postpartum sadness has left me. Now enough about me, the purpose of this blog was to update on the kids. Adeline is the sweetest baby. The girl loves to eat and is very content. She has straight dark hair and the prettiest eyes I have ever seen. She is very alert and seems to be able to hold her head up. She is active for a newborn!

Gabriel is falling into the big brother roll. It is so cute to hear him talking to her. I feel as though he grew up even more over the weekend. I love them both so much and I hope to not have to be away from them again!

Welcome Ms. Adeline

Hi, everyone!

Wednesday I went for a routine doctors apt. The doctor identified a deceleration in baby's heart rate. This is the same doctor who saved Gabrel's life by doing my rescue cerclage at 20.5 weeks. She sent me for monitoring at maternal fetal medicine. They identified a small amount of decelerations. They checked me into labor and delivery for four hours of monitoring. The doctors decided to keep me overnight and move my amnio to first thing Thursday am. Baby's strips were great at labor and delivery. My amnio revealed she was ready to be born. So Friday, July 16, 2010, at 9:34 am Adeline Brooklyn Villareal was born. She is perfect and tiny. She weighed in at 5.5 pounds and 19 1/2 inches. At birth she was very tangled in the nuchal cord, it was 3 times around her neck, around her body, and her ankle. The doctor also said her cord was thin which may have caused the entanglement and a lack of food to her that is why she was so small. I need to do some research on that. The ultrsound only revealed she had a scarf type nuchal cord that would not cause decelerations. It is so scary that her situation was worse than anyone knew. I think maybe doctors knew on Wednesday, but did not want to alarm me so they just admitted me. God is good, we are so thankful that our baby girl was born healthy!

I will get pictures up soon. We are in the hospital until Tuesday. I am recovering well and the baby is passing her tests with flying colors and is eating great. She already put on a little weight.

37 Weeks

Happy 37 weeks! Well Gabriel came the day I turned 37 weeks, but I have no indication that this little girl is coming anytime soon! I almost feel like she might stay in as long as possible.

Monday the cerclage was removed. It was painful, but I did it with no meds! Since I had been discussing an early delivery with my ob due to the nuchal cord she agreed to an amnio on Friday and possible Monday, July 19 delivery. If baby girls lungs are developed on Friday she will be here on Monday. If not I have to wait another week until Monday, July 26. I spent the last few days obsessing about the amnio, but I spoke to the head of Maternal Fetal Medicine (Dr. doing procedure)at the hospital and assured me that it is a simple procedure. Please pray for mature lungs. I am not sure how much more I can take of the Comfort Inn and eating out every night with a 3 year old.

I will update facebook if I spontaneously go into labor.

36 weeks

I am now 36 weeks. Gabriel arrived the week I hit 37 weeks...one week from today. I am not feeling so great, lots of contractions and discomfort, but I am so thrilled to have her continuing to grow inside me.

Bags are packed and car seat is ready. After my cerclage removal on Monday I am checking into a hotel near the hospital. Hubert will then go home and pick up Gabriel. He will be staying with my parents on that day. Then the count down begins until my scheduled c-section of July 26. Since the baby still has the nuchal cord we wanted to be close to the hospital in case my water breaks which is sometimes the case after cerclage removal. The water breaking also preceding my labor with Gabriel.

I am really nervous and excited all in one. Please keep our baby in your thoughts and prayers!

35 Weeks

Yeah, today I am 35 weeks. Just two weeks away from the cerclage removal and four weeks from the delivery date.

We have decided to stay in a hotel from July 15-July 26 just in case I go into labor so we do not have to worry about traffic. We found a comfort inn within walking distance to the hospital. On Sunday, July 25 Hubert will be bringing Gabe home to stay with my parents. If I go into labor when is gone that afternoon I will be walking to the hospital.

I am in major nesting mode!

Have a great week!

34 weeks

Every week just keeps getting better as I get closer to delivery. At an ultrasound yesterday the the technician said, she looks just like your husband. I was hoping for a little mini me this time, but I will be happy either way! LOL!

Last week at a routine ultrasound they discovered that the baby has a loose nuchal cord. That means that the cord is loosely around her neck. The doctor described hers as a towel draping on her neck. They are not concerned and they stated that it is very common and rarely causes problems since the baby does not breathe through her neck. The are providing me with bi-weekly NST/ultrasound testing to ensure that she has no issues with blood/oxygen through her cord. So far all testing has been great. I am praying that she moves enough to not even have a nuchal cord!

I have an apt with my ob tomorrow to see if she would like me closer to the hospital between my cerclage removal and scheduled c-section. If that is the case we will be staying in a hotel for two weeks in Arlington. It will be a little expensive, however, well worth the peace of mind knowing that if I go into labor I can quickly arrive at the hospital and be delivered.

Gabriel Update:
Gabriel has a girlfriend! Her name is AnnaBelle. She is new to his school and from what I hear they have been inseparable. The teachers refer to her as his girlfriend and so does he. It is hilarious that he is starting so young.

33 weeks

Hooray for 33 weeks! I assume the baby is close to 4.5 lbs now. We have an ultrasound on Tuesday to get her weight. I started taking insulin once a day to help keep my sugars in check. It is working well and allowing me to eat more. The nursery is coming along and we hope to have it finished by July 12 when I have my cerclage removed. I am still loving root beer and sour cream.

Gabriel update:
He continues to do great without his pacifier. If he sees a pacifier he says, those are for babies. I am very proud of him!

32 Weeks

Today is 32 weeks. Yesterday was a scary day. On Monday night I noticed I was having contractions....not four in an hour so I did not call the doctor. Tuesday am I got to work and I fell getting out of my car. I flipped over and scrapped my face, arms and legs on the cement. I was fairly calm because I had an NST (non stress test to monitor babys activity and contractions due to diabetes) at 11:00am. So I went in for my stress test and mentioned my fall so they said after my test they would call the ob. Sure enough I was contracting about 3 contractions in 30 minutes. My ob had me admitted to labor and delivery for thousands of tests and four hours of monitoring. Baby looked great but I was continuing to contract. My FFN indicated that I was not going into labor within the next two weeks and nothing else appeared to be causing the contractions. After two huge amounts of water the contractions stopped. They determined that I was dehydrated and released me at 5:45pm. I am feeling much better today, but still have felt some contractions. Tomorrow is my ob appointment so hopefully I do not need to go on bedrest. More to come tomorrow!

First Dentist Appointment

Today Gabriel and I had dentist appointments. Gabriel did excellent. He was well behaved and was told his teeth were in good shape. The hygenist took him to the treasure chest to get a prize. When Gabriel saw the prizes he said, "They are yucky I do not want one!" It was hilarious, but also a teaching moment. I hope he is not like that when someone gives him a present! How embarrasing! Once again pictures to follow...maybe on facebook instead.

I got a pedicure today too! Pedicures are so wonderful!

Enjoy your weekend!

31 Weeks

Today is 31 weeks. I had a great ultrasound yesterday. My cervix has begun to
shorten a little so I need to discuss with my ob next week.

We had a great memorial day weekend. A bbq at mom and dads and then a train ride for Gabriel. The rest of the weekend we did some necessary stuff around the house!

Gabriel seems to be excited about a new baby in the house. He keeps asking when is the baby being born. Now that he has been nunu (pacifier)free for over a week he has picked up a new habit. He carries around his dragon costume from Halloween when he was one years old. He even brings it to school and keeps it in his cubby. It is very unusual, but as long as he is not crying for the nunu I am happy! He also has a wallet that with $2 in it that he likes to keep with him. And when he forgets it hes says, "Where is my wallet?"

Doctor Update

My ob is not concerned with my low calcium or thyroid. She said it is within the normal ranges during pregnancy. I wish the endocrinologist knew a little more about pregnancy. I am relieved all is ok.

My cerclage removal is July 12 and if the baby does not arrive by July 26th I have a scheduled c-section. I hope June goes by fast.

Have a great holiday weekend!

30 Weeks

Happy to be 30 weeks and still have this baby girl growing inside. I consider myself very lucky since I am high risk for pre-term labor! The endocrinologist called me Friday and said that my albium test showed that my calcium levels are still too low. So she sent me for another bloodwork up to see if I have a vitamin D deficiency, thyroid problem, or autoimmune disorder. I am hoping to get the results today or tomorrow.

Last night I felt terrible. I was have terrible stomach hardening/discomfort, pelvic and leg pain. I could barely walk to the bathroom, however, a good nights rest really helped. I think it was my bodys way of saying I stressed and walked around too much at work yesterday! Today I have an ob appointment so I will run this situation by her. I am also hoping she lets me schedule my c-section!

Gabriel Update:
On Monday the final nunu (pacifier) was lost. For about a year now he only has it when he is in the car, sleeping, or on the potty. Now that he is potty trained and it disappeared it seemed like the ideal time for him to give up the habit. He has done really well. He suggested once that we go to Target to buy another one. And this morning he said he was going to look under the seats in the car to see if he could find it. He is so funny! I hope he does not relapse once the baby is born.

I will update later once I hear from the endocrinologist! Have a great day!

29 weeks

29 weeks yesterday!

I am so glad to be at 29 weeks! I have been doing well. My sugar numbers have been increasing so I am being closely monitored to see if I need insulin shots. My A1C came back at 5.1% showing how well I am controlling my sugars through diet. However, my calcium levels are low. I found the following on the web: Low calcium can be due to certain metabolic disorders such as insufficient parathyroid hormone; or drugs like Fosamax or furosemide type diuretics (I do not take those drugs).Calcium is bound to albumin in the blood, so a low albumin level will cause the total calcium level in the blood to drop. You doctor can easily determine if this is significant or not. The endocrinologist has ordered another test of my albumin levels to see if I need further tests. I am hoping that all is well.

How far along?: 29 weeks
Total weight gain: 12lbs at doctors yesterday down a pound probably because of how well I have to eat to keep my diabetes in check, but the baby is growing fine.
How big is baby?: almost three pounds
Maternity clothes?: yes still waiting for my new capris
Stretch marks?: thankfully none
Sleep?: Continues to be great.
Best moment this week?: Having Gabriel kiss my stomach.
Movement?: wonderful, the same as last week
Food cravings?: ROOTBEER
Labor signs?: none, but definitley Braxton Hicks in the evening
Belly button in or out?: in
What I miss: nothing
What I'm looking forward to: getting the nursery ready..first I need Hubert to clean out the closet which contains his records and old clothes!

Money Changes Everything

Last night was the third night that Gabriel completed his chores and collected his $1 allowance. He was so excited to get his four quarters that he exclaimed, "I am making so much money!" It was so cute.

Mothers day and 28 weeks

I had a wonderful mother’s day. On Sunday we went to church, target, and out for a special lunch at Griolis. I ate eggplant parm and angel hair pasta with meat sauce and a chocolate chip cannoli for dessert. Then Gabriel and I took a three hour nap while Hubert washed the cars and got an oil change! The boys bought me a Pandora charm bracelet with a dinosaur and cross charm. And they surprised me with a beautiful Vera Bradley diaper bag. I am so excited to finally have a nice diaper bag for the new baby. The one I used for Gabriel was more of a daddy’s diaper bag!

28 Weeks

How far along?: 28 weeks...the 3rd and final trimester
Total weight gain: 13 lbs
How big is baby?: hopefully more than 2.2 pounds
Maternity clothes?: yes I just ordered two pairs of capris to get me through, but I do not want to buy anymore!
Stretch marks?: thankfully none
Sleep?: Continues to be great. I do not remember it being so good with Gabrie
lBest moment this week?: feeling so blessed on mother’s day to have Gabriel and be pregnant with another baby!
Movement?: more definite and strong, but still mainly at night and in the am
Food cravings?: extra creamy root beer float (since I have diabetes I make it with sugar free vanilla ice-cream and sugar free cool whip…not as good as sonic but still enjoyable)
Labor signs?: thankfully none
Belly button in or out?: inWhat I miss: being skinnier
What I'm looking forward to: going through some of Gabriel’s old newborn clothes to identify which ones are neutral enough to be used by this baby. It will bring back some great memories!
Milestone: reaching the third trimester

Gabriel Update:

Last night on the way home he wanted to go buy toys. We explained to him that he has spent all his birthday money and we did not have any money available for toys. We informed him that he needs to start earning and saving money in order to buy toys. I told him that if he cleans up his toys, dvds, and dirty clothes each night then I would give him one dollar in quarters for his piggy bank. So last night he did just that and earned himself one dollar for his piggy bank. I hope this is a good way to teach him the value of money. Let me know if you have any tips!

27 weeks

27 Weeks

Pictures are coming later this week. I took them this morning.

How far along?: 27 weeks

Total weight gain: 12 lbs

How big is baby?: at the ultrasound yesterday she weighed in at 2.2 pounds. I am hoping for a big healthy baby!

Maternity clothes?: yes

Stretch marks?: thankfully none

Sleep?: very well

Best moment this week?: getting to see her beautiful side profile on the ultrasound. At other ultrasounds she has been hiding her face.

Movement?: very active especially at night

Food cravings?: sour cream and rootbeerLabor signs?: thankfully none

Belly button in or out?: in

What I miss: sleeping on my tummy

What I'm looking forward to: purchasing comforter set here it is: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3563660

Milestone: 3 weeks past 24, yeah and scheduling NSTs for the last trimester.

Don't share your weakness

Ever since I was a little girl I was terribly afraid of snakes. Growing up in MA the snakes are most just little green garden snakes. Occasionally dad would find them in the garden or under the deck sending me into a state of panic. On Easter we saw a small snake in my parents parking space. Gabriel and Hubert were fasinated while I screamed and locked myself in the car making Gabriel well aware of my weakness. For a while he would ask me, "Mommy are scared of nakes (he seems to leave off the first s)." And I would reply with, "YES, lets talk about something else"!

Today he took it to a whole different level. He started talking about multiple snakes and then making the hissing noises. He did this with a look on his face that said I am going to tease mommy. I think he is taking advantage of my weakness. Should I fear that he is going to get a pet snake? His daddy grew up with pet lizards and spiders, I can handle those just not snakes!

26 weeks

26 Weeks

How far along?: 26 weeks Total

weight gain: 11 pounds

How big is baby?: almost two pounds - similar in size to an English hothouse cucumber

Maternity clothes?: definitely

Stretch marks?: None so far.

Sleep?: love it

Best moment this week?: Being able to see movements from outside

Movement?: Yes, day and night.

Food cravings?: Mexican food (especially cheese, sour cream, and guacamole) and root beer (I think my friend Amber will be proud!)

Labor signs?: thankfully none

Belly button in or out?: in

What I miss: sleeping without having to use the bathroom 10 times a night.

What I'm looking forward to: seeing how different this baby is from Gabriel

Milestone: almost to the third trimester and I scheduled my cerclage removal for July 12, 2010 at 36 weeks.

Have a great week!

25 Weeks

Here is my weekly pregnancy update:

How far along?: 25 weeksTotal weight gain: 10 pounds
How big is baby?: 1.5 lbs - similar in size to an average sized rutabaga
Maternity clothes?: maternity pants and big tops
Stretch marks?: none
Sleep?: Really good
Best moment this week?: having people ask about my belly
Movement?: much more active than her older brother which makes me happy!
Food cravings?: fried rice
Labor signs?: thankfully none yet
Belly button in or out?: innie….my always maintains innie status
What I miss: nothing
What I'm looking forward to: setting up the crib and purchasing new bedding
Milestone: Making it past 24 weeks and still working…this is a big deal when you have an incompetent cervix!

Have a great week everyone!

24 Weeks

I intented to document my entire pregnancy, but I am a little behind. I am starting with 24 weeks.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 24 weeks
Total Weight Gain/Loss: 10lbs
Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants yes and bigger tops!

Gender: Girl her name is Adeline

Movement: Yes!

Food Cravings: strawberry cupcakes, root beer and anything with cheese (cheese omellettes, grilled cheese, cheese quesadillas, and cheese steak/chicken)

Sleep: Sleeping well

Symptoms: pelvic pain and leg cramps

Best Moment this week: Feeling her move when I wake up in the morning! There is no better way to start the day.

What I am looking forward to: My next ultrasound in 3 weeks! I love getting the estimated weight. Last appointment at 23 weeks she was 1lb 2 ounces which is double her weight from the previous ultrasound.

Gabriel updates:
1. He told me his eye hurt. I said, what is wrong with it. His response, "It's broken". Too cute.
2. Gabriel wore big boy underwear all day yesterday and had no accidents. I am very proud of him. At least he will not need pullups once the new baby comes.

Happy Birthday, Gabriel!

I know, I have been gone for a long time. I really want to start updating my blog again.

Today is Gabriel's third birthday! I remember like it was yesterday the Saturday morning he was born. It was perfect. He weighed 6 pounds 4 ounce and 19 inches long.

Today the birthday boy is 30 pounds and getting taller by the day. He is pretty much potty trained, he knows numbers 1-10 and most letters. He is obsessed with dinosaurs, dragons, and animals. The past few weeks he has become quite the performer. He loves singing for an audience. I think he gets that from his daddy!

We are about to head out for a birthday lunch. I posted some pictures on facebook.

Happy Birthday, Gabriel! We love you so much!